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Feature: Alert driver saves dozens of lives in China bridge collapse

Xinhua) 08:51, July 24, 2024

XI'AN, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Xia Hui has always been a cautious driver. So when he saw the taillight of a car disappear in front of him, he immediately pressed on the brake -- a reaction that saved his life and the lives of dozens of others.

It was a rainy Friday night in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and the visibility was poor. Ahead of Xia, a highway bridge had collapsed, in an accident that would leave dozens of people either dead or missing. The casualties would have been higher if Xia and his wife Xu Xian had not stopped the traffic, preventing more than 20 other vehicles heading into danger.

Xia, a 50-year-old man at a Guangzhou-based company, was driving from Xianyang to Wuhan to visit a hospitalized family member. He had stayed in the slow lane as he usually drives slowly, he told Xinhua in an interview.

Around 9 p.m., a white sedan overtook their car. "I saw its taillight tilt upward and then vanish. I knew something was wrong and pressed on the brake. I braked hard when the taillight of another black sedan also disappeared in front of me."

Xia's car stopped only five or six meters before the site of the collapse.

According to authorities, more than 20 vehicles plunged into the Jinqian River after a 40-meter section of the No. 2 Bridge in Yanping Village came down at about 8:40 p.m. Friday, following a flash flood triggered by a heavy rainstorm.

As of Sunday evening, rescue workers had found the bodies of 15 victims, while 2,230 professional rescuers have been sent to search for the missing.

After noticing the danger, Xu dialed the police while Xia tried to stop other vehicles. He switched on the car's hazard warning lights, placed a warning triangle in the road and waved frantically to the approaching drivers.

To his dismay, four vehicles passed without stopping.

Xia then pulled out his strong flashlight and waved and shouted to approaching drivers. This tactic worked.

"The first car that stopped contained a couple and their young daughter. They kept thanking me after realizing what happened, but I didn't say much as I was busy intercepting other vehicles," Xia said.

When the traffic police arrived at the site half an hour later, Xia had stopped more than 20 vehicles, which helped block the road.

"All the cars switched on their hazard warning lights and formed a belt of light that no one could ignore," said Ren Xinquan, a driver who was stopped by Xia.

The couple said their only regret was the four cars they failed to stop.

"We just couldn't stop thinking about it. We wish he had been able to save more lives," said Xu. "But I told Xia that my life, and lives of many others were saved, all thanks to his habit of cautious driving."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Tesla Inc. vehicles at the company's San Antonio-Dominion store and service center in 2021. The Austin-based automaker on Wednesday reported profits fell again in the second quarter despite continuing price cuts. William Luther/Staff file photo Teslas Gigafactory near Austin is seen on the day shareholders voted to reinstate a massive pay plan for CEO Elon Musk. Eric Gay/AP The Tesla logo is seen on a Supercharger station in Georgia. Chris Carlson/Associated Press file photo

Tesla Inc. took a beating Wednesday on Wall Street after it reported a second-straight quarter of declining profits and offered investors little hope for a turnaround.

The Austin-based companys shares fell as much as 13% early Wednesday, continuing a slide that began after hours Tuesday when it reported second-quarter net income was down 45% as global electric vehicle sales continued tumbling despite price cuts and low-interest financing.

It was Teslas second-straight quarterly net income decline and fourth straight that fell below Wall Street estimates.

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The lackluster earnings extended the companys rocky start to the year, which has been marked by mass layoffs, slower sales, multiple recalls and a legal and shareholder battle over CEO Elon Musks massive pay package.

Tesla reported after markets closed Tuesday that it made $1.48 billion from April through June, down from $2.7 billion in the same period a year ago. Second quarter revenue was up 2% to $25.5 billion, beating analyst expectations. Excluding one-time items, Tesla made 52 cents per share, well below expectations of 61 cents.

Shares fell 8% in after-hours trading Tuesday and nosedived when regular trading resumed Wednesday. Several analysts slashed their price targets and at least three downgraded ratings on the stock. It closed down more than 12% to $215.99.

Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein attributed the rapid decline to Tesla giving little new specific information on vehicles or tangible financial targets.

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Maybe some investors are saying You know, we didnt get more details from management,  he told the Associated Press.

While the next scheduled catalyst that could move the stock is a robotaxi event thats now been delayed until October, Goldstein said Tesla could provide updates before then.

Elon Musk could share details of Teslas progress, he said. That could be a catalyst for the stock on any given day.

Robotaxi, Mexico plant

In a note to investors, Tesla said its between two major growth waves with the next one coming through advances in autonomous vehicles and new models. But the company reiterated its earlier caution that its sales growth may be notably lower than the growth rate achieved in 2023.

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Musk, who has tried to portray Tesla as an autonomous vehicle, robotics and artificial-intelligence company, told analysts on a conference call Tuesday evening that the companys Full Self Driving system should be able to run without human supervision by the end of this year  although he acknowledged his predictions have been overly optimistic in the past.

At present, Full Self Driving is being tested on public roads by some Tesla owners. The company says it cannot drive itself and human drivers must be ready to intervene at all times.

For many years Musk has said the system would allow a fleet of robotaxis to generate income for the company and Tesla owners by making use of the electric vehicles when they would have been parked. Musk has been touting self-driving vehicles as a growth catalyst for Tesla since Full Self Driving hardware went on sale late in 2015.

But in investigative documents, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it found 75 crashes and one death involving Full Self Driving. Its not clear whether the system was at fault.

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Later, Musk said he did not think approval by government regulators would be a limiting factor in deploying robotaxis.

If youve got billions of miles that show that in the future, unsupervised FSD is safer than humans, what regulator could really stand in the way of that? he asked.

Musk told analysts he postponed the companys August robotaxi unveil to Oct. 10 to make changes to improve the vehicle. He also said Tesla will show off a couple of other things at the event but offered no details.

Musk said he expects Tesla to begin limited production of the Optimus humanoid robot early next year for use by Tesla. The company says the robot already is doing work at a factory. In 2026, production would ramp up more to send robots to outside customers, Musk said.

He also said the company remains on track to deliver its new, more affordable vehicle in the first half of next year. Tesla has hinted at a smaller model costing about $25,000. It would be built first at its Texas factory then in a planned Mexico factory using some aspects of current vehicles and others from next-generation underpinnings the company is working on.

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However, Musk said Tuesday the company will wait until after the U.S. presidential election before deciding whether to build a new factory in Nuevo Leon. Republican nominee Donald Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on autos made in Mexico, Musk said, so it wouldnt make sense to build there in that case. He has endorsed Trump in the presidential election.

Sales, profit decline

Earlier this month, Tesla said it sold 443,956 vehicles from April through June, down 4.8% from 466,140 sold in the same period a year earlier. Although the sales were better than the 436,000 analysts were expecting, they were another sign of weakening demand for the companys aging product lineup.

For the first half of the year, Tesla has sold about 831,000 vehicles worldwide, short of the pace needed to reach annual sales of more than 1.8 million that Musk predicted.

The companys widely watched gross profit margin, the percentage of revenue it gets to keep after expenses, fell again to 18%. A year ago it was 18.2% and it peaked at 29.1% in the first quarter of 2022.

Tesla said it posted record quarterly revenue despite a difficult operating environment. The companys energy-storage business took in just more than $3 billion in revenue, double the amount in the same period last year.

Teslas revenue from regulatory credits purchased by other automakers who cant meet government emissions targets hit $890 million in the second quarter, double the amount in most previous quarters.

The company reported $622 million in restructuring and other expenses during the April-June period, when it laid off more than 10% of its workforce.

The company said average selling prices for its Models S, X, 3 and Texas-built Y all dropped due to the price cuts and financing offers. It also said that the Cybertruck, the other model built in Texas, became the best selling electric pickup in the U.S. during the quarter.

Tesla shares had risen 85% from their low in April to a peak in early July in part because of speculation that Tesla, like other tech companies will benefit from breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Now, some investors arent sure when that might boost the automakers prospects.
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A new study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmissionbetween cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon.

"This is one of the first times that we are seeing evidence of efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1," said Diego Diel, associate professor of virology in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences and director of the Virology Laboratory at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Diel is co-corresponding author of the study titled "Spillover of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus to Dairy Cattle," published in Nature.

Whole genome sequencing of the virus did not reveal any mutations in the virus that would lead to enhanced transmissibility of H5N1 in humans, although the data clearly shows mammal-to-mammal transmission, which is concerning as the virus may adapt in mammals, Diel said.

So far, 11 human cases have been reported in the U.S., with the first dating back to April 2022, each with mild symptoms: four were linked to cattle farms and seven have been linked to poultry farms, including an outbreak of four cases reported in the last few weeks in Colorado. These recent patients fell ill with the same strain identified in the study as circulating in dairy cows, leading the researchers to suspect that the virus likely originated from dairy farms in the same county.

While the virus does have the ability to infect and replicate in people, the efficiency of those infections is low.

"The concern is that potential mutations could arise that could lead adaptation to mammals, spillover into humans and potential efficient transmission in humans in the future," Diel said.

It is therefore critical to continue to monitor the virus in affected animals and also in any potential infected humans, Diel said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has funded programs for H5N1 testing, at no cost to producers. Early testing, enhanced biosecurity and quarantines in the event of positive results, would be necessary to contain any further spread of the virus, according to Diel.

Infections from H5N1 were first detected in January 2022, and have resulted in the deaths of more than 100 million domestic birds and thousands of wild birds in the U.S. The Cornell AHDC's and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory scientists were among the first to report detection of the virus to dairy cattle herds. The cows were likely infected by wild birds, leading to symptoms of reduced appetite, changes in fecal matter consistency, respiratory distress and abnormal milk with pronounced decreased in milk production.

The study shows a high tropism of the virus (capability to infect particular cells) for the mammary gland and high infectious viral loads shed in milk from affected animals. The virus is killed by pasteurization, which has insured a safe milk supply.

Using whole genome sequencing of characterized viral strains, modeling and epidemiological information the researchers determined cases of cow to cow transmission when infected cows from Texas were moved to a farm with healthy cows in Ohio. Sequencing also showed that the virus was transmitted to cats, a raccoon and wild birds that were found dead on affected farms. The cats and raccoon most likely became ill from drinking raw milk from infected cows. Though it isn't known how the wild birds became infected, the researchers suspect it may have resulted from environmental contamination or aerosols kicked up during milking or cleaning of the milking parlors.

Kiril Dimitrov, assistant agency director for microbiology and research and development at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, is also a co-corresponding author.

Co-first authors include Leonardo Caserta, assistant research professor and interim associate director of the Virology Laboratory at AHDC, and Elisha Frye, assistant professor of practice, both in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences; and Salman Butt, a postdoctoral researcher in Diel's lab. Cornell co-authors include Melissa Laverack, Mohammed Nooruzzaman, Lina Covaleda, Brittany Cronk, Gavin Hitchener, John Beeby, Manigandan Lejeune and Francois Elvinger.

More information: Diego Diel, Spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus to dairy cattle, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07849-4. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07849-4 Journal information: Nature
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Brett Sanders, UC Irvine Chancellors Professor of civil and environmental engineering and professor of urban planning and public policy, says that national flood models are not of a fine enough resolution to account for the risks faced by many people who live in U.S. cities. Exposure hot spots and inequities for social groups such as disadvantaged populations are poorly captured, he says. Credit: Steve Zylius / UC Irvine

Government agencies, insurance companies and disaster planners rely on national flood risk models from the private sector that aren't reliable at smaller levels such as neighborhoods and individual properties, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine.

In a paper published recently in the journal Earth's Future, experts in UC Irvine's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering caution that relatively new, nation-scale flood data provides an inadequate representation of local topography and infrastructure, factors known to control the spread of floods in urban areas.

"In our analysis of Los Angeles County, which has a population greater than 40 U.S. states and includes over 80 separate municipalities, we found that estimates of countywide flood exposure from the nationwide data are actually similar to what we find with our more detailed models. However, predictions of which communities and properties are at risk are markedly different," said senior author Brett Sanders, UC Irvine Chancellor's Professor of civil and environmental engineering and professor of urban planning and public policy.

"In addition, these differences between models imply a disparity in exposure inequality across social groups, including Black, white and disadvantaged sectors of society," he said. "Exposure hot spots and social inequalities are key factors that inform urban flood risk planning, and overreliance on this data could lead to maladaptation of protective measures."

Sanders and colleagues at UC Irvine and the University of Miami developed a more detailed model named PRIMo-Drain, which they said improves the accuracy of flood inundation predictions by including fine-resolution topographic data; information about levees and channel conditions; and particulars about stormwater infrastructure such as culverts, subsurface pipes and street drains.

"Comparing exposure assessments with nationwide data models versus PRIMo-Drain, we found that city-by-city estimates differed by a factor of 10," Sanders said. "Additionally, we found that there is only a 1-in-4 chance that the nationwide data and UC Irvine data agree on which properties are at risk of more than a foot of flooding from an extreme event."

Los Angeles study area including: (a) Topographic relief (shading), major road network (light gray lines), main-stem flood channels (dark blue), county boundaries (dashed gray lines), and municipal boundaries (heavy gray lines) with 1%-annual-chance flood hazard area (pink), (b) population density, and (c) property value. Flood extent based on PRIMo-Drain model using a 30 cm depth threshold. Credit: Earth's Future (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024EF004549

Federal programs to map flood hazards across the U.S. have been unable to keep up with changes in land use and climate, he said, while governments at all levels and the insurance industry urgently need this information to manage risks.

"New, nationwide data sources have emerged from the private sector to meet this demand, but unfortunately, these models are missing the level of detail required to map flood risks accurately in urban areas," Sanders said. "New models would benefit from the inclusion of more complete representations of drainage infrastructure such as levees, flood channels, culverts and storm drains, as well as bathymetric and hydrologic data."

Sanders and colleagues also point to a new strategy for better nationwide data.

"Collaborative flood modeling, with scientists and engineers using cutting-edge regional models in coordination with stakeholders, could create an economy of scale that lowers the overhead necessary to cover less wealthy and smaller communities while increasing flood awareness and preparedness across impacted populations," Sanders said.

"Flood risk awareness is critical for participation in flood insurance programs; more accurate data will help insurance companies identify insurable properties; and property owners will be better informed about the cost-effectiveness of flood-proofing."

Joining Sanders on this project were Jochen Schubert, a UC Irvine research specialist in civil and environmental engineering, and Katharine Mach of the University of Miami.

More information: Jochen E. Schubert et al, NationalScale Flood Hazard Data Unfit for Urban Risk Management, Earth's Future (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024EF004549 Journal information: Earth's Future
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Historical and future changes in radiative forcing and heat and carbon uptake. Maps of the temporal change in the radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere, planetary heat uptake, surface ocean heat uptake and surface ocean CO 2 uptake (mol C m2 yr1) evaluated for the historical period for all forcings (a), single radiative forcing experiments including only the effects of greenhouse gases (b) or aerosols (c) and compared with future projections following SSP2-4.5 (d). Credit: Nature Climate Change (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02066-3

The Southern Ocean plays a central role in the global uptake of heat and carbon, which is widely thought to be due to its unique upwelling and circulation. An international research team, led by the University of Liverpool, explored whether there are differences in how the Southern Ocean contributes to the global uptake of heat and carbon.

Their findings, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, show that for the period from 1861 to 2005, the Southern Ocean contributed nearly twice as much to the global ocean uptake of heat compared to the global uptake of carbon.

Their analysis of state-of-the-art models of carbon and heat uptake across global oceans covering this period revealed large differences in uptake, with the Southern Ocean accounting for 83% of global ocean heat uptake and 43% of global ocean carbon uptake.

Further analysis using single-radiative forcing experiments indicated that this contrast between hemispheres in heat uptake was due to aerosol forcing, which is predominantly found over the northern hemisphere and caused a reduction in the uptake of heat by the northern oceans.

Aerosol forcingor aerosol particles such as dust, haze or smokeacts as a barrier to reflect sunlight and counter the effect of extra heating from rising atmospheric carbon that then impacts the uptake of heat by northern oceans.

However, the study revealed that the historical hemispheric contrast does not apply to the carbon cycle, with atmospheric carbon increasing in a broadly similar manner over both hemispheres.

Looking to the future, the study projects that where greenhouse gases increasingly dominate radiative forcing, the northern oceans' heat uptake will increase more in line with the northern oceans' carbon uptake. Thus, the Southern Ocean's contributions to global heat and carbon uptake will become more comparable in the future.

Professor Ric Williams, from the University of Liverpool and lead author of the paper, said, "While there are unique upwelling and overturning circulations occurring in the Southern Ocean, our analysis suggests that the primary reason for the enhanced Southern Ocean uptake of heat relative to carbon are differences in their atmospheric sources.

"Over the historical period, there are strong contrasts in radiative forcing between the southern and northern hemispheres with aerosol forcing providing a cooling over much of the northern hemisphere.

"What is really interesting is that when you look to the future, we see a different response: the greenhouse gas forcing is expected to dominate more than the aerosol forcing, so that there is less hemispheric contrast in the radiative forcing. Hence, the future response may be different to the past."

Dr. Andrew Meijers, leader of the British Antarctic Survey Polar Oceans group, and co-author of the study, said, "This study shows how aerosol pollution has been shielding the northern oceans from warming over the last century or so. It also demonstrates the worrying potential for dramatically increased ocean heating, particularly in the North Atlantic, in the coming decades as aerosol emissions are reduced, and CO 2 warming begins to dominate."

More information: Richard G. Williams et al, Asymmetries in the Southern Ocean contribution to global heat and carbon uptake, Nature Climate Change (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02066-3 Journal information: Nature Climate Change
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Tyhra, after arriving in Australia this year and going through quarantine. Credit: Iryna Skubii

Russia's war in Ukraine has caused immense suffering to the civilian population. Tens of thousands are believed to have been killed, though an exact figure is impossible to know. Russia's aggression has also sparked the biggest refugee crisis in Europe since the second World War, with 6.5 million people fleeing Ukraine since February 2022.

What has received far less attention has been the impact of the war on the country's animal population.

With an estimated 25% of Ukraine's protected nature areas occupied by Russian forces, entire ecosystems have been disrupted or destroyed. Some biologists believe tens of thousands of Black Sea dolphins have been killed, though verifying this has proved to be difficult.

Given the destruction to natural landscapes and wildlife, Ukrainian authorities have discussed ways to pursue a war crimes case against Russia based on "ecocide"unlawful attacks on the environment that can lead to long-term impact on ecosystems and wildlife.

As for domestic animals, there were approximately 5.5 million cats and 750,000 dogs in Ukraine before the war. Many have been killed or abandoned by their owners, causing the stray population to explode.

In response, many organizations have launched efforts to help shelter and treat wounded animals.

When Russia launched a new offensive in the Kharkiv region in May, for instance, local authorities and volunteers leapt into action to try to evacuate pets left behind, some locked in cages or chained in yards, others roaming free.

Many Ukrainians fleeing the country, meanwhile, have taken their pets with them, as the only remaining connections to their homes and their pasts.

Saving the animals of Ukraine.

Animal refugees and evacuation efforts

Within days of Russia's invasion in February 2022, instructions were being circulated to residents on how to prepare to evacuate with their pets in tow.

For those fleeing abroad, animals were initially allowed to pass through borders without meeting European Union veterinary requirements. The regulations were tightened again, however, after a fierce debate over the biosecurity risks, given the prevalence of rabies in Ukraine.

Although it is hard to provide an exact number of refugee animals, in 2022 alone, more than 10,000 animals are believed to have crossed the Ukrainian-Polish border. Some pets later came back to Ukraine with their owners, while others stayed in Europe or were moved further around the globe.

Among them was my cat Tyhra, a female cat named after her tiger-colored fur (tyhr means tiger in Ukrainian), who was evacuated in September 2022 from the Kharkiv region. Her story is unique, as she was initially taken to Canada, and recently relocated with me to Australia.

A few of the more fortunate animals have even become social media celebrities. A cat named Stepan, whose fame on Instagram (with 1.5 million followers), for example, helped its owners to escape from Kharkiv to Monaco when it was intensively shelled in early 2022.

And in June 2023, when Russia's army destroyed the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River, an image of a rescued dog hugging the leg of a man went viral, becoming a vivid illustration of how the war has affected Ukraine's animals.

After the dam was blown up, animal rights activists asked people to take their pets with them if possible, and if not, to "untie them and let them go. Give them a chance to save themselves."

Evacuating animals from the frontline is not enough. It is becoming even more important to provide those who have been abandoned with accommodation and food.

Most shelters are now very overcrowded. And in some cities and villages near the frontline, the problem of stray dogs is becoming a major problem.

Animals and the army

Some of the cats and dogs that have been left in the combat zone have even become "active members" of the Ukrainian army. Many were rescued by soldiers from abandoned houses or after their owners had been killed in the fighting.

Cats are particularly valued for their skills in preventing the spread of mice in trenches. Cats are also excellent for fundraisingso much so, they've been called "Ukraine's secret weapon."

Trained dogs, meanwhile, are adept in demining. One of the most widely known examples is the terrier dog Patron (which means bullet or cartridge in Ukrainian). After the Chernihiv region was liberated in 2022, Patron became a celebrity for his skills in sniffing out landmines.

Patron, the most famous bomb-sniffing dog in Ukraine.

Livestock become targets

The fate of livestock is much grimmer. Many barns, for example, have become direct targets of Russian army shelling and missiles.

In March 2022, for example, the Russian army killed 100 cows and calves on a farm as they advanced in the Chernihiv region. Later that year, a missile strike killed 45 cows and injured a dozen and a half in another village in the region.

Earlier this year, a dairy industry figure estimated that some 200,000 cows in total had been killed.

And at a chicken factory in the Kherson regionthen the biggest in Europe4 million chickens died when the feeding system was disabled due to the destruction of a nearby power station.

There are many more tragic stories like these about the ecological toll of the war across the entire frontline area of Ukraine.

And despite the efforts being made in Ukraine and on the international level to help these animals, they still remain in dire need of care and protection.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Marriage equality appears to have a major economic benefit for countries. Washington State University researchers found that European countries that recognized same-sex marriages kept more of their highly skilled workers from emigrating to the U.S.

The researchers analyzed 20 years of data on HB1 visas, which are reserved for immigrants to the U.S. with advanced degrees and specialized skills. From 20002019, a total of 13 European Union countries legalized same-sex marriageand following that move, the U.S. saw a decrease in new HB1 visas from each of those countries, a drop of about 21% on average. The pattern held even though the enactment of marriage equality in the EU countries happened in different years and under different economic conditions.

"This just shows that having more inclusive policies can make a country more attractive for skilled labor," said Koroles Awad, a WSU Ph.D. candidate in economics.

Awad and co-author WSU economics Professor Jill McCluskey reported their findings in AEA Papers and Proceedings. Their analysis focused on skilled workers coming from European Union countries since it is a political and economic union with a shared labor market, making it possible to isolate the effect of same-sex marriage legalization. In addition, the EU presented a natural experiment as about half of the 27 member countries had enacted marriage equality by 2019, and the other 14 countries had notand could serve as a control group.

The researchers also looked at the effect of the U.S. first recognizing foreign same-sex marriages in 2013. They found the enactment of that policy slowed the decline of visa admissions from EU countries that already had marriage equality policies, including The Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.

These foreign workers are highly sought after, Awad noted, particularly in STEM fields, those dealing with science, technology, engineering and math.

"There is a lot of effort within the U.S. and in foreign countries to compete for these graduates and keep advanced degree holders in the country," he said. "Marriage equality could be a non-monetary incentive to attract skilled workers, keep them in our economy and keep that STEM advantage."

These findings build on previous work on migration within states in the U.S. before federal marriage equality. That study found that same-sex couples and heterosexual couples with a female head of household were more likely to move to states that recognized same-sex marriage.

The data in this study does not include the sexual orientation of H1B visa holders, but the effect of the recognition of marriage equality was clear on the movement of skilled labor. Statistically, same-sex couples tend to have higher levels of education, but the researchers said the change could also simply indicate that many highly skilled people are drawn to areas with more inclusive policies.

"In general, discriminatory policies are bad for the economy, and this is one way that shows it," said McCluskey. "As a country, we should try to have all people be able to fulfill their potential. If we have policies that are non-discriminatory, then everyone can do better, and it will be better for the economy."

More information: Koroles Awad et al, Marriage Equality and the Transnational Flow of Skilled Labor: The Impact of Same-Sex Marriage Legalization in the United States on the Inflow of Skilled Labor, AEA Papers and Proceedings (2024). DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241039
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Researchers believe Odaraia could have swum upside down to gather food among its many spines along its legs. Credit: Illustrated by Danielle Dufault. Royal Ontario Museum

A new study, led by paleontologists at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is helping resolve the evolution and ecology of Odaraia, a taco-shaped marine animal that lived during the Cambrian period.

Fossils collected by ROM reveal Odaraia had mandibles. Paleontologists are finally able to place it as belonging to the mandibulates, ending its long enigmatic classification among the arthropods since it was first discovered in the Burgess Shale over 100 years ago and revealing more about early evolution and diversification.

The study "The Cambrian Odaraia alata and the colonization of nektonic suspension-feeding niches by early mandibulates

" was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

The study authors were able to identify a pair of large appendages with grasping jagged edges near its mouth, clearly indicative of mandibles, which are one of the key and distinctive features of the mandibulate group of animals.

This suggests that Odaraia was one of the earliest known members of this group. The researchers made another stunning discovery; a detailed analysis of its more than 30 pairs of legs, found an intricate system of small and large spines. According to the authors, these spines could intertwine, capturing smaller prey as though a fishing net, suggesting how some of these first mandibulates left the sea floor and explored the water column, setting the seeds for their future ecological success.

"The head shield of Odaraia envelops practically half of its body, including its legs, almost as if it were encased in a tube. Previous researchers had suggested this shape would have allowed Odaraia to gather its prey, but the capturing mechanism had eluded us, until now," says Alejandro Izquierdo-Lopez, lead author, who was based at ROM during this work as a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto.

"Odaraia had been beautifully described in the 1980s, but given the limited number of fossils at that time and its bizarre shape, two important questions had remained unanswered: is it really a mandibulate? And what was it feeding on?"

Photos of Odaraia fossil, ROMIP 60746. Credit: Jean-Bernard Caron, Royal Ontario Museum.

At almost 20 cm in size, the authors explain that early mandibulates like Odaraia were part of a community of large animals that could have been able to migrate from the marine bottom-dwelling ecosystems characteristic of the Cambrian period to the upper layers of the water column. These types of communities could have enriched the water column and facilitated a transition towards more complex ecosystems.

Cambrian fossils record the major divergence of animal groups originating over 500 million years ago. This period saw the evolution of innumerable innovations, such as eyes, legs or shells, and the first diversification of many animal groups, including the mandibulates, one of the major groups of arthropods (animals with jointed limbs).

Mandibulates are an example of evolutionary success, representing over half of all current species on Earth. Today, mandibulates are everywhere: from sea-dwelling crabs to centipedes lurking in the undergrowth or bees flying across meadows, but their beginnings were more humble. During the Cambrian period, the first mandibulates were marine animals, most bearing distinct head shields or carapaces.

Fossil of Odaraia ROMIP 952413_1. Credit: Jean-Bernard Caron, Royal Ontario Museum

"The Burgess Shale has been a treasure trove of paleontological information," says Jean-Bernard Caron, Richard Ivey Curator at the Royal Ontario Museum, and co-author of the study.

"Thanks to the work we have been doing at the ROM on amazing fossil animals such as Tokummia and Waptia, we already know a substantial amount about the early evolution of mandibulates. However, some other species had remained quite enigmatic, like Odaraia."

The Royal Ontario Museum holds the largest collections of Cambrian fossils from the world-renowned Burgess Shale of British Columbia. Burgess Shale fossils are exceptional, as they preserve structures, animals and ecosystems that under normal conditions would have decayed and completely disappeared from the fossil record.

Mandibulates, though, are generally rare in the fossil record. Most fossils preserve only the hard parts of animals, such as skeletons or the mineralized cuticles of the well-known trilobites, structures that mandibulates lack.

For over 40 years, Odaraia has been one of the most iconic animals of the Burgess Shale, with its distinctive taco-shaped carapace, its large head and eyes, and a tail that resembles a submarine's keel. The public can view specimens of Odaraia on display at the Willner Madge Gallery, Dawn of Life at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Provided by Royal Ontario Museum
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Taiwan closed schools, suspended the stock market, and issued a typhoon holiday on Wednesday as Gaemi barrelled towards the island.

Taiwan closed schools, suspended the stock market, and declared a typhoon holiday Wednesday as Gaemi barreled towards the island, bringing torrential rains and whipping winds to its northeast.

Typhoon Gaemi, packing sustained wind speeds of 162 kilometers (100 miles) per hour, also affected Japan and the Philippineswhich also announced that government offices would close for the day.

It is expected to make landfall in northeast Taiwan by 10 pm (1400 GMT), and President Lai Ching-te urged everyone to "put safety first" during a morning emergency briefing.

"Gaemi is this year's first typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan," Lai said.

"I hope that through our joint efforts, impact from the typhoon can be minimized... I also encourage fellow citizens across the country not to go out unless necessary during the typhoon, especially not to dangerous places."

The weather forced the self-ruled island to cancel some of its annual Han Kuang war gameswhich test preparedness for a Chinese invasionbut an anti-landing drill went ahead as scheduled on Wednesday morning on Penghu island, west of Taiwan.

Authorities evacuated more than 2,100 people living in precarious conditions in three northern regions, particularly Hualiena mountainous area with high risk of landslides.

Trains and ferry services were suspended and more than 250 international flights were cancelled on Wednesday.

Massive waves crashed against the coast of northeastern Yilan county.

"We expect that the impact of the typhoon will be extended to four days (until Friday)," said Taiwan's Central Weather Administration chief Cheng Jia-ping, adding that the public would need to "take precautions against heavy rain and strong wind".

Massive waves crashed against the coast of northeastern Yilan county and, in the capital Taipei, shops and government offices were closed.

Student Ray Su said he was "very happy" that he didn't have to go to cram schoola specialized center that tutors students.

"When the teacher announced the typhoon holiday last night, the whole class cheered," Su told AFP, adding that he was "not too worried" about the typhoon's impact.

Taiwanese chip giant TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, said it will maintain normal production and the firm "has activated routine typhoon alert preparation procedures" at all fabrication plants.

Taiwan is accustomed to frequent tropical storms from July to October, but experts say climate change has increased their intensity, leading to heavy rains, flash floods and strong gusts.

In neighboring Japan, authorities of a southern island region of Okinawa urged residents to "exercise strong vigilance" against storms, high waves and floods.

In the Philippines, meanwhile, heavy downpours in Manila triggered widespread flooding and a landslide in a nearby mountainous province killed four people.

 2024 AFP
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Abstract. Credit: Analytical Chemistry (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01297

With just a few drops of saliva and in a few minutes the presence of THC can be detected thanks to a technique developed by the universities of Cordoba and Valencia, making it possible to accelerate the analysis process and to use very small samples

The paper is published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Europe. It is estimated that around 8% of adults used cannabis in 2022. Widespread abuse of this substance has health consequences, and is viewed as an important social problem. A fundamental resource to control its use and avoid these health problems would be a quick, simple, non-invasive, and reliable form of analysis that uses a fluid that is easy to extract, such as saliva.

In order to expedite this type of analysis and make it effective in smaller saliva samples, the FQM-215Affordable and Sustainable Sample Preparation group at the University of Cordoba worked together with the GICAPC group at the University of Valencia to design a new analysis technique that simplifies processing of the sample and makes it possible to verify the presence of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) with only 0.25 mL of saliva.

To this end, a technique known as dispersive microextraction by sorption, with a miniaturized stirrer bar, is used, which "consists of the addition of a material capable of extracting the analytes in the sample (in this case, the tetrahydrocannabinol in the saliva), which has magnetic properties, in such a way that when a very small magnet (the stirrer bar) is placed into the device in which the saliva is located, a magnetic agitation occurs causing a vortex to form, dispersing those particles that interact with the analytes in the sample. When the agitation is stopped, the particles with the analytes are attracted to the magnet again," explained UCO researcher Jaime Millan Santiago.

In this way, the THC molecules in the saliva can be extracted very quickly. "We have reduced to 2 steps what would otherwise be 5," said UCO professor Marisol Cardenas.

Schematic diagram of the proposed mSBSDME-NESI-MS/MS procedure. Credit: Analytical Chemistry (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01297

After the sample preparation step comes the second one. "We transfer the miniaturized magnet, coated with the particles that have trapped the THC that was in the sample, and transfer it to a needle, to which we apply a high voltage and add an organic solvent capable of interrupting the interaction between the extractant material and the THC, generating an electrospray that is introduced into the mass spectrometer," the researcher explained.

In just two steps, and with a very small sample of saliva, the concentration of cannabis in saliva can be determined in just a few minutes. This technology, as Professor Rafael Lucena explained, "could already be incorporated into the analysis methods of routine laboratories" and stands out for its sensitivity, sensibility, precision and accuracy.

This technology is possible thanks to the combination of two innovations developed by the teams in Cordoba and Valencia. While the step of extracting and preparing the sample was designed by the University of Valencia, the method of analysis was devised by this team in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Cordoba.

"We use stainless steel needles (an inexpensive and available material) and we take advantage of the non-metallic part of the needle (luer cavity) to couple the magnet with THC, retained on the extractant material, and, to immobilize it, we use another external magnet, thus allowing the flow of the solvent to pass and elute the analytes, which come out of the tip of the needle as a spray that enters the analytical instrument, where the concentration of THC is measured," explained Millan Santiago, one of the creators of this method.

More information: Andreu L. Lopez-Juan et al, Coupling Miniaturized Stir Bar Sorptive Dispersive Microextraction to Needle-Based Electrospray Ionization Emitters for Mass Spectrometry: Determination of Tetrahydrocannabinol in Human Saliva as a Proof of Concept, Analytical Chemistry (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01297 Journal information: Analytical Chemistry
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Overview of different strategies for developing T2T genome assemblies. Credit: Nature Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01830-7

Completely new crop varieties which can better withstand drought, salinity and pests are within reach thanks to international genomics research published today in Nature Genetics.

The study, "Unlocking plant genetics with telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies," was led by researchers at Murdoch University's Center for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI).

Complete Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) assemblies allow scientists to map an entire genome to underpin molecular breeding to improve plant performance under stress conditions.

Study lead and CCFI Director, Professor Rajeev Varshney said the genome assemblies' findings represented the future of genetics.

"Genome assembly is essentially like building a jigsaw, piece by piece. T2T genome assemblies provide a complete, end-to-end picture of a genome in its entirety," Professor Varshney said.

"Our job is to make sure that the thousands of genes within a genome are assembled in the correct order, along the entire chromosome, and that each piece fits together perfectly."

First author and CCFI researcher Dr. Vanika Garg, said the level of accuracy now possible in gene sequencing had led to the breakthrough.

"Until now, T2T genome assemblies have not been possible, and incomplete gene sequencing can lead to errors, such as mis-annotations," Dr. Garg said.

"This means that the genes responsible for certain desirable traits are missed. But thanks to advances in sequencing technologies, we can finally have T2T genome assemblies for any crop species."

Professor Varshney and his research team are currently working in collaboration with several laboratories from Australia, UK, Germany, U.S., and China on developing T2T genome assemblies or nearly complete genome assemblies for several crops such as wheat, chickpea, fava bean, papaya, passion fruit, custard apple, banana and pineapple.

"Together with our national and international collaborators, we are applying methods of T2T genome assemblies in several crops and are incredibly excited to see how this can advance agricultural research in Australia and abroad," Professor Varshney said.

"T2T genome assemblies grant access to difficult-to-sequence regions, which opens up a myriad of groundbreaking research possibilities, such as creating completely new crop varieties that cater to our future needs."

More information: Vanika Garg et al, Unlocking plant genetics with telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies, Nature Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01830-7 Journal information: Nature Genetics
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Tree bark surfaces play an important role in removing methane gas from the atmosphere, according to a study published 24 July in Nature.

While trees have long been known to benefit the climate by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this new research reveals a surprising additional climate benefit. Microbes hidden within tree bark can absorb methanea powerful greenhouse gasfrom the atmosphere.

An international team of researchers led by the University of Birmingham has shown for the first time that microbes living in bark or in the wood itself are removing atmospheric methane on a scale equal to or above that of soil. They calculate that this newly discovered process makes trees 10% more beneficial for climate overall than previously thought.

Methane is responsible for around 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times and emissions are currently rising faster than at any point since records began in the 1980s.

Although most methane is removed by processes in the atmosphere, soils are full of bacteria that absorb the gas and break it down for use as energy. Soil had been thought of as the only terrestrial sink for methane, but researchers now show that trees may be as important, perhaps more so.

Lead researcher on the study, Professor Vincent Gauci of the University of Birmingham, said, "The main ways in which we consider the contribution of trees to the environment is through absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, and storing it as carbon. These results, however, show a remarkable new way in which trees provide a vital climate service.

"The Global Methane Pledge, launched in 2021 at the COP26 climate change summit aims to cut methane emissions by 30% by the end of the decade. Our results suggest that planting more trees and reducing deforestation surely must be important parts of any approach towards this goal."

In the study, the researchers investigated upland tropical, temperate and boreal forest trees. Specifically, they took measurements spanning tropical forests in the Amazon and Panama; temperate broadleaf trees in Wytham Woods, in Oxfordshire, UK; and boreal coniferous forest in Sweden.

The methane absorption was strongest in the tropical forests, probably because microbes thrive in the warm wet conditions found there. On average, the newly-discovered methane absorption adds around 10% to the climate benefit that temperate and tropical trees provide.

By studying methane exchange between the atmosphere and the tree bark at multiple heights, they were able to show that while at soil level the trees were likely to emit a small amount of methane, from a couple of meters up the direction of exchange switches and methane from the atmosphere is consumed.

In addition, the team used laser scanning methods to quantify the overall global forest tree bark surface area, with preliminary calculations indicating that the total global contribution of trees is between 24.649.9 Tg (millions of tons) of methane. This fills a big gap in understanding the global sources and sinks of methane.

The tree shape analysis also shows that if all the bark of all the trees of the world were laid flat, the area would be equal to the Earth's land surface. "Tree woody surfaces add a third dimension to the way life on Earth interacts with the atmosphere, and this third dimension is teeming with life, and with surprises," said co-author Yadvinder Malhi of the University of Oxford.

Professor Gauci and colleagues at Birmingham are now planning a new research program to find out if deforestation has led to increased atmospheric methane concentrations. They also aim to understand more about the microbes themselves, the mechanisms used to take up the methane and will investigate if this atmospheric methane removal by trees can be enhanced.

More information: Vincent Gauci, Global atmospheric methane uptake by upland tree woody surfaces, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07592-w. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07592-w Journal information: Nature
Aaronetta Pierce always finds the perfect antidote that will soothe fears and bring people together.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 29: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris introduces U.S. President Joe Biden during a campaign rally at Girard College on May 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Biden and Harris are using today's rally to launch a nationwide campaign to court black voters, a group that has traditionally come out in favor of Biden, but their support is projected lower than it was in 2020. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

I count on that. So, Monday morning, I made the call.

Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign was only hours into making history, and Pierce, whos given so much to her adoptive city, found calm in a 19th-century Black spiritual, There is a Balm in Gilead.

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It points to the answer to suffering, to make the wounded whole and revive the soul.

Even before the historic news of Harris presidential campaign, Pierce was searching for an answer to a collective anguish over the future of democracy and the November election.

It was increasingly clear the candidate had to be someone other than President Joe Biden. On Sunday, he stepped aside and showed us the answer was standing right in front of us the whole time.

The multi-foundational composite that is Kamala Harris, who was born for a time such as this, Pierce said. That she is Black is, for a Black woman like myself, a source of enormous pride.

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Harris is half South Asian, too.

In appealing to an increasingly multicultural nation, many other women voters  Latina, Native American, white and Asian  felt equally invigorated by the prepared, practiced, energetic Harris.

We did not know what our answer would be for these troubling times, but in her and her vice president, whomever that might be, we have the possibility of investing in a country that speaks to prosperity, Pierce said.

ELAINE AYALA: More Latinos will register and show up in November, Southwest Voter says

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

Pierce felt an immediate jump start, like, oh, this was supposed to happen.

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Im 81, and the reason that I say Im reinvigorated is because it is horrific to set your life on a trajectory of unity, and then, as you fall into your waning years, see everything becoming disrupted. Now I have hope again.

Not just in the individual, but in the collective. We can save our own country, she said.

Harris instantly, it seems, electrified Democrats, independents, even some Republicans. The succession of endorsements during a dramatic 24-hour news cycle revived hopes for a Democratic victory.

Democratic governors, senators and congressional representatives got in line. So did unions and state delegations to next months Democratic National Convention.

Thousands of Black women took to Zoom, where they raised more than $1 million for the Harris campaign. Black men followed, as did so many other voters, some of them contributing to a political campaign for the first time.

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By Tuesday, Team Harris reported it had raised $100 million on its first day, the largest in presidential history, contributing to whats now an estimated $240 million war chest.

It subdued concerns that Democrats would bypass Harris and select a white man, which couldve discouraged Black and Latino voters and dismantled the partys chances in November.

Earlier this month, Harris spoke to more than 20,000 Black women at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority convention in Dallas, where Harris told her sorority sisters  of which Pierce is one  that they must get their communities to the polls.

We have worked too hard and fought too long to see our daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than our mothers, Harris said. Our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward.

Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison was there. Shes a sorority sister, too, and president and CEO of the Center for Health Care Services, the mental health authority for Bexar County.

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The room was electric, Jamison recalled. Seeking reelection as vice president, Jamison said Harris was supportive of Biden and made the case for protecting democracy, womens health, the agencies that protect air and water, and policies that help lower- and middle-income families.

Did she imagine then wed be here now?

Im going to say that Ive watched Joe Biden, Jamison said. I think he learned his lesson from not believing Anita Hill, a law professor who in 1991 testified against Clarence Thomas nomination to the Supreme Court, accusing him of sexual harassment.

Jamison was confident Biden was going to make the right decision to step aside.

We all understand the assignment, Jamison said, that its going to be tough because Donald Trump doesnt play by the rules. He wont be dealing with policy issues. Hell be dealing with the way that he deals with everything else.

But it wont be easy.

I dont think its in the bag, Jamison added. But Im excited at the prospect of having more people participate in our voting process, which is so key to who we are as a country, and so key to democracy, and thats really whats at stake here.

Im reminded of a saying that Black women make a way out of no way.
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A bed bug works its way through a bed net. Credit: Matt Bertone, NC State University.

For decades, insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor insecticide spraying regimens have been importantand widely successfultreatments against mosquitoes that transmit malaria, a dangerous global disease. Yet for a time, these treatments also suppressed undesirable household insects like bed bugs, cockroaches and flies.

Now, a new North Carolina State University study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control shows that as the household insects developed resistance to the insecticides targeting mosquitoes, the return of these bed bugs, cockroaches and flies into homes has led to community distrust and often abandonment of these treatmentsand to rising rates of malaria.

The work appears in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

In short, the bed nets and insecticide treatments that were so effective in preventing mosquito bitesand therefore malariaare increasingly viewed as the causes of household pest resurgence.

"These insecticide-treated bed nets were not intended to kill household pests like bed bugs, but they were really good at it," said Chris Hayes, an NC State Ph.D. student and co-corresponding author of a paper describing the work. "It's what people really liked, but the insecticides are not working as effectively on household pests anymore."

"Non-target effects are usually harmful, but in this case they were beneficial," said Coby Schal, Blanton J. Whitmire Distinguished Professor of Entomology at NC State and co-corresponding author of the paper.

"The value to people wasn't necessarily in reducing malaria, but was in killing other pests," Hayes added. "There's probably a link between use of these nets and widespread insecticide resistance in these house pests, at least in Africa."

The researchers add that other factorsfamine, war, the rural/city divide, and population displacement, for examplealso could contribute to rising rates of malaria.

To produce the review, Hayes combed through the academic literature to find research on indoor pests like bed bugs, cockroaches and fleas, as well as papers on malaria, bed nets, pesticides and indoor pest control. The search yielded more than 1,200 papers, whichafter an exhaustive review processwere whittled down to a final count of 28 peer-reviewed papers fulfilling the necessary criteria.

One papera 2022 survey of 1,000 households in Botswanafound that while 58% were most concerned with mosquitoes in homes, more than 40% were most concerned with cockroaches and flies.

Hayes said a recent paperpublished after this NC State review was concludedshowed that people blamed the presence of bed bugs on bed nets.

"There is some evidence that people stop using bed nets when they don't control pests," Hayes said.

The researchers say that all hope is not lost, though.

"There are, ideally, two routes," Schal said. "One would be a two-pronged approach with both mosquito treatment and a separate urban pest management treatment that targets pests. The other would be the discovery of new malaria-control tools that also target these household pests at the same time. For example, the bottom portion of a bed net could be a different chemistry that targets cockroaches and bed bugs.

"If you offer something in bed nets that suppresses pests, you might reduce the vilification of bed nets."
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Satellite-measured nitrogen dioxide air pollution averaged over all days in 2021 near warehousing facilities in Seattle, WA. This large cluster of warehouses includes warehouses and logistics, operations, and fulfillment centers for Macy's, Amazon, UPS, and other large corporations. Credit: Gaige Kerr, George Washington University

America's demand for products delivered to the doorstep has led to a dramatic increase in e-commerce and the warehousing industry. A first-of-a-kind study now shows that people living in communities located next to these large warehouses are exposed to 20% more of a traffic-related air pollutant that can lead to asthma and other life-threatening health conditions.

The study, "Air pollution impacts from warehousing in the United States uncovered with satellite data," appears in Nature Communications.

"Increased truck traffic to and from these recently built large warehouses means people living downwind are inhaling an increased amount of harmful nitrogen dioxide pollution," said Gaige Kerr, lead author of the study and an assistant research professor of environmental and occupational health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. "Communities of color are disproportionately affected because they often live in close proximity to warehouses, especially dense clusters of warehouses."

Kerr and his colleagues measured a traffic-related pollutant called nitrogen dioxide by using a satellite instrument from the European Space Agency to zero in from space on the nearly 150,000 large warehouses located across the United States. Trucks and other vehicles traveling to and from these large warehouses spew out nitrogen dioxide, particulates, and other harmful pollutants.

The researchers also looked at traffic information from the Federal Highway Administration and demographic data from the US Census Bureau.

Additional key findings of the study:

Although the average spike of nitrogen dioxide associated with warehouses was 20%, nitrogen dioxide levels near warehouses were even higher when there was greater heavy duty vehicle activity near these facilities.

Warehouses with more loading docks and parking spaces attract the most traffic and are associated with the highest nitrogen dioxide levels.

Communities with large racial and ethnic minority populations are often located near warehouses and thus are inhaling more nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants. For example, this study found that the proportion of Hispanic and Asian people living close to the largest clusters of warehouses is about 250% higher than the average nationwide.

Although warehouses are located all over the US, 20% are concentrated in just 10 counties: Los Angeles, California; Harris, Texas; Cook, Illinois; Miami-Dade, Florida; Maricopa, Arizona; San Bernardino, California; Orange, California; Dallas, Texas; Alameda, California; and Cuyahoga, Ohio.

The pandemic fueled the explosion of the e-commerce industry and warehouses that receive and sort consumer goods. The transportation infrastructure needed to ship goods to warehouses and then onto consumers is enormous, according to the researchers. For example, Amazon, an industry leader in e-commerce, operated 175,000 delivery vans and more than 37,000 semi trailers in 2021 alone.

Earlier studies have looked at warehouses and pollution in specific neighborhoods around the country, but this is the first nationwide study to show that people living near these warehouses are exposed to higher than average levels of damaging pollutants. And while other research has shown that communities of color are exposed to more nitrogen dioxide pollution than predominantly non-Hispanic white communities, this is the first study linking the warehousing industry to the exposure inequities faced by these overburdened populations, Kerr says.

Previous research by the GW team found that communities of color in the US face a growing burden from polluted air. That study showed that such communities endure nearly 8 times higher rates of pediatric asthma from exposure to nitrogen dioxide and 30% higher rates of dying prematurely from exposure to fine particulate matter, both of which are emitted by cars, trucks and other vehicles.

The authors say the new study underscores the need for regulations that drive zero-emission vehicle use in logistics, particularly to protect vulnerable communities located near industrial hubs. They also say that industry leaders and utilities have crucial roles in planning and implementing this transition.

"Such measures would mean people living near warehouses could breathe cleaner air," said Kerr. "In addition to a reduced risk of pollutant-related diseases, such measures would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change."

In addition to Kerr, Susan Anenberg, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at GW, and Daniel Goldberg, assistant research professor in the same department, contributed to this paper alongside researchers from the International Council on Clean Transportation.

More information: Air pollution impacts from warehousing in the United States uncovered with satellite data, Nature Communications (2024). dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50000-0 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Research framework. Credit: Peng et al., 2024, PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

An analysis of comments on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo reveals trends in the public response to measures implemented to support China's three-child policy, highlighting concerns about women's rights and employment. Lijuan Peng of Zhejiang Gongshang University in Hangzhou, China, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on July 24, 2024.

For decades, China's one-child policy restricted most families to having just one child. In 2021, to combat a falling birthrate, China introduced its three-child policy, allowing couples to have up to three children. To help encourage childbirth, China has introduced supportive measures alongside, such as housing subsidies and maternity insurance.

Social media offers a unique window into the public response to new national policies, but few studies have analyzed the three-child policy through such a lens.

To deepen understanding of the response to China's three-child supportive measures, Peng and colleagues analyzed comments posted on Sina Weibo after the release of information about such measures between May 2021 and June 2022. They drew on various statistical and computational tools, including neural network analysis, to identify hot topics and areas of concern.

The analysis revealed short-term, positive attitudes among Weibo users in response to some supportive measures, including those relating to housing subsidies, maternity insurance, and financial incentives. However, users showed persistent negative responses to extensions of maternity leave, primarily due to concerns about women's future employment opportunities and marital rights.

The researchers found that Sina Weibo discussions about the three-child policy were primarily centered around protection of women's rights, including post-childbirth legal rights and access to adequate physical and mental health care.

Other hot topics included the financial difficulty of raising multiple children and concerns about housing and childcare services. The study also highlighted a strong desire for children among many infertile or single women that has gone unfulfilled because of the limitations of the personal medical insurance system.

These findings could help inform China's future efforts to raise birthrates. Meanwhile, further research could address some of the limitations of this analysis, such as by accounting for social media users' demographics.

The authors add, "This study reveals the public's evolving focus, cognition, and emotional response to the three-child supportive policy through Weibo analysis, providing insights for future policy releases."

More information: Changes in online public opinions associated with various three-child supportive policies in China: Observational study using social media data over time, PLoS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306698 Journal information: PLoS ONE
When Quad-Cities area Democrats volunteered to be delegates at the Democratic National Convention, they thought it would be a routine rally for Democrats and their incumbent president running for reelection.

But its turning out to be anything but.

Adam Peters, a national delegate from Davenport, is among the Iowa delegates that on Monday night unanimously pledged to back Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would end his reelection campaign and endorse his vice president to take his place at the top of the ticket.

Peters said he was genuinely shocked at Bidens Sunday announcement.

After a few dismal weeks of headlines and no movement  him saying repeatedly he was going to run  I thought we were in for the long haul, Peters said. I was shocked and struck by the moment that a sitting president listened to a lot of folks who had worries and concerns. Pretty historic.

Peters said he has long respected Biden and wanted him to do whatever he felt was best for the party and the country about staying in the race.

Peters first heard Biden speak at a Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Des Moines ahead of the 2008 Iowa caucuses. Biden was the only other candidate that impressed him besides Barack Obama, Peters said. He cheered the Obama-Biden ticket in downtown Springfield. Bidens early comments as vice president supporting same-sex marriage and the work on climate change, insulin prices, and infrastructure in his four years as president moved Peters to volunteer to be a delegate at the national convention.

I was doing this to thank him and incredible work hes done, Peters said. Now, its a historic event. Passing the torch to the next generation is incredibly admirable. It speaks to what a level of a patriot that Joe Biden is. I never imagined that it would be like this.

Peters is 100% behind Harris, he said. He disagrees with arguments that the party should put forward multiple candidates in a competitive vote on the convention floor. Peters said 81 million voters in the U.S. backed a Biden-Harris ticket in 2020 and Democrats across the country voted in primaries for Biden knowing Harris was his No. 2.

Peters and the rest of the Iowa delegation are far from alone in supporting the vice president as the nominee. The Associated Press reported Monday evening that a survey it conducted of delegates showed Harris had enough support to become the official nominee.

It would be a wild choice to let 3,900 delegates reselect and only have those people select the new nominee when 81 million people voted for Vice President Harris in 2020, Peters said.

Illinois Dems also quick to back Harris

In Illinois, the Democratic Party has been quick to rally around Vice President Harris.

In a statement, Democratic Party Chair of Illinois Lisa Hernandez said that the party is thankful to President Biden, and that the party stands united behind Vice President Harris.

"The Democratic Party of Illinois is fully committed to mobilizing our communities in support of Kamala Harris," Hernandez said in the statement.

State Representatives Maurice West and Jehan Gordon-Booth are two of the five delegates from the 17th Congressional District, which includes the Illinois Quad-Cities. Both have posted statements to social media endorsing Harris.

Gordon-Booth, of Peoria, posted a joint statement with three other Black women state representatives.

"No one is better positioned to lead our party and to serve as our nominee for President of the United States than Kamala Harris," the statement said. "We, as delegates and Black Women of the Illinois House, are proud and stand ready to give her our support."
Kerr County residents and elected officials oppose the building of battery energy storage system facilities in their county. The facilities, like the one pictured here, store excess energy from the power grid and feed it back in during times of peak demand. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Another battery energy storage facility could be heading for the Hill Country, drawing opposition from residents and county officials.

The Kerr County Commissioners Court received a presentation Monday from Black Mountain Energy Storage, which is seeking a tax abatement for a proposed facility.

Executives with Black Mountain Energy Storage were questioned by commissioners and residents over their plans. It wasnt immediately clear how large a tax break the company was seeking.

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Residents and elected officials say the energy storage facilities are fire risks, could threaten the environment and stain the rural character of the Hill Country.

The energy storage facilities are made up of rows of batteries, typically lithium-ion, that store excess energy from the states power grid for later use. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the states power grid, is encouraging companies to build energy storage facilities to protect the grid during times of high demand.

Energy storage companies are looking to the Hill Country to build the facilities, with at least two planned for Comfort in nearby Kendall County. Kerr County Precinct 2 Commissioner Rich Paces said some residents told him they have also received calls from another company that is considering building an energy storage facility in Kerr County.

A June meeting organized by residents in Kendall County to oppose a planned facility drew about 200 people.

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About 10 people spoke against the facility during Mondays meeting in Kerr County.

I think youll find out from the people that speak that youre not real popular, Precinct 4 Commissioner Don Harris told company representatives. And then to ask for an abatement is kind of beating your head against the wall.

The site for the proposed Black Mountain Energy Storage facility is in northwestern Kerr County, said Jackson Hughes, the companys manager of development. It was unclear if Black Mountain has purchased or leased land for the proposed facility.

Hughes said energy storage facilities could reduce electricity prices over time and help lessen power outages.

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While it will not prevent a CenterPoint down in Houston blackout  (it) can still respond to those inefficiencies in the grid, Hughes said.

There are times when there is more electricity on the grid than there needs to be, Hughes said. An energy storage system can put the power back on the grid during peak demand times, like when most people arrive home from work.

Even if its not the end-all, be-all solution, it still helps, he said

Precinct 3 Commissioner Jonathan Letz said building an energy storage facility in Kerr County wouldnt directly help the countys residents.

Letz asked if Black Mountain Energy Storage makes money by buying the energy when its cheaper and selling it back at a higher price during peak demand. Hughes confirmed that was the process.

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You should be going to Houston with the abatement, not Kerr County, Letz said. This doesnt help jobs, this doesnt help local industry.

The main concern for most residents is the potential fire risk the batteries pose. Paces cited a May fire at a lithium battery facility in Otay Mesa, Calif., near San Diego, that burned for days.

Paces said the Hill Countys dry climate makes it a high risk for fires. Kerr County wouldnt have the resources to fight a large fire spread by the burning battery facility, he said.

READ MORE: State OKs water quality permit for controversial quarry in Comal County

Almost every resident who spoke during Mondays meeting expressed their willingness to oppose the project.

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You are not welcome here, Kerr County resident Carrie Schmerbeck told Black Mountain representatives. And we will fight.

Some residents urged Black Mountain to build their energy storage facility projects elsewhere.

This is so disturbing to me this is being discussed in our county, or anywhere for that matter, resident Kari Potter said. Its really concerning they want to put this on the backs of rural Texans.

Harris asked Hughes what would happen if Kerr County officials rejected Black Mountains request for a tax break.

If you dont get one, will you leave? Harris said.
Pure cube design is influencing the future of architectural design by improving both the visual appeal and practical functionality of construction

natural and cosmic energies to promote harmony and well-being. The firm goes above and beyond to personalize each clients experience, actively engaging them in every step of the process. By providing a range of options, the company ensures that clients feel empowered and in control throughout their journey.Pure Cube Design undertakes comprehensive evaluations of every site, meticulously studying its unique physical attributes, including terrain and geographical orientation. The firm also assesses the scenic vistas and surrounding environment to incorporate natural beauty into their designs. Accessibility is their key consideration, ensuring that the site is easily reachable and functional for construction activities and future occupants alike. Also, climate analysis plays a crucial role in their approach, with a focus on understanding local weather patterns and environmental impacts on the project.While planning the construction process, Pure Cube Design emphasizes the careful integration of material properties. They strategically select materials based on their structural integrity, aesthetic qualities and sustainability factors, aiming to enhance both functionality and visual appeal. Also, factors such as texture, color palette and spatial arrangements are meticulously chosen to complement the sites natural surroundings or urban context.Pure Cube Design has a highly capable team where each member brings unique skills and perspectives, enriching the collective capabilities of the group. Their design team actively collaborates with clients in diverse sectors such as retail, healthcare and hospitality. They specialize in developing bespoke brand narratives that not only reflect the unique essence of each business but also resonate deeply with their target audience. By understanding the specific nature and goals of individual businesses, the team ensures that every narrative they create is not just compelling but also strategically aligned to enhance brand perception and drive engagement.Throughout each phase, from initial assessments to project completion, Pure Cube Design remains committed to delivering excellence. They prioritize efficiency and precision in project management to meet deadlines while ensuring rigorous quality control measures are met. By combining meticulous site evaluation with strategic construction planning, the firm aims to achieve a harmonious balance between archi-tectural innovation and environmental stewardship in every project they undertake.Over the past decade, Pure Cube Design has seen remarkable growth driven by word of mouth. Moving forward, they are actively pursuing farmhouse projects that emphasize landscaping elements as part of their expansion strategy. In its strategic vision for the future, the outlook for Pure Cube Design appears promising, as it remains ready to confront challenges ahead through ongoing adaptation to shifting consumer dynamics and globalization trends. This proactive approach ensures the companys readiness to thrive in an ever-changing market landscape.
Cozumel swears in new Director of Public Safety

Cozumel, Q.R.  Cozumel City Council has unanimously approved the official appointment of a new Director of Public Safety. On Tuesday, Captain Fernando Gonzalez Felipe was sworn in for the new position during the sixty-eighth session of the City Council.

Prior to the swearing in, Mayor Juanita Alonso participated in the voting after which the General Secretary, Ociel Gonzalez Gonzalez, announced the unanimous approval of the new director.

During the ceremony, Fernando Gonzalez Felipe promised to work vigorously with discipline and total dedication to the island community, collaborating with authorities from different levels of government including the Navy (Semar), National Defense (Sedena), National Guard, Citizen Security Secretariat and other corporations.

Part of his new duties will include implementing new programs, plans, tours and continuing projects that have yielded positive results.

We are going to implement more patrols and more security checkpoints to reduce the crime rate on the island As citizens, we have responsibilities to fulfill, to keep our vehicles in order, drive properly and obey the signs and instructions so that our island is safer for our families, he said.

The Cozumel Gobierno also announced the new director. The Cozumel collegiate body unanimously approved the official appointment as director of Public Safety and Traffic of the corvette captain, marine infantry, parachutist, Fernando Gonzalez Felipe, within the framework of the Sixty-eighth ordinary session of the City Council headed by the municipal president, Juanita Alonso.
This cover image released by Atlantic Records shows "brat" by Charli XCX. (Atlantic Records via AP) AP Vice President Kamala Harris makes a gesture while speaking about fairness and equality at the National Baptist Convention Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at Hilton Americas in Houston. Harris used a real story about a Black familyas house appraisal as an example of racial inequality in the country. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the National Baptist Convention Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at Hilton Americas in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greets members of the space industry during a visit to the NASA Vehicle Mockup Facility at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Vice President Harris chaired the National Space Council Meeting. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer Vice President Kamala Harris, left, points to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo as she comes on stage to speak during a community discussion organized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Rep. Sylvia Garcia, left, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Rep. Nanette Barragan take a selfie after Harris spoke during a community discussion organized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Its brat summer.

Maybe youve seen the memes, or the iconic shade of lime green and questioned what is means to be a brat and what is has to do with Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Heres everything you need to know about the latest viral internet trend and how you can embrace it.

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HARRIS IN TEXAS: Kamala Harris will visit Texas on Thursday to address national teachers union

What is brat and what does it mean?

The trending definition of brat comes from English pop artist Charli XCXs latest album BRAT that was released June 7 and has remained at the top of Billboards Dance/Electronic Albums list for six weeks.

It can be difficult to define the term brat, as it seems to have recently transformed into a pop culture movement among Gen Z, and it means something completely different than the original definition of the word.

To be a brat can mean many things. Its embracing chaos, party-girl antics and lime green. But its also being vulnerable and 100% yourself.

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To help fans better understand what brat truly is, Charli XCX explained what the term means to her in a recent TikTok interview.

You are just that girl who is a little messy and maybe says dumb things sometimes, who feels herself but then also maybe has a breakdown but parties through it. It is honest, blunt and a little bit volatile. Thats Brat.

Why are people saying Kamala Harris is brat?

Though the terms original definition may have negative connotations, young voters mean it as a compliment when referring to Harris, who is set to visit Texas later this week.

Harris has not acknowledged the trend, but the official X account for President Joe Bidens campaign has now been rebranded to Kamala HQ, which has leaned into brat summer with a themed header image.

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Brat is running alongside a coconut tree meme, based on what the vice president said last year while swearing in commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

The meme may signify an energy shift in young Democrats as Harris new brat label gains national recognition. In a recent CNN segment, anchor Jake Tapper said he will aspire to be brat.

Charli XCX seems to agree with the sentiment, recently tweeting Kamala is brat.

Brat is running alongside a coconut tree meme, based on what the vice president said last year while swearing in commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

Brat is running alongside a coconut tree meme, based on what the vice president said last year while swearing in commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

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In that speech, the vice president referenced a turn of phrase frequently used by her mother.

She would say to us, I dont know whats wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? Harris recollected in 2023 at a White House ceremony, the Associated Press reported. You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

A clip of the phrase was widely shared on social media by her critics, calling her drunk or crazy.

But since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee, supporters have leaned into the clip, creating coconut-themed social media posts to show their support.
Mexicos Navy medical team carries out evac of cruise ship passenger

Isla Mujeres, Q.R.  The Navy of Mexico carried out a medical evacuation of an Icon of the Seas cruise ship passenger. On Monday afternoon, Mexicos navy medical team was requested by the captain of the cruise ship for a sick passenger.

The Secretariat of the Navy reports that personnel belonging to the Ninth Naval Region based in Isla Mujeres carried out the medical evacuation of a foreign tourist off the coast of Isla Mujeres.

The medical evacuation was carried out after receiving an emergency call in the Command and Control Room of the Ninth Naval Region requesting the medical evacuation of a male passenger who was suffering from septic shock.

The immediate departure of a Defender-type vessel from the Naval Station for Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance (ENSAR) Isla Mujeres was ordered with specialized rescue and Naval Health personnel on board.

The cruise ship passenger was evacuated to Puerto Juarez for transfer to hospital. Photo: July 22, 2024.

Upon arriving at the point of emergency, approximately five nautical miles (nine kilometers) east of Isla Mujeres, personnel carried out the examination and medical evacuation of the man who was transferred to Puerto Juarez, where he was handed over to a private ambulance to transport him to a local hospital in order to receive specialized medical attention.
Would it surprise protesters to learn that the scarf they have donned in a show of solidarity wasnt invented by a Palestinian and can be claimed by many people and many causes over many centuries? Thats how folkloreand its propagandistic usesworks.

When the IDF began amassing in Gaza in the aftermath of the 10/7 massacre and Americans started taking sides, several social media influencers pointedly asked their followers to name some Israeli and Palestinian inventions without googling. I cheated and googled the latter, and found a Wikipedia page with 17 entries. Catalogued under the letter K is the best-known itemthe famed Palestinian keffiyeh.

The black-and-white scarf with a simple yet fanciful fishnet pattern framed by gray stripes, mustache-like waves, and tasseled fringes has long become a fashion staple. In the West, the rectangular cloth is worn by both sexes, typically wrapped around head or necka statement piece, and a versatile accessory. It becomes practical when keeping warm, shielding from the sunor concealing identity in a riot. The distinct geometric patterns have been incorporated into textile design and then turned into any garment imaginable.

Popularized by the terrorist icon Yasser Arafat, the keffiyeh was once marketed by the hipster retailer Urban Outfitters as an antiwar scarf. Amazon sells it as a tactical scarf to Gulf War veterans who swear they find theyve adopted it purely out of utilitarianism, but it feels like they brought home a trophy. In other words, the keffiyeh is all things to all people.

The genesis of any item of folkloreand material culture like ethnic dress is folkloreis near impossible to pinpoint. In an essay on Eastern European cuisine, I commented on how folklorists treat the issue of origin:

To determine the possible place of origin for customs, folklorists employ the historico-geographic method developed by the Finnish scholar Karla Krohn in the early 20th century. The technique requires gathering all recorded versions of an item and pinning them down on a map along with the year they were collected. Once a visual representation is created, a researcher can observe what appears to be the pattern of diffusion through an area. Using the method is time-consuming, but it can yield some insights for those interested in the origin of oral traditions. For instance, it has been postulated that the older versions of Indo-European folk tales like Cinderella have been recorded in the Far East, and therefore likely originated there. The critics note that this approach amounts to mapping the pattern of the recording of a tradition, not the pattern of its adoption into various tribes and nations. The narrative itself is likely much older than its earliest recorded version, likely dating back to prehistory.

Why bother with the origin then? Lots of people have strong opinions about folklore because material feels both unsophisticated and intimately familiar. A German, an Italian, and a Frenchman can each argue adamantly that Cinderella is their tale, testimony to creativity of their people. An understanding that folklore is rarely unique to a single nation distinguishes a scholar from an amateur. Historical-geographic studies demonstrate this awareness.

Woven rectangular shawls adorned with patterns and fringes have been worn by Middle Easterners for millennia. Because textiles dissipate with age, its earliest preserved appearance is in diorite. A statue dating to approximately 2090 BCE shows Gudea, the governor of Lagash in southern Mesopotamia, with his head adorned in a checkered turban. The garment itself should be assumed to be older, already worn in 2600 BCEor perhaps earlier. Consider that textiles have been around for tens of thousands years, the Middle East is the cradle of civilization, and shielding ones head from sun and sand is a precondition for life in a desert.

Scarves answering this need have been around in the Levant since before the seventh-century Islamic expansion. Among the texts documenting the Jewish variant of the garment, called sudra, are the 8090 CE Gospel of Luke and the fifth-century Babylonian Talmud. The Talmud prescribes a bracha, or blessing, to be recited when dressing into a sudraBlessed are you Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who crowns Israel with glory.

Mizrahim, men and women alike, wore sudras for millennia, and Yemenite Jews arrived in modern Israel with properly wrapped heads. Ashkenazim had to adapt to European customs, and climates changed their attire, with only the tallit, a perhaps related shawl prescribed for ceremonial use, remaining.

Many MENA ethnic groupsthe Kurds, the Yezidis, the Iranians, the Iraqi Turkmen, and othershave their variants of the shawl. They can refer to it as shemagh, ghutrah, hattah, mussar, or jamadani. Variations on graphic and color typically indicate tribal allegiances. The fact that the garment is so widespread suggests that its oldfolklorists believe that the more ancient traditions tend to penetrate greater areas. So how did so many Westerners get the idea that a prehistoric cloth, worn by multiple peoples across a diverse region, many of them under the threat of genocide from Islamism, is a Palestinian invention synonymous with pan-Arabism?

In Memories of the Revolt: The 19361939 Rebellion and the Palestinian National Past, the staunchly anti-Zionist academic Ted Swedenburg argues that under the British Mandate, the keffiyeh became the national signifier for the Palestinian Arab cause. During the revolt lead by the Nazi ally and grand mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Arab masses were ordered to don the keffiyeh to make their fighters indistinguishable from the regular folk. In Swedenburgs telling, Arabs enthusiastically embraced this sartorial patriotism.

The legend is as romantic as it is disputable. Hussain Abdul-Hussain, research fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, has posted multiple pictures of Palestinian leadership well into the early 60s not wearing the prized national headwear. Moreover, Swedenburgs own data contradict his claim. He acknowledges that al-Hussainis fighters snatched the Ottoman-style tarbush hats off the heads of disloyal Arabsin other words, not everyone was onboard. He further describes the Jewish press documenting the terror of the armed gangs intimidating the Arab populationthe same gangs that likely were attacking the British forces, Jewish self-defense units, and Jewish civilians.

That said, the biggest bummer for the progressive fashionistas must be not the illiberal nature of the Arab revolt but the fact that under the British Mandate Arabs wore plain white keffiyehs. The iconic Palestinian keffiyeh was introduced two decades later. Swedenburg explains:

The origins of black-and-white checkered kufiya as the distinctive Palestinian headscarf apparently date to the early 1950s. Glubb Pasha, the English commander of Jordans armed forces, distinguished his Palestinian soldiers from his Jordanian ones by outfitting West Bank Palestinians in black-and-white kufiyat and East Bank Jordanians in red-and-white ones.

National costume typically takes an ethnic group holiday dress out of context and thrusts it into the world of pageantrythe phenomenon folklorists call folklorismus. The Palestinian keffiyeh, like the Lowland Scottish kilt, is not even that; it is an invented tradition. Both the keffiyeh and the kilt originated in the British Empire and carry romantic nationalist connotations. The Lowland kilt was developed in the early 19th century as a kind of nostalgia for the Gaelic martial glory of the Highlands. Lowlanders made it famous with their own additions: the clan-specific tartans.

The great midcentury folklorist Richard M. Dorson described such innovations as fakelore, which he defined as a synthetic product claiming to be authentic oral tradition but actually tailored for mass edification. Dorson introduced the term in the context of fictional characters like Paul Bunyan that are passed on as folklore but have no basis in traditional storytelling. The concept of fakelore quickly expanded to include items such as Chinese-made tchotchkes at souvenir shops. Incidentally, the keffiyehs sold on Amazon are generally made in China.

An invented tradition it might be, but Arabs developed genuine folklore around the meaning of Glubb Pashas graphic. What inspired His Majestys officer is a mystery, but several sources contend that the fishnet pattern represent Palestinian fishermen, the wavy linesthe olive leaves and the broad grey stripesancient trade routes like the Silk Road. All are supposed to signify a rich, long, proud, and peaceful history, a paradise lost to Zionism. Its tempting to dismiss such a belief as silliness, particularly considering the British colonial roots of the garment, but the yearning for identity is real.

When in 1969 the Marxist terrorist Leila Khaled was photographed highjacking a TWA flight holding an AK-47 and sporting Glubb Pashas keffiyeh, she became a feminist darling of sortslook at her, a fierce decolonizer draped in a male kerchief. Yet it wasnt Khaled but the male terror chieftain Yasser Arafat who introduced the garb to the mainstream capitalist culture in the late 1960s. Arafat wore it over his fatigues, secured in place with the customary goat-hair rope. He painstakingly arranged the cloth over his shoulder in the shape of a triangle, which was supposed to represent the Palestinian state he claimed.

How Arafat settled on this image is unknown. The PLO mastermind hailed from Egypt, where the locals wrapped themselves in black-and-white shemagh, checkered like a tablecloth. His urban middle-class family presumably shunnedthat type of head cover anyway. Swedenburg suggests that by the time Arafat arrived on the scene in the 1950s, Glubb Pashas invention was already in wide use in Jordan, so he simply copied the dress of the local Arabs. The British writer Michael Jacobson points out that then-Kuwait-based Arafat first appeared in a plain white keffiyeh at a Communist conference in Prague in 1956 and switched to the fishnet one later, perhaps for no other reason than it was available to him in eastern Arabia.

Its purely a speculation on my part, but since we have no documentation for other theories either, Im going to lay it out: Arafat was a KGB asset, and the Soviets were adept at deploying folklore in the service of propaganda. In the 1920s, following the Bolshevik Revolution, they found themselves in possession of a vast multiethnic empirea situation for which Marx offered no advice. They devised the policy of Korenizatsiia, literally rootedness, taking folkloric forms and filling them with communist content. Agitprop of the era showed people with ethnic features dressed in national costumes doing something Soviet, like an Uzbek girl telling her dwarfish elder that she no longer needs the Quran because she has discovered the works of Lenin. Under Stalin, the Soviets made up an entire fakelore genre they called noviny, or new legends, with communist heroes in place of the ancient Rus knights.

Soviet propaganda convention included representations of friendship of the peoples, all appointed in national costumes, usually marching under communist banners. Communist leaders made use of ethnic wardrobe; Nikita Khrushchev, for example, wore the Ukrainian peasant shirt called vyshyvanka. If the USSR styled Arafat in Arab folk dress, that would have fit within their ideological framework. The fishnet shawl was the perfect touch in the age of black-and-white photojournalism.

Mass marketing of the desert scarf to Western consumers parallels exertion of Arab power. The wrap didnt get its 15 minutes instantaneously. In the 1960s and 70s, Andy Warhol painted radical themes and radical icons, most famously Chairman Mao, but Arafat in the keffiyeh was not on his radar. The scarves were noticed by couturiers during the first intifada in the 1980s and picked up in popularity after terrorists flexed their muscle on 9/11. Jews started referring to it as hipster swastika, signaling awareness of the legend of the birth of Palestinian national consciousness out of the rebellion lead by a Nazi ally. It has never been as popular as it is today, in the aftermath of 10/7, the biggest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

With the Palestinian cause emerging as the apogee of DEI, the keffiyeh became ubiquitous at numerous unrelated protests. Its a cheap and effective way of distinguishing oneself as a leftist. Like, for instance, the self-appointed labor activists in Seattle who cloaked themselves in Glubb Pashas to talk to the media about the closing of their coffee shop.

Anti-Zionists jealously guard their garb, preserving it as signifier for the politically privileged. They simultaneously play up the glamour side, celebrating the model Bella Hadid wearing it to high-profile events and accuse Jews of stealing for reviving the sudra.

In recent years, it has become fashionable to object to cultural appropriation, or drawing inspiration from foreign traditions. Yet folklore, with its ambiguous authorship and wide circulation, is antithetical to the idea of ownership. On the other hand, appropriation of ancient material culture to manufacture national identity while obscuring the ugly details of the appropriation processlike the Nazi connectiondeserves a serious discussion.

Regardless, Sir John Bagot Glubb should have patented his keffiyeh. His descendants would have thanked him.
The University of Washington will receive $50 million over five years from the NSF to lead the national Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem (SECURE) Center. An additional $17 million over five years has been awarded to Texas A&M University to launch a companion SECURE Analytics program. Together, this $67 million investment in the SECURE program will empower the research community to make security-informed decisions that protect and enhance the immense value of its funded work.

The SECURE Center will establish a national infrastructure and collaborative partnership of academic institutions, nonprofits and businesses, engaging them in the design, development and delivery of capabilities and information that will be used to safeguard the U.S. research investment.

Mark Haselkorn, professor in the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering and director of the College of Engineering's Center on Collaborative Systems for Security, Safety, and Resilience (CoSSaR), will be director and principal investigator of the SECURE Center. Other UW personnel with lead roles in SECURE are Lynette Arias (co-director), Sonia Savelli (design lead and co-principal investigator), Associate Professor David Ribes (value areas lead) and Brie Yost (operations manager).

Haselkorn brings decades of experience co-designing complex virtual environments that facilitate collaboration. He has worked with professionals from a wide range of entities (federal, defense, state, county, city, tribal, international, public and private) to align strategies, processes and technology in shared systems for security, safety and resilience.

"As we continue investing big in groundbreaking research conducted in Washington state and all across the country, it's so important that we ensure the integrity of research and protect it from foreign interferenceand I am thrilled that the University of Washington will lead these efforts with a new center," said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). "This federal funding will provide UW with critical resources to establish a new center to identify threats, make risk-informed decisions, and work with other universities across the U.S. to safeguard domestic research."

In addition to the national center at UW, five regional centers will guide and empower research stakeholders in the development, adoption and use of the SECURE Shared Virtual Environment: SECURE Northeast led by Northeastern University, SECURE Southeast led by Emory University, SECURE Midwest led by the University of Missouri, SECURE Southwest led by the University of Texas San Antonio and Texas A&M University, and SECURE West led by the UW. Regional development of the shared virtual environment will not only create and deliver enhanced capabilities for research security, but will also be a community-building activity that increases trust, cohesion and collaboration.

"Community-centered solutions are essential not only to the design of enhanced research security capabilities, but also to their adoption and use," said Haselkorn. "Through SECURE, we will work to ensure the community of researchers and research administrators feel ownership of these enhancements and assure that they meet their needs and work in their environments."

In addition to the regional center leads, the University of Michigan, Mississippi State University and Stanford University's Hoover Institution will lead essential work in "expert areas" such as high-risk research, threat types and geopolitical analysis. The College of Charleston and MindCette will join Michigan and the UW in leading "value areas" such as burden reduction, equitable access, and balancing collaboration and protection.

"NSF is committed to principled international collaboration. At the same time, we must address threats to the research enterprise," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "The SECURE Center is how we bring the research community together to identify risks, share information and leverage national expertise on research security to develop solutions that protect essential research being done at institutions across the nation. This is a community-focused platform, and the research community will be the drivers of how SECURE Center tools and services are designed, used and improved upon."

The $67 million SECURE funding announced Wednesday follows the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which authorized $280 billion to boost and protect U.S. research and manufacturing. NSF funds approximately $10 billion of 2024 U.S. research and is a strong partner in the cooperative agreements that establish SECURE.

"Funding agencies, research administrators, and researchers are all key stakeholders in the national research community," said Haselkorn. "The SECURE Center will bring these diverse stakeholders together to identify and collaboratively address complex security issues."

View more information in the NSF press release: NSF-backed SECURE Center will support research security, international collaboration.

Provided by University of Washington
Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net.

A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite.

He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time.
Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

Posted on 24 July 2024 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson

Those whove trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks that still stand today.

The critical context thats typically left out is that the 1930s were the decade of the Dust Bowl  the grim result of relentless overplowing of the Great Plains followed by natural oceanic cycles that favored a multiyear drought, which coincided with the Great Depression. Its a U.S. disaster almost a century old, one that draws little attention today and whose living memory is fading fast.

The University of Nebraskas excellent summary of the Dust Bowl points to some of the sociological factors that led to the catastrophe:

Boosters of the region, hoping to promote settlement, put forth glowing but inaccurate accounts of the Great Plains agricultural potential. In addition to this inaccurate information, most settlers had little money and few other assets, and their farming experience was based on conditions in the more humid eastern United States, so the crops and cultivation practices they chose often were not suitable for the Great Plains. But the earliest settlements occurred during a wet cycle, and the first crops flourished, so settlers were encouraged to continue practices that would later have to be abandoned.

Three multi-year periods of drought unfolded between 1928 and 1942, with virtually no break in between. Much of the topsoil across the central United States simply blew away during those nasty years. The bare landscape allowed for maximal warming from the summer sun, which in turn helped reinforce the deep atmospheric heat that prevailed. Day-to-day weather patterns sometimes pushed the dust and heat all the way to the East Coast.

Hundreds of thousands of destitute farmers made their way from the Great Plains to California in hopes of finding work, a migration immortalized in the acclaimed book and movie The Grapes of Wrath. [From Bob Henson: My own mother grew up in western Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl, and I vividly remember her telling me how she sometimes walked to school with a wet handkerchief over her face, simply to be able to breathe without inhaling lungfuls of dust.]

Figure 1. An unidentified car on a road in the Texas Panhandle in March 1936 with heavy clouds of dust in the sky  a typical phenomenon of the Dust Bowl. (Image credit: Library of Congress, via Wikimedia Commons)

How the Dust Bowl teamed up with natural oceanic cycles to create all-time record heat

Theres ample evidence that the heat of the 1930s was partially the result of the parched landscape that itself was stoked by overeager planting and plowing.

Richard Seager of Columbia University and colleagues found through computer modeling that the landscape degradation of the Dust Bowl interacted with an ocean-forced drought, intensifying the hot pattern and shifting it poleward. And a 2022 modeling study led by Gerald Meehl of the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Dust Bowl landscape may have helped to propagate heat extremes across other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. That paper notes:

It has only been in the twenty-first century that human populations in these regions of the Northern Hemisphere have experienced heat extremes comparable to the 1930s. This demonstrates that humans influenced Northern Hemisphere temperature and heat extremes through disastrous and unprecedented regional land use practices over the Great Plains, and points to the possibility that future intense regional droughts could affect heat extremes on hemispheric scales.

Even with the Dust Bowl influence having potentially helped spread heat and drought from North America as far as Eurasia, most of the planet remained significantly cooler than today. When you compare global and U.S. temperatures from the 1930s versus the early 21st century, as done in a Climate Brink post by scientist Andrew Dessler (see Fig. 3 below), its obvious that the United States wasnt part of a truly global heat trend back then, whereas it certainly is now.

Figure 3. Average summer high temperatures over land-based areas in the 1930s (top) and in the decade 2013-2022 (bottom). (Image credit: Andrew Dessler/Climate Brink, data from Berkeley Earth)

If anything, the 1930s arent a comforting tale of natural variability so much as a cautionary tale of what can happen  a saga of hubris, and of ignorance of how human interaction with the natural environment can pave the way to far-reaching climate impacts.

Figure 2. The lawn of the newly completed Nebraska State Capitol provided a resting place for Lincoln residents trying to escape the heat in July 1936, near the peak of the 1930s Dust Bowl. Lincolns hottest daily minimum on record and its all-time high both occurred on July 25, 1936, with 91F and 115F, respectively. (Image credit: History Nebraska Collections)

1936 heat records

The heat was especially brutal during July and August 1936, as chronicled in detail by extreme weather historian Christopher Burt in a 2018 write-up at Weather Underground. Dozens of U.S. states and cities set all-time high temperatures (i.e., the highest readings ever officially observed at a given site). The heat extended into south-central Canada, where Winnipeg, Manitoba, soared to its still-standing all-time high of 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Below are a few of the still-standing all-time highs set or tied in July 1936 at major U.S. cities:

New York City, New York: 106F (July 10)

Baltimore, Maryland: 107F (July 10)

Columbus, Ohio: 106F (July 14)

Louisville, Kentucky: 107F (July 14)

Des Moines, Iowa: 110F (July 25)

Minneapolis, Minnesota: 108F (July 14)

Bismarck, North Dakota: 114F (July 6)

Omaha, Nebraska: 114F (July 25)

The following states also set all-time highs in July 1936, each of which stands today:

Indiana: 116F (Collegeville, July 14)

Iowa*: 117F (Atlantic and Logan, July 25)

Kansas: 121F (Fredonia, July 18, and Alton, July 24)

Maryland: 109F (Cumberland and Frederick, July 10)

Michigan: 112F (Mio, July 13)

Minnesota: 114F (Moorhead, July 6)

Missouri: 118F (Clinton, July 15, and Lamar, July 18)

Nebraska: 118F (Hartington, July 17, and Minden, July 24)

New Jersey: 110F (Runyon, July 10)

North Dakota: 121F (Steele, July 6)

Oklahoma: 120F (Alva, July 18, and Altus, July 19)

Pennsylvania: 111F (Phoenixville, July 10)

West Virginia: 112F (Martinsburg, July 10)

Wisconsin: 114F (Wisconsin Dells, July 13)

*The 118F reported from Keokuk 2 on July 20, 1934, is almost certainly false. No other site in Iowa measured above 112F that day, and the NWS Keokuk site measured just 109F.

The international disasters database EM-DAT lists the North American heat wave of 1936 as the 11th-deadliest in modern world history, with 1,693 deaths. However, that total is an underestimate, as it includes only deaths reported from Illinois in July (1,193) and an estimated 500 deaths in Canada. Burt notes that press reports from St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Indiana imply another 814 heat-related fatalities in those locations alone. A Department of Commerce mortality statistics summary (see PDF file) lists 4,678 U.S. deaths attributed to excessive heat in 1936, as compared to 728 in 1935.

As Burt put it:
Jonathan Jacob Tijerina, 19, was acquitted of capital murder and aggravated robbery charges in a fatal shooting that left a man dead at Blow Hookah Bar on San Antonio's Northeast Side in 2022. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

A Bexar County jury has acquitted a 19-year-old San Antonio man who was one of six teens charged with capital murder in a robbery that killed a man at a Northeast Side hookah bar in 2022.

Jonathan Jacob Tijerina was 17 when he and five other men were arrested and charged with capital murder-other felony in the killing and robbery of Takhai Charles Michael, 20, on May 29, 2022, at the Blow Hookah Lounge in the 3900 block of Eisenhauer Road on the Northeast Side.

Testimony at the nearly weeklong trial that ended Friday established that Tijerina was the first person to approach Michaels vehicle parked in the parking lot, where he and his girlfriend and one of her friends were sitting.

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Prosecutors and police reports said that Tijerina pulled one of the women out of the car, while another defendant struck Michaels girlfriend with a pistol and the others fatally shot Michael.

In the coming days, authorities arrested Tijerina, along with Robert Joseph Ortiz, Arturo Alan Reyes, Nathan Cruz Sanchez, Aaron Matthew Trevino and Andres Villarreal. All of the defendants were charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery, according to court records.

His case and those of the co-defendants were heard in the 290th District Court, Judge Jennifer Pena presiding.

Tijerinas attorneys, Richard T. Molina, Griffin Scott Hill and Kelly Pittl argued that their client was there but did not participate in the crime, KSAT reported. Prosecutor Austin Stout argued that the law of parties made Tijerina responsible, even if he did not fire the fatal shot.

The jury agreed with the defense and found Tijerina not guilty of the capital offense and lesser charges of murder and aggravated robbery, court records indicate. Had he been found guilty, Tijerina would have faced life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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Trevino, 22, pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of murder in exchange for 50 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and was assessed a 10-year term. He was sentenced on both charges May 7. Each term will be served at the same time. His lawyer was Edward F. Shaughnessy.

Reyes, 22, pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated robbery and was sentenced March 26 to 20 years on each charge. They are to be served at the same time. He was represented by William Dwight Chumbley Jr.

Sanchez, 24, pleaded no contest to the lesser offense of murder and aggravated robbery. He was sentenced Feb. 26 to 35 years in prison on the murder charge, and 35 years on the aggravated robbery charge. Both terms will be served at the same time. He was represented by defense attorney Monica E. Guerrero.

Villarreal, 20, pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 20 years on each, the terms to be served concurrently. His attorneys were Cornelius Cox and Brigitte Garza.

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Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

Over the past 18 months my husband and I have struggled to agree on whether or not to have additional children. We are 35 and have two sons, ages 3 and 7. Admittedly our older son is challenginglots of issues with impulse control and defiance (we have great doctors and therapists who are helping). I know the early years are hard, but I want a larger family in hopes well be surrounded by our children, their partners, and grandkids in the years to come.

Weve been in couples counseling and solo therapy, and just cant seem to work through this issue. One of the hardest parts for me of not trying to expand our family is the utter grief that comes with thinking of not having a daughter. I know there are no guarantees, but Ive been dreaming of a daughter since I was 4, when my parents had my second brother. Im totally at a loss and dont know how to move forward. I love my sons and am hopeful well have great relationships as we all age, but I just cant shake the idea that Im only going to be a mom to boys.

Reluctant #BoyMom

Dear Reluctant,

Its telling to me how carefully you phrase your problem. You and your husband have struggled to agree on whether to have more kids, you write. What you are saying, put baldly, is that you want more kidsyou want to try for a daughterand he does not. I suspect youre unwilling to phrase the situation in this way because to do so lays bare the impossibility of compromise. What you want and what he wants are incompatible.

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In your letter, you write a lot about the reasons you want more children. But you dont say anything about why he doesnt. What are those reasons? Do you know? In therapy or in conversation, has he made them clear? Whatever they are, theyre no less valid or important to him than your grief at not having a daughter is to you. If they werent important to him, he wouldnt have spent the past year and a half arguing with you.

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Perhaps your desire for a large family is so strong that youre willing to blow up your marriage, find another partner, and have more children. But short of that, my advice is to let this go. Your husband sees that you are reluctant to be satisfied with your current family, and no doubt feels that your fixation on the daughter you dont have is making you a worse parent to the sons you do have. I bet hes right. Focus on the children who are in your house right now: two boys who, if you raise them with love, respect, and close attention, are just as capable of surrounding you with warmth and care in your golden years as any daughter would be.

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Oh, and stop reading #BoyMom crap on the internet. It is not helping. You are not the mom of #boys. You are the mom of your two specific sons, who love you and need you. Get over your reluctance, and get on with it.

Want Advice on Parenting, Kids, or Family Life?

Submit your questions to Care and Feeding here. Its anonymous! (Questions may be edited for publication.)

Dear Care and Feeding,

I am currently eight months pregnant. My husband and I are overjoyed and cannot wait to welcome our Sweet Pea into this world! As my due date draws closer, I am struggling to navigate boundaries with both my father and my mother-in-law around alcohol consumption around our future child. Both my dad and my mother-in-law have a tendency to overindulge, and at times we are concerned they have a more serious relationship with drinking. On repeat occasions, both have passed out, been nonfunctional, or had blackouts after which they did not remember what happened. My MIL gets mean, while my dadthough never a mean drunkgets overly affectionate, which comes across as creepy, which really upsets me.

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All of this to say, I really am struggling with the boundaries and expectations we put into place around drinking and alcohol with them. My husband and I both do like to have a few drinks over the weekends, so it feels hypocritical to completely ban it from our home; however, I do not want them drunk around our child, and Im having a visceral reaction to being around them drunk now when Im pregnant. How should my husband and I lovingly have this conversation, and what boundaries/rules should we set about alcohol consumption around our new baby?

Buzz-killing Momma to Be

Dear Buzzkill,

First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! Im glad youre thinking through this question now, rather than waiting until the older generation shows up blotto at the christening.

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By any standard, your father and mother-in-law are problem drinkers. This is the case for anyone who passes out or blacks out repeatedly from alcohol consumption. They are not fun-loving folks who occasionally overindulge. They may or may not suffer from an alcohol use disorder, but at the very least, they should be reconsidering their relationship to alcohol. As youre thinking about how you want to interact with them once you have a child, please keep that in mind.

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Now, I have met plenty of drinkers who nevertheless manage to behave just fine when around a grandchild. They recognize that a visit with an infant is not the same social milieu as, say, Mardi Gras, and they moderate their intake appropriately. But the fact that youre worried enough to write suggests that in your heart of hearts you dont believe theyre that kind of drinker. You believe theyre the kind of drinker who, given the job to babysit a grandchild for the afternoon, might just down three vodka-tonics and hit on the mail lady.

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Ideally, in the long run, youd lovingly introduce the idea that your father and mother-in-law could benefit from slowing down their drinking, or even from treatment. But youve got enough on your plate in 2024. For now, Id recommend making your house alcohol-free. That doesnt mean youre being hypocritical; it means youre making a decision about whats best for your new family situation. If your relatives ask, just say, Oh, were not drinking at home right now, and offer them a delicious ginger ale. When you go out with those relatives, make a point of not ordering a drink, and if you see your father or mother-in-law revving up for a bender, excuse yourselfOh, Sweet Peas feeling a little sleepy, wed better get him home.

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Does this mean you can never drink? No, of course not, though Im sure youve read all about the connection between a family history of alcohol abuse and ones own susceptibility to the disease. But by all means, hire a babysitter and have a margarita! Drink a beer at the neighborhood barbecue! I just think that given your concerns, it would not at all hurt anyone in your familyyou two new parents, your new child, or your party-hearty relativesif you make your babys first few years your Moderation Era.

Catch Up on Care and Feeding

 Missed earlier columns this week? Read them here.

 Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group!

Dear Care and Feeding,

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What are reasonable expectationsand whats the best way to start the conversationwhen grandparents offer to stay and help after the delivery of a grandchild?

I am having my third child in just a couple of weeks. We have a medically complex 4-year-old daughter with multiple disabilities, a 2-year-old honey badger daughter, and a dog (the easiest member of the family). I am hoping for the same birth experience Ive had previously, where I should be pretty mobile fairly quickly. I will have my husband full-time for two weeks. My parents are offering to stay with us, but I dont want someone to just hold the baby or just play with my kidsnot when I want to finally be able to do those things, after a very physically demanding pregnancy. However, I also dont want to be ungrateful. Should I just take what I can get?

Im Not Helpless

Dear Im Not,

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Parents welcoming a new baby should always feel free to be very specific about what help they need from grandparents around the birth. When our second child was born, my wifes mother was generous enough to come up to the New York City neighborhood where we lived; we housed her in a nearby apartment that needed a cat-sitter, handed her our older daughter, and said, Here you go. Reportedly, the week went great, other than that the cat required some kind of horrible medication to be syringed down its yowling mouth every four hours.

So if you dont want your parents to visit because youve got a certain vision for the postnatal period, you are totally allowed to ask them not to comeor, perhaps, to suggest a later time when you could better use their help, such as when your husband goes back to work, or when you do. However, I am a little worried that you are dramatically overestimating what you will be interested in doingor even capable of accomplishingin the immediate aftermath of your third childs birth.

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Its great that you want to hold your baby and play with your kidsbut do you think youll be able to do both those things at the same time? What about doing both those things while also walking your puppy? Yes, your husband will be around to take on one or more of those tasks, but what if either of you would like a short break? I dont know what a honey badger 2-year-old is, but if shes like most 2-year-olds I know, she wont be interested in letting you take a short break. Shell be crawling on your head while youre trying to nurse.

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Is the idea of your parents being in your house giving you pause? Aside from our apartment simply being too small, we also didnt want to deal with the stress of hosting alongside the stress of a new babyno matter how sweet and accommodating my mother-in-law would undoubtedly be, we would still feel stressso we found a solution in housing her elsewhere. Perhaps theres a nearby Airbnb or hotel where your parents could stay? Then theyd have a place to be when things in the house are getting a little crazya place they could take a kid or two in order to lower the volume in your house.

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Once again, if you dont want em there, you can tell them so! But you might be surprised how much help you discover you need. Congratulations on your new baby, and good luck.

Dan

More Advice From Slate

I am an only child to a mother who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. My wife and I would like to put her in some kind of out-of-home care, but we cant afford it. The most we can manage is in-home health care, essentially hospice, which is covered by her insurance. Her prognosis is six to 12 months. We have two kids, ages 3 and 5, and we worry about the impact of this experience on them. Will they be traumatized or horrified by seeing the end of life?
When I came back from abroad, there was one thing I couldnt wait for. Sure, I was excited to see my family and my dog and eat a Chipotle bowl on American soil. But what I missed more than anything was Trader Joes San Franciscostyle sourdough.

A staple in my kitchen, I use it for all sorts of concoctions. It pairs super well with olive oil, salt, and the Trader Joes honey chevre goat cheese. Its the perfect foundation for grilled cheeses, or basic turkey-and-cheese sandwiches. The bread is even just good as-is, with a little salt or butter after a night out. Its truly multifacetedor at least it was. When I made a recent pilgrimage to my local TJs, it was nowhere to be found.

Others had been similarly disappointed. On TikTok and Reddit, users lamented the apparent discontinuation of the product. Google searches for the sourdough peaked in May, when customers first noticed it had disappeared from the aisles. Someone even created a Change.org petition in hopes of bringing the beloved bread back, stating my friends will die without this bread. Why would a store discontinue such a fan favorite?

Its happened before, too. Years ago, the store discontinued the mini ravioli I grew up on. My fellow Slatesters have also noticed their favorite products disappearing from shelves: lemon pepper seasoning, frozen cioppino seafood stew, frozen yogurt, horseradish potato chips, and more.

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Wanting to get to the bottom of this, I sent a media request to Trader Joes. They referred me to a mini-episode of the Trader Joes podcast ICYMI (not to be confused with Slates internet podcast ICYMI) about why the company discontinues products in the first place. And it usually doesnt have to do with the product itself, vice president of marketing Matt Sloan says on the podcast.

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If you dont have high volume or growing volume, the costs of producing and handling a slow-selling product are such that it doesnt make business sense for us, he says. And if you think about how small our stores areand on a relative basis, theyre smaller than most grocery stores.

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Most grocery stores have to contend with manufacturers slotting fees; in other words, what they pay to keep items on the shelf. At TJs, items that dont sell as well will affect the stores bottom line since a company isnt paying to place them there, hence incentivizing discontinuation.

Given the overwhelming popularity of the sourdough, I couldnt believe this could be the case. But its also possible that there are other factors at play that actually dont have to do with customer demand: supply chain issues, lack of storage facility space, competitive pressures, high manufacturing fees, or just general desire for a newer and maybe even better product. After all, Trader Joes prides itself on unique products.

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We work hard; the product development team, the tasting panel group, they work on things by tasting them, Sloan explains in the podcast. They think these things make sense. They think that theyre delicious. They think theyre worth customers time and attention. And if that doesnt pan out in that way, well, weve gotta move on.

Related From Slate Yep, Trader Joes Cashiers Are Up To Exactly What You Suspected Read More

Its also possible the products that go missing are just seasonal. Just as Mariah Careys All I Want for Christmas Is You starts playing on the radio, Candy Cane Joe-Joes will reappear on Trader Joes shelves.

Other grocery stores face similar pressures. Costco would rather not sell an item than sell it at a price thats too high, Chuck Howard, an assistant professor of marketing at Texas A&Ms Mays Business School, said in a 2022 CNN article. It would be off-brand for them to be selling things that consumers think would be too expensive. So even if youre not a Trader Joes shopper, your favorite products elsewhere could disappear, too.

The Trader Joes website does have a contact form to make requests to bring back discontinued products, acknowledging it can be disappointing and even devastating. I also followed up with the media person to ask if theres potential for the specific sourdough to return, but havent heard back yet. In the meantime, I guess Ill give the sourdough replacement a shot.
In one of the most important nonpresidential decisions voters will face this November, Floridians will consider an abortion access ballot initiative. If it passes by a 60 percent vote, the initiative would overturn a recently enacted law that bans abortions after six weeks, before most people even learn that they are pregnant.

With the stakes so high for the reproductive rights of Floridians, anti-abortion groups are ramping up efforts to attack the initiative, firing off absurd and false claims including that the amendment would allow infanticide after birth. Its worth a deeper examination of the groups funding this effort to block abortion access in the Sunshine State. Specifically, six Florida-based groupsincluding Florida Voters Against Extremism, Liberty Counsel, Florida Family Policy Council, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Center for Life and Liberty, and Florida Voice for the Unborn are intent on keeping the state an abortion desert. The overwhelming majority of the board members of those groups, 29 out of 34, are men.

The launch of Florida Voters Against Extremism, a political action committee constituted for the sole purpose of opposing the amendment, is seemingly part of an emerging pattern of nationally tied anti-abortion players cosplaying as grassroots campaigns.

FVAE was created on Oct. 30, 2023, and the very next day it managed to file an amicus brief with the Florida Supreme Court to try to keep the initiative off the ballot. Liberty Counsel, a 501(c)(3) that the Southern Poverty Law Center designates as a hate group, represented FVAE in the brief. It is unclear how FVAE funded the brief, since public disclosures show the PAC did not start receiving contributions until 2024.

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There are some clues, though. FVAE shares the same address as two other Florida PACs: Conservatives for Principled Leadership and Floridians for Conservative Values. These PACs, since that brief was filed, have become FVAEs first and third largest donors, according to disclosures. Conservatives for Principled Leadership, which is Florida House Speaker Paul Renners PAC, just donated $1 million to FVAE this month. Floridians for Conservative Values is also a PAC chaired by another top-level Florida politician, state Sen. Clay Yarborough. (Despite keeping an updated list of contributions on their website, Floridians for Conservative Values does not list its $75,000 contribution to FVAE.)

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FVAEs largest donor was the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, which prior to the $1 million from CPL was responsible for more than a quarter of the $397,000 raised by FVAE in the first quarter of the year. FVAE also recently received approximately $130,000 from the Archdiocese of Miami.

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These groups all have ties to political institutions and power structures that go well beyond the scope of grassroots organizations. Florida Republican politicians and high-level Catholic officials are financing the majority of FVAEs efforts to oppose Amendment 4. Despite the fact that the majority of U.S. Catholics support abortion health care, bishops are spending their parishioners hard-earned money in service of the Catholic Churchs anti-abortion agenda.

This is not the first time that a PAC was created in order to present a veneer of homegrown opposition to a state abortion amendment. Anti-abortion groups used that tactic last year in Ohio when the Protect Women Ohio Action PAC received millions from anti-abortion power broker Leonard Leos network. Leo is the man who engineered the right-wing capture of the U.S. Supreme Court and its overturning of Roe v. Wade, which in turn necessitated state-level abortion access amendments to protect Americans reproductive freedoms. He continues to play a significant role in efforts to eliminate abortion health care.

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Related From Slate John Roberts Just Delivered a Big Gift to Billionaires Read More

With less than four months left until Floridians vote on the amendment, the main opposition forces continue to maintain a local grassroots facade. However, these groups have ties to national right-wing groups and anti-abortion figures, including Leo.

Liberty Counsels founder and chairman Mathew Staver, the attorney listed on FVAEs brief, sits on the board of the Council for National Policy alongside Leo. John Stemberger, founder of the Florida Family Policy Council, is also a Council for National Policy member. Stemberger coordinated the creation of a book honoring Leo as one of the greatest pro-life leaders of the last fifty years. Stemberger also helped fund the CNPs 40th Anniversary Gala. The CNP is an advisory member for Project 2025, which seeks to establish a national abortion ban by using the draconian 1873 Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion medicines. Project 2025 is the radical game plan put forward by former Trump administration officials and insiders for Trump to execute if he were to become president.

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Four out of the six board members of Florida Voice for the Unborn are directly affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, an all-male Catholic Order that has a charitable fund that Sean Fieler, a close Leo ally, has used as his donor-advised fund to direct money to anti-abortion efforts. Fieler is anti-choice, anti-LGBTQ+, and anticlimate change mitigation efforts, in addition to having used one of his gold mines to fund anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers, groups that frequently spread anti-abortion misinformation.

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Several of the amendment opposition groups also have a history of engaging in political fights to blur or entirely eliminate the separation of church and state. Liberty Counsel, Florida Family Policy Council, and the National Center for Life and Liberty have all advocated for the repeal of the Johnson Amendment of 1954, which prevents churches that are exempt from paying taxes from engaging in electoral campaigns. Notably, Liberty Counsels 501(c)(4) action arm wrote to the Senate Judicial Committee to promote Amy Coney Barrett during her Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

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In 2021, Liberty Counsels Staver led a Liberty Pastors Boot Camp that pledged to answer the question How do I deal with the myth of Separation of Church and State in my pulpit? The group has also represented groups seeking to force governments to hoist religious flags on public property and allow religious gatherings after normal operating hours, as well as filing amicus briefs supporting abortion bans and limiting access to contraception.

Samuel Rodriguez Jr., a leader in the Christian extremist group the New Apostolic Reformation, is on the board of Liberty Counsel Action. New Apostolic Reformations theological approach promotes seven mountains dominionism, a far-right Christian political ideology that holds that Christians should capture key institutions in America in order to impose their will on all Americans. NAR has also been credited with driving the Christian nationalist Jan. 6 contingent.

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The stakes around Floridas abortion amendment are incredibly high, and not only because it was previously a last Southern holdout for some reproductive rights, now leaving pregnant Southerners with limited options to access abortion and control their health and their reproductive destinies.

In their ruling blessing the states abortion ban, six of the Florida Supreme Court justices, who were handpicked by Gov. Ron DeSantis and with the guidance of Leo, suggested that they are prepared to enshrine so-called fetal personhood in their interpretation of Floridas law should the amendment opponents fail this fall, which would prohibit the state from legalizing abortion even if that were to reflect the will of the majority of voters in the state.

If past ballot initiatives in other states are any indication, Floridians should be prepared for last-minute cash bombs attacking the abortion access ballot initiative coming from powerful power brokers who continue to try to turn back our rights and our freedoms. Theyll sell themselves as local Floridians concerned about the future of their state, but dont buy it for one minute.
Joe Manchin is not a Democrat anymore. The longtime West Virginia senator made that clear in May, when he reregistered as an independent, a final enshrinement of his legacy as either a reliable centrist check on Democratic overreach from a red state or a uniquely annoying media-hungry bloodsucker eager to protect one of the more sinister dossiers of donor money on Capitol Hill. (You can probably guess where I stand on the question.) But whatever: Its not our problem anymore. Manchin has left the party and announced he would not seek reelection in 2024 anyway. We no longer need to think about him. Right? Right??

Not if Joe Manchin has anything to say about it! Seriously, over the past three days, as Democrats processed a dug-in Biden jumping from the top of the ticket, Manchin apparently felt the need to keep the country updated on all his plans, thoughts, and feelings. First, there was the report that Manchin was considering becoming a Democrat again and throwing his hat in the ring to run for the vacant nomination, a completely doomed and counterfeit proposal that had no chance in hell from the start. (Remember, Manchin reneged his status as a Democrat in May.) Then, mere hours later, he told CBS that he was not planning a campaign, which brought to mind those weeks when Aaron Rodgers swore that he planned on playing for the Jets with a torn Achilles before ultimately writing off those chances as a media-created storyline.

Related From Slate Republicans Keep Saying Biden Is Unfit to Serve and Must Resign Immediately. About That. Read More

Even with that thoroughly self-manufactured news cycle out of the way, Manchin was undeterred. He made a point to refuse to endorse Kamala Harris for being too far to the left, while also declaring that he wouldnt serve as her vice presidential nomineea situation that truly nobody was proposing. (The Harris campaign has already requested vetting materials from at least five possible VPs. Manchin was not among them.) Regardless, reporters have eagerly passed along every morsel of the Manchin saga, and Manchin has surely savored it all, because boorishly amplifying your own meager influence is one of the few political currencies we have left in 2024.

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But those same journalists have yet to proclaim the fundamental paradox of Manchins media blitz, so unfortunately that responsibility falls to me. Joe Manchin, youre not a Democrat anymore! You left the party! You no longer get to be a part of the nomination process! You actually dont get to have a say! Thats not how any of this works! To paraphrase the great Damian Leigh, you dont even go here.

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Look, I know its futile to have a bone to pick with Joe Manchin, a person who has stuck around in the Senate to fulfill this exact flavor of vanity: a desire to appear on television and be nonspecifically troubled by various avenues of the Democrats. And I also understand that his departure from the partya coalition so wide and ideologically unwieldy that its able to contain Henry Cuellar and Bernie Sandersis itself a desperate plea for even more attention, especially now that the sheen from his obstinance toward the Build Back Better bill has worn off. But at the very least, we dont have to cover him as a Democrat anymore, because hes not a Democrat anymore.

Lets cover Manchin the way he should be covered: as a lame-duck crank heckling from the sidelines.
For most of my life, as is true for a lot of Indians, no one in my family used my real name. Instead, I was called by a nickname too stupid to even tell white people about it. Most members of my family have their own pet name: My mother used to go by Moni, my niece is Bubaloo, I have Pinky Aunties and Sweetu Didis and Bubbly Uncles.*

This is a time-honored tradition among brown folks, but it also leads to some confusion later in life. Sometimes you find out that the cousin you were raised with actually has an entirely different, utterly unpronounceable name. There you are, trying to ask your mom about Pippoo or whatever, and your mother replies with Who? Oh, Veerangana, and you have to spend the next day mentally reformatting your family tree while trying to figure out how many As are in Veerangana.

Who knows if presidential candidate (and fellow South Asian) Kamala Harris was raised the same way I was, with everyone having a stupider, faker name than their real one. In the public consciousness, at least, Harris has had plenty of names: Laffin Kamala, Veep, Brat, Momala (my personal favorite), and, maybe eventually, Madam President. But through it all is one clear constant, already a thorn in the sides of a lot of brown people across the world: Even when you think youre saying Harris first name right, youre still saying it wrong. And shes letting us!

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For once, I dont blame white people for this. In 2016, while she was running for the Senate, Harris released a PSA to help people learn how to say her name. Its not Cam-el-uh. Its not Kuh-ma-la. Its not Karmela, say a rotation of cutie-pie kids. Its Kamala. For years, Harris has been telling people her name is pronounced comma-la, like the punctuation mark. Its common, for people with unique ethnic names, to find ways to explain the pronunciation approachably and easily. Ive been doing this for years, so much so that in my mid-20s, I realized I had been saying my own name wrong for most of my life. Sometimes its just easier to agree with the pronunciation that most people can get their heads around. Its tiring to spend your life explaining your most basic self; Harris first had to get people to even recognize the basics of her name.

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Kamala, among Indians, is a pretty common name for girls. It means lotus and is often used with some interchangeability for Lakshmi, one of the chief goddesses in Hinduism. But although pronunciations vary to some degree across the many, many languages and tongues of India, its not typically pronounced exactly like comma-la, the way Americans would say it; instead, its more subtle, closer to comla. Different localities of India may have different ways of pronouncing itfor instance, in Tamil Nadu, where Harris maternal family hails from, one way of saying Kamala is somewhere in between comma-la and comlabut generally the emphasis isnt on the first part, comma; instead, there isnt any real emphasis at all. Its smooth sailing, across her full name. It can be tough for tongues trained in English, but you almost have to skip gently over that second anot entirely, but just enough so that it doesnt sound as if youre speaking in punctuation.

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Appropriate emphasis in South Asian names continues to be tough for North American audiences. Usha Vance is lucky her first name is so simple; her son Vivek will continue to have his name mildly butchered while his dad rails against women who own cats. (What did we ever do to you?) But again, who can blame everyone for getting it wrong when the candidate herself has put forth a more Americanized way of saying her name? If Im being fully honest with myself, even my own explanation is lacking: Hindi doesnt use Western pronunciations of the letters a and o, meaning they sometimes operate either more as a u sound (as in pagal) or as an au sound (as in chodah). While its difficult to transmit consonants and vowels from any Indian language, American English speakers could learn something new from the different kinds of stresses and syllabic counts that Indians may be more familiar with. In this case, we could be better off pronouncing her name more like cumla, but I know better than to suggest that spelling. I too was once 12 years old.

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Harris is the first woman of color to clinch a major party nomination, and shes the first woman of color now obligated to take Donald Trump to task in an election. In the coming months, people will get more wrong about her than they will rightdown to even her so-called progressive history as a California prosecutor. As she has already done throughout her career, shes in for another onslaught of racist jabs, sexist critiques, and boneheaded accusations of being either not Black enough, not brown enough, or too much of one or the other.

As the WhatsApp groups keep popping off with unbearably sincere memes about a possible President Harris, the least we can do is get her name right. Youre telling me that you can all get Buttigieg no problem after a few months, but Kamala is tripping you up? No issues with Mnuchin either? You think Barron is a perfectly acceptable first name? Grow up. We cant all be a Kennedy.

Update, July 25, 2024: This article originally focused primarily on the North Indian Hindi way of pronouncing Kamala. It has been updated to include a wider range of pronunciations reflecting the diverse populations across India.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington all week, and so far, the trip has been a debacle.

No U.S. official met him at the airport when his plane landed. A meeting with President Joe Biden, which had been loosely scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed till Thursday or Friday, if then. An address to a joint session of Congress is still on for Wednesday, but Vice President Kamala Harris wont be presiding, citing an out-of-town commitment. Many lawmakers, from both parties, will boycott the session.

Outside the Capitol, thousands of protesters will gathersome pro-Palestinian, some Israelis who think Netanyahu shouldnt be going anywhere before striking a cease-fire and getting the hostages released. Thus the visit will highlight hostility toward Israel and strife within Israelwhen the original point of the trip was to dampen both.

Having more free time on his hands than hed anticipated, Netanyahu may meet in the meantime with former (and possibly future) President Donald Trumpwhich would bolster many Democrats suspicions that the whole trip has been a partisan ploy all along.

In short: The whole framework of this trip has slipped wildly out of joint since it was planned two months ago. Someone, in Washington or Jerusalem, should have canceled it.

It was back in May that House Speaker Mike Johnson, working with Israeli officials, cooked up the idea of a Netanyahu address to Congress. The Senates ranking Republican, Mitch McConnell, joined in. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had criticized the prime minister, even called for his resignation, but he remained ardently pro-Israel, so he, along with ranking House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, felt obliged to co-sign the invitation rather than be outflanked.

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At the time, the war in Gaza was large-font headline news. Tensions were building over whether the Israeli army should expand its offensive to the southern Gazan town of Rafah, where the last remnants of Hamas leaders were believed to be hidingbut also where more than 1 million civilians had fled from the north.

Now, Netanyahus speech and, to a large extent, the war have been pushed off the front pages by two weeks of head-spinning domestic newsTrumps attempted assassination, Bidens decision not to run for reelection, Harris rapid rise as his would-be successor, and the rejiggering of the American political landscape. If Netanyahu came to exert leverage in Washington, its no longer clear where, how, or with whom he needs to do the exerting.

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Nor does he come to the States with as strong a hand as he thought he might have by now. The war is far from over. Bidens top officials claim that they and other powers in the region are nearing a peace deal with Hamas, but even if its true (unlike the previous umpteen times theyve said so), Netanyahus far-right coalition partners back in Jerusalem are warning him not to take any dramatic steps in that direction.

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The prime ministers trip comes amid great danger. Storm clouds are rumbling from the north (Hezbollah in Lebanon), east (Palestinian militancy intensifying in the West Bank), and the south (where a Houthi-fired drone broke through defenses to damage Tel Aviv). Not the greatest time for Netanyahu to leave home for a trip that amounts to a salve to his ego, and an ineffectual one.

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Some Republicans are berating Biden and Harris for dissing Americas top Middle Eastern ally, even going so far as to accuse Harris in particular of fueling antisemitism. (Tell that to her husband and watch them both laugh.) But this is lame criticism.

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Yes, nobody from the Biden administration met Netanyahu at the airport, but why should they? This is not a state visitit was not coordinated with the White House or the State Department. (Even the meeting with Biden was tentative; no time was set, and there was certainly no ceremony.)

Memories are also far from dim. The last time Netanyahu arranged to be invited to address a joint session of Congress was in 2015, when he used the occasion to blast President Barack Obama (and, by association, Vice President Biden) for negotiating the Iran nuclear deal, calling it a very bad deal (both impolitic and incorrect, especially since he did so without consulting the White House ahead of time).

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He has been a terrible ally to Obama and Biden, criticizing them for alleged acts of betrayal, when in fact they have bountifully supplied Israel with military aid, intelligence assistance, and diplomatic supportmore so, especially now, than nearly any other country on the planet.

Related From Slate There Has Been Nothing Like This in American History Read More

Officials say Biden does intend to meet with Netanyahu anyway, but he couldnt do it on Tuesday because Biden remains in quarantine from COVID. Harris also plans to meet with the prime minister, but it would send the wrong messageat a time when some say Biden should not only pull out of the November race but step down from the White Houseto have such a pow-wow without the president.

Harris absence from Wednesdays address, to attend a campaign rally, also seems reasonable. Sitting in the dais, next to Speaker Johnson, she would be on camera throughout the speech, which would no doubt contain lines designed to make her seemin the eyes of some viewersobsequious to Israel if she applauded and hostile if she did not. (It is worth noting that Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, will also be missing the speech to attend a campaign event.)

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Only one thing might save Netanyahus speech, at least for his U.S. audiencean announcement of a cease-fire and a hostage-exchange deal. That would be quite the surpriseand an achievement that he could share with Biden, since Biden and his team have laid the groundworks for such a deal in negotiations with Israel, Egypt, and Qatar.

But Netanyahu is aiming his Wednesday talk primarily for his viewers at home. (Its scheduled for 2 p.m. East Coast time, which is 9 p.m., TV prime time, in Israel.) There, opinion is still divided on the key questions of war and peace. The best thing he might hope for, at this point, is that the visit will not have done him too much damage.
Welcome to How Bad Is This, Really?or maybe this time we should call it How Good Is This, Really?a recurring feature in which we take the temperature of the presidential election and what seems likely to happen in November.

Democrats, having spent three weeks in a quagmire of deep-summer bickering about whether Joe Biden should step aside, are now experiencing a cool breeze of optimism. Theyre jamming into Kamala Harris rallies and donating to her in sums so massive that they should perhaps make all of us question how we allot our capital, as a society. But there are ominous funnel clouds in the distance: Republicans are planning to Willie Horton Harris, which means running ads about how a person who was let out of jail under her supervision went on to commit further crimesa strategy that, according to conventional wisdom, contributed heavily to Michael Dukakis landslide loss in 1988. Vox and Nate Silver, meanwhile, say shes an underdog. What does it all mean?

Lets cover the less fun stuff (from a Democratic perspective) first. Its true that Harris did enter the presidential race as a nominal underdog. The candidate shes replacingOld Joe Bidenwas losing, and her own hypothetical head-to-head numbers against Trump nationally were not in the range that shed probably need to win the Electoral College. (Long story short, a Democrat who wins the national popular vote by 1 percent this year will probably not win enough swing states to become president.) Republicans also lead the generic ballot question (which asks voters which party theyd rather see in control of Congress) narrowly in FiveThirtyEights tracker. Which is to say: Just being a generic, inoffensive Democrat might be an improvement over Biden, but it likely wont be enough to win the election.

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Bidens fundraisingwhich Harris inheritsalso fell off after the June 27 debate, while Donald Trump enjoyed major surges of donations after he was convicted of a felony and almost shot to death. (Human psychology is an interesting thing.) Early missteps aside, Republicans will probably figure out effective ways to attack Harris, a former San Francisco prosecutor who led a Biden administration immigration task forcei.e., calling her a soft-on-crime open-borders liberal who has personally turned every one of our most beautiful cities into a puke-covered hellscape.

And yet! Harrisunlike either Biden or Trumpis someone who is young-ish and verbally competent enough to describe her life, record, and goals in a way that may change voters minds about supporting her. (She could, for instance, point out that Democrats recently helped create a substantial border-security billand Trump told Republicans not to pass it because he felt it would be bad for him politically. She could explain that a Republican convention claim about her connection to a Minnesota bail fund was false. She can say anything!)

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Harris opportunities for exposure include the Dems four-day convention in August, which will probably draw more than the usual number of eyeballs, as well as potential debates with Trump. (He claims hes willing to participate in some, but well see.) And according to the academic researchwhich confirms common sensemessages delivered by candidates who are less-known to voters (like Harris) are more likely to change their minds than messages delivered by candidates who are already well-known (like the man shes replacing).

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That brings up Harris other big advantage. Her opponent is very well-known and has already had what was likely his last big chance to generate a polling bounce by defining his candidacy in a fresh waythe Republican National Convention, which was held just days after an unsuccessful attempt on his life. But Trump was only able to ride this wave of good fortune and (relatively) good press to what, according to the four polls conducted since Biden dropped out, is a position just slightly ahead of Harris:

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 A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Harris leading Trump by 2 points nationally, or 4 points when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was included.

 A Marist poll that included RFK Jr. found Harris and Trump tied.

 A Morning Consult poll that didnt include RFK found Harris running 2 points behind Trump. (Which, although its a losing position, is 4 points better than Biden had been doing in Morning Consults most recent BidenTrump head-to-head.)

 A CNN poll found Harris running 3 points behind Trump (but doing 3 points better than Biden).

Related From Slate A Very Quick but Completely Authoritative Guide to the Kamala Harris Veepstakes Read More

(Speaking of RFK Jr., its an indication of how eventful the past month of this election has been that theres a well-funded, famous candidate for president who may have eaten a dog and recently tweeted the words I wont take sides on 9/11 but barely gets mentioned at all except as an afterthought in these kinds of polling comparisons. Mark my wordsthe man isnt going to win the election, but hell have his say as to who does win in some sort of extremely unsettling manner, you can bet on it!)

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Harris also still gets to choose a vice presidential candidate. And while VP choices arent generally thought to have large effects on election outcomes, the professors who literally wrote the book on whether running mates matterit was called Do Running Mates Matter?once included the following caveat in a summary of their research:

In order for a running mate to help a candidate on a national scale, he or she must be exceedingly popular; in order to hurt, the VP must be tremendously unpopular.

As it happens, Trump may have picked such a person:

JD Vance is making history as the least liked VP nominee (non-incumbent) since 1980 following his/her party's convention. He's the first to have a net negative favorable rating.



Not surprising given how weak he ran in Ohio in 2022. Far worse than the average Ohio Republican. pic.twitter.com/hlZziePkKe  (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) July 24, 2024

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The aforementioned professors, Christopher Devine and Kyle Kopko, have further said that VP selections influence voters most if they underscore beliefs or suspicions about the candidate at the top of the ticket. (Devine points to Sarah Palin as an example; her selection in 2008 made voters question the judgment of prez candidate John McCain.) Vance has a history of provocative statements, having for instance defended the QAnon mass-pedophilia theory and called InfoWars founder Alex Jones, who claimed for years that the Sandy Hook massacre was staged, a more reputable source of information than liberal MSNBC host Rachel Maddow. CNNs crack K-File research team has also found that, in 2016, Vance said he believed Trump had committed sexual assault. In other words, Vances addition to the ticket may not help convince voters that Trump is the candidate of decency and honesty. Harris, by contrast, has a chance to select a veep who could help her make the case that she is a reasonable, nonradical person who will govern in a consensus-oriented way.

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Finally there is the strong possibility that Harris, simply because she is a woman whose parents are Black and Indian, will be the subject of racist, sexist, or otherwise crude remarks by Trump that, in campaign parlance, drive up his negatives. The former president has sort of controlled himself thus far, making only a veiled insinuation that Harris slept her way to the top, but there are three months left to go.

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We conclude this column with a rating on the Shovel Meter, a measure of exactly how sedated you might want to be, on a scale of one to five shovel blows to the head, if youre concerned about Trumps reelection. Today: Two shovels and a coconut.

And thats the context in which you live, for now.
On Tuesday morning, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her post. Shed been under intense scrutiny since the Secret Service badly botched things at the rally where former President Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet. For Voxs Abdallah Fayyad, her resignation was somewhat inevitable.

Obviously shes not directing every single event, and not every failure is necessarily because of a lapse in her judgment. But how weve seen her respond is itself disqualifying to continue on as director of the Secret Service because she has been so reluctant to be transparent, even with lawmakers, about how to prevent this from happening again, Fayyad said.

This lack of transparency? It was on full display earlier this week, when Cheatle showed up at a congressional hearing to answer lawmakers questions. By the time this hearing got going, the people in this room were pissed. They were wondering why the Secret service hadnt spotted the shooter sooner. Then, they asked about new reports that Trump had been denied extra security when his team asked for it. These attacks on Cheatle were pretty bipartisan. And she seemed to either not have a lot of details about what happened in Butler, Pennsylvania, or she just didnt want to answer questions yet. Theres this aversion to any kind of accountability when something goes sideways, Fayyad said. And this aversion to accountability has been a problem for years before the rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service does have a long history of not being exactly transparent with the people it needs to be transparent with, let alone the public.

On Wednesdays episode of What Next: Why the Secret Services long history means kicking out the person in charge is only the beginning. A portion of our conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, has been transcribed below.

Mary Harris: I started to hear about the Secret Service being a little messy during the Obama administration. In 2011, there was this incident where a gunman fired multiple shots at the White House, and it wasnt discovered for days that he had reached the White House with the bullets. Can you walk me through what happened, and how the Secret Service failed to prevent that attack?

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Abdallah Fayyad: Initially, the Secret Service deemed that as just a gunman outside the White Housethat it was not targeted at the White House. And it actually took them days to find the damage to the White House done by the bullets fired at it. They only were able to find that evidence of damage after a housekeeper came to them because she noticed broken glass and cement as a result of one of the bullet holes.

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One of the things about this incident that highlights problems of the Secret Service is, first and foremost, they clearly did not do a thorough sweep of the grounds in the immediate aftermath of that event. And the second problem with that incident was they also took days to raise the issue to their superiors. The president, for example, and the first lady did not learn of the gunman incident for days.

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Do they get called on the carpet for that? If youre president, youre relying on these people to protect you. So, its a little awkward to yell at them and freak out but at the same time totally necessary. So, who did freak out? Did anyone freak out?

There was a lot of anger directed at the Secret Service. Michelle Obama, for example, was incredibly angry. Neither her nor the president were at the White House when shots were fired, but their daughters were.

After this incident happened, theres a whole other incident where the Obamas had gone to Colombia on a visit. The Secret Service went with them. And they were sent back because they hired sex workers while they were there. And then in 2015, drunk agents crashed a car into the White House barricade. Like, all of this just seems to point to a toxic culture inside the agency.

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Theres been a lot of reporting on the frat boy work culture at the Secret Service. If agents are behaving this way on trips, it does make you wonder whether or not they are actually capable of protecting the president, the vice president, and their families or candidates. And if theyre actually succeeding at their job, or if oftentimes, as was the case at the Trump rally, theyre getting lucky. Because its clear that what happened was not a situation where the president was saved because of the scale of the Secret Service but by sheer dumb luck that he is still alive.

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There was also an incident after Jan. 6 that called into question how the people in charge of the Secret Service were operating, because right after the riot at the Capitol, Secret Service agents text messages were deleted, which is highly suspicious.

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What happened on Jan. 6 has to be a huge stain and a big red flag for how the Secret Service is running itself and what the expectations of the Secret Service have been. In the days before Jan. 6, we dont have a record of their agents text messages. They suspiciously deleted all the messages and then blamed it on some internal software change that the agency was undergoing. Even if that is true, is it not alarming that one of the most important security agencies in the country just lost so much of its data and cant retrieve it?

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I want to talk through what we do know about how the Secret Service failed to protect Donald Trump at his Butler County rally. First of all, when you lay out the facts of where the shooter was and how long he had to take aim at the former president, how many shots he was able to fire, it doesnt seem like a sophisticated operation. It seems like something that was preventable. Can you walk me through all those details?

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There are a couple of details here that are really important for people to understand. Onlookers noticed that there was a man on the roof with a gun. He was also reported to local law enforcement, which helped the Secret Service secure the event. They noticed him on the roof with a gun, and Trump was still allowed to remain on the stage for over a minute after that was flagged. We also know that there were a dozen law enforcement snipers located in the building that the gunman was sitting atop.

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They were inside, and he was on top. And the head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, said that their own agents werent on that roof because it was sloped and therefore dangerous, which is a strange response.

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That is a very strange response. It makes you wonder whether or not the president should be allowed to be near buildings with sloped roofs if thats their security protocol, that they just dont go up on those roofs, which on its face just seems like a ridiculous thing. If a gunman can be on that roof, then so too can the Secret Service. In the aftermath of the rally as well, you saw the Secret Service try to pass on some of the blame to local law enforcement because they do work in conjunction to secure these events. And in the outside perimeter, local law enforcement was responsible. However, the commanding agency is the Secret Service at those events, even outside the perimeter.

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Another detail that is very alarming for how the Secret Service secured that event itself is that the gunman was within 400 feet of the president with a gunan AR-15style rifle, which is very common to have among a lot of Americans, and that has a 600-foot range. If that is a common firearm in the United States, why is it that the outside perimeter was within firing range of that firearm?

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Theres also this fact that Donald Trump had gotten increased Secret Service protection in the days leading up to this assassination attempt because of an unrelated plan by Iran to assassinate him. And this rally still unfolded the way it did. What does that tell you about how the Secret Service works and does what they have to do?

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Thats part of the reason why Im skeptical of the talking point that part of the failure is because they dont have enough resources. They were aware of a threat. They had the resources to secure that event if they needed to secure it more. The question is whether they were actually paying attention and whether they were actually focused at keeping Trump protected or whether they were asleep at the wheel.

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Some of my listeners might hear our conversation and think, There are plenty of dangerous situations that the Secret Service is managing that we dont know about. We only hear about it when they screw up. What would you say to someone who says that?

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Thats a totally valid thing to say. But the reality is that we should have extremely high standards for all of our law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, and not simply just give them a pass when they fail, even if its very rare that they fail. When there are failures, law enforcement agencies have to be held accountable, and the Secret Service is no different. I dont know if part of the reason theyre not transparent is because they worry about national security threats. I can understand why they dont want to tell us about all the plots against former presidents or their projects. But part of that lack of transparency does lead us to not really understand the scale of failures that happen day in and day out or the scale of successes.

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So, the head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, is out. But thats not the only thing thats changed in the past few days, because now Kamala Harris, a vice president, is running for president. And it strikes me were at this really fragile juncture. Protecting the first Black female candidate for the presidency is a big job. Is the Secret Service ready for that assignment?

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People should be asking that question. What we do know is that, for example, Obama received more death threats than his predecessors, as the first Black president. So, chances are there is a lot of hatred, anger, resentment, and racism directed at Kamala Harris as she runs for office. And there is probably going to be, as weve seen in the alt-right and far-right circles, a larger and larger appetite for political violence. There is a lot more danger and a much bigger threat for presidential candidates, including and especially somebody like Kamala Harris right now, than maybe in the past.

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Is removing Kimberly Cheatle a fix for these politicians who are now in the mix?

Its absolutely not a fix. Having the Secret Service director resign is something that needs to be done for accountability, but that alone is not enough to fix its problems. Of course, there has to be a very thorough investigation over what happened at Trumps rally, but lawmakers would be wrong to just focus on that rally. They have to zoom out. They have to look at how this agency has been managing itself. They have to look at all of its problems. They have to look at these past failures and see them as part of a pattern that hasnt really been answered for at all.
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You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm, which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors.

Arriving in Kosice by car, finding affordable parking is a top priority, especially if your hotel does not offer a spot. Fortunately, I discovered a convenient public parking lot just a short walk from Hlavna ulica (Main Street), costing only 3 a day.

As it turned out, Kosice is a city where everything feels delightfully close: I found that all my meetings were within a brisk 15-minute walk or a quick 10-minute electric scooter ride from the heart of the city. This compactness made exploring Kosice a breeze.

Trips for curious travellers

During my time in Kosice, I had the pleasure of meeting Igor Kupec, a former graphic designer whose journey took a thrilling turn six years ago. Discovering a newfound passion for travel, Kupec, alongside his friend Richard Olhava, launched Local Nomada unique travel agency dedicated to showcasing the lesser-known wonders of Kosice and its surroundings.

Unlike conventional tours, their carefully curated experiences go beyond the city's renowned historical monuments, offering visitors a deeper, more authentic exploration. With minimal marketing and a savvy use of the Internet, social networks, and strategic hotel partnerships, Local Nomad has become the go-to choice for curious travellers.

Kosice has become a popular destination for tourists, thanks to the arrival of low-cost airlines connecting the city to Ireland and Britain. Additionally, there are connections to Kosice from Vienna, Prague, and Warsaw. The city is particularly appealing to foreign visitors due to its UNESCO-listed monuments.

Olhava mentions that they mainly take tourists to the Spis and Gemer regions, where there are up to 19 UNESCO-listed monuments. Trips typically cost between 100 to 200 per person per day, depending on the destination.

The clients come from diverse backgrounds and countries, seeking unique experiences away from popular tourist destinations.

"These are people who want to experience something different from regular big cities like Prague or Budapest. That's why we take them to islands of positive deviance, monuments that are privately owned. For example, the Zla diera (Evil Hole) cave or the wall paintings in Zehra," explained Olhava.

Some are also lured to a climbing rock in the Hajska dolina valley, he added.

Igor Kupec together with his friend Richard Olhava founded Local Nomad, , a travel agency that offers tours to the Kosice and surrounding area. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Most of the visitors have the so-called Kosice syndrome.

"They do not know what to expect from this city. Many are pleasantly surprised and even excited, others are disappointed," Kupec said, describing tourists' reactions.

They are especially surprised by the number of monuments, the cleanliness of the city and disappointed by the prices of services, which are not so cheap in Slovakia compared to the West.

The guiding business is seasonal, with spring and autumn being strong seasons.

The goal is to attract more local clients to cover the weaker summer weeks, Kupec said.

Historical names of towns and villages in Kosice and Kosice district Discover Eastern Slovakia with our Kosice Guide. Today's territory of Slovakia was part of different monarchies throughout history, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1867 until 1918. Until 1992, with the exception of the inter-war years 1939-1945 during which the Nazi-aligned Slovak state existed, the territory was a part of Czechoslovakia. As a result, the current names of Slovak municipalities were different. Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Kosice district with their historical names stated in brackets: Kosice (Kassa)

Medzev (Mecenzef)

Jasov (Jaszo)

Moldava nad Bodvou (Szepsi)

Turna nad Bodvou (Torna)

Stos (Stosz) Other villages mentioned in the story: Kechnec (Kenyhec)

Perin-Chym (Pereny, Him)

Valaliky (Bernatfalva)

Trstene pri Hornade (Abaujnadasd)

Nizna Mysla (Alsomislye

Mala Ida (Kisida) The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at ww.geni.sk (in Slovak only).

Culture centres still live

In 2013, Kosice was named the European Capital of Culture. Former industrial buildings were renovated with European funds and transformed into cultural hubs. These venues, such as Kunsthalle and Kasarne-Kulturpark, have not only survived but are thriving today.

The status enhanced the creative industry in Kosice and the infrastructure is still visible and functional, according to Martin Dani, director of the organisation K13 Kosicke kulturne centra (K13 Kosice Cultural Centres). The venues were meant to have a five-year sustainability plan but continue to operate today. Some have evolved in use, like the Bravo building (part of the Kasarne-Kulturpark complex), initially planned as a coworking place. Today, it also works as an art museum and a library. The Bravo building charges commercial rent and hosts local startups and a development centre for Tatra banka, one of the largest banks in Slovakia.

Another successful project in Kosice is the transformation of unused heating substations in housing estates into local cultural centres. Last year, K13 organised around 4,000 events, including concerts and local activities.

The former military barracks (kasarne), Kasarne - Kulturpark, now serve as a space for festivals, concerts, and exhibitions, while the SteelPark offers science and technology demonstrations for children.

"Tourists also come here, but mostly when there is a big event," added Dani.

He plans to collaborate with local companies that use their premises for events, including Volvo, which is building a factory for electric cars near Kosice.

"The culture would not work without commercial partners. The city contributes about 2 million annually, covering only about half of the costs,said the director of K13.

Tabacka's general manager Filip Kakara (left) and Peter Radkoff, the founder and director of Tabacka Kulturfabrik. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Tabacka exists thanks to its pub

In 2013, Peter Radkoff and his team embarked on a groundbreaking project with the creation of the Kasarne-Kulturpark complex. However, they were asked to leave the area, so they found a new venue. By 2015, they had refurbished the rundown building of a former tobacco factory and its surroundings. Transforming this neglected relic into a vibrant cultural hub, they named it Tabacka.

The area also includes Fabricafe, a spacious pub-like space with a brick-like interior, and a coworking space for young entrepreneurs.

Initially, this cultural centre was independently operated and was only supported by the Kosice Region, which owns the building. Later, the region withdrew its support, and Tabacka was left to sustain itself.

"We generate 80 percent of our revenue from our own business, and the remaining 20 percent comes from grants," Radkoff, the founder and director of Tabacka Kulturfabrik, explains. According to him, the centre currently lacks institutional support.

They do receive some funding from the Slovak Arts Council (FPU), but it is insufficient and only covers events, not operational costs. Municipalities are unable to directly finance operations, only cultural events. Therefore, the civic association that is behind Tabacka reinvests all profits from its gastronomy business into cultural events.

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Related article Kosice region travel guide: On the border between Western and Eastern European culture. Read more

Their main clients are the residents of Kosice, although tourists also visit the area. Tabacka is situated near the city centre, although it is hidden in the yard.

"We aren't a tourist attraction, but people come to us for the restaurant and cultural events, "Radkoff says.

Local IT companies indirectly support them by organising events at Tabacka. However, they find it challenging to secure cultural sponsors in Kosice.

"In all corporations, budgets are being cut, and that also affects culture," notes Radkoff.

Recently, their civic association took a loan of 250,000 from a private investment fund to improve the energy efficiency of the old building, which is very energy-intensive.

"We addressed air conditioning, acoustics, and heating," says Tabacka's general manager Filip Kakara.

Miriama Huckova, executive director of IT Valley. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

IT sector supports culture

Tabacka and former military barracks premises are also utilised by IT companies associated with the IT Valley organisation, aiming to create a technologically advanced and innovative business environment in eastern Slovakia. The initiative also supports entrepreneurs in the cultural sector by providing training in creative business.

Miriama Huckova, executive director of IT Valley, emphasises the importance of self-sufficiency in eastern Slovakia and highlights the organisation's commitment to financing cultural initiatives in the region. She notes that the improved gastronomy in Kosice is partly due to the influence of the IT sector, which also supports cultural events.

Huckova identifies the need for improvement in housing and education in Kosice, particularly to accommodate the requirements of foreign experts relocating to the area. Additionally, IT Valley aims to facilitate collaboration between the automotive industry, represented by companies like Volvo, and IT companies in Kosice to work on joint projects such as developing software for cars.

Volvo car plant is under construction and hiring people. (Source: Volvo Car Slovakia)

Volvo as game changer

The new Volvo investment in Valaliky, a village near Kosice, is shaping up to be a game changer in the city's prosperity and development. The factory is to employ more than 4,000 people, and among them will be many qualified experts and managers.

The announced investment of the Swedish car company is already affecting the lives of people in Kosice and the surrounding area, although it is not yet complete.

"People are eager for new job opportunities and to improve their lives," said Martin Seman, spokesperson for Volvo Car Slovakia.

Currently, the car company has 90 employees in various engineering and technical positions. The factory will not hire more people until the end of next year, as it plans to begin production in 2026.

Seman promises that in addition to job opportunities, the company will bring better roads and improved education to Kosice and its surroundings.

Arriving in Valaliky from Kosice might initially unsettle visitors as they navigate a narrow, potholed road, often congested with heavy lorries. However, this rough start quickly fades into memory as the charm of the village begins to unfold. Once a driver passes the threshold into Valaliky, they will be greeted by well-maintained bicycle lanes, neatly paved pavements, and a restored school. The refurbished local church and municipal office also stand as proud testaments to the village's commitment to being a great place to live.

A new health centre and bustling public market with a stage for cultural events have recently transformed the local landscape. According to Mayor Stefan Petrik, these exciting developments underscore a thriving, forward-thinking village that stands proudly on its own merits.

The village of Valaliky hopes that the arrival of the new Volvo car plant will help improve the quality of its roads (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

"We are a vital village with 4,500 people, we have low unemployment, young people from Kosice are also moving here, and we are planning to build new houses. Volvo's investment will only strengthen this trend," Petrik says.

He welcomes the emerging Volvo factory behind the village.

"We believe that the bypass of our village will be completed, the broken and winding road from Kosice will be repaired and a bicycle path will be built all the way to the city. People would definitely commute there in the summer. It's only 10 kilometres away," opines the mayor.

Petrik mentions that future employment at the Volvo plant may not primarily benefit local residents since many already work at U.S. Steel, in services, or at the industrial park in Kechnec. However, locals and others are hopeful for higher salaries at Volvo or in their current jobs.

The mayor also mentioned that Volvo plans to recruit workers from distant eastern Slovak areas such as Zemplin and Gemer regions, as well as from northeastern Hungary. Additionally, Volvo aims to employ many local Roma people. The mayor pointed out that even the Roma from Valaliky are mostly employed.

He stressed that the top priority should be the construction of a motorway from Kosice to Zemplin via the Dargov Pass and to Gemer via the Soroska Pass. This would allow people to commute to Volvo independently instead of relying on buses. The mayor believes that the factory will benefit the entire region, similar to the impact of the Kia Slovakia car plant on Orava, which led to the growth of local businesses and motivated young people to stay instead of leaving for the West.

Kechnec is a well-to-do village with all facilities for young families. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Kechnec attracts Slovaks from Hungary

Another village, Kechnec, located near the Hungarian border and less than 20 kilometres from Kosice, stands as one of the wealthiest municipalities in Slovakia. This prosperity is largely due to its expansive industrial park, which has been thriving for over two decades and continues to expand.

The former long-term mayor, Jozef Konkoly, took the lead in creating the industrial park. He bought land from local people, attracted investors, and created jobs for locals. Today, 16 international companies operate there, providing jobs for 4,000 people, with more growth expected.

The current mayor, Tomas Konkoly, had worked as a manager in the industrial park before taking office. He is excited about the park's growth but is concerned about potential traffic issues due to the logistics companies operating there.

To alleviate traffic problems, Konkoly is looking for alternative transportation options for commuting to work. The companies have also built a cycle path from Kechnec to the neighbouring village of Perin-Chym through the industrial park.

Konkoly is also interested in improving railway transportation. The municipality is working with the national railway operator, ZSSK, to renovate the local train stop, hoping to encourage more people to use trains for commuting. The industrial park's employee catchment area extends to the Trebisov district.

Konkoly is set to revamp local railway transportation, with ambitious plans in the works to modernise the local train stop. Partnering with the national railway operator, ZSSK, the municipality aims to make commuting by train a more appealing option for residents. The industrial park's employee catchment area stretches as far as the Trebisov district.

The Hungarian village of Abaujvar is full of Slovaks from Kosice. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

The mayor has observed that Kechnec's booming industrial park is now facing new competition from Volvo, which has recently hired away some of its top managers. This has sparked a lively battle for talent, but the mayor is undeterred, seeing it as a sign of the significant opportunities ahead for eastern Slovakia. He envisions a major economic boom on the horizon.

Kechnec is currently buzzing with activity, drawing people to the village with its array of amenities, including a private primary school, a kindergarten, and plans for a vocational secondary school and about a hundred new homes. The municipality is stepping up as a developer, aiming to attract not only new residents but also Slovaks who have relocated to Hungary.

In the past, many Kosice residents sought affordable weekend retreats across the border in Hungary, often settling permanently in villages like Tornyosnemeti, Abaujvar, or Keked. A similar trend was seen near Bratislava with the Hungarian village of Rajka.

Now, with Hungary-based Slovak families commuting to Kosice for work while their children attend school there, Kechnec's closer proximity offers a promising alternative.

"I hope that this developing village will become a new home for these families," said the mayor.

Spectacular Slovakia travel guides
Revolution coming to Kosice, new rules regarding school excuse notes, and difficult task of finding positives in the culture situation.

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Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, July 24 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

What is the state of Slovakia's rule of law?

The seat of the European Commission in Brussels. (Source: TASR/AP)

In its annual state of the rule of law report, the European Commission (EC) issued 7 recommendations for Slovakia. These follow up on those from last year that have been implemented either only partially or not at all, reports TASR newswire.

The EC's recommendations concern, among other things, the independence of the members of the Judicial Council with regard to their dismissal and the observance of safeguards for cases in which judges should be held criminally liable for the crime of 'bending the law' in connection with their rulings.

Slovakia should also submit legislative proposals to regulate lobbying and bolster legislation concerning conflicts of interest and asset declarations; no progress in these areas were made last year, according to the EC.

The report further expresses concern over the power of the prosecutor-general to overrule decisions made by prosecutors. Attention was also drawn to the scrapping of the Special Prosecutor's Office, which took place despite EC's concerns that the abolition may have impacted cases under investigation and jeopardised the effectiveness and independence of their prosecution.

The EC also pointed to Penal Code amendments that reduce penalties for corruption and related crimes. Slovakia should also ensure effective and independent investigations and prosecutions of high-level corruption cases.

On the other hand, Slovakia has made some progress in improving the physical safety and working environment of journalists; still, further progress is recommended. The bill regarding scrapping of public broadcaster RTVS and establishing state broadcaster STVR raises concerns about its independence.

The final EC recommendation is to ensure effective public consultation and stakeholder involvement in the law-making process. Slovakia made no progress in this area last year.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE

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Man's Slovak folk musical instruments make it to Mexico, Argentina, Australia. The most difficult thing is shipment, he says. TRAVEL: You can find more than you expect in Kosice, from historical monuments to culinary experiences, including one of Slovakia's oldest breweries.

You can find more than you expect in Kosice, from historical monuments to culinary experiences, including one of Slovakia's oldest breweries. EDUCATION: New rules regarding school absence notes issued in order to improve compulsory attendance.

New rules regarding school absence notes issued in order to improve compulsory attendance. OPINION: Culture Ministry's absolutism will not destroy culture.

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FEATURE STORY

The Kosice revolution

Kosice in eastern Slovakia. (Source: SME-Marko Erd)

Kosice has become a popular destination for tourists, thanks to the arrival of low-cost airlines. Most of the visitors have the so-called Kosice syndrome.

"They do not know what to expect from this city. Many are pleasantly surprised and even excited, others are disappointed," says Igor Kupec, a co-founder of Local Nomad said, a unique travel agency dedicated to showcasing the lesser-known wonders of Kosice and its surroundings. As such, it has become the go-to choice for curious travellers.

FESTIVAL FOR THIS WEEK

The future of culture

video //www.youtube.com/embed/ZHmGm-_bzvs

On July 26-27, the sixth edition of the Fraj multigenre festival takes place in Rimavska Sobota, southern Slovakia. In cooperation with the [fjuzn] multicultural festival, Fraj will bring a varied selection of musical performances, literature, poetry, films, theatre, discussions and workshops.

The theme of this year's edition is '(Ne)istoty' ((Un)certainty). The organisers want to draw attention to possible threats not only the culture in the region, but in the country as well is facing.

IN OTHER NEWS

According to President Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia might take retaliatory measures against Ukraine for its decision to cut off Russian energy company Lukoil's oil supplies to the country , adding it undermines good neighbourly relations. "I firmly believe that Ukraine will manage to set things right as soon as possible," he said, underscoring that Slovakia is one of the key suppliers of electricity to Ukraine and it has always acted as a responsible partner in the provision of supplies. (TASR)

, adding it undermines good neighbourly relations. "I firmly believe that Ukraine will manage to set things right as soon as possible," he said, underscoring that Slovakia is one of the key suppliers of electricity to Ukraine and it has always acted as a responsible partner in the provision of supplies. (TASR) The General Prosecutor's Office did not find any unlawful intentional or negligent conduct on the part of members of the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps (ZVJS) in the case of the death of former police chief Milan Lucansky, who died in custody in 2020. An investigator of the Interior Ministry's police inspectorate dropped the prosecution in the case in September 2023. Miroslav Radacovsky, lawyer of the bereaved, then filed a complaint against this decision, but the complaint was dismissed as unfounded by a prosecutor in February. Radacovsky subsequently filed a request for a review of the legality of the investigator's and prosecutor's decision. (TASR, Aktuality)

The state of construction of the Volvo plant in Valaliky near Kosice, eastern Slovakia, as of July 23. Areas where car bodies are made, painted, a technical building and infrastructure projects including road paving and pipeline have been constructed. (Source: TASR)

President Peter Pellegrini would like to personally meet PM Robert Fico (Smer), adding that the meeting could take place in late August. He also said that he is open to holding a round-table meeting of all leaders of parliamentary parties that he wanted to first hold following the assassination attempt on Fico in May. (TASR)

He also said that he is open to holding a round-table meeting of all leaders of parliamentary parties that he wanted to first hold following the assassination attempt on Fico in May. (TASR) The salary inequality between men and women in Slovakia increased slightly in 2024. The pay gap is mainly caused by the level of women's higher education, their ability to find a job, maternity leave and child care. Employment in which women and men work also has an impact on wages, reports National Bank of Slovakia in its report on structural challenges of the current year. (TASR)

The pay gap is mainly caused by the level of women's higher education, their ability to find a job, maternity leave and child care. Employment in which women and men work also has an impact on wages, reports National Bank of Slovakia in its report on structural challenges of the current year. (TASR) Currently, more than 15,000 travellers with up to 2,000 vehicles have bought train tickets from Bratislava to Split, Croatia, until the end of this holiday season. Of these, around half have already travelled to the sea. The trains will be operated until early October. Find out more about them here. (ZSSK)

Tourists on rafts on the Dunajec river in the Pieniny national park, northeastern Slovakia. (Source: TASR)

WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloud cover will change, occasional showers and rain expected especially in the northern parts of the country. Daily temperatures will rise to between 25 C to 30 C, or between 20 C to 25 C again in the north. (SHMU)

JULY 25 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Jakub, Timur

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Attorney Martin Phipps stands in the Municipal Plaza Building as the citys Ethics Review Board leaves to discuss and take possible action on whether to accept and hold a hearing on his ethics complaint against Councilman Marc Whyte on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The board voted to accept the complaint and set a public hearing for Aug. 14. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Attorney Martin Phipps talks to reporters at the conclusion an Ethics Review Board meeting in which the board voted to accept his ethics complaint against District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte and set a hearing on the matter for Aug. 14. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The citys thics Review Board meets in the Municipal Plaza Building to have a preliminary discussion of attorney Martin Phipps ethics complaint against Councilman Mark Whyte on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

The citys Ethics Review Board will investigate an abuse-of-power complaint that attorney Martin Phipps has lobbed against Council Member Marc Whyte.

The City Council-appointed board voted 6-0 late Tuesday to schedule an Aug. 14 hearing to question Whyte about his actions on April 26, when he sought to involve Police Chief William McManus in an incident involving one of Phipps minor children.

Phipps has accused the first-term District 10 council member of violating multiple sections of the citys Code of Ethics  covering conflicts of interest, unfair advancement of private interest and representation of private interests.

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Austin-area attorney Ross Fischer, whom the city hired to vet Phipps May 21 complaint, determined that the Ethics Review Board should consider the allegations. Fischer, who was present for the boards meeting Tuesday, has been working with its members to review the facts of the case.

The board spent much of Tuesdays meeting behind closed doors in executive session with Fischer. It emerged after about 30 minutes and promptly voted 6-0 to accept Phipps complaint and set the hearing for Aug. 14. Whyte and Phipps will each be allowed to make an opening statement and present evidence, Fischer said.

All I care about is the truth coming out, and a public hearing with witnesses and evidence so everybody can see is the only way that we can get to what actually happened, Phipps told reporters at the conclusion of Tuesdays meeting.

At the crux of the complaint is Whytes decision to call and text McManus over concerns that Phipps was physically abusing his minor child during a court-ordered overnight visit. San Antonio police officers dispatched to Phipps home did not observe any injuries on the child, according to a police report.

Whyte was made aware of the potential abuse from his wife, Lorien Whyte, who texted him a screenshot of a text exchange between the child and Phipps ex-wife in which the child indicated that they were not safe and that Phipps was grabbing me and screaming, according to text messages Whyte submitted in response to the complaint.

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Marc Whyte was attending a private Fiesta party at the time. District 8 Council Member Manny Pelaez, a 2025 mayoral candidate, was also at the event.

Lorien Whyte is friends with Phipps ex-wife, and represented her in part of their divorce proceedings. Marc Whyte was a partner at Phipps former law firm, Phipps Cavazos PLLC, from 2014 to 2016.

You have to impart on him how serious this is, Lorien Whyte texted her husband after sending him the screenshot.

Marc Whyte texted that message, and the accompanying screenshot, to McManus after the police chief didnt immediately answer his call.

From there, on the advice of Pelaez, Whyte sought out Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, who was at the same Fiesta event as the North Side council member. Salazar then sent a deputy working security at the event to Phipps home in the King William Historic District, which was a short walk away, to check on the scene.

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Whyte has maintained that he was bound by state law to report suspected child abuse to authorities. The only person involved in the incident who called 911 directly was Phipps ex-wife.

I passed the information on to law enforcement as quickly as possible in order to notify them, find out what was happening, and then to ask law enforcement to ensure everything was OK, Whyte wrote in a June 10 response to Phipps ethics complaint.

Many members of the public have access to Chief McManus, and they are also free to access Sheriff Salazar or any law enforcement official they come in contact with, Whyte added, noting that the chief gives out his cellphone at neighborhood association meetings.

McManus eventually texted Whyte back to inform the council member that he had followed up with dispatch and to share the scene was cleared at 9:46 p.m.

To that, Whyte responded, Chief  I really hope something doesnt happen. I cant believe your guys left.

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Phipps told reporters that Whyte, who was arrested Dec. 29 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and later charged with the Class B misdemeanor, involved himself in the April 26 incident to try to affect the outcome and get the children removed from Phipps home.

They knew SAPD was coming, he said of Marc and Lorien Whyte. Why are they trying to send sheriffs deputies there? Its because they want to get a result.

Phipps represented Bexar County in a 2018 lawsuit against drugmakers, distributors and retailers accused of fueling the opioid crisis that swept San Antonio.

In 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of telephone harassment for repeatedly contacting another ex-wife. A judge later dismissed that misdemeanor charge against him for insufficient evidence, according to court records.

Over the years, Phipps has faced accusations from former employees of abuse and retaliation, and more recently, has made headlines over foreclosure attempts on the River Walk building that houses his current law firm, Phipps Ortiz Talafuse PLLC.

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Marc Whyte has attempted to use Phipps history against him, writing in his response that Mr. Phipps has a volatile history, as previously reported.

Phipps told reporters that if SAPD officers had not arrived ahead of the sheriffs deputy, he believes the outcome may have been different.
What has Martina Simkovicova's first year shown?

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Optimists believe that there are very few bad things that do not have a positive side. It may be difficult to find it, but in difficult times it is an inevitable and necessary activity. But not to falsely comfort ourselves that everything is actually fine.

There are at least two reasons why it is necessary to look for the positive side even in times of misery. The first is the need to have a comprehensive picture, the second is hope. Without both, you can neither continue to work nor exist.

But can something like that be done in the current state of culture in Slovakia?

In less than a year, since the government handed over the ministry to the greedy Slovak National Party (SNS), public institutions have been destroyed, continuity in the restoration of monuments disrupted. There has been silent censorship, intimidation and insults of people who create and receive culture. All this is happening in an attempt to ideologically conquer the freest and most open ministry.

Let's not kid ourselves, the situation does not bode well for looking for what positive has been done in regards to culture by this government. And searching for good things carried out by Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova herself, might as well be the thirteenth task of Hercules.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/hungary-to-step-up-blocking-aid-to-kiev-over-russian-oil-transit-issues-slovak-president-1119486765.html

Hungary to Step Up Blocking Aid to Kiev Over Russian Oil Transit Issues - Slovak President

Hungary to Step Up Blocking Aid to Kiev Over Russian Oil Transit Issues - Slovak President

Sputnik International

Hungary will only harden its position on blocking 6.5 billion euros ($7 billion) from the European Peace Facility as compensation to EU countries for supplying arms to Ukraine over Kiev stopping the transit of Russia's Lukoil oil, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday.

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peter szijjarto

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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said that Hungary and Slovakia had launched consultations between the European Commission and Ukraine due to the suspension of the transit of Russian oil. Szijjarto then said that Hungary would not approve the allocation of 6.5 billion euros for arms sent to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility until Kiev resolves the issue of oil transit. Pellegrini also said that Slovakia would like to receive the funds that are intended for it for the military equipment it transferred to Ukraine, but respected Hungary's position. "Hungary is exposed to a really serious risk of shortage of raw materials and reacts appropriately due to this step from Ukraine," the president added. Last week, Szijjarto said that Lukoil's oil supplies through Ukraine via the Druzhba oil pipeline had been stopped. The Slovak Economy Ministry confirmed that the republic had stopped receiving oil from Lukoil due to Ukraine stopping its transit through its territory. It noted that Lukoil had been sanctioned by Ukraine. Slovakia's Slovnaft refinery is supplied with Russian oil from another supplier, but the country is discussing the current situation with the Ukrainian side.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240723/slovakia-not-supporting-criticism-of-hungary-for-orbans-trips-to-russia-china---ministry-1119466554.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/iskander-russias-unbeatable-missile-system-that-ukrainian-forces-simply-cannot-beat-1119488723.html

Iskander: Russia's Unbeatable Missile System Ukrainian Forces Simply Cannot Defeat

Iskander: Russia's Unbeatable Missile System Ukrainian Forces Simply Cannot Defeat

Sputnik International

Russia's 9K720 Iskander mobile ballistic systems have become a veritable bane of the Kiev regime military in recent months, delivering precise and deadly strikes against Ukrainian armor, command and control installations, trains carrying military equipment and logistical hubs.

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The incredible effectiveness of Iskander missile strikes against Ukrainian military targets is in no small part the product of this weapons capabilities, says retired Russian Army Colonel and military analyst Viktor Litovkin. Iskander has two types of missiles. There are ballistic or quasi-ballistic missiles that fly along a ballistic trajectory but deviate from the course right, left, up, down  that is, they maneuver along the trajectory, which is why they are called quasi-ballistic, Litovkin explains. They can rise up high in space and strike vertically at the intended target. They reach not only supersonic but also hypersonic speed at the moment of strike. Then there are cruise missiles that fly towards the target, also at supersonic speed but navigating around the landscape. They fly 6-7-12 meters above the ground, within this range, moving towards the target like a snake, he continues. Both of these types of missiles are nearly impossible to detect and to intercept. According to Litovkin, Iskander missiles are so effective because enemy radars simply cannot see them, and if a radar cannot see a missile then it is impossible to fire an interceptor at it.Accurate intelligence also plays a significant role in the success of Iskander strikes, since one needs to know the coordinates of the target to plot the missiles trajectory and to take into account weather conditions and other factors that may affect the flight path, Litovkin says.The analyst also pointed out that both the quasi-ballistic missile and the cruise missile in question pack quite a punch due to the significant yield of the warheads they carry, and that they cause considerable damage upon impact. He does note, however, that there is no reason to use Iskander missiles against any target. You cant just launch an Iskander because some infantry formation got spotted somewhere. Why should you do that? There are other missiles, Litovkin elaborates.A heavy, large and expensive missile like Iskander is better suited for taking out targets like airbases, oil refineries and port facilities, whereas smaller targets can be wiped out using missiles like Kalibr, drones or even artillery, he adds.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/israel-giving-diplomacy-last-chance-to-avert-full-scale-war-with-lebanon---ambassador-1119487377.html

Israel Giving Diplomacy Last Chance to Avert Full-Scale War With Lebanon - Ambassador

Israel Giving Diplomacy Last Chance to Avert Full-Scale War With Lebanon - Ambassador

Sputnik International

Israel does not want a full-blown war with Lebanon but will be compelled to launch an offensive against Lebanon's Hezbollah if the movement continues attacks against it, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin said on Wednesday.

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"Israel has no interest in a full-scale war with Lebanon, but there is a limit to patience. Either this [shelling] stops or we are forced to start a full-scale military operation," Halperin told a news briefing in Moscow. The ambassador insisted that Lebanon uphold UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the establishment of a demilitarized zone south of the Litani River. 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 Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah 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.Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that soldiers of an Israeli reserve brigade have practiced combat scenarios for potential military operations in Lebanon.The brigade has been deployed along the Israeli-Lebanese border for the second time since the war in the Gaza Strip, the IDF added.The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border worsened after the start of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The IDF and Hezbollah fighters target each other's 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 Foreign Minister Israel Katz has said that a full-scale war was a possibility. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the group would invade northern Israel if the confrontation intensified.

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Motives Behind Ukrainian Foreign Minister's Peace Statements Unclear - Kremlin

Motives Behind Ukrainian Foreign Minister's Peace Statements Unclear - Kremlin

Sputnik International

Moscow does not know what is behind Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's statements and hopes to receive clarifications in the near future, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

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dmytro kuleba

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nato

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During talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing earlier in the day, Kuleba said that Ukraine is ready for negotiations with Russia, adding that they must be rational and practical, aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. Furthermore, Volodymyr Zelensky has clearly lost his legitimacy, Peskov noted."Our president has said more than once that President Zelenskyy has clearly lost his legitimacy," Peskov said.The issue of Zelenskyy's legitimacy and the ban in Ukraine on negotiations with Moscow remain a problem and can significantly complicate the peace process, Peskov added."At the moment, this certainly remains a problem, just as the decree of the President of Ukraine, which prohibits negotiations with President Putin, remains a problem. These are factors that can significantly complicate the peace process," he said.Russia remains ready for negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, Peskov highlighted.Moscow has repeatedly stated its readiness for negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has put forward initiatives for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine: Moscow will immediately cease fire and declare readiness for negotiations following the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the new regions of Russia. Additionally, he mentioned that Kyiv should renounce its intentions to join NATO, conduct demilitarization and denazification, and adopt a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status. The Russian leader also mentioned the lifting of sanctions against Russia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/zelensky-not-person-to-sign-agreements-on-ukraine-with-it-would-be-illegitimate---kremlin--1118984464.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/plot-to-kill-georgias-ruling-partys-founder-linked-to-ukraine---state-security-service-1119484931.html

Plot to Kill Georgia's Ruling Party's Founder Linked to Ukraine - State Security Service

Plot to Kill Georgia's Ruling Party's Founder Linked to Ukraine - State Security Service

Sputnik International

Georgia's State Security Service said on Wednesday it was investigating a plot by former Georgian officials living in Ukraine to assassinate Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

2024-07-24T13:15+0000

2024-07-24T13:15+0000

2024-07-24T13:15+0000

bidzina ivanishvili

georgia

ukraine

world

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"The State Security Service is investigating criminal actions, which were funded and organized by former high-ranking Georgian officials and former law enforcement agents living in Ukraine, including the plot to assassinate the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili," the statement read. The agency accused the suspects of planning to stage riots and overthrow the elected Georgian government. Georgian media reported that the security service had summoned a dozen people for questioning. Most of them are said to have experience of fighting Russian troops in Ukraine. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze compared the foiled attempt on Ivanishvili to assassination attempts on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Fico was left fighting for his life after a man shot him in the abdomen at close range as he greeted supporters following an off-site cabinet meeting in the town of Handlova on May 15. Trump sustained a gun wound to his right ear in a shooting at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 and was briefly hospitalized.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230707/georgias-ambassador-who-left-ukraine-calls-his-departure-decline-in-diplomatic-relations-1111711165.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/putin-no-one-will-not-succeed-in-attempts-to-intimidate-divide-russian-society-1119491121.html

Putin: No One Will Succeed in Attempts to Intimidate, Divide Russian Society

Putin: No One Will Succeed in Attempts to Intimidate, Divide Russian Society

Sputnik International

Those who try to intimidate and divide Russian society, and pull on religious or national heartstrings will not succeed, inevitable retribution will await, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

2024-07-24T21:35+0000

2024-07-24T21:35+0000

2024-07-24T21:53+0000

russia

vladimir putin

society

national security

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"I emphasize that those who try to intimidate people, divide our society, and pull on religious or national heartstrings will never succeed. Inevitable and just retribution awaits them," the Russian president said in a video message on the occasion of Investigation Officers' Day, a professional holiday celebrated in Russia on July 25. Putin added that Russian investigators effectively work in Russia's new territories and collect irrefutable evidence of crimes of "neo-Nazis" and their accomplices, terrorists and extremists in the special military operation area. The Russian leader added that investigators significantly contribute to combating corruption, terrorism and extremism, and stand to protect the interests of society and the state. However, Putin called on investigators to improve investigative techniques and introduce advanced approaches to respond competently and promptly to new challenges and risks. The president further said that new risks arise against the background of dynamic changes in the world, technological revolution, migration flows, local conflicts and the establishment of future markets. Those also include cyber threats, drug trafficking, transnational criminal groups and criminal syndicates in virtual and financial domains.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240711/how-putins-whirl-of-diplomatic-engagement-left-western-elite-biting-the-dust-1119339723.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/same-as-the-old-boss-harris-expected-to-continue-neoconservative-foreign-policy-1119479786.html

Same as the Old Boss: Harris Expected to Continue Neoconservative Foreign Policy

Same as the Old Boss: Harris Expected to Continue Neoconservative Foreign Policy

Sputnik International

The former California senator and state attorney general has been a strong backer of US militarism, according to one analyst.

2024-07-24T03:17+0000

2024-07-24T03:17+0000

2024-07-24T05:19+0000

analysis

us

kamala harris

jeremy kuzmarov

bernie sanders

israel

california

gaza strip

democratic party

medicareforall

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We must stand with Israel, declared then-Senator Kamala Harris to healthy applause at the American Israel Public Affairs Committees 2017 policy conference. Our defense relationship is critical to both nations. Which is why I support the United States commitment to provide Israel with $38 billion in military assistance over the next decade.US backing for its Middle Eastern ally has become increasingly controversial as the official death toll during its months-long military operation in the Gaza Strip approaches 40,000. Democratic activists mounted a campaign to win hundreds of thousands of uncommitted votes during the partys primary earlier this year as a protest against President Bidens backing of Israel, while some conservative figures such as commentator Tucker Carlson have also questioned continued US support.But the US-Israel relationship remains an article of faith for the vast majority of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, notes CovertAction Magazine editor Jeremy Kuzmarov. The author appeared on Sputniks The Backstory program this week to discuss Harris record of support for the country and the newly minted Democratic presidential candidates broader foreign policy vision.This is part of the pattern where theyre actually subverting democracy, said Kuzmarov of the controversial process by which the Democratic Party has affirmed Harris as its candidate, because its been known for a long time that Joe Biden was in poor health and becoming senile and yet he continued to stay in the race.The Democratic Partys presidential nominating process was rocked for two successive cycles by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders insurgent candidacy in 2016 and 2020. The self-avowed democratic socialist has been openly critical of the partys direction since the 1990s, during which it has charted an increasingly business-friendly, economic neoliberal course.Critics claim a 2010 Supreme Court decision overturning much of the United States campaign finance law has made parties even more dependent on the support of wealthy donors and corporate interests. Democratic leaders have responded by backing fiscal conservative candidates at both the state and national level.They want to hand select corporate-type candidates and an open primary would lead to the likelihood that somebody with the views of a Bernie Sanders would emerge  the popular candidate, said Kuzmarov. Your audience, Im sure, will recall what happened the last two cycles is that the primary was clearly rigged against Bernie Sanders who, whatever his flaws, represented a more progressive, democratic candidate who was promoting policies that would challenge corporate power and that were popular among huge sectors of the electorate, including things like Medicare for All.Kuzmarov compared the Democrats modern day primary process to the party establishments selection of Harry Truman as former President Franklin Roosevels running mate in the 1944 election. Party leaders insisted on the Cold Warrior Truman over Roosevelts previous vice president, the more progressive Henry Wallace. Truman would become president when Roosevelt died less than three months after his inauguration the following year.The Democratic Partys neoliberal turn has coincided with an assertive US foreign policy, with Kuzmarov arguing both major parties are pretty much aligned on policy regarding Israel, which he claimed carries out a lot of the US dirty work in the Middle East.Shes tied with the kind of Biden-Clinton wing of the party, which is the pro-empire, pro-war wing of the party, he said of Harris. When she was a candidate in the last primary, there was one peace candidate Tulsi Gabbard, who was very progressive in her foreign policy views, and Kamala Harris used red-baiting tactics against Tulsi Gabbard and accused her of being a Putin lover, an Assad lover and that kind of thing when Gabbard was advocating for peace and diplomacy.We shouldn't forget that this is taxpayer dollars, billions of our taxpayer dollars are going into these militaristic and imperialistic foreign policies. And thats not money thats going into where its needed here at home, including Sanders plan for Medicare for all, which is what many Americans want. So Harris is not a progressive in any way, shes a militarist.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20141210/1013308156.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240719/un-court-says-israels-settlement-activities-violate-international-law-1119431473.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240527/america-prepares-for-war-with-china-amid-latest-provocation-from-us-congress-1118643923.html

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kamala harris foreign policy, harris militarism, kamala neoconservative, kamala harris us imperialism, kamala harris israel, kamala harris aipac
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/scholz-receives-highest-salary-among-eu-leaders---reports-1119488044.html

Scholz Receives Highest Salary Among EU Leaders - Reports

Scholz Receives Highest Salary Among EU Leaders - Reports

Sputnik International

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earns 348,300 euros ($377,800) gross per year, which is the highest salary among the heads of state and government of the European Union.

2024-07-24T17:00+0000

2024-07-24T17:00+0000

2024-07-24T17:00+0000

world

olaf scholz

robert fico

viktor orban

hungary

europe

european union (eu)

luxembourg

germany

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Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer ranks second in terms of salary among the EU leaders, earning 306,446 euros gross per year, followed by Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden with 256,800 euros, the report said. At the same time, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban receives the highest salary relative to Hungary's average gross income compared with the other European leaders, earning 191,702 euros gross per year, which is 9.5 times above the average salary in his country, the media outlet reported. He is followed by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico with a gross annual salary of 132,000 euros and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala with that of 130,012 euros, the report said.It is noteworthy that Scholz reiterated on Wednesday his intention to be re-elected as the head of government in 2025. "As chancellor, I will run to become chancellor again," Scholz said at the traditional summer press conference. Despite the low ratings of his Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the ruling coalition, as well as the disastrous election results for the SPD in the European Parliament, Scholz has repeatedly spoken about his plans to compete again for the post of chancellor in 2025.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240107/over-60-of-germans-want-to-replace-german-chancellor-scholz---poll-1116041812.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/slovakia-warns-ukraine-of-retaliation-over-halt-of-russian-oil-transit-1119484612.html

Slovakia Warns Ukraine of Retaliation Over Halt of Russian Oil Transit

Slovakia Warns Ukraine of Retaliation Over Halt of Russian Oil Transit

Sputnik International

Slovakia may take retaliatory measures if Ukraine does not resolve the issue of oil transit from Russia, said Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday.

2024-07-24T11:57+0000

2024-07-24T11:57+0000

2024-07-24T11:57+0000

world

peter pellegrini

peter szijjarto

ukraine

slovakia

russia

lukoil

druzhba pipeline

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"I consider what Ukraine did in relation to Slovakia to be a very serious matter and a very unpleasant interference in our good relations. I firmly believe that Ukraine will be able to put this in order as soon as possible, because Slovakia, as a sovereign state, will eventually have to take some kind of countermeasures. This would not benefit either Ukraine or its citizens," Pellegrini said at a press conference on Wednesday. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto earlier said that Lukoil's oil supplies through Ukraine via the Druzhba oil pipeline had been stopped. Slovakia's economy ministry confirmed that the republic had stopped receiving oil from Lukoil due to Ukraine stopping its transit through its territory. It noted that Lukoil had been sanctioned by Ukraine. Slovakia's Slovnaft refinery is supplied with Russian oil from another supplier, but the country is discussing the current situation with the Ukrainian side.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240720/ukraine-shot-itself-in-the-foot-by-banning-transit-of-lukoil-crude-to-hungary-and-slovakia-1119444293.html

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San Antonio police have identified Adiah Damir Roberson as a suspect in the fatal shooting of Daniel Shrewsbury at the Sonic Drive-In on July 7. San Antonio Police Department

The San Antonio Police Department is asking for help in finding a suspect accused of killing a fast-food manager earlier this month.

According to an SAPD news release, detectives identified Adiah Damir Roberson as the person they believe fatally shot Daniel Shrewsbury, 33.

On July 7, Roberson got into an argument with Shrewsbury when she shot him in the drive-thru of a Sonic Drive-In in the 5500 block of Babcock Road, according to a preliminary police report. She fled the scene.

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The 33-year-old Sonic manager walked back inside the restaurant and collapsed. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police said they were unsure why they were arguing or if they were acquainted.

On July 8, SAPD released images of Roberson and another person who were together shortly before shooting Shrewsbury.

SAPD is asking Roberson to turn herself in. Its asking anyone who has information on the suspects whereabouts to call 210-207-7635.

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On Saturday, Shrewsburys mother, Peggy Cofield, posted about her sons 34th birthday on Saturday.

I wish you wouldnt of went to work that night, but I also understand how much you loved your job and had to be there, she wrote.

A GoFundMe fundraiser for Shrewsburys funeral expenses had raised more than $4,800 by Tuesday afternoon.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/ukraines-top-general-acknowledges-russian-air-superiority-questions-f-16-effectiveness-1119483658.html

Ukraine's Top General Acknowledges Russian Air Superiority, Questions F-16 Effectiveness

Ukraine's Top General Acknowledges Russian Air Superiority, Questions F-16 Effectiveness

Sputnik International

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky has complained about the Russian air superiority and conceded that there were limits to what the long-promised F-16 fighter jets could achieve on the battlefield, British media reported Wednesday.

2024-07-24T10:02+0000

2024-07-24T10:02+0000

2024-07-24T10:02+0000

world

military & intelligence

antony blinken

sergey lavrov

ukraine

russia

nato

f-16

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Syrsky said in an interview with The Guardian newspaper that Russia had "superior aviation" and "very strong" air defenses. Because of this Ukraine was forced to rely more on unmanned aerial vehicles. The general explained that F-16 fighters could only be used 40 kilometers (25 miles) or further away from the front-line due to the risks of being downed. On July 10, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the first batch of F-16 fighter jets would be handed over to Ukraine in summer. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the United States and its NATO allies that Moscow saw the presence of nuclear capable F-16s in Ukraine as a nuclear threat. Syrsky also said that mobilization was needed to create necessary reserves and demanded that those evading the mandatory draft joined the military to "fulfil their constitutional duty." Martial law was introduced in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The next day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. The martial law and mobilization have been extended repeatedly since then. Under martial law, men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240530/lavrov-peace-conference-with-ukraine-russia-could-be-continuation-of-chinas-efforts-1118693618.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/unknown-source-on-sea-floor-is-producing-large-amounts-of-oxygen-1119480401.html

Unknown Source on Sea Floor is Producing Large Amounts of Oxygen

Unknown Source on Sea Floor is Producing Large Amounts of Oxygen

Sputnik International

Scientists are searching for the answer behind a rather strange occurrence: at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean there are large amounts of oxygen being produced by an unknown source.

2024-07-24T04:03+0000

2024-07-24T04:03+0000

2024-07-24T04:03+0000

beyond politics

science & tech

earth

pacific ocean

national oceanic and atmospheric administration (noaa)

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Scientists are searching for the explanation behind a rather strange phenomenon: at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean there are large amounts of oxygen being produced by an unknown source. The finding is odd, to say the least, considering that photosynthesis is impossible in such deep, dark depths.He adds that the findings could have implications for understanding how life on Earth first began, as well as the possible impact of deep-sea mining in the region.Sweetman first observed the phenomenon in 2013 while studying the Clarion-Clipperton zone which is an area between Mexico and Hawaii. At the time Sweetman believed he had faulty equipment when it showed him oxygen was being made on the seafloor.Donald Canfield, a biogeochemist at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, said the observation is fascinating, but added that it is frustrating, because it raises a lot of questions and not very many answers.A group of researchers, whose study was published Monday in Nature, believe electrochemical activity is being produced by polymetallic nodules made of manganese and iron. These nodules look a bit like lumps of coal and are believed to be responsible for splitting H2O molecules.The nodules have required millions of years to form and are made of minerals which can be used to create batteries, raising the possibility that mining companies may take an interest in the discovery.But while these minerals could help with the transition to green energy, environmental scientists and activists believe deep-sea mining could upend ecosystems in unpredictable ways and affect the oceans ability to shield our planet from the effects of climate change. Mining that took place in the 1980s left behind an environment in which even bacteria have not been able to recover, according to marine biologists.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240106/new-images-show-what-neptune-uranus-actually-look-like-1116008717.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/us-cops-waged-unprovoked-attack-on-protesters-during-netanyahu-address--activist-1119490931.html

US Cops Waged Unprovoked Attack on Protesters During Netanyahu Address  Activist

US Cops Waged Unprovoked Attack on Protesters During Netanyahu Address  Activist

Sputnik International

DC police launched an unprovoked attack against peaceful protesters who marched near the US Capitol during Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, the National Director of the ANSWER Coalition Brian Becker said.

2024-07-24T21:15+0000

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us

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cannon house office building

us capitol police (uscp)

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They started pushing us, and then they started pepper spraying everybody in the front line of the protest, myself included, Becker said. Becker added that it was a full blast of pepper spray, and that dozens and dozens of protesters were affected as a result. We are marching to protest the fact that Benjamin Netanyahu is getting a hero's welcome before both houses of Congress, Becker said. The police stopped the march at Constitution Avenue and warned that they would tear gas only if protesters tried to break security fences. He also said out that the protest would continue until the end of Netanyahus speech.The DC protest began at the US Capitol before moving toward the Union Station area. A statement released by the US Capitol Police indicated that a total of six individuals were arrested from the House Galleries, citing unlawful conduct. The day prior, officials arrested some 200 people for protesting inside the Cannon House Office Building.

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Vietnamese Warship Arrives in Russia's Vladivostok on 'Business Call'

Vietnamese Warship Arrives in Russia's Vladivostok on 'Business Call'

Sputnik International

Vietnamese frigate Hung Dao has arrived in the Russian port city of Vladivostok on a business call, Russia's Pacific Fleet said on Wednesday.

2024-07-24T06:59+0000

2024-07-24T06:59+0000

2024-07-24T06:59+0000

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russian navy

vietnam

russian pacific fleet

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The visit will run through July 31, the statement read.After mooring at the main base of the Pacific Fleet, the ship's crew came ashore and was given a warm welcome by the crews of Russian warships led by Rear Adm. Alexey Sysuev, commander of the Primorsky Flotilla of the Pacific Fleet's diverse forces. The Hung Dao frigate was constructed in Russia and heaved off in 2016. In 2017, the vessel was handed over to Vietnam.

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The Red Mile completed the first week of its 150th season featuring the first of three $47,945 divisions in the debut of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Series for four-year-old male and female pacers on Tuesday, July 23.

Hungry For Love and El Rey demonstrated their affinity for the Lexington oval as each horse turned the tables on the rival who defeated them at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in $205,479 series finals last month.

Defending Kentucky Commonwealth Series champion, Hungry For Love (David Miller), gunned down favoured Strong Poison (Yannick Gingras) by a half-length in the third race on a card where races nine through 12 were cancelled due to the unpredictable weather in the Bluegrass.

The daughter of Stay Hungry was content to track in third position while Strong Poison went straight to the top with Keep My Secret (Marvin Luna) in second. The mares remained in that position as Strong Poison clicked off fractions of :28.2, :56 and 1:24.3 through three-quarters. Hungry For Love, however, decided it was time to go at the top of the lane as she overhauled Keep My Secret to pursue the leader.

From there the race was on as Hungry For Love paced a sizzling :25.1 final quarter-mile to hit the wire in 1:50.2. Take nothing away from Strong Poison as she came home in :25.4. Keep My Secret held third.

Conditioned by Ron Burke, Hungry For Love increased her bankroll to $598,533. The mare was bred by Brittany Farms and is owned by Thomas and Scott Dillon.

The victory avenged three consecutive defeats when lining up against Strong Poison. The publics second choice paid $6.72 to win and improved her overall record to 44-15-8-7. She is 12-3-5-2 in 2024.

El Rey (Marcus Miller) demonstrated a return to the red clay was exactly what the doctor ordered after a disappointing effort in the $586,301 William Haughton Memorial on July 13 behind Abuckabett Hanover. He also took a measure of revenge on 2023 Kentucky Commonwealth Series Final winner, Admiral Hill (Yannick Gingras), who bested him in the $205,479 series final at Oak Grove.

The son of Captaintreacherous zipped right to the front after the wings on the gate unfolded with favourite Admiral Hill biding his time in second. El Rey led the field with splits of :27.3, :53.4 and 1:21. As the field of seven turned for home, Admiral Hill laid down the gauntlet with Blue Lou (D. Miller) in hot pursuit.

El Rey would not be denied in a thrilling stretch drive, turning back the bids of his foes to stop the clock in 1:49.1. to hold Admiral Hill at bay by a nose. Blue Lou was another nose back in third.

Trained by Andrew Harris, El Rey increased his bank account to $700,743 from 41 career miles. The stallion is owned by William Pollock, Bruce Areman and his trainer.

El Rey has compiled a record of 9-2-3-1 this season and paid his supporters $6.06 for his effort. He was bred by Riverview Breeding LLC.

Racing returns to The Red Mile on Sunday (June 28) with another evening under the lights. Racing will be conducted on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays through Sept. 17 prior to the Grand Circuit coming to town. First post for Sundays is 5:05 p.m. with Mondays and Tuesdays kicking off at 1 p.m.

(The Red Mile)
Carter Dalgety has needed little time to make a big impression.

The 21-year-old Dalgety, who earlier this year became the quickest junior driver to reach 100 wins in New Zealand history, recently arrived in the U.S. to spend a couple months observing harness racing firsthand on this side of the world. Not even two weeks into his stay, he made an impact here as well.

On July 19, Dalgety made his stateside debut and picked up his first North American win when he guided Chris Ryder-trained Handlelikeaporsche to victory at Harrahs Philadelphia. The next night, Dalgety got his first Meadowlands triumph with Stonebridge Reef, another horse from the Ryder stable.

I didnt expect it to be this good this quickly, but Ill take it, said Dalgety, who is staying with longtime family friend and four-time Dan Patch Award Driver of the Year Dexter Dunn. Initially, I wasnt too worried about driving. I was just going to come over and help out in a few barns and sort of travel around and see how everybody does it here compared to Down Under. Dex kind of encouraged me to give the driving a go.

Hes made everything so much easier for me. I dont think it would be going as good without him.

Dunn, who led New Zealands premiership in wins 10 times before moving to the U.S. in 2018, worked and drove for Dalgetys parents, Cran and Chrissie, and the familys Kentuckiana Lodge.

Growing up with him, its been pretty cool to see his whole journey right from the start to where he is now, said Dalgety. Its quite incredible.

Dalgety is on his own incredible journey. In March, he got his 100th win in only his 550th start, which according to Harness Racing New Zealand stats set the record for fewest drives by a junior driver to reach the milestone. Making it more memorable, Dalgety got the triumph in a Group 1 race with All You Need Is Me, a horse trained by his parents.

It was Dalgetys second Group 1 victory in his career, which has seen him post 117 lifetime wins so far in New Zealand. He ranks No. 1 in wins this year in the junior drivers premiership, with 38, and seventh in premiership.

Off the track, Dalgety in March received the Valachi Downs Young Scholarship Award, which provides funding to help individuals under 35 advance their careers in the equine industry. Dalgety was the first harness racing driver to get the scholarship.

That was really cool, said Dalgety. Its not something I expected, of course, because it was such a big pool of people. When I got the nod, I was just over the moon.

Dalgety, who has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a double major in supply chain management and global business, also runs his own clothing line, Fuego Collection, in addition to working with horses.

The university stuff definitely helps with that, managing supply chains and logistics, importing and exporting, said Dalgety. Hoodies have been my biggest seller. I made up a couple designs and still have a lot more to release. Its so interesting, with marketing and working out what people like. Its ever changed.

Dalgety used some of his scholarship award for his trip to the U.S.

Ive always wanted to come over here, said Dalgety. My family came over this time last year, but I waited at home; I wanted a little bit more experience driving. I thought another 12 months might have been perfect. I turned 21 in May and its a little bit quieter in winter in New Zealand, the racing. I thought why not. I talked to Dexter and here I am.

In getting his first U.S. win, Dalgety and Handlelikeaporsche settled in second from post seven before prevailing in a stretch duel over favourite Declan Seelster. Sent off at 11-1 odds, Handlelikeaporsche won by a half-length.

It probably wasnt really expected, which made it a little better, I think, said Dalgety. It was a thrill, and maybe a bit of relief as well just to get off the mark. It was one of the greatest feelings ever.

And it was followed by another great feeling the next day when Dalgety guided Stonebridge Reef to a career-best 1:48.4 triumph at The Meadowlands. Dalgety and Stonebridge Reef were fourth at the quarter, came first-over heading to the half, were on top by 4-1/2 lengths in the stretch and won by 1-1/2 lengths.



Carter Dalgety (right) with Dexter Dunn and Stonebridge Reef

He just felt so good I thought Id get him out on the front, said Dalgety. As soon as he got the lead, he just swelled up and found another gear. He was flicking his ears around the last turn and just exploded up the straight. There wasnt a real point where I thought I had it [won], but I thought the way he felt that he would have been hard to chase down. As soon as they got close, he just kept kicking. It was amazing, really.

For any harness boy in the world, you watch The Meadowlands, and to get a drive there was absolutely amazing in the first place, said Dalgety. But then to win like that, it was a dream come true.

Dalgety has 10 drives over the next several days  eight at Harrahs Philadelphia and two at The Meadowlands. He also has been busy at qualifiers, driving horses for trainers such as Ron Burke, Andrew Harris, Nifty Norman, Brett Pelling and Linda Toscano.

Nobody really knows me at all and for them to put me on their horses is pretty cool, said Dalgety. I just hope that I can repay them.

Dalgety expects to stay in the U.S. for about another six weeks, then return to New Zealand as some of his horses there return from layoffs. In the meantime, he will soak up the experience here.

Its been a dream start, said Dalgety. I just got to keep riding the wave.

(USTA)
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, speaks during the Women's March ATX rally, Oct., 2, 2021, in Austin, Texas. It's been two weeks since President Joe Biden's debate with Donald Trump. On Thursday, July 11, the 11th lawmaker joined the list of Democrats calling on Biden to end his candidacy. After days of reckoning, many more are known to be harboring that wish. Doggett became the first lawmaker to say Biden should go. Stephen Spillman/AP

Two days after President Joe Bidens shaky debate performance that would ultimately upend his reelection campaign, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett was at a friends going away party in Austin and eager to talk about it.

The longtime Democratic congressman ran into Alex Birnel, a San Antonio-area organizer, and asked him what he thought about the president. Birnel paused. Do you want my candid answer, he asked Doggett, or do you want my canned answer?

RELATED: Texas Democratic delegates voice broad support for Kamala Harris ahead of presidential convention

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Doggett, who has served in Congress for nearly three decades, wanted the candid answer. So Birnel shared it: After the June 27 debate, it was fair to question Bidens ability to serve. And how could the Democratic Party say this election was about saving democracy when it was shutting down a conversation about Bidens fitness? Political parties should be used to explore options and other candidates, he said, and to coalesce and consolidate energy around one man is not really democratic in ethos or in practice.

Doggett listened carefully, Birnel said, and then told him he felt very much the same.

To be honest, I didn't think that much would come of the conversation, Birnel said. He didn't telegraph or give indication that the next day, or within a couple days, he was going to make the call public for Biden to resign.

But he did. Doggett made national headlines on July 2 when he became the first Democrat in Congress to publicly call for Biden to withdraw. At the time, some of his only allies were fellow Texans, including former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and state Rep. Ron Reynolds of Missouri City, who both called for the president to step aside shortly after the debate.

Over the next two weeks, the effort to replace Biden would gain steam, culminating in the presidents decision on Sunday to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

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READ MORE: Houston mayor John Whitmire missing from list of 250 Democratic Mayors supporting Kamala Harris

Reynolds, who posted on Instagram the day after the debate that Biden should step aside, said it was ironic that so many of the early calls came from Texas, which generally isnt considered a battleground state. Democrats havent won a statewide race here in nearly three decades.

Looking back, Texas led on this in terms of the national conversation, and it built momentum, because we had courage to speak truth to power and be willing to be brave, Reynolds said.

The morning after the debate, Doggett said he reached out to colleagues and current and former Democratic leaders to say that the party needed a new nominee. Others didnt feel the same yet, so I decided someone needed to act, and that someone was going to have to be me, he said.

Doggett said he tried to reach out to the White House to speak privately with the president before publicly calling on him to step down, but staffers never returned his call. By the time he saw Birnel at their friends going away party, hed already made up his mind, but he asked attendees for their thoughts to get their impressions and their feeling about what would be best for the country.

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In his statement, Doggett said the decision to make these strong reservations public is not done lightly nor does it in any way diminish my respect for all that President Biden has achieved. National news outlets quickly ran with the story, and Doggett appeared in radio and television interviews.

Doggett, 77, was better positioned than many to make the announcement: Hes running for reelection in a safely blue district in Austin, and hes served in Congress alongside Biden and for longer than most other representatives.

It was a little risky getting out there, and I wish that we'd had more colleagues move as swiftly on that as they have in embracing Kamala Harris, Doggett said, adding that colleagues from across the country privately reached out afterward to say they appreciated that I could say what they felt they could not say.

No other Democrats have emerged to challenge Harris, and shes racking up support from party delegates across the country. Late Monday night, the Texas delegation, which includes Reynolds and Doggett, endorsed her ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

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Reynolds said the excitement around Harris entry into the race validated what he, Doggett and Castro started saying days after the debate  even if their views werent the most popular at the time.

In the end, I felt vindicated, because many of the people who really came for me  (later) said, You really made a difference, and I'm sorry that I criticized you. I didn't realize how bad it was, Reynolds said.

Doggett isnt having an I-told-you-so moment, but he does feel better about Democrats prospects this fall. On Monday, Doggett said Harris now has the clear support of most Democrats, and were ready to proceed with her as a nominee.

I feel hopeful that now we have a fighting chance, and that we did not have it before, Doggett said in an interview. But I also recognize that it had to be a very painful and difficult point for the president, someone who served our country well and who I appreciate.

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Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri.

Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here.

You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The cockpit of an old MD-90 aircraft arrived at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, in March 2024. Parts will be used to build a simulator for NASAs X-66, the demonstration aircraft for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman

NASA's X-66 aircraft, the centerpiece of its Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, is taking the term "sustainable" to heart by reusing an old MD-90 cockpit as a base for its new X-66 simulator.

When airplanes are retired, they often wind up in "boneyards"storage fields where they spend years being picked over for parts by manufacturers, researchers, engineers, and designers. That's where the X-66 team found their new X-66 simulator cockpit, before sending it to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

The project will catalog, clean, and disassemble the MD-90 cockpit to use for the simulator. This is where the Simulation Engineering Branch at NASA Armstrong steps in. The team develops high-fidelity engineering simulators that allow pilots and engineers to run real-life scenarios in a safe environment.

As with any X-plane, a simulator allows researchers to test unknowns without risking the pilot's safety or the aircraft's structural integrity. A simulator also affords the team the ability to work out design challenges during the build of the aircraft, ensuring that the final product is as efficient as possible.

To assemble the X-66, the project team will use the airframe from another MD-90, shortening it, installing new engines, and replacing the wing assemblies with a truss-braced wing design.

The cockpit of an old MD-90 aircraft arrived at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, in March 2024. Parts will be used to build a simulator for NASAs X-66, the demonstration aircraft for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman

The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project is NASA's effort to develop more efficient airframes as the nation moves toward sustainable aviation. In addition to the X-66's revolutionary wing design, the project team will work with industry, academia, and other government organizations to identify, select, and mature sustainable airframe technologies.

The project seeks to inform the next generation of single-aisle airliner, the workhorse of commercial aviation fleets around the world. Boeing and NASA are partnering to develop the experimental demonstrator aircraft.
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A Delta Air Lines plane leaves the gate on July 12, 2021, at Logan International Airport in Boston. U.S. airline regulators have opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines, which is still struggling to restore operations on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, more than four full days after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and disrupted global air travel. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File

Delta Air Lines canceled significantly fewer flights Wednesday, and the airline's chief executive said cancellations and delays stemming from a global technology breakdown should end by Thursday.

The airline issued a message from Ed Bastian to customers while the CEO was in Paris to attend the Summer Olympics.

In the message, Bastian apologized to travelers who had their plans upended. Delta has canceled more than 6,500 flightsfar more than any other airlinesince key systems were crippled by the technology outage.

"While our initial efforts to stabilize the operations were difficult and frustratingly slow and complex, we have made good progress this week and the worst impacts of the CrowdStrike-caused outage are clearly behind us," Bastian said.

CrowdStrike is the cybersecurity company whose faulty software update sent to computers running on Microsoft Windows led to grounded flights and disrupted banks, hospitals and retailers starting early Friday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating why Delta failed to recover as quickly as other airlines. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Tuesday that the department would also examine Delta's customer service, including "unacceptable" lines for assistance and reports that unaccompanied minors were stranded at airports.

Buttigieg said the department had received more than 3,000 complaints about Delta since the outage started.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offers remarks on the continued flight disruptions affecting Delta Air Lines passengers and DOT's investigation into Delta, at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Washington. Credit: AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.

By midday Wednesday, Delta had canceled about 50 flights, not counting those on its Delta Connection regional affiliates, according to tracking service FlightAware. That was down from more than 500 cancellations, or 14% of its schedule, on Tuesday.

As recently as Sunday, three out of every four Delta flights were either canceled or delayed.

Bastian said Delta anticipates Thursday will be "a normal day, with the airline fully recovered and operating at a traditional level of reliability."

The CEO said Delta is committed to taking care of customers whose flights are affected, "with meals, hotel accommodations and ground transportation offered through vouchers and reimbursements." Those passengers also will receive airline miles and travel vouchers "as a further gesture of apology," he said.

Bastian was in Paris for the Olympics, which open Friday. Delta is the airline sponsor of the U.S. Olympic team, and the airline said he was meeting with business partners while in Paris.

"Ed delayed this long-planned business trip until he was confident the airline was firmly on the path to recovery," a Delta spokesperson said in a statement. "As of Wednesday morning, Delta's operations were returning to normal. Ed remains fully engaged with senior operations leaders."

Bastian flew to Paris on a regularly scheduled Delta flight, the Atlanta-based airline said.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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The Federal Trade Commission building is seen, Jan. 28, 2015, in Washington. The Federal Trade Commission said on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, that it's ordering eight companies that offer surveillance pricing to turn in information about their practices, as the agency investigates potential impacts on privacy and consumer protection. Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

The Federal Trade Commission has ordered information from eight companies that the agency says offer products and services that use personal data to set prices based on a shopper's individual characteristics.

In a Tuesday announcement, the FTC said it was seeking to better understand the "opaque market" of "surveillance pricing" practices using consumer dataincluding credit information, location and browsing historyto charge different customers different prices for the same goods.

To do this, the agency noted, third-party intermediaries claim to use advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technology.

"Firms that harvest Americans' personal data can put people's privacy at risk. Now firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices," FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a prepared statement.

Khan added that the FTC's inquiry "will shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen."

The FTC said it sent orders to Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture and McKinsey & Co.

The agency says its "study" will aim to understand how surveillance pricing works and investigate potential impacts on privacy and consumer protection.

The orders requested information on the "types of surveillance pricing" that each company has produced, developed or licensedas well as details on data collection methods, which customers were offered such products or services and other potential impacts, such as different prices paid, the FTC said.

In a statement sent to The Associated Press Tuesday, Revionics said that it "does not develop software that recommends pricing targeted to specific individuals"or use individual consumer data "in any manner."

The software company said its AI price optimization software considers several "market-level factors" to recommend optimal prices, such as historical sales data. Revionics added that its data is often sourced from retail partnersreiterating that it "does not, in any way, conduct operations related to the surveillance of consumers."

Mastercard did not comment when reached by the AP Tuesday afternoon, but confirmed that it received the FTC's request and would cooperate in the process. The remaining companies did not immediately release additional statements.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Saudi Arabia hopes to become a hub for electric vehicles as it seeks to diversify its economy away from oil.

For Hamed al-Rafidain, a Saudi human resources worker, an electric vehicle offers welcome savings, especially since his other car is a fuel-guzzling four-wheel drive favored by motorists in the desert kingdom.

The 39-year-old is part of a small but growing EV consumer base in Saudi Arabia, which hopes to become a hub for the technology as it seeks to diversify its economy away from oil.

Although the EV market in the world's largest oil exporter remains small compared with the United States and China, it tripled last year to nearly 800 cars, according to Saudi business news outlet Al-Iqtisadiyah.

"What drove me to buy an electric vehicle was financial considerations," said Rafidain, who spends up to 2,000 riyals ($530) a month on fuel for his off-road vehicle.

"Maintenance costs are also lower compared to a conventional vehicle, with no oil changes and no brake-pad replacements," he added, pointing to the engine-free storage space under the hood of his new car.

Chinese EV giant BYD is expected to dominate the Saudi market. Its global rival Tesla of the United States has no dealerships in the Gulf kingdom.

With eight million residents, Riyadh experiences traffic jams that contribute to high pollution levels.

Rafidain said he chose an EV because of environmental concerns, noting electric vehicles "help reduce global warming in cities".

For a little over $53,300, he bought a BYD that he mostly uses for short trips within the capital.

Although the EV market in the world's largest oil exporter remains relatively small, it tripled last year to nearly 800 cars.

EV challenges

A lack of charging infrastructure and Saudi Arabia's vast size mean that many view their EVs as suitable for shorter trips, rather than replacements for conventional vehicles.

Using an EV for travel outside the city was a "gamble, especially since the infrastructure is still underdeveloped", Rafidain said, noting the range of current batteries is only about 400 kilometers (250 miles).

While BYD and Lucid install charging stations directly at customers' homes, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (Eviq) is working to place them elsewhere, aiming for 5,000 across the country by 2030.

EV prices remain high in Saudi Arabia, where fuel costs are lower than in most countries, with a litre of petrol costing $0.62.

A vehicle from Lucid, which opened a factory in Jeddah last year after a billion-dollar Saudi investment, costs $92,000, but the arrival of BYD is expected to make EVs more affordable.

Industry expert Hossam Iraqi said EVs are less popular among Saudis owing to their size and performance in extreme heat.

"Most current electric vehicle production is small to medium-sized, which does not suit the needs of large Saudi families," he said, adding the Gulf region's extreme heat has an impact on battery efficiency.

A lack of charging infrastructure and Saudi Arabia's vast size mean that many view their EVs as suitable for shorter trips.

Saudi surge

Salesman Hassan Mohammed expects strong EV sales this year, as demand grows at home and abroad.

"More than one car brand has opened its doors in the kingdom and now offers after-sales service, which has encouraged consumers," he said at an exhibition in northern Riyadh, where Saudis test-drove cars.

Al-Iqtisadiyah reported in April that Saudi Arabia imported only 779 EVs in 2023, up from 210 the previous year, citing official Saudi statistics.

The country is also ramping up domestic production.

Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, PIF, now controls 60 percent of Lucid and has secured a deal with South Korea's Hyundai to establish a plant in the kingdom for both EVs and petrol-powered cars.

Additionally, Saudi EV brand CEER, launched in 2022, plans to start production in 2025.

Earlier this year, Saudi Industry Minister Bandar al-Kharif said the country was aiming to produce 300,000 EVs annually, without giving a timeline.

Chinese EV giant BYD is expected to dominate the Saudi market.

Riyadh, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, was also in talks with battery producers, he said.

For now, some still prefer hybrid vehicles, which use both batteries and petrol to go longer distances.

"The balance between electricity and gasoline is economical and convenient," said Omar el-Shami, a 43-year-old Egyptian pharmacist, as he charged the car he bought for his wife.

"Things may change in the future," he said.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In recent months, Google showed interest in two companies, either of which would have been the biggest-ever purchase for the internet giant. And both times, the deals fell apart.

On July 22, the chief executive of Wiz Inc. told staff that the cybersecurity startup would reject a $23 billion offer from Alphabet Inc.'s Google and instead pursue an initial public offering. That came just weeks after Google shelved plans to buy HubSpot Inc., a $25 billion software firm.

A large reason the advanced talks between Google and Wiz failed, according to people familiar with the situation: a faulty software update from CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. that caused Microsoft Windows to crash on millions of devices around the world. That episode increased interest inand the potential value ofcompanies that offer cloud security features, like Wiz, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing private matters.

But also looming over both of Google's failed deals was the specter of antitrust. Google has faced a litany of monopoly cases around the globe over the last decade, with scrutiny growing even after the company stopped pursuing as many deals. Now that Google is back on the market, it's once again dealing with the regulatory pressures that have scuttled multiple high-profile tech purchases in the past year.

In the U.S. and Europe, competition authorities have increasingly zeroed in on the tech sector for its economic sway and market power. European regulators have forced potential deals to undergo months of reviews, and Lina Khan, chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, has aggressively gone after Silicon Valley in a way her agency never did before.

Wiz turned down the deal partly over concerns it would lead to a protracted approval process, Bloomberg News previously reported. One of the last big proposed tech takeoversAdobe Inc.'s $20 billion overture to web design startup Figmafell apart at the end of 2023 after clashes with regulators in the UK and Europe. A month later, Amazon.com Inc. dropped its bid to buy Roomba-maker iRobot for similar reasons.

Amazon's abandoned bid "spooked a lot of people," said Stefan Slowinski, global head of software research at BNP Paribas Exane. "Lina Khan had the impact of preventing some large M&A just by being present."

Those aborted deals followed an intense FTC probe over Big Tech's AI investments, and Microsoft Corp.'s lengthy, albeit successful, fight to get UK regulators to sign off on its purchase of Activision Blizzard.

"The first thing I thought of when I saw the CrowdStrike news was 'Oh, the 23 billion valuation for Wiz has just gone up a little bit,'" said Slowinski.

Still, if the Wiz deal had gone through, analysts think it would likely have been exposed to prolonged antitrust scrutiny, like most of Google's recent large deals. Spokespeople for Google and Wiz declined to comment.

In its first two decades, Google built many of its core properties, like YouTube and Android, through acquisitions, making gutsy bets on unproven technologies that ended up giving the company footholds in mobile computing, video and artificial intelligence.

After spending $3.2 billion on Nest, a connected-device manufacturer, in 2014, Google effectively stopped cutting big checks for consumer companies. Its last major move in that categorythe $2.1 billion takeover of Fitbit Inc. proposed in 2019took over a year to clear regulatory hurdles.

More recently, Google has focused its corporate development strategy on its cloud business. Under Thomas Kurian, Google's cloud chief, the unit has aggressively expanded its sales forces and product lines in order to compete with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.

In 2019, a year after Kurian joined Google, the company agreed to spend $2.6 billion on cloud software firm Looker, and three years later, Google dropped $5.4 billion on cloud security provider Mandiant. Still, Google remains a distant third in the cloud marketa fact that the company likes to point to when dismissing claims that it's a monopoly threat in the sector.

Google never entered into detailed due diligence conversations with HubSpot, which provides customer management software, according to people familiar. But had the deal gone through, it would have immediately threatened HubSpot's leading competitor Salesforce Inc., given Google's "financial strength and AI expertise," according to a report from Bloomberg Intelligence.

An acquisition of Wiz, meanwhile, would have dwarfed Google's previous deals. Wiz sells technology that scans data stored in public clouds for potential security risks. The company would have been a natural fit for Kurian's cloud division and would have helped Google's cloud unit in a field where it lags behind competitors, people familiar with Google's strategy said.

But that possibility evaporated when Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport told staff that the startup would focus on hitting $1 billion in annual recurring revenue and target an IPO, according to a memo viewed by Bloomberg News.

The company declined to comment further. Figma, the design startup, also said it would pursue an IPO after its Adobe deal fell through. Such announcements have reassured startup investors who have seen very few lucrative exits lately, and been shaken by watching regulators tank promising deals.

"With IPOs, you're the captain of your own destiny," said Haakon Overli, a partner with Dawn Capital, an enterprise software investing firm.

At the same time, many venture capitalists have accepted that selling a company to one of the larger tech firms will inevitably invite attention from antitrust busters, Overli added. "It's a known unknown."

2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

This photo shows power lines in Hanoi, Vietnam, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Vietnam will let electricity-guzzling factories buy electricity from wind and solar power producers, helping big companies like Samsung Electronics meet their climate targets and relieving pressure on the country's overstrained grid. Credit: AP Photo/Hau Dinh

Vietnam will let electricity-guzzling factories buy electricity from wind and solar power producers, helping big companies like Samsung Electronics meet their climate targets and relieving pressure on the country's overstrained grid.

The government decree allowing Direct Power Purchase Agreements, or DPPAs, was approved earlier this month. It lifts a regulation requiring all consumers of power to rely only on the state-run utility Vietnam Electricity, or EVN, and its subsidiaries, which distribute electricity at rates fixed by the government.

Foreign investors that are vital to Vietnam's ascent as a major exporter had been clamoring for such a change.

"The DPPA will dramatically alter this status quo," said Giles Cooper, a partner at the international law firm Allens based in Hanoi who specializes in energy policy.

Without such a change, it was "difficult, if not impossible" for companies to meet their commitments to phase out reliance on fossil fuels. With more and more countries taxing carbon pollution, companies that can show that their factories use clean energy can enjoy a "considerable competitive advantage" in some markets, said Cooper, who contributed to the drafting of the law.

This loosening of the Communist Party-ruled state's grip on the sale of electricity has been in the making since 2019. In most of Southeast Asia, electricity markets tend to be centralized. But DPPAs to allow companies to buy energy from power producers directly are increasing, said Kyeongho Lee, head of Asia Pacific Power Research at Wood Mackenzie.

Solar panels work near wind turbines in Quy Non, Vietnam, June 11, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Minh Hoang, File

Lee said the amount of power generation under such agreements increased from 15 gigawatts in 2021 to 26 gigawatts in 2023, growth concentrated in India, Australia and Taiwan, which account for more than 80% of the total capacity that is under contract.

Vietnam's move addresses investors' concerns about access to stable and clean energy. That's a priority for a country seen as a promising alternative for businesses looking to diversify supply chains outside China.

Liberalizing the market also is expected to spur more construction of new solar and wind farms by guaranteeing a market for clean electricity, analysts say.

About 20 large companies are interested in buying clean energy directly from producers, according to a survey conducted by Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, with total demand estimated at nearly 1 gigawatt of energy.

Vietnam's largest foreign investor, Samsung, was among the earliest to start working with the government on introducing this mechanism. The company aims to transition all its business sites to renewable energy by 2027, and Vietnam is its largest mobile phone manufacturing base, accounting for more than half of all production.

This photo shows a building with a Samsung logo in Hanoi, Vietnam, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Vietnam will let electricity-guzzling factories buy electricity from wind and solar power producers, helping big companies like Samsung Electronics meet their climate targets and relieving pressure on the country's overstrained grid. Credit: AP Photo/Hau Dinh

The South Korean multinational told The Associated Press in an email that it welcomed the approval of the "landmark decree."

Its factories transitioned to renewable energy in 2022 by buying renewable energy credits. "Now, with the DPPA mechanism, we have more options to procure renewable energy and look forward to working with the Vietnam government to further develop and implement PPAs," it said.

Apple Inc., which has moved some manufacturing to Vietnam from China after enduring disruptions in its production during the COVID-19 pandemic, also welcomed the reform as an "important step towards a cleaner grid."

Bessma Aljarbou, head of Apple's Supplier Carbon Solutions said in a statement that the plan provides suppliers with a "meaningful opportunity" to support Vietnam's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 while meeting its own goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The success of DPPAs will depend on how quickly Vietnam can upgrade its rickety electrical grid, which as is in the case in many places in the world, has failed to keep up with rapid growth of clean power generation. Vietnam says it needs $15 billion to strengthen it.

Solar panels work in Quy Non, Vietnam, June 11, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Minh Hoang, File

This could be an obstacle for factories where it is impossible to build a solar or wind farm close by, meaning that companies can only buy clean power "virtually," buying the energy from the state utility, EVN, which would purchase the power from the solar or wind farm, with the buyer making up any difference in costs between the government rate and the one agreed on in the purchasing agreement.

"In this model, there is no direct link between the consumer and generator. In fact, they can be hundreds of kilometers apart," explained Cooper, adding that even though the company still buys electricity from the state-run utility it now has contractual evidence of its use of renewable energy.

The new directive has two mechanisms for factories to directly buy renewable energy. The first is the so-called direct wire model where some large consumers of electricity can be connected to a nearby renewable power plant through a direct transmission line. They can then buy the electricity at an agreed-upon rate. This ensures the power will be entirely clean energy with no involvement of EVN.

Vietnam increased its use of solar and wind power by tenfold between 2015-23 and power from such clean sources now accounts for about 13% of total electricity generation. But the clean energy boom has faltered in recent months due to policy hurdles like the removal of attractive long-term contracts for clean energy producers or lack of protections for losses incurred when energy from the sun or the wind aren't utilized to balance the grid. These were further aggravated by political uncertainty due to an anti-corruption campaign.

Meanwhile use of polluting fossil fuels, which had been on the decline, increased to 53.6% of total power generation in 2023 from 49.7% the year before, according to data from U.K. based energy thinktank Ember.

This photo shows power lines in Hanoi, Vietnam, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Hau Dinh

The new directive could help reverse this trend by making it easier for energy producers since it guarantees that there will be purchasers for specific wind and solar projects, said Dinita Setyawati Senior Electricity Policy Analyst for Southeast Asia at Ember. "So there are more certainties from a business point of view," she said.

She added that in Vietnam the law could "unlock" a lot of interest to build solar or wind farms.

"We can expect more renewable energy capacities installed if this scheme is successful," she said.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
China pledges joint efforts with Russia to build high-level energy cooperation partnership: vice premier

Xinhua) 08:53, July 24, 2024

MOSCOW, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Russia to build a high-level energy cooperation partnership, so as to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said here Tuesday.

Ding was holding talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and co-chairing the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said under the strategic guidance and cordial care of the two heads of state, China-Russia energy cooperation has formed an all-round, cross-sector, in-depth and high-level pattern.

Since the 20th meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee, energy cooperation between the two countries has maintained a sound development momentum and achieved a series of new achievements, Ding said.

He said China is willing to work with Russia to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and build a high-level energy cooperation partnership, so as to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

Ding proposed that the two sides should deepen the integrated cooperation among upstream, midstream and downstream, and lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of energy cooperation.

He also called for optimizing the policy environment for energy cooperation to create favorable conditions for the construction and operation of major energy projects.

It is hoped that the two sides will actively expand new space for energy cooperation, strengthen cooperation in renewable energy and energy technology innovation, and promote green and low-carbon energy transformation, Ding said, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic coordination on global energy governance and make greater contribution to the long-term, sound, stable and sustainable development of the world energy market.

Novak said in recent years, Russia-China energy cooperation has made continuous progress and achieved remarkable results, which fully demonstrates the mutual respect, equality and high-level mutual trust between the two countries.

Russia is willing to work with China to give full play to the platform and coordination role of the Russia-China Energy Cooperation Committee, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, expand energy cooperation at a deeper level and in a wider field, and contribute to the growth of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, Novak said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The surface elevation of Medina Lake on May 21 was 971.95 feet above mean sea level. Lake levels this week have since risen to more than 974 feet above sea level. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

Medina Lake is finally being replenished. After years of drought caused water levels to fall, recent rainfall in Medina and Bandera County has helped to move the needle in a positive direction. Water levels have risen more in the past two days than at any time in the past five years.

Years-long drought

Floating docks are stranded on the dry lake bed at Medina Lake on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The lake is currently 2.6% full with a mean water level of 971.95 feet above sea level according to Water Data for Texas, the lowest level recorded by the Texas Water Development Board's data that goes back to 1997. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Floating docks try to reach the water at Medina Lake on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The lake is currently 2.6% full with a mean water level of 971.95 feet above sea level according to Water Data for Texas, the lowest level recorded by the Texas Water Development Board's data that goes back to 1997. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Floating docks sit high above the water at Medina Lake in Lakehills on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The lake is currently 2.6% full with a mean water level of 971.95 feet above sea level according to Water Data for Texas, the lowest level recorded by the Texas Water Development Board's data that goes back to 1997. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Medina Lake on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The lake is currently 2.6% full with a mean water level of 971.95 feet above sea level according to Water Data for Texas, the lowest level recorded by the Texas Water Development Board's data that goes back to 1997. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Trees are exposed well above a floating dock near the dam at Medina Lake on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The lake is currently 2.6% full with a mean water level of 971.95 feet above sea level according to Water Data for Texas, the lowest level recorded by the Texas Water Development Board's data that goes back to 1997. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Medina Lake on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The lake is currently 2.6% full with a mean water level of 971.95 feet above sea level according to Water Data for Texas, the lowest level recorded by the Texas Water Development Board's data that goes back to 1997. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

Severe drought has taken a massive toll on many South Texas lakes over the past few years, and no lake has been more affected than Medina Lake, just 40 miles west of San Antonio. The drought was especially bad in 2022 and 2023, when San Antonio recorded a combined two-year total of 31.52 inches of rain, only 49% of what would have been considered normal.

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While parts of South Texas have seen ample rain in 2024, the area near Medina Lake has remained unlucky. Before the week started, northern Medina County, along with much of Bandera County, was still considered to be in severe to extreme drought, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center.

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Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of last week, showed severe to extreme drought in northern Medina and Bandera counties. National Drought Mitigation Center

Because of the lack of rain, Medina Lake has not been considered at full capacity since May 2019, when the lakes surface elevation reached 1,064.2 feet above sea level. Since then, lake levels have been on a steady decline.

Medina Lake reached its lowest point ever recorded just a few days ago. On July 22, lake levels fell to 970.05 feet above sea level. That is more than 94 feet below capacity, leaving the lake only 2.2% full.

Rising lake levels

The area around Medina Lake finally received significant rainfall earlier this week. Radar estimates of 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in northern Medina and much of Bandera County.

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Lake levels have started to respond, too. As of 7 a.m.. Thursday, Medina Lakes surface elevation had risen to 975.86 feet, which is 5.81 feet higher than just three days earlier. Its the largest rise the lake has seen since October 2018, when the lake rose by 8.9 feet during the course of the month.

The largest factor behind Medina Lakes recent rise is not the rain that fell directly over the lake. Instead, its the heavy rainfall that occurred just to the north and west, upstream of the Medina River. Heavy rainfall in Bandera County transformed the river from a trickling stream back into a raging river, and all of that water moved downstream into Medina Lake.

Even though the region has stayed dry on Thursday, lake levels have continued to rise as the Medina River empties into Medina Lake. Between Thursday morning and Friday morning, the lake had risen by 0.16 feet, and is likely to continue rising slowly throughout the day.

The Medina River at Bandera rose by nearly 9 feet in less than 24 hours, peaking at a height of 11.2 feet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. National Water Prediction Service

This is just the beginning

As much as the lake level increase is a good thing, its important to realize that Medina Lake is still in rough shape and has a long way to go before it returns to its former glory. Even though levels have increased by over 5 feet, the lake is still only at 3.6% of capacity. Its going to take a lot more heavy rainfall events over the next several years to bring it back to 100%.

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A college student is accused of killing a 6-week-old baby and abusing his twin brother while visiting the children's parents in Pennsylvania.

Nicole Virzi, 29, a doctoral candidate at San Diego State University and UC San Diego, was in town for the weekend. She was babysitting Leon Katz when he suffered multiple skull fractures under her care at the parents' Pittsburgh apartment.

She also stands accused of abusing Leon's twin brother after several injuries were found on the boy's face, belly, and genitals earlier that same day.

The 29-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder, child endangerment. and aggravated assault. She pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at Allegheny County Jail.

David Shrager, Virzi's defense lawyer, says Leon fell out of a bouncing high chair while the defendant was out of the room, denying any wrongdoing on her behalf.

"We are at the beginning of our investigation, but it's important to note that my client has no criminal history whatsoever," Shrager told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "She is a Ph.D. student and was a longtime friend of the family."

The complaint states Virzi had been visiting with the family when she found blood in the diapers of Leon's brother Ari.

When questioned by officers, the parents said that Virzi had been alone with the baby just before she told them about the injury.

While the parents rushed to a children's hospital with the injured child, Virzi stayed behind at the home to watch Leon.

She would later tell the police that she had the baby in a bouncy chair while the parents were gone and occasionally changed, burped and fed him throughout the evening.

However, around 11 p.m., she claims she went to the kitchen to get a bottle for the child but forgot to strap him into the chair.

That's when she heard the baby scream from the other room and found Leon on the ground with a "large bump on his head."

Virzi called 911 to report the fall and told dispatchers the baby was conscious but struggling to breathe.

Leon was transported to a children's hospital by paramedics, where he was pronounced dead.

A CT scan revealed he had suffered a skull fracture along with multiple brain bleeds.

A doctor who examined the twins told police that the injuries they suffered were consistent with child abuse and "not accidental," WTAE-TV reported.

Investigators said Virzi could not provide a "plausible explanation" for the injuries.

In a GoFundMe created for the Katz family, Leon is described as a beautiful and healthy six-week-old baby boy who was killed under horrific circumstances.

Funds raised will cover funeral expenses as well as medical bills resulting from injuries both boys sustained while under the care of a "trusted family friend."

The page described Leon as a happy, smiley, goofy baby boy.
An Arizona woman is dead after leaping from a moving vehicle driven by her allegedly intoxicated boyfriend during a police chase, officials said.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded Saturday to a domestic violence call from the woman, who was not immediately identified. She reported her boyfriend had taken an illegal drug before driving her up Mount Lemmon, in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and refused to let her out.

When deputies caught up to the suspect, identified as 36-year-old William Holloway, he allegedly ignored commands to pull over, prompting a chase.

The woman jumped out of the car while it was moving, and was critically injured. Some deputies stopped to assist her, while others continued chasing Holloway, who did not stop. The woman died of her injuries at a nearby hospital.

The chase finally ended when deputies found Holloway with a blown tire. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and trafficking stolen property. He was being held in jail on a $750,000 bond.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

--with reporting by TMX
Samsung Electronics America supports upgrade to 'market economy status' for Vietnam

By Tri Duc Wed, July 24, 2024 | 10:27 am GMT+7

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., under South Korean chaebol Samsung, has told the U.S. Department of Commerce that it supports Vietnam's bid to be recognized as a market economy.

As a significant foreign-headquartered investor in Vietnams growth over the past 15 years, Samsung can attest that Vietnam has not discriminated against our company in comparison to domestic investors, referring to one of the factors the U.S. Department of Commerce will consider.

A Samsung factory in Thai Nguyen province, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Thai Nguyen news portal.

To the contrary, Vietnam has welcomed Samsungs investment in the country, to the extent that our company has become one of Vietnams largest employers, according to Samsung Electronics America.

Increasing investment by Samsung and other companies has helped to spur the growth of Vietnams private sector and the private sectors decision-making process in the Vietnamese economy as a whole, the electronics firm added.

Operating in parallel with its private-sector growth, Vietnam has increased its diplomatic ties with the United States and allies such as South Korea and Japan. Such diplomatic efforts provide ballast to companies from those countries, like Samsung, which invest in Vietnam, according to the statement.

As a result of those developments, Vietnam has increasingly emerged as a stable, secure supply chain partner, to the ultimate benefit of the U.S. economy. To illustrate, Vietnam now is one of Samsungs key suppliers to U.S. consumers, alongside products made in the United States, South Korea, and Mexico, according to Samsung.

On the same page, the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) have been supporting Vietnam's efforts to be designated as a market economy by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Vietjet, Rolls-Royce ink deal for engines, services to power new A330neo fleet

By Quang Minh Wed, July 24, 2024 | 10:17 am GMT+7

Vietjet and Rolls-Royce, a leading British aerospace and defense company, have signed an agreement for 40 Trent 7000 engines and the TotalCare engine service to power the 20 new A330neo aircraft ordered a day earlier.

The signing took place at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow in the UK on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in advancing the airline's engine technology capabilities and related solutions, it said in a statement.

Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong (front, left) and Rob Watson, president, Rolls-Royce-Civil Aerospace (front, right), sign the agreement for 40 Trent 7000 engines and TotalCare engine service. Photo courtesy of Vietjet.

The deal came after the Vietnamese low-cost carrier struck a contract for the purchase of 20 new-generation wide-body A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, worth a total of $7.4 billion at the manufacturers list price.

The Trent 7000 is a modern and new generation engine developed by Rolls-Royce, focusing on environmental protection and sustainability. Vietjet has committed to the A330neo/Trent 7000 combination as it delivers a 14% better fuel burn per seat, while significantly lowering emissions.

TotalCare is an industry-leading premium service, supported by data delivered through the Rolls-Royce advanced engine health monitoring system. The agreement will also complement the airlines existing TotalCare coverage of the Trent 700 powered A330ceo fleet.

Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea, and on land. The company is investing more than GBP1 billion ($1.29 billion) in a program that will deliver further improvements to the Trent engine family.

Vietjet is actively expanding its flight network to numerous international destinations, serving passengers throughout Vietnam, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and more intercontinental destinations.

Currently, the carrier is strengthening partnerships with leading global aviation and technology partners.

In February 2019, during U.S. President Donald Trumps visit to Hanoi, Vietjet placed an order to acquire 100 737 MAX airplanes worth $12.7 billion from American aircraft maker Boeing.

In September 2023, on the sidelines of President Joe Bidens whirlwind Vietnam visit, Vietjet and Boeing reached an agreement to deliver the first 12 aircraft in 2024.
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(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.
Federal regulators are ordering eight companies that offer so-called "surveillance pricing" services to turn over information about their products.

The Federal Trade Commission says the services incorporate data about consumers' characteristics and behavior to set individual pricing for different consumers for the same products or services.

The orders seek information about the potential impact these practices have on privacy, competition and consumer protection.

The FTC says it wants to better understand how the use advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technologies are used.

That information, along with personal information about consumers, such as their location, demographics, credit history, and browsing or shopping history, are being used to categorize individual consumers and set a targeted price for a product or service.

"Firms that harvest Americans' personal data can put people's privacy at risk. Now firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices," said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan.

The affected companies are Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture and McKinsey & Co.

The FTC is not accusing the companies of any wrongdoing. They simply want to obtain information from eight firms that advertise their use of AI and other technologies along with historical and real-time customer information to target prices for individual consumers.

The information they want centers on things such as the types of products and services being offered, data collection methods and what happens to that data, customer and sales information, and the potential impact of the product on tracked consumers including the prices they pay.
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Sohar Islamic, Sohar Internationals Islamic arm, has started operations at its 9 new branches located in Al Buraimi Governorate and the Wilayats of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Al Mazyona, Sinaw, Saham, Al Suwaiq, Al Amerat, Quriyat and A Seeb.

These branches are designed to provide an exceptional banking experience to customers, offering prime locations, spacious facilities, and ample parking for convenient access.

Abdul Wahid Al Murshidi, Chief Islamic Banking Officer at Sohar International, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion. Our expansion reaffirms our commitment to providing inclusive and innovative banking solutions that cater to diverse customer needs. We are thrilled to extend our premium services to ensure easy access for our valued customers in these and neighboring areas. With the bank remaining focused on balancing human interaction with digitalisation, this network expansion aims to foster stronger relationships with customers, recognising the enduring value of personalised service. Our expanding network of branches and thoughtfully designed services reflect our dedication to delivering a delightful banking experience.

Boosting network

With this network expansion, Sohar Islamic strengthens its remarkable network to 18 branches and 4 service centres across different governorates, reinforcing its preeminent standing in offering various Sharia-compliant services and facilities.

Equipped with a team of seasoned professionals, the new branches are dedicated to delivering efficient, responsive, and personalised banking services. Each branch features 24-hour access to fully functional ATMs and CDMs, enhancing customer convenience.

Sohar Islamic continues to bring banking closer to its customers with its growing network across the nation. The new branches were strategically chosen due to the rapid development in these regions, and the bank aims to play a crucial role in raising awareness about its innovative solutions. As a progressive and customer-centric Islamic bank, Sohar Islamic leverages opportunities to positively impact economic development while helping customers make prudent financial decisions.--TradeArabia News Service
Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties has entered into a strategic agreement with DP World, a key provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, for the development of a 1.5-million-sq-ft Grade A logistics park at National Industries Park (NIP) in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

As per the deal, Aldar will be responsible for the full development cycle of the logistics park - from concept and design to execution and management. The project represents a portion of the companys recently announced AED1 billion ($272 million) investment to expand its logistics real estate business in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Construction work will begin in Q4 with the first tenants set to be welcomed in Q4 2025, it stated.

According to Aldar, this partnership will provide the group access to develop and lease assets within NIP, strategically positioned near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, and well-connected to major road networks such as the E11 and E311.

Catering to the high demand for warehousing facilities, the project will target third-party logistics (3PL), eCommerce and retail tenants looking to expand or relocate.

The Grade A and LEED certified logistics park will sit on a 2.36 million sqft plot and will comprise three modular buildings that can be modified to become single or multi tenanted facilities, offering flexible unit sizes.

Aldar Group CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi said: "The location of the site within NIP is significant, strategically positioning us in a logistics hotspot with excellent access to the port and the main highway to Dubai and Abu Dhabi."

"Leveraging our expertise in both development and asset management, this unique project will play an integral role in the continued growth and diversification of our logistics offering," he stated.

DP World GCC CEO and Managing Director Abdulla bin Damithan said with more than 330 businesses operating their facilities out of NIP, the development of this logistics park will ensure that the right infrastructure and services are in place to meet the growing demands of the customers.

"This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge facilities and supply-chain solutions with our partners, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Leading liquid applied coatings and polyurea manufacturer, Delta Coatings, has released plans for construction of a new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing plant at Dubai Industrial City (DIC).

The eco-friendly facility will be powered in part by renewable energy, including an extensive solar energy farm on the facility's roof, driving the firm towards its sustainability and decarbonization goals.

Strategically located in Dubai Industrial City, the facility is a 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from the new Dubai World Central airport and Expo City Dubai.

Delta Coatings aims to move to the new facility in the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to its regional and global growth.

"Our new global headquarters and manufacturing plant in Dubai represents a positive step forward for our company. Our new facility will enable us to demonstrate the numerous benefits of polyurea-based liquid coating, lining and membrane solutions, as well as waterproofing systems, to our customers and even more applicators," remarked its General Manager, Belvin Marx.

"It will also provide a fitting and inspirational home for our growing team of local and international experts as part of Delta Coatings five-year strategic growth plans," stated Marx.

"Since its inception over 20 years ago, this development marks a significant milestone in Delta Coatings history, underpinned by growing awareness and more widespread acceptance of polyurea-based protective coating products and waterproofing solutions globally. Its an exciting time for Delta Coatings and our entire industry," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The UAE and Indonesia to boost knowledge sharing in public financial management

The UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia to enhance cooperation in public financial management that covers a range of financial practices, including macro and fiscal policy, debt management, and climate finance, a report said.

The MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge through study visits, training programmes, workshops, and seminars, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

Additionally, a joint council will be established under this agreement to ensure its effective implementation and to monitor ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said: "The MoU is set to strengthen financial and economic policies that support sustainable development in both countries.

We are confident that this MoU will significantly enhance the efficiency of public financial management in both countries by facilitating the exchange of experiences and knowledge and by leveraging international best practices in the financial sector.

This partnership aligns with the UAE's vision to develop strategic relations globally, achieve shared prosperity, and elevate the level of economic and financial cooperation.

The UAE and Indonesia share robust and flourishing bilateral relations, with trade volumes reaching approximately $4 billion in 2023.

Its exports to Indonesia predominantly consist of petroleum products, petrochemicals, aluminium, and electrical machinery, while imports from Indonesia mainly include agricultural commodities like coffee and tea, alongside food products, electronics, and textiles.

Economically, the two nations are connected through several pivotal agreements, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA), the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) will recognise outstanding talent among GCC university students in agri-nutrient sustainability as part of the 3rd GPCA Innovation Competition.

Set to take place on the sidelines of the 14th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference from September 10 to 12, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the prestigious competition will reward both undergraduate and postgraduate students from all universities, vocational and research institutes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

For the first time since its inception, the competition is dedicated to rewarding outstanding projects and ideas in agri-nutrients research for a food-secure and climate-resilient planet. Students from across the region can submit their entry in the Race towards Agri-Sustainability until July 31, 2024. The shortlisted candidates will be announced on August 15, 2024.

Innovative solution

To qualify for the competition, students must present an innovative solution to any of the following challenge: Circular Economy in Agriculture; Soil Health; Sustainable Resource Management; and Innovation and Emission Reduction in Agri-Nutrients Production.

The GPCA Innovation Competition features two categories under chemical engineering, chemistry, and other related STEM fields in the GCC. Winners will be announced in second and first place in both the undergraduate and postgraduate category during the 14th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference on September 11 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: We encourage higher education students from across the region to grasp this opportunity, gain exposure to the regions burgeoning chemical industry and win a prize for their research dedicated to agri-sustainability. As the industry contends with the dual challenge of feeding an ever-growing global population, it must address the need to lower emissions, protect the health of our soil and planet, and produce agri-nutrients in an efficient and sustainable manner.

He added: By participating in the competition, young students from the GCC can grow the reputation of their alma mater as a leading chemical research institute, make their research known to leading industry leaders, and win a prize for their hard work and dedication. The opportunity to make a real impact on the planet and society begins today. We invite the regions youth to seize it and inspire change.--TradeArabia News Service
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has awarded KUnnected Living - a multinational consortium comprising Plenary Group, Besix and Mazrui International, a project to develop world-class student accommodation facilities in Abu Dhabi.

The project is the largest student accommodation project in the GCC region to be developed under a public-private partnership model, and includes a 23-year concession to design, build, finance and maintain 3,260 student rooms and communal facilities located across Khalifa Universitys Main Campus and its Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus.

ADIO said the project has now successfully reached commercial close.

To mark the commencement of the PPP concession period and the on-site construction activities, a signing ceremony held in Abu Dhabi which was attended by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and representatives from ADIO, Khalifa University and the consortium companies.

The student accommodation project is being implemented through Abu Dhabis proven and successful Public Private Partnership Programme, which seeks to expand the role of the private sector in delivering major public sector infrastructure and services.

ADIO is the central Abu Dhabi government authority responsible for the facilitation, development and procurement of all infrastructure projects delivered through this PPP framework.

The project underpins Khalifa Universitys commitment to provide world-class accommodation solutions that promote a vibrant on-campus student living experience, alongside a rich and inclusive social environment, for local and international students alike.

Designed to meet international best practices, the new facilities will offer technology-enabled ensuite rooms for undergraduates and ensuite studios for post-graduate students, as well as expansive communal spaces that include support services, central study areas, and commercial and retail areas.

The new student accommodation facilities form a key part of Khalifa Universitys 10-year strategic growth plan to enhance and modernise its teaching, research and living offerings.

The research, enterprise and innovation-oriented university remains top ranked in the UAE and is placed 202nd worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

The public-private project is meanwhile set to boost Abu Dhabis economy through its attraction of foreign direct investment. It will also support local suppliers and manufacturers by drawing local content and products from the national supply chain for the purposes of development and operation.

Plenary, one of the key partners in the KUnnected Living consortium, is an independent long-term investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure that specialises in public-private partnerships and has recently been awarded a $3.3 billion investment project for La Trobe University in Australia.

Besix Group is a major Belgian-French construction and property developer, with PPP concession experience in the education sector, that has been operating in the region for 50 years.

Mazrui International is a privately held diversified holding company that operates across numerous industries and asset classes.

Yaser Al Nuaimi, Acting Head  Infrastructure Partnerships at ADIO, said: "In Abu Dhabi, we are committed to ensuring that the private sector can play a significant role in strategic infrastructure projects that will create impact and value across the emirate."

The Khalifa University Accommodation project is a leading example of this; it demonstrates efficient PPP delivery through an effective commercial partnership that supports the development of premier facilities for students choosing to pursue their studies and research in our top-ranked educational facilities, he added.
A delegation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tunis (CCIT) along with several economic institutions and entities of Tunisia, discussed ways to enhance initiatives in emerging economic sectors and boost cooperation with private sector entities in both countries.

The potential participation of Tunisian real estate developers and companies in the upcoming edition of Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition Acres that will be held in early 2025 at Expo Centre Sharjah, was also discussed during Sharjah Chambers visit to CCIT.

The delegation members included Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of the Economic Relations and Marketing Department at SCCI; Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication Department at SCCI, and Sultan Abdullah Al Ali, Head of the Investor Services Department at SCCI.

They met Mohamed Monsif Ben Jomaa, President of CCIT, as well as other key officials. The meeting delved into prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation between Sharjah and Tunisia in the exchange of economic data, investment opportunities, and the agendas of events and exhibitions organised in both countries.

The delegation also met Tarek Cherif, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Citizen Enterprises (Conect) to discuss and share insights on best practices in supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As part of the visit, Dr Eman Al Salami, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Tunisia, welcomed the Sharjah Chamber delegation.

She was briefed on the visits objectives, outcomes, and significance, as well as its role in fostering economic and investment cooperation between the two nations.

The delegation also discussed how these efforts could expand opportunities for collaboration between the respective business communities.

Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan emphasised that the Sharjah Chamber is committed to enhancing cooperation with its counterparts in the Republic of Tunisia across various industrial and commercial levels.

Highlighting the significant opportunities for boosting bilateral trade and economic relations, Al Jarwan noted that efforts would focus on exchanging delegations and visits, organising trade missions and economic forums, and enhancing cooperation in the exhibition sector.

This sector plays a crucial role in attracting investments, facilitating deals, and exchanging experiences and expertise between companies.

During their visit, the Sharjah Chamber delegation toured various real estate development companies in Tunisia, where they were introduced to the environment-friendly projects that adhere to the highest sustainability standards.  TradeArabia News Service
The 2024 Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress taking place in Dammam from September 18-19, will highlight how Saudi Arabias doors are now open even wider to the world, with investments pouring into sectors like renewable energy, maritime and logistics and other key industries.

According to Chris Morley, Group Director of Seatrade Maritime, organisers of the event: 2024 has already proved a phenomenal year of growth for the industry in Saudi.

I can highlight several areas which indicate the scale of momentum within the industry which includes: the launch of Folk Maritime  offering feeder services and short sea shipping in the Middle East and supporting the kingdoms aspirations in the logistics sector

Mawanis launch of the Ports Community System (PCS)  raising the efficiency of the operational performance of the Saudi port network; the new rail link connecting Al Jubail and Riyadh Dry Port.

The announcement that Fincantieri has launched its new subsidiary  Fincantieri Arabia  to bringing its capabilities across cruise, defence and offshore and of course, the expansion of several law firms in the kingdom.

The two-day exhibition and conference will take place at Dhahran Expo, Dammam, and will be held with founding strategic partners, Bahri and Seatrade Maritime. With its main partners, The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and the Transport General Authority (TGA), and strategic partners, Saudi Aramco and IMI.

This years event is set to break previous attendance records, helped by the necessity to add an extra hall to the exhibition to feature local and international exhibitors.

Carrying forward its resounding success in 2023  which witnessed a remarkable 95% YoY attendance increase  the 2024 edition of the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, serving as a pivotal platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, shaping the future of maritime and logistics in the region and beyond.

In line with its economic diversification efforts, the kingdom has been taking massive strides. One of these significant steps has been the launch of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in 2021, aiming to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting three continents, and improve all transport services in support of Saudi Vision 2030.

As a result, the nation handled over 10.43 million containers at its ports in 2022, helping it jump eight spots to claim the 16th position in the international ranking for container handling quantities.

These efforts will continue as the country aims to increase the capacity of its ports to reach more than 40 million standard containers annually by 2030.

Chris Morley, Group Director of Seatrade Maritime, said: The transport and logistics sectors are undoubtedly significant drivers of the kingdoms economy. The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress brings these vital sectors together at an unrivalled scale creating maximum value for attendees, exhibitors and the Kingdom alike.

This event has seen remarkable growth. And, this year, we can expect to see over 10,000 attendees from across 70+ countries; a record 200+ exhibitors and a conference programme that brings together nearly 70 international speakers.

Our ultimate aim is to facilitate fruitful cooperation between the public and private sector entities that catalyses growth for our industry.  TradeArabia News Service
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday in the wake of a House committee hearing at which she faced harsh criticism over the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

"I take full responsibility for the security lapse," Cheatle said in an email to staff, obtained by the Associated Press. "In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director."

Cheatle also reportedly said she expected the "intense" scutiny of the July 13 sniper attack at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania "will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases."

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, one of the lawmakers who grilled Cheatle on Monday, celebrated her resignation on social media, accusing Cheatle of having "participated in a cover up" and saying she "may face criminal investigations."

Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican who also ripped into Cheatle during the hearing, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "I will sleep better at night knowing that President Trump's Secret Service is no longer led by an abject failure."

Cheatle faced bipartisan calls to resign following Monday's heated hearing, including from high-profile Democratic Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

"Why was the Secret Service's protective perimeter in Butler shorter than the range of an AR-15? It does not take 60 days to answer that question," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media Monday night. "The agency's failure to publicly account for these questions and others from Congress is unacceptable."

The White House released a statement in which President Joe Biden praised Chealtle for her "decades of public service" and her decision to step down.

"As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service," he said.

Biden said he looked forward to the results of an investigation into the July 13 attack, saying that "what happened that day can never happen again."

He also said he planned to replace Cheatle "soon."

Trump suffered a minor wound to his left ear when a bullet passed within 1/4 inch of his head, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, Trump's former White House physician said Sunday.

A rally attendee who was sitting in the stands behind Trump, Corey Comperatore, was killed while shielding his family from bullets and two other men in the crowd were critically wounded.

Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle from a rooftop about 150 yards from where Trump was standing and was killed by the Secret Service.
UAE Tech venture company Scalo Technologies is backing a new initiative to make entrepreneurship education and internship experiences accessible to secondary school students worldwide.

The company has joined hands with the Young Founders School (YFS) to help reinforce its efforts to change the way entrepreneurship is taught in countries around the world, including the Emirates and other parts of the Middle East.

Scalo Technologies is among a number of new business partners for YFS, which has grown into the largest entrepreneurship platform for high school students across Asia and Africa, impacting over 7,000 young minds, since being founded eight years ago in Hong Kong.

YFS mission

Abdumalik Mirakhmedov, director and co-founder of Scalo Technologies, said: We resonate deeply with YFSs mission. Their relentless drive to educate, connect, and inspire the next generation of founders aligns perfectly with our own vision.

Scalo Technologies co-founder, Rashit Makhat, said: We have a clear view of the way technology is shaping the future for tomorrows entrepreneurs and business leaders. We want to play our part in helping young minds identify and pursue career paths in line with the way the world is heading.

Scalo Technologies and other new YFS business partners will be introduced at a Gala Dinner taking place in Singapore on August 31, 2024.

Funds raised will directly support YFSs innovative courses and internships, aiming to transform the lives of 10,000 students annually by 2026 through comprehensive classes, and 1,000 students annually through internships, especially targeting underserved communities.

Key milestone

This event marks a pivotal milestone for YFS. We eagerly anticipate welcoming influential entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and change-makers who share our passion for empowering young minds and cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs, said Billy Naveed, Founder and Chairman of Young Founders School.

Since its founding in 2016, YFS has expanded its reach to over 12 countries and regions  India, Saudi Arabia, Shenzhen, Pakistan, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Singapore, USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Bangladesh - impacting more than 7,000 students and connecting them with over 500 mentors through unique startup courses and internship programmes.

The YFS team consists of preeminent educators, startup entrepreneurs, and leading corporate leaders from across Asia Pacific.

In today's vibrant startup culture, we aim to teach students that entrepreneurship is more than just becoming your own boss. Its about a mindset dedicated to innovation and creating value for others, Naveed concluded.--TradeArabia News Service
The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has announced the launch of the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy alongside the birth of four cheetah cubs, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's Cheetah Conservation Program.

It is an initiative, inaugurated last year by Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife, Engineer Abdulrahman AlFadley.

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said: "The official launch of the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy and the announcement of four cheetah cubs signifies an important achievement in our conservation efforts. This strategy reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for wild cheetahs in their natural habitats in the Kingdom."

The announcement was made at NCW headquarters in Riyadh, highlighting strategic objectives and substantial progress in cheetah conservation.

The strategy sets ambitious goals for reintroduction through successful captive breeding, strategic site selection, and community engagement in wildlife conservation. Rigorous monitoring post-reintroduction aims to ensure the cheetah population's sustainability.

Dr Qurban said: "The birth of these cubs holds particular significance as the cheetah has been extinct in the Arabian Peninsula for over 40 years. NCWs recent discovery of cheetah mummies in northern Saudi Arabia, dating back thousands of years, reflects the environmental importance of the Arabian Peninsula as a historical habitat for cheetahs."

"This motivates us to continue our efforts to restore and reintroduce cheetahs, guided by an integrated strategy designed in accordance with best international practices," he stated.

Structured across multiple phases, the strategy's first phase focuses on breeding, habitat conservation, and environmental assessment. Subsequent phases involve experimental releases of captive-bred cheetahs and widespread reintroduction with population monitoring.

Against the backdrop of global metrics indicating that just 15% of cheetahs born in the wild reproduce in captivity and of this group, only 20% continue to successfully reproduce, the birth of four cheetah cubs and the launch of the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy highlights Saudi Arabia's leadership and success in biodiversity preservation, including the protection by preserving endangered species and reintroduce extinct species.

The earlier introduction of the National Cheetah Conservation Program included the discovery of cheetah mummies in a cave in northern Saudia Arabia. These mummies, ranging in age from over 4,000 to 120 years, highlight their historical presence and biodiversity role. Genetic analysis further supports Saudi efforts in cheetah breeding and reintroduction, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to wildlife conservation.

Saudi Arabia continues to lead in cheetah conservation, leveraging scientific research, innovative strategies, and collaborative partnerships to reintroduce the species across its historical habitat, said Dr Qurban.

NCW remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting the Kingdom's natural heritage for future generations, he added.
ECONOMIST Marla Dukharan has called for an independent and objective assessment of all countries worldwide to determine which ones are truly tax havens.

Dukharan stated that this approach would help combat the stigma often associated with the Caribbean region.
TRINIDAD Petroleum Holdings Limited (TPHL) has put the matter of Patriotic Energy Services Company Limited submitting allegedly fraudulent documents in its bid to acquire the former Petrotrin refinery in the hands of its legal team.

The claim, first made by Energy Minister Stuart Young during the budget debate last Friday, was again denied yesterday by Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) president Ancel Roget. TPHL stated in a media release yesterday that it had received a document submitted by Patriotic Energies in its non-binding offer for the refinery, which specifically identified as evidence a wire transfer of US$1.5 billion into a local bank, and which document identified Patriotic Energies as the beneficiary.
New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez is expected to announce that he will resign his Senate seat following his conviction on federal corruption charges, according to multiple reports.

He plans to step down on August 20 and his letter of resignation could come out any day, the New Jersey Globe reported on Tuesday.

The politics site said three sources with knowledge of his plans confirmed the news.

Gov. Phil Murphy would appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of his term.

The seat is up for election in November.

Democratic Rep. Andy Kim will face Republican Curtis Bashaw, a hotel developer, for a full term that starts in January.

Menendez was found guilty earlier this month on all 16 counts in his federal bribery case.

During the two-month trial in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors successfully argued the 70-year-old Democratic congressman "put his power up for sale" in accepting cash, gold bars, luxury wristwatches, and other perks from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for official favors that benefited the businessmen as well as the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Menendez remained defiant after the verdict and promised an appeal.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned lawmakers Tuesday that anyone who disrupts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming speech to Congress would face arrest and prosecution.

In a letter that he described as a "friendly reminder," Johnson said that additional police officers would be stationed in the House Chamber and around the Capitol and that they would enforce a "zero tolerance policy for disturbances in the building."

"All members should kindly inform their guests that any disruption of the proceedings of the House is a violation of the rules and may subject the offenders to prosecution," he wrote.

"If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest."

The Louisiana Republican also told his colleagues to remain on their best behavior  or else.

"If any Member creates a disturbance, the Sergeant at Arms will request that such action be ceased immediately, and we trust that request will be heeded," he wrote.

Dozens of Democrats have pledged to boycott Netanyahu's Wednesday speech over his handling of Israel's devastating war in Gaza to eradicate Hamas in response to the militant group's surprise Oct. 7 attacks, according to Axios.

He's also likely to face protests by pro-Palestinian activists and other demonstrators.

Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress will be his fourth, breaking the record he now shares with the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Yuma County recently announced it is receiving $40 million in federal funding for local projects.

A figure that large for a rural county like ours is a big deal. The funds are planned to go to work on a number of important projects here, including improving broadband internet connectivity, and building a new domestic violence safe house in my town of San Luis.

Improvements like these would move our community forward and thats why Im running to represent Legislative District 23 at the state Capitol. I have served 12 years on the San Luis City Council, half of those as Vice Mayor, and know how to bring state and federal dollars back to our community.

A few years ago, I secured $25 million from the state for the ongoing Cesar Chavez Boulevard expansion progress. One of my proudest accomplishments was bringing in $308 million in federal and state funding to expand our port of entry from eight to 16 lanes.

It took a lot of meetings in Phoenix and flights to Washington and even Mexico City to make that happen. It also took a great deal of collaboration and careful negotiation.

There are too many state lawmakers who are more interested in political stunts than they are getting dollars for their districts. To make a difference in the long term, we need people who are in it for the right reasons, who are willing to do the hard work. After 12 years delivering at the local level, Im running to grow our economy, secure our water supply, and strengthen our schools at the state level. To accomplish that we need to bring our state tax dollars home.
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Waldos Chicken and Beer will soon make its debut in Owasso.

Set for an October opening, the Tulsa-based restaurant serving southern fried and rotisserie chicken dishes, will be located at the building that formerly housed Carls Jr. in Smith Farm Marketplace.

Owner Dino Nithianandan, an Owasso native, said he is looking forward to seeing the new buildout come to fruition in his hometown community.

Im really, really excited, Nithianandan told the Owasso Reporter. Its kind of a dream coming true to bring one of my restaurants to Owasso.

Nithianandan, former operating partner of Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe, opened Oklahomas first Waldos in Tulsa off of 71st and Yale in 2020, followed by the states second location about three years later in Broken Arrow off of Kenosha Street.

Waldos serves a variety of chicken platters  on the bone, on a bun, in a bowl or in a basket  as well as a range of sandwiches, salads, snacks, sides, sauces and more. It also serves cocktails, margaritas, beer and wine, among other alcoholic beverages.

We are different, Nithianandan said. We have the full-service bar, we have sides that none of the other (chicken) restaurants have, and more importantly, we make all the food from scratch; every single thing is made in house.

Owassos new restaurant will feature both dine-in and drive-thru options as well as catering and online ordering. It will bring around 15-20 jobs to the community.

Waldos has 19 locally owned locations across Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Nithianandan owns all three Oklahoma locations as well as the sites in Memphis, Tennessee, and Tupelo, Mississippi.
Tulsa Community College has announced its inclusion in the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which aims to support community colleges across the country by providing substantial grants to enhance career and technical education programs.

All Within My Hands  the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the Metallica heavy metal band members and their management  unveiled the largest expansion of the initiative and its largest grant to date.

With the launch of the initiatives sixth year, TCC joins 17 other colleges to each receive $75,000 for the first time to enhance the student experience within career and technical education programs. The Metallica Scholars Initiative now has a presence in 60 colleges across all 50 states and the territory of Guam.

Tulsa Community College is honored to be selected for the sixth cohort of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Thank you to Metallica, All Within My Hands and the American Association of Community Colleges for this opportunity, TCC President and CEO Leigh Goodson said in a press release. We are proud to represent Oklahoma in this initiative and excited to leverage this support to provide more students with firsthand experience and skills for in-demand careers in the aerospace and air mobility sector.

TCC will use the grant funds to focus on enhancing its aerospace and advanced manufacturing programs to address local industry needs and improve student outcomes, according to the release. The initiative will fund scholarships to support at least 50 students, covering tuition, books and essential resources. It will also provide support such as internships, advanced technology access and comprehensive advising.

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, the Metallica Scholars Initiative began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. To date, All Within My Hands has invested more than $10.5 million in the American workforce.

When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills, James Hetfield of Metallica said in the press release.

Trade skills are vital to society, and whats even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills. I am so proud  we all are  to see how this program is changing lives by providing much-needed resources to empower students, and its great that were able to make our biggest grant yet to support these students and the future workforce.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives
The head of the FBI confirmed several details about the gunman involved in the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

FBI Director Christopher Wray faced questions from the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday as they sought fresh details about the gunman's motive and background.

Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan asked a series of questions about the shooter, the drone he used and the explosives he had in his car at the rally site.

When asked if Crooks fired eight shots, Wray said investigators had recovered eight cartridges.

He also confirmed that they had recovered a drone used by Thomas Matthew Crooks from his vehicle and is still being analyzed.

Wray confirmed that Crooks is believed to have flown the drone about 200 yards from the stage around 4 p.m. the day of the shooting.

He told the committee that they recovered three explosive devices. Two were in Crooks car and another at his home.

Wray said they are still investigating whether the shooter had help or co-conspirators who were involved in the assassination attempt. Wray said they were "relatively crude" devices but had the ability to be remotely detonated.

Crooks did have a transmitter on him when he was killed but Wray said it appeared the transmitters were not turned on and he would not have been able to set them off from the roof.

Investigators are still investigating a motive for the shooting but Wray confirmed that Crooks had been communicating on an encrypted messaging app.

And Wray said said the FBI has been unusually forthcoming with information about the shooting considering it is an ongoing investigation.

The hearing was a lot less contentious than a Monday hearing involving Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. She faced a series of bipartisan criticisms and answered very few questions.

Cheatle resigned a day after the hearing.

The Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation hearing went into recess for House votes and was to restart later in the day.
The Korea Land & Housing Corporation, South Koreas government-owned company, will develop a Southeast urban area project in Bac Ninh City under the namesake province in northern Vietnam.

The project will be implemented and completed during the 2025-60 period.

The government-owned corporation plans to boost its investment in housing in Vietnam through the new urban area managed by Bac Ninh Province, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The project will cover an area of some 8.5 million square meters and accommodate 49,000 households with nearly 156,000 people.

Bac Ninh Province is home to several factories owned by major international companies and groups such as South Koreas Samsung and Hanwha, and Foxconn of Taiwan.

Vietnam is South Koreas third-largest trade partner, after mainland China and the United States.

Vietnam has emerged as an opportunity land for South Korean construction firms, according to Donga daily newspaper.

Vietnam aims to push up the urbanization rate to 50 percent in 2030 from the current 43 percent, reported Donga.

An official from the Bac Ninh Department of Planning and Investment said that the provincial Peoples Committee had reported on the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Land & Housing Corporation to develop the urban area to the prime minister.

The memorandum of understanding was handed over to relevant units on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to South Korea in early July.

The two sides will work closely together to develop ideas for an investment and operation roadmap for the Southeast urban area, aiming to transform it into a modern model urban area.

In addition to hosting a series of seminars on urban issues in Bac Ninh Province, the two parties will promote activities to attract foreign investors, including South Korean firms.

Vietnam has witnessed a significant increase in South Korean companies developing new urban areas. In 2010, Daewoo Engineering & Construction Company began implementing the StarLake urban area project in Hanoi.

Embassies from 15 countries, including South Korea, as well as the Hanoi Opera House, are planning to relocate their headquarters to the StarLake urban area in the Vietnamese capital.

Research centers, establishments, supermarkets, and trade centers developed by South Korean giants such as Samsung Electronics and Hotel Shilla, a South Korean operator of luxury hotels and duty-free shops, have proliferated in Vietnam.

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Nguyen Quoc Cuong, better known as Cuong Dollar,' has been named the new CEO of Quoc Cuong Gia Lai JSC, replacing his mother, Nguyen Thi Nhu Loan, who was arrested last weekend.

Cuong, 42, is also the legal representative of the company from Monday this week.

The firm announced that it would organize its second shareholders meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday next week to seek approval for the dismissal of Loan and the appointment of Cuong as a member of the board of directors for the 2022-27 term.

Cuong previously became deputy CEO of Quoc Cuong Gia Lai in 2006 and a board member in 2008. He held these posts until June 2018.

He later established his own firm called C-Holdings, which do business in real estate in Binh Duong Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City.

As of late 2023, Cuong held 537,500 shares at Quoc Cuong Gia Lai, while his mother had nearly 102 million shares, equivalent to a 37-percent stake, and Nguyen Ngoc Huyen My, Loans daughter, owned nearly 39.4 million shares, or a 14.3-percent holding.

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security announced on Friday last week the indictment and temporary detention of Nguyen Thi Nhu Loan for her alleged violation of regulations on the management and use of state assets, causing losses and waste.

She was apprehended in a case involving state-owned Vietnam Rubber Group, Ba Ria Rubber JSC, Dong Nai Rubber Corporation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and other relevant entities.

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KATHMANDU -- Eighteen people were killed when a regional passenger plane belonging to Nepal's Saurya Airlines crashed and caught fire while taking off from the capital Kathmandu on Wednesday, officials said.

The plane, carrying two crew members and 17 technicians, was going for regular maintenance to Nepal's new Pokhara airport, which opened in January and is equipped with aircraft maintenance hangars, they said.

"Shortly after takeoff ... the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway," the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a statement.

Eighteen of those on board were Nepali citizens while one engineer was from Yemen, Saurya said.

"Only the captain was rescued alive and is receiving treatment at a hospital," said Tej Bahadur Poudyal, the spokesman for Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

Television visuals showed fire fighters trying to put out the blaze and thick black smoke rising into the sky. They also showed the plane flying a little above the runway and then tilting to its right before it crashed.

Other visuals showed rescue workers rummaging through the charred remains of the plane, strewn in lush green fields, and bodies being carried to ambulances on stretchers as local residents looked on.

"The plane was scheduled to undergo maintenance for a month beginning Thursday ... It is unclear why it crashed," said Mukesh Khanal, marketing head of Saurya Airlines.

Kathmandu airport was closed temporarily following the crash but reopened within hours, officials said.

A Saurya Airlines official said the plane was a 50-seater CRJ-200 aircraft with the registration 9N-AME.

Emergency services work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off, in Kathmandu, Nepal July 24, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Nepal's poor air safety record

According to Flightradar24 flight tracking, Saurya currently operates two CRJ-200 regional jets, a programme that was owned by Canada's Bombardier but which was bought by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2020.

Saurya says it has another CRJ-200 in its fleet.

Bombardier referred questions about the incident to Canada-based MHI RJ Aviation Group, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Established in 2014, Saurya says on its website that it has introduced the "jet experience" on Nepal's domestic routes and that it flies to five destinations.

Nepal has been criticised for a poor air safety record, exacerbated by many airlines in the Himalayan country flying to small airports in remote hills and near peaks shrouded in clouds. Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 tallest mountain peaks.

Located in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, the country's main airport is ringed by mountains, affecting wind directions and intensity in the area and making takeoff and landing a challenge for pilots.

Nearly 350 people have died in plane or helicopter crashes in Nepal since 2000. The deadliest incident occurred in 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed into a hillside while approaching Kathmandu, killing 167 people.

Nepal has been criticised for a poor air safety record, and nearly 350 people have died in plane or helicopter crashes in the Himalayan country since 2000.

The deadliest incident occurred in 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed into a hillside while approaching Kathmandu, killing 167 people.

Most recently, at least 72 people were killed in a Yeti airlines crash in January 2023 that was later attributed to the pilots mistakenly cutting off power.

Flightradar24 said it did not track the crashed Saurya flight because the aircraft "was not equipped with a modern ADS-B transponder".

Emergency services work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off, in Kathmandu, Nepal July 24, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Emergency services work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off, in Kathmandu, Nepal July 24, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Emergency personnel work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal July 24, 2024. Photo: Reuters
China's top political advisor Wang Huning will visit Vietnam to attend the state funeral of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong, the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee announced on Wednesday morning.

As General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's Special Representative, Wang, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, will lead a CPC delegation to take part in the mourning activities in Hanoi from Thursday to Friday.

On July 20, Chinas Party chief and President Xi came to the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing to mourn the passing of Vietnamese Party chief Trong, according to Chinese media.

After the top Chinese leader paid homage in front of the portrait of Party General Secretary Trong, he bowed down three times and then wrote in the condolence book, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The top Chinese official told Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai that Party General Secretary Trong was a staunch Marxist and a great leader of the CPV and the Vietnamese people.

Xi emphasized that Party General Secretary Trong dedicated his entire life to the Vietnamese Party, state, and people. He led the nation to significant achievements in building socialism in Vietnam and earned the support and admiration of the Party, military, and people.

Over the past 10 years, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong and I had several close meetings and established deep comradeship, the top Chinese official said.

Xi also underscored a key milestone marked last year when he and the Vietnamese leader declared that their countries would jointly build a community with a shared future.

The passing of comrade Nguyen Phu Trong made us lose a good comrade who boosted the China - Vietnam ties and accompanied in the development of socialism, he expressed his great sadness.

China always keeps in mind the significant contributions by comrade Nguyen Phu Trong to fostering the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries as well as the socialist movement in the world."

Earlier, the CPC Central Committee sent condolences to the CPV Central Committee over the passing of the Vietnamese Party leader.

Over the past few days, lots of leaders of countries, parties, and international organizations have sent telegrams and letters of condolence to Vietnam over the passing of the Party leader.

Aside from China, many countries including the U.S., South Korea, New Zealand, and Japan previously announced that they will send delegations to Vietnam to attend Party chief Trongs state funeral, set to take place on July 25 and 26.

The Party chief passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19 in Hanoi at the age of 80.

He will lie in state at the National Funeral Hall at No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.

The ceremony for the Party leader will be held at the National Funeral Hall from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on July 25 and from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm on July 26.

It will be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on July 26.

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

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Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, will be in Hanoi on Thursday to attend the state funeral of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Vietnam announced on social media on Wednesday.

After the event, Borrell will travel to Laos to participate in the annual Ministerial Meeting between the EU and the ASEAN, as well as the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, the announcement reads.

The EU ambassador in Hanoi had previously announced that Borrell would visit Vietnam from July 29 to 31 to discuss how to boost cooperation with the Southeast Asian country in areas including security and sustainable development.

However, he adjusted his plan to attend the state funeral of the Vietnamese Party chief in Vietnam on July 25, according to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers source.

He will also lead his high-level mission to Hanoi on July 29-31 as scheduled after his visit to Laos.

The delegation of the EU in Vietnam shared the condolences of EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier on the passing of Party General Secretary Trong on its website on July 20.

We express our heartfelt condolences to the leadership and to the people of Vietnam on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. His commitment and dedication to the nation have left an indelible mark on Vietnams history and development," the EU delegation said in a statement.

During his lifetime, Vietnam developed from a war-torn country to a prosperous middle-income nation with impressive economic growth rates and promising potential."

The EU ambassador stated that Party General Secretary Trong played a pivotal role in strengthening Vietnams position on the global stage and fostering meaningful partnerships with the international community, including the European Union, with a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, a Free Trade Agreement, and a number of bilateral agreements having been forged between the union and Vietnam under his watch.

Thanks to these agreements, EU-Vietnam cooperation has flourished across numerous areas, including trade, sustainable development, peace and security, climate change, and energy transition," Guerrier said.

As we reflect on the legacy of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, we extend our best wishes for the future to the leadership and people of Vietnam in this time of mourning.

We look forward to working closely with the Party, State, and National Assembly leadership to continue deepening our relationship. We remain committed to further strengthening our ties and working hand in hand to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our thoughts are with the General Secretarys wife and family. May his contribution to Vietnams strategic autonomy and prosperity continue to inspire future generations.

Among top officials from other countries set to travel to Vietnam to attend the state funeral, scheduled to take place on July 25 and 26, are Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Don McKinnon.

The Party chief passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19 in Hanoi at the age of 80.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will lie in state at the National Funeral Hall at No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.

The ceremony for Party General Secretary Trong will be held at the National Funeral Hall from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on July 25 and from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm on July 26.

It will be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on July 26.

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

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A South Korean delegation led by Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will visit Vietnam from Wednesday to Thursday to attend the state funeral of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, the South Korean Embassy in Hanoi announced on Tuesday.

The South Korean Embassy said that after being informed of the passing of the Vietnamese Party leader, the South Korean government expressed deep grief to Vietnam and its people.

The South Korean government decided to send a delegation led by PM Soo to Vietnam to sit in on the state funeral of the Party chief in Hanoi, according to the embassy.

The delegation is set to arrive in Vietnam on Wednesday and leave the country on Thursday.

In his condolences, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his grief over the passing of Party General Secretary Trong, a great leader of Vietnam.

On behalf of the government and people in South Korea, he sent a condolence message to the family of the Vietnamese Party leader and the Vietnamese people for losing a highly-respected leader.

He affirmed that Party General Secretary Trongs achievements and wishes for the enormous growth of Vietnam and the cooperative partnership between Vietnam and South Korea will remain forever in the minds of the two countries peoples.

When serving as the Party leader, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited South Korea in 2014.

His visit impressed the South Korean people, acting as a foundation for the upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo. Photo: AFP

In June 2022, not long after taking office, President Yeol had online talks with Party General Secretary Trong.

One year later, as part of his state visit to Vietnam in June 2023, President Yeol met the Party chief.

During their meeting, Party chief Trong reminisced about his positive experiences from his previous visit to South Korea, underscoring that while the relationship between the two nations had faced challenges over time, it was anticipated to grow stronger, benefiting both peoples.

Over the past few days, many leaders of countries, parties, and international organizations have sent telegrams and letters of condolence to Vietnam over the passing of the Party leader.

They honored his great contributions and recollected their memories of the Vietnamese leader.

With their respect for Party General Secretary Trong, several international delegations will travel to Hanoi to attend his state funeral, set to take place on July 25 and 26.

The Party chief passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19 in Hanoi at the age of 80.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will lie in state at the National Funeral Hall at No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.

The ceremony for Party General Secretary Trong will be held at the National Funeral Hall from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on July 25 and from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm on July 26.

It will be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on July 26.

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

The U.S. Department of State announced on Monday that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken would travel to Vietnam to attend the state funeral.

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- A South Korean delegation led by Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will visit Vietnam from Wednesday to Thursday to attend the state funeral of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, the South Korean Embassy in Hanoi announced on Tuesday.

Society

-- Authorities in Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam said on Tuesday afternoon that they were dealing with a suspected poisoning incident in which 63 industrial park workers had to seek emergency medical attention after having lunch at their workplace the same day.

-- Torrential rain throughout Tuesday due to the impact of storm Prapiroon, the second to affect Vietnam this year, brought severe inundation and traffic chaos to many major roads in Hanoi the same day.

-- Trucks with a load-carrying capacity of over five metric tons and trailer trucks are banned from traveling on an overpass at Thu Duc Intersection in Thu Duc City, under the jurisdiction of Ho Chi Minh City, from July 27 to serve the three-month construction of a footbridge of the citys first metro line.

-- The national weather agency has warned of more intense rainfall accompanied by possible flash floods and landslides in northern Vietnam and the two north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An until Thursday as a result of storm Prapiroon.

Business

-- More than 60 Vietnamese enterprises are taking part in the eighth China-South Asia Expo and the 28th Kunming Import and Export Fair, which opened in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China on Tuesday, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

-- Vietnam's low-cost carrier Vietjet and planemaker Airbus on Tuesday signed a contract for the purchase of 20 new-generation wide-body A330neo (A330-900) aircraft valued at US$7.4 billion at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, held from July 22 to 26 in the UK.

World News

-- The death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has jumped to 229 and could rise further as the search for survivors and casualties continued into a second day, a government official said on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

-- Out-of-control wildfires forced some 25,000 people to evacuate the picturesque tourist town of Jasper and its surroundings in Canada's Rocky Mountains early on Tuesday, as wildfires spread across the western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, according to Reuters.

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Amanda Drane is the energy investigative reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

Amanda is responsible for holding major energy companies, power providers and their leadership to account. She works to help audiences make sense of these companies roles and responsibilities in major news events, while diving into some of the consequences of their choices and decisions in our region.

Before joining the papers business desk in May 2020, she worked as a City Hall reporter in Massachusetts, where she won regional awards for covering issues such as police accountability and the exploitation of undocumented restaurant workers.
A heavy, morning-to-evening rain, with rainfall of up to 300mm, deeply submerged many parts of Hanoi on Tuesday, turning numerous streets into rivers and flooding a lot of vehicles, which led to serious traffic congestion.

The prolonged torrential rain, resulting from the circulation of the tropical depression that hit northern Vietnams Quang Ninh Province on Tuesday morning, inundated many streets in the capital with precipitation ranging from 100mm to 300mm.

As recorded by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, many tunnel sections on Thang Long Avenue were submerged under 50-60 cm of rainwater, causing many cars and motorbikes attempting to cross the underground route to break down.

Cars are seen crossing a submerged tunnel section on Thang Long Avenue in Hanoi during a torrential rain on July 23, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

On a section of the Thang Long Avenue frontage road, around 300 meters in length, the floodwater reached a depth of up to 80 cm, making it look like a river.

Such serious inundation in the avenues tunnel area, as well as on many other routes across the city, caused traffic chaos and congestion, especially during rush hours when many people were returning home on the outskirts of Hanoi after work.

Specifically, heavy flooding began around 2:30 pm on Tuesday on streets such as Phan Van Truong, Tran Binh, Quan Nhan, Quyet Thang, Quang Trung, To Hieu, Trieu Khuc, and Ngoc Hoi, along with several tunnel sections of Thang Long Avenue, Hanoi Drainage Company told Tuoi Tre.

A rescue vehicle tows a broken-down car out of a tunnel area on Thang Long Avenue in Hanoi during a prolonged downpour on July 23, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Many people had to manage to walk through a sea of water to get themselves and their broken-down motorbikes out of heavily flooded areas.

Around 5:00 pm, inundation remained in many locations in the Thang Long Avenue tunnel area, as well as on such streets as Trieu Khuc, Ngoc Hoi, Quyet Thang, and Quang Trung.

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the heavy rain and thunderstorms that have hit Hanoi since Tuesday will move out of the area from Wednesday evening.

Vehicles move very slowly on the crowded Thang Long Avenue frontage road in Hanoi during heavy rain on July 23, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Many people have to walk to take their broken-down motorbikes out of a seriously flooded area in Hanoi during heavy rain on July 23, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

A motorbike rider tries to cross a street in Hanoi that was submerged heavily due to a prolonged downpour on July 23, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Vehicles have to stop in front of a seriously inundated area on a street in Hanoi, leading to congestion during a torrential rain on July 23, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

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A court in Vietnam has sentenced a Thai woman to death for illegally carrying 2.4kg of cocaine from Senegal to Vietnam by air last year.

Klincharoen Dutdaw, 26, of Thai nationality, received the capital punishment at her trial conducted by the Peoples Court of Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday on charges of illegal drug transport, as prescribed by the Vietnamese Penal Code.

The woman was caught carrying 2.4kg of cocaine hidden in her two-bottom suitcase when she checked in at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City in June last year from a flight from Senegal in Africa.

According to the indictment, in June 2022, Klincharoen became acquainted with Austus, a 30-year-old Nigerian man who became her boyfriend.

On May 10, 2023, Austus hired Klincharoen to travel from Thailand to Senegal to pick up a suitcase and bring it back to Thailand for his friend.

As per their agreement, Austus would pay Klincharoen 50,000 baht (US$1,380) for transporting the suitcase and cover all expenses related to her trips.

On May 15, 2023, Klincharoen left Thailand for Laos, where she took a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, with a layover in Vietnam.

Four days later, the woman flew from Istanbul to Senegal, where she was picked up by a dark-skinned woman who took her to a hotel.

On June 4, 2023, this strange woman handed a suitcase to Klincharoen, asking her to bring it back to Thailand.

Klincharoen then received a text message from an unknown man asking her not to open the suitcase during her trip.

The Thai later flew back to Istanbul, where she took a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On June 5, 2023, Klincharoen reached Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where customs officers detected the cocaine in her suitcase while she was about to fly to Laos before returning to Thailand.

At the court, Klincharoen admitted that she knew the suitcase contained drugs but agreed to transport it from Senegal to Thailand to receive payment from Austus.

The trial panel stated that her actions were particularly serious and dangerous to society.

Therefore, she had to be punished strictly according to the law.

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NITV and SBS will provide coverage of the 24th annual Garma Festival, taking place 2-5 August in Gulkula, northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.

This year, Australias largest political Indigenous gathering is taking place ahead of an impending Federal Election, upcoming state and territory elections, and is the first major political forum focused on Indigenous affairs since the Referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

We cant wait to be back on the ground at Gulkula, red dirt between our toes, on the beautiful and sacred land of the Yolu people, said Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and Director of Indigenous Content at SBS.

Following the Referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and as Australia looks ahead to Federal, state and territory elections, NITV and SBS will provide unparalleled access to the critical conversations at Garma that influence political discourse, policy agendas, and commitments towards Indigenous affairs in Australia.

Whether its insights and ideas discussed in key forums, or the sounds and movement of the daily bugul, our comprehensive coverage  led by NITV and featuring across the SBS network  will give Australians an immersive experience across four days of yarning, dancing and listening, at Australias most significant Indigenous political and cultural event.

NITV is proud to partner with the Yothu Yindi Foundation to continue bringing Garma to mob across the continent, as weve been doing for more than a decade. Through our coverage across the SBS network, were connecting the oldest living continuous culture with the newest Australians, and are excited to continue exploring more ways to engage more Australians.

Denise Bowden, CEO of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, added: NITV has played an important role in sharing Garma with its audiences over many years, and has been a long-standing Official Supporter of the event. We look forward to continuing to work together to reach more Australians, as NITV and the wider SBS network expands and deepens its coverage, and gives communities wherever they are in Australia, an opportunity to explore the unique experience of Garma.

Daily live coverage, updates and highlights will be presented by NITVs Indigenous News and Current Affairs team including Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat, SBS National Indigenous Affairs Editor and host of The Point: Road Trip, John Paul Janke, NITV News Presenter and Senior Producer, Michael Rennie, and more.

SBS will also simulcast key events from the festival, and SBS News will report from Garma, providing updates on SBS World News and its platforms, with Chief Political Correspondent, Anna Henderson, on the ground. The network will also provide multilingual coverage with representatives from SBS Chinese and Arabic teams also reporting from Gulkula, to feature across the SBS Audio network.

NITV and the SBS highlights:

NITV News: Nula

Friday 2 August at 3pm, Live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand

Join Natalie Ahmat and the NITV News team for a special edition of Nula, broadcast live from on the ground at the 24th Garma Festival at Gulkula, in northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Nula will provide a preview of events and insights into the issues and ideas to be discussed across the following days of the festival, with interviews, explainers, profiles and stories from the local region.

Garma Opening Ceremony

Friday 2 August at 4pm, Live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand

NITV is bringing all the speeches and ceremony from the official opening of Garma 2024, live from Gulkula, a significant Yolu ceremonial site in northeast Arnhem Land.

Garma Bugul

Friday 2 August at 9.10pm, Saturday 3 August at 10.50pm and Sunday 4 August at 10.10pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

As the sun sets on Gumatj Country in northeast Arnhem Land, Yolu clans gather for bugul (dance)  an important cultural ceremony held on the ancient grounds at Gulkula each afternoon during the Garma Festival, where stories and knowledge enshrined in the land, the sea and sky are brought to life through song, dance, and ceremony.

Garma Forums

Join hosts Natalie Ahmat, John Paul Janke and Michael Rennie for coverage of all the key forums and speeches from Garma 2024, live from the Garrtjambal Auditorium in Gulkula.

Saturday 3 August, Morning Sessions, from 10am on NITV and SBS

Saturday 3 August, Afternoon Sessions, from 1.30pm on NITV

Sunday 4 August, Morning Sessions, from 10am on NITV and SBS

All forums and speeches will also be available on the SBS On Demand Garma Festival hub.

NITV News: Garma

Monday 5 August at 6pm on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand

This 30-minute recap program of highlights from Garma Festival is hosted by Natalie Ahmat and NITVs Indigenous News and Current Affairs team. The program will include all of the key moments from the weekend of celebration and reflection.
Mohammed Ramees, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: Indias smallest union territory, Lakshadweep Islands, has been tense following the central governments action to take possession of pandaram land, a type of land for which the Government of India holds proprietary rights. Tensions escalated after the deputy collector of Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, issued a notice to assume control over the land.

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This move comes in the wake of an amendment by the central government in the Laccadives, Mincoy and Amindivi Islands Land Revenue Tenancy Regulations 1965. The amendment removed Section 15A, which previously provided special provisions regarding transfer of certain pandaram lands to Scheduled Tribe Islanders.

On June 5, the Kerala High Court temporarily halted the notice issued by the deputy collector in response to a writ petition filed by C.T. Anver Sadath of Kavaratti Island. However, concerns persist among residents of the islands regarding ongoing surveys despite the courts interim order.

According to a report from the Malayalam channel Media One, over three thousand houses, 431 industries, 70 mosques and more than 150,000 coconut trees could face removal if the government proceeds with the eviction.

Our island is among the most densely populated areas in India The Pandaram land accounts for nearly 60 percent of the entire territory, leaving free land  such as offices and grounds comprising less than 10 percent. Shouldnt they consider that we are a tribal community? questioned Sabith PK, a resident of Kadamath Island, while talking to TwoCircles.net.

According to Section 2(n) of the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands Land Revenue and Tenancy Regulation, 1965, the term landowner encompasses cultivating tenants or cowledars as recorded by the government. As reported by The Hindu, in 1985, the government granted cowledars full authority over the land.

When the Centre found it impractical to provide fair compensation for the entire cultivation on the pandaram land, it declared that those who cultivate the land (cowledars) would become its owners. This effectively resolved the issue, he said.

Ownership of pandaram land is intertwined with historical events during the reign of the Arakkal (Cannanore) Kingdom in the islands. The land owned by the queen was distributed to residents as cultivating tenants. According to historian Dr. N. Muthukoya, author of the historical text Lakshadweep through Centuries, control over the islands later passed into British hands, who also recognized these cultivating tenants.

The political activist in the region provided some historical context: Initially, the islands were governed by local headmen. Subsequently, Lakshadweep came under the jurisdiction of the Chirakkal family, and later under the Arakkal (Cannanore) family, headed by Queen Arakkal Beevi. It was not the British, but the queen who caused us the greatest hardship. She confiscated land from a tribal community that did not have a concept of ownership; traditionally, whoever planted a coconut tree was considered the owner of the land. When there was resistance from higher castes, she leased the land to them. However, when she went bankrupt, she was forced to relinquish all the land to the British.

In addition to losing their land, islanders are also worried about receiving no compensation from the government. Experts argue that the recent amendment to the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands Land Revenue and Tenancy Regulation of 1965 grants the government absolute authority to seize land without offering any compensation.

Records indicate that the government had compensated islanders for the land taken to build Agatti Airport, which facilitated connections between the islanders and the outside world. According to a resident, the hospital and several other government offices in the southern part of Kavaratti were built on pandaram land after fair compensation. The government even issued pattaya (lease) for the Pandaram land, they added.

Locals perceive the governments recent actions as a move to open the islands to unrestricted tourism, potentially endangering the ecologically fragile archipelago. What they have done in Kashmir and Lakshadweep is the same; they are promoting tourism lobbies in the islands, said Sabith.

Lakshadweep has of late seen a wave of protests from residents against stringent measures imposed by Administrator Praful Patel. These measures include the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA or Gunda Act), a law akin to the National Security Act (NSA) that permits the administrator to detain a person for up to one year without trial.

Additionally, the Animal Preservation Regulation, which prohibits cow slaughter on the islands, has been enforced. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patel was accused of disregarding COVID-19 protocols to prioritize tourism, resulting in multiple cases reported in the archipelago.

Islanders accused the government of making unilateral decisions without consulting the people of Lakshadweep. The fundamental issue here is the absence of democratic principles in governance. We have a two-tier panchayat system, but the community cannot derive any benefits from it. No decisions can be made without the approval of the sole administrator appointed by the president, shared Ali Hassan, a resident of Amini Island.

In the past, there was at least a governing body. Now, everything is dictated by the administrator appointed by the president  a single individual who dictates terms to the entire community, he added.
Tauseef Ahmad and Abdul Basit

New Delhi: Homeless women in the national capital are grappling with an unprecedented challenge: safety. They have been unable to sleep for months due to heightened fears of harassment on the streets.

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One such woman, Sehrish (name changed on request), aged 28 and a mother of two children, said she has spent the past month staying awake at night out of fear for herself and her children.

Every day, we hear about cases of children being abducted or women being harassed. But what can we do? We have no choice but to live among these overcrowded streets, she told TwoCircles.net.

Seeking refuge with her two children, originally from Rajasthan, the woman shared her struggle to find sleep during the day amidst the oppressive heat and humidity. At night, fear grips them.

There are places like public parks where we can seek refuge, but the threat of harassment there is even greater than on the streets. Just recently, on June 11, I witnessed men attempting to abduct a girl. We managed to intervene and rescue her, but it is a constant fear that it could happen again, she added solemnly.

Weather Vulnerability: Battling Extreme Heat

The weather is not just adding to their daily struggles; it is also heightening health risks among them. Many are suffering from heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, further complicating their lives.

The daytime weather leaves us breathless. We have no choice but to seek shelter from the sun. In the evenings, we gather in public places in groups to protect ourselves from any potential harm, shared Mohammad Rafiq, 43.

He also lamented the loss of five men last month due to the intensifying heat waves. Their families were denied the opportunity to see or perform their last rites.

Ruksana Thakur, 48, a widow from Agra, spoke about the numerous instances of harassment she has allegedly endured, yet never reported to the police out of fear of becoming entangled in legal complexities she cannot afford.

Every degree rise in temperature makes us more vulnerable to harassment, verbal abuse and more. This year, as temperatures soared to 52C during the day, I often felt breathless, she shared.

She lamented the harsh realities of living in Delhi, where even basic necessities come at a cost. Drinking water from a street vendor costs Rs 2, bathing Rs 20 and using a toilet Rs 10 each time, she explained.

She went on to describe the multiple challenges faced by the homeless, from enduring heat waves to surviving floods, heavy rains and cold spells on the unforgiving streets. Just last month, she tragically lost her son to illness, unable to afford adequate healthcare.

Doctors only prescribe medicines we must buy from private pharmacies, she added, highlighting the financial strain.

Despite these hardships, Ruksana holds onto hope. We cling to the hope that one day we will find shelter and sleep peacefully with our children, she said, with unwavering determination.

Understanding Delhis homeless women

Homeless women in Delhi are not born into homelessness but often find themselves on the streets due to various challenges such as harassment, domestic violence and other difficult circumstances, particularly prevalent among those from Muslim backgrounds. These women can be seen begging near railway stations or sleeping on station stairs or streets.

While a significant number are from Muslim backgrounds, others come from diverse backgrounds, including sexual minorities and other religions.

Insufficient shelter options

Government shelters, managed by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), fall far short of meeting demand. With only around 16,000 beds available, they cannot accommodate the estimated homeless population of 200,000 to 250,000.

Staying in these shelters is often worse than sleeping on the streets. The coolers dont work, overcrowding is common and the lack of secure shelters forces many to sleep outside, making them vulnerable to harassment, said another young woman.

Despite these challenges, homeless women show remarkable resilience. Some resort to pouring water on themselves to stay cool, while others rely on public taps for drinking water.

Impact of climate and violence

A study by the Asian Development Bank, spanning India, Pakistan and Nepal (2010-2018), revealed alarming trends. For every 1C rise in average annual temperature, there was a more than 6.3% increase in physical and sexual violence against girls and women aged 15-49.

In India specifically, intimate partner violence rates were the highest among these countries, escalating by 8% for physical violence and 7.3% for sexual violence with each degree of temperature rise.

Activists advocate for gender-sensitive housing policies that protect vulnerable groups, including survivors of domestic violence, widows and those from minority backgrounds. These policies must ensure equitable access to resources and protection from gender-based violence.

As the sun sets, homeless women like Sehrish and Rukhsana brace themselves for another restless night. Their struggle for survival persists amidst the relentless heat and pervasive threats.
MOSCOW/MONTEVIDEO/LA PAZ (Reuters) - Russia has begun shipping oil and refined products to Bolivia, helping to tackle a fuel shortage in the country, and expanding its presence in Latin America as Western sanctions have forced Moscow to seek new markets, traders and shipping data show.

After the full EU embargo on importing Russian oil products took effect in February 2023, Brazil has become one of the biggest importers of Russian fuel. Russia has also increased exports to Venezuela, Jamaica and Cuba.

According to LSEG, the vessel Zeynep with 33,000 metric tons of diesel this week reached the port of Arica in Chile after setting off from Primorsk on the Baltic Sea.

Another vessel - the Sino Faith - that loaded with 42,000 tons of diesel in the Baltic port of Vysotsk discharged part of its load in the Brazilian port of Paranagua before also heading to Arica.

Three market sources said the diesel from both vessels is destined for Bolivia, which relies on regional ports because it is land-locked.

Bolivian state energy firm YPFB confirmed it expected shipments from Russia.

"YPFB is expecting three ships to arrive at Arica, carrying crude oil, diesel and gasoline. They are waiting to be unloaded in Arica, all three under international quality standards," a YPFB spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday.

Previously, the president of Bolivian state energy firm YPFB Armin Dorgathen told Reuters the country was seeking Russian help to ease falling fuel supplies.

Bolivia imports half of the gasoline needed to meet domestic demand, costing some $800 million annually, and as much as 80% of diesel supplies, mainly from other South American countries.

Following widespread reports of customers enduring long waits for petrol and diesel, the Bolivian President Luis Arce on Tuesday said he was addressing the shortage.

"Today, the diesel and gasoline that we consume is imported... we are correcting that," Arce said during a site visit to the Mayaya Centro-X1 field, the country's latest natural gas discovery north of La Paz.

Bus driver, Edwin Plata, who shuttles commuters across the city of La Paz, said there had been widespread reports of diesel shortages since Monday.

"In all the trips we have to make, we have to wait in lines, we arrive tired from our journey and we wait in line," Plata said.

Representatives from Bolivia's heavy transport industry threatened to protest later this week unless diesel supplies improved.

(Reporting by Reuters in Moscow, Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo and Sergio Limachi in La Paz. Editing by Barbara Lewis)
Montgomery County officials are working with the state to repair the Atkins Creek bridge on FM 1097, which partially collapsed during heavy rains Tuesday. Montgomery County OEM Montgomery County officials are working with the state to repair the Atkins Creek bridge on FM 1097, which partially collapsed during heavy rains Tuesday. Montgomery County OEM

Montgomery County officials were working with the state on Wednesday morning to repair the Atkins Creek bridge on FM 1097, which partially collapsed during heavy rains the day before.

As of Wednesday, the road near FM 149 just north of Montgomery remained closed to one lane. FM 1097 is one of the countys major thoroughfares from FM 149 to Interstate 45 over Lake Conroe.

A Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife game warden contacted Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker on Tuesday evening to report part of the bridge had washed away.

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Thank goodness it was still daylight at the time, Walker said. The road was just sloughing off and the guardrail was just hanging there."

According to the San Jacinto River Authority, over four inches of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours in the FM 1097 area, and more rain is expected this week. As of Wednesday morning, the lake was slightly above the pool at 201.87 feet, and the authority was releasing 5,335 cubic feet per second. Lake officials said that the amount of water released could increase with more rain expected.

Justin Ballard, Houston Chronicle's newsroom meteorologist, said a few circumstances are expected to align on Wednesday, leading to more widespread heavy rainfall. Global forecast models suggest a deep plume of tropical moisture will arrive on Wednesday, he said.

Meanwhile, a not-so-stationary front will creep closer to Southeast Texas as several upper-level atmospheric disturbances, called shortwaves, move overhead, Ballard said.

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Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough and Walker were scheduled to meet with state officials Wednesday on a plan to repair the bridge.

Keough said that while the Texas Department of Transportation crews were on site, continued rain could slow repairs.

TxDOT will get this repaired, I know that about them, and it will get done right, Keough said.

Erosion issues have plagued Atkins Creek near FM 1097 for years.

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Since 2016, the creek has eroded about 1,700 feet. Located between Terra Vista Circle and Buffalo Springs Drive, the erosion started to threaten FM 1097 in December 2018, where about 4,500 cars travel per day, according to TxDOT data.
Skip and his friend Ronny head to Nightmare Beach for some much-needed R&R. Spring Break is upon them and the streets of Miami are flooded with horny teenagers looking to get drunk and laid. The bad news is that theres a killer on the loose who may be the resurrected spirit of an executed prisoner whos returned from the grave and is riding a deadly, souped-up motorcycle and electrocuting his victims to death.

Let me get this out of the way: Nightmare Beach is not as good as that amazing, briefest of synopses would have you believe. Even though it has a wealth of talent both in front of and behind the camera, its not as good as you would hope it would be. The film was directed by Umberto Lenzi (there is a long story about how he maybe didnt direct anything, but definitely, probably did), the man behind such other Italian splatter classics as Cannibal Ferox, Nightmare City, and the oft-maligned-but-loved-by-me Ghosthouse. The original score was written and composed by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin, behind such amazing hit scores as Dawn of the Dead and Suspiria. Cinematography is courtesy of mondo shockumentary legend Antonio Climati.

Starring in the film youve got a veritable whos who of horror stars of the era: John Saxon of Cannibal Apocalypse and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Michael Parks of Kill Bill and From Dusk Till Dawn. Former actor-turned-editor Nicolas De Toth (he cut Obi-Wan Kenobi for Disney). And Sarah Buxton, who has the distinction of being one of those young stars youve seen in about a dozen things from The Sure Thing to Dont Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead.

The movie itself is its really not very interesting as a movie. Its more interesting as a piece of film history than anything else. Its an oddity thats fun to study for the amount of connections it has to other films. Its a study to watch for the professionalism that went into the films production. The writing is fun and plays with tons of conventions and serves as a tour of genres. The special effects and death scenes are well done, of course. And the actors are all well-cast and having fun. But the movie itself feels like its on autopilot, and that Umberto Lenzi is really taking a paycheck here. Lenzi has never been above paycheck movies, but it feels especially egregious this time around and theres a certain nihilistic detachment from the goings-on that makes the whole feel thing more clinical than many projects hes helmed before.

Nightmare Beach will be of most interest to film nerds with a knowledge of Italian exploitation films of the 70s and American slashers of the 80s. Italian Giallo films helped influence and create the American slasher movie we all know and love. And its in this self-digesting ouroboros from which Nightmare Beach is born: Nightmare Beach feels like a giallo thats been inspired by American slashers. The tropes of both genres are all accounted for, with some other genres thrown in for good measure. Its a teenage sex comedy. Its a beach party movie. Its a motorcycle movie. Plus, it has gratuitous violence and nudity. Its everything that the filmmakers had time for to squeeze into its 90-minute run time, and everything an audience would want to see.

Sadly, Nightmare Beach never quite comes together, and the problem, I think, is that its just too derivative, without adding anything to the conversation. Its a shame, too, because it does make good use of its location and there are some impressive deaths. Nightmare Beach is one of the many films released around the same time between 1988 and 1989 that all had the same basic plot of a convicted killer has come back from the dead to kill again (Prison, Destroyer, Shocker, The Horror Show), and although there is a nifty little giallo twist to the killers identity, it all feels very familiar and well-worn.

Lenzis craftmanship does elevate the picture above tedium and is quite watchable, it just falls short of his usual output. But whenever the movie deviates from the horror, careening through teen sex comedy territory, it can get real boring.

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Nightmare Beach rides its way onto 4K in a two-disc case containing the film on both a 4K UHD Blu-ray and a 1080p HD Blu-ray. As is usual with Kino Cult, the case comes with a removable slip and the artwork inside is reversible. The films audio presentation is in both DTS 2.0 stereo and DTS 5.1 surround. The 4K disc contains only the film and audio commentary, and all other special features are found on the Blu-ray disc.
Corporate Tax cut has historically failed to boost growth

Budget 2024 Analysis: Corporate tax cuts have been found to have an insignificant to zero effect on economic growth.

Wednesday July 24, 2024 8:58 AM , Bhabani Shankar Nayak

On July 23, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget (2024-25) which highlights the priorities of Hindutva politics of economic growth sans human development. The Modi-led BJP government, along with its finance minister, continues to pursue failed and rejected neoliberal economic policies, including the reduction of corporate taxes, in an attempt to spur economic growth. Though, historical evidence suggests that corporate tax cuts have not effectively stimulated economic growth.

Despite this, neoliberal capitalists and their corporate allies persist in advocating for these tax reductions, arguing that they lead to increased profits and economic expansion. In reality, these policies often result in greater income inequality and benefit large corporations at the expense of the working people.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) studies have revealed that taxes have no significant effect on economic growth in the USA. They also found that higher tax rates contributed to economic growth in the USA after the Second World War. Most reliable studies on the relationship between tax cuts and economic growth show that there is no significant relationship between the two. Corporate tax cuts have been found to have an insignificant to zero effect on economic growth.

Even the biased empirical studies of institutions like the World Bank and the Tax Foundation indicate that a 10 percentage point reduction in corporate tax rates contributes only 0.2 percentage points to annual GDP growth.

This insignificant and imprecise contribution of tax cuts to GDP continues to be the opium of Hindutva politics, which competes in the global race to cut taxes to uphold corporate interests.

Despite all international experiences and evidence, Hindutva politics continue to support corporate interests while the people suffer from unemployment, hunger, homelessness, and poverty. The lowering of corporate taxes encourages corporations to save for their own investments, which circulates corporate capital for profit accumulation. Therefore, corporate tax cut is not a social good but a saving gift to corporates.

The Indian Budget 2024 is a Hindutva gift to corporates, while it designs systems that put students, farmers, and entrepreneurs into debt traps created by banks, furthering the interests of an unproductive, rent-seeking economy.

Students need scholarships, fellowships and good academic infrastructure to study and gain skills that contribute to Indias economic and social development. However, the budgets provision of loans to students is likely to create a debt trap for them, with banks emerging as the net beneficiaries.

Similarly, the credit line extended to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will likely only create debt traps for entrepreneurs. This approach fails to create conditions for innovative development and does not provide the necessary support for MSME leaders to thrive.

Instead of fostering genuine growth and innovation, these measures merely increase the financial burden on small business owners, leaving them struggling under the weight of debt rather than contributing meaningfully to the economy.

The corporate tax reduction is not the final gift of Hindutva politics to corporate capitalism. Hindutva leadership have also promised to tax reform which is an obsession of every radical bourgeois represented by Modi and his finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The reduction of corporate taxes is bourgeois socialism of Hindutva variety which robs the pockets of working people for corporate saving in the name of economic growth. Critics argue that a more balanced approach, including investments in social infrastructure and equitable taxation, would better serve the countrys economic interests and lead to sustainable growth.

The tax policies can be a tool for redistribution. Such a proposal is not even radical redistribution but by ensuring that corporations and wealthy individuals pay their fair share, the government can generate revenue to fund social programs, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Such redistributive tax policies can help reduce income inequality and provide more opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged groups. Instead of relying on debt-inducing schemes, a focus on equitable taxation and investment in public services could lead to more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The praxis of Hindutva politics continues to neglect the broader goals of mass welfare and the long-term transformation of Indian society towards economic and social equality. Rather than addressing the pressing needs of the working people and striving for a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities, Hindutva politics is increasingly focused on supporting and promoting the interests of large corporations. Tax cut is just an example.

This approach prioritises the establishment and maintenance of corporate dominance within the country, often at the expense of the common citizens needs and rights. By doing so, it helps in widening the gap between the rich and the poor, undermining the principles of democracy and social justice.

The emphasis on corporate hegemony suggests a shift away from policies that can promote inclusive growth and social harmony, raising concerns about the future direction of Indias socio-economic development under the directionless leadership of Hindutva politics and economy.

[The writer, Bhabani Shankar Nayak, is a political commentator.]





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Consequences of Government Employees Joining RSS

The opening of gates of RSS for bureaucracy is a dangerous ploy to destroy whatever noble survives in the largest democracy of the world in the last 10 years of Modi rule

Wednesday July 24, 2024 6:39 PM , Shamsul Islam

The directive of the RSS-BJP government issued on dated July 9, 2024, stated that the government had reviewed instructions issued in 1966, 1970, and 1980, and it has been decided to remove the mention of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from the impugned OMs (Official Memorandums) dated 30.11.1966, 25.07.1970 and 28.10.1980.

The 1966, 1970 and 1980 directives were issued during the reign of Indira Gandhi banning participation of government employees in the activities of RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami. The 1966 directive which set the ball rolling stated:

No Government servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation which takes part in politics, nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity.

In fact, this directive was the continuation of the rule formulated by the home ministry under Sardar Patel. The Government Servants Conduct Rules 1949 prohibited the participation of government employees in political activities. It was done to ensure a neutral and non-partisan bureaucracy unlike the USA where the bureaucracy was normatively aligned with the ruling party described as committed bureaucracy.

The July 9 directive came to public notice only on July 23 which not only removed RSS from the category of political organization but also from being threat to democratic-secular Indian polity. Interestingly, the earlier pro-RSS Indian governments headed by Morarji Desai (1977-79) and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (for 1 month in 1996 and1998-2004) never thought it prudent to do this favour to RSS.

It is also important to note that July 9, official order kept mum about Jamaat-e-Islami which was bracketed with RSS by Indira governments. This directive by the Modi government should dismiss all talks of rift between PM Modi and RSS. The former leaves no stone unturned to prove his loyalty to RSS and Hindutva project.

We need to compare the July 9, character certificate to RSS with written and spoken facts in the RSS domain. Has RSS ever been apolitical organization and loyal to democratic-secular India? It never was and is not even today.

The opening of gates of RSS for bureaucracy is a dangerous ploy to destroy whatever noble survives in the largest democracy of the world in the last 10 years of Modi rule.

Let us judge the reality by ourselves.

Is RSS a non-political organization?

We must compare the RSS claim that it is a cultural-social organization and has nothing to do with politics with the following two statements of M. S. Golwalkar, who headed the RSS after the death of the founder of the RSS, KB Hedgewar, and is considered the greatest ideologue of the organization till date. The first statement tells us about the kind of personnel who are sent to manipulate politics and what is expected of them by the RSS. While delivering a speech on March 16, 1954, in Sindi, Wardha, he said,

If we say that we are part of the organization and accept its discipline then selectiveness has no place in life. Do what is told. If told to play kabaddi, play kabaddi; told to hold meeting then meetingFor instance some of our friends were told to go and work for politics that does not mean that they have great interest or inspiration for it. They dont die for politics like fish without water. If they are told to withdraw from politics, then also there is no objection. Their discretion is just not required. [Golwalkar, MS, Shri Guruji Samagar Darshan (collected works of Golwalkar in Hindi), Bhartiya Vichar Sadhna, Nagpur, vol. 3, p. 33.]

The second statement is also very significant which reads:

We know this also that some of our Swayamsevaks [cadres] work in politics. There they have to organize according to the needs of work public meetings, processions etc., have to raise slogans. All these things have no place in our work. However, the actor should portray the character accepted to the best of his capability. But sometimes Swayamsevaks go beyond the role assigned to an actor as they develop over-zealousness in their hearts, to the extent that they become useless for this work. This is not good. [Ibid, vol. 4, pp. 4-5.]

We find here Guru Golwalkar referring to the Swayamsevaks loaned to political offshoot as nat or performers who are meant to dance to the tunes of the RSS. This fact should not be missed here that Golwalkars above design of controlling the political arm was elaborated in March 1960 almost nine years after the establishment of Jansangh (the forerunner of the BJP) in 1951.

RSS has strong political ambitions and designs are further corroborated by a publication of the RSS. The central publication house of the RSS, the Suruchi Prakashan, Jhandewalan, New Delhi, published, Param Vaibhav Ke Path Par (1997) which gave details of more than 40 organizations created by the RSS for different tasks. The BJP as a political organization figures prominently in it at number 3, with the ABVP, Hindu Jagaran Manch, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and Sanskar Bharti etc. The preface of the book itself declares that

....without the knowledge of the different kinds of activities of the Sawyamsevaks (the volunteers of the RSS) the introduction of the RSS is incomplete. Keeping this in mind it has been attempted in this book to produce brief information about the diverse activities of the Sawyamsevaks. This book covers the organizational status till 1996We believe that this book will prove to be of use for those who want to understand the RSS with the Swyamsevaks." [Sapre, SD, Parm Vaibhav ke Path Per, Suruchi, Delhi, 1997, p. 7.]

RSS committed to build a Hindu state

If government employees are allowed to join RSS shakhas it would be mandatory for them to recite following Prarthana (prayer) and Pratigya (oath), the recitation of which is must in each shakha.

Prarthana:

Affectionate Motherland, I eternally bow to you/O Land of Hindus, you have reared me in comfort/O Sacred Land, the Great Creator of Good, may this body of mine be dedicated to you/I again and again bow before You/O God almighty, we the integral part of the Hindu Rashtra salute you in reverence/For Your cause have we girded up our loins/Give us Your Blessings for its accomplishment. [RSS, Shakha Darshika, Gyan Ganga, Jaipur, 1997, p.1.]

Pratigya:

Before the all-powerful God and my ancestors, I most solemnly take this oath, that I become a member of the RSS in order to achieve all round greatness of Bharatvarsha by fostering the growth of my sacred Hindu religion, Hindu society, and Hindu culture. I shall perform the work of the Sangh honestly, disinterestedly, with my heart and soul, and I shall adhere to this goal all my life. Bharat Mata Ki Jai. [Ibid, p. 66.]

Thus, the government employees will not be faithful to a democratic-secular India to serve which they took oath while joining the service but would be committed to subvert it into a Hindu theocratic state.

RSS denigrates the National Flag

It is the outcome of its commitment to the building of Hindu nation that the RSS hates the Tri-colour and the Constitution of India, the two great symbols of our secular-democratic polity.

The RSS since its inception in 1925 demanded that India was a Hindu nation, and its national flag should be Bhagwa Jhanda (saffron flag) only. When the Constituent Assembly adopted the Tricolour as the national Flag, the RSS demanded the hoisting of saffron flag at the ramparts of Red Fort in Delhi and openly denigrated the choice of the Tricolour in the following words:

The people who have come to power by the kick of fate may give in our hands the Tricolour, but it never be respected and owned by Hindus. The word three is in itself an evil, and a flag having three colours will certainly produce a very bad psychological effect and is injurious to a country. [Mystery behind the bhagwa dhwaj in Organizer (RSS English organ), August 14, 1947.]

RSS committed to replace democratic-secular Indian Constitution with Manusmriti

How loyal the RSS is to the Constitution of India can be known by the following statement of Golwalkar, which is being reproduced from Bunch of Thought, which is not only selection of the writings of MS Golwalkar but also a Bible of the RSS cadres.

Our Constitution too is just a cumbersome and heterogeneous piecing together of various articles from various Constitutions of Western countries. It has absolutely nothing which can be called our own. Is there a single word of reference in its guiding principles as to what our national mission is and what our keynote in life is? No. [Golwalkar, MS, Bunch of Thoughts, Sahitya Sandhu, Bangalore, 1996, p. 238.]

In fact, RSS wanted this Constitution to be replaced by Manusmriti or Codes of Manu which is known for its derogatory and inhuman references to Untouchables and women. When the Constituent Assembly of India finalized the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949, RSS was not happy. Its organ, Organizer in an editorial on November 30, 1949, complained:

But in our constitution, there is no mention of the unique constitutional development in ancient Bharat. Manus Laws were written long before Lycurgus of Sparta or Solon of Persia. To this day his laws as enunciated in the Manusmriti excite the admiration of the world and elicit spontaneous obedience and conformity. But to our constitutional pundits that means nothing.

There is no doubt that participation of government employees in the activities of such an organization which openly decries the national Flag, and the Constitution will only hasten the end of a democratic-secular India.

Anti-democracy

The RSS, contrary to the principles of democracy, has been constantly demanding that India be ruled under a totalitarian regime. Golwalkar while delivering a speech before 1350 top level cadres of the RSS at Madras in 1940 declared:

The RSS inspired by one flag, one leader and one ideology is lighting the flame of Hindutva in each and every corner of this great land. [Shri Guruji Samagar Darshan, vol. 1, p. 11.]

This slogan of one flag, one leader and one ideology has directly been borrowed from the programmes of the Nazi and Fascist Parties of Europe. Thus, all those who will join the RSS bandwagon would naturally be anti-thetical to a democratic India.

Against federalism

The RSS is also dead against the federal structure of the Constitution, again a Basic Feature of the India polity. This is clear from the following communication of Golwalkar, which he sent to the first session of the National Integration Council in 1961. It read,

Todays federal form of government not only gives birth but also nourishes the feelings of separatism, in a way refuses to recognize the fact of one nation and destroys it. It must be completely uprooted, constitution purified, and unitary form of government be established. [Ibid, vol. 3, p. 128.]

Imagine the bureaucracy which is supposed to be committed to the federal set-up of India would work to wreck it as per the wishes of RSS.

Role of RSS in Gandhijis murder

It is a matter of shame that government employees in India are being permitted to participate in the activities of an organization which was held responsible for the murder of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi by no less a person than Sardar Patel. Sardar as the first Home Minister of India, in a letter dated July 18, 1948 to a prominent leader of Hindu Mahasabha, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, wrote:

As regards the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, the case relating to Gandhijis murder is sub judice and I should not like to say anything about the participation of the two organizations, but our reports do confirm that, as a result of the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former, an atmosphere was created in the country in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible. There is no doubt in my mind that the extreme section of the Hindu Mahasabha was involved in the conspiracy. The activities of the RSS constituted a clear threat to the existence of Government and the State. Our reports show that those activities, despite the ban, have not died down. Indeed, as time has marched on, the RSS circles are becoming more defiant and are indulging in their subversive activities in an increasing measure. [Letter 64 cited in Sardar Patel: Select Correspondence19450-1950, vol. 2, Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad, 1977, pp. 276-277.]



If such are the philosophical commitments and activities of the RSS how can any patriotic Indian, what to talk of government employees, be allowed to participate in the RSS activities? It is high time that all those organizations and individuals who have faith in a secular-democratic India must ask the question that when Maoists, Khalistanis and Islamists, Urban Naxals etc. are routinely declared anti-national, jailed and hanged as they aim at subverting the constitutional set-up of India, why is it that RSS remains out of our scrutiny?

It is unfortunate that Hindu Separatism is yet to be acknowledged as a serious threat to the Indian democracy despite its terrible anti-national and anti-humanity record. Soon central government offices and institutions are going to witness the functioning of RSS shakhas and boudhik shivir or ideological orientation camps preaching hatred against democratic-secular polity. One positive scenario could be that anti-Hindutva patriotic employees would confront these activities in the offices. Thanks to July 9 directive every office may be divided into two camps. This is how RSS is going to destroy the smooth functioning of the governing activities.

If Congress and other democratic-secular outfits are serious about saving secular-democratic India, they must legally and politically confront the RSS gang with the documents cited above. They also need to weed out the Hindutva elements from their ranks. The time is running out fast.

[The writer, Shamsul Islam, is a retired professor of Delhi University. He can be reached at notoinjustice@gmail.com. Twitter: @shamsforjustice. Views expressed here are personal.]

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MCC NEET UG Counselling 2024 Schedule Likely Today

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts nationwide medical admission counselling for 15% quota of the total seats. For the remaining 85% seats, admission counselling is done by respective states

Wednesday July 24, 2024 10:51 AM , ummid.com News Network

NEET UG 2024 Counselling: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is most likely to publish on its official website mcc.nic.in NEET UG 2024 Counselling Schedule and simultaneously start online registration for admission in MBBS, BDS and other medical courses.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts nationwide medical admission counselling for 15% quota of the total seats. For the remaining 85% seats, admission counselling is done by respective states.

The NEET UG 2024 exam was held on May 05, 2024 and the result and NEET score of the candidates were published on June 04, 2024 .

NEET UG counselling by the Medical Counselling Committee and respective authorities in different states is done based on NEET UG score soon after the result declaration. This year however the medical admission counselling is delayed because of the controversies surrounding the medical entrance exam and the pending court orders.

As the Supreme Court of India has rejected all demands of NEET re-exam and has also declined to put any stay on counselling, candidates should now get ready for the admission counselling.

MCC NEET UG Counselling

The counselling for admission in undergraduate courses MBBS, BUMS, BHMS, Paramedical and other medical courses is done nation-wide and by different states.

The NEET UG 2024 Counselling nationwide is done for 15% quota by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) headquartered in New Delhi.

The MCC publishes the NEET UG Counselling Schedule on its website mcc.nic.in after the results are announced. The medical counselling by MCC is conducted round-wise.

The MCC is most likely to publish the round wise counselling schedule today. It is also expected to simultaneously start the registration for candidates who wish to participate in the counselling.

NEET UG Counselling by States

Various states in India that conduct medical counselling for the 85% of the state quota seats normally start admission counselling simultaneously with the Medical Counselling Committee. They however release counselling schedule after the MCC NEET counselling schedule is out. Accordingly, candidates who wish to participate in NEET UG state counselling should look for the schedule soon after the MCC publishes the one.

Candidates should note that NEET UG counselling in Maharashtra is done by Maharashtra CET Cell, by Admission Committee for Professional Undergraduate Medical Educational Courses (ACPUGMEC) in Gujarat and by Directorate General of Medical Education and Training Uttar Pradesh (DGME UP) in Uttar Pradesh.

Likewise, the MBBS, BDS, Pharmacy admission counselling is done by Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) in Kerala, by Department of Medical Education (DME) in Madhya Pradesh, by Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECE) in Bihar.

In Tamil Nadu, the medical counselling is done by Tamil Nadu Medical Selection Committee, by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) in Karnataka, NEET UG Medical and Dental Admission and Counseling Board in Rajasthan and other concerned government bodies in other states.

These government bodies in various states start NEET UG medical counselling along with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). But, they publish schedule of the counselling rounds after the MCC NEET UG counselling schedule is published.

The MCC and medical counselling bodies in various states have dedicated websites for MBBS, BDS, BHMS and BUMS counselling along with paramedical and other candidates.

Candidates are required to keep visiting the official websites for the authentic updates on NEET UG 2024 Admission Counselling.

Candidates are required to also upload important documents while doing registration for medical admission counselling. They are hence advised to keep all the document ready before proceeding to register for online counselling.

[The featured image used here is AI generated.]







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Amid high drama, Rahul Gandhi meets farmers in Parliament

Congress MP from Amethi Rahul Gandhi Wednesday met a delegation of farmers in the office of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Parliament Complex amid a high drama.

Wednesday July 24, 2024 4:35 PM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: Congress MP from Amethi Rahul Gandhi Wednesday met a delegation of farmers in the office of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Parliament Complex amid a high drama.

The farmers are protesting against the Modi-led NDA government over MSP or Minimum Support Party.

As the government is not heeding to their demands, they sought time from Rahul Gandhi for a meeting.

Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), invited the farmers to his office in the Parliament. The farmers however were denied entry.

I invited the farmers for a meeting in my office in the Parliament. They however were not allowed, Rahul said while talking to media outside the Parliament.

Why? The reporters asked. To this Rahul Gandhi replied:

This question should be asked to Prime Minister. They might be denying them entry into the Parliament because they are farmers, the Congress leader quipped.

The Parliament is currently in a session. After initial roadblock, the farmers were eventually allowed entry into the Parliament and met Rahul Gandhi in his office.

As many as 12 farmer leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka were in the delegation that met Rahul Gandhi in the LoP office.

In the meeting the farmer leaders discussed with Rahul a host of problems mainly MSP. Farmer unions across the country want the MSP - a purchase guarantee set by the government to protect agriculturists from steep fall in crop prices, to be based on the Swaminathan Commission's C2+50 formula, which factors in cost of capital and land rent when calculating support prices.

"We held a meeting and decided to hold further discussions with INDIA bloc leaders and then try to pressurize the government for a legal MSP guarantee," Rahul said after the meeting.

He also said MSP is the rightful demand of the farmers and INDIA alliance will ensure that they get this.







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Dr. Sandra Scagliotti, a researcher on Vietnam and Honorary Consul of Vietnam in the Piedmont and Liguria regions of Italy, and Helene Luc, Honorary French Senator and Honorary President of the France - Vietnam Friendship Association (AAFV) are two women who are living in two different countries but sharing the same love for Vietnam and respect for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.



Dr. Scagliotti, who used to translate some books by President Ho Chi Minh into the Italian language, described Party General Secretary Trong as a leader with particularly outstanding contributions to the cause of national construction and development, caring for the people and, building and rectifying the Party and fighting corruption in Vietnam.



She recalled unforgettable memories of meeting General Secretary Trong in 2013, when the Vietnamese leader paid an official visit to Italy and met then Italian President Giorgio Napolitano at the Presidential Palace in Rome.



As one of the chief editors of the Anteo Edizioni Publishing House, Dr. Scagliotti published the Italian version of the Vietnamese Party chiefs book titled Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam in the publishing houses Banyan publication in May 2024.



The book not only summarises the Doi moi (Renewal) policy of the Communist Party of Vietnam, but also provides a valuable lesson for political parties around the world, the scholar commented.



She held that with his solid theoretical knowledge in the field of dialectical materialism associated with the most recent political-anthropological research, General Secretary Trong paid great attention to the continuous development of culture and the issue of how to combine the country's culture and identity with socio-economic development.



According to the Party chief, a socialist society has basic sustainable values in which development must truly serve the people and economic development goes hand in hand with progress and social justice. It is a united and supportive society where mutual aid is a daily order.



Dr. Scagliotti affirmed that the experience in the successful revolutionary struggle of the Vietnamese people and the 40-year Doi moi has contributed to affirming and enhancing the position, prestige and power of Vietnam at many forums and multilateral mechanisms.



Highlighting the contributions of the Party leader to building theories about the renewal path, the concept of socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam, the scholar underlined that General Secretary Trong helped promote foreign affairs and international cooperation from the perspective of multilateralism.

Helene Luc, Honorary French Senator and Honorary President of the France - Vietnam Friendship Association. (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, Helene Luc, who met Party General Secretary Trong in 2013 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)s correspondents in Paris that the image of a leader who highly valued relationships among people is always deeply imprinted in her mind.



Recalling her memories of her meetings with the Vietnamese Party chief, Helene Luc said she still keeps the impression, emotion and honour when she was invited by the General Secretary to participate in an exchange with the AAFV on the occasion of his visit to France in 2018.



The Honorary French Senator stressed that the passing of the Party chief is Vietnams loss of a prestigious leader who left a very deep and lasting mark in the country's national history.



Receiving intensive training in many fields such as economics  politics and humanities, General Secretary Trong was a talented leader, she said, underscoring that what's special about him is his ability to persuade and guide communist party leaders of other countries.



Since he was elected as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2011, General Secretary Trong had continuously made efforts to carry out the cause of Doi Moi and strengthen relations between Vietnam and many countries.



He worked to provide favourable conditions for foreign firms in Vietnam to develop, and encouraged foreign investment in Vietnam, which contributed to bringing great achievements to Vietnam, turning the country into one of the prosperous and fast-growing nations in Southeast Asia, said Helene Luc.



Regarding international relations, the French politician said that Trong followed the example of President Ho Chi Minh in establishing relations with as many countries as possible and prioritising diplomatic measures to settle disputes peacefully, thus preventing or putting an end to conflicts.



Commenting on the Party chiefs contributions to the Vietnam-France relations, Helene Luc said that like his predecessors, General Secretary Trong always valued and wished to develop cooperation with France in all fields of economy, science, and culture, and believed that the two sides can do more.



General Secretary Trong will forever live in the history of Vietnam as a shining example for the youth, she added./.
As a federally owned enterprise, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in four priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental, (3) Energy, and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam.

About 90% of deforestation is caused by the expansion of agriculture  also in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the EU has adopted the EU regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). According to the regulation, companies that place relevant products on the EU market or export them must ensure through due diligence that they are produced legally and without the conversion or degradation of forests after 2020. The new EU regulation affects Southeast Asian countries because they export relevant commodities such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, and timber to the EU market. Some governments have voiced concerns about the EU-regulation. Also, awareness about the opportunities of the EUDR for stakeholders could be increased.

The EU COM and BMZ have commissioned Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to support the EU delegations to enhance the understanding for and alleviate concerns about the EUDR in Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam, in particular on its core elements (i.e. mandatory due diligence rules, traceability, benchmarking), and on the EUs flanking measures to create an enabling environment for compliance by operators.

The project is referred to as Engagement with Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam to raise awareness on and to promote better understanding of the EU approach to reducing EU-driven deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR Engagement). It is implemented in Viet Nam during the entire timeframe of 24 months

The GIZ Office Hanoi is conducting a tender to seek qualified consultant for the assignment:

Quantity: estimated pages would be 440 pages in totalTentative duration: from August 2024 to August 2025Place of assignment: home-based tasksRequirements: The selected consultant is expected to have expertise and experience:

- Bachelors degree in English language, media and communication, journalism or relevant fields.

- 05 years of experience proofreading and editing English usage products.

- 02 years of experience working for clients in the development cooperation sector from government offices, international NGOs, or international organizations.

- 02 years of experience proofreading and editing English usage of products on the topics of environment, forestry, biodiversity, trade, environmental policy.

- Language: Being a British English native speaker with a strong command of the British English language used in professional contexts. Alternatively, if not British native  have evidence proving that they possess British proficiency equal to a native speaker (for example IELTS  at least 8.0 overall and 8.0 for writing skill, TOEFL iBT  at least 110 overall and 28 writing skill, advanced TESOL certificate, relevant linguistics certificate, etc.)

- Providing 3 edited texts with track changes, clearly showing their reviews and edits. The samples - which will be provided by GIZ would include: 01 social media post; 01 technical report; 01 policy brief/factsheet/brochure or similar items.

Please send email to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de by 08.08.2024 to receive tender documents.

Interested consultants are requested to prepare the following documents in English:

1. Letter of interest

2. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages)

3. Reference letters or equivalent documents of clients for similar activities to this assignment, and other documents

4. Proposed concept (if necessary, should not exceed 5 pages)

5. Quotation offer (in Vietnam Dong)

Kindly note this is open tender (without negotiation)

The interested consultant will send all bidding documents at once to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de latest by 17:00 (Hanoi time) on 13.08.2024 with email subject: Tender 83469438-EUDR-Language review.

GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all bidding documents submitted.

Important notes:

1. Request of tender documents to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de by 08.08.2024

2. related questions to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 08.08.2024

3. Bidding dossier to be sent to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de before 17:00 on 13.08.2024. Sending documents to wrong email address will lead to disqualification of the bidder.

4. Only selected consultant(s) will be invited to contract negotiations.

For data protection and information security reason: In case the total volume of your bids is below 10 MB, you can attach them directly in the email sent to us. In case the total volume of your bids is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ filetransfer system. We will provide the guidance on how to use filetransfer to interested bidders. Files sent via other applications/systems such as google drive, dropboxwill not be accepted.
Danyang in E China becomes world's largest production base for spectacle lenses

People's Daily Online) 09:09, July 24, 2024

Exiting Danyang Railway Station, you are greeted by a sign reading Danyang Optical Center.

Photo shows the Danyang Optical Center in Danyang city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Nanhua)

We are the Capital of the Worlds Eyewear! proudly claims Ms. Zhang, a Danyang local.

Danyang, a county-level city in east China's Jiangsu Province, has emerged as the largest production base for spectacle lenses in the world and the biggest eyewear distribution center in Asia, forming a complete industry chain that integrates design, research and development (R&D), and production. The eyewear industry has become a distinctive "calling card" for the city.

Danyang has more than 1,600 companies engaged in the eyewear industry and associated sectors, employing over 50,000 people. Every year, hundreds of millions of lenses are shipped worldwide from Danyang.

Photo shows a "dark factory" of Mingyue Optical Lens Co., Ltd. in Danyang city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Renhong)

China has gradually caught up with international standards in the eyewear industry in terms of raw materials, R&D, and industrialization, said Wang Xueping, vice president of Mingyue Optical Lens Co., Ltd.

Wang added that the company has focused on the independent development of production equipment and intelligent upgrades in recent years to ensure production quality and efficiency.

"Compared to before, our upgraded factory has increased overall output by 20 percent," Wang noted.

A customer searches glasses on an e-commerce platform. (People's Daily Online/Xie Di)

Zhang Yan, secretary-general of the E-Commerce Chamber of Commerce in Danyang, said that e-commerce and short video platforms have effectively driven innovation in marketing methods, bringing new opportunities for both brands and individuals.

According to Wang, the rise of e-commerce platforms and short video platforms is profoundly influencing the consumer market. "Through online interactions, brands can promptly understand the latest market and consumer trends, enabling precision marketing and in turn promoting product and technological innovation," Wang said.

Relevant parties in the eyewear industry need to actively embrace digital transformation, closely follow changes in demand and marketing trends, and continuously enhance product competitiveness through technological innovation. Taking those steps while promoting brand building and marketing creativity will ensure unimpeded channels for brands to "go global," Zhang said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
LONDON  Vietjet and Rolls-Royce have signed an agreement for 40 Trent 7000 engines and the TotalCare engine service to power the A330neo aircraft at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.

The Trent 7000 is a modern and new-generation engine developed by Rolls-Royce focusing on environmental protection and sustainability.

Vietjet has committed to the A330neo/Trent 7000 combination as it delivers a 14 per cent better fuel burn per seat, while significantly lowering emissions. The reduction in emissions will allow the airline to avoid more than one hundred thousand tonnes of CO2 over the lifetime of each aircraft.

TotalCare is an industry-leading premium service, supported by data delivered through the Rolls-Royce advanced engine health monitoring system, which helps provide customers with increased operational availability, reliability and efficiency. The agreement will also complement the airlines existing TotalCare coverage of the Trent 700-powered A330ceo fleet.

inh Viet Phuong, Vietjet Chief Executive Officer, said: The combination of modern Trent 7000 engines on the newest generation of Airbus A330neo, supported by premium service TotalCare, will help Vietjet Air reach new technological heights, significantly enhance the quality of our flights and increase the reliability and efficiency of our operations.

"Specifically, the addition of the newest generation, high-efficiency Rolls-Royce engines aligns with Vietjet's sustainable development strategy, with its ESG goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, he said.

The Trent 7000 draws on the technology and experience of the most advanced family of engines in the world. As the latest member of the Trent family, the Trent 7000 is based on Trent XWB technology and has delivered exceptional reliability since it entered into service.

Vietjet is actively expanding its flight network to numerous international destinations, serving passengers throughout Viet Nam, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand.

Currently, Vietjet is strengthening partnerships with leading global aviation and technology partners.

The agreement with Rolls-Royce marks a significant milestone in advancing the airline's engine technology capabilities and related solutions, Vietjet said in a note.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi held talks with Cuban Minister of Construction Rene Mesa Villafana in Ha Noi on Tuesday, aiming to review the implementation of agreements on co-operation in construction in line with the minutes of the 41st meeting of the Viet Nam -Cuba Intergovernmental Committee signed in Cuba on April 15 and exchange contents that need to be promoted in the coming time.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Construction has provided support for the Dinvai Vietnam Co Ltd, a Cuban enterprise operating in Viet Nam, to obtain a certificate in the field of civil construction, Nghi said, adding that the ministry is working to help the company acquired another in the field of infrastructure and transportation.

Besides, the Viet Nam Machinery Installation Corporation (LILAMA) sent a delegation to the Caribbean country to study the status of some cement factories as well as provide advice for Cuban partners on the renovation and upgrade of a number of machinery and equipment to modernise production lines and improve productivity, he said.

The Viet Nam National Cement Corporation (VICEM) and the Grupo Empresarial del Cemento - Cuban Cement Business Group - (GECEM) discussed plans to send a delegation to Cuba to study and provide consultancy on the modernisation of production lines and optimisation of the operation of the cement factories, while offering technical training to Cuban experts in the Southeast Asian nation.

At the meeting, Nghi suggested the two countries' construction ministries continue to maintain the exchange of their information and experience in inmanagement and development, in addition to supporting co-operation between their companies.

He advocated promoting collaboration between Vietnamese and Cuban companies in other areas of mutual interest, and asked the Cuban Ministry of Construction to continue paying attention and adopting timely solutions to address the difficulties faced by Vietnamese companies while investing, producing and carrying out business in Cuba.

He promised to support Cuban companies in their investment, production and business activities in Viet Nam, and reiterated the willingness to share experiences with Cuba in law-making, especially relating to housing and real estate market.

For his part, Villafana affirmed the Cuban side will create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese companies to invest and do business effectively.

Currently, Cuba is expanding cooperation and investment abroad, increasing the connection between foreign and domestic enterprises, while offering preferential policies to foreign firms, including Vietnamese construction firms, he noted.

He agreed with the key contents of cooperation proposed by the host and expressed his hope that the Vietnamese ministry continues to create conditions for Cuban companies to invest in the Southeast Asian nation.  VNS
HA NOI  The upgrading of emerging market standing by London stock market subsidiary FTSE Russell sets the stage for anticipated market upgrades by MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International), fostering increased participation in foreign capital influx, said insiders.

The Vietnamese stock market serves as a pivotal channel for capital mobilisation within the domestic economy and garners significant esteem from foreign investors.

This sentiment is rooted in the youthful demographic composition, significantly higher GDP expansion compared to neighbouring markets and abundant foreign direct investment (FDI) sources, Le Thi Le Hang, Chief Strategy Officer of SSI Securities Corporation, said at a recent conference.

Viet Nam is currently also reaping substantial benefits from the shift of numerous major global manufacturing conglomerates from China.

Notably, the advancement of the Viet Nam-US relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership has significantly bolstered the countrys technological expertise.

Foreign investors presently hold high hopes for the story of Viet Nams stock market ascending to the ranks of an emerging market, Hang said. She has just returned to Viet Nam after engaging with investors in the US.

This year, an estimated US$2 billion in foreign capital is anticipated to be withdrawn. However, if included in the FTSE's emerging market stock portfolio, the market is also expected to attract about $2 billion in investments.

The upgrade to FTSE's index listing serves as a stepping stone, with further aspirations for inclusion in MSCI's emerging market category. An elevation by MSCI would prove enticing, drawing in a plethora of investors to engage in Viet Nams stock market.

The market usually reacts ahead of news. Therefore, the emergence of new funds is imminent once the possibility of the stock market being upgraded in the FTSE index basket is perceived," Hang noted.

"However, the upgrade also hinges on whether the stock market introduces fresh narratives or new commodities to serve as catalysts."

She also pointed out that new commodities remain an unresolved constraint on the domestic stock market.

In recent years, there have been limited new choices on the market.

For instance, examining the VN30 basket reveals a scarcity of new products. Meanwhile, the market necessitates 100 per cent pre-funding, posing significant challenges for foreign investors who may need to invest and trade before funds are fully available or even before preparing or transferring funds, resulting in delayed trading.

Additionally, the relatively low foreign room ratio acts as a notable obstacle.

These constraints imply that foreign investors, despite their desire to allocate more to the Vietnamese market, must exercise patience and hope for expanded room to enhance liquidity.

In the most optimistic scenario, Hang forecasted that Viet Nam will receive an upgrade by FTSE around September 2025 and be added to the roster of emerging market indices by March 2026.

Securing an upgrade from FTSE will set the stage for a potential elevation by MSCI down the line. While an immediate capital influx may not be guaranteed, the expectation is for a gradual increase in capital inflow over time.

In order to achieve the market upgrade goal by 2025, the Prime Minister has directed relevant ministries to address the key obstacles impeding the market upgrade process.

Presently, active preparations are in full swing across these ministries and departments. The Ministry of Finance, the State Securities Commission (SSC), and depository banks are actively formulating strategies, securities firms such as SSI and TCBS are proactively skilling up their workforce, technology and financial capabilities in preparation for the stock market upgrade.

Recently, the SSC published a draft circular that aims to amend and supplement several articles of four existing circulars governing the stock market, including regulations concerning securities trading, clearing and settlement, operations of securities firms and disclosure mandates on stock exchanges.  VNS
CAN THO  Up to 1.2 tonnes of thanh nhan (bright yellow-fleshed longan) grown in Can Tho City's Co o District, have been exported to the United States.

The municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Vina T&T Group, held a ceremony to mark the export contract on Tuesday as the fruits went off by air freight.

Co o District is home to 400ha of thanh nhan trees. The longan in the district has been granted 33 export planting area codes and is sent to markets including the US, Australia, Japan, Thailand, the EU and China.

Nguyen inh Tung, General Director of Vina T&T Group said thanh nhan is considered the 'king of longans' with large fruits, thick flesh, small seeds and a slightly sweet taste, so it is favoured by many customers stateside.

From the beginning of the year until now, Vina T&T has exported over 20 tonnes of thanh nhan the US and Australian markets, Tung said.

Can Tho is a locality with a large output of thanh nhan in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region and the city has teamed up with businesses to ship about 250 tonnes of longan per year to overseas markets.

In his speech at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc He, asked farmers and cooperatives to cooperate in establishing a sufficient growing area to meet the export demands.  VNS
Jeremy Segay is the Regional Audiovisual Attache of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, working in the fields of cinema, music and television.

He has made considerable contributions to the development of Asian cinema, taking on many positions in film festivals such as the Deauville Asian Film Festival, Asia-Europe Foundation, Singapore International Film Festival, and Malaisie: Le Cinema. From 2003 to 2011, Segay worked as Asia Specialist and Film Selector for the Directors' Fortnight Section at the Cannes Film Festival.

Viet Nam News reporter Tran Khanh An talked with him about relations between French and Vietnamese cinema on the sidelines of the 2024 a Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF II) early this month.

How were the films that were shown in DANAFF II's Spotlight on French Film programme chosen?

We make our selections based on two requirements. The films must be successful and represent the cooperation between Vietnamese and French cinema. We selected LAmant (The Lover) by Jean-Jacques Annaud, a film from the early 1990s, to be presented for the very first time uncut on a big screen in Viet Nam.

We also selected several well-known French films that took home numerous honours and awards  the most recent ones going to Anatomie d'une chute (Anatomy of a Fall) and La Passion de Dodin Bouffant (The Taste of Things).

Previously, the French Institute in Viet Nam screened French films on the institute's campus, which attracted a big audience, but it has since been discontinued. Does the French Institute in Viet Nam plan to relaunch this programme?

I would like to make it clear that we changed the plan for promoting French cinema in Viet Nam. On the French Institute campus, we no longer screen films. Instead, we collaborate with film theatres to present films every week on Wednesday and Saturday nights in big cities including Ha Noi, HCM City and a Nang. Each year, we feature about fifty new French films in Viet Nam.

Now, the French Institute is doing a far better job of introducing Vietnamese audiences to French cinema. We live in an economic cycle - the more films we screen, the more people come to see them and the wider distribution we have. When our partners notice higher profits, they are also willing to increase showtimes for French films.

What programmes does the French Embassy deploy to support the development of Vietnamese cinema and the relations between French and Vietnamese cinema?

We have deployed many collaborations, cinema seminars and film co-production projects between France and Viet Nam.

We participate in the Autumn Meeting  a rendezvous for Vietnamese and international filmmakers, providing training courses on acting, film direction and producing low-budget films. We also organised cinema seminars at the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival and DANAFF as well.

We have also recently started supporting new sectors including visual effects and animation. These seem like very promising sectors for the cinema industry and we look forward to working together with Viet Nam in this field. We also discussed with DANAFF and the Autumn Meeting's organisers inviting French experts to teach breathing control and voice acting, as well as training makeup for horror films.

We support Vietnamese film crews in attending international film festivals. We sent Vietnamese film crews to the Cannes Film Festival for two years in a row.

We also have a fund to support Vietnamese films to help them present in the Vietnamese market itself and to encourage the diversification of different film genres in the Vietnamese market. Specifically, we promote award-winning Vietnamese films to make their debut in their home country. Culi Never Cries, which recently took home the GWFF Best First Feature Award from the Berlin International Film Festival, was the first movie that the fund financed.

Culi Never Cries is highly anticipated by cinephiles in Viet Nam. Can you tell more about how the fund supported the film's release?

We facilitate advertising and promotions to increase the film's exposure to more Vietnamese audiences and encourage them to see it in a theatre. Specific details are upon the plan by the film crews. VNS
SINGAPORE  Two films with Singapore participation will be take part in Venice Film Festival 2024, set to run from August 28 to September 7.

Stranger Eyes, a mystery thriller from Singaporean film-maker Yeo Siew Hua, will make its world premiere in the main competition section at the festival. It will be the first Singaporean film to compete for the Golden Lion, the highest prize awarded at the event.

Yeos feature will compete with new offerings from acclaimed film-makers including Spains Pedro Almodovar, Italys Luca Guadagnino, Todd Phillips from the United States and Brazils Walter Salles.

Dont Cry, Butterfly - produced by Tan Si En of Singapore-based label Momo Film Co - is a horror-comedy from Vietnamese film-maker Duong Dieu Linh which will make its world premiere at the Venice Critics Week, a section showcasing debut films from emerging directors.

Dont Cry, Butterfly is the only Asian title in this years Critics Week and will be competing for the Lion Of The Future prize.

Stranger Eyes is a four-country co-production that includes producer Fran Borgia from Singapores Akanga Film Asia, along with producers from Taiwan (China), France and the US. Set in Singapore, the film tells the story of a young couple searching for their missing daughter. It stars Taiwanese actors Lee Kang-sheng and Wu Chien-ho as well as Singaporean actress Xenia Tan (Wonderland, 2024).

Yeos detective mystery A Land Imagined (2018) won the Golden Leopard grand prize at the Locarno Film Festival and was Singapores Best International Feature Film entry to the Academy Awards.

In a written statement, Yeo, 39, says he is proud to have the film compete on an international stage, adding that Stranger Eyes is a home-grown Singapore story.

Borgia adds: Singapore cinema has experienced significant growth over the past decade and the inclusion of Stranger Eyes in the main competition at Venice marks a new milestone.

Dont Cry, Butterfly is a Vietnamese-language feature that follows a wedding venue staff member who, after discovering her husband having an affair live on national television, resorts to magic to lure him back.

Producer Tan, 31, says: We are grateful to have our film premiere at Venice. Dont Cry, Butterfly is our first production set in Viet Nam, an exciting market in the region. Its a film with potential to connect with everyone and I am excited for audiences to watch it.

Both films have been supported by grants from the Singapore Film Commission and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Mr Justin Ang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media, Innovation, Communications and Marketing at IMDA, said in a media statement: The success of Stranger Eyes and Dont Cry, Butterfly at the Venice Film Festival 2024 is a continuation of our film industrys growing success in major film festivals around the world. This recognition will elevate the international visibility of Singaporean films and serve as an inspiration to all our aspiring film-makers. We take immense pride in the exceptional film talents in Singapore, who have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.  The Straits Times/ANN
HA NOI  With the theme My Viet Nam, the National Costume Design contest has just officially launched by the Mister Vietnam's organising committee.

Designs must be distinctive and creative to demonstrate the beauty of national culture. The designs are unlimited in terms of ideas, styles, materials and creativity is one of the factors that determine the winning national costume.

The organising committee will select the ten best designs to enter the implementation round, which will shown by the contestants at the Mister Vietnam 2024 Final Night.

The top five best national costume designs have the chance to shine with Vietnamese representatives in the arenas for male beauty around the world. Entries will be open until August 2 and on August 4, the organisers will open the voting portal on the Facebook's fanpage of Mister Vietnam, to find the top three. The results will be announced on the final night of Mister Vietnam 2024.

National Costume is an important part of major beauty contests in Viet Nam and worldwide. Vietnamese representatives will take the costumes to world arenas to promote Vietnamese culture and people to friends on five continents.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a sincere and devoted leader, tireless in his efforts to serve his country for the betterment of the Vietnamese people, said Ambassador to Viet Nam Dato' Tan Yang Thai.

The Ambassador diplomat expressed his deep sympathy over the death of the Vietnamese Party leader during an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

How do you evaluate the role and contributions of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the national construction and development of Vietnam, especially in Party building and rectification and anti-corruption?

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has been an instrumental figure, serving as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since 2011 and as the President of Viet Nam from 2018 to 2021. In his long, distinguished years of service, he has made many contributions to the development of Viet Nam, not least of which would be his signature anti-corruption campaign. He strived to raise the awareness of Vietnamese from all walks of life, whether in government, in the private sector, or in the general public, of the scourge of corruption and how detrimental corruption can be to the nations development.

Under his leadership, Viet Nam has also continued to implement comprehensive economic reforms aimed at fostering a market-oriented economy. His administration has emphasised enhancing the business environment, attracting foreign investment, and integrating Viet Nam more deeply into the global economy through trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

From the perspective of foreign policy, General Secretary Trong showed how adept he was through the implementation of the bamboo diplomacy; skillfully strengthening Viet Nam's international standing and diversifying its foreign relations. He has focused on balancing Viet Nam's relationships with major powers while promoting Viet Nam's role in regional organisations such as ASEAN. This has increased Viet Nam's diplomatic influence and provided opportunities for economic partnerships.

How do you think about the Party leaders theoretical and practical contributions to the shaping and development of Viet Nams bamboo diplomacy?

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's philosophy has significantly influenced Viet Nam's foreign policy, often referred to as "bamboo diplomacy." This approach emphasises resilience, flexibility, and adaptability, akin to the characteristics of bamboo, which bends but does not break under pressure. Viet Nam pursues a multi-dimensional foreign policy that focuses on balancing relations with major powers, enhancing regional cooperation, deepening global integration, and promoting peace and stability, without compromising its core national interests and sovereignty.

How do you assess Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs role in promoting the relations between Viet Nam and Malaysia?

Nguyen Phu Trong, as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, has played a significant role in shaping Viet Nam's foreign relations, including with Malaysia. His leadership has emphasised the importance of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) unity and cooperation, which includes both Malaysia and Viet Nam.

During his leadership, there have been efforts to enhance bilateral relations between Viet Nam and Malaysia. This includes economic cooperation, trade agreements, and political dialogue to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.

A milestone achievement was made under his astute leadership when the Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and Viet Nam was established in 2015. Since then, the relations between the two countries have grown from strength to strength with increased trade and investment, cooperation in education and training, tourism, culture, and people-to-people engagements, as well as exchanges of high-level visits. The close relations between Malaysia and Viet Nam were nurtured and maintained till it reached the significant 50  year anniversary mark last year, during which General Trong met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Ha Noi, Viet Nam.

What is your impression of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong?

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a sincere and devoted leader, with ambitious visions for his country and fellow countrymen. He was truly dedicated and tireless in his efforts to serve his country for the betterment of the Vietnamese people. Last year, when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with General Secretary Trong on his bilateral visit to Ha Noi, there was a good rapport between them. The General Secretarys ideas on preserving strategic autonomy and promoting good governance in Viet Nam left a positive impression on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

As a leader, he is held in high esteem by the Vietnamese people. I believe future generations of Vietnamese will take inspiration from how he lived his life in devoted service to the people and country of Viet Nam.  VNS
Nguyen Xuan Phuc, former member of the Politburo, former Prime Minister and former President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has written an article speaking fondly of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, saying his passing will leave the nation in a prolonged state of mourning

The passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has left the entire Vietnamese Party, military and people in profound grief. During his more than 13 years as the General Secretary of our Party, he steadfastly adhered to the Party's policies of renewal and independence, steering the nation through numerous challenges to achieve remarkable successes in all fields.

While working with the Politburo and the Party Central Committee to promote the construction and completion of a socialist-oriented market economy, he keenly identified the risks of degradation within the Party and State apparatus and personally led the fight against corruption and negativity to maintain internal purity and preserve development achievements.

History will reflect on the merits and legacy of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. In these sorrowful days, as the person who worked closely with him for over a decade, I wish to highlight some of the most profound impressions he left on me:

As the Party's theoretician, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made significant efforts to apply Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thoughts to Viet Nam's realities. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern European socialist system, the theory of building socialism in Viet Nam faced many challenges. He directed the Party's theoretical bodies to base their work on the country's practicalities and the international situation to refine the theory of building socialism on the foundation of the oi moi (Renewal) process initiated by our Party in 1986. He himself authored important theoretical works on this subject.

Building a socialist-oriented market economy requires, first and foremost, a complete market economy. The socialist orientation means using the State's resources to ensure the economy can withstand crises, eliminate 'interest group' manipulation, ensure equal opportunities for economic entities to benefit from policies, access national resources and guarantee the best social welfare for the people, especially the disadvantaged. This socialist orientation is mainly realised through market instruments and social welfare policies, not through non-market interventions in the economy's operation.

This perspective was fully established by our Party during Nguyen Phu Trong's tenure as General Secretary. Currently, 72 countries recognise Viet Nam as having a market economy, including all ASEAN countries and major market economies like Japan, the UK, Canada and Australia.

Building a socialist rule-of-law state. For the first time, our Party identified "Our State is a socialist rule-of-law state" in the amended 'Platform for National Construction during the Transitional Period to Socialism' at the 11th National Party Congress in 2011, which was the congress that elected Nguyen Phu Trong as General Secretary for the first time.

During his tenure, the socialist rule-of-law state was enshrined in the 2013 Constitution. This Constitution also enshrined human rights and citizens' rights by stipulating for the first time that 'Human rights and citizens' rights can only be restricted by law in necessary cases for national defence, national security, public order, social safety, social ethics, and community health' (Clause 2, Article 14).

On November 9, 2022, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, signed Resolution No 27-NQ/TW on "Continuing to build and perfect the socialist rule-of-law state of Viet Nam in the new period" after it was passed by the 6th conference of the 13th Party Central Committee, considering it the 'central task of renewing the political system,' affirming that "Respect for the Constitution and the law must become the standard of conduct for all subjects in society." This resolution will require time to be translated into laws and implemented in life.

At the 13th National Party Congress (2021), General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong asserted: "Our country has never obtained such a fortune, strength, stature, and prestige in the international arena as it has today." These words are entirely accurate.

The results of the 10-year Socio-Economic Development Strategy (2011-2020) proposed at the 11th National Party Congress increased the economy's scale by 2.4 times, with the 2020 economy being 1.4 times larger than in 2015. Viet Nam is ranked 35th among the world's largest economies and one of the 16 most successful emerging economies. The economic growth rate is high, with Viet Nam being one of the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally from 2016-2019. The poverty reduction achieved remarkable success, with the poverty rate dropping from 9.88 per cent in 2015 to 2.75 per cent in 2020 during the last five years of the strategy.

According to the World Bank, Viet Nam has made significant progress in universal healthcare, with the standard of living continually improving. The universal healthcare coverage index is 73 (out of 100), higher than the regional and global averages. The average number of years of schooling in Viet Nam is 10.2 years, second in the region only to Singapore. Viet Nam's human capital index is 0.69 (on a scale where 1 is the highest), the highest among economies with similar income levels. Citizens' access to infrastructure has significantly improved. By 2019, 99.4 per cent of the population used electric lighting, compared to 14 per cent in 1993.

With its international position and prestige, Viet Nam has established comprehensive partnerships with 12 countries and strategic partnerships with 18 countries, including seven comprehensive strategic partners. Most of these partnerships were established during Nguyen Phu Trong's tenure as General Secretary. Of the seven comprehensive strategic partners with Viet Nam, except for China, which was established in 2008, six were established during General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's tenure.

Our economy is increasingly integrated into the global economy. Of the 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Viet Nam has signed and are in effect, half of them, including all five new-generation FTAs, were signed during Nguyen Phu Trong's tenure as General Secretary.

These FTAs, particularly the new-generation ones, not only vigorously promote free trade and positively impact economic growth, but their high integration commitments have accelerated the completion of a legal system compatible with market mechanisms, swiftly building and perfecting the institutions of a socialist-oriented market economy.

The outstanding achievements that have propelled the nation's strong development mentioned above are the collective efforts of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee, the Government and the entire political system over multiple terms. They continue nearly 40 years of the nation's oi moi (Renewal), with Nguyen Phu Trong playing a crucial role as the head of our Party for over 13 years.

At the most recent Party Congress, I was assigned by the General Secretary to lead the Drafting Committee on socio-economic documents. Nguyen Phu Trong fully supported the new perspectives and provided sharp directives to ensure the Drafting Committee proposed new policies, especially in building a socialist-oriented market economy and a socialist rule-of-law state.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong also had a special interest in cultural development. Notably, he presided over the National Cultural Conference on November 24, 2021. This historically significant conference commemorated the 75th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh presiding over the first National Cultural Conference on November 24, 1946. This conference summarised and distilled the cultural development process after nearly 40 years of national renewal, opening a new chapter in cultural revitalisation and development to meet the country's comprehensive development needs in the new situation, leaving a significant mark from Nguyen Phu Trong.

In the special announcement regarding the organisation of the state funeral for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, our Party and State acknowledged: "He made numerous outstanding contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation."

As a close colleague, I recognise his profound contributions to promoting the nation's renewal process and development, marked by the significant milestones I have outlined. VNS
HA NOI  Over many years serving in various positions in Ha Noi, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong consistently showed affection, closeness and special concern for Ha Noi.

He provided profound guidance and important directions that significantly impacted both the immediate and long-term development of the capital city.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a press conference on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Houston Office of Emergency Management. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Mayor John Whitmire said Wednesday that he planned to bring the final, comprehensive report on the Houston Police Department's suspended cases scandal to city council next week.

In a prepared statement, Whitmire said he looked forward to presenting the report at Wednesdays council meeting. His comments are the latest firm date the mayor has set for the report, which will provide details about the 264,000 cases suspended since 2016 using an internal code citing a lack of personnel.

The statement came hours after a Chronicle report detailing former Chief Troy Finners concerns that without a public discussion, the department might never grapple with the severity of the problem.

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Chief Finners comments dont deserve a response because he knows the facts dont support his statements, Whitmire said. I cant say what motivated him to make such allegations, but Im personally disappointed he has.

Whitmire has pushed back the planned release of the report several times since Finner's retirement.

The former chief first went public with the scandal earlier this year and it later led to his abrupt retirement from the department.

In a series of exclusive interviews with the Chronicle, Finner said hes concerned that the city and police department are trying to bury the full details of a disturbing truth he aimed to expose: That the police department in the nations fourth-largest city had for almost a decade been routinely shelving investigations into serious criminal activity by labeling them with the code Suspended  Lack of Personnel, or SL.

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This failure is gonna come back and bite us, Finner said. And thats what I was trying to prevent.
HA NOI  The Catholic community in Viet Nam is always put at the centre of the Viet Nam-Vatican relationship, heard a workshop held in Ha Noi on July 23 on Pope Franciss letter to the community on the occasion of the adoption of the Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative of the Holy See in Viet Nam.

Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Nguyen Tien Trong noted that the adoption of the agreement, and the invitation from Vietnamese State leaders to Pope Francis to visit Viet Nam demonstrate the Southeast Asian nations foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation, and being a friend and a reliable partner of countries worldwide.

They also reflect the countrys consistent policies and guidelines of respecting freedom of religion and belief, and supporting legitimate religious needs of people, including Catholic followers, the official said.

Regarding Pope Franciss letter in September 2023, Trong stressed it is a significant message for the Catholic Church in Viet Nam, while creating more favourable conditions for Catholic dignitaries and followers there to continue accompanying the nation and contribute to national construction and development.

Participants exchanged views on how to help Catholics in Viet Nam lead a better religious life and make more contributions to the society as well as the Church.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Xuan, former Vice Chairman of the committee, highlighted all-round contributions by the Catholic community to the country, improvements in the relationship between the Vietnamese State and the Church, and progress in the Viet Nam-Vatican ties.

Bishop o Manh Hung, Secretary General of the Viet Nam Episcopal Council, repeated what Pope Francis asked Vietnamese Catholics to do in his letter, including concrete practice of charity and dialogue and respectful collaboration with authorities.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang affirmed that Catholics form an important and inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation, and they are working together with followers of other religions and non-religious communities in national construction and development.

The Party and the State have paid attention to their economic and social lives, and ensured their right to freedom of religion, he noted.

Thang also emphasised the relationship between Viet Nam and the Vatican, which, he said, has been consolidated and growing fruitfully.

For the letter, he said, it has officially eliminated the past ideological conflict. This is a mutual recognition, with the Communist Party of Viet nam (CPV) recognising the Vatican as a friend and a partner while the Vatican recognising the CPV and the State of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam as a cooperative partner, not a threat to Catholicism and the Vatican.

According to the Deputy Minister, Pope Francis has acknowledged and affirmed Viet Nams position and achievements, as well as acknowledged the relationship between the Vatican and the State of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and believed that it will grow further despite differences, for the sake of both sides.

This would help prevent and eliminate distorted allegations by hostile forces inside and outside the Church, who take advantage of religions to sabotage the Party and State, he said, adding the Church may even take interventions to prevent such distortions.  VNS
HA NOI  Heads of state and government, and ruling parties, communist parties, partner parties, and international organisations have sent messages and letters of condolences to the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnamese people and the family of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong over the passing of the Party leader.

In his message, Italian President Sergio Mattarella highlighted the great contributions of General Secretary Trong in promoting relations between Viet Nam and Italy, elaborating that the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2013 on the occasion of the Party leader's visit to Italy in January 2013. He recalled a meeting with the Party leader in Ha Noi in 2015 and witnessed the development of friendship between the people of Viet Nam and Italy as well as the two countries' determination to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that General Secretary Trong has spared no effort for Viet Nam's sovereignty and to led the country to gain remarkable achievements in socio-economic development. He recalled the memories of the meeting with the Party chief in Paris in 2018, as well as the contents exchanged with Trong in a phone call last October, including the determination to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples.

In his letter, President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher recounted issues discussed with Trong during his visit to Viet Nam in December 2022.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent a letter of condolences to President To Lam.

Brazilian President Lula Da Silva extended a message of condolences to President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Deputy Amir of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Thani cabled their condolences to President To Lam. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar sent a message of condolences to PM Pham Minh Chinh.

Nepali Prime Minister, Chairman of the Communist Party of the Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist party K.P. Sharma Oi extended a message of condolences to the CPV Central Commitee.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a message of condolences.

President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe sent a letter of condolences to President To Lam, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena extended a letter of condolences to PM Pham Minh Chinh.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka G. Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Peoples Liberation Front Tilvin Silva sent their message and letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended their messages of condolences to President To Lam.

Acting Chairman of the Republic of Koreas People Power Party Hwang Woo Yea sent a message of condolences to President To Lam.

The President of the German Communist Party, the World Peace Council sent condolences to the Party Central Committee over the General Secretarys passing.

Condolences were also extended by the Communist Party of Australia, the leader of the Communist Party of Canada, the Galician People's Union of Spain (UPG), Secretary General of Burundi's ruling party (CNDD-FDD) Reverien Ndikuriyo, the President of the Communist Party of Chile, the Mexican Foreign Secretary, and the All Progressives Congress of Nigeria.

The World Federation of Democratic Youth, the board of directors of the World Youth Festival, the Sri Lankan Youth Organisation, and the Young Guard of United Russia sent letters of sympathy to the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee.

Naly Sisoulith, the spouse of the Party General Secretary and President of Laos, sent a letter of condolences to Ngo Thi Man, the spouse of General Secretary Trong.

In the letter, Naly Sisoulith expressed her boundless grief at the death of the General Secretary, and recounted moments with the Party chief and his spouse during high-level visits.

The Lao and Vietnamese will always remember the Party leaders tireless devotion to Viet Nam and its people, as well as his special sentiments towards Lao leaders and people, and the special solidarity and great friendship between the two countries, she affirmed.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan also extended his condolences to his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son.  VNS
CARACAS  The Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and Colombia, together with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has held a ceremony in Bogota to mark the 45th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Colombia diplomatic relations.

In his remarks at the July 22 event, Colombian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Rojas Rodrigez, on behalf of the local government, extended heartfelt condolences to the Vietnamese government and people over the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

He took the occasion to praise the late Party chief for the leader's significant contributions to Viet Nams socio-economic progress, with attendees and guests observing a moment of silence in commemoration of the Vietnamese leader.

Ambassador Vu Trung My said after more than four decades, the Viet Nam-Colombia relationship has been increasingly strengthened and become more substantive across myriad fields, particularly in economic and trade cooperation. Bilateral trade hit US$790 million last year, doubling that of 2018 and making Colombia Viet Nams fifth largest trade partner in Latin America.

The Colombian official shared his delight at the positive developments in bilateral relations over recent years, particularly as both countries have collaborated and supported each other within international organisations, multilateral forums, and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), and joint work between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance.

Admiring Viet Nam's historical struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as the achievements of its ongoing reform process led by the CPV, Rodrigez stressed the need for both nations to continue expanding collaboration across all sectors to match their strong political relationship.

Prior to the ceremony, the embassy and the Colombian Diplomatic Academy co-organised a seminar on the two countries relations and a photo exhibition to showcase the beauty of the Vietnamese nation, culture, and people.  VNS
VIENTIANE  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong has contributed to raising the position of the CPV which is recognised by major powers as the political party to lead the nations socialist-oriented development, according to a Lao official.

The head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee, Thongsavanh Phomvihane told the Vietnam News Agency that since his election as General Secretary of the CPV at the 11th National Party Congress, the Vietnamese leader wholeheartedly devoted to the Party's cause, notably Party building work and improvement of the Partys capacity and role in leading the nation's development along the path to socialism.

The Vietnamese Party leader has pointed out that Party building and rectification must include the prevention and control of corruption and negative phenomena, which, the Lao official said, are knotty issues in many countries, adding the Vietnamese Party chief attached much importance to the work that has been carried out without exceptions.

Under General Secretary Trongs leadership for more than a decade, Viet Nam carved out robust development with various targets fulfilled, and income per capita gross domestic product (GDP) has constantly increased, rising to US$3,000 in 2021 and nearly $4,000, Phomvihane said, stressing Viet Nams exponential growth even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been a favourite destination for foreign investments and has growing trade ties with foreign partners.

He also noted that Vietnam upgraded its relations with many countries to the strategic partnership level, especially powerful countries, demonstrating the nations increasing position in the world. He also attributed the success to the CPVs bamboo diplomacy.

Regarding the Viet Nam  Laos ties, he said the bilateral relations were built upon the sweat and blood of leaders and people of both nations during their struggles for national independence, describing this as a basis to develop the special relations between the two parties, states and peoples.

He went on to say that the Vietnamese Party chief had a high regard for the enhancement of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two sides, reflected through the regular exchanges of delegations at all levels and various cooperation mechanisms.

To date, the bilateral ties have been developed to a new high with deep mutual understanding, he said, adding the relations were set up by President Ho Chi Minh and Presidents Kaysone Phomevihane and Souphanouvong, and have been nurtured by generations of leaders of both sides, including Party General Secretary Trong.

The Lao official said the late leader was a close comrade who left lasting impressions on him, expressing his gratitude towards the support of the Vietnamese Party, State and people for the Lao revolution during the past struggle to save the nation, and current national protection and development cause, with important contributions by Party General Secretary Trong.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is a great leader of the Party and people of Viet Nam and a great friend of Russia, who has played a crucial role in strengthening and enhancing the two countries comprehensive strategic partnership, Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam G.S. Bezdetko has affirmed.

In a statement to the press following the passing of the Party chief, the diplomat expressed profound sorrow and extended sincere condolences to his family as well as to the leaders and people of Viet Nam.

Bezdetko remarked that the late leader was an outstanding statesman who unconditionally dedicated his life to serving his country. The ambassador expressed confidence that future generations would remember him with gratitude for his contributions to Viet Nam's development as well as to raising the country's role and influence in the world.

Regarding Party General Secretary Trong's role in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia, Bezdetko stated that Russians will remember the late leader first of all as a great friend who deeply understood Russias long-standing history and culture. In various positions in the Party and State, he consistently supported the enhancement of the partnership and accomplished much to bolster the sides multifaceted cooperation within bilateral, regional, and international frameworks.

The ambassador also highlighted that the Party General Secretary had led high-level delegations to visit Russia for multiple times, resulting in important agreements that continue to shape the two nations practical cooperation in such key areas as energy-fuel, trade and investment, defence and security, education and human resources development, science and technology, culture, and tourism.

Mentioning President Putin's recent visit to Viet Nam, the diplomat said, "We highly valued the results of the talks between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi on June 20, 2024. The talks reaffirmed the common spirit of both sides to further expand cooperation under the new geopolitical conditions. The two sides underlined the sustainability of the traditional friendship, solidarity, and mutual support between the two countries and people.

Commenting on the Party leaders contributions to Viet Nam's foreign policy, Bezdetko said As a seasoned politician, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has selected the right priorities and seen what is essential.

According to the diplomat, the General Secretary consistently strived to develop Viet Nam into a modern and autonomous centre of power, not only in the region but also on the global stage. The Party leaders bamboo diplomacy policy has garnered international recognition and respect.

Bezdetko stressed that as the world is undergoing profound changes and established cooperation mechanisms are losing their effectiveness, such a diplomatic policy is particularly necessary, based on the development and prosperity interests of all members of the international community, as well as the ideals of peace, friendship, good neighbourliness, and mutual understanding.

He expressed his belief that comrade Nguyen Phu Trong s political legacy will still be topical decades after his passing.

For his part, Thai Ambassador to Viet Nam Urawadee Sriphiromya said Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was always a very dear friend of Thailand.

In an interview granted to the Viet Nam News Agency, the diplomat noted that the most important milestone in the ties is the upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the leaders historical official visit to Thailand in 2013.

With solid groundwork laid during General Secretary Trong's tenure, both countries are now working towards the elevation of their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future, with a view to contributing to the prosperity of both countries, peoples, and beyond, she underscored.

The ambassador praised Party General Secretary Trong's contributions to the national development of Viet Nam, holding that Viet Nam's rapid development and successful economic growth is attributed to the strategic vision laid out by the late leader.

In his tenure, Viet Nam is regarded as one of the most dynamic economies in the region, she noted, adding that the country has managed to be highly attractive to foreign direct investment and to transform herself to a new global manufacturing hub for diverse range of products, from the agriculture sector to high technology cluster, particularly semiconductor industry.

Party General Secretary Trong played an important role in translating the ideology and theory into practice for the prosperity of the country and the benefit of the Vietnamese people amidst the challenging environment, said the ambassador.

She asserted that Trong was committed to upholding ethics and integrity of the Party. The anti-corruption campaign led by Party General Secretary Trong has helped promote transparency, good governance, and sustainable development for the country.

The diplomat went on to say that Viet Nam's bamboo diplomacy, coined by Party General Secretary Trong, is highly praised in the international stage. It is intertwined with Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation. It enhances Viet Nam's geopolitics value and puts Viet Nam in a bright spot in international era despite a fast-changing global geopolitical landscape, she said.

It is a testament of the policy that, from 2023 to 2024, Viet Nam has successfully welcomed leaders of China, the US, and Russia. With the bamboo diplomacy approach, Viet Nam potentially balances practical relations with major powers to ensure that its national interests are promoted and protected. To date, Viet Nam has cordial diplomatic relations with 193 countries and established comprehensive strategic partnerships with seven countries, namely China, Russia, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, the US, and Australia.

Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya described General Secretary Trong as a visionary and eminent leader who devoted his life wholeheartedly for his country and people. He was an exemplary leader who lived a simple life and gained great respect and love from all walks of life.

In international arena, with profound knowledge in politics and philosophy, he brought Viet Nam into limelight and supported the region to become stronger and together more prosperity, she stressed.

The passing of Party General Secretary Trong is a great loss to the country and the people.

She took the opportunity to extend heartfelt condolences and profound sympathies to Vietnamese people. "His legacy and tireless devotion will be highly upheld and always be remembered," stated the Thai ambassador.

Philippine Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre sent a message to pay tribute to the passing Party leader.

"We share the deep sadness of the bereaved family, the Government and the people of Viet Nam for the passing General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  a visionary leader and an excellent statesman," he said.

"My first meeting with the General Secretary was in January 2021 when I presented my credentials as Ambassador. During that occasion, he emphasized the important role of ambassadors in promoting cooperation and support between their countries and Viet Nam and assured us that the State and the Government of Viet Nam will always create the best possible conditions for the ambassadors to perform their tasks," he said.

The Ambassador went on to say that even after Trong stepped down as State President, his guidance to all Party members throughout his term as the General Secretary created the best possible conditions for ambassadors like me to perform our tasks. His impeccable work ethics, principles, and visionary leadership greatly shaped the Party, the State, the Government and the entire Vietnamese nation and has helped him make his diplomatic work in Viet Nam highly meaningful and fruitful.

"The General Secretary served as a paragon of excellence and as an inspiration to many. His leadership of the Party paved the way for Viet Nams further development and economic success and ensured a peaceful and stable environment in the ASEAN region. His guidance and policies contributed to the deepening of Viet Nams diplomatic relations with the Philippines leading to the elevation of our relations into Strategic Partnership and paving way for a more comprehensive and multi-faceted cooperation between our countries," the Ambassador said.  VNS
HA NOI  Politburo member and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man has written an article on 'Realising the wish of Nguyen Phu Trong, the National Assembly continues to enhance quality, effectiveness of operations to meet requirements of national development and peoples expectations'.

The NA leader mourns the great loss of the Party, the country, the nation and people with the death of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away on July 19, stressing that the Party leader devoted nearly 60 years of his life to the Party, the country and the people.

As a leader at strategic level with outstanding capacity, the General Secretary has, along with the Politburo, the Party Central Committees Secretariat and the Party Central Committee, led and directed the entire Party, armed forces and people to intensify the national cause of oi Moi (renewal) in a comprehensive and synchronous manner, maximise the strength of the national unity and international solidarity, NA Chairman Man wrote.

He stressed that the Party leader was both the helmsman and the initiator of the blazing furnace campaign, leaving a deep imprint on peoples mind and the operation of the entire political system.

Man wrote that as Chairman of the NA in the 11th and 12th tenures, a NA deputy in the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th tenures, President of the State and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Trong always paid special attention to and given comprehensive leadership and comprehensive and in-depth instructions to the organisation and operation of the NA, aiming to build a really strong legislature with increasingly effective operation, deserving its role and position as the highest representative body of the people, the highest body of State power of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, contributing to the building and perfection of the socialist rule-by-law State and meeting the increasingly higher requirements of the national cause of oi Moi.

According to Man, the Vietnamese NA, under the leadership of the Party with Trong at the helm, has made strides in the right direction in recent tenures, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of its operation, strongly upholding democracy and the rule of law, fully exercising the peoples right to mastery, keeping abreast with developments in reality, thus together with the political system helping the country overcome every difficulty and challenge to continue develop rapidly and sustainably.

The NAs law-making activity continues to be accelerated, with remarkable progress in terms of both quantity and quality as well as in process and procedures, with long-term law-building programmes put in place. Attention has been paid to the consistency, feasibility and transparency of the law system as well as harmony with international law, thus basically meeting the requirements of the cause of oi Moi and national construction and defence.

The NAs oversight work has been strengthened with new changes in the format, especially in question-and-answer activities and thematic supervision. The decision making process with regard to important matters of the country has become more and more far-reaching and appropriate, meeting realitys demands, national interests and peoples will and aspiration. The position, role and prestige of the country in general and of the NA in particular have been enhanced in the international arena.

Overall, the NAs operation has grown more and more democratic, open and transparent. The legislature has accompanied and kept close connections with voters and people, acted drastically first and foremost in the interest of the people and effectively performed its functions, tasks and power in line with the Constitution and the law, contributing greatly to national construction and defence.

From the theoretical aspect, General Secretary Trong devoted much attention to the research, assessment and review of the process of reforming the NAs organisation and operation in particular and building a socialist rule-of-law State in general in Viet Nam. Step by step he drew out key and important issues, contributing to consolidating and developing the Partys theories on the socialist rule-of-law State and the reform of the NAs organisation and operation, which is significant to orienting further work in NA reform and building of a socialist rule-of-law State truly of the people, by the people and for the people in Viet Nam.

General Secretary Trong has made drastic instructions on continously renewing the organisation and operation of the NA, such as further enhancing capacity and quality of law building activity; building a consistent, feasible and transparent system of law; increasing the quality and effectiveness of the NAs oversight work; improving the quality of decision making on important matters to ensure national interests and meet the peoples will and aspiration; further promoting external activities and international integration of the NA so as to raise the countrys role, position and prestige in the international arena, maintain a peaceful political environment for the cause of oi Moi; and organising democratic, fair and legal elections to select worthy deputies to represent the people in the NA.

The Party leader has required the enhancement and renewal of the Partys leadership over the NA, noting that it is the decisive factor for the NA to fulfill the mission assigned to it by the people. He urged increasing democracy and the rule of law in every activity of the NA to create greater strength and dynamism and creativity in the political system.

He also stressed that the NA must stay close to the people, grasp the thinking, aspirations and legitimate demands of the people and listen to and fully reflect the peoples will and aspirations, which he said is an important factor ensuring that the NA makes the right decision and truly is the supreme representative body of the people.

General Secretary Trong always reminded each NA deputy to be fully aware of their authority and responsibility as a representative of the people. Together with reforming the NAs organisation, apparatus, personnel work and operation, first of all every NA deputy and NA agency must make efforts, act strongly and effectively first and foremost in the interests of the people and the country, and proactively prevent negative phenomena in the NAs activities.

At the opening of the first session of the 15th NA, Trong gave important instructions over the reform of the organisation and operation of the legislature, stressing that it is an urgent need when Viet Nam is facing a host of difficulties and challenges due to adverse external impacts and limitations and weakness at home. These aim to improve the legislatures operational quality and efficiency, and successfully implement the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, meeting the requirements in national construction and defence in the new period.

Thoroughly grasping General Secretary Trongs guidelines and expectations, the NA needs to carry forward achievements and experience gained over the past nearly 80 years; renew and better its operational quality and effectiveness to best meet the countrys requirements and political tasks in the new period and to build a democratic, rule-of-law, proactive, united, and responsible legislature.

The NA should constantly research and renew both operation contents and methods, improve the quality and efficiency of its operation, well perform its functions, tasks and authority in line with the Constitution and law; and promptly institutionalise the Party's guidelines and policies, meeting realitys requirements and aspirations of the people.

In terms of organisation, the NA will constantly overhaul and streamline its apparatus, making it more efficient; pay more attention to improving the quality of deputies, especially full-time legislators; properly follow the principle of ensuring the structure and improving the quality of deputies, with personnel quality as the focus; and consider reducing the number of deputies working in the State apparatus and increasing those who are scientists and deputies with qualifications, capacity and conditions to serve the NA.

Regarding operation, the NA will continuously reform its work across all the three functions of constitution and law-making, supreme oversight, and making decisions on the countrys important matters.

In lawmaking activities, the NA will actively and proactively perfect the legal system and effective law enforcement mechanisms. Particularly, the legislature needs to continue building a democratic, fair, humane, complete, timely, harmonious, consistent, open, transparent, stable, feasible and accessible legal system that is capable of regulating all social relations, puts the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of people, organisations and businesses at the centre and promotes innovation. The NA will focus on perfecting the legal system across all fields, promptly removing difficulties and obstacles, unleashing and promoting all potential and resources, and creating new motives for rapid and sustainable development of the country. The NA needs to continue perfecting the process of law making, promote the dynamism, creativity, positivity, role and responsibility of stakeholders, especially the Government, in the law making process as well as the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, socio-political organisations and people, experts and scientists.

In oversight activities, the legislature needs to work harder to identify the scope, objects, methods, and forms of supreme supervision; improve the quality of question-and-answer activities, pay more heed to post-supervision work to ensure legal effect and the implementation of the NAs conclusions and resolutions.

For Q&A activities, it is necessary to continue enhancing debate and clarify responsibility of individuals. After hearing sessions, relevant resolutions will be issued, clearly defining the responsibility of concerned organisations and individuals in implementing the resolutions.

The NA will continue perfecting the conduct of vote of confidence for positions elected or approved by the legislature, ensuring the operational stability and efficiency of the State apparatus and the Party leadership in personnel work.

For making decisions on important issues of the country, the NA will strengthen the Party leadership and further reform the decision-making process on matters regarding socio-economic development, state budget, state apparatus organisation, key national projects and works, ensuring the common interests of the nation, and matching the will and aspirations of the people.

On the front of foreign relations, the NA will proactively and actively integrate into the world and boost international cooperation, contributing to the implementation of the Partys and the State's foreign policy of openness, multilateralisation, and diversification of international relations.

NA Chairman Man concluded that while mourning General Secretary Trong, there is a strong belief that under the Party leadership, the General Secretarys thoughts and desire for the reform of the NAs operation and organisation, will continue to be disseminated and realised through the actual activities of the NA for a strong, wealthy Viet Nam and more prosperous and happier people.  VNS
HA NOI  Senior leaders of ASEAN countries on Wednesday issued a message of condolences on the passing of Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

The message reads:

It is with deep sadness that we learnt of the passing of His Excellency Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam on 19 July 2024.

In this time of national grief and mourning, we wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs family and loved ones, as well as the Government and people of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs leadership and lifelong service to his people and country will be profoundly remembered and his contributions to regional and international peace, friendship and cooperation will be an invaluable and enduring legacy.

Also on the same day, at the meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission, the first activity within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings, foreign ministers of ASEAN countries also observed a minute's silence to express their deep sadness on the passing of the Vietnamese Party General Secretary, a leader who made important contributions to peace, friendship and cooperation in the region and the world.  VNS
HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday received President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines during her visit to Viet Nam to attend the state funeral for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

During the reception, PM Chinh sincerely thanked the guest, leaders, the Government and people of Australia for sending their condolences to the Government and people of Viet Nam over the passing of the Party leader.

The Senate President's presence at the funeral shows the close affection between the leaders and people of the two countries, and is a vivid demonstration of the strong development of the Viet Nam-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinh said.

During his lifetime, General Secretary Trong strongly supported the lifting of the two countries' relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.

On this occasion, the two leaders discussed main directions on the cooperation between the two countries and agreed to continue promoting key areas of cooperation, including traditional areas such as politics, defence - security, economy - trade - investment, people-to-people exchange, science - technology as well as new fields like climate change response, just energy transition, digital transformation, digital economy, circular economy and mining, further strengthening strategic trust and matching the bilateral relationship and the wishes of the leaders and people of the two countries.

The Prime Minister also asked the Australian Government and Parliament to continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work in Australia as well as facilitate the issuance of visas for Vietnamese citizens, especially students.

For her part, Sue Lines extended her sympathy to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam as well as the family of General Secretary Trong.

She appreciated the affection and political trust the Party General Secretary given to the development of the Viet Nam-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership as well as his legacies, especially the "bamboo diplomacy" policy.

She believed that on the foundation of the good relationship, the two countries will make it increasingly sustainable as wished by the Party leader. VNS
HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man on Wednesday received President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines, who is in Viet Nam to attend the funeral for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

Thanking Lines for representing leaders of the Australian State, Government, and Parliament to attend the funeral, Man considered this as a demonstration of their sincere sentiments towards the Vietnamese late leader as well as good relations between the two countries.

He noted that the passing of General Secretary Trong is not only a great loss to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people but also leaves an endless grief among international friends, including Australian leaders and people.

Highlighting the Party chiefs contributions to Viet Nams national development and external relations, Man said that while serving as the NA Chairman, Trong paid an official visit to Australia, and the trip heralded a new chapter in the bilateral parliamentary ties. He also made practical contributions to the elevation of the two countries relations and the enhancement of parliamentary connections.

During his meetings with Australian leaders, and recently with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, General Secretary Trong affirmed that he attached importance to and supported the Viet Nam - Australia relations to develop more strongly, practically, and comprehensively, he said.

The top legislator emphasised the two countries good relations for the last more than 50 years with the recent establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership. The cooperation between the Vietnamese NA and the Australian Parliament has also been growing well in bilateral aspects and at multilateral parliamentary forums.

The two sides should continue increasing meetings and high-level mutual visits between their parliamentary leaders and parliamentarians in the time ahead, he suggested.

Man expressed his hope that Lines will pay an official visit to Viet Nam soon to discuss cooperation between the two countries and between their legislative bodies, along with issues of shared concern, thereby strengthening political trust and mutual understanding and turning parliamentary cooperation into a true pillar of the bilateral relations.

Offering condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, Lines said she always appreciates General Secretary Trongs extremely valuable dedications to the Viet Nam - Australia ties.

The Australian Senate President pledged to work harder to contribute more to the bilateral relationship, adding that she hopes the two sides will bolster partnerships in such fields as economy, trade, climate change response, education, and training in the coming time. VNS
HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Wednesday received President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez who is leading a Cuban delegation to Viet Nam to attend the national funeral of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

Man emphasised that the Party, NA, Government and people of Viet Nam are extremely grateful to the Party, NA, Government and people of Cuba for sending representatives to attend the funeral of General Secretary Trong, and extend condolences over his passing.

According to the Vietnamese top legislator, Cuba officially mourned the passing of General Secretary Trong from 6am on July 20 to midnight on July 21, with the national mourning etiquette observed throughout July 22. At its plenary session on July 19, the Cuban NA observed a minute of silence in honour of General Secretary Trong. The moves are extremely sincere and friendship gestures that only exist between the comrades and brothers.

Man stressed that General Secretary Trong had always reserved special affection for Cuba and its people. When he was still alive, the Party chief always affirmed that the faithful and steadfast relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba has overcome all challenges, constantly grown and contributed to the cause of justice of the two peoples.

Viet Nam will maintain, continue and develop the legacy of General Secretary Trong in the relations with Cuba, Man promised.

Stating that the NA and people of Viet Nam always share and accompany their Cuban counterparts, Man highly appreciated the good relations between the two legislatures with high-level visits.

Welcoming the Cuban NAs proposal on organising the first inter-parliamentary meeting between the Vietnamese and Cuban NAs in Havana in the coming time, Man proposed the committees of the two legislatures continue to coordinate closely to successfully hold the event.

The Vietnamese NA wants to continue to strengthen cooperation with its Cuban counterpart in line with the signed cooperation protocol with new and more extensive contents and cooperation mechanisms, Man said, proposing the two sides enhance high-level meetings at all levels, and those among NA committees, deputies, and two friendship parliamentary groups to exchange professional experiences in the field of legislation, supervision and decision-making on important issues.

The two legislatures are expected to promote their roles in promoting the bilateral relations and pushing ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses to actively and effectively implement signed treaties and agreements.

The NA Chairman hoped that the two sides will continue coordinating at multilateral international forums and supporting each other's stances on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

For his part, the Cuban leader said that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a great ideologist who had worked hard to cultivate the friendship, solidarity, and sustainable cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba. In particular, the Party chief had visited Cuba five times and had important meetings with Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and other senior leaders of Cuba.

Hernandez believed that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam will continue to overcome all difficulties and achieve great achievements both domestically and internationally.

He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Cuba will continue to implement cooperation agreements to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperative relationship between the two countries.

Appreciating the cooperation and regular exchanges between the two NAs over the past time, Hernandez hoped that in the coming time, the two legislatures will continue to increase the exchanges of delegations and effectively prepare for the organisation of the first inter-parliamentary meeting between the two NAs, including the business forum between the two countries. VNS
Shakari Briggs is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at shakari.briggs@houstonchronicle.com.

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Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting.
HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday received a high-ranking delegation of the Cuban Party and State led by President of the National Assembly of People's Power Esteban Lazo Hernandez who is in Viet Nam to offer condolences and attend the national funeral for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

The Cuban leader conveyed the Cuban Party, State, Government, and peoples deep condolences to their Vietnamese counterparts, including PM Manuel Marrero Cruzs to PM Chinh, on the passing of General Secretary Trong.

He affirmed the Cuban people always stay united and stand side by side with the Vietnamese people in any circumstance, voicing his belief that the Vietnamese Party, State, Government, and people will continue harvesting successes in the cause of national construction and development and on the path towards socialism.

Thanking the Cuban Party, State, Government, and people for their sincere condolences and sympathies to Viet Nam in this moment of grief, PM Chinh reaffirmed Viet Nams consistent policy of consolidating and developing the special fraternity, faithful solidarity, traditional friendship, and comprehensive cooperation with Cuba.

The Vietnamese PM expressed his wish to join hands with the Cuban Party, State, Government, and people to maintain and promote the exemplary relationship that has been nurtured by generations of the two countries leaders, including General Secretary Trong.

The Vietnamese Government will always stand shoulder by shoulder, stay united with, and support the Cuban Government and people, he said, adding that it will continue sharing experience and boost all-round and fruitful cooperation with Cuba, particularly in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

For his part, Hernandez stated that Cuba always attaches importance to the special friendship with Viet Nam and views the cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation as strategically significant amid many challenges and difficulties in external relations and socio-economic affairs facing the Caribbean country.

The President of the Cuban NA appreciated the solidarity, support, and timely and effective assistance that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people have given to Cuba, especially the help with stabilising food supply and developing food production in the Caribbean country.

Cuba encourages and will assist Vietnamese enterprises to invest and do business successfully in the country, he added. VNS
HA NOI A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet, who is also head of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) delegation of Viet Nam, attended the Meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface with the Representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Vientiane, Laos on Wednesday.

These were the first activities within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-57) and related meetings.

At the beginning of the meeting, delegates observed a minute of silence to commemorate General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong. The foreign ministers of ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretary General sent their deep condolences to the Government, people of Viet Nam and the General Secretary's family over this great loss, expressing their admiration and respect for his life and career, as well as his great contributions to the process of national construction and development and to promoting friendship and cooperation in the region and the world.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith announced that Laos will hold a national mourning on July 25 and 26 to express the boundless sadness at the passing of General Secretary Trong.

On behalf of the Vietnamese delegation, Viet thanked the countries for their sharing and sympathies with Viet Nam in this moment of grief.

At the SEANWFZ Commission's Meeting, Viet highlighted the significance of the SEANWFZ Treaty, suggesting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) soon prepare and submit a resolution on the SEANWFZ Treaty to the United Nations General Assembly and continue to call on nuclear-armed countries to join the SEANWFZ Protocol.

At the interface with the representatives of the AICHR, Viet welcomed the results that AICHR has achieved recently. He proposed the AICHR continue a balanced approach that is suitable for all member countries, and increase exchanges and cooperation with partners to share experience, enhance capacity, while promoting and ensuring the leading role of ASEAN. VNS
HA NOI Leaders of many countries along with ruling parties, communist parties, and partner parties have continued sending letters and messages of condolences to Viet Nam on the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

In his condolence letter, President of the Philippines Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. praised General Secretary Trong as a comprehensive and visionary leader, a lighthouse kindling Viet Nams hope, and a great contributor to the countrys economic development and the effective combat against corruption and negative phenomena. He considered the Party leaders bamboo diplomacy approach as an important factor making Viet Nams external relations balanced and multilateralised.

The General Secretarys enormous contributions will be forever in mind of the countrys people and future generations, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. wrote, expressing his belief that the Vietnamese Party chiefs leadership values and principles will be upheld and developed strongly by leaders of the CPV.

The message from President of Germany Frank Walter Steinmeier reads that as CPV General Secretary and President of Viet Nam, Nguyen Phu Trong left deep marks on the country while enhancing and expanding Viet Nams relations with Germany and Europe at large.

Hailing the role of General Secretary Trong, Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro noted that during the time he held the position, Viet Nam obtained impressive economic growth and social development. He also realised the importance of the two countries relations and shared the aspiration to further intensify the warm bilateral ties.

President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov of Azerbaijan respectively sent condolence letters to Vietnamese President To Lam and PM Pham Minh Chinh. Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Tahir Budagov extended condolences to standing member of the CPV Central Committees Secretariat Luong Cuong.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan cabled a message of condolences to PM Chinh.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, King of the Belgians Phillippe, Emir of Kuwait Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Acting President of Iran Mohammad Mokhber, President of Israel Isaac Herzog, President of Mozambique and President of the Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) Filipe Jacinto Nyusi extended condolences to President To Lam.

Meanwhile, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson sent condolences to his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

Pope Francis cabled a message of condolences to President To Lam.

On behalf of the President of the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and President of Angola, MPLA Vice President Luisa Damiao offered condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

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

On Wednesday, leaders of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a message of condolences on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The presidents of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) foundation and the Rosa-Luxemburg Foundation of Germany, and the Soviet Peace Fund (SMF) of Russia extended condolences to Chairman of the CPV Central Committees Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov did the same to his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son. VNS
HA NOI President To Lam on Wednesday received President of the National Assembly (NA) of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez who is in Viet Nam to attend the state funeral of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

During the reception, President Lam said Cuban is one of the first countries to inform Viet Nam about the attendance at the funeral, noting the Cuban delegations presence is a vivid manifestation of the comradeship, brotherhood, and special friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba, as well as the precious sentiments of the Cuban leaders and people towards Party General Secretary Trong.

Hernandez respectfully conveyed the deep condolences from the Party, State, NA and people of Cuba to their Vietnamese counterparts over the passing of the Party leader.

He appreciated the contributions of the General Secretary to the cause of national protection, construction and development of Viet Nam as well as to preserving, cultivating and developing the special brotherhood, faithful solidarity, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba.

He affirmed that the passing of General Secretary Trong is not only a great loss to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam and his family, but also to the Party, State and people of Cuba.

On this occasion, Hernandez shared with President To Lam about the situation in Cuba and efforts to overcome current difficulties.

Cuba thanks Viet Nam for its regular and continuous practical support and assistance, both spiritually and materially, he said, affirming that Cuba wishes to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam in strategic areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism; and will strive to remove difficulties for Vietnamese businesses in Cuba.

President Lam sincerely thanked the Party, State, Government and people of Cuba for their sharing and sympathies with Viet Nam in this moment of grief, especially the condolence messages from General Raul Castro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.

Lam affirmed that Viet Nam always values and wishes to continue promoting the development of the special traditional friendship and solidarity with Cuba.

Viet Nam always stands side by side, accompanies and supports the just revolutionary cause of the Cuban people, Lam said, adding that Viet Nam will preserve and further promote the legacy of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong regarding the Viet Nam-Cuba relations, and deepen the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and countries. VNS
HA NOI  Localities all over the country have commemorated heroic martyrs, war invalids and their families as the nation moves towards War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27.

In Truc Ninh District, Nam inh Province, provincial Party Committee Secretary Pham Gia Tuc visited and gave gifts to o Thi Hai, 70, wife of a martyr in Truc Noi Commune.

He also visited war invalid Tran Quang Phach, 77, in Truc Khang Commune and the family of martyr Nguyen Van Doanh in Trung ong Commune.

Tuc inquired about their health and their life circumstances, expressing his deep gratitude to the meritorious people who have made many contributions to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland.

He encouraged them to continue promoting revolutionary traditions, always being a shining example for the young generation to study, follow and make many positive contributions in local campaigns.

In Xuan Truong District, Standing Deputy Chairman of Nam inh People's Committee Tran Anh Dung gave presents to Vietnamese Heroic Mother Pham Thi Xin, 89 and war invalid Nguyen uc Tuan, 83, in Xuan Hong Commune.

Dung expressed deep gratitude to them and all those who contributed to the revolution and sacrifice for national liberation.

He hoped that they would always be healthy, promote revolutionary traditions and be pioneers in implementing the Party's and the States policies and guidelines.

Caring for people with meritorious services

In Vi Thuy District, the southern province of Hau Giang, Tran Van Huyen, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and also Chairman of the provincial People's Council, visited Vietnamese Heroic Mothers Nguyen Thi Mai and Nguyen Thi Huyen and war invalid Nguyen Thanh Cong.

He emphasised that despite many difficulties, the province always takes care of families and people with meritorious services to the country.

The province will strive to raise the living standards of those people to be equal to or higher than the average living standard of the locality.

Huyen wished that Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and war invalids continue to be a solid spiritual support for their children and grandchildren. They will actively participate in educating the young generation, contributing to the development of the province.

Over the past days, the Hau Giang Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs coordinated with localities to organise 27 conferences to meet people with contributions to the revolution, with over 2,000 attendees.

Centre for meritorious people

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and also Head of the Party Central Committees Commission for Publicity and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia visited var invalids at the Phu Tho Nursing Centre for Meritorious Persons in Phu Tho Province.

Nghia expressed deep gratitude to wounded soldiers and sick soldiers who made sacrifices for the cause of national liberation and independence.

He wished that the soldiers always maintain faith, overcome difficulties, overcome diseases, live happily and healthily, while continuing to promote their role, be exemplary and encourage their children and grandchildren to make more efforts to build happy families and work together for the development of the locality and country.

Currently, the centre is caring for 28 wounded soldiers and seriously ill soldiers with a disability rate of 81 per cent or more, from Ha Noi, and Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho provinces.

Every year, the centre also provides alternate nursing care to more than 2,000 people who have contributed to the revolution in the province.

Youth volunteers martyrs

Secretary of the HCM City Youth Volunteer Force's Party Committee Le Minh Khoa and more than 300 delegates who are leaders and members of youth volunteers, offered flowers and incense at the citys Youth Volunteers Martyrs' Memorial Area.

The event commemorated 99 martyrs of the city's youth volunteers who made heroic sacrifices duringn the wartime to protect the southwest border.

Having a father who joined the Youth Volunteer Force, Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh is proud to join the HCM City Youth Volunteer Force and wishes to continue that heroic history.

Linh said that the youth volunteers spirit was to always volunteer and take the lead, not to be afraid of hardships and sacrifice.

"As a young girl, I am myself always aware, trying to practise, study and strive to follow in the traditions of the fallen young volunteers and the good things that they have done. We are willing to cope with all difficulties and challenges in the new situation," she said.  VNS
Singapore  Simplicity, humility, and strategic vision are impressions of scholars in Singapore of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong through their meetings with the late leader.

Trong paid an official visit to Singapore in September 2012, during which he delivered a speech themed For a Southeast Asia of peace, stability, cooperation and development at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy which received high evaluation.

Associate Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong, a Vietnamese lecturer at the school, said he was extremely impressed by humility and profoundness of the Party chief who delivered a speech affirming that Viet Nam always treasures relations with Singapore and hopes to learn Singapores experience along the path to prosperity.

The lecturer said that he still remembers the impressive answers by the Party chief to participants questions following the speech. A painting that General Secretary Trong presented to the school is being hung in a solemn place, right next to the Principal's room, he said.

Khuong, who met the Party chief many times, said that he will never forget the eyes of General Secretary Trong when he proposed that Viet Nam must set goals for 2030  a year that marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Viet Nam - and 2045 - the centenary of independent Viet Nam, to become a developed country on par with other countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

I saw his eyes, those of a comrade, of a family member, and of a very responsible leader," stated Khuong, adding that they made the scholar confident in the great legacy that the Party chief left for the current generation of leaders and his vision to bring Viet Nam to prosperity in the next decades.

Kishore Mahbubani, a former official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore who served as the Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy then and currently an honorary scholar at the Asian Research Institute of the National University of Singapore (NUS), recalled the chance he listened to the Vietnamese Party chiefs speech and had his questioned answered by the leader, saying that he was greatly impressed by the confidence of General Secretary Trong when he answered questions at the event.

Mahbubani said he believes that this was the reason why General Secretary Trong was one of the most successful leaders of Vietnam.

Viet Nams achievements in economic development in the past 20-30 years are extremely special to any standards. In some aspects, meeting the leader responsible for Viet Nam's remarkable development was a wonderful experience for the school. We are extremely honoured to welcome him, he stated.

Showing his impression at Vietnams success under the leadership of General Secretary Trong, Mahbubani commented that the strongest imprint of the late leader was his careful thinking about how Viet Nam can succeed in economic development.

In many ways, one of the wisest decisions that Viet Nam made at the end of the Cold War was to switch to economic development and seek partners to cooperate with, and one of Vietnams choice was Singapore, he noted.

The former Singaporean Foreign Affairs official underlined that there are many reasons why General Secretary Trong was one of Viet Nam's most successful leaders.

He emphasised that not every country with resources is as developed as Viet Nam, clarifying that Viet Nams success under Trongs leadership has shown that the country has talented leaders who made wise decisions to promote economic development and bring about more prosperous life.

Mahbubani also highly evaluated Viet Nams external policy under General Secretary Trongs leadership and Viet Nams ability to navigate the increasingly complex international and regional geopolitical environment.

The scholar, who has researched geopolitics for more than 50 years, held that there are only a few countries in the world that have a wise geopolitical strategy, and Viet Nam is one of them.

He said he believes that although General Secretary Trong has passed away, other leaders of Viet Nam will ensure that legacies and efforts of the Party leader continue, heading to a good governance, shaping correct economic policies and eliminating corruption. VNS
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Heads of state and government, and leaders of parliaments and political parties; and political organisations of Laos, China, Cambodia, Cuba, and Russia have sent their condolences to Vietnam over the passing away of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong.

The condolences were addressed to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly and Government of Vietnam, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.

The Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the Lao National Assembly, the President of Laos, the Lao Government, the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC), and the people of Lao ethnic groups expressed the deep condolences over the passing of the Vietnamese Party leader.

Vietnam has lost a steadfast revolutionary leader; and the Party leader's passing away is big loss to the Party, State, people of Vietnam and his family, the message wrote.

It further said that throughout his revolutionary career, he devoted all his energy and intelligence to important works in the cause of national liberation and reunification, and the renewal of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), especially the Party building and rectification, as well as in the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena, helping Vietnam continuously develop, thus raising the country's position in the international and regional arena. Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has become an outstanding leader of the era.

The Party, State, and people of Laos have lost an extremely close and dear comrade. He is a revolutionary leader in the new era, a successor of President Ho Chi Minh, making great, valuable and important contributions to strengthening and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples of Laos and Vietnam.

"We believe that the Party, State and people of Vietnam will turn this loss into solidarity strength, continue moving forward, building Vietnam into an industrialised and modernised country, and achieving the target of rich people, a strong country, and a fair, democratic, and civilised society," it said.

Meanwhile, in its condolence message, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee said the Chinese Party and people have lost a good comrade, a good brother, and a good friend.

With immense grief, it extended the deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the CPV Central Committee, the Vietnamese State and people.

The Vietnamese Party leader was a staunch Marxist and a great leader of the CPV and the Vietnamese people. He dedicated his entire life to the cause of his Party and nation, making outstanding contributions to Vietnam's Doi Moi (renewal), the cause of building socialism in Vietnam as well as the socialist movement in the world, the message said.

He was a close comrade and a sincere friend of the CPC and the Chinese people. He inherited and developed the traditional comrades-plus-brothers friendship between the two Parties and two countries, and forged a profound friendship with the CPC and Chinese leaders, it added.

The Vietnamese Party leader and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have jointly elevated the China-Vietnam relations to a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance and vigorously promoted the continuous development of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The CPC, the Chinese government and people will always miss comrade Nguyen Phu Trong.

The CPC said it believes that CPV and the Vietnamese people will turn grief into strength, carry on the legacy of comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, stay united and strive to make new and greater achievements in the cause of Doi Moi and socialism building.

China and Vietnam are socialist neighbours connected by mountains and rivers and a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. China has always regarded Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and stands ready to work with Vietnam to continuously consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and step up the building of this community to benefit the two peoples and contribute to promoting peace and development in the region and the world, the message said.

In his letter of condolences, President of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen showed his sadness at Party General Secretary Trong's passing away, which he described as a great loss to the CPV, the Vietnamese State and entire people.



The legacy of comrade Trong, a clear-minded leader who devoted his entire life to the struggle for Vietnam's independence and for peace and prosperity of the Vietnamese people will be remembered by many generations, stated Hun Sen.



The CPP leader underlined that through his leadership, Party General Secretary Trong has reinforced the friendship and brotherhood with Cambodia and, for years, strived to enhance the close cooperation not only between the CPP and CPV but also between the two Governments and peoples.



Hun Sen extended his deep and sincere condolences to the bereaved family.



In his letter, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong devoted his whole life to the revolutionary cause of the CPV and peace, development, and prosperity of Vietnam. Vietnam has lost an outstanding leader, and Cambodia has lost a good friend who always strived to contribute to the Vietnam-Cambodia brotherly relationship, he stated.



Mourning the Vietnamese Party leader, President of the Cambodian National Assembly Khuon Sudary described Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as an outstanding leader, with profound vision and great dedication, who had a great impact on Vietnam's socio-economic development and institutional modernisation.



His passing away leaves a great loss not only to Vietnam but also to everyone who had the honour of knowing him, Khuon Sudary wrote.



We are extremely grateful for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's continuous dedication in promoting the strong relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia as well as his important role in bringing the two countries closer together, she stated.



In their letter, General Raul Castro Ruz and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel-Bermudez expressed their deepest condolences to the family of Party General Secretary Trong and the Vietnamese people.



The passing away of comrade Nguyen Phu Trong is an irreparable loss for Cuba. Cuba will always remember comrade Nguyen Phu Trong as a great brother who tirelessly promoted the special friendly relationship between the two Parties, parliaments, Governments, and peoples.



Our beloved friend Nguyen Phu Trong will be remembered by generations of Cubans as a pillar in the long-standing traditional friendship between our two countries and as a great brother who was always ready to give his hand of solidarity to Cuba in the most complex and challenging situations, the letter read.



They recalled Party General Secretary Trong's visit to Cuba in March 2018, and especially the memorable moments of his trip to Santiago de Cuba to pay homage to his friend, a historic leader of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.



Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong's life and career are a priceless legacy for future generations. His contributions to the role of the Communist Party, the creative application of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought, and his vision of international relations in the current context are among his outstanding contributions to the building of socialism in Vietnam. This will be reflected in new victories in the Doi Moi cause in Vietnam under the wise leadership of the CPV, read the letter.



General Raul Castro Ruz and President Miguel Diaz Canel-Bermudez affirmed their belief that the example that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong set and the legacy he left will be an invaluable source of encouragement for all efforts of Vietnamese people.



They confirmed to President To Lam their support and solidarity as well as the persistent will to continue promoting the unbreakable bond of brotherhood between Cuba and Vietnam.



Expressing his deepest condolences, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that comrade Nguyen Phu Trong dedicated his whole life to his Fatherland. Through the many years working in important positions of the State and Party, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong received high respect from Vietnamese people and had a great reputation in the international arena. Russia will remember the CPV General Secretary as a true friend who made great personal contributions to the establishment and development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam, Putin said.



I had an opportunity to meet that wonderful person many times and will forever remain impressed, he wrote, extending his sincere condolences and encouragement to the bereaved family and the entire Vietnamese people.



In her letter of condolences, Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, described Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a big friend of Russia, an experienced political activist, and a famous State leader; and highlighted his contributions to the reinforcement of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia as well as bilateral cooperation.



The letter of Chairman of the State Duma of Russia Vyacheslav Volodin read that it is difficult to fully appreciate the great contributions by comrade Nguyen Phu Trong to strengthening the friendly relations between Russia and Vietnam. On behalf of the National Duma deputies of the Russian Federation, he extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
At the recent VIR seminar on Vietnam's stock market, subtitled 'New dynamics, new opportunities', on July 23, Dang Thanh Tam, chairman of the board of directors of Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation, shared his insight on the strengths of the domestic stock market.

Dang Thanh Tam, chairman of the board of directors, Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation

"Many foreign investors see Vietnam as an investment paradise amidst the current global economic chaos. While many places are experiencing conflict, Vietnam remains a peaceful place and also serves as an export hub for the world," said Tam.

The global economy is currently experiencing many instabilities. Major markets are caught in a whirlwind of fierce economic competition. In the US, the upcoming elections add further uncertainty, with Tam saying, "Regardless of the election outcome, the US is likely to open up even more to Vietnam. This will be advantageous compared to some other markets. Vietnam has signed many trade agreements with the US and Europe. These agreements have laid the foundation for Vietnam to expand investment and markets."

These agreements have been a major factor in sustaining Vietnam's growth recently, and the country is expected to continue benefiting from this wave of investment shifts in the near future. Since the beginning of the year, Vietnam's exports have surged, and foreign direct investment remains high. Vietnam's stable political and economic conditions, along with balanced internal and external affairs, have helped shield its economy from global economic downturns.

Despite the opportunities from shifting capital flows, the challenge for investors is the ability to seize these opportunities. One limitation of the Vietnamese economy recently has been the lower-than-expected credit growth, reflecting constrained domestic growth.

"I believe that domestic businesses and investors need to invest with confidence. The current global situation is favourable for Vietnam. I feel that some investors are still hesitant, leading to reduced investment and slower credit growth. In this context, the domestic market needs to develop further," explained Tam.

Additionally, Tam highlighted that some major foreign investors have yet to make moves into Vietnam, raising questions about the readiness of Vietnamese businesses. The lack of high-tech human resources is a critical issue that needs addressing. Before foreign businesses arrive, Vietnam must invest in training its workforce.

"The public and private sectors need to be prepared to welcome new investment, as geopolitical shifts bring many changes. Educational institutions should tackle this issue, focusing on training high-tech personnel. Regulatory bodies also have to deliver policies that encourage, promote, and allocate budgets for this purpose," said Tam.

VIR to host seminar on Vietnam's stock market VIR has organised a seminar with the participation of representatives from the State Securities Commission and various securities companies that will aim to provide in-depth stock perspectives and valuable information to investors.

SSC confident of achieving stock market goals by 2025 The State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) is confident of achieving the goal of upgrading the country's stock market status by 2025.
Jin Liqun, president and chair of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), announced a commitment of approximately $5 billion in preferential loans to collaborate with Vietnam. The announcement was made during Liquns meeting with Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh last week, and underscores the AIIBs dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development in the region.

We are committed to supporting Vietnams sustainable development through efficient and impactful projects. Our experience in various Asian countries equips us well to contribute effectively to Vietnams infrastructure growth, stated Liqun.

Foreign banks committing to considerable loans, Photo: aiib.org

Established in 2016 with 57 founding members including Vietnam, the AIIB has since expanded its membership to 109 markets, representing over 80 per cent of the global population and 65 per cent of GDP. To date, the bank has approved around 275 projects with total value exceeding $53.5 billion for members.

In Vietnam, the AIIBs activities have primarily focused on the private sector, with three projects totalling $223 million. These projects include COVID-19 response support, solar energy development, hydropower, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The bank has expressed interest in funding additional projects in Vietnam in renewable energy, transportation infrastructure, and water supply and drainage. This aligns with the AIIBs mission to support projects that are sustainable and have a positive impact on economic growth and development.

Earlier in July, the AIIB announced investment of $75 million in green and blue bonds issued by SeABank. Vietnams Nationally Determined Contribution emphasises the importance of resource mobilisation from financial and international credit institutions to support climate mitigation and adaptation ambitions, said Gregory Liu, the AIIBs global director general of Financial Institutions and Funds. The AIIB is very pleased to work together with SeABank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in this innovative transaction, he said.

The investment was facilitated through the co-investor introduction by the IFC, a strategic partner supporting SeABank in sustainable projects and financial inclusion in collaboration with the Australian government.

At the end of June, the IFC provided a financing package of $150 million, including investments in SeABanks blue and green bonds. Together, the AIIB and the IFC are investing $150 million in these bonds, with the latter also advising SeABank on the issuance, related frameworks, and pipeline development.

In another significant financial manoeuvre, Standard Chartered announced last week that it had co-led a syndicate of banks in successfully executing a $175 million syndicated loan for Techcom Securities (TCBS).

The deal marks a milestone as it is the largest unsecured syndicated loan ever secured by a Vietnamese securities firm. Standard Chartered, along with CTBC Bank, Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank, Taishin International Bank, and KGI Bank, acted as mandated lead arrangers and book runners for this deal. The successful arrangement and execution of this loan underscore the collaborative efforts and trust among these international financial institutions.

The financing will enable TCBS to invest in infrastructure and advanced technologies such as machine learning and generative AI, positioning the firm at the forefront of technological innovation in the financial sector.

Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, CEO of TCBS, said, Diversifying its funding sources both domestically and internationally is a strategic move for TCBS to become Vietnams largest wealth-tech firm in terms of equity, profitability, and operational efficiency. We plan to leverage our strong financial position to maintain optimal market conditions for customers through policies such as zero fee trading and margin loan packages.

Previously, Techcombank secured a $200 million syndicated loan in late April, marking the banks fourth syndicated transaction and attracting participation from 15 international banks with a high oversubscription rate. First Abu Dhabi Bank, Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and OCBC fully underwrote and funded the loan upfront. Other participating banks hailed from diverse regions, including the Middle East, the Philippines, and China.

The success of this syndicated loan reflects the markets confidence in Techcombanks robust capital and income position, even amid a prolonged economic slowdown and domestic market challenges, stated a Techcombank spokesperson.

Previously, the largest syndicated loan the bank secured was valued at $800 million, which took place at the end of 2021. In that transaction, 28 international banks and financial institutions participated in providing the loan.

Foreign banks grab slice of investment promotion action More foreign banks are engaging in the organisation of investment promotion events, facilitating Vietnam to attract more investors to the country.

Foreign banks jostle for increased share Earnings of international financial institutions in Vietnam have been inconsistent during the last few years due to focus on longer-term strategies, but some are experiencing a dramatic drop in fortunes.
At the beginning of July, Germanys Karcher Group, renowned for its high-pressure cleaning products, inaugurated a new $20 million production factory at Tam Hiep Port Logistics Industrial Park (IP) in the south-central province of Quang Nam.

Several Karcher centres and service points have been established throughout the country in the past dozen years. In addition, its IT subsidiary ZOI opened a location in Ho Chi Minh City a few years ago. The companys production plant in Tam Hiep IP in Quang Nam is also brand new, with end-consumer appliances for the entire Asian region manufactured there.

Tam Hiep Port Logistics Industrial Park, Photo: danhbaquangnam.com

The new plant in the economically strong centre of Vietnam is Karchers second mainstay in the growth region of Asia. Following the commencement of production, the factory will reach an output of 500,000 products in 2024. The figure is projected to rise to 1.7 million products in 2025 and 2.5 million products in 2026.

A few weeks previously, Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam, a German provider of ventilation, control, and drive technology, also opened a new production facility in the southern province of Dong Nai.

Alexander Reich, general director of Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam, told VIR, We have made a significant investment of 20 million ($21.86 million) in Vietnam, establishing a state-of-the-art production facility spanning 14,000 square metres. This new facility has a capacity to produce 75,000 advanced ventilation systems annually. The strategic location in Vietnam enables Ziehl-Abegg to efficiently serve key markets in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.

He further noted that this investment underscores the companys commitment to expanding its global footprint.

The Vietnamese market is crucial not only for selling our products but also increasingly for sourcing components locally. Establishing Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam marks an important step in our diversification strategy in Asia, he said.

The German Business Association (GBA) has observed the sustained interest in Vietnam as a prime investment destination in Asia among German enterprises. Additionally, the entry of German service providers, such as law firm Graf von Westphalen, which recently opened its doors in Ho Chi Minh City, further exemplifies the growing economic ties between Germany and Vietnam.

GBA chairman Alexander Ziehe said Vietnams strategic location, nestled between the dynamic ASEAN business hubs to the south and central regions and the robust Chinese supply chain to the north, positions it as an ideal regional hub for sourcing and exports.

This advantage has been instrumental in deepening the supply chain within Vietnam, drawing in new industries, and fostering increased value creation locally, Ziehe said. Supported by an energetic and diverse workforce, Vietnam is on a promising path to recovery. We are optimistic that by the end of 2024 and into 2025, we will witness a resurgence in business activities, propelling the nations ambitious growth trajectory.

Ziehe anticipates a wave of investments, particularly from German companies that have already established a local presence. These companies are poised to expand their production, enhance local sourcing, and intensify sales efforts in alignment with the regions economic resurgence. While we expect additional foreign direct investment from smaller enterprises embracing Vietnam in their global strategies, we acknowledge the increasing allure of other regional players like Malaysia and Thailand, he said.

According to a report by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, as of June 20, German investors rank 17th in the list of 146 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. German investors have funded $2.76 billion across 472 projects in the country.

According to the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnams (EuroCham) Business Confidence Index report for the second quarter of 2024, Vietnam retains its favour as an investment destination for European companies in general, with nearly 70 per cent of business leaders recommending Vietnam.

The report also pointed out that European businesses in Vietnam are adjusting their outlook, with the index settling at 51.3 points in the second quarter of 2024. While this represents a slight decrease, the cautious optimism aligns with Vietnams strong first-quarter GDP growth, suggesting a recalibration of expectations amidst a promising economic backdrop.

EuroCham chairman Dominik Meichle said, Vietnams appeal to European businesses is clear. The countrys young, eager workforce and government incentives make it a cost-effective place to manufacture goods. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement further boosts this advantage by lowering taxes on imported and exported items. Vietnams location in Southeast Asia is another plus.

Vietnams attractiveness for European tech companies is also apparent, Meichle added. The governments initiatives, including tax incentives and industrial zones, have shown some success, as seen by the increasing interest in more advanced manufacturing. The growing interest in semiconductor production is proof of this. As the worlds demand for electronics grows and supply chains change, Vietnam is in a good position to become a major player, he said.

Germany's Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam inaugurates new production facility in Dong Nai Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam announced the opening of a new production facility in the southern province of Dong Nai on June 12, a significant addition to its global operations.

Germany supports green technology pilot for Vietnamese businesses Green technology pilot for Vietnamese textile and garment exporters were showcased at the Demo Day in Hanoi on June 17 as part of the German governments initiative to support Vietnamese businesses in their green transition.

Germany to ban Chinese telecom giants from 5G network Germany said Thursday it will phase out the use of components from Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE in its 5G networks in the coming years due to national security concerns.

German firms focus on green investment The German business community in Vietnam is focusing on the development of green energy solutions as Vietnam and the world increasingly shift towards sustainable practices.
Megan Menchaca is a Houston Independent School District reporter for the Houston Chronicle and the co-author of The Report Card. She can be reached at megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com.

Megan joined the Chronicle in 2023 after working as the higher education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in journalism and government.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) this month reported to the government that Vietnams export landscape is remarkably recovering, with strong expectations for the months to come.

In the first half 2023, the countrys total export turnover hit $164.45 billion, down 12.1 per cent on-year, both in performance of Vietnamese and foreign exporters in the country.

However, the MoIT said, such a grey situation has completely changed in the first half of this year, when the figure is estimated to hit nearly $190.1 billion, up 14.5 per cent on-year. Domestically invested exporters reached $53.4 billion, up 20.6 per cent and holding 28.1 per cent of the countrys total export value. Foreign firms exports stood at $136.7 billion, up 12.3 per cent and responsible for 71.9 per cent.

In June, total export turnover is estimated to come at $33.1 billion, up 10.5 per cent on-month. Vietnamese exports hit $9.33 billion, up 16.6 per cent, and foreign businesses exports hit $23.76 billion, up 8.3 per cent.

In Q2 of 2024, total export turnover of the economy is estimated to reach $97.2 billion, up 12.5 per cent on-year and 4.6 per cent on-quarter.

Under the General Statistics Offices Q2 survey on enterprises manufacturing and processing released two weeks ago, 34.6 per cent of respondents said their orders in Q2 were bigger than in Q1; some 44.3 of respondents said their Q2 orders were kept stable.

Meanwhile, in Q3 as compared to Q2, 38 per cent of surveyed enterprises said that they expect a rise in orders and 45.8 per cent predict stable orders, and only 16.2 per cent of respondents said they forecast a reduction in orders.

As for new export orders, in Q2 against Q1, 28.8 per cent confirmed a higher number of such orders; 49.6 said their new orders were kept stable. In Q3 versus Q2, 33.1 per cent of surveyed enterprises said they expect a rise in orders; and 50.6 per cent predict stable orders. Only 16.3 per cent of respondents said they project a decrease in export orders.

In an example, since early this year, Tan Viet Garment Co., Ltd. in Hanoi has been seeing a 10 per cent increase in export orders from Europe, which is responsible for about 40 per cent of its export value.

We have been expanding our export markets to South Korea, ASEAN, and Japan, besides the European market. We are now also negotiating more export contracts for Q4 of 2024, said Tam Viet representative Nguyen Hoang Huong. Since early this year, we have also recruited more workers to fulfil the contracts on time.

The companys six-month export revenue is estimated to ascend 9-10 per cent on-year, which Huong said was positive in the context that the entire garment and textile industry is recovering on the back of rising demands in the global market.

The MoIT reported that in the first six months of this year, the industry reaped an export turnover of $16.3 billion, up 3.1 per cent on-year.

Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group also reported that though its six-month production and business results remain unavailable now, its five-month export turnover hit $16 billion, up 5 per cent on-year. Its member companies have had sufficient export orders until the end of Q3 of 2024, and they are now negotiating new orders for Q4.

Moreover, according to the MoIT, another 28 export items also reaped an export turnover of more than $1 billion, accounting for 91.4 per cent of the countrys total export turnover, in which five items had an export turnover of over $5 billion, holding 65.6 per cent of total (see box).

Accumulatively in the first six months of this year, the Vietnamese economys total import and export turnover of goods is estimated to reach $368.53 billion, up 14.5 per cent on-year. In which the import value stood at $178.45 billion, an on-year rise of 17 per cent. The total trade surplus reached $11.63 billion.

However, though Vietnams export landscape is regaining momentum, it may continue facing some risks from now until the years end due to lingering challenges.

According to the MoIT, many developed countries and Vietnams key trade partners are paying more attention to sustainable development, coping with climate change, and safety for consumers. They are applying more stringent standards and regulations about supply chains, materials, labour, and environment to imported products.

Moreover, many nations have also been diversifying their supplies outside China, with focus placed on a number of partners near and similar to Vietnam such as Turkey, Mexico, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. This will increase competitiveness for Vietnams exports, the MoIT said.

According to the Asian Development Bank, softened global demand caused by slow economic recovery and continued geopolitical tensions would slow the full recovery of Vietnams export-led growth.

Vietnams imports and exports will grow modestly by 4-4.5 per cent this year and next as external demand gradually recovers. Renewed manufacturing activity would push up imports of production inputs, it explained.

Import-export turnover of FIEs drops by $9 billion The import-export turnover of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) dropped by $9 billion in the first two months.

Trade surplus at 20.19 billion USD in first eight months Vietnams total import-export turnover of goods hit 435.23 billion USD in the first eight months of this year, with the country posting a trade surplus of 20.19 billion USD.
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) welcomes US President Joe Biden, who is on a state visit to Vietnam, on September 10, 2023. (Photo: VNA)

Washington D.C  US politicians and officials with close engagement with Vietnam have shared their stories and recognised General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong's imprints in elevating Vietnam-US relations to new heights.

Expressing deep sorrow when hearing the passing of the Party General Secretary, US Senator Patrick Joseph Leahy told the Vietnam News Agency that he had once read extensively about the statesman and longed to meet him. This wish was fulfilled with their first meeting in Hanoi, followed by another in Washington DC. Both meetings left Leahy with a clear impression of the Vietnamese leader's commitment to advancing the relationship between the two countries. The senator acknowledged that the improvement in the bilateral relations owed significantly to efforts made by the Party chief.

Leahy described the upgrade of the nations ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership as a significant step forward, with the top Vietnamese leader playing a crucial role in this achievement. He expressed his hope that future Vietnamese leaders would continue the legacy left by General Secretary Trong in strengthening the Vietnam-US relationship, noting that this would be the best tribute to him and pave the way for a better future.

Former US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius also extended condolences to the Vietnamese people and the family of the Party chief, praising him as a steadfast leader of Vietnam.

Talking about the top leader's visit to the US in 2015, Osius recalled accompanying him to Washington DC and New York. The meeting between the Vietnamese Party leader and then US President Barack Obama in the Oval Office was particularly memorable, marking a transformation in bilateral relations and leading to the comprehensive strategic partnership. Following this, the Party General Secretary was warmly received by then Vice President Joe Biden, who quoted lines from Vietnams Tale of Kieu: The sky still allows us to have this day. The mist at the end of the alley clears and the clouds part in the sky.

Ted Osius, who served as Ambassador of the US to Vietnam during 2014 - 2017 (Photo: VNA)

The former ambassador also recounted another notable moment from the visit, when the Vietnamese Party leader came to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial before his meeting with President Obama. He noted that this gesture was significant because the Party General Secretary aimed to remind the world that Vietnam had quoted the famous words of President Thomas Jefferson when President Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945. The quote is: All men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Vietnamese leaders visit to the site reminded both nations of the strength of their relationship, said Osius.

He stressed that the Party chiefs leadership had a significant impact on the two countries relationship. Vietnam upgraded its relations with the US to a comprehensive partnership in 2013, and a decade later, during US President Joe Bidens visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary Trong, the partnership was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Additionally, Osius praised Vietnams bamboo diplomacy approach. Following President Bidens visit, Party General Secretary Trong hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The former ambassador held that it is rare for a leader to engage with the US, Chinese, and Russian presidents within a year.

Regarding Vietnams economic achievements under the Party General Secretarys leadership, Osius held that Vietnam had fully integrated into the global economy. He acknowledged the countrys growing central role in trade networks and increasing prosperity, with a rising middle class and robust trade relations with the US. The investment Vietnam has attracted from the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries has also been on the rise. According to the diplomat, the late leaders legacy is a more prosperous Vietnam.

SPECIAL COMMUNIQUE on Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs passing away The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, and the Government and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front have issued a special communique, announcing that General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 1:38pm on July 19, 2024, and his funeral will be held as a national mourning.

Condolences pour in over passing of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong Heads of state and government, and leaders of parliaments and political parties; and political organisations of Laos, China, Cambodia, Cuba, and Russia have sent their condolences to Vietnam over the passing away of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong.

World leaders mourn passing of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Upon learning of the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, leaders of countries; ruling, communist, partner parties; international organisations and overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities have sent heartfelt messages and letters of condolences to the CPV Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese people and the family of the late leader.

Condolences pour in over passing of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong Heads of state and government, and ruling parties, communist parties, partner parties, and international organisations have sent messages and letters of condolences to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnamese people and the family of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong over the passing of the Party leader.

Message of condolences of ASEAN leaders on General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs passing Senior leaders of ASEAN countries on July 24 issued a message of condolences on the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.
The number of companies conducting initial public offerings (IPOs) and listings recently has been low recently due to an insufficient volume of investors capable of purchasing large stakes and concerns about diluting ownership structure.

Some companies have completed their IPOs, but the period between the payment for shares and their listings has been extended. This extended period, which can be three months or more, without trading and liquidity poses a significant barrier for international financial investors. In reality, some funds even prohibit transactions involving unlisted stocks.

According to the SSC, there is an organic relationship between the presence of large companies and the upgrading of Vietnam's market status.

Supporting and encouraging more large companies to list is one of the SSC's strategies to improve the market rating. Conversely, foreign investors are more likely to enter the market when they see a substantial number of large companies.

Bui Hoang Hai, deputy chairman of the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC)

From a technical perspective, the IPO process and the listing process are currently separate, leading to a relatively long period between the investment in purchasing shares and the actual listing of the shares, which can be three months or more. This represents a significant barrier for some funds and international investors. Therefore, the SSC is reviewing regulations and plans to amend Decree 155 to integrate the IPO and listing processes. This amendment will facilitate listing almost immediately upon completing an IPO, said Bui Hoang Hai, deputy chairman of the SSC.

Praising this solution, Le Thi Le Hang, CEO of SSI Asset Management, said, Shortening the time between these two processes will be a strong incentive for companies to list. Additionally, domestic funds in Vietnam allocate only 10 per cent of their investments to non-listed companies. Even if companies are listed but not on the HSX or HNX, it restricts the investment activities of this group of investors.

Le Thi Le Hang, CEO of SSI Asset Management

In reality, many large companies that have registered to trade have remained on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM) board for years without transitioning to a higher exchange.

Regarding this situation, Hai noted, Part of the issue comes from the companies own intentions and also because these companies have not yet met the criteria for transitioning to a listed exchange.

For Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC (BSR), the company faces technical issues. According to available information, BSR is working actively, and the technical issues will be resolved in the near future. Regarding the transition from UPCoM to a listed exchange, the initial goal of UPCoM was to serve as a platform for companies that are not yet up to standard, providing a preparatory stage for listing, he added.

According to the listing conditions on the HSX, BSR meets 8 out of 9 conditions, except for the criterion no overdue debts exceeding one year.

The issue stems from a subsidiary of BSR, Central Biofuel JSC, which has overdue debts nearing $45.83 million with several banks and is awaiting proceedings from Quang Ngai People's Court.

Currently, we are working on a market restructuring project, which includes segments like HSX, HNX, and UPCoM. The SSC is taking steps to reorganise these market segments and allocate companies to appropriate boards, said Hai. The reorganisation of companies into market segments will still be conducted based on the voluntary participation of the companies and their suitability, rather than as a mandatory administrative action. Therefore, regardless of how we reorganise, we will ensure the stability of all market segments.

Vietnams road to emerging market status The Ministry of Finance (MoF) started asking for feedback at the end of March on a draft circular aimed at upgrading Vietnam's stock market to 'emerging' status.

VIR to host seminar on Vietnam's stock market VIR has organised a seminar with the participation of representatives from the State Securities Commission and various securities companies that will aim to provide in-depth stock perspectives and valuable information to investors.
Situated near Ho Chi Minh City, the factory will specialise in producing premix to make batter for fried foods and baked goods. The factory will have a capacity of 4,300 tonnes per year once completed in 2027.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, Vietnam is the latest country in Southeast Asia where Nippn is putting down capital. Japanese multinationals are making frozen food for the Japanese market, and Nippn is seeking to capture demand from these companies as well as local businesses.

Nippn didn't disclose the investment size, but it is planning to establish a Vietnamese subsidiary by the end of August.

While the Vietnamese factory is under construction, Nippn will import premix from its factories in Thailand and Indonesia for sale in Vietnam.

Vietnam is the third Southeast Asian market in which Nippn has made a foray, following Thailand and Indonesia. The expansion is part of the company's plan to tap rising demand in the region.

Nippn has set a goal of doubling its overseas revenue by fiscal 2026. As of present, the company has expanded its operation to five countries, including Vietnam.

"We intend to reach our goals by actively expanding overseas if conditions are right," a Nippn spokesperson noted.

Block B gas field development project obtains $832 million in Japanese loans The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and private lenders will provide loans totaling $832 million for the Block B gas field development project, contributing towards resource development by Japanese companies and the promotion of energy transition in Vietnam.

Advantech Vietnam secures a $314,000 loan from JBIC Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has signed a loan agreement with Tokyo-headquartered Advantech Co. Ltd., the parent company of Advantech Vietnam.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Hanoi  Senior leaders of ASEAN countries on July 24 issued a message of condolences on the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

Following is the full text of the message:

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES OF THE ASEAN LEADERS ON THE PASSING OF HIS EXCELLENCY NGUYEN PHU TRONG, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIET NAM

It is with deep sadness that we learnt of the passing of His Excellency Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam on 19 July 2024. In this time of national grief and mourning, we wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs family and loved ones, as well as the Government and people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs leadership and lifelong service to his people and country will be profoundly remembered and his contributions to regional and international peace, friendship and cooperation will be an invaluable and enduring legacy.

*Also on July 24, at the meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission, the first activity within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings, Foreign Ministers of ASEAN countries observed a minute of silence to express their deep condolences on the passing of the Vietnamese Party General Secretary, a leader who made important contributions to peace, friendship and cooperation in the region and the world.

SPECIAL COMMUNIQUE on Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs passing away The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, and the Government and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front have issued a special communique, announcing that General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 1:38pm on July 19, 2024, and his funeral will be held as a national mourning.

Condolences pour in over passing of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong Heads of state and government, and leaders of parliaments and political parties; and political organisations of Laos, China, Cambodia, Cuba, and Russia have sent their condolences to Vietnam over the passing away of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong.

World leaders mourn passing of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Upon learning of the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, leaders of countries; ruling, communist, partner parties; international organisations and overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities have sent heartfelt messages and letters of condolences to the CPV Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese people and the family of the late leader.
The current plan also lacks details on the number, capacity, and locations of offshore wind projects, as well as schemes to connect these sources to the national grid.

This is according to a Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) report submitted to the government on a pilot study for offshore wind power development on July 22.

The MoIT has proposed that state-owned enterprises such as Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), Vietnam Electricity (EVN), or entities under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) should pilot offshore wind power projects instead of private companies.

In its report, the MoIT outlined three options for selecting investors to pilot offshore wind projects. The first option is to have PetroVietnam undertake the pilot investment. The Ministry argued that certain aspects of offshore wind projects are similar to offshore oil and gas projects, giving PetroVietnam an advantage due to its existing database and resources in the oil and gas sector.

"PetroVietnam's experience in offshore operations can significantly benefit the implementation of these wind projects," the MoIT report noted.

Some industry experts believe that the involvement of oil and gas corporations is crucial for rapidly establishing offshore wind as a significant industry. The International Energy Agency reports that the expertise of the oil and gas industry can account for 40-45 per cent of the costs of an offshore wind project.

Major global players in this field include Equinor, Shell, Repsol, Total, BP, and Chevron. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia's national oil company Petronas has established the renewable energy company Gentari and acquired a 29.4 per cent stake in the Hai Long offshore wind project in Taiwan.

However, assigning PetroVietnam to invest in offshore wind requires assessing and adjusting the company's business scope and strategy, as PetroVietnam is currently not permitted to invest outside its core activities. Moreover, the group would need to adapt to the specific demands of the offshore renewable energy sector.

The second option is to assign EVN to undertake the pilot projects. The MoIT noted that EVN has certain advantages, such as experience and capability in investing, managing, and operating power plants and transmission systems. Additionally, it would not need to negotiate prices, as it is both the buyer and seller of electricity.

"EVN's integrated role in the power market can streamline project implementation," the ministry stated. However, the regulatory body expressed concerns that offshore wind involves different requirements compared to traditional power projects.

The third option proposed by the report is to assign a unit under the MoD to pilot the offshore wind projects. This option would need to be evaluated for feasibility and alignment with the ministrys objectives after assessing the specific capabilities of the defence units.

The MoIT acknowledges that there is currently insufficient data to evaluate the effectiveness of assigning PetroVietnam, EVN, or the MoD to pilot offshore wind development. Offshore wind is a new field involving national defence, security, and maritime sovereignty.

Additionally, since no offshore wind projects have been implemented yet, the regulatory body lacks experience. Potential conflicts between different sectors over the use of marine space and challenges stemming from legal and technical issues related to the projects are also concerns.

The proposed options will be further clarified as the relevant ministries and sectors provide their input.

The MoIT also revealed that private and foreign investors have not been assigned to pilot offshore wind projects due to unresolved defence, security, and electricity pricing issues.

Despite several foreign investors showing interest in Vietnam's offshore wind sector, the ministry remains cautious. Danish firm CIP plans to develop the 3.5GW La Gan offshore wind project in the central province of Binh Thuan, while German company PNE aims to undertake a $4.6 billion project in the central province of Binh Dinh.

In 2022, 36 domestic investors sought permits to survey offshore wind potential, but the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recommended a halt due to legal constraints.

The MoIT acknowledged that private investors have been active in the energy sector, primarily in traditional power and small-scale solar and wind projects. However, the ministry believes it is premature to assign private entities to pilot offshore wind projects without a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and legal issues involved.

"Foreign and private investors will be considered for offshore wind projects once a thorough evaluation of pilot projects is completed and the legal framework is refined," the ministry stated.

Previously, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha instructed the MoIT and other relevant ministries to research and develop pilot offshore wind projects.

To establish a legal basis, the ministry suggested that the National Assembly should pass a resolution permitting these pilot projects. However, experts cited by the ministry estimate that developing an offshore wind project takes approximately 68 years from the initial survey stage. Therefore, even if the National Assembly passes the resolution this year, achieving the 2030 target of 6,000MW of offshore wind capacity remains challenging.

"This is a significant issue, and we recommend reporting to the relevant authorities before the government decides to propose a pilot offshore wind development resolution to the National Assembly," the MoIT report concluded.

Vietnam is aiming for an offshore wind power capacity of 6,000MW by 2030, with a target of 70,000-91,500MW by 2050.

Construction begins at BCG's waste-to-energy plant A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 20 for a new waste-to-energy plant in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City.
More inviting work environment pursued by foreigners (illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com)

Last weeks InterNations report ranked Vietnam 14th in the working abroad index, a 15-place improvement since 2022, positioning it above all other Asian countries surveyed.

This rise reflects Vietnams growing appeal, particularly in compensation, with 76 per cent of expats feeling fairly paid and 19 per cent earning over $150,000 annually, nearly double the global average. However, only 43 per cent reported improved career prospects, and nearly one-third found the local business culture inflexible, compared to 19 per cent globally.

Having worked in Vietnam since the 1990s, Greig Craft, chairman of Protec, a non-profit helmet factory in Vietnam, observed that Vietnams workplace culture is deeply rooted in traditional values.

Vietnamese people view the workplace as an extended version of their family, so people are expected to form close bonds with their coworkers, he said. This familial approach extends to hierarchical relationships within the office, underscoring the importance of respect for elders and authority figures. The Vietnamese value senior members, company positions, years of experience, and age.

Such cultural nuances necessitate a delicate approach. When providing feedback, it should be done privately, Craft added, emphasising the need for tact in professional interactions.

Based on statistics by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, as of the end of 2023, Vietnam employed 136,000 foreigners, with 72 per cent worked in foreign invested firms, primarily in science, technology, electronics, services, and education sectors. Most of the expats are experts, managers, and technical workers.

Discussing basic principles Vietnam should embrace to foster career development for foreign workers, Nguyen Hong Ha, labour lawyer and programme coordinator of the International Labour Organization said, The fundamental aspect to create an inclusive work environment for foreigners in Vietnam is ensuring equal treatment and compensation, mirroring fairness and equality for domestic workers. This commitment should apply to all aspects of employment, from recruitment to career advancement.

According to Jimmy Tang, chief of staff from AIP Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing access to safe mobility, the association pursues its vision of creating an inclusive environment for international staff in Vietnam.

Sharing insights on basic salary provisions for foreign workers, Tang emphasised that this factor needs to be competitive enough to ensure workers livelihoods, while also ensuring fairness in terms of skills. Offering competitive salary is a matter of incentivising expats to pick up their lives and move to a new country because in most cases, they have to consider relocating their entire family, Tang said. Additionally, in any recruitments, whether for local or foreign candidates, we focus on qualifications, offer fair market value, and uphold ethical salary negotiation practices.

With regard to working culture, the focus is on balancing Vietnams collective-oriented values while optimising personal development opportunities.

We focus not just on traditional work-specific development, but alignment between individual staff members personal goals and organisational objectives, Tang added. We defined what supportive and non-supportive behaviours are. This is particularly key in an international working environment.

In terms of state policy, given the large number and diverse professional distribution of foreign workers, since 2023, Vietnam has amended its policies to ensure easier access to career opportunities for expatriate employees. To obtain work permits in Vietnam, foreign employees no longer need a university degree in the exact field of their intended work. Instead, they must have at least a bachelors degree or equivalent and three years of relevant work experience for the job

Similarly, foreign technical workers now only need one year of training and at least three years of experience relevant to their intended position in Vietnam, rather than requiring an exact match in their field of study.

Foreigners now able to buy at Vinhomes Ocean Park 2 and 3 Vinhomes Ocean Park 2 and 3 have been granted a licence to sell properties to foreigners, opening up opportunities for foreign experts and high-income workers to own luxury homes, settle down, and even start a business here.
Ambassador of Thailand to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya (Photo: Thai Embassy in Vietnam)

Hanoi  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was always a very dear friend of Thailand, stated Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya, clarifying that under his leadership, the Thailand-Vietnam relationship has flourished in all aspects.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, the diplomat noted that the most important milestone in the ties is the upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the leaders historical official visit to Thailand in 2013.

With solid groundwork laid during General Secretary Trongs tenure, both countries are now working towards the elevation of their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future, with a view to contributing to the prosperity of both countries, peoples, and beyond, she underscored.

The ambassador praised Party General Secretary Trongs contributions to the national development of Vietnam, holding that Vietnams rapid development and successful economic growth is attributed to the strategic vision laid out by the late leader.

In his tenure, Vietnam is regarded as one of the most dynamic economies in the region, she noted, adding that the country has managed to be highly attractive to foreign direct investment and to transform herself to a new global manufacturing hub for perse range of products, from the agriculture sector to high technology cluster, particularly semiconductor industry.

Party General Secretary Trong played an important role in translating the ideology and theory into practice for the prosperity of the country and the benefit of the Vietnamese people amidst the challenging environment, said the ambassador.

She asserted that Trong was committed to upholding ethics and integrity of the Party. The anti-corruption campaign led by Party General Secretary Trong has helped promote transparency, good governance, and sustainable development for the country.

The diplomat went on to say that Vietnams bamboo diplomacy, coined by Party General Secretary Trong, is highly praised in the international stage. It is intertwined with Vietnams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, persification and multilateralisation. It enhances Vietnams geopolitics value and puts Vietnam in a bright spot in international era despite a fast-changing global geopolitical landscape, she said.

It is a testament of the policy that, from 2023 to 2024, Vietnam has successfully welcomed leaders of China, the US, and Russia. With the bamboo diplomacy approach, Vietnam potentially balances practical relations with major powers to ensure that its national interests are promoted and protected. To date, Vietnam has cordial diplomatic relations with 193 countries and established comprehensive strategic partnerships with seven countries, namely China, Russia, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, the US, and Australia.

Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya described General Secretary Trong as a visionary and eminent leader who devoted his life wholeheartedly for his country and people. He was an exemplary leader who lived a simple life and gained great respect and love from all walks of life.

In international arena, with profound knowledge in politics and philosophy, he brought Vietnam into limelight and supported the region to become stronger and together more prosperity, she stressed.

The passing of Party General Secretary Trong is a great loss to the country and the people.

She took the opportunity to extend heartfelt condolences and profound sympathies to Vietnamese people. "His legacy and tireless devotion will be highly upheld and always be remembered," stated the Thai ambassador.

SPECIAL COMMUNIQUE on Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs passing away The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, and the Government and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front have issued a special communique, announcing that General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 1:38pm on July 19, 2024, and his funeral will be held as a national mourning.

Condolences pour in over passing of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong Heads of state and government, and leaders of parliaments and political parties; and political organisations of Laos, China, Cambodia, Cuba, and Russia have sent their condolences to Vietnam over the passing away of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong.

World leaders mourn passing of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Upon learning of the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, leaders of countries; ruling, communist, partner parties; international organisations and overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities have sent heartfelt messages and letters of condolences to the CPV Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese people and the family of the late leader.

Condolences pour in over passing of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong Heads of state and government, and ruling parties, communist parties, partner parties, and international organisations have sent messages and letters of condolences to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnamese people and the family of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong over the passing of the Party leader.
Russian Ambassador to Vietnam G.S. Bezdetko (Source: Russian Embassy in Vietnam)

Hanoi - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is a great leader of the Party and people of Vietnam and a great friend of Russia, who has played a crucial role in strengthening and enhancing the two countries comprehensive strategic partnership, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam G.S. Bezdetko has affirmed.

In a statement to the press following the passing of the Party chief, the diplomat expressed profound sorrow and extended sincere condolences to his family as well as to the leaders and people of Vietnam.

Bezdetko remarked that the late leader was an outstanding statesman who unconditionally dedicated his life to serving his country. The ambassador expressed confidence that future generations would remember him with gratitude for his contributions to Vietnams development as well as to raising the country's role and influence in the world.

Regarding Party General Secretary Trongs role in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, Bezdetko stated that Russians will remember the late leader first of all as a great friend who deeply understood Russias long-standing history and culture. In various positions in the Party and State, he consistently supported the enhancement of the partnership and accomplished much to bolster the sides multifaceted cooperation within bilateral, regional, and international frameworks.

The ambassador also highlighted that the Party General Secretary had led high-level delegations to visit Russia for multiple times, resulting in important agreements that continue to shape the two nations practical cooperation in such key areas as energy-fuel, trade and investment, defence and security, education and human resources development, science and technology, culture, and tourism.

Mentioning President Putin's recent visit to Vietnam, the diplomat said, "We highly valued the results of the talks between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi on June 20, 2024. The talks reaffirmed the common spirit of both sides to further expand cooperation under the new geopolitical conditions. The two sides underlined the sustainability of the traditional friendship, solidarity, and mutual support between the two countries and people.

Commenting on the Party leaders contributions to Vietnam's foreign policy, Bezdetko said As a seasoned politician, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has selected the right priorities and seen what is essential.

According to the diplomat, the General Secretary consistently strived to develop Vietnam into a modern and autonomous centre of power, not only in the region but also on the global stage. The Party leaders bamboo diplomacy policy has garnered international recognition and respect.

Bezdetko stressed that as the world is undergoing profound changes and established cooperation mechanisms are losing their effectiveness, such a diplomatic policy is particularly necessary, based on the development and prosperity interests of all members of the international community, as well as the ideals of peace, friendship, good neighbourliness, and mutual understanding.

He expressed his belief that comrade Nguyen Phu Trongs political legacy will still be topical decades after his passing.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong a dear friend of Thailand: Ambassador Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was always a very dear friend of Thailand, stated Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya, clarifying that under his leadership, the Thailand-Vietnam relationship has flourished in all aspects.

Imprints of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong in Vietnam-US relations US politicians and officials with close engagement with Vietnam have shared their stories and recognised General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong's imprints in elevating Vietnam-US relations to new heights.
In light of Directive 40-CT/TW and Conclusion 06-KL/TW of the Secretariat, the city has instructed relevant departments and sectors to join efforts with Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP)s Danang branch to outline policy credit programmes on five-year, three-year, and annual bases.

Efforts have also been made to consistently replenish policy credit sources in a timely and legitimate manner.

For instance, the peoples committees of Hai Chau, Son Tra, and Lien Chieu districts have sent authorised capital sources approximating $35,000 from district-level Peasants Association to VBSPs Danang branch to lend out to those in need.

In addition, VBSPs Danang branch has received over $32,000 from a fund to support ex-offenders upon completion of their prison term, of which over $27,500 was lent out.

Danang is currently expediting 26 policy credit programmes. Total outstanding balances from early 2014 until present have amounted to $462 million, with more than 247,160 poor households and other policy beneficiaries receiving loans.

As of June 30, total capital sources at the VBSP Danang branch amounted to over $209 million, an increase of $158 million compared to 2014, showing a 311 per cent jump.

The capital sources from the central budget accounts for 56 per cent of the total, reaching $117 million, growing by 150 per cent to $70.3 million compared to 2014.

The capital sources from the local budget approximated $92 million, representing 44 per cent, up $88 million compared to 2014, growing by a considerable 2,300 per cent.

The peoples committees at all levels have prioritised balancing state budget sources to expedite policy credit programmes.

The contribution of social organisations, businesses, and individuals to complement policy credit sources has mainly taken place in the form of placing deposit accounts by organisations and individuals.

As such, by June 30 deposit outstanding balances of organisations and individuals reached $8.4 million, surging $8.1 million compared to 2014.

Also, by June 30, total outstanding balances of diverse policy credit programmes came to $208.8 million, up $158 million compared to 2014, committed to around 85,920 needy households and other policy beneficiaries, averaging $2,430 per household, up $1,800 compared to 2014.

The outstanding balances serving production, business, and job creation reached $154 million, accounting for around 74 per cent of the total.

The balances serving living requirements came to $54.8 million, making up 26 per cent.

The balances have focused on implementing several major programmes, such as supporting job creation and maintenance with $143 million, and making $38.5 million available to support social housing purchases.

Policy credit drives poverty reduction By 2030, all needy households will be able to access the financial products and services provided by Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP).

Forecasts upbeat for banks 2024 profits Vietnams banking sector is projecting a period of robust growth and profitability, underpinned by strong first-quarter performances and optimistic forecasts for economic recovery and credit expansion.
The University of Texas at Austin tower on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Austin Alyssa Gisselle Olvera/Staff photographer

For college-going students across the country, class rankings can seem to carry a lot of weight.

High schoolers in Texas might feel this more acutely, with benchmarks that determine their ease of access to the states public colleges and universities. Those benefits stem from a state policy known as the "Top 10% rule."

Here's how it works.

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STRESS TO SUCCESS: Check out our occasional series on college admissions.

What is the Top 10% rule?

The Top 10% rule is an automatic admissions policy that requires most of Texas' public universities to accept in-state candidates whose GPAs place them in the top 10% of their graduating classes at recognized public or private high schools.

Students attending high schools operated by the U.S. Department of Defense also qualify, so long as they are Texas residents or are eligible to pay resident tuition.

Seniors still need to submit applications, although admission is offered regardless of most factors that would otherwise contribute to an acceptance, such as SAT scores.

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Where does the rule come from?

State lawmakers passed House Bill 588 in 1997 as a race-neutral answer to a Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision banning affirmative action in Texas, Mississippi and Louisianas public college admissions.

Following the ban, Black and Hispanic enrollment had dropped almost immediately at the University of Texas at Austin, according to the Texas Tribune. Legislators devised the Top 10% rule as a way to improve access to and increase diversity at state universities, taking advantage of the states geographic diversity and the racial and ethnic segregation that exists between high schools.

The rule stuck after the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the decision several years later, reinstating affirmative action. And it remains in place now, after the Supreme Court revisited the issue last summer and outlawed affirmative action at most higher education institutions.

Which schools use the Top 10% rule?

Most of the state's public universities use 10% as their benchmark, although some have lower thresholds, at 25%, 40% or 50%.

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The University of Texas at Austin is the only school with a higher threshold, at 6%.

How is UT-Austin different?

Legislators wrote UT-Austin a carve-out in 2009, as the state's high school graduates were rising in number and applicants to the university had also increased.

The carve-out required the flagship to set its own automatic admissions threshhold on an annual basis. The policy requires UT-Austin to adhere to a certain standard, however: 75% of first-year in-state students have to come from automatic admissions, and the remaining 25% must come from a holistic review process.

What happens if students don't qualify?

In-state students who don't qualify under the Top 10% rule are still able to have their applications considered. At UT-Austin, that happens through a holistic review process, where students are judged on many factors, including grades and extracurriculars.

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Are there any drawbacks?

Some parents have argued that the rule disadvantages students in well-resourced or more competitive high schools. And opponents worry that some of the students from less-resourced schools might struggle more at the flagships.

Did the Top 10% rule work?

Researchers said that UT-Austin never regained the diversity it lost when the circuit court banned affirmative action in 1996, and it didnt meaningfully change which high schools sent the most students to the UT-Austin and Texas A&M University flagships, according to the Texas Tribune.

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Flags flown at half mast to commemorate Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  President To Lam on July 24 came to the Mai Dich cemetery in Hanoi to examine preparations for the funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He offered incense at the monument there to pay tribute to late Party and State leaders resting in peace at the cemetery.

President Lam asked the funeral organising board and relevant agencies to uphold their sense of responsibility to thoroughly prepare and ensure safety for the respect-paying, memorial, and burial ceremonies, slated for July 25 and 26.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong breathed his last on July 19 at the age of 80.

The funeral for the late leader will be held in the national mourning etiquette at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi on July 25 and 26. The respect-paying and memorial ceremonies will take place at the same time at the Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City and his hometown in Dong Hoi commune of Hanois Dong Anh district.

The burial ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Mai Dich cemetery at 3pm on July 26.

The Mai Dich cemetery, built in 1956, is the last resting place of many high-ranking leaders, along with outstanding figures in the fields of science, culture, and literature and armed forces of Vietnam.
Hanoi  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong left a proud legacy of a Vietnam whose standing in the world has never been higher and future never brighter, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam told the Vietnam News Agency.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong receives Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam in 2021. (Photo: VNA)

Extending his deepest condolences to the Vietnamese Government and people over the passing of the Party chief, the Singaporean diplomat described General Secretary Trong as an exemplary leader who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the Vietnamese people.

His unwavering commitment to his duty saw the upliftment of the Vietnamese people, and the results are for all to see, he underlined.

He recalled his privilege to present his credentials to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, as he arrived in Vietnam to take up his post in January 2021.

"What struck me, and I recall so clearly, was his warmth in receiving me and his obvious affection from his lifetime of engagements with Singapore. He often spoke of how Singapore and Vietnam shared so much in common, especially the singular priority we placed on the welfare our people," said Ambassador Ratnam.

According to him, under the General Secretarys stewardship, the Vietnam-Singapore relationship also flourished. In 2012 the General Secretary visited Singapore and laid the foundation for the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership the following year. Last year, on the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam  Singapore Strategic Partnership, he oversaw plans for a further upgrade of the relations  this time to the highest possible level, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

"As we work towards upgrading our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, there is much room for Vietnam and Singapore to continue to deepen and expand our cooperation, continuing on the path the General Secretary had set us upon," the ambassador said.

My thoughts are with the General Secretarys family and the people of Vietnam in this difficult period of grief, the Ambassador added.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong a dear friend of Thailand: Ambassador Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was always a very dear friend of Thailand, stated Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya, clarifying that under his leadership, the Thailand-Vietnam relationship has flourished in all aspects.

Imprints of Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong in Vietnam-US relations US politicians and officials with close engagement with Vietnam have shared their stories and recognised General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong's imprints in elevating Vietnam-US relations to new heights.

Vietnamese Party chief - a leader with great personality: Lao ambassador Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh has affirmed that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a leader with great personality and an exemplary figure.
Thailand, is a leading global agricultural producer, and a competitor of Vietnam in fruit and vegetable exports.

According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, frozen durian from Vietnam is particularly favoured by Thai consumers.

Vietnamese farmers with durian

"Frozen durian tops the list, not fresh durian, due to Thailands stringent plant quarantine regulations, which aim to prevent diseases from whole fruit imports. Following frozen durian are dragon fruit, longan, and lychee," said Nguyen.

"Exports of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables to Thailand is currently higher than Vietnam's total fruit exports to all other ASEAN countries combined," he added.

Explaining this paradox, Nguyen pointed to the natural disadvantages faced by both Thailand and Vietnam.

"Thailand is a major exporter but buys Vietnamese durian because, at times, Vietnam is the only country with durian available due to its year-round season," he said.

"In contrast, Thailand's durian season is very short, only four months. Additionally, severe drought has significantly reduced both the quantity and quality of Thai durian, forcing them to import to meet domestic and tourist demands."

Viewing this as a normal supply-demand issue, especially advantageous for Vietnamese durian, a fruit export company in Ho Chi Minh City said that with Vietnam's abundant supply and unfavourable weather conditions in Thailand this year, Thailand will continue spending on Vietnamese fruit and vegetables.

"With ample supply already in place, coupled with Thailands poor durian harvest due to unusual heat, the demand from Thailand for Vietnamese durian and other fruit will be substantial," the company representative said.

Over the past decade, Thailand has shifted from being the largest supplier of fruit and vegetables to Vietnam to becoming Vietnam's fourth-largest fruit and vegetable import market, with $97 million recorded in the first half of this year.

From 2014 to 2019, Vietnam spent over $464 million importing fruit from Thailand.

New Zealand Fruit Week launches at Vinmart retail chain with quality fruits To provide Vietnamese consumers access to high quality fresh fruits, top suppliers from New Zealand have teamed up with Vinmart to launch the second edition of New Zealand Fruit Week throughout Vinmarts retail chain and flagship e-commerce stores, following last years successful event.
Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man last week signed a resolution adopting the UKs accession protocol to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Taking effect in 2018, the CPTPP is a free trade agreement signed by 11 countries, and has been in force for Vietnam since January 2019.

Key exports have benefited from multinational trade agreements like the CPTPP, Photo Le Toan

In July 2023, the CPTPP parties signed an accession protocol with the UK, welcoming them as the 12th member. The UKs participation in the CPTPP will take effect once all member countries complete their respective ratification processes. If not ratified by all members by October 16, the protocol will come into force after ratification by at least six CPTPP members and the UK.

Currently, Singapore, Japan, and Chile have completed their ratification procedures for the UK. Vietnam is expected to follow suit soon, with New Zealand, Brunei, Malaysia, and Peru likely to do so in the coming months, according to Vietnams NA Committee for External Affairs.

The NA resolution assigns the government to review relevant legal documents to amend, supplement, or promulgate new regulations ensuring consistency in Vietnams legal system and a proper roadmap for fulfilling commitments under the UK and CPTPP accession protocol.

The prime minister is tasked with approving and directing relevant agencies and organisations at all levels to implement plans for the UK and CPTPP accession protocol, the resolution said.

The government is directed by the NA to ensure related ministries and sectors complete procedures to approve the protocol, with Vietnams entry into force expected to be announced soon.

Emily Hamblin, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasised that the CPTPP was a forward-looking agreement with provisions in digital trade and e-commerce crucial for sustained economic growth. She highlighted increasing collaboration between the UK and Vietnam on initiatives promoting innovation and digitalisation.

In 2024, prospects for UK-Vietnam trade and investment cooperation are promising. Commitments under the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the CPTPP, along with ongoing dialogue through our Joint Economic and Trade Committee, form a robust foundation for our partnership, Hamblin said.

Trade and investment cooperation between the UK and Vietnam currently centres on the UKVFTA, which has significantly reduced tariffs for goods on both sides.

In 2023, total bilateral trade in goods totalled $5.92 billion, with Vietnam exporting $6.42 billion (up 88.5 per cent on-year) and importing $799 million (up 87.6 per cent on-year). In the first half of 2024, Vietnams exports to the UK reached $3.54 billion (up 23 per cent on-year), while imports from the UK were $363.3 million (down 2.7 per cent on-year).

The British government estimates that over 99 per cent of British goods exports to CPTPP member economies will be eligible for zero tariffs, enhancing market access for British businesses. Key UK exports such as cars and machinery stand to benefit from tariff elimination, potentially boosting UK exports to CPTPP economies by 1.7 billion ($2.16 billion) in the long run.

In 2024, the outlook for UK-Vietnam trade and investment cooperation is brimming with promise and potential. The commitments made through the UKVFTA and the CPTPP, coupled with the ongoing dialogue facilitated by our annual Joint Economic and Trade Committee, lay the foundation for a robust partnership, Hamblin said.

According to statistics from Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment, cumulatively as of June 20, UK investors had nearly 570 valid investment projects in Vietnam as of June 20, with a total registered capital of nearly $4.4 billion.

Vietnamese agri-exports to UK continue forward motion Vietnam is boosting exports, especially agro-forestry-fishery products, to the British market thanks largely to a bilateral trade deal.

Myriad of benefits already clear with UK-Vietnam pact Vietnam and the UK are boosting ties in agri-food and drink sectors backed by slashed tariffs under free trade agreements.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first half of 2024, the total export turnover of agro-forestry-fishery products reached $29.2 billion, up 19 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

China accounted for 20.2 per cent of this, an increase of 9.5 per cent on-year, ranking second among export markets.

According to tienphong.vn, China typically spends $230 billion annually on agricultural imports, with nearly $100 billion spent in the first five months of this year alone. Among agricultural products, China imports over $20 billion worth of items such as fruit, seafood, and rice each year.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vina T&T Group, said that the demand for fruit and vegetables in current markets is very high. "For example, durian exports to China have seen a surge in orders, with the company expecting to export 2,500 tonnes of fresh durian this year," Tung said.

Nong Duc Lai, Vietnam's trade counsellor in China, predicted strong growth in agricultural exports for the rest of the year.

"China has many long holidays in the second half of the year, including the current summer break for students, followed by the mid-Autumn festival. During these holidays, the demand for agricultural products increases significantly. Vietnamese businesses should take advantage of this time to boost exports. The registration of growing area codes and packaging facilities facilitates exports to this market," Lai said.

While Vietnam is the largest exporter of agro-fishery products to China, it also receives the most warnings, especially for agricultural and food products.

Additionally, the Chinese market is vast, with each province essentially being a separate market. China has diverse culinary cultures, with different regions having different consumer needs.

Lai recommended that trade promotion efforts should consider these factors. Businesses and localities should provide specific information to trade offices for market research before conducting trade promotion activities. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) should strengthen relationships with Chinese localities to exploit specific markets for particular products.

"Currently, trade promotion efforts should focus on large markets in western, central, and northeastern China. In Guangdong province, there's a huge demand for seafood, while Shandong province needs rubber the most. Businesses must research to exploit these markets effectively," Lai said.

To Ngoc Son, deputy director of the Asia-Africa Market Department under the MoIT, noted that while businesses have made significant efforts recently, quality remains a challenge, especially for agricultural products. Ensuring the quality of agricultural exports is crucial in today's globalised world, as issues in one market can lead to similar policies being adopted in others.

In addition to trade promotion, Son suggested that trade offices should enhance market research and information to provide market assessment reports, impact forecasts, and trend predictions.

Green exports a winning order for agricultural firms Although Vietnam's agricultural exports have grown recently, setting a record high of $53.22 billion last year, food processing companies have been reportedly losing orders to competitors due to the slow implementation of sustainability commitments.

Agricultural exports make solid mark in first quarter Vietnam counted a 21.8 per cent jump on-year in agricultural, forestry, and fishery export value in Q1, continuing a stellar performance for the export picture of the country.
General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Upon learning of the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, leaders of countries; ruling, communist, partner parties; international organisations and overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities have sent heartfelt messages and letters of condolences to the CPV Central Committee, President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese people and the family of the late leader.

In his message, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his profound respect for the Party General Secretary's vision of protecting strategic autonomy and promoting governance in Vietnam. He hoped that the late leaders legacy would continue to inspire future generations in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.

Chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing said Vietnam has lost an eminent leader, and the Party chief will be remembered by the Vietnamese people with respect and admiration. He said the General Secretary's leadership and contributions have left an indelible mark on the great history of Vietnam.

President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta praised the General Secretary as an exceptional figure in Vietnam's contemporary history, who made significant contributions to the national development and promotion of social values. He noted that under the sound leadership of the Party chief, the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Timor-Leste had made notable progress, especially in investment. Additionally, Timor-Leste has received enthusiastic support from Vietnam in its efforts to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates extended their condolences to President Lam.

General Secretary of the Egyptian Communist Party Salah Adly extended a message of condolences to the CPV Central Committee. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Egyptian Socialist Party Ahmed Bahaa El-Din Shaaban cabled another message to both the CPV Central Committee and the Vietnamese people.

The Secretariat of the European Left Party Alliance and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Turkey extended condolence messages to the CPV Central Committee.

Additionally, Vice Chairman and standing head of the Cambodian People's Party Youth Union Central Committee Chrun Theravat, the President of the Indian Confederation of Young Leaders; the Communist Youth Association of Switzerland, the Socialist Youth of Venezuela, and the Young Communist League of Nepal sent condolence messages to the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

The President of the World Federation of Trade Unions, the ASEAN Confederation of Employers, the Austrian Trade Union Federation, and the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus also cabled letters and messages of condolences to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour.

The President of the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development Association, the Russian Peace Road Foundation, the Russian Legal Centre for Peace, the Women's International Democratic Federation (WIDF), the Federation of Cuban Women, and the Permanent Secretariat of the ASEAN Confederation of Womens Organisations sent condolences to the Vietnam Women's Union.

The Confederation of Veterans in South East Asia and the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans' League condoled the Veterans Association of Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Enrique Manalo, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Penny Wong extended condolences to Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

To express admiration, respect and profound grief for the Party General Secretary, the Vietnamese communities abroad and various Vietnamese associations in Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Macau (China) also sent condolences and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the cause of national construction, defence and development, including the OV affairs and his sentiments toward OVs.

SPECIAL COMMUNIQUE on Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs passing away The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, and the Government and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front have issued a special communique, announcing that General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 1:38pm on July 19, 2024, and his funeral will be held as a national mourning.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins Houston elected officials in a news conference in May at Fonde Community Center in Houston. FEMA is increasing the number of staff at its call centers after residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl reported wait times as long as four days through the agencys helpline. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is increasing the number of staff at its call centers after residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl reported wait times as long as four days through the agencys helpline.

Users on X said FEMAs automated phone system warned callers that they could be on hold for as long as 7000 minutes. Some even said they were hung up on after waiting hours for an update on the status of their FEMA assistance application.

A spokesperson for the agency said that, despite the additional strain from the influx of applications filed in the aftermath of Beryl, FEMA is doing everything it can to speed up the claims process.

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HOW TO GET HELP: Who's eligible for FEMA assistance and how long it will take to get paid?

We are collectively doing everything possible to streamline our processes, increase staffing, and expedite inspections, said a representative for FEMA Region 6, which includes Texas. We are increasing the number of staff in the call center to ensure quicker service.

The spokesperson said that if residents havent heard back from FEMA regarding their claim, they should check for updates through the agencys app or on DisasterAssistance.gov. They also recommended calling but did not provide guidance for individuals who encountered exceedingly long hold times.

Delays that can tie up an application

Thomas Vazquez, a press officer for Texas Health and Human Services, told the Chronicle in an email Tuesday that his agency has been tasked with disbursing funds approved through FEMAs Other Needs Assistance program. Vasquez said ONA is the umbrella program that includes Serious Needs Assistance, which is the program that provides a $750 grant for food and other necessities, and relief for displacement and other temporary issues related to Beryl.

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Generally, Vazquez said, it takes Texas HHSC a little over a week after they receive approval from FEMA to allocate the money to a residents account.

HHSC is processing approved requests related to Hurricane Beryl relief from FEMA and our Other Needs Assistance (ONA) staff are diligently working to distribute payments accordingly, Vazquez said. The general timeline for people to receive a payment after approval is 10 days.

Delays related to insurance verification, residency, citizenship and other clerical issues can tie up an application before it reaches Texas HHSC, however. Proactively uploading documents that prove identity, insurance coverage, occupancy and property ownership can help mitigate any potential slow downs.

Additionally, residents that receive a rejection letter from the agency should check the notification for more information regarding appeals and what options are available.

You may receive a message indicating that you have not been referred to FEMAs Individuals and Households Program, a FEMA representative told the Chronicle. At the bottom of that notification, FEMA will outline what additional information is needed to progress your application.

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Applicants with roommates, or those with multiple families living under the same roof, may also have to provide additional documentation explaining their living situation before receiving assistance.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (23 July 2024)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 71st Jaeger Brigade, 107th, 127th territorial defence brigades, and 13th National Guard Brigade near Staritsa, Krugloye, Volchansk, and Liptsy (Kharkov region).

Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 42nd Mechanised Brigade, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, and 92nd Air Assault Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm self-propelled artillery system, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, three 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one field ammunition depot.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 43rd, 63rd, 116th mechanised brigades, 4th Tank Brigade, 3rd Assault Brigade, and 12th Azov Special Operations Brigade near Sinkovka, Zagoruykovka, Novoyegorovka (Kharkov region), Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and Serebryansky forestry.

Two counter-attacks launched by units of the AFU 66th Mechanised Brigade and 112th Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 490 Ukrainian troops, one tank, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, one UK-made L-119 105-mm howitzer, and two field ammunition depots.

As a result of active actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Ivano-Daryevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and took more advantageous lines.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of the AFU 23rd, 24th, 30th, 53rd, 93rd mechanised brigades, 5th Assault Brigade, 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, 46th, 81st airmobile brigades, 114th, and 117th territorial defence brigades near Kalinin, Verkhnekamenskoye, Antonovka, Krasnogorovka, Konstantinovka, Zaliznyanskoye, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 750 Ukrainian troops, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, and six motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, four 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzers were neutralised.

Moreover, two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations, two U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery warfare radar stations, and six AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 31st, 41st, 47th mechanised brigades, 25th Airborne Brigade, and 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Toretsk, Dimitrov, Grodovka, Rozovka, Kamishevka, and Novosyolovka Pervaya (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Six counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 32nd, 53rd, 151st mechanised brigades, 68th Jaeger Brigade, and 95th Air Assault Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 405 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, including one M1A1 Abrams tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun, and three field ammunition depots.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 37th Marines Brigade, 129th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 17th National Guard Brigade near Vodyanoye, Vremevka, Prechistovka, Makarovka, and Razdolnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 115 Ukrainian troops, seven motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 towed howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade, 141st Infantry Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, and 126th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novodanilovka, Novoandreyevka (Zaporozhye region), and Tokaryovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, one Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station, and one field ammunition depot.

Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one ST68 mobile radar station for detecting and tracking low-altitude targets, one UAV workshop, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 138 areas.

Air defence units shot down three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, 15 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, 151 unmanned aerial vehicles, including 82 unmanned aerial vehicles over the territory of the Russian Federation.

In total, 630 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 28,269 unmanned aerial vehicles, 554 air defence missile systems, 16,638 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,382 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 12,294 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 23,977 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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WtR
According to the MoD of Russia, an Iskander-M system was used in the ballistic missile strike, which is believed to have killed over 50 NATO instructors and NATO operators. The facility was situated in Dergachi, a town in the Kharkov region (confirmed as 50+ British)

It seems that Russia struck a NATO facility in Ukraine, killing a large number of the specialists who were in charge of the war, gathering intelligence, and selecting targets. Its also possible that these mercenaries were operating NATO weapons that are too sophisticated for the Neo-Nazis to handle

They are valid targets, as stated by Putin. Take them out, no holds barred!

Dozens of strikes in the last few weeks and you see NATO having convulsions and Zelensky now crying for peace to save lives. Hmm

WtR
Ever since Troy Finner suddenly retired in May, he has kept a low profile.

The former Houston police chief has declined to speak with most members of the media and, aside from a small retirement celebration, rarely appeared in public. Meanwhile, a massive internal investigation continues into the departments suspension of more than 200,000 cases  a scandal Finner first went public with earlier this year that eventually led to his ouster.

But now, as city leadership prepares to name Finners permanent replacement, the 34-year veteran of HPD said he feels compelled to speak.

In a series of exclusive interviews with the Chronicle, Finner said hes concerned that the city and police department are trying to bury the full details of a disturbing truth he aimed to expose: That the police department in the nations fourth-largest city had for almost a decade been routinely shelving investigations into serious criminal activity by labeling them with the code Suspended  Lack of Personnel, or SL.

This failure is gonna come back and bite us, Finner said. And thats what I was trying to prevent.

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Houston Police Chief Troy Finner speaks during a press conference in December, 2023, in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Houston Police Chief Troy Finner speaks during a press conference addressing safety measures taken at the NCAA football national championship game and surrounding events at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, left, and Mayor John Whitmire sit together before the mayor spoke the Houston Area Chiefs of Police during a public safety summit at Houston Crime Stoppers on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

When Finner was still chief, he pledged to confront the issue head-on. He launched a sprawling internal probe in February and released bi-weekly updates about its progress to the public. He also committed to releasing a full report of the departments findings, at one point indicating that could happen in early May 2024, shortly before he left.

Finner is worried the department wont keep those promises now that hes gone. Updates have dried up, he pointed out. The commander of HPDs internal affairs department has been reassigned to another division. And the report has yet to come out.

Agencies all across the country are watching us, he said. This is our opportunity to do something and lead the way. So Im proud to take the blows. But tell the whole story.

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In a brief interview Monday, Mayor John Whitmire rejected Finners concerns and insisted that the report would be released soon, though he did not commit to a firm date.

Its coming, he said. It will be comprehensive.

The police department did not respond to requests for comment.

Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston Police Officers Union, said he was disappointed Finner had chosen to speak out about the investigation before it was complete. He agreed with concerns that the department has reassigned its internal affairs commander, but otherwise said that Finner is wrong.

Anyone who believes this is being swept under the rug, I think theyre mistaken, he said. HPOU will not allow that to happen, and Im confident the mayor wont allow that to happen.

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Houston Police Officers Union executive director Ray Hunt talks to the press on Sept. 10, 2020, in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer

Email exchange in 2018 didnt fully register

Finner said he deeply regrets that he failed to grasp the extent of the tossed criminal investigations sooner.

He said the department and its leaders  himself included  were so busy, and the use of the SL code was so normalized, that the severity of the issue simply didnt register with anyone in leadership. So when he received an email from an HPD staffer that explicitly mentioned the code in 2018, even he didnt grasp its significance.

The email discussed a hit-and-run investigation that the vehicular crimes unit had shelved back in 2018. It was a road rage case that was Suspended  Lack of Personnel, the staffer wrote, using bolded font and underlining the words for emphasis, even though there is a full license plate and suspect description to include a statement by the witness that they can ID the suspect.

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The staffer sent the email to both then-Police Chief Art Acevedo and Finner, who was overseeing the patrol divisions and the vehicular crimes unit at the time. Also copied on it was Kevin Deese, who was then the commander of the vehicular crimes unit.

Kevin, this is unacceptable, Finner wrote back on July 20, 2018, records show. Look into it and follow up with me.

SEARCH OUR DATABASE: Has HPD suspended an investigation into an incident you reported?

Whitmire called the leaked email exchange the "final straw" that led him to ask for Finner's retirement. But Finner has repeatedly said, and he reiterated in his interview with the Chronicle, that he has no memory of it and that it would not have been his responsibility to look into the matter further. Thats because the code was only in use by the departments investigative divisions, which he was not in charge of at the time.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner speaks to the media during a press conference about the 250,000-plus cases that were suspended for lack of staffing at HPD headquarters on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

I was patrol chief, and I read the email and just saw it as someone getting screwed over, he said.

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Finner said that while he couldnt recall the specifics, he probably decided the issue was handled after he talked with Deese directly. Six years later, Deese  who was by then an assistant chief over numerous investigative divisions  was one of two HPD senior leaders who Finner demoted due to his alleged role in the suspended cases scandal.

That demotion has drawn harsh criticism from union officials and former department staffers, including Hunt and Greg Fremin, a retired HPD captain who is getting his doctorate at Sam Houston State University.

He has shattered so many glass ceilings, said Fremin of Deese, a widely renowned black leader at the department. To have him be publicly shamed without giving him due process? It begs to be answered.

Deese, who is now a commander of the department's Hobby Airport division, declined to comment. Finner declined to discuss his decision to demote Deese, calling him a good man.

A 2021 meeting falls short again

Three years after Finner exchanged emails about the code with Deese, it came across his radar again. In his interview with the Chronicle, he offered more details about a meeting of executive staff where he claims he first grasped the issues significance.

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It was November of 2021, and representatives from the special victims division were speaking to Finner and other department leaders about their need for more resources. Matt Slinkard, his executive assistant chief and one of his most trusted confidantes, was in attendance, he said. So was Jim Jones, who oversaw the investigative divisions at HPD.

The meeting wasnt specifically about the use of the SL code, but the former chief said he saw it on a PowerPoint slide.

What is this code? he remembers asking. You guys, we cannot use this code in this division. If yall need some more people, come and tell me.

Finner says he doesnt remember any discussion of a draft circular, or a department-wide memo, that proposed eliminating the code from the departments records system. Leaked copies of such a document have appeared in media reports for months.

But the circular wouldnt have addressed the larger issue, he said, which is that no one told him the codes use was more widespread  even though records show that Slinkard had learned about the issue months ago.

Jones, Slinkard, didnt tell me a thing in that meeting, Finner said.

After the meeting, documents show, Jones, Slinkard and other senior leaders debated whether a circular was necessary to fix the problem. Slinkard also instructed Jones to make sure that all investigative divisions at HPD stopped using the code. Instead, some divisions began using it even more frequently. And the day after the meeting, the Astroworld tragedy occurred.

Not an excuse, a fact, Finner said. But I trusted senior members to be straight up and honest with me, (and) also to follow my directive. And that didnt happen. And I think that we all need to take responsibility for that.

Slinkard, a 29-year HPD veteran who retired last year and was highly regarded for helping eliminate a backlog of more than 6,000 rape kits at the department, declined to comment, saying only that he wished to respect the process of the ongoing internal investigation. Jones, who resigned earlier this year while under investigation for his role in the scandal, did not respond to a request for comment.

Hunt, the executive director of the police union, said Finners account is misleading. He said Slinkard and Jones had been working for months to gather information for Finner, along with then-Assistant Chief Ernest Garcia.

Yet Finner chose to demote Garcia and to publicly identify Jones as a target and/or witness during the investigation, Hunt pointed out.

This is unacceptable, Hunt said. At some point, the buck needs to stop at the top.

Garcia, who is now a patrol commander at the department, did not respond to requests for comment.

Finner declined to comment further on his disciplinary actions against Jones and Garcia.

"I'm at the point where I don't think anyone else should be disciplined over this, because it was such a high-level failure of leadership," he said. "As a chief, you take on some of that responsibility. I put those people in place."

The story needs to be told

The picture fully coalesced in November 2023 when Executive Assistant Chief Ban Tien approached Finner, he recalled. A man had just been accused of robbing a Fiesta grocery store and then breaking into a womans home, where he raped her at gunpoint while her husband was tied up in the next room.

The incident was so horrific it had caught the attention of federal authorities, who then discovered that the same man had been identified as an assailant in a rape case more than a year earlier  one that investigators had shelved using the SL code.

Tien told Finner that investigative divisions across the department were using the code  and had been for years.

In my opinion, Ban Tien should get a lot of credit for this, Finner said. He had the courage to come and tell me  when I expected other people of high rank to come and tell me  whats going on.

Finner said he convened his senior leadership team and ordered a full review. In February 2024, he went public, assigning more than 100 people to look through every suspended case file and to reach out to victims. On April 30, he announced the investigation was complete and that its results could be released after a standard review process.

Finner said he hoped to replicate what happened after the department finished its examination of the Astroworld tragedy  an unprecedented release of a 1,266-page, albeit heavily-redacted, report that details HPDs investigation into one of the largest mass casualty concert events in U.S. history.

The only thing we can do is move forward and make sure that this doesn't happen again, he said. That's why the story needs to be told, the whole true story needs to be told.

But before that could happen, a series of documents leaked  including the 2018 emails, which contradicted his repeated claims that he didnt know about the code until 2021. Worse, the emails had not been included in the complete investigation that was under review  though Finner says that was not his doing.

Another document that leaked raised more questions about the integrity of the investigation. The document, a letter from another department leader, served as the official request to launch the probe in the first place. But the person who wrote it, Executive Assistant Chief Chandra Hatcher, had made a serious error: She claimed she had attended the November 2021 meeting, when records show she actually wasn't there.

Hunt, the police union director, said Hatchers mistake launched a spinoff investigation that delayed the conclusion of the original one.

Why did she write that letter if she wasnt there? he asked.

Hatcher, who is still at the department, did not respond to requests for comment.

Finner said the 2018 email exchanges and the Hatcher letter were not smoking guns that should have fundamentally changed the investigation. They were used as excuses to oust him, he alleged, when the real issue was that Whitmire and the department were ready to move on.

Indeed, in a press conference shortly after Finners sudden departure announcement, Whitmire said the investigation "had become such a distraction that I was convinced the department had lost some of its focus to address hot spots and response times.

Fremin, the former HPD captain, agreed with Finners take on the situation.

The minute that Finner was cut loose, it just all kind of went away, he said. You dont hear anything about it coming out of City Hall right now.
Runners from around the world stopped at Winona's city hall Tuesday afternoon as part of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run before heading to La Crosse on Wednesday.

The runners met with Winona Mayor Scott Sherman and city manager Chad Ubl, along with community members who passed by during the visit, to pass the peace torch they have carried on their route.

The run, which takes participants through both Canada and the United States, started in New York in mid-April and is expected to end back in New York in mid-August.

The runners have already traveled through cities such as Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Memphis, St. Louis, Santa Fe, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Minneapolis.

Participant Gianluca Marangon of Croatia said that the run, which has taken place in over 150 nations and territories around the world, started in 1987 to show that all people are one family and part of the same planet.

We might be from different nationalities from different countries, but when we come together we can create a world of peace," Marangon said.

The run is designed as a rally, with participants taking turns running along the path and making stops along the way in different communities to interact with community members.

Harita Davies of New Zealand, who first participated in the peace run in her home country in 1997, said the style of run is symbolic for how world peace could be.

"I think (if) we all take a few steps, all those steps really add up, Davies said.

She said people don't have to make big actions toward peace to help the world, but instead everyone can do their own part toward peace in their home communities.

Davies has continued doing the run over the years as a way to share a positive message while also meeting new people from all over the world, she said.

By running around the world, this time across America, we're passing the torch of peace to each and every individual so they can make their own wish for peace," Marangon said.

He said the torch carried during the run helps connect people across communities and countries.

The run also shows that people from multiple countries can work together as a team, he said. Runners who stopped in Winona came from a wide variety of countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Croatia, New Zealand and more.

"It unites people regardless of their culture, religion, race," said runner Anna Khimchinskaia of Russia as she stood with fellow Ukranian runner Ruslana Kupinets Tuesday in Winona.

With tension present between and in countries around the globe, Marangon said the run is important.

"It gives people hope that there are positive things happening, that we can create a world of peace," he said. "Our message is that peace begins with us in every individual. When we create peace in ourselves, when we can feel peace inside our hearts, we will be able to share it with others.

The peace run also stopped in La Crosse this week.

The runners met with youth at the Erickson Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday morning.

The stop was a part of their journey Wednesday from La Crescent to Richland Center, Wisconsin.

The runners will make their way to Madison on Thursday before then heading toward Chicago.

Global peace run stops in La Crosse
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On October 23, a highly significant hearing was set to take place in the Kyiv Court of Appeals, one that has been shrouded in secrecy. Alexandr Katsuba, who was convicted in 2017 for embezzling nearly half a billion UAH from Naftogaz, is challenging his conviction. It is unclear whether the hearing occurred, but efforts to keep it quiet are evident.

Back in 2017, Alexandr Katsuba fully admitted his guilt, struck a deal with the investigators, and avoided a prison sentence. Now, six years later, he is seeking to overturn his conviction in a case where he had already compensated for the losses. The amount he repaid was significantly reduced to 100 million UAH. Katsuba spent a few months in pre-trial detention, which was counted as one and a half years of his sentence under the Savchenko Law. While the minimum sentence for his charge is seven years, and the maximum is twelve, the plea deal resulted in a different outcome.

The crux of the issue lies in the amount of damages Katsuba repaid. Initial calculations for the Boykos rigs alone estimated losses at up to 300 million USD. Initially, Alexandr Katsuba was accused of embezzling up to a billion UAH, later reduced to 450 million, but ultimately, the figure was magically lowered to 100 million UAH. This reduction in the embezzled amount raises serious questions. The plea deal suggests the evidence against Katsuba was exceptionally strong, otherwise, the case would have likely collapsed.

Katsubas current attempt to overturn his conviction raises further intrigue. The reopening of the appeal period and the basis for this appeal are questionable. It is apparent that significant resources are being invested in this legal battle, as well as in rebranding Alexandr Katsubas public image. He has been actively appearing in the media as an expert and volunteer, with extensive PR efforts portraying him positively. This rebranding campaign includes numerous paid articles, suggesting a strategic effort to rehabilitate his image.

Alexandr Katsubas family has a history of political and business influence. Katsubas father, Volodymyr, held significant positions, including leadership in the Kharkiv District Council and two terms as a member of parliament from the Party of Regions. In 2019, the Katsuba family was a major sponsor of Shariys party. However, after the 2019 presidential elections, they retreated from the public eye, and Alexandr shifted his allegiance, appearing in the circles around President Zelensky.

Despite his past, Alexandr Katsuba is now portraying himself as a friend of the president, volunteer, businessman, and expert. The upcoming decision of the Kyiv Court of Appeals could potentially remove the thief label from Katsubas record, reestablishing him as a legitimate figure in Ukrainian politics and business, an outcome that explains the secrecy surrounding the court proceedings.

    
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, attends a Memorial Day ceremony at Houston National Cemetery on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The family of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee will hold funeral and tribute services for the late congresswoman from Monday through Thursday next week.

Jackson Lee, one of the longest-serving members of Congress, died last week at the age of 74 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Here are the details:

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Monday: Jackson Lee will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Houston City Hall, making the late congresswoman the second person to receive this honor. The first was Dr. Michael DeBakey, a heart surgeon, who died in 2008. Jackson Lees family will be at City Hall for a brief ceremony with Mayor John Whitmire and City Council members.

Tuesday: A viewing and remembrance event at Gods Grace Community Church, 9944 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday: A viewing event at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave., Houston, from 11 a.m. to 3p.m., and a community farewell and appreciation service, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday: A celebration of life service at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Rd, Houston, at 11 a.m.

All events will be live-streamed, according to the announcement.

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The Lee Family is grateful for the thoughtful expressions of love, appreciation and support as they celebrate the life of their beloved Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the family said in a statement.


Management's Discussion and Analysis

Toronto, July 24, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") provides a review of the operational performance of Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ).



The report was prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 51-102, Continuous Disclosure Obligations, and it should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2024 (the "Financial Statements"). The Financial Statements and the accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). All dollar amounts are reported in Canadian dollars ("CAD") unless otherwise stated. This document is dated July 10, 2024.



The Board of Directors of the Company have reviewed and approved the information contained in this MD&A and the Financial Statements.



Readers are cautioned that this MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements.



Additional information relating to the Company can be found on the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SedarPlus") at www.sedarplus.ca.



*To view the MD&A, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/26W1Y550



To view the full year statutory accounts, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/4N2UMF5J





About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.





Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects.



The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor.



The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.

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Unity declaration brings 'precious hope' to Palestinian people: China

(People's Daily App) 09:47, July 24, 2024

Representatives of 14 Palestinian factions have signed a declaration pledging to end division and strengthen unity after three days of reconciliation dialogue in Beijing, China said on Tuesday.

"This event, bringing together all 14 factions for reconciliation talks in Beijing, has provided precious hope for the suffering Palestinian people," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press briefing.

The declaration praises China's efforts to support the rights of the Palestinian people, end divisions and unify the Palestinian position, Mao said.

"It emphasizes the need to hold an internationally authorized conference with broad regional and international participation under the auspices of the United Nations," she said. "The declaration acknowledges that the reconciliation dialogue has demonstrated a positive and constructive spirit and agrees to achieve national unity encompassing all factions within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people."

The declaration reaffirms commitment to establishing an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital city based on relevant UN resolutions and ensuring the integrity of Palestinian territory including the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza, Mao said.

The declaration also underlines the needs to form a temporary national reconciliation government, reconstruct Gaza, host general elections and establish a collective mechanism to fully implement the declaration's provisions, she said.

Citing Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the ministry spokesperson said, "The most important consensus from the Beijing talks is to achieve the reconciliation and unity among the 14 factions.

"The core outcome is the affirmation of the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people.

"The biggest highlight is the agreement on establishing an interim government of national reconciliation focusing on the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza and the strongest call is for truly establishing an independent State of Palestine in accordance with relevant UN resolutions."

In response to the Gaza conflict, China has proposed a three-step initiative, Mao said.

"It calls for promoting a comprehensive and lasting cease-fire in Gaza and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid and rescue, upholding the principle of Palestinian self-governance and working together in post-war governance in Gaza, and helping Palestine become a full member of the UN and implementing the two-State solution," she said.

"China views Palestine as a trustworthy friend and partner. We sincerely hope that Palestinian factions will achieve national unity and independence based on internal reconciliation," said Mao.

(Compiled by Fan Xiaoyu)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CHARGE ZONE to strengthen HMILs EV roadmap for India, in line with Government of Indias EV adoption strategies. Under the MoU, CHARGE ZONE will install DC 60 kW fast chargers across 100 HMIL dealerships in India. The MoU was signed by Mr. Jae Wan Ryu, Function Head - Corporate Planning, HMIL and Mr. Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO - CHARGE ZONE, at the HMIL headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. The strategic partnership aims to aid the expansion of public EV charging infrastructure in India. These public EV charging stations will also provide convenience to all EV users for intercity and intracity travel with an EV, considering the locations of dealerships across cities and highways.

Commenting on the next phase of HMILs EV roadmap, Mr. Jae Wan Ryu, Function Head - Corporate Planning, HMIL, said, As India aims for greater adoption of electric mobility, it is equally important to bolster the EV charging infrastructure to counter range-anxiety and build customer preference towards adoption of electric mobility. By engaging in a strategic partnership with CHARGE ZONE, we are moving towards strengthening HMILs EV charging network, with 100 Hyundai dealerships now to be equipped with DC 60 kW fast chargers. All EV users (Hyundai & Non-Hyundai) will benefit from the augmented network of DC fast charging stations, accessible through the myHyundai app or through the CHARGE ZONE app. Such strategic alliances are crucial for accelerating the adoption of electric mobility solutions by customers and achieving Indias carbon neutrality goals.

Mr. Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO - CHARGE ZONE, highlighted the strategic partnership, emphasizing, Over the past five years, CHARGE ZONE has developed a renewable energy-powered EV charging network for electric cars and electric buses in India. Our collaboration with Hyundai Motor India Limited aims to enhance infrastructure for

4-Wheeler Electric Vehicles (BEVs), ensuring easy access and dynamic availability, providing a reliable and seamless charging experience.

Currently HMIL has 19 dealerships equipped with DC 60 kW public EV charging stations. Together with CHARGE ZONE, HMIL aims to expand to additional 100 charging stations located at its dealerships with reliable and hassle-free charging experience, along with 24x7 customer support system.

HMIL, under its holistic EV roadmap, has invested to build an ever-growing EV charging network across the nation with DC 180 kW and DC 60 kW chargers. Besides its dealership network, HMIL additionally operates 15 more fast charging stations spread across key cities and highways in nine Indian states.

HMIL has also developed a dedicated Charging Management System (CMS) platform -

EV Charge hosted within the myHyundai mobile app, which enables EV customers across all OEM brands to avail seamless EV charging experience. The CMS enables EV users to locate charging points of various CPO chargers, charging slot booking, remote monitoring and digital payment. CHARGE ZONEs network of chargers is also available in EV Charge section on myHyundai app along with HMILs own chargers and those from third-party charging point operators.

Read more: Hyundai Motor India Limited partners with Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 14
Streax Professional, a trendsetter in professional hair care, dazzled at the 5th edition of its MEGA SHOW 2024 in Mumbai, celebrating creativity and skill in the salon industry. Held at The Lalit on July 22, 2024, this one-day extravaganza showcased cutting-edge techniques and trend-setting styles.

The MEGA SHOW 2024 was an immersive experience, providing a dynamic platform for cut, color, and style enthusiasts. The event showcased six extraordinary looks from Streax Professionals highly anticipated SPECTRUM collection, captivating the audience with its vibrant and versatile themes. Designed to educate and inspire, the event highlighted Streax Professionals unwavering commitment to enhancing the skills and knowledge of salon partners. It emphasized the brands position as a fashion-forward authority in the beauty industry. With hands-on sessions and interactive demonstrations, the event underscored the significance of education, empowering salon professionals with cutting-edge techniques and trends.

Reflecting on the event's success Rochelle Chhabra, Head at Streax Professional, said, "At Streax Professional, we view education as the cornerstone of our industry. Our flagship event, the MEGA SHOW, is dedicated to equipping the salon community with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. This premier platform provides in-depth training on the latest international trends and advanced techniques, ensuring our professionals remain at the forefront of hair fashion while celebrating exceptional talent within our community. Our focus on education ensures that international trends are translated into practical, actionable techniques for our salon community. By providing in-depth training, we help salonists adapt these global trends to their own practices, enhancing their creativity and skills.

She further added, The 5th edition of the MEGA SHOW proudly unveils the groundbreaking SPECTRUM Collection. Building on the success of past collections like Retro Remix, Marigold, Mercurial, and Kaleidoscope, SPECTRUM showcases a stunning range of vibrant, sophisticated, and transformative colors. This collection is not just about introducing new shades; it represents our commitment to innovation and creativity, embodying individuality, confidence, and style.

Priyanka Puri, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Streax Professional, added, "Streax Professional is a trendsetter in the industry, consistently capitalizing the latest international styles. Our unique edge lies in our deep understanding of Indian hair, enabling us to adapt global trends to suit Indian hair and skin tones.

The Streax Professional MEGA SHOW series exemplifies our dedication to the salon community by showcasing the latest trends and techniques. This year, we are thrilled to introduce the SPECTRUM Collection, featuring innovative products such as Funky Colors in Blue, Green, Yellow, and Orange. Additionally, we have launched our new range of Argan Secrets Hair Color - High Lift Shades. Each look is designed to push boundaries and reflect evolving fashion and consumer preferences. Starting in Mumbai and expanding nationwide, our goal is to inspire and engage hair stylists and salons across India with our vibrant, high-quality offerings."

Vipul Chudasama, Creative Director at Streax Professional, emphasized, The SPECTRUM collection showcased at MEGA SHOW 2024 embodies the essence of modern beauty, blending innovation with artistry. Its inspiring to see our salon partners embrace these looks with such enthusiasm and creativity.

Following the triumph in Mumbai, Streax Professional is excited to bring MEGA SHOW 2024 to other major cities, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Chandigarh. Each event promises to deliver an unparalleled experience of learning and inspiration, fostering a community of highly skilled and fashion-forward salon professionals.

The MEGA SHOW 2024 will take place in the following cities:

Delhi: August 6, 2024

Ahmedabad: August 13, 2024

Guwahati: August 27, 2024

Kolkata: September 3, 2024

Chandigarh: September 10, 2024

Read More: Streax Professional unveils digital ad starring Vaani Kapoor, Vipul Chudasama
SW Network recently announced its partnership with Microsoft to promote GroupMe, a renowned chat messaging app.



Microsoft GroupMe is a popular college chat app in the US, that has recently launched in India to amplify and foster student connections on college campuses. SW Network has kickstarted a GroupMe campus ambassador program at Symbiosis, Pune. This strategic partnership of student leaders and GroupMe ensures that the program meets the needs and interests of the student community. This program is to help support GroupMe adoption through community-led activations centered around the needs and interests of university scholars.

The GroupMe Campus Leaders Community is comprised of active and involved Symbiosis students. These leaders will facilitate and lead offline events, initiate engaging conversations in the University GroupMe app, and promote extensive student involvement. The ambassador campaign features various activities for students, such as stand-up comedy tours, prom nights, special events, surprise giveaways, and workshops conducted by influential Microsoft leaders. The invitations to these events are exclusively available to GroupMe users.

Pranav Agarwal, co-founder of SW Network, expressed his vision about the launch collaboration, stating, From our understanding of the Indian student pool, we believe that this collaboration reflects our commitment to employing tactical digital strategies that not only promote but also deeply engage with the young minds. Through our carefully curated campus ambassador program at Symbiosis Pune, we aimed to leverage our deep understanding of the student audience to foster genuine connections and build a thriving student community. By organizing attractive events and also utilizing the influence of our campus leaders, we aim to make GroupMe - the preferred communication platform for students all across India. We believe this initiative goes beyond mere promotion of an app; It's more about creating meaningful interactions and contributing to the development of a vibrant and thriving student ecosystem in our country.

Commenting on this strategic partnership, Priyadarshini Verma, Microsoft India, said, The launch of Microsoft GroupMe in India was a much-needed initiator for the student community. Through GroupMe, we aim to revolutionize how students connect and communicate, fostering a sense of community and engagement on campuses across the country. By partnering with SW Network, we are not only promoting a powerful communication platform but also creating more meaningful, productive interactions and opportunities for students. We believe that GroupMe will soon become an indispensable part of the student experience in India, driving innovation, collaboration, and fostering a stronger sense of belonging among students.
The Belgian Waffle Co, one of the largest waffle brands in India celebrated the National Waffle Day, an initiative they introduced to India a few years ago. And, year on year the event has been getting huge responses from all the waffle enthusiasts in the country, leaving them in a state of bliss and indulgence. This year the excitement reached another high, leading to lakhs of fans queuing up at the brands 570+ stores PAN India on 19th July.

With delectable waffles offered at just Rs 100 on this day, which happens just once a year for the brand, the National Waffle Day on July 19th is the day waffle fans keenly await every year. The campaign theme of #EveryoneKnows, conceptualised by the agency SoCheers, capitalised on the huge popularity of the event, especially among its young target audience. It hit an instant chord with those who knew about the event and also cleverly created FOMO amongst those who were yet to discover it. This years campaign saw some remarkable marketing strategies that had everyone talk about it and appreciate it across social platforms.

The well-planned rollout of the campaign commenced when the internet saw a young fan mentioning 19th July as The National Waffle Day among historic events in an answer paper during a school exam, which had meme pages creating fun content around. Riding on this, the campaign skilfully generated buzz across digital platforms through famous influencers who tried promoting the campaign but couldnt because everyone already knew about it. The relatability of the content made it viral with 6M+ views achieved in less than 24 hours.

As the campaign gained momentum, the brand utilised its packaging smartly and gave away a fake INR 100 note with every Zomato & Swiggy order, reminding them about the offer of Any waffle at Rs 100. This creative tactic was well-received and had consumers and marketing enthusiasts appreciating this on social platforms like Instagram & LinkedIn. The brand also utilised one of their last years viral CGI video that had a pilot-less helicopter soaring the skies, promoting the National Waffle Day offer. The missing pilot was seen skydiving with an offer placard in a fun video this year. This was further supported by an interesting collaboration with a recently famous Spotify ad voice-over personality, who promoted the offer in her playful style.

As the day approached closer, the campaign saw multiple levers establishing the importance of the day and the irresistible offer through eye-catching billboards and bus shelters across key cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Kolkata etc. One of their digital hoardings on WEH in Mumbai had the brand giving GOOD NEWS ON 19Th July playing right after the Bad Newz movie promotion which happened to release on the same day as the event. This was a great example of Moment Marketing done right! The brands employees further joined the bandwagon in promoting the most important day by posting their pictures with creative and fun placards on their LinkedIn profiles.

And, all of this, resulted in a humongous success for the brand with the campaign reach and engagement hitting a 100M+ mark and lakhs of the brands fans queuing up outside their stores despite heavy rainfall in many cities. The day witnessed over 5 lakh footfall in a single day across the brands 570+ stores in PAN India, resulting in an astonishing surge in their business.

Ankit Patel, Executive Director and CEO of The Belgian Waffle Co, shared his joy, stating, The National Waffle Day is not just a day; its an emotion for us and our consumers alike. Over the years, the event has only gotten bigger and better; this year it soared to another high. It reflects the brands commitment to customer delight and showcases our ability to deliver a superior product experience at scale. The cutting-edge marketing campaign, meticulous planning, and operational prowess made the event what it was. The National Waffle Day is a testament to the brands ability to create genuine experiences, beyond product.

Vrushali Parab, Marketing Head at The Belgian Waffle Co, shared her thoughts on the success of the campaign, stating Over the years we have realised that The National Waffle Day is a phenomenon among our GenZ target group and the task of making it bigger year-on-year is daunting. The campaign theme of #Everyoneknows was a true reflection of our consumer voice, which helped us carve a multi-faced campaign strategy that resonated with our fans. Innovation, creativity, and an intuitive understanding of consumer preferences made the campaign a massive success, exceeding all expectations. Witnessing the digital-first campaign seamlessly driving huge tangible footfall at stores is a true campaign achievement.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the critically acclaimed Nickelodeon animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, Viacom18 Consumer Products is all set for a yearlong celebration featuring exciting new collaborations and exclusive merchandise. The licensing and merchandising arm of Viacom 18 has partnered with several major artists, such as Raul Urias and Jisu Choi, Daniel Mackey and Berthet One, and Dennis Gabbana and Tik Ka from East. Additionally, the celebration brings fans closer to their favourite character with an exclusive collection of swimwear, rainwear, bucket hats, tote bags, and more.

Sachin Puntambekar, Head - Viacom18 Consumer Products, said, "SpongeBob SquarePants is an iconic global franchise that has captured the imagination of fans for 25 years. As we celebrate this milestone, were excited to tap into the creator and artist economy for unique designs and exclusive merchandise. This campaign is a testament to our commitment towards immersive experiences that extend beyond the screen, transcending into the lives of our audiences."

Leaving no stone unturned for the SpongeBob SquarePants fandom, Viacom18 Consumer Products has planned an extensive marketing campaign spanning TV, retail, and digital activations. This includes SpongeBob and Patrick figurines at retail stores, takeovers, and dedicated character pages on D2C partner websites, collaborations with influencers, and promotional campaigns on popular channels such as Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1, and JioCinema.

Also read: UTT Extends Deal with Viacom18 to Boost India's Table Tennis Revolution
Supreme Court Orders Status Quo at Shambhu Border, Proposes Independent Committee 2

The Supreme Court has ordered that the status quo be maintained at the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been camping since February 13, following the ongoing protests over agricultural issues. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan, plans to set up an independent committee consisting of eminent individuals to engage with farmers and other stakeholders to formulate a fair and just solution.

The Court has directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to propose names for the committee members, or the Court will appoint suitable individuals. This directive is to be complied with within a week. The Court emphasized that maintaining the status quo is essential to prevent escalation at the Shambhu border.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has instructed both states to remove the barricades at the Shambhu border in phases to minimize public inconvenience. The hearing stems from an appeal against a Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing the removal of barricades within seven days. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Haryana government, expressed concerns about potential law and order issues if the border is opened.

The bench stressed the need for the state to build trust with farmers and consider the appointment of a neutral arbitrator. The bench observed that the conflict has persisted for over a year and that blocking the national highway is unsustainable. The issue began when the Haryana government set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi highway, following farmers announcements to march to Delhi to demand, among other things, a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
In the middle of a cold January night in 1929, Harry Williams, an inmate at Alabamas State Penitentiary, was ambushed by fellow prisoners outside the rambling, red-brick prison. Williams  a trusty, an inmate trusted to move freely to do errands around the prison  was headed at 2:30 a.m. to wake the cooks to make breakfast when he was bound and gagged by eight men who were determined to escape, according to The Wetumpka Herald. All but one were under the age of 21.

Using homemade daggers, the men and boys then overpowered the night warden, locked him in a cell and took his keys and four guns. They left through the front door of the building, which, heavily adorned in Victorian-era gingerbread trim and surrounded by a white picket fence, looked more like a grand manor or tranquil retirement home than a penitentiary.

Guards quickly gathered in groups led by bloodhounds to search for the escapees.

Four of the inmates were injured after trying to steal gas from a service station in Wetumpka to fill the tank of an Essex car they stole from Pennington Motor Co. The service station owner opened fire on the escapees, shattering the front window and cutting the inmates.

Fleeing from gunfire, the men arrived at the nearby Coosa River, where they stole a boat and headed downstream. The Wetumpka Herald reported on Jan. 31, 1929, that the escapees, bloodhounds on their heels, abandoned the boat and took to the fields, where they were soon captured.

The second group of inmates, the newspaper said, headed to the railroad to hop a train but were caught at Coosada. All the escapees were back in their cells by noon that day.

The escape was just one of the dramatic events to take place at Alabamas first penitentiary near Wetumpka. The prison operated from 1842 until 1942. It went through numerous changes, beginning, as the states only penitentiary, as a prison for both men and women, and eventually housing a tuberculosis sanitarium, briefly acting as a youth detention center and finally as Alabamas womens facility until Julia Tutwiler Prison opened in 1942.

The first state-owned prison in Alabama was approved by the Legislature in 1839 and completed in 1841. The first inmate arrived in 1842.

A historical marker at the former site of the prison says: The Wetumpka State Penitentiary (WSP), originally known as the Alabama State Penitentiary, was the first state prison established in Alabama. Built on the east bank of the Coosa River in Wetumpka, Alabama, it was nicknamed the Walls of Alabama or Walls. For much of its existence, the prison housed both men and women in separate quarters.

Alabama Gov. Arthur P. Bagby placed the first cornerstone of the prison in March 1840. The prison cost $84,889 to build and included 208 cells.

Its appearance was unusual for a prison. The facility was so impressive that people went on outings to view the prison and sometimes picnicked there, photos show. Postcards of the main building were sold to tourists.

A postcard shows the inner yard of Alabama's first penitentiary near Wetumpka, built in 1841.Troy University

It is located on Alabama Highway 14 near the intersection of U.S. Highway 231 across from Elmore County Hospital. These days, a visitor to the site is hard-pressed to see its ruins  at least in summer, when kudzu gives them a lush-green blanket  and harder pressed to realize a huge facility that once operated on the barren lot. If you look closely, however, you can see there are some remnants of the original buildings, including brick supports, chimneys and utility outbuildings.

Red-brick pillars at the site of Alabama's first penitentiary near Wetumpka.Kelly Kazek

The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1973, but it is private property with much of it surrounded by a chain-link fence. Be sure to ask permission before going to the area. Check at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka.

According to the listing for the National Register, the original prison complex included three brick buildings surrounded on three sides by a 30-foot-high brick wall braced with modified engaged buttresses. The front side of the property was enclosed by the large main building which included an ornate, two-story porch with gingerbread trim. It also included a stable, barn, printers shop, laundry house and a brick hospital.

During the Civil War any prisoner willing to join the Confederate Army was pardoned, the National Register listing said. The remainder manufactured supplies for the soldiers. In 1865 federal troops opened the doors of the penitentiary and freed all of the convicts.

When it opened, the penitentiary was supposed to be self-sufficient without support from taxpayers but, according to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the effort failed decisively.

Red-brick pillar at the site of Alabama's first penitentiary near Wetumpka.Kelly Kazek

The prison industry of hand manufacturing of wagons and buggies, saddles and harnesses, shoes, and rope did not produce the capital necessary for self-sufficiency, the ADAH said. This disappointing drain on the tax coffers did not go unnoticed by the home rule public.

Some important dates in the prisons history:

1850

The first female convict was admitted to the prison. She received a 10-year sentence for murder, according to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. She was not named but the ADAH said she was kept in virtual solitary confinement in a single room of the prisons hospital.

The historical maker on the site of the ruins of Alabama's first penitentiary. Very little remains on the site except red-brick pillars.Kelly Kazek

1911

An article in the Oct. 10, 1911, edition of The Birmingham News said: Work on the tuberculosis hospital at the Wetumpka State penitentiary is progressing rapidly, and the plan, conceived because of the large number of deaths among prisoners from the white plague, is receiving the general approval of the state.

1922

The prison began housing only women, according to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. However, an article in The Wetumpka Herald said the men, or boys, who escaped in 1929, were there as part of an experiment to bring juvenile offenders to the prison for rehabilitation. The purpose of the change  is to remove the youths from the influence of more hardened criminals such as may be found at Kilby and Speigner Prisons, the article said. Only a few prisoners over the 21-year age limit are yet confined to the Wetumpka Prison and these are to be weeded out as soon as possible, it was said. There are approximately 250 prisoners confined to the penitentiary and most of them are employed in the states factory for manufacturing underwear.

1931

In January, a fire destroyed a portion of the Wetumpka prison. It was rebuilt and functioning again in 40 days.

1941

The name of the Wetumpka facility was changed to Julia Tutwiler Prison. That July, a beauty parlor was added for vocational education and rehabilitative purposes. Female inmates also learned to weave rugs and make drapes and bedspreads.

1942

In December, the current Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women was completed for a cost of $350,000 and had a capacity for 400 prisoners. Initially, Tutwiler was segregated. It had five cellblocks for Black prisoners and two for White prisoners, with separate dining halls.

1945

Beginning this year, the property of the old Wetumpka Prison was sold off in parcels.
By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press

Six places in the South and West will host practice runs four years prior to the 2030 U.S. census, a nationwide head count that helps determine political power and the distribution of federal funds.

Residents of western Texas; tribal lands in Arizona; Colorado Springs, Colorado; western North Carolina; Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Huntsville, Alabama, will be encouraged to fill out practice census questionnaires starting in the spring of 2026, U.S. Census Bureau officials said Monday.

The officials said they are unsure at this point how many people live in the areas that have been tapped for the test runs.

The statistical agency hopes the practice counts will help it learn how to better tally populations that were undercounted in the 2020 census; improve methods that will be utilized in 2030; test its messaging, and appraise its ability to process data as it is being gathered, Census Bureau officials said.

Our focus on hard-to-count and historically undercounted populations was a driver in the site selection, said Tasha Boone, assistant director of decennial census programs at the Census Bureau.

At the same time, the Census Bureau will send out practice census questionnaires across the U.S. to examine self-response rates among different regions of the country.

The six test sites were picked for a variety of reasons, including a desire to include rural areas where some residents dont receive mail or have little or no internet service; tribal areas; dorms, care facilities or military barracks; fast-growing locations with new construction; and places with varying unemployment rates.

Ahead of the last census in 2020, the only start-to-finish test of the head count was held in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2018. Plans for other tests were canceled because of a lack of funding from Congress.

The Black population in the 2020 census had a net undercount of 3.3%, while it was almost 5% for Hispanics and 5.6% for American Indians and Native Alaskans living on reservations. The non-Hispanic white population had a net overcount of 1.6%, and Asians had a net overcount of 2.6%, according to the 2020 census results.

The once-a-decade head count determines how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets. It also guides the distribution of $2.8 trillion in annual federal spending.
The Jefferson County Personnel Board has overturned the firing of a veteran sheriffs office sergeant who is the husband of Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Lynneice Washington.

Sheriff Mark Pettway in January terminated Sgt. Jude Washington, who long served on a federal drug task force before being moved from that position.

Washington was fired amid alleged violations of department rules and regulations, including conduct unbecoming a classified employee and violation of any rule or regulation of the appointing authority, and failure to comply with instructions made and given by a superior officer or supervisor.

Washington claimed the firing stemmed from a misconception that he was trying to help launch a federal investigation into Pettway. He appealed the firing, and hearings were held in June.

The hearing officer recommended Washington be reinstated and the board voted Tuesday to reinstate Washington.

It was not immediately clear when Washington will return to work, and where he will be assigned. Sheriffs officials do not comment on personnel matters.

The hearing officer in his July 5 report recommended that Washingtons termination be overturned even while determining the charges were substantiated and that JCSO met its burden of proof with respect to evidence presented and witness testimonies supporting the policy and procedure violations charged.

The (hearing officer) also found that Washington admitted his guilt after a series of less than truthful interviews and a failed polygraph test, the report said.

However, the (hearing officer) found that termination exceeded what was merited from the charged offenses given the totality of his public service employment and his lack of prior disciplinary violations.

He noted that back pay, minus a 45-day suspension  should be given to Washington.

While Washington sought reinstatement to his Vice/Narcotics/FBI liaison roles, the hearing officer recognized that job assignments are the decisions of the sheriffs office.

The initial department charges against Washington came after he and other investigators went to Atlanta to interview a federal inmate as part of a drug investigation.

That inmate, records show, brought up the subject of bingo, which has long been the subject of controversy in Jefferson County.

The sheriffs brother, Bruce Pettway, sued Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall in 2019, claiming Marshalls office illegally seized $240,000 from a BBVA Bank account belonging to Bruce Pettways brokerage and consulting firm ostensibly because of a $15,500 deposit into the account from bingo operations in Jefferson County.

Marshall later agreed to release all but $15,500 of the funds following a ruling from Chief United States District Judge Karon Bowdre in response to the attorney generals motion to dismiss the lawsuit. In that ruling, Bowdre wrote that the forfeiture of the $240,000 strikes the court as facially suspect.

Washington was accused of later failing part of a polygraph when he was asked if the sheriff was discussed in the Atlanta interview and he answered, no.

A second disciplinary charge was lodged against him when sheriffs officials alleged that on Oct. 6, 2023, Washington sent a message through Facebook to Varrie Johnson Kindall that he wanted to meet with her.

In an unrelated case, Kindall  a longtime assistant to former Alabama Rep. John Rogers  pleaded guilty in February to charges associated with a federal kickback scheme involving her boss and another lawmaker.

The complaint against Washington said he met Kindall and talked about helping her with her then-ongoing federal case. He also talked about a 1966 Ford Mustang that Sheriff Mark Pettway had purchased with county funds, and that he would help her find it.

A confidential source texted Washington the picture of the car and the bill of sale. Washington texted the information to Kindall and told her that he would inform the FBI that she helped him get the information, the complaint states.

Washington, according to the complaint, called the FBI and told them about the 1966 Ford Mustang that Sheriff Pettway had purchased with county funds, and they told Washington they already had that information.

The cars purchase was used to promote Domestic Violence Awareness.

A private conversation between Washington and Kindall was recorded, and Kindall was not aware of it nor gave Washington permission to record her, the complaint states.

Washington said he did not remember the conversation on the recording, but Kindall stated it was about Sheriff Pettway and the 1966 Mustang.

Sheriffs officials claimed the recording was given to the FBI without Kindalls permission and was part of an attempt to help the FBI launch an investigation of Pettway, which Washington has maintained was not true.

Washingtons January response to the complaint said he had been subjected to harassment and retaliation by the department.

I broke no rules. I did not violate any policies, Washington said.

Other than an allegation that I failed a single portion of an inadmissible polygraph examination, there is no indication that I have been dishonest or failed to cooperate in the extensive investigation against me.

Washington said the incident that sparked the investigation was a jailhouse interview he conducted in the course of his duties assisting the FBI.

During the course of that interview, the subject spontaneously and without prompting offered information that was not relevant to my investigation, Washington wrote. I did not seek out that information, I was not interested in that information, and I did not follow up on that information, which involved a relative of the sheriff but had no bearing on the investigation I was completing.

I reported this information as a matter of course but let me emphasize that I did not do so in a manner that would have prompted myself or others to conduct an inquiry into the sheriff or his relatives, Washington wrote. I had no reason to give credence to those allegations, and I had no interest in investigating those allegations as they did not concern my duty detail.

However, the mere fact that the subject of my jailhouse interview made unsolicited comments to me about the sheriff and his family sparked an internal affairs investigation into my performance as an officer that included multiple interviews, a polygraph, the removal of me from my long-time duty detail, and the proposed punishment that we are here on today, he wrote.
An investigation is underway after a juvenile sustained a gunshot wound in Center Point.

The shooting happened shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday in the 700 block of Country View Terrace in Center Point.

Jefferson County sheriffs officials said the juvenile was taken to Childrens of Alabama with non-life-threatening injuries.

Sheriffs spokesman Henry Irby did not yet have an exact age, but the said the victim is a teen.

Detectives are working to determine if the shooting was accidental or intentional.
A Birmingham man charged in a shooting that killed a 15-year-old girl and injured her 5-year-old brother will remain held without bond, a Jefferson County judge has ruled.

Lee Otis Montgomery III, 27, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of Cornelia Lathan, first-degree assault in the wounding of her brother, Roman, and shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Montgomery appeared in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

When it ended, Jefferson County District Judge Katrina Ross deemed there was enough probable cause against Montgomery to forward the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

Montgomerys attorney, John Robbins, had asked that bond be set for his client, contending he is not a flight risk and poses no danger to himself or the community at large.

Ross ordered Montgomery remain held with no bond, court records show.

The deadly shooting happened shortly after noon Wednesday, June 19, in the 500 block of 25th Street North at Park Place apartments.

Montgomery is the ex-boyfriend of Rebekah Lathan, the mother of Cornelia and Roman.

Officers were called to the apartment earlier that Wednesday on a domestic disturbance, which was verbal not physical, and Montgomery was gone by the time police arrived.

Hours later, sometime before 12:30 p.m., police said Montgomery returned to the apartment.

Cornelia Rose Lathan, 15, was shot to death in June 19 domestic incident at her family's Birmingham apartment. Her 5-year-old brother, Roman, was wounded.(Special to AL.com)

Lathan said she and Montgomery, with whom she was at the time expecting a daughter, had argued the night before and again in the hours before the shooting.

He had come by one time that morning making threats, she said. Montgomery left before police arrived.

When he came back, he opened fire from the parking lot, police said.

I was at my desk working and he calls me, and we were arguing and the next thing you know I heard glass shatter, she said.

Cornelia was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:25 p.m. Roman was taken to Childrens of Alabama and faces a long recovery from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Montgomery was quickly taken into custody after a short manhunt in Woodlawn. He was arrested in the 6000 block of First Avenue North.

Court records show Montgomery was arrested last year on a charge of third-degree domestic violence involving Lathan. Charging documents state he punched the victim in the side of the head and the shoulder with a closed fist.

That charge was later dismissed for want of prosecution.

Cornelia was a rising sophomore at a charter school in Bessemer. She wanted to be a nurse, and a pilot, and maybe serve in the military.

Cornelia, Lathans first-born, has just finished the ninth grade at Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High Schook, a charter school in Bessemer, where she was an Honor Roll student.

She was a really sweet spirit, Lathan said, an all-around sweet girl.

She cant believe any of it really happened.

I know he gets, she said, but I never would have thought it would escalate to this.
Sheffield police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl.

Police Chief Ricky Terry said the girl was shot at about 1 a.m. at 1006 S. Nashville Ave. Investigators believe the girl was not the intended target of the shooter.

Police said officers arrived at the scene to find the victim lying in the grass, shot in the back between the shoulder blades.

She had apparently been shot once. Her identity has not yet been released.

The shooting victim was taken to Helen Keller Hospital, where she died from her injuries, Terry said.

Detectives are in the process of interviewing witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sheffield police at (256) 386-5630.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims family, Terry said in a statement.
July 24, 2024

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

Alabama State University's Department of Public Safety is hosting a SWAT/Critical Incident Response Training and School Resource Officer Training Course on campus this week (July 22-onward) in coordination with Central Alabama Crime Stoppers . It is part of ASUs Preventing School Violence Campaign.

The event is not open to the general public because of the sensitive nature of the training which has as its purpose better safeguarding ASU's campus, students and employees.

ASUS director of Public Safety, Kelvin Kendrick , explained that the weeklong series of events taking place at ASU will feature training and live demonstrations for and by law enforcement officers, and SWAT teams from the Montgomery City Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and Prattville Police Department, along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

"Our ASU Preventing School Violence Campaign is sponsoring the event in coordination with Tony Garrett's Central Alabama Crime Stoppers," Kendrick said. "The purpose of the training is to better train the University's police officers and other law enforcement teams who provide support in matters of safety for the ASU campus, the Montgomery County Public School System and the community."

The Alabama State University Preventing School Violence Campaign is dedicated to promoting strategies and initiatives that enhance student and school safety and security through education, training, and community partnerships.
Joe Biden has officially withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. Despite his persistent claims that Donald Trump is a threat to democracy and that he would be the one to defeat him, Biden's withdrawal serves as proof that it is Biden and his party who are attacking democracy, not President Trump.

Despite President Trump taking many actions in his first term that made America safer and more prosperous, Democrats have relentlessly attempted to paint him as a tyrannical threat to democracy since he announced his 2024 bid for the White House. They cite issues such as election denialism, the January 6th insurrection, alleged attacks on reproductive rights, and his sarcastic comment about being a dictator for just one day as evidence that he is a dictator-in-waiting and a threat to democracy. However, keeping the definition of democracy in mind, these claims are categorically untrue.

What they refer to as election denialism is actually a manipulation of the accurate term, which is election integrity preservation. A president takes an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. When allegations of election fraud arise, as they did after the 2020 election, the president has an obligation to ensure nothing nefarious occurred and, if it did, to seek appropriate remedies. This alleged election denialism ties into January 6th, where they claim Trump incited an insurrection. The First Amendment enumerates s the right of Americans to peacefully protest. Trumps calls for his supporters to peacefully and patriotically make their voices heard align perfectly with the Constitution and negate the insurrection label, which is defined as a violent uprising against an authority or government. As for reproductive rights, Trumps appointment of conservative justices to the Supreme Court, who went on to overturn Roe v. Wade, sending the issue of abortion law back to state governments, is by definition an act of democracy. It grants states more power than the federal government, enabling each state to enact abortion laws that best represent the wishes of their people, rather than one broad law for the entire nation. These actions are clearly democracy-preserving. Regarding Trumps comment about being a dictator for one day, it was a clear instance of trolling, playing into the fabricated concerns that he would be a dictator by emphasizing his determination to address two issues quickly. Anyone who saw the exchange, as the Democrats certainly did, could see this.

Ironically, many of the accusations Democrats have attributed to Trump apply far more to themselves. Take election denialism as the first example. Silencing and suppressing dissent or investigation in the wake of potential interference with Americas sacred elections is the most blatant attack on democracy there is. As a result, many peaceful protesters of the 2020 election who were in the crowd on January 6th have had their 8th Amendment rights, which protect Americans from cruel and unusual punishment, utterly violated, as many continue to rot in prisons to this day. In addition to his 'dictator for one day' comment, many claim that Trump will weaponize the powers of the presidency against his political opponents if he returns to the White House, citing this as further proof of their dictator claims. Yet his candidacy was immediately followed by indictments, which Democrats were undoubtedly involved with when looking at the movement of players involved from the DoJ to the New York attorney generals office. The only one that has reached trial to this point resulted in a conviction, which Democrats used as a catapult to heighten their toxic Trump rhetoric. All this (among many other things we will hopefully find out some day) played some role in the assassination attempt on President Trumps life, which, if successful, would have eliminated the ability for the American people to vote for the leading candidate for the presidency. In other words, a true threat to democracy.

Despite all this, none of their false categorizations of Trump can be attributed to themselves more accurately than insurrectionists now that Biden has withdrawn from the race. The Biden era began with a questionable election that was never properly investigated, raising serious concerns about whether those in power legitimately earned it. Now, the Biden era is ending with perhaps an even more obviously rigged election. Despite Democrat primary voters nominating Joe Biden to represent them on this Novembers presidential ballot, a clear and organized public pressure campaign by members of the party was deployed to subvert the will of the voters and remove Biden. The initial outlook appears to point to Kamala Harris becoming the Democrat nominee. If this does happen, Kamalas even lower popularity than Bidens historically low one accentuates their overthrow. According to some statistical analyses, Biden is the least popular president in 70 years. Despite this, the party seems poised to replace him with somebody who, just four years ago, received a total of zero delegates during the 2020 primary. In other words, the least popular president in seven decades was significantly more popular than the candidate the party is most likely to coronate without receiving any input from their party's voters, or completely dismissing the input they gave four years ago if you want to use that as a measuring stick. This all during an election year the Democrat Party has deemed the most important in American history in order to save democracy.

While none of this should come as a surprise, it officially proves that the gaslighting Democrat rhetoric about threats to democracy was all a ploy to convince the masses Trump was a threat to their livelihood (it clearly didnt work) before they carried out their actual attack on democracy.

We, as a nation, dangerously accepted long ago, without any noteworthy resistance, that it was too implausible for Joe Biden given his obvious mental incapacitation, to be calling the shots. While that conclusion was easy to draw, we should have never accepted anyone -- whether it be Barack Obama, confirmed as a key player and driving force behind Bidens ouster, the Clinton-Soros duo who quickly endorsed Kamala and undoubtedly wield influence through their charitable foundations, or even a faceless shadow government -- to lead us from behind the scenes. Nowhere in the Constitution does it make room for such a mob-rule style agreement.

Despite, in theory, being the most powerful man on Earth, Joe Biden was just forced out of office, evidenced by his weeks-long insistence on remaining despite calls from all corners of the party. There is no clearer example of our democracy -- or, for accuracy purposes, our Constitutional Republic -- being under attack. And it certainly isnt because of President Trump, who accurately stated this weekend that he took a bullet for democracy. Perhaps this coup becoming official, as opposed to being placed in the category of right-wing conspiracy theorizing, will allow for the long-overdue public dismantling of this baseless narrative.

Matt Kane graduated from Stony Brook University with a bachelors degree in political science. His work has been posted by President Trump and published by Human Events, Real Clear Politics, American Thinker, and AMAC. Follow on Truth Social: @MattKane, X: @MattKaneUS

Image: AI
How rich and wonderful Christendom could have been. A miracle of aesthetic sublimity and principled ethics. As a matter of fact, a world much like this did once exist: A world in bloom.

Around the time, when Theodosius I issued the Edict of Thessalonica (380 C.E.), the Roman Empire bordered Caledonia in the North and integrated African provinces in the South, encircling the entire Mediterranean Sea. After his death, the empire was divided into two halves, each with its own capital: Rome in the West  the center of urban sophistication  and Constantinople in the East  a rising giant favored by its geography, the gateway to the Orient. A string of beautiful, historic cities wound its way through Anatolia and the Levant. And beyond: Jerusalem itself. Christian lands resounding with church bells and hymns. The gospel of love and forgiveness. Civilization in its youth.

Somewhat in the style of the Greek city-states, known to be divided and haughtily neglectful in calls for unity against the common enemy from the East (i.e. the Achaemenid Empire), the Christian principalities of the Middle Ages vied for regional supremacy and squandered their resources on petty intrigues and skirmishes. A reflection of the chaotic power struggles going on in the absence of Pax Romana, their rulers, albeit first-rate duelists or drinkers, as the case may be, were hedonistic, capricious, and driven by anything but noble motives. Occasionally, however, they joined forces and took part in crusades to liberate the Holy Land.

Ultimately, the avarice and imprudence of Westerners helped bring about the downfall of the Eastern Roman Empire. Towards the end of the Fourth Crusade, Franks and Venetians, in defiance of the actual task assigned by Pope Innocent III, committed an unforgivable betrayal: They turned against their fellow believers and sacked Constantinople (1204 C.E.). The tragic events, including the territorial partition of the empire, meant to accommodate the desires of individual knights, led to economic disaster and set in motion institutional decline. As if to add insult to injury, the city was heavily struck by the plague (1347 C.E.). The image of decay, as time passed, the inhabitants could barely populate the insular quarters separated by meadows and thickets.

Nevertheless, the rumors that the Ottomans had stormed the Theodosian Walls (1453 C.E.), until then perceived as indestructible, shook the whole of Christendom to its foundations. No sooner had they broken through the defenses than they unleashed hell: They pillaged the markets and palaces of Constantinople, massacred or enslaved the inhabitants, and desecrated the ancient cathedral of Hagia Sophia. The horrors remain a trauma without equal in the history of Christendom.

In the following centuries, princes and bishops may have secretly toyed with the idea of recapturing Constantinople. As recently as in the aftermath of the Great War, there would appear to have been a slim chance of putting things right and restoring the old order. In accordance with the Armistice of Mudros, British, French, Greek, and Italian forces occupied the city and stayed there for five years (1918-1923 C.E.). The majority of inhabitants in those days were actually non-Muslim: Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Jewish. When it came down to it, however, the Western powers hesitated and held back. The resolve to make amends for the historical betrayal against fellow believers in the East failed them at the crucial moment. Meanwhile, the last Christians have been expelled from the city.

So, regardless of their military advantage, Christians ultimately gave up on becoming masters of Constantinople again. Arguably, the fratricidal war in Europe hurt their self-understanding and impaired their judgment.

Though rightful heirs to a civilization dating back to the Greek city-states, Western powers became embroiled in an apocalyptic war based on idiotic entanglements in princely families. Unlike the war that followed, the Great War was not about ideological antagonisms. Its unspeakable sacrifices were of no avail. However, it weakened the West in a way reminiscent of the long-term damage suffered by the Eastern Roman Empire in its day: At the hands of Western Crusaders, who committed an unforgivable fratricide like from the Old Testament, it was broken and never recovered. Apparently, the city survived; in reality, it was doomed.

When the Ottomans laid siege to Constantinople and set about the bombardment of its walls with a delay of 250 years, it gave way before long. Now, does the same apply to the West? Should we consider ourselves morally disabled and vulnerable 100 years after the Great War, somehow predestined to surrender and be erased from history? Might the fall of the West, in fact, represent a higher justice: The eventual punishment for the betrayal of Constantinople by the Crusaders?

Westerners lost heart in the killing fields of Flanders. This fateful, if not fatalistic, notion provides an explanatory framework in the main. The tragedy of the Great War, with myriads of Christian soldiers charging the trenches of their fellow believers, surely marked a turning point. In the footsteps of the Crusaders, they had sinned in excess. As a moral counterpart to the Spanish disease, guilt and melancholy subsequently spread throughout the Western world. The sentiment was that our misdeeds deprived us of the right to survival and happiness.

A state of moral misery  attributed to unforgivable acts and an insurmountable sense of guilt  has been intensely cultivated by Westerners in the past century. This goes to show how deep the crisis is in our society. With the character of mental self-torture, highly suggestive of masochistic traits in the post-Christian self-understanding, the misery is self-imposed, an idiotic martyrdom without reward in this world. On the contrary, our children and grandchildren will pay for our folly. Sure, in Christianity, people celebrate love and forgiveness, not to be confused with credulity and cowardice.

Westerners are sick at heart. The disease that has afflicted us for so long and clouded our view of the world is moral in nature. Our civilization, which has provided ordinary citizens with unprecedented prosperity and personal freedom, is paralyzed by melancholy. We behave like cowards and prepare for slavery because we doubt our own right to be here and have lost faith in ourselves.

As of late, Hagia Sophia, the architectural masterpiece commissioned by Justinian I (completed in 532-537 C.E.), after a short spell of secularism (1934-2020 C.E.), has once again been disturbed by religious zealousness, this time as a museum rather than a Christian temple, and desecrated by the Islamist descendants of the Ottoman invaders.

A nomadic people that once invaded the classic-civilized Anatolia from the Mongolian steppes, the Eastern enemy rarely hesitates to show his true face. Unashamed of his own brutality, he is fearless and fierce. After getting away with thorough purges of domestic Christians, he likes to mock and humiliate the West. Obviously, it gives him pleasure to assert his dominance. If need be, he resorts to blackmail on a grand scale to show his power (e.g. controlling the migration wave from the Southeast and threatening closure of American military bases).

They used to inhabit the peninsula of Anatolia from the Caucasus in the East to the Aegean archipelago in the West. For centuries, they cultivated the land, built cities, and raised the arts to divine heights. They were citizens of the Eastern Roman Empire  and even further back: Greek regions named Bithynia, Paphlagonia, Pontus, Mysia, Lydia, Caria, Lycia, Pamphylia, Cilicia, Phrygia, Cappadocia, Pisidia, and Galatia.

However, who provides justice for the millions of Eastern Christians persecuted for their faith in the twentieth century? Despite the evidence of atrocities committed throughout the remnants of the Ottoman Empire, the West left them in the lurch. A negligent attitude such as this may very well become the source of our own downfall in the West. Sooner or later.

Neither self-indulgent betrayal of Christendom  and everything that we stand for as Westerners  nor self-blaming melancholy in the wake of self-inflicted disasters has ever been of benefit to civilization. These are some of the lessons derived from the sack of Constantinople and the civilization fatigue after the Great War.

Both then and now, faith and defiance are required for survival:

Fight, fight, fight!

Image: Public domain.
The guy that wasnt going anywhere is now gone. The Democrat party axe, poised squarely over Joe Bidens head for days, has finally fallen. Four more years, a charade exposed for some time as preposterous on its face, has reached its ignominious end. Now thrice Covid-infected, Biden was not even able to withdraw with dignity in an Oval Office statement as did Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Instead, he was forced to release a letter on X while holed-up in his Rehoboth Beach retreat fighting a virus to which hes particularly vulnerable and clearly not yet out of the woods.

The only real question left is whether the fading Biden can serve out the rest of his term; hopefully without inviting some national calamity due to the inattention to duty inherent in his obviously worsening condition. Vice-President Harris, the favorite (as of this writing) to be crowned the Democrat nominee at what will undoubtedly be a very raucous August convention in Chicago, offers little comfort as a stand-in for our ailing president. Despite her well-proven inadequacies, expect the 25th Amendment arguments to arise in short order.

Meanwhile, the joyous Republican National Convention has just concluded. Jubilant if humbled, perhaps even a bit chastened by the relief accompanying a tragedy avoided, it was nevertheless conducted with typical Trumpian showmanship. The Republicans left Milwaukee united and with the firm feeling that their miraculously-only-grazed candidate was, in echoes of the past, walking with destiny.

July has already seen the near murder of a former president seeking re-election, and the withdrawal of the sitting president for consideration as his partys nominee. And as this nervous summer progresses, we can only expect things to become more tense.

The warm, bright, cloudless weather juxtaposed against gnawing anxiety and hovering peril recalls another July, this one across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom of 1939. Jumpy as we understandably are, we can take some solace in a look back eighty-five years ago. Then, the outlook for the Brits, and consequently the whole of the civilized world, was even more ominous than that which we face today.

Appeasement of Nazi Germany, the failed policy now discussed with justifiable derision and synonymous with craven weakness, was just a few short months earlier, widely supported by a sizeable majority of the British public. But as the summer of that year wore on, it became painfully obvious to most that Prime Minister Neville Chamberlains efforts to peacefully sate the voracious appetite for conquest of German dictator Adolf Hitler had utterly failed.

The Munich Agreement, in Chamberlains mind his signature achievement, had been torn to shreds. The desperate attempt by Britain and France to save the peace by abandoning and dismembering democratic Czechoslovakia in September 1938 had all come to naught. By March of 1939 Germany had swallowed up what remained of the Czech nation, and  as thoroughly predicted by appeasements opponents on both ends of Britains political spectrum  Hitler had now shifted his sights to isolated and outgunned Poland.

Reacting to this humiliating failure and seeking to project strength and protect his political position, Chamberlain suddenly and without proper consultation issued a blanket guarantee of Polands sovereignty.

Still however, there was one show of British resolve that Chamberlain resisted taking: bringing Winston Churchill into his government. Churchill, and other notable parliamentary opponents of appeasement such as Leo Amery, Harold MacMillan, Robert Boothby, Alfred Duff Cooper, Harold Nicolson, and Archibald Sinclair (among many others), had long decried Chamberlains weakness and had urged rapid rearmament and other economic preparations for war with Germany  something they considered inevitable given Hitlers implacable fanaticism.

For that prescience, for a long time their sole reward was condemnation and accusations of warmongering; attempting to consign still another generation of British youth to the early deaths and horrible wounds experienced in the First World War. Even the Nazis joined the debate: Making public pronouncements that giving Churchill or other anti-appeasers posts in the British cabinet was tantamount to an act of war.

But by the summer of 1939 the grudging realization grew that Churchill and his supporters were correct in their assessments, and that as the threat of war loomed, Chamberlains somewhat weak team, despite an enormous Conservative majority in Parliament, needed to be bolstered. Without divulging their sponsor, all over English cities billboards popped up  the most prominent of which appearing in Londons Piccadilly Circus  declaring simply: WHAT PRICE CHURCHILL?

Brief though the message was, it asked how many blunders and missteps needed to be endured before Chamberlain finally showed proper commitment to preparing for war by giving Churchill a job.

Those familiar with the history of the time know that there were far greater shocks to come. The next month, August, saw the announcement of the MolotovRibbentrop Pact, the non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union which cleared the way for the German invasion (and secret partition with the Russians) of Poland on September 1st, obliging England and France to declare war on September 3rd.

Upon Britains declaration of war, Chamberlain finally relented and brought Churchill into his government, awarding him the key post of First Lord of the Admiralty  a position Churchill also held at the beginning of the First World War until forced to resign in 1915 over the Dardanelles debacle. Chamberlain, despite not being suited for war leadership, managed to hold onto his premiership for another eight months until the German invasion of the Low Countries and France in early May, 1940, when he was forced out and replaced by Churchill.

Calling President Joe Biden Americas Neville Chamberlain is to do an injustice to the memory of the late Prime Minister. Deluded and wrongheaded though his policies may have been, he was not demented. And on his best days, even before his seemingly accelerated descent into senile incapacity, Mr. Biden never achieved the level of public approval  however misguided it later proved  that Chamberlain received from his people upon returning from Munich waving that now infamous piece of white paper.

Joe Biden, as a political force  perhaps cutout is a better word  has reached his end. Nature has seen to that. But the question is posed: Can Donald Trump, in this crucial time, be our Churchill? At one time the mere suggestion would have evoked laughter. No longer; now Trump, fist in the air, walks with destiny.

The threats to the nation facing us today are not as singular and focused as Englands 1939 confrontation with Nazi Germany. The tyrants we face today are multiple and dispersed throughout the world. Many of our greatest dangers have been generated from within. Yet the opposing forces are fierce and fanatical, some just as committed to purveying death and destruction as the late German fuhrer.

Meeting these manifold challenges will require a person of rare strength, insight, and wisdom. Will Donald Trump turn out to be that man? We are obliged to stake our futures on the hope that he indeed is, and on the possibility that hes been spared to lead the fight to save this country before its completely lost  a fate thats much nearer than many people recognize.

Alas, the miracle that saved President Trump did not extend to Corey Comperatore; with his family watching in horror, he was murdered for having the temerity to take part in a political process of a democratic nation. That sad fact should give us all pause.

So What Price Trump you ask? What will it cost us to help him redeem America? Mr. Comperatore and his family paid dearly, illustrating that there are evil forces at work that will stop at nothing to prevent Trumps return to office. But like our British cousins during that long ago July, our fight is just beginning; the costs are still unknown.

While our final bill is not yet close to being tallied, we can pray that whatever the trials ahead, whatever the ultimate price, we find ourselves equal and prepared to make the sacrifice.

Image generated by AI.
President Biden recently discussed the need to cap rent at the NATO press conference.

Unfortunately, this is not among his common gaffes for American home renters. The Biden administration released a new plan for rent control that prevents corporate landlords from raising rent by more than 5%, or they will lose generous tax benefits.

According to the White House:

This would apply to landlords with over 50 units in their portfolio, covering more than 20 million units across the country. It would include an exception for new construction and substantial renovation or rehabilitation.

It is a desperate ploy to save his presidency; Biden is choosing a bad economic policy to appeal to his progressive base.

The Biden administration aims for homebuilders to construct single and multi-family housing units, tweeting out:

It's time for Republicans in Congress to join Democrats to pass my plan to build 2 million new homes  because to lower housing costs for good, we need to build, build, build

which is the statement released from the Biden White House to the press.

The problem with his rent control plan is that it manipulates the market, artificially reduces the value of existing homes, and discourages any new construction.

This could potentially lead to stagnation in the housing market, making it difficult for new buyers to enter and for existing homeowners to see a return on their investment. The implications for the housing market are concerning, to say the least.

Rent has risen 22% nationwide since Biden became president. The administration is promoting this plan to prevent price gouging and freeze rent. While research suggests that youth favor rent control, its track record does not produce the desired stabilization result.

The CATO Institute, a well-respected free-market think tank, released a report that said:

The vast majority of studies examining each find that rent control leads to a lower supply of rental accommodation, less new rental housing construction, and a fall in the quality of rental housing too.

In addition:

Under rent control, landlords will be incentivized to cut maintenance, screen tenants more stringently, convert rentals to owner-occupied units, or condos, or AirBnBs, and, in many cases, halt new rental construction.

This report provides strong evidence against the effectiveness of rent control.

A recent example of this happened in 2021 in St. Paul, where the city passed restrictive rent control laws. The law instantly caused new building permits to decline, and landlords ceased building improvement plans and started new maintenance fees to help regain costs. This is a clear indication of the potential economic consequences of such policies, which should make us all apprehensive.

A similar situation occurred in New York City, where rent control was passed to protect renters from being unable to buy property upfront or leave the city due to the expense. At least 26,000 units in the city are intentionally left vacant because landlords cannot afford the servicing to rent out units. In other words, the lack of motivation leads properties to become less profitable.

Even for economists of all backgrounds, rent control is considered an economically illiterate measure. Jason Furman, one of Barack Obama's economic advisers and Harvard's Kennedy School professor, spoke very sternly:

Rent control has been about as disgraced as any economic policy in the tool kit.

In response to Biden's policy prescription, he said:

The idea we'd be reviving and expanding it will ultimately make our housing supply problems worse, not better.

This suggests that Biden's policy could exacerbate the housing crisis rather than alleviate it.

In fact, Tobias Peter, the co-director of the American Enterprise Institute's Housing Center, a conservative think tank, opposes the idea of rent control because, even though it sounds good in theory, there are too many unforeseen circumstances.

Rents are high because there is more demand than there is supply. And so the solution is not to cap rents; the solution is to build more housing so that rents would naturally come down.

Swedish socialist economist Assar Lindbeck is famously known for describing rent control as:

the most efficient technique presently known to destroy a cityexcept for bombing.

The most economically efficient way to lower rent pricing is to increase the supply of new homes to make the cost affordable, which is essential in supply and demand theory. History has shown that rent control decreases the housing supply and standards of current rental complexes in cities worldwide.

The good news is that this plan has little to no chance of passing due to a divided Congress and the fact that we are approaching an election in November.

However, the concern is that we see a pattern of Biden creeping even further to the left as mainstream Democrats continue to be hostile to free markets. It should make us all wary of the potential for future radical measures.

President Biden is running out of ideas as his campaign is officially closing, marking him an unpopular one-term president. His latest rent control scheme will not help the Democrats win over mainstream voters. The good news is that a Democrat loss could eliminate the possibility of rent control from being injected into the political equation ever again.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Black Lives Matter issued an official statement on Tuesday to denounce the nomination process after finally figuring out that the Democrat party isnt really all that concerned about democracy and doing things fairly and honestly. What tipped them off you might ask?

Was it the fact that party-aligned operatives removed Donald Trump from the ballot in multiple states, unilaterally and without legitimate cause?

Perhaps the obvious fact that federal agencies have been weaponized and used to target conservative-leaning citizens and supporters of Donald Trump?

Maybe the fact that the Democrat party is pushing policies that are wildly unpopular with a majority of Americans, like banning gas-powered cars or gas stoves?

Nope, none of thatit was the party choosing to force an unpalatable Kamala down their throats, and refusing to involve the voters in the process of choosing a new nominee.

Heres the story, from Brianna Herlihy at Fox News:

The left-wing organization Black Lives Matter is resisting the installation of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee and are calling on the Democratic National Convention to create a process that allows for public participation in the nomination process, not just a nomination by party delegates. In a statement Tuesday, the group, which rose to prominence in 2020 for organizing nationwide protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, said that a 24-hour process of talking to party bosses is not democratic, nor is it a process Democrats should be proud of.

After watching what happened to Bernie Sanders, how are they just now figuring this out? All those promises in the Democratic National Committee charter about impartiality and evenhandedness were mere political rhetoric, and the organization is under no legal obligation to abide by such principles, as its actually a private corporation and not a political party in the truest sense of the word. (The same is true of the Republican National Committee, which is why conservative principles go by the wayside, and we get RINO after RINO after RINO.)

Heres a brief refresher on what happened after the DNC cheated Sanders from the nomination to promote Hillary Clinton and lawsuits commenced:

A federal judge dismissed the DNC lawsuit on August 28. The court recognized that the DNC treated voters unfairly, but ruled that the DNC is a private corporation; therefore, voters cannot protect their rights by turning to the courts: To the extent Plaintiffs wish to air their general grievances with the DNC or its candidate selection process, their redress is through the ballot box, the DNCs internal workings, or their right of free speech  not through the judiciary. Rather than reflecting on the consternation everyday voters are having over the conduct of the Democratic presidential primary, the Democratic National Committee is doubling down on the assertion that the primary election belongs to the people who control the party -- not voters.

The Democrat party hasnt cared about the black voter for as long as I can remember, so how the BLMers are just now waking up to the reality is beyond meperhaps its their common core minds, incapable of critical thought.

On a separate note (but also worth noting), BLM used the word hypocrite to describe the Democrat leaders engaged in this bait-and-switch campaign, exchanging Joe Biden for Kamala Harris without a say from the Democrat voters, which is quite hilarious coming from BLM.

How would you describe a group that cries about the murders and killings of black people, but then aggressively promotes abortion and ignores the culture of violence that plagues black neighborhoods? Hypocritical.

Is raking in tens of millions of dollars in donations ostensibly for black people, then buying multi-million-dollar mansions to be used by select few executives really charity and helping the average black American, or is it hypocrisy? Obviously the latter.

What would you call people who claim the moral high ground on social issues but then also canonize drug-addict, deadbeat dad, and violent criminal Geroge Floyd? Hypocrites.

Will all of these revelations be enough to convince the black voters who havent yet abandoned the party in favor of Donald Trump that Democrats dont serve their interests?

Image: Johnny Silvercloud, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered.
As we shake off the trauma of witnessing the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump, most of us are trying to figure out the motive for a twenty-year-old shooter to attempt to murder the former president.

President Biden and others are urging Americans not to make assumptions about motive, but we are all eager to know why -- what would cause a young man to want to assassinate Trump?

I instantly think of his young age; not long out of high school having had his head recently pumped full of leftist indoctrination. With Critical Marxist theories intended to pit people against one another, and so-called social justice indoctrination happening in early grades and intensifying over time, children are taught to hate themselves, others, and their country. So, someone who loves our country and is committed to making it great again is an obvious target for social justice at any cost.

We saw violence, looting, burning, and even murder following George Floyds death with young people rioting in the streets, destroying communities unfettered by law enforcement and media justifying their actions. With inaction, we told young people violence, lawlessness and in some cases, murder is justified in the name of social justice.

We see it on college campuses with anti-Semitic protestors yelling Death to America. These young people are either foreign terrorists who should be deported or they are domestic terrorists who need to be on a watchlist.

Although Caucasian herself, some pages of the Nashville transgender shooters manifesto expressed her hatred for white people and she specifically claimed her victims had white privileges. This is the nonsense they teach in government schools.

Another thing I would wager these young, violent criminals have in common is having been medicated throughout their school experience and on into adulthood with stimulants and psychotropic medications linked to violence.

A common thread among shooters is the use of medications prescribed to treat mental illness, especially among young assailants. The Nashville transgender shooter was under care for an emotional disorder and Trumps would-be-assassin is reported to have been treated for depressive disorder. These young criminals are medicated most of their childhood with Adderall later combined with anti-depressants and often hormones contrary to their biology, which is a cocktail for violence, hallucinations, suicide, and homicide.

School shootings have more than doubled in the last ten years following the full implementation of the Common Core standards. These national standards begin teaching children to advocate for change in society in pre-kindergarten grades and rachets up through high school burdening students with the responsibility of being social justice warriors.

Since George Floyds death and the call to defund school police officers, school shootings have doubled, with 35 incidents already in 2024. During this time many government schools embraced the Black Lives Matter movement and replaced school police officers with counselors and social workers leaving students vulnerable.

Just before the assassination attempt, Trumps platform was released with real limitations on the far Lefts transformative agenda pushing Marxism, LBGTQ+ ideology (with emphasis on the T), White privilege and anti-American propaganda.

The following are three of 20 planks in Trumps platform, which he pledges to achieve very quickly after the election with the help of a Republican Congress:

Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children.

Keep men out of womens sports.

Deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again.

The paradox is glaring in that these policy positions, which may have influenced the shooter to attempt to murder the president, could be some of the solutions to ending the evil and hate that influences children in government schools.

While we continue to seek answers as to why so many young people are prone to violence and particularly murder in todays culture, I would pray we can find some good that evolves from evil. I believe the assassination attempt on Donald Trump has fostered unity in our country, much like after 9/11. As much as the media and government schools stoke the fires that divide our citizens, this ill-fated shooting caused Trump to get back up and call for Americans to keep fighting -- to save our country!

Trump is a uniter and many who have always voted Democrat are uniting behind Trump despite differences on some policies. His bravery and Gods willingness to spare his life are just the right medicine for a nation that is hemorrhaging from division. I pray God will continue to use Donald Trump to heal our land and end the indoctrination of children in government schools.

Sheri Few is the Founder and President of United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE) whose mission is to end the US Department of Education and all federal education mandates. USPIE has established 20 state chapters and is growing rapidly amid the national outcry from parents who want to regain control of their childrens education. Few is a nationally recognized leader on education policy and is often quoted in conservative media. Few has written extensively about critical race theory and served as Executive Producer for the documentary film titled Truth & Lies in American Education

Image: Pixabay
American democracy is in serious trouble when Americans in great numbers think Kamala Harris is qualified to be the president of the United States and have her finger on the nuclear button. This is a person with no accomplishments in life to merit the position. Her supporters seem to think all one needs is the right skin color and reproductive organs.

This is the death of meritocracy that has nothing to do with either racism or neologistic sexism. This woman has done nothing in life as a leader and an executive. She is notorious for chasing away one staffer after another.

What does she know of men at war? The structure of the military? The weaponry? What international conflict has she been involved in managing, let alone solving?

For that matter, what does she know of business, which is Americas business?

Image: Kamala Harris (cropped). YouTube screen grab.

So, there is something radically wrong with the sudden surge of financial support she has received since her influence-peddling, lowlife of a superior dropped out of the race for another four years as Obamas stooge. Or maybe the millions being donated are just the pocket change of woke billionaires.

This woman is vacuous, inarticulate, and dishonest. Shes the border czarina who did nothing to stop the invasion of millions of lowlife psychopaths, sex traffickers, dope peddlers, and terror-loving Muslims, and the vice president who covered up for years her knowledge that Biden was mentally crippled.

This is no patriot. She is in a class with Hillary Clinton and the FBI and their fake smearing of President Trump as a traitor; the same FBI that still possesses a laptop containing evidence that one of the two candidates for president in 2020 was on the payroll of the Communist Chinese and hid this fact from the electorate. All the personnel involved in that cover-up deserve a firing squad.

The Democratic Party has become not only a criminal enterprise but a treasonous one, and, for sure, they will try to get as many of the illegal border-crossers the right to vote in November as they can.

This is beyond the kind of political corruption common to democratic politics. This is a threat to the very existence of the United States as it has been known as a society and culture.

There is something really poisonous in the Democrats politics. Their values are destroying Portland, Oakland, San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York City, and other once-great American cities. Theyre also wrecking American communities in Texas along the Rio Grande, and rural towns too from sea to shining sea.

In California, under the repellent Gavin Newsom, school employees cannot be punished for hiding from parents the fact that a child showing signs of a mental disorder that the woke do not consider a mental disorder at all. There is a connection between sexual confusion and damage to the ability to reason and know right from wrong.

America is under assault not by armies on foreign battlefields but from within, a psychological madness manifesting in the counter-natural fantasy that there is nothing wrong with sodomy, transvestism, and other sexual perversions. It has turned Thomas Jeffersons political grandchildren into a community bereft of common sense and the ability to see that Kamala Harris has no qualifications and earned no merit to be president. This woke culture is a spiritual cancer that, if unchecked, will destroy the country.

Shai ben-Tekoas PHANTOM NATION: Inventing the Palestinians as the Obstacle to Peace is available at Amazon.com in hard cover or a Kindle ebook. His podcasts can be heard on www.phantom-nation.com.
Kamala Harris really, really wants to be president.

But not the way normal people do.

Rather than showing voters how presidential she is, and "making history" by actually meeting the Prime Minister of Israel, one of America's top allies in person, in an event that would surely be all over the television news as free publicity sure to draw praise for her presidential timbre, she chose instead to go see a bunch of sorority sisters in Indiana and tell them all about how she's "making history."

According to Fox News:

Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress, instead giving a speech at a sorority conference on Wednesday. Fox News Digital confirmed on Tuesday that Harris declined to preside over a Wednesday joint address to Congress by Netanyahu because she will be in Indiana for an event that was previously scheduled, per an aide. According to the vice president's public schedule available Wednesday, that event is Harris' keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta sororitys Grand Boule in Indianapolis.

And sure enough, it was pretty giggly:

Which is funny stuff, given her lack of foreign policy chops.

She could have nailed this for the cameras with Netanyahu, coming out as Lady Gracious at the airport, future president to current prime minister -- stately, dignified, gravitacious -- and then presided as President of the Senate receiving a foreign head of state today who denounced barbarism for all the world. It wouldn't have mattered if she disagreed with him on some things, he is a leading ally and she could have been looking all powerbroker-ly and consequential for the cameras by hosting him, which would have been a boon for her in particular to shed her image as a manic giggler. She could have even done something of importance beyond camerawork as matters of state were discussed afterward.

Instead, she chose to go giggle with the sorority sisters about how important she was "making history," bragging and cackling with the gals about how much fun this all is, instead of actually ... making history.

Her chance came and went that morning though, with that snubbing of the Israeli prime minister for better things to do.

New York Post columnist Michael Goodwin explores in depth the matter of Kamala's loathing for Israel as being behind it.

But I think it's a baser reason than just that, given that this is Kamala Harris we are talking about

She doesn't really want to be president. She doesn't like the job. She just likes the perks, the trappings, the appearance of being president, as if the presidency were a television series and she were an actress. Worse still, she just wants to talk about being president, she doesn't want to do the actual work of being president. As her staff have said in the past, she doesn't do her homework.

In this regard, she's like the dog chasing the car that won't know what to do when she catches it.

She passed up an opportunity to show she could be president for the golden chance to go giggle with the gals. That's quite a tell to voters.

Image: Screen shot from ABC News video via YouTube
We conservatives, simply by watching Joe Bidens public appearances and speeches, have known for a long time that he is suffering from dementia. Were now learning that Democrats, whether elected officials, bureaucrats, or the media, have known for just as long, all their lies and denials to the contrary, as a shocking Wall Street Journal report reveals. By hiding Bidens condition from the American people and allowing the country to be governed (badly) by an unelected cabal, the Democrat establishment committed a massive, criminal fraud against our nation.

When I say we conservatives have known for a long time about Bidens dementia, I mean it, as evidenced by myriad American Thinker essays. On March 27, 2020, Joel Gilbert wrote,

Almost every night, all of America is witness to Joe Biden's seemingly progressive mental decline on full display. The decline expresses itself in surprisingly different forms each night. It all adds up to what we laymen are certain is age-advanced dementia.

On March 5, 2021, Sally Zelikovsky wrote an essay focused entirely Bidens manifest dementiaand on Kamalas obvious knowledge:

In their desperation for a president they could manipulate and in her zeal to be FLOTUS, the Democrat Party and Jill Biden offered Joe Biden as a sacrificial lamb to gain power -- forcing the rest of us to watch, in real time, the disintegration of a human being suffering from dementia. [snip] Not only does Kamala escort him off stage after standing legs athwart, masked in black like the Hand of the King, but Jill, the quintessential helicopter spouse, is ever-present, holding his hand. (Emphasis added.)

Those are just examples. The words Biden and dementia or senility pop up repeatedly in American Thinker essays going back to the start of Bidens administration. The same is true for other conservative publications.

The Democrat establishment, both in politics and the media, insisted that these assertions defamed Biden, who was as sharp as ever. Indeed, they were saying this after the Hur report openly stated that Bidens memory was shot, and they were still saying it after the infamous debate revealed to everyone that Biden was a somewhat sentient vegetable. Who can forget the timeless July 3 headline from AP: Biden at 81: Often sharp and focused but sometimes confused and forgetful.

One day after that story, Olivia Nuzzi exposed The Conspiracy of Silence to Protect Joe Biden. She explained in detail and at length that everyone around Biden, including the media reporting on him, knew what was happening and that this knowledge extended as far back as the 2020 campaign.

But that was insiders, right? Who else knew?

Well, it turns out that the entire congressional Democrat caucus knew. The Wall Street Journal describes what was going on three years ago, at the beginning of Bidens presidency:

President Biden had just finished trying to persuade a group of congressional Democrats to pass a $1 trillion infrastructure bill when Nancy Pelosi, then the House speaker, took the microphone. In 30 minutes of remarks on Capitol Hill, Biden had spoken disjointedly and failed to make a concrete ask of lawmakers, according to Democrats in the room. After he left, a visibly frustrated Pelosi told the group she would articulate what Biden had been trying to say, one lawmaker said. It was the first time I remember people pretty jarred by what they had seen, recalled Rep. Dean Phillips (D., Minn.), who would go on to mount an unsuccessful primary challenge against the president. That was October 2021. That month was the last time Biden met with the House Democratic caucus on the Hill regarding legislation. (Emphasis mine.)

When Biden campaigned this year on his glorious legislative accomplishments, that was a lie. Hed done nothing. He was just a figurehead, while the real executive authority lay with unnamed, unknown, and unelected people.

Americans are only just now discovering this fact, and theyre panicking about whos running the country. The answer is that its the same people who have been running the country since Bidens inauguration when they guided his palsied hand to sign the executive orders erasing most of what Trump had accomplished.

Criminal fraud is an ancient crime, thats defined in pretty much the same way across all American jurisdictions. It occurs when

a person engages in a deliberate scheme to gain something by making misrepresentations to or concealing information from people to get them to change their position to the fraudsters advantage and their disadvantage, and in reliance on the misrepresentations or absence of honest, relevant info, people do change their positions to their detriment. That is exactly what the Democrat establishment did to America.

In 2020, the Democrat establishment coalesced around Biden because the other alternatives were Bernie Sanders (an open communist), Pete Buttigieg (young, inexperienced, ineffectual as a mayor, and Marxist), or Elizabeth Warren (everybodys nightmare hippy-leftist mother-in-law). The powerbrokers knew they couldnt drag any of those candidates across the finish line in a general election.

However, Biden, who still carried with him the faint miasma of the Obama administration, could be propped up to win, especially with the help of election fraud. The icing on the cake was that Democrats offset his old white guy-ness by attaching a black(ish) female to his side. That was a political calculation.

The fraud was that the entire establishment knew then that Bidens brain was turning into soup. They knew it, they hid it, and they hid it for the next three-and-a-half years as Bidens degradation continued. They lied about his mental health, they lied about Hunters laptop, they lied about the Russia hoax, the Ukraine hoax, the very fine people hoax, the origin of COVID, and so much more.

Based on these lies, which reached Americans who werent hooked into contradictory information from conservatives, America ended up not with a president but with a hidden, unelected cabal. Talk about a fraud.

In Congress, What did you know and when did you know it? should be the question on every conservatives lips. Conservative attorneys general across America must indict those involved in this fraud. And if, God willing, Trump wins, his honest federal attorney general should line up the indictments, too.

(One more thing: As everyone acknowledges, the person who did more to put Biden over the top in 2020 than anyone else was South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn. One way to punish Clyburn for his major role in this grotesque fraud is to get him out of office immediately. Duke Buckner can do this, but he needs your help.)

Image by Andrea Widburg.
Is it possible for The Washington Post to misreport a critical element of a story after getting it right just two days earlier? Apparently.

In Israel should evacuate settlements, pay reparations, ICJ says (7/19/24), Post reporter Loveday Morris manipulates casualty figures by saying that the war in Gaza has claimed more than 38,800 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. However in Hamas attack civilians intentionally, Human Rights Watch says (7/17/24), just two days earlier, the Post properly admitted that the Gaza Health Ministry casualty count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. So Morris effectively inflated the civilian casualty count figure, knowing full well that combatants were included. Israel says there are upwards of 14,000 Hamas combatants in that number, making the war one of the most humanely fought in the history of urban warfare in terms of minimizing civilian casualties. This war has been made more difficult as Hamas hides behind, beside, and below civilians, having formed a terrorist tunnel system more expansive than the London and New York subway systems combined. Israel deserves appreciation for its success in minimizing civilian casualties  but we will never see commendations appear in the notoriously anti-Israel Washington Post.

Both articles actually abandoned a principle of good journalism by failing to say that the Gaza Health Ministry, which counts the casualty figures, is controlled by Hamas  the terrorist organization that controls all information out of Gaza. And the reporters should have added that a key prong of the Hamas war effort is to manipulate world opinion in its attempt to defeat Israel politically through worldwide pressure since it cant win militarily. There is no motivation for Hamas to tell the truth about the casualty figures  they have been caught numerous times erroneously reporting exorbitant casualty counts. Most notable was the explosion in the al-Ahli Hospital in October of last year, when Hamas falsely blamed Israel for the attack, saying soon after the incident that there were 500 deaths. It was later found that the attacks were from an errant Islamic Jihad rocket that hit a nearby parking lot, causing very few casualties.

This propaganda offensive by Hamas is apparently working, as the Post states that Israel has faced mounting international pressure over the war including in a separate case South Africa lodged at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, charges Israeli officials have vehemently denied. These charges are at a minimum based on the Gaza Health Ministry casualty count lie but additionally on the libel that Israel is committing a genocide  a charge that is ironically absurd because genocide is the aim of Hamas against Israel (and all Jews). The Hamas charter blatantly says so. Further, the wrongful charge of genocide against the Jewish state is cynically calculated to strike a personal chord because that is what happened to the Jews in the Holocaust.

The article either tells lies or reports ICJ lies. The article starts with The International Court of Justice, the top judicial arm of the United Nations, said Friday that Israel should end its occupation of Palestinian territory, evacuate existing settlements, stop building new ones and pay reparations to Palestinians who have lost land and property. Israel is not occupying any Palestinian territory  the territory is disputed. See The Israel-Palestinian Legal War: This land is ours by Joel Margolis. Israel has no legal obligation to relinquish territory in the West Bank or to stop building homes there, if it wants. The U.N. is known for its anti-Israel animus, and the Post should know that and report it accordingly.

Is it that difficult for the Post to figure out that one of the tiniest countries in the world  Israel, a country so small that its name cannot be written inside its borders on most maps  cannot possibly deserve the number of U.N. resolutions leveled against it? The number of U.N. resolutions targeting Israel is more than the total number naming the worst offenders of humanity on the planet combined, including Iran, China, Russia, Sudan, and North Korea.

The Washington Post needs to stop maligning Israel, the Jewish nation. The Jews are a people persecuted more than any other people in history. Why does The Washington Post feel so compelled to keep demeaning and libeling them when it should be standing up for them?

Flickr, CC BY 2.0.

" captext=" Daniel X. O'Neil " src="https://images.americanthinker.com/imported/2024-03/252673_640.jpeg" />

Image: Daniel X. ONeil via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Right now, the more interesting question is not whos backing Kamala, but whos in charge of her. For she is not only wildly unpopular in most polling, but she is also the VP who lost 92% of her staff in her first three years in that office.

We can surmise that Kamala needs a lot of forceful direction from Obamas stick-it-to-them backroom boys and girls.

The MSM is already telling us, as they will do, that we cannot criticize Kamalafull stop. DEI is in full control of the dialogue, with Kamalas awkwardly giddy arrival on the present stage. With Her Cackleness, free speech for me but not for thee is alive and wellafter the slight hiccup of silence from the press after Donald Trumps recent attempted assassination (about which we yet remain factless).

The news tells us this morning that VP Harris is boycotting Israels Prime Minister Netanyahus speech to the joint session today. She normally, as VP, is expected to preside. Ah, well, Israel is (unaccountably so, to Kamala) our main ally, but a girls mood cant be legislated, right? Anyhow, as Kamala herself might say, no biggie. Anyhow, what is she now? Interim or acting something?

Instead of attending to Israels accounting of the most serious war in the Middle East in modern times, Kamala will be attending a sorority event.

Sisterhood and campaigning aside, this act of snubbing Israel, mid-war, is not particularly politic for a presidential runner-up. Kamalas part in signaling her own far, far left opinions in contradiction to U.S. policy, has already been a very bad sign and presages her Looney Tunes foray into non-presidential behavior.

It would be a dissing of congressional norms reminiscent of Pelosis public shredding of President Trumps State of the Union before the joint session years ago. Who knows, maybe Kamalas getting a ticking off and will show at the Israel PMs speech today. Which brings us toEric Holder and hypocrisy.

For we need to know, soon, who is giving Kamala her marching orders. It has been suggested that Eric Holder has taken up the organization of the White Houseat least according to an article at Politico. Holder is an Obama henchman cut from the same Chicago cloth; there was the small matter of Holders gun-running south of the border, one of many serious and unlitigated but criminal scandals during Obamas no scandals reigns.

So, Eric is helping Kamala out. That should give all regular folks the willies.

For those Americans who think Obama is still living in D.C.where his daughters are still not in high schooljust for its urban charms, we can be sure that the Obama squadron is up and about in the White House in full force. Jill must be having kittens.

We doubt that Joe Biden is much in the loop about Kamalas future, as he has his own worries now. He is scheduled to speak tonight and explain but that will be, as they say, inconclusive, at best. How could it be otherwise, given the out-going (right?) presidents so very sudden decline into virtual irrelevance. If this is how the Democrats treat their friends, be careful, Kamala. The even-bigger-time can be a real bi**h.

Image: DonkeyHotey, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered.
Samsungs Galaxy Watch Ultra is here and if you pre-ordered the watch or are thinking about picking one up, then one question on your mind is likely Which band should I go with? Samsung offers a few options directly, all of which are available through its online store. It also offers these in multiple colors, and they only come in one size, medium/large, since the watch itself only comes in one size.

One important thing to note about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is that it comes with unique bands. Not just unique in their style but they also have a different attachment system to other Galaxy smartwatches. This includes the Galaxy Watch 7. While the Galaxy Watch 7 is compatible with bands from older models, or really any 20mm watch band you can find around, the Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a specific attachment system that will not work with these bands. So unfortunately they arent interchangeable.

At least, not right out of the box. Luckily, you can pick up an adapter of sorts that hooks into the Galaxy Watch Ultras watch lugs, and then you can attach any band you want to the adapter. Its an ingenious creation that will make finding a band you love much, much easier. So with that said, weve rounded up the best bands you can get for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. So lets dive in and see what there is on offer.

Galaxy Watch Ultra Marine Band

If youre looking to use this watch for any sort of adventure that involves water, whether thats surfing, ocean swimming, kayaking, or anything else, then you want the Marine Band. Heck, its even good if youre in swimming pools a lot. Thanks to its rippled style with two holes down and across the surface of the band in addition to holes that go through the middle of it, water and sweat can easily drain off to help your wrist dry more quickly.

It also comes with a titanium buckle thats made to be durable just like the titanium watch case. The Marine Band comes in multiple colors as well. These colors include Green, Orange, White, and Dark Gray. If you choose the Marine Band when you buy the watch, youll get one of these color choices. It also never hurts to have additional colors for style purposes, if thats something that matters to you.

If you choose to go with a different band when buying the watch, then this a good option to pickup for something more well-suited to any water-based activities. The Marine Band also uses Samsungs one-click system which makes it super easy to swap bands. So if you do decide to get more than one band, this is going to make taking them on and off a lot faster. What I personally really love about this band is that its comfortable. The holes through the middle of the band almost make it feel cushy in a way.

As for the price, itll set you back $80, but thats about what to expect from many of Samsungs bands these days. So the price isnt really a surprise. Especially since this is Samsungs most expensive smartwatch to date.

Buy at Samsung

Galaxy Watch Ultra Trail Band

Trail runners, hikers, cyclists, and anyone who enjoys going on long walks through outdoor terrain will want to consider the Trail Band. This is your go-to for the everyday casual band that also lends itself well to outdoor adventures that dont necessarily involve water. You could certainly wear the Trail Band during water-based activities, but the Marine Band is definitely more well-suited to them.

All of that being said, the Trail Band is an excellent option for those who love bands that use fabric for the material. The Trail Band also features a nice triangle and hook clasp to lock the band in place when youre wearing the watch. Whats nice too is that it has the same ripple design as the Maine Band. The only difference is that it doesnt have the holes that go across the surface of the band, just through it. Still, this helps with airflow and helps wick away sweat during more intense activities like trail running or other workouts.

The Trail Band only comes in three colors, which are White Sand, Orange, and Dark Gray. So you get fewer choices here for colors but you do still have some options. This band also retails for $80 and comes in the medium/large size.

Buy at Samsung

Galaxy Watch Ultra Peakform Band

The Peakform Band for the Galaxy Watch Ultra is really cool because its kind of a hybrid between a sport and fabric band. It uses a silicone material for the base of the band which then has fabric laid on top of it for the surface that isnt touching your wrist while you wear it. Its designed as a very sturdy watch band that Samsung says can handle everyday activities with ease.

True to form the Peakform Band should be a great option if you want something you know will be long-lasting. Although, all three of these bands from Samsung should have no trouble lasting you the duration of how long you use the watch. Assuming you dont upgrade out of it next year.

The Peakform Band is also a good blend of durability and style. If you want something stylish that will stand the test of time, this is it. The fabric thats on the top is also nice and soft, which is great even if it wont really be sitting against your skin. Like the other bands it comes with the one-click system that makes swapping bands very quick and easy. It also comes in three colors which are Orange, Dark Gray, and White Sand.

It doesnt have the exact same ripple design as the other two, but it should still help sweat and such wick away quickly so your wrist doesnt get super sweaty. Plus, if you cant decide between the Marine Band or the Trail Band, the Peakform Band is a nice compromise since you get a little bit of both.

Buy At Samsung

SPGuard Galaxy Watch Ultra Metal Link Band

Samsung doesnt make any metal link bands, or any metal bands for that matter, that work with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. But that doesnt mean you should be locked out from using them with this watch. And you dont have to be! This metal link band from SPGuard is perfect for those who love the look and feel of a metal band for their smartwatches. Using a classic metal link style, this band from SPGuard comes in two different colors which are black and silver.

These colors are meant to match the color of the metal that the watch case comes in. So unfortunately you wont find them in Rose Gold or anything else. This is a no-gap metal band which means you can easily remove links from the band if needed. You would do this if the band doesnt fit your wrist as is upon receiving it. If its too large for your wrist, for example, remove one of the links and see if that makes things more snug. Then just repeat as necessary until you have enough links removed to where the band is secure and fits properly once closed.

It also has quick-release pins so there are no tools required to take the band off of the watch if you ever want to swap it out. Its not as quick and easy as Samsungs one-click system, but it should do just fine. And since Samsung doesnt offer any metal options for the Galaxy Watch Ultra, you have to really take what you can get in this case. While the Galaxy Watch Ultra is meant to be more of an outdoorsy adventure watch, you wont always be in outdoor adventure settings. Sometimes you might be somewhere where something a little more classy is the better choice.

IN those situations, you cant go wrong with a nice metal link band.

Buy at Amazon

Spigen Rugged Armor Pro

Spigen has been making Rugged Armor Pro bands for the Galaxy Watch for a few years now, and it wasnt going to stop with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This is the perfect band for anyone who wants something ultra-durable to match the ruggedness of the watch itself.

The nice thing about the Rugged Armor Pro band is that its more than just a band. It actually comes with a rugged case that fits around the watch case itself. So you wont have to worry about dings or scratches on the watch case if it accidentally bumps up against stuff. Theres nothing like a little peace of mind for your expensive tech. And Spigen knows this. Thats why it made a Rugged Armor Pro band for the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Youre going to likely be doing more strenuous activities with this watch if youre using it for what it was designed for. And unfortunately, that opens the door for more possible accidents to befall your watch. But the Rugged Armor Pro band can help prevent those accidents from damaging the device.

The whole thing is a unibody case with carbon fiber accents and it has cutout holes for all of the buttons. So you wont have to worry about not being able to use any of them. The TPU material thats used helps to keep the band and case durable, and theres also a little locking mechanism for the loop that you fit one end of the band through so it stays put and doesnt come undone too easily. Spigen calls this Smart Lock technology. The case is also shock-resistant. So a little ding here or a little bump there likely isnt going to hurt it.

Buy at Amazon

Ritche Silicone Watch Band

The Ritche Silicone Watch Band is a tried and true option for smartwatches. For any watch really. Its been a staple on many of our lists for the best watch bands. Now remember, this uses the same kind of pin attachment system as the Galaxy Watch 7. So to use it you will need the Galaxy Watch Ultra adapters that we mentioned at the beginning of this post, which are also linked up above. But for convenience, you can also find them at this link here.

This is a great band thats not only secure for all your sporting activities, workouts, and what have you. But its also pretty comfortable with the silicone material feeling nice and supple against your skin. It comes in a variation of colors as well, which is always nice. Because its great to have options. Now youll need to get this band in a 22mm size for it to work with the Galaxy Watch Ultra adapters. So that does take away one or two color options. However, you still have plenty to choose from.

At current, the Ritche Silicone Watch Band in 22mm comes in 9 different color options. This includes Black, Black and Blue with a black buckle, Black and Blue with a silver buckle, Black and Gray with a black buckle, Black and Gray with a silver buckle, Black and Orange with a silver buckle, Black and Red with a black buckle, Black and Red with a silver buckle, and Black with a silver buckle.

Since these are made of silicone theyre weather-resistant and should be fine if worn in the rain or in water from other sources, such as swimming in the pool or natural bodies of water. The silicone is also going to be pretty resistant to any minor damage like scratches or scuffs. Plus, the band is only $18 so its much less expensive than the options from Samsung.

Buy at Amazon

Barton Leather Watch Band

Theres nothing like a nice leather watch band for numerous reasons. Theyre stylish, they feel nice against your skin, and over time most of them will probably develop a nice patina look due to the oils and weathering from older material. It gives the leather some character and really brings out the true, timeless style that you really only get with leather. When it comes to leather watch bands, Barton makes some of the best ones available. At least when it comes to ones that wont cost you an arm and a leg.

Weve had the Barton leather bands on our lists many times and theres a lot of things to love about them. Theyre a little more pricey than the Ritche Silicone band, but thats what you get with high-quality genuine leather. This Barton Top Grain Leather Band comes in multiple color options too. So you can choose the color of leather that fits your style the best. Keep in mind that you will need the 22mm size to work with the Galaxy Watch Ultra adapters.

As for colors, you can choose from quite a few options, but the Carmel Tan Leather is our personal favorite. There are also a few options for black leather with different colored stitching and theres a blue leather option as well if you want something more fun. Cost-wise youre looking at about $29 which is pretty reasonable for a watch band, especially one made of leather.

This band also uses a T-Buckle design with two loops to secure the band in place. Which is a pretty common style that most people should be familiar with in terms of fit and putting the band on your wrist.

Buy at Amazon

Silicone Band fit for Galaxy Watch Ultra

Its pretty easy to see why these bands are on this list. They mimic the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultras Marine Band that Samsung makes, but they come in several colors that Samsung doesnt offer. This includes multiple blue options, as well as black, and even a dark crimson color.

Theres also the matter of price. These bands cost $11. So if you dont like the idea of paying $80 for an extra Marine Band, these should give a similar fit and will give a similar style to the watch. Plus, that $11 gets you three bands as these are set up as a three-pack. This means you can swap bands more often and you get a few different colors that Samsung isnt selling. Like the official Marine Band, these have the ripple design. This helps to wick away sweat and water to help keep your wrist dry.

Theyre also designed specifically for the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Because theyre designed for the Galaxy Watch Ultra you dont have to use the adapters, either. While the adapters are nice, its also nice not to have to use them. Another benefit of these bands is that because they come in a three-pack and theyre only $11, if they end up getting damaged down the line it wont cost much to replace them. And trust me, its always good to have inexpensive options for replacements if needed.

Buy at Samsung

Magnetic D-Buckle Sport Band for Galaxy Watch Ultra

its important to note that this is not a band that comes directly from Samsung, despite its name. But since its designed exactly like the Magnetic D-Buckle Band that Samsung offers, this was the easiest way to describe it. And that is exactly the kind of band it is.

If you want to use or really love the official Magnetic D-Buckle Band from Samsung, you can. You just have to grab those adapters for the Galaxy Watch Ultra that are linked at the beginning of this post. Keep in mind that Samsungs band costs quite a bit more, though. The nice thing about this band is that it was designed like that magnetic band. But it also was designed for the Galaxy Watch Ultra specifically. So theres no need for the adapters.

Whats great about this band is the magnetic clasp. This is by far the easiest watch band Ive ever used in terms of fastening. Its quick and easy to both latch and unlatch. And that means taking the watch off your wrist or putting it on is done in the blink of an eye. Another really nice thing about this band compared to Samsungs is the number of color options. Its great to have choices. And this band comes in several color options to fit your personal style.

Orange, Wine Red, Midnight Blue, Light Blue, Gray, you name it. There are ten colors total so there are plenty of choices for you. Not to mention, this band only costs $10. Which means you can get more than one color if you like to accessorize with different outfits.

Buy at Samsung

Cagos Braided Nylon Band

Nylon bands are pretty awesome and so is this band from Cagos that was made for the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Its made from 550 paracord thats durable and surprisingly comfortable on your wrist. You also wont have to worry about it getting banged up since its not made of metal. It comes in small and large wrist sizes so theres some variance there in which one you might want to choose. For reference, the small size fits wrists that are 6.5  7 inches. Meanwhile, the large size fits wrists that are 7  8 inches around. So you might want to measure your wrist before buying this for your Galaxy Watch Ultra.

if for nothing else, to make sure you get the right size. But also to make sure that either size will actually fit your wrist. Its a pretty good value as well since it only costs $20. Worth noting is that this band does come in three colors according to Cagos. Theres Black, Blue, and Green.

This band also comes with a stainless steel buckle and a magnetic connector to secure the band to the watch case. It also has a Velco-style fastener. This is great because you just have to pull the strap up and around to unfasten it. This is almost as easy as the Magnetic D-Buckle clasp. That being said, it should also allow for some variance in the wrist size. Because you can pull the fastener tighter or make it looser if needed.

Buy at Amazon - Black

Buy at Amazon - Green
Samsung seems all set to launch the Galaxy Tab S10 series with MediaTeks Dimensity 9300+ chip in October. It would be the companys first flagship Android tablet with a MediaTek processor. According to the Korean media, its a well-thought-out strategy from the firm to bolster its bargaining powers with Qualcomm.

Samsung uses MediaTek chip to make Qualcomm drop prices

Flagship Galaxy tablets have long used Qualcomms Snapdragon chips globally. Samsung also uses Qualcomm processors in its foldables globally, while its flagship smartphones are often split between Snapdragon and Exynos chips. Depending on where you live, you get one or the other version (the Galaxy S23 series didnt have an Exynos version).

However, for a change, Samsung is using a MediaTek chip on the Galaxy Tab S10 series. And it isnt necessarily a bad move. The Dimensity 9300+ is equivalent to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, both on paper and in real-world performance. They are fabricated on TSMCs 4nm process node and offer comparable raw performance and power efficiency.

It always looked like the Korean firm was making the switch due to price differences. MediaTeks flagship chipsets are said to be about ten percent cheaper than Qualcomms competing solutions. However, this move may have multiple benefits for Samsung. Alongside saving some costs, the firm is reducing its reliance on Qualcomm, giving itself more space for price negotiations. It can make Qualcomm offer special discounts on its chipsets.

There have been rumors of Samsung considering using MediaTeks next-gen Dimensity 9400 3nm chip in its Galaxy S25 flagships next year. The company might equip the Galaxy Tab S10 series with the Dimensity 9300+ to see how Qualcomm reacts. Ideally, Qualcomm would want to power as many Galaxy S25 units as possible with its 3nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This competition between the two chip vendors may benefit Samsung.

If it increases its reliance on Qualcomm, it will lose its bargaining power in price negotiations, The Koreran Economic Daily quotes a semiconductor industry source as saying about Samsung primarily using Snapdragon chips in its devices. MediaTek is a good card that Samsung can use as leverage in negotiations with Qualcomm. The Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 arrive later this year as the first 3nm chipsets for Android flagships.

Samsung has two more flagship products in the pipeline

Alongside the Galaxy Tab S10 series, Samsung has two more flagship products in the pipeline. The company is readying the Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim. These devices are also expected to launch between October and December this year. Time will tell whether we will see a MediaTek chip in either device. Well, chances of MediaTek powering the Fold are slim, but we wont rule out the Fan Edition phone getting a Dimensity processor.
British actress Roberta Taylor has died at the age of 76, her agent has confirmed.

The star, best known for her roles as tough Inspector Gina Gold in The Bill and amorous Irene Raymond in EastEnders, died earlier this month.

A statement from Roxane Vacca said: Sadly I can confirm that Roberta died on July 6th. She was 76.

Taylor was also known for appearances in Luther, Casualty, and Inspector Morse.

EastEnders said in a statement that Roberta Taylor would always be remembered fondly by everyone that worked with her (Ian West/PA)

She also featured in the film adaptation of Roald Dahls The Witches as one of the malevolent magic practitioners, and 2005 BBC period drama Bleak House.

In EastEnders from 1997, Taylors character was involved in storylines including cheating on her husband Terry Raymond (Gavin Richards) and her difficulties with her children by former husband Ted Hills (Brian Croucher).

She left in 2000 when Irene appeared to head off to travel the world.

Two years later she was cast in The Bill as the new inspector at Sun Hill police station.

Roberta Taylor, second left, with fellow The Bill actors Jeff Stewart, Mark Wingett, Trudie Goodwin and Cyril Nri (Myung Jung Kim/PA)

Gina Gold was a chain-smoking whisky drinker with a sarcastic manner and a filthy temper, who drew comparisons with her EastEnders character, until Taylor left the soap in 2008.

in 2005, the actress published her childhood memoirs, Too Many Mothers: An East End Childhood, in which she explored her familys complex lives.

She previously recalled to TV Times magazine that she grew up in a peculiar family in which she and her siblings and cousins were swapped between her mothers brothers and sisters.

Taylor said she had not seen her father she was a child, and did not wish to meet him.

EastEnders co-stars Patsy Palmer, left to right, Roberta Taylor and Gillian Taylforth at a 1998 Bafta TV awards ceremony (Peter Jordan/PA)

She said: My book is the story of the love of my mums life, a married man she met when she was 18, my father.

At the time it was very difficult  my birth stopped her being free for the rest of her life.

Its a gritty story and ultimately its one of personal triumph. But its also a story that says If you trust too much, youre dead.

Taylor was married to her second husband, Peter Guinness, also an actor, and had one son, Elliot, with her former spouse, Victor Taylor.

EastEnders producer Kyri Zindilis posted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, of Taylor with Pat Butcher (Pat St Clement) and Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) filming a episode of the soap set in Spain.

Devastated to hear this  I adored Irene Raymond. We have this picture printed out and up on the wall in the Story Department, and it always makes me smile. RIP Roberta Taylor. #EastEnders https://t.co/fT6uwkX3UX pic.twitter.com/8WrNJna2zV  Kyri Zindilis (@KyriZindilis) July 23, 2024

He wrote: Devastated to hear this  I adored Irene Raymond. We have this picture printed out and up on the wall in the Story Department, and it always makes me smile. RIP Robert Taylor. #EastEnders.

A statement from EastEnders said: Were deeply saddened to hear that Roberta Taylor has passed away.

Roberta made an impact with audiences from the first moment she arrived in Albert Square with her performance as the formidable Irene Raymond.

Roberta will always be remembered fondly by everyone that worked with her and our love and thoughts go to her family and friends.
John Healey hailed a new security pact between Britain and Germany as the first step towards a deep new defence relationship between the countries, as the UK Government seeks to rebuild post-Brexit ties with Europe.

The Defence Secretary said the new Labour administration is getting on with the job and resetting our relationships with allies on the Continent after signing a joint defence declaration between London and Berlin.

Ministers agreed on six priorities for tighter collaboration as part of the new accord, including comprehensive co-operation in the field of long-range capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Other key goals are strengthening UK and German defence industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as cyber threats, and supporting Ukraine.

Mr Healey is making his first ministerial visits to Germany, France, Poland and Estonia on a whistlestop 48-hour tour aimed at sending a message that European security will be the Governments first foreign and defence priority.

On Tuesday night he met counterparts in France, alongside the Chiefs of Defence Staff from both nations, and thanked British personnel helping to support security at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The signing of the joint declaration in Germany on Wednesday will pave the way for the new UK-German Defence Agreement discussed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Sir Keir Starmer at the recent Nato summit, he said.

On Thursday, the Defence Secretary will travel to Estonia to meet British troops deployed to protect Natos eastern border with Russia and pay tribute to the role UK forces play in the region.

It comes after the Prime Minister sought to kick-start changes to the way Britain engages with its neighbours as he hosted the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace last Thursday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed the new UK-German Defence Agreement at the recent Nato summit in the US (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr Healey said: In our third week, this Government is getting on with the job and resetting our relationships with European allies to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

These visits send a clear message that European security will be this Governments first foreign and defence priority.

Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kick-start a deep new defence relationship, built on our nations shared values.

And in France, Poland and Estonia we will continue to strengthen our defence ties with our European allies  as we all stand steadfast behind Ukraine.

It is a privilege to visit and thank our British troops defending Natos eastern border with Russia. Their presence and fortitude in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putins aggression shows that Nato is the cornerstone of European defence.

The UK-German pact, described by the MoD as the most comprehensive declaration ever signed between the two countries, commits to fostering a joint procurement initiative, promoting technology sharing and high-level strategic exchanges.

On deep precision strike capability, it says: The Ministries of Defence of Germany and the United Kingdom will, together with partners, undertake a long-term, comprehensive co-operation in the field of long-range capabilities.

Both countries are among the biggest providers of support to Ukraine. Germany is Kyivs second largest military donor after the US.

The prospect of Donald Trump winning the US election has prompted debate among Nato allies of how to ensure support is sustained given his past criticisms of the bloc and threats to reduce aid to Ukraine.

Sir Keir Starmer was asked about support for Ukraine during his first Prime Ministers Questions (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

During his first Prime Ministers Questions in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Keir was pressed on whether he had raised with German leaders the possibility of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine.

Answering a question from acting Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, he said: I had the opportunity in Washington at the Nato Council to talk to our German counterparts.

There was a strong theme there on Ukraine  discussed with all of our allies  and part of my message was to urge all of our allies to provide further support where they can to the Ukrainian people, and that was well received.
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca does not expect any problems within his playing squad when Enzo Fernandez returns to club duty next week.

Fernandez has been at the centre of a racism row this month after he posted a video on Instagram which appeared to show him and his Argentina team-mates engaging in a derogatory chant about the France national team during celebrations of their Copa America success.

Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana described it as uninhibited racism and, while Fernandez has issued an apology, FIFA and his club are investigating the incident.

The 106.8million midfielder is currently on holiday after his international commitments this summer, but is set to link up with the Chelsea squad later in July.

Maresca, speaking during the clubs pre-season tour of US, told reporters: It is quite easy in terms of the player doing a statement to apologise.

The club did the same, so I dont think there is something to add in terms of the situation. It is already clear and clarified.

In the end, they are all human beings. I dont think there are any bad intentions from any one of them. I dont think when Enzo is back that we will have any kind of problem.

The player clarified already the situation, the club did the same. So, there is nothing to add.

Once again, I think they are not bad persons or human beings. It can happen but I dont think there are any problems at all.

Chelsea captain Reece James joined Maresca at the press conference and conceded it had been a really difficult situation, after a number of Fernandezs club team-mates unfollowed the 23-year-old following the incident.

It was obviously a really difficult situation. I think Enzo acknowledged that he has done wrong and quickly put his hand up to apologise to the club, the team and people offended, James explained.

He hasnt arrived yet so I dont know if theres anything to amend. Ill have to make that judgement when he comes back in. I hope everyone will be on the same page and we can move forward from the situation.
A man cools down with his hat in Seville (Getty) (tomazl via Getty Images)

Temperatures have soared in southern Europe in recent weeks with the mercury hitting 44C in Spain and forest fires breaking out in Greece.

It's not just Europe. On Tuesday, preliminary data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change showed that Sunday 21 July was the hottest day ever recorded globally.

With the holiday season in full swing, Yahoo News has spoken to travel expert Andy Medearis about which European cities could be dangerously too hot for comfort.

Athens

Much of Greece is suffering from sweltering heat with wildfires breaking out. (AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

As with many countries in Europe, Greece has repeatedly seen high temperatures disrupt daily activities since June, and hundreds of wildfires have broken out following the warmest winter on record - that scientists link to global climate change.

Last week, Greece shut the Acropolis - its most visited ancient site - for several hours in the afternoon as the country baked in yet another heatwave that sent temperatures up to 38C (100.4F).

Medearis said of European cities travellers should be wary of before visiting: "At the top of the list is Athens, Greece, where average daytime highs soar to a sweltering 87.3F (30.7C), while overnight lows remain a toasty 71.4F (21.9C).

"The dry Mediterranean climate ensures relentless sunshine, making proper hydration and seeking shade an absolute necessity for visitors."

August is the hottest month of the year in Athens, with just 3mm of rain on average per month. High temperatures are likely to continue, based on analysis from The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

Tirana

Firefighters battle a wildfire just north of Tirana in summer 2024. (Getty) (ADNAN BECI via Getty Images)

Situated 15 miles from the coast, Albanias capital Tirana can be brutally hot, with 40-plus temperatures boosted by the winds coming from Africa.

Temperatures in Tirana tend to peak in August.

This year, Albanian authorities have sought help from the EU to deal with wildfires triggered by abnormal heatwaves.

Medearis said: "In the Albanian capital of Tirana, visitors can expect a formidable 86.4F (30.2C) throughout the daylight hours, cooling only slightly to 61.1F (16.2C) after nightfall.

"The inland location ensures minimal coastal breezes to alleviate the August inferno."

Rome

Tourists are filling up water bottles from a public fountain in Saint Peter, Rome. (AP) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Italys capital Rome has very little rainfall in summer and up to 11 hours of sunshine per day and is expected to be extremely hot this summer.

Medearis, founder of aeroplane points site Deals Points, said: "The Eternal City of Rome, Italy is also feeling the effects of the summer heat, with thermometers regularly peaking at 86.8F (30.4C) during the day.

"While evening lows of 61.1F (16.2C) offer a brief reprieve, the city's urban landscape amplifies the sweltering conditions."

Podgorica

Podgorica is very hot in the summer (Getty) (Tuul & Bruno Morandi via Getty Images)

Balkan states such as Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia have sizzled this summer. The Rusanda salt lake in the north of Serbia, which contains medicinal mud, dried up for the first time ever. The Adriatic Sea has hovered at temperatures around a record-high 29.5C in several coastal resorts of Croatia.

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, sits near the coast of the Adriatic and is known for searing summer temperatures.

The country has already seen electricity blackouts thanks to heatwaves this summer, as thousands switched on air conditioning systems to cope with the summer heat.

Medearis said: "Tucked away in the Balkans, Podgorica, Montenegro is another contender for Europe's hottest locale come August.

"Scorching daytime averages of 87.0F (30.6C) are accompanied by balmy evening temperatures around 66.7F (19.3C), providing minimal respite from the oppressive heat."

Seville

Seville often sees temperatures above 40 in the summer. (Getty) (Europa Press News via Getty Images)

Spain has experienced searing heat in recent weeks with the country's health ministry recently issuing alerts for large swathes of the country. Echoing authorities across southern Europe, Spain told people to drink water, protect themselves against the sun and pay particular attention to the young and the elderly.

It also warned of a high risk of wildfires in most of the country.

Located inland, far from cooling sea breezes, the historic city of Seville is considered Europes hottest.

Seville has seen temperatures of up to 47C in the past, and August temperatures can easily stray above 35C, with little respite in the evenings, Medearis said.

Last year, temperatures soared above 40C in August and stayed around 35C for much of the month.

Campaigners have warned that the city is becoming so hot and dry it risks becoming a desert - with the landlocked city often baked by hot winds from Africa.

Read more
A Scottish pioneer and champion of film who became the first woman to direct a film festival has been named as this years recipient of the prestigious Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award.

Lynda Myles, the film producer, curator, writer and former director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), is being honoured in recognition of the lasting legacy of a career that has spanned more than 60 years.

In 1973 she became director of the EIFF, and during her eight-year tenure she is credited with transforming the festival into a mecca of discovery.

This included championing the work of overlooked auteurs like Alfred Hitchcock and Sam Fuller, providing a global platform for many female film-makers from the era, and, in 1972, initiating a series of debates and screenings called The Womans Event  the first ever event devoted to women and film-making.

After leaving the EIFF in 1980, Myles went on to produce a number of highly acclaimed films, including 1991 Bafta best picture The Commitments, and also Defence of The Realm, and The Snapper And The Van  both of which were directed by Stephen Frears.

After learning she had been chosen for the award, Myles said: Im deeply touched to be this years recipient of the Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to run the Edinburgh International Film Festival in the 70s and that experience shaped all my future involvement with different aspects of the industry.

Ive enjoyed so many collaborative relationships on which the film industry thrives, and am so grateful for the fantastic support Ive received. Huge thanks to Bafta Scotland for this honour, which Im delighted to accept.

Jude MacLaverty, director of Bafta Scotland, said: Lynda Myles has been a pioneer and champion of film for over 60 years. Her expansive career has seen her assume many roles, from film producer to curator, commissioner and of course festival director.

A true inspiration, her appointment as the first ever female director of a film festival anywhere in the world helped paved the way for many women in the industry and beyond that her passion for and commitment to critical debate and thinking had a significant impact on filmmaking, encouraging filmmakers to reconsider what film is and can be.

We are honoured to present Lynda with the Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award at our special event on August 19 and to celebrate her lasting legacy.

We're thrilled to announce that the ground-breaking film producer, curator, writer and former Director of @edfilmfest Lynda Myles is to receive the BAFTA Scotland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film at a special event this Augusthttps://t.co/TVuFgvr9Z0 pic.twitter.com/jeM36sbMBj  BAFTA Scotland (@BAFTAScotland) July 24, 2024

Myles has occupied a number of senior positions in the film and television industry, including senior vice-president at Columbia Pictures and commissioning editor for drama at the BBC.

In 2004 she became head of fiction at the National Film and Television School, where she mentored some of todays most innovative new directors.

Myles is also credited with influencing the language used to talk about film, with her co-authored book The Movie Brats, about the generation of directors who transformed Hollywood in the 1970s, coining a phrase that is now part of the movie lexicon.

Paul Ridd, who was appointed director of the EIFF earlier this year, acknowledged Myless enduring influence on the annual festival.

Since coming into post earlier this year I spent time meeting with former directors of Edinburgh International Film Festival, including Lynda Myles, he said.

Lynda is a force of nature and someone whose extensive involvement and tireless work with the festival has left an indelible mark on its history and its legacy. I felt inspired and energised by our meeting and I am so thrilled Bafta Scotland will be honouring her this year.

The Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award is presented each year to an individual or organisation that has made a significant and inspiring contribution to film through a particular project or work.

It will be presented to Myles at a special event at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh on August 19, during the 2024 Edinburgh International Film Festival  which runs August 15-21.

The Bafta Scotland awards ceremony takes place on November 17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said a truth recovery body will help families find an answer as he justified Labour keeping the commission established under the previous government.

As part of the Kings Speech, the Government announced they would be bringing forward measures to begin the process of repealing the Legacy Act.

While the entire Act cannot be repealed without something to replace it, the Government is expected to axe the controversial policy of offering conditional immunity for Troubles crimes.

The Act was designed to address unanswered questions from the Troubles but has been almost universally opposed by Northern Ireland parties and victims groups due to the conditional immunity offered to perpetrators.

A Time for Truth and Justice campaigner holds a sign saying, Legacy families have a right to an investigation during a protest against the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill outside the Northern Ireland Office (Liam McBurney/PA)

Under the legacy legislation, limited immunity would be exchanged for full co-operation with the truth recovery body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (Icrir).

It also ended civil cases and inquests which were not at findings stage earlier this year.

During Northern Ireland questions, Conservative MP for Harrow East Bob Blackman said victims and their families had waited a long time for closure on these particular issues.

He said: I understand absolutely the need to create a consensus across Northern Ireland for what is going to be proposed.

But could (Mr Benn) set out that for the House, the timeline and the plan for actually achieving that? And also agree to come back to the House and update the House when that plan is written.

Mr Benn replied: I can say to him as far as the independent commission is concerned, the Government has decided that we will retain it, because the Stormont House agreement, that we say we want to return to the principles that it set out, that is both information recovery and continued investigation.

Those two functions are in effect combined in the independent commission.

I met Sir Declan Morgan (Icrir chief commissioner) yesterday to talk about how that work can be taken forward.

The commission is now open for business and it is available to families to approach to find an answer that many of them have been looking for for so long.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said families deserve answers (PA)

Conservative former minister Richard Holden asked for clarification that any future legislation will protect now elderly veterans from vexatious legal action in the future.

Mr Benn paid tribute to the work that veterans, members of the police and the security services did over many years during the Troubles in trying to keep people safe from terrorism and clarified that veterans organisations would be engaged with during the consultation.

DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart asked the Northern Ireland Secretary what discussions he is having with groups representing innocent victims and asked for assurance that there will no pandering to those who were the victim makers.

She continued: Also what meaningful engagement is he having with the Irish government who oppose the Legacy Bill but have disgracefully refused to deal with the many allegations of state collusion with the provisional IRA, thinking specifically about the long-awaited public inquiry into the Omagh bombing?

The Omagh Bombing Inquiry was established in 2024 by the previous government to consider whether the bombing in Omagh, County Tyrone, on August 15 1998 could reasonably have been prevented by UK state authorities.

The bombing was the single biggest atrocity of the Troubles, with 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, killed in the attack.

A preliminary hearing for the inquiry will be held at the end of the month in Omagh.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has met Tanaiste Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Responding to Ms Lockhart, Mr Benn said he had met Tanaiste Micheal Martin on the matter and expressed the hope that a way forward can be found that would lead the Irish Government to withdraw their interstate case against the UK in the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the Legacy Act.

He added: I will certainly engage with victims organisations, a number of which I met during my time as the shadow secretary of state because I am committed to trying to find a way forward that in the end, if this is going to work, its got to work for the victims families because theyre the people who say what went before hasnt given us what we were looking for.
One thing Ive learned about cats is that its an honor just to be chosen as their keeper. When my cat chooses to come snuggle with me, or sleeps on the back of my chair, her paw strategically placed just so against my body, I know that its one of the highest compliments offered by feline kind.

And these Maine Coon kittens who insist on touching each other with their paws while sleeping have certainly bonded deeply.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Meet Missy and Socks, two Maine Coon kittens out of a trio of new arrivals in the home of one British family. Though they are different colors, they come from the same litter and refuse to be separated.

In fact, thats how this family ended up with three of them to start with.

Related: Maine Coon Cat Babysitting Precious Kitten Is Too Cute

Bonded Cats

One of the things I learned early on in my journey as a cat parent is that few cats like being the only feline in the house. The rescue where I got my cats from wont even adopt out a single kitten to a home that doesnt already have a cat in it. This is why I ended up with a kitten as well as its mama.

Cats are highly social animals and unless you are prepared to spend several hours a day playing with them, its best to get them a playmate of the feline variety.

That was this familys plan when they went to pick up their two new Maine Coon kitties. But then fate intervened:

We were in the car about to head home with our two new gorgeous kittens, but we couldnt stop thinking about the little girl we left behind, explained the cats owner on their social media page. We sat in the car for a short while deliberating what to do eventually, we knocked on the door and asked if we could also buy the little girl.

And the rest was history!

Now, Missy, Chili and Socks make their home together, and the family couldnt be happier about it. Sometimes, it doesnt pay to break up littermates.

One of the ways you can tell that cats are bonded is that they will sleep cuddled together, play tag and even engage in allogrooming, a behavior whereby two cats who are friends will give each other baths. As these cats have been together all their lives, its likely that their bond will remain as they grow to maturity.

Is a Maine Coon Right For You?

Maine Coons are a popular breed of cat known for their enormous size, intelligence, and doglike behavior. They are described as gentle giants whose love of performing tricks and familial affection make them beloved, even for people who supposedly think they don't like cats.

Maine Coon cats are often not considered fully grown until they are several years old, so these little guys have a long way to go before they reach the enormous proportions that make the breed so popular all over the world.

Maine Coons are also considered to be one of the most sociable of cat breeds, with chatty personalities. They love their human families and considered a good cat to keep around children.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
The Irish media minister has denied writing a blank cheque to RTE after signing off on multi-million-euro top-offs to unpredictable licence fee revenues.

The Government has agreed a 725-million-euro funding programme for the national broadcaster over the next three years, in a move described by Minister Catherine Martin as unprecedented.

The decision was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, after months of wrangling between ministers about how the broadcaster should be funded.

Under the plan, RTE will get 225 million euro in funding next year from TV licence fee revenue  topped up by direct Exchequer funding.

The Government will provide top-ups to RTE direct from the Exchequer (Brian Lawless/PA)

This will rise to 240 million euro in 2026 and 260 million euro in 2027.

TV licence sale receipts have been declining for years and amounted to 123 million euro in 2023.

Under the new plan, Ms Martin said the 225-million-euro in year one would consist of approximately 105 million euro from traditional TV licence sales and 78 million euro from free TV licences provided through social welfare schemes, while the remainder would come from direct Exchequer funding of 42 million euro through the Department of Media.

That 42-million-euro is two million euro more than the interim funding provided to RTE this year.

Ms Martin would not provide a similar breakdown for 2026 and 2027 as she said she did not know what TV licence revenues would be for those years.

Taoiseach Simon Harris signed off on the new funding package (Brian Lawless/PA)

When pressed by reporters on whether this was a blank cheque for the organisation, where the Exchequer would make up for a long-term trend of declining TV licence revenues, the minister rejected the characterisation.

Ms Martin instead offered an alternative scenario where the money directly provided by the Exchequer could decrease if licence fee payments increase.

At a press conference on Wednesday, she said: Thats why the essential part of this is strengthening the collection method.

An Post, which is in charge of collecting the 160-euro annual fee per household, also received six million euro to improve its process.

There have been varying views within Government on whether the TV licence fee should be abolished, with Taoiseach Simon Harris stating that he felt increasing the fee would have been unpalatable to the public.

RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst previously committed to cut spending at the broadcaster by 10 million euro this year (Liam McBurney/PA)

Ministers had committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTE during this government term after revenues from the TV licence fee fell following a financial and governance crisis at Irelands public-service broadcaster.

In the wake of the scandal, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst committed to reducing its highest earners fees, invest in digital and technology, and cut spending this year by 10 million euro.

The reform plan includes a redundancy programme. Ms Martin refused to provide a figure for how much of the new funding would be used to implement the scheme.

Reacting to the Governments overall plan, Mr Bakhurst said it would allow the organisation to continue necessary transformation and restoration of trust.

He added: We will not take the opportunity that todays announcement presents for granted.

The RTE campus in Donnybrook (Liam McBurney/PA)

But rival independent network Virgin Media said it was extremely disappointed over a lack of recognition of others providing public-service broadcasting.

In a statement, its managing director Aine Ni Chaoindealbhain said RTE would be in a more dominant position than ever before and added: Virgin Media Television has no alternative but to review all options including our position with regards to our existing public-service broadcasting commitments.

Mr Harris praised the media minister for settling the question of RTE funding.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence-fee collection system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the Exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.

The National Union of Journalists expressed grave disappointment over the retention of the current TV licence system but welcomed increased funding for RTE.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin supported the retention and strengthening of the licence-fee collection system (Brian Lawless/PA)

It further noted that the overall funding figure was 55 million below what RTE had sought for the time period.

RTE staff are dismayed and disappointed that the TV licence was not scrapped, according to their trade union group (TUG).

TUG co-chair Emma O Kelly said: The Government has chosen to ignore the writing on the wall and stick with a TV licence charge. This is beyond disappointing.

Elsewhere, a further 22.2 million euro will be provided for other public-service projects in 2025, including 10 million euro from the Exchequer for the Media Fund schemes  an increase of four million euro on 2024.
Media Minister Catherine Martin has hailed a decision to provide 725 million euro in funding for RTE over the next three years as an unprecedented move to serve all.

The decision to provide a mix between direct Exchequer funding and the existing TV licence fee was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, after months of wrangling between ministers on how the broadcaster should be funded.

An Post, which is in charge of collecting the 160 euro annual fee per household, also received six million euro to improve its collection service.

There have been varying views within Government on whether the TV licence fee should be abolished, with Taoiseach Simon Harris stating that he felt increasing the fee would have been unpalatable to the public.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet on Wednesday, Mr Harris denied that Ms Martin was overruled on the funding decision.

Ms Martin had previously said that a hybrid funding model for RTE could be the worst of both worlds and expressed a preference for direct Exchequer funding.

She said that the decision made by government provided certainty for RTE.

While there has been much debate around how a stable future for RTE would be provided, a priority for me as Minister for Media has always been guaranteeing the future funding and restructuring of RTE, and that it is sustainable and acceptable to the public, she said.

What has been agreed today provides financial stability for RTE for future years, coupled with reformed fee collection methods. This is unprecedented.

Guaranteeing that funding, that future, is an accomplishment that will serve viewers, listeners and audiences  that will serve all of our society.

Under the plan, RTE will get 225 million euro in funding next year from TV licence fee revenue and direct Exchequer funding combined.

This will rise to 240 million euro in 2026 and 260 million euro in 2027.

A further 22.2 million euro will be provided for other public service projects in 2025, including 10 million euro from the Exchequer for the Media Fund schemes  an increase of four million euro on 2024.

The Department of Media said that net TV licence sales receipts were worth 123 million euro in 2023, with 93% going to RTE and 7% to the broadcasting fund as is required under statute.

Media Minister Catherine Martin speaks during a press conference at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ministers had committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTE during this government term after revenues from the TV licence fee fell following a financial and governance crisis at Irelands public service broadcaster.

In the wake of the scandal, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst committed to reduce the highest earners fees, invest in digital and technology, and cut spending this year by 10 million euro.

Mr Bakhurst said the three-year commitment will help them plan ahead after a very difficult time for the organisation.

He said: It also means we can continue the necessary transformation of RTE and the restoration of trust while also delivering important and engaging public service programming and content across our television, radio and online services, in English and in Irish.

Mr Bakhurst added: Our five-year strategy, which was necessary even before the issues of the past year or more emerged, is about creating a trusted organisation that delivers for Irish audiences.

It is about backing creative ambition and digital innovation, supporting Irish culture, and bringing people together. It is about reflecting Ireland and supporting the creative industry across the island.

It is a plan based on the core values of public service. We are determined to build a strong, modern RTE that will play a defining role in Irish life; an RTE that Ireland will be proud of.

We will not take the opportunity that todays announcement presents for granted.

But unions representing staff at RTE said there was dismay and disappointment that the outdated and inequitable TV licence system was being retained.

Co-chairwoman of the Trade Union Group and RTE Education Correspondent Emma O Kelly said: By deciding to give An Post an additional six million euro over three years to reform the collection system, the government is admitting the licence system is already broken.

To add insult to injury, having ignored a series of expert reports, the government has appointed yet another technical group to examine the licencing system. It would have been more effective for the government to admit that the system is broken and to replace it completely.

Mr Harris said the decision made by Government provides a significant uplift in the level of public funding, and provides multi-annual certainty.

He added: I felt that we couldnt ask the taxpayer to put their hand in their pocket and pay any more in terms of an increased licence fee. I dont think that would have been palatable for people.

I felt that the level of funding had to be sustainable and I think weve got that right too. And I did also feel that we had to have something for other public service broadcasters as well and Im satisfied those have been met.

He said that amid misinformation it was important to properly fund public service broadcasting.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: Catherine Martin has worked extraordinarily hard on this situation for a very long period of time.

Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting because she becomes the minister that settles the question, that has overseen reforms, but also now has crucially secured multi-annual funding and I guarantee you, you could bring any minister out today and if you told them you could offer them multi-annual certainty for the next three years theyd take your right arm off.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream.

He added: It is important in terms of the independence of media (rather than) total dependency on Government and also in terms of the broader issues around democracy and freedom of the media.

Mr Martin also said there would now be a better system of direct Exchequer funding, but added that reforms in RTE need to continue.

The Fianna Fail leader further warned that retaining the licence-fee system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the Exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.
Ministers have been pressed to guarantee a key Labour official has not sought to influence decisions on Casement Park.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) raised concerns over the role of Sue Gray, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers chief of staff, amid reports about her alleged involvement in talks over the project.

The derelict west Belfast ground has been earmarked to host five matches at the Euro 2028 football tournament, which is being held in the UK and Ireland.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson raised concerns over the Prime Ministers chief of staff amid reports about her alleged involvement in Casement Park (Liam McBurney/PA)

Speaking in the Commons, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: The Government is committed to ensuring that Euro 2028 benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. Were working as quickly as possible with all partners to assess the options on the Casement Park project.

But Mr Wilson said: Many people were surprised when the Secretary of State made it his priority to deliver on Casement Park.

Committing 320 million for a stadium to host five matches at a time when there are huge waiting lists to be dealt with in the health service, special needs education needs funding and social housing needs funding is an indefensible use of public money.

Can the Secretary of State give us an assurance that the Governments view has not been influenced by any personal interventions by the chief of staff of the Labour Party, this is a personal project, and can he confirm that such an intervention would be a breach of public standards in public life?

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn arrives in Downing Street for a Cabinet meeting (Jeff Moore/PA)

Mr Benn replied: What I said was its a priority because a decision needs to be made.

The fact is the Government has inherited a commitment to hosting the Euros at Casement Park, it is now a year and three-quarters since Uefa awarded that right to Northern Ireland and to the United Kingdom and Ireland, nothing has happened during the year and three-quarters since then to progress the project.

Were left with a situation where the cost has gone through the roof and we dont know even if you had the money whether you could build it in time and that is why the Government is looking at it, and thats why I said it was a priority to make a decision.

SDLP MP Claire Hanna (Belfast South and Mid Down) sought assurances that Casement Park will be rebuilt.

She said: GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) fans in Northern Ireland, like Northern Ireland football fans awaiting some regional stadium funding, have been let down by a decade of Stormont dither, by sniping like weve just seen and by the last government  had they green-lit the project when they said they would, construction would have been well under way in time for the Euros.

Mr Benn noted there has been a decade-long commitment from the Northern Ireland Executive without progress being made, adding: Windsor Park got an upgrade, Ravenhill got an upgrade and its important that Casement Park is built, which is why I said on my recent visit that one way or another that project needs to be completed.

The Irish Government has so far allocated 50 million euro (42 million) towards the project and has indicated that it is willing to contribute more.

TUV leader Jim Allister called for more money for healthcare (Liam McBurney/PA)

TUV leader Jim Allister, the new MP for North Antrim, asked Mr Benn to explain to Northern Irelands citizens waiting for healthcare why it seems to be a priority for the UK Government to pour hundreds of millions of pounds into a GAA sports stadium instead of fixing our health service.

He added: If the Government commits money and if the Euros do not come to Belfast, wont the Government be in the position where the rugby stadium, the football stadium didnt get a penny of Treasury or NIO (Northern Ireland Office) money but GAA did?

How can that be fair and how can that be proportionate?

Mr Benn replied: I hope very much that sport will be a force for unity in Northern Ireland rather than a source of division.

He said Mr Allister had made a very powerful point on the health service and noted Northern Ireland has the longest waiting lists in the UK.

Mr Benn went on to say he believes this is a result of decisions the Executive has failed to take over many years, adding: The people of Northern Ireland want to have a better health service and that needs the plan which the new health minister is committed to.
A Palestinian flag flies sign over the Kings College camp on May 17, 2024 in Cambridge, United Kingdom

Its embarrassing, really. But its also deeply sad. For several months a mob of Israel haters has been occupying the lawn in front of one of the most beautiful, hallowed places in the world  Kings College, Cambridge  with a landfills worth of tents and hideous paraphernalia. Whether all the encampments members see it this way or not, it has seemed to be one of the many manifestations of the anti-Semitic mass movement that has swelled since the murder by Hamas of Israelis on October 7.

In response, however, Cambridge University did not stand up to the activists, did not give them 24 hours to clear out or else tractors and police would do it for them. It does not seem to have expelled people, as some campuses in the US eventually did. And it has not, in an era in which universities are weirdly vocal on matters of geopolitics, said that it stands with Israel, as all decent people should. Instead, it has shown simpering agreement tinged with cowardice.

This week, Cambridges cravenness reached a new low. It told the protesters very nicely that if theyll only move their tents, please, it will reconsider its investments in arms companies. And the protesters seem to have accepted the shoddy deal, and are now expected to clear the camp.

Its the stuff of Orwellian nightmares: the university promised to review its approach to responsible investments in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza along with rapid scrutiny of its finances to be done next term in conjunction with a student-led task force. Ways of defining and monitoring defence exposures within investment portfolios would be part of the review.

Below the waffle a firm idea swims into view: the university implicitly accepted that the protesters were right. At least the mob cut to the chase. According to a list of demands the Cambridge encampment posted online, it wants complete divestment from firms complicit in Israels apartheid regime and genocide of Palestinians.

Cambridge isnt weak. The university was quick to rescind the offer of a fellowship to Jordan Peterson back in 2019 because it deemed the Canadian psychology professor not to uphold our principles. But this goes beyond the usual stuff of culture wars. The university has effectively surrendered to a movement that appears to be motivated by a peculiar hatred for the only Jewish state.

Whataboutery is much-maligned but excellent at showing where the malignity lies. There have been no months-long encampments pushing for a total boycott and divestment from Russia, Iran, Yemen or other terror-exporting states; no bother about China or Syria or any number of other oppressive regimes with corrupt dictatorships and foul human rights threatening global peace. Its just Israel  its always just Israel.

Cambridge was once a glory not just of Britain but the world; totally unique, magical in its history, tradition and beauty, the end of the rainbow for people from all over the world. But a cultural plague is upon it. It has gone from being a beacon of excellence to a swamp of third-class ideas, poisoned by the worst of the social sciences.

Some of us had hoped that with the departure of ultra-woke vice-chancellor Stephen Toope things would improve. But the poison has gone far too deep for that. It is, to borrow a Covid-era term, circulating within the community. And for the oldest hatred in the world, there is no vaccine in sight.
Thousands of protesters demonstrated around Capitol Hill voicing opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, who addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday.

With tensions over Israels nine-and-half-month war on Gaza running high, police mounted a huge security operation to seal off the US Capitol from protesters.

Streets in Washingtons downtown area were closed to traffic, while officers experienced in dealing with mass protests were drafted in from the New York police department. The Capitol building itself was ring-fenced off.

Shut it down, a large group of protesters chanted as they marched toward the Capitol after blocking a nearby intersection, adding Bibi, Bibi, were not done! Capitol police deployed pepper spray at protesters they claimed had crossed the police line.

Related: Netanyahu rejects calls for immediate inquiry into 7 October security failures

Netanyahus speech  arranged weeks ago and instigated by the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson  comes at a singularly dramatic moment in US politics, days after the withdrawal of Joe Biden from the presidential race and less than two weeks after a failed assassination attempt on the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.

But the fevered domestic backdrop has done little to reduce the furore surrounding Netanyahu, seen as a renegade figure even among some pro-Israel Democrats for prosecuting a war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians.

The military offensive was launched in response to an assault by the Palestinian group Hamas last October that left about 1,200 Israelis dead and saw another 250 taken hostage.

Netanyahus presence was protested by demonstrators coming from a broad range of mostly leftwing groups, some of them Jewish, and many of them having travelled from as far as Indiana, Georgia and Illinois, according to protest organisers.

In a sign of the many fractures created by the war, anti-Netanyahu protesters from different factions clashed angrily with one another, after pro-Palestinian demonstrators apparently mistook another group displaying Israeli flags as supporters of Israels prime minister.

Police intervened after scuffles broke out, as a march passed a group of protesters denouncing Netanyahu for his failure to end the war in Gaza and strike a deal that would free the remaining hostages being held by Hamas.

Marchers chanted free, free Palestine as they passed the Israeli groups gathered in a park near the US Capitol. Things turned heated when two men close to the Israeli gathering shouted from Hamas in response.

As tempers frayed, a young pro-Palestinian marcher appeared to grab several Israeli flags, leading to scuffles and shouts of do not attack and leave her alone from a man holding a Palestinian flag.

As a shouting match ensued, the same man was clearly heard shouting go back to Poland at members of the Israeli group, some of whom wore T-shirts bearing slogans like Saving Israeli Democracy.

Officers nearby appeared to be slow to react but arrived on the scene after being summoned by the members of the Israeli gathering.

Both sides have a trigger when they see the other flag, said Offer Gutelson, an organiser with UnXeptable, an Israeli group protesting against Netanyahu. They get the feeling when they see the [Israeli] flag that we are not on their side, but we are, he said. We are on the side of the people who want peace, but not the ones who want to free Palestine from the river to the sea.

Among those organising the main rally were Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, Jewish Voice for Peace, Code Pink, the US Palestinian Community Network, the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR), the Peoples Forum and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Speakers lined up to address the crowd included Jill Stein, the Green party presidential candidate, and the actor Susan Sarandon.

Protesters demanded Netanyahus arrest, as requested by the international criminal courts chief prosecutor in May. The request was later denounced by Biden.

If Biden were fit to lead, he would stop funding genocide and turn Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu over to the ICC, Ahmad Abuznaid, an executive director at the USCPR, said in a statement.

The demonstrations started on Tuesday, a day after Netanyahus arrival in the US on Monday night, when members of the Jewish Voice for Peace group occupied the rotunda at the Cannon building, where many members of Congress have office space. Police carried out arrests and the group said about 400 of its members were detained.

At the main demonstration  a safe distance from the fenced-off Capitol on a square off Pennsylvania Avenue  protesters chanted From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, a slogan some supporters of Israel have alleged is antisemitic and potentially genocidal.

A giant effigy of Netanyahu with horns on his head and blood dripping from his mouth was on display, while one woman holding a Palestinian flag had a baby doll held in a makeshift childs sling fashioned out of a keffiyeh, apparently as a symbol of the large number of children killed in Israels Gaza offensive.

One of several speakers to address the crowd, Abuznaid of USCPR said Palestinians were fighting for our stolen past [and] our liberated future.

He added: We reject Netanyahu not because he is more brutal or racist than those before him  [but] because hes exactly the manifestation of the colonial project known as Zionism. We reject genocide Joe [Biden] and the US governments support of this monstrosity historically and today.

Emily De Ferrari, 72, a retired midwife and volunteer for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS), which campaigns for economic and cultural embargoes to pressure Israel to change its policy, called Netanyahus visit to Washington criminal.

I dont know what to say about the people who invited him, said De Ferrari, who had driven five hours from Pittsburgh with a group of fellow activists to be present. Its a cynical, manipulative, criminal move to invite him here today.

Asked if she believed Israel should continue to exist as a Jewish state, she replied: A place where Jews are free and safe, I think thats a justifiable aim. But it doesnt make any sense for the Jews to say: Weve got to be free and safe and you dont.

Shouldnt the Palestinians be allowed to live where they have lived for thousands of years? Thats not to deny the Holocaust or thousands of years of antisemitism.

Several Democratic members of Congress, including the Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, boycotted Netanyahus speech.

Some made statements of condemnation on the eve of its delivery. It will be the first time in American history that a war criminal has been given that honor of addressing a joint session of Congress, Sanders said on Tuesday in remarks on the Senate floor.

Jerry Nadler, a senior Democratic House member from New York, also issued a withering denunciation, calling the Israeli prime minister the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king who invited the Romans into Jerusalem over 2100 years ago. However, he said he would be present during the speech out of respect to the state of Israel.

He called the speech the next step in a long line of manipulative bad-faith efforts by Republicans to further politicise the US-Israel relationship for partisan gain and is a cynical stunt by Netanyahu aimed at aiding his own desperate political standing at home. There is no question in my mind it should not be happening.
Victorian authorities believe 22 cattle have died after a truck carrying the animals crashed into a bridge in Melbourne, with transport groups questioning why the route was being used.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the truck crashed into a rail bridge on Alexandra Avenue in South Yarra at about 8.25pm.

The top deck of the trailer was crushed in the impact, with many of the cattle injured and at least one animal seen jumping from the trailer. There were also reports of at least two cattle wandering through streets.

Agriculture Victoria attended the scene, along with veterinary organisations, and treated the cattle.

They said approximately 22 cattle died in the crash or were euthanised at the scene. There were about 75 cattle on board the truck at the time of the crash.

The remaining cattle were assessed by Agriculture Victoria staff and moved safely from the scene and were to be reassessed again on Wednesday.

Victoria police on Wednesday said the driver of the truck, a 54-year-old New South Wales man, was assisting them with their inquiries.

They said the driver was not injured.

The Victorian Transport Associations chief executive, Peter Anderson, said the driver had done the right thing by exiting the nearby CityLink tollway, given livestock carriers were prohibited from entering the Burnley Tunnel.

But he questioned why the driver did not follow the correct diversion route for a 4.6-metre-high heavy vehicle.

We are working with Transurban to try and keep these higher vehicles on CityLink longer, and to ensure higher vehicles dont wander off their gazetted routes where diversions are necessary, Anderson said.

Its up to the driver to be fully aware of their vehicle and bridge heights and any limitations of the road network theyre using.

He said the loss of the livestock is sad and regrettable, but we applaud the efforts of vets and emergency services on the scene.

Animal welfare charity Farm Transparency Project said had members at the crash site shortly after 9pm, and attempted to help free the trapped animals before they were moved from the scene by police about 1am.

The groups executive director, Chris Delforce, described the scene as horrific.

The whole top level of the truck had been crushed by the bridge and there were cows up there, some of them still alive and trying to get out, sticking their heads out, he said.

There were a number of calves at the back as well, young calves, one of them almost fell out at one point. There had been another cow who had escaped and had been running along the road, and at some point, they kind of came back towards the scene and then they were sedated, but they had a pretty badly broken leg.

Delforce said while it was common for there to be accidents involving livestock carriers, they didnt usually occur in the heart of Melbourne.

Its quite frequent for these trucks to roll over and animals to be strewn all over the road. But most of the time thats happening out of the city and out of sight.

The fact that this is right in the middle of Melbourne was pretty shocking.

Its such a stark, visual, horrific reminder of the consequences of this industry and the choosing to eat meat and dairy.

He called for the injured animals to be taken to an animal sanctuary, a move that was supported by Victorian Animal Justice Party MP, Georgie Purcell.

She said it was shocking to learn about the deaths.

The reality is that we only hear about the transport deaths that occur publicly. What happened in South Yarra is confronting because its a blatant reminder of what industries exploiting animals work to hide, Purcell said.

Millions of animals are transported to their slaughter each year in Australia and this government has little to no oversight around how many of them die before they arrive, whether that be from accidents, heat exhaustion or overcrowding.

She urged the Victorian government to improve animal welfare standards.

The incident also caused major delays to the train network, with replacement buses brought in for passengers on the Cranbourne, Frankston, Pakenham and Sandringham lines.

 Sandringham line: Normal service will resume Richmond - Elsternwick from first train Wed 27 Jul, after a vehicle hit the Alexandra Av bridge near South Yarra.



Check information displays and listen for announcements for service information. pic.twitter.com/MUdoM7cxff  Metro Trains (@metrotrains) July 23, 2024

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulators chief operations officer, Paul Salvati, said it was a distressing incident.

Nobody ever wants to see an incident such as this one. Not only is the distress caused to the animals involved evident, but the impact on the driver and other road users is also of concern, he said.

It is imperative truck heights are measured correctly and routes appropriately planned before any transportation takes place to avoid these dangerous and disruptive incidents occurring.

 This article was amended on 24 July 2024. The scene of the crash was on Alexandra Avenue, not Alexandra Parade as was previously stated.
The Hay Wain has become a popular and much-used representation of bucolic rural England - Alamy

The National Gallery will present John Constables depiction of an idyllic rural scene in Suffolk as a contested landscape in an upcoming exhibition.

Constables 1821 painting The Hay Wain shows a cart and horses next to a corn mill in the River Stour and has become a gentle symbol of the British countryside.

But the painting will be rehung in a new exhibition highlighting the political issues within the countryside which Constable depicted and his omission of the plight of poorer workers of the day.

The Discover Constable and The Hay Wain exhibition, which opens in October, will shine a light on the social problems that plagued rural Britain but were omitted from landscapes created by Constable, whose own social rank and attitudes will also be examined in information accompanying the display.

The painting, originally titled Landscape: Noon, has become a popular and much-used representation of bucolic rural England, but the National Gallery, which owns the artwork, hopes to present the poverty and upheaval not included in Constables vision.

Curators will explain why Constable may have omitted the social ills suffered by lower classes in light of his 'privileged' position as the son of a wealthy corn merchant - Alamy

Dr Mary McMahon, the National Gallerys curator, said of the project: We want to talk about everything that has not been included in this painting.

The British landscape was a contested space, she added. We have the Corn Laws, we are coming out of the Napoleonic Wars, people are losing their land to enclosure, she said, referencing the economic impact these developments had on much of the working class at the time.

Following the Napoleonic Wars, the Corn Laws saw tariffs placed on imported grains to protect landowners and farmers, which pushed up the price of food and bread for the poor.

The Constable show will explain these issues and is set to be the first National Gallery exhibition to examine the social and political context of The Hay Wain.

It will be the last in a series of redisplays at the gallery, which have sought to refresh perceptions of well-known artists, including Manet and Degas.

The curatorial aim of proving the unpleasant social context to images comes after Tate Britain used a complete rehang to highlight themes of colonialism and slavery in its painting, as well as issues of rural poverty in landscapes that may otherwise appear idyllic.

The Hay Wain was one of Constables vast six-footers painted to attract the attention of buyers and depicts a hay cart or wain in the River Stour next to Flatford Mill in Suffolk.

The Mill, now a National Trust site, was owned by Constables father, and the artist adored the surrounding landscape, which is now beloved by thousands who visit Constable Country each year.

A series of redisplays at the National Gallery have sought to refresh perceptions of well-known artists - Getty Images

Curators will seek to explain why Constable may have omitted the social ills suffered by lower classes at the time in light of his privileged position as the son of a wealthy corn merchant and a holder of conservative attitudes, as noted in catalogue information for the exhibition.

Dr McMahon said: He knew what it looked like for people to work the fields, but he would never have done that himself.

The full social context of The Hay Wain will be explained with the help of satirical images from the period, including The Sign of the Four Alls by Rowlandson, a cartoon which shows the rural poor propping up royalty and clergy.

Paintings by Turner and Gainsborough will provide artistic context for Constables famous painting and displays will explain the radicalism of The Hay Wain - a naturalistic scene of daily life at odds with more prestigious history paintings - when it was first created.

In a catalogue for the upcoming exhibition, curator Christine Riding writes that the military and social upheaval of the years preceding The Hay Wain had a profound effect on Constable and his contemporaries.

She added: Under these circumstances the British landscape could not be viewed as a neutral space devoid of politics and patriotism, privilege and discrimination.

This is worth remembering if only to question how artists such as Constable interpreted contemporary rural life, including how much they chose to conceal or reveal.

The free exhibition, Discover Constable and The Hay Wain, will run from Oct 15 to Feb 2 2025.
Putin

General Sir Roly Walkers inaugural speech as the new Chief of the General Staff fired a salvo of shots across the bows of the new government, highlighting the long-term threats we must configure the Army to defend against.

The top line: the British Army needs to be prepared to fight and defeat an enemy twice the size in three years and three times the size in five years.

The second: whatever the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Russia will still be our enemy, and could come back just as dangerous. As he put it: the lesson from history is that the Russians dont forget, and they will come back to get their revengeEach time you think Russia is down they come flying back.

Sir Roly is absolutely right that we must re-arm, and quickly, and that  contrary to what many hoped for, especially in Europe  there will be no return to the world as it was before Moscows full scale invasion.

For this war has fundamentally changed Russian society: it has become something more akin to fascist state, totally numbed to reason, engorged on propaganda, and  as far as the Kremlin is concerned  at war with the entirety of the West.

As such, he is right to push for increased defence funding not just for arming Ukraine, but for preparing ourselves for the worst. For only then can we stop the worst from happening.

Some have interpreted Sir Rolys remarks as suggesting that we should learn from the errors of the Treaty of Versailles  i.e. that decisively defeating nations can make them vengeful and more aggressive. But as The Telegraphs Francis Dearnley has argued on Ukraine: The Latest, we often take the wrong lessons from Versailles. Its failure was not in concept, but in enactment. If Versailles had ever been properly enforced, both in terms of reparations and consequences for rule-breaking  such as Hitlers blatant rearmament  then however angry Germans were, there would never have been a Second World War. The risk of serious conflict could have been snuffed out in 1935.

In the same way, Russia has been enabled in its project of becoming an aggressive, dangerous power with a green light to continue its imperialist ambitions. We were warned in Syria and Crimea, yet we did little to weaken Putins freedom of strategic movement.

So whilst it is not wrong to say that countries can be vengeful when defeated, that need not mean we mustnt seek to do so. And as an added bonus, many defeated countries, even humiliated ones, have not sought another war soon afterwards: indeed, it led to dictators being dethroned. Just look at the Argentine Junta after the Falklands War. It was defeat in the Soviet-Afghan war which played a role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

But I digress. Time is ticking, especially when the Government will not commit to an increase in spending on defence and wants to delay any reform until its Defence Review reports sometime next year. Im not sure Putin will be so generous.

As I have argued before, we must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past by prioritising hybrid tech over scale. Hitlers undoing was partly due to his reliance on technology above numbers of tanks and manpower. That is not to say we must not embrace technology as a force multiplier, but warfare is a numbers game: a fact we dismiss at our peril.

We must also invest in the morale component of fighting power, severely depleted in the last few years. We expect our serving men and women to live in shocking housing, and the attractions of military life, like sport and training, have been cut to the bone. Even the tax on private school education, which is so important to so many for recruiting and retention, will be another dagger into the heart of army families if they are not exempted from the VAT increase, which is not yet fully clear.

Sir Rolys basic message to the new government is that there is a hell of a lot to do and not much time to do it. War with Russia, and or implications of Chinese and Iranian aggression in the next 3-5 years is a distinct possibility, which we must strain every nerve and sinew to avoid and counter. This starts with a credible conventional deterrence which we do not have and have no chance of realising if defence spending is not raised now to 2.5 per cent.

Those who think we can just revert to the status quo are wrong: Russia, even defeated, will be our foe. This is a new Cold War scenario, but in real danger of becoming hot without robust action.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon is the former commander of Natos Rapid Reaction CBRN Battalion
President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, on 3 February 2023, in Philadelphia. Photograph: Patrick Semansky/AP

The Democratic National Committees rule-making group established procedures for candidates to contest the primary nomination ahead of the convention in Chicago next month, largely eliminating any chance of a 1960s-style floor fight.

Democrats will legally nominate their candidate  presumably Vice-President Kamala Harris  as early as 1 August through a virtual roll call vote, the first time Democrats have used such a process.

Harris is now the presumptive nominee after more than 2,500 delegates have said that they will support her candidacy in a nomination vote. Technically, they could still flake out and vote for someone else in the nomination, said DNC chair Jaime Harrison on a call with the rules committee Wednesday.

Delegates are free to support who they choose, and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party, we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote, resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic party who will go on to the top of the ballot in November.

For a potential challenger to Harris, the window to file a notice of candidacy opens Thursday and closes Saturday, 27 July at 6pm ET. A candidate must submit a petition with 300 signatures from delegates before 30 July to be considered as a candidate for a vote by convention delegates. In the absence of a contest, the virtual roll call vote will be held on 1 August, said Minyon Moore, chair of the Democratic national convention. If not, virtual voting would begin on 3 August.

The rules committee adopted the change Wednesday at a meeting, to help thwart legal challenges to Democratic ballot access in Ohio.

Normally, the state-by-state call of the roll at the Democratic national convention is both part of the pageantry of the political process and a legal matter for election law.

States with relatively early ballot nomination deadlines, like Ohio, have traditionally accommodated the convention schedule of major party candidates in the past with a legislative exception. In 2020, for example, the Republican national convention was scheduled in September, months after the states 9 August deadline.

This year, in a fit of pique over an administrative ruling that temporarily barred Donald Trump from the ballot in Colorado, conservative lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Ohio legislature dug in their heels and refused to extend the ballot deadline for Biden.

While the legislature ultimately convened a special session to pass an exception in July, Ohio law requires 90 days for any change to its election law to go into effect, and legislators rejected an addendum to their exception that would override the 90-day waiting period. It creates a legal question that Republicans can be expected to exploit in a post-election legal contest, said Patrick McNally, the committees attorney.

A virtual process will solve our practical timing problems, McNally said. Failure to certify both nominees in advance of each states ballot access deadline opens us up to very real political and litigation risk both before and after the election. Republicans will use this moment to do what they do; to sue, to try to bar us from the ballot or try to disqualify our voters and to suggest that somehow the partys nominating process was improper.

The Trump campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission today to try to block Harris from accessing $91m in joint campaign funds raises for the then Biden-Harris ticket. Meanwhile, the Republican House speaker Mike Johnson questioned the legality of Harriss accession to the nomination, describing the process so far as going into a backroom somewhere and switch it out and put someone else on the top of the ticket.

The Democratic national convention is scheduled for 19-22 August in Chicago.
Kamala Harris, seen at a campaign event in West Allis, Wisconsin, has been subjected to Republican comments about her race - Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

Republican politicians have been told to stop calling Kamala Harris a diversity hire as the party was drawn into a row on how best to attack the Democratic presidential candidate.

Ms Harris has been criticised as a DEI hire by some GOP politicians, after she was endorsed by Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination.

The term DEI refers to diversity, equality and inclusion, and suggests Ms Harris was chosen for her role as vice-president and the partys candidate for Novembers election because of her race.

Kamala Harris as a baby with mother Shyamala Gopalan, from India

Shyamala Gopalan, Ms Harriss mother, was an Indian immigrant to the United States, while her father Donald Harris is of Jamaican American descent.

In a speech to a historically black sorority in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Ms Harris emphasised the Biden administrations record on black maternal health and black child poverty.

Black women are three times more likely to die in connection with childbirth, and for too long this has been a crisis in our country, she said. It is time that we recognise the crisis.

She said that Trumps policy plans are an outright attack on our children, our families and our future and on the freedom to learn and acknowledge our true and full history.

These extremists want to take us back but we are not going back, she said.

Richard Hudson, the chairman of the House Republican campaign arm, on Tuesday warned members to stop making comments about Ms Harriss race, and focus instead on her record in office.

It came after Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, told CNN on Monday that Mr Biden selected Ms Harris as his running mate solely because she is black.

One hundred per cent she is a DEI hire, he said. Her record is abysmal at best.

When you go down that route, you take mediocrity, and thats what they have right now.

Richard Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany under the Trump administration, said Ms Harris was part of a revolving door of DEI appointments.

Kamala Harris is a product of this whole system. Shes very far-Left, unvetted and untested, he told NBC.

'One hundred per cent she is a DEI hire,' said Republican Tim Burchett - Andrew Harnik/Getty

Glenn Grothman, a Republican congressman for Wisconsin, questioned if Democrats are only backing her because of her ethnic background.

The comments have led to a backlash from Democrats and some senior GOP figures, including Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the house.

This should not be about personalities. It should be about policy. And we have a record to compare, he said after the meeting with Mr Hudson.

Kevin McCarthy, Mr Johnsons predecessor as speaker, said attacking Ms Harris over her race was stupid.

I would say, two attacks Ive heard Republicans give that are totally stupid and dumb to do is the DEI attack, he told NBC.

Trump previously criticised Hillary Clinton, the last woman to win nomination for president by a major party, for her gender.

During the 2016 election, he accused her of playing the womans card to get elected.

If she didnt play the womans card, she would have no chance, I mean zero, of winning, he said.

He later added: The only thing shes got going is the fact that shes a woman.

Some Democrats are concerned that responding to attacks on Ms Harriss race and gender could distract the party from the presidential campaign.

FBI director Christopher Wray praised 'women and people of colour' in the agency - Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Jennifer McClellan, a Democrat from Virginia, said the party should focus on Trump.

While we need to call out that racism and sexism, we cannot let it distract from talking to voters about whats at stake in this election, including how their policies harm black people and women, she told Semafor.

Mr Biden said during the last election campaign that he intended to pick a woman as his running mate, but later added that he didnt feel pressure to select a black woman.

The government should look like the people, look like the country, he told ABC in 2020.

Fifty-one per cent of the people in this country are women. As that old expression goes, women hold up half the sky, and in order to be able to succeed, youve got to be dealt in across the board.

Ms Harriss race and gender was viewed as an asset by some Democrats during the early months of the 2024 election, while Mr Biden was still in the race.

She has led the partys campaign efforts on abortion rights, which is considered one of its most potent attacks against Trump.

The row comes after some Republicans have suggested that female FBI agents have lowered the quality of the agencys work, and were selected because of their gender.

Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, was asked at a committee hearing on Wednesday whether it was true that hiring women and people of colour means that FBI is no longer hiring the best and the brightest service law enforcement officers.

He replied: Any notion that we have lowered our standards or hiring standards is just not accurate. In fact, our standards are as competitive and selective as ever.
Elon Musk applauds at Benjamin Netanyahus congressional visit at the US Capitol on 24 July 2024. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Elon Musk attended Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress on Wednesday as a guest of the embattled Israeli prime minister.

A day earlier, the tech billionaire announced that his Starlink internet service was now active in a Gaza hospital, with the support of Israels government.

Netanyahus congressional visit was met with thousands of protesters gathering near Capitol Hill to demonstrate against Israeli abuses during its war in Gaza. Lawmakers were divided over whether he should have been invited to speak.

Musk has a history of courting rightwing leaders in countries that have overlapping business interests with his various enterprises. He previously hosted Javier Millei, Argentinas president, at his Tesla factory and has been a cheerleader for his policies, while also cozying up to Narendra Modi, Indias prime minister, and Jair Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian president.

Musk previously met with Netanyahu during a visit to Israel last year, as the tech leader sought to quell accusations of antisemitism after personally endorsing a post on his social network X, formerly Twitter, that claimed Jews hate white people. Far-right content on the platform has also increased.

Musks visit also appears to have helped pave the way for SpaceX to provide its Starlink satellite internet to Gaza, which he announced on Tuesday was now in service at a hospital. The single location, which was supported by Israel and the United Arab Emirates, also reflects the tight controls that Israel has put on communications technology in the area.

In recent weeks, Musk has also thrown his support behind Donald Trumps election campaign and played a direct role in advising the former president to select JD Vance, Ohio senator, as his running mate.

Related: Elon Musk denies report he will donate $45m a month to Trump Super Pac

Although Musk has continued to post conservative content and attacks against the presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, he appears to have tempered some of his support for Trump following Joe Biden dropping out of the race. Musk pushed back against a report he was set to donate $45m per month to a pro-Trump political action committee.

Musks appearance as a guest of Netanyahu further aligns him with the Republican party line, which has thrown its support behind the Israeli leader as many Democrats condemn his actions. A number of progressive Democratic lawmakers declined to attend Netanyahus speech, with New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denouncing him as a war criminal.
Elon Musk has denied he will donate $45m a week to a Super Pac to help get Trump elected in the 2024 presidential elections. Photograph: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has denied reports that emerged last week that he was planning to donate $45m a month to a Super Pac focused on getting Trump elected.

On Tuesday, Musk appeared on Jordan Petersons show, where he said the claim was simply not true. I am not donating $45m a month to Trump, he said.

Related: Elon Musk says X and SpaceX will move from California to Texas

Now what I have done is that I have created a Pac or Super Pac or whatever you want to call it, he said. It is called the America Pac.

Super Pacs, short for Political Action Committees, are independent political organisations to which donors can give unlimited amounts of money, while donations to individuals or non-Super Pacs are capped.

After the Peterson interview, Musk replied on X to a clip from the interview saying, Yeah, and to another tweet referencing the reports saying, Yeah, its ridiculous. I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the Pac are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom. Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom.

The denial comes days after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, endorsing his vice-president Kamala Harris, who now has enough delegates to claim the Democratic nomination in August.

Also on Tuesday, the New York Times reported that the Super Pac was being staffed by former aides to Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign. The Super Pac has acquired an air of mystery in the Trump orbit, with other outside groups largely in the dark about its plans, the Times reported.

But the aides, Generra Peck, who initially managed the DeSantis campaign, and Phil Cox, a former head of the Republican Governors Association, may help legitimize it within the Republican establishment as it aims to become one of the leading groups on behalf of Mr Trump.

The intent is to promote the principles that made America great in the first place, Musk said on Petersons show. I wouldnt say that Im for example Maga, he added, referring to the Trump catchphrase. I think America is great. Im more M-A-G, make America greater.

Musk did not clarify how much he intends to donate to the Pac.

The America Pac has already been backed by some of Musks friends and allies in the tech world, the Times reported, including Joe Lonsdale, who co-founded the software company Palantir with Peter Thiel, a major political donor to Trumps newly named vice-president pick, the Ohio senator JD Vance.

The Winklevoss twins, cryptocurrency entrepreneurs who have attacked Joe Biden for waging what they called a war on cryptocurrency through regulation, have also reportedly contributed to the effort, the Wall Street Journal reported. They hailed Trump as pro-Bitcoin, pro-crypto, pro-business in June.
Eluned Morgan has sat in the House of Lords and the European parliament as well as the Senedd. Photograph: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

The new leader of Labour in Wales has described her pride at being on the brink of becoming her partys first female head of state in the UK as she promised to heal divisions within the Welsh government.

Eluned Morgan, who is a peer, admitted it was odd that a baroness had become leader of Welsh Labour but said her connections in both UK houses of parliament would help make life better for the people of Wales.

Lady Morgan, who is currently health secretary in Wales, became leader as nobody else put themselves forward for the role after the resignation of Vaughan Gething over a donations scandal.

It is expected that the Senedd, the Welsh parliament, will be recalled from recess in the next few weeks and a vote will take place to, almost certainly, install Morgan as first minister.

After her appointment was announced, Morgan went to a community centre in the west of Cardiff, where she grew up, and musical group from her late fathers church played folk tunes.

In her speech she called it a historic occasion and said she was really proud to be the first woman to lead Welsh Labour.

Speaking to the Guardian, she said: We need role models. I hope that Ill be able to live up to the expectation but I think its high time. I think its a moment for the Labour party as well. Its the 21st century, we need women to be leading in every aspect of our society.

Morgan said she would go out to the people of Wales this summer to ask what their priorities were. Im going to listen to them so that they can tell me what it is they want from us, she said. Its turning the tables, its doing things differently. Youll have to watch in the next few weeks and months how other things will change under a woman leader.

She said she had been shaped by the area where she grew up. People didnt have opportunities. They were clever, they were talented, they were bright, but they didnt have the chances. Thats whats driven me.

Morgan added that she hoped the Welsh government and Keir Starmers administration would partner up to deliver vital change.

On the question of her title, she said: It does sound very odd, I must say, but I did call myself the Baroness of Ely, which is symbolic of this council housing estate where Im from. Whats important for me is that we have the opportunity to work together with Westminster. Obviously, those links into people in the House of Lords are also quite useful as well.

Related: Who is Eluned Morgan, Waless likely next first minister?

Morgan said she would work hard to re-unite Welsh Labour, which has been fractured by the Gething scandal. She said: I dont think weve seen a pretty picture in the past few weeks. I think weve got to fess up and accept that is the situation.

It is thought the Senedd may be recalled next week. The vote to select a first minister is carried out by roll-call. Members are asked one by one to announce their vote. A complication is that members are not allowed to vote from outside the UK, which could be a problem for members away on their summer holidays.

It may also be that other parties put forward their leaders for consideration but Labour holds 30 of the 60 seats, which should be enough for Morgan to be confirmed, especially as the sole Liberal Democrat in the parliament, Jane Dodds, has said she will abstain.

Andrew RT Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: The baroness has picked up the crown at the coronation. Eluned Morgan has presided over the worst Welsh NHS waiting lists on record, so the question must be asked, is this really the best that Labour can do?

The leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, called for a Senedd election to be called. He said: The fact that she is the third leader in three months speaks volumes about the turmoil at the heart of the governing party.

Gething announced his resignation last week when four senior members of the Welsh government quit.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress in Washington, DC. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress was filled with combative remarks, as well as claims about the war in Gaza, now almost in its tenth month.

Israels assault on the territory was triggered by the 7 October Hamas attacks on southern Israel, and has so far killed more than 39,000 people, with thousands more believed to be buried underneath the rubble.

Netanyahu made repeated references to the international criminal court, whose prosecutors in May issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister, his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, and several senior Hamas leaders, accusing them ofwar crimes and crimes against humanity.

Here are some of the claims made by the Israeli prime minister during his speech, tested against information currently available.

Food aid for Gaza

The prosecutor of the international criminal court has shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gaza. This is utter, complete nonsense. Its a complete fabrication. Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. Thats half a million tonnes of food!

According to data from the UN, 28,018 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the war began. Routes into the territory no longer include the Rafah crossing, which Israeli forces stormed in early May, largely curtailing the aid supply into southern areas.

Since then, just 2,835 trucks have entered through the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south and Erez in the north  delivering a tiny fraction of the aid needed.

Relief organisations have accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid from entering Gaza, imposing arbitrary and ever-changing restrictions on what is allowed to enter.

Sally Abi Khalil, Middle East and north Africa director for Oxfam, said in March: Israeli authorities are not only failing to facilitate the international aid effort but are actively hindering it.

Earlier this year, the worlds leading authority on famine, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, warned Gaza was on the brink of famine. In June, the organisations famine review committee said that due to an uptick in commodities allowed into northern Gaza, the available evidence does not indicate that famine is currently occurring.

However, they said a high risk of famine remained. The situation in Gaza remains catastrophic and there is a high and sustained risk of famine across the whole Gaza Strip  The prolonged nature of the crisis means that this risk remains at least as high as at any time during the past few months.

Safeguarding civilians

The ICC prosecutor accuses Israel of deliberately targeting civilians. What in Gods green earth is he talking about? The IDF just dropped millions of flyers, sent millions of text messages, made hundreds of thousands of phone calls to get Palestinian civilians out of harms way.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) do sometimes drop flyers or text Palestinians to warn them of their intention to attack an area. But such measures often fail to stop civilians being caught in a war zone, as was illustrated this week when Israeli forces issued an evacuation order affecting an estimated 400,000 people in Khan Younis.

The UNs office for humanitarian affairs, Ocha, said: The evacuation order was issued in the context of ongoing attacks by the Israeli military and gave no time for civilians to know from which areas they were required to leave or where they should go. Despite the evacuation order, Israeli military operations continued in and around the area unabated.

Evacuation orders issued by the IDF mean that many people in Gaza have been forced to flee repeatedly: earlier this month, Andrea De Domenico, the head of Ocha, said 90% of Gazas population had been forced to flee at least once and many had been displaced as many as 10 times. While Israeli forces have labelled certain areas such as al-Mawasi as humanitarian zones, there have been airstrikes in areas previously designated as safe.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, estimates that more than 80% of the total land area of the Gaza Strip has been placed under evacuation orders or designated as a no-go zone.

Palestinians and aid organisations have repeatedly said that no place is safe in Gaza. Ocha described the mass evacuation orders as confusing and said Israeli forces were issuing these demands so civilians flee while intensifying attacks on these same locations or places civilians can use as escape routes.

These choices, they said, place civilians in more danger and may increase the harm to civilians.

Negotiations with Hamas

The war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms and returns all the hostages, but if they dont, Israel will fight until we destroy Hamass military capabilities, end its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home.

There was no mention of a ceasefire in Netanyahus speech, although he did make a reference to ongoing negotiations. He lauded an Israeli military operation that freed four hostages but killed at least 274 Palestinians last month.

There are an estimated 114 hostages remaining in Gaza according to recent estimates, although this includes an undisclosed number of dead captives.

Netanyahu, who promised total victory during his speech, has maintained that only military pressure on Hamas will push them into signing a ceasefire deal. He has also insisted that Israeli forces remain in Gaza in the long term and be able to continue fighting even if they agree to a temporary pause in hostilities.

Those with close knowledge of the hostage negotiations, a vocal chorus of Israelis and even some of the hostages families accuse Netanyahu of standing in the way of a deal.

A poll published by Israels Channel 12 News shortly before the Israeli prime minister flew to Washington, two-thirds of the Israeli public believe returning the hostages is more important than continuing the fighting in Gaza, and that Netanyahus total victory is unlikely.

The military pressure of more than nine months only resulted in the killing of hostages and many Palestinian non-combatants. Make a deal now! said the former Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin this month.

Israeli negotiators, he said, should conclude negotiations and bring it to the people so that everyone will know that the prime minister is the one who is blocking the deal.
The mosque at the centre of the raid was founded in Hamburg in the late 1950s - DANIEL BOCKWOLDT/DPA VIA AP

German police have raided one of the countrys oldest mosques in a crackdown on Islamic extremist groups with links to the Iranian regime.

On Wednesday morning, police officers in balaclavas descended on the Imam Ali mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Hamburg to confiscate cash and a black Audi vehicle.

Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, announced that she was banning the organisation that runs the mosque, the Islamic Centre Hamburg [IZH], as it was an extremist group.

Police officers in balaclavas descend on the Imam Ali mosque on Wednesday morning - DOMINICK WALDECK/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

German police also raided 53 properties in eight German states as they targeted other buildings owned by IZH and its sub-organisations.

For months, German security services have been investigating IZH for alleged close links to Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, as well as pursuing anti-constitutional objectives.

The interior ministry has accused the group of spreading anti-Semitism and pro-Iranian revolutionary values in an aggressive and militant manner.

Iran is a big regional supporter of Hezbollah, providing it with large quantities of weapons via Syria and training expertise.

Today we have banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg, which propagates an Islamist, totalitarian ideology in Germany, Ms Faeser said after the raid.

German security services have been investigating Islamic Centre Hamburg, the organisation that runs the mosque, for months - AFP/GETTY IMAGES

In addition, the Islamic Centre Hamburg and its sub-organisations support the terrorists of Hezbollah and spread aggressive anti-Semitism, she added. This is another consistent step against Islamist extremism.

German officers who raided the Blue Mosque wore blue plastic covers on their shoes to avoid damaging the prayer room as they removed evidence in cardboard boxes.

The German tabloid Bild reported that they used axle grinders and chainsaws to gain access to large quantities of coins and other pieces of evidence.

Germanys domestic intelligence service has named Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, 58, as the head of the IZH and says he reports directly to the Islamic Republic, despite the group styling itself as non-political.

He was previously arrested some months ago at Hamburg airport after a return flight from Tehran carrying secret letters he allegedly obtained there, Bild reported.

Kamikaze drones

It comes after Spanish police said they had dismantled a gang planning to make 1,000 kamikaze drones, which they intended to sell to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The operation appears to have been a joint effort with German authorities, which also arrested a suspect with alleged links to the drone programme in the northern city of Salzgitter.

The gang is alleged to have bought large quantities of drone components, which they intended to transfer to Lebanon, where Hezbollah is waging an ongoing conflict against Israel.

The Blue Mosque at the centre of Wednesdays raid is said to be one of the oldest in Germany. It was founded in Hamburg in the late 1950s by a group of exiled Iranians and businessmen.

Andy Grote, a senior official in Hamburg, told Bild newspaper: The long arm of the Iranian regime in Germany has been severed today. It has been wiped out.

Germany proscribed Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2020 and its activities are completely banned on German soil.

It is very important to me to make a clear distinction here: we are not acting against a religion, Ms Faeser said, adding that IZH was working to undermine womens rights as well as the German state.
Heathrow wants to get more capacity out of the existing infrastructure while also working on new runway plans. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Heathrow is preparing to announce a fresh blueprint for a third runway for the Labour governments approval as record passenger numbers strain its system to the maximum.

The UKs biggest airport served almost 40 million passengers in the first half of 2024, culminating in its busiest day ever on 30 June.

Its chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said the London hub would surpass that daily total again this week, and had been encouraged by the new governments words on aviation and growth.

Woldbye said the airport was looking to get more capacity out of the existing infrastructure while also working on new runway plans.

We will have a blueprint that includes a third runway, and a blueprint that doesnt, because at the end of the day, there are still many external dependencies for a third runway, he said. I think London needs the additional capacity a third runway would provide.

Woldbye added: The most urgent is to look at what can we do on capacity within our two runways, because that is whats facing us tomorrow and the next many years, because a third runway will not be here this year or in the next five or maybe even 10 years.

We are not ready yet with the concrete decisions on how should that look and what would it be, but we are happy to talk to government about expansion plans. Were happy that they see the value of aviation overall, and Heathrow in particular.

Heathrow has officially had government permission to build a third runway since 2018 but legal battles and the huge decline in passenger numbers during Covid temporarily put the controversial scheme off the table.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has indicated she would support a Heathrow expansion, although official Labour policy is that expansion has to meet four tests, spanning economic benefits, pollution, noise and climate targets.

The announcement of revised plans will be on hold during uncertainty over Heathrows ownership, Woldbye indicated: It would make a lot of sense that we have the long-term shareholders in place now that we know that change is coming before we start taking decisions like that.

Ferrovial, the biggest shareholder, originally looked to exit the airport entirely but now may retain a small stake after the planned sale of its 25% holding to Saudi Arabia and the private equity firm Ardian triggered wider talks. A revised plan put in place last month would result in the new buyers holding a combined 37.5% and Ferrovial owning 5%.

Woldbye said demand for flights looked set to remain high, even if the rapid rate of growth post-Covid did not continue. He said Heathrow had not directly been affected by the recent global IT outage and suffered minimal disruption.

With memories of the difficult summer of 2022 still fresh, Woldbye said the airport was well prepared for record passengers, with 90,000 people now working for companies based at Heathrow. He said the airport would have I think the highest level of resilience we have ever had, with punctuality and baggage loading rates improving.

All of these indicators are giving us hope for a stable summer, he said, but warned: When you strain the system to pretty much its maximum, the level of recovery is more difficult if something goes wrong.
Chris Parry with Christian Campbell in Ukraine, where both men volunteered to evacuate people from the front line - BBC/Rob Parry/Chris Parry

What motivates a 28-year-old from Cornwall with no military experience to risk his life in Ukraine? Hell Jumper (BBC Two) is the story of Chris Parry, who left his comfortable existence in Britain to help evacuate civilians living near the front line. Tragically, he was killed there a year after his arrival, found with gunshot wounds to the head and torso in a suspected murder by Wagner Group mercenaries.

The title of this 90-minute documentary takes its name from a quote given by a volunteer: They call us hell jumpers because we drive into the unknown with bombs falling, risking everything to rescue civilians. This work isnt undertaken by large aid agencies, but by freelance operators who respond to messages asking for help. Many of the people they rescue are elderly, refusing to abandon their homes until the Russians are on their doorstep.

The risks of driving into a warzone to carry out these evacuations are obvious, and vividly illustrated here. Chris and his comrades recorded the rescues on phones or helmet cameras, and in one heart-stopping video we saw Chris running from door to door as explosions were heard all around him. He was navigating via Google Maps.

Back to the original question: what was Chriss motivation? The film-maker, Paddy Wivell, spoke to his family and friends, who remembered him as a relentlessly energetic character with a strong moral code. His bravery is not in doubt, and his parents are rightly proud of him. But the film, while paying tribute to Chris and treading softly around the subject, was not a hagiography. With intelligence and tact, it explored the psychological factors at play.

An American volunteer candidly admitted that there was a thrilling side to being greeted as a saviour, and that there is an addictive quality to getting likes for videos of daring rescues on social media. Personalities changed out there, he said. You start to seek out that stuff, you take more risks.

It was uncomfortable listening to a voice note which Chris sent to his girlfriend, a Ukrainian who had taken a break from the warzone and retreated to a safer part of the country: Its a fing war, he told her. I keep labouring on at you to please come, but youre not entertaining that idea. I know its horrible to hear, but I save lives. I serve a purpose in this country and I have to be there because they literally need me.

And it is not simply the idealism of youth that spurs on the volunteers. I have a home. I have a mortgage. I have a wife, said a middle-aged Canadian. He returned home after Chriss death provided a wake-up call.

Hell Jumper is on BBC Two tonight at 9pm; on BBC iPlayer now
I know a thing or two about how hard it can be for strong women candidates to fight through the sexism and double standards of American politics, Hillary Clinton wrote. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton has issued an impassioned call for Americans to rally around the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, saying that the time for hand-wringing is over and the challenge now is to mobilize around her unifying vision.

Writing in the New York Times, the former US secretary of state and two-time Democratic presidential candidate said she was excited about the prospects of Harris taking on and defeating Donald Trump in the November election.

She represents a fresh start for American politics, Clinton said.

Related: I was not voting before, now I am: gen Z voters on what they think of Kamala Harris

Clinton was one of the first influential Democrats to endorse Harris for the partys nomination after Joe Biden stepped aside on Sunday. Within a couple of hours she issued a joint statement with the former president Bill Clinton in which they expressed fears about the threat posed by a second Trump term.

In her New York Times op-ed, Clinton warned, based on her own experiences of running for the White House in 2008 and then as the Democratic nominee facing Trump in 2016, that Harriss record and character will be distorted and disparaged by a flood of disinformation. She added: I know a thing or two about how hard it can be for strong women candidates to fight through the sexism and double standards of American politics.

During the 2016 race, Trump repeatedly denigrated her, calling her pathetic and encouraging his rally crowds to chant Lock her up!

Clinton said that Harris was chronically underestimated, as are so many women in politics. But she stressed that she was confident that the vice-president, who has attracted the support of enough Democratic delegates to secure the Democratic nomination next month, could defeat Trump.

She cited Harriss work as the lead voice within the Biden administration on reproductive rights in the wake of the US supreme courts overturning of Roe v Wade. She also said her experience as a savvy former prosecutor would be a bonus in a fight against Trump as a convicted criminal. Its old grievances versus new solutions.

Time may be short, she wrote, but recent elections in Britain and France had delivered big victories to left-leaning entities in even less time.

Ms Harris will face unique additional challenges as the first Black and South Asian woman to be at the top of a major partys ticket, Clinton wrote. Thats real, but we shouldnt be afraid. It is a trap to believe that progress is impossible.
Firefighters hose down hot spots at a house destroyed by the Hawarden fire in Riverside, California, on 21 July 2024. Photograph: Terry Pierson/AP

Illegal fireworks ignited a blaze in southern California over the weekend that destroyed six homes and caused $10m in damages, officials said this week.

The Hawarden fire in Riverside county has scorched 527 acres, damaged seven homes and cost the county more than $1m in emergency response, Patricia Lock Dawson, the citys mayor, said at a press conference on Monday.

At least two people have been injured, according to the California department of forestry and fire protection.

Arson investigators determined that the horrendous fire was sparked by fireworks, and camera footage has shown suspects fleeing the area and a vehicle of interest, Lock Dawson said. Authorities are searching for suspects in the fire.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of why fireworks are illegal in our community, Lock Dawson said, citing the areas dry brush, varied terrain and high temperatures that make it particularly at risk for fires. Unfortunately some individuals have chosen to disregard these dangers.

The blaze in southern California comes as the west faces a grueling fire season, particularly in the Pacific north-west, and back-to-back heatwaves. Firefighters in Oregon are battling a nearly 245,000-acre fire that has become so large it is creating its own weather.

This summer, cities and counties across California banned the use of fireworks and cancelled planned Fourth of July events due to the risk of fire. Fireworks have caused more than $46m in property losses in the state over the last decade with more than 10,500 fires in total, according to Cal Fire.

Daniel Berlant, the state fire marshal, said at a press conference earlier this month that the state had seized more than 120 tons of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks or improper use of fireworks can state a fire in seconds, he said.

With conditions that we have right now, that fire can easily spread and do major destruction, he said.

In Riverside, Lock Dawson said those found responsible for the Hawarden fire, which as of Wednesday was 60% contained, will be prosecuted.

Our investigators will continue relentlessly until we are assured that the suspects have been caught, the mayor said. And let me be clear, we will ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Nigel Farage

My maiden speech in the House of Commons focussed on illegal immigration and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), two red hot topics for a huge section of voters which I believe could haunt the Labour government until they confront them properly. Its worth setting out in greater detail why I chose to discuss these matters in the chamber.

Three weeks on from the general election, it is clear that this parliament is unrepresentative of public opinion. I would estimate that the overwhelming majority of MPs  perhaps 85 or 90 per cent  are Remainers and, I would say, about half of them are Rejoiners. So the vast bulk of them would rather Brexit had never happened despite 17.4 million people having opted to leave the EU. Almost all MPs are completely out of tune with the citizens of this country.

With this in mind, it will perhaps come as no surprise that any mention of another thorny concern  immigration  is met by lots of MPs with a look to the sky, as if to say Please dont spoil the dinner party.

Both Labour and the Conservatives claim to want to stop the boats. They have repeatedly acknowledged that their voters are angry about the mind-blowing sums of taxpayers money being spent every day on feeding and housing tens of thousands of people who chose to leave the safety of France to try their luck in Britain. Sir Keir Starmer even copied me during the general election campaign by referring to the crisis as a question of national security.

Yet in reality, it is clear that Labours plan is to bury the issue. For proof of this, look no further than the Home Office  now run by Yvette Cooper  branding illegal immigration irregular migration. They cannot even bring themselves to use the word illegal despite any foreign national entering Britain without permission being a criminal offence!

Or consider the way the Bibby Stockholm barge  which the Tories introduced in order to save money  is to be decommissioned. Of course, these examples pale into insignificance when you realise that Cooper plans to change the law so that 100,000 illegal immigrants  and maybe more  can have their asylum claims processed. This would be nothing more than a back-door amnesty. Did anybody vote for this?

This leads me on to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). During a parliamentary debate on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer spoke warmly about this 74-year-old institution, telling MPs Let me be clear: there is no need to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rightswe will not withdraw  not now, not ever. Rishi Sunak, who remains Tory leader for now, did not demur, despite knowing that it was the ECHR which ensured the ill-fated Rwanda scheme which he inherited from Boris Johnson did not get off the ground.

Logically, to support the outdated ECHR is nonsensical. It will only hinder Britains ability to deal with the ballooning problem of illegal immigration. Yet many MPs dont seem to care.

During my maiden speech, I mentioned another Labour Home Secretary, David Blunkett, noting that during his period in office between 2001 and 2004, Britain used to deport illegal immigrants  something it no longer seems to do on the same scale. Under Blairs government, tens of thousands were deported every single year. This was not always an easy task for Blunkett, however.



In February 2003, the High Court heard a test case brought on behalf of five asylum seekers who challenged the Labour governments policy of denying refugees food and shelter if they did not make an asylum claim on arrival in Britain. Fearing that Britain had become a soft touch, Blunkett had introduced this measure in the interests of protecting the public purse, but Mr Justice Collins ruled that the governments position was illegal. And the name of the barrister who represented the asylum seekers? Keir Starmer.

At the time, Starmer gave an interview in which he said First, there is the development of the notion of dignity and humanity in our law. It doesnt matter whether the foundation of that notion is the European Convention on Human Rights or the common law, it is simply unacceptable in a civilised society to prevent a vulnerable group of individuals from working, to exclude them from the welfare benefits system and then to deprive them of a roof over their heads and of food.



Well, given all this, I think its time we had a referendum on Britains membership of the ECHR. Does the prime minister have the courage to find out what the electorate really thinks about this burning issue  or is scared that a plebiscite would reveal the gaping chasm between MPs and the people?
Keir Starmer faced the first test of his authority as prime minister, having already suspended the whip more readily than any previous Labour leader. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/UK parliament/AFP/Getty Images

A new Labour prime minister with a landslide majority faced the first real test of his authority with a party rebellion from MPs concerned about a tough stance on welfare.

That prime minister was Tony Blair, in December 1997, when 47 Labour MPs voted against the government including a frontbench resignation over a bill to cut benefits for single-parent families. But no one lost the whip.

On Tuesday evening, 27 years later, that was the crucial difference  seven Labour MPs who voted for a Scottish National party (SNP) amendment to end the two-child benefit limit were suspended from the party.

Keir Starmers decision was a show of force that was unprecedented for a new government on an opposition amendment as well as being entirely in keeping with his ruthless mode of operating.

But it still came as a shock when the new prime minister, as he has done time and again, took the harshest possible approach to party discipline. He has suspended the whip more readily than any Labour leader, though his place in history on that front is rivalled by Boris Johnson for the Conservatives.

Still there had lingered a belief that, somehow, this time, he would take a different approach.

On Tuesday afternoon, a rumour went round Westminster that the chief whip, Alan Campbell, had directly told at least one possible rebel that they would lose the whip by voting for the SNP amendment.

Unlike many recent rebellions, this one was barely organised  there was no shadow whipping operation and little coordination between the MPs. But those who saw Campbell personally were left in no doubt about the consequence if they rebelled, and the news began to spread.

Earlier in the afternoon, the threatened rebellion had been much larger  19 had signed an amendment from the Labour MP Kim Johnson that was not selected but made an identical request. There were others who had criticised the decision not to scrap the cap, and not just those from the left of the party. Two outspoken critics on the policy and its cruelty were Rosie Duffield and Stella Creasy.

They suddenly upped the ante, one MP said of Labours whipping operation: It seemed a bizarre gear-change when all the previous mood music had been that they were considering [dropping the benefit cap].

There were attempts at overtures and persuasion. Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, held a briefing, though a hastily rearranged time meant few MPs could attend. Both she and the employment minister, Alison McGovern, reached some MPs directly  including condemning briefed language over the weekend that the government saw this issue as a virility test to show how it would defy internal dissent.

Among the moderate wing of the party, where some MPs were tempted to rebel on a point of conscience, they were deeply shocked that the party would use the threat of suspension.

Many had believed they were being given a tacit nod and a wink by Starmer and the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, on Monday that change was coming at some point via the new child poverty taskforce.

But those are mixed messages to say the least, when there is no inch being given by the Treasury. Dropping the cap is estimated to cost 1.7bn a year, but experts say it would be the most cost-effective way of immediately reducing child poverty  lifting 300,000 children above the breadline and pulling 700,000 more out of extreme poverty.

It is clear the rebellion would have been much bigger had it not been for the nuclear threat. And there had already been a divide among MPs who back scrapping the cap about whether the rebellion was organised too hastily, leaving the dissenters with nowhere else to go.

Among some on the left, there had been a feeling that Starmers advisers might be rethinking their disciplinarian approach given MPs were still at risk in some constituencies of votes being eaten by independent candidates or Greens.

One said they believed Starmer would see it as beneath him  petty, even  as a prime minister having recently spent an afternoon with Joe Biden to then be concerning himself with how a few ex-Corbynite shadow ministers voted on an opposition amendment. If youre too thin-skinned, as prime minister of the UK, dont you look weak? asked one. We expected it to barely be on his mind.

Now Starmer has made it clear that is not his instinct. In fact, with a big and ambitious new parliamentary party, first-time MPs have had the fear of God put into them if any are tempted to try to make their mark in this manner. What message does it send to newbie rebels if you dont follow through? one Labour source said.

But such apparent machismo can backfire. There have already been electoral consequences, with at least eight seats affected by a strict Labour approach  from the alienation of Muslim voters to the rise of the Greens.

And it still has the potential to do more damage. In Westminster, gleeful SNP MPs have been littering the corridors with copies of a newspaper front page where the former prime minister Gordon Brown promised to end child poverty.

And in the immediate aftermath of the vote on Tuesday, the Green deputy leader, Zack Polanski, targeted his attack directly at Stella Creasy in Walthamstow, an east London seat he is thought to covet. At the election in Walthamstow, Labour went down 16% and [Greens] went up 16%. Theres 40 places where Greens are in 2nd place to Labour and well see you at the ballot box, he tweeted.

Those who defend Starmers approach come back to the same argument  that the election was not only a vote for change but to end the chaos of Conservative rule where MPs seemed to need their fix of rebellions and plots on a weekly basis. This approach is designed to ensure none of their new recruits get any taste for that.
The Shahtout family from left to right, Ahmed, 17; Nour, 19; Bassim, 57; Reem 47; and 13-year-old Muhammed, who left Tel al-Hawa in October 2023. Photograph: Hamada Elrasam/The Guardian

On the afternoon of 7 October, Nour Shahtout was busy doing her homework, when she received a text message from school, telling students not to come in the next day. She hasnt been back since. At the time, I thought I had the day off and could hang out with my friends, says the 18-year-old. Little did I know, everything was about to change.

Two weeks later, Shahtouts family home in Tel al-Hawa, a neighbourhood in the south of Gaza City, was bombed in an Israeli airstrike. We had only 10 minutes to evacuate, she recalls. I grabbed my laptop, charger and as many books as I could fit into my bag. Shahtout, a high-achieving student, had plans to study ICT and business at Al-Azhar University. But the following month, the IDF destroyed that too, she says.

The family evacuated to Khan Younis but the bombs followed. Over the next few months, they moved from one tent to the next, fled one city to the next, until they realised there was no safe place left in the Gaza Strip. After selling everything they owned to pay for their passage out, the family crossed into Egypt in March, like some 100,000 other Palestinians who have been able to get out of Gaza since the start of the conflict.

I dont like it here, I miss my friends and I want to go home, says Shahtout, sitting cross-legged on a worn, blue rug in the one-bedroom apartment shared by two families. I am stuck in this one room all day, where there is no space or privacy, she adds. I want to study and complete my degree but life has come to a standstill.

The small living room serves as a bedroom for Shahtout, her parents and two brothers, with two large sofas, a table and a battered mattress leaning against one of the walls; Shahtouts school books are piled in one corner.

Most Gazan evacuees have paid thousands of dollars in bribes to leave the besieged territory but their legal status in Egypt gives them few means of supporting themselves. Without documentation, they cannot work, or enrol their children in schools, open bank accounts or travel. Unlike in neighbouring countries, the UN has not taken responsibility for Palestinians who have reached Egypt.

Finding housing to rent has been difficult for families, who are often unable to pay deposits and say they feel a certain prejudice from Egyptian landlords. Expired 45-day visas also mean many are living in fear of being fined or arrested.

The Palestinian embassy in Egypt is seeking temporary residency permits for Gazans, which could ease conditions for them until the war is over. In an interview, Diab al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador in Cairo, stressed that those who had recently arrived have no plans to settle in Egypt and that residency permits would be for legal and humanitarian purposes.

We are talking about a category of people in an exceptional situation, said al-Louh. We have confidence that our Egyptian brothers will understand this. They have already provided a lot.

Majdi Omran, 28, from Khan Younis, has been living in a hospital since arriving in Egypt. In February, Omran and his two brothers went out to find food for their families when their car was hit by an Israeli missile. His brothers were killed instantly. Omran lost his left leg, and his rib and lower back were severely fractured.

Omran was evacuated from Gaza two weeks later, along with his wife and four children, and taken to hospital in Cairo, where they have been ever since.

There are days when I feel that life is no longer worth living, says Omran, from his hospital bed. I am grateful that my family is alive and here with me, but I have no idea how I will support them in the future.

The hospital has provided an extra bed, where Omrans wife and two-year-old twins sleep; the other children sleep on the floor. We are being pressured to leave but there is nowhere for us to go, he says. Living here is difficult but at least there is some sense of security; outside I dont know how we will cope.

Related: Living in a tent with premature triplets: how fear and anxiety haunt Gazas new mothers

To address the housing crisis among displaced Palestinians, regional charity Al Amal has stepped in to raise funds to help families find suitable homes and help with rent.

These families dont want charity, they just want the chance to live a dignified life

Both the Shahtout and Omran families are on Al Amals waiting list. The charity has partnered with the Canadian agency SpotNoor to help with marketing and fundraising and has attracted volunteers from around the world. It has helped more than 200 families since March  raising more than 220,000.

On a sweltering hot afternoon in downtown Cairo, a red pickup truck blasting shaabi tunes comes to a halt. Young volunteers pile out, carrying cardboard food boxes.

Among them is Mohammad Mustafa, 20, who arrived from Ohio last month and has been helping Palestinian families move into their new homes, assembling furniture and delivering vital food packages.

He says he felt powerless watching the humanitarian disaster from home. The world has become so used to Palestinians being dehumanised, we expect them to live in tents and eat from cans, although even these very basics arent available in Gaza right now, Mustafa says.

At the home of Asma Muhammad, a young mother who has just found a small rental flat with the help of Al Amal, the volunteers are bringing in mattresses. Muhammads three young children jump excitedly from one bed to another.

This really means the world to them, Muhammad says. Weve been sleeping on floors and sofas since we arrived. The kids are traumatised and miss their father. Hopefully this provides some sense of normality until things get better. The family  from Beit Lahia, northern Gaza  arrived in Egypt in March, leaving the childrens father behind.

Later that afternoon, Hasan Hallal, who is managing the Al Amal campaign, receives a phone call. He has secured a flat for the Omran family and they can move in immediately. This is the most fulfilling part of what we do, he says. Its more than just a home, its a lifeline. Rent will be covered by Al Amal until the family can get back on its feet.

These families dont want charity, they just want the chance to live a dignified life, says Hallal. We will never be able to give them back what they have lost  the least we can do is put a proper roof over their heads.
The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge

When academics look back at this disastrous period in our history, there will be a special place for the Bibby Stockholm.

Still languishing off the Dorset coast, the barge that was supposed to accommodate hundreds of illegal migrants is a ghastly monument to government incompetence, representing policy failure on an almost unbelievable scale. Almost, because so much of the Conservative record on immigration beggared belief, and the floating facility, procured at eyewatering public expense, is only the most visible symbol of an approach to illegal immigration that could hardly have been designed to be less effective.

Of course, there have been many more costly and embarrassing government fiascos.

Relative to the Millennium Dome disaster under Blair; or the staggering mishandling of the construction of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood; the amount of taxpayers money squandered on the barge is modest (tens, not hundreds, of millions of pounds) but the implications of the abject failure to make it work are far graver for this country than either of those disasters.

The vessel is now synonymous with the loss of control of our borders  and all that this means for national security; crime and policing; and our public services. Along with the now defunct Rwanda scheme, it is hard to imagine a more graphic illustration of a crisis that seems unlikely to do anything other than escalate under Labour.

That Sir Keir Starmer has ditched the Bibby Stockholm is no surprise, when so many in his party are queasy about detaining illegal migrants at all. Sunak and his home secretary proved no match for the weeping refugee charities and human rights lawyers who were so troubled by the unorthodox accommodation, but few of his MPs were had any problem in principle with temporarily housing asylum seekers in such a setting.

After all, the barge has long been good enough for British construction and oil rig workers. Back in 2013, for instance, it was used by Petrofac to accommodate hundreds of workers on a gas plant off Shetland, in the North Sea. If the rooms were a bit rough and ready, those lads and lassies didnt seem to mind. Indeed, the energy company extended the lease, following great feedback from guests.

By contrast, many Left-wingers  including those on Labours benches  are fundamentally opposed to any detention of asylum seekers, including Channel migrants. As a result, the Bibby Stockholm initiative, with its wretched recent history of health and safety concerns and inextricable association with Conservative failure, was always certain to be scrapped. The very name of the floatel is now so besmirched that the owners of the vessel will likely be forced to re-brand it. For if it is not considered fit for those who purport to be fleeing war and terror, why would anyone less desperate elect to stay on board?

The change of plan is unlikely to make any difference whatsoever to the wider challenge of finding somewhere to put them all. Every additional boatload of migrants exacerbates this housing headache. In the last three weeks alone, since Starmer became prime minister, some 2000 more have crossed the Channel, each and every one of whom must be found a bed. The barge was only ever designed for a few hundred temporary occupants  a drop in the ocean relative to the overall problem.

Doubtless the civil servants who never bought into the project and presided over the shambles will also be delighted to have it out of their hair.

The point was always to send out a clear message to would-be migrants that they should not expect to be put up in luxury hotels. That was vital, not only as part of establishing a deterrent, but also to placate furious taxpayers.

As Labour seeks to draw a line under the whole sorry saga, the question is whether they have any better ideas. If not, the only message that will go out to those hanging around Calais waiting for a dinghy is that Keir Starmer and his team are just as useless as the last lot.
Police with a man at the protest on Wednesday morning - Martyn Wheatley/i-Images Picture Agency

Nine pro-Palestine activists have been arrested for blocking the entrance to the Foreign Office, in what protest organisers described as a heavy-handed approach by police.

Around 200 demonstrators, led by Workers for a Free Palestine, gathered outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in central London at around 8.30am on Wednesday to accuse the Government of being complicit in Israels war in Gaza.

The activists called on David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, who on Wednesday was travelling to New Delhi in India, to publish legal advice given to the FCDO on potential Israeli war crimes and suspend the sale of arms to the country.

The protest came as Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of eastern parts of Khan Younis on Monday causing 150,000 to flee, an official from UNRWA - the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees - told the BBCs Today programme.

The protesters split into two groups, blocking both entrances to the Foreign Office on either end of King Charles Street in Westminster.

A crowd, almost entirely made up of staff from the department, looked on as activists accused the Foreign Secretary and Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, of having blood on their hands.

Police officers try to remove a protester - Hollie Adams/REUTERS

None of the waiting workers were willing to comment to the PA news agency, and one man asked that a picture of the gathered staff be deleted.

Another man waiting to enter the building said: Many of us are sympathetic [with the protesters].

At 8.38am, police officers pushed their way into the demonstrators, removing particular individuals and taking them away to be arrested. Occasionally, two officers were needed to drag away protesters after they made themselves limp.

Twice police had to hold back demonstrators attempting to cling on to fellow protesters who had been removed from the crowd.

Commenting on the number of arrests and the polices tactics, Georgie, one of the groups organisers, said: Weve never had that before. The police have been more heavy-handed today.

Demonstrators held a banner accusing the Government of being complicit in genocide - Hollie Adams/REUTERS

By 8.44am, police had cleared a path to one of the entrances to King Charles Street, enabling Foreign Office workers to enter their offices.

As the workers walked through the cleared path, several protesters shouted: Shame on you.

By 9am, the demonstrators gathered to listen to speeches beside long banners which had been unfurled along the pavement used by staff to walk into the building.

One female protester, wearing a nurses uniform and traditional Palestinian headscarf, lit a red flare during one of the speeches.

Protest aimed at David Lammy

The main speaker was Jeanine Hourani, a Palestinian PhD student at the University of Exeter.

The 30-year-old, who came to the UK from Australia to study Middle Eastern politics, told PA that the rally was in solidarity with Foreign Office staff who were organising from within against the war.

She said: We are not antagonistic with the workers. Were here today in solidarity rather than protesting them.

We know that there are workers who are organising from within, calling for an arms embargo. We know that they are unhappy with the way their advice is being interpreted. They know that the UK Government is complicit in war crimes.

A spokesman for the group added: The demonstration is not aimed at targeting staff. Its aimed at David Lammy.

Some protesters waved Palestinian flags - Lucy North/PA

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: Shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday 24 July a group of protesters arrived at the Whitehall end of King Charles Street and stood in the road blocking pedestrian and vehicle access.

Officers responded and Public Order Act conditions were imposed on them, requiring them to leave the central arch at the entrance to the street clear.

When the group failed to comply with the conditions, officers intervened and made nine arrests, quickly restoring access.

They added that officers remained in the area afterwards to ensure protesters did not block the roads again.
Mark Kelly has a record of beating candidates endorsed by Donald Trump - Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

A former fighter pilot and Nasa astronaut who has flown 20 million miles in space is a top contender to become Kamala Harriss running mate.

Mark Kelly, 60, the Arizona senator, had an interview with Ms Harris at her Washington residence on Sunday.

However, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota governor Tim Walz are reportedly the frontrunners for the position.

Mr Kelly has a record of beating candidates endorsed by Donald Trump in the vital battleground state where Ms Harris is trailing her Republican rival.

He has commanded shuttle missions on the Discovery and Endeavour and flew 39 missions as a US navy pilot during the Gulf War before retiring to care for his wife who was shot in the head in an attempted assassination.

Democrat strategists told The Telegraph that Mr Kelly, who has a strong record on immigration, would be a formidable choice for Ms Harris and could help prop her up in her weaker areas.

Mr Kelly was among the potential vice-presidential candidates Ms Harris called after Joe Biden stepped down as the Democrat candidate and an official vetting process then began.

Kamala Harris, right, with Mark Kelly and his wife Garbrielle Giffords in 2023 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Born and raised in New Jersey to two police officers, Mr Kellys mother became the first female officer at the West Orange Police Department.

Mr Kelly attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy before becoming a navy pilot. During his air force career, he was deployed several times on the aircraft carrier USS Midway and flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm.

He spent more than 50 days in space, travelling more than 20 million miles, after he and his identical twin brother, Scott, were selected as astronauts in the same Nasa class in 1996.

He retired from Nasa in 2011 after commanding Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final flight and after his wife, the former US representative wife Gabrielle Giffords, survived an assassination attempt in 2011.

Six people were killed in the attack in a supermarket in Tucson and Mr Kelly dedicated himself to helping Ms Giffords, who was left disabled after she was shot in the head.

The couple became vocal gun control advocates, starting gun control non-profit Giffords to call for stricter laws.

Mr Kelly entered politics in 2020, winning a difficult senate race to fill John McCains seat.

He was re-elected two years later, beating Republican Blake Masters, who had been endorsed by Trump, by more than 125,000 votes.

While Ms Harris has already been attacked by the Trump campaign as the border tsar, Mr Kelly was a vocal critic of some of Mr Bidens policies such as reversing the Trump-era Title 42.

Mr Kelly also has a strong record for abortion. He pushed for access for women in Arizona, which has a 15-week ban.

Democrat strategist Jason Oritz said: Hes run tough races in a tough state.

He said that while Trump had selected JD Vance, who doubles down on the former presidents views, Mr Kelly would differentiate the ticket adding a centrist Democrat from a purple state where Democrats need help.

He said the Republicans should be very nervous about the potential running mate.

The Arizona senator was also described as the smartest selection by Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty.

Mr Kelly has so far avoided questions about taking the job.

He told ABC News: This is not about me. Im going to be focused on doing everything I can to make sure she is elected because we cannot have a repeat of what we saw between 2016 and 2020.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser is weighing up another leadership bid - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

The Scottish Tories should stop fighting Holyrood elections, one of the early favourites in their leadership contest has said as he suggested a new Right-wing party be set up instead.

Murdo Fraser said that the Conservatives should continue to stand candidates in Scotland for Westminster general elections as voters should have the chance to vote for a party that can form the UK Government.

But he suggested that Tories should not fight Holyrood elections, which he said should instead be contested by a new centre-Right party that would have a better chance of winning power.

He cited the Canadian political system, whereby parties at the federal level of government are often connected to sister parties in the provinces. Mr Fraser is weighing up another leadership bid, having lost to Ruth Davidson 13 years ago.

His new proposal watered down his controversial plan during his unsuccessful leadership campaign in 2011, when he called for the Scottish Tories to be replaced with an entirely new party.

Several MSPs believe the idea should be debated again following the UK Conservatives general election drubbing. Although their seat tally dropped by only one to five in Scotland, their vote share nearly halved to 12.7 per cent.

Liam Kerr, the shadow education secretary, last week said the Tories have struggled to win more than 24 per cent of the popular vote even when the popular Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links was leader.

He said many felt that it was unlikely that the Scottish Tory vehicle would ever achieve power and also called for a new Holyrood centre-Right party focused solely and exclusively on matters devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

Russell Findlay is among several MSPs in the race to become the new leader of the Scottish Tories - Alamy/sst

However, allies of Russell Findlay, the early frontrunner in the Scottish Tory leadership contest, lambasted Mr Frasers proposal and warned it could help the SNP cling on to power in the 2026 Holyrood election.

Miles Briggs, the shadow social security secretary and a Findlay backer, said that a split party could be catastrophic for our prospects.

Up to nine MSPs are considering standing for the Scottish Tory leadership, with party chiefs keen to have Douglas Rosss successor in place for the UK Conservative conference at the end of September.

Mr Fraser set out his views on how to reinvigorate the party in an interview with the Holyrood Sources podcast, which was recorded before the election but only broadcast on Wednesday.

He said he had reflected a lot on his original plan of a breakaway party in the 13 years since he lost out to Baroness Davidson for the leadership.

I think one of the issues we were faced with, people said how can you be the party of the Union and argue for separate representation in Scotland? he said.

Actually, I think that the idea that if you live in Scotland you should be able to vote for a UK party that will form the UK Government actually is a really important principle.

Miles Briggs says a split party could be 'catastrophic' for Scottish Tory prospects - Alamy

Outlining an alternative proposal, he said: The UK Conservative Party under the Canadian model would still fight elections in Scotland. But it just wouldnt fight elections to Holyrood.

Mr Fraser said he was now happy to retain the Scottish Conservative brand for Westminster elections as voters already considered it to be distinct from the UK party, with the two having different messages.

He said people had told him while he was out on the stump during the recent general election campaign that they would vote Scottish Tory because they liked what you stand for.

However, he said they had made it clear they would not vote for the UK Conservatives if they lived in England. Mr Fraser concluded that having a Scottish Conservative brand that is more distinct from the UK is a positive for us.

But Mr Briggs said: I think a split party at Holyrood could be catastrophic for our prospects in the election in 2026 and the opportunity to deliver a knockout blow to this useless and failed SNP Government.

There is not long before that election and if we use all that time to turn inward, it could significantly limit our electoral chances.

I believe we would be better focused over the next 18 months on uniting around a positive policy platform and a campaign to turn the page on the constitutional divisions of the past, not a new constitution for the Conservative Party.

Uproar during David Duguid replacement

Separately, Mr Fraser attacked Mr Ross over his woefully ill-advised decision to stand in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East in the general election.

Mr Ross faced uproar when he replaced David Duguid as the Tory candidate, having previously pledged to step down from Westminster at the election.

Mr Duguid, a former minister, was deselected over concerns about his health but has insisted he would have won the seat from his hospital bed.

The furore prompted Mr Ross to announce during the campaign his intention to quit as leader. He then failed to win the seat, which the SNP gained, blaming the 5,562 votes for Reform UK for his defeat.

Writing in The Scotsman, Mr Fraser said: Had it not been for the woefully ill-advised decision to replace a respected and hard-working MP in David Duguid, who was suffering from an illness, with the party leader Douglas Ross, it seems likely that the seat would have been a Conservative hold, with the SNP deprived of their one gain on a night which otherwise was truly dismal for the party.

But he warned that Reform UK posed a real risk to my party as it attracted Tory supporters who wanted to abolish Holyrood.

Now, in Reform, they will have a voice, and that presents a real risk to my party, already being squeezed on the other flank as the transactional unionists, perhaps traditional Labour or Lib Dem voters who started voting Scottish Tory under Ruth Davidsons leadership, drift back to their former homes.

It adds up to an existential challenge for the Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party, with the vote being squeezed on both sides, Mr Fraser added.
Prince Harry in the ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial. Photograph: ITV

The Duke of Sussex believes his determination to take on tabloid newspapers in the courts was a central piece in the deterioration of relations between him and his family in the UK.

Speaking about his legal battles against newspapers over privacy, Prince Harry told an ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial that his decision to fight contributed to the rift with the royal family.

Asked if his decision destroyed the relationship, Harry says: Yeah, thats certainly a central piece to it. But, you know, thats a hard question to answer because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press.

He continues: Ive made it very clear that this is something that needs to be done. It would be nice if we, you know, did it as a family. I believe that, again, from a service standpoint and when you are in a public role, that these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good. But, you know, Im doing this for my reasons.

Asked what he thought of the royal familys decision not to fight in the way he has done, he replies: I think everything that has played out has shown people what the truth of the matter is. For me, the mission continues, but it has, it has, yes. Its caused, yeah, as you say, part of a rift.

Related: Prince Harry hails Birminghams winning bid to host Invictus Games

Harry has long despaired of the royal familys failure to take on the press, and has previously revealed that his father, King Charles, told him it would be a suicide mission.

In his memoir, Spare, he wrote of what he saw as the royal familys connivance with the media through alleged leaking, believing himself to be collateral damage. In the book Harry was withering about his fathers failure to take on the media, writing that the same shoddy bastards whod portrayed [Charles] as a clown were now tormenting and bullying him and his wife, Meghan.

In December 2023, after he won damages in his hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers, Harry made clear he felt vindication for his long-running legal battles against sections of the British media. He said in the statement at the time that he had been told that slaying dragons will get you burned, adding a defiant: The mission continues.

Speaking for the first time about the case, he told the documentary: To go in there and come out and have the judge rule in our favour was obviously huge  a monumental victory.

He also spoke about fears that his mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, may have been an early victim of phone hacking.

The duke, who is one of several celebrities appearing in the documentary which airs on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Thursday, is also involved in continuing legal actions over privacy against News Group Newspapers and Associated Newspapers.
RAF Typhoons were escorted by Russian fighters - Jane Barlow/PA Archive

Russia scrambled fighter jets to escort two British Typhoon fighter jets over the Black Sea, its defence ministry has said.

A Su-27 fighter jet had been mobilised to escort two British Typhoon fighter jets and an RC-135 reconnaissance plane, Russian authorities said on Wednesday.

After the approach of the Russian fighter, the British planes turned away from the Russian border, according to the ministry.

It comes days after Russian fighter jets buzzed two US bombers over the Arctic on Sunday in what Moscows ministry of defence described as an operation to defend its state borders.

The two MiG fighter jets were scrambled when radar detected two US air force B-52H bombers approaching Russian territory over the Barents Sea.

As Russian fighters approached, the American strategic bombers turned away from the state border of the Russian Federation, said the ministry.

04:06 PM BST

Thanks for following todays live blog

Thank you for following todays live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict.

03:27 PM BST

Ukraine taking down own drones in friendly fire

Ukrainian units have been jamming their own drones in the sky as Russia capitalises on poor decision making to advance almost four miles towards a key garrison town, writes Joe Barnes.

Yuriy Butusov, a widely respected Ukrainian journalist covering the war, reported that Russian forces were deliberately targeting poorly organised and vulnerable units in a push for the Donetsk region town of Pokrovsk.

He said a lack of coordination between Ukrainian units electronic warfare jammers meant a significant number of our own drones had been destroyed in a post on social media.

A critical problem is the lack of a single competent authority for all drone and electronic warfare forces, which continue to be used in a scattered and uncoordinated manner, Mr Butusov wrote.

Read the full article here

03:06 PM BST

Moscow authorities offer record signing-on bonus for new recruits

Authorities in the city of Moscow are offering a record signing-on bonus for new recruits to fight in Ukraine.

The offer comes as Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, struggles to recruit soldiers for his army as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues.

Sergey Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, introduced the one-time signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles (about $22,000) for city residents who join the military, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Anyone taking up the offer could earn up to 5.2 million rubles ($59,600) in their first year of service, the statement added.

02:43 PM BST

How Ukraine broke Putins Black Sea grain blockade

The docks of Odesa, which were silent for months at the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, are bustling again.

Dozens of cargo ships arrive each month and thousands of tonnes of grain are loaded onto each vessel to be shipped from Ukraines farmers to markets across the world.

Such activity is a far cry from only two years ago.

When Russia invaded, it imposed a blockade halting exports from the countrys Black Sea ports, as Vladimir Putin tried to bring one of the worlds breadbaskets to its economic knees, writes Ben Farmer.

Read the full article here

02:21 PM BST

Watch: Moscow car bomb targets Russian military officer

An officer from Russias foreign intelligence agency and his wife were reportedly targeted by a car bomb in Moscow, according to Russias TASS news agency.

Several news outlets named Andrei Torgashov and his wife as the two victims of the attack. Baza Telegram channel, which is linked to Russian security services, said one of the victims was a Russian military intelligence officer.

Russias interior ministry has said that the blast was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object after a man and a woman got into a parked Toyota Land Cruiser.

Irina Volk, a ministry spokesman, said the victims were taken to hospital and that a criminal investigation has been opened.

The man, who Russian media reported was on Ukraines online target list, lost his feet in the explosion, while the woman received shrapnel wounds.

01:57 PM BST

German arms manufacturer receives order to build ammunition factory in Ukraine

Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer, has said that it has received an order from the Ukrainian government to begin the construction of an ammunition factory in Ukraine.

The announcement marks the official beginning of a venture between Alexander Kamyshin, the strategic industries minister, and Armin Papperger, the Rheinmetall CEO.

The intention is to start the ammunition production in Ukraine within 24 months, Rheinmetalls statement read.

The initial order covers the complete technical equipment of the factory through to commissioning.

01:33 PM BST

Britain and Germany sign joint defence declaration

Britain and Germany have signed a joint defence declaration, pledging to strengthen their defence industries, reinforce European security and support Ukraine.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, signed the pact in Berlin on Wednesday.

His visit is part of a two-day trip that includes stops in France, Poland and Estonia as he sets out the governments commitment to deepen defence ties with allies in the European Union.

These visits send a clear message that European security will be this governments first foreign and defence priority, Mr Healey said in a statement.

He added: Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kickstart a deep, new defence relationship, built on our nations shared values.

01:18 PM BST

End Ukraine war or face deployment of US long-range missiles, German chancellor tells Russia

Russia needs to end the war in Ukraine if it doesnt want to see long-range American missiles get deployed to Germany, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has said.

The first thing Russia would have to do would be to stop the terrible war of aggression against Ukraine and give up the attempt to conquer the whole country, he told an annual summer news conference.

It was announced earlier this month that the US will deploy more missiles in Germany in 2026.

01:09 PM BST

Pictured: Aftermath of Moscow car bomb

At least two people have been injured after an unidentified object detonated in a car in a parking lot in Moscow.

A view of the site of a car blast in Moscow

A view shows damaged cars, including a Toyota Land Cruiser, following an explosion caused by the detonation of an unidentified device

12:26 PM BST

Ukraine charges Kremlin ally over privatisation of oil pipeline

Ukrainian authorities have charged pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk in absentia with the illegal seizure of the Samara-Western direction oil pipeline section several years ago, according to the Security Service of Ukraine.

Medvedchuk, who was previously an ally of Vladimir Putin, was arrested and released to Russia during a prisoner exchange in late 2022.

Kyiv charged the pro-Russian oligarch with high treason in 2021 and stripped him of citizenship and a seat in the parliament two years later.

12:01 PM BST

EU ambassadors agree 4.2bn payment to Ukraine

EU ambassadors supported on Wednesday the transfer of 4.2 billion euros to Kyiv as the first regular payment under the Ukraine Facility.

The funds will be directed toward Ukraines recovery, reconstruction, and modernization.

The Ukraine Facility allocates 33 billion euros in loans and 17 billion euros in grants, conditional on the Ukrainian government carrying out certain reforms.

The European Commission sanctioned the disbursement earlier this month.

11:37 AM BST

Pictured: Moment of Moscow car explosion

A moment of a car blast that reportedly injured an officer from Russia's GRU military intelligence

A moment of a car blast that reportedly injured an officer from Russia's GRU military intelligence

11:20 AM BST

Kremlin says Ukraines signal on talks appears in unison with Russias position

Russia said on Wednesday that Ukraines signal on talks with Moscow appeared to be in unison with the Kremlins own position but that more details were needed.

Dmytro Kuleba. the Ukrainian foreign minister, said Kyiv was ready for talks with Russia if Moscow was prepared to negotiate in good faith, though he said that Ukraine has seen no sign of that.

Mr Kuleba made the remarks during talks with his Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart.

11:03 AM BST

Romanian military searches for drone debris near Ukrainian border

Romanian military have been searching for drone debris near the border with Ukraine after Russian attacks.

On Tuesday, places in southern Ukraine at the Danube, which marks the border with Romania in that area, came under renewed drone attack.

People in 17 cities and villages in Romanias south-eastern Tulcea county got alerts on their mobile phones early Wednesday after several objects were observed approaching the northern area of the county, according to a statement from the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations.

Two Romanian Air Force F-16s have already scanned the area, while searches are being carried out for possible fallen objects near the village of Plauru, which faces the Ukrainian port city of Izmail across the Danube, the ministry of defence said.

10:44 AM BST

Pictured: Aftermath of Russian drone strike

Members of emergency services use a water hose as flames and smoke rise

Flames and smoke rise in the aftermath of a Russian drone strike

Members of emergency services work as smoke rises in the aftermath of a Russian drone strike

10:30 AM BST

Ukraine ready for talks with Russia if in good faith

Ukraine is ready for talks with Russia if Moscow is prepared to negotiate in good faith, Kyivs foreign minister said on Wednesday according to his ministry.

Dmytro Kuleba made the remarks during talks with his Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart.

The talks lasted for over three hours in total, longer than planned. This was a very deep and concrete conversation, a source told Reuters.

10:24 AM BST

North Korea keen to boost ties with Belarus

North Korea is keen to boost ties with Belarus to open a new era, state media KCNA has quoted Choe Son Hui, the foreign minister, as saying on Wednesday.

The foreign minister met Maxim Vladimirovich Ruzenkov, her Belarusian counterpart, in Pyongyang earlier on Tuesday.

Belarus and North Korea are both allies of Russia, which has become more diplomatically isolated since launching its invasion on Ukraine.

Moscow moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus last year and has held joint military exercises with the country.

Russia also agreed a landmark pact with North Korea last month that allows either country to provide the other with military assistance if faced with an armed aggression.

10:13 AM BST

Four dead and 17 injured in Russia attacks

Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day have killed at least four people and injured at least 17, including children, according to regional authorities.

One of the attacks hit the office of a humanitarian organisation in Kharkiv.

Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram: Today at 5 a.m., the Russians hit the office of the Swiss (Foundation) for Mine Action FSD with a ballistic missile.

An industrial building, five cars, and a house were also damaged. Ihor Terekhov, the local mayor, initially reported that one person had been killed but later said the information could not be confirmed.

In Donetsk, three people were killed and three injured during a Russian attack, Vadym Filashkin, the local governor, reported.

09:40 AM BST

Pictured: UK honours Ukrainian athletes killed in war

A 3D display, installed in Parliament Square, pays tribute to Ukrainian athletes whose lives have been lost due to Russia's full-scale invasion - Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

The '487' figure is the approximate number of Ukrainian athletes that have been killed in the war - Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

09:09 AM BST

Anti-Kremlin volunteers use drones to destroy Russian observation post

Russian anti-Kremlin volunteers from the Freedom of Russia Legion have reportedly used drones to destroy an observation post in Belgorod.

The Russian autonomous technical observation post is worth more than $200,000, according to to a report via Telegram.

The Telegram post included a video of the post being destroyed by a UAV flown by pilots of the Groza platoon that operates the units unmanned attack aircraft systems.

The caption of the video said: We are developing and mastering new types of weapons.

08:44 AM BST

Ukrainian foreign minister seeks common ground with China

Wang Yi, Chinas foreign minister, met Dmytro Kuleba, his Ukrainian counterpart, in southern China.

The pair held talks in the city of Guangzhou, according to news agency Xinhua.

Mr Kuleba said on Tuesday that he is seeking common ground in talks with Mr Yi on ending the Ukraine-Russia war.

His visit is the first one to be made by a Ukrainian foreign minister since the war started in 2022.

08:05 AM BST

Third of Ukrainians open to territorial concessions for quick peace - poll

Nearly a third of Ukrainians would accept some territorial concessions to Russia for a quick end to the war, a new poll has revealed.

The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology said on Tuesday that its poll of 1,067 Ukrainians in May found that 32 per cent would agree to some form of territorial concessions, more than three-fold increase over the past year.

However, it said 55 per cent remain opposed to making any territorial concessions.

08:01 AM BST

Georgia investigating assassination plot

Georgias state security service is investigating a plot by former senior officials living in Ukraine to assassinate ruling party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, Russias TASS news agency cited the service as saying on Wednesday.

It provided no further details including the names of the suspects.

07:54 AM BST

Russian officer injured in car blast in Moscow

Two people, allegedly including a Russian military intelligence officer, were injured in a car blast in Moscow, Russias interior ministry said on Wednesday.

It said that the blast was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object after a man and a woman got into a parked Toyota Land Cruiser.

The victims were hospitalized, Irina Volk, a ministry spokesman, added, saying that a criminal investigation has been opened.

The man, who Russian media reported was on Ukraines online target list, lost his feet in the explosion, while the woman received shrapnel wounds.

Baza Telegram channel, which is linked to Russian security services, said that one of the victims was a Russian military intelligence officer.

07:50 AM BST

4,000 prisoners fighting for Ukraine

Nearly 4,000 Ukrainian prisoners are fighting on the frontline, a senior Ukrainian official has revealed.

There are already 3,800 convicts in the Armed Forces. Most of them have just finished their training. However, several of them have already been wounded or killed, Roman Kostenko, the secretary of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence, said.

In its quest to fill the dwindling ranks of its infantry, Ukraine has turned to recruiting prisoners to join the fight against Russia.

Under a deal offered to inmates by the government, prisoners will have their remaining sentences cleared - regardless of length - if they agree to serve in the army without leave until the end of the war.

Mr Kostenko added that the army is likely to mobilise another 1,000 convicts.

A Ukrainian military instructor demonstrates to convict prisoners who have joined the Ukrainian Army how to use a grenade launcher in June - AP

Thousands of convicts have joined the forces in the past month in order to clear their sentences - AP

07:19 AM BST

Hello and welcome to our live coverage

We will be bringing you all the latest from the war in Ukraine.
The melting of the Thwaites glacier and others could lead to sea level rises of as much as a metre by 2100. Photograph: US National Science Foundation/US Antarctic Program/PA

We need to seriously consider geoengineering projects to save our glaciers or face catastrophic sea level rise, scientists say in a report.

Antarctica and Greenlands ice sheets are melting fast and even if we manage to reduce carbon emissions and limit global heating to 2C, it is not clear if that will be enough to prevent ice sheet collapse. But geoengineering glaciers may be a way to buy us vital time, the authors of the report argue.

Without intervention we will face sea level rises of as much as a metre by 2100, obliterating low-lying cities and displacing millions of people. Much of that sea level rise will come from the melting of just a handful of glaciers, such as Thwaites and Pine Island in the Amundsen Sea.

The scientists suggest fixing curtains around the toes of these glaciers (to protect them from the relatively warm water lapping at their base) or drilling holes through the glaciers to drain the ice sheet streams could significantly slow the melt.

The report, which emerged from a town hall meeting at the European Geosciences Union conference in April 2024, recognises that cutting carbon emissions must remain the priority but calls for serious research into glacier geoengineering now, to assess the risks and benefits and to avoid panicked decisions at a later date.
Shoplifting offence - MachineHeadz/iStockphoto

Shoplifting has hit a record high with 50 offences recorded by police every hour in England and Wales  an increase of 30 per cent in one year  official figures show.

The number of shoplifting offences rose to 443,995 in the year to March 2024, an increase of more than 100,000 on the 342,428 recorded in the previous 12 months.

The figure is the highest since current records began in the year to March 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

However, the proportion of the crimes resulting in a shoplifter being charged has fallen to a low of just 16.2 per cent, down from 29.8 per cent in 2016 when the Home Office started publishing such data.

Retailers say that shoplifting is now so widespread that it is adding at least 6p to every store transaction by customers due to the cost of the 1.8 billion stolen each year and the extra 700 million being spent by retailers on security measures.

Labour has pledged to introduce new laws to reduce shoplifting by requiring police to investigate even if the goods are worth under 200.

A Crime Bill will reverse a so-called shoplifters charter introduced in 2014, under which theft of goods under 200 is considered low value. The Bill will also introduce a new standalone offence of assaulting a shop worker. It is likely to carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail though no final decision has been taken.

Under an agreement last October between the government and police, officers attend shoplifting incidents if there is violence against a store worker, a suspected thief is detained or officers are needed to secure evidence. However, police say it is not realistic for officers to respond to every shoplifting incident.

Robbery also rose by 8 per cent to 81,019 offences recorded by police in the year to March 2024, while theft was up by 1 per cent to 2,686,000.

Knife crime on the rise

Knife crime also increased by 4 per cent to 50,510 offences in the year to March 2024, close to the record high of 51,982 in 2019/20 before the Covid pandemic.

There was a notable increase in the number of robberies involving a knife or sharp instrument, with 21,226 recorded by forces in 2023/24, up 13 per cent from 18,787 in the previous 12 months, although this is below the 22,727 in 2019/20. Rape with a knife was at a record high with 737 offences.

Knife crime hit record highs in eight police forces including the Metropolitan police where it was up from the previous record of 14,680 in 2020 to 14,961 in the year to March 2024. West Midlands also saw a high of 5,266 - up from 5,192 last year.

Offences involving possession of an article with a blade or point fell slightly to 27,470, down 3 per cent from 28,391 in the previous 12 months.

This follows substantial increases in recent years, which may have been influenced by targeted police action to tackle knife crime, the ONS said.

Closing of loopholes

New laws, set out in the Kings Speech, will close loopholes that allow the sale of ninja swords and other lethal blades, the type of weapon which was used to kill 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in London earlier this year.

The Government said it would introduce strict sanctions on senior executives of online companies who fail to operate within the law by continuing to allow the sale of banned weapons.

They are likely to be modelled on penalties in the Online Safety Act, where bosses whose firms persistently fail to protect children face up to two years in jail. Tech firms can also be fined up to 10 per cent of their turnover. Final decisions on the sanctions are expected after the Governments sentencing review.

Labour is also considering re-introducing anti-knife measures in the Tories Criminal Justice Bill including giving police powers to seize and destroy knives found on private property, increased maximum penalties for sales of dangerous weapons to children and a new offence of possessing a knife with intent to cause harm.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: These figures show the disgraceful dereliction of the last Tory government on law and order  they deserted our town centres and high streets, leaving local people to face soaring levels of street crime.

Shoplifting has shot up to 20-year highs, hitting our local businesses and hurting communities in our towns and cities, yet the number of neighbourhood police on our streets has plummeted, with devastating consequences for public confidence.

Knife crime, which tears families apart, has risen yet again, and weve seen a steep rise in stalking and harassment offences, which disproportionately impact women and girls.

We cant carry on like this. This Labour Government will put neighbourhood police back on the beat in our town centres, with stronger laws on knife crime, shoplifting and assaults on shop workers to keep our communities safe.
Kai McKenzie, 23, was rebuilding his surfing career after suffering a spinal injury

Australian doctors were in a race against time on Wednesday to reattach a shark attack victims leg after the severed limb washed up on a New South Wales beach.

Port Macquarie residents found the bloody leg in the shallows at their North Shore beach on Tuesday, near to where the young competitive surfer had earlier been mauled by a great white.

Family of Kai McKenzie said he was squeezing every minute out of the day and rebuilding his surfing career after suffering a spinal injury when he came face-to-face with the jaws of a 3-metre (9ft10) shark.

The 23-year-old survived by kicking and shoving the animal but it grabbed hold of his right leg before he could paddle away. Conscious but quickly losing blood, Mr McKenzie managed to turn his damaged surfboard into a wave and ride it back to shore.

A sizeable chunk has been taken out of Kai McKenzie's surf board

An off-duty policeman stemmed Mr McKenzies bleeding by making a tourniquet out of a dog leash, an act Kirran Mowbray, the ambulance duty manager, said essentially saved his life.

He was quite calm and able to talk to us, Ms Mowbray told local media of Mr McKenzies demeanour as they stabilised him at the beach. Hes just a really brave and courageous young man.

Mr McKenzie was flown to hospital in Newcastle where he was undergoing surgery while family and the NSW surfing community rallied to raise over $112,000 (57,000) for his care.

The washed-up leg was seen being carried into the hospital in a polystyrene box.

Kai McKenzie's limb being carried in a box into hospital

Kai McKenzie being transported to hospital on Tuesday following the attack

Michelle McKenzie said her nephew was an incredible surfer, skater, musician, videographer and all round legend.

He has always lived life to the fullest, squeezing every minute out of the day, she said.

The team at Rage, a surf brand that sponsors Mr McKenzie, said he was the toughest person we know and someone who never complained and just got on with doing what he loved as soon as possible.

He has been through a lot breaking his back last year,  the sponsors wrote on social media.

He is an inspiring person.

New South Wales surfing community rallied to raise over $112,000 (57,000) for Kai McKenzie's care - NINE

Authorities reopened the beach on Wednesday afternoon after drone and boat patrols failed to find the great white.

The incident is the second serious attack in Port Macquarie waters in the past year and has reignited questions over the effectiveness of the regions shark mitigation strategies.

In March 2022, the NSW Government committed $85.6 million to continue tagging sharks, placing nets around some swimming areas and setting drums in the water to intercept dangerous species.

At least 15 great whites were detected in Port Macquarie on the shark system in the past week, local authorities said, and drums were placed 500 metres offshore each day to stop them from coming close to swimmers and surfers.

Though attacks and fatalities are rare, authorities have been urged to find solutions and increase awareness after a recent rise in deaths. There were 10 fatal shark attacks globally last year, four of them in Australia.
Extreme close up of a fire ant. Photograph: National Fire Ant Eradication Program

A swank town in Californias central coast where celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to Prince Harry have bought properties, has become a hot spot for another reason: an active infestation of red imported fire ants.

The Santa Barbara county agricultural commissioners office is addressing an active infestation of these ants in Montecito, California, according to a statement issued last week.

This infestation likely originated from ant-infested nursery stock shipped from Riverside county in September 2023, according to officials.

Related: Kamala Harriss home town cheers historic White House run: Shes going to do it

This is the only known infestation in the county, according to the statement.

Staff from the commissioners office, along with the California department of food and agriculture, the University of California Cooperative Extension, and Riverside county agricultural commissioners office, are conducting regular property surveys.

Red imported fire ants, native to South America, have established themselves in parts of southern California, particularly in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, according to researchers at the University of California, Riverside.

The first recorded sighting in California was in 1984. Since then, there have been periodic outbreaks in several counties.

Stings from these ants are painful and can cause pustules that may scar if infected, and a small percentage of the human population is allergic to these stings. Newborn livestock and poultry are also vulnerable to attacks.

These ants can clog irrigation lines, short-circuit electrical systems and displace native wildlife, including young birds and lizards. Their stinging behavior is also hazardous to fieldworkers and poses a significant risk to agriculture by feeding on various hosts, particularly turf.

The ants, mainly originating from Argentina and Brazil, pose a significant threat to Californias agricultural economy because they require quarantine of nursery products to prevent spreading through potting soil. In Texas, for example, over $1.1bn is spent each year on pesticides for fire ant control and $872m of those funds is used to control the ants from infesting lawns in urban areas.

No fire ants-related quarantines were in place in Santa Barbara amid the infestation.

Nursery products ranked second in value in the countys agricultural economy, below strawberries, in the 2023 Santa Barbara County Crop and Livestock Report at $122,301,000.

Residents were encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara county agricultural commissioners office if they detected these ants or bring a sample to their offices.

There are native fire ants and Argentine ants that are not hazardous and the quickest way to distinguish RIFA from other ants are their aggressive behavior, not color or size, the county of Santa Barbara said in a Facebook post.

Montecito, located about 80 miles west of Los Angeles, is known for its celebrity and affluent community. Current and former residents include Ariana Grande, Adam Levine, Rob Lowe and others.
Ukraine's military released a blurry image of a dark plume of smoke rising from a burning ship in the southern Russian port of Kavkaz

The Ukrainian military has claimed to have dealt significant damage to Russias last railway ferry in Crimea used to transport military equipment to Vladimir Putins forces on the occupied peninsula.

Its general staff described the vessel as the third and last railway ferry that Russia had in that area as it published a blurry image of a dark plume of smoke rising from a burning ship.

The Slavianin, the 150-metre-long ferry, was struck in a Ukrainian drone strike on the southern Russian port of Kavkaz, just seven miles from the 12-mile Kerch Bridge, the only direct land link between Russia and Crimea.

One person was killed and more wounded in the attack, according to Veniamin Kondratyev, Krasnodars regional governor.

He said that a fire erupted but had been brought under control. The extent of the damage to the ferry was not immediately clear.

The occupiers used this ferry to transport railway wagons, motor vehicles and containers for military purposes, Ukraines general staff said on the Telegram messaging app.

The ferry crossing between Krasnodar Krai and occupied Crimea is considered a key logistical route used by Russia to reinforce its troops in southern Ukraine.

Target of multiple missile attacks

Russian forces routinely use ferries in the area to relieve pressures on the Russian ground line of communication connecting Krasnodar Krai and occupied Crimea across the Kerch Strait Bridge, the Institute for the Study of War, the Washington-based think tank, said.

The Kerch Bridge is frequently closed to traffic, including military hardware, because of the threat of Ukrainian attacks, as it was during the drone attack on Kavkaz.

It has been the target of multiple missile and sea drone attacks by Kyiv in an attempt to sever the strategic crossing, a symbol of Vladimir Putins illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

As a result, ferries are used to maintain the flow of goods between the Russian mainland and the peninsula.

In May, a joint operation between Ukraines SBU security service and the wider armed forces targeted two ferries travelling to Kavkaz in a missile attack.

On the same night, the SBU and Ukrainian navy carried out another missile attack on an oil depot at the port.

The terminal, one of the largest in the country, is used by Russia to export both oil and grain across the Black Sea.

Disrupting Russias lines of communication out of Crimea has long been a key goal for Ukrainian forces. Weakening Putins grip on the peninsula is also seen by Kyiv as a way of projecting strength at any final negotiations to bring the war to a close.

Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi maintained that he has a strategy to free Crimea from Russian rule after more than a decade in an interview with the Guardian.

Its realistic, Ukraines commander-in-chief said. Of course, its a big military secret. We will do everything we can to reach the internationally recognised borders of 1991.

We have to win... to liberate our citizens who are in the occupied territories, who are suffering.
Donald Trump has claimed he does not know who is behind the document - Joe Raedle/Getty

Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has told supporters that an ultra-conservative instruction manual that could underpin Donald Trumps second term is an assault on democracy.

The 922-page document, Project 2025, sets out proposals for a second Trump stint in the White House.

Below, the Telegraph takes a closer look at the document and answers your key questions:

What is Project 2025?

Produced by a conservative think tank, the document sets out a potential blueprint for a Trump administration, should he win the election in November.

Democrats are hoping that it contains enough ammunition to take down Trump.

What is included in the document?

The Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind the project, says that it paves the way for an effective conservative administration and can be used to prize the country from the hands of the radical Left.

In several key areas, the document echoes positions that Trump has set out in the past and outlines how he could implement them as president.

It proposes mass deportations of more than 11 million illegal immigrants; Trump has pledged to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.

It proposes giving the executive power to sack thousands of civil servants in favour of political appointees  a move Trump ordered but did not have time to usher in before leaving office.

Kamala Harris told a rally on Tuesday that, among other things, Project 2025 abolish the department of education - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America

And it proposes bringing the justice department and FBI under the presidents control. Trump has called for both to be defunded following his criminal indictments, and said he would weaponise them against political rivals.

Ms Harris told a rally on Tuesday that Project 2025 will cut social security, remove the price cap on insulin and abolish the department of education.

But most worryingly, Ms Harris told supporters: If implemented this plan will be the latest attack in Donald Trumps full-on assault on reproductive freedom.

Abortion access would be further restricted and limits on birth control introduced, she added.

Does Trump support Project 2025?

Trump has professed ignorance about the document, despite many of its proposals being in accord with his own priorities. The document mentions him by name several hundred times.

The former president tried to distance himself from Project 2025 this month, claiming: I have no idea who is behind it.

He wrote on his Truth Social platform: I disagree with some of the things theyre saying and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.

However, those behind Project 2025 have floated in and out of Trump orbit over the last eight years.

In some areas the sprawling policy document goes well beyond Trumps publicly stated views.

As Ms Harris said, it endorses limiting access to the abortion pill mifepristone.

Trump was forced to furiously backpedal earlier this year when he appeared to be considering cuts to Medicare - Brian Snyder/REUTERS

The official Republican platform, released this week, omitted a national abortion ban as an ambition for the first time in 40 years.

Project 2025 also calls for limits to be placed on Medicare claims, to disincentivise permanent dependence on the health insurance programme among over-65s.

Trump was forced to furiously backpedal earlier this year when he appeared to be considering cuts to Medicare. The newly released Republican platform vowed to maintain current levels of spending  softening another longstanding position.

Who is behind Project 2025?

Kevin Roberts, the foundations president, believes it will be part of a transformation of US politics.

We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless  if the Left allows it to be, he said this week.

In total, 31 authors and editors of Project 2025 were Trump administration officials, according to the Biden campaign.

The director is Paul Dans, who served in the Office of Personnel Management during Trumps term in the White House. The document was co-edited by Steven Groves, who spent three years in the administration, while Spencer Chretien, the former special assistant to the president, is the projects associate director.

One chapter was written by Russ Vought, Trumps director of the office of management and budget. Earlier this year, Trump named Mr Vought as policy director to craft the Republican party platform ahead of its national convention.

Ed Martin, the platforms deputy policy director, leads a conservative pressure group listed on the Project 2025 advisory board.

Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump adviser, is the president of America First Legal, which also advises the project, and appears on a video promoting its presidential transition academy.

Ben Carson, Trumps former housing secretary; Peter Navarro, the former White House trade adviser; and Mark Meadows, Trumps final chief of staff, are all involved in the project.
Graphic new bodycam footage shows the lifeless body of Donald Trumps would-be assassin moments after he was shot by secret agents.

The video shows local law enforcement and a Secret Service agent surrounding the corpse of the sniper, moments after he fired a volley of shots at the former president at a packed campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks  from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania, about 43 miles from the site of the attempted assassination  who was a high school student working as a nursing home employee.

A police officer stands near the body of Donald Trump's would-be assassin - Chuck Grassley/Reuters

The footage, released on Tuesday by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, shows the military officials standing on the roof where the shots on Trump were fired from more than 400ft away.

Crookss body can be seen lying prostrate on the corrugated roof beside them, with a seeping trail of blood. The footage was captured by the body camera of a local Beaver County Emergency Services Unit officer.

An investigator speaks with police officers, while a trail of blood can be seen behind him - Beaver County ESU

Last week, it was reported that a local police counter-sniper flagged a suspicious man using a rangefinder to the Secret Service some two minutes before he tried to assassinate Trump.

In the footage, a Secret Service agent appears to confirm this when he said that the deceased gunman matches the description of the suspicious person seen in the photos.

The rifle used by the shooter was found lying next to his body - Beaver Co Emergency Services Unit

A Beaver County sniper seen and sent the pictures out, this is himhes got his glasses on, the agent says in the video, referring to the snipers body.

The agent adds that people who filmed the gunman with their phones had been detained for questioning. Maybe they were involved, maybe they werent, he said.

The FBI have since confirmed that Mr Crooks acted alone, and videos recorded by rally spectators have revealed that attendees attempted to alert officers to the assailant a full two minutes before he launched his attack.

The director of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, announced her resignation on Tuesday, calling the attempt on Trumps life the Secret Services most significant operational failure in decades.

While Crooks missed his shot, only grazing the ear of presidential candidate Trump, the volley of bullets killed a spectator and critically injured two others.
Cressida Gethin - PA

The mother of a 22-year-old Just Stop Oil activist who was jailed for four years has said her daughter will miss her brothers wedding while imprisoned.

Cressida Gethin, 22 was jailed alongside Roger Hallam, the co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, and three other activists following a Just Stop Oil campaign on the M25 over four days of disruption in November 2022.

Hallam, 58, was found guilty of conspiring to block traffic and given a record five-year prison sentence after a judge ruled he had crossed the line from concerned campaigner to fanatic.

Each of the other activists  Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, 34, Daniel Shaw, 38, Louise Lancaster, 58, and Gethin  were last week given four-year sentences after they were found guilty of conspiring to block traffic on the M25.

Cathy Gethin gave a speech following the sentencing and said: My daughter is Cressida Gethin. At the age of 22 she was the youngest defendant, and she has just been sentenced today to four years in prison. This means she will not be present at her brothers wedding next summer.

Cressida grew up in the countryside and is one of those nature-loving defendants that youve heard about. Shes an extremely talented musician. She worked hard growing up, she achieved highly. She has ambitions, dreams and hopes, like all young people.

[Cressida] had just finished her first year at university. Cressida also grew up completely understanding right and wrong. She has always been unable to stand by when she sees injustice. She has the courage of a lion and a moral compass that compels her to step forward when she sees wrong and what she has seen, what so many people will not face is that our leaders are sleepwalking us to a climate apocalypse by their failure to prioritise decarbonisation and that with this will come enormous suffering.

Ms Gethin added: When she had the science and saw that no one was paying attention, she felt she had no option.

In 2022 when she was 20 years old, she took to direct action and engaged in civil resistance, a strategy with proven results, albeit with risks for those who step up. She now faces a multi-year sentence in prison.

The Attorney General was under pressure to intervene over the sentences given to Mr Hallam, who also set up Just Stop Oil, and his co-conspirators, which are the longest for non-violent protest in living memory.

Despite being welcomed by Tory MPs, the sentences were widely condemned by celebrities including Chris Packham and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and green campaigners including Labours biggest corporate donor.

Southwark Crown Court had heard each of the defendants had recruited activists over a Zoom call to take part in the motorway demonstration, which the prosecution said had caused economic damage of nearly 750,000 and cost the police 1 million.

The protests unfolded over four days from November 7, with 45 activists climbing up different gantries across the M25.

Hallam and the fellow defendants were prosecuted under a new law of conspiracy intentionally to cause a public nuisance introduced by the last Tory government in an attempt to crack down on disruptive protests.

The five protest organisers were convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. The court heard they organised height training, teaching activists how to climb motorway gantries. They also rehearsed a blue lights policy to let police pass on the motorway.

The disruption is said to have caused more than 50,000 hours of traffic delay, affecting the journeys of more than 700,000 vehicles. Two lorries collided and an Essex police officer suffered concussion and bruising after he was knocked off his motorbike in traffic.

The sentences exceeded those handed out in 2023 to two other Just Stop Oil activists who were jailed for climbing the Queen Elizabeth II bridge on the Dartford Crossing.
The police search operation for the hiker found in the vicinity of Federation Peak involved a rescue helicopter, four police, two wilderness paramedics and four SES volunteers. Photograph: Tasmania Police/PR IMAGE

A 27-year-old New Zealand bushwalker who was reported missing in Tasmania has been found dead.

The mans body was located by search crews at about 10am on Wednesday. Police believed he had fallen from a height in the vicinity of Federation Peak in Tasmanias Eastern Arthur Range in the Southwest national park.

Tasmania police Insp Colin Riley said retrieving the body would require ground and aerial resources.

It is expected to take some days for emergency service personnel to safely undertake this due to the terrain and weather conditions, Riley said.

Our thoughts are with the mans family and loved ones, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Police were notified at about 4pm on Monday by a friend that the man was overdue and had not been in touch over the weekend as planned.

Police said the man had been planning to finish the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse on Saturday or Sunday after setting off on the multi-day hike from the Huon River campground last Tuesday.

Initial checks were undertaken on Monday afternoon before a search operation was launched. The police search involved a rescue helicopter, four police, two wilderness paramedics and four SES volunteers.

Police search controller Ben Cunningham said on Tuesday that the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse was challenging and would take most experienced bushwalkers six to nine days to complete.

The 72km hike is for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid, according to the Tasmania Parks website.

This walk is for physically capable and highly experienced walkers who are confident with navigation, cliffs and rock scrambling, pack hauling and extreme weather.

Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.

Additional reporting by Australian Associated Press.
Nine pro-Palestine activists have been arrested for blocking the entrance to the Foreign Office, in what organisers described as a heavy-handed approach by police.

Around 200 demonstrators, led by Workers for a Free Palestine, gathered outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Whitehall at around 8.30am on Wednesday to accuse the Government of being complicit in Israels war in Gaza.

The activists called on Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who was travelling to New Delhi in India on Wednesday, to publish legal advice given to the FCDO on potential Israeli war crimes in Gaza and suspend the sale of arms to the country.

The protest came as Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of eastern parts of Khan Younis on Monday causing 150,000 to flee, an official from UNRWA  the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees  told the BBCs Today programme.

The protesters split into two groups, blocking both entrances to the Foreign Office on either end of King Charles Street.

A crowd, almost entirely made up of staff from the Foreign Office, looked on as activists accused the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of having blood on their hands.

None of the waiting Foreign Office workers were willing to comment to the PA news agency, and one man asked that a picture of the gathered staff be deleted.

Another man who appeared to be in his late 30s waiting to enter the building said: Many of us are sympathetic (with the protesters).

Members of Workers for a Free Palestine blockade the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Lucy North/PA)

At 8.38am, police officers pushed their way into the demonstrators, removing particular individuals and taking them away to be arrested.

Occasionally, two officers would be needed to drag away protesters, who would make themselves limp.

On two occasions, police had to hold back demonstrators attempting to cling on to fellow protesters who had been removed from the crowd. At one point, a female officer shouted step back to a male protester.

Commenting on the number of arrests and the polices tactics, Georgie, an organiser within the group in her late 20s, said: Weve never had that before. The police have been more heavy-handed today.

By 8.44am, police had cleared a path to one of the entrances to King Charles Street, enabling Foreign Office workers to enter their offices.

As the workers walked through the cleared path, several protesters shouted shame on you.

By 9am, the demonstrators gathered outside the Foreign Office to chant slogans and listen to speeches beside long banners that had been unfurled along the pavement used by staff to walk into the building.

One female protester, wearing a nurses uniform and traditional Palestinian headscarf, lit a red flare during the speech.

A protester lets off a flare (Jacob Freedland/PA)

The main speaker was Jeanine Hourani, a 30-year-old Palestinian PhD student at the University of Exeter.

Ms Hourani, who came to the UK from Australia to study Middle Eastern politics, told PA that the rally was in solidarity with Foreign Office staff who were organising from within against the war  not in opposition to them.

She said: We are not antagonistic with the workers. Were here today in solidarity rather than protesting them.

We know that there are workers who are organising from within, calling for an arms embargo. We know that they are unhappy with the way their advice is being interpreted. They know that the UK government is complicit in war crimes.

A spokesperson for the group said: The demonstration is not aimed at targeting staff. Its aimed at David Lammy.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday 24 July a group of protesters arrived at the Whitehall end of King Charles Street and stood in the road blocking pedestrian and vehicle access.

Officers responded and Public Order Act conditions were imposed on them, requiring them to leave the central arch at the entrance to the street clear.

When the group failed to comply with the conditions, officers intervened and made nine arrests, quickly restoring access.

Protesters remain in the area but officers are monitoring the situation and ensuring roads are not blocked again.
The number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has risen to a new 20-year high.

A total of 443,995 offences were logged by forces in the year to March 2024, up 30% on the 342,428 recorded in the previous 12 months.

The figure is the highest since current records began in the year to March 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which described the latest increases as notable.

(PA Graphics)

Shoplifting levels had already reached a 20-year high earlier this year, with the latest figures showing the number of offences recorded has now risen even higher.

The figures also show the number of offences involving theft from the person stood at 131,453 in 2023/24, up 17% from 112,225 in 2022/23.

The data published on Wednesday comes in the wake of major retailers raising concerns about the rising cost of theft, and as the new Labour Government vowed to tackle low-level shoplifting and make assaulting a shop worker a specific criminal offence.

The move to create a separate offence follows a long-running campaign from business owners and Conservative backbencher Matt Vickers amid rising violence against retail workers.

Retailers have said they hope the measures set out last week in the Kings Speech to Parliament will make it easier for police to investigate and prosecute criminals.

Latest from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) year ending March 2024. There were an estimated 8.8 million incidents of CSEW headline crime  includes theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud, computer misuse, violence with or without injury.  https://t.co/7jzajMXRvJ pic.twitter.com/9PyNONCBCe  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) July 24, 2024

Of the 417,582 police-recorded shoplifting offences in England and Wales in 2023/24 that were assigned an outcome, 17% (71,741) were charged or summonsed while 58% (243,297) of the investigations were closed with no suspect identified, according to Home Office data. This compares with 16% and 55% respectively in 2022/23.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said it is no surprise that shoplifting levels continue to rise as the official figures represent just a fraction of the levels of theft that are happening in convenience stores and other retail outlets on a daily basis.

The gangs that are committing the majority of these crimes against retailers are typically organised, stealing to fund other criminal activity or drug and alcohol habits. They are often stealing to order, targeting higher-value items to sell on to normal people who are struggling with the cost of living.

These thieves are stealing on a regular basis without fear of apprehension, so its essential that every police force in the country takes theft seriously, not least because challenging thieves is one of the biggest triggers for abuse of shopworkers, he added.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper blamed the figures on the disgraceful dereliction of the last Tory government on law and order as she promised changes under Labour.

Shoplifting has continued to see increases and remains at its highest level in 20 years. There were 443,995 shoplifting offences recorded by the police in the year ending March 2024, a 30% increase compared with the year ending March 2023 (342,428 offences). pic.twitter.com/nq92ZjEJoZ  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) July 24, 2024

She said: We cant carry on like this. This Labour Government will put neighbourhood police back on the beat in our town centres, with stronger laws on knife crime, shoplifting and assaults on shop workers to keep our communities safe.

Labour has set an unprecedented mission to halve serious violence in 10 years and to restore confidence in policing and the criminal justice system. We will be a Government of law and order that puts the safety and security of our communities at its heart.

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, from the College of Policing, said: Police now prioritise attending thefts where the offender has been detained by store staff, where violence has been used, or where evidence like CCTV is available.

There is also an increased focus on giving businesses a voice in the criminal justice process through impact statements, and explaining to prosecutors and courts how retail theft is affecting them and their customers.

We recognise shoplifting is of major public concern, and thats why weve boosted our guidance, provided additional support, and are clear on the investigative standards expected. There is more to do, and we will continue to focus attention on this crime.

According to the ONS figures, the number of robberies recorded rose by 8% to 81,019in the year to March, up from 75,012 in the previous 12 months  though this remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 90,198 offences in the year to March 2020.

The number of knife crime offences recorded by police forces in England and Wales in 2023/24 stood at 50,510, up 4% from 48,409 in 2022/23, but below the pre-pandemic level of 51,982 offences in 2019/20.

There was a notable increase in the number of robberies involving a knife or sharp instrument, with 21,226 recorded by forces in 2023/24, up 13% from 18,787 in the previous 12 months, though this is below the 22,727 in 2019/20.

Offences involving possession of an article with a blade or point fell slightly to 27,470, down 3% from 28,391 in the previous 12 months.

This follows substantial increases in recent years, which may have been influenced by targeted police action to tackle knife crime, the ONS said.

But the figures on knife crime do not include offences recorded by Greater Manchester Police due to problems recording data.

Separate Home Office figures show the proportion of investigations into crimes recorded by police in the year to March which were closed with no suspect identified rose to 40.2%, up from 39.3% in the previous 12-month period.

The proportion of suspects being taken to court stood at 6.4%. In rape cases this was 2.6%. These are both slight increases on the previous period (5.7% and 2.1% respectively) but still among the lowest levels recorded.
Staff at RTE are dismayed and disappointed that the government has decided to continue with the TV licence system, unions representing workers at the Irish broadcaster have said.

The RTE Trade Union Group described it as a politically cowardly move which would not bring certainty for staff.

Media Minister Catherine Martins decision to provide a mix between direct Exchequer funding and the existing TV licence fee was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, after months of wrangling between ministers on how the broadcaster should be funded.

Media Minister Catherine Martin during a press conference on RTE funding (Brian Lawless/PA)

The plan will include a 725 million-euro three-year fund for RTE.

An Post, which is in charge of collecting the 160-euro annual fee per household, also received six million euro to improve its collection service.

Co-chairwoman of the Trade Union Group and RTE education correspondent Emma O Kelly said it would have been more effective to replace the licensing system.

Emma O Kelly said the licensing system should have been replaced (Liam McBurney/PA)

She said: The Government had the opportunity to listen to this expert advice and opt for a model that would be equitable and progressive for the Irish public but instead it has shown political cowardice and effectively opted to maintain the status quo.

By deciding to give An Post an additional six million euro over three years to reform the collection system, the government is admitting the licence system is already broken.

To add insult to injury, having ignored a series of expert reports, the government has appointed yet another technical group to examine the licencing system.

It would have been more effective for the government to admit that the system is broken and to replace it completely.

Ms O Kelly added: Everyone knows that the possession of a TV set bears little relation to how people consume public service content here now or anywhere internationally.

Yet the government has chosen to ignore the writing on the wall and stick with a TV licence charge. This is beyond disappointing.

We do not accept that RTE workers should pay the price for the historic failures of successive governments to adequately fund public service broadcasting or mismanagement and corporate governance failures by RTE itself.

Seamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the National Union of Journalists in Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed grave disappointment at the governments decision.

Seamus Dooley, NUJ Irish secretary, said: The current financial crisis in RTE is to a great extent the product of political cowardice on the part of successive governments in failing to reform the licence system.

It is an outmoded system which has not been properly resourced.
James Cleverly has become the first hopeful to publicly declare his candidacy in the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative Party leader.

There will potentially be a crowded field in the contest as Mr Cleverly acknowledged he is not the only one giving it serious thought ahead of nominations opening on Wednesday evening.

Mr Sunak, who led the Tories to their worst general election result, will remain as leader until a successor is appointed.

The winner will be announced on November 2.

Here are the key contenders to watch:

 James Cleverly

Im running to be Conservative Party Leader. Heres why  pic.twitter.com/6eFPMocIyc  James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) July 23, 2024

The shadow home secretary is the first Tory formally to declare his ambition to succeed Mr Sunak.

Making his opening pitch, he said he could unite the Conservative Party and overturn (Sir Keir) Starmers loveless landslide.

The party needs to expand its base of support and shake off the impression that it is more focused on infighting than serving the public, he argued.

Mr Cleverly, a centrist, took an apparent swipe at the right of his party when he warned against sacrificing pragmatic government in the national interest on the altar of ideological purity.

In a social media video, he highlighted his credentials as having been both home and foreign secretary, as well as serving as party chairman when the Tories won their landslide in 2019.

Mr Cleverly was first elected as the Conservative MP for Braintree in May 2015.

After an injury cut short his Army career, he got a business degree and joined the Territorial Army. He worked in magazine and digital publishing before setting up his own business. He was a London Assembly member before he became an MP.

Mr Cleverlys odds with both Ladbrokes and Betfair Exchange are 11/2.

 Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch has been tipped to become the next Tory leader (Lucy North/PA)

The shadow housing secretary is seen as a frontrunner among right-leaning factions and has left the door open to a tilt at the top job by saying we will talk about leadership things after an election.

The former business and trade secretary made a leadership attempt in 2022 after Boris Johnsons resignation, coming fourth.

Ms Badeonoch first became an MP in 2017. She backed Brexit, and, as minister for women and equalities, made a name for herself as an outspoken voice on gender issues, including by calling for a change to the Equality Act so that sex is defined only as someones biological sex.

The North West Essex MP was born in Wimbledon, south-west London, but grew up in Nigeria and the US, returning to the UK at the age of 16. She has a Masters in engineering as well as being a Bachelor of Laws, and has worked at private bank Coutts and The Spectator.

Ms Badenoch has rejected calls for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to be welcomed into the Tory fold.

She has been an early favourite with bookmakers at 13/8 with Ladbrokes and 12/5 with Betfair Exchange.

 Suella Braverman

Suella Braverman said she would welcome Nigel Farage into the Conservative Party (Victoria Jones/PA)

The former home secretary is widely expected to launch a bid to lead the party from the right and has warned that the Conservatives must not become a collection of fanatical, irrelevant, centrist cranks.

Ms Braverman, who has a track record of controversial opinions, also ran for the Tory leadership two years ago, coming sixth.

First elected as an MP in 2015, seld the Home Office brief under both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, who sacked her from the post over an article accusing the Metropolitan Police of bias in policing protests.

Ms Braverman, a barrister by trade, was previously attorney general for England and Wales under Boris Johnson and has also chaired the Eurosceptic European Research Group.

She has said she would welcome Reform UKs Nigel Farage into the Conservative Party, saying: Theres not much difference really between him and many of the policies that we stand for.

Ladbrokes has Ms Braverman at 16/1 to succeed Mr Sunak, while she is 69/1 with Betfair Exchange.

 Dame Priti Patel

Priti Patel resigned as home secretary after Liz Truss became Tory leader (Lucy North/PA)

Dame Priti is a longstanding Eurosceptic who has said she was inspired to join the Conservative Party by Margaret Thatcher.

She became an MP in 2010 and served in Cabinet positions under Theresa May and Boris Johnson, as international development secretary and home secretary respectively.

Dame Priti was a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign, and as home secretary launched a points-based immigration system, signed the agreement with Rwanda to send asylum seekers to the country, and sealed returns deals with Albania and Serbia.

She resigned as home secretary after Liz Truss became Tory leader.

A prominent figure on the right, Dame Pritis odds with Ladbrokes are 6/1, while Betfair Exchange has her at 11/1.

 Robert Jenrick

Robert Jenrick has said the Conservatives are the natural home for Reform voters (Aaron Chown/PA)

The former immigration minister last month denied he was firing the first shot in the race to replace Rishi Sunak when he wrote an opinion piece dubbed by The Mail on Sunday as him effectively setting out his manifesto.

Mr Jenrick used the article to say the Conservatives are the natural home for Reform voters and that former prime minister Boris Johnson must always have a place in the Tories, including in Parliament, should he wish to have one.

Nicknamed Robert Generic when first elected to the Commons in 2014, he has gradually moved to the right.

The MP for Newark resigned as a minister last December, claiming the then-draft legislation designed to revive the Rwanda deportation policy did not go far enough.

Betfair Exchange has Mr Jenrick at odds of 7/2, while he is 4/1 to become leader with Ladbrokes.

 Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat previously unsuccessfully ran for the leadership in 2022 (Lucy North/PA)

The former security minister, who held on to his Tonbridge seat at the General Election, repeatedly refused to rule out launching a leadership bid while on the campaign trail.

He previously unsuccessfully ran in 2022, when he pitched himself as the candidate untarnished by the scandals that dogged Boris Johnson and his government.

He is seen as the most centrist of the candidates, meaning he could struggle to convince a more right-leaning Tory membership.

Having first entered Parliament in 2015, Mr Tugendhat chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee for five years and previously served in the military for a decade.

His odds are 9/2 with Betfair and 5/1 with Ladbrokes.

 Mel Stride

Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride is a close ally of Rishi Sunak (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, one of Rishi Sunaks closest allies, has said he is considering running after a number of colleagues urged him to stand.

The Central Devon MP is viewed as a safe pair of hands within the party and was frequently sent out to tour broadcast studios to defend Mr Sunaks leadership during the disastrous General Election campaign.

First elected to Parliament in 2010, he hung on to his seat by just 61 votes.

He is seen as on the more moderate wing of the party.

Ladbrokes has Mr Stride at 28/1 for the leadership, while he is at 31/1 with Betfair Exchange.

 Who has ruled themselves out?

 Victoria Atkins

Victoria Atkins was reportedly described as a star by Oliver Dowden (Lucy North/PA)

The former health secretary had previously left the door open for a leadership bid in the run-up to the General Election.

Ms Atkins, who held her Louth and Horncastle seat with a reduced majority, had been discussed as a contender from the more moderate wing of the party.

She was reportedly talked up by former deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden, in a leaked recording from December, as a star capable of leading the Tories.

But in a Telegraph article on Wednesday night she said: I am flattered that many people in the House and beyond have asked me to stand, but it has never been my intention to run in this contest.

Shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt has ruled himself out of a third bid for the Tory leadership (James Manning/PA)

 Jeremy Hunt

Having previously run for leader in 2019 and 2022, Jeremy Hunt has ruled himself out of having a third go.

After surviving a scare to cling on to his Godalming and Ash seat at the General Election, the shadow chancellor told GB News the time has passed for a further attempt.
Anyone who's rescued a dog will go on and on about how adopting a pet changed their life. Whether they're a first time dog owner or an experienced rescuer, there's nothing quite as special as building a bond with a rescue dog. When they begin to trust you, they'll show you love like you've never experienced before!

If you ask the animal adoption advocates at the Seattle Animal Shelter, happy boy Jax is the perfect example. He's not a fan of spending long hours in his kennel, but his entire demeanor changes as soon as someone takes him outside! On July 18, his shelter friends filmed his playtime in the shelter's fenced-in yard, but this social pup was more interested in getting petting and cuddles!

What a precious dog! Jax's big brown eyes and squishable snout could enchant any new friend, so why hasn't he been adopted yet? Jax clearly loves spending time with people, but his low energy and 'sad boy look' often get him overlooked in the shelter. Maybe things would change if this handsome Pit Bull could meet potential adopters outside of the kennel! If his direct eye contact doesn't seal the seal, the way he melts into a cuddle definitely will.

Related: 'Saddest' Pit Bull at Shelter Immediately Lights Up Upon Realizing He's Being Rescued

"Hes so beautiful with those smooshy cheeks and sweet eyes," gushed commenter @pseudonym. "I would definitely cave and cuddle with him through all of recess." You and me both! I'm happy to see that he has friends who understand his gentle, lazy nature while he's still at the animal shelter, but nothing will be better than finding him a home where he can lounge about with a BFF.

Jax is seven years old and a perfect 'middle-aged gentleman.' His rescuers say that he enjoys walks and sniffing around, but it couldn't be any clearer that he loves time with friends and family more than anything else.

Rescuing an Older Dog

Sometimes, dogs like Jax wait a lot longer to get adopted because of their age. At his age, this handsome Pit Bull is technically considered to be a senior dog, but if you ask him, he has no idea what you're talking about. He enjoys his leisurely lifestyle and cuddle time, but he still has the mind and heart of a pup.

In fact, this is the case with many senior rescue dogs! Even though they may be older and even have different needs, they are just as loving and personality-filled as any other adopted dog.

Some people are afraid to adopt a senior dog because they don't want to say goodbye anytime soon. It makes sense in theory, but your time with an older rescue dog could be even more meaningful and special than you imagined.

If you were also enchanted by Jax's handsome mug, visit the Seattle Animal Shelter website to learn how to meet him. Happy Tails!
Sir Keir Starmer has shared a series of cordial exchanges with Rishi Sunak over Ukraine as he faced his first Prime Ministers Questions at the helm.

The Prime Minister was also pressed by his predecessor to continue discussions with Saudi Arabia about their desire to potentially join the programme to build a new fighter jet  alongside the UK, Italy and Japan.

In a series of questions heard in a calm chamber, Conservative Party leader Mr Sunak said: Im glad in our exchanges so far we have maintained a cross-party consensus on important matters of foreign policy and in that spirit today, I wanted to focus our exchange on Ukraine and national security.

The UK has consistently been the first country to provide new capabilities to Ukraine, such as the long-range weapons that have been used so effectively in the Black Sea. Now those decisions arent easy, and I was grateful to the Prime Minister for his support as I made those decisions in Government and in opposition I offer that same support to him.

So can I ask that he continues to be responsive to Ukraines new requests so that they dont just stand still but can decisively win out against Russian aggression?

Sir Keir replied: I can assure him that we are of course talking to Ukraine about how they deal with the Russian aggression that they are facing, have been facing for many, many months, and I will continue to try to do that in the way that he did, which is to reach out across the House to share such information as we can to maintain the unity that is so important.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Common (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Sunak also said he very much welcomes words committing the UK Government to Ukraines irreversible path to Nato membership.

He urged Sir Keir to confirm fatuous Russian claims on Ukrainian territory must not act as a block to Ukraine joining the Nato defensive alliance.

The Prime Minister replied: It is for Nato allies to decide who is a member of Nato.

Formed 75 years ago, a proud and probably most successful alliance thats ever been formed, and thats why it was really important at the summit that we were able to say there is now this irreversible path to membership.

Thats a step forward from a year ago, and President Zelensky was very pleased weve been able to make that successful transition.

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks during Prime Ministers Questions (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Sunak went on to offer the Oppositions support to efforts to go further on sanctions, seize Russian assets and use them to fund Ukrainian reconstruction.

Sir Keir, in his reply, said: I know the Chancellor is already beginning to have some discussions about how we can take more effective measures. Again, I will seek to reach out across the House as we do this important work together.

Turning to the Tempest fighter jet programme, Mr Sunak said: Its a crucial sovereign capability, as he mentioned, and important for our alliances with Italy and Japan.

Furthermore, however, other countries also wish to participate and in government we had begun initial productive discussions with our friend and ally Saudi Arabia about their desire to potentially join the programme.

So could the Prime Minister confirm that he will continue those initial positive conversations with Saudi Arabia and again I can assure him that he will have our support in doing so.

Sir Keir replied: This is a really important programme, significant progress has already been made and we want to build on that progress and Ive had some initial discussions, not least in Farnborough, where I was just a few days ago.

Mr Sunak concluded by stressing the importance of a prime minister being able to use their prerogative power to ensure the UK military responds quickly to protect national security, adding: Sometimes without giving this House prior notice.

Now these are perhaps the most difficult decisions that a prime minister can take and I welcomed his support when I made them. And I want to take this opportunity to assure him of the Oppositions support if he deems it necessary to take similar action in the future.

Mr Sunak asked if Sir Keir agreed such power was essential to ensure the safety and security of the British people, with the Prime Minister replying: I agree its essential and our security is the first duty of government.

He said the new Government would endeavour to brief the Opposition where possible on any such action.
Stormzy has pleaded guilty to driving a Lamborghini with illegally tinted windows.

The star rapper, real name Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, 30, also faces trial in October for allegedly using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a Rolls-Royce, the charge sheet said.

The front two windows in the Lamborghini Urus let 4% of light through but the legal requirement is a minimum of 70%, making them dark enough to involve a danger of injury to any person, the documents show.

His court date on Wednesday came a week after he and Love Island presenter Maya Jama announced their break-up (PA)

New Urus sell for just under 200,000, according to online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader.

The charge sheet said he indicated a guilty plea on Wednesday to using the vehicle on Coombe Lane, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, at about 2.45pm on October 17 last year.

It is also alleged that Owuo was driving a Rolls-Royce Wraith while using a hand-held phone shortly after 3.30pm on March 7 this year on Addison Road, west Kensington, west London.

Rolls-Royce Wraiths reportedly go for 250,000 or more.

Stormzy ahead of Soccer Aid at Old Trafford in 2023 (PA)

The rapper, of Kingston upon Thames, did not attend his court hearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court.

His court date on Wednesday came a week after he and Love Island presenter Maya Jama announced their break-up in an emotional joint Instagram post.

The case was adjourned until October 16 this year in the same court.
Britons have been warned to be wary of cold open water with 27C temperatures set to hit parts of the country next week.

Most areas will see a mixed bag of sunshine and showers over the next few days before temperatures start to climb from Sunday, with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) reminding people to head to beaches overseen by lifeguards if they wish to swim.

It comes after two boys died this week in open water, including eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead, who was pulled from the River Arrow, in Alcester, Warwickshire, and a 16-year-old who was found in Lodge Farm Reservoir, Netherton, in Dudley.

Temperatures peaked at 31.9C in Londons St James Park last Friday, making it the hottest day of the year so far, with much of the country remaining warm as the summer holidays began.

Heading to the seaside soon?  Check out the sea surface temperatures below  Some places can be cold so follow the advice of the @RNLI if you find yourself in trouble https://t.co/59XKaIHqbG pic.twitter.com/qoC6wb3VQZ  Met Office (@metoffice) July 23, 2024

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: There are signs that as we get to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday temperatures will start coming up a bit again.

Early next week maybe around 26, 27C across central and southern England.

High pressure moves in on Sunday, then pushing eastwards and drawing in warmer air.

He added: At this time of year people head to the beach when the weathers warm or off to local lakes and rivers.

Be mindful that at this time of year the waters still pretty cold, around 16, 17, 18C, its not like in the Mediterranean where its much warmer.

Mr Dewhurst said there will be outbreaks of rain across large swathes of the country over the next few days.

However, it is set to turn brighter on Friday, with temperatures in parts of southern England possibly hitting 24C, he said.

Matt Croxall, charity director of the Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: We tend to see an increase in drownings as the weather gets warmer and in light of the two recent tragic drownings weve seen, its more important than ever that everybody has the tools to enjoy water safely this summer and beyond.

More than half of accidental drownings have occurred at inland open water sites  and many of these drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of open water safety.

By taking simple steps and following the Water Safety Code and making people aware of what they need to take into account before they get in, and when they are in the water will save lives  knowing the risks associated and your limits could make all the difference.

Sam Hughes, RNLI water safety manager, said: With the weather looking unsettled, were still expecting people during the school summer holidays to head to coastal locations.

Were reminding people to head for a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you do find yourself in difficulty, remember float to live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has described a plan to provide 725 million euros in funding for RTE over the next three years as a significant milestone.

The decision to provide a mix between direct Exchequer funding and keeping the TV licence fee is expected to be approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.

Mr Harris said that Media Minister Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting and denied that she was overruled on the decision.

Ms Martin had previously said that a hybrid funding model for RTE could be the worst of both worlds and expressed a preference for direct Exchequer funding.

Asked about the decision, Minister for Children and Green Party leader Roderic OGorman said Ms Martins core goal was to achieve funding stability for RTE which he said would be provided.

I dont think anyone there (at RTE) would describe (it) as a bad outcome.

Ministers had committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTE during this government term after revenues from the TV licence fee appeared to fall following a financial and governance crisis at Irelands public service broadcaster.

In the wake of the scandal, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst committed to reducing its highest earners fees, invest in digital and technology, and cut spending this year by 10 million euros.

The TV licence fee, a charge of 160 euros a year per household, is collected by An Post.

Media Minister Catherine Martin speaks during a press conference at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

There have been varying views among politicians on whether the TV licence fee should be abolished, including from the Irish parliaments media committee.

Mr Harris said that he felt that increasing the cost of the TV licence fee would have been unpalatable.

The decisions the Government will make today do make two very significant changes. One  there is a significant uplift in the level of public funding, and secondly theres multiannual certainty.

He added: I felt that we couldnt ask the taxpayer to put their hand in their pocket and pay any more in terms of an increased licence fee. I dont think that would have been palatable for people.

I felt that the level of funding had to be sustainable and I think weve got that right too. And I did also feel that we had to have something for other public service broadcasters as well and Im satisfied those have been met.

He said that amid misinformation it was important to properly fund public service broadcasting.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream (Brian Lawless/PA)

Catherine Martin has worked extraordinarily hard on this situation for a very long period of time, Mr Harris said ahead of Cabinet.

Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting because she becomes the minister that settles the question, that has overseen reforms, but also now has crucially secured multiannual funding and I guarantee you, you could bring any minister out today and if you told them you could offer them multiannual certainty for the next three years theyd take your right arm off.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream.

It is important in terms of the independence of media (rather than) total dependency on Government and also in terms of the broader issues around democracy and freedom of the media.

Mr Martin also said there would now be a better system of direct Exchequer funding, but added that reforms in RTE need to continue.

The Fianna Fail leader further warned that retaining the licence-fee system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the Exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.
The family of a woman killed by her pet dog in Coventry say they are broken after her death.

Kelly Reilly was attacked at an address in Wexford Road at about 12.15pm on Monday.

The American bulldog that carried out the attack on the 33-year-old has been humanely destroyed, West Midlands Police confirmed on Wednesday.

Ms Reillys family said she had the biggest heart as they released a tribute to her through the police.

They said: Kelly was the most beautiful, kind-hearted young lady anybody could meet. She is going to be truly missed by everyone that she knew from family to friends.

She was the most amazing mum, daughter, sister, auntie, fiance, niece, cousin and friend to many.

The family are so broken and are finding it difficult to come to terms that they are never going to see her beautiful face again.

Kelly would light up any room she walked into. She had the biggest heart and cared for everyone around her.

Kellys passing has hit her family, friends and wider community very bad.

Kelly was a very family-orientated young lady and would do anything for anyone. She had a heart of gold. She will forever be in our hearts and will continue to live on in all our lives.

West Midlands Police said Ms Reillys death has been reported to the coroner.
The United Nations cultural agency (Unesco) has rejected recommendations to place Stonehenge on its world heritage in danger list over the UKs plans to build a nearby road tunnel.

The organisations World Heritage Committee (WHC) published a draft decision last month to add the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire to the list, which supports international assistance on threatened sites.

The tunnel project, aimed at easing pressure on the A303, has sparked lengthy legal battles over concerns it will destroy the landscape and archaeological artefacts in the surrounding area.

But at a meeting in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, the committee voted for an amendment to the draft decision, which said the impacts of the tunnel development do not constitute including the monument on the in danger list.

Kenya takes unusual interest in Wiltshire transport & wishes to overturn @UNESCO recommendation to place Stonehenge on List of World Heritage in Danger at #46WHC. Why? Have UK officials gone rogue to pursue Tory policy? Has Labour approved continuity? PR: https://t.co/sGJxWtELUu pic.twitter.com/eXIohz89gu  Stonehenge Alliance (@SaveStonehenge) July 24, 2024

The amendment, put forward by the Kenya delegation, said Britains plans to mitigate the effect the tunnel would have on the site and the surrounding landscape are sufficient.

It said the WHC recognises that proposed design developments offer enhanced mitigation of the impacts on the integrity of the property and that the impacts of the proposed open 0.7km cutting at the Western Portal do not constitute sufficient ascertained or potential danger to warrant inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Debates over the draft recommendation lasted for more than an hour-and-a-half during the WHC session, it is understood.

Campaign group Stonehenge Alliance said it was shocked by the vote, describing the amendment as highly damaging and inaccurate.

The group called on the new Labour Government to distance itself from what it called misleading briefings and political manoeuvrings at the New Delhi session.

The PA news agency understands that the Department for Transport is reviewing all major road projects, including the A303 tunnel, and will provide updates in due course.

John Adams, chairman of the alliance, said: This is a dark day for Stonehenge and a hollow victory for the UK Government as this decision wont stop the harm to the World Heritage Site.

We should not forget that this scheme failed the planning test.

It was recommended for refusal because of the permanent and irreversible harm it would do.

Tom Holland, president of the campaign group, called the vote a travesty of justice.

He added: The weakness of the Governments case can be measured by the grotesque lengths they have gone to in their attempts to cover it up.

If Labour ministers are complicit in this, then it disgraces them.

Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in southern England in stages, starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 BC.

The site, with Avebury, was declared by Unesco to be a world heritage site of outstanding universal value in 1986 on account of the size of the megaliths, the sophistication of their concentric plans and the complexes of neolithic and bronze age sites and monuments.

Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site lost a High Court challenge in February over the then governments support for the development.

The A303 is a congestion hotspot, with drivers heading to and from the South West during peak holiday periods often stuck in long queues on the single-carriageway stretch near the stones.

National Highways said the plan for the tunnel would remove the sight and sound of traffic passing the site and cut journey times.

A Government spokesperson said: We care passionately about the UKs heritage, especially our iconic World Heritage Sites, with Stonehenge being one of our oldest and most celebrated sites.

We welcome the committees decision not to place Stonehenge on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Xi: Further advance energy ties with Russia

09:52, July 24, 2024 By Zhao Jia ( China Daily

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed on Tuesday China's readiness to work with Russia in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector and safeguarding the stability and resilience of industrial and supply chains.

In a congratulatory letter to the sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum, Xi called on both sides to jointly contribute to a more robust, green and healthy development of the global energy industry.

China and Russia, celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, have forged ahead with their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and seen bilateral energy cooperation becoming more mature and resilient, which delivered tangible benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory letter to the forum.

Energy cooperation is an essential part of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Russia surpassed Saudi Arabia to become China's largest crude oil supplier last year.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The new leader of Welsh Labour has acknowledged the last few weeks have not been acceptable from her party, as she takes over from First Minister Vaughan Gething.

Eluned Morgan, 57, became the Welsh Labour Party leader on Wednesday, the first woman to hold the role, after no other Senedd members entered the race.

She will replace the outgoing first minister, Mr Gething, who announced his resignation last week after a torrid four months in office, featuring rows over donations and a sacked minister.

In her first interview with journalists after becoming Welsh Labour leader, Baroness Morgan appeared to criticise Mr Gethings time in office, saying recent weeks have been difficult for Labour in Wales.

Eluned Morgan speaking to broadcasters at the Caer Heritage Centre in Caerau, Ely (Ben Birchall/PA)

Speaking to broadcasters, she said: It has been a difficult time for us all, but I think theres a real appetite to come together.

The very fact that weve managed to collect quite so many of the Senedd members nominations tells you that.

Weve been through a difficult time, were now looking to the future.

Its not just members of the Senedd, the trade union movement have come behind this and people across the nation have been very grateful that this is the new direction of travel.

Baroness Morgan received the support of the vast majority of the Labour members of the Senedd, including former first minister Mark Drakeford and previous leadership contender Jeremy Miles.

She added: I dont think its been a pretty picture in the last few weeks, I think weve got to fess up and accept thats the situation.

We know that the last few weeks have not been acceptable.

Speaking to the PA news agency, she insisted there were not any machinations behind the scenes to ensure that she and her running mate, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, were the only candidates.

She said: Huw and I put our names forward, and then other people decided not to put their names forward.

I think people did so for the right reasons, they recognised now was the time to come together.

Llongyfarchiadau Eluned. Congratulations Eluned on becoming Welsh Labour Leader, I know that with decades of experience of public service in Wales the Party is in good hands. Diolch am bopeth. https://t.co/EOY5hBkcmb  Vaughan Gething (@vaughangething) July 24, 2024

Baroness Morgan said she has spoken to Mr Gething to recognise his service to the country and to thank him for his work.

Mr Gething posted on X, formerly Twitter, his congratulations to Baroness Morgan after she was announced to replace him.

It is not currently clear when Baroness Morgan will take over as first minister, with a vote needed in the Senedd to confirm her appointment.

The Senedd is currently on recess and would have to be recalled for members to vote.

Members are able to vote remotely, but only if they are in the UK.

She said: This is out of my control, in the sense that its the current first minister who determines that in co-ordination with the Presiding Officer.

Im sure conversations will happen very soon.

Baroness Morgan also spoke of how proud she was to be the first woman to lead Welsh Labour, hoping it will inspire others.

I feel really proud, not for myself, but for all the women in Wales, I think this is time to celebrate, she said.

Its the 21st century, its high time we had a woman lead, not for me, but really to inspire women to let them believe that it is possible for them.

There were some young girls here earlier, young children, they were looking at an example of something theyve never been able to see before.

She added that it was time the Labour Party took women leadership seriously.

While Baroness Morgan has had the support of her colleagues, opponents in the Senedd have criticised her record as health minister, a role she has held since 2021.

She has overseen the latter period of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as record NHS waiting lists.

Congratulations to Eluned Morgan, the new Leader of Welsh Labour. Llongyfarchiadau i Eluned Morgan, arweinydd newydd Llafur Cymru. pic.twitter.com/fAe7rdIEw3  Welsh Labour (@WelshLabour) July 24, 2024

While she acknowledged the NHS was challenged in Wales, she also insisted the vast majority of people are getting excellent service.

She said: We also have contact with two million people a month in a population of three million.

That is a huge amount of work thats going on.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Baroness Morgans victory, calling it fantastic news for Wales and the Labour Party.

He said: Eluned brings with her a wealth of experience and track record of delivery, and as the first woman to lead Welsh Labour, she is already making history.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Baroness Morgans victory was fantastic news for Wales and the Labour Party (Lucy North/PA)

Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies welcomed Baroness Morgan likely becoming the first female first minister.

However, he added: Eluned Morgan has presided over the worst Welsh NHS waiting lists on record, so the question must be asked, is this really the best that Labour can do?

If her lack of delivery in Wales NHS is replicated across the Welsh economy and education system then Wales is going to be a lot worse off in the future.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives (Jacob King/PA)

Plaid Cymrus Rhun ap Iorwerth was similarly damning, saying the public was crying out for more ambitious, more competent, and more effective leadership.

He said: I congratulate Eluned Morgan on becoming leader of Labour in Wales.

The fact that she is the third leader in three months speaks volumes about the turmoil at the heart of the governing party.

The appointment of Baroness Morgan as leader is a significant departure from the timeline originally set out by Welsh Labour.

Initially, the party planned to have a new leader in place on September 14, with them taking over as first minister on September 18.

The race to replace Mr Gething as first minister began after four members of his government quit en masse last week, criticising his leadership.

He then announced he was standing down, having taken over as leader only in March.

During the last leadership race, Mr Gething took a 200,000 donation for his campaign from a company owned by a man twice convicted of environmental offences, which led to some members of his own party criticising his judgment.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the outgoing First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething, on a visit to the Senedd earlier this month (Alastair Grant/PA Wire)

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.

All the other potential candidates who were expected to run in the Labour leadership race threw their support behind Baroness Morgan.

This includes Jeremy Miles, who ran against Mr Gething in the last leadership race and was one of the four people to quit the government last week.

Mr Miles made a surprise move by becoming the first person to publicly endorse Baroness Morgan on Sunday before she had officially announced her candidacy.
The UKs youngest MP has revealed it was his cancelled A-level exams during the Covid-19 pandemic which brought him to politics at the age of 22.

Labours Sam Carling said the lack of support from the Government during the pandemic politicised him and some of his previously disengaged peers.

In his maiden speech, the MP for North West Cambridgeshire paid tribute to his predecessor, Tory former minister Shailesh Vara, who was elected in 2005 when Mr Carling was three years old.

Mr Carling told the Commons: As I am the youngest member of this Parliament, it will not surprise many honourable members that I havent been out of the education system for that long.

Indeed I was in the first cohort of students whose A-level exams were cancelled during the pandemic, and in many ways it was that experience that politicised me.

I grew up in a deprived, rural area and was concerned from a young age to see a progressive decline in local high streets, alongside growing problems in public services, notably within schools.

When I was in my final year at a rural school, budget cuts forced the closure of its sixth form, leaving me and many others having to find alternative provision at short notice, which wasnt easy for many, who faced very long journeys indeed to the nearest alternatives.

The closure not only disrupted education but also fragmented the community, as students were scattered to different institutions.

But I never connected those issues to politics and the decisions being made in this place, until I saw the very direct impact of those decisions around schools in the pandemic.

The response to the crisis, the decisions about exams  or lack thereof  provided to students, made it clear to a great many previously disengaged young people that political choices have real and immediate consequences.

We have got to work across this House to improve engagement in our democracy, and a large part of that must revolve around rebuilding trust in politics.

He added: I intend to use my direct experience of the problems in our schools in contributing to this Governments agenda to revitalise them.
A 22-year-old man was found dead this week after allegedly running over an elderly man with an ATV as the senior put up a Trump sign in a string of incidents that appeared to be politically motivated, police in Michigan said.

On Sunday, officers with the Hancock Police Department in Michigan responded to three separate incidents they suspect were politically motivated, the agency wrote in a news release.

One incident involved a man on an ATV reportedly running over an 80-year-old man as he placed a political sign in his yard, and the other two crimes involved vehicles "intentionally vandalized," police wrote.

The vehicular assault took place about 5:45 p.m. in a residential area of Hancock in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior.

The 22-year-old was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

VP update: Kamala Harris gets permission from Beyonce to use song 'Freedom' in presidential campaign

80-year-old man critically injured after being hit by ATV

The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for serious injuries and was in critical condition as of Tuesday, police said.

A preliminary investigation by law enforcement revealed the suspect in all three cases "appeared to target both Trump and law enforcement supporters."

In addition to those who displayed Trump signs, people with law enforcement appreciation stickers and flags displaying the "thin blue line" were targeted, police said.

Trump bobblehead: Two new bobbleheads feature bloody Trump with fist in air, another with bandage over ear

Yard signs showing support for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump.

Suspect 'wanted to confess a crime involving an ATV driver'

On Monday, police said they were contacted by a man who said he wanted to "confess a crime involving an ATV driver within the last 24 hours." The man told police to "send someone to pick me up."

Arriving officers, assisted by Houghton County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the man's home in Quincy Township, about 2 miles east of where the elderly man was run down. There, the sheriff's office reported, they found a 22-year-old man dead from what appeared to be a single self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police obtained a search warrant for the home, where deputies recovered several electronic devices and the ATV reportedly used in the crime and the clothing the suspect wore during the incident.

An autopsy is expected to reveal the man's official cause and manner of death.

The victim's updated condition was not immediately known.

USA TODAY has reached out to police.

'There is no further threat to the public'

Police said Tuesday there was "no further threat to the public at this time."

With help from Michigan State Police and the FBI among other agencies, the case remained under investigation this week.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Hancock police or the sheriff's office.

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: ATV driver found dead after running over man putting up Trump sign
President Bidens decision to step aside as the expected Democratic nominee in November has nothing to do with his health, his top spokesperson said Wednesday ahead of his prime-time address to the nation.

It has nothing to do with his health. The president is going to speak to this directly to the American people in prime time, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during a briefing.

In his letter he talked about the country, he talked about the party, he talked about the moment were in right now, she continued. It is not about his health. I can say no, thats not the reason. But hear him out tonight.

Jean-Pierre also rejected the idea that she and White House aides were engaged in a cover up to mask Bidens decline from the public.

Theres been no cover up, want to be very clear about that, she said.

The presidents health became a major point of speculation following a disastrous debate performance on June 27 where Biden struggled to complete his thoughts. The White House said after the debate had started that the president was dealing with a cold.

Biden is 81 and would have been 86 at the end of a potential second term. He has been isolating with COVID-19 the last five days until testing negative on Tuesday.

Biden is scheduled to speak from the Oval Office at 8 p.m. to detail his decision to end his candidacy. It will be the first time he has spoken on camera since announcing Sunday on social media that he would not seek reelection.

Jean-Pierre said Biden met Saturday evening with a small group of advisers and with his family to discuss how to move forward. On Sunday afternoon, Biden made his decision not to seek reelection and had another call with some senior staff shortly before his letter was published on social media.

He met with a small group of advisers on Saturday evening. And with his family. And was thinking through how to move forward. Sunday afternoon he made that decision.

It was in a very short period of time, she said.

White House aides were adamant up, until he did, that Biden wasnt going to drop out of the race. A source familiar with the White House staffs thinking on Friday told The Hill that Biden is committed to staying in this race until he is re-elected, period and he dropped out on Sunday.

Jean-Pierre cited the dynamic situation when questioned on the credibility of the comments from aides.

When folks from my team, folks from this White House, said that he wasnt going to drop out, or he was not planning to drop out, thats where we were. Thats where we were in that time. That is the guidance that we had, she said.

Biden faced mounting pressure from Democrats for him to step aside as the nominee amid concerns he could not defeat former President Trump in November and would drag down the ticket in the process.

The president endorsed Vice President Harris to be the Democratic nominee in his place. She has quickly consolidated support within the party and has locked down enough delegates to be the likely nominee ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.

Updated at 4:33 pm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 inquiries into who may join the Democratic ticket as Vice President Kamala Harris running mate grow more intense, the names of numerous prominent Democrats, including several current members of Congress and governors in at least five states, have been floated, according to sources familiar with the process.

Harris' VP options: From Josh Shapiro to Mark Kelly, sizing up the slate's pros and cons

Many are currently household names, who could sway undecided voters from their respective states. But one candidate, Cedric Richmond, is a more elusive figure. A longtime supporter of both Biden and Harris political careers, Richmond is a well-known figure within political circles in the nations capital. But for those less familiar with Washingtons political landscape, here are a few things to know about Harris potential vice presidential pick.

U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh gestures while speaking to Vice President Kamala Harris, Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Cedric Richmond on the White House campus in Washington, D.C. on May 13, 2021.

Who is Cedric Richmond?

Richmond began his political career in the Louisiana State Legislature, where he was first elected in 2000 at age 27. At the time, he was one of the youngest representatives to ever join the Louisiana legislature, and he spent a decade representing constituents in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

In 2010, Richmond was elected to Congress to represent Louisianas 2nd Congressional District, defeating the incumbent Republican Rep. Joseph Cao. During his time in Congress, he served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and was a protege of former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina. Richmond also served as co-chair of Joe Bidens 2020 presidential campaign.

After ten years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Richmond resigned from Congress at the beginning of 2021 to join the Biden administration as a senior adviser to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.

In May 2022, Richmond became a senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee.

What strengths could Richmond bring to the ticket?

As a former Congressman  and an influential one at that  Richmond could prove to be a useful ally to Harris as her Vice President. (Notably, every vice president since 1977 has served in Congress first.) He also knows Harris well from his time leading the Congressional Black Caucus and as co-chair of the Biden transition team.

However, Richmond questioned his prospect of becoming Harris' running mate.

"I would color that doubtful," Richmond told FOX 8 WVUE-TV, a New Orleans TV station.

Who else is in the running to be VP?

In addition to Richmond, the Harris campaign has reportedly requested vetting materials from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on Georgia politics. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @MayaHoman.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Who is Cedric Richmond? Things to know about Harris' potential VP
WASHINGTON  When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, he wont speak to the packed chamber of lawmakers met by most speakers before him.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers do not plan to attend the Israeli leaders speech on Wednesday in protest of Israel's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, which has led to mass civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis.

All four top congressional leaders invited Netanyahu to speak to Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. But they wont be joined by some of their closest colleagues, including those who help them lead the Democratic caucus.

The second-ranking Senate Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a statement that Israels execution of the war in Gaza is a brutal strategy beyond any acceptable level of self-defense.

Netanyahus refusal to consider any peace plan that gives both Israelis and Palestinians a guarantee of security is inconsistent with a peaceful conclusion to this age-old conflict, Durbin said. I will stand by Israel, but I will not stand and cheer its current Prime Minister at tomorrows Joint Session.

Like Durbin, most of those who plan to skip the speech stress their support for the state of Israel but condemn Netanyahus government and his approach to war that has taken the lives of nearly 40,000 Palestinians.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who spoke for 45 minutes on the Senate floor Tuesday, distinguished between Israeli people and their leadership, who he condemned for refusing to accept a two-state solution for the region.

It sends a terrible message to bring him here now to address a joint session of Congress, Van Hollen said. Netanyahu remains the leader of the most extreme right-wing government coalition in the history of Israel.

Others expressed disgust that Netanyahu was invited to speak in the first place: Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., the only Palestinian member of Congress, accused Netanyahu of being a war criminal committing genocide in Gaza.

It is utterly disgraceful that leaders from both parties have invited him to address Congress, she wrote on X. He should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court.

In May, the International Criminal Court requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and others on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for the Israeli-led war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.

Other lawmakers in Washington simply said they have a conflict with the logistics of the speech  despite it being scheduled in the middle of what is typically an in-person work day in the nation's capital.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who is running for reelection this year, said he is unable to attend the speech due to a previously scheduled commitment in Virginia but that it remains clear that the security of Israel and U.S. service members in the region are immediately dependent on steps toward a deal to release hostages held by Hamas, establish a durable ceasefire, and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Israel-Hamas War began last October, when Hamas militants killed more than 1,000 Israelis and captured around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated with a bombing campaign that has bombarded cities, forced more than 85% of the population in Gaza to be displaced and caused starvation among hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The United States support for Israel through the war has been a cause of major division in the Democratic Party, with progressives pushing President Joe Biden and other Democrats to go further in their criticism and do more to stop the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The U.S. approved a massive foreign aid bill earlier this year that sent $26.4 billion to the conflict, including $9 billion in humanitarian relief for Gaza and $4 billion for Israeli defense systems. Israel and Hamas have been in negotiations over a cease-fire and hostage return for weeks.

The slate of lawmakers not attending Netanyahus address also created a scramble to find someone to formally open and close the session, a logistical requirement for the event.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the president of the Senate, wont preside over the joint session in order to attend a campaign event.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., also declined to oversee the chamber and said she would skip the event, urging Netanyahu to use the speech to address how he plans to secure a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region.

Instead the presiding senator will be Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who will be retiring when his term expires at the end of the year.

Cardin told reporters Tuesday that he knew weeks ago, when the speech was scheduled, that Harris would not be able to attend. He added that she is meeting with Netanyahu privately on Thursday. Schumer asked him to preside as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair, he said, and I think its an honor.

Others said theyre going to attend the joint session but arent pleased: Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., reportedly said "My constituents elected me to sit in that chair, before adding: If I only sat there on days that were really fun that I enjoyed, I wouldnt be sitting there very often."

Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., the most senior Jewish member of the House, said on X Tuesday that Netanyahu is is the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king who invited the Romans into Jerusalem over 2100 years ago, but said he does plan to attend the speech out of respect for the State of Israel.

I have not given up on the dream of an Israel that can live in peace with its neighbors, including with Palestinians, through a negotiated two-state solution, he wrote.

Republicans, meanwhile, blasted their colleagues for not showing up to support Netanyahu, who they argue is locked in a battle for the survival of Israel.

Unfortunately, some of the leaders who could learn the most from the experience of the battle-tested, duly-elected leader of a sovereign democracy apparently will not be among us, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Tuesday. Prime Minister Netanyahu deserves our attention, and Israel deserves a friend that lives up to the name.

At least one GOP senator will not be in attendance: Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, who was recently named former President Donald Trumps running mate, will be at a campaign event.

Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, a Jewish Democrat, expressed disappointment that some of his colleagues planned on skipping the speech. But he said Vance's failure to show up would be "another thing," considering he's on a presidential ticket.

Vance stands steadfastly with the people of Israel but will skip the address as he has duties to fulfill as the Republican nominee for Vice President, Trump senior campaign advisor Jason Miller said in a statement.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Michael Collins and Francesca Chambers

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netanyahu address to Congress: Why dozens of Democrats are skipping
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is denying a report that he pledged $45 million of his own money to former president Donald Trump's campaign each month.

Musk discussed the apparent misinformation during a two-hour interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, posted Monday on X.

"Whats been reported in the media is simply not true," Musk told Peterson during the interview on X, which the South African native owns.

Despite denying the massive monthly donations, Musk said he supports Trump and that the former president showed "instinctual courage" during the assassination attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. The 53-year-old said the attack on Trump led to his endorsement for the November election, and that his fondness for the former president is not based on his "cult of personality, but rather a set of shared principles.

"We have got a choice of administrations and we have to pick one," Musk said. "There are flaws on both sides."

Musk went on to say that "we need a change of administration" and that the Democratic Party is now the "censorship party under the guise of hate speech."

My conversation with @elonmusk. Live today at 3pm ET. https://t.co/RyaZFmvC8i  Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) July 22, 2024

Elon Musk develops nonpartisan 'America PAC'

What Musk has done is create a super PAC, a political action committee that can receive unlimited funding that can be used to help political campaigns. He called it the "America PAC."

"You can donate money directly to candidates, that amount is fairly small," Musk said. "You can donate a lot more money to a political action committee, or a super PAC... it certainly allows for a lot more money in the system than what otherwise would be possible."

When questioned whether the super PAC funds would go toward Democrat and Republican campaigns, Musk said "yes."

"It's not meant to be sort of a hyperpartisan PAC," Musk said about the America PAC. "The intent is to promote the principles that make America great in the first place."

Regarding Trump's MAGA slogan, Musk said he is more about "making America greater."

Wall Street Journal previously reported Musk would donate $45 million a month to Trump

The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk would be donating $45 million a month to a new super political-action committee backing Trumps presidential run, citing "people familiar with the manner."

This combination of pictures created on May 31, 2017 shows a file photo taken on January 23, 2017 showing SpaceX CEO Elon Musk listening to former US President Donald Trump speak during a meeting with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 23, 2017.

Other backers of America PAC include Palantir Technologies co-founder Joe Lonsdale, the Winklevoss twins, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and her husband, Joe Craft, who is chief executive of coal producer Alliance Resource Partners, according to the WSJ.

America PAC was formed in June to register voters and encourage constituents to vote early and request mail-in ballots in swing states, one of the people familiar with the super PAC said, per the WSJ.

When the WSJ published its article, in response, Musk posted a meme from his X account with the caption "FAKE GNUS." He then wrote "Yeah" in response to a post that said: Elon Musk went from being an Obama voter to pledging $180 million to elect DJT. The woke left really f----- up. Badly.

During Musk's interview with Peterson, he said he once supported President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during their campaigns.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk denies report of $45 million donations to Trump: 'Not true'
KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Eighteen people were killed when a small passenger plane belonging to Nepal's Saurya Airlines crashed and caught fire while taking off from the capital Kathmandu on Wednesday, officials said.

The plane, carrying two crew members and 17 technicians, was going for regular maintenance to Nepal's new Pokhara airport, which opened in January last year and is equipped with aircraft maintenance hangars, they said.

"Shortly after takeoff ... the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway," the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a statement.

The crash once again focused attention on the poor air safety record of the impoverished, landlocked Himalayan nation that is wedged between India and China and is heavily dependent upon air connectivity due to its limited road network.

Nearly 350 people have died in plane or helicopter crashes in the country since 2000.

Nepal's prime minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, visited the crash site and asked people to "be patient" in a social media post, without elaborating. An emergency cabinet meeting was called to form a panel to probe the crash, a government spokesman said.

Eighteen of those on board the crashed 50-seater CRJ-200 aircraft, with the registration 9N-AME, were Nepali citizens while one engineer was from Yemen, Saurya said.

"Only the captain was rescued alive and is receiving treatment at a hospital," said Tej Bahadur Poudyal, the spokesman for Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

Television visuals showed fire fighters trying to put out the blaze and thick black smoke rising into the sky. Images also showed the plane flying a little above the runway and then tilting to its right before it crashed.

Other visuals showed rescue workers examining the charred remains of the plane, strewn in lush green fields, and bodies being carried to ambulances on stretchers as residents looked on.

"The plane was scheduled to undergo maintenance for a month beginning Thursday ... It is unclear why it crashed," said Mukesh Khanal, marketing head of Saurya Airlines.

Kathmandu airport was closed temporarily following the crash but reopened within hours, officials said.

NEPAL'S POOR AIR SAFETY RECORD

According to Flightradar24 flight tracking, Saurya currently operates two CRJ-200 regional jets, a programme that was owned by Canada's Bombardier but which was bought by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2020.

Saurya says it has another CRJ-200 in its fleet.

Bombardier referred questions about the incident to Canada-based MHI RJ Aviation Group, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nepal has been criticised for its poor air safety record, where many airlines fly to small airports in remote hills and near peaks shrouded in clouds. The country is home to eight of the world's 14 tallest mountain peaks.

Located in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, the country's main airport is ringed by mountains, affecting wind directions and intensity in the area and making takeoff and landing a challenge for pilots.

The deadliest incident occurred in 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed into a hillside while approaching Kathmandu, killing 167 people.

Most recently, at least 72 people were killed in a Yeti airlines crash in January 2023 that was later attributed to the pilots mistakenly cutting off power.

(Reporting by Kathmandu newsroom; Additional reporting by Lisa Barrington in Seoul, Ainnie Arif and Shivani Tanna; Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Alexandra Hudson)
The summer weather can be a lot to take, especially when you have a thick fur coat. And while a double coat can actually help dogs regulate their temperatures, they can sometimes use a little outside help.

These beautiful Goldens found a brilliant way to stay cool in the warm air. Its an idea worth remembering should your AC ever go out.

Watch this video from July 21 to see how these lovely pups beat the heat!

This is pretty clever and also quite effective. Amanda (@theamandabittner) tells us these beautiful girls are ambassadors for @fivefreedomsdairy at the City Park Farmers Market in Denver, Colorado. She jokes, Ill take a Golden on the rocks, make it a double. For sure! Although these friendly and well-behaved girls dont hesitate to lie on the pavement to get attention, it must feel good to cool down on a big pile of ice after greeting customers in the summer sun. This cool idea is undoubtedly the brainchild of a devoted dog parent who will do anything to keep their pups happy and healthy. It may be an idea worth trying ourselves if it gets too hot to lie on the beach.

Related: Senior Golden Retrievers Summer Fun Day with Mom Is Downright Beautiful

Ways To Help Dogs Stay Cool in Summer Heat

1. Provide plenty of water. It's essential for dogs to regulate their body temperature properly.

2. Provide pups with a shaded area. This is especially important at peak times of the day. In the absence of ice, a cooling mat or wet towels can also help keep them cool.

3. Limit strenuous activities during the suns hottest hours. Also, try to exercise dogs early in the day before the sun rises or after it sets.

4. Stay on top of grooming. While shaving a double-coated dog is not recommended, regularly brushing and trimming their fur may also help keep them comfortable.

Always monitor dogs for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, drooling, or vomiting. Should they begin to exhibit any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler area and seek veterinary help immediately if they do not resolve quickly.

These gorgeous Goldens have many fans! Viewer @flora_rino responded, Well buy whatever theyre selling! Me too, and they would be my first stop. Viewer @pinkpearldenver shared, My literal favorite part of the whole market every time. No doubt! Viewer @rspizzy remarked, Hold on a sec, gotta ice my dogs. Ha! Priorities matter.

If I ever go to Denver, I will gladly visit these lovely ladies at the farmers market. On a hot day, with the right treat, perhaps they might consider sharing a spot on their ice bed.
Joining the top 1% has become a byword for success, signifying that you're one of the few who has climbed to the top of the income ladder. But it's also become tougher to gain entry into this small group of Americans, given that it requires a lot more income in 2024 to qualify as one of them.

The U.S. threshold for joining the top 1% stands at $787,712 in 2024, a 20% increase from the roughly $652,000 required last year, according to a new analysis of IRS data from SmartAsset. By comparison, U.S. median annual income stands at about $75,000, SmartAsset said.

The higher amount likely reflects the impact of recent wage gains, which have lifted the earnings of everyone from low- to high-income workers, as well as the past year's surge in the stock market and other assets, which have especially boosted the fortunes of the rich, noted Jaclyn DeJohn, managing editor at SmartAsset and a certified financial planner. For instance, the S&P 500 has climbed about 20% over the last 12 months.

But becoming a top earner within your state can vary considerably by region, with some wealthier states like California and Connecticut requiring at least $1 million in annual income to make the cut. By comparison, poorer states such as West Virginia and Mississippi count the lowest thresholds, at about $420,000 and $440,000, respectively.

The 1% "is a very American concept  capitalism enables this pathway to really changing your position financially," DeJohn told CBS MoneyWatch. "It's definitely not easy, and one thing this data shows us is that it's getting harder."

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LONDON (AP)  John Mayall, the British blues musician whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars, has died. He was 90.

A statement on Mayall's Instagram page announced his death Tuesday, saying the musician died Monday at his home in California. Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this worlds greatest road warriors, the post said.

Among this year's new members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he is credited with helping develop the English take on urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the 1960s. At various times, the Bluesbreakers included Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, later of Cream; Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac; Mick Taylor, who played five years with the Rolling Stones; and Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor of Canned Heat.

Clapton and McVie both played on the 1966 release Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton, which Rolling Stone magazine has ranked among the 500 greatest albums.

He was a great pioneer of British blues and had a wonderful eye for talented musicians, Mick Jagger wrote on X, adding that it was Mayall who recommended Taylor as a replacement in 1969 for founding Stones guitarist Brian Jones, ushering in a new era for the band.

Mayall protested in interviews that he was not a talent scout, but played for the love of the music he had first heard on his father's 78-rpm records.

"I'm a band leader and I know what I want to play in my band  who can be good friends of mine," Mayall said in an interview with the Southern Vermont Review. "It's definitely a family. It's a small kind of thing really."

Though Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s, pounding out his version of Chicago blues. The lack of recognition rankled a bit, and he wasn't shy about saying so.

"I've never had a hit record, I never won a Grammy Award, and Rolling Stone has never done a piece about me," he said in an interview with the Santa Barbara Independent in 2013. "I'm still an underground performer."

Known for his blues harmonica and keyboard playing, Mayall had a Grammy nomination, for "Wake Up Call" which featured guest artists Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Mick Taylor and Albert Collins. He received a second nomination in 2022 for his album The Sun Is Shining Down. He also won official recognition in Britain with the award of an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005.

Mayall once was asked if he kept playing to meet a demand, or simply to show he could still do it.

Well, the demand is there, fortunately. But its really for neither of those two things, its just for the love of the music, he said in an interview with Hawaii Public Radio. I just get together with these guys and we have a workout.

Mayall was born on Nov. 29, 1933 in Macclesfield, near Manchester in central England.

Sounding a note of the hard-luck bluesman, Mayall once said, The only reason I was born in Macclesfield was because my father was a drinker, and thats where his favorite pub was.

His father also played guitar and banjo, and his records of boogie-woogie piano captivated his teenage son.

Mayall said he learned to play the piano one hand at a time  a year on the left hand, a year on the right, so I wouldnt get all tangled up.

The piano was his main instrument, though he also performed on guitar and harmonica, as well as singing in a distinctive, strained-sounding voice. Aided only by drummer Keef Hartley, Mayall played all the other instruments for his 1967 album, Blues Alone.

Mayall was often called the father of British blues, but when he moved to London in 1962 his aim was to soak up the nascent blues scene led by Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies. Jagger, Keith Richards and Eric Burdon were among others drawn to the sound.

The Bluesbreakers drew on a fluid community of musicians who drifted in and out of various bands. Mayalls biggest catch was Clapton, who had quit the Yardbirds and joined he Bluesbreakers in 1965 because he was unhappy with the Yardbirds commercial direction.

Mayall and Clapton shared a passion for Chicago blues, and the guitarist later remembered that Mayall had the most incredible collection of records I had ever seen.

Mayall tolerated Claptons waywardness: He disappeared a few months after joining the band, then reappeared later the same year, sidelining the newly arrived Peter Green, then left for good in 1966 with Bruce to form Cream, which rocketed to commercial success, leaving Mayall far behind.

Clapton, interviewed for a BBC documentary on Mayall in 2003, confessed that to a certain extent I have used his hospitality, used his band and his reputation to launch my own career,

I think he is a great musician. I just admire and respect his steadfastness, Clapton added.

Mayall encouraged Clapton to sing and urged Green to develop his song-writing abilities.

Mick Taylor, who succeeded Green as a Bluesbreaker in the late 1960s, valued the wide latitude which Mayall allowed his soloists.

Youd have complete freedom to do whatever you wanted, Taylor said in a 1979 interview with writer Jas Obrecht. You could make as many mistakes as you wanted, too.

Mayalls 1968 album Blues from Laurel Canyon markeda permanent move to the United States and a change in direction. He disbanded the Bluesbreakers and worked with two guitars and drums.

The following year he released The Turning Point, arguably his most successful release, with an atypical four-man acoustic lineup including Mark and Almond. Room to Move, a song from that album, was a frequent audience favorite in Mayalls later career.

The 1970s found Mayall at low ebb personally, but still touring and doing more than 100 shows a year.

Throughout the 70s, I performed most of my shows drunk, Mayall said in an interview with Dan Ouellette for Down Beat magazine in 1990. One consequence was an attempt to jump from a balcony into a swimming pool that missed  shattering one of Mayalls heels and leaving him with a limp.

That was one incident that got me to stop drinking, Mayall said.

In 1982, he reformed the Bluesbreakers, recruiting Taylor and McVie, but after two years the personnel changed again. In 2008, Mayall announced that he was permanently retiring the Bluesbreaker name, and in 2013 he was leading the John Mayall Band.

Mayall and his second wife, Maggie, divorced in 2011 after 30 years of marriage. They had two sons.
A man flying from Seattle to Anchorage has been arrested for allegedly hitting his wife after she received an upgrade to sit in first class, court documents reveal.

Roger Allan Holmberg Sr. was flying with his wife, who has not been named, on an Alaska Airlines flight on July 2, according to an affidavit by a special agent with the FBI's Anchorage Field Office. The couple from the Williamsburg, Virginia area were flying to Anchorage for an event related to his ministry, according to WAVY-TV, which reported that Holmberg is a pastor and gospel singer.

Witnesses recalled multiple incidents between Holmberg and his wife. One witness, identified in documents as "MC," said that Holmberg first asked his wife "How the hell did you get the upgrade?" His wife said that her membership status with the airline was the cause of the upgrade, and told Holmberg not to "speak to (her) like that," the affidavit says. In a second incident, Holmberg allegedly handed his wife his phone, told her to read something on the screen, and then gave her the finger.

An Alaska Airlines aircraft is seen flying at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska, United States on July 2, 2024. / Credit: Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images

MC told officials that Holmberg finally pushed in front of them and "attempted to swing his arm towards" his wife. MC leaned forward to attempt to block the strike, but Holmberg still "appeared to strike the top of the victim's head with his hand," according to the documents.

Another witness, identified as "AS," told the FBI that he heard the disturbance between Holmberg and his wife and a woman saying "You cannot be doing that" after the third incident, the affidavit says. AS said that he realized Holmberg had hit his wife.

After the assault, AS said he told Holmberg that he would be put "in handcuffs" if there were "any further incidents," according to the affidavit. Holmberg did not cause any more disturbances aboard the flight, AS said.

The Anchorage Airport Police were notified of the alleged assault while the plane was still in the air.

Holmberg's wife told police that her husband had a history of abusing her and had broken her finger in an incident in September, and that she had wanted to report his abuse. She also said that she had epilepsy and that a blow to her head could cause a seizure. She said that aboard the plane, her husband had struck her head with the back of his knuckles. An officer with the Anchorage Airport Police said that Holmberg's wife did not have any "noticeable bruising, cuts, swelling, or bleeding."

When police and the FBI spoke to Holmberg, he said that he was upset his wife had received the upgrade "because he wanted his wife to travel with him and sit next to him." Holmberg reportedly said he had not struck his wife, but had "tapped (her) on the head in passing to get her attention," demonstrating the movement to officers.

Holmberg also told police that his wife was "disrespectful to him often and had anger issues," and had previously harmed him, according to documents. He said she broke her finger by grabbing his leg when he was driving.

Holmberg was arrested for simple assault and transported to the Anchorage Correctional Center. He could face a fine and/or prison time up to six months if convicted.

Local media reported that Holmberg has been banned from Alaska Airlines.

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Kennedy-Cuomo tied the knot with Tellef Lundevall on July 20 at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts

Anne Rhett Photography; Fred Morgan/NY Daily News via Getty Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo and Tellef Lundevall Wedding Cake, Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. of Chicago and his bride, the former Eunice Mary Kennedy cut their wedding cake.

Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo and Tellef Lundevall's big wedding celebration included several special nods to their families, including their 8-tier wedding cake!

The newlyweds, who tied the knot over the weekend at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, celebrated their union with 400 of their closest friends and family.

The towering cake, made by Confectionery Designs located in Rehoboth, Mass., featured a lemon pound cake with raspberry cream filling, a chocolate pound cake with vanilla bean filling and strawberries, plus a layer of lemon curd.

Anne Rhett Photography Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo and Tellef Lundevall in 2024

When it came time to cut into the sweet treat, Kennedy-Cuomo, 29, stood on a ladder to reach the highest tier, just like members of her famous family have done in the past.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver climbed up to cut her 8-tier cake at her 1953 wedding to Sargent Shriver.



Related: See the Best Celebrity Wedding Cakes

Her daughter, Maria Shriver, would do the same thing in 1986 when she married Arnold Schwarzenegger.



The newlyweds participated in an extensive tasting to find just the right flavors for their big day. Despite the cake's massive size, not a single piece was left by the end of the night.

Fred Morgan/getty Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver in 1953

The cake took days to make and was created in multiple steps. It was baked in advance, then the filling was made, then it was constructed onsite and each element was edible.

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.



Due to the confection's height and weight, it required a custom-designed support system. Overall, including the support system, baking, icing piping and sugar flowers, it's estimated the cake took from 60 to 75 hours to complete  including a few sleepless nights.

Anne Rhett Photography Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo and Tellef Lundevall's July 20 Wedding in Hyannis Port

The decadent cake was topped with a sterling silver bell with a red ribbon with the couple's engagement date engraved on it gifted by a close family friend of the bride.

After the wedding, Mariah;s mother Kerry Kennedy shared a photo of Eunice and her daughter. "Thank you Aunt Eunice Kennedy Shriver for inspiring the wedding cake! " she wrote.

In addition to iconic cake, Lundevall and Kennedy-Cuomo also brought a second back from Norway that they picked out with Lundevall's grandmother.

Kennedy-Cuomo and Lundevall's wedding celebration was a three-day affair. The weekend kicked off with a sailing race, welcome drinks, and a rehearsal dinner. Guests ate lobster on the water while many of the 18 groomsmen and bridesmaids spoke about the couple.

The wedding ceremony took place on the waterfront in Hyannis Port, and the couple exchanged heartfelt handwritten vows. Guests enjoyed Chatham cod, steak and lemon linguine during the reception, which took place beneath a tent lined with lights.



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By Catherine Cartier

DUBAI (Reuters) -Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has been activated in a hospital in the Gaza Strip with the help of the United Arab Emirates and Israel, the SpaceX chief executive said.

The Gulf Arab state's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, thanked the billionaire entrepreneur for supporting the UAE field hospital in Gaza, where many medical facilities have been destroyed in over nine months of war.

"Starlink is now active in a Gaza hospital with the support of @UAEmediaoffice and @Israel," Musk posted on X, more than five months after the Israeli government approved Starlink's use in the hospital in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The high-speed internet will enable potentially life-saving medical consultations via real-time video calling, the UAE foreign ministry said in February.

Internet connectivity in Gaza is poor because of the lack of power and fuel to operate provider centres. This makes it harder for medical staff and rescue teams to work, and restricts hospital services and the health ministry's centralised system.

The UAE, an oil producer and regional finance and tourism hub, signed a deal normalising ties with Israel in 2020 along with Bahrain and Morocco. Sudan later also sealed a normalisation agreement with Israel.

The Gaza war began when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages back to the Palestinian enclave, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with an offensive that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, and devastated much of the coastal territory.

(Additional reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Editing by Michael Georgy, Alex Richardson and Timothy Heritage)
1990 F&W Best New Chef Nancy Silverton shares how she rose from Spago to Campanile to Mozza Restaurant Group, with cookbooks and a podcast on the path.

NATALIE FOSS

There are certain moments that Nancy Silverton vividly remembers from her career. The first was in 1974, when she realized she wanted to become a chef while working in her college dormitory kitchen. The second was in 1990, when she received a letter stating that she had been named a Food & Wine Best New Chef.

The award came as a surprise to Silverton, as her Los Angeles Italian restaurant, Campanile, had been open for less than a year. She earned the distinction alongside her then co-chef and co-owner, Mark Peel, who oversaw the majority of the savory dishes, while Silverton was in charge of pastry and baked items. It could have easily been Mark, but Food & Wine gave it to both of us, which was pretty unusual and forward-thinking, realizing that we both had that contribution to make, she says.







"I couldn't imagine not being at the restaurant every single day, every single moment. I never thought about having the kind of mini-empire that I have now.""

Nancy Silverton







Early in Silvertons career, cooking for Wolfgang Puck at Spago, the idea of owning more than one restaurant seemed impossible. I couldnt imagine not being at the restaurant every single day, every single moment, she recalls. I never thought about having the kind of mini empire that I have now.

Related: 23 Irresistible Italian-Inspired Recipes from Nancy Silverton

Today, Silverton co-owns Mozza Restaurant Group comprising Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, Chi Spacca, and Mozza2Go in Southern California, with additional locations in Singapore; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; London; and Baja California Sur, Mexico. She also has a gelato business, Nancys Fancy; hosts the Three Ingredients podcast with Laurie Ochoa and Ruth Reichl; and has written 11 cookbooks.

Building a restaurant empire didnt come naturally to Silverton. I had to reckon with [the idea that] no matter what, no matter where I am in the world, whatever goes on in my restaurants is my responsibility, she says. And it was also important for me to recognize that things are going to go wrong when youre not there, but theyre going to go wrong when youre there, too. Like every restaurateur, Silverton had to make a choice: Either she would commit to being at one restaurant every single day, or she would grow her business, understanding that her team is capable of operating her restaurant without her supervision. She chose the latter.

Another thing Silverton didnt think was in the cards for her? An 11th cookbook. I always equate cookbook writing with the time you choose to have another child. You deliver a child, and you think, OK, Ill never have a child again. And then over time, you forget the pain, and you have another. That book she didnt think shed write is her 2023 baking bible, The Cookie That Changed My Life. It contains over 100 recipes, including her ultimate versions of carrot cake, peanut butter cookies, and Italian chocolate salami  the most creative way to repurpose biscotti. For Silverton, its a chance to return to her first love of pastry and baking. I thought if I really gave the time to look at each of those desserts that we call classics and try to make them as good as I could, then I would feel like I did my job.

Related: Nancy Silverton Wants a 23andMe for Sourdough

Silvertons stable of restaurants continues to grow, with burger pop-ups, brand partnerships, and three new restaurants opening in 2024, including a new Mozza in Washington, D.C.  a first-time collaboration with chef Stephen Starr.

Silverton simply doesnt get tired of her job. Im as excited today as I was back when I first realized I wanted to be a cook, she says. For all of us that are in this field that love what we do, its just in our DNA. We wake up every day, and we do what we were meant to do.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
NASA has released dozens of never-before-seen images of cosmic objects from the corners of the universe captured by the world's most powerful X-ray telescope.

The breathtaking images, taken by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, were released Tuesday in honor of the 25th anniversary of the telescope's launch into space.

An image of the Eagle Nebula, captured by Chandra and released by NASA in honor of the 25th anniversary of the telescope's launch.

Taken with data collected by Chandra, the pictures show a stunning range of phenomena, from the remnants of a supernova to a nebula thousands of light-years from Earth to the center of the Milky Way galaxy, according to a NASA news release. The images are part of nearly 25,000 collected by Chandra over its time in space.

Chandra observed the cosmic objects for up to thousands of hours, according to the photo gallery released by NASA. For instance, it took the telescope 64 days of observation time and 370 observations over the course of 20 years to capture an image of the Milky Way's center, about 26,000 light-years away from Earth.

Other images show the vivid colors of nebulae, like the crimson red of the Cat's Paw Nebula, which lies 4,370 light-years from Earth, and the bright purple of the Crab Nebula within the Taurus constellation. One image shows Cassiopeia A, a remnant of a supernova 340 years ago. Another is the product of Chandra's nearly 10 hours of observing the planet Jupiter.

The Crab Nebula, captured using X-rays by the Chandra telescope.

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Chandra uses super-smooth mirrors to focus X-rays

Chandra, launched on July 23, 1999, is one of four great telescopes released by NASA that decade, including the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes and the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. Only Chandra and Hubble are still in space.

Astronomers have used Chandra to investigate mysteries that we didnt even know about when we were building the telescope  including exoplanets and dark energy," Pat Slane, director of the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said in the news release.

The Chandra telescope captured Cassiopeia, the remnant of a supernova.

Unlike Hubble, which traces a close, circular path around Earth, Chandra charts an elliptical orbit around Earth, traveling as close as 6,000 miles and as far as 86,400 miles from the Earth on its 64-hour orbit.

Chandra is outfitted with four pairs of the smoothest and cleanest mirrors ever made, according to NASA. The mirrors focus incoming X-rays to a spot half as wide as a human hair, where they are captured and recorded by Chandra's instruments.

Among Chandra's observations are the oldest black hole ever discovered and two galaxies colliding. The telescope also uncovered the first proof of the existence of dark matter, or matter that takes up space but does not reflect, absorb or radiate light, NASA says.

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA releases eye-popping images of nebulae, galaxies in space
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.  A squatter who illegally took over a condo in Florida has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Olandis Hobbs, 37 was sentenced on Tuesday after being found guilty earlier this month of using false documents to take ownership of an approximately $700,000 condo in the Panama City Beach area, according to the State Attorney's Office of the 14th Judicial Circuit.

"I hope this sends a strong message," State Attorney Larry Basford said in a release. "Do not come to Northwest Florida and try to steal people's identifications and/or property by squatting because we will not tolerate this."

Olandis Hobbs, 37, was sentenced on Tuesday to 40 years in prison for using false documents to take ownership of an approximately $700,000 condo in the Panama City Beach area.

Hobbs' sentence includes 25 years for fraudulent use of personal identification information and 15 years for grand theft over $100,000. He also faces 30 years of probation.

During his trial, evidence showed that Hobbs filed fraudulent paperwork in late 2022 with the Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court to transfer ownership of a the condo to himself. The property is legally owned by an 85-year-old woman and her children.

Hobbs has committed similar acts in other places, like New York, and he was sued but never arrested.

"This might be your first significant conviction, but it is a doozy," Judge Dustin Stephenson said, according to the release. "You stole rest from the sunset of someone's life and should be punished for it."

Earlier coverage of this case: Squatter, 37, found guilty of illegally taking ownership of $700,000 PCB condo

Past reports note that after fraudulently taking over the condo, Hobbs changed its locks and notified condo management officials that there had been a change in ownership. The legal owners, who live out of state, were notified of the changes by a maid.

The Panama City Beach Police Department served a search warrant and arrested Hobbs on Jan. 13, 2023.

"The minimum sentence required by law was 10 years," the state attorney's news release reads. "Stephenson said there are matters of forgiveness and matters of justice, and forgiveness is not (his to give, but) justice is."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Squatter sentenced to prison for taking over Panama City Beach condo
A Tennessee man only learned he was the winner of a $1 million jackpot when detectives called to tell him his winning ticket had been stolen, according to authorities.

The lottery winner, who did not want to be publicly identified, bought two winning tickets at a Shell gas station in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office said in a news release on Monday. One winning ticket had a prize of $40 and the other was the $1 million ticket.

A clerk at the gas station stole the ticket and tried to collect the prize, authorities said.

Store video obtained by investigators of the Tennessee Lottery shows Meet Patel scanning the tickets, according to authorities. To save time, the customer had only scratched off the front bar code, and then asked Patel to check if the tickets were winners, authorities told CNN affiliate WTVF.

If you scratch off the front bar code, it will tell you if its a winner or not, regardless of whether you scratch off everything showing how much you won, Lt. Det. Steve Craig told WTVF.

Patel then placed the $1 million ticket in the trash, authorities said. Later, the video allegedly shows him taking out the trash, after which he removes the winning ticket and puts it in his pocket.

Mr. Patel is then seen later in the video celebrating in the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and learning it was a $1 million winner, Det. Dennis Ward said in the news release.

For any prize of $200,000 or more, players must claim their winnings at the Tennessee Lotterys Nashville headquarters. Patel, 23, tried to claim his prize from the Tennessee Lottery, but employees there were suspicious, according to the news release.

Meet Patel is being held on a charge of theft. - Rutherford County Sheriffs Office

He went to the Tennessee Lottery Commission to claim the ticket as his own and through their normal line of questioning there were enough red flags for them to say, Hey, you need to get all of your affairs in order and come back to us and were gonna hold on to the ticket, Craig told WTVF.

Patel is currently being held on a charge of theft over $250,000 at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, the sheriffs office told CNN. His bond is set at $100,000 and a hearing is scheduled for July 30.

Its pretty obvious. Its good enough for me to put in front of 12 jurors and make sure that they all come to the same conclusion, Craig said.

The sheriffs office reviewed the video to help identify the man who bought the ticket. Less than a day later, Ward told the man, who is a father, he was a winner and convinced him to claim his winnings.

The feel-good side of this story is the (father) never knew he was the winner until we made contact with him, Craig said. That is absolutely life-changing money.

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WASHINGTON  A crowd chanting "free Palestine, stop bombing Gaza, and Netanyahu you cant hide gathered Wednesday outside the U.S. Capitol building to protest the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to discourage Congress from further funding Israel's war in Gaza.

As the demonstration grew, Capitol Police deployed pepper spray to some of the protesters, saying "part of the crowd has started to become violent." Outside Union Station, demonstrators burned at least one U.S. flag and replaced the ones flying at Columbus Circle with Palestinian flags before authorities removed those.

Netanyahu began addressing a joint session of Congress a few minutes after 2 p.m. ET Wednesday, getting a warm reception from the legislators in attendance, though dozens boycotted his appearance.

The invitation to speak, extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, had drawn criticism from those outraged by Israel's invasion of Gaza, which health authorities there say has killed almost 40,000 residents of the battered enclave.

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein spoke to a crowd that stretched for several blocks in front of the Capitol, one of multiple protests against Netanyahu and the war across Washington. Stein, in a comment directed at lawmakers, said, How dare you invite this criminal, and called for a cease-fire.We will free Palestine together, she said to a roar of cheers and applause from a crowd in the thousands.

Rama Kased, a 44-year-old Bay Area resident and member of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, told USA TODAY Wednesday night that a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters were holding a "noise demonstration" outside of Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu was staying.

Kased said she flew to Washington D.C. for the protest to show Netanyahu and others "complicit in the genocide on Palestine" that they were not welcome in the U.S.

"I think they got the message," Kased said.

Photos and videos posted to social media showed a sketch of Netanyahus face projected onto the hotel building Wednesday night, accompanied with the words: WANTED and ARREST WAR CRIMINAL NETANYAHU," as protesters waved Palestinian flags and played music.

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed road closures near the Watergate Hotel were still in place late Wednesday, but streets around the Capitol were open.

Protesters at Capitol: Target Netanyahu address to Congress

Developments:

 The crowd erupted in cheers when speakers thanked Democratic lawmakers who decided not to attend Netanyahus speech. Among those absent were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, fellow congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senators Bernie Sanders, Patty Murray and Dick Durbin. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, was not in attendance either, citing a previous commitment.

 U.S. Palestinian Community Network Chair Hatem Abudayyeh told USA TODAY a crowd of roughly 1,500 demonstrators rallied in Chicagos Federal Plaza Wednesday afternoon in solidarity with the Washington D.C. protest.

 Organizers on a stage outside the Capitol said at least six nearby intersections were occupied by protesters.

Protesters pepper-sprayed outside Capitol, arrested inside

USA TODAY reporters counted at least 10 demonstrators who were pepper-sprayed as law enforcement officers cleared the intersection of First Street and Constitution Avenue across from the Capitol because of what police called violent behavior. Groups of protesters poured water on the eyes and faces of those who were pepper-sprayed.

"The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line,'' Capitol Police said on the X platform. "We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.''

Police also said six demonstrators were removed from the House Gallery and arrested after disrupting Netanyahu's speech. "Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is against the law,'' a police posting said.

Flag, statues vandalized at Union Station Plaza

Several hundred protesters gathered in the early afternoon at Union Station Plaza, just a short walk from the Capitol, and some of them replaced American flags flying there with Palestinian ones. Witnesses said at least one of the American flags was burned.

Demonstrators also spray-painted FREE GAZA on multiple statues in the square, also known as Columbus Circle, as well over 100 police officers guarded the station. A couple of hours later, the Palestinian flags were brought down.

The U.S. Park Police posted a statement on social media before 4 p.m. ET warning a crowd at the plaza was "engaged in criminal activity and confronting law enforcement.'' Later, as agitators yelled at police, a subsequent statement said the gathering's permit had been revoked and urged protesters to leave.

The Metropolitan Police Department said late Wednesday that officers arrested a total of nine protesters  five for blocking traffic, two for assaulting an officer, and two for crossing a police line.

Hours after Netanyahu finished his speech, a crowd of more than 100 demonstrators continued chanting End the occupation now and Bibi out of D.C. now in John Marshall Park, just east of the Capitol.Most protesters were clad in red shirts and black-and-white keffiyehs, the head coverings known as a symbol of the Palestinian struggle. The size of the crowd had dwindled greatly by 5:30 p.m. ET.

Protesters traveling from Georgia, Illinois

Stein spoke at a rally organized by the anti-war group ANSWER Coalition along with several partner groups. ANSWER coordinated buses to transport protesters from as far as Illinois and Atlanta for the demonstration, according to its website. The group encouraged attendees to wear red to form a "red line" around the Capitol building.

Another protest was organized by UnXeptable, a pro-Israel, anti-Netanyahu movement of Israelis founded in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to the groups website.

Police officers from multiple agencies patrolled the area around the Capitol, and a helicopter flew overhead as the crowd, led by various speakers, chanted and waved Palestinian flags and signs.

Father of Israeli hostage: Netanyahu is a 'criminal' and 'traitor'

Yehuda Cohen has a personal stake in his nonstop advocacy for an immediate ceasefire, the end of the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages. Cohens son, Nimrod Cohen, 20, a soldier with the Israeli military, was captured in the early hours of Oct. 7 as he rushed toward the Gaza border to repel Hamas attack.

To Cohen, one man stands between him and his sons return home  Netanyahu. "I think he's a criminal," Cohen said at Wednesday's rally near the Capitol. "He's a traitor."

Cohen said he asked Netanyahu what Hamas was demanding in exchange for the hostages' return during a meeting with the prime minister in Jerusalem several months ago. Netanyahu said Hamas wanted Palestinian prisoners released, a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and safe passage for Palestinians back to northern Gaza. "I said, 'OK, what's the big deal?'" Cohen said.

More than nine months into the war, an agreement to free the hostages has not be reached.

Protester from Richmond: 'I had to show up'

David Snead, 46, took the day off work and joined a group of ANSWER protesters on a bus from Richmond, Va., to have his voice heard. Snead, who has not attended any protests since the war broke out, said its unconscionable that Netanyahu was invited to speak before lawmakers.

Snead, referencing the International Criminal Court prosecutor requesting arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other top Israel and Hamas officials on charges of war crimes, said Netanyahu should appear at the ICC court in The Hague, not in front of lawmakers at the Capitol.

When I saw he would be here, I knew I had to show up, the bookkeeper said. Its so great to see hundreds of other people like me, workers who took the day off, to show Netanyahu and the U.S. government that we dont support this genocide.

Demonstrator hopes protests spur resolution

Yoram Ariely, 81, said he was at the UnXeptable rally to advocate for the end of the war, progress toward a two-state solution and for right-wing extremists in Israels government to leave the country. Ariely, who is Israeli, drove five hours to Philadelphia from his home in upstate New York and hopped a train from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. He felt obligated to contribute in solidarity with his native country.

So many friends of mine in Israel are protesting every week, he said. Ariely said Netanyahu puts his self interest ahead of all else. The prime minister is trying to save his skin at the expense of the whole country, he said.

The massacre in Gaza  is horrible, he said. The widespread protests in support of Gaza might change the direction that the U.S. government and president are taking, he added. Maybe they'll exert more pressure on Israel to come to some sort of a solution.

Protesters gather to rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was addressing Congress on July 24, 2024.

Susan Sarandon: Don't normalize genocide

Actresses Susan Sarandon, speaking at the ANSWER rally, called on people to reject the normalization of genocide. She read off a list of death tolls of health care workers, journalists and U.N. staff.

We hear you and will raise your voices, she and the crowd said in unison to the people in Gaza.

Sarandon has been outspoken against the war in Gaza for months. Last year, she was dropped from a Hollywood talent agency after speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally.

Israeli expats rally against 'Bibi'

A small group of demonstrators holding Israeli flags and chanting Bibi, Bibi, bring them home, and Netanyahus got to go, gathered at a park north of the Capitol building on Wednesday afternoon. The protest was organized by UnXeptable, a pro-Israel, anti-Netanyahu movement of Israelis founded in the San Francisco area, according to the groups website.The group called on all who care about Israels future as a liberal and democratic state to declare Netanyahu persona non grata, demonstrators wrote online. Protesters also demanded the release of Israeli prisoners still held by Hamas in Gaza and the end of the divisiveness, culture of corruption and fear-mongering, perpetrated by Netanyahu, according to the group.

Protester: Gaza war is 'in no one's interest'

Conor Hammonds and his mother, Jackie Dyer, drove from Baltimore to D.C. to protest the war in Gaza and the way Netanyahu and the U.S. government have handled the conflict. Hammonds sister worked in Gaza for two years with Catholic Relief Services and left months before the war broke out, though she still has close friends in the bombarded enclave.

Dyer said the U.S. governments support of Israels far-right government is a desecration of what this country stands for. The two said they hope for a cease fire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel.

This war is in no ones interest, Dyer, 63, said.

The protests began Tuesday, when Capitol Police said about 200 demonstrators were arrested for "crowding, obstructing or incommoding" inside the Cannon House Office Building. Protesters demonstrated outside Netanyahu's hotel Tuesday night, chanting, waving Palestinian flags and projecting an image of Netanyahu onto the building captioned with the words "WANTED" and "ARREST NETANYAHU."

Rabbi group, Israeli expats hold separate protests

A group called Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, held a prayer service and protest Wednesday morning near Union Station in downtown Washington. The "spiritual, soulful, and song-full prayer space" was also a call for an end to the war, a release of all hostages, and an end to the occupation, the group said on its website.

UnXeptable, an organization of Israeli expatriates, was holding a protest on Capitol Hill at noon. "Netanyahu represents a danger to the state, to its democracy, to the hostages and to peace in the entire region," the group said on its website.

Some congressional interns show solidarity

A "diverse coalition" of more than 100 interns anonymously signed a letter denouncing Netanyahu's visit.

"As interns, we are united in our moral and ethical concerns regarding Prime Minister Netanyahus actions and policies in Gaza," says the letter, which accused Netanyahu of "obstructing ceasefire negotiations, hindering humanitarian aid, and targeting civilian infrastructure." It blames his policies for the "catastrophic humanitarian crises."

Nation's capital increases security, closes roads

Capitol Police, charged with safeguarding Congress and its buildings, closed roads around the U.S. Capitol and added more officers, including from outside agencies, to patrol and monitor the crowds. Police said in a statement they expected a big crowd and warned that it is illegal to attempt to cross an established police line or barrier.

"The department respects everyones First Amendment rights, however all demonstrations must be done peacefully and legally," Capitol Police said in a statement.

The Metropolitan Police Department, which serves the city, also announced road closures, limited public parking and tightened security through most of the week. Some public tours have been rerouted and police have warned of traffic delays, citing the "dignitary visit."

NYPD sends officers to help with DC protests

More than 200 New York City police officers have been sent to Washington to help provide security during the protests. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said the NYPD providing some of its most highly trained officers at the request of Capitol police.

"These officers ... will use their knowledge and expertise to assist our law enforcement partners in DC," Chell said in a social media post. "No matter the task, no matter the assignment, no matter how far from home, your NYPD will answer the call and ensure the public is safe and that democracy is protected.

Police officers stand guard during a protest in support of Palestinians inside of the Cannon Office Building a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled address to Congress on July 23, 2024

200 arrested in protest on eve of Netanyahu address

On Tuesday, a few hundred members of the group Jewish Voice for Peace descended on the rotunda of the Cannon House office building to protest the war and demand a cease-fire. The demonstrators chanted slogans and had signs with messages such as "Jews to Congress: Stop Arming Israel'' and "Let Gaza Live.''

In a string of social media posts, the group said it refused to "sit by as our government facilitates and defends" Israel's war.

"As the daily horrors against Palestinians in Gaza escalate, so too will our resolve and commitment to stand with Palestinians," the post said. "We continue to demand: STOP ARMING ISRAEL!"

Capitol police said in a statement that demonstrations are not allowed inside congressional buildings.

"We told the people, who legally entered, to stop or they would be arrested," the statement said. "They did not stop, so we are arresting them."

Labor unions petition White House demanding peace

Seven labor unions totaling millions of members sent a letter Tuesday to the White House demanding a truce in Gaza and for the U.S. to stop supplying weapons to Israel. The signatories included the Association of Flight Attendants, American Postal Workers Union, International Union of Painters, National Education Association, Service Employees International Union, United Electrical Workers and United Auto Workers.

The United Auto Workers is based in Michigan, home to the biggest percentage and second largest number of Arab Americans in the country. Michigan is also considered one of a handful of crucial "swing states" that could tip the 2024 presidential election.

"Workers, students, and people from all walks of life will be at the Capitol (on Wednesday) to issue a warrant of arrest to war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu," the group said in a social media post. "We will see you there! Don't miss this!"

In addition, several aid groups and other organizations have partnered to launch a mobile billboard that will drive around Washington on Wednesday with the message: No more bombs for Netanyahu.

Contributing: Eduardo Cuevas

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netanyahu visit, speech to Congress spark protests of thousands
A whale was mid-breach when it hit a small boat off New Hampshire, causing the vessel to capsize and hurl two fishermen overboard in a matter of seconds.

Colin and Wyatt Yager, two teenage brothers from Maine on a neighboring vessel, took to social media Tuesday to share the footage, which has been reposted multiple times in the past few hours, according to reporting by Seacoastonline, part of the USA TODAY Network.

One video in particular has garnered over 4 million views and hundreds of comments since it was posted, with a caption that warns area residents to beware of a pissed off whale patrolling the waters of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Head on swivel if youre out there, the caption says.

The teens "swiftly rescued" both fishermen after their boat capsized off Odiorne Point in Rye, New Hampshire, U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson Diolanda Caballero told Seacoastonline.

Wyatt Yager wasn't initially worried about the whale, telling Seacoastonline that all of the boats stayed along the edge of the school of fish so the whale could feed. But it got a little too close to the vessel, causing it to tip over.

"I was just in shock. Everyone else had the same reaction and tried to get over to those people," he said. "It was like, 'Oh shoot,' and then, 'Weve got to go help these people.' All the boats dropped what they were doing to go over to help them."

Neither the men thrown into the ocean, nor the whale, were injured, Caballero said.

USA TODAY has reached out to the Coast Guard for comment.

There is a pissed off whale patrolling the waters of Portsmouth NH today. Head on swivel if youre out there pic.twitter.com/xQPIHs8ZjN  Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) July 23, 2024

'It's been an emotional day,' fisherman says

The Coast Guard caught wind of the capsized vessel Tuesday morning, which had been tipped over in Rye, a few miles northeast of Portsmouth, Seacoastonline reported. The teens were fishing for menhaden, also known as "pogies" a little after 7 a.m.

The whale crashed into Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney's boat about an hour later after they spotted the aquatic mammal, immediately launching both men into "fight or flight mode" after they were thrown into the water, Seacoastonline reported.

I heard a big crackle, Kenney told the newspaper. "When that happened  the bow tipped up and I went to the left and as (the boat) was rolling over I kind of jumped off horizontally to avoid the whale and the boat.

A whale strikes a boat off coast of Rye, N.H. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, toppling two boaters into the water, who were rescued moments later by the boaters in the foreground.

The last thing Paquette remembers seeing before being thrown into the water was the whale's head, which slammed down on the engine of the boat.

Then I saw the whole stern become inundated with water and I thought, Oh no. Were going down. Were going to sink now," Paquette told Seacoastonline. They managed to swim away from the swamped boat in a matter of seconds and became very tired after the initial "energy and adrenaline" wore off.

"It's been an emotional day," Paquette said.

The men stayed in the Yagers' boat for about 15 minutes, then the brothers dropped them off at a nearby friend's vessel before the Coast Guard arrived, according to Wyatt Yager. Paquette and Kenney were transported to Great Cove Boat Club in Eliot, Maine, after the breach, the two fishermen said.

Both men were in the water for less than two minutes before they were rescued, with 19-year-old Wyatt and 16-year-old Colin stepping in to help.

"Were glad they took such quick action," Paquette said. "They didnt even think about it. Were really grateful to both of them."

Internet reacts, exchanges memes

While the whale seemed to have made a pretty big splash, Colin Yagers reaction to the breach has inadvertently caused the most attention.

Multiple people have commented on Colins reaction, pointing out how quickly his instincts kicked in.

Kid's like I want to go home now," one user wrote. Another said, That kid had the right idea lol turned around and was ready to book it.

A user named Daisy Evans wrote that the incredible scene was the result of unfortunate timing, pointing to the way the whale was breaching under a school of baitfish next to the boat.

You can actually see dozens of fish pouring out of its mouth as it impacts the boat. The whale was not attacking, she wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Whale off New Hampshire capsizes boat, men thrown to sea
A woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for stealing more than $100 million from a grant program meant to support military children and families, authorities said.

Janet Yamanaka Mello, 57, was convicted on five counts of mail fraud in addition to five counts of filing a false tax return for the convoluted scheme, which she carried out over the course of six years while employed by the United States Army, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas.

Mello worked as a financial manager for the Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, specifically focusing on child and youth services, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release.

She formed a business in December 2016 called Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development that was essentially used as a front for the scam. Collecting funding through a military grant initiative was the business' sole purpose, and Mello was able to fraudulently collect millions through it because of her position in the Army.

Instead of using the grant money given to her business to provide the youth and family services that Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development claimed to offer, Mello would deposit grant checks into her own personal bank account and spend the money on various luxuries, including clothing, vehicles and real estate, prosecutors said.

Mello allegedly used grant money to buy lavish properties and 82 vehicles  including a Maserati, a Mercedes, a 1954 Corvette and a Ferrari Fratelli motorcycle  and in one instance used the funds to purchase $923,000 of jewelry in a single day in 2022, the Associated Press reported.

Prosecutors said Janet Mello used millions of dollars in military grants to purchase luxury items, including a Ferrari motorcycle. / Credit: Department of Justice/CBS Austin

In 49 individual instances of fraud over the six-year period where her business was in operation, authorities said that Mello requested $117 million in grant payments during that period and received close to $109 million. To cover up the scam, she also falsely reported her income for the tax years 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

"Janet Mello betrayed the trust of the government agency she served and repeatedly lied in an effort to enrich herself," said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza in a statement. "Rather than $109 million in federal funds going to the care of military children throughout the world, she selfishly stole that money to buy extravagant houses, more than 80 vehicles and over 1,500 pieces of jewelry."

Esparza said his office "will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those who illegally seek personal gain at the expense of their fellow citizens."

Defense attorney Albert Flores told the Associated Press that Mello was deeply remorseful.

"She realizes she committed a crime, she did wrong and is very ashamed," Flores said. He also told AP that Mello saved many of the items she bought with the stolen funds and hopes they are resold to reimburse the government. Flores said the defense does not intend to appeal the court's decision, according to AP.

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WWE Hall of Fame Warrior Award recipient Titus O'Neill exemplified hero status when he helped rescue two abandoned Pit Bull dogs at a middle school in Tampa, Florida.

The WWE's Global Ambassador was at Sligh Middle School donating various school supplies and packing back-to-school backpacks for kids with other volunteers when the two dogs were discovered.

Fox13 News reports, "By chance, Bertha and Biggie wandered into Sligh Middle School in Tampa over the weekend. WWE pro wrestling legend Titus O'Neil, whose real name is Thaddeus Bullard, was stuffing back to school backpacks. He and dozens of volunteers befriended the dogs and Bullard called Silk of the Humane Society.

She found space for the two pit bulls. They were examined by Medical Services Manager Samantha Petito."

Related: Golden Retriever Puppies 'Practice Their WWE Moves' on Slide and It's Precious

Sherry Silk, executive director of HSTB, told Fox News that Bertha appears to have had puppies, which she believes may have been why she and Biggie were dumped. "My guess is she's had her puppies, and the puppies were sold and that's probably why they were dumped. We see it all the time, and it's awful," said Silk.

The dogs also may have been part of a dog fighting ring, because their ears were clipped. People do this so when the dogs fight their opponents can't grab onto their ears. It appears the ear cropping was a backyard job done inhumanely.

"They give them whiskey or other alcohol to try and dull the pain, but really it's awful, bloody, and it's cruelty to animals," said Sherry Silk.

These two adorable dogs will be available for adoption soon and if you'd like more information, you can contact the Humane Society Tampa Bay here.

How to Re-Home Your Pet with Care and Compassion

Before deciding to re-home your pet, carefully consider the reasons why. If you are re-homing due to sickness or a death in the family, these are valid, understandable, and heartbreaking circumstances. However, if you are considering re-homing due to a behavioral issue, seek help from a professional first. Most behavior problems in pets can be corrected, and your local animal shelter may even offer free assistance to address the issues that are making you consider surrendering your pet.

It goes without saying, you should never leave your pet anywhere. That includes leaving it in a box at your veterinarian's office or at your local shelter. Do not abandon your pet in the country, or in a supermarket parking lot, or at a park somewhere.

If you absolutely must find a new home for your pet, ask friends or family if they are interested in adopting your animal. You can try re-homing groups on social media but be sure you check references and consider asking for a small re-homing fee so you can make sure your pet is going to a good home.

Contact your local Humane Society or animal shelter and ask about their re-homing intake process. Due to shelter overcrowding there may be a waiting period. You should make a monetary donation to the organization that will try and find your pet a new home, but at the very least you should offer volunteer time in exchange for this service.

Whatever you do, don't just dump your animal somewhere.

Shelters are so overcrowded and understaffed and they do an amazing job of caring for and rehoming pets in our communities. We at least owe them the courtesy of arranging for them to care for the animals we decided we can no longer care for.


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Two years after cyber security vendor Armis opened an Asia Pacific (APAC) base in Melbourne, the vendor has changed up its operations as well as customised its channel program to meet the needs of local partners.

Back in April 2022, the US-based smart device security vendor opened its Melbourne office and was looking to build on its current customer and channel partner bases.

At the time, the Israeli-founded company hired nine technical and sales roles, with former Nutanix manager Andrew Draper as its APAC lead. It had around nine channel and integrator partners in Australia: Content Security, Baidam Solutions, Fujitsu, RIoT Solutions, Equate Technologies, IPsec, Murdoch Webster, Outcomex, and Sektor.

Since then, Evan Thomas, partner business manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) at Armis, told ARN that changes to the office took place around 18 months ago.

We no longer have that office and we work from home, or we use WeWorks, he said.

Former APAC lead Andrew Draper has also been replaced by Christina Kemper, VP of international sales, as its APAC leader. The local office now has approximately 10 employees.

Thomas said the channel has remained key to Armis throughout these changes.

Ive been with the company for three years in January and I was bought on to build out the channel, he said. At that point in time, we didnt have any particular go-to-market or any strategy around channel and channel adoption being a startup.

According to Thomas, his team was given its own ability to bring in the partners they wanted.

People have different ideas on what type of partners they want in what areas, he said. I purposefully selected partners in the partner community that I knew that Id had relationships with before that we could build a foundation for success upon and be part of their business and be fundamental to them moving forward.

So far, Armis has onboarded around 12 to 15 partners across Australia in New Zealand.

Weve never been out chasing hundreds and hundreds of partners, said Thomas. Thats not the way were going to build and scaling in our industry is probably easier with the right partners.

According to Thomas Armis understands that partners and distributors are multi-vendor and vendors are multi-partner.

The whole ecosystem works really well together and everybody understands the mechanisms on it  however, our models dont suit every partner and we are very amicable about that, he said.

Through its channel partners, it has made some wins in the education and healthcare markets. Most recently, the vendor signed a state department as a customer through a channel partner.

[We did] an Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Program assessment through that process, although it wasnt a prerequisite for that department, he added. The channel partner was with us through the majority of the process.

However, the initial process of the proof of value was done by Armis local team, but the channel partner was intricate in what it did and is currently assisting the vendor with the rollout.
Australian IT industry leader and AI strategist Mani Padisetti has launched a new business venture called Emerging Tech Armoury (ETA).

The company provides AI consulting, governance and training services to help Australian businesses navigate confusion and leverage sound, strategic and safe AI.

Padisetti has spent more than two decades as co-founder and COO of IT managed services business Digital Armour and saw an opportunity after witnessing how organisations struggled to adopt new technologies.

Technology is moving at a pace weve never experienced and this rate of change hinders an organisations decision-making, Padisetti said.

Emerging Tech Armourys services help them get ahead of the curve, harness AIs transformative power and realise its limitless use cases and benefits, from the boardroom to the call centre.

Its about cutting through the noise and being that trusted guide and a voice of reason so they can make confident strategic decisions based on facts.

Padisetti noted the particular challenge in AI, where the pace of change can confuse and overwhelm even the most tech-savvy leaders.

Recognising the need for clear, expert guidance in this chaotic landscape, we founded ETA to serve to guide and to provide clarity and strategic direction, helping businesses utilise the transformative power of AI without the common pitfalls of rapid technological adoption, he said.

Padisetti said his vision with ETA was to help equip, educate and encourage businesses to discover new possibilities through AI.

The initial focus will be on sectors that stand to gain significantly from AI integration, such as healthcare, finance, retail, engineering and government services.

These industries often deal with vast amounts of data and complex decision-making environments where AI can bring substantial improvements in efficiency, accuracy and innovation, he said.

The opportunity for ETA is immense and transformative. We live in an era where AI is not just a tool, but a revolution.

At ETA, we demystify AI, making it accessible and strategically impactful for our customers. Unlike broader IT services, we focus exclusively on maximising AIs strategic benefits, aligning every insight and tool with our customers core objectives to drive unprecedented success.

At launch, ETA will operate as a tight-knit team of five specialists with each member carefully selected for their expertise in AI, governance and strategic implementation.

As we grow and expand our market reach, we plan to scale our team to meet the increasing demand for specialised AI consulting and training services, he said.

Our consulting services help businesses articulate and execute clear AI strategies, while our governance expertise ensures that AI implementations are ethical and compliant with relevant regulations.

Our training programs are designed to elevate teams AI literacy, empowering them to manage and innovate with AI technologies effectively.

Padisetti noted one of the main challenges in the market is the gap between AIs potential and its practical, effective implementation.

Many businesses are caught up in the AI hype without a clear path to leveraging AI technologies in ways that truly benefit their operations, he added. ETA aims to bridge this gap by offering tailored AI strategies, robust governance frameworks and comprehensive training to ensure that AI solutions are both innovative and sustainable.
New Delhi: Former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh and agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Friday. The decision to award the Bharat Ratna to P.V. Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh and to the founder of Indias Green Revolution has taken the number of recipients of the nations highest civilian award to 53, five of them given in 2024, the maximum in a year so far. Till now, the maximum Bharat Ratnas were awarded in 1999 when four recipients were given the award.

The move to confer the Bharat Ratna to Narasimha Rao was seen as a subtle message to the Gandhis. Narasimha Rao was always viewed as the Achilles heels for the Congress led by the Gandhis. The relationship between Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Narasimha Rao during his tenure as Prime Minister had always been strained. The Congress not only shunned Rao when he demitted office in 1996, but after his death in 2004 his body was not even allowed inside the AICC headquarters at 24 Akbar Road.

It was also stated that over the years, the Congress high command only acknowledged Dr Manmohan Singhs role in the 1990s economic liberalisation even though he was the finance minister in the government led by Narasimha Rao. Not taking the bait, Mrs Sonia Gandhi on Friday welcomed the decision. Asked for her reaction to the highest civilian award being conferred on Narasimha Rao, she said: I welcome it. Why not?

The former Prime Minister had also come under fire after the demolition of the Babri Masjid during his tenure as PM. The other sore point was the JMM bribery scandal to secure his minority government in 1993. Some political observers said the decision to honour Narasimha Rao comes days after the inauguration of the Ram Mandir.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister tweeted: Narasimha Rao steered India through critical transformations and also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage, Mr Modi said. Rao's visionary leadership, Mr Modi said, was instrumental in making India economically advanced and laid a solid foundation for its prosperity and growth. He went on to state: Narasimha Rao Garus tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Mr Modi added: Rao's contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.

The PM said that the Bharat Ratna to Charan Singh was dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. It is our governments fortune that Singh is being honoured with the Bharat Ratna and it is dedicated to his incomparable contributions to the country. Charan Singh served as the fifth Prime Minister of India between July and August in 1979.

Minutes after the Prime Ministers post, the BJPs political rival, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader and grandson of Charan Singh Jayant Chaudhary posted on the social media: Dil Jeet Liya (Won my heart). Though the RLD still officially remains a part of the INDIA bloc, there are rumours of ongoing covert negotiations between the party and the BJP. The RLD, which has considerable support among Jats and farmers in western UP, could possibly switch sides to latch on to the saffron bandwagon. Speculation is rife that the RLD-BJP deal could be announced shortly. The RLD could be given Baghpat, Bijnor and five other Lok Sabha berths in UP. Other parts of the deal could include a Rajya Sabha membership for Mr Chaudharys wife and two berths in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, if the NDA returned to power. Only last month the RLD had confirmed its seat-sharing deal with the Samajwadi Party. The RLD was given seven Lok Sabha seats. Reacting to conferring the Bharat Ratna on Charan Singh, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav said he was very happy, and that the SP had also demanded the Bharat Ratna for Charan Singh. Asked about the rumours on a possible deal between the BJP and the RLD, Mr Yadav remarked he was getting to know everything through media reports.

On conferring the Bharat Ratna on M.S. Swaminathan, known as the father of the Green Revolution, the PM said: Swaminathan made monumental contributions to the country in agriculture and farmers welfare. Mr Modi went on to state that Dr Swaminathan played a pivotal role in helping India to achieve self-reliance in agriculture and made outstanding efforts in modernising it.
by Shafique Khokhar

After Jaranwala, the violence against Christians in Pakistan does not cease. The report Persecution Watch released by the NGO Dignity First lists the cases of 140 families affected in the first half of 2024. Attacks are not only physical, but also economic, while convictions and arrests for alleged blasphemy continue.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - Dignity First, a human rights organisation, urges the federal and provincial governments to ensure the protection of Christians in Pakistan. After last August's violence against the Christian community in Jaranwala, Punjab, the country has witnessed a further wave of violence and hatred against Christians in the first half of the year 2024.

Dignity First released the report Persecution Watch, based on research on the persecution of Christians in the first six months of this year, which highlights violent attacks, incidents of discrimination, killings, torture, abductions, sexual violence, land grabbing, evictions, forced conversions based on faith, and accusations of blasphemy against Christians.

In a statement to the press, Yousaf Benjamin, executive director of Dignity First, said that the actions advanced in the past six months (January to June 2024) are alarming and that, therefore, the authorities must take immediate practical measures to ensure protection and religious freedom for minority groups. Benjamin revealed that there have been more than 70 violent attacks in six months, affecting more than 140 Christian families on the basis of their religious identity. There have been five violent attacks in the Punjab province alone. Of these 5 attacks, 3 targeted Christian families and another 2 targeted churches.

The report also points out that 8 Christian health workers suffered discrimination in the workplace and lost their lives due to the lack of safety kits, 5 in Punjab and 3 in Sindh. A Christian couple engaged in a cleaning job was injured when a car hit them while they were cleaning a road in Lahore. Then, in Faisalabad and Sheikhupura, employees of sanitation departments were denied 3 months' salaries.

A discriminatory job advertisement was published in the newspapers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that only Christians can apply for cleaning jobs. In another incident, a Christian student had to leave a private university because he was mistreated and discriminated against because of his religious identity in Lahore.

Of the 15 men killed for their Christian faith, 13 were from Punjab and two from Quetta, Balochistan. Five of the deceased were under the age of 25. In addition, 12 were tortured in 6 districts of Punjab, 6 of them men and 6 women.

Three out of four cases of land grabbing and evictions were reported in Punjab and one in Sindh. These incidents resulted in the victimisation of over 70 Christian families. Of these four, two were against Christian families and in two other cases, Church property was targeted.

According to the report, seven people were abducted, including five girls, a pastor and a four-year-old boy. Three girls and a minor boy were sexually abused in Punjab and one girl in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was also found that 2 out of 3 sexually abused girls had mental problems.

Data collected by Dignity First reveals that 8 Christian girls between the ages of 11 and 16 were forcibly converted after being abducted and sexually abused. Of these 8 victims, 7 were from Punjab and 1 from Sindh. A 13-year-old Christian boy was forced to ingest a toxic substance after refusing to embrace Islam in Lahore.

Six Christians were arrested for alleged blasphemy, including two women in Punjab. According to reports, one woman was mentally unstable, while one Christian died after being tortured by an angry mob. Persecution Watch, a biannual fact-based report compiled by DIGNITY First, calls on the authorities to immediately prevent marginalised sections, eliminate extremism, promote religious tolerance and take immediate practical measures to ensure religious freedom and security.
24 July 2024 19:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin, AZERNEWS

The Armenian National Committee of America, which represents and promotes Armenians in the United States of America, has become almost the full owner of the US Congress. ANCA, which is under the special control of some Armenian tycoons and is financed in various ways and, most importantly, protects the Armenian lobby, is about to announce Bob (Robert) Menendez, who is accused of corruption, bribery, and a number of crimes before the US court, as the man of the year.

As mentioned in his biography, Robert Menendez is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from New Jersey, a seat he has held since 2006. Recently, he was accused of receiving bribes and expensive gifts together with his wife of Armenian descent, Nadine Menedez, and now, according to the court's decision, it is questionable whether he will resume his position as a senator.

But according to ANCA, this is not the case. Senator Menendez, because of his "meritorious" service to the Armenians, is now considered immune to any court decision, even the laws that are considered supreme for America.

The Armenian press notes in an article that "the Senator has had strong ties to the ANCA of New Jersey for decades and consistently receives an A+ rating from the ANCA Congressional Report Card." But we wonder what are these services that have been talked about for decades famous for?

Pro-Armenian Bob Menendez's career record is almost full of service to his beloved Armenian society and anti-Azerbaijani activities. Undoubtedly, the opposite side of his sympathy for Armenians is characterised by his bias towards Azerbaijan. Menendez is also a sponsor of media outlets focused on Islamophobia and strong criticism regarding Azerbaijan.

Yes, you heard that right, and we are sure you have come across many articles published about this before. For example, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (or Azadlig Radio in Azerbaijani) is rich with anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric, but it never publicised the conviction of the corrupt senator Menendez as widely as it did about Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Because the founder and source of funding are connected to the US Congress. He is in close contact with Congress. That is, it is one step away from those who gather in the Senate and Congress, make decisions, and collaborate with the Armenian lobby. If he is interested, he can write about this topic every day. Finds hidden information and makes it public. Thus, it can prevent Congress from making new wrong decisions. But he did not write. It is a miserable fact: if you pay attention to the website of RFE/RL or simply "Radio Liberty", it becomes clear that it has not published even a single article about the indictment of Robert Menendez.

Senator Bob Menendez's activities are not limited to this. He has access to many anti-Islamic, anti-Turkish, and anti-Azerbaijani organisations and cooperates with them very closely. For example, take USAID and its financial support programs, which are directly related to the initiatives of pro-Armenian politicians taking seats in the Senate. If not, then why would USAID's Samantha Power first visit Yerevan when the name of the South Caucasus stands on the USs agenda?

All this is not without reason. USAID's pro-Armenian leader Samantha Power and pro-Armenian representative of the Congress, Robert Menendez, show the same position towards Azerbaijan and Turkiye, and RFE/RL also speaks on the same line. The slogan of "Professionalism", "Objectivity", "Impartiality" is meant to hide.

In this case, do you think ANCA will allow a "selfless" and "loyal" pro-Armenian senator like Menendez to be punished under the US "laws"? The bribes and expensive gifts he received for his propaganda and activities against Azerbaijan are measured only at the level of ANCA chairman Raffi Hamparian's organization. For them, the millions poured into the pockets of people like Menendez is an inhumane strategy aimed at peaceful peoples under the guise of "human rights".

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 July 2024 16:53 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

On July 24, the head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the chairman of the COP29 Organizing Committee, Samir Nuriyev, met with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, Azernews reports.

Samir Nuriyev provided information about the preparation process for COP29 under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. He mentioned that Azerbaijan's initiatives were recently announced to the public and that the designated President of COP29 had sent a detailed letter to all parties of the Framework Convention outlining plans and expectations for this prestigious event.

The head of the Presidential Administration emphasized that the COP29 chairmanship had gathered the positions of all states and other interested parties, participated in important international meetings, and worked actively. He highlighted that Azerbaijan would spare no effort to achieve a consensus between developed and developing countries on the amount of new climate finance.

Samir Nuriyev also discussed the events to be held in Azerbaijan as part of the COP29 preparation process, the conditions to be created for the delegations and other participants attending the conference, support for the participation of civil society in COP29, and the communication work being carried out.

Simon Stiell expressed his satisfaction with Azerbaijan's efforts to successfully organize COP29 and its inclusion of support for small island nations on its agenda. He stated that the UN is ready to provide all kinds of assistance to Azerbaijan in organizing COP29.

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24 July 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

From August 1 to September 1, producers and sellers intending to sell food and agricultural products can enter the tedaruk.az website and place their offers for food products in accordance with the 2025 requirements of state purchasing organizations, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Agriculture's appeal to entrepreneurs.

"Producers and sellers will be able to familiarize themselves with the list of food products, types, prices, quantities, and purchasing conditions for the next year on the tedaruk.az website. Producers or sellers who do not submit their offers to the electronic portal by the specified date will not be allowed to participate in the procurement.

The tedaruk.az electronic portal is a platform that connects state institutions and organizations (administrations) that purchase food products with producers and sellers who want to sell these products, using state budget funds.

The electronic portal improves the centralized procurement of food products by state order, ensures the prompt resolution of supply and procurement processes, and positively impacts the promotion of the use of electronic services among citizens," the appeal stated.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 July 2024 11:21 (UTC+04:00)

At the end of this month, OSCE long-term observers will come to Azerbaijan regarding the extraordinary parliamentary elections to be held on September 1, Azernews reports.

Mazahir Panahov, the chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), said this in his statement to journalists.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan sent an invitation to 7 international organizations to monitor the elections. These are the OSCE CSTO, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), GUAM, the Youth Organization of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

The Milli Majlis sent invitations to 13 international organizations. Among them are  , CIS PA, TURKPA, Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (CSEC), GUAM PA, Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), Pan-African Parliament, Parliament of the Economic Cooperation Organization Assembly (OIC PA), Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (AIPA), Arab Parliament, International Parliamentary Congress (IPC), International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

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24 July 2024 12:01 (UTC+04:00)

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The Prosecutors General of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, Maksat Asanaliyev and Kamran Aliyev, have signed a cooperation agreement and a cooperation program for 2025-2026, Azernews reports.

The meeting took place within the framework of the 22nd meeting of the Prosecutors General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries and the 3rd meeting of the Council of Prosecutors General of the Organization of Turkic States.

The agreement and the cooperation program are aimed at strengthening mutual interaction in the field of legislation between the supervisory authorities of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. The documents provide for the exchange of experience and information, joint activities, including the implementation of projects aimed at increasing the efficiency of prosecutorial activities," noted the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Kyrgyzstan.

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24 July 2024 12:48 (UTC+04:00)

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A group of 20 students from SOCAR's Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) recently participated in a summer school program hosted by China Oil University, Azernews reports, citing BHOS.

All expenses for the students were covered by China Oil University.

As part of the program, the students had the opportunity to visit several historical sites in China, including the Great Wall of China, Prince Gong's Mansion, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

This exchange program is reciprocal, as last year 20 students from China had the opportunity to participate in BHOS's summer school program.

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24 July 2024 11:10 (UTC+04:00)

On July 24, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, made a phone call to Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports.

The head of state congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his birthday, wishing him good health and new successes in his presidential activities.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked the President of Azerbaijan for his attention and congratulations.

The Presidents noted the significance of the Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Shusha on July 5-6 and the contacts made during this event.

During the phone conversation, the heads of state praised the successful development of friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries across various areas and expressed confidence that these bilateral ties will continue to strengthen. They also exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation and future contacts.

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24 July 2024 13:19 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

An informative training session was organised for participants of the essay competition on "Climate Change and Human Rights," announced by the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Azernews reports.

The competition, held in a hackathon format, features nine teams consisting of 45 selected individuals from Baku State University, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and ADA University.

At the opening of the training session, Zaur Velimmammadli, head of the Department of Cooperation with International Organisations and Civil Society Institutions of the Ombudsman's Office, and Leyla Fathi, UNDP Program Advisor, gave speeches. During the speeches, it was emphasised that various events on this topic are being held considering Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 this year, and the need to further expand awareness-raising activities related to environmental rights was highlighted.

Additionally, Rashad Novruzov, Advisor to the Commissioner, and Tural Ahmad, UNDP Representative, addressed the topic and answered participants' questions during the training.

Subsequently, detailed presentations on the impacts of climate change on human rights and academic writing guidelines were delivered by Shahla Aslanova, Senior Advisor of the Department of Cooperation with International Organisations and Civil Society Institutions of the Ombudsman's Office, and UN Volunteer Hyebin Kwon.

In conclusion, the participants' questions regarding the competition were answered.

It should be noted that the winning team of the competition is expected to present at the "Climate Change and Human Rights" Baku International Forum, to be held on October 2.

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24 July 2024 15:40 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Samir Poladov, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency, met with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation, Azernews reports, citing the release by the agency.

The primary purpose of the meeting, which also included Yan Mansfield, UNDP's advisor on the establishment of the International Centre of Excellence for Mine Action and Risk Education in Azerbaijan, was to discuss the creation of the Centre, increasing resources, and enhancing the exchange of knowledge and skills in this area.

The meeting also included discussions on the mine problem in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, opportunities for increased cooperation in addressing this issue, and other matters of mutual interest.

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24 July 2024 16:48 (UTC+04:00)

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A delegation led by Yelena Kostin, head of the main financial department of the National Social Insurance Fund of the Republic of Moldova, visited the DOST Agency, Azernews reports.

First, the guests were introduced to the services provided to the public at the Baku DOST Center No. 1. They were explained the activities and operating principles of the DOST centers.

Subsequently, a meeting was held with the delegation. Farid Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the DOST Agency, informed the delegation about the DOST concept. He noted that the DOST Agency and seven DOST centers have already been established by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated August 9, 2018. The advantages of the DOST concept, initiated by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, and the innovative changes it has brought to the field of state social services were discussed.

It was noted that 159 types of services related to labor and employment, social security, targeted state social assistance, disability and rehabilitation, pensions, social insurance, etc., are provided at DOST centers. These services are presented based on the principle of "one window" in an operational, transparent, and courteous manner for the convenience of citizens.

During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation relations and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

It was noted that the model (concept) of Azerbaijan's DOST centers will be applied in the Republic of Moldova. Until now, various events and visits have been organized within the framework of experience exchange between the DOST Agency and the National Social Insurance Fund of Moldova, and meetings of working groups have been held.

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24 July 2024 20:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Turkish machinery exports in January-June 2024 amounted to $13.5 billion. This was announced by the Association of Exporters of Machinery and Equipment (MAIB), Azernews reports.

Due to stagnation in the European manufacturing industry and declining demand from investors, Turkish exports to key countries such as Germany, Italy, Great Britain, France and Spain decreased by 6.6-17.9 percent.

Despite a decrease in supplies to the European Union by 4 percent and to other European countries by 17 percent due to anti-Russian sanctions, this was offset by a 24 percent increase in exports to North America, an 11 percent increase in Latin America and a 14 percent increase in Asia.

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24 July 2024 21:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The American company Lockheed Martin is working on a laser weapon that will repel attacks from the air, Azernews reports.

According to him, in the future, the company will develop a weapon that will allow projecting a laser beam over a distance of more than 100 kilometers to repel attacks from the air. Noting that the demand for laser weapons is growing, Michael Williamson stressed that expensive air defense systems are not effective for destroying drones.

It should be noted that on July 22, the British Ministry of Defense conducted the first tests of a laser weapon developed on the basis of the Wolfhound armored combat vehicle. During the tests conducted at the Porton Down training ground, the laser weapon was able to neutralize targets at a distance of up to one kilometer. It is planned that these weapons will be used primarily against drones.

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The University of Mobile (Ala.) celebrated its first graduates of its doctor of nurse anesthesia practice program, according to a July 22 report in The Baptist Paper.

The graduation ceremony was held on the UMs campus on July 13. Todd Hicks, executive dean of the College of Health Professions and professor of nurse anesthesiology congratulated the 12-person class as the founding dean of UMs DNAP program.

Notably, all 12 members of the inaugural class received job offers in the anesthesia field before graduation.
The ASC industry is growing rapidly.

Here are the 10 most expensive ASC development as of July 23:

1. The projected $600 million, 60,000-square-foot Grand Cypress Medical Pavilions in Cypress, Texas, breaks ground. The ground-breaking ceremony was held April 29. The project is backed by investment group North Cypress Land Ventures and is expected to open in June 2025.

The multi-phase project will include a 12,000-square-foot endoscopy center, a wellness center and potentially a womens and cancer center. The space has been pre-leased almost entirely, with tenants including Keller Surgical Specialists, GastroDoxs and USPI/Memorial Hermann Hospital Systems

2. Sutter Healths $442 million ASC and medical office building nears completion. The Sacramento-Calif.-based Sutter Health is in the final stages of their planned five-story, 129,00-square-foot medical building and ASC. Sutter will break ground on the project next summer. The facility will house an ASC and a brain health center, set to open to patients in 2028, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

3. Indianapolis-based Community Health Network plans to build a $335 million healthcare campus, ASC and office building. The facility is expected to be 425,000 square feet and will offer an emergency department, six-story patient tower, womens health, integrative medicine, orthopedics, primary care, behavioral health and specialty services. The ASC is expected to be complete by mid-2026.

4. Arkansas Childrens $235 million expansion project receives an additional donation. The Little Rock system is expanding to include an ASC, increase hospital capacity and redesign clinical spaces. They also received an additional $1 million donation from the East North Street Foundation to support the project.

5. UC San Diego is planning an outpatient center with a price tag between $175 million and $225 million. The 150,000-square-foot facility will include an ASC, imaging and cancer treatment. It will also house outpatient clinics for pulmonary, sleep medicine, rheumatology and surgical oncology. The center is slated to open in fall 2026.

6. Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center started construction on a $183 million outpatient center. The center, located in Powell, Ohio, will be 207,000 square feet and include urgent care, imaging, physical therapy and endoscopies. It is set to open in August 2026.

7. Orlando Health (Fla.) is building a $160 million pediatric specialty center. The center will span 189,000 square feet and feature over 30 pediatric specialties.

8. The University of Vermont is seeking approval for a $129 million outpatient surgery center in South Burlington, Vt. The proposed 84,000-square-foot facility would be an extension of the universitys existing medical center, helping with a backlog of surgical procedures.

9. The University of Kansas system plans to open a $90 million clinic and ACS in Olathe , Kan. The facility will house 10 operating rooms and services including lab, radiology, rehabilitation, urology, plastic surgery and orthopedics. The onsite clinic with imaging, rehab services and four operating rooms will be open in early 2025. The projects price tag increased from its initial $60 million price tag after the university decided to expand the space from 60,000 to 68,500 square feet.

10. Snoqualmie (Wash.) Valley Health is moving forward with plans to build a $71 million ASC and medical office building. The facility will span 90,000 square feet next to the systems existing hospital. It will include an immediate care clinic and a birthing center.
A physician and her husband were charged with fraud and tax evasion related to a scheme that defrauded healthcare benefits programs of more than $10 million.

Claribel Tan, MD, a rheumatologist, and her husband Daniel Tan allegedly submitted false claims that misrepresented services provided to patients at their medical clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, and deceived patients regarding the necessity and type of treatments received, according to a July 23 release from the Justice Department. The indictment further alleges that, Dr. Tan and Mr. Tan fraudulently received more than $10 million from healthcare benefit programs and that the couple evaded income taxes by providing false information on their tax returns for 2014, 2015 and 2017. Further, the indictment alleges that Mr. Tan evaded taxes in 2017, and that the couple did not file tax returns from 2018 to 2021.

Dr. Tan and Mr. Tan were each charged with one count of healthcare fraud and four counts of wilful failure to file a tax return, according to the release. Dr. Tan was also charged with three counts of attempting to evade and defeat tax, and Mr. Tan was charged with four counts. The Justice Department already seized about $8.5 million of the fraudulently obtained funds from the defendants' accounts in a separate civil case.
Adrian Talbot, MD, a physician in Slidell, La., was convicted of conspiring to distribute more than 1.8 million Schedule II controlled substances and defrauding healthcare programs of more than $5.4 million.

Dr. Talbot owned and operated Medex Clinical Consultants, a medical clinic that accepted cash payments from individuals seeking prescriptions for Schedule II substances, according to a July 23 news release from the Justice Department.

In 2015, Dr. Talbot began a full-time position in Pineville, La., but continued to pre-sign prescriptions for individuals he did not see or examine. He hired another practitioner in 2016, who continued to pre-sign prescriptions at Dr. Talbot's direction.

In addition, Dr. Talbot falsified patient records to cover up the scheme, according to the release. He also had knowledge of patients filling their prescriptions using insurance benefits, leading to programs including Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to be fraudulently billed.

Dr. Talbot was convicted by a federal jury July 22 on one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances, four counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises and one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

Dr. Talbot is facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the other counts. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23, the release said.
Amazon continues to seek staffers for its healthcare businesses. Here are six health tech jobs the company is hiring for this month.

Solutions Architect, Nonprofit Healthcare: Will preferably have design, implementation, or consulting experience with Epic EHR.

Solutions Architect, Healthcare Startups: Will preferably have hands-on experience working with industry-specific requirements and technologies such as EHRs, medical imaging and medical devices. Salary range: $118,200 to $204,300.

Business Analyst, Healthcare Revenue Cycle Automation and Analytics, Healthcare Finance Operations: Will preferably have three-plus years of healthcare experience, with a strong preference for revenue cycle experience.

Strategic Account Executive, Florida, Nonprofit Healthcare: Will be adept at successfully building relationships with C-level executives, such as the CEO, CFO, chief clinical officer and chief strategy officer.

Specialist Solutions Architect, Microsoft, Healthcare and Life Sciences: Will preferably have a high degree of comfort speaking with executives, IT management, and developers.

Security Engineer II, Healthcare Security: Will help ensure data, devices, third-party services, and systems are secure, resilient, and compliant. Salary range: $136,000 to $212,800.
The American Hospital Association has recognized Boston Medical Center as the 2024 recipient of its Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service.

The award is given annually to a health system that demonstrates "exceptional commitment to community health" and develops innovative community partnerships to improve healthcare equity and access, AHA said in a July 18 news release.

As part of the award, Boston Medical Center will receive $100,000 to support its community health programs. Notable examples include a social determinants of health screening program for primary care patients launched in 2017 and a systemwide health equity accelerator program launched in 2020 to address the root causes of health inequities.

Englewood (N.J.) Health and New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian were also named as prize finalists and will each receive $10,000.



Learn more here.
Gary Paxson is resigning as president and CEO of Batesville, Ark.-based White River Health to pursue another career opportunity.

Mr. Paxson has served as CEO since 2018 and will leave the health system after a transition of responsibilities in August. He joined White River Health in 2012 as chief information officer and held several executive roles before being selected as CEO in 2018.

Chris Steel, MD, director of anesthesia services for the system, will serve as interim CEO while the board begins a search for a permanent leader. Dr. Steel has served as anesthesia director since joining the system in 2011, but has also served as chief of staff and chief medical officer.

"The decision to accept a new position was not an easy one," Mr. Paxson said in a July 24 news release. "WRH is a wonderful organization which I have had the privilege to serve for 12 years. I am confident that the dedicated board, leaders and staff will continue to work diligently to serve local communities for years to come."

White River Health is an independent, nonprofit system with two hospitals, outpatient facilities, primary care and specialty physician practices serving North Central Arkansas.
Concord (N.H.) Hospital has promoted four physicians to strategic roles within its medical group, the nonprofit system said July 23.

Concord Hospital Medical Group comprises more than 345 specialty and primary care providers, covering 28 subspecialties across 35 locations.

The four appointments:

1. Christopher Fore, MD, was named chief quality officer. Dr. Fore first joined the system in 2001 and has overseen systemwide operations within the medical group.

2. Nicholas Larochelle, MD, who joined the system in 2015, was promoted to associate chief clinical officer of the medical group's acute inpatient medical value stream.

3. Robert Thomson, MD, was named associate chief clinical officer of medical subspecialty services for the medical group. He first joined the system in 2000.

4. Christina Loporcaro, MD, was appointed emergency department medical director for the medical group. She first joined Concord Hospital in 2019 and previously served as associate medical director of emergency medicine.
Michael Roussos is stepping down as president of the 820-bed VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Va., to join the executive team at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.

Mr. Roussos' departure will be effective on August 14 after nearly three years with VCU Medical Center. At Memorial Hermann, Mr. Roussos will serve as senior vice president, president of academic hospitals, and CEO of the system's flagship Memorial Hermann  Texas Medical Center Campus.

This move marks Mr. Roussos' return to Texas, where he previously served as the lead administrator for University Hospital in San Antonio and as CEO of Mainland Medical Center in Texas City.

"As he returns home to Texas, Mike unquestionably leaves our health system in a stronger place as a direct result of his stewardship and collaborative leadership style," Marlon Levy, MD, interim CEO of VCU Health and interim vice president of VCU Health Sciences, said in the system's news release, which did not specify a succession plan for Mr. Roussos.
A former sterile processing manager at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City (Mo.) has filed state and federal complaints alleging sterile processing practices at the hospital are out of compliance with regulations, ABC affiliate KMBC reported July 23.

On July 21, Elizabeth Bell filed separate complaints with the state's health department, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and The Joint Commission, claiming the hospital failed to remove broken or rusted surgical instruments for use and a "well-known" pest problem in operating room areas.

In the complaints, Ms. Bell alleges she was fired after reporting her concerns, according to the news outlet. She shared photos and video with KMBC that reportedly show bugs in and round ORs and sterile facilities at the hospital.

Michael Main, MD, CEO of Saint Luke's Physicians Group denied the claims in a July 23 interview with KMBC.

"I've been here for 25 years as a practicing physician, never seen anything of this sort, so do I doubt it? Of course I doubt it," Dr. Main told the news outlet after giving local journalists a tour of the hospital's sterile processing facilities.

"Since these claims originally surfaced, we have vigorously defended our sterile processing standards," Saint Luke's Health System Kansas City said in a statement to Becker's. "While we will not comment on pending litigation, Saint Lukes sterile processing team adheres to and follows the standards set by the nations most reputable governing organizations including the Association of Operating Room Nurses and the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, the Association of Operating Room Nurses, The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service, and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation."
From the conviction of a home health company owner in a $100 million scheme, to the sentencing of a former Georgia insurance commissioner on a conspiracy charge, here are 10 healthcare billing fraud cases Becker's has reported since July 11:

1. The part owner and operator of a home health company was convicted for her role in a $100 million Medicaid fraud scheme.

2. A physician and her husband were charged with fraud and tax evasion related to a scheme that defrauded healthcare benefits programs of more than $10 million.

3. An Ohio physician was sentenced to 26 months in prison for her role in a scheme that billed Medicare more than $8 million for orthotic devices that were not medically necessary.

4. A Whitefish, Mont. physician pleaded guilty to fraudulently billing Medicare and other healthcare programs in a $39 million telemedicine fraud scheme.

5. Guardant Health, a precision oncology company, agreed to pay more than $900,000 to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare and Tricare.

6. A medical marketer was sentenced to two years and five months in prison and ordered to pay more than $59 million in restitution for his role in a scheme that defrauded Tricare and other federal healthcare programs.

7. A former Georgia insurance commissioner was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

8. Three laboratories agreed to pay $2.45 million to resolve allegations they submitted claims containing manipulated diagnosis codes to Medicare and Medicaid.

9. A California-based laboratory agreed to pay $1 million to resolve allegations that it double-billed Medicare for urine drug testing.

10. Strauss Ventures, doing business as Grand Healthcare System, and 12 skilled nursing facilities will pay $21.3 million to settle allegations they billed federal healthcare programs for services that were unreasonable, unnecessary, unskilled or that did not occur as billed.
A Louisiana nursing home owner who sent more than 800 residents to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida in 2021 will only serve three years of probation, The New York Times reported July 22.

In August 2021, during Hurricane Ida, Bob Dean ordered more than 800 nursing home residents to be evacuated into a warehouse designed to hold 200 to 400 people. Four residents died and 15 required hospitalization. The state launched an investigation in September 2021 and revoked Mr. Dean's seven nursing home licenses and terminated Medicaid agreements.

Mr. Dean, 70, pleaded no contest to 15 criminal charges, including cruelty to persons with infirmity, Medicaid fraud and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but the sentence was deferred, and Mr. Dean was placed on probation for three years. If he successfully completes probation, he will serve no time behind bars.

In November 2022, Mr. Dean settled a class-action lawsuit over the case for $12.5 million. In January 2023, he was sued by the U.S. government for allegedly misallocating $4 million in Federal Housing Administration funds. The suit alleges that between 2016 and 2021, Mr. Dean required four nursing homes he operated to pay "rent" on an industrial warehouse, according to a Jan. 12 Justice Department news release. The rent, totaling more than $1 million, was paid to one of his corporate entities. He allegedly funneled much of that money into his personal bank accounts.
About 28% of knee and hip replacements are performed on people younger than 55 and the trend is expected to grow, U.S. News & World Report reported July 24.

By 2030, people younger than 65 are expected to account for 52% of hip replacements and 62% for total knee replacements, according to research presented at the American Academy of Orthopedics annual meeting in 2023. Researchers utilized data from 5,153 patients in the American Joint Replacement Registry that had atotal hip arthroplasty performed between 2012 and 2020.

Many of those younger adults are former athletes.

"Hip and knee replacements are no longer for grandmas and grandpas," Richard Berger, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Chicago-based Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, said in a July 24 news release. "Twenty years ago, we used to tell younger patients to come back in 10 years. Today, the average age of my patients is 57. This age group is typically less apprehensive about getting surgeries because they don't want to hobble around or live their life taking anti-inflammatories or pain pills."

Joint replacements are an outpatient procedure for many younger adults with faster and more effective recovery times, according to experts. The new joints are also built better and last longer, Dr. Berger said. Only 1% of people younger than 55 who had a hip replacement needed surgery to fix the new artificial joint.

About 790,000 total knee replacements and 544,000 hip replacements are performed each year in the U.S., according to an American College of Rheumatology report.
Medical technology company Smith+Nephew has launched a women-led global advisory board that is intended to amplify diversity by building equity, breaking biases and inspiring inclusion.

Only about 15% of all orthopedic residents were women and just 7.4% were practicing orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. in 2022, according to a July 9 news release from the company.

Smith+Nephew is aiming to address factors that may lead to gender inequity in the orthopedic workforce, including greater vulnerability to work-family conflict for women, less supportive references than their male counterparts and less national research funding compared to men.

The Smith+Nephew Orthopaedics for All global advisory board is made up of approximately 20 leading female key opinion leaders and surgeons specializing in adult hip and knee orthopedic reconstruction.

Board members must have a minimum of two years post-fellowship experience in reconstructive surgery, a mix of academic and private practice experience and an interest in gender diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Twice daily flights to Amsterdam from Belfast City Airport are to be available year-round from this winter, the airport has confirmed.

It comes after KLM Royal Dutch Airlines confirmed they are to expand their services between the east Belfast airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Katy Best, chief commercial officer at Belfast City Airport, said: The introduction of an additional daily flight to Amsterdam is testament to the strong partnership between KLM and Belfast City Airport.

Our airport is renowned for its unrivalled punctuality and fly through passenger experience, and this exciting development forms part of Belfast City Airports ongoing commitment to providing travellers with convenient access to an array of top destinations across the UK and beyond from the heart of Belfast.

This new twice daily schedule will further strengthen our route network, providing business and leisure passengers with greater flexibility and choice and connecting them to the world via Amsterdam.

Jerome Salemi, general manager of Air France-KLM (UK and Ireland) added: We are delighted with the announcement of the additional daily flight that brings the world closer to Northern Ireland, by offering a wider selection of connections via Amsterdam including Istanbul, Budapest, Rio de Janeiro, and major cities in the US.

"The early flight will also allow for day return trips between both cities.

The additional service means those travelling to Northern Ireland from Amsterdam can avail of up to 14 direct flights with KLM per week.

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, added: We warmly welcome todays announcement by KLM that it will expand its Amsterdam to Belfast City Airport service to twice daily from October.

"As an island destination, we know theres a proven direct correlation between access and growth in visitor numbers, so these additional flights will certainly help boost tourism business from the Netherlands to Northern Ireland.

We know tourists are inspired to visit Northern Ireland because of our spectacular scenery, rich heritage and warm hospitality and this expanded service will provide visitors from the Netherlands, as well as tourists using Amsterdam as a connecting airport, with greater choice when planning their next holiday.

"Tourism Ireland is actively working with KLM and Belfast City Airport to drive demand for this service. We value collaboration with our key air and sea partners to bring overseas visitors to Northern Ireland.

The new KLM flights will begin from 28th October 2024, with tickets currently available to book online via klm.co.uk.
Supermarket Lidl has today announced a change in leadership on the island of Ireland as its CEO takes off to lead the business in France.

JP Scally, outgoing CEO for Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, takes over as chief executive of Lidl France on August 1.

Mr Scally had been operations director for Lidl France for three years before returning home to Ireland for the post of CEO in 2015.

In France, he will be responsible for more than 1,600 stores and 46,000 employees.

He will be succeeded in Ireland and Northern Ireland by Robert Ryan from October 1.

Mr Ryan joined Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland in 2003 and is currently chief customer officer and board member, after joining the board of directors in 2018.

Mr Scally said: As I reflect on my nine years as CEO at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, I am extremely proud of the business development in that time - more than doubling our market share in both Ireland and Northern Ireland and bringing our value offering to dozens of new communities.

"Being recently voted Irelands most reputable retailer and Northern Irelands most sustainable retailer is a testament to the hard work of our team in recent years in delivering for our customers and the communities we serve.

"I am proud to leave behind an exceptional team of 7,000 talented colleagues across our operations. I feel very lucky to have led the business in my home country for so long and I am delighted to pass over the reins to incoming CEO Robert Ryan.

"I wish him every success in his new role.
Waste and recycling workers across the majority of councils in Scotland have threatened a stinking summer unless their pay claim is met (PA)

Unions have warned ministers to act on a window of opportunity to end looming bin strikes after council leaders voted to ask the Scottish Government for additional money.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Micky Murray joins members of Belfast City Councils Proud staff network to help with their final preparations for Saturdays Pride parade

Belfasts first openly gay Lord Mayor will be talking about his experience as First Citizen as part of the citys Pride celebrations.

Councillor Micky Murray is also highlighting Belfast Prides vital economic role as he attends a second week of events as part of the citys biggest cross-community festival.

Mr Murray joined members of Belfast City Councils Proud staff network yesterday morning to help with their final preparations for Saturdays Pride parade, which is expected to attract thousands of spectators.

He helped employees put the finishing touches to a nature-themed display celebrating the citys parks and open spaces and the contribution they make towards physical and mental health, tying in with this years Love Your Mind festival theme.

Its great to join our staff and look ahead to what promises to be a great weekend in Belfast city centre, said Mr Murray.

Belfast Pride is our biggest, brightest and most inclusive festival and it plays a pivotal role in showcasing Belfast and attracting visitors into the city during the summer season.

The programme supports our local economy through hotel bed nights and increased dwell time in the city centre, as well as directly supporting our bars, restaurants and accommodation and transport providers.

Every year, the event gets bigger and better, and this year the council is pleased to have supported the festival as part of our Belfast 2024 city-wide creative and cultural celebration, enabling local creatives from the LGBTQIA+ community to get involved in events and workshops.

As well as leading Saturdays Pride parade, the Lord Mayor is attending a range of other festival events this week.

There will be a drop-in event on Thursday, July 25, at 2 Royal Avenue, from 12.30pm, where members of the public can borrow the Lord Mayor for a brief chat about his experience as the citys first openly gay First Citizen.

Mr Murray said: This will be my 18th Belfast Pride, but this one will feel extra special as Lord Mayor.

Im looking forward to meeting with various groups at events this week, as well as at Saturdays parade, to acknowledge how far Belfast has come and to highlight the continued need to make sure everyone in our city feels welcome, respected and safe.

News Catch Up: Wednesday 24 July
An application to vary bail to allow a 54-year-old man accused of being a senior member of the New IRA to travel to Donegal for a weeks holiday was refused today.
Well never get over the loss say parents as NI pensioner (93) sentenced over death of young girl in caravan park accident

Former school principal banned from driving for life after admitting charge

John and Anne Marie Dunleavy pictured outside Sligo Courthouse holding a picture of their daughter, Alice.

Gerry McLaughlin Sligo Champion Wed 24 Jul 2024 at 13:31

A 93-year-old retired school principal from Co Tyrone has been fined and banned from driving for life after being sentenced over the death of a young girl in a Sligo caravan park accident.
A Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter fires a lightweight multirole missile from the Martlet missile system during the Carrier Strike Group deployment of 2021 (MoD/PA)

A Belfast weapons factory has won a 176 million contract to produce lightweight missiles for the British Army.

A significant number of lightweight multirole missiles (LMM) have been ordered by the Government from Thales UK at its Belfast base for supply to the armed forces.

The order will equip current and future short-range air defence capabilities for the Army, such as Stormer combat vehicles, and be fired by the Royal Navys Martlet maritime anti-surface missile system deployed from Wildcat helicopters.

Weighing only 13kg each, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said LMMs provide a solution against threats such as drones, helicopters, other aircraft and small, fast maritime targets.

Supporting 135 jobs at Thales site in Belfast, the contract placed by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)  the MoDs procurement arm  will also support economic growth through small and medium enterprises and the local supply chain.

Hundreds of LMMs have also been given to Ukraine, as they have fought to repel the Russian invasion which started in February 2022.

DE&S CEO Andy Start and Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, at the DE&S stand at Farnborough (MOD/PA)

Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, said: In a more dangerous world, we must continue to provide weapons to Ukraine but also replenish our own stocks.

Our new order of lightweight multirole missiles from Thales UK will support this, providing our armed forces with versatile missiles that can be used against threats such as drones, helicopters and small maritime targets.

This contract is also a great example of how defence investment can support economic growth and sustain jobs in the UK for years to come.

LMM were first fired from a Wildcat in the Bay of Bengal during the Royal Navys Carrier Strike Group deployment of 2021, marking initial operating capability for the Martlet system.

Martlet has since supported operations including Operation Prosperity Guardian, helping to protect commercial ships from attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Andy Start, DE&S chief executive, said: As we have seen during UK military operations and when used by our Ukrainian allies, LMM is a versatile and valuable missile in a variety of battlespaces.

Now more than ever we need to ensure UK armed forces and our allies are fully equipped to defeat the evolving global threats we face.

This order with Thales UK is a key element of that collective effort.

The order follows a 69 million contract placed by DE&S earlier this year, also with Thales UK, to secure the supply chain for key components used in the manufacture of the missiles.

Production at the Thales Belfast site has doubled since the conflict in Ukraine as the global demand for air defence capabilities has increased.

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Alex Cresswell, chief executive of Thales UK, said: Todays contract announcement reflects the enduring partnership between the UK MoD and Thales for the provision of lightweight weapons.

I look forward to continuing to work closely together with the MoD to deliver the capabilities our armed forces need, and to make industry more resilient to deal with increasing demand.

Thales in Northern Ireland designs and produces air defence capabilities, directly employing more than 800 people and contributing 81m to Northern Irelands GDP.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn said: I am delighted to hear this new contract sustains 135 jobs at Thales in Northern Ireland, as well as supporting small and medium enterprises and the local supply chain.

Northern Ireland is home to brilliant businesses such as Thales and its great to see them thriving.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink and drugs and later crashing his car in east Belfast, police said.

Sharing an image of the vehicle which struck a crash barrier close to the Knock Junction, police said they had initially responded to reports of a vehicle being driven erratically in the Belmont Road area of the city.

A PSNI spokesperson added: A silver Mercedes was spotted at the Belmont Road Roundabout and the driver failed to stop for police. A short pursuit followed along Hawthornden Way before the vehicle struck the crash barrier at the pedestrian crossing at the Knock Junction.

"The male driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

It is never ok to get behind the wheel of a car when you are under the influence of drink or illicit drugs. In this instance, it was lucky that no persons were injured and no other vehicles were involved.

News Catch Up: Wednesday 24 July
My best mate Kev was an absolute gentleman: Tributes paid to Belfast murder victim as pair questioned by police

Body of man (34) reported missing weeks ago was found in south Belfast flat

Police at the scene and (inset) 34-year-old Kevin Davidson (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Kurtis Reid Wed 24 Jul 2024 at 07:34

The best friend of a man murdered in south Belfast has said he was an absolute gentleman who was a friend to all.
Police and forensic officers attend a scene on James Street South in Belfast city centre. Picture by Matt Mackey/PressEye

Police are currently at the scene of a sudden death in Belfast city centre.

Paramedics and forensic teams have been pictured at the scene close to the Grand Central Hotel on James Street South.

Its understood the street will be closed for some time as police deal with the incident.

A police spokesperson said: Police are currently at the scene following a sudden death in the James Street South area of Belfast City Centre.

Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. There are no further details at present.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 11:29am on Wednesday 24 July following reports of an incident on James Street South Area, Belfast.

NIAS despatched two emergency ambulances to the incident.

No one was taken from scene.

News Catch Up: Wednesday 24 July
Mr Davidsons body was discovered in south Belfast on Saturday

Police at the scene and inset - 34-year-old Kevin Davidson (Photo Kevin Scott)

Police investigating the death of Belfast man Kevin Davidson have charged two people with murder.

The 34-year-olds body was discovered on Saturday following a search at a house on Donegall Avenue in south Belfast.

On Monday morning, police were granted a 36-hour extension to question a 32-year-old man and 35-year-old woman who were arrested on suspicion of Mr Davidsons murder.

Detectives from the PSNIs Major Investigation Team have now charged the pair with murder.

They are due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court tomorrow.

In line with normal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Mr Davidson was reported missing earlier this month, with police issuing an appeal for the public to check garages and sheds as they searched for him.

Sean Gibbons, a friend of Mr Davidson, paid tribute to him on Tuesday following news of his death.

Kev is my best mate. I used to be with him every single day. Im in and out of his mummys house every day, he said.

Its shocking. Kevin wasnt the type of person who would find himself in this type of situation. This whole thing has been mental.

He was a gentleman, full of life and bubbly. He was so loud.

Mr Davidson (left) with friend Sean Gibbons

Kev was a big, big Celtic supporter and was looking at getting to a few games soon. He was back and forth all the time.

While he was from north Belfast, Mr Davidson had been living at an address in the Falls Road area in the west of city until a number of weeks ago. He then moved to south Belfast, taking up residence at a friends home.

Mr Davidsons funeral will be held next week.

Sinn Fein councillor Conor McKay said that the entire local community was in shock over the news.

He added: I am very sorry to hear about [this], and I am very sorry for his friends and family.

DUP South Belfast MLA Edwin Poots encouraged anyone with information to pass it on to the police.
Criminal barristers across the country have withdrawn their services in the final three days of action to call for their pay to be restored to pre-financial crash levels (Julien Behal Photography/PA)

Criminal barristers across the country have withdrawn their services in the final three days of action to call for their pay to be restored to pre-financial crash levels.

A senior counsel has said further action is inevitable if their pay is not fully restored in the next Budget.

Barristers first withdrew their services last October, which led to a restoration of 10% of their fees in Budget 2024.

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They also withdrew their services earlier this month, arguing that their pay has not been fully restored following cuts made during the crash.

Protests were held at various courthouses around the country on Wednesday, including the Four Courts in Dublin.

The Bar of Ireland said it has written to the Taoiseach, Justice Minister and Department officials, and held three meetings in recent weeks about pay restoration.

Despite political support for the criminal barristers calls, there has been no indication that the measure will be introduced in the Budget on October 1.

Criminal barristers take part in a demonstration outside the Four Courts in Dublin as they withdraw services amid an ongoing dispute over fees (Julien Behal Photography/PA)

Sean Guerin SC, chairman of the Criminal State Bar Committee and incoming chairman of the Council of the Bar of Ireland, said barristers are incredibly frustrated that their pay has not yet been fully restored.

We know that were losing members and have been for some time now, he said.

An estimated two-thirds of barristers will leave criminal practice within six years, moving either to other professions or other legal disciplines.

Mr Guerin said barristers have taken on additional training, implemented special measures for how vulnerable witnesses including children are treated in court, and engaged in preliminary trial hearings in order to save court time for witnesses.

That co-operation with implementing reforms was a condition for pay restoration, Mr Guerin said, adding that there has never been a suggestion that they have not been met.

There is an incredible sense of frustration that, while really important changes are being implemented in the courts system because of barristers co-operation, our pay has still not been restored.

He said that, although there is political support for pay restoration, we need political action to back the political support that is there.

The minister (for Justice Helen McEntee) said there is no good reason for pay restoration not to take place.

Mr Guerin added that, although the Bar of Ireland has not decided on further action, it reflects the frustration of our members that if their pay is not restored this October further action will undoubtedly take place.

Protests were held at various courthouses around the country on Wednesday, including the Four Courts in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

We take the view that there is no reason why the Government cant address this issue now, he said.

The minister did indicate when the 10% partial restoration last October was implemented that a process of engagement with the professions will take place.

We wrote to the minister with a proposal for a process and independent chair to address issues, and there was no engagement by the Department of Justice until late June of this year.

We have had a series of meetings in the last few weeks and we will continue to engage with the Department.
The chief suspect for shooting Lawlor is an enforcer from Sligo who is a key member of Barry Youngs gang.

A number of properties linked to two different crime gangs have been targeted by gardai in early morning raids as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Robbie Lawlor.

Gardai are assisting the PSNI as they probe the murder of the gangland serial killer, who was shot dead in Belfast over four years ago.

Twelve properties in total were targeted as part of yesterdays cross-border operation, with a number of the properties linked to the Mr Big organised crime gang. Occupants of two of the houses searched are linked to jailed Sligo crime boss Barry Young (39).

The two organised crime gangs are suspected of working together with other gangs to organise the murder of north Dublin hitman Lawlor in Belfast in April, 2020.

At least six of the raids happened in counties Meath, Louth and Dublin, while two were conducted in Co Sligo.

The Irish Independent has revealed that over 20,000 in cash was seized from relatives of Mr Big in one of the searches in north Dublin.

Items of furniture were seized in a separate raid on a close female associate of Mr Big in another residential search in north Co Dublin.

The home of a close female associate of a high-ranking member in Mr Bigs crime gang was also raided. That man is currently before the courts on money-laundering charges.

Another property targeted by detectives is close to where violent disorder broke out in Coolock last week.

There were no arrests as part of the cross border joint action task force (JATF) investigation.

The chief suspect for shooting Lawlor is an enforcer from Sligo who is a key member of Barry Youngs gang.

Gang boss Mr Big (left) and Barry Young (right, photo courtesy of RTE)

The occupants of the two Sligo properties searched by gardai have no links to the murder suspect.

It is understood that information obtained from mobile phone evidence, linked to the murder, led to the relatively off-the-radar individuals being targeted.

While no mobile phones were seized in the Sligo raids, it is understood that multiple phones were seized in the search of properties linked to Mr Big.

In May, the PSNI arrested the suspected shooter in the Lawlor case and he was released on police bail after being held for a number of days.

There is an expectation that he could be charged with the high-profile murder.

It was previously revealed that the PSNI also wants to question Barry 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 he will be arrested by gardai if he was to return home.

Young is currently 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 with another six before the courts.

Young was in serious debt to north Dublin gang boss Mr Big, who is aged in his mid 40s, and was a sworn enemy of gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor.

The involvement of his organisation in that murder has been probed by police and is considered one of the main motives.

This is because Lawlor was the chief suspect for murdering Mr Bigs right-hand man and best pal Kenneth Finn (36) in Coolock in February, 2018.

Robbie Lawlor was shot dead in April 2020, less than three months after he was suspected of an active involvement in the murder of Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready Woods.

Two men have been charged in Northern Ireland in relation to Lawlors murder.

Gardai announced details of their search operation today.

As part of the Cross Border Joint Action Task Force (JATF), An Garda Siochana have conducted searches at 12 premises in Dublin and Sligo on Tuesday 23 July 2024, with the support of colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), a garda spokeswoman said.

The searches are part of an ongoing, joint investigation into the murder of Robbie Lawlor which occurred in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 4 April, 2020.

This joint investigation is led by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the PSNI Major Investigation Team with the support of Eurojust - the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Co-Operation.

During the course of todays searches, gardai seized a number of mobile phones for further examination. No persons were arrested during these searches. An Garda Siochana and the PSNI continue to investigate all of the circumstances of this murder.

News Catch Up: Wednesday 24 July
China proposes three-step approach to solving Palestinian issue: foreign minister

Xinhua) 10:23, July 24, 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnesses the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Tuesday that China proposes a three-step approach to solving the Palestinian issue.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when attending the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnessing the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions.

Noting that the Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East issue, Wang said China harbors no self-interest concerning the Palestinian issue, was one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine, and has always firmly supported the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.

He said that the conflict in Gaza continues to drag on, and its spillover impact is spreading. "To get out of the current conflict predicament, China proposes a three-step approach."

The first step is to promote a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible and ensure humanitarian assistance and relief access. The international community should further unite on the issue of ceasefire.

The second step is to uphold the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine" and work together to promote post-war governance in Gaza. Gaza is an inseparable and important part of Palestine, and starting post-war reconstruction as soon as possible has become an urgent issue in the next stage. The international community should support Palestinian factions to form an interim government with national consensus to effectively manage Gaza and the West Bank.

The third step is to promote Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and begin to implement the two-state solution. A more significant, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference should be supported, and a timetable and road map for this should be made.

Wang said ceasefire and humanitarian relief are top priorities, "the Palestinians governing Palestine" is the basic principle of post-war reconstruction in Gaza, and the two-state solution is the fundamental way out for the future. "The international community should support the parties concerned in implementing the three-step approach with a serious attitude."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnesses the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnesses the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
An Irish woman has died in Peru after she became the victim of a suspected hit-and-run.

The 35-year-old Irish national was killed after she was struck by a bus in Trujillo which then failed to stop in the early hours of Monday, July 22.

According to local media reports, the woman was struck by the vehicle belonging to an agro-industrial company as she crossed the road.

It is understood the woman had been working as an English language teacher in Peru.

Police cordoned off the accident site in Trujillo as they launched an investigation following the incident involving a large vehicle in block 21 of Sanchez Carrion Avenue, which fled after the woman tried to cross the street.

Peruvian National Police officers and local security guards arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area to conduct the investigations, said local reports.

Public Prosecutor's Office personnel transferred the foreigner's body to the central morgue in Trujillo.

It is believed the Irish woman has been teaching English to both children and adults in Peru for a number of years. She had previously worked as a tour guide in Dublin.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is "aware of the case and is providing consular assistance".

"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases," a Department spokesperson said.

Following the fatal traffic accident, residents of the area demanded the construction of roadblocks on Sanchez Carrion Avenue to avoid future accidents.

"We are asking for roadblocks, one local said.

This is an avenue where many cars pass. We have children and elderly people who could be harmed.

The Peruvian television network TV Cosmos, which broadcast chilling CCTV footage of the incident, told how the tragedy shocked the residents of Sanchez Carrion Avenue, in the El Porvenir district.

According to the TV station, the Irish woman lived in the city of Trujillo, although locals in the El Porvenir district where she was killed did not know her.

The police have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident, said local media.

The authorities have asked the public for any information that could help identify the driver of the vehicle and clarify the facts.

This tragic event highlights the need for greater road safety and responsibility on the part of drivers.
A lifesize scale model of the Global Combat Air Programme stealth fighter on display at the BAE Systems area at the Farnborough International Airshow (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Britain withdrawing from developing next-generation fighter jets would be the equivalent of scrapping the Spitfire programme in the 1930s, according to the shadow defence secretary.

Conservative frontbencher James Cartlidge questioned the new Labour Governments commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) amid concerns its immediate funding is in doubt.

The GCAP brings together the UK, Italy and Japan to work on delivering next generation combat aircraft in 2035.

The planes will be known as Tempest in the UK and serve as a successor to the RAF Typhoon.

Conservative MP James Cartlidge (UK Parliament/PA)

On Wednesday, MPs approved legislation which Foreign Office minister Catherine West said would provide the legal framework for the programme, adding it did not include specific funding recommendations.

The new Government is conducting a strategic defence review although Mr Cartlidge raised concerns about the impact it could have on Tempest development.

Mr Cartlidge told the Commons: Alongside this SI (statutory instrument), we need the Government to wholeheartedly back the GCAP programme, ensuring that it has the funding necessary to deliver our sixth generation fighter capability.

Turning to the Treasury, Mr Cartlidge added: I suspect the overall question as to whether the Government is committed to GCAP or not is a red herring.

What really matters is whether theyre committed to funding it this year, with important spending decisions to be made right now.

Theyll be in the inbox of the Secretary of State, funding decisions on GCAP, and we want to see them continuing that funding in the years beyond and we want to know whether theyre using this review as a chance to shift spending decisions to the right.

Mr Cartlidge said it was not unprecedented for the Treasury to work in this way under previous governments, saying: Offering illusory short-term savings but causing immediate and lasting pain to the most important conventional defence programme of our time.

The shadow defence secretary highlighted the need to push on with the GCAP, adding: Overall, this is my view, I happen to believe that withdrawing from GCAP now would amount to the equivalent of scrapping the Spitfire programme in the 1930s  it is that serious.

Mr Cartlidge said the Tempest programme was previously estimated to support an average of 20,000 jobs every year, adding: Scrapping GCAP would hit our economy hard.

Even delaying or deferring GCAP expenditure will undermine our brilliant aerospace industry and cast doubt over vast sums of private investment thats waiting from which hundreds of UK SMEs would stand to benefit.

Opening the debate, Ms West said the new aircraft under development would sit at the heart of a wider system, including the F-35 and broader military capabilities, and would sustain the UKs operational advantage.

Intervening, Mr Cartlidge asked: Can she confirm there will be no delay to the current planned spending this year on GCAP by the Ministry of Defence?

Ms West replied: This instrument today, to be clear to members new and old, is the legal framework which the programme will sit within.

This hasnt got specific funding recommendations attached to it because its the scaffolding, if you like its the nest within which all the work will happen.

In response to Tory former defence minister Andrew Murrison accusing the new Government of procrastination, Ms West said: Theres been no procrastination.

Within the month of being elected weve got the legal framework to the House of Commons for a debate and I think that is expediting all the important organisational arrangements so that this programme can proceed at pace.

Conservative former defence minister Mark Francois said the Governments defence review has been interpreted by some as a sword of Damocles now hanging over the UKs agreement with Japan and Italy.

Earlier at Prime Ministers Questions, Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak sought assurances that the Government would continue talks with Saudi Arabia about their possible involvement in the project.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer replied: This is a really important programme, significant progress has already been made and we want to build on that progress and Ive had some initial discussions, not least in Farnborough, where I was just a few days ago.
Millions of people have bought a lie, a former television producer who believes the Manchester Arena attack was staged has told the High Court.

Richard Hall, who is being sued by two survivors of the bombing, said on the third day of a civil harassment trial that there was no bomb and that the public inquiry into the attack ignored evidence.

On Wednesday, Mr Hall told the court in London that he believed that no one was genuinely injured in the attack, with evidence showing the incident was faked.

Father and daughter Martin and Eve Hibbert have brought legal action for harassment and data protection against Mr Hall over several videos and a book where he claims the bombing was a hoax, as well as secretly filming Miss Hibbert and her mother at their house.

The pair were at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 where Mr Hibbert sustained a spinal cord injury  leaving him paralysed  and Miss Hibbert was left with a catastrophic brain injury.

However, Mr Hall, who said he has worked as a fully independent investigative journalist since 2015 after careers as an engineer and television producer, said there is no primary evidence of a bomb.

He told the court: There was no bomb in that room or genuinely injured people The primary evidence shows there was no bomb in that room that exploded.

Martin Hibbert, who was injured in the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, gave evidence at the trial (James Manning/PA)

Mr Hall later said that a majority of people believe a lie about the attack.

Millions of people have bought a lie, he said.

In his written evidence, Mr Hall claimed that a video was taken minutes after the blast, showing no damage to the building or broken glass.

Discussing the video, said to have been taken by a member of the public called John Barr, Mr Hall said: There was no shrapnel visible. The lighting was intact and working. No injuries were visible.

The number of people in the room seemed far lower than officially claimed.

There are people lying on the ground, and some others apparently attending to them.

There is no sign of any urgent activity during this video of people rushing to attend to the purportedly dead and injured; no sign of tourniquets being applied, nor of any other activity consistent with an extremely serious major incident having just occurred.

Mr Hall suggested that there was very strong evidence that injuries were being staged in a faked attack.

Salman Abedi killed 22 people and injured hundreds when he detonated the homemade rucksack-bomb in the crowd of concert-goers, with the Hibberts some of the nearest people to him at the time of the blast.

Abedis brother, Hashem Abedi, was jailed for life in August 2020 after he was convicted of assisting the terror plot.

The public inquiry into the atrocity began on September 7 2020 and ended on February 15 2022.

In its third report, published in March 2023, inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders concluded the attack might have been prevented if MI5 had acted on key intelligence received in the months prior.

Jonathan Price, for the Hibberts, asked Mr Hall why he would not just believe the pair and Miss Hibberts mother Sarah Gillbard about the incident.

Mr Hall replied: Because there is no evidence to show any of their claims.

He later added Im presenting the evidence and letting people decide for themselves, adding that his statements were my opinion based on what I see.

The barrister asked: If it is true, and that is what they have been through, would you feel any compassion towards them?

Well, of course, but it is not true, Mr Hall said, adding: I feel compassion to anyone who suffers a life-changing injury which they clearly have.

Hundreds of tributes were left after the attack (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Of course they do have life-changing injuries but I dont accept that it happened at 10.21pm in the Manchester Arena.

The barrister later asked Mr Hall why he believed it to be in the public interest to feature the Hibberts in his work.

Mr Hall replied: There were many statements in the media but the primary evidence completely contradicted it It was in the public interest to explore those witnesses.

Mr Price suggested that Mr Halls work was not rigorous journalism and nothing but conjecture.

But in his written evidence, Mr Hall described his book and films as featuring nothing more than honest reporting and opinion.

The trial before Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude this week with a decision in writing expected at a later date.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, heading to the House of Commons to attend his first Prime Ministers Questions since being elected (Lucy North/PA)

Sir Keir Starmer claimed the Government has inherited crisis and failure absolutely everywhere, amid warnings his honeymoon period as Prime Minister is already over.

The Labour leader shared a series of cordial exchanges with his predecessor Rishi Sunak over Ukraine as he faced his first Prime Ministers Questions at the helm.

But Sir Keir was later pressed by the SNP on the first Commons rebellion he suffered over the two-child benefit cap, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the Prime Minister to grasp the once-in-a-century chance to fix social care.

Sir Keir replied to Sir Ed in the Commons: Hes right, it is a crisis.

Im sorry to have to report to the House its not the only crisis that weve inherited. Theres a crisis and a failure absolutely everywhere after 14 years of failure that this Government of service will begin the hard yards of fixing, including on social care.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn highlighted Sir Keirs internal party difficulties, which saw seven MPs lose the Labour whip after backing an SNP Kings Speech amendment calling for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped.

Mr Flynn, who congratulated Sir Keir for ending Tory rule, said: In his campaign to do so (Sir Keir) was of course joined by Gordon Brown and just five days before the General Election in Scotland on the front page of the Daily Record, Gordon Brown instructed voters to vote Labour to end child poverty.

Yet last night Labour MPs from Scotland were instructed to retain the two child cap which forces children into poverty. So Prime Minister, what changed?

Sir Keir replied: Im glad he mentioned Gordon Brown because the last Labour government lifted millions of children out of poverty, something were very very proud of and this Government will approach the question with the same vigour with our new task force. Already weve taken steps, breakfast clubs, abolishing no fault evictions, decent homes.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons (UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Flynn was reprimanded by Sir Lindsay Hoyle for holding a print out of the Daily Record headline he referred to, with the Commons Speaker saying: Props are not allowed to be used. Never mind put it down. We dont need any more.

SNP MP Pete Wishart (Perth and Kinross-shire) later said: In less than three weeks, he has had a significant rebellion and he has suspended seven of his Members of Parliament, all for standing up for child poverty, this from a Labour Government.

The headlines are awful for the Prime Minister this morning, poverty campaigners are furious with the Prime Minister, is his honeymoon over before its even begun?

Sir Keir replied that he would not be taking lectures from the SNP on what the people of Scotland want after the party returned from the General Election with a handful of members.

He added: Perhaps the SNP needs to account for the 30,000 extra children in poverty in Scotland.

Earlier in the session, Conservative Party leader Mr Sunak said: Im glad in our exchanges so far we have maintained a cross-party consensus on important matters of foreign policy and in that spirit today, I wanted to focus our exchange on Ukraine and national security.

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons (UK Parliament/PA)

The UK has consistently been the first country to provide new capabilities to Ukraine, such as the long-range weapons that have been used so effectively in the Black Sea. Now those decisions arent easy, and I was grateful to the Prime Minister for his support as I made those decisions in Government and in opposition I offer that same support to him.

So can I ask that he continues to be responsive to Ukraines new requests so that they dont just stand still but can decisively win out against Russian aggression?

Sir Keir replied: I can assure him that we are of course talking to Ukraine about how they deal with the Russian aggression that they are facing, have been facing for many, many months, and I will continue to try to do that in the way that he did, which is to reach out across the House to share such information as we can to maintain the unity that is so important.

Mr Sunak went on to offer the Oppositions support to efforts to go further on sanctions, seize Russian assets and use them to fund Ukrainian reconstruction.

Sir Keir, in his reply, said: I know the Chancellor is already beginning to have some discussions about how we can take more effective measures. Again, I will seek to reach out across the House as we do this important work together.

The Prime Minister was also pressed by his predecessor to continue discussions with Saudi Arabia about their desire to potentially join the programme to build a new fighter jet  alongside the UK, Italy and Japan.
T. rex may have been much heavier and longer than previously thought  study (Mark Witton/PA)

Tyrannosaurus rex might have been 70% heavier than previously thought and 25% longer, researchers suggest.

The largest T. rex that could have existed may have been significantly larger than the current largest-known specimen, weighing in at an estimated 15 tonnes instead of 8.8 tonnes, and measuring at 15 metres instead of 12 metres, according to the study.

Many of the largest dinosaurs in various groups are known from a single good fossil specimen.

Therefore it is impossible to know if that one animal was a big or small example of the species.

Researchers suggest that arguing over which dinosaur was the biggest, based on a handful of fossils, is not very meaningful.

In the new study, Dr Jordan Mallon of the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Canada and Dr David Hone of Queen Mary University of London, used computer modelling to assess a population of T. rex.

They took into consideration factors such as population size, growth rate, lifespan, and the incompleteness of the fossil record.

Dr Mallon said: Our study suggests that, for big fossil animals like T. rex, we really have no idea from the fossil record about the absolute sizes they might have reached.

Its fun to think about a 15 tonne T. rex, but the implications are also interesting from a biomechanical or ecological perspective.

Dr Hone said: Its important to stress that this isnt really about T. rex, which is the basis of our study, but this issue would apply to all dinosaurs, and lots of other fossil species.

Arguing about which is the biggest? based on a handful of skeletons really isnt very meaningful.

T. rex was chosen for the model because many of its details are already well estimated.

The model is based on examples of living alligators, chosen for their large size and close kinship with the dinosaurs.

The researchers found that the largest known T. rex fossils probably fall in the 99th percentile, representing the top 1% of body size.

However, they suggest that in order to find an animal in the top 99.99% (a one-in-ten-thousand T.rex) scientists would need to excavate fossils at the current rate for another 1,000 years.

The size estimates are based on the model, but the discovery of giants of modern species suggest there must have been larger dinosaurs out there that have not yet been found.

Some isolated bones and pieces certainly hint at still larger individuals than for which we currently have skeletons, Dr Hone said.

The findings are published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
The record-breaking conditions seen in 2023 could be a cool year in the UK by the end of the century, scientists have said.

The latest annual report on the state of the UKs climate  led by the Met Office  looks at temperatures, rainfall and storms, as well as seasonal changes such as trees coming into leaf.

It highlighted extreme weather events that hit Britain in 2023, including the warmest June ever, the lengthy September heatwave and Storm Babet, which caused widespread disruption, flooding and several deaths when it hit in October.

In this years report, the researchers gave more focus to how individual high-impact weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity.

The new analysis showed the UK is seeing, on average, more frequent periods of hot weather and an increase in extreme rainfall, bringing challenges for infrastructure, health and wellbeing.

For example, only London and Hampshire recorded an average of six or more days a year above 28C during the 1961-1990 period.

But in the latest decade of 2014-2023, much of England and Wales hit this temperature threshold, with frequencies increasing to more than 12 days in several southeast counties.

Meanwhile, the number of very hot days that surpass 30C have more than trebled in the UK during the 10-year period, compared with 1961-1990.

The UK is also getting wetter, the research suggests, with the 2014-2023 period seeing around 20% more days of exceptional rainfall.

Last year was the seventh wettest on record but also saw the wettest second half of a year ever.

Meanwhile, the storm season had its most active start with respect to the number of named storms since storm naming was introduced in 2015, with seven named storms, Agnes to Gerrit, from September to December.

Mike Kendon, lead author and Met Office climate scientist, said: Our new analysis of these observations really shines a light on the fastest-changing aspects of our weather as a consequence of climate change.

Long-term averages can be difficult for people to relate to, but what we are showing here is the notable change in frequencies of extreme weather that can have a real impact on peoples lives.

Mr Kendon noted that there has been a complete collapse in record-breaking cold months.

Dry fields of grassland and a golf course near Perranporth, Cornwall, in 2022 (Ben Birchall/PA)

On the other hand, 2014-2023 was found to be the UKs warmest decade on record and included six of the top 10 warmest years, and was 1.25C warmer than the 1961-1990 average.

Under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, nations pledged to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

The UKs mean temperature last year was 1.66C above the 1961-1990 averaging period, with the researchers estimating that another year like 2023 is now 150 times more likely under the current climate.

Mr Kendon said 2023 will be a fairly average year by the middle of the century and actually a fairly cool year by the end of the century.

He said the UK is now looking at hitting two degrees of warming by 2100, compared with the 1991-2020 average.

So thats really a dramatic indication that our climate is going to be pushed outside the envelope of the current and historical range, he added.

Its section on sea level rise, authored by the National Oceanographic Centre (NOC), data from the tide gauge at Newlyn, Cornwall, showed that 2023 was the highest year on record for annual mean sea level since records began in 1915.

Other sites around the UK also had their highest or second-highest year on record in 2023, the paper said.

Dr Svetlana Jevrejeva, sea level scientist at NOC, said the results are due to increased rate of ice loss from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, as well as continued glacier mass loss and warming of the ocean.

Researchers from the Woodland Trust also shared findings for the report from their study of season changes in plants and animals from year to year.

They found that 2023 was a near average or late year for most events, with the exception of hazel flowering 12 days ahead of the baseline, and elder first leafing.

Dr Judith Garforth, citizen science officer at the Woodland Trust, said: This illustrates how the effect of weather on UK wildlife is complex  the impact is unique for each species and seasonal event, and of course weather can be very localised too.
Sir Salman Rushdie was injured during the speech in New York in 2022 (Yui Mok/PA)

A man who is accused of injuring author Sir Salman Rushdie in a knife attack in western New York faces a new charge that he supported a terrorist group.

The three-count indictment, unsealed in US District Court in Buffalo on Wednesday, charges Hadi Matar with attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon and backed by Iran.

The indictment did not detail what evidence linked Matar to the group.

It also includes charges of committing terrorism transcending national boundaries and providing material support to terrorists.

Hadi Matar, the man accused of stabbing author Sir Salman Rushdie, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex, File)

The federal charges come after Matar rejected an offer by state prosecutors to recommend a shorter prison sentence if he agreed to plead guilty in Chautauqua County Court, where he is charged with attempted murder and assault.

The agreement also would have required him to plead guilty to a federal terrorism-related charge, which hadnt been filed yet at the time.

Instead, both cases will now proceed to trial separately. Jury selection in the state case is set for October 15.

Matar was scheduled to appear on the new indictment Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Matar plans on denying the accusations in the indictment, his attorney, Nathaniel Barone, said. He plans on proceeding with a vigorous defence and maintains his innocence.

Matar, 26, has been held without bail since the 2022 attack, in which he is accused of stabbing Sir Salman more than a dozen times as the acclaimed writer was onstage about to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution.

Knife wounds blinded Sir Salman in one eye. The event moderator, Henry Reese, was also wounded.

The author was blinded in one eye as a result (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Sir Salman, who detailed the attack and his recovery in a memoir, had spent years in hiding after the Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, or edict, in 1989 calling for his death over Sir Salmans novel The Satanic Verses, which some Muslims consider blasphemous.

Khomeini considered the book blasphemous.

Sir Salman re-emerged into the public in the late 1990s.

Matar was born in the US and lived in New Jersey but holds dual citizenship in Lebanon, where his parents were born. His mother has said that her son had become withdrawn and moody after visiting his father in Lebanon in 2018.

The attack raised questions about whether Sir Salman had been given proper security protection, given that he is still the subject of death threats.

A state police trooper and county sheriffs deputy had been assigned to the lecture.

In 1991, a Japanese translator of The Satanic Verses was stabbed to death. An Italian translator survived a knife attack the same year. In 1993, the books Norwegian publisher was shot three times but survived.

The investigation into Sir Salmans alleged stabbing focused partly on whether Matar had been acting alone or in concert with militant or religious groups.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak before Congress in hopes of bolstering US support for continuing Israels offensives against Hamas and other adversaries.

But boycotts of his appearance by some Democratic politicians and expected protests outside are highlighting how his hardline governments conduct of the devastating war in Gaza is opening fissures in longstanding American support for his country.

Mr Netanyahu is assured a warm welcome from Republican politicians who arranged his speech in the House chamber, an appearance making him the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

Many Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders plan to boycott Mr Netanyahus appearance.

Protesters near The Watergate Hotel in Washington DC (Matt Slocum/AP)

But the most notables absence will be behind him: vice president Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate and traditionally would sit behind whatever dignitary is speaking, says a long-scheduled trip will keep her away.

And the next Democrat in line, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, is declining to attend.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would be meeting with families of Israeli victims of Hamas instead.

Republicans targeted the absence of Ms Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, as a sign of disloyalty to an ally.

However, former president Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, said campaigning would also make him a no-show for the Israeli leaders speech.

And outside the Capitol, demonstrators angry over the deaths of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, or over Mr Netanyahus inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas and other militants in the first hours of the Israel-Hamas war, are promising massive protests.

In anticipation, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned of a zero-tolerance policy for any signs of disturbances in the Capitol building.

It is our tradition to acknowledge every guest speakers right to free expression even if we disagree with their viewpoint, the Louisiana Republican wrote to members on Tuesday.

The US Capitol behind a security fence before Israels prime minister visits (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Mr Johnson arranged the address, an honour that marks both the two countries historically warm bonds and the political weight that support for Israel has long carried in US politics.

But the attention for the visit has been diminished some by American political turmoil of recent weeks, including the assassination attempt against Mr Trump and President Joe Bidens decision not to seek another term.

Mr Netanyahu hopes to project the image of a tough, respected statesman for an increasingly critical domestic audience back home in Israel.

That may be difficult given the wide division among Americans over Mr Netanyahus conduct of the war.

Many Democrats who support Israel but have been critical of Mr Netanyahu see the address as a Republican effort to cast itself as the party most loyal to Israel and to provide the prime minister with a much-needed political reprieve.

I dont know all the motivations for Speaker Johnson initiating the invitation but clearly he wanted to throw a political lifeline to Netanyahu whose popularity is very low in Israel right now, Senator Chris Van Hollen, among the dozens of Democrats set to boycott, said on Tuesday.

Still, many Democrats plan to attend the address despite their criticism of Mr Netanyahu, including Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a March floor speech.

Nr Schumer, of New York, said then that Mr Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu also is to meet with Mr Biden and Ms Harris on Thursday, and Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid as Israel battles to break Hamas since the group attacked Israel on October 7.

Mr Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognise the ICC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington DC (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The prime ministers speech sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that it has created.

Nine months into the war in Gaza, Mr Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory, disappointing hopes by some that the Israeli leaders visit to the United States could bring some breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Speaking to applause from US politicians, and stony silence from others, Mr Netanyahu sought to bolster US support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that America and Israel must stand together (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

America and Israel must stand together, he said, opening his speech to one of several standing ovations.

When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose, said Mr Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

But the Israeli leader soon pivoted to a darker tone as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the US, gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol.

He called American protesters of the war as useful idiots of Iran.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened from the House chamber as Mr Netanyahu spoke.

Officials gave the Israeli Prime Minister several standing ovations throughout his speech (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

Officials on both sides of the house rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held a sign in the House chamber that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other.

Ms Tlaib has been one of Mr Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year about the latest Israel-Hamas war.

She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a district in Michigan with many Palestinians.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib holds a sign that says guilty of genocide as Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

Mr Netanyahu accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the militants who he said killed babies in Hamas attack on October 7.

These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said.

Mr Netanyahu  who is frequently accused of wading into US politics in favour of conservative and Republican causes  started his remarks with praise of President Joe Biden.

But he turned to lavishing praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump for all hes done for Israel.

With criticism rising against him in Israel, too, Mr Netanyahu also aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally.

United States Capitol Police announced that they had deployed the use of pepper spray against protesters at the Capitol (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the US presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol on Wednesday and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol, denouncing Mr Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a ceasefire.

Mr Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican officials who arranged for his speech to happen.

Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Mr Johnson said shortly before the Israeli prime minister began speaking.

At least 50 officials chose to boycott the speech as protesters continued to demonstrate outside the Capitol building (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage who was freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was in attendance.

The appearance makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill, who was referenced by Mr Netanyahu.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Mr Netanyahus speech.

The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

People hold signs with photos of Israeli hostages, demanding their release as they watch Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech before the US Congress (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

The next Democrat in line, Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Ben Cardin, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Mr Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Ms Harris on Thursday, and with former president Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid.

Mr Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to address Congress four times (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The United States does not recognise the ICC.

The Biden administration says it wants to see Mr Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Mr Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Mr Netanyahu has said his aims for the US visit are to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, to build support for continuing Israels battle against the group, and to argue for continuing to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.
A woman pulls her luggage along fences of the security perimeter in Paris (Thomas Padilla/AP)

French prosecutors are investigating an alleged gang rape of an Australian woman on a visit to Paris where preparations to host the 2024 Olympics are in the final stretch, according to judicial authorities.

The Paris public prosecutors office said in a statement a 25-year-old told authorities in the French capital that she was raped, adding they are investigating the incident as a gang rape.

French media reported five men raped the woman.

Paris is preparing to host the Games (David Goldman/AP)

The statement did not name the victim but said the alleged assault occurred overnight on July 19, and that the woman then sought refuge in a Paris restaurant where firefighters provided emergency assistance and later took the victim to a hospital.

Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement on Wednesday that the Australian Embassy in Paris has sought to offer consular assistance to a citizen, who had been assaulted in the French capital.

We understand that this is a very traumatic experience and stand ready to provide assistance, the statement said. It did not provide any other information to protect the victims privacy.

Reports in Australian media said the victim had initially planned to immediately return to Australia, but later decided to stay in France. It did not provide any other information due to privacy obligations.

Paris security authorities have been on high alert in the lead-up to the Olympic Games that kick off on Friday with an open-air ceremony on the River Seine.

The city is deploying 35,000 police officers daily for the Olympics, which run until August 11, with a peak of 45,000 for the opening ceremony.

In addition, 10,000 soldiers are taking part in security operations in the Paris region.
If we cant trust kids to decide if they should smoke, why give them a vote?
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BENNINGTON  Two separate but similar kidnapping and domestic assault cases are set for jury trials with two different defendants in early August at the Bennington courthouse.

Troy Thompson, 28, from Arlington, is set for a three-day jury trial beginning August 8th. Thompson is charged with five felony counts and one misdemeanor, including two counts of aggravated domestic assault with a prior conviction, unlawful restraint, kidnapping, aggravated domestic assault, and a misdemeanor unlawful mischief charge.

According to a police affidavit, Vermont State Police received a 911 call from a witness who stated that she saw a male and female arguing, with the male pulling the female back inside the house at 20 Center Lane in Arlington. When police arrived at the residence, the victim allegedly ran to the door, asking for help and telling police that Thompson was trying to keep us hostage.

Further investigation revealed that Thompson allegedly refused to let the victim leave, initially tried and then succeeded in putting duct tape around the victims head, choked her, took her phone, and then allegedly attacked another youthful family member when they tried to intervene.

Court records show Thompson has a prior conviction for aggravated domestic assault in 2021. He faces a possible life sentence if he is convicted on the kidnapping charge. He faces a combined 15 years behind bars on the other charges. Thompson is currently being held without bail until his trial concludes.

A second case of kidnapping and domestic assault is scheduled for a one-day trial in Bennington the following week.

Alexander Langdale, 30, reportedly homeless, is facing four felony counts, including two charges of kidnapping, aggravated domestic assault, and aggravated domestic assault with a deadly weapon.

According to an affidavit in that case, the victim came to the Bennington Police Department on December 8, 2023, to report an assault that allegedly happened the night before. The victim had several obvious injuries to her face and head, with her left eye swollen shut and multiple discolored marks on her chin, neck, scalp, lips, and one arm.

The victim told police that she was in a short-term relationship with Langdale before he allegedly attacked her. She told police that they were both drinking the night before and that Langdale had allegedly gotten mad because she had bought aluminum beer cans instead of the glass he preferred. When a text alert appeared on her cellphone, Langdale reportedly became enraged. The victim then locked herself inside the bathroom. Langdale, according to the victims statement, broke the door open, shattering the mirror. He then grabbed the victim by her hair and forced her to the floor, striking her repeatedly on the head and face. He then covered her mouth when she screamed until she couldnt breathe. She told police she thought he was going to kill her.

The assault continued with Langdale dragging the victim by the hair and pushing her face into a mattress so she couldnt breathe. He then tied her up and struck her several times with a belt. When she finally escaped, she found her young child hiding under the Christmas Tree.

Police later located the described rope, a broken mirror, and a leather belt, matching the description given by the victim to police. Police also located a hand-written note allegedly written by the victim in which she gives consent to having potentially harmful and painful sexual relations with Langdale, including potentially damaging acts to my body in the pursuit of sexual pleasure. Any marks or bruises left behind are mutually accepted by each party and cannot be used against one another in any lawful manner.

The letter, which the victim allegedly told police she willingly signed, was entered by the defense as an exhibit for the upcoming trial. Within the affidavit, the victim told police that she did sign the letter but told officers that this incident was not sexual, and that she did not consent to it.

Langdale is facing a possible life sentence if convicted on either of the two kidnapping charges which stemmed from the same incident. He faces a possible combined 30 years behind bars on the two other charges. He is also being held without bail until his trial.

Back in May, the Banner reported on an alarming rise in domestic assaults reported in Bennington County and all of Vermont. Domestic violence with intimate partners increased by 21.5 percent here in Vermont in 2022, the last year that statistics were available. Bennington County filed 385 relief from abuse orders (RFAs) in 2022, behind only Chittenden and Rutland Counties and disproportionate to the population numbers. Forty percent of all calls to Vermont law enforcement for violent crime were situations of domestic violence.

According to the CDC, risk factors for domestic violence can include low self-esteem, low level of education, young age, alcohol or drug use, economic stress, and a history of physical or emotional abuse in childhood. Relationship issues, including jealousy, possessiveness, and witnessing dominance can also contribute. Community factors include high rates of poverty, limited educational and economic opportunities, low community involvement, and cultural norms that support aggression toward others.

It should be noted that both Thompson and Langdale have not been convicted and that these are still considered allegations until a jury decides innocence or guilt.

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, please reach out to the Bennington Police Department at 802-442-1030 or contact PAVE at their 24-hour, confidential hotline at 802-442-2111 or 802-228-7395, or in an emergency, dial 911
MONTPELIER  The Vermont Supreme Court affirmed the Vermont Board of Health's finding that several recreational vehicles used for emergency housing on a property on Washington Street in Brattleboro were in violation of health and fire safety codes.

Kurt Daims, executive director of Brattleboro Common Sense, had appealed the decision. He had leased the RVs to BCS, which takes on issues such as homelessness, climate change and policing, but has since removed them from the property after a long legal battle with the town.

In response to complaints filed to the town, the Brattleboro Select Board, acting as the local Board of Health, issued an emergency health order in early 2023. BCS appealed the decision to the Vermont Board of Health.

Board of Health orders no occupancy in RVs until satisfactory inspection BRATTLEBORO  The Vermont Board of Health ordered that RVs used for emergency housing on a W

In August 2023, the Vermont Board of Health prohibited the group from allowing anyone to occupy the RVs until the town health officer conducted a successful inspection of each of the units and the premises supplied power and sewage disposal.

Health and safety violations included "blocked windows, the absence of potable or running water connected to any unit, the absence of fire extinguishers, damaged or inoperable windows, the absence of indoor toilet facilities in two of the RVs, no public or private sewer connections or sewage-disposal system, and the use of extension cords for electricity in the units, which posed a fire hazard," according to the Supreme Court decision.

"The health officer also indicated that he found evidence of human feces and toilet paper on the property and in the trash can, which he considered evidence of unsanitary conditions," the decision states, although BCS and its supporters have vigorously denied this. "The Board found that the problems identified by the health officer in early February 2023 remained substantially unresolved."

The Vermont Board of Health rejected BCS's claim that procedural violations in the emergency health order made the order illegitimate and unenforceable," according to the Supreme Court decision. BCS fails "to support their assertion that the denial of their motion by the presiding officer, on the merits in a written decision, warrants vacating the underlying Health Order," the decision states. Arguments were considered and rejected, the Supreme Court said.

The Supreme Court determined the Vermont Board of Health was not wrong in concluding that any alleged errors associated with issuing the emergency health order were irrelevant given that the board conducted a new hearing, nor did the board err in finding BCS violated the Residential Rental Housing Health and Safety Code or various other code provisions.

"The residents paid rent money at one time, but this practice was stopped after several weeks," the Supreme Court said. "Occupants were expected to follow the general directions explained to them upon moving into the units; they were expected to do basic clean-up at the property and allow inspections. They could be asked to leave the unit 'at will.'"

BCS argued the RVs should not be subject to the health and safety codes since they are not a "regular residence." However, the Supreme Court agreed with the board that the RVs should be considered regular residences and BCS must comply with the code.

"The RVs were offered to community members as living units," the court said, adding that "they fit within the definition of 'rooming units' as provided by law and code. It is appropriate that these RVs, offered as living units to members of the community in exchange for obligations imposed upon the occupants, satisfy the basic requirements of the code."

In Windham Superior Court, Civil Division in April, Town Attorney Bob Fisher planned to ask the court to order that the RVs not be lived in, be brought up to health and fire codes or be taken off the property.

"Because they're already removed, it's moot," he said in an interview at the courthouse. "So we removed the request for the injunction."

Homeless people living in Newfane and Swanzey, N.H., were given the RVs, Daims said at the time. He noted the development of progressive housing policies is still a goal for his group.
WINDHAM  The state's plans for Hamilton Falls were soundly panned Thursday evening by residents who said the plans could ultimately degrade the area's natural and special beauty.

It was standing room only at the Windham Meeting House Thursday evening, but most of the people left after they learned the state's process would be an "open house" rather than a public meeting on the three-tiered master plan for the remote 125-foot cascading waterfall on Cobb Brook, which is located in Jamaica but close to the Windham town line.

What is the future for Hamilton Falls? Jamaica State Park site is popular, but dangerous The popularity of Hamilton Falls, a beautiful but dangerous waterfall on Cobb Brook in Jamaica State Park, increased during the pandemic and has prompted the state of Vermont to plan for its safe future use.

People said they wanted to ask questions, and hear what their neighbors had to say.

Jeff Dube, a landscape architect with the state's consulting firm VhB of Burlington relented and let some resident speak for about 15 minutes, but he said he wanted residents to put their concerns in writing on poster boards in four different locations in the room.

But many left once they learned there wasn't going to be an open discussion of the various scenarios, which could include building new trails, viewing platforms and more parking. Few people left comments on Dube's poster boards, and those that were, were largely critical of the plan.

Hamilton Falls is a state "natural area," and thus has special wilderness protections. In addition, Cobb Brook is a Class A watershed, which includes more protections.

The master plan outlines three scenarios: high use, moderate use and low use, with low use appearing to be the most popular, with residents voicing concern that if the state builds infrastructure, more people will come and use it.

There is a three-mile biking and hiking trail from the park to the waterfall, but many people use West Windham Road to reach the waterfall. The state's plan wants more people to use the Jamaica State Park trail, which is currently blocked because of a landslide.

The waterfall has been owned by the state of Vermont since 1979, when The Nature Conservancy turned it over to the state. In turn, the Nature Conservancy had received it in 1979 from the Conservation Society of Southern Vermont, which had purchased it from Margaret and David Newton in 1972. The Newtons had bought it in 1933.

Many Newton family members, who still live near the falls, spoke out during the brief public portion of the open house, saying the proposed master plan does not follow the special protections of a state natural area. It's not a state recreation area, it's a natural area, they said.

Those who were allowed to speak on Thursday said the temporary pandemic era problem that the master plan purported to address no longer exists. Several people pointed out there were no cars at the Falls on the Fourth of July.

Charlie Peck of Jamaica said the state's plans do not follow the Windham town plan for Hamilton Falls, and he urged the state's planners to go back to the drawing board.

The state says it wants to address residents' concerns about people blocking the West Windham Road because there isn't much off-road parking, and the inherent danger that exists, in particular in the middle pool of the falls.

Residents said cutting a new trail through the old-growth pine and hemlock forest would add to the erosion problem, and run counter to the natural area goals. And creating more parking would only attract problem behavior, residents said.

The state plan notes that 12 people have died at Hamilton Falls. The last death occurred in 2016, when an out-of-state teenager, 17, slipped and fell about 100 feet from the top pool into the middle pool.

In 2020, the first year of the pandemic, there was a problem, residents said, but the crowded conditions from 2020 no longer exist and they said the steps taken by the state to alleviate those problems worked, including having a ranger at the Falls on the weekends, and putting up signs about parking.

And while the Falls can be dangerous, there have only been two deaths there in the past 20 years, said Ilana Newton of Jamaica. Another person mentioned that during the 1970s and '80s, it was a much more dangerous place.

A petition on Change.org about opposing many of the state's proposals for Hamilton Falls had about 200 signatures Friday, with more than 80 people signing on Friday alone.

The Windham Select Board has gone on record opposing most of the proposals, saying it would endorse the "low impact" option, and it urged the state to put its resources into reopening the state park trail.

"The Windham Select Board values, very highly, the natural beauty and awe-inspiring features of Hamilton Falls. The Board believes Hamilton Falls is a fragile Natural Area that should be left to be enjoyed in as undisturbed a state as possible and will only support a proposed management scenario that places the integrity and most natural state of this resource as the top priorities in any proposed management plan," stated a July 16 letter, addressed to Dube.

Dube said the public comment period on the plan is open until Aug. 18, and then the state will come up with a preferred approach to managing the falls area.

For information about submitting comments on the plan, https://fpr.vermont.gov/jamaica-state-park
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NORTH ADAMS  What do Bigfoot, vampires, cursed campgrounds and haunted railroad tunnels have in common?

You can learn about them all at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, in a class, "Cryptids and cyborgs: Bigfoot, La Llorona and the American imagination."

Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Hannah Noel Haynes taught a class this past semester on folklore, particularly cryptids, which are animals or creatures whose existence is unproven, in Northern Berkshire County, and throughout New England. The American Studies class informed students what folkloric tales of the repeated presence of strange creatures in the Berkshires and beyond say about the area.

SIGHTINGS AND HAUNTINGS

Noel Haynes said that cryptids were often used throughout history to "explain something that cannot be explained."

Or, to stop people from doing something that could hurt them," she said. "This is what we see with Coca Cola Ledge [or Witts Ledge] in North Adams. You dont want kids to fall off, so you tell them theres a Bigfoot there.

The most notable Bigfoot sightings in the Berkshires include 1983 on October Mountain in Lee, and 1879 in South Williamstown/Pownal, Vt. As The Eagle reported in 1983, two Berkshire men, aged 19 and 22, told of a 6 foot, 7 inch creature standing on two legs seen on October Mountain, particularly Felton Lake in Washington.

It was dark brown in color and had strange eyes that glowed, they said, The Eagle writes. Both were emphatic in saying it was not a bear.

In 1879, The New York Times report describes two young Vermont hunters terribly scared. A group of hunters mistook what they say was a wild man for a bear, and shot at it, prompting it to charge them. The description was a 5-foot tall creature resembling a man in form and movement, but covered all over with bright red hair, and having a long straggling beard, and with very wild eyes.

There is an old story, told many years ago, of a strange animal frequently seen along the range of the Green Mountains resembling a man in appearance, but so wild that no could approach it near enough to tell what it was or where it dwelt, The Times story reads.

Think of the Hoosac Tunnel, infamous for being haunted, a reputation borne from the frequent deaths of the workers who built it. Then theres Camp Windigo, in Windsor, which Noel Haynes said captured students imaginations. One student grew up in Savoy, and was always hearing about the lore around Camp Windigo. The story goes, a camp counselor went insane and murdered all of the campers, who are now at the bottom of the lake.

One student in the roughly 20-student class put together a podcast on different cryptids and stories in the Berkshires, dedicating an episode to determining the fact from the fiction about Camp Windigo, and, as Noel Haynes put it, the fallacy in this urban legend.

MCLA student Izzy Beauchamp recommended the class to any of her peers as an elective, and said she hopes Noel Haynes continues to teach it.

My favorite part was learning about different cultures, Beauchamp said. We did independent projects in class, and some people focused on the Bennington Triangle, and how Bennington has a culture of its own. Others learned about stories related to North Adams and indigenous people.

VAMPIRISM

A special interest of Noel Haynes, who is a cultural theorist, is vampires, and how vampirism in Europe ended up in New England.

The class studied how European settlers in New England brought with them stories of vampirism, which was rooted in a fear of the then-rampant tuberculosis.

People first believed in vampires because of a fear of human decomposition, contagious disease, how the west tropes the Middle East and Asia, same-sex desire and death generally, Noel Haynes said. Vampirism in New England really emerges as tuberculosis takes root. By 1800, 25 percent of all deaths in New England were from tuberculosis.

With an ignorance of how to cure the disease, as well as a general ignorance at the time of body decomposition, unusual customs arose such as exhuming the bodies of loved ones who died from tuberculosis, and checking for signs that a vampire had something to do with the death.

Berkshire County was hit really hard during that era, Beauchamp said. Things that are scary, like the unknown, or human existence, they want to put a metaphor in front of it because they dont know, or dont want to know what the truth is. Thats where the whole monster thing comes from, fear of the unknown.

There are multiple cases, outlined in municipal records and newspaper clippings, of people in Rhode Island, Vermont and Massachusetts having bodies exhumed. The thinking was that tuberculosis was inherited, and when one family member died, that person in their grave sucked the life from the living.

To kill it you had to exhume the body, burn the body parts, often the heart and inner organs and ashes in some way had to be given to other people, Noel Haynes said.

Students were particularly compelled by the connection to Williams College. The grandson of the founder of Williams College, Ephraim Williams Jr., received a letter from Justus Forward in the late 1700s discussing the exhumation process matter-of-factly.

These people with authority, these people of culture, literally believed this stuff, Noel Haynes said.

WHO CARES IF ITS REAL

Students of course wonder, does Noel Haynes believe any of it? Ghosts? Vampires?

These binary questions are not what I find most interesting about these creatures. Its why people believe, what they believe, and what does it reflect about society at that particular moment, Noel Haynes said. Whether something is true doesnt matter. Its, Why are there so many sightings of Bigfoot in Berkshire County?

Noel Haynes connected this fear of the unknown to peoples behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. She tried to make the point that vampirism wasnt so outlandish a direction to go  that conspiracies and myths have long provided answers for whats unanswerable.

Most say they are in the class because this subject is something they would have liked to have seen when they were in grade school, Noel Haynes said. She is pleased with the nuanced discussions, which split into various directions, such as how occult ideologies are influencing our current political climate. Or, why do queer communities, and far-right ideologues, intersect in their love for Bigfoot and the Mothman?

Beauchamp grew up in Lanesborough and had always been fascinated with the local myths. It was startling and validating to see the primary sources and scholarship Noel Haynes had collected on the topics and the area.

I grew up right on Mount Greylock, and theres always stories about people dying and ghosts haunting the mountain, she said. To hear there has been a presence of name-brand cryptids like vampires and Bigfoot in the Berkshires, and actual documented stories throughout history, might mean its all real.
Correction: Board of Health member Dr. Ruby Chang's title was stated incorrectly in an earlier version of this story. The Chair of the board is Michael Lanoue.

GREAT BARRINGTON  The town's Board of Health wants to do its own testing of Housatonic water, and now it appears the water company will have to pay for the independent tests  not the town.

Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon, in an attempt to quash apparent rumors that the board denied health officials $3,000 for testing, said at the boards Monday meeting that the Board of Health has the authority to make Housatonic Water Works Co. pay for the tests.

It comes in the middle of another summer bout of yellow-to-brown water said to be from high manganese counts and the warming source pond. Something the privately owned waterworks, in a July 11 press release, blamed on climate change.

The companys rate increase request to upgrade its aging system is still pending with the state. Thats another source of anger among residents.

The water problems are bad enough that the waterworks last month received a $350,000 grant under the federal Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities program.

Waterworks co-owner and Treasurer James Mercer on June 13 received notice of the grant, paid through the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. It is unclear exactly how the money will be applied. Mercer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Bannon, at a recent board meeting, told residents to send their complaints to the Board of Health. He said again, reading from a statement Monday, that the health panel is "responsible for the safety of the Housatonic Water Works users, and that it would forward complaints to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The water issue was again on the Board of Healths agenda for its meeting Tuesday night.

Dr. Ruby Chang, a Board of Health member, told The Eagle the panel has no teeth without money for testing and, possibly, for a lawyer.

This is obviously going round and round, said Chang, a pediatrician. Its making us look like were not doing anything.

She is frustrated. She said she doesnt know what the boards options are with regard to holding the waterworks accountable.

We need the scientific data, she said of independent testing.

Two Select Board members live in Housatonic and are themselves victims of the water trouble. Both Eric Gabriel and Ben Elliott expressed their frustration. State regulators cant seem to solve it. Nor have dozens of closed-door meetings with the towns lawyer in recent years yielded fruit.

On top of it all, Town Manager Mark Pruhenski said Monday night that a key document is delayed due to the waterworks' failure to provide financial data requested for a report by an engineering firm hired by the town. The report would give the town a sense of what it would take to buy the waterworks and what it would cost taxpayers and water customers.

The final report to the board by DPC Engineering wont be ready until the end of October, Pruhenski said. DPC has also produced earlier reports for the town. One in 2018 said replacing the waterworks' aging mains would cost $22 million, and it pointed to other complexities in fusing Housatonic's system with Great Barrington's.
Exits are arguably more important than introductions. Exits define ones legacy and often ones lasting impact in the public consciousness; one can always make up for a bad first impression.

What President Joe Bidens departure from the 2024 presidential race will mean for his legacy and American politics, Im not sure. But it does have a notable lesson in humility.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President, Biden wrote in a letter explaining his decision. 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.

For some, this might come as too little, too late. Maybe it will be, if his replacement at the top of the ticket is not able to cement enough support from the American people before the general election. The truncated window is not ideal.

But its also important to recognize the gravity of this decision  how hard it must have been for Biden to weigh and eventually admit that whats best for the country might mean the end of his presidency this January and that it was finally time to pass the torch to someone else.

Since the rise of former President Donald Trump, our countrys politics have been increasingly ego-driven. Much of that might be fueled by social media. Its not enough for politicians to govern. They have to be influencers with their own platforms, producing content to social media to keep their followers engaged. Trump has proven these platforms can be weaponized to spread misinformation and create echo chambers in which facts that dont paint you in a positive light can be attacked or ignored.

Perhaps this is why Bidens decision resonates so much: Its selfless. He put the needs of the American people above his own personal desires, placing country above self.

Thats something Trump has struggled to do, especially after he lost the 2020 presidential election. If he graciously stepped down and accepted his defeat, its likely that the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol would not have happened, greatly reducing his own legal peril and avoiding perhaps the most damaging attack on democracy this century. Instead, he attacked the legitimacy of our elections themselves and has done all he can to avoid accountability.

Mitchell Chapman: Trump election indictments bring American democracy to an inflection point The outcomes of Trump's trials and the public's reaction to them will define the nation. It's been written many times in newspapers across the country how the Trump presidency served as a stress-test on democracy. That test is not yet over.

Last year, I wrote about how Trumps criminal trials were about more than just holding him accountable. Like all presidents, he represents ideals greater than himself in our collective consciousness. Specifically, hes the man who injected modern authoritarianism into our politics and has attempted to make it more palatable, which stands in direct contrast to the values of the Constitution and the checks and balances on the different branches of government. While the Supreme Court has granted Trump some presidential immunity, this nation was founded on the notion that there are no kings in America, that no one is above the law and that all people are created equally.

What does Biden stand for? How will he be remembered? Historian Jon Meacham described on MSNBC how Bidens exit from the race could resonate with the American people: President Biden has decided that this campaign is not about him, but about us. Its not about personal ambition, its about the durability and viability of the Constitutional order that so many of us believe could be in danger.

Ive written about inflection points before because they fascinate me. This is, undoubtedly, another one. Where it leads, Im not certain. But I think its important to process this moment and take Bidens hard-earned lesson of humility to heart.

Think of your family, your friends, your community. Think of the people who sacrificed for you, who put their ego to rest and walked a path above self. Think about what it means to do something for another human being because you love them, even at some personal loss.

If Biden can do it, we can, too.
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you (John 15:18-19).

Christianophobia. Technically, it means the fear of Christians, of the Christian faith and its beliefs. In practice though, it means hate. The hate of all things Christian. Anti-Christian sentiment has led to persecution of Christians throughout history  and, of course, remains pervasive even today. Possibly you didnt know there was even a word for it  but you know it exists.

The Rise of Christianophobia

It is no secret that the anti-Christian crusade began immediately upon inception of the Christian movement. It wasnt only the Jews  led by Saul, who later became Paul, the Apostle  who persecuted Christians. The entire Roman Empire viewed Christians with suspicion, leading Emperor Nero to put many to death for their faith.

Today the persecution continues, especially in countries like China, North Korea, and middle eastern countries controlled by Islam and Sharia Law, where Christians can be put to death for their faith. I read recently a quote from Billy Graham that said, to paraphrase, more Christians have been persecuted and killed for their faith in the last 100 years than in all the centuries prior.

Naturally, this should come as no surprise to any reader of the gospels. Jesus warned us some 2000 years ago that his followers would be hated and persecuted:

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father (John 15:18-19, 23-24).

And here in the United States is there any doubt that the anti-Christian furor and fervor has risen to a fever pitch? A Christianophobe hates Christians, hates the message, and despises what Christians stand for.

Certainly, Christian beliefs are presented in the most extreme and biased manner. The belief that homosexuality is Biblically sinful is labeled as homophobia, or hatred for homosexuals. An anti-abortion/pro-life belief is labeled as misogynist, or hateful of women. Christians who assert Biblical faith and declare Jesus as the only way to salvation are declared intolerant, arrogant and even hostile toward other beliefs. And Christians who proclaim Christ are deemed to be trying to force our beliefs on others, including our children, through brainwashing.

Yet  our objective is only to save the lost and introduce them to Jesus and the eternal life he offers:

Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

Why Such Hatred?

We live in the land of liberty and religious freedom  yet even in the US we can sometimes experience extreme anti-Christian actions, and often what amounts to suppression of the freedoms of speech and religion we thought we could take for granted. Simply look at the baker who was targeted by the LGBTQ community for refusing to bake a cake to celebrate a gay marriage. One need only to look at the intensely hateful comments on social media  with trolls that follow and comment on even plainly Christian sites and posts. Their intent on following such can be for only one reason  to spew hate.

But why such vitriol? Well, there are many answers, and like a spiders web, many of these seem to be interconnected.

1. Casual Christians

It is all too prevalent today: people who go to church, proclaim their love of God and faith in Jesus, but then go out and live their lives like the rest of the world. Casual Christians go by the name, but their beliefs are nothing more than a small part of their lives. Things of the world still mean more to them than their faith and they do not prioritize that faith in any way, shape or form. At church they will sing out and nod their heads during the sermons  then go out the door and flip off the guy who cut them off on the way home. The world sees no difference in them from the rest of the world  and they dont care. Theyre great at talking the talk, but simply dont walk the walk.

Author Brennan Manning is known to have said, The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

In other words, casual Christianity leads to Christian hypocrisy, which leads to people rejecting Jesus.

To get personal for a moment, I am quite familiar with the casual Christian since for most of my life it was me. I was raised in the Catholic church, and never a day in my life passed that, if asked if I believe in God, would my answer have been anything but a resounding yes! I believe in God and I believe that Jesus died for our sins! I knew verses from the Bible from listening to sermons  not because I studied Scripture. Yet it all had zero impact on how I lived my life. That is, until he opened my eyes to the truth.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of false disciples, who would be denied entry into heaven because they didnt truly know Jesus  and he didnt really know them. (Matthew 7:21-23) It might be an important question to ask: who do you think he was referring to?

Jesus taught that people would know we were his disciples by how we loved one another. He said that our unity in him would let the world know God had indeed sent him (John 17:23).

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).

2. Liberal Ideology

There are those who hate Christianity because they are far too devoted and loyal to their political beliefs to even consider Christianity. Their mindset will not allow their eyes to be opened to the truth, and they have accepted false gospels, lies and misrepresentations, twisted to fit their predisposed viewpoint. They claim, for example, that the Bible was written by men, or believe distortions such as universalism, that we are all good people going to heaven, among others. They believe Jesus to be a fictional character, or choose to dismiss him as a good teacher who taught we are not to judge others, without any understanding of Jesus actual meaning, or willingness to consider the truth.

While some choose to moralize that Jesus was liberal, he was far from it. Jesus held to the teachings of the Law of God  and professed that he came to fulfill that law, not to do away with it.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17).

3. Bad Past Experiences

We all likely know or have heard of people who have had bad experiences in churches. Lets face it, the evils of a large number of Catholic priests who abused children  especially young boys  are well known to the public eye. The result has been another arrow in the quiver of those who have struggled with faith anyway, and thereby apply the sins of a few to the rest.

Perhaps less serious, but still problematic, many of us have experienced how rude, unloving, unwelcoming and un-Christlike certain people can be. A close relation of mine attempted to join a womens Bible study at a church near her, and was treated as an intruder into their group, criticized for being too dressy, and looked down upon due to her accent. She never went back.

Others of us have had loved ones fighting  and losing  battles with illness, despite fervent prayer. At those moments, trusting Gods judgement may be a hard thing to help them understand.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

4. Existence of Evil/Suffering

A great many atheists attempt to turn the existence of evil and suffering into an argument against the existence of God. They claim that God cannot be both good and all-powerful  otherwise he would not allow evil in the world if he truly loved us.

Greek philosopher Epicurus put it this way: If God is unable to prevent evil, then he is not all powerful. If God is not willing to prevent evil, then he is not all-good.

There is no effort to understand Gods word, free will of mankind and the salvation offered through Christ. They staunchly hold to their position and will hear no argument.

The problem with that thinking is it focuses only on this life  this world  and ignores that we are eternal beings with a life far beyond what this world has to offer. We have so much more in store for us than we can possibly imagine.

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

5. They Dont Want It to Be True

The great author and speaker Lee Strobel is known to have said that while he was still an atheist  before he thoroughly researched the life, death and resurrection of Jesus  he didnt want there to be a God, because he didnt want that moral authority over his life.

How many other atheists feel that way but simply wont recognize or even acknowledge it? They believe themselves to be good people and dont want or need greater moral authority over their lives. Unfortunately, many will never bother to even look honestly at the truth about Christianity because what they have heard fits how they want to feel about religion. What they dont realize is that what Jesus Christ offers us is the furthest thing from religion.

For everything in the world  the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life  comes not from the Father but from the world (1 John 2:16).

6. Christian Fundamentalism

Jesus came in grace and in truth (John 1:17). But too often the message gets muddied with far too much truth and far too little grace. Far too much focus on the rules and the rites and the rituals  and the message of grace never gets heard over the pointing fingers of guilt or screams of youre a sinner. The message of grace and forgiveness gets lost.

Jesus Christ came to die for us while we were still sinners. He died to pay the price for our sin and rose again to defeat death once and for all so we could be with him in eternity. It is by his grace we are saved, receive his Holy Spirit, and live our lives as he teaches and directs us.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith  and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Lets face it, Christianophobia  hatred of all things Christian  is real and it is on the rise. And we can expect that it will get much worse as the return of Christ approaches. Ultimately, of course, Satan hates God and his followers and he wants the world to hate them too. In the parable of the sower, Jesus foretold this would happen:

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path (Matthew 13:19).

Since Satan is in control of the world in which we live, he will do everything he can to ensure people remain in darkness:

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Most importantly? We all know that ultimately Christians have nothing to fear because greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Photo credit: Getty Images/katleho Seisa

Grandchamp is an author and speaker. His book, In Pursuit of Truth, A Journey Begins, is an easy-to-read narrative that offers answers to the most common questions new believers and non-believers have about Jesus Christ (Amazon.) Greg speaks on living out our faith in our daily lives  and on creating true disciples of Christ.

Greg doesnt pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else  in pursuit of truth.

Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.


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The Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF), a representative organisation for hairdressers and hair salons across Ireland, has unveiled its pre-budget submission to Government ahead of the 2025 Budget which takes place on Tuesday, October 1st.

The key demands from the hairdressing sector include;

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The restoration of the 9 per cent VAT rate.

Greater engagement with business owners to ensure the introduction and implementation of a living wage that is sustainable for businesses.

Extend the repayment terms for warehoused debt and apply 0 per cent interest for any legacy debt owed to Revenue.

Provide more targeted grants and supports for salons concerning high energy costs and rates.

Reduce employer PRSI contributions for employees in SMEs.

The IHF has called on Minister for Finance Jack Chambers "to act now and safeguard the future of the hairdressing industry".

The IHF said the industry is facing its most challenging time yet since the recession over 16 years ago due to recent changes in legislation, increasing labour costs, energy costs and an increase in the overall cost of living. These increases are "placing a heavy financial burden on salon owners throughout the country".

Commenting on this, Lisa Eccles of the Irish Hairdressers Federation, said: We call on Government to freeze on further labour market policy measures that have a direct impact on our members.

Ms Eccles added: Some of our members have simply felt unable to continue their business and livelihood and have chosen to close their doors. At a time when the worlds energy costs are dropping, many of our members are baffled as to the high costs of energy which they have to absorb on a daily basis. We call on Government to take immediate action and provide extra support to salons owners across the country.
Lidl Ireland has secured planning permission for a new store and over 40 apartments on the site of a former Ford dealership in Crumlin, despite strong opposition from local residents.

An Bord Pleanala rejected an appeal by a large group of residents against the decision of Dublin City Council to approve the planning application by the German discount supermarket group for the mixed-use development on the lands of the former Bright Ford Rialto on Herberton Road, Dublin 12.

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The development proposes the construction of a six-storey building with 41 apartments on the top floors.

The supermarket, which will include an off-licence and bakery, will be located at first floor level over an underground car park and three retail units at ground floor level.

A landscaped courtyard will also be located at the second floor level.

The plans for the 0.45 hectare site near the Grand Canal also involve the demolition of existing buildings, including a salesroom and commercial warehouse.

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Lidl had originally sought planning permission for a supermarket and 60 apartments in a six-storey building, but the company revised its plans in response to issues raised by council planners, including removing one storey from the front and rear of the premises.

Over a dozen residents of Herberton Road lodged a joint appeal against the project.

They claimed Lidls plans represented over-development of the site which would materially impinge on the residential and visual amenities of the area because of severe overlooking and loss of privacy to houses on two sides of the site.

The residents argued the project also represented a piecemeal and incongruous approach to development.

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They claimed the scale of the development was unacceptable and indicates a continuing complete and utter disregard for the surrounding area.

The residents also expressed concern that the new supermarket would result in traffic hazards and overspill car parking in the area, as they maintained they had already witnessed incidents of children being struck by vehicles on Herberton Road.

They also voiced worry over the decommissioning of underground tanks from a former petrol station on the site, while they claimed the risk of flooding of the site had not been properly assessed.

In its ruling, An Bord Pleanala said the proposed development by Lidl constituted an acceptable form of mixed-use development in an urban location on a brownfield site.

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The board said it would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area and would offer an acceptable standard of residential amenity for future residents.

It also concluded that the development would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety.

Separately, Lidl successfully challenged how Dublin City Council calculated the planning contribution it had to pay for the development, which resulted in its value being reduced by almost 120,000 to 627,658.

The 15 million investment by Lidl in its new store in Crumlin is also expected to create 60 new jobs.
Barristers working in the criminal justice system have staged their third and final day of strike action this month as part of an ongoing dispute over rates.

Criminal law barristers nationwide have withdrawn their services on Wednesday following similar action taken on July 9th and 15th.

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Protests are also being staged at 11 courthouses around the country, in Dublin, Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Kildare, Limerick, Longford, Sligo and Tipperary.

The barristers are calling for rates paid to them by the Director of Public Prosecutions and under the legal aid scheme to be increased, seeking the restoration of rates to pre-Fempi era levels.

Fempi (Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) cuts were those made across the public sector following the 2008 financial crash.

The Council of the Bar of Ireland previously said these reduced rates "continue to apply to the profession" despite being unwound across other areas of the public service.

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A statement from the council on Wednesday added that despite a series of correspondence with Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, and officials from her department, "the situation remains at an impasse".

"While members of Government and the Opposition have signalled support for fee restoration, no commitment has been forthcoming regarding a timeline, despite a Government report as far back as 2018 stating that fee restoration was justified, given the reforms and flexibilities provided by profession," the statement added.

The council said it regrets having to again take strike action, but reiterated its disappointment over the lack of Government action or engagement on the issue.
A father who took part with his wife in "exorcism" beatings and cruelty to his nine-year-old daughter, who was later left with a catastrophic brain injury, has failed in a second appeal against his conviction and imprisonment.

The Supreme Court ruled that a jury verdict in 2021, finding the father guilty of two counts of assault causing serious harm and three counts of child cruelty, should be upheld. The father, and the mother, who was also convicted of the same counts, were both jailed for 14 years.

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The father appealed his conviction and sentence. The Court of Appeal (CoA) upheld the conviction while reducing the 14-year sentence he received to 13 years.

The parents' trial heard that the girl was punched, beaten with a belt and a stick, choked, bitten and badly burned all over her body between June 28th and July 2nd, 2019.

The girl, along with another sister, had arrived in Ireland the previous March to join the family, who are originally from North Africa.

The court heard the parents believed their daughter was possessed by a devil or jinn and had taken steps to attempt to exorcise her.

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The trial also heard that while the father had participated in injuring and choking the child, there was no evidence he was present when the brain injury was inflicted on her by the mother on July 2nd, 2019, as he was at work from early that morning.

In his CoA appeal, it was argued that his absence from the home, and the fact that he was not told for some time that day about the incident, excluded the possibility that he could have altered the outcome of the brain injury by calling an ambulance.

It was argued his actions did not come within the definition of "joint enterprise" in a criminal offence. This was rejected by the CoA.

In his further appeal to a five-judge Supreme Court, the central point was whether he was responsible for the actions of his wife in inflicting the brain injury and whether there was sufficient evidence before the jury to enable them to come to the conclusion of guilt on that count and on a count relating to burning the child.

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Mr Justice Peter Charleton, in a decision on behalf of the Supreme Court, said the court was asked to decide whether the absence of the father from the scene of the serious attack upon his daughter by his wife on July 2 undermined his conviction for the crime of assault causing serious harm.

The essential issue was could he be found responsible for that crime by reason of his participation in a series of assaults immediately before that event on the basis of a plan common to both husband and wife, the judge said.

"Shortly put, the answer is affirmative," he said. He said there was no reason for disturbing the verdict of the jury, and he dismissed the appeal.
Former All-Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler Niall Gilligan allegedly repeatedly struck a 12-year-old boy with a stick, causing a series of injuries, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, State Solicitor for County Clare, Aisling Casey, told the court that one of the injuries the boy was treated for in the aftermath of the alleged stick assault by Mr Gilligan (47) was a fractured left hand.

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Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Daragh Hassett, told the court that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted by his client and there is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here.

Ms Casey said that the DPP had directed that the prosecution against Mr Gilligan be heard in the district court.

However, after hearing an outline of the State case against Mr Gilligan from Ms Casey to determine which court the case would be heard in, Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction.

Judge Gabbett has directed that the case against Mr Gilligan of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge, now go forward to the circuit court where more serious penalties apply on conviction for assault causing harm.

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As part of the State case, a medical report and photos of the boys injuries were handed into court and Judge Gabbett said: I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with significant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with, so I am going to refuse jurisdiction.

Farmer and auctioneer Mr Gilligan is charged with assault causing harm of a 12-year-old boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmilebridge contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act on October 5th last.

Mr Gilligan is also charged with producing a wooden stick during the course of a dispute contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act at the same location on the same date. Mr Gilligan denies both charges.

Outlining the background to the charges against Mr Gilligan, Ms Casey said the charges relate to a matter alleged to have happened on October 5th 2023 at 5.30pm.

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She said that the alleged injured party, who was aged 12 at the time, was with a friend also aged 12, and they were on a disused property, the Jamaica Inn in Sixmilebridge owned by the accused.

Ms Casey said: When the boys were on the property, it will be alleged that the accused confronted the two boys and produced a wooden stick and the boys attempted to flee."

She said that it will be alleged that the alleged injured party slipped on muddy ground and while lying on the ground, it will be alleged that the accused struck him several times with the wooden stick he had in his possession.

Ms Casey stated the boy returned home on foot and was brought first to the VHI clinic and subsequently transferred to University Hospital Limerick that evening.

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Ms Casey said that the injuries reported were a loss of consciousness by the boy on the occasion, along with significant bruising on the top right shoulder, the buttocks and lower back.

Ms Casey said that injuries also included a 2cm long wound on the boys forearm and a 2cm long wound to the right shin which both required suturing.

Ms Casey stated that following orthopaedic intervention, a fracture was identified on the boys left hand, and he made a full, uneventful recovery concerning the hand injury.

Asked for his observations by Judge Gabbett, Mr Gilligans solicitor, Daragh Hassett said: "My role is limited here, save to say that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted."

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Mr Hassett said that Niall Gilligan "volunteered a full account to Gardai some time back".

He said: "There is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here. That is for a different day and perhaps for a different court."

Mr Hassett said that he had no role on the issue of jurisdiction "so I will hold my fire.

After declining jurisdiction, Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 18th to allow a Book of Evidence to be served on Mr Gilligan.

Ms Casey said that as juveniles are involved in the case, she was anxious that matters be expedited as soon as possible.

She confirmed that both juvenile witnesses will give evidence by video link in the circuit court.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Gilligan on bail to re-appear before court on September 18th.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999.

The Sixmilebridge clubman also won two Munster titles with Clare and multiple honours with his club over a long, distinguished hurling career.
Kamala Harris will need to win over Republican-leaning voters who went with Joe Biden in 2020 if she is to beat Donald Trump, according to Ireland's former ambassador to the US.

Ms Harris is all but certain to be the Democratic nominee for president after Mr Biden withdrew from the running.

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Daniel Mulhall was the Irish Ambassador to the US from September 2017 to August 2022, for the majority of Mr Trump's presidency and a large portion of Mr Biden's term.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Mr Mulhall said Donald Trump will still be the favourite, but that Ms Harris gives the Democratic Party a much better chance in the November vote.

If the election were held tomorrow, Donald Trump would almost certainly win.

"It's still a 50/50 call I would say. In fact, if the election were held tomorrow, Donald Trump would almost certainly win. But the election is not being held for three and a half months and in that time Kamala Harris has to convince people that the vice president, not very highly regarded by the public at times, that Kamala Harris has been replaced by a much more vigorous, dynamic and forceful person.

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"Kamala Harris the presidential candidate. I still think this campaign will come down to Kamala Harris persuading people, particularly suburban Republican-leaning people who voted for Joe Biden last time. She needs them to vote for her this time, and we will see if she has the ability to convince these people to vote for her as they did for Joe Biden four years ago.

"It's going to also be a case of her persuading people that Donald Trump is too big of a risk, a threat to the republic, reproductive healthcare. All these things are vulnerabilities for Trump."

On Mr Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, Mr Mulhall said "overall, he did the right thing".

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Kamala Harris arrives at campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 22nd, 2024. Photo: Getty Images

"I think what happened in the past few weeks is the pressure built up on him. In particular, senior people in the Democratic Party got through to him and made the point that his candidacy was risking a return to the White House by Donald Trump. He couldn't beat Donald Trump after that terrible debate performance, and therefore, I think he did the right thing in deciding to stand aside and leave the field open to another candidate to take on Trump.

"That debate showed two things... he has become quite frail, and he's not as sharp as he once was. Secondly, he was simply unable to make the case against Donald Trump.

"It wasn't just the debate but all the follow-up interviews he gave and speeches he gave, all of them were at best adequate and probably a little less than adequate.

"He lost major ground during the CNN debate, and he never really recovered that ground because any time he went out in public after that, he tended to stumble further. I think the danger was as things went on, even if he got the nomination, he could have continued to have these disastrous public performances that would have undermined his chances of beating Donald Trump.

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"I think overall he did the right thing."

He feels Ms Harris will face an "uphill struggle" and will have to improve her overall popularity.

However, he pointed to advantages Ms Harris will have, including the fact Mr Trump, 78, is now the "old man" in the race to Ms Harris' 59.

Ms Harris previously worked as a prosecutor, and Mr Mulhall feels she will be better positioned than Mr Biden to point out some of Mr Trump's flaws and unpopular policies.

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Donald Trump is now the old man, running for election against a younger woman.

"The problem she has is that she's not that popular. She is maybe a tad more popular than president Biden. Matched up against Donald Trump in hypothetical polls, she does better than Biden, but she is still beaten by Trump in most cases.

"She faces an uphill struggle. She has to now reintroduce herself to the American people by going out there and being a Kamala Harris that wants to be president and making a forceful case for herself as America's future president, and against Donald Trump as someone who she is going to paint presumably as a danger to American democracy and a threat to the liberties of American women in particular.

"She will be able to go and travel the country, give speeches all over the place, and come across as a forceful, youthful figure. Donald Trump is now the old man, running for election against a younger woman."

While Ms Harris will have to "own" the successes and failures of the Biden administration, Mr Mulhall feels she can position this to her advantage.

"She will be better able in public to make the case for the success of the American economy, the way it has recovered during the last four years since the pandemic and the mess at the end of Trump's term.

"She's simply more articulate than Biden. Biden has lost the ability to get his message across in a cogent and sharp way, she will have cogency and sharpness he just didn't have. Therefore, she'll be able to make these points about the economy more forceful and possibly more effective."

Daniel Mulhall said Kamala Harris will have to win over Republican-leaning voters who went with Mr Biden in 2020. Photo: Getty Images

He also said she will have to learn from her failed campaign for the Democratic nomination in 2019.

"She is going to inherit a huge campaign apparatus. I know some of the people in that campaign; Jen O'Malley Dillon, who runs it, and Mike Donelan. These are very experienced operators and know how to run political campaigns.

"I think they will help her iron out things that have held her back in the past. The problem with Kamala Harris is, when she was campaigning in the Democratic primaries in 2019, her campaign fizzled out, and she didn't make the first primary in February 2020.

"That record is there, and she has to make sure she doesn't repeat that performance.

"One would expect four years in the vice presidency would have given her time to learn some lessons and improve the way she operates in public."

Mr Mulhall feels Mr Trump's selection of Ohio senator JD Vance as his running mate is actually a weakness rather than a strength for the former president.

"I think Trump made himself more vulnerable by choosing JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate because while Vance is a very smart guy, he is far out there and more to the right than Donald Trump. This is on a number of issues, including the war in Ukraine where he appears to be against any further US support, and also on reproductive rights, where he has an extreme position on no abortion, even in cases of rape and incest.

"This gives the Harris campaign a rich target to aim at."

On Ms Harris' running mate, Mr Mulhall said the likes of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, North Carolina governor Roy Cooper and Kentucky governor Andy Beshear will all be candidates.

He predicted the Democratic campaign will be as much about highlighting the dangers of Donald Trump, as Ms Harris' strengths.

"I think a lot of it will target the unpopular policies Trump is associated with.

"If the election was tomorrow or next week, Trump would win, but things can happen in three months. This campaign is remarkably unpredictable. We had an assassination attempt on Trump and Biden deciding to step down, so things can happen. Watch this space, I would say."
A private hospital has brought High Court proceedings against the widow of a former patient who it claims is publishing false and misleading information about it on social media.

The claim has been made in proceedings taken by the Beacon Hospital Sandyford Limited against Veronica Delaney, who it alleges is engaged in a prolonged campaign of spreading falsehoods of the most serious kinds against the hospital and its medical professionals.

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It is alleged the defendant's husband John was a former patient of the hospital.

The hospital claims he died of a form of blood cancer, known as IgG kappa myeloma, on April 1st, 2022.

The hospital, represented by Owen Keany BL, claims Mrs Delaney, with an address at Weston Crescent, Lucan, Co Dublin, raised concerns about the care the hospital provided to her husband between March 2022 and up to the time of his death.

The hospital claims it engaged extensively with her, with sympathy and sensitivity, following the immense loss she suffered.

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However, it claims that over the last 12 months she has engaged in an unwarranted campaign against the hospital, and has allegedly attacked it with a litany of false allegations.

It claims that since September 2022 she has posted dozens of untrue statements on social media platforms Twitter/X and LinkedIn using different handles and names.

The hospital, through its solicitors Sherwin O'Riordan LLP, corresponded with Mrs Delaney with a view to having the statements removed.

The hospital claims this has not been possible, and allege her statements have become more extreme and damaging.

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The court also heard Mrs Delaney has brought High Court proceedings which it is claimed have been dismissed.

As a result of the various statements online, the hospital is seeking orders against Mrs Delaney, including injunctions restraining her from publishing statements of a false and misleading nature concerning the hospital.

It also seeks an order restraining the defendant from publishing any material asserting a number of things, including that there was an alleged cover-up of her husband's death.

The matter came before Ms Justice Siobhan Stack on Wednesday.

The judge granted the hospital permission on an ex-parte basis to serve short notice of the injunction application on the defendant.

The matter will return before the court later this month.
Relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin and redeveloping the site for housing would cost 1 billion.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is expected to recommend against the move at a meeting of senior ministers this morning.

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Each government department has been carrying out feasibility studies on the land they hold to see if there are suitable sites for housing.

A study of Cathal Brugha Barracks has found it would cost in the region of 497 million to relocate the army facilities to a new barracks on a greenfield site.

While the Land Development Agency looked at how much it would cost to redevelop the Rathmines site for housing, estimating 1,300 homes could be built on the land at a cost of 499 million, bringing the combined costs to just shy of a 1 billion.

Taking into account the estimated costs involved and military advice, Mr Martin will recommend against relocating the Barracks.
A judge says social media personality Andrew Tates defamation lawsuit against a Florida woman who accused him of imprisoning her in Romania can go to trial, but he threw out Tates allegations against her parents and some allegations against the woman.

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Joseph Curley ruled that the widely followed former professional kickboxer, 37, and his brother, Tristan, 36, can present their allegations to a jury that the woman in 2022 enlisted another woman in a plot to extort money from them.

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The British-American brothers say the woman falsely accused them of human trafficking and rape, costing them their freedom and millions of dollars in income from their lucrative social media, podcasting and business ventures.

Romanian officials indicted the Tates last year, saying the brothers forced seven victims into pornography and subjected them to physical violence.

The womans lawyers say the lawsuit is in retribution for her reporting him to authorities. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted.



Andrew and Tristan Tate (Vadim Ghirda/AP)

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Judge Curley said in last weeks ruling, posted to online court records on Tuesday, that the Tates lawyers have shown enough possible evidence that the woman defamed their clients and was attempting to defraud and extort them to warrant a trial.

He pointed to April 2022 text messages the woman and her friend exchanged where they say they will ask the Tates for 200,000 dollars (154,950) and act like we still love them and stuff.

Judge Curley also pointed to other text messages that could indicate the woman knew she falsely accused the Tates of sex trafficking and false imprisonment. No trial date has been set and because of discovery and legal challenges it could be years before one occurs.

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The judge did throw out parts of the lawsuit accusing the woman of false imprisonment for the Tates being arrested, intentional infliction of emotional distress and interfering with their business relationships. He left the door open to their lawyers amending and refiling those accusations.

Judge Curley dismissed the Tates accusations that the womans parents defamed them when they told American diplomatic officials about their daughters allegations. He said they had no reason to believe their daughters accusations were false and had a right to report them.

Lawyers for the Tates and the woman each said Judge Curleys decision was a win for their side.

Tate lawyer Joseph McBride said they are most pleased with Judge Curleys ruling as the defamation accusation directly addresses the plot to destroy Andrew and Tristan Tates lives.

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He said no decision has been made on whether to amend and refile the dismissed accusations.





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The National Centre on Sexual Exploitation Law, which represents the woman and her parents, called the judges ruling a huge victory.

We are very pleased the court has tossed out the majority of this frivolous lawsuit and wisely narrowed the issues and claims, lawyer Dani Pinter said in a statement.

If the case proceeds, we look forward to the opportunity to prove the truth of what occurred in Romania, and we are confident that ultimately we will succeed and this harassing lawsuit will fail.

Romanian investigators said in their indictment that the Tates and two Romanian women formed a criminal group in 2021 in order to commit the crime of human trafficking in that country, the US and Britain.

Prosecutors also confiscated the Tates assets, including 15 luxury cars, luxury watches and about three million dollars (2.32 million) in cryptocurrency.

Investigators say the seven accusers were recruited with false declarations of love, but then forced to take part in pornography. The women were controlled by intimidation, constant surveillance and claims they were in debt, officials said.

But the Tates, in their lawsuit, paint a different picture. They say the Florida woman and all women who lived at their estate were free to come and go as they pleased, and closed-circuit security video can prove it.

Earlier this month, a Romanian judge lifted a year-long bar on the Tates leaving that country, but said they must stay within the European Union while they await trial.

THE SHAM CASE IS FALLING APART, Andrew Tate wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Andrew Tate has been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after the platforms accused him of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments, including that women should bear responsibility for being sexually assaulted.

But he remains popular on X, with almost 10 million followers, many of them young men and schoolchildren. He runs an online academy where he says he teaches young men how to get rich and attract women.

Several women in Britain also are pursuing civil claims against Andrew Tate, alleging they were victims of sexual violence. British authorities have charged the Tates criminally with sexual aggression. Details have not been disclosed.

In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Andrew Tate denied spreading a culture of misogyny and accusations that he manipulated women for financial gain.
CrowdStrike is blaming a bug in an update that allowed its cybersecurity systems to push bad data out to millions of customer computers, setting off last weeks global tech outage.

CrowdStrike also outlined measures it would take to prevent the problem from recurring, including staggering the roll out of updates, giving customers more control over when and where they occur, and providing more details about the updates that it plans.

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The company on Wednesday posted details online from its preliminary post incident review  of the outage, which caused chaos for the many businesses that pay for the cybersecurity firms software services.





Update: Our preliminary Post Incident Review (PIR) is available at the link below. Details include the incident overview, remediation actions, and preliminary learnings. More to come in our full Root Cause Analysis (RCA).



Automated recovery techniques, coupled with strategic  CrowdStrike (@CrowdStrike) July 24, 2024 Advertisement

The problem involved an undetected error in the content configuration update for its Falcon platform affecting Windows machines, the Texas company said.

A bug in the content validation system allowed problematic content data to be deployed to CrowdStrikes customers. That triggered an unexpected exception that caused a Windows operating system crash, the company said.

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As part of the new prevention measures, CrowdStrike said it is also beefing up internal testing as well as putting in place a new check to stop this type of problematic content from being deployed again.

CrowdStrike has said a significant number of the approximately 8.5 million computers that crashed on Friday, causing global disruptions, are back in operation as customers and regulators await a more detailed explanation of what went wrong.

Once its investigation is complete, CrowdStrike said that it will publicly release its full analysis of the meltdown.

The outage caused days of widespread technological havoc, highlighted how much of the world depends on a few key providers of computing services and drawn the attention of regulators who want more details on what went wrong.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak before Congress in hopes of bolstering US support for continuing Israels offensives against Hamas and other adversaries.

But boycotts of his appearance by some Democratic politicians and expected protests outside are highlighting how his hardline governments conduct of the devastating war in Gaza is opening fissures in longstanding American support for his country.

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Mr Netanyahu is assured a warm welcome from Republican politicians who arranged his speech in the House chamber, an appearance making him the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

Many Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders plan to boycott Mr Netanyahus appearance.



Protesters near The Watergate Hotel in Washington DC (Matt Slocum/AP)

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But the most notables absence will be behind him: vice president Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate and traditionally would sit behind whatever dignitary is speaking, says a long-scheduled trip will keep her away.

And the next Democrat in line, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, is declining to attend.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would be meeting with families of Israeli victims of Hamas instead.

Republicans targeted the absence of Ms Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, as a sign of disloyalty to an ally.

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However, former president Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, said campaigning would also make him a no-show for the Israeli leaders speech.

And outside the Capitol, demonstrators angry over the deaths of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, or over Mr Netanyahus inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas and other militants in the first hours of the Israel-Hamas war, are promising massive protests.

In anticipation, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned of a zero-tolerance policy for any signs of disturbances in the Capitol building.

It is our tradition to acknowledge every guest speakers right to free expression even if we disagree with their viewpoint, the Louisiana Republican wrote to members on Tuesday.

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The US Capitol behind a security fence before Israels prime minister visits (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Mr Johnson arranged the address, an honour that marks both the two countries historically warm bonds and the political weight that support for Israel has long carried in US politics.

But the attention for the visit has been diminished some by American political turmoil of recent weeks, including the assassination attempt against Mr Trump and President Joe Bidens decision not to seek another term.

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Mr Netanyahu hopes to project the image of a tough, respected statesman for an increasingly critical domestic audience back home in Israel.

That may be difficult given the wide division among Americans over Mr Netanyahus conduct of the war.

Many Democrats who support Israel but have been critical of Mr Netanyahu see the address as a Republican effort to cast itself as the party most loyal to Israel and to provide the prime minister with a much-needed political reprieve.

I dont know all the motivations for Speaker Johnson initiating the invitation but clearly he wanted to throw a political lifeline to Netanyahu whose popularity is very low in Israel right now, Senator Chris Van Hollen, among the dozens of Democrats set to boycott, said on Tuesday.

Still, many Democrats plan to attend the address despite their criticism of Mr Netanyahu, including Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a March floor speech.

Nr Schumer, of New York, said then that Mr Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu also is to meet with Mr Biden and Ms Harris on Thursday, and Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid as Israel battles to break Hamas since the group attacked Israel on October 7.

Mr Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognise the ICC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded United States-Israeli unity and condemned American protesters in a scathing speech to Congress.

The prime ministers speech sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that it has created.

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Nine months into the war in Gaza, Mr Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory, disappointing hopes by some that the Israeli leaders visit to the United States could bring some breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Speaking to applause from US politicians, and stony silence from others, Mr Netanyahu sought to bolster US support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that America and Israel must stand together (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

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America and Israel must stand together, he said, opening his speech to one of several standing ovations.

When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose, said Mr Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

But the Israeli leader soon pivoted to a darker tone as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the US, gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol.

He called American protesters of the war as useful idiots of Iran.

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He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened from the House chamber as Mr Netanyahu spoke.



Officials gave the Israeli Prime Minister several standing ovations throughout his speech (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

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Officials on both sides of the house rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held a sign in the House chamber that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other.

Ms Tlaib has been one of Mr Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year about the latest Israel-Hamas war.

She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a district in Michigan with many Palestinians.

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Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib holds a sign that says guilty of genocide as Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

Mr Netanyahu accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the militants who he said killed babies in Hamas attack on October 7.

These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said.

Mr Netanyahu  who is frequently accused of wading into US politics in favour of conservative and Republican causes  started his remarks with praise of President Joe Biden.

But he turned to lavishing praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump for all hes done for Israel.

With criticism rising against him in Israel, too, Mr Netanyahu also aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally.



United States Capitol Police announced that they had deployed the use of pepper spray against protesters at the Capitol (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the US presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol on Wednesday and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol, denouncing Mr Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a ceasefire.

Mr Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican officials who arranged for his speech to happen.

Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Mr Johnson said shortly before the Israeli prime minister began speaking.



At least 50 officials chose to boycott the speech as protesters continued to demonstrate outside the Capitol building (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage who was freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was in attendance.

The appearance makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill, who was referenced by Mr Netanyahu.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Mr Netanyahus speech.

The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.



People hold signs with photos of Israeli hostages, demanding their release as they watch Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech before the US Congress (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

The next Democrat in line, Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Ben Cardin, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Mr Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Ms Harris on Thursday, and with former president Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid.

Mr Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to address Congress four times (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The United States does not recognise the ICC.

The Biden administration says it wants to see Mr Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Mr Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Mr Netanyahu has said his aims for the US visit are to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, to build support for continuing Israels battle against the group, and to argue for continuing to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.
Police deployed pepper spray as a large crowd protesting Israels war in Gaza marched towards the US Capitol where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to Congress.

Thousands of protesters descended on Washington, carrying signs that read arrest Netanyahu and end all US aid to Israel and shouting free, free Palestine.

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Some tried to block the streets ahead of Mr Netanyahus speech.





Part of the crowd has started to become violent at First Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.  The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) July 24, 2024 Advertisement

Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol.

US Capitol Police said in a post on X that some members of the crowd had become violent and had failed to obey orders to move back from the police line.

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We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line, Capitol Police said.

Several protesters erected large effigies of political leaders. One depicted Mr Netanyahu in handcuffs and carrying a missile that read Made in the USA, while another, intended to represent President Joe Biden, had devil horns and blood dripping from its mouth.

Police lining Pennsylvania Avenue led away several protesters who were sitting in the street.



Protesters erected a large effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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Protest leaders said six intersections leading to the Capitol have been claimed by the Palestinian people.

Organisers had said in advance that they would try to block Mr Netanyahus route to the building.

Zeina Hutchinson, director of development for the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, read out the names of several Palestinian journalists killed by the Israeli military.

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We protest this homicidal maniac, his supporters and his enablers, she shouted from the stage. And we demand his arrest.



Several protesters have been arrested following a number of demonstrations across the US capital this week (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Some of the demonstrations have condemned Israel, but others have expressed support while pressing Mr Netanyahu to strike a ceasefire deal in the war with Hamas and bring home the hostages still being held by the militant group.

The Capitol Police said about 200 people were arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the sit-in at the Cannon House Office Building. Jewish Voice for Peace said many more than that were arrested, rabbis among them.

Police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol and closed multiple roads for most of the week. Workers erected a black metal fence around the White House on Wednesday morning.

Dozens of protesters rallied outside Mr Netanyahus hotel on Monday evening after his arrival in Washington, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon building, which houses offices of House members.



Demonstrators staged a sit-in protest against the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

Organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing red T-shirts that read Not In Our Name took over the buildings rotunda, sat on the floor, unfurled signs and chanted Let Gaza Live.

After about half an hour, officers from the Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting demonstrators  binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one by one.

I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and I know what a Holocaust looks like, said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest along with her two daughters  both of whom were arrested. When we say Never Again, we mean never for anybody.

The demonstrators turned much of their ire on the administration of US President Joe Biden, demanding that the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel.

Were not focusing on Netanyahu. Hes just a symptom, Ms Hirschmann said. But how can (Biden) be calling for a ceasefire when hes sending them bombs and planes?



Demonstrators marching on Independence Avenue near the National Mall ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the US Capitol (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil on the National Mall, demanding that Mr Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.

About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read Seal the Deal NOW! chanted Bring them home and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages.

The demonstrators applauded when Mr Bidens name was mentioned, but several criticised Mr Netanyahu  known by his nickname Bibi  on the belief that he was dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed ceasefire deal that would return all of the hostages.

Im begging Bibi  theres a deal on the table and you have to take it, said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband, Keith, remains a hostage. I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.



President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with the Israeli prime minister (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu are expected to meet on Thursday, according to a US official. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet Mr Netanyahu separately that day.

Ms Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she has confirmed she will be away Wednesday.

The vice president will be on a trip to Indianapolis, which was scheduled before Mr Biden withdrew his re-election bid.

Following Mr Bidens withdrawal, Ms Harris became the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he would meet with Mr Netanyahu on Friday.
Republican leaders have warned party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris as they and Donald Trumps campaign scramble to adjust to a new Democratic presidential rival.

At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Tuesday, National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) chairman Richard Hudson urged members to stick to criticising Ms Harris for her role in policies.

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This election will be about policies and not personalities, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters after the meeting.

This is not personal with regard to Kamala Harris and her ethnicity or her gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever.



Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (AP)

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The warnings point to the new risks for Republicans in running against a Democrat who would become the first woman, first black woman and first person of South Asian descent to win the White House.

Mr Trump, in particular, has a history of attacks that could turn off key groups of swing voters, including suburban women, as well as voters of colour and younger people which his campaign has been courting.

The meeting came after some members and Mr Trumps allies began to cast the Vice President, a former district attorney, attorney general and senator, as a DEI hire  a reference to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Intellectually, just really kind of the bottom of the barrel, Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman said in a TV interview. I think she was a DEI hire. And I think that thats what were seeing and I just dont think that they have anybody else.

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Since President Joe Biden announced he was exiting the campaign, Republicans have rolled out a long list of attack lines against Ms Harris, including trying to tie her to the most unpopular Biden administration policies and his handling of the economy and the Southern border.

Trump campaign officials and other Republicans have accused her of being complicit in a cover-up of Mr Bidens health issues and they have been mining her record as a prosecutor in California as they try to paint her as soft on crime.



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Mr Johnson said both Mr Trump and Ms Harris have records in White House policy and said voters can compare how families were doing under the Trump administration with how they are doing now under Mr Biden.

She is the co-owner, co-author, co-conspirator in all the policies that got us into the mess, Mr Johnson said.

Mr Hudson told members at the Tuesday meeting that the NRCC is focusing on how Ms Harris is even more progressive than Mr Biden and essentially owns all the administrations policies, according to a person familiar with the conversation.

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Senator Steve Daines, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, echoed that criticism, calling Harris too liberal.

Shes not an Irish Catholic kid who grew up in Scranton. Shes a San Francisco liberal, Mr Daines said.

Mr Trump offered a similar argument in a call with reporters Tuesday.

Shes the same as Biden but much more radical. Shes a radical left person and this country doesnt want a radical left person to destroy it. Shes far more radical than he is, he said.

So I think she should be easier than Biden because he was slightly more mainstream, but not much, he added.

In an interview on Newsmax, the former president claimed Ms Harris destroyed the city of San Francisco, although she left her job as district attorney there in 2011, and called her the worst at everything.

Kamala Harris is just as weak, failed and incompetent as Joe Biden  and shes also dangerously liberal, the Trump campaign said in a statement. Not only does Kamala need to defend her support of Joe Bidens failed agenda over the past four years, she also needs to answer for her own terrible weak-on-crime record in California.
Jermaine Bollinger | INOV8 Public Relations

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (July 23, 2024) - Celebrated Christian rock artist Jermaine Bollinger announces the release of his latest single, "My God, My King," to Christian radio. This powerful anthem, featured on his album Cre8ion, is now poised to inspire and uplift listeners across the nation.

Jermaine Bollinger, a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned veteran in the Christian music industry, has once again showcased his exceptional talent in "My God, My King." As a songwriter, producer, and performer, Bollinger's dedication to his craft is evident in every note of this compelling track. With profound lyrics that speak of God's boundless love and transformative power, "My God, My King" resonates deeply with worshippers, inviting them to lift their hands and voices in praise.

Bollingers musical journey began at a young age, with early mastery of various instruments and a passion for singing that predates his first spoken words. His diverse skill set and deep-rooted love for integrating all eras of music into his services make his work stand out in Christian genres. Trained by notable industry figures such as Todd Herreman, who has worked with legends like Prince and Michael Jackson, Bollingers sound is both unique and professionally polished.

"My God, My King" is a testament to Bollingers ability to blend heartfelt worship with rock influences, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The tracks production, also helmed by Bollinger himself at Salvation Studios, ensures a high-quality sound that is both contemporary and timeless.

Jermaine Bollingers previous works have garnered significant acclaim, with multiple chart-topping singles and numerous award nominations, including Louder Than the Music's 'Best Single' and the Mid-America Music Awards' 'Best Christian Single.' His songs like "Hallelujah," "I Belong To You," and "Love Remains" have established him as a formidable presence in the Christian music scene.

With "My God, My King," Bollinger continues to build on this legacy, delivering a song that not only celebrates faith but also encourages a deep, personal connection with God. As the song makes its way to Christian radio, it is set to become a favorite among listeners seeking an authentic and moving worship experience.

The track is also available on all major digital streaming platforms.

About Jermaine Bollinger:

Jermaine Bollinger is a multi-talented Christian artist, producer, and songwriter. With over 15 #1 singles and a career marked by numerous accolades, Bollingers music continues to inspire and uplift listeners worldwide.

Watch the Lyric Video:

https://youtu.be/W2rZbgT5mDY

Connect with Jermaine Bollinger:

https://www.jermainebollinger.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jermaine.bollinger

https://www.instagram.com/jbcartunes86/

https://twitter.com/jbcartunes

https://www.youtube.com/@jbcartunes

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NE1JESbK4TI4PaLdDMztH
FICTION

The Honeyeater

Jessie Tu

Allen & Unwin, $32.99

Dont be deceived; the cover of Jessie Tus second novel alludes to a whimsy that is entirely absent from the pages of the book. Instead, youll find an absorbing story about longing, power, and cultural identity, along with a forensic examination of Fay, an ambitious academic ready to make her mark in the world of literary translation, and in her relationships: professional, sexual, platonic and familial.

Like in her first novel, Jessie Tu masterfully unpicks the mother-daughter relationship. Credit: Steven Siewert

The most intense of these connections is between Fay and her mother Helen, who was born in Taiwan, but insists she has forgotten her past. Dad is a shadowy figure, a bad man, a former writer who died when Fay was little, but unwanted memories linger over them both. Fays interest in translation, specifically English-to-Chinese, is connected to a desire to be closer to her mother, that it might lead to communicating on a deeper level.

A bus tour of France (twin-share) isnt only an opportunity for Fay to take a break, its a chance to tick her mums bucket list. Back home in Sydney, they share a flat. Helen works as a cleaner, but her main occupation is ensuring the wellbeing of her only child.
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 Jon Ronson is rummaging through a bag at home in upstate New York but stops, mid-search, to recollect the effect of learning to identify psychopaths. I got drunk, he says, his hand still in the knapsack. I got drunk with the power of my psychopath-spotting skills. He stares through his familiar, trademark round glasses towards the window. I started diagnosing anybody whos ever given me a bad review as a psychopath, he says. Like Sherlock Holmes, identifying psychopaths through the nuances of their language and behaviour. But then I learnt a lesson. Ronson drops the bag and drinks from a bottle of beer. I realised my psychopath-spotting skills had turned me psychopathic, he says, because, its a little bit psychopathic to define people by the extreme, outermost aspects of their personality, the items that would get you labelled psychopathic on the checklist. You forget people are a complicated mix of positive and negative traits. That made me much more empathetic about peoples flaws and failings. Ronson, the award-winning Welsh author, journalist and screenwriter is known for his immersive, humorous and scalpel-sharp writing across various topics. He started exploring the concept of psychopathy in 2009. It began at a friends house as he leafed through a copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the American Psychiatric Associations professional reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions.

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In minutes, using the symptom checklists, Ronson had self-diagnosed 12 disorders including generalised anxiety disorder, nightmare disorder, parent-child relational problems and malingering. Was he right? Entirely unqualified as a medical professional, it was debatable. But, he pondered, was the psychiatry profession possibly labelling some normal behaviours as proof of mental disorders? Ronsons intrigue led to The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry, an instant hit that topped the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists for months. I got drunk with power, Ronson says of his psychopath-spotting skills. Credit: Mike McGregor A rollercoaster of humorous and disturbing proportions, it catalogued Ronsons meeting with psychologists, psychiatrists and psychopaths, some in positions of corporate and governmental power, some in psychiatric facilities such as Broadmoor Hospital. Ronson loved every minute of it. The narrative of The Psychopath Test is I am told by a Harvard psychologist that youre four times more likely to have a psychopath at the top of the tree than at the bottom, he says. So, of all the mental disorders, the one that capitalism rewards is psychotic psychopathy. Which is kind of ironic. Its the worst of all the mental disorders, the cruellest one, with no empathy or remorse, the one with impulsive behaviour, irresponsibility and glib charm, thats the one that gets rewarded and propelled to the top and makes the world go around.

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It was just such an extraordinary thought. Now, I would say, its more known, the idea that were more likely to have a psychopath at the top of the tree  but 15 years later, it seems like a good time to revisit it. In November, Ronson is heading to Australia for Jon Ronsons Psychopath Night, in which he looks at the books impact, shares fresh anecdotes and introduces mystery guests. Society is much more psychopathic now, he says. Social media has made us more psychopathic, along with the overuse of public shaming as a public weapon. Theres a lot to talk about. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO JON RONSON Worst habit? If someone treats me badly, I tend to stay annoyed about it for the rest of my life. Not that Id seek revenge or anything  just quietly annoyed. Greatest fear? Not being able to work/tell my stories. Im recovering from a blood clot in my lung due to COVID, and sitting here working on my next book, fixing problems and laughing away, has made me feel better than any medicine could. The line that stayed with you? Nothing pierces the heart with such force as a full stop put in just the right place  Isaac Babel. Biggest regret? Oh my God, so many, So many stupid things I said at parties. Thats why I sit here and work on my stories instead. Favourite room? We just bought a little one-bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village. Its on the third floor, so I can sit and write and watch people walking their dogs and eating ice cream. Its perfect. Rooms at the back looking onto the courtyard are isolating. The artwork/song you wish was yours? I saw a Nicolas Party exhibition at Hauser and Wirth in NYC recently and was bowled over. These beautiful, surreal, pseudo-religious landscapes. I just loved them. Anything by him. If I could solve one thing How huge numbers of us are defining ourselves as being in opposition to other people. The Psychopath Test was not the first introduction to Ronsons obsessive and self-analysing dives into societys margins and mainstream. His 2001 book Them: Adventures with Extremists, in which he interviewed Ku Klux Klan leader Thomas Robb and radical Islamic activist Omar Bakri Muhammad, among others, was followed by The Men Who Stare at Goats, about US Army paranormal pursuits, adapted into a film starring George Clooney. Other books, including So Youve Been Publicly Shamed, exploring social media furys effect on individuals, screenplays for films Frank and Okja, numerous radio programs, and podcasts including The Butterfly Effect, The Last Days of August and Things Fell Apart, prove one part of Ronsons personality.

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I am happiest working, he says. I sometimes go hiking in the afternoons here but I havent taken a day off in decades. What else would I do? Just sit there, staring? He was recently forced to do nothing for two days while recovering in hospital from a blood clot. I listened to Barbra Streisands 48-hour-long autobiography, of which a good four or five hours is her reading out excellent reviews shes had over the decades. Miss Streisands radiance is overwhelming. That was hard work. Ronsons 2011 bestselling book The Psychopath Test. Ronsons curiosity about the world, his enthusiasm to investigate and write stories of his adventures, is only matched by his friendliness and unassuming nature. He recalls his last trip to Australia in 2011 where he unexpectedly shared a hotel lift with Taylor Swift. Nothing happened, he says. I just stood in the elevator and she got out. Thats not a great story. It brings another story about fame and his friend, UK radio broadcaster Zoe Ball. In the 90s she was pretty much as famous as anyone in Britain, he says. Paparazzi in the bushes, Kate Moss level of fame. I always remember her saying to me: Youve got the perfect level of fame. Just enough to massage your ego but not enough that it interferes in any negative way in your life. Ronson can interview extremists, psychopaths, porn stars and people internet-shamed into obscurity but he can still savour a beloved two-hour train trip between the Manhattan apartment and Catskills house he shares with wife, Elaine Patterson. Its tourist-worthy, he says. The mountains, the sunsets bouncing off the river, its never a hardship travelling back and forth. Its nothing like a recent train trip in London, the city where he established his writing career after leaving his hometown of Cardiff, aged 18. It was horrendous, he says. There was flooding so about five trains worth of people got on our carriage. There were all these old ladies, all exhausted-looking and nobody would stand up for them. I gave an old lady my seat and, for the rest of the day, I felt so good about myself.

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He is reminded of this because he is reading Infectious Generosity by Chris Anderson, the head of TED. One chapter is about how you dont realise what an act of generosity will do to you until after youve done it, Ronson says. If I hadnt given my seat up to that lady, I would have spent the whole rest of the day thinking Id done something wrong. Loading Psychopaths dont have any of these feelings, he adds. No distress, no remorse, no guilt. That always makes me think psychopathy must be the most pleasant of all the mental disorders. He swigs a drink and smiles. I was slightly annoyed that nobody recognised me and tweeted about what a selfless act of generosity Id performed, he says. But then I thought, my happiness about doing a generous thing isnt reliant on external praise on Twitter. Youre the only person Ive told that to. I promise to spread the word. Thank you, he says. And he waves goodbye, unlike any sort of psychopath.

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Described by television host Ed Sullivan as one of the most glamorous girls showbiz has ever produced, and by comedian-director Mel Brooks as the best-looking movie star that ever lived, Lamarr was the inspiration for Disneys Snow White and inspired the comic-book character, Catwoman. Her beauty made her world-famous but she didnt allow it to define how she saw herself. As Alexandra Deans fascinating Bombshell reveals, Lamarr was also a scientist who invented and patented a secret communication system that was crucial to the development of both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. At times, Bombshell does attempt to paint Lamarr as a victim, but when she appeared on The Merv Griffin Show, Griffin asks if she has any regrets. Oh no, no regrets, she says. You learn from everything all the time. Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story is on Prime, DocPlay, Apple TV, Binge and Foxtel On Demand.

Jane Fonda: In Five Acts (2018) Susan Lacys Jane Fonda: In Five Acts is the story of Henry Fondas famous daughter, who was brought up in Hollywood where the children of stars often have difficult lives. Jane was fortunate to begin her screen career at age 21 with A-list directors, including Joshua Logan on her first movie, Tall Story (1960). Actor Jane Fonda and director Susan Lacy pose ahead of the launch of the documentary, Jane Fonda: In Five Acts Credit: AP In part to escape her father, Jane went to France, where she fell for the charms of director Roger Vadim and brought a modern womans fearless independence to Vadims period film, La Ronde, (1964) and sci-fi sensation, Barbarella (1968).

Some feminists have taken issue with the weightless striptease during the opening credits, but Fondas Barbarella is one of cinemas great feminist heroines, allowing no male to get within cooee of controlling her. Vadim saw and captured Fondas rebellious spirit. Fonda later went to Vietnam and posed with the Viet Cong beside an anti-aircraft gun. Many Americans considered this treason, but Fonda has never been cowed by the opinions of others. She can also be acerbic, as when talking about her fathers affair while still married to her mother. Five Acts doesnt mention that Jane had a wildly reported affair while she was still married to Vadim. Both father and daughter later married their lovers. Jane Fonda protesting in Washington in 2019, half a century after she was accused of treason for protesting against Americas involvement in the Vietnam War. Credit: AP Five Acts can also be inaccurate, as when Fonda calls They Shoot Horses, Dont They? Sydney Pollacks second film as director (it was his sixth) or claims Henrys third wife was seven years older than her (it was almost 10).

Fondas minimising the age gap reinforces the hurt she felt over Henrys betrayal, but Lacy could have silently corrected Fondas mistake about Pollack because it has no hidden meaning. No matter, the longer one watches Fonda in this documentary, the more one feels closer to understanding her complex struggles. As for Fondas talent, that has never been in doubt. Jane Fonda: In Five Acts is on Foxtel On Demand and Fetch. Doris Day and Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed (2023)

Rock Hudson was as handsome and charming a movie star as has ever lived. But the relentless press leaks about his female lovers and sudden marriage to his agents secretary were part of a mask to hide the fact he was gay.

Hudsons decision to stay silent would imprison him for the rest of his life, and also led to a series of films with Doris Day (including 1959s Pillow Talk) where Hudson plays a heterosexual man who pretends to be gay to get Doris Days character into bed. This ill-advised plot twist was thought up by producer Ross Hunter, who also went to great lengths to hide his sexuality, as so many did back then. What had begun as a heart-warming documentary about a dashing and charismatic star has now morphed into one of the saddest stories ever told. And as Hudsons protective mask tightens, he gets AIDS and dies. Despite Hudsons all-too-obvious anguish at pretending to be what he was not, Hollywood could not resist the urge to insert into his films knowing hints about his sexuality. Has anyone added up how many times the multi-meaning gay is used, or analysed why those who knew the truth so wished to tempt fate?

Hudson also starred in John Frankenheimers masterpiece, Seconds, (1966) where Hudsons character has his face, vocal cords, teeth and fingerprints surgically replaced in an unambiguous metaphor for a person wishing to hide behind a false persona. Stephen Kijaks Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is always fascinating and knowledgeable, but throughout I longed for a more joyous honouring of Hudson as an actor and person. Loading Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is on Prime Video, Apple TV and Binge. Stars of the Silver Screen (2011)

This series of one-hour episodes on the careers of movie stars mostly consists of critics talking knowledgeably while seated, intercut with clips that are often not the ones we most want to see (presumably due to rights issues).

Stars of the Silver Screens career recaps are a fine accompaniment to an afternoon cuppa because they celebrate the well-known and largely forgotten, preferencing achievement over scuttlebutt. Stars of the Silver Screen is on Foxtel on Demand. Remembering Gene Wilder (2023)

While many documentaries about actors have flaws, Ron Franks Remembering Gene Wilder doesnt. It is consistently revealing, often surprising and deeply moving. Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in the movie, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. I have never been a fan of Wilders loud and unfettered approach to screen comedy, even in gems like Mel Brooks The Producers (1967), but Franks documentary opened my eyes to Wilders genius, and did so from the opening clip from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971).

As for the later screen gag of an umbrella tip getting stuck in some paving stones, Wilders behind-the-scenes reveal had me in tears. Loading Remembering Gene Wilder is blessed to have the witty and erudite presence of 97-year-old Brooks, whose analyses of his Wilder films are a model of clarity and craft. It is also a privilege to listen to excerpts of Wilder reading from his autobiography, Kiss Me Like a Stranger, recorded for the audio book. Actors put on masks to help tell stories that help us better comprehend and enjoy reality. Our lives would be greatly diminished without them. Remembering Gene Wilder is on Netflix.
Confident and commanding, a fired-up Kamala Harris delivered her first campaign speech as a presidential candidate on Wednesday.

She took aim at Donald Trumps criminal record and agenda, vowed to unite the Democrats and framed the election as a choice between freedom and chaos.

US Vice President Kamala Harris has found a uniform of relaxed, tailored pantsuits with collarless, silk blouses and simple jewellery. Credit: Getty

But while the content of her speech was scrutinised by political commentators, what was notably not a topic of discussion was her wardrobe.

Has Harris torn through the silk ceiling which has trapped other female politicians in a cycle of criticism focussing on their outfits, rather than their policies, demonstrating we are moving toward genuine gender political parity?
The principal at James Ruse Agricultural High will leave the selective school at the end of the year to take on the top job at Sydney Girls High, promising parents she will make it the leading school for girls education in Australia.

Rachel Powell will become the 12th principal at Sydney Girls in its 140-year history after its outgoing veteran head, Andrea Connell, retired after more than a decade leading the school.

Rachel Powell, principal at James Ruse Agricultural High, will become head of Sydney Girls High in November. Credit: James Brickwood

In a letter to Sydney Girls parents this week, Powell said she would spend her first weeks at the Moore Park school meeting with students, teachers, parents and citizens association and the alumni network.

I [will] aim to familiarise myself with the school community and find out what we do well and what we can improve, she wrote. I am committed to ensuring that our school becomes the leading school for girls education.
The expected retirements of senior Labor ministers Linda Burney and Brendan OConnor would clear the way for Anthony Albanese to finally announce a frontbench reshuffle in a matter of days, allowing the prime minister to take a fresher team to the next election.

Burney, the minister for Indigenous Australians, is widely expected to announce her retirement from politics at the next election while some Labor MPs believe OConnor, the minister for skills and training, could follow her into retirement. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus is not tipped to quit despite recent speculation.

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The retirements would create two vacancies for Labors Left faction to fill in the prime ministers cabinet  if the pair choose to move to the backbench immediately  and open the door for Albanese to revamp his frontbench before the next election, due no later than May 2025, and inject fresh blood into his ministerial line-up.

This masthead spoke to Labor MPs from different factions and states on Tuesday and Wednesday about the mooted shake-up of the frontbench and possible retirements, and while none of those MPs would speak on the record, all suggested frontbench changes were imminent.
The courtyard has been swept, the cushions plumped, and the barbed wire taken down from the Watsons Bay home of criminal lawyer Brett Galloway ahead of this weeks launch of a pre-spring sales campaign.

Belle Property agent Daniel Gillespie launched the house on property portals on Wednesday afternoon, with an advertised guide of $5 million.

The Watsons Bay home of lawyer Brett Galloway is for sale for the first time in 23 years. Credit: Domain

Galloways decision to sell his home of the past 23 years comes after a string of hiccups since May last year when he lost an unfair dismissal case against two former staffers, his former practice manager Milena Molina and junior lawyer Raymond Zhai.

He purchased the three-bedroom house on 405 square metres for $1.4 million in 2001, back when his most high-profile client was Kings Cross brothel keeper Pandelis Fat George Karipis.
Aerotel Singapore Remember to pack a swimsuit in your carry-on when transiting through Singapore. It seems unfair to love bomb Changi with a double mention, but credit where credits due. The airside Aerotel Singapore in Terminal 1 (via the escalator by Gate D40) has saved many from transit tetchiness. Its not the bargain it once was (a minimum six-hour block for a room with meal is around $200) but the mood-realigning outdoor swimming pool and soft-as-a-snuggle beds has inspired many a take my money moment. Just remember to pack a swimsuit in carry-on. myaerotel.com Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental When a missed connection abandons you in a T-shirt in winter, this is where you want to stay.

This unwieldy moniker suggests PR and marketing failed to agree. But what it lacks in name minimalism, it atones for in location with an underground airport tunnel. When a missed connection abandons you in a T-shirt in winter, this is where you want to stay. Or you could wait in the dystopian wind tunnel where hotel shuttles arrive adhering to no schedule, wishing you too could be sinking into one of the comfy jewel-toned lounges with the warm and lucky. Not scarred at all. marriott.com The TWA Hotel at NYCs JFK International Airport This retro-glamorous airport hotel is a total knock out. Credit: David Mitchell This retro-glamorous airport hotel is a total knock out in the #avgeek stakes. Whats to love most  the runway infinity pool by JFKs bustling Runway 4 Left/22 Right, the 60s Sunken Lounge, or sipping jet fuel cocktails in the 1958 Lockheed Constellation Connie aeroplane turned cocktail lounge? The museum exhibits from the New York Historical Society featuring TWA vintage furniture and uniforms from the jet-set era will get your propellers whirling. A big thumbs down to the $US25 ($A38) pool summer cover charge. twahotel.com W Abu Dhabi  Yas Island

W Hotel is our pick for the modern nods to Arabic design. Credit: Getty Images Bland airport hotels, be gone! Straddling the Yas Marina Circuit, a dream for Netflixs Drive To Survive Formula 1 fans, this is no cookie-cutter hotel. But the location raises the existential question  if a hotel is 10 minutes drive from an airport, is it still an airport hotel? The W bills itself as such, and compared to travelling downtown its a mere enthusiastic camel spit from the runway. Glamorous with a celebrity clientele to match, this is our pick for the modern nods to Arabic design. Marriott.com Nine Hours Narita Airport Nine Hours offers a quintessential Japanese experience. Credit: Bloomberg Sleeping in a capsule or pod hotel is a bucket list item for many. Theyre not entirely comfortable (as expected sleeping in a tube), but they are cheap (a pod in a gender-separated section costs $A65) and a quintessential Japanese experience. Nine Hours also offers a complimentary bag of toiletries with towel, toothbrush, earplugs, disposable slippers and night gown. Be aware that many stay here for early flights, so brace for the 4am alarms. ninehours.co.jp
Migrants from Central America are seen before crossing illegally to the United States to turn themselves in to request asylum to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in El Paso, Texas, in this picture taken from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico April 2, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS)

About 3,000 migrants, carrying bags, water, and small children, braved the intense heat along a highway in southern Mexico on Tuesday, traveling in two groups with hopes of reaching the U.S. border. Over the past week, these caravans-large groups of people walking together-have reignited the contentious debate over immigration in the United States, especially as the November 5 presidential election looms.

"Whoever is in charge of the U.S. government, we will continue the fight to be there," declared Leivi Galvna, a migrant from Honduras. The group, marching under the sweltering sun, chanted motivational phrases like "yes we can" while pushing worn-out strollers. For many, caravans offer a safer alternative to traveling alone, amidst reports of frequent robberies, rapes, and kidnappings targeting migrants.

"I travel more safely in a caravan; I don't want to be killed in Mexico," said Yoisy, a Venezuelan migrant frustrated by the lengthy wait for an appointment through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One platform to apply for asylum. The Security Ministry in Chiapas, Mexico's southernmost state bordering Guatemala, estimated the caravan's size between 2,500 and 3,000, predominantly composed of Venezuelans.

Recent policy changes by the Biden administration, which implemented a rule in early June prohibiting migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally from applying for asylum, have not deterred thousands from making the perilous journey. Despite the crackdown, migrants continue to seek asylum in the United States, driven by a desire to escape insecurity, poverty, and other hardships in their home countries.

Jose Maria Garcia, director of the Juventud 2000 migrant shelter in Tijuana, expressed uncertainty about the caravans' final destinations but acknowledged the significant influence of the upcoming U.S. elections. "The migrant community is very confused," he said, reflecting the broader uncertainty about future U.S. immigration policy.

In a related development, hundreds of migrants from around a dozen countries set out on foot from Mexico's southern border on Sunday, aiming to reach the U.S. border before the November elections. Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador, voiced concerns about the potential impact of a Donald Trump victory, fearing a stricter border policy that could block permits and halt the CBP One appointments crucial for legal entry.

The group departed from Ciudad Hidalgo, a southern Mexican town near the border with Guatemala. Many had waited in the town for weeks, hoping for permits to travel further north. Organized caravans have become a strategic choice for migrants in recent years, offering protection against gang attacks and Mexican immigration officials. However, these caravans often disband in southern Mexico as the grueling journey takes its toll.

Mexico has also tightened measures to impede migrants from reaching the U.S. border via buses and trains. Travel permits are seldom granted to those without visas, and thousands have been detained and sent back to southern towns. Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant, criticized Trump's remarks about migrants, asserting, "We are not delinquents. 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."
Union Budget 2024-25 highlights: The The Union Budget 2024 is balanced, with the new government focusing on long-term schemes and benefits across various sectors. The government has laid out a clear vision for "Viksit Bharat" by addressing key areas such as agricultural reforms, manufacturing push, employment generation, youth skilling, MSME support, and urban infrastructure development.

One of the notable aspects of the budget is its fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit is maintained at 4.9 per cent for the current year, with a target to reduce it to 4.5 per cent next year. This balanced fiscal approach ensures that resources are efficiently channelled to the desired sections while maintaining fiscal stability. Such stability is expected to attract liquidity flows into country and result in a lower cost of capital for India, fostering a conducive environment for economic growth. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The budget has earmarked Rs 11.11 lakh crore for Infra capital expenditure, accounting for 3.4 per cent of GDP. This significant allocation underscores the governments commitment to building infrastructure and boosting the manufacturing sector. The focus on infrastructure development is expected to create a ripple effect, spurring economic activities and generating employment opportunities across various sectors.

Support for MSMEs is a key highlight of the budget. Providing credit guarantee for MSME loans up to 100 crores and Mudra Loans are aimed at bolstering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. These measures will provide MSMEs with the necessary financial support to expand their operations, innovate, and contribute significantly to the economy.

The reduction in customs duties on mobile phones, gold, and silver is another positive move. It will also make consumer electronics and jewellery more affordable, encouraging spending.

Salaried employees stand to benefit from the new tax regime, with potential savings of up to Rs 17,500 in income tax. This relief is expected to boost small-ticket consumption, as individuals will have more disposable income to spend on goods and services. The increased consumption will, in turn, drive demand and support economic growth.

The abolition of the angel tax is a significant step towards fostering a vibrant startup culture in India. By removing this tax, the government aims to encourage investment in startups, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This move is expected to attract more investors to the startup ecosystem, providing the necessary capital for new ventures to grow and succeed.

The government's commitment to social welfare is evident in its plan to spend Rs 3 lakh crore on schemes benefiting women and girls. Increasing the participation of women in the workforce is a priority, and these schemes are designed to empower women, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to the economy.

The government offers education loans up to 10 lakh rupees for students enrolled in any course at domestic institutions. This initiative aims to make higher education more accessible and will boost talent creation in the country. Additionally, students benefit from a 3% interest subvention e- voucher, reducing the overall loan cost.

While the budget includes an increase in long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax by 2.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent and short-term capital gains (STCG) tax by 5 per cent to 20 per cent, STT on futures increased from 0.0125 per cent to 0.02 per cent which is negative for financial markets, however it is not expected to significantly impact market sentiment. Investors are likely to view these changes as manageable, given the overall positive measures in the Budget.

In conclusion, the Union Budget 2024 lays a strong foundation for India's growth trajectory in Amritkaal period. With a balanced fiscal approach, significant investments in infrastructure, support for MSMEs, and initiatives to boost consumption and entrepreneurship, the budget aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. We remain confident in investing in India and believe that sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, MSME/mortgage credit and consumption will benefit greatly from the measures outlined in this budget.



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Disclaimer: Views expressed are by Vikas Khemani, Founder, Carnelian Asset Management & Advisors
China's new-gen manned launch vehicle completes first high-altitude simulation test, paves way for crewed lunar exploration

Global Times) 10:45, July 24, 2024

China's new-gen manned launch vehicle completes its first high-altitude simulation test. (Photo: Courtesy of the Sixth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)

China has achieved another significant milestone in its development of the new-generation manned carrier rocket, with the successful completion of a long-duration high-altitude simulation test for the vehicle's third-stage liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen engine, the Global Times learned on Tuesday.

The test has verified the feasibility of the rocket engine working for long periods in space, laying a solid foundation for the smooth progress of the country's future lunar manned exploration program, industry insiders said.

The test was conducted on a newly constructed vertical high-altitude simulation test stand, the first of its kind in China and the longest-duration hydrogen-oxygen engine high-altitude simulation test stand internationally, the Global Times learned from the Sixth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The successful completion of this long-duration test suggests that the vehicle's engine achieved the milestone of a thousand-second level test capability, representing a substantial improvement in China's liquid rocket engine testing technology.

This development will significantly support the smooth progression of China's manned lunar exploration program, the Sixth Academy said in a statement.

The CASC previously disclosed that the new-generation manned carrier rocket is expected to possess the capability of sending payload of 27 tons to the Earth-lunar transfer orbit and that of 70 tons to near-Earth orbit.

The new powerful rocket is expected to be ready for its maiden flight by 2027, according to the CASC.

China's lunar exploration program has been advancing steadily with its "circle of friends" continuing to expand. A research institute in Hungary has recently become the latest partner to join the China and Russia co-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which aims to build a permanent base on the moon around 2035.

The Hungarian Solar Physics Foundation had signed a memorandum of understanding on ILRS cooperation with China's Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, during which it expressed its intention to strengthen cooperation with China in the area of deep space exploration, according to the lab's official WeChat account on July 19.

The joining of this organization from Hungary - both an EU and NATO member - has brought the total number of ILRS partners to around 25, according to media reports.

The Hungarian Solar Physics Foundation holds significant influence in the fields of solar physics and heliophysics and has been engaging in extensive collaborations with numerous universities and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Science and Technology of China.

It is worth noting that Turkey is reportedly the first NATO member state to apply to join the ILRS project at a national level.

According to a report by Russia's TASS news agency in April, Anatoly Petrukovich, director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said that Turkey has submitted an application to participate in the ILRS project led by China and Russia.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The company has denied any wrongdoing and said it is eligible for a licence. | Photo: Shutterstock

Pernod Ricard's latest attempt to obtain a licence to sell alcohol in India's capital has been rejected, with New Delhi authorities citing investigations into suspected violations of the city's liquor policy, an excise department order shows. The rejection adds to Pernod's India woes, with the French drinks group facing two antitrust cases in India while it also contests a tax demand for nearly $250 million for alleged undervaluation of imports. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Pernod's brands, including Chivas Regal and Absolut vodka, have not been available in the city since late 2022 after a previous licence application was rejected in April last year.

The company has denied any wrongdoing and said it is eligible for a licence.

India is a key market for Pernod, where it has a 17 per cent share and competes with rival Diageo. As an urban tourist hub, New Delhi serves as a showcase market for premium brands, making it critical for any liquor company.

But in Tuesday's 24-page order, which was not public but has been seen by Reuters, New Delhi Excise Commissioner Krishna Mohan Uppu rejected Pernod's appeal against the rejection of its previous licence application, noting the investigations against the company.

Pernod did not respond to a request for comment.

Tuesday's order showed that Pernod's appeal argued that the company had fulfilled all requirements for the city licence and that city officials were pre-empting ongoing criminal proceedings.

The order cited an ongoing investigation by India's federal financial crime agency, which has accused Pernod of illegally profiting by giving false information to Delhi officials in 2021 and violating rules by financially supporting retailers in exchange for them stocking more of its brands.

Pernod has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

India accounts for 10 per cent of Pernod's group sales. The Delhi business has in the past accounted for 5 per cent of Pernod's sales in India, CFO Helene de Tissot said last year.
In August 2020, GVK Power announced that it and its airport business-related subsidiaries had agreed to cooperate with Adani Airport Holdings.

Hyderabad-based GVK Power and Infrastructure, once the GVK conglomerates crown jewel, is now under the insolvency process. Long before this latest development, there has been a gradual decline in GVKs infrastructure and energy ambitions. However, the groups other business interests continue.

Listed in 2006, GVK Power housed the conglomerates prime assets, including airports, highways, and power projects. By the end of FY23, GVKs only revenue-generating asset was a 330-megawatt (MW) Alaknanda Hydro Power plant in Uttarakhand. The group is believed to be putting a succession plan in place and holds other assets, including a significant stake in TajGVK Hotels, a shopping mall in Hyderabad, and a pharmaceutical venture. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

GVKs debt troubles have been long in the making. Exactly a year ago, in its annual report for FY23, the company said it was hopeful of achieving a one-time settlement with the lenders in view of its arrangement with Adani Airport Holdings. This, however, did not materialise.

This month, GVK Power and Infrastructure informed exchanges that the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) has been initiated in respect of GVK Power & Infrastructure by an order of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) dated July 12. A spokesperson for GVK Power declined to participate in the story, citing the insolvency process. The insolvency process was initiated by ICICI Bank in relation to a loan given for a coal project in Australia, which failed to take off.

As the entity now awaits a new buyer under the insolvency process, concerns arise about what remains of the group and the listed entity. For the resolution of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, several challenges include saving the projects a company may have, limited fixed assets, etc. The tangible assets may include office spaces and machinery on project sites, said Ashish Pyasi, partner at Aendri Legal.

According to GVK Powers FY23 annual report, the Alaknanda Hydro Power plant was its only revenue-generating asset, while its GVK Gautami Power asset was under shutdown. GVK Industries, another subsidiary of GVK Power, is already under the insolvency process. Pyasi added, For prospective buyers, the assets may not be that lucrative if the projects are terminated. For example, the licences and certificates are of limited value as they will help in obtaining/participating in projects. Further, claims receivables will be transferred or realised. The legal rights in the pending litigation or project will be transferred as well.

"The sale of the airports to Adani ended their airport journey. Possibly, this would end their infra and energy space, said a senior corporate consultant who did not wish to be identified.

In August 2020, GVK Power announced that it and its airport business-related subsidiaries had agreed to cooperate with Adani Airport Holdings to bring them in as a strong financial investor in the airport business. The management then said the move would help reduce a significant portion of liabilities. The companys net debt, as of March 2023, was Rs 5,504.3 crore.

One will need to see if the group returns with a different scale and business interests, the consultant added. Though the group has not divulged details, the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in an order in 2023 that the group had formed three family trusts for succession planning purposes.

These family trusts, along with Shalini Bhupal and G Indira Krishna Reddy (both related to the GVK group), own around 49.47 per cent stake in the listed entity TajGVK Hotels. India Ratings, in a June 2023 report, said TajGVK's management has stated that its operations are independent of GVK Group companies, referring to the stress and ongoing regulatory investigations at GVK.

In addition, the GVK group also privately owns a commercial real estate business, GVK One, which operates a shopping mall in Hyderabad.

Reddy Ventures, a family office chaired by GV Sanjay Reddy, states on its website that it invests across pharmaceuticals, data analytics, technology, and venture capital and has a portfolio of five growth-stage businesses, including Indias second-largest biopharmaceutical research firm, Aragen, and data analytics business, Excelra, as well as 25 start-ups in the technology space in the US, India, Africa, and South-East Asia. Sanjay is GVK Reddy's son and the second generation of the GVK group. Text messages sent to Sanjay Reddy went unanswered.
Reliance accounted for around 90 per cent of Indias crude imports from Venezuela after the sanctions were lifted last year, according to data intelligence firm Kpler | (Photo: Reuters)

By Bloomberg News

Reliance Industries Ltd. has secured US approval to resume importing oil from Venezuela despite White House sanctions on the country, according to people familiar with the development.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp



Indias largest privately owned refiner plans to start purchasing Venezuelan crude soon, said the people, who asked not to be named as the information is not public. Reliance accounted for around 90 per cent of Indias crude imports from Venezuela after the sanctions were lifted last year, according to data intelligence firm Kpler. The US Treasury declined to comment, and Reliance did not reply to email seeking comment.

Washington temporarily removed restrictions on the South American nations gold and oil sectors last year, when President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition signed a deal to guarantee free and fair elections. The sanctions were then reinstated in April after Venezuela failed to honor the agreement, and oil companies have been applying for permits from the US Treasury Department to keep doing business there.

Venezuelas crude exports climbed to 654,000 barrels a day in June, the highest since April 2020, according to shipping reports and data from Kpler, after the US granted a specific license for companies to continue to drill in the country despite the sanctions being in place.

Apart from Reliance, Indias state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp.s overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh Ltd. has also applied for waivers to import crude from Venezuela.
On the deposits front, it was able to post over 19 per cent growth, ensuring that the gap between credit and deposit growth is minimal | Image: Wikimedia Commons

South India-based Federal Bank on Wednesday reported a 16.74 per cent growth in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,027.51 cr for the June quarter, helped by higher recoveries from written-off accounts. The private sector lender's net profit grew to Rs 1,009.53 cr on a standalone basis, up from Rs 853.74 cr in the year-ago period. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Its core net interest income moved up 19 per cent to Rs 2,292 cr during the reporting quarter on the back of a nearly 20 per cent growth in advances, while margin moderated to 3.16 per cent from 3.21 per cent in the preceding March quarter.

Federal Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Shyram Srinivasan, who will be demitting office in September after being at the helm for 15 years, told reporters that the bank is aiming to keep the net interest margin (NIM) between 3.15 and 3.25 per cent.

The bank is aiming to keep all credit costs at 0.30-0.35 per cent, he said, adding that the bank is not focused on looking at the NIM number in isolation, but wishes to look at the broader profitability wherein the credit costs incurred are also important.

On the deposits front, it was able to post over 19 per cent growth, ensuring that the gap between credit and deposit growth is minimal.

Srinivasan attributed the healthy deposit growth to a reversal of a two-year trend of muted growth in non-residents' deposits, while its Executive Director Shalini Warrier said the NR deposits have grown by 9 per cent in the quarter.

The other income grew 25 per cent to Rs 915 cr during the quarter, helping the overall profit growth. The line was driven by a 39 per cent growth in recoveries from written-off assets at Rs 227 cr, and Srinivasan said this is a very granular number without any chunky recovery.

The fresh slippages came at Rs 417 cr for the quarter, and the bank's gross non-performing assets ratio improved to 2.11 per cent.

The bank has grown the unsecured book at a higher rate on a lower base and the credit quality of the book is fine, Warrier said.

The bank's credit-deposit ratio stands at 81 per cent, Srinivasan said, adding that it works with the mantra of arranging the resources first or 'fund before you lend'.

It is working with the regulator on getting all things sorted on the co-branded credit cards front, Srinivasan said, adding that there should be a closure on it by the early third quarter.

The overall provisions were lower at Rs 144 cr, down from Rs 159 cr in FY24.

The bank's overall capital adequacy stood at 15.57 per cent and Srinivasan said that it will not require a fundraise for up to another 24 months.

The outgoing chief said the bank is doing well and hoped for the performance to continue under the new MD and CEO KVS Manian. He also declined to answer a query on leadership attrition following Manian's appointment, saying the bank has a solid team which is as excited about the opportunity ahead as the new head.

At present, the bank is the seventh biggest by assets, and is targeting to be the sixth biggest in the next two quarters, Srinivasan said.

The Federal Bank scrip closed 1.74 per cent up at Rs 201.45 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday, as against a 0.35 per cent correction on the benchmark.
Amid the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak row, the Bihar Assembly, on Wednesday (July 24), approved an anti-paper leak Bill through a voice vote, aimed at strengthening measures against irregularities in critical examinations.

The Bill mandates severe penalties for those involved in such malpractices, including prison terms of three to five years and fines of Rs 10 lakh. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Additionally, if a service provider, whether a government entity or a private agency, engages in malpractice, it will face Rs 1 crore fine and a four-year suspension of services. The accused service provider will also be made to provide a portion of the total cost of conducting the examination.

What is the anti-paper leak Bill in Bihar?

The Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, seeks to address issues like the leaking of question or answer papers, which have previously led to the cancellation of several examinations.

Presented by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the Bill was passed by voice vote amid an opposition walkout.

This new legislation targets malpractices in competitive examinations, including the leaking of question papers. Bihar has notably been at the center of the NEET 2024 question paper leak controversy.

The public examinations in Bihar are conducted by entities like the Bihar Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, and Bihar School Examination Board, collectively known as Public Examinations Authorities (PEA). The organisations which conduct these exams are known as the service providers, for example, the National Testing Agency (NTA).

NEET-UG paper-leak case in Bihar

The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government passed the Bill following a significant controversy stemming from the NEET-UG paper leak scam.

The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police, investigating the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, discovered that medical aspirants paid substantial sums, ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh each, to obtain question papers before the May 5 examination from brokers.

Taking over the probe from Patna Police on Friday, the offence unit seized various documents, including bank cheques and candidate roll codes, from the accuseds flats.

The accused operated an education consultancy firm promising to assist examinees in competitive exams and were arrested on May 5.

In February 2024, the Centre enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to curb examination malpractices. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan have passed similar Bills.

[With inputs from PTI]
Soon after the new government was formed, the governing body of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has been dissolved. Previously, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government formed a governing body comprising 24 members, along with four ex-officio members.

All 24 members of TTD have resigned, including the chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, after the formation of a new government in the state. The government has accepted all the resignations and issued an order to appoint a new chairman and board members for TTD. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp TTD focuses on the quality of Laddu Prasad The TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao recently shared his views on Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam. According to Rao, measures have already been taken to improve the quality and tastes of Laddu prasads. The supplier of ghee for Laddu Prasadam has been warned to provide good quality ghee only or strict action will be taken in case of rules violation.

The quality of Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam is always under focus and experts believe that improving the quality of ghee will lead to improving the quality of Laddu.

Soon to set up testing device

The EO Shyamala Roa also stated that TTD does not have any testing device, but it will be set up soon. Rao also mentioned that there is some problem in the procurement of the raw materials and ghee used in the laddu prasadam. To test the quality of ghee, a committee of dairy experts has been formed, Dr Mahadevan from Bangalore, a retired professor of NDRA, Dr Surendranath, Dr Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy from Hyderabad and Professor Swarna Lathalu are members of this committee. The committee will submit their reports in a few days.

Rao also said that the committee will also be informed about the element included in the ghee used in the laddu prasadam. The committee has been asked to give their reports stating that the ghee should have a good aroma. They said that they have called ghee suppliers and advised them to provide only quality ghee.

According to him, some companies share low-quality ghee while some share good-quality ghee. Resultantly, the NABL test revealed that a company is providing adulterated ghee adding vegetable fat.

Strict actions against rule violators

The samples of ghee supplied to TTD have been sent to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Consequently, one of the five suppliers failed to match the quality standards of the ghee and has been blacklisted for violating rules. Action has also been taken against another company issuing show cause notices to the two companies. Rao claimed that there wouldn't be any compromise on the Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam issue.
Chief executive officers (CEOs) across sectors have expressed intentions to expand capacities, expecting the governments target to invest a record Rs 11.11 trillion on infrastructure development will act as a catalyst for a jump in consumer demand.

With the government planning a capex of Rs 11.11 trillion, private sector investment will come in a big way. Companies will be preparing for it right from today," H M Bangur, chairman of Shree Cement , told Business Standard.

For the past few years, the investment scene in India has been dominated by government capital expenditures; private investments in
Shrimp shares, Avanti Feeds in focus: Shares of Shares of shrimp and seafood selling companies rallied up to 20 per cent on the BSE in Wednesday's intraday trade aided by heavy volumes, in an otherwise weak market, after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a proposal to provide finance for shrimp farming and marketing.

Waterbase share price zoomed 20 per cent to Rs 102.18 on the back of over eight-fold jump in average trading volumes. Till 10:08 AM, as many as 1.4 million shares had changed hands on the BSE as compared to around 0.18 million shares being traded, on average, in the past two weeks. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Share price of Apex Frozen Foods, meanwhile, surged 18 per cent to Rs 306.95 on the back of two-fold jump in trading volumes. Avanti Feeds, too, gained 12 per cent to Rs 723.25, Mukka Proteins soared 10 per cent to Rs 54.71, Kings Infra Ventures (7 per cent at Rs 189), Godrej Agrovet (6 per cent to Rs 874), and Sharat Industries (5 per cent at Rs 49.19) in the intraday trade. In comparison, the BSE Sensex was down 0.15 per cent at 80,304.





Also Read: ITC hits Rs 500: Jefferies says 'Buy' on no tobacco tax rejig in Budget Presenting the Union Budget for 2024-25, FM Sitharaman said that the financial support for setting up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for Shrimp Broodstocks will be provided. Financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export will be facilitated through NABARD.

"Indias seafood exports in the last financial year touched an all-time high of more than Rs 60,000 crore. Frozen shrimp accounted for about two-thirds of these exports. To enhance their competitiveness, I propose to reduce BCD (basic customs duty) on certain broodstock, polychaete worms, shrimp and fish feed to 5 per cent. I also propose to exempt customs duty on various inputs for manufacture of shrimp and fish feed," she said while announcing the Union Budget for 2024-25 (FY25).

Meanwhile, world fisheries and aquaculture production is near all-time high, with aquaculture production of aquatic animals surpassing capture fisheries for the first time, according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The aquaculture market size is expected to see a strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $340.3 billion in 2028 at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5 per cent. Forecasted growth is driven by increased seafood demand, a health-conscious consumer base, rising fish oil demand, and global population growth combined with urbanisation.

"The Indian aquaculture sector is poised to grow in the financial year 2024-25 with the Union government announcing a slew of measures in its interim budget presented in February. Accordingly, under the PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), the government aims to double the aquaculture exports to nearly rupees one lakh crore and generate over 5 million job opportunities," Avanti Feeds had said in its FY24 annual report.

Andhra Pradesh accounts for approximately 75-85 per cent of Indias shrimp production. While other states such as Odisha, West Bengal, and Gujarat, have expanded production over the past decade and still have great potential, it has become clear that producers outside AP struggle to compete under the current market conditions. The main reasons are AP offers relatively low electricity, PL, and feed costs.

Avanti Feeds is a pioneer in the Indian Shrimp Industry having over three decades of operations. The company has a strong and long lasting collaboration with Thai Union, a multi- national company in the Global Seafood Industry. The Company is in constant interaction with Thai Union in exchange for developments in the Aquaculture industry, bringing into India and to the door step of the Indian farmer to reap the best results in Aquaculture, the company said.
The revelation comes amid growing questions about a multitude of security failures that allowed the 20-year-old gunman to get onto the roof and fire eight shots with an AR-style rifle. | Photo: Reuters

Two local law enforcement officers stationed in the complex of buildings where a gunman opened fire at former President Donald Trump left to go search for the man before the shooting, the head of Pennsylvania State Police said Tuesday, raising questions about whether a key post was left unattended as the shooter climbed onto a roof. Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris told a congressional committee that two Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers were stationed at a second-floor window in the complex of buildings that form AGR International Inc. They spotted Thomas Matthew Crooks acting suspiciously on the ground and left their post to look for him along with other law enforcement officers, he said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Paris said he didn't know whether officers would have been able to see Crooks climbing onto the roof of an adjacent building had they remained at the window. A video taken by a lawmaker who visited the shooting site on Monday shows a second-story window of the building had a clear view of the roof where Crooks opened fire; it was unclear if the video showed the window where the officers had been stationed.

The Pennsylvania State Police commissioner's testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee provides new insight into security preparations for the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, but raises further questions about law enforcement's decisions before Crooks opened fire.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, who oversees the emergency services unit, didn't immediately respond to a text message Tuesday from The Associated Press. A Secret Service spokesperson didn't respond to questions from the AP, including who gave the command for those officers to leave their post.

The revelation comes amid growing questions about a multitude of security failures that allowed the 20-year-old gunman to get onto the roof and fire eight shots with an AR-style rifle into the crowd shortly after Trump began speaking. One spectator was killed and two others were injured. Trump suffered an ear injury but was not seriously hurt.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned earlier Tuesday, a day after she was berated for hours by Democrats and Republicans over the agency's failure to protect the Republican presidential nominee. Cheatle told lawmakers on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday that the assassination attempt was the Secret Service's most significant operational failure" in decades.

The Homeland Security Committee also had asked Cheatle to testify but lawmakers said she refused. Cheatle's name was on a card on a table in front of an empty chair during the hearing, which began shortly before her decision to step down became public.

Several investigations into the shooting by the Biden administration and lawmakers are underway. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Tuesday they are supporting a bipartisan task force to investigate the attempt on Trump's life. The House could vote as soon as Wednesday to establish the task force, which will be comprised of seven Republicans and six Democrats.

Local law enforcement began to search for Crooks after they noticed him acting strangely and saw him with a rangefinder, a small device resembling binoculars that hunters use to measure distance from a target. Officers didn't find him around the building and a local officer climbed up to the roof to investigate. The gunman turned and pointed his rifle at him. The officer did not or could not fire a single shot. Crooks opened fire toward the former president seconds later, officials have said.

Cheatle acknowledged that the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the shooting, but there was no indication at that time that he had a weapon. She also revealed that the roof from which Crooks opened fire had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally. Cheatle said Trump would never have been brought onto the stage had Secret Service been aware there was an actual threat," but Crooks wasn't deemed to be a threat until seconds before he began shooting.

Authorities have been hunting for clues into what motivated Crooks but have not found any ideological bent that could help explain his actions. Investigators who searched his phone found photos of Trump, President Joe Biden and other senior government officials. He also searched for the dates for the Democratic National Conventional as well as Trump's appearances and searched for information about major depressive disorder.
Vice President Kamala Harris embraces President Joe Biden after a speech on healthcare in Raleigh, N.C., March. 26, 2024. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, July 21. (Photo: PTI)

US President Joe Biden's weekend decision to drop his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic candidate leaves Harris with a major, immediate decision: whom to pick as her running mate.

Harris has enlisted the law firm of Eric Holder, the former attorney general, to vet possible running mates, sources told Reuters. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp These are some of the top people being discussed, according to people familiar with internal policy discussions.

Andy Beshear, Governor, Kentucky

Kentucky's Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, has carved a successful political career in a heavily Republican state that voted for Republican Donald Trump by a margin of more than 25 percentage points in 2020.



Beshear has touted his record of bringing jobs to Kentucky, supporting public education and expanding healthcare access. As governor, he has vetoed legislation banning abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, although the vetoes were overridden by the Republican-dominated legislature.



Beshear endorsed Harris on Monday, saying she could help the country "move on to something better" for America. Asked if he would consider the vice presidency, he told MSNBC that he loved serving his state but added: "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."



PETE BUTTIGIEG, U.S. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION



U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg built a strong fan base among Democratic Party voters during his 2020 primary run against both Biden and Harris, winning the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucus.



Seen as a polished defender of Biden policies, Buttigieg later endorsed Biden and was picked to join the incoming administration's Cabinet in 2021. The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor also has ties in Michigan, a critical state for Democrats in November.



On Sunday, Buttigieg backed Harris' candidacy, saying "Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump and succeed Joe Biden ... I will do all that I can to help her win."



Roy Cooper, Governor, North Carolina



North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has won praise from Democrats for his strong focus on economic development and his ability to win relatively strong approval ratings in a politically competitive state that leans Republican and voted for Republican candidate Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020.



"If you want a nominee who can put Donald Trump's destruction of Roe at center stage, if you want a nominee who actually prosecuted criminals like Donald Trump, and if you want a nominee who can put Trump's age and fitness in the forefront, Kamala Harris is the person," Cooper told MSNBC on Monday, one day after speaking with Harris and announcing his endorsement.



Mark Kelly, US, Senator, Arizona



U.S. Senator Mark Kelly is liked among Democratic Party elites for striking a relatively moderate tone in a hotly contested state that traditionally has favored Republicans, but which Biden won in 2020. A former U.S. Navy captain and astronaut, Kelly is also the husband of former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was seriously wounded in a 2011 shooting. Gun violence is a major campaign issue for Democrats.



"I couldnat be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future. 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 in an X post on Sunday, referring to his wife.



Josh Shapiro, Governor, Pennysylvania



Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's governor, took office just last year but is already seen as a rising star for the party nationally. Trained as a lawyer, Shapiro served as the state's attorney general, a legal background that is similar to Harris' own as a prosecutor. He has a long history of winning elections against Republicans in a state that Democrats believe they must win to secure the election in November.



Shapiro and Harris spoke on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the matter.



"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. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support," he said in a statement on Sunday, adding that she would "perfect our union, protect democracy and advance real freedom."



JB Pritzker, Governor, Illinois



Billionaire Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has proven a major force in the party, tapping his own financial resources linked to Hyatt Hotels to help Biden's campaign effort and to stand up the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. While Illinois leans heavily Democratic, neighboring Wisconsin is one of the biggest prizes in the 2024 election.

Endorsing Harris on Monday, Pritzker said the two had spoken and that he felt it was important for the U.S. to elect a woman as 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...



she represents our party's best chance to defeat Donald Trump," he said.



Tim Walz, Governor, Minnesota



Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz, also would bring to the presidential ticket a record of defeating Republicans in a Midwestern state. A veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, Walz previously represented a vast, rural and Republican-leaning district that borders the competitive state of Wisconsin in Congress.



"Thanks for the call, @KamalaHarris," he said on social media on Monday. "You have my full support."



Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, Michigan



Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has built a strong base in the closely contested state of Michigan, running on a platform of straight talk and kitchen-table issues. She attracted Biden's attention in 2020, being vetted as a possible running mate before Biden picked Harris. She was a top supporter of and spokesperson for Biden's reelection bid.



A Harris-Whitmer ticket would be the first all-woman ticket for a major U.S. political party a a potential bonus in an election where women's reproductive rights are a top issue, if such a pairing could surmount any sexism.



Whitmer endorsed Harris in a post on X on Monday and said she will serve as co-chair of Harris' campaign. She told CBS affiliate WLNS that she would not take the vice presidential post if offered it, saying "I am not leaving Michigan." Harris will focus on lowering costs for Michigan voters, "restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people," Whitmer said in a separate statement.



"We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House.

Let's go!"


Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in corporate sustainability and advocacy, today released its 2024 Sustainability Report. The reportwhich is organized by environmental, social, and economic impactunderscores the companys commitment to creating and nurturing a business model that enriches womens lives and supports communities while protecting our planet.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723781468/en/

Mary Kays 2024 Sustainability report, released in July, is organized by environmental, social, and economic impact. It underscores the companys commitment to creating and nurturing a business model that enriches womens lives and supports communities while protecting our planet. (Photo credit: Mary Kay).

Sustainability has deep roots in the Mary Kay story, said Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mary Kay Inc. We like to say we did it before it was cool. Our iconic founder, Mary Kay Ash, was passionate about not only changing the world, but protecting it. Im proud of the work weve accomplished this yearand every yearin realizing her dream. I think she would be proud, too.

In a world that is rapidly evolving, Mary Kay stands at the forefront of change, championing the cause of women while recognizing the immense power they hold in shaping our global economy and driving meaningful change.

The 2024 report highlights Mary Kays promise to make decisions that are right for our planet and its people:

Environmental Sustainability

Water Stewardshi p : Partnering with The Nature Conservancy for over 36 years, Mary Kay supports the "Super Reefs" initiative to protect resilient coral reefs.

: Partnering with The Nature Conservancy for over 36 years, Mary Kay supports the "Super Reefs" initiative to protect resilient coral reefs. Resource Conservation: Through a 16-year partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Mary Kay has supported the planting of over 1.4 million trees in reforestation projects across nine countries.

Through a 16-year partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Mary Kay has supported the planting of over 1.4 million trees in reforestation projects across nine countries. Sustainable Sourcing: Joining the Global Shea Alliance, Mary Kay promotes economic well-being for the 16 million women Shea collectors in West Africa.



Social Sustainability

Pink Changing Lives: Through this program, funded by designated product sales, Mary Kay has donated over $18 million to initiatives enriching women's lives worldwide since 2008.

Through this program, funded by designated product sales, Mary Kay has donated over $18 million to initiatives enriching women's lives worldwide since 2008. Womens Empowerment: On International Womens Day, Mary Kay joined the Womens Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of Principles offering guidance to businesses on how to advance gender equality and womens empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. More than 600,000 women have benefitted from the trainings, events, and programs offered by the Womens Entrepreneurship Accelerator, launched by Mary Kay in partnership with six United Nations agencies in 2019.

On International Womens Day, Mary Kay joined the Womens Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of Principles offering guidance to businesses on how to advance gender equality and womens empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. More than 600,000 women have benefitted from the trainings, events, and programs offered by the Womens Entrepreneurship Accelerator, launched by Mary Kay in partnership with six United Nations agencies in 2019. Fostering Women in STEM: Committed to the development of the next generation of women STEM leaders, Mary Kay has awarded 29 grants totaling nearly $195,000 since 2020.



Economic Sustainability

Celebrating 60 years: Mary Kay Ashs vision of enriching womens lives continues. Mary Kay, still family-owned and -led, has blossomed into a global brand with nearly 4,000 employees and millions of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in more than 35 markets. For more than 60 years, Mary Kay has provided an unparalleled entrepreneurship opportunity for women around the world. The company was named the #1 Direct Selling brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International 1 .

Mary Kay Ashs vision of enriching womens lives continues. Mary Kay, still family-owned and -led, has blossomed into a global brand with nearly 4,000 employees and millions of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in more than 35 markets. For more than 60 years, Mary Kay has provided an unparalleled entrepreneurship opportunity for women around the world. The company was named the #1 Direct Selling brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International . Digital Innovation : Mary Kay enhances the capabilities of Independent Beauty Consultants through digital tools, including augmented reality apps and the Interactive Catalog, allowing them to excel in their businesses and realize their dreams.

: Mary Kay enhances the capabilities of Independent Beauty Consultants through digital tools, including augmented reality apps and the Interactive Catalog, allowing them to excel in their businesses and realize their dreams. Advocacy for Gender Equality in AI: Partnering with the Equal Rights Trust, Mary Kay pioneered research to eliminate gender bias in AI technologies.



For further insights into Mary Kays global sustainability strategy, engagement, and impact, view the full report here.

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich womens lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter).

1 Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2023 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2022 data.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723781468/en/
FOLLOWING another tragic road accident on the N80 near Carlow town, a top garda has said we need to look at driver behaviour.

Speaking to The Nationalist after 33-year-old Denise OMeara from Tipperary was killed on the notorious stretch of road last Monday evening, Divisional Roads Policing Inspector Paul Donohoe said: This accident occurred on a straight stretch of road. Gardai are investigating the cause and the reason for the accident, which will take eight to 12 weeks. We issued an appeal for witnesses or for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward, and a number of witnesses have already done so as a result. We are continuing that appeal. He continued: People always blame the N80, but its not necessarily the road  we also need to look at driver behaviour, especially on a straight stretch of road. The biggest thing about the N80 is the volume of traffic. Its constant. Ms OMeara was returning from work at the time and two men in a separate vehicle were seriously injured in the crash. She was the fourth person to have died on that section of the N80 after three young people lost their lives in an horrific accident in January at Leagh Bends. Also this year, a motorcyclist was seriously injured in another incident, while there have been numerous accidents over the years, prompting urgent calls for the road to be upgraded.

There are plans to make the road safer by realigning Leagh Bends, with Carlow County Council receiving approval in May for that work. The local authority also got consent to lodge another application to An Bord Pleanala for more works to be carried out and has put a legal team in place to work on the last application, before its sent to the planning board.

In the meantime, the council has also got approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland to install a fixed speed camera in the Leagh Bends area  one of only ten sites in the country  and is currently engaging with landowners in looking for a suitable location for the camera.

Cllr John Pender told The Nationalist that while he realises it takes time to process an application such as road improvements to the N80, he is urging the local authority to prioritise it to ensure it happens as soon as possible. He also said that local residents have repeatedly expressed their concerns about the road.

There is such a huge volume of traffic on that road. The upgrade to the N80 has to be made top priority; its now a matter of extreme urgency, said cllr Pender. Its practically impossible for local people to get out of their properties in the mornings, such is the volume of traffic. Theres strings of traffic all along that road from Carlow to Bunclody. I get representations from people on a regular basis, as do the other councillors, Im sure. Whats really needed is a motorway or a dual carriageway because of the volume of traffic on that road. It's the main road from Rosslare into the midlands and the west. Theres so much traffic on it. The Nationalist approached the Road Safety Authority for a comment about the N80. A spokesperson said that while they couldnt talk about specific accidents or roads, the RSA is running a campaign telling people to slow down and to stay off their phones while driving.

Gardai are carrying out an investigation into the most recent crash and are appealing for information from the public.

If anyone has information to support the garda investigation, please contact Tullow Garda Station on 059 9151222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any garda station.
By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

The Minister for Media has denied writing a blank cheque to RTE after signing off on multi-million-euro top-ups to unpredictable licence fee revenues.

The Government has agreed a 725 million funding programme for the national broadcaster over the next three years, in a move described by Catherine Martin as unprecedented.

The decision was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, after months of wrangling between Ministers about how the broadcaster should be funded.

Under the plan, RTE will get 225 million in funding next year from TV licence fee revenue  topped up by direct exchequer funding.

The Government will provide top-ups to RTE direct from the exchequer. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

This will rise to 240 million in 2026 and 260 million in 2027.

TV licence sale receipts have been declining for years and amounted to 123 million in 2023.

Under the new plan, Ms Martin said the 225 million in year one would consist of approximately 105 million from traditional TV licence sales and 78 million from free TV licences provided through social welfare schemes, while the remainder would come from direct Exchequer funding of 42 million through the Department of Media.

That 42 million is 2 million more than the interim funding provided to RTE this year.

Ms Martin would not provide a similar breakdown for 2026 and 2027 as she said she did not know what TV licence revenues would be for those years.

Taoiseach Simon Harris signed off on the new funding package. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

When pressed by reporters on whether this was a blank cheque for the organisation, where the exchequer would make up for a long-term trend of declining TV licence revenues, the minister rejected the characterisation.

Ms Martin instead offered an alternative scenario where the money directly provided by the Exchequer could decrease if licence fee payments increase.

At a press conference on Wednesday, she said: Thats why the essential part of this is strengthening the collection method.

An Post, which is in charge of collecting the 160-euro annual fee per household, also received 6 million to improve its process.

There have been varying views within Government on whether the TV licence fee should be abolished, with Taoiseach Simon Harris stating that he felt increasing the fee would have been unpalatable to the public.

RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst previously committed to cut spending at the broadcaster by 10 million this year. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

Ministers had committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTE during this government term after revenues from the TV licence fee fell following a financial and governance crisis at the public-service broadcaster.

In the wake of the scandal, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst committed to reducing its highest earners fees, invest in digital and technology, and cut spending this year by 10 million.

The reform plan includes a redundancy programme. Ms Martin refused to provide a figure for how much of the new funding would be used to implement the scheme.

Reacting to the Governments overall plan, Mr Bakhurst said it would allow the organisation to continue necessary transformation and restoration of trust.

He added: We will not take the opportunity that todays announcement presents for granted.

The RTE campus in Donnybrook. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

But rival independent network Virgin Media said it was extremely disappointed over a lack of recognition of others providing public-service broadcasting.

In a statement, its managing director Aine Ni Chaoindealbhain said RTE would be in a more dominant position than ever before and added: Virgin Media Television has no alternative but to review all options including our position with regards to our existing public-service broadcasting commitments.

Mr Harris praised the Minister for Media for settling the question of RTE funding.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence-fee collection system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.

The National Union of Journalists expressed grave disappointment over the retention of the current TV licence system but welcomed increased funding for RTE.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin supported the retention and strengthening of the licence-fee collection system. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

It further noted that the overall funding figure was 55 million below what RTE had sought for the time period.

RTE staff are dismayed and disappointed that the TV licence was not scrapped, according to their trade union group (TUG).

TUG co-chair Emma O Kelly said: The Government has chosen to ignore the writing on the wall and stick with a TV licence charge. This is beyond disappointing.

Elsewhere, a further 22.2 million will be provided for other public-service projects in 2025, including 10 million from the Exchequer for the Media Fund schemes  an increase of 4 million on 2024.
Ellen O'Donoghue

A Cork woman has been banned from keeping animals for life after 13 dogs and puppies were found with multiple health issues, without access to food or water, and with eight dogs crammed into one crate only suitable to hold two adult dogs at the most.

Miriam Santry (55) of The Meadows, Belgooly, Co Cork was banned from keeping animals for life and ordered to surrender any in her possession to the ISPCA.

This was after she pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Health and Welfare act (AHWA) 2013 at Bandon District Court on Friday July 19th.

Judge Philip OLeary also ordered the forfeiture of seized dogs to the ISPCA and imposed a 250 fine.

ISPCA inspector Caroline Faherty told the court how from September 2022 she was investigating reports regarding several dogs kept at two separate properties, one in Belgooly and one in Kinsale, Co Cork, but had been unable to make contact with the occupant of either property.

When further information linking the two addresses came to light, search warrants were obtained for both properties and executed on December 22nd, 2022 by ISPCA inspectors assisted by dog wardens and members of An Garda Siochana.

A total of 13 dogs and puppies were found at the Kinsale property, including eight dogs crammed into one crate only suitable to hold two adult dogs at the most.

The dogs did not have access to food or water and there was urine and faeces all over the floors and the crates.

Inspector Faherty said that the property was dark and full of rubbish.

The windows of the house were blacked out, and the room had a strong smell of urine with faeces all over the floor, she said.

A further three dogs were discovered in similar conditions at the Belgooly address.

All 16 dogs were seized and taken into ISPCA care.

The matted coat of one of the dogs. Photo: ISPCA

Veterinary examinations conducted after their seizure identified multiple health issues including malnourishment, badly matted coats, overgrown nails, ear and ear infections, alopecia, urine scalding, and cherry eye.

Several of the dogs required extensive dental treatments and some of the dogs had heart murmurs.

The defendant was offered the opportunity to surrender the dogs to ISPCA care but refused, and the dogs were detained for 19 months pending the outcome of the court hearing.

Inspector Faherty said that the defendant had numerous opportunities to engage with the ISPCA, but chose to ignore all contact attempts.

The conditions in which these dogs were kept in was totally unacceptable, and the most basic requirements of animal care was not provided, leading to serious animal welfare issues, Ms Faherty said.

Unfortunately, because these little dogs had to be seized, they had to remain in a kennel environment until the outcome of the court case. We are delighted that they can now go to their 'forever homes', where they will be well-loved and cared for.
Muireann Duffy

Barristers working in the criminal justice system have staged their third and final day of strike action this month as part of an ongoing dispute over rates.

Criminal law barristers nationwide have withdrawn their services on Wednesday following similar action taken on July 9th and 15th.

Protests are also being staged at 11 courthouses around the country, in Dublin, Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Kildare, Limerick, Longford, Sligo and Tipperary.

The barristers are calling for rates paid to them by the Director of Public Prosecutions and under the legal aid scheme to be increased, seeking the restoration of rates to pre-Fempi era levels.

Fempi (Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) cuts were those made across the public sector following the 2008 financial crash.

The Council of the Bar of Ireland previously said these reduced rates "continue to apply to the profession" despite being unwound across other areas of the public service.

A statement from the council on Wednesday added that despite a series of correspondence with Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, and officials from her department, "the situation remains at an impasse".

"While members of Government and the Opposition have signalled support for fee restoration, no commitment has been forthcoming regarding a timeline, despite a Government report as far back as 2018 stating that fee restoration was justified, given the reforms and flexibilities provided by profession," the statement added.

The council said it regrets having to again take strike action, but reiterated its disappointment over the lack of Government action or engagement on the issue.
James Cox

The Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF), a representative organisation for hairdressers and hair salons across Ireland, has unveiled its pre-budget submission to Government ahead of the 2025 Budget which takes place on Tuesday, October 1st.

The key demands from the hairdressing sector include;

The restoration of the 9 per cent VAT rate.

Greater engagement with business owners to ensure the introduction and implementation of a living wage that is sustainable for businesses.

Extend the repayment terms for warehoused debt and apply 0 per cent interest for any legacy debt owed to Revenue.

Provide more targeted grants and supports for salons concerning high energy costs and rates.

Reduce employer PRSI contributions for employees in SMEs.

The IHF has called on Minister for Finance Jack Chambers "to act now and safeguard the future of the hairdressing industry".

The IHF said the industry is facing its most challenging time yet since the recession over 16 years ago due to recent changes in legislation, increasing labour costs, energy costs and an increase in the overall cost of living. These increases are "placing a heavy financial burden on salon owners throughout the country".

Commenting on this, Lisa Eccles of the Irish Hairdressers Federation, said: We call on Government to freeze on further labour market policy measures that have a direct impact on our members.

Ms Eccles added: Some of our members have simply felt unable to continue their business and livelihood and have chosen to close their doors. At a time when the worlds energy costs are dropping, many of our members are baffled as to the high costs of energy which they have to absorb on a daily basis. We call on Government to take immediate action and provide extra support to salons owners across the country.
James Cox

Kamala Harris will need to win over Republican-leaning voters who went with Joe Biden in 2020 if she is to beat Donald Trump, according to Ireland's former ambassador to the US.

Ms Harris is all but certain to be the Democratic nominee for president after Mr Biden withdrew from the running.

Daniel Mulhall was the Irish Ambassador to the US from September 2017 to August 2022, for the majority of Mr Trump's presidency and a large portion of Mr Biden's term.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Mr Mulhall said Donald Trump will still be the favourite, but that Ms Harris gives the Democratic Party a much better chance in the November vote.

If the election were held tomorrow, Donald Trump would almost certainly win.

"It's still a 50/50 call I would say. In fact, if the election were held tomorrow, Donald Trump would almost certainly win. But the election is not being held for three and a half months and in that time Kamala Harris has to convince people that the vice president, not very highly regarded by the public at times, that Kamala Harris has been replaced by a much more vigorous, dynamic and forceful person.

"Kamala Harris the presidential candidate. I still think this campaign will come down to Kamala Harris persuading people, particularly suburban Republican-leaning people who voted for Joe Biden last time. She needs them to vote for her this time, and we will see if she has the ability to convince these people to vote for her as they did for Joe Biden four years ago.

"It's going to also be a case of her persuading people that Donald Trump is too big of a risk, a threat to the republic, reproductive healthcare. All these things are vulnerabilities for Trump."

On Mr Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, Mr Mulhall said "overall, he did the right thing".

Kamala Harris arrives at campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 22nd, 2024. Photo: Getty Images

"I think what happened in the past few weeks is the pressure built up on him. In particular, senior people in the Democratic Party got through to him and made the point that his candidacy was risking a return to the White House by Donald Trump. He couldn't beat Donald Trump after that terrible debate performance, and therefore, I think he did the right thing in deciding to stand aside and leave the field open to another candidate to take on Trump.

"That debate showed two things... he has become quite frail, and he's not as sharp as he once was. Secondly, he was simply unable to make the case against Donald Trump.

"It wasn't just the debate but all the follow-up interviews he gave and speeches he gave, all of them were at best adequate and probably a little less than adequate.

"He lost major ground during the CNN debate, and he never really recovered that ground because any time he went out in public after that, he tended to stumble further. I think the danger was as things went on, even if he got the nomination, he could have continued to have these disastrous public performances that would have undermined his chances of beating Donald Trump.

"I think overall he did the right thing."

He feels Ms Harris will face an "uphill struggle" and will have to improve her overall popularity.

However, he pointed to advantages Ms Harris will have, including the fact Mr Trump, 78, is now the "old man" in the race to Ms Harris' 59.

Ms Harris previously worked as a prosecutor, and Mr Mulhall feels she will be better positioned than Mr Biden to point out some of Mr Trump's flaws and unpopular policies.

Donald Trump is now the old man, running for election against a younger woman.

"The problem she has is that she's not that popular. She is maybe a tad more popular than president Biden. Matched up against Donald Trump in hypothetical polls, she does better than Biden, but she is still beaten by Trump in most cases.

"She faces an uphill struggle. She has to now reintroduce herself to the American people by going out there and being a Kamala Harris that wants to be president and making a forceful case for herself as America's future president, and against Donald Trump as someone who she is going to paint presumably as a danger to American democracy and a threat to the liberties of American women in particular.

"She will be able to go and travel the country, give speeches all over the place, and come across as a forceful, youthful figure. Donald Trump is now the old man, running for election against a younger woman."

While Ms Harris will have to "own" the successes and failures of the Biden administration, Mr Mulhall feels she can position this to her advantage.

"She will be better able in public to make the case for the success of the American economy, the way it has recovered during the last four years since the pandemic and the mess at the end of Trump's term.

"She's simply more articulate than Biden. Biden has lost the ability to get his message across in a cogent and sharp way, she will have cogency and sharpness he just didn't have. Therefore, she'll be able to make these points about the economy more forceful and possibly more effective."

Daniel Mulhall said Kamala Harris will have to win over Republican-leaning voters who went with Mr Biden in 2020. Photo: Getty Images

He also said she will have to learn from her failed campaign for the Democratic nomination in 2019.

"She is going to inherit a huge campaign apparatus. I know some of the people in that campaign; Jen O'Malley Dillon, who runs it, and Mike Donelan. These are very experienced operators and know how to run political campaigns.

"I think they will help her iron out things that have held her back in the past. The problem with Kamala Harris is, when she was campaigning in the Democratic primaries in 2019, her campaign fizzled out, and she didn't make the first primary in February 2020.

"That record is there, and she has to make sure she doesn't repeat that performance.

"One would expect four years in the vice presidency would have given her time to learn some lessons and improve the way she operates in public."

Mr Mulhall feels Mr Trump's selection of Ohio senator JD Vance as his running mate is actually a weakness rather than a strength for the former president.

"I think Trump made himself more vulnerable by choosing JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate because while Vance is a very smart guy, he is far out there and more to the right than Donald Trump. This is on a number of issues, including the war in Ukraine where he appears to be against any further US support, and also on reproductive rights, where he has an extreme position on no abortion, even in cases of rape and incest.

"This gives the Harris campaign a rich target to aim at."

On Ms Harris' running mate, Mr Mulhall said the likes of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, North Carolina governor Roy Cooper and Kentucky governor Andy Beshear will all be candidates.

He predicted the Democratic campaign will be as much about highlighting the dangers of Donald Trump, as Ms Harris' strengths.

"I think a lot of it will target the unpopular policies Trump is associated with.

"If the election was tomorrow or next week, Trump would win, but things can happen in three months. This campaign is remarkably unpredictable. We had an assassination attempt on Trump and Biden deciding to step down, so things can happen. Watch this space, I would say."
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has defended her partys new migration policy and said Im not the minister when probed on details of how it would be resourced.

In an interview on RTE Radio, Ms McDonald refuted the suggestion that her partys policy document on reforming the international protection system was similar to the governments approach.

She also rejected the suggestion that consultation with communities about planned accommodation for asylum seekers was already taking place.

Asked about the cost of their pledge to triple staff numbers at the International Protection Office, from 400 to 1,000, Ms McDonald said the cost was not enormous.

There is a costing for it, I dont have it to hand, it is not enormous.

When presenter Philip Boucher Hayes asked how a thousand new civil servants is not an enormous cost, Ms McDonald replied: Are you actually interested in hearing the policy or simply nit-picking with me?

I look forward to @rtenews 'robust' interviewing of government ministers and representatives.  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 24, 2024

The Sinn Fein leader said that the government has proposed increasing capacity to process asylum applications but this was being done far too slowly.

Asked whether the partys policy to move away from a reliance on the private sector to provide accommodation for asylum seekers was similar to the governments stance, Ms McDonald said their actions had not matched their words.

First of all, I have to say your tone with me in this interview is extremely rude. But be that as it may, the government may claim that this is their approach. It is something that they have failed to do.

This was signposted five years ago by Catherine Day and they still havent done it.

Im less interested  and I would have thought that as a journalist and a broadcaster, you would be far more inquisitive  around what the government is saying which youre very happy to repeat ad nauseam, but actually what the government is doing, or in this case has failed to do.

Asked about the emphasis on enforcement of deportation orders, and how the party would resource that, Ms McDonald said: Im not the minister.

This is a policy document. I lead the opposition. Im not the minister. Im not the responsible party in government at this point.

We have set out, I think very clearly, a very balanced, a very clear methodology and approach and value system for dealing with this issue. Year on year, of course the resource requirement will vary and it will have to be met and that will be a matter for successive budgets.

She added: I will listen with interest, Philip, (to you) and to your colleagues, when you have others setting out policy proposals, a similar demand for exact costings, line by line. Thats not what policy documents and position papers do, and you really should know that.

The party also wants to amend the International Protection Act to allow for the partial designation of some countries as safe.

Asked to name the countries that would be deemed partially safe, Ms McDonald said that it would not be her decision.

Its not for me arbitrarily to name countries. Were proposing here a policy approach that recognises those variations, which can be in geographic, she said.

They can also be determined by other factors, so for example, certain territories or countries may not be safe for women or for gay people and we think its important that the system has the capacity and is sophisticated enough to recognise those differentials.

The party launched a new policy on Irelands international protection system on Tuesday, which proposes carrying out an audit of public services in an area and consulting with locals before deciding where a centre to house asylum seekers should be located.

The party raised concerns about locations where food banks are under pressure and GP lists are closed, and said a deprivation index by the State-sponsored agency Pobal could be used as a determining factor for locating new centres.

In the wake of the local elections, where the party performed more poorly than it had expected, the party has admitted that it needed to be clearer on what its policies are, including on migration.
Vivienne Clarke

Dr Roddy Flynn of Dublin City Universitys school of communications has described the proposed deal to fund RTE up to 725 million over three years as the worst of all possible choices.

The funding, which is expected to be agreed at Wednesdays final Cabinet meeting before the summer break, seems like a randomly chosen sum, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

I think it buys time. It buys a degree of clarity for the next three years, but I do think that we still haven't actually answered the longer term question of how do you place the funding of public service media, not just RTE as an institution, but public service media, on a secure footing for not just the next three years, but the next decade and next the next century, basically, because that's what matters.

The issue of the fall in TV licence fees had not been addressed, he added. There was also the problem with the drop in commercial funding.

There was no rationale of where the 725 million figure for three years was coming from, he said, or how it was going to be paid.

It seems like a randomly chosen sum, Dr Flynn said.

The new funding was kicking the can down the road, he said, adding that it is possible to have a system with certainty built into it, it just required political will to actually do what they said they were going to do.

Dr Flynn said TV licence systems in other countries are far more effective, noting Ireland has the highest rate of licence fee evasion in Europe.

Asked if political sensitivity was a reason behind a reluctance to introduce more robust TV licence fee collection measures, he said: Political sensitivity is what has brought us here. This is a political fudge.

If it was me, I would make it entirely exchequer funding. I would index link that exchequer funding to a number based on answering the question  what is it that we actually need a public service broadcaster to do? We've never asked that question.
By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has hailed a decision to provide 725 million in funding for RTE over the next three years as an unprecedented move to serve all.

The decision to provide a mix between direct Exchequer funding and the existing TV licence fee was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, after months of wrangling between Ministers on how the broadcaster should be funded.

An Post, which is in charge of collecting the 160 annual fee per household, also received 6 million to improve its collection service.

There have been varying views within Government on whether the TV licence fee should be abolished, with Taoiseach Simon Harris stating that he felt increasing the fee would have been unpalatable to the public.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet on Wednesday, Mr Harris denied that Ms Martin was overruled on the funding decision.

Ms Martin had previously said that a hybrid funding model for RTE could be the worst of both worlds and expressed a preference for direct Exchequer funding.

She said that the decision made by the Government provided certainty for RTE.

While there has been much debate around how a stable future for RTE would be provided, a priority for me as Minister for Media has always been guaranteeing the future funding and restructuring of RTE, and that it is sustainable and acceptable to the public, she said.

What has been agreed today provides financial stability for RTE for future years, coupled with reformed fee collection methods. This is unprecedented.

Guaranteeing that funding, that future, is an accomplishment that will serve viewers, listeners and audiences  that will serve all of our society.

Under the plan, RTE will get 225 million in funding next year from TV licence fee revenue and direct Exchequer funding combined.

This will rise to 240 million in 2026 and 260 million in 2027.

A further 22.2 million will be provided for other public service projects in 2025, including 10 million from the Exchequer for the Media Fund schemes  an increase of 4 million on 2024.

The Department of Media said that net TV licence sales receipts were worth 123 million in 2023, with 93 per cent going to RTE and 7 per cent to the broadcasting fund as is required under statute.

Catherine Martin speaks during a press conference at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ministers had committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTE during this government term after revenues from the TV licence fee fell following a financial and governance crisis at Irelands public service broadcaster.

In the wake of the scandal, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst committed to reducing its highest earners fees, invest in digital and technology, and cut spending this year by 10 million.

The decisions the Government will make today do make two very significant changes. One  there is a significant uplift in the level of public funding, and secondly theres multi-annual certainty, Mr Harris said on the way into Cabinet on Wednesday.

He added: I felt that we couldnt ask the taxpayer to put their hand in their pocket and pay any more in terms of an increased licence fee. I dont think that would have been palatable for people.

I felt that the level of funding had to be sustainable and I think weve got that right too. And I did also feel that we had to have something for other public service broadcasters as well and Im satisfied those have been met.

He said that amid misinformation it was important to properly fund public service broadcasting.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: Catherine Martin has worked extraordinarily hard on this situation for a very long period of time.

Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting because she becomes the minister that settles the question, that has overseen reforms, but also now has crucially secured multi-annual funding and I guarantee you, you could bring any minister out today and if you told them you could offer them multi-annual certainty for the next three years theyd take your right arm off.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream.

He added: It is important in terms of the independence of media (rather than) total dependency on Government and also in terms of the broader issues around democracy and freedom of the media.

Mr Martin also said there would now be a better system of direct Exchequer funding, but added that reforms in RTE need to continue.

The Fianna Fail leader further warned that retaining the licence-fee system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the Exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.
By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described a plan to provide 725 million in funding for RTE over the next three years as a significant milestone.

The decision to provide a mix between direct Exchequer funding and keeping the TV licence fee is expected to be approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.

Mr Harris said that Media Minister Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting and denied that she was overruled on the decision.

Ms Martin had previously said that a hybrid funding model for RTE could be the worst of both worlds and expressed a preference for direct Exchequer funding.

Asked about the decision, Minister for Children and Green Party leader Roderic OGorman said Ms Martins core goal was to achieve funding stability for RTE which he said would be provided.

I dont think anyone there (at RTE) would describe (it) as a bad outcome.

Ministers had committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTE during this government term after revenues from the TV licence fee appeared to fall following a financial and governance crisis at Irelands public service broadcaster.

In the wake of the scandal, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst committed to reducing its highest earners fees, invest in digital and technology, and cut spending this year by 10 million.

The TV licence fee, a charge of 160 a year per household, is collected by An Post.

Media Minister Catherine Martin speaks during a press conference at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

There have been varying views among politicians on whether the TV licence fee should be abolished, including from the Oireachtas media committee.

Mr Harris said that he felt that increasing the cost of the TV licence fee would have been unpalatable.

The decisions the Government will make today do make two very significant changes. One  there is a significant uplift in the level of public funding, and secondly theres multiannual certainty.

He added: I felt that we couldnt ask the taxpayer to put their hand in their pocket and pay any more in terms of an increased licence fee. I dont think that would have been palatable for people.

I felt that the level of funding had to be sustainable and I think weve got that right too. And I did also feel that we had to have something for other public service broadcasters as well and Im satisfied those have been met.

He said that amid misinformation it was important to properly fund public service broadcasting.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream (Brian Lawless/PA)

Catherine Martin has worked extraordinarily hard on this situation for a very long period of time, Mr Harris said ahead of Cabinet.

Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting because she becomes the minister that settles the question, that has overseen reforms, but also now has crucially secured multiannual funding and I guarantee you, you could bring any minister out today and if you told them you could offer them multiannual certainty for the next three years theyd take your right arm off.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream.

It is important in terms of the independence of media (rather than) total dependency on Government and also in terms of the broader issues around democracy and freedom of the media.

Mr Martin also said there would now be a better system of direct Exchequer funding, but added that reforms in RTE need to continue.

The Fianna Fail leader further warned that retaining the licence-fee system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the Exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.
A former senior member of the Ku Klux Klan meeting remotely with Irish far-right activists, tax changes, and the TV licence are among the stories that feature on Wednesday's front pages.

A former senior member of the Ku Klux Klan and convicted terrorist has been meeting remotely with Irish far-right activists to provide advice and encouragement in relation to anti-immigration protests, The Irish Times reports.

Planned tax band changes could help workers, the Irish Examiner reports. A story on the TV licence remaining in place also makes the front page.

The Irish Independent leads with a warning on the State's reliance on tax from high earners.

The Echo leads with a story on the Tom Dooley murder trial.

The version of events given by a garda accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Garda station in Co Wicklow garda is like badly-written erotica, a jury has been told. The Irish Daily Star leads with the trial of William Ryan.

Wednesdays front page pic.twitter.com/Wu2qyHPfxT  Irish Daily Star (@isfearranstar) July 24, 2024

The Irish Sun leads with a story on Harry Smith, an avid GAA supporter who has been to 64 All-Ireland finals and is looking for a ticket for Sunday's game.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/WZoCftqOVQ  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) July 24, 2024

Officials at the Department of Finance have warned climate plans to reduce car use are "unfair" until public transport is improved, the Irish Daily Mail reports.

It's Wednesday's Irish Daily Mail... and another unmissable read! pic.twitter.com/3YfcHInGA1  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) July 24, 2024

The Herald leads with a gangland feud in Dublin.

In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with the murder of a man in Belfast.

The PSNI spied on 'thousands of journalists', The Irish News reports.

The front page of todays Irish News. pic.twitter.com/IehHdkXmtU  The Irish News (@irish_news) July 24, 2024

BBC boss Tim Davies apology to Strictly Come Dancing contestants amid a bullying scandal that has engulfed the show dominates Wednesdays UK headlines.

The Metro and Daily Express lead with Mr Davies apology to celebrity contestants who reported unacceptable behaviour while taking part in the show.

Daily Express: BBC CHIEF VERY SORRY FOR STRICTLY BULLYING SCANDAL #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/TFtgsnZA7w  George Mann (@sgfmann) July 23, 2024

The Daily Mirror also concentrates on Strictly, reporting professional dancers feel as though they have been hung out to dry by celebrities.

The BBC also features on the front of the Daily Star which reveals the salaries of its top earners.

The Daily Telegraph leads with news GPs will cull the number of appointments offered each day under new plans for collective action over pay disputes.

 The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'GPs' threat to see fewer patients in pay row'#TomorrowsPapersToday

Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/X4dc46aixr  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 23, 2024

In political news, the i splashes on a warning from the Army chief that the UK has three years to prepare for war with China, North Korea, Iran and Russia.

Wednesday's front page: UK has three years to get ready for war, new Army chief warns #TomorrowsPapersToday



Latest from @mollyblackall: https://t.co/ODGA3lXalv pic.twitter.com/39hfmxX8u0  The i paper (@theipaper) July 23, 2024

The Independent details Labours plans to decommission the floating detention centre Bibby Stockholm, labelling it a shameful symbol of an inhuman asylum policy.

The Financial Times reports parliaments spending watchdog has warned that fewer people may need the train between Birmingham and Manchester, as axing the second leg of HS2 will reduce capacity.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Wednesday 24 July https://t.co/gxd3ovAIQM pic.twitter.com/zZoQwxyTac  Financial Times (@FT) July 23, 2024

A Labour health advisor says people with long-term illnesses must be required to look for jobs to curb welfare costs, The Times reports.

The Times: Long-term sick should be forced to seek work' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/1TSZAdrZZt  George Mann (@sgfmann) July 23, 2024

Across the Atlantic, The Guardian reports on vice president Kamala Harriss first official rally since president Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, reassuring supporters she will win the election.

The Guardian: We will win this election, Harris tells Democrats #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/3y9CYwSJtj  George Mann (@sgfmann) July 23, 2024

Lastly, the Daily Mail asks why hate preacher Anjem Choudary was freed from prison after being found guilty of new terror charges.

Daily Mail: Why was jihad preacher freed to spout hate? #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/hptoJS1ZRM  George Mann (@sgfmann) July 23, 2024

The New York Times leads with a story on the Secret Service director resigning following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. A story on Kamala Harris' presidential campaign also makes the front page.
(En francais)

ATLANTA (July 24, 2024)  The Carter Center today released the final report from its international election observation mission to the December 2023 general elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

While there were improvements from the previous electoral cycle  including an improved approach by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the missions overall conclusion is that the process fell short of meeting some key international commitments for democratic elections.

The elections took place in the context of widespread mistrust in the electoral process, a sentiment rooted in the conduct of previous elections. In addition, ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country impacted the election process, including voter registration, campaigning, election day operations, and the cancellation of voting in three territories.

The CENI worked to hold the elections within constitutional deadlines. However, the tight electoral calendar impacted the quality and transparency of the process. Although a new voter register was created, the process appeared to under-register eligible citizens, and the resulting register was not fully and transparently audited. Problems with the printing of voter cards and delays in publishing voter lists left some voters uncertain as to whether they would be able to participate on election day. Limited voter education did not reach all eligible citizens, particularly women and people from marginalized communities, such as indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and people internally displaced by conflict.

The election campaign was competitive, but below the presidential race, many parties and candidates had limited financial means to engage voters. At times the campaign was not fully fair due to violent incidents and to the abuse of administrative resources on behalf of ruling coalition candidates. Interethnic hostility, misogynistic attacks, and anti-LGBTIQ+ sentiment were at times fueled by hate speech on social media.

There were also notable positive aspects of the election process. Candidate registration was highly inclusive from a political party perspective, resulting in a wide range of choices for voters. However, women were significantly underrepresented as candidates, as were other groups. For the first time since the adoption of the 2006 constitution there were municipal council elections in some cities, and a pilot program was organized for out of country voting. The thousands of citizen observers deployed across the country added an important measure of transparency, and the engagement of citizens as election officials, party agents, observers, candidates, and voters demonstrated their strong commitment to democracy.

Unfortunately, logistical challenges, in part due to the compressed electoral calendar, affected the delivery of materials required for voting and caused numerous polling stations to open late or not at all in many parts of the country. The CENI extended voting over multiple days but was not transparent about the extent of the problems. The widespread delays generated frustration among voters and gave the impression that the CENI had lost control of the process. The vote tabulation process deviated significantly from established procedures, which reduced transparency, as party agents and observers could not witness results tabulation. The results of 81 National Assembly candidates were annulled over allegations of fraud. The Constitutional Court handled disputes promptly, but it did not always clarify the grounds for its decisions.

The Carter Centers final report offers recommendations to the Congolese government and parliament, the CENI, the Constitutional Court, political parties, and others. A key recommendation for the authorities is to organize an inclusive national dialogue on election reform, taking into account the views of political parties and civil society, as well as recommendations by domestic and international election observation missions.

The Carter Center makes specific recommendations regarding the legal framework, the electoral calendar, voter registration, audits and certification of electronic voting machines, post-election audits of the results, regulation of campaign finance, training of polling officials, voter education, the media and social media environment, the conduct of municipal elections, and the need for greater inclusion of women and other underrepresented groups as voters, candidates, and election officials.

Finally, the need to continue improving transparency is relevant to all aspects of the election process and will be crucial to building public confidence in future elections.

Background

The Carter Center launched an international election observation mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023 after receiving an invitation from the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Center deployed 44 international election experts and observers, including 24 long-term observers in 12 provinces, to observe the presidential, National Assembly, provincial assembly, and municipal elections. For election day, the mission was led by Catherine Samba-Panza, former transitional president of the Central African Republic.

The Carter Center IEOM was limited in scope, as it did not include a full short-term observer delegation. Therefore, the Carter Center IEOM election day observations were not necessarily representative of processes across the country. The Carter Center encourages Congolese citizens and other stakeholders to consider the findings and recommendations of citizen observation organizations, which deployed tens of thousands of observers over the election day period.

The Center conducts its work in accordance with the 2005 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and makes assessments based on the Democratic Republic of the Congos national legal framework, as well as regional and international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

The Carter Center has worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2006 and has established a permanent office in the country, supporting citizen election observation networks, human rights defenders, and civil society-led efforts to increase the transparency of extractive industries in the country. The Center observed the 2006 and 2011 national elections and deployed an expert team for the 2018 elections. In addition, the Center has provided technical assistance to electoral reform efforts and to citizen observation organizations.

Related Resources

Final Report | General Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, December 2023

Le Centre Carter publie son rapport final sur les elections de 2023 en Republique Democratique du Congo

Rapport Final | Elections generales en Republique Democratique du Congo, Decembre 2023

###

Contact: In Atlanta, Maria Cartaya, maria.cartaya@cartercenter.org

In Kinshasa, Jason Kibiswa, jason.kibiswa@cartercenter.org

The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.



A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
UN chief welcomes declaration on ending division, strengthening unity by Palestinian factions

Xinhua) 10:46, July 24, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the declaration on ending division and strengthening unity signed by 14 Palestinian factions in Beijing, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Guterres "very much welcomes the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the Palestinian factions," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, in response to questions at a regular daily briefing.

Terming the deal as "an important step towards furthering Palestinian unity," Dujarric said the secretary-general "encourages all factions to overcome their differences through dialogue and urges them to follow up on the commitments that were made in Beijing and the declaration they signed on to."

"We've seen this before, we've talked about it before, and I think all steps towards unity are to be welcomed and encouraged," he said.

"Palestinian unity, as we've said many a time, is crucial for peace and security and for advancing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and for a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he added.

Guterres also expressed his appreciation for the diplomatic efforts being made by China as well as efforts of other countries involved in facilitating the process, said the spokesman.

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Lafarge Africa launches ECOPlanet Unicem

Suzanne Starbuck By 24 July 2024

Lafarge Africa Plc has launched ECOPlanet Unicem, Nigeria's first low-carbon multipurpose cement. Designed with an over 30 per cent reduction in CO 2 emissions, ECOPlanet signifies a major step in the companys ongoing commitment to sustainable building solutions. Produced at its Mfamosing plant in Cross River State, ECOPlanet will be unveiled nationwide by the end of the year, as Lafarge Africa aims to double its market presence and enable low-carbon construction at scale.

Speaking at the launch event, Group Managing Director/CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said, At Lafarge Africa, our vision has always been to lead the building solutions industry in innovation and sustainability. The launch of ECOPlanet Unicem is not just about introducing a new product; it's about redefining the way we think about construction and its impact on our environment.

He elaborated on the benefits of ECOPlanet Unicem noting its significant reduction in emissions compared to traditional cement, making it an excellent choice for sustainable construction projects. Despite its low-carbon nature, ECOPlanet provides superior performance, suitable for a wide range of applications, from complex infrastructure projects to residential buildings. According to the company, the product is perfect for concreting, plastering and on-site block-making.

Globally, within the Holcim Group, ECOPlanet is available in over 35 markets across all regions and supports the most advanced sustainability building certifications, from BREEAM, LEED to EDGE. ECOPlanets sustainability profile is driven by innovative low-emission raw materials with its lower carbon footprint further enhanced by decarbonising its production process through the use of alternative fuels.

Gbenga Onimowo, commercial director, Lafarge Africa, added, Over the years, Unicem has built a strong reputation, earning the trust of consumers as a reliable and dependable option. At Lafarge Africa, we remain committed to leading the promotion of green products to drive sustainable construction within Nigeria's built environment and we are proud of this significant achievement. ECOPlanet Unicem combines sustainability with superior performance. Our goal is to make ECOPlanet Unicem the go-to-choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on quality or reliability."

Published under
PPC signs agreement with Sinoma

Suzanne Starbuck By 24 July 2024

PPC has signed an agreement with Sinoma Overseas Development Corporation to transform PPCs operations in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. According to Engineering News, the agreement includes improving efficiency, modernising technology, lowering production costs, increasing the use of non-fossil fuels and expanding production capacity.

Commenting on the agreement, Matias Cardarelli, CEO at PPC, said, In the current highly competitive environment, we must operate our industrial operations in the most efficient way to produce high-quality products sustainably at the right cost. This agreement strengthens our relationship with Sinoma and will be one of the pillars of our recently initiated turnaround process, which aims to rebuild a profitable and sustainable PPC.

It also highlights the commitment of both parties to advancing sustainable practices and encouraging innovation in the cement industry, he added.

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Aggregates Industries UK names new CEO

Suzanne Starbuck By 24 July 2024

Holcim has announced Lee Sleight as the new CEO of Aggregate Industries UK. He will take up his position on 1 August 2024.

Mr Sleight joined the business in 2021 as managing director of the ready-mixed concrete division and in his time there transformed the business. Last year he moved to take up the role as managing director of the aggregates division. He has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry holding various senior leadership positions.

Outgoing CEO and Holcim Region Head West Europe, Dragan Maksimovic, said, Firstly, Id like to congratulate Lee on his appointment. He will make an excellent CEO. I have worked closely with him for the last few years and he has a proven track record in leading and transforming businesses. I am confident he will continue to drive the business forward while delivering on our ambitious plans of decarbonisation and green growth.

Kaziwe Kaulule will succeed Mr Sleight as managing director of the companys aggregates division. Mr Kaulule joined AIUK in October 2023 as director of strategic and commercial growth, having previously been CEO of Holcims South Africa and Zimbabwe businesses.

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Mitchell Tolle, a pastor and artist, will deliver the keynote address at Lee University's summer commencement ceremony on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center.

Mr. Tolle is a popular speaker around the country, sharing his personal story and exploring the power of art in everyday life. He has spoken to Lee students on two previous occasions, and Lee President Paul Conn calls him "one of the most engaging and inspiring speakers I've ever heard."

Mr. Tolle is an ordained bishop in the Church of God and currently serves as senior pastor of the Man O' War Church in Lexington, Ky. Prior to pastoring, he gained an international reputation as an artist painting the scenes and people of Appalachia and has been described as "one of America's most beloved artists."

After being drafted into the U. S. Army and serving in Vietnam, Mr. Tolles work as an artist began in earnest, and he developed a large following. His painting of President Jimmy Carter raised a quarter of a million dollars for Habitat for Humanity through the sale of prints, and a gallery in Berea, Ky., devoted exclusively to his work, has drawn over 20,000 visitors from 80 countries.

Mr. Tolle is married to Linda, and together they have three children and 10 grandchildren.

Lees summer commencement is one of three graduation ceremonies held each year at the university. Of the 115 degrees set to be conferred in the Saturday morning ceremony, 27 are masters degrees and nine are doctoral.

Prior to the Saturday commencement, a commissioning ceremony will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m., also in the Conn Center. The commissioning service is a special occasion for students and their families to reflect on student experiences at the university. During the event, there will be five student speakers who will share brief stories about their time at Lee. Each graduate will also be presented with a personalized Bible in a traditional walk across the Conn Center stage.

A hooding ceremony for recipients of masters, education specialist, and doctoral degrees will take place Friday at 4:30 p.m.

The hooding, commissioning, and commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. For those who wish to view the events online, live streaming will be available at leeu.live.

For more information about commencement exercises, contact the Academic Events Office at graduation@leeuniversity.edu, 614-8117, or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/graduation-info/.
Sam Elliott was confirmed as chair-elect of the Tennessee Bar Foundations Board of Trustees at the Foundations annual meeting in Memphis.

He will serve a one-year term, and succeed to the chairmanship in June 2025.

The Tennessee Bar Foundation was established in 1982. Its mission is to administer Tennessees IOLTA (Interest On Lawyers Trust Accounts) program, honor distinguished attorneys as Fellows, and support law-related public interest projects. The IOLTA program has previously announced 2024 grants totaling $3,000,000, to support Tennessees Legal Aid programs and other non-profit organizations which provide legal services to the poor and/or work to improve the administration of justice.

Mr. Elliott was also notified of his appointment by Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to the reorganized Tennessee Historical Commission. He has served on the Commission since 2005 and was the chairman from 2009 to 2015. He is an avocational historian of Tennessee during the Civil War and has had several books, essays and articles published, including award-winning biographies of Isham G. Harris and John C. Brown.
A development partnership is planning to convert the city-owned former Airport Inn at 7725 Lee Highway into 75 units of permanent supportive housing.

The team consists of a partnership between Woodbine Community Organization and Nelson Community Partners.

The city's Housing, Educational and Housing Facility Board on Monday approved up to $10 million in tax-exempt bonds for the Airport Landing project.

The city, which earlier bought the run-down motel for $2,785,000, is being asked to donate the property. The donation is on the City Council's agenda for next Tuesday.

Richard Beeland, deputy director of city Economic and Community Development, said a community meeting is set Friday on the project.

City Councilman Darrin Ledford said, "There was a community process before and it was not pretty."

He and Chairman Chip Henderson questioned why the council has to act before getting full information from the public.

Mr. Beeland said there is a July 31 deadline to apply for low income housing tax credits. He said the project just now came together. He said he would provide the council with a summary of the public meeting.

He said final approval on the bonds would come later when it is determined more precisely how much is needed for the project.

The city earlier considered fixing up the building and hiring out the management.

Officials earlier said no city money would be involved in the purchase. It was made with proceeds of the American Rescue Plan (federal stimulus funds). However, officials earlier had said city funds would be involved in ongoing operation of the motel.

Officials said of the new project, "Through a complete renovation of the building and site, the project will provide approximately 75 units of permanent supportive housing, onsite amenities space, and space for community partners and service providers.

"One hundred percent of the units are intended to be supported by project based vouchers and leased through Chattanooga's Coordinated Entry System. Woodbine Community Organization and our property management partner, Emerald Housing Management, will collaborate with local service providers to bring wrap-around supportive services to the site.

"The project will be primarily funding through up to $10 million of tax-exempt bonds and low income housing tax credits, and additionally supported through available affordable housing grant funds.

"The project will incorporate many of the best practices in trauma-informed design (TID), guided by industry-leading experts at Shopworks Architecture. TId centers dignity, hope and self-esteem; empowerment and personal control; safety, security and privacy; peace of mind; community and connection; and joy, beauty and mean.

"This will include reorienting the ground floor unit entrances to a central corridor and main lobby for better access control and safety, incorporating natural finishes and daylighting, and ensuring resident control over their environment including light, temperature and sound.

"The project will also pursue sustainability and energy-efficiency measures including low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, EnergyStar windows, and rooftop solar panels. Additionally, we will create outdoor amenity spaces for residents and support better stormwater management.

"Ultimately, the project will transform a blighted, abandoned property into a community asset and permanent home for approximately 75 households in need of deeply affordable and supportive housing.

"The development team consists of a partnership between Woodbine Community Organization and Nelson Community Partners. Woodbine Community Organization has decades of experience in developing, owning, managing and providing services for affordable housing developments. For this reason, WCO will own the general partner in the project. Nelson Community Partners will act as lead developer in the project as well as asset manager. In addition to its extensive community development and affordable housing experience, NCP has partnered with the leading providers of permanent supportive housing across Tennessee to develop over 150 units across three projects since 2020."
In Tennessee, we value the fundamental rights of parents to guide their childrens upbringing, education, and welfare. However, not every candidate running for office shares this commitment. One candidate, in particular, has shown through their actions that they dont genuinely support parental rights.

While Hazlewood claims to protect parental rights, her actions suggest otherwise. Heres why:

1. Allowing CPS to Intervene Too Much

Child Protective Services should protect children in danger, but Hazlewood's answers to the Church Voter Guide show that she wants to give CPS too much power. She supports removing children from their parents quickly, even without enough proof, which risks separating families unnecessarily. Parents need protection against too much state interference.

2. Expanding Safe Baby Courts

Hazlewood states she wants to expand Safe Baby Courts across the state in her answers to the Church Voter Guide. While these courts aim to help, they often result in children being taken from their parents, even when it might not be necessary. This shows a lack of trust in parents ability to resolve their issues without state interference.

3. Insufficient Due Process Protections

Hazlewood claims to support fair legal processes when children are removed in emergencies, but her answers show that her policies don't provide enough measures to ensure quick and fair hearings. This could result in long legal battles for parents trying to get their children back, causing emotional and financial stress.

4. Overemphasis on State Intervention

Hazlewood frequently emphasizes the need for state intervention to protect childrens health and safety. While child safety is crucial, this approach suggests a distrust of parents and a preference for state solutions over empowering parents to address their problems.

5. Lack of Transparency in School Board Elections

Hazlewood voted against HB9072, a bill that would let voters know if school board candidates are Republicans or Democrats. She doesnt see a problem with children being forced to wear masks, stay home from school, or learn controversial topics like critical race theory. This shows she doesnt care about transparency or parents' concerns in education.

6. Opposition to Firearm Safety Education

Hazlewood voted against HB2882, a bill that would require age-appropriate firearm safety courses in public schools. This vote indicates that she does not prioritize teaching children about gun safety, which is an important concern for many parents.

7. Blocking Access to Autopsy Reports

Hazlewood voted in favor of HB1695, which blocks access to autopsy reports of children who are victims of violent crime. This decision can leave cases unsolved and families without justice or closure.

8. Making It Easier to Remove Foster Kids

Hazlewood voted for HB1808, which makes it easier to remove foster kids from their homes and return them to the system. This undermines the stability and well-being of foster children.

9. Weakening Protections Against Child Trafficking

Hazlewood proposed an amendment to HB2310, which aimed to penalize those who traffic minors for gender-altering medical procedures. Her amendment weakened the bill by providing loopholes, diminishing its effectiveness.

10. Weakening Legislation on Abortion Trafficking

Hazlewood also proposed an amendment to HB1895, which sought to criminalize abortion trafficking of minors. Her amendment created more loopholes, weakening the legislation and compromising the safety of minors.

Conclusion: A Candidate Who Doesnt Support Parental Rights

Hazlewood claims to support parental rights, but her actions reveal a tendency to undermine those rights through excessive state intervention, insufficient due process protections, a lack of transparency in education, and votes that compromise child safety.

When parental rights are ignored in favor of the state, where does that lead us? Tennessee should learn from other states where parental rights are in jeopardy. California, for example, recognizes gender-affirming care to the extent that if a parent does not support this view, that parent may be investigated for abuse. This could lead to the involvement of child protective services or loss in a custody battle. California allows over-enthusiastic counselors and medical providers in schools, such as Planned Parenthood, to enable children as young as 12 to make medical decisions for themselves regarding birth control, abortion, substance abuse, alcoholism, and gender-affirming care.

If you believe that such policies are a bridge too far for the great state of Tennessee and think it will never happen here, you should know that the Hamilton County School Board has awarded a school-based health system called Centerstone an expanded no-bid contract that includes all Hamilton County schools.

Centerstone's description on their website states they are "a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments for people of all ages." You can visit their website and see the services offered to teens. Centerstone operates on a quota system and have been given free rein to roam the classrooms of Hamilton County looking for patients. They will be in your child's classroom. This vote occurred on July 18, even while voting was underway for a new School Board and parents and children were on summer vacation.

Where are the reports that prove the efficacy of having private non-profit school-based health systems in classrooms? Does having mental health professionals in the classroom improve educational outcomes or mental health outcomes? Shouldn't we know the answers before continuing and expanding this contract?

These questions become more prominent as parental rights are chipped away. It's time for all of us to stand in the gap for children and families and realize what it means when the state has more rights than the citizens of the state, especially as it relates to our children. Tennessee families deserve leaders who genuinely respect and uphold parental rights.

Its time to hold our candidates accountable and demand a real commitment to preserving parental rights in Tennessee.

Cindy Fain

* * *

Cindy, for those of us who understand what these new laws are really in place for, you made a terrific endorsement for Patsy Hazlewood. Her opponent is indeed a fine person and Im sure she appreciates your support.

However, Patsy Hazlewood was not alone in her vote, as the majority voted the same way. Anyone who keeps up what is going on in our state and our country, knows that our children are being victimized on a daily bases. I know you are against that. An interesting and sad statistic is there are more children and women held in slavery (mostly as sex slaves) today than there were blacks held in slavery when the Civil War was fought.

If you have not read these new laws word for word, I understand your consternation. You are supporting a good person, but I believe Patsy Hazlewood has done the work and we need to keep her in place.

J. Pat Williams

* * *

Just for the sake of argument: We're told that "Patsy Hazlewood was not alone in her vote, as the majority voted the same way" on many issues.

The important thing here is that 'the majority' is not on the ballot next week; five-terms veteran Patsy Hazlewood and novice Michele Reneau are on the ballot next week. They may both be qualified for the job; we have a choice.

We're always told that 'Experience counts!' But does experience really make wiser legislators, or just more-deeply-entrenched politicians?

Since there are no term limits on members of the Tennessee General Assembly, it's left up to local voters to insure that nobody ever becomes another career politician.

We have that choice. We have that power. We have that obligation.

Just saying, for the sake of argument.

Larry Cloud

* * *

Parents make or break community. Children learn values from their parents that serve to preserve our civilization. Unfortunately, a few parents who are neglectful and abusive pass on ways of life that are antithetical to our shared values. Good parenting and parents are vitally important.

Abusive and neglectful parents produce children who are at a great risk of becoming abusive and neglectful parents themselves, that is if they survive their childhood. If only there were ways to short circuit the dysfunction. If only there was some system in place that could help families and children in crisis.



Parents have a fundamental, constitutionally-protected right to parent their children. Those rights can only be infringed upon in very limited situations that involve an immediate danger to a child. The U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions ensure due process in those limited circumstances.



More times than not, State involvement in a family crisis results in services being provided to the family as a whole. In the most severe cases, the State may petition a court for permission to take temporary custody of that child or place the child in the temporary custody of a relative until the situation is resolved and it is safe for the child to be in the parents home. In that event, parents are entitled to not only have a court hearing, but also have a court-appointed family law lawyer if they cannot afford to hire one on their own. In those situations, the law also requires courts to appoint an experienced family law attorney to represent the childs best-interests during the process.



In all of those cases, reunification of the family is the goal. Just as soon as is practical and safe, the emergency temporary custody ends and the child is returned to the parent. In even more rare instances, often because of severe drug addiction, the parents either cant or wont effectively address their issues to make it safe to parent a child. Only then does the State, guardian ad litem, or someone else ask a court to take the extraordinary step of terminating parental rights so the child will not continue to linger in foster care and can even be adopted into a loving, appropriate home.



A new entity is available to plug the gap abusive and neglectful parents create. Safe Baby Courts exist to provide substantially more help, resources, and encouragement for parents to be able to regain custody of a child. The goal is family reunification once the pathologies the parents have created are remedied. Safe Baby Courts are a tool to help more parents rise to the expectations we have for them.



When families fail, my office is usually called upon to defend parents and children who are accused of committing the unthinkable. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. No one wins when prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers are asked to get involved. I say all that to say directly that Rep. Patsy Hazlewood is not an anti-parental rights legislator. Patsy has taken the time to speak to folks like me intimately involved in the systems our government has created to deal with the effects of poor parenting. She understands the importance of parental rights and the safety of children. And she has worked and succeeded in improving how we deal with parental dysfunction. Lets keep her on I-24 back and forth to Nashville. We need her up there.

Steve Smith
Chloe Davis of Chattanooga, was among the almost 70 graduates who were celebrated during Piedmont University's commencement ceremonies on Friday, July 19.

Family members filled the Piedmont University Chapel to watch as graduates received degrees, shook hands with President Marshall Criser III and Board Chair Gus Arrendale, and turned their tassels.

Eleven undergraduate, 32 specialist, and 25 master's degrees were conferred. Piedmont University congratulates all of the Summer 2024 graduates.

About Piedmont University

Founded in 1897, Piedmont University is a private, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering a personalized higher education experience focused on student success, academic achievement, and professional development. Offering a variety of career-oriented majors in the arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing, Piedmont's supportive learning environment is defined by small class sizes, with a 12:1 ratio, that allow students to create meaningful relationships with their professors, classmates, and the campus community. Piedmont's idyllic, 390-acre residential campus is nestled in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains, with a satellite campus situated in the heart of downtown Athens. For more, please visit www.piedmont.edu, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter/X.
A collection of 11 talented technical skills competitors from Chattanooga State Community College this month participated in the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, bringing home medals in four categories.

SkillsUSAs National Conference is the largest gathering of students who comprise Americas future skilled workforce. The annual week-long conference is a celebration of excellence in career and technical education.

Chattanooga States medalists are:

Gold

 Community Service: Team of Tia Bowers, Kam Johnson, DAndre Johnson

 Employment Application Process: Alissya Popoca

 Opening & Closing Ceremonies: Team of Matthew Nelson, Daeja Beckom, Sarah Kirk, Breanna Holloway, Amanda Sovago-Royal, Emmalea Linebarger, Breanna Foster

Silver

 Job Interview: Shelby Defore

Competing at the national level requires exceptional talent and determination, said Mike Mercer, Co-Lead Adviser for Chattanooga States SkillsUSA chapter. Their hard work and passion have earned them these gold and silver medals. We are honored to support such talented individuals."

All told, competitors from across Tennessee earned 29 gold medals, 21 silver medals, and seven bronze medals. A total of 132 students from 26 Tennessee college/postsecondary institutions competed at the national level.

With 57 medals, Tennessee ranked second this year in the overall number of medals won at the college/postsecondary level  only one behind the 58 won by Georgia postsecondary students.

I am so proud of the accomplishments of our Tennessee students, said Daphne Brown, SkillsUSA Tennessee Postsecondary state director and director of CTE student engagement at the Tennessee Board of Regents. Tennessee postsecondary students placed in the top four in 41 of the 83 contests they competed in against students from across the nation, which means they placed in the top four in nearly half of those competitionsshowcasing the exceptional quality of career and technical education provided by Tennessee colleges.

Also at the national conference, the SkillsUSA chapters at two TBR collegesTCATs Chattanooga and Pulaskiwere recognized for their selection in April as Models of Excellence for 2024, the highest honor bestowed on chapters. They were among only 24 chapters from across the nation selected and the only college-level institutions selected in the Technical Skills category.

Tennessee also earned the award for the largest membership increase in its SkillsUSA college/postsecondary divisionmoving from 10,111 student and faculty members last year to 14,448 members this yearthe largest Tennessee membership ever and the largest state delegation in the U.S.

Overall, the event brings together more than 16,000 attendees, including students, instructors, industry partners, government officials, administrators, and more. The conference is for middle school, high school, and college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA. Students compete in their respective school levels.
Four teens were apprehended after a pursuit by sheriff deputies on Wednesday morning. At approximately 4:20 a.m., deputies were advised to be on the lookout for a Hyundai Elantra with heavy rear-end damage that left an altercation at the Circle K gas station on Shallowford Road. Deputies were already looking for a stolen Elantra matching a similar description with rear-end damage that fled from deputies in the Hixson area into downtown earlier in the night.The Elantra in that incident had been involved in a pursuit after it was associated with a nearby shots-fired call reported to the Chattanooga Police Department.

Deputies located the vehicle, which had several occupants, as it turned onto North Chamberlain Road from Glass Street. As other units moved in to assist, the vehicle began running traffic lights and a pursuit ensued with the vehicle continuing to Wilcox Boulevard and Riverside Drive. The vehicle eventually came to rest at the intersection of Riverfront Parkway and Windtower Drive after the driver failed to negotiate several curbs causing significant damage to the vehicles tires.

As the car came to rest, four individuals immediately jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot. However, HCSO deputies and downtown Chattanooga patrol officers were able to quickly apprehend all four suspects.
Prince Harry and Prince William havent been close in a long time, but Harry likely wasnt expecting King Charles to deal him such a major blow with one decision earlier this year.

Prince Harrys relationship with the royal family has been less than perfect for many years. The Duke of Sussex fled royal life with his wife, Meghan Markle, back in 2020 after the couple felt the family wasnt treating them properly. Since then, theyve been building a life in California, but Harry has returned to the United Kingdom on a number of occasions.

Despite improving relations with his father, King Charles, the Duke of Sussex is reportedly still extremely wounded by Charles dealing him a major blow earlier this year.

King Charles and Prince Harry | Niall Carson/Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry is wounded by King Charles giving a coveted role to Prince William

When Harry left the royal family, most of his privilege went with him. Harry and Meghan were forced to strip their HRH titles, and Harry was stripped of his military titles. Still, the prince felt it would be worth it to live a life of greater freedom. And while that has likely had its positives, Harry was still extremely hurt when he learned that Charles had given William a role that Harry had always wanted. Earlier this year, William was named Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, an organization for which Harry had previously served  and the younger prince was left deeply upset by the decision and remains so today.

[Harry] repeatedly voiced his sadness in having to give up his honorary military appointments after he and Meghan quit royal duties to seek their fortunes overseas, royal expert Emily Andrews told Women Magazine, via Express. Old pals say it will have wounded him deeply to see his elder brother, Prince William, handed the role.

But William could be happy about receiving the role because he reportedly thinks so lowly of his brothers decisions in recent years. Some could argue it really is the ultimate revenge given the brickbats Harry has thrown, but Im not so sure  For me, it just deepens the already gaping wound between the two siblings who used to be so close, Andrews continued.

Prince Harry and Prince William cant seem to get on good terms

Its been years since the brothers were in a good place. Harry and William started having major problems back in 2018, after Harry married Meghan. As Harry distanced himself from the family, the brothers tension grew, and when Harry exited the family and profited off of telling his story, things supposedly got much worse between him and William.

These days, Harry and William reportedly dont speak. Harry has visited the UK twice this year, and on both occasions, he did not have any contact with his brother. It seems that at this point, the two might never be on good terms. Between Kate Middletons health and Charles health, there have been at least those two opportunities for Harry and William to reconnect, yet they havent.
In 2018, paleontologists were hunting for fossils in Mongolia. The excavations resulted in the discovery of a new species of sand dragon that lived during the Cretaceous period, which spanned from 145 million to 66 million years ago.

During this time, the supercontinent Pangea started to break up. The Cretaceous period was also the last dinosaur age, marking the beginning of the downfall of species like the Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.

The remains of such creatures are commonly unearthed from the Nemegt Basin of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. The Gobi Desert is the worlds largest dinosaur fossil reservoir. Its also where researchers stumbled across the new species.

The Upper Cretaceous beds in the Gobi Desert have been a rich source of many troodontid species, especially the Nemegt and Djadochta formations in the Nemegt Basin, Mongolia, as well as the Wulansuhai Formation in Bayan Mandahu, China, said the researchers.

From the barren landscape in the Baruungoyot Formation of the Nemegt Basin, they dug up pieces of hind limb bones that didnt match any other known species. They figured out that the bones belonged to Troodontidae, a group of small bird-like dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous periods.

According to paleontologist Sungjin Lee and colleagues from Seoul National University, the defining characteristics of troodontids are large orbits, long hind limbs with asymmetrical metatarsi, and an enlarged ungual on the second pedal digit as well as many bird-like features.

But, when the paleontologists compared the bones to other species, they noted a few key differences.

For instance, a long bone in the foot called the tarsometatarsus was extremely slender in comparison to other dinosaurs that ran on their hind legs at a rapid pace.

The researchers thought the new species was most likely able to move quickly in order to avoid predators and hunt for mammals.

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Whats the first thing you think of when you think of robins? Is it their gorgeous blue eggs? Their association with springtime? Easter decorations?

The American Robin is a migratory bird that can be spotted by their reddish-orange chests, dark heads, their morning calls, and pretty blue eggs.

These birds can be found in North America and Europe but are also known to travel to other regions like Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.

Growing up on the East Coast, Ive seen my fair share of robins, and I remember that one made a nest above our front door when I was a kid. My family and I peeked at the bright blue eggs and watched the mama bird come back and feed her hungry babies until they were all ready to flee the nest.

Because robins are fairly common, people may not think much of them. However, if youre like me and appreciate knowing that some animals and birds are often considered signs from the universe, youd be happy to know that theres some pretty beautiful symbolism behind seeing a robin.

So, the next time you come across a robin in a special way, whether it flies in front of your face or lands right outside your window, heres what that special encounter could mean.

Robins carry different kinds of messages, and it all depends on where youre at in your life and what type of message you may need when you see one.

Many believe that there is something very spiritual about robins. Because of their association with springtime, theyre often known for bringing good luck, optimism, and new life. They are also believed to be seen as messengers between the dead and the living.

For instance, if you see a robin not long after losing a loved one, it could be your loved one trying to show you that theyre still with you and have found peace in another realm.

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As smartphones steal potential readers in Indonesia, booksellers are looking to new ideas.

Yasuyoshi Chiba / Getty

Only 1 out of every 1,000 Indonesians is an avid reader, according to UNESCOs 2012 reading interest index. The country also ranks second to last in a list of the worlds most literate countries, which examined tests as well as literate behaviors such as the number of libraries and newspapers and the availability of computers and years of schooling in a nation.

In such a challenging climate, can local Christian publishing survive?

Indonesian pastors and publishers say yes, although it might look different from the golden years of the early 2000s. It may include collecting donations to give away books to the impoverished, drumming up excitement over book releases with Zoom talks, or polling local seminaries and churches to determine which books they should translate into Bahasa Indonesia.

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Indonesians can also learn from one of Indonesias most prolific Christian writers, Andar Ismail, whose 33-book Selamat series sold tens of thousands of copies in the late 1990s and 2000s.

Even as reading falls out of the zeitgeist, Christians believe it has an important role in spiritual maturity.

Congregations should not rely only on weekly sermons to strengthen their faith, said Susanto (who goes by one name), a pastor and current chairman of Gloria Foundation, which oversees two Christian publishing companies. They need to develop their spiritual journeys themselves, such as through quality books.

An industry in crisis

The low interest in reading points to Indonesias strong oral culture, where stories and knowledge were traditionally passed through spoken rather than written word. Researchers also point to underfunded libraries, expensive book costs, and an education system that doesnt encourage reading books outside of the classroom. Casthelia Kartika, president of Amanat Agung Theological Seminary in Jakarta, noted that in the past, education was not a top priority in the country as families struggled to make ends meet. As the economy improved, especially in the cities, parents started focusing more on their childrens education, which led to an improvement in literacy. However, the recent rise of smartphone usage is pulling Indonesians toward watching videos or playing games instead of reading.

Although the awareness of the importance of reading has started flourishing, teachers still need to further develop the passion to read books among their students, Kartika noted.

This is apparent at Indonesian seminariesincluding her ownwhere some professors struggle to teach classes where few students complete the required readings. At the same time, some of the lecturers themselves arent readers either, which keeps them from writing books and sharing Indonesian theology with the rest of the world. There are actually a lot of smart theologians in Indonesia, but it is so hard to encourage them to write books, she said.

In addition, the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of brick-and-mortar bookstores and a plunge in book sales. In 2010, Indonesia had about 600 bookstores across the country. Now the number has dwindled to 100, according to Susanto.

Odessa Diaz Krisdiyanto, coordinator of Literatur Perkantas Jatim (East Java InterVarsity Literature) said that before the pandemic, the publishing house printed about 15 titles a year, all of which were translated from English, and it took about six months to sell out the print runs of roughly 2,000 copies. Last year, they only printed 8 titles, and selling the copies took a year.

During COVID-19, sales slowed as customers shifted their reading habits to online media and their spending priority to the health of their families, Krisdiyanto said.

Still, Literatur Perkantas has a leg up on other Christian book publishers, as they have been selling books online since 2017. This year, Perkantas may be able to publish as many titles as they did pre-pandemic, although with a smaller number of copies in print.

Other Christian publishers are not as lucky. Susanto said both publishing houses under Gloria, Katalis and Graffa, suffered substantially from the recent downturn. Katalis publishes discipleship books, while Graffa publishes popular Christian titles.

Started in the 1980s, Gloria initially only printed Our Daily Bread in the Indonesian language, presented in a simple format and distributed free of charge. Several years later, the booklets were printed more professionally and sold for a slight profit. Not long afterward, Gloria also started printing foreign and local Christian books.

During the rosy years of the early 2000s, we could print and sell up to 150,000 copies of Our Daily Bread each month and about 100 book titles, Susanto recalled. Today, we can only print around 24,000 copies of the monthly edition and 10,500 of the quarterly editions. In total, Katalis and Graffa only managed to publish 8 book titles in 2023.

The slump in sales has led Gloria to rent out some of their office space to other firms in their Yogyakarta building.

Kartika, meanwhile, is mildly optimistic that Christian publishers will be able to survive in the years to come. They might not perish, but they might not flourish either, she said. The demand and need for books will continue to exist, but it will not be as massive as in the past. The rise of the Selamat series

One Christian book series that has seemingly defied the dominance of Indonesias oral culture is Ismails Selamat, published over the past four decades. A former pastor of the Samanhudi Indonesian Christian Church in Jakarta and a professor of theology and pedagogy at Jakarta Theological Seminary, Ismail is unique in that he can present difficult doctrinal topics in a down-to-earth way. This set his books apart from other Christian books at the time, which were mainly targeted to intellectuals.

In the Indonesian language, the word selamat is used for greetings or congratulations, and it can also mean safe from harm and salvation. Each of the approximately 130-page books includes 33 short stories covering a wide range of topics like the biographies of well-known Christian figures, morals gleaned from traditional Javanese wayang puppet shows, profiles of faithful no-name pastors, and vignettes from Ismails own spiritual journey. Some stories are funny, while others are thought-provoking, inspirational, or even tear-jerking. Their common denominator is Ismails portrayal of the matchless love of Christ.

Ismail published the first two books in the series, Selamat Natal (Merry Christmas) and Selamat Paskah (Happy Easter), in 1981 and 1982. After a decade-long break where he focused on studying overseas, he published his third book, Selamat Pagi Tuhan (Good Morning, Lord). From then until 2022, he published a new book every year.

For two decades, Selamat books were bestsellers for the Christian publishing house BPK Gunung Mulia, according to former CEO Stephen Z. Satyahadi. Selling more than 10,000 copies of a Christian book is considered a rare achievement in Indonesia, and scores of Ismails books have sold up to 70,00080,000 copies over the years, with earlier editions reprinted more than 30 times.

Through the easy-to-understand yet deeply meaningful stories, Ismail could help nurture the spiritual understanding of readers from all levels of educational backgrounds, said Ismails close friend Sunoko Nugroho Samiadji. He noted that Ismail wrote many of the books by hand before Samiadji helped type them up on a computer.

One of Samiadjis favorite short stories in the series is Ismails analysis of Rembrandt van Rijns painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. The pastor also wrote about Muslim figures who painted or wrote about Jesus, including journalist Goenawan Mohamad and poet Chairil Anwar, and how their unique viewpoints draw out different aspects of the Savior.

To acknowledge Ismails significant contribution to the Christian community, Indonesias Christian Art and Literature Festival awarded him the Tokoh Inspiratif (Inspirational Figure) award in August 2018.

After completing the series, Ismail went on to publish Tukang Antar Selamat (Courier of Salvation) in 2023, another collection of 33 stories. Now 84, Ismail plans to publish yet another book this year.

Finding new ways to attract readers

Yet even the sale of Ismails books have been affected by the recent downturn in reading. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Gunung Mulia has halved the number of first printing copies of Ismails new books to 5,000. (Ismail, so far, has refrained from selling his series as e-books, as few Indonesians read electronic books.)

As a result of the bearish climate, publishers are looking for ways to increase interest and to tailor what they publish to local demands.

Graffa has started to hold online book discussions and reviews. For instance, following the release earlier this year of an Indonesian translation of the book When Children Come Out: A Guide for Christian Parents by Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets, they invited Dwidjo Saputro, a local pastor and expert on child psychology, to give several talks about the book over Zoom. Hundreds of people joined in.

Literatur Perkantas, meanwhile, has been communicating with seminaries and other Christian institutions to figure out which foreign books they want translated for their students and members. In the past, Perkantas mainly based translation decisions on a books popularity overseas. Since 2021, Perkantas has also started publishing books by local authors, such as Leadership Reformed and Menghidupi Injil & Menginjili Hidup (Living the Gospel & Evangelizing Life) by Sen Sendjaya, a professor of management and leadership at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia.

Kartika believes that churches can help spur book sales by encouraging small-group book studies. She cowrote a series of Bible study books called Life Expedition , which sold more than 10,000 copies after small groups at several churches and high schools started using them.

Yoel M. Indrasmoro, pastor of Javanese Christian Church in Jakarta and former director of Literatur Perkantas Nasional, has a different approach to increasing reading among Christians.

During the pandemic, he started sharing a daily reflection and reading materials with more than 1,600 people through WhatsApp. As he developed closer personal ties with his readers, he asked them for financial support to send books to those in need, including pastors in impoverished areas and prison inmates. This developed into Tangan Terbuka Media (Open Arms Media), which publishes books by foreign and local authors.

In the past two years, Indrasmoro and Open Arms Media have sent 800 packages of books to pastors, priests, and nuns in Papua; more than 1,000 packages for pastors in East Nusa Tenggara; 650 packages for prison inmates in and around Jakarta; and almost 900 packages for teachers in Halmahera Island in North Maluku.

To distribute books to teachers, he worked with a council for Christian education in the province. Each package costs donors 164,000 rupiah ($10 USD) and consists of the books Sekolah Kristen dan Jalan Turun Yesus (Christian Schools and the Way of Jesus Descent) by Tyas Budi Legowo and Jujur Melangkah: 307 Renungan Kitab Amsal (Honest Steps: 307 Reflections from Proverbs) by Indrasmoro.

Indrasmoro urged other Christian publishers to build closer relations with their communities so that they could also raise support to distribute free books to those in need.

So many church leaders and teachers in remote areas, and also prisoners, badly need books to enrich their lives, he said. But they dont have the resources or access to get inspirational reading materials.
Illustration by Mallory Rentsch Tlapek / Source Images: WikiMedia Commons / Unsplash

The Psalms capture the full range of human experience. Personal and collective, sorrowful and rejoicing, remembering Gods faithfulness and wondering what has become of itthe biblical book, prayed by generations of believers, invites us to enter Gods presence with piercing honesty.

For those of us weaned on the positivity of American evangelicalism, the psalms of lament can take us aback. The authenticity of their angst pushes the boundaries of what we have witnessed in corporate prayer. It calls us to reject toxic positivity and embrace godly grief. And while this wake-up call to embrace the psalms of lament is still badly needed, I suspect we need a similar reckoning when it comes to the psalms of praise.

The claim of the praise psalms is startlingly unique in its context and powerfully relevant in ours, especially in an election year that is charged with political energy. As candidates vie for our votes, Christians hotly debate which contender best reflects our values and which issues most deserve our attention. On top of this, as Jared Stacy noted in a recent article for CT, we are experiencing a rise in politically motivated violence.

While lament is surely appropriate in times like these, maybe the best thing we can do is engage in audacious praise!

Ive often felt about the praise psalms the way a mom feels about getting a store-bought Mothers Day card proclaiming in all caps that she is the BEST MOM EVER. We know the company has printed thousands of these cardsand Im the only mom my children have ever had, so how would they know any better?

But when Israel exclaimed, Praise the LORD! they were making far more audacious claims than that of a generic greeting card. As Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann points out in his excellent book, From Whom No Secrets Are Hid, an act of praise is not an innocuous spiritual act. It is rather a taking of sides for this God against all other gods. He explains that hymns of praise are acts of devotion with political and polemical overtones  [and] acts of defiance of the world that is in front of us.

One reason we often fail to appreciate the power of praise presented in the Psalms is that most English translations render the unique divine name, Yahweh, as LORD (in all caps). Lowercase Lord is not a name, but a title indicating a person of status. Most Bible readers miss the distinction. And so, in our attempt to honor Gods name by calling him Lord, we inadvertently erased his divine name, Yahweh. So, the phrase Praise the Lord ends up sounding like a Hallmark cardor a Christian version of the live, laugh, love creed.

A second reason the impact of the Psalms invitation to Praise Yahweh is often watered down is that in monotheistic contexts, where many of us grow up being (rightfully) instructed that there is only one God, praising the Lord can seem like stating the obvious. Of course hes the only one worthy to be praisedbecause what other creature could compete?

But Israels psalms were far grittier than we realize. Every time they sang a psalm, they were making a bold claim that was simultaneously for Yahweh and against other gods.

This is significant, because the Israelites lived in a world crowded with other possible deities to worship. Several thick books on my office shelves catalog these gods alphabetically, explaining what each one was known for. In Egypt, there was Re, the sun god; Isis, the goddess of protection and healing; Hathor, goddess of fertility; Osiris, whose bloodstream was thought to be the Nile; and many dozens more. In Canaan, Baal and Asherah, the god and goddess of fertility, were worshiped, along with El, the supreme God, and a whole pantheon of other options. The gods of Mesopotamia included Marduk, Isis, Ashur, Enlil, Ea, Tiamat, and Adad, to name a few.

More than that, ancient cultures did not worship these deities to express affection but as a matter of necessity. They believed the gods were responsible for the success of their crops and the survival of their children. They believed kings ruled under divine patronage, and that the rulers task was to do the bidding of the gods and to maintain order in their realm. Most ancient Near Eastern gods were not absolute but had a particular specialty or a specific jurisdiction.

When we read the praise psalms against that backdrop, a whole new world opens up to usa world with the potential of reshaping our own. Lets consider Psalm 96 as an example. Ive quoted from the NIV here, but replaced LORD with the divine name Yahweh to help us experience the power of the original Hebrew in its context:

Sing to Yahweh a new song;

sing to Yahweh, all the earth.

Sing to Yahweh, praise his name;

proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (vv. 13)

Psalm 96 is not generic. It cannot be used in just any worship context, but only to worship Yahweh, the God of Israel. But thats what makes this psalm so radical: It calls all the earth to praise Yahweh, not just the Israelites! All the nations must hear the story of his salvation.

Yahwehs salvation is not something that Israel looked forward to in the future but something they had already experienced when Yahweh defeated Pharaoh at the sea and brought them to safety. The salvation of Yahweh does not offer merely an individual sense of reassurance but the decisive defeat of Egypt and its gods on the world stage (Ex. 12:12; 15:2). Psalm 96 continues:

For great is Yahweh and most worthy of praise;

he is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the nations are idols,

but Yahweh made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and glory are in his sanctuary. (vv. 46)

The smackdown of this psalm is deliberate and obvious, once you know to look for it. To exalt Yahweh is to demote any other claimants to divine prerogative. Yahweh has all the splendor, while the gods of the nations are nothing more than mute objects. To sing this is to deny the validity of the foundation myths of all of Israels neighbors.

Ascribe to Yahweh, all you families of nations,

ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.

Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due his name;

bring an offering and come into his courts.

Worship Yahweh in the splendor of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, Yahweh reigns.

The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity. (vv. 710)

Whats remarkable about these verses in Psalm 96 is that they call for the nations to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Its not enough for them to admit Yahwehs power from afar. Their acknowledgment ought to translate into action of the most humbling varietyto make a pilgrimage to a foreign land overseen by another ruler and occupied by another people.

To say that Yahweh reigns not only undermines the authority of every other god in the ancient pantheons of Israels neighbors but also calls into question the legitimacy of every human monarch other than the one Yahweh anointed. Since no king ruled except by divine appointment, one of any kings first priorities was to establish the legitimacy of his rule by showing how the gods had selected him. If those gods were unseated from their heavenly thrones, then the kings who identified with them were also illegitimate. Psalm 96 concludes with these words:

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

let the sea resound, and all that is in it.

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;

let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Let all creation rejoice before Yahweh, for he comes,

he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples in his faithfulness. (v. 1113)

Israels neighbors depicted their gods using the symbols of animals and saw divine representation in trees and oceanswhereas Psalm 96 portrays every created thing as celebrating Yahwehs rule and standing before him as the ultimate judge. In the end, all will answer to Yahweh. These are fighting words!

Perhaps an illustration will help us appreciate the audacity of praise psalms. The 1965 classic film The Sound of Music offers an analogy. Captain von Trapp is a retired naval officer in Austria raising his seven children with the help of one governess after another. The children are hard on these substitute mothers, so the captain turns to a nearby abbey for helpmaybe a nun can keep his children in line! The abbey sends him a novitiate, Fraulein Maria, who wins over the hearts of the children as well as that of their father.

Captain von Trapp and Marias romance is set against the backdrop of a growing threat of occupation by Nazi Germany in 1938. They return home from their honeymoon to see a Nazi flag flying over their front door, along with a summons to serve in Hitlers navy and an (unrelated) invitation for the musical family to perform in the Salzburg Festival. Attempting to escape to neutral Switzerland that very night under the cover of darkness, the family is caught in the act. But thinking quickly, they pretend they are heading to perform in the music festival instead.

That joyous evening of music is strained by the presence of Nazi soldiers guarding the exits. In the front row sits the officer who was sent to escort Captain von Trapp to his new post in Hitlers navy. While the judges evaluate the results of the competition, Captain von Trapp sings alone in the spotlight, regaling the waiting crowd with a simple song about a white alpine flower native to Austria.

The lyrics are not in themselves seditious, but sung in this context, his audacity is plain. The lilting melody of Edelweiss evokes for the crowd a longing for Austrian independence from Nazi Germany. The captain is overcome with emotion and finds himself unable to finish the song. Maria, the children, and the entire audience join him for the final few stanzas, which end with a hopeful prayer: Bless my homeland forever!

The Psalms are much like the captains song. On their own, they dont sound rebellious, but set against the backdrop of Assyrian or Persian rule, they represent a form of spiritual insurrectiona kind of active protest to the powers that be. Psalms of praise exalt Yahweh above all human rulers and rival gods, diminishing their right to sovereignty. As we read them today, they call us to reimagine our ultimate citizenshipreminding us that even our elected government officials must one day bow the knee to Yahweh and that all our allegiance belongs only to him.

During this election year in the United States, or wherever we find ourselves, let us re-engage the Bibles psalms of praise with eyes wide openrecognizing their unyielding summons to bow to our sovereign king.

Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University and author of Bearing Gods Name and Being Gods Image. Shes currently writing her next book, Becoming Gods Family: Why the Church Still Matters.
Home News Black Lives Matter calls for Palestinian liberation, stands in solidarity amid Hamas attacks Biden calls for de-escalation as Hamas attacks continue; IDF pledges to defend

Black Lives Matter expressed its solidarity for Palestinians, advocating for ending settler colonialism and Palestinian liberation in a tweet that implicitly undercut Israel after days of attacks in the region.

Black Lives Matter stands in solidarity with Palestinians, the advocacy group tweeted on Monday. We are a movement committed to ending settler colonialism in all forms and will continue to advocate for Palestinian liberation. ( always have. And always will be ). #freepalestine.

The Palestinian leadership of the global Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions movement, which calls for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel, retweeted BLM and expressed gratitude for their solidarity.

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Thank you for your solidarity, the left-wing BDS movement tweeted in response to BLMs tweet. From Ferguson to Palestine, our struggles against racism, white supremacy and for a just world are united!

The tweets came as Israel entered into its second week of conflict after Hamas and other extremists began firing missiles into Israel from the Gaza Strip following clashes between Muslims and police in Jerusalem near a historic mosque in the Old City.

Iran-backed Hamas, which the U.S. recognizes as a terrorist organization, has fired over 4,000 rockets into Israel in the past 10 days, according to the Israeli military. The Israel Defense Forces have retaliated with airstrikes and targeted attacks that have resulted in the killing of Hamas leaders in addition to civilians.

According to reports, local health officials have said the death toll in Gaza has risen to 227, including at least 64 children. Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel is around 12, including two children. Israel has long argued that Hamas has housed military operations inside civilian institutions in an attempt to protect itself from IDF airstrikes.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter on Wednesday to state that "Israel didnt initiate attacks on Gaza or Hamas or the Palestinian Authority."

"And it didnt attack the backer of this violence: the regime in Iran," Pompeo added. "Every single life lost in this conflict, Israeli and Palestinian alike, is the result of Iranian-backed Palestinian terror."

Unlike BLM and other left-leaning Democrats who support Palestine at Israels expense, the Biden White House has condemned the Hamas rocket attacks and supported Israels right to defend itself against the rocket attacks.

President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday about Israels progress in degrading the terrorists capabilities. Biden said he expected a significant de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire.

David Rubin, a native New Yorker and former mayor of Shiloh, Israel, said BLMs solidarity with the Palestinians ultimately means they support Hamas' rocket attacks and Arab rioting in Israeli cities.

The timing is obviously an intentional show of strong support for Hamas at this critical time, when Israel is finally starting to do some real damage to the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, Rubin, the author of Confronting Radicals: What America Can Learn from Israel, said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

BLM, the global network formed in 2013 with the mission to eradiate white supremacy and intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes, gained further national attention after George Floyds death on May 25, 2020, which led to sweeping protests and marches across the country.

Many evangelical organizations and leaders have condemned the Black Lives Matter movement for being an overtly political movement that stands for more than just racial equality.

The nondenominational Southern Evangelical Seminary & Bible College in North Carolina released a statement in August 2020 condemning the godless agenda of the Black Lives Matter movement. The seminary warned Christians that the movement espouses beliefs that are antithetical to basic foundational tenets of the Christian faith.

SES President Richard Land, who is also CP executive editor, said in August that BLM is Marxist, anti-biblical, and out to destroy the nuclear family." He stressed that evangelicals should not embrace the organization.

Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear said that while black lives matter, he denounced the Black Lives Matter movement. He warned that the movement and the website have been hijacked by some political operatives whose worldview and policy prescriptions would be deeply at odds with my own.

BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors has described herself as a trained Marxist and revealed her appreciation for Mao Zedongs "Red Book," a collection of Chinese Communist Party dictator Mao's sayings and writings, in a video from 2010, according to The Epoch Times.

Rubin said Bidens request for a ceasefire should not be heeded by Netanyahu as long as Hamas has the capability to attack.

When Israel starts to get the upper hand in the fighting, the demands for a ceasefire suddenly emerge, Rubin said. I dont know if Prime Minister Netanyahu will agree to such a proposal. In my opinion, Israel should continue its offensive until Hamas is no longer capable of firing rockets and until they raise the white flags of surrender.

Rubin said Bidens policy of weakness is actually responsible for this war because of the millions of dollars in aid he unconditionally restored to the Palestinian Authority.

These are funds that had been cut off by President Trump because of the Palestinian penchant for paying monthly salaries to terrorists, which they have been doing for 20 years," Rubin said.

Biden restored that funding unconditionally, effectively giving them a green light to launch terror attacks, he continued. And he has the gall to demand that Israel stop responding to 3,000 rocket attacks?

Netanyahu has not expressed any plan to disengage in retaliation and said he is determined to continue this operation until its objective is achieved: to restore the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel."

The IDF has also reiterated its commitment to continue to defend Israel.
Home News Chick-fil-A dethroned as America's top fast-food chain after nearly a decade

After nearly a decade, Chick-fil-A is no longer ranked as America's top fast-food restaurant.

USA Today released its 10Best Reader's Choice Awards last week for the category of fast-food restaurant, as voted on by readers. Chick-fil-A, a Christian-owned chain headquarted in Georgia, once landed the No. 1 spot as America's top fast-food chain for nine years in a row. But this year, Del Taco, a California-based chain that serves American-style Mexican cuisine, has earned the title.

"This popular taco stop, which serves all kinds of satisfying Mexican fare including burritos, quesadillas, and nachos, also offers burgers and fries," the list states. "In addition, Del Taco has a dedicated breakfast menu, as well as a vegan and vegetarian menu."

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Coming in second place is "finger-lickin' good" KFC, historically known as Kentucky Fried Chicken. Chick-fil-A ranked No. 3 on the list.

"Chick-fil-A is a favorite of many, including their friendly cow mascots who want you to "eat mor chikin,'" the ranking list states. "The restaurant offers a variety of chicken-centric dishes, including nuggets and salads, but their classic chicken sandwich has been the most-ordered menu item at Chick-fil-A for (at least) two years running."

A panel of experts submits nominees for the list, and 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees. Readers were allowed to vote once per category per day.

While KFC has over 25,000 locations globally, Chick-fil-A operates around 3,000 restaurants in 48 states. Del Taco has roughly 600 spots in only 16 states.

Other fast-food chains that made the rankings were In-N-Out Burger (4), Hardees (5), Captain D's (6), Taco Bell (7), Popeyes (8), Zaxby's (9) and Arby's (10).

In-N-Out Burger, a Christian-owned California-based burger chain with over 400 locations, is known for including Bible verses on food packaging. CEO Lynsi Snyder told The Christian Post that her uncle Richard started the tradition in the 1990s.

"It was my uncle Rich who put the Bible verses on the cups and wrappers in the early '90s, just before he passed away," she said. "He had just accepted the Lord and wanted to put that little touch of his faith on our brand. It's a family business and will always be, and that's a family touch. In later years, I added verses to the fry boat, coffee, and hot cocoa cups."

USA Today states that while In-N-Out's menu is small, the "flavor is big at this iconic West Coast burger chain."

"They use only fresh ingredients (they don't even have freezers on-site), and customers know there's also a not-so-secret menu. Anything can be ordered 'Animal Style,' which means the patty is cooked with mustard and piled with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles, and extra spread," the rating's list states.

Captain D's, a Tennessee-based chain specializing in seafood, has over 500 locations.

"Enjoy platters of fried catfish or whitefish, grilled salmon, blackened tilapia, or fried shrimp, served along with Southern-style sides like okra and corn," states the list. "Or try a fried fish sandwich with classic french fries. Either way, you can't go wrong."

Zaxby's is another Georgia-based chain specializing in chicken and sandwiches with over 900 locations in 19 states.

"The menu at Zaxby's is built primarily around fried chicken (sandwiches, fingers, wings, salads, and more), but what also pulls people in are items like their fried white cheddar bites, fried pickles, and loaded fries," USA Today reports. "Not to mention, diners shouldn't leave without ordering one (or three) of their delicious chocolate chip cookies."
Home News Christian man on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy charge of offending Islam is keeping hope for freedom alive

LAHORE, Pakistan  A Christian sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan despite lack of evidence has demonstrated his faith by excelling academically even in prison, sources said.

Nouman Masih, 24, recently passed his high school board examination with a very high score, demonstrating his faith in God for a future of freedom, his attorney Lazar Allah Rakha said.

Im very happy that instead of descending into depression after being put on death row, Masih put his faith in the Lord and has kept his hope for freedom alive despite the dismal circumstances, Rakha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. His feat in the examination is testament to his unwavering faith in Christ and of his determination to start life afresh when the Lord acquits him from the false conviction.

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A judge handed Masih the death sentence in May 2023 in a blasphemy case in Bahawalpur District, Punjab Province after a four-year trial, though prosecutors failed to provide any evidence against him, Rakha said. He has been incarcerated since his arrest on July 1, 2019.

Amid uncertainty and fear, Masih, the son of an impoverished sanitation worker, prepared for the examinations while confined to his cell in the high-security New Central Prison Bahawalpur.

The prison environment is far from conducive to academic pursuits, Rakha said. Yet, this young mans dedication to his studies has been nothing less than remarkable. With limited resources and access to educational materials, he managed to prepare for his exams, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge that transcends the prison walls.

Masih was sentenced to death on charges of sharing blasphemous content against Islam in WhatsApp messages.

He was acquitted in another blasphemy case related to the same incident by a judge in Bahawalnagar District, Punjab Province, in February on grounds of double jeopardy. Rakha said police in the two districts had acted with mala fide intent to punish Masih in two blasphemy cases registered within three days.

When Masih expressed interest in taking the board examination, he submitted an application with jail authorities to make arrangements for his registration with the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Bahawalpur, his attorney said. Masih can now register for an intermediate examination to be taken in two years, he added.

Rakha said that well-educated convicts taught Masih and other prisoners in return for facilities or remission/reduction of their prison terms.

This system has helped several prisoners to reform themselves through education, the attorney said. We hope that the Lahore High Court will fix Masihs appeal for hearing at the earliest so that he can prepare for the next exam as a free man.

The Christians father, Asghar Masih, said the family was immensely proud of him.

We cannot thank God enough for gracing our son with this achievement, Asghar Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. He has remained steadfast in his faith, he has been reading the Bible and praying regularly since the day he was sent to prison. Other than that, he has focused only on his studies.

He expressed gratitude for Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshalls support of the family in meeting Masihs educational and other needs in prison.

We are also grateful to our lawyer, Lazar Allah Rakha, for defending our son to the best of his abilities, Asghar Masih said. He has remained a pillar of strength for our family, and hes the one who motivated our son to pursue education.

Asghar Masih said he hoped his son would be freed soon from a false conviction.

This success in the examination has renewed our hope for his freedom, he said. My son has shown that he is determined to begin a new life, and we believe that our Lord has heard our pleas.

Marshall said Masihs academic achievement has become a symbol of resilience, highlighting the need for reform in Pakistans blasphemy laws.

In a nation grappling with complex issues of faith, freedom, and justice, this young mans story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, Marshall said. Against all odds, he has become a beacon of hope, challenging the very system that seeks to silence him.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.

Originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News Elon Musk says he's a 'cultural Christian,' reveals how he was 'tricked' into transing son 'My son, Xavier, is dead'

Billionaire Elon Musk said in a recent interview that he identifies as a "cultural Christian" and that he is dedicated to destroying the "woke mind virus" after he was deceived into signing off on the gender transition of his son.

"While I'm not a particularly religious person, I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise, and that there's tremendous wisdom in turning the other cheek," Musk told Jordan Peterson during an interview for The Daily Wire.

While noting "a punch in the nose" is sometimes warranted against bullies, Musk said the pursuit of vengeance is ultimately futile.

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"I'm actually a big believer in the principles of Christianity," Musk went on. "I think they're very good."

After Musk hesitated when Peterson pressed him to explain in what sense he was not religious, Peterson noted how atheist Richard Dawkins recently labeled himself a "cultural Christian" despite not believing in the supernatural tenets of Christianity.

"I would say I'm probably a cultural Christian," said Musk, who noted he has had many conversations with Dawkins. "I was brought up as an Anglican, and I was baptized."

Musk has spoken highly of Christianity's cultural impact in the past, arguing earlier this year that Western civilization is "absolutely screwed if it loses Christianity."

During an interview with the popular Christian satire site The Babylon Bee in December 2021, Musk was asked if he would accept Jesus Christ as his "personal Lord and Savior."

Musk replied that he admires "the principles that Jesus advocated," such as "treating people as you wish to be treated."

In response to a tweet from a user on X urging him to confess a Creator in May 2022, Musk wrote: "Thank you for the blessing, but Im ok with going to hell, if that is indeed my destination, since the vast majority of all humans ever born will be there."

Musk also recounted during the interview with Peterson how his 20-year-old son Xavier, who now identifies as a female named Vivian Jenna Wilson, is effectively "dead" after he was "tricked" into authorizing his chemical transition.

"It happened to one of my older boys, where I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys, Xavier. This is before I had any understanding of what was going on," said Musk, who has 12 children.

Noting how "there was a lot of confusion" when it happened amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Musk said he was told that his son might commit suicide if he neglected to sign off on puberty blockers.

"I agree with you that people that have been promoting this should go to prison," Musk said. "I was tricked into doing this. It wasn't explained to me that puberty blockers are actually just sterilization drugs."

"And so I lost my son, essentially," he continued. "So, you know, they call it 'deadnaming' for a reason, alright? So the reason it's called 'deadnaming' is because your son is dead. So my son, Xavier, is dead, killed by the woke mind virus."

Musk added that he "vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that."

Musk's story about his son was met with both sympathy and backlash, according to Blast.

Last week, Musk announced that he was moving business operations for his companies X and SpaceX out of California, citing a new state law that prohibits school districts from requiring teachers to tell parents if their children identify as the opposite sex.

Musk said that "because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas."

Responding to California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's approval of Assembly Bill 1955, Musk asked, "So the state is the parent now?"

Musk also added the headquarters of X would also be moving to Texas.
Home News Ex-BLM leader exposes ugly truth, says group has 'little concern for rebuilding black families'

A Black Lives Matter chapter founder in St. Paul, Minnesota, has shared a video exposing what he calls the political organization's ugly truth," arguing that it shows little concern for rebuilding black families and improving the quality of education for black students.

I believed the organization stood for exactly what the name implies, Rashad Turner, who founded the St. Paul BLM chapter in 2015, said in May 26 video posted by TakeCharge Minnesota.

Black lives do matter. However, after a year on the inside, I learned they have little concern for rebuilding black families, and they cared even less for improving the quality of education for students in Minneapolis."

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Turner is now the president and executive director of the school choice advocacy group, Minnesota Parent Union, which helps parents move their children from failing schools to successful schools.

Turner, a Minneapolis native, believes in the power of education. His grandparents raised him after his father was killed and his mom could not care for him.

His grandparents told him if he was going to change his life for the better, education was the answer, he shared.

Success is possible, Turner said. Just look at me and the hundreds of children and families weve helped to pursue a great education, break the chains of poverty and lead a life of success.

Turner worked hard in school and was the first in his family to earn a college degree and a masters degree in education.

I am living proof that wherever you start off in life, quality education is a path to success, he shared. I want the same success for our children and in our community.

Turner resigned from BLM after a year and a half but said he has not quit working to improve black lives and access to a great education.

Turner said he eventually realized BLM did not care about improving educational opportunities for black children.

That was made very clear when they publicly denounced the charter schools alongside the teachers union, he said. I was an insider in Black Lives Matter, and I learned the ugly truth. The moratorium on charter schools does not support rebuilding the black family, but it does create barriers for a better education for black children.

BLM reportedly deleted its webpage that listed disrupting the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure as one of its core principles, according to Fox News.

The Christian Post reached out to BLM for comment on Turners video. A response was not received by press time.

BLM-led protests erupted across the nation in response to George Floyds death on May 25, 2020. The group was founded in 2013. While many have resonated with the idea that black lives matter, many have objected to BLM being an overtly political movement that stands for more than just racial equality.

BLM is supportive of defunding the police and advancing the LGBT agenda. The organization was founded by three women, two of whom identify as queer.

BLM recently came under fire for calling for Palestinian liberation and standing in solidarity with Palestinians as Hamas terrorists fired thousands of rockets into Israel last month.

Some evangelical leaders and organizations have argued the BLM organization supports a godless agenda and that many of its positions are explicitly anti-Christian.

BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors, who has described herself as a trained Marxist, announced on Thursday that she is stepping down from leading the global organization as executive director after helping to launch the organization.

Cullors said her resignation has been in the works for over a year and has nothing to do with the recent personal attacks she has endured in the past weeks, according to ABC News.

Cullors came under fire when it was reported that she purchased four luxury homes, which sparked criticism and questions over her finances.

Those were right-wing attacks that tried to discredit my character, and I dont operate off of what the right thinks about me, Cullors said regarding the criticism.
Home News Ex-church assistant stole $300K in offerings to feed TikTok addiction

A former administrative assistant at the St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is now facing a possible 20 years in prison after she plead guilty to stealing some $300,000 from her church and spending most of the money on gifts for TikTok content creators, leaving church officials baffled.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama announced one count of wire fraud against the 35-year-old assistant, Kristen Marie Battocletti, on Wednesday.

Battocletti, according to charging documents, embezzled the funds from the church from April to October 2023. She used more than $220,000 to purchase TikTok coins to send gifts to TikTok content creators.

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Donald Carson, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Birmingham, which oversees St. Francis of Assisi University Parish, told The Christian Post on Wednesday that Battocletti had worked at the church as an administrative assistant since 2018.

She had a variety of responsibilities as those positions often do which includes parish bookkeeping, Carson said. She was also a member of the parish, which serves about 900 families along with students primarily from the University of Alabama.

Asked how Battoclettis crime was discovered, Carson said the churchs pastor and their finance council noticed a depletion of their cash reserves and brought in an auditor from the diocese to review it.

As part of that they discovered these unauthorized transactions that were made over several months. It appeared that the employee handled those and intentionally diverted the funds and then took specific actions to avoid detection, Carson said.

He said once the embezzlement was discovered, Battoclettis employment was immediately terminated with the parish, and they got law enforcement involved because funds were transferred interstate. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Attorneys Office would eventually take over the investigation.

Carson said church officials are now trying to understand why and how Battocletti was able to spend such a large sum of money on TikTok.

To be honest, I dont really understand how she spent all that money on TikTok, Carson told CP.

That has been a discussion. It doesnt make any sense to any of us involved. What the purpose was and how that worked. In other words, why she did that? I dont understand it and I dont think we have a good explanation.

When asked if it presented itself like a social media addiction, Carson said it was a likely explanation.

Its interesting, he said.

TikTok coins, according to the social platform, are virtual items that can be purchased by users of the Platform and can only be used on the Platform as a way to activate or access other virtual items or services that may be made available on the Platform from time to time.

Gifts on TikTok are virtual items that users purchase with coins to show their appreciation for content on the platform.

When TikTok users send gifts, other users on the platform can see their username and the details of the gift they send. TikTok uses gifts to help calculate the popularity of user content when awarding what they call Diamonds to content creators. These diamonds can then be used by the content creators to obtain money from TikTok.

When gifts are purchased they cannot be returned or refunded for coins or money.

Research cited by Retail Touchpoints shows that users spend more money on the platform than any other social media platform annually, with Gen Zers spending the most: $158 annually. Some 88% of users in the study said they feel more connected to brands they discover on TikTok, while 95% said their last #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt purchase was worth the hype.

The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Battoclettis sentencing will take place on Nov. 26, but that could happen sooner, WBRC said.

Carson told CP that since Battoclettis theft was discovered, the church has instituted additional controls to prevent employees from stealing from the church.

Thanks to the support of members and the churchs insurance, Carson said the church will recover.

This is a strong parish. It is a strong and resilient parish with good leadership. The pastor talked to the parishioners who stepped up to make sure that they were good from a cash standpoint and recover spiritually and financially, he told CP. This is also subject to insurance reimbursement; we expect the majority of the funds to be recovered, so the parish is going to be fine.

He also explained that while the church is praying for Battocletti and her family, her fate is now in the hands of the court.

It is difficult when a member of the family, so to speak, makes decisions like this that are not in your best interest or their own best interest, and that hurts. Right now our prayers are with the person involved, her family and friends and the parish. And hope for the best outcome, Carson said.

Ive spoken to the pastor there and this is really in the hands of the Justice Department. Theyll make that decision. The judge will make that decision in terms of her sentencing. Again, from my perspective, our prayers are with her. People make mistakes, make bad choices, and we pray for the best possible outcome for the rest of her life.
Home News 'Miracle baby': 1-year-old survives 2 days on side of highway after mom abandoned him

After surviving two days alone enduring wind and rain from Hurricane Beryl, a 1-year-old baby was rescued when a truck driver on I-10 East near the Texas-Louisiana border saw the child crawling towards the highway a few miles from where his older brother's body was found.

"We looked at this 1-year-old as our miracle baby because he was still alive," Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory said during a news conference earlier this month, according to KPLC-TV.

"This kid spent two days out in the weather on the side of the highway. Thank God that trucker saw him. When you look at the video here, he was, you know, crawling toward the highway."

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The infant, Kingtrail Jack, was discovered just miles from where the body of his 4-year-old brother, Legend Jack, was discovered behind the Louisiana Welcome Center in Vinton on July 9. Both children were last seen with their mother, Aaliyah N. Jack.

The 25-year-old mother has been accused of killing one child and abandoning another along the interstate. She was arrested after being found at a train station in Mississippi hundreds of miles away. She was initially held in a Mississippi jail cell before being extradited to Louisiana last week, where she faces one count of second-degree murder, two counts of failure to report a missing child and one count of cruelty to a juvenile.

The mother was booked into Calcasieu Correctional Center on Saturday. While she was being transported, Jack told camera crews with KPLC that she was unsure why she left her children on the interstate and said she was under the influence of drugs at the time. She admitted to killing her son.

Kingtrail Jack was released from the hospital on July 10 and is in state custody.

The children's paternal grandmother, Dion Polk, who was largely responsible for caring for Legend, could be seen crying in an interview with KPLC. She called the incident "a nightmare."

Conswella Jack, the maternal grandmother of the two boys who lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana, told The Acadiana Advocate she had been helping Aaliyah Jack by providing her with money and is confused about why her daughter hurt her grandchildren.

"I was so blessed to hear the baby survived, but also so hurt because one is now gone," Conswella Jack said. "Now I have to fight for my grandson."

"It's stressful because they're going to put me through all what I'm about to go through just to get him back. I don't even have the funds for it, so I have to do everything I can to get that baby back, because ain't nobody know him like we know him."

Conswella Jack said she tried contacting her daughter but was unsuccessful in getting any useful information about the location.

"The next day, which was Sunday, after trying to call her, she finally reaches out to me, but it's a text," she said. "She sent me a picture of a car in some bushes that kind of looked like it was wrecked. I was confused, so I called, called, and called, and could not reach her."
Home News Officer who killed Sonya Massey after she rebuked him in Jesus name is emissary of Satan, dad says

James Wilburn, the father of 36-year-old Sonya Massey  who was shot dead by a sheriff's deputy inside her home in Springfield, Illinois, after she rebuked him "in the name of Jesus" earlier this month  called the officer who killed his daughter an "emissary of Satan."

When asked why he thought his daughter chose to rebuke the recently fired 30-year-old Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson while he was responding to a call for help at his daughter's home on July 6, Wilburn told "CBS Mornings" that she must have "feared for her life."

"I think that she feared for her life. There was something, some premonition that she had, and it seems like he was just an emissary of Satan. And that's what caused him to do what he did. It's just unexplainable," Wilburn said.

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An initial statement from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office on Massey's July 6 killing said at around 12:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield following a 911 call reporting a prowler. When they arrived at the scene, two deputies searched the area. At 1:21 a.m. they reported that shots were fired, and a female was struck.

"Deputies immediately administered first aid until EMS arrived. The woman was transported to St. John's Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. No deputies were injured during the incident," the statement said.

A nearly 19-minute clip of the encounter from a body-camera recording released by the Illinois State Police contradicts some of the claims in the initial statement and fills in gaps about the encounter. It shows Grayson and his partner arriving at Massey's home and waiting for just over four minutes before she opens her door for them.

She appeared anxious and agitated and quickly tells the officers, "Please don't hurt me."

Grayson responded, "Why would we hurt you? You called us."

When the officers asked her what she needed help with, Massey said that someone had been lurking around her yard. The officers told her that before she came to the door, they looked around the area of her home and did not find any immediate concern. They asked why it took her so long to answer the door, and she said that she was trying to put on clothes.

The officers were about to leave shortly after Massey confirmed she had no other concerns when Grayson asked about her mental health, which prompted him to stay longer.

"You doing alright mentally?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.

Grayson did not appear convinced by her answer and asked if she was sure, and she indicated she had her medicine.

As she was about to close her door, Grayson questioned her about a black SUV in her driveway they previously asked her about. They asked if it was hers, and she said no. When she was asked who owned the car, she told the officers that "they brought it to my driveway," which led to them asking for identification. They followed her inside her house as she tried to locate the document. Massey kept insisting that she wanted to show them her "paperwork" as she engaged in light conversation with Grayson including questions about previous damage to her car.

At about 8 minutes and 35 seconds into the video, Grayson suggests that Massey check on a boiling pot on her stove.

"We don't need a fire while we're here," he says.

Moments later the encounter became deadly.

In the video, as Massey removes the pot from the stove to her sink, the officers back away from her, and she asks, "Where are you going?"

"Away from your hot steaming water," Grayson replies.

"Oh I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey shoots back. "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

"You better f not, or I swear to God I'll f shoot you in the f face," Grayson told her.

"OK. I apologize," she says as the officers order her to drop the pot.

Massey, who appears in the video to be holding the pot next to her running faucet in her sink, can be seen taking her hands off the pot while still holding what looks like mittens in her hand. She then appears to crouch in a defensive position with her hands close to her ears as if anticipating gunfire. Grayson advances toward her while he continues screaming with his gun drawn. He eventually fires several shots and screams "drop the f pot" again.

He confirms in the video that he shot her in the head and that she was likely dead. He also implies that giving her any medical attention wouldn't make sense.

Grayson tells another law enforcement figure that "she had boiling water and came at me with boiling water" and "was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus." However, the footage appears to refute the allegation that she was advancing toward him with boiling water when the shooting occurred.

"He actually walks around the counter and engages to get a better shot and that's what the state attorney's investigation found, that he actually engaged her," civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump told CBS. "He could have done so many things to not shoot her in the face. He could have backed up. He could have used a Taser."

In a statement Monday, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell called the shooting "unjustifiable and reckless."

"Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson," Campbell said.

"Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office," he added. "He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement. Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them."

A grand jury indicted Grayson on July 17. He was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

Wilburn said that Massey, who leaves behind two children, was one of four daughters. He also noted that he had heart surgery two years ago and didn't think he would have been able to handle his daughter's death before then.

"I don't think that looking at that tape with my old heart, before 2022, I had quadruple heart bypass surgery. And I suffered from congestive heart failure, but I don't think my old heart could have taken this," he said.

"I was never told that it was a deputy-involved shooting. We were under the impression that she was killed by the intruder or some other person from the street or something and they just went in there and found her dead body," Wilburn said.

At one point, Wilburn was led to believe his daughter died by suicide.

"Thank God for the body-camera footage," he said. "It's probably the most horrible, heart-wrenching thing we've ever seen in our lives, but if it were not for the body-cam footage, we would not have known that this occurred."
Home Opinion 'Cultural Christianity' isn't good enough

The notorious atheist Richard Dawkins has been making the rounds recently with his comment that he is a cultural Christian. By this, he means that he would rather live in a culture that is grounded in Christian beliefs than one that is not. He feels at home in such a culture. He finds the kinds of cultural practices, including the Christian holidays, that have become part of the cultural heritage gifted to us by Christianity attractive. But Dawkins quickly reminds us that he doesnt believe Christianity is true. To believe in the virgin birth or the resurrection of the dead is nonsense, obviously false gibberish that could not be the case. Miracles are impossible (on naturalism).



So, what we have then is a kind of religious atheism. Richard Dawkins wants the benefit of Christianity without believing in Christianity itself.

How are we to think about such claims? I see at least one good thing and one bad thing in such comments. Lets break this down.

First, there are two basic objections to Christianity. Some argue that Christianity is unreasonable. Some argue that Christianity is undesirable. And some argue that Christianity is both unreasonable and undesirable. I would have thought Dawkins is in the third category, arguing that Christianity is both unreasonable and undesirable, especially given things he said in his 2006 book, The God Delusion. There he argued that religion is both irrational and harmful, and Christianity seemed to be lumped in with all the other religions. Now it seems that Dawkins thinks differently, at least concerning Christianity. Christianity is good, even if unreasonable! This, I think, is an advance. He believes Christianity is good and beautiful, just not true. Im reminded of Blaise Pascals famous prescription on how to go about making the case for Christianity. He writes,

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Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true. The cure for this is first to show that religion is not contrary to reason, but worthy of reverence and respect. Next make it attractive, make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is.[1]

Pascal suggests that in making the case for Christianity, we first show that Christianity is reasonable, then desirable, and then true. I think, especially today, in an age driven more by felt needs, emotion, desire, and the aesthetic dimensions of life, Pascals tight ordering can and should be loosened. We need to show that Christianity is both reasonable and desirable, but for many, seeing the goodness and beauty of Christianity might be a helpful entry point into taking seriously the Christian faith. In this way, I see it as a positive development that Richard Dawkins, the arch-nemesis of religion in general and Christianity in particular, is now saying that Christianity is good and beautiful. If he sees the good of Christianity, perhaps others, including the many who have read his screeds against religion, will be willing to consider afresh the claims of Jesus and the Gospel.

Second, it is important to remember that we cannot separate goodness and truth. In the end, goodness and truth are tightly allied. Dawkins thinks Christianity is good and good for the world. At some point, we might hope, he might ask himself how it can be the case that something he thinks so obviously false can be so good for the world. To say of some religion or worldview that it is good is to say it is objectively valuable. If we removed Christianity from our world, something of value would be lost (according to Dawkins). But, as Im sure others have pointed out, this idea  the idea of objective value  is inconsistent with Dawkinss naturalism.

He is on record in many places saying, in effect, that given naturalism (his particular version of naturalism is reductive materialism) there is no such thing as objective goodness. So, what we have then is an inconsistency in Dawkinss position. It is unstable. He wants the goodness of Christianity and the truth of naturalism. But that position cannot be consistently held. This is a problem, of course, but also an opportunity. We need to press Dawkins and others who think that cultural Christianity is a viable destination. It is not. C. S. Lewis reminds us that we must always keep before others the question of truth. Speaking to a group of Anglican priests and lay leaders in 1945, Lewis argued:

One of the great difficulties is to keep before the audiences mind the question of Truth. They always think you are recommending Christianity not because it is true but because it is good. And in the discussion they will at every moment try to escape from the issue True  or False into stuff about good society, or morals, or the incomes of Bishops, or the Spanish Inquisition, or France, or Poland  or anything whatever. You have to keep forcing them back, and again back, to the real point. Only thus will you be able to undermine [their] belief that a certain amount of religion is desirable but one mustnt carry it too far. One must keep on pointing out that Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and if true of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.[2]

Lewis is right, of course. Belief in the goodness or desirability of Christianity is not enough. We have to force others back, and back again, to the question of reasonableness and ultimately truth. Christianity is good, and good for the world because it is true. If it were not true, it wouldnt be good for anyone since being rightly related to reality  truth  and being good are tightly connected.

Thus, if cultural Christianity is viewed as a kind of destination or stopping point on the journey of discovery, then it represents a dead-end. It is another false re-enchantment. But, if we think of cultural Christianity in terms of a possible way station, a temporary stopping place for many on the way to faith, then I see it as a positive development. So, like many things in culture, there is something good and something bad about the idea of cultural Christianity. It is bad if someone takes this as a settled and coherent position. It is good, of course, if it stirs others to consider afresh the question of Christianity and its relation to truth. We can only hope that the latter is the case.

In our case-making may we redouble our efforts to show others both the desirability and reasonability of the Christian faith.[3]

Notes

[1] Blaise Pascal, Pensees, trans. A. J. Krailsheimer (London: Penguin, 1995), 4.

[2] C. S. Lewis, Christian Apologetics, in God in the Dock, ed. Walter Hooper (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1970), 101.

[3] For more on showing the reasonableness and desirability of Christianity, see my book Cultural Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2019).

Originally published at The Worldview Bulletin.
Home Opinion Why more atheists are finding God in modern times

There is a common belief that atheism is gaining popularity in the modern world, particularly in the United States. However, an exciting trend contradicts this assumption: a growing number of individuals who previously identified as atheists are now expressing a belief in God. If this is true, one may wonder what reasons are behind the shift toward faith among former atheists in an increasingly secular society.

Justin Brierley's bookThe Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again offers compelling evidence for the resurgence of theism. Justin documents his thought-provoking conversations with prominent atheists and theists, highlighting the profound shifts in perspective experienced by many atheists as they transition from disbelief in God to embracing the existence of the divine. One thing noticeable to Justin over the past few years talking with and interviewing atheists from all backgrounds was their change of tone. He writes, The bombastic debates between militant atheists and Christian apologists have been far less frequent. In their place have come increasing numbers of secular guests who are far more open to the cultural and social value of Christianity, even if they are not believers themselves. Some of these thinkers and personalities are concerned by the turn in society towards a cancel culture of identity-based politics and often find themselves more in step with their Christian interlocutors on these issues than with some of their secular brethren.

When it comes to the shift toward belief in God, it's clear that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Justin uncovers a diverse range of reasons, from a gradual realization that science alone cannot fully explain the mysteries of the universe, to powerful encounters or revelations that challenge previous worldviews, to a yearning for more profound meaning and connection that materialism fails to satisfy. These diverse stories enlighten us and encourage us to be open-minded about the reasons for belief.

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One of the most significant conversions from atheism to Christianity in recent years involved Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She shocked the academic world and many atheists worldwide when she posted an article on her website titled, Why I am now a Christian: Atheism cant equip us for civilisational war. Ayaan, who fled Somalia to avoid an arranged Muslim marriage, later identified as an atheist while residing in the Netherlands. She also participated in conferences alongside well-known figures such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris.

Hirsi Ali's shift to Christianity didn't happen overnight. Over time, she began to recognize the growing dangers of radical Islam, sought moral certainty outside atheism, and finally found hope and inspiration in the story of Christianity.

Another notable change took place within one of the leading advocates of atheism, Dr. Peter Boghossian, who wrote a book called A Manual for Creating Atheists.

Even though Boghossian isn't religious, he has significantly softened his language. He used to see Christianity and its followers as the main adversaries of science, truth, and rational thinking, but he has come to realize that he was mistaken. Now, he is directing much of his attention to the genuine threats posed by left-wing ideologues. As Justin puts it in The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, Peter Boghossian has hardly had a Damascene conversion to Christianity. But he has undergone a remarkable change in his attitude towards the questions that matter and which battles to fight. The firebrand atheist is gone, replaced by someone deeply troubled by the direction that a post-Christian culture is traveling in. He, along with many of his peers, has begun to realize that the chickens are coming home to roost in the postmodern West.

The narratives of these spiritual journeys are a powerful reminder that faith is a deeply personal journey. These stories and similar ones undeniably ignite inspiration and motivation, leading people to ponder their own beliefs and nurturing a deep sense that there is more to life than meets the eye.

The surprising resurgence of theism among former atheists has significant implications for the future of faith in the world. It indicates that atheism is not the only outcome of a secular age, and that theism is not a thing of the past. It serves as a reminder that humans have an inherent capacity for wonder, transcendence, and recognizing a power greater than themselves.

This encouraging trend invites us all to approach life's profound questions with humility, empathy, and a readiness to be amazed by the experiences and beauty that reveal God's loving presence and wisdom. It also demonstrates that theism is not an irrational leap of faith but a reasonable and rational response to God's existence.

Theism offers new hope for those seeking meaning, purpose, and truth in a chaotic and bewildering world. Theism is not a declining phenomenon but a thriving and evolving one.

"For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualities  his eternal power and divine nature  have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).
Home News Black Lives Matter rips Democrat Party's 'undemocratic' selection of Kamala Harris: 'Party of hypocrites' 'We do not live in a dictatorship. Delegates are not oligarchs.'

One of the most prominent progressive advocacy organizations in the United States has raised concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris sudden clinching of the Democrat nomination for president after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential election, suggesting that embracing her automatic ascension and coronation would make the Democrat Party a party of hypocrites.

Black Lives Matter, which has emerged as an influential voice on the political Left as it has advocated for major societal reforms to protest police brutality and other examples of what it characterizes as racial injustice, posted a timeline of events on its X account Tuesday expressing concerns about the process for selecting a new nominee. Biden dropped out of the race Sunday despite winning the overwhelming majority of the popular vote in Democrat presidential primaries and securing the overwhelming majority of delegates.

Bidens withdrawal from the race is included in the first bullet point on the timeline of events. Additional items on the list from Sunday note that Kamala Harris announces campaign with Biden endorsement, Kamala Harris says she is going to work hard to earn the Democratic nomination, and Kamala Harris makes calls to party delegates.

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Events included on the timeline under the heading Monday include Harris additional conversations with Democratic National Committee delegates and delivery of two public speeches, along with an announcement from The Associated Press that she had secured support from enough delegates to win the Democrat nomination for president.

The post included a screenshot of Harris' statement released Monday night, in which she vowed to go out and earn this nomination.

Black Lives Matter reflected on the timeline of events, insisting that a 24-hour process of talking to party bosses is not democratic, nor is it a process Democrats should be proud of.

We do not live in a dictatorship, Black Lives Matter added. Delegates are not oligarchs.

The advocacy organization added, Installing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee and an unknown vice president without any public voting process would make the modern Democratic Party a party of hypocrites. The group further urged the DNC to create a process that allows for public participation in the nomination process, not just a nomination for party delegates.

Black Lives Matter elaborated on its concerns about the process for selecting a new Democrat nominee in a statement posted on its website Tuesday: Black Lives Matter demands that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) immediately host an informal, virtual snap primary across the country prior to the DNC convention in August. We call for the Rules Committee to create a process that allows for public participation in the nomination process, not just a nomination by party delegates.

The current political landscape is unprecedented, with President Biden stepping aside in a manner never seen before, the statement added. This moment calls for decisive action to protect the integrity of our democracy and the voices of Black voters.

Acknowledging that Joe Biden wasnt our preferred candidate, Black Lives Matter outlined what it described as troubling actions of the Democratic Party, specifically lamenting that the DNC refused to host debates during the primary, even though a vast majority of Democratic voters wanted them. The group suggested that this would have likely allowed America to see the decline of Joe Biden in 2023.

The DNC changed the primary schedule and created rules that made it almost impossible for non-Biden candidates to appear on the ballot, effectively clearing the field of any challengers to the incumbent president, Black Lives Matter continued. Following the primary where millions of Black voters weighed in, after one poor debate performance, the DNC party elites and billionaire donors bullied Joe Biden out of the race.

Black Lives Matter continued: Now, Democratic Party elites and billionaire donors are attempting to manipulate Black voters by anointing Kamala Harris and an unknown vice president as the new Democratic ticket without a primary vote by the public. This blatant disregard for democratic principles is unacceptable. While the potential outcome of a Harris presidency may be historic, the process to achieve it must align with true democratic values.

This election process has been a disservice to our communities and to democracy. Historically, Black people have been loyal Democratic voters, but time and again, the party has taken our votes for granted and prioritized political theatrics over our real needs. So we will do the hard thing: we will celebrate, and honor the joy many in our community are feeling about Kamalas historic candidacy and path to the nomination  while calling out the undemocratic process and engaging in a vigorous discussion on the issues our community cares about.

Black Lives Matter also accused Democrats of hypocrisy when it comes to the issue of protecting democracy: For the past few years, the Democratic Party has proclaimed that democracy is on the ballot in an effort to persuade Black voters to participate in the general election. They have presented this as the most serious election for democracy in our lifetimes. However, democracy isnt just an ideal to be protected against Republicans; it also must be safeguarded from erosions within the Democratic Party.

Calls for unity cannot come at the expense of democracy, the organization stated. The Democratic party, which has been the loudest in defending democracy, is now poised to commit some of the most undemocratic maneuvering to avoid listening to the will of the voters.

The concerns shared by Black Lives Matter raise questions about Harris ability to unify the Democrat Party and the American Left around a single candidate, a necessary prerequisite for winning the 2024 presidential election. In addition to Harris historic nature as the potentially first Indian American and black female major party political nominee and president, she has also embraced a cause central to organizations like Black Lives Matter.

In 2020, as riots engulfed the nation following the death of George Floyd in police custody, Harris urged the American people to chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota. The Minnesota Freedom Fund, which Harris encouraged people to support, was established to pay criminal bail and immigration bonds for those who cannot afford to as part of an effort to end discriminatory, intimidating, and oppressive money bail.

The Minneapolis Freedom Fund took in more than $20 million after many violent protesters ended up in jail. The Minneapolis Freedom Fund garnered negative headlines after a report surfaced showing that money raised by the organization paid for the bail of a man charged with raping an 8-year-old girl and another man charged with assaulting his elderly mother.
Home News Kamala Harris, over 30 congressmen not attending Israeli PM Netanyahu's address to Congress Republican Sen. JD Vance also not in attendance

Vice President Kamala Harris won't be attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech during a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, with about 30 federal lawmakers also not planning to attend.

Netanyahu is expected to speak about the ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the effort to free the remaining Israeli and American hostages who were abducted on Oct. 7 of last year.

Harris will not be present for Netanyahus speech because the presumptive Democrat Party nominee for president is on the campaign trail, reported CNBC.

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Usually, the vice president presides over joint sessions of Congress, like the Netanyahu speech, making Harris absence from the official event a conspicuous departure, according to CNBC.

Republican vice presidential hopeful Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio will also not be attending Netanyahu's speech due to obligations related to the Trump presidential campaign.

Harris has been criticized by some Israeli officials for her absence, with them telling The Telegraph that they consider it evidence that she is unable to distinguish between good and evil and that skipping the speech is not a way to treat an ally.

Nevertheless, according to the Biden administration, Harris will meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, while President Joe Biden will also speak with him at a separate meeting tomorrow.

Last month, it was announced that Netanyahu would address Congress for a fourth time, making him the world leader to do so the most number of times in the United States. Previously, Netanyahu had tied the record with former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at three times.

"I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world," Netanyahu stated at the time.

The invitation to speak came courtesy of a bipartisan letter signed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

"We join the State of Israel in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive and its leaders jeopardize regional security," stated the letter.

"The existential challenges we face, including the growing partnership between Iran, Russia, and China, threaten the security, peace, and prosperity of our countries and of free people around the world."

The congressional leaders encouraged Netanyahu to "share the Israeli government's vision for defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region."
Home News 'Influencing the culture': Megachurch equipping churches to mobilize voters ahead of election

Editors' note: This is part 10 of The Christian Post's year-long articles series "Politics in the Pews: Evangelical Christian engagement in elections from the Moral Majority to today." In this series, we will look at issues pertaining to election integrity and new ways of getting out the vote, including churches participating in ballot collection. We'll also look at issues Evangelicals say matter most to them ahead of the presidential election and the political engagement of diverse groups, politically and ethnically. Read other articles in the series by clicking here.

Representatives from a California megachurch will be traveling statewide to encourage Christians to mobilize voters ahead of the presidential election.

Pastor Jack Hibbs' Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Southern California is putting on a series of events as part of its "Comeback California Tour" that seeks to equip churches to legally and effectively get involved in the political process ahead of the November general election.

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The initiative's website states that the tour "will rally Christians across the state to set in motion the church's crucial task of influencing the culture."

The events, to be held at multiple churches throughout the state during August and September, are open to the public and free to attend. Discussion topics will include "the church's rights to be involved in elections" and "the truth about the plight of our children in public schools."

"For several months, I would say at least ... four, five months, we've been putting our plan together, actual details, inviting the churches where we're actually stopping, talking to the pastors," Gina Gleason, who leads the church's Real Impact ministry that's devoted to equipping churches "to stand for righteousness in the public square," told The Christian Post.

Churches will also be able "to obtain voter and church-compliant election resources" and interact with local candidates.

"California is at a crossroads, urgently needing the Church's influence to reverse the moral decline and stand in the gap for our children, families and communities," the website states. The events are an effort to "unite Christians to bring the values of Scripture and the light of Christ to our state, helping us rebuild and restore our communities," it adds.

The "Comeback California Tour" is part of a broader effort by the California megachurch to get churches involved in the political sphere. Hibbs and Gleason will be among the speakers at some of the upcoming events.

In a previous interview with CP, Gleason shared how her church first embraced the practice of ballot gathering, often referred to by critics as "ballot harvesting," after California passed a law in 2016 allowing "a person [to] turn in a ballot for any person."

"Anyone can turn in a ballot for a voter. And there is no limitation on the number of ballots that you can turn in," she explained.

After victories for Democratic and progressive candidates in the 2018 elections were attributed to ballot gathering, Gleason decided to research the issue further and establish Calvary Chapel Chino Hills as a location for mass mail ballot collection.

"I trained our volunteer team, and we set up our tables in the courtyard with our volunteers behind the table, and behind the volunteers and the table were lockboxes," she recalled. "So when a person walked up to our table, we looked at the ballot and made sure that the ballot was filled out correctly, because there are just a few requirements on the ballot, and that ballot was dropped into the lockbox."

Gleason estimated that Calvary Chapel Chino Hills collected about 6,000 ballots heading into the 2020 election. That figure increased to more than 13,000 in the 2022 election cycle.

Calvary Chapel Chino Hill's Real Impact ministry has compiled a manual instructing other churches on legally engaging in ballot collection.

Gleason said churches could feasibly collect ballots in at least 17 states: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. She stressed that churches seeking to collect ballots must remain neutral and not ask voters which party they belong to or which candidate they vote for.

"You take everyone's ballots, no questions asked," she said.

The first stop on the "Comeback California Tour" is scheduled for Aug. 17 at Calvary Chapel San Jose. Another stop is scheduled for later that day at Heritage Church in Escanlon. On Aug. 24, the tour will head to Cornerstone Church in Fresno.

Stops scheduled for Aug. 31 include Calvary Chapel Fontana in Fontana and Calvary Chapel Church of the Harbour in Huntington Beach. Two stops are currently planned for September: Calvary Chapel El Centro in El Centro on Sept. 7 and Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee on Sept. 21.

Although California is not expected to be competitive at the presidential level this year, Gleason believes her church can still impact elections.

Speaking at the Family Research Council's Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington, D.C., last September, Gleason described how "our local school district was run by progressives" and individuals supported by Planned Parenthood and Democratic leadership in the state. Although the state superintendent of public instruction backed the progressive candidate for school board president in 2022, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills member Sonja Shaw won the race.

"All of us working together made a difference in that election," Gleason said.
Home News Tenn. school district pays $15K in legal fees over banning Satan club at elementary school

A Tennessee school district will pay nearly $15,000 in legal fees as part of a settlement reached in response to its decision to ban an After School Satan Club from offering its program to elementary school students.

In response to Good News Clubs being allowed at various public elementary schools, The Satanic Temple launched several ASSC chapters to meet at the same campuses.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation announced last week that it had reached a settlement with the Shelby County Board of Education for banning an After School Satan Club chapter.

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The board will pay $14,845 in attorneys fees and related expenses, as well as $1 for nominal damages to The Satanic Temple and $196.71 for various fees previously paid by the group tied to rental reservations that were not yet refunded, according to the FFRF.

Were glad the district has mutually resolved this case and agreed to treat The Satanic Temples club fairly going forward, said Patrick Elliott, FFRFs legal director, as quoted in the announcement.

This settlement should send a message to public schools that the First Amendment applies to all organizations, including minority groups.

Last year, The Satanic Temple announced plans to launch an After School Satan Club chapter at Chimneyrock Elementary School, in part because the school had a Good News Club that met on campus.

The Salem, Massachusetts-based group claims to be comprised of religious skeptics and nontheists who believe in a strict separation of church and state, and oppose religious expression on government property.

Many local parents, clergy, and school district officials took issue with the club, with Memphis-Shelby County Schools Interim Superintendent Toni Williams explaining at a press conference last December that the group had a right to meet there.

"Like many of you, I have strong beliefs and resonate deeply with the questions and concerns in our community surrounding a club's upcoming rental of school space, she stated at the time.

I want to assure you that I do not endorse or support the beliefs of the organization at the center of the recent headlines. I do, however, support the law. As superintendent, I am duty-bound to uphold our board policies, state laws, and the Constitution."

However, at the groups inaugural meeting in January, they were met with protests, required to pay extra fees and eventually had their rental applications denied.

The districts discriminatory and illegal behavior left The Satanic Temple and FFRF with no choice but to sue, stated FFRF. The [Satanic] Temple didnt want special privileges, just to be treated the same as all other organizations renting from the district.

The lawsuit asked the court to order the district to approve The Satanic Temples reservation requests, treat [The Satanic] Temple fairly, and refund it the discriminatory fees the district forced it to pay.
Home News Suspect who assaulted Trump supporter in 'politically motivated' attack dies by suicide

The perpetrator of a series of what police say were likely politically motivated attacks on supporters of former President Donald Trump and law enforcement, including a brutal assault on an 80-year-old man, has died by suicide.

The City of Hancock Police Department in Michigan announced Monday that the department responded on Sunday to "three different incidents that appeared to be politically motivated."

Two of the incidents involved vehicles that were "intentionally vandalized," according to police.

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While the department didn't elaborate on the vehicle vandalization, it said that the third incident amounted to an attack on a man's life.

"At approximately 5:45 PM, in the 1600 blk of Anthony Street, the same suspect driving an ATV (4-wheel) allegedly with intention to do harm drove into the residence yard, running over an 80-year-old male who was posting a political sign in his yard. The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and remains in critical condition," the police announcement reads.

"It is believed that the person driving the ATV is involved in all three incidents. Be aware, the subject appeared to target both Trump and Law Enforcement supporters."

A subsequent social media post from the department described how the "Honda, ATV driver was wearing a black helmet with black backpack." The suspect also had a "thin build with possible dreadlocks or long hair."

An update to the original post featuring a statement from the Houghton County Sheriff's Office was added Tuesday. Hancock is located in Houghton County, part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

According to the Houghton County Sheriff's Office, an individual residing in Quincy Township expressed a desire to "confess a crime involving an ATV driver within the last 24 hours" and requested that law enforcement "send someone to pick me up."

When deputies with the Houghton County Sheriff's Office and officers with the City of Hancock Police Department arrived on the scene, they discovered a 22-year-old male dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Additional evidence was located, including the four-wheeler used during the incident in the city as well as clothing that the suspect had been wearing during the original incident," the statement asserted. "The crimes reported in the city of Hancock appear to be politically motivated, involving victims who displayed Trump election signs as well as law enforcement appreciation stickers and flags commonly referred to as 'thin blue line' paraphernalia."

The Houghton County Sheriff's Office said it would release the details of the investigation, which involves multiple agencies. The FBI Field Office in Marquette, Michigan, is also involved in the investigation.

The political violence comes a little more than a week after Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee for president of the United States, was nearly assassinated at a rally outside Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. A bullet grazed his ear, which was covered with a bandage at multiple public events last week.

However, one rally attendee lost his life due to the gunfire and others were injured by the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Trump honored the victims during his speech accepting the Republican nomination for president at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last week. The assassination attempt prompted discussions about the impact of volatile political rhetoric, which included a brief Oval Office address from President Joe Biden.

Biden, expected to be Trump's rival in the 2024 presidential election until dropping out of the race over the weekend, called on the American people to "lower the temperature in our politics." He proclaimed that "There is no place in America [for] this kind of violence, for any violence, ever, period."

"The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It's time to cool it down. We all have a responsibility to do that," he added.
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Although they eventually become Canadian citizens many immigrants to this country aim to obtain dual citizenship to maintain the benefits of being a citizen in their home country.

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship occurs when someone legally holds two different passports simultaneously. When this happens, the individual holds the legal status of a citizen in both their home country as well as Canada.

Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Note: Dual citizens must always abide by the laws specific to whichever country of citizenship the person resides in at that time.

Dual Citizenship: Pros and Cons

There may be many reasons that Canadian immigrants want to maintain dual citizenship after becoming a citizen of Canada. These include:

The ability to hold two passports simultaneously

The ability to maintain eligibility for (and access to) the rights and programs* available to citizens of both countries

Simplified travel between both countries where an individual is a citizen (this often also includes any relevant allied countries)

*Examples may include the ability to access Canadas social programs  some of which are only available to citizens  and the ability to own property in either country

On the other hand, there are some things to consider before becoming a dual citizen. For instance, in certain cases, dual citizens may be obligated to abide by taxation rules in both countries simultaneously, meaning that they may need to pay taxes more than once. Additionally, other obligations in one country (military service etc.) may further complicate the new life an immigrant is trying to build in Canada.

Can I be a dual citizen?

An immigrants ability to be a dual citizen depends primarily on the rules and regulations established by their home countrys government.

In other words, although Canada allows foreign nationals to maintain their original citizenship when obtaining citizenship here, Canadian immigrants may only become dual citizens if their country of origin also allows it.

Therefore, immigrants who eventually seek Canadian citizenship are advised to first consult the rules and regulations of their home country to fully understand what will happen to their current citizenship status if they become Canadian citizens.

The list below outlines whether an immigrant from each of Canadas top 10 new permanent resident (PR) source countries can maintain dual citizenship if they later decide to apply to become a Canadian citizen.

India

Canadian immigrants from India cannot hold dual citizenship when they become citizens of Canada. In fact, according to the Indian government, applying for Indian citizenship once becoming a citizen of a foreign country or continuing to hold/obtain an Indian passport is by law a punishable offence.

Indian nationals who obtain Canadian citizenship, however, may pursue an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) designation.

United States of America (USA)

The USA permits dual citizenship for American nationals who become Canadian citizens. This means that citizens of the US can pursue Canadian citizenship without having to worry about any impact it may have on their status as a citizen south of the border.

China

Canadian immigrants from China cannot hold dual citizenship because this type of citizenship is not legally recognized in China.

According to a Government of Canada travel advisory last updated in July 2024, this means that China may refuse to provide Canadian travellers with access to Canadian consular services abroad if [they] consider you a citizen of China.

Therefore, the Canadian government advises Chinese nationals to always travel to China with a valid Canadian passport and take care to always present [themselves] as a Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Philippines

Canadian citizens who immigrated from the Philippines are permitted by local authorities to maintain dual citizenship.

This means that Filipino-born Canadian citizens who were born before 1973 may apply to retain or regain their local citizenship if they had at least one Filipino parent when they were born.

Note: Canadian-born individuals who had at least one Filipino parent at the time of their birth are already considered dual citizens of Canada and the Philippines.

Afghanistan

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Afghanistan.

This means that, as is the case in China, Afghan government officials who consider a Canadian citizen travelling there to be a citizen of Afghanistan may refuse the traveller access to Canadian consular services.

Nigeria

Nigerian-born immigrants who later become Canadian citizens can maintain dual citizenship.

However, the Nigerian government would not allow Canadian citizens to also later become naturalized in Nigeria.

Pakistan

Pakistan is another country that does not recognize dual citizenship.

Although Pakistan has a dual citizenship agreement in place with Canada, Canadian citizens are free to pursue citizenship in Pakistan but any Pakistani-born immigrants who obtain Canadian citizenship must revoke their home country citizenship at that time.

Cameroon

Cameroon does not legally recognize dual Canadian-Cameroonian citizens. Similar to China and Afghanistan, this means that Cameroonian government officials may refuse to provide access to Canadian consular services when abroad if they consider the individual to be a citizen of Cameroon.

Iran

Individuals who obtain Canadian citizenship after immigrating from Iran cannot hold dual citizenship. This is because dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Iran.

While this may also lead to the refusal of access to Canadian consular services for travellers deemed to be Iranian citizens by local authorities, the Canadian government also advises that Canadian-Iranian [citizens] must [ensure they] enter and exit Iran using [their] Iranian passport.

The Canadian government additionally cautions that Canadian citizens travelling to Iran may not be permitted to leave unless they meet certain conditions.

Eritrea

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Eritrea.

This means that, as is the case with several other countries on this list, Canadian citizens travelling to this country may be denied access to Canadian consular services if local authorities consider them to be citizens of Eritrea.

Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm
If youve ever volunteered to help in a crisis, then you know how beneficial your support can be to the welfare of others and how important a smooth operation is to the missions success. Essen fur Alle, based in Switzerland, is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that relies solely on volunteers time, talent, and generosity to assist people in need, regardless of their residency or financial status. The organizations volunteers are energized by fostering social welfare with a sustainable approach that turns food surplus into a donation for hungry people in their communities.

A mission to prevent rampant food waste and ease financial vulnerability

In 2020, as Covid-19 forced the closure of state facilities, Switzerland witnessed a distressing situation where numerous individuals faced food insecurity while an alarming amount of food was being wasted across the country. Thats when Essen fur Alle emerged in Zurich to address two of Switzerlands social challenges: rampant food waste and escalating financial vulnerability. During the pandemic, the NGO fulfilled its sustainability mission to prevent food waste by connecting surplus food with more than 5000 hungry people every month. That was just the beginning.

In a few short years, Essen fur Alles reach has quadrupled beyond Zurich to include the cities of Chur, Schwyz, and Glarus. As the organization grew, so did the complexity of coordinating food donors, distribution, volunteer staff schedules, and recipients. However, with the arrival of refugees from war-stricken regions in Switzerland, the mission of Essen fur Alle became even more crucial.

The battle between volunteer scheduling vs food distribution

At Essen fur Alle, every person and moment matter when delivering its mission with as little financial waste and resource loss as possible. As a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit with growing pains, Essen fur Alle needed a better way to coordinate volunteer scheduling and streamline food distribution to recipients. Its home-grown software was not scaling with the mission. Due to the numerous issues associated with their reliance on paper ID cards, they needed a more efficient solution to handle administrative tasks, securely process data, and register recipients.

Essen fur Alle sought a stable and user-friendly software solution to coordinate its 500 volunteers work, orchestrate food distributions, and capture and manage recipients details. When a volunteer suggested that SAP sponsor the NGOs software foundation, the company decided to support Essen fur Alle by developing a tailored solution for receiver management and volunteer shift planning.

The integrated system went live in September 2022, resulting in over 6,500 new recipients registered, 85,000 food packages distributed, and 10,000 volunteer shifts managed.

Preventing food waste and hunger with a sustainable operating model

The new cloud software system, built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), enhances the NGOs ability to serve recipients effectively, minimize food waste, and operate sustainably. The system ensures a consistent and reliable source of nutrition and sustenance for individuals in need through food packages valued between 50 and 80.

Thanks to SAP, we implemented a tailored solution within five months, detailed Amine Diare-Conde, the founder. Increased efficiency and useful analytics are just two examples of how the solution helps us work in a more professional manner.

Essen fur Alle implemented a centralized system that efficiently manages volunteers and ensures the privacy of food package recipients. The outdated paper ID cards have been replaced with plastic cards containing QR codes. To securely capture recipients personal information, OCR software is utilized to scan passports.

Since the systems launch, the NGO has processed around 1,300 recipient check-ins, 80 new recipient registrations, and 150 volunteer signups every Saturday throughout the year.

Forging connections, fostering collaborations, and transcending social boundaries

Essen fur Alle has grown its influence beyond food waste concerns. The NGO now helps refugees and immigrants integrate into the nations cultural fabric by fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and facilitating education and friendships. To that purpose, implementing a streamlined and integrated digital backbone helps ensure continuous volunteer availability and meticulous oversight of donations and distributions.

The new system has freed over 80% of the NGOs volunteers to focus on fostering a community where mutual aid and guidance are offered. A sense of camaraderie and belonging is shared amongst volunteers and assistance recipients, leading to meaningful social connections, job skills training, employment opportunities, and upward mobility.

With this level of volunteerism, efficiency, and governance, Essen fur Alle can dedicate more time and resources toward fulfilling its mission by permanently eliminating food insecurity in Switzerland.

Essen fur Alle is a recipient of the 2024 SAP Innovation Award for sustainability in the public sector. You can learn more about its transformative cloud software system and fast deployment by taking a look at the NGOs pitch deck.
Consimtamantul pentru controlul de fond/ a antecedentelor

Subsemnatul/Subsemnata, confirm ca am aplicat la Secretariatul Pre-Vetting/ de Evaluare a Procurorilor si confirm ca candidatura mea este supusa unei verificari a antecedentelor si a integritatii financiare efectuata de autoritatile competente din Republica Moldova, care se extinde si asupra sotului/sotiei si a rudelor/afinilor de gradul I. Furnizarea detaliilor mele personale, copiei buletinului meu de identitate/pasaportului, CV-ului si semnatura de mai jos servesc drept consimtamant pentru ca toate datele mele cu caracter personal, ale sotului/sotiei si a rudelor/afinilor de gradul I sa fie evaluate si analizate fara limitare de catre autoritatile competente, in vederea finalizarii verificarii antecedentelor si a integritatii financiare. Aditional eu inteleg ca la accesarea datelor mele, informatia referitoare la membrii imediati ai familiei mele de asemenea va fi accesata.

Eu inteleg ca rezultatele verificarii antecedentelor si integritatii finaniciare vor fi transmise lui Anne M. Trice, Director superior in cadrul Dexis Consulting Group in calitatea sa de representant al angajatorului pentru pozitia la care am aplicat.

De asemenea, confirm ca parte a consimtamantului meu sunt atasate urmatoarele:

__XX_ Copia pe fata si verso a buletinului meu de identitate/ pasaportului

__XX_ CV-ul current, cu indicarea tuturor locurilor de munca si studiilor anterioare.
Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici.
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., the cybersecurity company at the center of massive global IT outages, said that a bug in a quality-assurance tool the company uses to check updates for mistakes allowed flawed data to go out to customers, causing last weeks meltdown.

On Friday, the company pushed through an update for Windows machines via a rapid-response mechanism, meant to respond quickly to changing threats. That update contained a critical flaw. CrowdStrikes content validator, which is supposed to test updates for errors before they go out, malfunctioned and let the bug pass through, the company said in an incident report published on Wednesday.

That undetected error crashed Windows systems and kicked off one of the most spectacular rolling IT failures in history. The US company is trying to piece together the series of events that led to crashed Microsoft Windows computer systems around the world, taking down airline, banking and stock exchange operations from Australia and Japan to the UK.

Related: Trigger Warning: Cyber Policy Wordings to Impact Coverage for Tech Outage



Microsoft and CrowdStrike rolled out fixes last week, and many systems have been 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. More than 8.5 million Windows users were affected, according to Microsoft.

CrowdStrike said its working to improve Rapid Response Content testing in the future. A new check is in process in order to fix the faulty content validator. The company also said it would give customers greater control over how these updates are delivered onto their systems.

The company  which was criticized for mass-deploying the catastrophic update instead of starting with a smaller rollout that wouldve prevented widespread outages  also said it plans to stagger future updates via canary deployments which are tested piecemeal before bigger rollouts.

Related: Insurers Face Business Interruption Claims After Global Tech Outage

These updates will be a vital step in mitigating any future risks and could prove to be a useful model for similar companies and create better industry practices, said Nathan Oliver, chief information security officer at Microminder Cyber Security.

Still, the power that this mistake had to hobble critical businesses and services worldwide last week has raised fears about the vulnerability of the global IT system, which is dependent on a handful of dominant tech companies.

What I would still be concerned about, is these companies are such an intrinsic part of the global supply chain and global infrastructure, said Saif Abed, a former doctor with the UKs National Health Service and expert in cybersecurity and public health. These fixes being proposed today are very particular, but they dont necessarily provide me with an assurance that something of this catastrophic nature might not happen again for different reasons.

CrowdStrikes shares dropped nearly 30% in the aftermath of the outage, slashing billions of dollars from its market value. The US House Committee on Homeland Security requested an appearance from Chief Executive Officer George Kurtz and lawmakers called on him to explain how the company will mitigate risks of a similar incident in the future.

Shawn Henry, CrowdStrikes chief security officer, apologized in a post on LinkedIn on Monday, saying that the company had failed its customers.

The confidence we built in drips over the years was lost in buckets within hours, and it was a gut punch, he said.

Top photo: Blank digital billboards in Times Square in New York, US, on July 19.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
YELLOWSTONE, Wyoming  A geyser at Yellowstone National Park erupted Tuesday morning, showering tourists in rubble and water as they ran away.

Videos circulating online show localized hydrothermal explosion occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, at about 10:19 a.m., according to a press release from the National Park Service.

Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for the remainder of the summer while staff assess the damage. The Grand Loop Road remains open. No injuries were reported.

Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe, the NPS new release said.

The geyser explosion comes about a week after an SUV went off the road and was fully submerged in the Semi-Centennial Geyser at the park.

The U.S. Geological Survey Volcanoes Facebook page shared a still image from that video as well.

USGS said hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone.

For example, Porkchop Geyser, in Norris Geyser Basin, experienced an explosion in 1989, and a small event in Norris Geyser Basin was recorded by monitoring equipment on April 15, 2024. An explosion similar to the one this week also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.

USGS released a joint statement with NPS confirming that the explosion does not reflect activity within volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. Hydrothermal explosions, the statement says, are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface.
When Jay Chaudhry sold his first company for $70 million, he focused less on his own riches, he says  and more on how the deal could turn dozens of his employees into millionaires. Chaudhry, 65, is known today as the billionaire founder and CEO of Zscaler, a cloud cybersecurity firm valued at roughly $28 billion, as of Wednesday afternoon. Back in 1998, he was a first-time entrepreneur selling the startup he launched with his wife Jyoti, SecureIT, to VeriSign in an all-stock deal for a huge windfall. Nearly two years after the deal closed, as VeriSign's stock price soared, more than 70 of SecureIT's 80 employees "on paper, were millionaires," Chaudhry tells CNBC Make It. "People were going crazy in the company, because they had never thought of so much money," he says. "A lot of them were buying new houses. They were buying new cars. I know one guy, he took six months off, rented a [mobile home] and went around the country. They could do what they wanted to do." Between the time of the acquisition and February 2000, VeriSign's stock increased by more than 2,300%, closing at a high of $253 per share, helped by two stock splits and a temporary bubble for tech stocks. The bubble burst later that year, and VeriSign's stock lost roughly 75% off that high point at the end of 2000, sinking to a low of nearly $4 in 2002.

Jay and Jyoti Chaudhry pose with Jay Johnson, the former vice president of sales at SecureIT, at a 1999 party celebrating Chaudhry upon his departure from VeriSign. Source: Jay Chaudhry

Chaudhry recalls advice from Jim Bidzos, VeriSign's then-chairman, on what to do with his shares: Sell some of the stock little by little "on a regular basis." The strategy helped Chaudhry reap some benefits of VeriSign's soaring stock before the market cratered, he says. SecureIT employees who held onto their VeriSign stock were likely rewarded by their patience: It closed at $254 per share as recently as January 2021. The price currently sits at roughly $175 per share. Chaudhry says he doesn't know if or when his former employees cashed in their own shares. When he left VeriSign at the end of 1999, his former employees threw him a party  but it wasn't until later that he fully understood the impact the decision to sell SecureIT had on those employees, he says. "I went home that night and looked at the spreadsheet of all the [stock] options they had, and I multiplied by the stock price of VeriSign. That's when I realized that the math was about 70 or 80 millionaires, with stock options," Chaudhry says. "It was impressive."

'Those employees make the difference'
A worker, called 'torchers', works in a charcoal production during scorching heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in Diyarbakir, Turkiye on July 18, 2024.

The world registered its hottest day on record for the second time in just two days, according to the latest data compiled by the European Union's climate monitor.

The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said Wednesday that the global average surface temperature climbed to 17.15 degrees Celsius (62.87 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday  eclipsing the previous record of 17.09 degrees Celsius, which had been set Sunday.

C3S, which has been tracking the daily global mean temperature since 1940, said Sunday's record had already shown "we are now in truly uncharted territory."

The EU's climate monitor has warned that new temperature records are inevitable as the planet keeps warming.

Scientists have repeatedly called for urgent and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to stop global average temperatures rising.

The fresh all-time high comes as excessive heat has gripped large parts of the U.S., Russia and southern Europe in recent days.
Traditional Chinese is a written form of Chinese used in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Both locations are key business hubs for technology and finance  a factor that attracted DeepL to launch its latest language in those markets.

DeepL, one of Europe's high-profile AI companies valued at $2 billion , sells translation software aimed at businesses rather than everyday consumers.

German artificial intelligence translation startup DeepL on Wednesday launched traditional Chinese as a language option as it looks to expand its presence in Asia.

Jaroslaw "Jarek" Kutylowski, CEO of DeepL, told CNBC that Taiwan and Hong Kong are "strong technological markets" that are "exporting"  especially in the case of Taiwan, which is home to the world's biggest chipmaker TSMC .

Wednesday's launch is not DeepL's first foray into Asia. The Cologne, Germany-headquartered firm already has Japanese and Korean on its platform.

"Looking especially at Taiwan, there is a lot of similarities in that market to other successful Asian markets we have seen in Japan and Korea," Kutylowski said.

The CEO added that for now, the traditional Chinese business will be run out of Japan before the company considers opening any physical presence in places such as Taiwan or Hong Kong.

DeepL last week launched its next-generation large language model (LLM), which it claims outperforms the latest version of ChatGPT, Google and Microsoft for translation quality. An LLM is an AI model trained on huge amounts of data. That is what underpins DeepL's translation software.

The firm, which has high profile venture backers including a fund from Mark Zuckerberg's family office called ICONIQ Growth and Index Ventures, is seen as a rival to Google Translate.

DeepL, however, focuses more on corporate customers. It aims to expand its language offering  of which it now has 33 languages  to help businesses communicate globally. With the launch of traditional Chinese, the firm is looking to help some of its international customers more effectively communicate with clients or employees in Taiwan or Hong Kong.

The company is also looking to attract businesses to its platform from jurisdictions that are seeking to expand internationally.
Musk is attending Cannes Lions this week with an aim to reassure ad groups and global brands over the future of X.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted an informal poll on social network X asking whether his publicly traded automaker should invest $5 billion into his newest startup, xAI.

Specifically, he asked: "Should Tesla invest $5B into @xAI, assuming the valuation is set by several credible outside investors? (Board approval & shareholder vote are needed, so this is just to test the waters)"

The billionaire CEO  who concurrently runs Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Co., Neuralink, X Corp. and now xAI  shared the poll shortly after Tesla's second-quarter earnings call concluded on Tuesday evening.

Tesla reported earnings that fell shy of analysts expectations for the fourth consecutive quarter, and declining revenue in its core automotive segment. However, the company saw soaring energy storage sales, and focused investors' attention on a future filled with its robotaxis and humanoid robots now in development.

Shares of Tesla declined more than 7% after hours following the company's second-quarter update.

Musk's companies frequently work with and pay one another, but not to the tune of billions of dollars. For example, as CNBC has previously reported, SpaceX has purchased ad campaigns to promote its Starlink satellite internet services on X (formerly Twitter). And The Boring Co. is building tunnels at Tesla's Texas factory.

During the Tuesday earnings call, shareholders asked Musk whether Tesla might invest in xAI and integrate xAI's software, named Grok, into its vehicles.

Musk replied, "Tesla is learning quite a bit from xAI. It's been actually helpful in advancing Full Self-Driving and in building up the new Tesla data center. With regards to investing in xAI, I think we'd need to have a shareholder approval of such investment. But I'm certainly supportive of that if shareholders are."

The $5 billion number did not come up until Musk posted the poll after the call.

He did not elaborate on the ways in which Grok was "advancing" the company's driving technology.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Fox News has invited Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to debate each other in Pennsylvania on Sept. 17, according to copies of the letters obtained by CNBC.

The invitation comes a day after Trump said he would be willing to debate Harris, the newly minted de facto Democratic nominee, multiple times on a call with reporters.

Fox News proposed that its political anchors, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, serve as moderators for the debate. The company said it is "open to discussion" on the exact terms of the debate, including the date, format, location and whether an in-person audience would be present.

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on whether they would accept the invite.

The debate would serve as a redemption opportunity for Democrats, following President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance in June.
Last week, the world faced what was likely the biggest IT failure in history.

When some people around the world logged onto their laptops on Friday, they were greeted with a blue error screen on their Microsoft Windows operating system.

But this was not a Microsoft issue. It was all to do with a U.S. cybersecurity firm called CrowdStrike which sent out a buggy software update that crashed Windows.

Industries across the board were hit, with airlines cancelling flights, broadcasters not able to go to air and shops not being able to open.

Businesses around the world use CrowdStrike's software to protect their IT systems from hackers. The dependence on such a company exposed the fragility of global businesses' reliance on a small number of IT vendors.

CrowdStrike rolled back the update but it took some time for companies to get back online.

For me, Friday was a professional day unlike any other.

In the latest episode of CNBC Tech's "Beyond the Valley" podcast  which you can listen to above  Tom Chitty and I talk about what was behind the IT failure, how CNBC covered the event and whether something like this could happen again.

If you have any thoughts on this or previous episodes, please email us at beyondthevalley@cnbc.com.

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Here is a transcript of the "Beyond the Valley" episode released on July 22, 2024. It has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Tom Chitty

Last week's IT failure may go down as the worst in history. Computers around the world began to grind to a halt on Thursday night, after a faulty software update with a single defect saw severe disruption to air travel, hospitals, banks, and much more. This week, we're going to explain how this happened and the subsequent fallout. We'll also hear Arjun's firsthand account of his day at CNBC's London offices, and how CNBC managed to get on air. And finally, what does this failure tell us about the vulnerable foundations on which today's economy is built? And how can we make it stronger? We had a quick chat on Friday, lunchtime last week, where you said, I think the words were, 'I've never known a day like it.' So just to give our listeners an idea of kind of, how did the day start?

Arjun Kharpal

As you mentioned, [it was] a day, unlike any I've ever experienced before in my career here as a journalist, and I was scheduled to talk about Netflix earnings. And what had happened was overnight, firstly, we had heard about issues with Microsoft's cloud service. But before we were scheduled to go on air, people's computers started to crash. And there were questions over whether we would get on to air or not. Anyways, it was all fine in the first hour of Squawk Box, our morning show and I spoke about Netflix, and after I come off air nearer to 7am London time, I noticed that my computer had crashed and others too. This was the first time mine had crashed, others' had. But it wasn't as widespread. Anyways, computers started then falling like dominoes at this point. And the blue screen of death, as it's called, was appearing. But at this point, we didn't really know what was causing it. And I was sort of frantically running around the office trying to figure out what had happened at this point.

Tom Chitty

Because you're in that unique position where you're being affected by this problem. But you've also got to cover this problem as a journalist that covers tech. So you are the news.

Arjun Kharpal

How we broke this story, and we were actually one of the first in the world to break this story. And you're going to talk about it. But it came from an update issued by a company called CrowdStrike, which we're going to get into. But the way we found that out, interestingly, was the fact that because it was affecting us, our IT departments globally, had been speaking to CrowdStrike support. And, you know, we had got confirmation then from the company via our colleagues at NBC, that this was indeed the reason for this global IT meltdown. And you know, from that moment I think I ran a report on this news. On cnbc.com we got a headline out and the bare bones of information, which was, you know, very limited at the time we knew. And from then on, the story snowballed.

Tom Chitty

We're going to talk more about who CrowdStrike are, I think, you know, some people would probably never have heard of CrowdStrike. Do you have a stat of the week?

Arjun Kharpal

A billion dollars.

Tom Chitty

Okay, great. Just really, you know, specific. That works for me. I can do with that. Weird to just do it on my own considering the last few episodes, I've been competing against someone far more intelligent than myself. So let's see how I go. Okay, let's let's get into the bones of it. CrowdStrike. Who are CrowdStrike?

Arjun Kharpal

CrowdStrike are a U.S.-based cybersecurity company that sells cybersecurity software aimed at businesses.

Tom Chitty

And their owner is a billionaire, George Kurtz, and the company is worth billions of dollars. So this isn't just some small firm. This is a firm that supports the security of Microsoft.

Arjun Kharpal

And the security of organizations across the world. That's the more important part of the equation, is that it's not a small firm. Lots and lots and lots of global businesses rely on CrowdStrike for their security. And that's why this whole episode was quite a big ordeal and why it was so widespread.

Tom Chitty

There was also something that happened before the CrowdStrike thing, right, related to Microsoft Cloud.

Arjun Kharpal

So the timeline is quite important. I got into the office Friday morning, London time, overnight, our time so late U.S. Microsoft had issued an update saying that their Azure cloud services were facing some problems, and that there could be disruption to certain Microsoft cloud-based apps, you know, like Teams, for example.

Tom Chitty

So is that what you were talking about when you had your first kind of update that you needed to do?

Arjun Kharpal

So that was the first thing. But what we found out later was that was completely wholly unrelated to what followed with CrowdStrike.

Tom Chitty

That then probably confused countless IT managers, engineers, when this was happening, because they're probably thinking, oh, it must be related to the update we did earlier, right?

Arjun Kharpal

Yeah, that's right. There were questions over whether this was a Microsoft issue. I had first seen that and thought it was a Microsoft issue, the reason why Windows crashed on my PC. But then as we started to get more information, we found out it was to do with CrowdStrike. And their specific issue was this  CrowdStrike software called Falcon, this is what they call an endpoint monitoring product. So it's effectively a piece of software designed to protect what they call endpoints. It's a jargony term in the cybersecurity industry. It basically means your laptop, your PC, or smartphone.

What CrowdStrike did was, and this is normal for cybersecurity firms, is they have to issue updates very often because the cybersecurity landscape and the threats are constantly changing the different ways hackers might attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in machines, etc. So they have to update regularly, the patches and the defense against these kinds of new vectors of attack and therefore, a mundane update they issued, which was to roll out across their customers globally, is what they did.

If you've got a smartphone, your smartphone sometimes automatically updates overnight, right? Or it will automatically download apps. This is very similar to what happened.The fact that the company CrowdStrike has to constantly update its offering is also where the weakness stems from. And they issued an update that had buggy code in it, effectively defective code. This cybersecurity software are quite special. Because they're trying to protect an organization's entire infrastructure, they need deep access into the kernel, the core, the heart, effectively, of an organization's IT infrastructure. By doing so, if things go wrong, it can take down a system. So they've issued this buggy piece of update, and that's effectively crashed Windows.

So it wasn't a Windows or Microsoft issue. It was a CrowdStrike issue. And as a result, people began to see the so-called Blue Screen of Death which popped up on their PCs and laptops. And you would have seen an unhappy face on those error messages as well.

Tom Chitty

So were they updating on their own without you having to do click on the update? Was it just happening in the background?

Arjun Kharpal

Yeah, effectively. But it wouldn't be something you know you as a PC user would have seen. You wouldn't have to click update now or something like that. That would have been at the IT department level. What a morning it was here at CNBC, I've never experienced anything like it. There were questions over whether we would get to air.

Tom Chitty

Well, a U.K. broadcaster Sky News didn't get to air, along with you know, countless others.

Arjun Kharpal

There were computers offline, you know, we were using our phones to get all of the information. So it was a crazy morning I was sat on set about 7:45, I think doing a hit, I can't even remember what it was, we didn't know a lot of information. So it was kind of like we had some reports, we had some information, this is what we know. But you know, and then all of a sudden, the producers at 7:45 a.m. said stay on set, don't go anywhere. And from that moment, I did not leave that set for about three and a half, four hours. I was constantly on air. Update after update, minute after minute, as new things came through. We heard of airlines systems not working, huge delays at airports across the world, people not being able to check into flights, various different industries, banking industry, retail, all affected by this huge sort of wipe out of global IT. And even to the point where our first U.S. show Worldwide Exchange, you know, we were almost every five minutes popping up on that to give an update. And it was just it was crazy. And you know, the way the team's handle it did here was incredible, globally, you know, our producers, it was just an extraordinary morning,

Tom Chitty

I imagine the U.S. team were probably thinking or asking lots of questions about what's been going on, or at least trying to rectify the situation that was happening with their systems.

Arjun Kharpal

We'd been online for several hours already. And so we had been following this story, you know, second by second. And so they were asking a lot of questions of us about what had happened, what had been said what had gone wrong. And so, you know, we were able to provide those kinds of updates, but it was a really extraordinary day.

Tom Chitty

One question I have about the update, and I know you mentioned that they're making lots of updates all the time to stay ahead of any bad malware. But wouldn't they be testing this update before they go and send it out to eight and a half million Microsoft devices?

Arjun Kharpal

Testing, I'm sure had been done. I have no doubt about that. And so that's the issue, where do you or how do you make that process more resilient? And these are all the questions, I think debates happening now about the fragility of global IT systems, and particularly, that update should have been robustly tested. And also, does it make sense to, you know, roll this out, globally in one go? Should you sort of phase it out? Iyou did a first phase of rollout, you would know, then if there was an issue.

Tom Chitty

Like a pilot episode of a TV series to see what the reaction is. Is it positive?

Arjun Kharpal

Or has it crashed people's computers? And that's kind of what could have been done, I think.

Tom Chitty

The fallout financially, I think, you know, hard to gauge exactly the cost, but [essentially] a multi billion dollar mistake. CrowdStrike, just to be clear, has admitted responsibility for the faulty software update. And I think the share price has sort of mirrored that in the sense that Microsoft hasn't budged and CrowdStrike plummeted. And, yeah, I suppose the question then is, CrowdStrike [is] probably going to be the ones footing the bill, but that whole process could take years to fall out. And I know, there's lots of air passengers that you know, aren't going to get refunded or compensated for their missed flights or their canceled flights. So I don't know. It's just so pervasive, isn't it in terms of how it's affected so many industries.

Arjun Kharpal

Well, it's something that most people traveling on an airline wouldn't even sort of think about, oh, will my airline's IT systems be okay? But that's what's happened. And also, I was walking past a retailer in London on Friday and they'd handwritten a note on their door saying, sorry, we're closed because our IT systems don't work. And that was just one case. You mentioned the airline passengers. And if they're not getting refunds from their airlines, because of this issue, they're unhappy. The airlines have probably even cost millions of dollars.

Tom Chitty

Airlines are still having to cover costs of hotels, food, any additional costs that they might have, or whatever, as related to the canceled or delayed flight. It's just that they're not compensating the value. And this is U.K., this is the Civil Aviation Authority's advice, but they're not essentially giving them a whole lump of cash because it was out of their hands. It wasn't their issue, they didn't cause the issue, essentially.

Arjun Kharpal

You could imagine a lot of businesses as well who've lost money directly as a result of this issue, may even be thinking about legal action against CrowdStrike. There could be a ton of fallout for years to come from this on CrowdStrike, specifically, one from, you know, the stock price reaction to the reputational damage here and any kind of potential legal action. But is also legally a grey area. There's regulation, for example, around companies in Europe, in the U.S., in the U.K., around how companies if they're the victim of a data breach or a hack, they need to disclose that if it's material enough to the regulators and to their customers. Obviously, this wasn't [a] hack quite clearly. And this wasn't a cybersecurity incident. So what do you do in this situation? That's the big question.

Tom Chitty

Yeah, I mean, to [share] just a few other stats, two and a half thousand flights were canceled globally. And in the U.K., Friday was forecast to be the busiest day for departures since October 2019. Let's talk a little bit about which countries weren't affected necessarily, because there were some including China and Russia that weren't. But I know you want to speak a little bit about China.

Arjun Kharpal

China is an interesting case. Because if you think about it, yes, Windows is actually used in China. But the issue again, wasn't a Windows issue. It was CrowdStrike. Chinese companies are not using an American cybersecurity firm for their cybersecurity, clearly not, and so they wouldn't have been affected by it. Others might have even been using a completely different operating system as well. But that's why China wasn't affected. I think it underscores the bifurcation of apps and operating systems and software that's happening and we continue to see between the U.S. and China as well. But that's why China wasn't effective. What about Russia?

Tom Chitty

The irony is that, obviously, Russia avoided the chaos because Western sanctions mean that they don't use software that's owned by Western companies, such as Microsoft and CrowdStrike. So they're becoming increasingly self-sufficient using companies such as Kaspersky, which is based in Moscow for their antivirus needs. So they avoided all of it. This wasn't a hack or a cybersecurity breach, but it has been reported that hackers were trying to take advantage of what happened. What was going on there?

Arjun Kharpal

Yeah, it was quite, you know, rudimentary in many ways. It wasn't like they were trying to exploit the technical vulnerabilities at all, it was more that they were trying to impersonate CrowdStrike support or Microsoft support saying, hey, you know, click this link and we'll solve your IT issues. But they call it a phishing attempt. And so, you know, they often accompany with the link that's malicious and effectively steal your data if you click it, so don't do that.

Tom Chitty

So I suppose we've talked about the costs, but lessons learned from what's happened, are there any and what could be done? I know just that in April The Cyber Safety Review Board, which is part of the U.S. Homeland Security Department issued a pretty scathing report into Microsoft's failed safety culture. This was off the back of a Chinese hack that affected U.K. and U.S. personnel following a summit that the two countries had. So there has been already some concerns around Microsoft safety and protocols. But this doesn't feel like necessarily their issue.

Arjun Kharpal

I think the biggest lesson everyone has learned is how fragile the global IT system is, I think how much the concentration of power is in individual companies and their software, and how businesses rely on very few vendors. And that creates a huge amount of risk in the global system when it comes to IT.

Tom Chitty

Should there be more regulation to break up, you know, what looks like a monopoly?

Arjun Kharpal

Well, that's a whole other discussion. The issue here is that there are companies that are offering services. If you take a Microsoft, you take Amazon, they're not just offering you one service, they're offering you the cloud and Teams and everything else. And so, you know, that becomes attractive for businesses. There is that question about should, all these kind of offers and bundling of services be banned? But right now, for businesses, they'd rather say, well, I pay you one thing, and you sort out everything, it's more convenient, right? So the question is, does this spur businesses at all to think about the way that their technology stack is built up and say, you know what, maybe we need a couple of different providers for this kind of cybersecurity. And actually the question is also how easy that is, it's not easy, but I think it will spur a bit of thinking about how businesses rely on effectively one or two companies, if there's a failure at any point that can bring down a whole organization, as we've seen.

Tom Chitty

And also have plans in place to counter an outage from a third party, because it looks like, not enough planning was done to counter what essentially was a very small defect in the code that has brought the globe to a standstill in many respects.

Arjun Kharpal

One of the most interesting things over the last few years, and even now, there's all this talk about the move to the cloud, right? The move to hosting your business and data, etc, on servers owned by Microsoft, Amazon, Google and others. But again, you are necessarily handing power over to those companies and control that if things go wrong, you might not have the ability to do backups, and control all of that data. So there's also a vein of thinking that, right, whilst a lot of stuff does need to move to the cloud, and it gives you many advantages in terms of cost savings, and nimbleness and access to new AI applications, etc. You know, there's a view now that perhaps, actually, businesses need to keep some of that data on premise, on servers in their office somewhere, or nearby. And that's an interesting thought, because, you know, a few years ago, it was more, let's just digitize everything and move it all, to the cloud. So, yeah, we'll see if that trend plays out. And actually what kind of long lasting effect this has on companies like CrowdStrike. But the big question is, can IT departments figure out how to diversify a business' IT supply chain effectively?

Tom Chitty

Final question. Will this happen again?

Arjun Kharpal

Probably, probably, because as long as this fragility exists, and there's a lack of regulation, the atmosphere is ripe for something like this. The concentration of power remains in very few companies' hands that run businesses. I'll just read you a quote, actually, from the former chief executive of the UK National Cybersecurity Center, Professor Ciaran Martin, who basically said, this was to Sky News, he said: "The worst of this is over because the nature of this crisis was such that it went very badly wrong very quickly. It was spotted quite quickly. And essentially, it was turned off until governments in the industry get together and work out how to design out some of these flaws, I'm afraid we are likely to see more of these again. Within countries like the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe, you can try and build up that national resilience to cope with this. But ultimately, a lot of this is going to be determined in the U.S."

Again, hinting at the fact that so many of these companies CrowdStrike, Amazon, Microsoft, Google are American firms. And so, yeah, the likelihood of this happening again is quite high.

Tom Chitty

Sobering thoughts. But on that note, let's, do stat of the week to lift everyone's mood.

Arjun Kharpal

Billion dollars.

Tom Chitty

The value CrowdStrike lost since Friday.

Arjun Kharpal

No. It's quite an obvious one. Shall I give you a second guess?

Tom Chitty

The amount it's expected to costs companies.

Arjun Kharpal

Yeah. It's a very early estimate. And it's probably likely more than this, but it's the amount the economic impact, the amount it has cost businesses, this IT outage. That's according to Patrick Anderson, the CEO of Anderson Economic Group, which is a Michigan research firm that specializes in estimating the economic costs of events like strikes, and other businesses disruptions and that stat has come via CNN.

Tom Chitty

Alright, that's it for this week. Before we go, please follow and subscribe to the show. And you can leave us a review if you'd like. And thank you, Arjun.

Arjun Kharpal

Thank you, Tom.

Tom Chitty

We'll be back next week for another episode of Beyond the Valley. Goodbye.
Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, arrives for the Inaugural AI Insight Forum in Russell Building on Capitol Hill, on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

IBM shares rose 5% in extended trading on Wednesday, after the company reported second-quarter results that surpassed analysts' predictions.

Here are the key numbers.

Earnings per share: $2.43 adjusted vs. $2.20 expected, according to LSEG

$2.43 adjusted vs. $2.20 expected, according to LSEG Revenue: $15.77 billion vs. $15.62 billion expected, according to LSEG.

Revenue increased 1.9% from $15.48 billion a year ago, IBM said in a statement. Net income of $1.83 billion, or $1.96 per share, was up from $1.58 billion, or $1.72 per share, a year earlier.

The company, which provides hardware, software and consulting services, now expects 2024 free cash flow to come in above $12 billion. In April, executives were calling for about $12 billion.

The company's book of business for generative artificial intelligence now stands above $2 billion, CEO Arvind Krishna was quoted as saying in the statement. The number was over $1 billion in April.

"We remain confident in the positive macro outlook for technology spending," Krishna said on a conference call with analysts.

But he said the company acknowledges continuing impact from higher interest rates and inflation.

"The geopolitical uncertainty has gone longer than most people expected, and that weighs into people's heads, about what that might happen, and specifically the war in Europe, as well as the war in the Middle East," Krishna said.

IBM said its software business brought in revenue of $6.74 billion, up 7% and more than the StreetAccount consensus of $6.49 billion.

The consulting unit contributed $5.18 billion in revenue. That was down 0.9% and below the $5.23 billion StreetAccount consensus.

IBM's infrastructure segment that contains mainframe computers posted $3.65 billion in revenue, up 0.8% and higher than the $3.51 billion consensus. The revenue performance for the current z16 mainframe computer is still outperforming earlier cycles, said IBM's finance chief, Jim Kavanaugh.

During the quarter, IBM announced its intent to acquire HashiCorp in a deal with a $6.4 billion enterprise value. IBM also said Palo Alto Networks had agreed to buy IBM's QRadar cloud software and migrate customers to the Cortex Xsiam product. Additionally, IBM announced plans for data center infrastructure in Montreal.

Notwithstanding Wednesday's after-hours move, IBM shares are up 14% year to date, in line with the S&P 500.

WATCH: Palo Alto Networks and IBM partnering to monitor and manage cybersecurity threats
The Imperial Towers twin towers residential skyscrapers and business district development in Tardeo South Mumbai, India. Tim Graham | Getty Images

India "clearly has a problem" figuring out new drivers for its economic growth even as its economy expands at a fast pace, JPMorgan's Jahangir Aziz said, following the country's union budget. "If you look at India over the last two years post the pandemic, recorded growth has been strong. But if you look at the drivers of growth, it's essentially these two: Public infrastructure and services export," Aziz, chief emerging markets economist at JPM, told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" on Tuesday. The country's finance minister on Tuesday said capital expenditure for fiscal year 2025 will be 11.11 trillion Indian rupees ($133.9 billion)  or 3.4% of GDP  backing India's ambitions to enhance its physical and digital infrastructure as it strives to become a developed nation by 2047. According to estimates by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's services exports will likely hit $30.3 billion in June, compared with $27.8 billion in the same month last year.

watch now

"Services export is sort of stabilizing at a high level, it isn't growing as fast as it was a couple years back," Aziz said, adding that the government should focus on increasing private investments and boosting consumption. "It is going to be very difficult for India to keep sustaining the 6% to 7% growth rate just on public infrastructure and on services export  The question is, can India broaden its growth drivers to consumption, but more importantly private investment? We haven't seen that happen in a long, long time." India's chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said Monday that the economy is expected to grow at 6.5% to 7% in financial year 2025, lower than the Reserve Bank of India's 7.2% growth forecast. According to the International Monetary Fund's latest World Economic Outlook, the country's growth is predicted to decline to 6.5% in 2025. Although India's large youth population is steering the country toward becoming the world's third largest consumer market by 2027, consumption is unlikely to increase if high unemployment stands in the way, warned Raghuram Rajan, professor at the University of Chicago Booth School and former governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

watch now
Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., center, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Elon Musk made a surprise appearance in Washington Wednesday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress, attending the event as Netanyahu's guest.

Musk sat in Netanyahu's private box in the visitors gallery above the House floor, alongside Netanyahu's wife Sara, several Israeli soldiers and at least one former hostage of Hamas.

The Tesla Motors CEO's visit to Capitol Hill came a day after he announced on X that his satellite internet company Starlink had been activated in a Gaza hospital, with the support of Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Nine months into the Israel-Hamas war and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Netanyahu's speech has become a lightning rod of controversy, triggering an eruption of protests in Washington.

Shortly before Netanyahu was scheduled to begin speaking, U.S. Capitol Police announced they were "deploying pepper spray" against protesters who had "started to become violent" close to the Capitol.

Netanyahu scolded the protesters in his speech, calling them "Iran's useful idiots."

"These protesters chant from river to the sea, but many don't have a clue what river and what sea they're talking about." Netanyahu said.

More than 30 members of Congress did not attend Netanyahu's address, many of them skipping the event in protest of the Israeli prime minister's approach to the Israel-Hamas war.

One of Netanyahu's most vocal opponents in Congress, however, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., did attend the speech. At several points, Tlaib held up a sign that read "War Criminal." The clear breach of House decorum reflects the deep and painful divisions in Congress over the prime minister's leadership.
Tesla China sales fell by 5.4% in the first half of the year, although the company retained third place in new energy vehicle sales, behind BYD and Geely, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

BEIJING  Tesla CEO Elon Musk has again touted the impending rollout of advanced driver-assist software in China, after reporting another quarter of disappointing earnings.

Since last year, driver-assist has become a selling point for cars in China's fiercely competitive electric car market. Chinese authorities have also started to support the use of limited driver-assist technologies on the road for some companies.

Tesla's Autopilot for navigating on highways is available locally, but not Full Self-Driving, which uses cameras and artificial intelligence to enable cars to automatically park, change lanes and slow down at stop signs. FSD is an upgrade to Tesla's Autopilot driver assistant. For interested customers, Tesla has offered a limited version of its FSD technology in China for years.

"Pretty soon, we will ask for regulatory approval of the Tesla-supervised FSD in Europe, China and other countries. And I think we are likely to receive that before the end of the year," Musk said on a second-quarter earnings call Wednesday Beijing time. That's according to a FactSet transcript.

Musk has a long history of promising investors that futuristic Tesla products or services will be ready soon, even if they do not exist beyond a design concept. During the latest earnings call he announced Tesla's robotaxi event would be postponed to October, after previously saying it would be held in August.
In this photo illustration the stock market information of NextEra Energy, Inc. seen displayed on a smartphone with NextEra Energy, Inc. logo in the background. Igor Goloniov | LightRocket | Getty Images

Renewable energy demand will triple over the next seven years as data center growth accelerates to facilitate the proliferation of artificial intelligence, NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum said Wednesday. NextEra added 3,000 megawatts of renewable and storage projects to its order backlog in the second quarter. Of those, 860 megawatts  or 28%  come from agreements with Google to power the tech company's data centers. "This marks our second best origination quarter ever," Ketchum told analysts on the company's earnings call Wednesday. "These results support our belief that the bulk of the growth demand will be met by a combination of renewables and battery storage." NextEra's business with tech and data center customers currently stands at seven gigawatts of renewable assets in operation and in backlog, said Brian Bolster, NextEra's chief financial officer. NextEra stock was up 3.5% in early afternoon trading. It is the largest power company in the S&P utilities sector by market capitalization and operates the largest renewable portfolio in the U.S. Shares have gained 24% year to date and 12% over the last three months, as investor enthusiasm over the company's position to meet growing U.S. power demand.

Surging power demand

NextEra expects power demand to grow four times faster over the next decades compared to the prior 20 years on demand from data center, manufacturing and the electrification of the economy, Ketchum said. Consulting firm Rystad Energy recently forecast that data centers and the adoption of electric vehicles alone will result in additional 290 terawatt hours of electricity demand in the U.S. by 2030. That's equivalent to the entire power demand of Turkey, according to Rystad. Executives at some of the biggest utilities in the U.S. have warned that failure to meet this demand will jeopardize the nation's economic growth. Rebecca Kujawa, CEO of NextEra Energy Resources, a subsidiary NextEra Energy, said it will take time to nail down concrete numbers on exactly how much demand is coming from data centers in particular. "But there is no escaping the fact that these are very large numbers and numbers that I don't think any utility across the industry has seen before," Kujawa said Wednesday. "From a practical standpoint, it's going to take a couple of years for this really to materialize and utilities to be able to absorb it and serve it."

Renewables cheaper, faster than gas
Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) were rocked by geopolitical developments from the U.S. last week, even as the firm reported earnings that beat expectations. TSMC and other semiconductor shares fell last Wednesday after reports of potentially tighter restrictions surfaced. Bloomberg on Wednesday reported that the Biden administration is considering a wide-sweeping rule to clamp down on companies exporting their critical chipmaking equipment to China. China accounted for 16% of TSMC's net revenue in the second quarter of 2024  up from 9% in the first quarter, according to TSMC's second-quarter earnings report. Revenue from North America took up 65%, according to the report. And in an interview published Tuesday, former President Donald Trump said Taiwan should pay the U.S. for defense, also claiming that Taiwan took "about 100%" of America's semiconductor business. On Thursday, TSMC reported second-quarter earnings that beat revenue and profit expectations . The firm's shares overall lost about 6.7% last week as of July 19's close. Where is the stock headed? CNBC Pro takes a look at what Wall Street is saying. Price target hikes for TSMC Over July 18 and 19, after those developments, 22 of 42 analysts who cover TSMC's Taiwan-listed shares hiked their price targets for the stock, according to FactSet. None reduced or left the price target unchanged. Analysts gave the stock potential upside of 30.5% based on the consensus price target. TSMC's shares are also listed in the U.S. Needham, which hiked its price target for the U.S.-listed shares of TSMC from $168 to $210 in a July 15 note, said it expects the firm's foundry business to strengthen as it does "not foresee a competitive challenge for the next several years." "Capital efficiency has been a top focus for TSMC, and all signs indicate that the capital discipline will continue into 2025," said Needham analysts, who predicted TSMC's free cash flow from 2023 to 2025 is set to quadruple. That could mean more upside to dividend increases, they said. Morningstar said in a note that Trump's negative Taiwan comments and the report on possible new export restrictions should have limited direct impact on TSMC  as most of its direct customers are from the U.S. or Taiwan. "We see this week's pullback as an entry point for investors seeking an inexpensive way to gain exposure to artificial intelligence and overall semiconductor growth," it said in the July 19 note. "Management said the shortage of advanced packaging capacity for AI chips should persist throughout 2025. We believe the risk of oversupply is still modest, as non-AI-related expansion plans are largely unchanged," Morningstar added. Morgan Stanley, however, sounded a negative note. It removed TSMC  among other stocks  from its focus lists. It remained overweight on TSMC, however.  CNBC's Michael Bloom and Arjun Kharpal contributed to this report.
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Android security step #9: Assess your password management system

Googles password manager is better than nothing, but youll get stronger security assurances, more advanced and useful features, and broader support for in-app password filling by using a dedicated password management service.

Weve got some commendable Android password manager choices, too, with my own current recommendations revolving around 1Password for most people and Bitwarden for anyone who needs a free path or prefers a self-hosted setup. Both services work equally well on the desktop front and even on iOS, with the main differences revolving around cost, extra features, interfaces, and the resulting overall user experiences.

If you arent using one of those services, nows the time to start. And if you are already using such a service, take a few minutes now to peek into the apps settings and make sure youre taking advantage of all the on-device protection it offers. With 1Password, for example, you should confirm that the app is set to be protected by either biometric security or a password and that its configured to automatically lock within a few minutes after you stop using it. The app can also automatically clear your system clipboard of any passwords you copy after 90 seconds, which is a smart pinch of added protection to have. (All of those options are in the Security section of 1Passwords settings.)

Like Google, most good password managers also now provide an option to analyze all of your passwords and identify any that would be advisable to change  ones that are duplicated or otherwise not as strong as they could be. Thats another smart thing to check up on as part of this annual audit.

Android security step #10: Evaluate your two-factor authentication situation

A single password isnt enough to protect an important account these days  especially one as wide-reaching and valuable as your Google account. Two-factor authentication makes it so that you have to either confirm the sign-in on an approved physical device or put in a special time-sensitive code in addition to your password anytime you try to sign in. That significantly increases your level of security and decreases the odds of anyone ever being able to break in and access your personal data, since theyd need both knowledge of your password and the physical presence of your key-like device to do it.

If you dont yet have two-factor authentication enabled for your Google account, head over to this site to get started. And dont stop with just Google, either: Look into enabling two-factor authentication on any service that offers it, including your password manager, your social media accounts, and any non-Google cloud storage services that you use.

If you really want to keep your account secure, Google also offers a souped-up option called Advanced Protection. It requires you to purchase physical security keys and then use those anytime you sign into your Google account. It also severely limits the ways in which third-party apps can connect to your account. That sort of elevated and locked-down setup probably wont be sensible for most folks, but if you feel like you need the extra protection, you can learn more and enroll here.

Android security step #11: Optimize your lock screen security

Your lock screen is the guard of your Android devices gate  and there are a few things you can do to beef up its muscle and make sure its fully prepared for the job.

First, think about the types of notifications you get and how much of that info you want to be visible on your lock screen  since anyone who gets their hands on your phone could easily see all that data. If you tend to get sensitive messages or just want to step up your security and privacy game a notch, head into the Display section of your system settings and select Lock screen  or, if youre using a Samsung phone, look in the separate Lock Screen section of your system settings instead.

There, youll find tools for controlling precisely what will and wont be shown in that pre-authentication area as well as for creating a security-minded message thatll always appear on your lock screen  for instance, something like: If found, please call Joe T. Schmo at 333-222-1111. You could even consider adding an emergency contact into your settings and then using the lock screen message to direct people to that information.

Androids lock screen security options are well worth your while to explore. JR Raphael, IDG

And finally, provided your phone is running Android 9 or higher, an option called lockdown mode is well worth your while to activate or just remind yourself about. Lockdown mode gives you a fast way to lock your phone down from all biometric and Smart Lock/Extend Unlock security options  meaning only a pattern, PIN, or password could get a person past your lock screen and into your device.

The idea is that if you were ever in a situation where you thought you might be forced to unlock your phone with your fingerprint or face  be it by some sort of law enforcement agent or just by a regular ol hooligan  you could activate the lockdown mode and know your data couldnt be accessed without your explicit permission. Even notifications wont show up on your lock screen when that mode is activated, and that heightened level of protection will remain in place until you manually unlock your phone (even if the device is restarted).

Theres just one catch: On some devices  including Samsung phones  its up to you to enable the option ahead of time in order for it to be available. But doing so takes only a couple of seconds: Search your system settings for lockdown and then look for the toggle to enable it. (If you dont see any such option at all, odds are, youre using a Google Pixel phone and/or a recent enough Android version that its just on and enabled by default.)

Then, if the need ever arises, remember this: In your phones power menu, along with the regular options for restarting and shutting down your device, youll always find a button to activate that Lockdown function. Hopefully, youll never need it  but now youre ready in case you do.

And with that, guess what? Youre more than halfway done with this annual checkup. Not too painful so far, right? Only seven more steps to go

Part III: Device access

Android security step #12: Clean up your list of connected devices

Anytime you sign into a new device with your Google account  be it an Android phone, a Chromebook, or even just the Chrome browser on a regular PC  that device is added to an approved-for-access list and associated with your account.

Click over to this page in Googles security settings and give your list a once-over. If you see any old devices you no longer use, click on em and then click the Sign Out button that pops up to make sure they no longer have access to your account. And if you see any devices youve never used, remove em right away  and then go change your Google account password immediately.

Android security step #13: Clean up your devices in the Play Store

This one isnt directly related to security, but its a good bit of housekeeping to perform while youve got your cleaning hat on: Head over to the Google Play Store Devices tab and look at your list of available devices. These are the devices that show up as options every time you install a new app from the Play Store web interface  and also the devices that show up as options in Googles Find My Device utility (more on that in a sec).

Go ahead and uncheck the box next to Show in menus for any devices you no longer use. And if you see any devices with cryptic codenames, click the Edit button alongside em and rename em to something youll recognize.

Some devices have cryptic names like Samsungs SM-S921U, but you can rename or hide em entirely with a couple quick clicks. JR Raphael, IDG

The next time you download an app or remotely locate one of your devices will be a much smoother experience as a result.

Android security step #14: Make sure your device is prepared for the worst

Speaking of remote location, you might not realize it, but Google has its own utility for tracking, finding, and remotely wiping an Android device in case you ever lose it  and the whole system is built right into the operating system.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure all of your phones, tablets, and other associated devices are enrolled now, before its too late. Just follow my quick n simple Find My Device setup instructions for any device youve got on or around ye.

Now bookmark the web version of Find My Device and/or download the app on a Chromebook or any other Android-compatible device you own. If you ever cant find any of your devices, open the service  and youll be able to pinpoint precisely where the missing gadget was last seen. You can also force most phones or tablets to ring as well as remotely lock or erase em entirely.

Android security step #15: Think about whether you should be using a VPN

No matter how secure your Android phone itself is, someone could theoretically still snoop on your sensitive info if youre transmitting it over an insecure network. Thats where virtual private networks, or VPNs, come into play: They encrypt all of your incoming and outgoing data so that no one could intercept it and see what youre doing at the network level.

VPNs arent something everyone needs to worry about, but if you use your phone for a fair amount of business work or with any other type of sensitive material, its something you ought to at the very least consider  particularly if you use a lot of open Wi-Fi networks, where snooping can be a genuine concern (at least, in scenarios where a site or services traffic isnt already encrypted).

So where to start? Well, first, some companies provide their own custom VPN services for employees. If thats the case for you, congratulations! Youre already all set.

If youre using the Google Fi wireless service, the answer is similarly simple: Fi now provides an option to automatically encrypt all of your network connections via Googles VPN service. All youve gotta do is activate it.

The same goes for Pixel phones, which come with Googles own VPN service as a free and readily available option.

Otherwise, youll have to turn to a third-party Android VPN service in order to gain that added level of protection.

Part IV: Big-picture thinking

Android security step #16: Make sure youve done your virtual estate planning

Weve got one more bit of what if preparation to address  and its slightly unpleasant to think about: If something bad were ever to happen to you, would you want someone else to be able to access your Google account and all the data associated with your devices? With a company-controlled account, its less of a worry. But if youre using a personal Google account and/or maintaining your own Workspace setup for a small business, you dont want to let that go unaddressed. Take a moment to prepare for the possibility now, and itll make things infinitely easier for your friends or loved ones in the event that you ever develop a mild case of, erm, death.

Its actually pretty painless to do (the preparation, that is  not the death): Just go to this page and make sure youve set up Googles Inactive Account Manager. That system detects when your account has been inactive for a certain period of time  three months, six months, a year, or a year and a half, depending on your preference  and then notifies a trusted contact of your choosing and provides them with whatever level of access you want. You can even set up an auto-reply to kick in for your Gmail (creepy!), and you can tell Google to delete a personal account altogether after a specific amount of time has passed.

Inactive Account Manager is designed to be extraordinarily cautious, with numerous fail-safes in place  including an option to try to contact you via SMS and email a month before your inactivity plan goes into action.

Googles Inactive Account Manager is an important element of security for any personal Google account. JR Raphael, IDG

Some other services, including 1Password, offer similar systems for setting up emergency access to your account in an extreme situation. Theres also a clever free (and open source!) service called WeExpire that lets you create secure dockets of info that can be shared via QR code in a similar sort of way.

Its a strange part of security to consider, but  just like with every other area weve discussed so far  its something worth thinking about and preparing for before the need arises.

Android security step #17: Perform a general Google security check to round things out

Take a deep breath: Were almost done! This next-to-last step will take you through a broad security check thatll look for any remaining weak points in your Google account and Android security and then prompt you to fix em right then and there.

Just go to this Google security site and click through any issues it presents. Itll confirm that youve successfully performed some of the actions weve already discussed and then look for any other potential red flags or opportunities for improvement.

Consider it your confirmation that your personal security setup is A-OK.

Android security step #18: Think carefully about third-party security suites

Last but not least: Now that youve made sure your Android security situation is shipshape, think about any third-party security suites youre using (whether you installed em yourself or they came preinstalled on your phone or tablet) and what theyre actually adding to your device.

Youve already verified that your device is protected. Android is actively scanning for threats on several levels, both on the server side at the Play Store and on your phone as new apps arrive (from any source) and continuing over time. Plus, youre exercising basic smarts about what apps you download. The operating system could even be looking out for phishing scams, and the Chrome Android browser is keeping an eye out for web-based threats as well.

Beyond all of that, your devices are all enrolled in a sophisticated cross-platform system for remotely tracking, pinging, and erasing as needed. And all of that is happening on the native platform level.

So given those layers, is the third-party security suite on your phone doing anything that isnt redundant and unnecessary? Its probably eating up system resources and impacting performance for no real reason  and quite likely also costing you money you dont need to be spending  but is it actually accomplishing anything of value that Android itself isnt already handling in a more direct manner?

Unless youre relying on the app for supplementary services like added anti-theft detection and payment protection, the answer is almost certainly no. If having an extra security layer makes you feel safer, hey, do what works for you. But if youve completed every step of this checkup, theres really no reason you need it  and every reason to send it packing. (To be clear, there are plenty of privacy and security apps that could be worth your while; they just arent the silly, bloated device-scanning suites that are so popular among folks who dont know better.)

And with that, my fellow Android-adoring security-seeker, your checkup is complete. All thats left is to set yourself a reminder to revisit these same steps this time next year. The areas weve just covered are constantly evolving, and giving yourself an annual once-over is the best way to ensure youre always in tip-top shape.

Get six full days of advanced Android knowledge with my free Android Shortcut Supercourse. Youll learn tons of time-saving tricks for your phone!
Regulatory authorities in the EU, UK and US have signed a joint statement to ensure effective competition in the AI sector, according Reuters. In the statement, they write that generative AI (genAI) has developed rapidly in recent years and that technological inflection points can introduce new ways to compete, innovate, grow, and catalyze opportunities.

The three parties also pledged that they will work together under their respective laws to ensure that the AI market remains competitive and that both consumers and businesses are treated fairly.

This includes fair treatment, prevention of exclusionary tactics, and close scrutiny of investments and collaborations between todays AI bigwigs and rising upstarts in the market.
As a resident of New York City, I have a healthy respect for the combined power of vermin. All you need to do is see one metal dumpster shake to realize that rodents are nothing to be trifled with. Apparently, thats also a lesson that the airlines of the world have learned, as it turns out that even a single mouse or rat onboard is an immediate no-go.

After all, one of the most important things about a plane is that it works, and a mouse or rats tenacious teeth and deep desire to dine on wires stands in direct opposition to that. And so, if youre unlucky enough to share a plane cabin with one of these little guys, youre going nowhere fast.

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To that end, here are five flights that were stopped dead in their tracks by rodent passengers

5 An Alaska Airlines Flight From Oakland to Portland Pixabay A flight scheduled to take 110 passengers from Oakland, California to Portland, Oregon was boarding per usual, when an unticketed passenger suddenly cut in line. Specifically, a rat that was spotted jumping from the jetway onto the plane, right along with the usual throng of travelers. If the rat was hoping to head north, it was out of luck. The entire plane was deboarded and rebooked, and the plane was shut down until an exterminator could certify all rat souls had perished.

4 An Air India Flight From Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam Theres nothing worse than a delay when youre already on the tarmac. Unfortunately, the rat at fault in this flight delay wasnt spotted embarking like the previous one, but only shortly before takeoff. That single gray blur between seats meant nobody was going anywhere. All passengers were forced to return to the terminal and disembark. The plane would eventually take off more than eight hours later, after the rat was removed, the cabin was fumigated and an inspection of important wires was conducted to make sure that none of them had become a snack. The insult to injury? It was a 6 a.m. flight, meaning everybody onboard was probably already pissed off and/or had somewhere they needed to be that day. Advertisement

3 A British Airways Flight From London to San Francisco Pixabay If youre headed from London to San Francisco, youre already in for a doozy of a travel day. Thats an 11-hour flight when everything goes swimmingly. Like the last entry, the passengers were moments from being on their way when someone spotted a little critter in a doorway. This forced the crew to take to the radio and inform the passengers that they were not permitted to fly with a mouse, to which Im sure some responded, Well, I sure would like to. Advertisement

2 A British Airways Flight From London to New York Advertisement Im not sure what it is about British Airways flights that seem to attract so many mice. Youd think theyd choose one with better food. But I digress  this time around, another Heathrow rat attempted to cross the Atlantic, causing an incredible amount of inconvenience in the process. Sadly, there is no investigative reporting on whether it may have been the work of the same rat, who just really hated England. This mouse had a particularly outsized effect, given that the full flight contained 350 passengers, all of whom were informed that they wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.
After fighting to secure healthcare and compensation for first responders, Stewart says that the VA is ignoring the needs of veterans deployed in the first few weeks post-9/11

America vowed to never forget 9/11, but we never said anything about the first responders and soldiers we sent to clean it up.

That disappointing truth has been a thorn in Jon Stewarts side in the nearly 23 years since the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 unified the country against an enemy that we wouldnt manage to identify until the following month with the invasion of Afghanistan. From there, the War on Terror began in earnest and America focused its attention on overseas conflict while categorically ignoring the brave men and women who jumped into action on 9/11 and in the immediate days thereafter, unless there was a photo opportunity to lay wreaths on their memorials.

It took Congress 18 years to permanently secure compensation for 9/11 first responders who struggled with health complications as a result of their heroic acts on September 11th, and it took a legendary reaming by Stewart during a congressional hearing for proponents of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to finally defeat the staunchly opposed Republican holdouts who had spent nearly two decades glorifying the deeds of dead firemen and police officers while purposefully preventing those still living with the impact of 9/11 from receiving proper care.

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After Stewart stood up for first responders and defeated Mitch McConnell and his cronies in 2019, many citizens and lawmakers thought that his campaign to secure healthcare for these heroes was over. Unfortunately, America and its leaders forgot about the first soldiers deployed in the weeks following 9/11 whom they sent to a base in Uzbekistan that was contaminated with uranium and their radiation-related illnesses that went uncovered by subsequent healthcare bills to this day. But Stewart didn't.

Right now, the part-time Daily Show host is petitioning the Biden administration to close a loophole in its massive veterans aid bill called the PACT Act, which passed in 2022 and addressed many of the health issues suffered by veterans deployed to the Karshi-Khanabad airbase in Uzbekistan, or K2, in the weeks following 9/11. Critically, however, the PACT Act didnt include provisions for the special operations forces who suffered from exposure to highly radioactive uranium powder found uncontained at K2 who later reported complex medical conditions connected to radiation exposure.

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Imagine youre stationed inside the meth lab on Breaking Bad, Stewart explained to the Associated Press in a recent interview. These guys were exposed to a toxic soup of basically an exploded chemicals and nuclear weapon facility.

Veterans of K2 have been asking that the Department of Veterans Affairs address the medical issues they now suffer as a result of the irresponsible exposure of active military members to radioactive materials for years, but the agency claims that its still gathering information on the issue before making a decision about whether or not those veterans deserve coverage for their complications. All presumptive conditions established by the VA, rather than by legislation, require a factual rationale, argued VA spokesman Terrence Hayes.

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Though Stewart says that the PACT Act was an immense improvement in K2 veterans fight for proper healthcare, he maintains that the battle is far from over. The worst part about it is, those years when theyre sickest, being spent in anxiety and struggle against a system thats somehow set up to be antagonistic, Stewart explained. I dont know why its an adversarial system in any way, shape or form. But that seems to be the uphill climb that everybody has to go through to try and get either the benefits or the healthcare that theyve earned.

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The health and well-being of these veterans wouldnt be contingent on another congressional hearing in any just society, but, if it comes to that, Stewarts teeth are plenty sharp from the last one.
Having just won an enormous majority, you might expect Labour MPs to be pulling determinedly in the same direction to implement their political agenda.

Instead, the first cracks are already appearing in party unity.

On the election trail, Sir Keir Starmer assured voters he would not break the bank with a splurge of reckless spending.

He pledged to protect the nations finances by sticking to strict fiscal restraints.

The problem is many Labour MPs care little for such responsibility  they just want to raid the public purse.

Sir Keir Starmer holding his first press conference as Prime Minister since his 'loveless' landslide victory which saw Labour walk away with 412 out 650 seats

Britain's new leader and his wife - Lady Victoria Starmer - were all smiles as they waved to the public before entering No 10 on July 5

So the Prime Ministers decision not to immediately abolish the two-child benefit cap has brought a predictable outpouring of hysteria from the Left.

This Coalition-era policy limits Universal Credit to a familys first two children. While voters overwhelmingly support the measure, some blame it for impoverishing families.

One Labour MP melodramatically says the policy is tantamount to social cleansing.

This has given Sir Keir a painful headache. Last night, after the first revolt of his premiership, he removed the whip from seven rebels who voted for the cap to be axed.

They have presented it as a straight moral choice  scrap the restriction and show you care, or keep it and show you dont. Such a caricature of this issue is crude and unfair.

Everybody wants to reduce child poverty. But we simply cannot afford to add billions to the already astronomical welfare bill.

Nobody is arguing parents should not have more than two children. If they choose to, though, why should the hard-pressed taxpayer have to fund it?

The cap incentivises people to find work. The surest way to alleviate child poverty is through wages, not welfare dependency.

Sir Keir has shown a troubling tendency to cave in when faced with difficulty or discontent. If the benefits rebellion grows, he must continue to face it down.

The couple were clapped by staff as they crossed climbed the steps into the historic building on Downing Street

Labours cynical lies

Another day, another cynical attempt by Labour to suggest the Tories left the country in a worse state than they actually did.

This time, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has bemoaned the dire inheritance shes been handed.

Yes, millions are on long-term sick. But the unemployment rate is half what it was when Gordon Brown left office in 2010.

Ms Kendall has taken her lead from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who insists the Government is facing the worst economic circumstances since the Second World War  an assertion that is demonstrably false.

Labour is trying to set in stone a narrative that the Tories have broken the nation.

But voters arent fools. And they are quick to punish politicians who tell them lies.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves arriving at 10 Downing Street, following the results of the election, on July 5, 2024

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall leaves Downing Street after attending Cabinet meeting on July 16

BBCs big turn-off

The BBCs annual report reveals a staggering half a million households cancelled their licence fee last year.

That people are switching off in their droves might surprise the Corporations executives, but to everyone else its evident why.

The broadcaster is increasingly out of touch with its core audience, representing instead a self-styled metropolitan elite and imposing a woke liberal agenda which is worlds away from the realities of life.

BBC Director General Tim Davie was the highest paid executive, but his pay did not rise this year

New talent pay figures released today show that Huw Edwards, 62, saw his pay increase shoot up from up to 439,999 to up to 479,999 in the year ending April 2024

Meanwhile, director-general Tim Davie describes the colossal pay packets given to the BBCs preening stars (including shamed presenter Huw Edwards) as very judicious.

Hard-pressed viewers, forced on pain of prosecution to pay 169.50 a year for a TV licence, may see it as a kick in the teeth.
The sprawling abode features a modernist facade and the interior embraces traditional wood-cabin decor

Burt, who tragically died in 2018, purchased the property after falling in love with the area during filming

The stunning mountainside home in Highlands, North Carolina, boasts four bedrooms and six bathrooms

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A mountainside home once owned by the late Burt Reynolds has sold for a whopping $2.9 million - with the stunning abode situated near the filming location of an iconic scene in 1972 backwoods thriller Deliverance.

Located in Highlands, North Carolina, the four-bedroom, six-bathroom property is about an hour's drive away from the town of Sylva.

It was Sylva that served as the backdrop of the pivotal opening sequence in Deliverance, in which the four main characters, all businessmen from Atlanta, encounter a rundown town while en route to kick off a canoe trip on a nearby river.

It's also where the cinematically lauded 'dueling banjos' segment took place, in which businessman Drew (Robby Cox) and a local inbred boy (Billy Redden) engage in an impromptu banjo jam session.

A home in Highlands, North Carolina, that once belonged to Burt Reynolds was sold for nearly $3 million dollars, a half-century after the actor first acquired the property

Burt's performance in 1972's backwoods thriller Deliverance made him a household name

As for Burt, his career had been on the rise since his breakout role in 1962 Western TV series Gunsmoke.

But his performance as macho businessman Lewis Medlock in Deliverance finally made him a household name.

Other notable appearances later on included The Longest Yard, Boogie Nights and The Smokey and the Bandit trilogy.

Tragically, in 2018, Burt - who built up a portfolio of 14 properties - died of a heart attack at the age of 82.

It's reported that Burt, along with ex-wife Loni Anderson, originally bought the property while shooting Deliverance in North Carolina, having fallen in love with the area.

The home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protege Jim Fox and completed the same year that Deliverance premiered.

Inside, each room is decorated in a typical log cabin style, with wooden ceilings and walls encompassing every nook and cranny.

Even the bed frames were carved out of tree trunks.

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protege Jim Fox, the rural abode features a modernist facade

Much of the interior features wood beams, conjuring a traditional cabin aesthetic

The sunken living room, believed to have once hosted stars such as Sally Field and James Garner, comes with a large stone fireplace

The house offers an open-plan kitchen connected to the dining area

Outside the house is a wrap-around porch offering sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains

The porch also offers an area for al fresco dining

There's also an additional seating area on the porch tucked into the mountainside

A waterfall gives way to a small pond in the grounds of the stunning four-bedroom property

Because the home is nestled deep in the mountains, privacy is always assured

A sunken living room, believed to have once hosted stars such as Sally Field and James Garner, is flanked by a regal stone fireplace.

In the open-plan kitchen and dining room, bizarrely shaped walls - accompanied by artwork and rustic chandeliers - make the home a masterpiece in its own right.

There's also a games room with a billiards table and another living room nook.

The master bathroom gives way to sweeping views of the environs and another offers a natural stone shower.

The picturesque view over the Blue Ridge Mountains and trees can be admired from nearly any point around the home.

Its facade reflects a modernist influence on the architecture, a moderating contrast with the traditional cabin aesthetic.

A wrap-around porch also holds a separate al fresco seating, an outdoor dining area as well as a tranquil waterfall running into a small pond.

Because the hone is nestled in deep in the rural surroundings, privacy is always ensured.

The house boasts four bedrooms and six bathrooms

Even the bedframes were carved out of tree trunks from the surrounding area

The master bathroom has sweeping views of the surrounding environment

One of the six bathrooms boasts a stunning piece de resistance in the form of a natural stone shower

The previous owners, who moved in sometime after Burt sold it, lived there for 23 years and spent their time enhancing the home, including adding an in-ground heated plunge pool, serving bar and wine cellar.

Located in the Nantahala National Forest, the small town of Highlands has only 1,000 residents.

With Nashville, Charleston and Charlotte all only a short drive away, there's an endless amount of activities waiting.

Steve Martin, Stephen King and Nicole Kidman are also said to have homes nearby.

The listing was sold by Jody Lovell at Sotheby's International Realty in late July, after a brief time on the market.
Friends of the Kennedys have laid bare details of a fierce family feud, revealing Caroline Kennedy didn't think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was 'good enough' for her brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., because she had an 'upper-middle-class' upbringing.

When news hit that JFK Jr. was dating Calvin Klein's director of publicity Carolyn, the entire world was captivated.

While a star-struck media covered their every single move, there was one person who didn't approve of the pairing: JFK Jr.'s older sister, Caroline.

According to friends, Caroline - who is now the United States ambassador to Australia - refused to accept her brother's new romance, and even after they married, it was clear that she wasn't too fond of the fashion guru.

JFK Jr.'s pal Sasha Chermayeff revealed in the new book, JFK Jr.: An Intimate Biography, that Caroline didn't like that Carolyn came from an 'upper-middle-class background that wasn't blue blood.'

Caroline Kennedy didn't think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was 'good enough' for her brother JFK Jr., who is seen here with Carolyn, Caroline, and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg

According to friends of the late couple, Caroline refused to accept her brother's new romance until the wedding, and even after they tied the knot, she wasn't too fond of Carolyn

'Carolyn was beautiful, intense, funny, smart, but if you could pick on her for one thing, it would be that she came from... a Connecticut upper-middle-class background that wasn't blue blood,' Sasha wrote.

'It became clear to me that Caroline was not going to accept Carolyn until the very last minute, until she had no choice - until she was standing at the f**king altar and there's no doubt whatsoever [that she was] in the family.'

Sasha said Caroline found her husband's sister to be 'condescending,' adding, 'I don't think there was much love lost between [Carolyn] and Caroline.'

Steven M. Gillon, who previously studied JFK Jr.'s life in detail for his own book, America's Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr., agrees with the author.

'Caroline did not think Carolyn was good enough for John - she and [husband Edwin Schlossberg] just found her temperamental and selfish,' he said.

He recalled a time when the two couples met up to celebrate Christmas together - but Caroline was left feeling 'disrespected' after Carolyn and Ed left the get together early.

'Carolyn was so concerned [about impressing Caroline] and she had all these gifts for them,' Steven shared.

'They go over and Caroline and Ed left within an hour to go to some sporting event or something. Carolyn thought that was so disrespectful.'

JFK Jr.'s pal Sasha Chermayeff revealed in a new tome that Caroline didn't like that Carolyn came from an 'upper-middle-class background.' JFK Jr. and Caroline are seen as kids

Sasha said Caroline found her husband's sister to be 'condescending,' adding, 'I don't think there was much love lost between [Carolyn] and Caroline.' The couple pictured in 1999

There were also growing tensions between JFK Jr. and Caroline's husband Ed.

They allegedly fought over an auction that John Jr. was planning to sell 'his mother's goods after she died.'

'They needed to pay taxes - a lot of money - on Martha's Vineyard, so they needed to sell a lot of items,' Steven said.

'John wanted a private auction - he didn't want the media attention of a public auction.

According to the book, there were also growing tensions between JFK Jr. and Caroline's husband, Ed. Ed is seen with Caroline last year

'Ed thought a public auction would raise more money, and rightly so. What John resented was that Ed was making the decision - he believed that he and Caroline were the only people who should make decisions related to the family.

'And he resented that Caroline delegated some of that responsibility to Ed.'

Steve said John Jr. also 'flipped out' after Ed volunteered him to narrate an HBO documentary about his dad, late President John F. Kennedy, on the anniversary of his assassination.

'John was made because they had basically proposed him as the narrator, without asking him,' RoseMarie Terenzio, JFK Jr.'s former assistant, added.

JFK Jr.'s friend Rob Littell said the budding attorney felt like Ed was 'milking the family name.'

Sasha also interjected: 'John thought Ed was entitled, and he was driving a wedge between him and his sister.

'John was so close with his sister, and then they were not speaking. Up until that point, nobody drove a wedge between John and his sister, and John resented the hell out of that.

'Carolyn was like, "F**k them. They belittle you, they boss you around." She was going to amp that up, because her thing was protection.

'John was sticking with Carolyn. Caroline was sticking with Ed. The rift was a deep wound.'

Throughout the tome, friends also revealed the hilarious way JFK Jr.'s aunt Lee Radziwill got back at him and Carolyn after they failed to invite her to their wedding. She's seen in 1976

His assistant said Lee (seen here with JFK Jr.'s mom) gave the couple 'scrunchies and hair clips' for Christmas that year, and said, 'That was [my] f**k you for not inviting me'

JFK Jr. and Carolyn tragically passed away in a shock plane crash in 1999.

Throughout the tome, friends also revealed the hilarious way Lee Radziwill got back at JFK Jr. and Carolyn after they failed to invite her to their wedding.

The couple tied the knot in secret in September 1996, but Lee - JFK Jr.'s aunt - was not present at the nuptials.

According to RoseMarie, JFK Jr. didn't invite Lee because 'he didn't trust that she would keep the confidence.'

And the socialite made her disdain for their decision known when they met up to celebrate Christmas a few months later.

'That Christmas after the wedding, they exchanged gifts, Carolyn and Lee at their apartment,' Rose explained.

'Carolyn gave her a Hermes blanket and Carolyn opened her gift from Lee and it was a box of hair clips from Duane Reade. Scrunchies and hair clips from Duane Reade - like Goody hair clips.

'Carolyn said, "I actually think this is hysterical." [Lee] was like, "You know what that was, don't you, honey? That was [my] f**k you for not inviting me to your wedding. How dare you."

'I'm sure Lee, who was all about appearances, was embarrassed that she wasn't invited to John's wedding.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Caroline's representatives for comment.
A heartbroken father has revealed he had to identify his partner's body  on the same day he had planned to propose.

JJ Warner, 40, and Sophie Runkee, 34, from Hull, had booked a 'memory-making' holiday in Turkey earlier this month following JJ's cancer diagnosis.

The couple hoped to spend precious time with their three children, including 11-week-old Luca, Alicia, 14, Tommy, nine, before JJ's treatment began.

JJ was even planning to ask Sophie to marry him and had bought a ring from a jewellery shop near their holiday apartment. But on the evening he had planned to propose, he instead faced the devastating ordeal of formally identifying her body.

Their 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip became a nightmare after Sophie's lifeless body was found on the balcony of their hotel apartment. It is believed the mother had fallen unconscious after a night out and choked to death on her vomit.

A heartbroken father JJ Warner, 40, (right) has revealed he had to identify his partner Sophie Runkee's, 34, (left) body  on the same day he had planned to propose

JJ said: 'Sophie was the love of my life. She was a wonderful mum and was the life and soul of every room. We miss her so much.'

On July 11 Sophie and Alicia went out for some mother and daughter time, spending all night dancing together in the local bars while JJ stayed in with the boys.

He said: 'She didn't usually drink but she was worried about my cancer diagnosis, and she went out and drank far too much. It was a stress release.

'We argued about it, and she went onto the balcony to sleep it off. When we found her, she was unconscious.'

Tragically, it was Sophie's teen daughter Alicia who first stumbled across her mother's unresponsive body on the balcony.

In a desperate attempt to rescue Sophie's life, JJ rushed over, cleared her airways, and began CPR.

He miraculously managed to bring her back, but any hope was short-lived as her pulse was weak and she had to be urgently dashed to hospital.

Devastatingly, there was nothing more the doctors could do to save Sophie's life and she died just 24 hours later.

The couple had booked a 'memory-making' holiday in Turkey earlier this month following JJ's cancer diagnosis

The couple hoped to spend precious time with their three children, including 11-week-old Luca, Alicia, 14, Tommy, nine, before JJ's treatment began

JJ was even planning to ask Sophie to marry him and had bought a ring from a jewellery shop near their holiday apartment

JJ added: 'The Turkish doctors did all they could, but she passed away in hospital two days later.'

JJ and Sophie met two years ago through an online dating site and instantly fell in love.

He said: 'I had never really opened up to anyone before, but I trusted Sophie. We'd both had a lot of sadness in our past, and we bonded over that.

'She was really bubbly and chatty, and she had a heart of gold. She adored her two children.

'Once a month, we had a date night, we'd go to a spa, or we'd take the dogs out for a long walk. We just loved being together.'

Sophie gave birth to the couple's son, Luca, in April this year, and the couple settled down to family life with Sophie's son and daughter from a previous relationship. But when Luca was just four weeks old, JJ found a lump on his bottom.

He said: 'I'd had a lump removed in the past, so I was instantly worried. I went for tests, and they found more lumps in my groin and my neck. I was told the first lump was a melanoma, skin cancer, and it hit us hard.

'We booked a last-minute trip to Turkey, to cheer the kids up, and spend some quality time before my treatment began.

Their 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip became a nightmare after Sophie's lifeless body was found on the balcony of their hotel apartment

On July 11 Sophie and Alicia went out for some mother and daughter time, spending all night dancing together in the local bars while JJ stayed in with the boys

Sophie did not have any travel insurance and JJ is now faced with the unexpected hospital bills as well as the cost of getting Sophie's body back home to Hull where she can be laid to rest

Devastatingly, there was nothing more the doctors could do to save Sophie's life and she died just 24 hours later

'Our concern was how we'd manage if anything happened to me  not for a moment thinking Sophie would be the one to die.'

Sophie and JJ were due to get married in Scotland in just six weeks after bringing the wedding forward following his skin cancer diagnosis.

He said: 'We were planning to marry in Scotland early in September, but I wanted to surprise Sophie with a romantic proposal. She didn't know where or when I would do it.

'I found a jeweller near our apartment, and we picked out a ring. I planned to propose later in the holiday, and I'd confided in the kids. Sophie had no idea what day I'd choose. I wanted it to be really special, to show her what she meant to me.

'She had my initials tattooed onto her finger, which I loved.'

Eight days into the holiday, JJ took a call from his doctors informing him they suspected cancer in a second lump.

He said: 'Sophie took it really badly, she was stressed and was really worried about me. She didn't usually drink but she went out and got really drunk. I babysat, and I was annoyed when she got back. I took the baby out for a walk, to let her sober up.

'She was sleeping it off on the balcony and I made sure she was covered with a towel, and she had sunscreen on.'

Sophie and JJ were due to get married in Scotland in just six weeks after bringing the wedding forward following his skin cancer diagnosis

Sophie never regained consciousness and on the second day, the hospital told JJ nothing more could be done. He was allowed a second brief visit to say goodbye

Sophie gave birth to the couple's son, Luca, in April this year, and the couple settled down to family life with Sophie's son and daughter from a previous relationship

Sophie had JJ's initials tattooed on her ring finger which he loved, and he got the same

After Sophie passed away, JJ got a tattoo on his chest in her memory

But when JJ returned, Sophie was unconscious and had vomited.

He said: 'I began CPR, trying to save her until the paramedics arrived. She was rushed to hospital and placed in ICU in a coma. I was only allowed 5 minutes with her. I was devastated.

'I was looking after the children, trying to stay positive, but it was horrendous.'

Sophie never regained consciousness and on the second day, the hospital told JJ nothing more could be done. He was allowed a second brief visit to say goodbye.

He said: 'On the evening I was supposed to propose, I instead went to formally identify Sophie's body. It felt like a nightmare. I could not bear the thought of leaving her there on her own.

'Before we left, I had a tattoo done, in her memory, at the same studio she'd used.

'The Turkish doctors say Sophie choked on her own vomit. She had a post-mortem and I arranged to have her body brought back home.

'We're supposed to be planning our wedding, instead I'm arranging a funeral. It feels like a nightmare.

'I still have to face my cancer treatment, on my own, and look after the kids. Little Luca is a daily reminder of his mummy, and I am thankful for him. But my heart is broken. Sophie is my one true love, my soulmate, and she will live in my heart forever.'

Sophie did not have any travel insurance and JJ is now faced with the unexpected hospital bills as well as the cost of getting Sophie's body back home to Hull where she can be laid to rest.

Sophie's best friend, Jenny Phillips, has set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to support JJ and the children.
A singleton got matching tattoos with a new love interest on their first Hinge date - only for him to ghost her for 'coming on too strong' when she took a plane to his hometown to meet up for a second date.

Cora Hayes, originally from Melbourne, was backpacking across Europe when she matched with Jack online and they met up in Edinburgh, with the duo opting to get the 'exact same' lemon tattoo within 24 hours of meeting.

The pair had an 'instant connection' and decided to meet again after the 22-year-old completed her trip around England.

However, after planning a romantic getaway and forking out 140 to fly from Birmingham back to Edinburgh for the pair's second date, the retail assistant was left in a 'panic' when she was 'ghosted' just two days before the flight.

Despite not knowing anyone else in Scotland, Cora decided to fly back on 20 June anyway and heard 'absolutely nothing' from Jack, who later blamed her for 'coming on too strong'.

Cora Hayes, originally from Melbourne , Australia, was backpacking across Europe when she matched with Hinge date Jack

The pair got matching lemon tattoos, despite having only known each other for 24 hours

The 22-year-old managed to make the best out of an 'awful' situation by befriending two girls in her hostel who she convinced to get the same lemon tattoo to 'change the story'.

Taking to TikTok, Cora shared a clip explaining the situation captioned 'I cannot believe this happened', before showing the lemon tattoo and putting her hand over her mouth in disbelief.

Another clip shows the solo traveller standing in an Edinburgh hostel captioned 'currently in a hostel 17,000 kilometres away from home with nothing but the clothes on my back and this bag. Still vibing though'.

The retail assistant, who is from Melbourne, Australia, was disappointed that her four-day whirlwind romance with Jack came to an abrupt end as they had planned to visit the Scottish Highlands together.

While Jack blamed 'family issues' on cancelling their plans and ghosting her, Cora believes he was making it up as he later admitted she had 'come on too strong'.

However she believes spending four days in Scotland again without him and meeting new people was 'empowering' and says Jack will never forget her now because of the tattoo.

Cora said: 'We had an instant connection. I got along well with him and we hit it off.

'When I got to Birmingham I thought it could be something.

Despite her ordeal, Cora still made the trip to Scotland to explore the historic city of Edinburgh

Cora and her Hinge date Jack showing off their matching lemon tattoos on their first date

The 22-year-old checked into a local hostel and embarked on a solo tour of the city

Cora also took a trip to the Highlands - a destination she'd intented to explore with Hinge date Jack

'We started talking about tattoos at the bar and one of his friends was joking and saying that Jack would never get one but he said he would.

'I said I'd get one too and it became a joke of the night that we'd get one the next day.

'The next day came round and we went to a tattoo parlour and got matching tattoos of a little lemon.

There was no reason but we both agreed on the lemon and got the exact same tattoo at the same time together.

'I messaged him saying I had some spare time while travelling and that I could come back. He said 'yeah, come back. I'd love to see you again'.

'We spent the next few days planning what we were going to do. We were going to drive up to the Highlands in Scotland. We both agreed that I'd come back.

'I booked flights and during this whole thing we were in constant communication. I sent him my flight details and made sure the days worked and everything.

'Throughout that whole time we were still messaging and things were going well.'

Taking to TikTok, Cora shared a clip explaining the situation captioned 'I cannot believe this happened', before showing the lemon tattoo

The 22-year-old vowed to make the most of things and checked into a hostel in Edinburgh, sharing her journey on TikTok

In a happy ending to the story, Cora met two fellow female travellers who also got matching lemon tattoos

However, the singleton claims Jack cancelled their plans just two days before her flight, blaming it on 'family issues' before 'ghosting' her completely and leaving Cora in a 'panic' with no accommodation booked.

Cora said: 'It got to two days before I fly out and his messages started getting less frequent just randomly. No issue had happened. I sort of had an inkling.

'Then I got a message saying 'hey, I'm really sorry, family things have come up, I can't do this weekend. I hope you get home safe'.

'He knew I wasn't going back to Australia for a month but he didn't try to move the dates.

'I believe he made it up because he later apologised and said he felt I came on too strong and he didn't want to get hurt because I live in Australia. Who would make up a lie instead of just being honest?

'This was our first and last contact after the ghosting, which started the 19th of June, the day before I flew and continued the whole time I was in Edinburgh.

'I was in real panic mode. I didn't know what to do and if I should go back there and just not see him.'

The 22-year-old decided to fly to Edinburgh anyway and shared a hostel room with two girls for four nights, who also got matching lemon tattoos with her.

Cora splashed out 140 for the flight from Birmingham to Edinburgh in order to make her second date with Jack happen

Cora now says that it's 'very empowering' that her tattoo holds a different meaning, while Jack's is still a reminder of his bad behaviour

However she heard nothing from Jack - despite him apparently still looking at her social media stories showing off that she was in Scotland again.

Cora said: 'My friend suggested I go back to Edinburgh because there was so much more to see and just not see or talk to him.

'I booked a hostel to stay there for four nights. I heard absolutely nothing from him. I was posting instagram stories in Edinburgh and he was viewing them. I heard absolutely nothing.

'No matter how you feel about the situation, ghosting is not an excuse. That's the part I can't wrap my head around. Just tell me it's not going to work out.

'To leave someone in the dark like that is beyond crazy to me. I don't know how you can do that. I think it's awful - while they're in your home town.

'There is a positive outcome. I did end up meeting two girls in my hostel from Australia as well and told them the reason why I was back.

'The next day they ended up getting the same lemon tattoos as me. So now I can change the story. It was a very sweet ending.

'It's very empowering. It's kind of like a f**k you. For him, the tattoo's still the same story but for me it's changed to a story of friendship and girlhood. He's never going to forget me.'

The solo traveller admitted that she still 'loved Edinburgh despite that one situation' and urges others to 'know their worth' if they are ever similarly ghosted.

Cora said: 'He's shown his true colours. He's the type of person that ghosts you after paying money to go see him on his request.

'I definitely loved Edinburgh despite that one situation. When I went back, I did still use Hinge to meet other people. Everyone else I met there was so lovely.

'I was blaming myself and thought I wasn't good enough. I was self-blaming. But the way someone treats you is a reflection of themselves and not you. You just have to know your worth.

'Just remember you're a good person and that you're loved. There's so many other people out there. There's a lot of love out there even if it's not romantic love.'
The science of beauty has placed Anya Taylor-Joy, Bella Hadid and Margot Robbie among the top ten most attractive women in the world, according to Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi, which measures physical perfection.

But these stunning starlets haven't always looked like they do today - with Hollywood's best skincare and make-up on hand to have elevated their appearance.

Striking before and after photos show how the actresses and models have transformed their faces over the years, with the power of cosmetics experts, stylists and hairdressers behind them.

In some cases, A-listers have even admitted to getting serious plastic surgery or other 'tweakments'.

The science of beauty has placed Anya Taylor-Joy, Bella Hadid and Margot Robbie among the top ten most attractive women in the world, according to Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi, which measures physical perfection

Bella Hadid - who placed in the top three - has candidly spoken about getting a nose job aged just 14, and how much she regrets the decision.

In a 2022 interview with Vogue magazine, she also detailed her struggles with body image and mental health, admitting she always felt 'ugly' and 'uncool' in comparison to elder sister Gigi, while reflecting on her battle with anorexia and seeking treatment for depression.

Half-Dutch, half-Palestinian Bella said of her procedure: 'I wish I had kept the nose of my ancestors. I think I would have grown into it.' Bella has insisted that rhinoplasty is the only procedure she's had done.

The ten most beautiful women in the world - and their Golden Ratio scores Anya Taylor-Joy - 94.66% Zendaya - 94.37% Bella Hadid - 94.35% Margot Robbie - 93.43% Song Hye-kyo - 92.67% Beyonce - 92.4% Taylor Swift - 91.64% Zhang Ziyi - 91.51% Alia Bhatt - 91.14% Nazanin Boniadi - 90.89% Dr Julian De Silva pinpointed which stars had the most beautiful nose, eyes, eyebrows, chin, lips, forehead and face shape: Nose - Nazanin Boniadi 97.4% Eyes - Song Hye-kyo 99.7% Lips - Zendaya 99.5% Eyebrows - Anya Taylor-Joy 94% Chin - Bella Hadid 99.7% Forehead - Zendaya/Anya Taylor-Joy 98% Face Shape - Beyonce 99.6% Advertisement

All the top ten were close to the perfect score which is 100 per cent. The list was compiled using the latest computerised mapping techniques by Harley Street facial cosmetic surgeon Dr Julian De Silva, who uses the technology in his work.

Anya Taylor-Joy topped the scientific poll for being the most beautiful woman in the world.

Her eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, chin, jaw and facial shape were measured and came closest to the ancient Greeks' idea of the 'perfect looking woman'.

Dune star Zendaya, 27, girlfriend of Spiderman hunk Tom Holland, was second with 94.37 per cent, model Bella Hadid, 27, was third with 94.35 per cent and Barbie actress Margot Robbie, 33, was fourth with 93.43 per cent.

Dr De Silva, who runs the Centre For Advanced Facial Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery in London, said: 'Anya Taylor-Joy had the highest overall reading for the positioning of her eyes, with a score of 98.9 per cent, which is only 1.1 per cent away from being the perfect shape.

'Anya also had the highest score for her eyebrows and was close to the top in almost every category apart from her lips.'

He added that Zendaya was a 'close second', and achieved the second highest score for her helps with a mark of 99.5 per cent.

'These brand new computer mapping techniques allow us to solve some of the mysteries of what it is that makes someone physically beautiful and the technology is useful when planning patients' surgery,' he continued.

The Golden Ratio was a mathematical equation devised by the Greeks in an attempt to measure beauty.

The ratio can be applied to anything and was used by Leonardo Da Vinci for the perfect human male body in his famous work, the Vitruvian Man.

Here, FEMAIL looks at the top 10 most beautiful women according to the science, and how they transformed their look over the years...

1. Anya Taylor-Joy - 94.6%

Anya Taylor-Joy was the 'clear winner' when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection

Sweet snaps from when she was entering her twenties show the star with softer facial features, that matured into a sculpted contoured visage

Anya Taylor-Joy, 27, has been revered for her ethereal feline-like features.

Sweet snaps from when she was entering her twenties show the star with softer facial features, that matured into a sculpted contoured visage.

Dr De Silva said: 'Anya Taylor-Joy was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection.'

2. Zendaya - 94.37%

Zendaya is known as both a fashion icon and a striking beauty. Over the years, she has transformed her look with more experimental make-up, different hairstyles, and exciting stylistic choices. Pictured in 2015 aged 19

Her go-to stylist Law Roach has been behind her clothing transformation, but it doesn't appear that Zendaya's facial features have undergone any radical transformations. Pictured today

Zendaya, 27, is known as both a fashion icon and a striking beauty.

Over the years, she has transformed her look with more experimental make-up, different hairstyles, and exciting stylistic choices.

Her go-to stylist Law Roach has been behind her clothing transformation, but it doesn't appear that Zendaya's facial features have undergone any radical transformations over her time growing up in the spotlight.

3. Bella Hadid - 94.35%

Bella Hadid has been open about having had a nose job when she was a teenager - and in a 2022 Vogue interview admitted that she regrets it. Pictured in 2014, aged 18

Dr De Silva said that supermodel Bella topped the table for the shape of her chin. Pictured today

Bella Hadid, 27, has been open about having had a nose job when she was a teenager - and in a 2022 Vogue interview admitted that she regrets it.

The star went on to note that the criticism of her looks made her feel as though she wasn't worthy of being deemed a supermodel.

Growing up with a supermodel for an elder sister didn't help matters either, with Bella noting she had spent her life comparing herself to Gigi.

She explained: 'I've had this impostor syndrome where people made me feel like I didn't deserve any of this. People always have something to say, but what I have to say is, I've always been misunderstood in my industry and by the people around me.'

She explained: 'I was the uglier sister. I was the brunette. I wasn't as cool as Gigi, not as outgoing. That's really what people said about me. And unfortunately when you get told things so many times, you do just believe it.

'I always ask myself, how did a girl with incredible insecurities, anxiety, depression, body-image issues, eating issues, who hates to be touched, who has intense social anxietywhat was I doing getting into this business? But over the years I became a good actress.

'I put on a very smiley face, or a very strong face. I always felt like I had something to prove. People can say anything about how I look, about how I talk, about how I act. But in seven years I never missed a job, canceled a job, was late to a job. No one can ever say that I don't work my a*s off.'

Dr De Silva said: 'Bella topped the table for the shape of her chin which, with a score of 99.7 per cent, was only 0.3 per cent away from being the perfect shape.'

4. Margot Robbie - 93.43%

Once a little-known soap star, the Australian actress has come into her own - and perfected her make-up and skincare routine. Pictured in 2010 aged 20

Throwback photos also show the Hollywood star opting for harsher make-up looks and stark tans, while she has now nailed a softer palette that shows her naturally dewy skin through

She's been hailed as one of Hollywood's most beautiful women. And Margot Robbie, 34, has certainly maintained her title as she owned one red carpet after the other this past year.

Once a little-known soap star, the Australian actress has come into her own - and perfected her make-up and skincare routine.

However a look back at her formative years show how Margot has undergone a very glamorous transformation since her days playing Donna Freedman on Neighbours.

Margot once sported a baby face, but her visage has become more contoured and defined over the years.

Throwback photos also show the Hollywood star opting for harsher make-up looks and stark tans, while she has now nailed a softer palette that shows her naturally dewy skin through.

'Margot Robbie was fourth, scoring highly in all categories except the brow area,' Dr De Silva explained.

5. Song Hye-kyo - 92.67%

While it is understood she has not had any procedures, before photos show the actress with thinner eyebrows and a sharper facial contour than her current softer features. Pictured in 2008

While it is understood she has not had any procedures, before photos show the actress with thinner eyebrows and a sharper facial contour than her current softer features

South Korea is known for its globally revered skincare, cosmetics and tweakments, so it's no wonder that star Song Hye-kyo, 42, has been able to achieve a transformation.

While it is understood she has not had any procedures, before photos show the actress with thinner eyebrows and a sharper facial contour than her current softer features.

'Song Hye-kyo, the South Korean actress known for her work on The Grandmaster, Descendents of the Sun and the hit Netflix drama The Glory, got top marks for her eyes which, with a score of 99.7 percent, were only 0.3 per cent from perfection,' Dr De Silva said.

'She scored very well in all other categories apart from her eyebrows and her forehead.'

6. Beyonce - 92.4%

The star has continually over the years been praised for her looks and consistently dubbed one of the most beautiful women in the world. Pictured in 2001, aged 20

As she has grown up in the spotlight, fans have remarked on her age-defying looks. Beyonce pictured today

Dr De Silva said: 'Beyonce was the second oldest woman on the list and she still looks incredible as she approaches her 43rd birthday in September.

'She scored the highest marks for the shape of her face (99.6%) and had very high scores for her eyes, brow area and lips.'

The star has continually over the years been praised for her looks and consistently dubbed one of the most beautiful women in the world.

As she has grown up in the spotlight, fans have remarked on her age-defying looks.

7. Taylor Swift - 91.64%

Photos from her youth show how much her facial features have matured into a more sculpted look. Pictured in 2015 aged 26

Taylor Swift has over the years become a global icon, so it's no wonder that she will have had the best make-up and hair team on hand

Taylor Swift, 34, has over the years become a global icon, so it's no wonder that she will have had the best make-up and hair team on hand.

Photos from her youth show how much her facial features have matured into a more sculpted look.

Her eye shape opened up while her make-up team have focused on accentuating her cheekbones and naturally angular face.

'Taylor Swift rates very highly for her chin and lips but was kept back by a low score for her eyebrows,' Dr De Silva said.

8. Zhang Ziyi - 91.51%

She had been one of the most praised actresses when it comes to her age-defying looks, seemingly not having aged a day since appearing in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 24 years ago. Pictured left in 2006 and right in 2013

She scored very highly for her eye position and her face shape but had one of the lowest marks for her lips, Dr De Silva said. Pictured today

'Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, who has made a successful transition to Hollywood and has starred in The Cloverfield Paradox and The Climbers, is the oldest star on the list at 45,' Dr De Silva said.

'She scored very highly for her eye position and her face shape but had one of the lowest marks for her lips.'

She had been one of the most praised actresses when it comes to her age-defying looks, seemingly not having aged a day since appearing in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 24 years ago.

9. Alia Bhatt - 91.14%

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has wowed global screens with her glamorous appearances - but it took time to achieve her latest chic looks. Pictured in 2014 aged 21

But now, she has perfected her soft smoky glam and grown into her strikingly chiselled features. Pictured today

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, 31, has wowed global screens with her glamorous appearances - but it took time to achieve her latest chic looks.

When she was starting out on the scene, throwback photos of Alia show the young star experimenting with her hair and make-up reminiscent of early 2000s looks.

But now, she has perfected her soft smoky glam and grown into her strikingly chiselled features.

Dr De Silva said: 'Alia Bhatt is a Bollywood superstar who was named the first Indian global ambassador for the luxury brand Gucci last year.

'She scored highly for her face shape and her eye position but was marked down for the shape of her nose and her eyebrows.'

10. Nazanin Boniadi - 90.89%

The star, 44, is known to have been praised for her looks throughout the length of her career and doesn't appear to have aged a day. Pictured in 2007 aged 27

She studied in the United States before embarking on a successful career in movies and TV - starring in blockbusters such as Iron Man. Pictured today

'Nazanin is a stunning Middle Eastern actress, who was born in Tehran in Iran,' Dr De Silva explained.

'She studied in the United States before embarking on a successful career in movies and TV - starring in blockbusters such as Iron Man and also in big TV hits such as Homeland and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

'She had the highest mark overall for the shape of nose at 97.4% but was marked down for her lips and eyebrows.'

The star, 44, is known to have been praised for her looks throughout the length of her career and doesn't appear to have aged a day.
Britons have, so far, been subject to another dire summer, with hot days few and far between.

But as chances to sunbathe slip away, and knowledge of the harmful effects of too much sun exposure is difficult to escape, celebs and influencers are turning back to an old favourite method, fake tan, to give themselves a little summery glow.

Plenty of millennials have a love/hate relationship with fake tan; something many reached for in their teenage years in order to avoid looking 'pale'.

But in the noughties and the 2010s, as dodgy, unbranded products began springing up across the landscape, many people who used fake tan ended up with an undesirable 'orange' hue - prompting the insult that one had been 'tangoed'.

But products have evolved significantly since the days of supermarket-own bottles of tan, meaning fake tan has had something of a resurgence in recent months.

Blake Lively was tanned to perfection as she attended an afterparty in New York City following the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine this week

However, while many people are making use of the more sophisticated, and safer, bottled tanning products, concerns are being raised over young people using tanning enhancers which pose health risks to prolong tans naturally.

Just this week, A-listers have been showing off their stunning golden hues as they step out at events both in the UK and across the pond.

Blake Lively, who has been known to fall in and out of love with fake tan over the years, looked beautifully bronzed as she showed off her figure in an outfit inspired by her husband's Deadpool character this week.

The actress, 36, attended the afterparty following the screening of the new Deadpool & Wolverine film in New York City on Monday with Ryan Reynolds.

Lucy Mecklenburg showed off her bronzed look while on holiday in Portugal recently

Melania Trump, who has long favoured the deep tan, looked bronzed as she attended the RNC in Milwaukee last week

Vogue Williams has been showing off her bronzed body on Instagram as she applies fake tan

Showing off her perfectly bronzed pins in a strapless mini dress, she looked tanned and fabulous on the red carpet.

Meanwhile, over in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, first lady hopeful Melania Trump donned a scarlet suit to join her husband on stage at the Republican National Convention last week, where his nomination to become the party's presidential candidate was confirmed.

As she arrived on stage, Melania showed off a deep tan; a look she often sports, as does her husband.

However, as the tanned look makes a resurgence and celebs including Lucy Mecklenburg and Vogue Williams jump on the bandwagon, concerns are being raised over other methods people are using in order to achieve a bronzed hue.

Professor Caitriona Ryan, co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists, says she believes sunbed use among young people is 're-emerging' in recent times.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, she said: 'I've had several patients die who, in their youth, used sunbeds.'

She added she believes the invention of fake tan has significantly reduced instances of melanoma and other skin cancers; but she's concerned such illnesses may be on the rise again thanks to patients in their 20s turning to sunbeds to achieve a 'base' tan.

The newspaper also cited research that suggests people looking for a top tier tan are turning to illegal nasal sprays in order to maintain their tans.

The sprays contain melanotan, a synthetic hormone which stimulates pigment cells to produce more melanin - which is what tans skin when it's exposed to UV rays.

Initially, the hormone was developed to treat patients with photo sensitivity to light, but it has not been officially approved by boards in the EU, nor the US.

Ryan likened the 'illegal' sprays to 'snorting cocaine' in how they infiltrate the human body once ingested.

Kevin O'Hagan, cancer prevention manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said the side effects of using the drug are 'frightening'; they include headaches, vision loss, kidney problems and heart damage.

He said: 'It's worrying, people are really being exposed. Between the UV rays from the sunbeds and from melanotan, your risk of skin cancer is extremely high.'
You probably think of a sarong as a holiday wardrobe garment, an item that makes its annual appearance by the pool but is swiftly confined to the back of the cupboard after its week in the sun.

But this summer, the sarong has had a radical revamp. Yes, you should still throw one in your suitcase  but you can wear it everywhere, from the beach to out and about when you return home.

If youre having visions of David Beckham circa 1998, rest assured sarongs have had a trendy makeover. Fashion houses, including Alaia and Erdem, have all produced pareos this season  the Spanish name designers prefer for sarongs.

LEFT: Top, 179, neveandnoor.com; skirt, 25.99, newlook.com; shoes, 29.99, zara.com; earrings, 110, byalona.com RIGHT: Sarong set, 175, the87london.com; jacket, 135, sister jane.com; earrings, 195, laurence-coste.com

Top, 170, casaraki.com; sarong, 145, wiggykit.com; earrings, 185, giovanniraspini.com

And the top end of the High Street is also embracing the sarong as everyday wear. With Nothing Underneath, a classically stylish shirt brand, recently launched its first range of sarongs.

They can each be styled with the matching shirt to create an effortless ensemble. Tie the sarong short for the beach, or create a longer skirt if youre heading to the office on a warm day.

Stuck for what to wear to the airport? New Look has the perfect sarong skirt with a pre-tied waist, so no readjusting needed. The lightweight textured fabric means it wont crease on the plane.

Those after a high-fashion look should check out The 87. Founded by artist Zoe Zimmer, daughter of Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, the statement offering is a two-piece scarf set, in printed fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying.

Tie one as a top, the other as a skirt  dont worry, theres a handy how to tie page on its website (the87london.com) showing you all the different ways to do it.

LEFT: Shirt and sarong, 185, withnothingunderneath.com; shoes, 49.99, zara.com; sunglasses, 209.99, mulberry.com; earrings, 120, carrieelizabeth.co.uk RIGHT: Swimsuit, 325, and sarong, 195, heidiklein.com; shoes, 200, bobbies.com; bag, 275, and jewellery, stone-and-mason.com

Leaf-print sarong (as dress), 20, johnlewis.com; Willow Panama hat, 325, lockhatters.com

All thumbs? A simple yet effective trick to create a stylish knot is to use a hair tie (or butterfly clip) to secure it.

For a more traditional poolside look, make a chic statement in a vibrant piece from English designer Alice Temperley and luxury swimwear brand Heidi Kleins capsule collection.
Incurable lung conditions could be going undiagnosed for thousands of people suffering long-term coughs and chest infections, say experts.

One in five people wait more than a year to be diagnosed with chronic lung conditions, according to new research from Asthma + Lung UK.

More than half of those who sought medical help for coughs and chest infections were treated for their immediate symptoms but did not have the underlying cause investigated at the time.

However, coughs and infections that continually return can be early warning signs of lung diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Currently 1.7 million people in the UK are living with COPD  which causes breathing difficulties and puts sufferers at increased risk of severe infections  but experts believe 600,000 are undiagnosed.

One in five people wait more than a year to be diagnosed with chronic lung conditions, new research from Asthma + Lung UK revealed

The data also shows that two in five people who are diagnosed with COPD do not start treatment within the recommended timeframe of 18 weeks  with more than 6,000 waiting over a year.

And a shocking one in eight did not receive a diagnosis for more than ten years.

Untreated, COPD gets progressively worse  and increases the risk of other long-term medical conditions.

Breathlessness can cause people to stop being as active  making them more prone to other medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

In the case of asthma, which affects more than 7.2 million people, accurate and early diagnosis means symptoms can be managed and asthma attacks can be prevented with the correct treatment.

But despite lung conditions being the UK's third biggest killer, there are currently no national targets to limit the amount of time someone should wait for diagnosis when presenting with symptoms.

Diana Muirhead, 60, from Norfolk said she feels as though her life 'is literally on hold' until she has a test to confirm that she has COPD

Diana Muirhead, 60, is desperate to begin treatment, having been on the waiting list for a spirometry test to confirm that she has COPD for months.

The mum-of-four from Norfolk said she feels as though her life 'is literally on hold until then'.

'I can't work at the moment because I feel so breathless and fatigued all the time but despite an X-ray showing that I probably do have COPD back in January, I can't get treatment as it needs to be confirmed with a spirometry test,' she explained.

'In the meantime, I struggle to carry out daily activities like cleaning and shopping and feel constantly exhausted because I can't breathe properly.

'I am worried because the earlier COPD is treated, the better because treatment slows down its progression.

'I feel like I'm in limbo not knowing when I will get my diagnosis and it's awful.

Mum-of-four Ms Muirhead said she struggles to carry out daily activities like cleaning and shopping and feels constantly exhausted

'The nurse referred me for an X-ray and put me on the waiting list for a spirometry test but told me I'd be waiting a 'long time' for it as the list was so long. I have no idea how long I will be waiting now.

'The Government really needs to set a time limit for diagnosis of lung conditions, like there is for cancer diagnosis, and make sure spirometry testing is available in GP practices so people can get tested straight away. Lung conditions are very serious and should be treated as such.'

Charity Asthma + Lung UK are calling on the government to provide long term funding for GP practices to deliver testing for lung conditions, including spirometry and FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide).

Only half of GPs currently use FeNO testing, which can be vital for diagnosing asthma.

Asthma + Lung UK also wants national diagnosis targets for lung conditions to ensure nobody waits more than six weeks for a diagnostic test, and for waiting lists to be halved by 2028.

CEO Sarah Sleet said: 'People who are struggling to breathe face agonising waits for an accurate diagnosis.

'They're being misdiagnosed, or diagnosed too late, or are not put on the right treatment.

'As a result, the pressures on the NHS grow and grow with more emergency admissions and hospital stays. We need lung conditions to be treated as seriously as cancer and heart disease.

'A sticking plaster approach of treating symptoms, not the underlying cause, means too many people with lung conditions go undiagnosed for far too long.'
They say scent is an important factor when it comes to first impressions.

And it has long been thought that women smell more attractive to men at times when they are most likely to conceive a baby.

But the aroma of femme fertile is a myth, according to a new study.

Researchers from Leipzig University recruited 91 men to rate the scents of 29 women aged between 20 and 30.

All the women were vegetarian or vegan, did not smoke and had not been on any hormonal contraception for the last six months.

It has long been thought that women smell more attractive to men at times when they are most likely to conceive a baby. But the aroma of femme fertile is a myth, according to a new study

Their smells were taken using cotton pads under the armpits at different stages of their menstrual cycle, and men were asked to score the smells based on attractiveness, pleasantness and intensity.

Previously, it was thought that men would rate the smell as more attractive if it was taken during peak ovulatory fertility  the day before ovulation and the day that ovulation takes place.

This is the time when a woman is most likely to get pregnant.

The study, however, revealed no link between attractiveness ratings and fertility.

Meanwhile further chemical analysis suggested there was no difference in the chemical makeup of the odour of fertile women.

Writing in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the team said: Human mate choice decisions are informed by the quality of potential mates and, thereby, rely on judging aspects of their physical attractiveness.

Even subtle changes in a womans physical appearance have been suggested to provide information about her current fertile state, such as facial or vocal changes.

Similarly, subtle changes in body odour have been suggested to convey information about womens fertility.

They concluded: Our results revealed no evidence that mens attraction to womens body odour is positively predicted by female fertility.

Furthermore, the chemical composition of a womans axillary odour was not affected by her current fertile state or fluctuating ovarian hormone levels.

Previous research, carried out by experts at the University of Bern in Switzerland, suggested that ladies at the most fertile point of their menstrual cycle release reproductive hormones that boast a more alluring smell.

A total of 28 women donated their body odour, with the samples later rated from 0-100 by 57 men. Their hormone levels were determined using saliva samples.

Women with high oestrogen levels and low progesterone levels  an indicator of fertility  were consistently rated as having a better smell.

Meanwhile a separate study, published in 2016, suggested that females who are at their most fertile also become more attractive to other women  which is hard to explain from an evolutionary point of view.
A child in India was born this week with four arms, four legs, and two faces

A child in India has died after being born with four arms, four legs, and two faces.

This week, the baby's mother, 38-year-old Rama Devi, was rushed to a rural hospital when she started experiencing labor pains.

However, hospital staff and villagers were shocked to find that the child was born conjoined with another body that had not fully developed.

This had caused the child to come out with two sets of faces, legs, and arms.

It appears that the underdeveloped legs and arms were protruding out from the child's chest.

The child died five hours after birth.

The condition is so rare that doctors do not have a name for it.

It's unclear how exactly the child died, though the baby was unable to breastfeed or consume milk on its own.

Upon seeing the baby's unusual appearance, hospital staff reacted with fear and quickly moved the infant outside, sparking a chaos within the hospital. However, Ramphal, Ms Devi's husband, expressed amazement at the birth of their unique child.

Though the delivery was straightforward and did not have complications, it occurred in a rural region where women hardly undergo prenatal screening, which could explain why the child's condition was a surprise.

The family is believed to have other children.

Though it's unclear if this exact condition has been seen before, several other incredibly rare forms of conjoined twins have been reported in India and surrounding countries.

Last November, a 30-year-old woman in India gave birth to a baby boy with four hands and four legs.

In Indonesia, twin toddlers were born joined at the pelvis, leaving them with three legs, four arms, and one penis and dubbed 'spider twins.'

And two out of every 1million children worldwide are born with diprosopus, a rare form of conjoined twins in which all or parts of a face are duplicated. In these cases, the faces and brains are connected only with one brain stem.

The child, who died five hours after birth, could not properly breastfeed or drink milk on its own, though the birth itself was standard

In general, conjoined twins account for one in 50,000 to 200,000 live births and occur when a single fertilized egg splits and develops into two individuals.

About eight to 12 days after being conceived, the layers that split to form identical twins develop into specific organs and structures, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It is believed that the process ends prematurely, resulting in conjoined twins.

However, another theory suggests that two separate embryos fuse together early in development.
Safe sex is vital for young couples who don't want children, but some methods might not be as pregnancy-proof as you think.

In fact, women have conceived children in some surprising ways that seem to defy the laws of biology.

One factor that unites them all is the resilience of the human reproductive system and its ability to perform against the odds.

Professor Adam Taylor, of Lancaster University, has detailed how women can get pregnant in four extremely rare circumstances  from anal sex, oral sex, a 'splash' insemination without any penetration whatsoever, and while they are already pregnant.

Getting pregnant from anal sex is extremely rare but it can happen in people with a reproductive abnormality called a cloacal malformation.

Anal sex might seem like a safe choice for couples trying to avoid pregnancy, but a rare condition can allow sperm to reach the ovum

The only really safe way to avoid pregnancy is to use contraception, say experts

This is where the divide between the dividing tissue between the vagina and anus fails to form properly.

When this happens, it may allow sperm to swim through any opening in the dividing wall towards the egg to fertilise it.

Professor Taylor said sperm are naturally attracted towards the ovum by 'sniffing out' trace amounts of chemicals it produces, and they will take any route necessary to reach their goal.

'They're able to detect trace amounts of chemicals that the ovum produces,' he told The Conversation.

'As the sperm swim towards the ovum, the amount of these "chemoattractants" they detect increases, signalling them to continue travelling in the right direction."

Cloacal malformation affects one in every 50,000 girls and require corrective surgery.

There is a high probability of complications with this surgery such as incontinence and difficulty getting pregnant.

Medical records contain details of a pregnancy caused by a bizarre set of circumstances that started with oral sex in 1988.

A 15-year-old girl living in the southern African nation of Lesotho went to her doctor with abdominal pain and was found to be heavily pregnant.

Oral sex should be a safe bet to avoid pregnancy, but the determination of sperm to reach their goal should not be underestimated

A girl who was born without a vagina ended up pregnant in 1988 after a traumatic experience that started with oral sex (stock picture)

But incredibly, the girl had been born without a vagina, a condition called Mullerian agenesis  leading everyone to wonder how this had happened.

It transpired that, nine months earlier, she had been engaged in fellatio with her lover and was caught in the act by her jealous ex-boyfriend, who promptly stabbed her in the stomach.

She went to hospital and was patched up, but not before her lover's stray sperm had made its way into her system.

Sperm are known to be able to survive in the peritoneal cavity, the space between the abdominal organs and body wall.

In the girl's case, her lover's hardy swimmers managed to make it to her ovum and fertilise it, possibly via her gastrointestinal tract.

Doctors delivered a healthy baby boy via Caesarean, according to a report in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

There are other ways for women to become pregnant, even if they haven't had sexual intercourse.

'If semen splashes against the external genitalia, sperm may find their way into the vagina and swim towards the ovaries,' explained Professor Taylor.

Women can become pregnant during sexual activity, even if they have not had full sexual intercourse

Healthy sperm have great resilience and can survive for half an hour outside of the human body

So-called 'splash pregnancies' are highly unlikely because sperm can't survive for more than half an hour outside the body.

Healthy sperm swim at up to 5mm a minute and can survive for up to five days in women's genitalia.

Hundreds of millions of sperm are released into the vagina during sex in ideal conditions, but only 200 to 300 will make it to the egg  demonstrating how splash pregnancies are so rare.

They cannot occur from sperm in bathwater or hot-tubs, because the water disperses the sperm and dilutes the seminal fluid that protects them.

Chemicals such as chlorine in the water also rapidly kill sperm.

In very rare cases, it may be possible for a woman to become pregnant a second time while she is already carrying a baby.

Called a superfetation, this phenomenon throws out all the 'safety measures' that usually prevent a second pregnancy.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy usually prevent a second pregnancy from occurring

In very rare cases, called a superfetation, a second egg can become fertilised while a woman is already carrying a baby

During pregnancy, a woman's hormones change to prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterine lining.

Even if a second embryo were to form somehow, it's unlikely that it would be able to begin growing in the uterus.

This is true even for women who are born with two uteri, as these mechanisms work hard to prevent a second pregnancy happening.

Hormones prevent ovulation and produce a thick mucus plug that covers the cervix to prevent sperm travelling into the uterus towards the ovary.

But very occasionally, usually in women undergoing IVF treatment, these safety measures can be overridden.

The two pregnancies often happen very close to each other, usually within two to four weeks.

While the babies will not be twins, it means they can usually be delivered together at the same time.

Most of these pregnancies progress normally without complications.

Professor Taylor said: 'These examples are of course extremely rare  so you probably don't need to worry too much. But if you aren't looking to get pregnant anytime soon, be sure to use contraception.'
Holidaymakers heading to Greece in search of sea and sun have been warned to beware a new Covid variant on the rise in the holiday hotspot.

But in fact the Mediterranean nation is currently faring better than Britain, official Covid data suggests.

Warnings came after Greek health officials recorded a sudden 44 per cent rise in healthcare admissions for the virus as some hospitals in Athens have started reintroducing masks.

However, this 44 per cent rise only represents 205 extra hospital admissions for the nation of over 10million people.

An official Greek public health report pins the rise on new so-called FLiRT variants, which have also been behind a rise in cases in the UK and US.

In response to spiking cases, countries like Bulgaria have issued warnings to tourists heading to Greece to comply with 'preventive and hygienic measures' to stop the spread of disease.

Warnings came after Greek health officials recorded a sudden 44 per cent rise in cases of the virus as hospitals in Athens have started reintroducing masks

This chart. from Greek health officials, shows the number of Covid admissions to hospital recorded over the previous weeks (blue bars) and also compared to last year (dotted line)

Between July 8 and 14 Greece's health system recorded 669 new Covid cases admitted to hospital representing a substantial rise compared to the 464 weekly average of the previous four weeks and triple the equivalent figure for last year.

In total, 26 deaths from the virus were also recorded in the Mediterranean nation, again a significant rise compared to the 17 recorded over the previous four weeks.

The rise prompted health officials to warn people more vulnerable to infections like Covid, such as the elderly, should take precautions and an eye out for symptoms so they can seek medical aid as quickly as possible.

Healthy adults with potential Covid symptoms were also advised to avoid contact with these groups to limit the risk of them becoming ill.

It comes as some hospitals in cities like Athens have started reintroducing anti-Covid measures like mask wearing, and both restrictions and mandatory testing for visitors.

Metaxa Oncology Hospital in Piraeus, located in the port area of Athens, is one such hospital and brought in restrictions last week due to concerns of rising cases.

President of Athens and Piraeus Hospital Doctors' Association Matina Pagoni told the Greek television network MEGA: 'Its summer, were going on vacation, we never said the coronavirus was gone.'

She continued 'The truth is that this year, compared to last year, the cases have nothing to do with it. There are too many, there are many hospitalisations and also deaths. 21-22 deaths are too many.'

Greek health officials have also reported a rise in Covid detections in wastewater sampling in 'seven out of 10' areas checked in the country.

Medics in the country have also said they expect the current outbreak of Covid to last until July.

ONS data on Covid infections today shows more than 80 per cent of Brits suffer a runny nose when infected. A loss of taste or smell  one of the original tell-tale signs of the virus  accounts for just under a fifth of all symptoms logged

In response to the rise in Greek cases, Bulgaria, which shares a border issued a warning to tourists potentially heading to country.

Everything you need to know about FLiRT What is FLiRT? Virologists are using the term FLiRT to describe a family of different variants  KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, JN.1.1, and KP.1.1. They are all descendants of the JN.1 variant that has been dominant in the UK for the past few months. That itself was dubbed Juno. Why is it a concern? Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows there were 1,985 Covid cases logged in the week ending May 7, up 25 per cent on the previous seven days. The new variant is now being monitored. It makes up around 40 per cent of new cases currently. FLiRT also accounts for roughly a quarter of new cases in the US, surveillance data suggests. Does it have any new symptoms? According to the US university John Hopkins, FLiRT doesn't appear to have any new specific symptoms. The period of infectiousness also remains the same as JN.1 and previous Omicron variants, the institution added. Is it more deadly than other variants? There is currently no evidence that FLiRT is any more of a threat than the dozens of strains that have come before it. According to the CDC, there is no reason to believe it would also cause more severe illness than other strains. Advertisement

Its foreign ministry said: 'In this regard and considering the large number of Bulgarian citizens visiting the country during the summer period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends strict compliance with preventive and hygienic measures in the context of the spread of the disease.'

Dr Mariyam Malik, an NHS and private GP at Pall Mall Medical, told The Independent that Covid was now more easily able to spread in a post-lockdown world.

'Increased travel and big events such as festivals often result in crowded settings where the virus can spread more easily, and there are no longer any legal restrictions like wearing masks or social distancing,' she said.

She added that the FLiRT variants, named so due to the acronyms given to their mutations, can potentially dodge immunity from prior-infection from older Covid strains and vaccines due to the differences.

'New variants come about because the virus naturally changes over time,' she said.

The Greek health report only covers known cases of the virus where people have been admitted to hospital which means community transmission is likely to be higher.

However, Greece is seemingly faring better than the UK when it comes to Covid admissions.

The latest weekly data from the UK Health Security Agency recorded 2,797 patients admitted to hospital in the week of June 28th, the most recent data available.

While not directly comparable, this is four times the number of Covid admissions in the Greek report.

Britain also recorded 163 deaths where Covid was mentioned on a death certificate as of July 5, again the latest data available.

This is, while again not comparable, six times greater than the the number of deaths recorded in Greece.

It comes after the World Health Organization earlier this month warned that Covid hasn't gone away and was still killing an average of 1,700 people each week globally.

The global health body also warned that Covid vaccine uptake was declining amongst vulnerable groups like the elderly, as well as the healthcare workers who cared for them.
READ MORE: Scientists pinpoint why women are more at risk of long Covid

Constant tiredness. Brain fog. Muscle pain.

These are the most common complaints by people with 'long Covid'.

But a new study suggests these symptoms are just as likely to occur in people who never caught Covid.

After following thousands of people who had and had not tested positive, the team found Covid made 'no difference' in whether or not someone would go on to develop those issues - fatigue, problems with thinking or memory, and muscle pain.

The study, dubbed INSPIRE and funded by the CDC, is part of a growing body of research suggesting that long Covid symptoms could be overblown or attributed to other illnesses.

UCLA researchers found that patients who tested positive for Covid were no more likely to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome than patients who never had Covid

Violet Affleck  daughter of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner  has put long Covid back into the spotlight after campaigning for mask mandates. The 18-year-old claims she contracted a 'post-viral infection' in 2019; Seen with Affleck and stepmom Jennifer Lopez in 2023



Long Covid also been thrust back into the spotlight recently, as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's daughter Violet Affleck argued in favor of mask mandates.

The 18-year-old claims she contracted a 'post-viral infection' in 2019.

Researchers at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) recruited more than 4,000 adults who tested positive for Covid between December 2020 and August 2022.

The participants were divided into two groups: Covid-positive and Covid-negative.

Among both groups, three to four percent of participants reported symptoms consistent with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) - a disease that causes extreme fatigue, brain fog, and similar symptoms.

This finding suggests that Covid made 'no difference' in whether or not someone would develop the illness, even though Covid has long been considered a cause of ME/CFS.

Dr Joann Elmore, co-senior author of the study and professor of internal medicine and health services research at UCLA, said: 'ME/CFS is no more likely to occur in people infected with COVID-19 than people with other acute illnesses.'

However, the prevalence of ME/CFS 'could impose a very high burden on society and our healthcare system,' she said.

One major caveat though is that ME/CFS is difficult to diagnose, as there is no gold-standard test to find the disease. This means that symptoms like exhaustion could be due to other illnesses.

The researchers recruited 4,378 participants ages 18 to 64 who tested positive for Covid between December 2020 and August 2022 and were symptomatic.

Patients older than 65 were excluded to rule out 'age-related' illnesses that could contribute to ME/CFS.

The average participant age was 38, and about 68 percent of patients were female.

At each three-month follow-up, approximately one-third of participants in both groups reported at least one of the following five symptoms: postexertional malaise (feeling tired after minimal physical or mental activity), unrefreshing sleep, fatigue, orthostatic intolerance (difficulty standing or sitting upright), and cognitive impairment.

This suggests that patients who did and did not have Covid had a similar symptom presentation.

Unrefreshing sleep was the most common symptom in both groups.

'Our findings suggest that COVID-19 is no more likely than other acute infections to be associated with ME/CFS and that acute illnesses more broadly may be associated with chronic symptom burden from ME/CFS,' the researchers wrote.

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There were several limitations to the research, including the possibility of false-positive test results and symptoms being self-reported.

However, the research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that long Covid could be overblown or debunked.

One major study from researchers in the US, UK, and Denmark claimed that the risks of long Covid have been 'greatly exaggerated' and that the condition is too 'broadly defined.'

Other experts have argued that the condition is 'indistinguishable' from other post-viral illnesses.

The new study was published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.
Rolls-Royce has taken a major step in its return to the market for short-haul aircraft by beginning work on a smaller version of its new Ultrafan engine.

Rolls-Royce boss Tufan Erginbilgic targets short-haul market

Boss Tufan Erginbilgic said the company was working on a 'demonstrator' of the engine at its main headquarters in Derby - alongside the larger version designed for long-haul planes.

The move signals Rolls- Royce's return to the fastgrowing market for 'narrowbody' aircraft used by the likes of Ryanair and Easyjet for shorter international flights or domestic routes.

Erginbilgic's comments came during a wide-ranging briefing at Farnborough Air Show in which he also said delays over the future of Britain's fighter jet programme were not helpful.

Rolls-Royce quit the narrowbody market more than a decade ago only to miss out as demand for the likes of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 took off, while wide-body orders slowed. Its latest move will see the engineer muscle in on a field dominated by America's Pratt & Whitney and GE.

Rolls says its Ultrafan engine - expected to enter service in the 2030s - will be more fuel efficient and be able to run on 100pc sustainable aviation fuel, which is made from waste such as cooking oil and results in much lower carbon emissions.

It has already tested the larger version of the engines at full power and has said that the technology will be 'scalable', indicating an ambition to make smaller versions.

Rolls will still need to sign up customers - the likes of Airbus or Boeing - that make the planes that use the engines.

'At some point we need to get them on board, but that work is under way,' Erginbilgic said.

A test flight could take place in three to five years. Erginbilgic has said that if it develops narrow-body engines it will need to work in partnership with another company to produce them.

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce is also working on the Tempest fighter jet programme, which has been subject to growing doubts over its future after Labour announced a defence review due next year.

Erginbilgic said holding the review 'makes sense' but took issue with how long it will take, which is adding uncertainty to a programme that 1,000 Rolls-Royce employees are already working on, diverting some engineers from its civil aerospace division.
LVMH is the latest luxury goods giant to be hit by a slowdown in demand for high-end fashion.

Sales in the fashion and leather goods division in the three months to the end June were just 1pc higher than a year earlier.

The French group, whose brands include Givenchy, Celine, Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton, posted far slower growth for its fashion and leather goods division compared to last year.

Sales in this unit in the three months to the end June were just 1pc higher than a year earlier.

That was down from a 23pc rise in the same period of 2023. After a post- Covid spending boom, the luxury industry has struggled with dwindling demand ever since.

LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault hailed the firm's 'remarkable resilience' as it posted a still impressive 17.6bn sales for the second quarter.
Thames Water has suffered yet another blow in its battle to avoid re-nationalisation after credit ratings agency Moody's downgraded its highest-ranked bonds to junk.

Moody's downgraded Thames Water's long-term corporate family rating to Ba2, which is considered junk, from an investment grade rating of Baa3.

The decision marks a serious blow to Thames Water, which needs to maintain two investment-grade ratings to keep its licence unless Ofwat makes an exception to allow just one.

Fresh blow to Thames Water as ratings on group's highest-ranked bonds downgraded to junk

S&P said earlier in July it could downgrade the utility's safest class of bonds due to liquidity concerns.

Thames Water is in the grips of a funding crisis and has more than 15billion of debt and has warned it only has enough money to continue trading until the end of May 2025.

Regulators have imposed a 'turnaround oversight regime' on Thames Water and opposed the company's planned 44 per cent hike in consumer bills over the next five years.

Ofwat has proposed allowing Thames Water to increase average yearly bills by 23 per cent to 535 over the period.

Moody's said the downgrade was a result of the decision, which contributed to Thames Water's 'weakening liquidity position'.

Thames Water said in a statement it was still working with Ofwat and seeking new equity funding to shore up its finances.

It added: 'Increasing our financial resilience and securing an investible PR24 (price increase) determination is a critical priority for the business.'

It has also since 2022 faced an ongoing Ofwat probe into waste water management, with Thames Water among the firms attracting the ire of consumers, regulators and politicians for their environmental records.

The new Labour Government has faced calls to renationalise the water industry of England and Wales, but went into the general election claiming this was not something it wanted to do.
Customers of digital bank Monzo will soon be able to merge all of their old pension pots in the Monzo app.

Monzo has launched Monzo Pension, a tool which will allow customers to round up all their existing personal and workplace pensions and hold them in one place in their Monzo app.

The old pensions will be brought together in retirement funds managed by investment manager BlackRock.

Customers will be able to register their interest in Monzo Pension from today in the Monzo app, with the pensions tool being rolled out to customers over the coming months.

Monzo Pension: Customers will soon be able to merge their old pensions in the Monzo app

According to the banking app's research, 51 per cent of UK adults may not know how much they have across their pension pots for retirement, while 64 per cent have not merged their pension pots.

Monzo asked 2,000 people what would make engaging with their pension easier, and 38 per cent said a process that felt more accessible to manage alongside their everyday finances.

> Read more: Should you consider merging your pension pots?

How will Monzo Pension work?

Customers need to provide some details about where they have worked and when, and Monzo will then track down their old pension pots.

There will be no limit on the number of pensions that a customer can combine.

The pensions will be merged together into retirement funds from the BlackRock LifePath Target Date Fund range.

The funds chosen use the age a customer aims to retire as a guide, shifting from higher to lower-risk investments over time.

What are the fees for Monzo Pension?

Monzo customers will pay 0.63 per cent of their pension's value in fees annually, comprised of a 0.45 per cent platform fee and 0.18 per cent fund fee.

Monzo Perks and Monzo Max customers, who pay 7 and 17 a month for their accounts respectively, will pay a smaller platform fee of 0.35 per cent.

There are no drawdown fees and no exit fees for Monzo pensions.

A customer with 10,000 in their Monzo Pension would pay fees of 62.91 a year, for example.

How do they compare to fees elsewhere?

In comparison, Lloyds Ready-Made Pensions has an annual account fee of 0.3 per cent, or a minimum of 5 a month.

The ongoing investment charges are 0.24 per cent and there is a transaction cost of 0.14 per cent.

Monzo Pension will offer BlackRock funds from the BlackRock LifePath Target Date Fund range

Pension Bee's fee structure decreases the bigger your pot is. Depending on the plan, pension savers will pay between 0.50 per cent and 0.95 per cent. This halves on the portion of your savings over 100,000.

Andy Smart, general manager of savings, investments and pensions at Monzo, said: 'We know from speaking with our customers that visibility and knowledge of their pension is low and anxiety is high - so we've designed Monzo Pension to solve exactly these pain points.

'Managing multiple pensions and planning for retirement is unnecessarily complex, which means people default to avoiding it and end up on the back foot.

'Now our customers can get on the front foot and keep tabs on their future financial goals alongside the rest of their finances in the Monzo app - planning not just for today or next month, but for years to come.'

What to consider before merging your pensions

1. Fees on old and new pension schemes

Higher charges can make a serious dent in your future returns.

2. Where are your pensions invested

Past returns are not a guide to the future, but you should investigate where your money will be held. Read our guide to carrying out a healthcheck on investments.

3. A private provider vs your work scheme

Pension consolidation firms have sprung up to help people manage all or most of their pensions in one place, and this can be cheaper as well as more convenient.

However, your current workplace scheme might have negotiated lower fees and rolling up your older pensions there might be even handier if you want to cut down on admin.

4. Large exit fees

Most default work pension funds are trackers with cheap charges these days. If you have a costly old pension with restrictive investment choices you could weigh the benefits of moving despite penalty fees.

But exit fees are capped at 1 per cent after you reach the age of 55, so it might be worth waiting.

5. Ongoing employer contributions

Ongoing employer contributions You will be getting free employer contributions into your current work scheme, and you don't want to lose that cash coming into your pot.
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Big banks and building societies are giving incorrect information to savers about Isas, I can reveal.

I've found errors on the websites of Santander, Barclays and others.

Those who heed their messages risk not getting the best possible rates on their savings or enjoying the flexibility Isas now afford.

How are savers supposed to understand what they can do when even the big institutions get it wrong?

Confusion: Banks are still getting it wrong over cash Isas

Let me spell out the facts to save you from the confusion. Isas are savings accounts that have the advantage of earning interest  tax free  on up to 20,000 each tax year.

New rules came into play on April 6 that are designed to make Isas more attractive than ever.

They state that you can now open as many cash Isas as you want in the current tax year  with as many different providers as you want, within your 20,000 limit.

Until April, you could only open one cash Isa a year with one provider.

Now, gone are the days when you had to choose between an easy-access account or a fixed-rate one.

You can hold as many as you want, in theory, either with the same provider or spread across a range of them.

But some providers tell you that this is not the case. Santander still says in the key facts it gives on its Easy-Access Isa and fixed-rate Isas, that: 'Under UK law, you can only pay into one cash Isa each tax year, either with us or another Isa provider.'

Santander tells me it is still in the process of updating its terms and conditions.

Barclays also has it wrong.

Factsheets for its Flexible Cash Isa  which is a fixed term, fixed-rate Isa  and its Instant Cash Isa, say: 'In accordance with the Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998 ( 'Isa Regulations'), you are not eligible to apply if you have already subscribed to a cash Isa... either with us or another Isa manager, in the same tax year as you are applying for this Isa.'

The bank tells me that it has updated its app and online banking site to reflect new rules, but not yet its website.

When I checked late last week, Kent Reliance and Charter Savings Bank were both still saying, in an oversight, that HMRC 'prohibits opening multiple cash Isas with multiple Isa providers in the same tax year.'

However, the mistakes have since been fixed  after I brought them to their attention. But the confusion does not end there.

While the rules say you can spread your money as you want, few providers offer this flexibility.

Most of the large banks and building societies, including Barclays, Coventry Building Society, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Leeds BS, NatWest, Principality BS, Santander and Virgin Money, will only let you open one cash Isa with them.

So, if you started one with any of these providers this tax year, you can't open another unless you transfer the money in your existing Isa into the new one.

Among these biggest providers, it is only Nationwide that will let you open more than one Isa in the same tax year.

Some providers say they hope to let you do so in the future, but right now they don't allow it.

Providers that do let you open more than one Isa with them include Paragon, Zopa, Charter Savings Bank, Aldermore, Newcastle BS and Kent Reliance.

Savers should remember the way to make the most of your money is to split it because no one provider offers the top easy access and fixed rates.

For example, you could pick the top easy-access account  5.1 per cent from Chip*  and a top fixed-rate such as 4.94 per cent fixed for one year from Shawbrook or 4.7 per cent for two years from Nottingham BS and its online arm Beehive Money.
DailyMail.com columnist and author Maureen Callahan's bombshell new biography of the Kennedy family has become an instant New York Times best seller.

'Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed' was published on July 2 and debuted last week in the No.2 position on the Times's prestigious book-sales ranking.

Callahan's biography beat other popular new books to the top spot, including Former Chief Medical Advisor to the President Anthony Fauci's memoir, which dropped down to the No.4 position on the 'Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction' list.

In the UK, meanwhile, 'Ask Not' took the No.1 position on the Sunday Times's best-seller list this weekend.

These successes come after it debuted in the No.1 spot on several other sales charts, including Amazon's rankings, within hours of being published earlier this month.

As well as claiming the top position in Amazon's 'Women in History' section, it was also first among 'Women's biographies'.

In fact, such was the demand for the book, Amazon temporarily sold out of copies.

Callahan has received rave reviews, including from podcaster Megyn Kelly, who described the biography as 'the must-read book of the summer.'

'There's so many interesting new nuggets on this bizarre family. Trust me, you're going to want to read it and buy it for everyone you know,' Kelly said.

A similarly glowing review in The Guardian praised the book as an 'eye-opening expose', while Town & Country magazine described it as 'a searing, no holds barred account of scandal'.

Last month, the Mail published four exclusive extracts of the book.

These included shocking new revelations such as: untold details of JFK's 1963 assassination; his wife Jackie's second marriage to Aristotle Onassis and the 170-clause prenup they negotiated; unearthed claims that could implicate 'lady-killer' Kennedys in the death of Marilyn Monroe; and a stunning new theory about the 1999 plane crash that killed JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

Callahan's previous book, 'American Predator'  about the serial-killer Israel Keyes  was also a New York Times best-seller.
On paper, at least, The House in the genteel Buckinghamshire village of Bourne End is a very fine residence.

Estate agents trying to flog the 1.75m, seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom 'outstanding individual home in a blissfully rural setting' appear to have consumed an entire dictionary of superlatives in order to extol its virtues. The property is, by turns, fantastic, incredible, sumptuous, lovely, remarkable, idyllic, wonderful, decadent.

No mention, however, of the extraordinary, poisonous, vicious, vindictive family row which lies behind the attempted sale of the property; or the super-rich father and son who are currently at each other's throats in the High Court in London, each claiming that they own The House, each accusing the other of lies and deceit.

The gate of 'The House' in the genteel Buckinghamshire village of Bourne End

Wealthy businessman Michael Parker, 61, who spoke exclusively to the Mail last week, said he transferred the ranch-style mansion to 31-year-old Tom for inheritance tax purposes as part of a trust agreement. It was done on the clear understanding, he said, that until his death he would retain a 'lifetime interest' in the property.

But Tom, who now goes by the name Parker-Bowyer, claims his father 'gifted' him the property in 2019 because he was so heavily mortgaged he risked losing the house. He claims to have used his own 200,000 savings and a 1.2 million mortgage to pay off his father's mortgage, with his father gifting him the remaining equity.

Tom Parker-Bowyer in front of The House at the centre of the bitter family feud

Michael Parker, above, says he transferred the ranch-style mansion to 31-year-old Tom for inheritance tax purposes as part of a trust agreement

Tom says that the luxurious property is 'rightfully mine'

'He hasn't just fallen out with me, he's fallen out with the entire family,' Michael Parker told me last week. 'It's all about money. He's a brat and these are the consequences. There's a line you don't cross and he's gone beyond it.

'I don't know why he's behaving like this. It's not the way he was brought up. It's a totally disgraceful situation that nobody should be proud of. I actually said that to the judge in court last month.'

Meanwhile, Tom said: 'I never wanted any of this but the house is rightfully mine. I have the title deeds and it is registered in my name. My father has no legal right to the house.'

Michael is also suing over the ownership of 300,000 worth of property left inside the house, some of which he accuses Tom of selling, including a 12,000 baby grand piano and a 7,000 glass statue, not to mention 40,000 to 50,000 worth of gym equipment and a portrait of the late Queen.

Tom, who claims the contents came as a package costing him an extra 10,000, is counter-suing his father, insisting on payment for a 24,000 energy bill and demanding an injunction banning his father from 'trespassing' by entering The House or its surrounding grounds.

The enormous light-filled kitchen at the grand design

Spacious and contemporary hallway leading to grandiose stairway

With what one lawyer described as 'bitter and roaming' accusations  including drunkenness, philandering and stalking  being flung around in court last month, relations between father and son have been left in tatters.

On one occasion, Tom called the police claiming that his father was looking through the windows of The House.

Michael, who lives next door to The House in a separate gated development called Babs Park, told me that in an act of spite, Tom had destroyed old family photographs left behind at the property. 'He put photos of members of my family who are no longer with us into a skip and burnt them,' said Michael.

Tom said this is 'completely false' and that all contents from The House are being held in long-term storage.

In court last month Michael accused his son of 'wholesale character assassination' and 'mudslinging', of making him out to be 'a bad father, violent, threatening, devoid of emotional connection, a philanderer and everything else'.

The ongoing feud has also seen Tom estranged from his older brother. In court documents he has accused 35-year-old Eddie Parker of having a 'mental health condition which results in compulsive lying behaviour'.

Other relatives have also been dragged into the affray after giving evidence on Michael's behalf.

Michael Parker lives next door to The House in a separate gated development called Babs Park

Last year, when Tom married 31-year-old cake designer Kim, his father and brother were not at the ceremony. According to Michael, the only member of Tom's immediate family who attended was his ex-wife Jane, Tom's mother.

Tom, meanwhile, said that his father refused to return bespoke champagne with customised labels, ordered from France for his wedding and kept hidden at his father's home before they fell out as a surprise for his future wife. 'He refused to return it unless I agreed to his demands for settlement,' he told me.

A hideous and messy state of affairs, indeed, then. Yet this isn't the first time that the Parker family has turned to litigation to resolve a family dispute.

Back in 2017, Michael and his second ex-wife, Barbara, spent close to 3 million fighting over a luxury towel and bathrobe empire in what was dubbed Britain's most toxic divorce. A judge warned they were in danger of frittering away their entire 10 million fortune. It was after this costly marital dispute, claimed Tom in court last month, that Michael ran into financial problems and faced having The House repossessed for failing to keep up with payments on a 1.4 million mortgage.

Tom, who runs his own floatation therapy business, said he offered to help out by taking out a 1.2 million mortgage on the property and putting in 200,000 of his own savings.

The property deeds were transferred into his name as the new legal owner. But when he decided to sell, Michael tried to stop him, insisting that he still had rights over the property.

The financial difficulties claim is hogwash, said property developer Michael, who once ran a company specialising in equipment for obesity surgery. According to his own account, transferring The House to Tom was done to minimise future inheritance tax.

He planned to do the same by giving neighbouring Babs Park, his other palatial home in the village of Bourne End, to his elder son, Eddie. 'I didn't want to leave my sons with problems when I died by not doing any tax planning,' Michael told me last week. 'Why would anyone leave their children with a tax nightmare to sort out when they're dead?'

The arrangement, he said in court, included making monthly payments to Tom of 8,500 from one of his companies, solely to help him meet the mortgage repayments on The House.

The payments, which on paper were for the commercial rental of an outbuilding on land around The House, were made, said Michael, as part of an understanding that he would retain lifetime control of the property. Without them, he said, Tom would never have obtained such a huge mortgage on the property.

Seven years ago, Michael hit the headlines after racking up huge legal bills while divorcing his second wife, Barbara Cooke, above, as they fought over ownership of BC SoftWear,

According to court documents, several discussions about the plan were held, including one at the August 2019 funeral of Michael's stepmother, Mary, which was overheard by other relatives including Tom's 83-year-old grandfather, former RAF serviceman John Parker. A cousin also claimed in court that Tom was 'nodding, smiling and agreeing' throughout.

According to a statement given by Michael's brother-in-law  and Tom's uncle  Andrew Welch: 'It is a funny old family, and whilst the conversation does not always centre on money, it often does.'

Which begs the questions: shouldn't Michael, who now wants a declaration from the court that there was a 'constructive trust' agreement between him and his son, have been more careful when making arrangements?

'It was common sense,' he told me. 'He and his brother were the only ones benefiting from the arrangement. It was my desire to help my sons long-term. If, at the end of the day, you can't trust your own son then who can you trust?'

Tom denies that there was any such plan. He said that relations with his father broke down in 2020. 'We had a fallout over how the businesses we ran should proceed and it just got worse from there,' he said.

Once his father's company stopped paying rent for outbuildings on land around The House, Tom struggled to meet his mortgage repayments. He claims to have been driven to financial ruin and despair by the row and said he has been forced to borrow 200,000 and sell his former home in Ascot, Berkshire, as well as his car, just so that he can take his father to court. He said he has been forced to move in with his in-laws because living next door to his father became unbearable.

'I just want to sell [the property] and move on,' he told me.

Meanwhile, The House languishes on the market. The property is surrounded by two acres of landscaped grounds and boasts a 20ft games room, an Aqualift swimming pool with adjustable floor, a cinema and a bespoke kitchen built from American black walnut and Orissa blue granite.

'This has taken over my life,' said Tom. 'I had to take out a second mortgage to pay the legal bills and my repayments are now 11,000 a month. I am being driven into financial ruin and although the house is up for sale, I wonder who will buy it when they know a legal fight is going on?'

Michael said his son is the architect of his own suffering and that their relationship will never recover. 'He has chosen to go down this road,' he told me. 'He could have had a deal that would have seen him alright for the rest of his life. Instead, he's going to have to spend the next 20 years recovering from this. He'll get nothing from me when I die.'

Tom also said that his father will 'never be a part of [his] life once this trial is concluded'.

He added: 'I would have sold The House and moved on with my life if it were not for Mike taking litigation against me in the High Court.'

So is Tom really the ingrate his father paints him to be? Or is Michael, as his son puts it, a man who simply 'likes legal action'?

'Someone said he is at the High Court so often he has his own parking space,' said Tom. Certainly, seven years ago, Michael hit the headlines after racking up huge legal bills while divorcing his second wife, Barbara Cooke, as they fought over ownership of BC SoftWear, a company that supplied towels and bathrobes to hotels and spas across the UK and Europe.

Tom Parker-Bowyer and his wife Kim on their wedding day

And in July 2012, a High Court judge found, on the balance of probabilities, that Michael had arranged an arson attack on a 1 million house which belonged to Barbara, as part of a failed insurance fraud. No criminal prosecution was ever brought.

At the same hearing, it was revealed that Michael had also made a fraudulent claim in relation to two watches he said had been stolen from his luggage. He was ordered to pay 55,000 to his insurer, the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society.

Michael, who said the past is 'old hat', told me last week that 'litigation is only for rich people and idiots, of which I'm neither'. He added: 'The only winners are lawyers and barristers.' Why on earth did he launch legal action against his son, then?

'If he would have talked and been sensible and negotiated,' he said, 'there would have been another choice. Families shouldn't be doing this in public.'

No doubt Deputy Master John Linwood, who, after a three-day trial, now faces the unenviable task of giving judgment on the matter, would agree.

But, as is so often the case when families fall out over money, all reason vanishes. Anger runs so deep that some would rather face financial ruin than compromise or give in.

Given the wealth the Parkers have enjoyed for decades  the luxury homes and cars and holidays, the private education  it should have been otherwise.

But as Groucho Marx once put it so succinctly: 'While money can't buy happiness, it certainly lets you choose your own form of misery.'
Democratic presidential nominee-in-waiting Kamala Harris is being celebrated in her ancestral home in south east India with prayers.

Harris' grandfather hails from the village of Painganadu-Thulasendrapuram in the province of Tamil Nadu. On Monday, residents of the area held a special prayer service at the Dharma Sastha Temple.

Those services will continue until November 5, election day. 'We are very happy that the granddaughter of P V Gopalan, Kamala Harris, is likely to be the US Presidential nominee,' a local resident told The Deccan Herald.

'We organized special poojas to pray that she is able to get the nomination and eventually triumph against Donald Trump,' they added. A pooja is a Hindu worship ritual.

None of her relatives remain in the area, the priest of the temple told The Hindu, confirming that the last of her family left 'several decades ago.'

Democratic presidential nominee-in-waiting Kamala Harris is being celebrated in her ancestral home in south east India with prayers

Similar celebrations were held in the area in 2020 when Harris was chosen by President Joe Biden to be his running mate

Despite this, locals are overjoyed that a descendant of the area is now a step closer to becoming the most powerful leader in the free world.

'We feel overjoyed that Ms. Harris is one step close to occupying the highest office in the United States of America and her victory will be the greatest moment for Thulasendrapuram and Tamil Nadu,' local J. Suthakar told the website.

Similar celebrations were held in the area in 2020 when Harris was chosen by President Joe Biden to be his running mate. The pair easily defeated incumbent Donald Trump and his Vice President Mike Pence.

In June last year, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a state visit to Washington, Harris spoke emotionally about her ties to her late mother Shyamala Gopalan's country of birth.

She credited her grandfather P.V. Gopalan, who was a civil servant, with teaching her about what democracy means as they walked hand-in-hand on a beach in his home state of Tamil Nadu.

These lessons, she said, 'first inspired my interest in public service  and have guided me ever since.'

She also talked about her mother's influence  and how she discovered her 'love of good idli,' eliciting laughter from the crowd with her reference to a dish of steamed rice dumplings, a staple in southern India.

In June last year, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a state visit to Washington, Harris spoke emotionally about her ties to her late mother Shyamala Gopalan's country of birth

She credited her grandfather P.V. Gopalan, who was a civil servant, with teaching her about what democracy means as they walked hand-in-hand on a beach in his home state of Tamil Nadu

Sumanth Raman, a political commentator in Tamil Nadu, said there was excitement when she was named the VP nominee, 'but after that, there's not been a great deal of enthusiasm.'

Beyond a smattering of references, analysts say Harris hasnt tapped her Indian identity heavily.

A few members of her extended family remain in India.

Other than the trips during her childhood, Harris hasnt visited the country much  and not since she became vice president, another reason that could explain why her candidacy hasnt resonated widely in the country yet.

Still, if Harris becomes the Democratic nominee, it would be a first for a South Asian American  and a sign of just how far the diaspora has come in the U.S., Kugelman said.

Harris and a slew of other political personalities with roots in India  from Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy to Usha Vance  have become household names in the U.S. and their rise has put a spotlight on the country, beyond the cliches of Bollywood and Indian cuisine, he added.
Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to remove the two-child benefit cap, having suspended seven of his backbench MPs who claim it discriminates against the poorest UK households.

Strikingly, some Right-wingers  including Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman  also oppose the cap, because they believe it discourages people from having larger families.

And the truth is that those on both the Right and the Left may have a point. The cap probably does have an effect on the number of children some families are prepared to have  and, spread across the population, that could worsen a rapidly growing disaster. A spectre is haunting Europe: the spectre of depopulation.

All over the world, societies are both ageing and declining in absolute terms

We are running out of people to fill our workforce and fuel our economy, for the most simple of reasons: we are not having enough babies.

This seems a bold claim when the worlds population has just exceeded eight billion and is continuing to grow. The conventional mindset, which has dominated political thinking since World War II, is that there are already too many people on the planet. Theres no room, the argument goes. Were not going to be able to feed ourselves, were not going to have enough to drink, there will be nowhere for us all to live.

That argument is completely wrong, for a host of reasons that I set out in my book No One Left: Why The World Needs More Children. In the 1970s, the worlds human population was growing at more than 2 per cent annually.

Now that growth has fallen by more than half, to below 1 per cent, and many major countries have had such a low fertility rate for so long that their numbers are actually decreasing.

Thats true in China, Russia and Japan. Germany, too, would have a falling population were it not for mass immigration. In the UK, our natural growth  that is, births minus deaths  is nearly zero, our population growth is entirely dependent on migration as deaths could outstrip those born in the coming year.

All over the world, societies are both ageing and declining in absolute terms. Its even happening in relatively poor countries where big families were the norm until recently, such as Jamaica and Thailand.

The maths is simple. In order for populations to grow, women need to have an average of 2.1 children or more. Thats not happening anywhere in Europe.

The country with the lowest reproduction rate, according to Eurostat and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, is Malta, where live births per woman average 1.08. In the UK, that figure is 1.49, which is higher than Spain (1.16) but lower than France (1.79).

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to remove the two-child benefit cap

In London, the number of babies born yearly has dropped by a fifth in just ten years, a fall so drastic that the NHS is expected to close the maternity unit at either the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead or the Whittington in Archway. Across the UK, the number of children in education is predicted to collapse by an astonishing 500,000 pupils.

And in Italy, the newspaper La Stampa has warned that within just 25 years the ratio of pensioners to people of working age will be 1:1  the point at which the welfare state collapses. That situation could get worse still, since Italy currently has five times more pensioners than children under the age of six.

Ageing populations consume a lot of resources in healthcare as well as pensions. Thats the fundamental reason why government debt is out of control.

Japan has the highest ratio of debt to GDP in the developed world, and it also has the lowest rate of births in its history: last year, just over 750,000 babies were born in Japan, a 5.1 per cent decline from the previous year, and the eighth year of decline in a row.

People are so conditioned to think in terms of an overpopulation crisis they find all this hard to accept. An idea persists that it is somehow virtuous to abstain from having children. Prince Harry and Meghan were named as role models by UK charity Population Matters for the enlightened decision to have only two children.

In reality, its a selfish choice, because childless people still expect to share in the advantages of a thriving workforce. They want doctors and nurses, lorry drivers and reliable supplies of electricity and water.

The argument that a growing population drives global warming is also false. A child born today will not create a significant carbon footprint for the first 20 years of its life. Since Britain is steadily reducing its emissions, by the time that child reaches adulthood, their carbon deficit will still be negligible.

Populations are also becoming more urban, living in more concentrated spaces with more efficient housing and public transport.

Half the worlds population now live in cities. Anyone who believes Britain is overcrowded has only to look out of the plane window as they fly in to Gatwick or Stansted to see how much unused space we have.

Despite all our houses and schools, roads and hospitals, the impact humans have on the countryside is minor. So dont be afraid to have lots of children to help to populate our green and pleasant land.

Elon Musk, an ardent proponent of expanding populations (he has fathered 12 children) advocates the colonisation of other planets. One thing I am sure: we dont need to go into space. It might be a great adventure, but it isnt necessary to prevent overcrowding  Earth has all the room well ever need.

I would never advocate coercing women into having babies they didnt want. That would be immoral.

But it is equally immoral to seek to dissuade people from having families, on the entirely specious ground that this is somehow good for the planet. China tried that experiment with its disastrous one-child policy and it is still paying the economic and social price.

In most countries in the developed world, including the UK, women on average say they want to have two or three children. It is a tragedy for them that so many feel unable to do so, often because of economic constraints.

Being a parent is perhaps the greatest joy life has to offer. I have three children and two grandchildren, with a third on the way.

I dont advocate that people should have children solely in the hopes of having carers to support them in old age, though theres nothing wrong if that is one motivation among many.

Creating a new life for its own sake is a wonderful thing. But we also need to do that, as a society, to sustain our future.
Air Force One was flying so fast that I was shaking in my seat.

Less than 30 minutes ago, my colleagues in the White House press corps and I had received word  just before the rest of the world  that President Biden had been diagnosed with COVID.

Now we were joining him on a mad rush back from Las Vegas to the Bidens' Rehoboth Beach getaway in Delaware.

Moments after fastening my seatbelt, the massive engines of the presidential Boeing 747 roared to life.

The flight attendants, in their custom blue uniforms, stumbled in the aisles as the jet's nose pointed skyward.

Tray tables shook. Reporters held up their water glasses so they wouldn't spill.

Most concerning, though, was that we had no idea what was going on.

For security reasons, there is no Wi-Fi on Air Force One, so we were cut off from the outside world.

JULY 17: Soon after 1pm local time, Biden greeted patrons at Lindo Michoacan, a famous Mexican restaurant in downtown Las Vegas.

Biden pictured boarding Air Force One at Vegas's Harry Reid International airport after testing positive for Covid just hours later.

Your browser does not support iframes.

A doctor always travels with the President, but no word came on the type of care he was receiving or how ill he was.

Twice, we asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who was also onboard, to give us an update on Biden's condition.

Twice, we were denied.

Even if she had spoken to us, there would have been no way to know what was coming.

That the president wouldn't be seen again in public for nearly a week.

And that in less than four days' time, his 52-year career in politics would come to a dramatic end.

After all, Biden's week had begun on a high note.

On Monday, July 15, despite escalating calls from within the Democratic party for the president to quit the 2024 race, he appeared to be in a jovial mood when he arrived in the afternoon at Joint Base Andrews, outside of Washington DC.

I was standing with the press pool  reporters from more than a dozen media organizations  waiting for him on the tarmac.

As he disembarked his helicopter, Marine One, I waved and beckoned for him to come take our questions.

To my surprise, he did, breaking into his characteristic, stiff half-jog.

This would be the first time he'd spoken to us since the attempted assassination of Donald Trump two days prior.

On Monday, July 15, despite escalating calls from within the Democratic party for the president to quit the 2024 race, he seemed in a jovial mood when he arrived in the afternoon at Joint Base Andrews, outside of Washington DC (pictured).

Pictured: Senior U.S. Political Reporter Emily Goodin standing in front of Air Force One.

'What's your question,' Biden asked me.

'Do you trust your Secret Service detail?' I replied.

'Yes, I do,' he responded.

'What's your opinion of J.D. Vance,' asked another.

A Trump 'clone', he said.

And with that, Biden walked off, boarding Air Force One for a flight to Vegas where he was due to address both the yearly civil rights NAACP National Convention  and the Hispanic UnidosUS conference.

The next day (Tuesday), the President delivered one of his more impressive teleprompter speeches at the NAACP convention.

It was the type of event that, his supporters said, proved his capability to fight and win against Trump in November.

But by Wednesday at noon, it was a dramatically different story.

The President was running about an hour behind schedule.

This wasn't unusual. He's habitually late.

Eventually, he departed the Waldorf Astoria hotel, where he had been staying, getting into his armored limousine, the Beast, in an underground garage and out of sight of reporters.

Vans carrying the press corps joined the president's 20-plus car motorcade and we arrived at Lindo Michoacan, a famous Mexican restaurant in downtown Vegas.

I checked my watch, it was 1.09pm local time.

We were then ushered inside ahead of the president to capture his arrival.

The next day, July 16, the President delivered one of his more impressive teleprompter speeches at the NAACP convention (pictured).

July 17, 1.09pm local time: Vans carrying the press corps joined the president's 20-plus car motorcade and we arrived at Lindo Michoacan restaurant.

Biden would enter through the kitchen, we were told. Photographers had their cameras ready, wanting to capture a stylish photo of the president framed in the glass window of the door between the kitchen and dining room.

But suddenly, the Secret Service covered the window with a towel.

'Hey,' we yelled at the agents. But they didn't listen. Why they wanted to block that specific shot, when Biden would be pictured moments later in the dining room regardless, we still don't know.

When he finally stepped through the door, his appearance was shocking.

He looked pale, weak, exhausted and shuffled slowly across the room.

'He looks bad,' one reporter muttered.

We all agreed.

Biden greeted the patrons, shaking hands with families at three different tables and posing for selfies.

He then sat at a booth and chatted with a few customers.

Sensing an opening, reporters shouted questions about California Rep. Adam Schiff, a close ally of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the latest Democrat to call on Biden to exit the presidential race.

But White House staff immediately shouted us down.

'Thank you, press,' they yelled back, before shuffling us out of the room and back to our vans in the parking lot.

Biden would enter through the kitchen, we were told. Photographers had their cameras ready, wanting to capture a stylish photo of the president framed in the glass window of the door between the kitchen and dining room.

When Biden finally stepped through the door (pictured), his appearance was shocking. He looked pale, weak, exhausted and shuffled slowly across the room.

Biden greeted the patrons, shaking hands with families at three different tables and posing for selfies. He then sat at a booth and chatted with a few customers.

There we'd sit while Biden conducted a radio interview scheduled to take about 20 minutes. So, we got burritos and waited... and waited and waited.

30 minutes passed. 60 minutes turned into 90 .

Secret Service agents, afraid that our vans would overheat in the searing Vegas sun, popped open the hoods of our vehicles which were running the air conditioning on full blast.

We repeatedly asked about the delay  but received no updates.

It's precisely this lack of communication that breeds suspicions among reporters  as well as wild conspiracies about the president's health on social media and elsewhere.

Finally, a colleague got wind of a tip.

The president's next scheduled event at UnidosUS had been canceled.

'Biden has COVID,' my colleague shouted.

Moments later, we could see Karine Jean-Pierre and other senior Biden staff piling into their vans.

But the Beast was sheltered under a giant tent  which is, to be totally transparent, normal protocol  meaning we couldn't catch a glimpse of the sick president.

At 3.10pm, the motorcade finally started rolling.

We weren't told where we were going  but there was only one likely destination: the airport.

At 3.12pm, an official statement from Jean-Pierre hit our inboxes.

At 3.10pm, the motorcade (pictured) finally started rolling. We weren't told where we were going  but there was only one likely destination: the airport. At 3.12pm, an official statement hit our inboxes confirming he had Covid.

The Secret Service held us back as Biden stepped out of the Beast, six staff and agents forming a circle around him. 'How are you feeling, sir?' we yelled. He gave a thumbs-up (pictured).

'President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all his duties fully during that time,' the email read.

The motorcade raced through empty streets, sirens blaring and lights flashing.

'Just go,' we called out to our driver as we arrived at Harry Reid International Airport. We all pushed our way out of the van and ran to get close to Air Force One.

The Secret Service held us back as Biden stepped out of the Beast, six staff and agents forming a circle around him.

'How are you feeling, sir?' we yelled.

He gave a thumbs-up: 'I feel good!'

But as he walked slowly towards the plane, we knew that wasn't the case.

The president inched up the shortened gangway  built-in stairs near the front of the plane that he's been using instead of the traditional, longer staircase for more than a year now.

Once he was on board, we reporters rushed to find our seats in the back of the plane.

And nearly from the moment we lifted off the runway, the fuselage began to shake.

It's not entirely uncommon for Air Force One pilots to drop the hammer.

President Trump routinely asked his crew to cut down flight times by going faster. But this break-neck speed was unusual for President Biden.

Our tray tables trembled as dinner was served. Water glasses slid around. Bags stowed under seats slammed into people's legs.

I could physically feel the speed of the aircraft as we hurtled through the air, pushing me back. I felt nauseous.

We were fed steak and potatoes but no information. Despite our requests and our lack of internet access, no senior staffer came back to brief us on the latest developments.

The normal flight time from Vegas to Delaware is around four and a half hours. We made the trip in three hours and 48 minutes.

Our destination was Dover Air Force Base  the closest suitable airport to Biden's Rehoboth home.

Touching down, we rushed into position once more on the tarmac to watch the president deplane. And as the steps of Air Force One were lowered, we waited anxiously under the wing.

He began his exit at 10:29pm (EST), still looking pale and frail. He stepped down gingerly, then paused and waved.

Touching down in Delaware (pictured), we rushed into position once more on the tarmac to watch the president deplane. And as the steps of Air Force One were lowered, we waited anxiously under the wing.

He sluggishly made it to his SUV and shakily climbed inside for the hour-long ride to his home in Rehoboth Beach.

Half way down, and for a few seconds, he stared off into space, until a Secret Service agent gently tapped his shoulder.

The touch seemed to rouse him and he continued down, appearing so unsteady that I was worried he would fall.

But he sluggishly made it to his SUV and shakily climbed inside for the hour-long ride to Rehoboth.

I re-boarded Air Force One for a flight back to Joint Base Andrews.

In little more than 72 hours, the president would announce from his beach house  in a simple tweeted letter  that he was withdrawing from the 2024 election race.
Members of Congress are expected to demand answers from FBI Director Chris Wray about former President Donald Trump's assassination attempt.

It comes days after the former Director of Secret Service Kimberly Cheatle was forced to resign after evading answering rounds of questioning by punting to the FBI in another congressional hearing earlier this week.

Now it's Wray's turn in the hot seat, and it's unlikely to go smoothly.

The Judiciary Committee hearing is expected to focus on both the shooting at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and the 'ongoing politicization' of the FBI.

Questioning on a separate foiled Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump is sure to be a topic of contention.

A bombshell report last week revealed the U.S. received intelligence of an Iranian assassination plot in the weeks before Trump was shot at the Pennsylvania rally.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are expected to set up a bipartisan task force to investigate the shooting in a vote this week.

Members of Congress are expected to demand answers from FBI Director Chris Wray about the Trump assassination attempt on Wednesday

The FBI and Secret Service revealed to lawmakers last week they spotted shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks as a person of interest a full 62 minutes before he fired a shot.

Twenty minutes passed between the time Secret Service agents spotted Crooks with a gun on the rooftop and he fired shots at the president.

In a staggering moment, Cheatle admitted on Monday her agents on the ground were warned between two and five times that there was a 'suspicious person' reported before Trump took the stage.

While Trump walked around with little more than a bloody ear, Crooks killed former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, and critically injured two other rally goers sitting close to where the former president was speaking last weekend before he was neutralized.

The security chief had faced mounting questions over why an agent was not stationed on the roof from where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.

She had also been ridiculed for suggesting her agency did not have a presence on the roof because it was 'sloped.'

The 20-year-old shooter Crooks, was able to get within 160 yards of the stage where the former president was speaking when he opened fire. The building on which he stood was outside the security perimeter, despite clearly being within rifle shooting range.

And that was despite the FBI learning of a threat on Trump's life from Iran leading to a bump in security for the former president in the days before the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cheatle said she believed she was the 'best person' to lead the Secret Service at this time, but later acquiesced to the bipartisan demands for her resignation.

On the day of the rally, Trump walked out onto the stage at 6:02 p.m.

Then at around 6:12 p.m. Crooks' first shots rang out.

Cheatle could not tell lawmakers how the shooter had gotten onto the roof.

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 curiously claimed no officers had been placed on the roof because it was sloped.

'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 told ABC News in an interview Tuesday.

Comer said on Fox News Sunday the hearing would go on for six hours and Cheatle would face 'hundreds of questions'

'And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside.'

What transpired instead was a security nightmare: Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to scale the building and secure his own position, while law enforcement struggled to locate him even amid pressing warnings from members of the Trump crowd. But there wasn't sufficient time to act on the tips, she explained.

'The shooter was actually identified as a potential person of suspicion,' Cheatle said. 'Unfortunately, with the rapid succession of how things unfolded, by the time that individual was eventually located, they were on the rooftop and were able to fire off at the former president.'

She was referencing claims by witnesses that they alerted law enforcement about the threat, but agents weren't able to eliminate the threat in time. Officials have pointed to the initial responding officer, who lifted himself up on the roof only to lower himself back when the gunman turned his weapon at him.

Cheatle has take blame for the fateful security breach, but has denied calls to step down.

'The buck stops with me,' she said.

'It was unacceptable,' she told ABC. 'And it's something that shouldn't happen again.'

'While we give overwhelming thanks to the individual Secret Service agents who did their jobs under immense pressure, this tragedy was preventable. The Secret Service has a zero fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally,' Comer is also expected to say, as he will again call for Cheatle's resignation.

Also coming into question on the call was the possible motive for Crooks to commit such an atrocity.

Officials did not confirm an operating motive and said that his rationale remains a mystery.

Authorities said that they have yet to find any ideological material that could shine light on why Crooks decided to shoot the former president.

But, they did reveal that Crooks operated several accounts on encrypted platforms that they are still working to gain access to.

Here's a timeline of how that fateful July 11 went down:

1PM

The grounds to the event at Butler Farm Show opened at 1pm.

It began an hours-long build up that saw MAGA supporters immediately pour into the area to camp out.

Security swept the area and set up perimeters, however questions have been raised over how the gunman was able to secure a clear shot just 400ft from the stage.

5PM

An hour before Trump took the stage at approximately 5pm, former GOP Senate candidate Sean Parnell warmed up the crowd, bringing cheers as he slammed President Biden and his stuttering campaign.

With the sun still high on a bright day, Trump emerged to 'God Bless the USA' playing over the loudspeakers at 6:03pm, and remained waving and shaking his fist at the crowd for several minutes.

6:11PM

Trump brought out a large graphic with statistics on the migrant crisis at the southern border, and told the crowd at 6:11pm: 'That chart's a couple of months old...'

'If you want to really see something that's sad, take a look at what happened,' Trump continued - before he abruptly grabbed the side of his head as several 'pops' filled the event space.

6:12PM

The 78-year-old dropped to the floor in an instant as five more shots rang overhead in quick succession, before four Secret Service agents raced to the stage and dove on top of the former president.

Stunning images showed Trump cowered on the floor as agents protected him, with blood dripping down his cheek.

Several more Secret Service agents continued to flood the stage, while four heavily armed officers lined the perimeter ordering attendees to 'get down.'

The sniper, sat 400ft across from the rally on an exposed rooftop, fired another shot at the stage a second later while Trump fans streamed out of the bleachers.

Secret Service scrambled to take control of the pandemonium where three attendees were hit, one fatally, within a matter of seconds.

6:13PM

An emergency room doctor with blood spattered on his shirt later said he sprang into action to perform emergency CPR on one victim.

'The guy had spun around was jammed between the benches and a head shot here. There's lots of blood and he had brain matter,' he told CBS News.

'So I got him together so I got people there really helpful. I did CPR chest compressions as well.'

6:14PM

Microphones surrounding the stage picked up staggering detail of the urgent response, beginning with one ordering screaming people to 'get down, get down, get down.'

At the same moment, snipers set up on a roof next to bleachers were seen firing back at the gunman, with Secret Service agents surrounding Trump heard on microphones confirming the moment he was brought down.

Despite the chaos flying around the scene, the rally appeared to hold its breath to see if Trump was hit.

A blood-spattered Donald Trump pumped his fist after being shot in the ear by a sniper, eight minutes after he took the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

In a move that sparked iconic images set to define his candidacy, Trump stood up and triumphantly held his fist in the air, pumping it at his supporters to raucous relief.

'USA, USA, USA,' the crowd chanted at the sight, with a blood-spattered Trump appearing to mouth the word 'fight' several times as Secret Service tried to hurry him away.

While getting up off the floor, an agent picked up a white cloth and held it to Trump's bleeding ear, telling him to 'hold that on your head, it's bloody.'

'Are we good?' one male agent says, as another responds quickly: 'Shooter down!'

'Shooter's down. Are we good to move?' one says next. 'We're clear, we're clear, we're clear - let's move.'

Trump repeatedly ordered the agents to 'let me get my shoes', to which one responds: 'I got you sir, I got you.'

The gunman was killed by agents shortly after opening fire, as footage emerged online showing him appear to be shot in the head while crouched on the roof.

Crooks was seen laying lifeless on the rooftop in a later image, surrounded by law enforcement stood over him.

A number of camouflaged law enforcement officers emerged from the side of the stage, part of a huge law enforcement presence that flooded the area within minutes of the first shot was fired.

At 6:14pm, Trump was whisked into his motorcade by around dozen Secret Service agents, who formed a protective human shield around him.

Before he got into his SUV, Trump again raised his fist to signify triumphantly surviving the assassination attempt.
A clash between an auctioneer and a female bidder has sparked debate over whether she replied rudely when she was asked to 'get involved' - or if he took it too much to heart by later posting the spat on social media.

Justin Nickerson, director of Apollo Auctions, was taking bids at a home in southeast Queensland on Saturday when he noticed a late arrival and asked if she wanted to participate.

'A late registration ma'am, can I get you involved,' Mr Nickerson was heard asking a woman.

She hit back and said: 'I am involved, but I'll wait for you to do what you have to do'.

Mr Nickerson informed the woman that he was 'going to sell it.'

She snapped back and said: 'That's fine, you do it. Do your job.'

After the third and final call, Mr Nickerson concluded the auction and sold the home to another bidder for $2,115,000.

Mr Nickerson then posted on social media about the tense exchange.

'Bidding at auction can be an emotional and stressful time, which is understandable; sometimes it comes out in comments from bidders,' Mr Nickerson wrote.

'We do our best to take it in our stride and not create confrontation. Remember - auctioneers are people too.'

Director of Apollo Auctions Justin Nickerson has been praised for remaining professional after a female bidder told him to 'do your job' in the final moment of an auction

Many took his side for doing an auctioneer's job of trying to involve as many bidders as possible to push the price higher.

'She chose to be rude. You chose to be professional. Great work,' one person commented.

'She was just angry cause she came to a Ferrari shop with a coin purse. Better luck next time, Karen,' a second person wrote.

A third said: 'Love it, put the Karen in her place'.

A fourth added: 'You were just trying to do her a favour by being inclusive but she couldnt see past her own ignorance.'

But others were less impressed with the agent, and labelled him unprofessional for calling the woman out on social media.

'Get over yourself and do your job exempt of the dribble and unprofessionalism,' one comment read.

Another said: 'She didn't deserve to be called out by the agent. She can choose when she wants to bid herself - and did not need to be embarrassed like that. No wonder she hit back.'
A gang leader who orchestrated the murders of at least eight rivals, informants, and his own crew has been stabbed to death in prison.

Ezequiel 'Wicked' Romo ran the Blythe Street gang in Panorama City, northwest Los Angeles, with an iron fist despite being in jail for all but a year of his reign.

Punishment for the smallest infraction, like an unauthorized tattoo, could be a whole magazine of bullets as he sought to purge the gang of 'dirty homeboys'.

'All I ask for is complete control of Panorama City,' he wrote in a WhatsApp message from prison to one of his henchmen in 2017.

Romo, 47, won't be ordering any more hits from jail after he was stabbed to death by three inmates at Centinela State Prison about 8pm on Sunday.

Ezequiel 'Wicked' Romo ran the Blythe Street gang in Panorama City, northwest Los Angeles, with an iron fist despite being in jail for all but a year of his reign

The assassins were so ferocious that they didn't stop stabbing him until guards doused them with pepper spray four times, officials said.

Cristian Moreno, Johnny Garcia, and Christian Hernandez allegedly jumped him in the day room of the 3,000-man jail in the Imperial County desert.

Bleeding to death on the prison floor was a fitting end for Romo after he was jailed for life without parole last year for murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.

The bodies began dropping in 2015, only months after Romo got out of jail in late 2014 after an 18-year stint behind bars.

Romo was in the slammer since he was just 18 and got into a fight with fellow teenager Manuel Avila at Tommy's hamburger stand on Roscoe Boulevard in 1995.

Avila, 19, punched him in the face and Romo responded by shooting him dead in front of shocked diners.

He was jailed for 10 years and got years added on for assaults behind bars, finally getting out as a hardened crime boss on a mission.

Romo looked very different when he was arrested in 2015 for driving around with a bag of meth

Romo had made some new friends in jail, associates of the Mexican Mafia, which essentially ran the California jail system.

His plan was to prove he was worthy of the syndicate's membership by transforming the Blythe Street gang into a feared crew.

He knew he needed to run a very tight ship and set about getting rid of informants, addicts and dissenters, witnesses told his trial.

'His thing was making things right for them people. Doing favors for them. Taking care of people in the county [jail],' one witness told the court, the LA Times reported last year.

'It sounded good, but a lot of violence came after.'

Romo's first murder, and the only one he organized while breathing fresh air, was just to make a few thousand dollars.

He acquired a kilogram of cocaine from drug supplier Felipe Delgado and promised to pay him later, but instead hatched a plan to simply kill him instead.

First he spread rumors that Delgado was talking to the cops, then lured him to the back of a building to finally pay him.

'[Romo] wanted to kill him because supposedly he was a rat, but at the same time he had taken a kilo of cocaine. And he had kept that money. He had no intention of paying,' a witness told his trial.

Romo had an ankle monitor on, so he walked around the the other side of the building while Delgado was shot three times in the back.

Romo had an ankle monitor on, so he walked around the the other side of this building while a drug supplier was shot three times in the back

Having gotten away with that murder, Romo managed to get pinched for something much more mundane two months later - driving around with a bag of meth.

He pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years, but this proved to be a mere inconvenience.

Romo's plan continued through WhatsApp messages to overworked middle-managers from a contraband phone at Centinela.

Next to be gunned down was Isidro 'Topo' Alba, 38, after a series of clashes with Romo, when he was lured to a fake drug deal on August 27, 2017.

'Do you think this is a setup?' he asked his girlfriend, seated next to him in the car as he arrived at the ambush.

'Just hurry the f**k up,' she testified that she told him, handing him the drugs.

Gang members Juan 'Flaco' Ramirez and Yordin 'Little Goofy' Enere riddled him with bullets almost immediately after he opened the door.

His girlfriend was largely unscathed and tried the flag down a passing car for help - only to realize it was the killers.

Somehow, their aim was bad enough that she survived by diving back in the car, lying down, and playing dead.

Next to be gunned down was Isidro 'Topo' Alba, 38, after a series of clashes with Romo, when he was lured to a fake drug deal and shot in his car

Romo's right hand man was Oscar Molina, every bit the beleaguered, micromanaged lackey who did most of the dirty work on the outside.

He extorted marijuana dispensaries, bought drugs in Mexico and had them smuggled to LA and beyond, collected protection money, and bought weapons at gun shows using fake IDs.

All the while, Romo was on him constantly and got angry if he was slow to reply to messages.

'Some say I'm too hands on,' Romo admitted in one exchange.

Molina was careful to stay on his boss' good side, showering him with praise in glowing messages.

'Don't let nothing change u Bee. Ure one of the few that I consider a good homie a good camarada so with that said just know ure boy will always Bee loyal & will always have ure back as long as I am around,' he wrote in one.

Romo replied: 'Gracias for ur words. They r a gift I accept more than money or shiny objects.'

So when Romo told Molina to 'take care of' a 21-year-old wannabe gangster called Carlos Rios, he didn't hesitate.

Rios' was marked for death because he got a huge letter B tattooed on his left cheek without being a full member of the gang.

'Nobody can have a 'B' on his face without earning it. This is not a game,' the court heard Romo said.

Carlos Rios, 21, was killed because he got a huge letter B tattooed on his left cheek without being a full member of the gang

Molina organized for Rios to be shot in the back while he sprayed graffiti in rival territory, even finishing the kid off after two shooters emptying their magazines into his body failed to kill him.

Later in 2017 saw another three murders, members of the rival Columbus gang shot dead in the streets on Romo's orders.

'Everything worked out perfecto once again. And smiley was one of them,' Molina texted Romo to tell him the good news.

But Molina's relationship with his boss began to fray and he was increasingly using too much 'Halloween candy' for Romo's liking.

After missing messages and calls too many times while strung out on drugs, Romo decided he could use a better number two.

He told the rest of the gang Molina owed money to the wrong people, had been caught lying, and was 'getting way, way too high'.

Molina was shot dead when he opened his door for his close friend Eder Mendoza at 4am on February 10, 2018, before he could even draw the revolver in his waistband.

Karen Tobar, 23, was killed because Romo believed she was talking to police about Molina's murder

Two men picked her up in an unlicensed 'bandit cab' and she was next seen dumped in a park the next day, stabbed 60 times

He told a woman he was with that night, Karen Tobar, 23, that he would be right back when his friend came knocking, and 12 days later it was her turn.

Romo ordered Tobar's death, the last known hit of his reign of terror, because he believed she was talking to police about Molina's murder.

Two men picked her up in an unlicensed 'bandit cab' and she was next seen dumped in a park the next day, stabbed 60 times.

After years of cultivating snitches, prosecutors charged Romo with eight murders and a long list of other crimes, and a jury easily convicted him.

'Why would you kill your own gang members?' Deputy District Attorney Eric Siddall asked the jury in his closing argument.

'Because in Romo's world, if you don't fit the mold, if you don't do what he wants, you get killed.'

On Sunday, it was Romo's turn.
He has qualifications galore, good looks, truly amazing hair and, as the only grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, is one of the best-connected men in the world.

But things really took off for Jack Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg when he posted a video of himself opening a coconut in Hawaii with his bare hands.

It is alarmingly simple. He picks up a coconut and smashes it, again and again, on a stone wall. Until, finally, grunting and gurning, and dropping his sunglasses, he prises it apart to show the white flesh inside and declares in triumph: 'And that's how you open a coconut  no tools required.'

It went viral, and prompted all sorts of enthusiastic responses from Jack's followers. 'Ooh I'd give anything to be that coconut,' posted one. 'This is the type of Kennedy we've been waiting for,' says another. 'JSK for president!'

A few expressed their disappointment that, unusually, he had his shirt on for this clip. But not to worry, he's been bare-chested in endless posts before and since  swimming with turtles, posing in a pick-up truck, falling off his surfboard, doing a 'He-Man' pose.

Jack Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg has qualifications galore, good looks, truly amazing hair and is one of the best-connected men in the world

Some commentators have pointed out that, well, he's a 31-year-old graduate from Yale, Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School and, whisper it, could be doing something a bit more useful with his time than bouncing about like a big hairy manbaby

Jack is now pivoting more into politics, a departure from lighter topics on TikTok

The 31-year-old viral sensation had been encouraging fans to vote Biden

Rather disconcertingly, he also looks the spit of his uncle  John F. Kennedy Jr (pictured in 1997), who died, aged 38, along with his wife

Good to see someone who doesn't take himself too seriously, seems to have been the general response from his fans. Particularly a member of one of America's most famous political families.

That said, some commentators have pointed out that, well, he's a 31-year-old graduate from Yale, Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School and, whisper it, could be doing something a bit more useful with his time than bouncing about like a big hairy manbaby.

Not least because there have also been a series of rather more bizarre posts.

In one, in which he's chatting to his mother in the rain, he rants about how much he hates going out to restaurants because they ruin your life.

In others, he queries whether AI is 'sexual' and says he doesn't like electric vehicles because 'they're dumb'.

Lately, though, he's focusing more on politics, distilling the presidential debates into a few snappy bullet points, brilliantly crunching entire Supreme Court rulings into bouncy TikTok takeaways.

Good to see someone who doesn't take himself too seriously, seems to have been the general response from his fans...

But his new job is to cover what must be the most exciting and bizarre US election ever, producing up to four monthly Instagram videos of his reactions to 'key news' in the campaign

He's also released a series of TikTok videos in which he imitates, with accents, working-class white males  a risk, perhaps, for a man with access to a multimillion-dollar trust fund  giving their views on the forthcoming election and why Donald Trump is a disaster and Joe Biden a hero.

Oh, yes, and why he will never support his first cousin once removed, Robert (Bobby) F. Kennedy Jr, who is running as an independent candidate in the election.

'I'm just trying to use the tools at my disposal to get out a message that I think is super-serious and important, and that is that a vote for Bobby Kennedy Jr is a vote for Donald Trump,' he explained in a recent interview.

'I'm good at accents, so that seemed a good plan,' he said. 'I want to use levity to reach younger voters.'

He doesn't hold back. In a series of Instagram posts, he variously calls his 70-year-old cousin a 'p***k', suggesting he's using steroids, claiming he was 'lying to us' and that he's a stalking horse for Trump and a Russian stooge.

Needless to say, cousin Bobby is furious. And he'll be even crosser now that, on the back of these posts, Jack has been snapped up by Vogue as its new political correspondent.

The Yale and Harvard Law School graduate, 31, has collected thousands of Instagram followers, often showing off his incredible physique and workouts at the gym

Jack is the son of JFK and his wife, Jackie Kennedy Onassis' only surviving child, Caroline, and her husband, Edwin. JFK and Jackie are seen with Caroline and her brother in 1962

Jack Schlossberg - JFK's only grandson and cousin to White House hopeful Robert J. Kennedy - is taking the internet by storm with his rabble-rousing rants and cartoonish impersonations of American voters

JFK's daughter Caroline and grandson Jack recreate his heroic swim off the Solomon Islands to save himself in 2023

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy - JFK's only surviving child - honors late father's rescue during WWII with special swim (pictured with Jack last year)

His job is to cover what must be the most exciting and bizarre U.S. election ever, producing up to four monthly Instagram videos of his reactions to 'key news' in the election campaign in his very own particular style, along with as many articles as he fancies writing, presumably, with or without his top on.

For those new to Jack, he's the son of Edwin Schlossberg (an artist and writer) and Caroline Kennedy, JFK's sole surviving child, the only one who had children and, currently, Biden's ambassador to Australia.

Like many of his vast family, he seems designed to thrive in the limelight. And, rather disconcertingly, he also looks the spit of his uncle  John F. Kennedy Jr, who died, aged 38, along with his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her elder sister, Lauren Bessette, in an aircraft crash in Martha's Vineyard on July 16, 1999.

Jack and his late uncle also share a love of action-adventure and an off-beat sense of humour.

For all his goofing about, Jack insists he's politically driven, with big dreams and a serious message to deliver, but in his own way  which, he says, is bringing 'positivity to politics' through humour and silliness.

Although politics and the Democratic Party is in his blood, he claims that his political epiphany took place during the early stages of Obama's 2007 presidential campaign, when he was an underdog, and Jack saw that 'anything could happen and I could make a difference'.

Jack speaks at the President John F. Kennedy library, in Boston, on March 11

Jack, pictured in 2019, will now join Vogue as their new political expert

'We have to wait there to eat something and we don't get to choose, really, what it is,' he said. We only have a couple of choices. And we don't know what any of them will taste like'

Jack Schlossberg is JFK's grandson and cousin to White House hopeful Robert J. Kennedy

Maybe, but if that is the case, it has taken him a long time, a very expensive education and a few incarnations to find his way.

There was a starter job in Japan, a speech-writing phase and some acting  as Officer Jack Hammer in the eighth season finale of Blue Bloods, his only television appearance to date. And a job with the Kennedy Library.

In between, he fits in a lot of sport, has recently taken up ballet, always dresses in black in homage to his hero Johnny Cash, and likes to keep his Manhattan apartment decked out with fresh flowers (preferably carnations) at all times.

There are rumours of a book  setting out his 'method' and how he sees the world  though no news of a publisher, yet. And in 2022, he passed the notoriously difficult New York State bar exam, apparently scoring in the top 1 per cent. But then he started making his attention-grabbing TikTok videos.

The Vogue job has been much trumpeted  not least by Kennedy himself. In some offbeat publicity shots, he sprawls across an office floor on a pile of photocopies of his own face.

But the role doesn't pay much. At just $250 (190) an article, it won't even cover his weekly florist's bill. Thank goodness, then, for all that lovely Kennedy family financial padding.

The one thing he won't touch on is his relationship status  something his online followers have worked themselves into a frenzy about, agonising in the comments sections of his posts (particularly the shirtless ones) over the identity of the female laughter in the background of his videos.

'Let's just hope it's his mum,' says one.

But while some might argue that Jack hasn't really stuck at anything yet, there's no doubt he's very clever. And handsome. And charming. And rich.

So, who knows. Maybe, sometime in the not-too-distant future, when the dust has settled on this extraordinary election, Jack might finally embrace politics the conventional way and stride into the Oval Office to reclaim his family seat. Or perhaps he'll still be doing silly TikTok videos with his shirt off.
A Tennessee store clerk was allegedly caught on surveillance footage celebrating after he stole a customer's $1million lottery ticket.

Police say the lucky winner purchased two winning Diamond & Gold scratch-off tickets from a Shell gas station in Murfreesboro and handed them over to Meer Patel, 23, the store clerk, to check.

Patel then allegedly paid the unidentified Antioch father for the $40 ticket, and told him the other ticket lost and threw it in the garbage - when in reality it was actually a $1million winner, News Channel 5 reports.

He was later seen on CCTV celebrating at the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and confirming its value, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.

'Store video obtained by Investigators Vic Donoho and Greg Heiman of the Tennessee Lottery shows the clerk allegedly taking out the trash, removing the winning ticket and placing it in his pocket,' deputies report.

Meer Patel, 23, is in custody for allegedly stealing a customer's $1million lottery ticket

It didn't take long for Patel to brazenly try to cash the ticket, officials say.

But when he tried to claim the prize, lottery officials noticed 'red flags,' and began investigating, Det. Lt. Steve Craig told News Channel 5.

What he apparently did not realize is that lottery officials vet all of the major winners - including by checking security video from the store where the tickets were purchased.

He was quickly apprehended, and is now in custody at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, where his bail is set at $100,000 as he faces charges related to theft of over $250,000.

The surveillance footage from the store will be used as evidence against him, and will therefore not be released until trial, the sheriff's office told DailyMail.com.

He is now scheduled to appear in court on July 30.

Officials say a customer purchased two winning scratch-off tickets from a Shell gas station in Murfreesboro, and handed them to Patel to check

Meanwhile, the Diamond & Gold scratch-off - which retails for $20 - has been returned to its rightful owner, who was unaware of the deceit.

He had only scratched off the front barcode of the lottery tickets, and asked Patel if they were winners, detectives explained.

'If you scratch off the front barcode, it will tell you if it's a winner or not, regardless if you scratch everything showing how much you won,' Craig said.

When detectives later called the Antioch father to inform him of the theft and to return the ticket, he was skeptical that he had actually won, the Charlotte Observer reports.

But a detective encouraged him to claim the money, and he is now grateful to the authorities.

'The feel-good side of the story is [the father] never knew he was the winner until we made contact with him,' Craig said.

'That is absolutely life-changing money.'
A multi-million dollar start-up that provided its services to well-known media outlets has collapsed owing $1.3million to creditors.

Melbourne-based Oovvuu plunged into liquidation in May despite investors pouring $8.5million into the company since its launch in 2014.

The company provided services to more than 250 media outlets around the world and counted Reuters, BBC, ABC, Channel 7 and Newscorp among its clients.

Oovvuu was considered an industry-leading start-up as it had developed an AI system that allowed journalists to match the most relevant videos to news stories.

The company owes $1.3million to creditors, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Euronews, Bloomberg, AFP and Aljazeera.

Employees are owed $489,000 in unpaid entitlements and there are 32 unsecured creditors.

Insolvency firm Auxilium Partners has been appointed as liquidators of Oovvuu Pty Ltd.

Oovuuu's LinkedIn page states: 'We provide publishers with a full stack solution including the video, the platform, the player and the monetisation.'

A multi-million dollar start-up that provided its services to well-known media outlets has collapsed owing $1.3million to creditors (pictured, Oovvuu counted the ABC as a client)

In Australia, Oovvuu had gained interest from Channel Seven, News Corp and the ABC.

'Our mission is to put a relevant video in every article, tell trusted news to billions and to repatriate billions in ad revenue back to the news industry.'

The company was created by former Fairfax Media workers Ricky Sutton and Greg Moore and ex-Southern Star and WIN Corp chief financial officer Ross McCreath.

Mr Sutton told news.com.au he was not CEO when the company collapsed and has not been involved with Oovvuu for a year.

In 2020, Mr Sutton told InnovationAus.com the company began as Contentco and was having trouble securing funding.

'We chose that name because we didn't want to be too cool and sexy.'

'It was completely the wrong decision.'

The company provided services to more than 250 media outlets around the world and counted Reuters, BBC, ABC, Channel 7 and Newscorp among its clients

Melbourne-based company Oovvuu worked with global media outlets including the BBC (pictured)

Mr Sutton said he consulted a friend in Silicon Valley who had sold a startup company for $US600 million.

'He told me I had to choose a name with two 'Os' in it that Silicon Valley would love, because all the successful companies in Silicon Valley  Google, Yahoo, Facebook  have names with two 'Os' in them.'

'So we searched GoDaddy for domain names with two 'Os', found Oovvuu, bought it for $90 and we were funded within three months.'
A young woman has claimed she was given veneers during a nightmare trip to the dentist which was meant to be for a routine root canal.

Caitlyn Weld, 22, posted a viral video of the jarring moment she realized all of her front teeth had been whittled down in preparation for the fake teeth.

As a college student Weld moved from Tennessee to Florida and went to a new dentist when she learned she had a hole in one tooth and needed a procedure.

Not knowing what to expect, Weld had no idea her chompers were being prepared for aesthetic teeth until it was too late, and claimed the dentist told her that is what they assumed she wanted.

'I didn't have a mirror during the whole thing so I couldn't see what was going on,' Weld said on TikTok. 'My teeth were literally shaved off.

Caitlyn Weld, 22, shared the dentist horror story that left her with shaved teeth when she went in for a root canal

Weld said the dentist shaved her teeth because they assumed she wanted veneers and she went along with it because she didn't know any better

'I was scared, so I asked the lady as we were in the room "what does a root canal feel like? Is it going to hurt, can you explain to me the procedure?" But she didn't speak very well English [sic] so I never really found out.'

Weld was in disbelief when she finally saw her shaved smile but said she went along with it because that is what the dentist told her to do.

'They told me that the severity of the hole in one of my teeth, the one I got the root canal done, was so bad that they took precautions to just prevent it from happening in any of my teeth,' she said.

'[The dentist said] girls my age normally want all their teeth that show to be the same color and they didn't want one color to be brighter than the rest of them and they also told me for safety of my teeth.

'I was just like "okay," I was dumb, I was 18, I had no idea about teeth nothing so I just went along with it. They made it sound necessary, we didn't know any different.'

The process of getting permanent veneers was painful and Weld claimed she was given uneven temporary ones that had to get filed down so she could eat.

'I remember when they took off the temporary ones and the air hitting whatever the heck was left was probably the worst pain I've ever seen,' she said.

Getting permanent veneers was painful for Weld and she was given uneven temporary ones that had to get filed down so she could eat

Now several years later, Weld finally feels comfortable sharing her story and showing off her new smile.

'These are my teeth now, they really don't look too much different than the previous teeth. I feel like they are a little bit longer, I also bite my gums really bad when I'm chewing which I never used to really do,' Weld said.

Weld choose not to identify the dentist because she views it as a funny story and something she has learned to live with.

Veneers have become more popular in recent years, amid a drive to get a pearly white smile  with nearly 600,000 people getting them every year.

For veneers, dentists must clean and file down teeth before supergluing pearl-white coverings to the front  at a cost of up to $4,000 per tooth, or $40,000 per smile.
The retreat where a mother became critically ill and later died after consuming a suspected magic mushroom drink was reportedly run by a self-proclaimed 'healer, mentor and teacher' who the deceased woman had known for several years.

Rachael Dixon, 53, died from a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at the Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat, western Victoria, about 12am on April 13.

The event, which also saw two other people admitted to hospital for shock, was hosted by Port Melbourne business owner Deanne Mathews, according to the Herald Sun.

Ms Dixon attended previous retreats put on by Ms Mathews which typically cost around $800 to $1,200 and were advertised by word of mouth.

On her website Ms Mathews describes herself as a 'healer, mentor and teacher' who helps people work through 'pain and trauma' to 'transform your life through a multi-faceted approach'.

Once ingested the drink is understood to induce a state of hypnosis allowing the consumer to 'go back in time and mend the past'.

While normally one person at such an event would refrain from taking hallucinogens to ensure the safety of other participants, it is believed this did not happen in the case of Ms Dixon.

Meanwhile an autopsy report on Ms Dixon failed to come to any conclusion on the cause of her death.

Rachael Dixon (pictured right) became critically ill and later died after drinking a suspected magic mushroom drink at a retreat reportedly organised by Deanne Mathews (pictured left)

Victoria Police said the death was subject to an ongoing investigation.

Previously Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins had issued a statement to refute speculation she had been conducting the clinic when Ms Dixon fell ill and died.

'There are no words to express the deep sorrow and shock we are feeling here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13th,' its statement read.

'The event which took place on April 13th was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way.

'None of our regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event.'

Ms Mullins said she and her staff had been traumatised by what had occurred.

'We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved and our hearts are with those families affected,' it read.

Ms Mathews describes herself as a 'healer, mentor and teacher' who helps people work through 'pain and trauma' to 'transform your life through a multi-faceted approach'

Ms Dixon died after drinking a mushroom tonic at the Soul Barn (pictured) in Clunes, near Ballarat, western Victoria

'We have no further information to share and we ask you to please respect the privacy of our small community.'

It can further be revealed Ms Dixon was herself a health practitioner who had lived in New Zealand before settling in Melbourne and raising her son.

Ms Dixon's sister Penny Muller-Dixon said 'words cannot express the heartbreak we are all feeling'.

'Matthew your NZ family love you, we will see you soon. Life is so f*n short please hug and love those around you,' she posted on social media.

Ms Mathews was contacted for comment.
Prince William runs his Duchy by 'WhatsApp', his outgoing Secretary and Keeper of the Records has revealed.

Alastair Martin, who has worked under both King Charles and his heir at the Duchy of Cornwall, reflected on the differences between the two.

He said while 'sustainability is a passion they both share' the King 'would telephone me' while the Duke of Cambridge 'will Whatsapp Me'.

'There will be weekends when my WhatsApp messages will be in double figures and I will be very responsive,' he said. 'If something has gone well or badly, I will want to tell my boss and he'll be straight back.'

Accounts released on Wednesday showed the Duchy generated profits of 23.6 million in 2023-2024, down slightly from 24 million the year before.

William, Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall pictured on Duchy land on Dartmoor, Devon, last year

Despite its name, the Duchy of Cornwall holds most of its land in the neighbouring county, Devon

Last year, William received about 6 million from the Duchy because he became the Duke of Cornwall half way through the financial year after the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duchy had also asked to retain an extra proportion for the day-to-day running of the estate.

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic which campaigns for an elected head of state, said, also referring to the King's Duchy of Lancaster estate: 'It is outrageous that while we're facing a sustained cost-of-living crisis we effectively pay Charles and William more than 20 million each every year.'

He accused the royals of being 'cagey about taxes and spinning like mad to justify these increases'.

He added: 'They continue to claim the duchies are their own private property, which isn't true.

'The duchies are State assets. It's time their profits were diverted to public services and local communities, not the pockets of two billionaires.'

Royal engagements racked up a 4.2million bill despite there being nearly 400 fewer visits and less foreign travel (pictured: the Royal family on May 15, 2024)

King Charles was in high spirits when he visited the Yorkshire town travelling using the royal train in June 2023

Kensington Palace, giving an annual update on William and the Princess of Wales' activities for that financial year, said the number of staff employed by the couple's household has risen from 50 to 66, including secondees.

Diversity figures show 14 per cent of staff were from an ethnic minority background, down from 16.3 per cent of staff the year before.

The Palace said the prince paid tax at a standard UK tax rate once official costs had been deducted, but the amount he paid in tax was not disclosed.

The King, as the previous Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, disclosed the voluntary tax he paid in his annual Clarence House review - 5.892 million in 2021/22.
Tim Peake is set to command the first ever all-British space flight to the International Space Station (ISS) 18 months after announcing his retirement.

The 52-year-old was last on the ISS in 2016 and was a European Space Agency astronaut from 2009 until last year.

Axiom Space, with whom the UK Space Agency (UKSA) joined forces last year to fly a completely British crew to the ISS, announced that Major Peake has joined its astronaut corps and would be a strategic advisor for the mission, which could happen as soon as next year.

Peake announced last October that he would be returning to space among a four-person team in a two-week research mission to the satellite.

The UKSA has partnered with Houston-based Axiom in a 200million deal for what the UK's first astronaut described as a 'pioneering effort'.

Tim Peake (seen) is set to command the first ever all-British space flight to the International Space Station (ISS) 18 months after announcing his retirement

The 52-year-old was last on the ISS in 2016 and was a European Space Agency astronaut from 2009 until last year

He added: 'An all-UK mission represents a significant opportunity for our country to establish a strong presence as well as a leadership role in the commercial space sector.

'I look forward to working with Axiom Space and the UK Space Agency to advance this exciting possibility.'

The 52-year-old became the first Briton to complete a spacewalk outside the International Space Station in 2016.

He is also one of only two astronauts Britain has sent to space.

Michael Lopez-Alegria, Axiom Space's chief astronaut, said: 'His vision and guidance will be invaluable as we work to make this all-UK mission a reality.

'Partnering with the UK Space Agency on this historic endeavour underscores our collective commitment to redefining access to space, unlocking low-Earth orbit's true potential for nations and industries around the world.'

Astronauts in the all-UK mission will be expected to spend a number of days circling the Earth, conducting scientific experiments and taking part in outreach programmes.

The funding for the mission is expected to come through sponsorship deals.

Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: 'Tim Peake is an incredible ambassador for the UK space sector and having him on board the Axiom Space team is a real boost for our work towards a UK astronaut mission.

'Astronauts are the visible face of human spaceflight, but this mission is fundamentally about showcasing what space can do for citizens.

'From cutting-edge science and innovative technology demonstrations in micro-gravity, to the education and outreach work that will run alongside it, this mission shows how space breaks down barriers to opportunity and kickstarts economic growth.'
For Democrats who had been fearing a wipeout this fall with Trump coasting to victory as President Biden struggled, the shake-up on the ticket and party quickly rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris is a welcomed change.

Democrats at Harris first campaign event as presumptive presidential nominee in Wisconsin on Tuesday breathed a sigh of relief and said they're confident the vice president has what it takes to beat Donald Trump in November.

Several voters told DailyMail.com that despite their deep respect for Biden, they were finally feeling enthusiastic and hopeful this campaign season with Harris at the top of the ticket.

Honestly this is so exciting. Im honored to be here, gushed Maria Olig from Milwaukee who showed up for Harris' rally. We need change. Kamalas going to bring it.

She said she came to the event after finally being able to wake up in the morning and be optimistic.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at her first campaign event as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in Milwaukee, WI on July 23

The vice president traveled to Milwaukee just hours after locking in the necessary Democrats delegates to secure the nomination at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after President Biden had dropped out.

Since this announcement has been made, Im filled with so much hope, said Rosanda Arndt from Waukesha, WI. The Harris rally was the first political event she has ever attended.

I have slept now for the last few nights without disturbance, she said.

Its such a historic event, and I really didnt want to miss it, said Courtney Ryan from Madison, WI. She said she cannot wait to see Harris carry the torch across the finish line.

If elected, Harris would be the first woman and first woman of color elected president.

She is already the first woman of color to become the presumptive presidential nominee of a major political party, and the significance was not lost on voters in attendance.

For some, seeing Harris' first campaign in Milwaukee was a family affair with parents bringing young daughters to see who they believe could be the first black and asian woman president.

Supporters cheering for Vice President Harris at her first campaign event

A pin worn by an rally-goer in support of Kamala Harris in Wisconsin also includes the logo from the Obama campaign where the former Democratic president focused on hope

Multiple voters and speakers at the rally celebrated the possibility of Harris shattering the highest glass ceiling as the first female president of the United States.

Voters also were confident in Harris ability to beat Trump despite her trailing him in the polls with just over 100 days to go.

I think shes going to handily beat him because shes young and shes smart, said Mitch Hancock from Milwaukee said.

Harris took the fight to Trump during her rally accusing the ex-president of being a fraud, a cheat and a predator. She touted her time as a prosecutor and slammed him as a convicted felon.

It was a take down that Democrats have long been craving from their presidential candidate.

Karen Siegel said she was 'absolutely confident' Harris could win against Trump and said she could not wait to see Harris 'prosecute' Trump on the campaign trail.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll out on Tuesday showed Harris leading Trump 44 percent to 42 percent.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll has Harris leading Trump 44% to 42% in the presidential race

President Biden returning to the White House from isolating with COVID in Delaware. The trip was the first time Biden had been seen since before he announced he was leaving race

It was conducted after the Republican National Convention last week in Milwaukee and Biden exiting the race on Sunday.

Republicans have been trying out their own line of attacks on Harris now that she has taken over the top of the Democratic ticket. They've criticized her for her role in addressing the border in the Biden administration.

Another line has been accusing her of covering up Biden's ailing health. Some GOP lawmakers have called on Biden to resign following his exit from the race, claiming he is not fit to serve the rest of his term.

Democratic voters rejected the criticism. They praised Biden's decision to exit the race but dismissed him leaving before the end of his term.

'He should finish his term,' said Dia Amerson from Milwaukee forcefully. She said she was with Biden all the way until he left the race. She believes he should not only finish his term, but help Harris with the campaign.

If a person who got impeached twice didnt resign, I dont think Biden should resign,' said Neil Fulton referencing Trump with a laugh.
A California woman was left 'flabbergasted' when her bank refused to deposit $6,000 in cash she had found after misplacing it four years ago.

Mary Venegas, 66, told CBS Sacramento she put down an envelope containing $6,000 in cash somewhere in her yard back in 2020.

After four years of searching for the cash - which she had initially planned to use to pay off her taxes - she found the envelope on the ground, covered up by cardboard.

'It was such a good feeling because we had been looking for it for so long,' Venegas said.

But when she went to deposit the cash at her local Bank of America branch - where she has been a loyal customer for decades - the bank refused to accept it because some of the bills suffered water damage and had their corners torn off.

Mary Venegas, 66, said her local bank refused to take $6,000 in cash she had found after misplacing it four years ago

'I was flabbergasted,' she said.

Venegas, who is on a fixed income, had been hoping to use the newfound money to pay off her winter utility bills, which she is still behind on.

'I don't like to owe people, and I don't like to owe at all,' she explained.

'I've been behind on bills I owe, and I'm not the kind of person that likes to owe.'

Venegas put down an envelope containing the $6,000 in cash somewhere in her yard back in 2020, and found it recently on the ground underneath some cardboard

She said the bank refused to accept the money because some of the bills suffered water damage and had their corners torn off

The US Department of the Treasury does exchange mutilated money, but only if half or less of the bill remains, or if it's value is questioned because of its condition.

But the government process could take anywhere from six months to three years to accomplish.

'You know what, I got to be honest. What if I die before I ever received it?' Venegas asked, anxious to get the value for her cash.

'When you get old, you think about all of these - you know, you worry about everything. And I don't like to do that,' she explained.

'But when we found it, we thought, "Oh good, good good. Now we could pay off this and that.'

Bank of America later reconsidered, and accepted $5,700 of the $6,000

Fortunately, investigative reporters at CBS Sacramento realized that more than half of Venegas' bills were still in tact and the value for each bill was clearly stated.

They then asked Bank of America to reconsider its refusal, and bank tellers accepted $5,700 of the $6,000 in cash.

She now has to send the other $300 to the Treasury to get replaced, as she said she has learned 'to have my husband take [the money] to the bank.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Bank of America for comment.
New York Attorney General Letitia James says getting Kamala Harris elected president is her 'singular focus', despite plenty of cases on her hands.

James led the prosecution of Donald Trump that won a $454 million judgment against him in February for inflating the value of his properties.

Trump, who was also banned from doing business in New York for three years, is appealing the verdict as the fine accrues interest, and James will try to seize his assets if he fails to pay up.

Vice President Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race against Trump on Sunday.

James quickly endorsed Harris and continued her support when appearing on MSNBC on Tuesday night.

Host Joy Reid asked her if she hoped Harris would appoint her US attorney-general if she defeated Trump at the November 5 election.

'I'm focused at this point in time on securing the nomination for Vice President Harris, and then ultimately getting her elected,' she replied.

'That is my singular focus at this point in time, and continuing to stand up for the rule of law and representing the citizens of the great state of New York, as we do each and every day.

'As you know, we're in the midst of a trial against the NRA today... we will pursue that trial, continue that trial to verdict and get benefits for the residents of... New York.'

James listed various points of focus for her office, that notably did not include prosecuting criminals.

'Standing up for the LGBTQ community, standing up for reproductive rights, standing up for our environment, standing up for seniors, marginalized and vulnerable populations, standing up for what is right,' she said.

'But that's what I do each and every day. And that's what I am focused on, in addition to electing Vice President Kamala Harris.'

James led the prosecution of Donald Trump that won a $454 million judgment against him in February for inflating the value of his properties

Trump, who was also banned from doing business in New York for three years, is appealing the verdict as the fine accrues interest, and James will try to seize his assets if he fails to pay up

James compared herself to Harris, who like her was a district attorney in San Francisco and then Attorney-General of California.

'Vice President Harris, when she was the attorney-general, was responsible for going after banks who were responsible for the foreclosure crisis,' she said.

'She defended the Affordable Care Act. She went after major corporations that engaged in deceptive business practices.

'She went after those individuals who abused the law both as it relates to women, who engaged in sexual abuse of women.

'She went after individuals again who violated the criminal code, the civil code. She is overqualified to be president of these United States.'

James was also asked about racist attacks by Republicans on Harris, which began almost as soon as Biden dropped out, calling her a 'DEI hire'.

'She's a DEI hire, right? She's a woman. She's colored. Therefore, she's got to be good,' one man in a clip Reid played said.

James said Republicans were 'running scared' at the prospect of facing Harris at the election, and 'have nothing else other than racism and sexism'.

'When you have nothing else, unfortunately, you just appeal to the racist among us, the white nationalists among us. That's all,' she said.

James compared herself to Harris, who like her was a district attorney in San Francisco and then Attorney-General of California

'The reality is, is that Kamala Harris, Vice President Harris, is qualified. And, oftentimes, she's underestimated, but she's an overachiever.

'And that's why I have wholeheartedly endorsed her. And it's unfortunate that individuals are just amplifying racism and sexism, and it's totally inappropriate. And I will not dignify it with a response.'

James also unloaded on Trump, including his family history in New York, and called on Americans to vote against him.

'I have spoken to some individuals who used to live in some of his buildings in Brooklyn who he and his father discriminated against because they were African-American,' she said.

'And those individuals tell me the types of tactics that they engaged in. And so it's really critically important that individuals understand the character and the type of individual that Donald Trump represents.

'And the fact is, is that he is no respecter of titles and is an individual who will stoop to a certain lows, obviously, to achieve his objective.

'He's not concerned about the rule of law, not concerned about the interests of working-class people in this country, not concerned about uniting us. It's all about how he can benefit himself and his family.'

Trump has appealed the ruling, but faces mounting interest of $1 million every nine days until he pays up, and his assets could be seized if he doesn't

Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump and his sons Eric and Donald Jr of civil fraud in the case spearheaded by James.

He ruled they conspired to inflate the value of properties on financial statements to banks and insurers, and altered Trump's net worth to gain tax and insurance benefits.

'From 2011-2021, Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization knowingly and intentionally created more than 200 false and misleading valuations of assets on his annual Statements of Financial Condition to defraud financial institutions,' James office explained in 2022.

Independent officials will monitor Trump's businesses in New York to ensure no further lawbreaking.

Trump has appealed the ruling, but faces mounting interest of $1 million every nine days until he pays up, and his assets could be seized if he doesn't.

James has vowed to seize Trump's assets if he fails to fork over the massive settlement - which is increasing $87,502 each day until he pays.
Some areas of London and the East of England would have no ATM machines within the next two years if the current trend of closures continues, a report has warned.

South Cambridgeshire and the London suburbs of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner would have none by June 2026, according to worrying projections from portable card machine company Merchant Machine.

Cash payments fell to a fresh low last year, with only 12 per cent of purchases made with coins and notes, trade body UK Finance warns.

Just 2.6 per cent of people mostly used cash for their spending, while two in five people make only one cash payment each month.

Some areas of London and the East of England would have no ATM machines within the next two years if the current trend of closures continues (File image)

But three in four people said they still used a cash point last year despite the number of ATMs dwindling.

John Howells, chief executive of ATM network group Link, said although cash usage continues to fall it remains vital for millions of people.

'Despite people moving away from cash, 1.6 billion a week is still being issued by our network,' he said.

'We remain absolutely committed to making sure people can access cash free of charge.'

The city watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) yesterday said that from September 18, banks will have to weigh up if local communities lack access to cash services including bank branches and ATMs and to plug significant gaps.

Under the rules the FCA will not be able to prevent a bank branch from shuttering, but it will be able to delay its closure until additional cash facilities such as banking hubs are available.

Sheldon Mills, an executive director at the FCA, said: 'Three million people continue to rely on cash, even as digital payments become more popular.

'We've acted quickly in response to new powers given to us by Parliament to ensure reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposits is maintained.'

It comes after new research revealed an estimated 25 million Britons aged 16 and over - 45 per cent - do not take their wallets with them when heading out, relying solely on their digital wallets as a payment method.

Millennials and Generation Z were found to be the most likely to leave their cards and wallets at home, with 66 per cent and 72 per cent respectively admitting to going out with just their phones.

Comparatively, only one in four baby boomers - 23 per cent - and one in 10 silent generation members - 11 per cent - said they would feel comfortable leaving the house with only a phone as a payment method, even if it was just for a short period of time.
The victims of ordeals such as the infected blood scandal are having to wait too long for compensation, the UK's spending watchdog has said.

Those affected by the Post Office Horizon false accounting crisis are also among those due money from the Government in recognition of their years of suffering.

But a National Audit Office (NAO) report found there is no centrally coordinated approach when the Government sets up new compensation schemes, resulting in a relatively 'slow, ad-hoc approach' to dealing with claims.

It recommended that, by the end of the year, the Cabinet Office establishes a centre of expertise within the Government to provide guidance or a framework for public bodies seeking to set up such schemes.

Last night, critics said the new Labour government needed to 'act now' and stressed the time for 'talking and more promises was over.'

The victims of ordeals such as the infected blood scandal and the Post Office scandal are having to wait too long for compensation, the NAO found

An NAO report found there is no centrally coordinated approach when the Government sets up new compensation schemes

Christopher Head  formerly the UK's youngest postmaster  (pictured) tonight told MailOnline that it was an 'insult' to still not be compensated for what he went through as a postmaster

Christopher Head  formerly the UK's youngest postmaster  told MailOnline that it was an 'insult' to still not be compensated for what he went through as a postmaster.

He added: 'No one unless you have lived and survived a state scandal can ever understand what it feels like to have to fight day and night to receive the redress you are owed.

'Every scandal we see in this country has an enormous impact on those affected, and the infected blood is one of so many sadly coming to light due to the recent publication of the report from the public inquiry.

'What it shows us is the cover-up is usually the part that causes the most damage as it perpetuates the suffering for many years, and in the instance of the infected blood decades. It is a similar theme to that of the Post Office scandal.'

Mr Head continued: 'Victims, who we should actually call survivors have to drag the truth out of the very institutions that inflicted the suffering upon them, unfortunately many do not live to see justice.'

'The delays in redress/compensation are unforgivable, so many promises made over and over again by governments of all colours.

'What we need to see now is action, the time for talking and more promises is over.

Mr Head was formerly the UK's youngest postmaster. He has claimed a 'seven-figure sum' for the decade of lost business and the harm to his reputation, but was recently offered only 12 per cent of the amount, which he has rejected

In 2019, Mr Head and more than 550 other postmasters, led by unassuming Alan Bates, memorably played by Toby Jones in the four-part ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, won their historic legal action in the High Court

Mr Head was just 18 in 2006 when he took over the newsagents and sub-post office at West Boldon, helped by a loan from his father. He worked hard over years building up business and opening long hours to cater for locals who ran their own online businesses and relied on the Post Office

'It seems an endemic problem that the Treasury and officials use every tactic available to them to kick the can further down the road by using terms like, 'reviews' and 'working at pace', whilst continuing to reiterate the mantra that the government understands the suffering people have been through.'

Mr Head was just 18 in 2006 when he took over the newsagents and sub-post office at West Boldon, helped by a loan from his father.

He worked hard over years building up business and opening long hours to cater for locals who ran their own online businesses and relied on the Post Office.

Although like many postmasters, he found frequent unexplained shortfalls occurring under the flawed Horizon computer system which the Post Office bought from IT giant Fujitsu, at first the amounts were small enough for him to cover from his own pocket.

But in 2014 the system developed serious problems, needing to be constantly rebooted, sometimes up to 12 times a day, and he was told it needed to be replaced because it had 'corrupt data'.

When the new computer system was installed, Mr Head was stunned to discover that Horizon was now showing a 40,000 shortfall, which quickly doubled to 80,000.

The new Labour Government will lay out its plan for compensating subpostmasters affected by the Horizon scandal this month.

Business and trade minister Justin Madders said in the House of Commons on Thursday that the Government would be outlining this by the end of July.

He said: 'We intend to work cross-party, we believe that there's absolutely no reason why that should not continue, because we absolutely agree the importance of delivering fast and fair compensation is at the heart of what we are all trying to achieve here.

'We will be making a statement by the end of the July.'
When Sharon Stone reprised her crossed-legs pose from 1992 film Basic Instinct for social media this month, while wearing red lace underwear, she was criticised for being too old for such a saucy post.

Now the star, 66, has hit back, telling me: 'We get to grow older. It's ridiculous that you're only supposed to be OK when you're 20. What the f***.'

Speaking at the Knights of Charity Gala held in partnership with Ulyssia, at the Chateau de la Croix des Gardes in Cannes, she adds:: 'I was getting ready to give a speech about philanthropy.

'And this is what I was wearing under my clothes. Paris [her stylist] said, 'Let's take a photograph'. It wasn't planned.'

The actress, 66, took to Instagram earlier this month to share the jaw-dropping image clad in red lace lingerie, 32 years after she famously starred as the sexy killer Catherine Tramell.

Sharon Stone reprised her crossed-legs pose from 1992 film Basic Instinct for social media this month

Sharon (pictured in Cannes this month) stars as sexy killer Catherine Tramell in the 1992 film

The famous interrogation scene in Basic Instinct saw Sharon's character Catherine quizzed by police, including Michael Douglas.

Amid the bombardment of questions, Catherine distracts them when she uncrosses the recrosses her legs, leaving the men flustered seeing as she was underwear-free at the time.

The scene was highly controversial at the time, and now has gone down as one of the most infamous in movie history.

And the actress proudly showcased her incredible figure in the sexy lingerie from Bloomers Intimate, posing with her legs crossed in an ode to the legendary scene.

Despite the moment turning Sharon into an overnight sensation, the Academy Award nominee has maintained in the past that she was 'tricked' into exposing herself for the cameras.

In her memoir The Beauty of Living Twice, the 66-year-old described how she slapped her director Paul Verhoeven in fury and walked out of a preview of the erotic thriller after discovering his assurances that it wouldn't show up on screen had been a lie and that the audience could  as she put it  'see all the way to Nebraska'.

Stone has also been adamant she didn't have any regrets about making the film

For his part, Verhoeven has vehemently dismissed her claims that she was taken by surprise in the leg-crossing scene.

He said: 'Any actress knows what she's going to see if you ask her to take off her underwear and point there with the camera.'

But the Hollywood veteran has also been adamant she didn't have any regrets about making the film.

'Regrets are like farts, you can't get them back. Once they're out, there's stinky and gone,' she quipped previously.
The monarchy is to receive a financial uplift of more than 45million thanks to booming Crown Estate profits.

Jumping to more than 130m, the taxpayer funded Sovereign Grant will increase by 53 per cent for 2025/26 compared to the previous year, as Crown Estate profits have risen to 1.1billion.

The Sovereign Grant supports the official duties of the royal family, with the boost coming with the news that royal engagements' costs went up by 300,000 despite a cutback in commitments amid the illness of the King and the Princess of Wales.

Officials said this increase will be used to help fund the final stages of the 10-year, 369m renovation of Buckingham Palace.

Legislation in 2026/27 will review the boost to keep funding of the royal family at a 'more appropriate' level, a Palace spokesman added.

The royal family (seen at June's Trooping The Colour) is set to receive a financial uplift of more than 45million in 2025/26 thanks to booming Crown Estate profits which have risen to over 1.1billion

The taxpayer funded Sovereign Grant - which supports the official duties of the royal family - will increase by 53 per cent compared to the previous year, jumping to 132m according to a National Audit Office report

It comes with the news that royal engagements' costs went up by 300,000 despite a cutback in commitments amid the illness of the King and the Princess of Wales (seen at Wimbledon this month)

A National Audit Office report on Tuesday revealed that the Palace renovation - expected to be competed on time and within budget - has been well managed but structural damage and the discovery of asbestos, which led to increased costs, 'could have been foreseen'.

Buckingham Palace's annual accounts - which this year covered the first full financial year of the King's reign - were published on Wednesday after being delayed for a month because of the General Election.

The rundown of royal finances - from April 1 2023 to March 31 2024 - covers the months following the King and the Princess of Wales's double cancer diagnosis, with both away from public facing duties from January onwards.

But the accounts also span a time of celebration, with coronation and festivities celebrating the crowning of the King and Queen in May last year.

Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, described the coronation as a 'glorious moment in our national story' but added: 'If that was the high point in a royal calendar that would contain many subsequent moments of significance on the public stage, then there were also moments of personal challenge for the family at home, which have affected this year's report in a rather different way.

'In the early part of 2024 came the sad news that both His Majesty the King and the Princess of Wales would be withdrawing from public-facing duties temporarily, to prioritise their treatment and recovery from cancer.

'This inevitably impacted on the number and nature of engagements that had been planned - though may I say how encouraging it is to see the King back performing so many public duties and, more recently, the princess similarly well enough to join the King's Birthday Parade and the men's Wimbledon final.'

The Sovereign Grant report revealed the royal household will take delivery of two new helicopters in 2024-25 to replace the existing 15-year-old ones.

The AgustaWestland AW139s are considered a 'key component' in enabling the King and royal family to carry out their engagements, allowing access to remote areas of the UK, and they will replace the current Sikorsky helicopters.

King Charles' state Bentleys are being converted to run on bio-fuel within the next year, with a view to switching to a fleet of official electric cars in the future, while solar panels have been introduced to Windsor Castle for the first time.

Gas lanterns at Buckingham Palace, which were switched off during the recent energy crisis as a cost-saving measure, are being repurposed with specially designed electrical fittings to improve their efficiency while also preserving their historic look and glow.

The Sovereign Grant is funded by the taxpayer in exchange for the King's surrender of the revenue from the Crown Estate.

Buckingham Palace's annual accounts - which this year covered the first full financial year of the King's reign - were impacted perhaps most notably by the King's Coronation

Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, described the coronation as a 'glorious moment in our national story' but added: 'If that was the high point in a royal calendar that would contain many subsequent moments of significance on the public stage, then there were also moments of personal challenge for the family at home, which have affected this year's report in a rather different way'

Graham Smith, of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said: 'Every year the official funding for the royals just keeps going up. Yet the Sovereign Grant is just a small part of the estimated 345m or more the British people spend on the royals every year.

'Add the profits of the two Duchies, which are state assets, the bloated security bill and costs met by local councils around the country and the total bill is huge.

'By comparison the Irish president costs around four million euros, a fraction of the cost for someone doing a similar job, but someone elected and accountable to do it.'

There were more than 2,300 official engagements by members of the royal family in the UK and overseas, compared with more than 2,700 last year.

The King undertook 464 official engagements despite his cancer diagnosis, with the Queen carrying out 201, of which 103 were joint engagements.

Sir Michael Stevens added: 'Behind the scenes, the work of the Royal Household continued apace, even throughout the latter course of the financial year, with His Majesty still performing his full state duties, Her Majesty taking on a greater share of public engagements, and their support teams adapting swiftly to the changing circumstances.'

The number of guests at official residents, however, rose by 10 per cent to more than 105,000 across over 400 events.

The King and Kate received some 27,000 messages from well-wishers, and 31,000 congratulatory messages for the coronation, amounting to 138,000 items of correspondence for the year 2023-24.

Official travel costs for the monarchy rose marginally by 300,000 to 4.2m.

The most expensive travel was the King and Queen's visit to Kenya by charter flight in October, along with the related separate staff planning visit by scheduled flights, which came to a total of 166,557.

A three-day state visit to France, with trips to Paris and Bordeaux, by Charles and Camilla by charter flight in September cost 117,942.

Housekeeping and hospitality came in at 2.6m, up from 2.4m last year.

But overall expenditure fell by 17 per cent - or 18.4m - from 107.5m in 2022/23 to 89.1m, with the Palace putting the change mostly due to an anticipated decrease in expenditure on the Palace renovation program.

The report also showed 600,000 from the Sovereign Grant was spent on the coronation and events surrounding it last year, with the total cost to the Sovereign Grant overall coming to 800,000.

The figure covered internal costs such as staffing, Palace receptions, plus any furnishings or costumes which be reused later on, including the readjusting of the Imperial State Crown and the King and Queen's coronation robes.

Palace officials also confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's former home, Frogmore Cottage, remains empty and there are no new tenants.

The funding of the monarchy was switched last year from 25 per cent to 12 per cent of the Crown Estate's net profits because of the rising income expected from the estate's new offshore wind deals.

The King asked for the wind farm profits to be used for the wider public good.

If the 25 per cent formula had continued, the monarchy would have received 275m from the Sovereign Grant in 2025/26 instead.

With the new formula, 143m will be redirected for the wider good of the nation.
EXCLUSIVE

An Australian man missing for more than two weeks in Thailand has been found after a desperate search by his family, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.

Kieran James Cramer, who is studying to become a nurse, arrived in Thailand on July 1 and had been out of contact with his family for about 15 days.

The 28-year-old's last known location was in Bangkok on July 7, and he was scheduled to be in Phuket this week.

Kieran's father, Darren Cramer, travelled from Australia to Thailand to search for his son.

Mr Cramer had feared Kieran might be in danger and filed reports with the local Chalong Police, the Australian embassy and Interpol.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Cramer told Daily Mail Australia his son had been located but he was still unaware of what had happened to him.

'We found him in Bangkok,' Mr Cramer said. '[But] he won't talk to us. We are very worried about his safety at the moment.'

Kieran had not registered in any hotels, which had made it harder to establish his whereabouts.

An Australian man missing for more than two weeks in Thailand has been found after a desperate search by his family. Kieran James Cramer (above) arrived in Thailand on July 1
The head of the Army has warned Britain has just three years to ready itself for direct conflict against Vladimir Putin and his allies.

In the gravest assessment by a serving commander of this countrys security issues, General Sir Roly Walker also warned the UK must prepare for World War Three if China invades Taiwan.

General Sir Roly, a former SAS commander, wants to double the Armys fighting power by 2027 and triple it by 2030 by embracing technological advances, to meet the threat posed by the Kremlin and Beijing.

2027 is when Western military leaders believe Russia should have rearmed itself sufficiently, with the assistance of its cohorts, to mount another significant advance.

It is also the year China is expected to be ready to stage an offensive against Taiwan - a move which would almost certainly drag the UK into a global conflict.

Three years is just enough time the general told the Land Warfare Conference in London, for Britain to boost its military capability.

He said: In an increasingly volatile world we must restore credible hard power to underwrite deterrence.

General Sir Roly Walker (pictured) also warned the UK must prepare for World War Three if China invades Taiwan

2027 is when Western military leaders believe Russia should have rearmed itself sufficiently, with the assistance of its cohorts

A Russian military officer walks past the 9M729 land-based cruise missile on display in Kubinka outside Moscow, Russia

We need accelerate aspects of our modernisation. My vision is to deploy fifth-generation armed forces, advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems for precise battlefield impact.

I have a bold ambition to double the fighting power in three years and triple it by the end of the decade.

The need is urgent. We have got to pull the future of fighting power into the present faster than we thought we could.

General Sir Roly, who was once blown up by the Taliban in Afghanistan, was addressing an audience of international military commanders and diplomats in central London.

His warning followed that of the Ukrainian ambassador to Britain, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who said the UK must prepare for total war against Russia and its allies.

Despite the growing threat of direct conflict between this country and Russia, the Labour government has refused to provide a timetable for increases in defence expenditure.

There remains no indication when Sir Keir Starmers government will reach the benchmark figure of 2.5 per cent of GDP. The last Conservative government said it would achieve this mark by 2030.

Ukrainians attend a performance of the Kyiv Classic Orchestra 'Kyiv-classic' during a 'Requiem for the Fallen' event honoring the memory of those who died as a result of a missile strike on the 'Okhmatdyt' children's hospital in Kyiv

Four portraits are displayed among the rubble of a destroyed building during a 'Requiem for the Fallen' event honoring the memory of those who died as a result of a missile strike on the 'Okhmatdyt' children's hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine

By 2027 the conflict in Ukraine may have ended. But whatever the outcome General Sir Roly warned Russia would seek some form of retribution against the UK for its involvement.

As NATO forces could find themselves outnumbered by the Russians on the battlefield, his aim is to do more with less and achieve technological supremacy,

He said: We probably do have just enough time to prepare, react and reestablish credible land forces to support that strategy of deterrence. My remedy as Ive said is to double-down on modernisation.

We have to think and do differently. We decide in half the time and deliver effect over double the distance with half as many munitions.

Our Ukrainian partners are beginning to do this with great results already, marrying cheap and expendable sensors to smart software that is coming from British coders.

We can double in three years with this hybrid system and then treble it when the new hybrid systems come online. Devastating destruction from ever increasing distance is the aim.

Addressing the same conference yesterday, the head of the UKs armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin conceded the Army was suffering from historic under-investment.

He said: The military needs the humility to recognise we are not as strong as we could be and the focus to put this right.

The conference also heard the Army intends to buy smart ammunition such as missiles with many warheads and drone swarms that can kill more fighters at the same time.

Senior Army figure are said to advocate scrapping the 12 billion Tempest fighter jet programme to use the money for its modernisation plan.
EXCLUSIVE

A disgraced building director who threatened to kill his pregnant wife and called their unborn daughter a horrific name admits he's 'disgusted' by his behaviour, as he tries to launch a new business.

Brendan Lionel Howe, 37, pleaded guilty in June to one count of aggravated assault, two counts of common assault and one count of property damage during a four-year campaign of abuse against his ex-wife.

The ACT Supreme Court heard he held her against a wall when she was 34 weeks pregnant and, in front of their toddler, screamed: 'I rule the roost of this house. You should worship the f***ing ground I walk on. You're a f***ing bitch. You're a mutt.'

'If you and that little c*** inside of you can't see that I'm the boss and when I wanna f***ing talk about something I'm gonna f***ing talk about [it] and she's gonna know that and you're gonna know that.'

He walked away from court with a fully suspended seven-month prison term, a one-year good behaviour bond, a $1,800 fine and 50 hours of community service - and promptly hopped on a plane to Bali for five days.

Daily Mail Australia understands Howe was only able to launch his highly-successful building business, Homes By Howe, because he received 50 per cent of the funding from his then-father-in-law.

It can also be revealed that Howe has now registered a new business name, Prvn Projects Pty Ltd. The Homes By Howe office has been subdivided, with two-thirds of the original floor space now up for lease.

His former Homes By Howe office has been cleared (pictured) and leased by another business

Brendan Howe (pictured) threatened to kill his ex-wife and called their unborn daughter a 'c**t'

Brendan Howe (pictured) has quietly started a new business called Prvn Projects Pty Ltd

Howe's close friend told Daily Mail Australia the father-of-two regrets resorting to violence and has had a number of psychology sessions so he can see his daughters again.

'He wants to maintain a relationship with his kids, he's disgusted by his own reaction, he's devastated and we've worked hard to help him move on,' she said.

Howe went into business with his then-wife's father and set up Homes By Howe in 2017, following the collapse of his former business Twenty20 Projects.

By 2019, the business was very successful and Howe bought his father-in-law out - gaining complete control of the company.

Howe's friend said his new business, Prvn Projects Pty Ltd, is separate to Homes By Howe.

She also said Homes By Howe is still receiving bookings.

During sentencing in June, Justice Louise Taylor said the business had generated 'significant income' but he had fallen into debt since his relationship breakdown due to legal fees and child support.

His ex-wife cried and shook uncontrollably as she delivered her victim impact statement, telling the court: 'I was always the woman that said, "I'll never be with a man who abuses me".

'When you pinned me up against our bedroom door at 34 weeks pregnant, in front of [our daughter] - time stood still. I couldn't believe it was happening, and that the man I loved, father of my children could actually kill me.

Brendan Howe (pictured) received funding from his father-in-law to start his building business

Brendan Howe is pictured outside Homes By Howe before the office closed earlier this month

'I tolerated this behaviour for so many years because of how much I loved you and ached for our family unit. I never wanted any of this. I was also scared of what you would do if I left. I was scared you would carry through with your threats.'

She said Howe continually blamed her for his abuse, saying she deserved it because he earned the money and had anger issues, and told the court he never apologised to her.

Days later, he missed supervised visits with his toddler in favour of a trip to Bali.

Homes By Howe appeared to operate as normal in his absence, but public records show he registered his new business Prvn Projects Pty Ltd on July 3.

On Tuesday, his old office was empty with a fresh 'leased' sticker on the front window.

Justice Taylor described Howe's comments about his unborn child as 'truly awful', acknowledged his wife's trauma, and found he showed no genuine remorse.

'He is sad for himself,' she said.

'Perpetration of violence, usually by men against their female partners, is a familiar occurrence in this jurisdiction and across the country.'

She said these types of crimes have 'life-altering consequences' and it's rare any sentence imposed by a court in such a case would help victims to simply move on and repair their lives.

However, she found he was motivated to change and had good prospects for rehabilitation.
READ MORE: Plane forced to make emergency landing at Sydney Airport

The plane experienced issue with hydraulic system

A Jetstar plane suffered a mechanical issue while travelling from Sydney to Adelaide, with one passenger describing the ordeal as 'terrifying'.

Daily Mail Australia understands that JQ762 experienced an issue with the hydraulic system.

Aviation Fire and Rescue crews were on standby, but the plane landed safely without any damage or injuries.

After landing, passengers were informed that there was a steering issue.

'It was a bit concerning when we saw the firetruck,' one passenger told 7News.

A Jetstar plane suffered a mechanical issue while travelling from Sydney to Adelaide (pictured)

Another passenger mentioned that the plane was stuck on the tarmac for quite a while.

'It was pretty terrifying when there's no steering,' he said.

One passenger said that the landing felt 'normal' and calm, and most travellers didn't realise there was a problem.

Engineers will service the aircraft before it takes its next flight.

It is understood Jetstar re-accommodated all passengers onto flights through out the day.
Hillary Clinton couldn't resist highlighting her two failed presidential bids as she endorsed Kamala Harris against Donald Trump.

The former first lady and secretary of state was defeated by Barack Obama in the Democratic primary in 2008, and by Trump at the 2016 election.

But that didn't stop Clinton from boasting that she 'won the national popular vote' in 2016 while giving Harris her enthusiastic support and predicting she can become the first female US president.

Vice President Harris is the presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race against Trump on Sunday.

Hillary Clinton couldn't resist highlighting her two failed presidential bids as she endorsed Kamala Harris against Donald Trump (pictured on election night in 2016)

Vice President Kamala Harris is the presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race against Trump on Sunday

Clinton, 76, compared herself to Harris in a piece for the New York Times on Tuesday, where she portrayed herself as blazing a trail for Harris, 59.

'While it still pains me that I couldn't break that highest, hardest glass ceiling, I'm proud that my two presidential campaigns made it seem normal to have a woman at the top of the ticket,' she wrote.

Clinton, who was first lady to her husband Bill in 1993 to 2001, explained how she was a victim of sexism as a female presidential candidate.

'I know a thing or two about how hard it can be for strong women candidates to fight through the sexism and double standards of American politics,' she wrote.

'I've been called a witch, a 'nasty woman' and much worse. I was even burned in effigy.

'As a candidate, I sometimes shied away from talking about making history. I wasn't sure voters were ready for that. And I wasn't running to break a barrier; I was running because I thought I was the most qualified to do the job.'

She did acknowledge Harris would 'face unique additional challenges as the first Black and South Asian woman to be at the top of a major partys ticket'.

The former first lady and secretary of state was defeated by Barack Obama in the Democratic primary in 2008, and by Trump at the 2016 election

Clinton wrote she was optimistic that Harris could overcome this, drawing on the silver linings of her failed run.

'After all, I won the national popular vote by nearly three million in 2016, and its not so long ago that Americans overwhelmingly elected our first Black president,' she said, in reference to Obama.

Clinton also referenced herself in comparing her repeated electoral failures to Biden's 'patriotic' decision to abandon his bid for a second term.

'As one who shared that dream and has had to make peace with letting it go, I know this wasnt easy. But it was the right thing to do,' she wrote.

Harris was 'chronically underestimated, as are so many women in politics', Clinton declared, and would have to 'cut through the noise' to win the election.

'Harriss record and character will be distorted and disparaged by a flood of disinformation and the kind of ugly prejudice were already hearing from MAGA mouthpieces,' she wrote.

'A second Trump term would be much worse than the first. Mr Trumps plans are more extreme, he is more unhinged, and the guardrails that constrained some of his worst instincts are gone.'

Clinton also referenced herself in comparing her repeated electoral failures to Joe Biden's 'patriotic' decision to abandon his bid for a second term

Clinton was elected to the US Senate in New York after her husband's term expired, and served until 2009 when she was appointed secretary of state by Obama.

She only served one term before stepping down to focus on having a second shot at the presidency, winning the nomination over Bernie Sanders.

However, despite winning the popular vote 48.2 per cent to 46.1 per cent, she decisively lost the Electoral College 227 to 304.

Clinton surrendered the swings states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin - which are again critical for Harris to win this year.

She also lost Iowa, Ohio, and Florida, all of which Obama won in 2012 along with the other three critical swing states.
A woman has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries following a bus crash in Perth's north.

Two ambulances remain at the scene on Ellen Stirling Boulevard in Innaloo after a silver Hyundai i30 reportedly crashed into a Transperth bus about 8.20am on Wednesday.

A St John Ambulance service spokeswoman confirmed it did not appear to be a 'mass casualty event'.

A bus crashed into a small vehicle on Ellen Stirling Boulevard in Innaloo. Four ambulances rushed to the scene of a school bus crash in Perth's north. Picture NCA Newswire / Sharon Smith

The female driver aged in her 20s has been rushed to Royal Perth Hospital after being freed from her vehicle by emergency crews.

A passenger on the bus told The West Australian the driver allegedly attempted to cross lanes before she crashed into the side of the bus.

About 50 passengers were on board the bus at the time of the crash, with some believed to be Churchland Senior High School and Shenton College students.
A surfer mauled by a shark may never walk normally again as doctors desperately try to reattach his leg after it was severed in the attack before washing up on shore.

Kai McKenzie, 23, was set upon by the predator at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie, on the NSW mid-north coast, on Tuesday morning.

He fought off the shark and caught a wave back to shore suffering severe blood loss and a chunk bitten out of his surfboard.

An off-duty police officer used their dog's leash as a makeshift tourniquet until paramedics arrived and took Mr McKenzie to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

After his leg washed up on the beach it was placed on ice and rushed to hospital under police lights and sirens, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Mr McKenzie's devastated loved ones rushed to his bedside where they are in talks with vascular surgeons and specialists about surgery options.

They have made the bleak admission Mr McKenzie faces a 'long road to recovery' regardless of whether or not the limb can be reattached.

Neighbour Lauren Mac set up a GoFundMe in the wake of the attack.

Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark at North Shore beach in Port Macquarie on Tuesday

'Kai is currently in John Hunter Hospital awaiting surgery which is just the first step to what will be a long road to recovery,' she wrote.

'Please dig deep for this family to assist with Kai's recovery and rehabilitation.'

Ms Mac said the prospect of losing his leg was a shocking blow to the young surfer who had only just returned to the water after fracturing his neck.

'They haven't said yet whether they can reattach his leg,' she said.

'His mum and dad told me it's going to be a long road to recovery regardless of the outcome.'

Mr McKenzie's aunt Michelle described him as an 'all-round' legend in a heartfelt post on Facebook.

'He has always lived life to the fullest squeezing every minute out of the day,' she wrote.

'Yesterday he was attacked by a shark at Port Macquarie doing what he loved.

'There has been so many offers of support from the community, which is incredible.'

Mr McKenzie fought off the shark and caught a wave back to shore with serious leg injuries and a chunk bitten out of his surfboard

An off-duty police officer used their dog's leash as a makeshift tourniquet until paramedics arrived

So far Aussies have donated $40,000 to the young surfer.

Members in the surfing community have also wished him a speed recovery, including his sponsor Rage who shared a heartfelt Instagram post.

'Sending love to Kai, the youngest RAGE boy on the team and the toughest person that we know,' it read.

'Yesterday he was attacked by a shark and has lost his leg while surfing in Port Macquarie.

'He has been through a lot, breaking his back (neck verterbrae) last year. He never once complained always just got with doing what he loves as soon as possible. He is an inspiring person.

'The whole rage gang loves you man and we will see you soon.'

The NSW Department of Primary Industries told Daily Mail Australia they suspect it was a three-metre great white shark.

Over the last week, there have been 15 white sharks detected in the area.
Hard-working Australians have reacted negatively to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sounding peeved at his five-day holiday being interrupted by a press conference - but he got to enjoy at least one night out with his fiancee during his break.

In photos shared to Instagram on Sunday, Mr Albanese looks relaxed and happy with fiancee Jodie Haydon as they posed with owners and staff of the El Greko Greek Taverna at Palm Cove in far north Queensland.

'A very special guest joined us for dinner tonight,' the restaurant's Instagram page read.

'It was an absolute pleasure to have the Prime Minister & his lovely wife for dinner tonight! We hope you enjoyed your night with us.'

El Greko Greek Taverna owner Lisa Grant told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that the dinner on Saturday night was 'awesome'.

'Such a lovely man and Jodie is a delight.

'I was very overwhelmed, let me tell you. We are a little Greek restaurant and to be chosen to have dinner with us was very special.'

Ms Grant said she checked with the couple during the night to make sure 'everything was OK'.

Anthony Albanese (pictured, back right) poses with Jodie Haydon (back left) along with El Greko Greek Taverna owner Lisa Grant (front left) and her partner and executive chef James Hendry

Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon pose (centre left) with kitchen staff at El Greko Greek Taverna in Point Cook, Queensland

'They loved it, it was lovely,' she said.

'Nearly everybody in the restaurant said 'Oh my gosh, I can't believe he is here'.

'They were all excited. There was no hate mail, that is for sure.'

Mr Albanese's mood seemed anything but 'lovely' at a hasty press conference called on Monday to respond to US President Joe Biden dropping his bid for re-election.

'I've tried to have a couple of days off, and here I am at a press conference on Monday,' Mr Albanese told journalists in Cairns through a grimace.

'Might I say that the Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has been given a bit of an easy time by the fact that I'm standing up here as a result of President Biden's announcement.

'I will be on leave till Wednesday. Although here I am at a press conference.'

A clip of Mr Albanese's response was posted on X by the Aus Integrity account.

'It can't possibly get worse than this can it?,' the account asked.

Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon pose with wait staff after a quiet holiday dinner at El Greko Greek Taverna

Mr Albanese (pictured left) shares a laugh on Saturday night with some of the El Greko kitchen staff

'Prime Minister Albo has a press conference to tell people he's had to come in whilst on holidays to have a presser.

'Zero credit Albo, the rest of the country works on their days off and do unpaid overtime.'

Most of the replies were equally unimpressed by the Prime Minister's irritation.

'Honestly this is pathetic,' one person wrote.

'They barely work a full year and standing in front of microphones is bringing him undone? Once a union worker always a union worker.'

'Bring out the violin,' another commented.

'We actually don't want to hear from you so go on extended leave.'

'Give the bloke a medal. A true champ. I nearly cried,' was another sarcastic response.

During his press conference Mr Albanese did not sound pleased to be interrupting his break

'He's only had 87 days holiday this year, poor fella,' wrote another sarcastic commenter.

'Didn't you hear he grew up in housing commission, give the guy a break.'

However, Mr Albanese had his defenders.

'Guys, can we all take a moment to thank Albo for his commitment to his role,' one person wrote.

'I don't think anyone, anywhere, ever, has come in to work on their day off!

'And he barely even mentioned he's on leave take note world leaders - this is what real leadership looks like.'

Mr Albanese copped flak last week after jetting off on holiday just as chaos descended due to a nationwide computer crash.

One person commented on social media that while the outage wasn't caused by the government, it still had a 'big role in recovery and fallout'.

'They can get systems in place to help poor get groceries (or) help small businesses with a tech solution cheat sheet,' they wrote on X.
Do you know more? Email candace.sutton@dailymail.com

Network insiders fear 'axe is hovering' with further staff cuts on the way

EXCLUSIVE

Seven Network's billionaire owner Kerry Stokes will jet into Sydney next week to take a hands-on management role at the beleaguered broadcaster amid plummeting ratings, financial woes, and a very public axing of popular presenters.

The Seven chairman is expected to take up residence on the executive floor of Seven's Eveleigh headquarters for at least two weeks as the troubled network attempts to arrest months of damaging headlines and internal turmoil.

The Perth-based 83-year-old's mercy dash comes as Seven's tarnished news brand is widely mocked for including a horoscopes segment and satire skit in its prime time 6pm bulletins.

The once dominant broadcaster has suffered a nosedive in the national news ratings that threatens to see the channel surrender its title as the country's most popular free-to-air network to fierce rival Nine.

The widespread layoffs at the network claimed some high-profile victims, including popular, long-serving Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, who was given the sack over the phone while at a hair salon preparing for an upcoming network promotion.

Stokes' wife Christine Simpson Stokes is a long-time friend and former colleague of the ousted news presenter, and the network boss was reportedly so incensed by Ghidella's ruthless dismissal that he personally reached out to her, though the details of their conversation have remained confidential.

A Seven Network insider told Daily Mail Australia that staff were already walking on eggshells inside the channel's Sydney HQ, and news of Stoke's impending visit had done little to ease their concerns.

Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes will make mercy dash to network's Sydney bunker

'Everyone is looking over their shoulder and waiting for the axe to drop again,' they said.

'We're worried there are more cuts coming  including among the on-air presenters  and no one feels safe in here at the moment.

'The new News Director Anthony De Ceglie says that ratings don't matter, but we're shedding viewers and it feels like the end of days for the network.'

Seven has declined to officially comment on internal staff cuts.

De Ceglie, who previously worked as a newspaper editor and had no experience in television, was promoted to the top editorial position at Channel 7 in April.

He replaced Craig McPherson who departed amid the fallout from the Bruce Lehrmann Spotlight scandal, along with the program's executive producer, Mark Llewellyn.

Taylor Auerbach, a former producer on Spotlight, told the Federal Court in April that Lehrmann had been reimbursed for paying for drugs and sex workers while he was courting an exclusive interview with the accused rapist.

The Seven Network has denied those allegations.

De Ceglie, has told staff he has a 'zero tolerance' approach to bad behaviour in the newsroom, and oversaw the sacking of senior Seven News Sydney journalist Robert Ovadia in July following allegations of 'inappropriate conduct'.

Ovadia has since retained prominent employment lawyer John Laxon and filed a claim with the Fair Work Commission against both De Ceglie and the Seven network, and is seeking compensation and to be reinstated to the job he held for 23 years.

Newly minted Seven news boss Anthony De Ceglie wants to revamp prime time bulletins

Meanwhile, a company-wide restructure in June saw about 150 staff across the Seven West Media empire given the chop.

Among the senior management to lose their jobs were: chief marketing officer Melissa Hopkins, chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette, Seven Melbourne's head of sport and managing director Lewis Martin.

Seven's former chief executive officer James Warburton resigned last December before finishing up at the network on April 18, while Seven Melbourne news director Shaun Menegola handed in his notice in May, just weeks after McPherson stood down.

The turmoil inside the network is far from over, with speculation that Mark Ferguson, the long-serving host of the Seven's prime 6pm Sydney news bulletin, could also be next in the firing line.

Ferguson is on leave during the Olympic period, when games broadcaster Nine is expected to sweep the ratings, and Seven chiefs are understood to have tested alternative anchors with audience panels, including Michael Usher, Angela Cox and Angie Asimus.

Seven's long-time Sydney newsreader Mark Ferguson is being rested during the Olympics

Seven journalists Michael Usher and Angela Cox are in contention for prime time posting

Seven bosses will be nervous about making any hasty long-term changes to the line-up, after suffering a viewer backlash in Queensland in the wake of Ghidella's departure.

Secret internal ratings figures revealing that in just two weeks, Seven News Brisbane has shed a significant 29,000 viewers. The ratings freefall put Seven some 88,000 viewers behind Nine's Brisbane news on Monday - whereas on Monday, July 8, prior to her axing, Seven was just 60,000 behind.

In a scathing Facebook post following her sacking, Ghidella said morale at the network had been 'miserable' in recent weeks and she was glad to be heading out the door.

'When you work in TV for as long as I have, not a day goes by when you aren't expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder... After 38 years, my shoulder tap has finally come,' she wrote.

'It wasn't quite how I expected it to end at Channel Seven.

'I was actually sitting at the hairdressers for work, when I got the call informing me, that after 17 years with the network, my time was up.

'While somewhat saddened by this decision, there is also some sense of relief. As has been widely reported, the past couple of weeks in TV has, sadly, been a miserable affair.'

Sharyn Ghidella has mocked decision to include star signs in the news after her brutal sacking

Kerry Stokes and his wife Christine Simpson Stokes were shocked by presenter's brutal axing

In a cutting swipe at Seven's newly minted news boss, Ghidella also made particular reference to De Ceglie's decision to lighten the network's prime time bulletins with star signs and comedy skits.

'I'm also not one to have my evening news served up with humour and horoscopes either, so, to be honest, it is time to go,' she wrote, before signing off, 'Here's hoping my horoscope for tomorrow will be for brighter times ahead,' she wrote.

Rival network Nine has also been battling a scandal after The Australian revealed former news boss Darren Wick left the station following a complaint by a female employee.

Other staff has since made allegations of bullying and sexual harassment at the network, prompting Nine to conduct its own investigation.
A senior Liberal National Party figure has strongly defended the transfer of big parcel of Queensland property to an Aboriginal corporation, despite the anger of his own colleagues.

The internal LNP battle was sparked by the transfer of 210hectare Toobeah Reserve to the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation in rural Queensland.

Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg, a former LNP state leader whose council area includes Toobeah, defended the deal amid bitter complaints from colleagues such as federal MP Keith Pitt and senator Matt Canavan.

Toobeah hotelier Michael Offerdahl has described it as a secretive 'Aboriginal land grab' and said it will result in 95 per cent of the town and $2million worth of land being given away.

Mr Offerdahl told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Springborg 'asked me to endorse him for mayor before pulling this s*** on our town'.

'The Bigambul have no claim to this area that is of any greater significance than anyone else in Australia,' he said.

'It would be crazy to think the only business in the township does not have an interest in the township.'

Queensland's Aboriginal Land Act allows the state to transfer land held in trust for the traditional owners to local Aboriginal corporations.

The internal LNP battle is part of a wider war over the controversial transfer that will see the 210hectare Toobeah Reserve given as freehold to the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation

The Liberal National Party's president Lawrence Springborg (pictured) has strongly defended the transfer of land to an Aboriginal corporation - a process slammed by his own colleagues

This differs from native title, with the land being transferred as freehold title, which means the owners can develop it or use it as they want.

Mr Pitt said allowing the state to 'just give away their land' to Aboriginal organisations was 'a mistake' and the 'wrong approach'.

'There's another 15 sites which, for who knows what reason, are being kept confidential,' the former resources minister said.

'So there are other locations in other towns which are being directly impacted, and no one knows about it. This is just another cover up by the (Queensland) government.'

A Change.org petition against the transfer, launched in March by the hotelier Mr Offerdahl, has already gathered more than 6,500 signatures - despite the town population being only 300.

Mr Springborg said claims that 95 per cent of the town would be 'given away' were 'completely false' and a 'complete misrepresentation'.

'There is not one square metre of people's private freehold land, or land that can be lawfully accessed by the community, that can be impacted by this,' he told the Courier Mail.

'These land transfers have been happening in Queensland since 1991.'

Aboriginal elders perform a smoking ceremony at Toobeah Reserve, which is about to be transferred to Aboriginal control

Queensland's Resources and Critical Minerals minister Scott Stewart also defended the transfer, saying 'there is no cover up'.

'An Aboriginal Land Act land transfer is granted as "inalienable freehold" title which means that the land can't be sold or mortgaged,' he previously told Daily Mail Australia.

Instead, the land 'is held in trust for the benefit of the people connected to the land - who will continue to take care of the land'.

The minister added that 'It is important to note that the Toobeah Reserve is outside the township.

'No final decision has been made in regard to the Reserve, and I think the fact the Bigambul people are offering to work with the community is a good thing.'

Though the state government has denied the land transfer is definitely going to happen, it recently revoked Goondiwindi Regional Council's trusteeship of Toobeah Reserve, which it had held since 1906.

The Bigambul people said they will preserve a town water easement and rodeo grounds access on the reserve, which it plans to develop as an 'eco-cultural attraction'.

Local business owner Michael Offerdahl (third from right) said he was concerned locals would need to ask permission to go into the reserve and it could set a precedent for other areas

Mr Springborg said the Aboriginal corporation was 'happy' to talk with locals about giving them lawful access to the reserve which they currently did not have.

He said the council would also negotiate with the Bigambul and state government to buy native title-designated land in the area for the town, which is 400km south-west of Brisbane, to expand in the future.

The Bigambul said Mr Offerdahl had known about the proposed land transfer for years and 'some community representatives have not been transparent with their own economic interests, access and use of the reserve'.

Replying to this, Mr Offerdahl said 'whether I knew or not, I'm not the whole community and clearly I didn't know the scale of this as I would have blown up a lot earlier (if I had known)'.
Furious residents and business owners have rallied against a swingers club that is set to open just a few minutes walk from a primary school.

The two-storey building on City Road in South Melbourne, once home to an IT business, will soon be transformed into a swingers club called Pineapples Lifestyle Bar with capacity for 200 people.

Architect Tony Baenziger is one of dozens protesting against the club which is due to open in November.

He and more than 100 community members believe the club does not belong in the busy area, which is home to a school, residential apartment building, businesses and a church.

'It's really important for people to understand that we don't have a problem with the business - even though it's not my cup of tea,' Mr Baenziger told Daily Mail Australia.

'We just don't want it here, it's not the right place.'

The swingers club, which describes itself as 'Melbourne's premier adult playground' plans to open between 10am and 2am, seven days a week, and offer drinks as well as live music.

'Our purpose-built venue has an industry leading layout, furnishings and event schedule, designed to elevate hedonistic events to a never before seen level of sophistication, arousal and titillation,' the website states.

Furious residents and business owners have rallied against a sex club proposed to open just minutes walk from a primary school

He and more than 100 community members believe a swingers club does not belong in a busy residential area

'Early in the night, the ground floor functions very much like vanilla venues you may have attended before. However, as the night progresses, you may find people shedding their clothing slowly (and sometimes quickly) down to their underwear.

'Our thorough screening, couching and unique introduction process ensures only the most respectful, consent-focused and diversely inclusive people attend our events.'

But Mr Baenziger, who has owned a business next door to the new club for 34 years, believes it will affect both his customers and staff.

'Our clients come to our offices and they'll have to pass this place,' he said.

'We're worried about noise. We're worried about waste management. We're worried about our young women staff.

'We're very concerned particularly during the winter months when it's dark early and they have to walk to their cars. 'It's not great as it is already but, you know, to have a venue like this next door isn't fantastic.'

Despite receiving 33 written objections from local residents, the City of Port Phillip council gave the green light for the club to open.

Mr Baenziger has lodged a dispute with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal as a last-ditch attempt to stop it from going ahead.

One key detail that has angered parents is that children will be walking past the club to get to the local primary school.

'There's a lot of kids that walk. Their parents walk with them to school and they walk past our office, meaning they'd have to walk past this place,' Mr Baenziger said.

The venue has described itself as Melbourne's premier adult playground

More than 120 people have signed an online petition to stop the swingers club from opening

Mr Baenziger hopes VCAT will prevent the swingers club from opening once it sees the community's objection

'It's an area that we'd like to think would be more suited to family-friendly, even people friendly, businesses.'

More than 120 people have also signed an online petition to stop the bar from opening.

'This location is entirely inappropriate for such a venue, given its proximity to residential areas, schools, and family-oriented businesses,' it states.

'Despite numerous objections from local residents and business owners, the council has granted a permit that disregards the character and values of our neighbourhood and what the area should try to aspire to in the future.'

Mr Baenziger hopes VCAT will prevent the swingers club from opening once it sees the community's objection.

'The world's gone mad,' he said.

'These places used to all be in the back blocks in industrial areas. Now you can just just about put them anywhere.'

Pineapples Lifestyle Bar has been contacted for comment.
The so-called 'Black Swan murderer' was seen sobbing in court on Tuesday as she listened to the 911 call a neighbor made in the minutes after she killed her estranged husband.

Ashley Benefield, now 32, ran to her neighbor's home in Bradenton, Florida on September 27, 2020 after she shot and killed Douglas Benefield, 59, whom she had married in 2016 after dating for just 13 days.

'I heard a very loud pounding on my door,' neighbor Josh Sant testified on Tuesday, as Ashley faces murder charges for the veteran's death, according to Fox 13. 'It kind of startled me.'

He said he opened the door to find Ashley, who told him that her husband attacked her and she shot him.

Sant then called 911, telling officers, 'She just came over, her estranged husband attacked her and she said she shot him,' according to an audio recording played in court on Tuesday.

Ashley Benefield, 32, was seen crying in court on Tuesday as she listened to the 911 call a neighbor made in the minutes after she killed her estranged husband

Throughout the phone call, jurors were able to hear Sant trying to calm Benefield down, WFLA reports.

As the audio was played in court, Ashley - a former ballerina - was seen crying.

She is now claiming that she was simply acting in self-defense, as her attorneys paint Doug - the father of her daughter - as a domestic abuser.

The pair met at Ben Carson's home in Palm Beach, Florida in August 2016. She had been campaigning for then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

They were married just 13 days later.

In the early days of their relationship, 'They were just with each other all the time,' Doug's daughter 23-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Eva, testified.

'They were lovey dovey, PDA all the time. They never left each other's side,' she said.

Within just one year of marriage, Doug, a retired Naval flight officer, helped Ashley achieve her dream of starting a ballet company, using his own money and contacts.

He acted as the CEO of the company, while Ashley took on the role as executive director.

But, shortly after the companys founding, it was sued by dancers and choreographers who alleged their contracts were breached when they were fired just weeks after their hiring.

Ashley shot and killed Doug Benefield (pictured) at her home in Bradenton, Florida on September 27, 2020

The two met at a political event in 2016 and were married just 13 days later

Doug also reversed his vasectomy, and Ashley became pregnant three months later.

That is when everything changed, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O'Donnell claims.

She said Ashley moved from their home in South Carolina to Brandenton to live with her mother as she started to experience morning sickness, and from that point on, she never lived with Doug again.

'They continued a long-distance relationship when she first moved to Florida and continued trying to keep together and communication, but about the same time as the ballet [company] collapses, Ashley Benefield starts complaining against the victim,' O'Donnell told jurors.

She began accusing Doug of poisoning her and of non-physical domestic violence.

But detectives from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office conducted a five-week investigation and were unable to find any evidence to support her claims of abuse.

Prosecutors now argue that killing Doug was a last-ditch effort to gain custody of their daughter, who was 2 years old at the time of the shooting.

'This is a case about a woman who, early on in her pregnancy, decided she wanted to be a single mother,' O'Donnell argued. 'She did not want the father of this child to have any visitation.

'This is a long story, this was a custody battle this mother would win at all costs, and the cost was the life of Doug Benefield.'

Benefield does not deny that she killed her estranged husband, but argues she was acting in self-defense

The prosecutors argue Doug was doing everything in his power to rectify their marriage and keep their family together.

On the day of Douglas' death, Ashley was preparing to move her and her young daughter to Maryland to live with her mother.

Doug was also planning to move to the Old Line State, but would live separately from his wife and daughter.

He had arrived at Ashley's Bradenton home to help them pack when he was shot four times in Ashley's bedroom.

In a previously-filed motion obtained by Law & Crime, defense attorneys argue Doug arrived 'happy, hyper and animated,' but eventually became 'agitated, sullen and intimidating.'

After verbally insulting his wife, the defense claims, Doug rammed her with a moving box, leaving abrasions.

'Doug Benefield knew full well on that day that this relationship was over,' Ashley's attorney, Neil Taylor, argued in court.

He went on to claim that Doug was manipulative and 'viewed Ashley Benefield as his property.'

'Thirty years older than Ashley, he was obsessed with her, and he successfully portrayed himself as he was not in an effort to win her hand in marriage,' Taylor said of their relationship.

'Despite promoting himself as a religious, honorable and decent human being, Benefield was a manipulative, cunning and abusive man who insisted, absolutely insisted on control.'

Taylor then told the jury that Doug once fired a handgun into a kitchen ceiling in an attempt to get Ashley to stop talking, threw a loaded gun at her, punched their dog in the face - knocking it unconscious, and regularly carried a concealed firearm that was 'ready to fire.'

He also claimed that after Ashley and Doug were separated, he illegally tracked her, often following without her consent and even driving from out of state to keep tabs on her.

At least once, Doug allegedly stood in a neighbor's backyard in the middle of the night to get a glimpse of her.

In court on Tuesday, her neighbor Josh Sant recounted how she ran to his house following the shooting, claiming Doug had been abusive

Taylor also took note of Doug's 'previous marital history of domestic violence,' Law & Crime reports.

He said that prior incidents would be supported by law enforcement.

The defense is even apparently planning to call O'Donnell as a witness because she declined to press charges against Doug after Ashley's earlier claims of abuse, Court TV reports.

'Ashley Benefield feared him,' Taylor claimed of the deceased.

'She left him a letter when she moved out three years prior to the homicide detailing how scared she was of him because of all these acts. She feared for herself and for her unborn child.'

The defense has even filed documents indicating they will be presenting evidence that Ashley suffers from 'battered spouse syndrome.'

He added: 'The only thing that is going to have been established here beyond a reasonable doubt is that Douglas Benefield was a violent abuser, Ashley Benefield's efforts to placate him was absolutely consistent with what abused woman do, especially when a child is involved, and that Ashley's result and resource to deadly force was justified under the circumstances.'

Outside the courthouse on Monday, protesters showed their support for the former ballerina

Outside of the Florida courthouse on Monday, protesters showed their support for the former ballerina.

'We really are standing for Ashley,' her pastor, Mike Brown, told Fox 13.

'We have a group of domestic violence survivors who are standing with us, ready to see justice prevail.'

But before jurors took their seats on Monday, the defense tried to delay Ashley's trial by 60 days, arguing that recent rulings by the court had severely impaired their ability to present an effective defense.

Judge Matt Whyte denied the motion, saying the legal team has more than enough time to prepare in the three and a half years since Ashley was charged.

The team had also previously sought to get the second-degree murder charges against Ashley dropped.

But Whyte refused to dismiss the charges at a hearing last year.

In his ruling, Whyte wrote that the evidence 'proves clearly and convincingly that the defendant is not entitled to court-ordered immunity from criminal prosecution, as she was not justified in using deadly force against the victim.'

Ashley now faces a minimum sentence of 25 years behind bars and a maximum sentence of life in prison if she is found guilty of Doug's murder following the two-week-long trial.
Chinese premier congratulates von der Leyen on reelection as European Commission president

Xinhua) 11:13, July 24, 2024

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday congratulated Ursula von der Leyen on her reelection as the president of the European Commission.

In a congratulatory message, Li said that the Chinese government always attaches great importance to developing relations with the European Union (EU) and values the important role and influence of the European Commission.

At present, China-EU relations are showing a momentum of steady development, and bilateral dialogue and cooperation have achieved positive results, Li said.

China is ready to work with the EU to consolidate the political foundation of China-EU relations, enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in an all-round way and jointly address global challenges so as to make a greater contribution to the well-being of the people of both sides as well as world stability and prosperity, Li added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Elon Musk is moving his companies headquarters from California to Texas for the business benefits, a Tesla analyst has claimed.

The 53-year-old billionaire announced he is moving both SpaceX and X headquarters to the Lone Star State over the liberal state's new gender identity laws on July 16.

He said Gov. Gavin Newsom's signing of a law that bans California school districts from notifying parents if their child is transgender was 'the final straw.'

However, Edward Niedermeyer, author of 'Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors,' believes Musk's decision is business motivated.

'I think Musk has made the calculation that he's gotten all the benefits he's likely to get out of the state and he's moving on to the next one,' Niedermeyer told The Los Angeles Times.

Elon Musk announced he is moving both SpaceX and X headquarters to Texas over California's new gender identity laws

Edward Niedermeyer (pictured), author of 'Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors,' believes Musk's decision comes from an ulterior motive

'The state of California clearly thought that all its work bought loyalty [from Musk] but, instead, I think it bought a sense of entitlement.'

Niedermeyer said that despite Musk's criticisms of the Golden State, he won't entirely abandon the massive investment he has in the state.

'Having that talent is really important to a lot of the things they want to do, and that talent is often already in California or wants to live in California,' he said.

In February, Musk moved the incorporation of his space exploration company Space X to Texas from Delaware after a Delaware judge ruled the Tesla compensation package he received was deeply flawed and was ordered to pay it back.

Musk has already moved Tesla's headquarters from Palo Alto, California to Austin after Alameda County officials would not let him re-open the plant under coronavirus restrictions - despite Newsom announcing that manufacturers could restart operations.

The billionaire himself had even moved to the Lone Star state in 2020 after living in California for two decades and has already been in the process of moving SpaceX to Texas as he spoke out against California's liberal policies.

Musk moved Tesla's headquarters to Austin after Alameda County officials would not let him re-open the plant under coronavirus restrictions (picture Tesla Texas plant)

He has rallied against the use of preferred pronouns - often mocking the practice on social media and dismissing it as part of a 'woke' agenda that is dangerous for society.

Critics slammed Musk for moving his companies saying they deserve his business after taxpayers funded them and gave him benefits for years.

'California, through tax credits, [electric vehicle] subsidies and training grants made Elon successful,' Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, president of the California Labor Federation, told The Times.

'That amounts to hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars, for him to continually spit in the face of California's workers and taxpayers.'
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has warned Donald Trump and other Republicans not to make personal attacks on Kamala Harris.

Harris, the first vice president of color, is the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race against Trump on Sunday.

Attacks by Republicans on Harris began almost as soon as Biden abandoned his reelection bid, calling her a 'DEI hire' among other insults.

McCarthy warned his colleagues this was a grave mistake that would only help Harris by driving moderates and independents away from the party.

Personal attacks by Republicans on Vice President Kamala Harris began almost as soon as Joe Biden abandoned his reelection bid, calling her a 'DEI hire' among other insults

'Two attacks I've heard Republicans give that are totally stupid and dumb to do is the DEI attack, OK?' he told Meet the Press on NBC.

'This DEI, that seems like a petty... Look, I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States. She is the former US senator. These congressmen that are saying it, they're wrong in their own instincts.'

McCarthy also rubbished calls by fellow Republicans for Biden to step down as president, which would automatically elevate Harris to the top job.

'That would be an advantage for Kamala. Air Force One is very powerful when it lands somewhere,' he said.

'And you know what? Something will happen between now and the election. A hurricane or something else. And she'll be able to present herself as a leader. Or maybe there's some foreign policy.

'That is a mistake for any leader to go out and say that on the Republican side.'

WATCH: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy says DEI attacks on VP Kamala Harris are stupid and dumb.@SpeakerMcCarthy: I disagree with DEI, but shes the vice president of the United States.  These congressmen that are saying it, theyre wrong in their own instincts. pic.twitter.com/rKNaFLL95l  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) July 23, 2024

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy warned Donald Trump and other Republicans not to make 'petty' personal attacks on Kamala Harris

Congressman Tim Burchett, most prominently, repeatedly mocked Harris as a 'DEI hire' who was only made Biden's running mate to show inclusion.

'One hundred percent, she was a DEI hire,' he told CNN, claiming she was on the ticket because Biden said during the 2020 campaign that he 'was going to hire a black female for vice president'.

'What about white females? What about any other group?' Burchett added.

He doubled down on Twitter, claiming: 'The media propped up this president, lied to the American people for three years, and then dumped him for our DEI vice president.'

McCarthy was joined by other Republicans warning against personal attacks on Harris to avoid the risk of alienating moderate voters.

This is despite Trump uttering near-constant personal insults against political opponents and others in almost every speech or interview.

'It's certainly not the rhetoric that I would focus on. I would focus on her merit to do the job,' Congressman Max Miller, a former Trump 2020 campaign aide, told Fox News.

Congressman Tim Burchett, most prominently, repeatedly mocked Harris as a 'DEI hire' who was only made Biden's running mate to show inclusion

'This woman just isn't ready to be commander-in-chief of the country. And in my opinion, that's what Republicans should focus on, as opposed to do what Democrats do, which is to call out someone based off of their skin color or gender.

'This is all about merit. And so I think DEI is the wrong hole to go down.'

Another House Republican added: 'Personal aspersions don't work in politically successful campaigns. So yeah, let's knock that stuff off.'

Congressman Ryan Zinke said he didn't think Trump would 'be on the personal attacks', despite his long history of making them.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, however, ignored calls to knock it off and claimed 'everyone knows' Harris was chosen for her race.

'She wasn't chosen because she was truly highly ranked amongst Democratic voters throughout the country. She was chosen for a reason,' she told Fox News.

'And it seems to be that her, unfortunately, her gender and maybe her skin color was part of that.'

Fox News didn't appear to get the memo either, as its pundits spent much of Tuesday night hammering the 'DEI hire' line.

Trump has a long history of uttering near-constant personal insults against political opponents and others in almost every speech or interview, including mocking a disabled man (pictured)

New York Attorney General Letitia James already used the 'DEI' attacks by Republicans to accuse them of racism.

She said Republicans were 'running scared' at the prospect of facing Harris at the election, and 'have nothing else other than racism and sexism'.

'When you have nothing else, unfortunately, you just appeal to the racist among us, the white nationalists among us. That's all,' she said.

'The reality is, is that Kamala Harris, Vice President Harris, is qualified. And, oftentimes, she's underestimated, but she's an overachiever.

'And that's why I have wholeheartedly endorsed her. And it's unfortunate that individuals are just amplifying racism and sexism, and it's totally inappropriate. And I will not dignify it with a response.'
A chilling 911 call has revealed how a daughter managed to foil her millionaire dad's alleged murder-for-hire plot against her mom.

Alessandra Pino can be heard begging police to come to her mom's home in Pinecrest, Florida after she discovered a masked gunman on the property.

Prosecutors believe the man had been sent by her father Sergio Pino to kill his estranged wife Tatiana, the Miami Herald reports.

'Please someone with a gun is here,' a frantic Alessandra, 26, can be heard telling the 911 operator. 'He just pointed a gun at me, they're still here.'

As she struggles to catch her breath, the operator asks for more details about the incident, which took place on June 23.

A chilling 911 call has revealed how Alessandra Pino (right) managed to foil her millionaire dad's alleged murder-for-hire plot against her mom Tatiana Pino (left)

'I need to tell my mom not to come home,' she adds. 'They might be looking for her. She's a victim. I hear a car can I call my mom please?'

The operator orders her to stay on the line, before Alessandra notices her mom is home.

'My mom is here, they might have assaulted her, oh my god,' She weeps. 'My mom is here they might have shot her. Why are they [the police] not here yet?'

As the call ends she realizes the gunman has fled and rushes to her mom's aid.

Alessandra's fears have been substantiated in the wake of the incident, after prosecutors revealed they believe her father orchestrated the attempted murder.

Court documents show that Tatiana narrowly escaped death after she arrived home before her daughter and was greeted by alleged gunman Vernon Green, 53, who has since been charged.

She managed to driver her SUV into the backyard with the horn sounding loud enough that Alessandra came outside to see what was happening.

From there, the concerned daughter managed to call 911 and get police on the scene.

Tatiana Pino, 55, filed for divorce against her wealthy property developer husband Sergio Pino, 67, in April 2022 and he responded by trying to kill her, prosecutors allege

Sergio took his own life inside his $7.9 million marina-side home in Coral Gables, Miami, last week as FBI agents swarmed his property over the murder-for-hire allegations

It came just a year after someone rammed a rented truck into Tatiana's car on the same driveway - an incident the family believe Sergio was also behind.

The couple had been in the midst of an acrimonious divorce, with filings showing Tatiana believed her former lover was attempting to kill her.

Sergio, 67, took his own life inside his $7.9million marina-side home in Coral Gables, Miami, on earlier this month as FBI agents raided his mansion in connection with the allegations.

The SWAT team was there to arrest him for paying assassins to kill Tatiana, 55, during their bitter divorce battle, but he wouldn't let them take him alive.

Nine other people were arrested after allegedly accepting contracts for as much as $300,000 to murder Tatiana and make sure Sergio couldn't be blamed.

Markenzy Lapointe, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, detailed the murder-for-hire plot after Pino's suicide.

'This case is about a husband, Mr Pino, who decided after years of marriage that he was going to kill his wife,' he said.

Pino took his own life inside his $7.9 million marina-side home in Coral Gables, Miami, on Tuesday as federal agents closed in

A medical examiner's van is seen at the front of the house after the raid

Prior to the murder-for-hire plot Sergio had been trying to poison his wife with fentanyl, according to divorce proceedings

Sergio's efforts began after Tatiana filed for divorce in April 2022 after 30 years of marriage. The couple share two daughters, Alessandra and Carolina Pino.

Prior to the hitman plot, he had tried to slowly and covertly poison her with fentanyl over months, as revealed during their divorce proceedings later in 2022.

Court documents reveal that Tatiana was in and out of hospital with doctors baffled by her condition, which improved once she moved away from her husband.

'When that failed, he put out a contract on her head on two separate occasions, hiring separate groups of hitmen to do the job,' Lapointe said.

Lapointe explained the first murder crew Sergio hired allegedly included Bayron Bennett, who was a part-time food and drink server on his yacht 'Century Star', and three others - Micahael Dulfo, Edner Etienne and Jerren Howard.

They were charged in connection with arson and hit-and-run attempts on Tatiana and her sister, which were revealed after an earlier FBI raid on June 24.

The hitmen allegedly burned three cars outside her sister's home, and tried to run her down in a rented Home Depot flatbed truck.

Pino later hired a second crew, allegedly including Diori Barnard, Clementa Johnson, Vernon Green, Avery Bivins, and Fausto Villar.

Prosecutors say Sergio orchestrated two failed hits on his estranged wife

The first alleged murder crew, consisting of Edner Etienne, Jerren Howard, and Michael Dulfo, along with its leader Bayron Bennett

He promised them $150,000 to carry out the hit before the next divorce hearing, and double if the murder couldn't be traced back to him, charging documents alleged.

Sergio was the the president of Century Homebuilders Group, billed as the largest Hispanic-owned homebuilder in the nation.

He was worth $153 million, according to divorce documents, but there were arguments about how much money he actually had.

One filing put their combined wealth at $359 million, but Pino said he invented that figure as 'a joke' using 'made up' numbers, and the $153 million was accurate.
Three of the five highest-earning legal practices for UK corporate work are American, new research suggests.

US law firms Kirkland & Ellis and Lathan & Watkins have today been named as the top earners for UK corporate instructions, beating off their English rival Linklaters.

Researchers at The Lawyer said that figures suggested further 'evidence of the Americanisation' of London's legal market.

Kirkland, which was founded in Chicago, took the top spot earning more than 422million at its UK office last year.

Latham, which is originally from Los Angeles, is said to have earned 341million from its UK team, while Linklaters earned 263million from its UK operations.

The UK's Allen & Overy law firm, which merged with Manhattan's Shearman & Stirling earlier this year, came in fourth position earning nearly 214million. Earnings were assessed prior to the merger.

And New York's Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett  one of the so-called white-shoe law firms  earned more than 204million in the last 12 months from its London office.

A MailOnline graphic showing how American law firms are taking over London's legal market

Three of the five highest-earning legal practices for UK corporate work are American, new research suggest. Pictured: London's famous skyscrapers

White-shoe law firms have typically been associated with the upper-class elite who graduated from Ivy League colleges such as Harvard, Princeton and Yale.

While American law firms dominated the top of the highest-earnings table, the bottom half was dominated by domestic firms.

Slaughter and May, who are arguably the richest of London's 'magic circle' of firms, earned just shy of 200million  significantly less than its US counterparts.

The 'magic circle' are a category of law firms which are headquartered in the UK and have traditionally been seen as the top-ranked or most prestigious international law firms based in London.

The other firms in the 'magic circle' are A&O Shearman, Linklaters, Clifford Chance and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

They have been grouped together because of their extraordinarily high profitability.

Researchers at The Lawyer said that figures suggested further 'evidence of the Americanisation' of London 's legal market. Pictured: People walking to work in the Bank area of the City

But The Lawyer's researchers have suggested that the value of the 'magic circle' term, which was coined by the media company 30 years ago, has diminished.

However, some senior City lawyers believe that the leading London law firms have a better reach internationally than their US rivals, who targeted London specifically and did not consider overseas markets.

Charles Adams, managing partner at Clifford Chance, told The Times today that US law firms 'are a reality in London' and that 'all competition is good'.

He said there is 'no doubt' that US corporate clients pay more for legal services and put this down to American culture, adding 'just look at how Americans pay such large tips to waiters'.
The Albanese government has reportedly backflipped on its decision to exclude spy chief Mike Burgess from the top level National Security Committee.

Mr Burgess, who is the director-general of the spy agency, has been reinstated on a permanent basis in the committee which 'considers the highest-priority, highest risk and most strategic national security matters of the day', according to its website.

Previously it was understood Mr Burgess along with ASIS chief Kerri Hartland would only be called in on a case-by-case basis after the powerful Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis removed their permanent status.

However, an escalation in spying and terror threats has seen at least Mr Burgess regain his automatic inclusion in the body.

A freedom of information request by Sky News revealed Mr Burgess and Ms Hartland were on the outer from January last year.

The FOI shows the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus writing to Mr Burgess on January 9, 2023, thanking him for his contribution.

'On behalf of the Prime Minister, I want to thank you for your contributions to this committee throughout 2022,' he wrote.

'I look forward to your contribution through co-option to relevant matters at this committee as they arise in the future.'

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson told Sky News the Albanese government had made a tacit admission they erred and he called for an apology from the Prime Minister.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess has been recalled into the top level National Security Committee on a permanent basis

'The Albanese Government should never have removed any of our intelligence agency heads from the national security committee,' he said.

'It's welcome they have finally come to their senses although only after their recklessness was publicly exposed.

'Our national security has been damaged by this episode and the prime minister should take responsibility, publicly explain his change of heart, and apologise.'

Earlier this month two Russian-born Australians, Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor, 62, were arrested over an alleged spying scheme targeting the Defence Department.

In May officials were left red-faced after admitting hundreds of Chinese-made security cameras were found at a number of defence sites across Australia after the department claimed there was only one.

Defence officers revealed in a Senate hearing they had uncovered 435 spy devices 'of concern'.

Secretary to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Professor Glyn Davis (pictured left) was understood to have made the previous call to only call in Mr Burgess on a case-by-case basis

A Liberal Senator has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to apologise for the original decision

These devices were manufactured by Chinese companies Hikvision and Dahua, which are both partly-owned by the Chinese government.

The officials said they were in the process of removing all surveillance devices from the affected sites.

In February Mr Burgess made the sensational claim that a former politician 'sold out their country' to China but would not name the person accused.

He also warned there was at least one nation state laying the groundwork to potentially sabotage key Australian infrastructure in the future.
The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after three people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on a major a-road.

Officers were called to the A13 in Wennington Marshes, Rainham, shortly after 10pm on July 15, following reports of a crash between a moving car and a stationary vehicle.

The stationary vehicle had been involved in a crash a short time earlier.

Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade also attended.

Three people died at the scene and one other passenger was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. They have since been discharged.

The fatal crash happened after the police had been called to the initial non-fatal crash but before Met Police officers had arrived at the scene.

Officers were called to the A13 in Wennington Marshes, Rainham, shortly after 10pm on July 15, following reports of a crash between a moving car and a stationary vehicle (stock)

Calls to the first crash were made to Essex Police and as a result, both forces have made referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following the incident.

DI Julie Trodden, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'This is an extremely tragic incident and my thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their loved ones.

'We are keen to speak with anyone who may have been driving along this stretch of road around 10pm on 15 July and who may have dashcam footage of the incident.'

The IOPC is a non-departmental public body responsible for overseeing the system for handling complaints made against police forces in England and Wales.
Passengers on Virgin Atlantic flights will soon be charged an environmental levy on every ticket to contribute towards its costs of using sustainable aviation fuel (Saf).

The airline's chief executive Shai Weiss said the green surcharge is set to be in force by the end of 2025 and will help make travellers aware of why prices are rising.

It comes after Lufthansa confirmed plans for a surcharge of between 31 (29) and 72 (61) on tickets from next year as it tries to cover the costs of EU Saf mandates.

British Airways owner IAG has also warned that the higher costs of Saf will result in its prices increasing, but no decision has yet been announced on any specific levy.

easyJet said that it does not apply 'legacy carrier surcharges and have no plans to do so', while Wizz Air said such surcharges 'conflict with our commitment to offering the lowest possible fares'. Ryanair and Jet2 have been asked for their position.

Saf is made from sustainable sources such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil, meaning its production involves using about 70 per cent less carbon.

A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 takes off at London Heathrow on November 28 last year to perform the first 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel transatlantic flight to New York JFK

Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said its passengers will soon be charged a green levy on every ticket to contribute towards its costs of using sustainable aviation fuel

While it is seen as vital to reduce the aviation industry's carbon emissions, Saf is currently much more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel.

The UK has a target of having at least five commercial Saf plants in construction by next year.

And Mr Weiss told the Daily Telegraph: 'Prices will have to go up to account for the fact that flying with Saf in greater and greater volumes is materially more expensive.'

Speaking about why he favoured the levy, Mr Weiss said: 'If you do it, you need to do it transparently in the form of something consumers understand.'

The UK Government wants airlines to switch to 10 per cent Saf by 2030, while the EU is bringing in a statutory quota of 2 per cent Saf from January, rising to 6 per cent from 2030 then 20 per cent from 2035.

Mr Weiss said he expected Saf charges of about 40 per flight by 2030, adding: 'The mandates are starting to come into force so airlines are having to take action. This is the year that you will start to see the impact of this, just like Lufthansa did.'

A Virgin Airbus A330-900 at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire yesterday

Visitors stand near an Airbus A330-900 at the Farnborough International Airshow yesterday

And IAG chief executive Luis Gallego said: 'If we put it explicitly in the fare or not, it doesn't change the issue. Flying is going to be more expensive. That's the reality.'

Giving the overall position for IAG, an IAG spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'Our focus now is to bring the cost of SAF down, by making it more available to airlines.

'That means securing effective support from EU and UK governments, and in the UK, following through with a revenue certainty mechanism to ensure we get the investment we need in production.'

Meanwhile an easyJet spokesman told MailOnline: 'We don't apply legacy carrier surcharges and have no plans to do so. Decarbonising aviation is vitally important and will require the right policy, investment and incentives.

'This is why we are working closely with industry and policymakers to ensure the transition not only meets our environmental goals, but also preserves the benefits of travel and tourism for all.'

Visitors arrive for the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire yesterday

British Airways aircraft on display during the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday

It is understood that Saf is still expected to play a key role in easyJets decarbonisation strategy and like all airlines it will have to comply with the mandates across the various markets in which the firm operates.

And a Wizz Air spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are aware of Virgin and Lufthansas recent announcements regarding environmental surcharges. The Wizz Air business model is firmly centred on providing affordable travel options for our customers.

'Additional surcharges conflict with our commitment to offering the lowest possible fares. Airlines are facing higher costs as a result of regulatory environmental obligations.

'In order to avoid burdening passengers with higher costs we urge governments to provide incentives to enable the aviation industry to achieve its environmental goals more effectively. With such incentives Wizz Air can continue to absorb higher costs though more efficient operations and innovative practices.'

Lufthansa confirmed plans for a surcharge of between 31 (29) and 72 (61) on tickets from next year as it tries to cover the costs of European Union Saf mandates

In last week's King's Speech, the Government included a Bill involving a revenue certainty mechanism for Saf producers who invest in new UK plants.

And yesterday, it was revealed that airline passengers will be shown the environmental impact of flights when using booking websites and apps under new plans.

The CAA said it wants to enable consumers to make more informed choices, as it launched a consultation on the proposal at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire.

If the requirement is introduced, airlines operating flights to, from and within the UK will be required to present environmental information that is accurate, understandable and accessible.

Standardised units such as kilograms of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger journey will be mandatory.

British Airways owner IAG has also warned that the higher costs of Saf will result in its prices increasing, but no decision has yet been announced on any specific levy

If the proposal is given the go-ahead, the policy could come into force from early next year.

The carbon impact of flights depends on a number of factors, such as the distance travelled, the number of passengers on board and the type of aircraft.

Also yesterday, Virgin Atlantic announced a new plane order which will complete its multibillion-dollar fleet transformation.

The airline said it has ordered seven new Airbus A330-900s, which will be delivered from 2027. This will take the carrier's total A330neo fleet to 19.

Virgin Atlantic, which would not disclose the value of the order, said it will use the new A330-900s to replace its A330-300s, which it received in 2011.

The new planes are designed to be 13 per cent more fuel-efficient.

An Air France aircraft is refuelled with sustainable aviation fuel at Nice Airport in October 2021

A photo issued on March 12 of a renewable biofuel English breakfast from Heston Blumenthal's The Perfectionists' Cafe, as part of London Heathrow Airport's 'Fly Up' campaign, which recycles the oil used in the breakfast into biofuels including sustainable aviation fuel

By 2028, Virgin Atlantic plans to operate 45 aircraft comprised of 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 Boeing 787-9s, with an average age of 6.4 years.

Last November, Virgin Atlantic became the first airline to power a transatlantic flight by pure Saf.

The airline operated the flight - which did not carry fare-paying travellers - from London Heathrow to New York's JFK Airport with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reviewed various aspects of the flight before granting an operating permit, including analysing ground tests with an engine running on 100 per cent Saf.

Virgin Atlantic was awarded up to 1million by the Government in December 2022 to plan and operate the flight, named Flight100, to demonstrate the effectiveness of Saf.
He pleaded guilty to rape, indecent treatment of children and bestiality

A father who raped his newborn daughter and then made his infant son do the same to the little girl has been sentenced to life behind bars.

The North Queensland man, who cannot be named to protect the children's identities, pleaded guilty to 87 charges in Townsville District Court this week and showed no emotion when he was sentenced on Tuesday.

Crown Prosecutor Monique Sheppard said that he deserved the maximum punishment for his 'appalling' crimes.

Among the Townsville man's victims were his biological daughter, who he began sexually abusing when she was just one week old.

He also filmed and distributed the abuse to others online, the court heard.

Police searched his property in 2020 after being tipped off by a woman he had sent disturbing texts to, the Townsville Bulletin reported.

The search uncovered children's underwear and images from videos of him raping his baby daughter.

'The offending against her was indeed so serious, so heinous, deliberate and appalling that a sentence at the maximum term of imprisonment is warranted,' Ms Sheppard said.

A Townsville man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to raping his infant daughter, filming and distributing it, and a slew of other offences (stock pictured)

The man was charged with rape, indecent treatment of a child under 12 of lineal descent, bestiality, producing, supplying and possessing child exploitation, burglary and supplying drugs.

The Crown Prosecutor told the court that pictures found by police during their search documented 11 times the man sexually abused his baby daughter up until she was 20 months old.

The images showed the man raping his daughter using his fingers, penis and other objects, the court was told.

One of the videos appeared to show the abuse happening in a shopping centre toilet changing room.

The full extent of the man's crimes is unknown as he declined to tell police where he had stored the videos.

The girl's mother told the court in her victim impact statement that her daughter would return from unsupervised visits with her father 'unsettled, crying, and [with] redness around her privates'.

She was 'crying about the pain saying "daddy touched" and pointed to her (genitalia) as I changed her nappy,' the mum said.

'Communication, trust, honour, truthfulness, loyalty, respect and family were all words that held a very important meaning in my life shattered with the animalistic lust of a father for his own daughter.'

The woman heard how she met the man online and, after falling pregnant, she began seeking legal advice after discovering that he had odd fetishes which made her fear for her daughter's safety.

The man's family signed an order promising to supervise all visits between him and his daughter.

But after hiring a private investigator, the baby's mother was able to prove that the meetings had not been supervised.

She told the court that since the abuse, her young daughter suffers from nightmares, discusses suicidal thoughts and is unable to show affection to other family members.

The man's baby daughter was sexually abused at least 11 times over a 19-month period, the court heard (stock pictured)

The man had another infant son with a different woman and the little boy is one week younger than his daughter. He procured the boy to rape his half-sister, which he would film.

In separate offending uncovered by the Crown, a different woman had reported the man for asking her to have a sexual relationship with his son.

The woman had been sexually involved with the man for a short time before he asked her to 'come over to have fun' with his son, Ms Sheppard said.

Prior to this relationship, the man had a relationship with a woman who he supplied with methamphetamine in exchange for sex.

The woman had a 17-month-old daughter and the Crown said she would wake up at times to find the man inside her apartment.

On one occasion, the man filmed himself sexually assaulting the woman while she was unconscious before moving his attention towards the child who was also asleep, Ms Sheppard said.

Further police inquiries at the time found another two young girls were filmed and sexually assaulted or procured into performing sexual acts by the man.

He refused to help identify either of the girls when queried by authorities and it was later found that they were the daughters of a woman he had sold marijuana to, the court heard.

Ms Sheppard said that the man would share images and details of his abuse to others over messaging app Kik. where he once told someone that he wanted to have a sex with a child 'as young as possible, one day old, one week old, soon as'.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Gregory Lynham called the man a 'predator' who had used mothers to gain access to their children and shared images of the subsequent abuse with others 'who did not ask for such material'.

The man also sexually abused the daughter of a woman he supplied meth to, forced a woman to have sex with a dog and filmed his infant son raping his baby girl (stock pictured)

Defence barrister Claire Grant told the court that her client had no prior criminal history and was 'completely abandoned' by his family and friends when the charges were made public.

His rejection from society 'may be unsurprising given the gravity of the conduct', Ms Grant said, 'but at the end of the day he remains a human'.

Growing up, the man had been a 'social outcast' in school and at home where he would frequently fight with his father.

The court was told that the man had a history of drug addiction and had struggled with mental health issues for most of his life.

Ms Grant claimed the man couldn't recall his offending due these factors and that his early guilty plea demonstrated remorse.

Ms Grant suggested a 20-year prison sentence, which was dismissed outright by Judge Lynham in his sentencing on Tuesday.

Judge Lynham rejected that the man was remorseful due to his unwillingness to help police during their investigations, even going so far as to lie to them.

'It's submitted that your drug addiction impacted your recollection, I reject that submission. It was obvious from other evidence that you were well aware of your conduct,' Judge Lynham said.

'Your offending was not derived from your own admissions but the images found [and it] can only be described as a reprehensible breach of trust.'
A builder left fighting for life following a run-in with police outside a convenience store has died.

Luke Briggs, 35, was approached by two male police officers in the car park of a 7-Eleven 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 aggressive and wrestled with police.

Paramedics were called after Mr Briggs became unresponsive during the incident and he was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

He spent eight days in intensive car before he died surrounded by his heartbroken family on Tuesday night after his life support was turned off.

'We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of our beloved Luke. He passed away wearing his favourite Bunnings jumper, beer by his side, surrounded by his whole family,' a family statement to The Age stated.

'We couldnt be more heartbroken with the tragic events that weve endured over the past nine days and we hope the ongoing investigation provides the answers were looking for.'

The two arresting police officers were wearing body-worn cameras, but Victoria Police is yet to publicly release the footage.

Luke Briggs (pictured with sister Catherine) was surrounded by family after his life support was turned off on Tuesday

The builder (pictured) collapsed during the arrest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but died on Tuesday afternoon

The police have also not detailed what occurred when Mr Briggs was arrested.

The 35-year-old's death will now be the subject of a coronial inquiry, while investigations are still ongoing by both the homicide squad and Professional Standards Command.

Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Briggs had died.

'The man became unresponsive during his arrest and police subsequently performed CPR and called for further medical assistance. He was then conveyed to hospital.'

The two officers from the north-west metro region were suspended on Monday.

The officers attempted to speak with the builder regarding a traffic issue when he allegedly became physically aggressive and wrestled with police (pictured the scene of the incident)

Mr Briggs (pictured in hospital) spent eight days in a coma

The male constable and male sergeant were both interviewed by a detective from the homicide squad on Friday afternoon. No charges have been laid.

Mr Briggs died a day after his family 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,' a statement issued on Monday read.

'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 raised many unanswered questions about the investigation on Monday, such as why it took more than a week to suspend the officers 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.

Mr King had also wanted to know when the investigation started, if the officers had been questioned straight away and if the evidence had been preserved.

Luke Briggs, 35, (pictured) was approached by two male police officers in the carpark of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing on July 15

Victoria Police wouldn't comment on why it took a week for action to be taken against the two officers

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.
Adut Atem Kiir

Police hold grave fears for a 26-year-old woman who is believed to have fallen into a river in Perth.

Adut Atem Kiir was last seen in the car park by The Point in East Perth - next to the Swan River - at about 2am on Saturday.

Her jacket and phone where found in the car park.

Police are now searching the river, using drones and divers.

Ms Atem Kiir travelled to The Point from Perth CBD on a bus and train.

Her family have not heard from her since the weekend.

She is about 185cm tall, slim and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black jumper, black trousers and a head scarf.
Two people have been injured in a Moscow car bombing that was 'linked to the war in Ukraine', while investigators deny a Russian military satellite commander and his wife were involved.

Officials revealed that an unidentified explosive device tore apart a car in a residential courtyard in the north of the capital.

Andrei Torgashov, 50, a colonel, and his wife Maya were believed to have been injured in the suspected assassination bid.

Reports suggested the colonel, who is a GRU military intelligence officer, was in a 'grave' condition following surgery to amputate both legs after the explosion, while his wife was also said to have suffered lacerations to her face.

However, hours later this was brought into question when several state outlets and Telegram channels reported they had spoken to Torgashov and his wife, who were unaffected.

Russian law enforcement suspects the blast in the Russian capital city is linked to the war in Ukraine

Andrei Torgashov (pictured) is the deputy head of military unit 33790, the top secret 89th Satellite Communications Centre of the Russian Armed Forces

The 50-year-old was believed to have been rushed to hospital following the explosion and had both his legs amputated

An initial police assessment found that the cause of the explosion in the Toyata was a 'detonation of an object installed in the car'

'Two people were wounded. The victims were taken to a medical facility by ambulance,' interior ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk added in a post on Telegram, without providing further details.

Citing unnamed sources in law enforcement, the state-run TASS news agency and several other outlets reported that Torgashov - identified as a 'serviceman and participant in the special military operation' in Ukraine - and his wife were hit.

However, RIA Novosti cited Torgashov as saying: 'It's a complete fake. This explosion has nothing to do with me.'

He said the car was not his and that he lived in a different part of the capital.

The Mash Telegram channel, which has connections to Russian authorities, posted what it said was CCTV footage of a man placing a device under a silver SUV in the middle of the night.

It also published footage that showed the same vehicle exploding seconds after a man got into the driver's seat early on Wednesday.

The Investigative Committee said a unit that deals with 'especially important cases' was running the investigation.

Several Russian military and pro-Kremlin public figures have been targeted in car bombings since Moscow launched its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.

It also comes after it was revealed that at least 12 Russian soldiers were killed and another 30 are said to have been hospitalised after eating watermelons poisoned by Ukrainian resistance fighters in an occupied city.

Another look at the debris surrounding the car, which was just yards away from a children's playground (pictured top left)

Members of the community stand around the exploded car which occured on Sinyavinskaya Street in the north of Moscow

Torgashov's wife Maya was said to have suffered lacerations to her face following the explosion

Exhaust fumes and engine parts can be seen in a video scattered across the ground as people stand by in the residential area.

A witness said: 'The explosion was very strong. The man's feet were torn off, burned, he was lying all charred.'

The witness also claimed that it appeared there had been a device in the car.

A new video appears to show the moment a bomb was placed under the military officer's car by a man in a light-coloured hoodie.

In the aftermath, people are seen helping the wounded person who managed to give himself first aid, using a shirt to bandage his legs.

After planting the explosive device, the man stayed in a nearby children's playground for 11 minutes 'reporting to his handlers', according to Russian reports citing law enforcement.

The 50-year-old has a crucial role in managing and maintaining stable communication within the missile troops and various command posts

He also plays a key part in organising Russia's missiles in their war effort

Russian law enforcement suspects the blast in the Russian capital city is linked to the war in Ukraine.

The cause of the Toyota Prado explosion was classed as 'detonation of an object installed in the car,' according to an initial police assessment.

Police Major-General Irina Volk said: 'Officers are establishing the circumstances of the crime committed in the north of Moscow.'

They were conducting 'operational-search measures aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the incident, as well as the detention of persons involved in the commission of the offence.'
Keir Starmer is already struggling to keep a lid on furious Labour infighting today as he faces his maiden PMQs grilling.

Sir Keir will take to the despatch box at noon having been defied by seven MPs in a vote on the two-child cap on benefits, just a fortnight after securing his historic landslide.

But the premier's brutal response of suspending the group - including prominent left-wingers John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Rebecca Long Bailey - sparked an outcry in his own ranks.

One of the rebels put on ice for six months, Zara Sultana, suggested this morning that Sir Keir had treated the situation like a 'macho virility test'. She declared she had 'slept well' after voting to scrap the limits on handouts for big families.

The president of the TUC said the rebels 'spoke for millions of trade union members and many Labour Party members'.

A Corbynite campaign group branded him 'Sir Kid Starver' on social media, while even supporters warned that he is sitting on a 'timebomb'.

Despite ministers hinting that they will move to ditch the two-child cap as soon as possible, a further 40 Labour MPs abstained on a King's Speech amendment tabled by the SNP.

Keir Starmer leaving No10 for his maiden PMQs grilling today, after being hit with his first Labour rebellion

A Corbynite campaign group branded the PM 'Sir Kid Starver' on social media

Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said she could not vote for 'personal reasons', but was 'horrified' at the action taken against the rebels

Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell was among those suspended by Labour after voting for the SNP amendment

With Sir Keir enjoying an enormous working majority of around 180, the overall result was never in doubt - with the Commons voted 363 to 103, majority 260, to reject the amendment.

Some of those who missed the division will have been given permission, but others are thought to have actively dodged taking part.

Ms Sultana told ITV's Good Morning Britain that she did not regret her decision.

'I slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country and it is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it,' she said.

She said she saw the email on the way home from the vote last night saying she had had the whip removed.

'I look forward to many bills that will be coming forward in this Government including nationalising rail, the new deal for working people, but I was also very honest that we should go further, we can make a real difference to people's lives,' she said.

'And when you've got anti-charity campaigners, think tanks, trade unions saying that the key driver for child poverty in this country  which is the sixth largest economy in the world  is the Tories' two-child benefit cap, then it is a moral imperative on the Labour Party to scrap that and do everything that they can to make sure that not a single child has to live in unnecessary hardship and poverty.'

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme for her view on Sir Keir, Ms Sultana said: 'I'm not interested in playing up to this macho virility test that seems to be what people are talking about. It's about the material conditions of 330,000 children living in poverty.'

Pressed on whether she meant Sir Keir had viewed the situation as a macho test, Ms Sultana said: 'This isn't a game, this is about people's lives.'

Matt Wrack, head of the Fire Brigades Union and president of the TUC, posted on X: '1.6 million children are affected by the two-child cap, and 300,000 children live in poverty as a result of it. The UK is a rich country with ample resources for everyone to live a decent life.

'The seven MPs who voted to scrap the cap spoke for millions of trade union members and many Labour Party members. Keir Starmer must restore the whip to them immediately.'

One Labour MP told Politico they were worried about the ruthlessness of the response, saying it was 'not a good timebomb to be too casual about, whatever your mandate looks like now'.

Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said she could not vote for 'personal reasons', but was 'horrified' at the action taken against the rebels.

Speaking ahead of the vote Mr McDonnell, who was shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, confirmed he would back the SNP's amendment.

He said: 'I was in Parliament in 2015 when it [the cap] was introduced, and I condemned it and voted against it then. It's really iniquitous, it's forced large numbers of children into poverty and caused real hardship.

'I don't like voting for other parties' amendments but I'm following Keir Starmer's example as he said put country before party.

'So I'm putting lifting children out of poverty before party whipping - 120 different organisations have called for the scrapping of the two-child limit and they comprise of community groups, religious groups, churches, trade unions and many in my own community.

'I think it's a dreadful measure that the Conservatives introduced and we could lift anywhere up to 400,000 children out of poverty just by this one measure.'

In the end he was joined in rebelling by Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey, and Zarah Sultana.

Zarah Sultana (left) and Richard Burgon (right) have both had the Labour whip withdrawn after voting against the government

Rebecca Long Bailey (left) and Richard Burgon (right) joined the mini-rebellion against the government's plans to keep the two-child benefit cap in place

Apsana Begum (left) and Imran Hussain (right) are also among the seven Labour MPs to have lost the party whip over their votes

Slow handclapping could be heard in the chamber after the result was announced.

The cap was introduced in 2015 by then-Conservative chancellor George Osborne and restricts child welfare payments to the first two children born to most families.

Mr Flynn said: 'Tonight, the Labour Party has failed its first major test in government.

'Labour MPs had the opportunity to deliver meaningful change from years of Tory misrule by immediately lifting thousands of children out of poverty - they have made a political choice not to do so.

'This is now the Labour government's two-child cap - and it must take ownership of the damage it is causing, including the appalling levels of poverty in the UK.'

And while the amendment failed there are indications moves to scrap the two-child benefit cap have support across the Labour Party.

Ahead of the vote, Sir Keir said there is 'no silver bullet' to end child poverty but acknowledged the 'passion' of Labour MPs who were considering rebelling over the continuation of the Tory measure.

Speaking earlier today Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall had insisted the government must 'do the sums' before making a decision on the policy, backing Chancellor Rachel Reeves who has insisted public finances must be stabilised by making a commitment.

On a round of interviews, Ms Kendall warned that things could not be changed 'overnight'.

She told Times Radio: 'We were elected on the promise that we would only make spending commitments that we know we can keep and we are facing a dire inheritance from the Tories.

'I'm not into a wink and a nudge politics.

'I'm not going to look constituents in the face and tell them I'm going to do something without actually having done the sums figuring out how I'm going to pay for it.

'Figuring out how we transform opportunity for those children, not just in terms of their household income, which is essential, but about having sustained improvements to helping people get work and get on in work, more childcare, early years support, sorting out the dire state of people's housing.

'It's got to be part of a much bigger approach.'

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.
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Police have seized a 'number of knives' after a British soldier was stabbed multiple times outside near his Army barracks in Kent.

Kent Police say the victim, in his 40s, is in a 'serious but stable' condition after he was repeatedly attacked with a knife around 200 yards from Brompton Barracks in Gillingham.

The force has said it is investigating possible links between the location and the suspect and added the motive for the attack is being explored as mental-health related and not terror.

Our live coverage has now come to an end but for a full recap see below
This is the horrifying moment a couple and their teenage sons lost their lives after their car plunged off a bridge and into a lake below.

Veysel Aydogmus, 37, was driving the white vehicle with his wife Emine Aydogmus, 35, and their sons Batuhan, 16, and Mete, 13, as the family made their way to a picnic in Turkey.

But in a tragic turn of events, the car ended up swerving off the road in packed traffic on a two-way bridge crossing the Seyhan Dam Lake in Adana.

CCTV footage shows the family car slowly driving in the middle of a row of other vehicles on July 21, just moments before the tragic accident.

As a queue of cars pulls out to overtake a slow-moving vehicle, Veysel was seen accelerating too but drove straight into the path of a car overtaking him from behind.

A family of four died after a dad lost control of his car, sending it through a barrier and over a bridge into a lake below in Turkey

Veysel Aydogmus, 37, (top right) pictured with his wife Emine, 35 (top left) and their two sons Batuhan, 16, (bottom right) and Mete, 13, (bottom left) before the accident

When he noticed the car, he seemingly panicked and tried to turn back, ultimately losing control of the vehicle.

After his car zig-zagged uncontrollably for a moment, it veered to the right and crashed through a barrier over the side of the bridge.

Local media reported that Veysel, a restaurant manager, Emine, and both of their teenage sons died in the crash.

Several fire, police, and underwater teams were dispatched to the scene after horrified onlookers sounded the alarm.

According to Turkish newspaper Kozan Ekspres, after four hours of search efforts, the lifeless bodies of Emine, Veysel, and Mete were found after being pulled from the car.

Batuhan was recovered later after it was revealed he had jumped out of the car during the accident, but sank further into the lake as he did not know how to swim.

The car was lifted back onto the bridge by crane as relatives of the family flocked to the scene after receiving the tragic news.

The Aydogmus family were later buried together in the Kizillar village of Kozan district of Adana.

Mete, 13, was the first of the sons recovered after the crash as he was found in the sunken vehicle

Local reports stated Batuhan was found later as he attempted to jump from the vehicle during the accident but did not know how to swim

Pictured: Veysel Aydogmus and Emine Aydogmus before they lost their lives on July 21

The family car was recovered from the Seyhan Dam Lake in Adana after a four hour rescue mission

Veysel's nephew Kemal Aydogmus later blamed the deaths on the bridge's poor safety barriers.

He said: 'The biggest issue we noticed later was that the barriers were in a neglected state.

'They were held together with rusty nuts from the bottom, reinforced with welding, and then painted over.

'We want these to be fixed immediately.

'Our loved ones perished. We don't want anyone else to suffer.'

Police and safety experts are investigating the crash, reports local media.
The father of British blues John Mayall has died aged 90 after health issues forced him to stop touring.

The musician died at his home in California on Monday surrounded by family, a statement on his Instagram page said.

The British blues pioneer led the Bluesbreakers band that influenced stars including Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood.

He stopped touring in 2021 because of health issues, which his family referred to when they announced his passing.

In a statement, they said: 'It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home on July 22, 2024, surrounded by loving family.

'Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world's greatest road warriors.

'John Mayall gave us 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain.'

British Blues pioneer John Mayall (pictured during a concert in Milan in 2015) has died aged 90

A statement was released on John Mayall's official Instagram page today, announcing his passing

The musician (pictured in 1991) died at his home in California on Monday, surrounded by family, a statement on his Instagram page said

Mayall has been credited with helping develop a blues revival of the late 1960s and has been described as the 'father of British blues'. He is pictured here performing on the stage of the Miles Davis hall during the 42nd Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has paid tribute to 'great pioneer' John Mayall following his death at the age of 90.

In a post on Instagram, Sir Mick explained that the Bluesbreakers' band leader had helped his band in 'ushering in a new era for the Stones', following the death of guitarist Brian Jones.

Speaking about Mayall's influence on the Stones, Sir Mick's post read: 'So sad to hear of John Mayall's passing.

'He was a great pioneer of British blues and had a wonderful eye for talented young musicians, including Mick Taylor, who he recommended to me after Brian Jones died, ushering in a new era for the Stones.'

Taylor had played with Mayall's Bluesbreakers from 1966 to 1969, appearing on the albums Crusade, Diary of a Band and Bare Wires, as well as on his 1968 solo album Blues From Laurel Canyon.

He then joined the Stones in 1969, playing on parts of Let It Bleed and making his first full appearance on the single Honky Tonk Women.

Taylor helped to introduce a heavier blues sound to the Stones, and played on some of the band's most acclaimed albums such as Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main St, before leaving the group in December 1974.

A tribute to Mayall from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cited the guitarist as a 'a major influence on rock and roll', after he had been inducted earlier this year.

A statement from the hall of fame read: '2024 Inductee John Mayall was the godfather of British blues.

'As a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader, Mayall displayed a talent for mentoring gifted young musicians, many of whom he recruited for his groundbreaking band the Bluesbreakers.

'With a rugged individuality and distinctive voice and style, he made visionary recordings that expanded the reach of the blues without ever watering them down.

'Mayall exerted a major influence on rock and roll, inspiring countless musicians and fans with a lifetime's worth of unforgettable and influential music.'

Among other recruits to the Bluesbreakers were guitarist Peter Green, bassists Jack Bruce and John McVie, and drummer Aynsley Dunbar.

American blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa shared a number of his album covers and a picture of himself with Mayall on social media and wrote: 'Rest in Peace my friend.'

He added the Union flag and a broken heart emoji.

Eric Clapton also thanked John Mayall, saying the late star had saved him from 'oblivion'.

Clapton, who was part of Mayall's Bluesbreakers band, posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday saying he want to share a 'few words'.

'I want to say thank you chiefly for rescuing me from oblivion and God knows what,' he said.

Clapton explained as teenager starting out in the music industry, he wanted to 'quit music', but Mayall encouraged him to join his band.

'I learned all that I really have to go on today in terms of technique, and desire to play, the kind of music I love to play,' he added.

'He taught me that it was OK just to... play the music you wanted to play without crashing out or making anybody else like it, whether it mattered whether they like it or not, to listen to myself to my inner out motivations and he was my mentor, and as a surrogate father too, he taught me all I really know and gave me the courage and enthusiasm to express myself without fear or without limit.'

John Mayall (pictured) in London, March 4, 1971

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers: John Mayall, Eric Clapton, John McVie and Hughie Flint

Mick Taylor, former lead guitarist of the John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, replaced Brian Jones as the new member of the Rolling Stones. Pictured: The Stones in Hyde Park, London (from left to right: Charlie Watts, Mick Taylor, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman)

Mayall, who was born in Macclesfield and grew up in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, formed the Bluesbreakers in the early 1960s.

He has been credited with helping develop a blues revival of the late 1960s and has been described as the 'father of British blues'.

The Bluesbreakers started out playing at the Marquee Club  a small and relatively cheap club  situated at the heart of London's West End.

In 1964, Mayall obtained his first record date with producer Ian Samwell. The band recorded two tracks: 'Crawling Up a Hill' and 'Mr James'.

But it wasn't until April 1965 when former Yardbirds guitarist Eric Clapton replaced Roger Dean, that Mayall's career really took off.

In 1965, with Eric Clapton as their new guitar player, the Bluesbreakers began attracting considerable attention.

When Clapton left that summer on a jaunt to Greece, Peter Green  founder of Fleetwood Mac  took his place, while Jack Bruce  of the rock band Cream  played bass. In November 1965 Clapton returned, and Green departed.

The Bluesbreakers has been considered a training ground for other major musicians including John McVie and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Taylor who played with the Rolling Stones, Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor of Canned Heat and Jon Mark and John Almond, who went on to form the Mark-Almond Band.

Mayall performing on stage in 1979

John Mayall poses during an interview in Madrid, Spain, on February 13 2017

Pictured: Klaus Voormann, John Mayall, Joni Mitchell, Debby Chesher and Commander Cody during the promotion for the 'Starart' book that included art works by them and other musicians

Mayall protested in interviews that he was not a talent scout, but played for the love of the music he had first heard on his father's 78-rpm records.

Although he admitted in an interview with The Guardian that he had 'managed to pick out some pretty special people'.

'I'm a band leader and I know what I want to play in my band - who can be good friends of mine,' Mayall said in an interview with the Southern Vermont Review. 'It's definitely a family. It's a small kind of thing really.'

Although Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s.

'I've never had a hit record, I never won a Grammy Award, and Rolling Stone has never done a piece about me,' he said in an interview with the Santa Barbara Independent in 2013. 'I'm still an underground performer.'

Mayall protested in interviews that he was not a talent scout, but played for the love of the music he had first heard on his father's 78-rpm records. He is pictured here at the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival on August 27, 2017

English Blues and Rock musician John Mayall performing onstage at Greenwich Village's Bottom Line nightclub in 1979

Although Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s. He is pictured on stage during the 42nd Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux

Mayall performing with the Bluesbreakers at the Deutsche Museum in Munich, West Germany, on January 21, 1970

Mayall's father also played guitar and banjo, and his records of boogie-woogie piano captivated his teenage son.

Mayall once said: 'The only reason I was born in Macclesfield was because my father was a drinker, and that's where his favourite pub was.'

He learned to play the piano one hand at a time  a year on the left hand, a year on the right  so 'I wouldn't get all tangled up'.

The piano was his main instrument, though he also performed on guitar and harmonica, as well as singing in a distinctive, strained-sounding voice.

Aided only by drummer Keef Hartley, Mayall played all the other instruments for his 1967 album Blues Alone.

The Bluesbreakers drew on a fluid community of musicians who drifted in and out of various bands.

Mayall performing with his band the Bluesbreakers in Munich in 1969. The influential band was a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars

Mayall's 1968 album Blues from Laurel Canyon signalled a permanent move to the United States and a change in direction. He disbanded the Bluesbreakers and worked with two guitars and drums.

The 1970s found Mayall a low ebb personally, but still touring and doing more than 100 shows a year.

In 1982, he reformed the Bluesbreakers, recruiting Taylor and McVie, but after two years the personnel changed again.

In 2008, Mayall announced that he was permanently retiring the Bluesbreaker name, and in 2013 he was leading the John Mayall Band.

Mayall had a Grammy nomination for Wake Up Call which featured guest artists Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Mick Taylor and Albert Collins. He also received a second nomination in 2022 for his album The Sun Is Shining Down.

He was selected for the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class and his 1966 album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton is considered one of the best British blues albums.

He was made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005.

He is survived by his six children - Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak and Samson - seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A Melbourne woman is accused of murdering her elderly neighbour and dumping her body in a river over a $2,000 haul in stolen goods.

The alleged motive for 85-year-old widow Lolene Whitehand's death was revealed a day after the Melbourne Magistrates Court lifted a suppression order preventing the identification of her accused killer.

Police alleged Melbourne mother Milena Bogojevska, 49, knew Ms Whitehand, who lived on the same street as her in West Footscray, before murdering her on July 12.

Detectives allege Bogojevska entered her neighbour's Glamis Road home 'as a trespasser ... with intent to steal' before allegedly making off with $2,000 worth of cash, jewellery and other personal items.

It is not yet clear if Ms Whitehead disturbed Bogojevska during the alleged home invasion or whether the goods were stolen after her alleged death.

Ms Whitehead's body was found floating in the Maribyrnong River in Flemington on July 14.

Her body was reportedly found with her head and parts of her feet wrapped in plastic, and what appeared to be significant bruising on her left arm.

Bogojevska was arrested and charged with Ms Whitehead's murder two days later, before appearing in court via video link from the women's-only prison Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

Milena Bogojevska has been charged with the murder of an elderly widow

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested but later released without charge.

The court was closed during Bogojevska's first court appearance, when her lawyers successfully sought to suppress her name and any other identifying information.

But that suppression was lifted on Tuesday afternoon during another closed-court hearing.

Once the court was reopened, Magistrate Stephen Ballek allowed prosecutors 12 weeks to compile the brief of evidence against the 49-year-old, including CCTV footage and forensic material.

Bogojevska sat half-slumped in a chair as she watched the proceedings from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre women's prison.

The magistrate noted Bogojevska needed steroid injections in custody due to ongoing nerve damage to her lower back.

Lolene Whitehand's body was found dumped in Melbourne's Maribyrnong River last weekend

The widow's body was found in the Maribyrnong River at Flemington. Pictured are police at the scene

She also required the medications Lexapro and Valium for her diagnosed depression and anxiety, Mr Ballek noted.

He remanded Bogojevska to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in November for a committal mention hearing.

She did not apply for bail.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bogojevska pleaded guilty to separate theft and arson charges from two incidents in July and August 2023.

She admitted stealing a woman's handbag with items valued at $8000 from a car in West Footscray.

She also set fire to another person's car, which also caused damage to a nearby phone tower.

Bogojevski was convicted and sentenced to seven days in jail over the 2023 incidents.
Albanian smuggling gangs are enticing migrants with social media posts promising trips to Britain 'by speedboat and with 100% guaranteed safety' - with 500 'prizes' offered for recommending a friend.

Other posts in languages spoken in the Middle East offer journeys to London 'by God's will', with visas promised in return for payments of up to 5,000.

The National Crime Agency (NCA), known as 'Britain's FBI', has led a blitz against the illicit ads, with almost 12,000 removed by the end of June 2024 following a partnership with platforms including Meta, X, TikTok and YouTube.

One post showing a photo of a speedboat's two outboard motors says in Albanian: 'We take people to the UK by speedboat. It is a done deal within 45 minutes.

'The crossing is 100% guaranteed (safe). Do not waste [this opportunity]. Soon we will be ready [to depart]. Write privately.'

This post shows a map overlaid with a red line from Albania to the UK, '100% guaranteed (safe) journeys with us', adding: 'Recommend our journeys to your friend and win 500'

Another shows a speedboat's two outboard motors says in Albanian: 'We take people to the UK by speedboat. It is a done deal within 45 minutes'

Another, which pictures a map overlaid with a red line from Albania to the UK, '100% guaranteed (safe) journeys with us', adding: 'Recommend our journeys to your friend and win 500.'

One post in Pashto, a prominent language in Afghanistan, says: 'Guaranteed game to France...Germany... Belgium... London by God's will.'

And another in Farsi, spoken in Iran, and Darsi, spoken in Afghanistan, advertises a 'guaranteed Schengen visa' from 750, a visa 'without the return guarantee' from 6,000 and a 'hotel voucher with letterhead' for 100.

In April, the NCA arrested three UK-based individuals suspected of using social media to promote illegal immigration.

The Vietnamese nationals were suspected of advertising crossings on social media. They were later charged and are due in court again on August 2.

In May an Iraqi national was arrested by the NCA, also suspected of promoting crossings using social media. He was charged and is due in court on September 9.

NCA's Organised Immigration Crime Threat Lead, Dan Barcroft, said: 'Social media is key to how these organised crime groups operate, so these takedowns have a direct effect on disrupting their operations and criminal activity.

'We have seen instances of them having to change their tactics as a result, and the last few months have seen us take direct action against individuals suspected of posting this type of material.

'Tackling people smuggling is a priority for the NCA, and we are looking to disrupt the criminal's business models in any way we can. This work is one example of that in action.

'The NCA has developed a strong partnership with the four social media companies, and we will continue to work with them to prevent organised crime groups utilising their platforms.'

Home Office Minister of State, Dame Angela Eagle, said: 'This work is immensely important, and we will do everything in our power to crack down on the criminals who brazenly promote their people-smuggling businesses online and use social media to profit from human misery.

'Protecting our borders has never been more crucial. Together, we will take the action needed to address irregular migration at its source, dismantle the gangs and stop them from putting vulnerable people's lives at risk.'

More than 15,000 people have now crossed the Channel in small boats so far last year, with more than 2,200 arriving since Labour took office less than three weeks ago.

This post in Farsi, spoken in Iran, and Darsi, spoken in Afghanistan, advertises a 'guaranteed Schengen visa' from 750, a visa 'without the return guarantee' from 6,000 and a 'hotel voucher with letterhead' for 100

Another in Pashto, a prominent language in Afghanistan, says: 'Guaranteed game to France...Germany... Belgium... London by God's will'

Yesterday, the new Government announced it would no longer be using the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland to house asylum seekers.

The Home Office confirmed it would not renew the contract for the controversial three-storey vessel moored off Dorset when it expires in January next year.

Suella Braverman, the Tory former home secretary, accused Labour of signalling that Britain is 'open for illegal migrants' and 'flashing the green light to the people smugglers'.

New border security minister Dame Angela Eagle claimed it would no longer be necessary to keep the Bibby Stockholm open because of reduced demand thanks to efforts to clear the asylum backlog - and said the move would save 20 million a year in running costs.

It marks Labour's latest attempt to unpick Tory measures to tackle the migrant crisis, after the party scrapped the Rwanda removal scheme and announced it would close asylum hotels.

New Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said this week 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.

She was accused by her predecessor, James Cleverly, of introducing an 'effective amnesty' which would embolden desperate migrants' attempts to cross the English Channel and claim asylum.

And speaking on LBC radio yesterday, Ms Braverman said: 'Labour's plan is to scrap the Rwanda plan and they want to say to the 70,000-odd migrants who are already here, who came on the boats, that they can apply for asylum.

'To me, that says an amnesty. That says, doesn't matter how you got here... we're going to let you stay here.

'I think that's a bit worrying, personally - that is flashing the green light to the people smugglers, I think that's saying that Britain is open for illegal migrants.'

Announcing the plan to close the Bibby Stockholm, Dame Angela said: 'We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly; and ensures the rules are properly enforced.

'The Home Secretary has set out plans to start clearing the asylum backlog and making savings on accommodation which is running up vast bills for the taxpayer.

'The Bibby Stockholm will continue to be in use until the contract expires in January 2025.'

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said decisions on asylum claims will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

He said: 'We've made clear that the barge will continue to be used until the end of the contract in January 2025, but our intention is to clear the backlog and reduce the huge costs we're currently spending on asylum accommodation.'

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

Downing Street did not rule out the option of moving migrants from the Bibby Stockholm into hotels.

The 300ft converted barge, which can accommodate around 500 people, was embroiled in controversy even before the first asylum seekers were moved on board in August last year.

It was commissioned in April, and immediately drew protests from human rights groups concerned about conditions on board and the treatment of asylum seekers by the then-government.

Some locals in Portland, Dorset, where it is docked, said the barge created 'segregation' between asylum seekers and residents, increased demand for NHS dentists and hospital care, and prompted safety concerns.

Others insisted asylum seekers were 'welcome' but objected to the use of the vessel on human rights grounds.

The first few dozen asylum seekers had only been on board for a short while when they were evacuated and moved into hotel accommodation nearby after the deadly legionella bacteria was discovered on the ship.

And Leonard Farruku, a 27-year-old Albanian, was thought to have hanged himself in his shared bathroom in December last year.

Scores of men on board went on a temporary hunger strike to protest being stuck in limbo due to the length of time it took to process their asylum claims.
Donald Trump's campaign has accused Kamala Harris of violating campaign finance laws over her 'brazen money grab' of the remainder of Joe Biden's reelection campaign funds.

The Trump campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday, arguing that the Vice President was 'seeking to perpetrate a $95million heist of Joe Biden's leftover campaign cash'.

The complaint further accused Harris, 59, of 'committing the largest campaign finance violation in American history' and urged the FEC to not 'sit idly by' while her campaign allegedly violates campaign laws and the 'will of the donors who gave the money in the first place'.

Harris quickly took control of Biden's campaign accounts after Biden, 81, ended his reelection bid on Sunday. Her campaign has branded the complaint as 'baseless' and suggested 'Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energized to defeat' Trump.

Harris has smashed fundraising records, raising more than $231million in the 24-hour period, and on Monday secured the Democratic nomination by winning pledges from a majority of the delegate. She also held her first campaign rally on Tuesday during which she slammed Trump, calling him a 'predator and cheater'.

Donald Trump's campaign has accused Kamala Harris (pictured Tuesday night during her first ever presidential campaign rally) of violating campaign finance laws over her 'brazen money grab' of the remainder of Joe Biden's reelection campaign funds

The Trump campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday, arguing that Harris was 'seeking to perpetrate a $95million heist of Joe Biden's leftover campaign cash'. Donald Trump is pictured at his campaign rally on July 20, 2024 in Michigan

The Trump campaign's complaint, filed by David Warrington, the campaign's general counsel, on Tuesday argues that Harris cannot legally take over funds raised by Biden's reelection campaign.

Biden, who was in a tight race with his Republican rival and dropped out of the campaign following weeks of calls for him to do so, endorsed Harris when he ended his reelection bid.

Harris then took control of Biden's campaign accounts and within 24 hours, her campaign raised $81million - the most of any presidential candidate in a 24-hour period ever.

Soon after, the figure had surpassed $231million, The New York Daily News reported. The Vice President won $81million in small-dollar donations and then reportedly secured an additional $150million 'money bomb' from big donors.

In the filing, Warrington said Harris was in the process of committing what he described as the 'the largest campaign finance violation in American history.'

He argued that Harris undertook a 'brazen money grab that would constitute the single largest excessive contribution and biggest violation in the history of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended.'

'Kamala Harris is in the process of committing the largest campaign finance violation in American history and she is using the Commission's own forms to do it,' the complaint alleged.

'The Commission must not and cannot sit idly by while one candidate takes nearly one hundred million dollars from the authorized committee of another, in violation of the Act and the will of the donors who gave the money in the first place.'

The fight over the accounts, which had roughly $95million in the bank at the end of June, is part of a multi-pronged effort by Republicans to stymie Harris' bid to lead the Democratic ticket.

Vice President Harris praised Biden during her remarks in Wisconsin Tuesday night, calling it one of the greatest honors to serve as his vice president. She also took the fight to Donald Trump, slamming him as a 'cheater' and a 'fraud' and touting her record as a prosecutor

Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters during her first campaign event as a candidate for president at West Allis High School in Wisconsin on Tuesday

But the Harris campaign is seemingly unbothered by the complaint, with campaign spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak brushing it off as 'baseless'.

Lutvak said: 'Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energized to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, but baseless legal claims - like the ones they've made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections - will only distract them while we sign up volunteers, talk to voters, and win this election.'

The FEC has said they are unable to comment on unresolved enforcement matters.

Saurav Ghosh, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, a non-partisan watchdog group, has said that because Harris was already part of 'Biden for President' as the vice presidential candidate, her claim on the money should be secure.

In any case, it is unlikely that election regulators will resolve the issue before the November 5 presidential election.

It comes as Harris held her first campaign event as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in the battleground state of Wisconsin on Tuesday night, opening her public case against Trump, 78, by declaring November's election will be 'a choice between freedom and chaos.'

'In this campaign, I promise you, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,' Harris said. 'We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead.'

Former President Donald Trump stands with Republican vice presidential nominee US Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) as he holds a rally for the first time with his running mate, in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 20, 2024

The vice president started off strong by making the the case against Trump who she calls a 'cheater.'

She discussed her role as a prosecutor taking on 'perpetrators of all kinds' including '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,' Harris said. The crowd roared as some attendees chanted 'lock him up.'

'I promise you, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,' Harris said.

The vice president went on to contrast her background as California Attorney General taking on for-profit schools while Trump ran a for-profit school that was shut down. She touted putting away predators and slammed Trump for being found liable for sexual abuse.

The vice president also noted the ex-president was found guilty on 34 criminal counts earlier this year by a New York jury.

Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday sending a jolt through the presidential race. Harris announced soon after that she would seek the nomination and vowed to earn every vote.

Harris praised Biden toward the beginning of her remarks calling it 'one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as vice president to our President Joe Biden.'

She said Biden's legacy of accomplishment over his entire and the past three and a half years 'is unmatched in modern history' and claimed that in one term he has surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms.

'We are all deeply, deeply grateful for his continuing service to our nation,' she said.

Several polls taken amidst President Joe Biden dropping his reelection bid show Kamala Harris trailing Donald Trump in the 2024 race  but one released on Tuesday finally showed the VP pulling ahead of the former president

The Vide President's Milwaukee stop occurred less than 12 hours after it was confirmed she had locked in enough Democratic delegates to secure the party's presidential nomination.

'We have earned the support of enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination,' Harris declared.

Harris on Tuesday also pulled ahead of Trump in a national poll taken in the two days after Biden dropped out of the presidential race.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Harris leading Trump by 2 per cent in a head-to-head general election matchup as she hits the campaign in place of the ailing 81-year-old Biden.

It follows a slew of other polls taken in the aftermath of Biden putting a stop to his campaign.

Trump was leading Harris by tight margins in polls taken when speculation swirled that Biden wouldn't be on the ticket.
An Aussie bride who decided to ditch wedding tradition has saved $40,000 by getting married in a small ceremony on a tropical island overseas.

Sydneysiders Annabelle and Hayden Newell, 32, tied the knot in Mo'orea, a scenic spot popular among tourists in the French Polynesia in the South Pacific in May.

The couple were shocked when they learned it would cost them tens of thousands of dollars to book venues in Sydney or in Byron Bay on the NSW far north coast.

The pair would have been charged up to $45,000 just for the venue and food packages for 110 guests before they could account for other costs such as drinks, accommodation and photography.

While the newlyweds are both on decent wages in professional occupation, both have felt the effects of the cost of living crisis.

The couple researched alternative options and decided to elope in Mo'orea in front of five family members.

The entire elopement ceremony and a reception dinner for seven people cost the couple just $6,500.

'The price of weddings in Australia has been blown completely out of proportion and that's not something we wanted to spend our money on,' Ms Newell told Australian jewellery business Shiels.

Sydney couple Annabelle and Hayden Newell, 32 (pictured) saved $40,000 after they decided to elope in Mo'orea, in French Polynesia

The entire elopement ceremony and a reception dinner for seven people cost the couple just $6,500.

Ms Newell did her own hair and makeup and wore a pre-loved wedding dress worth $1,500, which she combined with local flowers that cost $300.

The couple paid $700 in total for the wedding reception dinner for seven people.

They were also able to have a honeymoon in Italy and hosted a party back home to celebrate the nuptials with their friends.

The pair hired a local content creator in Sydney instead of splurging on a photographer and videographer.

'I believe we saved $40,000 and had two celebrations and a honeymoon,' Ms Newell said.

'We were able to stay in some incredible places, eat and drink whatever we wanted and get each other a small wedding gift.

The couple used the savings towards a deposit for their first home and have just bought a house off-the-plan.

They live with Ms Newell's parents.

She said their low-cost wedding stopped them from stressing out about their big day and they were able to enjoy the event without worrying about money.

The couple paid just $6,500 for the entire elopement ceremony at the scenic location and a reception dinner for seven people (stock image)

The average cost of a wedding in Australia is between $36,000 to $51,000 according to figures by ASIC's Moneysmart website.

Aussie couples have turned to cheaper wedding alternatives as people struggle to pay for the necessities such as housing and groceries.

Figures from online digital marketing website Semrush found online searches for 'how much does it cost to elope' increased by 40 per cent over the past year.

Searches for 'micro wedding' rose by 49 per cent, while 'average cost of wedding Australia' surged by 85 per cent, Yahoo reported.

Ms Newell said people should not be afraid to celebrate their wedding differently by considering how they want to mark the occasion.
Campaigners are fighting to stop 'appalling' plans to evict a pub's resident cats on 'health and safety grounds'.

The Wellington on Bennetts Hill has allegedly been told to remove the two moggies by Black Country Ales (BCA), the brewery that owns the popular pub, in response to a complaint.

BCA has not confirmed how many objections have been made against the cats living on the premises, but a large number of online reviews express their delight at the animals being visible in the establishment.

Many punters have posted images of themselves with the cats - named Malt and Hops - onto TripAdvisor and Google, claiming the furry creatures were 'part of the experience' and 'one of the reasons we go to The Welly'.

In response to the alleged eviction notice, a social media campaign named #SaveOurCats has been started by the pub's regulars, urging locals to contact Black Country Ales in protest at their actions.

Many punters have posted images of themselves with the cats - named Malt and Hops - onto TripAdvisor and Google, claiming the furry creatures were 'part of the experience' and 'one of the reasons we go to The Welly'

The Wellington on Bennetts Hill has allegedly been told to remove the two moggies (pictured with a pub regular) by Black Country Ales, the brewery that owns the popular pub, in response to a complaint

In response to the alleged eviction notice, a social media campaign named #SaveOurCats has been started by the pub's regulars, urging locals to contact Black Country Ales in protest at their actions

Writing on X, Birmingham resident Matt Kamen said: 'Pub cats Malt & Hops at The Wellington in Birmingham are little local legends! Every time I go in, people are fawning over them! It's appalling that brewery @BCA_RealAle is trying to force their removal. Let them know that Malt and Hops are essential residents!'

A change.org petition was also started on Monday and has been rapidly growing in popularity ever since.

In regards to the health and safety complaint, The Wellington does not serve food apart from packaged bar snacks. Regardless, cat cafes with full menus have been operating problem-free in the UK since 2013.

There are also hundreds of pubs up and down the land that are dog-friendly, with many having their own pets living at their business.

Boozers such as the Bag of Nails in Bristol and the Duke of York in Salisbury are famed for housing a number of cats which are well-loved by the regulars.

If the alleged complaint is regarding an allergy, then it is possible that a rare life-threatening allergy to cats would be considered a disability in law.

MailOnline has contacted Black Country Ales for a comment.
Despite being jailed multiple times over his links with terrorist organisations, Anjem Choudary's hate-filled rhetoric has continued to plague the minds of dozens of people in the UK and around the world.

The 57-year-old, known as Britain's most notorious hate preacher, has inspired beheadings and bomb plots around the world as a result of his lectures.

Over decades, he is believed to have infected the minds of more than 100 Britons who have plotted to carry out terror attacks, including those that have had a devastating impact on the UK.

Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo, Fishmongers' Hall terrorist Usman Khan and London Bridge ringleader Khuram Butt, whose attacks claimed the lives of 11 innocent victims in total, all had close ties to Choudary.

It is only now that Choudary is facing life imprisonment for his crimes after an unprecedented investigation uncovered he was recruiting followers in Brazil, Canada and the US.

after an unprecedented investigation uncovered he was recruiting followers in Brazil, Canada and the US

Choudary speaking as members of the group Muslims Against Crusades protest outside the American Embassy in London on the 10th anniversary of 9/11

Choudary leaving a bail hostel in north London after his release from Belmarsh Prison after his 2016 conviction for supporting the so-called Islamic State

One of the two Islamic terrorists who carried out the horrific murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was brutally hacked to death in May 2013, has frequently been linked back to Choudary.

The father-of-one had been wearing a 'Help for Heroes' hoodie while walking in Woolwich off-duty when he was attacked by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

The 25-year-old was first run over by a car at up to 40mph before Adebolajo and Adebowale slashed at him with knifes and a cleaver and attempted to behead him.

The immediate aftermath of the vile attack was caught on camera by bystanders, with Rigby's attackers - both of whom had converted to Islam from Christianity -proudly claiming they were getting revenge for Muslims killed by the British Army.

The pair were subdued by armed police after they attempted to charge at officers with weapons.

Adebolajo would later be given a whole-life tariff for the murder while Adebowale would be given a minimum term of 45 years.

Following the horrific attack, Adebolajo blamed Choudary, who also performed at the killer's wedding ceremony, for inciting him to murder Lee.

Adebolajo converted to Islam while a student at Greenwich University and joined Choudarys banned group Al-Muhajiroun, rising through its ranks to become the preachers lieutenant.

Fusilier Lee Rigby was brutally hacked to death by two islamic terrorists in May 2013

The father-of-one had been wearing a 'Help for Heroes' hoodie while walking in Woolwich off-duty when he was attacked by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale

The immediate aftermath of the vile attack was caught on camera by bystanders, with Adebolajo (left) and Adebowale (right) proudly claiming they were getting revenge for Muslims killed by the British Army

According to sources, Adebolajo claimed Choudary's flawed interpretations of the so-called 'Qital [killing] verses' of the Koran inspired him to plot the attack on Rigby.

An insider, who spoke to The Mail back in 2018, quoted Adebolajo saying: 'It was Choudary's reading of the verses, which talk of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, which justified attacking a British soldier in Britain.'

The source added that Adebolajo believed the hate preacher's teachings gave him the religious justification for an attack on a British soldier because Britain was involved in conflicts in Muslim countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

After the incident, Choudary said Adebolajo was 'a practising Muslim and a family man' who he was 'proud of'.

But he denied encouraging the killer to carry out the attack, insisting he was 'channeling the energy of the youth through demonstrations and processions'.

Choudary, from Ilford, East London, has also been accused of radicalising other notorious terrorists in Britain, including Khuram Butt, 27, ringleader of the London Bridge attacks.

Butt was one of three men who drove a van into pedestrians and stabbed others in the London Bridge area in June 2017.

The rampage, which claimed the lives of eight people and injured dozens more, was brought to an end when the trio were shot dead by armed police eight minutes after the first emergency call.

Khuram Butt, 27, was one of three men who drove a van into pedestrians and stabbed others in the London Bridge area in June 2017

Butt carried out the attacks along with Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane

Butt joined one of Choudary's rallies on College Green outside the Palace of Westminster in 2013 where he 'verbally assaulted' a moderate Muslim leader who had opposed Choudary's extremist rhetoric.

Khuram Butt trained in a gym a few hundred yards from Choudarys house, and nearby is Eton Community School, formerly Ad-Deen Primary, where Butt taught children attending an after-school club that non-Muslims were the worst creatures.

An inquest into the London Bridge attack also heard that Butt was like a lion out of a cage after meeting Choudary.

Butts sister has also said her brother idolised Choudary. He was invited to dinner at the hate preachers home, while Choudary visited Butts home at least twice.

Another convicted terrorist who carried out a devastating attack on home soil was also found to have met Choudary face to face.

Usman Khan was shot dead after fatally stabbing Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones at London's Fishmongers' Hall in November 2019.

The attack came less than seven years after Khan was jailed for his role in an al Qaeda-inspired terror group that plotted to bomb the London Stock Exchange and the US Embassy and kill Boris Johnson in 2010.

In the days following the attack a picture emerged of Khan stood next to his 'personal friend' Choudary at a conference in Stoke-on-Trent in March 2009.

Another convicted terrorist, Usman Khan (pictured), who carried out a devastating attack on home soil was also found to have met Choudary face to face

Khan was shot dead after fatally stabbing Jack Merritt (left) and Saskia Jones (right) at London's Fishmongers' Hall in November 2019

An image shows Usman Khan (right), who was shot dead after fatally stabbing two people on Friday, with Anjem Choudary (centre) at a conference in Stoke-on-Trent in March 2009

Khan used the alias Abu Saif when he spoke alongside Choudary at the event on Sharia Law, organised by a group called Ahl Sunnah Wal Jumah.

Khan also had the private phone number of Choudary stored on his mobile phone at the time of his initial arrest for the LSE plot, which contained material relating to protests by the banned Al-Muhajiroun group that the preacher founded.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Reza Haque, thought of as Choudary's bodyguard, disappeared from Britain in 2014.

A photograph taken in Syria showed him in a balaclava and camouflage clothing, brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle and he has since been suspected as being a tall figure in ISIS's horrific execution films.

Siddhartha Dhar, who once ran Choudary's media operation, was also seen posing in a military style coat and boots, brandishing an assault rifle and holding his new born baby in Syria, labelling the picture 'Generation Khilafah'.

Westminster attacker Khalid Masood was also linked to Choudary through Ibrahim Anderson, an al-Muhajiroun activist convicted of inviting support for ISIS in 2016.
A newly installed bench facing a wall, meant to 'enhance' 'one of Britain's worst towns,' have left residents fuming.

The bench is located in Swindon, named as one of the worst places to live in England in 2023, on a protruding section of pavement facing away from traffic.

The seat is part of a project by Swindon Borough Council in Wiltshire to 'improve the experience for people visiting one of the town's most historic areas.'

But locals have labeled the bench as 'risky' and 'a waste of money,' with many finding its location dangerous.

The bench appeared on London Road this week, sparking concerns about its safety.

A newly installed bench facing a wall, meant to 'enhance' 'one of Britain's worst towns,' have left residents fuming

The bench is located in Swindon, named as one of the worst places to live in England in 2023, on a protruding section of pavement facing away from traffic

The council said that the area around the bench is unfinished and will make more sense once the project is complete.

One resident questioned the logic behind the bench's placement, saying: 'Who in their right mind designed and placed a bench facing away from oncoming traffic on a road with a jolt out that is a hazard itself?

'Who is designing this for Swindon and why on earth face it away from traffic?

'I know they will say some nonsense but a bench there! Shocking and risky.'

Another shared an image of the bench on Twitter/X, adding: 'What's the point of this bench? Seems like a waste of money and resources.'

The council defended the seat, stating it would serve as a valuable 'resting place' for those participating in the town's new heritage trails.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: 'As part of the improvement works ongoing in the Railway Village, we're in the process of making London Street a better and more pleasant environment for pedestrians.

'This includes the addition of new trees, planters, benches, and a pocket park outside the Sheppard Street underpass.

The seat is part of a project by Swindon Borough Council in Wiltshire to 'improve the experience for people visiting one of the town's most historic areas'

But locals have labeled the bench as 'risky' and 'a waste of money,' with many finding its location dangerous

'The area around the pictured bench is not yet complete as further improvements are planned.

When finished, it will provide a resting place for those visiting the historic quarter or navigating the new heritage trails.'

The council is investing 3 million into this work, which includes widening the pavement in front of the Carriage Works, planting trees and improving the space outside the Bristol Street tunnel with new railings and planting.

Additional trees will be planted on Sheppard Street, and a pocket park will be created outside the Sheppard Street underpass, which links North Star with the town center.

Both underpasses will see drainage improvements, with some of this work already completed.
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters blocked workers from getting into the Foreign Office today during a fiery demonstration, which saw police arresting nine people.

Dozens of activists from Workers for a Free Palestine have blockaded the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) HQ today.

Masked protesters armed with provocative placards, Palestine flags and banners, are demanding the UK bans arms exports to Israel.

But the heated rally prompted action from the Met Police, with officers seen clashing with protesters in the street.

Dramatic images from the mayhem show a number of activists being dragged along the floor by cops, after demonstrators allegedly refused police orders to move on.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators have clashed with police in central London today

Officers were seen dragging activists off after they blockaded the Foreign Office HQ

Activists are calling for a suspension of arms sales by Britain to Israel amid the on-going war in Gaza

Dozens of activists from Workers for a Free Palestine have blockaded the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) HQ

Other demonstrators were seen holding placards and shouting on a megaphone during Wednesday's disorder

Another image appears to show one officer grappling with a mask-wearing protester, while others are seen surrounding another demonstrator.

One protester dressed in a niqab headscarf was seen lighting a red smoke grenade as the chaos outside the FCDO continued to rage.

While others behind a large banner demanding the UK to 'stop arming Israel' where heard chanting.

One furious demonstrators was pictured yelling at a police officer as his colleagues continued to remove some protesters from the scene.

The trade unionist activists are calling on Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the new Labour Government to suspend the sale of weapons to Israel.

Foreign Office workers were reportedly blocked from getting into the FCDO building in central London.

One protester was seen setting off a red smoke flare during the fiery demonstration today

This man was seen being dragged away by two police officers while being photographed

While this woman appears to be directing her anger towards one officer, yelling at him

Officers from the Metropolitan Police face off with some protesters who were blockading the FCDO building in London on Wednesday morning

Demonstrators were armed with megaphones and banners saying 'free Palestine' today

The Met Police said nine people have so far been arrested following this morning's disorder.

Describing the mayhem, a spokesman told MailOnline: 'Shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday, July 24, a group of protesters arrived at the Whitehall end of King Charles' Street and stood in the road blocking pedestrian and vehicle access.

'Officers responded and Public Order Act conditions were imposed on them, requiring them to leave the central arch at the entrance to the street clear.

'When the group failed to comply with the conditions, officers intervened and made nine arrests, quickly restoring access.

'Protesters remain in the area but officers are monitoring the situation and ensuring roads are not blocked again.'

The protest comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues with his assault on Gaza, in a bid to root out Hamas terrorists.

Troops from the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) last night pushed deeper into the eastern neighbourhoods of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

Terrified Palestinians were seen fleeing their their homes on Tuesday as IDF tanks punched into the area.

It followed a warning by the Israelis for locals to evacuate the area ahead of their latest offensive.

The tanks pushed into the Khan Younis town of Bani Suhaila and several districts nearby were bombed for a second day, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to seek refuge elsewhere.

Some of the demonstrators were armed with placards during today's rally in London

Pictured is a scene from this morning's demonstration in central London

Protester came armed with banners and placards, with many wearing face masks during the rally

One protest is seen being surrounded by police during the rally

Pictured are some of the banners held up by protesters in London this morning

Israel said its action - the latest in a series of major assaults in recent weeks in parts of Gaza where it had long since claimed to have rooted out Hamas - was intended to prevent the militant group's fighters from regrouping.

Labour's Foreign Secretary Mr Lammy is now being urged to practise what he preached during his time in opposition and meet his own demands by publishing legal advice on UK arms to Israel.

During the rally in London, one Workers for a Free Palestine activist was heard saying that if the advice 'confirms Israel has breached international law as the shadow foreign minister, Alicia Kearns, says it does  the government should immediately halt arms exports to Israel'

The group also called for the withdrawal of the legal attempt to bar the international criminal court from issuing an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu.

Mr Lammy, who is on a diplomatic trip to India, has been accused of sitting on his hands over the continued licensing of UK arms exports to Israel.

Protesters were later ordered to move away from the scene by the Metropolitan Police

A large number of officers were called in to disperse the rally outside the Foreign Office

Interviewed on BBC Radio on Tuesday, Labour cabinet minister Liz Kendall dodged answering whether Keir Starmer's government would publish the official legal advice on whether there was a risk British arms exports to Israel could be used in Gaza, in violation of international humanitarian law.

During their time in opposition, Labour had repeatedly pressed the Conservatives to publish this legal advice. But so far it has failed to follow its own guidance, campaigners have said.

Mr Lammy claimed he was not allowed to see what legal guidance was given to previous governments, and said he had initiated his own quasi-judicial process. 'I want my deliberations to be as transparent as possible,' he said.

Labour has currently only reversed one policy towards Gaza by saying the UK would be restoring funding to the Palestinian relief works agency Unrwa.

'It is clear after a fortnight that the government could have acted by now, but is instead prevaricating as hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza die. Labour talks about due process, but the people of Gaza cannot wait. Palestinians are demanding answers now,' a source at Wednesday's protest told the Guardian.

MailOnline has approached the FCDO for comment.

It's understood Foreign Office staff were eventually able to access the building.
The co-host of a wildly popular YouTube show has broken her silence amid claims she had an 'inappropriate' relationship with a child.

Ava Kris Tyson, 28, who appeared on the popular YouTube channel MrBeast, is alleged to have formed a relationship with the minor when they were aged 13.

She announced she was stepping back from the MrBeast channel - which boasts 300million subscribers - and social media 'to focus on my family and mental health.'

But who exactly is Ava Kris Tyson? What is her role on the MrBeast channel? When did she come out as trans and what has she been accused of?

Read on below for everything you need to know about the streamer.

Ava Kris Tyson, 28, who appeared on the popular YouTube channel MrBeast, is alleged to have formed a relationship with the minor when they were aged 13

She announced she was stepping back from the MrBeast channel - which boasts 300million subscribers - and social media 'to focus on my family and mental health.'

Who is Ava Kris Tyson?

Ava Kris Tyson was born in July 1996 and grew up in North Carolina, where she still lives to this day.

As well as finding success on YouTube as part of the MrBeast channel, Ava has amassed over 9.5million followers on her TikTok account @chris_thememegod - which uses her birth name of Chris Tyson.

According to a MrBeast fan page, Ava had two previous YouTube channels before her current one, which were named under the monikers Chris and @Tysonboy34_.

The page also claims that MrBeast himself - whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson - said that Ava was the first-ever subscriber to the channel.

What is Ava Kris Tyson's role on MrBeast?

A childhood friend of Donaldson, Ava was one of four friends hired by the content creator to help run his YouTube channel, along with Chandler Hallow, Garrett Ronalds and Jake Franklin.

Appearing in numerous MrBeast videos alongside Jimmy, she has participated in many challenges and prank videos made for the channel.

She had also become the main host of the channel Beast Reacts (formerly known as BeastHacks).

However, following after grooming allegations emerged, Ava said she would be stepping back from her role as a presenter and co-host on the channel.

When did Ava Kris Tyson come out as trans?

In July 2023, during an interview with YouTuber Anthony Padilla, Ava revealed that she had been she had been 'confident' in her identity for 'over a year', before adding that she wanted to 'play catch-up with the internet' in the way she discovers herself.

Appearing in numerous MrBeast videos alongside Jimmy Donaldson (pictured), Ava has participated in many challenges and prank videos made for the channel

A childhood friend of Donaldson, Ava was one of four friends hired by the content creator to help run his YouTube channel, along with Chandler Hallow, Garrett Ronalds and Jake Franklin

She said at the time: 'Six, seven, eight months ago my hair started growing out, all these kinds of things. I wasn't quite sure exactly who I was yet, but I knew I was not cisgender'

'I needed the freedom to express myself and figure out who I was'.

She continued by saying that she felt freer and more at ease following her decision to come out as trans.

Ava added: 'I literally had people within the first couple of months of me coming out to friends and my therapist they were like you're talking so much more, and you just seem so much more present in the conversation.'

'I was noticing that myself too,' Tyson continued. 'I would get done with conversations and be like 'why does my jaw hurt so bad?' Oh, I was talking and smiling  I haven't done that in a while.'

What is Ava Kris Tyson accused of?

Tyson is alleged to have sent inappropriate messages to a minor whom she first met when the person was 13 and she was 20.

The pair were allegedly introduced after the child won an online competition. At that time, Tyson was known to YouTube fans as 'Chris' because she had not yet transitioned her gender identity.

Tyson - who has a son with their ex-wife - is said to have spent years communicating with the fan on public online forums before meeting in person when the teen turned 16 years old.

The fan, who is now an adult, says they are not a victim and has defended Tyson but has admitted some of the messages were 'inappropriate' and 'edgy'.

Tyson responded to the allegations by issuing an apology on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tyson wrote: 'I would like to apologize for any of my past behavior or comments if it hurt or offended anyone. It was not my intent.'

'Seeing recent events we've mutually decided it's best I permanently step away from all things MrBeast and social media to focus on my family and mental health.'

The fan, who is now an adult, says they are not a victim and has defended Tyson but has admitted some of the messages were 'inappropriate' and 'edgy'.

Since the relationship was revealed in a series of expose-style videos and clips, several controversial posts by Tyson have resurfaced.

Multiple posts show Tyson interacting with 'Shadman', an artist known for drawing young characters in sexual poses.

In one post, Tyson begged Shadman to 'draw a 10-year-old anime girl'. Other posts show Tyson sexualizing cartoon children.
An Australian university professor who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his medical research has died.

University of Western Australia Professor Robin Warren, 87, was jointly awarded the esteemed prize in 2005 along with his colleague Professor Barry Marshall.

Their groundbreaking research looked into bacteria being the basis for stomach ulcers and proved that they had a physiological cause.

Professor Marshall consumed bacteria to test their theory, which led to a change in the way gastric ulcers were treated.

He led the outpouring of tributes for his colleague of 42 years.

'Even though pathology wasnt my specialty, I could mix at high levels with pathologists and microbiologists around the world because of the training that Id had with Robin,' Professor Marshall told the The West Australian.

'We had lots of adventures together, we won quite a few other important prizes.'

Professor Warren was born in Adelaide in 1937, earning his medical degree from the University of Adelaide and worked as a pathologist at Royal Perth Hospital in 1968.

University of Western Australia Professor and Nobel prize winner Robin Warren, 87, (pictured) has died

Professor Warren's (pictured) joint research into bacteria being the cause of stomach ulcers changed the way they were treated

The two Nobel Laureates started working together on their innovative research in 1981.

The duo proved that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori caused most peptic ulcers.

Professor Warren retired from medicine in 1997 following the death of his psychiatrist wife Winifred.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, he also was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2007 for his research work.

Professor Robin Warren was hailed by University of Western Australia as a medical pioneer

University of Western Australia vice chancellor Amit Chakma also paid tribute.

'Our university is very proud of Robin Warren and the difference that he and Barry Marshalls research has made to the lives of millions of people around the world,' he said.

'Robin was a medical pioneer and along with Barry, he defied his detractors, dedicating himself to prove a theory that resulted in greater global health outcomes.'

Professor Warren is survived by his five children.
Sonya Massey's family believe officers attempted to cover-up her shooting with police dispatches from the fateful evening seeing at least one cop 'confirm' that the beloved mother-of-two died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Massey, 36, who had mental health problems, called the police to her home in Springfield, Illinois, in the early hours of July 6 to report a prowler in the area. Two Sangamon County sheriff's deputies responded to the call.

After a 30 minute search of the area in which they did not find a suspect, the two went inside Massey's home and engaged her conversation. As she boiled some water in a pot, Deputy Sean Grayson shot her three times, killing her.

The family's attorney, Ben Crump, said at a press conference held Tuesday that audio from the dispatcher on the night of the shooting sees an officer claim that Massey's wounds were self-inflicted. This comes as the DOJ confirms an investigation is underway.

Crump told the press that the Massey family only found out through the media that she had been shot dead by a sheriff's deputy. Another family member said they were told she was shot by an intruder.

'If it wasn't for the camera footage, [law enforcement] would have lied their way out of this,' Massey's grieving father James Wilburn said.

Massey, 36, called the police to her home in Springfield, Illinois, in the early hours of July 6 to report a prowler in the area, 30 minutes later, she was shot dead by one of the responding officers

Wilburn has also called for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign.

'I want to tell y'all the sheriff here is an embarrassment,' Wilburn said. 'This man (Grayson) should have never had a badge. And he should have never had a gun. He should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.'

The audio from the scanner traffic on July 6, obtained by The Guardian, 'presumably a deputy' calls the gunshot wounds 'self-inflicted.' When asked to confirm, the person repeats 'self-inflicted.'

At Tuesday's press conference, Jimmie Crawford, the father of Massey's daughter, said that he was told that a neighbor was the perpetrator.

Crump also said Tuesday that given the circumstances around the case, the DOJ's involvement is welcomed.

Both President Joe Biden and Democratic-nominee-in-waiting Vice President Kamala Harris have issued statements of support for the Massey family. Harris called the death 'senseless.'

Crump confirmed that arrangements are being made for Harris to meet with Massey's family. The attorney described the meeting between Massey's mother and Illinois Governor JB Pritzkerand Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton, which was held in a Baptist church.

'They understood that oftentimes the Sonya Masseys of the world don't get due process of the law. And that they were committed to saying this would be a fair and transparent investigation and process at every level,' he said.

Sonya Massey, 36, was a loving mother-of-two who had suffered with mental health issues

Grayson has since been fired and pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder.

Crump did not confirm or deny that the family will launch a civil lawsuit in the case but that they are exploring 'every possible legal remedy to get full justice for Sonya Massey.'

Wilburn meanwhile reiterated his frustration that Grayson was hired by the sheriff's department given that he had two DUI convictions on his record. The former officer also worked at numerous police departments in just a few years.

In an interview with CBS News, Massey's son, 17, Malachi, and her mother, Donna, said that law enforcement 'kept changing the story' in saying that nurses were told Massey had taken her own life.

Malachi said he watched the beginning the body camera video of the shooting of his mother but didnt finish it. 'I don't have no words for this,' he said.

The mother-of-two's father first told the public that they were told Massey's death was a suicide at her funeral, which was held in Springfield on July 19.

Sean Grayson's career included short stints as a part-time officer at three small police departments and a full-time job at a fourth department as well as working full time at two sheriff's offices, all in central Illinois.

Sheriff's body camera video released Monday confirmed prosecutors' earlier account of the tense moment when Grayson yelled across a counter at Massey to set down a pot of hot water.

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

James Wilburn has called the fact that Sean Grayson held a badge, an 'embarrassment' to our country

He then threatened to shoot the unarmed woman, Massey ducked and briefly rose, and Grayson fired his pistol at her. Massey was hit three times, with a fatal shot to her head.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board shows Grayson was hired part time on Aug. 11, 2020, by the Pawnee Police Department.

He also was hired part time on Feb. 4, 2021, by the Kincaid Police Department and on May 20, 2021, by the Virden Police Department.

Two months later, he was hired full time by the Auburn Police Department and remained there until May 1, 2022, when he was hired full time by the Logan County Sheriff's Office.

Grayson left Logan County on April 28, 2023, and was hired full time on May 1, 2023, by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office.

He received his part-time Law Enforcement Certification on June 5, 2021, according to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. His certification status currently reads as suspended on the board's website.

Grayson's attorney, Daniel Fultz, declined comment.

The family wants Congress to approve the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, both of which U.S. House Democrats approved in 2021 before the legislation died in the Senate.

The first aims to crack down on police misconduct, excessive force and racial bias in law enforcement, while the voting rights act would require local jurisdictions to seek federal approval before changing voting laws.

'Every member of Congress needs to vote today so that nobody else in this United States of America has to go through what we're going through,' Wilburn said.

Grayson was being held without bond in the Sangamon County Jail. If convicted, he faces prison sentences of 45 years to life for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct.
A member of a cult-like church group charged with causing a diabetic girl's death told his father 'peace, healing and comfort are your birthright', urging him to have a 'peaceful sleep' as the child lay dying.

Texts sent by members of the religious sect, known as The Saints, were obtained from downloads of the 14 co-accused's phones following the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs in early 2022.

The Crown contends the church group's members - which include Elizabeth's father Jason Richard Struhs and mother Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs - withheld her insulin for several days in line with their beliefs on the healing power of God.

She died of diabetic ketoacidosis between January 6-7, 2022.

Mr Struhs, 52 and The Saints' leader Brendan Luke Stevens, 62 are charged with the girl's murder.

Kerrie Struhs, 49, Zachary Alan Struhs, 21, Loretta Mary Stevens, 67, Acacia Naree Stevens, 31, Therese Maria Stevens, 37, Sebastian James Stevens, 23, Andrea Louise Stevens, 34, Camellia Claire Stevens, 28, Alexander Francis Stevens, 26, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, 34, his wife Samantha Emily Schoenfisch, 26, and Keita Courtney Martin, 22 - all charged with manslaughter.

All 14 have pleaded not guilty to their charges.

In a text to his father about 10.50pm on January 5, 2022, Sebastian Stevens urges his father Brendan to have a 'peaceful sleep' after 'enduring another day'.

Elizabeth Struhs (pictured with her parents Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and Jason Richard Struhs) died in early January 2022 from diabetic ketoacidosis after her insulin was allegedly withdrawn for several days

Jason Richard Struhs and Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs are both charged with the murder and torture of their daughter Elizabeth Rose Struhs

The text - shown to Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday - was sent in the days before Elizabeth died.

In the message, Sebastian says 'Praise the Lord, dad' and declares he had 'sought the Lord in your time and trial and have declared his true following in front of The Saints, as usual'.

'We are both one day nearer the end of Elizabeth's sickness and one day nearer the Lord's return. The road is narrow and there are few that follow but when he returns he will find faith in Israel,' Sebastian's message continues.

'Goodnight and God bless - peace, healing and comfort are your birthright so take them all.'

Other images taken from their phones were displayed to the court, including some of Elizabeth recovering in hospital following an incident where she almost died from the condition in 2019.

The court was told she spent weeks recovering in Brisbane Children's Hospital before she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Jason was responsible for administering the girl's insulin and had resisted for years to join The Saints until August 2021.

Brisbane Supreme Court was told Brendan Stevens (pictured) was sent texts by his son Sebastian Stevens where the 23-year-old thanks his father for declaring 'his true following'. Picture: Supplied / A Current Affair

A video of his baptism was played to the court where Brendan Stevens can be seen dunking the 52-year-old into a large basin of water.

Other members of the group can be seen and heard singing, playing music and clapping as Jason is submerged before Brendan speaks in an unknown dialect.

The court was previously told this was in line with the group's beliefs of 'speaking in tongues' - described as a special, unknown language known only to God.

Another text seized from a defendant's phone was sent to Lachlan and Samantha Schoenfisch on January 7, 2022.

It read: 'Hi Sam and Lachlan, please pray as much as you can and get to Struhs as soon as you can. Elizabeth does not appear to be breathing but we will see a victory very soon. God can do anything.'

A text sent to Kerrie Struhs's mobile by Child Safety in July 2019 was also shown, where they asked her to meet with 'Jason, Child Safety and hospital staff once Elizabeth is out of hospital'.

The trial continues.
A British widow is fighting for her life in an induced coma after flying out to Turkey to scatter her husband's ashes.

Cerys Rees, 34, of Pontypridd, South Wales, promised her late husband Gareth that she would scatter his ashes in every country she visited after he died earlier this year.

However, after suffering multiple seizures while abroad in Antalya, the Welsh woman has been left on a life-support machine in critical condition.

The 34-year-old's friends travelled to Turkey to be at her hospital bedside after starting a fundraiser earlier this month to help bring her home.

But, Ms Rees' family are now battling with an insurance firm to cover the 38,000 quote they received for her to fly back to the UK via air ambulance.

Cerys Rees pictured with her late husband Gareth on their wedding day. She promised him that she would scatter his ashes in every country she visited after his death

The 34-year-old has now been left on life-support after suffering multiple seizures in Antalya, Turkey

Ms Rees, who is a daughter and sister, suffered her first seizure on June 25, before she was rushed to hospital with collapsed veins.

Her family revealed that they are ''absolutely petrified'' and 'scared they might loose her in Turkey'.

Cerys had previously suffered a seizure after she and her late husband were hit by a drunk driver in 2022 .

Her condition is said to have worsened and on Monday her friends said she had been intubated and put on life suupport.

Her sister Rhianna told WalesOnline: 'We as a family are absolutely petrified for her life and scared we may lose her in if we don't get her back. Things can't get any worse; we just want her home in hope the ICU at the Heath hospital can help her.'

Discussing the medical costs, Rhianna added that their family are going back and forth with their insurance company over its claim Cerys had not disclosed a pre-existing epilepsy diagnosis, something the family deny as they say she was never diagnosed.

Ms Rees' family are now battling with an insurance firm to cover the 38,000 quote they received for her to fly back to the UK via air ambulance

She said: 'The hospital are doing their very best and are now helping Cerys friends that are there organise air ambulance but we simply don't have enough funds at the minute. I can't thank the public enough for the funds they have already donated.

'I just hope we can raise more publicity into the seriousness of her illness. Myself and Cerys' mother are just living in fear, struggling to cope but trying to do as much as we can.'

Transferring her via an air ambulance is said to be recommended for her care.

As well as losing her husband in January 2024, Ms Rees also lost her brother in 2019 and her father in 2020.
A popular brand of nuts has been pulled from shelves over fears it could be contaminated with cyanide.

In a shock health warning, the Food Standards Agency said Leo's Import Export & Trading Ltd is recalling 420g jars of Buram Cerezli Nuts in Syrup over fears it may contain the deadly poison.

The company, which is based in Enfield and supplies food and drinks to stores across the UK, warned shoppers who have bought the nuts not to eat them.

In an update published on Wednesday, the company said: 'Because of the risk of hydrogen cyanide release from the apricot kernels, it has been extended to include all best before dates.'

There's no suggestion that the nuts, which are sold in shops across the UK at 6.74 for a 420g jar, may contain anything more than the very faintest trace of cyanide but the firm and the FSA are taking no chances.

The Food Standards Agency said Leo's Import Export & Trading Ltd is recalling 420g jars of Buram Cerezli Nuts in Syrup (pictured) over fears it may contain the deadly poison

The product is being recalled because it may contain foreign bodies, the recall notice stated last week

Customers were advised to return it to the store they bought it from for a full refund or to Leo's Import Export & Trading Ltd.

The contaminated batches are: Batch number SN 0423 / 051, Best before dates of 30/04/2025 or 30/06/2025, EAN - 4260157574953.

An FSA spokesman said: 'Leo's Import Export & Trading Ltd recalls Buram Nuts in Syrup because it may contain foreign bodies.

'The possible presence of an unknown foreign body makes this product unsafe to eat. If you have bought the above product do not eat it.

'Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund or to Leo's Import Export & Trading Ltd for a full refund.'
A major military training exercise has come close to becoming an international tragedy after a fighter jet crashed in a remote area south of Darwin.

The Italian warplane was taking part in the biennial Exercise Pitch Black event when it crashed near the Northern Territory's Daly River on Wednesday.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles' office confirmed the pilot ejected from the aircraft before the crash, with no fatalities reported.

A search and rescue helicopter had helped to recover the pilot, a Defence spokesperson said.

'The exercise participant made immediate contact with air-crew in the area via radio following their ejection,' the spokesperson said.

'The pilot arrived at hospital by helicopter around 1.30pm (local time).'

All the event's flights were cancelled for the rest of the day.

It is not yet known what caused the crash.

Fighter jets are seen flying in formation near Darwin as part of Exercise Pitch Black

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said 4,500 troops from 20 nations were taking part in the training event, with six of those nations participating for the first time.

In July 2023, a decorated army pilot along with three others were killed when their helicopter plunged into the sea off Lindeman Island in Queensland during a military training event.

Ahead of Wednesday's crash Mr Thistlethwaite insisted the force had learned from past incidents and participants are given detailed support, communication and assurances around flying altitudes and configurations.

'It takes 10 hours to plan one of those missions that goes for about an hour in the sky,' he told Sky News earlier on Wednesday.

'It required a lot of effort from our men and women to ensure we arrived here with so many aircraft,' he said in comments published by the Australian Defence Force on Friday.

Pitch Black, one of the largest tactical air operations in the world, is hosted by the Australian Royal Air Force and includes more than 140 aircraft.

The exercise is being held out of both the RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal.

The Air Force's website describes the operation as its 'most significant flying activity for strengthening international engagement and enhancing our ability to work with overseas partners'.

'Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black help to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region, build connections around the globe, bolster regional security, and build regional resilience to transnational threats,' the force added.
The first male rape survivor of the October 7 Nova festival attack to speak out about the ordeal has described the horror he had to endure.

The man, who is only named by his initial D, shockingly told Israeli Channel 12 news that his assailants were pinning him to the floor after they attacked the music festival he attended in the desert in south Israel.

'You try to resist, and they take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit on you, touch your [private] parts, and rape you,' he said as he spoke out about the attack for the first time.

He said that he was trying to flee the Hamas attack, but fighters from the terror group's elite Nukhba unit caught him.

'There's a circle, they're laughing, and you don't know what to do at that moment, whether to resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation. It was a very brutal rape,' D said in the interview on the horrifying ordeal.

The man, who is only named by his initial D, shockingly told Israeli Channel 12 news that his assailants were pinning him to the floor after they attacked the music festival he attended in the desert in south Israel

'You try to resist, and they take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit on you, touch your [private] parts, and rape you,' he said as he spoke out about the attack for the first time in the interview with Israel's Channel 12 (interview pictured above)

File image of festivalgoers fleeing as Hamas gunmen storm the Nova music festival on October 7 last year

Charred and damaged cars along a desert road after an attack by Hamas militants at the Tribe of Nova Trance music festival near Kibbutz Re'im in southern Israel on Saturday, October 7

Footage showed revellers at Nova festival dancing to the music as Hamas fighters used paragliders to launch their attack

He said his attackers only stopped when more Hamas fighters arrived and called for them. D described his assailants as being 'wildly intoxicated' as they were celebrating and laughing while waving their guns and knives.

He said while he tried to disconnect from the rape, he also experienced it 'very strongly', adding that it was 'very difficult'.

D managed to miraculously escape when Israel forces showed up, which forced the Hamas terrorists to retreat to Gaza. Other victims of sexual assaults on October 7 were killed before they could speak about the horrors they had to go through.

'At first, I shut down a lot; I was a lot less active,' D told Channel 12, adding that he developed obsessive tendencies like showering over and over again 'to wash off' what happened.

He also said that horrifying memories of the rape would resurface during conversations with other people.

D's report of the rape as been handed to an Israeli police unit investigation sexual assaults committed by Hamas fighters on October 7.

He was also part of a dozen survivors filing a lawsuit against the state of Israel earlier this year, in which the claimants ask for more than 100million from their government.

Lawyers representing the group of survivors said that they feel abandoned by the state and that many of the Nova festival attendees can't return to work because of what they experienced on October 7.

Several devastating accounts of sexual violence and torture enacted on defenceless Israeli women by Hamas terrorists amid their brutal October 7 attacks have emerged in the months since, with evidence of the gruesome acts mounting.

Images shown to the New York Times by Israeli authorities showed a woman who had dozens of nails driven into her thighs and genitals in a savage example of mutilation, while other clips displayed the corpses of soldiers and civilians alike who had been either shot or stabbed in the groin.

People are seen sprinting from Hamas gunmen outside the Nova massacre

Destroyed cars and personal items are still left scattered around the festival site, pictured on October 13

Another dark image dubbed 'the woman in the black dress' showed the corpse of an Israeli later identified as Gal Abdush.

She is seen splayed on the floor, legs wrenched apart with her vagina exposed, and covered in burns. Her lifeless body was crumpled in the dirt next to the husk of a heavily damaged car riddled with bullet holes.

Both Gal and her husband were slaughtered by Hamas as they tried in vain to escape along highway Route 232, away from the Nova music festival massacre. Their sons, Eliav, 10, and Refael, 7, have been left orphaned.

Meanwhile, several witnesses described seeing many other women raped and killed on Route 232, with soldiers and investigators claiming they discovered bodies around the Nova festival ground who showed signs of abuse in and around their genitals, the New York Times reported.

One witness, named only as Sapir, said she watched in horror from a hiding place in the shrubs just off Route 232 as Hamas gunmen gang-raped several women, stabbing them in the back when they protested and cutting off their breasts.

'One continues to rape her, and the other throws her breast to someone else, and they play with it, throw it, and it falls on the road,' Sapir said.

Many survivors and witnesses to October 7 have said Israeli women were raped - whether they were alive or dead - and tortured in unimaginably cruel ways.

One man who hid in a pit during the attack on the Nova music festival said he heard someone nearby screaming as she was raped, while a combat paramedic said they saw the body of a young woman with her legs open and pants pulled down.

A report claimed in February that Hamas terrorists left an 'apocalypse of bodies' which were missing limbs at the site of the Nova music festival.

An Israeli soldier stands over the body of a Hamas militant in Kibbutz Be'eri on Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The kindergarten in Be'eri which appeared to be a site of clashes when Hamas gunmen swept the kibbutz on October 7, 2023

The horrific report details 'sadistic' crimes alleged to have occurred at the festival, in surrounding villages, on IDF bases and in captivity in Gaza.

It describes the violence endured by men and women, some of whom were allegedly killed while they were being brutalised, as others were made to watch the sexual abuse of their friends and family members before being murdered.

The chilling report from the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel was presented to the UN Special Envoy on Sexual Violence in Conflict Areas, who visited Israel in early February to hear testimonies of sexual abuse.

An overview of the findings states: 'Hamas terrorists employed sadistic practices aimed at intensifying the degree of humiliation and terror inherent in sexual violence.

'Many of the bodies of sexual crime victims were found bound and shackled.

'The genitals of both women and men were brutally mutilated, and sometimes weapons were inserted into them. The terrorists did not stop at shooting, they also cut and mutilated sexual organs and other body parts with knives.'

The testimonies included claims Hamas gunmen repeatedly stabbed an injured woman while they raped her; that victims had nails, grenades and knives inserted into their sexual organs; and how survivors fleeing the festival witnessed 'girls whose pelvises were simply broken from being raped so much'.

The report concluded Hamas insurgents operated systematically to target both women and men in villages and kibbutzim during the assault, executing victims during or after instigating sexual abuse.

Orit Sulitzeanu, CEO of ARCCI, claimed partners, family and friends were forced to watch horrific acts performed often in groups to 'increase the pain and humiliation for all present'.

Hamas's October 7 terror attack on Israel did involve rape and sexual violence, a report from the United Nations has concluded. Pictured: An Israeli soldier walks through items left by fleeing festival goers at the site of the Nova music festival, October 12, 2023

Destroyed cars and belongings left at the Supernova Music Festival site where hundreds were killed and dozens taken by Hamas militants near the border with Gaza, on October 12, 2023

The ARCCI report, looking at documented cases of abuse on and since October 7, concluded that Hamas' attack 'included violent acts of rape, accompanied by threats with weapons, and in some cases targeted towards injured women'.

The authors noted that rape was 'often' perpetrated in front of an audience, including partners, families or friends, in order to 'increase the pain and humiliation of all present'.

Meanwhile a UN report, published in March, said that there was 'clear and convincing' information to show conflict-related sexual violence was committed by members of Hamas - including rape and gang rape- on October 7.

The UN said such attacks were carried out in at least three locations across southern Israel, including the Nova music festival, the site of one of several October 7 massacres.

Pramila Patten, the UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict, also detailed witness accounts of two incidents involving the rape of women's corpses.

This evidence to support the report was based on first-hand accounts of released hostages, she said, adding there are 'reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing'.

Hamas killed 1,197 people, mostly civilians, during their October 7 attack on southern Israel, 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 39,090 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
A female prison guard who romped in a prison storeroom with an armed robber and later had his baby was spared jail on Tuesday.

Mother-of-five Rachel Stanton, 31, admitted to wilful misconduct in public office after she entered a relationship with Edwin Poole while he was serving a 10-and-a-half-year sentence in HMP Five Wells, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

Her romance with Poole was uncovered when prison staff found three intimate photographs and a sexy love letter in the inmate's cell.

CCTV footage also caught the pair going into a prison storeroom for an hour of 'intimacy', Northampton Crown Court heard.

Stanton was suspended following the discovery of their relationship in July 2022 and Poole was moved to another prison. She continued to visit him and the lovers now have a child together but have since separated.

The defendant wept in the dock as she was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered to take part in 20 days rehabilitation activity.

Prison guard Rachel Stanton (pictured) admitted to wilful misconduct in public office after she entered a relationship with armed robber Edwin Poole

The 31-year-old wept in the dock as she was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months

Edwin Poole (pictured) was jailed for 10-and-a-half years in 2018 after being involved in a four-day spate of violent armed robberies in the West Midlands and Staffordshire

Sentencing Stanton on Tuesday, Judge David Herbert KC said: 'You should have known better. Your offending is so serious it demands a custodial sentence.

'I have to sentence you for a single offence. In short you had a relationship with a prisoner.

'There was clear indisputable evidence between you that was discovered. They found a sexually explicit letter and some intimate images of yourself.

'CCTV footage shows the two of you together and you were in a room privately, together. Some intimacy must have taken place.

'She should have known what the boundaries were. It shouldn't take training to know she shouldn't be doing that.'

Judge Herbert gave Stanton credit for her guilty plea saying he was satisfied the relationship with Poole was 'entirely consensual'.

He added: 'If you can stay out of trouble you have nothing to fear but it will be hanging over your head - work hard at the order.'

Stanton had been working as a trainee G4S security first line manager at HMP Five Wells in 2022 when she met Poole.

Poole was jailed for 10-and-a-half years in 2018 after being involved in a four-day spate of violent armed robberies.

Stanton, who wore no make-up, jeans and a black top, covered her head with a tote bag as she left court with a friend

Stanton began the relationship with Poole while he was serving a 10-and-a-half year sentence in HMP Five Wells, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire (pictured)

The then 27-year-old used a crowbar wrapped in a bin liner to bludgeon shop staff, while Darren Morris, 37, stole cigarettes, alcohol and, a till at convenience stores in the West Midlands and Staffordshire.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told that thousands of pounds of goods and cash were stolen during the spree, said to be fuelled by drink and drugs, while three shopkeepers were badly hurt by Poole.

Lee Egan, defending, said Stanton had not abused her position to smuggle in contraband items or allowed herself to be 'exploited'.

He added she was an 'inexperienced' officer who had been chosen for a training course that would have seen her in charge of a whole landing of men at the super-prison.

Stanton, who wore no make-up, jeans and a black top, covered her head with a tote bag as she left court with a friend.

The Prison Service has been rocked by dozens of female warders being caught for having inappropriate relationships with criminals in jails where they are working in recent years.

In January, a whistleblower told MailOnline that female prison wardens were having sex with inmates because young, inexperienced staff were being put in jails without being trained on how to reject the advances of pent-up male prisoners.

Professor Ian Acheson, a former prison governor, revealed that low-paid new recruits were being rushed through a training process which leaves them ill-equipped to properly deal with manipulative criminals.

Another insider told MailOnline that some female staff are so ill-prepared for the job that some turn up for a shift 'glammed up' with full make-up and even false eyelashes as if they are going for a night out.

The dangers of manipulative male prisoners was illustrated in December last year when prison worker Ruth Shmylo, 26, from Pontypridd was prosecuted but then cleared after she revealed that she only had 'phone sex' with gangster inmate Harri Pullen after he made terrifying threats to harm her and her family.

Ruth Shmylo, 26, from Pontypridd was prosecuted but then cleared after she revealed that she only had 'phone sex' with gangster inmate Harri Pullen after he made terrifying threats to harm her and her family

Aisha Golsby, 23, (pictured) was working at HMP Portland in Dorset when she became involved with convict Deano Harrison

Golsby started working at the HMP Portland in April 2020, when she was just 19 years old. Pictured: Aisha Golsby leaving Poole Magistrates Court

Prison officer Ayshea Gunn with inmate Khuram Razaq in the cells of HMP Berwyn, Britain's largest prison

Last September prison guard Joanne Hunter, 28, (pictured) was jailed for three years after having a relationship with an inmate

Hunter also smuggled cannabis to the same inmate at HMP Forest Bank in Salford. The judge, Recorder Paul Hodgkinson, jailed her for three years, saying her actions had 'struck at the heart of the criminal justice system'

Sarah Jane Williams seen leaving court during her trial, prior to being jailed

Figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) published last year revealed that across the prison system, officers caught having affairs with inmates were found to have hit a record high, with 36 warders sacked for them since 2019.

Some 31 female prison officers and five male warders were dismissed for misconduct in this period  almost double the 19 female staff sacked during the previous four years.

Last September prison guard Joanne Hunter, 28, was jailed for three years after having a relationship with an inmate and smuggling cannabis to him at HMP Forest Bank in Salford.

In December, prison officer Sarah Jane Williams, 38, of Widnes, Cheshire, was jailed for 18 months after she shared 'intimate sexual chat' and explicit images with three inmates she had relationships with.

The mother-of-three was working at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool when she 'fell into the traps and into the arms of sophisticated criminals', her lawyers said.

Elsewhere, HMP Berwyn in North Wales has faced a staffing crisis after dismissing no fewer than 18 female members of staff for inappropriate relationships with prisoners.

Last month, the Metropolitan Police force said it was investigating a shocking video that appeared to show a female prison officer having sex with an inmate in a cell at HMP Wandsworth.

The woman was seen wearing uniform during the explicit clip, which begins with her seemingly performing a sex act on an unidentified prisoner at the Category A jail in south-west London.

Last month, the Metropolitan Police force said it was investigating a shocking video that appeared to show a female prison officer having sex with an inmate in a cell at HMP Wandsworth

The footage showed her having sex with the prisoner while his cellmate filmed on a mobile phone. Footage of the cell showed a TV and piles of clothes heaped over a bunk bed.

Vanessa Frake, former head of security at Wormwood Scrubs, called the footage 'shocking'.

She told MailOnline: 'This is what is completely wrong with the prison service in this day and age!'

A Prison Service spokesman said: 'Staff corruption is not tolerated and the former prison officer allegedly featured in this video has been reported to the police.

'It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate.'

Linda De Sousa Abreu was charged after the video of the alleged activity was shared on social media.

The 30-year-old, who denied the charges, was granted conditional bail and will appear for a plea and case management hearing on July 29 at Isleworth Crown Court.
WARNING: This story contains content that may be considered graphic to some

WARNING: This story contains content that may be considered graphic to some

The gunman who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump fired eight clear shots at the former president before Secret Service snipers took him out, new video reveals.

Thomas Crooks, 20, opened fire on Trump's campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 from a rooftop just 400ft away from the stage where he was speaking. Trump was shot in the ear, one rallygoer was killed and another was wounded.

New footage of the incident has revealed Crooks launched bullets from his AR-15-style rifle into the rally in under six seconds before snipers fired two counter shots, including the one that killed him.

Terrified witnesses near the AGR building where Crooks had positioned himself were screaming and frantically running for their lives as the rapid fire shots rang out, the video obtained by Fox News showed.

Crooks then pointed his gun towards the crowd just seconds before the second sniper shot, witness John Malice, who captured the video, has claimed.

Malice, a military veteran, also revealed all the people who watched by the AGR were not 'vetted' and did not go through metal detectors - despite having a clear view of the former president - because they were outside outside the rally site.

New footage of the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump has revealed that gunman Thomas Crooks launched bullets from his AR-15-style rifle into the rally in under six seconds before snipers fired two counter shots

Terrified witnesses near the AGR building where Crooks had positioned himself say he pointed his gun towards the crowd just seconds before the second sniper shot. Crooks was killed by law enforcement

Malice claims that witnesses began to notice Crooks scaling the building 'about two minutes before the shooting started'.

He recalled how some bystanders noted how he was 'climbing up here' and 'crawling around', but told Fox that 'we just kind of ignored it because we thought it was some person trying to get a better view'.

However, the crowd's response quickly changed after Crooks was spotted with a gun just moments before he fired at Trump.

'Let's get out of here', one witness screamed as the crowd frantically rushed through the field, Malice's video showed. Another yelled: 'He's got a gun on the roof.'

The footage shows dozens of people screaming and trying to flee as eight discharges, fired in approximately 5.2 seconds, ring out.

Two final gunshots are then heard. The first counter shot, which insiders said came from a local sniper, was was fired roughly 5.5 seconds after Crooks opened fire.

He then stopped firing, which audio analysts claim indicates he had been struck. The Secret Service sniper's shot came 10 seconds later, CBS News reported.

Crooks was killed by law enforcement. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

'Right before he was shot by Secret Service, he had rolled over, got up,' Malice recalled. 'I have a picture of him with his rifle up and his rifle turned towards me and the other guys that were standing behind the tree - and at that second Secret Service shot him.'

Malice also voiced concerns over the lack of security at the event site, telling Fox News: 'One of the first things I noticed when we walked up, none of us have been vetted. We're all along the fence. We all have view of the stage. We can see Trump.'

Law enforcement standing over the dead body of Trump's attempted assassin moments after he was shot dead

Crooks' lifeless body is seen lying next to his rifle in a pool of blood as a Secret Service agent discusses how they had been aware of him as a 'suspicious' person before he opened fire

Police personnel are pictured standing over Crooks' body on the rooftop of the AGR building where he opened fire at Trump's rally on July 13

Two local law enforcement officers stationed in the complex of buildings where Crooks had opened fire at Trump left to go search for him before the shooting, the head of Pennsylvania State Police revealed Tuesday.

Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris told a congressional committee that two Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers were stationed at a second-floor window in the complex of buildings that form AGR International Inc.

They spotted Crooks acting suspiciously on the ground and left their post to look for him along with other law enforcement officers, he said.

Paris said he didn't know whether officers would have been able to see Crooks climbing onto the roof of an adjacent building had they remained at the window.

A video taken by a lawmaker who visited the shooting site on Monday shows a second-story window of the building had a clear view of the roof where Crooks opened fire; it was unclear if the video showed the window where the officers had been stationed.

The Pennsylvania State Police commissioner's testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee provides new insight into security preparations for the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, but raises further questions about law enforcement's decisions before Crooks opened fire.

Thomas Crooks opened fire from a roof just 400ft away from the stage where Trump was speaking during an outdoor campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13

The last photo of would-be Trump assassin, Thomas Crooks, 20, showing him clad in a t-shirt branded with the logo of YouTube channel Demolition Ranch

The backpack affixed to this bicycle was reportedly related to Crooks' assassination attempt. In the video, local police confirm that the bike is being treated as a 'suspicious device'

Local law enforcement began to search for Crooks after they noticed him acting strangely and saw him with a rangefinder, a small device resembling binoculars that hunters use to measure distance from a target.

Officers didn't find him around the building and a local officer climbed up to the roof to investigate. The gunman turned and pointed his rifle at him.

The officer did not - or could not - fire a single shot. Crooks opened fire toward the former president seconds later, officials have said.

Authorities have been hunting for clues into what motivated Crooks but have not found any ideological bent that could provide motive for his actions.

Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Donald Trump as he was speaking at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

Investigators who searched his phone found photos of Trump, President Joe Biden and other senior government officials.

He also searched for the dates for the Democratic National Conventional as well as Trump's appearances and searched for information about major depressive disorder.

Meanwhile, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down on Tuesday amid growing calls to resign and several investigations into the assassination attempt.

Cheatle's resignation came a day after she appeared before a congressional committee and was berated for hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures.

She acknowledged that the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the shooting, but there was no indication at that time that he had a weapon.

She also revealed that the roof from which Crooks opened fire had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally.

Cheatle said Trump would never have been brought onto the stage had Secret Service been aware there was an 'actual threat,' but Crooks wasn't deemed to be a 'threat' until seconds before he began shooting.

She called the attempt on Trump's life the Secret Service's 'most significant operational failure' in decades, but angered lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.

This is the moment Trump was shot during his rally. The bullet grazed his ear, leaving him with an approximately 2 cm-wide wound

Donald Trump, pictured after he was shot at his rally on July 13, raised his fist and appeared to mouth 'fight' to his supporters as Secret Service escorted him off the stage

Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, in her resignation letter said she took 'full responsibility for the security lapse' that led to Crooks being able to get so close to Trump.

The Homeland Security Committee had also asked her to testify but lawmakers said she refused. Cheatle's name was on a card on a table in front of an empty chair during the hearing Tuesday, which began shortly before her decision to step down became public.

Now, FBI Director Christopher Wray will face questions from Congress on Wednesday over the assassination attempt.

He is due to appear before the House Judiciary Committee at 10am to answer questions about the FBI's investigation of Crooks.

But while Wray is likely to hear demands for details of the incident on Wednesday, the shooting probe could be overshadowed by partisan divisions within the committee.

The FBI director has long faced opposition from hardline Republicans, some angered over the arrest of Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress certified President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle (left) stepped down on Tuesday amid growing calls to resign and several investigations into the assassination attempt. Now, FBI Director Christopher Wray (right) will face questions from Congress on Wednesday over the shooting

'I would like to hear the truth. But I doubt it that's what we will hear,' said Republican Representative Harriet Hageman, a Judiciary Committee member who said she would like to see Wray resign as FBI chief.

'They have circled the wagons and they're going to try to prevent us from getting the information that we need,' she said.

Judiciary Committee Democrats predicted that the hearing was unlikely to be productive.

'I'm expecting him to talk about how he's doing his best to keep our country safe. But as you know, it's the Judiciary Committee, so we will have all sorts of sparks fly,' Democratic Representative Deborah Ross said. 'It's never a productive exercise in Judiciary. It's always a 'gotcha' game.'
The US, Israel and the United Arab Emirates held a secret meeting to discuss post-war plans for Gaza, a report has stated citing officials, with proposals thought to include the removal of Hamas authorities and a peacekeeping force on the ground.

Top American officials, including President Biden's key Middle East advisor Brett McGurk and State Department counselor Tom Sullivan attended from the US side, Axios reports citing Israeli sources.

The gathering in Abu Dhabi on Thursday stands in stark contrast to a meeting hosted by China two days earlier, which saw Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas sign an agreement with Hamas officials to set up an 'interim national reconciliation government' in post-war Gaza.

While the conclusion of the US meeting with Israeli and UAE officials is unclear, neither Washington nor Tel Aviv would sanction any post-war plan that includes Hamas, who they see as a terrorist organisation.

The two very different meetings underline how far removed, and perhaps irreconcilable, the two sides' positions are as it stands, as the war rumbles on and casualties continue to mount in the embattled Gaza Strip.

Top officials, including President Biden's key Middle East advisor Brett McGurk (pictured earlier this month with Israeli PM Netanyahu) attended from the US side, Axios reports

Mahmoud al-Aloul, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of Palestinian organisation and political party Fatah, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Mussa Abu Marzuk, senior member of Hamas, attend a gathering in Beijing on Tuesday

A man carries children as people inspect the damage following Israeli bombardment at al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 23, 2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed that his forces will continue fighting until Hamas is completely eradicated, even amid international pressure to agree a ceasefire.

But the secretive gathering suggests a growing understanding within the Israeli government that a realistic plan is needed for how Gaza might be governed after the war.

It comes after the UAE signalled last week that it is willing to send forces to Gaza as part of a multinational 'stabilisation' mission after the war is brought to an end.

Comments made by Lana Nusseibeh, special envoy to the UAE foreign ministry, the day before the meeting suggest the Gulf State is prepared to be the first nation to deploy boots in the ground following the Israeli offensive if strict conditions are met.

'The UAE could consider being part of the stabilisation forces alongside Arab and international partners... at the invitation of a reformed PA, or a PA led by an empowered prime minister,' Nusseibeh said.

She added that 'the United States should have the lead on this for it to succeed.'

Nusseibeh further said that Abu Dhabi had, 'and continued to have, conversations on the "day after" with all the concerned actors in the region'.

Israeli officials told Axios that the Emirati foreign minister Abdullah Bin Zayed (pictured in September with Israeli President Isaac Herzog) hosted the meeting

The development comes the West, Arab states and China are wrangling to devise a viable post-war plan for Gaza and present themselves as leading on the brokering of a potential deal.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuk, Fatah envoy Mahmud al-Aloul and emissaries from 12 other Palestinian groups in Beijing on Tuesday.

He said they had agreed to set up an 'interim national reconciliation government' to govern post-war Gaza, which was backed by China.

'Today we sign an agreement for national unity and we say that the path to completing this journey is national unity.

'We are committed to national unity and we call for it,' Abu Marzuk said after meeting Wang and the other envoys.

The war, which has been raging for nine months, was sparked by Hamas's October attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 44 the Israeli military says are dead.

Palestinians inspect the damage following an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 23 July 2024

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

China has sought to play a mediator role in the conflict, which has been rendered even more complex due to the intense rivalry between Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, which partially governs the occupied West Bank.

China, Wang said, was keen to 'play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East'.

He also called for a 'comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire', as well as efforts to promote Palestinian self-governance and full recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN.

But in another show of discord between the warring sides, and a sign that the deal is unlikely to have a significant immediate impact, Israel quickly condemned it.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz slammed Abbas for engaging with Hamas, writing on X: 'Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement in China for joint control of Gaza after the war.

Iraeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has slammed the deal, and said on X that Hamas will be 'crushed'

'Instead of rejecting terrorism, Mahmoud Abbas embraces the murderers and rapists of Hamas, revealing his true face.

'In reality, this won't 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,' he added.

Hamas and Fatah have been bitter rivals since Hamas fighters ejected Fatah from the Gaza Strip after deadly clashes that followed Hamas's resounding victory in a 2006 election.

Fatah controls the Palestinian Authority, which has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

China has positioned itself as a more neutral actor on the Israel-Palestinian conflict than its rival the United States, advocating for a two-state solution

Several reconciliation bids have failed, but calls have grown since the Hamas October attack and nine-month war in Gaza, with violence also soaring in the West Bank where Fatah is based.

China hosted Fatah and Hamas in April but a meeting scheduled for June was postponed.

China has historically been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and supportive of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

China has positioned itself as a more neutral actor on the Israel-Palestinian conflict than its rival the United States, advocating for a two-state solution while also maintaining good ties with Israel.
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Terrified shoppers were forced to run for their lives after a 'small' explosion in the toilets of one of Sydney's busiest shopping centres.

Police were called to Westfield Miranda in the city's south at about 2pm on Wednesday following reports of a man allegedly throwing bottles into a toilet in a bathroom on level one.

The man allegedly had bottles carrying chemicals and began throwing them into the toilet until one exploded.

Police seized several bottles for forensic examination.

A 21-year-old was arrested nearby and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where he's assisting with inquiries. No charges have been laid.

A bomb scare rocked Westfield Miranda, in Sydney, after shoppers reported a man throwing bottles - one of which having exploded - in the level one bathroom at 2pm on Wednesday

Police arrested a 21-year-old man at the shopping centre. Pictured is an officer at the scene

Several crime scenes have been established in the shopping centre.

A shocked man told 7News that he fell over and suffered a perforated eardrum following the explosion.

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that 'there is no ongoing threat and the shopping centre was not evacuated'.

Police investigations are ongoing

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Horrifying CCTV has emerged of the shocking moment a mother slammed her dog repeatedly against a brick wall in what RSPCA inspectors described as one of most confronting incidents of animal cruelty they've seen.

Linda Marie Deworboies, 47 was sentenced to 15 months jail over the sickening act in Leonora near Kalgoorlie, 830km north-east of Perth, on New Year's Day 2022.

The shocking footage, captured by CCTV at a nearby post office, showed the pet owner walking on a street next to her child while holding her dog Buster by his legs.

Deworboies then slammed Buster into the wall several times before she punched the helpless animal in the stomach.

She continued to swing Buster by his leg before he was punched again.

The mother and child then continued walking along the street as Deworboies carried the dog.

Buster sustained serious leg injuries, but was left in pain for 30 days before he was eventually taken to the vet.

Vets immediately arranged for Buster to be treated, but he could not be saved, even after he had his leg amputated.

Buster was euthanised four months later.

An RSPCA inspector had earlier visited Deworboies' home and saw that the dog was not able to walk properly.

Deworboies was charged after a police officer, who reviewed the horrifying footage, recognised the woman.

She appeared in Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where she was convicted under two sections of the Animal Welfare 2002, for being cruel to an animal.

Deworboies was also banned for life from owning domestic animals.

The court heard that Deworboies previously breached her bail conditions that prevented her from being alone with animals, the West Australian reported.

The court also heard about a previously unrelated incident when a ranger saw her pick up a small dog by the legs before she threw it into a car.

Buster (pictured) sustained serious leg injuries and had to be euthanised in May 2022 after he had one of his legs amputated

The ranger visited her home to remove an adult dog and two puppies out of her care, while she was on bail.

During a separate incident, a police officer saw her throwing a rock at another dog.

Magistrate Janie Gibbs said Deworboies did not show any remorse for her actions, which she said became evident when she denied assaulting Buster.

Deworboies had previously claimed she was not in Leonora when the incident happened.

Ms Gibbs said the woman posed a serious risk to animals and said her behaviour was unacceptable.

'They say a picture can paint a thousand words. To say this footage is confronting, is an understatement,' she said.

'It is violent, it is callous. It is significantly aggravated by the fact a child  your child  was present and watched what you did to Buster'.

Deworboies was captured on CCTV footage slamming Bester against the brick wall several times before she punched him in the stomach (pictured)

Ms Gibbs dismissed the woman's claims that she took her frustrations out on Buster because she was stressed and people allegedly wanted to fight her.

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the CCTV footage was one of the most confronting incidents of animal cruelty she had ever seen.

'This was a cruel, deliberate, prolonged attack on a small dog,' Ms Green said.

'Buster would have been suffering physical pain and emotional trauma through the whole ordeal'.

An animal cruelty charge carries a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and a five year jail sentence if a person is convicted of the offence in WA.
A fishmonger has been fined after a worker was filmed hurling frozen seafood onto the pavement outside a shop in East London.

The employee was recorded repeatedly flinging blocks of frozen fish onto the dirty pavement behind Moon Fish at Barking Market.

The footage, which went viral on social media last October, showed the worker attempting to break up the frozen fish.

In the video, a man can be heard saying, 'Look at that. Moon Fish - that is what he does with your meat. Breaks it up on the floor.

'That's going in your bellies, ladies and gentlemen.'

A fishmonger has been fined after a worker was filmed hurling frozen seafood onto the pavement outside a shop in East London . The employee was recorded repeatedly flinging blocks of frozen fish onto the dirty pavement behind Moon Fish at Barking Market

The footage, which went viral on social media last October, showed the worker attempting to break up the frozen fish. In the video, a man can be heard saying, 'Look at that. Moon Fish - that is what he does with your meat. Breaks it up on the floor. 'That's going in your bellies, ladies and gentlemen'

This month, the company and its director were fined thousands of pounds after pleading guilty to food hygiene offenses.

Moon Fish received a 10,500 fine and was ordered to pay an additional 2,500 in costs.

Its director, Nadeem Hashmat, 50, was fined 1,536 with costs of 871.19.

Barking and Dagenham Council, which prosecuted the case, said the video had 'sparked outrage and concern amongst the public' and led to their food safety team being 'inundated with complaints.'

Inspections by environmental health teams revealed numerous safety breaches at Moon Fish.

The shop was not clean or well-maintained, and there was no food safety management system in place.

Inspectors found dirty floors and freezers, spilled food on shelves, and unsanitary toilets.

Food handlers lacked supervision and necessary food hygiene training.

The council said: 'At the time of the visit, raw food, such as fish, was stored above or next to open cooked or ready-to-eat foods, thus not protecting the food from contamination.'

Councillor Syed Ghani, the council's cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, added: 'Why anyone would think this behaviour was OK is beyond me  the video was shocking.

'I'm glad our Food Safety Team reacted quickly and continued with the prosecution. It's a great result.

'I hope the owners of this business have learned a valuable lesson regarding food safety and won't allow anything like this to happen again.'

The video, posted on YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), horrified social media users.

One commented: 'Why not just run it under a tap and soak it? Vile. It makes you not want to buy anything.'

Another asked: 'Did he think no one was going to see him dashing fish on the curb?'

Some users joked about the incident, with one saying: 'Doesn't look like a place you should be buying fish from.'

Others made puns, such as 'This is barking mad,' and 'When I said I want it battered I didn't mean like that.'

In response to the video, Barking council reported that Moon Fish claimed the worker was a trainee on his first day and had been 'removed from the shop.'

Moon Fish has a food hygiene rating of one out of five, with its food safety management described as needing 'major improvement.'
Eluned Morgan has been named the new leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister apparent of Wales today after the party did a deal to avoid a damaging public fight.

She will replace Vaughan Gething, who announced his resignation last week after a torrid four months in office, featuring rows over donation from a convicted eco-criminal and a minister sacked over a leak of embarrassing WhatsApp messages.

He quit after a revolt by senior Labour ministers, having refused to resign after losing a confidence vote in June.

Baroness Morgan, 57, the current Welsh health minister, was the only contender to be the Welsh Labour Party's new leader when nominations closed at noon.

She ran on a 'unity' ticket with rural affairs minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who is set to become deputy first minister.

She has been handed the backing of Jeremy Miles, who stood against Mr Gething in February and who was seen as a frontrunner to replace him. But that could have led to a leadership battle that could have led to more internecine political fighting.

After her appointment was confirmed she said: 'At this pivotal time for our country, strength, stability, and unity will be my guiding principles. I want to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity and ability to fulfil their potential.'

Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies congratulated Baroness Morgan on her appointment as Wales's first female leader, adding: 'The Baroness has picked up the crown at the coronation, with Prince Charming as her deputy.

Baroness Morgan, 57, the current Welsh health minister, was the only contender to be the Welsh Labour Party's new leader when nominations closed at noon.

She will replace Vaughan Gething, who announced his resignation last week after a torrid four months in office, featuring rows over donation from a convicted eco-criminal and a minister sacked over a leak of embarrassing WhatsApp messages.

'Eluned Morgan has presided over the worst Welsh NHS waiting lists on record, so the question must be asked, is this really the best that Labour can do?'

Baroness Morgan can only become First Minister via a vote in the Senedd. The Welsh parliament is currently on recess until September, and it would need to be recalled for her to take over sooner.

Welsh Conservatives have already said they will be asking for a recall.

But Plaid Cymru has repeatedly called for a snap election with party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth insisting that Baroness Morgan's leadership will be 'more of the same'.

He said: 'Eluned Morgan will today become the third Labour leader in Wales in three months.

'She knows that for Welsh Government to have legitimacy in such circumstances, a fresh election is needed, as Labour themselves called for when both UK and Scottish governments went through successive leadership changes.

'But they won't allow an election, and will do all they can, including teaming up with the Conservatives, to stop that happening, it seems.'

After her appointment was confirmed she said: 'At this pivotal time for our country, strength, stability, and unity will be my guiding principles. I want to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity and ability to fulfil their potential.'

Mr RT Davies has previously branded calls for a snap Senedd election 'hot-headed'.

If an election were held, Senedd rules mean another one would have to be held in 2026.

Labour's ruling body had originally set a timeline of having a new Labour leader in place on September 14, with them taking over as first minister on September 18.

Baroness Morgan has won the support of the majority of the Labour group, with few MSs, including Hannah Blythyn and outgoing First Minister Vaughan Gething not having indicated support for anyone.

Lee Waters, the MS for Llanelli, has declined to nominate anyone.

Baroness Morgan has been the Senedd member for Mid and West Wales since 2016 and a peer in the House of Lords since 2011.

She is currently listed as being on a leave of absence in the Lords.

From 1994 to 2009 Baroness Morgan was a member of the European Parliament.

Baroness Morgan has promoted herself as a 'unity candidate', with the Labour group having become fractured in recent months following a series of rows involving Mr Gething and donations he took during the last leadership election earlier this year.

The race to replace the First Minister began after four members of his government quit en masse last week, criticising his leadership.

Mr Gething then announced he was standing down having only taken over as leader in March.

During the last leadership race Mr Gething took a 200,000 donation for his leadership campaign from a company owned by a man twice convicted of environmental offences, which led to some members of his own party criticising his judgement.

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 Ms Blythyn as a minister.

All the other potential candidates who were expected to run in the Labour leadership race have announced their support for Baroness Morgan.

This includes Jeremy Miles, who ran against Mr Gething in the last leadership race and was one of the four people to quit his government last week.

Mr Miles made a surprise move by becoming the first person to publicly endorse Baroness Morgan on Sunday before she had officially announced her candidacy.
About 3,000 people have begun making their way to the US hours after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House, as they hope to reach the border before the November election, after Donald Trump vowed to close the border down if he wins.

The major migrant caravan left on Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, next to the Suchiate River that borders Guatemala.

Between 2,300 and 3,000 migrants including families make up the latest caravan, according to the Security ministry in Chiapas, Mexicos southernmost state.

Since Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, illegal immigration into the US has exploded to over 8 million crossings, and is expected to reach up to 10 million by the end of September.

'Whoever is (in charge of the US government), we will continue the fight to be there,' said Leivi Galvna, a migrant from Honduras. 'We have to fight for our dream.'

Hundreds of migrants, mostly from Central America and Venezuela, set out in a US-bound caravan to escape poverty and violence, on the outskirts of Tapachula, State of Chiapas, Mexico, on Tuesday

Tapachula, near the country's southern border with Guatemala, sees hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants passing through each year after they cross the Guatemalan-Mexican border heading towards the United States to escape poverty and violence

A migrant walks on an US-bound caravan on the outskirts of Tapachula

As they walked, the group shouted phrases like 'yes we can,' while pushing worn-out strollers.

While some migrants said they weren't aware of Biden's announcement, many said they feared that if Trump was elected their situation would become more complicated.

'All of us here are hard-working human beings, we're fighters,' said Laydi Sierra, a Venezuelan migrant traveling with dozens of family members.

She said she has not been following the US campaign, but wishes that Trump loses 'because he wants nothing to do with migrants.'

Some said they had been waiting in the city for weeks, for permits to travel to towns further to the north.

A member of the National Guard escorts migrants walking on an US-bound caravan on the outskirts of Tapachula

The major migrant caravan is hoping to reach the southern frontier before the November election out of fear that if former President Donald Trump wins, he may close the border

Migrants of different nationalities walk along a road in a caravan toward the US

As they walked, the group shouted phrases like 'yes we can'

Migrants of different nationalities take a break while travelling in a caravan toward the US. Woman can be seen pushing young children in worn-out strollers

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.'

Just last week at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump returned to his familiar talking points in a speech in which he decried immigrants as 'murderers'.

Under his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump began the expansion of the Mexico-US barrier, commonly referred to as 'The Wall', aimed at preventing illegal crossings from Mexico into the US.

The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, next to the Suchiate River that borders Guatemala

The formation of the new caravan comes at the heels of President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 race for the White House

While some migrants said they weren't aware of Biden's announcement, many said they feared that if Trump was elected their situation would become more complicated

Migrants stand in line in Tapachula, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico on Monday

While Biden's administration cancelled border wall projects, in 2022 it announced that it would fill four wide gaps in Arizona near Yuma, an area with some of the highest influx of illegal crossings.

Ahead of this year's election, Trump has pledged to 'immediately stop the invasion of our southern border' and end illegal immigration.

As part of that plan, he says he would immediately direct US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to undertake the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. He also wants to build more of the border wall.

But thousands of migrants continue to take a shot at seeking asylum in the United States with the hope of leaving behind insecurity, poverty and other problems in their home countries.

At the forefront of the southern-border migrant crisis in the US is the city of San Diego, which has become the new ground zero for migrants entering the country.

At least 37,370 migrants entered the US through the San Diego sector, which includes all of Southern California except for El Centro on the Arizona state line, according to the US Border Patrol.

San Diego's rise as the number one border hot-spot had been expected, as the area had been getting hit with as many as 6,000-8,000 border crossers a week in the last few months.

According to the Pew Research Center, the number of unauthorized immigrants in the US has grown from 10.2 million in 2019 to 11.0 million in 2022.

In December 2023, migrant encounters at the Mexico-US border hit a record high, with 250,000 migrants trying to cross the border, Customs and Border Protection said.

Almost daily, dozens of people leave the Mexican city of Tapachula, considered the primary access point to Mexico's southern border.

A man carries his son along a road, as migrants of different nationalities walk towards the US in a caravan

Caravans have been a means for tens of thousands of migrants to cross Mexico, often as a safety measure amid reports that robberies, rapes and kidnappings of migrants are common.

But recent years, caravans have been a means for tens of thousands of migrants to cross Mexico, often as a safety measure amid reports that robberies, rapes and kidnappings of migrants are common.

These groups are sometimes led by activists, but also by the migrants themselves who get tired of waiting for any kind of legal documents to allow them to move inside Mexico.

The current caravan's exact route is unknown, but historically, migrants crossing the Mexico-US border have started at Tapachula near the Guatemalan border. They then cross Mexico City and finish in Tijuana, a border city just south of California. This route is over 2,600 miles.

Most of the migrants who have joined the caravan are believed to be Venezuelans.

The caravans are often a lifeline for those who cannot afford to pay a smuggler or human trafficker for a 'safer' journey.

'I travel more safely in a caravan, I don't want to be killed in Mexico,' said Yoisy, a Venezuelan migrant who tired of waiting for an appointment through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One platform to apply for asylum.

The current caravan's exact route is unknown, but historically, migrants crossing the Mexico-US border have started at Tapachula near the Guatemalan border and end in Tijuana, next to the border with California

The number of migrants crossing the US border hrew between 2019 and 2022

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.

Jose Maria Garcia, director of the Juventud 2000 migrant shelter in Tijuana, said he did not know to which border town the caravans were headed, but said the uncertain outcome of the upcoming US elections could be a motivating catalyst.

'The migrant community is very confused,' he said, of how migrants view the future of U.S. immigration policy.

Last month, a new report from the Inspector General admitted that the Department of Homeland Security needs a complete overhaul on how it vets immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. to address national security concerns.

Under his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump began the expansion of the Mexico-US barrier, commonly referred to as ' The Wall', aimed at preventing illegal crossings from Mexico into the US. Ahead of this year's election, Trump has pledged to 'immediately stop the invasion of our southern border' and end illegal immigration

Trump visits the 450th mile of the new border wall and speaks with US Border and Customs officials and officers in 2021, near the Texas Mexico border

The Biden administration has been criticised for its failure to implement policies that would quell the number of migrant crossing every day

A redacted version of the report claimed failures in the system are making it easier for 'dangerous' non-citizens to get into the country.

The report completely obliterated President Joe Biden's policies toward immigration and migration while claiming agents protecting the nation's borders are not given the appropriate tools to vet asylum seekers.

It came amid a raging illegal immigration crisis at the southern border and a failure by the Biden administration to implement policies that would quell the number of migrant crossing every day.

In June, after three-and-a-half-years of pressure from Republicans  Biden announced an executive order that would cap the number of asylum seekers at the border when it reaches 2,500 per day.

A migrant child covers her face while kneeling near a butterfly painted with the U.S. flag on its wings, before continuing a caravan towards the U.S. border, in Tapachula on Monday

A nurse assists a migrant from Venezuela who fell ill, before continuing in a caravan towards the US on Monday
Sonya Massey's teenage son described in his mother as 'loving,' 'very smart' and somebody who 'always helped everybody but herself' in a heartbreaking new interview.

Massey, 36, a mother-of-two from Springfield, Illinois, was shot dead in her kitchen by a white sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson, 36, after she called law enforcement to investigate a prowler in the area outside of her home on July 6.

Her family are now seeking to draw attention to the shooting after bodycam footage showed the shocking circumstances of her death. Leaked audio also hears an officer tell a dispatcher Massey's wounds were 'self-inflicted.'

The Massey family is being represented by civil right attorney Ben Crump. They say that there was a cover-up which saw officers tell hospital staff that Massey shot herself, and later, that she was shot by an intruder.

Speaking to CBS News, Malachi Hill-Massey, 17, spoke lovingly about his mother.

Malaci Hill-Massey, 17, and Sonya Massey's mother, Donna, sat down for an interview with CBS News in which they described the trauma they have experienced in the wake of the shooting

'A good mother. She was very smart and always helped everybody but herself. Just a ball of love, honestly, to me,' Malachi spoke lovingly about his mother, pictured above

'A good mother. She was very smart and always helped everybody but herself. Just a ball of love, honestly, to me. She cooked me the best food. I love her food, honestly,' he said.

'She's just the most loving person ever. I don't know. That's the person that made me just feel so loved.'

At a press conference held by the family on Tuesday, in which they laid out their grievances regarding the shooting, Malachi told the gathered reporters that he could not bring himself to watch the horrific bodycam video.

'I don't have no words for this,' he told the crowd.

In the CBS interview, Massey's mother, Donna, reiterated the need for an investigation into the cover-up, emphasizing that the official story has changed.

'They said it's under investigation, then they said that they told the doctors at the hospital that she committed suicideand then they changed it,' she said.

'They kept changing the story.'

At Massey's funeral on July 19, her father, James Wilburn, told mourners that the family only learned that this was an officer involved shooting through the media.

At a press conference, Malachi told the audience that he could not bring himself to watch the bodycam footage which showed his mother's death

Donna told CBS that the first story she was told by the hospital was that her daughter had been shot by someone, without saying who.

'We're going to get justice for sure. I know. We are for sure,' she added.

What led to the shooting of Sonya Massey Sean Grayson and another Sangamon County sheriff's deputy were called to Sonya Massey's home after she dialled 911 fearing a prowler at 12:50 a.m. July 6. The two officers searched the exterior of the home for 30 minutes, discovering only a car with smashed windows. During her interactions with the officers, Massey made several mentions of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Massey had placed a pot of possibly hot water on the counter on Grayson's instructions. The victim made a comment about 'rebuking' Grayson in the name of Jesus Christ. Grayson was in the living room when he then drew his firearm and threatened to shoot Massey in the face, prompting her to put her hands in the air and say, 'I'm sorry.' Massey ducks for cover behind a counter separating the two. Grayson moved closer, yelled at Massey to put the pot down and opened fire, hitting her three times, once in the head. Grayson did not render aid and discouraged the other deputy not to provide help. The second deputy, who was not named, stayed by Massey until medics arrived. She was pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital. Advertisement

Donna has already met with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris is also slated to occur. President Joe Biden released a statement saying he was left 'heartbroken' by the shooting.

At a news conference Tuesday in Springfield, Ben Crump asserted that the Justice Department had opened an investigation into the incident, 'which is welcome, because there have been some concerns and revelations by the family that we think need to be investigated.'

He said he did not know the scope of the probe.

But in a statement, the Department of Justice said it 'is aware of and assessing the circumstances surrounding the tragic officer-involved death' and said it 'will continue to track the criminal case.'

James Wilburn, Massey's father, called for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign.

'I want to tell y'all the sheriff here is an embarrassment,' Wilburn said. 'This man (Grayson) should have never had a badge. And he should have never had a gun. He should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.'

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board shows Grayson was hired part time on Aug. 11, 2020, by the Pawnee Police Department.

He also was hired part time on Feb. 4, 2021, by the Kincaid Police Department and on May 20, 2021, by the Virden Police Department.

Two months later, he was hired full time by the Auburn Police Department and remained there until May 1, 2022, when he was hired full time by the Logan County Sheriff's Office.

Grayson left Logan County on April 28, 2023, and was hired full time on May 1, 2023, by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office.

He received his part-time Law Enforcement Certification on June 5, 2021, according to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. His certification status currently reads as suspended on the board's website.
An Essex school broke the law when it installed facial recognition cameras in its canteen, the data watchdog has ruled.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has reprimanded Chelmer Valley High School, in Chelmsford, saying it should have consulted parents and students before installing the cameras.

The school began using facial recognition technology in March 2023 to take cashless payments from students in the lunch hall.

The controversial technology has been pitched as making the payment process for meals quicker and more hygienic than using cards or fingerprint scanners.

The cameras process biometric data to uniquely identify students, which is likely to result in high data protection risks, the ICO warned.

Chelmer Valley High School (pictured), in Chelmsford, has been reprimanded by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for installing facial recognition cameras in its canteen without consulting parents or pupils

The hugely-controversial system has been pitched to make the payment process for meals quicker and more hygienic than using cards or fingerprint scanners (stock image - not a pupil at Chelmer Valley High School)

To use it legally and responsibly, organisations must have a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) in place.

This is to identify and manage the higher risks that may arise from processing sensitive biometric data.

Chelmer Valley High School, which has around 1,200 pupils aged 11-18, failed to carry this out before starting to use the cameras, the ICO said.

This meant no prior assessment was made of the risks to the children's personal information.

How does the facial recognition technology in schools work? Facial recognition software is being pitched to schools as a way of speeding up lunch payments. One of the British companies involved in the technology, CRB Cunninghams, claims the system works even when pupils are wearing face masks - and can achieve an average serving time of just five seconds per pupil. The technology scans the faces of children at lunch tills, and then checks the students against a register of faces stored on school servers. The students using the system need to select their meal then look at the camera and go, which is considered to be a more hygienic approach than card payments and fingerprints. It also means pupils do not need to carry any form of identification such as a card or even enter a personal identification number (Pin). The school meal payments are then instantly reflected in the pupil's cashless accounts. Advertisement

The school had not properly obtained clear permission to process the students' biometric data and the students were not given the opportunity to decide whether they did or didn't want it used in this way.

Lynne Currie, head of privacy innovation at the ICO, said: 'Handling people's information correctly in a school canteen environment is as important as the handling of the food itself.

'We expect all organisations to carry out the necessary assessments when deploying a new technology to mitigate any data protection risks and ensure their compliance with data protection laws.

'We've taken action against this school to show that introducing measures such as FRT [facial recognition technology] should not be taken lightly, particularly when it involves children.

'We don't want this to deter other schools from embracing new technologies. But this must be done correctly with data protection at the forefront, championing trust, protecting children's privacy and safeguarding their rights.'

In March 2023, a letter was sent to parents with a slip for them to return if they did not want their child to participate.

Affirmative 'opt-in' consent was not sought at this time, meaning until November 2023 the school was wrongly relying on assumed consent from parents who had not specifically opted out.

The law does not deem 'opt-out' as a valid form of consent and requires explicit permission.

The ICO's reprimand also notes most students were old enough to provide their own consent, and therefore, parental opt-out deprived students of the ability to exercise their own rights and freedoms.

A spokesperson for Chelmer Valley High School said: 'We accept the report's recommendations and took action last year to ensure proper consent is gained when students use the cashless canteen. This includes having the choice to opt in or out as desired.'

In 2021 another scheme to use facial recognition software to scan pupils in school canteens has been suspended after privacy concerns were raised by Britain's data watchdog.

Nine schools in North Ayrshire, Scotland, became the first in the UK to start using the system on a long-term basis last week after a pilot project in Gateshead in 2020.

But its rollout was paused just days after launch after concerns were raised by privacy groups and the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO responded to the plans by saying that organisations should consider a 'less intrusive' approach.

Campaign group Big Brother Watch, which wrote to schools in the area urging them to drop the scheme, has called on councils to introduce a permanent ban on facial recognition in schools.

The group's director Silkie Carlo previously told MailOnline: 'No child should have to go through border style identity checks just to get a school meal. We are supposed to live in a democracy, not a security state.

'This is highly sensitive, personal data that children should be taught to protect, not to give away on a whim.'
A star of BBC's The Apprentice has been ordered to change the colour of her baby and toddler shop after she painted it gold without planning permission.

Mother-of-two Marianne Rawlins was told the colour of 'cherished gold' was 'harming' the character of a Grade II-listed building in Stamford, Lincolnshire  previously named Britain's most picturesque town.

The 41-year-old businesswoman, who made it to the final weeks of Lord Sugar's infamously antagonistic reality series in 2019, opened her store in September.

The Tudor building had been empty for over two years when she was handed the keys, prompting her to give it a fresh lick of paint.

But the entrepreneur was left shocked when she was told by the local authority that she may have to change it after the council received just a single complaint.

Because of the history of the building, which originates from the 15th/16th Century, and its place in a conservation area, planning permission should have been sought.

She has now been told to repaint the yellow shop frontage by planning bosses after a retrospective planning application proved unsuccessful.

Marianne said she was 'disappointed' by the council's decision. Pictured: Marianne with her husband Simon and children Theo and Hayley

Marianne Rawlins, 41, has been ordered to change the colour of her shop after she painted it gold without planning permission: Pictured: Marianne with her husband Simon

The 41-year-old businesswoman made it to the final weeks of Lord Sugar 's infamously antagonistic reality series in 2019

Marianne, who chose the paint from Dulux's heritage range, said she was disappointed by the decision.

She added: 'There is a pink shop and others in the town which are very clearly standing out from the rest which have been approved and accepted.

'I have trouble understanding because some of those are listed buildings too. It seems they have some secret magic I don't know about.'

Marianne said she also had several discussions with officers where they discussed compromises, including making the yellow colour darker.

She added: 'They then came back and said 'actually we don't like the black'. If you look at Tudor-style buildings the majority have black so I don't really understand.'

Lodging objections to the building's new look, the town civic society told planning officers 'the so-called heritage colour has a negative impact'.

Marianne was told the colour of 'cherished gold' was 'harming' the character of a Grade II-listed building in Stamford, Lincolnshire (pictured)

Stamford Town Council added: 'Yellow is not an acceptable colour in the conservation area'.

Planning officers at South Kesteven District Council echoed their views, agreeing that the colour scheme is not appropriate for the listed building.

They said historically it would have been fully rendered in a light colour on both the ground and first floor.

Marianne still plans to appeal against the decision and said she hopes 'reason will prevail' although she is '100 per cent happy' to make compromises.

She claims she was unaware of the complexities surrounding Stamford's conservation until she was sent an enforcement notice last year.

Marianne said she also had several discussions with officers where they discussed compromises, including making the yellow colour darker. Pictured: Marianne outside the shop before it was repainted gold

Marianne, who originally spent around 2,000 painting the shop, said previously: 'I'm a little surprised. I think we have done a great job to preserve the heritage of the building.

'The last thing we want to do is detract from the character - we tried to accentuate it more than anything else.

'It wasn't lost on me that this building may be the one of the oldest buildings in arguably the most historically preserved town in the UK. It's absolutely stunning.

'You have to be careful what you do as it's a listed building, so I was careful.'

Marianne spent around 2,000 repainting the shop. Pictured: Marianne in the boardroom on BBC's The Apprentice

Stamford was made the first conservation area in the country in 1967 after a successful campaign by the town's civic society, fueled by concerns about the pace of change and the need to preserve its heritage.

About 25 years later, the Stamford Shopfront Design Guide was drawn up by the planning authority at South Kesteven District Council to ensure the heritage was retained.

The guide has remained unaltered since then and is a crucial document used by planning officers when considering applications.

The rules include a recommendation to use white or neutral colours on slender shopfronts, and a single colour for all the major elements of the design.

However, there is no prescriptive colour chart dictating which shades are allowed.

The maximum penalty for breaking the rules is two years in prison and an unlimited fine.
It boasts a sinister past that has attracted controversy and wild rumours for generations.

Now Boleskine House - the former home of notorious occultist Aleister Crowley - is to benefit from 250,000 of lottery funding.

The investment, which has been awarded to the charity behind its restoration, will support capital work to complete the interior of the ruined 18th century mansion.

The funds will also be used to enable a wider programme of community engagement, with Lottery bosses saying it will support the vision of Boleskine as a community and nature hub that has been at the core of ambition for the future of the historic property.

The B-listed property - whose former owners also include Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page - is now in the hands of The Boleskine House Foundation, set up to restore the site.

Occultist Aleister Crowley bought Boleskine in 1899 with the intention of carrying out black magic rituals

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page owned the house in the 1970s and 1980s

Foundation chairman Keith Readdy said: Receiving these funds is a monumental step for our organization and the local community.

It allows us to complete the interior restoration of this treasured site, preserving its legacy for future generations to experience and learn from.

'We are profoundly grateful for this support and look forward to bringing this vision to life.

The house was badly damaged in a fire in July 2019 - the second blaze it endured in a four-year period - with most of the main building destroyed.

Rubble was even sold to help fund the restoration.

The house was badly damaged by two fires in a four-year period

Boleskine House is south of Inverness, on the banks of Loch Ness

Occultist Crowley, once described as the most evil man in the world, bought Boleskine in 1899 with the intention of carrying out black magic rituals.

Page, who described himself as an Aleister Crowley enthusiast, owned the house in the 1970s and 1980s.

Recently the foundation, a registered Scottish charity, lodged an application with the Highland Council for final Listed Building Consent for the planned design of the house interiors.

The designs reimagine the historical elements of the building, on the banks of Loch Ness, with a nod to important eras of the houses past, while reducing its carbon footprint.

Boleskines interior designs boast a Georgian style kitchen, dining room, formal wood paneled drawing room, and library and research room, while the lounge design is inspired by the Egyptian revivalist trend of the Victorian era.

Rooms will be adorned with reclaimed Jacobean fireplaces, providing a grand finishing touch.
A British diplomat working for the Foreign Office rented out the terraced house she owns with her husband to hate ceric Anjem Choudary, MailOnline can reveal.

The 57-year-old Islamist preacher moved into the three-bed rented property in Essex with his family just weeks before counter-terror officers smashed down his front door in a dawn raid.

Choudary delivered sermons to his followers around the world as he directed the terrorist group al-Muhajiroun (ALM) from inside the property, which is worth around 550,000.

Neighbours told of their shock after Choudary was convicted on Tuesday of leading a terror organisation.

A married couple who live close by said: 'We all avoided him if we saw him, and I told the kids to stay away from him as well.

This is the east London terraced home owned by a British Foreign Office diplomat and her husband where Anjem Choudary preached hate, MailOnline can reveal

The 57-year-old Islamist preacher moved in to the three-bed rented property in Essex, with his family just weeks before counter-terror officers smashed down his front door in a dawn raid

Islamist preacher Choudary has been found guilty of directing a terrorist organisation

'He was only here for a couple of weeks before the massive police raid happened.

'I know those at the mosque down the road weren't happy about it either.

'They can't say who can or can't pray at a place of worship, but I know they were very clear on the fact they would not want him to preach there.

'Nobody wanted that association, because of what we knew of his past.'

The property was last listed for rent in June last year, meaning that Choudary's wife Rubana Akhtar and family must have moved out while her he was facing terror charges.

Choudary was found guilty of directing a terrorist organisation yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court.

Choudary was found guilty of directing a terrorist organisation yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court.

He became the first-ever Brit to be convicted for membership of the extremist Islamic group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM) under Britain's anti-terror laws.

It followed an unprecedented joint operation by law enforcement agencies in the UK, Canada and US to silence the terror guru and bring him to justice.

Choudary was convicted at London's Woolwich Crown Court of two counts of directing, membership and encouraging support of a proscribed organisation.

Neighbours told of their shock after Choudary was convicted on Tuesday of leading a terror organisation

A married couple who live close by said: 'We all avoided him if we saw him, and I told the kids to stay away from him as well. He was only here for a couple of weeks before the massive police raid happened'

Armed terror police broke down the door to the terraced home and arrested Choudary

The hate preacher looked shocked when he was arrested by Met officers and taken away

Choudary is known to have delivered sermons to followers around the world as he directed he terrorist group al-Muhajiroun (ALM) from inside the property, which is worth around 550,000

Canadian national Khalid Hussein, 29, was found guilty of being a member of a banned group.

Choudary was trapped by his own arrogance and ego after resuming his mission to radicalise youngsters when he completed a five-and-a-half year jail sentence imposed in 2016 for encouraging support of ISIS.

The firebrand - who inspired a generation of jihadi killers - was released in 2018 and began brainwashing recruits as young as 14 within days of his stringent parole licence conditions expiring in July 2021.

In a year he delivered more than 40 lectures, some to a small, selected circle but others with an audience of up to 150 from as far away as Brazil and Afghanistan.

He told listeners that terrorism was part of the 'deen' - faith - and joked about charging the media 9.11 to enter a press conference on the anniversary of 9/11, as well as naming a hurricane after Osama bin Laden.

In June 2022 the armchair jihadi warrior began preaching sermons online to the New York-based Islamic Thinkers' Society (ITS), which had been penetrated by two NYPD undercover cops.

Choudary referred to the ITS as 'our branch in America'. In one lecture, he boasted about being labelled 'the number one radicaliser in Britain,' adding: 'That is a badge of honour for me.

'It's a medallion on my chest. What do you want to call me? An extremist? Fanatic? All of these.'

Choudary referred to the ITS as 'our branch in America'. In one lecture, he boasted about being labelled 'the number one radicaliser in Britain,' adding: 'That is a badge of honour for me. 'It's a medallion on my chest. What do you want to call me? An extremist? Fanatic? All of these'

Choudary was found guilty of directing a terrorist organisation yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court. He became the first-ever Brit to be convicted for membership of the extremist Islamic group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM) under Britain's anti-terror laws

Trained lawyer Choudary bragged to his followers that he was untouchable as he operated the worldwide tentacles of the sinister ALM group he co-founded in 1996

But unknown to Choudary, ITS was infiltrated by undercover law enforcement officers in the US, who were present at online lectures in 2022 and 2023, held over the Element messaging platform.

Trained lawyer Choudary bragged to his followers that he was untouchable as he operated the worldwide tentacles of the sinister ALM group he co-founded in 1996.

Disciples of the group include the killers of Fusilier Lee Rigby, London Bridge atrocity leader Khuram Butt, Fishmongers' Hall attacker Usman Khan and members of a gang who tried to blow up Bluewater shopping centre.

During his brief time spent renting his home in Essex Choudary attended the local Masjid Adam Mosque on Seven Kings Road - but was banned from preaching there.

A trustee at the mosque said: 'When he initially moved, he attended the mosque a few times. He wasn't here for long.

'Obviously we all knew who he was and we didn't want him there, but he didn't cause any issues. He would come and greet us, pray and leave.

'We can't stop who comes in to pray, it is the house of Allah, everyone is welcome.

'But we wouldn't have let him preach here because it is against what we believe.'

One neighbour who lived on the same road labelled him as 'mental'.

It followed an unprecedented joint operation by law enforcement agencies in the UK, Canada and US to silence the terror guru and bring him to justice

Choudary was convicted at London's Woolwich Crown Court of two counts of directing, membership and encouraging support of a proscribed organisation. Canadian national Khalid Hussein, 29, was found guilty of being a member of a banned group

Choudary was trapped by his own arrogance and ego after resuming his mission to radicalise youngsters when he completed a five-and-a-half year jail sentence imposed in 2016 for encouraging support of ISIS

He said: 'After already serving a sentence, if he was sensible he would have changed his ways.

'But instead he carried on. He seems like he is well educated, but he's misused it for the wrong reasons.'

Another neighbour who lives a few doors away said: 'I don't like anyone of any faith who tries to create division. It's unacceptable.

'The majority of people here were not happy that he had moved here and noone as far as I'm aware was necessarily friends with him.

'Most neighbours were raging, especially our Muslim neighbours who didn't want to be associated with him and didn't want him to tarnish the religion.'
A former model and race car driver has issued an urgent health warning to Aussies after her daughter was struck down by a deadly brain infection.

Mount Gambier councillor Kate Amoroso's daughter Tiana, 30, was left fighting for her life after contracting a severe meningitis infection caused by meningococcal B a week ago.

Tiana was rushed to hospital where she was immediately placed in a coma and put on a course of antibiotics to 'fight the infection of her life'.

She has since spent four days in intensive care.

One week on, the South Australian councillor revealed that her daughter was 'finally awake and talking' but is 'a way off from full recovery'.

The mother-of-three used her daughter's harrowing ordeal as a timely reminder to Aussies to be vigilant about extreme headaches and fevers.

'Tiana was at work the morning she got sick and by that same night she was put to sleep in ICU  that is how rapidly the meningococcal took over her body,' she wrote.

'If it weren't for the quick response of South West Healthcare to act immediately. she may not be with us.

Tiana 30, (pictured left with her mother Councillor Amoroso, on the right) had been at work in the morning but was in the ICU fighting for her life that same night

Ms Amoroso said her daughter Tiana (pictured) is now talking but is 'a way off from full recovert'

'I know everyone loves her so much and is so worried about her but please try to refrain from contacting her and definitely give her space by not visiting her at this time whilst she recovers as she needs as little as stimulation as possible at the moment.

'There will be plenty of time to visit and check up on her once she is home and rested  at this stage we're still not quite sure as to when that will be.'

She added that Tiana was 'doing better every day'.

The councillor spoke candidly in 2015 about how her ice addiction two-and-a-half years earlier almost destroyed her life.

The former race car driver has been open about her troubled past and how she began to experiment with drugs in her 20s.

The Mount Gambier councillor (pictured) has warned others to get to the emergency room straight away if they were experiencing extreme headaches and a fever

Tiana's severe meningitis infection in her brain was caused by meningococcal b (pictured)

After marrying a multimillionaire and moving to the Gold Coast, she turned to drugs in the late 2000s when she had an injury.

When Ms Amoroso was 41, she barricaded herself in her Mount Gambier forcing police to block off her street as they coaxed her out and detained her.

She told The Adelaide Advertiser she had 'wigged out' after injecting ice for eight days, as well as taking other drugs and having no sleep.

Ms Amoroso said that around the incident, she had been using about $2,000 worth of ice each week.

Now a staunch anti-drug campaigner, she has two adult daughters and a 12-year-old son and vowed to rebuild her life after it affected her relationship with her youngest child.
A newborn baby boy was found in a dumpster outside a Texas taco shop.

Heart-stopping video filmed Sunday and obtained by ABC13 shows officials responding to the scene behind an apartment complex in southwest Houston.

EMS are seen wrapping the baby in a blanket by the dumpster filled with trash after finding him inside a bag. Thankfully, he survived his horrific ordeal.

A passerby called 911 after hearing the baby crying.

The baby looked fresh out of the womb, with his hair wet and his skin pruned and his umbilical cord attached.

The moment a newborn baby was pulled from a dumpster outside a taco shop in Texas was captured in heart-stopping footage

The apartment building's manager told the local outlet that a taco truck employee had given birth to the boy inside the truck and left the newborn in the dumpster before returning to clean up the mobile restaurant.

They added that the truck had only been parked in that spot for about three hours in Sunday,

The Houston Police Department is investigating the taco truck where the baby's mother allegedly works.

The baby boy was examined at a hospital and determined to be in good health.

He is now under the care of Child Protective Services.

Less than a day after the shocking discovery, a two-month-old baby was found abandoned by Pasadena Police Officers in the Houston area.

The baby was found sitting in a car seat outside a dumpster in a strip mall.

A man had called police earlier to say he was having a mental health crisis and looking for a place to leave the baby.

The Houston Police Department is investigating the taco truck where the baby's mother allegedly works

The apartment building's manager told the local outlet that a taco truck employee had given birth to the boy inside the truck and left the newborn in the dumpster

The baby's father told the mother where to find the baby and he was found healthy and in good condition.

CPS has been called to assist.

The baby was the third baby found in the area in just one month, as reported by FOX26.

Martee Boose with the Houston Fire Department said: 'Those are tragic stories, and they are stories that don't need to happen.

'If a citizen has a newborn that is 60 days or younger, they are able to drop them off at a fire station or a hospital and those individuals will not ask them any information about themselves.

'The most information they are permitted to ask them about is maybe the baby's medical history to make sure the baby is getting the best medical care.'
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President Joe Biden addressed the nation for the first time since he dropped out from the presidential race in a speech from the White House on Wednesday night.

The 81-year-old said his love of the United States was greater than his desire to stay in the Oval Office as he insisted he could have served four more years.

He boasted about his 'record', mumbled through his lines and avoided mentions of his health as emotional members of his family - including son Hunter - watched from the side.

Follow DailyMail.coms U.S. politics blog for all the updates from Washington D.C. and around the country.
King Charles' two state Bentleys are to undergo a green makeover by being converted to run on biofuel within the next year as part of the monarch's wider eco-drive.

The plans - revealed in the annual Sovereign Grant report, which sets out how the monarchy is funded by taxpayers - will see the luxury vehicles swapped for electric cars in the future.

The Palace said the switch to biofuel is an 'interim measure' as the Palace 'begin discussions around the next generation of state vehicles being fully electrified'.

A spokesman said officials are yet to decide on the make of electric cars.

The eco-conscious King plans to have the luxury vehicles converted to run on biofuel within the next year

The biofuel switch is said to be an 'interim' measure, with longer term plans to swap for electric

The two State Bentleys serve as one of the main forms of transport for state and ceremonial occasions, including last month's Trooping the Colour for the King's official birthday

A Bentley state limousine was presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II by the car maker for her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

There are thought to be two custom-made Bentleys in the royal fleet, with both painted a distinctive claret colour below the waist rails and black above - the official livery for royal cars.

They serve as one of the main forms of transport for state and ceremonial occasions.

It is not just the Bentleys being targeted by the famously eco-conscious King, as the Crown plans to replace two helicopters so they can run on the maximum amount of renewable fuel.

The Palace is exchanging its 15-year-old Sikorsky S-76s for two AgustaWestland AW139s, which can use 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The new aircraft will arrive in 2024-25, with the plans approved by the Treasury.

A temporary SAF tank has been installed at RAF Odiham in Hampshire as the royals push to use the fuel more widely.

A palace official previously suggested it made better financial sense to 'sweat the asset' and make maximum use of the new helicopters.

'Helicopters are a very important tool in our travel resources,' the official said.

A Palace spokesman said officials are yet to decide on the make of electric cars for the switch

'They provide great flexibility. They enable His Majesty and members of the royal family to be to be seen throughout the length and breadth of the UK.'

Asked whether helicopter use should be reduced, the official added: 'If you're going to make an investment of that magnitude, then you need to sweat the asset.

'So, therefore, you need to maximise the utilisation of the aircraft otherwise you end up in a situation whereby a small number of visits, compared to the cost of running those assets, it does not does not make good financial sense.'

Almost 1.1 million was spent on 170 helicopter journeys made by members of the royal family in 2023-24 made up of trips costing less than 17,000 each.

There have also been moves to make the estate more green with solar panels fitted to the roof of Windsor Castle as part of recent refurbishment work.

The late Queen Elizabeth II used the Sikorsky S-76 helicopters for royal tours, as seen here during her tour of the Channel Islands

The Princess of Wales used the Sikorsky S76 for a visit to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in September last year

Princess Anne was reportedly the first Royal to use the Sikorsky S76

Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said: 'Out went the leaking lead roof and in came the castle's first solar panels  just one of a number of environmental initiatives driven by a determination to place sustainability at the heart of our operations and inspired by His Majesty's leadership in this sphere.'

Gas lanterns at Buckingham Palace are also being repurposed with specially-designed electrical fittings to improve their energy efficiency while preserving their historic look and glow.

The lamps were also switched off to save costs during the recent energy crisis.

King Charles appointed a new head of sustainability in 2023 to accelerate progress in reducing the royals' carbon footprint, resulting in a decrease of 3 per cent in natural gas and heating emissions across the Royal Estate.

But total greenhouse gas emissions did increase fractionally from the previous year, with a spokesman putting this down to 'increased business travel emissions'.

The Sovereign Grant, which comes from taxpayer cash, funds official visits and residences in exchange for the King's surrender of the revenue from the Crown Estate.

Profits from the Crown Estate more than doubled to a record 1.1billion thanks to a boost from offshore wind farms.

Earnings surged by 658million last year due to the Crown Estate owning most of Britain's seabed stretching up to 12 nautical miles from the mainland.

It is leased out to wind farm operators and a spike in firms reserving a patch to eventually build turbines on drove a huge uplift in profits.

The Crown Estate has more than 11 gigawatts of generating capacity across 36 offshore wind farms, but is preparing to add another 20 to 30 gigawatts by 2030.

Chief executive Dan Labbad said the 'record results' stem from 'years of commitment and investment' in the sector.
A young surfer who lost his leg while fighting off a shark on a remote beach has undergone surgery to have his limb reattached after it washed up on the beach.

Kai McKenzie was catching waves at North Shore Beach, near Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast, when he was attacked by a suspected three-metre white shark on Tuesday morning.

After paddling to shore, the 23-year-old was saved by a quick-thinking off-duty police officer who used his dog's leash to stem the bleeding.

The surfer's severed leg washed ashore where it was put on ice by a growing crowd of onlookers and rushed to hospital under police lights and sirens, NSW Police said.

Mr McKenzie and the leg were both airlifted to hospital, where he has now undergone surgery to reattach the leg, Nine News report.

Kai McKenzie, pictured, was surfing at North Shore Beach on the NSW mid-north coast when he was attacked by a shark

Mr McKenzie fought off the shark and caught a wave back to shore with serious leg injuries and a chunk bitten out of his surfboard

An off-duty police officer used their dog's leash as a makeshift tourniquet until paramedics arrived

The 23-year-old lost his leg in the attack, which washed ashore where it was put on ice by a growing crowd of onlookers

After assessing photographs of the injuries, NSW government shark biologists believe a three-metre white shark was involved in the attack and inflicted 'severe injuries' to the surfer's right leg.

He is believed to have fought off the shark and caught a wave back to shore suffering severe blood loss and a chunk bitten out of his surfboard.

Initial beach closures have ended, Port Macquarie Hastings ALS Lifeguards said in a statement on Wednesday. North Shore Beach is isolated and largely accessible only by a dirt road.

Mr McKenzie's devastated loved ones previously spoke about how he may never walk normally again.

A GoFundMe page organised by Mr McKenzie's neighbour, Lauren Mac, said the young surfer was at John Hunter Hospital, noting it would be a 'long road to recovery'.

'He saw the shark approach and was able to fight it off but suffered a severed right leg,' the page reads.

'Clinging to life, he was able to catch a wave back to the beach.

'Please dig deep for this family to assist with Kai's recovery and rehabilitation.'

Ms Mac said the prospect of losing his leg was a shocking blow to the young surfer who had only just returned to the water after fracturing his neck.

'His mum and dad told me it's going to be a long road to recovery regardless of the outcome,' she said.

More than $70,000 had been raised on Mr McKenzie's behalf since the page was set up on Wednesday morning.

McKenzie was attacked by a shark at North Shore beach in Port Macquarie on Tuesday

Mr McKenzie (pictured) is understood to have arrived at the isolated beach with a friend after he caught a ferry

Members in the surfing community have also wished him a speed recovery, including his sponsor Rage

The off-duty cop used his dog's lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding from the wounded areas after the young surfer was attacked by the shark (stock image)

His aunt Michelle McKenzie said the young man was 'an incredible surfer, skater, musician, videographer and all-round legend'.

'He has always lived life to the fullest squeezing every minute out of the day,' she wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon.

'Yesterday he was attacked by a shark at Port Macquarie, doing what he loved ... he suffered life changing injuries.'

The accomplished surfer, who had several sponsors, was only recently back in the water after suffering a significant injury.

'So happy to be back surfing after having a fractured neck,' he posted on Instagram in January.

Members in the surfing community have also wished him a speed recovery, including his sponsor Rage who shared a heartfelt Instagram post.

'Sending love to Kai, the youngest RAGE boy on the team and the toughest person that we know,' it read.

'Yesterday he was attacked by a shark and has lost his leg while surfing in Port Macquarie.

'He has been through a lot, breaking his back (neck verterbrae) last year. He never once complained always just got with doing what he loves as soon as possible. He is an inspiring person.

'The whole rage gang loves you man and we will see you soon.'
A Las Vegas family court judge has been slammed for a series of foul-mouthed outbursts that were caught on camera.

Mary Perry admitted to violating the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct following fury from those in cases she presided over.

In some scenarios she tore into parents and even told one that she would take their child home herself due to their incompetence.

The judge has agreed to consent to a public censure and could face a 30-day unpaid suspension, court documents show.

Mary Perry has admitted to violating the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires the honorable judge to comply with the law, perform all duties fairly, avoid bias, and maintain decorum

'Your children deserve a hell of a lot better than both of you,' she told a set of parents during an August 2022 hearing.

'I'm going to take her home with me! And neither one of you will see her. She deserves better than what she's getting.'

She later asked one of the parents during a discussion about mental and physical health: 'Are you psycho? That's a yes or no.'

Perry faces a 30-day unpaid suspension, which has been suspended for one year due to being on probation.

While on probation, Perry will not be allowed to violate the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct and will have to complete a judicial remedial training at her own expense.

Perry has been known to shout angrily at participants, lose her temper, and show clear bias in previous rulings. 'Are you psycho? That's a yes or no,' she asked a litigant when discussing mental and physical well-being

The training is be tailored to her wrongdoings and focus on relearning proper court demeanor, rectifying bias and prejudices, performing duties fairly and more.

Perry has been known to shout angrily at participants, lose her temper, and show clear bias in previous rulings.

She also allegedly 'slammed her hands on the bench' during the August 2022 hearing, before yelling at one of the parents: 'BS! BS! Because I've got the order right here in this computer!

'This is not your home! This is my home! You will respect what I am saying...You are not the boss here, do you understand?' court documents said.

She also criticizes one of the parent's fine art degree, stating: 'Why would you do that? You can't support your family on fine arts.'

When Perry was asked by the commission about her behavior in that instance, she admitted her emotions and conduct were 'probably not as well as I could have been.'

In a separate case, Perry commented how she would have ruled against one of the litigants if the case had gone to trial because her 'duty' to prevent fraud from being perpetuated in the court, documented said.

She said she felt compelled to make her comments on the record due to a fear one of the litigants would 'perpetuate a fraud' in a subsequent bankruptcy court, the court documents said.

During a later hearing, the judge allegedly spoke in a 'hostile tone' and deprived a woman of her 'right to be heard.'

The commission ruled these cases show evidence of a 'concerning and ongoing pattern of judicial misconduct for which corrective action must be taken.'

'What both of these hearings have in common is the Respondent's needlessly disrespectful tone of voice, obvious changes in her mood, the use of profanity, personally demeaning comments about the litigants, and generally, her overall demeanor and lack of professional decorum toward all litigants appearing at those hearings,' the commission said of the cases it reviewed.

In another hearing, Perry can be heard screaming at an attorney and accusing her of trying to 're-litigate,' as seen in a YouTube video.

'Yes, you are!' she screamed at the lawyer. 'If you don't believe that, then go ahead and get a copy of the hearing. get it signed, get it up to me, and then if you want to reopen this case, you may reopen it.'

Perry faces a 30-day unpaid suspension, which has been suspended for one year due to being on probation. While on probation, Perry will not be allowed to violate the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct, will have to complete a judicial remedial training at her own expense

Perry provided evidence that her emotional reactions might have been influenced by medication and the commission considered it a mitigating factor, the Las Vegas Review-Journal said.

Perry told the Las Vegas Review-Journal through a spokesperson: 'I have gained new insight from my experience with the commission. I intend to use this experience to enhance my skills to preside over challenging cases and better serve families in our community.'

Several locals celebrated the news of her reprimand, with one called her a 'nightmare for a long time now.'

Another said Perry was 'disrespectful' and 'outright defiant to the law, the court, and to this state.'

'That is exactly what happens when everything goes unchecked, undisciplined, and unaccountable. You cannot even fathom what is happening with that same mouth off the bench, behind closed doors, and not an ear within shouting distance,' Monica Sims wrote on Facebook.

'She's horrible!!!!!' Rachael Cox wrote on Facebook.

If Perry follows the rules set in the public censure, she will not be suspended following her probation.
The ballerina known as the 'Black Swan' on trial for murdering her allegedly abusive husband has slammed her nickname and claims she is the victim.

Ashley Benefield, now 32, ran to her neighbor's home in Bradenton, Florida on September 27, 2020 after she shot and killed Doug Benefield, 59, who she married in 2016 after dating for just 13 days.

Ahead of her trial, Ashley sat down with ABC News and explained why she dislikes her 'catchy' nickname 'Black Swan'- based on the 2010 thriller movie starring Natalie Portman.

'Black swan has a catchy ring and it sensationalizes my life and my situation. It's sad to me that people who don't even know me have this idea of a monster when they think of me,' she said.

Ashley, who shares a child with Doug, also insisted that she was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her husband.

Ashley Benefield (pictured), 32, who is on trial for allegedly murdering her husband, Doug Benefield, 59, said that she is the victim of domestic abuse and her nickname 'Black Swan' does not suit her

On September 27, 2020, Ashley ran to a neighbor's home in Bradenton, Florida and told him she shot and killed Doug, who she married in 2016 after dating for just 13 days. (pictured: Doug and Ashley)

'There are women all over the country, all over the world, who have gone through or are going through hard situations behind closed doors,' Ashley said.

Ashley met Doug- a recently-widowed father- at Ben Carson's home in Palm Beach, Florida in August 2016 when she was 24 and he was 54. She had been campaigning for then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

They got married just 13 days later and soon after, launched the American National Ballet, a dance company based in Charleston, South Carolina.

In the early days of their relationship, 'They were just with each other all the time,' Doug's 23-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Eva, testified.

'They were lovey dovey, PDA all the time. They never left each other's side,' she said.

After being married for one year, Doug, a retired Naval flight officer, helped Ashley achieve her dream of starting a ballet company, using his own money and contacts.

He acted as the CEO of the company, while Ashley took on the role as executive director.

But, shortly after the companys founding, it was sued by dancers and choreographers who alleged their contracts were breached when they were fired just weeks after their hiring.

Doug also reversed his vasectomy, and Ashley became pregnant three months later with their daughter Emerson, now six-years-old.

That is when everything changed, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O'Donnell claimed in court on Tuesday.

After being married for one year, Doug (pictured), a retired Naval flight officer, helped Ashley achieve her dream of starting a ballet company, using his own money and contacts

She said Ashley moved from their home in South Carolina to Florida to live with her mother as she started to experience morning sickness, and from that point on, she never lived with Doug again.

'They continued a long-distance relationship when she first moved to Florida and continued trying to keep together and communication, but about the same time as the ballet [company] collapses, Ashley Benefield starts complaining against the victim,' O'Donnell told jurors.

She began accusing Doug of poisoning her and of non-physical domestic violence.

Ashley said that Doug would constantly bring her teas that she thought contained poison, CBS News reported.

But detectives from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office conducted a five-week investigation and were unable to find any evidence to support her claims of abuse.

Prosecutors now argue that killing Doug was a last-ditch effort to gain custody of their daughter, who was 2 years old at the time of the shooting.

'This is a case about a woman who, early on in her pregnancy, decided she wanted to be a single mother,' O'Donnell argued. 'She did not want the father of this child to have any visitation.

'This is a long story, this was a custody battle this mother would win at all costs, and the cost was the life of Doug Benefield.'

The prosecutors argued that Doug was doing everything in his power to rectify their marriage and keep their family together.

Doug's 23-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Eva, testified: 'They were lovey dovey, PDA all the time. They never left each other's side'

On the day of his death, Doug arrived at Ashley's home to help her and their daughter pack when he was shot four times in Ashley's bedroom. She then ran to her neighbor and told them about the shooting.

On Tuesday, Ashley was seen sobbing while her neighbor's 911 call played from the day Doug was murdered.

'I heard a very loud pounding on my door,' neighbor Josh Sant testified, according to Fox 13. 'It kind of startled me.'

Ashley now faces a minimum sentence of 25 years behind bars and a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty. (pictured: Her mugshot)

He said he opened the door to find Ashley, who told him that her husband attacked her and she shot him.

Sant then called 911, telling officers, 'She just came over, her estranged husband attacked her and she said she shot him,' according to an audio recording played in court.

In a previously-filed motion obtained by Law & Crime, defense attorneys argued that Doug arrived 'happy, hyper and animated,' but eventually became 'agitated, sullen and intimidating.'

After verbally insulting his wife, the defense claims, Doug rammed her with a moving box, leaving abrasions.

'Doug Benefield knew full well on that day that this relationship was over,' Ashley's attorney, Neil Taylor, argued in court.

He went on to claim that Doug was manipulative and 'viewed Ashley Benefield as his property.'

'Despite promoting himself as a religious, honorable and decent human being, Benefield was a manipulative, cunning and abusive man who insisted, absolutely insisted on control,' Taylor added.

He went on to tell the jury that Doug once fired a handgun into a kitchen ceiling in an attempt to get Ashley to stop talking, threw a loaded gun at her, punched their dog in the face - knocking it unconscious, and regularly carried a concealed firearm that was 'ready to fire.'

Outside of the Florida courthouse on Monday, protesters showed their support for the former ballerina who has accused her late husband of domestic abuse

He also claimed that after Ashley and Doug were separated, he illegally tracked her, often following without her consent and even driving from out of state to keep tabs on her.

At least once, Doug allegedly stood in a neighbor's backyard in the middle of the night to get a glimpse of her.

Outside of the Florida courthouse on Monday, protesters showed their support for the former ballerina.

'We really are standing for Ashley,' her pastor, Mike Brown, told Fox 13.

'We have a group of domestic violence survivors who are standing with us, ready to see justice prevail.'

Ashley now faces a minimum sentence of 25 years behind bars and a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty of Doug's murder following the two-week-long trial.

'It's a horrible reality. I wouldn't wish this on anybody. Emerson's already been through a lot,' Ashley told ABC News.

'I can't imagine how this would affect her if things were to go poorly at trial.'
An Arizona GOP senator caught driving at double the speed limit was allowed to go on her way because she is protected by 'legislative immunity'.

Justine Wadsack was risking 30 days in jail when she was pulled over for doing 71mph in a 35mph zone of downtown Tucson by an officer on DUI patrol.

When she introduced herself as 'Senator Justine Wadsack', he radioed bosses who told him an arcane state law protects senators from prosecution while the state legislature is in session.

But she is blaming 'political persecution' and threatening to investigate the police themselves after they tried to serve a citation when the session came to an end.

'Persecution and prosecution are very different things,' said Tucson city attorney Mike Rankin.

Arizona GOP Senator Justine Wadsack was pulled over for doing 71mph in a 35mph zone in the university district of Tucson in March this year

She initially escaped charges due to 'legislative immunity' and has blamed 'political persecution' after police returned to the case

Police bodycam footage obtained by the Tucson Sentinel caught the moment Wadsack was intercepted in her red Tesla Model S 85 at 10pm on March 15.

The officer introduces himself and asks her whether she has her driver's license, registration and insurance.

'Yes, I do,' she replies. 'My name is Senator Justine Wadsack, and I'm racing to get home because I have four miles left on my charger before I'm about to go down.

'OK, well, Speedway is a 35mph zone,' he informs her, 'and you were going over 70.'

'I was not doing 70,' she tells him.

'Yes, you were. I was behind you; I had my radar on,' he says.

The audio cuts out as the officer returns to his patrol vehicle and consults with colleagues before allowing Wadsack to drive off into the night.

Three months later the state assembly adjourned, and on June 27, an officer called Wadsack's office to arrange a time for her to sign a criminal speeding citation.

'The chain-of-command was aware of this traffic stop and subsequent pending criminal citation for Sen Wadsack after the legislative session adjourned,' Lieutenant Lauren Pettey wrote.

'She demanded to speak with the chief of police and said that she was under 'political persecution'.

'She also said that I was being aggressive and got upset when I called her Mrs Wadsack and not Senator Wadsack.

'She then abruptly ended the conversation and hung up the phone.'

The former real estate agent was among delegates representing Arizona at the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin earlier this month

Attorney Tom Ryan said legislative immunity is designed to prevent arrests interfering with lawmakers' ability to vote in the state assembly

Wadsack, a former real estate agent, turned to Facebook on Saturday with a furious denunciation of the police, her political opponents, and 'media spin'.

'The officer knew I was a State Senator before he even pulled me over, as there is a plaque under my license plate that says 'Arizona State Senator',' she wrote.

'There's also a sticker on the back of my drivers license that identifies the Constitutuonal language (sic), stating that I cannot receive a ticket as a result of 'Legislative Privilege'.

'So, I don't have to say a word. They already know. This debunks the narrative that I am entitled ir above the law. I FOLLOWED the law.'

She denied driving at 71mph, claimed Tucson PD only tried to cite her after she began an investigation into police harassment, and said she had consulted a legal expert.

'This is highly irregular, and when I asked if they've ever done this to other legislators, her response was 'no just you',' she wrote.

Driving at more than 20mph over the speed limit is a class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a year of probation, a $500 fine, and three points on a drivers license.

Tucson Police Department spokesman Sergeant Richard Gradillas told AZfamily that the case was still active and that a summons was filed on June 17 at Tucson City Court.

On Tuesday the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police withdrew their endorsement of the senator who was elected for the Legislative District 17 in 2022.

'To be clear, Wadsack was treated in strict accordance with the law  and with consummate respect  by all the TPD team members she encountered,' the group said in a statement.

The Democrat city attorney denied that the action against Wadsack was politically motivated.

'Persecution refers to the act of punishing or hurting someone based on their beliefs,' he told the Sentinel.

'Prosecution refers to the act of bringing a legal action to hold someone accountable for their violation of law.

'Citing someone - Ms Wadsack or anyone else - for putting other people in danger by driving at speeds more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within city limits is not 'persecution'. It is prosecution.'

Former Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier said the senator had 'turned a nothing story into a fiasco'.

'You did the crime, take your ticket, shut up and move on,' the former Republican sheriff noted.

Retired Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier said she had 'turned a nothing story into a fiasco'

Motoring experts too have been left baffled by her bizarre reasoning

Attorney Tom Ryan said legislative immunity is designed to prevent arrests interfering with lawmakers' ability to vote in the state assembly.

'As long as it's not a felony, or a breach of peace, or an act of treason--nobody in the state of Arizona may arrest or serve any kind of civil process upon a city legislator as long as they're in session or 15 days before the next session,' he explained.

And even motoring experts have been left baffled by the senator's behavior.

'That doesn't make any sense at all,' said former senior Tesla engineer Michael Ahern.

'There's no car that gets more efficient as you floor it,' electric or gas, he added.
Sales of glamorous condos in Miami are cooling this summer, forcing owners to slash prices.

The median sales price for a condo in the metro dropped to $420,000 in June, down 6 percent from this year's high of $445,000 in March.

Condo values are now roughly the same as they were a year earlier, according to a report from the Miami Association of Realtors.

But single-family properties in the county are continuing their astonishing twelve-and-a-half year streak of appreciation. Prices increased at a year-over-year rate of 5.5 percent, jumping from $622,500 to $657,000.

The difference between condos and regular homes is that Miami condos are often housed in elegant high rises that have redefined the city's coastline over the years.

But following the deadly Surfside Condo collapse in 2021, Florida legislators passed a law that mandates 30-year-old plus buildings that are three or more stories to undergo major structural evaluations to become recertified.

High rise condo buildings line South Beach in Miami, a thin strip of land across the bay from the city's downtown corridor

This Miami condo was listed for $399,000 last week. After the three-bed two-bath home was on the market for just six days, the sellers cut the price 6 percent to $375,000

Florida Condo associations are also required to keep a certain amount of money on hand to deal with repairs, many of which didn't do this before the Surfside disaster, the Miami Herald reported.

As more buildings age, people looking to buy an apartment or condo in an older building may have the costs passed down onto them in the form of higher association fees.

Condo expert Peter Zalewski said older Miami-Dade condos essentially need 'open heart surgery.'

'When you assess a condo you need to look at when it was built. Everything before 2000 is in a doom loop. Anything between 2000 and 2010 has standing power. They have high cholesterol. They're overweight. But it's manageable. Anything after 2010 is healthy,' he told the Herald.

Zalewski, the founder of the real estate consultancy firm Condo Vultures, added that all of this turmoil in the market has made many buyers pause before jumping headlong into Miami real estate.

Buyers are well aware of the possibility of elevated association fees because of mandated repair reserve funds, but this problem simply doesn't plague single-family homes, fueling their continued rise.

Pictured: One Tequesta Point Condominium Complex. This building was constructed in 1995, which means it'll be up for recertification by 2025 under the new state law

Aerial photo of Icon South Beach Luxury Condos in Miami Beach

A low level elevated view of the Downtown Miami skyline with palm trees and Biscayne Bay in the foreground

Plus, the inventory of single-family homes in Miami-Dade (four months) is far lower than that of condos (8.9 months), making it much easier to continue raising prices for them as supply remains constrained.

So as realtors sell homes like hot cakes in Miami-Dade, sellers looking to unload condos continue cutting prices.

And experts say condos will only keep getting cheaper over the coming months.

Jack McCabe, owner of the real estate and economic research firm Jack McCabe Expert Services, said that by next year, talk will be dominated by how much prices have gone down.

Zalewski gave buyers advice in this fraught South Florida condo market.

'If you're a buyer, why would you jump in when the meteor hits the earth?' he said 'Watch for prices to pull back.'

It comes as a major correction in prices for homes across the southern US could be just around the corner.
A California woman has claimed that her cancer returned following 'cruel' treatment by JetBlue.

Oksana Kiritchenko, 51, filed a lawsuit against the airline over the 2023 incident, which reportedly saw her denied from flying with her emotional support French bulldog in first class.

She claims she had been on remission from Stage 4 cancer until shortly after the confrontation with an airline employee, as first reported by The Independent.

The federal suit claims Kiritchenko and her 71-year-old husband Peter were victims of 'an unexplainable level of cruel humiliation and ridicule' as they tried to return home from Florida last September.

The couple say they had paid a total $4,295.60 for for two round-trip first-class tickets and sent the airline the required forms for traveling with a service animal but were not allowed to do so.

Oksana Kiritchenko, 51, claims her cancer returned following 'cruel' treatment by JetBlue

The couple say they had paid $4,295.60 for for two round-trip first-class tickets and sent the airline the required forms for traveling with a service animal but were not allowed to do so

Kiritchenko says it all went according to plan on their way to Florida from Los Angeles, with the dog Pier sat at their feet inside a travel bag in the first class area.

But as they prepared to board the flight back to LA, an airline agent approached the couple and raised questions about whether Pier was allowed to fly with them.

The suit claims Peter has a 'severe disability affecting his ability to stand' but the airline employee was unmoved when informed about the couple's health issues and 'kept [them] standing for a very long time.'

The employee eventually informed the couple that one of them would have to give up their first class sit to fly with the dog, per the suit.

The filing states: 'Plaintiffs had a pressing need to get back home (Mrs. Kiritchenko being a cancer patient had to be locally available in Los Angeles for her checkups), so they agreed.

'Plaintiffs were boarded on the plane with Mr. Kiritchenko seated in the 1st class seat and Mrs. Kiritchenko seated in economy class with their dog in its travel bag.'

However, as the plane was preparing to take off, a flight attendant reportedly handed her a bag that was too small for the dog, and the plane was ordered to return to the airport and the couple 'ousted' from the flight.

The federal suit claims Kiritchenko and her 71-year-old husband Peter were victims of 'an unexplainable level of cruel humiliation and ridicule'

The couple was then forced to wait for another flight the next day, buying new tickets on Delta Airlines and booking a hotel room.

The suit claims JetBlue cause the couple 'unnecessary monetary damages' and accuses the company of negligence and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Moreover, the suit adds, 'Those events caused Mrs. Kiritchenko an extreme amount of stress. Upon arrival home, she checked in to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center hospital in Los Angeles.

'The test results had shown the mean tumor molecules levels (MTM/ml) had risen to 0.59. Several prior tests were showing test results at 0.00.'

The couple is asking for reimbursement for hospital and medical expenses, attorneys' fees, and monetary damages to be determined by a jury.

JetBlue has yet to comment on the suit; the company has 21 days to formally respond to the claims.
A Texas woman who scammed military families out of more than $100million in one of the biggest fraud cases the US Army has ever seen has been sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Former financial manager Janet Mello created a shell company in 2016 before splashing out on multiple McMansions, 82 supercars, motorcycles and flashy designer jewelry over six years.

The 57-year-old San Antonio native swindled money from a youth development program for children in military families to fund her extravagant lifestyle.

Mello pleaded guilty in March to five counts of mail fraud and five counts of filing a tax return. She was sentenced by US District Judge Xavier Rodriguez on Tuesday.

The conwoman looked stony faced with her gaze fixed on the floor as she marched toward the courtroom hand-in-hand with her biker husband before they learned her fate.

Janet Mello, the Texas woman who scammed the US Army out of more than $100 million has been sentenced to 15 years in jail. (Pictured: Mello with her husband outside the courthouse)

Mello embezzled money from a youth development program for children in military families and used it to fund her extravagant lifestyle - including several mansions (one pictured)

The 57-year-old San Antonio native created a shell company in 2016 before splashing out on multiple McMansions, 83 supercars, and flashy designer jewelry (pictured)

They both wore all-black outfits - Mello with reading glasses and her bearded partner with dark RayBan sunshades.

During the final hearing in San Antonio, prosecutors detailed how 'Gucci goddess' Mello made lavish purchases over the mammoth fraud, including spending $923,000 on jewelry in a single day in 2022.

She had been working as a civilian employee at Fort Sam Houston when she began stealing money in 2016.

Mello was a financial manager who handled funding for a youth program at the military base and determined whether grant money was available.

She created a fraudulent group called Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development, prosecutors said.

US Attorney Jaime Esparza said Mello 'betrayed the trust of the government agency she served and repeatedly lied in an effort to enrich herself'.

Mello used the money to buy millions of dollars of real estate, clothing, high-end jewelry and 82 vehicles that included a Maserati (pictured), a Mercedes, a 1954 Corvette and a Ferrari Fratelli motorcycle

Mello bought several homes with the stolen money - including the one pictured above

Prosecutors detailed how Mello made lavish purchases over a mammoth six-year scam, including spending $923,000 on jewelry in a single day in 2022

'Rather than $109 million in federal funds going to the care of military children throughout the world, she selfishly stole that money to buy extravagant houses, more than 80 vehicles and over 1,500 pieces of jewelry,' Esparza told the court.

Defense attorney Albert Flores countered that Mello is deeply remorseful. 'She realizes she committed a crime, she did wrong and is very ashamed,' he said.

Flores added Mello has saved many things she bought with the money and hopes the items are sold to reimburse the government.

Prosecutors said Mello used the fake organization she created to apply for grants through the military program.

She filled out more than 40 applications over six years, illegally receiving nearly $109 million, assistant US Attorney Justin Simmons wrote in a court document asking for Mello to be sentenced to more than 19 years in prison.

Mello used the money to buy millions of dollars of real estate, clothing, high-end jewelry and 82 vehicles that included a Maserati, a Mercedes, a 1954 Corvette and a Ferrari Fratelli motorcycle.

Prosecutors detailed how Mello made lavish purchases over a mammoth six-year scam, including spending $923,000 on jewelry in a single day in 2022

Prosecutors said Mello used the fake organization she created to apply for grants through the military program. (Pictured: Mello with her husband outside the courthouse)

Agents executing a search warrant in 2023 found many of the vehicles with dead batteries because they had not been operated in so long, Simmons wrote.

Prosecutors said Mello was able to steal so much because of her years of experience, expert knowledge of the grant program, and accumulated trust among her supervisors and co-workers.

'Mello's penchant for extravagance is what brought her down,' said Lucy Tan, acting special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation's field office in Houston.

A co-worker and friend of Mello's, Denise Faison, defended Mello in a letter to the judge.

'Janet Mello is a good, kind, caring and loving person that would do no harm to anyone,' Faison wrote.

'Janet has so much more to offer the world. Please allow her to repay her debt to society by returning what she has taken but not be behind prison bars.'

Mello's attorney said she does not plan to appeal the sentence.
Dozens of brides have been left without dresses ahead of their big day after a popular bridal shop closed its doors 'overnight'.

Couples claim that La Belle Boutique, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was cleared out in the early hours of Sunday, July 21.

One couple, who were planning to get married in November, say they have now decided to cancel their wedding altogether following the news.

Husband-to-be Kevin James, 40, said he and his partner, who didn't wish to be named, were left heartbroken after having to take the difficult decision, which cost them 'tens of thousands of pounds'.

He said: 'It's absolute chaos. I can't put it into words that can be printed how we feel about all of this. We are heartbroken, we are disgusted, we feel like we've been abused. We feel distraught, lost.

La Belle Boutique, on Huthwaite Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, which was reportedly emptied out in the early hours of Sunday

'My partner went in just two weeks ago and was ready to pay for the bridesmaids' dresses in full but they didn't have the right colour - we've realised now it was just pure luck.

'We had to cancel the wedding because my wife told me 'I can't deal with this, I've planned this for so long and it was supposed to be a big day. I can't have any other dress, I was supposed to get my dress'.

'My partner just doesn't want to speak to anyone anymore because she can't bear to hear about the wedding. We were going to get married in the woods on November 11 because my partner's into numerology so 11/11 - we were going to have a dream fairy tale wedding.

'It's heart-breaking and the only reason why I'm managing to keep it together is for my wife and all these other ladies who are in the same position.'

It was reported that around 40 women have been affected by the sudden closure.

The couple, who have been together a year and a half, say they were then told the dress would be ready around mid-October, as the manufacturer is located in Australia.

Mr James says he has been in touch with the supplier, who told him they received the order for the dress, but no payment.

The couple received the email regarding the closure in the early hours of Sunday and say the 'the level of depth of this issue is mind boggling'.

Mr James said: 'I spoke to a girl outside the shop on Sunday and she said she'd paid for her dress in full 2,000 just two days before we all got the email. It's astonishing how they've done this and think they can get away with it.

'When I spoke to Citizens' Advice, they said their lines have never been this busy with people calling about the same issue. They [the company] didn't even tell the seamstress about it, she just turned up to work on Sunday morning to do some alterations and found an empty shop.

Mr James said his future wife's dress was paid for in full to the boutique (pictured) in January, costing them 3,000

'It's a very strange scenario we've found ourselves in.'

The husband-to-be added that he's been vocal on Facebook about the issue, keeping people updated, with one of his posts reaching more than 400 shares.

Another bride, who also wished to keep her identity private, said her 2,000 dream dress is also nowhere to be found following the closure.

The woman says she met her 'dream man' and the couple decided to get married quickly, having been planning their wedding since their engagement in October 2023.

The woman, who is due to get married in October this year, said: 'I'd been shopping around for a long time to find my dream dress until I found it at La Belle in January. There are so many disheartened people who lost money.

'I lost money, I lost my dream dress. Because I'm getting married in October, I'm not going to have my dream dress because all dresses are made to order - now I'm just going to have to find one on a shop's shelf. It's not going to be easy and it's not going to be what I want.

'We've been saving for this dress for a long time so we're disheartened. I don't know where to go from here, no one knows what to do.'

The woman said her dress was paid for in full in January and 'there didn't seem like there were any problems'.

Like Mr James and his wife, she was told her dress would be ready in nine months due to it coming from Australia.

The woman said she then reached out to the new owners of the shop, who reportedly took over in June, to check if her dress was still on the way. She was reassured that it was, and that it was even going to be ready early - in August.

'I tried contacting them but no one was around. Even the seamstress wasn't aware of anything,' said the woman.

She continued: 'It's very stressful. I have a couple of months left but have no dress, it's very concerning. There are brides getting married in six weeks who've not got their dresses. It's disgusting. I just wish we were kept in the loop.

Were YOU affected by the shop's closure? Email matthew.lodge@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

'But now no one can get in touch with them. It's outrageous how someone could actually sleep at night knowing that they're leaving people with no dresses on their big day after paying a lot of money.

'I'm a bit anxious about how this is all going to go. You put your trust into someone and give them so much money so it's shocking that we're here now.'

Both Mr James and the other bride-to-be have expressed their appreciation for the support received from people on social media, as well as neighbouring bridal shops. Mr James said: 'There's a lady who's put a Facebook post up asking people to donate their wedding dresses to get some of these brides married.

'The amount of support outpouring from people is mind blowing, it's so heart warming seeing people come together to source dresses. I want everyone who's been affected by this to please stick with it and not let it go.

'We are not going to stop until we get this sorted. Too many ladies' lives have been destroyed. We won't stop until we get compensation.'

The email that was sent to customers on Sunday states: 'Dear Bride, it is with deep regret and a heavy heart that I must inform you that La Belle Boutique will be closing its doors permanently.

'In June, I learned that the previous owner was facing significant financial and operational difficulties, and in an effort to preserve this beloved business, I stepped in to try and save it.

'Unfortunately, not all critical information was disclosed to me during the ownership transfer, which has now created insurmountable challenges, making it impossible for us to continue operations. Over the past month, I have personally and financially supported the business to the best of my ability.

'I have secured as many dresses as possible to fulfil our commitments, even though we have not received payments for any of these bridal gowns. This situation has been extremely challenging for us, but our priority remains to support you during this difficult time.

'I understand this news may be distressing and cause considerable concern. However, rest assured, our dedicated team of specialists and I are here to help you navigate this situation and find the best possible solution for your bridal needs.

'We have made every effort to support the business and move forward despite these overwhelming challenges. Unfortunately, the obstacles were insurmountable, leading to this unfortunate decision to close.

'It is a sad and difficult time for all of us at La Belle Boutique, and we are deeply upset by the closure and its impact on our valued clients. We wish the previous owner had been more forthcoming with the essential information, which would have allowed us to better address these issues earlier.

'Despite this, we are fully committed to assisting you in any way we can moving forward and ensuring that you have the support you need during this time.'

It had been alleged on a social media post that the company had gone into liquidation but the company said to have been appointed said in this response: 'Contrary to social media posts, the Company has not been placed into liquidation and Maria Strong of Strong Anderson has not been appointed liquidator nor have they received formal instructions to take steps to liquidate the Company. Until such instructions are received Strong Anderson is not in a position to deal with or reply to any emails, telephone calls or enquiries regarding the Company.

'Strong Anderson appreciates this is a difficult time for customers impacted by the announcement on Sunday, but at present customers are advised to contact the Company if they would like further information regarding the operations of the business.' La Belle Bridal Boutique Limited is still registered as 'active' on the government's website, as of Tuesday (July 23) afternoon.

The current owners of La Belle Boutique have been approached for comment.
The waterbed, a trend from the 1970s that coincided with the era's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll lifestyle, has since faded from the mainstream. But some Americans still have theirs and aren't giving them up anytime soon.

Today, waterbeds make up only 2 percent of mattress sales, according to data from Specialty Sleep Association (formerly the Waterbed Manufacturers Association), but the retailers that still carry them are bombarded by die-hard waterbed fans looking for replacement mattresses, heaters, and water treatment systems.

Nancy Gerrish, 78, a financial planner, told the Los Angeles Times she's had a waterbed, or a 'dead bed' as they were called back in the day, for 28 years after her friend let her try hers out.

'I couldn't believe how comfortable it was,' she said. 'It's very soft on all your joints, and if you like to cuddle, your arm sinks into the bed so there's no pressure on it.'

She loved it to much that she took the mattress cross country when she moved from New York to her current residence Los Angeles residence 21 years ago.

The waterbed, a trend from the 1970s that coincided with the era's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll lifestyle, has since faded from the mainstream. But some Americans still have theirs and aren't giving them up anytime soon.

Retailers that still carry waterbeds are bombarded by die-hard waterbed fans look for replacement mattresses, heaters and water treatment systems

'I tell people I have a waterbed, and everyone laughs. But it's a very comfortable bed to sleep in, and I personally don't know why the world doesn't have this.'

'I feel so cozy. It's hard to get out of it, and anyone visiting me loves it. I think the [traditional] mattress companies don't want this information getting out.'

Donna Martin, 77, whose owned a waterbed for 50 years, told the LA Times she's been a proud owner of a waterbed since she was gifted one as a hand-me-down.

'I've had five mattresses since the first time I set one up. I love it,' she said.

She recently tried out her sister's memory foam mattress, but said it bothered the already-damaged discs in her back and was not easy on the hips.

The waterbed has also become a signifier of a different time. Here it is pictured in the ABC show The Conners

In this day and age, the waterbed has become a '90's nostalgia items for those old enough to remember the tail end of the trend

'At first it was OK, but then the same thing happened, too much pressure,' she said. 'I would rather not sleep in something else.'

Martin even said she's worried that nursing homes won't let her bring her waterbed when the time comes.

'I think to myself if I ever have to go into a home, they won't give me no waterbed,' she said.

Steve Hertzmann, 62, from San Pedro has owned a waterbed for the last 40 years, and told the LA Times he can't understand why the waterbed has ceased in popularity.

'The best part is in the wintertime when you're freezing cold,' he said. 'The waterbed has a heater, and you hop in and you're all warm.'

Larry Johnson, an accountant from Mar Vista who owned a waterbed for 50 years, switched to a standard mattress after his wife convinced him that it would be easier to maneuver out of bed as they grow older.

He told the LA Times he misses being rocked to sleep by the bed's wave-like motion.

'It's going to take some getting used to,' he said.

Pictured: Michael Marcus stands next to a waterbed that is part of a bedroom set named "Roselane Rose", that is for sale at the Waterbed Gallery, in the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore, New York, on August 12, 1992

Today, waterbeds make up only 2 percent of mattress sales despite their widespread popularity decades ago

How The Waterbed Got Its Start

The waterbed was conceptualized in 1968 by Charles Hall, a graduate student at San Francisco State, who set out to create the world's most comfortable chair for his thesis in design.

After trial and error with gelatin and cornstarch, Hall's winning formula of an eight-foot water filled vinyl matters became a sensation. While originally designed as a bed-chair hybrid, the bed started getting media attention across the country.

Denny Boyd, the former president of the Specialty Sleep Association, who once owned 35 waterbed stores throughout Texas, Missouri and Louisiana told the LA Times the uniqueness of the bed was the main selling point.

'It was new, it was exciting, it was different, it was sexy, it was fun,' Boyd said. 'It was our generation's bed.'

The waterbed was conceptualized in 1968 by Charles Hall, a graduate student at San Francisco State, who set out to create the world's most comfortable chair for his thesis in design

About one in every five mattresses sold between 1971 and 1986 in America were waterbeds, according to the Washington Post

Between 1971 and 1986, waterbed sales soared from an estimated $13 million to $1.9 billion, per the New York Times.

The mattresses themselves were cheap, but the bulk of the cost came from the heavy wood frames that kept the mattresses in place as well as the water heaters and conditioners,

About one in every five mattresses sold in America were waterbeds, according to the Washington Post. While Hall patented his invention, he didn't enforce it, and the waterbed business boomed.

And the beds were often associated with 'more than R-rated' activities as ads declared that the two things better on a waterbed were sleep and sex.

But the waterbed became a fad of the past by the mid-1990s as more cost-effective 'softside' mattresses that didn't require as much maintenance went into circulation.

Between 1971 and 1986, waterbed sales soared from an estimated $13 million to $1.9 billion, per the New York Times. The mattresses themselves were cheap, but the bulk of the cost came from the heavy wood frames that kept the mattresses in place as well as the water heaters and conditioners

Marty Pojar, the store owner of the Waterbed Doctor in Westminter, said he thinks the waterbed is well overdue for an upgrade, and that the beds have actually adapted to modern day technology

A Chance for a Comeback?

Marty Pojar, the store owner of the Waterbed Doctor in Westminster, told the LA Times he thinks the waterbed is well overdue for an upgrade.

'The word "waterbed" creates a stigma,' he said. 'When people hear it, they are thinking of the big, old wood-frame waterbeds with lots of wave action.'

But waterbeds have kept up with the technology revolution. Customers can customize how much motion they want from their waterbeds.

Other waterbeds meant for couples have two separate water mattresses so one does not disturb the other when getting out of bed.

Pojar said he thinks by renaming the waterbed to 'flotation sleep systems with temperature control,' waterbeds could make a comeback.

'Reeducating the public is a big challenge, but there is a big opportunity there, I believe,' Pojar said.

How Younger Generations View the Waterbed

In this day and age, the waterbed has become a '90's nostalgia items for those old enough to remember the tail end of the trend.

Videos on social media show users popping waterbeds, talking about their hatred for the impractical invention, and their fascination with the water-filled sacs as children.

In a clip from the podcast 'The Mexcellence,' the co-hosts talked about their different experiences with waterbeds.

While the co-hosts were enthralled with the novelty, bee-lining to the waterbed sections of furniture stores while their parents did their errands, they concurred that they experienced back pain when they actually slept on one over night.

'I laid on it, but I immediately felt like sweaty [from] the plastic and there's no breathability so you're just getting moist,' said co-host Sammy Gonzalez.

'And I was a little chubby kid, so I couldn't get up.'

The waterbed has a clear cult-following, but the comeback remains to be seen.
Brits preparing to travel to Greece for their summer holidays have been warned they are at risk of catching a new Covid variant.

An increase in the new FLiRT variant has been observed by the country following a sharp rise in hospital admissions.

Warnings came after Greek health officials recorded a sudden 44 per cent rise in cases of the virus as hospitals in Athens have started reintroducing masks.

In response to spiking cases, countries like Bulgaria have issued warnings to tourists heading to Greece to comply with 'preventive and hygienic measures' to stop the spread of disease.

Between July 8 and 14 Greece's health system recorded 669 new Covid cases admitted to hospital representing a substantial rise compared to the 464 weekly average of the previous four weeks and triple the equivalent figure for last year.

Warnings came after Greek health officials recorded a sudden 44 per cent rise in cases of the virus as hospitals in Athens have started reintroducing masks

This chart. from Greek health officials, shows the number of Covid admissions to hospital recorded over the previous weeks (blue bars) and also compared to last year (dotted line)

In total, 26 deaths from the virus were also recorded in the Mediterranean nation, a significant rise compared to the 17 recorded over the previous four weeks.

This prompted health officials to warn people more vulnerable to infections like Covid, such as the elderly, should take precautions and an eye out for symptoms so they can seek medical aid as quickly as possible.

Healthy adults with potential Covid symptoms were also advised to avoid contact with these groups to limit the risk of them becoming ill.

It comes as some hospitals in cities like Athens have started reintroducing anti-Covid measures like mask wearing, and both restrictions and mandatory testing for visitors.

Metaxa Oncology Hospital in Piraeus, located in the port area of Athens, is one such hospital and brought in restrictions last week due to concerns of rising cases.

President of Athens and Piraeus Hospital Doctors' Association Matina Pagoni told the Greek television network MEGA: 'Its summer, were going on vacation, we never said the coronavirus was gone.'

She continued 'The truth is that this year, compared to last year, the cases have nothing to do with it. There are too many, there are many hospitalisations and also deaths. 21-22 deaths are too many.'

Greek health officials have also reported a rise in Covid detections in wastewater sampling in 'seven out of 10' areas checked in the country.

Medics in the country have also said they expect the current outbreak of Covid to last until July.

In response to the rise in Greek cases, Bulgaria, which shares a border issued a warning to tourists potentially heading to country.

Its foreign ministry said: 'In this regard and considering the large number of Bulgarian citizens visiting the country during the summer period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends strict compliance with preventive and hygienic measures in the context of the spread of the disease.'

Dr Mariyam Malik, an NHS and private GP at Pall Mall Medical, told The Independent that Covid was now more easily able to spread in a post-lockdown world.

'Increased travel and big events such as festivals often result in crowded settings where the virus can spread more easily, and there are no longer any legal restrictions like wearing masks or social distancing,' she said.

She added that the FLiRT variants, named so due to the acronyms given to their mutations, can potentially dodge immunity from prior infection from older Covid strains and vaccines due to the differences.

'New variants come about because the virus naturally changes over time,' she said.

The Greek health report only covers known cases of the virus where people have been admitted to hospital which means community transmission is likely to be higher.

It comes after the World Health Organization earlier this month warned that Covid hasn't gone away and was still killing an average of 1,700 people each week globally.

The global health body also warned that Covid vaccine uptake was declining amongst vulnerable groups like the elderly, as well as the healthcare workers who cared for them.
Safety barriers are not likely to be rolled out at all of Sydney's train stations in the wake of a tragedy that saw a pram carrying two little girls roll onto the tracks.

Sydney commuters have called for greater safety on platforms after the pram carrying two-year-old twins felll onto the tracks at Carlton station on Sunday.

The girls' father Anand Runwal, 40, leapt down from the platform and bravely attempted to save them, but a passing train struck and killed him and one of his daughters Hilal.

Mr Runwal's wife, Poonam, watched on in horror and was screaming for her husband and children.

A woman had to hold Ms Runwal back as emergency responders jumped onto the tracks to try to locate her family.

Miraculously, Hilal's twin sister Hiya was pulled from underneath the train and escaped the accident 'with hardly a scratch on her'.

Authorities are yet to determine what may have caused the pram to roll away.

Three days on, Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland has conceded that the installation of guard rails across the whole network would be a massive challenge.

Anand Runwal, 40 (pictured right) leapt down from the platform and bravely attempted to save his two little girls Hilal and Hiya, but a passing train struck and killed him and Hilal

He said the size of the Sydney rail network, which consists of 500 platforms and various types of trains, pose significant logistical and structural issues.

The [train] doors are spaced at different intervals. So for a platform screen door to operate effectively, it needs to line up exactly with the train doors as they stop at the platform,' Mr Longland told 7 News.

'And the signalling system needs to ensure that the train can stop at that exact point on the platform'.

The guard rails commuters are calling for are glass barricades that separate a platform from the train tracks and are commonly used in metro stations across world.

The barricades were installed at eight recently opened Metro stations including Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street, Central, Waterloo and Sydenham.

The barricades also already exist at stations on the Sydney Metro Northwest line between Tallawong and Chatswood.

'The key for platform screen doors is having a consistent fleet operating and really designing those platform screen doors in with the operation, as we've seen with the new Sydney Metro network,' Mr Longland said.

He said several safety measures are already being rolled out across the network, including a platform gap filler.

The rubber strip is inserted onto platforms to fill the space between the platform and the train and stops belongings and commuters from falling between the gap.

Authorities are yet to determine what may have caused the pram to roll over with police still investigating the incident (pictured are poliice at the station)

Hilal (left) and Hiya (right) Runwal

Mr Longland said the gap filler had been rolled out across 19 stations and said more safety measures would be implemented when police conclude their investigations.

'We'll obviously consider all of the recommendations to ensure we're managing safety right across the network,' he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said that he would not commit to installing the guard rails until he is briefed on how they will be set up.

Earlier on Wednesday, Principal owner and consultant at Railway Safety 101 Michael Maartensz told Daily Mail Australia the horrible accident was caused by a 'tragic set of circumstances'.

Mr Maartensz said it seemed the pram was briefly left unattended, and a gust of wind, coupled with the platform sloping, pushed it onto the tracks.

He said passenger or platform screen doors would have prevented the accident.

'They're designed to prevent people from accidentally getting too close to moving trains on railway stations,' Mr Maartensz said.

'In this instance, the pram would have just bumped into the passenger screen door and stopped. That's the ultimate solution'.

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.

NSW Police are investigating what caused the pram to roll over and believe a simple 'gust of wind' could have caused the accident.

Passengers have suggested that glass barricades, which have been installed at new metro stations in Sydney, should also be set up across train station platforms

NSW Police are investigating what caused the pram to roll and believe a simple 'gust of wind' could have caused the accident (pictured floral tributes placed at Carlton Station in Sydney)

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 Maartensz said the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator would also launch an independent investigation into the deaths at Carlton Station.

Mr Maartensz said the investigations will determine the root cause of the incident and will make key recommendations for the industry on how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

'It's a serious incident that has caused deaths, there's no doubt that it'll be taken serious by the operators and the industry,' Mr Maartensz said.

Sydney Trains advises passengers to stand behind the yellow line at platforms and wait until the train has come to a complete stop before boarding the train.

Passengers are also urged to mind the gap before getting on or off the train.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the safety of passengers and staff remains the top priority of transport officials.

'We are cooperating with the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) investigation into the deeply tragic incident that occurred at Carlton over the weekend,' the spokeswoman said.

'[We] will look at any recommendations that are made as a result of this investigation'.
Michelle Obama was the Democratic candidate Republicans dreaded most as Donald Trump's opponent in November's election, a long-time GOP operative has sensationally claimed.

But instead, they made a huge mistake crowning Vice President Kamala Harris for the job, Justin Evans told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.

And that decision means the party has forfeited the election which will now be an easy victory for Trump, he said.

We are confident we could have beaten Michelle as well, added Evans, 40. But she would have been easily the most competitive.

A long-time Republican operative revealed that after Biden stepped aside, the only replacement that Trump's campaign feared was former First Lady Michelle Obama

The Trump operative rejoiced at Kamala's coronation, as it means his campaign doesn't 'even need to rewrite the playbook' from it's attacks on Biden

Kamala is a very weak candidate who is closely tied to the White House and Biden agenda, said Evans, a longtime GOP operative who worked as a director of special projects for his 2024 presidential run and remains an advisor to the campaign.

We dont even need to rewrite the playbook which we wouldve needed to do with someone outside of the direct White House circles like Michelle.

Evans was speaking as the GOP gets used to the almost certain fact that Harris, 59, will carry the Democratic flag into Novembers election.

Just three days after Joe Biden, 81, announced he would not run for a second term she has already picked up enough delegates to ensure she is on the ballot.

But Evans says that is nothing but good news for the campaign to make Trump, 78, only the second president in history to win back the White House after losing at the polls.

Kamala doesnt change the scenario in any significant way as other new candidates would have, he said.

We viewed Biden as dead in the water and think she is as well.

Kamala Harris cruised to the presumptive nomination within days of Biden dropping out of the race, but a Trump insider said she is seen as a 'weak candidate' they can easily beat

Kamala's affair with then-Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown when she was less than half his age could become a sticking point for her campaign, Evans said

He pointed out that Harris has a long track record going back 20 years and since then she has held continuous public office, first as district attorney for San Francisco, then California attorney general, US senator and vice-president.

Its a record thats filled with a lot of weaknesses, said Evans, 40.

Theres a lot of information already available about her, including videos, going back decades.

She was a disaster as the border czar, which is going to be a huge issue, and so is the fact that she clearly has been hiding the situation about Bidens mental frailty, and thats damaging.

She also already ran for president once and her campaign was a complete failure, she didnt win a single delegate and dropped out before a vote was cast.

Another issue that will hurt Harris, he said, was her affair with the then-Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown that started when he was 60 and she was just 29.

Republicans will bring that up whenever they can, he believes.

Justin Evans, a former special projects director for Trumps 2024 campaign, revealed all in an exclusive DailyMail.com interview

He said he suspected Trumps Truth Social post in which he wrote about her absolutely terrible pole numbers was no typo.

Instead, it was more likely part of what will be a concerted effort that will hark back to Harriss romantic history that also included a fling with former talk show host Montel Williams.

There are no accidents,' Evans said.

Kamala has already been exposed on the issue so its an easy one to use.

Harris has an obvious advantage with voters of color, but even that may not help her as much as expected because 'no ones going to buy her evolution from being a hardline prosecutor who locked up minor drug offenders, including young African-Americans who are still in prison, to a criminal justice reformer with a strain of weed named after her', Evans said.

'Her past record on drugs and crime is something thats going to cost her votes with Democrats and especially African-Americans. That will hurt her and its something our side will hit on.

She desperately needs high turnout from the African-American community and thats not going to happen.

Another huge issue is the border, he added. We need to keep Republican voters not only engaged but engaged enough to stay motivated to vote  they cant be apathetic.

Evans added that Trump's campaign will be sure to hammer Kamala on her 'Border Czar' role under Joe Biden, feeling the border crisis will be a 'major issue that will drive turnout'

Its going to be a major issue that will drive turnout for us.

Shes not a great politician, so all President Trump has to do is let her talk.

Shes the candidate, but she has no mandate from the voters, South Carolina-based Evans pointed out.

'Shes widely disliked, shes similar politically to Biden but her policies are more extreme, which is good for us.

As a substitute for Biden its pretty much a wash. Shes going to be easy to beat, he predicted. By picking Kamala, the Democrats have forfeited the race.

The state of the race basically hasnt changed at all with Bidens withdrawal and her becoming the nominee.

Evans said that after last weekends failed assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the former presidents shocked supporters were more determined than ever to cast their ballots for him in November. And he wont lose 'soft' GOP voters to Harris that might have defected to another candidate.

Well pick up disaffected Democrats who are upset about the process that led to her becoming the nominee and Democrats who are angry about having been lied to about Biden.

Well also get more voter participation, which is extremely important because apathy is our enemy.

With Kamala now needing to quickly find a running mate, insiders fear she may struggle to enlist popular candidates such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer who won't want to risk being associated with failure

The GOP insider concluded that he believes Kamala will pick Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly, mainly because he 'doesn't have 2028 presidential ambitions'

Evans also said that Harris could have difficulty selecting a running mate because those with serious aspirations to become Commander-in-Chief in 2028 and beyond wont want to be associated with failure.

How is she going to convince Shapiro or Newsom or Whitmer to be her running mate in whats likely to be a losing campaign? he asked about the governors of Pennsylvania, California and Michigan.

It would be better for them to sit back and run for president in 2028 without having hurt their future chances by playing second fiddle to her and losing.'

He said he believes she will pick Arizonas US Senator Mark Kelly, the former astronaut, whose wife then-Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot and seriously injured in an assassination attempt in 2012.

Hes from a swing state so thats a positive and he wouldnt have to give up his Senate seat if Kamala loses  and he doesnt have 2028 presidential ambitions.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Supreme Committee of the United Nations Framework for Sustainable Development on Tuesday hleld a meeting devoted to the achievements made in 2023 and the evaluation of the percentage of completion of the projects of the United Nations Agencies in Libya
BBC News presenter Karin Giannone has returned to the screen more than a year after she and three female colleagues launched legal action against the corporation when they were controversially pulled off air.

The journalist, 50, is suing the broadcaster at an employment tribunal alongside co-stars Martine Croxall, 55, Kasia Madera, 48, and Annita McVeigh, 55, after they lost their roles in what they claim was a 'rigged' recruitment exercise.

The group accuse the BBC of age and sex discrimination over how it handled the recruitment process for chief presenter roles, after they had to re-apply for their jobs on the BBC News channel.

The chief presenter positions were part of a selection process after the corporation combined its domestic and World News operations.

The women said they were pulled off air last year after missing out on the top jobs.

They declined redunancy and claim they were left without job titles, in a move that sidelined them while they were still receiving full pay.

But Ms Giannone, who joined the corporation in 2005, returned to the screen this week - the last of the group to do so - much to the celebration of her co-stars and viewers alike.

Sharing a clip of her friend presenting on X/formerly Twitter, Ms Croxall wrote on Wednesday: 'Back on air and bossing it'.

BBC presenter Karin Giannone returned to the screen this week after more than a year out

Senior BBC presenter Martine Croxall hailed Ms Giannone's return to the screen, saying she was 'bossing it'

Ms Giannone wore a high-necked short-sleeved dress as she presented the mid-morning news coverage.

Her return to work comes after she took time off to recover from major knee surgery.

She revealed in April how she would be off air for months after undergoing a knee osteotomy, which helps to alleviate arthritis.

At the time, she shared a photo of herself from her hospital bed on X, writing: 'I'm out of action for a couple of months after a knee osteotomy surgery, but very much looking forward to being back on air on @BBCNews when I am up and running again!'.

Karin Giannone shared the snap from her hospital bed and said she would be off air for months after undergoing major knee surgery

Karin shared how she had undergone knee osteotomy, which helps alleviate arthritis

The keen runner has previously shared updates from her races with her online followers

Earlier this month, the keen runner and married mother-of-three shared a photo of herself perched on a crutch while standing in front of broadcasting house, in Portland place, central London, alongside the caption: 'Good to be back'.

Ms Giannone returned to work earlier this month before her reappearance on our screens

Her co-stars and viewers were delighted with her return to work and praised her on social media

Her female co-stars were elated at the news, with Ms Madera writing on X 'Fabulous to see my friend and colleague back at BBC News.'

Meanwhile, Ms McWeigh added: '...so good to see my friend and colleague back!'

(Left to right) Annita McVeigh, Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone and Kasia Madera arriving at the Central London Employment Tribunal in May

In May, the women suffered a partial defeat in their legal case after a judge threw out the equal pay element of their case, in which they complained they had not been paid equally with their male counterparts since February 2020.

But the majority of the claims made by the women will be included in a full three-week tribunal set to kick off next March, during which they are all expected to give evidence.

The BBC maintains the application process was rigorous and fair and it is understood its position is that it complied with equal pay legislation.

The corporation is also thought to be confident that it applied a rigorous and fair recruitment process and that all managers conducted that process properly.
Britain remains rife with knife crime and the epidemic of violence continues to plague the country, figures released today showed.

There has been a 'notable increase' in armed robberies involving knives over the last year, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found.

Knife crime offences also increased year-on-year but remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Some 50,510 offences were recorded in the 12 months to March 2024. Attacks disproportionately affected young people, with teenagers in the UK now twice as likely to be fatally stabbed as they were 10 years ago.

Official statistics suggest knife crime has risen by 4 per cent in the last 12 months, but remains three per cent lower than the 51,982 offences reported in the year to March 2020.

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The number of armed robberies rose to 21,226 in the last year (Source: ONS)

Ronan Kanda, pictured, was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, in 2022, as he walked home from a friend's house

Ronan was walking to a friend's house in Wolverhampton when he was attacked from behind on June 29, 2022

The number of armed robberies rose by 13 per cent in the last year, from 18,787 in 2022/23 to 21,226 in 2023/24. Although the total is still lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic, with 22,727 recorded in 2019/20.

These figures do not include Greater Manchester Police, due to issues involving the supply of data.

Knife-enabled homicides stood at 233 in the year to March 2024, up slightly on the 226 in the previous year, but again lower than pre-pandemic figures (253 in 2019/20).

Some 5,411 offences classed as knife-enabled threats to kill were recorded in 2023/24, down seven per cent from 5,801 in 2022/23, but in both cases these figures are higher than those recorded before the pandemic (4,746 in 2019/20).

The number of offences classed as 'possession of article with a blade or point' stood at 27,470 in the 12 months to March 2024, down three per cent year-on-year from 28,391.

'This follows substantial increases in recent years, which may have been influenced by targeted police action to tackle knife crime,' the ONS said.

Labour has vowed to get 13,000 police officers back on the streets and previously announced a five-step plan to tackle the issue, including guaranteed sanctions for young people carrying knives.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would make it his 'moral mission' to tackle the issue at a meeting with victims' families and actor and anti-knife campaigner Idris Elba.

Pastor Lorraine Jones told Sir Keir, and actor and Elba, at a meeting in Hammersmith, west London, last month, that she saw her son, Dwayne Simpson, killed with 'one jab wound' that 'went straight through his heart'.

She said she had continued to live in Brixton, south London, since her son was killed ten years ago, because it is 'like a battlefield I can't retreat from'.

Knife crime offences also increased year-on-year but remained below pre-pandemic levels

She said: 'We want to be around the table with you, because we do have the answers right now. We've got patrols, Idris, volunteers that are patrolling before school and after school, because we haven't got enough police officers.

'We haven't got enough people in the community, we are desperate. And the most brutal thing is we're saying it's becoming the norm.

'We don't want it to become the norm.

'It's not normal for us to be burying our children, or five-year-olds seeing dead bodies and shrines in our neighbourhood.'

Pooja Kanda, whose son Ronan was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, in 2022, as he walked home from a friend's house, said that if a ban on zombie knives had been introduced after Dwayne's death, it could have saved her son.

'If there was a ban two years ago my son would be living,' Ms Kanda said.

Mr Elba said in an Instagram video later that it was a 'very important' meeting families of victims and campaign organisations to discuss 'what we need to do as a country to fight this'.

He said it was a non-political issue.

Sir Keir said it was 'difficult to hear' stories from the knife crime campaigners.

He added: 'And it should be difficult to hear, and it's very important that it is heard from beginning to end.'

Police-recorded offences of possession of an article with a blade or point were 18 per cent higher in 2023/24 than in the pre-pandemic year of 2019/20 (23,265), and nearly double the figure for 2016/17 (14,450).

Of the 50,510 knife crime offences in England and Wales in 2023/24, 30 per cent (14,961) were recorded by the Metropolitan Police, 10 per cent (5,268) by West Midlands Police and five per cent (2,321) by West Yorkshire Police.

But when looking at the number of offences per population, West Midlands Police had the highest rate, with 178 per 100,000 people, followed by the Metropolitan Police (169 per 100,000), then Cleveland Police (137 per 100,000) and South Yorkshire Police (109 per 100,000).
Civil Service chief Sir Simon Case has been told to quit at the end of the year for the sake of his health, it was reported today.

Sir Simon, 45, who has been in the most senior role since 2020, took a period of medical leave late last year before returning to work while using a stick.

Politico today reported that the former private secretary to the Prince of Wales has been urged to make a permanent departure owing to a neurological condition.

The website suggested an announcement and search for a successor would be unveiled in the new year.

No10 remained tight-lipped when asked about the situation this afternoon, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman telling reporters: 'The Cabinet Secretary continues to carry out the full functions of his role with the confidence of the PM.'

Sir Simon, 45, who has been in the most senior role since 2020, took a period of medical leave late last year before returning to work while using a stick.

Last month it was suggested Sir Simon (fourth from left at a Cabinet meeting last week) could quit in January after overseeing the transition to a Labour government.

Last month it was suggested Sir Simon could quit in January after overseeing the transition to a Labour government.

According to the Sunday Times, Sir Oliver 'Olly' Robbins - who drafted Theresa May's disastrous Brexit deal - has been lined up as a potential replacement.

His spell in charge of Whitehall has been dogged by his role in the the Partygate scandal.

Sir Simon has been the UK's most senior official since September 2020, when he replaced Sir Mark Sedwill as Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service.

The former GCHQ boss returned to work at the beginning of this year after taking leave due to a 'private medical matter'.

This meant he missed a scheduled appearance in front of the Covid Inquiry, although he belatedly gave evidence to the pandemic probe in May.

At the hearing he was questioned at the Covid Inquiry over WhatsApp messages showing his exasperation with the government.

The Cabinet Secretary admitted that messages describing Mr Johnson and his inner circle as 'basically feral' now 'required apologies'.

While he expressed regret at the way he phrased criticism in his messages, he nonetheless stood by his criticism of the 'difficult atmosphere' inside Number 10.

He also stood by a message he'd sent claiming it was difficult to get 'good people' working at Downing Street because it was a 'rat's nest'.

He told the inquiry: 'I mean, we did get very good people to come into the Covid taskforce, but... that ended up being quite a separate entity with its own sort of cultural ways of working from the rest of Number 10.'

Any return for Sir Oliver to a senior Whitehall job would likely anger Tory Brexiteers due to his past role as the architect of Mrs May's Brexit deal.

The former PM's agreement, negotiated by Sir Oliver with the EU, was rejected three times by the House of Commons before her downfall as PM.

Sir Oliver is currently working at Hakluyt, a Mayfair-based strategic advisory firm, having previously worked for Goldman Sachs after leaving the civil service in 2019.
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet with the EU's top official within weeks as he seeks a 'reset' of Britain's post-Brexit relationship with Brussels.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen missed two recent opportunities to hold talks with the Prime Minister following his general election win.

She skipped both the NATO summit in Washington DC and the European Political Community gathering at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, earlier this month.

This was due to Ms von der Leyen focusing on her successful bid to win a second five-year term as Brussels' most senior bureaucrat.

According to the Financial Times, the German politician's team are now working on arranging a meeting with Sir Keir in late August or early September.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen missed two recent opportunities to hold talks with the Prime Minister following his general election win

Since entering No10, Sir Keir Starmer has promised a 'reset' of Britain's ties with the EU, to rewite the UK's 'botched' Brexit trade deal, and to strike a new UK-EU security pact.

Since entering No10, the PM has promised a 'reset' of Britain's ties with the EU, to rewite the UK's 'botched' Brexit trade deal, and to strike a new UK-EU security pact.

Speaking at the opening of last week's EPC summit, Sir Keir told European leaders: 'I'm not driven by ideology  but by what is best for my country.

'So we will strengthen our existing relationships and we will build new ones. This includes resetting our relationship with the EU.

'Because I believe that the UK and the EU, working together as sovereign partners, are a powerful force for good across our continent.'

An EU official told the newspaper that Brussels was in 'listening mode' as the Labour PM seeks altered trade terms with the bloc.

But Sir Keir was warned there was a 'limit' on what he could achieve due to his insistence the UK would not rejoin the EU's single market or customs union.

'The UK has red lines that limit what can be done,' another EU official said.

'But there is goodwill on both sides. The president worked well with the previous government and wants to continue with the new government.'

Asked about plans for an upcoming meeting between Sir Keir and Ms von der Leyen, the PM's official spokesman told reporters: 'We'll update on leader meetings in the usual way. I haven't got anything to update you on on this occasion.'
Four children forcibly taken into care by police in a harrowing incident which triggered hours of rioting in Leeds last week were seized after a tip-off that they were being taken abroad, it emerged today.

The quartet, all from a Roma family originally from Romania and aged between eight and 14, were yesterday released back to the care of their extended family after a judge said she wanted to 'take the temperature down', the Mirror reported.

But relatives were asked not to take to the streets to celebrate and to keep 'calm' for the sake of the children.

An angry crowd built up in the street outside the street in in the Harehills area of Leeds last Thursday before a patrol car was overturned, with squads of riot police sent in to maintain order.

But they were forced to withdraw after being pelted with missiles, leading to hours of disorder involving an estimated 2,000 people during which a double decker bus was torched.

Large crowds of people gathered in the Harehills area of Leeds on Thursday night, where thugs overturned and smashed up a police car with scooters, prams and bikes

The scene around the Harehills area of Leeds where vehicles were set on fire on July 18

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)

A double decker bus was left a twisted and smouldering wreck after it was set alight on Thursday last week

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the disorder as 'shocking and disgraceful', while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper insisted police would have her full backing to take swift and decisive action against the rioters.

The following day members of the Roma community complained of being 'persecuted' by the British authorities, while the father of the siblings wept in the street shouting 'I want my children back!'

Supporters of the family told Mail Online how social services became involved in April after a baby suffered a head injury, apparently after being dropped by an older child.

A family court hearing yesterday was reportedly told that the four children  who had been staying with relatives  were taken into care last Thursday because of a tip-off that they were going to be taken to Romania or Cyprus.

Given the children are all foreign nationals without settled status in the UK, it could be hard for them to return to Britain should they have left, the court heard.

Furthermore, it would be unlawful for them to leave the UK without permission of either the local authority or the court as all were subject to Family Court orders.

But the court was told that the children had been 'extremely upset' and had not settled in foster care, with a danger they could be split up if an approved placement could not be found, the Mirror reported.

A man throws an item onto a fire during unrest in Harehills, Leeds, on July 18

Disorder broke out in Harehills, Leeds, as thugs set multiple fires during a riot on Thursday

Police at the scene in Harehills on Thursday when multiple fires were set and a police car was overturned

Relatives listened to proceedings via an interpreter, with the children's mother tapping her heart after hearing they could go back to live with their uncle.

Afterwards the mother told the BBC: 'I'm glad the children are back with the family.'

The hearing was told there had been threats of 'further civil disorder' following the riots and that the parents had spoken of going on a hunger strike.

According to the Mirror, Judge Helen Trotter-Jackson told the hearing: 'I think it is important that everyone focuses on the children's welfare and taking the temperature down in this case.

'This court will simply not take threats like that into account because our paramount concern is for the welfare of these children and it seems to me if those statements were made they were not helpful.

'It's really in the children's best interest, we have to be calm going forward.'

Iain Hutchinson, representing Leeds City Council, reportedly agreed the children should be returned to a 'family placement'.

According to the Mirror he asked that there be 'no public celebration on the streets or any sort of reaction which may pose interest to the wider community'.

It reported that social services became involved in April after a baby belonging to the parents' older daughter suffered an unexplained skull fracture.

None of the baby's 'caregivers' could give an account of how the injury had been caused, according to a summary of the case read to the hearing.

Firefighters douse a fire, set in the a road in the Harehills area of Leeds on Thursday night

Police tape cordons off the remains of a burnt out bus after civil disturbance on July 19

Police officers standing by a still smoking bus on Friday after the night of violence in Harehills

A JCB clearing the remains of a burnt out bus, which was cordoned off by police in Harehills on July 19

Local people watch the clean up as police patrol Harehills neighbourhood on July 19

Police patrolled Harehills on Friday as locals continued to take to the streets and clean up in the aftermath of the riots

According to the Mirror, the summary stated: 'Medical opinion is that it is likely that the injury was caused by blunt force trauma or a fall from height, rendering the family's explanation implausible.'

The baby's parents and grandparents were all reportedly arrested and later released on bail while all the children were sent to live with an older sibling.

However the family later claimed another child had admitted dropping the baby for pulling her hair, the Mirror reported.

The court reportedly heard that the children's passports were handed over on Thursday afternoon but there were concerns over other travel documents.

Another hearing is expected to take place next month.

In an update yesterday on their investigation following last week's riots, West Yorkshire Police said they had made 20 arrests and identified 40 suspects.

Iustin Dobre, aged 37, of Harehills, Leeds, appeared before magistrates in the city yesterday charged with violent disorder and arson being reckless as to endanger life.

He is accused of setting a bus on fire by standing next to it with a lighter during the disorder.

Dobre, a Romanian national, was remanded in custody to appear in court again next month.
A baby-faced couple who used an online chat site to facilitate sexual offences against children have been jailed.

Nick Barrett, 23, and Summer Andrew, 23, wept in the dock as they were jailed for a combined total of 15 years.

Officers from the Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) launched an investigation in December 2021 following intelligence about Andrew and Barrett engaging in sexual activity involving children online.

Further enquiries revealed that the pair had filmed themselves having sex in exchange for watching live footage of a four-year-old child being abused.

The couple were jailed for a total of 15 years after it was revealed they used an online chat site to facilitate sexual offences against children

Andrew, of Clacton, was charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence

The couple were arrested and charged on June 29, 2022.

Barrett, of Harwich, was charged with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Andrew, of Clacton, was charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence.

Barrett pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to 12 years, to serve at least 7 years in prison.

During the trial, Barrett was described as lacking 'insight into your sexual preoccupation' and of presenting 'a real risk of sexual harm to children in the future'.

'Both defendants were effectively trading and livestreaming their sexual activity in return for a child being abused,' prosecutor Nicola May said.

'The stranger was being aroused by what was being shown. Sexual activity was being encouraged.'

Andrew pleaded not guilty but following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, was found guilty on 11 April 2024.

She was sentenced to three years in prison. Both were issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite NRO (Notification Requirement Order).

Judge Morgan told Andrew that he was certain that she 'knew that you were going to engage in sexual activity' and that he was sure that she would have been able to see and did see the screen which displayed a child being sexually abused.

'This offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified,' the Judge told her.

'It may have been that none of the videos and contact was done on your phone but the difficulty that I face is that if on your release you become involved in the same type of relationship as with Barrett.'

Barrett, of Harwich, was charged with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. He pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to 12 years to serve at least 7 years in prison.

Andrew, of Clacton, was charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence. She pleaded not guilty but was found guilty following a trial and has been sentenced to three years in prison

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Nicola Hadfield said: 'The tireless work of our officers has managed to safeguard other children from coming to harm in the hands of Barrett and Andrew.

'The two will now be registered sex offenders, meaning that they will have indefinite notification requirements and every interaction with any children in the future will be monitored.

'These offences took place on the former online chat room site Omegle, which would allow users to video chat with randomly selected users.

'Omegle shut down after 14 years in November 2023 following multiple investigations into child abuse being attributed to the site.

'It's a positive move forward to see a large online platform taking accountability for offences which may take place on their site.'

Essex Police's POLIT team were recently confirmed to be top in the country for securing charges in relation to online child abuse investigations.
A brutal beating caught on camera by horrified holidaymakers on a beach in Tenerife involved two men who live in local caves and 'have problems of co-existence', police have revealed.

Dramatic video shows how the attacker, said to be a Dutch man in his 30s, chased the topless man down to the shoreline, with the victim seen stumbling backwards over rocks as he tried to defend himself.

The assailant reportedly used an aluminium pole to hit the man, believed to be an Austrian aged 48, who sustained slashes on his back from the instrument's sharp edges.

'If he had taken an iron bar or a wooden stick, he would have been killed,' one witness told Spanish media, with pictures showing the cuts the man suffered.

The violent scenes unfolded on the Los Abrigos beach on the south coast of the holiday island in front of shocked families, with parents seen herding their children away from the chaos.

Holidaymakers were left stunned as the man launched a relentless attack on the alleged thief, brutally beating him with a stick

Video footage shows the attacker chasing the topless man to the shoreline and into the sea

A picture circulating online shows the victim's back covered in slashes after the attack

The victim, who was just wearing swimming trunks at the time, had been lying down sunbathing and was completely unaware of what was about to happen when the attack on him was launched, according to Spanish news site El Debate.

Police intervened and arrested the perpetrator, who reportedly claimed he was taking the law into his own hands.

Initial reports pointed to the incident being sparked by an alleged pickpocket trying to steal a tourist's wallet.

But a well-placed police source said: 'The two people involved have no fixed abode, live in caves and have problems of co-existence.'

Another insider close to the investigation added: 'Neither man, the victim of the beating or the aggressor, is a tourist.

'One is from Austria and the other is from the Netherlands. They are of no fixed abode and live in caves.'

Police have yet to officially confirm the nationality of the detainee but he is thought to be the Dutch national rather than the Austrian man.

While footage circulating online does not show what happened before the attacker set upon the other man, he can be heard yelling angrily at him before hitting him with full force with the stick.

His victim is seen falling to the floor and rolling backwards over the rocks as he tries to escape.

But the attacker continues without mercy, repeatedly hitting him as he runs after him all the way to the sea.

Parents are seen dragging their children away as the violent fight unfolds in front of them

In a desperate bid to avoid the blows, the man goes several metres out into the water.

The assailant is undeterred and wades out, even though he is fully clothed.

He continues to batter him, even hitting him on the head, likely inflicting severe injuries.

Children are seen paddling in the sea when the attack begins, before being dragged away by their parents who had been trying to enjoy a day at the beach.

The video went viral online, and a Facebook group has shared images of the victim's injuries.

Slashes are seen on the man's back where he has been hit, and it appears he was assisted by lifeguards, who are heard whistling at the end of the video.

Witnesses confirmed the attack was sparked by the victim's attempt to steal the attacker's wallet, Canarian Weekly reports, however, the exact cause of the attack is not clear.

The man responsible was handcuffed and taken to court, according to reports. He is said to be undergoing psychiatric assessment by the court's forensic doctor.
This is the moment a woman tried to rope off a public beach outside her stunning California home while hurling abuse at a shocked family.

Astonished onlookers shared a clip of the woman's tantrum at tourists outside her $6million property on TikTok last week.

The woman screams at them to 'get outta here! now!' while they back away as she unrolls white string to separate her property from Laguna Beach, near LA.

They brand her 'Karen of the week' as they retreat away from the ritzy oceanside home.

Under California law, the state owns the beach waterward of the mean high tide line, meaning the public can use all areas between this point and the sea.

The moment a bellowing Karen tried to rope off areas of a public beach outside her stunning California home while hurling abuse at a shocked family has been caught on camera

Astonished onlookers shared a clip of the middle-aged woman's tantrum leveled at tourists outside her $6 million property on TikTok last week. (Pictured: the location from above)

The video starts with the homeowner shouting 'there goes the fence!' as she bundles out of her home equipped with a spool of white string.

She throws the spool toward the sand, shouting at the tourists to leave. 'I can say whatever I want to, so get f***ing moving,' she screams.

'I'm not joking around. It's not harassment on the beach, it's harassment in my home property.'

'This is not an Instagram moment-place,' she adds while sectioning off her part of the beach.

'You're in my property, get moving now. Now you're in my property line. Move it.'

'Ma'am, we're f***ing walking,' one woman can be heard retorting, as the homeowner replies: 'Pretty f***ing slow'

The rhetoric escalates as the tourist hits back, saying: 'Jesus christ... shut the f*** up!' before branding her 'Karen of the week.'

The woman screams at a family to 'get outta here! NOW!' while they slowly back away while filming as she unrolls a spool of white string to separate her property from the public stretch of Laguna Beach, around 50 miles south of Los Angeles
A Florida Congressman has slammed his Tennessee Republican counterpart for calling Kamala Harris a 'DEI hire' - saying he might as well have used the N-word.

Maxwell Frost, 27, erupted in fury after Representative Tim Burchett insisting on CNN that the vice president was not the Democratic candidate based on merit.

'They want to call her a DEI president, or a DEI candidate. She has more experience than Trump and J.D. Vance combined, times a million, right?' he told CNN's Jim Acosta Tuesday.

'She worked at the state level, she was the attorney general, she was vice president, she was a senator representing one of the largest states in the entire country.

'And so these are just racist dog whistles. Whenever you hear DEI, I want you to think about the N-word. I want you to think about racial slurs. That's what they actually mean,' he concluded.

Gen-Z Democrat, Maxwell Frost, 27, had a strong reaction to Rep. Tim Burchett insisting Kamala Harris was a 'DEI hire.' He said: 'And so these are just racist dog whistles. Whenever you hear DEI, I want you to think about the N-word. I want you to think about racial slurs'

Burchett insisted Biden 'just skipped over' white female co-candidate options before calling Harris, 59, mediocre.

'What about any other group? Just when you go down that route, you take mediocrity.

'And that's what they have right now as a vice president,' the Tennessee Republican told the outlet. '100 percent. She was a DEI hire.'

'Her record is abysmal at best,' the 59-year-old politician, who is up for reelection in Tennessee's 2nd District, said.

He also the Secret Service director, who has since stepped down following the attempted assassination of Trump, a 'DEI horror show.'

'Ma'am, you are a DEI horror story,' Burchett told Kimberly Cheatle during a Capitol Hill hearing on Monday.

Marjorie Taylor Green, of Georgia, also recently made comments regarding Harris' gender and skin color.

She said: 'She wasn't chosen because she was truly highly ranked amongst Democratic voters throughout the country. She was chosen for a reason.

Burchett, of Tennessee, said Harris was '100 percent' a 'DEI hire,' and insisted Biden 'just skipped over' white female co-candidate options before calling Harris, 59, mediocre

'And it seems to be that her, unfortunately, her gender and maybe her skin color was part of that,' she told Fox News Digital.

Frost said the Republican wing would going to a 'racist' and 'misogynistic' route to discredit Harris, who is set to become the 2024 Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

But the Gen-Z politician isn't worried too much, as he says he knows Harris is 'qualified' for the role and continued to defend her.

He responded to a tweet that accused several minority government employees - including Harris, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Frost himself - of all being DEI hires.

'Just say you hate Black people. Takes less typing,' Frost responded to the list that named more than 11 government employees.

Frost said the Republican wing would going to a 'racist' and 'misogynistic' route to discredit Harris, who is set to become the 2024 Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race (pictured: Frost, Harris, and Biden at the White House in 2023)

A Fox Business guest made a shocking sex slur about Harris on July 21, calling her the 'original Hawk Tuah girl.'

'Kamala Harris, she is the original Hawk Tuah girl - that's the way she got where she is, and the party is going downhill if it's in her hands,' Podcaster Alec Lace said.

The provocative right-winger was comparing the Democrat to Hailey Welch, who shot to viral fame after she described spitting as part of a sexual act during an on-street interview.

Lace's inflammatory comment prompted Fox host Dagen McDowell to reply with, 'That was harsh.'

Lace then took to X to address his words about the VP, writing: 'Did I go too far on FOX News calling -Kamala Harris the OG Hawk Tuah girl or am I right over the target?'

As Harris embarks on her own presidential campaign, Republican presidential candidate Trump has already attacked her over her romance with former San Francisco mayor and notorious playboy, Willie Brown, 90, who is 31 years Harris's senior and dated her in the 1990s.

He responded to a tweet that accused several minority government employees - including Harris, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Frost himself - of all being DEI hires. 'Just say you hate Black people.' he wrote

In his July 4th message, Trump wrote: 'Respects to our potentially new Democrat Challenger, Laffin' Kamala Harris.

'She did poorly in the Democrat Nominating process, starting out at Number Two, and ending up defeated and dropping out, even before getting to Iowa, but that doesn't mean she's not a 'highly talented' politician. Just ask her Mentor, the Great Willie Brown of San Francisco.'

Throughout her career, the vice president has been repeatedly forced to deny that her relationship with Brown was the defining step in her political career.

The fling fizzled decades ago, but in the years since, Harris has struggled to shirk her association with Brown, whom she later described as 'an albatross hanging around my neck.'
An adminstrator has been awarded almost 20,000 in compensation after she was excluded from the office Christmas party because she was pregnant.

Lorraine Powell was deliberately left out of her works Christmas bash just weeks after telling bosses she was expecting, a tribunal heard.

Miss Powell also lost her job role and was given a new one with less pay and fewer hours, was ignored by bosses, and was banned from working from home even though other colleagues could.

She was eventually ordered to attend a disciplinary hearing on trumped up charges but resigned from the transport firm in Portsmouth, Hants.

An employment tribunal found Miss Powell was treated differently for being pregnant and that managers were bullies towards her.

GV of Southampton Magistrates Court

She has now successfully sued One Transport UK for pregnancy discrimination and constructive dismissal at an employment tribunal.

Miss Powell has been awarded 19,608 compensation.

The tribunal, held in Southampton, Hants, heard Miss Powell was an administrator at One Transport UK.

The company has since entered into liquidation.

In November 2022, Miss Powell told bosses she was pregnant and expected to give birth in May the following year.

One month later, the administrator - who was still in her probation period at work - was called to a meeting where she was told that there was a chance she would not be kept on due to a downturn in business.

Miss Powell asserted that there was no such downturn in business and the real reason why she was told she may not be kept on was because she was pregnant.

It was in this meeting that she was told that she was going to be dismissed before she was subsequently offered a new role with fewer hours and lower pay, the tribunal said.

The company did not attend the tribunal and the panel said they have heard no sworn evidence as to why Miss Powell was invited into that meeting.

Employment Judge Catherine Rayner said the panel did also not hear the reason for telling her that she would be dismissed, but then offering her a different job, with pay and fewer hours.

She added: 'In the absence of any explanation from the [company] we conclude that the real reason why [Miss Powell] was called into the meeting and told that she was to be demoted and that her hours were to be reduced, was because [bosses] knew she was pregnant.

'It was therefore on grounds of her pregnancy.'

In her new role, Miss Powell was told that she had to be in the office every day, the tribunal heard.

The panel noted that some of her colleagues were doing the same hours as her and were allowed to work home - therefore were being treated differently to Miss Powell.

In particular, one colleague was allowed to spend a whole week working from home while Miss Powell was expected to come into the office.

The panel said: 'We accept her evidence that she was treated differently to other employees, in that she alone was required to do all of her hours in the office, rather than having the option of doing at least one day working from home.'

It was heard that in December, Miss Powell was also not invited to the work Christmas party.

The panel said this was another example of pregnancy discrimination.

In January 2023, Miss Powell went off work due to sickness and stress.

The tribunal said no pregnancy risk assessment was carried out by the company and the Miss Powell was also unable to get into the office or reach the bathroom in the office as a result of being pregnant.

Later that month, she was invited to a disciplinary hearing and faced allegations that she had been telling business partners that the company was going bankrupt.

The panel said: 'We have no sworn evidence from the [company] in respect of any of the allegations for which she was invited to a disciplinary hearing were valid.'

They said Miss Powell had reasonable and true explanations for all of the matters that were raised with her and the company was just looking for excuses to criticise her.

EJ Rayner said: 'On the evidence we have seen the [company] was treating [Miss Powell] differently to other staff, and the treatment of managers was capable of amounting to bullying behaviour.

'[Miss Powell] had provided the respondent with explanations and had raised issues of bullying with them.

'Their response was to invite her to a disciplinary hearing on what we find were exaggerated and trumped up charges.'

The judge said bosses had also told other staff not to speak to Miss Powell.
New York, US (PANA) - The head of the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) appealed on Wednesday for an immediate improvement in the security situation in Gaza, where dangerous operating conditions and attacks against humanitarian workers continue to hamper aid delivery to communities in need
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An incredible new theory on what happened to the three men who managed to escape from Alcatraz in the 1960s has emerged.

Brothers John and Clarence Anglin, alongside friend Frank Morris, tunneled out of their cell of the maximum security prison in June 1962 before disappearing into the waters of the San Francisco Bay and have never been found.

And now writers Ken Widner and Mike Lynch share their fascinating theory. Their book, Alcatraz: The Last Escape, alleges the trio escaped the jail in a makeshift raft and used wires to hitch themselves to a passing boat.

From there, the fugitives met a second boat in the San Francisco Bay area, which took them to dry land. A private plane chartered from a small airport at neighboring Marin County flew the trio to Mexico to begin a new life, it is claimed.

They later moved to Brazil, where at least two of the men are said to have survived until the 1990s.

Federal investigations into the escape - immortalized in the 1979 film Escape From Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood - concluded that the Anglin brothers and Morris must have drowned in the freezing, shark-infested bay.

Widner and Lynch have used family interviews, historical documents and photo evidence to explain their theory.

Widner, who also happens to be the nephew of the Anglin brothers, claims the trio made their way south and married locals, raising children of their own and tended to farms in the mountains of Brazil until at least the 1990s.

Hoping to correct the record about his uncles, Widner deep dived into their upbringing which stretched back to their formative years in Ruskin, Florida, with their parents who were seasonal farmworkers.

Warrants are still out for the three men, seen here in their booking photos for armed bank robberies. The three worked together to dig their way out of Alcatraz and sneak past guards

The men carved holes through the vents in their cells using spoons, drills and other utensils, which they then shimmied out of

An investigation found that the three men created dummy heads out of plaster, paint and hair left from the barber to fool the night guards into thinking they were asleep as they escaped on June 11, 1962

In 1958, John and Clarence and their other brother Alfred robbed a bank in Alabama using a toy gun and were subsequently sent to prison.

After an escape attempt, they wound up being transferred to the place for those who couldn't abide by the rules of a typical prison, Alcatraz. Inside the walls of the famous prison they met Morris and started scheming as to how they could make their way out.

Their escape plan began to take shape in December 1961, when Allen West, who accompanied an adjacent cell, began collecting old saw blades he found in one of the utility corridors while on cleaning duty.

Widner, who also happens to be the nephew of the Anglin brothers, is seen here

From there, the four men - including West, who did not get to escape with them - alternated shifts chiseling through the walls with spoons and other kitchen utensils, and creating decoy heads out of barbershop hair, plaster and paint to fool the night guards.

Widner says that the making of fake heads came from their brothers time at a reform school in Florida, which they used to break out of the school and also sneak out of their family home.

Speaking with The State, he said: 'The first time they actually used them was when they would sneak out of the house as kids. Their older sister had one of those Styrofoam heads you'd put a wig on, and they would take it and stick it in the bed and sneak out.'

They also fashioned a makeshift raft out of 50 prison-issued World War II-era raincoats, used at the prison; cotton and rubber. The men then stored all of their materials in a hollowed-out space above their cell blocks.

According to Widner, the men even made a periscope so they could peep around corners and a homemade flashlight to illuminate tight crawlspaces.

The group would work from 5.30pm to around 9pm before the guards called for lights out before finally making their escape on June 11, 1962.

The men shimmied through the holes they had created past the vents in their cellblocks, climbed up the plumbing to the cellhouse roof, traversed 100 feet across the rooftop and then carefully maneuvered down 50 feet of piping to the ground near the entrance to the shower area.

They left behind the detailed plastered heads on their beds to trick any guards on the night duty, and when prison guards conducted their routine morning check of the beds the next day, they reported the men missing - but the men already had a 10 hour head start.

One of the biggest concerns for the group was dealing with the icy waters of the Bay, with the Alcatraz showers known for using hot water so inmates wouldn't get used to the cold and have any ideas about making a bid for freedom.

An officer showed the inside of a removable section of their vent and how they were able to get out that night

The convicts crawled through the hole they created in the wall for over a year on June 11, 1962

However, Widner says that the Anglins had help in preparing their bodies for the freezing water from fellow prisoner Whitey Bulger, the infamous Irish Mob boss from Boston.

Bulger, who reportedly took an interest in Scuba diving, advised them to soak towels in cold water from their sink and toilet before wrapping themselves in them before laying on the cement floor to get used to the temperature.

Widner, who had long standing correspondence with the late crime boss, also reportedly told them how to fashion wetsuits from their clothing.

Writers Ken Widner and Mike Lynch, published their findings in their new book 'Alcatraz: The Last Escape'

After managing to escape, Winder and Lynch get into deep specifics about what they say actually happened next, which involved them stealing electrical cords before tying them onto a transport boat and being towed into the middle of the Bay.

Speaking with a drug smuggler named Fred Brizzi, who was known as 'Waterbed Fred', the trio managed to get on a boat in the middle of the Bay and made their way to a small airport in Marin County, it is claimed.

Brizzi told the writers that they were in Mexico by the very next morning where they are said to have worked on a marijuana farm for a few years before making their way to Brazil in 1964.

Their decision to flee to Brazil came after the death of their brother Alfred, who the brothers feared might have felt guilt-tripped into revealing their location on his death bed.

Lynch said: 'Alfred was at Kilby State Prison (in Alabama) and they had a yellow electric chair there called Yellow Mama.

'Some times, they would use it for interrogation purposes. If they wanted information, they would strap them in the chair and start to turn it on to let them feel the electricity and then ratchet it up a little more and more.

'That's what Ken believes happened to his uncle Alfred  that after the escape they were interrogating him, and he died.'

According to Widner, his family were in contact with his uncles in Brazil until at least the early 1990's.

A photograph believed to have been taken in the 1970s is said to show them among termite mounds in a jungle.

Widner says: 'To me, that photo is probably the biggest game-changer in the history of the Alcatraz escape. It's been analyzed by five independent facial-recognition software companies, and they all come back for an exact match on John Anglin. With Clarence, it came back close, because (his face) wasn't turned in a certain way.'

The two men have since traveled to the Brazilian town of Monteiro Lobato, where they believe the brothers and Morris ended up, with Morris eventually dropping off the radar altogether.

According to Widner, his family were in contact with his uncles in Brazil until at least the early 1990's, with a photograph seemingly of the two showing them amongst termite mounds in a jungle, seen here

They left behind the detailed plastered heads on their beds to trick any guards on the night duty, and when prison guards conducted their routine morning check of the beds the next day, they reported the men missing

Federal and local authorities investigated the escape for a total of 10 days scouring the water, air and land. Included are the dummy heads which were used in the escape

They interviewed elders who recalled Americans being in the area in the 1970s and found remnants of a structure high in the deep forest which had a shell casing, a lighter and a penny from the 1950s.

Lynch said: 'That trek up that mountain was so hard, like a mile up, literally a teeny path cut out of jungle like a Tarzan thing. No one's going to find you up there.'

Widner doesn't believe his uncles, who if alive would be in their 90s now, are still alive, recalling: 'Clarence was a very heavy smoker. And none of the Anglin boys lived past their mid-80s.'

He believes that for a time, his uncles had managed to forge a decent life for themselves after their escape from Alcatraz.

Lynch added: 'Fred Brizzi talked about them having a large farm with animals, cows and orchards. They would sell their fruit in the local market, hired about 20 employees and were just living very peacefully and quietly  kind of the life they always wanted.'

The family has previously produced letters and other written material they say are from the brothers over the decades, however they kept these a closely guarded secret until recent years to avoid the possibility of the brother's recapture.

In 2012 the Anglins sisters also spoke out to claim that the brothers were still alive, claiming to have received a phone call and Christmas card from them shortly after their escape.

An aerial view shows Alcatraz island in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Alcatraz Island is 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco

The Anglin brothers and Morris remain wanted for their escape, as authorities continue to question whether they may still be alive

In 2011, Mike Dyke, the Supervising Deputy of the U.S. Marshals Service suggested that they may have survived - pointing to a teletype that suggests there was a raft recovered on Angel Island the day after the escape 'and one of them mentioned footprints leading away from the raft.

'They came across an oar, a paddle, right off the coast, about 50 yards from the shore of Angel Island,' he told CBS News at the time.

'They determined the oar was made on Alcatraz,' he continued. 'There was one oar left behind and this one was an exact match.'

Finally, a handwritten letter sent to authorities in 2013 - but only made public when federal authorities announced they were reopening the case in 2018 - suggested that John may have still been alive.

In the letter he claims he has cancer and tries to do a deal with police - offering to return to prison for a year in return for medical treatment.

The handwriting is barely legible in the last portion of the letter, but appears to claim that Anglin lived in Seattle for decades after his escape, lived in North Dakota from 1990 to 2005 and then settled in California.

The letter's claim that Anglin was 83 at that time would be correct given he was born in 1930 - fueling speculation that the escapees made it to shore alive and have have been free for the past half century. However his apparent concerns about his health mean it is also likely that he is by now dead.

The US Marshals Service, which is responsible for hunting down escaped fugitives, maintains an active file on all three men - and Dyke has said he will not give up the investigation he started as a 'hobby' back in 2003.
A Just Stop Oil activist who flung tomato soup over Van Goghs priceless Sunflowers is prepared to be jailed for her cause, a court hears.

Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland - both 22 - threw two tins of Heinz soup at the Dutch artist's 1888 masterpiece while it was on display at the National Gallery on October 14, 2022.

The defendants then proceeded to glue themselves to the wall following the attack on the priceless painting, where they asked visitors: 'What is worth more, art or life? Is it worth more than food? Worth more than justice?

'Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?

Although the oil-on canvas worth up to 72.5m was protected by a glass cover and went unharmed, its 17th century Italian frame was damaged, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Two protesters threw tins of Heinz tomato soup over Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery on October 14, 2022

Phoebe Plummer told the court she has a 'deep fear' of climate change and is prepared to serve time for her cause (pictured left to right: Anna Holland and Phoebe Plummer)

Giving evidence today, Plummer said she was prepared to 'risk the consequences' as well as time behind bars for her cause.

I am willing to risk the consequences. I am willing to risk time in prison... That is how serious it is, she said.

We have experienced the wettest 18 months since records began. All our food security is at risk.

She also told the court that she has a deep fear' of climate change and felt 'let down' by a government who she said weren't taking 'appropriate action'.

Anna and I are both young people motivated by a deep, deep fear of what we know is to come, she said.

We are motivated by a love of life. We are motivated by being let down by our government who refuse to take appropriate action.

She added: Im sure Im not the only one who remembers how all our energy bills soared.

I am not the only one who wore a coat and gloves inside the house to avoid putting the heating on.

Plummer claimed that she knew the painting would be well protected by robust glass glazing because it was a 'precious' and 'priceless' piece of art.

How did you know that the glass was robust?, asked Judge Christopher Hehir.

The court was told that the painting was protected by a glass covering, but damage was done to the antique 17th century Italian wooden frame surrounding it

Plummer replied: Because as I said it is a priceless work of art. You can look up online the measures to protect priceless works of art.

I love that painting. I know it is a valuable, precious thing. That is why it is protected.

I didnt think about the frame. I have never heard of anyone going to a gallery to look at frames and not the paintings they encase.

I didnt think the members of the public who gasped were thinking about the frame either. I didnt think the art curators were thinking about the frame either.

She added: I heard the art curators talk about the painting. They didnt talk about the frame.

When cross-examined by Francesca Kolar, prosecuting, asked Plummer if she had taken instructions from anyone.

I wouldnt say I took instructions. I wasnt coerced, or told I had to do something,' she answered.

I was presented with a plan and was asked if I thought it was a good idea. I dont act on the instructions of anyone else.

The prosecutor said: You intended to damage the frame in which the painting was housed.

Plummer replied: Not at all. Of course I didnt intend to damage the frame.

I dont think it would be an effective form of protest to go with the intention of damaging a frame.

The prosecutor continued: If you throw paint on a wall, do you agree that it will drip down the wall?

The painting is considered to be a masterpiece and is one of the most recognisable artworks in the world

Plummer: Yes

Ms Kolar: So you knew [the soup] was going to drip down?

Plummer: Yeah thats whats going to happen, thats gravity. I am not hugely concerned about a frame in an art gallery.

Maybe thats callous. We had an expert in yesterday who spends a lot of time thinking about frames, but I dont think many members of the public do.

Earlier the court also heard how a curator was left 'shocked and dismayed' by the corrosive damage caused to an antique picture frame housing Van Gogh's Sunflowers.

National Gallery frame conservator Isabelle Kocum said in a statement read to jurors: I was shocked and dismayed by the extent of corrosion this tomato soup had caused to the exquisite antique frame.

The frame was specifically chosen for Van Goghs painting because of the matching coloration.

I remain amazed at how corrosive the soup was to the frame.

Plummer's co-defendant Anna Holland revealed she met Phoebe Plummer five days before they hurled the two tins of tomato soup over the painting.

When cross-examined by Ms Kolar, prosecuting, Holland was asked who she and Plummer were taking instructions from, to which she replied: 'I don't know. Someone else in Just Stop Oil.'

She was then asked where she and Plummer had purchased the tomato soup, she added: ' We just bought it from the supermarket. Tesco, I think, in central London.'

Holland told the court that they wanted to get as much media attention as possible, adding: 'We need media attention to have success in our demands.'

When asked by Raj Chada, defending, if she had 'personally' selected the 'Sunflowers' she said no, she also claimed to not know who chose to attack the painting.

They were also queried as to why they used tomato soup, to which Holland replied: 'The first reason is that it would stand out more and it is different to paint.

'The second reason being that tomato soup symbolised the link between the climate crisis and the cost of living crisis.'

Holland was also asked if she understood that the painting could be damaged.

She said: 'No, I understood that the painting was protected. The frame didn't occur to me at all. I never thought the painting would be damaged.

'I have been concerned about the climate crisis from a very young age. I know that climate change will affect my generation and every generation younger than me the worst.

The masterpiece was painted in 1888 by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh who is pictured here in a self-portrait he created the same year

'It really scares me. I was also really concerned about the cost of living crisis.'

On Monday, Plummer and Holland appeared in court where they accepted throwing the soup, but denied causing criminal damage to the frame.

In her closing speech Francesca Kolar told jurors: I ask you to keep in the back of your mind the video of the protest itself, how the tomato soup spattered and splashed onto the painting and then dripped down onto the frame... Damage to the frame was obvious and clear.

What was never retouched post-incident was that middle section of the frame; the flat section referred to as the yellow-painted flat section.

It was an original surface from 350 years ago. The fact that it is a 350 year old frame made it more sought after, made it more special.

Even if it was retouched it would never be the same original surface again... The Crown says that that is permanent damage.

The defendants have to have known that there was a risk, at the time of the protest, a plain and obvious risk that if tomato soup was thrown onto a priceless piece of art and it splatters onto the glass covering the painting, the tomato soup can splatter onto the frame, the wall, the skirting, the floor.

It drips down because of the laws of gravity. There is a clear risk of damage to all that the tomato soup touches.

Tomato soup is a luminescent, bright orange colour. It is a substance that obviously carries great risk if thrown over a piece of artwork and drips onto an antique frame.

Ms Kolar said the two activists had been to the gallery the day before the protest to look at the painting.

The suggestion that they never thought about the frame is, I suggest, farcical. They saw the painting, they saw the frame, they must have thought about it.'

Defending Holland, Raj Chada, referred to the video of the protest uploaded onto Just Stop Oils Twitter page minutes after the protest in his closing speech.

Nobody was shouting "Save the frame! Weve got to save the frame!" The focus throughout was about the painting.

Holland, of Newcastle, and Plummer, of Lambeth, deny damaging property (pictured: Southwark Crown Court)

Just because damage was caused by the defendants it does not mean that they are automatically guilty.

Ms Holland is not charged with damaging the painting itself because there was no damage.

After throwing the soup she did not seek to leave. She did not seek to evade responsibility for her actions.

Mr Chada reminded the jury that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and that Holland does not need to prove her innocence.

Holland, of Newcastle, and Plummer, of Lambeth, deny damaging property

The trial continues.
Capitol Police confronted pro-Palestinian protesters with pepper spray and riot shields as chaos erupted during Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress.

Officers were engaged in violent scenes as thousands of demonstrators descended in Washington D.C. to vent their fury at the Israeli Prime Minister over the war in Gaza.

'Part of the crowd has started to become violent at First Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.'

Police have estimated that up to 10,000 protestors will be descending upon Capitol Hill today to call for an end to the 'genocide' in Gaza and demand a ceasefire.

Protesters also tore down the American flag flying outside Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, threw it to the ground and lit it on fire. They burned an effigy of Netanyahu and displayed another one of him with devil horns and blood spraying out of his mouth.

They spray painted statues outside the city's train station with slogans like 'Hamas is coming' and 'Zionists are bastards.'

Amtrak Northeast riders were told to 'expect delays near Washington Union Station and intermittent closures of entrances/exits.'

Demonstrators set fire on an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Participants walk past an effigy as protesters against the war in Gaza and US weapons sales to Israel gather outside the US Capitol

An effigy depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is displayed

Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips, Minn., reacted with horror at the sight of a Hamas flag being flown just outside the U.S. Capitol.

'I never imagined seeing the flag of a terror group holding eight Americans hostage for 292 days waved in the streets of our nations Capitol. Over a million Americans have given their lives to protect that right - including my own father,' he wrote on X.

Meanwhile close to half of Congressional Democrats skipped Netanyahu's Capitol speech due to tensions over the ongoing war with the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Most notable absences include Vice President Kamala Harris, who would have presided over the Senate, but is claiming a scheduling conflict, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the second most powerful Democratic Senator Dick Durbin D-Ill.

Gaza protesters have removed the American flags from Union Station, lit then on fire with a Netanyahu effigy and replaced them with Palestine flags. pic.twitter.com/c8hz90phqL  Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) July 24, 2024

I never imagined seeing the flag of a terror group holding eight Americans hostage for 292 days waved in the streets of our nations Capitol.



Over a million Americans have given their lives to protect that right - including my own father. https://t.co/Wsf8dOYtU5  Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) July 24, 2024

US Capitol police (L), alongside members of the NYPD, pepper spray protesters

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators react from pepper spray deployed by U.S. Capitol Police

Police officers with riot shields wear masks as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather

A protestor is attended to outside the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y., is also planning to boycott the speech, calling the prime minister a 'war criminal' amid the bloody conflict that has seen loss of life in Gaza.

Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is eradicated following the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel by the terrorist who raped women, killed and beheaded children and took hundreds of Israelis hostage, including several Americans.

Due to security concerns and a waning number of U.S. Capitol Police officers, over 200 New York City Police Department officers were deployed down to Washington, D.C.

Protestors hold a bloodied effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his address to Congress

Thousands gather to protest outside of Capitol Hill

Police have estimated that up to 10,000 protestors will be descending upon Capitol Hill today

On Tuesday, over 200 pro-Gaza protestors were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building

The protestors have a route planned to demonstrate around the Capitol

The protests got so out of hand that Capitol Police described them as 'violent,' writing on X that they, 'are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.'

A group of Republican senators slammed the VP at a press conference Wednesday afternoon for missing the joint address, claiming her outstanding obligation alibi is inappropriate.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called her absence 'disgraceful' and that 'she ought to be embarrassed.'

'She doesnt have many jobs as VP,' Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said at the meeting, saying its 'a shame' that Harris decided not to attend.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., was more on the nose, calling her nonattendance 'a slap in the face.'

A Pelosi spokesperson said Wednesday that she would be joining a 'Members meeting with Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings.'

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., informed lawmakers that there would be 'an increased police presence around the Capitol complex and in the House Chamber.'

He went on to warn that he will enforcing a 'zero-tolerance policy for disturbances in the building.'

'If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest,' Johnson said in a letter this week.

Netanyahu said that his speech will aim to 'anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel.'

On Tuesday, over 200 pro-Gaza protestors were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building.

A figure of Netanyahu with blood on his hands

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators prepare cardboard coffins a for a protest before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry a representation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest on the day of Netanyahu's address

There are plans for thousands more to march along the National Mall to the Capitol today before Netanyahu's 2 p.m. ET address

A group of Pro-Palestinian activists held a noise demonstration outside the Watergate Hotel i

Protest signage against Benjamin Netanyahu is seen near the Capitol

There are plans for thousands more to march along the National Mall to the Capitol today before Netanyahu's 2 p.m. ET address.

Already there are stages and audio equipment set up for pro-Gaza speeches and demonstrations hours before his speech.

Dozens of premade signs denouncing Netanyahu and Israel meant to be picked up by attendees were stationed at the main protest area.

As the crowd began to grow before the prime minister's speech rally attendees blocks from the Capitol began chanting 'from the river to the sea' and 'there is only one solution, intifada revolution,' two common anti-Israel refrains.

Videos on social media even show protestors stationed outside of the local hotel were Netanyahu is staying, meaning the demonstrations against him as have been nearly constant all of Wednesday.

Demonstrators have been so active in disrupting Netanyahu's trip that they even entered the hotel he was staying in and spread maggots and other insects about the premises.

Hours before the planned speech, the Palestinian Youth Movement's X account shared a video they claimed showed Netanyahu's table at the Watergate hotel in Washington full of critters and bugs.

Hours before Netanyahu's planned speech, the Palestinian Youth Movement's X account shared a video they claimed showed his table at the Watergate hotel in Washington DC full of maggots and critters

A demonstrator carries a sign in front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday

Thousands gathered ahead of the speech to demonstrate against the Israeli leader

The prime minister is expected to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris separately on Thursday.

He will also be traveling down to Mar-a-Lago to have a sit down with former President Donald Trump on Friday, the GOP nominee for president.
Donald Trump's would-be assassin Thomas Crooks searched online 'how far' Lee Harvey Oswald was from John F. Kennedy when he shot him, the FBI director revealed in stunning testimony to Congress.

FBI Director Christopher Wray also told lawmakers the 20-year-old gunman flew a drone 200 yards from the stage just two hours before he opened fire in Butler, Pennsylvania, and had three explosives in his car.

The bombshell revelations from the bureau's chief give more insight into Crooks' preparation before he shot the former president, including his online research on the sniper that took out JFK in 1963.

Wray said Crooks had been 'interested in public figures' and 'somewhere around July 6 or so he became very focused on former President Trump and his rally.'

The director said an analysis of Crooks' laptop revealed he had searched on Google on July 6 'how far away was Oswald from Kennedy.' It was the same day he registered to attend the Butler rally.

Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed former President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Crooks was flying a drone above the rally site two hours before the shooting and just 200 yards away from the stage, Wray has also revealed.

Wray made the bombshell revelation to Congress on Wednesday during a grilling by lawmakers on the investigation into the assassination attempt on the former president and the massive security failures.

In this handout, American Marxist and former US Marine Lee Harvey Oswald (1939 - 1963) in a mug shot after he was arrested for assassinating President John F Kennedy in Dallas, 23rd November 1963

Crooks shot Trump in the ear just 400 feet away from the stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 from the roof of a nearby building just outside the security perimeter of the event.

Wray revealed that investigators found Crooks had a drone that he used to survey the scene hours before the event started, which was recovered from his car parked nearby.

He flew the drone around 4 p.m. over the area of the rally close to '200 yards' from the stage to survey the scene. Trump took the stage around 6:03 p.m., over two hours later.

The FBI has also recovered three 'explosive devices' in possession of Crooks.

They were 'relatively crude devices' but had the ability 'to be detonated remotely,' Wray said.

The FBI director also revealed the weapon used had a 'collapsible stock,' which he said 'could explain why it might've been less easy for people to observe.'

Wray could not say whether Crooks carried the gun up to the roof with him before he fired the shots or had stashed it there prior. He said the gunman did not use a ladder to get onto the roof but rather some sort of 'vertical piping.'

He said Crooks and his family owned a combined 14 guns and Crooks had visited a shooting range one day before the rally. Crooks used an AR-style weapon that had been purchased legally by his father and sold to him in October 2023.

Dramatic new footage shows law enforcement standing over the dead body of Donald Trump 's attempted assassin moments after he was shot dead

Wray also confirmed the FBI had recovered three 'explosive devices' in possession of Crooks

Wray said eight bullet cartridges had been recovered from the roof where Crooks fired off his shots toward the former president.

And he wouldn't rule out that Crooks did not have any accomplices to the crime, saying it's still being looked at by law enforcement.

As Wray faced questions about why the president was allowed on stage despite the 'threat' being identified 20 minutes before the shots were fired, Wray said, 'we don't know the answer to that.'

He said that no one in law enforcement saw Crooks with lying down in a shooting position with a gun in hand until 'moments before' he fired, but had seen him on the roof 'minutes before.'

But he insisted his investigation was not focused on the security breach and the Secret Service failures.

'Our investigation is focused on the shooter and all things related to his attack.'

Wray was peppered with veiled references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures that some Republicans have taken to blaming the security breach on.

Wray insisted the physical fitness standards for getting in to the FBI 'actually exceed' what they've been in years past and insisted his agency does not factor in DEI when making hiring decisions.

His hearing comes days after the former Director of Secret Service Kimberly Cheatle was forced to resign after evading answering rounds of questioning by punting to the FBI in another congressional hearing earlier this week.

Wray promised his agency would leave 'no stone unturned' and emphasized that he wanted to provide all the information he had at this point of the ongoing investigation.

'The shooter may be deceased but the FBI's investigation is very much ongoing.'

He also made a reference to the warnings he has been giving Congress for years now about the threats of domestic terrorism.

The shooting is 'another example, particularly heinous and very public one of what I have been talking about.'

Wray again warned about 'passion and heated rhetoric turning into actual violence.'

'We've seen it against public officials of all sorts, we've seen it against law enforcements the number of officers shot and killed in the line of duty is alarming.'

'It's almost every five days that a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, that is an example of the kinds of ways passion and heated rhetoric can bubble over into violence.'

The Judiciary Committee hearing focused on both the shooting at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and the 'ongoing politicization' of the FBI.

Questioning on a separate foiled Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump was also a subject of contention.

A bombshell report last week revealed the U.S. received intelligence of an Iranian assassination plot in the weeks before Trump was shot at the Pennsylvania rally.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are expected to set up a bipartisan task force to investigate the shooting in a vote this week.

Members of Congress are expected to demand answers from FBI Director Chris Wray about the Trump assassination attempt on Wednesday

The FBI and Secret Service revealed to lawmakers last week they spotted shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks as a person of interest a full 62 minutes before he fired a shot.

Twenty minutes passed between the time Secret Service agents spotted Crooks with a gun on the rooftop and he fired shots at the president.

In a staggering moment, Cheatle admitted on Monday her agents on the ground were warned between two and five times that there was a 'suspicious person' reported before Trump took the stage.

While Trump walked around with little more than a bloody ear, Crooks killed former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, and critically injured two other rally goers sitting close to where the former president was speaking last weekend before he was neutralized.

The security chief had faced mounting questions over why an agent was not stationed on the roof from where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.

She had also been ridiculed for suggesting her agency did not have a presence on the roof because it was 'sloped.'

The 20-year-old shooter Crooks, was able to get within 160 yards of the stage where the former president was speaking when he opened fire. The building on which he stood was outside the security perimeter, despite clearly being within rifle shooting range.

And that was despite the FBI learning of a threat on Trump's life from Iran leading to a bump in security for the former president in the days before the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cheatle said she believed she was the 'best person' to lead the Secret Service at this time, but later acquiesced to the bipartisan demands for her resignation.

On the day of the rally, Trump walked out onto the stage at 6:02 p.m.

Then at around 6:12 p.m. Crooks' first shots rang out.

Cheatle could not tell lawmakers how the shooter had gotten onto the roof.

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.

'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 told ABC News in an interview Tuesday.

Comer said on Fox News Sunday the hearing would go on for six hours and Cheatle would face 'hundreds of questions'

'And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside.'

What transpired instead was a security nightmare: Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to scale the building and secure his own position, while law enforcement struggled to locate him even amid pressing warnings from members of the Trump crowd. But there wasn't sufficient time to act on the tips, she explained.

'The shooter was actually identified as a potential person of suspicion,' Cheatle said. 'Unfortunately, with the rapid succession of how things unfolded, by the time that individual was eventually located, they were on the rooftop and were able to fire off at the former president.'

She was referencing claims by witnesses that they alerted law enforcement about the threat, but agents weren't able to eliminate the threat in time. Officials have pointed to the initial responding officer, who lifted himself up on the roof only to lower himself back when the gunman turned his weapon at him.

Cheatle has taken blame for the fateful security breach, but has denied calls to step down.

'The buck stops with me,' she said.

'It was unacceptable,' she told ABC. 'And it's something that shouldn't happen again.'

'While we give overwhelming thanks to the individual Secret Service agents who did their jobs under immense pressure, this tragedy was preventable. The Secret Service has a zero fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally,' Comer is also expected to say, as he will again call for Cheatle's resignation.

Also coming into question on the call was the possible motive for Crooks to commit such an atrocity.

Officials did not confirm an operating motive and said that his rationale remains a mystery.

Authorities said that they have yet to find any ideological material that could shine light on why Crooks decided to shoot the former president.

But, they did reveal that Crooks operated several accounts on encrypted platforms that they are still working to gain access to.

Here's a timeline of how that fateful July 11 went down:

1PM

The grounds to the event at Butler Farm Show opened at 1pm.

It began an hours-long build up that saw MAGA supporters immediately pour into the area to camp out.

Security swept the area and set up perimeters, however questions have been raised over how the gunman was able to secure a clear shot just 400ft from the stage.

5PM

An hour before Trump took the stage at approximately 5pm, former GOP Senate candidate Sean Parnell warmed up the crowd, bringing cheers as he slammed President Biden and his stuttering campaign.

With the sun still high on a bright day, Trump emerged to 'God Bless the USA' playing over the loudspeakers at 6:03pm, and remained waving and shaking his fist at the crowd for several minutes.

6:11PM

Trump brought out a large graphic with statistics on the migrant crisis at the southern border, and told the crowd at 6:11pm: 'That chart's a couple of months old...'

'If you want to really see something that's sad, take a look at what happened,' Trump continued - before he abruptly grabbed the side of his head as several 'pops' filled the event space.

6:12PM

The 78-year-old dropped to the floor in an instant as five more shots rang overhead in quick succession, before four Secret Service agents raced to the stage and dove on top of the former president.

Stunning images showed Trump cowered on the floor as agents protected him, with blood dripping down his cheek.

Several more Secret Service agents continued to flood the stage, while four heavily armed officers lined the perimeter ordering attendees to 'get down.'

The sniper, sat 400ft across from the rally on an exposed rooftop, fired another shot at the stage a second later while Trump fans streamed out of the bleachers.

Secret Service scrambled to take control of the pandemonium where three attendees were hit, one fatally, within a matter of seconds.

6:13PM

An emergency room doctor with blood spattered on his shirt later said he sprang into action to perform emergency CPR on one victim.

'The guy had spun around was jammed between the benches and a head shot here. There's lots of blood and he had brain matter,' he told CBS News.

'So I got him together so I got people there really helpful. I did CPR chest compressions as well.'

6:14PM

Microphones surrounding the stage picked up staggering detail of the urgent response, beginning with one ordering screaming people to 'get down, get down, get down.'

At the same moment, snipers set up on a roof next to bleachers were seen firing back at the gunman, with Secret Service agents surrounding Trump heard on microphones confirming the moment he was brought down.

Despite the chaos flying around the scene, the rally appeared to hold its breath to see if Trump was hit.

A blood-spattered Donald Trump pumped his fist after being shot in the ear by a sniper, eight minutes after he took the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

In a move that sparked iconic images set to define his candidacy, Trump stood up and triumphantly held his fist in the air, pumping it at his supporters to raucous relief.

'USA, USA, USA,' the crowd chanted at the sight, with a blood-spattered Trump appearing to mouth the word 'fight' several times as Secret Service tried to hurry him away.

While getting up off the floor, an agent picked up a white cloth and held it to Trump's bleeding ear, telling him to 'hold that on your head, it's bloody.'

'Are we good?' one male agent says, as another responds quickly: 'Shooter down!'

'Shooter's down. Are we good to move?' one says next. 'We're clear, we're clear, we're clear - let's move.'

Trump repeatedly ordered the agents to 'let me get my shoes', to which one responds: 'I got you sir, I got you.'

The gunman was killed by agents shortly after opening fire, as footage emerged online showing him appear to be shot in the head while crouched on the roof.

Crooks was seen laying lifeless on the rooftop in a later image, surrounded by law enforcement stood over him.

A number of camouflaged law enforcement officers emerged from the side of the stage, part of a huge law enforcement presence that flooded the area within minutes of the first shot was fired.

At 6:14pm, Trump was whisked into his motorcade by around dozen Secret Service agents, who formed a protective human shield around him.

Before he got into his SUV, Trump again raised his fist to signify triumphantly surviving the assassination attempt.
Council chiefs are begging John Swinney to give them extra cash to head off a catastrophic summer of bin strikes.

The prospect of rubbish piling high in Scotland's streets is imminent after unions Unite, Unison and the GMB all rejected the offer of a 3.2 per cent pay rise.

Local government body Cosla is now seeking an urgent meeting with Scottish Government ministers to ask for more cash to resolve the dispute.

Two previous council pay strikes in 2022 and 2023 were only brought to an end when the Scottish government stepped in to provide additional funds.

Union bosses yesterday urged the first minister to intervene to break the 'gridlocked' pay negotiations.

Unions are threatening imminent strike action by council bin men over pay

Councillors have asked for a joint meeting with The Scottish Government and urged the unions to suspend their industrial action until after discussions have taken place.

However, ministers have not yet agreed to meet with Cosla, sparking fears that previous scenes of waste left rotting in Scotland's cities could be repeated this summer.

The majority of Scotland's 32 councils are set to be affected by the action, which union officials warn will lead to a 'stinking summer'.

Industrial action could begin in the middle of Edinburgh's busy festival season next month, as hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world arrive in the city.

Cllr Cammy Day, Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council said: 'Weve been quite clear all along that The Scottish Government are responsible for funding local government.

'We do need to engage with Ian Murray, the Secretary of State for Scotland and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, but but right now we need a solution to the local government pay deal.

'As Nicola Sturgeon intervened and Shona Robison intervened we are now calling on John Swinney to intervene and meeting and make sure The Scottish Government are at the table with the trade unions and council leaders to negotiate a settlement, a reasonable pay award and allow strike action to be called off.'

Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, said: 'Too much time has already been wasted discussing offers which merely repackage the same money.

'If the Scottish government does not come to the table, there will be no meaningful discussions, no route to a resolution and no chance of halting strike action.

'The first minister could and should break that gridlock.'

The latest pay offer would have seen workers receive a blanket 3.2 per cent rise for a one-year period between April 1 this year and March 31 2025.

First Minister John Swinney is being urged to provide councils with extra cash to head off the industrial action

Unite said the proposal 'grossly undervalues' Scottish council workers.

Unison previously argued that negotiations had 'not moved one iota' since it told Cosla it would move towards strike action.

GMB Scotland said Cosla should have put pressure on the Scottish Government weeks ago.

The union wrote to First Minister John Swinney on Tuesday calling on him to intervene in the dispute.

Ms Gilmour said: 'If there is no fair offer, this dispute will only escalate causing disruption for the millions of Scots relying on the frontline services delivered by our members.

'Strike action can be averted but only with the support of the Scottish government. That support needs to arrive as a matter of urgency.'

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
A video appears to show an armed Greater Manchester Police officer kicking a detained man in the head before stamping on him as he is Tasered on the ground.

The incident, which happened at Manchester Airport earlier this afternoon, shows several officers shouting at the public to stay back after they were called to reports of an altercation at Terminal 2.

While the holidaymaker, believed to be a young man, is lying with his hands behind his back, a policeman appears to violently kick his face before stamping on his head.

At the same time, at least one taser is deployed against the man.

A woman, believed to be a family member, watched on in horror as the man was detained, and tried to pull his head away from officers after the stamp.

Greater Manchester Police said the footage was filmed after multiple officers were assaulted leaving one with a broken nose.

Footage filmed by a witness showed a male officer stamping on one of the men's heads

A woman who appeared to be accompanying the men tried to protect her companions from the violent onslaught

Footage shows the woman was pushed away by officers, who also detained a second man who had been sat on a chair nearby.

The second man appeared to be kicked and hit as he was knocked to the ground by the same male officer.

The witness who filmed the footage, Amar Rafiq, was returning to Manchester from Qatar when he saw the incident unfold in front of him.

He told MailOnline: 'I was just gobsmacked. The police [officer] just kicked the guy in the face.

'Everyone was worried about themselves, they started panicking and rushing away, they feared they would be attacked.'

He added he did not see what happened to the men or the woman accompanying them because officers sent everyone away from the scene.

Mr Rafiq said at least ten officers were present at the time.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said they were called to reports of an altercation between members of the public.

They added that one of the suspects 'violently assaulted' officers, leaving a female officer with a broken nose.

A second man was also seen being detained in the video - after being ordered off a chair, he appeared to be kicked and hit by the same officer

Several tasers appeared to have been activated during the incident, which unfolded at Terminal 2

The spokesperson added there was a 'clear risk' officers' firearms might be taken from them.

A statement read: 'Officers were called to reports of an altercation between members of the public in Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.

'Whilst attempting to arrest one of the suspects of the earlier altercation, three officers were subject to a violent assault, where they were punched to the ground. A female officer suffered a broken nose and all three were taken to hospital for treatment.

'As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them.

'Four men were arrested at the scene for affray and assault on emergency service workers.

'We acknowledge the concerns of the conduct within the video, and our Professional Standards Directorate are assessing this.'

But the force has already faced fierce criticism online over the clip, with former Chief Prosecutor for the northwest Nazir Afzal saying: 'Obviously dont have the whole picture but I see no justification for the kick in the head, followed by a stamp and a taser on a prone, unarmed man with his hands by his side.'

Manchester Airport declined to comment.
The two men who Jay Slater stayed with before he died have spoken on camera for the first time.

Convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, nicknamed 'Johnny Vegas' and his friend 'Rocky' - who showed himself for the first time on camera - said the teenager died in a tragic accident.

The pair were among the last people to see 19year-old Jay before he went missing on June 17.

Although police on Tenerife ruled the duo out of their investigation early on, Qassim told his Instagram followers: 'If I'm guilty then arrest me then, what are you on about? When you're telling the truth you don't slip up.'

Jay travelled to the remote village of Masca with them after spending the night partying at the Papagayo nightclub in Playa de las Americas.

He had left his friends and went off with Qassim and Rocky who drove him back to their Airbnb accommodation on the outskirts of the village, around 20 miles away.

Ayub Qassim (pictured) was one of the last people to see Jay Slater alive has claimed the 19-year-old died in a tragic accident

Convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim and his friend 'Rocky' (pictured) said that the teenager died in a tragic accident

Jay Slater was found in a ravine in the west of Tenerife almost a month after he went missing following a night out

While in the car, he sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000.

He later shared a photo on his Snapchat account, which showed him standing at the doorway of a house shortly after 7am.

Qassim and Rocky were quizzed by local police son after Jay went missing, but they were deemed 'irrelevant' and allowed to return to the UK.

Last night, the two of them took to social media to answer questions about the incident.

People were able to pose questions to them about details in the case such as the missing Rolex, Jay being scared and claims the teenager was carrying two knives.

Asked about taking Jay back to the Airbnb, Qassim said: 'Took him home? No one took no-one bro. He invited himself. Think bro, use your head.

'How am I feeling after this? It's mental mate, it's actually mad. Do you know what I'm saying, it's actually mental man.'

When asked 'Did you punch him' he replied: 'No, of course not. Mate, what do you reckon happened to him? He had a tragic accident, you know what it's like. Taking it out that way. The kid didn't have his funeral, have a bit of respect.'

When asked about the stolen watch, he answered: 'No one took my watch, bro. Why the f*** would I invite someone who took my watch back to mine so they can sleep on the sofa, what are you on about? Bro, don't you help people, do you know what I'm saying.'

Jay pictured with his mother Debbie Duncan

Three members of the Signi Zoekhonden team and their Belgian Malinois dog called Flex pinpointed the tragic spot last Thursday during a five hour trek in and out of the remote Barranco Juan Lopez valley and the rocky ravine at the end of it

The spot where British holidaymaker Jay Slater was found when he plunged to his death in Tenerife

Jay had been on holiday with pals Lucy Mae Law, 18 and Brad Hargreaves, and Qassim said he knew the group from Lancashire before arriving in Spain.

He said: ''Yeah, of course, I did, how else would I be around like? We were doing our own things, we weren't out together, cos I don't listen to that music it's not my thing.'

Asked about how Jay was feeling when he left the apartment, Qassim responded: 'I don't know why he was scared and he ain't here to answer that question. I don't want to say, people could be going through something in their own heads, who knows, do you know what i'm saying?

'Yeah I offered him a lift back, but obviously when I wake up, cos you've got to remember we came back at 6.30, 6.40 in the morning like. And I only slept for an hour before I had to move my car

'Bro I'm not driving another half an hour and all of this one hour away, bro, I was in a Cupra estate, zooming the road like, it's not an hour away, it's half an hour.'

Speaking about his drug dealing, Qassim said 'it was in the past', adding: 'And everyone's calling me a dealer, I was 19, I'm 30 now. Everyone asking why was he scared, bro I don't know why he was scared bro, stop asking me, you're asking the wrong guy.

'I've got videos on my phone where me and him are videoing Rocky in the car where Rocky's sleeping on the front. We're just laughing at him, you know what I'm saying.

''He was calm, it was a vibe like, we were just bossing jokes, all of this scared and all of that, is like, what you on about scared?'

He was then asked about the watch for a second time, saying: 'I don't know whose watch went missing. You know furthermore, what watch is it? Question for you guys cos you're all talking about this watch. What colour is it, what type is it, you tell me.'

Qassim also claimed the 'detective guy' told him that Jay had two knives on him, claiming: 'That's even more mental like the guy had two knives on him. Like we was in danger, let alone, but no-one's saying anything about that, I'm not even going to complain about that.

'I've been in danger many times before, I've been shot at before. Why was I in danger? Apparently, he had a knife on him. That is from the horse's mouth.'

Jay Slater was found in a ravine in the west of Tenerife almost a month after he went missing following a night out

Tearful mourners gathered in Jay's hometown of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, where they released blue balloons in his memory

Volunteers searching for Jay in Masca after the teenager went missing

The Guardia Civil released video footage of the search efforts undertaken to find Jay. A helicopter was called in to help with the recovery of his body

Around an hour after sharing the photo on his Snapchat account, Jay called his friend Lucy Law, telling her that he was 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and had missed a bus back south to his accommodation in Los Cristianos.

He claimed he had set off on foot to try and get back to his accommodation, despite it being around 11 hours away.

MailOnline later found a witness who revealed that he had walked north out of the village, instead of taking the winding road south towards Los Cristianos.

It is believed that he may have decided that it was quicker for him to find the coast and walk back along it, rather than trek along the winding road back through the mountains.

They have claimed that he may have left the road and headed down a track into the Barranco Juan Lopez valley after catching a glimpse of the sea in the distance.

But he would have found the path coming to an abrupt end after half a mile, leading to him scrambling down a slope before reaching the rocky outcrops of the ravine at the end of the valley nearest the coastline.

Spanish authorities have identified the body which was found as being Jay, using fingerprint evidence, and the fact that he had his possessions with him. They say he had injuries consistent with a fall from a height.
Massachusetts has been ranked as having the best public schools in the country, according to a new study.

Students in the Bay State from elementary to high school were found to have the best test scores for reading and math exams as well as college-level AP exams.

It was followed by three east coast states including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey. Wisconsin ranked fifth.

WalletHub's analysis ranked schools in all 50 states and Washington DC for quality and safety using 32 metrics.

Some of the most highly weighted factors included student performance, school funding, number of school shootings, rates of bullying, class sizes and teacher credentials.

Pictured: Fairhaven High School in Massachusetts. The main building is nicknamed the 'Castle on a Hill,' and the public school is ranked as an 'above average' institution by school reviewing site Niche

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Its findings showed that Massachusetts spends $21,906 per pupil - the fifth most in the country.

Massachusetts schools were also the second safest, with Delaware schools taking the gold on that metric.

Connecticut schools were the second best, boasting the best ACT test scores in the country and shining when it came to safety measures.

One of the most horrific school shootings in US history happened in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, where a 20-year-old gunman shot and killed 26 people. Some 20 of the victims were children between the ages of six and seven years old.

Since then, schools in the state have been required to file annual two-page reports on lockdown drill procedures.

WalletHub claims only 16 other states take similar precautions.

Pictured: New Canaan High School is one of Connecticut's top ranked public schools

Pictured: Poolesville High School is the best high school in Maryland, with the vast majority of its students being proficient in math and reading

Connecticut schools have the lowest prevalence of illegal drugs, the third lowest youth incarceration rate and the sixth lowest number of students carrying weapons on campus, all of which factored into its high safety score.

Maryland, New Jersey and Wisconsin rounded out the top five states for education.

However, Maryland was ranked far safer than schools in New Jersey and Wisconsin, both of which scored in the middle of the pack.

Maryland was also lauded for its commitment to making sure lessons are accessible for all students.

The state passed an amendment to its education code in 2022 that requires schools to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to 'digital tools,' which were defined as online platforms and courses.

The Northern Valley Regional High School District is in Demarest, New Jersey, a small suburban town near New York City. The district gets great teacher ratings and focuses heavily on college prep

The amendment also looks out for blind children, mandating that keyboard controls for them are fitted with options for Braille or spoken inputs.

The law went into effect on October 1, 2023.

The states with the worst public schools had the highest dropout rates, poor test scores, high percentages of students getting threatened or injured on school grounds and frequent bullying.

Occupying the bottom five were Louisiana, Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Idaho, Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico and the District of Columbia were tied for the 47th worst in the nation for high school graduation rates.
Four asylum seekers are taking the Home Office to court over claims they were caged in a 'prison-like' conditions at an ex-RAF base plagued by scabies and where squabbling migrants would fight one another in food queues.

The ex-residents of MDP Wethersfield near Braintree, in Essex, have lashed out and claimed the Home Office acted unlawfully by housing them at the site - which has a number of boarded up buildings on it.

The migrants argued the ex-military block was 'not suitable' for them because of their circumstance, with some claiming to have been victims of torture, human trafficking or disabled.

Barristers representing the four men, who all stayed at the former airbase between July 2023 and February 2024, claimed the block was 'seriously inadequate' and that gunfire from a nearby shooting range had triggered 'traumatic' memories for some.

Lawyers told London's High Court that there was a 'structural and systemic failure' to identify vulnerabilities which would exclude people from being housed there.

Four asylum seekers are taking the Home Office to court over claims they were caged in a 'prison-like' conditions at an ex-RAF base near Braintree, Essex (pictured)

The asylum seekers claim the facilities at MDP Wethersfield were 'not suitable' and that the site was plagued by scabies. Pictures is a file image of migrants crossing the Channel from France earlier this month

The four ex-residents stayed at the former RAF facility between July 2023 and February 2024. Pictured is a file image of migrants arriving into Dover on July 8, 2024

But the Home Office has opposed the challenge, and said there were 'ongoing improvements' to address concerns.

It has admitted that housing one of the men at the site was unlawful but said this was an 'individual error', and that the base 'reasonably appeared adequate' for the other three.

Angus McCullough KC, representing three of the men, said: 'Our case is not that Wethersfield is necessarily unsuitable for all, but that it is unsuitable for those who are vulnerable.'

In written submissions, the barrister said the Home Office has already acknowledged that men over the age of 65, women, children and those with some vulnerabilities should not be housed at Wethersfield.

But he told the court in London that the 'system adopted by the Secretary of State is ineffective in detecting those that are vulnerable prior to and following allocation'.

The then-Conservative government announced plans to house migrants at Wethersfield, as well as RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, in March last year.

Migrants began to be housed at Wethersfield last July, with capacity currently capped at 580 despite initial plans to accommodate 1,700 people.

The ex-residents of MDP Wethersfield (pictured) near Braintree, in Essex, have lashed out and claimed the Home Office acted unlawfully by housing them at the site

Pictured are boarded up buildings at the camp where migrants have been housed by the government

Mr McCullough told the court the four men described the base, which is 'surrounded by barbed wire and perimeter fencing', as 'prison-like', with sounds of gunfire from a nearby shooting range triggering 'traumatic memories' for residents who are victims of torture or violence.

He also claimed the fixed meal times meant there were 'queues to receive food and fighting between asylum seekers as a result', that rooms were 'bare' with no locks on the doors and that while laundry was done centrally, there were 'recurring episodes of scabies'.

Lawyers for the Home Office told the court in February that it had received more than 200 threats of legal action over decisions to house people at the site.

Lisa Giovannetti KC, representing the department on Tuesday, said in written arguments that potential residents were subject to interviews where vulnerabilities could be disclosed as part of a 'sifting' process before allocation, induction on arrival and further 'ongoing monitoring of suitability'.

Migrants began to be housed at Wethersfield (pictured) last July, with capacity currently capped at 580 despite initial plans to accommodate 1,700 people

She continued that while the Home Office 'expressly recognises' that individuals may not immediately disclose vulnerabilities, the system was 'capable of being operated lawfully'.

She said: 'The Secretary of State's case is not that the system always operates correctly, and the need for improvement in its operation is acknowledged in the Secretary of State's evidence.

'However, the system is not 'inherently unlawful' ie. one which is incapable of being operated lawfully across the range of cases in a material and identifiable number of cases.'

Ms Giovannetti continued the criticisms of accommodation at Wethersfield did not make the site 'generally inadequate' and that there were 'ongoing improvements' to address concerns.

The court was told that the Home Office 'does not accept that Wethersfield is 'prison-like'', that steps had been taken to address queuing at meal times and 'tensions that have arisen on occasion' at meal times and that the quality of healthcare was the responsibility of the NHS.

The hearing before Mr Justice Mould is due to conclude on Friday, with a judgment expected in writing at a later date.
Tories have swiped that Rishi Sunak is already 'California Dreaming' after his low-key PMQs performance.

The Opposition leader seemed to take a deliberately low-key approach during his first weekly clash with Keir Starmer this afternoon.

Instead of attacking the premier over Labour infighting on the two-child benefit cap or fears of looming tax rises, Mr Sunak focused his questions on the need to support Ukraine.

Frustrated Conservatives pointed out that Mr Sunak is due to remain in the job until November 2, with a protracted contest planned over party conference.

As a result he is likely to find himself responding to a crucial Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, although the date is not yet confirmed.

Rishi Sunak seemed to take a deliberately low-key approach during his first weekly clash with Keir Starmer this afternoon

Instead of attacking the PM over Labour infighting on the two-child benefit cap or fears of looming tax rises, Mr Sunak focused his questions on the need to support Ukraine

Priti Patel is expected to throw her hat into the ring to succeed Rishi Sunak

After confirming his intentions last night, Mr Cleverly has been arguing that the Tories need to expand their support base and end petting infighting

Rumours have been circulating that Mr Sunak, who has a home in California, plans to leave the Commons swiftly after being replaced - although he has insisted he will stay on in Parliament.

'I reckon he'll wait till after November and then bow out shortly thereafter,' one former minister told MailOnline.

Another Tory veteran said Mr Sunak seemed to be deploying 'a bizarre ''please don't shout at me'' strategy'.

'I thought he might enjoy a couple of PMQs having a free hit but apparently not,' they added.

A senior MP said: 'He did look like he was phoning it in. Who knows whether he'll stick around.'

The consensual approach from Mr Sunak, with his six questions, gave Sir Keir a fairly easy ride in his first PMQs.

That was despite trickier moments as he was goaded by the SNP over seven MPs rebelling in last night's vote on the two-child cap on benefits.

He also faced challenges from his own MPs on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and trans rights.

The premier's brutal response of suspending the benefits rebels - including prominent left-wingers John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Rebecca Long Bailey - sparked an outcry in his own ranks.

One of the rebels put on ice for six months, Zara Sultana, suggested this morning that Sir Keir had treated the situation like a 'macho virility test'. She declared she had 'slept well' after voting to scrap the limits on handouts for big families.

The president of the TUC said the rebels 'spoke for millions of trade union members and many Labour Party members'.

Jeremy Corbyn and four other independent MPs have written to the suspended MPs asking to work together, while a Corbynite campaign group branded the premier 'Sir Kid Starver' on social media.

The Tory leadership battle is gathering pace with Priti Patel preparing to join James Cleverly in officially announcing she is standing.

The former Cabinet minister is expected to throw her hat into the ring to succeed Rishi Sunak.

She could be one of the main contenders in what is looking like a crowded field, with another half-dozen considering a tilt at the party's top job.

However, with just 121 Conservative MPs left after the election disaster and 10 nominations required to be a candidate, it is highly unlikely they will all make the first ballot.

Nominations open tonight and close on Tuesday.

The first PMQs since the election took place in the House of Commons today

After confirming his intentions last night, Mr Cleverly has been arguing that the Tories need to expand their support base and end petting infighting.

The shadow home secretary has also dismissed the idea of a merger with Nigel Farage's Reform UK.

Other likely candidates include Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman, Tom Tugendhat, Mel Stride and Victoria Atkins.

The battle is shaping up to be a contest between One Nation and right-wing groupings - although members will have the final say before Mr Sunak is replaced on November 2.

The former PM has been persuaded to stick around instead of handing over to an interim leader, allowing the Conservative conference to be a beauty parade for would-be successors.

After nominations close on Tuesday MPs will whittle down the contenders to four - if necessary. That field will then be narrowed to two after conference, with activists choosing the winner.
A woman who was refused permission to move to the UK to join her two male lovers so they can continue with their 'loving family' has vowed to take legal action against the British government if the decision is not overturned.

Simone Carmen Johnson, from South Africa, had applied for an Unmarried Partner Visa for a right to travel to Britain back in February so the three could be together.

Her lovers, Tao Settembrini (formerly known as Rochelle Settembrini) and Larissa Settembrini, are already living there and waiting for her to join them.

However, her application was officially denied on 26th June. The visa allows unmarried long-term partners of British or Irish citizens to stay with them in the UK and applies to both heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

However, Johnson was informed in her refusal letter that her relationship does not meet the required conditions, which she complains is discriminatory towards her situation.

Simone Carmen Johnson (right) is pictured alongside her two lovers Tao Settembrini (left) and Larissa Settembrini (middle)

Johnson pointed out that while unusual for the UK, polygamy is legal in South Africa, and immigration rules do not strictly prohibit her from obtaining a partner visa.

She complained that the rejection is an infringement on her basic human rights, guaranteed by Article 8 of the European Convention.

LGBTQ+ rights defenders have also reportedly called the decision one that is based on outdated views on family and relationships.

Insisting it was an unfair decision, Johnson has decided to reapply and urged Immigration officers to reconsider.

In her second application, she wrote: 'The refusal implies a lack of evidence for a genuine and subsisting relationship. This assessment neglects to consider the unique dynamics of polygamous relationships.'

UK Immigration and British Nationality Senior Manager at Move Up UK Visa Solutions, Gwen Vermeulen, said that their refusal not only tears apart a loving family, but also raises troubling questions about the UK's commitment to human rights and equality.

Vermeulen said: 'We are urging the UK Home Office to reconsider this decision and recognise the validity of diverse family structures.'

Vermeulen added that there are pre-existing precedents that allow Johnson's application to be accepted.

If refused a second time, Vermeulen said they would take up the case in a legal challenge with the relevant tribunal.

Tribunals are judicial bodies that operate independently from courts but still perform judicial functions. They deal with specific types of disputes such as employment disputes and in this case immigration matters.

MailOnline has contacted the Home Office for contact.
This is the first picture of a 15-year-old schoolboy stabbed to death in a suspected botched robbery after picking his little sister up from primary school.

Police found teenager Pharrell Garcia collapsed on the ground in Hackney having suffered fatal stab wounds at around 4pm yesterday afternoon.

The 'horrific' incident took place on the grounds of a block of flats next to Benthal Primary School, where Pharrell had been a pupil before going on to secondary school.

Met Police today confirmed they have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of murder after he fled the scene.

Two friends from his school told of how Pharrell had been visiting a friend who lives in the area, and was about to leave on a Lime bike he had rented when someone 'tried to rob him'.

Pharrell Garcia, 15, was stabbed to death after picking up his younger sister from primary school

Two friends told how Pharrell had visited a friend and was about to leave on a Lime Bike before someone tried to rob him

They said Pharrell had tried to run, but the robber 'banged him on the head' before stabbing him in the lungs, causing him to suffocate.

It is understood he had gone to the area to pick up his sister from the primary school, before then meeting his friend.

Tributes poured in for the teen on social media from shocked friends who said he always wore 'a smile on his face'.

A loved one wrote: 'Rest in peace bro. I heard this and broke down.

'You have left your loved ones not just in tears but filled with questions.

'You always would argue and fight me, make me laugh and walk around with a smile on your face. Can't really say much other than Rip. Big bro.'

Other friends posted videos of memories they had shared together, with the label 'LLP. Gonna miss my brother man.'

Residents in the flats said people had tried to perform CPR on the boy, who had collapsed on the floor, but to no avail.

One woman told of how her children, aged just 7 and 10, were playing right by where the murder happened and had seen the boy collapse. The children told their mother they then saw a masked person who looked 'very scary' run off.

The mother said: 'I'm scared for my kids.

'It's a nice area all the kids play together, now it doesn't feel safe.

'My girl, she was traumatised. When she saw it she was crying her eyes out. She was saying she doesn't feel safe and wants to move.

'She was so scared that I didn't know how to calm her down.

'It's so close to home. They play there every day.'

A forensic tent at the scene on the grounds of a block of flats next to Benthal Primary School

Residents in the flats said people had tried to perform CPR on Pharrell, who had collapsed on the floor, but to no avail

She said paramedics attempted to resuscitate the boy when they arrived at the scene, and that they could see blood everywhere.

She said: 'When the paramedics were here they just kept giving him CPR, there was blood on their gloves. They were trying to hard to save him.'

Another resident said: 'Of course it's scary. There never used to be this kind of thing but how our flats have turned into some kind of Bermuda Triangle.

'There was a shooting round the other side a while ago, and an Uber driver was stabbed on the other side. Now this.

'I heard the incident started further up by a little park-like bit and ended down here on the grounds.

'Someone that was looking over from the flats told me they heard the pair saying things like 'what, what, what you looking at'.

'A kid was mugged here just two days over so knows if it was a similar thing.'

Speaking about the area, he said: 'It's turned into a sort of gangland. The flats are no man's land but they pass through here, through the alleyways.

'The council don't do anything to prevent this kind of thing, they don't do anything for the young kids.'

A police cordon remains in place at the scene, where a single bouquet of lilies has been laid.

Officers have also seized two Lime hire bikes which have been covered in police tape.

Pharrell is the second 15-year-old to be killed in London this week after Rene Graham was shot dead at a family fun day in Ladbroke Grove park on Sunday.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said local people could expect to see a higher police presence in the area over the coming days amid an ongoing investigation

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing in Hackney, said: 'Last night our detectives worked around the clock to start to piece together what happened and as a result of these enquiries we have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.

'He remains in custody for questioning.

'I know the community will be searching for answers today and will be shocked and angry at this tragic loss of life.

'I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to provide those answers and bring those responsible to justice.

'Our investigation continues at pace today with officers conducting house-to-house enquiries, reviewing hours of CCTV, and speaking to witnesses. Local people can also expect to see a higher police presence in the area over the coming days as our enquiries continue.

'We know that there were people in and near to Stellman Close yesterday afternoon and we'd appeal directly to them to get in touch. Despite the arrest your information is still crucial.

'No one should have to lose a child and events this week in London are a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime and serious violence. It tears families apart and robs our children of their futures.'
Six workers were killed and three were injured after a boiler tank exploded at a Jose Cuervo tequila factory in Mexico on Tuesday.

The Jalisco Civil Defense said in a statement that the explosion spread to an area of the distillery, causing each of the three containers to spill 219,000 liters of tequila.

Surveillance video showed the tank being propelled into the air followed by a huge fireball on Tuesday around 4:30 pm in the municipality of Tequila.

The force of the blast sent the boiler crashing into an empty lot several yards away from the La Rojena Factory.

None of the tourists and locals who were near the factory were injured by the explosion.

A boiler tank was ejected following an explosion at a Jose Cuervo distillery in Jalisco, Mexico on Tuesday. The blast left six workers dead and three injured

The boiler tank was being welded by workers who were contracted through a third-party when it exploded. The impact of the blast ejected the tank to an empty lot next to the Jose Cuervo factory

Pictured: A container that blew about 100 meters in the air

'Casa Cuervo reiterates that the safety and integrity of its collaborators, neighbors and visitors are our priority, which is why the strict security protocols will be reinforced in each of our facilities,' the tequila maker said in a statement.

Tequila Mayor Alfonso Magalllanes told Radio Metropoli on Wednesday the workers were welding the boiler tank when it exploded.

He added that several tequila distillery companies have temporarily suspended service.

The body of the sixth victim was located in a pit while firefighters were inspecting the site and removing debris.

Flames spread through a Jose Cuervo factory in the Mexican municipality of Tequila on Tuesday after an explosion ripped through the distillery, killing six workers and injuring three

An explosion at a Jose Cuervo distillery in Mexico on Tuesday has left at least six workers dead

Pictured: The fire following the explosion

Magallanes said that the state civil defense engineers would be assessing the damage caused by the explosion that cause some of the tequila to spill into a nearby river.

A second blast was reported Wednesday morning, but not injuries were reported.

Firefighters were able to put out the flames before it could reach a second container holding 200,000 liters of tequila.

'It is important to emphasize that local authorities continue to monitor the situation and work together to guarantee the safety of the community and prevent future incidents,' the Jalisco Civil Defense said in a statement.
Thousands of Navy SEALs and service members negatively impacted by President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate scored a major win in court after a years-long legal battle.

The mandate enacted in August 2021 led to the forced firing of over 8,000 service members who refused the shot on religious or medical grounds.

Navy SEALs and other special operators suffered professional setbacks for refusing the vaccine, despite having their religious accommodation requests denied multiple times.

They were fired, denied trainings to advance in rank and, in some cases, even forced by the military to repay their initial signing bonuses between $4,000 and $7,000.

SEALs and other special operations warfare troops were also told they would have to pay back the cost of their training by the federal government - hundreds of thousands of dollars - and hand over their hard-earned 'Trident' pin.

According to the settlement first obtained by DailyMail.com, service members who quit the Navy after being 'mistreated' will have their records corrected.

Navy SEALs and other special operators suffered professional setbacks for refusing the vaccine, despite having their religious accommodation requests denied multiple times

In addition, the Navy also 'agreed to post a statement affirming the Navy's respect for religious service members.'

The military will provide 'more training' for the actual commanders who review religious accommodation requests as well as change their policy.

Lastly, the government will pay $1.5 million in attorneys' fees that accumulated over nearly four years of litigation.

'This has been a long and difficult journey, but the Navy SEALs never gave up,' Danielle Runyan, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute told DailyMail.com.

'We are thrilled that those members of the Navy who were guided by their conscience and steadfast in their faith will not be penalized in their Navy careers.'

First Liberty and Hacker Stephens LLP secured the settlement on behalf of the troops that was accepted by the United States District Court Northern District of Texas Fort Worth Division on Wednesday.

Heather Gebelin Hacker added that it is a 'hard-fought but significant victory.'

A spokesperson for the Navy referred DailyMail.com to the Department of Justice for comment which did not immediately respond.

Earlier this year, over 200 active duty and retired service members vowed to hold the Biden administration accountable for 'trampling' on their rights by enforcing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Over 200 service members declared that they will do 'everything' in their power to get accountability since not a single leader has resigned or been held to account despite the rollback of the vaccine mandate last year.

The mandate enacted in August 2021 led to the forced firing of over 8,000 service members who refused the shot on religious or medical grounds

On New Year's Day, over 200 service members declared that they will do 'everything' in their power to get accountability since not a single leader has resigned or been held to account despite the rollback of the vaccine mandate

In a letter obtained by DailyMail.com, the current and former troops accuse Biden's military brass of 'continuing to ignore' their pleas to correct the 'injuries and laws that were broken.'

They are threatening to even force Biden's top leaders to be brought out of retirement so they can be court-martialed and held to account.

'While implementing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, military leaders broke the law, trampled constitutional rights, denied informed consent, permitted unwilling medical experimentation, and suppressed the free exercise of religion,' the letter states.

It goes on to say both service members and their families were 'significantly harmed' and their 'suffering continues to be felt financially, emotionally, and physically.'

'Some service members became part of our ever-growing veteran homeless population, some developed debilitating vaccine injuries, and some even lost their lives,' the letter continues.

The mandate was eventually rescinded in the December 2022 defense authorization bill, but it did not reinstate service members who were fired for not receiving the shot nor provide any other compensation.

In the open letter, they explicitly name now-retired and still serving top commanders that they are demanding accountability from.

Those include the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley who exited the military in October and Gen. James McConville who served as the 40th chief of staff of the Army until 2023.

'These individuals enabled lawlessness and the unwilling experimentation on service members,' they state.

'The moral and physical injuries they helped inflict are significant. They betrayed the trust of service members and the American people. Their actions caused irreparable harm to the Armed Forces and the institutions for which we have fought and bled.'

They have 'refused to resign' or take any accountability for their actions, the service members state.

The letter goes on to mutually pledge to hold them to account through 'lawful word and action.'

The Army recently was under scrutiny for attempting to win back favor with soldiers who were fired after declining the COVID-19 vaccine for religious or medical reasons, offering a 'correction of military records.'

A Navy SEAL instructor assists students from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEA

The letter sparked an outcry of fury at the Defense Department by lawmakers and former service members

But the letter sparked an outcry of fury at the Defense Department by lawmakers and current and former service members who said there was always a process in place to do just that.

Since the mandate, Army has also faced a huge shortage of recruits in fiscal year 2022 at 55,000 - which was 10,000 short of its target for the year.

Congress is also working to further remedy the wrongs that these service members faced, but many soldiers have told DailyMail.com that it is just the start.

In the most recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed a year later in December 2023, there is a provision allowing former service members who were fired to change their discharge status.

But some current and former troops are saying that the amendments in the FY 2024 NDAA are not strong enough to undo the 'serious harassment' they endured over the last two years.

John Frankman, who was in the Special Forces as part of the Green Berets, said that the 'missed career opportunities' he endured over the last two years could never be undone by any action of Congress.

Another active-duty Army officer previously told DailyMail.com that the fired troops have had 'their lives turned upside down and were betrayed by those charged with protecting them.'

And a formal apology from their service branches would be key to be able to have trust restored, he added.
A Minnesota father was sentenced to only five years in prison for starving his seven-year-old daughter to death.

Jewel Sky Fineday died on December 25, 2022 on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and was left 'not just thin, but skeletal,' due to 'a lack of care' from her father Julius Fineday Sr., 42, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Julius was sentenced on Tuesday in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to felony child neglect in connection to the tragic death of his young daughter.

The girl's grandmother and Julius' mother, Sharon Marie Rosebar, 63, was convicted on April 30 on the same charges. Her sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

During the father's sentencing, Judge Patrick Schiltz clarified Jewel did not starve because there was a lack of food in the household, but because Julius neglected his child in 'nearly every way' possible.

Jewel Sky Fineday, seven, died on December 25, 2022 on the Red Lake Indian Reservation after being starved by her father, Julius Fineday Sr., 42

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the little girl was 'not just thin, but skeletal,' due to 'a lack of care' from her father. On Tuesday, he was sentenced to five years in prison

Court documents revealed that the seven-year-old died from a combination of malnutrition and Group A Streptococcal infection (GAS) because of the neglect.

GAS is a contagious infection that often appears in the throat and skin, and although some cases are minor, others can cause life-threatening symptoms without treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Jewel also had severe head lice, was kept from attending school, and had not been to a doctor in three years- other than getting COVID vaccinations that were paid for through cash incentives, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

In a court filing ahead of the father's sentencing, defense attorney Robert Richman argued that his client should face just one year in prison for his actions, according to the Star Tribune.

Richman said that the little girl 'died as a result of poverty, neglect and a family overwhelmed by the burden of caring for 10 minor children. ... Had Indian Family and Children Services intervened sooner, [she] would still be alive,' the outlet reported.

The attorney added that in 2021, the girl's home 'was no long [sic] fit for human habitation. ... The home had no running water, heat or indoor plumbing. ... The walls had open holes with insulation hanging out, and the house was infested with mice and cockroaches.'

During the father's sentencing, Judge Patrick Schiltz (pictured) clarified Jewel did not starve because there was a lack of food in the household, but because Julius neglected his child in 'nearly every way' possible

He said Julius has acknowledged what he did to Jewel and that he 'tried to provide' for her and her siblings, but 'did not realize she was dangerously malnourished.'

Jewel's native name was Miikawaddizimikinaakikezens, which means 'Beautiful Turtle Girl,' according to her obituary.

She enjoyed playing hide and seek and tag with her cousins and siblings, dancing, and watching TiKTok videos on her father's phone.

'Jewel was always concerned about her dad, always making sure he was happy,' the obituary read.

A two-day wake was held for the little girl from January 4, 2023 -January 5, 2023 at the Ponemah Boys and Girls Club in Ponemah.

Schiltz said that he hopes that through his sentencing, other parents will understand that 'neglecting or abusing a child will result in negative consequences not only for the child, but also the responsible adult.'

Schiltz added that he hopes parents will consider Julius' fate and decide to 'pick up the phone' to ask for help in taking care of their children.

DeShaun Matinez, was commonly kept in a closet at the family home for 16 hours at a time, and weighed only 18 pounds when his corpse was found in March 2020

Following his time behind bars, Julius will face two years of supervised release for child neglect.

Another father from Arizona was sentenced to life in prison after starving his six-year-old son to death in 2020.

Anthony Jose Martinez, 28, received the sentence in Coconino County Superior Court on June 28, where his attorney also read an apologetic statement penned by him personally.

In it, Martinez apologized to the late child's three other siblings, two of whom did not suffer the same physical abuse, but still endured long-term harm, officials said.

The child who died, DeShaun Matinez, was commonly kept in a closet at the family home for 16 hours at a time - a crime that saw the kids' mother also sentenced to life in prison this time last year.
Chaos was sparked in Sainsbury's after a discount voucher glitch allowed customers to get all their shopping for free.

The coupon - which appeared in Sainsbury's app on Monday - led to customers flocking to the supermarket to pile their baskets and trolleys high with produce before the voucher was swiftly removed.

Video footage from a number of branches showed people trying to take advantage of the coupon before the retail giant clocked on, some stockpiling basics such as toilet paper while others nabbed more luxury goods.

A clip from the Sainsbury's branch in Gants Hill, East London showed an argument break out between two shoppers trying their luck, and store staff who attempted to deny them using the voucher.

The unnamed man and his friend attempt to pay for their goods at the self-checkout using the faulty voucher on one of their phones.

Chaos was sparked in Sainsbury's after a discount voucher glitched allowing customers to get all their shopping for free. Pictured: A customer showing off his use of the app

Lines of trollies were seen lined up in White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds full of shopping

Among the items are cartons of fresh soup and a box of Ferrero Rocher, and the bloke behind the camera argues with staff as his pal repeatedly scans the voucher, with cash flying off the total amount every time.

The member of staff tries to argue that the code has been cancelled but the customer insists: 'It's allowed, Sainsbury's is allowing coupons.'

The staff member denies it again, but the customer refuses to back down, adding: 'Take it off the system. If it's not allowed, why is it still on the system? It's allowed, it's a coupon.'

A security guard then appears, questioning why the customer is filming.

The shopper starts to get agitated and says: 'I'm recording for my safety and your safety, because if you touch me, I'm going to knock you out

'I am using a coupon. Disconnect it from the system and I won't use the coupon. The system allows me to use it so I'm using it. If it's a frauded coupon, how is it on the Sainsbury's app?'

A second video, taken in Sainsbury's in the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds, Yorkshire, shows a long line of trolleys piled high with groceries.

A woman's voice can be heard saying: 'This is ridiculous, look at this. This is why it stopped. Look at this, they don't buy so much in real life.'

An example of the voucher in use - saving the customer 55.84

Lines of trollies filled with goods after shopper's used a faulty voucher

Countless trollies are packed full of food and necessities as well as some luxury items as carefree shoppers take advantage of the legitimate code.

The woman continues to commentate in disbelief as the line of trolleys continues to rumble on. It's not clear whether these were seized before or after the glitch within the code was discovered by Sainsbury's.

The clips were shared to social media yesterday with the caption: 'A glitched Sainsbury's coupon was released on the app yesterday where it allowed customers to get all their items for free.

'Those who found it before Sainsbury's did made sure to take the p***.'

The post has since received over 7,400 likes and more than 40 comments from amused members of the public.

One said: 'Serves them right for overcharging.'

A second commented: 'I mean, at least they were buying food because I'd be in there clearing the alcohol aisle.'

Another said: 'Second video was playing Supermarket Sweep in real life.'

A fourth wrote: 'Ahh man, why did I have to find out about this late?'

Another said: 'Did you load up on Yorkshire Tea?'

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said: 'We have seen an increase in fraudulent coupons in our stores and we have processes in place to detect and block them.

'We also have in-store detectives monitoring for fraudulent attempts and we are working closely with the police on this issue. We continue to accept genuine coupons and vouchers.'
A FedEx driver in North Carolina has been arrested for stealing a $5,500 French Bulldog during his delivery route and leaving it to perish in his sweltering truck.

Kimani Joehon Marshall, 44, from Fayetteville, allegedly stole the dog named Tori on July 3 while delivering a package in the area of US 421 South.

The beloved pet was left in Marshall's FedEx truck as he continued his deliveries, ABC13 reported.

Tori tragically died due to reported heat-related issues as temperatures that day soared into the 90s.

A week after her disappearance, Tori's remains were discovered on the side of the road on July 10.

Kimani Joehon Marshall, 44, from Fayetteville, allegedly took the dog named Tori on July 3 while delivering a package in the area of U.S. 421 South

Tori's remains were discovered on the side of the road on July 10, a week after her disappearance

The Harnett County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case after receiving a report of the stolen dog on July 7.

Marshall surrendered himself to deputies on Monday, weeks after the incident occurred.

He now faces multiple charges including larceny of a dog, possession of stolen property, and cruelty to animals.

The accused is currently being held in the Harnett County Detention Center on a $50,000 secured bond.

The owner's niece, Jen, shared missing dog flyers on Facebook showcasing a reward for the beloved pet.

The owner's niece, Jen, shared missing dog flyers on Facebook showcasing a reward for the beloved pet

In April, a study found that the emotional turmoil of having a pet stolen is similar to losing a child.

Researchers interviewed owners whose dog had been stolen, and asked them to describe their experiences and needs.

Most participants likened the emotional turmoil caused by the event to that experienced when losing a child or other family member.

This included feelings of sadness, sorrow, despair, hopelessness and numbness coupled with anxiety.
Fresh polling shows that former President Donald Trump would have been better off had President Joe Biden stayed atop the Democratic ticket.

A new CNN/SSRS poll found that Trump's six-point lead over Biden got cut down to three points now that his rival is Vice President Kamala Harris - with a plus or minus three point margin of error.

Pollsters surveyed the same group of registered voters that they did in April or June in order to measure real changed in the electorate's mood.

They found that Harris retained 95 percent of voters who said they'd choose Biden in the fall, while Trump retained 92 percent of his supporters in this new match-up.

Among those who previously said they would neither support Biden nor Trump in a two-way race now split 30 percent for Harris and 27 percent for Trump, with the remainder saying they'd still support someone else.

Former President Donald Trump (left) has seen his six-point lead shrink by half now that he's likely competing against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris (right) in the November general election

Seventy-four percent of Trump's supporters says their vote is a vote for Trump - not a vote against Harris.

That number has grown from 66 percent in June.

Since then, Trump has survived an assassination attempt and concluded his four-day nominating convention last week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On the Democratic side, much of the support this cycle has been motivated by a distaste for Trump.

However, the new polling found that 50 percent of those who support Harris say their vote is in support of her rather than against Trump.

When Biden supporters were asked the same question in June, just 37 percent said they were voting for the president in support of him - with the rest saying their vote was to prevent Trump from serving a second term.

Democratic-aligned voters were broadly supportive of the party's rush to back Harris, who Biden endorsed on his way out the door.

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The poll found that 76 percent said the Democratic Party should nominate Harris as its candidate for president.

Just 6 percent expressed support for specific alternative candidates.

Four in 10 Democratic-aligned voters said Harris should focus on attracting swing voters when picking a running mate.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Harris' team has requested vetting materials from swing state and midwestern Democrats including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Only 11 percent said it's extremely important that Harris pick a male running mate.

If she's elected she'll be the first female president and the first female president of color.

The poll was conducted on July 22-23 after Biden pulled out of the presidential race.
A Pro-Palestine activist group shared stomach-turning images of what they said was a protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli leader is scheduled to speak to Congress later on Wednesday amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which has sparked protests against the Jewish state all over the world.

Hours before the planned speech, the Palestinian Youth Movement's X account shared a video they claimed showed Netanyahu's table at the Watergate hotel in Washington DC full of maggots and critters.

The group wrote: 'BON APPETIT!! MAGGOTS RELEASED ON THE CRIMINAL ZIONIST'S WAR TABLE!

'Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people.'

Hours before Netanyahu's planned speech, the Palestinian Youth Movement's X account shared a video they claimed showed his table at the Watergate hotel in Washington DC full of maggots and critters

The group's claims have not been confirmed, and Jewish Insider claims several people in Netanyahu's team have denied being aware of any protest involving maggots.

Jewish Insider reporter Lahav Harkov said: 'I talked to several people in Netanyahus delegation who know nothing about this, so either the Palestinian Youth Movement is lying or somehow security managed to clean this up and stop the fire alarms incredibly quickly.'

CNN reported that the Secret Service is investigating the reports that protesters gained access to the hotel where the Israeli delegation is staying.

On Wednesday thousands of protesters condemning the war in Gaza descended on Washington, chanting 'Free, Free Palestine' as some tried to block streets ahead of Netanyahus speech to Congress.

Organizers said they would try to block Netanyahus route to the building, and police forcibly removed from the street protesters who were trying to block one intersection.

Netanyahu speaks during a memorial service for former Sen. Joseph Lieberman on Wednesday

The group's claims have not been confirmed, and Jewish Insider claims several people in Netanyahu's team have denied being aware of any protest involving maggots

While many of the demonstrators have condemned Israel, others have expressed support while pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal in the war with Hamas and bring home the hostages still being held by the militant group.

Many Jewish Americans view the war in Gaza as just because it came in response to the brutal October 7 Hamas attack, even if they dont outright support Netanyahu and his policies.

The families of hostages taken by Hamas are also protesting, demanding Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire deal that would free their loves ones.

On Wednesday thousands of protesters condemning the war in Gaza descended on Washington

Police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol and closed multiple roads for most of the week. Workers erected a black metal fence around the White House on Wednesday morning.

Dozens of protesters rallied outside Netanyahus hotel Monday evening after his arrival in Washington, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon building, which houses offices of House members.

The Capitol Police said about 200 people were arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the sit-in at the Cannon building. Jewish Voice for Peace said many more than that were arrested, rabbis among them.
A former TV producer has claimed that 'millions of people have bought a lie' about the deadly Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

Richard Hall claimed on his third day of a civil harassment trial brought by two survivors that there was 'no bomb' in the attack that killed 22 and injured over a thousand.

He also claimed that the public inquiry into the deadly attack at the Ariana Grande concert 'ignored' evidence.

Hall is being sued for allegedly harassing father and daughter Martin and Eve Hibbert by 'secretly filming' Miss Hibbert and her mother at their house.

The pair were at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 where Mr Hibbert sustained a spinal cord injury - leaving him paralysed - and Miss Hibbert was left with a 'catastrophic' brain injury.

However, Mr Hall, who said he has worked as a 'fully independent investigative journalist' since 2015 after careers as an engineer and television producer, said there is 'no primary evidence of a bomb'.

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

Richard Hall (pictured) allegedly harassed the victims at their home

Martin was left needing to use a wheelchair following the deadly attack

The world was shocked by the Manchester Arena attack in 2017

He told the court: 'There was no bomb in that room or genuinely injured people... The primary evidence shows there was no bomb in that room that exploded.'

Mr Hall later said that a 'majority' of people 'believe a lie' about the attack.

'Millions of people have bought a lie,' he said.

In his written evidence, Mr Hall claimed that a video was taken minutes after the blast, showing no damage to the building or broken glass.

Discussing the video, said to have been taken by a member of the public called John Barr, Mr Hall said: 'There was no shrapnel visible. The lighting was intact and working. No injuries were visible.

'The number of people in the room seemed far lower than officially claimed.

'There are people lying on the ground, and some others apparently attending to them.

'There is no sign of any urgent activity during this video of people rushing to attend to the purportedly dead and injured; no sign of tourniquets being applied, nor of any other activity consistent with an extremely serious major incident having just occurred.'

Mr Hall suggested that there was 'very strong evidence that injuries were being staged in a faked 'attack'.

Salman Abedi killed 22 people and injured hundreds when he detonated the homemade rucksack-bomb in the crowd of concert-goers, with the Hibberts some of the nearest people to him at the time of the blast.

Abedi's brother, Hashem Abedi, was jailed for life in August 2020 after he was convicted of assisting the terror plot.

The public inquiry into the atrocity began on September 7 2020 and ended on February 15 2022.

In its third report, published in March 2023, inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders concluded the attack might have been prevented if MI5 had acted on key intelligence received in the months prior.

Jonathan Price, for the Hibberts, asked Mr Hall why he would not 'just believe' the pair and Miss Hibbert's mother Sarah Gillbard about the incident.

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

Mr Hall replied: 'Because there is no evidence to show any of their claims.'

He later added 'I'm presenting the evidence and letting people decide for themselves', adding that his statements were 'my opinion based on what I see'.

The barrister asked: 'If it is true, and that is what they have been through, would you feel any compassion towards them?'

'Well, of course, but it is not true,' Mr Hall said, adding: 'I feel compassion to anyone who suffers a life-changing injury which they clearly have.

'Of course they do have life-changing injuries but I don't accept that it happened at 10.21pm in the Manchester Arena.'

The barrister later asked Mr Hall why he believed it to be in the public interest to feature the Hibberts in his work.

Mr Hall replied: 'There were many statements in the media but the primary evidence completely contradicted it... It was in the public interest to explore those witnesses.'

Mr Price suggested that Mr Hall's work was 'not rigorous journalism' and 'nothing but conjecture'.

But in his written evidence, Mr Hall described his book and films as featuring 'nothing more than honest reporting and opinion'.

Yesterday, the High Court heard that the deadly attack affected Eve's life in 'every conceivable way'.

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.

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.

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'.

'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.
First PMQs for Sir Keir Starmer. The House hushed, its galleries and gangways crammed. Reporters craned forward in their eyries, sucking cheap pens as they awaited il grande momento.

Seconds before noon, enter Sir Keir to Labour backbench screams led by Andrew Gwynne (who has just been given a ministerial job). Westminsters new champ waddled to his place. The eyes of Johanna Baxter, a union grandee who is now Labour MP for Paisley, gleamed in adoration, gobstoppers cut from topaz. And then, after a deep intake of breath, the new PM uttered the famous words: This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House I shall have further such meetings today.

With his tin ear, mind you, he went and mucked about with the cherished rhythm and inserted a Soviet tractor-factory phrase about those ministers discussing the change for which the country had decisively voted.

This was a comatose Commons. Yawns started to ricochet around the chamber, writes Quentin Letts

All the same, a milestone. So was it a thrill? Did history throb between our thighs? If only. The nasal knights debut was a dud. An anticlimax. As they say at the fish counter in Morrisons, a damp squid. Greater excitement might have been had watching an agave flower in the Mexican desert.

PMQs, at the dawn of this allegedly sun-dappled age, was turned into a pulverising, soul-sapping, eyeball-bruising bore. Any West End musical making such a glutinous start would soon be laying off the hoofers.

Labour MPs were passive. Hardly any of them bobbed up and down, hoping to catch the Speakers eye. None of the seven rebels just suspended from their party was to be seen.

This was a comatose Commons. Yawns started to ricochet around the chamber. Paul Waugh (Lab, Rochdale) wore the dazed stare of a stunned hogget. One of the ushers started chewing his clipboard. Gareth Snell (Lab, Stoke C) stretched out his string-bean legs and onlookers recoiled from his blue novelty socks and revolting yellow shoes.

Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, did not once alter a supercilious smile he had smeared across his chops. Could have been Joe Biden having one of his seizures. Quick, someone reboot Wes!

The only sport to be had was a Carry On cameo further along the front bench. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh (shes the one with magenta hair) was in a joltingly low-cut top and her neighbours Ed Miliband and Jonathan Reynolds, being modern men, knew they mustnt gawp. Ed Mil cast up at the press gallery at one point. He was cross-eyed. Mr Reynolds was less successful in averting his gaze. Off to Siberia for him.

Rishi Sunak was again in good-loser mode. This may be statesmanlike but it is not what parliamentary combat requires. Rishi wished luck to our team at the Olympics but added, Im probably not the first person they want to hear advice from on how to win. Aw, went the House.

Half the fun in booting politicians out of power is in seeing their tooth-sucking fury afterwards. The country may feel cheated.

Rishi Sunak was again in good-loser mode. This may be statesmanlike but it is not what parliamentary combat requires

An early question went to Kim Leadbeater (Lab, Spen Valley), who praised Sir Keir for making such a positive start. She knew this made her sound like a greaser and laughed, as did Tories. Sir Keir did not get the joke. He accepted the sycophancy as his entitlement. Ms Leadbeater is sister of the late Jo Cox and we learned that her parents were in attendance. Ms Leadbeater blinked back a tear.

That pious archdeacon Sir Edward Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, rose. The House groaned. The Scots Nats Stephen Flynn was much better, praising Sir Keir for ending Tory rule. Sir Alec Shelbrooke (Con, Wetherby & Easingwold): And yours! Mr Flynn, whose party indeed had a tremendous wipeout at the election, accepted the heckle with a dazzling smile.

But the rest of it, oh baby, was agonising, dullsville, nearly North Korean in its joylessness. Starmer is the Human Gluepot. It could be a long, long ten years.
Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed the wealthy American pro-Palestinian protestors who stand against the nation's fight with terror group Hamas.

The Israeli prime minister, who started and finished his address to Congress on Wednesday with standing ovations, also praised the assistance from the U.S.

However, he didn't hold back when pointing out the contradictions of the anti-Israel rioters who set up physical camps across college campuses in protest of Israel's actions. Many of these protestors have resorted to anti-Semitic tropes and targeted Jewish students.

'Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza', he said to loud applause.

'They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC,' he continued, receiving laughs from the audience.

Six of those same protestors he was condemning were quickly arrested after they managed to sneak their way into the chamber, according to authorities.

The activists revealed bright yellow t-shirts emblazoned with 'Seal the deal now' that had previously been hidden behind zipped jackets and buttoned up dress shirts.

The protests were quiet, however, not halting the Israeli prime minister's speech.

But outside, anti-Israel agitators burned American flags and effigies of Netanyahu in chaotic scenes that prompted cops in riot shields to deploy pepper spray.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol

The American flag was reportedly taken off of a flag pole outside of D.C.'s Union Station train terminal

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry a representation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest on the day of Netanyahu's address

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators burn a U.S. flag and an effigy depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday

Netanyahu spoke about the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship during his speech, highlighting how the two's close ties have been instrumental in the Jewish nation's fight against Palestinian terror group Hamas.

'America and Israel must stand together,' Netanyahu proclaimed, receiving a standing ovation in response.

'When we stand together, something very simple happens, we win and they lose.'

The leader has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is eradicated following the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel by the terrorist who raped women, killed and beheaded children and took hundreds of Israelis hostage, including several Americans.

'They butchered 1,200 people from 41 countries, including 39 Americans,' he said.

'That's like 20 9/11s in one day,' he continued, referencing the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.

Police officers try to stop pro-Palestinian demonstrators from taking down a U.S. flag outside Union Station

An effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu is burnt outside of D.C.'s Union Station in protest of the prime minister's joint address to Congress Wednesday

Police dressed in riot gear march to confront pro-Gaza protestors at Union Station just blocks from the U.S. Capitol

He also condemned protestors for supporting baby 'murderers,' adding 'they should be ashamed of themselves.'

The Israeli leader called pro-Gaza protestors 'useful idiots' who are being manipulated by leaders in Iran.

'Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza'. They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC,' he said receiving chuckles from the crowd.

Meanwhile, outside protestors burned American flags and an effigy of Netanyahu in a display of outrage at D.C.'s Union Station train terminal just blocks away from the Capitol.

Some of the pro-Palestinian activists went as far as displaying Hamas flags and wearing clothing representing the terrorist organization.

The pro-Hamas activists even vandalized a statue outside of the train station, writing a chilling warning onto the historic Columbus Fountain.

'Hamas is coming,' someone wrote on the fountain.

'F*** America,' can also be seen scribbled onto a replica of the Liberty Bell that has been mounted outside of the train station since the 1981.

The protests at Union Station got so out of hand Wednesday afternoon that they led to Amtrak having to delay rides to and from the terminal.

'Due to protest activity, expect delays near Washington Union Station and intermittent closures of entrances/exits,' the train operator posted on X.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., holds a sign as she attends a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint meeting of Congress

She would raise her sign higher depending on the subject matter Netanyahu was addressing

On Tuesday, over 200 pro-Gaza protestors were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building

Back inside the chamber, one very outspoken pro-Gaza Squad member, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., surprisingly attended the address.

Donning a keffiyeh, she sat expressionless while listening to Netanyahu speak.

Then, in an act of defiance she occasionally held up a sign pointed at the Israeli prime minister that read 'GUILTY OF GENOCIDE.'

While speaking, the prime minister continued to take pro-Gaza protestors head on, referencing how America's elite colleges were the well from where many anti-Israel protests sprung.

'It's not only the campus protesters who get it wrong. It's also the people who run those campuses. 80 years after the Holocaust  80 years after the Holocaust, the presidents of Harvard, Penn. and I'm ashamed to say, my alma mater MIT, couldn't bring themselves to condemn the calls for the genocide of Jews,' he said.

'The outrageous slanders that paint Israel is racist and genocidal are meant to de-legitimize Israel, to demonize the Jewish state, and to demonize Jews everywhere and no wonder now I wonder we've witnessed in appalling rise of anti-Semitism in America and around the world,' he added.

Netanyahu also appealed to the lawmakers for more supplies to fight Hamas.

'Get us the tools faster and we will finish the job faster,' Netanayhu proclaimed, apparently referencing recent pause in aid to Israel prompted by the Biden administration.

'The day after we defeat Hamas a new Gaza will emerge,' he said pointing to the future.

He said he seeks to de-radicalize and de-militarize the strip and rebuild it so that Palestinians do not grow up to 'hate' Jews.

'Israel does not seek to resettle Gaza,' he reassured the lawmakers.

Netanyahu also thanked former President Donald Trump for brokering the Abraham Accords - a peace deal between Israel and Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates.

Protestor gets arrested after demonstrating at Union Station

Police clash with pro-Gaza protestors outside of Netanyahu's speech

Officers from the NYPD helped quell protests, some in the cross fire of pepper spray

He also expressed gratitude that Trump survived a recent assassination attempt before condemning political violence.

Close to 100 Democrats are thought to have skipped Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Capitol speech due to tensions over the ongoing war with the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Most notable absences include Vice President Kamala Harris, who would have presided over the Senate, but claimed to have a scheduling conflict, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the second most powerful Democratic Senator Dick Durbin D-Ill.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., also boycotted the speech, calling the prime minister a 'war criminal' amid the bloody conflict that has seen loss of life in Gaza.

Her fellow New York Democrat, Rep, Jamaal Bowman, who recently lost his bid for reelection, went as far to say Netanyahu should be arrested.

'Netanyahu should be arrestednot honored in Congress,' he wrote on X ahead of the address. 'Like many of you, I am disgusted.'

Many Democrats in the chamber remained seated as Netanyahu spoke of rescuing hostages still held by Hamas, which include a number of Americans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) walk together before a meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building

The pair held a brief media availability before the Israeli leader's speech

Mark Pocan, D-Wis., who is also skipped the event, wrote Wednesday he would happily deliver charges to Netanyahu himself.

'I only regret that an arrest warrant for his war crimes has not yet been issued by the ICC, as I would have gladly served it to him on the House floor,' he posted.

Police have estimated that up to 10,000 protestors will be descending upon Capitol Hill Wednesday to call for an end to the 'genocide' in Gaza and demand a ceasefire.

Due to security concerns and a waning number of U.S. Capitol Police officers, over 200 New York City Police Department officers were deployed down to Washington, D.C.

And ahead of the joint address, a group of Republican senators slammed the VP at a press conference for missing the speech, claiming her outstanding obligation alibi is inappropriate.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called her absence 'disgraceful' and that 'she ought to be embarrassed.'

Police have estimated that up to 10,000 protestors will be descending upon Capitol Hill today

'She doesn't have many jobs as VP,' Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said at the press event, saying its 'a shame' that Harris decided not to attend.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., was more on the nose, calling her nonattendance 'a slap in the face.'

A Pelosi spokesperson said Wednesday that she would be joining a 'Members meeting with Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings.'

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., informed lawmakers that there would be 'an increased police presence around the Capitol complex and in the House Chamber.'

He went on to warn that he will enforcing a 'zero-tolerance policy for disturbances in the building.'

'If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest,' Johnson said in a letter this week.

It is unclear whether Tlaib will face any repercussions for protesting Netanyahu with her 'genocide' sign.

On Tuesday, over 200 pro-Gaza protestors were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators prepare cardboard coffins a for a protest before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress

There are plans for thousands more to march along the National Mall to the Capitol today before Netanyahu's 2 p.m. ET address

A group of Pro-Palestinian activists held a noise demonstration outside the Watergate Hotel i

Protest signage against Benjamin Netanyahu is seen near the Capitol

Stages and audio equipment were set up for pro-Gaza speeches and demonstrations hours before Netanyahu's speech.

And dozens of premade signs denouncing the prime minister and Israel meant to be picked up by attendees were stationed at the main protest area ready for pick-up.

As the crowd began to grow before the prime minister's speech rally attendees blocks from the Capitol began chanting 'from the river to the sea' and 'there is only one solution, intifada revolution,' two common anti-Israel refrains.

Videos on social media even show protestors stationed outside of the local hotel were Netanyahu is staying, meaning the demonstrations against him as have been nearly constant all of Wednesday.

Some of these activists were even able to infiltrate the Watergate Hotel were the Israeli leader was staying.

They released maggots and insects where Netanyahu and his team were set to meet, forcing a disgusting disturbance.

A demonstrator carries a sign in front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday

Thousands gathered ahead of the speech to demonstrate against the Israeli leader

The prime minister is expected to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris separately on Thursday.

He will also be traveling down to Mar-a-Lago to have a sit down with former President Donald Trump on Friday, the GOP nominee for president.
Police in Sunderland have launched an investigation after finding human remains on the banks of the River Wear.

Northumbria Police officers were seen on Wear Street, in South Hylton, today with multiple police vehicles in attendance.

The Northumbria Police Marine Unit is also believed to be at the scene, which lies on the outskirts of Sunderland.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said:

'At around 10.05am today (Wednesday), we received a report of suspected human remains having been discovered on the riverbank near to Wear Street in South Hylton.

Police in Sunderland have launched an investigation after finding human remains on a riverbank

Northumbria Police officers were seen on Wear Street, in South Hylton, today

The Northumbria Police Marine Unit is also believed to be at the scene, which lies on the outskirts of Sunderland

'Emergency services are currently in attendance at the scene to carry out enquiries.'

MailOnline has contacted the force for further comment.

It comes just a few weeks after human remains were found in London and Bristol in a case that shocked the nation.

The two men whose remains were found in Bristol and London last week belong to a French national and his British ex-partner, police revealed.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 34, was charged with the murder of two men, named by the Met Police as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth.

Detectives made the grisly discovery after two suitcases were allegedly dumped on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol before further remains were found at the victims' flat in Scotts Road, west London.

The two men had previously been in a relationship and still lived together at the flat in Shepherd's Bush. They were known to the suspect, who had been staying with them for a short period of time, police said.

Mr Longworth was British and Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.

Police said that they do not believe there was a 'homophobic motive' from the evidence gathered so far, but they have initially categorised the incident as a 'hate crime' under national guidelines.
A Miami couple has revealed they have been left stranded in Bora Bora during their dreamy trip amid sky high costs due to airport strikes.

Omid and Karrah Kazravan decided to visit the picturesque island as part of their multi-island honeymoon tour.

In a series of TikToks, Omid said the couple realized they were stuck on the isle when they were told of the ongoing domestic airport strike by unionized workers on their check-out day.

The industry's action caused Air Tahiti and Air Moana to cancel all domestic flights through the Bora Bora Airport as strikers demand that their needs be met by officials.

No international flights have been impacted as a result of the strike.

Omid and Karrah Kazravan left stranded in Bora Bora during their dreamy honeymoon amid sky high costs due to airport strikes

The industrial action has caused Air Tahiti and Air Moana to cancel all domestic flights through the Bora Bora Airport as strikers demand that their needs be met by officials

'We gotta take matters into our own hands. There's been no communication from domestic airlines. They're kind of not even sending emails,' Omid told viewers.

'We have to literally call them our to five times to get them to send an email that our flight is canceled.

The entrepreneur went on to say there was only one eight-hour boat ride out of the most expensive isle, where a regular can of Coca Cola costs $9, to the mainland.

They also contacted the US embassy for aid and were informed that a cargo ship would soon be arriving to bring them to the airport.

After some research, Omid discovered that the freighter was also an eight-hour long trek with no seats or any kind of chairs onboard.

As they began to ponder on what to do with the rest of the stuck tourists, the resort suggested they hire a small plane that would have costed $10,000 for eight people.

After weighing different options, the group hired a 18-seater charter plane that could only take 10 people on board due to regulations for $7,500.

In a series of TikToks, Omid said the couple realized they were stuck on the isle when they were told of the ongoing domestic airport strike by unionized workers on their check-out day

The entrepreneur went on to say that there was only one eight-hour boat ride out of the most expensive isle, where a regular can of Coca Cola costs $9, to the mainland

Omid and Karrah also posted an update earlier on Wednesday on their Instagram and said they were on their way back to Miami.

After Omid's video went viral, many other TikTokers shared their own travel stories and suggestions of what they would have done in the same situation.

One viewer wrote: 'Thank God you have the funds. I would have been setting up a camping site out there.'

While another wrote: 'You win!!! Cause baby I would've built a raft like Cast AWAY.'

After weighing different options, the group hired a 18-seater charter plane that could only take 10 people on board due to regulations for $7500

One TikToker also recounted: 'This exact thing happened to me and we got stuck in the Marqueses, French Polynesia. Ship goes there every two weeks. They finally chartered a plane to come get stranded travelers.'

'I love Bora Bora, and as fun as it would be in theory to be stuck on the island youre right the prices are insane. Most expensive place Ive been to,' another user sympathized.

As of now, Air Tahiti has issued a warning that reads: 'Due to the strike of the airport staff of Tahiti, disruptions on the flights program of Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Raiatea are to be expected.'

No other information has been provided by the company.
Koray Alpergin and his girlfriend were kidnaped outside his north London home

A builder accused of helping torture and murder a popular radio DJ yards from the Spurs stadium claimed he only went to the venue to mop the floor after a wedding.

Koray Alpergin, 43, was kidnapped from outside his north London home with his girlfriend Gozde Dalbudak, 34, and 'frog-marched' into a white van after dining in Mayfair, the Old Bailey heard.

Mr Alpergin was the owner of Turkish radio station Bizim FM and had connections with celebrities such as rapper P Diddy and internet sensation Salt Bae.

The DJ suffered 'horrific injuries' before he was killed while Ms Dalbudak was locked in a toilet for two days, jurors were told.

His naked body was then dumped in woodland in Loughton, Essex, before it was found by a dog walker, the court heard.

Builder, Isay Stoyanov, denied knowing anything about the kidnap and murder of the DJ Koray Alpergin (pictured)

Alpergin's girlfriend Gozde Balbudak was also kidnapped and locked in a toilet for two days before she was released

He suffered 94 injuries, including 14 broken ribs and severe head injuries, ligature injuries to his neck and injuries to his private parts.

Giving evidence assisted by an interpreter, builder Isay Stoyanov denied knowing anything about the kidnap and murder of Mr Alpergin before he was arrested.

He told the court that he used to spend time at a cafe in north London where people would often go if they were looking for work.

Stoyanov claimed someone there asked him to come to the Stadium Lounge restaurant to help mop the floor and move chairs after a wedding the day prior.

His DNA was found on bags of cleaning products and other surfaces in the restaurant where Mr Alpergin was killed and his girlfriend was held prisoner, the court heard.

Stoyanov said the group were there for 20 minutes with one heading to the shop twice to buy cleaning products as well Jack Daniels and Red Bull.

Asked why they needed alcohol when they were only there to mop the floor he replied: Why not?

Stoyanov said he moved a fridge which was outside a toilet door.

Prosecutor Crispin Aylett, KC, said the fridge had been there to hold Ms Dalbudak in the toilet.

Did it strike you as odd the fridge was there if there had just been a wedding? Mr Aylett asked.

Stoyanov answered: Yes it was, but there were two toilets there, I thought one of them was out of order. Thats why I thought the fridge was there and I moved it.

He told the court that he was paid 20 for cleaning the floor, adding that he wore gloves to protect his hands as he was used to doing that as a builder.

Of the eight men alleged to have been involved in the kidnappings of Mr Alpergin and Ms Dalbudak, five have already been convicted and two have fled to Turkey,

Is it yet to be confirmed if Dylan Weatherley - also alleged to have been involved - was a passenger in the vehicle.

Mr Aylett earlier told the court: The four men in the white van were Kyrie Mitchell-Peart, Steffan Gordon, Tejean Kennedy and Samuel Owusu-Opuku.

Gordon admitted kidnapping Mr Alpergin and Ms Dalbudak, but was convicted of two further counts of false imprisonment.

Kennedy was convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and manslaughter.

Owusu-Opoku was found guilty of kidnapping, acquitted of false imprisonment but admitted perverting the course of justice.

Stoyanov claimed he only went to the restaurant yards from the Spurs stadium to mop the floor after a wedding (pictured: Stoyanov's girlfriend Gozde Dalbudak)

Ali Kavak, who was seen clearing out the back seats of his Polo before putting Mr Alpergins body inside - according to Mr Aylett - was convicted of manslaughter, kidnapping, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

Weatherley, of Tottenham, and Stoyanov of Haringey, both deny murder, two counts of kidnap and two of false imprisonment of the couple.

Stoyanov denies perverting the course of justice.

Kyle Mitchell-Peart, 31, of Whetstone, north London, has admitted two counts of kidnapping and two counts of false imprisonment.

The trial continues.
The shoplifting epidemic that is plaguing Britain has seen figures reach a 20 year high in England and Wales.

In the last year alone there has been a 30 per cent rise in the crime with 443,995 offences being logged by forces in the year to March 2024 compared to 342,428 in the previous 12 months.

The figure was described by the Office of National Statistics as 'notable' and is the highest since records began in the year to March 2003.

Labour has vowed to 'take back the streets' in the King's Speech by cracking down on shoplifting.

The data published today comes in the wake of major retailers raising concerns about the rising cost of theft.

The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that as few as 12 gangs are behind a quarter of all shoplifting in England and Wales.

The shoplifting epidemic that is plaguing Britain has seen figures reach a 20 year high in England and Wales (file photo)

Last week a shoplifter literally wiped the shelves clear at a Greggs store in south east London as fellow customers were stunned into silence by his brazen act

The new Labour Government has vowed to tackle low-level shoplifting and make assaulting a shop worker a specific criminal offence.

The move to create a separate offence follows a long-running campaign from business owners and Conservative backbencher Matt Vickers amid rising violence against retail workers.

Retailers have said they hope the measures set out last week in the King's Speech to Parliament will make it easier for police to investigate and prosecute criminals.

The figures also show the number of offences involving theft from the person stood at 131,453 in 2023/24, up 17 per cent from 112,225 in 2022/23.

The number of robberies recorded rose by 8 per cent to 81,019, up from 75,012 in the previous 12 months - though this remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 90,198 offences in the year to March 2020.

Meghan Elkin, from the ONS, said: 'There has been no change across many crime types in the last year.

'However, we have seen falls in fraud while there have been increases in computer misuse and some forms of theft, such as shoplifting and theft from the person. Notably, shoplifting has continued to see increases and remains at its highest level in 20 years.

'In addition, robbery, offences involving knives or sharp instruments and offences involving firearms have also increased over the last year while remaining below pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic levels.'

A joint operation between the police and 15 of the biggest retailers has established that a quarter of all shoplifting in England and Wales is being carried out by criminal gangs.

A Tesco branch in Theydon Bois, Essex, has slapped security tags on shopping baskets

This security-protected bar of Dairy Milk Wholenut was seen at a Co-op in Codsall in Staffordshire

Some foreign offenders working for the gangs are flying in to steal and flee the same day on budget flights.

A taskforce, known as Project Pegasus, has sifted through thousands of hours of CCTV and bodycam footage, as well as testimonies from staff to create a shoplifting map.

At least 35 individuals have so far been flagged up as prolific shoplifters. The MoS has led calls for a crackdown with its End the Shoplifting Epidemic campaign.

We scored a major victory recently when the Government announced legislation to remove a loophole that thefts under the value of 200 were not being prosecuted.

After two months of analysis, including use of facial recognition software, the taskforce discovered that the crime wave is being turbo-charged by as few as 12 gangs.

Record levels of thefts are costing the economy 1.8billion per year. Since May, the six biggest supermarkets, as well as chains such as John Lewis and Boots have been feeding CCTV footage to Pegasus.
A Maine congresswoman has shared a video of herself railing against climate change, despite enjoying luxurious, carbon-spewing flights on a private jet.

Chellie Pingree, 69, shared a video of herself addressing the House of Representatives during a talk on climate change earlier this week.

In it, the Democrat Maine representative speaks of her worries of what the world will be like for her children and seven grandchildren.

But after sharing the video to her social media on Wednesday afternoon, Pingree was labelled a 'hypocrite' after having previously traveled on a private jet.

Pingree was caught on camera disembarking the jet of her then husband and hedge fund manager S. Donald Sussman in 2010.

The Maine Wire replied to Pingree sharing her views on battling climate change with the video, saying: 'A private jet can emit more CO2 in one hour than the average Mainer's annual output.'

The Maine representative spoke of her worries of what the world will be like for her children and seven grandchildren

After sharing the video to her social media on Wednesday afternoon, Pingree was labelled a 'hypocrite' after having previously traveled on a private jet

In her video, Pingree said: 'I don't know if you have children or grandchildren, but I worry about what the future will be for my children and my seven grandchildren.

'I don't want them to come to me someday and say, 'Hey Grandma, what were you doing when we needed to do something about this?.

'What were you doing when we needed to prevent the climate change that is upon us today?

'Were you just sitting there with you eyes closed and pretending it didn't exist using a bunch of jargon, quoting social media and some memes you saw somewhere.

'Or were you talking about scientific fact, and really doing things to invest in our children and grandchildren's future.'

According to The Washington Examiner, Pingree was caught disembarking the corporate charter jet by the conservative website Maine Watchdog.

In the footage, Pingree disembarked from the airplane onto a red carpet after the plane touched down at Portland airport in Maine.

At the time of the incident, Pingree said that criticism of her use of the corporate jet was politically motivated.

Pingree was caught on camera disembarking the jet of her then husband and hedge fund manager S. Donald Sussman in 2010. The pair are seen here in 2011

She told the Portland Press Herald at the time that she had checked the ethics rules to make sure that taking flights on Sussman's jet was permissible.

Criticism was drawn largely because of testimony she gave in 2006 when she was head of lobbying farm Common Cause, that was critical about legislators use of private aircraft.

According to the Bangor Daily News, she said: 'Most Americans never have and never will fly on a chartered jet, much less a fancy corporate jet complete with wet bar and leather couches.

'So when members of Congress constantly fly around on corporate jets and pay only the cost of a commercial ticket, it contributes to the corrosive public perception that members of Congress are more like the fat cats of Wall Street than they are like the rest of us.'

After the plane footage resurfaced on Wednesday, one person commented: 'Try harder Chellie. Your plane rides are killing your grandkids future.'

Another said: 'All hypocrites. Wake up Maine voters.'

Pingree had previously made headlines after she called for less border security and advocated for migrants to be bussed to Maine, claiming there aren't enough locals to fill jobs there.
JD Vance's old comment on 'childless cat ladies' like Kamala Harris has gone viral again as the pair come under the microscope during the 2024 presidential race.

He told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson the US was run by 'a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too' in a 2021 clip.

'Look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC - the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children,' Donald Trump's newly-announced running mate continued.

'How does it make any sense we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?'

JD Vance 's old comment on 'childless cat ladies' like Kamala Harris has gone viral again as the pair come under the microscope during the 2024 presidential race

It comes as another Fox guest shocked the network's audience more recently when he referred to vice president Harris as the 'original Hawk Tuah' girl.

Podcaster Alec Lace made the comments on a July 21 appearance where he discussed president Joe Biden's less-than-stellar debate performance against Donald Trump and pondered on the Democratic Party's future.

'Kamala Harris, she is the original Hawk Tuah girl - that's the way she got where she is, and the party is going downhill if it's in her hands,' Lace said.

The provocative right-winger was comparing the Democrat to Hailey Welch, who shot to viral fame after she described spitting as part of a sexual act during an on-street interview.

Lace's inflammatory comment prompted Fox host Dagen McDowell to reply with, 'That was harsh'.

Lace then took to X to address his words about the VP, writing: 'Did I go too far on FOX News calling Kamala Harris the OG Hawk Tuah girl or am I right over the target?'

He made the comments before Biden announced he will not be running for re-election, making Harris his most obvious successor.

As Harris embarks on her own presidential campaign, Republican presidential candidate Trump has already attacked her over her romance with former San Francisco mayor and notorious playboy, Willie Brown, 90, who is 31 years Harris's senior and dated her in the 1990s.

In his July 4th message, Trump wrote: 'Respects to our potentially new Democrat Challenger, Laffin' Kamala Harris.

JD Vance 's old comment on 'childless cat ladies' like Kamala Harris has gone viral again as the pair come under the microscope during the 2024 presidential race

Donald Trump selected J.D. Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio and author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, as his running mate on Monday

'She did poorly in the Democrat Nominating process, starting out at Number Two, and ending up defeated and dropping out, even before getting to Iowa, but that doesn't mean she's not a 'highly talented' politician.

'Just ask her Mentor, the Great Willie Brown of San Francisco.'

Throughout her career, the vice president has been repeatedly forced to deny that her relationship with Brown was the defining step in her political career.

The fling fizzled decades ago, but in the years since, Harris has struggled to shirk her association with Brown, whom she later described as 'an albatross hanging around my neck.'

While their relationship has often been described as an affair, Brown was separated from his wife Blanche Vitero for more than a decade when he and Harris, now 59, dated in the mid-1990s.

Meanwhile, in the space of just eight years, Ohio Senator JD Vance has gone from one of Donald Trump's most outspoken critics, going as far as to call him 'America's Hitler,' in the world of conservative politics to darling of the MAGA movement.

A native of Ohio, Vance, 39, grew up in Jackson, Kentucky, where he was raised by his grandmother as his mother battled drug addition. He attended his high school back in the Buckeye State.

After graduation, Vance joined the Marines and served in Iraq in a public affairs role. When he returned, Vance attended Ohio State University and Yale Law School before going work for right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel.

In 2016, Vance's memoir Hillbilly Elegy was published which thrust him into the public eye. In 2020, it was turned into an Oscar-nominated movie starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams.
As I seldom hit the shops till about four in the afternoon, I escaped lightly last Friday, when the CrowdStrike fiasco briefly marmalised modern life as we know it.

If my computer had crashed in the small hours, it had fast and fully recovered; I was not queueing in an airport, and the requisites for my tea that evening were purchased contactless and without incident.

The one casualty was my bookmarked link for my online subscription to The Spectator, which has since flatly refused to work: I have to scrabble to the site by Google Search instead, which feels frightfully 2001.

But Fridays brief debacle is an unsettling, and indeed rather chilling, reminder how deeply we have now stumbled into a cashless society, and with all that entails.

Fridays Crowdstrike debacle was an unsettling reminder of the perils of a cashless society

Its ker-ching for the banks, which get to levy a little fee on every debit-card transaction. Joy unconfined for the Treasury  it has become far harder for small enterprises to evade VAT  and tears before bedtime for our honest old-fashioned criminals.

The traditional pay-day wages heist is, for them, the stuff of nostalgia; and feats such as the Great Train Robbery now seem amusingly analogue.

A huge cultural shift has happened really rather quickly. As recently as 1980, 50% of British adults did not have a bank account.

It is still not twenty years since Switch was gathered unto his fathers, and his son Chip-and-PIN reigned in his stead.

It was only in 2007 that contactless payment strolled nervously in, and 2020 and at the height of you-know-what before its limit was raised first to 45 and, in swift course, to 100.

And I am struggling to recall when last I had to write a cheque: it was probably to the piano-tuner, around 2016.

Covid  and certainly its early mythology, that it was largely spread by touch  certainly rocket-boostered our rapid slide from the wallet, the purse, and pockets jangling manfully with loose change.

All those coins and banknotes handled by who knows how many people? Ewwww. By 2021, only 15% of all British transactions were in cash, though it has since rallied a little with the cost of living crisis.

And quite a few businesses  like one posh Morningside bakery of my acquaintance  from 2020 refused to take cash payments at all.

Contrary to another widespread myth, no business is obliged to: only in the very narrow legal context, the settlement of a debt, is there such a thing as legal tender - and only then with Bank of England currency.

And last year the powers-that-be firmly spurned a petition that it be made illegal for shops to refuse payment in cash. The Government does not plan to mandate cash acceptance.

While the Government recognises the ability to transact in cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, particularly those in vulnerable groups, it remains the choice of individual businesses as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card. This may be based on factors such as customer preference and cost...

To add to the gaiety of nations, there are still some business here and there who refuse to take payment in anything but real, physical money.

Like the estimable Wm. Christie, a family butcher concern in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh now on its fifth generation of Christies and with all sorts of aggressively hand-scrawled messages of the HAGGIS - FRESHLY SHOT variety in its windows.

In January 2022, Christies were even slammed as psychopaths by enraged vegans after cheekily posting another. Every day thousands of innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help end the violence. EAT MEAT.

But proffer a Visa card or ApplePay for your pound of beef links, and Willie Christie might menacingly eye the cleaver.

There are good reasons, though, why it might be wise to use cash for most of our shopping.

To buy goods and services otherwise is immediately to forfeit much of your privacy.

Every online or contactless payment is immediately recorded, along with your physical whereabouts, and the police  for instance, and should you be of interest to them  can quickly ascertain where you are and what are you doing.

It is all very well to protest that the law-abiding have nothing to fear: you should dread a society where you have to prove you have nothing to fear.

The sheer physicality of cash teaches us from childhood the value of money, encourages budgeting, and restrains us from stumbling into debt.

Over a million British people  including many of our elderly, and the homeless  still deal in hard currency and, in a cashless order, would be unable to buy food.

And a totally cashless society  how the banks would love it  would enable them to charge negative interest-rates, levying a monthly toll on you for looking after your savings.

There are still situations where I would be profoundly uneasy with digital transactions. I always tip waiters in cash: I am not at all certain, otherwise, they would actually get the money.

Dropping a note into the collection at church  the late Queen always had a crisp tenner in her handbag for this purpose  is an act of worship; waving your card or mobile at some device is but impersonal banality.

You can hardly ask a busker for his BACS details - and slipping a 20 note inside some younglings birthday card feels much nicer than the vulgarity of, say, an Amazon gift-voucher.

I dread the Big Brotherness of the alternative. Most of us have had the maddening experience of the bank calling us up and  after minutes we will never recover ascertaining we are actually who we are  querying some recent purchase.

Ive been buying up ice at various petrol stations around Shrewsbury, snapped one irate journalist in 2022: he was preparing to entertain guests at a barbecue. Is there a problem?

And, whether you like him or not, there was something infinitely chilling about Nigel Farages ordeal at the hands of Coutts Bank a year ago.

Not merely did they try to shut his account down because his views were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation - an internal memo noted (hold the front page) his enthusiasm for Brexit and his friendship with vaccine-declining Novak Djokovic  but Dame Alison Rose, the ultimate CEO, smeared Farage behind his back to a BBC journalist at a cosy gala dinner.

She duly fell, and Farages account was restored.

I hope the whole financial sector learns from this incident, stormed Andrew Griffith, then City minister. Its role is to serve customers well and fairly  not to tell them how or what to think.

Take cash out of the equation entirely, mused Jake Wallis Simons, and the vast data pool that maps the spending habits and personal affairs of every citizen will be complete.

This data, clearly, is hugely commercially valuable, and also of great use to government. How will it be used? How will it be sold? What draconian policies may it facilitate?

We may be sleepwalking into an era when the State could, almost casually, cancel you.

And given the volatility of our times and its politics, we should not complacently assume that the State will always be benign.
Authorities have identified the alleged kidnapper of a newborn girl as a registered neurologist, who is also a professor at two universities in Brazil.

Dr. Claudia Alves, 42, was arrested at her home Wednesday morning in Itambura, Goias, after she allegedly duped a family into stealing their baby, before stuffing her into a backpack and escaping the hospital in the middle of the night.

The newborn baby was reunited with her parents at a hospital later in the day.

Alves managed to abduct the baby just three hours after she was born when she walked into the parents' room at Uberlandia Federal University Hospital Clinic and identified herself as a pediatrician who was there to feed their daughter, it's alleged.

The doctor was seen on a hospital surveillance camera carrying the baby  who was covered in a blanket  and then returning to her car before she drove 83 miles to her residence in Itambura.

Dr. Claudia Alves, a registered neurologist and university professor, was arrested Wednesday morning for the abduction of a newborn girl, a little over three hours after she was born at a hospital in the southeastern Brazil state of Minas Gerais on Tuesday night

Authorities recovered diapers and other accessories that Dr. Claudia Alves had hidden in the trunk of her car after she was arrested at her home Wednesday morning and found the newborn baby she abducted from the hospital in good health

Dr. Claudia Alves was seen on a surveillance camera carrying the newborn girl she took from her parents' room before fleeing in a car. Alves, according to the baby's father, mentioned that she was going to feed her milk after telling the mother that she didn't have milk to breastfeed her

According to O Tempo newspaper, Alves left the baby at her home with her maid. A police unit took the baby to a local medical facility while another remained near the residence and arrested Alves when she returned.

Isabella Inacio told Metropoles news that the baby has a heart condition and will be requiring special care.

Uberlandia Civil Police chief Marcos Brandao said the baby is in good health.

'She underwent tests and is fine. There is no sign of mistreatment,' Brandao said, as quoted by Brazilian news outlet G1.

Goias Civil Police said Alves confessed to arresting officers that she was ill and that she was on medication.

However, Civil Police chief Anderson Pelagio told TV Anhanguera that they doubted her claims because Alves had previously purchased clothing and accessories for the baby prior to the kidnapping.

New details have revealed that Alves' car was filled with baby items - including pink clothing and changing bags filled with diapers.

Uberlandia Civil Police chief, Marcos Brandao, FM O Tempo 91.7 radio that investigators learned of Alves' whereabouts after camera snapped her photo after she failed to pay at a highway toll booth.

Inside her home, she also had a pink baby bath, a stroller, a baby car seat, as well as formula to feed a newborn baby and pink Disney toys.

'She bought several items for the baby, such as diapers and a stroller, which suggests that she planned the events,' the police said. 'She did not show any motivation or whether she was going to keep the baby, register it in her name or give it to a third party.'

Alves was charged with kidnapping and faces up to eight years in prison if she is found guilty, because the victim is under the age of 18.

Police said the newborn is in good health and 'doing fine' after she was located Wednesday morning

Surveillance video showed the suspect stepping out of a red vehicle at 11:18 pm wearing a lab coat, cap, face mask, gloves and yellow backpack as she walked towards the clinic on Tuesday.

At 11:46 pm, the woman was spotted walking next to a hospital worker with the baby stuffed in the backpack.

Nine minutes passed before security cameras showed her walking towards the car with the baby in one of her hands before speeding away.

The baby's father, Edson Ferreira, previously told the station that Alves went to their room where his daughter and his wife were recovering following the 8 pm delivery by cesarean section.

Along with the security guards, they were 'fooled' by the woman's behavior during the five minutes she spent in the room.

Brazilian authorities believe that Dr. Claudia Alves had planned to kidnap a baby from a hospital after they discovered diapers, a stroller and other baby accessories from the trunk of her car

He recalled Alves touching his wife's breasts to check if she would be able to breastfeed her and then told her that she would be taking the girl to feed her milk.

'It's a relief just to see my daughter again,' Ferreira said. 'There's no price I can pay. May justice be served, may this woman really be arrested and this never happen to anyone else.'

On her social media networks, Alves states that she had been teaching part-time at Uberlandia Federal University since May.

She also listed that has been a full-time professor at Goias State University Faculty of Medicine since 2019.

Dr. Claudia Alves was arrested Wednesday for the kidnapping of a newborn baby at a hospital in Uberlandia, Brazil. Alves is also a professor at two universities

Dr. Claudia Alves was seen on a security camera carrying the newborn girl to her car

She claimed to have obtained her medicine degree from the Uberlandia Federal University at Triangulo Mineiro in 2004 and that she did her residency in clinical medicine at the school in 2007.

Later in 2011, Alves completed her neurology residence at the same university.

'Medicine is a rollercoaster of emotions! It has its ups and downs, its challenges and its victories, but one thing is certain: I love what I do,' She wrote on her profile.

Uberlandia Federal University Hospital Clinic is investigating the incident.
The Horse and the Assyrians

Some might suggest that a doorstopper about "the influence of the horse on human history" couldn't possibly be interesting.

Neigh, say I. Neigh.

In fact, Timothy C. Winegard's "The Horse" is fascinating, offering a fresh perspective on how crucial horses were in human development. And it almost didn't happen.

Abrupt climate changes eons ago, at the end of the Ice Age, drove horses to the edge of extinction. The remnants of an animal once found through much of the world were then largely confined to an area that runs roughly from eastern Europe to Central Asia -- where they were hunted for food.

(One of many interesting factoids I learned is that horse meat "contains 50% more protein and 30% more iron than the leanest of beef," as well as vitamins and minerals and essential fatty acids.)

Still, Equus caballus might have gone the way of its brethren had it not been domesticated like cattle. Small corrals designed for milking mares have been uncovered. (Horse milk is far richer in vitamins than cow's milk.) When someone -- perhaps on a dare -- decided to jump on the back of one of the more docile horses, it started "a revolution" that changed the world.

Riding horses helped farmers herd more sheep and goats and hunters cover more ground. When horses replaced oxen, their quicker gait allowed more land to be plowed, increased yields and changed subsistence farmers to commodity exporters.

Inevitably, horses became instruments of war, first pulling archers ensconced in chariots and then as mounts. The earliest known true cavalry formation belonged to the Assyrian king Tukulti-Ninurta II (ruled 890-884 BCE).

In relatively short order, cavalry units made the difference in battle. Those nations that had horses won wars; those that didn't, tried to get them. In many ways, these conflicts created the world we have today. Alexander extended the boundaries of his empire -- and Greek culture -- through Persia, India and beyond because of the success of his cavalry. Moorish invaders brought math and science to Europe.

Horses were the deciding element in the Battle of Hastings, where William, the Duke of Normandy -- who had cavalry units -- soundly defeated the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson, creating the modern British state.

"The Horse" is extensively researched. Winegard, an associate professor of history at Colorado Mesa University, seems to quote something from everything he's ever read, including "Horses, Oxen and Technological Innovation: The Use of Draught Animals in English Farming from 1066 to 1500." Sometimes, I wondered if the citations were there to make a point or show off.

So, yes, my eyes glazed over in some places. Fortunately, they were often followed by the kind of trivia that can make me look brilliant at my next cocktail party.

For example, I discovered horseback riding led to the origin and widespread adoption of pants, since traditional robes, skirts, togas and kilts proved less than ideal.

Also, a maneuver known as the Parthian shot, where riders fleeing an enemy sit backward on their saddles and fire arrows at pursuers, is the origin of the phrase parting shot.

Winegard's "The Horse" is interesting, charming and entertaining. But I know: I can lead you to a bookstore, but I can't make you read.

The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity

By: Timothy C. Winegard.

Publisher: Dutton, 544 pages $35.
China's top diplomat meets senior official of Japanese LDP

Xinhua) 11:22, July 24, 2024

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Hiroshi Moriyama, chief of the general council of Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Hiroshi Moriyama, chief of the general council of Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in Beijing on Tuesday, calling for strengthened communication, understanding and cooperation.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, expressed his appreciation for Hiroshi Moriyama's long-term concern and support for the improvement and development of China-Japan relations.

As neighboring countries, Wang said, China and Japan should support, understand and help each other, which is the correct way for neighboring countries to coexist. He stated that both sides should abide by the provisions of the four political documents between China and Japan, strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and deepen cooperation.

"This not only serves the interests of the people of both countries but also contributes to regional and even global peace and development," he said.

Noting that the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has just been successfully held, Wang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Central Committee, said that China will further comprehensively deepen reforms, and it will provide more opportunities for Japan's development and China-Japan cooperation.

Wang clarified China's position and concerns regarding issues of the ocean discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Wang pointed out that the ocean discharge is related to human health, the marine environment and international public interests, and the urgent task is to establish a long-term international monitoring mechanism to ensure the comprehensive and effective participation of relevant parties, including China.

Wang also clarified China's position on the Taiwan problem. He pointed out that the Taiwan problem is related to the political foundation of the bilateral relations, and the Taiwan Strait is not a "political theater." The Japanese side should abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, speak and act cautiously on the Taiwan problem, and ensure the foundation of China-Japan relations remains intact and unshakable, Wang said.

Hiroshi Moriyama expressed sympathy on the floods and disasters in China's Hunan Province and other areas, saying that during his visit to China this time, after a gap of six years, he fully felt China's rapid development and economic vitality.

Moriyama also expressed his willingness to inherit and carry forward the friendly tradition of the older generation of politicians of the two sides, continue to strengthen exchanges with China, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the sustainable development of bilateral strategic relations of mutual benefit.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Hiroshi Moriyama, chief of the general council of Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A driver of an $80,000 electric vehicle hit a dog on a Boston street and then fled the scene, police say.

The unidentified driver is being hunted by cops after they were allegedly involved in the hit-and-run on Thursday around 5:30pm.

The vehicle was driving down Warren Street in Watertown, Massachusetts, when the dog was hit before they quickly fled the scene.

Police are looking for a black Lucid car with 'distinct markings such as headlights that span the front of the vehicle, chrome side mirrors and chrome outlining the top portion of the side windows and rear windshield,' according to a Facebook post.

Police did not give an update on the dog's condition and it is unclear if the animal lived in the neighborhood.

An unidentified driver is being hunted by police after they were allegedly involved in a hit-and-run with a dog on Thursday around 5:30pm

Last month, Brandon Garrett, 61, of Halfway, Oregon, was rescued from a near-death experience after one of his four dogs quickly took action to save him.

Garrett and his four dogs were on his way to a campsite when his car crashed near US Forest Service Road 39 and ended up stuck at the bottom of an 85-foot-ravine on June 2.

As Garrett fought for his life, his dog Blue managed to come out of the wreckage and ended up running four miles to reach the campsite where Garrett's family was waiting for him.

In the meantime, the pup owner was able to pull himself a hundred yards away from the crash and had to spend the night at the site before help could arrive.

Police are looking for a black Lucid car with 'distinct markings such as headlights that span the front of the vehicle, chrome side mirrors and chrome outlining the top portion of the side windows and rear windshield'

After he was rescued, he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

According to the Sheriff's Office, after Garrett 'failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to plummet off the embankment.'

The three remaining dogs were located alive at the crash scene by officials.

Onlookers have been praising Blue's actions - calling him a 'best friend for life' and a 'great & caring dog'.

'What an amazing story. What a great & caring dog. He knew what he needed to do and he did it,' one viewer wrote.

Blue Buffalo, a pet supplies company also wrote: 'That's a best friend FOR LIFE! Now if we could only get Blue some well-deserved treats...'
Scotland must cut aviation emissions while improving the number of flight connections, according to a new SNP strategy which has been dismissed as hot air.

Ministers yesterday released a new aviation vision statement which stressed the importance of the industry but said its environmental impact must be reduced.

Airport leaders said they need to see concrete actions for improving connectivity and cutting emissions - but stressed that Scotland must not be put at a competitive disadvantage.

Opposition parties also criticised ministers for trying to have it both ways by supporting the sector but also seeking to cut its impact on the environment.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie, a former Scottish Government minister, said: The Scottish Government is trying to have it both ways on aviation, pretending they can get lower emissions with more flights.

The SNP has been criticised over a new 'aviation strategy' which both calls for a cut in aviation emissions and an increase in the number of flight connections

The only way to reduce the damage done by aviation is to cut the demand for flights, anything else is simply hot air and environmental window dressing.

The new aviation statement and key priorities documents published by Transport Scotland yesterday set out that the aviation sector is responsible for growing connectivity while reducing emissions.

A vision for aviation states: To help Scotland be at least as well-connected as leading peer regions and nations while reducing the environmental impact of aviation, so that we can enjoy the economic and social benefits of air travel and support a just transition to our net-zero by 2045 target.

The document sets out that the Government wants to continually improve Scotlands international connectivity to key markets for inbound tourism, business connectivity and export growth, including support to airlines for new routes.

Ministers say they will review the air discount scheme for airports in the highlands and islands, which could put up costs for passengers.

The documents says the review will seek to consider how it could be made fairer and more effective, and to ensure it is providing value for money.

The Government also proposed more efficient operations at Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL).

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie accused the Scottish Government of 'pretending they can get lower emissions with more flights'

By the 2030s, it said aviation emissions must be cut compared to 2019 levels, and must be on track to become net zero by 2045.

The aviation statement makes no mention of whether the Scottish Government still supports a third runway at Heathrow Airport and gives no detail on when ministers intend to take up new powers over air passenger duty.

A spokesman for AGS Airports, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, said: We look forward to meeting with the Government at the earliest opportunity to agree concrete actions that will deliver our collective ambition of growing connectivity while reducing emissions and ensuring Scotland is not at a competitive disadvantage.

Scottish Labour business spokesman Daniel Johnson said: After years of waiting for an aviation strategy, industry will be disappointed both by the lack of ambition and the lack of coherent deliverables in the governments statement today, including how to decarbonise the sector.

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesman Willie Rennie said: This strategy completely dodges the SNP Governments longstanding contract with Heathrow to support the building of a third runway.

It is irresponsible for SNP ministers to endorse an expansion that would produce more emissions than some small countries. Declaring a climate emergency will ring hollow for as long as the SNP help pave the way for more flights from an airport that is already the UKs biggest polluter.

Jim Fairlie, the Scottish Governments Connectivity Minister, said: This aviation statement sets out, for the first time, the strategic importance of aviation to Scotland and the specific actions we will take to help ensure we can continue to enjoy its many benefits, while significantly reducing emissions in line with our net zero ambitions.
A pair of angry sea lions were seen chasing tourists out of a popular San Diego cove as the two marine mammals battled over territory.

The sea lions were captured on video running through a crowd of beachgoers at La Jolla Cove over the weekend, as the rising population of sea lions have taken over busy vacation spots in recent months.

Although the mammals appeared to be chasing people at the beach, experts claim they were actually after each other.

Eric Otjen, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego, told KGTV the male sea lions were feuding over territory.

'The perception is that the sea lion is chasing after people, and thats not it at all,' Otjen said.

The two sea lions were captured on video running through beachgoers at La Jolla Cove over the weekend. Experts said they were chasing each other over territory, not going after humans

The bizarre moment shows a chaotic scene of people running away from the charging sea lions as they pranced around the sand, one after the other.

A smaller one trails just a little bit in front of a larger sea lion, weaving in and out of fearful crowds of people.

From late June until early August, the mammals are known to breed on the California coast. Just three to four weeks after giving birth, female sea lions are ready to mate again, according to NOAA Fisheries.

Otjen said because there are so many of them all at once, the animals create their own territories.

'And they all have territories. And some of them dont have territories. So, the smaller guy running through the crowd of people is the one just looking for a spot to breed.

'And the bigger male that you see come in at the very end of that video is the one whose territory he was trying to take over,' he said.

Robyn Davidoff from the Sierra Club Seal Society told the outlet the slew of sea lions create quite the spectacle at beaches over the summer.

From late June until early August, the mammals are known to breed on the California coast. (pictured: One of the sea lions rushing off to nearby rocks as people flee the area)

Robyn Davidoff from the Sierra Club Seal Society said the slew of sea lions create quite the spectacle at beaches over the summer

'On Saturday, I was there. Four different tour buses stopped at different times and let off 50-plus people, who then came down, took their photos with the sea lions and, then, after 20 minutes, left,' he said, adding that spectators need to 'keep a distance.'

There are federal guidelines that advise people to remain 50 yards away from sea lions.

If someone harasses or touches a sea lion in the state of California, they risk being investigated by NOAA officials for violating regulations, according to NOAA Fisheries.

'Let them do their thing. That way, the sea lions don't feel like they're trapped in by a bunch of people, and the people don't have to worry about panicking them trying to get out of the way,' Otjen explained.

Locals have taken matters into their own hands and held a public meeting at La Jolla Library on Monday to discuss the rising issue.

A non-profit, the La Jolla Parks and Beaches Association, discussed possible solutions on how to decrease frightening scenarios between humans and the mammals.

Members engaged in an impassioned debate about the sea lions, some vowing to protect them, while others complained about their take over.

'I think we need to get some marine experts involved here to understand what is an appropriate eco-balance,' a worried resident told Fox News.

Earlier this month, beachgoers at La Jolla Cove were left screaming and crying after a protective sea lion charged at them

Meanwhile, another person said: 'We're trying to remove nature and add humans- you think that's gonna bring back the natural diversity of the area?'

Council members went on to send a letter to Council President Jo LaCava who oversees La Jolla expressing their support of continuing to allow humans to access the cove.

Earlier this month, beachgoers at La Jolla Cove were left screaming and crying after a protective sea lion charged at them.

Prior to its attack on beachgoers, the marine mammal was swimming around the area with its babies, as Lauren Bertrand captured the scary moment.

The sea lion nearly came face to face with one swimmer before it swam away, leaving the humans unhurt.

The marine mammal rushed into the water and spooked a child who fell over.

She and another young girl who was close to the sea lion ran away from the scene while a group of swimmers just watched the animal leave.
A veteran Chicago police chief has slammed Kamala Harris's judgement as it emerged that her glowing praise for notorious fraudster Jussie Smollett is still on her social media.

The Vice President leaped to the defense of the former Empire actor and denounced a 'modern day lynching' after he claimed to have been the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago city center.

He told Chicago Police he had been doused with bleach, had a rope tied around his neck and been told 'This is MAGA country!' before it emerged that he had hired two brothers to stage the 2019 'attack'.

Eugene Roy spent 29 years in a Chicago police department that came under immense pressure to solve a crime that never happened, and he slammed Harris for her unquestioning belief of Smollett's story.

'It's one thing to express your support for a friend,' he told Fox News. 'It's another thing to use your platform as a government official to prejudge a case before it's played out.'

Kamala Harris leapt to the defense of Jussie Smollett when the actor went public with his scam

The now vice-president's intervention calls her judgement into question according to former Chicago Police Department chief of detectives Eugene Roy

The Democrat now likely to face Donald Trump in November's presidential election was a US Senator for California when the alleged attack took place in January 2019.

'Jussie Smollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know,' the former state attorney general tweeted. 'I'm praying for his quick recovery.

'This was an attempted modern day lynching,' she added.

'No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.'

Smollett initially told Chicago police he had been accosted on a darkened street outside his apartment by two masked strangers.

When cops arrived at Smollett's apartment 40 minutes later, he still had a white noose around his neck which he said he left on to show them.

Amid worldwide outrage police began to suspect the attack was bogus and arrested two Nigerian brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo.

They later testified in court that Smollett hired them to fake the attack because he wanted to boost his celebrity profile.

The VP's ill-judged tweet remains on her X-feed more than five years after Smollett's arrest

The actor has served just six days of his 150-day sentence for making false police reports

Brothers Abel and Ola Osunadairo, who were hired by the actor to attack him

As Smollett's story unraveled, Harris released a statement saying she was 'sad, frustrated and disappointed'.

'When anyone makes false claims to police, it not only diverts resources away from serious investigations but it makes it more difficult for other victims of crime to come forward,' she added.

But she took the opportunity to double down on her message that 'hate crimes are on the rise in America'.

'Part of the tragedy of this situation is that it distracts from that truth, and has been seized by some who would like to dismiss and downplay the very real problems that we must address,' she added.

Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct, sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months felony probation and $120,106 in restitution to the City of Chicago and a $25,000 fine.

However, he only served six days in jail before he was released on March 16, 2022 when his lawyer's filed an appeal.

Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear his appeal against conviction after his lawyers argued that he had already performed community service under a plea deal with Cook County State's Attorney's Office when he was put on trial.

'What should have been a straightforward case has been complicated by the intersection of politics and public outrage,' Smollett's attorneys wrote told the court in February.

Roy said that Harris's intervention suggested she was more interested in a 'quick sound bite' than 'thorough, impartial investigation', and that such comments can 'cast a shadow' over public trust in the police.

Smollett was still wearing the long white rope nose around his neck when police arrived at his Chicago apartment after the bogus attack in January 2019

But the current Vice-President is not the only one who has yet to delete their misplaced rush to judgement.

'What happened today to Jussie Smollett must never be tolerated in this country,' wrote the then former Vice-President Joe Biden in a tweet that is still online.

'We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts.

'We are with you, Jussie.'
Hospital staff allegedly blamed a woman suffering from debilitating ME for bringing her illness on herself a month before she died, an inquest has heard.

Consultants at the Royal Devon & Exeter (RD&E) were accused of holding the 'outdated' view that Maeve Boothby O'Neill was at 'fault' for the severity of her myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Ms Boothby O'Neill died at the age of 27 in October 2021 after spending the last six months of her life bedridden and unable to eat.

Her family believe her death exposed 'a major systemic failing' of the health service to both understand and treat severe cases of the condition.

Dr William Weir, a consultant physician in private practice in Harley Street and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, tried to raise concerns about Ms Boothby O'Neill's care to the CEO of the hospital, Suzanne Tracey.

Maeve Boothby O'Neill, 27, was left bedridden and unable to eat in the final months of her life due to the severity of her myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

Sean O'Neill, a journalist for The Times, pictured with her daughter

Ms Boothby O'Neill was admitted three times to the 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.

Dr Weir's email - sent in September 2021, a month before she died - said: 'It would appear that a considerable proportion of the staff at the RD&E, including some consultants, still hold to the now-outdated understanding that during her last admission, her illness was regarded by some of the RD&E staff as her fault and that her immobility was self-inflicted.

'Not unreasonably, she is reluctant to be readmitted to the RD&E despite her precarious physical state.'

Dr Weir said that Dr David Strain, a consultant and ME expert who reviewed Ms Boothby's case at the Exeter hospital, faced an 'uphill task in arranging her readmission, not least because of the apathy of some of his colleagues to what will almost certainly be lifesaving treatment'.

The private specialist, who first saw Ms Boothby O'Neill in March 2021, went on to outline the significant problems she was facing - and warned that her seriously compromised nutritional status could be 'potentially life threatening'.

Despite being admitted three times to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (pictured), Ms Boothby O'Neill was discharged each time and sent home

His email concluded: 'I have experiences of similar cases leading to death and Maeve's current clinical status shows all the initial hallmarks of this.'

Giving evidence on Wednesday at the inquest in Exeter, Devon, the consultant referenced in the email, Dr Strain, said the NHS has no specialist ward in any hospital in the country for patients with ME.

He said there were senior doctors and healthcare staff who believed ME was a psychological illness - although that view was not expressed to him by colleagues when discussing Ms Boothby O'Neill's case.

Dr Strain warned that there were 250,000 people with ME in the UK, and the figure with long Covid sufferers was 750,000 - and warned there would be more cases like Ms Boothby O'Neill's if the situation did not improve.

He said: 'We need a plan in place to make sure that as an NHS we don't fail people with ME.'

The two-week inquest continues.
Ruth Davidson last night issued a dire warning that a Scottish Tory breakaway from the UK party would be electoral suicide.

In a major intervention, the former Scottish Conservative leader said splitting would cause a collapse in votes and alienate members, activists and supporters.

Her comments come after MSP Murdo Fraser, who lost to Ms Davidson in a leadership contest in 2011 when he last proposed a breakaway, renewed his call for the party at Holyrood to consider severing links with the UK Tories.

He also yesterday cast doubt on whether he will even stand in the upcoming Scottish leadership contest, following a major backlash at any attempt to revive his rejected plan.

Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links told the Mail: Ive never believed in breaking up the party. And, in Scotland, a divided party is a short route to electoral suicide.

Ruth Davidson issued a dire warning to colleagues within the Scottish Conservatives who support severing ties with the UK party

Splitting apart will alienate many members, activists and supporters.

'Youre either a Conservative and Unionist or youre not, and I know where I stand on that. A split party is still a split party, however you slice it.

It is the first time Ms Davidson has intervened in the latest debate about whether to split the Scottish Conservatives from the UK party.

She remains the best-known Scottish Tory politician, despite no longer being in an elected role, after guiding the party to its most successful period of electoral success in Scotland in decades.

It comes after Lord Michael Forsyth, who served as Scottish Secretary in John Majors government, previously told the Mail that splitting from the UK party would be a crazy idea and urged MSPs to instead focus on policies.

Despite the criticism of Mr Frasers position, Ms Davidson has not yet made any comment on who she wants to see become the partys next leader.

Speaking to the Holyrood Sources podcast, Mr Fraser confirmed that he still thinks the Scottish Tories should split from the UK Tories at Holyrood elections - but that he now believes the Conservative and Unionist Party should compete north of the border at UK general elections.

He said many voters already think the party has a distinct brand north of the Border, and added: I think having a Scottish Conservative brand that is more distinct from the UK party is a positive for us...

I think this is about building on what people already perceive around the Conservatives in Scotland.

He said he had reflected on his plan a lot over the last decade and many people have questioned how he can be from a party of the Union and argue for separate representation in Scotland.

He said: Actually I think the idea that if you live in Scotland you should be able to vote for a UK party that will form the UK Government actually is a really important principle.

So the UK Conservative Party, under the Canadian model, would still fight elections in Scotland. But it just wouldnt fight elections to Holyrood.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has long suggested the Scottish Conservatives would benefit from splitting from the UK party

Scottish Tory MSP Miles Briggs, who is supporting Russell Findlays leadership bid, said: I think a split party at Holyrood could be catastrophic for our prospects in the election in 2026 and the opportunity to deliver a knockout blow to this useless and failed SNP Government.

There is not long before that election and if we use all that time to turn inward, it could significantly limit our electoral chances.

I believe we would be better focused over the next 18 months on uniting around a positive policy platform and a campaign to turn the page on the constitutional divisions of the past, not a new constitution for the Conservative Party.

Meanwhile, Mr Fraser has cast doubts on whether he will even stand in the upcoming Scottish Tory leadership contest.

Writing in the Scotsman, he said the party had haemorrhaged votes to Reform UK at the general election because its traditional voters wanted to send a message of disappointment and disgust.

He said the growth of Reform creates an existential challenge for the Scottish Tories because it will see its vote squeezed on both sides, but said it would be a serious error to embrace the Reform agenda.

Mr Fraser said some sophisticated strategic thinking is needed about how the party repositions itself, but concluded: There should be no barrier placed in front of candidates and visions on offer; this party, and the Scottish centre-right, needs to hear all the options we have to climb out of the hole we are in.

My vote will be going to the leadership candidate who best articulates the case for change.

When asked if his comments meant he is not going to stand in the leadership contest, he said: It means that I am not a candidate. Presently.
BMW has issued another recall of over 290,000 vehicles in North America this month due to an interior cargo rail detachment.

The vehicles were recalled after a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed faulty bolts could cause the cargo rail to fall off in a rear crash.

Offiicals said the detachment could also increase the risk of injury.

The recall applies to the following 2018-2023 BMW vehicles: X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and X3 M.

All BMW dealers will replace the faulty bolts free of charge, and owner notification letters will be mailed next month.

BMW issued another recall this month of over 290,000 vehicles in North America due to an interior cargo rail detachment

BMW first heard about this problem in August 2022 after an 'extreme rear crash' involving a 2022 BMW X3, according to FOX 13.

The company was later served with legal documents in March 2024, during which they inspected the vehicle.

It is unclear if the driver and possible passengers were injured or if anyone involved received a settlement.

All four vehicles in the latest recall come from within the X3 models.

However, they are different from one another despite them all being SUVs.

Dealerships are not allowed to sell existing 2023 X Models with factory cargo rails until new hardware arrives, according to Auto Blog.

No 2024 BMW vehicles have been impacted by this or any other recalls that have occurred this month.

Vehicles were recalled after a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed faulty bolts could cause the cargo rail to fall off in a rear crash

The recall applies to the following 2018-2023 BMW vehicles: X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and X3 M

BMW recalled nearly 400,000 vehicles earlier this month due to faulty airbag inflators that could explode.

Unlike BMW's latest July recall, the faulty airbag issue only applied to vehicles in the US.

The sedans that were part of the recall recently had their original steering wheels replaced with an M-sport wheel.

The company also announced a recall of 44,000 SUVs in Canada even earlier this month due to faulty bag inflators.

Inflator explosions can result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other passengers and could lead to injury or death, according to the NHTSA.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday denied there was a 'coverup' of President Joe Biden's declining health and mental capabilities.

Biden's top spokesperson was grilled repeatedly about Biden's apparent change of heart when it came to a second term and denied his health had anything to do with the decision.

During her press briefing - the first since Biden's historic decision to step down as the Democratic nominee - Fox News' Peter Doocy asked her: 'It would seem that people in this White House knew that President Biden was slipping and it was hidden from the American people - so who ordered White House officials to coverup a declining president?'

'There's been no coverup,' she replied.

For weeks Jean-Pierre and other aides denied Biden was considering leaving the presidential race. For months, they denied reports his health was on the decline. But, on the June 26th presidential debate, Biden repeatedly fumbled for words and froze on camera, leading to questions from his own party about his ability to serve a secod term in the White House. On Sunday, Biden announced he was stepping down as the party's nominee.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied there was a 'coverup' of President Joe Biden 's health and mental capabilities

She said the president made his decision in 'very short period of time.'

But she declined to offer more details, saying the president would lay out the reasons behind his decision when he addressed the nation from the Oval Office at 8 pm ET.

Jean-Pierre pushed back against reports that aides, lawmakers and Democratic officials had noticed for months that Biden was on the decline.

She also said his health was not a factor in his decision to exit the presidential race.

'It has nothing to do with his health,' she said. 'I can say, no, that's not the reason.'

She advised everyone to watch Biden's Oval Office address.

'The President's going to speak to this directly to the American people tonight in prime time,' she said. 'Hear him out tonight.'

She also called calls for the president to resign from office 'ridiculous.'

There have been questions as to why, if Biden can't serve four more years, he can serve six more months.

Jean-Pierre argued that Biden was capable of serving out a full second term.

'He didn't step down from from campaigning or from running because he didn't believe he can serve in a second term. That is not why,' she said.

She said his answer would be revealed in his speech.

President Joe Biden returning to Delaware after being diagnosised with COVID

Biden's decision to step down sent shock waves through out the political world.

He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be his nominee and turned over his campaign infrastructure to her. The campaign renamed itself 'Harris for President.'

Within 30 hours Harris had pledges from enough delegates to win the presidential nomination.

Delegates will nominate their ticket virtually betewen August 1-7 ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which kicks off August 19th in Chicago.

The president returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending six days isolating in his Rehoboth Beach house, where he was suffering from COVID.

He has canceled a West Coast fundraising swing scheduled for the end of the week.

He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.
Country Road employees are bracing themselves for widespread job cuts, as the embattled retailer struggles to generate sales amid allegations it has a corporate culture rife with bullying and sexual harassment.

Country Road Group, whose brands include Country Road, Trenery, Mimco, Witchery and Politix, has drafted in Sydney-based consultancy firm Bendelta to help repair its bruised corporate culture.

Staff at the retailing giant, which recorded a five per cent slide in sales for the first half of the 2024 financial year, have alleged that their complaints of sexual harassment, racism and bullying were mishandled by management.

But insiders at at the company's Melbourne HQ fear that the external consultants will preside over a company restructure, leading to heavy job losses, reported The Australian.

Bendelta consultants have already begun meeting with some of Country Road Group's almost 7,000 employees.

Roy Bagattini, the chief executive of South Africas Woolworths Holdings which owns Country Road Group, reportedly sought to calm staff fears with a visit to the company's central office in Burnley, in Melbourne's east, earlier this month.

His visit came in the wake of last week's departure of Country Road boss Elle Roseby, who was seen as a strong defender of aggrieved employees.

Country Road Group, whose brands include Country Road, Trenery, Mimco, Witchery and Politix, has drafted in Sydney-based consultancy firm Bendelta to help repair its bruised corporate culture

Staff at the retailing giant, which recorded a five per cent slide in sales for the first half of the 2024 financial year, have alleged that their complaints of sexual harassment, racism and bullying were mishandled by management (stock image)

In May, it emerged that the retailer was dealing with allegations of sexual harassment and workplace bullying.

The scandal led to the departure of two senior executives.

Daily Mail Australia approached Country Road Group for comment.
Candidates faced 'unacceptable' harassment from pro-Palestine activists during the General Election campaign, the security minister warns today.

Dan Jarvis, writing on MailOnline ahead of the first meeting of the new Government's Defending Democracy Taskforce, condemns the aggressive tactics as 'an assault on democracy itself'.

The summit will discuss the fallout from the election in which multiple candidates standing in Muslim areas complained of harassment by campaigners pushing for the Government to take a much tougher line with Israel over the war in Gaza.

Newly appointed Home Office minister Jess Phillips, who was heckled at her election count in Birmingham with shouts of 'shame on you', said it was the worst election she had stood in.

While Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said British politics needed to 'wake up' to the threat after masked men had disrupted a community meeting she was at, 'terrifying' those in attendance.

Home Office minister Jess Phillips, who was heckled at her election count in Birmingham with shouts of 'shame on you', said it was the worst election she had stood in. (Pictured July 5)

Phillips, pictured as she won her seat on July 5, later said the mob 'didn't do it because they were Muslim, they did it because they were idiots'.

Shabana Mahmood said British politics needed to 'wake up' to the threat after masked men had disrupted a community meeting (pictured July 12)

Mr Jarvis writes that 'in too many places across Britain' the election was 'marred by harassment and intimidation'.

Citing the experience of Ms Phillips and Ms Mahmood, he adds: 'Such unacceptable behaviour affects candidates and campaigners right across the political spectrum. It stifles debate and deters people from engaging in politics.

'It is an assault on democracy itself, and this Government will not stand for it.

'That is why we are taking steps to ensure the UK is a place where everyone can exercise their democratic rights freely and without intimidation.'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper yesterday held talks with MPs to discuss their experiences.

Today she will convene the first meeting of the Defending Democracy Taskforce since the election to discuss measures to prevent a repeat of such intimidation in the future.

The group was set up by the last Government primarily to protect the democratic system from foreign interference.

Today's agenda will focus instead on the domestic threat in the wake of Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7 and the fallout from the Israeli response in Gaza.

Workers and trade unionists from Workers for a Free Palestine blockade the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in central London on July 24

A protester outside the FCDO offices references a 24-year-old man with Down syndrome who was left to die after a dog belonging to the Israeli army attacked him in Gaza on July 3

The Mail on Sunday revealed this week that every new MP has been issued with a panic alarm because of record threat levels.

Mr Jarvis says that with two MPs murdered in the past decade  Jo Cox and Sir David Amess  and politicians facing unprecedented threat levels, highlighted again by the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, much of the focus will be on ensuring that elected office holders 'feel safe to go about their work'.

By Dan Jarvis, Security Minister

Earlier this month, citizens across the UK went to the polls. Over 28 million votes were cast. 335 candidates were elected as MPs for the first time. This, to quote the former Chancellor, is the magic of democracy.

And yet in too many places across Britain this important moment was marred by harassment and intimidation. My colleague Jess Phillips has spoken of community activists being shouted at in the streets. The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, recounted how masked men had disrupted a community meeting, terrifying people in attendance.

Such unacceptable behaviour affects candidates and campaigners right across the political spectrum. It stifles debate and deters people from engaging in politics. It is an assault on democracy itself, and this government will not stand for it.

That is why we are taking steps to ensure the UK is a place where everyone can exercise their democratic rights freely and without intimidation.

Yesterday, the Home Secretary convened a roundtable of MPs to discuss their experiences of the general election. Today she will chair the first meeting of the Defending Democracy Taskforce under the new government - bringing together Ministers from across government along with representatives from law enforcement and the intelligence community to tackle the full range of threats to our democracy.

Those threats are myriad.

As we look around the globe in a year that will see elections in more than 50 countries, political violence has become all too common.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump earlier this month took the life of a former fire chief and left two others wounded. This year, there have been attempts on the life of political leaders in Slovakia and South Korea.

DAN JARVIS: 'As we look around the globe in a year that will see elections in more than 50 countries, political violence has become all too common.' Pictured: Trump on July 13

DAN JARVIS: 'Elected office holders must feel safe to go about their work. Government plays a crucial role by ensuring the police and authorities have the tools and resources they need.' Pictured: Labour MP Jo Cox, who died in June 2016 after being shot and stabbed in Birstall

In the UK, we have seen the murder of two Members of Parliament: Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. The 2017 Westminster terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of five people, including PC Keith Palmer. These were tragedies for their families and friends, as well as democracy.

Elected office holders must feel safe to go about their work. Government plays a crucial role by ensuring the police and authorities have the tools and resources they need. But there is also a role for politicians in taking some of the heat out of political debate. As the Prime Minister said recently, 'We must heed the words of President Biden to lower the temperature of our democracy, work across our disagreements and find each other's common decency.'

Of course, not all of the threats that we face are so visible. Foreign states are working around the world to undermine democracies and to influence elections in their favour.

Recent months have seen authorities in Germany, France and the Czech Republic call out Russian interference campaigns, ranging from online propaganda to alleged payments to European politicians.

Here in the UK, Russia's federal security service, the FSB, have targeted MPs, peers, journalists and civil servants. And the National Cyber Security Centre has assessed that Chinese state-linked actors targeted the emails of MPs in 2021 and were responsible for a compromise of the Electoral Commission's systems.

And whether state-backed or not, misinformation is now a feature of our online discourse.

These threats are complex and evolving. Tackling them will require new ways of thinking: working across party lines, coordinating with international partners, and collaborating with industry. It will require a genuinely whole of society approach.

We are ready for this and through the Defending Democracy Taskforce we will bring to bear the full range of tools and capabilities to meet this generational challenge.

Democracy is precious. This government is committed to doing whatever it takes to defend it.
Donald Trump demanded FBI Director Christopher Wray be fired for refusing to say he saw cognitive decline in President Biden before he dropped out of the running for 2024.

'I watched the Congressional Hearing today as Christopher Wray was asked the question whether or not he noticed any Cognitive Degeneration in his many conversations with Crooked Joe Biden,' Trump wrote on Truth Social Wednesday as Wray was testifying before Congress about his near-assassination.

'Wray should resign immediately from the FBI, and stop 'sweet talking' Congress every time he goes up, which he loves to do, because anybody can see that Joe Biden is cognitively and physically challenged, and if you can't see that, you sure as hell can't be running the FBI - Unless, that is, you want to illegally lead the Raid on Mar-a-Lago. Wray has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS!'

Trump hired Wray to head the FBI in 2017.

At a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., veered off-topic to ask about Bide's decline.

Donald Trump demanded FBI Director Christopher Wray be fired for refusing to say he saw cognitive decline in President Biden before he dropped out of the running for 2024

'When did you notice his decline?' Gaetz said.

'In my interactions, in my role, all my interactions with the current president have been completely professional,' Wray replied.

'Right, but I mean the cognitive decline,' the lawmaker pressed.

'Again, I don't meet with him very often, but what you're describing is not something that I've observed during my interactions with him,' Wray explained.

Wray described his interactions with Biden as 'uneventful and unremarkable.'

'It never occurred to you that this guy wasn't up to it in all these briefings you did?' Gaetz pushed again.

'As I said, my briefings with the president have all been completely fine,' Wray insisted.

'Were they between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.?' Gaetz wanted to know. 'We hear those are his good hours.'

'Times that I have briefed, I've included outside those hours,' the FBI director observed.

Biden stepped down from the 2024 race on Sunday after steep pressure from Democrats who had woken up to concerns about his advanced age and cognitive decline after the debate with Trump.

Trump's would-be assassin Thomas Crooks searched online 'how far' Lee Harvey Oswald was from John F. Kennedy when he shot him, the FBI director also revealed in stunning testimony to Congress.

FBI Director Christopher Wray also told lawmakers the 20-year-old gunman flew a drone 200 yards from the stage just two hours before he opened fire in Butler, Pennsylvania, and had three explosives in his car.

The bombshell revelations from the bureau's chief give more insight into Crooks' preparation before he shot the former president, including his online research on the sniper that took out JFK in 1963.

Wray said Crooks had been 'interested in public figures' and 'somewhere around July 6 or so he became very focused on former President Trump and his rally.'

The director said an analysis of Crooks' laptop revealed he had searched on Google on July 6 'how far away was Oswald from Kennedy.' It was the same day he registered to attend the Butler rally.

Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed former President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Crooks was flying a drone above the rally site two hours before the shooting and just 200 yards away from the stage, Wray has also revealed.

Wray made the bombshell revelation to Congress on Wednesday during a grilling by lawmakers on the investigation into the assassination attempt on the former president and the massive security failures.

In this handout, American Marxist and former US Marine Lee Harvey Oswald (1939 - 1963) in a mug shot after he was arrested for assassinating President John F Kennedy in Dallas, 23rd November 1963

Crooks shot Trump in the ear just 400 feet away from the stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 from the roof of a nearby building just outside the security perimeter of the event.

Wray revealed that investigators found Crooks had a drone that he used to survey the scene hours before the event started, which was recovered from his car parked nearby.

He flew the drone around 4 p.m. over the area of the rally close to '200 yards' from the stage to survey the scene. Trump took the stage around 6:03 p.m., over two hours later.

The FBI has also recovered three 'explosive devices' in possession of Crooks.

They were 'relatively crude devices' but had the ability 'to be detonated remotely,' Wray said.

The FBI director also revealed the weapon used had a 'collapsible stock,' which he said 'could explain why it might've been less easy for people to observe.'

Wray could not say whether Crooks carried the gun up to the roof with him before he fired the shots or had stashed it there prior. He said the gunman did not use a ladder to get onto the roof but rather some sort of 'vertical piping.'

He said Crooks and his family owned a combined 14 guns and Crooks had visited a shooting range one day before the rally. Crooks used an AR-style weapon that had been purchased legally by his father and sold to him in October 2023.

Dramatic new footage shows law enforcement standing over the dead body of Donald Trump 's attempted assassin moments after he was shot dead

Wray also confirmed the FBI had recovered three 'explosive devices' in possession of Crooks

Wray said eight bullet cartridges had been recovered from the roof where Crooks fired off his shots toward the former president.

And he wouldn't rule out that Crooks did not have any accomplices to the crime, saying it's still being looked at by law enforcement.

As Wray faced questions about why the president was allowed on stage despite the 'threat' being identified 20 minutes before the shots were fired, Wray said, 'we don't know the answer to that.'

He said that no one in law enforcement saw Crooks with lying down in a shooting position with a gun in hand until 'moments before' he fired, but had seen him on the roof 'minutes before.'

But he insisted his investigation was not focused on the security breach and the Secret Service failures.

'Our investigation is focused on the shooter and all things related to his attack.'

Wray was peppered with veiled references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures that some Republicans have taken to blaming the security breach on.

Wray insisted the physical fitness standards for getting in to the FBI 'actually exceed' what they've been in years past and insisted his agency does not factor in DEI when making hiring decisions.

His hearing comes days after the former Director of Secret Service Kimberly Cheatle was forced to resign after evading answering rounds of questioning by punting to the FBI in another congressional hearing earlier this week.

Wray promised his agency would leave 'no stone unturned' and emphasized that he wanted to provide all the information he had at this point of the ongoing investigation.

'The shooter may be deceased but the FBI's investigation is very much ongoing.'

He also made a reference to the warnings he has been giving Congress for years now about the threats of domestic terrorism.

The shooting is 'another example, particularly heinous and very public one of what I have been talking about.'

Wray again warned about 'passion and heated rhetoric turning into actual violence.'

'We've seen it against public officials of all sorts, we've seen it against law enforcements the number of officers shot and killed in the line of duty is alarming.'

'It's almost every five days that a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, that is an example of the kinds of ways passion and heated rhetoric can bubble over into violence.'

The Judiciary Committee hearing focused on both the shooting at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and the 'ongoing politicization' of the FBI.

Questioning on a separate foiled Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump was also a subject of contention.

A bombshell report last week revealed the U.S. received intelligence of an Iranian assassination plot in the weeks before Trump was shot at the Pennsylvania rally.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are expected to set up a bipartisan task force to investigate the shooting in a vote this week.

Members of Congress are expected to demand answers from FBI Director Chris Wray about the Trump assassination attempt on Wednesday

The FBI and Secret Service revealed to lawmakers last week they spotted shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks as a person of interest a full 62 minutes before he fired a shot.

Twenty minutes passed between the time Secret Service agents spotted Crooks with a gun on the rooftop and he fired shots at the president.

In a staggering moment, Cheatle admitted on Monday her agents on the ground were warned between two and five times that there was a 'suspicious person' reported before Trump took the stage.

While Trump walked around with little more than a bloody ear, Crooks killed former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, and critically injured two other rally goers sitting close to where the former president was speaking last weekend before he was neutralized.

The security chief had faced mounting questions over why an agent was not stationed on the roof from where gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.

She had also been ridiculed for suggesting her agency did not have a presence on the roof because it was 'sloped.'

The 20-year-old shooter Crooks, was able to get within 160 yards of the stage where the former president was speaking when he opened fire. The building on which he stood was outside the security perimeter, despite clearly being within rifle shooting range.

And that was despite the FBI learning of a threat on Trump's life from Iran leading to a bump in security for the former president in the days before the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cheatle said she believed she was the 'best person' to lead the Secret Service at this time, but later acquiesced to the bipartisan demands for her resignation.

On the day of the rally, Trump walked out onto the stage at 6:02 p.m.

Then at around 6:12 p.m. Crooks' first shots rang out.

Cheatle could not tell lawmakers how the shooter had gotten onto the roof.

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.

'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 told ABC News in an interview Tuesday.

Comer said on Fox News Sunday the hearing would go on for six hours and Cheatle would face 'hundreds of questions'

'And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside.'

What transpired instead was a security nightmare: Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to scale the building and secure his own position, while law enforcement struggled to locate him even amid pressing warnings from members of the Trump crowd. But there wasn't sufficient time to act on the tips, she explained.

'The shooter was actually identified as a potential person of suspicion,' Cheatle said. 'Unfortunately, with the rapid succession of how things unfolded, by the time that individual was eventually located, they were on the rooftop and were able to fire off at the former president.'

She was referencing claims by witnesses that they alerted law enforcement about the threat, but agents weren't able to eliminate the threat in time. Officials have pointed to the initial responding officer, who lifted himself up on the roof only to lower himself back when the gunman turned his weapon at him.

Cheatle has taken blame for the fateful security breach, but has denied calls to step down.

'The buck stops with me,' she said.

'It was unacceptable,' she told ABC. 'And it's something that shouldn't happen again.'

'While we give overwhelming thanks to the individual Secret Service agents who did their jobs under immense pressure, this tragedy was preventable. The Secret Service has a zero fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally,' Comer is also expected to say, as he will again call for Cheatle's resignation.

Also coming into question on the call was the possible motive for Crooks to commit such an atrocity.

Officials did not confirm an operating motive and said that his rationale remains a mystery.

Authorities said that they have yet to find any ideological material that could shine light on why Crooks decided to shoot the former president.

But, they did reveal that Crooks operated several accounts on encrypted platforms that they are still working to gain access to.
A Belgian tourist suffered horrific burns to his feet after he walked barefoot through Death Valley National Park in 120-degree Fahrenheit heat.

The unidentified 42-year-old man ventured onto Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes on Saturday, but was soon unable to walk and had to be carried to the trailhead by other park visitors, the National Park Service said.

He was then assessed by park rangers, who determined he had third-degree burns on his feet and needed urgent medical attention.

'The skin was melted off his foot,' Death Valley National Park Service Ranger Gia Ponce told the Los Angeles Times.

She noted that even though it was 123 degrees outside, 'the ground can be much hotter - 170, 180, sometimes up into the 200 range.'

A 42-year-old Belgian man had to be airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital after he suffered third-degree burns to his feet from walking barefoot at Death Valley National Park

'People think it's going to be like the beach, where you can get out there with flip flops or sandals, but because of the extreme temperatures, those dunes can heat up just as much as the pavement does,' Ponce explained.

It is now believed that the man had been wearing flip flops initially, but because of a language-barrier, rangers could not confirm whether he lost them or if they became buried in the sand.

The man's bad fortune continued when a Mercy Air Helicopter was not able to land in the extreme heat, which thins out the air and prevents helicopters from generating enough lift.

Rangers instead had to bring the tourist to a higher-elevation landing zone at 3,000 feet above sea level, where the 109-degree weather was cool enough for the helicopter to land safely.

He was then transported to a hospital in nearby Las Vegas, Nevada. The man's condition is unclear.

It is believed the man was initially wearing flip flops, but it is unclear whether he lost them or if they became buried under sand dunes

But just two days earlier, on July 18, the same higher-elevation helicopter site had to be used for a woman who collapsed while hiking the Badlands Loop, Mercury News reports.

Her companion told park rangers they set out on the two-and-a-half mile loop at around 9.30am, when the temperature was around 110 degrees.

But a wrong turn extended their hike, and the unidentified woman was unable to keep walking.

Her hiking companion then returned to the parking lot alone, but found it had no cell phone service to call for help.

Finally at around 11am, another park visitor arrived at the Furnace Creek visitor center to report the emergency.

Park-goers then carried the unconscious woman to the trailhead, and an ambulance brought her to the helicopter.

She was then flown to a Las Vegas hospital for treatment of heat illness, park officials said.

Rangers advise travelers to avoid hiking at Death Valley National Park after 10am

Meanwhile, on July 6, one of six German men traveling by motorcycle died of heat illness as temperatures reached 128-degrees.

Authorities now advise visitors to stay close to air conditioned areas, remain hydrated, use sunscreen and avoid hiking after 10am.

Rangers also say travelers should stay within a 10-minute walk of an air conditioned vehicle.
A greetings card designer stumbled upon what is believed to be the world's oldest message in a bottle while walking along the Jersey Shore.

Amy Smyth Murphy, 49, was strolling along a beach at Corsons State Inlet in Ocean City when she spotted an unusual looking bottle at the water's edge.

'I just thought, "This is so peculiar. What is this?''' Smyth Murphy told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

After some research, she managed to determine that the message in a bottle likely dates back as far as 1876 - which would make it the oldest artefact of its kind.

Most intriguing was a barely legible, handwritten note found inside the bottle which reads: 'Yacht Neptune off Atlantic City, New Jersey. Aug. 6 - 76.'

A greetings card designer stumbled upon what is believed to be the world's oldest message in a bottle while walking along the Jersey Shore

Based on her research, Smyth Murphy now believes the '76' is a reference to the year 1876, when the note is thought to have been written.

'It took us I would say maybe 48 hours to really understand what it said, but if you stare at it long enough, you can kind of start to see it,' Smyth Murphy explained.

She began her inquiries by looking at the bottle itself, which bears the branding Barr & Brother Philadelphia.

According to valuation site Worthpoint, the company likely produced the glassware between 1870 and 1900.

The next task was to carefully pluck out the note which was scrolled up inside the bottle, which her niece did using a corkscrew and some tweezers.

Inside, Smyth Murphy found a business card for a well known Philadelphia instrument company called W.G. & J Klemm dating to the 1800s.

The bottle was discovered at the water's edge at a beach at Corsons State Inlet in Ocean City

Amy Smyth Murphy, 49, who found the bottle has conducted extensive research that suggests it dates back to 1876

On the back was the handwritten note, referencing Yacht Neptune.

'I would love to find who was sailing on the ship, who was the captain, where was it going? Was it for pleasure? Was it business? All those types of questions,' Smyth Murphy said.

She uncovered a Philadelphia Inquirer article from 1874 which names Captain Samuel Gale of Atlantic City who had 'just built a splendid yacht, which he christened "Neptune," after the Neptune Club of this city.'

Neptune was a popular pleasure cruise which drew scores of daytrippers thanks to Gale's charismatic persona, according to his obituary.

'We are getting closer to finding out who wrote the note and who threw the bottle in the ocean,' Smyth Murphy said in a TikTok.

But the puzzle is not over for her yet and Smyth Murphy has contacted the Guinness Book of World Records to try and verify her theory.

Smyth Murphy and her family managed to pluck the note out using a corkscrew and some tweezers

According to the organization, the current record for the oldest message in a bottle dates back to June 12, 1886 and was set adrift by German captains aboard the Barque Paula and found at Wedge Island, Australia in 2018.

'From the reactions so far that I've had, everyone really likes the mystery of it,' Smyth Murphy said.

'Let's see how much info we can get out of this one bottle and the history of it and how it connects to Philadelphia and South Jersey.'
A landlord has been branded a 'criminal' after hiking their tenant's rent by over 60 per cent.

Renters' rights advocate Jordan van den Berg, who is known as Purplepingers online, shared an email from a rental agent advising a rent increase had been issued by an unnamed landlord.

The email initially struck an empathetic note, claiming the 'landlord understands that increasing rent can be difficult'.

It stated that, with this in mind, the property owner has 'carefully considered the need for this increase, compared rents for similar properties in the area, and feels that the new rent is fair and reasonable'.

But then comes the kicker: the rent will be increased by a whopping 61.7 per cent.

The tenant, who was previously paying $1,200 a fortnight, will now have to fork out $1,940 for the same period if they want to stay in the property.

'The landlord understands that increasing rent can be difficult and has carefully considered the need for this increase, which is why theyre increasing the rent by 62 per cent,' the email reads.

A landlord has been branded a 'criminal' after hiking their tenant's rent by over 60 per cent (pictured: renters queuing to view an open inspection in Bondi in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs)

Renters' rights advocate Jordan van den Berg, who is known as Purplepingers online, shared an email from a rental agent advising that a rent increase issued by an unnamed landlord (pictured)

Mr van den Berg, added simply: 'Abolish landlords. This shouldnt be legal.'

His post, which was shared on social media, infuriated Aussies who branded the landlord's behaviour 'criminal'.

'Surly there must be a law against this extortion,' one wrote.

Poll Do you think a rental increase of over 60 per cent is fair? Yes No Do you think a rental increase of over 60 per cent is fair? Yes 241 votes

No 1469 votes Now share your opinion





'Who can produce $360 per week out of thin air!'

Another accused landlords of being a 'scum class'.

'They are greedy bottom feeders who simply leech off hard-working people who, unlike them, actually contribute to the economy,' they added.

One said that the situation summed up all that was wrong with Australia's worsening housing crisis.

'Between greedy landlords and rorting real estate agents, people don't have a f***ing chance of retaining affordable housing,' the wrote.

But not all of the blame was laid at the landlord's door.

'The property managers are equally to blame,' one pointed out.

'Given they take a percentage in management fees, there's no incentive to be ethical.'

Rental advocate Mr van den Berg (pictured) called for landlords to be abolished

One X user said that the situation summed up all that was wrong with Australia's worsening housing crisis

It is unclear where in Australia the property is: however, $600-a-week could be a small apartment in any major city in the country.

Another highlighted how this kind of behaviour exposed the generational divide between typically cashed-up Baby Boomers and the rest of society.

'I do think one of the fault lines between Millenials/Gen Z and older generations is a clear understanding, if not personal experience, of the sheer greed and uselessness of landlords,' they wrote.

However, not everyone agreed that the landlord was in the wrong.

'Do you have a house that people rent? Or you still live at mums house?', one person adked.

'You ever heard of rates? House insurance? Maintenance? If you can't afford it, don't live there. And if there are no houses talk to Albanese.'

Another Aussie user told Mr van den Berg to 'get a grip'.

'Who buys houses then? Who pays for increases in mortgage rates, council rates, insurance etc,' they wrote.

'Grow up - if you want to live in a communist society try Russia but dont bleat and whine when you find its just the same.'

Daily Mail Australia has approached Mr van den Berg for comment.
He was self-represented, but a lawyer has now stepped in

Bruce Lehrmann is no longer representing himself in his high-stakes appeal against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson - with a high-profile criminal lawyer now appearing for him in court.

Lehrmann launched the appeal in the Federal Court in May, a month after he lost his defamation case when Justice Michael Lee found, on a balance of probabilities, that he had raped his former colleague Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.

In the findings, Justice Lee branded the former Liberal staffer a liar with a 'tenuous' attachment to the truth, whose testimony could only be believed if it could be corroborated with someone else.

Along with a shattered reputation, Lehrmann faced bankruptcy after the judge ordered he cover his opponent's legal fees - which have topped $2million.

Lehrmann had lodged and served the notice of appeal himself before the deadline on May 31, rather than instructing solicitors doing it on his behalf, because he was self-represented.

However, lawyers acting for the network and Wilkinson were informed on Thursday that Zali Burrows - who was the criminal lawyer for disgraced former Sydney businessman Salim Mehajer - will represent the former staffer in his civil appeal.

During the first case management hearing on Thursday morning, the Federal Court heard Network Ten demanded Lehrmann cough up $200,000 in security costs ahead of the appeal.

Ten will fight Lehrmann over the costs in a three-day hearing from October 14.

Bruce Lehrmann is pictured, right, with Margaret Cunneen SC and his former criminal barrister, Steven Whybrow SC

Lehrmann is now represented by Zali Burrows (pictured), a criminal lawyer who represented Salim Mehajer

Lehrmann also made an application for a temporary stay on Justice Lee's order that he pay $2million in legal fees to Network Ten.

If the stay application was successful, the $2million order would be on hold until there was an outcome in the appeal.

Justice Wendy Abraham asked Ms Burrows if a barrister would be available to represent Lehrmann during the security costs hearing in October.

Ms Burrows said: 'As soon as I know, I certainly will advise the parties.'

Daily Mail Australia understands Lehrmann and Ms Burrows were introduced via mutual friend, barrister Margaret Cunneen SC - who successfully represented ex-Wallaby Kurtley Beale in his rape case last year.

Ms Burrows has been working closely with barrister Guy Reynolds SC, who helped Lehrmann prepare his appeal.

In his notice of appeal, Lehrmann - a second-year law student - had asked for a new judge to set Justice Lee's decision aside and enter a judgement in his favour, and for Ten and Wilkinson to pay for the primary proceedings and the appeal.

Four grounds of appeal were identified, including that Justice Lee denied Lehrmann procedural fairness, and findings in relation to the truth defence were contrary to the evidence.

He claimed there were credibility issues with Ms Higgins' evidence, specifically in relation to an image of a bruise she initially claimed was caused during the rape, before she said it could have occurred earlier in the night when she fell over.

Brittany Higgins accused Bruce Lehrmann of raping her in Parliament House in 2019

During Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial, she claimed the bruise was suffered during the alleged rape - a claim she also made to The Project during her sit-down interview with Ms Wilkinson.

Further arguments included that Justice Lee constructed and misconstrued the rape imputations, and Lehrmann should have been awarded damages.

Lehrmann may have to provide security costs ahead of any appeal. Failure to pay could result in the appeal not going ahead.

The former Liberal staffer sued Network 10 and Ms Lisa Wilkinson over her interview with Ms Higgins on The Project in which the former political staffer said that she was raped by a former colleague.

In his ruling, Justice Lee said 'it is more likely than not' that Lehrmann was 'so intent upon gratification to be indifferent to Ms Higgins' consent, and hence went ahead with sexual intercourse without caring whether she consented.'

Lehrmann has consistently denied sexually assaulting Ms Higgins.

He faced trial in the ACT Supreme Court in 2022 after pleading not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent.

The trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct and the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped the charges and plans for a retrial due to concerns about Ms Higgins' welfare.
A child left with catastrophic injuries after a car ploughed into him says he was trying to save his three-year-old brother.

'I was being a big brother to my little brother, I pushed him out of the way so he doesn't get hurt like me,' Huseyin Pek, 8, told his mother after the crash.

The driver, Thanh Ngoc Vo, had arrived in Australia five days before the September 2023 crash and was practising driving around the block in his wife's car when he hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

The 49-year-old unlicensed driver ran over the young children, who were playing in a puddle behind their grandparents' home in inner-Melbourne suburb Braybrook.

Huseyin was seriously injured and has undergone several surgeries but may never walk properly again, while his little brother Burak Pek suffered minor injuries.

The boys' family said they were relieved 'justice is served in our favour' after Vo admitted to dangerous driving causing serious injury and was jailed on Wednesday.

'I'm still angry but I came here for my son and I'll be here for him on our next court date,' Huseyin's mother Demet Aydin said outside the County Court.

'I don't accept that he is sorry for what he did to my son.'

Huseyin and Burek Pek were playing behind their grandparents' home when a car ploughed into them

Thanh Ngoc Vo (right) had arrived in Australia five days before the September 2023 crash and was practising driving around the block in his wife's car when he hit the accelerator instead of the brake

Inside the court, a heartbreaking statement from Ms Aydin was read out where she described hearing the crash and how she feared the worst.

'Everything went silent, slow motion... all I could hear was revving and bang, bang, bang,' she said.

'I thought Huseyin must have been dead.'

Vo was pulling into the laneway when he accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake of the Toyota Prado, he told police.

He pushed on the accelerator even further before hitting the two children and three parked cars.

Vo ran from the scene to his home, near the scene of the crash.

When police arrived shortly after, Vo fell to his knees in a prayer position and was arrested.

Huseyin's numerous injuries were described as 'catastrophic' by prosecutors and required emergency surgery and almost two months in hospital.

He suffered fractures and deep cuts to his head, including a 20cm injury from his left eyebrow to the middle of his head.

'I can't look at his face because I'm in tears,' Ms Aydin said.

She said Huseyin was once 'the happiest boy' but his leg injuries mean he may never walk properly again.

'He wants me to give him a time frame for when he will be normal again but I can't,' she said.

'I don't know what his future looks like, maybe he won't be able to walk properly again.'

Thanh Ngoc Vo fled from the scene, near where he hit the two boys. (HANDOUT/COUNTY COURT OF VICTORIA)

Ms Aydin hoped Vo would receive a lengthy prison term and will be deported to Vietnam after serving it.

'Doesn't this man feel sorry, doesn't he think he should've helped my boy?' she said.

Judge Duncan Allen thanked Ms Aydin for her 'poignant, tragic' description of what had happened to her child.

'No doubt the most painful thing she's ever had to do,' he said.

'The impact of what happened that day, and Mr Vo's driving, has been truly devastating in so many ways.'

Demet Aydin is angry for her sons after they were run over by a car in suburban Melbourne

Huseyin's numerous injuries were described as 'catastrophic' by prosecutors and required emergency surgery and almost two months in hospital

Defence barrister Zoe Broughton asked for Vo to be assessed for a community work order but accepted he would serve some time in prison for the tragedy.

'I dont think I could easily stand here and urge Your Honour to avoid any loss of liberty,' she said.

The hearing was adjourned to October 28 and Vo, who had been on bail, was taken to prison.
Its not just thriving high streets, affordable housing and being in the catchment area of a good school that sways many home buyers.

Living in a healthy area, with low pollution and plenty of green space, and having access to excellent hospitals with low waiting times for treatment and easily accessible GP appointments is another important consideration for house hunters.

Indeed, where you live can have a profound effect on your health and life expectancy. According to the charity The Peoples Health Trust, women born in the most disadvantaged areas of Scotland, on average, live 25 fewer years in good health than those born in affluent areas, while men die 9.7 years earlier.

Weve consulted health experts and analysed a range of surveys, university studies and data to reveal the best and worst places to live in the UK for access to good healthcare.

Where you live can have a profound effect on your health and life expectancy

THE BEST

Leeds, Yorkshire

Three of the nine hospitals in Leeds are in the UKs top 50, according to a recent study by Newsweek

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led

Three of this northern citys nine hospitals are in the UKs top 50, according to a recent study by Newsweek and global data platform Statista, which rank the UKs best hospitals annually.

Leeds, home to 455,000 people, has almost two hospitals per 100,000 people, compared to the UK average of 1.38 hospitals per 100,000 people.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), in its latest inspection, said Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led, and gave it an overall rating of Good, while sexual health services were rated Outstanding overall.

Great Torrington, Devon

This market town in North Devon is the healthiest place to live in the UK, with low levels of pollution, access to parks and green space and good access to health services

This market town in North Devon is the healthiest place to live in the UK (joint with Appleby-in-Westmorland, below), according to a Access To Healthy Assets And Hazards study by the University of Liverpool.

It has low levels of pollution, good access to parks, green spaces and health services, and few fast food restaurants, gambling shops, off-licenses, bars and nightclubs.

Both Torrington Hospital and Torrington Health Centre have been rated as Good in recent inspections.

Inner London

St Thomas in Westminster came first in Newsweeks survey of the UKs top 125 hospitals - five of the top eight were located in inner London

While inner London has relatively high air pollution, an abundance of fast food joints and limited green space, this is offset by having, overwhelmingly, the best healthcare provision in the country.

In Newsweeks annual survey of the UKs top 125 hospitals, St Thomas in Westminster came first, while five of the top eight were located in inner London. Conversely, just seven of the top 25 are in Scotland and one in Wales.

A MailOnline analysis of NHS data in 2023 found that London was only beaten for ambulance response times by the Isle of Wight in the four categories of urgency (which range from life-threatening illnesses, such as cardiac arrest, to less urgent incidents, such as vomiting) for 11 regions of England.

Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria

This charming Cumbrian market town on the banks of the River Eden was considered to be the healthiest place to live in England - with patients at its hospitals (below) being seen within four hours

Nestled in the picturesque Eden Valley, this charming market town on the banks of the River Eden was considered to be the healthiest place to live in England by the Geographic Data Science Labs Access To Healthy Assets And Hazards by the University of Liverpool.

Theres plenty of evidence out there to confirm this: for example, the CQC has rated Appleby Medical Practice as Good in recent inspections, while 78 per cent of patients who arrived at A&E at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (which includes Westmorland General Hospital) last month were seen within four hours, the NHSs A&E target.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, famous for its Fringe Festival, offers very accessible health services, with 1.72 hospitals (below) per 100,000 people

The Scottish capital came second in a recent NowPatient study of cities and towns offering the best healthcare, based on NHS data.

The city offers very accessible services, with 1.72 hospitals and 1.29 sexual health clinics per 100,000 people (compared to the UK average of 1.4).

Edinburgh also offers a quick turnaround, with all Scottish hospitals completing an 18-week standard waiting time from GP to treatment, such as cataract surgery or knee replacements (the NHSs target for non-urgent treatment).

The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh was rated as the 33rd best hospital in Newsweeks annual ranking of the UKs top 125 hospitals.

South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear

A study of the UKs top healthcare hotspots found this Tyne and Wear to be the third best place to live for healthcare (below) in the country, with 97 per cent having confidence in their GPs

After a major and comprehensive inspection, the CQC rated South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trusts community-based health services as Outstanding, and acute hospital care as Good.

It highlighted many areas of outstanding practice, including its end-of-life care services at St Benedicts Hospice in Ryhope, and community sexual health services.

The hospital provides state-of-the-art vascular services and laser imaging equipment, the first of its kind in the UK and one of only a few worldwide, for surgeries such as heart bypass, stenting and deep vein thrombosis.

The hospital provides state-of-the-art regional vascular services and laser imaging equipment, the first of its kind in the UK and one of only a few worldwide.

The Trusts waiting times for outpatient appointments were consistently better than the England average.

The 2022 Healthcare Transformers study of the UKs top healthcare hotspots found this county to be the third best place to live for healthcare in the country, with 97 per cent of patients having confidence in their GPs.

Penarth and Barry, Vale of Glamorgan

Penarth, just three miles from Cardiff, benefits from the Welsh capitals healthcare provision, including the University Hospital Of Wales, which is considered the best hospital in Wales

Close to Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan, Penarth and Barry were considered to be great places to live on the basis of access to healthcare, according to a study by the University of Liverpool.

With Penarth being just three miles from Cardiff, and Barry nine, they benefit from the Welsh capitals healthcare provision, including the University Hospital Of Wales, which is considered the best hospital in Wales and came 42nd in Newsweeks annual ranking of the UKs top 125 hospitals.

THE WORST

St Davids nearest hospital is the Withybush (below), which temporarily closed several wards due to crumbling concrete, resulting in some patients having to travel for 90 minutes to access care

St Davids, Pembrokeshire

Currently all aspects of healthcare are a challenge in Britains smallest city. Its closest hospital, Withybush in Haverfordwest, recently closed several wards due to crumbling concrete, resulting in some patients having to travel for 90 minutes to access care.

Although they have reopened now, patients still face significant disruption due to continuing repair work.

An independent inspection at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, an hour away from Withybush, uncovered overcrowding, with patients sleeping on the floor in A&E and not always receiving consistently safe care.

Ambulance waiting times in the area are generally bad, with only 56 per cent of the most urgent red calls for ambulances in the local health board (Hywel Dda) reaching patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening illnesses within the NHSs target time of eight minutes.

Theres currently a fight to try and save St Davids only GP surgery, which is due to be closed.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Some 21 per cent of the Southends children are living in poverty, compared with 15 per cent in the rest of England. Between the most and least deprived areas, there is a life expectancy gap of nine years for men and ten for women

The resort towns Southend University Hospital received a CQC rating of Requires improvement in 2022, due to staff shortages and them not completing mandatory training, among other issues.

In 2023, one in five local residents was on an NHS waiting list, the highest rate in the country, while Recent NHS figures revealed more than a third of A&E patients at Mid and South Essex hospitals were not seen within the four-hour target.

Some 21 per cent of the citys children are living in poverty, compared with 15 per cent in the rest of England.

Between the most and least deprived areas, there is a life expectancy gap of nine years for men and ten for women.

The town received one of the lowest scores for access to healthcare in NowPatients analysis of cities and towns offering the best healthcare based on NHS data.

There are just 0.34 hospitals per 100,000 people, compared to more than four per 100,000 in London and Manchester, and a UK average of 1.4 hospitals.

Newtown, Powys

Rural areas like Newtow were seen by the University of Liverpools study to be an area of Wales where healthcare provision was lacking

Rural areas around the country often have bigger problems accessing healthcare. And Newtown, along with Holyhead in Anglesey and Tonna in Neath Port Talbot, was seen by the University of Liverpools study to be an area of Wales where healthcare provision was lacking.

Employment website Indeed has numerous highly critical reviews of working for the local health board (Powys Teaching Health Board), with a former employee condemning its dreadful management, old fashioned ways, while another said management is all over the place.

Gloucester

An analysis of NHS data by Claims.co.uk found that, out of Englands 42 integrated care boards, NHS Gloucestershire came out worst

If you want to see a GP in Gloucestershire, youre likely to be in for a long wait. An analysis of NHS data by Claims.co.uk found that, out of Englands 42 integrated care boards, NHS Gloucestershire came out worst. Nearly 600,000 appointments, or 12 per cent, taking longer than 22 days from booking to consultation.

Maternity units covered by NHS Gloucestershire are among 10 per cent of maternity units in England that were rated this year as Inadequate for safety by the CQC.

In January, the BBCs Panorama revealed serious concerns about maternity services in Gloucestershire, with midwives saying that a poor work culture and staff shortages led to baby deaths that could have been avoided.

Thurrock, Essex

Councillors at one Thurrock health and wellbeing board meeting heard patients were waiting for hours to get through to surgeries by phone

NHS Thurrock came second to last in the Healthcare Transformers study of the UKs top healthcare hotspots. Just 60 per cent of residents described the process of booking a GP appointment as good, and 72 per cent described their GP experience as good or very good.

Thurrock has only 4.22 GPs per 10,000 people (compared to a UK average of 5.5). The NHS website has numerous woeful reviews for Thurrock Health Centre, and councillors at one Thurrock health and wellbeing board meeting heard patients were waiting for hours to get through to surgeries by phone, while a patient survey showed that Thurrock had the lowest overall experience rating in Mid and South Essex.

Out of 7,905 patients ill enough to be admitted to three Mid and South Essex hospitals in February, 2,700  almost a third  had to wait 12 hours or more from arrival to treatment.

Ashford and Margate, Kent

There have been a number of concerns about the standard of care offered at NHS Kent and Medway Trusts hospitals (below)

NHS Kent and Medway came third to last in the Healthcare Transformers study of the UKs top healthcare hotspots.

Just 66 per cent of people described the process of booking a GP appointment as good, and 80 per cent described their GP experience as good or very good. There are just 4.71 GPs per 10,000 people.

There have been a number of concerns about the standard of care offered at the Trusts hospitals, including issues concerning security staff and adult safeguarding.

In October 2022, an independent review into neighbouring East Kent NHS Hospitals Trust found that up to 45 babies who died may have survived had they received better care.

Bradford, West Yorkshire

Bradford has just 0.33 hospitals per 100,000 people - compared to a UK average of 1.4

This West Yorkshire city had just 0.33 hospitals per 100,000 people (compared to a UK average of 1.4), and no hospitals in the area are on Newsweeks top 125 UK hospitals list.

In 2022, it was revealed that 104 compensation claims totalling nearly 18 million were made to Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which covers Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Lukes Hospital.

More than 17 million was paid to patients and their families who had received insufficient care.

A further 900,000 was paid out in compensation by Bradford District Care Trust, which is responsible for running community care, including dementia and mental health services.

Portsmouth, Hampshire

A University of Portsmouth study found that accessing primary care and specialist services was difficult for Portsmouth residents'

NHS Portsmouth came last in the Healthcare Transformers study of the UKs top healthcare hotspots.

Just 59 per cent of described the process of booking a GP appointment as good, and 79 per cent described their GP experience as good or very good. Portsmouth has 4.38 GPs per 10,000 people (compared to a UK average of 5.5), while Northumberland, which came first in the Healthcare Transformers rankings, has 6.95 GPs per 10,000.

Meanwhile, in March, a University of Portsmouth study called Healthwatch Portsmouth found that accessing primary care and specialist services was difficult for Portsmouth residents, mental health services were often inaccessible and did not provide appropriate, ongoing care and dental care was not accessible for many.
Britain's remotest home is on the market for 80,000, but viewing it poses a challenge.

Located on the uninhabited Copinsay Island in Orkney, even the estate agents recommend using a helicopter for access.

The island has been uninhabited since the last families left in 1985, and in the 1990s, a prospective buyer received a 1 million quote to connect the lighthouse and farmstead to mains electricity.

As a result, the keeper's cottage relies on storage batteries and Calor gas, with potential future solar or wind power installations.

Prospective buyers seeking tranquility need not worry.

Britain's remotest home is on the market for 80,000, but viewing it poses a challenge

Located on the uninhabited Copinsay Island in Orkney, even the estate agents recommend using a helicopter for access

The island has been uninhabited since the last families left in 1985, and in the 1990s, a prospective buyer received a 1 million quote to connect the lighthouse and farmstead to mains electricity

The property includes a private well, gas heating, solar panels ready for installation and two helipads for quick access.

The sale also includes a sailing dinghy and two quad bikes for easy site navigation.

K Allan Properties describes the 1.45-acre, seven-bedroom plot as a 'renovation opportunity of a lifetime.'

Photos reveal remnants of past family life, with children's toys, an England flag, a model aeroplane and a Meccano rollercoaster still present in the lighthouse and main farmhouse.

They say: 'Imagine living on this stunning uninhabited island, a place of serene beauty and complete solitude. Copinsay, one of the enchanting Orkney Islands off the east coast of mainland Scotland, offers an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity.

'This property on this uninhabited island is now available for those seeking an extraordinary retreat.

'Requiring renovation, this property presents the perfect opportunity for someone seeking a solitary lifestyle with a blank canvas to create a space they can truly call home.'

The main building is described as a 'charming' two-story structure, ideal for those desiring solitude or an extraordinary getaway.

The property includes a private well, gas heating, solar panels ready for installation and two helipads for quick access. The sale also includes a sailing dinghy and two quad bikes for easy site navigation

K Allan Properties describes the 1.45-acre, seven-bedroom plot as a 'renovation opportunity of a lifetime.' Photos reveal remnants of past family life, with children's toys, an England flag, a model aeroplane and a Meccano rollercoaster still present in the lighthouse and main farmhouse

Photos say: 'Imagine living on this stunning uninhabited island, a place of serene beauty and complete solitude. Copinsay, one of the enchanting Orkney Islands off the east coast of mainland Scotland, offers an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity. Requiring renovation, this property presents the perfect opportunity for someone seeking a solitary lifestyle with a blank canvas to create a space they can truly call home'

Practical outbuildings, including a shed by a pier and a tractor shed, provide ample storage.

The listing highlights modern conveniences ensuring comfortable living in this remote paradise:

'Living on Copinsay offers a unique lifestyle marked by peace, privacy, and a deep connection with nature. This secluded paradise is ideal for a private retreat, offering an escape from urban life with unparalleled tranquility.

'Embrace sustainable living with existing solar infrastructure and potential for wind energy. This rare opportunity to own a piece of the Orkney Islands is a blank canvas awaiting your vision.

'Whether you seek a personal sanctuary, an eco-living project, or a unique investment, Copinsay promises an extraordinary lifestyle.'

There is no mention of a road to the property, but the listing notes a primary school and a ferry terminal at St Margaret's Hope, both about seven miles away.

Copinsay Lighthouse, the last major lighthouse built in Orkney, was established in November 1915 by D. Alan Stevenson, displaying five white flashes every 30 seconds.

The island became a bird sanctuary and was farmed by Mr. Groat in the 1930s, who had thirteen children.

The farmhouse served as a classroom, joined by the lighthouse keepers' children and a resident teacher.

Copinsay Lighthouse was a family station until the 1950s when families moved to the Stromness shore station and the last inhabitants left in 1985.

Paul Craig from Staffordshire bought the former keeper's cottage in 1991 for a holiday home.

In 1993, he sought to connect the cottage to mains electricity but was quoted nearly a million pounds by Scottish Hydro Electric.

The island is now an RSPB nature reserve.

A closing date for the property has been set for Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 12 noon and all offers must be submitted in writing through a Scottish conveyancing solicitor.
An extravagant two bedroom apartment decorated with 100,000 of goldleaf can be yours for 425,000.

The eye-catching two bedroom flat - described as a 'golden opportunity' by estate agents - is situated within a gated building in Acton, West London.

The property also comes with two bathrooms and a generous 736 square feet of living space - all decorated in incredible gold-decor and furnishings.

Originally built in the 1920's, the property maintains its art deco origin, and has been decorated in gold leaf twice, costing the owners almost 100,000.

The property was discussed on social media where one user joked that it contains so much gold it would 'even make Trump blush'

The 1920's art deco property has been decorated in gold leaf TWICE at a cost to the owners of almost 100,000

The eye-catching two bedroom apartment has been described as a 'golden opportunity' by estate agents

On the first floor of the luxurious apartment there are two double bedrooms, one with an en-suite, as well as a modern kitchen.

It is located within the Bromyard House gated development, which includes a porter, lift access, and parking.

The estate agent listing the unique property said: 'A "golden opportunity" to acquire this two bedroom first floor apartment situated within the popular 1920's Bromyard House.'

The listing adds that there are 'a range of amenities locally with easy access to Acton High Street and Churchfield Road as well as Westfield Shopping Centre less than one mile away'.

The first floor, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has 736 square feet of living space - that is all decorated with gold-decor and furnishings

The apartment is located within the Bromyard House gated development, in Acton, West London, and includes a porter, lift access, and parking

The property was discussed on the social media platform Reddit, with some comparing the design to Donald Trump's grand Manhattan apartment.

Others said it looks like it was previously owned by the flamboyant antiques expert and TV host David Dickinson, also known as 'the Duke', who is known for presenting ITV daytime show Dickinson's Real Deal.

One commenter said: 'I think this would even make Trump blush.'

Another commented on the listing agent's apt description: 'The description calling this property a '"golden opportunity" is hilarious.'
Tucker Carlson thinks they're biblical entities. Others say they are humans from the future coming back to study us.

Now, a new film proposes an even stranger theory about UFOs.

The Cosmic Joker investigates the idea that these entities may be 'tricksters' that deliberately shape themselves into what people want to see or into forms that people may be familiar with, director Mark Christopher Lee told DailyMail.com.

The movie concentrates on two infamous alien encounter tails: the Robert Taylor incident and the Pascagoula abduction of fishermen Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker.

The Pascagoula abduction of fishermen Charles Hickson (left) and Calvin Parker (right) and occurred in 1973

Mr Hickson and Mr Parker reported being experimented on by aliens with crab-like claws

It asks the question: Did the aliens who made contact with the men deliberately shape shift themselves into forms reminiscent of something in their personal lives?

The film also suggests aliens might not be from space at all - and that this might be behind alleged cover-ups of UFO evidence.

Mr Taylor was a forest worker in Scotland who described seeing a UFO resembling a naval sea mine in 1979.

The Cosmic Joker suggests the entity deliberately take this form to resemble something Mr Taylor was familiar with from his time in the military.

In 1973 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Mr Hickson and Mr Parker reported being experimented on by aliens with crab-like claws.

Did alien intelligence shape itself to a form familiar to the two Deep South fishermen?

Lee told DailyMail.com: What piqued my interest for this film was interviews about the Pascagoula Encounter in the US in 1973. Calvin Parker and Charles Hickson had an alleged abduction experience whilst fishing near the Pascagoula River.

They claimed they were taken onboard an alien craft and examined and physically handled by two aliens which had crab-like pincers. I just thought - why would the aliens have crab like pincers?

The two men reported to the sheriff's department they had been abducted by gray-skinned aliens while fishing - with the aliens having crab-like hands and robotic mouths.

The men each had a puncture wound in their arm.

Hickson told The Washington Post: 'I was just getting ready to get some more bait, when I heard a kind of zipping sound. I looked up and saw a blue flashing light. Calvin turned around too.

'We saw a 30-foot-long object with a little dome on top.'

The two Pascagoula witnesses had physical injuries from the encounter

The police officers interviewing the men secretly left a tape recorder in the room with the witnesses after law enforcement left.

While they may have been hoping to catch the men drop their act and admit they made up the encounter, they only recorded them saying the experience scared them to death.

Lee told this website: The police placed a hidden tape recorder, which captured them talking about how the experience scared them out of their lives. So that begs the question: if the experience was real, what were these creatures?

'Did they actually adapt themselves to what a couple of Deep South fishermen might expect to see? Why did they see the same thing?

In the film, Lee also speaks to UFO author Malcolm Robinson, who describes the strange encounter World War II veteran Mr Taylor had with a UFO in the Dechmont Woods in Scotland.

Lee told DailyMail.com: Mr Taylor encountered and was attacked by an alien or intelligence that was similar in appearance to a naval sea mine with sharp protruding limbs coming off the sides.

'Again I thought did the intelligence, whatever it may be, take this from as it would be familiar to Robert Taylor having served in the military?

Mr Taylor's reported sighting was investigated by police after two spiked spheres rolled at him - leaving him unconscious for 20 minutes with ripped clothing.

Ddirector Mark Christopher Lee spoke to DailyMail.com

The war hero and churchgoer was believed by locals - and police found strange marks on the ground which could not be explained by machinery in the vicinity.

Lee said others have suggested Taylors encounter may have been triggered by an epileptic episode.

The idea of aliens as shape-shifting tricksters was first proposed in a book by late author John Keel, whose work inspired the Richard Gere film The Mothman Prophecies, Lee told this website.

He said: Keep was the first to really study in minute detail UFO and alien encounters. From his research he noted that there was always this mischievous trickster element in these sightings.

Keels book suggests aliens may not be from other planets, or from space at all - but may instead be ultra-terrestrials who manipulate human beliefs.

Lee added: Of course if this theory is true it is probably far more disturbing than being visited by other beings from other planets.

'Are we as humans the playthings of a far superior intelligence that lives alongside us?

Some modern Ufologists like Blink 182 musician Tom DeLonge believe that this intelligence has always been with us and that the US government knows this and is using the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a smokescreen to divert the public from the wilder truth.

The Cosmic Joker is out now on Tubi TV.
Conspiracy theorists are pushing the idea that aliens made an appearance at the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Footage from the Pennsylvania rally on July 13 appeared to capture unidentified flying objects (UFOs) soaring through the skies.

A disc-like object whizzed in the background of an American flag blowing in the wind shortly before bullets were fired and another appeared like an orb as the Secret Service stormed the stage.

Some social media users have proclaimed the UFOs as 'guardian angels' who protected Trump from the bullets, which the former president corroborated in saying, 'God saved me' days after the rally.

A conventional explanation would be that the objects were drones surveilling the area, but some reports have claimed there 'were no Secret Service drones flying at the time.'

Conspiracy theorists are pushing the idea that aliens made an appearance at the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump

A disc-like object whizzed in the background of an American flag blowing in the wind shortly before bullets were fired and another appeared like an orb as the Secret Service stormed the stage

Trump was shot by Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, a registered Republican who had also previously donated to Joe Biden.

The GOP candidate was hit in the ear as he turned his head to speak to the crowds. Chaos ensued after the shots rang out, and one person in the crowd was killed.

'I'm not supposed to be here, I'm supposed to be dead,' Trump said during an interview with the New York Post.

'By luck or by God, many people are saying it's by God, I'm still here.'

The moment of 'luck' happened when Trump moved his head ever so slightly, pulling himself out of the direct bull's eye of Crooks' scope.

Social media has since been a buzz about two videos capturing the mysterious objects, with some users claiming spectators at the rally said the saw a UFO 'briefly before an after the first shot on Trump.'

One X user shared: 'UFOs are always at Trumps rallys, protecting him.'

While other users are not sold on the idea that the objects were alien visitors, calling the claims 'god da*n funny.'

But a UAP expert has also weighed in on the clips, telling DailyMail.com that the objects in question were 'most likely drones, birds, or a combination of both.'

'The objects are moving fast, and in closeups, you can see motion blur, distorting the objects' actual shape,' Enigma Lab's UAP advisor Alejandro Rojas told DailyMail.com.

'Events like these often have several drones filming. It is now being reported even the shooter had flown a drone in the area.

'The objects also move in a straight line without making any unusual movements. While we can't say for sure what they are, they are consistent with many videos we get that turn out to be mundane objects.'

In addition to claims about UFOs, conspiracy theorists have also touted the notion that the shooting was an inside job aimed at suppressing the truth about aliens.

UFO filmmaker Mark Christopher Lee told The Daily Star this week: 'It sounds a bit out there but I do believe that this attempt may have been due to the fact that, if elected President again, Trump would release the full truth about UFOs.'

Lee also suggested some nefarious actors may have wanted to stop the former president from releasing information on an alleged affair between JFK and Marilyn Monroe.

It's hard to know where to start with this one, but needless to say, there is no evidence to support any of these claims.

A documentary filmmaker has come forward to voice his belief that former president Donald Trump was targeted for death to suppress the truth about UFOs

Musician and UFO filmmaker Mark Christopher Lee conceded that his theory comes off as a bit far-fetched: 'It sounds a bit out there, but I do believe that this attempt may have been due to the fact that if elected President again Trump would release the full truth about UFOs,' he said

As the 2024 presidential campaign has gained steam, however, the former president has appeared to become ever so slightly warmer to the subject.

Sitting down with YouTube influencer Logan Paul for a June episode of his podcast 'Impulsive,' Trump admitted that he had 'met with people that are serious people that say there's some really strange things that they see flying around out there.'

'People that are very smart and very solid,' Trump continued, 'have said they believe there was something out there and, you know, it makes sense that they could be.'

But, he concluded: 'I've never been convinced, even despite that [...] It's not my thing. But a lot of people believe that it's true. A lot of very good, solid people.'

Despite Trump's own dismissive tone  and in the absence of evidence that Trump's shooter had co-conspirators or a coherent motive  Lee maintained that the architects of an alleged UFO cover-up might want Trump dead.

'He's already said he would release all the files on the JFK assassination,' the musician and documentary filmmaker told the Daily Star.

'And I believe that, in those files, will be evidence that both JFK and his lover Marilyn Monroe were murdered due to them both wanting this information [i.e. the truth about UFOs] released to the public,' as Lee told the publication.

Authorities believe the shooter (pictured after the shooting) acted alone. Currently, there is no evidence he had any accomplices

The former president's track record on the roughly 15,000 still-classified documents related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy tells a different story.

'In 2017, President Donald Trump let the [1992] JFK Records Act's 25-year deadline for full disclosure slip,' former Washington Post reporter Jefferson Morley noted.

'While proclaiming that the Kennedy files had been released, Trump acquiesced to the agency's demand to keep portions of more than 11,000 documents secret,' added Morley, who spent over a decade in court suing the CIA for JFK records.

But, 'in 2021, President Biden did the same,' Morley acknowledged.

To date, according to the nonprofit Mary Ferrell Foundation: 'Unfortunately, in many thousands of cases the new document simply features fewer redactions than previously [...] and is nowhere near the full disclosure required by law.'

Nevertheless, Trump has asserted that he will be more forceful on JFK records declassification, if again elected to the serve as America's commander-in-chief.

'This time I'm just going to do it,' Trump promised during a taping of an episode of the All-In podcast, this past June.

As to why the former president flinched during his first term in office, Trump told the show's hosts: 'I was hit by some people who work for me who are great people that you would respect and they asked me not to do it.'

'And I'm saying 'Why? Tell me why' and they're saying, 'Sir, I think it needs a little more time.' [...] This wasn't CIA that asked me, but I think CIA was probably behind it,' Trump said. 'They wouldn't preferred that I not release the rest of it.'

For his part, Lee, the UFO filmmaker, emphasized that 'the truth is far more bizarre and weird.'

During a taping of an episode of the All-In podcast this past June (above), former President Donald Trump pledged to release all the assassination files on President John F. Kennedy should he be reelected in November

'Those who control this,' Lee told the Daily Star about the alleged UFO cover-up, 'most likely a secret compartment of the US Military maybe the Collins Elite, know this truth and believe that the public would not be able to handle it.

One portion of the specific version of the UFO cover-up believed by Lee includes the idea that extraterrestrial beings are currently living in secret among us.

The US government, Lee said, is hiding these facts because insiders believe that the American public 'would not be able to handle it.'

Lee told the publication that, while he disagrees with these suspected government conspirators, he still suspects there are possible answers to the UFO mystery that still might very well be too much for the public to cope with.

'They could handle other life forms from other planets that are physical beings,' Lee said, 'but I doubt they could handle an inter-dimensional intelligence that exists in some other form of reality.'

His comments echo a study co-authored by two Harvard scientists this June which argues that the solution to UFOs might be time travelers, inter-dimensional beings or even 'another hominid species, or even a branch of Homo sapiens, could have adapted to live underground.'

'Maybe Quantum Physics will eventually be able to prove this eventually,' Lee speculated.
Residents of Ystrad Mynach in Caerphilly, South Wales, were in for a shock after spotting a rare white squirrel roaming the streets.

The one-in-100,000 white squirrel was unfazed when it was spotted nibbling on crumbs on a busy town centre street.

The albino squirrel had been rumoured to be roaming the streets in Ystrad Mynach for several weeks with neighbours sharing stories of sightings.

But Maria Smith was able to snag a photograph of the elusive rodent when she spotted it outside the town library at the weekend.

She captioned the pictured 'finally' as she shared it on social media - with other locals describing the creature as 'beautiful'.

Residents of Ystrad Mynach in Caerphilly, South Wales, were in for a shock after spotting a rare white squirrel roaming the streets

Kevin Hart said he has spotted the animal 'once or twice a week'.

He said: 'I've lived here two years and saw him as soon as I moved in.

'He sometimes runs across the roof of the old Con club that's at the bottom of the lane between Portofino and Ystrad Mynach main bus stop.'

One social media user said: 'Wow that is awesome.'

Another added: 'Beautiful, I hope I manage to catch a glimpse one day.'

'What a beautiful squirrel, I do hope he stays safe,' said another concerned resident.

The albino squirrel had been rumoured to be roaming the streets in Ystrad Mynach for several weeks with neighbours sharing stories of sightings

The red-eyed squirrel is thought to be albino - a condition caused a genetic mutation that leads to a complete lack of pigment.

Wildlife experts say that one in every 100,000 squirrels are albino, but only an estimated 50 are thought to be in the UK.

They are thought to be found living in public places like parks, playgrounds and cemeteries, where predators tend to be low.

Despite being a rare sighting, another albino squirrel was spotted in in Bookham, Surrey earlier this year.

The red-eyed squirrel is thought to be albino - a condition caused a genetic mutation that leads to a complete lack of pigment

Ross Hill, 31, who spotted it, said it was 'astonishing' to see the rare white squirrel up close.

'I'd never even heard of them a couple of weeks ago and now I've even seen it in the flesh - it's amazing,' he added.

Some spotted white squirrels also have black eyes and are believed to have leucism, instead of albinism.

Leucism also causes a complete lack of pigment - but not in the eyes.

Experts say that leucism is 'extremely rare' in red squirrels.

The last known sighting of a white squirrel believed to have black eyes was in Scotland in May 2020.
If you missed out on the Northern Light's stunning displays over the last few months, there may be another opportunity to spot this gorgeous natural phenomenon.

The Met Office predicts that the Northern Lights will be visible tonight as far south as Northern Ireland and over parts of Northern England.

As a huge wave of charged particles from the Sun collides with Earth, the sky will be lit up over much of the Northern Hemisphere.

However, if you're planning to watch the skies tonight, be sure to bring your phone since the Northern Lights often appear far brighter in photographs.

Would-be aurora watchers will also need to plan carefully as short summer nights and poor weather could make spotting the glow even harder than usual.

As a huge solar storm strikes Earth tonight the Northern Lights will light up the sky over much of the UK. Pictured, Northern Lights during May's solar storm

The Northern Lights are a natural glow triggered as charged particles from the sun collide with gases in our atmosphere.

Because the Earth's magnetic field guides these charged particles towards the poles, the lights are usually only visible at more extreme latitudes.

However, during events called 'coronal mass ejections' (CME), huge amounts of stellar material are thrown into space as the sun ejects massive plumes of plasma.

Jake Foster, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, told MailOnline: 'Coronal mass ejections can send huge streams of charged particles towards the Earth.

'These particles colliding with our planets atmosphere is what produces the glimmering curtains of light that we know as the aurora or the Northern Lights. Bigger CMEs will often lead to more intense auroral activity.'

Tonight's displays are triggered by a large 'halo' CME which erupted from the sun on July 21 and is due to collide with Earth's magnetic field tonight.

The Met Office predicts that the Northern Lights will be visible over Northern Ireland and as far south as the North of England tonight

According to the Met Office's space weather forecast, the Earth should experience a peak in geomagnetic activity today as the first part of the CME hits the planet.

Activity will then wane throughout tomorrow but there is also a chance of a small geomagnetic storm arriving on July 26.

However, the Met Office also warns that tonight's viewing conditions will not be the best for spotting the Northern Lights.

The summer's shorter days mean that the hours of total darkness are significantly reduced, with the sun not setting until 21:00 tonight.

Combined with the brightness of the full moon this could make it significantly harder to see the often faint glow of the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights, as seen here over Denbigh Moors, Wales, are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with our atmosphere

During events called coronal mass ejections large plumes of plasma are sent towards Earth which are then funnelled towards the planet's poles

A Met Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'While a coronal mass ejection is likely to arrive at Earth today and auroral displays are likely down to Northern Ireland, northern England and similar geomagnetic latitudes, any overnight visibility will be restricted significantly by shorter nights at this time of year, a relatively full moon and cloud and rain for many.

'Joined together, all of this means sightings of the auroras remain quite unlikely, and the strength of the event isn't likely to bring any auroras to the southern half of the UK.'

To make matters worse, tonight's weather forecast looks particularly bad for the areas that might otherwise have a good opportunity.

By 22:00 this evening, the Met Office forecasts rain over large parts of Scotland and Northern England with thick cloud cover in most areas.

However, those in Northern Ireland may stand to get a better view as this evening's rain should have largely blown over by the evening.

Unfortunately, the weather forecast tonight is poor with rain (left) and cloud (right) predicted to cover much of the Northern UK

To make the most of your opportunity to spot the Northern Lights, experts recommend that you head out far from light pollution and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark.

Since the Northern lights might be quite faint against the glow of the moon you will need to minimise any other sources of light to try and see them with the naked eye.

However, for many, the best way to spot the Northern Lights will be using your phone camera.

Mr Foster says: 'To the naked eye, the aurora is unlikely to look very colourful, so taking photographs of the sky with a long exposure or night mode will be the best way to know if the aurora truly is happening above your head.'

When the UK saw dramatic auroral activity in May this year, many complained that posts on social media over-exaggerated the brightness of the display.

While images taken of the Northern Lights captured bright, colourful activity as far south as Cornwall there was often little to be seen in person.

In the US, NOAA predicts that the Northern Lights could extend down over much of Canada due to the intensity of the storm

Budding astronomers should use this to their advantage and try to take long-exposure photographs of the Northern Lights to get the best views of tonight's activity

Mr Foster says: 'Phone cameras have a clever ability that the human eye doesnt - taking in light over a certain period of time and then quickly combining that light to produce a single image.'

However, while seeing the device on your phone might be disappointing to some, you can also use this to your advantage.

Taking a perfect picture of the aurora is a challenge in itself but can offer some stunning views.

Mr Foster adds: 'The longer the exposure time, the more light the camera can acquire and the brighter the image will be. This is especially noticeable when using "night mode" or a similar setting on your phone camera.'

The Met Office advises mounting your camera or phone on a tripod for stability and aiming it at a clear patch of sky.

You want to try and capture as much light as you can without leaving the camera's shutter open so long that the image becomes blurry.

Try an initial exposure of eight to 15 seconds if the lights are very faint and work your way down to a shutter speed of about two to three seconds.

This should allow you to get a great view of tonight's Northern Lights even if you can't see them with the naked eye.
Ancient carvings featuring the faces of Tutankhamun's grandfather and other ancient Egyptian pharaohs have been rediscovered.

Archaeologists found the giant stone slabs at the bottom of the Nile River while searching for artifacts lost in a flood in city of Aswan in the 1970s.

The slabs included hieroglyphic inscriptions about the kings' achievements, including King Amenhotep III, also known as Amenhotep the Magnificent and ancestor of King Tut.

Archaeologists have discovered mysterious carvings of ancient Egyptian pharaohs that have been submerged underwater for decades

During their exploration of the Nile River, archaeologists uncovered rock slabs containing hieroglyphic inscriptions and carvings of King Tatmas IV who ruled in the early 14th Century BC and King Amenhotab III who ruled from 1390 to 1353 BC

Etches in the stone also discuss King Thutmose IV who ruled in the early 14th Century BC and was celebrated for his restoration of the Great Sphinx of Giza.

Team members said they were surprised that the carvings were in such good condition and hope to extract more artifacts in future dives.

The ancient artifacts were discovered in the area in 1960, but were lost the following decade during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in Aswan.

Archaeologists had rushed to remove them before they were lost underwater, but many couldn't be relocated in time.

The latest dive was to search for the lost objects, but led the team to the remarkably well-preserved depictions of notable pharaohs that have never been studied before.

'For the first time, we [have] gone underwater to study the rock formations between the Aswan reservoir and the Aswan High Dam,' the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities told Smithsonian Magazine.

'Since the site remains in good condition, the mission was able to fully document it.'

King Amenhoteb III, also known as Amenhotep the Magnificent, was featured on one of the slabs and was renowned for his expansion of diplomatic relationships and the period of peaceful prosperity the citizens experienced under his rule. Pictured: Burial mask of King Amenhoteb III

King Apries succeeded his father, Psamtik II and during his reign actively built up four Egyptian temples but was plagued with military problems after he sent his army to help Libya against Greek invaders

The researchers used underwater filming and photographing techniques to document the discovery.

They are also creating 3D models of the images using photogrammetry - the process of using surface measurements from pictures to create an accurate three-dimensional version.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism did not provide a translation for the hieroglyphs nor did they describe what the carvings looked like.

These finds were thought to be lost after the Awan Dam was constructed from 1960 to 1970, as archaeologists raced against time to save the historical Egyptian artifacts and monuments - including the Temple of Dendur now held at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Now their new finds are shedding renewed interest in the archaeological significance of the site.

For the first time, a team of Egyptian and French archaeologists have dived to recover the lost treasures including the carvings of at least five rulers who reigned during the 18th and 26th dynasties.

Dr Islam Saleem, the director general of the General Administration for Sunken Archaeological Archaeology, emphasized in a Facebook post that the team's initial findings suggest there are additional carvings yet to be discovered.

The researchers hope the findings can help them gain a better understanding of the 18th dynasty's reigns, which is already renowned for its architectural and artistic accomplishments.

Aswan is a notable area in Egypt because of its historical site that houses the Abu Simbel temple which features four colossal statues of the pharaoh Ramses II that guard the entrance and stand 65 feet tall.

It is also home to the Philae temple which is the location of where the last known hieroglyphic inscription was written in 394 AD.
Amanda Holden stunned with her mini-me daughters Lexi and Hollie in Greece in photos she shared to her Instagram on Wednesday after Lexi's life-threatening health issue.

The Heart Breakfast presenter, 53, looked beautiful sandwiched between her daughters and all three wore brightly patterned dresses.

Amanda's dress was long-sleeved where her daughters' had no sleeves and she took turns nestling into both of her children.

While the trio's husband and father was not Chris Hughes was not seen in the snaps, they were not alone.

Joining them was English actress Jane Wall who stunned in a black and white cut-out ankle -length ensemble.

Amanda Holden, 53, stunned with her mini-me daughters Lexi and Hollie in Greece in photos she shared to her Instagram on Wednesday after Lexi's life-threatening health issue.

The Heart Breakfast presenter looked beautiful sandwiched between her daughters and all three wore brightly patterned dresses

Joining them was English actress Jane Wall who stunned in a black and white cut-out ankle-length ensemble

Jane, 51, is best-known for portraying PC Di Worrell in police procedural The Bill from 1999 to 2002.

On Monday, Amanda again took to Instagram from Greece, this time to show off her incredible figure.

The BGT judge 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.

The family holiday comes after Lexi, who is signed to Storm Models, was admitted to hospital with life-threatening E. coli amid the latest outbreak.

Lexi was on a ward for five days with her mother and her father Chris at her bedside.

On Monday, Amanda again took to Instagram from Greece, this time to show off her incredible figure

The BGT judge soaked up some sun a blue bikini, consisting of a strapless top and matching bottoms

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 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'.

Amanda recalled how terrified she was to hear the word 'sepsis'.

She revealed that Lexi's was the 113th case of E. coli in the country in just two weeks - and that the doctor had warned them that this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Underbelly star Vince Colosimo has been spotted living with a new woman while still juggling relationships with his long-time partner and another alleged lover.

Neighbours have told Daily Mail Australia that Colosimo has been living on-and-off at a the property, situated just south-east of Melbourne, since the beginning of May.

He was this week photographed with Caulfield North woman Kelly Sneddon as he worked around her home and loaded items into a ute.

She is the one-time best friend of Colosimo's partner Sabella Sugar, who continues to appear on social media alongside the actor, despite previously claiming they had split up.

Ms Sugar supported Colosimo in court last year after he was hauled before a magistrate for failing to pay $65,000 in unpaid fines.

But she later said she'd dumped the troubled actor when Daily Mail Australia aired allegations he had been seeing a secret lover for the past 20 years.

On Tuesday, Colosimo's secret lover - who Daily Mail Australia has called Chelsea - revealed she was still sleeping with Colosimo this year, despite his ongoing relationship with Sugar and while he was staying with Ms Sneddon.

'The Mercedes he is pictured with was the same one that picked him up from my place the last time he was here,' Chelsea told Daily Mail Australia.

Vince Colosimo has been spotted with Melbourne woman Kelly Sneddon

Neighbours claim Vince Colosimo has been living on and off at the Caulfield North property since May

Sabella Sugar accompanied Colosimo to court in July last year

'He told me it was his Uber arriving ... I actually thought it was weird when it arrived.

'I didn't see her, just the car, but I heard her say, "How did you go?" which I thought was an odd thing for an Uber driver to say. So who knows what lies he's told her.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Colosimo, his lawyer and Ms Sneddon for comment. Ms Sugar has also refused to comment.

But a close friend of Ms Sugar's said the actor was still very much in a relationship with her and he had maintained he was simply doing 'some work' at her friend's house.

'They've known each other since her youngest child was born and they were best friends spending three or four days a week together,' the friend claimed.

'As far as she knows, Colosimo moved back in with his mum a few months ago to take care of her.

'He has always told Sabella he has been faithful and never stayed at another woman's house.'

It is understood Ms Sneddon offered to give the unemployed actor two weeks' of work painting, which ballooned into months of toil.

'He started staying there until like 3 or 4am and Sabella told her it was really inappropriate for him to be working until that time because he'd come home and demand dinner,' the friend said.

Colosimo does some handy man work outside the Caulfield North property

Another woman claiming to have been Colosimo's long term mistress claimed the actor was picked-up from her house in this Mercedes

Colosimo's own family are understood to be concerned about where the actor has been residing, allegedly telling Ms Sugar he had not been staying with his mother.

'Vince has told them this woman is the mother of a school friend of his daughter and he's just helping her renovate the house,' the friend said.

Photographs taken this week show him using power tools outside the Caulfield North property.

But one neighbour claimed Colosimo often arrived at the property in the dead of night and had been doing so since early May.

'He comes and goes at all times of the night and early hours of the morning. A woman moved in there earlier this year,' the neighbour claimed.

'Its been consistent but I couldnt advise a routine. He often leaves in the mornings. It looked like he was moving stuff in a few nights backs.

'She drives a silver Mercedes and has a son. The lights are often on til all hours of the morning if I get up. Its definitely an overnight situation.

'When Im walking the dog early morning, Ive seen him several times, usually leaving the house between 6am and 9am. He really does get around.'

Vince Colosimo as Neville Bartos in the Australian classic movie Chopper

Chelsea told Daily Mail Australia she had repeatedly attempted to inform Ms Sugar about Colosimo's affairs, but her warnings had fallen on deaf ears.

'Vince will never be faithful to anyone, he's not capable of it,' she said. 'He's told Sabella he was looking after his sick mum while he was staying with me.'

Colosimo was suspended from driving in October 2022 for 16 months after being caught driving while unlicensed.

At the time he had three prior convictions for unlicensed driving and one for drug-driving, between 2015 and 2017.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Colosimo has driven a vehicle this year while suspended.

Colosimo has been warned he faces a stint in jail if caught driving while unlicensed again.

Victoria Police refused to comment on Colosimo's driving status.
Married At First Sight bride Ella Ding shocked her fans on Wednesday when she debuted a new look on social media.

The former reality star, 30, shared a clip which captured her bold makeover by the talented Jorge Komo at his salon Komo Hair.

Ella has said goodbye to her trademark perfectly styled straight jet black hair and hello to an eye-popping platinum blonde hairdo.

The Sit With Us podcaster's luscious new locks were also freshly coiffed in waves.

She captioned the clip: 'I just love a bit of change every now and again. Made me a blondie.'

Many of Ella's followers quickly took to the comment section to complement her stunning makeover.

'Giving Kim Kardashian vibes and I'm all for it,' one person wrote, while a second user added: 'It's everything... and more.'

It comes after Ella and her partner Guy Palmero shocked their fans and friends alike by tying the knot in a surprise wedding ceremony.

Married At First Sight bride Ella Ding shocked her fans on Wednesday when she debuted a new look on social media

In April, the former MAFS star took to Instagram to confirm the pair had exchanged vows, just weeks after announcing their engagement.

Ding announced she and Guy had said 'I do' in a secret ceremony ahead of their reception at The Prahran Arcade's Sophia venue in Melbourne.

After keeping their nuptials secret, the newlyweds then surprised their friends with the marriage news that evening at Ella's Great Gatsby-themed 30th birthday party.

Ella has said goodbye to her trademark perfectly styled straight jet black hair and hello to an eye-popping platinum blonde hairdo

The Sit With Us podcaster's luscious new locks were also freshly coiffed in waves

The couple first confirmed their romance in April 2023 and they later moved in together, while they also share a joint bank account.

Before meeting Guy, Ella had a fling with British Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire after her romance with Mitch Eynaud ended.

Ella and Mitch, who met on MAFS, announced their shock split shortly after the reunion episode aired in 2022 - they briefly got back together after Mitch left her heartbroken during final vows when he broke it off, but split for good soon after.
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson were unexpectedly absent from their radio show on Wednesday morning, with the KIIS FM station forced to play repeats of their best moments.

Radio insiders have revealed to Daily Mail Australia that almost the entire Kyle & Jackie O Show team has been riddled will illnesses over the past few days.

It comes after co-host and shock jock Sandilands , 53, spent Monday and Tuesday detailing how more and more of his team were unable to work due to a variety of illnesses spreading through the studio.

On Monday, reporter Cooper Johns was a no-show after 'being crook' all weekend, alongside producer Joshua Fox, who has pneumonia.

The following day, show director and Sandilands' manager Bruno Bouchet was also absent due to an undisclosed illness.

Listeners were also informed on Tuesday that content producer Natalie Penfold would be absent for a month after breaking both of her feet.

It is believed that either Sandilands or his co-host Henderson, if not both, have now been struck down with mystery illnesses as well.

An ARN spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Sandilands is 'unwell' and will 'hopefully' return to the show on Thursday.

The Kyle & Jackie O Show were unexpectedly absent from their radio show on Wednesday morning, with the KIIS FM station forced to play repeats of their best moments. Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson

It comes after the radio host recently visited a vascular surgeon after suffering several health problems over the years.

During a segment last week, Sandilands revealed he had a routine check-up with a doctor who diagnoses and treats problems with blood vessels.

The 53-year-old explained while his results had not changed since the last time he visited, he was given some health advice that shocked him.

'I was put up on the table like a like a piece of meat. Stripped off and probed,' he explained.

'And then the surgeon goes, "Yeah, exactly the same as last time. Maybe stop smoking".'

Most of the team are unable to work due to a variety of illnesses spreading through the studio. On Monday, reporter Cooper Johns (pictured) was a no show after 'being crook' all weekend

It is believed that either Sandilands or his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson , if not both, have now been struck with mystery illnesses as well

But when Sandilands asked his doctor if he could continue vaping THC, a cannabinoid found in cannabis that is often used for therapeutic use, his doctor replied 'no'.

The shock jock has long been open about his ongoing health battles.

Last year, Sandilands addressed another health scare live on air, revealing he was undergoing several tests on his blood and bone marrow.

'I have been doing blood tests and the numbers are on the way up. If it gets up to 16 then I have leukemia,' he told KIIS FM celebrity doctor Sam 'Dr KIIS' Hay in August 2023.

'The doctor said he needs to check my bone marrow. Am I knocking on heaven's door, am I going to die?' a worried Kyle asked Hay.

Fortunately, Hay was able to reassure Kyle he would be OK, but warned the radio king he needed to start making lifestyle changes.

'Keep healthy. It is recommended everyone is active throughout the week and we could develop a good training program for you with cardio exercises,' Hay told him.

Back in 2020, Sandilands revealed he could die any minute due to his sky-high blood pressure.

'I could die - that means at any stage at any time day or night,' he said during an interview with 60 Minutes.

In October 2019, he told The Daily Telegraph he was eating healthier and had stopped drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and taking drugs.

'Now, if I did one line [of cocaine], I'd be dead in five seconds,' he said.
Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney are battling it out with the ex-chef of Something About Her, Penny Davidi Borsuk, over the sandwich shop's trademark - after she filed a lawsuit against them over their failed 'partnership.'

The Vanderpump Rules stars parted ways with Penny, an executive chef who was appointed the COO/Director of Culinary of Something About Her, ahead of the May 2024 grand opening after a monetary dispute.

But before she was fired, Penny and her lawyer husband Jonathan Lee Borsuk applied for the Something About Her trademark through her company Put A Fork In It LLC in August 2023. They allegedly had the approval of both Madix and Maloney to do so.

Despite no longer working for Madix and Maloney, Chef Penny has retained ownership over the pending trademark.

Something About Her was published in the May 28, 2024 issue of The Trademark Official Gazette  giving anyone the opportunity to oppose it within 30 days of the publication date before a Notice of Allowance is issued, as per the guidelines.

And now DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal that Madix and Maloney fired back at Chef Penny by filing an opposition through their attorney on June 25.

Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney are battling it out with the ex-chef of Something About Her, Penny Davidi Borsuk, over the sandwich shop's trademark - after she filed a lawsuit against them over their failed 'partnership'

The reality TV stars were also granted a 90-day extension to oppose it.

Weeks later, Madix and Maloney's attorney went ahead and filed a new trademark for Something About Her on July 9.

Documents reveal that in addition to the restaurant, the business partners plan on adding Something About Her fragrances, candles, cases for phones, bags/totes, clothing and even catering services.

These latest details in the Something About Her saga come less than a week after Chef Penny slapped Maloney and Madix with a lawsuit, as per TMZ.

Penny alleges Madix and Maloney have failed to follow through with their end of a business agreement they made surrounding her role at the restaurant.

PEOPLE reports Penny has accused the duo of not honoring the stipulations of their written 'partnership.'

Penny alleges she was guaranteed a 10% partnership in June 2023 if she assisted in developing and running the restaurant.

The Vanderpump Rules stars parted ways with Penny, an executive chef who was appointed the COO/Director of Culinary of Something About Her, ahead of the May 2024 grand opening after a monetary dispute

Despite no longer working for Madix and Maloney, Chef Penny has retained ownership over the pending Something About Her trademark; Maloney and Madix seen in May

Due to this agreement, she claims she did a considerable amount of work to get the restaurant operational. This work included filing trademarks for the eatery.

Penny claims she was set to receive a $7,500 paycheck every month until January. In January, her compensation was set to increase to $10,000 a month.

Now, however, Penny claims Madix and Maloney have denied ever having such a partnership with her.

She is now hoping a judge will uphold the terms of their agreement and that she will be rightfully compensated.

Something About Her finally opened in West Hollywood in May 2024 after two years of unexpected delays.

In April Maloney revealed she and Madix were no longer working with Borsuk.

'No, we're not working with Penny any longer,' she said on the Popping Off with Teddi Mellencamp and Emily Simpson podcast.

While she did not share much about the departure, she said the partnership was ultimately not the best 'fit.'

And now DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal that Madix and Maloney fired back at Chef Penny by filing an opposition through their attorney on June 25; seen in November 2023

These latest details in the Something About Her saga come less than a week after Chef Penny slapped Maloney and Madix with a lawsuit, as per TMZ; seen in November 2023

'You know, I mean, we loved working with Penny, and Penny was great, but ultimately it wasn't the right fit,' Maloney said.

An executive chef, Borsuk has also worked with Madix and Maloney's former employer, Lisa Vanderpump.

Penny worked with Lisa on both Pump Lounge and Tom Tom.

On her website, she states she works as a Culinary Specialist and New Business Manager for Sysco Foods.
Bindi Irwin's husband Chandler Powell shared a gallery of heartwarming family photos to social media on Tuesday - and fans have quickly questioned why Bindi was absent from all of them.

The conservationist, 27, is currently on an Irwin family holiday in Singapore and shared pictures which captured him and daughter Grace having fun with his parents.

Chandler and Grace Warrior, three, are all smiles in the heartwarming snaps, which show them having the time of their lives as they visited a local zoo.

The Florida-born reality star captioned the gallery with some sweet words: 'Grace's fourth country!! My parents met us in Singapore and we spent a week exploring this incredible part of the world.

'Grace was in her element. Very thankful for this time together.'

However, fans quickly took to the comment section to ask why Chandler's wife Bindi did not appear in any of the family pictures.

'Where's Bindi?' one fan asked, while others jumped to Chandler's defence and replied: 'Sometimes couples do stuff separately. It's the best way to keep love fresh!'

Meanwhile, Chandler quickly dismissed rumours his marriage was in trouble by sharing a loving tribute to his wife Bindi on Wednesday to mark her 26th birthday.

Bindi Irwin's husband Chandler Powell shared a gallery of family photos to social media on Tuesday. The conservationist is currently on an Irwin family holiday in Singapore and shared pictures which captured him and daughter Grace having fun with his parents. All pictured

He wrote some sweet words alongside a precious photo of the lovebirds: 'Happy birthday to the most incredible person I know. We have always said 26 will be your year and I truly believe that.

'Your compassionate heart will always be my favorite thing about you. I love you.'

Bindi was quick to respond to her husband's glowing tribute, writing: 'Sweetheart. Thank you so much. You and Grace are my whole world.'

Fans quickly questioned why Chandler's wife Bindi Irwin (pictured) was absent from the photos

Earlier this month, both Bindi and her brother Robert, 20, took to social media to reveal they were jetting off to Singapore with their family for a luxurious holiday.

The daughter of the late Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin tied the knot with the American wakeboarder in an intimate ceremony on March 25, 2020, at the start of the Covid pandemic.

The couple welcomed Grace on March 25, 2021, exactly one year after they exchanged vows at Australia Zoo.

Chandler and Grace Warrior, three, are all smiles in the heartwarming snaps, which show them having the time of their lives as they visited a zoo
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Coronation Street star Sean Wilson is returning to the cobbles as Martin Platt, six years after his last appearance in Weatherfield.

The actor, 59, has begun filming his return stint, and will first appear on screen in October as part of Helen Worth's exit storyline.

In the scenes, Martin's son David (played by Jack P Shepherd) is shocked to find his dad at the house and is immediately suspicious about his reason for coming back into their lives.

As Sean picked up his first scripts to start shooting, he said: 'It was great to be invited back to Coronation Street again, to contribute to Helen's exit story.

'We'll have a few months to catch up with Martin and Gail again, following the ebbs and flows of the unfolding storyline.

Coronation Street star Sean Wilson is returning to the cobbles as Martin Platt, six years after his last appearance in Weatherfield

'Playing Martin has been a joy since day one and in a way, I'll be slipping back to where I left off, which no doubt will throw a spanner into the heart of the Platt family.

'It's just like slipping on an old and comfortable jumper from the back of the wardrobe I'm looking forward to reuniting with my TV family.'

Sean played Martin for 20 years from 1985 to 2005, before he and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 and he paid one final visit to Weatherfield before his departure to make his peace with David, who was upset that his dad was leaving the country.

According to The Sun, Gail will have a happy ending after all as she will rekindle her romance with Martin Platt and sail off into the sunset in her emotional exit storyline.

Sean, who is widely known for his role as Martin in the ITV soap, will make his return for her final scenes after quitting the show in 2005 to become a cheese-maker.

And although the pair's ten-year union ended when Sean's character Martin had an affair, he is considered the most successful relationship in Gail's previous five marriages.

A source told The Sun: 'A number of options were considered for Gail's departure from the cobbles but bosses knew the moment needed to truly celebrate one of Corrie's most iconic characters as well as honour Helen's astonishing run on the soap.'

'It just didn't sit right to kill her off or have Gail suffer more tragedy after, let's face it, a pretty traumatic life.

The actor will make his return for Helen Worth's exit storyline after quitting the show in 2005 to become a cheese-maker

The actor has begun filming his return stint, and will first appear on screen in October

Martin is returning to rekindle his old romance with Gail, in the hopes of whisking her off into the sunset as part of her exit (both pictured in 2000)

It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974 (pictured in 2019)

'Martin was always considered the one that got away and bosses are thrilled they've been able to tempt Sean back to wave Gail goodbye.'

The source also revealed viewers should expect to see 'many twists and turns' but the scriptwriters want Gail's story to end with a happy ending.

It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974.

The news devastated fans across the UK and some took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate how her character's storyline will end.

ITV confirmed that she will start filming her exit story next month and the 'emotional' scenes will be on screen at the end of the year.

Sharing the news of her exit, Helen said: 'This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.'

'I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.'

'I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.'

'The past 50 years have flown by and I don't think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.'

Thankfully, Helen hasn't had quite a dramatic life as her character, and once admitted she would 'be in a mental institution' if her life was like Gail's.

She added: 'I come home and see friends and go to the theatre. Luckily I find it quite easy to switch off  I'd be a nervous wreck if I didn't.'
TV veteran Leigh Sales is set to make a return to TV in August after leaving the network's current affairs show 7:30 in 2022.

The 50-year-old will feature in ABC factual series titled The Assembly, which follows journalism students who have autism.

Each episode of the six-part series sees the budding broadcasters interview a stellar line up of guests, including Delta Goodrem, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hollywood legend Sam Neill.

Also guest starring in the series are comedians Amanda Keller and Hamish Blake, as well as AFL legend and former Australian of the Year Adam Goodes.

Known for her probing interviews, Leigh's role on the show is to help guide and mentor the students as they prepare to interview the cast of big names.

'This is a chance to work with people who haven't had a voice in media,' Leigh explained in the new teaser for the show.

Promising that no subjects are 'out of bounds', the guest stars have to negotiate some unusual questions from the student reporters.

At one point in the trailer, Hamish Blake is reduced to laughter when he is asked by a student reporter: 'Are you a really annoying dad?'

TV veteran Leigh Sales is set to make a return to TV in August after leaving the network's current affairs show 7:30 in 2022

In another funny scene shared in the teaser, another student asks PM Anthony Albanese: 'Who is the meanest prime minister you have ever met?'

The show was produced in partnership Helium Pictures, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Macquarie University, and Bus Stop Films.

Macquarie University was the first Australian university to offer a journalism course for students with autism.

Each episode of the six-part series sees the budding broadcasters interview a stellar line up of guests, including Delta Goodrem

According to the producers, The Assembly was adapted from a format created by French filmmakers Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, who are best known for their 2011 movie The Intouchables.

The Assembly comes two years after Leigh left her high-profile gig as host of the ABC's 7.30 program.

Leigh stepped down as presenter in June 2022 after hosting the popular program since 2011, in order to spend time with her two sons James and Daniel.

In her post-7:30 program life, Sales has been keeping herself busy hosting the ABC docuseries Australian Story.
Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky showcased her natural Spanish voice after appearing in a clip for a European fashion magazine - and fans quickly went wild over her 'sexy' accent.

The Madrid-born beauty, 48, chatted to Vogue Spain in a recent Instagram clip, where she discussed how she carried a Thor keychain, modelled after her husband, in her purse.

Elsa radiated confidence and beauty as she fluently spoke her native tongue in the clip, while gushing over her Marvel star husband.

Fans quickly took to the comment section to gush over Elsa's 'sexy' Spanish accent.

'She can talk to me all day,' one person wrote and a second added: 'I LOVE it.'

'This woman is a goddess,' a third person chipped in.

Elsa was born and raised in Spain's capital city Madrid, and relocated to Byron Bay in NSW after marrying Chris Hemsworth in 2010.

Earlier this month, Elsa and Chris looked as loved-up as ever during their very luxurious family getaway to Barcelona.

Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky (pictured) showcased her natural Spanish voice after appearing in a clip for a European fashion magazine - and fans quickly went wild over her 'sexy' accent

The couple jetted off to the Spanish city with their three children to celebrate Elsa's 48th birthday in style.

Elsa took to Instagram to share an insight into their epic sightseeing getaway, which was complete with a luxury meal.

In one shot, Elsa and Aussie actor Chris, 40, looked as smitten as ever as they cuddled up to one another while posing on a traditional Spanish street.

Elsa radiated confidence and beauty as she fluently spoke her native tongue in the jaw-dropping clip, while gushing over her Marvel star husband

The couple were joined by their kids - India, 12, and twin boys Sasha and Tristan, 10 - and Elsa shared an array of family pictures as she documented the trip.

Hollywood megastars Chris and Elsa tied the knot during the Christmas holidays in 2010.

The couple live in a $30million mansion near Byron Bay with their three children after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago.
They're the popular Aussie comedy duo who are not afraid to push boundaries in the quest for a laugh.

But it seems that Hamish Blake and Andy Lee pushed the envelope a bit too far during the 2012 Olympic games in London.

Appearing on Triple M's The Rush Hour with Liesel, Liam and Dobbo on Tuesday, Andy admitted that he and his comedic partner in crime had been banned for life from entering the Olympic Village.

Andy revealed that the pair were due to speak to Australian Olympians before the start of the 2012 London Olympics.

After submitting an incorrectly completed security application which showed Lee's birth date as 'that day's date', the pair were refused entry into the village on the day of their speech.

However, Lee went on to reveal that an unnamed Aussie came to the duo's rescue, offering a pass to the funnyman.

'Suddenly I went through on someone else's (pass) and we snuck in, which was obviously a huge breach of security at a time when they were trying to prove that security was tight,' he admitted.

Explaining that the pair delivered the speech and 'had a ball' mingling with the Aussie athletes, the Olympic security team realised the deception 90 minutes later.

Appearing on Triple M's The Rush Hour with Liesel, Liam and Dobbo on Tuesday, funnyman Andy Lee admitted that he and comedic partner in crime Hamish Blake had been banned for life from entering the Olympic Village

'They dragged us and put us in separate rooms and there was a lot of interrogation. We were just tight-lipped, and then the head of security came in,' Andy said.

After being grilled by an understanding Australian head of security, Andy said the pair had to 'agree to be banned for life' from the Olympic Village.

He added that it wasn't the pair's proudest moment with their actions seeing the Australian Olympic team punished by having some visitor passes rescinded.

After submitting an incorrectly completed security application which showed Lee's birth date as 'that day's date', the pair were refused entry into the village on the day of their speech

'Suddenly I went through on someone else's (pass) and we snuck in, which was obviously a huge breach of security at a time when they were trying to prove that security was tight,' Andy admitted

'That's why I wasn't really proud of what happened,' Andy said.

'I hate the fact that some people missed out.'

Triple M's Liam Flanagan suggested starting a campaign to get the ban lifted for Brisbane 2032, before Andy joked that the pair could 'double down' and try to sneak in again.
SpongeBob SquarePants star Tom Kenny revealed that his cartoon alter ego is autistic in a newly-unearthed video from his May 19th appearance at Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI.

'SpongeBob's kind of on the spectrum too as a character,' the 62-year-old voiceover actor said in the video tweeted by X user @DominoDeerGirl on Tuesday.

'This last con that I did in McAllen, TX - it was the first time I'd ever been asked this question  a person who was obviously on the spectrum came up to me and said, "I have a question for you, Tom Kenny. Is SpongeBob himself autistic?" [I replied] "Of course!" I said, "You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that's your superpower."'

Tom's announcement came 11 years after he said on WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: 'I don't know what there is in that show that talks to kids that are on the autism spectrum, but more than other cartoons... because SpongeBob as a character is a little autistic. Obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really really deep into something.'

SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg had previously indicated that Krusty Krab fry cook was 'romantic but almost asexual,' which was supported in the 2001 episode 'Pressure' in which he reproduces by budding just like a real sea sponge.

SpongeBob SquarePants star Tom Kenny revealed that his cartoon alter ego is autistic in a newly-unearthed video from his May 19th appearance at Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI

The 62-year-old voiceover actor said in the video posted by X user @DominoDeerGirl on Tuesday: 'SpongeBob's kind of on the spectrum too as a character. This last con that I did in McAllen, TX - it was the first time I'd ever been asked this question  a person who was obviously on the spectrum came up to me and said, "I have a question for you, Tom Kenny. Is SpongeBob himself autistic?"'

The marine biologist and animator tragically passed away, at age 57, in 2018 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants and Kenny - who also voices Gary, the French narrator, and Patchy the Pirate - is frequently approached by fans who thank him for 'their childhood.'

'It's incredible. I mean, things like that happen all the time,' the two-time Daytime Emmy winner gushed on CBS Sunday Morning on July 7.

'SpongeBob lets his freak flag fly. He is who is, and it's amazing that folks find that very empowering that are now grown-ups or or even little kids now.'

Tom noted: 'If SpongeBob was nothing but optimistic that wouldn't be a very good show so SpongeBob does get down in the dumps. SpongeBob does get discouraged. SpongeBob does feel sad but he bounces back he he comes back you know, "Well there's always tomorrow!"'

On July 13, Kenny and co-star Bill Fagerbakke - who voices SpongeBob's BFF Patrick Star - virtually co-hosted Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards, which was dedicated to the 25th anniversary.

On February 11, the New York native and Fagerbakke donned motion-capture gear to serve as virtual correspondents in real time at the alternative, family-friendly Super Bowl LVIII telecast on Paramount.

Last September, SpongeBob SquarePants was officially renewed for a 15th season, which will likely premiere in either October or November on Nickelodeon.

tom himself said spongebob was on the spectrum at motor city comic con!! i got to see the panel and my dad got this video of it which i had to screen record cuz it was on facebook tom was really nice to everyone and made sure everyone got to ask their questions!! pic.twitter.com/hpAtPKFaby  Domino (@DominoDeerGirl) July 22, 2024

Tom continued: '[I replied] "Of course!" I said, "You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that's your superpower"'

Kenny's announcement came 11 years after he said on WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: 'I don't know what there is in that show that talks to kids that are on the autism spectrum, but more than other cartoons... because SpongeBob as a character is a little autistic. Obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really really deep into something' (pictured July 13)

SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg had previously indicated that Krusty Krab fry cook was 'romantic but almost asexual,' which was supported in the 2001 episode 'Pressure' in which he reproduces by budding just like a real sea sponge

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants and the two-time Daytime Emmy winner - who also voices Gary, the French narrator, and Patchy the Pirate - is frequently approached by fans who thank him for 'their childhood'

Tom gushed on CBS Sunday Morning on July 7: 'It's incredible. I mean, things like that happen all the time...SpongeBob lets his freak flag fly. He is who is, and it's amazing that folks find that very empowering that are now grown-ups or or even little kids now'

Kenny noted: 'If SpongeBob was nothing but optimistic that wouldn't be a very good show so SpongeBob does get down in the dumps. SpongeBob does get discouraged. SpongeBob does feel sad but he bounces back he he comes back you know, "Well there's always tomorrow!"'

On July 13, the New York native and co-star Bill Fagerbakke (L) - who voices SpongeBob's BFF Patrick Star - virtually co-hosted Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards, which was dedicated to the 25th anniversary

On February 11, Tom and Fagerbakke donned motion-capture gear to serve as virtual correspondents in real time at the alternative, family-friendly Super Bowl LVIII telecast on Paramount

Kenny is next scheduled to bring his rock'n'soul 12-piece band Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas to The Bowery Electric in Manhattan's East Village on August 4 (pictured April 16)

The meme-making show spawned three feature films - The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004), The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015), and Sponge on the Run (2020) - as well as two spin-off series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show.

Tom is next scheduled to bring his rock'n'soul 12-piece band Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas to The Bowery Electric in Manhattan's East Village on August 4.

On the personal front, Kenny fathered two children - son Mack, 27; and daughter Nora, nearly 21 - from his 29-year marriage to Jill Talley, whom he famously co-starred with in Mr. Show with Bob and David.
A high-profile Network Ten presenter is in damage control after a 'horrendous' Wikipedia entry was published about him - becoming the talk of the Australian TV industry.

A shocking claim was published about Lachlan Kennedy in an entry published to the online encyclopedia - which anyone can edit - the weekend before last.

'Lachlan Kennedy is an Australian journalist and news presenter,' the Wikipedia entry began. 'He is best known for.'

The rest of the entry cannot be published for legal reasons, with a Ten spokesperson slamming the unpublishable claim as 'inaccurate' and 'untrue' and it is not suggested otherwise.

The rogue edit came as Mr Kennedy split with his wife, naturopath Cassie Davenport.

He has recently been romantically linked to newly minted Channel Nine federal political reporter Liz Daniels.

Mr Kennedy told Daily Mail Australia that the past week, and the Wikipedia post in question, had been 'horrendous'.

'I'm not gonna say anything mate,' he said. 'This is just horrendous, mate'.

Lachlan Kennedy and Cassie Davenport tied the knot in 2022 after welcoming their first son Parker - but the relationship has since fallen apart

Kennedy is regarded as one of the network's 'golden boys' and is a CNN Fellow

The controversial paragraph was first added to Wikipedia on Saturday, July 13 at 2.22pm by an anonymous editor.

Moments later the controversial paragraph was removed by another user who said 'you would need evidence that he is best known for this'.

The defamatory message was then added a second time, before being deleted once more.

A Network Ten spokeswoman said: 'We have been informed that the assertions contained in the screenshot of the Wikipedia post are inaccurate and untrue.'

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Davenport said: 'Lachlan and I are separated. We love and adore our children and we are very much devoted to co-parenting together.

'Lachlan is a great father to our boys. As far as I am aware, the details written and distributed in the Wiki page as false.'

Daily Mail Australia asked Ms Daniels to comment on her new romance. After a long pause, she said 'no' and hung up the phone. No wrongdoing is suggested.

In the wake of their relationship, Kennedy has been linked to Channel Nine federal politics reporter Liz Daniels

In recent weeks the father-of-two Mr Kennedy has shut down most of his social media pages.

He has even deleted some posts that reference his wife from his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Mr Kennedy and Ms Davenport wed in 2022 and are parents to a four-year-old and a six-month-old.

Kennedy joined Network 10 as a reporter in 2010. In June 2022 he was named as one of the presenters of the network's new national news bulletin.

Kennedy and Ms Davenport are understood to have met at Ten's Pyrmont offices in in 2017 where she was working as a executive assistant.

Like Mr Kennedy, Ms Daniels was also previously a NSW state political reporter, covering developments from the state parliament at Macquarie St, Sydney.
Sam Neill has revealed that Aussie actor Bryan Brown was one of his biggest supporters as he underwent treatment for stage-three blood cancer, after the Jurassic Park star was diagnosed with the disease in 2022.

Speaking with Jess Rowe on her Big Talk Show podcast on Wednesday, the 76-year-old, who is now in remission, said it was dear friends like Bryan, 77, who were his pillars of strength.

'I would be completely lost without friends and old friends are even more precious because they have been through the tough times,' Sam said.

'I had a spell in hospital and Bryan came in every day. Every day. I thought: "That's a real friend."

'He didn't have anything to say, but he came in and kept me company.'

Sam added that despite the pair having very little in common, their friendship has lasted for more than 40 years.

'Bryan and I have been friends since 1980, I think it is,' he said.

Sam Neill, left, has revealed that iconic Aussie actor Bryan Brown, right, was one of his biggest supporters during his treatment for stage-three blood cancer after the Jurassic Park star was diagnosed with the disease in 2022

'It's an unlikely friendship because we really have nothing in common. I love him dearly, he's a great family man [and] immensely loyal.'

Sam found out he had stage-three blood cancer in 2022 during his first trip back to New Zealand after lockdowns made returning home to see his family virtually impossible for two years.

His son Tim told the ABC's Australian Story his dad had been back in New Zealand for barely an hour when a doctor phoned with the awful news that he had cancer.

'When he hung the phone up and we sat down, we had a little bit of a cry together. It was supposed to be a happy day. He didn't get to stay,' Tim said.

Sam continued: 'I was in, really, a fight for my life. And everything was a new world and a rather alarming world.

'I had three or four months of reasonably conventional chemotherapies, which are brutal.'
An Australian radio star may have already saved several lives after announcing her shock cancer diagnosis live on-air this week.

Adelaide radio star Ali Clarke, who co-hosts Max & Ali in the Morning with Max Burford, broke down on Tuesday when she revealed she had breast cancer.

The segment has prompted hundreds of Australian women to get a check-up.

BreastScreen SA Program Director Lauren Civetta says that Clarke's admission had resulted in almost 800 women across the state booking a cancer screening.

Civetta publicly thanked Clarke for sharing her story after 779 women across South Australia booked a mammogram - more than double the average number of 350.

'There was an uptick at this highly emotional time. 15 minutes can save your life,' Civetta said in a statement.

A similar situation occurred after pop princess Kylie Minogue revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005. The revelation led to a surge in cancer screenings across Australia and the UK.

Minogue was declared cancer-free in 2006.

Clarke told listeners on Tuesday that she will be taking a break from her radio show as she undergoes treatment.

Australian radio star Ali Clarke may have already saved several lives after announcing her shock cancer diagnosis live on-air this week

'It was important to tell our listeners because I have had the privilege of them trusting me with their stories, so I trust them with mine,' she explained.

'I also know that so many of our listeners have either lived through having cancer or know someone who has... even worse there will be lots of people who might have listened this morning or are reading this who have lost someone they love to this awful disease. Over the last few weeks, I've thought of their loss a lot.'

Ali asked one of her co-hosts to hold her hand before bravely making the devastating announcement.

Adelaide radio star Ali Clarke, who co-hosts Max & Ali in the Morning with Max Burford, broke down on Tuesday when she revealed she had breast cancer

'The long and the short of it means that I am going to have a full mastectomy. Which means they're taking one of my boobs. And if I'm honest, it's probably been that bit that's been much more confronting than I ever thought it will be,' she said.

'I thought it was very small and manageable. But found quite a lot of small little cancers. And so that means that I'll be going in for some pretty big surgery later this week, and I'll have to take some time off to recover as you can imagine.'

The radio host then broke down in tears as she emotionally opened up about 'losing a part' of herself.

Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Ali admitted she is 'so freakin' lucky' regarding the quality of healthcare she's received so far.
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards' conservative daughter Lola Rose Sheen grabbed some Core Water and groceries at Whole Foods in Malibu on Tuesday ahead of starring in her family's E! Network reality show.

The wholesome 19-year-old - who never removes her silver crucifix necklace - flashed a single shoulder in a white-knit cardigan over a matching tank top, baggy blue jeans, and white sneakers.

Lola - whose Instagram bio reads 'by grace through faith' - appeared to be wearing the same tank top in the TikTok she posted on Monday.

Last week, Sheen - who has 17K Instagram/TikTok followers - shared a slideshow of snaps of herself horseback riding on a Montana farm.

'The most special sunset ride thank you Jesus,' the devout Christian wrote of the trip on TikTok.

Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards' conservative daughter Lola Rose Sheen grabbed some Core Water and groceries at Whole Foods in Malibu on Tuesday ahead of starring in her family's E! Network reality show

The wholesome 19-year-old - who never removes her silver crucifix necklace - flashed a single shoulder in a white-knit cardigan over a matching tank top, baggy blue jeans, and white sneakers

'I see God in everything.'

Meanwhile, Lola's 53-year-old mother and her big sister Sami Sheen - who both have OnlyFans accounts - were posting bikini-clad snaps from their lavish vacation in Italy.

Denise and the 20-year-old high school drop-out also visited England where they enjoyed a proper afternoon tea at The Savoy in London on the Fourth of July.

Sami - who underwent a breast augmentation on November 15 - famously joined the Fenix International-owned XXX platform when she turned 18, and the adult content app takes a 20% commission on all of her earnings (allegedly $80K/month).

The Sheen Sisters - who don't even follow each other on social media - were six months old and two years old when their parents finalized their divorce in 2006 after just two years of marriage.

On June 10, Denise announced that her whole clan - including 13-year-old adopted daughter Eloise Joni Richards - will star in a new docu-series tentatively titled Denise Richards and the Wild Things, which premieres next year on the E! Network.

Lola and Sami were tiny toddlers when they appeared in Richards' prior E! reality show Denise Richards: It's Complicated, which aired for two season spanning 20082009.

'My family and I are thrilled to return home to E!,' the former Bond Girl - whose married to The Q360 Club CEO Aaron William Cameron Phypers - said in a statement.

Lola - whose Instagram bio reads 'by grace through faith' - appeared to be wearing the same tank top in the TikTok she posted on Monday

Last week, Sheen - who has 17K Instagram/TikTok followers - shared a slideshow of snaps of herself horseback riding on a Montana farm

The devout Christian wrote of the trip on TikTok: 'The most special sunset ride thank you Jesus. I see God in everything'

Meanwhile, Lola's 53-year-old mother (L) and her big sister Sami Sheen (R) - who both have OnlyFans accounts - were posting bikini-clad snaps from their lavish vacation in Italy

Denise and the 20-year-old high school drop-out also visited England where they enjoyed a proper afternoon tea at The Savoy in London on the Fourth of July

Sami - who underwent a breast augmentation on November 15 - famously joined the Fenix International-owned XXX platform when she turned 18, and the adult content app takes a 20% commission on all of her earnings (allegedly $80K/month)

The Sheen Sisters - who don't even follow each other on social media - were six months old and two years old when their parents finalized their divorce in 2006 after just two years of marriage (2016 family portrait)

On June 10, Denise announced that her whole clan - including 13-year-old adopted daughter Eloise Joni Richards (R, pictured April 13) - will star in a new docu-series tentatively titled Denise Richards and the Wild Things, which premieres next year on the E! Network

Lola and Sami were tiny toddlers when they appeared in Richards' prior E! reality show Denise Richards: It's Complicated, which aired for two season spanning 20082009

'Sami and Lola were just three and four years old when we first shared our story and now we've come full circle.'

'This time around, life is more complicated and unpredictable,' the cable network described.

'Richards and her family, which include daughters Sami, Lola and Eloise, and husband Aaron, test each other's boundaries and show us what their famous, loving and controversial life is like.'

Lola also appeared in nine episodes of Denise's former Bravo show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills between 20192020, but she's never 'seen a single episode.'

Sheen told the Do I Know You? podcast a year ago: 'I've always wanted to look at things that are more talking about positive things and not a lot of drama.'
Ariana Madix went makeup-free during her recent outing after being praised by fans for being transparent about her cosmetic procedures.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 39, opted to showcase her barefaced beauty and glowing skin while running errands in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

During her outing, she sported a distressed, oversize T-shirt and light gray sweatpants adorned with pink letters running down the side of one leg.

The reality TV personality  who was sued by the former chef of her and Katie Maloney's sandwich shop Something About Her just one day after ex Tom Sandoval's shocking lawsuit  looked effortlessly stylish even modeling a casual outfit.

She appeared to be in high spirits after wrapping up the latest season as the new host of Love Island USA.

Ariana Madix went makeup-free during her recent outing after being praised by fans for being transparent about her cosmetic procedures. The Vanderpump Rules star, 39, opted to showcase her barefaced beauty and glowing skin while running errands in Los Angeles on Tuesday

The reality TV personality looked effortlessly stylish even modeling a casual outfit. During her outing, she sported a distressed, oversize T-shirt and light gray sweatpants

Teamed with her casual-chic ensemble, Madix accessorized with a choker necklace adorned with shiny pearls and dazzling diamonds.

Paired with her statement piece, she sported a simple gold band on her pointer finger as well as a dainty chain bracelet and small hoop earrings.

For her outing, she left her shoulder-length, platinum blonde bob down in a straight hairstyle.

She looked bright-eyed and radiant after she was hailed by fans as a 'transparent queen' for coming clean on all the cosmetic procedures she has undergone.

Getting candid with her fans, she admitted the procedures she has had done while also revealing the one surgery she is considering for the future.

Just days earlier, she jumped to the comment section of a video which was uploaded by the Instagram user @baileysbotox late last month.

The same Instagram user who shared the inital post later praised Madix for being a 'transparent queen' and not denying what procedures she has undergone.

The content creator wrote: 'Hollywood, take notes!!!'

The page showed 'Then' and 'Now' photos of Madix, while also speculating procedures she has undergone over the years, such as fillers and liposuction.

However, Ariana set the record straight by penning under the reel, 'i'll tell you what i've had! you're partially correct.'

Ariana Madix, 39, has come clean on all the cosmetic procedures she has undergone - while also revealing the one surgery she is considering having done in the future

Now and then: The star is pictured left at the Love Island finale which aired last night and right in 2014

'Tox in 11's, outer brow, and my neck,' she added, referencing to botox. 'Ellevate for my neck in 2019 by @theneckdoctor.'

Ellevate is known as a rejuvenation procedure that is minimally invasive and focuses on the neck and jawline.

The beauty continued, 'minimal lip filler bc my face is too small to handle very much and filler in my chin.'

'Absolutely no filler anywhere else and def no bleph yet ,' Ariana added, referencing to another surgery called blepharoplasty  also known as an eyelid lift procedure.

'Hope this helps! i'll keep yall posted if i do anything else,' the media personality concluded in her comment.

In the caption of the video, the Instagram user had typed, 'Stunning injectables have entered the villa. Ariana continues to show the Love Island world how cosmetic work can preserve and enhance and not age and distort.'

'What does proper volume replacement with filler look like? This. Nearly invisible, like she simply hasnt aged since her first season of VPR.'

'The apples of her cheeks remain full instead of flattening over time. Her undereyes appear rejuvenated and rested without puffiness or crowding,' the caption further read.

'tox in 11's, outer brow, and my neck,' she added, referencing to botox. 'Ellevate for my neck in 2019 by @theneckdoctor'

The page claimed that the star also had lip filler done that was 'noticeable' but 'balanced with her other facial features.'

'She has been open about her jawline contouring with minimally invasive liposuction. Again, it's nearly invisible but enhances her natural softer jawline,' the Instagram user typed, and added Madix has 'never looked better.'

Madix  who was sued by her ex Tom Sandoval for accessing explicit photos of Rachel Leviss on his phone  has also opened up about cosmetic procedures in the past.

Back in 2021, she responded to a fan comment on her Instagram stories which read: 'You haven't had any Botox or other fillers.'

'False! I DON'T have any botox or fillers. It's been years since i've done anything at all,' she replied at the time.

'Many people are unaware that [fillers] all last around 3 months. Meaning someone can try it and then say meh not for me and move on with no lasting effects. Your body metabolizes it.'

Ariana also added, 'i tried botox on camera [on Vanderpump Rules season 5] and it never aired. [I] felt claustrophobic in my own face and it just wasn't for me.'

'I've gotten 0.5 ml in my lips a few times to smooth out the deep wrinkles [I] have and any more than that and [I] look crazy.'

'Absolutely no filler anywhere else and def no bleph yet ,' Ariana added, referencing to another surgery called blepharoplasty - also known as an eyelid lift procedure

Back in 2021, she responded to a fan comment on her Instagram stories which read: 'You haven't had any Botox or other fillers'

The star continued: 'I have never done fillers anywhere else bc i don't want to plump my face up any more. i already deal with a lot of puffiness in my cheeks, jowls, and eyes.'

Madix has been keeping busy and notably took on hosting duties during the sixth season of Love Island USA  with the finale airing over the weekend on July 21.

During an interview with People earlier this month, the beauty gushed that 'hosting this season has been absolutely amazing.'

'Even from the very first night, it felt magical, and it felt like the energy was just on fire.'

She also discussed watching the cast's conversations with each other, stating, 'It's like you can't show everything, of course. But in the moment, I really enjoyed those chats and I enjoyed getting to know them in those moments.'

Most recently, both Ariana and Katie Maloney have been sued by a former chef at their newly opened sandwich shop , Something About Her, per TMZ; seen in May in West Hollywood

'Especially the first night, you could see who was making eye contact across the way from each other and stuff like that.'

'So, I really enjoy that stuff. So, if I had an extended director's cut of the episode, I would make those parts longer.'

Following her appearance on Love Island USA, Madix will soon whisk herself away to the Big Apple to play the role of Roxie Hart in the Broadway musical, Chicago, beginning on August 1.

Most recently, both Madix and her co-star and businesspartner Maloney have been sued by a former chef at their newly opened sandwich shop, Something About Her, per TMZ.
Married At First Sight Australia's Jono McCullough and Ellie Dix have revealed their shock baby plans.

The pair caused controversy on this year's season of the reality dating show when Jono's cheating drama with Ellie was exposed while he was married to Lauren Dunn.

Jono and Ellie have been going strong since the series ended, and now it looks like babies might be on the cards.

Taking to Instagram for a Q&A session on Wednesday, Gold Coast-based Jono fielded a series of provocative questions from his followers.

One of them asked where he saw himself in five years.

'Ah nice question!' the MAFS groom answered.

'Living in Palm Beach, running a business (or two) with Ellie, in a house of our dreams, with maybe 2.5 children,' he added.

Jono was also asked if he still talked to 'any of the guys' from MAFS.

Married At First Sight Australia's Jono McCullough and Ellie Dix have revealed their shock baby plans. Both pictured

Jono and Ellie have been going strong since the series ended, and now it looks like babies might be on the cards

'Absolutely... 9 off the top of my head,' he said.

It comes as Jono recently pleaded with trolls to be considerate in a video posted to social media.

In an emotional plea shared on social media, the former MAFS groom has opened up, urging detractors to show empathy.

Taking to Instagram for a Q&A session on Wednesday, Jono was asked him where he saw himself in five years: 'Living in Palm Beach, running a business (or two) with Ellie, in a house of our dreams, with maybe 2.5 children,' he answered

'So this goes out to all the haters, all the people who've said all the negative comments. I get it. I understand,' he confessed, bearing the weight of the judgment.

'People ask me, do you hate the trolls? And I say 'no', because, if I saw what they saw, I'd probably feel the same way. I probably wouldn't go as far as some people have.'

'There's been some pretty horrible stuff... And, no matter how strong you are, it takes a toll. It does,' he continued.

'It's been hard getting up each morning and, being confronted by all the negativity.'

Jono concluded the video thanking all the people who have sent love and support.
Terri Irwin shared an adorable throwback baby picture of her daughter Bindi to mark her 26th birthday on Wednesday.

The conservationist, 60, took to Instagram to share a sweet gallery of pictures of herself and Bindi over the years alongside a loving tribute to her daughter.

Among the snaps, Terri shared a throwback photograph of herself beaming from ear-to-ear as she cradled newborn baby Bindi in her arms in an adorable moment.

She also posted a picture of Bindi as a toddler helping her father Steve Irwin wax a surfboard in a precious moment caught on camera.

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.

Terri - who also has a son Robert, 20 - also shared snaps of Bindi working with the wildlife at Australia Zoo as well as more recent shots of them hugging one another.

In a sweet message, Terri described Bindi as the 'best' daughter and mother to her own child Grace, three, who she shares with her husband Chandler Powell.

She penned: 'Happy birthday beautiful Bindi. I have loved you from the moment you first came into our lives.

Terri Irwin shared an adorable gallery of pictures with her daughter Bindi as she marked her 26th birthday on Wednesday

The conservationist, 60, took to Instagram to share a sweet gallery of pictures of herself and Bindi over the years, including an adorable shot of Bindi as a newborn baby

'You have brightened my every day with your ability to see the best in everyone and everything. Even in the most challenging times, you forge ahead with courage and optimism.

'You continue to be the best daughter, and now you are an amazing mama with a daughter of your own. Thank you for looking down from heaven and choosing our family 26 years ago. We were blessed with an angel.'

In response, Bindi gushed in the comments section: 'I love you with all my heart. Thank you, Mum. I am so lucky to be your daughter.'

Bindi's husband Chandler, who she married in 2020, also took to Instagram to share a sweet birthday tribute to his wife.

Alongside a snap of them together, he wrote: 'Happy birthday to the most incredible person I know. We have always said 26 will be your year and I truly believe that.

She also posted a picture of Bindi as a toddler helping her late father Steve Irwin wax a surfboard in a precious moment caught on camera

Terri also shared photographs of Bindi working with the wildlife at Australia Zoo as she gave an insight into their family life

In an emotional accompanying message, Terri sweetly described Bindi as the 'best' daughter as she gushed over her love for her child

Bindi's husband Chandler - who she married in 2020 and shares her daughter Grace, three, with - also took to Instagram to share a sweet birthday tribute to his wife

'Your compassionate heart will always be my favorite thing about you. I love you.'

Bindi was quick to respond to her husband's tribute, writing: 'Sweetheart. Thank you so much. You and Grace are my whole world.'

Bindi tied the knot with the American wakeboarder in an intimate ceremony on March 25, 2020, at the start of the Covid pandemic.

The couple welcomed Grace on March 25, 2021, exactly one year after they exchanged vows at Australia Zoo.
Rachel Riley stepped out on Tuesday after her claims that Strictly gave her PTSD and likened it to a 'hostage situation' reemerged amid the show's 'abuse' crisis.

The Countdown presenter, 38, left TV studios in Manchester wearing a pair of tight shorts and a yellow top.

Rachel competed on Strictly in 2013 where she was partnered with her now husband Pasha Kovalev who she shares two children with.

And in April this year Rachel said the show left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and called for all contestants to receive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

It comes as the show has descended into crisis in recent weeks as the sacking of pros Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice over misconduct claims have led to several other celebrities speaking out about negative experiences on the show.

Rachel Riley stepped out on Tuesday after her claims that Strictly gave her PTSD and likened it to a 'hostage situation' reemerged amid the show's 'abuse' crisis

Rachel competed on Strictly in 2013 where she was partnered with her now husband Pasha Kovalev who she shares two children with

Rachel said of her PTSD: 'I got PTSD following Strictly. A lot of people who have done it can relate. It's like a trauma bonding, hostage situation, not with your partner but with the show.

'You love doing it and it's so much fun, you get all of the endorphins from the training and achieving something just being in the moment.

'All you're supposed to be doing is learning this dance, that's all you're doing, you haven't got any distractions, you haven't got to do the washing, check your phone, you haven't got to do anything else.

'By the end of the week, you've achieved it and done it and you've got that gratification.

'The dancing thing was quite scary and it brings up a lot of emotions. Each year Pasha would do it, I would remember what happened my week and all of the emotions and that and then the next person, I would be over empathizing and each year was layers of memories and I didn't enjoy it.'

'I know from my time on it, 11 years ago, even the most sane, solid, grounded people, it can do something to you,' she added as she spoke at the Inspiration Awards For Women at The Landmark Hotel in London.

'And there's so many people that I've seen in subsequent years that have that shared experience. I don't think even production are aware of quite what it does to people.

'When I was doing it, I was recommended CBT, and I think that's actually been really great.'

In April this year Rachel said the show left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and called for all contestants to receive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Rachel said of her PTSD: 'I got PTSD following Strictly. A lot of people who have done it can relate. It's like a trauma bonding, hostage situation, not with your partner but with the show'

CBT is a talking therapy that can help patients manage problems by altering the way they think about them.

It's often used to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD and focuses on improving a person's state of mind.

A course of treatment with an NHS therapist can usually be between six and 20 hour-long sessions.

She also previously admitted to experiencing an 'out-of-body experience' as soon as the music started.

Faced with having to tackle her anxiety issues, she enlisted the help of a psychotherapist prior to her departure from the series during the final week.

Amanda Abbington quit the show last year before claiming that her partner Giovanni was abusive towards her. He later left the show after vehemently denying all claims

Fellow Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked from the programme earlier this month after he was accused of kicking and spitting at Zara McDermott

Tim Davie said he was 'very sorry' to anyone who 'has had an experience on Strictly that hasn't been wholly positive' on Tuesday

Speaking candidly on the High Performance Woman podcast Rachel said: 'I'd never danced a step before in my life and it was absolutely terrifying.

'You go in there on a Sunday to learn a new dance and on the Saturday you're dancing in front of 10 million people.'

'Then you get the judges comments and it would be like the end of the world. I think I was in the dance off, which is like dance for you life to be voted off or stay on.

'And the next week I was on the floor doing the dance and Pasha, my partner, said 'you're not there' and said that I go and see Michael [the psychotherapist].'
Social media star Karina Irby has shown off her body in a very racy photoshoot.

The body positive influencer, 34, took to her Instagram on Wednesday to model a new bodysuit.

Karina posed in the sheer outfit that left little to the imagination, showing off her eye-popping assets.

The bodysuit was studded with small lemon fruit detailing, and was trimmed with lace.

In one photo, the influencer sniffed an ornamental yellow tulip as she worked her angles.

In another, she dared to bare her ample derriere with a shot from the back.

'IN MY FRUITY ERA,' she wrote in the caption, followed by a lemon emoji.

'Completely and utterly fallen in love with this new Lounge Underwear bodysuit. I know you will too,' she added, before revealing she was wearing a medium size.

Social media star Karina Irby has shown off her body in a very racy photoshoot. Pictured

The body positive influencer, 34, took to her Instagram on Wednesday to model a new bodysuit

It comes as the bikini model was kicked out of a Gold Coast cafe last month after she rocked up to host an impromptu swimwear photoshoot.

The body positive influencer shared a video of her and her friends arriving at Palm Springs Cafe in Burleigh Heads without a booking and began filming an ad for her activewear line.

Irby explained she thought the venue would have no issue with the shoot because she had purchased a cake and coffee from them.

'I thought I could order a bunch of yummy food and drinks, eat and have the girls representing Moana Smile Club at this local cafe,' she began.

Unfortunately for Irby, cafe staff were not at all thrilled and immediately told her and her friends to leave.

'We were asked not to shoot there and got kicked out of the cafe,' a furious Karina told her fans.

Fortunately, Irby and her friends were able to complete the photoshoot after a local homeowner offered to let them film at their house.

Karina posed in the sheer outfit that left little to the imagination, showing off her eye-popping assets

The bodysuit was studded with small lemon fruit detailing, and was trimmed with lace

In one photo, she dared to bare her ample derriere with a shot from the back

In another, the influencer sniffed an ornamental yellow tulip as she worked her angles

However, Palm Springs Cafe owners Cohen and Josh had a different version of events and told Daily Mail Australia that Karina was not 'asked to leave' but rather asked to book the shoot at an acceptable time.

'We don't allow professional photoshoots during business hours out of respect for our guests. However, we hire our space out for professional shoots, it is a service we offer,' Cohen said.

Irby later told fans that despite the 'rocky start' with the cafe, the rest of the photoshoot went well.

Karina is best known for her body positivity posts and the empire she has built around selling cheeky bikinis.

In 2011, Irby founded her swimwear label Moana Bikini, which has gone on to become a household name for women across Australia.
Sophie Morgan was visibly upset after an Uber driver made an ableist comment about her.

The television presenter, 39, shared a video on her Instagram on Tuesday detailing an 'offensive' interaction she had with a taxi driver.

In another video, the disability campaigner informed the driver that he shouldn't ask passengers with disabilities what's 'wrong with them' and told him that his comments could be 'quite offensive'.

She captioned her post: 'And I was having such a good day as well...'

The star, who was visibly frustrated, added that she hoped her explanation would stop the driver asking other people asking similar questions in the future.

Sophie Morgan, 39, was visibly upset after an Uber driver made a shocking ableist comment to her and shared her experience with her followers on her Instagram Story on Tuesday

The presenter was paralysed from the chest down after a car accident when she was 18 and has been a vocal campaigner for disability rights and more education

In a video first shared to her Instagram Story and then shared as a post, Sophie looked upset and frustrated as she put her head in her hands and took a deep breath.

She wrote: 'POV: The Uber driver asks you "what's wrong with you" as soon as you get in the car & then he says you are the second "patient" he'd driven today.

'When you try to correct him and he ignores you and says "mad props for getting out the house though"'.

She also shook her head in disbelief, gritted her teeth and widened her eyes in shock at the camera.

In a separate video, posted to her Instagram Story, Sophie challenged the Uber driver about his remarks.

She said: 'Just so you know when you carry people in your car who have got a disability you shouldn't ask them straight away what's wrong with them.'

The Uber driver then apologised before Sophie continued to explain that it could be offensive.

She said: 'It's kind of just so you know because you never know what might have happened to them. It could have been a traumatic injury. It could be something they don't want to talk about and people's medical history is private.

Sophie explained how the driver had called her a 'patient' as well as asking what was wrong with her and telling her how surprised he was that she had left the house that day

The activist captioned her post - which was flooded with comments of support and similar experienced - 'And I was having such a good day as well...'

'So it's just a nice thing to either not ask or if you are having a conversation with someone then ask when it might feel appropriate but take the steer from the person because otherwise it can be quite offensive - just so you know'

To which the Uber driver replied: 'Got you, my apologies.'

Supporters flooded the comments with support and shared their own experiences.

One said: 'The "what's wrong with you" question I'll never understand. They wouldn't ask a stranger in a doctors waiting room what's wrong with them, so why is it ok for them to ask our personal medical information?!'

While another said: 'My son has that THE WHOLE time from Uber drivers. He bloody hates getting an Uber. He will literally take three or even four buses rather than get an Uber. What is wrong with them ?? Not all of course but 70 % of the time.'

The former Loose Women presenter is a vocal campaigner against ableism and was recently branded a 'troublemaker' by airline bosses after campaigning to improve air travel for disabled people.

The presenter, who was paralysed from the chest down after a car accident, is spearheading a campaign called Rights on Flights.

She 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 aired on Monday evening, exposed the inhumane ways wheelchair users are treated on board.

She said: '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?'
Domenica Calarco showed off her incredible figure as she posed topless during her sun-soaked Italian holiday.

The MAFS star, 31, took to Instagram on Wednesday to give fans an insight into her relaxing getaway as she shared snaps from her visit to Reggio di Calabria.

She posted a gallery of jaw-dropping topless pictures as she posed up a storm on her balcony in black thong bikini bottoms while soaking up the rays.

Domenica put her incredible figure on display as she posed with her hands over her chest for the daring snaps.

She also shared shots of herself sunbathing in a leopard print bikini as she made the most of the balmy climes during her epic European adventure.

The reality TV star teased in a cheeky caption: 'Life's short, post the thirst traps.'

During her Italian holiday, Domenica also chopped her hair into an Audrey Hepburn-inspired pixie cut, after first cutting her locks short in March for the World's Greatest Shave charity drive.

'I've just come back from the beach, I've decided I want to cut my hair shorter, I want to look like Aubrey Hepburn in Italy, in Roman Holiday,' she explained in a video.

'So, this could either turn out really bad, or it can turn out really good.'

Domenica Calarco showed off her incredible figure as she posed topless during her sun-soaked Italian holiday

She posted a gallery of topless snaps as she posed up a storm on her balcony in black thong bikini bottoms while soaking up the rays

She then documented the process of getting the stylish new hairstyle at a barber shop in Calabria, located in southwest Italy.

'I was apprehensive if Bruno could nail the brief but he absolutely did! I'm OBSESSED with my pixie cut,' she said afterwards.

'The Domenica of six months ago wouldn't have been able to do this!' she added, calling the update part of her 'growth'.

Before her big trip, Domenica gave an update on her mental health, sharing that she had come off her antidepressants for the first time in 15 years.

She took Instagram to share a video from her recent 21-day stay at a private mental health facility in New South Wales.

Dom has spoken openly about her mental health struggles after suffering a 'major depressive episode' and then detailed her medication changes.

She gave an insight into her 'tough' medication journey and told how she was coming off sertraline after feeling like the antidepressant wasn't working anymore.

The MAFS star, 31, took to Instagram on Wednesday to give fans an insight into her relaxing getaway as she shared snaps from her visit to Reggio di Calabria

She also shared shots of herself sunbathing in a leopard print bikini as she made the most of the balmy climes during her epic European adventure

Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Domenica explained that her doctor was weaning her off sertraline for the first time in 15 years to 'transition' to a new antidepressant - which she has since started.

'So this is the reality of changing medication,' she shared. 'Last night, my doctor, we had a meeting and we wanted to try and see if my old medication that I was on was actually working.

'I just have felt for a while now that it hasn't been working, so I was like I think we need to transition to something new. So that's what we're doing.'

Domenica recently returned to Instagram after visiting a mental health ward to 'heal, reflect and gain a better understanding of herself' after 'spiralling into a deep depression'.
Bianca Censori is 'always welcome' at the legendary Chateau Marmont in LA despite her very risque fashion sense that's raising eyebrows across the world.

A valet at the $774-a-night property told DailyMail.com: 'She comes here all the time. I always know when she's here because there's always a lot of paparazzi.

'She comes a lot. She stayed here awhile, a few months I think, and last time she was here was before the weekend, Tuesday or Wednesday.'

Last summer. Bianca's skimpy outfits sparked outrage in Italy and moreover, she and husband Kanye West, 47, were banned by a Venetian water taxi company after taking part in a very risque act.

But Censori's style is welcomed at the famous Los Angeles landmark  despite the hotel operating a 'business-casual' dress code.

Bianca Censori is 'always welcome' at the legendary Chateau Marmont in LA despite her VERY risque fashion sense raising eyebrows

'She comes here all the time,' a valet at the $774-a-night property told DailyMail.com. 'I always know when she's here because there's always a lot of paparazzi

Censori, 29, was last photographed at the hotel enjoying drinks with friends, resplendent in a black leather bikini top that barely covered her nipples and matching hotpants.

Asked about the outfit, the valet shrugged: 'She always dresses like that.'

And he is far from alone in taking that attitude. Guests at the hotel and tourists on LA's famous Sunset Boulevard all had the same thing to say: Who cares what she wears?

Emily Martinez, 35, lives in Arizona but has been vacationing in LA. Shown a picture of the leather get-up, she told DailyMail.com: 'It's not something I'd wear but if she wants to, that's for her.'

A well-dressed couple, both guests at the hotel who declined to give their names, first asked who Censori was.

On being shown the photo, the man joked: 'She thinks no and I think yes. Whatever anyone wants to wear is fine.'

Devontae, a tourist from Charleston, South Carolina, added: 'Everyone should have the freedom to wear what they want. I wouldn't wear it though!'

The bikini is just one of a string of outre outfits Censori has recently, including to Chateau Marmont where she was photographed last week on a lunch date with West.

Last summer. Bianca's skimpy outfits sparked outrage in Italy and moreover, she and husband Kanye West , 47, were banned by a Venetian water taxi company for their racy displays

Guests at the hotel and tourists on LA's famous Sunset Boulevard all had the same thing to say: Who cares what she wears? (pictured in February 2024)

Censori has become known for her very risque outfit choices

She wore this daring nude bodysuit while out with Kanye in Paris in June

For the meal, at the luxury hotel's reservation-only restaurant, the Australian architect wore a skintight white top with no bra underneath and teamed it with a pair of thong panties.

It followed another lunch date with West at LA institution Bludso's BBQ in West Hollywood on July 15 where she wore a different version of the bikini outfit: a silver leather top combined with a nude pair of hotpants.

Perhaps it is no surprise that Censori's unique sense of style passes muster at Chateau Marmont which is famous for the wild antics of its celebrity guests and where nudity is almost par for the course.

In May, Britney Spears, 41, was photographed wrapped in a blanket and covering herself with a pillow outside the hotel, following a late-night row with boyfriend Paul Soliz.

Staff were forced to call 911, with the caller telling the LAPD that a woman matching Spears' description had been harassing hotel workers.

It later transpired that she and Soliz had been drinking heavily in their hotel room before getting into a physical fight that later saw a distraught Spears 'out of control' and screaming in the hotel corridors.

Guests, suspecting a mental breakdown, called in paramedics although Spears was later checked and found to be fine.

Spears has previously been involved in altercations at the hotel and was thrown out of the restaurant in 2007 for smearing food on her face.

In 2012, Lindsay Lohan racked up an eyewatering $46,350.04 bill for a two-month stay bungalow, spending $700 cigarettes alone and ordering copies of Architectural Digest on room service.

In 2009, actress Sienna Miller was caught using the hotel to conduct an affair with married actor Balthazar Getty  a use the property had previously been put to by Errol Flynn and Clark Gable who regularly checked in while having an affair with Jean Harlow.

In 2012, Lindsay Lohan racked up an eyewatering $46,350.04 bill for a two-month stay bungalow (pictured at the Chateau Marmont in 2008)

More tragic is the string of drug overdoses and deaths at the property, among them John Belushi who was just 33 when he died from a drug overdose in the property's Bungalow 3

More tragic is the string of drug overdoses and deaths at the property, among them John Belushi who was just 33 when he died from a drug overdose in the property's Bungalow 3 and fashion photographer Helmut Newton who died of a heart attack while exiting the hotel in his Cadillac car.

In January 2006, late actor Heath Ledger was caught on a grainy video snorting cocaine in his room while in 2010, Peaches Geldof was kicked out of Courtney Love's hotel room when she showed up with '500 prescription pills'.

In 1982, rocker Billy Idol got drunk and smashed up his bungalow, all while naked  the incident was only overlooked because it coincided with Belushi's death.

But while wearing very little and taking drugs won't get you kicked out of the Chateau Marmont, there is one thing that will: social media.

In 2011, Apprentice contestant Jenn Hoffman was booted from the property and banned for a year. Her crime? Tweeting about model Rachel Hunter having a wild time in the restaurant.
Coronation Street star Sean Wilson was spotted back on set for the first time in six years on Tuesday, as he made his return to the cobbles six years after his last appearance on the soap.

The actor, 59, has begun filming his return stint as Martin Platt and will first appear on screen in October as part of Helen Worth's exit storyline.

He was all smiles as he made his way around the Manchester set once again, donning a flamboyant blue and white patterned shirt paired with blue shorts.

The star completed his stylish look with a grey bowler hat, sunglasses, and a brown crossbody bag.

He cut a casual figure in a trendy pair of black and white Nike trainers and looked in high spirits as he left the iconic TV studios, following a day of filming.

Coronation Street star Sean Wilson was spotted back on set for the first time in six years on Tuesday, as he made his return to the cobbles six years after his last appearance on the soap

He was all smiles as he made his way around the Manchester set once again, donning a flamboyant blue and white patterned shirt paired with blue shorts

The actor, 59, has begun filming his return stint as Martin Platt, and will first appear on screen in October as part of Helen Worth's [Gail Platt's] exit storyline (pictured in 1989)

In the upcoming scenes, Martin's son David (played by Jack P Shepherd) is shocked to find his dad at the house and is immediately suspicious about his reason for coming back into their lives.

As Sean picked up his first scripts to start shooting, he said: 'It was great to be invited back to Coronation Street again, to contribute to Helen's exit story.

'We'll have a few months to catch up with Martin and Gail again, following the ebbs and flows of the unfolding storyline.

'Playing Martin has been a joy since day one and in a way, I'll be slipping back to where I left off, which no doubt will throw a spanner into the heart of the Platt family.

'It's just like slipping on an old and comfortable jumper from the back of the wardrobe I'm looking forward to reuniting with my TV family.'

Sean played Martin for 20 years from 1985 to 2005, before he and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 and he paid one final visit to Weatherfield before his departure to make his peace with David, who was upset that his dad was leaving the country.

According to The Sun, Gail will have a happy ending after all as she will rekindle her romance with Martin Platt and sail off into the sunset in her emotional exit storyline.

Sean, who is widely known for his role as Martin in the ITV soap, will make his return for her final scenes after quitting the show in 2005 to become a cheese-maker.

As Sean picked up his first scripts to start shooting, he said: 'It was great to be invited back to Coronation Street again, to contribute to Helen's exit story'

Sean played Martin for 20 years from 1985 to 2005, before he and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2018

And although the pair's ten-year union ended when Sean's character Martin had an affair, he is considered the most successful relationship in Gail's previous five marriages.

A source told The Sun: 'A number of options were considered for Gail's departure from the cobbles but bosses knew the moment needed to truly celebrate one of Corrie's most iconic characters as well as honour Helen's astonishing run on the soap.'

'It just didn't sit right to kill her off or have Gail suffer more tragedy after, let's face it, a pretty traumatic life.

'Martin was always considered the one that got away and bosses are thrilled they've been able to tempt Sean back to wave Gail goodbye.'

The source also revealed viewers should expect to see 'many twists and turns' but the scriptwriters want Gail's story to end with a happy ending.

It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974.

The news devastated fans across the UK and some took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate how her character's storyline will end.

ITV confirmed that she will start filming her exit story next month and the 'emotional' scenes will be on screen at the end of the year.

Martin is returning to rekindle his old romance with Gail, in the hopes of whisking her off into the sunset as part of her exit (both pictured in 2000)

It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974 (pictured in 2019)

Sharing the news of her exit, Helen said: 'This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.'

'I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.'

'I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.'

'The past 50 years have flown by and I don't think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.'

Thankfully, Helen hasn't had quite a dramatic life as her character, and once admitted she would 'be in a mental institution' if her life was like Gail's.

She added: 'I come home and see friends and go to the theatre. Luckily I find it quite easy to switch off  I'd be a nervous wreck if I didn't.'
A heartwarming resurfaced video of Roberta Taylor shows the late actress opening up about what it was like to work with her husband Peter Guinness.

Roberta, who passed away on July 6 aged 76, was best known for her role as Irene Raymond in EastEnders from 1997 to 2000, before joining the cast of The Bill as Inspector Gina Gold.

According to Roberta's obituary published in The Guardian, the soap star died 'from an infection caused by a fall two months prior, agitating her underlying health problems with pneumonia'.

The actress married her second husband and fellow actor Peter Guinness, 74, in 1996 - he is best known for his roles in Jack Ryan, Merlin, Official Secrets and Alien 3, and the couple lived together in Vauxhall, London.

Their overlapping careers meant that the pair worked on some projects together, including The Bill and a run of Hamlet at Glasgow's Citizens Theatre nine years ago, where they played Gertrude and Claudius.

A heartwarming resurfaced video of Roberta Taylor shows the late actress opening up about what it was like to work with her husband Peter Guinness

Peter is best known for his roles in Jack Ryan, Merlin, Official Secrets and Alien 3, and the couple lived together in Vauxhall, London (pictured together in 2010)

Now, a joint interview the duo did while performing the show is resurfacing as fans pay tribute to Roberta.

The late actress has also left behind her son Elliott, who she shares with her former spouse, a granddaughter and two stepbrothers.

In the clip, the married couple were asked what it's like to work together as a 'husband and wife team'.

Roberta revealed that they had fun being in the same profession but they were always mindful of their other castmates, so they selflessly avoided looking like too much of a 'unit'.

The interviewer remarked: 'Because some husbands and wives in theatre work together all the time and some absolutely avoid it, but you've struck a middle path haven't you? You work together sometimes but not always.'

Roberta smiled and admitted: 'We have quite a laugh together. I think it's potentially harder for other cast members to think of, maybe a tight unit coming in or whatever.

'So we don't do any work at home together other than if we're reading out scripts and I'll go: "Did the players come in there? Am I after?"

She explained: 'We'll only discuss plot not action because I think that's for your own head and the rehearsal room when it's all shared.

The actress married her second husband and fellow actor Peter Guinness (right) in 1996

Their overlapping careers meant that the pair worked on some projects together, including The Bill (pictured in 2007) and a run of Hamlet at Glasgow's Citizens Theatre nine years ago

Roberta revealed that they had fun being in the same profession but they were always mindful of their other castmates (pictured together in 2006)

'So we try not to look like a unit other than the King and Queen when we're in the rehearsal room.'

In response to the heartbreaking news of Roberta's passing, an EastEnders spokesperson said: 'We're deeply saddened to hear that Roberta Taylor has passed away.

'Roberta made an impact on screen from the moment she arrived in Albert Square, as Irene Raymond.

'Roberta will be remembered fondly by everyone that worked with her. Our love and thoughts go to her family and friends.'

Her last TV appearance came on the BBC private investigators comedy Shakespeare & Hathaway.

Her EastEnders stint began in 1997, when she arrived in Walford as the matriarch of the Hills family, visiting her children Sarah (Daniela Denby-Ashe) and Tony (Mark Homer).

During her three-year stint on the soap, Roberta's character Irene had a string of love interests, including Terry Raymond (Gavin Richards), as well as a steamy affair with her lodger Troy Harvey (Jamie Jarvis).

Roberta died after an infection caused by a fall (pictured on the ITV drama The Bill as Inspector Gina Gold)

In response to the heartbreaking news, an EastEnders spokesperson said: 'We're deeply saddened to hear that Roberta Taylor has passed away'

After three years in EastEnders, Roberta decided to leave the soap, and told The Mirror at the time: 'I was always thinking, 'When can I learn my lines?' I gave over much of my life to the show and if I was to carry on at such a pace I'd have to continue to put my life on hold.

'I didn't want to do things at half-cock [...] I had a lot of fun playing Irene, and Gavin, who plays my screen husband Terry, and I got on brilliantly.

'Irene was a complicated lady. I never knew what was going to happen next, but that's what life is like. We worked hard at our characters. People thought we were comical but actually there was a lot of sarcasm.'

Roberta also had roles in dramas such as Silent Witness, Inspector Morse and Doctors.

News of Roberta's death sparked a spring of tributes from fans, with posts on X including: ' Such sad news about Roberta Taylor she was fantastic in EastEnders and The Bill. Rest in peace;'

During her three-year stint on the soap, Roberta's character Irene had a string of love interests, including Terry Raymond (pictured played by Gavin Richards)

After graduating from drama school, Roberta starred in a number of plays, including Noel Coward's Private Lives and Brecht's Mother Courage (pictured in Crown Court in 1979)

Roberta also had roles in dramas Silent Witness, Inspector Morse (pictured) and Doctors

News of Roberta's death sparked a spring of tributes from fans

'Such sad news. I loved The Bill... Gina Gold was a brilliantly written character expertly played by Roberta Taylor;'

'Real ones know Roberta Taylor by Gina Gold, not from EastEnders, RIP, what an actress;'

'I've been watching old eps of The Bill, Roberta Taylor was amazing! I'm sorry to hear she died, may she rest in peace;'

'I'm really sad to hear that Roberta Taylor has passed away. A wonderful character actress, RIP; RIP to the iconic Roberta Taylor... a wonderful actress and EastEnders legend... great lady;'

Roberta grew up on the Isle of Dogs and originally trained to be a dental nurse whilst taking drama classes.

She married Victor Taylor 1966, with whom she had a son Elliott.

After graduating from drama school, Roberta starred in a number of plays, including Noel Coward's Private Lives, Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband and Brecht's Mother Courage.

She divorced her first husband in 1975 before marrying Peter in 1996.
Eamonn Holmes shared his 'latest exploit' to aid his mobility amid his crippling health battle, on Wednesday.

The GB News host, 64, posted a video of himself using an Alter G anti-gravity treadmill, which helps his 'legs and body move like it did before' his injury.

The presenter is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him takes four months off work at the end of last year.

Eamonn captioned his post: 'Trying to remember what it felt like to have legs that worked.'

As he filmed himself on the machine, he said: 'Hello there. This is my latest exploit. This is what's called an anti-gravity treadmill. It's an Alter G anti-gravity treadmill.

Eamonn Holmes, 64, shared his 'latest exploit' to aid his mobility amid his crippling health battle, on Wednesday

The GB News host posted a video of himself using an Alter G anti-gravity treadmill, which helps his 'legs and body move like it did before' his injury

'And the reason it's called anti-gravity is you'll see down here... I'm being supported by quite a big balloon.

'And the balloon holds my weight. What it does really, the machine, if I now walk or run in this, and it helps my legs and my body remember what it was like to move like this before things went wrong, that have been wrong for a long time.

'So this gives me a certain amount of freedom and the idea is that I build up muscle memory and y'know things will happen, hopefully in the future.

'For the moment, I'll do half an hour on this. Cheers!'

The Alter G treadmill inflates from the waist down giving you a weightless feeling as you walk or run with as little as 20% of your bodyweight, making it a lot more comfortable to exercise.

It follows when Eamonn was pictured out in public using a walking frame, following his split from wife Ruth Langsford.

The presenter uses a wheelchair due to chronic back pain as well as undergoing painful physio sessions.

Speaking in January he said the 'harsh reality' could be that he may never be able to walk unaided again.

The presenter is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him takes four months off work at the end of last year

The Alter G treadmill inflates from the waist down giving you a weightless feeling as you walk or run with as little as 20% of your bodyweight, making it a lot more comfortable to exercise

But Eamonn recently shared a photo of himself dressed smartly and stood of his own volition leaning against a door frame as his rehabilitation continues.

He captioned the post: 'Hard to stand up but next my aim is to walk. Off to a birthday party today. What about you?'.

In 2016, Eamonn underwent a double-hip replacement operation lasting three-and-a-quarter hours after living with acute pain for many years.

Speaking about his operation at the time, Eamonn said: ' Was I nervous? No! It was just like being on television. In the build-up I was stressed  can I do this? Will I handle it?'

Two years later, Eamonn detailed his battle with shingles and how he was struck with the virus on his son Declan's wedding day.

During an appearance on Loose Women in September 2021, he spoke about his health battle which left him unable to work on This Morning three years ago.

He also shared images of his puffy face covered in marks and scabs during his battle.

Shingles is a viral rash caused by varicella zoster virus, the virus which causes chickenpox, being reactivated. In the UK, 90 per cent of adults have had chickenpox, so will have this virus lying dormant in their nervous systems.

Eamonn recently shared a photo of himself dressed smartly and stood of his own volition leaning against a door frame as his rehabilitation continues

He underwent spinal surgery in 2022 following years of chronic back pain and previously had a double-hip replacement in 2016

He eventually discovered it was three slipped discs that affected the movement of his right leg

His years of chronic back pain started in spring 2021 - which came completely out of nowhere.

The pain become so severe that it left Eamonn reliant on a walking stick, but soon found out the root cause.

He eventually discovered it was three slipped discs that affected the movement of his right leg.

In September 2022, Eamonn was forced to step away from his GB news show as he underwent vital back surgery to aid his chronic back pain.

Following his surgery, he revealed that despite physiotherapy, he continues to find his lack of mobility stops him from doing simple things and is forced to rely on others, which he described as 'soul destroying'.

His spinal surgery left him with a weakened left leg, too, and just over two weeks into his recovery from the operation, Eamonn fell backwards down 18 stairs at the Weybridge home, hitting the stone floor at the bottom.

The horrific accident could easily have killed him. Instead, he emerged with a broken shoulder, and his legs further weakened.

The former This Morning host admitted at the time that fracturing his shoulder in a fall is a 'massive setback'.

The presenter and Ruth announced their plans to divorce last month after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together

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.'

Prior to their split estranged wife Ruth revealed she feared Eamonn 'might never be 100 per cent right'.
Country music fans have been left bitterly divided over the news that Garth Brooks will be inducted into Austin City Limits' Hall of Fame.

Last week, Austin City Limits announced that it will be honoring Garth, 62, at its upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in September.

And while many of the musician's supporters were ecstatic over the news, some people on the web were not pleased that he had achieved the feat.

One reporter named Kyle Coroneos, who runs the website SavingCountryMusic.com, said he felt like Garth - who grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma - was undeserving because he is not 'significant to the Austin music scene.'

He wrote a scathing post on the topic and shared it to his website, branding Garth's upcoming induction as a 'naked attempt to draw attention to the show and to appease corporate sponsors.'

Country music fans have been left bitterly divided over the news that Garth Brooks will be inducted into Austin City Limits' Hall of Fame

Last week, Austin City Limits announced that it will be honoring Garth, 62, at its upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in September

But one reporter named Kyle Coroneos (seen), who runs SavingCountryMusic.com, said he felt like Garth was undeserving because he is not 'significant to the Austin music scene'

'Let's start this off with all the preambles about the greatness of Garth Brooks. Yes, he seems like a nice guy. Yes, he does tons for charity,' he began in the lengthy essay.

'Yes, even though country purists wince whenever his name is uttered like they just swallowed a June bug, the catalog of Garth Brooks is quite good, and quite country, even if he commercialized the music more than ever before.

'But the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame? No, sorry. That's not for someone like Garth Brooks.'

Kyle said the 'Austin City Limits Hall of Fame should be reserved for the performers from Austin and Texas that are seminal to the city and the state's music scene.'

He pointed out that while 'some performers who don't really have a lot to do with Austin' were inducted in the past, they all had 'landmark appearances on the show and felt like part of the extended family.'

'Garth Brooks did appear on Austin City Limits a couple of times during the 25th Anniversary season. But is he in any way significant to the Austin music scene?' the writer asked.

'Inducting Garth Brooks into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame is a naked attempt to draw attention to the show and to appease corporate sponsors.

'Is the legacy of Garth Brooks going to benefit from yet another accolade to cite on the Wikipedia page? Of course not.

Kyle said the 'Austin City Limits Hall of Fame should be reserved for the performers from Austin and Texas that are seminal to the city and the state's music scene.' Garth is seen last year

Stars who were previously inducted into Austin City Limits' Hall of Fame include Sheryl Crow (left), Rosanne Cash (right), Loretta Lynn, and B.B. King, none of whom hail from Austin, Texas

'But some Austin or Texas legend that never had the benefit of a major label, corporate radio, or massive tours may have their legacy cemented by an ACL Hall of Fame induction that otherwise could go forgotten or diminished if not for that opportunity.'

Instead, Kyle recommended inducting stars like Steve Earle, Doug Sahm, Nanci Griffith, Patty Griffin, or Willis Alan Ramsey.

PBS' Austin City Limits is the 'longest-running music program in television history,' Garth performed on the show a few times over the years. He's seen here in 1999 on the show

He also cited 'Austin-based bands' including Silverada, Shane Smith & the Saints, and The Dixie Chicks.

'For sure, Austin City Limits can't only focus on the up-and-comers and fading legends of Austin or it risks fading away itself,' he concluded.

'Since its inception, the show had always brought in bigger names from the industry. But Garth Brooks in its Hall of Fame? That's not for him.

'It's for all the other country and roots music legends who spent their careers living in Garth's shadow.'

PBS' Austin City Limits is the 'longest-running music program in television history' with Garth performing on the show a few times over the years.

Stars who were previously inducted into Austin City Limits' Hall of Fame include Sheryl Crow, Rosanne Cash, Loretta Lynn, and B.B. King, none of whom hail from Austin, Texas.

Kyle's readers seemed to have mixed responses to his take, with some agreeing with him and others defending the decision to induct Garth.

'Perhaps not the first act I would have thought of for ACL but I can understand it and do not fall out with it. I have always enjoyed his music,' one person wrote.

'I had to look up whether Garth had ever played ACL before,' someone else said.

Kyle's readers seemed to have mixed responses to his take, with some agreeing with him and others defending the decision to induct Garth

While Kyle and his readers seemed unhappy, ACL's Instagram post about Garth was flooded with positive comments

'Apparently, back in 1990 and 2000. I don't think he has had any memorable performances on ACL.'

'Garth's music is out of place in ACL. I like a number of his songs and I'm not a Garth hater,' added a different commenter.

'His music reached pop icon status and it's just not in that true artist realm. I remember watching ACL before having high speed internet.

'It was incredible and it was one of the few avenues to find music. It opened me up to a lot of music.'

On Instagram, Austin City Limits wrote that Garth will be inducted on September 5 at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas.

He is set to perform at the event, and tickets go on sale August 2.

'Austin City Limits is thrilled to kick off its 50th Anniversary celebrations by welcoming a new Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honoree into our ranks for this milestone: Garth Brooks,' the post read.

'For the first time in the decade-long history of the ACL Hall of Fame, only one inductee will be honored at this monumental celebration.'

While Kyle and his readers seemed unhappy, the Instagram post was flooded with positive comments.

'Love this so much,' gushed one person, while another wrote, 'Yes! Wow.'

'Let's go,' said someone else with a bunch of handclapping emojis.
Vanessa Williams dropped some big news on Wednesday: she is enjoying life as a single woman these days.

The Ugly Betty star, 61, revealed that she quietly and amicably ended her marriage to Jim Skrip in 2021.

The former couple met on a cruise of the Nile River in Egypt and married in Buffalo, New York on the 4th of July, 2015.

'I'm doing what I love, and I'm in love with life,' she told People when asked if she's currently in love.

'There is not one person that I'm in love with, but I'm in love with everybody.'

Vanessa Williams dropped some big news on Wednesday: she is enjoying life as a single woman these days. The Ugly Betty star, 61, revealed that she quietly and amicably ended her marriage to Jim Skrip in 2021; seen here in 2013

When Vanessa met Jim, she wasn't looking for anything.

The tour guide on their Nile River cruise thought the two of them might hit it off.

'I made the first move  he would never have approached me because I was with my daughter,' she told the outlet.

'He happened to be traveling alone and happened to know who I was but wasn't a super fan,' she told Madame Noire in 2015.

'There was an immediate attraction,' the former Miss America said, adding that they had a long, three-hour dinner.

'We had so much in common. It was obviously meant to be!' she told People in 2015.

Williams was previously married to Roman Hervey II from 1987 to 1997. The couple have three children, Melania, 37, Jillian, 35, and Devin, 31.

The Desperate Housewives star was also married to former Los Angeles Lakers star Rick Fox from 1999 to 2004. They share daughter Sasha, 24.

Vanessa is currently starring as Miranda Priestly in the London stage adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada.

The former couple met on a cruise of the Nile River in Egypt and married in Buffalo, New York on the 4th of July, 2015, pictured here in 2018

'I'm doing what I love, and I'm in love with life,' she told People when asked if she's currently in love, seen in 2024

Williams was the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1984. She was 20-years-old at the time and her reign was rocked by a nude photo scandal when photos she'd taken privately had been sold and published in Penthouse magazine

'I look back at my 19-to 20-year-old self and think, "Oh my God you were so naive, so trusting, so vulnerable,"' she explained, seen here in 1984

Williams was the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1984. She was 20-years-old at the time and her reign was rocked by a nude photo scandal when photos she'd taken privately had been sold and published in Penthouse magazine.

She has a new perspective on that whirlwind time in her life now, 40 years later.

'I look back at my 19-to 20-year-old self and think, "Oh my God you were so naive, so trusting, so vulnerable,"' she explained to People.

'In your mind you think, "Im old, I know what Im doing." I give myself grace now, but as a young adult, I beat myself up, like "I should have known better."'
Tara Reid savored a meal with a friend at celebrity hot spot Craig's in West Hollywood on Tuesday night.

The 48-year-old actress  who is embracing aging  flashed a hint of her flat tummy in a white cardigan with gold buttons.

The star, who was engaged to Carson Daly in the aughts, added a pair of deconstructed light wash skinny jeans, which she accented with a black Gucci belt.

Reid, who just celebrated the 25th anniversary of her 1999 film American Pie, punctuated the look with black wedge sneakers.

She was joined by gal pal Tara Rudes Dann for the evening out.

Tara Reid savored a meal with a friend at celebrity hot spot Craig's in West Hollywood on Tuesday night

The 48-year-old actress flashed a hint of her flat tummy in a white cardigan with gold buttons

The women FaceTimed friend Michael Costello while they hung out, with the designer later taking to Instagram to share a screenshot.

He wrote, 'Best surprise FaceTime. My 2 Tara's. Love you both. Thank you for the FaceTime surprise.'

The screen grab showed the trio with big smiles on their faces, with Reid and Dann cheek-to-cheek.

For the dinner date, Tara wore her straight, blonde hair slightly tousled.

Her visage was aglow in soft and shimmery makeup that included a golden shade dusted on her eyelids.

The outing comes just a few weeks after the entertainer appeared on social media to share a selfie with longtime friend Rosario Dawson.

The two actresses starred together in the 2001 musical Josie and the Pussycats, along with Rachael Leigh Cook.

Tara and Rosario got together for a beach day, and the former wrote in the caption: 'Nothing better than hanging out with my sis! I love you forever @rosariodawson and thank you for my beautiful ring. #josieandthepussycats.'

She was joined by gal pal Tara Rudes Dann for the evening out

The women FaceTimed friend Michael Costello while they hung out

The outing comes just a few weeks after the entertainer appeared on social media to share a selfie with longtime friend Rosario Dawson

In June Tara covered the Pride issue of Gurus magazine, donning several colorful looks in the accompanying editorial spread.

A caption on the publication's Instagram read: '@tarareid, American actress, producer, model, and long-time ally, has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

'She uses her formidable platform to speak out against injustices and disparities plaguing the community.'

The excerpt continued: ' As the ultimate trendsetter and influencer of the 90s, Reid is all too familiar with the public scrutiny, backlash, and hatred that can come from people. She joins @gurusmagazine initiative #30Voices30Days that benefits @glaad in an exclusive interview.'
Tommy Fury gifted his fiancee Molly-Mae Hague a sweet present on Wednesday to mark their first anniversary since his surprise Ibiza proposal.

The former Love Island star, 25, was surprised when her professional boxer partner, 25, arrived home with a large bouquet of red roses and lilies for her.

The blonde beauty posted a video on her Instagram Story showing Tommy walking through a doorway dressed in a black vest and joggers and holding the large bunch of flowers with a huge red bow.

Tommy smiled as he entered the room before presenting the bouquet and a card to his finacee Molly.

The former creative director of PrettyLittleThing captioned the sweet video 'proud of himself' with a laughing emoji and a red heart.

Tommy Fury gifted his fiancee Molly-Mae Hague with a sweet present on Wednesday to mark their first anniversary since his surprise Ibiza proposal

Tommy surprised his girlfriend six months after they welcomed their daughter Bambi and the Molly initially thought she was jetting off for a brand deal before Tommy got down on one knee

The former Love Island star, 25, was surprised by a large bouquet of red roses andlilies by her professional boxer partner, 25

In another snap posted to her Instagram, Molly-Mae gave fans a close-up of the surprise gift and captioned the photo '1 year as a fiance'.

The influencer also re-posted a video of the surprise engagement in black and white, and wrote alongside it: 'This literally feels like last week? Time is going to quickly it's scaring me'.

Tommy paid tribute the milestone on his Instagram, with a gushing post featuring a snap of the couple kissing with the caption: 'A year today since I asked the best question I have ever asked in my life. can't wait to spend forever with you. Happy anniversary baby'.

Earlier on Wednesday Molly shared a clip of the moment she said yes to boyfriend Tommy and captioned her Instagram post: 'One year ago today I was tricked into going on a fake brand trip on which the love of my life would ask me to marry him.'

Molly-Mae and Tommy announced their engagement last year with a gorgeous black and white video of the proposal that took place on a picturesque cliffside.

Tommy surprised the influencer six months after they welcomed their daughter Bambi and the mother-of-one initially thought she was jetting off for a brand deal before the Love Island hunk got down on one knee.

The loved-up posts come after months of speculation and split rumours which the pair have been shutting down.

In a YouTube video last month, the former Love Island star gushed about how 'amazing' Tommy is as a father.

In another snap posted to her Story, Molly-Mae gave fans a close-up of the surprise gift and captioned the photo '1 year as a fiance' with her bouquet placed on a marble table

Tommy paid tribute the milestone on his Instagram on Wednesday, with a snap of the couple kissing on a clifftop in Ibiza shortly after he got down on one knee with a ring

The influencer also re-posted a video of the surprise engagement in black and white, and wrote alongside it: 'This literally feels like last week? Time is going to quickly it's scaring me'

In the clip, Molly-Mae also insisted he is 'everything she could wish him to be and more'.

The speculation began after Molly-Mae failed to wish Tommy a happy birthday on social media and prior to that had complained of a 'sex drought' during a Q&A video.

She revealed that the pair had not been intimate for almost a year after the birth of their first child, now 18 months old.

Molly-Mae and Tommy sparked relationship concerns last year when she was seen without her engagement ring on multiple times.

Their 'rocky patch' came after Tommy's wild nights out in Dubai with Chris Brown left Molly-Mae 'mortified' by his partying behaviour but in February she seemingly suggested that Tommy's secret hand injury is what 'caused so many problems' within their family.

Last month the pair also put on a loved-up display as they stepped out together in Manchester.

The pair looked as happy as ever laughing away with their arms around each other.

Molly-Mae looked casually chic in a cropped burgundy T-shirt, distressed leather jacket and baggy black trousers.

Meanwhile beside her Tommy cut a sporty figure in a grey hoodie and light blue shirts, teamed with trainers and white Nike socks.

On Wednesday Molly shared a clip of her proposal and captioned it: 'One year ago today I was tricked into going on a fake brand trip on which the love of my life would ask me to marry him.'
Kendall Jenner's captivating beauty was captured in a new photo shoot to accompany her Vogue France cover story.

The 28-year-old model  who counts Hailey Bieber as a BFF  wore several showstopping looks for a photo essay by photographers Mert Alas and Mac Piggott.

Among them was a stunning shot of the glamazon in a sheer brown latex outfit plus cream-colored leather shoes from ALAIA.

The 818 Tequila founder stretched out on the edge of a luxurious pool, beautifully displaying her tall, toned figure.

And a striking headshot featuring the star against an orange backdrop with chunky gold earrings has become her profile photo on Instagram.

Kendall Jenner's captivating beauty was captured in a new photo shoot to accompany her Vogue France cover story

Among the images was a stunning shot of the glamazon in a brown latex bodysuit and skirt, plus cream-colored leather shoes from ALAIA

Another noteworthy photo showed Jenner in a one-piece, white Michael Kors swimsuit.

The scoop-neck style also boasted skin-baring cutouts with metal rings embellishing the look.

The longtime reality television personality posed on a beach in front of crashing waves, joined by shirtless male models in the background.

The series continued with the fashionista slipping into a rouge, floral net Valentino gown with a plunging neckline.

Continuing the beach theme, Kendall stood in the sand with a wooden surfboard propped behind her.

There was also a snapshot of the Hollywood fixture clad in a shiny silver mesh top and skirt with gold fringe by RABANNE.

She impressively struck a pose holding a small boulder above her head, making it look effortless.

The cover shot showed Jenner in a classic black bikini with white polka dots throughout, with wind blowing through her hair.

Another noteworthy photo showed Jenner in a one-piece, white Michael Kors swimsuit

The series continued with the fashionista slipping into a rouge, floral net Valentino gown with a plunging neckline

There was also a snapshot of the Hollywood fixture clad in a shiny silver mesh top and skirt with gold fringe by RABANNE

The cover shot showed Jenner in a classic black bikini with white polka dots throughout, with wind blowing through her hair

Within the pages of the glossy, the Kardashians star revealed that she opts not to read criticism in order to protect her mental health.

'Social media entails much more than just exposing certain things for the whole world to see. It also means exposing your energy.

'I take great care to protect my energy and preserve my mental health,' she stated eloquently.

She also shared a note on confidence: 'Beauty comes down to self-confidence. As cliche as it may sound, it comes from within. Beautiful people love themselves for exactly who they are. '
Bethenny Frankel showed off her wild side in an leopard minidress with a plunging neckline and colorful stripes across her tiny waist on a night out in Saint-Tropez.

As she stepped out in her bold frock, which she accessorized with a pair of studded black sandals and colorful necklace, the 53-year-old reality star looked radiant as she walked down the street holding hands with her daughter Bryn, 14.

The Skinnygirl mogul rocked her long brunette locks in a sleek ponytail and sported a glamorous makeup look, consisting of blush, bronzer and a bright pink lipstick.

Following a beachfront lunch and afternoon in the sun, the Real Housewives of New York City alum appeared relaxed as she put her glowing tan on full display.

Her teenager, who she shares with ex-husband, Jason Hoppy, wore a strapless black top, a long turquoise skirt and gold charm necklace.

Bethenny Frankel showed off her wild side in an leopard minidress with a plunging neckline and colorful stripes across her tiny waist on a night out in Saint-Tropez

As she stepped out in her bold frock, which she accessorized with a pair of studded black sandals and colorful necklace, the 53-year-old reality star looked radiant as she held hands with her daughter Bryn, 14

Bryn was seen holding a small shopping bag from The Pirates Candies, which sells various candy and sweets.

Frankel has been documenting their vacation together across her social media accounts by sharing pictures and videos from their meals to shopping trips.

On Wednesday, the TV personality shared a video of her battle wounds after seemingly taking a nasty fall.

In footage, uploaded to her Instagram Story, Frankel showed her followers that she scraped both her knees.

The tumble even chipped the nail polish off a few of her toes.

While she did not say how she got injured, the mother-of-one gave a small business owner a sweet shoutout for providing her help.

Frankel praised the sweet woman that gave her rubbing alcohol to disinfect her legs and, even, placed Band-Aids over her painful-looking scratches.

'We love this woman so much, she put the Band-Aid on me!' the star raved while filming inside the woman's store, Lunael-Creation-Bijouxl, known for their beautiful, handmade jewelry.

On Wednesday, the TV personality shared a video of her battle wounds after seemingly taking a nasty fall

In footage, uploaded to her Instagram Story, Frankel showed her followers that she scraped both her knees

While she did not say how she got injured, the mother-of-one gave a small business owner a sweet shoutout for providing her help

Frankel, who has more than 3.4 million Instagram followers and another 1.9 million on TikTok, often shares an unfiltered view into her world.

After touching down in the French Riviera, she shared a video on social media labeled 'I'm a Disaster.'

In the post, she admits that settling into the city wasn't as easy as she had anticipated.

After divulging that her room at the hotel wasn't ready when she arrived, Frankel 'went to the spa to put on my coverup, and it's gorgeous, and it's the itchiest thing ever,' she said of the garment.

'I'm going to take it off on the street,' she said in the selfie clip, before she began to complain about her sunglasses.

Frankel, who has more than 3.4 million Instagram followers and another 1.9 million on TikTok, often shares an unfiltered view into her world

Despite a few hiccups on the trip, the mother daughter duo appear to be enjoying their time together from hitting the beach to cruising around the Mediterranean Sea

'My glasses are coming off. Because for whatever reason, I thought these would be cute with it, and they're like, falling off,' she explained, demonstrating the problem.

'Already, I'm down a pair of glasses and a dress and we haven't even checked into our room,' she said, calling herself 'a hot a** mess.'

She later switched to a more comfortable, brightly patterned shorts outfit with a wide brimmed hat and and large framed bedazzled sunglasses.

'And now I'm Elton John,' she said, making reference to the specs, which were similar to those favored by the Grammy winner. 'But, I'm not as hot and itchy.'

Despite a few hiccups on the trip, the mother daughter duo appear to be enjoying their time together from hitting the beach to cruising around the Mediterranean Sea.
They have been criticised for going woke after they axed their hit Brown Sugar from their concerts.

And now the Rolling Stones have dropped lyrics about presidential assassinations in one of their most popular hits following the attempt to kill Donald Trump earlier this month.

In the 1968 Stones classic Sympathy for the Devil, the band's frontman Mick Jagger sings: 'I shouted out, 'Who killed the Kennedys?' Well, after all, it was you and me.'

But when he performed the song at the last three dates of their Hackney Diamonds tour in the US, which all took place following the shooting of Trump on July 13, the lyrics were notably absent.

Instead, Sir Mick, 80, completely dropped the third verse of the notorious song at live performances in Los Angeles and Santa Clara, California and Ridgedale, Missouri and instead left the whole verse out which references the Kennedys' assassinations.

The Rolling Stones have dropped lyrics about presidential assassinations in one of their most popular hits following the attempt to kill Donald Trump earlier this month

Former president Trump was shot at during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania earlier this month, leaving him with a bloodied ear

In place of the third verse, Stones guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood lead an instrumental break.

The original song lyric, written in 1968, asked 'who killed John Kennedy?' but Jagger pluralised the lyrics following the assassination of JFK's brother Robert F Kennedy.

A fate that nearly befell former president Trump after he was shot at during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Following the shooting, the presidential hopeful called Piers Morgan after the broadcaster had referred to Trump as 'the Mick Jagger of politics' because of his advancing years and high-energy performances.

Trump told him: 'I appreciate what you said, and the Jagger compliment!'

The Stones censored the song in 2006, at a charity concert celebrating Bill Clinton's 60th birthday.

The band performed the hit but excised the Kennedy line. It was speculated at the time that the verse was skipped because Robert F. Kennedy Jr was in attendance, but when asked about it Sir Mick's motives were opaque.

He said 'Did I leave that out? That song is so long, I always cut a verse. I guess it must've been that one.'

In the 1968 Stones classic Sympathy for the Devil, the band's frontman Mick Jagger sings: 'I shouted out, 'Who killed the Kennedys?' Well, after all, it was you and me'

But when he performed the song at the last three dates of their Hackney Diamonds tour in the US, the lyrics were notably absent

It's not the first time that the Stones have self-censored. In 2021, they stopped played 'Brown Sugar' after 50 years.

It was dropped from their setlist after mounting criticism over its depiction of slavery and sexual violence.

Richards said the band have made the decision to retire the track as they don't want to get involved in 'conflicts' about the lyrics.

He added: 'I'm hoping that we'll be able to resurrect the babe in her glory somewhere along the track'.
Pat Sajak, who retired from hosting Wheel of Fortune after four decades last month, is allegedly giving his replacement 'the cold shoulder.'

Although it initially seemed he was happy to hand over the reins to Ryan Seacrest, sources are now claiming that the Chicago native, 77, was actually pushed out by the network.

Following his 'forced' departure, the television personality is said to be 'resentful of the way he was treated and then kicked off the show' and has no interest in giving Seacrest, 49, any advice or guidance.

'Ryan can reach out to Pat if he wants but asking isn't getting. Pat's always going to be busy, or he'll brush Ryan off with a neutral, "You got this." When Ryan takes over, Pat's going to be watching and enjoying seeing how he fares in the hot seat which is full of challenges and not nearly as easy as he might think,' an insider told The Mirror.

Seacrest, whose first episode of Wheel of Fortune will air in September 2024, reportedly 'knows he's got huge shoes to fill being a worthy replacement for Pat.'

Pat Sajak, who retired from hosting Wheel of Fortune after 41 seasons last month, is allegedly giving his replacement 'the cold shoulder' (seen in 2020)

To smoothen the transition, the source said Seacrest has been in 'full Mr. Nice Guy mode, putting on the charm, lavishing Vanna [White] and everyone else on the show with his homemade cooking, bringing treats.'

The publication also claimed that the media mogul has been 'making a huge effort with Vanna and trying to win favor by taking her out to dinner and trying to get through any lingering tensions they've got.'

Despite his efforts, he has reportedly been struggling to 'build a connection' with White, who worked with Sajak on Wheel of Fortune for more than 40 years.

The longtime television presenter first began hosting the the iconic game show in 1981, taking over from outgoing compere Chuck Woolery.

Between 1981 to 2024, Sajak hosted more than 8000 episodes over 41 seasons.

Earlier this month, White broke her silence over the rumors that she 'doesn't jibe' with Seacrest as she posted a photo of them dining together.

'Friends on and off camera. Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!' she captioned the snap.

Her post came weeks after a source told DailyMail.com that Vanna was mulling the prospect of leaving the show before her two-year contract expires.

Although it initially seemed he was happy to hand over the reins to Ryan Seacrest, sources are now claiming that the Chicago native, 77, was actually pushed out by the network

Following his 'forced' departure, the television personality is said to be dodging Seacrest, 49, as he is 'resentful of the way he was treated and then kicked off the show'

'Vanna is retiring from the show when her contract ends, but there is a part of her that wants to walk away sooner,' a show insider said.

'It is just so difficult to do this without Pat. She just doesn't jibe with Ryan like she did with Pat, and no one really ever expected her to. There is just no way that she possibly could,' the source explained.

'Vanna feels that she has put her time in. She devoted her entire life to this show and she had an incredible run while making a fortune,' the insider added.

'She knows that the show needs to go in a different direction and appeal to a younger demographic. She wants the show to continue. This will require a younger female host, someone who can be to Ryan what she was to Pat.'

In an emotional video released the night before Pat's final episode aired, Vanna tearfully remarked: 'I can't believe that tomorrow is our last show together.'

The South Carolina native went on: 'I don't know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I'm going to try.'

'Ryan can reach out to Pat if he wants but asking isn't getting. Pat's always going to be busy, or he'll brush Ryan off with a neutral, "You got this." When Ryan takes over, Pat's going to be watching and enjoying seeing how he fares in the hot seat which is full of challenges and not nearly as easy as he might think,' an insider told The Mirror

She fondly recalled: 'As the years have gone by, we've grown up on television, but we've also shared so much more behind the scenes.'

Vanna noted that 'as much fun as we had on camera, those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families outside the studio are my favorite.'

When Pat's last episode aired in early June, he responded with a heartwarming tribute to Vanna and their decades of work together.

'Finally, to my professional other half, dear Vanna. Like me, she takes the show very seriously but not herself. I shudder to think what these 40-plus years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves, playing the prima donna role. Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems,' said Pat.

Earlier this month, Vanna White broke her silence over the rumors that she 'doesn't jibe' with Seacrest as she posted a photo of them dining together

'We've seen a lot of changes in each other's lives over the years, but we've always been there for each other. I want to thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday's show, and while I'll very much miss working with her, I take solace in the fact that we live about five miles apart, so we'll see plenty of each other.'

He confessed however that he would 'miss our nightly closes and her laughter and her good nature. She's a very special woman. And I know you're all pleased to know that she'll be back next season.'

At the end of the episode, Vanna crossed the stage to Pat and wrapped him in an embrace, sharing a private chat with him that was drowned out by the exit music.

Pat announced in June 2023 that his 'wonderful ride' on Wheel Of Fortune would be coming to an end this year after his 41st season.

'Id rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late,' he later told his daughter Maggie on Good Morning America.

Following his departure, Pat will remain involved with the show for another three years as a consultant, according to Sony Pictures Television's executive vice president of game shows Suzanne Prete.

Additionally, he's returning to host another season of Celerity Wheel Of Fortune.
Rob Lowe and his youngest son John Owen Lowe opened up about bonding over their sobriety and starring on Netflix's series, Unstable, together.

While promoting the second season of their hit comedy, which the father-son duo also co-created and executive produced, Lowe's youngest child, who the actor shares with make-up artist Sheryl Berkoff, credited his father for helping him beat addiction.

After confirming he was just over seven years sober, John Owen, 28, said staying clean is one of the 'main things' they've 'connected on as father and son.'

He noted that the connection is a 'special and nice' between them, outside of their show, which returns next Thursday.

John Owen also praised Rob for being a role model while he was 'struggling' as he explained it helped to know someone that successfully 'came out on the other side.'

Rob Lowe and his youngest son John Owen Lowe opened up about bonding over their sobriety and working together on Netflix's series, Unstable (Rob seen arriving to Good Morning America)

The actor also stated that his dad was 'very smart' in not trying to overcorrect his behavior and allow him to 'make mistakes with boundaries' to keep him safe.

When asked by Extra if he would advise other parents to give their children space, Rob clarified that you got to 'give them the boundaries so they don't kill themselves or do anything really really really really stupid.'

'Believe me there were boundaries, but the notion that anybody is going to stop [drinking or doing drugs] because you want them to or because they got arrested or because they lost their job or they lost their girlfriend... it doesn't work,' he said.

Rob insisted that the only way for someone to stay sober is making the decision on 'their own.'

Previously, John Owen said he was in hospital 'many times' while battling addiction and, even, had a close friend die from a Fentanyl overdose.

Meanwhile, Rob entered rehab in 1990, at 25, and has been sober since.

On Thursday, the pair also appeared on Good Morning America, where they discussed John Owen's love of poking fun of his father online.

While promoting the second season of their hit comedy, which the father-son duo created, starred in and produced, Lowe's youngest child, who the actor shares with make-up artist Sheryl Berkoff, credited his father for helping him beat addiction

After confirming he was just over seven years sober, John Owen, 28, said staying clean is one of the 'main things' they've 'connected on as father and son'

John Owen also praised Rob for being a role model while he was 'struggling' as someone close to him that he saw successfully come 'out on the other side'

After cracking some jokes at his dad's expense, including one about The West Wing stars' extensive hair routine, John Owen complimented his father's strong work ethic.

Along with Unstable, Rob and John Owen also starred in the sitcom The Grinder in 2015, as well as romance movie Holiday in the Wild in 2019, together.

Last year, John Owen told Men's Health revealed his dad tried to discourage his son from entering showbusiness.

Despite catching the acting bug early from school plays, John Owen said Rob tried to 'beat it out of him,' not wanting to see him succumb to the pitfalls of fame if he were to try and have a career in the business.

Eventually, he did take a break from acting for a time, after becoming worried people only wanted to be friends with him because he had a famous parent.

'The number of times I got compared to my dad, and the number of times he was brought up in conversation, made me so uncomfortable that I wanted to move as far away from that as possible,' he recalled.

The actor also stated that his dad was 'very smart' in not trying to overcorrect his behavior and allow him to 'make mistakes with boundaries up' to keep him safe

Last year, John Owen told Men's Health revealed his dad tried to discourage his son from entering showbusiness

The second season for their series, Unstable, will pick up after the duo's characters successfully fought off a hostile takeover of biotech company last season; seen last year

However after brief stints in finance and a stem-cell research lab, he returned to his first love of performing.

The second season for their series, Unstable, will pick up after the duo's characters successfully fought off a hostile takeover of biotech company last season.

This time, however, Rob's character, Ellis Dragon, will have to battle for control of the company comes from his own son, Jackson (played John Owen).

The show premieres on the streamer on August 1 and co-stars Sian Clifford, Rachel Marsh, Emma Ferreira and Aaron Branch.

Fred Armisen will also return to his recurring role as Leslie, Ellis therapist and Lamorne Morris and Iris Apatow join the cast in the new season, playing another biotech founder and a new intern.
Ariana Madix looked care-free as she stopped by her new sandwich shop, Something About Her, on Wednesday despite news that she and co-owner Katie Maloney are being sued by a former chef.

The reality TV star, 39, flashed her midriff while enjoying a coffee break outside of the West Hollywood-based eatery.

Madix recently returned to LA after hosting the most recent season of Love Island USA in Fiji.

And she looked ultra tanned and toned from her six-week trip in the tropical oasis in a cropped white tank top and baggy striped pants.

Ariana  who recently came clean about her cosmetic procedures  strolled the sidewalk in sandals while carrying two iced lattes from the coffee shop next door.

Ariana Madix looked care-free as she stopped by her new sandwich shop, Something About Her, on Wednesday despite news that she and co-owner Katie Maloney are being sued by a former chef

The reality TV star, 39, flashed her midriff while enjoying a coffee break outside of the West Hollywood-based eatery

Ariana's bright blonde bob was parted to one side and she let her natural beauty shine by opting for minimal makeup.

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Ariana and Katie  who opened Something About Her in May 2024  are facing legal action from Penny Davidi Borsuk, an executive chef who was appointed the COO/Director of Culinary of Something About Her.

Borsuk alleges Madix and Maloney, 37, have failed to follow through with their end of a business agreement they made surrounding her role at the restaurant.

People reports Borsuk has accused the duo of not honoring the stipulations of their written 'partnership.'

Borsuk alleges she was guaranteed a 10% partnership in June 2023 if she assisted in developing and running the restaurant.

Due to this agreement, she claims she did a considerable amount of work to get the restaurant operational. This work included filing trademarks for the eatery.

Borsuk claims she was set to receive a $7,500 paycheck every month until January. In January, her compensation was set to increase to $10,000 a month.

Now, however, Borsuk claims Madix and Maloney have denied ever having such a partnership with her.

She is now hoping a judge will uphold the terms of their agreement and that she will be rightfully compensated.

Madix recently returned to LA after hosting the most recent season of Love Island USA in Fiji

And she looked ultra tanned and toned from her six-week trip in the tropical oasis in a cropped white tank top and baggy striped pants

She carried two iced lattes from the coffee shop next door

Ariana  who recently came clean about her cosmetic procedures  strolled the sidewalk in sandals

She happily chatted with patrons outside the restaurant

She let her natural beauty shine by opting for minimal makeup

Something About Her finally opened in West Hollywood in May 2024 after two years of unexpected delays.

In April Maloney revealed she and Madix were no longer working with Borsuk.

'No, we're not working with Penny any longer,' she said on the Popping Off with Teddi Mellencamp and Emily Simpson podcast.

While she did not share much about the departure, she said the partnership was ultimately not the best 'fit.'

'You know, I mean, we loved working with Penny, and Penny was great, but ultimately it wasn't the right fit,' Maloney said.

An executive chef, Borsuk has also worked with Madix and Maloney's former employer, Lisa Vanderpump.

Borsuk worked with Lisa on both Pump Lounge and Tom Tom.

On her website, she states she works as a Culinary Specialist and New Business Manager for Sysco Foods.

In wake of the lawsuit, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed this week that Ariana and Katie have fired back at Penny over the sandwich shop's trademark.

Before she was fired, Penny and her lawyer husband Jonathan Lee Borsuk applied for the Something About Her trademark through her company Put A Fork In It LLC in August 2023.

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Ariana and Katie  who opened Something About Her in May 2024  are facing legal action from Penny Davidi Borsuk, an executive chef who was appointed the COO/Director of Culinary of Something About Her

Borsuk alleges Madix and Maloney, 37, have failed to follow through with their end of a business agreement they made surrounding her role at the restaurant

Madix and Maloney finally opened their long-awaited sandwich shop in May

They allegedly had the approval of both Madix and Maloney to do so.

Despite no longer working for Madix and Maloney, Chef Penny has retained ownership over the pending trademark.

Something About Her was published in the May 28, 2024 issue of The Trademark Official Gazette  giving anyone the opportunity to oppose it within 30 days of the publication date before a Notice of Allowance is issued, as per the guidelines.

And now DailyMail.com can can divulge that Ariana and Katie filed an opposition through their attorney on June 25.

The reality TV stars were also granted a 90-day extension to oppose it.

Weeks later, Ariana and Katie's attorney went ahead and filed a new trademark for Something About Her on July 9.

Documents reveal that in addition to the restaurant, the business partners plan on adding Something About Her fragrances, candles, cases for phones, bags/totes, clothing and even catering services.
Four people were killed after a plane with 19 people on board crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.

Four bodies have been recovered.



The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported.



Firefighters and security personnel, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, are carrying out the rescue operation.

Watch: A Saurya Airlines plane has crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu pic.twitter.com/n8zeB2PtVL  IANS (@ians_india) July 24, 2024



Plane's Captain Manish Shakya was rescued from the wreckage and taken to KMC Hospital, Sinamangal for treatment, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported.



Further details are awaited.
Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews was seen arriving on set - squashing fans' worries that her character could have been axed from the show.

The actress, 53, was spotted at the filming location in Manchester on Wednesday to shoot the soap after worrying fans with a cryptic video last week.

Sally Ann plays The Rovers' former landlady Jenny Connor (nee Bradley), who is the adopted daughter of Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox).

Sally, who made her first appearance on the show in 1986, confused fans when she made a video hinting they should get used to not seeing her around on Thursday.

But, those worries have now been eliminated as she made her return to the set, as she stepped out in a lovely black and white patterned dress, complete with a black handbag and belt.

Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews returned to set in squashing fans' worries that her character could have been axed from the show

The actress, 53, was spotted on set in Manchester on Wednesday to film the soap after worrying fans with a cryptic video last week

Sally stepped out in a lovely black and white patterned dress, complete with a black handbag and belt

The actress was ready to get stuck into the action once again after what she called a 'million years off'.

During the outing, Sally Ann sported a mint green pair of wedge espadrille heels and completed her look with a black bag, belt, and sunglasses.

Sally wore her strawberry blonde locks in loose waves and seemed to be in high spirits as she made her way to work.

The actress's first stint on the cobbles lasted five years. She returned for a month in 1993, and four months in 2015, before returning permanently in 2016.

Sally has been involved in huge storylines such as a romance with married man Robert Weston when she was underage, and abducting Kevin Webster's son Jack.

Explaining why she was on holiday, the actress took to Instagram Live on Thursday and said: 'I chose to get on an aeroplane because I'm particularly quiet at work.

'I've got, like, a million years off.'

Sally continued: 'So, I chose to go on an aeroplane and I chose to remember happier times.'

She said she has been to Cyprus twice in five weeks and was planning to go away again.

Sally, who made her first appearance on the show in 1986, confused fans when she made a video hinting they should get used to not seeing her around on Thursday

Explaining why she was on holiday, the actress took to Instagram Live on Thursday and said: 'I chose to get on an aeroplane because I'm particularly quiet at work'

She said she has been to Cyprus twice in five weeks and was planning to go away again

As Jenny, Sally has been involved in huge storylines such as a romance with married man Robert Weston while underage, and abducting Kevin Webster's son Jack in 2016 (pictured)

The actress went on: 'And then I'm going to go back to Cyprus, and do nowt, and at some point I might get a job and someone might employ me, potentially.'

According to The Sun, she went on to read fan queries and said: ''Have you left the street?' Hmm. Hang on, next question.'

In response to the words from the former Emmerdale star, fans commented: 'I'm confused'

'Are you not on Corrie any more. I feel like I've missed something or my memory blew up?????';

'You're not on Corrie anymore?', adding a shocked face emoji.

Metro reported that Sally Ann later said: ''We haven't seen much of Jenny for a while'.

'No, you're not going to be seeing Jenny for quite a long while, so that's that!'

A source said: [Sally Ann] is not on 'a break'. She was filming last week, she may be off for a few weeks at the moment, but she is back filming early next month.

MailOnline contacted ITV for comment.

Sally pictured with Rita and Ken Barlow (William Roach), the longest-serving character in Corrie history in 2020

Jenny Connor was landlady of The Rovers from 2018 to 2023 (pictured with Audrey Robert's deceased son Stephen Reid, portrayed by Todd Boyce in 2023)

Sally's appearance back on set comes just after the news that Sean Wilson is also returning to the cobbles as Martin Platt, six years after his last appearance in Weatherfield.

The actor, 59, has begun filming his return stint, and will first appear on screen in October as part of Helen Worth's exit storyline.

In the scenes, Martin's son David (played by Jack P Shepherd) is shocked to find his dad at the house and is immediately suspicious about his reason for coming back into their lives.

As Sean picked up his first scripts to start shooting, he said: 'It was great to be invited back to Coronation Street again, to contribute to Helen's exit story.

'We'll have a few months to catch up with Martin and Gail again, following the ebbs and flows of the unfolding storyline.

'Playing Martin has been a joy since day one and in a way, I'll be slipping back to where I left off, which no doubt will throw a spanner into the heart of the Platt family.

'It's just like slipping on an old and comfortable jumper from the back of the wardrobe I'm looking forward to reuniting with my TV family.'

Sean played Martin for 20 years from 1985 to 2005, before he and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 and he paid one final visit to Weatherfield before his departure to make his peace with David, who was upset that his dad was leaving the country.

Sally's appearance back on set comes just after the news that Sean Wilson is also returning to the cobbles as Martin Platt, six years after his last appearance in Weatherfield

The actor will make his return for Helen Worth's exit storyline after quitting the show in 2005 to become a cheese-maker

It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974

It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974.

The news devastated fans across the UK and some took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate how her character's storyline will end.

ITV confirmed that she will start filming her exit story next month and the 'emotional' scenes will be on screen at the end of the year.

Sharing the news of her exit, Helen said: 'This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.'

'I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.'

'I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.'

'The past 50 years have flown by and I don't think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.'
James Norton and Olivia Rodrigo's boyfriend Louis Partridge got into trouble with the police as they filmed upcoming Netflix historical drama The House Of Guinness in Liverpool on Tuesday.

Louis, 21, known for acting opposite Millie Bobby Brown in Eniola Holmes, another Netflix production, grimaced in a top hat and a brown fur-collared coat.

James looked stern in an old-fashioned black three-piece suit with a thick white cravat and a suede inner jacket.

Louis then spoke with another actor as the cast wrapped up in huge coats despite the strong sun in the city centre.

He and American pop sensation Olivia, also 21, have been linked to one another since October 2023, and put on a very loved-up display earlier in July.

James Norton, 39, and Louis Partridge, 21, got into trouble with the police as they filmed upcoming Netflix historical drama The House Of Guinness in Liverpool on Tuesday

Louis, known for acting opposite Millie Bobby Brown in Eniola Holmes, another Netflix production, grimaced in a top hat and a brown fur-collared coat

He spoke with another actor as the cast wrapped up in huge coats despite the strong sun in the city centre

House Of Guinness was written by Steven Knight, who is currently also working on the Peaky Blinders film.

Netflix announced the series - which will explore the history of the family behind the famous brewery - back in March.

On Monday, James got into character and viciously kicked a co-star when filming was seen for the first time.

The show will be set between Dublin and New York during the 19th century, beginning after the death of Benjamin Guinness - who is credited with the brewery's early success.

The series will chronicle the extraordinary success of the family behind the famous Irish brewery, which was founded back in 1759 by Arthur Guinness.

But behind the story of wealth and prosperity lies a tragic tale of seemingly endless misfortune for the family.

From Tara Browne, who died following a car crash in South Kensington, to scandalous affairs and divorces and the tragic drowning of Honor Uloth aged just 19 in 2020, the family seems to have been dealt a series of devastating blows.

The personal losses faced by the Guinnesses have become so infamous that the company is thought to be 'cursed', despite holding a fortune of over 900million today.

Louis, who has been dating American pop sensation Olivia, also 21, since October, had his costume adjusted by a member of the crew

Creator Steven commented: 'The Guinness dynasty is known the world over  wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from.

'I've always been fascinated by their stories and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see.'

It comes after it was confirmed that Peaky Blinders' original writing and directing team will be returning alongside Cillian Murphy for the Netflix film adaptation of the hit British series.

Cillian, 48, will be reprising his role as Thomas Shelby in the period crime drama, set in late 1910s to early 1930s Birmingham, with the show's creator Steven Knight and Tom Harper again writing and directing respectively.
Katie Piper revealed on Wednesday that she formed an unexpected friendship with an American pop legend after they reached out to her on Instagram.

Loose Women panellist Katie, 40, explained that while she and the seven-time Grammy Award winner have never exchanged words, they watch each other's Stories.

Katie sweetly declared that her famous friend, who has also won two Golden Globe Awards, is her 'role model'.

The women's relationship began when Katie noticed that the icon, whose career spans six decades, had followed her on Instagram.

Speaking exclusively with The Sun of her strengthening bond with Madonna, 65, Katie said: 'Yeah, it's funny. She followed me first and I was like: "Oh!", because I really love Madonna.'

Katie Piper, 40, revealed on Wednesday that she formed an unexpected friendship with an American pop legend after they reached out to her on Instagram

Loose Women panellist Katie explained that while she and the seven-time Grammy Award winner have never exchanged words, they watch each other's Stories

Katie said: 'Yeah, it's funny. She followed me first and I was like: "Oh!", because I really love Madonna ... we look at each other's Stories, send each other emojis'

Katie continued: 'I really like the way that she lives her life. I find her... she's unapologetic, she's authentic so she's a female role model to me.

'So, yeah, we follow each other online, we look at each other's Stories, send each other emojis. It's an unexpected online friendship, isn't it?

'Not actually DMs but we react to each other's Stories, that kind of thing. But I think she's a very powerful woman so she's a big role model to women, I think."

In May, Madonna concluded her twelfth concert tour entitled The Celebration Tour.

The tour took Madonna to over 81 dates and it grossed her almost a quarter of a billion dollars, making it the highest-grossing tour of 2024.

During the tour, Madonna performed a free concert in Rio de Janeiro which drew a crowd of over 1.6 million people.

This became Madonna's largest crowd of her career and the largest crowd of all-time for a female artist.

After her tour concluded, Madonna reportedly restarted work on her previously announced biographical film.

The project, is expected to have Inventing Anna actress Julia Garner at its helm and have the title Who's That Girl?

In May, Madonna concluded her twelfth concert tour entitled The Celebration Tour, the highest-grossing tour of 2024 earning almost a quarter of a billion dollars

After her tour, which featured the biggest crowd for a female artist of all time, Madonna reportedly restarted work on her previously announced biographical film, Who's That Girl?

The activist was spurred on to team up with Virgin Media O2 and Internet Matters for Find the Right Words after her daughter was approached by a stranger online.

The campaign is backed by leading charities Action for Children and Good Things Foundation, with brand new guides for families and a powerful film highlighting the difficulties parents can face in explaining online risks, watch here.

Katie - whose new children's book, Together We Are Stronger, is out now - said: 'It gives you advice and sort of language and tone on how to approach this conversation with your kids. And then the other guide, which me and my husband really need, is very practical.

'It's all about the parental controls, the privacy settings and all the different limitations that you can implement. I actually think that's the barrier for a lot of parents. They don't know how to sit down and have this conversation with their child, which is why this guide is so brilliant.'
Bankrupt Red Lobster announced its new owners Monday, while also letting it slip that it may owe its parent company an eye-watering amount for millions of pounds of shrimp.

RL Purchaser LLC, a entity comprised of Red Lobster's lenders, made the initial bid that has so far gone unchallenged by any outside parties.

The troubled seafood chain filed for bankruptcy in May days after shuttering nearly 100 restaurants in the US.

There's already been whisperings of more closures if landlords aren't able to renegotiate rents downward.

Judge Grace E. Robson of the US Bankruptcy Court of the Middle District of Florida will rule on July 29 whether this proposed sale can proceed.

In the meantime, Red Lobster has about $300 million in debt, some of which is wrapped up in the 3.75 million pounds of shrimp it purchased from its current owner Thai Union Group, according to a document filed with the bankruptcy court by Thai Union's lawyers.

Red Lobster is set to close a further 100 restaurants if its unable to renegotiate cheaper rent

Endless shrimp started at $20 but was too popular and cost millions of dollars

Thai Union, a Thailand-based producer of seafood based products, estimates this amount of raw shrimp is worth about $20.6 million.

It came to this valuation based on the value of the inventory itself, as well as costs associated with additional ingredients for the breaded shrimp, packaging, storage and interest that's still accruing on Red Lobster's balance.

Thai Union's lawyers explain that throughout 2023, Red Lobster was repeatedly 'increasing their forecasted demand' for shrimp, presumably to keep up with its $20 unlimited shrimp promotion it launched in June.

But demand changed in October last year when Red Lobster 'unexpectedly and dramatically reduced their forecast multiple times,' Thai Union claimed.

This was around the time bosses at Red Lobster were realizing their tragic mistake, deciding to raise the price of the unlimited shrimp deal to $22 at select locations to recoup losses.

Thanks to the demand downgrade from its subsidiary, Thai Union says it accumulated 'an oversupply of approximately 5,850,000 pounds of 14/16 prebreaded coconut and 21/23 pre-breaded large shrimp,' both of which are custom items.

Then, Red Lobster allegedly asked for dramatically fewer 'Calabash' shrimp in November, another custom product, leading Thai Union to get stuck with another 1.6 million pounds of shellfish.

Thai Union now claims, after Red Lobster's debtors purchased $13.07 million worth of all this shrimp, that it is still owed 'approximately $3,684,541 in related costs including ingredients, packaging, storage, and interest.'

In a filing on June 28, the debtors instead claimed they owe $0, citing the joint supply agreement Red Lobster and Thai Union entered into in 2019.

Since Thai Union objected to the cure amount put forward by the debtors, there will be a court hearing in August to adjudicate this debt dispute, but only after the sale to the lenders is completed.

Experts and even executives at Thai Union have acknowledged that Red Lobster's unlimited shrimp deal, a gambit it introduced in June with the intent to have be permanent, was a colossal miscalculation that sent the company careening into financial insolvency.

Workers at the Thai Union Frozen food processing plant just outside Bangkok clean and prepare fresh cooked shrimps

Thai Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri, 58, even said out of frustration that he'll never eat lobster again after the bankruptcy.

Once customers found out they could gorge themselves with as many shrimp as they desired last summer, they got right to work bleeding the restaurant dry.

One girl managed to eat 108 shrimp in four hours.

'I set a new record at my local Red Lobster, this is my greatest achievement in life,' the poster explained in her video.

More people began to take advantage of the offer than the company expected. But rather than pull the deal, bosses kept it running for six months - and the losses dwarfed the amount lost for endless crabs offer it ran 20 years earlier.

All told, Thai Union was forced to write off $500 million as it looks to free itself from the financial anchor that is Red Lobster.
Bank of America has closed more than 100 of its branches so far this year.

It comes amid an ongoing bloodbath of national bank branch closures that has seen more than 500 local services shuttered since January.

Bank of America, however, has closed more than any other major bank, accounting for around a fifth of all closures in 2024. Scroll down for the full searchable list with addresses.

The closures, which banks must report to federal regulator, represent a trend as major banks move away from expensive brick-and-mortar branches in favor of online services.

Bank of America told DailyMail.com also said the bank had just completed a three year project to modernize their on-the-ground- footprint in America.

Bank of America has closed more than 100 of its branches in 2024

The banks closures account for around a fifth of all closures in 2024

A spokesperson for the bank acknowledged the closures but explained that the corporation still operated around 3,800 financial centers.

Bank of America also tends to consolidate two branches into one when there is a close, the spokesperson said.

When we close a financial center, many times we consolidate two centers into one new financial center' they explained.

'These shifts in our branch network reflect that, more and more, our clients are using digital banking for their everyday financial needs and coming into financial centers for more significant needs or to have conversations about their finances,' the spokesperson added.

Indeed, recent survey by GOBankingRates found that even retirees prefer online banking to in-branch services.

Overall 78 percent of Americans prefer using mobile and online banking and almost one in four did not visit their bank in the past year.

'The majority of Americans, from Gen Z to boomers, are in less need of a traditional bank, which may explain the rising number of physical branches that have been closing over the past year' Andrew Murray, lead data researcher at GOBankingRates told DailyMail.com.

'Our survey of more than 1,000 adults clearly shows that demand for in-person banking is low across all generations, even boomers 65 and older,' Murray explained.

'It's likely that overhead costs (rent, maintenance, supplies and staff salaries) are a large factor especially given that our survey shows how infrequently people visit brick and mortar banks.'

Indeed closures can lead to significant savings since the average freestanding bank branch costs around $2.6 million a year to run.

Banks must report all planned closures and openings to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a federal banking regulator.
By integrating knowledge and skill development with modern practices, we can nurture youth who are proficient and emotionally and physically resilient

Bharats educational policies are geared towards fostering a balanced approach that integrates learning with modern skills, reduces unnecessary burdens, and nurtures the unique potential of every child. These efforts are crucial for building a future-ready youth capable of seizing new opportunities in a rapidly evolving world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate for educational reforms and skill development.

One of the landmark steps taken by the government is the introduction of the New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, established after almost four decades. The introduction of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has started giving positive dividends. Being a transformative policy, it formalises skill training by integrating it into the education system from Class VI onwards. This policy underpins the importance of combining schooling with skilling, and teaching-learning materials for classes III rd onwardare also being made available now.

The governments plan to incorporate emerging and applied areas, such as semiconductor technology, into the school curriculum is a promising step towards meeting the skilling needs of the diverse and talented Yuva Shakti.

Additionally, the School Bag Policy aims to enhance student well-being by addressing the physical burden of school bags. This policy focuses on streamlining educational materials, promoting digital resources, and encouraging ergonomic designs. States like Assam and Madhya Pradesh have taken significant steps to alleviate the burden on students, with new notifications set to take effect from the academic session 2024-25.Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) outlines the vision and priorities of the government. During the 7th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), Prime Minister Modi interacted with students, teachers, and parents, emphasizing the need to create an educational ecosystem where each childs unique individuality is encouraged and fully expressed. The government has been making concerted efforts to achieve this goal, recognizing that cultural and societal expectations often add undue pressure on students.

Modi advocates for healthy competition, reminding us that Teachers are not in a job role but they shoulder the responsibility of grooming the lives of students.With the rapid pace of technological advancements, its adoption in the process of learning is very crucial and technology should be harnessed as a tool for learning, reminding us that one cannot run away from technology, as the Prime Minister remarked. Reforms are necessary as they can lead Bharat to a higher stage of advancement. The holistic approach involves aligning educational practices with principles that promote mindfulness and resilience.

Education should encompass a broad spectrum of human development, not just intellectual growth. Proper methodologies should be used to assess and nurture various aspects of a childs development. The new education system is all set to enhance individual potential and it also contributes to the nations economic growth. It is widely admitted that a well-educated population is better equipped to drive economic progress and social mobility, reducing disparities and fostering a more equitable society.

Moreover, education contributes to better health, increased civic engagement, and enhanced personal satisfaction. Bharats examination system needs further reforms. Hence, going forward, the nation is bound to have a more fair, transparent, stress-free, flexible and robust examination system. The holes are being plugged on an urgent basis at all levels. Bharat is on the right path to building a stronger, more vibrant nation where talent, knowledge, and skills thrive.

(The author is the BJP Councillor from Narayana, New Delhi; views are personal)
A day after Amit Shah termed NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar as corruption ka sargana (Godfather of corruption) and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief as leader of Aurangzeb fan club, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders hit back at the Union Home Minister, saying that the latters comments were laughable.

Rubbishing Shahs comments against the two of its top leaders, the MVA leaders said that both Pawar and Uddhav were respected leaders and such remarks by the Union Home Minister were unwarranted.

NCP (SP) Working President and Pawars daughter Supriya Sule said: Such comments are laughable because it is the BJP-led NDA government that has bestowed the coveted Padma Vibhushan award on Pawar saheb considering the volume of work done by him in various fields of activity for the last 60 years

Taking a dig at the Union Home Minister, Supriya said that when Shah was addressing the office bearers rally in Pune, she saw BJP leader Ashok Chavan in the same frame. Ashok Chavan, was sitting behind himso 90 per cent of the people who have been accused of corruption by BJP are in BJP today because of the washing machineI have never said a word about Chavan Saheb but it is the BJP which used to call him corrupt, but today he is part of the BJP, she said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and Uddhavs close aide Sanjay Raut also came out in defence of the Sena (UBT) chief. Shah has described Uddhav ji as the leader of Aurangzeb fan clubbut we are not part of the Jinnah fan club.

We never went to Jinnahs grave in Pakistan and offered flowers or ate Nawaz Sharifs birthday cake in Pakistan. Basically, there is nothing wrong in taking the side of nationalist Muslims in the country. Muslims have also contributed during the struggle of this country, Raut said.

Raut was referring to veteran BJP leader L. K Advanis visit the Jinnahs grave in 2005 and Prime Ministers surprise air-dash to Pakistan to greet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his birthday.

It may be recalled that on June 4, 2005, Advani had visited the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. In a press release issued on the same day, the BJP had quoted the following message written by Advani in the Visitors Book at the Jinnah Mausoleum..There are many people who leave an inerasable stamp on history. But there are very few who actually create history. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah was one such rare individual. In his early years, Sarojini Naidu, a leading luminary of Indias freedom struggle, described Mr. Jinnah as an Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity.

His address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947 is a classic, a forceful espousal of a Secular State in which every citizen would be free to practise his own religion but the State shall make no distinction between one citizen and another on the grounds of faith. My respectful homage to this great man, the BJP had quoted Advani as writing in the visitors book at the Jinnah Mausoleum.

The second example that Raut alluded to was Prime Minister Modis surprise visit to Pakistan on December 25, 2015 to meet and greet Nawaz Sharif on the latters birthday. He was received by Sharif with a warm hug at the tarmac of Lahore airport, on his arrival from Afghanistan by a special Indian Air Force Boeing 737 plane. Modi later took a chopper to proceed to Sharifs Raiwind palatial residence in the outskirts of Lahore to celebrate the latters birthday.
No State ignored in Budget, Opposition trying to mislead, claims Sitharaman

Opposition parties resorted to vehement protest in and out of Parliament on Wednesday over the alleged discrimination against Opposition-ruled States in the Union Budget. MPs belonging to the INDIA Bloc staged protest in Parliament premises during the day and also walked out from the Rajya Sabha while heated exchange of words between the ruling benches were noticed when issues like Article 356, Emergency cropped up.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman termed the allegations by Opposition benches outrageous and said all the States never found a mention in any of the previous Budgets, including those presented by the Congress. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Budget is an assault on the sanctity of Indias federal structure. Ruling BJP dismissed the Congress charge of the Union Budget being discriminatory towards Opposition-ruled States and asserted that every State and section has been taken care of by the Modi Government.

No State ignored in Budget, Opposition trying to mislead, said Sitharaman.

In the protest in Parliament premises besides Rahul, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, several MPs of the Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, DMK and the Left joined the protest held on the steps leading up to the Makar Dwar of Parliament. Sharing a picture of the protest on his WhatsApp channel, Rahul said, Today, along with INDIA janbandhan MPs, protested against NDAs Kursi Bachao Budget in Parliament House premises.

Further, to continue with protest, Congress Chief Ministers and other non-BJP led CM of States like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Punjab will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. Led by Congress, Opposition staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha.

After Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected notices under Rule 267 that called for the suspension of the listed agenda to take up the issue, Leader of Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Union Budget for the 2024-25 (April 2024 to March 2025) fiscal year provided funds and schemes for only two states  Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. As Dhankhar gave Sitharaman the floor to respond, Kharge led the Opposition bloc out of the House, saying they were walking out in protest.

The Finance Minister said she did not name many States either in the interim Budget presented in February ahead of the general election or in the full Budget tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, but that does not mean that government schemes are not working for the states. Sitharaman said she can go on to cite several other states that have got major projects.

This is a deliberate attempt of the Opposition parties, led by the Congress, to give an impression to people that oh, nothing has been given to our States, it has only been given to two States. I would challenge the Congress party for all the Budget speeches they have delivered, that in each of the Budget speeches, have they named every State of the country? she asked. This is an outrageous allegation, which is not acceptable, she added.

As the MPs belonging to opposition parties returned to the House, the finance minister said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had raised questions on Tuesday about nothing being given to West Bengal in the budget, but the fact is that several schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 10 years have not been implemented in the state. Her statement was met with vociferous opposition from the TMC members, who said the BJP-led Centre owes Rs 1 lakh crore to West Bengal.
The Centre on Wednesday sent a stern message that terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir region will either land in jail or be sent to jahannum (hell). Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the entire Defence core team held series of review meeting for constant Jammu terror attacks in recent times, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai asserted in Parliament that the Modi Government has zero tolerance for terrorism.

A terrorist was neutralised while one more Indian Army jawan sacrificed his life in the ongoing encounter with terrorists in the North Kashmir district of Kupwara on Wednesday. The braveheart has been identified as Naik (GNR) Dilwar Khan. This is the third incident of terrorist violence in the last three days in Jammu and Kashmir.

The house of a Shaurya Chakra awardee was targeted by terrorists in the Khawas tehsil of Rajouri on Monday while an Army jawan sacrificed his life in the line of duty thwarting a major infiltration bid along the line of control in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch on Tuesday.

The Modi Government has zero tolerance for terrorism. We will end terrorism. They (terrorists) will be either in jail or jahannum... I want to assure the House. Terrorist activities witnessed recently will soon end. They (terrorists) will not succeed in their design, Rai said in Parliament.

In the latest Rajouri incident, in the ensuing firefight, one terrorist was eliminated and a soldier received injuries who later succumbed to his injuries. A spokesman of the Chinar Corps said based on specific information the operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police in the general area of Kowut, Kupwara on July 23. On July 24, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire

The Government informed the Lok Sabha that in the past few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir and unfortunately some security personnel have also lost their lives. According to the Minister, security forces have killed about 900 terrorists in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Between 2004-2014 when the UPA was ruling at the Centre, there were 7,217 incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The number came down to 2,259 from 2014, when the BJP was voted to power, and July 21 this year, Rai said. In 2019, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Observing that there is a trust deficit between farmers and the Central Government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed the constitution of an independent committee comprising eminent persons to reach out to the protesters at Shambhu border and address their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP.

The top court directed the Punjab and Haryana Governments to suggest the names of suitable individuals for the committee and submit a proposal for removal of barricades on the National Highway while ordering a status quo on the border for a week.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Surya Kant said there is a need for a "neutral umpire" who can inspire confidence between farmers and the Government.

"You have to take some steps to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi? You are sending Ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is trust deficit," the bench also comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan said.

"Let appropriate instructions be taken within a week. Till then let parties maintain status quo at the site to prevent flaring up of the situation at the Shambhu border," the bench said while posting the matter after a week.

The top court was hearing the Haryana Government's plea challenging the High Court order asking it to remove within a week the barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala where protesting farmers have been camping since February 13.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that earlier the roads were blocked against the three agricultural laws and now they have new demands.

The top court said the Centre has to examine the demands of the farmers as a welfare state. "Some demands may be genuine, others may not be acceptable," the bench said.
Students work on equations during a summer math course at San Franciscos Galileo High School in 2023. Schools want to know if their mathematics course offerings comply with entrance requirements for University of California. Amaya Edwards/The Chronicle

Twice this year, the University of California faculty broadly reaffirmed which high school math courses are required for admissions. However, many school counselors and students, along with the president of the State Board of Education, complain theyre confused by a lack of details.

High schools want to know if their specific course offerings comply with UC requirements. Depending on a students interests and intended majors, counselors want to know which courses to recommend. And students want to know if taking less Algebra-intensive math classes like statistics and data science could affect their chances of getting admitted to the campus of their choice.

Schools and districts must have clear, timely and consistent information so that students and families understand the impact of their choices, wrote State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond in a July 15 letter to the UC board of regents.

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Prodded by a regents committee, administrators with the University of California Office of the President last week promised to provide more clarity by the end of the summer.

I feel like were not coming at this from a student perspective. I feel were coming at this from an academic perspective, and I would really encourage all of us to maybe flip that a little bit, put yourselves in the shoes of a rising sophomore, a rising junior, regent Alfonso Salazar, who is president of the UC Alumni Associations, said at the meeting. That would be incredibly helpful because people are very nervous and concerned.

The confusion centers on the ongoing debate over whether AP Statistics or data science can be substituted for Algebra 2. Over the past decade, the UC faculty committee that determines course requirements approved AP Statistics and, more recently, introductory data science courses as substitutes for Algebra 2, which UC requires for admission. By default, those decisions also applied to California State University, which follows the exact course requirements, A to G, for admission to the 23 CSU campuses.

But faced with strong objections from STEM professors, the faculty committee did a hurried about-face in July 2023, days before the state board adopted a math framework that outlined sequences of high school math courses. The faculty committee voted that AP Stats and introductory data science would no longer validate or substitute for Algebra 2, starting in the fall of 2025.

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The STEM community argued that the courses lacked sufficient Algebra 2 content to prepare students for precalculus, which is a precursor to calculus. Majoring in data science, computer science and STEM all require calculus. Students who take introductory data science would be under the illusion they are ready to major in data science. UC and many CSU campuses dont offer catch-up courses in Algebra 2.

Since 1999, the number of students majoring in STEM more than tripled, from 14,081 to 48,851 in 2022. The proportion of STEM majors at UC increased from 32% to 44% of all majors, according to UC data.

Where does data science fit in?

The immediate impact of the decision is expected to be limited, since more than 99% of applicants to UC have taken Algebra 2 anyway, according to UC data. But interest in data science, in a world of burgeoning AI and uses for big datasets, has been mushrooming, and promoters pointed to introductory data as a way to skip Algebra 2.

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The faculty committee, the Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools, or BOARS, reaffirmed that position in February when it accepted a faculty workgroups report. The report examined the content of AP Statistics and the three most popular introductory data science courses and found that none of these courses labeled as data science even come close to meeting the required standard to be a more advanced course (Algebra 2). They should be called data literacy courses, it said.

But where, Darling-Hammond asked in her letter, does that leave the status of potentially hundreds of other courses in data science, financial math and non-AP statistics that UC previously validated as satisfying Algebra 2?

Most districts will be starting the new school year in less than a month without sufficient clarity regarding the mathematics courses they will offer moving forward, she wrote. But the committees criteria and process are not yet fully transparent, and it has only evaluated four courses out of the hundreds that have previously been approved.

One complication facing BOARS and staff within the UC Office of the President, which annually evaluates courses that school districts submit for approval, is that there are no state standards for data literacy. Each course must be examined independently.

Darling-Hammonds letter raised a critical, intertwined issue: How will UC categorize introductory science and other courses as fourth-year high school math courses?

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Neither UC nor CSU requires that high school graduates take four years of math, but they highly recommend it. According to UC data, about 80% of UC applicants take at least one course in advanced math beyond Algebra 2, usually precalculus or both precalculus and AP Statistics. The report did not include comparable CSU data.

BOARS created a second, 12-member faculty workgroup of STEM professors to examine what math courses will best prepare students to succeed at UC in whatever field they choose. A report in June agreed that the current three required foundational math courses make sense: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2, or Math 3 in districts that offer an integrated math sequence. It also emphasized that to be recommended for a fourth year of mathematics study, (a course) must build substantially on the content of the lower-level sequence.

With that in mind, the report, which BOARS adopted, divided high school math courses into four categories:

Category 1 consists of the foundational math courses.

Category 2 courses, which include precalculus and calculus, best prepare students interested in STEM fields.

Category 3, which also builds on foundational courses, are courses suited for students interested in quantitative social sciences, such as psychology and history. It singles out AP Stats, but not data science.

Category 4, a catch-all for other courses in quantitative reasoning, would include data literacy. These courses will continue broadening students interest and confidence in math and may be appropriate for arts and humanities majors.

Tension over fourth year designations

Advocates for introductory data science argue that many of their courses cover the same Common Core statistic standards as AP Statistics yet could be cast into the lowest category. Counselors may discourage students from taking data science, and districts may retreat from offering it. That would stunt the growth of data science at a time when other states are encouraging it, said Aly Martinez, who helped design CourseKata, a two-year introductory data science course, as the instructional coordinator of math for San Diego Unified.

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Other states are thinking about a wider range of rigorous math courses. California is not doing that. Many districts have done these innovations and seen success. Its frustrating; it feels like California is closing the door versus opening it, said Martinez, who is now the chief program officer for the national nonprofit Student Achievement Partners.

Cole Sampson, incoming president of the California Mathematics Council, seconded the call for more clarity. The latest UC faculty report absolutely causes some confusion; it did not outline enough for the next steps, he said.

High schools that submit math courses for approval in fall 2025 will need clear guidance and feedback on how to revise courses, said Sampson, who is director of curriculum, instruction and accountability for the Kern County superintendent of schools. Whether courses are approved or how they are categorized will affect student choices and master schedules. UC should be mindful of local impacts, he said.

UC Provost Katherine Newman acknowledged the need for more information at the regents meeting. Theres work to be done to communicate what those recommendations mean, she said, adding I dont sense amongst my colleagues any hostility toward data science. On the contrary, she said that UC will work with their K through 12 partners to bolster data science courses so that students are well-prepared when they enter UC.

At the end of their June report, the UC math faculty members acknowledged that many high school students find math courses, especially Algebra 2, overfull of content and uninteresting. They suggested the UC form another committee to look deeper into how high school math courses can be improved to help students better understand the mathematical concepts. Members should include faculty with expertise in improving the quality of K-12 math.

Another workgroup examining math content, consisting of faculty from UC, CSU and community colleges, may examine this issue of alternative math courses in a report due later this summer.

Sampson said he would welcome that broader opportunity.
In line with the Yogi Adityanath government's ongoing pursuit to foster a healthy educational environment in Uttar Pradesh and nurture skilled workers, the Parishadiya schools organised an array of events on the second day of Shiksha Saptah on Tuesday.

The events included celebration of FNL Diwas in all Parishadiya schools. During the event, amidst various programmes, teachers pledged to make Uttar Pradesh a nipun (skilled) state.

It is noteworthy that, under the instructions of the Union Ministry of Education, Shiksha Saptah is being celebrated in all Parishadiya schools of the Basic Education department in Uttar Pradesh from July 22 to 28/29, with various activities being organised daily.

On the second day, teachers took a pledge to make Uttar Pradesh and their schools proficient by helping students acquire basic skills.

They pledged to motivate their colleagues to achieve proficiency continually and committed to making their blocks and districts proficient. They also vowed to transform proficient schools into proficient blocks and districts, and, eventually, a proficient state by dedicating their efforts fully.

This initiative aims to shape childrens future in primary, upper primary, and Kasturba Gandhi residential schools by developing their logical abilities through daily activities focused on specific subjects.

The programmes organised on the second day of Shiksha Saptah were interactive sessions on innovative and joyful teaching methods that were conducted for teachers.

A seminar was held with parents, interactive learning sessions were provided for children, engaging activities and games were organised, art and craft activities were arranged to foster childrens imagination and creativity, parents and teachers were informed about integrating art and craft into the FLN curriculum. The significance of FLN was highlighted through videos, with an emphasis on raising public awareness.

The Nipun Shapath Grahan programme was held, sessions for reading books were conducted, cultural activities related to basic literacy and numeracy took place, language development through storytelling was emphasised, children engage in toy-based and game-based learning activities, puppet shows were organised, lessons on organising public awareness campaigns in the local community were shared, emphasis was laid on involving local leaders and influential people in the programmes.

Anganwadi workers focused on ensuring the participation of mothers and children, panel discussions with education experts, policymakers, and subject experts were held, and tips on analysing future directions and innovations were received.












The agitation of Assistant police personnel will continue, they announced on Friday. They said that if the demands agreed upon in the talks held with the Government on Monday are accepted in the Cabinet meeting to be held on July 24, then only they will end their agitation. Till the time the Government does not bring their demands to the cabinet, their agitation will continue.



The Assistant police personnel, who were protesting in Morhabadi ground demanding adjustment in Jharkhand Police had gone out to surround the Chief Ministers residence on July 19. During this, Jharkhand Police had lathicharged them. The Assistant policemen were reinstated in 12 districts of the State, Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, Khunti, East and West Singhbhum, Dumka and Giridih on an honorarium of Rs 10,000.



Just a day ago on Monday the Assistant policemen, who were on strike for 22 days, had announced to end their protest. The meeting of MLAs with the police personnel was successful on Monday.



During the 6-hour long talks, an agreement was reached on a 30 percent increase in honorarium. Along with this, an agreement has been reached on a 1-year extension. An agreement has also been reached on reservation for the recruitment of Home Guards and Forest Guards. The MLAs have said that a proposal will be brought in the Cabinet regarding this.



Former Minister and MLA from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Mathura Mahato, MLA Sudivya Kumar, Sukhram Oraon, Congress MLA Rajesh Kachhap, Naman Vikas Kongari and CPI (ML) MLA Vinod Kumar Singh were present in the talks with the assistant policemen.
Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi on Wednesday inspected the Kanwar camp at Maharaja Agrasen Park in Kashmiri Gate and instructed officials to ensure everything is in place for the pilgrims' comfort and safety.

During her visit, the senior AAP leader said, For the last nine years, the Kejriwal government has been setting up camps for the convenience of Kanwariyas in the holy month of Sawan. This year also 185 Kanwar camps are being set up across Delhi where all the facilities will be available for the Kanwariyas.

She added that in the camps, waterproof tents, accommodation, sleeping arrangements, clean water, toilets and other arrangements are made. Special stands are provided for keeping the Kanwars of the Kanwariyas. Also, every Kanwar camp has medical facilities, Atishi claimed, adding that serving the Shiv Bhakts in the holy month of Sawan is a work of virtue and faith.

In this direction, the Kejriwal government is fulfilling its responsibility by providing all the facilities to the Kanwariyas, she said.The camp located in Kashmiri Gate is one of the largest Kanwar camps in the country where arrangements can be made for the stay of about 20,000 Kanwariyas at a time. Separate halls have been prepared for the rest of the male and female Kanwariyas and a large dining hall has also been prepared for the Kanwariyas to receive prasad.

While instructing the officials, Revenue Minister Atishi said, All the necessary facilities should be arranged for the convenience of Kanwariyas in the Kanwar camp so that the Shiv Bhakts (devotees of lord Shiva) do not have to face any kind of problem.

Further, she added that the district administration should be on alert during the Kanwar Yatra so that the Kanwariyas do not face any kind of problem and the Kanwariyas get all the necessary facilities in the camp. Every necessary step should be ensured for the safety and facilities of the Kanwariyas, Atishi said.

Minister mentioned that this year also 24x7 medical staff will be present in all the camps so that the Kanwariyas can be given immediate treatment if needed and for their convenience, local dispensaries have been linked to the camps. CATS ambulances have been connected for any emergency. Hospitals have been instructed to make special arrangements for the treatment of Kanwariyas, she stated.
Bank of Baroda (Bank), on Monday celebrated its 117th Foundation Day. The theme for the Bank's 117th year is "Trusted Today, Transforming Tomorrow", outlining the Bank's vision to be a world-class financial services institution, built on the foundation of the trust of its customers for well over a century.

On the occasion, the Bank launched a range of digital and technology-led initiatives aimed at further enhancing the payments and banking experience for customers.

Bank of Baroda is also extending its support to a number of social causes such as promoting the Karthumbi umbrellas of Thampu, a tribal community based in Kerala and joining hands with the Acworth Municipal Hospital for Leprosy. The Bank is also undertaking the "BOB Earth-Green Drive" a mega tree plantation drive across the country, with the aim to plant 117,000 fruit-bearing trees. Further, various other activities such as blood donation drives, cyclothons, walkathons etc are being organised across the country by the Bank's various offices.

Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, "Today is an important landmark as we celebrate Bank of Baroda's 117th Foundation Day. It is also an appropriate moment to look ahead and renew our commitment to building the Bank of the Future - responsibly, sustainably and with integrity. I would like to thank our customers and all other stakeholders for their continued patronage and trust bestowed upon us and we look forward to an enduring partnership. I would also like to thank all Barodians - both past and present - who have all played a vital role in the growth and success of Bank of Baroda."

"On the Bank's 117th Foundation Day, we are pleased to launch a wide range of initiatives and offerings that promise to delight our customers across the spectrum - retail, agri and corporate banking customers. The Bank is also making significant social and environmental contributions to make this occasion even more special," Chand added.
In the aftermath of a woman being killed and 34 people being injured when a DTC bus rammed into a pillar near Shivaji Park metro station, the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) directed its operators to conduct surprise alcohol checks on bus drivers.

On Monday morning, a woman was killed, and 34 people were injured when a DTC bus they were travelling in rammed into a pillar near Shivaji Park metro station in west Delhi.

The DIMTS, which manages cluster bus services in Delhi, conducted a session on Tuesday for its 17 bus operators and issued directions regarding driver sensitisation and conducting checks on drivers.

"There have been incidents of cluster bus accidents in the recent past. There was a need to sensitise the bus operators. Apart from making them aware of the measures that need to be taken to avoid cluster bus accidents, they were also issued directions related to conducting checks on drivers," said an official.

There are 9,000 drivers under DIMTS. According to the official, some measures that will be implemented in the next few days to control accidents include strict implementation of a single duty system for drivers.

"It will be ensured that no under-rest driver will be deployed on duty. The drivers will be counselled before their duty hours. Bus operators have been directed to increase the number of random alcohol tests for the crew. These tests can be conducted before duty hours or after duty hours," he added.

In January this year, a three-year-old child was mowed down allegedly by a cluster bus in the southwest Delhi Najafgarh area. Meanwhile, in March last year, a man was killed after being crushed by the rear wheel of a cluster bus.

According to the Delhi Crash Report of Delhi Traffic Police, 107 accidents were those where cluster buses were involved in 2022, including 22 major ones. The city government, in response to a question on bus accidents, had informed the Delhi Assembly that there had been 207 accidents involving cluster buses between 2019 and December 4, 2023.

Cluster buses were introduced in Delhi to replace Blue Line buses that were phased out in 2012.


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Farmers, a section of which has been protesting at the Shambhu border since February, have expressed deep disappointment over the Central Government's budget proposals, which they claim have once again failed to address their critical concerns. The much-anticipated budget has been criticized by the farmers for its lack of provisions for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law and for neglecting vital aspects of agricultural support.



Voicing a strong disapproval of the budget, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher labeled it as pessimistic while accusing the Modi Government of disregarding the farming community for the seventh consecutive year. Pandhers criticism highlights the absence of any measures for MSP guarantees and debt relief for farmers  the key demands that have been central to the ongoing protests.



In a sharp rebuke, Pandher pointed out that out of the Rs 48 lakh crore budget, a mere Rs 1.52 lakh crore  less than three percent  is allocated to the farmers. This is a stark reminder of the government's continued neglect of the agricultural sector, despite the fact that farmers and labourers constitute nearly 70 percent of the population, he argued.



The budgets provisions for natural farming incentives, seed development, and rural growth have been dismissed by Pandher as unrealistic and insufficient. He asserted that the budget fails to offer any tangible solutions for improving the farming sector or addressing the pressing issues faced by farmers.



Pandher further criticized the budget for lacking vision and direction, particularly in terms of youth employment. He dismissed the promises of government jobs and corporate sector opportunities as mere illusions, arguing that they do not address the core issues affecting farmers and rural communities.


In a significant move to bolster farmers' rights, SAD MP from Bathinda Harsimrat Kaur Badal has introduced a Private Members Bill in the Parliament seeking to make the Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal guarantee for all crops.

The move is seen as a critical measure to address the financial distress faced by the farmers and to align with the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations for agricultural sustainability.

The proposed bill aims to ensure that farmers receive a price for their produce that includes a 50 percent profit over the comprehensive cost of production. Currently, farmers are disheartened by the fact that they only receive about 30 percent of the price paid by consumers, leaving them vulnerable to debts and financial instability. Harsimrats proposed bill seeks to rectify this imbalance by securing MSP as a statutory right.

Emphasizing the urgency of the bill, Harsimrat said: Farmers are the backbone of our nation, yet they are struggling with inadequate compensation for their hard work. This bill is designed to provide them with the financial security they need and deserve. I urge all political parties to come together in support of this measure to stabilize farmers' incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

In a show of solidarity, Harsimrat, along with MPs from other Punjab-based parties, including members from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, met with farmers in Delhi earlier this week. During this meeting, they assured the farmers of their unwavering support and commitment to addressing their concerns.

Prior to the introduction of the bill, farmers had also submitted a petition to all MPs, excluding the 240 BJP members, urging for the inclusion of a legal MSP guarantee in the budget session. They highlighted that this legislative move was essential for their financial stability and promised to closely monitor the actions of all political parties, adjusting their strategies based on their support for this critical issue.

In a landmark event to secure the just rights of the Annadaata, Shiromani Akali Dal MP @HarsimratBadal_ has moved a Private Members Bill in parliament to make Minimum Support Price (#MSP) a legal guarantee on all cropsThis is the need of the hour to save farmers from indebtedness. This should be done as per the Swaminathan Commission recommendations which calls for ensuring a 50 % profit on the comprehensive cost of production.I appeal to all political parties to support the Bill to provide financial security to farmers, stabilize their income and encourage sustainable agriculture practices, SAD president and Harsimrats husband Sukhbir Singh Badal posted on X.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Tuesday said the state government has selected insurance companies under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to compensate farmers for crop losses due to natural calamities in the state. He added that a decision was taken in the meeting of the High-Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC).



Saini said that the insurance companies have been selected for the period from Kharif 2024 to Rabi 2025-26. An amount of Rs 1100 crore will be paid as a premium for this period. Farmers will have to pay merely a premium of 1 to 1.5 percent. The central and state governments will cover the remaining premium.



Besides this, in the HPPC, Departmental High-Powered Purchase Committee (DHPPC), and High-Powered Works Purchase Committee (HPWPC) approval was also given to the contracts and various item purchases worth over Rs 1970 crore in total. Negotiations with various bidders led to savings of over Rs 132 crore.



Cabinet Ministers Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Mool Chand Sharma, Ranjit Singh Chautala, JP Dalal, and Minister of State Aseem Goel were also present in the meeting.



Approval for Purchase of 650 Buses, Costing over Rs 290 Crore



The Government official spokesperson said that in the meeting, approval was also given to the proposal to purchase 150 AC buses and 500 non-AC buses for the Haryana Roadways fleet, at an estimated cost of over Rs 290 crore. Additionally, approval was given for the purchase of multilayer covers and other items to protect food grains from rain and for storage by procurement agencies such as the Food Supply Department, HAFED, Haryana State Warehousing Corporation (HSWC), at an estimated cost of around Rs 15 crore.



The agenda of the police department's purchase of 2000 women's body protectors and special equipment for RFSL Bhondsi, Sunaria, and Madhuban, at an estimated cost of around Rs 14 crore was also approved.



The spokesperson further said that in the meeting, approval was also given for the construction of RCC box-type master stormwater drains in new sectors of Gurugram's sectors 68-75 at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore and the construction of RCC box-type master stormwater drains and pumping stations in sectors 112-115, at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore.



Additionally, the projects namely, construction of a sub-division complex in Sohna, Gurugram district, at an estimated cost of Rs 17 crore, and the construction of SDO Civil Complex in Badhkal, Faridabad, at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore, were approved.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that the month of Shrawan has special significance in Indian culture. Keeping this in view, Rs 250 will be transferred in the month of Shravan to the account of each Ladli Behna on the upcoming date. This will be in addition to Rs 1250 released every month. He also called upon the ministers to celebrate Rakhi with Ladli Behnas in their respective areas. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the members of the State Cabinet ahead of the Cabinet meeting.

Yadav said that the people got a unique opportunity to connect with celebration of Guru Shishya Parampara through programmes organized by the School Education and Higher Education Department on Guru Purnima in honour of the Gurus at all educational institutions. He said that celebrating festivals has social purposes. The festival of Sankranti has been celebrated as sign of women empowerment and Gudi Padwa as Vikramotsav. In this sequence, the month of Shrawan will be celebrated as a festival of sisters. Such activities will uphold the tradition of celebrating festivals complying to India's culture.

Devotees visiting temples in Shravan

Yadav said that a large number of devotees visit temples in the month of Shravan. He asked the ministers to pay attention to devotees, law and order, and other arrangements in their respective areas. He urged the people to be alert about rising water levels in rivers and dams and stay in touch with the district administration.

Yadav congratulated the members for the success of the Regional Industry Conclave at Jabalpur. Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh said that Jabalpur Conclave has yielded positive results. Due to the positive discussions held with the investors, success has been achieved in creating a productive environment for industrial activities and investment in the Mahakaushal area and the state.

MP ranks first in country in pulses production

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, while discussing the points related to Madhya Pradesh mentioned in the economic survey presented by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, said that Madhya Pradesh is among the states moving rapidly in achieving the sustainable development goals in the year 2023-24. Madhya Pradesh has registered an increase of 15 points. In his statement, the Union Minister also mentioned two river interlinking projects related to Madhya Pradesh, the Ken-Betwa Link Project and the Kali Sindh-Chambal-Parvati Link Project. Madhya Pradesh ranks first in India in pulses production and is number two in the country in oilseeds production.

The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is producing one-fourth volume of country's total pulses production. The state has one-fifth share in the oilseed production of the country. Madhya Pradesh is again in first place in soybean production. It is also the first in the production of gram and wheat. Madhya Pradesh ranks second in the country in total food grains production. It ranks third in the country in the production of maize, coarse grains, groundnuts, and peas. The farming community deserves commendations for these achievements. Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, yield estimation based on technology was successfully tested in Madhya Pradesh. For this, the state has been praised by the Central Government.

Yadav said that to promote the textile industry, a mega project worth Rs 4 thousand 445 crore is proposed in Dhar district, one of the 7 PM Mitra Parks of the country. About 1 lakh local tribal youth will benefit from this. Madhya Pradesh has scored 6 out of 6 marks for facilitating the teaching-learning. Under the Single State Act, Madhya Pradesh has come fourth in the country in the number of Panchayat Co-operative Societies.

Madhya Pradesh ranks fifth in the country in cement production. Indore Bio CNG Plant has been mentioned as a case study in the Economic Survey. Bhavantar Bhugtan has been discussed as a farmer-friendly structure in the Economic Survey.
Leaders from across Punjabs political spectrum  the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)  have come together to express dissatisfaction with the Union Budget-2024. The rare consensus highlighted the depth of their grievances against the BJP-led Central Government for what they describe as a blatant neglect of Punjabs pressing needs.



In a collective outcry against the BJP-led Central Governments failure to announce any special package for Punjab, they have sharply criticized the budget as a Sarkaar Bachao Budget, accusing the Centre of tailoring it to benefit NDA allies in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, while neglecting the vital needs of farmers, the impoverished, and the youth across the nation.



Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema did not mince words in his critique of the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as he condemned the budget as a complete disappointment for Punjab. He accused the Centre of ignoring the states specific demands, such as a package for crop diversification.



Cheemas scathing remarks underscored a perceived step-motherly treatment towards border states like Punjab, with crucial sectors such as roads, health, and education left wanting. The reduction in fertilizer subsidies by 36 percent was particularly criticized, painting the budget as anti-Punjab and anti-farmer.



Echoing Cheemas sentiments, Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring accused the BJP of prioritizing political gains over the welfare of the nation, citing the allocation of special infrastructure funds to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh as a glaring example. Warrings disappointment was palpable as he highlighted the lack of attention to Punjab, a state vital to India's agriculture and military.



SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also joined the chorus of disapproval, describing the budget as discriminatory towards Punjab. Sukhbir emphasized the omission of any substantial support for Punjabs farmers, particularly in terms of debt waivers and incentives for crop diversification. The absence of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) was another significant point of contention. He criticized the budget for failing to provide necessary tax concessions to the states industrial sector, further highlighting the economic distress faced by Punjab.



AAP MP from Anandpur Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang and the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa amplified the collective grievance. Kang pointed out the pro-corporate focus of the budget and demanded immediate release of funds for Punjabs Rural Development Fund and National Health Mission. Bajwa, on the other hand, lamented the lack of a special package for Punjab's agriculture sector, criticizing the Centre for overlooking the state's critical role as the food bowl of India.



Bajwa also highlighted the budget's failure to address the demands for MSP on 23 crops, a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that remains unfulfilled. Senior Congress leader argued that the allocations for agriculture were insufficient to pull the sector out of its deepening crisis, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Punjab's farming community.



SADs Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal also criticized the Union Budget 2024 as a Sarkar Bachao budget, crafted primarily to appease NDA allies in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, while neglecting the needs of farmers, the poor, and the youth nationwide. She lamented that Punjab has been overlooked for the sixth consecutive budget cycle since Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) left the NDA alliance. She demanded accountability from those who, under the guise of addressing Punjab's issues, have instead perpetuated the states ongoing neglect and discrimination by the Centre.



Punjab BJP terms Budget as a beacon of progress and prosperity



The Punjab unit of the BJP has warmly embraced the Union Budget 2024 with state BJP president Sunil Jakhar terming it as a significant step towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) with a focus on youth employment, agricultural resilience, and tax relief, signaling a new era of development and prosperity for the nation. Jakhar lauded the budget as a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foresight and Finance Minister Sitharaman's pragmatic approach. He emphasized that the budget's emphasis on job creation, education, and infrastructure aligns perfectly with the aspirations of the youth and the needs of the agricultural sector. The allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education and employment over the next five years, aimed at benefitting 4.1 crore youth, is a landmark initiative that Jakhar believes will significantly impact the country's future.



Hailing the budget, Punjabs former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh posted on X, Kudos to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji & FM @nsitharaman ji for a futuristic & inclusive budget. Your vision for a stronger, more resilient India is truly commendable....The initiatives announced today will surely boost growth, innovation & prosperity for all! BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill added his endorsement, calling the budget a transformative document that promises happy days for diverse sections of society, including youth, women, farmers, and the MSME sector. Shergill underscored the budgets ambitious goals, such as the Rs 1.54 lakh crore earmarked for agriculture and the provision for a new skilling scheme aimed at 20 lakh youth over the next five years.


The likelihood that Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president is inviting scrutiny of her positions on every public policy issue, including education. Shes a strong backer of public education. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The likelihood that Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president is inviting scrutiny of her positions on every public policy issue, including education.

By her own accounting, those views have been profoundly shaped by her experiences as a beneficiary of public education, as a student at Thousand Oaks Elementary School in Berkeley and later at the Hastings College of Law (now called UC Law San Francisco).

Just three months ago, in remarks about college student debt in Philadelphia, Harris paid tribute to her late first-grade teacher Francis Wilson, who also attended her graduation from law school. I wouldnt be here except for the strength of our teachers and of course, the family in which I was raised, Harris said.

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The most memorable moment in Harris unsuccessful 2019 campaign for president was in the first candidates debate when she sharply criticized then-Vice President Joe Biden for opposing school busing programs in the 1970s and 1980s.

There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day. And that little girl was me, Harris said in the debate.

She was referring to Berkeleys voluntary busing program set up in 1968, the first such voluntary program in a sizable city. Biden was apparently able to put the exchange aside when he selected her to be his running mate several months later.

It is impossible to anticipate what if any of the positions Harris took earlier in her career, or as a presidential candidate five years ago, will be revived should she win the Democratic nomination, or even become president.

But they certainly offer clues as to positions she might take in either role.

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When she kicked off her campaign for president at a boisterous rally in downtown Oakland in January 2019, she made access to education a major issue. I am running to declare education is a fundamental right, and we will guarantee that right with universal pre-K and debt-free college, she said, referring to prekindergarten.

By saying education is a fundamental right, Harris addressed directly an issue that has been a major obstacle for advocates trying to create a more equitable education system.

Supporters of Kamala Harris cheer at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in August 2019. When she kicked off her campaign for president that year, she made access to education a major issue. Rachel Mummey

While education is a core function of government  even perhaps the most important function, as Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling  it is not a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. That has meant relying much more on state constitutions.

During her term as vice president, Harris has played a prominent role in promoting a range of President Bidens education programs, from cutting child care costs to student loan relief.

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Last year, she flew to Florida especially to take on Gov. Ron DeSantis over his attacks on what he dismissed as woke indoctrination in schools. In particular, she was incensed by the states middle school standards that argued that enslaved people developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

DeSantis challenged her to debate him on the issue  an offer she scathingly rejected. There is no roundtable, no lecture, no invitation we will accept to debate an undeniable fact: There were no redeemable qualities to slavery, she declared at a convention of Black missionary women in Orlando.

Earlier in her career, she was best known on the education front for her interest in combating school truancy  an interest that could be extremely relevant as schools in California and nationally grapple with a huge post-pandemic surge in chronic absenteeism.

Students are classified as chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of school days in the school year.

Nearly two decades ago, while district attorney in San Francisco, Harris launched a student attendance initiative focused on elementary schoolchildren. Each year, she sent letters to all parents advising them that truancy was against the law. Prosecutors from her office would meet with parents with chronically absent children. If they did not rectify the situation, they could be prosecuted in a special truancy court  and face a fine of up to $2,500 or a year in county jail.

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By 2009, she said she had prosecuted about 20 parents. Our groundbreaking strategy worked, she wrote in an opinion piece in the San Francisco Chronicle, citing a 20% increase in attendance at the elementary level.

When Harris ran for California attorney general in 2010, she backed a bill that enacted a similar program into state law. The law also subjected parents to fines and imprisonment for up to a year, but only after they had been offered support services to address the pupils truancy.

This tough stance put her on the defensive when she ran for president, and she softened her position on the issue. She said the intent of the law was not to criminalize parents. And in her memoir The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, Harris described her approach to truancy as trying to support parents, not punish them.

As attorney general, she used the clout of her office to go after for-profit colleges she accused of false and predatory advertising and intentionally misrepresenting to students the benefits they could provide. She was able to get a $1 billion judgment against the California-based Corinthian Colleges Inc., which eventually declared bankruptcy. For years, Corinthian profited off the backs of poor people  now they have to pay, she said at the time.

During her presidential campaign five years ago, she made a major issue of what she labeled the teacher pay crisis. She said as president she would increase the average teachers salary by $13,500  representing an average 23% increase in base pay. Almost certainly the most ambitious proposal of its kind made by any presidential candidate, the cost to the federal government would be enormous: $315 billion over 10 years.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event at the White House on Monday. As California attorney general, she went after fraudulent for-profit colleges, and as a presidential candidate in 2019, she supported funding for historically black colleges and universities. Cheriss May

To pay for it, she proposed increasing the estate tax on the top 1% of taxpayers and eliminating loopholes that let the very wealthiest, with estates worth multiple millions or billions of dollars, avoid paying their fair share, she wrote in the Washington Post.

Also on the campaign trail, she proposed a massive increase in funding to historically Black colleges and universities  one of which (Howard University in Washington, D.C.) she graduated from. In fact, she proposed investing $2 trillion in these colleges, especially to train Black teachers. She contended that if a child has had two Black teachers before the end of third grade, theyre one-third more likely to go to college.

Biden was able to push through a big increase in support for such institutions totaling $16 billion  far short of her goal of $2 trillion.

Many of her positions on education  including a push for universal preschool and making college debt-free  were aligned with those proposed by Biden, or ultimately implemented by him as president.



For that reason, there is likely to be continuity in her likely candidacy with much of the education agenda proposed by Biden.

But mainly as a result of lack of action in Congress and Republican-initiated lawsuits blocking his proposals, many of the administrations aspirations, like making community colleges free, doubling the size of Pell Grants, and student debt refiled, remain unfulfilled.
The Sarpanchs of Madhya Pradesh have demanded a salary of Rs 15,000 per month from the government. For this, Sarpanchs from 23,000 Panchayats reached Bhopal on Tuesday.

First of all, they gathered at Ambedkar Park located at Link Road No. 2. Three groups of Sarpanchs announced to surround the CM House.

Panchayat Minister Prahlad Patel reached to convince them. But, the Sarpanchs did not agree, and as soon as he left, they started moving towards the CM House.

As soon as they moved forward, the police tried to stop them. When the female Sarpanch started moving forward by breaking the police cordon, barricades were put up.

The police asked to give the names of the members of the delegation to meet the Chief Minister. But, the Sarpanchs remained adamant on calling one representative from each district.

Meanwhile, the state president of the Sarpanch Sangh, Rajveer Singh Tomar said that rumors of meeting the Chief Minister have been spread. We have not met at around 5 pm, State Congress President Jeetu Patwari also reached the protest site and supported the demands of the Sarpanchs.

In the evening, the Sarpanchs discussed among themselves. He said the collector said that the minister has asked for 15 days time. We will stop the work of panchayats for the next 15 days by tying the memorandum around the neck of a donkey or a dog.
BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi today praised the first budget presented in the House by Modi Government 3.0 and congratulated and wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Marandi said that this budget is an all-inclusive, youth-centric and development-oriented budget.

He said that this budget is a budget that will realize the resolutions of developed India. This budget will also provide momentum to the all-round development of all sections of the society in accordance with the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore countrymen.

He said that this budget has brought a golden opportunity for the youth. Along with skill development, the provision of 4 crore jobs in 5 years will ensure the role of youth in the development of the country.

He said that the budget is based on four pillars - poor, youth, farmers and women. Along with this, the Northeast is a development-centric region, which includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Assam. Modi government is working towards bringing a new dawn to India by ensuring the development of the Northeast.

Echoing the views of Marandi, Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri praised the budget and said that Jharkhand has got the gift of many schemes. Purvodaya Yojana is being brought for the all-round development of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Under this, special scheme for infrastructure development.

He said that the government will support and cooperate with the industrial corridor in every way in these areas. He said that the tribal-dominated villages of Jharkhand will be benefited. "Pradhan Mantri Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan" will be started to improve the socio-economic condition of the tribals. The scheme will adopt saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-dominated villages-aspirational districts. This will cover 63,000 villages, benefiting 5 crore tribal people.

Today, the budget speech was heard by the Economic Cell with experts from various fields in the Jharkhand BJP State Office. In which the chief guest senior BJP leader MLA CP Singh participated.

While addressing the media, he said that this budget is a welfare budget in which emphasis has been laid on Sabka Saath and Sabka Vikas. Said that connecting the states of the Northeast with development schemes at a fast pace is the priority of the Modi government. The program organized under the aegis of the Economic Cell was addressed by State Treasurer Deepak Banka, State Convenor JP Sharma along with CA Rajkumar, Dr. Sandeep of Sarala Birla University, Dr. Gautam, Dr. Yash Garg, Dr. Tanya of Medical Cell and others. All the experts praised the budget and called it public welfare development oriented.

Meanwhile, State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev described the budget as inclusive and taking care of all sections. He said that Jharkhand will directly benefit from the road map for the development of Purvodaya Yojana. Eastern India will also catch the pace of development like the rest of the country. Apart from this, with the continuation of funding of the Aspirational District Scheme, 19 districts of Jharkhand will continue to receive central funds directly.

The development of tribal-dominated Jharkhand will accelerate with the start of the Tribal Advanced Village Scheme. Apart from this, Jharkhand will definitely get a share of all the schemes of the Centre. Mudra loan has so far helped in providing self-employment to more than 30 crore people. By increasing its limit to Rs 20 lakh, small businessmen and those starting a new business will get a big benefit.
The sleuths of the Anti-Terrorists Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh claimed to have arrested an accused involved in converting international calls into local calls by passing the international gateway.

The arrest was made jointly with the local police in Jaunpur on Monday morning. The ATS team will now take the accused on remand to grill him to extract information of others involved in the racket.

According to an official communique released on Tuesday evening, for the past several days, sleuths of the ATS had been receiving information that international calls from foreign countries (mainly Middle

East countries) were being converted into local calls through illegal telephone exchanges by bypassing the international gateway in Jaunpur district.

Bypassing the international gateway makes it impossible to identify the caller, due to which there remains the possibility of radicalisation, hawala, terror funding related matters. Besides, there is also a loss of revenue.

Developing the intelligence through ground and electronics surveillance, the field unit of ATS (Varanasi) identified the illegal telephone exchange operating in the Baksha police station area of Jaunpur. The ATS team swung into action. Along with local police in Jaunpur, the ATS term arrested the accused, identified as Ashraf Ali, son of late Nisar Ali. He was said to be operating the illegal telephone exchange. The arrest was made on Monday morning and the ATS team recovered an illegal SIM box and its accompanying equipment.

The ATS claimed that the arrested accused was operating an illegal telephone exchange in his own house in the Dullipur village of Baksha police station area of Jaunpur. During the initial interrogation, the accused revealed that he used to sell clothes in Mumbai from 1997 to 2012, where he met Jahangir, a resident of Bhiwandi, Mumbai, who gave him information about Mohammed Ali from Saudi Arabia, and he started the conversation. Ali told the accused about the profit in the business of SIM box and said that if he was ready, he could make money sitting at home. He was told that he would have to arrange for the

Internet, a laptop and a room. The accused was provided the equipment related to the SIM box by Ali through courier and it was configured through AnyDesk software.

The arrested accused further disclosed that Ali had sent the profit earned in the business to his bank account.

Sometimes money was also sent in cash through a local person. In this way, a profit of about Rs 1 lakh was made in a month. Ashraf Ali used to land international calls through the Internet on the SIM box by bypassing the international gateway, due to which VoIP (internet) calls got converted into normal voice calls and instead of the callers number, the caller's number displayed to the receiver was of the SIM installed in the SIM box. Due to this, the identity of the original caller could not be established.

In connection with the above action, FIR No. 231/2024 under sections 219(2)/318(4)/319(2)/61(2) BNS, 4/20/21/25 Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and 3/6 Indian Wireless Act has been registered at the Baksha police station in Jaunpur.

Retailers providing pre-activated SIMs in large numbers and other members of this gang are also on the ATS radar.




National spokesman of Rashtriya Lok Dal Anil Dubey welcomed the Union Budget-2024-25, pointing out that the government allocated a fund of Rs 152 lakh crore for farmers, giving them a message that they are on their priority list.

The budget is good for all  farmers, youths, women, and labourers. The government announced internships for one crore youths, while credit cards for farmers in five states and several other schemes were also announced, he noted.

Meanwhile, RLD national secretary Anupam Mishra said the budget would prove to be an economic document for the creation of a developed and self-reliant India.

The budget carries the spirit of Antyodaya and infinite possibilities of development. This budget reflects the resolve for holistic development of all sections of the society, including villages, poor, farmers, women, middle class and youth. I thank the respected prime minister and the Union finance minister for this public welfare budget, he said.




The Paediatric Department at AIIMS Bhopal, in association with the National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, Cankids ...Kidscan, hosted a transformative workshop on Tuesday dedicated to empowering childhood cancer survivors.

The event aimed to provide crucial education and support to survivors and their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of long-term health monitoring and quality of life post-treatment.

Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, highlighted the critical need for empowerment among young cancer survivors. "By empowering the children, we can empower one generation, thereby strengthening the society," Dr. Singh remarked. He stressed the necessity of systematically identifying, monitoring, and managing the late side effects of cancer treatment to improve the long-term health and quality of life for survivors.

"Just being free from cancer after a long and complicated treatment is not enough," Dr. Singh continued. "Patients and caregivers need to remain vigilant for any side effects or other red flags in time before these post-treatment problems become life-threatening. Regular follow-ups with doctors are as important after treatment as during it."

Despite the critical importance of regular follow-ups, many survivors and their caregivers are unaware of their benefits. Additionally, past painful experiences and long waiting times at hospitals often deter them from attending follow-ups. This avoidance can be detrimental to their health.

To address this issue, the workshop focused on educating and motivating survivors and their caregivers about the importance of regular follow-ups. CANKIDS, through its Survivor Forum, plays a pivotal role in this education. The forum provides survivors and their families with essential knowledge about maintaining a quality life post-treatment, including the necessary lifestyle adjustments to support long-term survivorship.

CANKIDS' Survivor Forum not only educates but also offers a support network to help survivors and their families thrive. By fostering an understanding of the benefits of regular medical check-ups and promoting a healthy lifestyle, the forum aims to ensure that cancer survivors can lead fulfilling lives. During the program, Dr. Yogendra Yadav, Dr. Narendra Chaudhary, Dr. Ambar Kumar, Dr. Rajkumar and Dr. Vaishnavi Agarwal expressed their views on various issues. While Mr. Vikas Yadav spoke about Cankids. About 30 families participated in the workshop.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the Union Budget for the current fiscal (2024-25), tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. He said the budget would prove to be all-encompassing, inclusive, and development-oriented, meeting the hopes, aspirations, and resolutions of Amritkal for 140 crore Indians.

The General Budget 2024-25 provides the economic blueprint for fostering an aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat. It embodies the sacred spirit of Antyodaya and seeks to tap the countrys infinite development potential with a fresh vision of innovation. The budgets provisions for every section of society are poised to realise the concept of Ramrajya, he said.

Yogi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the budget and congratulated Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team. He highlighted that the budget includes a provision of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for the prosperity of farmers and the agriculture sector, and over Rs 3 lakh crore for womens empowerment.

The greatest beneficiaries will be the people of Uttar Pradesh, the countrys largest state. This is significant as Uttar Pradesh has been actively implementing the Mission Shakti programme since 2020. With the highest number of farmers residing in Uttar Pradesh, this budget will play a crucial role in their prosperity, he remarked.

He noted that the budget would act as an economic blueprint to position India as the worlds growth engine and to achieve the vision of a developed India, with the goal of transforming the nation into a five trillion-dollar economy.

The middle class has received the biggest tax exemption today, addressing a long-standing demand. There will be no tax on an income of up to Rs 3 lakh, and other tax slabs also offer substantial relief. The provisions for various sectors  rural poor, farmers, youth, industry, and the MSME sector  will generate numerous jobs. The provisions made in the budget for every section of society will help realise the concept of Ramrajya, he remarked.




Lok Sabha MP and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday criticised the Budget, saying it has failed to address various issues facing the country, including agrarian distress.

Participating in the general discussions on the Budget for 2024-25 in the House, she appealed to the government to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

If the Centre can hold general elections in Jammu and Kashmir, why can it not hold assembly polls there, as people there deserve to make their own decisions, she asked.

Sule added that four engines of growth for a robust economy are investments, consumption, exports, and fiscal spending.

Corporate tax rates have been reduced in the pretext that it would help in attracting investments, but that is not reflecting in the numbers the government has given, the Baramati (Maharashtra) MP said.

"Was it too little too late to reduce the corporate tax. Is that one reason why investments are not coming and I think the government needs to introspect that's why the investment environment is not as good as it should be," she said.

On consumption, the MP said it is not good as there is an agrarian crisis in the rural economy.

The government needs to accept that there is an "agrarian crisis in this country," she said, adding the big FMCG companies have started the concept of "shrinkflation" and this government is denying that there is a price rise.

Shrinkflation, she said, is a marketing activity for all the big companies that directly impacts jobs.

On exports, she said Make in India was a "wonderful sloganeering", but "has it converted into jobs?"

India is also not able to take advantage out of the 'China plus one' strategy, she said.

"What went wrong with the Make in India? All need to introspect," Sule said.

Further on fiscal spending, Sule asked is the fiscal deficit going to stop at 4.9 per cent.

"My concern is that once the supplementary demands come... it will probably go up to 5.6 per cent is the rough estimate," Sule said.

She added that there is no talk about holding census in the Budget.

She also demanded for delimitation as constituencies today are large "23-24 lakhs".

For this, "we are getting only Rs 5 crore (under MPLAD funds)... Either you increase MPLAD or stop it," she said, adding that this is not a sufficient amount.

Sule also said after the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, now the government has come out with ELI (employment-linked incentive)

"So PLI is already failed, now is this ELI also going to fail," she asked.

"You have already failed even in the fiscal deficit, thanks to the RBI, you are safe. So where is this economy going," Sule asked.

She said the government should tell their plan because "I am concerned".

If there is no good discipline of finances, this country will unfortunately will be in an economic crisis, Sule said.
The Delhi government has set up the country's biggest Kanwar camp at Kashmere Gate to accommodate as many as 20,000 people, Revenue minister Atishi said on Wednesday.

Atishi visited the Kanwar camp to take stock of the preparations and instructed the administration to remain alert during the Kanwar Yatra to ensure the safety and facilities of the Kanwariyas, an official statement said.

The minister said separate halls are available for male and female kanwariyas in the camp, with a large dining hall to receive 'prasad'.

"There are 185 Kanwar camps that have been set up across Delhi, where all the facilities like waterproof tents, sleeping arrangements, clean water, and toilets are being provided," Atishi said.

According to the minister, medical staff will be present in all the camps 24x7 so that the Kanwariyas can be given immediate treatment if required.

She added that local dispensaries have been linked to the camps, with CATS ambulances deployed for emergencies.

The Kanwar Yatra commenced on the first day of the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) on Monday and will culminate on August 2, as Ganga water will be offered to Lord Shiva.

A large number of 'Kanwariyas' will reach Delhi, while some of them will go to Haryana and Rajasthan via Delhi borders.
The Delhi High Court sought the city police's stand on Wednesday on the bail plea of former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid in a UAPA case related to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots here.

A bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia issued a notice to the Delhi Police on the bail plea and asked the agency to file its reply.

The court listed Khalid's bail plea for hearing on August 29, along with the bail pleas of other co-accused in the case, including student activist Sharjeel Imam.

The court observed that the bail pleas of Imam and the other co-accused in the case were "set for hearing".

Khalid, who was arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2020, has assailed a recent trial court order refusing to grant him bail in the case.

Khalid, Imam and several others have been booked under the anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the February 2020 riots that had left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured.

The violence had erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

On May 28, the trial court rejected Khalid's plea seeking regular bail for the second time, saying its previous order dismissing his first bail application had attained finality.

"When the Delhi High Court has already dismissed the criminal appeal of the applicant (Khalid) vide order dated October 18, 2022, and thereafter, the applicant approached the Supreme Court and withdrew his petition, the order of this court as passed on March 24, 2022 (on the first bail plea) has attained finality and now, in no stretch of imagination, this court can make analysis of the facts of the case as desired by the applicant and consider the relief as prayed by him," the trial court had said.

On October 18, 2022, the high court had upheld the dismissal of Khalid's first bail plea and said the city police's allegations against him are prima facie true.

The high court had said admittedly, the anti-CAA protests "metamorphosed into violent riots", which "prima facie seemed to be orchestrated at the conspiratorial meetings" and that the statements of the witnesses indicate Khalid's "active involvement" in the protests.
US Vice President Kamala Harris will meet the visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week but would not be able to preside over a joint session of the US Congress which would be addressed by him, according to her aide.

The vice president is meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu this week at the White House. This meeting is separate from President Biden's planned meeting. The vice president is travelling to Indianapolis on July 24 for a previously scheduled event and will be unable to preside over Prime Minister Netanyahu's planned address to a joint session of Congress, an aide to Vice President Harris told PTI.

We anticipate the vice president will 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. And they will discuss efforts to reach agreement on the ceasefire deal, the aide said.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday.

This will be Netanyahu's fourth address to a US Congress, the most that any foreign leader has delivered.

The joint session is normally presided over by the vice president of the United States. However, Harris would not be able to attend this because of her pre-scheduled event in Indianapolis.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had invited Netanyahu for the joint address, slammed Harris for skipping the meeting.

Madam Vice President, you say you want to be the leader of the free world and yet you can't bring yourself to sit behind our most important strategic ally at this moment. That is not a good look for you. It's not a good look for America. It's not a good look for her party that she aims to lead, Johnson told reporters at a news conference here.

Harris' aides defended the decision and insisted that not too much be read into it and they described it as a scheduling issue.

Her travel to Indianapolis on July 24 should not be interpreted as a change in her position with regard to Israel. This is simply a statement confirming her travel plans, her aide said, responding to a question on the criticism from her political opponents.

According to the aide, throughout her career, the vice president has had an unwavering commitment to the security of Israel.

That remains true today, the aide said.

Since October 7, she has been deeply engaged with Israeli officials as part of our administration's support for Israel as it works to eliminate the threat of Hamas. She has spoken regularly with [Israel's] President [Isaac] Herzog and met with him once. And she met with then-War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz. She has joined more than 20 calls between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, said the aide.

Harris has repeatedly condemned Hamas' brutal attack on October 7 and expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself.

She has met with families of Americans held hostage and met with former hostages, including just last month, when she met with a former Israeli hostage who survived sexual assault in captivity and hosted an event at the White House that highlighted Hamas' horrific sexual violence, the aide said.

Through her meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, she will continue her intensive engagement on the conflict in Gaza. We anticipate she will underscore her commitment to ensure Israel can defend itself from threats from Iran and Iranian-backed militias, including Lebanese Hizbullah and Hamas. She will again condemn Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on October 7, and horrific sexual violence. She will reiterate her deep concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of innocent life, the aide said.

We anticipate the vice president will 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. And they will discuss efforts to reach agreement on the ceasefire deal.

According to The New York Times, in her first week as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Harris will confront the most politically divisive issue in US foreign policy as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel pays an official visit to Washington.

Netanyahu's trip throws a spotlight on the views of Ms. Harris, who has emerged as a forceful voice on the Israel-Hamas war, particularly in discussing the plight of innocent Palestinians. In a civil rights speech in Selma, Alabama, this year, Ms. Harris garnered widespread attention for calling for an immediate cease-fire and assailing Israel for creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the daily said.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a press conference held at the Attorney Generals Office in San Francisco in October 2023. Bontas office released a statewide crime report in July 1, but it included inaccurate data. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

A recent statewide crime statistics report released by the California Department of Justice found that violent crime in California ticked up slightly between 2022 and 2023, continuing an upward trend since 2020, while the property crime rate ticked down. But the data behind those numbers may not be accurate, the Chronicle found.

The Justice Departments data is made up of information about reported crimes submitted by local law enforcement agencies. But some of the numbers that went into that statewide tally show extreme, improbable changes, including an admitted data error by the Oakland Police Department that shifted the overall trend.

There were also agencies that did not submit complete data for 2023, which the department notes in its report. The department did not answer questions about how the incomplete data factored into its year-over-year calculations.

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The statewide report says that violent crime in California increased by about 3% between 2022 and 2023, while property crime decreased by about 2%. The document also notes that compared to five years prior, violent crime was up about 15% in 2023 and property crime down 4%.

Yet these violent crime numbers were substantially corrupted by the Oakland Police Departments error in submitting its statistics on assaults, the Chronicle found. Without this error, it appears violent crime in the state would have declined from 2022 to 2023.

The data submitted by the Oakland police department suggests the total number of violent crimes in the city went from 6,516 in 2022 to 15,491 in 2023  a 138% increase. The jump was driven by an increase in aggravated assaults, which went from 3,329 in 2022 to 11,169 in 2023.

These large numbers do not match up with Oaklands own year-end report. According to that report, the total number of violent crimes in 2022 was 6,201, while in 2023 it was 7,526  a 21% increase. Aggravated assaults went from 3,222 to 3,531.

After multiple inquiries about this discrepancy from the Chronicle, Oakland police said it was an anomaly, and that officials would revisit the data and the reporting process.

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At this time, we believe the anomaly is due to human error, the statement said. We recognize the significance of this issue, as transparency and accuracy are our goals and are essential in any information-driven system.

Paul Chambers, a spokesperson for the Oakland Police Department, did not know if or when correct numbers would be available.

The Oakland Police Department submitted inaccurate local crime data to the California Department of Justice, skewing the statewide report. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The attorney generals office, which compiles the statewide report, confirmed the report included the erroneous data from Oakland. Asked whether data submitted by local agencies is checked by the attorney generals office, a spokesperson explained that, while staff will ask local police departments about anomalous data if they notice it, they do not have the case files and records  or the responsibility  to do so.

The onus is on every police department to report accurate data. Our role is to publish a comprehensive report based on what each of the 500+ agencies are responsible for reporting to us, a spokesperson said in an email. Any discrepancy is the responsibility of the local agency.

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But that means that unchecked, inaccurate data can skew the statewide reports  a problem the attorney generals office spokesperson still pinned on local agencies.

If Oakland had submitted data to the state that showed that aggravated assaults went up by 20% rather than 235%, violent crime in the state overall would have stayed roughly flat instead of increasing by 3%, according to a Chronicle analysis. (Oaklands own data shows just a 10% increase in aggravated assaults. The Chronicle used 20% in its analysis as a conservative estimate because the city data may be underestimated due to lags in reporting.)

While Oaklands data was particularly skewed, other, smaller cities also had considerably large jumps. Hayward, for example, reported a nearly 70% jump in violent crime from 2022 to 2023. Hayward police did not respond to questions about whether these numbers were accurate.

For its part, San Franciscos numbers had less extreme changes than other cities. Violent crime in San Francisco increased by 4% between 2022 and 2023, though it remains lower than before the pandemic, and property crime decreased by 6%, bringing it just below 2019 levels.

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U.S. secret service director resigns following attempted assassination of Trump

Xinhua) 13:30, July 24, 2024

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday after widespread outrage over the agency's failure to prevent the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

Cheatle's resignation came one day after she was grilled at a congressional hearing by lawmakers, who said she failed to answer basic questions and demanded that she step down immediately.

At the hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Cheatle acknowledged that it was "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades."

The committee issued a statement following the hearing. "Republican and Democrat members pressed U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for answers on the egregious security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of (former) President Trump, the murder of an innocent victim, and harm to others in the crowd at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania," it said.

"Director Cheatle could not or refused to answer basic questions from Committee members, leading Republican and Democrat members to call for Director Cheatle's immediate resignation," the committee said.

At the hearing, Cheatle frequently stated that it's only 9 days after the shooting, and she was still waiting for reports of the ongoing investigations, emphasizing her effort to ensure the information she provided was accurate.

When asked why the Secret Service failed to secure a rooftop in proximity to the rally site and with a clear view of Trump's podium, Cheatle suggested that the Secret Service had intentionally left the rooftop unattended, as the agency preferred "sterile" rooftops, meaning empty ones.

She explained that the warehouse rooftop was meant to have "overwatch," with law enforcement officers monitoring it from a higher vantage point. "There was a plan in place to provide overwatch and we are still looking into responsibilities and who was going to provide overwatch."

When asked whether the Trump detail requested additional resources before the event, Cheatle said that "for the event on July 13th, the assets that were requested for that day, were given."

A recorded footage clearly showed the gunman, who was getting into position to assassinate Trump, caught the attention of some people around. When asked why the rally wasn't paused at that point when people alarmed officers, Cheatle said "we are currently still combing through communications and when communications were passed."

The U.S. Secret Service has been facing scrutiny after a 20-year-old man, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, was able to get close enough to shoot and injure the former president.

The attack marked the first shooting of a U.S. former president or major party presidential candidate since the 1981 attempted assassination of Republican President Ronald Reagan.

Soon after the incident, U.S. President Joe Biden said he has directed an independent review of the national security at the Trump rally to assess exactly what happened.

Earlier on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries officially announced the formation of a bipartisan House task force to investigate the attempted assassination.

"The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions. We all know what happened that day can never happen again, " Biden said in a statement following Cheatle's resignation.

"As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon," said the president.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, one of 30 wine and spirits brands that Vintage Wine Estates owns. Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle Sonoma Coast Vineyards was one of the first wineries acquired for the Vintage Wine Estates portfolio in 2009. Sonoma Coast Vineyard

Vintage Wine Estates, one of Americas largest wine conglomerates, has filed for bankruptcy.

The Santa Rosa company, which went public in 2020 and has shown signs of distress for many months, also announced its intention to voluntarily delist from the stock market. After debuting at $9.68, Vintages bid price fell below $1 last year and has remained under 20 cents since the beginning of June.

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The parent company of popular California wineries like B.R. Cohn, Girard and Viansa announced the news in a press release, which also said that Vintage has sold the property and equipment of one of its Napa Valley wineries, Cosentino, to serial Wine Country entrepreneur Brion Wise, for $10.5 million. Wise has made several Napa Valley wine purchases in recent years, including Mark Herold Wines and a vineyard in the illustrious Pritchard Hill region. These funds were used to pay down debt, according to the press release. Founded in 1980, Cosentino had closed its Napa tasting room months before the sale.

In a statement to the Chronicle, Ryan Watson, a spokesperson for Vintage said the decision to file bankruptcy was made in light of recent financial challenges, and that the company determined this was the best option to serve our customers and maximize value for a range of stakeholders.

Vintage was started in 2009 after former CEO Pat Roney, who had owned Napas Girard Winery for years, bought a second and third winery, Windsor Vineyards and Sonoma Coast Vineyards. The company now owns over 30 wine and spirits brands, including Ace Cider and California wine estates like Clos Pegase, Kunde and Qupe. Most of its products, like Layer Cake and Cameron Hughes, fall in the $15-$20 range. Vintage is the 15th largest wine producer in America, according to Wine Business, producing 2 million cases per year.

Vintage Wine Estates founder and former CEO Pat Roney, who previously spoke to the Chronicle about the companys public offering in 2020. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

The news comes during a global wine crisis, but Vintage faced an additional challenge: The stock market has never been kind to wine companies. The IPO is known as a kiss of death in the wine industry; going public ended poorly for Robert Mondavi Winery, the Central Coasts famed Chalone and Zinfandel pioneer Ravenswood Winery. The founder of two Sonoma County wineries recently bought back his companies after failed runs on the stock market.

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Roney previously spoke to the Chronicle about the challenges wine companies face on the stock market. Wine is so capital intensive, and its got so many fluctuations with harvest, that its hard to report consistent quarterly earnings, he said. His reasoning for going public was to generate more money to buy more wineries.

Signs of Vintages likely demise have been building for a few years. In September 2022, Vintages stock fell 40% due to inventory issues. Last summer, share value dropped under $1 and never recovered, and in December, Vintage said it had $305 million in outstanding debt. There were several layoffs at the company, which cut its workforce by 7% in 2023 and at least another 15% this year.

In an attempt to avoid bankruptcy, Vintage announced a deal with one of its lenders to postpone its loan payments until June, plus defer a $10 million principal payment by a month. But it wasnt enough to save them.

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing enables Vintage to pursue the sale of its assets in order to address its debt obligations, the press release said. As the process proceeds, Vintage said it expects commercial operations to continue largely business-as-usual.

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Hundreds of thousands of Californians in wildfire-prone areas have been sold insurance policies by a state-regulated company that illegally fail to protect them from all the damage that fires can cause, a group of homeowners alleged in a lawsuit filed Tuesday. Samantha Laurey/Special to the Chronicle

Hundreds of thousands of Californians in wildfire-prone areas have been sold insurance policies by a state-regulated company that illegally fail to protect them from all the damage that fires can cause, a group of homeowners alleged in a lawsuit filed Tuesday.

The suit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, targets the California FAIR Plan, which is run by representatives of major insurance companies and provides homeowner coverage in locations that individual insurers have been increasingly reluctant or unwilling to cover because of wildfire risks. More than 365,000 homes are covered by FAIR Plan policies, said Dylan Schaffer, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

But the suit also accuses the California Department of Insurance, led by Commissioner Ricardo Lara, of failing to enforce state laws that set standards for the policies. The department notified the FAIR Plan in 2021 that its policies failed to comply with the law but has allowed the practice to continue, Schaffer said.

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Thousands of customers have been cheated, every single day, and CDI has done nothing, the attorney said in an interview after filing the suit.

The Department of Insurance and the FAIR Plan both declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Schaffer is litigating a separate suit, in Los Angeles, on behalf of 1,000 or more homeowners across Califiornia who say the FAIR Plan wrongly denied their insurance claims. Tuesdays suit does not seek damages for lost insurance benefits, only a court order requiring the insurance organization to comply with the law and increase the scope of wildfire coverage in all of its California policies.

The proposed statewide class action was filed by homeowners in rural areas of Fresno and Madera counties, a third in the Los Angeles suburb of Calaveras and the fourth in Oakland  since wildfires, Schaffer said, have become a danger throughout the state.

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The focus of the case is the Department of Insurances legal requirement that a homeowners wildfire insurance will cover all direct physical loss caused by fires and smoke. Since at least 2017, the suit said, FAIR Plan wildfire policies have covered only permanent physical damage, and smoke damage that can be seen or smelled.

In one case that was recently settled, Schaffer said, a home near Santa Cruz was inundated by smoke and debris from a nearby fire for 30 days in 2020. When the owners asked for coverage, he said, the FAIR Plan told them to clean it themselves, and refused to pay for the cleanup or the removal of damaged insulation, carpeting, or ducts inside the walls that carried heating and air conditioning.

The suit said the Department of Insurance, under then-Commissioner Dave Jones, initially told the FAIR Plan in 2017 that it could continue with the permanent physical damage requirement. But after hearing more complaints from homeowners, the suit said, the department, under Lara, told the insurance organization in January 2021 that it must change its policies.

A May 2022 letter from Laras department to the FAIR Plan, quoted in the lawsuit, said that loss caused by fire does not require permanent physical changes to be eligible for coverage. But the suit said the FAIR Plan made no changes to its standard policy, and the department took no action.
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings gave $7 million to a super PAC supporting Kamala Harris for president on Tuesday. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images 2022 A lot has changed in 48 hours. Theres a real momentum shift in Silicon Valley, Aaron Levie, CEO of Palo Alto-based Box, wrote online Tuesday of Kamala Harris. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Some deep-pocketed Silicon Valley donors who were ditching President Joe Bidens campaign are coming into the fold now that Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to lead the Democratic ticket.

A lot has changed in 48 hours. Theres a real momentum shift in Silicon Valley, Aaron Levie, CEO of Palo Alto-based Box and a Democratic donor, posted on X Tuesday. Its worth being cautiously optimistic, but Harris has a clear opening to drive a more pro business, pro tech, and less chaotic platform that works for the 21st century than the alternative path.

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Three weeks after saying Biden should leave the race, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings gave $7 million to a super PAC supporting Harris on Tuesday. Karla Jurvetson, a Los Altos physician and philanthropist, who gave $11.6 million to support Democrats in the 2022 election cycle, according to Open Secrets, said she is fully behind Harris after reportedly threatening to withhold future contributions if Biden remained in the race.

Others have been enthused by reports that Harris may attend the Bitcoin Conference this weekend in Nashville, an event Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will attend, seeing that as a sign that she may be friendlier to cryptocurrency than Biden has been.

But others remain skeptical and want to see more before committing.

Like Mark Pincus, the billionaire founder of San Franciscos Zynga, who donated $929,600 to Bidens joint fundraising committee, Biden Victory Fund, but asked him to leave the race after the presidents disastrous debate last month.

Now, Pincus is reconsidering.

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Heres my position on this race. Cant support Trump. Too risky. All in for @VP if she promotes a centrist platform. Sit it out if @VP veers left (as Biden was starting to), Pincus posted Tuesday on X.

Harris represents a mixed bag to Silicon Valley. Tech leaders appreciate that Harris, a 59-year-old Bay Area native who was first elected to office in 2004, grew up in politics as the technology sector boomed, busted and boomed again. Her brother-in-law, Tony West, with whom she is close, is a senior vice president at Uber.

But some also harbor concerns about actions she took while serving as state attorney general. In 2015, she summoned top officials from Google, Facebook and other valley companies to express her concerns about the proliferation of revenge porn, the posting of intimate images online without a users consent.

Soon after, several companies changed their policies to crack down on the practice. But it made some wary of how the top cop in the nations largest state could use the power of her office to shape online content.

Culturally, there is a disconnect, too, said Steve Phillips, a progressive San Francisco attorney and donor with connections to the valley.

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Harris, a Black woman of Indian descent, is not what people envision when people think of tech entrepreneurs. They think of people who look like Mark Zuckerberg. And so if youre not that, then you automatically are starting from behind, said Phillips, the founder of Democracy in Color, an organization focused on race, politics and building a progressive majority.

Its like being in the neighborhood, Phillips said, but not in the family.

Connecting with that family has its perks. California supplied 22% of the contributions to Bidens 2020 presidential run, and tech employees supplied a healthy dose of that.

But many, like Hastings and Pincus, were alarmed enough by Bidens recent public appearances that they closed their wallets in recent weeks.

Harris wasnt necessarily their first choice, Phillips said. Over the past several months, he has introduced rising Democratic stars including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to moneyed tech donors.

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Harris meteoric debut since Biden bowed out Sunday is changing minds.

Techies love metrics, and Harris has given them a few to get excited about: More than $100 million raised since Sunday. All of the nations Democratic governors and nearly all Democratic House and Senate members joined her, too.

A Zoom call organized by a coalition called Win With Black Women attracted 44,000 participants Monday and 45,000 more attended another online gathering Tuesday produced by a group called Black Men for Harris.

That surge of enthusiasm has been so overwhelming that these tech donor people who didnt initially want her are going to have no choice but to get on board and come along, Phillips told me.

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Others are comparing the excitement to Barack Obamas first presidential run.

It felt very much like 2008 when you send out an invitation and ask people if they wanted to meet with then-Senator Obama, and just a flood of responses would come in with people offering to change their schedules, miss a wedding to attend this or cut vacation short, said Jeff Bleich, a Piedmont resident who has worked in the tech world and served as ambassador to Australia under Obama.

Bleich was going to co-host a fundraiser featuring Biden and/or Harris on Saturday that got postponed until next month out of an abundance of caution as the president recovers from COVID.

Chris Kelly, a former top Facebook executive-turned-tech investor now focused on blockchain, believes that Harris would be more open to Silicon Valley than Biden.

His administration has not been terribly friendly, and weve complained about it vociferously, Kelly said.

Kelly, like others in the cryptocurrency branch of the tech world, is frustrated by the tougher regulatory positions advocated by Bidens handpicked head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gary Gensler.

This is a field where the leading lights from a couple of years ago are either in jail, about to go to jail or awaiting extradition, Gensler said of crypto in a recent Bloomberg interview.

Kelly said Harris, given her knowledge of the industry, would bring in people with a different perspective. Or at least be open to listening.

I think shes going to be a new, practical voice, and now that shes at the top of the ticket, Im encouraged and excited about what that might mean for the technology sector, Kelly, a part owner of the NBAs Sacramento Kings, told me.

Kelly, who ran against Harris in the 2010 attorney general Democratic primary, said tech leaders are more comfortable with Harris because she grew up in the political world while Silicon Valley blossomed into the force it has become.

I think that the people that Vice President Harris would put in charge as president are much more likely to be knowledgeable about the industry, in a way that the folks who ended up running this policy for the Biden administration have not been, Kelly said.

Trump has made inroads into Silicon Valley, in part by saying he would be the crypto president  even though he told Fox Business in 2021 that it just seems like a scam.

He has since flip-flopped. Last month, he raised $12 million at a San Francisco fundraiser attended by several top cryptocurrency titans. That group was brought together by Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who lived in San Francisco and worked for several years as an investor in Silicon Valley. On Monday, Vance will continue to mine those ties at a fundraiser in Palo Alto.

Trump, meanwhile, plans to hold a fundraiser at this weekends Bitcoin Conference, where the top ticket to join him will be $844,600.

Going to the Bitcoin Conference this weekend would be a big deal for Harris, Kelly said, because we will have largely put the Republicans are pro-crypto, Democrats are against crypto narrative to bed.
Key Points:

The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered a new batch of Martlet missiles valued at $227 million.

The Martlet is a versatile, lightweight missile designed for air-to-air and air-to-surface combat.

This order is part of the UKs commitment to maintaining its defense capabilities and supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.

UK Replenishes Martlet Missile Stocks After Ukraine Donations

The British Ministry of Defence has announced a significant investment in its military arsenal, signing a $227 million contract with Thales U.K. for a new batch of Martlet missiles. This order follows the UKs generous donation of hundreds of Martlet missiles to Ukraine, highlighting the crucial role these weapons have played in the ongoing conflict.

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A Versatile Weapon System

The Martlet, a lightweight multirole missile (LMM), is a key component of the UKs defense strategy and boasts versatility in its applications. Developed by Thales U.K., the missile is designed to engage a wide range of threats, including drones, helicopters, and maritime targets. Weighing just 13 kilograms, the Martlet offers a highly maneuverable solution for air-to-air and air-to-surface combat.

Its effectiveness has been demonstrated across diverse scenarios. In 2021, Martlet missiles were fired from a Wildcat helicopter in the Bay of Bengal for the first time during the Royal Navys Carrier Strike Group deployment. More recently, they have been instrumental in protecting commercial shipping vessels from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, deployed in Operation Prosperity Guardian.

Ukraines Defense Lifeline

The Martlet missile has played a significant role in Ukraines defense operations, demonstrating its effectiveness in countering emerging threats. Reports indicate that the Ukrainian military has successfully employed Martlet missiles against Russian Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as kamikaze drones, in the defense of the Ukrainian capital city. This successful deployment highlights the weapons capability to intercept and neutralize aerial threats, particularly those with limited countermeasure capabilities.

The UKs Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S), the agency responsible for procuring and managing defense equipment for the British Armed Forces, has acknowledged the Martlets impact on Ukraines defense efforts. Andy Start, the CEO of DE&S, has publicly stated that the Martlet missile has made a notable contribution to Ukraines capacity to defend its territory against external aggression. This statement underscores the strategic importance of the Martlet missile in the context of Ukraines ongoing conflict. The weapons effectiveness in countering aerial threats provides Ukraine with a crucial defensive capability against modern airborne adversaries, enhancing its overall defense posture.

Investing in the Future

The UKs decision to replenish its Martlet missile inventory demonstrates a strategic commitment to ensuring the continued operational readiness of its armed forces. This investment underscores the UKs commitment to maintaining a robust and modern defense capability, ensuring the ability to respond to evolving threats in the global security environment effectively.

The replenishment of Martlet missiles and the UKs ongoing support for Ukraines defense efforts highlight its commitment to international security. The UK has positioned itself as a leading provider of defense equipment, actively contributing to the security of its allies and partners. This commitment extends beyond the provision of equipment, encompassing the development and production of cutting-edge defense technology.

The new order for Martlet missiles, with anticipated deliveries beginning in 2027, ensures a long-term supply of this critical weapon system. This investment safeguards the UKs ability to deploy this capability for several years, maintaining a reliable and sustained defense posture against potential threats. This long-term perspective is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and ensuring the UKs ability to respond effectively to emergent security challenges.
Works to create a new slip road at the Castledawson Roundabout on the A6 Glenshane Road are expected to commence in the coming weeks and will take approximately two months to complete.

The works will see the creation of a new slip-lane on the Glenshane Road side of the roundabout towards Castledawson which will create a separate approach from the Glenshane Road to the Castledawson road and towards the village of Castledawson.

It is anticipated that this will allow traffic to flow more quickly from the Glenshane Road towards Castledawson especially at peak times.

Mid-Ulster District Sinn Fein Councillors Ian Milne and Donal McPeake have been liaising with the Department for Infrastructure to achieve better and more safer traffic throughput on this roundabout for some time.

Speaking to the County Derry Post, the Moyola based Councillors welcomed the scheme.

Councillor Ian Milne said: The creation of this slip road on to Castledawson Road will hopefully assist in reducing the lengthy tailbacks at this location particularly in the mornings with commuters travelling between Derry and Belfast. There will inevitably be some delays during the construction of the new slip-road. However DfI have assured me that these delays will be kept to a minimum.

Councillor Mc Peake added: We will continue to work with DfI in the future to explore further improvements that could be made to this extremely busy roundabout in order to improve road safety and to ease traffic throughput on the roundabout itself. Anything that can be done to improve the current situation is to be very much welcomed.
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Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has added a twist to her Tea Dances for her year in office by incorporating a number of themed events into the schedule.

The Tea Dances are a staple of the First Citizens year in office and are an opportunity for the Mayor to meet members of the public and enjoy a chat and dance over a cup of tea or coffee and a sweet treat.

Mayor Barr will host an African/American Tea Dance in October while Christmas Tea Dances in Derry and Strabane and a spring themed event have also been added.

Her Tea Dance schedule was formally launched in the Guildhalls Main Hall this week where her first event will take place on Wednesday, September 11.

Im really excited for this years Tea Dances, said Cllr Barr. Its a great opportunity for me to meet with members of the public, to learn more about the issues that are important to them and enjoy some refreshments and live music.

During my year in office I want to add an extra dimension by having a number of themed events, itll be an opportunity for people to listen to some new music and, if they want, they can dress up to help celebrate the theme.

Id love to see you all there in the events in the Guildhall, St Patricks Hall and the Alley so get in touch with my office now to register your interest ahead of the first event in September.

The full Mayors Tea Dance schedule for 2023/24 is as follows: Mayors First Tea Dance, Guildhall, Wednesday 11th September 2024. Mayors African/American Tea Dance, Guildhall, Wednesday 9th October 2024. Mayors Christmas Tea Dance (Derry), Guildhall, Wednesday 11th December 2024. Mayors Christmas Tea Dance (Strabane) St Pats Hall Tuesday 17th December 2024. Mayors Tea Dance (Strabane), Alley Theatre, Thursday 16th January 2025. Mayors Spring Tea Dance, Guildhall, Wednesday 12th March 2025. Mayors Finale Tea Dance, Guildhall, Wednesday 14th May 2025.

A new registration list for the Mayors Tea Dance is being compiled by the Mayors Office so anyone hoping to attend must register their details by contacting them on 028 71 376527 or e mailing mayor@derrystrabane.com.
The scale of change needed to tackle environmental problems at Lough Neagh is unprecedented, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has said.

Mr Muir also said he was mortified that the UKs environmental watchdog is investigating his department over a failure to adopt Northern Irelands first environment strategy, as he urged Executive colleagues to approve the plan.

The minister met with stakeholders, including farming groups, at Ballyronan Marina on the shores of the lough on Tuesday, to discuss the Lough Neagh Action Plan which was agreed by the Stormont Executive last week.

Noxious blooms of blue-green algae covered large parts of the lough last summer and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region.

The algae has returned this year.

Lough Neagh, the biggest freshwater lake by surface area in the UK and Ireland, supplies 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water and sustains a major eel-fishing industry.

The action plan was developed in an attempt to deal with the various environmental issues at the lough and contains 37 proposals, 17 of which needed full Executive support.

However, Mr Muir said attention now turned to the pace of how the actions could be implemented and the funding required.

He said: The scale of the challenge in relation to Lough Neagh is immense but I am not daunted by it.

I owe it to the people of Northern Ireland that we address these issues together.

There is lots that needs to be done and two of the key challenges are in relation to the pace that we can move the implementation of the actions and also the funding required.

I will put my shoulder to the wheel, I will lead from the front.

Following his discussion with groups including the Lough Neagh Partnership, the Ulster Farmers Union, NI Agricultural Producers Association and Northern Ireland Environment Link, the minister said he had committed to a quarterly meeting of stakeholders.

He added: We need the funding to deliver the actions required around this. We also need to move at a really fast pace.

The scale of change that is required here is unprecedented, we need interventions, not just in relation to agriculture but also in waste-water infrastructure.

Mr Muir also said it was now a year since the Executive should have published its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which will become Northern Irelands first environmental strategy.

He said: I would urge my Executive colleagues to join me and lets get this adopted to meet our statutory obligation.

Asked if he was confident other Stormont ministers would back continued action over Lough Neagh, Mr Muir said: I am confident I will move at the pace that is required.

I am an energetic minister, I will put my shoulder to the wheel.

I would say to other parties, when you make manifesto commitments that you are going to address the issues associated with Lough Neagh, back them up, support me.

Lets see that we can get the Environmental Improvement Plan for Northern Ireland agreed.

We should not have a situation where one year later, our statutory obligations to agree what would be Northern Irelands first environment strategy is not yet adopted.

We need to match the words with action.

He added: I am mortified that the Office of Environmental Protection is investigating us because we havent adopted a plan which was meant to be adopted a year ago.

Gerry Darby from the Lough Neagh Partnership said it had been a positive meeting with the minister

He said: Everybody agreed it was a good start, everybody agreed it is good that the minister has done his job, which is the political side of things and got the plan signed off by the Executive.

We are looking forward to working with the department and other departments to take the plan forward.

The other general agreement is that there is no quick fix, we all know what the issues are.

Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be a major contributory factor in the blue-green algae blooms.

The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role in the blooms, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating more algal photosynthesis.

Climate change is another factor cited, with the highest water temperature at Lough Neagh recorded last June.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed joins city officials, local leaders and development partners Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of 1633 Valencia St., a 100% affordable housing development that is using innovative methods to bring down the price of building. The project is expected to clock in at $580,000 a unit. Another affordable housing development, at 3300 Mission St., will cost $1 million a unit. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Ground was broken Tuesday for the 100% affordable housing development known as 1633 Valencia St., at the border of Bernal Heights and the Mission District of San Francisco, for seniors experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The project is expected to clock in at $580,000 a unit. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle San Francisco Mayor London Breed, in red, joins city officials, local leaders and development partners to celebrate Tuesdays groundbreaking of the 1633 Valencia St. affordable housing project. The project is expected to clock in at $580,000 a unit. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle A rendering of an affordable housing project at 3300 Mission St. in San Francisco that could cost nearly $1 million per unit. Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center A rendering of an affordable housing project at 3300 Mission St. in San Francisco that could cost nearly $1 million per unit. A rendering of an affordable housing project at 3300 Mission St. in San Francisco that could cost nearly $1 million per unit.

Years after a fire gutted a small apartment building at 3300 Mission St., San Francisco is planning to rebuild the project as affordable housing.

The price tag? An eye-popping $1 million a unit.

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The project is not the most expensive project on a square-foot basis in the U.S., unlike what a Bay Area YIMBY activist recently said on social media, but it is on the higher side.

Thats partly because state law required the city to preserve the shell of the early 1900s building and to retain the ground-floor commercial space, which is driving up costs.

And its small size  only 35 units  is also contributing to the price tag, said Anne Stanley, spokesperson for the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development, which is managing the project. Stanley added that shes hopeful the project, which doesnt have financing yet, will ultimately be built for less money.

Just five years ago, the cost to build affordable housing in San Francisco was only about $740,000 a unit, according to the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. But these days units are clocking in at $1 million or even higher, prompting the question of what can be done to bring down costs.

The high cost of building housing is center stage this year as Bay Area politicos rally behind a $20 billion regional bond on the November ballot that would help build or preserve more than 72,000 affordable homes. The bond is the regions latest effort to jump-start construction of affordable homes as market-rate projects remain stuck in limbo due to rents and prices that dont justify the high cost of construction.

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State mandates say San Francisco must permit about 46,000 affordable homes by 2031. At a cost of $1 million per new home, that means the city must spend billions of dollars it doesnt have.

The project on the edge of Bernal Heights is not even the most expensive on a per-unit basis in the citys affordable housing pipeline.

The Chronicle obtained cost estimates for the Mission Street buildings costs as well as three other high-profile construction projects in the Mission, the Haight and the Sunset.

Already towering over the entrance to Golden Gate Park, the 160-unit affordable housing project under construction at 730 Stanyan St. at Haight Street is costing $960,000 per unit. Meanwhile, two projects  one with 74 units thats proposed at 2530 18th St. and another for 90 units thats under construction at 2550 Irving St.  could top $1.2 million per unit once complete, according to estimates from the mayors office of housing. Still, Stanley cautioned that comparing per-unit costs across buildings is tricky since each site is different.

So why is building a new affordable home in San Francisco so expensive?

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Housing Action Coalition Executive Director Corey Smith told the Chronicle the cost of construction materials like wood, concrete and steel have gone up dramatically over the past decade, which drives up overall costs.

Another factor is paying exorbitant wages to contractors. San Francisco requires that prevailing wages be paid to workers on any city-funded project, though that doesnt mean they have to use union labor, the mayors office of housing said. Land also comes at a premium in the Bay Area, and especially in San Francisco, Smith said.

And while there has been some progress made on cutting red tape  such as the slew of bills pushed by state Sen. Scott Wiener to make permitting faster  Smith said the long timeline to get through Bay Area cities processes is costly.

Were not going to pay workers less, and the cost of land isnt getting cheaper, Smith said. But we can reduce and make it easier to go through the citys processes.

Smith added that he was frustrated that the $20 billion bond is on the ballot today when prices are so high. It wouldve been much cheaper years ago, he said.

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Its the single most significant and positive thing that has happened in terms of building affordable housing in 50 years. But if this thing passes, cities will not be as efficient in terms of getting these dollars out as they would have been a few years ago, he added.

The high costs have pushed some Bay Area affordable developers to turn to innovative ideas.

Backed by philanthropists, a new partnership is getting ready to build affordable projects much more quickly and cheaply, including one in San Franciscos Mission District at 1633 Valencia St. thats expected to clock in at $580,000 a unit.

The mayors office of housing said the 1633 Valencia project, which broke ground

The project known as 1633 Valencia St. will cost about $580,000 per unit, much less than other supportive housing projects. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Tuesday, was proposed as a replication of the 833 Bryant St. project, funded through Tipping Point, a nonprofit started by mayoral candidate and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie. Lurie has touted the low costs and fast timeline for 833 Bryant, which also saved money by using modular construction, a method opposed by some local unions and the elected officials who want their backing.

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Stanley said modular construction doesnt always work in San Francisco because of labor, political and logistical implications. She said the city needs additional experience and evaluation on a case-by-case basis to see whether modular construction can be used in the future for city-sponsored affordable housing projects.

Stanley also said the Valencia project uses a similar design to 833 Bryant, which saves time and money. By using private funding, it will get built more quickly.

The mayors office of housing said the Valencia developments $580,000 cost per unit is about 20% less than comparable permanent supportive housing and senior developments in its portfolio, which usually run about $729,000.

Stanley said in a statement that 730 Stanyan and 3300 Mission are very different projects from 1633 Valencia  for example, the population served, type and site of construction, unit size, etc.  so the costs are understandably very different.

Some experts point out that the eye-popping figures are not the fault of affordable developers, but rather because of decisions made by voters and elected officials.

Louis Mirante, vice president of public policy for the Bay Area Council, said voters and elected officials are often behind requirements and mandates that drive up housing costs. The Bay Area Council has not endorsed the bond measure one way or the other, but Mirante said there are ways that these bond dollars could be stretched if cities get serious about cutting red tape.

Time is money in the development process, Mirante said. The longer it takes to get through the process, the more we have to pay for those projects.

California, and the Bay Area in particular, have cost drivers that are uncommon in other parts of the country, Mirante said. Whether its requiring that affordable homes install solar panels or that construction projects contribute to a citys arts or parks fund, cities across the Bay Area drive up costs through what Mirante said are well-meaning policy decisions.
A woman has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Derry Magistrates Court on charges of criminal damage.

Hannah Duddy (29) of Rockmills in Derry was arrested on July 23 after police were called to a report of a disturbance with people fighting outside the housing complex.

Police arrived and were security had separated a female and brought her inside the building after which Duddy was said to have kicked and broken the front door of the building, something that was caught on CCTV.

Police noticed that Duddy appeared to be drunk at the time, failing a breath test which led to charges of breaching her bail conditions.

When interviewed, Duddy made full apologies and said that she didn't mean to break the door.

The court heard that Duddy, who was on bail for various offences, has 96 previous convictions and ten suspended sentences, as well as issues with alcohol.

Police objected to bail as they believe Duddy is at high risk of reoffending.

Defence Barrister Sinead Rogan said that Duddy had been on bail for three months without incident, telling the court that this was a 'considerable time' for her to remain compliant.

She added that Rockmills were happy to take her back and that she was seeking treatment at Woodlea House for her alcohol issues.

Police told the court that Duddy was previously ordered not to attend Woodlea House without an appointment and police presence.

Bail was refused and she will appear again on August 15.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, while an incremental upgrade rather than a groundbreaking one, brings significant refinements over its predecessor that enhance the overall user experience. Key improvements include a larger battery, an enhanced IP rating with dust protection, an upgraded 50 MP primary camera, and the latest Snapdragon SoC. These enhancements, combined with its class-leading performance, make the Z Flip6 a compelling choice. Priced 10,000 higher than the Z Flip5, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is ideal for those seeking a flagship experience with top-tier performance, extended software support, and advanced AI features. It excels in these areas, maintaining a significant lead over competitors. However, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra and OPPO Find N3 Flip surpass it in cover screen functionality and camera versatility.

Samsungs foldable technology has set the industry benchmark since the launch of the first Fold in 2019. For a couple of years, Samsung dominated the market with nearly zero competition. While Samsung foldables are still among the best-selling in the market, the foldable smartphone arena is no longer a one-horse race. Other brands are making significant strides, with companies such as OnePlus, Vivo, and Motorola adding their entrants into the foldable market. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 has entered the 2024 foldable market with an array of improvements.

The battery capacity has increased, the IP rating now includes some level of dust protection, the main camera has been upgraded, the phone houses the latest and greatest Snapdragon SoC, and it features a host of new Galaxy AI features. The phone has certainly been refined further, but it doesnt boast too many generational upgrades. Competition is rife too; Motorola recently disrupted the market with its Motorola Razr 50 Ultra (review), and OPPO has a compelling offering in the OPPO Find N3 Flip (review). Will the Galaxy Z Flip6 stand out among these options, especially considering the price has been increased by 10,000? Lets find out in my detailed review.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Review: Build and Design

The design hasnt seen any major changes compared to its predecessor, but there have been some subtle improvements. The frame now has a brushed matte finish, reducing the appearance of fingerprints and smudges. The phone is marginally thinner when folded, but the difference is negligible  14.9 mm on the Z Flip6 versus 15.1 mm on last years Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (review). The weight remains the same at 187 g, which is impressive given the battery capacity has increased from 3,700 mAh to 4,000 mAh.

Samsung has added accent rings around the cameras this time around that are colour-matched to the rear panel of the device, giving it an extra bit of flair. The inner foldable display has a tall aspect ratio, making it difficult to reach the top of the screen one-handed. The buttons are also out of reach, especially for those with shorter fingers. I almost always have to shuffle and adjust my hands position to reach the buttons.

One major improvement for me is the appearance of the crease. It doesnt look as pronounced as in previous generations of Galaxy Flips and I usually cant notice it when the display is turned on, except in studio lighting. Samsung has also improved the IP rating this time around, finally adding dust resistance to the mix. The Z Flip6 is IP48 rated, meaning dust particles larger than 1 mm cannot get into the innards of the phone. This is a good thing since the Galaxy Z Flip5 had no official protection against dust.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Review: Display(s)

The displays remain largely unchanged on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6; the brightness levels have gone up from 1,750 nits of peak brightness to 2,600 nits, but thats about it. You get the same 6.7-inch inner LTPO AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 3.4-inch cover AMOLED display with 720 x 748 resolution. The cover display doesnt have LTPO support and also has a lower resolution compared to the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra.

Additionally, the cover display only supports a 60 Hz refresh rate, whereas the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra has 165 Hz on both the inner and cover displays.

However, these are still gorgeous-looking displays with good colour reproduction and viewing angles. They support HDR10+ but not Dolby Vision, yet HDR content looks rich and vivid in OTT apps such as Netflix and YouTube. Brightness levels are also high enough for comfortable usage in harsh sunlight. I got a reading of 1,368 nits on HBM under direct sunlight, which is great.

The bezels of the inner display are a bit too thick for my liking; Samsung really needs to trim these down. Regarding the functionality of the cover display, there are a lot of widgets you can add to it and you can use Gemini on the cover screen if you wish to, but app functionality is quite limited until you download Good Lock, which allows you to run pretty much any app on the cover screen. Its a shame its not available by default like on the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Review: Performance and UI

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 may have fallen slightly behind in the cover screen department, but it shines when it comes to performance. It is the most powerful flip foldable available in India, powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This is paired with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

When compared to other flip smartphones in the market, such as the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra and the OPPO Find N3 Flip, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 takes the crown in synthetic benchmarks. The phone scores a whopping 1.7 million points in AnTuTu v10 and achieves a fantastic score of 2165 in Single-Core and 6806 in Multi-Core in GeekBench. It also impresses in PCMark Work with a score of 17,739. Whether for productivity tasks or general day-to-day usage, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is capable of handling them smoothly.

In GPU benchmarks, the Z Flip6 dominates once again, even outperforming its cousin, the Galaxy Z Fold6, in the GFXBench tests. However, the phone does throttle considerably under stressful loads. In the CPU Throttling Test, the Z Flip6 throttled to 69 per cent of its peak performance in just 15 minutes.

When performing intensive tasks such as playing games or rendering videos, you may notice the phone slowing down slightly due to throttling after a certain period. This was evident while playing Genshin Impact, where the phones frame rates started dipping after half an hour of gameplay. However, surface temperatures didnt rise too much mainly due to the new vapour chamber cooling system on the Z Flip6.

As for the UI, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with Android 14 out of the box, with One UI 6.1.1 on top. The phone will receive seven years of OS and security updates, which is category-leading. One UI is a joy to use; it is extremely refined and packed with useful features. Bloatware is kept to a minimum, though its not as trimmed down as Motorolas Hello UI, NothingOS, or stock Android.

AI Features and Digit AI-Q Score

The 2024 Samsung Unpacked Event not only unveiled new foldables and smartwatches but also expanded its Galaxy AI portfolio with a suite of new AI features. The new features consist of automatic transcription, translation, and summarisation for voice recordings, as well as PDF overlay translation. Theres a Sketch to Image feature that lets you draw objects on images within the Gallery or in the Notes app, which AI can then replace with actual objects.

Portrait Studio is a fun one that creates various portrait styles like 3D cartoon or watercolour, adding a creative touch to your photos. Samsung has also improved the Interpreter feature for live translation. This feature now includes a special conversation mode tailored for the foldable form factor. In this mode, each party in the conversation can see the translation on different screens  one on the main screen and the other on the cover screen.

Composer, integrated into the Samsung Keyboard, can now generate text based on simple keywords. Circle to Search is a system-wide feature that allows you to highlight any part of the screen to search for an object online.

Samsungs Galaxy Z Flip6 is packed with AI features aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity; it is one of the most feature-packed AI phones you can get in the foldable smartphone market.

Aside from testing out the new AI features, we also ran our usual slew of AI benchmarks to gauge the devices NPU capabilities. The phones AI benchmark scores were much higher than its biggest competitor, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra. In fact, the Z Flip6 got an overall Digit AI-Q score of 85 while the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra only got a score of 32, which highlights the disparity between the two phones and the Z Flip6s on-device AI processing chops.

Have the cameras improved?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 sees a substantial upgrade in the camera department. A new 50 MP f/1.8 primary camera replaces the old 12 MP unit that was present on its predecessor. The 12 MP ultrawide camera and the 10 MP selfie camera are carried over from the Z Flip5 though, so no changes there.

The upgraded 50 MP camera clicks binned 12 MP images by default which produces realistic colours, excellent detail, and good contrast. The oversharpening issue that was present on the Z Flip5 has been resolved here. The dynamic range is very impressive, and the Z Flip6 manages to control highlights and shadows particularly well even in tricky lighting situations.

Portrait photography has improved too, with lesser smoothening of facial textures, more accurate skin tones, and good edge detection. The 12 MP ultrawide camera is decent, there are still some remnants of the oversharpening issue from last year, but this mostly happens in low light.

As for low-light photography from the main camera, it is quite good. There is some noise in darker areas, but the detail, dynamic range, and colours are on point. Additionally, lens flare is also largely under control.

The 10 MP selfie camera does a decent job in daylight but outputs soft photos in low light; you would be better off using the 50 MP shooter as a selfie camera on the cover screen since it is capable of clicking much more detailed selfies. You can also switch to the ultrawide camera to click groupfies!

10 MP Selfie Camera 50 MP main camera for selfie

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Review: Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 houses a larger 4,000 mAh battery bringing it on par with the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, however, the OPPO Find N3 Flip still has a larger 4,300 mAh cell. Still, the battery endurance is quite good, I got a screen-on time of 7-8 hours on most days, which is pretty decent for a flip-style foldable given the lack of space for a larger battery.

In our 4K video loop test, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 lasted a respectable 14.5 hours which is a decent jump compared to the Galaxy Z Flip5 which lasted only 12 hours and 38 minutes in the same test.

The charging speeds remain as labouriously slow as ever though. The phone supports 25 W wired charging, 15 W wireless charging, and 4.5 W reverse wireless charging. The Z Flip6 tops up from 0-100 per cent in 1 hour and 41 minutes, which is sluggish in comparison to the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra which does the same in just 48 minutes.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, while an incremental upgrade rather than a groundbreaking one, brings significant refinements over its predecessor that enhance the overall user experience. Key improvements include a larger battery, an enhanced IP rating with dust protection, an upgraded 50 MP primary camera, and the latest Snapdragon SoC. These enhancements, combined with its class-leading performance, make the Z Flip6 a compelling choice. Priced 10,000 higher than the Z Flip5, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is ideal for those seeking a flagship experience with top-tier performance, extended software support, and advanced AI features. It excels in these areas, maintaining a significant lead over competitors.

However, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra and OPPO Find N3 Flip surpass it in cover screen functionality and camera versatility. Samsung needs to address the cover screen in future iterations to maintain its competitive edge. Despite this, the Galaxy Z Flip6 remains one of the best foldable smartphones available in the Indian market today, offering a premium experience that justifies the price hike for many users.
Taiwan Digital Affairs Minister outlines comprehensive AI strategy at AWS Summit

Promoting the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is one of Taiwan's key priorities, according to Yennun Huang, Minister of Digital Affairs. Relevant measures include integrating large language models (LLMs) from Taiwan and abroad, opening up GPU resources for industry applications, and investing NT$10 billion in startups in the AI ecosystem park in southern Taiwan.

Huang outlined his ministry's AI development strategy at a panel discussion on "Navigating Taiwan's Strategy in the Generative AI Era," moderated by Colley Hwang, chairman of Digitimes and IC Radio Broadcasting. The event took place on July 23 in Taipei as part of the 2024 AWS Summit Taiwan.

Huang revealed that the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) is actively supporting AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through LLM integration and providing over 40 newly acquired GPUs for industry use.

To accelerate AI commercialization, he continued, the MODA is collaborating with industry associations, offering substantial subsidies through the AI Leadership Program, and establishing an AI Ecosystem Park in cooperation with the National Development Fund.

This park will embrace a "virtual-physical integration" model, allowing global talent to contribute remotely while Taiwanese companies expand their international reach.

Huang also emphasized the importance of advancing AI applications from proof of concept to proof of service and ultimately, proof of business. To help companies go international, MODA will lead them to participate in domestic and international exhibitions.

At the panel discussion, Robert Wang, managing director of AWS Taiwan and Hong Kong, noted that attendees at the AWS Summit and COMPUTEX Taipei differ somewhat in age demographics. Highlighting the generational shift in the tech industry, Wang asserted that while Taiwan's previous generation achieved remarkable success, the country must now focus on data strategy and cultivate a new economic model to enable the younger, internet-native generation in Taiwan to compete globally.

"We currently have the 'Big Five' electronics makers; is it possible to have a new wave of the 'Big Five' companies to lead the next era of innovation?" Wang asked, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that Taiwan's industries and young people have a place in the global new economy.
Taiwan offshore wind industry faces delays, shifts focus to Japan and Korea

Taiwan's offshore wind power industry, once heralded as a cornerstone of the country's green energy transition, is now grappling with significant challenges. Policy shifts and supply chain disruptions have caused delays in several wind farm projects, prompting a strategic pivot towards overseas markets in Japan and South Korea to mitigate reliance on the domestic market.

Recently, the Energy Administration under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced the selection and pricing of developers for Round 3.2, with six wind farms qualifying for development. However, overlapping project areas have necessitated ongoing map comparisons, with final results expected by the end of July.

Industry stakeholders highlight the interconnected nature of Taiwan's offshore wind power development. The government's late-April decision to extend the completion and grid connection deadline for Round 3.1 by a year, alongside continuous uncertainties in the Round 3.2 developer selection process, underscores market progress falling short of expectations. Calls are growing for the government to recalibrate completion timelines for each phase.

Supply chain challenges and market shifts

The government has been pushing hard to localize the offshore wind power industry and enhance domestic maritime engineering capabilities. In response, international supply chain companies have established facilities in Taiwan to meet localization requirements.

The extension of Round 3.1 poses significant challenges for the supply chain. Factories must maintain certain utilization rates, which are now under threat. Taiwanese companies are integral in upstream sectors such as cables, towers, blades, and subsystem monitoring and power systems.

Key players include China Steel Corporation (CSC) supplying steel and towers, Swancor providing resin materials, and Tien Li supplying blades. Electrical and mechanical systems are supported by companies like TECO, Fortune Electric, Chem, and Shihlin Electric.

Following the withdrawal of Vestas from Round 3.2, Taiwan's wind turbine market is now dominated by Siemens Gamesa. Industry insiders report that Siemens Gamesa is effectively monopolizing the Round 3.2 wind farm capacity. Tien Li, initially partnered with Vestas, has shifted focus to collaborate with Siemens Gamesa in the blade maintenance market, pausing blade production.

Despite Siemens Gamesa's orders for Round 3.2 wind farms, the extension of Round 3.1 to 2027-2028 means that the supply chain will struggle to maintain existing factory utilization rates for nearly two years between 2025 and 2027, relying solely on Taiwan's wind farms.

Siemens Gamesa is now eyeing opportunities in Japan and South Korea, where localization requirements for offshore wind are less stringent than in Taiwan. The Taichung plant's annual capacity of 2 GW can support regional wind farm demand, making it an opportune moment to enter these markets.

Bidding for wind farms in Japan and South Korea is expected by the end of 2024, with hopes for positive outcomes by year-end.

Venturing into overseas markets presents the significant challenge of competing against China's low-cost manufacturing. Global wind turbine prices have risen due to raw material and shipping issues, posing cost challenges across the supply chain.

Diverse governmental bidding regulations add another layer of complexity. South Korea's offshore wind farm bidding is primarily price-driven, though other factors like technological innovation and project scale are also considered. However, Chinese manufacturers, with their aggressive pricing, remain formidable competitors.

Despite Taiwan's proactive efforts to promote localization and international cooperation, the delays in Round 3.1 and the developer selection for Round 3.2 highlight the complexities of market adjustment. Analysts argue that while international firms can readily expand beyond Taiwan, the domestic supply chain remains heavily dependent on local wind farms, with the Round 3.1 delay posing the most significant challenge to Taiwanese manufacturers.
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Temperature anomalies on July 21 from the 1991-2020 average, based on ERA5 data. Copernicus Climate Change Service / European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

The Earth this week marked an alarming climate milestone: Sunday and Monday were the planets hottest days on record, according to preliminary data from the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The globes average temperature of 17.09 degrees Celsius, or 62.76 degrees Fahrenheit, logged on July 21, was the highest since at least 1940.

We are now in truly uncharted territory, said Copernicus Climate Change Service director Carlos Buontempo in a statement Tuesday.

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The record stood for just one day. The European climate monitor reported Wednesday that global temperatures on July 22 averaged 17.15 degrees Celsius, or 62.87 degrees Fahrenheit. The next days could bring higher temperatures, with possible further fluctuations in following weeks.

The map above shows how much July 21 temperatures across the planet differed from 1991-2020 averages. The values come from the ERA5 dataset, which uses weather observations and advanced models to calculate global temperatures.

Western North America  including California  appears in orange and red, reflecting temperatures 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.

Temperatures were well above normal over large parts of Antarctica, which appears in dark red. A similar pattern contributed to record global temperatures in July 2023, when the planet previously experienced its warmest day, which averaged 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the climate keeps warming, we are bound to see new records being broken in future months and years, Buontempo said.

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Some parts of California faced record warm conditions on July 21. Palmdale (Los Angeles County) logged an average temperature of 91, the highest for the date going back to 1934. Barstow-Daggett Airport in San Bernardino County tallied an average of 98 degrees, the highest for July 21 since records began in 1948.

The sweltering day came during a month on pace to be the hottest July on record in portions of the state.

The entire planet has experienced record-breaking warmth for over a year. What is truly staggering is how large the difference is between the temperature of the last 13 months and the previous temperature records, Buontempo said.

Temperatures thus far in 2024 are well above the planets warmest years on record, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data  including 2023.

Temperatures during 2023 likely exceed those of any period in at least the last 100,000 years, said Copernicus Climate Change Service deputy director Samantha Burgess, in a statement in January.

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The 13 consecutive months of record global heat ties for the longest such streak in modern record, according to NOAA.

The agencys latest global annual temperature outlook calls for a 59% chance that 2024 will be the warmest year on record.

The story was updated July 24 based on new global temperature data reported that day.
Lidl Ireland is set to give a Kickstart to a new batch of 48 Irish producers from across the country, including on in Louth, who successfully earned a place on the retailers Kickstart Supplier Development Programme  an initiative that the retailer has invested more than 30 million in supporting over 250 Irish producers to date.

Following a competitive Dragons Den style pitch process to find this years most innovative products, 48 suppliers across 20 different counties, including Ogam Aromatherapy from Carlingford, were selected as the cream of the crop after an intensive application process which saw producers put through their paces with a business pitch to Lidls buying team and a taste test to select the best in category.

Ogam Aromatherapy is a second-generation family business founded by Roisin Carroll and now managed by her daughter, Caoimhe Carroll. Over the years, Ogam Aromatherapy has expanded beyond essential oils to develop a range of natural products from bath salts and sanitisers to shampoos, candles and body scrubs.

Successful producers will now see their artisan offerings on sale on Lidl shelves across its 220 stores across the island of Ireland from September 19th for a limited time, while stocks last. This includes Ogam Aromatherapys Soak Bath Salts which will be available in Lidl stores nationwide.

From high-quality convenience foods, fish and meat, to beauty, baking, ice cream, condiments and beers  as well as the programmes first ever pet food item  this years assortment will have something for everyone, with a marked focus on unveiling some of Irelands best circular economy products to offer more sustainable choice for customers.

Before the products hit the shelves, this six-month development programme offers suppliers dedicated business support from Lidls in-house experts, advancing their product, brand and business with practical guidance on how to scale production, drive production efficiency, as well as product development and packaging support, allowing them to optimise on-shelf opportunities in the Autumn and scale for success.

Now in its eighth year, and supported by Bord Bia, this years programme saw a record number of applicants from every province in Ireland.

Kate ODriscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said: Lidls Kickstart Supplier Development programme allows us to support Irish producers building their businesses while providing our customers with a great range of new and innovative Irish products.

"Since 2016, Lidl has invested more than 30 million in growing and supporting small local producers  an investment which has seen huge success over the years with several Kickstart products getting fully listed and now being part of Lidls everyday product range. Other products have benefited from the expansive international store network, reaching the shores of the UK, Europe and even the USA over the eight years of the programme.

"This year there was phenomenal interest in participating in the Kickstart programme, attending our Pitch Day at Lidl HQ and great excitement for both the producers to show off their products and for my colleagues on the Lidl buying team to collaborate and plan for success.

With 112 new products listed for this years Kickstart programme, the retailer will add significantly to its annual goods and services procurement spend of 1.6 billion in Ireland. Since its launch in 2016, Lidl has invested 30 million in supporting over 250 Irish businesses through the Kickstart programme. Many Kickstart suppliers have also benefitted from having their products exported across Lidls international network of stores.

Commenting on the partnership, Fiona Twomey, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia said: Bord Bia is proud to support the Lidl Kickstart programme. We recognise the opportunity a global retailer like Lidl presents to Irish food and drink companies to get their products on shelf in Lidl stores around the world, while the Kickstart programme itself offers a multitude of business development learnings. On behalf of Bord Bia, I wish each of the participants every success on the first phase of this programme.
A rescue himself from Dogs Aid is this years Louth representative for the nationwide Nose of Tralee competition.

Nine year old Zeke, a black German Shepherd from Cooley will be up against 31 dogs and cats from around the country to win the title.

Zeke currently has played brother from another mother to over 200 kittens and loves when his rescue siblings get to be adopted into dog and cat friendly homes.

Owner Kate says hes a gentle giant, and oozes calm and patience and although he may look like a wolf, he quickly makes even the most dog wary people feel comfortable.

Read Next: Video appears to show youths kicking door on Dundalk street

A rescue himself from Dogs Aid in Dublin, hes lived in Dublin, the United States, and now resides happily on the sea in Louth.

A world traveler who always knew Ireland was home. Hed love your support so that he can donate his winnings to our local rescue (Drogheda Animal Rescue) and help more amazing souls like him get a second chance, Kate said.

Run by Pet Sitters Ireland, the Nose of Tralee seeks to find the cutest, funniest, most adorable pet in Ireland.

Voting opens 1st Aug - 19th August and people can vote once every 24 hrs. For more information and to vote, visit: www.petsittersireland.com/nose-2024/
Former government minister and ex-Fianna Fail deputy leader Eamon O Cuiv will not stand in next general election.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin paid tribute to Mr O Cuiv who has been a TD for Galway West since 1992.

He served as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs from 2002 to 2010 and Minister for Social Protection from 2010 to 2011.

Mr O Cuiv, a grandson of Eamon de Valera, was also the Fianna Fail deputy leader from 2011 until 2012.

In a statement Mr O Cuiv said: After deep consideration, I have decided not to seek a nomination to stand in the next general election.

In the meantime I will continue to work as usual.

Mr Martin said: Eamon was an outstanding parliamentarian and minister.

He is extremely committed, hard-working and diligent.

He has been a tremendous public representative for the people of Galway West and Cornamona.

I worked with Eamon both in the Dail and in cabinet, and subsequently in 2011 around the regeneration and revitalisation of the party.

He is one of the most conscientious and dedicated politicians Ive ever worked with.

Mr Martin said Mr O Cuiv had a long-term commitment to peace and reconciliation and played an important role in the lead-up to the Good Friday Agreement.

He added: Eamon will be a huge loss to public life and I would like to pay tribute to his wife Aine and his children who gave him tremendous support throughout his career.

Mr O Cuiv is the latest in a long series of sitting TDs to declare they will not stand again.

The next general election in Ireland would take place next year if the coalition government runs its full term, however, there has been speculation that a poll could be called before then after Fine Gael and Fianna Fail performed well in recent European and local government elections.
Bypassing of planning procedures for a new development in Blackpool contradicts local democracy and community engagement, a Sinn Fein councillor has said.

Kenneth Collins has written to Cork City Council to request that they engage in the Part 8 process for a development beside Neptune Stadium.

However, the council have said that correct processes have been followed.

The proposed development is at Gerald Griffin Street/Burkes Avenue, at a site owned by Cork City Council, and will consist of 67 new apartments: 31 one-, 29 two- and seven three-bedroom units, as well as two community rooms.

A total of 41 housing units were originally planned, with construction to begin in 2018. The council were previously granted planning permission for this site. Sinn Fein voted in favour of this development, because we do believe that there need to be homes built on the site, Mr Collins said. However, they now have a new plan for the site and are going to bypass the normal planning processes.

I have written to the council, outlining my belief the proposal is not in line with the City Development Plan, he said.

Mr Collins believes the development needs to go to full consultation.

We are seeing a lot of development in the Blackpool area and the community have been largely supportive of this, but that has to be matched with infrastructure and green spaces. These are the kind of details that can be ironed out in consultation.

I do not believe that the solution to this housing crisis is to take away power from communities or local government, Mr Collins said, adding that the council have planning on the site that they have sat on for four years.

We need to see homes built in this city, but we also need to see communities built, empowered and strengthened.

A Cork City Council spokesperson said: Section 179A allows an exemption to the Part 8 planning process for local authorities, once certain conditions are met, adding that this is part of the Governments plan to streamline and accelerate the delivery of social, affordable and cost-rental housing.

The spokesperson said: Where a development falls within the criteria set out, the local authority is obliged to follow this exemption process, rather than the usual Part 8 planning process.

The development proposed at Gerald Griffin Street will remediate a derelict and vacant site, and bring new families to Blackpool village, meeting a critical need for housing in this area.

If the development falls within the criteria of Section 179A of the Act (as amended), then Cork City Council will be obliged to follow that exemption process. As the proposed development is still at final design stage, the council has not yet progressed the planning process and it has not been advertised.

Sinn Fein TF for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, said that he spoke and voted against this legislation in the Dail. We are seeing the reality of these warnings laid bare in Blackpool.

It is wrong to lay the blame for the issues with housing in this State at the feet of the planning system. The reality is that failed government policies and ridiculously complex funding processes are the real barriers to delivering social and affordable housing in Cork city.

Ordinary people deserve to have a say in what is happening and being built in their area. People in Blackpool have proven themselves time and again to be constructive and supportive of new housing, he concluded.
Fine Gael in Cork South Central has selected two candidates to contest the next general election, hoping to keep Simon Coveneys seat and perhaps to add a second TD in what will become a five-seat constituency.

City councillor Shane OCallaghan and county councillor Una McCarthy were selected from a field of five at the partys local selection convention, which was held in the International Hotel in the Airport Business Park on Tuesday evening.

The meeting of about 300 Fine Gael members was chaired by Minister of State for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Lining up

When Mr Coveney announced two weeks ago his intention not to stand again after a 26-year political career, Taoiseach Simon Harris predicted that candidates would be lining up to replace him, and the local party faithful proved Mr Harris correct.

The candidates were Senator Jerry Buttimer, cathaoirleach of the Seanad: former lord mayor of Cork, councillor Des Cahill; Cork city councillor Shane OCallaghan; Una McCarthy, a county councillor in Carrigaline since last October, and John Mullins, who ran unsuccessfully in last months European elections, getting 44,000 first preferences.

Councillor Una McCarthy.

The meeting saw some acrimonious contributions from the floor when Ms Carroll MacNeill read a party directive decreeing that two candidates be chosen, and that one had to be from the Carrigaline area.

This meant that Ms McCarthy, a secondary school teacher co-opted last year to replace John Paul Murtagh, and the only female candidate, was to be selected regardless of who else was chosen by members.

Angry interventions

Despite some angry interventions, Ms Carroll MacNeill insisted this was in line with procedures agreed at the partys Ard Fheis.

After the vote, it was confirmed that poll-topping Cork City South Central councillor Shane OCallaghan, a practicing barrister who is based in Grange and who has sat in council since 2019, was also selected.

There was some speculation after the meeting that the party might yet add a third candidate to the ticket closer to the election, and that this might favour either Mr Buttimer or Mr Mullins.

After his selection, Mr OCallaghan said he intends to campaign on quality-of-life matters, and, with a keen eye to traditional Fine Gael values, support for business and law and order issues.

The cost of living, paying mortgages, paying rent and providing and caring for families are challenges everyone is facing. Accessing mental health and disability services are issues which I am extremely anxious to advocate for, he said.

I want to make Cork the best city and county for young people to grow up in.

Challenges

Ms McCarthy said she believed her life experiences meant she could be a strong voice for communities across Cork South Central.

I have a lot to offer, and I have learned that in life you have to take the opportunities that come your way.

There are many challenges that I see as a mother, teacher, and councillor. These include the cost of living, childcare and housing pressures and increased mental health issues on our young people, she said.

Fine Gael has now chosen 24 general election candidates across 15 constituencies.

Cork South Central is currently a four-seat constituency, and Mr Coveney is not its only TD who will not be running next time out.

Former finance minister Michael McGrath, who has been nominated as Irelands next EU commissioner, is not running, and his brother, Seamus, Fianna Fail councillor for Carrigaline, and currently deputy county mayor, has said he will seek his partys nomination to contest the next election.

The constituency, which becomes a five-seater at the next election, is currently also represented by Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, and Sinn Fein spokesperson on social affairs, Donnchadh O Laoghaire.
Chinese orchestra holds concert to celebrate China-Hungary relations

Xinhua) 13:35, July 24, 2024

BUDAPEST, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) held a concert at the Hungarian State Opera here on Tuesday as part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary.

The concert opened with Franz Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2," immersing the audience in a rich depiction of Hungarian folk life, followed by Zhao Lin's "A Happy Excursion," a cello and pipa concerto, and then Chen Qigang's "Moments from a Peking Opera," a symphonic overture, and concluded with Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird" suite (1919).

The audience enjoyed the concert, directed by the conductor Jing Huan, with great enthusiasm and gave warm applause to the wonderful performance.

The concert was part of the activities to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in October 1949.

The GSYO, an affiliate of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, was founded in 2011 and is the first youth orchestra in China organized by a professional orchestra.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Cork criminal barristers have today joined a nationwide withdrawal of service.

The withdrawal of service by Cork criminal barristers comes in the third of three nationwide days of withdrawal.

To mark the withdrawal, a protest is being held outside the Washington Street courthouse.

Protests will also take place at 10 courthouses around the country, including Four Courts in Dublin, Carlow Town, Ennis Co. Clare, Buncrana Co Donegal, Naas Co Kildare, Kilkenny City, Merchants Quay Limerick, Longford Town, Sligo Town and Clonmel Co Tipperary.

The Council of The Bar of Ireland recommended the withdrawal of service to members in response to a continued lack of progress on the restoration of fees imposed in the FEMPI-era, which cut the pay of high earning public servants as part of the austerity measures following the 2008 financial crash.

Cork Criminal barristers protesting outside the Cork Courthouse on Washington st.

This three-day interval of withdrawal in July is an escalation on the previous one-day strike which took place on October 3, 2023.

Following a series of correspondence with An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD and Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, in addition to Department of Justice officials, the situation remains at an impasse.

Shortly after that unprecedented day of withdrawal last October, a partial restoration of 10% of fees was confirmed in Budget 2024.

However, the full range of FEMPI-era cuts that were applied across the public sector, continue to apply to the profession, despite full pay being restored in other sectors.

While members of Government and the Opposition have signaled support for fee restoration, no commitment has been forthcoming regarding a timeline.

The Council of The Bar of Ireland reiterated its disappointment at the lack of Government action on the issue.

Cork barristers who are in dispute over pay protesting on October 3, 2023

Chair of The Council of The Bar of Ireland, Sara Phelan SC said; Communications from An Taoiseach, and from Minister McEntee have done little to progress our request for an independent review.

Our members feel frustrated and let down, and once more are obliged to come out on the steps of courthouses to make their point.

Despite repeated requests for meaningful engagement on this matter, no government minister has met us to discuss our request. We are being told that we must wait until Budget Day  yet there is no rational reason for this

Withdrawal of services, whether this term or at any other time, could be avoided if Government had considered the matter worthy of its timely attention," she said.

Chair of the Criminal State Bar Committee and incoming Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, Sean Guern SC said; We deeply regret being forced once more to cause further disruption with this third day of withdrawal of service.

We are at a loss as to why our profession is being left to endure FEMPI-era cuts.

"The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has said there is no good reason for us to be treated in this way.
The Number of people on trolleys at the Cork University Hospital CUH are the highest in Ireland this morning, according to new figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The figures showed there are 78 people on trolleys in Cork hospitals, 65 of these at the CUH. This figure was higher than that at University Hospital Limerick, which usually has the highest trolley figures, and where there 61 patients on trolleys.

60 people are on trolleys in CUHs emergency department, with a further 5 on trolleys elsewhere in the hospital, while in The Mercy, there are 11 people on trolleys in the ED and 2 elsewhere.

According to the HSE, there were 34 delayed transfers of care in CUH as of Wednesday morning at 8am and 11 in the Mercy.

The term refers to patients ready for discharge or transfer who have completed their acute inpatient hospital care but are still occupying a bed  often people waiting for a nursing home bed.

Nationally, 406 admitted patients are waiting for hospital beds this morning, with 314 patients waiting in the emergency department and 92 are in wards elsewhere.

Cork INMO rep Colm Porter previously told The Echo that it was a worrying trend to see trolley figures so high during the summer months, when usually peak hospital occupancy would be seen during the winter.

Even though every single ward in the CUH is regularly at 100% occupancy, the fact that they are putting trolleys into wards is increasing the pressure on nurses and their ability to deliver safe patient care, said Mr Porter.
A Cork city councillor has raised concerns about a decision to delay the final issue of funding for the long-awaited events centre in Cork city.

Cabinet gathered today for its last meeting of the term, during which RTE funding, disability services, and legislation around access to cash was discussed.

The events centre was not on the agenda, despite promises from senior politicians that a decision on the funding would be made before the end of July.

An initial 20 million State aid package to develop the former Beamish and Crawford site on South Main Street was on offer but has since increased over the years to 57 million.

Following a detailed design process by BAM, Cork City Council prepared and submitted a detailed report to the Department of Housing on the additional costs required to build the venue.

Urging

Earlier this month, all major business organisations across Cork city, including the Cork Business Association (CBA), the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), Cork Chamber of Commerce, the Vintners Federation (VFI) in Cork, and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) released a joint statement urging the government to approve the funding.

Labour Party councillor for Cork City South East Peter Horgan said this further delay in a decision on funding for the venue means that all documentation should be published to restore any confidence in the project.

"Another delay is hardly what the Cork public, the main funders of this project, want to hear on this," said Mr Horgan..

"I have sought, for many years now, the publication schedule and issues surrounding the events centre. It was the first question I put to the chief executive in the July meeting following the local elections.

Expectations were that today would bring a finality, one way or the other, to the funding issues surrounding the events centre. Another delay will exasperate people so the next step should be full publication on what is on offer here.

Funding

At a meeting of Cork City Council on July 8, chief executive of Cork City Council, Ann Dohert, responded to Mr Horgans question regarding costings and timelines of construction following the expected approval of funding.

Ms Doherty confirmed that public funding of 57 million was pledged to the project and that a recommendation in relation to additional funding was with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

She said it is expected that construction would take two years to complete and that a review committee would be set up to ensure that the minimum requirements of the venues programme are met.
The man who threatened a social worker with the words, Im going to end your life, had the case against him adjourned until September 26 as his solicitor said today that the probation report was positive in terms of the defendants engagement with the service.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case saying that she would need time to read the report and consider the matter, which was not possible when there was such a huge list of cases before Cork District Court.

Defence solicitor Daithi O Donnabhain said the report on the defendant was favourable. He previously stated that the accused man expressed his apology and remorse and fully accepted that he was wrong.

Detective Garda Dave Barry investigated the case where the accused man pleaded guilty to making the death threats.

Victim impact statement

In her victim impact statement, the social worker said: When your life is threatened, it shakes you to your core, anxiously thinking if I was gone, who would care for my children because these are real moments of taking stock because the reality is one day a social worker will not return home as violence towards us and all working the frontline increases.

Because of the possibility that identification of the parties would lead to identification of the defendants child in the court proceedings there is a prohibition on naming the parties.

The social worker said the man rang her in a rage and threatened to kill her because she had been involved in a court case which led to the young family member being taken into care.

I froze with fear as each message played out. When you hear Im going to end your life several times, expressed with such anger, that there was a visceral response in my body, my stomach turned, and I froze, she said.

Charged

The man was charged with assaulting the woman at Washington Street Courthouse on April 3, 2023.

He was charged that on May 9, 2023 he made persistent phone calls to her without reasonable cause, and two counts that on May 9 he made a threat to the woman that he would kill her or cause serious harm.

The defendant first confronted the social worker outside Washington Street Courthouse and began waving his arms in her face in an angry manner on April 3, 2023, followed by the threatening calls a month later.

In the first message he called her a liar and said that he would blow you up while in the second message, he threatened he would take your life while in the third message, he said she had taken something from him and he was now going to take something from you.

In the fourth and final message that he left on the social workers phone, he threatened to kill her, saying that you can do what you want, you can record it, you shit, but Im telling you, I am going to take your life.
Bail was refused today for a Cork man accused of burgling the home of an 85-year-old woman in Mayfield.

36-year-old Don Duggan of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, at Cork District Court had his bail application from earlier in the week adjourned until today.

Judge Mary Dorgan finalised the matter with a refusal of bail.

Don Duggan had insisted on July 24, Its not me.

When confusion arose about the adjournment date for another case for the same defendant, Mr Duggan spoke up by video link from prison, Im telling ye the date, ye dont have a clue, Im telling ye, its a kangaroo court.

He was remanded in custody until August 7. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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 Elaine 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.
Concerns have been raised by local business groups following a Government decision to delay the final issue of funding for the events centre in Cork.

Cabinet gathered today for its last meeting of the term, during which RTE funding, disability services, and legislation around access to cash was discussed. The events centre was not on the agenda, despite promises from senior politicians that a decision on the funding would be made before the end of July.

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said senior Cork politicians are treating the people of the city like a bunch of fools.

Business organisations in Cork city combined to release a joint statement calling the delay of the long-awaited centre yet another considerable setback to the project.

An initial 20m State aid package to develop the former Beamish and Crawford site was on offer, but has since increased to 57m.

Following a design process by Bam Ireland, Cork City Council submitted a detailed report to the Department of Housing on the additional costs to build the venue.

Earlier this month, all major business organisations in Cork city, including the Cork Business Association, the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Cork Chamber of Commerce, the Vintners Federation in Cork, and the Restaurant Association of Ireland released a joint statement urging the Government to approve the funding.

The business organisations released a follow-up statement following news of the further delay in a decision on funding.

We are calling for the Government to bring the decision to the first Cabinet meeting after the summer recess, the statement read.

The events centre, which would have 6,000 seats and could attract an annual attendance of around 500,000 people, represents a critical piece of infrastructure for a rapidly growing city like Cork.

It will enhance the regions competitiveness and attract vital talent and investment to the region. Completion of the long-awaited events centre will be transformative for Cork City centre and for the wider Cork region, strengthening the countys already significant cultural offering, while also contributing to the rejuvenation of the citys urban environment."

The statement acknowledged the thousands of jobs and countless opportunities for business development that the events centre would create and the key role it would play in developing Corks tourism and hospitality sector.

The decision on the events centre has been lingering for far too long and must now be brought to a positive conclusion as soon as possible, the statement concluded.

Labour Party councillor for Cork City South East Peter Horgan said all documentation should be published to restore any confidence in the project.

Another delay is hardly what the Cork public, the main funders of this project, want to hear on this, he said.

The Echo has contacted former minister and Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central Simon Coveney, former Minister for Finance and Fianna Fail TD for Cork South Central Michael McGrath and Tanaiste Micheal Martin for comment.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

An Atlantic sharpnose shark found struggling for undetermined reasons off the coast of Valhalla, Florida in February. Biopsies of a similar species, Brazilian sharpnose sharks, have tested positive for cocaine. Daniel/Dan Eidsmoe / Flickr/ CC BY 2.0

Scientists have detected cocaine in multiple sharks off the coasts of Brazil, according to a new study.

In the study, which was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, researchers set out to analyze the levels of cocaine as well as benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in Brazilian sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii).

The scientists biopsied 13 of the sharpnose sharks, which had been caught in fishing nets, The Guardian reported. They found cocaine in all 13 sharks, and 12 of the 13 sharks tested positive for benzoylecgonine.

The study noted that cocaine can make its way to aquatic environments via poor sewage treatment and waste management, drug refining operations and unrecovered drifting cocaine packs.

A graphical abstract of the study. Science of The Total Environment

Regardless of where the drug came from  which is still not possible to determine  the results show that cocaine is being widely traded and moved in Brazil, Enrico Mendes Saggioro, coordinator of the study and an ecotoxicologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, told The Guardian. Cocaine has a low half-life in the environment so, for us to find it in an animal like this, it means a lot of drugs are entering the biota. In other studies, I had already found cocaine in rivers flowing into the sea off Rio, but it was a surprise to find it in sharks  and at such a high level.

Drugs can bioaccumulate in aquatic life, leading to issues such as behavioral changes, reproductive impacts, and even physical alterations that affect the creatures.

In April 2024, a separate study revealed that cocaine was bioaccumulating in brown mussels in the Bay of Santos, a popular destination in Brazil, Newsweek reported. Researchers have warned that the presence of cocaine and other drugs in marine life can also pose threats to the humans that consume seafood from contaminated areas.

It is worth remembering that sharks are often sold irregularly under the popular name of dogfish. We have already found several toxic metals in dogfish and rays, which are also sold and consumed, explained Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, a co-author of the study and biologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Now, we detect cocaine in sharks. Pollution and contamination of the environment directly affect animals and nature, but they also impact, in one way or another, human life. One persons health is linked to the others health.

Illicit and pharmaceutical drugs are continuously threatening aquatic life, according to recent findings. In June, researchers published a paper expressing the need for greener medications to prevent environmental damage. In another study published in June, scientists found high levels of pharmaceutical and recreational drugs in waters around southern England that could have detrimental impacts on aquatic life. Yet another study published in March of this year revealed the presence of prescription drugs in waterways around Florida.

The researchers who discovered cocaine present in Brazilian sharpnose sharks have plans to continue their research, collecting and analyzing samples from other species as well as waters around Brazil.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

South Africa has passed its first Climate Change Act, a sweeping law that will set limits for big greenhouse gas emitters and require that every town and city publish an adaptation plan with the objective of meeting the countrys carbon emissions reduction commitments in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

South Africa is a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the 190-plus members of which are parties to the 2016 Paris Agreement.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Climate Change Bill into law. The new law establishes a national response to climate change, including actions for mitigation and adaptation, which constitute South Africas fair contribution to the global climate change response, a press release from the South African government said.

This is very significant in that its the first time that our climate change response is directly brought into domestic law, said Brandon Abdinor, a lawyer with the South African nonprofit Centre for Environmental Rights, as Reuters reported. A lot of work needs to be done, but this act puts the basic architecture in place for that to happen.

The Climate Change Act requires all provinces and municipalities to assess the risks of climate change and come up with a response plan.

South Africas mitigation measures are a response to climate change impacts that are increasingly experienced across a number of sectors including water resources; agriculture and food production; forestry and fisheries; human health; energy generation; industry; human settlements and migration; disaster management; biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems. These impacts will disproportionately affect poor communities and vulnerable groups and could affect South Africas ability to meet its development and economic growth goals, including job creation and poverty reduction, the press release said.

Emissions targets will be established for every high-emitting sector of government, including transportation, agriculture and industry, reported Reuters. The relevant minister for each sector will be required to adopt measures to achieve the goals.

The Climate Change Act also mandates that the environment minister specify a carbon budget for large companies and set a cap on their emissions over the course of a specific period.

Abinor said the carbon budget allocations had not been set and that the law doesnt make it illegal to exceed the limit, which climate advocates had pushed for. He added that those that exceed their budget will likely be required to pay a higher carbon tax.

The law also sets out to enhance South Africas ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy, the press release said.

The new law enables the alignment of climate change response policies to ensure the countrys transition to a climate resilient and low-carbon economy and society will not be limited by policy contradictions.

The Climate Change Act is a tool for all South Africans. We call on citizens, businesses, and civil society to engage actively in using this law to push for urgent climate action, said Harald Winkler, a climate policy expert at the University of Cape Town, on social media. The Climate Change Act enshrines principles of equity and just transition. Lets use this to prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities in our climate response.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Residents climb a fence in a road flooded by Typhoon Gaemi and monsoon rains in Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines on July 24, 2024. Ezra Acayan / Getty Images

The outer band of Typhoon Gaemi has brought heavy rain to much of Taiwan, as well as wind gusts of approximately 150 miles per hour, reported BBC News.

Gaemi landed near Hualien, killing two people and injuring hundreds more, the countrys officials said. It is expected to be the strongest storm to hit Taiwan in eight years.

Direct landfall in Taiwan was predicted in Ylan, a northern county, on Wednesday evening, The Associated Press reported.

Before making it to Taiwan, Gaemi strengthened seasonal heavy rains in the Philippines, killed at least 13 and displaced 600,000.

President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commented that more than 770,000 people had been affected in the countrys southern regions by the southwest monsoon and typhoon, reported CNN.

In Taiwan, a number of flights were canceled as travelers hurried to catch overseas flights in advance of the storm. As seas churned and became more turbulent, fishing boats were called back to port, according to The Associated Press.

The storm knocked over trees, killing one person and injuring dozens of others. Shelters opened in vulnerable areas such as the mountainous center of the country, as well as eastern Taiwan, where heavy rains have a tendency to cause flooding and landslides.

In many cities and towns, high winds toppled pedestrians and those on motor scooters.

Most cities in Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, closed offices and schools on Wednesday, and some rapid train services were suspended by Taiwan Railways, CNN reported.

All regular train services and dozens of flights were canceled through Thursday.

The countrys defense authorities said they were modifying annual exercises due to the typhoon.

We will adjust some of the air and naval elements given the typhoon situation, said Sun Li-fiang, defense ministry spokesperson, in Hualien, as reported by CNN.

Authorities warned that the biggest risks caused by the typhoon would be from potential flash flooding and landslides, particularly on mountainsides that had been destabilized by an earthquake in the spring, BBC News reported.

On Tuesday evening, supermarket shelves were bare as people stocked up to avoid a steep rise in prices following the storm.

Originally, Typhoon Gaemi was predicted to land further north, but northern Taiwans mountains steered it slightly southward.

Officials say the storms moisture is its biggest threat, despite its extremely strong winds.

A land warning has been issued by Taiwans Central Weather Administration for the entire country, with the worst of the storms rain and wind expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

Gaemi is predicted to lose strength as it moves over the mountains before it heads toward China through the Taiwan Strait.

The powerful typhoon is projected to make a second landfall in Chinas Fujian Province on Thursday, where it is predicted to bring nearly 12 inches of rain that will cause extensive flooding as it moves inland and breaks apart.
Cicor Technologies Ltd / Key word(s): Half Year Results

Cicor Group grows significantly and shows robust operational performance in a challenging environment



24-Jul-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art.



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Bronschhofen, July 24, 2024  Cicor Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: CICN) has continued to grow significantly in the first half of 2024, advancing into the top tier of European electronics manufacturers. Net sales reached CHF 231.3 million, an increase of 16.1% compared to CHF 199.2 million for the first half of 2023. Despite negative one-off effects from acquisitions, the opeRating margin remained constant at 10.7%, while EBITDA rose by 15.9% to CHF 24.7 million (first half of 2023: CHF 21.3 million). Net profit grew disproportionately, resulting in earnings per share of CHF 2.69 (first half of 2023: CHF 1.74). The outlook for the second half of the year remains positive despite the challenging environment. The newly acquired companies contributed 22.1% to sales growth in the first half of the year. Currency effects had a negative impact of -1.5%, while organic sales decreased by -4.4%. This decline is the result of weak demand in the industrial electronics market due to economic conditions and a several-month delay of a major project in the aerospace and defence sector. This was only partially offset by growth in the medical technology and transport segments.



The order backlog of the Cicor Group remains at around one year's worth of sales and was significantly influenced by two factors during the first half of the year. Firstly, the large orders typical for the aerospace and defence sector are awarded acyclically, and STS Defence, acquired in January 2024, had received such large orders shortly before consolidation. Secondly, after the end of the material shortages that lasted two years, several major customers in Germany have reduced their order horizons back to a normal level of approximately one year. Aside from these effects, Cicor recorded solid order intake. Overall, new orders amounted to CHF 201.1 million (first half of 2023: CHF 221.4 million), corresponding to a ratio of new orders to sales of 0.87 (first half of 2023: 1.11).



In recent years, it has become standard practice for listed companies applying Swiss GAAP FER to offset goodwill against equity. For this reason, and to facilitate comparability with other listed companies, Cicor offsets goodwill from acquisitions directly against shareholders' equity at the time of acquisition, as from 1 January 2024, per the accounting policy choice provided in Swiss GAAP FER 30. Intangible assets from acquisitions, such as brand value, customer relationships, or intellectual property, will continue to be capitalised on the balance sheet and amortised over their expected useful lives. These changes in financial reporting are applied for the first time in this Half-Year Report, and the comparative period of the previous year has been adjusted accordingly.



The operating units of the Cicor Group made significant progress in operational excellence. Consequently, despite the decline in organic revenue, the operating margin for both EBITDA and EBIT before acquisitions increased. The acquisitions resulted in an overall dilution due to the relatively low margin of the acquired TT Electronics IoT companies compared to the rest of the Group. Additionally, the acquisitions completed in the first half of 2024 had a one-time negative impact of CHF 1.7 million (0.8% of net sales) on the Group's EBITDA and EBIT, as accounting standards require that net assets acquired in a business combination be recognised in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value rather than book value. This effect was fully reflected in the reported results, with no adjustments made. Against this backdrop, Cicor considers the EBITDA margin of 10.7% during the reporting period (unchanged from the first half of 2023) and the EBIT margin of 6.5% (first half of 2023: 6.7%) as highly positive.



The net result benefited from a depreciation of the Swiss franc against Cicor's key foreign currencies since 31 December 2023, resulting in a slightly positive financial result despite deducting of interest costs. The tax rate was also significantly lower at 23% compared to the first half year of 2023 (28.3%). Consequently, net profit increased by 53.9% to CHF 11.9 million (first half of 2023: CHF 7.7 million). Earnings per share, which already account for the shares reserved for the conversion of the mandatory convertible bond, rose significantly by CHF 0.95 to CHF 2.69 compared to the previous year period (CHF 1.74).



Important progress was made in reducing net working capital. In particular, inventory levels were further reduced. This contributed to a free cash flow before acquisitions of CHF 21.1 million in the first half of the year, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year (first half of 2023: CHF 5.2 million). For the three acquisitions completed during the reporting period, Cicor invested CHF 51.0 million (first half of 2023: CHF 22.0 million), resulting in a negative free cash flow after acquisitions of CHF -30.0 million (first half of 2023: CHF -16.8 million).



The balance sheet of Cicor as of 30 June 2024 remains solid. The high net result and the increase in free cash flow before acquisitions had a positive impact. The Group's equity changed only slightly to CHF 131.1 million (31 December 2023: CHF 131.5 million) because the goodwill from acquisitions completed in the first half of the year was offset against equity. The equity ratio thus reached 31.4% (31 December 2023: 38.2%). Cicor's leverage (net debt relative to EBITDA) increased from 0.96 as of 31 December 2023 to 1.50 as of 30 June 2024 because of the transactions of the past months.



Progress in Strategy Implementation

The focus on strategic customer relationships in markets with high entry barriers has continued to pay off, enabling Cicor to organically gain market share in a cyclically contracting market. The acquisitions completed since the beginning of the year have allowed Cicor to advance into the top tier of European electronics manufacturers and significantly strengthens its strategic position.



The acquisition of STS Defence Ltd (Gosport, UK, completed in January 2024) has strengthened both market share and development expertise in the UK aerospace and defence (A&D) market.



With the acquisition of the TT Electronics IoT Solutions Ltd. at the end of March 2024, with locations in Newport and Hartlepool (both UK) as well as Dongguan (China), Cicor has achieved market leadership in electronics manufacturing in the UK and has become the market leader in A&D amongst European EMS providers. This acquisition also strengthens the geographic footprint with a facility in China, allowing for local customer support in this market.



The integration of Evolution Medtec Srl (Bucharest, Romania) doubles Cicor's development resources in the medical technology sector and is therefore a key step in strengthening the company as a leading development partner for its customers.



EMS Division  Growth Driver with Leading Profitability

In line with strategy, the Electronic Manufacturing Services Division is the growth driver of Cicor Group, with sales in the reporting period of CHF 208.5 million, an increase of 16.5% over the CHF 179.0 million achieved in the first half of 2023. This growth was driven by the acquisitions, contributing 24.3%. Conversely, organic revenue declined by -6.2%, as previously mentioned. Foreign currency effects contributed -1.7%.



The progress in operational excellence of the existing units is very positive and enabled a slight increase in the EBITDA margin from 11.4% in the first half of 2023 to 11.6% in the reporting period. The newly integrated STS Defence contributed positively to margin development, whereas the TT Electronics IoT companies delivered an unchanged mid-single-digit margin contribution in the first three months of integration.



Management is focusing on rapid integration of the acquired companies as well as aligning the operating margin of the TT Electronics IoT companies with Cicor's target level and is highly confident that significant progress in this direction will be evident by the end of 2024.



AS Division  Technology Leader with Regained Strength

The results of the Advanced Substrates Division are entirely positive. All units contributed to the organic sales growth of 14.3%. In medical technology, market share increased, and new customers were acquired, while demand from the aerospace and defence market was higher. The contribution from acquisitions was 1.8%, and the appreciation of the Swiss franc had a negative impact of -0.5%. Overall, sales in the reporting period increased by 15.7% to CHF 23.9 million (first half of 2023: CHF 20.6 million).



The successful implementation of a multi-year excellence programme in printed circuit board manufacturing has significantly strengthened the Cicor site in Boudry, Switzerland (Cicorel SA). Consequently, the division recorded an increase in the EBITDA margin to 14.4% in the first half of 2024 (first half of 2023: 11.8%).



Cicor's management will continue to leverage organic growth opportunities in the AS Division and aims to further improve profitability.



Outlook for the Second Half and Full Year 2024

The expected increase in order intake and sales in the existing business and the progress in integrating newly acquired companies lead to a higher guidance than previously communicated. Provided there are no significant changes in the economic and geopolitical situation or exchange rates, Cicor anticipates annual sales for 2024 to be between CHF 470 and 510 million (previous guidance: CHF 460 to 500 million) and an operating result at the EBITDA level of CHF 50 to 60 million (previous guidance: EBITDA margin in the target range of 10-13%).



The Board of Directors and Management of Cicor will continue to pursue their strategy of becoming a leading European provider of development and manufacturing services for high-end electronics in the medical technology, industrial electronics, and aerospace & defence segments, aiming to achieve significantly above-average growth rates in revenue, operating income, and earnings per share. Contact

Cicor Management AG

Gebenloostrasse 15

CH-9552 Bronschhofen

Media & Investor Relations

Phone +41 71 913 73 00

Email: media@cicor.com The Cicor Group is a globally active provider of full-cycle electronic solutions from research and development to manufacturing and supply chain management. Cicors approximately 3,300 employees at 19 locations are serving leaders from the medical, industrial and aerospace & defence industries. Cicor creates value to its customers through the combination of customer-specific development solutions, high-tech components, as well as electronic device manufacturing. The shares of Cicor Technologies Ltd. are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange (CICN). For further information, please visit the website www.cicor.com.

End of Inside Information
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation is conducting an investigation of Delta Airlines after the company scrapped hundreds of flights.

For what's become the fifth day in a row, a faulty software update from the cyber security company CrowdStrike has taken down Microsoft systems around the world, per 'CBS News.'

Although the outage affected many businesses, many have regained their functionality and have begun to resume operations while Delta has had to cancel over 415 flights, which, per the media outlet, have far exceeded any other U.S. airline.

RELATED: Two D.C. Women Who Allegedly Killed Their 'Sugar Daddy' And Cut Off His Thumb

Delta declared that they are fully cooperating with the investigation, as the transit department claimed they were looking into "continued widespread flight disruptions and reports of concerning customer service failures."

"We remain entirely focused on restoring our operation after cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrike's faulty Windows update rendered IT systems across the globe inoperable," Delta stated, per the news outlet.

On Monday, Delta announced they are "working 24/7" to fix its operations. However, CEO Ed Bastian suggested it could take "another couple days" before "the worst is clearly behind us."

RELATED: Tyler Perry Reveals He Enjoys Building And Flying Planes As A Hobby, But 'Cocaine Is Cheaper

According to the news outlet, Delta has had to cancel more than 5,500 flights since the devastating outage began on Friday morning. Secretary Scott Buttigieg addressed the failures.

.@USDOT has opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is following the law and taking care of its passengers during continued widespread disruptions.



All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.  Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) July 23, 2024

"@USDOT has opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is following the law and taking care of its passengers during continued widespread disruptions," Buttigieg, 42, wrote on Twitter, now known as X.

"All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld," he concluded in a Tuesday morning post.

The company behind the massive outage CrowdStrike  which affected hospitals, airlines, emergency services, banks, and businesses  is an American cybersecurity company based in Austin, Texas.
Protests began in Bangladesh after the reinstatement of a quota system for government jobs resulted in violent and deadly uprisings.

According to the 'Associated Press,' 23 people were slain at Dhaka Medical College out of 43 people killed during the protests  although it's unclear whether they died on Friday, the most deadliest day reported so far, per Somoy TV.

On Thursday, 22 others were reported dead as students allegedly attempted to "completely shut down" the country, per 'PBS.'

RELATED: Two D.C. Women Who Allegedly Killed Their 'Sugar Daddy' And Cut Off His Thumb

Police in Bangladesh have been given permission to "shoot-on-sight" as a nationwide curfew has been implemented and student protests continue to take over the country. The curfew was expected to last from Friday through Sunday in order to reestablish order, however, it was briefly lifted Saturday for people to run errands.

The government has urged everyone to stay home, as all public gatherings and demonstrations have been banned. In addition to the end of public gatherings, the government also imposed a communications blackout  blocking all internet and social media access since Thursday.

According to the news outlet, "extreme circumstances" will allow police officers to open fire on anyone who is caught breaking the curfew rules, as confirmed by Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party.

RELATED: Tyler Perry Reveals He Enjoys Building And Flying Planes As A Hobby, But 'Cocaine Is Cheaper

The outlet reported that student protester Shafkat Mahmud described the uprising as "no longer just a protest" but has now become akin to "civil war" as nationwide unrest continues. Although no exact number for the death toll has been publicly declared, their local media has estimated that thousands have been injured and that deaths may have hit 115.

Mahmud alleged that after the shut down of the internet, rubber bullets were swapped for live ammunition. He detailed that he and his friends were attacked by pro-government supporters who carried guns and machetes and saw buses carrying away those who died in the uprising.

"Since the government's forces have been violently attacking us, our families have joined us in protests," Mahmud said, per the news outlet. "Our fight initially was about quotas but after witnessing the brutality and cruelty with which the police attacked the protesters, it's now about change. We are marching for this government to step down."

Law and justice manager Anisul Huq alleged on Friday night that the government was open to discussing their demands, per 'The Guardian.'
SpongeBob SquarePants is autistic, according to the beloved character's longtime voice actor.

Tom Kenny made the surprising revelation in a resurfaced clip from the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit earlier this year as the show "SpongeBob SquarePants" celebrated its 25th anniversary.

"SpongeBob's kind of on the spectrum too as a character," the famed voice actor said during a Q+A session at the May convention.

Kenny shared that he was previously approached by a fan "on the spectrum" and asked if SpongeBob was autistic.

"It was the first time I'd ever been asked this question -- a person who was obviously on the spectrum came up to me and said, 'Hey, I have a question for you, Tom Kenny. Is SpongeBob autistic?'" he recalled.

Kenny said he responded at the time: "'Yes, of course!'"

"I said, 'You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that's your superpower,'" he shared, causing cheers to erupt from the audience.

The clip -- and Kenny's comments -- was reposted on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, where the voice actor received praise from fans.

"That's so cool," one X user commented. "I'm glad he sees it that way."

"Imagine how confident he made the kid feel," another wrote of Kenny's interaction with the fan.

A third user also gushed over Kenny, writing: "He's so supportive, love this!"

"Wait, this is so sweet," a different person tweeted. "SpongeBob is very autism coded for me so I am glad it was confirmed (I am diagnosed with it)."

Meanwhile, some users said they were not that surprised to learn that SpongeBob is neurodivergent.

"Love this...and everybody knew that already lol," one Instagram user commented on a repost of the clip by the Instagram account The Neighborhood Talk.

"We always knew he was on the spectrum, y'all ain't have to tell us," another declared.

"Fork found in kitchen #NotSurprised," a third user joked.

This was not the first time Kenny, who has voiced the Nickelodeon cartoon character since 1999, has talked about SpongeBob potentially having autism.

"I don't know what there is in that show that talks to kids that are on the autism spectrum, but more than other cartoons... because SpongeBob as a character is a little autistic," he said on Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast in 2012. "Obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really, really deep into something."
July 23, 2024: Its been over sixty years since American warships have experienced combat. That last occasion was off Vietnam in the 1960s. That changed in June 2024 when two US Navy destroyers, the USS Mason and USS Thomas Hudner exchanged fire with Yemen rebels led by leaders of the Houthi clan. This went on for six days and the Houthi attacks were greatly diminished by the air strikes and the presence of the two destroyers.

The Mason and Thomas Hudner are two of the 73 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers in American service with more being built. The ultimate goal is to have 92 Burkes. There were several generations of Burkes but in general they were warships displacing 9,200 tons operated by a crew of 320. Top speed is 56 kilometers an hour while cruising speed is 37 kilometers an hour. At that speed a Burke can travel 8,100 kilometers on a load of fuel. Burkes have a complete array of modern electronics and sensors needed to detect and fight surface, air, and subsurface threats. Weapons include a 127mm, or five inch, gun in a turret, two Phalanx 20mm autocannon systems, each with an automated fire control system that, when active, automatically fires on any incoming missile threat. There are 90 VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells for various types of missiles including anti-aircraft, cruise, anti-submarine and BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense). There are several other defensive systems. There are six 324mm torpedo tubes for lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes. There is a helicopter on board with a flight deck and hangar at the rear of the ship. Two of these well-equipped destroyers handled all the Houthi rebels could throw at them while also providing protection for over two dozen merchant ships moving up the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal.

The USS Mason belonged to Carrier Strike Group 2, which is based around the nuclear powered aircraft carrier CVN-69 Eisenhower. The USS Thomas Hudner belons to Carrier Strike Group 12, which is based around the nuclear powered aircraft carrier CVN-78 Ford. Its not unusual for destroyers from two different Carrier Strike groups to be detached for a separate mission, In this case it was dealing with anti-ship missile attacks by Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The carrier Eisenhower sent its aircraft to attack Houthi militia positions in Yemen. The two destroyers and air support from the Eisenhower defeated or destroyed many of the Houth missile attacks

For several decades the major troublemaker in Yemen has been the al-Houthi family and its growing Shia rebel militia from northern Yemen. The Houthi rebels became active in northern Yemen during the 1990s and opposed the Yemen government that controlled most of the country. In 2014 the Houthi captured the Yemen capital of Sanaa so the government moved its administrative personnel to the port city of Aden in the south. The elected leader of Yemen spent most of his time in Saudi Arabia, where he was safe from assassination and the general mayhem that has characterized Yemen since the Houthis moved south.

In 2021 the U.S. labeled the Houthis international terrorists. The rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, are sponsored by Iran have regularly attacked Saudi Arabia and , since Hamas attacked Israel last October, ships from all nations in the Red Sea. The rebels are so dependent on, and controlled by, Iran that one of the Iranian ambassadors to the rebel government was an IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) general Hassan Irloo, who had sanctions imposed on him when he arrived in Yemen during 2020.

For a long time many Western politicians, especially in Europe, opposed the designation of the Houthi rebels as terrorists and favored trying to negotiate with Iran and the rebels to achieve a peace deal. The American government and most Arab states pointed out that the main reason Iran backs the Shia rebels is because it gives them a base from which to attack Saudi Arabia, a nation they are at war with. Iran is also at war with Israel and the United States. Iran has a record of not complying with agreed-to treaties and the Yemeni rebels do the same. No peace proposal to the Houthis has ever worked out.

About half of the 35 million Yemenis depend on food aid to avoid malnutrition or starvation. Most of the food aid comes in via the Red Sea port of Hodeida, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels. This means that the Houthis control the food aid coming in and dispense that aid to cooperative groups while withholding it from hostile tribes and other entities in northwestern Yemen.

Two major donor nations, the U.S. and Britain reduced food and other aid deliveries because the Houthi rebels refused to eliminate restrictions on auditing and supervising what happens to aid in rebel-controlled areas. American aid for rebel held areas stopped in early 2020s. The UN continues to document rebel practices that involve destroying, diverting or delaying distribution of aid in rebel held areas where the local civilians will not cooperate with the rebels. Since 2019 the rebels have been recruiting teenagers for their combat forces and many families and tribes will not cooperate. Other tribes continue to oppose the rebels for any number of reasons. No food or medicine for these either. A growing number of hostile tribes are cooperating with the rebels to avoid starvation. What it came down to was that aid was prolonging the war. In response a lot of the aid is being halted, at least for the rebel-controlled areas.

Since the rebels took control of Hodeida and the capital Sanaa, Saudi and UN aid groups were unable to repair infrastructure that the rebels were unable or unwilling to maintain. Same situation in the capital, Saana, which the rebels have also controlled and not maintained. This lack of infrastructure maintenance in large urban areas was the main reason for the eventual return of cholera.

This self-destructive attitude by the Shia rebels was also present among the separatist Sunni tribes in the south. Despite all the fighting since 2014, and similar activity in the 1990s, there are still factions in the north and south who believed unity was overrated and two Yemens was the way to go. After a few years of recent fighting, with most of the population surviving on foreign food aid, regional autonomy or national unity no longer seems relevant. Many of those hungry Yemenis have to pay Houthi rebels for this free food. The foreign aid NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) and the UN complain about this but the Houthi rebels are armed and dangerous and the UN is not. Not armed that is. That has led to foreign donors reducing their contributions. The aid-per Yemeni fell 50 percent between 2019 and 2020 and has not improved since. Part of that was due to the covid19 economic recession, but most of the decline was about the Houthi rebels using the aid as a source of income and using the threat of withholding all aid to Yemenis who did not cooperate.

There is resistance to admitting that Yemen is a failed state, one of those areas, like Somalia and Afghanistan, that were never united for long and are basically several smaller entities that are not really interested in unity with neighbors who are supposed to be their countrymen. And then there is the corruption problem, where Yemen ranks as one the most corrupt nations in the world.

Most Iran-backed Shia rebels still believe time is their side as long as the Iranian support continues. Iran understands this as well and is willing to finance the expensive smuggling effort at a reduced level because of the distress it causes the Saudis. The problem with this strategy is that Iran can afford to abandon the Shia rebels while the Saudis cannot afford to have an Iranian ally on their southern border. This fighting in 2020 has left about 4,000 people dead or wounded. Most of the casualties have been civilians victimized by the rebel tactic of trying to hide combat units and supplies in residential areas to discourage air strikes. That only works some of the time. The attacks on Saudi Arabia have diminished since 2021 but the threat is still there as long as Iranian weapons keep reaching the Houthis.

The Houthi rebels are going broke because it costs a lot of money to maintain a force of several thousand gunmen and also pay for the staff of the temporary government the rebels have established in the north. The Houthis control access to over a third of the Yemeni population and these are among the most in need of foreign food and medical aid. The Arab Coalition has been taking apart the legal income sources the rebels had because they captured the national capital in 2014 and held on to it. That meant they maintained control over vital, and profitable, taxation of key industries. One of the most valuable, the telecommunications business, has been generating about $60 million a month in taxes since the rebels seized the capital. The Arab coalition created a rival national telecommunications authority in 2019 and persuaded most of the foreign telecommunications firms to abandon the Shia rebels and pay the legitimate government operating from the temporary capital of Aden. As long as Iran is able or willing to make up enough of the lost Houthi income, the Houthis will continue. That is difficult for Iran because the Americans 2018 revival of economic sanctions turned out to be more of a burden than the religious dictatorship of Iran expected. That was made worse by covid19, which the Iranian clergy initially declared as something that only killed infidels (non-Moslems). This attitude enabled the virus to spread rapidly throughout Iran before the government acted. That led to more anti-government demonstrations and calls for less spending on foreign wars.

In Yemen there is also a war going on with Islamic terrorists. The remaining ones in Yemen belong to AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) or ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Both these terrorist groups are still around but largely keep their heads down in rural hideouts. Most of these are in central Yemen and areas to the east. Baida province used to be a major AQAP base area but not so much now as more AQAP factions disperse to other areas in central and eastern Yemen. Anywhere an Islamic terrorist can find a hospitable tribe, they can usually arrange refuge. AQAP has few active members left in Yemen and the only remaining local support is from some separatist Sunni tribes in the south and east. Since 2017 AQAP has been under heavy attack by the Americans and Arab coalition so the Islamic terrorists responded by shifting more of their attacks from Shia rebels to the government and Arab coalition forces. ISIL and AQAP were fighting each other a lot after mid-2018 but since early 2020 ISIL has not been very active. ISIL lost this war and some ISIL factions are known to be hiding out in Shia rebel territory. That requires offering some cooperation with the Shia rebels and that apparently includes useful intel on what is going on in the rest of Yemen, where ISIL still has fans. ISIL and AQAP are both trying to rebuild, especially after the losses, including defections, during their battles with each other. Thats another reason why Yemen is a slow-motion war made slower by hunger, disease and poverty.

The Houthis remain the best armed and most aggressive rebel force in Yemen. That and orders from their Iranian patron are why they have recently been firing their Iranian anti-ship missiles at commercial shipping and American destroyers in the Red Sea. These attacks started in November 2023 as the Houthis sought to avenge the October 2023 defeat of Hamas in Gaza, an area on the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Israel. July 23, 2024: Its been over sixty years since American warships have experienced combat. That last occasion was off Vietnam in the 1960s. That changed in June 2024 when two US Navy destroyers, the USS Mason and USS Thomas Hudner exchanged fire with Yemen rebels led by leaders of the Houthi clan. This went on for six days and the Houthi attacks were greatly diminished by the air strikes and the presence of the two destroyers.

The Mason and Thomas Hudner are two of the 73 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers in American service with more being built. The ultimate goal is to have 92 Burkes. There were several generations of Burkes but in general they were warships displacing 9,200 tons operated by a crew of 320. Top speed is 56 kilometers an hour while cruising speed is 37 kilometers an hour. At that speed a Burke can travel 8,100 kilometers on a load of fuel. Burkes have a complete array of modern electronics and sensors needed to detect and fight surface, air, and subsurface threats. Weapons include a 127mm, or five inch, gun in a turret, two Phalanx 20mm autocannon systems, each with an automated fire control system that, when active, automatically fires on any incoming missile threat. There are 90 VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells for various types of missiles including anti-aircraft, cruise, anti-submarine and BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense). There are several other defensive systems. There are six 324mm torpedo tubes for lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes. There is a helicopter on board with a flight deck and hangar at the rear of the ship. Two of these well-equipped destroyers handled all the Houthi rebels could throw at them while also providing protection for over two dozen merchant ships moving up the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal.

The USS Mason belonged to Carrier Strike Group 2, which is based around the nuclear powered aircraft carrier CVN-69 Eisenhower. The USS Thomas Hudner belons to Carrier Strike Group 12, which is based around the nuclear powered aircraft carrier CVN-78 Ford. Its not unusual for destroyers from two different Carrier Strike groups to be detached for a separate mission, In this case it was dealing with anti-ship missile attacks by Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The carrier Eisenhower sent its aircraft to attack Houthi militia positions in Yemen. The two destroyers and air support from the Eisenhower defeated or destroyed many of the Houth missile attacks

For several decades the major troublemaker in Yemen has been the al-Houthi family and its growing Shia rebel militia from northern Yemen. The Houthi rebels became active in northern Yemen during the 1990s and opposed the Yemen government that controlled most of the country. In 2014 the Houthi captured the Yemen capital of Sanaa so the government moved its administrative personnel to the port city of Aden in the south. The elected leader of Yemen spent most of his time in Saudi Arabia, where he was safe from assassination and the general mayhem that has characterized Yemen since the Houthis moved south.

In 2021 the U.S. labeled the Houthis international terrorists. The rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, are sponsored by Iran have regularly attacked Saudi Arabia and , since Hamas attacked Israel last October, ships from all nations in the Red Sea. The rebels are so dependent on, and controlled by, Iran that one of the Iranian ambassadors to the rebel government was an IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) general Hassan Irloo, who had sanctions imposed on him when he arrived in Yemen during 2020.

For a long time many Western politicians, especially in Europe, opposed the designation of the Houthi rebels as terrorists and favored trying to negotiate with Iran and the rebels to achieve a peace deal. The American government and most Arab states pointed out that the main reason Iran backs the Shia rebels is because it gives them a base from which to attack Saudi Arabia, a nation they are at war with. Iran is also at war with Israel and the United States. Iran has a record of not complying with agreed-to treaties and the Yemeni rebels do the same. No peace proposal to the Houthis has ever worked out.

About half of the 35 million Yemenis depend on food aid to avoid malnutrition or starvation. Most of the food aid comes in via the Red Sea port of Hodeida, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels. This means that the Houthis control the food aid coming in and dispense that aid to cooperative groups while withholding it from hostile tribes and other entities in northwestern Yemen.

Two major donor nations, the U.S. and Britain reduced food and other aid deliveries because the Houthi rebels refused to eliminate restrictions on auditing and supervising what happens to aid in rebel-controlled areas. American aid for rebel held areas stopped in early 2020s. The UN continues to document rebel practices that involve destroying, diverting or delaying distribution of aid in rebel held areas where the local civilians will not cooperate with the rebels. Since 2019 the rebels have been recruiting teenagers for their combat forces and many families and tribes will not cooperate. Other tribes continue to oppose the rebels for any number of reasons. No food or medicine for these either. A growing number of hostile tribes are cooperating with the rebels to avoid starvation. What it came down to was that aid was prolonging the war. In response a lot of the aid is being halted, at least for the rebel-controlled areas.

Since the rebels took control of Hodeida and the capital Sanaa, Saudi and UN aid groups were unable to repair infrastructure that the rebels were unable or unwilling to maintain. Same situation in the capital, Saana, which the rebels have also controlled and not maintained. This lack of infrastructure maintenance in large urban areas was the main reason for the eventual return of cholera.

This self-destructive attitude by the Shia rebels was also present among the separatist Sunni tribes in the south. Despite all the fighting since 2014, and similar activity in the 1990s, there are still factions in the north and south who believed unity was overrated and two Yemens was the way to go. After a few years of recent fighting, with most of the population surviving on foreign food aid, regional autonomy or national unity no longer seems relevant. Many of those hungry Yemenis have to pay Houthi rebels for this free food. The foreign aid NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) and the UN complain about this but the Houthi rebels are armed and dangerous and the UN is not. Not armed that is. That has led to foreign donors reducing their contributions. The aid-per Yemeni fell 50 percent between 2019 and 2020 and has not improved since. Part of that was due to the covid19 economic recession, but most of the decline was about the Houthi rebels using the aid as a source of income and using the threat of withholding all aid to Yemenis who did not cooperate.

There is resistance to admitting that Yemen is a failed state, one of those areas, like Somalia and Afghanistan, that were never united for long and are basically several smaller entities that are not really interested in unity with neighbors who are supposed to be their countrymen. And then there is the corruption problem, where Yemen ranks as one the most corrupt nations in the world.

Most Iran-backed Shia rebels still believe time is their side as long as the Iranian support continues. Iran understands this as well and is willing to finance the expensive smuggling effort at a reduced level because of the distress it causes the Saudis. The problem with this strategy is that Iran can afford to abandon the Shia rebels while the Saudis cannot afford to have an Iranian ally on their southern border. This fighting in 2020 has left about 4,000 people dead or wounded. Most of the casualties have been civilians victimized by the rebel tactic of trying to hide combat units and supplies in residential areas to discourage air strikes. That only works some of the time. The attacks on Saudi Arabia have diminished since 2021 but the threat is still there as long as Iranian weapons keep reaching the Houthis.

The Houthi rebels are going broke because it costs a lot of money to maintain a force of several thousand gunmen and also pay for the staff of the temporary government the rebels have established in the north. The Houthis control access to over a third of the Yemeni population and these are among the most in need of foreign food and medical aid. The Arab Coalition has been taking apart the legal income sources the rebels had because they captured the national capital in 2014 and held on to it. That meant they maintained control over vital, and profitable, taxation of key industries. One of the most valuable, the telecommunications business, has been generating about $60 million a month in taxes since the rebels seized the capital. The Arab coalition created a rival national telecommunications authority in 2019 and persuaded most of the foreign telecommunications firms to abandon the Shia rebels and pay the legitimate government operating from the temporary capital of Aden. As long as Iran is able or willing to make up enough of the lost Houthi income, the Houthis will continue. That is difficult for Iran because the Americans 2018 revival of economic sanctions turned out to be more of a burden than the religious dictatorship of Iran expected. That was made worse by covid19, which the Iranian clergy initially declared as something that only killed infidels (non-Moslems). This attitude enabled the virus to spread rapidly throughout Iran before the government acted. That led to more anti-government demonstrations and calls for less spending on foreign wars.

In Yemen there is also a war going on with Islamic terrorists. The remaining ones in Yemen belong to AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) or ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Both these terrorist groups are still around but largely keep their heads down in rural hideouts. Most of these are in central Yemen and areas to the east. Baida province used to be a major AQAP base area but not so much now as more AQAP factions disperse to other areas in central and eastern Yemen. Anywhere an Islamic terrorist can find a hospitable tribe, they can usually arrange refuge. AQAP has few active members left in Yemen and the only remaining local support is from some separatist Sunni tribes in the south and east. Since 2017 AQAP has been under heavy attack by the Americans and Arab coalition so the Islamic terrorists responded by shifting more of their attacks from Shia rebels to the government and Arab coalition forces. ISIL and AQAP were fighting each other a lot after mid-2018 but since early 2020 ISIL has not been very active. ISIL lost this war and some ISIL factions are known to be hiding out in Shia rebel territory. That requires offering some cooperation with the Shia rebels and that apparently includes useful intel on what is going on in the rest of Yemen, where ISIL still has fans. ISIL and AQAP are both trying to rebuild, especially after the losses, including defections, during their battles with each other. Thats another reason why Yemen is a slow-motion war made slower by hunger, disease and poverty.

The Houthis remain the best armed and most aggressive rebel force in Yemen. That and orders from their Iranian patron are why they have recently been firing their Iranian anti-ship missiles at commercial shipping and American destroyers in the Red Sea. These attacks started in November 2023 as the Houthis sought to avenge the October 2023 defeat of Hamas in Gaza, an area on the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Israel.
COLUMBUS  The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is accepting nominations for its Industry Excellence Awards from now until Aug. 9 to honor outstanding leaders in the agribusiness industry.

The OABAs Industry Excellence Awards seek to highlight stories of professionalism, stewardship and excellence within the agribusiness sector. OABA member company employees can be nominated in three award categories, including Achievement as an Emerging Leader, Excellence in Customer Service and Excellence in Safety & Stewardship.

Award recipients will be honored at the 2025 OABA Industry Conference on Jan. 29, where they will receive recognition in industry publications and a $1,000 cash award, provided by Assured Partners  ABIS/J.H. Ward. Awardees will also get complimentary registration and lodging for the conference.

To nominate an employee, visit oaba.net/awards and download the application forms. Applications must be submitted to the Ohio AgriBusiness Association and can be mailed or emailed to 5151 Reed Road, Suite 126-C, Columbus, Ohio 43220 or lprettyman@oaba.net, respectively.

For more information, contact Lauren Prettyman at 614-326-7520 or lprettyman@oaba.net.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, announced the 2024 recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators and the Presidents Environmental Youth Award.

In Ohio, Shari Insley from Pine Intermediate School in North Olmstead was awarded the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. With over 18 years of teaching experience, Insley, a fifth-grade environmental science teacher, prioritizes dynamic and engaging learning environments for her students.

Through a blend of outdoor activities, research endeavors and collaborations with local experts, Insleys students actively participate in hands-on learning experiences.

In collaboration with her fellow educators, Insley created the North Olmsted Middle School Water Guardians Project. Under this project, students use scientific equipment for research and water sample testing to gain practical insights into environmental science and conservation.

During these outdoor studies, students collaborate with field experts, professionals and educators who encourage them to ask questions and nurture their innate curiosity.

In addition to this project, Insley also hosts a field trip to the Ohio State Universitys Stone Laboratory. The laboratory, in the western basin of Lake Erie, is where Stone Lab scientists share their expertise with students and discuss topics relevant to the Lake Erie ecosystem.

The PIAEE award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award.

To read about the winning projects in detail, visit epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners, for PEYA Winners, and epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners, for PIAEE Winners.
RAVENNA, Ohio  The Shalersville Historical Society will meet Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. for its monthly meeting at its museum, located at 9154 State Route 44 in Shalersville.

The group will showcase progress on its one-room school house and discuss upcoming events, including an Aug. 13 program at 7 p.m. on the North Feeder of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, which ran from Feeder Dam near the Save 4 store in Shalersville.

Meetings are open to the public.
A man has died 'tragically' on his farm in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, with investigations continuing into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Harold Andrew Gilmore, a 'devoted father' of eight daughters and also a 'cherished grandfather', died on his farm in Dromore on Saturday 20 July.

A death notice published by Armstrong Funeral Directors and Memorials explained that Mr Gilmore had died 'tragically on his farm'

A statement by the Health Service Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) said it was "aware of an incident on a farm in the Dromore area and are making enquiries."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) added that they "attended a report of a sudden death at the Fintona Road area of Dromore on Saturday 20 July."

Enquiries are continuing but at this stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious, the police said.

There were seven farm-related workplace fatalities in Northern Ireland in 2023/2024, according to the latest figures, published during Farm Safety Week.

Across the UK as a whole, there were 34 deaths on farms, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.
An innovative project using canine DNA technology from livestock attacks is taking its next step in the process of engaging with farmers to further develop the technique.

Led by Liverpools John Moores University, the project will now distribute canine DNA collecting kits to farmers in hotspot areas that are seeing recurring problems with dog attacks.

The kits include swabs, scissors, tape, detailed instructions for DNA collection and information regarding the project.

It is hoped the trial period of testing and collecting could lead to an expansion of the project leading to evidence gathering that could lead to prosecution, down the line.

Farm animals worth an estimated 2.4 million were severely injured and killed by dog attacks in 2022, NFU Mutual's latest figures show.

Not only do these attacks cause suffering to livestock, but they can traumatise farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath.

While attacks are on the increase, obtaining suitable forensic samples from the scene is often difficult as attacks can occur in remote locations.

In recent months, farming groups have been at the heart of important discussions to provide better legislative powers in Westminster relating to dog attacks on livestock.

The industry has been publicly supportive of improved powers for police in order to help officers to respond more effectively when a dog attack has occurred on a farm.

Dr Nick Dawnay, from Liverpool John Moores University, who is leading the project, said rural crime police officers cant always attend scenes in a timely manner.

"So quite often no forensic sample is collected from the injured or deceased livestock," he explained.

"Timing of sample collection is important as the DNA of an offending dog will not last long on an animal exposed to the elements or on a dead carcass that has been disturbed or moved.

This led Dr Dawnay to develop early evidence kits so that, in the event of a livestock attack, a forensic sample can be collected at the crime scene by police, vets and farmers.

The kits will enable canine DNA to be collected in minutes at the scene of the attack, with samples then handed to the police.

They will be distributed across 10 regions in England and Wales via participating police forces, NFU Mutual, the National Sheep Association, and NFU Cymru.
A Welsh livestock farmer has been ordered to pay out over 6,000 after pleading guilty to breaching cattle regulations.

Gary Davies, of Llandysul, Ceredigion, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Cattle Identification Regulations 200.

He also pleaded two offences under the Disease Control (Wales) Order 2003 and three offences under the Tuberculosis (Wales) Order 2010.

The court heard how Mr Davies 'consistently failed' to report the deaths, or off movements, of cattle since 2021 in contravention of the Cattle Identification Regulations 2007.

Ceredigion County Council said the accurate maintenance of animal movements is critical to animal disease control, and the integrity of the food chain.

There were also movements of cattle on and off the holding within the six-day standstill period which is a contravention of the Disease Control Order.

Mr Davies also pleaded guilty to the movement of a total of 99 cattle on and off the holding whilst under TB restrictions.

Ceredigion County Council said these controls are critical to the control of TB in cattle, and the prevention of spread within the herd and the neighbouring herds.

The court heard how officers from the council had visited and written to Mr Davies on several occasions since 2020 identifying the breaches of legislation and giving advice on the legal requirements.

Ceredigions cabinet member for public protection, Matthew Vaux said: The great majority of farms in Ceredigion fully comply with their obligations and are a credit to the industry.

However, in this instance it was disappointing that the advice given was not heeded which meant the authority had little option but to bring this case to court.

Aberystwyth Justice Centre issued a fine of 200 for each of the Cattle Identification Regulations breaches, 300 for the two breaches of the Disease Control Order and 500 for each offence under TB Order.

The total fine was 2,200 which included a 880 surcharge. The council was awarded just over 3,000 of costs in bringing the matter to court leaving a total fine of nearly 6,100.
July 24, 2024: The Russian Black Sea fleet originally had four Kilo-Class diesel-electric submarines. One Kilo was put out of action by a September 2023 air strike on the Crimean port of Sevastopol, where most ships of the Black Sea fleet were based. The other three Kilos apparently departed with the rest of the Black Sea fleet for more distant ports to avoid attack by Ukrainian USVs (Unmanned Seagoing Vessels).

Russia lost control of the Black Sea after it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine used USVs armed with explosives to destroy or damage over a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The surviving Russian ships fled to distant areas of the Black Sea to escape these unusual but very effective Ukrainian attacks. Even in the new, distant bases, Black Sea Fleet ships were still attacked by new, longer range Ukrainian attack USVs. This was humiliating for Russia, which lost control of the Black Sea to Ukraine, a country without a fleet. The Ukrainians used their novel USVs and continue to use them against surviving Russian warships. The Ukrainian USVs now block Russian commercial transports from leaving or entering the Black Sea.

The Crimean port of Sevastopol is still controlled by Russian forces, as is the rest of Crimea. Despite that, Russian ports and bases in Crimea are under constant attack and more Russian civilians are leaving. The Russian government is discouraging Russian tourists from coming to Crimea, as they have been doing for over a century.

The three remaining Kilo class submarines in the Black Sea could remain a threat because each of them carries four Kalibr cruise missiles, which are similar to the American Tomahawk submarine launched missiles. There are still, as of July 2024, Kalibr missile attacks on Ukrainian targets. Since Kalibr is a relatively slow moving cruise missile, it is easy for air defense systems to spot and shoot down. Some cruise missiles are designed to come in low, less than a hundred meters from the ground, to avoid being spotted by radar. Kalibr does not have that feature and approaches targets at a high enough altitude to be spotted and shot down. This has been happening regularly over Ukraine, but the Russian supply of Kalibrs, which are usually launched from ships or submarines, are limited and so are the use of Kalibrs in combat during 2024.

Russia prefers to use faster ballistic missiles which are more difficult for the Ukrainians to intercept, especially since Ukraine has been receiving fewer Patriot missiles from its NATO supporters. Ukraine has apparently received and used so many Patriot missiles that the worldwide supply of missiles available to Ukraine is running low. Over 100,000 Patriot missiles have been produced since Patriot was introduced in the 1980s. Most of those missiles have been used or retired because they were too old to operate reliably. The United States is the major operator of Patriot systems and missiles, but Patriot has been exported to eighteen other nations. The U.S. is trying to persuade other Patriot users to donate Patriot batteries, each with target detection and fire control radars, as well as a fire control system manned by operators. Ukraine has been training more Patriot operators and the American manufacturer of Patriot missiles has increased production to 500 missiles a year which is projected to rise to 650 by 2027.

The Russian Black Sea Fleet surface ships and submarines are no longer a major threat to Ukraine. The primary weapon of these ships was the Kalibr cruise missile, which has largely been nullified by air defense systems. The Russian ships are receiving few reloads for the Kalibr missiles used and Russia is concentrating on building more ballistic missiles which have a better chance of getting past Ukrainian missile defense systems.

Kilo class diesel-electric submarines have a top underwater speed of 36 kilometers an hour. The crew of 52 can stay at sea for up to 45 days at a time. Armament consists of 18 torpedoes or missiles plus eight surface-to-air missiles. Kilos displace 2,300 tons, are 74 meters long and all have six 533 mm torpedo tubes. Kilos are very similar to the world-standard diesel submarine, the 1,800-ton German Type 209. The Kilo is a formidable attack submarine and has been continually upgraded with better mechanical and electronic systems since first introduced in the early 1980s.

Kilos carry 18 heavyweight torpedoes, with six in the tubes and 12 on the racks. Two targets can be engaged simultaneously. Alternatively the torpedo tubes can deploy mines. The submarine can carry 24 mines with two in each of the six tubes and twelve on the racks.

Two torpedo tubes are designed for firing remote-controlled wire-guided torpedoes with very high accuracy. All torpedo tubes and their service systems provide effective firing from a 17.5 meter-long periscope tube. Kilos can operate as deep as 300 meters but normal operating depth is 250 meters.

The computer-controlled torpedo system is provided with a quick-loading device. It takes only 15 seconds to prepare stand-by torpedo tubes for firing; the first salvo can be away in under two minutes and the second within five minutes.

Typical torpedoes carried are the Type 53-65 passive wake homing torpedo with a range of 21 kilometers, or 19 kilometers at 81 kilometers an hour with a 305 kg warhead), and the TEST 71/76 anti-submarine torpedo that uses active and passive homing sonar. This model has a range of 17 kilometers. That means 15 kilometers at 72 kilometers an hour or 22 kilometers at 45 kilometers an hour with a 200 kg warhead.

Two of the launch tubes can fire the TEST-71MKE TV electric wire-guided/homing torpedo which has an active sonar homing system with TV guidance which allows the operator to manually switch to an alternative target and can maneuver in two axes. It is powered by a storage battery and bi-rotary motor giving a wakeless run at constant range and speed. It is 7.9 meters long and weighs 1,820 kg with a 205 kg explosive charge. Note TV means wire or fiber optic guided.

The submarine is also fitted with wake homing torpedoes that are 7.2 meters long and weigh 2.2 tons with a 200 kg explosive charge. It has a range of up to 40 km, and a depth of search of up to 500 meters. Maximum speed is 90 kilometers an hour.
Clint Eastwoods longtime partner Christina Sandera died of a heart attack.

Clint Eastwoods longtime partner Christina Sandera died of a heart attack

The Unforgiven actor and director, 94, was left shattered when his 61-year-old companion of 10 years died last week, and a death certificate has now revealed she was killed by cardiac arrhythmia  which causes the hearts rhythm to become too slow, rapid or irregular.

A representative from the Monterey County Health Department confirmed the cause of death.

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was cited as an additional condition that led to Sanderas death.

It occurs when deposits of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances accumulate in artery walls, causing blood vessels to harden and narrow, which restricts blood flow around the body.

When they plaques rupture they form a blood clot that can block the flow of blood more dramatically, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.

A Warner Bros spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter no further information would be given on Christinas death as Clint wants to privately grieve.

The Oscar-winner confirmed Christina had passed away in a statement issued on 18 July, in which he said: Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much.

He and Christina had been together since 2014 after meeting while she was working as a hostess at Clints Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

They made their red carpet debut at the 2015 Academy Awards and even though they lived a relatively private life, Christina was a regular plus-one with Clint to his red carpet events.

She was also very close to his large family and in 2018 joined three of his eight kids, as well as his granddaughter and first wife Margaret Johnson at the premiere of his film The Mule.

Two years later, Clints son Scott Eastwood, 38, said the whole clan planned to celebrate his dads 90thbirthday.

He added: Were going to do just a family thing. Very calm, very mellow.

He doesnt like birthdays. Hes just sort of like, I dont want to do birthdays  well sneak a cake in there, definitely.

He probably wont like it, but well put one in.
July 24, 2024: Last month there was a clash in the South China Sea between naval forces of China and the Philippines. The cause of this largely non-lethal battle was a Filipino attempt to resupply Filipino marines stationed on an old LST (Landing Ship Tank) deliberately run aground on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to asset Filipino ownership of the Shoal and much of South China Sea. There have been several similar clashes in the last year. The most recent ones in May and June involved a large number of Chinese ships that physically blocked Filipino Coast Guard and supply ships from reaching the grounded LST. Several of the Filipino RIBs (Rigid Inflatable) were sunk by Chinese sailors in speedboats who came alongside and used knives to puncher the RIBs hull and cause them to sink. A Filipino sailor lost a thumb when his boat collided with a fast moving Chinese speedboat. China seized materials meant for the LST and used loud sirens and strobe lights to disorient Filipino sailors trying to get their boats close to the LST. Among the seized materials were additional weapons for the LST crew. China has refused to return the weapons or any other cargo they seized. Technically this is piracy but even if an international court agrees with that, the Chinese will ignore the courts as they did several years earlier when a court ruling confirmed that portions of the South China Sea were under the control of the Philippines. China is one of the many nations that signed agreements governing the law of the sea, but the Chinese later ignore any agreements they signed if these agreements get in their way. This is what continues to occur in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Navy and Maritime Militia mustered dozens of Coast Guard and commercial fishing trawlers that are paid by the Chinese to serve as a naval militia and, when called upon by the government, cease fishing and assemble for whatever the navy wants them to do. Usually it is to congregate in large numbers near disputed, with the Philippines, islands, reefs and shoals to keep Filipino fishing boats out and claim these areas for the exclusive use by Chinese fishing trawlers. In one recent case Chinese ships equipped with water cannon hit Filipino fishing boats with large quantities of sea water to keep them from operating in traditional Filipino fishing areas.

The June clashes were the largest and most violent yet. In one case a Filipino helicopter dropped supplies near the LST and as the marines were retrieving them, Chinese speedboats arrived and seized some of the air dropped parcels and ripped open the waterproof packaging and scattered the contents on the ocean surface. Apparently, the Chinese government has ordered its naval forces to use any means necessary to deprive the grounded LST of any supplies and try to starve out the marines stationed on the LST.

Increasingly more Chinese coast guard ships are patrolling Second Thomas Shoal, First Thomas Shoal, and Half Moon Shoal, all within the Filipino EEZ or Exclusive Economic Zone, waters 380 kilometers from the coast, but now claimed by China. The Philippines EEZ in the South China Sea is where Filipinos have been fishing the reefs and other shallow waters for centuries, long before there was a Philippine state and without interference from Chinese fishermen, who only occasionally showed up. Thats because fishing boats with refrigeration, a 20th century invention, only recently made it possible for Chinese fishermen to scour the entire South China Sea for fish to profitably catch, refrigerate and carry back to China. The 20th century also meant the possibility of finding oil or gas deposits in the South China Sea as well as controlling key shipping routes via the Malacca Strait.

Aerial and satellite photos indicate that Chinese military construction efforts on Woody Island, one of the disputed Paracel Islands closer to China, are complete. The garrison consists of a battalion of naval infantry and a 2,300 meter long air strip. This is long enough to support warplanes and commercial transports as large as Boeing 737s, which China has a lot of. A school building was completed in 2013 for the 40 children of officials and their families stationed there. There is an artificial harbor that can handle ships of up to 5,000 ton displacement. This harbor is heavily used because there is no local water supply and much of the water still has to be brought in along with fuel for all the land, sea and air vehicles as well as the generators. While there is some recreational fishing going on, the two thousand people on the island require regular food deliveries from the mainland.

In addition to the military garrison there is also a civilian rescue detachment equipped with helicopters and small boats. This detachment is largely for the waters around Woody Island and a few smaller islands that amount to about 13 square kilometers of land. China recently used dredging to increase the land area by about 20 percent.

Construction is largely complete for facilities in the capital of Sansha, a new Chinese municipality or city. Sansha is actually Woody Island and dozens of smaller bits of land, some of them shoals that are under water all the time, in the Paracels and the Spratly Islands to the south. In fact, the new city lays claim to two million square kilometers of open sea, which is 57 percent of the South China Sea. China has completed similar construction projects in the South China Sea and satellite photos reveal this to be true.

China claims the South China Sea and all islands and near islands like reefs as Chinese property. To reinforce these claims of sovereignty China is occupying uninhabitable islands and creating new ones by dredging sand from reefs and shoals to create new uninhabitable islands. Like Woody Island, these new islands are staffed with troops and government employees and supplied, at great expense, from the mainland. China even built two special supply ships to make regular deliveries to their many island bases in the South China Sea.
Vietnams textile (excluding yarn and fibre) and garment exports rose by 4.6 per cent year-on-year to $16.522 billion in January-June (H1) 2024, as reported by the Customs IT and Statistics Department of the General Department of Customs under Vietnams Ministry of Finance. In June 2024, these exports increased by 14.4 per cent month-on-month to $3.159 billion.

Simultaneously, Vietnams yarn exports saw a 4.5 per cent increase year-on-year to $2,161.028 million. In terms of volume, there was a 7.4 per cent rise, with the country exporting 895,355 tons of yarn in the first six months of 2024. On a month-on-month basis, yarn exports decreased by 8.8 per cent in value and 10.6 per cent in volume. The country exported 141,510 tons of yarn in June 2024, valued at $352.537 million.

In H1 2024, Vietnam's textile and garment exports increased by 4.6 per cent to $16.522 billion, with June exports rising 14.4 per cent month-on-month. Yarn exports grew 4.5 per cent to $2.161 billion, though June saw a month-on-month decline. The US was the largest market, accounting for 43.63 per cent of textile exports. Cotton and yarn imports also surged.

The US remained the main market for Vietnams textile and garment exports, accounting for 43.63 per cent of the total, equivalent to $7.209 billion. Japan and South Korea were also significant markets, with exports amounting to $1,874.987 million and $1,355.212 million, respectively.

Regarding yarn exports, China was the largest recipient, accounting for 48.58 per cent of Vietnams total yarn shipments, valued at $1,050.678 million. Yarn exports to India were worth $28.259 million in January-June 2024.

In terms of inbound trade, Vietnams cotton imports surged by 6.5 per cent to $1,498.091 million in January-June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The volume of imported cotton was 748,255 tons, marking an 18.8 per cent increase year-on-year. The country imported 586,216 tons of yarn, worth $1,275.930 million, reflecting a 19.5 per cent rise in value and a 15.0 per cent increase in volume. Fabric imports totalled $7.243 billion, up by 12.7 per cent.

In 2023, Vietnams textile and garment sector witnessed a decline of around 12 per cent to $36.230 billion. Although the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) had set an export target of $48 billion, this goal was not met. In 2022, the sectors exports grew by 14.7 per cent year-on-year to $37.5 billion, falling short of the $43 billion target. In 2021, exports in this sector reached $32.750 billion, a 9.9 per cent increase from 2020s $29.809 billion.

Due to a decrease in global market demand, VITAS has lowered the export target for textiles, garments, and yarn to $44 billion for 2024.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
The makers of upcoming spy film Harbin have released an exciting new poster and teaser. Set in 1909, the film follows independence fighters on a thrilling mission in Harbin, Korea. The poster showcases the determined faces of Ahn Jung Geun (Hyun Bin), Woo Deok Sun (Park Jung Min), Kim Sang Hyun (Jo Woo Jin), and Madam Gong (Jeon Yeo Been), casting long shadows of resilience.





In the teaser, Ahn Jung Geun declares, The leader of the Japanese wolves ravaging KoreaI must kill that old wolf at all costs, hinting at the intense battles ahead. The film captures the gripping journey of these fighters as they strive for Koreas freedom.





With cinematographer Hong Kyeong Pyo and Director Woo Min Ho collaborating for the first time, the film promises stunning visuals. Shot in Mongolia, Latvia, and Korea, Harbin offers a vast and immersive cinematic experience. The combination of an intense storyline and breathtaking scenery makes Harbin a must-watch.
SINGAPORE, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore's National Quantum Office (NQO), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University of Singapore (NUS), National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) and Quantinuum signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, enabling access to Quantinuum's advanced quantum computer, and to explore and collaborate on quantum computing use cases, focusing on computational biology.

Under the MoU, the parties agree to leverage Quantinuum's H-Series and Helios quantum computers, to promote joint research and development (R&D) activities in various quantum computing applications. Helios is Quantinuum's next generation quantum processor that could exponentially increase the computing power of quantum computers.

The parties will also collaborate on developing hybrid computing solutions that include both classical and quantum computing infrastructures, leading to the creation of long-term strategic roadmaps. The MoU also enables collaborations in training and outreach through seminars, workshops and bespoke programmes to nurture quantum talent and contribute towards Singapore's growing quantum community.

Singapore has a strong background in computational biology and the collection of quality health datasets. Through this MoU, scientists from A*STAR's Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR's BII), the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at NUS and Duke-NUS Medical School's Centre for Computational Biology will be able to leverage Quantinuum's machines to enhance capabilities in modelling complex biological systems, advancing drug discovery and personalised medicine. In addition, Quantinuum also plans to establish a dedicated R&D presence in Singapore, where researchers from both Quantinuum and Singapore could better exchange knowledge and expertise for further developments in quantum applications and algorithms.

As the largest quantum computing company that has demonstrated success in building the highest performing quantum computers, Quantinuum offers an integrated, end-to-end quantum computing platform. Quantinuum leverages trapped-ion technology - one of the most promising approaches for building the highest fidelity and scalable quantum computers - to develop use cases in a wide range of applications, including pharmaceuticals, material sciences, and finance.

This MoU is guided by Singapore's National Quantum Strategy, which aims to strengthen Singapore's position as a leading hub in the development and deployment of quantum technologies by bolstering scientific excellence in high impact areas of quantum research; strengthening Singapore's engineering capabilities in quantum technologies to accelerate translation into real world solutions; attracting, developing and retaining quantum talent; and anchoring company partnerships to build a vibrant and resilient quantum industry.

NQO oversees the development and execution of Singapore's National Quantum Strategy to advance Singapore's quantum technologies, talent and ecosystem development through the national-level quantum programmes. The National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH), a national-level quantum programme and a joint initiative of CQT, A*STAR's Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR's IHPC) and the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore, will drive this collaboration with Quantinuum.

"This is a strategic collaboration with Quantinuum, following the launch of Singapore's National Quantum Strategy in late May. Through the NQCH, the National Quantum Office has brought together key research performers to collaborate with Quantinuum on advancing R&D in quantum computing, which will give Singapore an edge in quantum use cases across various industries. Equally important, this MoU will give Singapore access to Quantinuum's state-of-the-art H-Series and Helios quantum computers. The NQO will continue to foster mutually beneficial partnerships through our national-level quantum programmes, and we look forward to delivering outcomes that could benefit the research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) ecosystem together," said Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director, NQO.

"Our collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing global quantum computing. By harnessing our cutting-edge H-Series quantum computers and leading quantum application software stack, we aim to pioneer transformative use cases in computational biology and life sciences, catalysing innovation across industries. Establishing an R&D hub in Singapore enhances our dedication to fostering a vibrant quantum ecosystem, driving scientific excellence, and nurturing top quantum talent. Together, we aim to make significant strides in quantum technologies, supporting Singapore's ambition to lead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape," stated Dr. Rajeeb (Raj) Hazra, CEO of Quantinuum.

Annex A - Additional quotes from MoU signatories

About the National Quantum Office

The National Quantum Office (NQO) was established with the support of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to drive the development and implementation of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) strategy for Quantum in Singapore. The Office was set up in April 2022 and is hosted by A*STAR, the Implementing Agency for Quantum. NQO, as a control tower, supports fundamental and translational research in Quantum through various strategic programmes that it oversees. It partners both public and private sectors to create a vibrant RIE quantum ecosystem in Singapore. For more information, visit https://nqo.sg.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

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About Quantinuum

Quantinuum, the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, pioneers powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum's technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With over 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.

About Duke-NUS Medical School

Duke-NUS is Singapore's flagship graduate entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted 'Clinicians Plus' poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five signature research programmes and 10 centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore's largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has led to the creation of 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives.

For more information, please visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg

About the Centre for Quantum Technologies

The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) is Singapore's flagship national research centre in quantum technologies. Supported under Singapore's National Quantum Strategy, the centre has nodes at partner institutions and coordinates research talent across the country.

CQT's partner institutions are universities - the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design - and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

CQT brings together physicists, computer scientists and engineers to do basic research on quantum physics and to build devices based on quantum phenomena. Experts in this new discipline of quantum technologies are applying their discoveries in computing, communications, and sensing.

For more information, please visit www.quantumlah.org

About the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore

Established in 2015, the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore manages Singapore's first national Petascale facility providing high performance computing (HPC) resources. As a National Research Infrastructure, NSCC supports private and public sector research including commercial companies, government agencies as well as higher education and research institutes. Through the support of its stakeholders including the Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR); Nanyang Technological University (NTU); National University of Singapore (NUS); Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD); the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS); and funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), NSCC catalyses national research and development initiatives, attracts industrial research collaborations and enhances Singapore's research capabilities. For more information, please visit: https://nscc.sg

ANNEX - Additional quotes from MoU signatories

"A*STAR's BII is excited to bring its expertise in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics approaches to accelerate the development of quantum-classical hybrid algorithms, quantum algorithms, and applications through this MoU. The MoU will also facilitate knowledge exchange to enhance our understanding of quantum technologies, positioning us at the forefront of innovation in these critical fields," said Dr Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, Executive Director, A*STAR's Bioinformatics Institute.

"Right now, many promising biological discoveries stall when it comes to finding the right drug candidate that is not only effective at treating the disease but is also well-tolerated by patients. The process of finding the right molecule is slow and often limited in how many variables can be accounted for in a single model. Augmenting our existing capabilities with quantum computing could resolve these limitations, leading to better drugs for patients faster," said Associate Professor Enrico Petretto, Director of the Centre for Computational Biology at Duke-NUS, adding: "This partnership, which focuses on quantum applications in biology, will also benefit computational biologists-in-training seeking to deepen their understanding of how to incorporate quantum computing into their drug discovery work."

"A*STAR's IHPC has been harnessing central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) to accelerate complex computations and optimise data-intensive tasks. With advancements in quantum computing technology, we are now integrating quantum processing unit (QPU) elements to push computational boundaries and drive innovation across various fields. Our partnership with Quantinuum is a step forward in improving applications such as drug discovery, potentially accelerating the development of new and effective drugs to improve healthcare outcomes and lower research costs", said Dr Su Yi, Executive Director, A*STAR's Institute of High Performance Computing.

"I am excited to start this new collaboration between our scientific experts in Singapore and the multinational company Quantinuum. We bring know-how in quantum algorithms and computational biology to work with the Quantinuum team, which is building some of the highest performing quantum computers available in the world today," said Professor Jose Ignacio Latorre, CQT Director and lead Principal Investigator for the National Quantum Computing Hub.

"The past year has seen a worldwide trend of accelerated efforts to integrate and co-locate supercomputers and quantum computers, which reflects the strong symbiotic relationship between classical and quantum systems. Singapore's tie-up with Quantinuum will be a significant step in helping NSCC learn, plan and develop our future hybrid computing infrastructure to serve the needs of our research community," said Terence Hung, Chief Executive, National Supercomputing Centre Singapore.

"This partnership with Quantinuum will boost Singapore's digital ecosystem as researchers and companies will be able to participate in the development and experimentation of advanced quantum-based techniques. Quantinuum's investment in Singapore will deepen our capabilities in Quantum Computing and catalyse innovation in globally relevant areas of scientific discovery such as computational biology," said Philbert Gomez, Vice President and Head, Digital Industry Singapore.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/singapore-inks-mou-with-quantinuum-enabling-access-to-their-advanced-quantum-computer-302204646.html
Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential.



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BRUSSELS, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Christian Rothe will join the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer on Aug. 19. He will report to Rockwell Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Blake Moret.

Rothe brings with him a broad background of executive leadership, finance, strategic planning, operations, and corporate development experience. He joins Rockwell after spending 13 years at Graco Inc., an industrial company specializing in the development and manufacturing of fluid-handling systems and products. Rothe served as chief financial officer and treasurer at Graco from 2015 through 2018 before moving into roles leading Graco's global business divisions. He is currently the president, Global Industrial Division. Prior to Graco, Rothe worked at Gardner Denver in finance and strategic development roles.

"Christian brings a strong record of success leading finance and business teams, including a deep understanding of the manufacturing industry," Moret said. "He will accelerate the execution of our plans to combine market-beating growth with expanded margins, in line with targets introduced last year."

"I am thrilled to join the talented team at Rockwell Automation," said Rothe. "The global industrial operations landscape is being reimagined by advancements in factory automation and digital transformation. With its domain expertise, leadership position, and strong history of performance, Rockwell is at the forefront of this transformation. I am honored to join Blake and team as we shape the future of industrial operations worldwide."

Rothe received an undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. He will be based out of Rockwell Automation's global headquarters in Milwaukee, WI.

Rothe replaces Nick Gangestad who announced his plans to retire on May 7. Gangestad served in the role since 2021 when he came out of retirement to join the industrial automation leader.

"I want to thank Nick for his commitment to Rockwell's mission over the last few years. He helped guide us through a global pandemic and supply chain disruptions while continuing to invest in the future through new product development and strategic acquisitions. I wish him well in his retirement," Moret said.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 29,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rockwell-automation-announces-new-chief-financial-officer-christian-rothe-to-join-the-company-on-19-august-2024-302200775.html
Polish cities are among the most polluted in Europe

Thousands of deaths could be avoided

Spanish cities have found ways to fight pollution

Polish cities' problems with air pollution are well known. A report by researchers from the Medical University of Bialystok highlights the harmful effects of air pollution on people's health, from asthma and cardiovascular disease to cancer.

The researchers calculated that if air pollution levels were reduced to WHO standards, 25 000 deaths could have been avoided over the past 10 years in eastern Poland alone.

Urgent need for action

Immediate action is needed, especially in cities, as no Polish city meets the WHO criteria for air quality. Traffic, which accounts for 25% of urban air pollution, is one of the key causes of the problem. This is becoming an increasingly important topic for local authorities, not only for environmental reasons, but also for public health reasons.

"The main source of particulate pollution in cities is motorised traffic," explains Maciej Zezyk, Sales Director at Kapsch TrafficCom. "Braking and tyre wear play a particularly important role here, so simply switching to electric vehicles is not the ultimate solution. It is about reducing the traffic load and better distributing the overall demand for mobility."

Learning from Spain's success

There are a number of technologies that have proven their effectiveness in reducing pollution in cities, and Spain is one of the pioneers in this field. Following the introduction of new emissions legislation in 2021, more and more Spanish cities are using Clean Air Zone (CAZ) solutions to improve air quality. Kapsch TrafficCom is currently supporting six cities to implement these solutions, enabling them to meet EU targets and access EU funds. More than three and a half million people benefit from these projects. The results are: less traffic congestion, better air and an overall higher quality of life.

Clean air zones are also bringing benefits in other European cities. In London, for example, CO2 pollution was reduced by 20 per cent, while in Milan a similar measure resulted in an 18 per cent drop in particulate matter.

Data as a key element

In Seville, Spain, traffic management is based on artificial intelligence and the intelligent use of data. Practical solutions such as real-time parking information, dynamic traffic control to avoid congestion or demand-based public transport management during major events are becoming a reality there thanks to advanced traffic management systems.

"It is crucial that cities implement these solutions thoughtfully and responsibly. Spanish cities have decades of experience in technology-based traffic management and are now taking the next step towards data-driven traffic management," explains Maciej Zezyk. "Powerful tools are available to improve air quality and reduce congestion. The impact of these systems is clear they benefit the community, the environment and public health."

More information:Press Kapsch TrafficCom

Kapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries. Innovative solutions in the application fields of tolling, tolling services, traffic management and demand management contribute to a healthy world without congestion.

With one-stop-shop solutions, the company covers the entire value chain of customers, from components to design and implementation to the operation of systems.

Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed in the Prime Market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: KTCG). In its 2023/24 financial year, about 4,000 employees generated revenues of EUR 539 million.

Further information: www.kapsch.net

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723108083/en/

Contacts:

Carolin Treichl

Executive Vice President Marketing Communications

Kapsch TrafficCom AG

Am Europlatz 2, 1120 Vienna, Austria

P +43 50 811 1710

carolin.treichl@kapsch.net

Sandra Bijelic

Head of Corporate Communications

Kapsch TrafficCom AG

Am Europlatz 2, 1120 Vienna, Austria

P +43 664 628 1720

sandra.bijelic@kapsch.net
Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) has taken the final investment decision for a 100 MW /200 MWh battery storage project in Dahlem, North Rhine-Westphalia.

This is the first project sanctioned by TotalEnergies from the pipeline of Kyon Energy, Germany's leading battery storage system developer, which was recently acquired by TotalEnergies in February 2024.

The project, with a total investment of more than 75 million, will benefit from the expertise of Saft, TotalEnergies' battery affiliate, which will supply the project with the latest-generation of electricity storage technology (iShift LFP -lithium-iron-phosphate- containers).

Commercial operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2026, and the startup Quadra Energy-one of Germany's leading renewable power aggregators, acquired by TotalEnergies in October 2023-will market the flexibility provided by these batteries.

"This investment decision reflects the acceleration of our integrated development in the Germany electricity market, the largest in Europe. For the battery system design, we will leverage synergies between our electricity teams: Saft will supply the batteries, Kyon Energy will manage development, and Quadra Energy will market this new capacity," declared Stephane Michel, SVP, Gas, Renewables Power at TotalEnergies. "All our recent investments in Germany demonstrate our strong commitment to contribute to the decarbonization of the country's electricity and industry."

TotalEnergies on the German electricity market

Since 2023 and 2024, TotalEnergies has won two major marine leases in Germany for the development of wind farms totaling 4.5 GW, enough to supply green electricity to around 4.5 million households.

At the same time, TotalEnergies has acquired several German electricity players in order to accelerate and optimize its integrated development on this market:

NASH Renewables, acquired in October 2023, is involved in optimizing the design and operating parameters of its renewable projects;

Quadra Energy, also acquired in October 2023, is one of the top 3 aggregators of renewable electricity production in Germany, boasting a "virtual power plant" totaling 9 GW;

Kyon Energy, acquired in February 2024, is developing a 2 GW pipeline of battery storage systems in the country.

Finally, the Company has also won a contract in 2023 to install and operate 1,100 high-power recharging points for electric vehicles in the country.

TotalEnergies and electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the end of 2023, TotalEnergies' gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 22 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

@TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723491599/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies Contacts

Media Relations:+33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations:+33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
PK MED, a French biotech company, privately owned, and established in 2019 by Truffle Capital, announced it has secured a non-dilutive DeepTech financing of 1.5 million from Bpifrance. The funding will accelerate the company's project PKM-02, an innovative cell-homing technology aiming to enhance bone marrow transplantation in several diseases with high unmet medical need, such as leukemias and hemoglobinopathies.

Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT), also known as bone marrow transplantation, involves transferring hematopoietic stem cells from a healthy donor to a patient with depleted or dysfunctional bone marrow. In a broad range of hematologic disorders, this therapy can be curative and/or prolong a patient's life. More than 25,000 allogenic HSCTs are performed per year in the US and EU,? and the treatment's success depends on sufficient hematopoietic stem cell seeding, engraftment, and expansion within the bone marrow of the patient. However, the fraction of transplanted cells able to make their way to the bone marrow, known as homing, is reported to be low (1-10%). In addition, many patients are not eligible for the procedure, due to limited donor matching and an aggressive conditioning regimen needed to obtain a successful engraftment of the donor cells. Thus, there is an urgent unmet medical need to enhance the homing and engraftment of the transplanted cells.

PK MED's innovative approach for this PKM-02 project, is based on the development of a therapeutic implant locally injected into the patient's bone marrow prior to allogeneic HSCT. This drug-based unique technology, combined with a biodegradable scaffold, is aimed at increasing the homing of the transplanted cells, as well as their subsequent engraftment. PKM-02 has shown several promising in vitro results, and PK MED is currently initiating preclinical studies. PK MED is considering extending this innovative technology to other applications in tissue regeneration.

Gauthier Pouliquen, Ph.D., CEO of PK MED, comments: "The development of our local cell-homing implant and the support of Bpifrance are a proof of PK MED's technological excellence and its commitment to medicine. Our ambition is to significantly advance bone marrow transplantation and cell regeneration techniques, for the benefit of all patients with hematologic disorders

About PK MED

PK MED is a French biotechnology company, founded in 2019 by Truffle Capital, developing injectable smart implants for drug release in rheumatology and cell homing for bone marrow transplantation. PK MED's unique expertise and technological know-how enable evolving existing systemic treatments into new, safer and more effective patented local therapies.

PK MED has developed a portfolio of projects in indications where medical needs are high, starting with gout (PKM-01) and Hematopoietic Stem Cells transplants (PKM-02).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724252487/en/

Contacts:

Primatice

Armand Rigaudy armandrigaudy@primatice.com 07 88 96 41 84
LONDON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roboyo, the world's leading Hyperautomation professional services company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vikas Kumar as its new Global Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to spearhead worldwide growth initiatives. Based in New York, Vikas will lead the company's global revenue strategies, focusing on expanding market reach and driving sustainable growth.

Vikas brings over 25 years of impressive leadership experience in technology and consulting to Roboyo. He has a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving global Go-To-Market functions, with senior roles at Cognizant and Wipro across Europe and the Americas. Most recently, Vikas served as CRO at Fusemachines and Marlabs, where he led global revenue growth and expansion initiatives.

"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Vikas Kumar to the Roboyo executive team," said Derk Weinheimer, CEO of Roboyo. "Vikas's extensive experience and proven leadership in driving revenue growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint. His vision aligns perfectly with Roboyo's mission to deliver on the promise of end-to-end process automation. Vikas will play a pivotal role in our ongoing success."

In his new role, Vikas will be responsible for all revenue-generating and market-facing functions, including sales, marketing, customer success, and partnerships. His strategic focus will be on aligning these functions to accelerate Roboyo's growth trajectory and strengthen its position as a market leader in hyperautomation.

"I'm thrilled to join Roboyo at such an exciting time in the company's journey," said Vikas Kumar. "Roboyo's dedication to innovation and delivering real business value through hyperautomation is truly impressive. I'm looking forward to working with the talented team here to drive revenue growth, expand our market reach, and enhance our services and customer success. I'm also excited to strengthen our global partnerships, ensuring we continue to lead the way in transforming businesses through the power of automation."

Roboyo's appointment of Vikas Kumar underscores its commitment to attracting top talent to support ambitious growth. With Vikas at the helm of revenue strategies and operations, Roboyo is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and continue its rapid expansion.

About Roboyo

Roboyo is the world's leading hyperautomation company. Roboyo helps clients operationalize a full spectrum of AI-powered automation technologies and has earned a reputation for engineering superior business outcomes for the world's largest and most dynamic companies.

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LONDON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The S&A Academy is proud to announce the launch of the UK's National Polymer Processing Technician Apprenticeship Programme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the polymer processing industry and provide a pathway for new and existing professionals to develop highly sought-after technical expertise.

Innovative Training for Future Technicians

The polymer manufacturing industry is critical to the UK's manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to the economy. However, a shortage of skilled operators has long been a challenge. The S&A Academy's apprenticeship programme is designed to address this issue head-on by offering comprehensive training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience over a period of 24 months.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including material properties, processing methods, quality control, and continuous improvement.

Partnerships with Industry Leaders

The S&A Academy has collaborated with leading industry experts and companies to ensure the apprenticeship programme meets the highest standards. Partners include prominent names in the polymer processing sector, providing apprentices with invaluable insights and opportunities for real-world application.

"We are thrilled to launch this pioneering apprenticeship programme," saidKayleigh Bulman, Operations Process Manager at Advanced Plastics. "Our goal is to equip the next generation of technicians with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the polymer processing industry. This programme represents a significant investment in the future of UK manufacturing."

Commitment to Excellence

The apprenticeship programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Successful apprentices will emerge as highly qualified polymer processing technicians, ready to contribute to the industry's growth and innovation. "We're committed to creating an industry-led training programme, which aligns with skills gaps of employers in this sector," says Jemma Perks, Director of The S&A Science Academy.

Interested in finding out more?

If you'd like to find out more about the Polymer Processing Technician Apprenticeship Programme, visit The S&A Academy's website for more information on how to get involved or email hello@sandaacademy.ac.uk.

About The S&A Academy

The S&A Academy is a leading provider of technical apprenticeship in the UK, dedicated to delivering high-quality education and training programmes that meet the needs of industry and learners. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and inclusivity, The S&A Academy is committed to shaping the future of technical education.

Contact: Jemma Perks, Director of Science Academy

Phone: +4420 8152 6605

Email: jemma.perks@thesandaacademy.ac.uk

Website: www.sandaacademy.ac.uk

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Agreement with Sacheon city further strengthens FDH Aero's presence in the APAC region and bolsters Korea's nascent space industry



First aerospace supplier to sign an MOU with Sacheon city

COMMERCE, Calif., July 24, 2024("FDH"), a global provider of supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense industry, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the southern coastal city of Sacheon, in South Korea. Sacheon city is home to the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), which was established earlier this year to support the Korean government's ambitious goals of landings on the moon and Mars within the next two decades as well as developing private space industries including space mining and satellite data utilization.

As the first aerospace supplier to form an agreement with Sacheon city, FDH Aero will play a critical role in promoting and growing South Korea's aerospace-related projects. FDH will provide consulting services such as training seminars, site visits and the development of joint projects both in the region and across the globe. The agreement takes effect immediately and will last at least two years.

"It is our great honor to partner with Sacheon fostering and developing the growth of South Korea's ambitious aviation industry," said Cody Ho, Managing Director of the APAC region for FDH Aero. "Our operations in the region have seen tremendous growth in recent years, and we are committed to leveraging our knowledge and connections to foster industrial cooperation and establish a global supply chain for Korea's aerospace and defense industry."

FDH Aero has become a trusted supply-chain solutions partner for the aerospace, defense and space industries due to the breadth of its product portfolio, a commitment to hands-on customer service, and its knowledgeable and industry-connected leadership team. This partnership will further strengthen FDH's presence in the APAC region and create new avenues for collaboration in space.

"Today marks a significant milestone for Sacheon as our partnership with FDH Aero accelerates the growth of Korea's space industry," said Dae-Woong Jeong, Director General of Sacheon City Bureau Aerospace Industry. "The expertise of our esteemed partner will be invaluable to both academic research and business development. Together, we will pioneer a new future for Korea and advance our knowledge for the betterment of humanity."

The Korean government has additionally announced plans to form joint projects with other space research organizations, including NASA, and explore the possibility of economic cooperation with emerging countries that do not yet have formal space programs. It is hoped that KASA will lead to the creation or further development of more than 2,000 aerospace companies, the creation of 500,000 quality jobs, and a significant presence in the global market, estimated at $291 billion (420 trillion won).

About FDH Aero

FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain solutions partner for aerospace and defense companies, helping to shape the industry by simplifying the supply chain. With over 60 years of experience, it specializes in hardware, electrical, chemical, and consumable products and value-add services for global OEM and aftermarket customers. FDH is headquartered in Commerce, California, and has operations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. FDH Aero has locations in 14 countries across the globe, with more than 1,500 best-in-industry employees and over 650,000 square feet of inventory space.

For more information, please visit FDHAero.com.

Contact

Heather Rosenow

Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications

mediarelations@fdhaero.com

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Omega Pacific Resources Inc. (CSE:OMGA)(OTCQB:OMGPF)(FSE:Q0F) ("Omega Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce initial drill results from its 2024 drill program at the Williams Property in British Columbia's Golden Horseshoe. These intervals from the Phase 1 program confirm the potential of high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold mineralization on the Property (Figure 1).

Highlights

Drill hole WM24-01 intersected the highest grades at Williams so far within bulk-tonnage mineralization including: 6.22 g/t Au over 18.98 m, within 3.16 g/t Au over 44.32 m, within 1.69 g/t Au over 104.08 m (Table 1 and Figure 2)

WM24-01 successfully undercut and extended the mineralization noted in hole WM22-02 (CopAur Minerals Inc Press Release August 16, 2022)

WM22-02, which historically reported 2.2 g/t Au over 50m ending in mineralization, has been re-entered and extended - assays are pending

Omega Pacific's CEO Jason Leikam commented, "Our Phase 1 program is off to a great start at Williams and we are thrilled to see high-grade mineralization manifest in our very first hole. The 6.22 g/t Au over 18.98 m demonstrates the presence of high-grade mineralization at the GIC Prospect, a region of our property which has demonstrated strong results during previous drill campaigns. For Phase 1, we deployed a targeted and methodical drilling strategy that focused on this region of the Property. With the impressive results from this first hole, we are excited to receive further assays throughout the summer as we continue realizing the potential of our project. Our goal has always been to drive shareholder value through strong execution, and we are thrilled to deliver this news to our committed shareholders. It's an exciting time for Omega Pacific and we are one step closer to delivering a premier asset in the heart of BC's Golden Horseshoe."

Drill Results at GIC

The GIC Prospect represents a >3 km long target with overlapping gold-copper rock and soil anomalism and chargeability/resistivity anomalies from induced-polarization (IP) geophysical surveys. This area is marked by the "Park Gossan" and occurs proximal to the contact between volcanic and intrusive rocks and large-scale faults all of which are critical to mineralization elsewhere in the Golden Horseshoe. It has seen limited historical exploration drilling of ~2,300 m.

Phase 1 of the 2024 drill program was designed to follow-up on the historical results of WM22-02. The 2024 drill holes are planned to trace that mineralization to depth and to the east and west. The first hole of the 2024 program (WM24-01) was drilled at a steeper angle to undercut the historical results by approximately 50 m with the intention of drilling deeper to get the full thickness of mineralization - WM24-01 succeeded in both of these goals.

Figure 1: Plan map of the GIC Prospect showing 2022 and 2024 drill holes on bedrock geology. Drill hole WM22-03 intersected 4.64 g/t Au over 8 m.

WM24-01 was drilled underneath WM22-02 intersecting the targeted mineralization at approximately 250 metres downhole and continuing for over 100 m. This mineralization was centered on a black basaltic unit with several phases of quartz veining and pyrite mineralization. The highest grade mineralization, 6.22 g/t Au over 18.98 m, is hosted within this unit. Gold mineralization continues above and below this basaltic unit in intermediate volcanic rocks which are highly silicified and variably pyritized. Gold mineralization continuing into these intermediate volcanic rocks helps define a bulk-tonnage target for GIC with 1.69 g/t Au over 104.08 m. The overall thickness of altered and silicified volcanic rocks exceeds 300 m suggesting a large hydrothermal system has affected the rocks at GIC which, combined with the >3 km strike length, represents a large target for continued exploration for high-grade and bulk-tonnage mineralization.

Historical assays from WM22-02 included 4.2 g/t Au over 10.5 m within a broader interval of 2.2 g/t Au over 50m ending in mineralization. This hole was successfully re-entered and extended as part of the 2024 Phase 1 program (WM22-02 (ext)) allowing Omega to complete drilling of the historical intercept. The above noted basaltic unit continued beyond 300 m (original hole depth) and transitioned into heavily silicified and pyritized intermediate volcanic rocks much like WM24-01. Assays are pending for WM22-02 (ext) which will add to the historically reported 2.2 g/t Au over 50 metres.

Figure 2. Cross-section of drill holes WM24-01 and WM22-02 (ext) with current gold results on IP chargeability. Note pending assays for WM22-02 (ext).

Select Assay Results WM24-01 Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) WM24-01 301.22 320.2 18.98 6.22 within 276.91 321.23 44.32 3.16 within 248.92 353 104.08 1.69

Table 1. Select assay intervals from drill hole WM24-01. True thicknesses of mineralization are not known given the early stage of exploration. A complete list of all drill results to date will be posted to the Company's website at OmegaPacific.ca.

Drill Collar Locations HoleID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m) WM24-01 572769 6408008 1655 0 -57 503 WM22-02(ext) 572769 6408010 1655 0 -50 From 300-502

Table 2. Current drill hole information.

Omega Pacific's summer 2024 drill program is designed to drill up to 2,000 m at the GIC Prospect of the Williams Property. The company will report on additional program results over the summer season as it receives assays.

Corporate Update

Additionally, Omega Pacific has retained Machai Capital Inc. ("Machai") to provide digital marketing services (the "Engagement"). Machai will provide certain digital marketing services in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the Canadian Securities Exchange and other applicable legislation.

Machai is a marketing, advertising and public awareness firm specializing in the mining and metals, technology and special situation sectors. It assists companies in branding, content creation and data-optimization to create in-depth marketing campaigns. Machai is able to track, organize and execute its plan through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing and Brand Marketing.

The Engagement has an initial term of up to 12-months, Machai will have a marketing budget of up to 200,000 Euros ($300K CAD) paid in cash. Machai currently owns 687,500 share purchase warrants and 150,000 common shares. Machai Capital Inc. is 100% owned by Suneal Sandhu and can be reached suneal@machaicapital.com. Machai is at arm's length to Omega Pacific Resources and has no other relationship with the company except pursuant to the Engagement.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Measures and Analytical Procedures

Omega Pacific adheres to a strict QA/QC monitoring program that includes the insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample stream, as well as the re-submission of select samples for check assays by an independent third party laboratory. Drill core is cut in-half with a diamond saw, with one-half placed in sealed bags and shipped to the laboratory and the other half retained on site. Third party laboratory checks on 5% of the samples are carried out as well. Chain of custody is maintained from the drill to the submittal into the laboratory preparation facility.

Core samples were prepared and analyzed by ALS Labs in Kamloops and Vancouver, BC using Fire Assay methods on a 30g split with an atomic absorption finish. Gold assays exceeding 10 g/t were re-assayed with a gravimetric finish. Samples were also analyzed for a 48-element suite via mass-spectrometry with a four acid digestion.

The Company adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines for exploration related activities conducted on its property. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures are overseen by the Qualified Person.

Qualified Person

Robert L'Heureux (P.Geol.), Director of Omega Pacific Resources, is the "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. L'Heureux oversees exploration planning and execution at the Williams Property.

About Omega Pacific

Omega Pacific is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of mineral projects containing base and precious metals. The Company recently acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Williams Property, located in the Toodoggone region of the Golden Horseshoe. The Golden Horseshoe is a prolific area of British Columbia known to host many gold, copper and silver deposits. The Company also holds an option on the Lekcin Property, located 120 km east of Vancouver, BC.

For more information, please contact:

Omega Pacific Resources Inc.

Jason Leikam, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel: +1 (778) 650 4255

Email: jason@omegapacific.ca

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws including statements about the Company's plans. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of beliefs, assumptions, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change, except as required by law.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Omega Pacific Resources Inc.

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Acquisition of Dublin-based business will strengthen the specialised insurance solutions and services NFP offers in Ireland

DUBLIN, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NFP, an Aon company and a leading international insurance brokerage and consulting firm, today announced its acquisition of Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances Ltd. (trading name, Barrett Private Insurances), an independent specialist insurance broker. John Barrett, director of Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances Ltd., will join NFP as a managing director with a focus on growing the company's Private Client Group in Ireland and the UK, which focuses on providing customized risk solutions for high net worth individuals and families.

"We've established a strong presence in the Irish market through organic growth and acquisition, and the expertise of the team at Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances will undoubtedly strengthen it further," said JP Allcock, group managing director, NFP in Europe. "Their commitment to delivering excellent service to their clients with a personalized touch aligns with our approach, and we look forward to their active involvement in expanding our private client offerings in the Irish market and into the UK."

Barrett Private Insurances has been in the Irish market for 37 years. The brokerage uses its experience and intricate knowledge of the home, collections, travel, auto, yachts and bloodstock insurance markets to solve the complex risk management needs of its private clients.

"We're excited to be joining NFP and be part of a growing company," said Barrett. "With extensive global resources, a strong management team and an excellent talent base, NFP will enable us to make significant contributions that ultimately grow the business. This is a great opportunity for us to bring additional value to the clients we serve."

About NFP

NFP, an Aon company, is an organisation of consultative advisors and problem solvers helping companies and individuals address their most significant risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement challenges. We are more than 7,700 colleagues in the UK, Ireland, US, Puerto Rico and Canada serving a diversity of clients, industries and communities. Our global capabilities, specialised expertise and customised solutions span commercial business insurance, employee benefits, people consultancy, health and safety, and individual financial planning. Together, we put people first, prioritise partnerships and continuously advance a culture we're proud of. Visit NFPIreland.ie to learn more.

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The Investment by the World's Largest Airplane Manufacturer Further Signals Strong Industry Support for LanzaJet's Next-Gen Technology's Ability to Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel Globally

CHICAGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer, today announced a strategic investment from Airbus, a worldwide leader at the forefront of the aviation industry. The investment enables LanzaJet to continue to build its capability and capacity to scale its proprietary ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) process technology.

"LanzaJet intentionally developed a diverse portfolio of strategic investors comprised of leading, global companies to ensure we have the ecosystem to scale the SAF industry," said Jimmy Samartzis, Chief Executive Officer of LanzaJet. "This important investment from Airbus supports the growth of our company, enabling LanzaJet to scale the production and deployment of SAF to continue working towards meeting aviation's decarbonization goals and developing a more sustainable industry."

Airbus' investment is part of LanzaJet's recent growth equity funding round, with support from leading companies across industries and around the world. In the last few months, LanzaJet has announced investments from leaders from across the SAF value chain, including Southwest Airlines, Microsoft, Groupe ADP, MUFG, and now Airbus.

"Sustainable aviation fuels are one of the most important levers available to decarbonise aviation, but their production is still limited. Our partnership with LanzaJet demonstrates Airbus' commitment to work with leading energy technology suppliers to explore innovative production pathways and scale SAF," said Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus. "This important partnership with LanzaJet underlines the importance of new technologies and cross-sector collaboration to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050."

In addition to Airbus, LanzaJet's portfolio of investors and funders now includes All Nippon Airways (ANA), Breakthrough Energy, British Airways, Groupe ADP, LanzaTech, Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund, Mitsui & Co., MUFG, Shell, Southwest Airlines, and Suncor Energy.

At the forefront of next generation sustainable fuel technology, LanzaJet is currently starting up the world's first commercial-scale production of ethanol-to-SAF at LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels. Located in the United States, the historic plant will be producing SAF and renewable diesel from low-carbon and sustainable ethanol and serves as a blueprint to scale SAF production and combat the worsening climate crisis. With projects spanning 25 countries and 5 continents, LanzaJet is working to scale ethanol-to-jet globally, and partnering with key players across the SAF value chain is critical to that mission.

# # #

ABOUT LANZAJET

LanzaJet is a leading sustainable fuels technology company dedicated to accelerating the clean energy transition. As a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology provider and producer with patented ethanol-based alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, LanzaJet is creating an opportunity for future generations by accelerating the deployment of SAF and other clean technologies critical to addressing the climate crisis and transforming the global economy. LanzaJet was recently named TIME100 Most Influential Companies for 2024. Further information is available at https://www.lanzajet.com/

ABOUT AIRBUS

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. Further information is available at https://www.airbus.com/

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LONDON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- STL (NSE: STLTECH), a leading optical and digital solutions company today, announced that it has extended its partnership with Netomnia, one of the fastest-growing network operators in the UK. STL has been a trusted partner for Netomnia for the past five years. STL has deployed ~12000 ckm of optical fibre cable, spanning ~850,000 premises till now, helping Netomnia enable reliable connectivity for hard-to-reach, underserved communities in the region.

Netomnia, with the sixth largest network and the third fastest build rate, is building ultra-fast broadband networks in all four UK countries at a rate of 500,000 homes and businesses per year, with ambitions of reaching 2 million premises by 2025.

With nearly two decades of experience in the region, two plants in Italy and a strong ethos of co-creation with its customers, STL is catering to Netomnia's need for fast rollouts and high-performance networks. STL's G.657 A2 Multitube Micro Optical Fibre cables are designed for blowing into micro ducts previously installed into large ducts, thereby reducing installation costs. Built on an optimised design, its ultra-lightweight aerial cables are tailor-made for duct/overhead applications for efficient and reliable fibre deployments. All these products are supplemented with STL's unique approach of smart, tech-led fibre deployment, which is again designed to get more speed and efficiency into each home passed.

To deliver Netomnia's requirements, STL is leveraging its Glass to Gigabit Connectivity capability, which starts from glass preform, fibre, and cable and extends to optical connectivity and smart fibre deployment solutions.

"We want to lend speed, efficiency and innovation to the UK's network buildouts and seize the opportunity to become the second-largest altnet in the UK in 2024," saidJeremy Chelot, CEO at Netomnia and YouFibre. "We are energised by the vision of a connected UK and look forward to partnerships founded on this common ethos. STL's purpose of transforming billions of lives aligns very well with ours, and their integrated and innovative portfolio on the optical side fits the bill for us."

Commenting on this partnership, Rahul Puri, Sales Head - Europe, APAC, MEA and India, STL said: "For us, our customers are at the centre. Their ambition is our ambition. Their problems are our problems. This is what our capability, team and products are built around. Our partnership with Netomnia has been a special one, and we are confident that we will continue to co-create and co-innovate with Netomnia in the years to come."

About STL - Sterlite Technologies Ltd:

STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks. Read more, Contact us, stl.tech | Twitter | LinkedIn| YouTube

For more information, contact:

Media Relations

Soumi Das

soumi.das1@stl.tech

Investor Relations

Chetan Wani

chetan.wani@stl.tech

Agency Contact

Ishita Kaushik

ishita.kaushik@2020msl.com

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THROUGH ITS MARKET INSIGHTS AND TRADING CAPABILITIES, EOXLIVE AND EOX MARKET DATA IS THE MOST ROBUST, POWERFUL AND ACCURATE ANALYTICS PLATFORM IN THE MARKET.

HOUSTON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Global Holdings (OTCGH), the leading independent interdealer broker in over-the-counter (OTC) commodities, doubled-down on its proprietary technology and market data platform, EOXLive and EOX Market Data during a commodity brokerage round table attended by industry media. In today's volatile commodity trading environment, OTC Global Holdings success hinges on addressing two key levers: leveraging technological innovation and prioritizing customer-centric strategies.

During the round table, Campbell Faulkner, SVP and Lead Analyst at OTC Global Holdings recognized that technological advancements are reshaping the commodity trading landscape, driving increased price transparency, advanced analytics, and the growth of financial trading products. Faulkner said "EOX Market Data epitomizes these advancements, providing a comprehensive data solution that accurately marks all its commodity complexes every 15 minutes throughout the trading day. Unlike data services dependent on manual inputs, EOX Market Data operates independently, ensuring robust and reliable data delivery."

Javier Loya, Co-CEO and Chairman of OTC Global Holdings confirmed that "OTCGH has invested heavily in cutting-edge technology to provide our clients with unparalleled market insights and trading capabilities. Our proprietary trading platforms integrate advanced analytics and real-time data, enabling clients to make informed decisions quickly. By continuously innovating, OTCGH ensures that our clients remain at the forefront of market developments."

EOX Market Data represents a competitive edge not only for OTC Global Holdings, but for its clients as it presents multiple key Features and advantages, such as:

Comprehensive Data Coverage: EOX Market Data delivers a complete, denormalized dataset covering both liquid and illiquid markets, even those not brokered by OTCGH. This extensive coverage meets diverse market needs, including mark-to-market, consulting, and investment management.

Timely and Accurate Data: The platform's algorithmic model-driven approach ensures data is updated every 15 minutes, eliminating the issue of stale data. This real-time accuracy is crucial for clients relying on up-to-the-minute information.

Advanced Statistical Techniques: Utilizing auto-regressive statistical processes, EOX Market Data constructs curves across the full tenors of all products marked. This approach guarantees full curve granularity and accurate delta calculations, outperforming competitor models that rely on hand-marked, short-tenor curves.

As the commodity markets evolve, so do the needs and expectations of OTCGH's clients. "The shift towards more sustainable and differentiated commodities requires a nuanced understanding of customer demands and regulatory landscapes. EOX Market Data is designed with these evolving needs in mind, ensuring that clients have access to detailed, accurate, and timely data that supports their strategic decisions," Loya and Faulkner concluded.

For more information on OTC Global Holdings proprietary technology products, please visit www.otcgh.com or eoxlive.com.

About OTC Global Holdings

OTCGH is the world's largest independent institutional broker of commodities, covering financial and physical instruments from offices in Chicago, Dubai, Houston, London, Louisville, New Jersey, New York, and Singapore. OTCGH has been awarded 5x "Broker of the Year" by Energy Risk. With a portfolio of nearly 20 companies, OTCGH is a liquidity provider for CBOT, ICE, NYMEX, and NODAL. The company serves more than 450 institutional clients, including over 70 members of the Global Fortune 500, and transacts in hundreds of different commodity delivery points in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Visit otcgh.com to learn more or watch a short video here: https://vimeo.com/718433168

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Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben?



Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub  von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien.



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Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren  und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen.



Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten!



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Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor.



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Mars continues to decouple carbon emissions from business growth by reducing absolute GHG emissions in the full value chain by 16% since 2015

Mars 2023 Sustainable in a Generation Report shows a record 8% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, doubling its total GHG reduction to 16% across its full value chain and delivering its largest single year reduction in GHG emissions against its 2015 baseline. In the same period, the Mars business has grown over 60% to more than $50 billion in annual sales.

The absolute GHG reductions of 5.7 million metric tons cover the entire Mars Scope 1, 2 and 3 value chain, and Mars remains on track to delivering a 50% GHG reduction for its value chain by the end of 2030.

With almost 60% of the Mars GHG footprint coming from agriculture, Mars is investing further in scaling climate smart agriculture through initiatives already underway that will deliver more than 1 million acres of regenerative agriculture by 2030 across the globe, sourcing ingredients for Mars products ranging from snacks for people to meals for pets.

Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch said the progress reported is the result of the company's strategy to deliver solid growth while reducing its carbon emissions.

MCLEAN, Va., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars, Incorporated today released the 2023 Mars Sustainable in a Generation Report, announcing notable progress toward its goal of achieving net zero by 2050, registering a record 8% GHG emissions reduction against its 2015 baseline across its full value chain in 2023 alone. Since 2015, GHG emissions in the company's value chain have been reduced by 16% (or 5.7 million metric tons - the equivalent GHG emissions generated by more than 1.3 million gasoline-powered automobiles in a year1), while growing the business more than 60% to over $50 billion.

When Mars published the Mars Net Zero Roadmap in 2023, the company committed to investing more than $1 billion over three years - and continuing to commit financial resources as needed until net zero is achieved.

Poul Weihrauch, Mars CEO said: "Last year, we published our Net Zero Roadmap promising to accelerate our carbon reductions, and with this year's results, we are delivering on our business strategy to continue to grow while reducing our carbon emissions. We still have a long way to go, but we will continue to follow the science and show how a responsible business can both do well and do good."

With almost 60% of the company's value chain GHG footprint coming from agricultural ingredients, Mars is scaling up new climate smart agriculture initiatives to drive continued decarbonization. These initiatives aim to improve soil health and farm resilience - while providing critical financial support and training for farmers to accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.

Barry Parkin, Mars Chief Sustainability and Procurement Officer, said: "Our latest carbon reductions show we are on track to deliver a 50% reduction by 2030. While we're proud of this progress, we know we have more work to do, and we look forward to continuing to scale our progress. It is critically important to strengthen our programs with farmers to help the transition to climate smart and regenerative agriculture."

Mars latest investments to scaling climate smart agriculture include:

Working with partners to establish a grower-centric program to support 1,900 farmers in four U.S. States, and Poland to deploy climate smart agriculture methods and focus on crops such as corn, soy, and wheat across more than 1.2 million acres of cropland, for Mars pet food brands such as PEDIGREE  and IAMS  .

to support 1,900 farmers in four U.S. States, and Poland to deploy climate smart agriculture methods and focus on crops such as corn, soy, and wheat across more than 1.2 million acres of cropland, for Mars pet food brands such as PEDIGREE and IAMS . Extending a partnership between Mars brand Royal Canin and Soil Capital, Mars will provide financial support to close to 250 farmers in France and Belgium and to date, the partnership has provided support to farmers across 300,000 hectares of farmland.

Mars will provide financial support to close to 250 farmers in France and Belgium and to date, the partnership has provided support to farmers across 300,000 hectares of farmland. Continuing to support the Next Generation Soil program in Mexico and Brazil in collaboration with CIMMYT (Mexico) and Producing Right (Brazil). Through this program, we have already equipped 100 corn producers with the tools and knowledge to increase productivity, optimize the use of resources, and respond to the consequences of climate change, such as water scarcity and lower crop yields. The program also encourages new regenerative agriculture practices to protect the health of the soil, optimize the use of resources, and promote good productivity in grain production.

in collaboration with CIMMYT (Mexico) and Producing Right (Brazil). the tools and knowledge to increase productivity, optimize the use of resources, and respond to the consequences of climate change, such as water scarcity and lower crop yields. The program also encourages new regenerative agriculture practices to protect the health of the soil, optimize the use of resources, and promote good productivity in grain production. A recently announced sustainable dairy plan, Moov'ing Dairy Forward, that commits to a $47 million investment over three years as part the company's new climate-first approach to dairy sourcing to reduce the carbon footprint of dairy with partners Fonterra, Land O'Lakes, Interfood, and FrieslandCampina.

Sustainable in a Generation Report

Explore the 2023 Mars Sustainable in a Generation Report at www.mars.com/sustainability-plan/sustainability-report-progress to learn more about how Mars is advancing its climate actions, how Mars has now almost 750,000 people through its Supplier Advance and Supplier Origin programs since 2017 or how Mars Food & Nutrition delivered 3.1 billion healthy meals in 2023.

Please see the "About This Report" section of the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Report for important disclosures about the statements and information in the Report.

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR, DOVE, EXTRA, M&M's, SNICKERS and BEN'S ORIGINAL. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business?ANTECH offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles-Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom-inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Media Contacts:

Liza Pluto

liza.pluto@effem.com

Dan Stretchy

dan.strechay@effem.com

1 US EPA GHG Equivalencies Calculator, https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator

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DUBAI, UAE, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, in partnership with BlockScholes, is pleased to release its latest Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report .

The report delves into recent market movements and their connection to political events, specifically highlighting the impact of former President Donald Trump's probability of reelection.

Key Findings:

The crypto market has rebounded significantly from the June sell-offs, with open interest in futures and yields showing notable recovery. This resurgence, termed the "Trump Trade," aligns with the heightened market optimism surrounding Trump's potential return to the White House and the implications for pro-crypto policies.

Trump Trade and Market Recovery

The report details how the assassination attempt on Trump has driven a sharp recovery in crypto spot markets. Traders, buoyed by the increased likelihood of Trump's reelection, have shown renewed confidence in the market. This optimism has particularly benefited Bitcoin and Ethereum, leading to a price recovery and a favorable adjustment in market sentiment.

ETH Futures and Perpetual Contracts

The report also notes a significant uptick in Ethereum futures trading volumes, with a flattening of the term structure in yields, as anticipation builds for the Ethereum Spot ETF launch. Meanwhile, perpetual swap open interest has shown a moderate recovery, with a return to favorable funding rates for significant cryptocurrencies, except for Toncoin, which remains an outlier.

ETH Option Volatility

Implied volatility for Ethereum has risen above realized volatility levels, reflecting increased market uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the launch of the Ethereum Spot ETF. The premium for ETH options remains higher than BTC's, indicating greater hedging and speculative interest in Ethereum.

About Bybit's Report

Bybit's Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report comprehensively analyzes current market trends, macro events, and trading signals across spot trading volumes, futures, options, and perpetual contracts. The report aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving crypto landscape.

Download the Full Report here

Bybit / TheCryptoArk / BybitResearch

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 37 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press .

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

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The global Opportunities in the Global N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone Market is poised for significant growth driven by diverse industrial applications and rising demand across key sectors.

Pharmaceutical Industry : Increasing utilization of NMP in pharmaceuticals, driven by its solvent efficacy, is set to propel market growth.

: Increasing utilization of NMP in pharmaceuticals, driven by its solvent efficacy, is set to propel market growth. Industrial Cleaners : NMP's role in industrial cleaners presents a burgeoning application area with substantial growth opportunities.

: NMP's role in industrial cleaners presents a burgeoning application area with substantial growth opportunities. Paints and Coatings : The use of NMP as a coalescing solvent in waterborne paints and solvent-borne coatings is expected to augment market expansion.

: The use of NMP as a coalescing solvent in waterborne paints and solvent-borne coatings is expected to augment market expansion. Magnetic Wire Coatings : NMP's application in manufacturing magnetic wire coatings is a critical growth driver.

: NMP's application in manufacturing magnetic wire coatings is a critical growth driver. Li-ion Batteries : Rising demand for Li-ion batteries in electronics enhances market potential for NMP.

: Rising demand for Li-ion batteries in electronics enhances market potential for NMP. Chemical Industry: The flourishing chemical industry offers lucrative opportunities, with NMP being vital in various chemical processes.

NEWARK, Del., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a Future Market Insights (FMI), the N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone market, a crucial solvent in various industries, is projected to grow at a stable CAGR of 4.70% from USD 1,028.70 Million in 2024 to USD 1,628.40 Million by 2034, indicating a positive trend in the industry. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone demand growth is driven by increasing utilization in developing regions, industrialization, and industry enhancement. The market is expected to experience positive effects due to the surging usage and adoption of consumer electronic products, high demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, and increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry.

High investments from application industries and growth from end-use verticals create ample opportunities for the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone market growth. However, high demands from the pharmaceutical industries amid healthcare growth will impede the growth of the N-methyl-2-pyrollidone market growth from 2024 to 2034.

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The global N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone market is segmented into four kinds: reagent grade, electronics grade, industrial grade, and standard grade. The Asia-Pacific region dominates the market due to the large-scale growth of various industries. At the same time, Europe and North America project the highest CAGR due to stringent regulatory measures regarding specific N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone applications. The country section of the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone market report provides individual market-impacting factors and changes in market regulation domestically that impact current and future trends.

Key Takeaways of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone Market:

The N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.60% in the United States.

in the United States. Canada's market is expected to experience a 2.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

from 2024 to 2034. Germany's market is expected to grow at a 2.0% CAGR due to increased demand in the automotive and chemical industries.

due to increased demand in the automotive and chemical industries. China's market is expected to grow at a 5.20% CAGR due to its use as a cleaning agent for electronic components and solvents in drug formulation.

due to its use as a cleaning agent for electronic components and solvents in drug formulation. India's market is expected to grow at a 7.00% CAGR due to its use as a pesticide in the pharmaceutical industry.

"The n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone market is expected to witness significant growth due to rising demand from the pharmaceutical, industrial, and chemical industries. It is increasingly used in drug formulation, manufacturing processes, industrial cleaners, waterborne paints, and solvent-borne coatings. Additionally, the increasing application of NMP in manufacturing magnetic wire coatings and Li-ion batteries is expected to drive market growth shortly." - opines Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.).

Country-Wise Analysis

Countries CAGR (2024 to 2034) United State 2.60 % Canada 2.1 % Germany 2.0 % China 5.20 % India 7.00 %

Competitive Landscape:

The N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) market is fragmented and driven by increasing demand in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and petrochemicals. Key players include BASF SE, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and Ashland Global Holdings Inc. BASF SE offers a range of products for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and electronic materials. Focus on innovation and development, introducing a new NMP product for high-performance polymer production.

Eastman Chemical Company is a global leader in specialty chemicals, including NMP, for various applications. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility, introducing a new NMP product using renewable energy sources. Focuses on product quality and customer service.

Latest Development:

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation: Global chemical company offering various products and solutions to various industries, committed to sustainable development.

Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd: Leading chemical supplier in China, specializing in producing and distributing various chemicals, with excellent customer service.

Shandong Qingyun Changxin Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd: Chemical manufacturer specializing in the production of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), committed to providing high-quality products and services.

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Key Companies Operating in the Industry:

BASF SE

LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V

Ashland

Eastman Chemical Company

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd

Shandong Qingyun Changxin Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd

Zhejiang Realsun Chemical Co., Ltd

Puyang Guangming Chemicals Co., Ltd

Abtonsmart Chemicals (Group) Co., Ltd

Balaji Amines

Binzhou Yuneng Chemical Co., Ltd

Binzhou City Zhanhua District Ruian Chemical Co., Ltd

Hefei Tengchao Chemical Material Co., Ltd

Shanghai Poochun Industry Co., Ltd.

N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone Market Segmentation Analysis:

By Grade:

Standard

Electronics

Pharmaceutical

Others

By Application:

Petrochemical Processing

Paints & Coatings

Industrial Cleaners

Electronics

Agrochemicals

Pharmaceutical

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia

Oceania

Middle East & Africa

Author:

Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.

His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.

Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

Explore Future Market Insights, Inc. Extensive Coverage in Chemicals & Materials Domain:

The global N-methyl pyrrolidone market size is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period of 2023 to 2033.

The global methyl oleate market size is estimated to be worth around USD 2.45 Billion by 2032.

The global n-heptane market share is expected to reach a valuation of USD 1,278.47 Million by 2033.

The 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate market revenue is estimated to exceed USD 1 Billion by 2034.

The propylene carbonate market valuation is projected to reach USD 488.3 Million milestone by 2034.

Global silicon monoxide market analysis report states the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2024 to 2034.

The global chemistry 4.0 market revenue share to exceed a milestone of USD 188.7 Billion by the end of 2034.

The global hyaluronic acid demand is forecasted to grow at a consistent 6.3% CAGR through 2034.

The ceramic coating market size is poised to attain USD 23,845.1 Million valuation by 2034.

The automotive appearance chemical market revenue is projected to surpass USD 50.4 Billion mark by 2034.

About Future Market Insights (FMI):

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and market analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

Contact Us:

Future Market Insights Inc.

Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,

Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA

T: +1-845-579-5705

For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com

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Appointment brings extensive experience to lead commercial operations and accelerate growth in key global markets

Broken String Biosciences ("Broken String"), a genomics company driving development of the next generation of more precise, safe, and effective cell and gene therapies, today announced it has appointed Steve Becker as Chief Commercial Officer. An experienced global life sciences executive, Steve will guide the expansion of the Company's commercial operations and implement a robust go-to-market strategy for its Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based DNA break-mapping platform, INDUCE-seq, as the Company looks to strengthen its position across key markets.

Following the close of its $15M Series A funding round in 2023, Broken String has been focused on delivering an ambitious expansion strategy and revenue growth, including several high-profile leadership appointments. Further bolstering the executive team, Steve will direct the commercialization strategy for the INDUCE-seq platform to ensure it meets the unique needs of the emerging cell and gene therapy market, including development of a scalable 'Platform as a Service' offering and extension of the technology's capabilities beyond gene-editing. He will lead the global sales and marketing teams, business development function, and technical support operations, including building the Company's US commercial operations to nurture its growing network of customers and commercial partners.

Steve is a renowned leader in the industry, with over 30 years' experience managing diverse teams to develop scalable market development strategies, across start-ups and multi-national organizations. He has successfully launched numerous clinical molecular diagnostics assays and spearheaded strategic growth initiatives for premier life science tools companies. He joins Broken String from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he led the licensing and commercial supply channel for the Genetic Sciences and Clinical Oncology NGS divisions, responsible for building commercial partnerships and managing large contract deals to expand the Company's global customer base. Prior to this, he held executive level positions at Quest Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics, Inc. and RainDance Technologies, in addition to leadership roles at Agilent Technologies and GE Healthcare.

Steve Becker, CCO, Broken String Biosciences, commented: "What attracted me to Broken String Biosciences was its game-changing technology and talented team of dedicated pioneers changing the way we look at cell and gene therapy development. The Company is at the forefront of the field, supporting developers to ensure these transformative treatments can become a safe reality for patients." He added: "I'm keen to hit the ground running as part of the leadership team, to build robust partnerships and create an exceptional customer experience. I'm excited about the role we will play in accelerating broad accessibility of cell and gene therapies that will profoundly impact human health."

Felix Dobbs PhD, CEO, Broken String Biosciences, said: "We're delighted that Steve is joining us to lead the Company's commercial activities based out of Boston MA. As we enter our next stage of commercial growth and focus on establishing broad adoption of the INDUCE-seq platform, Steve's support will be pivotal in executing the successful launch of our commercial offering, as well as establishing strong partnerships with leading academic and industry players in the genomics and cell gene therapy markets."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724299052/en/

Contacts:

Jake Brown

Zyme Communications

E: jake.brown@zymecommunications.com
MONTREAL, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual Artifacts Inc. (VA), a pioneer in information technology, today introduced the Hibe Digital Framework, a comprehensive solution designed to tackle the pressing challenges facing the global media ecosystem, such as declining advertising revenue, the spread of misinformation, and shrinking public trust in traditional media outlets.

A newly released white paper titled "Information Media. From Paradigm Shift to a New Digital Framework" explores the roots of the media crisis and presents the Hibe Digital Framework as an innovative approach to bridge the media gap.

Over the past year, VA has refined the Hibe Digital Framework through a robust beta platform (www.hibe.com) that has garnered marked interest from government regulators, media organizations, and content consumers. This platform has been instrumental in testing and validating key features that empower various stakeholders in the digital media landscape by allowing them to:

Publishers: Regain control over content distribution, monetization, and user insights, allowing them to build stronger audience relationships.

Regain control over content distribution, monetization, and user insights, allowing them to build stronger audience relationships. Content Consumers: Take control over their digital identity and privacy, while also having the freedom to choose news sources, freely interact around authentic content, and avoid online harassment.

Take control over their digital identity and privacy, while also having the freedom to choose news sources, freely interact around authentic content, and avoid online harassment. Governments: Develop and enforce adapted laws for copyright protection, data privacy, digital sovereignty, and online safety.

Develop and enforce adapted laws for copyright protection, data privacy, digital sovereignty, and online safety. Tech Innovators: Access media content through a simple, predictable cost model, to support AI learning, search engines, and social sharing while ensuring fairness for content creators.

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VA is actively seeking to increase its partnerships with media organizations, governments, and tech innovators to scale the platform and maximize its impact. Download the white paper to learn more and join us in building a more sustainable media ecosystem.

About Virtual Artifacts Inc.

Based in Montreal (Quebec), Virtual Artifacts builds unique and innovative privacy protection, identity management and systems interoperability technologies to tackle the challenges faced by consumers and businesses in today's digital age. VA is guided by the beliefs that technologies should be aligned with people's choices and values, be used to bring communities closer together and make societies more open, while helping businesses grow and compete fairly. In its mission of giving people the power to connect and interact on their own terms, VA provides pioneering technology tools that ensure a right balance between businesses and consumers' interests.

For more information, please visit www.virtualartifacts.com or contact us at info@virtualartifacts.com.

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Following exceptional pilot results, Securitas Direct Switzerland will mass deploy the Essence MyShield in Swiss security market, elevating protection for homes and businesses

HERZLIYA, Israel, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence Security, a part of Essence Group, a leading technology group developing and supplying wireless, cloud-based security solutions for homes and businesses, today announced it is cooperating with longstanding partner and leading security services provider Securitas Direct Switzerland to launch Essence's comprehensive MyShield cloud connected smoke-generating intruder prevention solution across Switzerland.

This product launch follows ten years of collaboration between Essence Security and Securitas Direct, during which time the security services provider introduced myriad Essence technologies to the Swiss market. The nationwide debut is the direct result of a successful pilot implementation that demonstrated MyShield's superior connectivity, coverage, and smoke deployment capabilities, achieving perfect performance metrics in every tested scenario. MyShield's proven advanced capabilities bring to the Swiss market a new level of efficacy in deterring intruders while ensuring safety and minimal disruption.

"We at Securitas Direct Switzerland pride ourselves on our commitment to embracing new innovations, and after seeing firsthand the MyShield device's cutting-edge capabilities in real-world settings, we are eager to bring this level of protection to our customers across Switzerland," said Christian Chenaux from Securitas Direct Switzerland. "MyShield sets a new benchmark in Swiss security standards, offering home and business owners a smarter, more proactive way to protect their properties."

The award-winning, first-of-its-kind MyShield device deploys a veil of harmless yet disorienting smoke that fills a room in 30 seconds, forcing intruders off premises before they can cause harm to people or property. MyShield acts as a 'first responder,' significantly narrowing the window of time in which intruders can operate and providing an enhanced level of security to residential and commercial users -- particularly advantageous in high-risk environments with lone workers or unoccupied buildings where rapid response is crucial.

"Our collaboration with Securitas Direct Switzerland marks a pivotal moment in our mission to enhance the global security landscape," said Dr. Haim Amir, CEO and Founder of Essence Group. "The outstanding results of our pilot program underline the robustness and reliability of MyShield, and we are thrilled to roll it out across Switzerland, allowing consumers to take control of their safety with a first response system that brings peace of mind."

"The nationwide rollout of MyShield across Switzerland builds on our decade-long relationship with Securitas Direct Switzerland, rooted in our shared commitment to protecting homes and businesses with cutting-edge security solutions," said Hagai Enoch, COO of Essence Group. "We look forward to launching new initiatives in the near future that will continue to set new standards of security for our global customers."

Easy-to-install, MyShield's battery-powered system includes an integrated motion detector, high-definition video camera to eliminate false alarms, voice announcement and rapid action remote smoke deployment. It utilizes cellular IoT networks and can be used as a standalone app-based solution or integrated into existing security systems. The low-maintenance device can be easily moved to ensure properties have 24/7 security on demand for reliable protection.

About Essence Group

Essence Group is a global technology leader with a mission to develop and deploy innovative, cloud-based, end-to-end security and healthcare solutions, underpinned by supporting services, that provide peace of mind to users. For over a quarter of a century, Essence has challenged convention by making care and safety both accessible and affordable. With over 75 million connected devices deployed worldwide, Essence helps people to live safer and more independent lives.

For more information: https://www.essence-grp.com/

Follow Essence Group on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

About Securitas Direct Switzerland

For more information: https://www.securitas-direct.ch/en/

Media Contact:

Mushkie Meyer

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Intervals up to 121.2m of continuous visual copper mineralization intersected

HIGHLIGHTS

The excellent productivity for the 2024 summer drilling program continues with more than 8,300 metres ("m") now completed in 66 reverse circulation ("RC") and diamond drill holes

Visual results have been received for a further 22 drill holes, with the first assays for the summer program due within the next 2 weeks

Thunder Prospect - 2023 discovery hole 48.8m @ 3% copper ("Cu") from 32.4m:

Thick zones of visual copper mineralization have been intersected in all nine step-out drill holes at the Thunder Prospect, extending the known strike of the Thunder mineralization to over 300m and highlighting the potential for resource definition

Drill hole SR24-042 has intersected a continuous 73.2m thick zone of visual copper sulfide mineralization from 45.7m downhole including multiple zones of semi-massive sulfides

Drill hole SR24-034 has intersected a continuous 121.2m interval of visual copper sulfide mineralization from 18.3m downhole

The high-grade copper zone at Thunder remains open along strike and at depth, where drilling has only tested to approximately 100m vertical depth

Cyclone Prospect

Thick intervals of visual copper sulfides intersected in multiple drill holes, including several outside of the known zone of mineralization supporting the potential for growth and delineation of a future resource

Drill holes SR24-031 and SR-055 were drilled to the north-east of the Cyclone Prospect and have successfully expanded the strike of mineralization with intersections of 53.4m (combined total) and 80.7m (continuous)of visual copper mineralization respectively

Drill holes SR24-045 and SR24-049 have intersected thick intervals of visual semi-massive sulfides within the southern and western part of the mineralized zone

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and grade of any contained mineralization within the reported visual intersections of copper sulfides. Portable XRF is used as an aid in the determination of mineral type and abundance during the geological logging process.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to present an update on drilling and exploration activities currently underway at the Storm Copper Project ("Storm" or the "Project") on Somerset Island, Nunavut. The program is being conducted by American West Metals Limited ("American West"), who is the operator of the Project. Aston Bay and American West have formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture in respect of the Storm Project property, with Aston Bay maintaining a free carried interest until a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study.

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Bay, commented :

"The impressive visual results continue to come in from the drilling at Storm, highlighting the significant potential for growth and delineation of a potential future resource at the project as well as additional discoveries.

"Equally impressive are the efforts of the entire crew of drillers, geologists, geophysicists, pilots and camp support staff - we thank them for delivering results and credit them all for the success of the ongoing program."

OVERVIEW: DRILL PROGRAM ON TARGET TO EXCEED 20,000 METRES

A total of 60 RC drill holes (for approximately 7,660m) have now been completed during the 2024 drilling program. The diamond drill rig has completed 6 drill holes (for approximately 677m).

The latest drilling has been completed at the Cyclone, Chinook, Thunder, and Lightning Ridge high-grade copper prospects, and on various exploration targets within Storm. The visual results from 22 of these drill holes have been received. The mineralogy and presence of copper have been confirmed with portable XRF analysis.

The 2024 drill program is continuing with two RC and one diamond drill rig. The excellent production of the drilling achieved to date puts the program on track to complete the planned 20,000m of drilling.

Figure 1: Reverse Circulation (RC) drill samples at the Storm Project, Nunavut, being loaded for their journey to the laboratory in Yellowknife for processing.

THUNDER COPPER PROSPECT: MINERALIZATION EXTENDED OVER 300M, OPEN IN ALL DIRECTIONS

The Thunder Prospect is located to the west of the Chinook and Lightning Ridge copper prospects. The high-grade copper zone was discovered with exploration drilling during 2023 in which drill hole ST23-03 intersected 48.8m @ 3% Cu from 32m downhole.

The discovery drill hole at Thunder was designed to test a strong EM anomaly in the vicinity of historical drilling which had intersected thin zones of high-grade copper sulfides (ST00-66 intersected 7.6M @ 1.6% Cu from 55.5m downhole, including 1.1m @ 4.8% Cu from 58.3m downhole).

The Thunder prospect is located within the extensive southern graben fault system, which hosts all known copper deposits in the southern area of Storm. The proximity of Thunder to a major fault jog and the high volume of semi-massive sulfide breccia mineralization is strongly suggestive that the copper is fault-related and steeply dipping, as seen at the nearby Chinook and Corona prospects.

The initial drilling during 2024 at Thunder has included nine widely spaced drill holes designed to test the strike extent and potential geometry of the high-grade mineralization intersected during 2023 (Figure 2 & 3).

The visual results have now been received and confirm that all drills holes have intersected visual copper sulfides, including thick intervals of very strong visual copper sulfides within the interpreted main zone of mineralization The known strike extent of the Thunder copper zone is now interpreted to be over 300m, and it remains open along strike and at depth.

Figure 2: Plan view of the Chinook, Corona, Thunder, and Lightning Ridge areas showing the interpreted footprints of the near-surface copper mineralization (defined by drilling, MLEM and VTEM) and drilling overlaying regional geology.

THUNDER MAIN COPPER ZONE DRILL HOLE DETAILS

RC drill holes SR24-022, -030, -034, -040, and -042 were drilled along the interpreted east-west strike of the Thunder mineralized zone (Figure 2).

Drill holes SR24-030, -034, and -042 have intersected thick visual copper sulfide mineralization (approximately 58.5m, 121.9m, and 73.2m respectively). The mineralization within these drill holes is dominantly chalcocite and particularly strong in the vicinity and to the west of discovery drill hole ST23-03.

Drill hole SR24-040 is the westernmost drill hole completed to date at the Thunder Prospect. The drill hole intersected 36.6m of visual chalcocite mineralization from approximately 47.2m downhole, which contains a zone of over 5% visual sulfide at approximately 70.1m downhole. The wide interval and strong nature of the mineralization within SR24-040 suggest that the copper mineralization will likely extend further to the west.

Drill hole SR24-022 was drilled approximately 130m to the east of the main zone and intersected two intervals of minor chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite mineralization. The drill hole was drilled oriented to the south and missed the main zone of mineralization. The chalcopyrite-pyrite mineral assemblage intersected in the lower interval is typical of the margins of sediment-hosted copper systems. Further drilling is planned to determine the extent and location of the Thunder mineralization in this area.

Mineralization key: cc = chalcocite, cp = chalcopyrite, br = bornite, py = pyrite, Cu = native copper, ct = cuprite, ml = malachite, sph = sphalerite, ga = galena. (5%) = visual estimation of sulfide content.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Min Description SR24-022 0 33.5 Cape Storm Formation 33.5 35.1 Allen Bay Formation 35.1 38.1 cc, ma Veins of cc with patchy py (0.2%) 38.1 62.5 Allen Bay dolomudstones 62.5 67.1 py, cp Patchy cp (0.1%) 67.1 86.9 py Patchy py (0.1%) 86.9 140.2 Allen Bay dolomudstone SR24-030 0 24.38 Cape Storm Formation 24.4 35.1 py py veins (up to 0.5%) 35.1 74.7 cc, bn, py, cp, cu Vein with up to 5% cc, up to 1% bn, 0.5% cp, patchy py (0.2%) 74.7 77.7 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 77.7 115.8 bn, cc, cp, py Veins up to 0.5% bn, 0.1% cp, up to 1.5% cc and 0.2% py 115.8 118.9 cc Breccia/vein cc (7.5%) 118.9 125 cc, cp, py 1% patchy cc and 0.1% patchy bn and cp SR24-034 0 18.3 Allen Bay Formation 18.3 68.6 py, cp Intermittent cp and py (0.1%) 68.6 115.8 py, cp Mostly cp with cc veinlets (0.5%) 115.8 140.2 py, cp Cp mineralization decreasing with depth (0.2%) SR24-040 0 47.2 Cape Storm Formation 47.2 83.8 cu, cc cc veins and breccia throughout, 5% cc at 70.1m 83.8 123.4 Allen Bay dolomudstone 123.4 129.5 Allen Bay dolomudstone SR24-042 0 39.6 Cape Storm Formation 39.6 45.7 Allen Bay Formation 45.7 80.8 cc Breccia cc (3-5%) 80.8 118.9 cc Breccia cc (1-2%) 118.9 140.2 Allen Bay Formation

Table 1: Summary geological logs for drill holes SR24-022, -030, -034, -040, and -042.

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and grade of any contained mineralization within the reported visual intersections of copper sulfides. Portable XRF is used as an aid in the determination of mineral type and abundance during the geological logging process.

THUNDER EXPLORATION DRILL HOLE DETAILS

Four RC drill holes were drilled around the interpreted Thunder trend to determine the orientation of the high-grade copper mineralization.

Drill holes SR24-036 and SR24-038 were drilled to the north of the prospect, and were designed to test the potential lateral extension of the mineralization to the north. Both drill holes intersected thick intervals of visual copper sulfides (41.2m and 38.1m respectively). The dominant visual copper sulfide in both drill holes is chalcopyrite, with chalcocite also encountered in SR24-038.

Drill holes SR24-032 and SR24-044 are located approximately 150m south of the interpreted Thunder mineralized zone, and were drilled toward the north. This orientation was designed to test both the vertical and potential southern lateral extent of the mineralization. Both drill holes intersected thick intervals of visual copper sulfides (38.1m and 39.2m respectively), including very strong visual chalcocite mineralization in drill hole SR24-044 at approximately 86.9 - 90m downhole.

The visual copper sulfides within all of the Thunder drill holes are hosted in veinlets and breccias within the Allen Bay dolomudstones. However, the assemblage of copper minerals in the southern and northern Thunder drill holes (including abundant chalcopyrite and pyrite) suggests that they are potentially located on the margin of an east-west orientated and steeply dipping copper system. Diamond drilling is planned to confirm these assumptions.

Mineralization key for the tables below: cc = chalcocite, cp = chalcopyrite, br = bornite, py = pyrite, Cu = native copper, ct = cuprite, ml = malachite, sph = sphalerite, ga = galena. (5%) = visual estimation of sulfide content

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Min Description SR24-036 0 35.1 Cape Storm Formation 35.1 76.2 py, cp Patchy cc and py (0.1%) 76.2 123.4 Allen Bay Formation 123.4 140.2 Patchy py (0.1%) SR24-038 0 39.6 Cape Storm Formation, trace ma (0.1%) 39.6 77.7 cc, cp Trace cc and cp (0.2%) 77.7 117.4 Allen Bay Formation, dark brown 117.4 140.2 Allen Bay Formation

Table 2: Summary geological logs for drill hole SR24-036 and SR24-038.

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and grade of any contained mineralization within the reported visual intersections of copper sulfides. Portable XRF is used as an aid in the determination of mineral type and abundance during the geological logging process.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Min Description SR24-032 0 13.7 Overburden 13.72 62.5 Allen Bay Formation 62.5 100.6 cp Cp veins (0.1%), more abundant 76.2-88.4m (1%) 100.6 199.6 Allen Bay dolomudstone SR24-044 0 22.9 Cape Storm Formation 22.9 67.1 Allen Bay Formation 67.1 106.7 cc Cc veins (0.5%), more abundant 86.9-89.9m (2%) 106.7 135.6 Allen Bay - BFP 135.6 155.5 Allen Bay dolomudstones 155.5 167.6 Allen Bay dolomudstones, trace chert nodules

Table 3: Summary geological logs for drill hole SR24-032 and SR24-044.

Figure 3: Geological long-section view (looking north) at 8,172,830N showing the visual results of drill holes for the main zone drilling at Thunder, historical drilling, and the interpreted copper horizons. Note - SR24-022 is interpreted to be off-section to the main mineralized trend (dotted).

CYCLONE: MORE THICK COPPER INTERSECTIONS

Drilling at the Cyclone Prospect is continuing and the visual results from drill holes SR24-028, -029, -031, -035, -037, -039, -043, -045, -047, -049, -051, -053, -055 have been received.

The visual results continue to demonstrate the excellent lateral continuity of the copper mineralization and confirm the potential for future resources at Cyclone and to the southwest, east, and north.

Figure 4: Plan view of the Cyclone Prospect showing the interpreted outline of copper mineralization, historical and recent drilling, overlaying regional geology.

DRILL HOLE SR24-031 & SR24-055 DETAILS

Drill holes SR24-031 and SR24-055 were drilled to the northeast of the Cyclone Prospect. The drill holes are located within a large and untested area and were designed to test for potential extensions to the known copper mineralization to the north of Cyclone, and between 2023 drill hole SR23-55 (7.6m @ 1% Cu from 105.2m downhole, including 1.5m @ 2% Cu from 109.7m downhole) (Figure 4).

SR24-031 has intersected a combined total of 53.4m of visual copper sulfide mineralization within two distinct zones (Figure 5). The visual mineralization is vertically zoned with a chalcocite dominant inner and stronger zone (between 96m and 121.9m downhole), and with chalcopyrite mineralization at the margins at the top and bottom of the interval. This zonation of copper minerals is typical of sediment-hosted copper systems. The interval contains a 1.5m thick zone of very strong chalcocite veining from 109.7m downhole.

SR24-055 has intersected 80.7m of visual copper mineralization from 48.8m downhole consisting of fine chalcocite veinlets and breccias. The volume of visual sulfide mineralization within the extremely thick interval of mineralization is largely consistent at 0.2% to 0.5% but does contain numerous zones with stronger veining. Minor chalcopyrite is also present in the top 39.6m of the interval.

Figure 5: Geological section view at 465,400E showing the visual results for drill holes SR24-031 and SR24-035, and the existing interpreted copper mineralized zone.

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and grade of any contained mineralization within the reported visual intersections of copper sulfides. Portable XRF is used as an aid in the determination of mineral type and abundance during the geological logging process.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Min Description SR24-031 0 22.9 Cape Storm Formation 22.9 50.3 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 50.3 56.4 py, cp Patchy cp (0.1%) and py (0.1%) 56.4 65.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 65.5 80.8 ma, py Trace vein selvage py (0.1%), ma (0.1%) 80.8 85.3 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 85.3 96 cp, py Patchy cp (0.1%) and py (0.1%) 96 109.7 cc, py, bn cc vein and patchy py, with trace bn (0.2%) 109.7 111.3 cc, py cc veins and vein selvage 2% 111.3 121.9 cp, py, cc cc and cp vein selvage, patchy py (0.2%) 121.9 132.6 py, cp Patchy intermittent py (0.1%) 132.6 150.9 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone SR24-055 0 48.8 Cape Storm Formation 48.8 88.4 cc, cp Fe alt with cc and cp (0.5%) 88.4 126.5 cc Trace cc (0.2%) 126.5 170.7 Allen Bay Formation

Table 4: Summary geological logs for drill holes SR24-031 and SR24-055.

DRILL HOLE SR24-043 DETAILS

SR24-043 was drilled approximately 80m southwest of the Cyclone Prospect to a downhole depth of 160m. The drill hole was designed to test for potential extensions to the known areas of copper mineralization and to follow up to the west of 2024 drill hole SR24-009.

SR24-043 has intersected a single, 16.8m thick upper zone of visual copper sulfide mineralization, and a lower zone of copper oxides. The upper chalcopyrite-dominant zone of mineralization is strongly mineralized and also contains chalcocite between 91.4m and 96m downhole.

The large step out and thickness of the strong visual mineralization suggests the potential for significant extension to Cyclone to the southwest.

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and grade of any contained mineralization within the reported visual intersections of copper sulfides. Portable XRF is used as an aid in the determination of mineral type and abundance during the geological logging process.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Min Description SR24-035 0.0 12.2 ma Cape Storm - patchy ma (0.1%) near top of hole 12.2 18.3 py Cape Storm - patchy py (0.1%) 18.3 32.0 py, ma py (0.1%) vein selvage and veinlets, ma (0.1%) 32.0 36.6 py Patchy py (0.1%) 36.6 44.2 py, cp Patchy py (0.1%) and cp (0.2%) 44.2 48.8 ma, py Trace patchy py and ma (0.1%) 48.8 50.3 cc, cu Trace cc and native Cu (0.1%) 50.3 54.9 py, ma, cc, cu Trace py, ma, cc (0.1%) and native Cu (0.1%) 54.9 57.9 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 57.9 61.0 cc cc vein selvage and veins (2%) 61.0 67.1 Allen Bay fm. Dolomudstone 67.1 76.2 ma, cc, cuox Up to 5% ma, trace cc (0.1%) and CuOx (0.1%) 76.2 97.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 91.4 120.4 ma Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone with ma (0.1%) SR24-037 0.0 12.2 Cape Storm Formation 12.2 16.8 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 16.8 25.9 py Patchy to vein selvage py (0.1%) 25.9 33.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 33.5 38.1 py Trace patchy py (0.1%) 38.1 44.2 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 44.2 50.3 py Trace patchy py (0.1%) 50.3 54.9 py, cc, cp cc (0.5%) vein, patchy cp (0.1%) and py (0.1%) 54.9 61.0 py, cc Intermittent cc (0.5%) vein and patchy py (0.1%) 61.0 65.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 65.5 67.1 cc Trace cc (0.1%) vein selvage 67.1 73.2 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone with clay at 68.6m' 73.2 74.7 cc, ma Trace cc (0.1%) vein selvage, patchy ma 74.7 99.1 Allen Bay Fm. with clay at 79.4m, 88.4m SR24-039 0.0 15.2 Cape Storm Formation 15.2 24.4 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 24.4 30.5 py Trace patchy and vein selvage py (0.1%) 30.5 39.6 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 39.6 44.2 py Trace patchy and vein selvage py (0.1%) 44.2 47.2 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 47.2 51.8 py, cp cp veinlets (0.3%) and patchy and vein py (0.1%) 51.8 64.0 py Intermittent trace py (0.1%) 64.0 83.8 Allen Bay Formation 83.8 86.9 cc, py 0.5% cc vein selvage and trace py (0.1%) 86.9 115.8 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone - BPF 115.8 129.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone - VSM SR24-045 0.0 29.0 cp Cape Storm F.5mormation with cp (0.1%) 29.0 65.5 cp, cc Patchy cc and cp (0.2%) with 5% cc at 57.9m 65.5 71.6 cp, cc Breccia cp and cc (5%) with 8% at 65 71.6 79.3 cc Vein and breccia cc (3%) 79.3 108.2 cc Vein and breccia cc (1%) with 4% at 88.4m 108.2 160.0 Allen Bay Formation SR24-047 0.0 18.3 Cape Storm Formation 18.3 36.6 Allen Bay Formation 36.6 41.2 Clay zone, poor recovery 41.2 59.4 cc, cp Trace cc and cp (0.1%) 59.4 89.9 cc, cp, cu Cc and cp (1%) with trace ma 89.9 111.3 Allen Bay Formation SR24-049 0.0 13.7 Cape Storm Formation, trace malachite 13.7 32.0 cc, py Weak Fe alt, cc veins (0.2%) 32.0 35.1 cc, py High cc sulfide content (5%) 35.1 50.3 cc, py Patchy cc and py (0.2%) 50.3 74.7 cc, py BMF, Patchy cc and py (0.2%) 74.7 96.0 Allen Bay Formation SR24-051 0.0 100.6 py Douro Formation with trace py (0.1%) SR24-053 0.0 33.5 Cape Storm Formation, trace malachite. 33.5 53.3 cc Cc (0.2%) and trace malachite 53.3 57.9 cc, py High sulfide content (1%) 57.9 86.9 cc, py Trace cc and py (0.2%) 86.9 117.4 Allen Bay Formation, trace malachite. 117.4 129.5 Allen Bay Formation with minor chalk

Table 5: Summary geological log for drill hole SR24-043.

DRILL HOLE SR24-028 & SR24-029 DETAILS

Drill holes SR24-028 and SR24-029 were drilled over 300m to the east of Cyclone. The drill holes were designed to test for large potential resource extensions along the northern graben fault.

Neither of the drill holes intersected significant intervals of copper sulfide mineralization, and the presence of pyrite suggests that the drill holes may be located on the margin of the mineral system.

MAIN CYCLONE ZONE DRILLING

Drill holes SR24-035, -037, -039, -045, -047, -049, -051, and -053 were drilled to infill areas of known mineralization in support of a potential future mineral resource. All but one of the drill holes have intersected thick intervals of visual copper sulfide mineralization hosted within dolomite of the Allen Bay Formation.

The mineralization encountered within the drilling to date is comprised of zones of strong visual sulfides hosted within a broad mineralized package of what is interpreted to be mostly vein and fracture-style mineralization. Zones of visually strong, semi-massive copper sulfides were observed in drill holes SR24-045 and SR45-049.

Drill hole SR-051 was drilled to a downhole depth of 100.6m encountering only trace pyrite and is interpreted to have been drilled south of the large structure that offsets Cyclone deposit. The entire length of the drill hole intersected the Douro Formation, which is the common unmineralized rock unit found on the top of the mineralization-hosting Allen Bay Formation in the downthrown block of the Central Graben Area. Deeper drilling is required in this area to determine the depth of the prospective copper horizon, and for potential off-sets to the Cyclone Prospect.

The dominant visible copper sulfide minerals observed within the Cyclone drill holes to date are chalcocite with minor bornite and with chalcopyrite on the margins of the mineralized intervals. Minor native copper and copper oxides (mostly malachite and cuprite) are also locally present. Portable XRF analyzers are used to assist the geological logging.

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and grade of any contained mineralization within the reported visual intersections of copper sulfides. Portable XRF is used as an aid in the determination of mineral type and abundance during the geological logging process.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Min Description SR24-035 0.0 12.2 ma Cape Storm - patchy ma (0.1%) near top of hole 12.2 18.3 py Cape Storm - patchy py (0.1%) 18.3 32.0 py, ma py (0.1%) vein selvage and veinlets, ma (0.1%) 32.0 36.6 py Patchy py (0.1%) 36.6 44.2 py, cp Patchy py (0.1%) and cp (0.2%) 44.2 48.8 ma, py Trace patchy py and ma (0.1%) 48.8 50.3 cc, cu Trace cc and native Cu (0.1%) 50.3 54.9 py, ma, cc, cu Trace py, ma, cc (0.1%) and native Cu (0.1%) 54.9 57.9 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 57.9 61.0 cc cc vein selvage and veins (2%) 61.0 67.1 Allen Bay fm. Dolomudstone 67.1 76.2 ma, cc, cuox Up to 5% ma, trace cc (0.1%) and CuOx (0.1%) 76.2 97.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 91.4 120.4 ma Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone with ma (0.1%) SR24-037 0.0 12.2 Cape Storm Formation 12.2 16.8 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 16.8 25.9 py Patchy to vein selvage py (0.1%) 25.9 33.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 33.5 38.1 py Trace patchy py (0.1%) 38.1 44.2 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 44.2 50.3 py Trace patchy py (0.1%) 50.3 54.9 py, cc, cp cc (0.5%) vein, patchy cp (0.1%) and py (0.1%) 54.9 61.0 py, cc Intermittent cc (0.5%) vein and patchy py (0.1%) 61.0 65.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 65.5 67.1 cc Trace cc (0.1%) vein selvage 67.1 73.2 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone with clay at 68.6m' 73.2 74.7 cc, ma Trace cc (0.1%) vein selvage, patchy ma 74.7 99.1 Allen Bay Fm. with clay at 79.4m, 88.4m SR24-039 0.0 15.2 Cape Storm Formation 15.2 24.4 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 24.4 30.5 py Trace patchy and vein selvage py (0.1%) 30.5 39.6 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 39.6 44.2 py Trace patchy and vein selvage py (0.1%) 44.2 47.2 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone 47.2 51.8 py, cp cp veinlets (0.3%) and patchy and vein py (0.1%) 51.8 64.0 py Intermittent trace py (0.1%) 64.0 83.8 Allen Bay Formation 83.8 86.9 cc, py 0.5% cc vein selvage and trace py (0.1%) 86.9 115.8 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone - BPF 115.8 129.5 Allen Bay Fm. Dolomudstone - VSM SR24-045 0.0 29.0 cp Cape Storm F.5mormation with cp (0.1%) 29.0 65.5 cp, cc Patchy cc and cp (0.2%) with 5% cc at 57.9m 65.5 71.6 cp, cc Breccia cp and cc (5%) with 8% at 65 71.6 79.3 cc Vein and breccia cc (3%) 79.3 108.2 cc Vein and breccia cc (1%) with 4% at 88.4m 108.2 160.0 Allen Bay Formation SR24-047 0.0 18.3 Cape Storm Formation 18.3 36.6 Allen Bay Formation 36.6 41.2 Clay zone, poor recovery 41.2 59.4 cc, cp Trace cc and cp (0.1%) 59.4 89.9 cc, cp, cu Cc and cp (1%) with trace ma 89.9 111.3 Allen Bay Formation SR24-049 0.0 13.7 Cape Storm Formation, trace malachite 13.7 32.0 cc, py Weak Fe alt, cc veins (0.2%) 32.0 35.1 cc, py High cc sulfide content (5%) 35.1 50.3 cc, py Patchy cc and py (0.2%) 50.3 74.7 cc, py BMF, Patchy cc and py (0.2%) 74.7 96.0 Allen Bay Formation SR24-051 0.0 100.6 py Douro Formation with trace py (0.1%) SR24-053 0.0 33.5 Cape Storm Formation, trace malachite. 33.5 53.3 cc Cc (0.2%) and trace malachite 53.3 57.9 cc, py High sulfide content (1%) 57.9 86.9 cc, py Trace cc and py (0.2%) 86.9 117.4 Allen Bay Formation, trace malachite. 117.4 129.5 Allen Bay Formation with minor chalk

Table 6: Summary geological logs for recently completed resource infill drill holes at the Cyclone Prospect.

Mineralization key: cc = chalcocite, cp = chalcopyrite, br = bornite, py = pyrite, Cu = native copper, ct = cuprite, ml = malachite, sph = sphalerite, ga = galena. (5%) = visual estimation of sulfide content.

DIAMOND DRILLING PROGRAM

Diamond drilling is underway and progressing rapidly at Storm. Six drill holes have been completed to date for a total of 667.7m drilled.

The initial drill holes are being used to acquire bulk samples for metallurgy, geotechnical and development planning purposes at the Cyclone and Chinook Prospects. The relatively shallow drill holes are infilling specific areas of the known footprint of copper mineralization and will also be used in support of a potential mineral resource.

Exploration drilling is due to begin with the diamond rig shortly. The initial priority will be to follow-up the discovery of high-grade copper sulfide mineralization at a deeper stratigraphic level below the Cyclone horizon.

The deep exploration targets will be further refined by the upcoming Moving Loop EM (MLEM) survey, commencing in the next few days, prior to drilling.

Figure 6: Recent and existing drill hole locations and inferred zones of copper mineralization overlaying aerial photography.

Hole ID Prospect Easting Northing Depth (m) Azimuth Inclination SR24-001 Expl. 465403 8174839 251.5 180 -75 SR24-002 Cyclone 465497 8174396 140.2 180 -70 SR24-003 The Gap 464015 8173152 149.4 170 -45 SR24-004 The Gap 463975 8173143 199.6 130 -60 SR24-005 Graben 464200 8173324 251.5 180 -75 SR24-006 Chinook 466176 8172877 129.5 180 -60 SR24-007 Cyclone 464729 8174010 150.9 0 -70 SR24-008 Chinook 466216 8172870 140.2 180 -60 SR24-009 Cyclone 464629 8174021 120.4 0 -70 SR24-010 Chinook 466197 8172835 109.7 180 -60 SR24-011 Cyclone 464855 8174089 131.1 180 -70 SR24-012 Chinook 466317 8172830 115.8 180 -60 SR24-013 Cyclone 464945 8174144 120.4 180 -70 SR24-014 Lightning 466029 8172538 118.9 0 -50 SR24-015 Cyclone 464856 8174223 160.0 180 -70 SR24-016 Lightning 466091 8172538 129.5 0 -50 SR24-017 Cyclone 464765 8174233 120.4 180 -70 SR24-018 Lightning 466063 8172513 149.3 0 -50 SR24-019 Cyclone 464688 8174273 121.9 180 -75 SR24-020 Lightning 466201 8072538 140.2 0 -50 SR24-021 Cyclone 464763 8174300 131.1 180 -70 SR24-022 Thunder 465364 8172845 140.2 180 -60 SR24-023 Cyclone 464848 8174344 144.8 180 -70 SR24-024 Cyclone 464948 8174340 149.3 180 -61 SR24-025 Cyclone 465089 8174285 170.7 180 -65 SR24-026 Cyclone 465048 8174094 120.4 180 -70 SR24-027 Cyclone 465147 8174100 114.3 180 -63 SR24-028 Expl. 465867 8174040 140.2 180 -65 SR24-029 Expl. 465900 8174500 251.4 180 -65 SR24-030 Thunder 465234 8172845 140.2 180 -60 SR24-031 Cyclone 465397 8174393 150.9 179.7 -65.4 SR24-032 Thunder 465209 8172709 199.6 0.0 -60.0 SR24-033 Cyclone 465397 8174293 141.7 179.7 -65.1 SR24-034 Thunder 465299 8172845 140.2 182.9 -60.9 SR24-035 Cyclone 465397 8174139 120.4 180.1 -66.1 SR24-036 Thunder 465234 8172910 140.2 180.4 -60.0 SR24-037 Cyclone 465446 8174119 99.1 179.8 -61.5 SR24-038 Thunder 465169 8172910 140.2 177.1 -60.5 SR24-039 Cyclone 465493 8174177 129.5 180.0 -62.0 SR24-040 Thunder 465079 8172845 129.5 180.0 -60.0 SR24-041 Cyclone 464626 8173970 167.6 359.9 -70.0 SR24-042 Thunder 465169 8172845 140.2 180.0 -59.9 SR24-043 Cyclone 464581 8174035 160.0 359.9 -70.1 SR24-044 Thunder 465269 8172709 167.6 0.0 -60.1 SR24-045 Cyclone 464625 8174180 160.0 180.1 -61.5 SR24-046 Thunder W 464686 8172873 199.6 0.3 -60.0 SR24-047 Cyclone 464945 8174097 111.3 180.1 -70.0 SR24-048 Thunder W 464803 8172870 199.6 0.1 -60.1 SR24-049 Cyclone 465219 8174060 96.0 179.8 -70.0 SR24-050 Chinook W 465862 8172885 150.9 359.6 -60.3 SR24-051 Cyclone 465423 8174020 100.6 179.9 -63.1 SR24-052 Lightning 466029 8172538 150.9 335.1 -44.9 SR24-053 Cyclone 465337 8174210 129.5 179.9 -61.9 SR24-054 Lightning 466126 8172537 129.5 0.0 -50.1 SR24-055 Cyclone 465291 8174383 170.7 179.9 -65.0 SR24-056 Corona E 466834 8172386 150.9 0.2 -60.1 SR24-057 Cyclone 465497 8174343 141.7 180.2 -65.0 SR24-058 Corona E 467248 8172395 167.6 180.0 -60.4 SR24-059 Cyclone 465538 8174215 149.4 180.3 -65.1 SR24-061 Cyclone 465587 8174105 149.4 180 -65 SM24-01 Chinook 466275 8172777 79.0 0 -65 SM24-01A Chinook 466275 8172777 98.0 0 -65 SM24-02 Chinook 466176 8172760 104.0 0 -60 SM24-02A Chinook 466176 8172760 104.0 0 -60 SM24-03 Cyclone 465044 8174208 152.0 180 -70 SM24-03A Cyclone 465044 8174208 18.0 180 -70

Table 7: Details for the 2024 drill holes completed to date.

PLANNED PROGRAM

RC drilling is continuing with two drill rigs (track-mounted and helicopter-portable) within the Storm area testing expansion and high-priority geophysical targets.

Diamond drilling is in progress on exploration targets.

First laboratory assays for the summer drill program are expected within 2 weeks, with further assays due in another 4 to 6 weeks

EM surveys will recommence shortly to complete the deep-searching surveys within the immediate Storm area, then move to the Tornado and Blizzard copper prospect areas.

The environmental monitoring and survey activities for the 2024 program are underway.

Studies on beneficiation processing methods have been completed on a variety of mineralized material from the Cyclone and Chinook Prospects, with results to be released shortly.

Qualified Person

Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

About the Storm Copper and Seal Zinc-Silver Projects, Nunavut

The Nunavut property consists of 173 contiguous mining claims covering an area of approximately 219,257 hectares on Somerset Island, Nunavut, Canada. The Storm Project comprises both the Storm Copper Project, a high-grade sediment-hosted copper discovery (intersections including 110m* @ 2.5% Cu from surface and 56.3* @ 3.1% Cu from 12.2m as well as the Seal Zinc Deposit (intersections including 14.4m* @ 10.6% Zn, 28.7g/t Ag from 51.8m and 22.3m* @ 23.0% Zn, 5.1g/t Ag from 101.5m). Additionally, there are numerous underexplored and undrilled targets within the 120-kilometre strike length of the mineralized trend, including the Tornado copper prospect where 10 grab samples yielded >1% Cu up to 32% Cu in gossans. The Nunavut property is now the subject of an 80/20 unincorporated joint venture with American West (see "Agreement with American West" below for more details).

Storm Discovery and Historical Work

High-grade copper mineralization was discovered at Storm in the mid-1990s by Cominco geologists conducting regional zinc exploration around their then-producing Polaris lead-zinc mine. A massive chalcocite boulder found in a tributary of the Aston River in 1996 was traced to impressive surface exposures of broken chalcocite mineralization for hundreds of metres of surface strike length at what became named the 2750N, 2200N, and 3500N zones. Subsequent seasons of prospecting, geophysics and over 9,000 m of drilling into the early 2000s confirmed a significant amount of copper mineralization below the surface exposures as well as making the blind discovery of the 4100N Zone, a large area of copper mineralization with no surface exposure.

Following the merger of Cominco with Teck in 2001 and the closure of the Polaris Mine, the Storm claims were allowed to lapse in 2007. Commander Resources staked the property in 2008 and flew a helicopter-borne VTEM survey in 2011 but conducted no additional drilling. Aston Bay subsequently entered into an earn-in agreement with Commander and consolidated 100% ownership in 2015. Commander retained a 0.875% Gross Overriding Royalty in the area of the original Storm claims which was purchased by Taurus Mining Royalty Fund L.P. in January 2024.

In 2016 Aston Bay entered into an earn-in agreement with BHP, who conducted a 2,000-station soil sampling program and drilled 1,951m of core in 12 diamond drill holes, yielding up to 16m* @ 3.1% Cu. BHP exited the agreement in 2017 and retains no residual interest in the project. Aston Bay conducted a property-wide airborne gravity gradiometry survey in 2017 and drilled 2,913m in nine core holes in the Storm area in 2018 yielding a best intercept of 1.5m* @ 4.4% Cu and 20.5m* @ 0.6% Cu.

Agreement with American West

As previously disclosed, Aston Bay entered into an Option Agreement dated March 9, 2021 (the "Option Agreement") with American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West") pursuant to which American West was granted an option (the "Option") to earn an 80% undivided interest in the Project by spending a minimum of CAD$10 million on qualifying exploration expenditures ("Expenditures"). The parties amended and restated the Option Agreement as of February 27, 2023 to facilitate American West potentially financing the Expenditures through flow-through shares but did not change the commercial agreement between the parties.

The Expenditures were completed during the 2023 drilling program and American West exercised the Option in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement, as amended. American West and Aston Bay have formed a 80/20 unincorporated joint venture and are finalising a joint venture agreement. Under the joint venture, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Project will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.

Recent Work

American West completed a fixed loop electromagnetic (FLEM) ground geophysical survey in 2021 that yielded several new subsurface conductive anomalies. A total of 1,534m were drilled in 10 diamond drill holes in the 2022 season, yielding several impressive near-surface intercepts including 41m* @ 4.1% Cu as well as 68m of sulfide mineralization associated with a deeper conductive anomaly.

In April 2022, results of beneficiation studies demonstrated that a mineralized intercept grading 4% Cu from the 4100N area could be upgraded to a 54% Cu direct ship product using standard sorting technology. Further beneficiation and metallurgical studies are ongoing.

In April 2023, American West embarked on a spring delineation drilling program using a helicopter-portable RC drill rig as well as conducting gravity and moving loop electromagnetic (MLEM) ground geophysical programs.

The summer 2023 program conducted further delineation drilling of the near-surface high-grade copper zones to advance them toward maiden resource estimates in 2024. Deep diamond drilling during 2023 discovered high-grade copper sulfides up to 2.7% Cu at approximately 300m vertical depth (ST23-02), suggesting the potential for discovery of large-scale copper targets at depth.

Diamond drilling of new high-priority deep MLEM targets, RC delineation drilling for resource development and additional geophysical surveys are now underway in the 2024 program. Metallurgical studies and environmental baseline studies are ongoing, with bulk sampling for prefeasibility-level processing planned for summer 2024.

*Stated drill hole intersections are all core length, and true width is expected to be 60% to 100% of core length.

About Aston Bay Holdings

Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade critical and precious metal deposits in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona.

The Company is currently exploring the Storm Copper and Epworth Properties in Nunavut, and the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein in central Virginia. The company is also in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade critical metals potential in North America

The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, " American West ") have formed a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and are finalising a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under the unincorporated joint venture, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.

About American West Metals Limited

AMERICAN WEST METALS LIMITED (ASX: AW1) is an Australian clean energy mining company focused on growth through the discovery and development of major base metal mineral deposits in Tier 1 jurisdictions of North America. The company's strategy is focused on developing mines that have a low-footprint and support the global energy transformation. AW1's portfolio of copper and zinc projects in Utah and Canada include significant existing resource inventories and high-grade mineralization that can generate robust mining proposals. Core to AW1's approach is a commitment to the ethical extraction and processing of minerals and making a meaningful contribution to the communities where its projects are located.

Led by a highly experienced leadership team, AW1's strategic initiatives lay the foundation for a sustainable business which aims to deliver high-multiplier returns on shareholder investment and economic benefits to all stakeholders.

For further information on American West, visit: www.americanwestmetals.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this news release, including those regarding entering into the joint venture and each party's interest in the Project pursuant to the agreement in respect of the joint venture, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing of this press release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by securities legislation.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For more information contact:

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer

thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com

(416) 456-3516

SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd.

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Valeria Alberola to Succeed as Audit Committee Chair

LONDON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, announced today that Richard Roedel will retire from the Board of Directors (the "Board") for health reasons, effective December 31, 2024. The Board expects Valeria Alberola, a member of the Board since May 2021, and a member of its Audit and Finance Committees, to succeed Mr. Roedel as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Andy Snyder, Board Chair, Clarivate, said: "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Rich for his leadership and dedication to our Board since 2020 and wish him well. The Company is fortunate to have a strong successor to Rich in Valeria at the helm of the Audit Committee, and we look forward to a smooth transition over the coming months."

Ms. Alberola brings over 25 years of global experience in corporate finance, investment banking, sustainable investments, operations and strategic management consulting. From January 2019 until March 2024, Ms. Alberola served as Chief Executive Officer of Zoma Holdings, LLC following her tenure as its Chief Operating Officer from 2017 to December 2018. Previously she was the Chief Financial Officer of Bridge Education Group, Inc., a global education company, and a partner at Q Advisors LLC, an investment banking firm, advising on M&A and debt and equity financings for technology and telecommunications clients. Ms. Alberola received a B.S. in Economics and Business Administration from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where she was a Fulbright scholar.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management's current views concerning future business, events, trends, contingencies, financial performance, or financial condition, appear at various places in this communication and may use words like "aim," "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "goal," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "see," "seek," "should," "strategy," "strive," "target," "will," and "would" and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on management's current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, along with our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, those factors should not be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. Forward-looking statements are based only on information currently available to our management and speak only as of the date of this communication. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Please consult our public filings with the SEC or on our website at www.clarivate.com.

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(TSXV:OGN)(OTCQX:OGNRF) Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen" or the "Company") is pleased to announce updates for its partner funded exploration stage projects and royalties.

Highlights

Estimated 30,000 metres of drilling in seven planned or completed programs in Nevada, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Western Kenya where Orogen holds project or royalty interests.

Several targeting and regional exploration programs for gold and copper projects planned in British Columbia and Nevada.

Eight active option agreements and a portfolio of projects available for option and sale generated by Orogen's project generation team.

Exploration Asset Portfolio Update

Spring Peak gold project, Nevada, USA - Headwater Gold Inc (CSE: HWG) ("Headwater") recently announced a 7,000 metre drill program in partnership with Newmont Corporation. The 20 to 25 hole program will focus on extensions of the Disco Zone, a low-sulphidation epithermal gold discovery made in 2022. District-scale exploration, including gravity and Controlled-source Audio-frequency-Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) geophysics, airborne magnetics and radiometrics, and soil sampling utilizing Newmont's Deep Sensing Geochemistry methodology are also planned1. Orogen retains the rights to a cash payment and up to a 1% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty interest on the Spring Peak project.

MPD South (formerly Axe) copper-gold porphyry, British Columbia, Canada - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSX.V KDK) ("Kodiak") announced a 10,000 metre drilling program on the MPD (North and South) project designed to test six exploration targets. Four of the targets, including the 1516, South, Adit and Celeste2,3 areas are within the MPD South where Orogen holds a royalty area of interest. Orogen holds an equity interest in Kodiak and a 2% NSR royalty subject to a 0.5% buydown on the MPD South claims.

Ghost Ranch gold project, Nevada, USA - Ivy Minerals Inc. (Private) recently completed a five-hole 2,130 metre diamond drill program. The program targeted an anticlinal axis interpreted from a 2023 Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric ("AMT") geophysical survey. All drill holes intersected oxidized carbonate bearing rocks with variable decalcification and silicification. Assay results are pending. Orogen holds the right to a 1% NSR royalty on the Ghost Ranch project.

Maggie Creek gold project, Nevada, USA - Nevada Gold Mines ("NGM") is following-up on the three-hole 1,282 metre drill program completed in 2023 with exploration across various areas of the project, including a core tail to test the deeper prospective Lower-Plate beneath the 2023 holes. The core tail, which was started in early July, intersected Lower Plate rocks of the Rodeo Creek formation at 442 metres. The drilling is ongoing and planned to approximately 1100 metres. Orogen holds the right to cash payments and a 2% NSR royalty on the Maggie Creek property.

Figure 1: Location of select Orogen royalties and project interests in Western North American

HWY 37 (Ball Creek East and Hank claims) copper-gold porphyry project, British Columbia, Cananda - Kingfisher Metals Inc. (TSX.V. KFR) ("Kingfisher") is planning a Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetic ("ZTEM") airborne geophysical survey, mapping and Induced Polarization ("IP") surveys on the HWY 37 and Hank properties4,5. Orogen holds an equity position in Kingfisher, rights to share payments, and to acquire a 1% NSR royalty for C$1 million on the Ball Creek East claims. Orogen also holds a 3% NSR royalty on the Hank claims subject to a 1% buydown.

Astro gold project, Northwest Territories, Canada - Rackla Metals Inc. (TSX.V: RAK) ("Rackla") recently announced exploration plans for the Astro Plutonic Complex (APC) intrusion related gold target in the NWT/Yukon including 4,000 metres of diamond drilling6. Orogen holds an equity interest in Rackla and a 1% NSR royalty on the Northwest Territories portion of the APC with the right to acquire an additional 0.5%.

Cuprite gold project, Nevada, USA - Strikepoint Gold Inc (TSX.V: SKP) ("Strikepoint") released results from a 3,100 metre reverse-circulation drill program on the Cuprite epithermal property7. The encouraging results confirmed gold bearing mineralization below the mercury bearing residual silica cap at surface. Alteration mineralogy will be used to vector into targets for a future phase of drilling. Cuprite was generated from the exploration alliance between Orogen and Altius Minerals Corporation ("Altius") using similar analyses and techniques that identified the Expanded Silicon gold deposit. Orogen and Altius each hold an equity interest in Strikepoint and a 1.5% NSR royalty interest on the Cuprite project subject to a 0.25% buydown.

Si2 gold project, Nevada, USA - K2 Gold Corporation (TSX.V: KTO) ("K2") is conducting hyperspectral analysis on drill core from their 2023 exploration program that identified weakly anomalous gold beneath the mercury rich steam cap. The results will be used to vector into future drill targets8. Orogen holds the right to cash payments and a 2% NSR royalty on the Si2 project.

Rosterman gold project, Kenya - Shanta Gold Limited (Private) ("Shanta") is planning up to two drill holes on the Rosterman orogenic gold exploration target in Kakamega county, western Kenya. Rosterman lies north of the Isulu and Bushiangala deposits9 which contain a combined global gold resource of 1.285 million ounces grading 10.6 g/t gold including indicated resources of 722,000 ounces grading 11.45 g/t10. In May, Shanta was acquired by Saturn Resources, a private company wholly owned by ETC Holdings (Mauritius) Limited. Orogen holds a 3% net smelter royalty on the Rosterman claims.

Save the Date - Orogen's Project Generation Showcase

Date & Time: Wednesday September 18, 2024, at 10:00AM PST / 1:00PM EST

Zoom Webinar Registration: https://orogenroyalties.com/pgday/

Join Orogen's exploration team to learn more about our portfolio of drill ready precious and base metal projects in western North America that are available for option and sale. The free event is open to anyone including interested companies, geologists and other technical professionals, shareholders and interested investors.

Our inaugural event will be dedicated to "Expanded Silicon Analogues", projects sharing geological similarities to the Expanded Silicon project (Merlin gold deposit: 9.05 million ounces inferred and Silicon gold deposit: 3.4 million ounces indicated, and 800,000 ounces inferred). Don't miss this opportunity to interact with the technical team responsible for the creation of these projects and for the identification of the Expanded Silicon project.

Qualified Person Statement

All new technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Laurence Pryer, Ph.D., P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Orogen. Dr. Pryer is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.

Certain technical disclosure in this release is a summary of previously released information and the Company is relying on the interpretation provided by the relevant company. Additional information can be found on the links in the footnotes or on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Orogen Royalties Inc.

Orogen Royalties is focused on organic royalty creation and royalty acquisitions on precious and base metal discoveries in western North America. The Company's royalty portfolio includes the Ermitano gold and silver Mine in Sonora, Mexico (2.0% NSR royalty) operated by First Majestic Silver Corp. and the Expanded Silicon Project (1.0% NSR royalty) in Nevada, U.S.A, being advanced by AngloGold Ashanti NA. The Company is well financed with several projects actively being developed by joint venture partners.

On Behalf of the Board

OROGEN ROYALTIES INC.

Paddy Nicol

President & CEO

To find out more about Orogen, please contact Paddy Nicol, President & CEO at 604-248-8648, and Marco LoCascio, Vice President, Corporate Development at 604-248-8648. Visit our website at www.orogenroyalties.com.

Orogen Royalties Inc.

1015 - 789 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6C 1H2

info@orogenroyalties.com

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Orogen Royalties Inc. (the "Company") expect to occur, are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur.

Although the Company believe the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions.

Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

https://headwatergold.com/2024/headwater-gold-significantly-expands-land-position-at-spring-peak-and-lodestar-projects-and-commences-district-scale-exploration-program/ https://kodiakcoppercorp.com/kodiak-begins-2024-exploration-program-at-its-mpd-copper-gold-porphyry-project/ https://kodiakcoppercorp.com/kodiak-reports-new-copper-porphyry-discovery-at-1516-zone-and-final-2023-drill-results/ https://kingfishermetals.com/kingfisher-provides-2024-phase-1-exploration-update/ https://kingfishermetals.com/kingfisher-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-the-lgm-project-in-the-golden-triangle-british-columbia/ https://racklametals.com/rackla-metals-commences-2024-exploration-program-on-yukon-and-nwt-projects-2/ https://strikepointgold.com/drilling-at-cuprite-gold-project-returns-multiple-gold-intercepts-including-6-10-meters-grading-0-74-g-t-au-and-14-75-g-t-ag/ https://k2gold.com/k2-gold-provides-2024-exploration-program-updates/ https://www.shantagold.com/_resources/Q1%202023%20Production%20and%20Operational%20Update.pdf https://www.shantagold.com/_resources/WKP%20Resources%20Update.pdf

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Orogen Royalties Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Champion Electric Metals Inc. (CSE: LTHM) (OTCQB: CHELF) (FSE: 1QB0) ("Champion Electric" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding option agreement with Prestwick Capital Corporation Limited (TSXV: PWIK.P) ("Prestwick") for the sale of 100% undivided interest in and to the mineral complains comprising of the Company's Baner Gold Project in Idaho County, Idaho, USA (the "Baner Gold Project").

The Baner Gold Project, a highly prospective gold property, is comprised of 215 unpatented lode claims covering approximately 3,818 acres. Following the purchase of Baner Gold Project in 2015, Champion made several discoveries of gold exploration zones along trend from operations including the Friday Gold Mine located 5 miles south of the Baner Gold Project property boundary. Following a corporate transition into battery metals, the Baner Gold Project became a non-core asset.

Jonathan Buick, President, and CEO commented: "We are pleased to have arrived at an agreement with Prestwick for Baner. The founders of the company are the same team that have founded, financed and developed numerous world class mining operations and companies including Kirkland Lake Gold and Rupert Resources. Prestwick will be led by seasoned mining executive Brian Hinchcliffe along with exploration and production geologist Mike Sutton. The Baner project is well located and hosts very exciting gold exploration zones. Idaho County is extremely supportive of exploration, we look forward to sharing in Prestwick's success."

Option Agreement Terms

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Champion agrees to grant the Option to the Prestwick. In order to exercise the Option and keep it in good standing, Prestwick has agreed to make cash payments and issues securities to Champion as follows:

On completion of the Transaction, Champion Electric will receive: Cash payment of CAD$75,000; 1.1 million common shares of Prestwick ("Common Shares"); and warrants to purchase up to 200,000 Common Shares at $0.30 per share for two (2) years from the date of issuance.

Within 18 months from the completion of the Transaction, the Company to receive ("Payment #1 Date"): Cash payment of CAD$350,000; 200,000 Common Shares; and warrants to purchase up to 200,000 Common Shares at the last closing price for the Common Shares prior to the date of issuance, for two (2) years from the date of issuance Within 12 months from the Payment #1 Date, Champion to receive ("Payment #2 Date"): Cash payment CAD$500,000; and warrants to purchase up to 200,000 Common Shares at the last closing price for the Common Shares prior to the date of issuance, for two (2) years from the date of issuance.

As part of the agreement, during the term of the Option, Prestwick will have the exclusive right to manage and operate all work programs carried out on the Baner Gold Project in its sole discretion. Prestwick will also be responsible for maintaining the Baner Gold Project in good standing through such time.

Additionally, upon satisfaction of the payments and securities issuances presented in the binding agreement, the Option will be deemed to be exercised and a 100% undivided interest in the Baner Gold Project will be transferred to Prestwick, free and clear of all encumbrances, subject to a 1% net smelter return royalty (the "NSR") in favour of the Company. Prestwick may buy-back the NSR in consideration for payment of $7.5 million to Champion Electric.

The Common Shares issuable under the Option will be deemed to be issued at a price equal to $0.235 per share, being the price of the Common Shares on the Exchange on May 13, 2024. These Common Shares will be subject to hold periods under applicable securities laws, and subject to voluntary escrow.

Voluntary Escrow

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is proposed that the Prestwick and Champion Electric, along with an escrow agent, will enter into an escrow agreement providing for voluntary escrow as follows: (i) the Common Shares issued to the Company upon completion of the Transaction (including any Common Shares issued on exercise of the warrants issued on that date) will be subject to voluntary escrow until the Payment #1 Date; and (ii) the Common Shares issued to Champion Electric on the Payment #1 Date (including any Common Shares issued on exercise of the warrants issued on that date) will be subject to voluntary escrow until the Payment #2 Date.

Conditions of Completion of the Transaction

As Prestwick is a Capital Pool Company, this Option Agreement is subject to Prestwick's pending approval for a "Qualifying Transaction". The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including Toronto Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") approval, obtaining all necessary third-party consents and the Baner Gold Project satisfying the TSX-V's Initial Listing Requirements for a Mining Issuer (pursuant to Policy 2.1 - Initial Listing Requirements of the Exchange), including, without limitation, the public float requirements.

About Champion Electric Metals Inc.

Champion Electric is a discovery-focused exploration company that is committed to advancing its highly prospective lithium properties in Quebec, Canada and cobalt properties in Idaho, United States. In addition, the Company owns the Baner gold project in Idaho County (optioned to Prestwick Capital Corporation) and the Champagne polymetallic project in Butte County near Arco. The Company's shares trade on the CSE under the trading symbol "LTHM", on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "CHELF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "1QB0". Champion Electric strives to be a responsible environmental steward, stakeholder, and contributing citizen to the local communities where it operates, taking its social license seriously, employing local community members and service providers at its operations whenever possible.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF CHAMPION ELECTRIC

"Jonathan Buick"

Jonathan Buick, President, and CEO

To learn more, please visit the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's corporate website at www.champem.com.

THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION OF SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

Cautionary Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-Looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company, including closing of the Transactions and the prospectivity of the Projects for lithium. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

The Projects are at an early stage of exploration, and the Company cautions that the qualified persons who have reviewed and approved this news release have not verified scientific or technical information produced by third parties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217550

SOURCE: Champion Electric Metals Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler Business Hub, today provided an update on loans and credit facilitated by the platform's "Financing" module in Canada ahead of the upcoming release of the platform's "Networking" and "Advertising" modules.

The Company reported that between July 2023 and June 2024, loans and credit in the form of receivables financing, merchant cash advances, term loans, lines of credit, and inventory financing totaling $976,500 were awarded on the platform. That amount was divided amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the construction sector, professional, scientific and technical services, wholesale trade, accommodation and food services industries, management of companies and enterprises, and real estate, rental and leasing sectors. Loans and credit awarded to businesses in the professional, scientific and technical services sector led the way, accounting for 46.08% of the total amount. That was followed by construction at 36.97%, accommodation and food services at 11.26%, management of companies and enterprises at 3.89%, wholesale trade at 1.02% and finally real estate, rental and leasing at 0.77%. The loans and credit awarded on the platform during that span ranged from $7,500 to $300,000.

"After the brief disruption in our operations during the months of May and June of 2023, we are very pleased to see that credit activity on the platform has not only gotten back on track, but that we're actually on pace to surpass the total amount of credit facilitated by the platform in 2023," commented Evrard Nkwemi, Director of Financial Institution Relationships of the Company's Cubeler subsidiary. "But what I'm most excited about is how much incredible insight we're already getting from the data collected on the platform even before the arrival of the Networking and Advertising modules truly bring the Hub to life. Just through simple analysis of the lending activity and the underlying variables used to pre-qualify the SMEs, we're able to learn so much about how certain industrial sectors may be faring. Of course, this type of insight is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what will be available through our ie-Pulse product offering later this year. And that's just one of the reasons why everyone at Tenet is so unapologetically enthusiastic about the Company's future."

About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/.

For more information, please contact:

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics and COVID-19; legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tenet with securities regulators in Canada. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217554

SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Prestwick Capital Corporation Limited (TSXV: PWIK.P) ("Prestwick" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding option agreement dated effective July 22, 2024 (the "Option Agreement") with Champion Electric Metals Inc. ("Champion") that provides for the grant of an option (the "Option") to Prestwick to acquire a 100% undivided interest in and to the mineral claims comprising the Baner gold project located in Idaho County, Idaho, USA (the "Baner Gold Project"). Prestwick is a "capital pool company" (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange")) and the Option and transactions contemplated in the Option Agreement (the "Transaction") are to constitute its "Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange).

The Baner Gold Project

The Baner Gold Project is located in Idaho Country, Idaho, approximately 6.2 miles (10 km) southwest of Elk City and is comprised of 215 unpatented lode claims covering approximately 3,818 contiguous acres (1,545 hectares).

Champion acquired the Baner Gold Project in 2015 and through 2020 and completed prospecting, rock and soil sampling, drilling of 30 diamond drill holes, an induced polarization geophysical survey, geological mapping and additional claim staking. The exploration work led to the definition of a number of exploration zones of interest among and/or on trend of historical mining activities. Some highlights of the Baner Gold Project identified by the Company include the following:

Multiple high-grade gold intersections in previous drilling (1) , including: 8.7 g/t Au over 6.3m, including 147.7 g/t Au over 0.3m (ICG2018-08); 5.1 g/t Au over 5.1m, including 24.3 g/t Au over 0.5m (ICG2018-16); and 20.8 g/t Au over 12.0m, including 48.9 g/t Au over 4.5m (ICG2018-13).

, including: Only 30 holes drilled within which there are 37 assays reporting greater than 5.0 g/t Au (with three over 50 g/t Au). (1)(2)

Mineralization has been identified by drilling over a N-NE to S-SW surface extent of approximately 2,300m. (1)(2)

Multiple strong vein sets are present (e.g. 9 zones in drill hole ICG2018-15). (1)

Distinct soil and rock geochemistry anomalies associated with cross-over structures, geophysical anomalies, and historic prospects. Two major north-south mineralized structures -and likely crossover (shear) structures in between.

Soils/geophysics show numerous strong untested anomalies along trend, plus elsewhere on the Baner Gold Project.

Prospective areas that have not yet been drilled, including: east-west Baner veins (3 known veins to date); cross-over structures - with strong gold in soil and geophysical anomalies (conductors); and 9,000ft by 600ft aplite dike with 360 historical samples averaging 1.9 g/t Au. (3)

Approximately 3 million ounces Au recovered in area rivers which surround the Baner Gold Project (which occupies the triangular middle high ground) and adjacent districts in central Idaho.(4)

Sources: (1) NI43-101 Technical Report on the Baner Project, Updated from the August 2018 Report by Darren W. Lindsay, P. Geo. (EGBC 30145) dated July 2, 2020, amended July 21, 2020 and dated effective March 31, 2020; (2) Champion's May 9, 16 and 22, 2021 press releases; (3) Wagner, E R. (1946); Report, Baner Mine and Baner-Champion Combination; and (4) Reid, R. R., 1959, Reconnaissance Geology of the Elk City region, Idaho: Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology Pamphlet 120.

A National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects compliant technical report (the "Technical Report") has been prepared in respect of the Baner Gold Project and is currently being reviewed by the Exchange. Information regarding the Technical Report and the Baner Gold Project will be disclosed in detail in the Filing Statement being prepared in connection with the Transaction, and the Technical Report will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca when the Filing Statement is similarly filed on SEDAR+.

The Resulting Company

Board of Directors and Management

The founders of the Company are an experienced group that have successfully founded, financed, and developed numerous world class mining operations and companies (including Kirkland Lake Gold and Rupert Resources) and have assembled the proposed management team and Board members below whom they believe have the experience and expertise to explore and develop the Baner Gold Project and build the resulting Company into a successful mining exploration and development company. Upon completion of the Transaction, the proposed directors and officers of the resulting Company are as follows:

Brian Hinchcliffe - New York, USA - Chairman and CEO - Mr. Hinchcliffe has been involved in the founding of mining projects in the natural resources sector for nearly 30 years working with Harry Dobson. Mr. Hinchcliffe is a co-founder of Kirkland Lake Gold and served as its President and CEO. Mr. Hinchcliffe is also formerly the Executive Chairman and CEO of Rupert Resources Ltd. (TSXV) and co-founded American Pacific Mines. Prior to launching this mine founding career, Mr. Hinchcliffe worked for Goldman Sachs in New York and London in the mining and metals sector.

Mike Sutton - Ontario, Canada - VP, Exploration and Director - Mr. Sutton's career spans over 40 years as an exploration geologist which included the founding of Kirkland Lake Gold with Mr. Hinchcliffe and Mr. Dobson. Mr. Sutton served as exploration and production geologist at Kirkland Lake Gold and was awarded the Prospector of the Year for Ontario (along with Stew Carmichael) for the discovery of the very high-grade South Mine Complex. He is a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and has been a member of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada since 1982.

Andrew Dunlop - Ontario, Canada - Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary - A finance and accounting professional with over ten years of experience in the mining sector, focused primarily on assets in North and South America. Mr. Dunlop was previously the Corporate Controller of Discovery Silver Corp. where, over his three-year tenure, had a broad scope of authority, including executive guidance for finance, accounting, treasury, taxation, and regulatory filings. Mr. Dunlop holds a Bachelor of Accountancy, with Honours, from Brock University and holds the designation of Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant.

Trevor Gabriel - Monaco - Director (Independent) - Mr. Gabriel is qualified as a Chartered Accountant and spent 12 years in financial and general management roles with Jardine Matheson in Southeast Asia before returning to Europe in 1985. He subsequently ran a privately owned oil company based in the United Kingdom and had concessions in Gabon and a distribution infrastructure in several West African countries. Mr. Gabriel previously had a non-executive director role with Kirkland Lake Gold (where he also chaired the audit committee) and is currently a non-executive director and Audit Committee Chair of LSE listed DG Innovate Plc, a hi-tech sector start-up in energy storage and hi-torque electric motors.

John Gravelle - Ontario, Canada - Director (Independent) - Mr. Gravelle is currently a director of Century Global Commodities Corporation, KP3993 Resources Inc. and AXMIN Inc. He was previously on the Board of Directors of several companies in the mining sector, including Century Metals Inc., Brio Gold Inc. and Foremost Lithium Resource & Technology Ltd. He is a retired partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he served in various leadership roles related to the mining sector including being the Global Mining Industry Leader. He is a Canadian CPA/CA with a strong financial background and is recognized as a financial expert. His public company board experience includes roles on Audit, Compensation and Strategic Committees.

Proposed Name Change

It is expected that the name of the Company will be changed to "Legacy Gold Mines Ltd." in connection with the completion of the Transaction to reflect the resulting Company and its business going forward. Any such name change is subject to applicable Exchange and other regulatory approvals, as applicable. At its annual meeting of shareholders on March 1, 2024, shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Articles of the Company to change its name to such other name as may be determined and acceptable to the Board of Directors of the Company in their absolute discretion.

Pre-Closing Capitalization of the Company

As of the date hereof, Prestwick's authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares, of which 11,050,100 Common Shares are issued and outstanding. As well there are 1,105,000 options and 200,000 broker options outstanding, each exercisable to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.

Other Insiders of the Resulting Company

The Company proposes to complete a concurrent financing in connection with the Transaction and the terms of any such concurrent financing will be disclosed by separate press release when finalized. If, for example, that concurrent financing was for $2.7 million worth of Common Shares at $0.20 per share and none of the current shareholders of the Company participated in such financing, it is not expected there would be any additional insiders (10%+ shareholders) of the Company. Additional information regarding insiders of the Company upon completion of the Transaction and any concurrent financing will be disclosed once terms and of any concurrent financing and participation by subscribers are finalized.

Finder's Fees and Transfer of Shares within Escrow

Subject to Exchange approval, it is proposed that in connection with the completion of the Transaction: (a) 150,000 Common Shares be issued to Mr. Mike Sutton as a finder's fee; and (b) certain founding shareholders of the Company whose Common Shares are in escrow pursuant to the policies of the Exchange, will transfer an aggregate of 500,000 Common Shares within escrow to Mr. Sutton.

The Transaction

Terms of the Option Agreement

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Champion has agreed to grant the Option to the Company. In order to exercise the Option and keep it in good standing, the Company will be required to make cash payments and issues securities to Champion as follows:

On completion of the Transaction, paying or issuing (as applicable) to Champion: $75,000; 1.1 million common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"); and warrants to purchase up to 200,000 Common Shares at $0.30 per share for two (2) years from the date of issuance. Paying or issuing (as applicable) to Champion within 18 months from the completion of the Transaction ("Payment #1 Date"): $350,000; 200,000 Common Shares; and warrants to purchase up to 200,000 Common Shares at the last closing price for the Common Shares prior to the date of issuance, for two (2) years from the date of issuance. Paying or issuing (as applicable) to Champion within 12 months from the Payment #1 Date ("Payment #2 Date"): $500,000; and warrants to purchase up to 200,000 Common Shares at the last closing price for the Common Shares prior to the date of issuance, for two (2) years from the date of issuance.

The Company paid Champion $25,000 upon execution of a binding letter of intent with Champion dated May 13, 2024 (see the Company's May 15, 2024 press release).

During the term of the Option, the Company will have the exclusive right to manage and operate all work programs carried out on the Baner Gold Project in its sole discretion. The Company will also be responsible for maintaining the Baner Gold Project in good standing through such time.

Upon satisfaction of the payments and securities issuances above, the Option will be deemed to be exercised and a 100% undivided interest in the Baner Gold Project will be transferred to the Company, free and clear of all encumbrances, subject to a 1% net smelter return royalty (the "NSR") in favour of Champion. The Company may buy-back the NSR in consideration for payment of $7.5 million to Champion.

The Common Shares issuable under the Option will be deemed to be issued at a price equal to $0.235 per share, being the price of the Common Shares on the Exchange on May 13, 2024. These Common Shares will be subject to hold periods under applicable securities laws, and subject to voluntary escrow.

Voluntary Escrow

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is proposed that the Company and Champion, along with an escrow agent, will enter into an escrow agreement providing for voluntary escrow as follows: (i) the Common Shares issued to Champion upon completion of the Transaction (including any Common Shares issued on exercise of the warrants issued on that date) will be subject to voluntary escrow until the Payment #1 Date; and (ii) the Common Shares issued to Champion on the Payment #1 Date (including any Common Shares issued on exercise of the warrants issued on that date) will be subject to voluntary escrow until the Payment #2 Date.

Conditions of Completion of the Transaction

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including Exchange approval, obtaining all necessary third-party consents and the Baner Gold Project satisfying the Exchange's Initial Listing Requirements for a Mining Issuer (pursuant to Policy 2.1 - Initial Listing Requirements of the Exchange), including, without limitation, the public float requirements.

The Company expects that upon completion of the Transaction, it will be an exploration stage company with no producing properties and, consequently, no current operating income, cash flow or revenues. The Company can give no assurances at this time that commercially viable mineralization exists on the Baner Gold Project.

The Company intends to use its working capital and a concurrent financing to be completed in connection with the Transaction to make the cash payments required under the terms of the Option.

Arm's Length Transaction and Shareholder Approvals

The proposed Transaction will not constitute a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" (as such terms is defined by the Exchange), because of which, it is not expected that the Company will be required to obtain shareholder approval for the Transaction.

Trading Halt

The Common Shares are presently halted, and it is expected they will remain halted until the Transaction is approved by the Exchange and completed.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of the Transaction is required by the Exchange unless an exemption or waiver from sponsorship requirement is available. The Company is currently reviewing the requirements for and expects to apply for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements pursuant to the policies of the Exchange.

Resignation and Appointment of Director

Effective July 24, 2024, Mr. Rupert Williams has resigned as a director of the Company and Mr. Brian Hinchcliffe has been appointed as his replacement (see Mr. Hinchcliffe's bio above). The Board of Directors of the Company would like to thank Mr. Williams for his efforts in connection with the initial public offering of the Company and the proposed Transaction. Mr. Williams currently remains an "insider" of the Company by the fact that he holds 13.57% of the outstanding Common Shares prior to the completion of the Transaction and any concurrent financing.

Review by Qualified Person

Mr. Mike Sutton, P.Geo., a consultant of the Company at this time, is the Qualified Person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who reviewed and approved scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. The Qualified Person has not reviewed the mineral tenure, nor independently verified the legal status and ownership of the Baner Gold Project or any underlying property agreements.

Additional Information

Prestwick will issue additional press releases related to the Transaction, concurrent financing terms, sponsorship, and other material information as it becomes available.

Any reference to "$" in this press release is to Canadian dollars.

For further information, please contact:

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company 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 press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-Looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed timing for completion of the Transaction, any concurrent financing; the ability of Prestwick to complete the Transaction and any concurrent financing; the resumption in trading of the Common Shares; the Company's future business operations and results; the receipt of all necessary shareholder, Exchange, securities regulatory authority and other third party consents and approvals; and the receipt by Prestwick of an exemption from the sponsorship requirements of the Exchange. Forward-Looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive shareholder or regulatory approvals; and the results of continued development, marketing and sales. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Prestwick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217559

SOURCE: Prestwick Capital Corporation Limited
MONTREAL, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexter, a leading online mobility platform for rental trucks and vans, is excited to announce its expansion into Europe in July 2024. This strategic decision is a significant milestone for Flexter as it continues to grow its global presence and offer innovative solutions to customers worldwide.

Flexter's entry into Europe begins with the UK market and it will be led by foundational rental partnerships that can ensure a steady network coverage throughout the UK. These partnerships will leverage Flexter's cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to offer consumers an easy-to-use interface, enabling a seamless booking experience.

"We are thrilled to launch Flexter.com in the UK market with a network of trusted truck rental suppliers, allowing customers to compare rates, vehicle availability, and services all in real-time and in one place," said Thomas Delvaux Lefebvre, CEO of Flexter. "This expansion underscores our commitment to providing customers with convenient and reliable solutions for their moving truck needs."

Customers in the UK can look forward to experiencing Flexter's user-friendly platform, which offers a seamless booking experience, flexible rental options, and various competitive pricing options. Whether for personal or business use, Flexter simplifies the process of renting vans, trucks, and other light commercial vehicles, making it easier than ever to find the right vehicle for any moving project.

Flexter will continue to innovate with new features and services designed to enhance the customer experience. The company's dedication to customer satisfaction and industry-leading technology sets it apart as a trusted leader in the truck mobility space.

For more information about Flexter and its services in the UK market, please visit https://flexter.com/

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/flexter-announces-expansion-into-europe-302204613.html
- Collaboration combines Dren's targeted cell depletion platform with Novartis research, development and commercial expertise to advance innovative therapies for cancer -

- Dren Bio to receive total upfront consideration of $150 million and is eligible to receive milestone payments and tiered royalties -

Dren Bio, Inc. ("Dren Bio" or the "Company"), a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing antibody therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune, and other serious diseases, today announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG, a subsidiary of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS). The collaboration will focus on the discovery and development of therapeutic bispecific antibodies for cancer using Dren Bio's proprietary Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis Platform.

"Our agreement with Dren Bio is a promising opportunity to discover novel bispecific antibody therapies for cancer, building on our longstanding expertise in immuno-oncology science at Novartis," said Shiva Malek, Ph.D., Global Head of Oncology for Biomedical Research at Novartis. "We're excited to collaborate to bring forward new therapeutic options for patients living with cancer, complementing our strategic efforts across a wide range of modalities, including targeted therapies, biologics, radioligand therapies and CAR-Ts."

"We are thrilled to establish this new collaboration with Novartis, a global leader in oncology," said Nenad Tomasevic, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Dren Bio. "Combining the proven capabilities of Novartis in oncology drug development with Dren Bio's novel platform could enable the advancement of important new therapies for patients."

Amit Mehta, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer of Dren Bio, added, "Dren Bio's Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis Platform is designed to deplete various disease-causing agents and has led to a rich and diverse pipeline. This collaboration will benefit from Novartis' impressive track record of developing novel medicines and help further expand the reach of our platform."

Under the terms of the agreement, Dren Bio will receive a total upfront consideration of $150 million from Novartis, which includes a $25 million equity investment in the Company. Dren Bio is also eligible to receive up to $2.85 billion in additional cash payments upon achieving certain preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales of any commercialized products resulting from the collaboration. Dren Bio and Novartis will collaborate to advance selected targeted myeloid engager programs in oncology through clinical candidate selection, at which point Novartis will assume full responsibility for all remaining development, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercialization activities.

The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory clearance.

About Dren Bio

Dren Bio is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the discovery and development of novel first-in-class antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, and other serious diseases. The Company's lead product candidate, DR-01, is a first-in-class antibody therapeutic capable of selectively depleting terminally differentiated cytotoxic cells such as autoreactive CD8 T cells, which are known to play a pathogenic role in various cancer and autoimmune diseases. DR-01 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 study in patients with cytotoxic lymphomas and is expanding into various autoimmune indications. In addition to DR-01, Dren Bio's Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis Platform is a bispecific antibody-based technology that induces potent depletion of pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents by engaging a novel phagocytic receptor that is selectively expressed on myeloid cells. Bispecific antibodies generated from the platform are specifically engineered to enable controlled myeloid cell activation only in the presence of the target antigen, which may result in greater therapeutic indexes and offer superior safety profiles compared to other therapeutic modalities such as T-cell engagers and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). The Company's lead platform program, DR-0201, is capable of engaging both tissue-resident and trafficking myeloid cells to induce deep B cell depletion via targeted phagocytosis. DR-0201 has demonstrated a favorable preclinical safety profile in multiple non-human primate studies with no cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity observed and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in B-NHL patients. Collectively, Dren Bio's two distinct clinical programs represent a unique opportunity to potentially achieve an immune reset in multiple autoimmune diseases, by inducing deep depletion of pathogenic B cells using DR-0201 and by selectively depleting autoreactive T cells using DR-01. The Company's preclinical pipeline includes multiple bispecific antibodies generated from its platform focused on oncology, immunology, and neurology. For more information about Dren Bio and its current development pipeline, please visit the Company's website at www.drenbio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724830878/en/

Contacts:

Company Contact:

Jeff Macfarland

EVP, Finance

ir@drenbio.com
Dan Riley provides updates and insights about the subsidiary's success and significant revenue growth

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Genefic, Inc. , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dalrada Financial Corporation (OTCQB: DFCO ),("Dalrada," "the Company"), announced the release of a new insightful video interview featuring CEO, Dan Riley. The in-depth interview covers important news and updates, and highlights Genefic's growth as the subsidiary continues its impressive revenue growth.

Riley's interview with SmallCapVoice also details Genefic's ongoing success in the specialty pharmacy space-a direct result of its long-term strategy and vision that was officially launched in October of 2023.

This strategy has ultimately delivered considerable traction within the subsidiary's pharmacy and laboratory division as Genefic has two licensed diagnostic laboratories, a 50-state licensed specialty pharmacy, and a recently-acquired infusion pharmacy with a physical location in the greater New Orleans area.

Watch the full interview here .

"We've been very happy and positive about the growth, quarter over quarter. With just launching in October, doing $4 million that quarter and following it up with an $8 million quarter, we're certainly on track to continue to grow as new numbers come out," said Riley, in reference to Genefic's overall revenue in a relatively short amount of time.

Later in the interview, after breaking down each the pharmaceutical sectors Genefic is currently in and hinting at the potential of entering the compounding pharmacy market, Riley said, "We're really trying to cover all verticals within the pharmacy market. What that means is we'll be a one-stop shop, which is the strategy for all pharmacy services and verticals."

About Genefic

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Dalrada Financial Corporation, Genefic, Inc. proudly delivers frontline health products and services through redesigned systems and reimagined patient care. Genefic's unique pharmacy solution, Genefic Specialty Pharmacy , offers more than 30 years of dedicated expertise providing patient advocacy through end-to-end prescription services, medical education, and patient advocacy and support.

About Dalrada Financial Corporation

Dalrada Financial Corporation (OTCQB: DFCO ) is a multi-national holding company that develops, manufactures, and sells a robust suite of products and services in the Clean Energy and Health Care sectors. Dalrada's core segments include Dalrada Climate Technology , which offers cutting-edge heat pump technology for industrial and residential applications , and Genefic Specialty Pharmacy , which provides end-to-end prescription services as well as patient advocacy and support.

Dalrada Financial Corporation consistently drives innovation that delivers maximum impact, bringing increased value to its shareholders.

For more information, please visit www.dalrada.com , and follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, particularly statements relating to cost reductions and the anticipated pre-tax savings from the cost reduction program, restructuring costs, footprint rationalization, simplifying and streamlining our operations, reducing complexity, enhancing the speed of decision-making, leveraging our sourcing capabilities and the timing of implementation and completion of the cost reduction program, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management based on information available to us at the time such statements are made. These statements, which are generally identifiable by the use of the words "will," "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," and similar expressions, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Forward-looking statements are subject to the occurrence of many events outside the Company's control and actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Factors that may impact the Company's success are more fully disclosed in the Company's most recent public filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its annual report on Form 10-K.

Media contact: Michael Eslinger ( meslinger@dalrada.com )

SOURCE: Dalrada Financial Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Highlights:

4-T Trend Exploration Drilling Hits 450m Southeast of Main Zone JES-24-96, 126.6 meters of 0.1 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag from surface Including, 7.6 meters of 0.5 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag Including, 1.5 meters of 1.5 g/t Au and 62 g/t Ag And 1.5 meters of 0.6 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag

North Hill Trend Exploration Drilling Hits 600m Southeast of Main Zone JES-24-97, 15.3 meters of 0.1 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag from 16.8 meters depth Including, 3.1 meters of 0.3 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag Also, 22.9 meters of 0.1 g/t Au and 6 g/t Ag from 155.6 meters depth Including, 3.1 meters of 0.2 g/t Au and 45 g/t Ag

Infill on Edge of North Hill and Main Zone Trends, 250m Southeast of Main Zone JES-24-98, 22.9 meters of 0.2 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag from 24.4 meters depth Including, 1.5 meters of 0.5 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag And 1.5 meters of 0.6 g/t Au Also, 1.5 meter of 0.7 g/t Au

Three holes Released, All Three Intersect Mineralization

Major Producer Continues District Scale Review of Multi-Million Ounce Potential

Surface Sampling Ongoing to Define Large-Scale Footprint

CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to announce drill results from its 2024 Reverse Circulation (RC) drill program at its road accessible Pilar Gold-Silver project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico.

To date, the 2024 drill program has completed 3,268 meters across 26 drill holes. Core and RC Drilling are scheduled to resume by late summer. Over 3,700-meters are planned at Pilar for Resource Definition drilling this year. Surface geological mapping with rock and soil sampling is ongoing on the expansion area to define the outer limits of the mineralized footprint and refine new target areas for drilling.

"The exploration drilling results today round out our first phase of 2024 drilling, showcasing the continued extension of near-surface resources to the southeast" commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "The North Hill and Main Zone Trends now extend over 900-meters defined by drilling, while the 4-T Trend extends over 700-meters. All trends remain open to the southeast and northwest and the recent surface sampling highlights a broader footprint expanding to the east. Surface work is ongoing to further define and delineate key target areas across the expansion area. As we continue to work and prepare for the next phase of drilling which will include core and RC, a major producer continues to show very strong interest and remains active in the district. We know they are looking for resource potential that exceeds two million ounces of gold, their continued interest in the area confirms they see the same multi-million-ounce potential that we do. The remainder of the year will focus on resource definition drilling, target generation for expansion and permitting for pilot scale mining at Pilar."

Figure 1. Summary map of drill highlights and surrounding surface results.

Table 1. Summary of Drill Results Released Today from Pilar Project.

All interval lengths are drilled widths. 10,000 ppm = 1%. Includes Pathfinder Geochemistry.

Table 2. Drillhole locations released today.

Results today highlight one infill and two exploration drill holes on the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T trends with the primary objective to extend each corridor. Detailed results with pathfinder elements are summarized in Table 1.

Discussion of Results

4-T Trend

JES-24-96

Exploration hole JES-24-96 tested the southwest edge of the 4-T trend, 450 meters from the heart of the Main Zone. The hole was drilled at 045 azimuth at a 45-degree angle to a depth of 181.5 meters. The hole targeted known mineralization related to a historic underground working 55-meters to the east that returned 4.5 g/t Au and 735 g/t Ag. The hole is located 200 meters west-northwest of exploration holes JES-24-86 & 87 which both returned mineralization (see News Release June 6, 2024). Moderate zones of mineralization were encountered with elevated, gold, silver, lead, zinc, arsenic and antimony. The hole returned 15.3 meters of 0.3 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag within a broader envelope of 126.6 meters of 0.1 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag. Gold values up to 1.5 g/t were recorded with silver values up to 62 g/t. The interval ties mineralization back to the known mineralized trends to the north with the nearest drillholes to the west and north over 100 meters away. Mineralization has now been recorded over a 700-meter strike length along the 4-T Trend and remains open in all directions.

North Hill Trend

JES-24-97

Exploration hole JES-24-97 tested the southeastern extent of the North Hill/ Main Zone Trends. The hole was drill on a 325 azimuth at a 45-degree angle to a depth of 189.1 meters. The hole targeted a notable change in surface structural orientation and oxidation. Two intervals of low-grade mineralization were recorded with the lowermost returning silver values up to 76 g/t. Zinc and arsenic are notable elevated pathfinders seen across mineralized zones. The hole indicates the presence of mineralization 600 meters southeast of the Main Zone extending known drilled mineralization over 900 meters of strike along the Main Zone/ North Hill Corridor. The Trends remain open to the northwest and southeast.

JES-24-98

Main Zone/ North Hill Trend Infill hole JES-24-98 tested an area 70-meters west of drill hole JES-24-95 (76.3 meters of 0.2 g/t Au, including 5.1 meters of 0.8 g/t Au). A 22.9-meter zone of 0.2 g/t Au with three 1.5-meter intervals of gold over 0.5 g/t were recorded. Elevated zinc with values up to 1.9% were recorded. Gold and silver mineralization are hosted in a moderately silicified propylitic altered andesite. The hole is 40 meters east of hole JES-21-47 (47.3 meters of 0.7 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag) and 40 meters northeast of a historic underground working that has returned surface samples up to 8.9 g/t Au and up to 107 g/t Ag.

Figure 2. Pilar Project Planview map showing the southern block made up of the Pilar Main Zone and the newly discovered placer source with additional gold-silver mineralization extending to the south. Within the northern block, a large alteration zone that spans 3.3 km by 1.5 km (North Alteration Zone) has returned high-grade gold and silver values in the first few sampling programs across the newly acquired area. The Southern Block remains largely untested with drilling, with an expanding mineralized footprint expanding from ongoing surface sampling.

About the Pilar Property

The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries.

Pilar Drill Highlights:

2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag

2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag

61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au

Pilar Bulk Sample Summary:

62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period

Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag

Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8")

Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time



Additional Metallurgical Studies:

Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth.



About Tocvan Ventures Corp.

Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 51 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

For more information, please contact:

TOCVAN VENTURES CORP.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO

1150, 707 - 7 Ave SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H6

403-829-9877

bsutherland@tocvan.ca

The Howard Group

Jeff Walker

VP Howard Group Inc.

403-221-0915

jeff@howardgroupinc.com

SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Acquisition of Irish-headquartered company will accelerate strategic growth in Europe.

Turner Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire 100 percent of Dornan Engineering Group, a specialist mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and commissioning engineering contractor with operations in Ireland, the UK, Continental Europe, and the Nordics. The transaction is subject to the customary merger control approval process in the European Union.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723631128/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Dornan's 1,000 direct employees will deliver approximately $760 million (700 million) of work in 2024. Dornan's backlog of work is approximately $1.2 billion (1.1 billion). Dornan delivers services on complex large-scale projects for blue-chip clients predominantly in the advanced technology sector, including data centers and biopharma facilities. This sector represents approximately 85 percent of Dornan's backlog. The Group also delivers key projects for clients in the industrial, healthcare, commercial, aviation, and education sectors.

Turner is long recognized as a leading builder of advanced technology projects in North America and Dornan is a leader in this market in Europe. Both companies have well-established long-term client relationships. The combination of Turner and Dornan creates a business of significant scale in Europe with the ability to deliver an increased portfolio of work and a wider range of services.

Turner has expanded its service offering in Europe and is working on data center projects in the Netherlands and Spain. Through the complimentary services of Dornan, Turner sees a significant opportunity to expand its presence in Europe with new and existing clients.

"Dornan brings incredible strength to Turner and is an important part of Turner's strategy to serve clients wherever their needs are," said Peter Davoren, President and Chief Executive Officer, Turner Construction Company. Davoren continued, "The combination of Turner and Dornan will enable us to offer a broader range of services and solutions that our clients seek in Europe."

"Our employees and clients will benefit greatly as Dornan joins the Turner family of businesses," said Brian Acheson, Chief Executive Officer, Dornan. Acheson continued, "Our clients will continue to enjoy the same level of superior service as we deliver complex technical projects within time and on budget. They will also benefit from the increased scale of Dornan as part of a combined group with over $18 billion of turnover. Similarly, our employees will find increased opportunity provided by Turner to grow Dornan. I am genuinely excited and really looking forward to our future together."

The multinational clients of Turner and Dornan continue to expand, which increases demand for construction and engineering services across Europe. Clients also seek services from Turner's global supply chain business, SourceBlue. SourceBlue helps clients overcome supply chain obstacles and bring a higher degree of certainty to schedules, budgets, and project outcomes.

"Turner has identified $20 billion of advanced technology project opportunities in Europe," said Mike Kuntz, Executive Vice President, Turner Construction Company. Kuntz continued, "The technical expertise of Dornan's people, range of offerings, record of excellence in client service, and shared values made the company the obvious choice for Turner to accelerate growth in the region."

About Turner Construction Company

Our vision is to be the highest value provider of construction services. We deliver our services on complex and challenging building projects of all types and sizes throughout North America and in 30 countries around the world. We seek to create a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for our people, clients, partners, and the planet. We have earned a reputation for integrity, working safely, and driving innovation. With a focus on creating an environment where people can be at their best, be authentic, and be treated with respect and dignity, the company is widely recognized as a great place to work. The firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, an engineering-led global infrastructure solutions provider with leading positions in North America, Australia and Europe and a rapidly expanding presence in high-tech, energy transition and sustainable infrastructure markets. Turner and HOCHTIEF are part of the ACS Group of companies which has 140,000 employees worldwide and had revenue of 35.7 billion in 2023. To learn more about Turner visit www.turnerconstruction.com.

About Dornan Engineering Group

Established in 1966, Dornan is a specialist mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and commissioning engineering contractor with operations across Ireland, the UK, Continental Europe and the Nordics, with major project experience across a wide range of sectors. For decades, Dornan has been providing complex engineering solutions to some of the world's most admired companies. To learn more about Dornan visit www.dornangroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723631128/en/

Contacts:

Chris McFadden

212-229-6145

cmcfadden@tcco.com
TAG's Security Quarterly - Available Now for Free Download

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / While the public wonders what we can do about the cyberattacks we see every day, professionals often point to the cyber skills gap. There are millions of job openings in cybersecurity, they point out, and not nearly enough qualified candidates to fill them.

We Do Not Have a Skills Gap in Cybersecurity

But Dr. Edward Amoroso, who runs a research and advisory firm that specializes in cybersecurity, argued in an online publication his company just released that the problem the country ought to focus on is the U.S. immigration system.

"How can we possibly claim a gap," he asked, "when graduate students with computer science degrees from U.S. schools are being sent from Brooklyn and San Jose either back to India or to some other country that is happy to welcome them?" The fact that they're forced to leave does not reflect a deficiency in their qualifications. The reason, Amoroso explained, is that they don't get a visa in the H-1B lottery - a totally random selection process.

The latest issue of the Security Annual, published by TAG Infosphere, devotes four articles to this subject. In addition to the one by Amoroso, two discuss a case that literally brought the issue home to his company. One of its own employees who sought an H-1B visa had an unlucky streak and finally decided to move to Portugal, which granted him a digital nomad visa.

Both articles tell the saga of Sourajyoti Bose, 32, who was born in India. He moved to New York City with an F-1 student visa to earn a master's degree in computer science at NYU. While there, he met a classmate who happened to be Ed Amoroso's son Matt, who was already working at his father's company.

One story follows Bose from India to New York and describes the challenges he encountered, which were complicated exponentially by his visa problem. The other article was written by Matt Amoroso, who became Bose's friend and boss. His take discusses the difficulty of hiring qualified foreign nationals with the uncertainty of their immigration status hanging over the transaction.

A third article written by a business immigration lawyer explains the legal and political background behind business visas. And it also explores the recent political debates on immigration that have entered the presidential campaign. All three articles, along with Ed Amoroso's piece, raise a question found at the end of the one about Bose:

"Who wins when U.S. immigration makes it exceedingly difficult for trained workers to take skilled jobs that companies - and the country - desperately need to fill? That's what Sourajyoti would like to know."

Available Now for Free Download

Contact Information

Lester Goodman

Director of Content, TAG

lgoodman@tag-cyber.com

914.588.1369

SOURCE: TAG Infosphere, Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Today, Community Solutions announced it has secured $135 million to close out the CS Large Cities Housing Fund, a first-of-its-kind social impact private equity fund that provides crucial housing resources to individuals exiting homelessness and middle-income individuals. The Fund represents an important advance in the work to secure more affordable housing and address the challenge of homelessness in the United States. It has attracted some of the largest social impact investors in the nation, ranging from health systems to banks to private foundations.

"This Fund will fundamentally change how cities address homelessness and the affordable housing crisis," said Dave Foster, President of BDP Impact Real Estate, a partner of Community Solutions that manages the Fund and its properties. "By leveraging private capital, this model will diversify how affordable housing is developed, which will be quicker and more efficient than traditional financing mechanisms."

Since launching in 2022, the Fund has acquired 1,155 apartment homes in six cities that are part of the Built for Zero movement to solve homelessness and housed over 270 individuals exiting homelessness. The Fund aims to acquire more than 2,500 housing units; half of the units will be permanently dedicated to people transitioning out of homelessness, including veterans and people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Innovative fund to more quickly create housing for people exiting homelessness

The Fund's innovative design allows for investors to generate a responsible return on their investment while providing a tangible social benefit. Units acquired by the Fund are leased in direct partnership with the local homelessness response system in each community. Ultimately, half of the units in the Fund portfolio will be reserved for individuals exiting homelessness and half will be preserved as workforce affordable housing.

The Fund's unique financing model bypasses the many shortfalls associated with constructing new affordable housing, including excessive costs and slow delivery that are responsible for a severe lack of affordable rental housing in the United States. By relying on private capital, this approach provides units in a fraction of the time and at a much lower cost. This model is unique because it brings housing directly to the system that serves people experiencing homelessness. It can be used as an effective tool by communities to measurably reduce homelessness, while at the same time preserving existing units of affordable housing.

Unlike many other housing funds, this model is designed to create permanently affordable housing. Once investors' capital is returned, the properties will transition to nonprofit ownership to ensure they continue to serve the mission of addressing homelessness and preserving affordable housing.

"We need fresh ideas for providing and preserving the homes required to make homelessness rare and brief. The Fund demonstrates the role that social impact investors can play as part of an organized housing system aimed at results," said Rosanne Haggerty, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Solutions. "These targeted investments are measurably reducing homelessness."

The Fund is backed by a wide range of investors including Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealth Group, The Leon Levine Foundation, Truist, Ford Foundation, Wells Fargo, IWP Family Office, The Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation, and Woodforest National Bank, as well as a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant awarded to Community Solutions.

Housing linked directly to homeless response systems

The Large Cities Housing Fund's innovative model makes its apartments available directly to local homelessness response teams. In most cases, people experiencing homelessness can move in within 90 days after the Fund acquires a property, rather than waiting years for developers to create new housing.

Built for Zero trains homeless response teams how to gather real-time, by-name data on everyone experiencing homelessness in their communities. Close partnerships with these teams ensure that after the Fund acquires a property, half of the units are leased to individuals experiencing homelessness as natural vacancies occur. The remaining 50% of homes are kept "workforce affordable," holding rent accessible to low and middle-income workers. By increasing direct access to units, communities can quickly connect prospective tenants to new homes and provide them with the necessary resources and assistance to remain stably housed.

"Two of the biggest challenges communities face in solving homelessness are the lack of affordable housing dedicated to people exiting homelessness and the complexity of housing systems that delay the placement of people into available homes. This Fund, coupled with our Housing Systems support that streamlines the housing matching process, solves for both these issues, enabling communities to convert existing properties into permanently affordable housing in a way that is faster and more adaptable than many traditional approaches allow," said Nadine Maleh, the Principal of Housing Systems at Community Solutions.

Cities are already using the model to accelerate their response to homelessness. In Jacksonville, Fla., properties acquired by the Fund were responsible for 27% of housing placements for veterans exiting homelessness last year. The Fund's properties, coupled with housing systems' support, are already having an impact on Jacksonville's housing system overall. In the first quarter of 2024, Jacksonville had nearly the highest housing placement rate in the past four years.

In addition, the Fund has raised more than $30 million from several groups that have made or pledged targeted investments in specific communities, including Amazon Housing Equity Fund, Northern Trust, Trinity Health, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, BQuest Foundation, Baltimore Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, The Home Depot Foundation, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

The Fund currently owns properties in Baltimore, Charlotte, Denver, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Phoenix.

INVESTOR QUOTES:

"Kaiser Permanente knows that without a safe, stable place to live, it is nearly impossible to be or stay healthy. We are proud to continue to partner with Community Solutions to help create better health outcomes for more people, including military veterans, by going beyond the limits of traditional health care with programs and practices," said John Vu, Vice President of Strategy, Community Health at Kaiser Permanente. "By bringing together the unique strengths of the health and housing sectors, we can strengthen neighborhoods, improve health and help communities thrive."

"It is our honor to invest $25 million with Community Solutions to advance health equity by reducing homelessness," said Catherine Anderson, Senior Vice President of Health Equity Strategy at UnitedHealth Group. "We know that safe and affordable housing is key to health and wellness. We are eager to see all the good that comes from this collaboration with Community Solutions."

The Leon Levine Foundation is committed to helping underserved individuals and families in our community reach self-sufficiency through both financial and philanthropic investment. "Housing is a critical component to that formula and we're proud to partner with Community Solutions in helping to eliminate the challenges that people experiencing homelessness face in these areas," said Tom Lawrence, President and CEO at The Leon Levine Foundation. "We applaud the approach by Community Solutions in combining a focus on not only creating a financial solution but also pairing that solution with the expertise of nonprofit partners."

"Through our 100&Change award, MacArthur chose to support Community Solutions' Built for Zero strategy because of the high level of innovation and systems-level change their approach brings to the challenge of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.," said Allison Clark, Associate Director of Impact Investments, MacArthur Foundation. "By dedicating $10 million of their award to the Large Cities Fund, Community Solutions has leveraged more than ten times the initial investment from a variety of impact investors in philanthropy, banking, and health care. Their creative approach to addressing what often is seen as an intractable problem provides hope for individuals and communities across the United States,"

"Access to affordable housing is essential to health and safety, financial security and thriving neighborhoods," said Lauren Butler, Senior Vice President and Purpose Driven Impact Financing relationship manager at Truist. "We're pleased to support Community Solutions and the novel approach it is using to increase the capacity and preservation of affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness in communities across the U.S."

"Across America, millions of people struggle to make ends meet and lack access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. This is especially true for far too many veterans who have answered the call to serve this country only to experience chronic homelessness that feeds into a cycle of economic despair," said Roy Swan, Director of Mission Investments, Ford Foundation. "However, as Community Solutions proves time and again, when community leaders, policymakers, and investors collaborate, change is possible. We're proud to support their work to end homelessness for good."

"Wells Fargo is pleased to provide flexible capital to Community Solutions as they work with partners to secure innovative, affordable housing solutions for the country's veterans," said Megan Teare, Managing Director, Wells Fargo's Community Lending and Investment group. "With the Large Cities Housing Fund, Wells Fargo is adding another resource to the support we have proudly provided military veterans and their families for more than 160 years."

"IWP Family Office is immensely proud to work with and support Community Solutions, providing creative and impactful housing solutions for veterans and others in need," said Charlie Willhoit, President of IWP Family Office. "Community Solutions' openness to innovative thinking along with their courage to implement their ideas has created a massively scalable model that is already making meaningful, permanent community impacts by bringing together private capital, philanthropy, and public funding."

"The Community Solutions Large Cities Housing Fund brings a fresh approach to the longstanding and urgent issue of veteran homelessness throughout the U.S. Woodforest National Bank is proud to be an early investor in this innovative fund model and supports the important work of ensuring those who served our nation have safe and quality housing," said Noelle St.Clair Lentz, Senior Vice President, Impact Investing and Strategic Initiatives at Woodforest National Bank.

###

About Community Solutions

Community Solutions is a nonprofit committed to making homelessness rare and brief. It leads Built for Zero , a network of more than 100 US communities using a data-driven methodology to improve local housing and homelessness response systems and the impact they can achieve. To date, 14 communities have reached functional zero veteran and or chronic homelessness, a milestone for homelessness being rare and brief for a population. Learn more at www.community.solutions or follow us at @CmtySolutions .

About BDP Impact Real Estate

BDP Impact Real Estate is a social impact investment and development company headquartered in Philadelphia. They partner nationally with long-term investors to deliver transformative community-based development and affordable housing.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alden Iaconis

(202) 516-6593

alden@keybridge.biz

SOURCE: Community Solutions

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Top Mobile App Stores Reject Law-Abiding Community

SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / TriggerHill, a new social network and marketplace for firearm enthusiasts, has faced recent restrictions from major well-known tech giants, most of whom are household names. These actions highlight ongoing concerns over digital censorship and its effects on lawful communities and their platforms.

Big Tech Restricts New Social Network and Marketplace

TriggerHill, a new social network and marketplace for firearm enthusiasts, has faced recent restrictions from major well-known tech giants, most of whom are household names.

TriggerHill, designed to foster a robust community of law-abiding firearm enthusiasts by providing a dedicated community and marketplace, has been an essential space for like-minded individuals. Despite its compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, TriggerHill was recently restricted from both of the commonly used Big Tech mobile app stores.

Mario, Founder and CEO of TriggerHill, expressed his concern over these developments, stating, "TriggerHill was created to serve the firearm community, promoting legal and responsible firearm use and allowing responsible gun owners a place to express themselves without the fear of censorship. These restrictions by Big Tech undermine our mission and the lawful interests of our users."

A Switch to American Cloud

In response to these challenges, TriggerHill has taken significant steps to ensure the continuity and resilience of its platform. The company is proud to announce its migration to American Cloud hosting, a cancel-proof service known for its unwavering commitment to freedom of speech and robust infrastructure.

"It is unfortunate that the marketplace at large condones this type of discrimination against American citizens," states Aron Wagner, co-founder of American Cloud. "That is why we continue to fight this type of censorship by companies that have no right to make these types of quasi-governmental rulings on behalf of the open market. At American Cloud, we stand for freedom of speech, Constitutional rights, and the free marketplace of ideas and commerce. Our clients feel safe when they use our products, which is what they deserve."

Launch of Progressive Web App

To circumvent the restrictions imposed by Big Tech, TriggerHill will be launching a Progressive Web App. This innovative approach allows users to access the full functionality of TriggerHill directly from their web and mobile devices without the need for app store downloads. The PWA will offer a seamless experience, ensuring users continue to enjoy all features of the platform unhindered.

TriggerHill remains dedicated to providing a secure and engaging platform for firearm enthusiasts nationwide. The company encourages its users to continue supporting the platform through its web-based services and looks forward to exploring additional avenues to ensure its app's availability.

Media Contact

kate@triggerhill.com

PR Manager, TriggerHill

About TriggerHill

TriggerHill is a nationwide social network and marketplace designed for firearm enthusiasts. It aims to be the go-to platform for individuals passionate about firearms, promoting lawful and responsible firearm ownership and use.

About American Cloud

At American Cloud, our mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to achieve their full potential through the use of innovative cloud computing. We strive to promote a free and open internet for everyone. We strongly believe that a free and open internet is essential for innovation, economic growth, and free societies. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service, support, and security, so that they can focus on their business without fear of cancellation. We aim to be the premier choice for businesses looking to harness the power of the cloud while also supporting the principles of a free and open internet. We endeavor to make it simple and inexpensive for our clients to employ the best tools and technologies available to better succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Contact Information

American Cloud

Media Contact

contact@americancloud.io

Ammo Squared

Media Contact

marketing@ammosquared.com

SOURCE: American Cloud

View the original press release on newswire.com.
New Trust Qualified Browsing offering from Garrison promises shift in approach to browser security, enabling secure web access for businesses globally.

Garrison Technology, a cybersecurity firm specializing in high-end isolation solutions, announced the launch of Trust Qualified Browsing, a new product suite designed to protect users from the most sophisticated web threats such as nation-state attacks. Trust Qualified Browsing (TQB) flips the traditional browser security model on its head by providing users access to the wealth of information on the open Internet information they need to do business while using Garrison's patented and trusted cloud-hosted, hardware-enforced technology to remove the risk of malicious webcode like malware and ransomwarefrom corporate systems. The new product uses the new cloud-hosted Garrison Trust Boundary EngineTM to develop and manage the list of trusted sites that sit within the organization's trust boundary, using the Garrison ULTRA isolation technology to remove the risk from all other sites.

Field CTO Adam Maruyama says: "Our Trust Qualified Browsing suite builds upon the security of Garrison's best-in-class, hardware-enforced ULTRA remote browsing cloud service and will enable us to bring this offering to a broader customer base by simplifying delivery and leveraging innovation to make our offering more consumable and more secure."

Former Symantec CTO and board advisor Robert Clyde says: "TQB promises a radical shift in the browser security paradigm, offering a reliable, user-friendly solution to change how companies think about web security. From a company known for innovation in cybersecurity isolation solutions that are trusted by the most security-minded organizations in government and the private sector, this latest innovation from Garrison is breaking the mold in cybersecurity."

Trust Qualified Browsing is available in beta for select customers and will be made generally available in the fall and will be a part of Everfox's solution portfolio after their pending acquisition of Garrison.

About Garrison:

Garrison Technology is a UK-headquartered cybersecurity firm delivering Remote Browser Isolation solutions to counter high-end nation-state threats. The firm also delivers Cross Domain Solutions to highly sensitive areas of government organizations both in the UK, US and internationally. US-headquartered Everfox entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Garrison in June 2024.

For more information about Garrison's unique approach and solutions, please visit https://www.garrison.com/trust-qualified-browsing

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724700227/en/

Contacts:

Kari Ritacco Walker kari@redironpr.com
JENNINGS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX:JDVB) Dan L. Donald, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of JD Bancshares, Inc., announced that at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 23, 2024, the Board voted to pay a cash dividend in the amount of $0.29 per share on August 9, 2024 to the shareholders of record on August 2, 2024.

The amount and payment of future dividends for the JD Bancshares, Inc. common stock is determined on a quarterly basis, based on earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

About JD Bancshares, Inc.

JD Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of JD Bank, a state-chartered bank headquartered in Jennings, Louisiana. JD Bank has been serving the citizens of south Louisiana since 1947 and offers a variety of personal and commercial lending and deposit products through both physical and digital delivery channels. The Bank also offers both trust and investment services. JD Bank operates through 22 full-service branch offices and two Loan Production/Deposit Production offices located along the Interstate 10/12 corridor from Lake Charles to Mandeville, Louisiana. JD Bancshares, Inc. may be accessed on its website at jdbank.com.

JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX:JDVB) trades on the OTCQX Best Market. Companies meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, demonstrate compliance with U.S. securities laws, and have a professional third-party sponsor introduction. Investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on otcmarkets.com.

Contact:

Bruce Elder (CEO) 337-246-5399

Paul Brummett (CFO) 337-246-5395

SOURCE: JD Bancshares, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The "Europe Sleep Apnea Devices Market Report by Types, Therapeutic Devices, Diagnostic Devices, End User, and Company Analysis 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Europe sleep apnea devices market turned into US$ 1.81 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.53 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.70% from 2024 to 2032.

Sleep apnea is a situation that may have an effect on human beings of all ages, and it regularly goes undiagnosed. In adults, obesity and excess weight are the main challenges behind sleep apnea. Additionally, life-related factors along with smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of bodily activity, and mental strain are contributing to the rising variety of sleep apnea cases in Europe. Due to the growing ailment burden and ongoing research and development efforts, the European marketplace for sleep apnea devices is predicted to grow progressively.

Europe's old populace is the main reason for the growth in the prevalence of sleep apnea

Around 175 million European adults are anticipated to have sleep apnea, representing about 44% of the adult population. There is a rising demand for devices to diagnose and treat sleep apnea, and there is a trend toward home sleep testing for analysis.

As per the UK government report, "Future of an Older Population," it's projected that by 2040, nearly 1 out of every 7 individuals might be over 75. The document also predicts that by 2037, an anticipated 1.42 million more households might be led with the aid of individuals aged 85 or older, marking a 161% growth over 25 years. Furthermore, the proportion of the operating-age populace falling among the 50 and the state pension age is predicted to upward push from 26% in 2012 to 34% in 2050, representing a boom of over 5.5 million human beings.

As the same way, as said in a UN record on ageing regulations in France, like different European nations, is dealing with a constant and extensive rise in its elderly populace. In 2012, there were 15 million individuals aged 60 or older in France, projected to reach 24 million by 2060. As a result, the factors above will contribute to the local marketplace's growth.

The upward thrust in patient empowerment ought to improve the demand for sleep apnea devices in Europe

Manufacturers are enhancing the layout and luxury of those devices to improve patient compliance. Economic stability and research funding for sleep issues can also affect the affordability and adoption of sleep apnea therapeutic devices in Europe. Increased research and development funding can pressure innovation within the marketplace.

The demand for transportable monitoring devices is growing, particularly among frequent travelers. These devices offer convenience, cost-effectiveness, and stepped-forward patients' compliance. Manufacturers focus attention on enhancing patients' comfort and integrating sleep health-monitoring features into wearable devices, which may additionally lead to the early identification of sleep apnea signs and symptoms.

Collaborations between sleep apnea device producers and sleep clinics can enhance patient care. The sleep apnea device marketplace contains Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Russia. With its high incidence of sleep apnea, Germany has a sturdy healthcare system and a sturdy financial system that supports investment in medical devices and technology. Economic improvement and accelerated healthcare spending can positively affect the market for sleep apnea healing devices.

The Italian Association of Sleep Medicine states that there are over 300 sleep labs or clinics in Italy. This number has increased because of the growing awareness of sleep's significance and the growing incidence of sleep problems.

Sleep laboratories play an essential role in diagnosing sleep apnea in Europe

Sleep labs are equipped with specialized devices for sleep studies, which include polysomnography and home sleep checking, essential for diagnosing and assessing sleep apnea. Growing recognition of sleep issues has brought about more human beings seeking diagnosis and treatment. Sleep labs provide domestic sleep testing services, making it handy for people to undergo sleep research at home, contributing to the popularity of sleep labs as a diagnostic choice.

Hospitals often function as the preliminary point of contact for individuals seeking treatment for sleep apnea. The close association between sleep laboratories and hospitals allows the transition from prognosis to remedy initiation, providing a comprehensive and coordinated healthcare approach. Sleep clinics and hospitals often adopt a multidisciplinary approach to treating sleep issues, collaborating with pulmonologists, sleep remedy professionals, neurologists, and other healthcare experts to ensure a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan for people with sleep apnea.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2023 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.81 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $3.53 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.7% Regions Covered Europe

Company Analysis: Overview, Recent Developments, Financial Insights

Natus Medical Incorporated

ResMed Inc.

Somnomed

Apex Medical Corporation

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Compumedics

Fisher Paykel Healthcare

Nyxoah SA

Compumedics

Natus Medical Incorporated

Teleflex Incorporated

Fisher Paykel Healthcare

Types Market breakup from 2 viewpoints:

Therapeutic Devices

Diagnostic Devices

Therapeutic Devices Market have been further sub segmented from 4 viewpoints:

CPAP Sleep Apnea Therapeutic Devices

Auto CPAP Sleep Apnea Therapeutic Devices

BiPAP Sleep Apnea Therapeutic Devices

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

Diagnostic Devices Market have been further sub segmented from 5 viewpoints:

Polysomnography Devices (PSG)

Oximeter

Actigraphy Monitoring Device

Respiratory Polygraph

Sleep Apnea Screening Device

End User Market breakup from 2 viewpoints:

Sleep Laboratories, Clinics Hospitals

Home Care Settings/Individuals

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/x0ss5l

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724121954/en/

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ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

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Feature: Chinese sculpture artist showcases Marco Polo's journey to worldwide audiences

Xinhua) 13:42, July 24, 2024

A sculpture titled "Marco Polo" is on display at "Marco Polo in China" exhibition at the Academy of the Arts of Drawing (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno) in Florence, Italy, on July 23, 2024. (Photo by Fu Xiao/Xinhua)

FLORENCE, Italy, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A middle-aged man sits upright on horseback, gazing firmly into the distance. His bushy beard and distinctive headgear hint at his Western origin.

This small sculpture, exuding a bronze sheen with simplistic yet expressive Chinese aesthetics, is at an exhibition that is currently being held at the Academy of the Arts of Drawing (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno) in Florence, Italy, and the sculpture depicts none other than the famous Italian explorer Marco Polo.

Titled "Marco Polo in China," the exhibition commemorates the 700th anniversary of the famous Italian explorer's death through sculptures and paintings by Wu Weishan, the renowned international artist and curator of the National Art Museum of China, showcasing Marco Polo's journey to China centuries ago and engaging audiences worldwide.

As Wu 's first solo exhibition in Florence, the exhibition features about 50 pieces by the artist, including well-known works, unfinished sculptures, and his latest paintings.

The Academy, with a history dating back to 1563, is known for its focus on art research and creation, regularly hosting exhibitions and seminars to promote artists and their works.

According to Cristina Acidini, the director of the academy, through this exhibition, the academy hopes to honor Marco Polo, a great emissary of cultural exchange between East and West. She told Xinhua in an interview that Marco Polo is an eternal symbol of global exploration.

"Today, we can travel more conveniently, but that doesn't mean we truly understand others. Marco Polo is a model for us to continue learning and staying open," she said.

At the exhibition, a series of Wu's latest Chinese landscape paintings were displayed on one side of the gallery, with Italian scenery in Chinese ink paintings on the opposite side. The gallery also features portraits of many ancient Chinese and Italian figures such as Laozi, Qu Yuan, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Maria, a visitor from Spain, told Xinhua that the exhibited works impressed her with a simple yet expressive style. "Seeing these artworks imbued with ancient Chinese charm allowed me to imagine Marco Polo's experiences in China," she said.

Acidini said that through the sculptures, Marco Polo is placed in the same space with famous Chinese philosophers and poets, creating a dialogue that transcends time and space.

Many visitors shared their thoughts in a guestbook at the venue. One, signing as "S.H.," wrote: "What a surprising variety of forms and styles, all of them are beautiful."

Acidini said that art is a very effective bridge for intercultural communication because it can be expressed visually without using language or requiring specific background knowledge. "Sino-Italian artistic exchanges are excellent ways to gain a deeper understanding of each other," she said.

According to Antonio Di Tommaso, curator of the exhibition, and also the head of the sculpture department at the Academy of the Arts of Drawing, Wu has a profound understanding of Marco Polo's life and history, and he told this story through his expert medium.

The exhibition, which runs from July 9 to 28, is organized by the Academy and hosted by the China-Italy Contemporary Art Association.

Photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows sculptures and paintings at "Marco Polo in China" exhibition at the Academy of the Arts of Drawing (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno) in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Fu Xiao/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) today signed agreements with German renewable developer RWE, to acquire a 50% stake in OranjeWind, a 795 MW offshore wind farm under development in the Netherlands. TotalEnergies will dedicate its share of the renewable electricity production from this project to power 350 MW electrolyzer projects. These will produce about 40,000 tons per year of green hydrogen for the decarbonization of TotalEnergies' refineries in Northern Europe.

Producing green hydrogen to decarbonize our refineries

TotalEnergies plans to decarbonize its European refineries' hydrogen and cut its CO2 emissions by around 5 million tons per year by 2030. In this context, the Company intends to allocate its share in OranjeWind to produce electricity to generate green hydrogen via electrolysis. The production of this green or low-carbon hydrogen, which will replace the hydrogen currently consumed in TotalEnergies' refineries, will avoid the emission of approximately 400,000 tons of CO2 per year.

The project is a new milestone towards TotalEnergies' goal of a 40% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions linked directly to its oil and gas operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030, compared to the 2015 baseline.

OranjeWind, an integrated, innovative offshore wind project

Located in the North Sea, about 53 km off the Dutch coast, the OranjeWind project was won by RWE in 2022 as part of the Dutch Hollandse Kust West VII tender. RWE then committed to developing electrolyzers, to which TotalEnergies will now also contribute.

In addition to producing green power and hydrogen, OranjeWind will also support the stability of the Dutch grid with its electric boilers and battery storage. Construction of the wind farm is scheduled to start in 2026, with full commissioning expected in early 2028.

"We are delighted to working with RWE, a major player in renewables, on a project that will enable us to develop production of green hydrogen, which we need to decarbonize our refineries in northern Europe. This integrated, innovative project perfectly illustrates our pioneering role in the energy transition in Europe, especially through the emergence of offshore wind power linked to green hydrogen electrolyzers in the Netherlands," said Stephane Michel, President Gaz Renewables Power and Bernard Pinatel, President, Refining Chemicals, TotalEnergies.

"The Netherlands is one of our strategic core markets to grow our green portfolio. In TotalEnergies I am delighted to have a strong partner at our side with whom we can realize our first offshore wind project in the Netherlands and at the same time unlock the full system integration of OranjeWind. Together, we will provide a blueprint for the Dutch energy system of the future, designed to tackle the challenges of intermittent wind generation and flexible energy demand. As key players in the Dutch energy market, we are both committed to helping the Netherlands meet its decarbonization targets," said Sven Utermohlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind

About RWE

RWE is leading the way to a green energy world. With its investment and growth strategy Growing Green, RWE is contributing significantly to the success of the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the energy system. Around 20,000 employees work for the company in almost 30 countries worldwide. RWE is already one of the leading companies in the field of renewable energy. Between 2024 and 2030, RWE will invest 55 billion euros worldwide in offshore and onshore wind, solar energy, batteries, flexible generation, and hydrogen projects. By the end of the decade, the company's green portfolio will grow to more than 65 gigawatts of generation capacity, which will be perfectly complemented by global energy trading. RWE is decarbonising its business in line with the 1.5-degree reduction pathway and will phase out coal by 2030. RWE will be net-zero by 2040. Fully in line with the company's purpose Our energy for a sustainable life.

About RWE and offshore wind

RWE is one of the world's leading players in offshore wind with 19 offshore wind farms in operation. Beside OranjeWind the company is currently constructing three large-scale offshore wind farms: the 1.4-GW Sofia project off the UK's east coast, the 1.1-GW Thor wind farm off the Danish coast and the Nordseecluster with a total capacity of 1.6 GW north of the German island of Juist. RWE aims to triple its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 GW currently to 10 GW by 2030.

TotalEnergies and electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the end of 2023, TotalEnergies' gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 22 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

TotalEnergies and offshore wind

TotalEnergies' portfolio in offshore wind has a total capacity of more than 16 GW, with most farms bottom-fixed. These projects are located in the United Kingdom (Seagreen, Outer Dowsing, West of Orkney, Erebus), South Korea (Bada), Taiwan (Yunlin, Haiding 2), France (Eolmed), the United States (Attentive Energy and Carolina Long Bay), and Germany (N-12.1,0-2.2 and N-11.2).

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

@TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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LONDON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading multi-asset broker, Vantage UK (or Vantage Markets), has released an exciting new video in collaboration with the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team as part of the "Rethink" phase of its "Reborn a Trader" brand campaign. Filmed at the Sweet Lamb Motorsport Complex as part of the Extreme E Test, this video is now available on Vantage UK's official Youtube channel.

The "Can't See, Can't Hear, Can't Talk Challenge" features NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team members tackling a task with specific sensory restrictions. Mattias Ekstrom was blindfolded, the number one mechanic wore noise-cancelling headphones, and Cristina Gutierrez had her mouth covered so she could not speak.

As part of the challenge, the team collaborated on a tire change, showcasing their ability to rethink strategies and work together. This highlighted their adaptability and composure under pressure, demonstrating how innovative teamwork can overcome obstacles.

David Shayer, CEO of Vantage UK, says "The McLaren Extreme E Team collaboration effectively illustrates the importance of reassessing strategies in a pressured environment, a scenario our traders have all experienced. Our goal is to inspire traders with new perspectives, showcase our commitment to excellence, and foster growth within the trading community. It is fantastic to have the ongoing support of our partner the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team as we strive to achieve this."

Vantage UK's "Reborn a Trader" brand campaign aims to connect with traders on an emotional level, highlighting the journey of learning, growth, and the potential for financial empowerment. It reflects Vantage's mission to offer essential tools and an enhanced trading experience through three core principles: React, Rethink, and Reborn.

For more information about the "Reborn a Trader" brand campaign, visit https://www.reborn-a-trader.com/en-uk/.

About Vantage UK

Vantage UK (or Vantage Markets) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 14 years of market experience, Vantage UK transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities.

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Owing to the depletion of the ozone layer, the prevalence of various key skin diseases has spurred, including the emergence of melanoma diseases. Such carcinogenic conditions have spurred the demand for appropriate therapeutic actions, driving prospects for melanoma therapeutics.

WILMINGTON, Del., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The projected development of the global melanoma therapeutics market is estimated to adhere to an impressive CAGR of 10.6% through the forecast era, creating several lucrative growth prospects for key players in the sector. This progress is set to elevate the size of the competitive space to USD 19.2 billion by 2034, which was valued at USD 6.4 billion in 2023.

With the growing prevalence of carcinogenic disorders, the demand for relevant therapies and treatments has surged. The rising demand for related medications has elevated, driving prospects for leading players in the competitive landscape.

Melanoma cells that turn off immune systems can be treated using melanoma drugs. The melanoma cell attack can be prevented with such drugs. Proteins can be repaired using such treatments. Owing to such factors, the competitive space can be pushed forward.

Surgical treatments can be employed to enhance therapeutics. Skin grafting has been gaining traction in the ecosystem. Owing to the augmentation of the said landscape, prospects for leading players in the melanoma therapeutics industry are elevated, driving the sector.

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The rising inclination toward targeted therapy is a clear indication of the rising demand for advanced therapeutics to treat cancer. The efficiency of such vital therapies proves to be a driving force in the competitive space.

The rising adoption of systematic approaches to treat infected cells is expected to gain more traction in the forecast period. Systematic cancer treatments have been helping healthcare professionals design efficient treatments.

The growing investments in the healthcare sector have been pivotal in terms of fueling prospects for emerging players in the industry. The emergence of novel treatments introduced through innovation is augmenting the landscape for new entrants.

The pharmaceutical industry is also experiencing a spike recently, owing to the augmentation of drugs and medications. Such factors drive the growth of many key industries, including the global melanoma therapeutics market.

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Key Findings from the Market Report

The ecosystem of the melanoma therapeutics market can be segmented based on various influencing factors. Based on the therapy type segment, chemotherapy is likely to gain more popularity. The consumer inclination toward cancer eradication is set to drive the segment.

The targeted therapy category is set to gain popularity in the therapy type segment due to the systematic approach to treatments.

Based on the disease indication segment, the surgery category is likely to gain demand to treat tumors.

Hospitals and clinics are likely to govern the end-user industry segment due to the growing number of patients visiting such outlets.

Melanoma Therapeutics Market Report Scope:



Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2024-2034 Base Year? 2020-2022 Size in 2023 US$ 6.4 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 19.2 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 10.6 % No. of Pages 156 Pages Segments covered By Therapy Type, By Disease Indication, By End-user, By Region

Regional Profile

Owing to the growing technological innovation in North America, several leading players in the ecosystem are set to propagate satisfactorily in the environment. This progress is likely to augment the melanoma therapeutics market.

With the increasing focus on the development of healthcare facilities in Europe, many favorable regulatory policies have been designed to cater to the rising demand within the consumer market. This factor is set to drive the sector in the region.

The rising healthcare infrastructural support and growing government initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region fuel the progress of the competitive space. Owing to this driving force, the scope of the sector increases in the region.

Competitive Landscape

With the help of many expansion modes, leading organizations in the melanoma therapeutics market expand globally. Collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, and partnerships are some critical routes of international expansion.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company manufactures a wide range of drugs, including ABRAXANE, lisocabtagene maraleucel, repotrectinib, AZACTAM, and many more.

AstraZeneca plc operates in different verticals, including oncology, respiratory and immunology, rare diseases, and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism.

Novartis AG is another key player offering medications like Adakveo, Afinitor Disperz, Ciprodex, Betoptic S, and many more.

Key Developments in the Melanoma Therapeutics Market

In May 2024, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company partnered with Taye Diggs and Schizophrenia Community to treat Schizophrenia patients with better results.

In June 2024, AstraZeneca plc acquired Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. This strategic move is likely to consolidate the organizational position in the market.

Key Players

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

AstraZeneca plc

Novartis AG

Merck & Co. Inc.

Amgen Inc.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

Abbott Laboratories

Market Segmentation

Therapy Type

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Targeted Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgery

Disease Indication

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Targeted Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgery

End User

Hospitals & Specialty Clinics

Homecare Settings

Others (Academic Institutes, etc.)

Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

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CHICAGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Market is expected to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to USD 1.7 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.6%. The growth of the Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) market is driven by a shift towards minimally invasive, in-office surgeries offering advantages like less anesthesia, faster turnaround times, and reduced costs. Innovations such as robotic-assisted surgeries provide improved precision and reduced tissue trauma. However, the market faces restraints due to a shortage of skilled professionals and the availability of non-surgical treatments. High prevalence of chronic sinusitis and the demand for organ transplants and cell & gene therapy present attractive opportunities, while challenges include storage and transportation logistics. Major players like Medtronic, Stryker, Olympus, B. Braun Melsungen, and KARL STORZ dominate the market, with the endoscopes segment expected to register the highest growth rate due to technological innovations. The fungal sinusitis indication segment leads the market, supported by the increasing elderly population and exposure to fungal spores. Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) dominate the end user segment, benefiting from high outpatient surgery volumes and reimbursement facilities. North America is projected to maintain market dominance, driven by government funding, rising chronic sinusitis cases, awareness programs, and the presence of major players.

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356 - Tables

49 - Figures

273 - Pages

Medtronic plc (Ireland): Market Leader in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Medtronic plc (Ireland) led the Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) market in 2023, thanks to its robust global distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The company's leadership is further bolstered by inorganic growth strategies, including its acquisition of Intersect ENT in May 2022, which expands its ENT portfolio and enhances its market presence with innovative technologies.

Olympus Corporation (Japan): Key Player in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

In 2023, Olympus Corporation (Japan) held the second position in the FESS market. The company's strong global sales and distribution network across 40 countries contribute to its significant market share. Olympus focuses on organic growth strategies to boost its dominance, leveraging its widespread operational presence across the Americas, Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

Stryker Corporation (US): Major Competitor in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Stryker Corporation (US) secured the third position in the FESS market in 2023. The company's extensive product portfolio spans endoscopy equipment, neurovascular, orthopedic, and spine markets. Stryker has expanded its reach and product capabilities through strategic investments, including a 40% increase in storage capacity at its Cary, Ireland warehouse in August 2023 and the inauguration of a high-tech facility in Anngrove, Ireland in August 2022.

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Procedure Segmentation: Maxillary Sinus Surgery Leads the Market

The functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) market is segmented by procedure into frontal sinus surgery, ethmoid sinus surgery, maxillary sinus surgery, sphenoid sinus surgery, and other procedures. In 2023, the maxillary sinus surgery segment accounted for the largest market share. This prominence is attributed to the high frequency of maxillary sinus surgeries, increased patient awareness, rising demand, and advancements in surgical techniques.

End User Segmentation: Hospitals & ASCs Dominate

The FESS market is divided by end user into hospitals & ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and specialty clinics. In 2023, the hospitals & ASCs segment held the largest market share. This is due to ASCs handling a significant volume of outpatient sinus surgeries, offering greater convenience, faster recovery, and discharge for patients. Hospitals & ASCs are also expected to experience the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period.

Regional Insights: North America Leads the Market

The FESS market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and GCC countries. In 2023, North America accounted for the largest share of the global FESS market. The region's dominance is driven by increased government healthcare investments, favorable healthcare reforms, and supportive regulatory scenarios, which benefit manufacturers operating in the region.

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

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Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - The Retreat Restorative & Aesthetics, a boutique cosmetic surgery practice and medspa led by Dr. Joshua Baker, has announced its exclusive "Inner Circle" membership program. This membership aims to provide its loyal clients with unparalleled value and benefits.

Joshua Baker

The "Inner Circle" membership is designed to enhance the patient experience. Members can enjoy several benefits on a full range of treatments, from cosmetic procedures and weight management to hormone balancing and hair restoration. Additionally, to celebrate each member's special day, The Retreat will offer a complimentary HydraFacial annually.

Dr. Baker, a cosmetic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, expressed his excitement about the new membership program. "Our goal with the 'Inner Circle' membership is to offer our clients not just exceptional care and results but also significant value and exclusive benefits. We want to show our appreciation for their trust in The Retreat," he said.

About The Retreat Restorative & Aesthetics:

Founded by Dr. Joshua Baker, The Retreat Restorative & Aesthetics is a Rockwall-based boutique cosmetic surgery practice and medspa. It specializes in minimally invasive alternatives to traditional cosmetic procedures and is the exclusive provider of QuantumBody- a novel approach to minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that utilizes advanced robotic fat disruption and removal combined with next generation precision energy application resulting in reduced fat volume and tighter skin in treatment areas. The Retreat provides a comprehensive range of medspa services while also offering cutting-edge restorative and regenerative medicine practices, including nanoparticle therapies.

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Manchester, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Clixoni Ltd, a sales and marketing solutions provider, is proud to announce the launch of its latest service designed to empower business owners in growing their online brand and attracting new clients. The Clixoni Brand Builder offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services, engaging blog posts, strategic social media marketing, and local citations, all seamlessly integrated with the Clixoni sales and marketing CRM.



Clixoni offers a well-rounded solution to brand building, including websites, blogging, and a sales and marketing CRM.

In today's competitive digital landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for business success. The Clixoni Brand Builder is meticulously crafted to provide business owners with everything they need to stand out and thrive. By leveraging Clixoni's expertise, businesses can achieve superior results without the overhead costs associated with hiring an in-house marketing team.

Mark Draper, Director of Clixoni Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, stating:

"The Clixoni Brand Builder is a game-changer for business owners looking to enhance their online presence and drive client acquisition. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering top-notch services that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. No large setup charge, no lengthy contracts. With this service, we're not just offering tools; we're providing a complete solution that drives growth and success."

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Integration with Clixoni's powerful sales and marketing CRM for streamlined operations.

By combining these elements with the powerful Clixoni sales and marketing CRM, businesses can streamline their operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales growth.

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Clixoni continues to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to achieve their goals. With the launch of the Clixoni Brand Builder, the company reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional value and results for its clients.

About Clixoni Ltd

Clixoni is the ultimate all-in-one sales and marketing platform for consultants, business owners and agencies. It's not just about the software; the team is prepared to build websites, write blogs, and offer much more through a comprehensive brand-building service.

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CHICAGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The laser interferometer market is expected to be valued at USD 315 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 447 million by 2029; growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Advancements in semiconductor and electronics industries and technological advancements in laser interferometry are key factors driving the expansion of the laser interferometer market. Restraints such as the availability of alternate measurement technologies and the requirement of skilled personnel hinder market growth. However, factors such as expansion in emerging markets with industrialization and integration with industry 4.0 will provide lucrative opportunities for market players in the coming years.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Laser Interferometer Market"



163 - Tables

56 - Figures

210 - Pages

Laser Interferometer Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 315 million Estimated Value by 2029 $ 447 million Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Technique, Type, Component and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Addressing the need for continuous technological upgrades Key Market Opportunities Development of more user-friendly and cost-effective models Key Market Drivers Increasing adoption in aerospace and automotive sectors

Fizeau interferometer by type to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Fizeau interferometers have more accuracy in measuring surface flatness. Fizeau interferometer are widely used to assess the surface shape and transmission quality of optical components and optical-grade surfaces. These types of interferometers ensure that optical elements such as lenses and mirrors meet precise specifications before assembly into optical systems. They are also essential in the inspection process to maintain high standards of optical surface quality in production lines. These interferometers can handle large optical components, making them ideal for advanced manufacturing and optical testing applications. Technological advancements and reduced costs make Fizeau interferometers more accessible to various industries.

Laser interferometer market for surface topology by application holds high market share during the forecast period.

Surface topology measures the deviations of a surface from a flat plane, often in industries like automotive, aerospace and electronics. Laser interferometers offer high accuracy in calculating small surface features, often useful in compliance with industry standards and enhancing product performance. Demand for high-precision components in several industries steadily increases, so the need for precise surface topology assessment will fuel market expansion.

Heterodyne by technique in laser interferometer market to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Heterodyne laser interferometers have advanced features, making them essential in precision engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced scientific research. They have the ability to measure at higher speeds and handle complex motions with minimized errors. The technique used by heterodyne laser interferometers increased the signal-to-noise ratio, validated the detection of minute displacements, and improved overall measurement quality.

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Based on region laser interferometer industry for North America is expected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period.

North America has an established and expanding manufacturing sector, especially in the automotive and semiconductor industries. The region has shown investments in research and developments while increasing the adoption of advanced technologies, thereby boosting demand for precision measurement instruments. Government initiatives, such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project, highlight the strategic importance of laser interferometry in scientific research and technological advancement. LISA aims to detect and measure gravitational waves, showcasing the high precision and sensitivity of laser interferometers. The region is home to some of the largest multinational corporations operating in the market, including Keysight Technologies (US), Zygo Corporation (US), Mahr Inc. (US), Optodyne, Inc. (US), and QED Technologies (US).

Key Players

The laser interferometer companies includes major Tier I and II players like Renishaw plc. (UK), Keysight Technologies (US), ZEISS Group (Germany), Zygo Corporation (US), and Bruker Corporation (US), and others. These players have a strong market presence in advanced packaging across various countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW).

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Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the ""Global Photovoltaic Software Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Solutions, Services), By Device Type (Mobile Software, PC Software), By Application (Automation Software, Planning Software, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, Operations Software, Monitoring Software, Maintenance & Management Software), By End-User (Residential, Industrial, Research Institutions)- Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031" "

The Global Photovoltaic Software Market is valued at US$ 895.60 Mn in 2023, and it is expected to reach US$ 1,669.75 Mn by 2031, with a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

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Photovoltaic software is essential in the solar energy industry because it provides specialized tools and applications for each step of photovoltaic system implementation and administration. These software solutions are useful for improving the efficiency and performance of PV installations. From early planning and design with tools like as PVsyst, Helioscopes, and Aurora Solar to financial modeling and feasibility analysis, photovoltaic software allows engineers and developers to properly simulate alternative configurations and analyze economic viability. This capacity not only improves project planning, but it also aids decision-making by giving full information about predicted energy output and financial returns.

In addition, photovoltaic software makes it easier to monitor and manage deployed PV systems over time. It allows for real-time tracking of energy generation, performance parameters, and maintenance schedules, guaranteeing that the solar infrastructure operates efficiently and for the long term. Beyond technical applications, these software platforms aid in sales and marketing efforts by offering tools for demonstrating project viability and promoting solar solutions to potential clients. As the photovoltaic software market evolves, advances in automation, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and operations management shape the industrial landscape by responding to the different demands of stakeholders along the solar energy value chain.

List of Prominent Players in the Photovoltaic Software Market:

PVSyst

Homer Energy

Greenius

SunSniffer

Folsom Labs

Aurora Solar

Energy Toolbase

Schneider Electric

Tigo Energy

Verdiseno

Blu Banyan

Scanifly

Sofdesk

SunbaseData

Ardexa Pty Ltd.

AZZO

Nextracker

SMA America

Solar Data Systems

SolarView Technologies

PowerHub

Heliolytics

geothinQ

Valentin Software

Photovoltaic Software Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2023 USD 895.60 Mn Market Size Value In 2031 USD 1,699.75 Mn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Mn, and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market statistics, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered By Component, Application, Device Type, End-User Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia

Market Dynamics:

Drivers-

The growing global demand for solar rooftop installations is driving a boom in the need for improved photovoltaic software. This growth is being driven by a number of key factors, including supportive government initiatives and renewable energy targets that encourage solar adoption, ongoing technological advancements that improve software capabilities in design, simulation, asset management, and monitoring, and rising interest in new solar projects across multiple sectors.

Photovoltaic software is critical in supporting financial feasibility modeling, allowing stakeholders to examine the economic sustainability of solar initiatives. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for robust asset management, project monitoring, sales, and consumer-facing software solutions to improve the efficiency and performance of solar installations, particularly in industrial and commercial applications where rapid adoption and utilization are expected.

Challenges:

Challenges in the Photovoltaic Software Market include a lack of skilled labor for PV system development and maintenance, land acquisition conflicts with agriculture, the elevated price of PV system components, regulatory uncertainty, and reduced subsidies influencing market growth.

Regional Trends:

North America, particularly the United States, promotes software innovation and is a leading force in the photovoltaic software industry. The region benefits from a strong software development ecosystem, which has accelerated technical developments in solar energy solutions. Favorable government policies supporting renewable energy, along with a large installed base of solar PV systems in the household and commercial sectors, have fueled demand for advanced photovoltaic software. High power demand and abundant sun irradiation levels encourage the deployment of solar energy solutions in North America. The existence of a trained workforce, modern infrastructure, and headquarters for significant market participants such as PVSyst, Aurora Solar, and Energy Toolbase strengthens North America's leadership in photovoltaic software development. Furthermore, a favorable regulatory framework continues to encourage the expansion of the solar sector and the use of novel software technologies in the region.

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Recent Developments:

In May 2024, Valentin Software showcased its revolutionary design software for photovoltaic, solar thermal, and heat pump systems at Intersolar Europe in Munich. The professional PV design program PV*SOL premium has been updated to offer several additional battery choices, high-quality load profiles, and the most recent climatic data. GeoT*SOL, the heat pump software, has also been upgraded to include additional options for assessing the heating requirements of existing structures.

Valentin Software showcased its revolutionary design software for photovoltaic, solar thermal, and heat pump systems at Intersolar Europe in Munich. The professional PV design program PV*SOL premium has been updated to offer several additional battery choices, high-quality load profiles, and the most recent climatic data. GeoT*SOL, the heat pump software, has also been upgraded to include additional options for assessing the heating requirements of existing structures. In March 2024, Energy Toolbase improved its ETB Developer package with a new function that allows for modeling of savings from solar and storage installations. This innovation enables projects to maximize value streams like as grid services and utility bill reductions, resulting in improved project economics and dependability.

Energy Toolbase improved its ETB Developer package with a new function that allows for modeling of savings from solar and storage installations. This innovation enables projects to maximize value streams like as grid services and utility bill reductions, resulting in improved project economics and dependability. In May 2023,Aurora Solar, announced its expansion into Germany to empower solar organizations to streamline operations and accelerate growth. Aurora sees significant opportunity to support the growing number of German solar installers who are in need of digital solutions and automation.

Segmentation of Photovoltaic Software Market-

By Component:

Solutions

Services

By Application:

Automation Software

Planning Software

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software

Operations Software

Monitoring Software

Maintenance & Management Software

By Device Type:

Mobile Software

PC Software

By End User:

Residential

Industrial

Research Institutions

By Region-

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Southeast Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

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Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for global Photovoltaic Software market

To receive industry overview and future trends of global Photovoltaic Software market

To analyze the Photovoltaic Software market drivers and challenges

To get information on the Photovoltaic Software market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisition in global Photovoltaic Software industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Solar Energy Storage Market

Hydrogen Energy Storage Market

Energy Management Systems Market

Carbon Neutral Data Center Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Contact Us:

InsightAce Analytic PVT. LTD

Tel.: +1 551 226 6109

Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / If you're an art and culture enthusiast looking for your next travel adventure, look no further than Costa Rica. Beyond its stunning landscapes and eco-tourism, Costa Rica is a burgeoning hub for contemporary art and culture. Here are the top 5 reasons why art and culture lovers should add Costa Rica to their travel list, featuring insights from MIRAME Fine Art (www.miramefineart.com).

Adrian Arguedas, Valle Oscuro

Oil on Canvas

1. Discover a Thriving Contemporary Art Scene

Costa Rica is home to an exciting contemporary art scene. Renowned museums such as the Museum of Costa Rican Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design in San Jose, alongside contemporary galleries like deCERCA Gallery in Nosara, showcase a wide range of artistic expressions.

Use MIRAME Fine Art to identify what's on each week. Travellers can visit these museums, galleries, and artist studios, and enjoy discovering talented local artists.

2. Engage with Local Artists and Cultural Events

Visiting Costa Rica offers the unique opportunity to engage directly with local artists and attend various cultural events. MIRAME Fine Art features artist interviews and exhibition round-ups, providing travellers with insider access to the most exciting events and personalities in the Costa Rican art world.

3. Uncover the Depth and Diversity of Costa Rican Art

Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes inspire many artists. However, you'll discover that Costa Rican art goes far beyond these natural beauties.

The country boasts a wide range of artistic expressions. Local artists are producing thought-provoking, high-calibre works that explore complex themes such as identity, environment, and socio-political issues.

Platforms like MIRAME Fine Art showcase these powerful works, offering a unique blend of eco-tourism and cultural exploration that shows why the country's art is so compelling and deserving of recognition.

You can research and identify artists that resonate with you on MIRAME Fine Art, ask advice, buy their works directly through the online gallery marketplace - which boasts DHL shipping integration - or in person at the artist's studio.

4. Support Sustainable Tourism and Local Economies

By engaging with the local art scene, travellers contribute to the sustainable growth of Costa Rica's economy. MIRAME Fine Art promotes local artists, ensuring that your support goes directly to the creators. This helps sustain the art community and encourages cultural exchanges, making your travel experience both enjoyable and impactful.

5. Immerse Yourself in Costa Rican Culture

Costa Rica is not only about its natural beauty but also its rich cultural heritage. Through platforms like MIRAME Fine Art, visitors can gain a deep appreciation for a whole range of the country's artists.

Plan Your Artistic Adventure Today.

Whether you're an art collector, an enthusiast, or simply a curious traveller, Costa Rica offers a huge range of worthwhile experiences.

Visit miramefineart.com to start your journey, discover a world of incredible art, and buy Costa Rican art online directly through the gallery marketplace.

Contact Information:

Belinda Seppings

Co-Founder

belinda@miramefineart.com

+447821591397

SOURCE: MIRAME Fine Art

View the original press release on newswire.com.
As the curtain fell on the 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, combining Tech Talks and on-water contests that saw 40 universities and 450 students from 25 nations showcasing their progress in alternative propulsion technology, Yacht Club de Monaco continues to support innovation in pursuit of sustainability in the yachting sector.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724805334/en/

Design, innovate and build an ecosystem that invests in green solutions. Mesi YCM

"Preserving the environment is at the heart of what most concerns us. Protecting our planet's rich yet fragile marine ecosystem is our top priority. If you want to raise the bar, you have to become an agent of change," says YCM President, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, when outlining the roadmap.

This commitment is reflected in the SEA Index, a benchmark measuring the environmental impact of yachts (+25m), available to owners and shipyards, and is now applied in 15 harbors and marinas from Menton to Saint-Tropez, Corsica, and those operated by SEPM in Monaco.

Determined to support innovation across the board in this sector, YCM is now gearing up to host the Monaco Smart Sustainable Marina Rendezvous on 22-23 September 2024, organised by Monaco Marina Management (M3).

Under the aegis of the collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative, the meeting is supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Principality's digital transition programme Extended Monaco, alongside UBS, Sanlorenzo, MB92 Group and Bombardier. "Our main driver of innovation is sustainability and we are delighted to support this event once again this year. Taking part in this meeting of the brightest and boldest minds and witnessing the innovative and tangible solutions that are brought forward give us optimism and confidence to define a new norm for the future" says Emmanuel Bornand, Vice President, International Business Aircraft Sales, Bombardier.

Monaco Smart Sustainable Marina: an ecosystem driving change in marinas

Organised by Monaco Marina Management (M3), this 4th edition will gather 250+ delegates at the YCM, including entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors, promoters and marina developers from all over the world. An exhibition area provides an opportunity for all to see and test the latest innovations from the selected startups and scaleups.

"Faced with today's environmental challenges, we firmly believe the key is to put innovators in direct contact with marina operators and other professionals in the sector to get technological solutions in place. Together, thanks to everyone's expertise, we can create marinas that are models of sustainable excellence," explains Jose Marco Casellini, CEO of M3, a Monaco-based consultancy specialising in development, management and promotion of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools.

Getting experts to interact via workshops

Three key topics will be debated at workshops: energy transition and sustainability, including greener fuels and waste reduction; building resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure; and diversifying marina services. The main objectives are to encourage collaboration, develop sustainable strategies, and drive the adoption of best practices in sustainable marina management.

Keynote presentations: understanding the challenges

During the meeting there will be three keynote talks exploring how technology, the banking sector and architecture can transform marinas. Discussions will focus on optimising user experience with advanced technologies; the role of financial institutions in the sustainable approach to marinas; and the importance of innovative architecture design to create marinas that are not only efficient and appealing but also respect the environment.

Architecture: call for ideas in eco-sensitive areas

This year, architects and students are invited to submit designs for a floating marina in ecologically sensitive areas. A jury, chaired by the Zaha Hadid Architects firm, alongside Jean-Michel Wilmotte and experts, will assess the projects. The goal is to create avant-garde solutions that respect the environment and meet modern marina demands. The location will be revealed in the coming days.

International Smart Sustainable Marina Awards: rewarding ecosystem recognition

At the end of two days of exchanges and networking, the International Smart Sustainable Marina Awards will be presented on Monday 23rd September 2024 at 4.00pm to the winners in three categories: Startups Scaleups, Marinas, and Architects (professionals students).

It is through events and initiatives like these that Yacht Club de Monaco maintains its role as leader in innovation, by connecting the whole maritime ecosystem to push for a more sustainable future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724805334/en/

Contacts:

presse@Yacht-Club-Monaco.mc
Very strong sales growth for the 1st half-year 2024: + 69%

BESS business gains momentum

Secured 6 million financing line from BPI

Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, 24 July 2024 - 5.45 pm - STIF (FR001400MDW2, ALSTI), the global specialist in explosion protection, has published its consolidated sales for the 1st half of fiscal year 2024 (January 1st - June 30).

Sales figures

(En M) 2024 2023 Variation 1st Half 27,7 16,3 + 69,3 %

Over the full 1st half-year, sales rose by + 69.3% to 27.7m, confirming the acceleration in growth seen since the beginning of the year.

This trend reflects the continuing strong sales momentum in explosion protection products, with particularly high sales volumes in the BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) segment.

The BESS business alone generated sales of 11.0m in H1 2024, compared with 0 in H1 2023. At the end of the period, it represented 40% of total Group sales.

Backed by a range of unique, world-renowned products, STIF recently confirmed total expected sales of 13 million with Tesla and 5 million with Sungrow in 2024, for the supply of explosion-proof panels in the USA and China.

Overall, sales of industrial explosion protection products continue to benefit from the Group's international reach and its policy of regular innovation. STIF recently announced the certification of its new VIGIFLAM Vi flameless discharge device, which will contribute to the division's expansion in years to come.

The sales of all explosion protection products came to 16.5 million in the first half of the year, compared with 5.2 million a year earlier, and accounted for 59.5% of total sales.

Bulk handling equipment, the Group's historic product range, posted sales of 10.1 million in the 1st half-year of 2024, the same level as a year earlier.

STIF France contributed 86.7% of Group sales, up 74% to 24.0 million.

Out of France sales accounted for 83% of Group sales. Sales to the United States continue apace. The commissioning of the new Texas-based production unit in September 2024 will enable the Group to meet the local needs of its American customers and distributors.

Looking ahead to 2027, STIF reiterates its sales ambition of around 80 million, and its growing confidence that this will be achieved.

New 6 million in public funding from BPI

STIF is pleased to announce that it has secured 6 million in public financing from Bpifrance, the public investment bank acting on behalf of the French government. It comprises a 3 million revolving credit facility that can be activated in whole or in part at any time over a 3-year period, and a 3 million loan amortizable over 8 years after a 2-year deferral period.

This facility is designed to strengthen the Group's financial resources and accelerate its international expansion, particularly in the exponentially growing BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) market. More specifically, it will enable the Group to finance certain industrial investments and keep pace with rising sales by optimizing control of working capital requirements (WCR).

This support from Bpifrance is in line with its mission to support entrepreneurs and SMEs, with the aim of setting them on solid, sustainable growth trajectories, with a particular focus on French companies demonstrating exceptional commercial and innovation potential.

Jose Burgos, Chairman and CEO of STIF, comments: "We are delighted to receive this financial support from Bpifrance, which testifies to the quality of our know-how and our entrepreneurial history. It recognizes the company's development potential in its various global markets, and the positive impact of its products. Thanks to these new financial resources, we can accelerate our development, innovate further and strengthen our market position. This financing validates our ambition and gives us the means to realize it fully, while opening up new prospects for growth and success."

Next event:

Publication of half-year results for 2024: October 9, 2024, after market close

STIF, the explosion protection specialist

Founded in 1984, the STIF Group is a French industrial player specializing in the design, manufacturing and marketing of innovative industrial equipment intended for niche markets. Historically positioned in handling equipment for bulk products, such as elevator buckets, elevator belts and compression couplings, the family group has diversified over the last ten years by developing in the field of protection passive against the risks of industrial dust explosions, and since 2022 in the activity of protection against the risks of explosion of battery energy storage systems (BESS). With 189 employees, internationally referenced and recognized product ranges, 3 factories spread between France and Asia, and soon in the USA, the Group intends to take a leading position in this sector directly linked to the exponential growth of renewable energies market.

Contacts

STIF

External Relations Director

Geraldine Baudouin

direction@stifnet.com

33 (0)2 41 72 16 83 SEITOSEI.ACTIFIN

Investors Relations

Ghislaine Gasparetto

stif@seitosei-actifin.com

33 (0)1 56 88 11 22 SEITOSEI.ACTIFIN

Press Relations

Michael Scholze

michael.scholze@seitosei-actifin.com

33 (0)1 56 88 11 14

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - BrandPilot AI Inc. (CSE: BPAI) ("BrandPilot AI" or the "Company"), a leading provider of AI-powered influencer marketing solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its new investor center to enhance shareholder engagement and transparency.

The new investor center provides a comprehensive overview of BrandPilot AI's business, including its financial performance, management team, and corporate governance practices. The website has been launched to engage investors, and features a more modern and visually appealing design.

"We believe that informed investors are empowered investors," added Brandon Mina, CEO of BrandPilot AI. "Our new Investor Center is an integral part of our strategy to provide our shareholders with the tools and information they need to make well-informed decisions."

BrandPilot AI invites all shareholders and interested parties to visit the new Investor Centre and take advantage of the resources and opportunities it offers.

https://investors.brandpilot.ai/

"This new investor website reflects our commitment to providing our shareholders and the investment community with easy access to information about our company and its growth strategy," said Brandon Mina, CEO of BrandPilot AI.

About BrandPilot AI

BrandPilot AI (CSE: BPAI) is a leading provider of AI-powered influencer marketing solutions. The company's flagship product, Spectrum IQ, is a powerful influencer search and campaign management tool that helps brands find the right influencers for their campaigns and track their results. BrandPilot AI is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the business of BPAI. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, BPAI's strategic plans are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. BPAI assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the financial markets generally, the ability of the Company to achieve its proposed business objectives. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217573

SOURCE: BrandPilot AI Inc.
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 24

For immediate release

24 July 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 187,891 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 826.00 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 50,145,588; 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 174,845,715.

The figure of 174,845,715may 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
Brooklyn, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Giovanni Benavides PLLC, a distinguished organization renowned for its expertise in Immigration Psychological Evaluations, is proud to announce its dedicated services for immigrant victims of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This initiative underscores the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals navigating the complexities of the immigration system.

Logo vawaevaluacion.com

Immigrant victims of domestic violence often face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health and overall well-being. Giovanni Benavides LMHC specializes in conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations that are crucial for VAWA petitions. These evaluations provide critical evidence to support the claims of abuse, helping victims secure the protection and legal status they deserve.

VAWA allows certain immigrants who have been victims of domestic violence to self-petition for lawful status in the United States without the knowledge or consent of their abuser. This provision is vital for ensuring the safety and autonomy of survivors. Giovanni Benavides LMHC psychological evaluations play an essential role in this process, offering a professional and compassionate assessment of the psychological impact of domestic violence on the victim.

Giovanni Benavides PLLC operates with a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic needs of immigrant communities. The company's bilingual services, including "Evaluaciones Psicologicas de Inmigracion," ensure that evaluations are accessible and comprehensible to Spanish-speaking clients in Brooklyn, N.Y. This approach not only facilitates effective communication but also fosters a sense of trust and comfort for individuals seeking help.

"At Giovanni Benavides PLLC, we are dedicated to providing thorough and empathetic psychological evaluations for immigrant victims of domestic violence. Our goal is to support their journey towards safety and legal recognition, ensuring they have the necessary documentation to present their case effectively under VAWA," said Giovanni Benavides LMHC, CEO of Giovanni Benavides PLLC.

The company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its meticulous evaluation process, which includes detailed interviews, psychological testing, and comprehensive reports. These evaluations are conducted by experienced professionals who are well-versed in the nuances of domestic violence and immigration law. By offering these specialized services, Giovanni Benavides PLLC aims to empower victims and contribute to their long-term well-being and stability.

Giovanni Benavides PLLC New York

About Giovanni Benavides PLLC

Immigration Psychological Evaluations for immigrant victims of domestic violence in New York State. Evaluaciones Psicologicas de Inmigracion Brooklyn, N.Y.

Press Inquiries

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217226

SOURCE: Press Ranger
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) ("Southern Silver") reports that it has filed on SEDAR its National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report titled Cerro Las Minitas, NI43-101 Technical Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment dated July 23, 2024 (the "Technical Report"). The authors are Ausenco Engineering USA South Inc. and Ausenco Sustainability ULC. ("Ausenco"), Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. ("KGL"), Entech Mining Limited ("Entech"), and MPC Metallurgical Process Consultants Limited ("MPC"). The report can also be found on Southern Silver's website by clicking here.

Filing of the Technical Report follows Southern Silver's news release issued June 10th, 2024 announcing the results of its Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on its 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas Project, Durango State, Mexico.

PEA Highlights (all figures in $US unless otherwise noted):

Robust Project Economics - Base Case 1 : after-tax NPV5% of $501M (C$682M) and IRR of 21.2% with a 48-month payback;





after-tax of (C$682M) and of with a payback; Excellent Silver and Zinc Price Leverage - Base-case + 20% Metal Prices2: after-tax NPV5% of $876M (C$1,193M) and IRR of 30.1% with a 37-month payback;

Base Case Metal Prices: Ag- $23.00/oz, Au - $1850/oz, Cu - $4.00/lb, Pb - $1.00/lb and Zn - $1.25/lb



Base Case +20% metal prices: Ag- $27.60/oz, Au - $2220/oz, Cu - $4.80/lb, Pb - $1.20/lb and Zn - $1.50/lb

The 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment features:

A Large-Scale Underground Mining Operation with a 17-year mine life and an annual average plant feed of 14.3 Mozs AgEq 3 (inc. 5.8 Mozs Ag) and life-of-mine (LOM) feed totalling 243.2 Mozs AgEq 3 ; (inc. 98.6 Mozs Ag). LOM product sales total 194.3Mozs AgEq 3 at an AISC of $13.23/oz AgEq 3 sold ; and





with a and an annual average plant feed of (inc. 5.8 Mozs Ag) and life-of-mine (LOM) feed totalling ; (inc. 98.6 Mozs Ag). LOM product sales total at an of ; and A High-Revenue Project with gross revenues totalling $4.47B with silver and gold representing 45% of revenues, and zinc representing 35% of projected revenues. The project has an Initial CapEx of $388M, an NPV5%-to-CapEx ratio of 1.3X and a paydown of 48 months on a post-tax basi.

AgEq is calculated on a (contained metal x metal price)/ Ag price basis

This latest economic update of Cerro Las Minitas is the culmination of a number of technical improvements of the earlier PEA, developed over the last 18 months, which together result in a significant increase in the value of the Cerro Las Minitas asset. This includes the addition of new mineral resources from the North Felsite zone as first reported in March 2023; the standardization of the metallurgical recoveries and charges across each of the deposits, including the addition of gold revenues into the project cash-flow; improvements in the mine scheduling and optimization both the Operating and Capital costs of the project.

The updated PEA:

Increases the Life of Mine (LOM) production by 5Mt , representing an approximate 20% increase;

, representing an approximate 20% increase; Increases daily mine production capacity to 5300 tonnes per day ("tpd") , representing an approximate 18% increase;

, representing an approximate 18% increase; Extends the mine life by 2.6yrs ;

; Increases the LOM Revenue by $765M , representing an approximate 17% increase in revenues;

, representing an approximate 17% increase in revenues; Increases the after-tax NPV5% by 45% to $501M ; and

; and Similarly, increases the post-tax IRR by 3.3% to 21.2%.

Cautionary Statement

The PEA is preliminary in nature, it may include mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The mineral resources may be affected by subsequent assessment of mining, environmental, processing, permitting, taxation, socio-economic, and other factors.

Recommendations

The Technical Report recommends the continued development of the Cerro las Minitas project toward pre-feasibility. Specific recommendations include:

further drilling to upgrade the classification of areas of high-value tonnes within the payback years and to expand mineral resources;

further geotechnical assessment for mining and mineral processing (tailings) purposes;

the initiation of base-line environmental studies; and

continued social engagement with the local populations in the vicinity of the project.

The company plans to initiate a core drilling program of up to 6000m in 11 holes to test shallow targets along the north side of the Cerro between the North Felsite and Skarn Front deposits. Drilling will start in early September. The work is the first stage of a larger 25,000 metre exploration program on the property with the goal of adding an additional 4 million to 8 million tonnes of mineralization to the resource base.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions. Our specific emphasis is the 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, Los Gatos, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. Our property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project and the Hermanas gold-silver vein project where permitting applications for the conduct of a drill program is underway, both located in southern New Mexico, USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, K.C.

President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.



Qualified Person

The PEA for the Cerro Las Minitas project as summarized in this release was completed by Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. ("KGL"), Ausenco Engineering USA South Inc. and Ausenco Sustainability ULC. ("Ausenco"), Entech Mining Limited ("Entech"), and MPC Metallurgical Process Consultants Limited ("MPC"). The report is now filed on SEDAR.

The scientific and technical content of this news release was reviewed and approved by Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, VP. Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217584

SOURCE: Southern Silver Exploration Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - AIM6 Ventures Inc. (TSXV: AIMF.P) ("AIM6" or the "Company") and Bendito Resources Inc. ("Bendito", and together with the Company, the "Parties") are pleased to announce the execution of a non-binding letter of intent dated July 24, 2024, pursuant to which, among other things, AIM6 and Bendito intend to complete a business combination or other similarly structured transaction whereby Bendito will complete the reverse take-over of AIM6 (the "Transaction"). It is intended that the Transaction will constitute an arm's length "Qualifying Transaction" for AIM6, as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies (the "Policy") of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Parties intend to enter into a definitive agreement (the "Proposed Definitive Agreement") in respect of the Transaction.

The Qualifying Transaction

As will be set out in the Proposed Definitive Agreement, the Company is expected to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Bendito (the "Bendito Shares") pursuant to a three-cornered amalgamation to be completed under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by the Company, Bendito, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company to be incorporated for the purpose of completing the amalgamation (the "Amalgamation"). The Amalgamation is expected to result in the issuance, to each shareholder of Bendito (each, a "Bendito Shareholder"), of one (1) Post-Consolidation Common Share (as defined below) for each one (1) Bendito Share held by such holder immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction (the "Closing"). As part of the Amalgamation, all convertible securities of Bendito outstanding immediately prior to the Closing are expected to be replaced with or exchanged for equivalent convertible securities of the Company entitling the holders thereof to acquire or receive Post-Consolidation Common Shares in lieu of Bendito Shares, subject to adjustment in connection with the Transaction.

The Amalgamation will result in the reverse takeover of the Company by the Bendito Shareholders and will constitute the Company's Qualifying Transaction. Following the completion of the Transaction, the Company, as the issuer resulting therefrom (the "Resulting Issuer"), is expected to carry on the current business of Bendito, being the exploration and development of Bendito's mineral properties. Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 1 Mining Issuer on the TSXV (as defined by the policies of the TSXV).

Consolidation and Name Change

As will be further set out in the Proposed Definitive Agreement, the Company is expected to, prior to the Closing, (i) effect a consolidation (the "Consolidation") of its outstanding common shares (the "Common Shares" and, after giving effect to the Consolidation, the "Post-Consolidation Common Shares") at a consolidation ratio to be agreed upon by the Parties, and (ii) effect a change of its corporate name to such name as may be determined by Bendito and approved by the shareholders of the Company and is acceptable to the applicable regulatory authorities, including the TSXV (the "Name Change").

As of the date hereof, there are 8,900,000 Common Shares issued and outstanding, prior to giving effect to the Consolidation. Further, all outstanding incentive stock options and broker warrants of the Company will automatically adjust in accordance with their terms to give effect to the Consolidation such that, following the Consolidation, the holders thereof will be entitled to acquire Post-Consolidation Common Shares in lieu of Common Shares (with adjustments to account for the Consolidation Ratio).

Concurrent Financing and Special Warrant Financing

In connection with the Transaction, Bendito expects to undertake a brokered equity private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") of securities of Bendito for aggregate gross proceeds of not less than C$15,000,000, at a price per security to be determined in the context of the market. In addition, Bendito also intends to undertake a private placement ("Special Warrant Financing") of special warrants (the "Special Warrants"), at a price to be determined in the context of the market and agreed upon by Bendito (prior to giving effect to any share split or consolidation of Bendito's securities following the date hereof).

Conditions Precedent

The completion of the Transaction will be subject to a number of terms and conditions to be set forth in the Proposed Definitive Agreement, including, among other things (i) there being no material adverse change in respect of either of the Parties, (ii) the receipt of all necessary consents and regulatory and shareholder approvals, including the conditional approval of the TSXV, subject only to customary conditions of closing, (iii) the completion of the Consolidation, Name Change and Concurrent Financing (iv) execution of the Proposed Definitive Agreement by the Parties, and (iv) such other customary conditions of closing for a transaction in the nature of the Transaction. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed on the terms proposed and described herein, or at all.

Additional Information

Further updates in respect of the Transaction will be provided in a subsequent news release. Also, additional information concerning the Transaction, the Company, Bendito, and the Resulting Issuer will be provided in the filing statement, information circular or other disclosure document to be filed by the Company and Bendito in connection with the Transaction, which will be available in due course under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Proposed Directors and Officers of the Resulting Issuer

Upon the completion of the Transaction, it is expected that the board of directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer will be reconstituted to be comprised of the individuals nominated by Bendito, subject to compliance with the requirements of the TSXV and applicable securities and corporate laws. Bendito intends that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will initially include Paul Huet and Steve Filipovic, and such other director nominees as may be determined by Bendito. It is expected that John Antwi will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Nelson will serve as Chief Financial Officer and Ian McMullan will serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Resulting Issuer.

John Antwi

John Antwi is a mining executive with 30 years of experience in Mine Technical and Financial Services with a knack for identifying the potential of geologic assets. He has been involved in many transactions: lately, he founded Elim Mining Incorporated, a British Columbia Corp, acquired the Sacaton (Cactus) mine and financed the resource development and first PEA of the project. He is a value driver with expertise in achieving strategic, operational, and financial goals for junior, mid-tier, and senior mining production companies. John is an innovative senior executive with expertise in implementing portfolio optimization initiatives and recommending project development opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives. He began his career as a geologist for Anglogold Ashanti and progressed to senior executive roles overseeing growth initiatives, mergers, and acquisitions with multi-billion-dollar organizations in the United States and Canada. Until recently John was the President and CEO of Elim Mining Incorporated, now Arizona Sonoran Copper Company. John is a founder of Bendito Resources - a mineral acquisition and development company. Mr. Antwi has a bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering from KNUST, Ghana and Masters in Mineral Economics from Colorado School of Mines.

Gavin Nelson

Gavin Nelson is a member in good standing of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario with over 15 years of finance experience in public practice and corporate accounting and reporting, including being responsible for all levels of financial reporting and day-to-day oversight for several public and private companies. Gavin is currently President of Halstone Corporate Services, a mining-focused accounting consultancy firm, as well as Chief Financial Officer of Dore Copper Mining Corp., and past Chief Financial Officer of Mexican Gold Corp. Mr. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Administrative and Commercial Studies (Finance), with a minor in Political Science, from the University of Western Ontario.

Ian McMullan

Ian McMullan is a professional engineer (P. Eng) and mining executive with over 28 years of operational, managerial, and corporate experience across North America. His experience includes a 20-yr tenure with Newmont Mining Corporation, highlighted by leading the ramp-up and expansion of both the Leeville and Carlin Portal Mines. As VP, Mining for Klondex Mines Ltd, he was responsible for the technical and operations teams of both an operating and growth portfolio of mines. Before joining Bendito, Ian served as COO of Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (ASCU) where he led the technical development of the Cactus Project and was an integral part of an executive team that launched ASCU as a public company in 2021 whilst raising more than USD$70 million in funding to advance the project.

Paul Huet

Paul Andre Huet has over 30 years of career experience in the mining industry. He is well recognized for continually transforming, building value for shareholders, and producing positive cash flow for public and private organizations. Paul is a bilingual C-level executive with demonstrated expertise in launching, revitalizing, and leading multimillion-dollar organizations to achieve tremendous growth. He is a unique and inspiring leader, who consistently demonstrates the qualities that foster an innovative and engaging company culture, and to persevere despite challenges and complex market conditions. Most recently, Mr. Huet was President/CEO and Director of Klondex Mines from 2012 - 2018, until the acquisition by Hecla Mining Company. Paul has a strong command of capital markets and has served in all levels of engineering and operations of mining. Paul has been the Chairman and CEO of Karora Resources since 2019 and in his tenure has transformed Karora into a billion-dollar company. He has and continues to serve on several non-profit and publicly traded company boards.

Mr. Huet graduated with Honors from the Mining Engineering Technology program at Haileybury School of Mines in Ontario, and successfully completed the Stanford Executive program at the Stanford School of Business. In 2013 Mr. Huet was nominated for the Premiers Award in Ontario for outstanding College graduates; he is currently a member of OACETT as an applied Science Technologist and an Accredited Director.

Steve Filipovic

Steve Filipovic is a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than 23 years' financial management and oversight experience. Steve was a member of the executive team that founded Premier Gold Mines Limited in 2006 and, as its Chief Financial Officer, played an integral role in transitioning the company from explorer to producer until acquisition by Equinox Gold Corp. in 2021. Prior to that he served as Chief Financial Officer of Zinifex Canada Inc. and was Vice President, Finance of Wolfden Resources Inc. until its acquisition by Zinifex in 2007. Steve has held numerous director and/or senior officer roles with other reporting issuers and, prior to entering the mining sector, practiced as an Audit Manager with Ernst & Young LLP in their Calgary based Oil & Gas group. Steve holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Lakehead University, is a member in good standing with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta and is an ICD.D designated member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Shareholder Approval

The Transaction is not a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction (as defined in the Policy) and, accordingly, the Company is not required to obtain the approval of its shareholders for the Transaction. However, the Company intends to hold a special meeting of its shareholders, as soon as practical to approve certain matters ancillary to the Transaction, including the Name Change, the Consolidation, proposed directors of the Resulting Issuer, and, if applicable, the adoption of a new equity incentive plan for the Resulting Issuer (the "Special Meeting").

Sponsorship

The TSXV requires sponsorship of a Qualifying Transaction, unless exempt in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. The Parties are currently reviewing the requirements for sponsorship and may apply for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. However, there can be no assurance that the Parties will ultimately obtain such exemption.

The Parties intend to provide any additional information regarding sponsorship at a later date, once determined by the Parties. In the event that the TSXV does not grant an exemption from the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV, the Parties would be required to engage a sponsor.

Trading Halt

In accordance with the policies of the TSXV, the Common Shares, which are currently listed on the TSXV under the symbol "AIMF.P", have been halted and it is expected that the Common Shares will remain halted until completion of the Transaction.

About Bendito

Bendito Resources Inc. is a private mineral resource company formed and led by experienced mining and exploration executives headquartered in Reno, Nevada, USA, and with regional offices in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Bendito fully owns a portfolio of diversified mineral projects in Mexico, including the Alacran and Oposura projects, both of which have historically reported mineral resources. Bendito has executed a definitive agreement to acquire the Mt. Hamilton Project in Nevada, USA.

AIM6 Ventures

AIM6 was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on January 13, 2021, and is a Capital Pool Company (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) listed on the TSXV. AIM6 has no commercial operations and no assets other than cash.



Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Transaction (including the Name Change and the Consolidation,), the Special Warrant and/or the Concurrent Financing, the Special Meeting, the Proposed Definitive Agreement, and the proposed structure by which the Transaction is to be completed. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the Company, Bendito, the Resulting Issuer, and the Transaction, (ii) the ability of the Parties to negotiate and enter into the Proposed Definitive Agreement on satisfactory terms as proposed, (iii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV, and (iv) the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Proposed Definitive Agreement. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of the Parties at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither Party undertakes any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Qualifying Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217574

SOURCE: AIM6 Ventures Inc.
SASQUATCH RESOURCES CORP. (CSE:SASQ) ("Sasquatch" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement dated July 23, 2024 with Gene Robert Overall (the "Optionor") respecting three mineral claims (the "Claims") covering 191.34 hectares on Vancouver Island in the Province of British Columbia. Under the agreement, Sasquatch has the irrevocable right and option for a period of three years to conduct exploration on the Claims and to remove and process minerals from the surface and near-surface of the Claims, including without limitation from the mineral "waste rock" on the Claims and near-surface exposures on the Claims up to a depth of 10m from surface.

The Claims comprise the area formerly known as the Blue Grouse Mine ("Blue Grouse"), located on the south side of Cowichan Lake, 4.8 kilometres northwest of Honeymoon Bay, and only a few hundred meters from a paved access road. Logging roads provide direct access to the area from the paved road. The mine was in production from 1917 to 1919 and from 1956 to 1960, and produced copper, silver and gold.

The Claims are host to a significant amount of waste-rock from previous mining activities, as depicted below.

Photograph 1 - Blue Grouse waste-rock pile

Photograph 2 - access road running through waste-rock

Photograph 3 - close-up of grab samples from the waste-rock pile at Blue Grouse

Photograph 4 - overhead view of a portion of the waste-rock pile at Blue Grouse

The Company plans to evaluate the waste-rock's composition, volume, and economic potential over the coming months.

Peter Smith, Sasquatch's CEO, said "now that we are rapidly advancing our waste-rock project at Mount Sicker, it's time to consider what might be next for Sasquatch. Blue Grouse has many similarities to the historical mines which operated at Mount Sicker, and a waste-rock reclamation project at Blue Grouse would have us dealing with many of the same local groups, which have been overwhelmingly supportive. Access is also very favorable, with a paved road in very close proximity, and logging roads leading directly to the waste-rock piles. In addition, previous mining activity on Blue Grouse was conducted long ago, at a time when cut-off grades would presumably be very high by today's standards. We very much look forward to assessing the potential at Blue Grouse for waste-rock sorting and reclamation over the coming months."

As consideration for the option, Sasquatch is required to make such exploration expenditures on the Claims as are necessary to keep the Claims in good standing during the three-year option period. In addition, on commencement of commercial production on the Claims by Sasquatch, Sasquatch is required to make a cash payment of $25,000 to the Optionor and to grant a 2% net smelter returns royalty to the Optionor. Upon completion of commercial production, Sasquatch will be required to make such exploration expenditures on the Claims as are necessary to keep the Claims in good standing for five years thereafter.

About the Company

Sasquatch Resources Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on its Mount Sicker Property in southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or contact the Company by email at psmith@sasquatchresources.com or by telephone at 778.999.7030.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Peter Smith

Chief Executive Officer

778.999.7030

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of the Mount Sicker Property, the proposed work program on the Mount Sicker Property and the potential and economic viability of the Mount Sicker Property. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. 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, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

SOURCE: Sasquatch Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LAGOS, Nigeria, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Keystone Bank Limited, a leading financial institution in Nigeria who recently emerged as the 'Retail Bank of the Year' at the just concluded Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards 2024, reiterated its commitment to excellent service delivery and support to its teeming customers at an exclusive engagement session with customers of the bank held at the esteemed Capital Club in Lagos.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam, described this initiative as part of the bank's efforts to appreciate customers, strengthen relationships, and generate valuable feedback.

He emphasized that the bank would continue to provide innovative and customer-centered services, to ensure exciting experiences at every touchpoint.

He also said "There are planned initiatives in the pipeline to support the educational system in Nigeria by providing public schools in several states with basic school supplies and renovating school buildings, etc. We are also working to further strengthen our robust digital platforms to provide seamless banking for our esteemed customers." According to him, the bank has repositioned itself within five months of assuming office, setting it on a growth trajectory and improving profitability.

Mrs. Nnenna Anyim Okoro, Executive Director, Keystone Bank, said the bank has tailored its products to help customers thrive in their various fields, and the bank will continue to listen to its customers and provide products and services that are convenient, address their needs, and put them first.

Keystone Bank was praised by some customers at the event for its services and commitment to customer growth. Dr. Patrick Iloh, the CEO of Petrocam Trading Nigeria Limited, commended the bank's openness and willingness to help customers grow. He said: "When the new management came on board, it was just a call, and I was able to meet them. We met, they listened to my presentation, and afterwards, we secured approval within two days."

Another customer of the bank, Mr. Francisco Lakanu, the CEO of Stratos Trading Limited, praised the lender for helping him and his business grow over the years. He said, "Our relationship with Keystone Bank started in 2019, and I can say for sure, it's been a wonderful experience... The bank has a very supportive team, who always respond to transactions on time; even on weekends, when we call just to follow up, they are always available."

For Dr. Oluwatosin Olatujoye, Group Chief Executive Officer of Zylus Group International, it's been a wonderful experience banking with the financial institution. He said, "I'm one of the customers who believes so much in the Keystone Bank brand... We work together as a family when it comes to banking. As a real estate developer, we cannot do without a bank, and Keystone Bank has been there for us all the way. I would only add that they should continue to improve in areas where there are challenges".

Contact details

Web: www.keystonebankng.com

Country: Nigeria, City: Lagos

Ms. Izore Bamawo

Tel: +234-1-448-7728

Media

Dotmount Communications

Email; info@dtcoms.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/keystone-bank-holds-customer-forum-reiterates-commitment-to-excellent-service-delivery-302205924.html
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2024) - Vishnul Jain has announced he is writing the next book in his fantasy series, The Future King. It will be released soon. The book will be the third installment in the series, focusing on the psyche and growth of the protagonist, Merlin. In addition, the book will also dive into Merlin's past and impact on the future. As the world grows increasingly mired in controversy, disaster, and scandal, much of the fiction that audiences consume has similarly turned darker.

"The Future King - Rise of the Sorcerer," Book 2 by Vishnul Jain



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Book three will include more magic along with more fantastical creatures, and beautifully complex villains. Readers will also learn more about an important green diamond that holds great importance in the series. In addition to the release of the third book, audiobooks are in the works for the first two books and there is even a possibility of an adaption for the silver screen.

"The Future King - Return of the Once Monarch," Book 1 by Vishnul Jain



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The first installment of this young adult epic fantasy series, The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch, hit shelves to rave reviews, reinvigorating the genre and turning the classic King Arthur tale into a new story for a new generation. Rooted in die-hard optimism that is defiant in tone, The Future King series is about redemption and second chances.

The story of King Arthur and Merlin has always ended in tragedy, with Arthur fated to die after the Battle of Camlann, but author Vishnul Jain felt the legend still had a story left to tell. "The Once and Future King was left unfinished. Here, King Arthur fulfills his destiny and becomes the Future King," Jain elaborates. "This book, and ultimately this award-winning series, picks up after that tragedy and changes the story into optimismand ultimately redemption of the hero."

In this way, Jain says the books aim to inspire generations of readers with a tale of genuine, revolutionary hope amid darkness. "It's about bringing the world together as well. Multiple cultures come together in this epic novel series," he states.

Jain has plans for multiple books in The Future King series, and the reception to the first book thus far has been glowing, making it a heavily decorated and critically acclaimed book series. The book has won first place at The BookFest Award, the Golden Wizard Book Prize, first place at the Incipere Awards, first place at the Literary Titan Awards, and first place at the Firebird Book Awards.

Jain chalks this success up to his in-depth writing process and the need for tales of inspiration. "It is about the detailed story writing process the more four-dimensional the plot is, the more real and engaging it is."

The Golden Wizard Book Prize judges wrote that "The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch is a book you must add to your reading list! The author's creative genius is on full display in this captivating work of art, enchanting readers with original ideas and a masterful storytelling technique. Despite its origins in an ancient narrative, this book possesses a contemporary essence that will strongly resonate with young adults."

The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch and the sequel, The Future King: Rise of the Sorcerer are in stores now, with more installments soon after.

Photo Courtesy: Vishnul Jain



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About Vishnul Jain

Born in Australia, Vishnul Jain is an avid enthusiast of mythology and history. He has a close connection to Hindu and Greek mythology, which he incorporates into the elements of his work. Through his writing, Vishnul seeks to instill hope, optimism, and endless possibilities to his readers.

SOURCE: Vishnul Jain

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217545

SOURCE: Ascend Agency
Vanta, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of a trust management platform, raised $150M in Series C funding, at $2.45 Billion valuation.

The round, which brought the total amount to $353M, was led by Sequoia Capital, in addition to new investors Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, J.P. Morgan and existing investors Atlassian Ventures, Craft Ventures, CrowdStrike Ventures, HubSpot Ventures, Workday Ventures and Y Combinator.

The company intends to use the funds to increase consolidate its global presence; and accelerate its AI product innovation.

Led by CEO Christina Cacioppo, Vanta provides a trust management platform that helps simplify and centralize security for organizations of all sizes. Today, over 8,000 companies, including enterprises Atlassian, Omni Hotels, Quora and ZoomInfo, use Vanta as their trust management platform to build, maintain and demonstrate trust.

It also has customers in 58 countries with offices in Dublin, New York, San Francisco and Sydney.

FinSMEs

24/07/2024
The Chinese Communist Partys plans to increase the retirement age from 60 for urban men and 50 to 55 for urban women has faced a fierce backlash on social media. It comes as Beijing faces a declining birth rate, an aging population and vast pressure on its state pension. But why are citizens so upset? read more

Chinas retirement age is among the worlds lowest. Reuters

Chinas Communist Party wants to raise the retirement age  and people arent happy.

The party wants to increase the retirement age from 60 years for urban men and 50-55 years for urban women.

Men and women in urban areas receive a pension from the state.

Chinas retirement age is among the worlds lowest.

But what happened? Why does China want to raise its retirement age? Why the fierce backlash?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

Advertisement

The Chinese government made the policy announcement on Sunday in a key policy document.

In line with the principle of voluntary participation with appropriate flexibility, we will advance reform to gradually raise the statutory retirement age in a prudent and orderly manner, the authorities said.

As per SCMP, the document lays out a slew of reforms that need to implemented by 2029.

It stated that the government would look to cultivate the silver economy to create jobs for the elderly.

It also added that companies would be encouraged to support the policy and that community care for the elderly, especially in rural areas, needed to improve.

As per CNN, the pronouncement came three days after Chinas top leaders met at the Third Plenum.

This is a key political gathering held every five years.

Though the government did not say what the retirement age would be raised to, there are certain hints.

BBC quoted the China Pension Development Report  which was put out at the end of 2023  as saying that 65 years old may be the final result after adjustment.

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Why is China doing this?

The moves comes as Beijing is struggling to relieve soaring pressure on its state pension.

SCMP quoted a 2019 government-supported report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences as saying that Chinas pension fund will run out by 2035.

The reform is also urgent as life expectancy has risen in China to 78 years by 2021 from about 44 years in 1960.

That number is estimated to cross 80 years by 2050.

As per Business Insider, people over 60 comprise 21.1 per cent of Chinas population.

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Sundays announcement came in a key policy document that also rolled out plans to sharpen a strategy to combat a declining birth rate and an ageing population that fell for a second straight year in 2023, and is seen falling for decades.

The retirement age is now 60 for men  which is five to six years below that in most developed economies.

Meanwhile, for women in white-collar work and factories the retirement age is 55 and 50 respectively.

Policymakers had said during the last two years they aimed to raise the age of retirement, but the change will be the first time that workers are able to choose to continue working.

National health authorities expect the cohort of those aged 60 and older to rise from 280 million to more than 400 million by 2035, or the equivalent of the entire current populations of Britain and the United States combined.

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At present, each Chinese retiree is supported by the contributions of five workers. The ratio is half what it was a decade ago and is trending towards 4-to-1 in 2030 and 2-to-1 in 2050.

Economists say Chinas current pension system, which relies on a shrinking active workforce to pay the pensions of a growing number of retirees, is unsustainable and needs to be reformed.

According to China Labour Bulletin, the working age population in 2023 dropped to 61.3 per cent.

That number was 62 per cent in 2022.

Eleven of Chinas 31 provincial-level jurisdictions are running pension budget deficits, finance ministry data show. The state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences sees the pension system running out of money by 2035.

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Fierce backlash

The plans have already resulted in a fierce backlash.

As per Business Insider, the topic instantly trended on Weibo  the X-like Chinese social media site.

One comment read, Young people have a hard time finding jobs, but elderly people are not allowed to retire. What are you doing?

Those who wish to retire early are burnt out from their laborious jobs, but those who are in comfortable, lucrative roles will not choose to retire. What kind of jobs will the younger generation end up with?" another person wrote.

There is no guarantee that you would still have a job before the statutory retirement age, another added.

On Xiaohongshu, an Instagram clone, a hashtag related to the subject racked up over 100 million hits, as per CNN.

As per China Labour Bulletin, workers are also pointing to flaws in Chinas pension system under which retired government servants earn more than an ordinary middle-aged factory worker.

As per Japan Times, elderly Chinese people often have to take up part-time jobs to make ends meet.

Many simply cannot afford retirement.

This isnt the first time Chinese citizens have protested.

In February 2023, thousands of retirees took to the streets across several Chinese cities to protest benefit cuts, The New York Times reported.

What do experts say?

Some experts say they are for it.

Most countries have increased retirement ages in response to demographic pressures to safeguard pension funds and slow down a potential shrinking of the labour force, said Michael Herrmann, a senior adviser at the United Nations Development Population Fund.

Its a standard policy instrument and doing that gradually makes a lot of sense. Its important that we do this in a flexible manner, he said, adding that workers should have the possibility to work part-time or from home, or to be engaged on a project basis.

SCMP quoted Peng Peng, executive chairman of the Guangdong Society of Reform, a think tank connected to the southern provinces government, as saying it could have unforeseen consequences.

It could reduce the financial burden on local governments, but it might also increase employment pressure, which is a typical example of the complexity of current reforms, Peng cautioned.

The outlet quoted Feng Jin, an economics professor at Fudan University specialising in social security, as saying the move was unavoidable.

She said a voluntary flexible increase might prove easier for people to accept.

Delaying retirement faces opposition from some, particularly those with lower incomes and uneasy working conditions; after age 50, their wages remain low with limited growth potential, so they prefer to retire early and start receiving pensions sooner, she added.

On the other hand, individuals like female PhD graduates might find retiring at 55 premature, as they feel their human capital hasnt been fully utilised or adequately rewarded. Thus, they prefer to retire later.

Yuan Xin, vice-president of the China Population Association and a professor of demography at Nankai University, told SCMP that a transition period is needed.

Institutionally, relevant departments should be established to coordinate efforts and create a cross-departmental linkage mechanism. The policy system should be optimised to support health, fertility, employment, retirement, social security, and elderly services, Xin said.

With inputs from agencies
A new survey by analytics firm CivicScience shows Teslas favourability with Democrats  who comprised 40 per cent of the Tesla buyers for model years 2023 and 2022  has dropped to 16 per cent last week from 39 per cent in January. Some say Elon Musks tilt toward right-wing politics and polarising public statements have alienated his core buying base, but others point out that Teslas stock value has long been based on future expectations read more

Tesla CEO Elon Musk formally endorsed Donald Trump after the attempted assassination. AP

Elon Musks full-throated endorsement of former president Donald Trump could hit him where it hurts  in his Tesla stock.

It was reported that Musk, who has backed Trump for president, had vowed to give as much as $45 million per month to the campaign.

However, Musk in recent days has denied the reporting.

The SpaceX CEO in an interview insisted he does not prescribe to a cult of personality  though he praised Trump as showing great courage in the aftermath of the shooting.

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But why could the endorsement of Trump hurt Tesla stock?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

Musk endorsed Trump in the aftermath of his attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania rally.

I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery, the Tesla chief posted on X.

The Wall Street Journal then reported that Musk would donate $45 million per month to the Trump re-election campaign.

However, much has changed in two weeks.

President Joe Biden, for one thing, is no longer seeking a return to office.

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, Mr Musk wrote on X after Biden dropped out.

But the Democrats are rallying behind their presumptive nominee Kamala and have raised a staggering amount of cash. The polls also show that Kamala is faring better against Trump than Biden.

On Thursday, Musk described the reporting ridiculous.

Whats been reported in the media is simply not true, Musk said. I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump.

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I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom. Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom, Musk wrote on X.

Why would the Tesla stock be hurt?

Because Democrats and progressives are big buyers of Tesla Electric Vehicles  or at least they used to be.

The Wall Street Journal quoted research firm Strategic Visions New Vehicle Experience Study as saying that Democrats comprised 40 per cent of the sales for the 2022 and 2023 model years.

However, that number shrunk to just 15 per cent at the start of the 2024 model year.

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Meanwhile, Republicans arent exactly flocking to purchase Teslas EVs.

In 2022, Republicans accounted for 29 per cent of purchases of Tesla EVs  which rose to 32 per cent in 2023.

Visitors check a Tesla Model 3 car next to a Model Y displayed at a showroom of the US electric vehicle (EV) maker in Beijing, China. According to the firm, it sold 3,69,784 Model 3 compact cars and Model Y SUVs between January and March, and 17,027 other EVs. File image/Reuters

Independents, interestingly, bought Tesla EVs in droves in 2023  accounting for 44 per cent of all sales compared to 28 per cent in 2022.

Now, new reporting from Yahoo Finance shows that Tesla has become even less popular with Democrats.

The outlet cited data from analytics firm CivicScience as showing that Teslas favourability numbers among Democrats dropped to 16 per cent last week.

That number was at 39 per cent in January.

CivicScience told Yahoo Finance its survey results consistently show that Democrats, more closely than Republicans, associate Elon Musk and his actions with the brand."

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Alarmingly for Musk, Teslas favourability ratings among Republicans also dropped from 35 per cent to 23 per cent.

Meanwhile, Californias registrations of the Teslas Model Y fell 17 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023, as per INC.com.

Californians love affair with electric vehicle giant Tesla may have peaked, the dealers association said in April as per QZ

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All this comes as Tesla is faces fierce competition globally from Chinese electric-vehicle makers flooding the market with low-priced cars.

On Tuesday, Teslas profit sank 40 per cent compared to last year.

Meanwhile, the companys shares tanked around eight per cent.

The company stock is down around 1 per cent overall this year.

Musk also has to trend to his sprawling empire which includes rocket-maker SpaceX, brain-chip developer Neuralink, and social media giant X, which Musk acquired in 2022.

Formerly called Twitter, the platform has foundered under Musks volatile management, shedding most of its value as the company has lost revenue and advertisers.

What do experts say?

Some experts say Tesla is on the way down  and Musk isnt helping.

Teslas image as a climate-friendly innovator has also suffered with Musks tilt toward right-wing politics and polarising public statements, which have turned away some prospective Tesla buyers, experts say.

Yahoo Finance quoted investor Mark Spiegel as saying, He completely alienated most of his buying base.

Its going to kill the business. I cant imagine a single Democrat, or, lets say, very few of them, willing to buy a Tesla at this point.

Research firm Edmunds on Tuesday noted, As Americas partisan divides widen, Elon Musks very public support of former President Donald Trump has the potential to alienate Democratic-leaning consumers who are more likely to be EV buyers, and could therefore pose a significant threat to Teslas bottom line, Edmunds head of insight Jessica Caldwell said in a note to clients.

But others disagree.

Strategic Vision president Alexander Edwards told Fortune that Democrats earlier dumped Tesla in favour of EVs such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV and Santa Fe hybrid, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Edwards said in the past such Democratic voter boycotts of Tesla have been short-lived.

They want to support EV sales, and the price for a Tesla today is often too good to pass up, he told Fortune.

Experts also say Teslas stock value has long been based on future expectations for mass-market sales and driverless cars rather than its current sales and profits.

Musk, meanwhile, is betting on fully electric cars, planes and ships  as well as robotaxis.

My predictions on this have been overly optimistic in the past, Musk admitted as per CNN.

With inputs from agencies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of US Congress, marking his fourth appearance there. YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will organise a peaceful protest in New Delhi to highlight the lawlessness and anarchy that he claims has beset Andhra. Mumbais first underground metro will also begin operations today. Heres what else you can expect read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress today, marking his fourth appearance before the legislative bodymore than any other leader. AP

Its going to be a busy Wednesday.

Israeli PM Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress.

YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to hold protest in New Delhi to highlight lawlessness, anarchy in Andhra Pradesh.

Mumbais first underground metro to begin operations.

Uttarakhand Congress padyatra over Kedarnath temple replica in Delhi.

India Couture Week to commence 17th edition.

Heres a glimpse of the important event that will happen today

Netanyahus address at US Congress

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress today, marking his fourth appearance before the legislative bodymore than any other leader. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had addressed Congress three times.

The leader of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, will preside over Netanyahus speech in the absence of VP Kamala Harris, who is travelling outside Washington.

In his invitation letter to Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu, House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the Israeli prime minister would have a platform to share his governments vision for defending democracy, combating terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.

Netanyahus visit to Washington was arranged by the legislatures Republican leaders, who have criticised President Joe Biden, a Democrat, for allegedly not showing enough support for Israel, despite the billions of dollars in US aid provided during its conflict in Gaza.

In his invitation letter to Netanyahu, House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the Israeli prime minister would have a platform to share his governments vision for defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.

YSRCP chiefs rally in New Delhi

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is organising a peaceful protest in New Delhi to highlight the lawlessness and anarchy that he claims have beset Andhra Pradesh since the NDA government took office.

In a tweet on X, Reddy announced that he has requested meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state, which he attributes to alleged actions of the TDP-led government.

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YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is organising a peaceful protest in New Delhi to highlight the lawlessness and anarchy that he claims has beset Andhra Pradesh. File Photo/PTI

Reddy reported that within just two months of Naidu assuming power, there were 36 political murders and 300 attempted murders. He also claimed that 37 individuals died by suicide due to alleged harassment by the TDP.

Mumbais first underground metro to begin operations

Mumbais first underground metro, the Aqua Line, is set to commence operations today.

This new line will span 33.5 kilometres, connecting Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade, with stops at key locations including Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ (Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone). The line will feature 27 stations.

This new line will span 33.5 kilometres, connecting Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade, with stops at key locations including Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ (Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone). The line will feature 27 stations. Image courtesy: Infra Info Hub

The Aqua Line is expected to revolutionise urban transit in Mumbai, offering a smoother travel experience, alleviating street congestion, and improving overall traffic flow.

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In June, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) completed successful trials of the rolling stock for this underground metro line. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has financed the Metro Line 3 project.

Uttarakhand Congress padyatra

Uttarakhand Congress is planning a padyatra to protest the proposed construction of a replica of the Kedarnath temple in Delhi.

Dubbed the Kedarnath Bachao Padyatra, the march will commence from Haridwar on July 24 and conclude at Kedarnath Dham in 14-15 days, according to Uttarakhand Congress President Karan Mahara. He further said that the sacred Hindu temple is in Uttarakhand and its recreation anywhere else will be opposed.

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Congress workers burn an effigy during a protest against the construction of the Kedarnath Temple in Delhi, in Dehradun on July 16, 2024. PTI

The controversy centres around a trusts proposal to build a replica of the Kedarnath temple in Burari, Delhi.

The foundation stone for this project was recently laid by Chief Minister Dhami. Since then, both Dhami and the ruling BJP have faced criticism from Kedarnath Dham priests and Congress leaders.

India Couture Week to commence new edition

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) will launch the 17th edition of India Couture Week in New Delhi today.

This eight-day fashion event will feature 14 prominent Indian couturiers, including Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Amit Aggarwal, Dolly J, Falguni Shane Peacock, Gaurav Gupta Couture, Jayanti Reddy, JJ Valaya, Kunal Rawal, Rahul Mishra, Rimzim Dadu, Roseroom by Isha Jajodia, Siddartha Tytler, Suneet Varma, and Tarun Tahiliani.

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Sunil Sethi, chairman of FDCI, remarked, Through this edition of Couture Week, we aim to not only celebrate the visionary artistry of our designers but also spotlight the timeless beauty and cultural significance of handcrafted couture. We look forward to showcasing collections that will inspire and set new trends in the fashion industry.
Cocaine has been found in sharks off the coast of Brazil. Scientists believe the drug may be altering their behaviour. While the extent of the damage from cocaine is not known, researchers suspect that the drug could damage the eyesight of the fish read more

Researchers examining 13 Brazilian sharp-nose sharks from the waters of Rio de Janeiro discovered substantial concentrations of cocaine in their livers and muscles. Representational Image/Pixabay

Cocaine has been found in sharks off the coast of Brazil.

Scientists believe the drug may be altering their behaviour.

While the extent of the damage from the cocaine is not known, scientists suspect that one way the drug can affect the sharks is by damaging their eyesight.

Heres all we know about them.

Cocaine in sharks

Researchers examining 13 Brazilian sharpnose sharks from the waters of Rio de Janeiro discovered substantial concentrations of cocaine in their livers and muscles.

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After removing small sharks from the water while fishing, the researchers examined and evaluated each organ. They discovered cocaine concentrations in marine animals that were up to 100 times higher than those previously reported in other species, which is concerning.

All of the shark samples tested positive for cocaine, according to the results of those tests.

Additionally, samples from the muscles and liver showed positive results for benzoylecgonine, one of the drugs primary metabolites, in 92 per cent of the muscle samples and 23 per cent of the liver samples.

This is the first time that cocaine has been found in sharks that are free-ranging.

This study, conducted by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, is the first to identify cocaine in shark tissue.

All females in the study were pregnant, but the consequences of cocaine exposure for the foetuses are unknown, experts say, according to BBC.

Though some possibilities exist, it is unknown how the sharks have been consuming the medicine.

According to a report published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the drug most likely came from untreated sewage that was drained from drug users waste or from illegal labs that produce cocaine.

It was less likely, the study argued, to have originated from sharks eating cocaine packages that drug smugglers abandoned or threw overboard.

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We dont usually see many bales of coke dumped or lost at sea here, unlike in Mexico and Florida, a scientist told The Telegraph.

She asserted that it was highly unlikely the sharks had been eating cocaine from dumped packages.

Chronic exposure

Scientists claim that the test results demonstrated the sharks chronic exposure to cocaine.

Although they believe the cocaine hurt them, its unclear how much the drug may have changed their behaviour or if it made them more erratic and angry.

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."

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Scientists believe that one-way cocaine may harm sharks is by impairing their vision, which could impact their ability to hunt, even if the full amount of the animals damage from the substance is unknown.

You might start to see lower fecundity and growth rates, Dr Tracy Fanara, an ecotoxicology and environmental engineering expert from the University of Florida, told The Telegraph.

They may not be going nuts from the cocaine but it could reduce their life expectancy, a scientist said.

They may not be going nuts from the cocaine but it could reduce their life expectancy, said Dr Fanara. She participated in the Discovery Channel film Cocaine Sharks, which investigated whether or not drug traffickers abandoned cocaine packages were being eaten by sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.

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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?

Impact of drugs on animals

Previous studies have indicated that the effects of medications on animals are probably similar to those on humans.

Benzoylecgonine, a substance the liver produces after consuming cocaine, was discovered in seawater samples taken last year off the south coast of England.

The impacts of drugs can vary based on exactly what the drug is.

Adderall and other drugs that contain amphetamines, for example, can be very harmful or even deadly to pets if enough are ingested, potentially causing hyperactivity, tremors and seizures, fever, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, coma and even death, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

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Even small amounts of over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, the group adds, can cause significant medical problems in dogs, including gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney failure.

They may be hyperactive or sleepy, disoriented, and/or very vocal. Their pupils may dilate, giving them a wild-eyed appearance, and they may drool excessively or vomit, VCA Animal Hospitals says. They may also develop urinary incontinence (i.e., urine leakage). In severe cases, tremors, seizures, and coma can result.

With inputs from agencies
The Greek island of Santorini, which is expected to see over 3 million visitors this summer, is witnessing growing supply problems, chock-a-block streets and economic disparity. Locals say the production of wine is suffering as developers buy up more and more agricultural land to build holiday homes read more

Locals in Santorini say overtourism is leading to a spike in prices of agricultural land and threatening the way of life. Image courtesy: santorini.gr

A spike in tourism has left a stunning Greek island struggling with its wine industry.

The island of Santorini is expected to see over 3 million visitors this summer.

And the locals are not happy.

They say that overtourism is leading to a spike in prices of agricultural land and threatening the way of life.

But what do we know about it?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

Santorini comprises a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.

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According to Fortune, Santorini, like other hotspots in Europe, is witnessing growing supply problems, chock-a-block streets and economic disparity.

Its going to be a very bad year for Santorini, Mayor Nikos Zorzos was quoted as saying by the outlet.

He said the island cannot afford one single bed more for accommodation even if there are infrastructure upgrades.

Zorzos said the authorities have been asking Athens to put curbs on the number of tourists since 2012.

Santorinis famed Greek wines are also suffering.

This, as developers continue to buy up land to build holiday homes.

Tourists walk on a shop street in Oia, on the island of Santorini. Reuters

Tourism destroys the vineyards, wine producer Matthew Argyros told the outlet. I raise a red flag for the island.

The outlet quoted data from the Association of Winemakers of Santorini as showing that grape production in Santorini has halved nearly 50 per cent over the past two decades.

Thats an average drop of 2.7 per cent per year.

By 2041, that number could drop to zero if the trend continues.

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Argyros said water shortages are also making it harder to grow the vines.

Most workers have been lost to the tourism industry, he added.

Antonia Noussia, who lives in the village of Pyrgos, said she sees proof of this every day.

Noussia said she could once see grapes growing all the way to the coast. Now only small patches of vineyards left.

You can see people carrying sheets, breakfast supplies, and it doesnt feel like an inhabited village, said Noussia told Fortune.

Next year

As per The Times of India, Greece in 2023 saw locals revolt through the towel movement.

They did this by taking back beaches from sunbeds and beach bars  asserting the right to free and public access to all beaches under the law.

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The government responded by tightening curbs beach usage and regular inspections.

Even Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has acknowledged the issue.

Mitsotakis in June said he would restrict cruise ships for the countrys most popular islands. I think well do it next year, Mitsotakis told Bloomberg.

Zorzos himself enforced a cap of 8,000 cruise visitors per day to Santorini.

Local authorities have also managed to reduce the number of days each cruise ship can visit from 63 to 48  which will come down even further next year.

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But authorities know this is no easy task.

According to The Times of India, tourism remains central to the Greek economy.

Tourism comprised a fifth of Greeces GDP in 2023.

A record 32.7 million tourists visited Greece in 2023  an 18 per cent spike over 2022.

That record is set to continue in 2024 with the early months witnessing a massive increase in visitors numbers over the same period in 2023.

With inputs from agencies
A day after the Union Budget 2024, the Opposition INDIA bloc will stage a protest inside and outside the Parliament. Leaders of non-NDA states say that the budget is discriminatory. Heres why read more

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA floor leaders during a meeting to discuss their strategy after presentation of the Union Budget 2024, at Kharge's residence, in New Delhi, on 23 July. PTI

The Union Budget 2024 has left the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDI Alliance divided. The Opposition bloc parties have dubbed Nirmala Sitharamans budget discriminatory and have decided to stage protests inside and outside Parliament.

A meeting of INDI bloc parties was held Tuesday evening at Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharges 10 Rajaji Marg residence in New Delhi. At the gathering of floor leaders, a decision was taken to protest the Union Budget 2024.

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But what is grouse? We take a look.

What happened at the meeting?

Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari, Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Trinamool Congress leaders Derek OBrien and Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams T R Baalu, Jharkhand Mukti Morchas Mahua Maji, Aam Aadmi Partys Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh, and Communist Party of India (Marxist)s John Brittas, among others, attended the meeting on Tuesday evening.

Congress general secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh were also present.

What are the Congresss allegations?

The concept of a budget has already been destroyed by this years Union Budget. They have completely discriminated against most of the states. So the general sentiment of the INDIA bloc meeting was we have to protest against this, Venugopal told reporters after the meeting.

Later, in a post on X, Venugopal said, The Union Budget presented today [July 23] was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow.

This governments attitude is completely antithetical to Constitutional principles. We will not participate in an event that is solely designed to hide the true, discriminatory colours of this regime, he said.

Kharge, Leader of Rahul Gandhi and other INDI Alliance floor leaders during a meeting to discuss their strategy after the presentation of the Union Budget 2024, at Kharges residence, in New Delhi, on 23 July. PTI

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleged that the budget had blacked out states where there are non-BJP governments.

We will hold a protest tomorrow in the Parliament regarding this. We will raise our voice inside Parliament and outside also This is not the budget of the BJP, it is the budget of the whole country, but they have presented it as if it is the BJPs budget This budget is against the federal structure of the country, he alleged

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But Congress is not the only one miffed.

What are other parties saying?

At least four chief ministers, including three from Congress, are expected to boycott the July 27 NITI Aayog meeting against the discriminatory Union Budget.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will be skipping the gathering, he announced on Tuesday evening. His state suffered the biggest betrayal in the budget, he said. He was discontent with the Centres fiscal policies and allocations have consistently ignored the needs and demands of Tamil Nadu.

Stalin said that the drastic reduction in the allocation of welfare schemes would

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accused Sitharaman of ignoring his state. File photo/PTI

directly impact the most vulnerable sections of our society, according to a report in The Indian Express. He pointed out that no new initiatives were introduced to support the development of Tamil Nadu.

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The state government has been continuously demanding a fair share of central funds, but this budget has once again ignored our legitimate demands It is also disappointing to note that there has been no increase in the allocation for infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said.

DMK MPs are also expected to stage a protest on Wednesday.

The Congress CMs, who will skip the NITI Aayog meeti, include Telanganas Revanth Reddy, Karnatakas Siddaramaiah, and Himachal Pradeshs Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

We dont feel Kannadigas are heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting. We have decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, as a mark of protest, said Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in an online post.

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West Bengals Mamata Banerjee and Keralas Pinarayi Vijayan have also criticised the Budget for ignoring their states.

Banerjee too has said she will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, according to a report in the Deccan Herald. She called the budget politically biased.

It is an anti-poor, anti-people, and politically biased Budget, Banerjee told the media in her chamber in the West Bengal Assembly. She accused the NDA government of being envious of West Bengal and said that the state received a big zero in the budgetary allocations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also critical of the budget. File photo/PTI

According to the Kerala CM, the budget has been politically motivated. Projects have been announced in the budget targeting the political survival of the central government ignoring the majority of the states. The budget, which claims to have eight national priorities, ignores most states, including Kerala, he added.

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In Maharashtra, the opposition parties slammed the Centre. The Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have criticised the Budget for favouring Bihar and Andhra.

DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India) members take part in torch light procession in a protest march against the alleged neglect of Kerala in the budget, in Koch on 23 July. PTI

Did non-NDA states feature in budget speech?

The states of Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala do not appear in the Budget speech.

Sitharaman mentioned Jharkhand and West Bengal once in her speech as part of a holistic developmental project in Eastern India. The states in the Eastern part of the country are rich in endowments and have strong cultural traditions. We will formulate a plan, Purvodaya, for the all-round development of the eastern region of the country covering Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. This will cover human resource development, infrastructure, and generation of economic opportunities to make the region an engine to attain Viksit Bharat, said the FM.

Jharkhand is ruled by the INDIA bloc party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

The Congress-ruled state of Himachal Pradesh was mentioned once by the finance minister. She said that the state suffered extensive losses because of floods last year. Our government will provide assistance to the state for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance, she said.

With inputs from agencies
Following its successful bids to operate the Chabahar port in Iran and Sittwe port in Myanmar, India has secured a strategic win by winning operational rights for the Mongla port terminal in Bangladesh over China. It is the countrys second-largest seaport after Chittagong and the move is being seen as an attempt to curb Beijings ambitions in the region read more

Due to its critical location at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh is a crucial hub for trade in the Indo-Pacific region. File Image/AFP

India has secured a significant strategic win by obtaining the operational rights to a terminal at Bangladeshs Mongla port, a move that has notable implications for the regional dynamics, especially for China.

This development is seen as part of New Delhis broader efforts to counter Beijings growing influence in the Indian Ocean and to gain a foothold in strategically important foreign ports.

The Mongla port, Bangladeshs second-largest seaport after Chittagong, marks Indias third successful bid to manage overseas ports in recent years, following Chabahar in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar. The exact details of the Mongla port deal remain undisclosed, but according to media reports, the terminal will be operated by Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL), reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

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C Uday Bhaskar, a former Indian naval officer and director of the Delhi-based Society for Policy Studies think tank, told SCMP, Mongla is a potentially major opportunity for India to establish its credibility as an equitable port partner for Indian Ocean littorals seeking such expertise.

He highlighted that India, despite being relatively new to the global port management scene, has begun to invest significantly in this sector.

How has this move stunned Beijing?

China has been actively expanding its influence across the Indian Ocean as part of its Maritime Silk Road initiative, investing in ports from Gwadar in Pakistan to Djibouti in East Africa. Beijings investments include US$78 million in Djibouti and US$1.6 billion in Gwadar.

Chinese companies are involved in 17 Indian Ocean ports, constructing 13 of them and holding stakes in eight projects. Beyond the Indian Ocean, Chinese companies have also secured leases for ports or terminals in countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Also Read: Why China should cut losses and exit Pakistans Gwadar port

Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative mega-project is predicated on efficient management of critical connectivity nodes in the global supply chain, and this is a high priority area for Beijing, Bhaskar said.

About 80 per cent of Chinas energy imports pass through the Indian Ocean, underscoring the strategic importance of these ports for Beijing. The Mongla port deal is seen as a counter-move to Chinas substantial investments in the region, enhancing Indias influence over key maritime locations and reinforcing its role in regional security.

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How is Bangladesh benefitting from this?

Bangladesh stands at a strategic crossroads in South and Southeast Asia, making it a potential hub for intra-regional trade in the Indo-Pacific. The country joined Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2016, hoping to leverage Beijings financial resources to boost its infrastructure and economic integration.

China has been a significant investor in Bangladesh, with projects including the development of a 750-acre industrial park in Chittagong and a single-point mooring system at the Chittagong port. However, the Mongla port represents a critical juncture where Bangladesh must navigate its relationships with both China and India carefully.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, second from left, and his delegation attend a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fourth from right, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, July 10, 2024. Reuters

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas recent trips to both India and China highlight this balancing act. During her visit to India, several cooperation agreements were signed, including those in the maritime sector. Conversely, her trip to China resulted in a comparatively modest US$137 million financial assistance, far short of the US$5 billion loan she sought.

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Why is this deal important for India?

Management of the Mongla port terminal is expected to significantly enhance Indias trade connectivity and regional influence. In 2018, Bangladesh granted India full access to both the Chittagong and Mongla ports for transit and cargo shipping, a move that has already boosted bilateral trade.

Sohini Bose, an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, wrote, Firstly, it will be instrumental in enhancing bilateral trade with Bangladesh. Secondly, it will allow Indias landlocked northeast opportunities for maritime trade through alternative access to the Kolkata port, bypassing the narrow and congested Siliguri corridor. The Mongla port, in close proximity to Kolkata, could significantly reduce shipment times and improve trade efficiency.

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WATCH | India Secures the Sittwe Port in Myanmar: Why it Matters

Harsh V Shringla, a former Indian ambassador to Bangladesh and ex-foreign secretary, stated, India is assisting in developing the port through a line of credit. We shouldnt read too much into this. India can move a significant amount of goods through this port, which otherwise need to be transported by road. Shipping is a much easier and cheaper option.

Indias involvement in the Mongla port not only enhances its economic ties with Bangladesh but also counters Chinas expanding maritime influence. The port is strategically significant as it provides India with a foothold in the Bay of Bengal, an area increasingly becoming a theater for geopolitical competition.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Bangladeshs Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her ceremonial reception at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, India, June 22, 2024. Reuters

By securing the operational rights to the Mongla port terminal, India aims to project its maritime power and secure its interests in the Indian Ocean, a region critical to its national security and economic growth.

Also Read | Power through ports: A look at India and Chinas dockage diplomacy

This move boosts Indias maritime capabilities and also signifies its growing influence in a region where China has been making substantial inroads.

With inputs from agencies
Eighteen people have died after a Saurya Airlines plane crashed during take-off at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Only one person on board, the pilot, has survived. The mishap puts the focus on the Himalayan kingdoms table-top runways, which are a challenge even for the most experienced pilots read more

Nepal army personnel cordon off a plane crash site at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. A plane slipped off the runway and crashed while trying to take off from the Kathmandu airport. AP

Tragedy has hit Nepal again as at least 18 people died after a plane crashed and caught fire while it was taking off from the capital of Kathmandu on Wednesday.

According to officials, a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during take-off at the Tribhuvan International Airport. The plane was carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to Pokhara city to repair another aircraft when disaster struck.

Images released from the site showed thick smoke billowing from the burning aircraft on the airport runway.

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The crash once again highlights the dangers of air travel in Nepal, a country often referred to as one of the riskiest places to fly due to multiple factors including its tricky runways, poor maintenance of planes and the mountainous terrain.

Tragedy at Tribhuvan airport

On Wednesday (July 24), around 11:15 local time, a Saurya Airlines plane crashed a few minutes after it took off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A statement by Nepal Civil Aviation Authoritys search and rescue coordination centre said the plane turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway.

Airport security chief Arjun Chand Thakuri said that the plane was carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to the city of Pokhara for maintenance checks.

Rescue efforts were started immediately and the situation was brought under control, the aviation authority said.

However, the crash has led to the deaths of 18 people with only the pilot, Manish Shankya, surviving. He was rushed to Kathmandu Medical College hospital with eye injuries, but his condition isnt life-threatening, said a doctor at the hospital, as per a Sky News report.

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According to eyewitnesses quoted by The Kathmandu Post, the plane flipped after the wing-tip hit the ground while taking off. They said that the plane immediately caught fire and plunged into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway.

Images of the aftermath shared by Nepals military showed the planes fuselage split apart and burnt to a husk.

Family members of the victims weep outside a hospital after a Saurya Airlines plane caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Reuters

It is not year clear what caused the crash. It is rainy season in Kathmandu but it was not raining at the time of the crash. However, visibility was low across the capital.

Todays crash adds to Nepals long, tragic history of deadly air crashes. Before Wednesdays crash, nearly 360 people have died in the country in 19 air crashes since 2000. The last deadly crash in Nepal had occurred in January 2023 when a twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft carrying 72 people, operated by Nepals Yeti Airlines, crashed in Pokhara, killing all on board.

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Spotlight on Tribhuvans table-top runway

Todays crash has put a spotlight on the Tribhuvan airports runway, which is a table-top runway. But what is a table-top runway and are there risks to landing there?

As the name suggests, it is an airport located and built on top of a plateau or hilly surface, with one or both ends of the runway overlooking a drop. Simple Flying explains that these types of runways are constructed by chopping off the top of a peak and forming it into a plateau, or carving out the side of a mountain. They are impressive feats of engineering and enable longer runways for long-range jet aircraft (otherwise they could only take small regional aircraft).

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However, these types of runways have dangerous starts and ends. There is little room for error, and pilots need excellent training to land on them.

A security personnel gestures at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu. The crash has put the spotlight on table-top runways that have been the site of major plane accidents across the world. Reuters

In the past, table-top runways across the world have seen crashes. For instance, on August 7, 2020, an Air India Express flight from Dubai to Kozhikode skidded off the table-top runway and crashed below, killing 19 passengers and two pilots. However, 169 others survived.

Nepals Tenzing-Hillary airport in Solukhumbu, which also has a table-top runway, witnessed a disaster in May 2017 when a cargo plane crashed.

Another horrific disaster involving table-top runways happened at home, India, in May 2010 when Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai to Mangaluru crashed on landing at and 158 passengers, including six crew members, were killed.

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Portugals Madeira airport, which also has a table-top runway, also witnessed a crash in 1977 when an Air Portugal Flight 425 overshot, killing 131 people.

Nepal  home to tricky runways

And if the runway at Tribhuvan is tricky, then landing at Luklas Tenzing Hillary Airport is like cheating death. In fact, the airport has earned the title of being the most dangerous airport in the world.

Known as the gateway to Mount Everest, this airports runway is extremely short at just 1,729 feet long. Runways at many of the worlds international airports are more than 10,000 feet long. As the runway is so short, it has a 12 per cent uphill incline to assist planes in slowing down as they land.

A Yeti Airlines Twin Otter passenger aircraft prepares to take off from Lukla airport, also know as Hillary Tensing Airport, in east Nepal. The Lukla airport with its short runway is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. File image/Reuters

The location of the runway also means that there are no go-around procedures. This means once a pilot has commenced an approach, they are committed to landing. Additionally, there are no radar or navigation systems at the airport, so pilots are fully dependent on what they can see from the cockpit.

Nepals poor aviation safety record

The Himalayan kingdom has a poor safety record when it comes to the aviation sector. But its not just the tricky runways, mountainous terrain and severe weather to blame.

The country relies on ageing airplanes for its domestic flights. Many of these aircraft dont have the necessary modern equipment such as radar and or GPS technology that can help mitigate problems with visibility or weather. In fact, all airline carriers from Nepal have been banned from the European Union skies since 2013 due to safety concerns.

Another issue is the aviation body itself. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is both the service provider and regulator in Nepal. This has engendered a conflict of interest, especially when it comes to safety regulations.

However, despite the many issues, Nepal continues to see a boom in flying owing to the many tourists that visit the Himalayan kingdom.

With inputs from agencies
Kamala Harris has been endorsed by a majority of Democratic delegates since Joe Biden exited the presidential race. Her endorsement by the US president has filled her party with enthusiasm. But can she trump her Republican rival to become Americas first woman president read more

United States vice president Kamala Harris is in the thick of things after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, endorsing her as his replacement. The 59-year-old kickstarted her election rally on Tuesday (July 23), launching an offensive against her Republican rival Donald Trump.

Addressing a crowd of about 3,000 in the battleground state of Wisconsin, Harris likened the former US president to predators, fraudsters and cheaters she had prosecuted. Trump, on the other hand, attacked her over her record on the border, writing on social media: Lyin Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches!

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While Harris is yet to become the official Democratic nominee for the November presidential election, she has already been endorsed by a majority of her party delegates.

With the US vice presidents high likelihood of being chosen as the candidate at the Democratic convention next month, what are her chances of actually defeating Trump?

Lets take a look.

What do polls say?

Harris has gained a slight edge over Trump since Biden withdrew from the presidential race on Sunday and endorsed her.

According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday, the Democrat has the support of 44 per cent of surveyed Americans nationally, compared to her Republican opponents 42 per cent, giving her a two-point lead.

In the poll conducted last week before Biden ended his campaign, Harris and Trump were tied at 44 per cent, reports AFP.

The PBS News/NPR/Marist poll conducted on Monday shows Trump is backed by 46 per cent of registered US voters to Harris 45 per cent. Nine per cent of those surveyed said they were undecided.

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If third-party candidates or independents enter the race, Harris and Trump are tied at 42 per cent.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, July 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. AP

An average of polls collated by RealClearPolitics shows that Trump has a narrow edge of 1.6 percentage points against Harris, reported AFP.

Previous polls conducted before Bidens announcement projected Harris lagging behind the former president.

According to an analysis done by the Washington Post of 11 different polls, Trump surpassed the vice president by 1.5 percentage points. This was a slight improvement from Biden, who trailed behind Trump by 1.9 percentage points.

Can Harris beat Trump?

Harris endorsement by Biden has fuelled the Democrats with enthusiasm. The swell in support for her by senior figures, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is an indication that the party has placed its trust in her to go against Trump.

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The Democratic Partys front-runner has raised over $100 million in donations in the 36 hours after Bidens exit.

Harris is the younger candidate in the race as concerns over Bidens age do not apply to her. In fact, Trump, at 78, is now the older competitor.

The Republicans unpopularity could benefit Harris campaign. As per the polling average maintained by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), 53 per cent of Americans do not view Trump favourably.

As per FiveThirtyEight polling, which was held before Biden dropped out, about 51 per cent of Americans disapprove of Harris to 38 per cent who approve. This dislike was higher for Trump, who was not favoured by 53 per cent of Americans, while 39 per cent approved of him.

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The abortion issue also gives Harris an advantage over Trump, who took sole credit for the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade.

Democrats have won state elections wherever abortion rights were on the ballot, even in conservative states like Kansas and Kentucky. Trump has realised this and toned down his rhetoric against abortion.

Harris, who could be Americas first female president, is expected to make reproductive rights one of her key poll planks and take Trump head-on over the issue.

Supporters of US vice president Kamala Harris cheer at a campaign event at West Allis High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, US, July 23, 2024. Reuters

Her potential Democratic nomination is also historic as she could become the first Black woman president of the US. If she wins the November race, she will be the first American president of Asian heritage.

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This puts her in a better position among voters that Biden could not impress: young and non-white. Harris could also win over conservatives who do not want to elect an elderly Trump and the young leftists who are seeking a progressive candidate.

Speaking to Fortune, Barbara Perry, a renowned presidential historian who has authored multiple books about the presidency, said Harris is the perfect candidate to trump the former US president.

With Harris, you cant get more of a contrast from Donald Trump. Shes a woman of colour with interesting heritage, with her dad coming from Jamaica and her mother coming from India, and her pulling herself up by her own bootstraps. Thats the American Dream story, she said.

Perry said Harris is the perfect person to run against him, challenging Trumps misogyny.

What could go wrong for Harris?

If Trump is unpopular, so is Harris. According to the The Hill/DDHQ polling average, Harris is behind Trump by nearly 3 percentage points nationally. The average shows that her disapproval rating stood at 56 per cent, while she was favourably viewed by just 38 per cent of Americans.

As The Hill noted, this means that the Democratic enthusiasm for her candidature has not replicated among voters on the ground. The voters bias against electing a female president, that too a Black woman, could damage Harris chances.

She is already facing Trumps sexist remarks and is being scrutinised on social media for her laughter. Harris will have to overcome the challenge of being held to higher standards than her old white male rival.

Trumps campaign has downplayed Harris recent lead over the Republican, attributing it to recent media glare on her.

Pollster Tony Fabrizio told Reuters that Harris popularity will probably wane ultimately.

There are concerns that her election campaign could be a bust like last time. Harris would also go into this election with the issue of immigration looming over her head, noted The Hill.

She is linked with immigration in the public mind and Trump will make sure to hold her accountable.

With inputs from agencies
Scientists have recently found evidence of dark oxygen being generated in the deep ocean, seemingly by metal nodules on the seafloor. This discovery challenges previous understanding, where it was believed that the majority of oxygen production in the ocean stemmed from photosynthesis by marine plants, a process reliant on sunlight read more

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionise our understanding of life on Earth. Researchers have found that metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor can produce oxygen in complete darkness, a process that challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of life and the role of photosynthesis.

This discovery was made by an international team, including researchers from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and Northwestern University, and published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

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Andrew Sweetman, of SAMS, made the dark oxygen discovery while conducting ship-based fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean. Northwesterns Franz Geiger led the electrochemistry experiments, which potentially explain the finding, said a press release by the Illinois-based university.

The big discovery

The study began when Sweetman, head of the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group at SAMS, recorded unusual oxygen readings from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in 2013.

Sweetman made the discovery while sampling the seabed of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mountainous submarine ridge along the seafloor that extends nearly 4,500 miles along the north-east quadrant of the Pacific Ocean. Camille Bridgewater/Northwestern University

Initially suspecting equipment malfunction, Sweetman and his team repeatedly recalibrated their sensors, but the readings persisted. By 2021 and 2022, the team returned to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mineral-rich area in the central Pacific, and confirmed their findings using different methods.

We 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, Sweetman told CNN. And every single time the manufacturer came back: Theyre working. Theyre calibrated.

The role of polymetallic nodules

Polymetallic nodules, which are naturally occurring mineral masses found on the ocean floor, play a crucial role in this newly discovered process. These nodules, made up of metals like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, can generate oxygen through electrochemical activity even in the absence of light.

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Also Read: What is the mysterious gravity hole in the Indian Ocean?

The polymetallic nodules that produce this oxygen contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese  which are all critical elements used in batteries, said Geiger, who co-authored the study.

Several large-scale mining companies now aim to extract these precious elements from the seafloor at depths of 10,000 to 20,000 feet below the surface. We need to rethink how to mine these materials, so that we do not deplete the oxygen source for deep-sea life.

How this find will affect deep-sea mining

The discovery has significant implications for the deep-sea mining industry, which seeks to harvest these valuable minerals for green energy technologies. Environmentalists and scientists have expressed concerns about the impact of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems.

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Polymetallic nodules, collected from the ocean floor, sit in simulated seawater in chemist Franz Geigers laboratory at Northwestern University. Camille Bridgewater/Northwestern University

Past mining activities in the 1980s resulted in dead zones where even bacteria had not recovered decades later, highlighting the potential long-term damage to marine life.

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.

In unmined regions, however, marine life flourished. Why such dead zones persist for decades is still unknown. 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.

The big question

The study challenges the traditional understanding that Earths oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms. The newly discovered process suggests that oxygen could have been produced in the deep ocean, supporting aerobic life before photosynthesis evolved.

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This finding necessitates a reevaluation of how and where aerobic life may have begun on Earth.

Also Read: Fish are getting smaller and that may be a problem. Why?

This could be a kind of game changer in the story about how life started, said Tobias Hahn, another co-author of the study, in an interview.

We thought that life began on Earth when photosynthesis kicked in, as oxygen was brought to Earth through photosynthesis. It could be that actually, this process of electrochemically dividing water into oxygen and hydrogen supplied oxygen to the ocean.

What the future holds

While the discovery opens new avenues for understanding deep-sea ecosystems and the origins of life, many questions remain. Researchers are still trying to determine the extent of oxygen production by polymetallic nodules, the specific electrochemical processes involved, and the potential impacts on marine life if these nodules are disturbed.

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Bo Barker Jrgensen, a marine biogeochemistry expert, who peer-reviewed the study told Washington Post, What is lacking is an understanding of what is going on, what kind of process this is.

Also Read | Climate change leading to record decrease in Antarctic sea ice: Study

Sweetman highlighted the need for further studies before any deep-sea mining activities commence. If theres oxygen being produced in large amounts, its possibly going to be important for the animals that are living there.

With inputs from agencies
Authorities in Moscow are offering a record one-time signing-on bonus of 1.9 million roubles (approximately $22,000 or Rs 18.4 lakh) for city residents to join the military and fight in Ukraine, highlighting the effort to bolster Russian troop numbers. This financial incentive comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin faces challenges in recruiting soldiers for Moscows ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with a soldier as he visits a military training centre of the Western Military District for mobilised reservists as Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, center, smiles in Ryazan Region, Russia, October 20, 2022. File Image/AP

Russias prolonged invasion of Ukraine has driven both nations to seek innovative methods to bolster their military ranks. In a move that is sure to raise eyebrows, Moscow has introduced significant financial incentives to attract new recruits.

The Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, announced a substantial one-time payment of 1.9 million roubles (approximately $22,000) for residents who sign up for military service for more than a year. This sum is a staggering 22 times the average monthly salary of Russians as reported by the Federal State Statistics Service in April.

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Besides the initial bonus, recruits can earn a total of 5.2 million roubles (about $59,600) in their first year of service. Additionally, recruits injured in combat can receive between $5,690 and $11,390, depending on the severity of their injuries. The families of soldiers killed in action are entitled to a compensation of $34,150.

What is behind this lucrative move?

The backdrop of these generous offers is Russias struggle to maintain its offensive against Ukraine. The UK Defence Ministry estimated in a July 12 update that more than 70,000 Russian soldiers were either killed or wounded in May and June alone.

Russian recruits stand outside a military recruitment center in Volzhskiy, Volgograd region, Russia, September 28, 2022. File Image/AP

Additionally, a source familiar with a declassified US intelligence assessment revealed to CNN that Russia has lost 87 per cent of its active-duty ground troops and two-thirds of its tanks since the invasion began.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, commented on the situation: Such high financial incentives will continue to generate sufficient manpower to sustain Russias current offensive tempo but are likely to impose high long-term costs on Russias regional and federal budgets.

What recruitment challenges is Russia facing?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the military to increase its numbers by 170,000, aiming to boost overall personnel to over 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops. This marks a 15 per cent increase in military size and is the second such expansion since the invasion began.

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In this handout photo released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Deputy Commander of the Airborne Troops Anatoly Kontsevoy, right, visit a military training centre of the Western Military District for mobilised reservists in Ryazan Region, Russia, October 20, 2022. File Image/AP

Initially, Putin ordered a partial mobilisation in September 2022, targeting military reservists and those with prior military experience. This mobilisation led to widespread protests, especially in ethnic minority regions, and prompted an exodus of military-age men fleeing the country.

Despite suspending the mobilisation campaign in November 2022 after claiming the recruitment target of 300,000 personnel was met, Russia has continued to seek fighters beyond its borders.

Recruits listen to an instructor showing how to use a man-portable missile during a military training at a firing range in the Rostov-on-Don region in southern Russia, October 4, 2022. File Image/AP

Reports indicate that Russia has recruited up to 15,000 Nepalese soldiers, many of whom have experienced trauma, with some still missing or presumed dead. A Nepalese soldier told CNN that Afghan, Indian, Congolese and Egyptian recruits are also being trained at Russian military academies for foreign fighters.

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The human cost of the conflict

On the ground, the brutal reality of the conflict is evident. Social media is awash with drone footage showing Russian soldiers being killed or severely injured in what are described as meat grinder battles. Ukrainian soldiers frequently face overwhelming assaults from Russian forces, which often employ human-wave tactics, leading to high attrition rates.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russias Security Council, noted earlier this month that 190,000 new contract soldiers had joined the military this year alone. This effort is part of a broader strategy to offset the heavy casualties sustained by Russian forces.

Russian recruits take a train at a railway station in Prudboi, Volgograd region of Russia, September 29, 2022. File Image/AP

As Russias war in Ukraine drags into its third year, the Kremlins desperate need for soldiers is a testament that the ongoing conflict continues to extract a heavy toll on both nations, with no immediate end in sight.

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Also Read | Climate catastrophe: Activists take Russia to court over Ukraine war emissions

With inputs from agencies
Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington on Monday (July 22) amid a tumultuous political situation in the country after Biden opted to drop out of the presidential election and an assassination attempt on Republican leader Donald Trump. Here is all you need to know about the Israeli PMs visit read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial ceremony for Israeli soldiers who fell in battle during the 2014 Gaza War, in the Hall of Remembrance at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem. AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on a visit to the United States where he will address a joint meeting of the Congress on Wednesday (July 24). But his visit comes at a difficult time with US President Joe Biden has announced his decision to drop out of the presidential race. American leaders have turned vary over Netanyahus history of interjecting himself into US domestic politics.

It is a dicey situation for Israel as the toll of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza nears 40,000. Interestingly, it is also a time when many hope for some sort of progress in the US-led efforts to mediate an end to the Israel-Hamas war that has been raging in the region for nine months now.

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The trip comes just after the assassination attempt against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and President Joe Bidens decision Sunday (July 21) to give up his faltering reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency instead.

Let us take a look at Netanyahus visit.

Why is the purpose of Netanyahus visit?

The political aspect for Netanyahu is that his popularity has plummeted at home, and the visit  at least originally  was seen as giving him a chance to show himself as a global statesman, welcomed by the lawmakers and leaders of Israels closest ally and the worlds only superpower.

House Speaker Mike Johnson helped bring about Netanyahus address to lawmakers, highlighting firm Republican support for the Israeli leader. Netanyahu has had tense relations with Biden despite the administrations military and diplomatic support for Israels war.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Harris will meet with Netanyahu separately. It was still uncertain Monday if he would meet with Trump.

Speaking for the White House side of things, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at a security conference in Colorado last week that Biden planned to focus on working out what it will take for the United States, Israel and others to get a hostage-release and cease-fire deal done in the coming weeks.

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Biden called into a meeting of campaign staffers Monday, telling them, I think were on the verge of ending the war.

For his part, Netanyahu pointed to longer-term issues before flying out of Israel on Monday. He said he wanted to talk to Biden about continuing the war against Hamas and confronting other Iran-backed armed groups in the region, as well as freeing hostages.

Why Netanyahus visit is controversial?

Israels war has been intensely divisive in the United States, spurring protests and resulting in arrests on college campuses, alienating some voters on both sides of the issue, and frustrating months of effort by Biden to bring the fighting to a close.

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The trip is the first time Netanyahu has travelled abroad since the war broke out on October 7. Its also his first since the International Criminal Court said it was seeking his arrest for what it said were possible war crimes in Israels offensive in Gaza. Israel denies wrongdoing, and the US does not recognise the ICC.

People walk on a street next to buildings destroyed during Israeli bombardment at the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in the northern Gaza Strip. AFP

Netanyahu faces complaints in Israel that he is avoiding closing a cease-fire and hostage-release deal so as to stay in power, a charge repeated Monday by a relative of one hostage.

Netanyahu also has not been shy about criticising Democratic administrations, including Bidens. In 2015, the Israeli leader used a speech to both houses of Congress to try to torpedo lawmakers and popular support for President Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran. He condemned it as a bad and dangerous deal, angering administration officials.

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Sullivan said administration officials dont expect this week to be a repeat of 2015.

Why is Netanyahus visit controversial?

It appears bad. Even as Netanyahu was headed for Washington on Monday, American politics and voters were still adjusting to the abrupt shift of focus from Biden to Harris in the Democratic presidential race. Biden was still in Delaware getting over COVID-19.

Harris, meanwhile, is due to be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before she became the leading Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.

Biden plans to meet with Netanyahu this week, according to a person familiar with his schedule who was not authorised to comment publicly. The exact timing is still unclear. Harris also plans to meet with Netanyahu this week, according to the White House.

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Israeli media reported Netanyahu had also asked for a meeting with Trump, but there was no immediate word of one. Trump has had a mixed relationship with Netanyahu, including cursing him for what Trump portrayed as Netanyahus quick recognition of Bidens victory in the 2020 elections.

H****ow will Parliamentarians protest his address?

Netanyahus joint address to Congress will look a bit different from previous such addresses, in part due to opposition among Democrats to his conduct of the war in Gaza.

Harris, as Senate president, normally sits behind the foreign leaders, but shell be away. Senate Pro Tempore Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, is next in line to fill that seat but said she was among the lawmakers declining to attend. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin will sit there instead. He told The Associated Press he hoped Netanyahu would use the speech to lay out a future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Pro-Palestinian activists demonstrate near the Watergate hotel amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Washington, DC. AFP

While families of some hostages were reported to be travelling with Netanyahu, other relatives who fault his handling of the crisis said they would also be sitting in the chamber.

Some lawmakers who planned to boycott the address said they would spend the time talking with the families of those held by Hamas.

Multiple protests are planned outside the Capitol, with some condemning the Israeli military campaign overall, and others expressing support for Israel but pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home hostages.

The largest protest is set for Wednesday morning, with organisers planning to march around the Capitol building demanding Netanyahus arrest on war crimes charges. A permit application submitted to the National Park Service estimated at least 5,000 participants.

Smaller protests are planned Tuesday evening and throughout the day Wednesday, including a prayer vigil outside Union Station near the Capitol. Relatives of Israeli hostages are planning a vigil on the National Mall.

What are the security arrangements?

Fencing was up around the hotel along the Potomac River where Netanyahu is staying and uniformed security were screening workers and others at the hotel complex. Its part of rigid security in Washington for the Israeli leaders visit.

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced an extended series of street closures that will last most of the week.

The visit will serve as a high-profile test for the Secret Service, which handles the protection of visiting foreign leaders. Thats as the agencys chief was being grilled by lawmakers Monday over what she acknowledged were serious security failures in the attack on Trump earlier.

With inputs from AP
Sunscreen pills that filter UV rays on the outside, are the newest trend in skincare. But experts say these pills, despite their name, do not work in the same way as topical sunscreens. They are not FDA-approved as sunscreens and should not be considered a replacement for topical sunscreen or other sun protection measures read more

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration said the so-called sunscreen pills were fake and that people should not fall for the scam. Representational Image/Pixabay

Sunscreen has become an absolute necessity for many people today.

But it looks like the everyday essential has got an upgrade.

Sunscreen pills that filter UV rays on the outside are the newest trend in skincare.

But are these pills really worth it?

Lets take a look.

What are sunscreen pills?

According to the Indian Express, which quoted Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich Garekar of Garekars MD Dermatology Clinic, the sunscreen pills contain leucotomos polypodium, this Camellia inesis leaf extract appears to have some potential for providing some degree of sun protection.

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Antioxidants such as beta carotene, lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin E act at a cellular level to prevent the DNA damage of a cell due to UV rays.

Vogue India quoted Dr Erika Aguilar, the primary benefit of oral chemo-photo protectors over topical sunscreens or even topical chemo-photo protectors is their systemic action, which enables them to offer consistent protection over the skin.

She continues by mentioning fresh research that explains the advantages of several natural origin options.

She says that an extract from Polypodium leucotomos has a pertinent chemo-photoprotective profile.

Can they truly protect you?

Sunscreen pills, despite their name, do not work in the same way as topical sunscreens, Dr DM Mahajan, senior consultant, dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, told Financial Express.

These oral supplements typically contain antioxidants like polypodium leucotomos extract, beta-carotene, or astaxanthin. The primary mechanism of action is believed to be through enhancing the bodys natural defence against UV-induced damage.

By potentially lowering oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells, these antioxidants may aid in the neutralisation of free radicals produced by UV radiation. Melanin, the skins natural pigment that offers some UV protection, may also be produced more readily by some substances.

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He adds, However, it is crucial to note that these pills are not FDA-approved as sunscreens and should not be considered a replacement for topical sunscreen or other sun protection measures. The efficacy of these supplements in providing meaningful sun protection is still a subject of ongoing research and debate in the dermatological community.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration said the so-called sunscreen pills were fake and that people should not fall for the scam.

Theres no pill or capsule that can replace your sunscreen, FDA commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb said in a statement.

Weve found products purporting to provide protection from the sun that arent delivering the advertised benefits. Instead, theyre misleading consumers, and putting people at risk, he said.

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The group issued a warning to the manufacturers of Sunsafe Rx, Sunergetic, Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, and Solaricare to stop claiming to shield people from the suns rays.

Research on sunscreen pills efficacy in preventing melanomas is still ongoing.

What are the side effects?

Antioxidant-based sunscreen tablets can affect the skin and body in different ways.

Potential adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhoea, even though the drug is generally thought to be safe when used as prescribed.

Allergy reactions can happen to some people, especially when it comes to components made from plants.

Interactions with other drugs or supplements are also a possibility, which could reduce the effectiveness or absorption of those products.

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In some circumstances, using high doses of various antioxidants over an extended time may unexpectedly enhance oxidative stress.

Photosensitivity is one of the less frequent skin-specific adverse effects that some people may experience.

Its crucial to remember that these supplements could provide users with a false sense of security, which could increase their exposure to UV radiation and other hazards.

Whats more effective?

Oral sunscreen supplements are generally regarded as less safe and effective than physical barriers, such as mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

To stop UV rays from invading the skin, these physical sunscreens function by covering the skin with a layer of protection that reflects and scatters the light.

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They function instantly after application and provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Physical sunscreens are also better for delicate skin because they are less prone to irritate the skin than chemical sunscreens.

Dermatologists and experts advise using several strategies.

Indian Express recommends generously using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and reapplying it every two hours, or more frequently if you swim or perspire.

For further protection, use lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed caps.

Look for shade whenever you can, especially from 10 am until 4 pm during the peak of the sun.

With inputs from agencies
Sitharaman said the Centre would work with states to carry out these land reforms, both in rural and urban areas and said the Centre would provide fiscal support to incentivise states to complete these reforms within the next three years read more

In her seventh consecutive budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday proposed the introduction of a unique identification number for all rural land parcels, also called Bhu-Aadhaar, along with other urban land record digitisation programmes.

Sitharaman said the Centre would work with states to carry out these land reforms, both in rural and urban areas. The Centre would provide fiscal support to incentivise states to complete these reforms within the next three years.

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Working with states, the finance minister said the government will initiate land-related reforms by state governments.

Land-related reforms and actions, both in rural and urban areas, will cover (1) land administration, planning and management, and (2) urban planning, usage and building bylaws. These will be incentivized for completion within the next 3 years through appropriate fiscal support, Sitharaman said.

On rural land-related actions, she said these would include assignment of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhaar for all lands; digitisation of cadastral maps; survey of map sub-divisions as per current ownership; establishment of land registry; and linking to the farmers registry.

What is Bhu-Aadhaar & why is it needed? Heres a quick look:
As Foreign Minister, we are very happy weve got a 22% growth in the budget of the Ministry of External Affairs. It will allow us to focus on our neighbourhood. It will allow us to support and work with the Global South. It will help us to facilitate and service and support Indians going abroad, said Jaishankar read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed his happiness over the 22% per cent growth in the budget for his ministry and said that it will help the MEA focus on its neighbourhood, support Global South and give impetus to other key policies.

#WATCH | On the Union Budget, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says "As Foreign Minister, we are very happy we've got a 22% growth in the budget of the Ministry of External Affairs. It will allow us to focus on our neighbourhood. It will allow us to support and work with the Global South. It pic.twitter.com/zFsvVh4bEO  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been allocated a significant budget of Rs 22,154 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the Union Budget, a notable increase from last years outlay of Rs 18,050 crore.

Speaking to ANI news agency, Jaishankar said, As Foreign Minister, we are very happy weve got a 22% growth in the budget of the Ministry of External Affairs. It will allow us to focus on our neighbourhood. It will allow us to support and work with the Global South. It will help us to facilitate and service and support Indians going abroad. Our passport services will definitely improve in many ways. As a result of all of this, the country will be more secure because our own neighbourhood will be much more friendly as a result of all that we do."

He said given the difficult time in the global situation, this is a very good budget which will sustain Indias growth in a very complicated environment.

Naturally, Im pleased with the budget. Our country should appreciate that at this very difficult time in the global situation, this is a very good budget which will sustain Indias growth at a very complicated environment. It will allow Indian diplomacy to serve the country. I think thats the reason why it should be applauded, added the minister.

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The budget allocation for the MEA is meticulously divided across various sectors, including aid to foreign nations, establishment expenses, and funding for autonomous bodies and international institutions.

A considerable portion of the budget, amounting to Rs 5,667.56 crore, is earmarked for central programs and schemes aimed at providing assistance to other nations, particularly those in need of humanitarian aid. This allocation also supports international training schemes funded by India through both multilateral and bilateral assistance programs.

With inputs from agencies
Income tax plays a crucial role in nation-building by supporting the fundamental functions of an effective state. It provides the necessary revenue to ensure security, funding essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure read more

As India marks Income Tax Day 2024, its clear that the countrys tax administration has undergone a significant transformation since its humble beginnings in 1860. The evolution from a basic tax system to a modern, tech-driven framework showcases Indias advancement.

The current form of income tax was introduced in India by Sir James Wilson in 1860, two years after the British Crown took the reins of administration in India in its hands following the 1857 War of Independence.

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Here are the five things to know about the Income Tax Day:

A colonial introduction  The inception of income tax in 1860 laid the groundwork for Indias tax regime. It aimed to streamline tax collection and formalise the process of income assessment, setting a precedent for future fiscal policies.

Revolutionary legislation  The British Indian government brought the Income Tax Act in 1922, establishing an administrative framework for tax collection. The same system continues but, of course, with a series of amendments to improve tax administration in India. However, this legislation has the credit to formalise the structure of income tax authorities, providing a structured approach to tax assessment and collection.

Central Board of Revenue  Two years later, the Central Board of Revenue Act established the Central Board of Revenue. It came up as a statutory body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Income Tax Act. This was a key development as it necessitated the appointment of income tax commissioners across British Indian provinces. The commissioners were assisted by assistant commissioners and other income tax officers.

A college for officers  In 1957, the IRS Staff College was established  a milestone in improving the professional capabilities of tax officers. It provided specialised training to top class  Group A  officers, who were initially appointed in Bombay and Calcutta presidencies. They were trained to develop the necessary skills for effective tax administration.

Computers in the 1980s  The introduction of computerisation in 1981 revolutionised tax processing with the implementation of electronic challans. This move streamlined payment procedures and enhanced efficiency in tax collection. Many years later in 2009, the Central Processing Centre was established in Bengaluru. This centre facilitates bulk processing of tax returns, contributing to the modernisation and effectiveness of Indias tax infrastructure.

What is Income Tax?

Income tax is a government levy on the income earned by individuals and businesses during a financial year. Income encompasses various sources, defined broadly under Section 2(24) of the Income Tax Act. Heres a simplified breakdown:

Income from salary: This includes all payments from an employer to an employee, such as basic pay, allowances, commissions, and retirement benefits.

Income from house property: Rental income from residential or commercial properties is taxable.

Income from business or profession: Profits from business or professional activities are taxable after deducting expenses.

Income from capital gains: Profits from selling capital assets like property or jewellery are taxable. These gains can be long-term or short-term.

Income from other sources: This includes income not covered by the other categories, such as savings interest, family pension, gifts, lottery winnings, and investment returns.

This day also highlights the historical development of tax administration in India and the ongoing efforts to enhance tax compliance and simplify the process for taxpayers. The notable increase in personal income tax collections, combined with recent changes introduced in the 2024-25 Budget, demonstrates the governments dedication to a fair and efficient tax system.

Through improvements in deductions, revisions to tax slabs, and expansion of digital and procedural innovations, the government continues to fortify its approach to taxation. Income Tax Day serves not only as a celebration of Indias fiscal heritage but also as a recognition of the crucial role taxation plays in supporting public services and national development.

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As we move forward, the progress made in tax administration and proactive measures to address challenges will undoubtedly contribute to a more robust and equitable economic framework, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Income Tax slab in Budget 2024-25:

The Budget for 2024-25 introduced several changes to the income tax regime to benefit salaried employees and pensioners. The standard deduction for salaried employees was increased from 50,000 to 75,000 for those opting for the new tax regime.

Similarly, the deduction on family pension for pensioners was enhanced from 15,000 to 25,000. Additionally, assessments can now be reopened beyond three years, up to five years from the end of the year of assessment, only if the escaped income is more than 50 lakh. The revised tax regime provides significant benefits, with salaried employees potentially seeing benefits of up to 17,500 in income tax.
Banerjee, on July 21, during an address said that her government would provide assistance to whoever comes knocking at our doors and provide shelter to people coming to India from the turmoil-hit country read more

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees offer to give shelter to helpless people from Bangladesh amid last weeks violent protest has raised strong objections from the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Banerjee, on July 21, during an address said that her government would provide assistance to whoever comes knocking at our doors and provide shelter to people coming to India from the turmoil-hit country.

I cannot speak anything about Bangladesh as it is another country. The Indian government will speak about that. But if helpless people (from Bangladesh) knock on Bengals door, we will give them shelter. There is a resolution of the UN. Neighbours will respect refugees, she said on the occasion of Martyrs Day.

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Later in a post on X, the Trinamool Congress supremo reiterated her governments support for students who returned to West Bengal.

She said, Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from the trouble-torn Bangladesh. I have asked our State administration to render all help and assistance to the returnees.

Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from the trouble-torn Bangladesh.



I have asked our 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  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 21, 2024

What has Bdesh said?

The Bangladeshi government on Tuesday registered objections to Banerjees comment on the situation in the country with the High Commission of India.

It said that the chief ministers tweet was provocative and had false elements concerning the internal affairs of Bangladesh.

Such comments by Mamata are misleading especially at a time when the government is trying to restore peace in the country, the administration noted.

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Bangladesh stated that making comments like assurances of providing refuge to people could potentially encourage many individuals, particularly terrorists and troublemakers, to exploit such announcements.

Governor seeks report on Mamatas comment

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose called upon Mamata Banerjee for a report over her comment offering shelter to helpless people of violence-hit Bangladesh, the Raj Bhavan said on Monday.

In a post on X, the Raj Bhavan Media Cell said it is the Centres prerogative to handle anything that is part of external affairs.

With inputs from agencies
Previous New Zealand governments had resisted holding such an inquiry. Other countries have conducted similar investigations over the past two decades. Among them. read more

People arrive at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, for the tabling of a wide-ranging independent inquiry into the abuse of children and vulnerable adults in care over the span of five decades wrote in a blistering final report. - AP

New Zealand has become the latest nation to confront its troubled past of systemic and widespread abuse of children and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based institutions.

On Wednesday, a six-year independent inquiry was presented to Parliament, which also examined the mistreatment of children in foster care and vulnerable adults.

According to the authors, this inquiry is the most comprehensive investigation into abuse and neglect in care settings ever undertaken globally. They condemned the extensive abuse and neglect of hundreds of thousands of individuals in care from 1950 to 1999 as a national disgrace and proposed 138 recommendations for action.

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Previous New Zealand governments had resisted holding such an inquiry. Other countries have conducted similar investigations over the past two decades. Among them:

 Australia held two recent inquiries into the abuse of children and disabled people. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse ran from 2012-2017 and scrutinized public, church and private institutions  including child care, cultural, educational, religious, sporting and other organizations. Then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison made an emotional public apology in 2018 for the systemic sexual abuse of children in Australia. A second Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability operated from 2019-2023, examining mistreatment of disabled people in all areas of society.

 Two decades earlier, Australia investigated its systematic removal of Indigenous children from their families in the report Bringing Them Home, which followed a national inquiry from 1995-1997 into the so-called Stolen Generations of young Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders taken by the state between 1910 and 1970  thought to be between 10% and 30% of all such children. Then-Prime Minister John Howard rejected the reports call for a national apology, but a later Australian leader, Kevin Rudd, gave one in 2008.

 Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission extended from 2007-2015 and examined individual and collective harms perpetrated against Aboriginal people between 1883 and 1996 in government-funded, church-run residential schools, where 150,000 children were placed. Sexual abuse and religious indoctrination were rife. Pope Francis in 2022 apologized for the Catholic Churchs involvement with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools, one of several he has made for the churchs transgressions against children in care settings around the world.

 In 2022, the United States Interior Department released a first-of-its-kind federal study of Native American boarding schools that for over a century sought to assimilate Indigenous children into white society and undercut their cultural and tribal ties. It identified more than 500 student deaths at more than 400 schools that were established or supported by the U.S. government. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary, acknowledged the boarding school era perpetuated poverty, mental health disorders, substance abuse and premature deaths in Indigenous communities.

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 In England and Wales, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse ranged from 2015-2022, examining abuse and exploitation in state institutions  including police, government departments, schools, health services and custodial institutions  and non-state institutions, including religious organizations and private schools. It covered abuse that happened in living memory.

 The Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry covered the physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect of children between 1922 and 1995. It ran 2013-2017 and examined abuse in state and non-state residential institutions, including religious institutions and excluding schools.

 Irelands Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse ranged from 2000 until 2009, and initially scrutinized physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect of children that happened between 1940 and 1999  before it was extended to reach back as far as 1914. It covered a comprehensive list of state and religious-run institutions, although it excluded the notorious Magdalene Laundries, where 10,000 so-called fallen women were consigned and forced to undertake menial labor. A government apology to the women was made in 2013. Pope Francis apologized to the tens of thousands of women and children abused in the Catholic Churchs care in 2018.

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 The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry began in 2015 and is ongoing. It covers abuse in living memory that happened in a wide-ranging list of state or non-state institutions, including faith-based groups.
The anti-terrorism operation was launched on Tuesday (July 23) in Kupwara districts Lolab area. The operation continued through the night with heavy exchange of fire between the security forces and heavily armed terrorists read more

In the wake of the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers in the hilly areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Reasi and Kathua districts. Source: PTI/FILE.

One terrorist has been gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Kumpwara district. An Indian Army jawan was also injured in the exchange of fire.

On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing fire fight one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) injured. Operation is in progress, Indian Armys Chinar Corps said in a pots on X.

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The Chinar Corps further informed that an NCO was injured during the joint operation which was launched by the Indian Army and the Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP) following specific input regarding presence of terrorists.

OP KOWUT, #Kupwara



Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on days leading upto 23 July 24.



On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by pic.twitter.com/0CHyEU59qh  Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 24, 2024

The anti-terrorism operation was launched on Tuesday (July 23) in Kupwara districts Lolab area. The operation continued through the night with heavy exchange of fire between the security forces and heavily armed terrorists.

On Tuesday, a solider of the Indian Army was killed in action in Battal area of KG sector in Mendhar Tehsil of Poonch District where the Army foiled an infiltration bid.

Lance Naik Subhash Chander was injured in the gunfight on Tuesday and later died from his injuries. His body has been handed over to the Army.

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All Ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps salute the supreme #sacrifice of #Braveheart L/Nk Subhash Chander who laid down his life in the line of duty.#WhiteKnightCorps offers deepest condolences and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/RgljiXv1p5  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 23, 2024

Meanwhile, officials said that a search operation has been launched in the area..

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In the wake of the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers including the elite Para Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed by the Indian Army in the hilly areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Reasi and Kathua districts.

With inputs from agencies
The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer), who was injured in the gun battle, succumbed on Wednesday read more

One soldier, who sustained injuries in a gunfight with terrorists in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, succumbed on Wednesday. Meanwhile, one terrorist has been eliminated by security forces during the joint anti-terror operation in the Lolab area of the district.

The India Army said that the terrorist was gunned down in an overnight encounter in Kupwara district.

The joint search operation by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police began soon after specific inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, was received, the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

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It further informed that suspicious movement was noticed on Tuesday (July 23) and the suspects were challenged by vigilant troops. In response, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, leading to a gunbattle, the Indian Armys Chinar Corps said.

The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer), who was injured in the gun battle, succumbed on Wednesday.

Also Read: J&K: Security forces eliminate1 terrorist in Kupwara encounter, army jawan injured

On Tuesday, a soldier of the Indian Army, Lance Naik Subhash Chander laid down his life in the line of duty in Battal area of KG sector in Mendhar Tehsil of Poonch district where an infiltration bid was foiled.

Lance Naik Subhash Chander was injured in the gunfight and he too later succumbed to his injuries.

The encounter was underway at the time of filing this news report.

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Meanwhile, with the rising recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir over the recent past, the Indian Army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers including the elite Para Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed by the Indian Army in the hilly areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Reasi and Kathua districts.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has zero tolerance for terrorism read more

Emphasising that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has zero tolerance for terrorism, Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on Wednesday, said that active terrorists will either land in jail or be sent to Jahannum (hell).

The ministers remark came amid the surge of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Rai was replying to a supplementary question from Congress MP Pramod Tiwari.

Terrorists will not succeed

Rai went on to say that the terrorist activities witnessed recently will soon end. They (terrorists) will not succeed in their design, he further said.

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We will end terrorism

Modi government has zero tolerance for terrorism. We will end terrorism. They (terrorists) will be either in jail or Jahannum I want to assure the House, the minister said in the Rajya Sabha.

He further informed the House that over the past few days, 28 terrorists had been killed by security forces in the Union Territory.

In the last few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir. Whats saddening is that some of our soldiers have also been killed in the firefighting. The soldiers killed are very less than the terrorists neutralised, Rai said.

As per Rai, security forces have killed about 900 terrorists in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Opposition should not do politics over terrorism

Backing with numbers, Rai said between 2004-2014, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in power at the Centre, there were 7,217 incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Since BJP was voted to power in 2014 to July 21, 2024, the number of terrorism incidents has come down to 2,259, the minister said.

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This should not have happened. It is unfortunate but they (the Opposition) should not do politics over it, Rai added.

The minister further informed that between 2004 to 2014, as many as 2,829 citizens and security personnel lost their lives. This number has come down by 67 per cent since 2014.

Apart from these, there has also been a reduction of 69 per cent in terror incidents in the UT, he said, adding that the people in Jammu and Kashmir are now living in a peaceful environment and there is a full guarantee of security.

In 2023, 2 crore 11 thousand tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. Peace has been restored there, which is why tourists are increasing, Rai said.

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In 2019, PM Modi-led government at the Centre had canceled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. As per the government, the decision brought terrorism under control.

With inputs from agencies
While passing the resolution in the state assembly, West Bengals Education Minister Bratya Basu said that they were never in favour of conducting an all-India examination. The resolution also slammed the NTA over its inability to conduct free and fair entrance tests read more

A day after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgment on the NEET-UG row, West Bengal on Wednesday passed a resolution to scrap the exams over distrust of the National Testing Agency.

The Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government has moved to replace the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test with its own state-run medical exams for students who wish to pursue a career in medicine.

While passing the resolution in the state assembly, West Bengals Education Minister Bratya Basu said that they were never in favour of conducting an all-India examination. The resolution also slammed the NTA over its inability to conduct free and fair entrance tests.

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Basu said, When the exams were handed over to the Centre in brazen step of dismantling the federal structure, there were protests from our side. The then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi had said that NEET exams should not be handled by the Centre.

WB joins TN, Ktaka

With this, Bengal has joined the ranks of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to ban the exams in their respective states.

The first state to do so was Tamil Nadu which unanimously passed a resolution against NEET in the assembly. The resolution allowed state governments to undertake medical admissions based on class 12 marks, as was done before NEETs implementation.

Earlier, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP K. Kanimozhi reiterated the demand to exempt Tamil Nadu from NEET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for medical admissions across the country.

Tamil Nadu has been consistently saying that we do not want NEET. Now it is proved that NEET is not a fair examination, and students are losing so much because of NEET, Kanimozhi said.

Meanwhile, in Karnataka, the cabinet, earlier this week, approved a proposal to scrap the medical exams in the state. It is, however, awaiting passage in both the houses of the assembly.

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The NEET exam must be scrapped immediately and union governement must allow states to conduct their own exams. Karnataka has built colleges but NEET exam is benefitting North Indian students and depriving our own students. We all have to unitedly fight against this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said.

What did the SC judgment say?

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected cancelling of NEET UG 2024 saying that there was no material to indicate that the paper leak was systematic and affected the sanctity of the entire medical entrance examination.

We are of the considered view that ordering the cancellation of the entire NEET UG 2024 exam is neither justified on application of settled principles propounded by the decisions of this court (nor) on the basis of material on record, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud said.

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The apex court said that if it would have ordered re-examination, it would have lead to serious consequences affecting more than 23 lakh students, disrupting their academic schedule and causing a cascading effect in the coming years.

With inputs from agencies
The Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was tabled by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and passed with voice vote amid a walkout by the opposition read more

The Bihar Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at curbing the scourge of question paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations in the state, which, incidentally, has been at the centre of the NEET 2024 question paper leak controversy.

The bill stipulates severe punishment for those involved in such malpractices, including 10 years imprisonment and a minimum Rs 1 crore fine.

The Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was tabled by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and passed with voice vote amid a walkout by the opposition.

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Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the Bihar government has made a strict law against paper leak.

With this law, the future of aspirants and students will be secured. The law proposes 10 years imprisonment and a minimum Rs 1 crore fine for the criminals, said Choudhary.

#WATCH | On the anti-paper leak bill passed in Assembly today, Bihar Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary says,"Bihar government has made a strict law against paper leak. With this law, the future of aspirants and students will be secured. The law proposes 10 years imprisonment and a pic.twitter.com/S3Gjyybsy2  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Reacting to the walkout by the opposition, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that even if the government does something good, the opposition starts protesting.

#WATCH | On Bihar Assembly passing anti-paper leak bill, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "The definition of Opposition has changed today. Even if the government does good work, the Opposition protests. It is unfortunate there was a protest by the opposition against passing of pic.twitter.com/sJkCOveIRR  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

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The definition of Opposition has changed today. Even if the government does good work, the Opposition protests. It is unfortunate there was a protest by the opposition against passing of anti-paper leak bill, he said.

Meanwhile, Indian Youth Congress workers also gathered outside Bihar Legislative Council and protested against the move by Nitish government.

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: Indian Youth Congress workers protest against CM Nitish Kumar outside Bihar Legislative Council. pic.twitter.com/LRpJNhkzR8  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024
The Maharashtra cadre officer faces accusations of using fraudulent means to clear her civil services exam, including allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories, and misusing power and privileges during her posting in Pune read more

Puja Khedkar, the trainee IAS officer marred in controversies, was supposed to show up at her training centre in Mussoorie yesterday but failed to report after the Maharashtra government put her probation on hold last week.

On July 16, the government ordered Khedkar to return to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) by July 23. You are hereby relieved from the district training program of the state government of Maharashtra You are instructed to join the academy at the earliest but not later than 23rd July 2024 under any circumstance, the letter stated.

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It is important to note that she has been giving the press her statements on the case for the past couple of weeks.

Trainee IAS Puja Khedkar came into the spotlight when accusations surfaced that she had installed a beacon on her personal vehicle. Subsequent reports then revealed further allegations of misconduct against Khedkar.

The Maharashtra cadre officer faces accusations of using fraudulent means to clear her civil services exam, including allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories, and misusing power and privileges during her posting in Pune.

The Delhi Police, last week, registered a case against Khedkar under several sections including Forgery, Cheating, IT Act and disability act.

UPSC has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar for misrepresenting and falsifying facts to obtain extra attempts in the UPSC examinations, beyond the prescribed limit. Consequently, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law, and investigation has been taken up in the Crime Branch, Delhi Police said.

Centre asks Pune cops to give details on Khedkars parents

Not just Khedkar, but her parents have also been in the eye of the storm. While her mother is in judicial custody for allegedly brandishing a gun at farmers, her father is no different and has been on the wrong side of the law.

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The Centre has directed the Pune police to apprise it of the marital status of the parents of controversial IAS probationer Puja Khedkar amid allegations that she fraudulently availed of the OBC non-creamy layer benefit in the UPSC exam by claiming that they were separated, an official said.

Talking to PTI, a senior official of the Pune police confirmed that the central government has asked them to apprise it of whether the parents of Puja Khedkar - mother Manorama and father Dilip - were divorced.

We have been asked to find out and inform the central government about whether Puja Khedkars parents were divorced. In a nutshell, it has asked us to verify the actual status of their marriage/divorce, the official said.

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With inputs from PTI
With a drastic cut in UGC funding, the Centre signals its intent to overhaul the higher education sector setting the stage for the HECI as envisioned in the NEP 2020 read more

On July 23, 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget announced a major overhaul of funding allocations for higher education. The budget for the University Grants Commission was drastically reduced from rs6,809 crore to Rs2,900 crore, signalling a paradigm shift that may lead to the establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

UGC funding slashed: A 61 per cent reduction

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The University Grants Commission (UGC), the primary regulatory body for higher education in India, has experienced a significant budget cut, with its funding reduced by nearly 61 per cent from Rs 6,409 crore to Rs 2,500 crore. This reduction is expected to impact various higher education initiatives including research projects, scholarships and infrastructural development under UGCs jurisdiction. In contrast, Central universities have received a substantial increase in funding with allocations rising by over Rs 4,000 crore, bringing the total to Rs15,928 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Additionally, student aid for higher education has increased by Rs493 crore and the allocation for research and innovation has risen by Rs162 crore.

Vision of NEP 2020: HECI as a new regulatory paradigm

The NEP 2020 laid the foundation for a comprehensive reform of Indias education system advocating for the creation of the HECI. During a webinar on regulatory reforms under the Shikshak Parv initiative by the Ministry of Education on September 22, 2020, Dr (Mrs) Pankaj Mittal emphasised that the proposed regulatory reforms would pave the way for essential changes in teaching and learning.

HECI is envisioned to have four verticals:

National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC): Responsible for academic governance and regulations. General Education Council (GEC): Focused on setting educational standards. Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC): Tasked with funding responsibilities. National Accreditation Council (NAC): Dedicated to accreditation processes.

These verticals aim to establish a transparent regulatory mechanism that promotes quality, innovation, and autonomy in higher education.

Draft Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2018

The journey towards establishing HECI began in 2018 with the introduction of the Draft Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of University Grants Commission Act) Bill. Although the bill was never finalised, it proposed significant changes to the higher education regulatory landscape. The bill aimed to repeal the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 and establish HECI as the apex body to maintain academic standards, specify learning outcomes and set eligibility criteria for vice-chancellors. Moreover, it granted HECI the authority to close institutions failing to meet minimum standards and revoke permissions on specified grounds.

An advisory council, chaired by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, was proposed to ensure coordination and standard determination between the Centre and states.

Reworking the HECI Bill

In August 2022, the government announced its intention to rework the draft HECI Bill, aligning it with NEP 2020. The new draft emphasised the need to create a single regulatory body for college and university-level education, transcending disciplines. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed in an interview on October 11, 2023 that the HECI Bill would soon be introduced in Parliament. The proposed HECI would focus on three major roles: regulation, accreditation and setting professional standards. Funding would remain under the administrative ministrys autonomy, distinct from HECIs mandate.

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Challenges and criticisms of the UGC

The UGC has faced criticism over the years for its perceived inefficiencies and inability to adapt to the evolving complexities of higher education. In March 2015, a committee led by former UGC chairperson Hari Gautam recommended the scrapping of the UGC citing its failure to fulfill its mandate. The committee highlighted issues such as favouritism, lack of coordination and inadequate regulatory mechanisms which hindered the UGCs effectiveness.

Implications of HECIs establishment

The potential establishment of HECI marks a significant shift in Indias higher education landscape. By separating regulatory functions from funding responsibilities, HECI aims to create a more transparent, accountable and efficient system. The focus on academic governance, standard setting and accreditation aligns with global best practices fostering an environment conducive to innovation and excellence.
The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The US government employees must get special authorization to travel to these areas read more

The US has asked its nationals not to travel to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and parts of central and eastern parts of the country where Naxalites are active.

In a revised travel advisory for India, the State Department said it has updated to reflect information on the northeastern states.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk, it said.

Overall India has been placed at Level 2. But several parts of the country have been placed on Level 4: Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pak border, Manipur and parts of Central and East India.

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Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest; within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict; portions of Central and East India due to terrorism and Manipur due to violence and crime, said the State Department.

In addition, it recommended Americans to reconsider travel to the northeastern states due to terrorism and violence.

Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities, the travel advisory said.

The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The US government employees must get special authorization to travel to these areas, it said.

Placing Manipur at Level 4: Do Not Travel, the State Department said: Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement. Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis.

US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur. Similarly, terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC, it said.

India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but check its current status before you travel. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa. Only US citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India, it said.

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Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, the advisory said.

Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, it said.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, US government employees are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states. US government employees also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh, the advisory said.

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In addition, Northeastern States has been given  Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast. These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura, it said.

US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura, it said.
This years Budget stands out for its balanced approach, focusing on fiscal discipline, capital expenditure, regulatory simplification, job creation, and next-generation reforms, aiming to stimulate high growth and employment read more

Budgets have long been spectacles of grand announcements and symbolic gestures. One such memorable instance is ND Tiwaris sindoor budget of 1988-89 captivated the nation by including tax exemptions on items like sindoor and kajal. This move charmed the public and etched its place in budget folklore. These gestures, designed to win hearts and votes, are now part and parcel of the budgets legacy.

While a budget is technically an account of government receipts and expenditures, it often comes with a flurry of significant announcements. This years budget highlights five key areas of focus. First and foremost is the ongoing commitment to fiscal discipline, a hallmark of the NDA government over the past decade. The Centre has ambitiously cut its fiscal deficit target for FY25 to 4.9 per cent of GDP, down from 5.1 per cent. Looking ahead, the government aims to further reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.5 per cent or less by FY26, adhering strictly to its proposed fiscal glide path by the financial year 2025-26. This is especially important because government expenditure is the major lever of our economic growth. Sticking to this glide path, especially under these conditions is commendable. Obviously, the enhanced dividend from RBI has been helpful for the government.

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Second, this budget mirrors its predecessors by dedicating a hefty Rs 11,11,111 crore, or 3.4 per cent of GDP, to capital expenditure. This investment aims to harness the powerful multiplier effect of infrastructure development. A study by Sukanya Bose and NR Bhanumurthy reveals the capital expenditure multiplier stands at 2.45, far outstripping the transfer payments multiplier of 0.98 and other revenue expenditure multipliers of 0.99.

The budget also incentivises states to carry out capital expenditure and has made provisions for 1.5 lakh crore for long-term interest-free loans. The private sector will also be incentivised through viability gap funding, enabling policies, and a market-based financing framework. Specific initiatives such as Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aim to provide all-weather connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations. Significant investments are also allocated for flood mitigation and irrigation projects across Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, addressing immediate needs and long-term resilience.

Third, a few commentators are highlighting this, but this years budget has made significant strides in promoting simplification and reducing complexity. Simplifying rules, statutes, and policies reduces complexity, minimises litigation, and enhances both the ease of doing business and living. Streamlined regulations provide clarity and predictability, lowering compliance risks and administrative burdens for businesses and individuals. This fosters a competitive market environment, enabling quicker decision-making and resource allocation towards productive activities like innovation and expansion. For citizens, simplified policies improve access to government services, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote inclusivity by making compliance more straightforward.

The finance minister has proposed a comprehensive review of the rate structure over the next six months to rationalise and simplify it for easier trade, elimination of duty inversion, and reduction of disputes. Further, a few years ago, the government introduced a streamlined tax regime with fewer exemptions. To encourage more taxpayers to adopt this system, the budget has made it more appealing by tweaking the tax slabs and increasing the standard deduction to Rs 75,000. Moreover, the FM has also announced that there will be a comprehensive review of the Income-tax Act, 1961, with the aim to make the Act concise, lucid, easy to read and understand.

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Furthermore, the rules and regulations for foreign direct investment (FDI) and Overseas Investments will be streamlined to facilitate foreign investments, encourage strategic prioritisation, and promote the use of the Indian Rupee for overseas investments. This is important because simplifying these regulations will attract more foreign investments, help focus resources on key areas, and strengthen the global presence of the Indian Rupee.

Apart from this, the government has also rationalised long-term capital gain tax. The removal of indexation benefits on sale of property will surely lead to simplification. However, one must acknowledge that it would also increase the overall tax liability. This will take a toll on the real estate market.

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The FM also mentioned the governments intent to enact Jan Vishvas Bill 2.0. It will further promote ease of business and living in India.

Fourth, the spotlight has turned to job creation. Despite the PLFS data indicating record-low unemployment, the government acknowledges the critical need to generate sustainable, high-quality employment opportunities. The Union Budget has prioritized employment generation through a comprehensive Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, which includes three targeted initiatives. Scheme A provides a direct benefit transfer of one-month salary, up to Rs 15,000, to first-time employees in the formal sector, with an estimated reach of 210 lakh youth. Scheme B incentivises additional employment in the manufacturing sector by covering EPFO contributions for both employees and employers over four years, benefiting 30 lakh individuals. Scheme C reimburses employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for EPFO contributions for two years, fostering the employment of 50 lakh additional workers.

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Additionally, the budget aims to enhance womens workforce participation through infrastructure support and specialised skilling programmes, and to upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes under a new skilling initiative targeting 20 lakh youth over five years. Lastly, revised Skilling Loans and new Education Loans are introduced to support skill development and higher education, benefiting 25,000 and 1 lakh students annually, respectively.

Fifth, this budget has reform orientation and creates a template for reforms in Modi 3.0, targeting next-generation economic enhancements to stimulate high growth and employment. It delineates a multi-faceted approach to improving the productivity of land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship, and leveraging technology. Land reforms focus on digitizing cadastral maps, establishing land registries, and implementing GIS-based property record systems, thereby enhancing land administration and urban financial health. Labour reforms aim to integrate employment and skilling services through comprehensive databases and revamped Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals, optimising compliance and job-market matching.

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Capital and entrepreneurship reforms introduce a financial sector vision and strategy document, preparing the sector in terms of size, capacity, and skills, and develop a taxonomy for climate finance to support green transition initiatives. Additionally, legislative support for a Variable Capital Company structure will provide flexible financing mechanisms for leasing aircraft and ships, and pooled funds for private equity, addressing the economys financing needs efficiently.

Overall, it is a balanced budget. It stands out for its balanced approach, focusing on fiscal discipline, capital expenditure, regulatory simplification, job creation, and next-generation reforms, aiming to stimulate high growth and employment.

Aditya Sinha (X:@adityasinha004) is OSD, Research at Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
But the best tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives would be to prevent the adversary from capitalising on a weakness it has identified read more

Among the four personnel of the 10 Rashtriya Rifles who laid down their lives in an encounter in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 15, was 27-year-old Captain Brijesh Thapa, the son of Colonel Bhuwanesh Thapa (Retd) from the Garhwal Rifles. The other three soldiers were Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay. As Brijeshs mother, Nilima Thapa, said, He will never come home.

Brijesh was born on January 15, 1997, in Jalandhar, and after studying in various schools around the country, including Army School Mumbai, he did his BTech in Computer Science and joined OTA Chennai, from where he was commissioned into the Army Air Defence in September 2019. Promoted as a captain last month, he was serving with 10 Rashtriya Rifles. A third-generation Army officer, Brijesh was a music lover and played the guitar well. He is survived by his parents and an older sister.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army soldiers in a counter-terrorism operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Facing up to the tragic loss

Colonel BK Thapa, the father of Captain Brijesh Thapa, who is settled in Darjeeling, said, Brijesh spoke to me last on the morning of July 14. He said he had just come down (from the higher reaches where militants are holed up) and that he had been asked to go back to the hills following an intelligence input. He said he would be leaving soon, and I asked him to be careful.

Col Thapa said he learned about the loss of his son at 10.45 pm on July 15 from the Army. The CO called me and said that Brijesh fought well, but unfortunately we lost him. I am proud of Brijesh. He fought from the front and gave up his life for the country. He didnt run away. Its a hard climb of six to seven hours, where they had to go up.

I could not believe it when I was informed that he was no more. He always wanted to be in the Army, right from his childhood. He used to wear my Army dress and roam around. Even after he completed his engineering, he still wanted to join the Army.

He cleared the exam in the first attempt and joined the Army. I feel proud that my son has done something for the security of the nation. The sad part is we wont be able to meet him again, said the grieving father.

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What makes a nation strong are people like Colonel Thapa, who, after the loss of their son, are able to maintain their poise. It requires tremendous courage to express feelings in the manner he did.

The final salute

The scenes at the funeral of young Brijesh were enough to bring tears to anyones eyes as his parents, along with his sister, walked in step to pay their last respects to their son, whose mortal remains lay in a coffin draped in the national flag. With his sister trying to comfort both her parents, and yet after laying the wreath, Colonel Thapa raised his right hand to say, Bharat Mata ki Jai.

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The sound of the last post and the handing over of the folded national flag at military funerals, though extremely dignified, are not things that need to be witnessed, especially on a recurring basis. It is even more traumatic for the family to bid such a farewell.

The ethos of the army

The army has a long list of martyrs, which includes those like Brijesh who followed in the family footsteps and donned the uniform, as well as those who took the path of soldiering based on a sense of patriotism. What binds all of them together is the values they stood for and the fact that they always put the interests of the country and the organisation above anything else.

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They continue to stand by the credo of the Army, which has been beautifully encapsulated in the words of Sir Philip Chetwode in 1932:

The safety, honour, and welfare of your country come first, always and every time.

The honour, welfare, and comfort of the men you command come next.

Your own ease, comfort, and safety come last, always and every time.

The fate of a country depends on how well its soldiers fight. In the Indian context, there are innumerable examples of ordinary men achieving extraordinary results on the battlefield. The ethos of the Indian Army plays a vital part in shaping them. This also includes a high sense of regimentation and the fact that the izzat; Naam, Nimak, and Nishan of a unit is above all. There is also a strong moral code, sound leadership, good training, motivation and high morale.

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When we look back at the 25 years of the Kargil Conflict, there are many other stories that exemplify the spirit of the Armed Forces. These include Lieutenant Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra, whose exemplary conduct during the Kargil war typifies the code of conduct of the Armed Services. Lieutenant Manoj Pandey constantly and persistently volunteered for the most difficult missions. In his diary, he had noted before the commencement of the war, If death strikes before I prove my blood, I promise I will kill death. He continued to lead mission after mission on the snow-covered slopes, and when he was mortally wounded and lay dying on his last mission, he said, I regret that I have only one life to give up for my country.

Captain Vikram Batra was nicknamed Sher Shah by Pakistanis. He is the one who made famous the quote dil mange more that typifies the spirit of the Indian Army. Prior to his last mission, he said, Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure!" Another name that comes to mind is Lieutenant Vijyant Thapar. In the last letter he wrote home, he said, By the time you get this letter, Ill be observing you all from the sky, enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I have no regrets; in fact, even if I become a human again, Ill join the Army and fight for my nation.

These are ordinary men who led from the front and exemplified the spirit of the Indian Army while achieving extraordinary results. It is men such as these and many more of their ilk, including Brijesh Thapa, who continue to inspire future generations with their legacy of bravery and determination. The Indian Army stands tall because people like them have further enriched its rich military culture.

Conclusion

These young soldiers have displayed uncommon bravery and sacrificed their lives for the love of the country. Their dedication and commitment remain unparalleled, for which we salute them. While there is no doubt that there is a sense of pride, there is also a sense of grief, as the loss suffered is impossible to cope with. The burden of loss endures.

In 1935, General Ludwig von Beck, the German Chief of the General Staff, announced that the principles underlying the successful waging of war had not been changed by the technical revolution [and that] human beings and not machines, were still the real instruments of war.

>Our human resources remain our prime battle-winning factor. While we pay our tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives for their courage and commitment, it is also the responsibility of the state to ensure that a situation for them to make the supreme sacrifice does not arise, and if it does, it should not go in vain. We cannot afford a constantly inflating martyr list.

There are many questions that need to be answered regarding the rise of terrorism in this area, and there are also issues relating to what has caused this rise as well as the manner in which it should be dealt with.

But the best tribute to them would be to prevent the adversary from capitalising on a weakness it has identified. The challenge needs to be overcome with intent and resolve. Terror needs not only to be eliminated, but such incidents must also be made costly and futile. If there is one lesson for us from the Doda attack, it is clear and categorical: That the time has come to plug security loopholes and send Pakistan a strong message.

The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Democrats have several talented leaders and a competitive process would have thrown up the best candidate to challenge Donald Trump, who is a formidable opponent. That now seems unlikely and could become a missed opportunity read more

After resisting for 24 days, Joe Biden finally pulled out of the presidential race on Sunday, July 21, establishing yet again that in life and politics it is impossible to dodge the inevitable! In so doing he managed to put the party and nation above his own ego and ambition, even if reluctantly, thereby salvaging his legacy and paving the way for a credible challenge to be mounted against Donald Trumps bid for a second term.

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Since his disastrous performance at the June 27 debate with Trump, even his closest friends and well-wishers were urging him to step aside. Biden, however, was adamant that he was best placed to stop Trump. He claimed that his debate performance was a one-off episode and even if he didnt walk or talk like he did 40 years ago, he was hale and hearty.

He tried to demonstrate his fitness through campaign rallies, meetings and interviews which naturally failed to dispel misgivings about his physical and cognitive well-being. His deteriorating condition was evident to all for months but no one was willing to say it out loud.

Almost immediately thereafter the liberal media was inundated with editorials and op-eds by widely respected journalists and public figures calling upon him to pull out of the race. In a guest essay in a leading newspaper, George Clooney, a prominent fund-raiser for the Democratic party, was frank: We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we wont win the House, and were going to lose the Senate.

This intensified the pressure on Biden more so because it was made known that the essay had been seen, but not objected to, by Barack Obama, a party heavy weight, before its release. Many other key donors simply held back their contributions.

The scale further tilted against the President with the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, who overnight acquired a new halo around him. As it is, he was leading in opinion polls. Now he seemed invincible. He consolidated his position further by nominating the youthful Senator JD Vance, as his running mate. The contrast between an energetic and defiant Trump, and a frail and forgetful Biden, could not become starker.

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The galvanised Republicans put up an impressive show of unity and sense of purpose at the party convention last week in which Trump was formally anointed as the nominee. Nikki Haley, who was the last to drop out of the race after a spirited fight, also extended her support while suggesting that the party should broaden its reach: We are stronger when we welcome people into our party who have different backgrounds and experiences.

In his acceptance speech, the candidate essentially claimed that he was destined to be the next President as his life was saved for a purpose, by divine intervention. He tried to rise above partisan politics by calling for healing discord and division in our society. Done with sounding statesman-like he reverted to being himself and tore into the Democrats, terming Biden the worst President in history, who had flooded the country with illegal immigrants, ruined the economy, and plunged the world into conflicts.

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Meanwhile the ranks of Democratic lawmakers wanting the President to withdraw started to swell. Some of them were tacitly nudged by former House speaker and Democratic stalwart Nancy Pelosi who advised them to follow their conscience. She publicly asked Biden to take a decision, as time was running out and also spoke to him privately.

The President felt let-down by her and Obama. To add to his woes, he was diagnosed as Covid positive on July 17 and forced to halt his campaign. Next, his inner circle reportedly apprised him of the findings of a private opinion poll that he was on a losing wicket. This was the proverbial last straw.

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On July 21, he issued a letter to the public acknowledging 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. He will continue as President for the remainder of his term.

In his letter he merely thanked Kamala Harris but soon thereafter endorsed her as his nominee for the presidential election: 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.

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In her acceptance statement the vice president displayed considerable political acumen in pledging to earn and win this nomination. She knew that her nomination was not a done deal in the Democratic party and that the US President was not a monarch who could pass on the crown to his chosen successor. She wisely let it be known that she was ready to earn her spurs.

The development electrified the Democratic party. Support for Kamala Harris increased by the hour, pouring-in from all quarters. Significantly Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as Nancy Pelosi were quick to wholeheartedly endorse her candidature and so did most lawmakers and governors. The donors gave a thumbs-up by contributing a record $81 million to her campaign, in 24 hours.

The African-American, women and Latino voters are particularly enthused by her nomination. The disposition of the white voters remains uncertain. Significantly President Barack Obama in his statement praising Joe Biden noted: I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. He did not endorse Harris.

The Democratic party convention is slated to start on August 19, but she has already managed to receive endorsements from a majority of the 4,000 delegates. Every effort is being made to have her as the sole candidate and pre-empt others from throwing their hats in the ring. Though the party is rallying around her, Harris has not exactly set the Potomac river on fire as Vice President, to lay an automatic claim on the ticket, by virtue of Bidens endorsement.

The gravitas of the process would have been enhanced if it had been transparent and open. Democrats are fortunate to have several talented leaders and a competitive process would have been ideal to throw-up the best candidate to challenge Donald Trump who is a formidable opponent. That now seems unlikely and could become a missed opportunity!

The author is a foreign affairs specialist and an ex-envoy to Canada and South Korea. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Reports from various Korean media outlets suggest that Apple has now chosen a final design for the iPhone Fold. Unlike a book-style fold that opens into a larger screen, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a clamshell design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Flip read more

The folding iPhone has been codenamed "v68." This report aligns with the predicted two-year development cycle and suggests that the device will maintain similar dimensions to current iPhones. Image Credit: iOS Beta News

Apples long-rumoured foldable iPhone, now informally dubbed the iPhone Fold, is reportedly set to arrive sooner than expected. If rumours are anything to go by, Apple may be potentially launching its first foldable iPhone with the iPhone 18 range. This new timeline suggests a release in 2026, a year ahead of the previously speculated 2027 date.

The concept of a foldable iPhone has been circulating for years, especially given that foldable phones from competitors like Samsung have already been in the market for years now. According to a report by Digitimes, a Taiwanese tech media outlet, Apple might have accelerated its development schedule.

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The report indicates that Apple started formal research on foldable technology as early as 2004, coinciding with the signing of a contract with Samsung. Assuming Apple follows its usual two-year product development cycle, this positions the iPhone Fold for a 2026 release.

Reports from various Korean media outlets suggest that Apple has now chosen a final design for the iPhone Fold. Unlike a book-style fold that opens into a larger screen, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a clamshell design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Flip.

This means the phone will fold top-down, with the top half covering the bottom half when closed. This design approach keeps the folded device compact and pocketable while retaining a regular-size iPhone form factor when opened.

A second report from The Information corroborates Digitimes details, adding that the folding iPhone has been codenamed v68. This report aligns with the predicted two-year development cycle and suggests that the device will maintain similar dimensions to current iPhones.

There is no confirmation yet on whether the exterior of the folded iPhone will feature an additional screen, a design element seen in some other foldable phones.

One significant consideration in the design of the iPhone Fold is the overall thickness when folded. A regular iPhone folded in half would result in a chassis twice the thickness, potentially making the device bulkier than desired.

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This has led to speculation that Apple may be working on a slimmer iPhone design to mitigate this issue.

Previously, there were reports that Apple might first introduce a foldable device in the form of an iPad mini. However, the latest information suggests that Apple now is now prioritising an iPhone Fold. This shift could be driven by market demand and the competitive landscape, where foldable phones are gaining popularity.

If Apple succeeds in launching the iPhone Fold by 2026, it would mark a significant milestone in the evolution of smartphones, potentially setting new standards for design and functionality in the foldable category. The success of such a device would also impact Apples positioning against competitors like Samsung, which has been a leader in foldable smartphone technology.

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While the rumour of an upcoming iPhone Fold is still speculation at best, multiple reports from reputable outlets lend credibility to the timeline and design choices. But, as with any rumour, its important to approach these reports with caution.

However, given Apples history of innovation and the growing interest in foldable devices, the possibility of seeing an iPhone Fold in the near future is certainly intriguing. Whether it arrives in 2026 or later, the development of a foldable iPhone will be a significant step forward in mobile technology.
The Change-5 missions findings, along with previous discoveries by Chandrayaan-1 and NASAs SOFIA, contribute to a growing body of evidence that water is present on the Moon read more

Using a sample provided by the China National Space Administration, researchers isolated over 1,000 mineral clasts. Among these was a plate-like transparent crystal, named "unknown lunar mineral" (ULM-1), which contained water molecules. Image Credit: China National Space Administration

Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of water molecules in lunar soil, a finding that could significantly enhance our understanding of the Moons evolution.

This discovery was based on studies conducted on lunar soil samples brought back by Chinas Change-5 mission in 2020, and it challenges the longstanding notion that the Moon is completely dry, and that water is present only in ice form.

Decades ago, American Apollo astronauts brought back lunar samples that showed no signs of water, leading scientists to conclude that the lunar soil was entirely dry. This conclusion was supported by NASA, which asserted that the Moons surface lacked water. However, advances in technology and further explorations have slowly begun to challenge this notion.

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In 2009, Indias Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft detected signs of hydrated minerals, indicating the presence of water molecules in sunlit areas of the Moon. This was a significant step forward, but it wasnt until 2020 that NASA announced the discovery of water on the Moons sunlit surface using data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). These findings were primarily based on remote sensing and microanalysis techniques, which suggested that water could exist in the form of hydrogen and oxygen molecules.

The Change-5 mission, which retrieved lunar samples from the Moons near side in 2020, has provided a fresh opportunity to investigate the presence of water. These samples were younger and from a higher latitude than those collected by previous Apollo and Soviet Luna missions. The research, carried out by scientists from the Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was published in the journal Nature Astronomy on July 16.

Using a sample provided by the China National Space Administration, researchers isolated over 1,000 mineral clasts. Among these was a plate-like transparent crystal, named unknown lunar mineral (ULM-1), which contained water molecules. The team ruled out contamination from terrestrial sources or rocket exhaust, suggesting the water-bearing mineral originated on the Moon.

This discovery is significant because it provides direct evidence of water molecules in lunar soil, contradicting earlier conclusions of a dry Moon devoid of liquid water. The presence of water in lunar soil has massive implications for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilization.

The Change-5 missions findings, along with previous discoveries by Chandrayaan-1 and NASAs SOFIA, contribute to a growing body of evidence that water is present on the Moon.

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Chinas Change-6 mission, which returned with up to 2kg of soil and rock samples from the Moons far side earlier in June of 2024, is expected to provide further insights. These samples, collected from one of the Moons oldest basins, will help researchers continue to unravel lunar mysteries, including the presence and distribution of water.

In summary, the discovery of water molecules in lunar soil by Chinese scientists marks a significant milestone in lunar research. It not only challenges the long-held belief of a dry Moon but also opens up new possibilities for future lunar exploration and resource utilization. As more missions return with lunar samples, our understanding of the Moons water content and its implications for space exploration will continue to evolve.
Despite the potential benefits, Wiz decided to reject Alphabets offer and focus on its independent growth path. This decision was communicated through a memo by Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport, who highlighted the companys intent to shift focus towards an IPO read more

Despite the potential benefits, Wiz decided to reject Alphabet's offer and focus on its independent growth path. Image Credit: Reuters

Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz has decided to terminate acquisition talks with Alphabet, the parent company of Google, regarding a proposed $23 billion deal. This decision was communicated through a memo by Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport, who highlighted the companys intent to shift focus towards an initial public offering (IPO), as originally planned.

Rappaports memo expressed confidence in the decision to decline Alphabets acquisition offer, emphasizing the strength and capability of Wizs exceptional team. Although neither Alphabet nor Wiz have officially confirmed the discussions, sources familiar with the matter have indicated that such talks were indeed taking place.

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The proposed acquisition would have been Alphabets largest ever, aimed at bolstering its position in the competitive cloud services market, where it competes with giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Wiz provides a service that scans cloud storage providers, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, for security risks.

Despite the potential benefits, Wiz decided to reject Alphabets offer and focus on its independent growth path. In an internal email, the company stated, While we are flattered by offers we have received, we have chosen to continue on our path to building Wiz. The email also outlined the companys ambitious targets of reaching $1 billion in annual recurring revenue and pursuing an IPO.

Rappaports memo further elaborated on the decision, stating, Saying no to such humbling offers is tough, but with our exceptional team, I feel confident in making that choice. The market validation we have experienced following this news only reinforces our goal  creating a platform that both security and development teams love.

Neither Wiz nor Alphabet had released official statements about the termination of the deal talks by Tuesday morning.

However, scepticism had been growing regarding whether the deal would pass regulatory scrutiny, given the increasing regulatory pressure on big tech acquisitions. Recent examples include Adobe abandoning its $20 billion takeover of Figma due to concerns from European and UK regulators, and the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commissions heightened scrutiny of major players in the AI market, such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia.

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Founded in 2020, Wiz has quickly grown and was valued at $12 billion during a funding round in May. This round attracted prominent investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Thrive Capital. Wiz boasts a significant customer base, claiming that 40% of Fortune 100 companies use its services, and it is currently generating $350 million in annual recurring revenue.

With this decision, Wiz is set to continue its journey as an independent company, focusing on growth and innovation in the cybersecurity sector. The rejection of Alphabets offer underscores the startups confidence in its vision and strategy for the future.
This marks the first time that a Superheavy Element has been created by humans, in this manner. The successful creation of element 116 has set the stage for the teams next ambitious goal: synthesising element 120 read more

A team of scientists and researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California recently announced a groundbreaking achievement: the creation of livermorium, or element 116, using a titanium particle beam.

This marks the first time livermorium has been synthesized with this method, bringing researchers closer to the elusive island of stability, where superheavy elements are theorized to have longer lifespans, making them easier to study. More importantly, this marks the first time that a Superheavy Element has been created by humans, in this manner.

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Reiner Kruecken, the director of nuclear science at Berkeley Lab, expressed optimism about the discovery, noting the cooperative nature of the experiment. He mentioned that producing element 120, the next target, would take significantly longer but now appears feasible. This announcement was made at the Nuclear Structure 2024 conference, with the research paper soon to be available on the preprint repository arXiv and submitted to the journal Physical Review Letters.

Innovative Use of Titanium Beam to Create Element 116

In their experiment, the scientists utilized a beam of titanium-50, a specific isotope, to generate livermorium, making it the heaviest element created at Berkeley Lab to date. This laboratory has a rich history of elemental discovery, contributing to the identification of 16 elements ranging from Technetium (43) to Seaborgium (106).

Jacklyn Gates, who led the recent effort, expressed confidence in the results, stating that the chances of the findings being a statistical anomaly were incredibly slim. The process involved heating titanium to nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,649 degrees Celsius) until it vaporized. The team then bombarded the vaporized titanium with microwaves, stripping it of 22 electrons and preparing the ions for acceleration in Berkeley Labs 88-Inch Cyclotron.

The accelerated titanium ions were directed at a plutonium target, with trillions of ions striking the target each second. This intense bombardment ultimately led to the creation of two livermorium atoms over a 22-day period. Using titanium for this purpose represents a new technique for synthesising heavier elements, as previous elements in this range, from 114 to 118, were made using a calcium-48 beam.

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Jennifer Pore, a nuclear physicist in Berkeley Labs heavy element group, highlighted the significance of this method. Creating element 116 with titanium validates this new approach, setting the stage for future experiments to produce even heavier elements, such as element 120.

The hunt for Element 120

The successful creation of element 116 has set the stage for the teams next ambitious goal: synthesising element 120. If achieved, element 120 would be the heaviest atom yet created and a part of the island of stability, a theoretical group of superheavy elements predicted to have longer lifespans than those discovered so far.

The lab plans to start attempting to create element 120 in 2025. The process is expected to take several years, reflecting the complexity and challenges inherent in this cutting-edge research. The physicists are navigating the frontiers of the periodic table, striving to push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding by exploring the limits of atomic stability.

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This significant achievement not only demonstrates the innovative capabilities of Berkeley Labs scientists but also paves the way for future discoveries in the realm of superheavy elements, potentially unlocking new insights into the fundamental nature of matter.
Llama 3.1 is Metas most advanced AI model to date. The company asserts that this model has outperformed prominent models like GPT-4 and Anthropics Claude 3.5 Sonnet in various benchmarks read more

Meta is expanding the capabilities of its Llama-based AI assistant to additional countries and languages. The assistant can now generate images based on a person's unique appearance and is available in 22 countries. Image Credit: Reuters

Meta has announced the release of its latest AI model, Llama 3.1, on July 23, marking a significant milestone in the AI industry. Since April, Meta has been hinting at this release, and it has now come to fruition with the claim that Llama 3.1 is the largest-ever open-source AI model, surpassing top competitors in several benchmarks.

Llama 3.1 is Metas most advanced AI model to date. The company asserts that this model has outperformed prominent models like GPT-4 and Anthropics Claude 3.5 Sonnet in various benchmarks.

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This represents a significant leap from last years Llama 2, which was only on par with older generations of AI models. Llama 3.1, however, is now competitive with the most advanced models available, excelling in several areas.

In a blog post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the parallels between open-source AI models and the evolution of Linux, which surpassed proprietary operating systems to become a dominant force in modern devices and infrastructure.

He emphasized that Metas investment in open-source AI is akin to its previous Open Compute Project, which led to substantial cost savings through collaborative innovation.

Zuckerberg believes that the release of Llama 3.1 marks an inflection point in the AI industry, predicting that most developers will soon prefer open-source models, driving advancements and efficiencies.

He anticipates that open-source development will become increasingly prevalent, much like the success of the Open Compute Project in data centre design and operations.

Llama 3.1 will be accessible on all major cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, Google, Oracle, and others. Companies like Scale.AI, Dell, Deloitte, and more are prepared to help enterprises adopt Llama and train custom models using their own data.

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However, Meta has not disclosed the specific source data used to train Llama 3.1, maintaining some secrecy around its training process.

Meta is expanding the capabilities of its Llama-based AI assistant to additional countries and languages. The assistant can now generate images based on a persons unique appearance and is available in 22 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Cameroon.

Additionally, Meta AI supports new languages such as French, German, Hindi, Hindi-Romanised Script, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, with more languages to be added in the future. Users can interact with Meta AI across WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook in these new languages.

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The release of Llama 3.1 represents a significant advancement in the AI industry, positioning Meta as a leader in open-source AI development. By making Llama 3.1 widely accessible and supporting its adoption across various platforms and languages, Meta aims to foster innovation and efficiency in the AI community. This move is expected to catalyze a shift towards open-source AI models, much like the impact of open-source software in other domains.
Microsoft claims that the global outage on Friday caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update package was the result of EUs overtly zealous position in regulating tech companies, which prevented Microsoft from applying security measures that could have blocked the update read more

Microsoft's own security tool, Windows Defender, serves as an alternative to CrowdStrike. However, due to the 2009 agreement, Microsoft had to allow multiple security providers to install their software at the kernel level. Image credit: Reuters

Microsoft, in a bid to explain what exactly is wrong with their systems that led to a worldwide epidemic of computer crashes and the much dreaded BSOD or Blue Screen of Death, is pointing fingers at the European Unions stringent regulations. The outage, which occurred on Friday was one of the largest in recent history, and was triggered by a faulty security update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.

The issue traces back to a 2009 dictat imposed by the European Commission. This agreement prevented Microsoft from implementing security measures that could have blocked the problematic update, claims the Redmond-based tech giant, claims a report by Gizmodo.

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According to Microsoft, the constraints of its agreement with EU led to an estimated 8.5 million computers experiencing failures worldwide, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The impact of the outage was widespread and severe. Thousands of flights were delayed or cancelled, leaving passengers stranded in airports around the globe. The UKs National Health Service (NHS) faced significant disruptions, and contactless payment systems were rendered inoperative. 911 emergency services in some states in the US were also forced to shut down. Several stock exchanges around the world, including the London Stock Exchange, were also forced to shut down.

The root of the problem was identified as a defective update for CrowdStrikes Falcon system, a cybersecurity tool designed to prevent cyberattacks. Falcon has privileged access to a critical component of computers known as the kernel.

Microsofts own security tool, Windows Defender, serves as an alternative to CrowdStrike. However, due to the 2009 agreement, Microsoft had to allow multiple security providers to install their software at the kernel level.

This agreement stemmed from longstanding accusations by the European Commission, dating back to the early 2000s, that Microsoft was leveraging its dominant Windows software to gain an unfair advantage over other companies.

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In contrast, Apples approach in 2020 was to block access to the kernel on its Mac computers, arguing that this move would enhance security and reliability. However, Microsoft stated that it could not implement a similar change due to the EU agreement.

The outage affected up to 8.5 million Windows devices, which Microsoft clarified represents less than 1% of all machines using the software. Despite the seemingly small percentage, the impact was substantial because CrowdStrikes security solutions are widely used by businesses.

CrowdStrike has acknowledged the issue and reported that a significant number of the affected computers are now back online. The company has apologized for the disruption caused by the faulty update.

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Meanwhile, the European Union is continuing its efforts to regulate Big Tech companies under its new Digital Markets Act. This includes measures aimed at forcing Apple to open its iPhone ecosystem to allow alternative app stores and web browsers.

As the fallout from this outage continues, it underscores the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and technological innovation. While the intent behind the EUs regulations was to ensure fair competition, the unintended consequences have highlighted the complexities involved in managing global cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.
Where Biden used to target Trump as a broad threat to democracy, Harris took a more personal, targeted approach by pointing to her record as a California prosecutor who had dealt with what she said were predators and fraudsters like the former president and convicted felon read more

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters during her first campaign event as a candidate for president at West Allis High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S. Reuters

An exuberant Kamala Harris whipped up a rapturous crowd Tuesday at her first rally since effectively clinching the Democratic presidential nomination, as she launched fresh attacks on Donald Trump for trying to take the country backward.

In a stark contrast to outgoing President Joe Bidens often stumbling and low-energy speeches, Vice President Harris gave a punchy and enthusiastic address that was greeted with cheers at the event in the battleground state of Wisconsin.

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Harris, 59, is injecting fresh hope into the Democratic party, following 81-year-old Bidens stunning exit from the race after a disastrous debate with Trump fueled fears about his age and mental competency.

Donald Trump wants to take our country backward, Harris told the crowd in Milwaukee. Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?

Where Biden used to target Trump as a broad threat to democracy, Harris took a more personal, targeted approach by pointing to her record as a California prosecutor who had dealt with what she said were predators and fraudsters like the former president and convicted felon.

So hear me when I say I know Donald Trumps type, she said, echoing comments she made to campaign workers on Monday. I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week.

Trust women

Harris notably focused on abortion, accusing Trump of trying to ban the procedure and saying that we trust women to make decisions about their own bodies and not have their government tell them what to do.

The pumped-up crowd repeatedly chanted Kam-a-la during her speech in Milwaukee, the same city where Trump was crowned Republican nominee at his partys conference just last week.

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Trumps campaign has been thrown into turmoil after the Biden departure, which now makes him the oldest ever US presidential candidate. But Trump insisted that Harris would be easier to beat in November than her boss.

Trump, who survived an assassination attempt on July 13, also told reporters he would absolutely take part in at least one presidential debate with Harris.

Harris  who is the first female, Black and South Asian veep in US history and aiming to become the countrys first woman president  took just 36 hours to secure enough delegates to be nominated after Bidens withdrawal.

Top Democratic congressional chiefs  Senator Chuck Schumer and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries  threw their weight behind her in a press conference Tuesday.

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Hollywood star George Clooney  who made waves earlier this month as one of the first high-profile Democratic activists to urge Biden to drop his reelection bid  also backed her.

What lies ahead

Biden meanwhile returned to the White House after nearly a week in isolation with Covid at his Delaware beach house, during which he made his shock exit announcement.

Biden announced he will deliver a primetime speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday about what lies ahead.

Asked by reporters what he would say as he arrived back, Biden replied: Watch and listen. Why dont you wait and hear what I say?

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Bidens doctor said he was now all clear of Covid.

Both he and Harris are due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week when he visits Washington.

Harriss official nomination should now come by August 7 in an online vote of delegates nearly two weeks before the celebratory Democratic convention in Chicago.

Support continued to pour in with the United Steelworkers Union and philanthropist Melinda French Gates, the ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, both endorsing.

Harriss campaign also announced it had raised $100 million since her entry into the White House race, with 62 percent of donations coming from first time donors.

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A poll released on Tuesday taken after Biden stepped down showed Harris two points ahead of Trump.

But Harris has less than four months to prove to US voters that she has what it takes  and she admitted at the Milwaukee rally that there was hard work ahead.
Taliban officials partnered with diplomats and businessmen from Beijing at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday as excavators began work on a road to the remote site. The time wasted in the implementation of the project should be recuperated with speedy work, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar told attendees read more

Chinese engineers and the Taliban government broke ground in Afghanistan on Wednesday on a project to mine the worlds second-largest copper deposit after a 16-year delay caused by war.

Surveyors estimate Mes Aynak, 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Kabul, contains 11.5 million tonnes of copper ore, a vital electronics component that has surged in price.

A $3 billion deal signed in 2008 gave a Chinese state-owned firm mining rights but it never came to fruition as combat raged between NATO-led troops and Taliban insurgents.

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Taliban officials partnered with diplomats and businessmen from Beijing at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday as excavators began work on a road to the remote site.

The time wasted in the implementation of the project should be recuperated with speedy work, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar told attendees.

Violence has waned since the 2021 Taliban takeover after the withdrawal of foreign troops, and Kabuls new rulers are keen to exploit Afghanistans vast reserves of natural resources.

The nine-kilometre (six-mile) road in Logar province is scheduled to be completed early next year.

Taliban officials said it would likely be at least two years before the first copper was extracted by the China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC).

Copper hit record prices in May and analysts say a boom in electric vehicles, renewable energy such as wind turbines and artificial intelligence  which relies on power-hungry data centres  will sustain soaring demand.

Neighbouring China accounts for more than half the global consumption of the conductive metal.

China was one of only a handful of missions that remained in Kabul when the US-backed government fell to Taliban forces in 2021 and analysts say Beijing is expanding its influence to explore profitable projects.

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The US Geological Survey has estimated Afghanistans untapped mineral riches at $1 trillion.

The economic and trade relations between the two countries are becoming increasingly close, Chinas ambassador to Afghanistan Zhao Xing said at the ceremony.

Security remains a major hurdle.

Even though violence has dropped significantly, the Islamic State group has carried out several attacks on foreigners in Afghanistan.

At least five Chinese nationals were wounded when gunmen stormed a Kabul hotel popular with Beijing businessmen in 2022.

Wednesdays ceremony took place under the watch of dozens of armed guards, and Taliban officials pledged repeatedly to protect project staff.

Earlier plans to mine Mes Aynak were also complicated by the presence of a trove of archaeological relics from an ancient Buddhist settlement that dates back between 1,000 and 2,000 years.

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The Taliban notoriously dynamited giant statues of Buddhas carved into Bamiyan mountains during their first rule from 1996-2001.

However, they have pledged since their return to preserve antiquities, including relics from religions other than Islam.
China is holding a meeting aimed at bolstering its South Asia connect, with Nepals newly formed KP Sharma Oli government sending its foreign secretary to deliver a keynote address. Chinas forum is a minus-India forum for its South Asia outreach campaign read more

Continuing its South Asia outreach, which is particularly aimed at circling India with its allies, China is currently holding the 5th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum (CSACF) meeting in Kunming, Yunnan. The six-day meet began on Tuesday (July 23) and will conclude on July 28. Nepal, which has just seen a regime change, with pro-China KP Sharma Oli becoming the prime minister last week, has sent its foreign secretary, Sewa Lamsal, to deliver a keynote address at the forum on Wednesday.

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The 5th CSACF marks a significant diplomatic event amid evolving regional dynamics. Lamsals keynote address at the forum underscores Nepals strategic role in fostering regional cooperation and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

The CSACF, coinciding with the eighth China-South Asia Expo, serves as a platform aimed at enhancing economic ties and fostering collaboration among South Asian countries and China.

Chinas minus-India outreach in South Asia

This forum excludes India, aligning with Chinas broader strategic initiatives such as the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) and the establishment of economic corridors that bypass Indian territory.

The exclusion of India from such forums reflects Chinas efforts to assert its influence in South Asia independently of Indias regional leadership, marking a strategic shift in regional dynamics.

Chinas strategic exclusion of India from key regional dialogues like the CSACF and its proactive engagement in the Indian Ocean Region raise questions about Beijings intentions and its impact on regional dynamics.

India, maintaining its Neighbourhood First Policy, faces the challenge of balancing its strategic interests with Chinas expanding influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.

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China versus India: Contrasting approaches in South Asia

Over the past decade, trade between China and South Asian nations has seen substantial growth, reaching USD 197.4 billion in 2023 with an impressive annual growth rate of 8.3 percent. This economic partnership forms a cornerstone of Chinas regional strategy, complementing initiatives like the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum, which focuses on infrastructure investments and economic projects across the Indian Ocean.

In contrast to Indias approach of providing grants, capacity building, and cultural diplomacy, Chinas engagement in the region often involves substantial loans and infrastructure development. Critics argue that these loans may lead to debt dependency among recipient countries, citing examples like the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, which was handed over to China on a long-term lease due to financial difficulties faced by the Sri Lankan government.

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What about Nepals role

Lamsals participation in the CSACF reflects its own compulsions of domestic politics. Depending on who is in power in Nepal, its foreign policy takes a pro-China or pro-India diplomacy. Of late, it has been aiming to extract maximum economic benefits from its relationships with China or India.

While the CSACF highlights Chinas strategic ambitions in South Asia, which include its deepening penetration in Nepal through increased connectivity and infrastructure projects. China presents its investments in the region as its peaceful development and win-win cooperation models.

However, geopolitical observers see these measures largely aimed at curbing Indias traditional influence in the region. This explains Chinas growing influence in the maritime domain  from Pakistan, Djibouti and the Maldives to Bangladesh and Nepal in the Indian Ocean Region.

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There is also a geopolitical competition that China eyes with India in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. China views the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) among the United States, Japan, and Australia as a challenge to its monopolistic designs in the Indo-Pacific.

Against this backdrop, a change of regime in Nepal and its foreign secretarys keynote at the CSACF assumes geostrategic significance. The outcomes may contribute to shaping future regional interactions and influence in South Asia and possibly beyond.
During a recent event organised by the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism in Kathmandu, Madhav Sapkota, a lawmaker from Sindhupalchok district, expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for the promised aid. Since the Chinese government wont release the amount in the foreseeable future, we have allocated Rs3.6 billion from our own budget to carry out maintenance along a 26-km section of the highway and manage landslides read more

The Nepali government has decided to decline a long-awaited economic and technical package from the Chinese government, originally promised nine years ago, aimed at upgrading the Araniko Highway.

Instead, Nepal will utilise its own resources for the project, citing delays in the disbursement of funds.

During a recent event organised by the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism in Kathmandu, Madhav Sapkota, a lawmaker from Sindhupalchok district, expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for the promised aid. Since the Chinese government wont release the amount in the foreseeable future, we have allocated Rs3.6 billion from our own budget to carry out maintenance along a 26-km section of the highway and manage landslides

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The aid package, amounting to 900 million RMB, was initially announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting with then-President Ram Baran Yadav in 2015. It was intended to upgrade the 115 km Araniko Highway, a critical route linking Nepal with China, and to enhance transport infrastructure in the region.

Sapkota highlighted efforts made to secure the funds, including appeals to Chinese authorities and engagements with Nepals Ministry of Finance and the Chinese Embassy, all of which yielded no progress.

Despite starting the Long-Term Maintenance Project for the highway following damage caused by the 2015 earthquakes, the comprehensive upgrade promised by China did not arrive in time, prompting Nepal to proceed independently.

Sapkota stressed on the strategic significance of the Tatopani border point and its potential to facilitate trade, once infrastructure challenges are addressed. He also noted concerns over job losses among Nepalis due to automation by Chinese companies operating in Nepal.

The CESIF-hosted seminar focused on Nepals borderland issues within its foreign policy discourse. Anish Tiwari highlighted the stark difference between bustling trade on Chinas side of the Tatopani border and the quieter situation on Nepals side. He specifically highlighted Chinas tightened restrictions on Nepali goods and people, attributing this to suspicions related to followers of the Dalai Lama.

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During the panel discussion, experts underscored the need for more parliamentary attention to borderland issues, which involve complex people-to-people relations beyond state interactions.

Raj Kishor Yadav highlighted a fear psychosis among Nepali representatives, who face labels of being anti-national or pro-India when raising genuine concerns.

Another resident, Liladevi Boikhim Limbu spoke about operational challenges at northern border points between Nepal and Tibet, urging concerted efforts by stakeholders to restore cross-border movement and trade.

Chanda Chaudhary stressed the need for Nepali policymakers to comprehend the intricate cross-border relations with India, emphasising their deep-rooted complexity.
Russian environmental group Ecodefense and 18 individuals filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) last year, saying Moscows actions were worsening the global climate crisis, in violation of human rights read more

Activists are asking Europes top rights court to fault Russia for creating a climate catastrophe, saying Moscows war on Ukraine is contributing to a spike in its greenhouse gas emissions.

Russian environmental group Ecodefense and 18 individuals filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) last year, saying Moscows actions were worsening the global climate crisis, in violation of human rights.

Russia is killing the climate, Ecodefense co-chair Vladimir Slivyak told AFP in a recent interview in Geneva.

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He highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed the 2015 Paris Climate accord, which set the target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But he charged that Russia was failing to limit greenhouse gas emissions or reduce the extraction of fossil fuels.

Instead, he said internal policy documents show that Russia is planning only growing extraction of coal, oil and gas for the next decade at least.

In some scenarios it is up 50 percent.

War fuelling emissions

Slivyak, who left Russia in 2021 amid a crackdown on civil society ahead of legislative elections, said Russias growing emissions were closely linked to its war in Ukraine.

While official statistics are unavailable, he said there must be a big increase in greenhouse gas emissions during the war, with additional production lines for tanks and weapons as well as emissions when the arms are used.

At the same time, Russia can continue the war only if it sells enough of its fossil fuels, he said, urging more sanctions.

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If the world right now stopped buying fossil fuel from Russia, that would likely lead to the end of this war this year.

The plaintiffs filed their case last August, after first attempting to take it to Russias Supreme Court, which refused to hear the claim.

We want the court to decide that the Russian policy is dangerous for climate and the world, Slivyak said.

Undermining international efforts

The idea is not so far-fetched.

In a historic ruling in April, the Strasbourg-based ECHR deemed that Switzerland was not doing enough to tackle climate change.

And the situation with Russia is far worse, said Slivyak, a 2021 winner of the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, which is often characterised as an alternative Nobel Prize.

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Its not about not doing enough, but about actually killing the climate, he said, slamming Russia for undermining the international efforts.

While other countries were investing in innovations and technologies, there is the largest-by-territory country on Earth that thinks it can ignore everybody else.

Ecodefense had asked the court to fast-track the case, as it did with the Swiss case and two other climate-linked cases heard in parallel.

But the court rejected that request last week, meaning the process could take a long time.

Last time Ecodefense helped bring a case to the court was in 2013, when it was among organisations asking for a ruling against Russias foreign agent law, which requires anyone receiving backing from abroad to be listed as a foreign agent.

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The court took nearly a decade to issue its ruling, and while the 2022 decision was in the organisations favour, Slivyak said it was too late, pointing out that the groups had already fled the country.

An earlier verdict, back when Russia still appeared amenable to being swayed by international opinion, might have altered the course of history, he suggested.

He acknowledged it was trickier this time.

Precedent

Russia was expelled from the pan-European rights body the Council of Europe, of which the ECHR is part, after it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

But complaints concerning violations allegedly committed by Russia before its September 16, 2022 exclusion from the body remain admissible at the court.

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While Russia is likely to dismiss any ECHR decision, Slivyak insisted that getting a ruling in the case could be useful for shaping policy when Russias fascist dictatorship one day falls.

Internationally too, he said, it could set a precedent, pushing governments to adopt more ambitious climate policies.

It could change the whole field.
About 63% of arable land in Kenya is now acidic, according to the agriculture ministry, which has been recording a decline in production of staples such as maize and leading exports of horticulture and tea. The production of maize declined by 4% to 44 million tons in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, which didnt say why read more

When Benson Wanjala started farming in his western Kenya village two and a half decades ago, his 10-acre farm could produce a bountiful harvest of 200 bags of maize. That has dwindled to 30. He says his once fertile soil has become a nearly lifeless field that no longer earns him a living.

Like many other farmers, he blames acidifying fertilizers pushed in Kenya and other African countries in recent years. He said he started using the fertilizers to boost his yield and it worked  until it didnt. Kenyas government first introduced a fertilizer subsidy in 2008, making chemical fertilizers more accessible for smaller-scale farmers.

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About 63% of arable land in Kenya is now acidic, according to the agriculture ministry, which has been recording a decline in production of staples such as maize and leading exports of horticulture and tea. The production of maize declined by 4% to 44 million tons in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, which didnt say why.

The agriculture ministry didnt respond to questions, especially after a scandal over fake fertilizer in April. The fertilizer was found to be quarry dirt in misleadingly labelled bags that were distributed to farmers through a national subsidy program. President William Ruto said about 7,000 farmers bought the fake fertilizer and would be compensated with the correct product.

Problems with soil health are growing as the African continent struggles to feed itself. Africa has 65% of the worlds remaining uncultivated arable land but has spent about $60 billion annually to import food, according to the African Development Bank. The spending is estimated to jump to $110 billion by 2025 due to increased demand and changing consumption habits.

In May, Kenya hosted an Africa-wide soil health summit to discuss declining production, climate change and other issues that have increased food security concerns. Agriculture is a key part of the economy in Kenya, making up more than a quarter of the GDP.

At the summit, Stephen Muchiri, executive director of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, advocated for a return to traditional farming practices to replenish lifeless soils, including planting a variety of crops and doing as little as possible to disturb the land.

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Inorganic fertilizers were never meant to be the foundation of crop production," he said, later adding that because of commercially inclined farming, our soils are now poor, acidic, and low in biomass resources, and without life!

He said farmers should rotate crops on their land and source compost material from livestock such as goats: There must be some kind of transition and adaptation for our soils to revert back to fertility.

Experts say soil acidity causes land degradation by decreasing the availability of plant and essential nutrients, making soil more vulnerable to structure decline and erosion.

The program coordinator for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, Bridget Mugambe, advised the phasing out of chemical fertilizers.

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Soil health goes beyond the quick fixes provided by chemical fertilizers. In fact, chemical fertilizers have extensively damaged our soils in Africa. We need to think of our soils in a more holistic way," she said.

The soil health summit by the African Union  which in 2006 recommended that members use more chemical fertilizers  adopted a 10-year plan that calls for increased investment to produce both organic and chemical fertilizers locally and triple their use for increased production.

During the summit, AU commissioner for agriculture Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko asserted that the continent was losing over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients each year."

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Kenya heavily relies on imported fertilizer due to low local production. The main supplier is the European Union, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africas Kenya manager, John Macharia, said Kenyas recent fertilizer scandal should not discourage farmers.

Its still imperative that we are able to work with the government to actually ensure that we have the right fertilizers coming to our stores, Macharia said. He recommended both chemical and organic ones as long as they address the specific issue in the soil, and said soil analysis would guide farmers.

Declining soil quality is a food security concern across Africa.

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In Zimbabwe, once a regional breadbasket, about 70% of soils are acidic, according to the government. The government in the past introduced chemical fertilizers in an attempt to strengthen soils, but wrong usage caused a decline in organic matter.

Before the introduction of mineral fertilizers, our forefathers had the knowledge and understanding that if you add organic manure, the soil becomes fertile, and crops perform better," said Wonder Ngezimana, a crop science associate professor at Zimbabwes Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. That has been a traditional norm in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa where people scavenge for any kind of organic matter to add to the soil.

That includes animal manure, grass, leaves and twigs, crop residue, ash and compost. But many farmers in Zimbabwe no longer have cattle because of recent drought, Ngezimana said: Farmers are struggling to maintain soil health because they cant generate enough quantities of organic matter.

AGRA recommended that farmers test their soils acidity and apply lime to reverse high acidity.

But farmers say both are limited and costly. Soil testing services are available in government agricultural agencies, public universities and private organizations at prices ranging from $20 to $40.

Wanjala, the farmer, said he cannot even find the money cattle for manure, and barely for seeds.

I cannot afford more expenses, he said.
Tesla CEO Elon Musks clarification came along with the revelation about the creation of a new PAC named America PAC read more

File photo of Elon Musk meeting with Donald Trump at the White House in 2017. Source: AP.

Elon Musk has categorically denied reports claiming he intended to donate $45 million monthly to a Super PAC focused on supporting Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Speaking on Jordan Petersons show, Musk clarified, I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump."

Creation of America PAC

As per a report in the Guardian, during the interview, Musk revealed the creation of a new PAC named America PAC.

He explained, Now what I have done is that I have created a Pac or Super Pac or whatever you want to call it, emphasising its focus on supporting a meritocracy and individual freedom.

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Clarification & Response

Addressing the misinformation, Musk responded on social media, stating, Yeah, its ridiculous. I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level."

He outlined the PACs core values, noting, The key values of the Pac are supporting a meritocracy and individual freedom. Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit and freedom."

Yeah, its ridiculous.



I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom.



Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2024

Political landscape & support

Musks statements come amidst shifting dynamics in the US presidential race, following Joe Bidens withdrawal and endorsement of Kamala Harris.

Reports indicate America PAC is gaining attention within Republican circles, bolstered by support from figures like Joe Lonsdale and the Winklevoss twins, known for their stance on cryptocurrency regulation and business-friendly policies.

Future plans & contributions

While specifics on Musks financial contributions to America PAC remain undisclosed, the PAC is reported to have strategic support from former aides of Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign. This backing aims to solidify America PAC as a significant player in advancing conservative principles in the upcoming election cycle.

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Earlier this month, a report by the Wall Street Journal claimed that Tesla CEO Elon Musk had committed to donating $45 million monthly to a super PAC supporting Donald Trumps presidential campaign. Musk at that time swiftly responded to the article by sharing a meme labeled FAKE GNUS and clarified his stance through subsequent tweets.

I never said I was donating $45M/month to Trump, Musk asserted, debunking the misinformation circulated by the article. However, he did not disclose the exact amount he intends to contribute to any political cause at that time.

With inputs from agencies
Singapores last General Election was held on July 10, 2020, and the next one must be held by November 2025 read more

More than 2.7 million Singaporeans are allowed to check their names on voters lists from Tuesday for a likely General Election this year, called by newly-elected Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

The revised list was certified on Sunday and is available for public inspection from Tuesday, Channel News Asia reported, citing the Elections Department (ELD).

Wong, who was sworn in on May 15, had directed the ELD to revise the voter rolls and complete the revision by July 31.

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Singapores last General Election was held on July 10, 2020, and the next one must be held by November 2025.

However, political observers expect it to be held this year given the early preparation and call on eligible Singaporean voters to inspect their names on voters lists.

A voters name is suspended if he had not voted in the last General Election.

There are a total of 2,715,187 registered electors  an increase from the figure of 2,709,407 voters eligible to cast their ballots in the 2023 Presidential Election held last September.

In the last General Election in 2020, there were 2,651,435 registered electors.

Ten overseas polling stations are to be set up in Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington DC, for Singaporeans abroad to vote, said the ELD.
Netanyahu was invited to the US by House Speaker Mike Johnson as his Republican party vows to provide unflinching support to Israel if and when it comes to power after the November presidential elections read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 attack by Israel is equivalent to twenty 9/11s in one day as he addressed a joint meeting of the US Congress on Wednesday.

He said that the Israel-Hamas war is not a clash of civilisations but a clash between civilisation and barbarism.

The prime minister was greeted in the US House chamber with applause and cheers by the members of the Congress.

We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Irans axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends, Netanyahu said.

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He added, For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together, as the Israeli prime minister urged for Washingtons support.

Wont rest until all hostages are home

Highlighting the plight of families who still have their loved ones held hostage by Hamas, Netanyahu said, The pain these families have endured is beyond words. I met with them again yesterday and I promised them this: I will not rest until all their loved ones are home. All of them.

Noa Argamani, who was held by Hamas, was present at the Congress during the prime ministers address.

He also expressed confidence in efforts to secure the release of the rest of the hostages seized by Hamas.

Netanyahu thanks Biden

The Israeli prime minister praised US President Joe Biden for his support to the country.

He said, President Biden and I have known each other for over 40 years. I want to thank him for half a century of friendship with Israel and for being, as he says, a proud zionist. Actually, he says, a proud Irish American zionist.

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He added, I thank President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel. After the savage attack on October 7, he rightly called Hamas sheer evil. He dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter a wider war, and he came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten.

The Israeli leader also expressed gratitude for Bidens efforts to bring back hostages.

Netanyahu hails contribution of IDF soldiers

At least four Israeli soldiers were present at the US Congress during the prime ministers address. These soldiers fought and survived the war with Hamas. Netanyahu hailed their contributions as he made mention of them during his speech.

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My friends, these are the soldiers of Israel  unbowed, undaunted, unafraid, he said as he highlighted their accomplishments.

Gaza protesters are Irans useful idiots

Slamming pro-Palestinian protestors, especially campus demonstrators, Netanyahu said that they are Irans useful idiots.

I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Irans useful idiots, Netanyahu said.

He said that anti-Israel protestors should be ashamed and that they stand with Hamas, rapists and murderers.

Netanyahus post-war Gaza vision

As he urged the US to fast-track military aid to Gaza, the Israeli prime minister envisioned a post-war situation for Gaza.

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He reiterated that Israel would not settle until Hamas is destroyed, adding that the country is willing to end the war as soon as tomorrow only if the Palestinian terrorist group surrenders and disarms.

My vision for that day is of a demilitarized and de-radicalized Gaza. Israel does not seek to resettle Gaza, but for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror, to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.

Netanyahu thanks Trump

During his address, Netanyahu did not forget to mention former US President Donald Trump and thanked him for his support for Israel.

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I also want to thank President Trump for all the things he did for Israel, from recognizing Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Irans aggression, to recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and moving the American Embassy there.

Trump will meet the Israeli prime minister at his private estate in Florida on Friday.

About the address

Netanyahu was invited to the US by House Speaker Mike Johnson as his Republican party vows to provide unflinching support to Israel if and when it comes to power after the November presidential elections.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, who kicked off her presidential campaign on Tuesday, will meet the Israeli leader later this week but will not preside over his address, as vice presidents are expected to do.

US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump are expected to meet him later during the week.

Many Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Jim Clyburn and Rep. Ilhan Omar boycotted Netanyahus address over his conduct of the Israel-Hamas war.
Instead of listening to Netanyahus speech, many Democrats will participate in counter-programs organised all across the state read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been in Washington since Monday, is all set to address the US Congress on Wednesday. Many Democrats, however, will boycott his speech over the Israel-Hamas war.

Through his speech, the Israeli prime minister will bolster support from the US for his country in its fight against Hamas. This is the first time Netanyahu will address a joint session in the US Congress since the October 7 attack.

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Netanyahu was invited to the US by House Speaker Mike Johnson as his Republican party vows to provide unflinching support to Israel if and when it comes to power after the November presidential elections.

Democrats plan counter-programs

Instead of listening to Netanyahus speech, many Democrats will participate in counter-programs organised all across the state.

According to CNN, many leaders are expected to attend an event organised by nonprofit groups at the Capitol.

The event titled Peace is Possible: An Alternative Vision for Israel and Palestine will see leaders advocating for peace from both Israeli and Palestinian communities. It is being arranged by organisations such as the Center for American Progress and Middle East Democracy Center.

Democratic Representatives Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Greg Casar of Texas will convene a Zoom press conference alongside a coalition of progressives. They aim to urge the Biden administration and Congress to implement an arms embargo against Israel. Activists contend that providing weapons to Israel contributes to human rights violations.

Who would not attend the address?

Among the big names who would skip Netanyahus address are Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris. However, Harris will meet the leader on Thursday and will not be able to attend Wednesdays event as she will be busy with campaigning.

Other leaders who would not attend are Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Dick Durban, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Jan Shakowsky, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Jim Clyburn and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

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Why do they not want to participate?

Netanyahus conduct over the Israel-Hamas war has polarised Democratic leaders with, on the one hand, US President Joe Biden extending full support to him and others slamming him for killing thousands in Palestine on the other hand.

Biden is facing political pressure from the more progressive wing of his party to take stronger action in urging Israel to curb its military operations in Gaza.

His policies in Gaza and the West Bank and his refusal to support a two-state solution should be roundly condemned, Sanders said as he announced his boycott.
As Harris consolidates support among Democratic delegates, speculation intensifies over who will join her on the ticket as vice president. Three top candidates, along with several others, are already undergoing the expedited vetting process read more

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris walks on stage at her first campaign event as a candidate for president at West Allis High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S. Reuters

Having almost secured the Democratic Partys nomination for the US presidential election, Kamala Harriss next challenge is to pick a running mate. Reports in the US media suggest that three prominent Democrats have emerged as frontrunners in the race to become Kamala Harriss running mate for the upcoming presidential election. They have been asked to provide personal information as part of a rigorous vetting process led by a team overseen by former attorney general Eric Holder.

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Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

Josh Shapiro, who assumed office just last year, is swiftly gaining prominence within the Democratic Party. His appeal stems from Pennsylvanias critical role in recent presidential elections, notably Joe Bidens victory over Donald Trump in 2020. Shapiros endorsement of Harris underscores his alignment with her vision for the presidency.

Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina

Roy Cooper governs a state pivotal in both recent presidential contests, initially won by Trump in 2016 and retained in 2020. Cooper has vocally supported Harris, emphasising her stance on issues such as womens rights and criminal justice reform. His endorsement highlights Harriss ability to challenge Trumps policies effectively.

Mark Kelly, Senator from Arizona

Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and US navy captain, represents Arizona, a state at the forefront of national debates on immigration and gun control. His personal narrative, including his wife Gabrielle Giffords tragic experience with gun violence, adds a compelling dimension to his candidacy. Kellys endorsement of Harris aligns with his advocacy for Democratic priorities on these critical issues.

Who else and how long it may take to decide

Besides Shapiro, Cooper and Kelly, another name emerged in media reports  Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky. Reports indicated that Beshear was also asked to submit vetting information.

However, he may not be inclined for the job. In one of the earlier interviews, he had told CBS, I do love my job here in KentuckyThe only reason Id ever consider something else is if I felt that I can help my people in Kentucky more in a different role or that there was a chance to move past the partisanship, the constant fighting.

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Other names in circulation included Gretchen Whitmer, the twice-elected governor of Michigan. But Whitmer has also been reported as saying that she was staying in Michigan.

The running mate decision goes through a vetting process, which normally takes months. However, in this case, it will be accelerated to conclude before the Democratic National Convention (DNC) opens in Chicago on 19 August.
Since 2000, as many as 360 people have been killed in Nepal in at least 19 air crashes. Wednesdays crash at Kathmandus TIA has added to the long list read more

Emergency personnel work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal July 24, 2024. Source: REUTERS.

Another year, another plane crash in Nepal. On Wednesday (July 24), 18 people died in a Saurya Airlines accident when the Pokhara-bound aircraft suffered a runaway excursion during takeoff from Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport.

There were a total of 19 people, including two crew members, in the flight when it took off around 11 am on Wednesday to get its broken engine repaired at Pokhara, but only the pilot of the aircraft could be saved while all others have died.

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Nepal is known for its picturesque landscape that lures tourists but the countrys air transport sector has been plagued by multiple accidents and crashes.

Since 2000, as many as 360 people have been killed in Nepal in at least 19 air crashes. Wednesdays crash at Kathmandus TIA has added to the long list.

Nepal and its bitter history of plane crashes

On January 15, 2023, Nepal witnessed its worst aviation disaster since 1992 after a Yeti Airlines twin-engine ATR 72-500 aircraft which took off from Tribhuvan International Airport with 72 people, including four crew members, on board crashed on the Seti River gorge between the old and new airport in central city of Pokhara.

For the unversed, in 1992, all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane were killed when it ploughed into a hill as it tried to land in Kathmandu.

Rescue officials could only manage to recover 71 bodies with the other missing passenger presumed to be dead. Among those who were killed in the accident, five were Indians.

Also Read: 18 dead as plane with broken engine crashes during takeoff in Nepals Kathmandu

As per the earlier reports the Yeti airplane had crashed just 10 to 20 seconds before landing. An analysis of the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder had shown the propellers of both engines went into feather in the base leg of descending."

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Source: AP.

However, in December last year, a government-appointed investigation panel revealed that the Yeti Airlines crash in 2023 was due to pilot error.

Why are there so many plane crashes in Nepal?

There are a host of reasons why flying in Nepal is not just tricky but dangerous. The top-most being the countrys topography.

Nepal, situated between India and China, boasts of having eight of the worlds 14 highest mountains, including Mt Everest, and the countrys beautiful rugged landscapes make it a popular tourist destination for trekkers.

But as much as it is good for tourism, it is risky for airplanes. An earlier report by ANI quoted Captain Amit Singh, a commercial pilot and founder of Safety Matters Foundation, as saying that Kathmandu is a valley, it is like a bowl and the airport in the city is in between, surrounded by mountains, high mountains on all sides. So it is a very challenging airfield, he added.

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Source: AP

Airports in the country are built in mountainous regions and therefore, have shorter runways.

In 2019, Nepals civil aviation authority released a safety report where it admitted that the countrys diversity of weather patterns together with hostile topography are the main challenges surrounding aircraft operations in Nepal due to which the number of accidents related to small aircraft seems comparatively higher.

The take-off and landing statistically are more dangerous in Nepal than other parts of flight as it has to be done at high altitudes. The low air density decreases the performance of a flight and makes it more difficult to slow down.

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Not just this, Nepal also experiences sudden changes in weather. Also, with odd weather conditions, visibility becomes a major hurdle for pilots flying in the region.

Pilots, earlier, have even voiced concerns saying that the smaller aircraft used in the region arent equipped with the technology to detect the unpredictable conditions, making flying an even riskier proposition.

Aging fleet

Nepal, one of the poorer countries in the world, depends heavily on aging airplanes for its domestic flights. Surprisingly, almost all of these aircrafts are not equipped with the mandatory modern devices including radar and GPS technology that can help mitigate problems with visibility or weather.

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The Yeti Airlines plane which crashed in January 2023 was 15 years old.

Source: AP

Nepali airlines banned by EU

Since 1960, Nepal has been a member of the UNs International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which obliges the country to abide by the international conventions, regulations, standards, and recommended practices in aviation safety.

Despite making significant efforts to enhance safety, Nepal aviation industrys safety record still does not match up with the requirements of other civil aviation authorities.

Therefore, Nepali airlines have been banned from operating in the European Unions airspace since 2013 and Nepal, till date, remains on the EU Air Safety list.

A look at Nepal plane & helicopter crashes history

July 24, 2024

At least 18 people were killed when a Bombardier CRJ 200 plane crashed and caught fire while taking off from Kathmandu.

July 11, 2023

Six people were killed in a helicopter crash in central Nepal. The chopper, which departed from Solukhunvhu district, home to Mount Everest and other high mountain peaks, had five Mexican nationals and one Nepali pilot on board.

January 15, 2023

A twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft carrying 72 people, operated by Nepals Yeti Airlines, crashed in Pokhara, killing all on board.

May 29, 2022

Sixteen Nepalis, four Indians and two Germans died on a De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft that crashed within 15 minutes after take off from Pokhara.

February 27, 2019

All seven people, including the countrys tourism minister, on board a helicopter died after it crashed in bad weather in eastern Nepal.

March 12, 2018

Fifty-one of 71 people on a Bangladeshi airliner operated by US-Bangla Airlines died when it crashed in cloudy weather as it came in to land at the Kathmandu airport.

February 26, 2016

Two people were feared dead after a small plane crashed in western Nepals Kalikot district. It was operated by Kasthamandap Airlines.

February 24, 2016

A small plane, with 23 people on board, crashed in bad weather, killing everyone. The Twin Otter aircraft, operated by Tara Air, was on a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom in western Nepal.

February 16, 2014

All 18 people on a small plane that crashed in bad weather were killed. The Twin Otter aircraft was operated by state-run Nepal Airlines Corp.

September 28, 2012

A small propeller-driven Dornier aircraft struck a bird and crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu, killing 19 people, including seven British and five Chinese passengers.

September 25, 2011

A small plane carrying foreign tourists to view Mount Everest crashed in bad weather near Kathmandu, killing all 19 people on board. The Beech aircraft was operated by private airline Buddha Air.

December 16, 2010

A small plane crashed in the Himalayan foothills of remote east Nepal, killing all 22 people onboard. The Twin Otter aircraft was operated by Tara Air.

August 24, 2010

Fourteen people - including four Americans, a Japanese and British national - were killed when their small plane crashed in bad weather in Nepal. It was operated by privately held Agni Air.

October 8, 2008

A small Twin Otter plane crashed in the remote mountains of northeast Nepal, killing at least 18 people, mostly foreigners.

March 4, 2008

Four UN arms monitors were among at least 10 people killed in a helicopter crash in Nepal.

June 21, 2006

A Twin Otter passenger plane operated by Yeti Airlines crashed minutes before landing in the west of the country, killing all nine people on board.

May 25, 2004

A Twin Otter cargo plane crashed in the Mount Everest region, killing its three crew. It was operated by Yeti Airlines.

August 22, 2002

Another Twin Otter plane, carrying foreign tourists, slammed into a mountain in bad weather in Nepal, killing all 18 people on board. It was operated by Shangrila Air.

July 17, 2002

Four people were feared dead after a twin-engined aircraft crashed into a mountain in west Nepal minutes before it was due to land.

July 27, 2000

A Canadian-built Twin Otter passenger plane crashed in western Nepal, killing all 25 people on board. It was operated by state-owned Royal Nepal Airlines.

With inputs from agencies
The engine of the Saurya Airlines plane that crashed on Wednesday was already malfunctioned and it was being taken to Pokhara for repair read more

Nineteen people, including crew members, were onboard Saurya Airlines aircraft that crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu on July 24. Source: X/@NepalPoliceHQ

Eighteen people, including a female and a Yemeni national, have been killed in a plane crash in Nepals Kathmandu on Wednesday. The captain of the aircraft has been rescued and was rushed to a hospital. Around 11 am, a Saurya Airlines aircraft, with 19 onboard, including two crew members, crashed during takeoff from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

The Civil Aviation Ministry of Nepal has also confirmed that 18 people have died in the Saurya Airlines plane crash on July 24.

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All those who have died in the mishap were staff of Saurya Airlines. They were going to Pokhara in the ill-fated aircraft, with registration number 9NAME, that had broken engine for repair work, a journalist from Nepal told News18.

Saurya Airlines 9N-AME crash@TIACAO2 Press Release - 2 pic.twitter.com/5LzBHpqhZI  Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (@hello_CAANepal) July 24, 2024

Soon after the crash, police and firefighters swung into rescue operation, but almost all onboard the aircraft died.

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What led to plane crash in Kathmandu?

A report by The Kathmandu Post quoted TIA Spokesperson Subash Jha as saying that the plane accident occurred after the Pokhara-bound flight suffered a runway excursion during takeoff. The video from the moment shows the intensity of the accident.

Also read: Nepal plane crash: Are the countrys runways a recipe for disaster?

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Jha also confirmed that the Captain of the plane, MR Shakya, had been rescued and rushed to a hospital.

Source: X/@NepalPoliceHQ

Also Read: At least one plane crash a year, why flying in Nepal is so risky

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A report by Himalayan Times quoted information officer at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Gyanendra Bhul as saying that the plane was carrying a few technical staff.

Source: X/@NepalPoliceHQ

Video of plane crash in Kathmandu

Videos show thick plume of smoke coming from the plane after the crash in Kathmandu.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu



Details awaited pic.twitter.com/DNXHSvZxCz  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

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Nepal - Domestic airline flight crashed and caught fire while landing at Kathmandu Airport on Wednesday.



19 people on board crashes during takeoff in Nepalese capital #Kathmandu. #NepalPlaneCrash #planecrash #Breaking pic.twitter.com/lvkH4KsURg  Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) July 24, 2024

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Kathmandu plane crash: Eyewitnesses recall horror

The The Kathmandu Post report quoted eyewitnesses saying that the Saurya Airlines plane bound to Pokhara was taking off from the Southern-end of the runway (Koteshwor side) when it suddenly flipped with the wing tip hitting the ground.

Also read: 19 plane crashes, 360 dead since 2000: A timeline of air mishaps in Nepal

Immediately, the aircraft caught fire and it then plunged to a gorge on the eastern side of the runway  between Buddha Air hanger and the radar station.

:        

video : Samip Shrestha pic.twitter.com/9Cx6NBEb0j  Bijay Timalsina (@bjtimalsina) July 24, 2024

Committee formed to investigate Kathmandu plane crash

Nepal has formed a probe committee to investigate plane crash at the TIA in Kathmandu.

A 5-member investigation committee has been formed under the leadership of Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, former Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Prithivi Subba Gurung, the Spokesperson of Government of Nepal confirmed.

About Saurya Airlines

Saurya Airlines is a domestic carrier in Nepal that has a fleet of just 3 aircrafts and they all are Bombardier CRJ 200. The aircraft has a capacity of 50 passengers.
The opposition appointments, including John Mbadi for Finance and James Opiyo Wandayi for Energy, aim to quell unrest and build a broad-based government amid public outcry over tax hikes and corruption. The move follows the dismissal of nearly the entire previous cabinet earlier this month read more

Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday named four heavyweight opposition politicians to a broad-based cabinet following more than a month of anti-government protests.

Ruto announced the names of 10 ministers, including four close allies of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, whom he defeated in the 2022 election. The opposition members include John Mbadi, who was named to the treasury, James Opiyo Wandayi for energy, Ali Joho to the mining ministry, and Wycliffe Oparanya as head of the cooperatives ministry.

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These nominations must be approved by the parliament to come into effect. They aim to address the grievances of young protesters who have rocked the nation in recent weeks under the hashtag #RutoMustGo.

Since late June, Ruto has taken measures to contain the crisis, including scrapping unpopular tax increases and pledging government spending cuts. The new appointments are part of Rutos efforts to respond to demands from youth-led protests that forced him to withdraw $2.7 billion in proposed tax hikes amid his presidencys biggest crisis. Demonstrators have condemned the political class as corrupt and called for reforms to address graft and poor governance.

Ruto had sacked almost his entire cabinet on July 11 and announced a new partial lineup on July 19, which included some dismissed ministers. On Wednesday, he commended the leadership of diverse organizations for their willingness to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya, describing it as a historic gesture of patriotism.

By incorporating opposition figures, Ruto seeks to broaden political support and mitigate the crisis that has rocked his presidency. He has also committed to proposing amendments to anti-corruption and public procurement laws, signaling his intent to tackle systemic issues and restore public trust.

Whether this move can calm the storm that has been raging in the country for the past month remains to be seen.

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With inputs from agencies
The British monarchy is allocated 12% of the profits from the Crown Estate to support its activities and fund the ongoing 369m renovation of Buckingham Palace. According to royal aides, the recent increase in funding will be used to ensure the completion of the palaces reservicing program by 2027. read more

King Charles will get a huge 45m pay rise with an increase of more than 50 per cent in his official annual income, according to a report by the Guardian.

The Crown Estate, which manages the British royal familys vast property and land holdings, has reported a significant increase in profits to 1.1 billion, up from 442.6 million in the previous year.

This surge is primarily attributed to lucrative deals involving the leasing of seabed sites to offshore wind producers. As a result, the royal familys annual funding from the government, known as the sovereign grant, will increase to 132 million in 2025-2026, up from 86.3 million in recent years.

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Historically, the Crown Estates net profits have been surrendered to the government in exchange for a fixed annual payment to support the royal familys activities. Since 2012, this payment has been calculated as a percentage of the estates profits, known as the sovereign grant.

In light of the anticipated wind power profits, King Charles had requested that the funds be used for the broader public benefit. Consequently, the previous government agreed to reduce the sovereign grant to 12% of net profits, down from 25%, starting this year.

This reduction means the royal family will receive 132 million, rather than the 275 million they would have received if the grant had remained at 25%, potentially mitigating any negative impact on their popularity amid Britains ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Buckingham Palaces annual accounts, released on Tuesday, provide a comprehensive overview of the first full financial year of King Charles reign. The accounts cover a period marked by significant personal challenges, including the cancer diagnoses of both the King and Queen Camilla, which led to their withdrawal from public duties from January onwards.

Notably, the accounts reveal that Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor estate residence renovated for 2.4m for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, remains unoccupied.

Although the renovation costs have been repaid to the public, the property has been vacant since Princess Eugenies departure. The royal family undertook over 2,300 official engagements in the UK and abroad, a slight decrease from the previous years total of over 2,700.

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Despite his health issues, King Charles participated in 464 engagements, while Queen Camilla carried out 201 engagements, including 103 joint appearances. The accounts also disclose that 600,000 from the sovereign grant was allocated towards the coronation and related events, with the total expenditure amounting to 800,000.
Over 100,000 schools in Pakistan will remain closed for an additional 14 days, an education official in Sindh province said on Tuesday (July 22). A combination of factors, including an energy crisis and climate change are responsible read more

Over 100,000 schools in Pakistan will remain closed for an additional 14 days. File image/Reuters

High temperatures in Pakistan are set to affect over 100,000 schools in the country. Schools in southern Pakistan will see the summer holidays extended by two, an education official said on Tuesday (July 23).

We decided to close schools for an additional 14 days for the childrens well-being, Atif Vighio, a spokesperson at the education department in Sindh province, told AFP.

Load-shedding: A major concern

Load-shedding, or planned power cuts, happen frequently in Pakistan. This is being done in response to an ongoing power supply crisis in the country.

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The length of power cuts differ from city to city. However, in rural areas of Sindh, they can last for more than 12 hours per day. That can leave schools without fans in the sweltering heat.

As a teacher, I am worried about how I will complete the curriculum, but as a mother, I am concerned about kids going to school in this heat, a public school teacher said.

Climate change and related troubles

Consequences of climate change have left Pakistan increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. The countrys heatwaves are now hotter and more frequent; its monsoons are heavier and longer.

In the months of May and June, Pakistan struggled through a series of heatwaves. In parts of rural Sindh, temperatures climbed over 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Authorities in the countrys most populous province, Punjab, started summer vacations in May one week earlier than scheduled to protect children from the blistering heat.

Pakistan contributes less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, the country has experienced severe weather-related disasters in recent years due to changing weather patterns.

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The government has said more than 26 million children are out of school due to poverty.

The UN childrens agency UNICEF said more than three-quarters of children in South Asia  or 460 million  are exposed to temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 83 days every year.

With inputs from AFP
PML-N chief Nawazs son-in-law Capt (retd.) Muhammad alleged that the military had appealed to Nawaz to return and save the country from Imran Khans rule. However, when Nawaz attempted to become Prime Minister for the fourth time, the powerful military circles opposed his candidacy. read more

Nawaz Sharif had returned to Pakistan in October last year after a four-year self-imposed exile in London for medical reasons. File Photo- FP

Pakistans influential military dispatched officers to London in 2022 to convince former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to return to the country and rescue it from destruction by the Imran Khan-led government, according to a claim made by PML-N chief Nawazs son-in-law, Capt (retd.) Muhammad Safdar on Wednesday.

Nawaz, 74, had returned to Pakistan in October last year after a four-year self-imposed exile in London for medical reasons. Upon his return, he was acquitted of all charges, including the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case, for which he had been serving a seven-year sentence before leaving for the UK.

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The Army had gone to London (in 2022) and touched the knees of Nawaz Sharif and requested him to come to Pakistan and save it from the destruction of (former prime minister) Imran Khan, Capt (retd.) Muhammad Safdar while addressing party workers of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)

He said when Nawaz returned to become prime minister for the fourth time then the powerful circles (a reference to the powerful military) decided against it. To stop him from becoming the premier they ensured that Nawaz lost the election from NA-15 Mansehra, he said and chided the Election Commission of Pakistan for manipulating the result of Nawaz, a three-time former prime minister.

Interestingly, Nawaz had won Lahores seat in the February 8 general election which Khans party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleged that he had also lost this seat but the ECP declared him successful in the countrys worst-ever rigged polls.

Nawaz himself had admitted that he was a candidate to become premier but his party failed to get a simple majority therefore it was decided that his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif should be made the prime minister.

The PTI has alleged that the PML-N had won only six per cent seats of the National Assembly and the military establishment gifted dozens of its winning (PTI) seats after getting the results changed through ECP to the PML-N so that its puppet setup led by Shehbaz Sharif could come to power and serve its interests.

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PML-N sources said that Nawaz had agreed not to contest for the Prime Ministers slot after the military establishment offered him to make his daughter Maryam Nawaz Punjab Chief Minister.

The 73-year-old politician was convicted in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases and was declared a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicle case, which is pending before an accountability court in Islamabad. Nawaz was on bail in these cases when he left for the UK in 2019 for medical treatment.

With inputs from agencies.
Following Bidens withdrawal from the campaign, Republicans have unleashed a barrage of criticisms against Kamala Harris, attempting to link her to Joe Bidens most unpopular policies as well as his management of the economy and the Southern border. read more

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns for President as the presumptive Democratic candidate during an event at West Allis Central High School on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in West Allis, Wis. Photo- AP

Following caustic remarks from some Republicans attacking Vice President Kamala Harris based on identity as well as claims that she is a DEI pick, House Republican leaders advised lawmakers, in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday to concentrate on criticising Harris policy record while avoiding references to her race and gender.

The advice came after some Republicans made disrespectful comments about Harris, focusing on her identity.

Richard Hudson, chair of the House GOP campaign arm and others present in the meeting warned lawmakers. Since President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race, Republican leaders have sought to direct their criticism of the presumptive Democratic nominee towards her handling of border issues and her decision to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech before Congress.

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Speaking about the issue, House Speaker Mike Johnson after the meeting said that the elections will be about policies and not personalities. This is not personal about Kamala Harris, he added, and her ethnicity or gender has nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Trump campaign officials and other Republicans have accused Harris of being complicit in a cover-up of Bidens health issues, and they have been mining her record as a prosecutor in California as they try to paint her as soft on crime.

Johnson further said both Donald Trump and Harris have records in White House policy and voters can compare how families were doing under the Trump administration with how theyre doing now under Biden.

He said Harris is the co-owner, co-author, and co-conspirator in all the policies that got us into the mess.

Biden announced on Sunday his decision to withdraw from the Presidential election race. In a memo on the state of the race Tuesday, Trump campaign pollster Tony Fabrizio argued the fundamentals of the campaign had not changed now that Harris appears increasingly likely to be the Democratic nominee.
In the video, which was released on Tuesday, a masked man, purportedly a Hamas fighter, is seen threatening France and President Emmanuel Macron for siding with the Zionist regime amid ongoing tensions involving Palestine read more

Clad in dark attire with a Palestinian flag across his chest, the man declares that "rivers of blood will flow through the streets of Paris", suggesting an imminent attack. Screengrab

A video showing an alleged Hamas terrorist, speaking in Arabic and issuing threats of violence targeted at the upcoming Paris Olympics, is going viral on social media.

The eagerly awaited 2024 Olympics are scheduled to commence on July 26 and will run until August 11, with Israel also competing in the mega sporting event.

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In the video, which was released on Tuesday, a masked man, purportedly a Hamas fighter, is seen threatening France and President Emmanuel Macron for siding with the Zionist regime amid ongoing tensions involving Palestine.

Clad in dark attire with a Palestinian flag across his chest, the man declares that rivers of blood will flow through the streets of Paris, suggesting an imminent attack. The video ends with the man holding a fake severed head.

In the name of god our struggles against the Zionist regime continues. We address to the people of France and to French president Macron. Yo supported the Zionist regime in its criminal war against the people of Palestine. You provided Zionists with weapons, you helped murder our brother and sisters, our children. You invited the Zionists to Olympic games. You will pay for what you have done. Rivers of blood will flow through the streets of Paris. This day is approaching. God willing. Allah is the greatest, said the Hamas fighter.

According to a News X report, while speculation has arisen about the involvement of Hamas, there is no definitive evidence linking the video to the group, and it has not been shared on official Hamas channels.

The authenticity of the video remains uncertain but has raised concerns regarding security at the Paris Olympics, anticipated to be heavily guarded.

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According to an NBC News report, citing researchers at Microsoft, the video of a man purported to be a Hamas fighter threatening the Olympics, is part of a Russian-linked disinformation campaign meant to disrupt the event.

Researchers from Microsofts Threat Analysis Center, who reviewed the video, said on Tuesday that a group known as Storm-1516, a small but prolific outgrowth of Russias infamous Internet Research Agency troll farm, appeared to be behind the video. The video has in recent days been spread by several popular accounts known to traffic in Russian propaganda, with some also trying to claim it came from Israel, added the report.

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This operation closely aligns with tactics, techniques and procedures observed in previous Storm-1516 operations, including a previous video that similarly pretended to be Hamas, NBC News quoted Microsoft group as saying in a statement.

Meanwhile, On Telegram, Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq denied the video had come from Hamas, calling it a forgery.

Previous Olympic events, such as the 1972 Munich Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games, have faced security threats.

With the Paris Olympics opening ceremony just days away, French authorities have reassured the public that it has taken every possible security precaution, which includes deploying tens of thousands of security personnel.

With inputs from agencies
Russia has banned Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda and 12 other senior Japanese business leaders. This latest action follows previous reprisals, including suspensions of peace treaty talks and entry bans on Japanese lawmakers, including PM Fumio Kishida read more

Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, has banned entry of several Japanese businessmen into the country. Reuters

Russia has banned the head of Toyota and 12 other senior Japanese business figures from entering the country, drawing a sharp protest from Tokyo on Wednesday. The list, published by Russias foreign ministry on Tuesday, includes Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, Rakuten chief Hiroshi Mikitani, and Akihiko Tanaka, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

According to the foreign ministry, the decision is a response to Japans ongoing sanctions against our country in connection with the special military operation, using Moscows term for its invasion of Ukraine. The ministry did not clarify how the individuals were selected, noting the absence of heads from major firms like Mitsubishi, Honda, and Sony.

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Japan has aligned closely with the Group of Seven industrialised nations to impose sanctions on Russia due to the war in Ukraine. This cooperation stems from growing regional concerns about the conflicts impact, particularly Chinas increasing military assertiveness and threats toward Taiwan.

Tokyo has provided significant financial and material support to Kyiv, sanctioning Russian entities and individuals. Although Japans pacifist constitution limits its ability to export weapons, the government eased arms export controls in December to allow the sale of domestically made Patriot missiles to the United States, aimed at replenishing depleted inventories due to supplies sent to Ukraine.

Measures announced by Russia this time will restrict fair activity by Japanese companies and are absolutely unacceptable, Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stated on Wednesday. Tokyo has lodged a formal protest, reiterating that its sanctions are a response to Russias invasion of Ukraine, a clear violation of international law.

Japan has already faced several retaliatory measures from Russia, including the suspension of peace treaty talks involving disputed islands. Moscow has also imposed entry bans on hundreds of Japanese lawmakers, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and several of his predecessors.

With inputs from agencies
Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions including Darfur. The U.N. says over 14,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured. read more

The leader of Sudans paramilitary group, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has confirmed his attendance at cease-fire negotiations in Switzerland next month, facilitated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Dagalo, who commands the Rapid Support Forces in their conflict against Sudans army, expressed optimism that the talks would mark a significant milestone toward achieving peace and stability in Sudan, and pave the way for a new state founded on principles of justice, equality, and federal governance.

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We share with the international community the goal of achieving a full cease-fire across the country and facilitating humanitarian access to everyone in need, he said on X, formerly called Twitter.

I welcome the invitation announced by Mr. @SecBlinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, and I declare our participation in the upcoming ceasefire talks on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland. I appreciate the efforts exerted by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in  Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (@GeneralDagllo) July 23, 2024

The talks are expected to begin Aug. 14 at an as-yet unspecified location in Switzerland.

The office of the spokesperson for the Sudanese army, which is led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, told The Associated Press that no decision has been made on whether it will send a delegation to the talks.

The US State Department said the talks will aim to build on discussions between the two sides that broke down late last year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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It said the African Union, Sudans neighbour Egypt, the United Arab Emirates  which has been accused of supporting Dagalos forces with weapons, a claim UAE official have denied  and the United Nations would act as observers.

The talks in Switzerland aim to reach a nationwide cessation of violence, enabling humanitarian access to all those in need, and develop a robust monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure implementation of any agreement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Tuesday announcing the talks.

These talks do not aim to address broader political issues, he added.

The war in Sudan has also created the worlds largest displacement crisis with over 11 million people forced to flee their homes, as well as allegations of rampant sexual violence and possible crimes against humanity. International experts recently warned that 755,000 people are facing famine in the coming months.

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With inputs from agencies.
The British Army needs to organise and train itself such that it can beat a force three times larger, said Army chief General Sir Roly Walker read more

The British Army should be ready for war with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea by 2027, said British Army chief General Sir Roly Walker (Photo: Reuters)

The British Army just has three years to prepare itself for a war with an adversarial bloc led by Russia and China, said Army chief General Sir Roly Walker.

By 2027, these states would have aligned themselves so well that dealing with individual would not be possible, said Walker.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Land Warfare Conference of the Royal United Services Institution (RUSI), Walker said that Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea have formed an axis of upheaval and the British Army has until 2027 to prepare for war against the bloc, according to Sky News.

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The comments come at a time when the overall state and battle-readiness of the British Army is under severe scrutiny. Defence spending cuts since the end of the Cold War and what the new Labour government of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the hollowing out of the British military under 14 years of Conservative rule has shrunk the army both in size, the smallest in nearly three centuries, and capacities.

Absolute urgency to restore credible hard power

Walker said that the war was not inevitable but there is nonetheless an absolute urgency to restore credible hard power to deter any conflict or be ready for it in case it does occurs.

Walker laid out the path forward for the British Army at a time when the Russian invasion of Ukraine has plunged Europe in its most serious security crisis since the World War-II. The countries he listed China, Russia, Iran, North Korea have made an anti-West bloc where they are coordinating their actions to undermine the West and are building an alternate world order. China, Iran, and North Korea are also key to Russias war on Ukraine which is battering Europe. While China has supplied dual use goods and technologies, Iran and North Korea have supplied armed drones, missiles, and munitions.

By 2027, China would be looking to invade Taiwan and Iran would be seeking a nuclear weapon and it would be a time when these four countries would be in a state where they would have acquired a singularity of sorts and could no longer be seen in isolation, said Walker.

That is why you get to this point  by2027-2028. This convergence may have reached some sort of mutual singularity and your ability to deal with them in isolation a specific crisis that can be managed by the rules-based system I think is significantly diminished. A problem in one area is likely to trigger a sympathetic detonation in another and therefore it is a global problem looked at from different perspectives around the world, said Walker, as per Sky News.

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While Walker highlighted the threat from the bloc, he also said Russia remained a looming threat even by itself from Europe. He further predicted that Russian President Vladimir Putin will emerge from war with Ukraine very, very dangerous and would want retribution against countries like the United Kingdom (UK) that supported Ukraine. He said such a response would come whether Russia wins or loses the war.

How to make British Army ready for war?

Walker said that the British strategy needs to take into account the shrunken size of the army and drop the belief that its still the great army it once was. He said that instead of boosting the numbers to what once were, the focus should be on arming and training the army such that it can beat a land force three times its size.

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Walker said that the UK has struggled to get out of big army mindset and needs to acknowledge the reality.

Walker said that the belief that big armies alone win wars is an idea out of date. He said the UK should embrace it has a medium-sized army and should plan accordingly.

Under his plans, a British brigade of around 7,000 personnel would be able to beat a Russian force of about 20,000, according to The Sun.

The idea was to increase the capacity and reduce the time of response with the numbers that are there.

We will sense twice as far, decide in half the time, and deliver effects over double the distance with half as many munitions. Our Ukrainian partners are beginning to do this with great results now, marrying cheap and expendable sensors and effectors to smart software that is coming from British coders, said Walker, as per The Sun.

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Walkers comments come as Karmers new government has appointed a commission to conduct of review of the state of British military in the wake of threat from the deadly quartet of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The commission will be headed by Lord George Robertson, a former Secretary of Defence under Tony Blairs premiership and a former NATO Secretary-General (1999-2003), and will submit the report early next year. Robertson will be joined in the panel by Sir Richard Barrons, who headed the Joint Forces Command, and foreign policy expert Fiona Hill, who has previously been an advisor to US presidents.
India and the UK have been engaged in discussions for over two years to establish a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade between the two countries. The recent UK elections, which saw the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, secure a victory, may bring a new dynamic to the FTA negotiations. The proposed agreement could lead to mutual reductions in tariffs on trade between India and the UK, and may also offer benefits for Indians applying for UK visas. read more

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in the national capital on Wednesday morning in the first high-level visit by the newly-elected Labour government. Lammy is on a two-day tour to highlight the importance of a new partnership between the UK and India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security.

India and the UK have been in talks for over two years to secure a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade. Following the UK elections, where the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, emerged victorious, the FTA negotiations may witness a change in momentum.

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The potential agreement could result in reciprocal tariff cuts on trade between the two nations, and may also bring advantages for Indians seeking UKs visas.

On agenda

In his first visit, Lammy will hold meetings with external affairs minister Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal. He will also meet climate and business leaders to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership.

In a visit to Indias third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.

The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with members of the Indian government, including the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Warm welcome to UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit since the assumption of office.



The visit will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will make the 'living bridge' between  &  pic.twitter.com/6ikob59aPU  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 24, 2024

India-UK Free Trade Agreement

Following the UKs surprise exit from the European Union, London has faced challenges in achieving the political stability required to secure a trade deal with India.

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However, with the Labour government now in power after a 14-year hiatus, the necessary stability may have been attained to finalise an agreement with India. The UKs post-Brexit trade deals have primarily been rollover agreements, replicating existing deals from its EU membership. The leadership of Keir Starmer changed a shift from the previous Labour Party stance under Jeremy Corbyn, who advocated for international involvement in Kashmir. Starmer has recognised the growing political clout of the UKs Indian diaspora, the largest immigrant group, and has sought to eradicate anti-India sentiments within his party.

Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds said, We are confident that we have cleansed our ranks of any members with extremist views on India.

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Starmer has even questioned the Conservative Partys delay in finalising the FTA with India, emphasising the importance of this agreement for the future. At the India Global Forum (IGF), Starmer declared, I have a clear message for you all today: this is a changed Labour Party.
Before meeting the Indian prime minister, Lammy also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Earlier today, he described the negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement as the floor and not the ceiling of the ambitions to unlock shared potential and deliver growth read more

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday during his two-day visit to India.

A pleasure to meet UK FS David Lammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM Keir Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA, PM Modi said on X.

A pleasure to meet UK FS @DavidLammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM @Keir_Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a pic.twitter.com/7bGWZuJlOk  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2024

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Lammy-Jaishankar meet

Before meeting the Indian prime minister, Lammy also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi.

Welcome @DavidLammy on his first visit to India as UK Foreign Secretary.



Looking forward to our conversation.



  pic.twitter.com/GHMSGdg4lR  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 24, 2024

During his bilateral with Jaishankar, Lammy said, It is wonderful to be back in India, in your company. Let me say that I am here very much with the blessings and good wishes of my leader and PM Keir Starmer.

He added, I also salute the leadership that India has taken on the Climate Emergency and the race to Clean Energy, its extraordinary what has been achieved in such a short space of time.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the meeting with EAM Dr S Jaishankar, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says, "...It is wonderful to be back in India, in your company. Let me say that I am here very much with the blessings and good wishes of my leader and PM Keir Starmer...There are so many pic.twitter.com/pc9WZjqQxL  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

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Meanwhile, Jaishankar said, I do believe that our relationship is a very important relationship and enormous possibilities are there. How we explore those possibilities, how we realise our potential in a more meaningful way, is one of the tasks that I look forward to undertaking with you.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "Delighted to welcome you to India on your first official visit in that capacity...I do believe that our relationship is a very important relationship and enormous possibilities are pic.twitter.com/7mqkFM7GKv  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

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What did FS Lammy do on day 1?

Dammys visit to India comes after his party under the leadership of the UKs new prime minister Keir Starmer won the elections earlier this month.

Day one of his trip was eventful as the foreign secretary was hosted by IT services company HCL Technologies (HCLTech) in their Noida campus.

Lammy met with HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra and visited one of the innovation labs on the campus.

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Following this, he met PM Modi and Jaishankar in the national capital.

India-UK FTA negotiations floor not ceiling of our ambitions

Lammy described the negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement as the floor and not the ceiling of the ambitions to unlock shared potential and deliver growth.

India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Lammy said.

Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham, he said.

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A British government readout said, Lammy will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership, including through reinforcing Londons commitment to securing a free trade agreement that will benefit both economies.

It said the foreign secretary will also galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis with India as an indispensable partner, driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses.

With inputs from PTI
Healeys visit is part of a two-day trip that includes stops in France, Poland and Estonia as he sets out the new Labour governments commitment to deepen defence ties with allies in the European Union. These visits send a clear message that European security will be this governments first foreign and defence priority, Healey said in a statement read more

Britain and Germany signed a joint defence declaration on Wednesday, pledging to work more closely to strengthen their defence industries, reinforce European security and support Ukraine in its fight to push back Russian forces.

Britains new defence minister, John Healey, signed the pact in Berlin, where he is expected to speak alongside German counterpart Boris Pistorius at a press conference at 1230 GMT.

Healeys visit is part of a two-day trip that includes stops in France, Poland and Estonia as he sets out the new Labour governments commitment to deepen defence ties with allies in the European Union.

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These visits send a clear message that European security will be this governments first foreign and defence priority, Healey said in a statement.

Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kickstart a deep, new defence relationship, built on our nations shared values.

Britains defence ministry said the two nations would also work together to tackle security challenges such as in the cyber domain.

New Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he wants Britain to boost cooperation with European allies on defence and security to better support Ukraine, a message he reiterated at a meeting of the European Political Community last week.

Starmer has also proposed the idea of a UK-EU security pact, covering a range of areas such as energy, supply chains, pandemics and migration.
The talks have just concluded. They lasted for over three hours in total, longer than planned. This was a very deep and concrete conversation, a Ukrainian source in the delegation said read more

Ukraines top diplomat held more than three hours of talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the city of Guangzhou on Wednesday on what Kyiv has described as a multi-day trip to discuss ways to achieve a fair peace in the war with Russia.

Dmytro Kuleba is the highest ranking Ukrainian official to visit China since Russias full-scale February 2022 invasion, which Beijing has not publicly condemned.

The talks have just concluded. They lasted for over three hours in total, longer than planned. This was a very deep and concrete conversation, a Ukrainian source in the delegation told Reuters.

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Kuleba said in initial remarks at the meeting that he expected thorough and substantive talks on bilateral relations, the international agenda and, most importantly, the path to peace.

I am convinced that a just peace in Ukraine is in Chinas strategic interests, and Chinas role as a global force for peace is important.
The upcoming election is poised to center heavily on topics such as abortion rights and womens empowerment. In contrast, Trump faces a persistent challenge in attracting female voters, with recent polls indicating a significant gender gap and lower support among women compared to his opponents in previous elections. Vances record on womens issues has become a contentious issue. His conservative anti-abortion stance and controversial remarks on marriage dynamics have sparked criticism and could potentially alienate female voters read more

As the 2024 presidential race approaches, the selection of JD Vance as a potential running mate for Donald Trump is sparking debate, particularly concerning his stance on womens issues and his appeal to female voters.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as a leading contender for the Democratic nomination.

The upcoming election is poised to center heavily on topics such as abortion rights and womens empowerment. In contrast, Trump faces a persistent challenge in attracting female voters, with recent polls indicating a significant gender gap and lower support among women compared to his opponents in previous elections.

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Vances record on womens issues has become a contentious issue. His conservative anti-abortion stance and controversial remarks on marriage dynamics have sparked criticism and could potentially alienate female voters.

During his 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio, Vance advocated for a national ban on abortion without exceptions, a position sharply at odds with prevailing sentiments on reproductive rights in the United States.

Moreover, his remarks implying that women should remain in abusive marriages for the sake of children have generated significant backlash, highlighting potential hurdles in appealing to women voters.

Beyond abortion, Vance once called women without children as childless cat ladies and criticised childcare subsidies as divisive have further fueled concerns about his ability to attract female voters.

These positions may resonate negatively with women who prioritise reproductive autonomy and support policies that promote economic independence and family well-being.

Women constitute a decisive majority of the voting-age population in the United States and have wielded considerable influence in recent elections. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 underscored the pivotal role of women voters, particularly in critical swing states such as Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

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Despite Vances appeal to Rust Belt voters and his personal narrative of overcoming poverty in Appalachia, his candidacy may face challenges in gaining traction among key demographic groups crucial to Trumps electoral strategy. His contentious positions on womens issues, coupled with ongoing legal controversies involving Trump and women, could further complicate efforts to broaden the Republican appeal.

As the 2024 election nears, Vice President Kamala Harris aims to build on Democratic gains among women voters, potentially paving the way for the first female president of the United States. The contrast between Vances positions and Harriss campaign focused on womens rights underscores the strategic challenges facing Trumps bid for re-election.
Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, has introduced Llama 3.1 405B, the largest and most capable open-source AI model. With over 300 million downloads of all Llama versions, Meta aims to continue driving innovation.

Llama 3.1 405B Features

First Frontier-Level Open Source AI: Matches top AI models in general knowledge, steerability, math, tool use, and multilingual translation.

Enhanced Models: Includes upgraded versions of the 8B and 70B models with a longer context length of 128K and stronger reasoning capabilities.

Use Cases: Supports long-form text summarization, multilingual conversational agents, and coding assistants.

Licensing: Allows developers to use Llama model outputs, including the 405B, to improve other models.

Model Performance and Architecture

Meta evaluated Llama 3.1 405B on over 150 benchmark datasets and through extensive human evaluations. The model is competitive with top AI models like GPT-4 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet.

The 405B was trained on over 15 trillion tokens using 16,000 H100 GPUs, marking a significant achievement in model training.

Key architectural details include:

A standard decoder-only transformer model for stability.

An iterative post-training process with supervised fine-tuning and direct preference optimization.

Enhanced data quality through improved pre-processing and quality assurance methods.

Quantization from 16-bit to 8-bit to reduce compute requirements and support large-scale inference.

Llama 3.1 405B improves instruction-following and safety. Post-training includes multiple rounds of fine-tuning, rejection sampling, and preference optimization, using high-quality synthetic data.

The Llama System and Ecosystem

Meta envisions Llama models as part of a broader system with components like Llama Guard 3 and Prompt Guard.

They are releasing the Llama Stack on GitHub, a set of standardized interfaces for building toolchain components and agentic applications. Also, Meta seeks community feedback to enhance interoperability.

Support for Developers

Developers can leverage the 405B model for various tasks, including real-time and batch inference, fine-tuning, and synthetic data generation. Meta has partnered with AWS, NVIDIA, and Databricks for cloud solutions and optimized inference with Groq and Dell.

Commitment to Open Source

Unlike closed models, Llama model weights are downloadable, allowing developers to fully customize them for specific applications. Meta highlights that Llama models offer low-cost tokens, enabling widespread access to AI.

Llama 3.1 Models with Safety

Meta ensures the safe use of its models through measures like red teaming and safety fine-tuning. The company encourages the community to build new experiences using the multilinguality and extended context length of Llama 3.1, supported by new safety tools and the Llama Stack.

Updates to Meta AI

Meta, alongside the introduction of Llama 3.1, has announced several updates to Meta AI, enhancing its capabilities and availability.

Meta AI Expands Multilingual Support

Meta AI is now accessible in 22 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Cameroon.

It supports interactions in French, German, Hindi, Hindi-Romanized Script, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, with plans to add more languages.

Users can access Meta AI through WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Facebook, and meta.ai.

New Features and Enhancements

Creative Tools: Meta AI introduces Imagine me prompts, allowing users to visualize themselves in different scenarios, such as surfing or vacationing.

This feature, currently in beta in the U.S., generates images based on user photos and prompts. Users can further customize these images by adding or changing elements with the upcoming Edit with AI button, set to launch next month.

Image Integration: Users can now create and share Meta AI-generated images directly within Facebook posts, stories, comments, and messages, with initial availability in English and plans to extend to other languages and apps.

Advanced Model for Complex Queries: Meta AI now includes Llama 405B, its largest and most advanced open-source model, which improves the assistants ability to handle complex questions, particularly in math and coding. This model provides detailed explanations, debugging support, and optimization suggestions.

Meta AI on Meta Quest and Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Meta AI will soon be available on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and, starting next month, on Meta Quest in the U.S. and Canada.

It will replace the current Voice Commands on Quest, enabling hands-free control of the headset, real-time information updates, and interaction with physical surroundings through Passthrough Vision.

Availability

Llama 3.1 models are available for download on llama.meta.com and Hugging Face, and for immediate development on partner platforms.
Truke has expanded its neckband portfolio with the launch of Yoga Beat, an open-ear neckband in India. The open-ear design ensures comfort and safety during workouts and daily activities.

It features 14.2 mm titanium speakers for clear, immersive audio. With Bluetooth 5.4 technology, it supports 1-Step Instant Pairing for faster, more reliable connections and an enhanced range.

The neckband includes Dual MEMS Mic for clear conversations and Trukes Environment Noise Cancelation Technology, which reduces background noise, making it suitable for outdoor use.

The 150mAh battery provides up to 30 hours of music playback and talk time on a single charge, with fast charging capabilities that offer 4 hours of play with just 10 minutes of charging.

Additional features include dual connectivity, ear hooks for a secure fit during workouts and outdoor activities, and tap-to-control functionality for managing music, calls, and voice assistants effortlessly.

Quick Specifications: Truke Yoga Beat

Open-Ear Neckband

14.2mm Titanium Drivers

Dual MEMS Mic for crystal-clear calls

30 hours of total playtime with fast charging

Environment Noise Cancellation Technology

Dual Device Connect, One-Touch support for Google Assistant and Siri

Bluetooth 5.4 with Touch Controls

1-year Warranty

Pricing and availability

Truke Yoga Beat is priced at Rs. 899 and comes in three colors: Pulse Orange, Midnight Silver, and Beige Gold. It is available for purchase on Amazon.in, Flipkart, and Truke.in starting today.

Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Upadhyay, Founder and CEO of Truke, stated:
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to resign in August following corruption conviction

Xinhua) 13:44, July 24, 2024

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who was recently found guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial, said on Tuesday that he would resign from Congress in late August, yielding to intense pressure from Democratic colleagues who urged him to step down.

Menendez officially announced his intention to resign in a letter to New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, who is expected to promptly appoint a replacement who will serve until January.

Menendez, a New Jersey senator and formerly head of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had vowed to appeal the guilty verdict handed down by a federal jury in Manhattan, New York, last week.

However, as his own party quickly moved to expel him, Menendez eventually chose to avoid an ugly fight and resigned with months remaining in his term.

Federal prosecutors in New York previously alleged the Democratic senator accepted bribes in exchange for helping foreign governments. On July 16, a jury convicted Menendez of 16 federal charges including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent and obstruction.

Prosecutors said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered gold bars and over 400,000 U.S. dollars in cash hidden in various locations such as jackets and shoes within his residence.

Prosecutors alleged that in return for the bribes, Menendez assisted in securing millions of dollars in U.S. aid for Egypt.

"This wasn't politics as usual; this was politics for profit," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, whose office prosecuted the case, said in a statement earlier, citing "shocking levels of corruption."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the upper chamber, immediately called on Menendez to resign from the Senate after the conviction.

"In light of this guilty verdict, Sen. Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer said in a statement.

Menendez could face a lengthy prison sentence when a judge of the Federal District Court sentences him on Oct. 29.

"Mr. Menendez's continued presence in Washington would have been a distraction for a party now trying to refocus all its energy on retaining the White House and Senate," The New York Times reported. Enditem.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Kuwait City/New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) India and Kuwait held the 6th Round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kuwait City today, during which both sides reviewed the entire gamut of multifaceted ties to further strengthen and diversify it.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said:

The 6th Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) between India and Kuwait co-chaired by JS (Gulf), Mr Aseem Mahajan and AFM Asia, Amb Sameeh Essah Johar Hayat were held today in Kuwait. Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of multifaceted ties to further strengthen and diversify it.

The Kuwait Foreign Ministry in a post on X said that the Kuwaiti Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), who is in Kuwait at the head of the Indian delegation participating in the sixth round of political consultations.

Today, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, His Excellency Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, received His Excellency Asim Mahajan, Assistant Undersecretary for Gulf Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of India, on the occasion of his official visit to the country to head his countrys delegation participating in the meetings of the sixth round of political consultations between... The State of Kuwait and the Republic of India.

UNI RN
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New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) New UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in India on Wednesday morning on his first official visit to the country since taking over the post earlier this month. He will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later in the day on strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and on the FTA.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X said:

Warm welcome to UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit since the assumption of office.

The visit will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will make the 'living bridge' between India & Great Britain stronger.

A UK High Commission statement said that UK growth is at the top of the agenda for the Foreign Secretarys first visit to New Delhi.

David Lammy will highlight the importance of new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security.

He will hold high level meetings with the Indian Government as well as climate and business leaders.



Economic, domestic and global security will be at the heart the Foreign Secretarys first visit to India as he travels to New Delhi today to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership.

On the visit, the Foreign Secretary will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership including through reinforcing the UKs commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement that will benefit both economies.

He will tell his Indian counterpart that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries.

Ahead of his visit to India, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.



Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham.

We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security.

"I am traveling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home."

The Foreign Secretary will underscore the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life.

In a visit to Indias third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries, the statement said.

UNI RN
China unveils rules for implementing Law on Guarding State Secrets

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:38, July 23, 2024

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a decree of the State Council to unveil a set of rules for implementing the country's Law on Guarding State Secrets, which will take effect on September 1.

The regulations, consisting of six chapters and 74 articles, aim to ensure the implementation of the newly revised Law on Guarding State Secrets in February.

The regulations outline further efforts to refine the leadership and management mechanisms related to state-secret protection and to specify the responsibility of relevant parties in a more nuanced fashion.

The document also urges efforts to manage the delineation of classified items and the protection of state secrets in an improved manner, and to enhance the supervision of relevant work.

According to the regulations, commendations and rewards will be granted to organizations and individuals who have ensured the safety of state secrets in case of emergency or have promptly reported on the activities of leaking or illegally acquiring state secrets, among other meritorious acts.

Internet operators should abide by confidentiality laws and protocols, establish a series of mechanisms to expose and handle violations, and devise emergency plans for state-secret leakage, according to the regulations.

The regulations also urge strict checks and management of personnel engaged in confidential work and specify different state-secret leakage scenarios in public institutions where responsible personnel will be held accountable and punished due to their violation of relevant statutes.

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July 22, 2024

Transcript

Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience Announce the 2024 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy

DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE KATHLEEN HICKS: ...Good afternoon everyone. So it's a big pleasure to be with you here today to talk about the Department of Defense's new Arctic strategy, which Secretary Austin recently signed. Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Iris Ferguson and her team for their leadership in crafting this important and influential guidance.

The Arctic region of the United States is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U.S. national sovereignty and the preservation of our defense treaty commitments. It's home to significant defense infrastructure, important for homeland defense and projecting global power. Radars and sensors in Alaska detect threats to the homeland and Alaska's strategic location, places it at the crossroads between the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

Our Arctic strategy will guide the department's efforts to ensure that the Arctic remains a secure and stable region and now is a critical time in the region. Climate change is fundamentally altering the Arctic and with it, geopolitics and US defense missions. The readiness of our forces for those missions is always foremost on our minds, and that's why for decades across Republican and Democratic administrations, the department has been seeking to ensure our military capabilities can meet the mark even in the face of a changing climate. Climate change and the resulting shifts in the operating environment require us to rethink how we best protect our warfighters and prevent conflict.

This transformation affects how we support our allies and partners and it impacts our ability to deter and, if needed, defeat our adversaries. And that's exactly what this new Arctic strategy takes into account. The Arctic is strategically vital to U.S. national security. Our forces can reach about any theater in the Northern Hemisphere by way of the Arctic. Yet, melting Arctic ice caps are opening new shipping lanes and attracting increased interest and activity from both the People's Republic of China and Russia.

While not an Arctic state, the PRC seeks greater influence in the region, greater access to the region and a greater say in its governance that's concerning given that it's the only strategic competitor with the will and increasingly the wherewithal to remake the international order. That's why you hear us refer to the PRC as our pacing challenge.

At the same time, Russia continues to pose an acute threat to security and stability in the region. Despite its losses in Ukraine. Russia has continued to build up its military infrastructure in the Arctic and assert excessive claims over Arctic waters. Russia's ongoing illegal war in Ukraine has rendered government to government cooperation on Arctic matters, virtually impossible.

More troubling, 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 and increasingly militarily with Russia and China conducting joint exercises off the coast of Alaska.

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. So we must have a strategy that ensures our military readiness in the face of these changes, ensuring our ability to quickly respond to threats in the region and to the overall demands they place on our force.

Our Arctic strategy adopts a monitor and respond approach in the region. It is underpinned by robust domain awareness and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, cooperation with our allies and partners and deterrent power enabled by the agility of the joint force. The strategy focuses on enhancing our domain awareness and Arctic capabilities, engaging with our allies and partners and exercising calibrated presence in the region.

In the Arctic, the strategic can quickly become tactical, ensuring that our troops have the training, the gear and the operating procedures for the unique Arctic environment could be the difference between mission success and failure. It is imperative that the joint force is equipped and trained with what they need to operate in the Arctic and while succeeding in the Arctic will require effort, the DOD will not navigate these challenges alone.

The Arctic is home to a unique concentration of like-minded, capable allies and a network of strong partners. Engagement with this network is foundational to our approach. For example, key to our strategy is modernizing NORAD's ability to detect and track threats emerging from and through the Arctic in partnership with Canada.

And as we saw at the Washington summit two weeks ago, the historic accession of Finland and Sweden to the NATO alliance not only makes them safer, but it makes our alliance stronger, including in the High North. Finland and Sweden's historic decision to join NATO has made all seven like-minded Arctic nations allies. We will continue to train and exercise alongside each other, strengthening deterrence, deepening cooperation and ensuring our shared security in the Arctic.

Finally, the Joint Force will continue to exercise calibrated presence in the region. This will include not only regular training and exercises that improve the joint force's ability to operate in the difficult Arctic environment, but also the day-to-day operations that underpin defense and deterrence in the region.

This is especially the case in Alaska where day in and day out, the joint force is executing the vital homeland defense mission. Rest assured that the department is investing in the Arctic across all domains. We've invested in ground and air capabilities and infrastructure, including in the development of a system of sensors that will provide enhanced air and maritime domain awareness and in extreme cold weather equipment and gear.

We've invested in space capabilities that further improve domain awareness and provide a clear picture of the Arctic operating environment and we've invested in the maritime domain. In fact, the Navy has launched several research and development efforts to enhance capabilities that enable more accurate modeling and predictions of the Arctic domain.

The Department of Defense is not acting alone. Advancing this strategy is part of a whole of government effort to protect U.S. interests in the Arctic. For example, the Department of Defense supports the U.S. Coast Guard's program to strengthen U.S. icebreaking capability by procuring three new polar security cutters.

And in fact, the United States, Canada, and Finland recently announced our intent to collaborate on icebreaker production, which is yet another example of the type of cooperation we can leverage. While it's important to note that the department doesn't budget by region, we will continue to invest in ways that enable the joint force to deploy at the time and place of our choosing to defend U.S. national interests.

As the Arctic security environment continues to evolve, DOD remains ready to adapt to protect our national interests. This new Arctic strategy is an important step forward in ensuring that the Arctic remains stable and secure now and into the future. I'd like to once again thank Deputy Assistant Secretary Ferguson for her work and the tireless work of her team in developing this strategy.

She'll follow up with more details about the strategy, but first I am happy to take a few questions. Thank you.

STAFF: Thank you, Deputy Secretary, Lita Baldor from Associated Press.

Q: Thank you. Thanks for doing this. You mentioned investment a lot and we've frankly been hearing for the last more than ten years about the need for greater investment in the Arctic including greater sensors etc. Can you give us a sense just from a budgetary perspective, even though you don't budget by region, what has the Pentagon done for investing in the last couple of years since the previous strategy came out?

And how much do you expect the department to actually invest in the next couple of years in order to begin to catch up with Russia and China? And then I had a very quick Russia-China question.

HICKS: So, as I said, we don't budget by region, we also don't arms race. We don't benchmark what we spend or how we invest in capabilities necessarily by the way in which an adversary or a potential competitor chooses to do so. So our approach is about taking the strategy which we now have and applying against it, the kinds of capabilities we think are important for realizing that strategy.

So to that end, the focus on ensuring a stable and secure region, we're very focused of course on domain awareness. We're very focused on making sure we can access the region from space down to undersea. Some of those are enduring capabilities you can think of that we've long had. In other areas, as you point out, we want to make increased investments.

So those increased investments I mentioned already include the Archer ground-based sensor network that's that ground based sensor network. I mentioned that we've been investing in recently the last several years and over three years it's about $43 million there. We've also been investing in NORAD's long range radar sites including significant investment in the supporting infrastructure in the tens of millions of dollars.

Again, we, of course, have been investing in our space base up in Greenland. We've activated the 11th Airborne Division up in Alaska, which I visited in May of 2023 as they were standing up and they're the Arctic Angels now. Really focused, as I said on making sure at that tactical level that we're training appropriately and investing in the gear and other capabilities needed.

And I'll also add that operational footprint being able to stand up and operate an exercise, we have lots of exercises we're doing. Those are investment streams as well as opposed to strictly into the capabilities themselves. It's about making sure we're ready to execute missions there. So that's a quick summary of some of the areas we've been investing in.

Q: And just a very quick, is there any way for you to quantify the increase you've seen in Russia and China activity in that region over the past couple of years?

HICKS: I don't have a way to quantify it. I think what I would say is it's very noticeable and concerning both individually. The Russians of course have even as they've continued their operation, their war in Ukraine, they've been continuing to invest in their infrastructure through art throughout the Arctic region that they can access.

And then we've seen much more PRC activity both in terms of so-called research, but because of their civ-mil fusion, we always have concern that there's a military aspect to that. And also in terms of their activities, for instance, with the Russians in terms of bomber patrols, maritime etc.

STAFF: OK, we'll move across the room to Alex Horton from the Washington Post.

Q: Yeah, thanks for doing this.

HICKS: Sure.

Q: So you spoke a little bit about the infrastructure challenges, but what are some of like the regional and infrastructure realities that make operations in this area difficult, you know, you talked about space based solutions though I understand like just the nature of satellites past the Arctic Circle makes it really difficult. So how are you trying to get around all of these realities of the region?

HICKS: Sure, so some of our capabilities are immediately applicable and we want to think about that in a global force sense, how do we balance potential demand in this region versus demand in other regions. But to your point, we know there are cases in which we want to make sure our capabilities can operate in a very harsh Arctic environment.

While the climate is changing, its opening up sea lanes is opening up access, but it's not currently warming to the point where it's not noticeably harsh up in the Arctic. So in some cases, we're having to make sure our equipment functions just as we had to do during everywhere from Desert Storm forward.

We had to make sure we had equipment for instance that could operate in the desert. We need to make sure that the capabilities that we bring as a joint force can operate in that environment. And without getting into sort of specific systems or details, we also have to check to see you know to the issue you raised where we have limitations on accessing all that we want to be able to see in the environment and making sure we have the capabilities to bring to bear for that.

STAFF: And we're going to have to go to last question, Patrick Tucker from Defense One.

Q: Hi, Patrick Tucker from Defense One. So as you just pointed out, the Arctic is becoming more accessible, but it's still a very difficult environment to place human beings, especially for long periods of time do recent advances in artificial intelligence and autonomy support this strategy. And if so, how does that continuous monitoring mission, for instance, become more practical and easier now because of advances in AI or autonomy?

HICKS: OK, I'll take first kind of uncrewed and autonomy and then the AI piece. So domain awareness missions are well suited for uncrewed systems approaches and all domains, so sensing missions, ISR, etc. So this is a clear area where we can apply some of what we're doing in the department. It, you know, the features we're looking for, there are endurance, not putting humans at risk again in a harsh environment.

But at the same time, to the point I was just making, you have to ensure that even those uncrewed systems are survivable to a long enough, at least to endure or are so inexpensive that there a treatable nature is still worth it for the mission. You're putting them on, so that means a lot of research and development and testing.

And that's where we're focused in this area, looking at the possibilities of where an uncrewed systems can bring value. But I think as replicator is demonstrated, we are ready to kind of catalyze where we can, the movement toward these sorts of capabilities and really see their potential. That then links directly, I think, to your question on AI. There are many applications I think of AI for the Arctic domain.

I think to this, to the prior point on uncrewed systems, AI is ideal at helping us make sense of an environment, pattern recognition, bringing in data and understanding the environment to make better decisions and faster decisions. And this is a space where I think bringing the two together or just in general being able to leverage AI can really advantage us. So that's true across our force.

We're looking to leverage AI in general and I think it's a perfect domain in which to understand how and why it brings capability.

STAFF: OK, thank you very much, Deputy Secretary. Thank you very much. If there's any follow ups, I'm happy to take those questions and get those answered for you. And then DASD Ferguson be stepping up in just a moment. Thanks.

STAFF: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'm going to introduce Iris Ferguson who currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience. And she is the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and senior leadership for policy matters pertaining to Arctic security and global resilience to include efforts on climate adaptation, mitigation, and energy resilience.

Prior to her current appointment, DASD Ferguson was a senior advisor on Arctic and climate security issues for the US Air Force Futures and the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for operations. In that capacity, she authored and implemented the Department of the Air Force's Arctic Strategy, including advising on strategic initiatives, operations, and international partnerships related to the region.

So just a real quick recap from what Eric shared, same rules of engagement are going to be in place for this portion of the press conference. So I'll go ahead and call on the reporters ask that you limit yourself to one question, one follow up. And if we're not able to get to your question today just reach out to me afterwards and I can assist you with that. Just a reminder, this is on the record. So with that, ma'am, I'll turn it over to you for opening comments.

DASD IRIS FERGUSON: Great. Thank you, Devin. Thanks. Thank you all for being here for today and thank you to Deputy Secretary Hicks for the introduction to the strategy.

As Deputy Secretary Hicks just noted, this is a critical time for the Arctic region with dramatic changes occurring, increased activity and access from our competitors, the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO and climate change continuing to warm the region some three times the rate of the rest of the world, this new strategy acknowledges those changes and creates a roadmap for action for the Department to lead and ensuring our national interests are safeguarded.

It's the latest example of the DOD taking Arctic security seriously. In fact, the reorganization of OSD policy to create the Office of Arctic and Global Resilience two years ago was foundational to elevate and integrate Arctic security concerns across the department, especially as they relate to our homeland defense priorities.

The Arctic plays an outsized role in defense of the homeland as a region comprises U.S. territory in Alaska and the northern approach to the homeland. The new strategy guides DOD in taking key steps to defend the homeland from enhancing our ability to detect threats from and through the Arctic to collaborating with Canada on modernizing NORAD capabilities to exercising alongside our NATO allies to hone our readiness for operations in the Arctic region.

The goal of executing our homeland defense mission underscores each of our three E's that Deputy Secretary Hicks mentioned. First, ENHANCE: to defend the homeland we must improve our domain awareness and enhance our ability to detect and respond with our Canadian allies to threats to the homeland.

A key focus for my office is championing investments that will enhance our awareness of threats in the region. We want to make sure that we have the right sensing architecture and the right communication architecture for command and control.

We must also deepen our understanding of how climate change is altering the Arctic environment through improved weather forecasting and sea ice prediction to ensure our troops and our platforms are capable of operating in conditions they may encounter.

Second, ENGAGE. Our strong network of partners including Arctic allies, federal, state, local and tribal partners are key stakeholders in securing the Arctic and our homeland. From the communities that host our bases and troops in Alaska to our colleagues in the US Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, we all have a role to play to maintain the stability of the Arctic region.

Third, EXERCISE. We must enhance our ability to respond to deterrence, fail, exercising tactics, and equipment is a prerequisite not only for success, but for survival in the unique Arctic environment. To this end, one of my office's key implementation priorities will be ensuring that the Joint Force is equipped and prepared to operate there.

We think that this strategy offers the blueprint to take the next steps towards ensuring Arctic security and protecting our national interests by fielding and partnering on our needs now and into the future. And with that, I'm happy to take your questions.

STAFF: OK, we'll go ahead and start with Lita.

Q: I was going to  actually, I think there are other people who maybe didn't get questions before, so I don't want to take everybody's questions, so I'll  I'll pass and let someone else ask some.

STAFF: OK. All right, then let's go to Tony.

Q: I have a question on satellite capability. Given the harsh environment there and the need for on the move kind of internet capabilities, what role do you see for commercial satellite image  satellite communications? I give you Starlink. You know this, the Air Force Research Lab, last year, did a successful round of exercises with Starlink establishing on the move capability. Is Starlink the kind of capability that you hope to buy in terms of the service? And actually you  will you be budgeting for Starlink capability or OneWeb capability?

FERGUSON: Yeah, thank you for that question. In the strategy itself, we talk about the needs that we need to invest in as a department for enhancing domain awareness to include communications architecture. Communication architecture is so critical for the Arctic region for our operators. It's an area that we haven't invested in, to date, as much because of the geo inclination or our inclination of our geosynchronous orbits. We have to actively invest in the Arctic region in particular.

We've been working over the last several years to leverage these kind of commercial assets to include the testing and development that you were talking about with our Air Force Research Lab. We found those  that testing to be highly successful. We have Starlink at SpaceX and OneWeb right now on contract with our commercial SATCOM office.

So our departments and agencies are able to procure services right now, but what we're trying to do is field the hybrid SATCOM terminals for our users so that they can access multiple constellations. That's the next round. You have the satellite capabilities and the commercial capacity, but you need the users to have their terminals to be able to access it. So that's the testing that we're going through this coming next summer is looking at the terminals that could access multiple constellations at once.

Q: Can I ask just a follow up? Have they  they're part of that commercial satellite office, I know they get task orders. Are they getting task orders for specific Arctic operational exercises?

FERGUSON: Yeah, I'll have to take that specific question back because I'm not  familiar with that level of specificity.

Q: OK, thank you.

STAFF: OK, great. Let's  let's go to the phones. We've got folks joining us on the phone. Let's go to Justin Katz, Breaking Defense.

Q: Hi, thank you for doing this. I wanted to ask about ICE PACT, as the deputy secretary mentioned. Given that the  given that for the United States fleet, the Coast Guard largely leads, you know, icebreakers shipbuilding. Could you speak to, I guess, the  the Pentagon's role in ICE PACT? And as it relates to the  the Arctic strategy? Thank you.

FERGUSON: Yeah, no, thanks for that really important question. The US Coast Guard plays an incredibly important mission for our Arctic security interests at large. They provide really critical assets for disaster response. They provide a lot of presence for us in the Arctic region. And we very much support their goal to acquire icebreaker capacity, including their goal to have three polar security cutters.

We've been following the partnership announcement closely with US, Finland and Canada to cooperate on the construction and build of icebreakers. And we think this is the kind of cooperation that we should be leaning into more. We really need to be leaning into our allies and partners effectively. They have high levels of proficiency and high levels of capability as Arctic nations and we can only do better by collectively working with one another.

STAFF: OK, great. Let's come back in the room, we'll go with Idris.

Q: Just a follow up from what Lita asked earlier. How would you define China's sort of progress in the Arctic? Is it a consistent trajectory? Is it rapid progress? And in terms of long term competitor in the Arctic, is that still Russia or would you now see China rising above them in the long term?

FERGUSON: Yeah, I think for China, you know, we see them having a strategic interest in the Arctic. We see that being something that they've said over the last decade. They in their strategic documents, continue to have the Arctic as an area where they want to explore where they  we see them as trying to internationalize the Arctic region to kind of turn it into a bit of a global commons so that they can have access and governance there.

The Arctic is primarily governed by the jurisdiction of sovereign states, but I think China has interests in trying to influence it meaningfully. We've  you know, they have three icebreakers. We know that they are often operating under the guise of scientific research, but that much of that research is going towards military use.

We see them operating more regularly in the last several years from a military perspective. Even just a couple of weeks ago, there were several Chinese warships off of the coast of Alaska. For us, we've seen them operating closely with the Russians on occasion with combined exercises off the coast of Alaska.

We're keeping a watchful eye on how they're developing their capacity for operating in the region. And I think, you know, as we say in the department, you know, they are our long term pacing challenge. And I think that that includes in the Arctic.

STAFF: OK, thanks. Let's go back to the phones. We'll go to Haley Britsky at CNN.

Q: Hi. Thank you for doing this. I'm sorry if this has already been touched on. I've been breaking in and out a little bit. But I just want to clarify, because I know there's  there have been a few years of course of  of Arctic strategies. So what specifically in this Arctic strategy is a little bit different than last year? Is there any  are there any major changes or I guess redirections on  on going forward what this is going to look like?

MS. FERGUSON: I think it's a really important question that the difference is  there's several differences. The first is how we articulate the strategic environment. We call out the Chinese involvement in the Arctic region as an area of concern. We talk about Russia's acute threat to us in our homeland within the strategy.

We talk about the PRC and Russia collaborating for the first time in this document. The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO is also new, since 2019, which was the last time a strategy was released. And we talk about the undercurrent of climate change, which is impacting all of our activity and all of the human activity that's being allowed to take place in the region.

The other thing that's different about this strategy is that we really dive into the ways and means effectively. We really are trying to get after the investments that we need to be able to effectively monitor and respond. We try to be very specific in the domain awareness needs that we have, the communications architecture, the ISR architecture, the weather forecasting to try to help lend some prioritization to resourcing in the region to provide the enabling capabilities for our Joint Force to effectively operate.

And the other big thing and this is not necessarily in the strategy, is just the creation of my office. It can't be understated how big of a role that is playing in the department in terms of integrating across the Arctic region. This office was created two years ago. To integrate across the department is no small feat in general, but certainly in the Arctic region where you have three different geographic commands, NORTHCOM, EUCOM and INDOPACOM in addition to various services that all have defined equities as well.

So I think just having an office that can help not only draft a strategy but help with the implementation of it and integrating the priorities going forward is the most important differences.

STAFF: OK, great. Coming back in the room, we'll go with Brandy.

Q: Thank you so much and thanks for doing this. It briefly mentions that the undersecretary of Defense for Policy is going to develop a department wide policy for building enduring advantages in the Arctic. What would that include for the Department that it does not have now?

FERGUSON: I think that phrase is actually just meant to say that the undersecretary of policy will be responsible for implementing the strategy going forward.

Q: OK. Will there be anything else you can share on an implementation plan or materials or guidance to expand DOD's Arctic presence like with drones or otherwise?

FERGUSON: Well, I think that's what this strategy is all about. It's about creating the roadmap for the capabilities that we need to protect our interests and to ensure that our troops have what they need to operate in the region. Just to maybe flesh out a little bit more of the investments that we've made in the last several years that I think could  that are  that we're going to continue to invest in throughout the implementation of the strategy.

You know, we've really been investing in our people. We recognize that it's an incredibly challenging place to live and to serve in. And many of the locations in the Arctic are remote and austere. And we've been focusing heavily on quality of life improvements for many of our troops that are stationed there.

And as of this summer, all servicemembers that are stationed in Alaska will actually have access to cold weather incentive pay for when they're there, they're able to buy cold weather gear for living up there. We spoke a little bit about infrastructure. The deputy secretary mentioned some of the investments in our sensing architecture, including in Archer and in NORAD.

We're also looking at what kind of infrastructure repair we might need to do due to the changing climate in particular at Pituffik Space Force Base. They are heavily impacted by permafrost thaw. And so we have some $7 million dedicated to look at how we're able to mitigate that, including potential hangar repair.

And we're working on equipment for our forces as well. The deputy secretary mentioned the Arctic angels that were recently stood up in  in Alaska. They've gotten the most state of the art cold weather gear in the last several of years. We've also spent some $280 million on cold weather all-terrain vehicles, in addition to that, cold weather gear. And then we've been really looking at space architecture as well.

And we've talked a little bit about leveraging commercial space technology. But the Space Force has also invested some $1.8 billion in the enhanced Polar System recapitalization payload, which is a payload that is actually uniquely hosted on a Space Norway satellite. It was meant to launch several weeks ago, but it will hopefully launch in the next couple of weeks.

That's the first time that we will have a payload on an allied partner satellite. It's helped us save money, helped us save about $900 million and also create a more rapid acquisition process for us. And it will be providing Arctic communications to our strategic users for the first time. So it's these kinds of unique partnerships that we're looking to really leverage going forward that you will see more of as we go through implementation.

Q: I guess what I'm really trying to understand is immediate next steps. Is there an implementation plan? Is there anything we can expect to see from you guys coming from this strategy? It mentions a lot of continuing assessments, evaluating existing capabilities. So what are some concrete next steps that are coming?

FERGUSON: Yes, so one other important point of continuity within our federal government approach to this problem set is that we recently released a national strategy for the Arctic region. That also has an implementation plan associated. There's a whole security pillar to that that we are responsible for implementing.

And so many of the objectives that we're looking to move forward on are also reflected in that national strategy for the Arctic Region implementation plan - which is public - so I would encourage you to go look at that, in addition to any kind of publications that we might put out following the release of the strategy. I think, you know, we will have an implementation plan. It's unclear if it will be public or not.

STAFF: OK, thank you. Let's  let's go to Chris Gordon in the room.

Q: Thank you. Nora just mentioned a lot in the strategy and here for obvious reasons. How much is this strategy dependent on Canadian investments such as an aircraft which is sometimes been lacking admittedly on their side? And for example, the strategy mentioned some 250 allied aircraft that are coming by the 2030s that could operate in the Arctic. How confident are you that allies are going to come through there?

FERGUSON: Yeah, our Canadian partners are integral as are all of our Arctic allies to the success of this strategy. Our Arctic allies and partners are so unique in that they have such a high concentration of capability and geopolitical alignment with us. I would argue that there's probably no greater concentration of likeminded partners anywhere else in the world, in addition to their high levels of capability.

So we lean heavily on them. Canada is an incredibly important partner, not only for the defense of NORAD but for also other developing capabilities for defense of North America. We partner with them often in exercises including in recent Arctic Edge and of course in NORTHCOM exercises. I am tracking their, you know, recent  their announcement to buy F-35s. They are included that in that figure of 250 advanced generation aircraft.

That's another incredible statistic just to show the alignment of our allies and partners that the majority of our Arctic allies will have F-35s to include Canada. You know, we take their word in terms of their investment. And we look forward to partnering with them going forward.

STAFF: Let's go back out to the phones. We'll go to Brad Dress, from The Hill.

Q: Hi. Yeah, thanks for doing this. So in the strategy you talk about investing in drones and aircraft for the Arctic. Are you referring to like new types of technology that have yet to be created that you're going to develop? Or are you talking about like improving what you have now for Arctic missions? Thank you.

FERGUSON: Yeah, thanks. I think it's a really important question and the deputy secretary hit a little bit on this question in terms of unmanned aircraft. It's really tricky place to operate with ground operations and with manned platforms. So where we can lean into remote platforms, it can make a lot of sense.

However, it's really tricky to operate remote platforms due to weather and due to connectivity issues. And so that's where we're trying to lean is looking at how we can test and do some R&D around ensuring these platforms can operate. I think we're, you know, looking to work with our allies and partners to determine the art of the possible in terms of what platforms is it existing or is it new?

Um, just to you know, briefly fill out as well on the AI question, I think that that's also really important. It's trying to look at how we can use our machine learning to better interpret a really complicated landscape where we don't necessarily have as much data as we wish. A couple of examples where we've done that to effect recently is looking at Coast Guard imagery, in some 12,000 images to detect maritime targets with our Coast Guard partners.

We've also worked looking at acoustic energies to employ on our submarines and on our P-8 aircraft. So you know, we're committed to trying to leverage the best technology available. And are also, of course, trying to do so in a manner that's both responsible and lawful.

STAFF: Yes, sir, in the back.

Q: Real quick. If a future presidential administration were to close the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, how would that affect DOD's ability to operate in the Arctic and this strategy?

FERGUSON: Yeah, I'd have to defer, you know, questions on agencies to that agency itself. We do lean on NOAA pretty heavily right now with our Arctic weather forecasting. We work very closely with our Air Force weather community, but also our naval weather community works closely with NOAA to detect weather forecasting and for ice forecasting.

The program that Deputy Secretary Hicks mentioned that the Navy is investing in to look at different ice pack concentrations, especially at nighttime, which has actually been a challenge for our forecasters. That is a NOAA program that we're partnering with them on, but I would have to defer to NOAA on that.

Q: Is it fair to say there's a lot of dependency on NOAA for the continuation of current programs?

FERGUSON: I think it's fair to say that our approach to the Arctic as a whole of government effort and there's a lot of dependency across the board on various agencies to make sure we do it right.

STAFF: Let's go back to the phones. Patty Nyberg, from Task and Purpose.

Q: Hi. Thanks for taking my question. I'm wondering if you can give us a little bit more details on the nature of military operations you're seeing between Russia and China. Like are kind of  are they both supplying the same amount of troops? Is it one country supplying more technology over the other? If you can kind of give us more details?

FERGUSON: Yeah, well, I'm assuming you're talking about how they're working with one another in the region. I think we've seen an uptick in their cooperation over the last several of years. We see China investing in a lot of Russian energy in order to not only have them supply the energy to the PRC, but also that is helping embolden some of Russia's activity in Ukraine.

We see them exercising diplomatic agreements, including between the Chinese and Russian Coast Guard within the Arctic region. We also see military exercises for the first time. I mentioned a combined exercise that we saw off the coast of Alaska, just last year where we sent several destroyers to counter their presence off of our coast.

But I also, you know, while we see this increasing collaboration, I think it's also important to note that it's somewhat superficial in nature still, especially from a military perspective. I mean, we know what it takes to operate with our Arctic allies and partners. And the months and the years that it takes to build interoperability, to build trust, to build know how for operating in the Arctic region.

And so you know, flying in circles with one another briefly or deploying alongside one another one another is maybe good for optics, but we know that that's not the same kind of level of in-depth cooperation that we have with our partners.

STAFF: Thank you, ma'am. We'll take one final question with Louis.

Q: Thank you. The first Arctic strategy was issued I think 2013, a decade later. Can you get us through the evolution of how these strategies have changed from that initial look which was looking multilateral, you know, multilateral action about detecting changes up there and to where we are today with this new strategy?

FERGUSON: Yeah, I think there's been a slow evolution not only in what these strategies say, but how the department is approaching implementing them. You know, the first strategies were kind of acknowledging the challenges of getting after an environment that we had sort of othered for quite some time. We were really heavily focused on the Middle East for a long time.

You know, in the Cold War, we had a lot of emphasis on the Arctic. That's where a lot of our infrastructure today is actually from the Cold War era. Had a lot of R&D into how to navigate the Arctic and a lot of know how quite frankly. So, these first strategies I think were a recognition of, hey, we might need to get after this problem set in a more profound way.

And slowly over time, there's been a bit of a greater awakening in the department. Not only about our needs for homeland defense because the technology that has changed so much from our adversaries and our need to modernize some of that, but also that we can't just show up to operate there.

We've got to exercise there with proficiency. We've got to make sure that we are working with our partners and actually exercising with one another so that we survive when we are there. So I think the evolution that you've seen is not just in semantics of a strategy where we've gone from acknowledging the problem to, you know, slowly articulating it more profoundly to now we're, I think, getting into the nitty gritty of how do you implement a strategy. And again, I'll restate the how importance of an office to do that and that's where my office is going to be heavily involved again in implementation.

STAFF: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. If you didn't get a chance to grab a hard copy of the strategy, we have those. If you didn't get a question, go ahead and reach out to me. The strategy is currently online at the DOD website. Thank you, ma'am.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3846498/

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July 22, 2024

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an Off-Camera Press Briefing

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder

MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: Hey. Good morning, everybody. I hope you had a good weekend, a slow news weekend. So just a few things here and then I'll get right to your questions. So over the weekend, you saw us issue a readout highlighting that Secretary Austin spoke with the Israeli Minister of Defense on Saturday about Israel in response to the Houthi attack that occurred on July 19th in Tel Aviv, that killed an Israeli civilian and wounded others.

During their discussion, Secretary Austin acknowledged Israel's action-followed months of Houthi the attacks against the State of Israel and reaffirmed the ironclad commitment of the United States to Israel's security and right to self-defense. I know several of you have asked whether there was any US involvement. I can confirm that there was no US involvement or coordination with the strikes. And as I've said to others, I would refer you to the Israelis for any questions about their operations.

Separately, today, the Pentagon is hosting the 2024 US Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue. That will occur today and tomorrow. The JSCD builds upon the work of the higher military commission and discussions held during Iraqi Prime Minister Sudanese April 2024 visit to Washington, during which President Biden and the Prime Minister affirmed they would review factors to determine when and how the mission of the global coalition in Iraq would end and transition in an orderly manner to enduring bilateral security partnerships in accordance with Iraq's constitution and the US Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

Our convening of this dialogue this week reflects both nation's commitment to strengthen the bilateral security relationship based on the work of the HMC over the past several months, and in recognition of the upcoming 10 year anniversary of the global coalition's military mission in Iraq. The US delegation will include participants from the US Central Command, the Joint Staff, State Department, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the National Security Council. And the Iraqi delegation will include participants from Iraq's Ministry of Defense and armed forces, counterterrorism service, and the Kurdish Peshmerga. And we'll have much more to provide following the conclusion of the JSCD discussions.

And finally, Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, Iris Ferguson, will hold an on camera press briefing in the Pentagon press briefing room this afternoon to announce the 2024 Department of Defense Arctic strategy. I would encourage you to attend or listen in as they discuss this very important region of the world and the department's strategy as we move forward. And with that, happy to take your questions. Lolita?

Q: Good morning.

GEN. RYDER: Good morning.

Q: Two things. One, can you tell us when the secretary last spoke to the president and was he on the call, or was it told to him, his decision to not run again? And then I have a JLOTS one.

GEN. RYDER: OK. So as you know, the president and the secretary engage regularly. The secretary was notified briefly after the announcement. The White House notified cabinet officials, and so the secretary was not notified in advance. But as I mentioned, they engage regularly, so we'll keep you posted.

Q: And just on the JLOTS, do you know if all of the aid has now moved from Cyprus? Is that wrapped up yet? Do you have a sense?

GEN. RYDER: I don't have an answer to that, so I'll have to get back to you on that.

Q: Can someone just give us sort of a final assessment if all the aid that's gotten to Ashdod?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. So I'll be briefing tomorrow, so I'll provide an update at the briefing tomorrow afternoon on that.

Q: So I mean, you mentioned no involvement. Were you notified in advance of the strike by the Israelis?

GEN. RYDER: So Secretary Austin spoke with Minister Gallant twice yesterday. So we were given a brief advance notice, and I'll just leave it at that.

Q: And then what about any deconfliction? Was there any deconfliction, given you have aircraft in the area as well?

GEN. RYDER: Again, I mean, this was purely an Israeli operation. As a matter of course, we're operating throughout every part of the world. We're going to make sure that that we're taking appropriate measures, but again, I don't have--there was no US involvement is the bottom line. Sir?

Q: Do you expect any kind of announcement, press briefing following the dialogue with the Iraqis going forward, whether it's going to continue to be a coalition or bilateral agreement between the US and Iraq?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. So we'll have a readout from the dialogue this week. Don't want to get ahead of that process, other than to say, we'll keep you updated regarding any significant developments as appropriate, so much more to follow.

Q: And I apologize for--I mean, what I'm getting at is you expect an announcement about either the [inaudible] coalition is going to continue, or the US and Iraq have decided to pursue a bilateral relationship?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Again, I don't want to get ahead of the outcomes of the dialogue. And so once that's concluded, we'll provide a readout in terms of what they discussed. But again, I just don't want to get ahead of where we're at as it relates to the coalition going forward, and I'll just leave it there.

Q: How long does that meeting last? Is it just today or is it--

GEN. RYDER: Today and tomorrow?

Q: OK. Thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Natasha?

Q: Just on the Iraq thing, so what is the difference between the higher military commission and the joint cooperation security dialogue? And are we kind of at the--what stage of the process are we in right now? Are we at the end of the process in terms of determining how the US is going to move forward there or more in the middle? Where are we at with that?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. So the higher military commission was established at the previous joint security cooperation dialogue, as an opportunity to bilaterally discuss a few things. One, the state of ISIS, operational capabilities, and then the capacity and the capability of Iraqi security forces to address the ISIS threat. So this is really a continuation or continuing the discussions in the HMC this week. So they'll take information and recommendations from the HMC and be reviewing those this week, with an eye towards, again, looking toward the future of the coalition, but then also the bilateral security cooperation between the US and Iraq. So again, we'll have much more going forward, but this is another step in that process, and in further bolstering our relationship.

Q: And in terms of the timeline. If you're looking at a timeline here, what stage are we in roughly, of the decision being made?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I can't get ahead of any decisions. I don't have anything to preview in terms of conclusions going forward, other than to say at the conclusion of the discussions this week, we'll have a readout to provide. But again, I'm just not going to get ahead of any announcements or try to put a timeline on anything. Yeah?

Q: Thank you. On a different topic. The Philippines agreed with China on the deal over the Philippines resupply missions in the Second Thomas Shoal. Do you have any comments on this? And do you expect this deal will ease the tension in [inaudible]?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. I didn't see those reports. Again, that's really something for the Philippines to talk about, in terms of its perspective on those agreements. Obviously, from a US standpoint, our focus is on ensuring that countries like the Philippines have their sovereignty respected, and that they're able to operate wherever international law allows, to include within their own exclusive economic zones. And so again, we'll continue to keep an eye on that, we'll continue to support the Philippines going forward, but they need to be the ones to talk about any agreements that they might have with the PRC. Yeah?

Q: So to clarify, you said the secretary wasn't notified till after the announcement. I think you said none of the cabinet secretaries were, so was it your understanding that all the cabinet secretaries were told after [inaudible]?

GEN. RYDER: No. What I said was that the White House conducted a call with cabinet officials after the announcement, shortly after the announcement, of which the secretary was notified. So I'd refer you to the White House for any other questions on that piece. Yeah. Sir?

Q: Last week, the Russian vice def. minister of North Korea met Kim Jong Un, so what do you think about this visit? And how do you react this kind of growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. I mean, I don't have a reaction to his visit to North Korea, other than to say we continue to keep an eye on this relationship. It's certainly concerning, given the fact that North Korea is essentially enabling the perpetuation of Russia's illegal occupation of Ukraine through material support and moral support. And again, we'll continue to keep a close eye on it.

Q: OK. One more. The South Korean military region loudspeaker broadcasting to North Korea [inaudible] North Korea [inaudible], do you have any comment on that?

GEN. RYDER: Again, I'd refer you to South Korea to talk about their operations. And again, we're going to continue to support South Korea and its efforts to protect its sovereignty and its borders. But again, I'd refer you to them for any questions. Quiet group this morning. Must have been a long weekend. Yep?

Q: I just have a quick one. You said Austin spoke with Gallant twice yesterday. Did you mean Saturday?

GEN. RYDER: I said--yeah. I meant Saturday. Today is Sunday, right?

Q: No. I just want to make sure.

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Right. Anything else?

Q: Just a very quick follow up to Natasha. Is there another HMC meeting expected down the road? Does that continue on a parallel track, or does that all now just fall under the joint security cooperation?

GEN. RYDER: As I understand it, the HMC meetings can continue. This is, of course, a scheduled event this year in terms of the 2024 Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue, but HMC conversations can also continue. Yeah. OK. Last question. Yes, sir.

Q: Yes, from the back. Has Secretary Austin spoken with Vice President Harris since yesterday's announcement?

GEN. RYDER: He has not.

Q: Is he anticipating, is she planning some kind of [inaudible]?

GEN. RYDER: Well, I mean, the fact is that the vice president regularly participates in the National Security Council meetings. She regularly participates in the principal committee meetings, actively engaged in national security discussions. And so Secretary Austin obviously is part of those discussions and regularly engages with the vice president as well. So I'm sure they'll be talking in the very near future, but he has not spoken to her since yesterday.

Q: And the call that you referenced from the White House [inaudible], that was an audio call or that was--

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. I have to refer you to the White House. I just don't know. OK. All right. Thanks very much everybody.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3846307/

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July 22, 2024

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

New DOD Strategy Calls for Enhancements, Engagements, Exercises in Arctic

The Defense Department today released its 2024 Arctic Strategy. The strategy acknowledges how environmental changes are affecting the Arctic region, details the implications for U.S. security and spells out how the department plans to be ready to meet new challenges there.

"The Arctic region of the United States is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U.S. national sovereignty and the preservation of our defense treaty commitments," Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said today during a briefing at the Pentagon. "Our Arctic strategy will guide the department's efforts to ensure that the Arctic remains a secure and stable region."

Eight nations have a presence in the Arctic, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the United States and Russia. All have interests there for both commerce and security.

Climate changes have meant the melting of ice in the Arctic and the opening of new sea routes, which means new opportunities for commerce and resource exploitation, but also increased risk to nations whose borders were previously protected by the region's inaccessibility.

"Climate change is fundamentally altering the Arctic, and with it, geopolitics and U.S. defense missions," Hicks said. "The readiness of our forces for those missions is always foremost on our minds, and that's why for decades, across Republican and Democratic administrations, the department has been seeking to ensure our military capabilities can meet the mark, even in the face of a changing climate."

Climate change and the shifts in the operating environment, Hicks said, mean the U.S. must rethink how to protect warfighters and prevent conflict.

The People's Republic of China, not an Arctic nation, is increasing its presence in the Arctic. The PRC operates three icebreakers in the Arctic, for instance, and has a military presence there as well. The Chinese military has also demonstrated its ability to operate in the Arctic by conducting operations with the Russian navy, for instance.

"While not an Arctic state, the PRC seeks greater influence in the region, greater access to the region, and a greater say in its governance," Hicks said. "That's concerning given that it's the only strategic competitor with the will and increasingly the wherewithal to remake the international order."

Russia's presence in the Arctic, including its military presence  the largest of all Arctic nations  can hold U.S. and allied territories at risk. At the same time, Russia is increasing its presence in the Arctic by reopening Soviet-era military installations.

"Russia continues to pose an acute threat to security and stability in the region," Hicks said. "Russia has continued to build up its military infrastructure in the Arctic and assert excessive claims over Arctic waters."

Russia is also partnering with China, Hicks said, and this presents additional concerns for U.S. defense.

"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, and increasingly militarily, with Russia and China conducting joint exercises off the coast of Alaska," Hicks said. "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."

The DOD's 2024 Arctic Strategy addresses these concerns in the Arctic with three lines of effort, including enhancing the capabilities of the joint force, greater engagement with allies and partners and exercising U.S. presence in the Arctic.

"Our Arctic strategy adopts a 'monitor and respond,' approach in the region," Hicks said. "It is underpinned by robust domain awareness and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, cooperation with our allies and partners and deterrent power enabled by the agility of the joint force. The strategy focuses on enhancing our domain awareness and Arctic capabilities, engaging with our allies and partners and exercising calibrated presence in the region."

Iris Ferguson, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for arctic and global resilience, said mission enhancement includes, among other things, a focus on domain awareness in the Arctic.

"We must improve our domain awareness and enhance our ability to detect and respond with our Canadian allies to threats to the homeland," Ferguson said. "A key focus for my office is championing investments that will enhance our awareness of threats in the region. We want to make sure that we have the right sensing architecture and the right communications architecture for command and control."

Also, a target for operational enhancements in the Arctic are enhancements to communications and data architecture; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities; infrastructure; and cold weather equipment and mobility.

With seven of the eight Arctic nations also members of NATO, the U.S. has great partnership opportunities in the region. The strategy directs the U.S. to take advantage of those partnerships and others, as a way to strengthen U.S. security.

"Our strong network of partners, including Arctic allies, federal, state, local and tribal partners, are key stakeholders in securing the Arctic and our homeland," Ferguson said. "From the communities that host our bases and troops in Alaska, to our colleagues in the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, we all have a role to play to maintain the stability of the Arctic Region."

Finally, the 2024 Arctic Strategy directs the department to enhance U.S. security through increased presence in the Arctic, including increased operations and military exercises.

"Exercising tactics and equipment is a prerequisite not only for success but for survival in the unique Arctic environment," Ferguson said. "To this end, one of my office's key implementation priorities will be ensuring that the joint force is equipped and prepared to operate there."

The strategy calls for continued service-specific, joint, interagency and combined exercises as well as war games, simulations and tabletop exercises that focus on the Arctic. The strategy also calls for military services to conduct training in the Arctic to build experience operating there.

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July 22, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

Austin to Meet With Key Allies During Official Trip to Indo-Pacific

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Japan and the Philippines this week on his 11th official visit to the Indo-Pacific since taking office.

During the 10-day trip, the secretary will meet with his counterparts as the Defense Department continues to strengthen partnerships to support a shared vision for peace, stability and deterrence throughout the region.

While in Japan, Austin will meet alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko as part of this year's U.S.- Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting in Tokyo.

Austin and Kihara will also meet separately with South Korean Minister of National Defense for the first ever Trilateral Ministerial Meeting to be held in Japan by the three nations.

The three leaders convened their most recent iteration exchange last month in Singapore, where they discussed shared regional security concerns and reviewed trilateral security cooperation lines of effort. The TMM is a key component of the U.S., South Korea and Japan's security cooperation dialogue, including separate exchanges between the countries' chiefs of defense.

The high-level talks follow last summer's Camp David summit with President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, which paved the way for what White House officials called "a new era of trilateral partnership" among the three countries.

The three heads of state agreed to a series of initiatives to strengthen security cooperation through enhanced interoperability, information sharing and coordination. The summit also paved the way for improved cooperation on ballistic missile defense and a multiyear framework for annual, trilateral exercises.

Since the summit, the three countries have made concrete progress in the exchange of real-time, missile-warning data to detect and assess ballistic missiles launched by North Korea.

This summer, the U.S., Japan and South Korea also completed the first iteration of Freedom Edge, a trilateral, multidomain exercise focused on cooperative ballistic missile defense, air defense, antisubmarine warfare, search and rescue, and maritime interdiction.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., emphasized the importance of continuing to advance the trilateral defense relationship during meetings with Japan's Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide, chief of staff of the Joint Staff, and South Korean Adm. Kim Myung-soo, chairman of that country's Joint Chiefs of Staff in Tokyo last week.

From Tokyo, Austin and Blinken will travel to the Philippines where they will meet with Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo as part of the fourth U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

The talks come amid recent strides in the long-standing U.S.-Filipino defense relationship as evidenced by the growth of Balikatan, and annual exercise hosted by the Philippines designed to strengthen interoperability and cooperation with the U.S.

This year marked the 39th iteration of the Balikatan, the largest on record with approximately 16,000 U.S. and Philippine military personnel participating. It also included Australian and French troops and representatives from another 14 countries who took part as international observers.

The two countries have also recently designated four new U.S. rotational access sites in the Philippines as part of the 2023 expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which was first signed in 2014.

The nine sites are designed to strengthen combined training, exercises and interoperability between the two countries.

Last week, Brown took part in a series of engagements with Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Ano, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during his first visit to the Philippines as chairman.

The leaders discussed bilateral security assistance and the importance of maritime domain awareness. They also shared their assessment of the regional security environment and the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, according to a summary of the meetings.

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The Re-Adjustment of the Al-Mawasi Humanitarian Area

IDF Press Release

July 22, 2024

22.07.24

IDF

Due to significant terrorist activity and rocket fire toward the State of Israel from the eastern part of the Humanitarian Area in the Gaza Strip, remaining in this area has become dangerous. Accordingly, at this time, the Humanitarian Area will be adjusted. The adjustment is being carried out in accordance with precise intelligence indicating that Hamas has embedded terrorist infrastructure in the area defined as the Humanitarian Area.

Several projectiles were launched by the Hamas terrorist organization from the area of Maghazi in central Gaza toward Israel. The projectiles did not cross into Israeli territory and fell inside Gaza. One of the projectiles fell and hit a school in the area of Nuseirat. Hamas' rocket fire continues to endanger both Israeli and Gazan civilians alike.

The early warning to civilians is being made in order to mitigate harm to the civilian population and keep civilians away from areas of combat.

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 calls for the temporary evacuation are being communicated to residents through SMS messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic.

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.

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UN Commission of Inquiry welcomes International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion stating that Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is now illegal under international law

GENEVA (22 July 2024) -- The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel welcomes the historic advisory opinion issued Friday by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stating that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is now illegal under international law.

"The Court was clear and unambiguous, and the advisory opinion entails international legal obligations not only for Israel, but for the UN and all States," said Navi Pillay, the Chair of the Commission. "The maintenance and promotion of the international rules-based order will depend on compliance with this advisory opinion."

In September 2022, in its report to the General Assembly (A/77/328), the Commission concluded that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory was unlawful under international law owing to its permanence and to actions undertaking by Israel to annex parts of the land de facto and de jure. The Commission stated that the permanent occupation and annexation by Israel could not remain unaddressed.

The Commission recommended that the General Assembly request an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal consequences of the prolonged occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and on the obligations of third States and UN.

The Commission welcomed the General Assembly's referral to the ICJ a few weeks later for an advisory opinion, and issued a detailed position paper on the subject in September 2023.

In its advisory opinion on Friday, the ICJ - the highest court in the UN system - authoritatively set forth the law of occupation and the duties and obligations of an occupying power. The Court reiterated the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by the use of force, and the inalienable right of a people to self-determination. It then applied that law to the situation of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory since 1967.

Israel's policies and practices of establishing settlements and annexing territory, resulting in the forcible transfer of Palestinians from their lands, confiscation of Palestinian land and property, exploitation of natural resources and discriminatory legal regimes in occupied territory are all in violation of international law, including humanitarian law and human rights law.

The Court stated that "the United Nations, and especially the General Assembly, which requested this 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 the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

To assist the General Assembly and the Security Council in determining appropriate modalities and actions, the Commission will report on the implications of this advisory opinion for the responsibility the State of Israel, the State of Palestine, third States, and where appropriate business entities, and the UN.

Background: The UN Human Rights Council mandated the Commission on 27 May 2021 to "investigate, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021." Resolution A/HRC/RES/S-30/1 further requested the commission of inquiry to "investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity." The Commission of Inquiry was mandated to report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly annually commencing from June 2022 and September 2022, respectively.

More information on the work of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, can be found at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/co-israel/index

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You will have no tanks left: Hezbollah addresses fresh warning to Israel

Iran Press TV

Monday, 22 July 2024 11:31 PM

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has addressed a fresh warning to the Israeli regime against its potential invasion of the country, echoing recent comments that were made by the group's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

The movement's Military Media Unit issued the warning in a video, titled, "You will have no tanks left," on Monday.

The title chimed in with remarks made by Nasrallah on Wednesday, in which the Hezbollah leader said, "If your tanks come to Lebanon and south Lebanon, you will not have a shortage of tanks, as you will no longer have any tanks left."

The footage displayed Hezbollah's fighters brandishing the group's battle-tested anti-armor weaponry, including the arms used by it to successfully fight off the Israeli regime's 2006 war on Lebanon. It also showed them deploying the equipment against several Israeli Merkava tanks.

The weapons depicted in the video included Hezbollah's shoulder-fired anti-tank shell, Qaher, which the movement depended on heavily as the most prized asset in its firepower during the 2006 war.

The footage also featured Hezbollah's anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems, such as Tharallah and Almas.

The former is capable of firing two missiles against a single target in tandem, a feature that helps it overcome the Israeli military's Trophy active protection system, which works on protecting armored vehicles against a single incoming shell at a time. The latter can relay a live footage that exposes Israeli tanks and armored vehicles that are deployed in hidden positions.

Hezbollah and the Israeli regime have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year.

The firefight began after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip that came following al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise operation by Gaza's resistance groups.

Hezbollah has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continued its war on Gaza, which has so far killed over 39,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

During the Wednesday speech, Nasrallah noted how Hezbollah's operations had exacted a heavy toll on the regime.

"The toll includes 9,254 individuals, among them officers and soldiers, with 3,000 amputees, 650 paralyzed, 185 completely blind, and several thousands suffering severe psychological trauma," he said.

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Ansarullah promises 'escalation after escalation' following Khan Younis massacre

Iran Press TV

Monday, 22 July 2024 9:32 PM

Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement has vowed that the country's Armed Forces would ramp up their anti-Israeli strikes in the wake of the Tel Aviv regime's most recent massacre against the Gaza Strip.

The movement made the remarks on Monday after the Israeli military slaughtered at least 70 people and wounded more than 200 others in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

The bloodshed targeted the city's eastern quarters, which the military had declared as a safe zone, and came within minutes of its ordering the Palestinian residents there to evacuate.

"Yemen will remain committed in solidarity and support for the Palestinian people, from a moral and religious responsibility and the Islamic and humanitarian duty," Ansarullah's Political Bureau said in the statement.

"The Yemeni forces will continue with escalation after escalation to avenge the Palestinian blood," it asserted.

The forces have been targeting the occupied Palestinian territories as well as Israeli ships and vessels affiliated with the occupying regime since October 7, 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.

'Holocaust of our time'

Ansarullah denounced the Israeli bloodletting in Gaza as "the crime of the century and the Holocaust of our time."

It reminded that the atrocities were being carried out with all-out support on the part of the United States, the regime's biggest ally.

"America has supported, encouraged, and participated in all the crimes of the Zionist enemy, with money, weapons, and political positions."

The Yemeni group concluded the statement by urging the international community to exert continuous pressure on the regime and its supporters to help stop the bloodshed in Gaza.

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Palestinians in Gaza 'trapped in increasingly small, overcrowded areas': UN

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 7:07 PM

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been "trapped in increasingly small and overcrowded areas" due to Israel's evacuation orders, says the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

UNRWA warned that "nowhere is safe" in the war-torn besieged territory.

In a post on its official account on X on Tuesday, UNRWA said, "People are exhausted from the continuous displacement and unlivable conditions & they are trapped in increasingly small & overcrowded areas."

"There is nowhere safe to go in Gaza. Evacuation orders have hit a huge part of the Strip leaving less & less places to go for the displaced."

Israel's repeated evacuation orders and strikes increasingly deteriorate the coastal enclave's health system and make it more and more difficult for constantly displaced large groups of Palestinians to access essential services, particularly those suffering from chronic diseases.

The latest order, according to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory, was issued on Monday when the Israeli military ordered Palestinians residing in eastern and central Khan Yunis to immediately evacuate westwards.

The order covers about 8.7 square kilometers in the so-called "humanitarian zone" in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis.

"The area of the 'humanitarian zone' as designated by the Israeli military has thus decreased by 14.8 percent, from 58.9 to 50.2 square kilometers," the report added.

Meanwhile, a top World Health Organization (WHO) official in Palestinian territories said he is "extremely worried" about polio and other outbreaks of contagious diseases in Gaza after traces of the virus turned up in sewage samples in the blockaded sliver.

"It will be very difficult for the population to follow the advice to wash their hands and drink safe water" when living in shelters with one toilet for 600 people and extremely limited access to clean water, said Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, team lead for health emergencies at WHO in the Palestinian territories.

"With the crippled health system, lack of water and sanitation, as well as lack of access of the population to health services ... this is going to be a very bad situation."

The WHO and UNICEF reportedly plan to dispatch a joint team to Gaza on Thursday to begin collecting samples, with clear recommendations expected within the coming days on how to tackle the threat, including a potential mass vaccination campaign.

Israel launched the campaign of death, destruction and genocide after it was caught off-guard by Operation Al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories.

The regime has killed over 39,000 Palestinians, most of them women, children, and adolescents, in Gaza since October.

It has been enforcing a near-total siege on the coastal territory, which has reduced into a trickle the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and water into the Palestinian territory.

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Uneasy calm in Dhaka under curfew, police arrest hundreds for 'violence'

PM Sheikh Hasina blames opposition parties for clashes that claimed at least 138 lives in nationwide unrest.

By Ahammad Foyez and Kamran Reza Chowdhury for BenarNews 2024.07.22 -- An uneasy calm prevailed in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on the third day of a nationwide curfew Monday, as authorities said they had arrested hundreds of people for their alleged involvement in violence during protests that turned deadly last week.

While there were no protests or street clashes, two people badly hurt in the earlier violence succumbed to their injuries on Monday.

This took the death toll to at least 138 in a week of street clashes that began as protests against a discriminatory quota system for government jobs and became a wider agitation against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15 years in power.

Hasina and other government officials blamed opposition groups for last week's deadly violence, according to footage from Channel 24 distributed by Reuters news agency.

But university students, who began the protests after the quotas were reinstated by a court last month, have alleged that it was members of the student wing of Hasina's Awami League, aided by the police, who incited the clashes.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Monday said the U.S. condemns "reported shoot-on-sight orders" that are part of a crackdown on the protests.

"The United States is concerned by reports of ongoing telecommunications disruptions in Bangladesh," Miller told reporters, referring to a state-imposed internet and mobile connectivity shutdown that continued Monday, reported Reuters.

Habibur Rahman, Dhaka Metropolitan Police's commissioner, told reporters on Monday that police have arrested more than 600 people, mostly in Dhaka, for violent acts during the protests.

A senior official from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Zahir Uddin Swapon, and a minor party's leader, Md. Tarek Rahman, were arrested Monday.

Tarek's wife, Tamanna Ferdosi Sikha, told BenarNews that a joint force of police, border guard and soldiers entered their house at about 2:30 am and picked up Tarek and his brother.

"They seized a computer and other digital devices from our house," she said.

Students give a 48-hour ultimatum

After the curfew that was imposed Friday was indefinitely extended on Sunday, Bangladesh Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman told reporters that more time was needed to "normalize" the situation.

"Many state properties were vandalized ... there are many ways of staging protests," he said Monday. "But carrying out attacks on state properties is not wise."

Several government buildings and properties were set on fire last week during the clashes, including the state broadcaster and a train station.

The protesting students were not mollified by the Supreme Court on Sunday ending most of the quotas in civil service jobs.

The court lowered the number of reserved jobs to 7% from 56%. A key plank of the quota system was the reservation of civil service jobs for relatives of those who fought in Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.

The students also demanded that the internet be restored and security forces be withdrawn from university campuses.

"We are issuing an ultimatum ... 48 hours to stop the digital crackdown and restore internet connectivity," Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told the Associated Press.

"Within 48 hours, all law enforcement members deployed at different campuses should be withdrawn, dormitories should reopen and steps should be taken so that students can return to the [residence] halls."

Asif Nazrul, a professor in Dhaka University's law faculty, said protesting students might only be satisfied if authorities apologize for unlawful actions, arrest armed cadres of the ruling Awami League's student and youth wings and arrest police and elite Rapid Action Battalion members who fired on unarmed civilians.

"Over 150 people died and thousands of protesters were injured in the uprising. I think the protest will not end with the judgment of the Supreme Court. Bangladesh's people are not so foolish," he told BenarNews.

The Rapid Action Battalion has previously been accused of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and the use of torture and the U.S. has imposed financial sanctions on it for "serious human rights abuses."

Some students are also demanding Hasina apologize or retract her comments from a week ago, when she said anti-quota protesters were akin to collaborators with Pakistan in the 1971 war Bangladesh fought to separate from that nation.

The protests spread after Hasina's comments.

Reuters video showed her telling business leaders at a meeting in her Dhaka office that opposition forces were responsible for vandalism, arson and murders during the protests.

Hasina's advisor, Salman F. Rahman, said the student movement had been hijacked by people who wanted to overthrow the government.

"There was a big conspiracy, they tried to ensure the fall of the government," Rahman said.

Another Hasina administration member, Nasrul Hamid, state minister for power and energy, claimed that the clashes caused U.S. $85 million in damages to power equipment.

"We are trying to identify the people involved in such sabotage and they must be prosecuted," he said.

Meanwhile, average Bangladeshis are bearing the brunt of the curfew, according to their accounts and those of vegetable, fruit and meat sellers.

Abdul Baten, who operates a garment factory in an area called Mirpur-11, told BenarNews that prices of staple foods have risen.

"We mainly depend on potato, egg, broiler chicken skin and leg, and lentils. A dozen eggs now costs 160 taka, up from 135," he said.

The problem, said vegetable trader Nur Mohammad, is that no produce is coming into Dhaka.

"There is an abundant supply of vegetables outside Dhaka. But due to the curfew it cannot be transported here," he told BenarNews.

"Unless the supply chain is restored, the prices will not come down," said the trader from the Mirpur-6 area.

The president of the Bangladesh Bus Truck Owners' Association, Ramesh Ghosh, said thousands of trucks transporting goods to Dhaka are unable to enter the capital.

"Every day at least 3,000 trucks carrying vegetables, chicken, eggs and fish enter Dhaka from across Bangladesh. But now troubles at the entry points ... have stopped the movements of cargo trucks," he told BenarNews.

"It must affect the consumers in the end, creating a crisis in the supply of essentials."

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

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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The UK condemns Houthi attacks against Israel and their wider destabilising activity in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

22 July 2024

The UK is deeply alarmed by the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv which saw an Israeli civilian killed in his home and 10 other civilians wounded. My Foreign Secretary condemned this reckless escalation in his statement to the UK Parliament last week. We call for urgent de-escalation.

Since October 7th, the Houthis have launched UAVs and missiles towards Israel, in dangerous and illegal attacks. These actions risk a further deterioration in the stability and security of the region and we call upon the Security Council to condemn the Houthi attacks against Israel in addition to their wider destabilising activity in the Red Sea. This includes launching over 305 attacks against international shipping, impacting over 100 ships and killing innocent crew. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew illegally detained by the Houthis since November 2023.

In addition, we must not lose sight of the fact that Houthi actions, enabled by support from Iran, are part of a wider Iranian strategy to destabilise the region with its malign influence and use of proxies. We call upon Iran to cease its nefarious support to armed groups and terrorist organisations in the Middle East which only serve to increase the suffering of ordinary people.

Finally, while we can confirm that there was no UK involvement in the Israeli strikes against the Houthis on 20 July, the UK remains resolute in its support to Israel's right to self-defence in line with international law and international humanitarian law. The Houthis seek to use the situation in Gaza as justification for their reckless behaviour. Let me be clear, there is no justification for these attacks and more broadly there can be no military solution to the conflict in the Middle East. Yemenis are once again paying the price for the destructive actions of the Houthis and further escalation will only worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.

A diplomatic solution in the region is the only way forward. We strongly support the ongoing efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, get the hostages out and humanitarian aid in. The deal, as endorsed by this Council in resolution 2735, is the best chance to secure lasting peace. Innocent Palestinians continue to face unfathomable human suffering in Gaza, with a devastating impact on women and children. At least 120 hostages remain in horrific conditions. We urge both sides to show flexibility in negotiations and to recommit themselves to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution. President, I reiterate the UK's call for de-escalation and for meaningful progress to bring about lasting peace and security for the region.

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Middle East: 'One rash move could trigger a catastrophe'

22 July 2024 - A recent surge in cross-border deadly attacks risks escalating violence across the Middle East and requires immediate de-escalation efforts, top UN officials warned the Security Council on Monday.

"One rash move, one miscalculation could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the borders and, frankly, beyond imagination," said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, in a briefing via videoconference.

The meeting, called by France, United Kingdom and the United States, came on the heels of a Houthi drone attack against Tel Aviv, Israel, on 19 July, which left one dead and 10 others injured. On 20 July, Israel deployed airstrikes on the Hudaydah Port in Yemen, killing at least six people, injuring 80 others and leaving widespread damage of civilian infrastructure.

These attacks and other recent strikes "risk a further regional conflagration", she said, pointing to intensified Israeli military operations across Gaza, clashes across the Blue Line between Israel and Hezbollah as well as Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) attacks on Syria, discussed by Council members earlier on Monday, she said.

"These latest developments show the real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," she stressed.

42 Houthi attacks against vessels in the Red Sea

In Yemen, the fragile gains resulting from the 2022 UN-brokered truce "are being eclipsed by violent escalation in the region", she cautioned, referring to the Houthis's continued attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, in contravention of Security Council resolutions 2722 and 2739, both adopted earlier this year.

The Houthis have claimed that the attacks are "purportedly in support of the people of the Gaza Strip," she said.

As of Monday, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has verified 42 Houthi attacks, she added.

Strikes on Yemen

The Under-Secretary-General said the IDF had stated that the strikes in Yemen were in response to previous Houthi "terror attacks" on Israel for the last nine months, which have numbered more than 200 aerial attacks against Israeli civilians and infrastructure.

"Hudaydah Port is a lifeline for millions of people in Yemen," which relies heavily on imports of essential items such as food, medicine and fuel, with the majority of these goods arriving through the port, Ms. DiCarlo continued.

"It is essential for the port to be open and operating. Any military campaign in its vicinity risks having devastating consequences for civilians."

Head of UN mission: Fires still burning

Major General Michael Beary, Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee and Head of the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement, (UNMHA), provided details on the latest events following the Israeli attacks on Yemen.

Briefing via videoconference from Hudaydah, he told members that the Israeli airstrikes had targeted fuel storage, cranes, infrastructure, military police offices and a power station.

The fires are still burning, he said.

"I wish to echo the Secretary-General's expression of deep concern about the risk of further escalation in the region," he continued.

Urging all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, he pledged the UN Mission's ongoing effort to discharge its mandate, including deploying regular patrols of the port and supporting de-escalation initiatives.

US: Council must speak with one voice

United States Ambassador Robert A. Wood said some Council members had advanced a "false narrative" that the Houthis are attacking vessels in the Red Sea in support of the people of Gaza, but the truth is that "the Houthis are terrorists".

"The only appropriate response is to condemn these attacks," he said, voicing support for Israel's right to defend itself.

At the same time, the Yemeni people are suffering, he said.

Given the current situation, he said the Council must respond, holding the Houthis and Iran accountable, and "must speak with one voice".

Russia: Gaza ceasefire is 'only way' to end current crisis

Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia, which holds the Council presidency for July, spoke in his national capacity, saying that drones, missiles and other types of weapons are launched towards Israel by opponents of its actions in Gaza almost every day.

However, Israel's "bloody operation" in the Gaza Strip has been going on for almost 10 months, already claiming the lives of 39,000 innocent Gazans despite the unequivocal position of the entire international community and the decisions of international bodies, including the UN Security Council.

"The IDF continues its brutal cleansing of the enclave, one of the most densely populated areas in the world," he said. "Now, we risk another acute conflict."

He said the way out of the current crisis "is very clear to all of us".

"We need an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza as well as the release of all hostages held in the enclave and arbitrarily detained Palestinians," he said.

Israel: Iran 'must be stopped'

Israeli Deputy Permanent Representative Brett Jonathan Miller said that since the beginning of the current war in Gaza, Israel has had to defend itself on seven fronts, with Iran supporting such groups as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

Israel had decided to react under its right to self-defence in the face of the 7 October attacks against it, he continued. That includes Yemen's Hudaydah Port, which is being used for terrorist purposes and therefore "is a legitimate target", he added.

"Iran is the head of the snake; it arms, trains and finances the Houthis" and "must be stopped", he said, calling on the Council to impose sanctions, harshly condemn the Houthis and support Israel's right to defend itself.

Security Council to meet on Yemen

On Tuesday, the Council is scheduled to hold its monthly meeting on Yemen.

In late June, Council members had demanded that Houthi rebels in Yemen immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Adopting resolution 2739, with 12 votes in favour and three abstentions (Algeria, China and Russia), the Council also requested monthly reports from the Secretary-General on the crisis in the Red Sea until January next year.









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New US Arctic strategy focused on Russian, Chinese inroads

By Jeff Seldin July 22, 2024

The United States is looking to boost intelligence collection in the Arctic and enhance cooperation with allies in the region, to prevent Russia and China from exploiting the cold and icy northern region at America's expense.

The mandate, part of the Pentagon's just-released 2024 Arctic Strategy, comes as U.S. defense officials warn climate change is melting Arctic ice that used to keep adversaries at bay, and there are indications of growing Russian-Chinese cooperation in the region.

"In the Arctic, the strategic can quickly become tactical," said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, briefing reporters at the Pentagon.

"Ensuring that our troops have the training, the gear and the operating procedures for the unique Arctic environment [may] be the difference between mission success and failure," she added.

The newly unveiled strategy calls for expanding the types of surveillance and intelligence capabilities that the U.S. military employs elsewhere in the world to the far north, where frigid temperatures can interfere with their operation.

Specifically, the strategy outlines the need for more ground-based sensors, space-based sensors and long-range radar to better pick up on activity by U.S. adversaries.

The U.S. is also looking to increase its unmanned aerial reconnaissance capabilities and its communication capabilities.

Hicks said the U.S. has already invested tens of millions of dollars in such capabilities, but that more is needed.

"The Arctic's vast distances, especially in North America, make supporting infrastructure vital for Arctic operations and presence," according to the new strategy. "However, much of the legacy Cold War-era infrastructure has declined over time due to the harsh environment, lack of investment, and climate change-driven permafrost thawing and coastal erosion."

One bonus for the new Arctic strategy, according to U.S. defense officials, is the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, which means every Arctic nation except for Russia is now part of the Western alliance.

U.S. officials have repeatedly praised Swedish and Finnish capabilities in the Arctic, and the strategy envisions additional joint exercises and cooperation, which could be required to counter an uptick in Russian and Chinese activities in the region.

"It's very noticeable and concerning," Hicks said.

"The Russians, of course, have, even as they've continued their operation, their war in in Ukraine, they've been continuing to invest in their infrastructure throughout the Arctic region that they can access," she said. "And then we've seen much more PRC [People's Republic of China] activity, both in terms of so-called research, but because of their civil fusion, we always have concern that there's a military aspect to that."

There have also been signs of increased cooperation between Russia and China.

The two countries conducted a joint naval patrol near Alaska's Aleutian Islands last August, prompting the U.S. to deploy four naval destroyers and patrol aircraft as a precaution.

But Iris Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Arctic, told reporters Monday that those types of Russian and Chinese efforts are just the tip of the iceberg.

"We've seen an uptick, an uptick in their cooperation over the last couple of years," Ferguson said. "We see China investing in a lot of Russian energy in order to not only have them supply that energy to the PRC, but also that is helping embolden some of Russia's activity in Ukraine."

Ferguson sought not to overplay the threat, saying Russian-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic is "somewhat superficial in nature still, especially from a military perspective."

However, Pentagon officials expect the Russian-Chinese military relationship to evolve, noting the growing level of Chinese military research in the Arctic and Beijing's attempts to "internationalize" and influence the region as a whole.

"We see them operating more regularly in the last several years from a military perspective. Even just a couple of weeks ago, there were several Chinese warships off of the coast of Alaska," Ferguson said. "They are our long-term pacing challenge and I think that that includes in the Arctic."

The Russian and Chinese embassies in Washington have yet to respond to requests for comment.

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US Secret Service chief: 'We failed' to stop attack on Trump

By Ken Bredemeier July 22, 2024

U.S. Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle told a contentious congressional hearing Monday that the agency had its "most significant operational failure ... in decades" when it failed to keep a young gunman from climbing a warehouse rooftop unimpeded at a political rally and then attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

"On July 13, we failed," Cheatle told the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Accountability in her opening statement ahead of extensive and pointed questioning about the attack on Trump at an outdoor rally in rural Pennsylvania. The gunman fired at least eight shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking, grazing his right ear, killing a rallygoer and critically wounding two other spectators.

Cheatle, a nearly 30-year veteran of the security agency tasked with protecting U.S. presidents and other top officials, pledged to rectify the shortcomings that led to the attack on Trump. However, numerous lawmakers have demanded that she resign or that President Joe Biden fire her.

"I will move heaven and earth to make sure an incident like July 13 never happens again," she said. "Our mission is not political. It is literally a matter of life and death."

Although several investigations are under way, Cheatle said, "We feel there were a sufficient number of agents assigned that day."

Cheatle said Trump's security team had not asked for additional protective measures at the rally, although the Secret Service had denied the request on numerous occasions for extra security at public events Trump has attended over the last two years. She said she did not know the number of times that had occurred.

But under initial, sharp questioning, Cheatle had no immediate answers for why agents were not stationed on the warehouse rooftop from where the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, had an unimpeded view of the rally stage about 150 meters away where Trump was speaking.

She said the gunman had been identified by police as a suspicious figure before the rally but did not know he was carrying a weapon. She had no explanation for why Trump was allowed to begin his speech even though authorities had determined there was a suspicious figure in the vicinity of the stage.

Representative James Jordan of Ohio, a Republican, told Cheatle the Secret Service security missteps at the rally were "pretty darn concerning for me and Americans."

"It looks like you're cutting corners" in providing enough security for Trump, Jordan said. Trump is the Republican presidential nominee in the November 5 election, looking to reclaim the White House after losing reelection in 2020.

House Speaker Mike Johnson joined other Republican officials in calling Sunday for Cheatle to resign or be fired in the aftermath of the security lapse.

One of Trump's sons, Eric Trump, told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," that Cheatle "should resign in absolute disgrace."

Cheatle has said she does not plan to quit.

The Secret Service had excluded the warehouse from its inner security perimeter it directly controlled, while leaving local police to patrol the warehouse area, even as local police told the agency they did not have enough resources to station a squad car adjacent to the warehouse. Crooks possibly climbed onto an air conditioning unit to reach the rooftop, authorities have said.

The would-be assassin apparently was able to walk freely in the outer security perimeter before climbing to the rooftop, even though local officers had spotted him, thought he was acting oddly and notified other law enforcement. But then, police say, they lost track of him.

In the hours after the assassination attempt, some former Secret Service agents said Congress for years had left the agency without adequate funding to hire enough armed agents to protect the growing number of key officials it has been tasked with protecting.

Cheatle said the agency currently is protecting 36 officials, as well as foreign leaders who visit the United States. The Secret Service has 8,000 employees and an annual budget of $3.1 billion.

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Minister Blair announces $35.8 million investment to equip Canadian troops in Latvia with 90 new tactical vehicles

National Defence

News release

July 23, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced that Canada is investing $35.8 million (including taxes) to deliver 90 Light Tactical Vehicles (LTVs) to Canadian Army personnel deployed in Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE - Canada's mission in support of NATO 's assurance and deterrence measures.

This announcement comes as Canada's military footprint in Europe, including Latvia, is growing. As the Framework Nation for NATO's Multinational Battle Group Latvia, soon to expand to NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, Canada will have more than 2,200 soldiers persistently deployed by 2026.

This new fleet of vehicles will enable the Canadian Army to operate more effectively in complex terrain and isolated locations that larger vehicles cannot access. They will also be used to transport combat equipment, which will reduce the loads carried by individual soldiers.

To deliver these vehicles, Canada has finalized a contract with GM Defense Canada Company of Oshawa, Ontario, for 36 cargo and 54 personnel variants of the vehicle. The personnel variant is designed for teams of up to nine soldiers, while the cargo variant is designed for two to four soldiers and larger cargo. Light Forces equipped with a combination of cargo and personnel variants will be able to carry weapons, personal effects, and combat supplies for 72 hours of self-sufficient operation.

The contract also includes integrated logistics support and up to two years of spare parts for the LTV fleet, as well as an option to procure up to an additional 18 LTV. The vehicles will be based on an off-the-shelf design so that they are delivered as quickly as possible.

The first five vehicles are expected to arrive in Canada later this month, and will be used as the training fleet. Initial Cadre Training by the Canadian Army is expected to begin in late August 2024, with the remaining vehicles expected to arrive in Latvia by early October 2024.

The LTV contract is the first phase of the Light Forces Enhancement (LFE) Project. LFE will deliver a specialized, new wheeled off-road vehicle capability to the Canadian Armed Forces' Light Forces - which are rapidly deployable and optimized for terrain and conditions not suited to mechanized forces.

The LFE Project Phase 2 will see up to 222 Tactical Mobility Platforms - also in cargo and personnel variants - and up to 23 light trailers, delivered to CA Regular and Reserve Forces in Canada. As the LFE project is in two phases, each will have a separate, competitive bidding process, which means different vehicles could be procured during each phase.

Quotes

"Canada's commitment to Latvia's security is steadfast. Through this procurement and other key investments, Canada is doing its part to help scale up the multinational NATO Battle Group in Latvia to a full-size brigade - strengthening our defensive and deterrent posture on the Alliance's eastern flank. We will always do what it takes to provide Canadian Armed Forces members with the tools that they require to accomplish their increasingly vital missions." The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

"The procurement of the Light Tactical Vehicle for members of our Armed Forces deployed in Latvia is an example of our commitment to supporting the safety and modernization of our military, enabling it to better operate in a more complex and rapidly changing environment." The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"This contract award demonstrate Canada's steadfast commitment to bolstering our armed forces' capabilities in Latvia. Our government is dedicated to equipping the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment it needs to effectively carry out its mission, ensuring both immediate operational readiness and long-term economic benefits for Canadians. Through the application of Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, this procurement will not only bolster Canadian innovation in our world class defence industry but also create high-value jobs and foster economic growth across the country." The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"The LTV contract is an important step toward revitalizing the Canadian Army (CA)'s Light Forces. It will enhance our range and response times both at home and abroad. Our Light Forces can be called to deploy on very short notice in any type of environment and the Army has been seeking that type of platform in larger numbers for many years. Once received, we intend to deploy most of these vehicles to Latvia in the fall. By being positioned on the eastern border of the Alliance, these platforms will enable the quick projection of a light infantry battle group to Latvia to reinforce the Forward Land Forces (FLF) Brigade led by Canada. Through this investment, the CA is not only improving its operational readiness, but is also enhancing its deterrence posture on the eastern flank of NATO." Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army

Quick facts

The Canadian Army's Light Force infantry soldiers will be the primary users of the Light Tactical Vehicles and Tactical Mobility Platforms.

The Light Forces Enhancement Project is split into two phases, and each will have a separate, competitive bidding process, which means different vehicles could be procured during each phase. Timelines for the second phase of this project will be confirmed as work progresses.

The life expectancy for the new fleet is estimated at 15 years.

Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy was applied to the LTV project in order to leverage economic benefits and grow the Canadian defence industry. GM Defense Canada Company will make targeted investments and business activity in Canada equal to the value of the contract.

GM Defense Canada Company's economic commitments are estimated to contribute $8.5 million annually to Canadian GDP and create or maintain 60 jobs annually over a five-year period.

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July 23, 2024

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder

SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right, well, good afternoon, everyone. I think it's Tuesday. All right, just a few things on the top here and then I'll get right to your questions. As we announced yesterday, Secretary Austin will depart this Friday for a trip to both Japan and the Philippines. This will be his 11th visit to the Indo-Pacific region as Secretary of Defense.

In Tokyo, the Secretary will participate in the 2024 US-Japan Security Consultative Committee and a historic trilateral ministerial meeting with Japan and South Korea. He'll also meet with senior Japanese officials.

In Manila, Secretary Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will participate in the fourth US Philippines two plus two ministerial dialogue with their Philippine counterparts. The trip underscores the US commitment to strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region for peace and stability. And following his return from the Indo-Pacific, Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken will host their Australian counterparts in Annapolis, Maryland on August 6, for the 2024 Australia US ministerial consultations.

We'll have much more to provide on the Secretary's upcoming trip and the Australia-US ministerial consultations in the near future. Separately, Secretary Austin hosted Estonian Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, here at the Pentagon earlier today to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues. The discussions underscore the importance of maintaining NATO alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The two leaders also emphasized the need to strengthen NATO's credible deterrence and defense, highlighting the importance of continued joint exercises to enhance interoperability and efficiency between military forces. Additionally, they discussed the US commitment to a persistent rotational presence in the Baltics, increased defense production to support Ukraine and replenish allied munitions and equipment stocks, and the outcomes of the recent Washington NATO summit. A readout of the meeting will be posted to the DOD website.

Secretary Austin also spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Rustam Umarov. During the call, the secretary reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The two leaders also discussed the outcomes of the NATO summit in Washington and the steps allies are taking to support Ukraine. Minister Umarov provided Secretary Austin an update of dynamics on the ground in Ukraine as Ukraine's forces bravely continue to fight Russian aggression. A readout will be posted to defense.gov later today.

And finally, the 2024 US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation dialog concludes today after two days of senior level working group meetings and dialog exchange focused on both nations' commitment to strengthening our important bilateral strategic relationship. Secretary Austin will host Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabit Al-Abbasi in the Pentagon this afternoon to discuss the US-Iraq bilateral defense relationship and the efforts of the Joint Security Cooperation Dialog and Higher Military Commission. We'll provide readouts of both of these as soon as they become available. And with that, glad to take your questions. I know we've got AP on the phone, so we'll go to Tara Copp.

Q: Hello, thank you. I wanted to know if Secretary Austin will be sitting in on any meetings between Netanyahu and White House officials this week. And if any discussions are on the table about increased weapons for Israel, either offensive weapons in Gaza or increased defense weapons like for Iron Dome. Thanks.

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Tara. I don't have any meetings to read out at this time. If -- would the Secretary and the Prime Minister, if that changes, certainly we'll let you know. And nothing to announce at this time in terms of any security -- additional security assistance or increased FMS.

Q: Is the 2,000-pound bomb still held up? Is that still the one shipment that has not been sent to Israel?

GEN. RYDER: That's correct. There's the one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs that is still paused. I'll go to Idris.

Q: Just on the Iraq -- meeting between Iraqi and US officials, is there a sort of goal to have some sort of agreement by the end of the meetings -- by the end of the visit by the Iraqi minister on the transition away from the coalition to a bilateral relationship, or is that something that doesn't need to happen as a result of the meetings?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so again, we'll have a readout in terms of the outcomes of the Joint Security Cooperation Dialog. And really as we've talked about before, so kind of two separate things, all interrelated. The JSCD -- I have to use an acronym because this is the DOD -- is as a forum by where we can discuss our bilateral security relationship.

Of course, the Higher Military Commission was created out of last year's Joint Security Cooperation Dialog. And so, it -- really what they do, Idris, is they provide a forum to discuss not only our bilateral security relationship but in the context of the coalition in Iraq, what the transition of that will look like going forward.

So, right now I don't have anything to read out in terms of decisions or timelines, but of course, recognizing that that is a continued topic of interest, we'll be sure to keep you updated on that. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Q: Thank you, General Pat Ryder. So, is the purpose of the discussion with Iraqis at this building to end the role of the coalition to the National Coalition?

GEN. RYDER: Well again, just if you go back to Prime Minister Sudani's visit to Washington DC earlier this year, they affirmed that we would review the factors to determine when and how the mission of the global coalition in Iraq would end and transition in an orderly manner to ensure -- or to an enduring bilateral security partnership.

This is all, of course, in accordance with Iraq's Constitution and the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement of 2008. So, the Higher Military Commission is looking at that transition. What that will look like in the context of the threat that ISIS posed operational considerations as well as Iraqi security forces capacity. And so again, nothing to announce right now, we'll be sure to keep you updated on that.

Q: One more, if you don't mind, on ISIS. Recently CENTCOM released it's six months activities in both Iraq and Syria including Kurdistan Region, that it conducted 196 operations against ISIS. And on the contrary, ISIS launched 153 attacks in both countries. So, in the discussions, did you consider the threats of ISIS?

GEN. RYDER: You know, again, without previewing the readout, I mean certainly. I mean this is a core function of this group is to look at the threat that ISIS poses to the region, and also with the eye towards Iraq's important role when it comes to regional stability. Thank you very much. Tom?

Q: Hi. Hi, general, thanks for doing this. It's quite wordy, isn't it, the descriptions that you're coming up with in terms of the transition in an orderly manner to ensure an enduring bilateral security partnership? Can you put that more in layman's terms, like what is a bilateral security partnership if not troops?

GEN. RYDER: Well, first of all, the global coalition is more than just the United States and Iraq, right? CJTF-OIR represents dozens and dozens of countries that have come together to address the threat of ISIS. And so, what we're talking about here is the transition of the coalition, which again is more than just the United States. But also, through the Joint Security Cooperation Dialog with an eye towards the US-Iraq bilateral security relationship. What does that relationship look like? So that's what I'm talking about. I do appreciate the commentary on my wordy responses.

Q: The security partnership, could that continue with US troops on the ground, or is that --

GEN. RYDER: --Well, I think again the US-Iraq bilateral security relationship is one thing and the global coalition, which is US led right now in the region, what does that look like going forward, again taking into account the three factors that I highlighted.

Q: Okay. So, all right, I didn't really hear an answer there, but that's okay. So, in terms of the -- in terms of -- sorry to beat a dead horse here -- with the US-Iraq bilateral security agreement, could that include a continuing presence of American troops?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I don't want to get ahead of the process, that's the discussions that are ongoing is what would that relationship look like under the auspices of the security -- or the Strategic Framework Agreement going forward. So again, it's a very well put question, very eloquently stated. I just can't answer it. Thanks. Yes, sir.

Q: Thanks. Last week General Brown said the in response to the attack in in Iraq, which the Pentagon attributed to an Iran backed group, he said that the US would respond at a time and place of its choosing. Previously you guys have said we reserve the right to do so. Does that mean -- can we interpret that as a decision has been made that the US will respond --

GEN. RYDER: --Yeah, thanks for the question, Joseph. So, I'm not going to forecast or telegraph any potential future operations. I think what the chairman was saying, and he's right, is that we always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing and that we will put the protection of our forces first and foremost -- the safety of our forces. So, I'll just leave it there.

Q: And then secondly, the -- Yemen's Houthis this morning have put out a new list of targets that they may attack in Israel. Among them includes the -- what they say is the Port of Ashdod where the US has transitioned the Gaza Pier to the Port of Ashdod for humanitarian aid. One, are you guys taking these threats seriously? Two, is there any concern that any US assets could be in danger -- apart from the Red Sea, obviously, that's -- attacks have been going on?

GEN. RYDER: So, a couple of things. So, I think is demonstrated by our actions in the region. We're absolutely taking any Houthi threats seriously and continue to work with allies and partners to degrade and disrupt their capability to launch attacks in the Red Sea and in the region. As it relates to the potential impact on US forces, as I just highlighted, we'll take all necessary measures to ensure that our forces are protected and take appropriate actions. Again, I won't get into potential future actions.

Q: Finally, quickly -- sources have told us that the US shot down either drones or missiles as part of the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv where one drone obviously got through. Can you confirm or deny that the US shot down any or helped in the self-defense?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I don't have anything to provide beyond what CENTCOM has already put out in their daily CENTCOM updates. So, just leave it there. Let me just go to the phone here real quick. WTOP, J.J. Green.

Q: Yeah, general, thank you for this opportunity. Earlier today, BBC reported NATO Chief Stoltenberg said that Europe should be prepared for a decade of war in Ukraine. A decade of war is -- I'm not sure that the West is prepared for that. But I'm wondering, how far -- how long is the Pentagon prepared to stand by Ukraine considering this, the statement and the conditions on the ground?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, J.J. Well, I think our leadership has been clear on this, that we're going to stand by Ukraine. We're going to support their security and their inherent right to defend themselves. Of course, no one wants to see this war continue. But as long as Russia continues to occupy sovereign Ukrainian territory-- and as long as the Ukrainians continue to fight against Russian aggression and for freedom, the United States will continue to support, as we've done since the beginning of Russia's illegal invasion. And as you've heard Secretary Austin say, Ukraine matters. The security of Ukraine matters because if Russia is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, they won't stop there.

And so this is, of course, of vital importance in terms of not only European security but US and international security. Thank you. Come back to the room. Yes, ma'am.

Q: Back to the Iraqi and US bilateral meeting, during the process of estimation to determine the capability of the Iraqi forces, do you think that now it's time to have the US troops withdrawal from Iraq based on the capability of the Iraqi forces now?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I won't get ahead of the discussions within the higher military commission and their recommendations to the senior leaders of both of our countries, Iraq and the United States. So again, we'll continue to keep you updated on that front. The United States is committed to having a continuing bilateral security cooperation relationship with Iraq.

We are fully supportive of Iraq and its important role in regional stability and greatly respect Iraq as a partner and also respect Iraq's sovereignty. So again, we'll have much more to provide in the near future. Sir?

Q: Thank you, sir. My question is that after President Biden's announcement that he's no longer running for the second term, and he fully endorsed and supported the Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential--or for the party's nomination. My question is that number one, US never had a female president or commander in chief.

If this building or military is ready for a female commander in chief? And two, if secretary is getting any messages from around the globe as far as this announcement is concerned, how they feel about this, maybe US will have a female president?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Thanks for the question. As I'm sure you can appreciate, I'm not going to get into political campaigns from here. The Pentagon, of course, will always support the commander in chief as elected by the people of the United States, and so I'll just leave it there. Thanks very much. Sir?

Q: Thank you, General. How is the Pentagon observing the ongoing student protest in Bangladesh, where mass killings are being carried out by security forces under shoot on sight orders from the ruling prime minister? Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. The internet has been shut down and nationwide curfew been declared.

People are demanding the resignation of the prime minister, and the military is on the street. Security forces are using UN armored personnel vehicle, which has been condemned by the UN. So what is your observations?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Sure. Of course we're continuing to monitor the ongoing situation there. I would say to echo what my colleagues at State Department have said, is that we would call for calm and certainly don't want to see continued violence. So I'll just leave it there. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Q: One follow up if I may. As the US is the largest donor for the peacekeeping support to the UN and those individuals who are violating extreme--involving extreme violation of human rights in their own country, they are deploying to the UN peacekeeping mission. So what is your observation? Those who are not able to maintain peace in their own country, how can they--

GEN. RYDER: --Yeah. Again, I don't have much to provide from the podium here other than, again, we obviously don't want to see violence increase. We, of course, want there to be calm and recognition of human rights, and so I'll just leave it there, sir. Sir?

Q: Thank you, General. [Inaudible] minister Georgiadis said on television the other day that they might raid the Turkish capital with the F-35s that they're going to acquire from the United States. Would you say that such statements from one NATO ally to the other are nothing but irresponsible?

GEN.RYDER: I'm not sure I understand what you're asking.

Q: You said that F-35s that they're going to acquire from the United States, that they might raid the Turkish capital, that those F-35s might appear suddenly one night in Turkey. So how would you evaluate that statement? Would you say that that's irresponsible from one NATO ally to the other?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. I haven't--

Q: [Inaudible]

GEN. RYDER: I haven't seen that out there, so I don't have a comment other than, again, we would always want our NATO allies to work together and would not condone violence.

Q: So historically, the United States has kept a fine balance in providing defense equipment to the Turks and the Greek. Would you say that that balance has been tipped in one side's favor, because it's making one of the NATO allies, those two, making them talk about the capabilities that they haven't even acquired?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah.

Q: [Inaudible] the first delivery is going to take years.

GEN. RYDER: So what I would say is, first of all, when it comes to the relationship between Greece and Turkey, I'd let Greece and Turkey talk to you and characterize the relationship. I would say from where we sit, we certainly value our partnership and alliance with both Turkey and Greece and certainly appreciate the efforts that have gone into addressing some of the areas of mutual concern. And I'll just leave it there. Thank you very much. Ma'am?

Q: Thank you. Ma'am?

GEN. RYDER: Janne, how are you?

Q: Thank you very much. I thought you forgot my name.

GEN. RYDER: You got to call me Pat now then.

Q: OK. On Ukraine, China and North Korea. And Ukraine foreign minister will visit China today at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Do you think China can play a role in stopping Russia's aggression against Ukraine?

GEN. RYDER: It's an interesting question, Janne. So certainly, as I mentioned before, we don't want to see the conflict in Ukraine go on forever. We want to see peace in Ukraine, but it has to come in terms that are acceptable to Ukraine. No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. And so China can play a productive role in terms of addressing Russia's malign and illegal activity in Ukraine.

And so certainly, if they're able to compel Russia to withdraw its forces and enable the restoration of peace, I think that would be a positive development. But certainly, when it comes to the Ukrainian foreign minister and his conversations with his Chinese counterparts, I'd have to refer you to Ukraine.

Q: Another one. The Russian vice minister of defense is visiting North Korea currently. It was also announced that the weapons and defense industry were discussed as a follow up to military cooperation with North Korea and Russia. How can you comment on this?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, it's concerning that we continue to see North Korea and Russia further cooperating as it relates to the war in Ukraine. Again, as we've said many times, it's demonstrative of the fact that Russia is now having to seek support from countries like Iran and North Korea in order to obtain additional capabilities as they've experienced some logistical challenges.

And so it's something we'll continue to keep a close eye on. OK. Let me come back to the room here. Louis?

Q: A couple of questions on the coalition that you're referencing. Is that the global coalition against ISIS?

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: OK. So the US presence has been acknowledged to be about 2,500 military personnel in whatever capacity inside Iraq. What is the complementary number of troops from the rest of the global coalitions?

GEN. RYDER: I'd have to get back to you on that. I don't have that number in front of me. Now, you're talking about in Iraq?

Q: In Iraq [inaudible].

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. So when it comes to the number of forces of other countries, that's something we really let other countries address. So I'm only going to speak to the US in that regard.

Yeah, I'll just leave it there.

Q: And so these discussions were specifically about the coalition's presence inside Iraq and not necessarily that the coalition itself will be done or that its mission is complete, correct?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again this is something that the higher military commission is looking at, right in terms of the three factors that I highlighted, what is the threat of ISIS, what are

the operational requirements and then what is the status of the ISF as it relates to being prepared to address the ISIS threat.

And so that's not to say that members of the coalition can't play an important role, whatever that may be as it relates to Iraq's preferences, in terms of addressing ISIS. And so that's part of those discussions. Again, recognizing the fact that it's not just the United States, this is an international coalition that 10 years ago came together to defeat ISIS. And so, part of this is ensuring that ISIS can't resurge. We know that they remain committed to resurging, and we know that they remain committed to directing and inspiring attacks. And so, I think it's a positive -- a very positive development that the HMC as a forum is able to come together and look at this holistically, also with an eye towards our own US-Iraq bilateral security relationship.

Q: And if I could switch gears towards JLOTS, since we're close to the 31st, which is the authorization -- the end of the authorization date, are those components now heading back to the US or when can we expect them to?

GEN. RYDER: So, the JLOTS components are being packed up. I'm not going to -- for operation security reasons and policy reasons I'm not going to get into specific redeployment timelines. But as we briefed recently, as Admiral Cooper from CENTCOM briefed recently, the JLOTS mission has concluded.

Q: You said mission complete --

GEN. RYDER: --I'm saying it has concluded. Thank you. Jared?

Q: So, just if I could follow up on Joe's question, I mean, how concerned is the department that these Israeli strikes in Yemen and vice versa could lead to additional escalation? Or is there confidence within the department that this is still largely contained?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so a couple things here. So, again, we've always been concerned about regional escalation and remain so. And so, we'll continue to do -- take appropriate steps to deter potential -- an expansion of regional conflict, both through our force presence, but also importantly through diplomatic means.

I think you heard the Israelis say they had been targeted by the Houthis over 200 times. Obviously, the vast majority of those attacks were taken down through air defense capabilities and one got through. So, we absolutely support their inherent right to defend themselves against these kinds of attacks. But to answer your question, yes, we will remain focused on trying to prevent a wider regional conflict.

Q: Did the US advise the Israelis against striking within Yemen?

GEN. RYDER: Look, there was no US involvement in this-- in their strike. Again, they gave us advanced notice that they were going to do it. I won't go into more detail beyond that other than there was no US involvement, and we support their right to defend themselves. Okay, I can take a couple more. Let me go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose. Jeff, are you there? Okay, nothing heard. All right. Thanks very much, everybody. Appreciate your time today.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3847426/

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July 23, 2024

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosted Bilateral in Honor of His Excellency Hanno Pevkur Minister of Defense Republic of Estonia

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN: Well, Mr. Pevkur. Welcome. Welcome back to the Pentagon and thanks for coming back to Washington so soon after our successful and historic NATO summit. That summit made important progress on our priorities for NATO and for Ukraine. In February 2023, you hosted me during my first visit to your country as Secretary of Defense so I'm glad to be able to return the hospitality.

And I'm glad to continue our important dialog on transatlantic security. You know tomorrow marks 29 months since Russia launched its full scale invasion of its peaceful neighbor, Ukraine. And Putin's war of choice continues to threaten our shared security. The United States and Estonia, along with our allies and partners continued to stand strong for a free and sovereign Ukraine.

And you've shown outstanding support for Ukraine, including your security assistance contributions and your leadership of the Capability Coalition on Cyber and Information Technology. Estonia has experienced the Kremlin's aggression firsthand, so you know how important it is to stand up to Putin's imperial ambitions. Estonia's modernization and investment in new military capabilities are critical for deterring attacks and building readiness, so I applaud Estonia's pledge to invest more than three percent, three percent of your GDP on your national defense.

And that just underscores Estonia's dedication to transatlantic security. At the same time, I want to personally thank you, Hanno, for your gracious support of allied forces in Estonia. The United States remains committed to maintaining our persistent rotational force presence in the Baltics. And our rotation of US forces through Estonia shows how serious we are about Estonia's defense.

I'm also pleased that our troops in Estonia enjoy such a rich multinational training environment. And our civil military interaction teams have been working together to strengthen our people to people ties. So Mr. Minister, thanks again for being here. I look forward to a great discussion today and to strengthening our defense relationship for many years to come. Over to you, sir.

MINISTER OF DEFENSE HANNO PEVKUR: Thank you, Mr. Secretary Lloyd. Thank you very much for hosting me here in Pentagon. So it is a great pleasure to be back in DC just a week after the celebrating of the 75 anniversary of NATO. So it is good to be back. And  and today it is a very important day as I mentioned to you that because Sumner Welles signed the declaration which said that the US will never recognize the United States  Soviet Union occupation of the Baltic states.

So it is a very important day to be here in Washington today also. But when we come back to the Washington to the summit, then clearly it was a demonstration of the continued strength and unity of the transatlantic alliance. We made important decisions to strengthen the alliance deterrence and defense with the focus of advancing on the credibility of the NATO's defense plans.

And we also provided the Ukraine with substantial practical support package and sent a clear signal that Ukraine's path toward NATO's membership is irreversible. In the coming years, we must focus on scaling up the delivery of the alliance's most critical military capabilities such as air defense, fires and battle decisive munitions and increase our defense industrial capacity.

To achieve that in today's security reality, we all understand that two percent is no longer enough. We therefore need to discuss and agree higher spending targets such as to 2.5 or three percent, and this could be a concrete deliverable for NATO's 2025 summit in Hague. Estonia is leading by example. As you mentioned, yes, we have over three percent already now, but I have some more good news.

So we just finished the new coalition negotiations and we go above four percent in 2026. So maybe even 4.4, 4.5 depending the economy. But yes, we will  we will invest a lot. And 40 percent of that money we will invest directly to ammunition and  and fires, so  and the new capabilities, so we  we are doing our share to keep alliance safe.

And of course, bilateral relations between Estonia and US stand on solid ground. And the conventional military and military presence of US forces in Europe remains critical to deterring Russia. And we are very, very grateful for the continued persistent heel to toe US presence in Estonia and in the other Baltic states.

I would like to take this occasion to thank all the US servicemen and women who have rotated to Estonia over the past year and a half and also their families and close ones for their support. We must remain strong in our commitment in also ensuring Ukraine's victory and its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.

The US leadership in supporting Ukraine has been remarkable. And thank you very much also personally for you and of course, all these positive developments in Estonia and US defense cooperation and also the practical support to Ukraine are closely linked with the outstanding leadership that you, Lloyd has showed over the past years.

Therefore, Estonian president has decided to award you Lloyd with the second class of order of the Cross of Terra Mariana. And I am honored to personally bestow this award to you later today. Mr. Secretary, Secretary Lloyd, thank you once more for welcoming us here today and for your outstanding leadership.

And of course, as you mentioned already, I also look forward to a productive discussion what we will have right now.

MR. AUSTIN: Mr. Minister thanks for  for being here. And again, I do look forward to a great discussion. So thanks everybody.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3847012/

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July 23, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Estonian Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, at the Pentagon today to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues.

Secretary Austin and Minister Pevkur discussed the importance of continuing NATO Alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The two leaders discussed strengthening NATO's credible deterrence and defense, the need for continued joint exercises to increase interoperability and efficiencies between military forces, U.S. continued persistent rotational presence in the Baltics, increased defense production to support Ukraine and replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and outcomes from the Washington NATO Summit.

Minister Pevkur highlighted his nation's commitment to defense spending with more than three percent of Estonia's Gross Domestic Product dedicated to defense and host nation support for Allied forces.

The Secretary praised Estonia's steadfast commitment and many contributions to the Alliance and continued support to Ukraine.

Secretary Austin and Minister Pevkur committed to continuing to work closely together to ensure the continued defense credibility and security of NATO's Eastern Flank.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3846972/

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July 23, 2024

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Austin Discusses NATO, Ukraine, Military Cooperation With Estonian Counterpart

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today hosted Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur in discussions at the Pentagon, just a week and a half after the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington.

The two men discussed, among other things, strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense, continued joint exercises between the two nations, U.S. rotational presence in Estonia and other Baltic states, increased defense production and the continued illegal presence of Russia in Ukraine.

"Putin's war of choice continues to threaten our shared security," Austin said. "The United States and Estonia, along with our allies and partners, continue to stand strong for a free and sovereign Ukraine. And you've shown outstanding support for Ukraine, including your security assistance contributions."

Austin commended the minister for Estonia's military modernization and its investment in new military capabilities, which he said are critical for deterring attacks and building readiness.

"I applaud Estonia's pledge to invest more than 3% ... of your GDP on your national defense," he said. "That just underscores Estonia's dedication to transatlantic security."

The U.S. has some 600 troops in Estonia on a rotational basis, and Austin thanked Pevkur for supporting those troops.

"The United States remains committed to maintaining our persistent rotational force presence in the Baltics, and our rotation of U.S. forces through Estonia shows how serious we are about Estonia's defense," he said. "I'm also pleased that our troops in Estonia enjoy such a rich, multinational training environment. And our civil-military interaction teams have been working together to strengthen our people-to-people ties."

Continued U.S. military presence in Europe and Baltic states, Pevkur said, also remains critical to deterring further Russian aggression.

"We are very, very grateful for this continued, persistent heel-to-toe U.S. presence in Estonia and in the other Baltic states," Pevkur said. "I would like to take this occasion to thank all the U.S. servicemen and women who have rotated to Estonia over the past year and a half and also their families and close ones for the support."

The Estonian minister also said that today's security environment means that a 2% defense spending target for NATO allies is no longer enough, and he called for more.

"We, therefore, need to discuss and agree to higher spending targets, such as 2.5% or 3%," Pevkur said. "And this could be a concrete deliverable for NATO's 2025 summit in The Hague [Netherlands]."

Already, Estonia is spending 3% on defense, the Estonian defense minister said, but recent negotiations have resulted in a decision to spend even more.

"We go above 4% in 2026, maybe even 4.4% [or] 4.5%, depending on the economy," he said. "But ... we will invest a lot. And 40% of that money we will invest directly to ammunition and fires [and] the new capabilities. We are doing our share to keep the alliance safe."

In the coming years, Pevkur said, NATO allies must focus on scaling up the delivery of military capabilities, such as air defense and fires, and must also increase defense industrial capacity.

Finally, Pevkur thanked Austin for his leadership on the combined effort to provide capabilities to Ukraine and for security cooperation in Estonia. He told Austin that Estonian President Alar Karis had agreed to award Austin with a national award, the Second Class of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.

Pevkur bestowed the award on Austin following their discussions.

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July 23, 2024

By Jim Garamone, DOD News

U.S. Will Work With African Nations to Protect Interests, Encourage Cooperation

The United States has vital interests on the African continent and will protect those interests in concert with African nations, said the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Africa during an interview earlier this month.

Maureen Farrell emphasized that Africa  with more than 1.5 billion people in 54 nations who speak hundreds of languages and have hundreds of cultures  is a diverse continent where a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.

Still, Farrell said there are commonalities. Nations in some sub-regions and particular climate belts share concerns, and often the U.S. government works with the nations in all aspect of government  from the economy to diplomacy to security and more, she said.

But all of this is done "based on the feedback from our African colleagues, as opposed to what might make sense from a policy maker's desk here in Washington, where if you haven't worked on Africa in depth, it can all blend together without the nuance that one clearly needs to understand to be effective," she said.

Listening and engaging with African leaders is an important part of Farrell's job, and it is also an important aspect of the strategy of Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command. Farrell and Langley and Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., just returned from the African Chiefs of Defense Conference held in Gaborone, Botswana, where they did listen to and engage with African leaders.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for the chairman and the combatant commander to hear directly from their uniformed counterparts at a very senior level," Farrell said. The two U.S. leaders, along with Farrell, were able to hold many bilateral talks with African chiefs of defense and have focused discussions. The discussions on West Africa were particularly important, she said, as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso following recent coups have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States.

"There are some interesting politics and threat information at play in terms of the withdrawal of these three states from ECOWAS," she said. The African nations in the region and beyond, Farrell said, are looking at the political implications of those policy decisions for the uniformed military services in the region.

African leaders very much want African solutions to African problems, Farrell said, and many nations are working together. She noted that two constellations of nations offered different approaches to the troubles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Southern African Development Community has sent peacekeeping forces to the Eastern region of Congo. SADC is also sending peacekeepers to Mozambique where an ISIS-affiliated uprising has killed thousands since 2017 and displaced more than 800,000.

African nations are also working together in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.

"These are all African-led initiatives," Farrell said. "There are plenty of examples of African leadership on security solutions."

One continent-wide problem is climate change. The Sahara is growing, and the Sahel nations are feeling that effect, Farrell said. This has meant increased migration and struggles for resources from water to food to energy.

"The expansion of the Sahel is posing resiliency challenges for the people of the Sahel and coastal West Africa and the broader the West African region." Farrell said. "The drought problems afflicting the Horn of Africa are creating increased security pressures. Add to this the economic challenges from the global food crisis caused by the Russia and Ukraine war. All these issues have squeezed systems in Africa."

She said the continent is also still feeling the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. "All of these economic challenges create friction in societies that makes easy fodder for conflict," she said. "I think our security service counterparts on the continent are very cognizant of the pressure of resource constraints and what that creates in terms of security challenges for them. So, it's a reality that we're acknowledging as a factor in a spark for conflict, usually over water."

She pointed to Lake Chad  a main source of water for Niger, Chad and Nigeria  as an example. The lake has dramatically diminished in size in recent years placing enormous economic and political pressures on these countries. "If you look over time at the size of Lake Chad, you can see it has shrunk in a matter of years, not multiple decades, but just a handful of years," she said.

The future in Africa involves more African leadership, Farrell said. The United States is listening to and deferring to African leaders. "Our African colleagues are leading, and I think that's only going to grow," she said. "I think the challenge for us in Washington and for our partners and allies is to appropriately support those mechanisms, as opposed to asserting our own particular worldview."

Africa has its challenges, but it has opportunities as well. She noted that Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are investing in the continent. India, Japan and South Korea are active economically and diplomatically with African nations. "These are dynamics that I think we have to pay attention to," she said. "There's no question that the rest of the globe sees the importance of the continent, and not just for resource extraction, but for diplomatic maneuvering, and economic investment. Those are trends that I think have to be part of the consideration for DOD."

China and Russia are also interested in expanding influence on the continent. "We recognize that Africans have a choice, and we are choosing to engage with African partners for our mutual benefit," Farrell said. "It's part of the landscape that there are other actors engaged. We're interested in partnering with countries such as Angola, with Kenya, with Cote d'Ivoire, with Nigeria and with many others, because of the importance that we place on these bilateral relationships, and in many cases, those countries' roles in the broader region."

"There could be threats emanating from some of those other actors' [China and Russia] engagements on the continent, but in general, our priority is to engage with African partners for our own mutual benefit," she continued.

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Justice Department to Recover Nearly $85M in Additional Funds Linked to 1MDB Scheme

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Latest Recovery in Largest Civil Forfeiture Ever Conducted by Department

The Justice Department has reached an agreement with "Jasmine" Loo Ai Swan (Loo), the former general counsel of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Malaysia's sovereign investment development fund, to recover artwork by Pablo Picasso and a financial account in Switzerland traced to funds allegedly embezzled from 1MDB. Additionally, the Justice Department has obtained forfeiture orders on other assets allegedly purchased with 1MDB funds by Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low (Low), including diamond jewelry and artwork by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Diane Arbus.

The department previously brought numerous civil forfeiture cases against assets that it alleges were acquired by Low and his co-conspirators using funds allegedly embezzled from 1MDB. According to the civil forfeiture complaints, from 2009 through 2015, more than $4.5 billion in funds belonging to 1MDB were allegedly misappropriated by high-level officials of 1MDB and their associates, including Low and Loo, through a criminal conspiracy involving international money laundering and bribery. 1MDB was created by the government of Malaysia to promote economic development in Malaysia through global partnerships and foreign direct investment. Its funds were intended to be used to improve the well-being of the Malaysian people.

The agreement with Loo resolves the civil forfeiture action against the Picasso artwork and financial account in Switzerland under her control, which are collectively valued at approximately $1.8 million. The agreement with Loo announced today does not release any criminal claims against her.

The forfeiture of the other artwork and jewelry allegedly purchased by Low, which is based on a recent settlement agreement entered into in connection with the real estate and artwork forfeitures in two other cases, resolves three additional civil forfeiture cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The collective value of these assets, together with the Loo assets, is estimated to be nearly $85 million.

Prior to this settlement, in total, the United States has returned or assisted in the return to Malaysia of over $1.4 billion in assets associated with the international money laundering, embezzlement, and bribery scheme.

Low separately faces criminal charges in the Eastern District of New York for allegedly conspiring to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1MDB and for conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by allegedly paying bribes to various Malaysian and Emirati officials, and in the District of Columbia for allegedly conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the United States presidential election in 2012. The agreement with Loo announced today does not release any entity or individual from filed or potential criminal charges.

The FBI's International Corruption Squads in New York City and Los Angeles and IRS Criminal Investigation Los Angeles Field Office are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Barbara Levy, Sean Fern, Jonathan Baum, and Joshua Sohn of the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Galatzan for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and MLARS' Program Management Staff.

The Justice Department also appreciates the significant assistance provided over the course of this investigation and in particular related to the recovery of these assets by the Attorney General's Chambers of Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Attorney-General's Chambers of Singapore, the Singapore Police Force-Commercial Affairs Department, the Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Office of Justice of Switzerland, and the Attorney General's Chambers of the Territory of the British Virgin Islands.

The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in MLARS, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys' Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

Topics: Asset Forfeiture

Foreign Corruption

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - California, Central

Press Release Number: 24-915

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China successfully mediates Palestinian factions to sign 'historic declaration' for reconciliation

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Published: Jul 23, 2024 11:39 PM

China has made another significant contribution to the peace and stability of a world in turbulence as 14 factions from Palestine, including Fatah and Hamas, with key support from China, reached a historic declaration for nationwide reconciliation in Beijing on Tuesday. Experts said it will be one of key steps for the Palestinian people to achieve their goal of establishing a state and the realization of long-standing peace between Palestine and Israel.

The same day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also kicked off his visit to China. At present, the two most serious hot spot issues and conflicts in the world - the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine crisis - are continually causing bloodshed for the local people and adding concerns to achieving global peace and recovery. It seems like China is now becoming a hot place for different countries who are suffering from chaos and wars around the globe to seek peaceful solutions, said some observers.

The latest and upcoming events on the Palestine issue and the Ukraine crisis prove that China, which always upholds its stance for peace, is not just talking the talk, but is taking concrete actions to contribute to political settlements, despite the US and US-led military alliances like NATO continuing to add uncertainties and obstacles. China will continue with its efforts to ensure that peace processes in different regions of the world can be delivered eventually, said analysts.

Historic declaration for Palestine

At the invitation of the Chinese side, high-level representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing from Sunday to Tuesday, and the Palestinian factions inked the Beijing Declaration on ending division and strengthening unity, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

It is the first time that 14 Palestinian factions have gathered in Beijing for a reconciliation dialogue, bringing precious hope to the suffering Palestinian people.

The core outcome of the reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions held in Beijing is to specify that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions. He also witnessed the signing of the declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions.

Wang pointed out that only when Palestinian factions speak as one can the voice of justice be loud and clear, and only when they join hands and march forward shoulder to shoulder can they succeed in their national liberation cause.

Ma Xiaolin, dean of the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean Rim at Zhejiang International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the declaration is absolutely historic, significant and unprecedented. First, in the past, the reconciliation dialogue held by major regional powers in the Middle East was just between Fatah and Hamas, but this time, China gathered together representatives of 14 factions, and this means the declaration has the greatest inclusiveness and legitimacy, and is one that is acceptable to all major political factions within Palestine.

"Second, it makes the reconciliation process of Palestine no longer merely regional affair, but an issue that matters to international peace under the international watch. Therefore, the declaration is not just a document, but a feasible roadmap with international support and supervision from not only regional major countries but permanent members of the UN Security Council," Ma said.

Third, specifying that the PLO is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people means that all other factions, including Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, need to join or reunify with the PLO, so Palestine will be able to have new elections and deal with the outside world as a unified country, and this is important for the future of Palestine-Israel issue, Ma noted.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, diplomatic envoys to China or their representatives from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia and Turkey as well as representatives from 14 main Palestinian factions attended the closing ceremony.

Road to peace

Wang said at the closing ceremony that "To help get out of the current conflict and predicament, China proposes a three-step initiative: The first step is to achieve comprehensive, lasting and sustainable cease-fire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and ensure access to humanitarian aid and rescue on the ground."

"The second step is to make joint efforts toward post-conflict governance of Gaza under the principle of 'Palestinians governing Palestine.' Gaza is an inseparable, integral part of Palestine."

"The third step is to help Palestine become a full member state of the UN and get down to implementing the two-state solution," the Chinese foreign minister said.

Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the Beijing Declaration brings hope for peace in Gaza. Since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, people have suffered a lot of casualties, and the international community has been limited in helping end the disaster. Now the reconciliation within Palestine can lay the foundations for effective peace talks between Palestine and Israel.

Ma echoed that now is the time for Israel and the US to consider how to deal with Palestine as a whole, rather than treating different Palestinian factions separately.

The US is undergoing domestic turmoil in the wake of US President Joe Biden stepping down from the presidential race and the failed assassination of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The international community, including US rivals, competitors and allies, are all very concerned about a potential change in US foreign strategy, and unfortunately, the US is still trying to hype bloc confrontations worldwide, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, experts said.

Apart from the peace hopes for Palestine, observers expect that top Ukrainian diplomat Kuleba's visit to China will see new achievements that could help bring about a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis in the same way representatives from the 14 factions of Palestine achieved in Beijing on Tuesday. They also recalled that China previously successfully mediated the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and are convinced that China will continue to play a significant role to restore peace and stability for the world in turbulence.

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Marcos Jr. picks words carefully in SONA regarding South China Sea, with 'midterm election, US' reliability on mind'

Global Times

By Zhang Han Published: Jul 23, 2024 08:18 PM

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. picked his words carefully in his remarks concerning the South China Sea in his State of the Nation Address 2024 (SONA), a sign of willingness to de-escalate the tensions, some experts said.

Manila, while seeking to maximize its interests, does not want and cannot afford a confrontation at sea with China, and Marcos Jr. needs to calculate the political risks and losses in the 2025 midterm elections, as well as US reliability, analysts said on Tuesday.

Marcos Jr. said in his SONA on Monday that "We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in the contested areas without counterparts, without compromising our position and principles."

The remarks came after China and the Philippines reached a "provisional arrangement" on managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, or Ren'ai Reef, in the South China Sea. In the past few months, the Philippines has significantly escalated its provocation over resupply to an illegally grounded warship at China's reef.

Marcos Jr.'s SONA speech and the arrangement show that his administration does not want direct confrontation with China, as it runs contrary to its own interests, Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Both China and the Philippines hope the frictions in Ren'ai Jiao will not lead to broader tension in the South China Sea and are willing to make de-escalation efforts, Xu said.

But considering the Philippines' record of breaking a "gentleman's agreement," Ding Duo, a deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said if the Philippines abuses China's flexibility and patience regarding the new arrangement as an expedient, and then goes back on its word, it will pay a heavier price for its repeated mistakes.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday reiterated the provisional arrangement was made based on the principled position of China.

"We take note that the Philippine side said it's ready to implement the arrangement it reached with China. We hope the Philippines will keep its word. We call on the Philippines to not to backpedal, not to create problems, and not to do anything that would complicate the situation.," Mao said at the routine press briefing.

Xu cited another two factors behind Marcos Jr.'s nuanced changes in tone and the realization of the arrangement.

With the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings to be held, a positive atmosphere is needed for negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, according to Xu.

Xu also mentioned the midterm elections in 2025. After Vice President Sara Duterte's resignation from cabinet posts, Marcos Jr. has to consider the risks of a collapse of their political alliance and its negative impact on the elections, Xu said.

Sincerely or not, the US said it "welcomed the diplomatic efforts" to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea. US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said as he announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel to the Philippines in a show of support, media reported. The US and the Philippines will have 2+2 dialogue between foreign and defense ministers in Manila on July 30.

Obviously, the US sees the Philippines as a convenient pivot for its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" in the South China Sea and also hopes to utilize the Southeast Asian country to intervene in the Taiwan question if necessary, analysts said.

Marcos Jr.'s administration is making deals with the US with an eye on upgrading its military equipment, more investment and strengthening its capability in the South China Sea, Xu said, but since the US has great uncertainty in its domestic politics, Manila should think carefully about how far the US' promises can be fulfilled.

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Hizbollah launches drone, rocket attacks on occupied Palestine

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist media reported on Tuesday drone and rocket attacks by the Hezbollah movement in the north of occupied Palestine and the sounding of sirens in this area.

Al-Mayadeen news network reported that a squadron of the Islamic resistance drones from Lebanon entered the West Galilee region in northern occupied Palestine and siren bells sounded in the Zionist settlements.

According to this report, alarm sirens sounded in more than 15 places in the Upper Galilee, and the "Maroon" air base in the north of occupied Palestine was also targeted by a drone attack, and the conflict can be seen in the sky of this base.

The media of the Zionist regime also reported the occurrence of several explosions in the sky of Karmeel town in Galilee following a drone attack.

Also, the sound of several explosions was also heard in Kiryat Shmoune, and after the rocket hit this area, a fire broke out in it.

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UNRWA slams Israel's order to evacuate Khan Yunis

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned the Zionist army's order to evacuate Khan Yunis, located in southern Gaza.

UNRWA said in a Monday statement said that the orders issued by the Israeli army earlier in the day mean more suffering and displacement for the tired population of the Gaza Strip.

The Zionist regime's acts affected the lives of about 400,000 people in Khan Yunis, and the people who were forced to flee had no safe place to go, it added.

Meanwhile, European Human Rights Watch - Mediterranean in a statement said that Khan Yunis witnessed one of the bloodiest crimes and killings of the people of Gaza, as the Zionist regime killed 70 Palestinians and wounded 200 people, most of whom were children and women, in the past 12 hours.

The Israeli army started a new ground operation in the east of Khan Yunis on Monday.

The Zionist regime's crimes continue in the Gaza Strip, while according to the latest statistics, since October 7, 2023, 39,006 Palestinian citizens have been martyred in this area and 89,818 people have been injured.

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Hezbollah rockets land in Zionist settlement

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement targeted the Zionist settlement of Tsurial located in the northern occupied Palestine with a rocket attack for the first time, Israeli news sources reported on Monday night.

According to Lebanon's Al-Manar channel, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that it targeted the Zionist settlement of Tsurial with rockets, without giving further details.

Hebrew Channel 14, however, worte in its X post that rockets fell in the "Tsurial" settlement, causing damage to the infrastructure.

In this regard, the Walla website of the Zionist regime also reported that rockets were fired from the Lebanese side at Tsurial in Al-Jalil, which had not been evacuated so far, and damaged a building.

Since the beginning of Hezbollah's operations in support of Gaza, a large number of Zionist settlers have been forced to leave the occupied territories.

According to Zionist media reports, most of the remaining people in this area have been suffering from mental and emotional problems.

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PM Netanyahu and his Wife Sara's First Meeting in the US - with Representatives of the Families of the Hostages

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

23.07.2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Wife Sara's First Meeting in the US - with Representatives of the Families of the Hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We are determined to return them all. The conditions for returning them are becoming ripe, for the simple reason that we are putting very strong pressure on Hamas. We see a certain change, and I think that this change will increase."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, last night, met with the representatives of the families of the hostages who have accompanied them, together with representatives of the families of hostages who are in the US. This was their first meeting in the framework of the diplomatic visit to Washington.

Also participating in the meeting were soldiers who fought on October 7 and who have fought in Gaza, and are also accompanying the delegation, as well as representatives of bereaved families who have lost their sons in the fighting in Gaza and the Western Negev.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"This is an important visit, which will give us the opportunity to bring before the representatives of the American people, and the American people themselves the importance of their support for our efforts, with them, to bring about the release of all of the hostages, the living and the deceased.

Unfortunately, there are the latter. Today we learned about two more, who, as it has become clear to us, are no longer alive.

We are determined to return them all. The conditions for returning them are becoming ripe, for the simple reason that we are putting very strong pressure on Hamas. We see a certain change, and I think that this change will increase. We intend to do this - this is an objective of the war."

Prime Minister Netanyahu after the meeting:

"I am doing everything in my power to combine the necessary humanitarian objective and the imperative to return the hostages, and at the same time, preserve the existence of the State of Israel.

I am not prepared in any way to give in on the victory over Hamas. If we give up on this, we will be in danger in the face of Iran's entire axis of evil.

The decisions that we make are fateful decisions for the future of the State of Israel and the Zionist enterprise.

Regarding the deal, the conditions are becoming ripe, without doubt. This is a good sign and the additional sign is that we see that the enemy's spirit is starting to break.

I believe that if we are steadfast in this, we can achieve a deal. I say in advance that this is a process. Unfortunately, it will not take place all at once; there will be stages. However, I believe that we can advance the deal and leave us in possession of the leverage to bring about the release of the others.

This is the direction in which we are heading.

What I am saying is that things are developing, and giving hope. This hope has been with me since the beginning, together with upholding the mission.

I would like it to be with you as well. I know your terrible hardship, the nightmare you are experiencing, the hell that you are living in.

Do not lose hope; we will realize it."

Also participating in the meeting were the Director of the National Security Council, the Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet Secretary, the Prime Minister's Military Secretary and the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing.

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Sudan Fact-Finding Mission documents disturbing patterns of rights violations on mission in Chad

23 July 2024

GENEVA -- The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan called on the international community to urgently step up efforts to end the country's war, saying it had documented disturbing patterns of grave human rights violations during its three-week mission to neighboring Chad.

The Fact-Finding Mission visited Chad from 30 June to 18 July. It met with victims and survivors of the conflict in Sudan as well as members of Sudanese civil society, the diplomatic community and the UN Country Team.

The Mission traveled to eastern Chad, including to Adre, Farchana and Abeche. While the Mission acknowledges the tremendous efforts made by Chadian authorities and UN entities as well as other humanitarian first-line responders, it is clear that needs exceed the available support.

"This crisis requires the support of the international community as a whole," said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. "UN entities and humanitarian groups are in dire need of greater financial and other assistance to ensure Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees have access to basic facilities, including nutrition, hygienic needs, health care, and education."

The Mission also called on the international community to boost humanitarian support to the Chadian communities hosting refugees, citing the immense pressure they are under. The Chadian border town of Adre alone is hosting more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees, at least five times its original size.

The refugee community the Mission met described the violence they individually encountered that led them to flee Sudan. They detailed firsthand accounts of horrific acts of killings, sexual violence including gang-rape, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, looting, the burning of houses, and the use of child soldiers. Many of the violations appear to be particularly targeted against professionals such as lawyers, human rights defenders, teachers, and doctors. Forced displacement was a common feature.

"I admire the courage of the many widows we have encountered in the camps," said Expert Member Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. "No one deserves to go through such cruel life-changing experiences. In addition to losing their husbands and partners, these women are assuming alone the responsibility of feeding, educating, and caring for their multiple children, while losing their homes and means of livelihood. They need support at all levels."

The Fact-Finding Mission also heard views on the steps that could and should be taken to break the recurring cycle of violence, and ensure accountability for those involved in atrocities, as well as justice and support for victims.

"It was disheartening to hear the testimonies of the victims of sexual violence," said Expert Member Mona Rishmawi. "This violence appears to take place during captivity and while the women and girls are fleeing. Sometimes it is to punish a woman who is actively standing up for her community. Sometimes it is random and opportunistic. These brutal acts must stop and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. The victims also need strong physical and psychological support, which is unavailable to them now."

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has killed thousands of people since it began in mid-April last year. More than 26 million people urgently need aid and are food insecure. Over ten million civilians have been displaced internally, and more than two million refugees have fled the country, according to the UN. Over 600.000 of those ended up in Chad.

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Palestinian factions sign unity declaration in Beijing

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:12, July 23, 2024

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Chinese side, high-level representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and the Palestinian factions inked a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity.

It is the first time that 14 Palestinian factions have gathered in Beijing for a reconciliation dialogue, bringing precious hope to the suffering Palestinian people.

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Press Announcement on the Fourth Philippines-United States Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2)

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

23 July 2024

MANILA 22 July 2024 -- Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., will host United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Manila on 30 July 2024 for the 4th Philippines-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue ("2+2 Dialogue").

During this year's 2+2 Dialogue, the four Secretaries are expected to discuss how to further enhance our two countries' commitment to the PH-US alliance while enabling a common program in support of the rules-based international order, enhanced economic ties, broad-based prosperity, and solutions to evolving regional and global security challenges.

The third iteration of the 2+2 dialogue was held in April 2023 in Washington, D.C. and concluded in a joint statement that reaffirmed full support for international law, modernizing shared defense capabilities of the alliance, advancing economic and environmental security, and cultivating the vibrant and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Secretaries Blinken and Austin are also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during their visit to Manila. END



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Strategic communication document presented by Poland on FAC with regard to transatlantic cooperation benefits

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

23.07.2024

During the last session of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 22 July in Brussels, Poland presented a document highlighting the importance of strategic communication in transatlantic relations.

It states that the European Union and the United States enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. If deepening economic and strategic integration of the European Union and the United States is to continue, it requires the understanding and support of publics on both sides of the Atlantic. This backing cannot be taken for granted. Obtaining that support requires that European and American elites listen to their publics, if only to learn how to talk with them about their self-interest in transatlantic relations.

It was underlined that the US media system has been unsettled by domestic actors who follow an authoritarian playbook and who feed into Russia's strategic goal by producing words and actions that can be used to attack democracy and the Western Alliances. Russian state media and online accounts tied to the Kremlin are currently pivoting toward the United States and the 2024 election for the White House. They also focus on spreading incendiary content about US immigration and border security. However, we should expect much more is to come as eroding support for Ukraine remains Russia's top priority.

Strong differences of opinion are visible among the political elites. In March 2022, almost half of Republicans said the US was not providing enough support to Ukraine, 11 percentage points more than the share of Democrats who said this. Today, that same share of Republicans (49%) say that the US is providing too much assistance to Ukraine.

Poland believes that we should not sit back idly while false narratives about the root causes of the war in Ukraine are being spread. About who is the victim here and who is the aggressor. About our goal in supporting Ukraine in its defence efforts and about Russian imperialism. We should also raise awareness among the American public about the size of European aid to Ukraine and how that effort helps save Ukrainian lives.

We underline that, within the next few months and beyond, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU Delegation in Washington, the European Commission, and all of us as Member States need to boost our strategic communication towards the US to demonstrate that we are still the most important and reliable partner for the US.

Poland proposes concrete measures that could include:

Increased monitoring by the EEAS StratCom division and raising Member States' situational awareness of false narratives targeting the EU and its Member States in the run up to the US presidential election;

Preparing common messaging, including a fact-sheet juxtaposing the European and American engagement numbers;

Carrying out an up-to-date analysis of essential US opinion makers that can influence public sentiment or administration decisions with a particular focus on the most relevant media, think tanks (for example the US national network of more than 90 nonpartisan organizations affiliated with the World Affairs Council), but also trade unions in industrial centres where the EU Member States invest significant financial resources;

Optimizing the resources and positions of the EU's delegation in Washington by reaching out to partners in the administration, the US Congress, opinion leaders, and groups at nationwide and local levels;

Increasing synergy between all the EU Member States, including through a division of labour in reaching out to representatives of US administration, members of the US Congress, local politicians, academic centres, media, and think tanks;

For this purpose, we recommend such measures as mapping of economic cooperation in the US;

Launching a widespread media information campaign targeting the American public and addressing different social and age groups through traditional and social media in a thought-out manner.

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AFP echoes Marcos: No yielding in resolve to protect WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

July 23, 2024, 3:15 pm Updated on July 23, 2024, 4:54 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has committed to rallying behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s tough stance on asserting Manila's rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

"The AFP will continue to uphold our mission, ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are safeguarded and that we remain vigilant in our commitment to national defense. We will not yield and waver and will face open and covert threats to our national security with the courage of a true Filipino patriot," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.

While they are always ready to defend the country, Brawner said they also fully support the President's strategy of a fair and pacifist approach that emphasizes rules-based international order and efforts toward de-escalation.

"We believe in the importance of maintaining peace and stability through diplomatic means and constructive dialogue," he added.

Brawner said the AFP stands behind Marcos' vision of building strong relationships with like-minded nations to promote mutual security and cooperation.

He also thanked the President's unwavering support for AFP modernization efforts and the push towards self-reliance, which are essential for strengthening the country's defense capabilities.

"As we shift our focus towards external defense, we are thankful for the President's acknowledgment of our accomplishments in addressing internal security threats. We fully commit to the whole-of-nation approach and the fulfillment of our government's obligations and agreements aimed at ending decades of strife and ushering just and lasting peace in the country," Brawner said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the support of the Commander-in-Chief for their efforts in the WPS will further strengthen their resolve to respond to the call of duty.

"Our men and women especially those in our occupied features are thankful their sacrifices are recognized. Your Navy will not yield, nor will we waiver in ensuring the integrity of our territory," he added.

Number of Chinese ships in WPS down to 80

As this developed, the PN on Tuesday said the number of Chinese vessels spotted in various features in the WPS from July 16 to 22 has reached 80.

This is greatly lower than the 105 assorted vessels monitored from July 9 to 15.

These can be broken down into nine China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), two from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and 69 from the Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs).

The PN said these ships were located in the following features:

--Bajo de Masinloc, two CCGV and seven CMMVs;

--Ayungin Shoal, four CCGVs, two PLAN, and 14 CMMVs;

--Pagasa Island, one CCGV and 10 CMMVs;

--Kota Island, two CMMVs;

--Lawak Island, one CMMV;

--Panata, one CMMV;

--Sabina Shoal, one CCGV and six CMMVs.

Mandatory prayer for peace

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued an "oratio imperata" (mandatory prayer) for peace to reign in the WPS.

In its "Oratio Imperata", which will be prayed nationwide from July 25, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025, the Catholic bishops are seeking divine intercession for the easing of tensions in these waters.

"Spare us, Lord, from the horrors of war. Hear our pleas as we cry out to You. Have mercy on us, Lord; rescue us from the malevolent forces that influence world leaders," said the CBCP prayer released Tuesday.

The prayer was approved during the 128th CBCP Plenary Assembly held recently in Mindanao.

"We pray for our leaders entrusted with making crucial decisions for our nation. We place all our hopes in You," it added.

Archdioceses and dioceses across the country have been given copies of the prayer.

CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David earlier said the issuance of the mandatory prayer is the Catholic Church's contribution to the easing of tensions in the WPS. (with report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)

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China should accept PBBM's declaration on WPS - lawmaker

Philippine News Agency

By Zaldy De Layola

July 23, 2024, 2:46 pm Updated on July 23, 2024, 5:48 pm

MANILA -- Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Tuesday said China should accept President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s declaration in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"China should accept and respect the President's unequivocal statement: that the West Philippine Sea is ours and will remain ours," Rodriguez said in a statement.

Rodriguez, a consistent and staunch critic of Beijing's intrusion and aggressive activities in waters and islands inside the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including the WPS, lauded PBBM's precise statement, asserting the country's rights and interests over the WPS.

"We are entitled to our EEZ under international law. The President is asserting our rights over areas that are legally ours. We are claiming what the law entitles us, no more no less. China can claim what rightfully belongs to it, and we will respect that," Rodriguez said.

He emphasized, however, that the problem is "Beijing's act of overextending its territorial claim to include waters, islands, and resources that are very, very far from its own EEZ."

"Ayungin Shoal off Palawan in the south is thousands of kilometers from China. Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc to Filipino fishermen, is near Zambales and Pangasinan in the north, and it is hundreds of kilometers from China," he said.

"How can Beijing legally justify its claim over these shoals and waters that are inside the EEZ of our country? It's time for Beijing to listen to the President and respect what he says in the interest of peace, stability and harmony," he added.

Clear position

Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) said the President's pronouncements outlined the country's clear position on the WPS issue.

"We fully support the President's statement. And I think the President simply wanted to make clear in his SONA his administration's unwavering position in the WPS," National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said in a statement.

He added that "no amount of Chinese aggression or coercion" will change the Marcos administration's stance.

Echoing the Chief Executive, Ano said the WPS belongs to Filipinos and is part of the country's patrimony that must be preserved for present and future generations.

"Our ongoing efforts will carry on: The country will actively exercise its rights, and will increasingly make use of its maritime entitlements despite protests and intimidation. Moreover, we will rise above the fear instigated by military and economic might, real or imagined," Ano stressed.

He also said the government will continue to engage, build partnerships and seek wider international support for what rightfully belongs to the Philippines.

"We are committed to address and manage difficult issues through dialogue and through diplomacy. As a peaceful nation, our doors are always open to open and frank discussions based on mutual respect and sincerity. If you call, we will answer," he added.

He added that the Philippines will continue to rally its partners and allies to make a united stance against those who are seek to undermine the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea and to stress the vital role of international law in maintaining peace and stability. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

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PH, US to discuss ways to enhance alliance during Manila talks

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

July 23, 2024, 8:19 am

MANILA -- The Philippines and the United States are set to discuss ways to bolster their 72-year-old alliance in the upcoming Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) next week.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday announced that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will meet with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in Manila for the 2+2 on July 30.

This will be the 4th iteration of the Philippine-US ministerial dialogue, following the meeting held in Washington DC last April 2023.

"The Philippines-U.S. Alliance has contributed to the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region for over 70 years," the DFA said in a press statement.

"During this year's 2+2 Dialogue, the four Secretaries are expected to discuss how to further enhance our two countries' ironclad commitment to this alliance while enabling a common program in support of the rules-based international order, enhanced economic ties, broad-based prosperity, and solutions to evolving regional and global security challenges," it added.

In the last 2+2 meeting, the two states issued a joint statement that reaffirmed full support for international law, modernizing shared defense capabilities of the alliance, advancing economic and environmental security, and cultivating vibrant and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Blinken and Austin are also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during their visit to Manila, the DFA said.

The US has reiterated its "ironclad commitment" to the alliance on numerous occasions in the face of Beijing's actions in the West Philippine Sea.

During his visit to Manila on March 19, Blinken said the US would continue to bolster its maritime, defense, as well as economic cooperation with Manila.

He said Washington DC's foreign policy is to reinvigorate existing partnerships in the region and "build nuance that are fit" for the needs of its partner country. (PNA)

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UN welcomes China-brokered agreement for Palestinian unity

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 6:23 PM

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed an accord brokered by China seeking reconciliation between Hamas and other Palestinian resistance factions.

"I think all steps towards unity are to be welcomed and encouraged," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

Guterres "very much welcomes the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the Palestinian factions."

Hamas says it signed an agreement in Beijing with other Palestinian factions, including Fatah, to work together for "national unity."

The Hamas political bureau member, Mousa Abu Marzook, made the announcement after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and emissaries from other Palestinian groups, namely Fatah, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).

Chinese officials have described it as a deal aimed at maintaining Palestinian rule over Gaza once the Israeli campaign of genocide ends.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said the Palestinian envoys agreed to set up an "interim national reconciliation government" to govern post-war Gaza.

Beijing, Wang said, called for a "comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire," as well as efforts to promote Palestinian self-governance and full recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations.

The agreement brokered by China on Tuesday has infuriated the Israeli regime.

The foreign minister Israel Katz accused President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas, whose Fatah faction signed the deal, of embracing the resistance groups which launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023.

Hamas says a new and independent government of non-partisan figures should run the post-war Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The resistance movement has said the administration of Gaza after the war is an internal Palestinian matter and the group will not discuss it with foreign parties.

According to Hamas officials, the post-war government will pave the way for a general election in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Hamas has repeatedly said Israel must withdraw from the entire territory of Gaza after a ceasefire.

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UK, Jordan call for 'immediate ceasefire in Gaza'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 3:04 PM

Britain and Jordan have called for an "immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end suffering" of the Palestinians in the besieged territory due to Israel's barbarous campaign of genocide.

Britain's newly-appointed Foreign Secretary David Lammy hosted Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadiin in London on Tuesday.

In a message posted on X, Lammy said the two sides had once more discussed the Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

"We discussed work towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end the suffering, get hostages out and aid in - as well as rising regional tensions," he said on X.

The two officials had earlier on Sunday had a phone conversation. They discussed efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and addressed the catastrophic humanitarian crisis there.

They also reviewed recent regional developments and explored ways to de-escalate the rising tensions in the region.

The two diplomats had agreed to continue in-depth talks at a meeting in London.

In June and during an emergency aid summit in Jordan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had reiterated the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, insisting that "the horror must stop."

At a plenary session of the Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza summit in Sweimeh, Guterres underscored opening all available routes into Gaza to let humanitarian aid through to the hapless people.

Speaking at the summit in Jordan, Guterres and several regional leaders discussed an urgent humanitarian response.

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Israeli drone attack in Tulkarm refugee camp kills 5, including Palestinian commanders

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 11:24 AM

An Israeli drone attack in the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarm and its refugee camp has killed five Palestinians, including three resistance commanders, as Israeli forces intensify their offensive in the region.

The Palestinian Wafa news agency reported on Tuesday that five Palestinians, including three commanders of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, and a mother and daughter, were killed in Israel's drone strike in the Tukarem refugee camp.

Several civilians were reportedly wounded in al-Hamam neighborhood as they were attacked by the Israeli drone. The Israeli force is currently blocking ambulance teams from the area, local sources revealed.

According to Palestinian media reports, the Israeli army took the bodies of the deceased fighters and refused to return them.

The Israeli air force confirmed that one of its aircraft had attacked the fighters in the Tulkarem refugee camp, amid continued exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in the area.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in a statement said that Israeli forces prevented them from reaching the site of the drone attack and targeted the crew who wanted to enter the refugee camp directly.

"We receive a large number of calls inside Tulkarm camp and we cannot reach the injured," PRCS said adding that it transported 2 wounded Palestinians, who were shot by Israeli forces during armed confrontations in the camp, to Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem.

"The Israeli occupation forces prevented our crews from reaching the site bombed by the occupation inside the camp" to deal with the martyrs and the injured at the location, PRCS wrote in a post on X.

Israeli forces have been reportedly been demolishing and bulldozing infrastructure in the Tulkarem refugee camp as part of a military operation that has lasted over half a day.

Meanwhile, military confrontation erupted in the areas of Qaqoun, al-Balawneh, Abu Al-Ful, and schools near the northern and western entrances, with a blockade imposed on all access points and surrounding roads, accompanied by heavy gunfire targeting any signs of movement.

Israel's bulldozing in the camp led to power and water outages, and major disruptions to the city and camp's Internet networks.

Also local sources reported that Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank town of Sa'ir.

Moreover, the Qassam Brigades has released a video showing their use of explosives on an Israeli D9 bulldozer and other military vehicles in al-Muqata'a Street.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least 581 people in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its deadly war on the Gaza Strip.

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Israel places over 80% of Gaza under evacuation orders or 'no-go zones'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 10:59 AM

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory says the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of, or designated as "no-go zones" more than 80% of the besieged Gaza Strip.

"As of July 22, nearly 83 percent of the Gaza Strip has been placed under evacuation orders or designated as 'no-go zones' by the Israeli military," OCHA oPt said in an update issued on Monday on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The latest order, according to the report, was issued on Monday when the Israeli military ordered Palestinians residing in eastern and central Khan Yunis to immediately evacuate westwards.

The order covers about 8.7 square kilometers in the so-called "humanitarian zone" in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis.

"The area of the 'humanitarian zone' as designated by the Israeli military has thus decreased by 14.8 percent, from 58.9 to 50.2 square kilometers," the report said.

It noted that Israel's repeated evacuation orders and strikes continue to "further devastate Gaza's health system and make it increasingly difficult for repeatedly displaced populations to access essential services, particularly people suffering from chronic diseases."

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Tel Aviv has also blocked water, food, and electricity to Gaza, plunging the coastal strip into a humanitarian crisis.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 39,006 Palestinians and injured over 89,818. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

The UN had earlier warned that Israel's Gaza evacuation orders would only fuel mass suffering for Palestinian families, many of whom have been displaced again and again,

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Knesset lends preliminary approval to bill calling UNRWA 'terror organization'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 1:08 AM

Knesset, the Israeli parliament, has lent its preliminary approval to a bill branding the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees as a "terrorist organization," mounting Tel Aviv's unrelenting attacks against the body.

The bill was approved in a first reading on Monday, Israeli media outlets reported.

The legislature also rubberstamped two other bills banning the organization from operating on Tel Aviv-occupied territories, and stripping UNRWA personnel of the legal immunities and privileges that are afforded to the United Nations staff.

The bills will be returned to the parliament's so-called Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further deliberation.

UNRWA, short for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, renders vital services to millions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Earlier this year, the Israeli regime claimed that 12 employees of the agency were involved in a retaliatory attack that was staged by Gaza's resistance groups against the occupied Palestinian territories on October 7.

Ever since, UNRWA staff have been the subject of increasingly violent protests and virulent misinformation and disinformation campaigns led by the regime.

"Some have been detained by Israeli security forces, and subsequently reported mistreatment and even torture," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier this month.

Reacting to the Knesset vote, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma called it "another attempt in a wider campaign to dismantle the agency," adding, "Such steps are unheard of in the history of the United Nations."

Palestinian groups also strongly denounced the vote.

"We consider this action to be invalid and illegal, issued by an occupying power that seeks to end the Palestinian cause, foremost among which is the issue of refugees and their right to return to their homes," Gaza-based resistance group Hamas said in a statement.

The Islamic Jihad, another resistance movement that is headquartered in the coastal sliver, said the move "warns that the criminal entity is preparing to wage a starvation war against Palestinian refugees."

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a major component of the Palestine Liberation Organization umbrella group, also voiced strong rejection of the vote.

The front, however, asserted, "All attempts by the occupation to end UNRWA's work will fail and will break on the rock of our people's steadfastness and determination to protect this institution."

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Hamas announces 'national unity' deal with other Palestinian factions

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 9:10 AM

The Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement says it has signed an agreement in Beijing with other Palestinian factions, including Fatah, to work together for "national unity," with Chinese officials describing it as a deal aimed at maintaining Palestinian rule over Gaza once the bloody Israeli onslaught ends.

"Today we sign an agreement for national unity and we say that the path to completing this journey is national unity. We are committed to national unity and we call for it," Hamas political bureau member, Mousa Abu Marzook, said on Tuesday after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and emissaries from other Palestinian groups, namely Fatah, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).

Wang, for his part, said the Palestinian envoys had agreed to set up an "interim national reconciliation government" to govern post-war Gaza.

"The most prominent highlight is the agreement to form an interim national reconciliation government around the governance of post-war Gaza," he said, following the signing of the "Beijing Declaration" by the factions in the Chinese capital.

"Reconciliation is an internal matter for the Palestinian factions, but at the same time, it cannot be achieved without the support of the international community," Wang said.

China, he added, was keen to "play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability" in the West Asia region.

Beijing, Wang said, called for a "comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire", as well as efforts to promote Palestinian self-governance and full recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN.

Meanwhile, Hamas said in a statement that the Palestinian factions welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that said Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and should come to an end "as rapidly as possible."

It called for the implementation of agreements struck with the help of Egypt, Algeria, China and Russia, which demand an end to divisions among Palestinian groups.

Hamas went on to highlight that the Palestinian factions reaffirmed their commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital in accordance with international resolutions, particularly 181 and 2334, and the Palestinian right of return.

The statement noted that Palestinian groups will work to reach a consensus on formation of a temporary national unity government, which will exercise sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, holy al-Quds, and the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian envoys also agreed to resist and thwart Israeli attempts aimed at displacement of Palestinians from their ancestral homes in the West Bank, al-Quds and the Gaza Strip.

The emissaries reached an agreement as well to strive for the removal of the Gaza blockade and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into the coastal territory.

The announcement of the Palestinian 'national unity' deal comes more than nine months after Israel launched the war on Gaza following Palestinian resistance groups' surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.

So far during the military onslaught, the regime has killed at least 39,006 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents. Another 89,818 Palestinians have sustained injuries as well.

China has historically been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, and supportive of a so-called two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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'Gates of hell': Ansarullah warns has 'surprises' for Israel in coming days

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 8:36 AM

A senior Yemeni official has cautioned that retaliation for the recent deadly airstrike on al-Hudaydah will not be postponed and that Israel must be prepared for unexpected events in the coming days.

Ali al-Qahoum, a top official of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, in a statement on Tuesday said that the response to the Israeli attacks that targeted the Hudaydah port last Saturday will not be delayed, according to Sputnik news agency.

"The coming days will be full of surprises," al-Qahoum, a member of Ansarullah's political bureau said, adding that the "targets will span a wide range within occupied Palestine.

He praised his country "as a key player" that shifts the balance of power and secures victory.

On Saturday, al-Qahoum had warned Israel that Yemen's "inevitable, strong and crushing" response "will be an earthquake for the aggressors."

He also advised Israelis not to rejoice too much, as there is no escape for punishment.

"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," he warned.

'Gates of hell'

Additionally, on Tuesday, the Ansarullah resistance movement declared that decisive and deadly measures will be taken against the Zionist regime, which will target the military and security installations deep in the occupied territories of Palestine.

Hezam al-Asad, a member of the political bureau of Ansarullah, announced that Yemeni forces have advanced to the fifth phase of their operation, warning that rising civilian casualties will result in attacks on the strategic targets of the Israeli regime.

He added that, "The Zionist enemy has opened the gates of hell by targeting Yemen's Hudaydah port, and that the ports, military and security centers deep inside the occupied Palestinian territories will be under the fire of the Yemeni army."

Al-Asad also said, "Certain Arab countries have crossed the red lines by supporting the Zionist enemy by opening land corridors instead of the Red Sea and opening their airspace and calling the Hamas movement terrorist. We warn them that their answer is on the way."

He gave a clear message to Israel that any attack on civilians will be met with retaliation.

"Yemen's response to the Zionist regime's offense at Hudaydah port will be different ... an unprecedented response that will make the aggressors regret their actions," he added.

Moreover, al-Assad in a post on the X social network warned of a crushing and painful blow to the Israeli regime, which he said will be coming soon. He used the Qur'anic verse, saying, "Soon, we will witness a day when the sky will be melted like metal."

On Saturday, Israeli warplanes targeted buildings, oil facilities, and a power station in Hudaydah, killing at least six people and leaving 83 injured, many of them with severe burns.

The aggression came a day after the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a drone strike on an area near a US consular facility in Tel Aviv in response to the Israeli genocide in Gaza, killing one person and injuring 10 others as the Israeli air defenses failed to intercept the drone.

Yemeni officials have repeatedly announced that they won't stop their attacks until Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 39,006 people and wounded another 89,818 individuals, come to an end.

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For first time, Japan sanctions four Israeli settlers over acts of violence against Palestinians in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 7:34 AM

Japan has sanctioned four Israeli settlers over acts of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the government's top spokesperson says.

Noting that violent acts by Israeli settlers in the West Bank have increased dramatically since October 2023, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday his country decided to impose asset-freeze sanctions on the four Israeli settlers involved in violent acts.

"Such acts as violence, threats and destruction of property by some extremists against Palestinian communities and others have become a serious problem, as they frequently kill or injure Palestinian residents or force them to leave their homes," Hayashi said at a press conference.

He added that the move comes in light of measures taken by the G7 countries and others.

"Japan will steadily implement these asset freezing measures" and continue to strongly urge Israel to "completely freeze settlement activities in cooperation with the international community, including the G7," he said.

This is the first time that Japan has imposed sanctions against Israeli settlers.

More than 700,000 Israelis live in over 270 settlements and outposts built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

While all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, the occupying regime has stepped up settlement expansion in blatant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Japanese move came in the wake of a ruling by the United Nations' top court on Israel's presence in the 1967-occupied Palestinian territories.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice said "Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful," adding that the regime "is under an obligation" to end it "as rapidly as possible."

The advisory opinion also urged all states and international organizations, including the United Nations, "not to recognize as legal" the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in occupied Palestinian territory.

Israel's allies, namely Britain, the United States and Canada have also sanctioned some Israeli settlers in response to heightening violence in the West Bank amid Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 39,006 Palestinians and injured over 89,818. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

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July 22: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 6:44 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians so far, the majority of them children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Monday, July 22, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on July 22:

Targeted a D9 bulldozer on the Muqata'a axis in the city of Tulkarem, occupied West Bank, with an explosive device.

Detonated an explosive device on an Israeli military D9 bulldozer in the Muqata'a axis.

Launched a SAM-7 missile at an Apache helicopter in the skies of central Gaza.

Targeted three Israeli military Merkava-4 tanks and a D9 military bulldozer with Al-Yassin 105 shells and a Shuath explosive device in the Bani Suheila area, east of Khan Yunis city, southern Gaza Strip.

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava-4 tank with an Al-Yassin 105 shell and a Shuath explosive device in the Al-Furqan neighborhood in Tal Al-Sultan, west of Rafah city, southern Gaza Strip.

Detonated part of a tunnel with Israeli military engineering forces inside while they were pumping explosive gas into it, causing a reverse explosion, s in the Tal Al-Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces inside a building, from point-blank range in the Al-Furqan neighborhood of Tal Al-Sultan, west of Rafah city, southern Gaza Strip.

In a joint operation with the Popular Front, targeted Israeli forces northeast of Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip with mortar shells.

Targeted an Israeli military Merkava 4 tank with an Al-Yassin 105 shell in the Al-Furqan neighborhood in Tal Al-Sultan, west of the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

Targeted an Israeli military D9 military bulldozer with an Al-Yassin 105 shell in the Al-Furqan neighborhood in Tal Al-Sultan, west of the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

Targeted Israeli forces penetrating northeast of Bureij camp in the middle of the Gaza Strip with mortar shells.

Targeted Israeli military's command and control headquarters in the "Netzarim" axis with the short-range Rajoom 114mm rocket system

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on July 22:

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces storming Tulkarem camp on several axes, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Shelled Israeli military gatherings on the supply line in the "Netzarim" axis with a barrage of 107mm rockets.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on July 22:

Targeted "Kerem Shalom" and the "Sofa" military sites east of the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, with a barrage of mortar shells.

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on July 22:

Targeted a convoy of Israeli military vehicles in the city of Tulkarem with several explosive devices.

Al-Asifah Forces' operations on July 22:

Targeted a group of Israeli forces invading the city and camp of Tulkarem on Nablus Street near Tulkarem Camp, occupied West Bank, with an "Asif" highly-explosive device.

Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on July 22:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers inside the "Kissufim" military site east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip with mortar shells.

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on July 22:

In a joint operation with the Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted Israeli forces, who had invaded northeast of Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip, with mortar shells.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on July 22:

Launched Haseb 111 rockets at Israeli forces stationed in the so-called "Netzarim Axis".

Hezbollah's operations on July 22:

Targeted the Al-Malikiyah site with an attack drone, destroying part of it and setting it on fire.

Targeted spy equipment at the radar site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with appropriate weapons.

Targeted spy equipment at the Raheb site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

Targeted a building used by Israeli soldiers in the Al-Manara colony with the appropriate weapons.

Targeted buildings used by Israeli soldiers in the Metula settlement with appropriate weapons.

Targeted Tzuriel settlement for the first time with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

Targeted buildings used by Israeli soldiers in Al-Manara Colony with the appropriate weapons.

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Hezbollah fires rockets on Israeli Tzuriel moshav in retaliation for south Lebanon attacks

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 6:28 AM

Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have launched for the first time dozens of rockets at an illegal Israeli settlement in the northern part of the 1948 occupied territories in retaliation for the Israeli military's attacks against southern Lebanon.

Israeli Channel 14 television channel reported that several rockets struck Tzuriel moshav in the Galilee region and impacted infrastructure and a building there.

The Israeli regime's Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service said two people sustained minor injuries in Tzuriel and were evacuated to the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya.

This is the first time that Tzuriel moshav, with a population of just 400 illegal settlers, has been hit. The community is not among those at the northern side of the occupied lands that have been evacuated by an official order from the Israeli regime.

Earlier, Hezbollah fighters launched an explosive-laden drone at the Israeli al-Malkiyah military site, which destroyed a section of a garrison and set it on fire.

The resistance group also destroyed spying devices installed at the al-Radar military site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms.

Shortly afterwards, Hezbollah fighters targeted the al-Raheb military outpost and completely destroyed the espionage hardware stationed there.

Later on Monday evening, Hezbollah carried out two operations against Israeli sites in response to the regime's strikes on the southern Lebanese towns of Yater and Khiam.

The first attack targeted a building housing Israeli troops at the Menara settlement. It came in response to the Israeli aggression on Yater, and caused a fire inside the targeted building.

The second operation saw Hezbollah members attack several buildings in the Metulla settlement in reprisal for the Israeli attacks on Khiam. It resulted in direct hits, and caused a fire in the area.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by Hamas.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed at least 39,006 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs.

Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts.

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EU Green-Lights Talks With Armenia On Visa-Free Travel, Offers Military Aid

By RFE/RL July 23, 2024

The European Union has approved opening talks with Armenia on visa liberalization and has offered 10 million euros ($10.9 million) in military aid to the Caucasus country, the bloc's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has announced.

"These two decisions were long awaited by Armenia," Borrell said in remarks to a meeting of the EU foreign ministers on July 22.

A traditional ally and partner of Russia, Armenia recently has turned toward improving its ties with the West and putting on ice its relations with Moscow, which Yerevan has blamed for failing to support it in its conflict with longtime archfoe Azerbaijan.

The EU announcement was hailed by Yerevan, with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan calling it "a very important milestone in the deepening partnership between Armenia and the EU, based on shared values and principles."

The decision to open visa liberalization talks with Yerevan was initially made by the European Council on July 17 when the 27 EU ambassadors approved the proposal, with the council saying Armenia would have to meet commonly agreed benchmarks.

Once negotiations -- a process that could take several years -- are concluded, Armenians would be able to travel visa-free to EU countries and the Schengen Zone -- where border controls have been generally abolished -- for a period of 90 days within any 180-day period.

Several other former Soviet republics such as Moldova, Ukraine, and Armenia's fellow Caucasus neighbor Georgia have been granted visa-free travel to the bloc.

The second decision regarding military aid was adopted under the European Peace Facility.

"The aim of this assistance measure is to enhance the logistical capacities of the Armenian Armed Forces, and to contribute to improved protection of civilians in crises and emergencies," the council said in a separate statement.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, however, protested the EU decision.

"We strongly object to this decision by the Council of the European Union and expect transparent information about the aid to be provided," Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizadeh told the media.

"[This decision] is a very wrong and dangerous step and serves to increase tension in the region," said Hajizadeh.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought several wars in the past three decades over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which had been a majority ethnic-Armenian enclave since the Soviet collapse and is internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory.

After Baku took full control over the region as the result of a one-day military operation in September 2023, nearly 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-visa-liberalization- yerevan-borrell-mirzoyan/33047515.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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US, UAE, Israel Hold Secret Meeting on Post-War Plan for Gaza - Reports

Sputnik News

20240723

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Officials from the United States, Israel, and the UAE held a secret meeting to discuss a future plan for Gaza after the end of the war, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing two Israeli officials.

The meeting took place last Thursday in Abu Dhabi and was hosted by UAE foreign minister Abdullah Bin Zayed. US President Joe Biden's top Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and State Department counselor Tom Sullivan represented the US side, while Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer led the Israeli team, the report said.

UAE special envoy Lana Nusseibeh had unveiled an Emirati peace plan a day before the Israeli delegation arrived to Abu Dhabi. The plan includes the participation of international forces in peace solution and calls on Palestinian authorities to conduct meaningful reforms, according to the report.

Israel should provide Palestinian authorities an opportunity to play a role in governing Gaza and agree to a political process based on the two-state solution, it added.

The UAE wants to be involved in crafting a post-war plan for governing Gaza that does not include Hamas, according to the report.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed, and some 240 others were abducted during the attack.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The death toll from Israeli strikes in Gaza has topped 39,000, with almost 90,000 people injured, according to the enclave's health ministry.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Colin L. Powell Treaty Room

Washington, D.C.

July 23, 2024



SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It's a great pleasure to have Foreign Minister Battsetseg here. We are proud to be Mongolia's third neighbor and also very pleased to be able to launch this Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue between our countries.

Mongolia has really been an oasis for democracy in the region, and together we are building even greater economic resilience, strengthening rule of law, and looking for ways to lift up the well-being of our people. So we have a lot to discuss today, but I think if you look at the relationship - particularly over recent years - we see a strengthening and deepening of ties in so many different ways that I believe will be to the benefit of people in both of our countries. So really welcome having you here today. Look forward to a good discussion.

FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG: Thank you. Good morning to all. So thank you, dear Antony Blinken, for instilling a warm welcome in the Department of State. And I'm really pleased that I'm here back in Washington after our prime minister's visit, which was held last year in August.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: That's right.

FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG: So this is first high-level visit between our two countries since we established new government recently and since we established our strategic trade and - Strategic Partnership. So this is an - also place that we are launching the inaugural Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue for the first time. So I think I'm looking forward for fruitful discussion in all spheres, and especially we will talk detail about our communication 

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yes.

FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG:  and trade cooperation. So thank you for inviting me here, and I'm really pleased to be here.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you so much. Thanks, everyone.

FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG: Thank you.



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No: 145, 23 July 2024, Regarding the Declaration Adopted by Palestinian Political Factions in Beijing

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We are pleased that Palestinian political factions met in Beijing at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and adopted a declaration on national unity.

We commend the contribution of the PRC to the inter-Palestinian reconciliation process.

Under the current circumstances, as the Israeli attacks in Gaza continue in full force and the aggression in the West Bank and East Jerusalem intensifies, achieving political unity in Palestine has become even more important and urgent.

We expect that the steps outlined in the declaration adopted in Beijing will be implemented and that the long-standing efforts to achieve political unity in Palestine, to which Turkiye has also contributed, will be successfully concluded as soon as possible.

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No: 144, 23 July 2024, Regarding the Israeli Parliament's Efforts to Designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East as a Terrorist Organisation

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Israeli Parliament's efforts to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organisation is a new phase in Israel's attacks to destroy the Palestinian people and the Palestinian identity.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 1949, UNRWA provides vital services to millions of Palestine refugees and symbolises the right of Palestinians to return to their own land. By discrediting UNRWA, Israel seeks to deprive Palestine refugees of their most basic rights.

It is unacceptable that Israel, which has targeted civilians sheltering in UNRWA schools in Gaza and killed nearly 200 UN staff in the last nine months, is trying to label UNRWA as a terrorist organisation.

Turkiye will continue to strongly support UNRWA. We call on the international community to raise its voice against the attacks on UNRWA and to support the Agency.

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Where do I go now, ask Gazans uprooted by new Israeli evacuation orders

By Daniel Johnson

23 July 2024 - Gazans uprooted by the Israeli military's latest evacuation orders have fled their shelters and homes "running for their lives", with barely any belongings and little idea where they will end up, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.

In Khan Younis, the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) reported witnessing "thousands of people fleeing" westwards as part of the exodus from the enclave's southern city amid ongoing hostilities, leaving children traumatized and crying uncontrollably.

"Elderly people on the back of donkey carts...disabled people being pushed in wheelchairs through the sand with the belongings piled up on top of their lap," said Louise Wateridge, UNRWA Senior Communications Officer. "People running, hearing gunfire [and] running for their lives. Families are really only carrying what they can hold in their hands...People do not know where to go. That is the main question people are asking today, 'Where do I go?'"

Al Mawasi shrunk

Israel's evacuation orders have also impacted about 8.7 square kilometres of land in the so-called "humanitarian zone" of Al Mawasi, which lies on the coast near Khan Younis, reducing the size of the zone by nearly 15 per cent, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA.

"Initial reports indicate that families are currently moving towards areas in Deir al Balah and western Khan Younis," OCHA said. "Both areas are already heavily overcrowded, have limited shelters and services available and can barely accommodate the additional influx of displaced people.

As of 22 July, nearly 83 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been placed under evacuation orders or designated as "no-go zones" by the Israeli military."

UN rights office condemnation

Condemning the "repeated" evacuation orders, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, insisted that the Israeli military had given "no time" for civilians to understand where they were expected to leave or where they should go.

At least 70 Palestinians, including women and children were killed amid ongoing violence on Monday, the UN rights office said, citing the local health authorities. At least 200 others were also injured, some critically, amid reports of intensifying Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis since Sunday, with "multiple" strikes on Monday and an "intensification" of shelling in the east of the city.

"Israeli military operations continued in and around the area unabated," OHCHR said, noting that the evacuation order covered parts of Salah al-Deen Road - "one of two main routes vital for the transport and distribution of aid, raising concerns that delivery and provision of desperately needed humanitarian assistance will be further reduced or prevented".

UNICEF vehicles hit with live fire

Two clearly marked UNICEF vehicles were hit with live ammunition while waiting at a designated holding point near Wadi Gaza on Tuesday, the UN Children's Fund said.

"They were en route to reunite five children, including a baby, with their father", the agency's regional director added, in a post on X.

"One vehicle was struck by three bullets but fortunately no injuries occured", said Adele Khodr.

This is the second shooting incident involving UNICEF cars in the past 12 weeks and Palestine refugee agency UNRWA suffered a similar incident on Sunday, the UN Spokesperson reminded the regular noon briefing in New York.

"We strongly reiterate that humanitarian workers are protected under International Humanitarian Law and must not be targeted", Ms. Khodr continued.

UNICEF also reported that it had managed to transfer some water pipes to northern Gaza on Monday which will be used to provide water to the Jabalya area.

Polio outbreak alert update

Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow over the impact of a possible polio outbreak in Gaza, amid disastrous sanitary conditions and a lack of access to health care.

Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, Team Lead for Health Emergencies at the UN World Health Organization (WHO) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said on Tuesday that he was "extremely worried" about the spread of polio and other communicable diseases, which could lead to more people dying of preventable illness than from war-related injuries.

Hepatitis A was already confirmed last year in the Strip, he told journalists, via video link from Jerusalem.

"With the crippled health system, lack of water and sanitation, as well as lack of access of the population to health services... this is going to be a very bad situation," he maintained. "We may have more people dying of different communicable diseases than from injury-related conditions."

On 16 July, the WHO said that vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) had been identified at six locations in sewage samples collected on 23 June from Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah.

WHO explained last week that polio virus can emerge in areas where poor vaccination coverage allows the weakened form of the orally administered vaccine virus strain to mutate into a stronger version.

So far, the virus has been found in sewage samples only and no one in Gaza has been identified with polio-induced paralysis. Further genomic sequencing by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta indicated that the virus is linked to a strain that was circulating in Egypt during the second half of 2023, WHO said.

Dr. Saparbekov explained that human samples have not yet been collected, as there is a lack of equipment and of lab capacity to test them. A WHO team will be coming into Gaza on Thursday with up to 50 sample collection kits; it will send the specimens to a lab in Jordan for further analysis.

The WHO official said that together with partners, the agency is conducting an epidemiological investigation and risk assessment to identify the source of the virus, which is at high risk of spreading within Gaza and internationally.

"Based on the results of the assessment, WHO and the [Global Polio Initiative Network] partners will consolidate a set of recommendations, including the need for a mass vaccination campaign," he said.

Dr. Saparbekov stressed that given the water, sanitation and hygiene situation in Gaza, it will be "very difficult" for the population to follow advice on handwashing and drinking safe water.

"Unfortunately, the majority who live in shelters with one toilet for 600 people and maybe 1.52 litres of water per person will definitely not be able to follow the recommendations," he said.

The UN health agency representative also insisted that if a mass vaccination campaign is decided, it will be the responsibility of COGAT, the Israeli body responsible for the flow of aid in Gaza, to facilitate the arrival of vaccines into the enclave.

He added that WHO has "so far received reassurances that this will be done."

Healthcare system shut down

Turning to the devastation of Gaza's health system, Dr. Saparbekov said that less than half of primary health care facilities are operational and only 16 out of the enclave's 36 hospitals are "partially functional", meaning that they provide only minimal health care services such as triage of the injured.

On Monday, WHO and partners conducted a mission to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, where they have been rehabilitating the outpatient department, destroyed in March 2024, and converting it into an emergency department.

"The only functional equipment that unfortunately remains in Gaza [at Al Shifa hospital] is a stationary X-ray machine," Dr. Saparbekov said. "All other major hospital equipment, such as ventilation machines, anaesthesia machines, operating theatre equipment have unfortunately been destroyed and it needs to be replaced."

WHO and partners are "working around the clock" to make sure that that desperately-needed equipment is being brought into Gaza despite of the "restrictions on dual use list", he said, meaning items which are banned from entering the enclave because the Israeli authorities consider that they could be repurposed for military purposes.

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Yemen: UN envoy warns of threat of return to 'full-fledged war' as regional tensions escalate

23 July 2024 - Yemen is at risk of returning to full-scale war and the international community has a common interest and responsibility to stop this from happening, UN Special Envoy for the country Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council on Tuesday.

"The trajectory of the development in Yemen has since the beginning of the year moved in the wrong direction and if left unaddressed could reach a tipping point," he said.

Yemeni Government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition have been battling with Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, since 2014. The Houthis also began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea - a crucial route for global trade - following the eruption of war in Gaza last October.

Regional dimension increasing

Mr. Grundberg said the regional dimension of the Yemen conflict "is getting more and more pronounced", and the "escalatory trajectory reached a new and dangerous level last week".

He was briefing a day after the Council met to debate the 19 July Houthi drone attack against Tel Aviv in Israel, and the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Hudaydah Port in Yemen, and its oil and power facilities, on 20 July.

'No signs of de-escalation'

The envoy said he was "deeply concerned by the recent military activities in the region".

He also voiced deep concern over the continued targeting of international shipping in and around the Red Sea, adding that recent developments suggest the threat is increasing in both scope and precision.

Commercial shipping vessels have been sunk and damaged, civilians have been killed, the crew of the Galaxy Leader - a cargo ship hijacked in November - remains arbitrarily detained, and international trade has been disrupted.

The United States and the United Kingdom have also continued to carry out strikes on military targets in Ansar Allah-controlled territory.

"It is alarming that there are no signs of de-escalation, let alone a solution," said Mr. Grundberg. "These latest developments show the real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation."

Clashes along frontlines

Meanwhile, the situation along frontlines inside Yemen also remains a concern, he added. Recent months have seen an increase in military preparations and reinforcements, while clashes were reported this month along several frontlines.

"While the levels of violence have been relatively contained compared to the period before the 2022 truce, the recent trend of escalation, accompanied by continuous threats of a full-scale return to war, demonstrates how volatile the situation is."

Although concerned about the overall trajectory in Yemen, Mr. Grundberg said he was encouraged that the parties informed him last night that they have agreed on a path towards measures related to the banking and transport sectors.

Concern for detained personnel

The envoy also reminded ambassadors that nearly two months have passed since Ansar Allah arbitrarily detained 13 UN staff and dozens of personnel from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and private sector entities.

The people are all Yemeni nationals, at least four are women, and there has been no word on their whereabouts or status. Four other staff from the UN's human rights office, OHCHR, and its cultural agency, UNESCO, have also been held since 2021 and 2023, respectively.

Mr. Grundberg repeated his call for their immediate and unconditional release, and for Ansar Allah to refrain from detaining any additional UN, NGO and civil society personnel.

Hudaydah a 'lifeline' for millions

Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also expressed concern over the recent developments in Yemen and the region.

She said that according to the Houthi de facto Ministry of Health, nine people were killed, and 83 injured, following the strikes on Hudaydah.

She described Hudaydah Port as a "lifeline" for millions in Yemen. Some 85 per cent of food supplies arrive through the port, which "must remain open and operating".

Threats to humanitarians

Ms. Msuya also addressed the detention of the UN and other personnel, and the broader threats to humanitarians in Yemen.

"Alongside rapidly spreading misinformation and disinformation targeting the international community, the detentions have caused widespread fear and anxiety among humanitarian workers," she said.

She warned that without the necessary safety and security guarantees, and respect for principled humanitarian action, "we cannot operate at the scale required."

Rising hunger, funding shortfall

The situation is particularly serious amid a surge in food insecurity and malnutrition, with a staggering one in every two children under the age of five now estimated to be experiencing chronic malnutrition or stunting.

Since January, food deprivation levels have risen from 51 per cent of the population to 58 per cent, an overall increase of 14 per cent. Nearly a tenth of all households in Houthi-controlled areas rely on alms to obtain food.

Ms. Msuya said humanitarians also require adequate support for their operations, but "low funding levels continue to hamper our work". As a result, they were only able to reach 315,000 people with nutrition assistance during the first quarter of the year, out of the two million targeted.

She urged the Council "to do everything in its power to maintain unity, de-escalate rising tensions, and support the humanitarian response in Yemen."

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Attacks on civilians in Burkina Faso force thousands into neighbouring Niger

23 July 2024 - Renewed attacks on civilians in eastern Burkina Faso by non-State armed groups have forced thousands to flee to neighbouring Niger in search of safety, amid a deepening emergency, UN humanitarians have warned.

In an alert, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said that previous attacks in recent weeks along Burkina Faso's border with Niger had already led to a "surge" of displaced people into the Nigerien city of Tera, Tillaberi region, despite the "already dire" humanitarian situation there.

"Amid a worrying security situation in Tillaberi, characterized by attacks from non-State armed groups, the asylum seekers can face further suspicions of being affiliated with these groups and risk being forcibly returned if their status as refugees is not recognized by the Government," UNHCR said.

The development follows years of insecurity in Burkina Faso where more than a third of the country operates outside the control of the country's military, which seized power in 2022.

More widely, the stability of the Sahel region has been threatened for years by a proliferation of armed groups. Beginning in northern Mali, jihadist-linked insurgents pushed south, bringing lawlessness to northern Burkina Faso and western Niger, while also threatening the stability of other neighbouring countries.

Tillaberi shelter

According to UNHCR, Tillaberi is now home to at least 223,400 internally displaced people from Niger and at least 36,500 Burkinabe asylum seekers.

In addition to the latest arrivals from Burkina Faso, an additional 1,186 Nigerien nationals have also been displaced within Tillaberi, the UN agency noted.

"In the last week of May and the first week of June 2024, non-State armed groups launched attacks targeting civilians in the Mansila, Kantcari and Sempelga communes of Burkina Faso's Sahel Region," UNHCR said in a statement.

"This surge in violence has forced 3,068 Burkinabe asylum seekers to flee to Tera in Niger's Tillaberi region by 30 June...severely straining local resources and the resilience of host communities."

Persistent insecurity

Pointing to the "highly volatile" security situation along the Niger-Burkina Faso border, the UN agency noted that continuing attacks and clashes between State and non-State actors "are not only displacing more people but also complicating humanitarian access and protection efforts".

As part of its relief efforts, UNHCR has been working with local authorities and partners to pre-register 470 households (3,068 individuals) for asylum and provide cash assistance to meet immediate needs.

The UN agency said that more than 400 vulnerable individuals had also been identified for rapid assistance, including 207 female heads of households, breastfeeding and pregnant women, and children with mental health issues or suffering from malnourishment.

Plans are also in progress to assist 600 households with emergency shelters and latrines, but "there is an immediate need for food, nutritional kits, emergency shelters" too, the UNHCR said, adding that nutritional support remains "a critical priority, especially for malnourished children".







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Netanyahu visits DC amid US political turmoil at critical juncture of Gaza war

By Patsy Widakuswara July 23, 2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington late Monday, the day after President Joe Biden announced he is withdrawing from the U.S. presidential race - a decision that adds another layer of uncertainty to U.S.-Israel relations at a crucial moment in the Gaza war.

Without a cease-fire agreement in place, many had questioned the timing of Netanyahu's visit when it was announced in June. Now, facing a potential shift in American politics, the Israeli leader aims to lay the groundwork for the next American administration.

A U.S. official said Biden and Netanyahu were expected to meet Thursday at the White House.

"I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel," Netanyahu said as he departed Israel. "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 America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East."

While publicly Netanyahu aims for the appearance of neutrality in the now likely match between potential Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, there is little doubt whom Netanyahu is rooting for, said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the Department of Political Studies at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.

"Republicans in general are more supportive of Israel's security agenda," he told VOA. "They're more forgiving of Israel's right-wing government and its policies towards the Palestinians."

That's especially true of Trump, whose administration's pro-Israeli policies were "quite extraordinary" and "created a sugar high" for the country, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. negotiator for the Middle East who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Trump brokered the Abraham Accords that normalized Israel's diplomatic ties with some of its Arab neighbors - the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. Trump also moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to contested Jerusalem and recognized Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights.

While in the U.S., Netanyahu is requesting to meet with Trump, in part to dismiss claims that there are tensions between him and the former president, said Nimrod Goren, senior fellow for Israeli affairs at the Middle East Institute.

Trump soured on Netanyahu when the prime minister congratulated Biden on his win in 2020. The former president has also warned Israel to "get back to peace and stop killing people."

The Trump campaign has not responded to VOA for confirmation on Netanyahu's request for a meeting.

Netanyahu meeting Harris

Harris will meet with Netanyahu this week at the White House, separate from the prime minister's planned meeting with Biden, her aide told VOA. "Throughout her career, the vice president has had an unwavering commitment to the security of Israel," the aide said.

Harris also has strong ties to the country's Jewish community. Her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, is Jewish and has played a key role in the administration's efforts to combat antisemitism.

However, instead of presiding over the Senate chamber during Netanyahu's speech to Congress on Wednesday, Harris will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to speak in front of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta.

The optics of applauding Netanyahu would not fly well amid anger over Gaza from progressives, Arab Americans and American Muslims who traditionally vote for Democratic candidates. Dozens of congressional Democrats in Congress are also expected to boycott the speech.

Gestures aside, a Harris presidency would unlikely yield a significant change in Middle East policy, Carnegie's Miller told VOA, and would remain relatively "mainstream when it comes to supporting the U.S.-Israeli relationship."

But Harris would be "far tougher, certainly rhetorically, on Israeli settlement activity, and much more, much more sympathetic to Palestinian suffering and Palestinian rights," he said.

Harris' comments in office have been largely in line with Biden on key foreign policy issues and it's unclear whether she'll manifest her own doctrine if elected.

Compared to Biden, who has an extraordinarily clear, integrated and well-thought-out American grand strategy, "she's a blank slate, really, on a foreign policy," Rynhold said.

Netanyahu's domestic goals

With the Israeli Knesset nearing a three-month recess, Netanyahu is aiming to advance his own domestic political goals, and a cease-fire deal could be the silver lining, Goren said.

"There may be a political timing that will enable Netanyahu to make a move once the Knesset is in recess, without having that lead to immediate coalition breakdown," he said. "That could not be done until the Knesset comes back to operation."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that a deal was within reach.

However, Goren and other analysts said they were skeptical the cease-fire deal would extend beyond phase one: a six-week pause in fighting in exchange for some of the hostages held by Hamas.

Kim Lewis contributed to this report.

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Hamas reaches agreement with rival Fatah in China for unity

By VOA News July 23, 2024

Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have signed a declaration in Beijing to end years of discord and unite to form a national unity government, China announced on Tuesday.

"Senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23," said Mao Ning, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson. "The Palestinian factions signed the Beijing declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity."

In Washington, U.S. officials say they have yet to review the agreement.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated on Tuesday that the United States has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization and that Washington sees no role for Hamas in the post-war governance of Gaza.

"We've made clear, we want to see the Palestinian Authority governing a unified Gaza in the West Bank. But no, we do not support a role for Hamas," Miller said during a briefing.

"We don't think that anything related to this declaration should in any way have an impact on the ongoing discussions to reach a cease-fire," Miller added.

The talks in Beijing aimed to create a potential roadmap for a post-war Gaza once a cease-fire is reached between Israel and Hamas, ending the more than nine-month conflict in Gaza.

The October 7 Hamas terror attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures. Hamas militants took about 250 hostages.

Israel's military response has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its figures.

Fatah and Hamas have been at odds for decades over their respective stance toward Israel. Fatah dominates the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank and has signed interim peace accords with Israel, while Hamas refuses to officially recognize the Jewish state.

Over the past 17 years, there have been efforts by Egypt and other Arab countries to reconcile Hamas and Fatah. It remains to be seen whether the deal reached in Beijing will survive the realities on the ground.

The two sides violently split when Hamas fighters drove Fatah forces out of Gaza in 2007 and seized control of the coastal enclave.

VOA's State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching contributed to this report.

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Blinken, Austin to reinforce ties with Asian allies amid domestic political uncertainty

By Nike Ching July 23, 2024

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said it remains "intensely focused on" its foreign policy agenda in the final six months of his term, despite the challenges often faced by so-called lame-duck leaders.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters at the State Department that the United States will continue the work, "particularly trying to bring peace to the Middle East, ending the war in Gaza," dealing effectively with the ongoing aggression by Russia against Ukraine, and maintaining engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

This week, Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin head to Asia to reassure allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific of the U.S. commitment, as the U.S. presidential election in November casts uncertainty over Washington's foreign policy.

On Sunday, Biden announced he will not run for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Earlier this month, the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, survived an assassination attempt.

By late Monday, most Democratic delegates pledged their support for Harris, making her the likely nominee.

Blinken endorsed Harris on Tuesday.

"What I've observed is someone who asks, time and again, the penetrating questions, who cuts to the chase and is intensely focused on the interests of the American people and making sure that our foreign policy is doing everything it can to advance those interests," he said.

2+2 security talks

Blinken and Austin will hold the so-called 2+2 security talks with U.S. allies Japan and the Philippines.

The U.S.-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogues will discuss "extended deterrence" for the first time amid growing, unprecedented threats in the region, according to U.S. officials. The term refers to the U.S. commitment to use its nuclear and conventional forces to deter attacks on its allies.

The first U.S.-Philippines 2+2 meeting to be held in Manila follows a crucial deal reached between China and the Philippines on Sunday, amid recent collisions near the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ren'ai Jiao in China.

The agreement aims to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal without conceding either side's territorial claims.

"As the Philippines' ally, we do support the diplomacy that they've chosen to conduct. We welcome the announcement of this outcome," Daniel Kritenbrink told VOA during a phone briefing on Monday. Kritenbrink is the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.

After returning to the United States, the top U.S. diplomat and the defense chief will host their Australian counterparts in Annapolis, Maryland, for the 2024 Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations, or AUSMIN, on August 6, according to the Pentagon.

Vietnam

Blinken's 10-day trip to Asia will start in Hanoi, where he will attend the funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, head of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, who died last Friday. In 2023, the U.S. and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The United States, China, and Russia are among the countries that maintain top-tier relations with Vietnam.

ASEAN in Laos

Blinken will then attend meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in Vientiane, Laos, where he will hold face-to-face talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

State Department officials said they do not anticipate Blinken meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or North Korean officials on the sidelines of ASEAN-related regional talks.

Japan

In Tokyo, in addition to the 2+2 security talks, Blinken will join his Australian, Indian and Japanese counterparts for a Quad foreign ministers' meeting to reaffirm their collective commitment to regional stability. The Quad is a security dialogue involving the four countries.

The United States and Japan will demonstrate responsibly how they will ensure not just the defense of Japan but also their contribution to regional security, according to Kritenbrink.

In April, Tokyo and Washington announced a series of initiatives to strengthen their military ties, which the Biden administration described as the most significant upgrade since the U.S.-Japan alliance began in 1951.

The Philippines

In Manila, Blinken and Austin will meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

They will discuss ways to deepen coordination on shared challenges, including in the South China Sea, and advance our bilateral economic agenda, according to the State Department.

Singapore

In Singapore, Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the city-state's new leadership to discuss the U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership. U.S. officials said the focus on critical and emerging technologies highlights the partnership's role in promoting a free, open, connected, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Mongolia

Tuesday, Blinken held talks with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh at the State Department.

The inaugural U.S.-Mongolia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue highlighted the growing ties between the two countries, as evidenced by ongoing initiatives to strengthen people-to-people connections through professional and educational exchanges, English-language programs and the establishment of direct flights.

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Cameroon opposition, civil society condemn government threats toward Biya opponents

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka July 23, 2024

Condemnation is widespread in Cameroon following government threats to arrest civilians who criticize the country's president. The threats increased after Cameroon's political opposition accused President Paul Biya of postponing elections. In a release Tuesday, Human Rights Watch described the threats as censorship of free speech.

Cameroon's opposition says it is not intimidated by threats from officials who are warning them to stop saying negative things about President Biya.

This week, government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi said it was unacceptable for people to use irreverent language about the 91-year-old president.

Before Sadi's statement, Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, a top local government officer in the unit where Yaounde is located, announced he would expel anyone from the capital who insults Biya or state institutions.

On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch said Djikdent's announcement should be revoked to ensure the right to freedom of expression. The rights group says it is becoming increasingly difficult to speak freely in Cameroon.

Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon's territorial administration minister, says he is surprised that the opposition criticizes Biya, whom he says is the architect of Cameroon's democracy.

Nji says democracy given to Cameroonians freely by Biya must be constructively used to build and not to destroy. He says all government and administrative officials should be firm in punishing opposition and civil society members why defy and insult state authority.

Nji told state TV on Tuesday that opposition parties that call for protests against state officials will be arrested for rebellion, insurrection and treason.

Cameron's opposition accuses Biya of ruling with an iron fist and says he is not showing signs he is ready to relinquish power.

Ndah Grimbald, assistant secretary-general of the opposition Social Democratic Front Party, says Biya should emulate the example of U.S. President Joe Biden and hand over leadership to a dynamic civilian.

"Our president, Paul Biya, is 10 years older than Biden. He is 91 years [old] and instead of thinking [of] how to hand over power to the younger generation, his regime is doing everything to impede the rights, the fundamental rights of Cameroonians from assembling and discussing the affairs of their country," said Grimbald.

Supporters of Biya say he is a democrat and has won all elections since the return of multiparty politics in Cameroon in 1990.

Biya has not said if he will be a candidate in the next presidential polls, but his party supporters have been organizing regular political rallies to urge him to run for re-election.

Opposition groups were angered earlier this month when Biya ordered his majority Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM party to pass a government bill extending terms for all 180 lawmakers by 12 months, into 2026.

The law makes it hard for main opposition leaders, including Maurice Kamto, to gain the legislative seats they need to be eligible to run against Biya in the next presidential election.

Kamto says he won the 2018 presidential election but lost it to Biya through fraud. Kamto then boycotted Cameroon's 2020 local council and parliamentary elections.

Cameroon's laws make it possible for presidential aspirants who do not have legislative seats to submit 300 signatures from influential politicians, including former ministers, traditional rulers and religious leaders, to secure a spot on the presidential ballot.

But the opposition and civil society say getting the signatures is highly difficult because the leaders are either scared of Biya or are his political partners.

Biya is Africa's second-longest serving leader after the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has been in power since 1979.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 23 July 2024 - Day 881

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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the day, there have been 99 combat clashes, 22 of which are still ongoing.

The Defense Forces continue to concentrate major efforts on the unauthorized push of the Russian enemy deep into Ukrainian territory. Russia was most active today in the pokrovsky direction - spent a third of all attacks here.

Russian occupiers launched two missiles (2 rockets), 32 aviation strikes (48 CAB) and 498 kamikaze drones strikes, and carried out 2462 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russia does not stop trying to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops. Since the beginning of the day, Russia has carried out 11 unsuccessful attacks in the direction of settlements Gliboke, Tihe and Vovchansk.

For the current 24 hours in this direction, the Russian aggressor's losses consisted of 90 persons live force and 36 units of military equipment. In particular, four Russian tanks, seven artsitem, 15 cars, an armored machine and a special equipment unit were destroyed and damaged.

In the Kupyansky direction, units of Ukrainian troops repel three Russian attacks towards Pi any, Stelmakhivka and Andriyivka. The situation is under control. Russia has already received a hard section near glushkivka and petropavlivka and counts their losses.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 11 Russian attacks in the directions of Novovodiyane - Makiyivka; Plo .anka - Nevske; Zaliman - Makiyivko Golikove - Nevske - seven attacks repelled, four more attacks are ongoing. The situation is under control.

In the Sivers .komu direction, the number of combat clashes reached eight. In addition to the Controversial, where the Russian invaders failed three times, Russian forces, with the same success, tried to come close to Viyimka and Pereiznoy.

On the Kramators komu direction during the current day, Russian forces seven times tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian defenders repelled five attacks, fighting continues in the areas of Chasovoye Yar and Ivanivsky.

In the Toretsky direction, the number of Russian attacks has increased to 12. Ten of them kicked off, two more - continue - the Russian attacks nearby iron.

Nine attacks by Russians in the areas of the settlements Panteleimonivka, Novooleksandrivka, Progres and Novoselivka I are continuing in the Pokrovsk direction. Another 24 attempts by the Russian zagarbnikiv to move forward have been stopped. Total losses of the Russian enemy in this direction today preliminaryly amounted to 329 Russian occupiers killed and wounded. 14 units of weapons and military equipment have been destroyed, including the Su-25 assault aircraft and a tank. Another tank and six cannons are significantly damaged.

In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russia does not stop trying to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops. There are two combat clashes in the direction of Staromikhaillivka - Krasnogorivka. Six Russian attacks Ukrainian warriors repelled near konstantinivka and the same krasnogorivka.

In other directions without much change.

Today are celebrated Ukrainian soldiers from 10 separate Edelweiss mountain assault brigade. They continue to effectively destroy the live power and military equipment of the Russian occupiers.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 71st Jaeger Brigade, 107th, 127th territorial defence brigades, and 13th National Guard Brigade near Staritsa, Krugloye, Volchansk, and Liptsy (Kharkov region).

Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 42nd Mechanised Brigade, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, and 92nd Air Assault Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm self-propelled artillery system, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, three 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one field ammunition depot.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 43rd, 63rd, 116th mechanised brigades, 4th Tank Brigade, 3rd Assault Brigade, and 12th Azov Special Operations Brigade near Sinkovka, Zagoruykovka, Novoyegorovka (Kharkov region), Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Serebryansky forestry.

Two counter-attacks launched by units of the AFU 66th Mechanised Brigade and 112th Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 490 Ukrainian troops, one tank, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, one UK-made L-119 105-mm howitzer, and two field ammunition depots.

As a result of active actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Ivano-Daryevka (Donetsk People's Republic) and took more advantageous lines.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of the AFU 23rd, 24th, 30th, 53rd, 93rd mechanised brigades, 5th Assault Brigade, 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, 46th, 81st airmobile brigades, 114th, and 117th territorial defence brigades near Kalinin, Verkhnekamenskoye, Antonovka, Krasnogorovka, Konstantinovka, Zaliznyanskoye, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 750 Ukrainian troops, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, and six motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, four 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzers were neutralised.

Moreover, two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations, two U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery warfare radar stations, and six AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 31st, 41st, 47th mechanised brigades, 25th Airborne Brigade, and 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Toretsk, Dimitrov, Grodovka, Rozovka, Kamishevka, and Novosyolovka Pervaya (Donetsk People's Republic).

Six counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 32nd, 53rd, 151st mechanised brigades, 68th Jaeger Brigade, and 95th Air Assault Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 405 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, including one M1A1 Abrams tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun, and three field ammunition depots.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 37th Marines Brigade, 129th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 17th National Guard Brigade near Vodyanoye, Vremevka, Prechistovka, Makarovka, and Razdolnoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 115 Ukrainian troops, seven motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 towed howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade, 141st Infantry Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, and 126th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novodanilovka, Novoandreyevka (Zaporozhye region), and Tokaryovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, one Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station, and one field ammunition depot.

Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one ST68 mobile radar station for detecting and tracking low-altitude targets, one UAV workshop, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 138 areas.

Air defence units shot down three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, 15 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, 151 unmanned aerial vehicles, including 82 unmanned aerial vehicles over the territory of the Russian Federation.

In total, 630 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 28,269 unmanned aerial vehicles, 554 air defence missile systems, 16,638 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,382 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 12,294 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 23,977 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 24 July 2024 - Day 882

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 open-source reporting highlights that on the 07 July 2024, Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike against a Russian ammunition storage depot near Sergeerka, Voronezh Oblast. This attack resulted in the near total destruction of ammunition and equipment stored in open bermed areas as well as buildings located at the facility.

This is a significant loss at a depot that reportedly covered approximately 9 square kilometres. The depot was highly likely storing a mixture of surface-to-surface munitions as well as small arms to be used by personnel on the frontlines. This will further stretch Russia's already struggling logistics chains and force yet more dispersals due to the continued threat of Ukrainian strikes. This incident further highlights Russia's continued inability to protect key locations in an area that boasts a densely layered Air Defence posture, some 80km from the Ukraine border. Such shortcomings will almost certainly see further losses to other well-planned Ukrainian strikes.

Russia can ill afford such losses considering the attritional warfare strategy it has adopted, which shows little regard for the lives of its soldiers. This approach requires huge amounts of ammunition. Russia is now relying on its limited foreign partners for this supply due to its own defence industry struggling to meet the frontline demand.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that so far, 125 combat clashes have taken place.

The hottest today remained the situation in the Pokrovsky and Kurakhiv directions, also the Russian enemy is quite active in the Lyman, Kramatorsky and Vremivs komu directions.

During the day, Russian forces launched four missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine with the use of four missiles, 47 aviation strikes (measures, in particular, 59 KAB), used 550 kamikaze drones to impress. Conducted 3313 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy attacked five times near the deep, quiet and hundred cossacks. All attacks are successfully repelled by Ukrainian defenders. From preliminary estimates, the deaths of the Russian aggressor today is 73 military killed and wounded, also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed three artillery systems, five automobile units and three special equipment units, 14 Bpla. Two artillery systems and two cars were damaged.

In the Kupyans komu direction, the Russian zagarbniki tried to advance to Ukrainian positions near Sinkivka, Stelmahivka and Petropavlivka eight times during the day. Seven Russian attacks were repelled by the Defense Forces. The fights continue.

In the Limans komu direction, the Russian occupiers attacked 11 times in the areas of Makiiivka, Nevsky and Serebryans kogo Forest. Still sharpening one battle, the rest - Ukrainian warriors stopped.

In the Sivers komu direction, Russian forces eight times throughout the day unsuccessfully tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of Verkhnyokamiansky and Ivano-Darivka. The fight in the area of Verkhnyokamiansky continues.

In the Kramators komu direction, the activity of the Russian aggressor poured into ten combat clashes. Seven attacks near the Chasovoy Yar, Novoy and in the direction of Novomarkovoy have clogged. Three clashes are underway. The Russian forces will suffer the loss.

In the Toretsky direction, Ukrainian troops repelled six Russian attacks near the North and New York. Two attacks were repelled, the Russian opponent was unsuccessful, fighting in four locations. The situation is under control.

Russian forces tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense 27 times in the Pokrovsky direction, in particular, in the settlements of Vozdvizhenko, Novoselivka Persha, Novooleksandrivka, Vovche and Karlivka. Six attacks are underway. Russian forces suffes significant losses - according to preliminary information today, Ukrainian warriors damaged more than 200 invaders, 63 of them - irrevocable. Destroyed one tank, a combat armored machine, an artsystem and nine cars. Three more vehicles were damaged.

In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russian forces 29 times attacked Ukrainian positions. The greatest activity appeared in the area of Konstantinivka and Paraskoviivka, where Ukrainian warriors repelled 22 attacks, five fighting is ongoing. Fights near Krasnogorivka are still being sharpened.

In the Vremivs komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 12 Russian attacks near Konstantinivka and Vodanogo - seven attacks repelled, five more in progress.

Twice the Russian occupiers unsuccessfully stormed Ukrainian positions in the Orihiv direction, near Mala Tokmachka and in the direction of Novodarivka.

In the pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces does not leave trying to knock out Ukrainian units from occupied positions. Two failed attempts to storm the positions of Ukrainian soldiers were carried out by the aggressor today.

Today, for effective and professional combat, soldiers of the 95 separate Polish Airborne Assault Brigade should be noted, who effectively destroy the Russian enemy, inflict irreparable losses in live force and equipment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that The Sever Group of Forces hit manpower and hardware of AFU 71st jaeger, 92nd assault, 113rd, 127th territorial defence, and 13th national guard brigades near Tikhoye, Malye Prohody, Krugloye, and Borshchevaya (Kharkov region).

One counter-attack launched by the AFU 92nd Air Assault Brigade's assault detachment was repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 140 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Croatian-made 128-mm RAK-SA-12 MLRS, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer.

In addition, one AFU ammunition depot has been destroyed.

The Zapad Group of Forces defeated units of AFU 124th mechanised and 112th territorial defence brigades near Petropavlovka and Peschanoye (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 550 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, and six motor vehicles.

In the course of the counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops eliminated one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 152-mm D-20 guns, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer, Hortitsa-M and Anklav-N electronic warfare stations, one U.S. AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery warfare station, and one ammunition depot.

The Yug Group of Forces continue to take more advantageous lines and positions. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of AFU 24th, 54th mechanised, 114th, and 122nd territorial defence brigades close to Chasov Yar, Verkhnekamenskoye, and Krasnoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 700 Ukrainian troops, one armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer.

Two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations and two ammunition depots were eliminated.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on units of AFU 51st mechanised, 68th jaeger, 95th air assault brigades and the Lyut Assault Brigade near Progress, Novosyolovka Pervaya, Druzhba, and Artyomovo (Donetsk People's Republic).

One counter-attack launched by the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade's assault detachment was repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 395 Ukrainian troops, four motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and three ammunition depots.

The Vostok Group of Forces delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of AFU 72nd mechanised and 129th territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 120 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, two U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzers, and one ammunition depot.

The Dnepr Group of Forces hit units of AFU 121st and 124th territorial defence brigades close to Sadovoye, Antonovka, and Zolotaya Balka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 100 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, and one ammunition depot.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have eliminated one UAV command post and one depot of unmanned aerial vehicles of the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade, one low-altitude surveillance radar, one radar station for illumination of target and guidance, one control vehicle and two anti-aircraft missile launchers of S-300 system.

Clusters of AFU manpower and hardware were engaged in 146 areas.

Russian air defence units shot down two Tochka-U tactical missiles, two French-made Hammer guided bombs, one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile and 61 U.S.-made unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 630 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 28,330 unmanned aerial vehicles, 556 air defence missile systems, 16,645 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,383 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 12,319 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 24,012 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Imposing Sanctions on ISIS Affiliates in Africa

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

July 23, 2024

The United States is taking action today to advance the mission of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), which supports international efforts to curb financing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) worldwide. Against the backdrop of the 20th meeting of the CIFG, the United States is designating three individuals in a network associated with expanded ISIS activities in Africa.

These individuals are key financiers and enablers of ISIS activities across Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. They serve as critical links between far-flung ISIS operations, allowing ISIS leadership to leverage each affiliate's capabilities to undermine peace and security in the region. Their destabilizing impact spans much of Sub-Saharan Africa, which underscores the need for the international community to continue to work together to share information on transnational ISIS networks, their evolving financial methods, and measures to combat them.

The CIFG is a working group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which includes over 80 countries and international organizations. The Department of the Treasury's sanctions actions were taken pursuant to counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters. For more information, see Treasury's press release.

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Treasury Targets ISIS Facilitation Network in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 23, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the United States is taking action against a network of three individuals associated with the expanded activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on the African continent. These individuals serve as key financiers and trusted operatives, enabling the activities of ISIS and its leaders across Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. They also serve as critical links between far-flung ISIS operations, including ISIS affiliates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Somalia, and ISIS cells in South Africa, allowing ISIS leadership to leverage each affiliate's capabilities to conduct terrorist attacks that undermine peace and security in the region.

"Today's action underscores the crucial work of the Counter ISIS Finance Group and the importance of effective information sharing among Coalition countries to target ISIS's facilitation networks," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "While we have made considerable progress over the nearly ten years since the establishment of this working group, we must all remain vigilant because ISIS continues to develop new financial methods. The United States, in close coordination with our key partners, remains committed to disrupting the key nodes that enable disparate ISIS groups to work together and their ability to finance the group's terrorist activities."

This action is taken as part of the United States' commitment to the mission of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) that is holding its 20th meeting today to further international efforts to curb ISIS financing worldwide. The CIFG is a working group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which includes over 80 countries and international organizations.

Today's designations are aimed at the threat ISIS poses to regional security and stability in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. Treasury has targeted ISIS's efforts to expand operations and raise funds on the African continent with designations of South Africa-based ISIS operatives, financial facilitators, and their business networks in March 1, 2022 and November 7, 2022, and a designation of a key Somalia-based ISIS finance official on July 27, 2023. The individuals sanctioned today are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters.

ISIS FACILITATION NETWORK OPERATING ACROSS AFRICA

Abubakar Swalleh (Swalleh) is a South Africa- and Zambia-based ISIS operative. He is involved in the physical transfer of funds from South Africa to the DRC. Additionally, Swalleh facilitates the movement of ISIS-affiliated individuals from Uganda to South Africa, and vice versa. Mohamed Ali Nkalubo, a DRC-based ISIS commander previously designated by the Department of State on December 8, 2023, relies on Swalleh to move funds and recruit members for ISIS's DRC affiliate. Swalleh moved to South Africa under Nkalubo's direction, where he has been involved in robberies and kidnap for ransom. Zayd Gangat (Gangat) is a South Africa-based ISIS facilitator and trainer. ISIS leaders in South Africa have historically used robbery, extortion, and kidnap for ransom operations to generate funds for the group.

DRC-based Hamidah Nabagala (Nabagala) serves as an intermediary for ISIS financial flows in central Africa. Additionally, Nabagala has been accused of funding the October 2021 Kampala bombing, which killed one and injured at least three others. In 2021, Ugandan authorities arrested an ISIS operative that had received funding from Nabagala. She also sought to smuggle her three children out of Uganda to send them to ISIS-affiliate camps in the DRC.

Swalleh, Nabagala, and Gangat are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, ISIS, a person whose property and interest in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the individuals named above, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons. U.S. persons must comply with OFAC regulations, including all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens regardless of where they are located, all persons within the United States, and all U.S.- incorporated entities and their foreign branches. Non-U.S. persons are also subject to certain OFAC prohibitions. For example, non-U.S. persons are prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. Violations of OFAC regulations may result in civil or criminal penalties. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations based on strict liability, meaning that a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction may be held civilly liable even if such person did not know or have reason to know that it was engaging in a transaction that was prohibited under sanctions laws and regulations administered by OFAC. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. For additional information on complying with U.S. sanctions and export control laws, please see Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury, and Department of Justice Tri-Seal Compliance Note.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated today entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Pursuant to this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated any significant transaction on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

View identifying information related to today's action.

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Treasury Sanctions CJNG Cell Leaders Linked to Fentanyl

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 23, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two Mexican members of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) and two Mexican companies. CJNG, a Mexico-based criminal organization, is one of the largest producers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl to the United States. OFAC coordinated this action with the Government of Mexico, including its financial intelligence unit, La Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), as well as U.S. Government partners, including the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations.

"Over the past month, the Biden-Harris administration has imposed five new rounds of sanctions on transnational criminal organizations, including traffickers and revenue-generating schemes fueling the flood of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States by CJNG and other cartels," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "Building on our strong partnerships across the U.S. government and with our counterparts in Mexico, we will continue to act against the financial flows of CJNG and other criminal organizations that harm Americans through the illicit drug trade."

Today's designations also further efforts by Treasury's Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force, which leverages Treasury's unique expertise and capabilities to disrupt the illicit financial networks relied upon by the cartels.

CJNG CELL LEADERS

Juan Carlos Banuelos Ramirez (Banuelos) is a CJNG cell leader who has worked to send methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States. In addition, Banuelos launders money, procures precursor chemicals, and oversees production labs within Mexico. As part of his efforts, Banuelos has procured precursor chemicals from Mexican national associates located outside of Mexico for import into Mexico. Banuelos has specifically worked to send counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl from his lab in Mexico, and manages methamphetamine production in Jalisco, Mexico labs. For export to the United States and other destinations, Banuelos often has smuggled the drugs within machinery. Furthermore, Banuelos has purchased automatic weapons for CJNG and has sought high-grade drones for the organization. Banuelos was previously indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the Central District of California.

In addition, OFAC today designated Gerardo Rivera Ibarra (Rivera), a leader of a CJNG cell capable of supplying fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States. Rivera operates in Jalisco, Mexico and has ties to Audias Flores Silva, a high-ranking CJNG member designated pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Designation Kingpin Act (Kingpin Act).

Banuelos was sanctioned today pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 for having engaged in, or having attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production. Rivera was sanctioned today pursuant to E.O. 14059 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, CJNG, a person sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 14059.

Also today, OFAC sanctioned two Mexican companies pursuant to E.O. 14059. OFAC sanctioned Fornely Lab S.A. de C.V. a engaged in wholesale trade a for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Rivera, a person sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 14059. Additionally, OFAC sanctioned Inmobiliaria Universal Deja Vu S.A. de C.V. a engaged in real estate activities a for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Banuelos, a person sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 14059.

OTHER OFAC ACTIONS AGAINST CJNG

On April 8, 2015, OFAC sanctioned CJNG pursuant to the Kingpin Act for playing a significant role in international narcotics trafficking. On December 15, 2021, OFAC also designated CJNG pursuant to E.O. 14059. In other actions, OFAC has sanctioned numerous CJNG-linked individuals and companies pursuant to both the Kingpin Act and E.O. 14059 that were engaged in various commercial activities and multiple individuals who played critical roles in CJNG's drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption.

Last week, as part of a continued campaign to target the enablers of timeshare fraud affecting U.S. citizens, OFAC sanctioned seven CJNG-affiliated targets associated with timeshare fraud. Concurrently, Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a joint Notice with OFAC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to financial institutions that provides methodologies, financial typologies, and red flag indicators of timeshare fraud schemes in Mexico associated with CJNG and other Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 14059 and the Kingpin Act. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

Today's action is part of a whole-of-government effort to counter the global threat posed by the trafficking of illicit drugs into the United States that is causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually, as well as countless more non-fatal overdoses. This action also builds on a recent FinCEN supplemental advisory to U.S. financial institutions on new trends, typologies, and red flag indicators associated with the illicit fentanyl supply chain and the illicit procurement of fentanyl precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment by Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations. OFAC, in coordination with its U.S. government partners and foreign counterparts, and in support of President Biden's Unity Agenda, will continue to hold accountable those individuals and businesses involved in the manufacturing and sale of illicit drugs.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

For more information on the individuals and entities designated today, click here.

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Taliban lament lack of support despite victory against illicit Afghan drugs

By Ayaz Gul July 23, 2024

Afghanistan's Taliban claimed Tuesday that their crackdown on illegal drug production in the country has helped address a major global challenge but expressed frustration at the ongoing lack of international support in response.

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told a national labor conference in Kabul that his country used to be the world's largest opium-poppy producer. It was detrimental and smuggled to the entire world and resulted in more than four million Afghans becoming drug addicts in the past two decades, he said.

"The illegal production of drugs has ceased. The addicts are now in need of medical treatment while the farmers need livelihoods and employment," Muttaqi said in his televised speech.

He noted that their counternarcotics campaign has led to immense economic pressures and severe hardships for Afghans reeling from the effects of years of war and natural disasters in the impoverished country.

"Regrettably, the international community has failed to fulfill its responsibility in this matter. Instead, they have imposed sanctions on Afghan trade, travel, and banking sectors in breach of the universal fundamental human rights," the chief Taliban diplomat said.

The Taliban banned opium poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan in April 2022, eight months after the fundamentalist group reclaimed power. The South Asian nation supplied about 80% of the global illegal opiate demand and 95% of Europe's heroin in 2022, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The UNODC noted in its 2024 World Drug Report that the drug ban has reduced opium production in Afghanistan by 95%, severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers and necessitating urgent humanitarian aid.

Muttaqi complained Tuesday that Afghanistan had been ignored in international conferences aimed at discussing solutions and steps to tackle calamities stemming from climate change.

Afghanistan is listed among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, even though it accounts for less than 1% of global carbon emissions. It has lately experienced unusually heavy rains, flash flooding, and worsening droughts, killing hundreds of Afghans, destroying livelihoods, and fueling hunger in a country where U.N. agencies say millions of people need urgent humanitarian aid.

However, the country remains largely a global pariah because of the Taliban's curbs on women's access to education and work. No country has formally recognized the de facto Afghan government.

The isolation has deterred foreign governments from engaging in formal financial dealings with Kabul and excluded Afghanistan from global climate change meetings, depriving it of much-needed foreign funding to battle climate change.

Muttaqi recounted the Taliban's security gains, saying they have effectively countered the Islamic State-orchestrated threat of terrorism in the country, established nationwide peace, and ended corruption.

'Absurd' demands

"It's absurd that the world demands action on drug control, security, and preventing Afghan territory misuse but offers zero cooperation," Muttaqi said. He argued that international collaboration would help his administration create employment opportunities in Afghanistan that would deter its citizens from seeking to migrate to other countries and causing problems for them.

In early July, the United Nations hosted an international conference in Doha, where delegates discussed Afghan private-sector investment possibilities, how to build on the progress made in curbing illegal drug production, and women's human rights.

"Running through all the discussions was the deep international concern about the ongoing and serious restrictions on women and girls," Rosemary DiCarlo, the U.N. under-secretary-general who presided over the two-day sessions in Qatar's capital, told a post-meeting news conference.

"Afghanistan cannot return to the international fold or fully develop economically and socially if it is deprived of the contributions and potential of half its population," she said.

The Taliban has rejected criticism of their governance as an interference in internal Afghan matters. They maintain their regulations are aligned with Islamic law and local culture.

Girls ages 12 and older are not allowed to attend school beyond the sixth grade, and many women are barred from Afghan public and private sector jobs.

According to a recent U.N. Development Program report, the Afghan economy has contracted by 27%, leading to economic stagnation since the Taliban takeover. The report noted that sectors such as finance have "basically collapsed," and there are no major sources of economic activity such as exports or public expenditure, leaving small and medium enterprises and farmers "as the lifeblood of the faltering economy."

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Albanese Government boosting ADF capability and safeguarding Australians with accelerated littoral fleet build

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Minister for International Development and the Pacific

23 July 2024

The build of 18 medium landing craft for the Army's new littoral fleet is being accelerated, underscoring the Albanese Government's commitment to keeping Australians safe and support for Australia's sovereign defence industry.

The $2 billion project - part of the Government's record investment in Defence - is expected to create 1,100 direct jobs and more than 2,000 indirect jobs under a program that will also deliver heavy landing craft as well as amphibious vehicles.

The first of the medium landing craft vessels, designed by Birdon and to be built by Austal at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia, is expected to be delivered in 2026.

The local build of the medium landing craft is in addition to up to eight heavy landing craft which will also be built by Austal at Henderson.

These vessels are an essential component of Army's transformation and optimisation for littoral manoeuvre. They will support a strategy of denial which includes deploying and sustaining modernised land forces with long-range land and maritime strike capabilities across our region.

The Albanese Government is investing $7 billion towards littoral manoeuvre vessels, an investment that continues to grow the Australian industrial base, supply chains and create highly skilled, well-paid jobs.

About the Landing Craft Medium: With a range of up to 2000 nautical miles when operating with the Landing Craft Heavy, the Landing Craft Medium are capable of transporting up to 90 tonnes, equivalent to four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), or one main battle tank, or one infantry fighting vehicle and two Bushmasters. This is similar to the capacity of large aircraft such as a C-17 Globemaster. These landing craft will be supported by the Amphibious Vehicle Logistics which can navigate over beaches and through waterways that may be clogged with obstacles and debris.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

"The Albanese Government has an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Australians and their national interests, which is why we are making a record investment in defence and modernising the ADF.

"Building Australia's new fleet of landing craft is also part of the Government's commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and a future made in Australia. This pipeline of work will result in opportunities for the Australian defence industry and support a highly skilled shipbuilding workforce for years to come.

"These new vessels will enable the ADF to deploy and sustain land forces to beaches, rivers and ports in Australia and across our region, enhance our ability to work with regional military partners, and support communities across the Indo-Pacific with humanitarian and disaster relief operations."

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AUKUS Navy Chiefs strengthen ties during first trilateral visit to HMAS Stirling

Issued by Defence Media

23 July 2024

The Chiefs of Navy for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have strengthened their naval ties today, during a visit to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.

Australia's Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, hosted his international counterparts, the US Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and the UK First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ben Key KCB CBE ADC, ahead of the Indian Ocean Defence and Security 2024 Conference in Perth this week.

The visit is the first time Admiral Franchetti and Admiral Key have visited HMAS Stirling, which will play a role in Australia's future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

The three chiefs received a tour of the base's facilities, followed by a meet-and-greet with Australian submariners on-board a Collins-class submarine.

They also signed a Statement of Intent for Lethality, which documents the three navies collective commitment to the enhanced lethality of their surface combatant, and submarine fleets.

The visit finished with a showcase of the Royal Australian Navy's most contemporary and cutting-edge autonomous systems capabilities.

Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Hammond said:

"Today my counterparts and I reaffirmed our philosophy of putting our partnership into action and continue to build on the historic friendship between our navies.

"Our navies operate on shared behaviours, shared values, and a shared commitment to the success and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

"Working together is how we get the best outcomes for our navies and nations, through personnel exchange programs and operational interchangeability at sea. Only this month we had our first Royal Australian Navy officers graduating from the Royal Navy's Nuclear Reactor Course. This year our technicians have been training and learning unique skills with the US Navy in Guam and embedded on-board the US Submarine Tender, USS Emory S Land (AS 39)."

US Navy's Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Franchetti said:

"AUKUS is a once in a generation opportunity to bring together the exceptional capabilities of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. We will continue to build on our relationship, strengths, and interoperability, while at the same time uplifting the industrial bases of our three countries.

"We will bring to bear the innovative spirit of our three nations while significantly bolstering our posture in the Indo-Pacific, contributing to security and stability, and maintaining the rules-based international order in this critical region and around the globe."

UK Royal Navy's First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Key said:

"Building on longstanding, deep-rooted relationships, and reflecting the unique level of trust and cooperation between our countries, we celebrate the success of AUKUS thus far and look forward to continue the collective delivery on our commitment.

"AUKUS is a strategically important capability collaboration, allowing us to pool expertise to accelerate the development of cutting-edge defence capabilities in a way that we could not do alone.

"Alongside the USN, the RN is committed to ensuring the RAN can build on its proven experience of operating conventional powered submarines to be nuclear capable as well. We have recently welcomed RAN personnel onto our nuclear courses and to serve in our Astute class submarines and we look forward to sharing the next generation of SSNs in a collaborative build programme which will shape our partnership for many decades to come."

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New Trials, Sentences In Belarus Amid Ongoing Crackdown On Dissent

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service July 23, 2024

Belarusian activist Lizaveta Makrydzina has gone on trial over her participation in 2020 mass rallies challenging the results of a presidential election that announced the country's authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the winner in the face of opposition claims the voting was rigged.

The Kastrychnik district court in the western Belarusian city of Hrodna started the trial of the 25-year-old IT specialist on July 23.

Makrydzina was arrested after she came to Belarus for a visit from Poland, where she settled several years earlier. She was charged with taking part in unsanctioned rallies. If found guilty, she faces up to three years in prison.

Separately on July 23, the Vitsebsk regional court in the country's northeast started the trial in absentia of businessman Uladzimer Zakharau, the Vyasna human rights center said.

Zakharau was charged with discrediting Belarus and the evasion of taxes and insurance fees.

His supporters and human rights groups say the charges are politically motivated.

The MAYDAY website said on July 23 that a court in the eastern city of Mahilyou sentenced political prisoner Paval Belaholau to three years and four months last month for "slandering" Lukashenka.

According to MAYDAY, Judge Tatsyana Rakhmanenka sentenced the 35-year-old activist on June 20 after finding him guilty of posting a "false" comment on YouTube about Lukashenka, who has run the country with an iron fist for 30 years.

Belaholau was previously handed a 30-month prison term in 2022 on a charge of insulting an official and inciting social hatred online during the unprecedented anti-Lukashenka rallies in 2020. Human rights groups recognized Belaholau as a political prisoner at the time.

Lukashenka, 69, has been in power since 1994. He has tightened his grip on the country since the August 2020 election by arresting -- sometimes violently -- more than 35,000 people. Fearing for their safety, most opposition members have fled the country.

The West has refused to recognize the results of the election and does not consider Lukashenka to be the country's legitimate leader.

Many countries have imposed sanctions against Lukashenka's regime in response to the suppression of dissent in the country.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/crackdown -dissent-belarus-trials-sentences-makrydzina- belaholau-zakharau/33047530.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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A look at Harris' views on US policy toward China

By Legu Zhang July 22, 2024

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has not yet won the Democratic Party's support for her presidential candidacy, but she has the endorsement of U.S. President Joe Biden, along with several senior Democrats, after his withdrawal from the race on Sunday.

If chosen by the party, and elected president, analysts agree Harris would likely continue the Biden administration's foreign policy, including the management of one of the most tense and consequential relationships a that with China.

When she first became vice president, Harris, a former U.S. senator and attorney general for California, was considered by many analysts to be somewhat of a novice in foreign policy. Over the past 3 A years as vice president, she has visited more than 19 countries and met with more than 150 foreign leaders, according to the White House website.

VOA compiled some of Harris's remarks on China policy during her tenure as vice president and earlier as a U.S. senator.

US-China economic relations

In September 2023, Harris traveled to attend the ASEAN summit in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. After the meeting, she spoke about U.S.-China relations and Indo-Pacific policy on CBS's "Face the Nation."

"We, as the United States, in our policy, it is not about decoupling, it is about de-risking. It is about understanding," she said.

"It's not about pulling out, but it is about ensuring that we are protecting American interests, and that we are a leader in terms of the rules of the road, as opposed to following others' rules," Harris said.

China's economic downturn

"It's no secret that China is experiencing economic problems," she said during the "Face the Nation" interview.

"And what you will find a certainly in my conversations with American business leaders a is that they are looking at the future in terms of their capital investments and taking into account which countries are engaged in practices that are about abiding by the rule of law and international rules and norms in a way that they can be guaranteed that there will be some stability so they can make long-term investments."

"There is increasingly an understanding that China may not be the best bet when you are looking for stability, when you are looking for an investment in a place where there is an adherence to and respect for international rules and norms," Harris added.

International aid

During her visit to Africa in March 2023, at a news conference with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Harris reiterated her call for "all bilateral official creditors to provide a meaningful debt reduction for Zambia" a an oblique reference to China, Zambia's top foreign creditor. However, she stressed that "our presence here is not about China."

US-China relations

Harris' first meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping was at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok in 2022, when she held brief talks with Xi and stressed the importance of maintaining "open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries."

Taiwan

In a September 2022 meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Harris reaffirmed that the U.S. would continue to support Taiwan and oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo.

The White House said Harris underscored that the effort to preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an essential element of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During a visit to Japan that same month, she said aboard the destroyer USS Howard at Yokosuka Naval Base, "We have witnessed disturbing behavior in the East China Sea and in the South China Sea, and most recently, provocations across the Taiwan Strait."

China considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province that must one day reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary, and often sends military air and watercraft nearby to assert its claim to the self-governing island.

South China Sea

During her visit to Japan, Harris commented on China's aggression in the South China Sea.

"China is undermining key elements of the international rules-based order. China has challenged the freedom of the seas. China has flexed its military and economic might to coerce and intimidate its neighbors," she said.

"We will continue to fly, sail, and operate undaunted and unafraid wherever and whenever international law allows," Harris added.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea as its own, putting it in conflict with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Chinese ships on several occasions this year used water cannons and blocked its rivals' ships in the disputed territories.

Last year on "Face the Nation," Harris said, "What is happening in terms of unprovoked actions against the Philippine interests in the South China Sea is significant and we have been very clear that we stand with the Philippines."

Beijing and Manila on Sunday announced a deal they say aims to stop the clashes.

China's human rights, Hong Kong

During her tenure as a U.S. senator for California, Harris actively pushed for legislation to uphold human rights in Hong Kong, which analysts say has seen its autonomy gradually stripped away by Beijing.

In 2019, she co-sponsored the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act introduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, which aims to promote human rights in Hong Kong and sanction officials involved in "undermining Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms and autonomy." The bill was later signed into law by then-President Donald Trump.

Xinjiang

Harris also co-sponsored and facilitated the passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019, which became law in 2020. The bill authorizes the United States to impose sanctions on "foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in Xinjiang," China's westernmost province that is home to the ethnic Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim minority.

China denies there are any rights violations in Xinjiang.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 23, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-07-23 19:34

From July 25 to 27, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos and pay an official visit to Laos.

China Daily: This morning, China hosted the closing session of the Beijing talks for internal reconciliation between Palestinian factions. The representatives of the factions jointly signed the Beijing declaration on ending division and strengthening national unity of Palestine. Can you share the details of the talks?

Mao Ning: At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23. This morning, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended and addressed the closing session of the talks. The Palestinian factions signed the Beijing declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity.a

This is the first time that all 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing and held talks for reconciliation. It brings precious hope for the Palestinian people who have suffered for too long. The declaration commends China's sincere effort to support the rights of the Palestinians, end division and bring about a unified position among the Palestinian factions. The declaration stresses the need to hold, under the auspices of the UN, an international conference with a full mandate and broad-based participation from the region and beyond. According to the declaration, parties believe that the Beijing talks demonstrated a positive and constructive spirit, and agree to realize national unity among all factions under the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The declaration reaffirms commitment to establishing an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital city based on relevant UN resolutions and ensuring the integrity of Palestinian territory including the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza. Parties are ready to, in line with the consensus of Palestinian factions and the existing basic law of Palestine, establish an interim national reconciliation government, carry out reconstruction in Gaza and prepare and hold a general election as soon as possible in accordance with the adopted election laws. Parties stressed the need to take practical steps to form a new Palestinian national council in line with the adopted election laws. Parties unanimously agreed to activate the provisional Unified Leadership framework which will function institutionally, and jointly carry out political decision-making. Parties agreed to set up a collective mechanism to fully implement the provisions of the declaration and create a timetable for the implementation process.

As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in his remarks, the most important consensus of the talks is to achieve reconciliation and unity among all 14 factions, the most central outcome is the reaffirmation of the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, the most outstanding highlight is the consensus on post-conflict governance in Gaza and forming an interim national reconciliation government, and the strongest aspiration is to realize true independent statehood of Palestine in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward China's three-step initiative regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict. First step: achieving comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and ensuring unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and rescue on the ground. Second step: making joint efforts toward post-conflict governance of Gaza under the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine." Third step: making Palestine a full UN member state and beginning to implement the two-State solution. These three steps are interlocked and all of them are indispensable.

China and Palestine are each other's trusted brothers and partners. China looks forward to the day when Palestinian factions achieve internal reconciliation and, on that basis, realize national unity and independent statehood as early as possible. We will continue to work relentlessly to this end with the relevant parties.

CCTV: You just announced Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers' Meetings. How does China view the current East Asian cooperation? What's China's expectation for the meetings?a

Mao Ning: Despite the global economic slowdown and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, East Asia has been generally stable, and regional economic integration is making steady progress. To let this region remain an engine of development and champion of cooperation is a shared desire of people from countries across the region.

China hopes the upcoming ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers' Meetings will help further build up consensus and prepare the political ground and the deliverables for the leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation in October. We stand ready to work with other regional countries to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and contribute to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity; accelerate negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, galvanize high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, make the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges a success, and foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future; promote the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, keep regional industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, expand cooperation in emerging industries, advance regional economic integration, and advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization; firmly support ASEAN unity and ASEAN Community building, uphold an open and inclusive regional architecture with ASEAN at its center, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, properly address hotspot and sensitive issues, and inject more stability and positive energy into the region.

aa

AFP: The US Pentagon yesterday released a report warning that the Arctic region faces more competition and increasing collaboration between China and Russia in the field of commerce and military. Did the Foreign Ministry notice this report and what's China's response?

Mao Ning: China is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs and always follows the basic principles of respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability in engaging in Arctic affairs and enhancing cooperation with various parties. We are always committed to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic. The US misrepresented China's Arctic policy and pointed fingers at China's normal activities in the Arctic conducted in full compliance with international law. This is not conducive to peace, stability and cooperation in the Arctic. China firmly opposes it.a

TASS: On Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba's visit to China from July 23 to 26, what's the Foreign Ministry's expectations and comment regarding the visit? Has there been any positive change recently in Ukraine's stance on the Ukraine crisis and the prospects of the peaceful settlement of the conflict?

Mao Ning: During Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba's visit to China, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will have talks with him. The two foreign ministers will exchange views on implementing the common understandings of the two presidents, promoting China-Ukraine cooperation and issues of mutual concern.

When it comes to the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that an early ceasefire and a political settlement is in the interest of all parties. China will continue to stand on the side of peace and dialogue and support the international community in building up more consensus and jointly looking for viable ways to achieve a political settlement of the crisis.

CRI: We noted that Rwanda's National Electoral Commission released the final results of presidential elections, and President Paul Kagame has been reelected. What's China's comment on it and expectation for the future of China-Rwanda relations?

Mao Ning: President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to President Paul Kagame through the diplomatic channel on his reelection. We believe that under the leadership of President Kagame, Rwanda will make even greater achievements in national development and revitalization.

China always values its traditional friendship with Rwanda and stands ready to work with Rwanda to deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, elevate China-Rwanda relations, and deliver more for the two peoples.

Phoenix TV: US State Department spokesperson, when responding to a question, said that the Taiwan region "has been purchasing military equipment from the United States to the tune of billions of dollars, and the military equipment that they have purchased supports American manufacturing, industry, and technology. It has not been in any way charity from the United States." What's your comment?

Mao Ning: The US keeps stressing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while making tons and tons of money out of the pockets of people in Taiwan. Taiwan is China's Taiwan, not a chess piece for the US to interfere in China's internal affairs. US arms sales to Taiwan violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs. China firmly opposes it.

Shenzhen TV: To follow up on the announcement of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Laos, could you share more details about the program and China's expectation for the visit?

Mao Ning: This year marks the 15th anniversary of China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and is the first year of implementing the new action plan on building a community with a shared future between the two countries, and Laos has assumed the rotating presidency of ASEAN, which all provide China and Laos with new opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet with Lao leaders. He will have talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and exchange views with him on implementing the common understandings of the top leaders of the two countries and parties, and on advancing exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

China and Laos are traditional friendly neighbors and the two countries have been at the forefront of advancing a community with a shared future. Under the strategic guidance of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, the relations between the two parties and countries have scaled new heights. China looks forward to working with Laos through this visit to deepen the China-Laos community with a shared future, translate high-level common understandings into concrete outcomes of cooperation, deliver benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

CCTV: It's reported that the spokesperson of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that the arrangement between China and the Philippines was concluded with the clear understanding that it will not prejudice the two sides' respective positions, China's statement regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate, and the Philippines will continue to assert its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones, and nonetheless, remains ready to implement the arrangement it reached with China. What's China's comment on that?

Mao Ning: Based on the principled position of China on dealing with the current situation at Ren'ai Jiao, China reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on resupplying humanitarian necessities. This is an active effort China made to keep the situation under control. The Chinese side will continue to firmly defend China's sovereignty and rights and interests. We take note that the Philippine side said it's ready to implement the arrangement it reached with China. We hope the Philippines will keep its word. We call on the Philippines to not to backpedal, not to create problems, and not to do anything that would complicate the situation.

Xinhua News Agency: On July 22, the Preparatory Committee for the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) held its second session in Geneva, Switzerland. What's China's expectation for the session?

Mao Ning: The Preparatory Committee for the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT is holding its second session in Geneva. The treaty is the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation regime, and the important pillar of the global governance system of security and development. As a party to the treaty, China stays firmly committed to the goals and purposes of the treaty, faithfully observes obligations under the treaty, and stands for advancing nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energyathe three goals of the NPTain a comprehensive and balanced manner.

The Chinese delegation will take the building of a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by President Xi Jinping as the fundamental guidance, promote the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security vision, and work with other parties to play an active and constructive role, strengthen the universality, authority and effectiveness of the NPT, and contribute to world peace, security, and development.

Dragon TV: To follow up on the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, China submitted four working papers to the session. Can you brief us on that?

Mao Ning: With deterioration of the global strategic security environment and rising risks of nuclear conflict and war, China has actively advanced the Global Security Initiative, and, in line with the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, submitted four working papers to the session on the No-first-use of Nuclear Weapons Initiative, security assurances, nuclear arms control and the US-UK-Australia nuclear submarine cooperation. You can find the documents on our ministry's website.

China's core proposition in the documents is as follows. Nuclear weapon states need to earnestly respond to the concerns and requests of non-nuclear weapon states, and conclude a treaty or issue a political statement on no-first-use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapon states need to support the Conference on Disarmament to conclude an international legal instrument as soon as possible on not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear weapon-free-zones. All countries need to follow the principle of "maintaining global strategic stability" and "undiminished security for all," and advance international nuclear disarmament under the step-by-step approach and promote cooperation on reducing nuclear risks. In the meantime, countries need to categorically oppose double standard in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and the act of putting geopolitical selfish interests above international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

These four working papers are China's proposal for making progress in NPT review, effectively strengthening the universality, authority and effectiveness of the NPT, and solving security challenges facing the world today. China hopes that the documents can receive active support from all sides and be included in the final document of the session to contribute to a better international security environment and lasting peace and common security of our world.

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'A movable feast' in Xinjiang: How technology is transforming the traditional cotton sector

People's Daily Online) 14:09, July 24, 2024

The Yidong Industrial Park, built in 2005 and located in Yining county, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, houses the Yining County Textile Industrial Park, a hub of textile production.

Established in 2017, the textile industrial park has already attracted 23 companies specializing in various aspects of the industry, from yarn manufacturing to weaving. With the completion of its second phase later this year, the park is expected to generate an annual output value of 8 billion yuan ($1.1 billion).

Join People's Daily Online reporter Oliver Fritzsch as he explores the textile industrial park. Discover how advanced machines transform locally grown cotton into high-quality yarn, which is then skillfully woven into cloth, offering a glimpse into how Xinjiang's traditional industries are embracing modern technology.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang)
China Condemns US Distortions of Its Arctic Policy

Sputnik News

20240723

BEIJING (Sputnik) - The United States is engaged in misrepresenting China's Arctic policy and makes irresponsible statements regarding Beijing's usual activities in the region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a briefing on Tuesday.

The US Department of Defense said on Monday that Washington monitors the growing interaction between Russia and China in the Arctic and is concerned about it.

"The United States distorts China's Arctic policy and makes irresponsible statements about China's normal activities in the Arctic, carried out in accordance with international law," Mao said, when commenting on the Pentagon's statements, adding that China "strongly protests" this.

The spokeswoman added that China is an important party in Arctic affairs and strengthens cooperation with all partners, based on the principles of mutual benefit and sustainability.

A Sputnik

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Talks Held between Directors of Prosecutors Offices of DPRK and Russia

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 23 (KCNA) -- Talks between Kim Chol Won, director of the Central Public Prosecutors Office of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Igor Krasnov, director of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation, were held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall here on Monday.

Present there from the DPRK side were Yun Kwang Won, vice-director of the Central Public Prosecutors Office, and officials concerned and from the Russian side were members of the delegation of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office and Alexandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK.

The talks discussed issues of strengthening cooperation between prosecution organs of the two countries in conformity with the DPRK-Russia relations which have greeted a new turning phase.

Signed after the talks were an agreement on cooperation between the Central Public Prosecutors Office of the DPRK and the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation and a 2024-2026 plan for cooperation between them.

Meanwhile, there was an interview between Choe Kun Yong, president of the Central Court of the DPRK, and Igor Krasnov, director of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation, on the same day.

The Central Public Prosecutors Office of the DPRK hosted a reception in welcome of the delegation that evening. -0-

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Whether Second Hand of DPRK-U.S. Confrontation Stops or Not Depends on U.S. Act: KCNA Commentary

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 23 (KCNA) -- The U.S. is running high fever in its move to expand the overall structure of confrontation against the DPRK.

According to the data released on July 21, more than ten FA-18 Super Hornets belonging to an attack squadron of the U.S. marines, named Fighting Bengals, were recently deployed in the Suwon Air Force Base in Kyonggi Province of the ROK.

The U.S. Defense Department said that it is aimed at providing the experience in operation in the Indo-Pacific region, adding that these fighters are training to increase their preparedness and the power of fatal blow with its ally.

And as if threatening someone, it opened to the public the several FA-18 Super Hornets taking off.

It is said that these fighters will stay in the ROK in and after August for different joint exercises.

It is known to the world that FA-18 Super Hornet is the one for special warfare which has its mission to hit the major bases and the "war command" of the other party with JDAM and other precision guided bombs in the way of "high-density strike".

The ROK military side, encouraged by the bluffing of its master, said that "as the powerful air forces of the U.S. marines are permanently deployed in fact, the effect of increasing the deterrence against the north is also expected".

This being a hard reality, a few days ago, the U.S. made a spokesperson for the Department of State, the U.S. ambassador to the ROK and others let loose a spate of rhetoric about dialogue, saying that the U.S. policy toward the DPRK including dialogue remains unchanged and the door of negotiations with the DPRK is still opened.

The confrontation maniacs, suffering from the endemic like the "hostility toward the DPRK", are talking about honeyed dialogue. This is prompted by the ulterior intention to easily realize their ambition for stifling the DPRK by leading it to mental and psychological slackness.

Dialogue with sinister attempt and such dialogue as an extension of confrontation are needless to be held from the outset.

Through the decades-long relations with the U.S., the DPRK has keenly and fully felt what the dialogue brought to it and what it lost.

Watching the whole course of the DPRK-U.S. dialogue, the fair international community has already come to a conclusion that the U.S. is a perfidious country which does not fulfill its promises, saying this or that.

The DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework was adopted as a result of the DPRK-U.S. dialogue during the Clinton administration, but the U.S. had put the brake on its implementation under this or that pretext and completely scrapped it while entering the Bush administration. This is a typical example.

It admits of no argument about the reliability as regards the political climate of the U.S. which "cooks" at random the inter-state agreement solemnly declared before the world in conformity with the "taste" and "feeling" of the political faction in power whenever the government is replaced and throws away it like "waste".

All facts go to prove that the U.S. is a "backward country and rogue state in politics" which makes no scruple of turning over the inter-state treaty and agreement in a moment.

Amid the full-dress presidential election race in the U.S., Trump, who has been officially confirmed as a candidate for the Republican Party, said in his speech of acceptance for candidate that "I got along with them and it is nice to get along with someone who has a lot of nuclear weapons and otherwise", thus buoying a lingering desire for the prospects of the DPRK-U.S. relations. Even if any administration takes office in the U.S., the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change and, accordingly, we do not care about this.

It is true that Trump, when he was president, tried to reflect the special personal relations between the heads of states in the relations between states, but he did not bring about any substantial positive change.

He that puts on a public gown must put off a private person. The foreign policy of a state and personal feelings must be strictly distinguished.

For nearly 80 years since the founding of the DPRK, the U.S. has pursued the most vicious and persistent hostile policy toward it.

The DPRK has bolstered up its self-defensive capabilities to safeguard its ideology, social system, dignity and life and is fully ready for all-out confrontation with the U.S.

Due to the serious strategic mistakes of the successive administrations, the era has come when the U.S. should really worry about its security.

No matter what rhetoric like dialogue and negotiations it may let loose while frequently staging frantic war rehearsals for aggression foreseeing the nuclear operation by dispatching nuclear strategic assets regardless of the time and reinforcing the ultra-modern weapons and equipment, can we believe it?

The U.S. had better make a proper choice in the matter of how to deal with the DPRK in the future, while sincerely agonizing the gains and losses in the DPRK-U.S. confrontation.

Whether the second hand of the DPRK-U.S. confrontation stops or not entirely depends on the U.S. act. -0-

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North Korea brushes off any hope of better U.S. ties under Trump

The former president's series of meetings with the North's Kim brought no concrete improvement: state media.

By RFA Staff 2024.07.23 -- North Korea dismissed on Tuesday a suggestion by former U.S. President Donald Trump that he could improve relations if he were to win November's election, saying it did not expect any change in U.S. hostility and it was ready for confrontation.

Trump spearheaded an unprecedented diplomatic push on North Korea when he was president in an effort to get it to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. He met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times, including once at the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas.

But the effort brought no tangible progress and North Korea has been relentlessly building up its nuclear arsenal and developing the missiles with which to carry the bombs.

As Trump prepares for his bid to win the presidency for a second term, he has referred to his efforts on North Korea, implying he could make progress if he returned to the White House.

He said in a speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week: "It's nice to get along with somebody who has a lot of nuclear weapons."

But the state Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, appeared to rule out in a commentary any hope for warming ties, even if Trump becomes president again.

"No matter what administration takes office in the U.S., the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change and, accordingly, we do not care about this," said the news agency, which reflects official thinking.

"It is true that Trump, when he was president, tried to reflect the special personal relations between the heads of state but he did not bring about any substantial positive change," it said.

The KCNA said the U.S. had pursued "the most vicious and persistent hostile policy" towards it for decades and it was prepared to defend itself.

"The DPRK has bolstered its self-defensive capabilities to safeguard its ideology, social system, dignity and life and is fully ready for all-out confrontation with the U.S.," it said, referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The U.S. has long argued that North Korea's nuclear program is illegal and subject to U.N. sanctions aimed at pressing it into disarmament talks, while backing staunch U.S. ally South Korea.

Edited by Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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Russian prosecutor chief in North Korea for cooperation talks

The foreign minister of Belarus will also visit the North this week amid deepening Russia-North Korea ties.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.07.23 -- Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov is visiting North Korea to improve cooperation, his office said, marking the first visit by a chief Russian prosecutor to the isolated North.

Krasnov, on his first visit to North Korea, will meet his North Korean counterpart and discuss issues of bilateral cooperation, his office said in a statement posted on its website on Monday.

He will also sign a "cooperation agreement" between prosecutors' offices from the two countries for the period 2024 to 2026, it added, without providing details.

North Korea and Russia 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.

The two discussed bolstering their economic and security relations and they underscored their shared defiance of Western sanctions.

Under a new partnership treaty announced at their summit, Putin and Kim agreed to offer each other military assistance "without delay" if either were attacked.

Russia has been cozying up to North Korea since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The United States has accused North Korea of sending Russia weapons for use in its Ukraine war but both North Korea and Russia deny that.

Last week, the North's Kim met a Russian military delegation, led by Russia's vice defense minister, Aleksey Krivoruchko, in Pyongyang, and discussed the "importance and necessity" of military cooperation.

Minister from Belarus

Amid the deepening cooperation between North Korea and Russia, the foreign minister of staunch Russian ally Belarus will visit North Korea this week, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, reported.

Belarus, which shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, has been supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Maxim Vladimirovich Ruzenkov will pay an official visit to Pyongyang from Tuesday to Friday, the KCNA said, without giving details of his itinerary.

In September last year, the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, suggested trilateral cooperation between Russia, North Korea and Belarus during a meeting with Putin.

In April, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny Shestakov visited the North and met Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon Il. They agreed to strengthen high-level contacts and exchanges.

At that time, the two sides also agreed to promote cooperation in economic and cultural fields, and to closely support each other and cooperate in the international arena.

Edited by RFA staff.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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Rs 6.22 lakh crore allocated to MoD, highest among Ministries, in Regular Union Budget 2024-25; 4.79% higher than FY 2023-24

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Rs 1.72 lakh crore allocated for capital acquisition; Rs 92,088 crore for for sustenance & operational readiness

Defence Pension Budget increased to Rs 1.41 lakh crore; Rs 6,968 crore earmarked for ECHS

Rs 6,500 crore allocated for border roads development; Rs 7,651 crore for coastal security

Budgetary allocation for iDEX enhanced to Rs 518 crore from Rs 115 crore in FY 2023-24 to promote innovation

The Budget will help in moving towards a prosperous & self-reliant 'Viksit Bharat': Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh

"Defence budget will further strengthen Armed Forces & provide impetus to 'Aatmanibharta' in defence"

Posted On: 23 JUL 2024 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

In the Regular Union Budget of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated Rs 6,21,940.85 crore (approx. US $75 Billion), the highest among the Ministries. While maintaining the allocation made to MoD during interim budget, the Government has made an additional allocation to the tune of Rs 400 crore on innovation in defence through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme.

Through this scheme, MoD is engaging with start-ups/MSMEs and innovators to develop Def-Tech solutions and supply the Indian military with innovative and indigenous technological solutions. A grant of upto 50% of Product Development Budget with enhanced limit (Max) of Rs 25 crore per applicant will be awarded as per extant iDEX guidelines.

The allocation to MoD for FY 2024-25 is higher by approx. Rs one lakh crore (18.43%) over the allocation for FY 2022-23 and 4.79% more than allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, a share of 27.66% goes to capital; 14.82% for revenue expenditure on sustenance and operational preparedness; 30.66% for Pay and Allowances; 22.70% for Defence Pensions, and 4.17% for civil organisations under MoD. The total allocation comes out as approx. 12.90% of Budgetary Estimate of Union of India.

The allocation is aimed to promote 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence technology & manufacturing and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth.

Modernisation of the forces at the centre

In absolute terms, budgetary allocation under capital head to the Defence Forces for FY 2024-25 is Rs 1.72 lakh crore, which is 20.33% higher than the actual expenditure of FY 2022-23 and 9.40% more than the Revised Allocation of FY 2023-24. The allocation is aimed to fill the critical capability gaps through big ticket acquisitions in current and subsequent FYs. The enhanced budgetary allocation will fulfill the requirement of annual cash outgo on planned Capital acquisitions aimed at equipping the Armed forces with state-of-the-art niche technology, lethal weapons, fighter aircraft, ships, submarines, platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, specialist vehicles etc.

Strengthening domestic capacity

MoD has earmarked 75% of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,05,518.43 crore for procurement through domestic industries during this FY. This will have a multiplier effect on GDP, employment generation and capital formation, thus providing a stimulus to the economy.

Enhanced allocation for sustenance & operational readiness

The continued higher allocation for operational readiness boosts the morale of the Armed Forces with the sole motive of keeping them battle ready at all times. The Government has allocated Rs 92,088 crore during the current FY under this head, which is 48% higher than the budgetary allocation of FY 2022-23. This is aimed to provide best maintenance facilities and support system to all platforms including aircraft and ships. It will facilitate procurement of ammunition; mobility of resources & personnel as demanded by the security situation, and strengthen the deployment in forward areas for any unforeseen situation.

Ensuring better healthcare facilities to veterans

The Government is committed to provide best healthcare facilities to the veterans and their dependents through enhanced allocation to Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). In the regular budget for FY 2024-25, Rs 6,968 crore has been allotted to ECHS which is 28% higher than the previous year allocation. This follows the significantly higher allocation at revised estimate stage during the FY 2023-24 when the allocation to ECHS was enhanced by 70 % over BE.

Bolstering Border Infrastructure for strategic requirements

The Government is firm on its commitment to improve border infrastructure through higher allocation to the agencies involved in executing strategically-significant projects along with providing last-mile connectivity in the border areas. In this endeavor, the budgetary allocation to Border Roads Organisations (BRO) under capital for Budget Estimates (BE) 2024-25 has been made as Rs 6,500 crore, which is 30% higher than the allocation for FY 2023-24, and 160% higher over the allocation of FY 21-22.

The financial provision made during the budget this year will promote strategic infrastructure development in border areas, while boosting socio-economic development in that region. Projects such as development of Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,700 feet, permanent bridge connectivity to southernmost Panchayat of India in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 4.1 km strategically-important Shinku La tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and many other projects will be funded out of this allocation.

Enhancing the capability of Indian Coast Guard

The allocation to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for this FY 2024-25 is Rs 7,651.80 crore, which is 6.31% higher over the allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, Rs 3,500 crore is to be incurred only on capital expenditure, adding teeth to the arsenal of ICG for addressing the emerging maritime challenges and providing humanitarian assistance to other nations. The allocation will facilitate the acquisition of fast-moving patrolling vehicles/interceptors, advance electronic surveillance system and weapons.

Self-reliance through research & innovation

The budgetary allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been increased to Rs 23,855 crore in FY 2024-25 from Rs 23,263.89 crore in FY 2023-24. Out of this allocation, a major share of Rs 13,208 crore is allocated for capital expenditure. This will financially strengthen the DRDO in developing new technology with special focus on fundamental research and hand-holding of the private parties through Development-cum-production partner. The allocation to Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme stands out to be Rs 60 crore which is specially designed for new start-ups, MSMEs and academia attracting the young bright minds interested in innovation and developing niche technology in collaboration with DRDO.

The Government has increased the allocation on innovation in defence through iDEX from Rs 115 crore during FY 2023-24 to Rs 518 crore in the current fiscal year, which will boost start-ups/MSMEs/innovators in developing Def-Tech solutions and invite young ignited minds.

Defence Pension Budget increased to Rs 1.41 lakh crore

Total budgetary allocation on account of defence pensions is Rs 1,41,205 crore which is 2.17% higher than the allocation made during 2023-24. It will be incurred on monthly pension to approx. 32 lakh pensioners through System for Pension Administration (Raksha) or SPARSH and through other pension disbursing authorities.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has termed the full year Budget for FY 2024-25 as excellent and outstanding, which will help in moving towards a prosperous and self-reliant 'Viksit Bharat'. In a post on X, he stated that inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive and fast-paced development, the budget will accelerate the country's economic transformation. It will go a long way in making India a $five trillion economy by 2027, he added.

On the MoD allocation, Shri Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the capital outlay of Rs 1,72,000 crore will further strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces. He also hoped that the earmarking of Rs 1,05,518.43 crore for domestic capital procurement will provide further impetus to the 'Aatmanibharta' in defence.

*******

ABB/Savvy

(Release ID: 2035748)

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India to spend billions of dollars on job creation

By Anjana Pasricha July 23, 2024

The government in India will spend $24 billion on boosting employment opportunities for young people, as job creation emerges as the biggest challenge confronting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term.

The government also announced financial support for development projects in two states ruled by its regional allies.

Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party failed to win a clear majority in recent elections and has formed a coalition government. Although the country's economy is growing briskly, high unemployment and distress in its vast rural areas were cited as the key reasons for the party's loss of support.

Presenting the annual budget in parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will "facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities" for more than 40 million young people over the next five years.

She said the government will provide paid internships in the country's 500 top companies to improve opportunities for job seekers.

India posted 8.2% growth last year, the fastest among major economies in the world. But critics say only some have benefitted from the boom, while millions struggle to earn a livelihood.

The government's announcement that it will raise spending on loans for small and medium-sized businesses to boost job creation was welcomed by several economists. Opposition parties have long criticized the Modi government for giving billions of dollars in subsidies to big business and not extending enough assistance to smaller ones.

"The support to smaller businesses is critical because these are the enterprises which create jobs. Big corporations on the other hand use capital intensive technologies, which don't result in any significant employment generation," economist Santosh Mehrotra told VOA. "The government appears to have taken serious note of the jobless crisis we face for the first time in 10 years since it has been in power."

He said providing internships could be a crucial step in tackling the unemployment problem. Mehrotra said it remains to be seen how the proposals are implemented.

Economists say jobs have failed to grow because India's manufacturing sector is relatively small, accounting for only 17% of gross domestic product.

According to official figures, the unemployment rate is close to 6%, but an economic research group, the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy, estimates that it is about 9%. The biggest challenge confronts young graduates, among whom the unemployment rate is about 29%. In the world's youngest country, an estimated 10 million people enter the workforce every year.

A World Bank report released in April, "Jobs for Resilience," said that while growth in South Asian countries like India is strong, the region is not creating enough jobs to keep pace with its rapidly increasing working-age population. According to the report, the employment ratio for South Asia was 59%, compared to 70% in other emerging market and developing economy regions.

India's economy will continue expanding at a brisk pace, according to government estimates, which have pegged growth this year at 6.5% to 7% - lower than that posted last year but still high among major economies.

"The global economy, while performing better than expected, is still in the grip of policy uncertainties," she said. "In this context, India's economic growth continues to be the shining exception and will remain so in the years ahead," Finance Minister Sitharaman said.

Modi said the budget will lead India toward "better growth and a bright future."

With an eye on keeping its coalition allies on board, the government also announced financial assistance for two states a Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The two regional parties that govern these states have pledged support to Modi and are crucial for his BJP to stay in power.

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Iran reports 4-fold increase in defense exports

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's defense minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has told the Iranian parliament that the country's defense industry exports have quadrupled since the current administration took office in August 2021.

The spokesman of Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee on Tuesday quoted Ashtiani as saying during a parliament committee meeting that Iranian defense industry output had increased by 250% in the past three years.

Ebrahim Rezayi said that private companies had contributed 4.6 times more to Iranian defense industry projects over the past three years compared to the same previous period, according to his account of defense minister's remarks.

2050



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274% increase in Iran's receiving oil revenue in Pres. Raisi's gov't

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Ministry of Petroleum has announced that Iran's oil revenues reached more than $28 billion in the last Iranian calendar year, which shows a 274% increase, despite struggling with severe oil sanctions.

For the past 100 years, the most important economic advantage of Iran has been the oil and gas industry, which casts a shadow over other economic sectors. This industry is the driving force behind economic progress.

Due to the importance of oil in Iran's economy, sanctions have always targeted this industry. These sanctions have been imposed under false pretexts to reduce Iran's oil exports and revenues.

Despite the continuation of previous sanctions and the imposition of a new round of sanctions, Iran's oil production and export increased during Martyr Ebrahim Raisi's government.

The Raisi government was able to increase oil production by more than 60% without relying on foreign technology. By trusting Iranian ability and expertise, they added 50 million cubic meters to the gas production capacity and improved the country's refining production capacity, which resulted in more income through exports for the country.

9376**9417





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July 23, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

Austin Meets With Iraqi Counterpart After Security Cooperation Dialogue

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today underscored the United States' commitment to Iraq's continued sovereignty and security during a meeting with Iraqi Defense Minister Muhammad al-Abbasi at the Pentagon.

The secretary noted the strong U.S.-Iraqi ties built on years of partnership.

"Our bond is especially important as we mark the 10th year of the global coalition to defeat Daesh, and I'm proud to have been a part of that fight," Austin said, referring to the militant group also known as ISIS.

"I'm grateful for the courage of the Iraqi security forces," he said. "Fighting together with coalition forces they achieved a territorial defeat of Daesh."

The Defense Department established the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve in October 2014 to formalize military actions against the threats posed by ISIS in Iraq and Syria

Today's meeting capped the two-day Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue this week focused on how the mission of the global coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq would end and transition to an enduring bilateral security relationship between the U.S. and Iraq.

The exchange builds upon the work of the Higher Military Commission, which grew out of the inaugural JCSD in 2023 and reinforced the meeting earlier this year between President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Washington.

Participants in this week's talks included U.S. Central Command, the Joint Staff, the State Department, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the National Security Council. The Iraqi delegation included representatives from Iraq's Ministry of Defense and armed forces, the Counterterrorism Service, and the Kurdish peshmerga.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major Gen. Pat Ryder said yesterday that the joint participants in this week's dialogue would consider the recommendations from the Higher Military Commission, which looked at the state of ISIS capabilities and the capacity and capabilities of Iraq's security forces to address the threat.

Ryder added that the dialogue would continue "looking toward the future of the coalition, but then also the bilateral security cooperation between the U.S. and Iraq."

While meeting with his counterpart today, Austin commended the Iraqi and U.S. governments for their combined efforts to "shaping the parameters to make the transition of Operation Inherent Resolve into enduring security partnerships among Iraq, the United States and other coalition countries."

"The threat from Daesh and it's ideology has evolved over the past decade," Austin said. "Yet, Daesh continues to plot attacks ... from the region and through its global affiliates. So, we must adapt the mission of Inherent Resolve to meet this changing threat."

The secretary said the U.S. also continues to work to strengthen its bilateral security relationship with Iraq as the coalition transitions.

"We remain deeply committed to ... Iraq's sovereignty, security and stability," Austin said.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before his Meeting with Yezidi Civil Society Leaders

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Thomas Jefferson Room

Washington, D.C.

July 23, 2024



SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. We're here today ahead of the ten-year commemoration of the ISIS genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims - genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing against these and other groups. I have very strong memories of that time, having served in government when the attacks took place. I remember powerfully the suffering, the desperation of so many people, and the United States engagement to do everything we could to turn that around and to help protect those who were endangered.

I think one of the most meaningful ways that we can remember ten years on - not only remember, but honor the victims - is to hear their stories, to remind ourselves of what people experienced, and continue to experience in different ways. Between 2014 and 2017, ISIS displaced millions of Iraqis from their historic homelands, including the majority of Iraq's Yezidi population. We've worked hand-in-hand with civil society, with community leaders from across Iraq's religious and ethnic components, to help these communities recover, to advance Iraq's stability and sovereignty, and, of course, to do everything possible to make sure that ISIS cannot rear its ugly head again.

Over that period of time, we've invested some $500 million specifically targeted toward the recovery of communities that were most affected by ISIS. This investment is on top of billions of dollars in assistance that we provided to help those who were most in need.

Some of the organizations that we've partnered with over these years are represented here today, and I'm grateful to each of you - not just for being here today, but for the work that you're doing every single day to help do justice to those who were victimized so terribly by ISIS.

I think we've made progress, but much work remains to be done, and this recovery continues. Over one million Iraqis remain displaced inside Iraq, including about 300,000 Yezidis; 2,600 Yezidis remain missing and unaccounted for. We are determined to find them, to learn their fates, and to rescue those who remain alive.

Today what I wanted to do was simply underscore our own commitment to supporting the ongoing recovery of the communities that most suffered under ISIS, delivering accountability to those responsible for this tragedy, and ensuring that this can never happen again and that ISIS will not resurge. So mostly we're here to listen to our friends and partners, to hear again some of the stories, to hear in particular what we can do - what we can continue to do - to do right by those victimized by ISIS.

So I thank you all very much for being here. Thanks, everyone.

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Kazakh President Refuses To Pardon Jailed Former PM Masimov

By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service July 23, 2024

ASTANA -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has agreed with the presidential commission on clemencies to reject a pardon request filed by Karim Masimov, a once-powerful politician who was prime minister twice and is now serving 18 years in prison on charges of high treason and attempting to seize power during unrest in 2022.

The Informburo.kz website said on July 23 that it received a statement from the presidential administration saying that Toqaev's final decision had been delivered to Masimov.

Masimov officially asked Toqaev for clemency in March.

Last month, the presidential commission on clemencies said that it had decided to reject Masimov's request and recommended Toqaev not pardon him.

Officials said at the time that despite the appeal, Masimov still faced charges of bribe taking and money laundering, which were then under investigation.

Masimov, a close ally of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, was jailed in April 2023 over his role in the deadly events that followed unprecedented anti-government protests in the former Soviet republic in January 2022.

The unrest began in the southwestern town of Zhanaozen over a sudden fuel price hike. But the demonstrations, buffeted by anger over corruption, political stagnation, and widespread injustice, quickly grew.

Much of the protesters' ire appeared directed at Nazarbaev, who ruled Kazakhstan from 1989 until March 2019, when he handed over power to Toqaev.

However, Nazarbaev was widely believed to remain in control behind the scenes.

The protests were violently dispersed by police and military personnel, including troops of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization whom Toqaev invited into the country, claiming that "20,000 extremists who were trained in terrorist camps abroad" had attacked Almaty.

The authorities have provided no evidence backing Toqaev's claim about foreign terrorists.

Masimov was the head of Kazakhstan's Committee for National Security when the protests took place.

With reporting by Inforburo.kz

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/masimov-toqaev- kazakhstan-clemency-rejection/33047649.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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Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing becomes Myanmar's acting president

The announcement comes more than a week before the country's emergency rule expires.

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.22 -- Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has declared himself acting president following reports by state-controlled media that the nominal position's incumbent is undergoing medical treatment for health problems.

Responsibility for national defense and security matters was transferred from acting President Myint Swe to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, according to an announcement broadcast on state-run MRTV television Monday night.

Min Aung Hlaing is chairman of the State Administration Council, the formal name of the military junta that has ruled the country since a 2021 coup d'Atat.

The announcement comes more than a week before the junta's 11-member National Defense and Security Council must decide whether to renew the country's state of emergency for another six months when the current one expires on July 31. The acting president must approve renewals.

The junta has extended emergency rule several times since seizing power from the democratically elected government of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, who were arrested and subsequently jailed on what rights groups said were politically motivated charges.

Myint Swe held the post of first vice president before the 2021 coup and advanced to the presidency after Suu Kyi and Win Myint were arrested.

As acting president, he was essentially a figurehead. But he did sign decrees issued by the junta government, which allowed the military a semblance of legitimacy.

Lately, he has been suffering from neurological disorders and peripheral neuropathy disease that affect his daily activities, according to state media.

'Behaving like a monarch'

Nay Phone Latt, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office under the shadow National Unity Government, said it was unsurprising that Min Aung Hlaing would grant himself another position.

"In essence, Min Aung Hlaing is blatantly revealing to the public that he has no fear of wrongdoing and lacks any sense of moral conscience," he said.

Kyaw Zaw, spokesman for the NUG President's Office, said Min Aung Hlaing's actions show a disregard for the country and a lack of concern for the people.

"It is evident that he is behaving like a monarch, treating the country as if it were his family's sole business enterprise," he said.

Some political analysts said the National Defense and Security Council, or NDSC, would extend emergency rule for the sixth time, continuing to give the military broad extraconstitutional powers amid ongoing armed conflict by resistance forces battling the army in many parts of Myanmar.

But a lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said the move was unlikely because of the absence of Myint Swe and Vice President Henry Van Thio, who was allowed to retire in April due to health reasons, from the next NDSC meeting. Both were council members.

If they can't participate, then the meeting wouldn't achieve a quorum, rendering it illegitimate and preventing a legal extension of emergency rule, he said.

RFA could not reach junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on Monday.

Translated by Thane Aung and Aung Naing for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.

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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Three killed in renewed clashes near embattled Myanmar town

Heavy fighting after failure of Chinese ceasefire effort, residents and insurgents say

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.23 -- Three civilians were killed in shelling by Myanmar junta forces on the outskirts of the town of Lashio after a Chinese-brokered ceasefire failed to hold and fighting between the military and insurgents resumed, residents told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.

Northeastern Myanmar's Shan state has been rocked by clashes between junta forces and fighters in a group called the Three Brotherhood Alliance since last October despite efforts by China to halt the conflict near its border.

One of the factions in the alliance, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, announced a new ceasefire from July 14 to the end of the month, citing Chinese pressure after the collapse of an earlier truce that China brokered in January to protect its economic interests, insurgent sources said at the time.

But the ceasefire failed to stop clashes, residents said, and the three civilians were killed in junta artillery and drone attacks on Nawng Lai village, about 5 km (three miles) from Lashio town, on Monday.

One resident, who declined to be named fearing reprisals, identified the victims as three men: Tuja, 41, chairman of the village's Baptist church, Branson Awng, 23, and La Htoi, 34.

"La Htoi was hit in the leg when he was carrying Tuja's body to a trench. He ended up bleeding all night because there was no cell phone service for him to contact anyone," the resident said.

"People heard him shouting but were unable to find him because of all the gunfire and explosions."

Neither Shan state's junta spokesperson, Khun Thein Maung, nor MNDAA spokesperson Li Kya Win responded to requests from RFA for comment.

Lashio is the main town in northern Shan state, about half-way between Myanmar's second city of Mandalay and the Chinese border.

Its fall to the insurgents would be a major setback for the junta that seized power in a 2021 coup. Junta forces have suffered a string of setbacks since late last year in several parts of the country.

Tens of thousands of Lashio's residents have fled because of the fighting but many thousands of people have become trapped there because roads have been closed, residents and aid workers have said.

The MNDAA said 317 junta soldiers, including four officers and five captains, surrendered on Sunday. The group released a video of rows of junta troops sitting on the floor of a meeting hall being addressed by MNDAA officials.

Fight for Mogoke

About 125 km (75 miles) to the west of Lashio, another faction in the Three Brotherhood Alliance captured a junta prison camp in the gem-mining town of Mogoke, the group announced.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, and allied anti-junta militias have captured more than 36 military bases in a surge of fighting since late June. Residents estimate that 100,000 people have fled from six towns in the Mandalay region because of the clashes.

The TNLA captured the west of Mogoke town on July 16, and has been fighting for control of the east since Thursday. Shelling has killed at least 11 people in the town and wounded 17, residents have said.

The group gained more ground in eastern Mogoke, capturing the prison near Pan Ma Hteik village, the TNLA said, adding that 20 junta soldiers were killed in the battle and various weapons and ammunition were seized. It gave no information about casualties on its side.

A resident of the area said fighting was heavy on Tuesday.

"Planes are dropping bombs and Nilar Market in the eastern part of Mogoke has been heavily damaged by shelling," he said. "The junta's strategic hill is being heavily attacked.

RFA tried to telephone Thein Htay, a junta council spokesman for the Mandalay region for information but he did not answer calls.

TNLA troops are also fighting for territory in Nawnghkio and Kyaukme townships in northern Shan state, the group said in a statement on Monday. It said 109 civilians had been killed and 136 wounded by junta artillery fire from June 25 to Monday across Shan state and the Mandalay region.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan.

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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Interview: Pakistani Islamist Leader Opposes Military Operation To Root Out Militants

By Tahir Khan July 23, 2024

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the largest Islamist party in Pakistan, has voiced his opposition to a planned operation by the military to root out militants along the Afghan border.

In an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal on July 22, the controversial cleric called for peace talks between Pakistan and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the most lethal militant group waging war against Islamabad.

The comments from Rehman, the head of the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party, came as militant violence has surged across the predominately Muslim nation of some 240 million people.

A high-profile bomb-and-gun attack on a military base in the northwestern city of Bannu on July 15 killed 10 government security personnel.

But residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the northwestern province that has been the scene of devastating military operations that uprooted millions of people and killed thousands of civilians in the past, have protested against any new military operations in the region.

"People are not ready to suffer yet again," Rehman, who hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, told Radio Mashaal. "We have been through bitter times."

Thousands of people waving white flags and calling for peace rallied in Bannu on July 19 calling for an end to military operations in the region. The demonstration turned violent and security forces fired on protesters, killing one person.

Since then, thousands of people have been participating in a sit-in protest in Bannu.

"The voices in Bannu are the voices of all the residents of Pakhtunkhwa," Rehman said.

Islamabad earlier this year said the military would launch a new offensive to combat militants along the Afghan border, without offering details.

Pakistani military spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif on July 22 said the planned operation would be a "comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign" that would not displace locals.

But those comments have done little to quell the concerns of protesters and locals who fear for their lives and livelihoods in any new military offensive.

Since 2003, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in major counterterrorism offensives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where more than 6 million people have been displaced. The province was a former stronghold of the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, and Al-Qaeda.

"People are ready to be buried in the ruins of their homes," Rehman said. "But they do not want to be humiliated again."

Peace Prospects

The TTP has intensified its deadly insurgency against Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban seized power in Kabul.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan militants of sheltering the TTP, with which it has close ideological and organizational ties. Kabul has rejected the claim, and ties between Pakistan and the Taliban, which have been close allies for decades, have plummeted.

In January, the 71-year-old Rehman visited Afghanistan to repair ties. During his stay in Kabul, he met with Taliban officials, including its reclusive chief, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, and TTP leaders.

In his interview with Radio Mashaal, Rehman said he presented a plan to resolve the conflict between Islamabad and the TTP with the mediation of the Afghan Taliban.

"But our [security] establishment and rulers are so incompetent that they didn't accept that solution," said Rehman.

Rehman said a peace deal was the only way to end the TTP's 17-year insurgency against Islamabad.

In 2022, the Afghan Taliban brokered yearlong peace talks between the TTP and Islamabad. But the talks broke down and the TTP resumed its attacks.

Rehman has courted controversy for his support of the Afghan Taliban.

A JUI-F-led coalition governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 2002-2007. Critics blame the party for sheltering the Afghan Taliban whose presence in the region led to the emergence of the TTP. Many Afghan Taliban leaders were educated in Islamic seminaries run by JUI-F leaders.

Written by Abubakar Siddique based on reporting by Tahir Khan of RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-taliban-jui-ttp- fazlur-rehman-afghanistan/33047761.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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Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Republic of Korea Minister of Unification Kim

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 22, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Unification (MOU) Kim Yung-ho in Washington today, followed by a roundtable discussion with two DPRK escapees. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Minister Kim emphasized the importance of deterring DPRK aggression and addressing the destabilizing impacts of deepening cooperation between the DPRK and Russia on international peace and the global non-proliferation regime. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to U.S.-ROK collaboration, promoting accountability for DPRK human rights abuses, and supporting unfettered access to information for North Koreans. Deputy Secretary Campbell reiterated U.S. support for the reunification of separated families, including Korean American divided families and ROK detainees, abductees, and unrepatriated POWs, the welfare of the North Korean people, and an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.

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Observers see Biden's campaign exit having no impact on US-South Korea ties

By Christy Lee July 22, 2024

U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement that he was dropping his reelection bid sparked reactions from former U.S. officials who said Washington's relations with Seoul are at a crossroads and will either continue on the same path or make a sharp turn.

These officials, who dealt extensively with South Korea, said Biden's exit would have no immediate impact on Washington-Seoul ties.

"The U.S.-ROK alliance has never been stronger and more capable than it is today, and that alliance will remain so until the end of President Biden's term next year," said Evans Revere, who served as the principal deputy assistant secretary and acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) is the official name for South Korea.

"Given that Biden will remain president for the next six months, I see little change in U.S. foreign and national security policy and posture over that time with either allies or adversaries, regardless of whatever contingencies or provocations might arise, including on the Korean Peninsula," Robert Rapson, who served as deputy chief of mission and charge d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul from 2018 to 2021, said in written comments.

Biden called off his bid for reelection Sunday amid mounting pressure from top Democrats who cited his declining polling numbers since his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month.

Biden said in a letter posted on his social media account X, formerly Twitter, that he would focus the remainder of his term on presidential duties and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. He said he would speak more about his decision later this week.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry sent a statement via email to VOA's Korean Service on Sunday that said Seoul "will continue to work closely with the United States to maintain and develop the ROK-U.S. alliance, which has been upgraded to a global comprehensive strategic alliance."

The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said in a statement Sunday that it "would not comment on domestic political situations of any other countries."

The statement continued, "Bipartisan support for the ROK-U.S. alliance is rock solid. We will closely collaborate with the United States to continuously strengthen the global comprehensive strategic alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States."

Harris, if nominated by her party at the Democratic National Convention next month, will face Trump, who secured the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention last week.

"If Trump wins, then yes, there could be big changes to the Nuclear Consultative Group and U.S. attitudes toward North Korea and the ROK nuclear program," said Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and WMD during the Obama administration.

"If Harris wins, I don't think there'll be big changes. I think there'll be continuity," he said.

Dennis Wilder, senior director for East Asia at the White House's National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration, said some changes are to be expected if the Republicans win. But "in the Democratic Party, the views are quite set, and the views are very positive on South Korea."

Unlike Trump, who preferred personal engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden and Yoon have preferred strengthening their defense against North Korea through mechanisms such as the Nuclear Consultative Group.

The NCG is a bilateral body aimed at discussing joint nuclear planning to strengthen deterrence against North Korea. The U.S. and South Korean heads of the NCG signed nuclear deterrence and operations guidelines on July 11 in Washington.

During their meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington the same day, Biden and Yoon referred to the guidelines as "the advancement of U.S.-ROK security cooperation" since they announced the Washington Declaration in April.

The Washington Declaration affirmed the U.S. use of nuclear weapons to defend South Korea and Seoul's commitment toward nonproliferation.

Yoon touted Seoul-Washington ties as a "nuclear-based alliance" on July 16 after returning home from Washington.

But a possible reelection of Trump, who had not discounted a U.S. troop reduction in South Korea, has fueled already growing calls among the South Korean public and some lawmakers for Seoul to develop its own nuclear weapons as they became increasingly uncertain of the U.S. defense commitment.

Harry Harris, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea during the Trump administration, said, however, "Alliance[s] transcend individual leaders."

"I foresee no reduction in cooperation and coordination between the U.S. and South Korea, in all aspects of our relationship and especially in the combined military relationship," he added.

Joon Ho Ahn contributed to this report.

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Russian corvettes return to Pacific Fleet homeport after Maritime Interaction 2024 Russian-Chinese drills

23.07.2024

The corvettes Rezhsky, Gromky, and Sovershennyy of the Pacific Fleet returned to Vladivostok after participation in the Russian-Chinese exercise Maritime Interaction 2024 and maritime patrols with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PRC) in the waters of the Asia-Pacific region.

The ships will soon replenish their materiel, and the crews will check the technical status of the ships.

After the preparatory activities are completed, the ships will continue to carry out the assigned tasks according to the combat training plan.

During joint actions, the sailors of the two countries practised anti-submarine warfare and engaged in maritime warfare, organised air defence of a detachment of ships, and escorted ships. The navies improved joint action in search-and-rescue operations at sea.

During the Maritime Interaction 2024 exercise, some 30 combat trainings were carried out, to include joint live-fire artillery drills at sea, coast, and air targets.

In just 15 days, the Russian and Chinese ships have patrolled a total of about 4,800 nautical miles in the Asia-Pacific region.

Press Service of the Eastern Military District





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UN experts condemn sentencing of journalists in Russia

23 July 2024 - Independent UN human rights experts said in a statement on Tuesday that the recent prison sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva send a "threatening message" to all journalists.

On Friday, Mr. Gershkovich was handed a 16-year prison sentence on spying charges in a Russian court. The reporter was arrested in Russia in 2023 and has been held there since, despite calls for his release.

That same day, Ms. Kurmasheva received a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence for "spreading fake news about the Russian army." She has been arbitrarily detained in Russia since 18 October.

Sentencing shocks

The UN experts said they are shocked by the journalists' being sentenced for "crimes they did not commit." They also condemned the trial processes which had led to the convictions.

"The rushed and secretive nature of their trials -- over three and two days respectively, and behind closed doors -- is yet another demonstration of the sham trials and convictions on fabricated charges of reporters who were just doing their job," the experts said.

In Mr. Gershkovich's case, the Special Rapporteurs noted that the closed-door trials prove that the court's verdict was politically motivated to punish the journalist for reporting concerning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

They said: "We are concerned about the instrumentalisation and increased use of national security laws in Russia to unduly restrict freedom of expression, following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and effectively criminalising any independent journalism aimed at reporting on the war."

Call for repeal

In addition to Mr. Gershkocivh and Ms.Kurmasheva, around 33 journalists are currently detained in Russia reflecting a dangerous trend of increased "crackdowns" on independent media and opposing voices since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The experts call for the "immediate and unconditional release" of all the journalists in Russia who were detained for doing their jobs.

They also call for the Russian government to "repeal all legislation unduly restricting freedom of expression, such as 'spreading fake news about the Russian army' and 'discrediting the Russian army.'"

Further, the experts demand that Russia amend its criminal laws to prevent the abuse of national security laws to limit freedom of expression, specifically for journalists who are truthfully reporting about the war in Ukraine.

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.

They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's greetings to the organisers and participants in the roundtable discussion dedicated to the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Syria

23 July 2024 16:17

1392-23-07-2024

I would like to welcome the organisers and guests of the roundtable discussion hosted by the Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy and the Syrian Embassy in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The rich history of our relations is eloquent proof that the Soviet Union, and later the Russian Federation have always been committed to supporting the Syrian Arab Republic's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. We have always been adamant that the Syrian nations must be able to trace its own path, free from any outside interference, as stipulated in the UN Security Council resolutions. We consistently adhere to this approach today.

It is gratifying that at the current stage of development of bilateral ties, Moscow and Damascus are closely coordinating their steps on all key matters on the international agenda. In the difficult geopolitical reality of our time, this mutual support has special importance.

I am certain that your meeting will help further promote friendship and trust between our peoples. I am delighted that the participating experts include people who are doing a great deal to strengthen Russian-Syrian cooperation, as well as to overcome the crisis in friendly Syria. I have no doubt that the discussions you will have today will be fruitful.

I wish you rewarding work and all the best.

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Wanan air raid drills enter 2nd day with northern Taiwan in focus

ROC Central News Agency

07/23/2024 07:46 PM

Taipei, July 23 (CNA) The annual Wanan air raid defense drills entered their second day Tuesday, targeting seven administrative areas in northern Taiwan.

Air raid sirens rang out at 1:30 p.m. in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Yilan County, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City, with the movement of people and vehicles restricted during the half hour exercise.

For the duration of the exercise, pedestrians were directed to the nearest designated air raid shelter while drivers were ordered to park their cars and seek refuge in the nearest shelter.

Until the sirens sounded again at 2 p.m. to signal the end of the drill, citizens at home, at work, or in public locations were required to shelter in place.

In addition to restrictions on the movement of people and traffic, local governments in the seven cities and counties conducted various exercises.

In Taipei, rescue personnel simulated scenarios involving people being trapped in a burning building at the Changhsing Water Purification Plant, and guided people to an underground shelter at Yongle Fabric Market.

The drill rundown, planned as early as March, went smoothly, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an () told reporters, noting that the city government also introduced new support services, including childcare and psychological counseling.

The 47th edition of the Wanan Exercises started on Monday in Taiwan's central region comprising -- Taichung, Chiayi City, as well as Miaoli, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin and Chiayi counties.

Taiwan's eastern region -- comprising Hualien and Taitung counties and the outlying Penghu, Kinmen and Lienchiang counties -- will hold their air raid drills on Wednesday. Lienchiang County is the official designation of the Matsu Islands.

Meanwhile, the southern region -- comprising Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung County -- will hold drills on Thursday.

The Wanan Exercises are a series of emergency air raid drills that have been held every year in Taiwan since 1978.

Each exercise lasts 30 minutes, during which time air raid sirens sound and residents are required to shelter in place or seek cover in the nearest air raid shelter.

Those who fail to comply with instructions during the drills can be fined of up to NT$150,000 (US$4,564).

The exercises aim to raise public awareness of emergency response measures and reduce the likelihood of casualties and damage in the event of an enemy attack, according to the Ministry of the Interior.

They are also a way for the government to test the emergency response capabilities of local authorities, the ministry has said.

(By Wu Shu-wei and Lee Hsin-Yin)

Enditem/AW



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Lai inspects 1st Han Kuang exercises as president

ROC Central News Agency

07/23/2024 02:20 PM

Taipei, July 23 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (ea) made his first inspection of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang exercises as the nation's commander-in-chief on Tuesday.

Arriving at Hualien Air Base in eastern Taiwan on a presidential aircraft around 10:30 a.m., Lai, who was inaugurated in May, changed from a suit into an Army uniform before beginning his inspection.

Accompanied by Defense Minister Wellington Koo (ece) and other senior military officials, Lai stopped at an area of the base where a group of medics were simulating treating patients in a field hospital.

The drill observed by the president, himself a former physician, is meant to test medics' familiarity with the so-called "Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)," a set of guidelines for trauma life support in prehospital combat medicine published by the United States Defense Health Agency.

Lai then gifted red envelopes containing money to participating troops before leaving without making a public address.

Earlier Tuesday, troops from the Hualien Air Base-based 5th Tactical Mixed Wing ran a round of exercises simulating turning the base's taxiway into an emergency runway within 30 minutes.

The drill simulated a scenario where enemy missiles had rendered the base's main runway unusable.

Airmen first used a bird dispersal vehicle and a separate vehicle to detect foreign objects near the runway to ensure arriving aircraft would not be damaged by bird strikes or foreign objects.

They also installed signs along the emergency runway at 1,000-foot (305-meter) intervals to show pilots the distance remaining to the end of the runway.

An arresting gear system was also used to bring jets landing on the temporary runway to a halt.

Land-based arresting gear systems are usually used for landing aircraft on short or temporary runways, for emergencies involving brake failure or steering problems or when sections of a runway are out of commission.

Due to incoming Typhoon Gaemi, the military canceled a round of fighter jets emergency landing and refueling drills at the emergency runway on Tuesday.

Military spokesman Sun Li-fang (ac) told reporters that the ongoing live-fire component of the Han Kuang series of exercises made adjustments for weather for safety reasons.

Sun, however, did not disclose if more scheduled drills of Han Kuang would be canceled in the following days.

Typhoon Gaemi could make landfall in Taiwan's northeastern county of Yilan early Thursday, according to the Central Weather Administration.

The 40th edition of the annual event officially began at 6 a.m. on Monday after the Ministry of National Defense's Joint Operations Command Center, also known as the Hengshan Command Center, announced the beginning of the five-day around-the-clock drills.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized war games and seek to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

This year's tabletop exercises were staged in April.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ASG





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Taiwan, China officials to discuss speedboat incident Wednesday

ROC Central News Agency

07/23/2024 11:21 PM

Taipei, July 23 (CNA) Officials from Taiwan and China will meet to discuss the Kinmen speedboat incident, which left two Chinese nationals dead on Feb. 14, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced Tuesday.

Both sides have agreed to further discussions on outstanding issues after the incident, with a meeting scheduled for Wednesday at the Golden Lake Hotel in outlying Kinmen County, the MAC said in a statement.

"We look forward to completing related follow-up work as soon as possible," the statement read. However, it did not mention the names or levels of the individuals who will attend the meeting.

The MAC statement came hours after local media reported earlier Tuesday that a breakthrough regarding the incident has been achieved.

Representatives from the MAC and the Chinese authorities will meet in Kinmen on Wednesday to sign a consensus agreement in which Taiwan's authorities will return the bodies of the two Chinese nationals who died in the incident, as well as the speedboat, to the Chinese side, local media reported.

The incident occurred on Feb. 14 when Taiwan's Coast Guard pursued a Chinese speedboat that entered prohibited waters off the coast of Kinmen.

According to Taiwan's Coast Guard, the unnamed and unregistered Chinese boat refused a request to board and inspect the boat, and later fled, setting off a high-speed chase which ended when the vessel made a sudden turn.

The speedboat collided with a CGA patrol vessel and capsized in waters near Kinmen while being pursued, leading to the deaths of two Chinese crew members.

The other two Chinese nationals who survived the incident were returned to China on Feb. 20, while the bodies of the deceased crew and the speedboat were kept in Kinmen for further investigation.

The incident raised tensions around Kinmen, which is located less than 10 kilometers off the coast of the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Officials representing the two sides held several rounds of talks before the meeting on Wednesday, but failed to come reach an agreement.

(By Hsieh Yi-hsuan and Sunny Lai)

Enditem/AW





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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/07/23

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Monday to Tuesday, Jul. 22-23

PLA activities

18 PLA aircraft, and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern 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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Typhoon affects Taiwan's annual war games

By VOA News July 23, 2024

A powerful typhoon on a path toward Taiwan has forced the island to curtail its annual war games.

Taiwan's weather administration says Typhoon Gaemi is expected to make landfall sometime Wednesday on the island's northeastern coast, producing strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Defense Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang told reporters that "the impact of the typhoon" on the east coast has prompted the military to cancel some air and sea exercises.

This year's Han Kuang war games are being staged as China increases its military pressure on Taiwan, which considers the democratically governed island a breakaway province of the mainland. Beijing is especially angered over the election of President Lai Ching-te of the staunchly pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.

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Lockheed Martin Plans Hypersonic Missile Development in UK for AUKUS Collaboration

Sputnik News

20240723

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US defense contractor Lockheed Martin is ready to develop a jet-launched hypersonic missile on the UK's soil before producing it in the United States, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday.

A prototype of a missile dubbed Mako that is capable of exceeding Mach 5 speeds and could be fired from F-35 fighter jets was picked by the company as an example of weaponry that could be worked on in the United Kingdom, the newspaper said.

"I think Mako is a great example, because it's a multi mission missile that we could use a hypersonic version of that's got good range and good speed and good compatibility with a number of platforms," Tim Cahill, president for missiles and fire control at Lockheed Martin, told the newspaper.

Cahill added that these were the "places where the UK could clearly contribute," adding that such a format of partnership has become possible under the AUKUS alliance, allowing each of its members to prioritize defense spending in the face of budget constraints.

Since 2023, the UK Defense Ministry has controlled a consortium of some 80 companies with the goal of developing a domestic hypersonic missile until 2030, the newspaper reported. Therefore, looming deadlines could nudge the ministry into cooperating with Lockheed Martin, which has years of experience in developing such arms.

AUKUS is a trilateral defense partnership announced by the US, the UK and Australia in September 2021. The first pillar of the partnership concerns the creation of an Australian fleet of nuclear submarines using US and UK technology. The second pillar involves the development of a range of technologies, including underwater robotics, quantum electronics, cybersecurity and electronic warfare capabilities, supersonic weapons and defense mechanisms against them.

A Sputnik

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'Pulling the Future into the Present', RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024

UK Army

23 July 2024

The Army's newly appointed Chief of the General Staff (CGS), General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen, has brought a close to this year's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Land Warfare Conference declaring a bold ambition to "...double the Army's fighting power in three years and triple it by the end of the decade."

The two-day conference, which was held in London at RUSI's Westminster Church House, brought together international senior land and ground forces leaders, policymakers, industry and think tanks to discuss and debate the dangerous security challenges that are currently facing the UK and its allies. This year's conference was titled 'Pulling the Future into the Present' and was one of the first opportunities for CGS, to set out his vision for the future.

The full speech can be found below:

"David, thank you and thank you to RUSI for hosting the conference.

Given all that is changing, which I think we've digested over the last two days, I thought I'd close, for the avoidance of any doubt, with what we in the British Army are doing about that change: so this will be a short talk around purpose, fighting power, and our offer.

But I want to start here - our soldiers, this is what it's all about.

They are not just in the Army; they are the Army.

They are the competitive advantage - the single point of difference to any Army that I've worked with or squared up against.

And even recently from the Ministry of Defence, I saw the impact that they had, through support to the population through COVID, the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the support to the Afghan refugees that followed...

...How they honoured our late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and celebrated our King's accession......From rescuing Britons fleeing Sudan and supporting Ukraine's Armed Forces, in their hour of need.

As General Zaluzhnyi said: "Evil has drawn near, and it is out to kill."

So, by any measure, these are challenging times, and their stoical forbearance in the face of that is legendary.

And we have a long and proud tradition of making people better through service - 'Be the Best' is not just a recruiting slogan. It is our creed. You can join with so little but through merit and effort, you can change your life and your family's in a single generation.

I am incredibly proud of them and the contribution they make to our nation, but I want to make clear that ultimately, for me, the key measurement is the fighting power we generate for Defence - that combination of winning conceptual thinking, moral will, and the physical capability in their hands that means any British land force needs to be able to destroy a force at least three times its size...

And that's what ensures that we are secure at home and strong abroad.

So, let me start with two personal observations that frame my position.

Firstly, I do think that we have struggled to shake a 'big Army' mindset, where some still believe that raw troop numbers alone determine fighting power. As the Chief of the Defence Staff [CDS] said this morning, "The answer to our problems are more troops and more money and more time". And I think that is out of date.

We are, in fact, a medium-sized army and we should embrace that as the catalyst that drives even greater integration for a more powerful joint force.

Our selling point from that perspective, and perhaps uniquely from the land, is to help that joint force, NATO, set up for the unfair fight. So unfair, to our advantage, that no one would dare to go to war against us, or our allies and partners. But if they did, they would be met with such devastating lethality that they would be decisively defeated in the first battle and would be denied a strategy of a quick war. And the strategic dilemma is do they make the first move.

The second observation is the paradox of how we think about the future but fight in the past.

For example, our 'Futures' teams of concepts and doctrine writers, scientists, and academics, all think deeply and correctly about ways to win in the future, and that drives the capability investment decisions that result in programmes. And those can take decades to deliver.

And it is only when they are close to fielding those new systems do our trainers adapt the field manuals to teach those new ways.

There can therefore be a gap of twenty years between what is thought and what is taught.

And it is no wonder, to my mind, why we're criticised for always being ready for the last war.

And with the pace of technological change today, that should be nearer twenty weeks, and twenty minutes for urgent adaptation in combat.

Now, to be fair, my predecessor and his command group recognised much of this and responded.

So, I must pay tribute to them for four really, and perhaps generational, significant, contributions to our modernisation:

Firstly, in settling the Army's purpose, on fighting and winning. Supremely clear!

Second, they commissioned and published new doctrine to drive how to fight - what's thought, the firmware that now needs to be taught, if you will. It has been thoroughly peer-reviewed and war-gamed, and many of you here in the room, allies and academics have taken part in that. It's much, much more right than wrong and I'm glad to say that Major General Alex Turner DSO, Director Army Futures, and his team are already turning that into field manuals now. Which is good!

Third, they birthed the Land Training System, which I think is a really profound and progressive change, pioneered by Major General Chris Barry CBE, Director Land Warfare, and his team, in how we train. More importantly, it provides the ready-made spirals for accelerated force modernisation. Which I think is brilliant!

And fourthly, they put in place a programme that modernises our main fighting systems over time. And that has catalysed the re-emergence of a land industrial base, that has strengthened our strategic foundations, and it has generated an exciting export market that is already beginning to deliver.

Which is excellent - but - and there was always going to be a but...

Because it will take more time than I think we have for those new fighting systems to be fielded at scale in our fighting formations, we must be realistic that if called to battle before then, it will be with much of the old hardware, and we will have to work within the limits of their stockpiles and their logistic support systems.

And so as we transition from old to new, our fighting power will come from a hybrid system. And that's OK. Hybridity, in the right hands, can inspire extraordinary creativity, and resilience, vigour... ...

And with the fresh firmware and some secret-sauce software, we can make this system devastatingly lethal now...

...Which is why my conclusion is to the challenges presented over the last two days is to accelerate aspects of our modernisation, to field formations that are much more powerful, and earlier than the current programme plans.

And I know Major General Jon Swift OBE, Director Programmes, and Brigadier Lizzie Faithfull-Davies, Director Land Equipment DE&S, are quietly groaning and dying inside at the requirement that's about to land, but I know they know they can do it...

And whilst there are numerous challenges, which I do not wish away for a second, what I am saying is not science fiction or just management speak.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, under General Zaluzhnyi and now under General Syrskyi have demonstrated, for example, what can be done from land with a hybrid system.

...You've heard his soldiers sank ships... forcing the Russian fleet back to port.

...His soldiers held the Russian Air Force at reach... and do their best every day to shoot down missiles and drones.

...And let us not forget, it was his soldiers who inspired barely trained civilians to stop a in a matter of days to stop a Russian army dead in its tracks, as it made for Kyiv. Let alone the devastating lethality in the offence and defence that many have spoken on.

And that's what they've done. Just imagine what we could do with the same mindset.

And it starts, of course, with the winning idea, obviously, because if we fight using the old ideas; chances are, we lose.

The Defence Futures Capstone Concepts for warfighting and strategic campaigning, and our own Land Operating Concept - the firmware - I believe, as many do, will work and they are the right way forward. Please read and understand what they are saying, and I would like the Army to lead the way in their adoption.

So if the purpose of an Army is to protect the nation and help it prosper by being able to fight and win our battles from the land, then...

My vision for the British Army is to field fifth-generation land forces that set that joint force up for the 'unfair fight'.

Fifth Generation Forces in this context exploit advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems to integrate data from all domains for precise battlefield impact.

And these forces will lie at the heart of NATO, and be filled with the best soldiers in the world, supported by incredibly committed civilian staff and leading industrial partners, and the nation itself, and providing value at every turn - societally, politically, internationally, economically, as well as just militarily.

This is the One Defence mindset that the Secretary of State referred to yesterday and to which I fully subscribe.

And to that end, I have a bold ambition to double our fighting power in three years and triple it by the end of the decade.

And I'll unpack that in practical terms shortly but the key point to make is that the need is urgent. We have got to pull the future of fighting power into the present, faster than we thought we could.

You don't need me, and I won't rehearse the urgency of geopolitical threats. We are not, as the CDS reassured you, on an inexorable path to war, but in an increasingly volatile world, we must restore and communicate, through all our words, deeds, and actions, credible hard power to underwrite deterrence, as well as to manage the crises of the day.

This to my mind is not just a military strategic imperative, driven by the threat and our own responsibilities under Article 3 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

It is also a very practical matter of responding to NATO's ask of us, which is demanding for British land forces, and rightly so.

We probably do have just enough time, as Jack Watling said yesterday, to prepare, act, and re-establish credible land forces to support that strategy of deterrence.

And hence my remedy, as I said, is to double down on modernisation to meet that demanding mark.

My command group and I, many of whom are here today, have a clear view on how modern, lethal, and productive land forces can set the joint force up for that unfair fight, but this relies on both thinking and then doing differently. That way, we get the book value, in raw fighting power terms, of what NATO needs, from the baseline assets we have to work with.

Lethality, in this sense, from the land in particular, has been democratized, and the British Army is already responding to this call-to-arms.

The big, bold bet, and this should be of no surprise after the last few days, is on the exploitation of rapidly maturing technologies fuelled by Artificial Intelligence, which leverages the booming technology sector as the catalyst to our modernisation.

We want an 'any/any network', one that is capable of connecting any sensor, from any domain, from any partner to any effector. This will create that internet of military things, capable of quickly, cleanly, and efficiently integrating sensors and effectors for impact.

We will sense twice as far, decide in half the time, deliver effects over double the distance with half as many munitions. Our Ukrainian partners are beginning to do this with great results now, marrying cheap and expendable sensors and effectors to smart software that is coming from British coders.

We can double in three years with this hybrid system, and then we'll triple it when the new fighting systems come online.

In parallel, we must also recognise that tacticians cannot deliver battlefield success alone. Tactics may well win us the first encounter, but on a transparent battlefield, they are understood completely by the end of the second encounter and are unceremoniously unpicked in the third.

There is therefore to my mind no such thing as a templated tactical solution to a battlefield problem anymore.

Today's tacticians must partner with technicians at every level to constantly spiral the system that underpins their fighting power, giving tactics an invaluable configurability and flexibility.

Commanders, therefore, must be systems integrators first and foremost, understanding the technology of their lethality as well as the tactical application of it - and this is what some are already beginning to call techcraft - the marriage of field craft and technology.

I want to bring academia, science, industry, and technicians - you - into our command posts, prototyping this tech craft at the edge to ensure we have a joint, and extroverted approach to doing business.

And Industry, you know this, we need your help, in this One Defence endeavour.

You are as much a part of our plan as we are of yours. Stronger together, for each other.

You need an intimate understanding of our problems if we are to hack, scavenge, and fix the modern battlefield's challenges together. It's the foxholes on the front line, all the way back to the factory floor that others have talked off.

But I'm not just appealing to industry. Capital is flowing into the Defence sector. Obviously, there is self-interest at play in the form of profit, but that's how our system works. But investors also recognise that a lot is at stake and we share mutual values in the rules-based system as well as mutual interests in maintaining it.

So, I also want to better connect investors of venture and private equity capital to our problems, and not just UK investors - this is a game for all of Europe, for NATO, and the Joint Expeditionary Force countries.

Importantly to grow our Defence technology ecosystem as a source of strategic advantage.

Because if we are to deter an increasingly aligned axis of upheaval, we need to apply all our strengths as a strong democracy against the weaknesses of rigid, autocratic regimes.

And economies will probably do more than explosives to check those authoritarians and autocrats who seek to ruin our freedom and prosperity.

As so a Chief, I recognise my responsibility to help them understand our national security challenges, so they can sharpen their investment in the most promising solutions that will double our fighting power in short order and set Defence and wider NATO up for that unfair fight.

And so as I draw to a close, these are the outputs I will describe to the Strategic Defence Review team should they ask (I think they will).

Our offer to the joint force must be based around three configurations of employment and two of command and control, none of these are exclusive, and all are NATO first and national second. If you will, a three plus two offer.

First, Advance Force Operations. Activities and investments. Prepositioned, with positional advantage, acting well in advance of the problems arising, their power comes from making other peoples' mass more lethal. They form the partnerships in the places that matter, and by illustration will include our forward land forces in Estonia and Poland, as well as the global deployments of the Land Special Operations Force, as well as our wider global footprint.

Second, would be the Reaction Forces, designed for speed to react quickly to cauterise crises when they flare and where their fighting power comes from velocity, not mass. They include the balance of a brigade for our Forward Land Forces in Estonia, and the conventional and unconventional land forces aligned, at the moment, to NATO's Allied Reaction Force, currently led by Major General Dan Reeve MC, General Officer Commanding of the First Division, as well as to the UK's global reaction force in the ... of time.

Third, would be the Response forces, ultimately organised and optimised to fight in wars at scale, where their power comes from combat mass, able to respond with strength if battle is called for; and delivered by the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, led by Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse ACB CBE MC, which provides SACEUR (Supreme Allied Commander Europe) his strategic response to commit to the decisive phase of the battle.

We need to be able to deliver these forces at different echelons of effort, from Group, Division, to Corps; as CDS said this morning, but of course it only works if it's joined up across all domains and is uncompromisingly lethal in application. Devastating destruction from ever greater distance is the aim.

These three employment configurations will be then supported by two for command and control. A national Land Component Command, led by Lieutenant General Mike Elviss CB MBE, Commander Field Army, who you heard today, and the UK's Standing Joint Command under Lieutenant General Charlie Collins DSO OBE, Commander Home Command, who you also heard from. That Standing Joint Command already supports national resilience but could underwrite national defence and regeneration.

Now, I know for many of the audience that's technical, force design jargon, which you'll hold me to account for, but what does it all mean in plain English? This is my point: If we can double and then triple our fighting power, any British land force will be able to destroy an enemy force at least three times its size and keep on doing that.

And that way we will have every confidence in being ready and able to fight anyone and win.

It will also give our soldiers every reason to stay in the Army and contribute adding value to society.

Success, for me, will be when we are defined by others - you - by what we provide for the joint force, not by who we are in terms of our internal tribes...

And when we're judged by the nation for what can do, because we're doing it, and not by what we can't do.

We on the inside have a clear vision, but this is a much bigger endeavour than just us, and will need a lot of advocacy and support to make it happen - not least with industry, the defence technology sector and their investors - but all of you in the media and across society and our partners and allies who are here today, who all care so deeply for what we do and ultimately for those who serve within our ranks.

So, to them, and those who you want to help, I say, let's do this together...

...Don't look back - dangerous times lie ahead and so we have got to look forward, we have got to hunt for advantage, forage lethality from wherever we can find it, personally, technically, and tactically, and importantly to blaze a trail for others to follow, because they will.

If you do that, you will have my full support and that of my General Staff.

Thank you very much for the chance to speak.

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Defence Secretary speech at RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024

Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, gave a speech to the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024

23 July 2024

Thank you for inviting me. I have to say this is a really huge pleasure to join you here and a real honour to do so as the new Secretary of State for Defence for this country.

So, thank you to RUSI for what is a rich programme over the two days but particularly thank you for letting me join you.

Last week I visited the Permanent Joint Headquarters to get a briefing on some of the current really critical work that has been going on there. And General Charlie Stickland ran me through what he called his 'three Rs'.

Now, I know I am quoting a Royal Marine to an Army audience but hang on it is the joint headquarters.

Reassurance. Reality. Request.

I'm always keen to learn. And as a politician I'm always keen to pick other people's good ideas and try and use them for myself so I'm going to take that to structure my argument, not just a speech, for you today. And I'm going to add to this rule of three Rs to add one of my own: responsibility.

Let me begin where General Charlie did last week, with reassurance.

And in some ways, this is my most important point to you.

This new Government stands steadfast behind the British Army. Behind our wider armed forces and behind all those out of uniform who also make such an important contribution to the defence of this country.

Many roles, One Defence.

And in the British Army, you're essential to our national defence, and to our national resilience. We're proud of you professionalism, we're proud of your dedication to service, and your work is central to keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

Working alongside the RAF to provide life-saving aid to Gaza, training more than 40,000 Ukrainians. Commemorating the D-Day, those heroes who gave their lives to stop the Nazis overrunning Europe. And building ties now with our allies, through exercises like Steadfast Defender in NATO.

You will have this new Government's fullest support to do your job, defending Britain and deterring threats.

Because we know as a government that is our most important first duty - to keep the country safe and to protect our citizens.

That's why, at the recent NATO summit in Washington the Prime Minister and I confirmed this Government's unshakeable commitment to NATO and the UK's nuclear deterrent.

And we confirmed also our total commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.

It's why the Prime Minister last week launched the first-of-its-kind Strategic Defence Review.

And it's why we announced legislation in our first King's Speech legislation to create a new independent Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life.

Reassurance.

Let me introduce my extra 'R' at this point: Responsibility.

At that NATO summit, in week one, as a new government, we wanted to demonstrate that we were getting on with the job, to serve the country.

I was struck by how the other nations there looked at us and noted two particular things.

The first, that in our British system, there is a decisive change of power after an election - unlike many other countries.

And second, they looked at us and noted that our British government now has a strong mandate promising stability, again, unlike many other countries who are approaching their own elections or facing uncertainty in their governing coalitions.

This is an important responsibility for us now as a nation. A responsibility in our relations with allies, and of course it is also an opportunity.

So, as a government, we do have a mandate for change.

To restore public service to politics.

To re-earn public trust in Government.

And to reduce the politics, the partisan politics in national security.

Because no political party has the monopoly on defence, or pride in our military.

We in the Labour Party have deep roots in defending this country. And deep respect for those who serve in uniform.

The scale of the challenges we face requires a national, unified response.

That's why the Prime Minister has been clear that a change of government means no change in our commitment to Ukraine.

It's why I've already offered the Shadow Defence Secretary access to intelligence briefings and will I do so to other relevant members of Parliament.

And that's why the Strategic Defence Review will brief and will welcome contributions from other political parties and from across the defence community.

Because I want to forge Britain's defence strategy, not just the defence strategy for this new Labour Government.

Reassurance, responsibility.

Moving on to the General's next R which is reality.

And as I look around this room, you know better than anyone else, these are really serious times.

We face rapidly increasing global threats.

I became Shadow Defence Secretary back in 2020. That was before the fall of Kabul, that was before the crisis in the Middle East, it was before Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

And in the face of this insecure world, the British Army has done and continues to do incredible things.

And I know during the months and the years that I'll serve in this post I'll continue to be inspired by the things you do.

Vital work. Unique responsibilities. And underpinning it, your historic roots, and traditions.

I respect that as I do for the other Services.

The whole country is proud of what you do.

And as this world becomes more dangerous, we will rely more heavily on your bravery and on your professionalism.

And the principle of One Defence also becomes increasingly more important.

The days when we could indulge in inter-service rivalry are over.

We must be to fit to fight - not fight amongst ourselves.

So, I really want to see the old rivalries left behind. I really want with you to establish a new era for UK defence.

Because we know all three services face very serious challenges.

Hollowed-out forces, procurement waste, low morale. A recruitment and retention crisis.

And veterans who can't access the services they deserve.

And I have to tell you, two weeks into this Government, we now also see that these problems are much worse than we thought.

But we are getting on with the job, we are getting on with the job with urgency.

Backing Ukraine, launching our Defence Review, reconnecting with allies.

We're doing this with an absolute commitment to improving the service life for those in our Armed Forces.

With a "NATO first" defence strategy, because Britain is always stronger when we work with others. And of course, facing up to the reality of Putin's continuing war in Ukraine and his wider aggression.

So, on my second day in this job, as Jonathan said, I was in Odesa, I spent the afternoon with President Zelenskyy and his team.

We held our bilateral talks, we celebrated Ukraine's Navy Day and he and I visited together injured servicemen in a military hospital.

And again, you in this room know this better than anyone else, the Ukrainians are fighting with huge courage, the military and civilians alike.

But despite the losses, despite the Ukrainian's fight, Russia is far from a spent force; and if Putin wins, he will not stop at Ukraine.

And this war now is at a critical moment.

So, we are speeding up delivery of aid already pledged by the previous government.

Stepping up support with a new package of ammunition, anti-armour missiles, de-mining vehicles and artillery guns.

And we're confirming A3 billion a year for Ukraine this year and for each of the years ahead, for as long as it takes.

And finally on Friday, I signed, when President Zelenskyy was in Downing Street, a new Defence Industrial Support Treaty which will be the framework through which we and others can leverage export finance and investment finance to help Ukraine.

So, the scale of the challenge we face is vast. And that's why to take this on we need to be at our best.

And that brings me to the final R which is request.

We launched our Defence Review last week. I described it earlier as the first of its kind for the UK, because it is externally led, and led by the former Secretary General of NATO George Robertson.

It will consider the threats that we face, the capabilities that we needed, the state of our armed forces and the resources available to do the job.

And my ask or request of you today is this. It's for the Army to play its fullest part in this review. It's the chance to think afresh, it's the chance to contribute the ideas needed in that review.

Because this is a review that will be done with, not to defence.

It will be done with the Army, not about it.

It's a review that our troops want, our public deserves and our country needs.

And your input in making this a success will be vital.

Why vital? Well, because Ukraine is showing us how the nature of war is changing more rapidly.

How the distance between domains is diminishing rapidly. How the imperative to operate as an integrated force is increasing, and as the threats posed to the UK are increasingly interdependent, reinforcing and converging.

And, as Jack Watling at RUSI who has done so much to organise this conference has argued: We must urgently re-establish credible deterrence to keep these threats in check.

That means looking at firepower, it means looking at enablement, it means looking at readiness, it means looking at resilience.

It means looking at the things that don't present good photo opportunities for a Defence Secretary or a defence minister.

It means the things that matter in getting results, in being more ready to fight, in being stronger, to be able to fight if we need to fight but deter to avoid that fight in the first place.

It also means deeper interoperability with our allies.

And it means industry must also play an integral role alongside the military too.

And these will be at the heart of the matters that the Defence Review considers.

It's fair to say the Army does, and as far as we can see, will always operate as part of a joint forces, fighting not only on the land but from the land

Boosting combined deterrence and operations.

We already have Forward Land Forces permanently deployed in eastern Europe to ensure greater security on the Russian border.

This year we will provide a Land Component for the Allied Reaction Force, providing NATO with a rapid response to crises when needed.

And from the year beyond, 2026, the United Kingdom will lead NATO's Special Operations Task Force, and provide a crucial contribution to NATO's Unconventional Warfare capability.

And then the greatest opportunity of all, to lead within the alliance is through our offer of a multi-domain Corps as one of SACEUR's Strategic Reserve Corps.

Big challenges, big responsibilities, big opportunities for the Army as part of One Defence and a stronger alliance for the future.

Now this is just our third week in office. We're a government getting on with the job.

But my ambition is to see that Defence is not just integral to the future security of Britain but central also to the future success of Britain.

You, our land forces are essential to that work.

Together, we can and will make Britain more secure at home and strong abroad.

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Chief of the Defence Staff speech at RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, gave a speech to the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024

23 July 2024

The big reason I wanted to be here today is because I am probably more excited about the future of the Army than I am any other part of Defence. The imperative to learn from Ukraine - combined with the march of technology - creates a range of possibilities that play to the British Army's strengths.

I recognise that some will be sceptical of this view. There are near term financial challenges to work through. We are addressing historic underinvestment. And beneath the headline capabilities there are deficiencies in people, equipment, stockpiles, training and technology.

We need the humility to recognise that we are not as strong as we could be and then the determination and focus to put this right.

But none of that changes the scale of transformation underway in the Army. Or your responsibility as the custodians of British land power to deliver maximum return from the investment you receive.

And I want to unpack this by looking at three points:

First, to recognise the strategic context: a NATO that is becoming stronger, and a Russia that is weaker.

Second, to explore what this means for the British Army. How NATO can be your strategic anchor. How CGS has a vision that is aligned to Britain's role and purpose within this family of 32.

And third, your part in this, and mine. Because the future of the Army matters to all of us. It is a priority for the whole of Defence.

Those of you who have heard me speak about the lessons of Ukraine will know that I take a deeply boring and unfashionable view that Russia's aggression serves to reinforce the central tenets of British Defence Policy.

For all the necessary debates that Russia's war in Ukraine has prompted - on defence spending, on mass, on technology and tactics - the most enduring lesson for the United Kingdom is that we are safe because we are a nuclear power and because we belong to the world's largest and strongest defensive alliance.

It is frustrating when I hear commentators contrasting Britain's capabilities with those of Russia without acknowledging the context that we would only ever fight a war with Russia, or any other peer aggressor, alongside our allies and partners.

NATO has grown from 30 to 32 nations. Twenty-three member states now spend 2% of GDP on Defence compared to just 3 members a decade ago. Our 3.2 million uniformed personnel already outmatch Russia's 1.2 million. Sweden brings an additional 25,000 active personnel and 40,000 reserves. Finland another 23,000 regulars and 280,000 reserves.

Take any measure of conventional strength - troops, tanks, armoured vehicles, fast jets, submarines - and the NATO overmatch against Russia is enormous.

As for Ukraine, this audience will recognise more than most the extent to which Putin's forces are tied down.

Russia is making tactical gains - towns and villages taken at huge cost. They are also targeting our friends in Ukraine where it hurts most: in their energy sector, in their cities and even their hospitals. That is concerning. But overall, the situation remains dire for Putin.

Russia has lost 550,000 men. And our assessments are that it would take Putin five years to reconstitute the Russian Army to where it was in February 2022; and another five years beyond that to rectify the weaknesses that the war has revealed.

It is not complacent to point this out. It is the responsible thing to do.

Our role as military leaders is to reassure the nation and stiffen its resolve. And our advice to ministers needs to be grounded in a thorough and honest assessment of the threats we face.

Yes, the threats can change and evolve. Which is why we keep them under review and test them against the intelligence we receive from our allies.

And while Putin may not directly attack a NATO member in such an overt manner as to trigger Article 5, we have seen that he is able to threaten us in other ways: in cyber and space, and underwater where our energy infrastructure and digital networks are most vulnerable.

But the fact remains: NATO is getting stronger, and Russia is getting weaker. And the best way to keep Britain and Europe safe is by maintaining support to Ukraine so that Russia continues to lose.

And this brings me to my second point - if the United Kingdom's defence and security is rooted in NATO, then NATO is the British Army's strategic anchor.

But that doesn't mean our role within the Alliance should mirror that of our allies on the Eastern flank.

Poland is doubling the size of its Army over the next decade. The Baltic and Nordic states are talking about mass, resilience, and conscription. That is understandable. They border Russia. The threat is close.

Our geography is different. Northern. Maritime. One of just two island nations in an Alliance of 32. We don't share a border with Russia. But we are vulnerable in our dependency on sea lines of communication.

This shapes our role in NATO. We operate with the advantage of distance. And we have that special combination of political will and military capability that allows us to act with speed and effect and carry other allies with us.

The Joint Expeditionary Force is a case in point. An organisation born from both the camaraderie and shared suffering of Afghanistan, which has now come of age with the accession of Sweden and Finland and the new focus on NATO's northern flank.

Our convening power, our position as a framework nation, represents something special and essential within the Alliance which few other allies can offer.

It is why over the past two years I've been working with SACEUR to position the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps to become one of NATO's two Strategic Reserves, with the other being led by France.

What SACEUR wants most from the UK is an Army that is more lethal. More mobile. More available. Organised to advance, react and respond at Division, and Corps levels. And equipped to strike faster, harder and deeper.

And if that starts to sound familiar over the course of today, then it is because it's exactly the kind of Army CGS wants to deliver.

Thanks to General Patrick, clarity of purpose and a sense of urgency are to the fore. Now under General Roly the task is to lead toward a future where the British Army puts NATO first and is first in NATO - by dint of its quality, deployability, sustainability and lethality.

In the past year we've seen Ukraine - a country which barely has a Navy - bring the Russian Black Sea Fleet to heel through a combination of drones and long-range missiles.

I want a British Army that can follow suit. To become an Army that can hold Russia at risk if SACEUR sees that necessity. An Army equipped with hypersonic missiles, and battalions of one-way attack drones. An Army that serves as a disruptor in NATO. Challenging the Alliance to push the boundaries of technology and lethality.

It's the reason I said at the outset that the Army has the most exciting opportunity of any Service. And it reflects the British Way of Warfare.

But it rests on demonstrating the responsibility, the ambition and the drive required to seize the moment, which is my final point.

CGS's focus on doubling the fighting power of land forces by 2027 and to triple it by the end is the right one.

Politics responds to positive reasons to invest. And the more you do and the better you do it, the more you make the case for a stronger and more capable Army, and so the ambition grows.

You are already doing amazing things.

More productive as you were a decade ago with fewer people. 8,000 troops overseas on operations or training. 16,000 for STEADFAST DEFENDER. 37,000 held at readiness.

A footprint in fourty countries. A Land Industrial Strategy that supports 270,000 British jobs and A6 billion of exports.

An immense contribution to social mobility. The strongest across all three Services. 37,000 cadets. 13,000 apprentices. The people, standards, training, and ethos which are the envy of the world.

So my most important message to you this morning is to keep on doing the amazing things you do. Be consistent. Maintain your confidence, ambition, and tenacity to see through CGS's vision and deliver for the nation.

Be demanding of me and Head Office where you think you are not getting the support you deserve. And I will do all that I can to champion the Army and to ensure you get what you need. But also look inwards and all that you control to create betterment.

You are an outstanding Army. And you have the means to become even better in the years ahead.

So be bold. Be ambitious. And be demanding for your Service. Because that's how you'll deliver a stronger Army. And that's how we will keep our nation safe.

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July 23, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Austin Reaffirms U.S. Support for Ukraine During Call With Counterpart

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine as it relates to that country's ongoing conflict with Russia during a phone call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, the Pentagon announced.

During the call, the two leaders also discussed steps allies are taking to support Ukraine, as well as the outcomes of the NATO summit that took place earlier this month in Washington, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters.

At that July 9-11 summit that recognized NATO's 75 years of strength, Austin made clear that a while the U.S. has no designs on entering the war in Ukraine a it will continue to support the country.

"We will stand by Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty and security," Austin said during remarks July 10.

Austin also commented that day on how much NATO has grown following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

"In the wake of Putin's imperial invasion of Ukraine, we've bolstered NATO's forward defense posture with more troops at high readiness, larger exercises, sharper vigilance and multinational battle groups in eight countries," he said. "NATO is now larger than ever."

Prior to today's call, Austin and Umerov met in person earlier this month at the Pentagon to preview a new military assistance package for Ukraine valued at just north of $2.3 billion.

"Make no mistake, Ukraine is not alone," Austin said during that meeting. "The United States will never waver, and our support alongside some 50 allies and partners will continue to provide the critical capabilities that Ukraine needs to push back Russian aggression today and to deter Russian aggression tomorrow."

During today's call, Umerov also briefed Austin on the current situation in Ukraine.

"Minister Umerov provided Secretary Austin an update of dynamics on the ground in Ukraine as Ukraine's forces bravely continue to fight Russian aggression," Ryder told reporters.

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Visits Beijing For First Time Since Start Of War

By Reid Standish July 23, 2024

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has arrived in Beijing for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion for talks geared toward finding a possible Chinese role in ending the war.

The three-day visit began on July 23, with Ukraine's top diplomat traveling at the invitation of Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart.

Upon arriving in Beijing, Kuleba said in an Instagram post that he would use his trip to develop contacts between Chinese and Ukrainian leaders and that he would be having "extensive, detailed, [and] substantive negotiations" with Wang over how to reach a peace settlement for the grinding war that is now in its third year.

"We must avoid competing peace plans. It is very important that Kyiv and Beijing conduct a direct dialogue and exchange positions," Kuleba said.

The trip is Kuleba's first visit to China since Russia's war in Ukraine began in February 2022 and is seen as unexpected by many observers given Beijing's close relationship with Moscow and diplomatic maneuvering that has often seen Chinese diplomats keep their distance from high-level Ukrainian officials.

The meeting also comes as various peace initiatives have emerged in recent months against the backdrop of prolonged fighting and uncertainty ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November that could see the return of former President Donald Trump, who has threatened to limit aid flows to Ukraine and push for talks between Kyiv and Moscow that could quickly end the war.

In June, Kyiv held an international summit without Russian representation in Switzerland to promote its vision of peace. The gathering hosted delegations from 100 countries, and Ukraine has since said that it hopes to be ready to hold another one in November that would feature envoys from Moscow.

China, which did not attend the Swiss summit, published a separate six-point peace plan with Brazil in the weeks leading up to the gathering where they called for a separate international peace conference to be held that would have both representation from Kyiv and Moscow.

This alternative diplomatic track led to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy offering his most vocal criticism yet of Beijing since the war began, where he said that China's efforts were undermining the Swiss peace talks by pushing some countries to not attend and others to not sign the final communique.

"China, unfortunately...is working hard today for countries not to come to the peace summit," Zelenskiy said in Singapore on June 2.

Despite expressing neutrality toward the war in Ukraine, China has emerged as the Kremlin's leading international supporter by supplying Russia with key components that Moscow needs for its production of weapons and as a vital consumer for oil and gas that has helped boost the Russian economy.

Western governments have also accused China of providing crucial support to Russia during the war, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg saying Beijing's assistance to Moscow has made it a "decisive enabler" of the war.

"Allies have stated clearly that China cannot enable the largest conflict in Europe in recent history without this negatively impacting their interests and reputation," Stoltenberg said on July 11 at the NATO summit in Washington.

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

Kuleba's trip is also on Moscow's radar, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledging the news on July 22.

"For us, our relations with China are the main thing," he said in comments to reporters. "We intend to continue following the path of developing Russian-Chinese relations in all areas."

In February 2023, Beijing released a 12-point paper calling for a "political settlement" to the war.

The document was dismissed at the time by Western countries and Kyiv, who warned that the Chinese proposal would enable Russia to retain much of the territory it had seized in Ukraine.

In the years leading up to Moscow's full-scale invasion, Kyiv tried to build strong economic ties with Beijing as it reoriented its economy away from Russia, and found itself frustrated with some Western policy moves.

Despite Beijing's deepening ties with Moscow since the outbreak of the war, Kyiv has been hesitant to criticize China, with Zelenskiy often encouraging the country to play a role in reaching a peace settlement.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kuleba- china-war-russia/33047207.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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Under Relentless Russian Attacks, Ukrainian Power Plant Workers Race To Get The Lights Back On

By Kollen Post July 23, 2024

The first time he felt a Russian strike on the power plant was the scariest, Ihor said: It shattered his sense of safety at the place where he's worked for over two decades.

"It didn't bring that much destruction, relatively. But when the front is far away from you, you somehow live at peace," said Ihor, a senior machinist at one of the 17 thermoelectric power plants scattered throughout Ukraine. Seven are under Russian occupation; two others have been fully destroyed. The last names of plant employees are being withheld for security reasons.

That first attack on Ihor's plant took place in October 2022, eight months into the full-scale invasion, when Russia made its first real bid to shut out the lights with winter approaching.

The strikes keep coming. An intense wave of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in recent months has caused massive damage to the power grid and deepened the suffering Moscow is inflicting upon Ukraine.

There were four people in Ihor's section of the plant that first night, still out on the floor. "We were at our workstations. We had armored vests, we had helmets, but we weren't safe."

When the first explosion hit, the machinery around him rocked and groaned "a meter away on the blast wave," he said. "And then you think, 'If it can do that to that huge piece of machinery, what's going to happen to me?'"

Ihor grew up in the surrounding town and exhibits a measure of hometown pride in the plant, the only one of its kind and scale in the region. The 24 years he has worked there -- half of his life so far -- have been full of safety training and protocols that now seem quaint.

"The scariest thing that can happen in peacetime is some kind of explosion. We practice all of these fire-prevention trainings: who has to take what position where, what tasks fall to whom," he said. "But here, there was a situation that was impossible to take into account."

Since then, Russian strikes and the repairs that follow have become the defining feature of the job. This year, an attack in May peeled the roof off like the lid of a tin can. One of the three rockets blew up the back wall -- for the second time. The thermoelectric plant is producing no electricity.

The experience has rendered Ihor somewhat fatalistic in his attitude to a job that was never supposed to be this dangerous.

"When such a big giant attacks you, and you are much smaller than he is, you understand that it doesn't depend on you," he said. "What depends on you is which valve you are supposed to close, which valve you're not supposed to open."

Let There Be Light

Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine's energy generation capacity have crippled the grid. Within a few weeks of the start of the full-scale invasion, over half of Ukraine's generation capacity was in Russian-occupied territory, with half of what remained taken out by air strikes. That includes 90 percent of generation at coal-fired power plants like Ihor's.

In summer, fears of freezing to death in the dark are allayed. But rolling blackouts have seized the country from end to end in recent weeks, compounding the effects of an exhausting heat wave.

On July 6, Ukrenergo, the state energy authority, reported a strike on a power plant in the Sumy region, which borders Russia in the northeast. It also flagged a new crop of fake pages for the agency appearing across social media, taking advantage of fear of further blackouts.

"Their lack of success on the front is what's causing the 'Rashists' to strike civilian targets," Ihor said, referring to a common Ukrainian wartime portmanteau of the words "Russian" and "fascist." "The fact that they're bombing power plants is, in fact, a big failure on their part."

Since that first attack, Ihor and his coworkers have gotten used to filing into one of three bomb shelters on the premises. The largest fits 600. Several jugs of water stand at the ready for a long haul underground. Old, reclaimed church pew seating faces a small bookshelf full of Orthodox Christian icons next to a cross hanging on the wall. The ventilation pipes above have been painted the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag.

For security reasons, the company operating the plant, DTEK, has asked that it not be identified. It is one of many that are, once again, under repair.

Closed Loop

A big part of the process consists of industrial-level cleanup. In the upper level of the plant, there are still bits of shrapnel and engines from Russian rockets lying amid fiberglass insulation that's been caved in. A demolition chute of orange buckets coughs out plumes of black smoke as rubble slides through to massive piles below the outside of the shattered wall.

DTEK facilities have been struck over 160 times since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to the company. The director of the plant where Ihor works, Oleh, said they had lost count of how many hit this location.

Employees fear they have been locked in a "closed loop" of repairs and new strikes, said Olha Tarasyuk, a DTEK representative.

The thermoelectric facilities are all built using Soviet parts that the attacks have exhausted from throughout the allied parts of the former Eastern bloc. "What there was to get from Poland, we already got," plant director Oleh said.

As Ukraine's energy infrastructure groans, the country has stepped up imports from its Western neighbors massively, reaching almost 25,000 megawatt hours on July 22.

Like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in talks with Western leaders, DTEK is lobbying heavily for greater air defense.

In the meantime, the workers are pulling "round-the-clock shifts. There's always someone here. For me, each strike, either I was here or had to come here," Ihor said. "Imagine, when others are running away from the situation, you run toward it."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-power-energy- attacks-russia/33047547.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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Bulgarian President Admits Blocking Pro-Western Envoy To Kyiv

By Nikolay Lavchiev July 23, 2024

SOFIA -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has acknowledged blocking the appointment of a pro-Western former defense minister as Sofia's ambassador to Kyiv, underscoring a long-running division between the head of state and successive governments over support for Ukraine in its battle against invading Russian forces.

Radev's July 23 statement followed reports that the caretaker government of Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev used a workaround that doesn't require the president's signature to plug a diplomatic gap that had existed since the early months of the 29-month-old full-scale war in Ukraine.

Radev, a 61-year-old retired general and two-term president whose critics accuse him of holding pro-Kremlin positions, alleged that the government circumvented the constitution to appoint Nikolay Nenchev as the envoy to Kyiv.

Glavchev, who was appointed prime minister on a caretaker basis by Radev in April and also serves as foreign minister, responded that Nenchev's appointment as temporary ambassador was conducted in accordance with Bulgarian law.

Radev said the previous prime minister, Nikolay Denkov, had been "insistent" on Nenchev's appointment to the Kyiv post in their final regular cabinet meeting in April.

"I firmly refused because the candidate does not have the required professional qualities or expertise for this important post," Radev said.

Radev has clashed with multiple Bulgarian governments amid two years of inconclusive elections in the EU and NATO member state over Sofia's provision of military aid to Kyiv. He has referred to supporters of such aid as "warmongers."

Nenchev, who was defense minister in 2014-17, is a generally pro-Western figure who has publicly argued in favor of military aid for Ukraine.

RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service requested comment from the Foreign Ministry and from the cabinet, but those requests went unmet by the publication of this article.

Nenchev did not return RFE/RL's phone calls.

Sofia temporarily closed its embassy in Kyiv as a precaution after Russian troops invaded in February 2022, and former Bulgarian Ambassador Kostadin Kodzhabashev's mandate expired before the mission was reopened in September 2022.

The Bulgarian ambassadorial post has remained vacant ever since.

A former Bulgarian foreign minister who heads a think tank in Sofia that advocates for transatlantic defense and security ties, Solomon Passy, sparked the public spat when he disclosed the Nenchev appointment on July 22.

Vice President Iliana Iotova, a Radev ally, said Passy's revelation had "presented us all with a fait accompli, because I understand that this appointment must become a reality within days." She said it risked "lowering" Sofia's representation in Kyiv.

Tensions between Radev and Nenchev reportedly date back to Radev's days as the commander of the air force, with Nenchev serving as defense minister.

Radev boycotted this month's NATO summit in Washington, reportedly over his exclusion from talks on a final communique laying out alliance members' positions on the war in Ukraine.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-ukraine- ambassador-radev-nenchev/33047859.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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1 Dead After Ferry Attacked In Russian Port, Regional Official Says

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service July 23, 2024

A drone attack on a ferry in southern Russia has killed at least one person and injured several others, a regional official reported, while traffic on a bridge over the Kerch Strait has been temporarily halted and the Crimean port of Sevastopol was also targeted, according to reports by local officials.

The governor of Russia's southern Krasnodar region, Venyamin Kondratyev, said on Telegram that Ukrainian drones early on July 23 attacked a passenger ferry and set it on fire in the port of Kavkaz, close to the Kerch Strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov and separates Ukraine's Moscow-occupied Crimea region from Russia.

"Unfortunately, one person was killed and there are casualties among the crew members and port employees," Kondratyev wrote.

Ukraine, whose energy and civilian infrastructure has been devastated by continuous Russian drone and missile strikes that have caused numerous victims and serious damage, has in recent months started to increasingly target Russian industrial objectives and transport infrastructure.

In Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Kremlin-installed governor of Sevastopol, separately said the city was attacked by 15 drones and traffic was halted on the Kerch bridge built by Moscow after it occupied the Ukrainian region.

Ukraine has not commented and the Russian claims could not be independently confirmed immediately.

In Moscow, Russia's Defense Ministry said its air-defense systems shot down 25 Ukrainian drones over several of its regions early on July 23.

It said two drones were downed over the Bryansk region and two over the Belgorod region, while 21 drones were destroyed over Crimea and off the Black Sea coast.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said Russia overnight struck a critical infrastructure facility in the northeastern Sumy region, without giving details. No casualties were reported.

Ukraine's Air Force said in a message on Facebook that its air-defense systems shot down seven out of eight Russian drones that attacked Sumy and also neutralized a Kh-69 guided cruise missile.

"As a result of active countermeasures, the enemy's Kh-69 guided air missile did not reach its target," Air Force commander Mykola Oleschuk said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/crimea-sumy-sevastopol- drones-russia-ukraine-war-ferry/33047104.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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Ukrainian Troops Abandon Positions in Makeyevka in Lugansk People's Republic

Sputnik News

20240723

LUGANSK/DONETSK (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian armed forces have suffered serious losses and abandoned their positions in the Makeyevka settlement in the Lugansk People's Republic, retreating to reserve positions to the northwest, Andrei Marochko, a retired army officer of the Lugansk People's Republic and a military expert, told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"The Ukrainian paramilitary forces, after suffering significant losses, left their positions occupied for a long time and retreated to reserve positions, located to the northwest of the settlement," Marochko said, citing his sources.

The Ukrainian troops retreated after the Russian armed forces dealt a heavy blow to their positions, the military expert added.

In a separate incident, an elderly woman born in 1937 received a "shrapnel wound to the chest" after Ukrainian forces fired three 155-mm munitions at the Petrovsky district of the city of Donetsk, Mayor Alexey Kulemzin said on Telegram.

A Sputnik

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Russia Strikes at Western Instructors Near Kharkov With Iskander-M Missiles

Sputnik News

20240723

MOSCOW (Sputnik)- A crew of the Iskander-M missile system struck a temporary deployment point for instructors and mercenaries from Western countries in the Kharkov region, killing about 50 instructors, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"The crew of the Iskander-M tactical missile system launched a missile attack on a point of temporary deployment of instructors and mercenaries from Western countries in the village of Dergachi, Kharkov region. As a result of the strike, about 50 foreign instructors were killed," the statement says.

In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a video of the strike.

Foreign mercenaries are actively participating in combat on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with media frequently reporting significant losses among these "hired guns."

The Russian Ministry of Defense has previously reported the elimination of mercenaries from the United States, the United Kingdom, Georgia, and other countries, and regularly reports on the destruction of locations where foreigners fighting for Kiev are concentrated.

The Ministry has repeatedly warned foreign citizens against traveling to Ukraine and emphasized that under international humanitarian law, mercenaries are not considered combatants and do not have the right to prisoner of war status.

According to the Ministry, over 13,000 foreign mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight for the Kiev regime since the start of the special operation. During this period, about 6,000 fighters have been eliminated.

A Sputnik

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Latvia Sends 1st Batch of Over 500 Drones to Ukraine - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20240723

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Latvia has sent its first batch of over 500 drones to Ukraine, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said.

"Packages with over 500 drones are starting their journey to Ukraine," Spruds said on X on Monday.

In April, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina said that the country plans to send the first batch of domestic drones worth 1 million euros to Ukraine in the near future.

Russian officials repeatedly warned that military supplies to Kiev regime only fuel the conflict with zero chance to affect the ultimate course of special military operation.

Earlier Russian experts warned that after the conflict end the rogue Ukrainian drone operators with real combat experience would be a threat to global security, joining the ranks of criminal networks and terrorist organizations.

A Sputnik

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Support from the United States and Implementation of the Peace Formula Points: Andriy Yermak Had a Telephone Conversation with Phil Gordon

President of Ukraine

23 July 2024 - 18:40

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a telephone conversation with Assistant to the U.S. President and National Security Advisor to the U.S. Vice President Phil Gordon.

The Head of the Presidential Office spoke about the situation on the frontline and the increasing number of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities, especially on energy infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's air defense with modern Western systems.

Andriy Yermak and Phil Gordon discussed the further support for Ukraine from the United States, the results of the first Peace Summit and the implementation of the Peace Formula points.

The Head of the Presidential Office thanked the President of the United States, Joseph Biden, both chambers and parties of Congress, and all the American people for helping Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and also for the defense package that is already working on the battlefield.

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The President of Ukraine Met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See

President of Ukraine

23 July 2024 - 16:11

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the Cardinal's personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the Vatican. The President also thanked the Secretary of State for his visit, during which he went to Ukrainian cities.

"This is a strong signal from the Holy See, thank you for such support. And we are grateful for your participation in the Summit in Switzerland. This is the first step towards peace, all steps are valuable. It is important that you also support this. We all understand that we must complete this path as soon as possible in order not to lose human lives," the Head of State emphasized.

The President of Ukraine and the Secretary of State of the Vatican paid special attention to the decisions of the first Peace Summit in Switzerland and the role of the Holy See in building a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine.

The interlocutors also discussed the results of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with Pope Francis this June on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy. The Head of State thanked Pope Francis for his prayers for peace in Ukraine and for calling for the return of Ukrainian prisoners to their homeland.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pietro Parolin discussed in detail the consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the continuing aerial terror, including the Russian missile attack on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital, and the difficult humanitarian situation in our country.

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Deadly Ukrainian drone attack hits ferry port in Krasnodar, Russia says

By VOA News July 23, 2024

Russian officials said Tuesday a Ukrainian drone attack hit a ferry port in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar, killing at least one person and injuring at least five other people.

The attack struck Port Kavkaz, Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said on Telegram. He said a fire erupted on a ferry but had been brought under control. Damage to the ferry was not immediately clear.

The Ukrainian military said its attack "significantly damaged" what it called a railway ferry. The port is on a strip of land between the Crimean Peninsula and the Russian mainland.

"The occupiers used this ferry to transport railway cars, vehicles, and containers for military purposes," Ukraine's General Staff said on social media.

The claims of both sides could not be immediately confirmed.

Reports of damage from Ukrainian, Russian drones

Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday it destroyed 25 Ukrainian aerial drones, including 21 over the Black Sea and Russia-occupied Crimea.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, said on Telegram that Ukrainian drones had struck vehicles in several villages, injuring at least five people.

The governor of Bryansk reported no damage or injuries after air defenses shot down two Ukrainian drones.

Officials in the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine said Tuesday a Russian drone attack damaged an energy facility, knocking out power to 50,000 people.

The Ukrainian military said the country's air defenses shot down seven of eight Russian drones deployed in overnight attacks, and that a Russian guided missile did not reach its target.

Serhiy Lysak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said Tuesday on Telegram that a Russian exploding drone injured three people and damaged several homes in Marhanets. An earlier drone attack hit the city of Nikopol, but there were no casualties, Lysak said.

Russia expands definition of 'undesirable'

Russia's lower house of parliament passed legislation Tuesday that would expand Russia's ability to list an organization as undesirable. Any organization affiliated with a foreign government could be listed as undesirable, and its members could receive prison sentences, following Tuesday's vote.

In order to become law, the new legislation must also be approved by parliament's upper house and signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The current "undesirable law" allows for an organization to receive the designation if foreign governments founded the organization or participated in it.

Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, spoke with Phil Gordon, national security adviser to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, by telephone on Tuesday. It was the first time the two have talked since Harris emerged as the likely Democratic candidate in the U.S. presidential election in November, following President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection.

Zelenskyy's office said the two officials discussed additional U.S. support for Ukraine and "the increasing number of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities, especially on energy infrastructure."

Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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NEWARK, Del, July 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global cell culture media market size is estimated to be around USD 3,513.8 million in 2024. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.66% over the forecast period, with an estimated market size of USD 6,699.93 million by 2034.



The biopharmaceutical industry in the last few years has undergone tremendous technological advancements. This has pushed the demand for effective and innovative cell culture media solutions to cater to the evolving needs of advanced research and manufacturing processes. The market for cell culture media is also touching the skies as these formulations play a crucial role in supporting cells' growth, viability, and productivity while manufacturing these cutting-edge therapeutic products.

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Academic research institutes and biopharmaceutical companies are also adopting advanced cell culture media solutions as they offer precise control over the growth environment, enabling researchers to create optimal conditions for cell cultivation. This is crucial for maintaining cell viability, reproducibility, and consistency, ensuring the reliability of experimental results.

Besides this, cell culture media is also used in the manufacturing of biological drugs and vaccines on an industrial scale. Their demand in these industries is attributed to the role they play in providing essential nutrients and environment necessary for optimal cell growth and productivity. Cancer research institutes also utilize cell culture media for conducting experiments, studying cell behavior, and testing potential anticancer compounds.

Companies must collaborate with research institutions, biotech companies, and other industry players. These alliances are expected to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, access to new technologies, and the development of joint research projects, contributing to advancements in cell culture media, opines Sabyasachi Ghosh Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights (FMI).

Key Takeaways from the Market Study:

The serum-free media segment dominates the cell culture media market with a share of 51.00%.

On the basis of application, the cancer research segment leads the cell culture media market with a share of 43.40%.

The cell culture media market in the United States is predicted to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 7.10% through 2034.

The cell culture media market in Germany is predicted to rise at a whopping 7.40% CAGR through 2034.

The cell culture media market in Japan has the potential to increase at 7.70% CAGR through 2034.

The Chinese cell culture media market is predicted to rise by 8.50% CAGR through 2034.

The cell culture media market in the United Kingdom is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 7.00% through 2034.



The cell culture media market has several benefits over traditional manufacturing processes. It is more efficient and effective, leading to huge demand.

The manufacturing of vaccines using cell cultures is significantly more efficient. Short lead times and the capacity to create vaccines in more significant numbers on demand are the two advantages over traditional manufacturing processes.

Cell culture-based vaccines can be kept for long periods. These vaccines provided better protection against flu-related hospitalizations than standard-dose egg-based vaccines among Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older, according to a study published by the CDC in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (June 2020). As a result, there has been a surge in cell-based vaccines in recent years, prompting leading corporations to seize the opportunities.

The government assists in the establishment of world-class infrastructure, the creation of an internationally competitive scientific workforce for pharma research and development, and the support of venture finance for public and private research, all of which facilitate development.

Several market participants aim to invest in establishing cell-based research facilities in emerging Asian countries, owing to rising chronic illness prevalence, improved research infrastructure, and favorable regulations for cell-based research.

Furthermore, India is a desirable place for cell culture media organizations, owing to increased government investments in high-tech facilities for cell-based research, the availability of a highly-skilled workforce, and the low-cost manufacturing advantage.

The Indian Department of Pharmaceuticals has created a document called Pharma Vision 2020 to make India a prominent destination for drug discovery and development

Competitive Landscape:

The landscape is marked by intense research and development activities, with companies investing heavily in innovation. This focus includes the development of serum-free and defined media, optimization of existing formulations, and the integration of advanced technologies to address the dynamic requirements of biopharmaceutical and life sciences research.

Get Checkout This Research Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/14366

Key Companies in the Market:

Avantor, Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Caisson Laboratories Inc.

Becton Dickinson and Company

Lonza Group AG

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

General Electric Company

Cell Culture Technologies LLC

Corning Incorporated

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation

Hi Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.

Merck & Co., Inc.

Market Segmentation:

By Type:

Serum-free Media

CHO Media

HEK 293 Media

BHK Media

VERO Cell Media Insect Cell Media Serum-free Stem Cell Media CAR T-cell Media Other Serum-free Media Classical Media & Salts Stem Cell Culture Media Specialty Media Chemically defined Media Other Cell Culture Media



By Application:

Biopharmaceutical Production

Monoclonal antibodies

Cancer Research

Vaccines production

Other therapeutic proteins

Diagnostics

Drug Screening & Development

Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

Cell and gene therapy

Other tissue engineering & regenerative medicine applications

Other Application



By End User:

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories

Research & Academic Institutes

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa



Author By:

Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher.

Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation.

Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News.

Explore FMIs related ongoing Coverage in the Healthcare Market Insights Domain:

The global cell culture incubator market size is expected to be valued at USD 2,315.5 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4,305.1 million by 2033. A CAGR worth 6.4% is expected for the market during the 2023 to 2033 forecast period.

The global dehydrated culture media market share is forecast to grow at a 7.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2033. As per its findings, a valuation of USD 4 billion is expected as of 2023, and will ultimately reach USD 8.4 billion by 2033.

The global cell culture sampling devices market overview is anticipated to flourish at a steady CAGR of 10.8% between 2023 and 2033. The market is expected to hold a market share of USD 7.80 billion by 2033, while the market is likely to reach a value of USD 2.79 billion in 2023.

The global 3D cell culture market demand is projected to be worth USD 1.26 billion in 2023. The market is likely to reach USD 3 billion by 2033. The market is further expected to surge at a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033.

The global automated cell culture systems market growth is projected to increase from a valuation of USD 10.91 Billion in 2022 to USD 20.87 Billion by 2030.

The global cell culture media bag market outlook is expected to be valued at USD 1,308.7 million in 2023 and to reach a valuation of USD 3,541 million by 2033. The demand for cell culture media bag is estimated to grow at a steady 10.5% CAGR.

The global cell culture market development is set to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the projected period. The market value is projected to increase from USD 27,911.3 million in 2024 to USD 44,593.1 million by 2034.

The global intravenous iron drugs market forecast is projected to reach USD 2.8 Billion in 2022 and is expected to growth USD 6.3 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8.5%.

The global venous stents market strategies valued at approximately USD 990.5 million in 2023, is expected to soar to an impressive USD 2.2 billion by the end of 2033. This growth represents a substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2023 to 2033.

The global intravenous pegloticase market trends with a slowly progressing CAGR of 13.8% from 2023 to 2033, this market is expected to garner USD 3.19 Billion by 2023 and USD 11.61 Billion by 2033.

The global photoacoustic microscopy market opportunity is likely to hit the USD 120 billion valuation mark by 2024. Owing to an impressive CAGR of 17.3% through 2034, the ecosystem is set to reach USD 591.6 million by the end of the forecast period.

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Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

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Prota Therapeutics appoints Patrick Machado as Chair to its Board of Directors.

Patrick has a successful 30-year track record in biotech across North America and Europe

Patrick is motivated by Prota's mission to develop a peanut allergy treatment due to its potential to improve patient lives, especially for children and their families.







MELBOURNE, Australia, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prota Therapeutics, an Australian biotechnology company focused on the development of novel oral immunotherapy treatments against peanut allergy, today announced the appointment of Patrick Machado as a Chair to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Patrick is a highly respected figure in the biotech industry with a proven track record of success in identifying and developing technologies that can improve patient care. He brings over 30 years of experience in the biotech sector and a deep understanding of the scientific and regulatory processes involved in bringing new treatments to market.

We are thrilled to welcome Patrick to the Prota Board, said Professor Mimi Tang, CEO of Prota Therapeutics. His extensive experience and dedication to patient well-being perfectly align with Protas mission. We are confident that his insights and guidance will be instrumental in pushing Prota forward as we strive to bring this life-changing peanut allergy treatment to patients.

Patricks arrival will strengthen Prota Therapeutics Board and support the company as they progress to the Phase 3 clinical investigation of its PRT120 oral therapy for peanut allergy, after having secured US$21 million in funding earlier in the year to finance its drug development program leading up to a Phase 3 trial.

A Passion for Parental Safety and Improving Patient Lives

Patricks decision to join the Prota board was driven by his strong belief in the Company's mission: to develop a safe and effective treatment for peanut allergies, a condition that affects millions of children and their families worldwide.

As a parent, I can only imagine the immense anxiety faced by families living with severe peanut allergies, said Patrick.

When assessing companies, I prioritise two factors: the potential to meaningfully elevate patient care and the qualifications and passion of the scientific founders. Prota excels on both fronts. Protas mission to significantly reduce, or even eliminate, that fear for families is truly inspiring. The groundbreaking data generated by the Prota team fuels my confidence in achieving this goal. Im honored to join the Prota family and contribute to this critical mission.

About Patrick Machado

Patrick has had an impressive 30-year career in the biotechnology industry. He co-founded the U.S. biotechnology company Medivation, Inc., which successfully developed and launched Xtandi, one of the top-selling prostate cancer treatments globally. Medivation was sold to U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Inc. in 2016. Since 2014, Mr. Machado has served on the boards of approximately 20 biotechnology companies across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, including Endocyte (sold to Novartis in 2018), Principia Biopharma (sold to Sanofi in 2020) and Turning Point Therapeutics (sold to Bristol Myers Squibb in 2022).

About Prota Therapeutics

Prota Therapeutics is an Australian, proprietary limited, privately-held biotech company established in 2016 to develop and commercialize novel oral immunotherapy treatments. Prota holds an exclusive license to proprietary food immunotherapy technology, developed at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. The company is, in part, a OneVentures Healthcare Fund III investment. This fund was established with investment in part from the Australian Commonwealth Government through the BioMedical Translation Fund initiative. Prota Therapeutics has its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. More information: https://protatherapeutics.com

Media Contacts:

Prota Therapeutics  WE Communications

Ana Luiza Harrop

anah@we-worldwide.com

+61 0452510255

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/badded48-2c34-499d-8619-658f1869de74
Dublin, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Mexico Dental Prosthetics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis | 2024-2030 | MedSuite | Includes: Crowns and Bridges, Inlays and Onlays, and 4 more" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



In 2023, the Mexican dental prosthetics market was valued at over $1.57 billion. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2%, reaching over $2.24 billion by the end of the forecast period.



The comprehensive report on Mexico's market for dental prosthetics covers various segments, including crowns and bridges, dentures, denture teeth, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) prosthetics, inlays and onlays, and veneers.



DATA TYPES INCLUDED

Unit Sales, Average Selling Prices, Market Value & Growth Trends

Forecasts Until 2030, and Historical Data to 2020

Market Drivers & Limiters for Each Segment

Competitive Analysis with Market Shares for Each Segment

Recent Mergers & Acquisitions

COVID-19 Impact on the Digital Dentistry market

Disease Overviews and Demographic Information

Company Profiles, Product Portfolios and SWOT for Top Competitors Mexico Dental Prosthetics Market Trends

The growth of the Mexican dental industry is significantly fueled by dental tourism, with many visitors being Americans and Canadians seeking affordable dental care. These tourists are attracted by the lower costs in Mexico compared to their home countries. This influx of foreign patients not only increases the number of procedures but also boosts revenue streams for dental offices and laboratories, especially those in northern regions and popular destinations like Los Algodones.

Additionally, these international clients often opt for higher-priced procedures, finding them economical even with the additional costs. This trend not only drives the increase in procedural volumes but also promotes innovation and investment in advanced dental technologies and techniques to meet the evolving needs of this diverse clientele.



Mexico Dental Prosthetics Market Share Leaders



The dental prosthetics market in Mexico is highly fragmented, characterized by a multitude of competitors contributing to its diversity. While the exact number of dental laboratories in the region is not specified, the sheer volume of participants underscores the market's decentralized nature. Notably, no single competitor holds a dominant position.



Many laboratories in Mexico enhance their market value by outsourcing work from countries with higher labor costs. This strategy allows them to capitalize on cost advantages and remain competitive in a dynamic market. A detailed competitive analysis of the denture teeth market will be discussed in a later section.



MARKET SEGMENTATION SUMMARY



Crown and Bridge Market:

Prosthetic Type: Crown (full-cast, non-precious PFM, semi-precious PFM, precious PFM, all-cermanic), Bridge (full-cast, non-precious PFM, semi-precious PFM, precious PFM, ceramic)

Material Type: Full-cast, PFM, All-ceramic

Denture Market:

Prosthetic Type: Full (premium, standard, economy), Partial (cast metal, acrylic, flexible)

Denture Teeth Market:

Grade*: Premium, standard, economy

Material Type*: Acrylic, porcelain

CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market:

Composite Resin: Crown and bridge, inlay and onlay, veneer, denture

Setting*: In-lab, chariside

Inlay and Onlay Market:

Material Type: Gold, zirconia, ceramic, and composite resin

Veneer Market

Company Coverage:

Ivoclar

Dentsply Sirona

VITA

Kulzer

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 199 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.57 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.24 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Mexico





Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary

1.1 Mexico Dental Prosthetics Market Overview

1.2 Competitive Analysis

1.3 Market Trends

1.4 Markets Included

2 Introduction

2.1 Crown and Bridge Market

2.2 Denture Market

2.3 Denture Teeth Market

2.4 CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

2.5 Inlay and Onlay Market

2.6 Veneer Market

3 Unit Analysis

3.1 Denture Market Unit Analysis

3.1.1 Full Denture Market Units Sold by Grade

3.1.1.1 Premium Full Denture Market

3.1.1.2 Standard Full Denture Market

3.1.1.3 Economy Full Denture Market

3.1.2 Full Denture Market Unit Sales by Case Type

3.1.2.1 Single-Arch Full Denture Market

3.1.2.2 Full-Mouth Full Denture Market

3.1.3 Partial Denture Market Unit Sales by Material

3.1.3.1 Cast Metal Partial Denture Market

3.1.3.2 Acrylic Partial Denture Market

3.1.3.3 Flexible Partial Denture Market

3.2 Denture Teeth Market Unit Analysis

3.2.1 Denture Teeth Market Units Sold by Grade

3.2.1.1 Premium Denture Teeth Market

3.2.1.2 Standard Denture Teeth Market

3.2.1.3 Economy Denture Teeth Market

3.2.2 Denture Teeth Market Unit Sales by Material

3.2.2.1 Acrylic Denture Teeth Market

3.2.2.2 Porcelain Denture Teeth Market

3.3 CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market Unit Analysis

3.3.1 CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market Units Sold by Setting

3.3.1.1 In-Lab CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

3.3.1.2 Chairside CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

4 Currency Exchange Rate

5 Market Overview

6 Market Analysis and Forecast

6.1 Crown and Bridge Market

6.1.1 Crown and Bridge Market by Type

6.1.2 Crown and Bridge Market by Material

6.1.2.1 Full-Cast Crown and Bridge Market

6.1.2.2 PFM Crown and Bridge Market

6.1.2.3 Ceramic Crown and Bridge Market

6.2 Denture Market

6.2.1 Denture Market by Type

6.2.1.1 Full Denture Market

6.2.1.2 Partial Denture Market

6.3 Denture Teeth Market

6.4 CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

6.4.1 CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market by Segment

6.4.1.1 Crown and Bridge CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

6.4.1.2 Inlay and Onlay CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

6.4.1.3 Veneer CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

6.4.1.4 Denture CAD/CAM Prosthetics Market

6.5 Inlay and Onlay Market

6.5.1 Inlay and Onlay Market by Material

6.5.1.1 Gold Inlay and Onlay Market

6.5.1.2 Zirconia Inlay and Onlay Market

6.5.1.3 Ceramic Inlay and Onlay Market

6.5.1.4 Composite Resin Inlay and Onlay Market

6.6 Veneer Market

7 Drivers and Limiters

8 Competitive Market Share Analysis



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p48n8p

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is proud to announce the premiere of EMH Stories, a limited-series video production showcasing the exceptional experience of the healthcare journey of healthcare professionals, patients and technology breakthrough within Malaysia's healthcare travel ecosystem.



Experience Malaysia Healthcare (EMH) Stories is designed to provide an intimate and inspiring glimpse into the diverse and impactful stories within Malaysia's healthcare travel ecosystem. The series aims to demonstrate the expertise and specialization within Malaysias healthcare system, build the reputation and credibility of Malaysia's healthcare services, and increase awareness and visibility of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council brand.

The EMH series showcases the dedication and expertise of medical professionals in Malaysia, celebrating their commitment to patient care, research, and healthcare management. By putting a face to Malaysia's healthcare system, the series highlights their achievements, inspires future healthcare professionals, and explores both the challenges and innovations within the industry. It also features success stories that underscore the positive impact and transformative power of healthcare in Malaysia.

In addition, the series will spotlight patient treatment success stories, illustrating the life-changing impact of Malaysias healthcare services. From overcoming life-threatening illnesses to regaining quality of life, these stories reveal the dedication, compassion, and advanced care provided by Malaysias healthcare professionals. Viewers will hear firsthand how patients have been given a second chance at life, emphasizing the transformative effects of Malaysias healthcare system.

In the debut episode, EMH Stories introduces Dr. Maiza binti Tusimin, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Reproductive Medicine Specialist at Prince Court Medical Centre. With 23 years of service to her community, Dr. Maiza's career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to women's health, particularly in obstetrics and gynaecology for over 13 years. Viewers will delve into Dr. Maiza's daily routine, where she emphasizes the pivotal role of teamwork in ensuring patient safety and well-being. Reflecting on her early challenges, including a pivotal patient loss that nearly derailed her career, Dr. Maiza shares insights into the resilience required in her profession.

In the upcoming episode, EMH Stories spotlights Dr. Haris Abdul Rahman, a distinguished Haematologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Viewers will be brought through his day-to-day experiences in haematology, a dynamic field where new advancements emerge every 2-3 years, significantly enhancing treatment sophistication. Dr. Haris has been instrumental in transforming the prognosis of chronic myeloid leukemia from a dire outlook to one of hope through groundbreaking advancements in treatment. He will also share memorable moments, including stories of patients who defied initial prognoses and thrived with innovative treatments.

Watch EMH Stories here:

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/f1VTwbN1Qg0?si=CeQd_Nszd3yurmOP

Episode 2: https://youtu.be/4pSfTAl-iQU?si=CHGFDcav6q3eXI5V

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Lokman Izam bin Abd Aziz

Vice President

Marketing Communications

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

lokman.i@mhtc.org.my

Samantha Lim

Head

Communications

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

samantha.lim@mhtc.org.my



About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), founded in 2009 and operating under the purview of Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is tasked with developing and nurturing the Malaysia Healthcare brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates and promotes Malaysias healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and establishing valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. Working with 92 private hospitals across Malaysia, MHTC aims to elevate the healthcare travel industry through an active ecosystem, a robust Malaysia Healthcare brand, and strategic market initiatives. The Malaysia Healthcare brand aspires to position Malaysia as the premier global healthcare destination. As a significant export service, Malaysias healthcare travel industry plays a vital role in the nations economy.

Videos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/101f018a-7d3a-4969-bc47-fa38c776a392

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96016e20-4d49-47b8-bf64-1df7cce5d26a
Dublin, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Herbal Supplements and Remedies - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global market for Herbal Supplements and Remedies is estimated at US$90.7 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$160.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% 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 herbal supplements and remedies market is driven by several factors including an increasing preference for natural products, rising health awareness, and aging populations. As people become more health-conscious, there is a significant shift towards preventive healthcare, which prominently features the use of herbal products to boost immunity and overall health.

Aging populations worldwide contribute to this trend, as older adults seek natural remedies to maintain health and manage age-related conditions. Technologically, advancements in extraction and production techniques have improved the potency, safety, and shelf life of herbal products, making them more appealing to consumers.

Regulatory support has also grown, with more governments recognizing and integrating traditional herbal medicine into national health systems, further legitimizing these products. Economic factors, such as rising healthcare costs, also drive consumers toward cost-effective herbal alternatives as supplements and primary remedies.



Key Insights:

Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Multi-Herbs Supplements and Remedies segment, which is expected to reach US$94.2 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 9.2%. The Specialty Herbs Supplements and Remedies segment is also set to grow at 8.0% CAGR over the analysis period.

Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $16.4 Billion in 2023, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 9.7% CAGR to reach $26.7 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 Amway Corporation, Arches Natural Products, Inc., American Diagnostic Corporation, 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 719 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $90.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $160.6 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.5% Regions Covered Global



MARKET OVERVIEW

Herbal Supplements and Remedies - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2024 (E)

Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2024 (E)

A Prelude to Herbs

A Prelude to Herbal Supplements and Remedies

Global Market Prospects and Outlook

Herbal Supplements and Remedies Market to Witness Rapid Growth

Herbal Supplements & Remedies Market Relishes Shoots of Change with Strong Focus on Preventive Healthcare

Growth Drivers Supercharging Herbal Supplements & Remedies Market

Europe and the US Represent the Largest Regions, Asia-Pacific to Witness Fastest Growth

Heal Thyself Motto amid COVID-19 Makes US Herbal Supplements Market to Exhibit Record Growth

Leaves & Medicinal Function Segments Thriving Well in Herbal Supplements & Remedies Market

Recent Market Activity

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Losing Appeal of Conventional Remedies and Growing Consumer Interest in Herbal Medicine and Supplements Drive Healthy Market Growth

Research Evidence Supports Positive Role of Herbal Remedies in Boosting Immunity and Stress Management

Strong Gains for Animal Feed Application

Rising Demand for Herbal Cosmetics Products

Latest Product Trends Taking Herbal Supplements Market to New Level

Rising Popularity of Curcumin & Turmeric Products

Consumer Focus on Self-Care Organic Products

Nutritional Deficiency & Sedentary Lifestyle Open New Avenues for Herbal Supplements

Elderberry Gains from Immune Support Rush

Ashwagandha: A Start Performer

Fall of CBD Products

Adaptogens

Rising Aging Population Drives the Market for Herbal Supplements and Remedies

Increased Emphasis on Preventive Healthcare Drives the Market for Herbal Supplements

New Technologies Transform Chinese Herbal Medicine

Natural Garlic Herbal Supplements for a Healthy Heart

Ginkgo Biloba for Treating Blood Disorders and Memory Disorders

Echinacea: Widely Known for Immune Stimulating Properties

St. John's Wort for Depression and Mood Disorders

Ginseng Supplements for Energy Boost

Increasing Focus on Weight Management Spurs Demand for Herbs that Aid Weight Loss

Danger of Drug Interactions Hinders Herbal Supplement Usage among Kidney Patients

Risk Drug Interactions between Herbs and Conventional Drugs Challenge Market Prospects

Macro Factors Driving Growth of Herbal Supplements and Remedies Market

Ballooning Global Population

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic & Lifestyle Diseases Enhances Consumer Demand

Urbanization Trend

Burgeoning Middle Class Population

FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS (Total 362 Featured)

Amway Corporation

Arches Natural Products, Inc.

American Diagnostic Corporation

Allmax Nutrition, Inc.

Ayurveda Pura Ltd

BF Suma Pharmaceticals, Inc.

Aphrodite Products, Inc.

Best Formulations

A Nelson & Co., Ltd.

Baar Products, Inc.

Alurx, Inc.

1Balance, Inc.

Ayurveda Yoga Ashram

Bestlife Health Corp.

Bema Botanical Solutions Limited

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q16mg2

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. ("Endeavour" or the "Company") (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) is pleased to provide a Q2 2024 construction progress update for its Terronera Project in Jalisco state, Mexico. A photo gallery presentation accompanies this news release and can be found here or on the Company website at Terronera Project Progress Photos. All dollar ($) references in this news release are United States dollars.



The Terronera project continued to make significant progress in the second quarter, as concrete and structural steel work are nearing completion on the Upper Plant Platform for areas including crushing, coarse-ore storage, grinding, flotation, and thickening. The Project remains on track for commissioning in Q4 2024 as major mechanical installations continued to advance on schedule.

"Construction is well past the halfway mark, and site activities are beginning to peak," commented Don Gray, Chief Operating Officer. "We are very pleased with the advance at the Upper Platform, which should be ready for dry commissioning in Q3 2024. We are concentrating resources on the Lower Platform to finalize earthworks and begin concrete works in early Q3. Underground mine development continues advancing in line with expectations as we accessed ore in Q2. We are extremely pleased with our Terronera team and their progress. With project completion in sight, our focus has expanded to implementing our business readiness plan as we prepare for operating Endeavour's next core asset."

Q2 2024 Construction and Development Highlights

As of June 30, 2024, site works and activities included:

Safety  The highest workplace priority is the health and safety of our employees and contractors, with a commitment to provide the tools, training, and resources needed to identify risks and apply effective controls. Recently, underground operations increased rescue brigade participation by 40%, and two self-contained mine refuge stations were installed.



Progress  Overall project progress (mine development and surface construction) reached 64.5% completion, with more than $204 million (1) of the project's budget spent to date. Project commitments total $260 million (1,2) , 96% of the $271 million capital budget.



of the project's budget spent to date. Project commitments total $260 million , 96% of the $271 million capital budget. Engineering  Efforts have transitioned to construction support. During the quarter, a detailed design was completed for the tailing storage facility, Portal 2 waste dump, and the Lower Platform excavation.



Mine Development  Over the quarter, over 1,270 meters were developed underground, totaling nearly 4,500 meters.



Upper Platform Plant Site  Surface mill and infrastructure construction is 88% complete and progressing on schedule. Concrete work and structural steel erection are 100% complete.

Primary Crusher  Structural and mechanical construction is complete on the conveyor and apron feeder support steel, and the apron feeder was placed in position. Conveyors are belted, and belts vulcanized. Cabling and terminations are ongoing.

Coarse Ore Stockpile and Reclaim ("COS") Tunnel  SAG Feed Conveyor and belt were installed. Piping, electrical, and instrumentation are ongoing.

Grinding  SAG and ball mill are installed. Piping, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation are ongoing.

Flotation  Piping, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation are ongoing. Flotation equipment, including blowers, instruments, and valves, is expected to be procured in early Q3.

Tailing Thickener  The Tailings thickener is complete and signed off. Some steel modifications, such as piping, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation, are ongoing. Procurement monitoring of some equipment (tanks), instruments, and valves is ongoing.



Lower Facilities Platform and Tailing Storage Facility  Excavation for the tailing storage facility embankment key trench was over 95% complete, and the Lower Platform area was nearly 50% complete. Concrete work on the lower platform is scheduled to start in early Q3.



Procurement  Bulk materials purchase orders have been released, and lead times are aligned with the current schedule. The Procurement team has focused on critical path purchases, such as electrical components and transfer chutes, and reducing bulk material lead times to increase schedule float.



Onsite Personnel  At the end of Q2, the workforce increased to over 190 Endeavour employees and over 700 contractor workers.



Community Relations  Local community support continues to be a major commitment. A plant-operator training program for local community members has been established. The Company is also preparing a comprehensive training and support services plan for groups and individuals seeking to form businesses that can provide local goods and services.



Environmental  Environmental and social impact assessment initiatives continue and will be presented in early Q3 (July 2024), with a 3-month delay compared to the schedule outlined under the Equator Principles requirements for project loan financing.



Next Steps and Planning

The Terronera Project remains on track for commissioning in Q4 2024.

For Q3 2024, surface construction will continue to focus on mechanical, piping, and electrical installations. Completing the Lower Platform excavation is anticipated to be no later than mid-Q3 2024. Concrete work for the tailing and concentrate filtration areas is expected to begin in early Q3 2024, with the LNG and power generation areas to follow. The Company anticipates commissioning using temporary power with the LNG and power generation to be operational subsequent to commissioning. The temporary power has been planned and is expected to be available for Q4. Concentrate and tailing filtration structural, mechanical, and electrical installations will commence as concrete work is completed.

Mine development in Portals 1, 2, and 4 declines will continue, with a test long-hole stop being developed in Q3 2024. Initial long-hole production is planned for early Q4, followed by cut-and-fill mining; ore will be stockpiled for mill ramp-up. At La Luz, development activities are anticipated to begin in Q3, with the portal being constructed and the ramp to ore access being advanced in Q4.

The critical path remains the TSF, Lower Platform construction, and the advancing underground mine.

Visit www.terronera.com, our dedicated project website, to stay informed on the ongoing development at Terronera. Explore updates, learn about our commitment to environmental stewardship, and discover the positive impacts on local communities.

About Endeavour Silver: Endeavour is a mid-tier precious metals company committed to sustainable and responsible mining practices. With operations in Mexico and the development of the new cornerstone mine in Jalisco State, the Company aims to contribute positively to the mining industry and the communities in which it operates. In addition, Endeavour has a portfolio of exploration projects in Mexico, Chile, and the United States, which has helped it achieve its goal of becoming a premier senior silver producer.

Contact Information

Allison Pettit, Director of Investor Relations

Tel: (604) 640 4804

Email: apettit@edrsilver.com

Website: www.edrsilver.com

Follow Endeavour Silver on Facebook , X , Instagram and LinkedIn

Footnote:

Financial figures are based on a preliminary estimate. Final unaudited figures will be released with the Q2 2024 financial statements on August 1, 2024. Project commitments include total project expenditures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the development and financing of the Terronera Project, including capital cost estimates, the anticipated timing of the project construction, Terronera's forecasted operations, costs and expenditures, and the timing and results of various related activities. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information other than as required by applicable law.

Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Endeavor's actual results, level of activity, production levels, performance, or achievements, and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited changes in production and costs guidance; the ongoing effects of inflation and supply chain issues on mine economics; national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, Chile, the USA and Mexico; financial risks due to precious metals prices; operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits; satisfaction of conditions precedent to drawdown under the project loan debt facility; the ongoing effects of inflation and supply chain issues on the Terronera Project economics; fluctuations in the prices of silver and gold, fluctuations in the currency markets (particularly the Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Canadian dollar and US dollar); and challenges to the Company's title to properties; as well as those factors described in the section "risk factors" contained in the Company's most recent form 40F/Annual Information Form filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities forecasted Terronera mine economics as of 2024, mining operations will operate, and the mining products will be completed under management's expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, other factors may cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed, or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
Dublin, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Resin Import Research Report 2024-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



From a production and usage perspective, PVC-based materials are essential in numerous industrial sectors, including construction, automotive manufacturing, electrical cables, medical devices, and packaging. According to the publisher, major PVC producers in the Asia-Pacific region include Shin-Etsu Chemical, Mitsubishi Chemical, Formosa Plastics Corp, and LG Chem. Important global producers also include Westlake Chemical and Occidental Petroleum and INEOS Group.





In Vietnam, PVC-based materials are widely used in manufacturing industries such as construction and automotive parts manufacturing. The demand for PVC in Vietnam is driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and manufacturing growth. The analysis indicates that due to limited domestic production capacity, Vietnam imports large quantities of PVC annually. Overall, PVC is a critical material in the plastic industry, which is interconnected with various other manufacturing sectors, leading to its increased usage as Vietnam's industry and economy develop.



Vietnam's manufacturing sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, with significant expansion potential in the plastic industry and its downstream sectors, such as construction, automotive parts manufacturing, electrical cables, textiles, and consumer goods. According to the publisher, Vietnam currently has around 4,000 plastic enterprises, and the plastic industry is thriving, attracting many international investors. In 2023, Vietnam imported 6.82 million tons of plastic raw materials worth US$ 9.76 billion. The export value of Vietnamese plastic products is expected to reach US$ 3.15 billion in 2024, indicating strong demand for synthetic resins in Vietnam's downstream industries and an increasing market demand for synthetic resins in the country.



According to the publisher, Vietnam's domestic capacity for raw materials in the plastic industry is insufficient, with about 70% of raw materials being imported. In 2023, the total import value of PVC resin in Vietnam was approximately US$ 550 million. Based on the publisher's data, from January to May 2024, the cumulative import value of PVC products in Vietnam reached around US$ 300 million, indicating continuous growth in market demand.



The analysis identifies the main sources of PVC resin imports to Vietnam from 2021 to 2024, including China, Taiwan, and Japan. Key companies exporting PVC to Vietnam include PT. Asahimas Chemical, Formosa Plastics Corp, IVICT, etc.



The main importers of PVC in Vietnam are both local plastic materials and products manufacturers, distributors, and logistics companies, as well as foreign-funded enterprises. Companies such as Vinacompound, JINKA Construction MateriaTechnology, and Vietnam Risesun New Material are significant players in the market.



Overall, with the growth of Vietnam's population and the continuous advancement of its manufacturing industry, the demand for PVC will continue to increase. The publisher predicts that in the coming years, Vietnam's PVC imports will maintain a growth trend.



Topics covered:

The Import and Export of PVC Resin in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Total Import Volume of PVC Resin in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Total Import Value and Growth Rate of PVC Resin in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Total Import Value and Growth Rate of PVC Resin in Vietnam (January-May 2024)

Average Import Price of PVC Resin in Vietnam (2021-2024)

Top 10 Sources of PVC Resin Imports in Vietnam and Their Supply Volume

Top 10 Suppliers in the Import Market of PVC Resin in Vietnam and Their Supply Volume

Top 10 Importers of PVC Resin in Vietnam and Their Import Volume

How to Find Distributors and End Users of PVC Resin in Vietnam

How Foreign Enterprises Enter the Plastic Raw Material Market of Vietnam

Forecast for the Import of PVC Resin in Vietnam (2024-2033)

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $574.21 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $846.01 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.4% Regions Covered Vietnam





Key Topics Covered:



1 Overview of Vietnam

1.1 Geography of Vietnam

1.2 Economic Condition of Vietnam

1.3 Demographics of Vietnam

1.4 Domestic Market of Vietnam

1.5 Recommendations for Foreign Enterprises Entering the Vietnam Plastic Raw Material Market



2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports in Vietnam (2021-2024)

2.1 Import Scale of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam

2.1.1 Import Value and Volume of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam

2.1.2 Import Prices of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam

2.1.3 Apparent Consumption of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam

2.1.4 Import Dependency of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam

2.2 Major Sources of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports in Vietnam



3 Analysis of Major Sources of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports in Vietnam (2021-2024)

3.1 China

3.1.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.1.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.2 Taiwan

3.2.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.2.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.3 Japan

3.3.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.3.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.4 United States

3.5 Thailand

3.6 South Korea



4 Analysis of Major Suppliers in the Import Market of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam (2021-2024)

4.1 PT. ASAHIMAS CHEMICAL

4.1.1 Company Introduction

4.1.2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Exports to Vietnam

4.2 Formosa Plastics Corp

4.2.1 Company Introduction

4.2.2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Exports to Vietnam

4.3 IVICT

4.3.1 Company Introduction

4.3.2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Exports to Vietnam



5 Analysis of Major Importers in the Import Market of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam (2021-2024)

5.1 Vinacompound

5.1.1 Company Introduction

5.1.2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports

5.2 JINKA Construction Material Technology

5.2.1 Company Introduction

5.2.2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports

5.3 VIETNAM RISESUN NEW MATERIAL

5.3.1 Company Introduction

5.3.2 Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports



6. Monthly Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Imports in Vietnam from 2021 to 2024

6.1 Analysis of Monthly Import Value and Volume

6.2 Forecast of Monthly Average Import Prices



7. Key Factors Affecting Polyvinyl Chloride Imports in Vietnam

7.1 Policy

7.1.1 Current Import Policies

7.1.2 Trend Predictions for Import Policies

7.2 Economic

7.2.1 Market Prices

7.2.2 Growth Trends of Polyvinyl Chloride Production Capacity in Vietnam

7.3 Technology



8. Forecast for the Import of Polyvinyl Chloride in Vietnam, 2024-2033

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3tk3wk

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dubai, UAE, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cutting-edge crypto exchange CoinW continues to strengthen its commitment to the Bitcoin ecosystem with its sponsorship of Bitcoin Nashville 2024 this week. Passionate about the potential of blockchain technology with the Bitcoin ecosystem, this week marks the expansion of their presence at high-level global events.





As the crypto world descends on Tennessee for what promises to be a significant iteration of the annual event, the Dubai-based digital asset trading platform will be present with a booth, willing on the enthusiasm for this important year for crypto. With Donald Trump set to deliver a ground-breaking speech, excitement and anticipation grow in momentum.

CoinW's President Sonia Shaw was an active participant in February's Satoshi Roundtable discussions , exploring the recent advancements of the Bitcoin ecosystem such as layer 2 technological integrations. As an exchange, CoinW remain excited to engage with industry experts, pioneer developers and innovative projects that are having an influential impact on Bitcoin's health and progression.



Sonia said: It's a radically important time for Bitcoin with all of the poignant regulatory developments and presidential campaign currently unfolding in the US. CoinW understands the imperative nature of being fully immersed in and actively influential toward the ecosystem and its community, which promises to flourish over the next five years and more specifically during the bullish projection of the next year. Alongside everybody else, CoinW is eagerly anticipating the speech of Donald Trump and remains curious of the oncoming integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies within day to day society.



Over the last year, CoinW has excelled in expanding its global presence and brand awareness by taking initiative in all of the top-tier Web3 events on the calendar. In staying at the forefront of the industry, the platform advocates for all of the promising projects that can leverage its IEO platform and token-listing strategies to reinforce liquidity in Bitcoin's ecosystem.
Dublin, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam ABS Resin Import Research Report 2024-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Vietnam has been experiencing a remarkable development within its manufacturing sector, notably in the plastics industry. This upsurge has been a strong contributor to the heightened demand for ABS resin  a thermoplastic known for its robust mechanical properties and versatility. Utilized extensively across automotive, electronics, building materials, and other industries, the countrys demand for ABS resin imports shows a consistent upward trajectory.





Recent statistics highlight Vietnam's intensifying need for ABS resin, a trend that mirrors the nations blossoming industrial activities. In 2023 alone, imports soared to considerable levels, with the nation's plastic raw material imports amounting to a substantial figure, signifying the prolonged expansion of its downstream industries. The import value of ABS resin has grown consistently, with a significant increase detailed for the first half of 2024.

Key Players in Vietnams ABS Resin Trade



The ABS resin import landscape in Vietnam embodies a diverse assortment of actors, ranging from key global suppliers to local manufacturers and logistics companies. Notably, the main sources for these imports cover a variety of geographic locations, with China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia at the forefront. Corporate entities and foreign-invested enterprises form a crucial part of the import matrix, underscoring Vietnams integration into the global business ecosystem.

Market Dynamics and Projections



The surging demand for high-performance materials exemplified by ABS resin in Vietnam is anticipated to press on unabated. The nation's population growth, paired with the burgeoning manufacturing sector, forecasts a steady acceleration in the consumption and importation of ABS resin. This optimism is shared for the forthcoming years, aligning with Vietnam's economic aspirations and industrialization endeavors.

Conclusion



Vietnam stands at a significant juncture, witnessing an industrial metamorphosis that strongly pivots around the consumption of valued materials such as ABS resin. The nations ability to maintain an upward demand curve signifies its potential growth and stability in the manufacturing domain, effectively shaping its economic future. The global marketplace remains attentive to the unfolding narrative of Vietnam's industrial fortitude and its demand for ABS resin imports, which continue to herald the nation's ascendancy in the global product supply chain.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $474.7 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $630.28 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.2% Regions Covered Vietnam



Key Topics Covered:



1 Overview of Vietnam

1.1 Geography of Vietnam

1.2 Economic Condition of Vietnam

1.3 Demographics of Vietnam

1.4 Domestic Market of Vietnam

1.5 Recommendations for Foreign Enterprises Entering the Vietnam Plastic Raw Material Market



2 Analysis of ABS Resin Imports in Vietnam (2021-2024)

2.1 Import Scale of ABS Resin in Vietnam

2.1.1 Import Value and Volume of ABS Resin in Vietnam

2.1.2 Import Prices of ABS Resin in Vietnam

2.1.3 Apparent Consumption of ABS Resin in Vietnam

2.1.4 Import Dependency of ABS Resin in Vietnam

2.2 Major Sources of ABS Resin Imports in Vietnam



3 Analysis of Major Sources of ABS Resin Imports in Vietnam (2021-2024)

3.1 China

3.1.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.1.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.2 South Korea

3.2.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.2.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.3 Taiwan

3.3.1 Analysis of Import Value and Volume

3.3.2 Analysis of Average Import Price

3.4 Japan

3.5 Malaysia

3.6 Thailand



4 Analysis of Major Suppliers in the Import Market of ABS Resin in Vietnam (2021-2024)

4.1 LOTTE CHEMICAL

4.2 INEOS STYROLUTION KOREA LTD.

4.3 INABATA



5 Analysis of Major Importers in the Import Market of ABS Resin in Vietnam (2021-2024)

5.1 Konoike Vinatrans Logistics Co. Ltd

5.2 SIK Vietnam Co., Ltd.

5.3 Honda Trading Viet Nam Co., Ltd.



6. Monthly Analysis of ABS Resin Imports in Vietnam from 2021 to 2024

6.1 Analysis of Monthly Import Value and Volume

6.2 Forecast of Monthly Average Import Prices



7. Key Factors Affecting ABS Resin Imports in Vietnam

7.1 Policy

7.1.1 Current Import Policies

7.1.2 Trend Predictions for Import Policies

7.2 Economic

7.2.1 Market Prices

7.2.2 Growth Trends of ABS Resin Production Capacity in Vietnam

7.3 Technology



8. Forecast for the Import of ABS Resin in Vietnam, 2024-2033

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mdibcf

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
TORONTO, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly three-quarters of Canadian companies (74%) are optimistic about their hiring outlook for the remainder of 2024, but budget constraints are hindering some from expanding their workforce, according to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.



Most Canadian companies (74%) have a positive outlook for their companys hiring opportunities for the remainder of the year, reporting feelings of optimism (38%), confidence (33%) and hopefulness (32%).

Accordingly, half of Canadian companies (49%) plan to increase the number of employees at their company in the second half of 2024  on par with previous survey results.

New business opportunities remain a strong driver for workforce expansion, as companies report dealing with increased volumes of work (56%), fulfilling newly created positions (44%), and handling expansion into other categories or markets (25%) as key reasons for needing new hires. Other reasons reported included needing to fill open positions due to employee turnover (38%) and acquiring workforce expertise in new areas (26%).

Budget Constraints Hampering Employment for Some Companies

However, two in five companies (41%) plan to keep their employee count the same in the second half of 2024, and a few (8%) are planning to reduce their workforce, also on par with previous waves of the survey.

Financial constraints appear to be impeding company growth for many, as a large majority (73%) of Canadian hiring decision-makers whose company are planning a workforce reduction point to the need to reduce costs as the reason.

Additionally, around 3 in 10 companies (28%) who are either not planning hiring or planning to decrease the number of employees say they do not have enough room in the budget this year and cannot afford to hire right now. Other reasons why some companies are reducing their workforce include a decline in demand (22%) and the company being restructured (21%).

Its encouraging to see so many companies optimistic about their hiring plans for the remainder of the year, said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. With labour demands shifting from traditional roles, job seekers should research in-demand careers and begin the credentialing process now to stand out from the competition. Its evident employers are looking to do more than just fill positions; they are looking for the right fit.

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 16  June 3, 2024, among 504 Canadian hiring decision-makers.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Ana Curic at Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Ana Curic at (613) 858-2622 or email Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.



About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/CA.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5de0c3f-680d-455e-a724-5529a4fcb1db
LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Renowned educator and entrepreneur Roy Virgen Jr. is proud to announce the ongoing Roy Virgen Jr. Scholarship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. This prestigious scholarship program awards $1,000 to a deserving undergraduate student with a burning passion for innovation and a drive to address real-world challenges.



Fueling the Next Generation of Changemakers

Roy Virgen Jr., a highly respected leader in the business world, is deeply committed to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation. With a distinguished academic background including an MBA with a dual focus on Leadership and Marketing, and a Doctor of Business Administration currently in progress, Mr. Virgen Jr. brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. His experience as a lecturer at esteemed institutions like Cal State University and the University of California, coupled with his international work in Vietnam, Malaysia, and China, allows him to cultivate a global perspective in his scholarship recipients.

Through this scholarship, Mr. Virgen Jr. aims to empower undergraduate students to translate their innovative ideas into reality. Innovation is the cornerstone of successful entrepreneurship, says Mr. Virgen Jr. This scholarship seeks to ignite the spark of creativity in students who are determined to make a positive impact on the world.

Scholarship Criteria and Application Process

To be eligible for the Roy Virgen Jr. Scholarship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program, demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial spirit, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and submit a compelling essay.

The essay prompt asks students to:

Describe a creative business idea that addresses a current societal challenge.

Explain how they envision implementing this idea to make a positive impact on the world.

Mr. Virgen Jr. emphasizes the importance of the essay component. The essay allows students to showcase their ingenuity, their problem-solving skills, and their dedication to making a difference, he explains.

Investing in the Future

The application deadline for the Roy Virgen Jr. Scholarship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs is February 15, 2025. The winner will be announced on March 15, 2025. Mr. Virgen Jr. is eager to connect with the next generation of business leaders. I am incredibly excited to receive applications from talented and passionate students, he says. This scholarship is an investment in their future, and ultimately, an investment in a brighter future for all of us.

About Roy Virgen Jr.

Roy Virgen Jr. is a dedicated educator, consultant, and motivational leader with extensive experience in business, management, and marketing. Combining academic expertise with real-world knowledge, Roy Virgen Jr. empowers future entrepreneurs through his work as a lecturer, advisor, and entrepreneur himself. His passion for fostering innovation and driving economic growth extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his commitment to mentorship and consulting.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Roy Virgen Jr.

Organization: Roy Virgen Jr. Scholarship

Website: https://royvirgenjrscholarship.com

Email: apply@royvirgenjrscholarship.com
EDISON, N.J., July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Fazal Panezai, a distinguished physician with over four decades of medical excellence, proudly announces the establishment of the Dr. Fazal Panezai Scholarship for Future Doctors. This prestigious scholarship is designed to support and recognize exceptional undergraduate students who are pursuing a career in medicine. The scholarship reflects Dr. Panezais lifelong dedication to the field of healthcare and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.



Dr. Fazal Panezais illustrious career is marked by his profound expertise in internal medicine, cardiology, geriatrics, and critical care medicine. His unwavering commitment to advancing medical science and providing exemplary patient care has earned him widespread respect and recognition in the medical community. The Dr. Fazal Panezai Scholarship for Future Doctors aims to further Dr. Panezais legacy by supporting talented students who aspire to make significant contributions to the field of medicine.

The scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a medical degree program. Applicants are required to submit a well-crafted essay of 500-800 words that outlines their personal journey towards pursuing a career in medicine. The essay should highlight the applicants motivations, experiences, and aspirations within the healthcare field. Additionally, applicants should discuss their vision for contributing to the advancement of medical science and patient care in the future. The scholarship committee will evaluate applications based on the clarity of thought, originality, and depth of insight provided in the essay.

Dr. Fazal Panezai's own journey in medicine began in Quetta, Pakistan, where he completed his F. SC degree at Government College. He earned his MBBS degree from DOW Medical College in 1973, graduating with distinction. Dr. Panezais pursuit of excellence led him to the United States, where he completed residency and fellowship training in medicine and cardiology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in Newark, NJ. He further honed his skills with a residency in family practice at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fazal Panezai has achieved board certification in multiple medical specialties, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, geriatrics medicine, and critical care medicine. His dedication to professional growth is evident through his fellowship memberships with esteemed organizations such as the American College of Physicians, the American College of Cardiology, the Royal College of Physicians, and the American College of Chest Physicians. Currently, Dr. Panezai continues to contribute to the medical field as a staff member at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ.

The Dr. Fazal Panezai Scholarship for Future Doctors is a one-time award of $1,000. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 15, 2025, with the winner to be announced on June 15, 2025. This scholarship represents Dr. Panezais enduring commitment to fostering the growth of future medical professionals who will continue to advance the field and enhance patient care.

For more information about the Dr. Fazal Panezai Scholarship for Future Doctors and to access the application, please visit the official scholarship website.

About Dr. Fazal Panezai

Dr. Fazal Panezai is a highly esteemed physician with expertise in internal medicine, cardiology, geriatrics, and critical care medicine. His academic journey includes a distinguished MBBS degree from DOW Medical College and extensive training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and JFK Medical Center. Dr. Fazal Panezais career is characterized by a dedication to patient care and medical advancement, underscored by board certifications and fellowship memberships with prominent medical organizations. His scholarship aims to support and inspire future medical professionals by providing financial assistance and recognizing outstanding academic and personal achievements.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Dr. Fazal Panezai

Organization: Dr. Fazal Panezai Scholarship

Website: https://drfazalpanezaischolarship.com

Email: apply@drfazalpanezaischolarship.com
NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Monteverde & Associates PC (the M&A Class Action Firm), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Traditions Bancorp, Inc. (OTC: TRBK), relating to its proposed merger with ACNB Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Traditions Bancorp shareholders will receive 0.7300 shares of ACNB common stock per share they own.

Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/traditions-bancorp-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

Do you file class actions and go to Court? When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders? What cases did you recover money in and how much?



About Monteverde & Associates PC

Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com

Tel: (212) 971-1341
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Mont., July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sandfire Resources America Inc. (Sandfire America or the Company) is pleased to announce additional drill results of its 2024 exploration drilling program. This includes hole SC24-286 which intercepted 8.53 meters of 6.6% copper and hole SC24-288 which intercepted 13.19 meters of 12.8% copper, both in the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone.



The ongoing 2024 drill program focuses on upgrading and expanding the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone resource which at last estimate consists of a measured and indicated resource of 1.2 million tonnes grading 6.8% Cu and an inferred resource of 0.5 million tonnes of 5.9% Cu (2020 Technical Report*). Since December 2023, the Company has drilled approximately 8,000 meters of a planned 20,000-meter drill program.

Table 1. Black Butte Copper 2024 Exploration Drilling Program

Drill hole ID collar x collar y collar z azimuth dip total depth From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu % Resource SC23-278 506700.0 5180717.0 1741.0 16.6 -67.9 489.29 64.98 81.36 16.38 1.4 Upper Copper Zone SC23-278 433.46 446.37 12.91 4.7 Lower Copper Zone SC24-279 506628.0 5180702.0 1748.0 36.8 -70.2 502.31 62.86 76.25 13.39 2.3 Upper Copper Zone SC24-279 461.73 467.10 5.37 10.2 Lower Copper Zone SC24-280 507100.0 5180848.7 1709.4 36.8 -70.2 442.48 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-281 506441.5 5180834.2 1767.5 31.8 -77.5 486.61 94.98 100.58 5.60 1.8 Upper Copper Zone SC24-281 431.66 437.54 5.88 4.6 Lower Copper Zone SC24-282 507650.0 5180746.0 1735.0 194.2 -86.5 494.57 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-283 507213.0 5180540.0 1713.0 43.0 -71.5 560.98 471.44 477.93 6.49 2.4 Lower Copper Zone SC24-284 506900.0 5180832.0 1721.2 35.2 -83.0 426.11 383.44 392.98 9.54 7.4 Lower Copper Zone with 386.72 392.98 6.26 10.7 SC24-285 506900.0 5180832.0 1721.2 28.9 -67.6 392.03 363.65 365.45 1.80 15.3 Lower Copper Zone SC24-286 506609.0 5180868.0 1779.0 45.4 -73.9 495.67 77.23 80.77 3.54 4.7 Upper Copper Zone SC24-286 438.25 446.78 8.53 6.6 Lower Copper Zone SC24-287 506850.0 5180852.0 1731.1 336.0 -71.5 431.90 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-288 506850.0 5180852.0 1731.0 110.0 -78.8 460.25 396.15 409.34 13.19 12.8 Lower Copper Zone SC24-289 506900.0 5180832.0 1721.0 51.0 -63.0 444.09 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-290 506425.0 5180870.0 1767.0 82.0 -71.0 513.31 476.68 481.39 4.71 4.5 Lower Copper Zone SC24-291A 506622.0 5180877.0 1741.0 58.0 -68.5 507.03 67.25 70.37 3.12 3.7 Upper Copper Zone 80.9 82.9 2.00 5.4 Upper Copper Zone SC24-291A weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-292 506361.5 5180939.0 1771.0 0.0 -84.5 453.54 120.21 125.89 5.68 2.3 Upper Copper Zone SC24-292 369.02 371.81 2.79 4.1 Lower Copper Zone SC24-293 506354.0 5180981.0 1773.0 346.0 -76.5 362.1 Assays pending Upper Copper Zone SC24-293 Assays pending Lower Copper Zone SC24-294 506441.5 5180834.0 1768.0 64.0 -80.0 511.45 Assays pending Upper Copper Zone SC24-294 Zone faulted away Lower Copper Zone SC24-295 506441.5 5180834.0 1767.55 38.0 -68.0 In progress

Intercept calculations included a minimum of 2 samples above a 1% copper cutoff grade.

1) Drilling conducted by Ruen Drilling of Hope, Idaho. HQ3-sized core was collected. Drill holes were oriented with dips varying between -80 to -70 degrees in relatively variably dipping mineral zones. Intercepts may be slightly longer than true thickness. 2) After being logged and photographed in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, all mineralized zones were sampled by cutting half-core splits which were delivered to ALS labs in Reno Nevada for processing. ALS crushed the entire sample to 85% passing 2mm then split off 1kg, which was ground to 85% passing 75 micron and wet-sieved the split to ensure grinding passed specifications and then assayed for gold by fire assay with AA finish. Base metals were analyzed using a 4-acid digestion and ICP-OES analysis. Various other trace and major elements were also analyzed utilizing ICP procedures. Sandfire America utilized a QA/QC protocol which included inserting Certified Reference Materials (CRM) on a minimum of 1 CRM in 20 samples insertion rate. Assays of duplicates, and blanks were also included as part of the QA/QC program. 3) ALS Labs are accredited by ISO/IEC 170205:2017 methods for North America. 4) Drillhole collars are surveyed conforming to UTM NAD83 Zone 12. 5) The Company is aware of no drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to above.

Figure 1: Drilling completed at the Black Butte Project December 2023-mid-July 2024; black diamonds show locations of past pierce points in Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; red dots show locations of pierce points in Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone from this drill program; blue dots show intercepts with only weak copper mineralization; green dot shows the drill hole in progress; and colored areas show Measured (brown), Indicated (yellow), and Inferred (blue) and resource areas.

VP of Exploration, Jerry Zieg shared, Were very pleased with our drilling results as they are among the best ever drill results at Black Butte thus far! They add significant value to the Black Butte project.

CEO Lincoln Greenidge closed stating, This is a positive further step to improving the project's resource base by demonstrating increased value to the Johnny Lee Deposit which is fully permitted as upheld in the Montana Supreme Court in a 5-2 decision in February 2024. This is wonderful news for the project.

Johnny Lee Copper Deposit

The Johnny Lee deposit has a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 10.9 million tonnes (Mt) at an average copper grade of 2.9% for 311 thousand tonnes (kt) of contained copper (Cu) at a 1.0% Cu cut-off grade, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.7 Mt at an average copper grade of 3.0% for 80 kt of contained Cu at a 1.0% Cu cut-off grade (2020 Technical Report*). The Company has received a Mine Operating Permit from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for mine development of this deposit and has completed a majority of Phase I construction on surface construction facilities. The Company received a decision from the Montana Supreme Court on February 26, 2024, to re-instate the mine operating permit and allow construction to move forward.

Qualified Person

Jerry Zieg, Sr. Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has also reviewed and approved the information of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release. Mr. Zieg verified the data disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information, or opinions contained in this news release.

*(2020 Technical Report) - Feasibility Study (Johnny Lee Deposit) and Mineral Resource Estimate Update (Lowry Deposit)  Technical Report NI 43-101 dated October 19, 2020, and news release Sandfire Resources America Achieves Major Milestones with Completion of Black Butte Copper Project Feasibility Study and Updated Mineral Resource for Lowry Deposit October 27, 2020.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information:

Sandfire Resources America Inc.

Nancy Schlepp, VP of Communications and Government Relations

Mobile: 406-224-8180

Office: 406-547-3466

Email: nschlepp@sandfireamerica.com

www.sandfireamerica.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this document constitute forward looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding further expansion and upgrade of the Johnny Lee Lower Zone. In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will be able to achieve further expansion of the Johnny Lee Lower Zone, that the Company will be able to complete any environmental review, permitting process, or engineering and economic studies required for resource development of the Johnny Lee copper deposit. However, the forward-looking statements in this document are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors, including factors relating to the inability to achieve further expansion of the Johnny Lee Lower Zone, the inability to complete any engineering and economic studies required for resource development of the Johnny Lee copper deposit that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including that results of exploration and development activities will not be consistent with managements expectations, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the risk of accidents, labor disputes, inclement or hazardous weather conditions, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, earthquakes, flooding and all of the other risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/334139f8-08b1-4a9f-96bc-1217eaa47812
DENVER, ATLANTA, PHOENIX, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, at the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Annual Convention, the largest Down Syndrome annual gathering in the world, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) and NDSC announced a multi-year collaboration agreement.

The agreement solidifies GLOBAL and NDSCs 12-year collaboration around research, medical care outreach, and education at the NDSC Annual Convention. Specifically, it ensures that (1) thousands of NDSC Annual Convention attendees can participate in the conventions GLOBAL Research & Medical Care Roundtable as a free benefit associated with registration, (2) participation in Crnic Institute research will expand to on-site hearing exams, and (3) there is continued sponsorship and support for the convention and NDSCs important resources, such as various toolkits.

The GLOBAL Research & Medical Care Roundtable (GLOBAL Roundtable) has educated over 4,000 self-advocates, parents, and professionals on cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, clinical trials, medical best practices and more. Surveys associated with the GLOBAL Roundtable consistently average 4.8 out of 5 underscoring its impact. Anyone who has registered for the NDSC Annual Convention can register for the GLOBAL Roundtable for free. This years GLOBAL Roundtable includes welcome remarks from NDSC Executive Director, Jim Hudson, GLOBAL President & CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten, GLOBAL Vice President for Research and Medical Care, Bryn Gelaro, and Author, Speaker, Actor, Advocate & Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee, David Egan. The GLOBAL Roundtable slate of renowned Down syndrome experts for 2024 are:

Joaquin Espinosa, PhD, Executive Director, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (Crnic Institute)  Dr. Espinosa will discuss the latest research topics from the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Melissa Parisi, PhD, MD, Chief of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)  Dr. Parisi will discuss The NIH INCLUDE Project: Accelerating Research Discoveries for People with Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan. Michael Rafii, MD, PhD, Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Alzheimers Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI)  Dr. Rafii will explore the intersection of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Elise Sannar, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Childrens Hospital Colorado & University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO  Dr. Sannar will share her expertise on psychiatric medication use in individuals with Down syndrome. Lina Patel, PsyD, Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine  Dr. Patel will present on differentiating challenging behaviors from mental health concerns in individuals with Down syndrome. Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, Director, Sie Center for Down Syndrome, Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital Colorado  Dr. Baumer will address co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions in Down syndrome.

We are so pleased to continue our collaborations with the NDSC and to have supported their must-attend annual convention for nearly twenty years, says Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of GLOBAL. With Jim Hudson as the incoming Executive Director and the NDSCs wonderful long-time staff, we are excited to see our joint efforts grow to reach thousands more people with Down syndrome and their families.

Jim Hudson says, Before coming to the NDSC, I was the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. Several years ago, we did a needs assessment of our Cincinnati families. One of the items that repeatedly popped to the top of the list was the importance of accessibility and quality medical care for their loved ones with Down syndrome. So, when I came to the NDSC, I was very excited to learn more about this fantastic partnership with our friends at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, who have organized these sessions for over ten years. As NDSCs newest Executive Director, I am pleased to expand this exciting multi-year partnership.

###

About the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention

Each year, thousands of people from around the globe attend the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention. For many, it's to hear from world-renowned experts; for others, it's to experience a one-of-a-kind community event. Our Convention includes multiple conferences for educators, siblings, youth and adult self-advocates, and our unparalleled Advocacy Training Boot Camp, all alongside the GLOBAL Medical Research Roundtable.

About the NDSC

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 1973, we are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from the moment of diagnosis, whether prenatal or at birth, through adulthood.

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting over 400 scientists and over 2,500 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 100 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates  the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimers and Cognition Center  all on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

GLOBALs widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World TM. GLOBAL also organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Attachment
/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES/

VANCOUVER, July 23, 2024 - Venerable Ventures Ltd. (the "Company") (TSXV: VLV) announces the closing of a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of $300,000 through the issuance of 6,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one full common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") with each Warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional common share at an exercise price of $0.065 until July 23, 2029.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring November 24, 2024.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Early Warning Disclosure:

Prior to a private acquisition of 300,000 common shares, Fiore Management and Advisory Corp., a Company controlled and directed by Gordon Keep, beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 50,047 common shares, representing 0.74% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, prior to a private acquisition of 56,000 common shares and an acquisition of 300,000 Units from the Offering (the "Transactions"), Mr. Keep directly owned or exercised control or direction over 623,000 common shares, representing 9.22% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Upon completion of the Transactions, Mr. Keep and Fiore Management and Advisory Corp. beneficially own or exercise control or direction over an aggregate of 1,329,047 common shares and 300,000 warrants, representing 10.42% and 12.54% of the outstanding common shares and on partially diluted basis, respectively.

Prior to the acquisition of 1,000,000 Units from the Offering, Robert McLeod beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 600,000 common shares, representing 8.88% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Upon the close of the Offering, Mr. McLeod beneficially own or exercise control or direction over 1,600,000 common shares and 1,000,000 warrants, representing 12.54% and 18.90% of the outstanding common shares of the Issuer and on partially diluted basis, respectively.

Prior to the acquisition of 1,000,000 Units from the Offering, Ryan Weymark and his related entities beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 150,000 common shares, representing 2.22% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Upon the close of the Offering, Mr. Weymark and his related entities beneficially own or exercise control or direction over 1,150,000 common shares and 1,000,000 warrants, representing 9.02% and 15.71% of the outstanding common shares and on partially diluted basis, respectively.

The acquisition of the Shares by Mr. Keep, Mr. McLeod and Mr. Weymark ("each, an "Acquiror") were made for investment purposes. Depending on market and other conditions, the Acquirors may from time to time in the future increase or decrease their respective ownership, control or direction over securities of the Company through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise. As the number of Shares each of the Acquirors owns or controls, directly or indirectly now exceeds 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a partially diluted basis, in satisfaction of the requirements of the National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids And Issuer Bids and NI 62-103, an early warning report for the Acquirors will be filed on the Company's SEDAR profile SEDAR+ at (www.sedarplus.ca).

This news release is being issued under the early warning provisions of Canadian securities legislation. A copy of the early warning report to be filed by Mr. Keep, Mr. McLeod and Mr. Weymark in connection with the transactions described above will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at (www.sedarplus.ca).

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 Venerable Ventures Ltd.
TORONTO, July 24, 2024 - Dore Copper Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "Dore Copper") (TSXV: DCMC; OTCQB: DRCMF; FRA: DCM) completed two drill holes totaling 1,392 meters which successfully extended the Southwest Zone of the former Cedar Bay copper-gold mine located in the Chibougamau mining camp, approximately 5 kilometers by road from its Copper Rand mill.



The Southwest Zone is located 300 meters to the southwest of the Cedar Bay mine Main Zone and was partially developed in late 1960s by Campbell Chibougamau Mines Limited ("Campbell") on two levels (114 meters and 200 meters) right to the property limit with Patino Mining. The best results of Campbell's drilling campaign in the Southwest Zone included 5.2 meters of 2.56% Cu and 3.9 meters of 2.22% Cu and 1.3 g/t Au1. The potential extension of the Cedar Bay Southwest Zone along strike to the southeast was never tested by Patino Mining and subsequent companies that controlled that ground. In total, approximately 1,080 meters of strike length had not been tested up to the Lac Dore Fault.

The two drill holes completed by Dore Copper targeting the Southwest Zone to the southeast intersected two zones of copper mineralization within strong ductile shear zones with intense hydrothermal alteration. Hole CDR-24-09 intersected 1.6 meters of 1.06% Cu and 20.7 g/t Ag, including 0.6 meter of 2.82% Cu, 54.8 g/t Ag and 0.33 g/t Au, at a vertical depth of 414 meters. The mineralized intersection is characterized by strong pervasive carbonate-chlorite-sericite alteration with banded semi-massive chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite associated with quartz veinlets. Hole CDR-24-10 intersected a wide shear structure of +130 meters (true width) characterized by pervasive black chlorite and carbonate veining alteration starting at a vertical depth of 449 meters. Copper mineralization was intersected at a vertical depth of 541 meters with 0.40 meter of 1.70% Cu and 2.03 g/t Au, characterized by chalcopyrite disseminations and blebs in a discontinuous massive iron oxide band. The strong alteration footprint intersected in hole CDR-24-10 in the anorthosite to gabbroic rocks is characteristic of the Dore Lake Complex magmatic-hydrothermal system and is interpreted to be an indicator of proximity to mineralized ore bodies of the Cu-Au central mining camp.

The Company plans to conduct downhole geophysics to locate stronger conductors near and along the structure as the first hole may not have crossed it. The strong alteration footprint intersected in the second hole is promising as it indicates approximately 400 meters of strike length untested towards the Dore Lake Fault.

Dore Copper received a grant from the Government of Quebec of approximately C$182,000 towards the drilling program and geometallurgical characterization. The grant has been offered under the Mineral Exploration Support Program for Critical and Strategic Minerals (Programme de soutien a l'exploration miniere pour les mineraux critiques et strategiques 2021-2024 or PSEM-MCS), which is overseen by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets or MRNF).

Ernest Mast, President and CEO of Dore Copper, commented, "We have confirmed the extension of the Cedar Bay Southwest structure towards the Lac Dore fault in two drill holes, including 1.6 meters of 1.06% Cu and 20.7 g/t Ag. We are very excited by the strong alteration in a wide shear zone characteristic of the large copper-gold ore bodies in the camp, including Dore Copper's Copper Rand and Cedar Bay mines. The next step is to conduct a downhole geophysical survey (pulse EM) to identify the potential for larger mineralized zones along the structure followed by additional drilling. We would also like to thank the Government of Quebec for exploration grant and their support to develop the critical and strategic minerals industry within the province."

Cedar Bay Mine

The Cedar Bay mine operated from 1958 to 1990 and produced 3.9 million tonnes grading 1.56% Cu and 3.22 g/t Au2. The ore from the mine was processed at the Copper Rand mill located 5 kilometers by road. The deposit was mined to a depth of 670.5 meters and the existing shaft extends to a depth of 1,036 meters.

Dore Copper completed four holes (including wedges) totaling 4,842 meters in 2018 and reported an Indicated resource of 130,000 tonnes at 9.44 g/t Au and 1.55% Cu, and an Inferred resource of 230,000 tonnes at 8.32 g/t Au and 2.13% Cu (effective date of December 31, 2018)3. During 2020, the Corporation completed 9,025 meters of drilling and successfully extended a number of mineralized lenses (the 10-20A and 10-20B).

Table 1. Assays Highlights from the 2024 Drill Program at Cedar Bay SW Extension

Hole Azimuth/

Dip From

(m) To

(m) Width1

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Zone CDR-24-09 227/47 97.0 97.7 0.70 1.95 9.90 0.22 unknown 200.4 201.0 0.60 1.42 2.10 0.11 unknown 575.3 576.9 1.60 0.12 20.68 1.06 SW1 Including 575.7 576.3 0.60 0.33 54.80 2.82 SW1 CDR-24-10 190/47 757.2 757.6 0.40 2.03 1.50 1.70 SW2 762.0 762.7 0.70 1.27 0.35 0.16 unknown

The true width of the structures intersected is estimated at approximately 65-80% of the downhole width for Cedar Bay SW Extension.





Figure 1. Plan View of Copper Rand Property Showing the Cedar Bay SW Target





Figure 2. Plan View and Long Section Showing the Cedar Bay Southwest Zone Extension





Drilling and Quality Control

The Company is using Miikan Drilling as the drilling contractor. Miikan is a joint venture between Chibougamau Diamond Drilling Ltd., the First Nations community of Ouje-Bougoumou and the First Nations community of Mistissini both located in the Eeyou Istchee territory.

Sample (HQ size half core) preparation and fire assay analysis were done at ALS Canada Ltd. ("ALS") in Val-d'Or, Quebec, and ICP multi-elements analysis was done at ALS in Vancouver, B.C. Samples were weighed, dried, crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, split to 250 g, and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Samples are fire assayed for gold (Au) (50 g) and Aqua Regia ICP-AES finish for key elements (Ag, Cu, Mo). Samples assaying >10.0 g/t Au are re-analyzed with a gravimetric finish using a 50 g charge.

QA/QC is done in house by Dore Copper geologists with oversight from the Senior Geologist. The check samples (blanks and standards - 4% of total samples with another 2% of core duplicates taken on half split core) that were inserted into the sample batches are verified against their certified values and are deemed a pass if they are within 3 standard deviations of the certified value. The duplicates are evaluated against each other to determine mineralization distribution (nugget). If there are large discrepancies in the check samples, then the entire batch is requested to be re-assayed.

Youssouf Ahmadou, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Exploration Geologist of the Company and a QP within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

The Qualified Person ("QP") for the Company has not verified the historical sample analytical data disclosed within this release. While the Company has obtained all historic records including analytical data from the previous owners of the Property and from various government databases, the Company has not independently verified the results of the historic sampling.

About Dore Copper Mining Corp.

Dore Copper Mining Corp. aims to be the next copper producer in Quebec with an initial production target of +50 Mlbs of copper equivalent annually by implementing a hub-and-spoke operation model with multiple high-grade copper-gold assets feeding its centralized Copper Rand mill3. The Company has delivered its PEA in May 2022 and is proceeding with a feasibility study.

The Company has consolidated a large land package in the prolific Lac Dore/Chibougamau and Joe Mann mining camps that has historically produced 1.6 billion pounds of copper and 4.4 million ounces of gold2. The land package includes 13 former producing mines, deposits and resource target areas within a 60-kilometre radius of the Company's Copper Rand Mill.

For further information, please contact:

Ernest Mast Laurie Gaborit President and Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Investor Relations Phone: (416) 792-2229 Phone: (416) 219-2049 Email: ernest.mast@dorecopper.com Email: laurie.gaborit@dorecopper.com



Visit: www.dorecopper.com

Facebook: Dore Copper Mining

LinkedIn: Dore Copper Mining Corp.

Twitter: @DoreCopper

Instagram: @DoreCopperMining

Reference: Bunkhouse zone (Cedar Bay SW) Longitudinal section (Campbell Chibougamau Mines Ltd 1976). Sources for historic production figures: Economic Geology, v. 107, pp. 963-989 - Structural and Stratigraphic Controls on Magmatic, Volcanogenic, and Shear Zone-Hosted Mineralization in the Chapais-Chibougamau Mining Camp, Northeastern Abitibi, Canada by Francois Leclerc et al. (Lac Dore/Chibougamau mining camp) and NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Joe Mann Property dated January 11, 2016 by Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc. for Jessie Ressources Inc. (Joe Mann mine). Technical report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Chibougamau Hub-and-Spoke Complex, Quebec, Canada" dated June 15, 2022, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Technical Report was prepared by BBA Inc. with several consulting firms contributing to sections of the study, including SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and WSP Inc.



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary regulatory approvals, the Company's ability to meet its production target, the commencement, timing and completion of a feasibility study, and the plans, operations and prospects of the Company and its properties are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required regulatory approvals, health emergencies, pandemics and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0195877-7534-40e4-89c8-22e513aee582

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1acb7001-991e-4ca0-b02f-1105cd12bd5c
TSXV: MTA

NYSE AMERICAN: MTA

VANCOUVER, July 24, 2024 - Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. ("Metalla") or ("Company") (NYSE American: MTA) (TSXV: MTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Cho as President of the Company, effective immediately.

Brett Heath, Chief Executive Officer of Metalla, stated, "The Board is pleased to have someone of Jason's caliber joining the team. As a highly respected mining professional with 25 years of sector expertise, Mr. Cho adds meaningful capital markets, technical, finance, and strategic expertise. Throughout his extensive career, he has shown a commitment to shareholder value, and will be aligned through a significant personal equity investment into the Company. Jason's strong industry relationships will be instrumental in continuing Metalla's growth going forward."

Mr. Cho commented, "I am enthusiastic to partner with Brett and the Metalla team at such a pivotal time as the Company advances its path towards building a leading royalty company and more fully realizes value within its existing portfolio of high quality assets."

ABOUT JASON CHO

Mr. Cho is an accomplished mining executive with over 25 years of broad based experience in engineering, corporate finance, portfolio management and corporate development focused on the mining and materials sector. He most recently held the position of Executive Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development with Eldorado Gold from 2013 to 2023 and led over $4 billion in M&A; various equity, debt and project financings; and restructuring. He previously spent over fifteen years in investment banking and institutional sales & trading (Merrill Lynch, UBS Securities), proprietary trading (TD Securities), and engineering (AMEC) focused on natural resources. Mr. Cho holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and is a professional engineer and professional geoscientist (BC and ON).

JASON CHO PRIVATE PLACEMENT

Concurrent with his appointment as President, the Company is also pleased to announce a C$1.0 million equity investment by Mr. Cho into the Company, for the acquisition of 250,000 common shares of Metalla (the "Shares") at a price of C$4.00 per Share by way of private placement (the "Placement"). The closing of the Placement is subject to the receipt of approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American LLC. The proceeds of the Placement will be used for general working capital purposes. The Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day from issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AND OPTION GRANT

Effective July 23, 2024, Metalla has granted, in accordance with the Company's share compensation plan, an aggregate of 250,000 restricted share units (each "RSU") and an aggregate of 150,000 stock options ("Options") to Mr. Cho. The RSUs will vest in four equal installments annually from the date of grant, and Options vest in two equal installments, twelve and twenty-four months from the date of grant. Each vested RSU will entitle the holder to receive one common share of the Company or the equivalent cash value thereof and each vested Option will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$4.14 for a period of five years and are subject to vesting provisions.

ABOUT METALLA

Metalla was created to provide shareholders with leveraged precious and strategic metal exposure by acquiring royalties and streams. Our goal is to increase share value by accumulating a diversified portfolio of royalties and streams with attractive returns. Our strong foundation of current and future cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced team, gives Metalla a path to become one of the leading royalty companies.

For further information, please visit our website at www.metallaroyalty.com.

ON BEHALF OF METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

(signed) "Brett Heath"

Chief Executive Officer

Website: www.metallaroyalty.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "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. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements of management regarding Mr. Cho's future contributions to the Company; the completion of the Placement; the receipt of the stock exchange approvals for the Placement; the expected use of proceeds from the Placement; the vesting and settlement of the RSUs; the vesting and exercise of the Options; the expectations generally of Metalla regarding the property owners/operators and the authors of relevant technical reports and studies with respect to the mineral projects in which Metalla has an interest, including without limitation, estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves and updates thereto, production, mine life, NPV, IRR, costs, drilling, development, permitting, water sourcing, commodity mix and prices, and the timing thereof; future opportunities and acquisitions; future exploration, financing, development, production and other anticipated developments on the properties in which the Company has or has agreed to acquire an interest; future growth, increased share value, cash generation and returns; and Metalla having a path to becoming a leading gold and silver royalty company.

Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Metalla to control or predict, that may cause Metalla's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: that the expectations regarding Mr. Cho's future contributions to the Company will not be realized; that the Placement will not be completed; that the stock exchanges will not approve the Placement; that the proceeds from the Placement will be used differently than announced; that the RSUs will not vest or be settled; that the Options will not vest or be exercised; the absence of control over mining operations from which Metalla will purchase precious metals or from which it will receive stream or royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans are refined; problems related to the ability to market precious metals or other metals; industry conditions, including commodity price fluctuations, interest and exchange rate fluctuations; interpretation by government entities of tax laws or the implementation of new tax laws; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Metalla holds a royalty or stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; risks related to global pandemics, including the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Metalla; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the volatility of the stock market; competition; future sales or issuances of debt or equity securities; use of proceeds; dividend policy and future payment of dividends; liquidity; market for securities; enforcement of civil judgments; and risks relating to Metalla potentially being a passive foreign investment company within the meaning of U.S. federal tax laws; and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual information form, annual report on Form 40-F and other documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. Metalla undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metalla-welcomes-jason-cho-as-president-302205313.html

SOURCE Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd.
VANCOUVER, July 24, 2024 - Callinex Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Callinex") (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of $2,094,409 (the "Financing"), which represents an oversubscription of $594,409 of the originally announced financing (see news release dated July 10, 2024).

The Financing consists of (i) 753,412 hard dollar units (the "HD Units") at a price of C$1.25 per HD Unit (the "HD Offering Price") for gross proceeds of up to C$941,765; and (ii) 543,700 Manitoba flow-through units (the "FT Units") at a price of C$2.12 per FT Unit (the "MB FT Offering Price") for gross proceeds of up to $1,152,644.

Each HD Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole such common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share and one-half of one transferrable Warrant to be issued on a non-flow-through basis. Each Warrant is exercisable into one additional common share (a "Warrant Share") for two (2) years from closing at an exercise price of C$2.00 per Warrant Share.

The securities issued will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four months and day from the date of issue. In connection with the Financing, the Company paid a finders' fee of $3,750 to a registered finder.

Michael Louie, an insider of the Company, has subscribed for 20,000 HD Units for gross proceeds of $25,000. The issuance of the HD Units to the insider is considered a related party transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the participation by the insider will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization.

The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Pine Bay Project, Manitoba. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the Flow-Through Shares effective December 31, 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of the HD Units will be used by the Company for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In addition, further to the Company's news release dated May 28, 2024, the Company confirms that it entered into an investor relations agreement with Joseph Gray. Mr. Gray's term is for a period of three months and, if not terminated, will be automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis. Additional details on the engagement are set forth in the news release dated May 28, 2024.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Callinex Mines Inc.

Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of base and precious metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The focus of the portfolio is highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow deposit at its rich VMS Pine Bay Project located near existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District. Callinex prepared an indicated mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 3.44 Mt grading 3.59% CuEq for 272.4 Mlb CuEq (238.3 Mlb Cu, 56.9 Mlb Zn, 37.6 koz Au, 692.8 koz Ag, 2.3 Mlb Pb), an inferred mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 1.28 Mt grading 2.95% CuEq containing 83.4 Mlb CuEq (72.1 Mlb Cu, 19.5 Mlb Zn, 11.1 koz Au, 222.2 Koz Ag, 0.8 Mlb Pb) and an inferred mineral resource at the Pine Bay deposit of 1.0 Mt grading 2.62% Cu containing 58.1 Mlb Cu (see news release dated July 10, 2023). The second asset in the portfolio is the Nash Creek Project located in the VMS rich Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. A 2018 PEA generates a strong economic return with a pre-tax IRR of 34.1% (25.2% post-tax) and NPV8% of $230 million ($128 million post-tax) at $1.25 Zinc (see news release dated May 14, 2018). The third asset, 100% owned Point Leamington Deposit in Newfoundland, is located in one of the richest VMS and Gold Districts in Canada. Callinex prepared a pit constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.0 Mt grading 2.5 g/t AuEq for 402 koz AuEq (145.7 koz gold, 60.0 Mlb copper, 153.5 Mlb zinc, 2.0 Moz silver, 1.5 Mlb lead), a pit constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 13.7 Mt grading 2.24 g/t AuEq for 986.5 koz AuEq (354.8 koz gold, 110.2 Mlb copper, 527.3 Mlb zinc, 6.2 Moz silver, 7.0 Mlb lead) and an out-of-pit Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.7 Mt grading 3.06 g/t AuEq for 168.5 koz AuEq (65.4 koz gold, 13.3 Mlb copper, 102.9 Mlb zinc, 1.4 Moz Ag, 2.6 Mlb lead) (see news release dated October 25, 2021).

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.

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, completing the private placement financing, the ability to complete the proposed drill program and the timing and amount of expenditures. Except as required under applicable securities laws, Callinex does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

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SOURCE Callinex Mines Inc.
Aston Martin figures drop big Adrian Newey hint

Two prominent figures at Aston Martin's Formula 1 team may have dropped a big hint about a massive forthcoming announcement.

Adrian Newey, Saudi Arabian GP 2024

 Red Bull

Adrian Newey is currently winding down his involvement at Red Bull and taking lucrative offers from rival teams about his next move in pitlane.

The latest reports suggest Ferrari has now rejected the 65-year-old engineer and renowned car designer's organisational demands, as Newey also apparently has a whopping four-year, $100 million offer on the table from Aston Martin.

Ferrari, however, is without a technical director at the moment, with team boss Frederic Vasseur currently filling in for the departed Enrico Cardile until a successor is named.

Vasseur told Sky Italia after the Hungarian GP: We will make an announcement about the new organisation after the summer break.

But the announcement probably has nothing to do with Newey, especially as Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa gave a big hint about the team's future in Hungary.

To promote a program on DAZN called 'El Juego del tabu' that is yet to air, de la Rosa showed his colleague and friend a photo of Newey.

De la Rosa, a former driver who worked with Newey at McLaren in the past, told Aston Martin driver Alonso whilst holding the photo: He's someone you're going to like ... you'd like him a lot.

Two time champion Alonso, 42, who grinned broadly when he saw the Newey photo, has expressed obvious frustration about Aston Martin's current performance troubles recently.

He said after the Hungarian GP, where his former Alpine colleague and McLaren driver Oscar Piastri broke through for his maiden win: "I'm very happy for Oscar, he deserves it.

He's a fantastic kid and a great driver. McLaren has been the car to beat for a few races now, Alonso added.

The shame is that, among so many different winners this year, we are not on that list. Not even close. We have to improve, he concluded.

(GMM)
Newey departure already hurting Red Bull says Albers

Red Bull is now feeling the effects of recent high-profile departures, according to former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers.

Max Verstappen, Hungarian GP 2024

 Red Bull

Dan Fallows left for Aston Martin, Rob Marshall went to McLaren, and now the fact that Adrian Newey is steadily departing has all hurt the team's performance, the Dutchman argues.

I've kept hearing for over a year now - Pierre Wache is the man, Albers said. 'Adrian is nothing'. I keep hearing that sort of thing, he told De Telegraaf.

The truth of the matter is that, after a dominant start to the 2024 season, news of Newey's departure did coincide with the car's performance decline.

There are two factors that have played a role in this, Albers speculates. "Newey, who gives a certain philosophy, direction, and a leadership that functions so well. And the departure of Rob Marshall that played maybe an even bigger role.

We can all see that the performance is no longer coming, the former Minardi driver added.

They hoped for much more from that update, that's clear, and maybe it will just take a while. The reality is that, since those two men left, the dominance is no longer there.

Albers also thinks poor team management has played into the current situation - like the premature re-signing of Sergio Perez for 2025 and 2026.

Sorry to say it, the 45-year-old said, "but I think (Christian) Horner was too quick to try to create peace in the team in that way. It was a kamikaze action to sign Perez in the worst form he has ever been in.

Horner does everything to please Verstappen, whether Max loses sleep over it or not.

Albers is even critical of Dr Helmut Marko's suddenly-amended Red Bull contract, which reportedly erases the clause allowing Max Verstappen to leave if Marko departs prematurely.

They simply paid a lot of money to create peace, Albers said bluntly. If that side letter really is gone, Max's contract will valid until 2028 - unless he does not like the performance of the car.

(GMM)
Red Bull must improve angry Verstappen's mood

Declining car performance aside, Red Bull F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko admits a new priority at the team is to end Max Verstappen's foul mood.

Max Verstappen, Hungarian GP 2024

 Red Bull

Max is really angry, Verstappen's 81-year-old mentor, Marko, told Auto Bild on Tuesday.

On the face of it, the triple world champion simply lost his temper over the Hungarian GP weekend as it became clear a critical Red Bull car upgrade did not dislodge McLaren as the new overall frontrunners in Formula 1.

However, even those who know Verstappen very well were surprised at just how furious the 26-year-old driver was last weekend.

Seeing Max like that, and how he was after the race, is not something I like to see as a motorsport fan, former F1 driver and Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers told NOS.

We don't want him to be more or less indifferent about second or third places, but we also have to accept that he is quite a bad loser.

Other Dutch F1 insiders see Verstappen becoming more like his mercurial father Jos as he gets older. You know what I saw in him in Hungary? F1 commentator Olav Mol said. I saw Jos.

On Ziggo Sport, former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos agrees: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Attempting to explain the particularly bad mood, Marko denied it had anything to do with Verstappen's 3.30am bedtime on race-day morning after a sim racing stint.

He expected more from the upgrade, the Austrian told Osterreich.

And to Auto Bild, Marko continued: "Max is really angry. We now have to make sure that his mood improves again. Our car has to get better again. Unfortunately, the updates didn't work as we wanted.

"So it's about improving the car again and giving Max a good feeling. Then he will have no reason to think about a (team) change.

Tempers will calm down again, Marko added. He is the best driver in Formula 1. He makes the difference. He also knows that we know that.

Indeed, Verstappen has been repeatedly linked with a sensational switch to Mercedes, as the internal leadership struggle and Christian Horner scandal raged in 2024.

But, over the course of the Hungarian GP weekend, Red Bull is reported to have definitively closed Verstappen's exit route by agreeing a new contract with Marko - which explicitly unties Marko from Verstappen contractually.

Marko even admits it is the right move for Red Bull to cling tightly to Verstappen, even though the team allowed Sebastian Vettel to leave for Ferrari with a full year to go on the German's existing contract back in 2014.

It's different with Max, Marko insisted.

(GMM)
Red Bull urgently needs F1's summer break

Red Bull "urgently" needs Formula 1's looming summer break to arrive, advisor Dr Helmut Marko admitted on Sunday.

Max Verstappen, Hungarian GP 2024

 Red Bull

Max Verstappen was visibly and audibly frustrated throughout the weekend in Hungary, but his anger spilled over into fury during and after the race.

McLaren dominated on Sunday, leaving Verstappen complaining loudly and bitterly about performance and strategy on the radio - and furiously battling only for the podium with Lewis Hamilton.

After the pair collided, relegating Verstappen to fifth, Hamilton told reporters: I don't feel there should be any hostility. But of course, from his side, there always will be.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher said Verstappen's behaviour on the radio, denounced on the radio as childish by the Dutch racer's own engineer, was embarrassing .

He should be happy that he could still drive at all, the German said after Verstappen's airborne incident.

Normally, after bad days in the cockpit, Verstappen vents his frustration on the radio but generally backs his team. But in Hungary, his criticism of Red Bull Racing was sustained.

I said on Saturday that there are people who are not aware that we need more performance in the car, Verstappen said. "Certain people in our team need to question themselves.

Too many mistakes are being made. I still don't understand the strategy.

Attempting to calm the waters, Marko says it's clear that Verstappen's botched race strategy was our mistake .

All simulations gave a different delta for how big the difference between old and new tyres would be, he told ORF. I haven't come across Max yet, but he knows that this can happen.

Marko says he understands Verstappen's frustration but it is not necessary to do this via the radio .

Some, like 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, accused Verstappen of unprofessionalism for staying up until almost 3.30am on Sunday morning doing a stint in a long-distance sim race.

Verstappen hit back at his critics by declaring that they can all f**k off .

Rosberg told Sky Deutschland: "It's an interesting dynamic. The longer the weekend went on, the more annoyed Max became.

On the team radio, messages were coming across that were almost below the belt.

Schumacher agrees: Tempers have to calm down. Max has to think about it and then they have to find a way out of the hole together.

As for Marko, he says the summer break - looming after this weekend's Belgian GP at Spa - cannot come soon enough. We urgently need this break, said the 81-year-old.

In the first three races we thought we would have exactly the same season as last year, but then there was a sudden turnaround, he added. "Max is not used to this, and we are not used to having to fight so hard with our opponents.

Of course, the fans and the press like this kind of fight, but we have to endure it and cope with the situation. It is clear that we cannot afford to make even the slightest mistake anymore.

(GMM)
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Earlier today, Samsung made the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 available to buy across the world, following their official introduction on July 10. To celebrate the start of sales, the company has resorted to a pretty unorthodox campaign over in the UK, where it's folded an iconic red London bus to promote its new foldable smartphones.

The folded bus is part of a bigger Fold Town art project which also includes a folded bench, lamppost, and iconic red telephone box. Also as part of the campaign, the Old Street Underground station has temporarily been renamed to Fold Street.

The folded bus is a single-decker, and it measures 6 by 6.2 m. It's folded upwards at a 90-degree angle, with its rear end "nearly six meters off the ground", Samsung proudly proclaims.

The bus has been created by the artist Caspar Philips, and it includes "a host of recycled materials" from real London buses. It was constructed to the accurate scale of a real single-decker bus, and it took two months to design and build.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

The folded bench, lamppost, and telephone box were created by designer Jem Hughes on Old Street. The domed telephone box is complete with a payphone and phone book, with the lamppost folding at "nearly three meters tall".

These art installations will remain on Old Street until July 27, while the Old Street Underground station will remain renamed to Fold Street until July 28.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Annika Bizon, Director of Marketing, Omnichannel, and Head of Samsung's MX Division Ireland, said:

Welcome to Fold Town! To celebrate the arrival of the new Galaxy Z series we wanted to flip East London upside down with a series of unexpected activations, including the renaming of Old Street to Fold Street. Samsung has a heritage of innovation, from folding glass in our Galaxy Z Series, to folding buses and iconic landmarks. We are so excited for consumers to experience our unique Fold Street activation across East London.

Source
Samsungs new foldables  the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are now on open sale globally. The are joined by the Watch7 and Watch Ultra smartwatches as well as the Galaxy Ring and Buds3 earbuds.

One of the new Galaxy members wont be available at launch though  the Buds3 Pro are delayed due to quality issues with their silicone ear tips. Samsung US says the Buds3 Pro are coming on August 28 while most of the other markets have them as "temporarily out of stock".

Here are the prices for the new Galaxy foldables:

Samsung has lofty goals for its new foldables  it aims to boost sales by 10% compared to last years Fold5 and Flip5. If our weekly poll results are any indication, that would be a high task to accomplish.

And prices for the Galaxy wearables and Buds3 series:

As per usual, Samsung is offering trade-in deals on all of its new Galaxy devices (including the Buds3) to help lower the final price. Both new foldables also come with discounts on Samsung Care+ plans.
Xiaomi introduced its first clamshell last week, the Mix Flip. We attended the event and tried to learn any information regarding an international launch, but company reps were unwilling to discuss the matter publicly.

Today, we have confirmation that the device will indeed arrive outside of China. A country manager for Xiaomi teased during a local press event that five markets in Central and Eastern Europe will be among the first to get the phone, which will cost around 1,300 or $1,400.

Xiaomi launched the Mix Flip with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a 4 cover display. The foldable panel on the inside is 6.86 OLED with 3,000 nits peak brightness and supports up to 120 Hz refresh rate.

The screen on the back wraps around the cameras, which are both 50 MP  one is the main wide shooter with PDAF and OIS, the other is a telephoto camera for portrait shots with 2x optical zoom and PDAF as well.

The Xiaomi Mix Flip has three memory combinations, but the Xiaomi representative did not reveal which one is going international.





Xiaomi Mix Flip

We already had a close encounter with the Mix Flip and found it light and comfortable to hold. Its frame is mostly flat and has no sharp corners. The hinge can stay at any angle between 45 and 135 degrees and has a very satisfying snap at 180 degrees when it closes with zero gap.

This early hands-on was too brief for a comprehensive verdict but we have already received a review unit, so stay tuned for the final word on whether it is the foldable to look out for.

Source 1  Source 2 (both in Bulgarian)
Landowners near Andersen Air Force Base in Yigo would be compensated for temporarily vacating their property during missile defense testing and a list would be provided to senators on the number of landowners that could be asked to leave their property while testing is ongoing, Sen. Telo Taitague said after a Missile Defense Agency briefing for senators on Tuesday.

The MDA briefing for senators as well as the governor came ahead of a July 25 open house on the environmental impact of live missile testing from Andersen that is scheduled to begin as early as December.

The Thursday open house is from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dededo Community Senior Center.

MDA plans up to two missile defense flight tests or target tracking exercises from Andersen every year over a 10-year period starting in fiscal 2025.

Taitague said senators asked military officials how many landowners around Andersen would be asked to vacate their properties during missile testing and were told a list would be provided.

The testing, she said, would take place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. and landowners would be compensated for temporarily vacating their property.

They would be paid 60 days after testing, Taitague said, but there was no indication of how much they would be compensated.

The senator said landowners who refuse to leave their property would have to sign a waiver.

Taitague said MDA also briefed senators on the 200-mile safety zone in offshore waters, and that a four-day clearance period would be imposed for civilian vessels.

She said she raised concerns that Rota and Saipan appeared closer to the safety zone than Guam, but military officials reassured her that there was no need to brief them as they were outside the water zone.

Lawmakers also reminded military officials about their request for copies of the report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, which was contracted by the military to assess the environmental and overall impact of the 360-degree missile defense system, Taitague said.

Speaker Therese Terlaje held a public hearing July 15 on a resolution she sponsored, seeking a copy of the unclassified version of the report. Taitague said the military officials pledged to provide a copy when it becomes available.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero also received a briefing from MDA on Tuesday.

Our expectation is for the Department of Defense to provide specific information on the impact that the Guam test flight will have on any affected private landowners and the people of Guam. Our nation has a responsibility for the safety and security of our people, she said.

The governor urged the DoD to ensure that their plans have minimal if no impact on the quality of life for our peopleespecially the private landowners in potentially impacted areas.

The MDA said it prepared the environmental assessment/overseas environmental assessment in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.

According to the MDA, these activities are to validate the interoperability of multiple sensors and interceptor systems of the missile defense system being developed to protect Guam.

The governor also encourages the public to submit comments and participate in Thursdays open house.

This is a critical time to ensure our concerns are addressed, particularly for our families closest to the proposed exercises. Your input is invaluable in shaping decisions that impact our community, Leon Guerrero said.

The public comment period was extended to Aug. 2 following separate requests by the governor and the speaker.

The environmental assessment information is available at www.mda.mil/system/guamft and at Guam libraries.




Haiti - Cooperation : Taiwan could donate more supplies to Haiti





Tuesday July 23, 2024, Cheng Li-cheng, Head of the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), believes that the political and social unrest in Haiti seems to be stabilizing since the arrival of the forces of Kenyan police last month and that Taiwan (Republic of China) could donate more supplies to help Haiti in difficulty.



Cheng Li-cheng said Taiwan was ready to help as long as it remained within its capabilities, specifying that Taiwan's aid to Haiti focuses on general security, food security and social support.



The Haitian government has asked Taiwan to provide more aid in these areas and the two governments are discussing what exactly Haiti needs.



Separately, Cheng said his ministry was still evaluating whether it was time to return two members of the Taiwanese technical mission evacuated from Haiti in March 2024.



Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Taiwan to Haiti, Ku Wen-jiann, established friendly interactions with Prime Minister Garry Conille, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique Dupuy and President of the Presidential Transitional Council Edgard Leblanc Fils and relations Bilateral diplomatic relations remained strong and stable, Cheng said.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Chile 2025 World Qualifier : Haiti vs Panama

After their severe defeat on July 21 against Mexico [4-0] https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42816-haiti-qualification-u-20-world-cup-chile-2025-our-grenadiers-crushed-by-mexico-[4-0]-video.html our Grenadiers for the 2nd match of Group C, will face on the lawn of the "Sergio Leon Chavez" stadium in Irapuato, the "Canaleros" the Panama team, this Wednesday July 24 5:06 p.m. (local time), 7:06 p.m. in Haiti.



PNH : Change in the chain of command

Tuesday July 23, 2024, Frantz Thermilus was installed as Chief Inspector General of the Haitian National Police (PNH). He replaces Fritz Saint-Fort who held this position for approximately 3 years.



Shipwreck : 9 lifeless bodies found

The bodies of 9 people were found in Bas-Limbe, in the Nord department. These could possibly be the bodies of 9 of the 40 passengers missing following the fire and sinking of a boat, which occurred the night of Tuesday July 16 to Wednesday July 17 carrying nearly 80 Haitians fleeing Haiti https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42796-icihaiti-shipwreck-fire-at-sea-at-least-40-missing-and-37-survivors.html . The organizers of this clandestine trip have been identified, but are still on the run and actively sought, indicated divisional inspector Harold Jean, Spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH) in the Nord department,



CEP : 5 confirmed representatives

Yves Marie Edouard has been appointed as Representative of the women's sector within the next Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). Other confirmed representatives : union sector (Nemrod Sanon), Reformed cults (Pastor Peterson Pierre-Louis), voodoo sector (Me Newton Louis Saint-Juste) and University Council (Marie Florence Mathieu), which brings the total to 5 representatives appointed to date out of 9...



The end soon for the powerful gang leaders ?

Pierre Esperance, Executive Director of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH), announces the soon end of the powerful gang leaders who almost completely control the capital. "They will be chased by the police and the population" declared Pierre Esperance who affirms that the bandits will have to choose between prison or death.



Les Cayes : The immaculate conception hospital of Les Cayes paralyzed

The Immaculate Conception hospital in Les Cayes has been paralyzed for two weeks now due to the strike of small staff and contract workers who are demanding several months of salary arrears.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















World leaders, experts welcome Beijing Declaration by Palestinian factions, laud China's role

Xinhua) 15:06, July 24, 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnesses the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

*The signing of the Beijing Declaration represents "the ideal and most appropriate national solution" for the Palestinian situation after the conflict, Hamas said.

*The declaration represents an "overwhelming success of Chinese diplomacy," said Egyptian expert Abu Bakr Al-Deeb.

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- World leaders and experts welcomed the signing of a declaration by 14 Palestinian factions in Beijing and lauded China's role in promoting it.

The signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity is "an additional positive step" toward achieving Palestinian national unity and represents "the ideal and most appropriate national solution" for the Palestinian situation after the conflict, Hamas said on Tuesday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "very much welcomes the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the Palestinian factions," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, in response to questions at a regular daily briefing on Tuesday.

Terming the deal as "an important step towards furthering Palestinian unity," Dujarric said the secretary-general "encourages all factions to overcome their differences through dialogue and urges them to follow up on the commitments that were made in Beijing and the declaration they signed on to."

In a statement on Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the uniting of various Palestinian factions under the Beijing Declaration is a crucial step toward realizing the rights of the Palestinian people.

"It is my sincere hope that this declaration of unity will translate into tangible results on the ground and withstand future challenges," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnesses the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

The talks in Beijing involved 14 Palestinian factions with all their positions balanced, thus constituting a basis for ending the division, said Abdel Mohdy Motawe, a Cairo-based researcher and executive director of the Middle East Forum for Strategic Studies and National Security.

It is an important step toward ending the division and strengthening national unity within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, with the inclusion of all Palestinian forces and factions in its institutions, said Abu Bakr Al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies.

World leaders and experts also lauded China's sincere effort to support the rights of the Palestinians, end division and bring about a unified position among the Palestinian factions.

In a statement, Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, expressed his "high appreciation for the great efforts made by China to reach this declaration," noting that this announcement came at an important time as Palestinians are facing an ongoing conflict, especially in the Gaza Strip.

Guterres expressed his appreciation for the diplomatic efforts being made by China as well as the efforts of other countries involved in facilitating the process, said Dujarric, the UN spokesman.

The signing of the declaration represents an "overwhelming success of Chinese diplomacy," its effectiveness, and China's desire for rapprochement with the Middle East region and support of Arab issues, with the Palestinian issue as a priority, said Al-Deeb.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and witnesses the signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions, in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

It underscores China's growing diplomatic prowess and its increasingly respected and influential role in the Middle East, demonstrating its capability to generate effective solutions, said Baris Doster, an academic with the Istanbul-based Marmara University.

As one of the few countries that pursue the principle of dialogue, talks and positive steps to heal the rift in the Middle East, China is expected to have a greater and broader role in the Palestinian issue and other Arab issues, said Motawe.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
April 29, 1994, was a sad day for many computer nerds. With the insolvency of Commodore, a pioneer disappeared from the market, a company that shaped the home computer sector like no other with computers such as the C64 or Amiga. It was the end of a slow decline and the result of many wrong and inflexible decisions - Commodore often reacted too late to market developments and had no suitable response to the shift towards PCs and modern consoles.

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Jack Tramiel founded Commodore. Born Idek Trzmiel in Poland, he was a Jewish child who survived the concentration camp in Auschwitz and forced labor in Ahlen near Hanover. After the war, he moved to the USA. In 1948, he learned basic technical skills in the US Army, which he later deepened as a typewriter mechanic in New York.

Jack Tramiel (left) signs a book at the request of former Commodore developer Bill Heard. The picture was taken in 2007 at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Commodore C64 in Mountain View, California. Apple legend Steve Wozniak can be seen in the background. (Image: Babylon4, CC BY-SA 3.0)

He moved on to Canada and founded the Commodore company in 1954. It sold typewriters, which it imported cheaply from Czechoslovakia in individual parts, assembled and sold under license. After low-cost Asian manufacturers entered the market at the end of the 1950s, Commodore switched to calculators.

Investor Gould joins Commodore

The Canadian businessman Iving Gould not only helped when Commodore was in difficulties in 1965, but also bought up over 17 percent of Commodore shares (worth over 400,000 dollars). Through several further financial injections, Gould became Commodore's largest investor over time.

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When the Asian suppliers also put pressure on the calculator sector, Commodore expanded its portfolio to include pocket calculators. Tramiel had seen the then new devices on a trip to Japan and came back with the idea of bringing them onto the market himself. Commodore purchased the corresponding processors from Texas Instruments - when TI, of all companies, brought its own calculators onto the market at dumping prices, Commodore was determined to become less dependent on suppliers.

A rare promotional gift from the early Commodore era: a radio with a design based on the Commodore 202 desktop computer (Image: Markus Will)

This was achieved with the takeover of chip manufacturer MOS Technologies in 1976. Commodore not only acquired a supplier for pocket calculators, but also the developers of the important 8-bit chip MOS 6502. Chief developer Chuck Peddle immediately suggested building their own computer. Commodore's first computer, the PET 2001 PET = Personal Electronic Transactor), made its debut at CES 1977. With a 6502 chip, monochrome monitor, cassette drive and 8 kilobytes of memory, it was a first success for the company. And not only that: with the MOS 6502, Commodore was now the supplier of one of the most important CPUs, which ran in many 8-bit systems such as those from Apple or Atari.

Home computers for the masses

Commodore launched the first low-cost computer on the market in 1981 with the VC 20: for 300 dollars, the device offered a 6502 processor, 5 kilobytes and rudimentary color graphics, which was the entry point into the computer world for many. In 1982, it was the best-selling home computer and the first Commodore computer to exceed one million units sold.

This success was only followed by the Commodore 64, which was released in September 1982 and turned the 8-bit market on its head: with an estimated 17 million units sold, it is considered the most successful home computer of all time. In the shadow of this success were devices such as the Commodore 128 or the Commodore 246 series, which did not sell nearly as many units.

The Commodore 64, here in the first version, which was also known as the "bread box" due to its shape. With up to 17 million units sold from 1982 to 1994, it is considered the best-selling home computer of all time. (Image: Evan-Amos, Bearbeitung: Markus Will)

Tramiel was a tough and feared businessman. His understanding of business had to be followed by the staff and endured by the trading partners. When Jack Tramiel was not allowed to bring one of his sons into management and had a falling out with Irving Gould over the company's direction, he left Commodore in 1984, taking some of the best developers with him. Tramiel bought the Atari company and openly went into battle against Commodore.

Commodore, in turn, had now lost its boss and some of the C64 developers. Although the Commodore 64 dominated the 8-bit market, they had no access to the emerging 16-bit wave. This came with the purchase of a small company called Amiga. Under the leadership of developer Jay Miner, who was already in charge of chip development for the Atari 400/800, a small team of developers had wanted to develop the best home computer ever since 1982, but there was no major investor behind the project and they were constantly struggling to survive. Although the presentation of the Lorraine prototype at the 1984 CES was a success, it did not attract any investors.

A loan almost turned the Amiga into an Atari

Instead, Amiga obtained a loan of 500,000 dollars from Atari  well before the takeover by Jack Tramiel  to continue developing its project. When Tramiel's Atari takeover talks later leaked out, the Amiga developers panicked. They were still smarting from a takeover meeting in which Tramiel had wanted to take over the company at a dumping price months earlier. If Amiga didn't pay back the 500,000 dollars by August, he would probably have become their boss.

At the last second, Commodore bought Amiga for 27 million dollars and paid Atari off. Tramiel, still in takeover negotiations, had no idea what the 500,000 dollar check meant and later sued Commodore, which ended in a settlement a few years later. With Commodore behind them, the Amiga engineers developed the Amiga 1000, which celebrated its premiere in New York on July 23, 1985.

The Amiga 1000 with keyboard and contemporary monitor from 1985, which breathed life into the term "multimedia" with its graphics and sound performance. (Image: Markus Will)

With the Motorola 68000 with 16 (internally 32) bits and 7.16 megahertz, four-channel sound and up to 4096 simultaneous colors, the Amiga was graphically far ahead of the competition at the time. The AmigaOS was also the first widespread home computer with an operating system that was capable of preemptive multitasking. However, the Amiga was not yet positioned correctly: With a remote keyboard, it looked more like an office computer and was still too expensive for the children's room, while Atari already had a keyboard computer with the same processor on the market with the Atari ST.

The Amiga's breakthrough came with the Amiga 500, released in 1987. It was a keyboard computer similar to the C64, but with the performance data of the Amiga 1000 and also significantly cheaper than the first version of the series. Games such as Turrican, Defender of The Crown, Shadow of The Beast, Settlers and Lemmings demonstrated the Amiga's outstanding capabilities and led to Commodore overtaking Atari in terms of sales over time.

Later, more professional Amigas and CD versions appeared

The Amiga 2000, also released in 1987, was intended to appeal to more professional users. It had a separate keyboard and a spacious housing for additional cards. In 1990, the CDTV, an Amiga 500, was released as a CD console: very stylish, but unfortunately otherwise with technology that was now five years old. The Amiga 3000 was again intended for professional users. It was not until 1992 that two Amigas appeared with the Amiga 1200 and Amiga 4000, whose graphics capabilities were able to compete with the emerging VGA PCs. However, they came too late to turn the tide.

Amiga 500 Plus was supposed to replace the Amiga 500 in 1991, but brought hardly any improvements and instead incompatibilities. The Amiga 600, which appeared in 1992, was also not a real further development, as the performance data remained more or less the same. It had more compact dimensions due to the omission of the numeric keypad, the design was based on the Amiga 1200, but the processor was still the 68000 with 7.16 megahertz. As an alternative to its own Amiga series, Commodore successfully offered IBM PC-compatible computers, occasionally with the PC 10 to PC 70.

The Commodore 65 almost came onto the market as the successor to the C64 in 1992, until the planners at Commodore realized that new 8-bit computers were no longer in demand. The last product, the Amiga CD32, came too late as a CD console to save Commodore from insolvency. On April 29, 1994, the time had come: Commodore was bankrupt.

The German PC distributor Escom then took over the rights to the Amiga and continued to distribute the Amiga 1200 and Amiga 4000 until 1996, when they themselves had to file for bankruptcy independently of the Amiga. Since then, the rights to the Amiga and Commodore names have passed into different hands.

Today, an active nerd community takes care of Commodore's legacy: enthusiasts continue to supply the systems with software and expansions. C64 has a huge fan base. It was even re-released four years ago in an FPGA version in its original size and with technical innovations. On the Amiga, you can also play via FPGA on the Amiga 500 mini-console, or you can play on the original device with an SD card partition. Lovers of classic devices can also meet at exhibitions such as the recent Retro Computing Festival in Paderborn.

(mawi)
Orban has recently drawn the ire of several member states for embarking on a self-styled peace mission, with stops in Moscow and Beijing, after Hungary assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

FOREIGN MINISTERS of the EU on Monday held serious discussions about the actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban , reports YLE.

Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen (NCP) underscored at an online press conference that Hungary does not have the right to represent the EU in such meetings.

It isnt acceptable that Hungary presents itself as the EUs representative or gives such an impression while touring places like Moscow and Beijing. A single country can express its own views, but the EUs [council] president cant. You have to ask if the EU is the right reference group for Hungary, if its views differ so much from our shared values, she was quoted saying by YLE.

Valtonen declined to offer an alternative reference group for Hungary. She demanded that the country and its leader honour and act in accordance with the jointly agreed foreign policy of the 27-country bloc.

In Brussels, she and her colleagues focused particularly on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, discussing topics such as utilising frozen Russian assets and providing military support to Ukraine.

Valtonen called for an immediate ceasefire the release of hostages in Gaza.

The EU should continue to work determinedly to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the IsraelPalestine conflict must be solved based on a two-state solution, she outlined according to YLE.

She also touched briefly on the decision of US President Joe Biden to bow out of the presidential race after weeks of mounting pressure from Democrats following his dismal debate performance against the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, on 27 June. Biden announced his decision to bow out in a social media post on Sunday, following it up with an endorsement for his vice president, Kamala Harris.

That was a strong and responsible decision, said Valtonen. We naturally support the US president, as we support the leaders produced by free elections in all democracies. Particularly in the US, which is a close ally and friend to us.

In response to a question from a reporter, she stated that she had not noticed any signs that Bidens capacity had diminished.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Budget 2024: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented the Union Budget 2024-25 during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Nirmala Sitharaman became the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former prime minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2024-25 in Lok Sabha in New Delhi on July 23.(PTI)

In her seventh record Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities. These included productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling and services.

"India's economic growth continues to be the shining exception (in a world that is gripped by policy uncertainties) and will remain so in the years ahead," Sitharaman said while presenting the Budget in the Parliament. "In this budget, we particularly focus on employment, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class."

Here, we take a look at the measures aimed at salaried persons and job seekers in the Union Budget 2024-25.

Hike in standard deduction

In the budget, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the standard deduction for salaried employees from 50,000 to 75,000 under the new income tax regime  an increase of 50%.

Standard deduction refers to a flat deduction from the total salary earned by an employee in a year before calculating the applicable income tax rate.

Notably, no change has been announced regarding the standard deduction in the old tax regime .

New income tax slabs

In her budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman also announced relaxation in the income tax slabs under the new tax regiment for the current fiscal year.

The new income tax slabs announced are as follows:

Up to  3 lakh: 0%

3 lakh: 0%  3 to  7 lakh: 5%

3 to 7 lakh: 5%  7 lakh to  10 lakh: 10%

7 lakh to 10 lakh: 10%  10 lakh to  12 lakh: 15%

10 lakh to 12 lakh: 15%  12 lakh to  15 lakh: 20%

12 lakh to 15 lakh: 20% Above  15 lakh: 30%

Also Read | Budget 2024: How the changes in new tax regime will benefit the salaried, explained



As a result of these changes, a salaried employee in the new tax regime stands to save up to 17,500/- in income tax, she announced.

Increase in tax deduction on family pension

Sitharaman also announced a plan to increase the family pension deduction amount for the better financial stability of salaried individuals and pensioners.

The deduction amount is proposed to be increased to 25,000 from 15,000, under the new tax regime.

Deduction on family pension for pensioners is proposed to be enhanced from 15,000 to 25,000, the finance minister said, adding that the move will provide relief to about 4 crore salaried individuals and pensioners.

One month wage to all new entrants in formal sector



Nirmala Sitharaman also announced that the government will provide a one-month wage to all persons newly entering the workplace in all formal sectors. This, the finance minister said, the government will directly transfer the amount to the employees as their provident fund contribution.

"...One month's wage to all persons newly entering the workplace in all formal sectors. Direct Benefit Transfer of one month's salary in 3 instalments to first-time employees as registered in the EPFO will be up to 15,000. The eligibility limit will be a salary of 1 lakh per month. The scheme will benefit 210 lakh youth," the finance minister said while presenting the Budget.

Also Read | How does the Union Budget impact growth?

The announcements were part of the prime minister's package for employment and skilling.

In addition to the direct benefit transfer, the government also announced that incentives will be provided directly to both employees and employers based on their EPFO contribution in the first four years of employment. It also announced that employers will be reimbursed up to 3,000 per month for two years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee.

Internship in top 500 companies

The finance minister also said in her budget speech on Tuesday that the government would launch an internship scheme for youth in 500 top companies.

The scheme will cover 10 million young people over five years, Sitharaman added.

Those interning will also receive an internship allowance of 5,000 per month and a one-time assistance of 6,000.

As the 5th scheme under the Prime Ministers package, our government will launch a comprehensive scheme for providing internship opportunities in 500 top companies to 1 crore youth in 5 years. They will gain exposure for 12 months to real-life business environment, varied professions and employment opportunities, she said in the Parliament.

Companies will be expected to bear the training cost and 10% of the internship cost from their CSR funds, she added.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced changes in the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) framework which will impact salaried individuals. The tweaks will impact disposable income and streamline tax processes, the Finance minister announced, adding, "A beginning is being made in the Finance Bill by simplifying the tax regime for charities, TDS rate structure, provisions for reassessment and search provisions and capital gains taxation." Budget 2024: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman attends the ongoing Monsoon session, at the Parliament in New Delhi.(Sansad TV)

Here are four changes in TDS provisions announced by Nirmala Sitharaman that will impact you:

Salaried individuals can claim credit for TCS collected

Section 192 of the Act provides deduction of tax at source on salary income. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that all TCS paid and TDS deducted under all other sections will also be considered for TDS deducted on salary income by amending the existing provisions. This will put more money in the hands of salaried employees from October 1, 2024 when the amendments will take effect.

TDS on sale of jointly held property

Till now there was a deduction of tax on payment of sale consideration for the sale of immovable properties other than agricultural land. This rule has been ambiguous in the case of multiple buyers or sellers where the sale value of the immovable property or stamp duty value exceeds 50 lakh. This Finance Bill has clarified that the exemption is only when the total sale value is less than 50 lakh and where there is more than one seller or buyer.

Lower TDS on rent paid

An individual or a Hindu undivided family who pays rent exceeding 50,000 for a month or part of a month is required to deduct TDS equivalent to an amount of 5 per cent. The Finance Bill has proposed for reduction in the applicable rate of TDS from 5 per cent to 2 per cent.

TCS of minor can be claimed by the parent

TCS collected in the name of a minor can only be claimed in the name of the minor but the Budget has provided for the adjustment of TCS credits in the name of the minor with the tax liability of the parent which can be done only when the income of the minor is clubbed in the hands of the parent.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that the government will formulate a plan, Purvodaya, for the all-round development of five states, including Bihar and Andhra Pradesh  seen crucial for the survival of the NDA government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Union Budget 2024-25 being presented by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session.(Sansad TV)

The states in the Eastern part of the country are rich in endowments and have strong cultural traditions, Sitharaman said in her budget speech.

We will formulate a plan, Purvodaya, for the all-round development of the eastern region of the country covering Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, she added.

Budget 2024 | Old vs new tax regime: Which will be more beneficial for high-income persons?

The finance minister said the Purvodaya plan will cover human resource development, infrastructure, and generation of economic opportunities to make the region an engine to attain Viksit Bharat.

However, it is still not clear what metrics were used to select these five states.

The idea of Purvodaya was first publicly aired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 after he dedicated a refinery of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Paradip, reported The Times of India.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi said the development of the country's eastern region will get new momentum and energy through the "Purvodaya" plan. New impetus will be given to the development of important infrastructure such as highways, water projects and power projects, he added.

Income tax benefits, capital gains tax hike, cheaper phones | Key Budget takeaways

Union home minister Amit Shah said 'Purvodaya' scheme has been announced in the budget in order to give new impetus to the development of the eastern region of the country.

"This scheme will give new energy to infrastructure, human resources, employment and economic development opportunities in these regions and these regions will play an important role in building a developed and self-reliant India," he said.
By Rajendra Jadhav India's July edible oil imports to surge to record on robust palm buying, sources say

MUMBAI, - India bought a record amount of edible oils for July delivery, as refiners increased palm oil and soyoil purchases due to lucrative prices and ahead of an anticipated hike in import duties, industry and government sources told Reuters.

Higher palm oil purchases by the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils will help to reduce inventories in top producer Indonesia and Malaysia and support benchmark prices.

Edible oil imports are set to jump to a record 1.92 million metric tons, up nearly 26% from a month ago, according to average estimates from the data shared by trade houses.

India on average has been importing 1.2 million tons of edible oil so far in the current marketing year which began November 2023.

Around 1.45 million tons of edible oils have already been discharged at various ports, including 850,000 tons of palm oil, said a government official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Palm oil imports in July are expected to jump 45% from a month ago to 1.14 million metric ton, the highest in 20 months, dealers said.

"Correction in palm oil prices in May and June made it cheaper than rival oils. During this period, the refining margin in India was also healthy, prompting refiners to place orders for July shipments," said Sandeep Bajoria, CEO of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage.

Palm oil's discount to soyoil widened to more than $100 per ton in May from less than $10 in April, dealers said.

"Expectations of a duty hike in the budget also prompted some buyers to increase purchases for July shipments," Bajoria said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented the budget for the 2024-25 financial year, although she didn't make any changes to the duty structure on edible oils.

Soyoil imports in July are set to jump 45% from a month ago to 400,000 metric tons, the highest in 13 months, data showed.

Soyoil shipments originating from South America take more than six weeks, and some of the delayed shipments landed in July, which lifted soyoil imports, said Rajesh Patel, managing partner at edible oil trader and broker GGN Research.

Sunflower oil imports could fall to 380,000 tons in July, down 18% from the last month's record shipments, data showed.

India buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, while it imports soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a new feature for Meta AI for users to create custom images of themselves in various scenarios and styles, including being a gladiator, a boy band member, and so on. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Reuters)

Also Read: Bill Gates wants smart Elon Musk to speak on this issue more: 'He talks a lot but'

This new feature is also available in multiple regions, supporting various languages.

Also Read: Budget 2024: How your SIPs will be taxed after capital gains rate changes

Zuckerberg has released a video of the entire process on Instagram where he scans his face using Meta AI and asks it to visualise him as a gladiator, a boy band member afterwards, and then, as wearing a big gold chain.

This comes at a time when the billionaire CEO also said in a recent Bloomberg interview that AI clones can help content creators to engage with their fans more easily by handling aspects such as responding to comments and messages, which would free up time for creators to focus on making content.

Which new countries is Meta AI now available in?

Mark Zuckerberg also announced that Meta AI is now available in more countries such as Argentina, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.

Which languages does Meta AI now support?

Meta AI now support languages like Hindi, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Also Read: Uday Kotak praises Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget: Well thought out, smartly
Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath said that the Budget 2024 will make speculation "much more expensive" and long-term investments less attractive. This will happen due to changes in the securities transaction tax (STT), he wrote in the Economic Times. Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath.(X/Nithin Kamath)

"The STT charged on options has been increased from 0.0625% to 0.1% of the option premium. The STT charged on futures has been increased from 0.0125% to 0.02% on the price of futures. This makes trading futures and options costlier now," he noted.

With these changes speculation will soon become much more expensive, he added.

As per the new STT rates cost of trading in select equity derivative transactions is set to increase by 60%. Nirmala Sitharaman has raised the STT on the sale of options from 0.0625% to 0.1% of the option premium value and on the sale of futures, from 0.0125% to 0.02% of the futures price. This means an increase from 62.5 to 100 per lakh on the premium value for options and from 12.5 to 20 per lakh for futures. The changes will take effect from October 1.

Nikhil Kamath also said that there is a silver lining for entrepreneurs in the Budget. He said, "Earlier, private investments in startups attracted capital gains of 20%. This has now come down to 12.5%, in line with investing in listed securities."

Read more: Radhika Gupta explains how Budget 2024 impacts your mutual funds investments

Removal of angel tax is also good as it was introduced as a way to stop people from setting up shell businesses to launder money. Unfortunately, it ended up hurting startups because to tax authorities, the high valuations of startups made them hard to distinguish from shell companies, he said.
Bengaluru, which is seeing a surge in dengue cases, has been reporting an average of around 150 new cases per day, causing concern among authorities and residents alike, The Hindu reported. Bengaluru has seen a total of 3,304 dengue cases reported from July 1 to July 22. (Representational Image) (HT_PRINT)

Tushar Giri Nath, the Chief Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), reportedly instructed zonal officials to promptly implement necessary actions in their respective areas to control the viral disease.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru civic body BBMP calls for dengue-related reels, announces cash prizes: Report

In a meeting held at the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Company (BSWMC) on Tuesday to discuss dengue control measures within Bengaluru, he said the city has seen a total of 3,304 dengue cases reported from July 1 to July 22.

Zone Commissioners were specifically directed to conduct daily meetings with Health Department officials to oversee efforts in dengue control. They were also mandated to step up activities such as fogging and pesticide spraying to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, the report said.

Senior officials were advised to visit hospitals to monitor case numbers and ensure adherence to government-regulated rates for dengue test kits. Strict actions were instructed against hospitals found charging above the specified rates.

ALSO READ | Air India Express starts international flight service between Bengaluru, Abu Dhabi

Among other directives, officials were tasked with repairing potholes on main roads, conducting a survey to identify out-of-school children within the BBMP's jurisdiction, and ensuring timely collection of property taxes.

In a bid to raise public awareness about dengue prevention, the BBMP has also introduced cash incentives for the top ten entries in the 'Dengue Warrior' short video contest, wherein students are called to make reels based on the vector-borne disease.

In response to the recent spike in dengue cases in Karnataka, the Health Department has also recently appointed nodal officers at all government hospitals in Bengaluru to strengthen disease management efforts.
The Karnataka government is all set to launch a Kannada learning programme for Malayalis living in Bengaluru. The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) will organise these classes and various sections of Malayalis are expected to attend the programme. Karnataka govt to teach Kannada to Bengaluru Malayalis in 20 tuition centers(Representational photo/ Getty Images)

Also Read - Kannadigas should create Kannada atmosphere in Karnataka, appeals CM Siddaramaiah

Speaker UT Khader will inaugurate the event on Thursday, and KDA will reportedly set up 20 Kannada learning centres in Bengaluru. These learning centres will teach the native language to the people of Kerala who moved to Bengaluru to live. There is a good chunk of the Malayali population in Bengaluru who migrated to the tech capital for education, employment and business purposes. The regular sessions will begin in the second week of August, and interested people must register their names at KDA centers.

Also Read - Bengaluru bike thief uses money to fund for cancer treatment of a woman, arrested: Report

Earlier, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that people who live in Karnataka should learn Kannada. He also called Kannadigas generous and said they must create a Kannada atmosphere in the state.

He said, Kannadigas must create an atmosphere of Kannada in the state. Everyone must decide to speak only in Kannada with the people who live in this land. Speaking in our mother tongue in our land must make us feel proud.

The recent Kannada reservation Bill, which brings reservation for Kannadigas in private firms, sparked a row among the tech circles. However, the Bill was put on hold after it received massive backlash from various sectors of people.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said his government had decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, as a mark of protest against the "neglect" of the states demands in the Union Budget. Karnataka to boycott NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM, over neglect of state in budget: CM Siddaramaiah

He said there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting, as Kannadigas are not heard. Despite my earnest efforts in calling for an all-party MPs meeting in New Delhi to discuss Karnataka's essential needs, the Union Budget has neglected our state's demands, Siddaramaiah said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who also attended the meeting, has ignored the concerns of the people of Karnataka. We don't feel that Kannadigas are heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting, he posted on social media platform X.

Also Read - Kannadigas should create Kannada atmosphere in Karnataka, appeals CM Siddaramaiah

We have decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 July, as a mark of protest, he added. Stating that even the farmers' demands to approve Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects have been ignored, the CM said, There was no attempt to rectify their sin of reducing funds to our state under various categories.

Funds for metro and other infra projects are still a distant dream, he added. He said that Modi is unable to see states other than Andhra Pradesh and Bihar because "his eyes are on the position of Prime Minister". "His agenda is exposed in front of the people. We hope the people of our state stand with us in our fight for justice, the CM said. Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah termed the union budget "disappointing" and said, "As Nirmala Sitharaman is a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, we had expected her to do justice to the state and hoped that she would protect the interests of the state, but she hsd disappointed and done injustice to the people of Karnataka, he had said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday allocated 350 crore to the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) in the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a reduction of 100 crore compared to the previous year's allocation of 450 crore. The 148 km Bengaluru suburban rail proposal with four corridors has been a much delayed project, languishing for decades.(Getty Images / Representational Photo)

The project aims to establish a 148 km rail network across four corridors in Bengaluru, with an estimated total cost of 15,767 crore. Funding for the project involves a 40 per cent contribution from both the State and Central governments, while the remaining funds are slated to come from external borrowing, The Hindu reported.

ALSO READ | Over 2,000 citizens oppose felling of 33,000 trees for Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project: Report

The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE) has commenced work on the Baiyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara corridor, covering 25 km and featuring 14 proposed stations.

ALSO READ | In major leap, South Western Railway leases 114 acres land for Bengaluru Suburban Railway project's Corridor-4

Rail advocates acknowledge the project's long-delayed progress but expressed concerns over the reduced allocation, advocating for higher funding. K-RIDE officials, however, view the budget allocation as realistic and are actively pursuing additional funding through external sources, the publication stated.

In recent developments, more than 2,000 residents have lodged protests last month against the proposed cutting down of approximately 33,000 trees to facilitate the project. In another related incident, the South Western Railway (SWR) gave as much as 114.472 acres of land to the long overdue project in April for the construction of its Corridor-4, from Heelalige to Rajanukunte in Bengaluru, making way for huge progress.

ALSO READ | Vaishnaw urges Karnataka govt to fast-track Bengaluru suburban rail project

The ruling Congress government in Karnataka has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Union Budget 2024, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday saying we don't feel Kannadigas were heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting.

In response, the Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra on Wednesday hit out at the state government and said CM Siddaramaiah should convince the central government and bring more money to Karnataka instead of "politicising" the budget.
New Delhi: Observing that there is a trust deficit between farmers and the government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed the constitution of an independent committee, comprising eminent persons, to reach out to the protesters to find a solution to their demands. A three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by justice Surya Kant, said there is a need for a neutral umpire who can inspire confidence between farmers and the government. (HT file photo)

A three-judge bench, headed by justice Surya Kant, said there is a need for a neutral umpire who can inspire confidence between farmers and the government.

You have to take some steps to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi? You are sending ministers from here and despite their best intentions, there is a trust deficit, the bench, also comprising justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan, said.

Let appropriate instructions be taken within a week. Till then let parties maintain status quo at the site to prevent flaring up of the situation at Shambhu border, the bench said.

The top court was hearing the Haryana governments plea challenging the Punjab and Haryana high court order asking it to remove within a week the barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala where farmers have been camping since February 13.
The Delhi high court on Wednesday issued a notice in connection with former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalids plea seeking bail in the case related to his alleged role in the larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 East Delhi riots. Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid. (HT PHOTO)

A bench of justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia sought the Delhi Polices response to the plea and fixed August 29 as the next date of hearing days after Justice Amit Sharma recused from hearing the matter. It also fixed the same date for the hearing on a batch of pleas of Khalids co-accused including student activist Sharjeel Imam for bail in the same case.

Khalid moved the high court against a Delhi courts May 28 order rejecting his second bail plea saying the prosecution was not responsible for any delays in the case and there was no significant change in circumstances since the first rejection.

He has been in custody since September 2020. Khalid is facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA for his alleged role in a broader plot behind the riots that claimed 53 lives and left hundreds injured. The riots occurred amid months-long protests against the contentious new citizenship law.

Khalid has denied the charges against him. Delhis Karkardooma court in March 2022 rejected his first bail plea. The high court in October 2022 affirmed the verdict. Khalid petitioned the Supreme Court in April last year. On February 14, he withdrew his bail plea from the Supreme Court citing a change in circumstances. Khalids legal team said that he would rather try his luck before the trial court.
The Bihar Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 aimed at curbing the malpractices in government recruitment examinations. The Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was tabled on Wednesday. (Bihar Vidhan Sabha)

The bill was tabled by state parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and passed with voice vote amidst a walkout by the opposition.

Also Read: Bihar college principal, lecturers among 4 arrested for BPSC paper leak: Top cop

The bill proposes to prevent unfair means in public exams conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commision (BPSC), Bihar Staff Selection Commission, Bihar Technical Services Commission, Bihar State University Service Commission, Bihar Police Subordinate Service Commission, Central Selection Board of Constable among other state boards.

Introducing the Bill, Choudhary said it was unfortunate that the Opposition did not want to be part of an important legislation, which was aimed at ensuring a clean exam system for the youth.

This bill proposes harsh punishment to deter the organised gangs and anti-socials involved in question leak of affecting exams in any way, as it is the need of the hour. I have come to know that in the last 16 days, 48 such instances have been reported across the country. Bihar has also been affected. The Centres legislation has become effective from July and Bihar has also come up with its own. What problem can the Opposition have if such elements who tamper with exam system are booked? This is sad, but the people are watching it, he added.

The bill stipulates severe punishment for those involved in such malpractices, including a prison term of three to five years and a fine of 10 lakh.

For the service provider found involved, the fine proposed is 1 crore, besides termination of service and recovery of expenditure incurred on conducting the exams.

There is also provision of up to 10 years of imprisonment, 1 crore fine and confiscation of property if the involvement of organised gangs is established.
Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the admit cards for the Air Force Common Admission Test AFCAT 02 examination on the official website. Candidates who have submitted their applications for AFCAT 2 can visit the official website at afcat.cdac.in. According to the official notification, the online AFCAT examination will be conducted from August 9, 2024, to August 11, 2024.

Direct Link to download AFCAT 2 admit cards

According to the official notification, the online AFCAT examination will be conducted from August 9, 2024, to August 11, 2024. The recruitment is for Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 304 positions in the organisation.

Candidates who wish to download the admit cards need to submit their login credentials like email ID and password in order to access the hall tickets.

Candidates who wish to download the admit cards for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2) can follow the below mentioned steps.

Steps to download AFCAT 2 admit cards:

Visit the official website of IAF AFCAT at afcat.cdac.in

Look out for the link to download admit cards for AFCAT 02 on the home page and click it

A new page appears where the candidate needs to submit the necessary details and once it is completed candidates will get access to download the admit card

Verify the details and save the page

Download the page and take a print out of the same for future needs.

For more information, visit the official website.
Coming of age films are nothing new. Weve seen the awkwardness, the raucous, lewd humor and the emotional complexity that accompanies teen years on screen before, but films that balance those three things  all while keeping the story of a child of immigrants at its heart  are harder to come by. Movie Review: Didi is a warm, nostalgic hug straight from 2008

Didi, the semi-autobiographical debut from director, writer and producer Sean Wang, delivers just that. It follows 13-year-old Chris Wang, or Wang Wang, as his friends call him, during the summer between middle and high school. His family, who affectionately call him Didi, Mandarin for little brother, are Taiwanese Americans living in Fremont, California, in 2008  something viewers could likely pick up on even quickly with the use of flip phones, instant messaging and Myspace throughout.

At the core of this story of a young boy wanting to fit in, navigating his first crush and feeling the ebbs and flows of young friendships is his mother, the only person who sees him for who he is. As many 13-year-old boys feel at times, Chris just finds his mom, beautifully played by Joan Chen, to be unbearably irritating and embarrassing.

Throughout the well-paced story, Chris grapples with wanting to push away those closest to him, saying cruel things that cant be unsaid, and simultaneously wanting their approval and love more than ever before.

In a wistful moment, after Chris and his mom, Chungsing, have cooled down from a big fight, Chris asks her if shes ashamed of him. Through a poignant monologue, Chungsing tells him she could never be ashamed of him and that he is her dream. Its a sweet moment and a sweet thought, but it also hits on a pressure many children of immigrants feel: to live up to their parents wildest dreams.

Izaac Wang, a revelation as Chris, seamlessly portrays those feelings of pressure and fear of disappointing family. His performance makes you appreciate that fraught time on the cusp of high school for what it taught you, but it also makes you appreciate that its over.

For all the emotional punches he packs as we follow Chris journey, Wang is also effortlessly hilarious in the films lighter moments.

From searching how to kiss on YouTube to fretting over how to respond to his crushs IMs with his buddies, Wang pulls you in right away and doesnt let go.

Didi premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, winning the audience award and a special jury award for its ensemble. It was one of the festivals biggest discoveries and it was praised at the time for how it fostered nostalgia for the aughts  although many millennial viewers were shaken by the idea of a film set in 2008 being a period piece.

Creating something that feels nostalgic or captures a moment in time is no easy task, but the film pulls it off, largely thanks to the stellar performances. Several of the teen characters are played by first-time actors, which creates a palpable authenticity. The young actors also, refreshingly, dont look far off from 13 in a departure from many films with teen characters that cast older actors.

That realness is already there, given that Wang infused much of his childhood into the story and filmed on location in his hometown. He also cast his own 86-year-old grandmother as the endearing Nai Nai, who delivers comedic relief as if she was a veteran actor.

In a memorable scene, and a glimpse at Chris soft spot for his grandmother, he films her to feed his hobby of creating YouTube videos. As he gets closer to her face with the camera, she says shes ugly and he responds that she is beautiful, and they exchange I love yous. Its a quick yet moving reminder that under the layers of angst and the uncertainty that comes with times of transition, Chris is just a kid who loves his family and wants to do right by them. And then the moment is over.

Didis greatest strength lies in the balance it strikes between moments of levity and gravity, often prompting waves of laughter seconds after evoking tears.

Several shots throughout the film show Chungsing affectionately staring at her son, waiting for him to acknowledge her to no avail. Once Chris has experienced more of the messiness that is being 13, he doesnt just look back at her. He finally sees her.

Didi simply makes you wish you could turn back time and hug your mom.

Didi, a Focus Features release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language throughout, sexual material, and drug and alcohol use  all involving teens. Running time: 93 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Salman Khan has given his statement in the chargesheet filed by Mumbai Police in connection with the shooting incident outside his house The actor told police that he believed the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was responsible for the firing at his residence in April, as reported by PTI. Salman stated that he heard a firecracker-like sound while asleep at his residence in Galaxy Apartments in the early hours of April 14, indicating an attempt on his and his family members' lives. (Also read: If Salman Khan apologises and takes oath to protect wildlife, we will consider it: Bishnoi community on blackbuck case) Salman Khan has named Lawrence Bishnoi in the chargesheet filed by Mumbai Police.

Salman alleges Lawrence Bishnoi plotted to kill him

The actor's police bodyguard informed him around 4:55 am that two people on a motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony. Salman added that there had been previous attempts to harm him and his family. His bodyguard lodged a complaint regarding the firing at Bandra police station. Later, he learned that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi had confessed and taken responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post.

Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members had threatened to kill Salman and his relatives earlier too. The Sikandar actor in his statement said, "So, I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members, carried out the firing incident when my family members were sleeping and (they were) planning to kill me and my family members." He told police that he and his family had received several other threats in recent years.

Lawrence Bishnoi sent threat mails to Salman Khan

In 2022, a threat letter was discovered on a bench across from Salman's building. In March 2023, a threat email was received from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, according to the actor. He mentioned that in January 2024, two unidentified individuals attempted to enter his farmhouse near Panvel using fake identities.

Salman also noted that earlier this month, the police filed a 1,735-page charge sheet in the firing case before the special court for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act cases. The court has recently acknowledged the charge sheet, stating that there is enough evidence to proceed against the six accused who have been arrested.

The individuals arrested in the case are Vickykumar Gupta, Sagarkumar Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Anujkumar Thapan (now deceased), Mohd Rafiq Choudhary, and Harpal Singh. Anujkumar allegedly committed suicide in police custody after his arrest. The remaining five are currently in judicial custody.
Angelina Jolie has been vocal about her support for Palestine, and even posted her statement on Instagram condemning the attack. Now, her father, actor Jon Voight has called out her stance in a new interview with Variety. He claimed that Jolie has been influenced by antisemitic people. (Also read: Angelina Jolies daughter Shiloh experienced painful events before dropping Brad Pitts name) Jon Voight called out Angelina Jolie's support for Palestine.

What Jon said about Angelina

"She has been exposed to propaganda. Shes been influenced by antisemitic people. Angie has a connection to the U.N., and shes enjoyed speaking out for refugees. But these people are not refugees Angie, I think she hasnt been available to this information because in Hollywood people dont share this kind of stuff. Theyre way off. They have no idea whats going on. Its a bubble.

'Shes ignorant of what the real stakes are'

He went on to add, "I love my daughter. I dont want to fight with my daughter. But the fact is, I think she has been influenced by the U.N. From the beginning, its been awful with human rights. They call it human rights, but its just anti-Israel bashing. Shes ignorant of what the real stakes are and what the real story is because shes in the loop of the United Nations. Maybe we shouldnt talk about all this politics stuff.

Angelina Jolie has been working for over two decades in service to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. She served as a Goodwill Ambassador from 2001  2012 and then as Special Envoy from 2012  2022. The Oscar-winning actor had taken to her Instagram on October last year to share her support for the Palestinians. Stop Genocide. Humanity above this all, she wrote in the caption.

Jon will be seen next in Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. Angelina, on the other hand, will be seen in Pablo Larrains Maria Callas biopic, which will have its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival next month.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are writing each other love letters to mend their marriage rift, despite being ready to throw in the towel, per a Daily Mail report. Ben Affleck very protective of Jennifer Lopez but their marriage has been over for months, report claims (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)(AFP)

Despite spending the summer apart and putting their home on the market, the couple has made a concerted effort to maintain their connection, particularly through handwritten letters.

A source told the Daily Mail, Jen and Ben agreed it is best to take some time apart so they can really figure out what it is that they want.

They were ready to throw in the towel. Divorce papers are done and ready to be filed. But they wanted to give it one last go before walking away from this and are going back to the beginning by writing each other letters. This is what made them fall in love in the first place.

ALSO READ| Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez not getting back together, but the plans to split are

JLo and Ben's second chance at romance, maybe third

The Hollywood couple exchanged numerous love letters during their earlier relationship, and Ben kept them even throughout his marriage to Jennifer Garner. He eventually compiled them into a book for JLo when they rekindled their romance, a gesture she noted in her documentary. This book is a book Ben gave me on our first Christmas back togetherIt is every letter and every mail that we wrote each other from 20 years ago and today, she said.

However, this time around, the source notes, J.Lo will definitely not be showing anyone these letters and they are just to stay between her and Ben. If they decide that they want to stay together, she will be keeping her love life to herself. Right now, it is looking promising.

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Another insider noted that despite the strained relationship between JLo and Ben, there is also a deep love for each other. They just have to find what got them back together in the first place and there is definitely a chance that three will be a charm when and if that happens, they arent throwing in the towel.

They are taking it day by day and they dont want to get divorced, the source added.
Rapper Chris Brown was sued for $50 million after the along with others allegedly assaulted four concertgoers during the 11:11 Tour. The claimed incident took place on July Friday, 19 in Fort Worth, Texas where he had a scheduled tour show. Several people including Browns tour promoter were listed in the lawsuit. Chris Brown was sued for $50 million after he allegedly assaulted four concertgoers in Texas on Friday, July 19. (@chrisbrownofficial/Instagram)

Also Read: Snoop Dogg set to carry Olympic torch through Prais, marking the 33rd Games

$50 million lawsuit filed against Chris Brown

The $50 minion lawsuit was filed against Chris Brown for alleged "brutal, violent assault" on four men who were there to attend the concert on Sunday, July 21. According to the lawsuit, the accused include Brown and Conway, Hood Boss and Sinko Ceej. They brutally and severely beat four concertgoers, namely, Larry Parker, Joseph Lewis, Charles Bush and Damarcus Powell.

A People report also listed the name of the tour promoter, Live Nation, for providing support to the rapper despite being well-versed with his history of bad conduct and violent conduct and shamelessly profits and promotes Browns The 11:11 Tour and brought Brown to Texas for financial gain."

Also Read: Swifties for Harris: Will Taylor Swift endorse Democrat and ditch Ivanka Trumps special appeal?

The complaint statement read, The violence included Brown and his entourage surrounding the Plaintiffs, throwing chairs at them, and repeatedly kicking, stomping, and beating them. The unprovoked violence included multiple strikes to the Plaintiffs heads and chests and ultimately involved stomping them while they were down. The brutal, violent assault participated in and directed by Brown, severely injured all Plaintiffs.

The four men required immediate medical attention after the assault, according to the lawsuit, specifically Parker will go under intensive medical treatment after surviving severe head injuries. Hence the four men are asking for compensation of $50 million from Brown in addition to the damages they survived including pecuniary losses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, and past, present, and future medical expenses," the lawsuit read.

Also Read: Meghan Markle could endorse Kamala Harris as she wants to be

What went down on Friday night?

According to the lawsuit, the four men were initially invited to the VIP area where they waited for Brown for 30 minutes. Upon no vision of the rapper, one of the four concertgoers, Bush, headed towards the exit where he saw Brown and congratulated him for his performance. Suddenly, one of Browns crew members yelled to provoke the rapper Man, you dont remember you two were beefing? to which the lawsuit claimed Brown replied, Oh yeah, we wereI dont forget s*** followed by him instructing others to F*** Bush up.

Sinko, a member of Browns entourage, punched Bush in the chest, while another, Hood Boss, threw a chair at Bush's head. Chris Brown reportedly directed his associate Yella Beezy and others to attack Parker, who became trapped in a stairwell. He was then subjected to an assault where he was punched in the face and chest, kicked in the head for more than ten minutes, and stomped on by Chris Brown and others. The lawsuit claimed severe bodily injuries resulting from the prolonged beating, which involved Brown encouraging others to join in the assault.

In 2009, Brown was also charged for a case of assault on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.
Snoop Dogg is set to bring his signature swag to the Olympic torch relay as he carries the flame through the final stretch in Paris ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26. The rapper will be tasked with holding the torch aloft in Saint-Denis to mark the 33rd game, and fans are hoping he'll keep it lit - without dropping it like it's hot! Snoop Dogg set to carry Olympic torch in Paris(Instagram/Snoop Dogg)

The 2024 Paris Olympics are just days away, with final preparations in full swing, and Mathieu Hanotin, the Mayor of Saint-Denis, said that the iconic rapper will carry the Olympic torch through the streets of this Paris suburb, which is also the location of the Stade de France Olympic Stadium through an X (formerly Twitter) post.

Hanotins translated message read, Saint Denis: last step before the Eiffel Tower. An international cast @SnoopDogg for the last stretch of the Olympic Flame.

ALSO READ| Snoop Dogg declares Kendrick Lamar King of the West after The Pop Out show

Snoop Dogg himself hinted at the announcement with a post on X, sharing a photo of his arrival in Paris along with the caption, U ready? Paris 2024 Olympics ya digggg.

Snoop Dogg joins NBC primetime for Paris Olympics 2024

Earlier, NBC has also announced that the rapper-turned-media personality will join their team in France to provide coverage of the event. The global megastar will be on site in Paris to provide regular reports for the Olympic Primetime Show beginning July 26, 2024, on NBC and Peacock, NBCs press release reads.

The 52-year-old rapper will be checking in with NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico and offering primetime coverage at various events throughout the competition. The network detailed his role, stating, Hell explore the citys iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and events, and visit with the athletes, their friends and families.

Snoop expressed his excitement about being part of the Olympics: I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. Its a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness.

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Were going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. Its going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked. Lets elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?
54-year-old stuntman Elumalai fell to death from 20 ft on the sets of PS Mithrans Karthi-starrer Sardar 2 last week. The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has now decided to pay tribute to the stuntman and cancel all shoots in Chennai for Thursday, July 25, reports Daily Thanthi. (Also Read: Karthi looks bereft as he pays respects to stuntman who died after falling 20 ft on Sardar 2 set) Karthi in a still from the 2022 film Sardar.

FEFSI cancels shoots

FEFSI chairperson RK Selvamani released a statement to the press, as shared by the publication. In Elumanalis honour, not only will film shooting be cancelled, but a safety awareness programme will be held to bring filmmakers up to speed. Selvamani also calls out production houses for not providing adequate safety measures on set.

A portion of the statement reads, Members must have appropriate protective equipment at the shooting stations while working on the shoot. We have repeatedly appealed to the Producers Association and production companies to provide medical facilities, including an ambulance. However, most production companies, with few exceptions, do not adhere to these safety rules.

He also called out hazardous work conditions, writing, Additionally, many film artists and workers on set work without safety equipment, often in hazardous conditions, leading to such incidents at shooting locations. Therefore, we are organising a special safety awareness meeting for film artists and workers at 9:00 am on July 25, at Kamala Theater in Vadapalani to promote safety equipment and awareness among members.

Selvamani wrote that no indoor shooting will be held (for both small and big screen) in Chennai on July 25 to ensure everyone attends the meeting.

What happened

Sardar 2, the sequel of the 2022 film Sardar, was officially launched on July 12 with a pooja ceremony attended by Karthi and his father, Sivakumar. Shooting for the film began on July 15 but the fatal accident took place on July 17 at LV Prasad Studios in Saligramam.

A police case was registered and Elumalai was rushed to the hospital but he died. The production house, Prince Pictures, released a statement offering condolences and explaining what happened. Karthi attended Elumalais last rites.
He is cool with his dance moves

Bosco has been roped in to choreograph a song for Devara: Part 1. Talking about his experience working on the film, he said, I am working on Devara, it's not a hectic song, it's a smooth choreography that we are doing in the film. Jr NTR is fabulous, he is one of the most celebrated performers back there. He is also cool with his dance moves. You enjoy seeing him dance, it's great. I had a blast working with him.

Bosco recently also shared a picture with Jr NTR on his Instagram, writing, At last we get to VIBE with the exceptionally talented @jrntr #devara #boscocaesar @blmdancestudios @boscolesliemartis.

Jr NTRs dancing skills

Jr NTR made a career out of starring in mass cinema. Hes known for his energetic dancing skills as much as he is for his performances. Most recently, his last film, RRR with SS Rajamouli, saw him show off his moves in the song Naatu Naatu with Ram Charan. Prem Rakshits choreography for the number was praised globally after the film was released on Netflix.

Bosco has choreographed numbers for numerous Bollywood hits. Most recently, his moves for Vicky Kaushal in Tauba Tauba went viral and received praise.

About Devara: Part 1

Koratala Sivas Devara: Part 1 stars Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. The film will be released in theatres in multiple languages on September 27 this year. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the films music and R Rathnavelu is the cinematographer.

This is Koratala and Jr NTRs second collaboration after the 2016 film Janatha Garage. Shooting for the film has been in progress since 2023. The film was supposed to be released in April, but it was postponed. Jr NTR will also soon be seen in War 2 with Hrithik Roshan.
Actor Chiranjeevi shared a picture on X (formerly Twitter) revealing that he and his family will be attending the Olympics 2024 inauguration in Paris. Ahead of that, he shared that hes enjoying a serene moment with his family in London. (Also Read: Ram Charans Game Changer postponed; might clash with Aamir Khans Sitare Zameen Par on Christmas) Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Upasana, Surekha and Klin Kaara in London.

En route to Paris

Chiranjeevi shared a picture on X showing him pushing his granddaughter Klin Kaaras pram. His wife Surekha, son Ram Charan, and daughter-in-law Upasana also walk alongside him. Chiranjeevi revealed that the picture was taken at Hyde Park in London.

He wrote, Relishing a serene moment with family and the grand little one Klin Kaara at Hyde Park London, en route our journey to Paris tomorrow! Summer Olympics 24 Inaugural Event Beckons :) revealing that they will be at the inaugural event in Paris.

Charan looks so schway! commented a fan under the picture, while another wrote, Klin Kaara the lucky one. One person wrote, Nice weather down in Paris too, while another commented with thumbs up emojis and Olympics Inaugural event.

Upasanas birthday

Upasana recently turned a year old and Ram had a sweet birthday wish for her. Sharing an adorable selfie of them together, he wrote, Happy birthday kaara mummy!! In return, Upasana thanked him and praised his selfie skills writing, Thank you Mr C. Ur selfie skills are (ok hand and smiling face with hearts emojis).

Upasana celebrated her 35th birthday on July 21. Mahesh Babu's actor-wife Namrata Shirodkar and actor, Lavanya Tripathi also took to their Instagram handles to wish Upasana on her birthday, sharing unseen pictures of her. Upasana reposted the wishes on her Instagram Stories to express her gratitude.

Upcoming work

Chiranjeevi will soon be seen in Malladi Vassishtas Vishwambhara, where Trisha Krishnan will be his co-star. The film also stars Kunal Kapoor in a key role and will be released in January next year. Chiranjeevi's hit film Indra (2002) will also re-release in theatres on August 22 on his birthday.

Ram will be seen in Shankars Game Changer with Kiara Advani and SJ Suryah as his co-stars. The film will be released in December. He will also star in films by Buchi Babu Sana and Sukumar, with the former film also starring Janhvi Kapoor.
The Union Budget 2024-25, slashed the import duty on gold from a hefty 15 per cent to just 6 per cent, something that motivated a significant drop in its price by nearly 4,000 per 10 grams. While undoubtedly great news for those looking to invest in the precious yellow metal, this happy development would have had a much more voracious reception, say a decade back. Why? Say hello to the modern-day bride. Deepika Padukone in gold and Polki on her wedding day

A modern-day bride in red, sans the gold(Shutterstock)

For centuries, gold jewellery has served as a cornerstone in Indian weddings. The relevance of gold in a bride's trousseau, and on her being as she ties the knot, gains its gravitas not just courtesy of the costly price tag, but also generations worth of spiritual beliefs and safekeeping efforts. Gold is directly equated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and is hence seen as representative of the (literal) good fortune a bride brings to her marital home. The tradition of wrapping daughters in gold on their wedding day is also rooted in the complicated history of the evident disadvantage women found themselves at when it came to property rights. The cumulative impact of these evolving scenarios is what essentially quantifies gold as a significant part of 'streedhan'. Despite this, bridal gold is affirmatively waning as a concept. But what appears to have changed? Lots apparently.

Cost effectiveness vs sentimentality

Stereotypically, Indian weddings are big. Gold fits the bill. Pun intended. For most of our mothers and grandmothers, their wedding jewellery came with its own set of lore, the sentimental value attached to it being unparalleled. Essentially part of a daughter's inheritance from her parents, in many cases, the set one got married in represented either a once-in-a-lifetime investment or a generation-treading gift. However, the definitive rise of the career woman has significantly altered the kind of sentimentality associated with wedding jewellery.

A thoroughly dressed bride

Meant to make a statement, wedding ornaments usually don't tread subtle waters. That being said, today's bride is practical. Word of caution to the OG traditionalists, this isn't a bad thing. Bride-to-be and Lifestyle Editor at a leading media house, Akanksha Arora, 26, acknowledges being spoilt for choice. "Yes, it's true that with gold comes sentiments and regality like nothing else, but in today's time we are flooded with options", she says. Practicality and sentiments can in fact go hand in hand, and the big splurge doesn't necessarily need to be gold-coded. She further reasons, "As for investment purposes, if not gold, I think Polki does the job. It is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and can be passed down from generation to generation".

An elaborate Polki set

The evolving nature of sentimentality also stands demonstrated by the fact that wedding jewellery is no longer meant to sit in cupboards and lockers, waiting to be passed on. Architect and winter bride-to-be Mallvika, 31, speaks about having her South Indian jewellery set meticulously customised with a modern finish, so as to offer her as many chances as possible to flaunt her indulgence, potentially even with work-wear. Smart, we say.

Does gold fit the modern-day bride's aesthetic?

Happy brides make the prettiest brides and the key to cracking that million-dollar smile is remaining authentic to oneself when weaving a wedding mood board. Red and gold may have been the frontrunner of the ages, but each passing wedding season appears to be spelling out a significant reduction in this combination's appeal. One thing the modern-day bride absolutely refuses to be, is templated. The biggest indicator in this regard is the boom of pastel palettes and off-beat hues for wedding ensembles. Pinks, ivories, beiges and even greens and blues are taking centre stage like never before. Gold sadly, more often than not, sticks out like a sore thumb on these palettes, not really allowing much scope for versatility when it comes to zeroing in on one's wedding aesthetic.

A bride in white and green

Mallvika for instance, has the bigger picture on her mind. It's not just about the pheras after all. With the long lineup of functions that a big fat Indian wedding entails, diamonds, especially lab-grown ones, are a much more enticing option. She expresses how diamonds provide a much chicer look as compared to gold, which may on some occasions come off looking gaudy. Mallvika also believes it's all about striking the perfect balance. While she doesn't mind receiving compliments on her jewellery, she wants her D-Day moment to be about her and not necessarily who and what she's wearing.

Diamond jewellery(Shutterstock)

Journalist at a leading media house and 2023 bride, Mahima Ahuja, tied the knot in all-red. However, what sat pretty on her neck was a statement Polki and emerald set. When asked 'why not gold', Mahima explains that there's a method to the madness. "Red and gold is good, but red and green just looks better  colour theory", she says. Doubling down she adds, "It doesn't really go with the mood board anymore. Yellow gold is classic, but white gold is classier".

Polki and emeralds(Shutterstock)

Even for the maximalist brides who aren't really sold on pastels, the horizons have exponentially expanded when it comes to ornamental regalia. Akanksha explains, "For instance, there are gemstones which look stunning with golden lehengas, which is the go-to cocktail night look for every bride in today's time. Jadau necklaces stand out as premium pieces. Not only are they exquisite but can also enhance the look of your lehenga".

Do brides still want to invest in gold?

If it wasn't already clear, women are no longer investing in jewellery from the perspective of just being brides. They acknowledge it as a proper asset and want to make decisions keeping their long-term financial goals in mind. While the output of this of course varies from bride to bride contingent on their purchasing power, the final takeaway in this debate is how the changing nature of sentiments and priorities coupled with an abundance of options, no matter their budget, has given the modern-day bride significantly more agency when it comes to investing in trousseau-defining pieces. While it all does eventually boil down to affordability, gold seemingly still enjoys a soft-spot in the hearts of brides.

A specimen of Temple jewellery(Shutterstock)

Though Mahima may not have gotten married in gold, she finds it to be a prime pick for the days following the wedding. Having invested in a few pieces of her own, she is still very much a fan of the traditional touch it can add to an otherwise everyday look, complimenting her newly-married glow.

Simple gold jewellery(Shutterstock)

Akanksha on the other hand says, "In a country like India, where a wedding is more like a status symbol, gold plays a major role. I think, even the brides today, prefer to invest in gold. And as should be the case, not just for brides but everyone who is financially independent. As for me, I would 200 per cent prefer investing in gold jewellery more than I would spend in my wedding functions. Nothing pays better than a gold investment. The financial security and liquidity that gold offers is what makes it an all-time favourite in the bridal segment."

Passe then, or timeless  how would you categorise bridal gold?
The National Democratic Alliance government announced job-creation plans worth 2 lakh crore in its Budget for 2024-25, unveiling incentives for firms to raise productivity, programmes to support skilling and broader reforms to spur employment. The unemployment rate in the worlds fastest growing economy declined to 3.2% in 2022-23, according to latest official data. (HT Photo)

Employment-boosting measures announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman include incentives for firms in manufacturing, cheaper loans for higher education, internship programmes and credit flow to small businesses.

By a wide reckoning, India isnt creating enough good-quality jobs for its rising workforce. The unemployment rate in the worlds fastest growing economy declined to 3.2% in 2022-23, according to latest official data.

However, private estimates tend to show a higher joblessness rate. According to the data firm, Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy, the countrys unemployment rate was 9.2% in June 2024. A weak labour market is said to have cost the Bharatiya Janata Party a majority in general elections in June.

In this budget, we particularly focus on employment, skilling, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and the middle class, the finance minister said in her budget speech.

The minister announced what she called the Prime Ministers package of five schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment and skilling opportunities for 40.1 million youth over a five-year period.

The budget outlined three schemes linked to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the state-run retirement fund manager. One, first-time employees entering the workforce in all formal sectors will get one months wage in three instalments as direct benefit transfer (DBT), up to 15000.

Two, as an additional incentive tied to EPFO contributions, both first-time employees and employers in the manufacturing sector will get funds linked to a specified pay scale.

Three, to push firms to hire more, an employer-focused scheme will cover additional employment created in all sectors, the FM said. All additional employment within a salary of 1 lakh a month will be counted.

The government will reimburse employers up to 3000 a month for two years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee hired. The scheme is expected to incentivize additional employment of 50 lakh (5 million) persons, Sitharaman said.

Other job-spurring measures include a revised Model Skill Loan Scheme to offer credit up to 7.5 lakh with a guarantee from a government-promoted fund. The government expects this to help 25,000 students every year get employable skills.

Also, the government will give e-vouchers for loans up to 10 lakh for higher education for 100,000 students every year with an annual interest discount of 3% of the loan amount.

The Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday said India needs to create 7.85 million non-farm jobs on every year until 2030 to absorb its expanding labour force.

The increase in employment as reflected in the recent RBI KLEMPS data is largely driven by unpaid work and partly because of higher employment in agriculture because of reverse migration to villages, said Ishwar Aravind an economist with Delhi University.

The Economic Survey, authored by the governments chief economic adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, said despite rising profits, companies werent hiring enough. Citing a survey of 33000 firms, the review said corporate profits had quadrupled between FY20 and FY23 but they had not created enough jobs. Hiring and compensation growth hardly kept up with it, the survey stated.

The budget signaled next-generation reforms to balance factors of production towards boosting jobs. Factors of production are basic resources an economy needs to make goods and these, typically, are land, labour, capital and technology.

Companies may be depending more on capital, known as capital deepening, at the cost of labour, the Economic Survey 2024 had suggested. Capital-intensive processes lead to automation, eliminating jobs.

Privileging capital over labour is inimical to long-term corporate growth prospects. Businesses have an obligation to themselves to strike the right balance between deployment of capital and deployment of labour, the survey had said.

Responding to this capital-labour imbalance in her budget, Sitharaman said the governments economic policy framework would be geared towards enabling more employment.

Our government will initiate and incentivise reforms for improving productivity of factors of production and facilitating markets and sectors to become more efficient, the FM said. These reforms will cover all factors of production, namely land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship and technology as an enabler of improving total factor productivity and bridging inequality.

Among other steps, the budget spelt out plans to upgrade 1000 Industrial Training Institutes with industry collaboration and internships with companies with a monthly allowance of 5000.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) which concluded on March 31, 47.8 million people in rural households were certified as digitally literate, the ministry of electronics and information technology informed the Lok Sabha in a written response on Wednesday. The data was revealed by he ministry of electronics and information technology in a written response in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. (Sansad TV)

The PMGDISHA scheme was launched in February 2017 to provide basic digital literacy training to sixty million citizens across rural India within two years, targeting at least one person from every rural household to account for about 40 per cent rural households.

Under the scheme, minister of state (MoS) IT Jitin Prasada said, 73,571,965 people were registered/enrolled in the eight financial years the scheme was operational, of which 63,941,718 were trained and 47,836,186 certified. Certification occurs when the candidate successfully completes the assessment. This means that 66 % of the enrolled candidates were eventually certified, and 74.4 % of the trained candidates were certified. 88.8 % of enrolled candidates were trained. However, the sum of figures for individual states and UTs is two units less across all three parameters.

Under this scheme, people are trained how to operate digital devices (computers, tablets, smartphones), to use internet in daily life, to perform digital transactions, and to access digital government, healthcare and financial services.

According to budget documents, the scheme used 250 crore in FY23, 300 crore in FY22, 250 crore in FY21, 400 crore in FY20, 438 crore in FY19, 100 crore in FY18. No allocations were made in FY24 or FY25.

According to data shared by Prasada on Wednesday, in the first year, FY2017, even though 199,224 people were registered, of which 142,087 were trained, not a single person was certified. On the other hand, in FY2020, 14,285,919 people were enrolled, of which 12,825,128 were trained and 8,969,937 were certified, the highest for any year.

In Lakshadweep Islands, 142 people were registered, of which 35 were trained but nobody was certified. Chandigarh and Delhi were not included in the data as they are urban areas and thus not covered by the scheme.

At 91.8 per cent, Goa saw the highest conversion from registered to trained candidates followed by Bihar at 89.9 %. Lakshadweep saw the lowest conversion from registered to trained candidates at 24.6 % followed by Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 52.7 %.

At 81.6 %, Tripura saw the highest percentage of trained candidates get certified, followed by Assam at 79.5 %. At 56.9 %, it was the lowest in Arunachal Pradesh followed by Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 61.9 %.

Ladakh saw the highest conversion from registration to certification at 70.1 % followed by Assam at 68.9 %. Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the lowest at 32.6 % followed by Manipur at 42.2 %.
NEW DELHI The Union government will ramp up farm research to boost productivity and ability of crops to withstand climate challenges that have upended the countrys food supplies, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while unveiling the budget, her seventh in a row. Agri research ramp-up to tackle climate impact: FM

Identifying agriculture as one among nine top priorities, Sitharaman said there would be a comprehensive review of the agriculture research set-up to raise productivity and develop climate-resilient varieties.

The government was allocating 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors, she said. For agriculture alone, the budget has provisioned 1.32 lakh crore, up from the interim budgets allocation 1.27 lakh crore.

However, the capital expenditure allocation for the department of farm research stood at 6.5 crore out of a total of 9,941 crore, which means the bulk of the outlay will go towards revenue expenditure. The revised estimates for 2023-24 showed the government had spent 9.96 crore as capex for the farm research department.

While it spent 40 crore on climate-resilient agriculture initiative in 2022-23, there has been no allocation for it since 2023-24. Sitharaman, however, said funding will be provided to bolster agricultural research. Funding will be provided in challenge mode, including to the private sector, she said. Domain experts, both from the government and outside, will oversee the conduct of such research.

The government will introduce 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops, Sitharaman said. Among major schemes, the budget allocated 60,000 crore for the PM-Kisan, a cash-transfer scheme, the same as revised estimates in the previous financial year.

In the past five years, agriculture has grown at an average 4.18%, but during 2023-24, it expanded just 1.4% on the back of a poor monsoon. The farm sector employs nearly half the population but is marked by low productivity levels, fragmented landholdings and inadequate marketing infrastructure, the Economic Survey 2024 said on Monday.

The government also plans to set up clusters of vegetable farms around large cities to boost supplies and enhance market access. Efforts are on to raise the output and marketing of pulses and oilseeds for self-sufficiency, she said.

The budget proposal to link digitized land records with farmers database on an agri stack will help farmers get loans in a matter of hours, agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan commented. To increase productivity as well as to reduce input costs, minimum support prices are being continuously increased, Chouhan said.

The budget had ignored the demand of cultivators for guaranteed prices, farm organisations said. While farmers have been asking for a legally guaranteed price support, with C2 as the cost component to calculate 50% margin over cost of cultivation, nothing has been provided for this by the government, Kiran Vissa of the Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture. C2 is a broader measure of agricultural costs incurred by farmers than the one used by the government.

The government is also pushing farmers towards more chemical-free agriculture for which allocation for the National Mission on Natural Farming for 2023-24 (budget estimates) was 459 crore. The revised estimate for the year came to 100 crore, pointing to low utilization of funds.

Given that spending on natural farming was low, the budget has allocated 365 crore for natural farming for 2024-25. In the next two years, one crore farmers will be initiated into natural farming, Sitharaman said.

New announcements in the budget included Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Card in five states, assured financing for shrimp farming and exports as well as for setting up a network of nucleus breeding centres for shrimp.

The government will introduce a national cooperation policy to boost the rural economy, Sitharaman said. The Centre will also push digital public infrastructure for agriculture in partnership with states.

The details of 60 million farmers and their land records will be entered into an agri stack database over the next three years, the minister said. Digital technologies for crop estimations will be undertaken in 400 districts from the current summer season.

While agriculture tends to swing from one problem to the other, Indias 140 million farmers are increasingly battling extreme weather said to be linked to climate change. Heatwaves shriveled wheat crops in the worlds second-largest grower in 2022 and 2023, stoking food prices. In June, food prices rose a sharp 9.6%, official data show.

A landmark study by Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations in 2018 found that every 10 lakh invested in farm research potentially pulled 328 people out of poverty, while only 26 people were helped by the same amount spent on subsidies. Likewise, every 1 spent on agricultural research increased farm GDP by 11.2, the study showed.

The budget kept the fertiliser subsidy at 1.64 lakh crore, the same as proposed in the interim budget and lower than the 1.88 lakh crore in 2023-24 (revised estimate). Food subsidy has been set at 2.05 lakh crore, the same as in the interim budget, but lower from the revised estimates of 2.12 lakh crore during 2023-24.
The basic custom duty reduction or elimination of duties announced in the budget will help Indian labour-intensive manufacturing industries export more, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in an interview with Doordharshan. That, in turn, will create more job opportunities. That is the primary and only reason why this custom duty reduction has been done. Edited excerpts: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the post-Budget press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT Photo)

Today, the youth of India is working in important positions in industries across the world. Global companies are looking purely at talent and hence prefer the youth of India. But the opportunities they should get within India are not at the level they should be. That is why we have launched five schemes with a corpus of 2 lakh crore to be spent over the next five years. It will benefit 4.1 crore (41 million) youth. This includes first-time employees, as also those who shift jobs. The employers also get benefitted from it so they are encouraged to hire more and also to retain them for at least two years. For skilling, there is a lack of wherewithal and machinery in ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) across the country which are managed by the states. There has not been that much investment here in the last 20-30 years, but right now there is a demand for skilling and for ITIs to be ready for Industry 4.0, so the money will go towards that. On top of this 1 crore (10 million) youth will benefit from the internship scheme and we will be talking with 500 top companies.

Theres one thing I want to dispel. When we talk about these numbers, people dont realise that there are multiple schemes that are ongoing for which provisions have already been made. We need to reach the farmers with such inputs which are worthy for them to toil in the soil. Farmers need high-quality seeds. I have spoken about 109 varieties of climate-resilient seeds, which we will soon take to the farmers. We are looking at giving input support to the farmers, and more than 50% of their input cost should be met by the amounts we give them.

Rural development is not just building homes or new roads. Over and above this, we are looking at hard infrastructure in rural areas, be it power and smart meters in villages.

We have been emphasising on how more women being a part of productive activities has to be continued. Womens participation in the workforce has been highlighted in the Economic Survey. We have come a long way since beti bachao, beti padhao andolan. We have emphasised on land and property registration in the name of women in this budget.

Absolutely. Today my speech lasted... nearly one-and-a-half hours. How much can I cover in this time? A lot of people also said I havent talked about many states. But that does not mean that money will not flow to those states. Every scheme is being implementedcentral as well as centrally sponsored schemes, and besides that projects from the World Bank and ADB (Asian Development Bank), etc. For example, the countrys largest port worth 76,000 crore is coming up in Vadhavan in Maharashtra. It wasnt mentioned in the last speech or this speech, but it is happening. So, I wish to dispel this doubt that schemes like MGNREGA or some other scheme like PM Swanidhi scheme or Mudra; such schemes will always continue. Just because they dont find mention in the speech doesnt mean they are being discontinued.

No. First of all, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act required all this to be done anyway. In the first 10 years after the AP Reorganisation Act came into being, the two states were bifurcated; we have been giving money for the backward district programme, with institutions such as AIIMS (All India Institute Of Medical Sciences) and IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) which have been taken. There are certain projects which are getting staggered. Polavaram is one of the biggest national irrigation projects, with the dam storage capacity being immense. Godavari waters are being kept there and from there it is going into the fields. This is a national project. We will certainly support it, and that is what I have emphasized. Similarly, there is backward region development in Andhra Pradesh, such as Rayalaseema and north coastal Andhra Pradesh. We are only definitely assuring the newly elected government in Andhra Pradesh that we will stand by them.

On the e-commerce and MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise) front, look at the example of what ONDC, or the Open Network for Digital Commerce, is doing. Its actually given at the cost of the government, meaning they dont have to pay any charge. It gives access to MSMEs to reach the global market. ONDC has proven to be a very, very powerful catalyst. Now, when you form e-commerce hubs, youre making sure that because of these digital assets that we have, MSMEs in particular can benefit from them. Its somewhat like creating a special economic zone but youre creating it in the digital world, so that these MSME can be onboarded, either by sector or by some kind of a common denominator, and we will be able to give them access to the overseas market. That is a facility which the government will spend on so that MSMEs dont have to invest in them, and we give them the access for it.

The plug-and-play concept for industrial parks is that big investments for creating such hubs dont come easily. We want the industry also to participate with us. So when you set up a hub in one place, this becomes the mother centre, and smaller centres can benefit by attaching themselves like a spoke to the hub.

Absolutely. We are consistently moving towards simplifying the tax structure. As it is we moved away from the old tax regime and created a new tax regime to facilitate those who do not need exemptions. They can opt for the new tax regime where the tax is also low. After the launch of the new regime, people said at least give us standard deduction, so we gave 50,000 and now we have raised it to 75,000 so that there is more money in the hands of the people. We have also further simplified the rates and even reduced it, so that the middle class get some relief in income tax and they think that we have done something to put more money in their hands. When we talk of reviewing the Income Tax Act, the intention is to simplify the structure. I have given one example of old and new tax regimes, but there are other things too that need to be simplified. We will keep working on that so that the Income Tax Act which is such a bulky book today becomes a simple form that is easy to fill and follow. And just like we have introduced pre-filled forms, we will continue to use technology and keep lowering the rates to give relief to people.

First of all, if you look at the selection of items for which I have given a basic customs duty reduction or elimination of duties, they are the essential inputs for labour-intensive manufacturing industries. So these are the gems and jewellery, gold or raw diamonds, leather-related, shrimp-related and textile sectors. These are sectors where you have intensive labour employed. When you bring raw material for cheap, their expansion plans, their plans to export whatever they produce, will all go through a positive change. Because of that, employment will also improve. That is the primary and only reason why this custom duty reduction has been done.

The way in which we have decided to spend money in building capacities, in making sure there are more efficiencies or productivity increase, and making sure youth trained properly to get into good quality jobs, all this will generate economic activity which will give me that comfort to make up for that revenue foregone. We can hope, because of the ways in which we are bringing in factors for productivity gains will help us. Other than that, of course, we also make sure that the tax net is widened, through non-tax revenues in rural and urban areas. So I mentioned about land-related reforms, labour-related reforms, capital-related reforms and entrepreneurship, of course through MSMEs and training, which is happening. So, for land, what kind of reforms, digitisation can we bring in? We are making sure that land records are maintained digitally, stamp duty reduction happens for which we are working with the states. Similarly, for labour reforms, we have exhaustively mentioned in the budget speech.

I have mentioned this as Scheme A in my speech; when a fresh first-time employee is recruited by somebody for a salary up to 1 lakh, the government will give 15,000 as one-month wage, which will be spread across three instalments. The employer also receives this because he will register him as an EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation) employee. Both employer and employee will benefit through this incentive, in this case involving a first-time employee. The second scheme looks at first-time employees and for anyone else who gets a job; we will give allowances to both employer and employee. However in this scheme, if the employer doesnt retain him for two years and removes him before that, every incentive given to the employer will have to be refunded or paid back.

We are making sure that under each scheme, there are more and more new people coming in and fresh appointments happen. Companies will be incentivised to grow. Suppose you are already running a company with 100 people, you can scale up. Besides these two, there is ITI and the fourth one is the internship. We intend to seriously implement each of them.

Taxonomy is when you start classifying and is an expression used for various other things which are developing. So, in climate-related matters, how do you tax certain things? Taxonomy is what kind of items come into certain kinds of green energy and what is counted as green. How do you calculate the emission count, and on the basis of that, how do you bring the carbon market to efficiently function? Those are not clear yet for India itself. So, we need to have enough work done through, lets say, domain experts to understand what is the classification we need. Going forward, for instance, carbon trading will depend on what kind of classifications we make.

I want to clarify that our intention was not to generate more revenue by increasing capital gains tax. We assessed all the use cases of indexation across asset classes and found that nobody got less than 13.5% (of tax incidence) anywhere. So, we kept it at 12.5% so nobody gets taxed more without indexation. The intention was to simplify taxation and increase convenience for the assessee. There should be no confusion over this. If the intention were to raise revenue, I would have put the rate even higher.
Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who landed in a controversy for allegedly misusing her power as a bureaucrat, missed her deadline to report at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Of Administration in Mussoorie. Puja Khedkar was supposed to the trainee IAS academy on Tuesday, but failed to do so, reported NDTV. The 2023 batch officer Puja Khedkar had sent text messages, thought by her seniors as peremptory, demanding that she be given a separate cabin, better furniture and her own staff. (HT FILE PHOTO)

Puja Khedkar is reportedly out of reach after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) filed a criminal case against her for misrepresenting and falsifying facts on her application for the civil services. Khedkar's phone is reportedly switched off, and is not in touch with the civil services.

The 34-year-old trainee IAS officer of the 2023 batch allegedly manipulated her documents to appear for the UPSC examination multiple times. UPSC issued a show cause notice against Khedkar to cancel her selection, and possibly barring her from taking the civil services examination again.

She was ordered to report to the IAS training academy on July 23 but didn't show up without any notice. The Delhi Police has now filed a case against the trainee IAS officer and the probe is on.

"UPSC has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar for misrepresenting and falsifying facts to obtain extra attempts in the UPSC examinations, beyond the prescribed limit. Consequently, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law, and investigation has been taken up in Crime Branch," Delhi Police said.

Earlier this month, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) put Puja Khedkar's training as an IAS officer on hold after the list of serious allegations against her.

The Divyang Kalyan Commissionerate wrote a letter requesting a probe against Khedkar, expressing concern over her false disability certificates. The trainee IAS was also transferred from Pune to Washim after she demanded a personal cabin and staff, and moving the furniture out of a senior officer's cabin without his consent.

Khedkar allegedly fraudulently availed of the OBC non-creamy layer benefit in the UPSC exam by claiming that her parents were separated. Now, Centre has asked for a report from Pune Police regarding the marital status of her parents.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman , in her budget speech on Tuesday, announced a diversified energy plan for India focussed on small, modular nuclear reactors, rooftop solar plants, and the development of indigenous technology for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants with much higher energy efficiency. A thermal power plant in Tuticorin in March 2024. (Bloomberg)

Sitharaman said nuclear energy is expected to form a significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat or developed India, adding that the government will partner with the private sector to set up Bharat Small Reactors, research and development (R&D) of Bharat Small Modular Reactor, and R&D for newer technologies for nuclear energy. The R&D funding announced in the interim Budget [in February] will be made available for this sector.

India has an installed nuclear energy capacity of 7.48 GW (gigawatts ) which is slated to increase to 13.08 GW by 2029, with the addition of 7 more reactors.

Sitharaman said PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched to install rooftop solar plants to enable 10 million households to get free electricity up to 300 units monthly. She added the scheme has generated a remarkable response with over 12.8 million registrations and 1.4 million applications. ...we will further encourage it.

Sitharaman said the development of indigenous technology for AUSC thermal power plants with much higher efficiency has been completed. A joint venture between NTPC [National Thermal Power Corporation] and BHEL [Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd] will set up a full-scale 800 MW commercial plant using AUSC technology, she said. The government will provide the required fiscal support.

She said a roadmap for moving the hard to abate industries from energy efficiency targets to emission targets will be formulated.

Sitharaman also announced the development of a taxonomy for climate finance to enhance the availability of capital for climate adaptation and mitigation. This will support [the] achievement of the countrys climate commitments and green transition.

The 2024 Budget has several promising provisions to build a sustainable economy. It addresses not only Indias clean energy ambitions (with a focus on rooftop solar and pumped hydro storage) but also outlines actions on water treatment, air quality, and recovery from riverine floods. In parallel, it targets the broader implications of Indias green industrialisation, how MSMEsthe backbone of Indias industrywill transition, and the importance of a Critical Mineral Mission. These elements are peppered through, but looked at together they form a significant push for a greener economy, said Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) in a statement.

Each of these provisionsfrom clean energy markets, to green industry, to quality of lifecan benefit from a focus on loss prevention from climate events, promoting new business models for households and small industry, a circular economy of resources, and innovative financing beyond budgetary support. In that regard, the Budgets proposal to define climate finance is a positive step towards mobilising capital for sustainability. These measures can lay strong foundations for a sustainable and prosperous India, with the energy transition as the fulcrum on which public policy can be leveraged for a wider economic transformation, he added.

International development consulting IPE Globals sector head (climate change and sustainability) Abinash Mohanty said the Budget outlays a clear intent to bring climate finance from margins to the mainstream through a financial taxonomy. The Budget stands true to Indias climate commitments and recognises the dire need to step up climate actions.

Mohanty called promises to mitigate flood risks through climate-resilient infrastructure development across flood hotspots such as Bihar, Assam, and other Himalayan states in the Budget speech laudable.

Mohanty said the Budget, however, lacks focus on improving the climate data and information infrastructure and making it more people-centric, especially when India is losing millions in loss and damage due to climate extremes.

The 2023-24 Economic Survey Union tabled in Parliament on Monday said India will target a diversified set of sources for energy security with a significant place for thermal power, including coal to provide base load, to minimise risks associated with systems while pursuing low-emission pathways in line with national commitments.

It added the integration of renewables, alongside exploring nuclear energy and biofuels, presents a path towards achieving these objectives. This will also include a significant role for thermal power, especially coal-based power plants, in providing base-load to support large-scale deployment of renewables, said the survey, which is an overall review of the economy.

Geopolitically, the thrust on renewable energy and electric vehicles has set off a race to secure critical minerals and rare earths. China has positioned itself as an indispensable source of several of these materials, the survey said.

Funding of the National Clean Air Plan (NCAP)

The notes on Demand for Grants, 2024-25 for the new budget mentions that pollution control has been conceptualised to provide financial assistance to pollution control boards/committees to fund the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Centre for Science and Environment said. About 850 crore has been earmarked this year for NCAP, which is about 100 crore higher than the previous year.

It is important to underline that the experience with the NCAP so far has shown that the scope of the programme and its spending strategy requires reforms to make the programme scalable and effective across all key sectors of pollution, including industry, transport and all other combustion sources that emit highly toxic emissions. It should not remain largely a dust control programme. The funding in the sector requires a longer term policy roadmap along with an up-scaled funding strategy, said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment
Andhra Pradesh Congress President YS Sharmila staged a protest on Wednesday, July 24, against the BJP-led central NDA government over the flood situation by wading into waist-deep floodwaters. The video also showed YS Sharmila inspecting damaged crops in the area.(ANI)

In a video shared by news agency ANI, Sharmila was seen navigating the floodwaters with Congress workers accompanying her as she engaged with locals in Nandamur village, located in the Tadepalli Rural mandal of West Godavari district. The video also showed her inspecting damaged crops in the area.

Referring to the Budget 2024 allocations for flood control and rehabilitation in states like Bihar, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh, she criticised the Centre, stating that it appears to exclude Andhra Pradesh from its considerations. She noted that the people affected by the floods in Andhra Pradesh have not received any relief.

Looks like the Modi government does not consider Andhra Pradesh to be a part of India. While states like Bihar, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh received additional funds for flood control and rehabilitation; Andhra Pradesh, the state where NDA is in power received no relief for the woes people are facing here due to flooding, the Congress leader was quoted as saying by ANI.

Centre's assistance for flood-affected states

During her Budget 2024 speech on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced rehabilitation and irrigation projects, along with financial aid for flood-affected states including Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. This was the first Union Budget presented by the Modi 3.0 government and the seventh consecutive budget delivered by Sitharaman in Parliament.

Financial support has been allocated for projects totaling an estimated 11,500 crore in Bihar. This includes the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes, such as barrages.

Assam faces annual flooding caused by the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, which flow outside India. Uttarakhand, on the other hand, experiences significant damage from cloudbursts and major landslides. The Union Budget allocated funds to support these states in managing and mitigating these challenges.

The three periods of heavy rainfall in July and August 2023 caused over 500 fatalities, marking one of the worst disasters in Himachal Pradesh in the past century.
A day after a civil service aspirant died from electrocution in Patel Nagar, Delhi minister Atishi wrote to chief secretary Naresh Kumar directing him to initiate an inquiry into the matter. Delhi minister Atishi (Sanchit Khanna/HT)

A young precious life has been lost due to the negligence and apathy of government officials. The cause of death needs to be ascertained and responsibility needs to be fixed in order to give a clear message that such instances will not be tolerated, writes Atishi in her letter.

She also directed the senior officer to suggest action that should be taken against those who are responsible for this tragic loss and submit the report by July 26.

Read: TMC moves resolution against NEET in Bengal assembly, demands return to JEE

No amount can compensate for the loss of life, but we hope to provide some relief to the grieving family members. A proposal for ex-gratia relief as per guidelines should also be put up by tomorrow, the letter reads.



On Monday, a 26-year-old man was electrocuted to death upon coming into contact with an iron gate during heavy rain in Patel Nagar, central Delhi.



Police said the man may have slipped on the waterlogged street and grabbed the gate for support, getting electrocuted due to an exposed motor wire.

The deceased was identified as Nilesh Rai, an aspirant for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), who died just 50 metres from his paying guest accommodation. The incident took place around 2.40 pm on Monday and an FIR was lodged, police said.

Also read: Deve Gowdas remarks on Karnataka landslide trigger row in Rajya Sabha

Rai is survived by his two sisters and parents, who live in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. His father Narender Rai is an advocate and his mother Neelam Rai is a primary school teacher. Rai completed his engineering from Bengaluru but later decided to become an IAS officer.

His landlord, Atul Dua, said his wife called him at 2 pm, telling him that a man was stuck to the gate. Dua used a scooter and plastic pipes to rescue Rai.
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must follow Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and work for people who didn't vote for him. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran inside the premises of the Parliament. (PTI file photo)

The attack came after the Opposition alleged that the Budget had announcements only for states ruled by BJP's allies.

I think the time has come for the PM to take some good advice from and follow our CM MK Stalin. When MK Stalin became the CM of Tamil Nadu, he said - I will work not only for the people who voted for me but also for the people who did not vote for me, it is my duty. Today, the PM is not working for the people who voted for his party but only for the parties which are supporting him, Maran said, reported ANI.

Earlier, the INDIA bloc parties, led by the Congress, staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha, claiming all states except two were "ignored" by the government in the Budget.

Leader of Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Union Budget for 2024-25 (April 2024 to March 2025) fiscal year provided funds and schemes for only two states  Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

All other states did not find any mention, he said, terming the budget a "kursi-bachao" document.

Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced budgetary allocations for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, where two of the BJP's key allies  JDU and TDP  rule.

Also read: MK Stalins warning to PM Narendra Modi: You will be isolated

Sitharaman announced 60,000 crore for Bihar and pledged support to get 15,000 crore in assistance from multilateral agencies for the southern state. Both states had been pressing the government to accord them the special status.

Sitharamanm today said all the states never found a mention in any of the previous Budgets, including those presented by the Congress.

She said that BJP-ruled Maharashtra wasn't named in the budget as well. She said that did not prevent the Union Cabinet from approving the 76,000-crore Vadhavan port project in Dahanu.

"Did Maharashtra get ignored because I did not mention the name of Maharashtra? (An amount of) 76,000 crore has been announced for that project," she said.

With inputs from ANI, PTI
Two people were injured when a temporary gate collapsed at a cultural event attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported. A temporary gate collapsed at a cultural event in Kolkata on Wednesday.(PTI)

The report added that the event, organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department at Dhanadhanya Auditorium, was held to commemorate the 44th death anniversary of the legendary actor Uttam Kumar.

A hoarding collapsed onto people in front of an auditorium in the city just moments before chief minister Mamata Banerjee was due to arrive for an award ceremony, according to police.

The incident occurred in the afternoon near the entrance of the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in the Alipore area. The injured individuals were transported to the nearby SSKM Hospital.

"Their condition is stated to be critical. We are trying to ascertain whether this was an accident or a security lapse," a senior police officer stated.

Following the incident, several other hoardings near the auditorium were removed, the officer added.

Banerjee was at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium to attend an award function commemorating the death anniversary of the legendary actor Uttam Kumar.

(With PTI inputs)
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced financial assistance for Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim for the damage caused by floods and other natural calamities. In total, 27 of the 35 districts in Assam were affected by flood this year. (PTI)

Delivering her budget speech on Tuesday, she said, Bihar has frequently suffered from floods, many of them originating outside the country. Plans to build flood control structures in Nepal are yet to progress. Our government, through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and other sources, will provide financial support for projects with estimated cost of 11,500 crore such as the Kosi-Mechi intrastate link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes, including barrages, river pollution abatement and irrigation projects.

The minister also said that in addition, survey and investigation of Kosi-related flood mitigation and irrigation projects will be undertaken.

For Assam, which is affected with floods every year by the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries, originating outside India, she said, We will provide assistance to Assam for flood management and related projects. Himachal Pradesh suffered extensive losses due to floods last year. Our government will provide assistance to the state for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance.

The floods in Assam this year that has claimed at least 80 lives, displaced 45,000 people from their homes. It affected at least 27 of the 35 districts in the state.

Uttarakhand and Sikkim, which suffer losses due to cloud bursts and flash flood too, will be provided assistance from the Centre, she said. At least 44 people, including 23 army personnel, died after a cloudburst that triggered flood in north Sikkim in October last year. While more than 50 people went missing, the flood had affected over 30,000 people.

Also read: Flash flood alert in three districts of Himachal

Hailing the budget, Union home minister Amit Shah posted on X, The Budget 202425 stands out for the healing touch it serves to the people of the states affected by floods. Providing much-needed relief to flood-affected Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, the budget sets out to reshape the dreams of people by rejuvenating the affected areas and making adequate provisions for flood prevention.

Former Assam chief minister and current union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that people in Assam were happy that the budget identified the grave concern of its residents and announced assistance.

This gives all of us in Assam a great sense of relief as we hope that this grievous problem of flooding can be managed to mitigate loss of life and property of the people. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi ji for this step that has remained a wish and demand of the people of Assam, he said in a statement.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a series of steps, ranging from building temple corridors and wildlife sanctuaries to pitching India as a global destination, as part of the governments efforts to provide a fillip to the tourism sector. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that there was tremendous potential for cruise tourism in India. (HT Photo)

The minister said tourism plays an intrinsic role in Indias cultural fabric. The people have given a unique opportunity to our government to take the country on the path of strong development and all-round prosperity... tourism has always been a part of our civilisation. Our efforts in positioning India as a global tourist destination will also create jobs, stimulate investments and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors, she said.

According to the budget, the government plans for comprehensive development of the Vishnupad temple and Mahabodhi temple corridors, at Gaya and Bodh Gaya, respectively, on the lines of the Kashi-Vishwanath temple corridor. A similar plan has also been devised for the Nalanda-Rajgir corridor.

Besides promoting Nalanda as a centre for tourism, Sitharaman also announced plans to revive the Nalanda University to its glorious stature  a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the varsity close to the site of the ruins of Nalanda during his Bihar visit.

Rajgir holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata temple in the Jain Temple complex is ancient. The Saptharishi or the seven hotsprings form a warm water Brahmakund that is sacred. A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken, Sitharaman said.

The government also stressed on Odishas scenic beauty, highlighted by the states temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes and pristine beaches, making it an ultimate tourism destination.

The finance minister added there was tremendous potential for cruise tourism in India. To give a fillip to this employment-generating industry, I am proposing a simpler tax regime for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises in the country, she said.

Some stakeholders in the tourism industry, however, said they were disappointed with the budget announcements, as their recommendations to boost the industry had been sidelined.

We had given multiple recommendations with regards to boosting inbound tourism, but they seem to have been ignored or not taken up. It hurts more as the governments objective is to give a boost to employment generation, and no industry comes closer to it in terms of the potential of employment generation, Indian Association of Tour Operators president Rajiv Mehra said.

Others said the governments stance that India has the potential to become a global tourism hub was encouraging, but the allocation did not meet the vision.

It would also have been nice to see a budget recommendation supporting this, such as an increase in the marketing and publicity budget, infrastructure status support to hospitality, abolishing TCS on travel and reduction in GST rates on tourism travel and hospitality. The support given to spiritual tourism through corridor development and cruise tourism through tax adjustment on foreign ships on Indian shores will support these sub-sectors. There was the potential for this budget to address a lot more opportunities for growth in Indian tourism in a structured manner, said Aashish Gupta, consulting CEO, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday highlighted the need for compassion and due process in eviction cases, instructing the Centre and the Uttarakhand government to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for over 50,000 residents facing eviction from land claimed by the Railways in the states Haldwani city. The Supreme Court of India. (PTI Photo)

Highlighting the humane considerations that must be taken into account while dealing with such sensitive issues, the bench led by justice Surya Kant expressed strong reservations about the approach taken by authorities. The bench, also comprising justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan, criticised the use of a public interest litigation (PIL) as a mechanism for ordering the eviction, emphasising that proper legal procedures under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act should have been followed.

Why a PIL for eviction? You can proceed under the PP Act. You issue notice and proceed in terms of the law. Is it that you acted under the guise of a PIL? You rode on the back of a PIL and got an order. You didnt issue a notice on your own. You cant use a PIL to get it done... Why this via media of a PIL and get this done? the bench told additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Railways, and the state governments counsel.

The court underlined the importance of considering the human impact of such actions. We are dealing with human beings here. Ultimately, the high court cannot decide in a writ jurisdiction that a family has no claims. Some reasonable opportunity had to be given to those who were claiming some titles... Even assuming they are encroachers, they are all human beings. They have been there for decades, it further observed.

The case originates from a December 20, 2022, Uttarakhand high court order that authorised the use of force to evict 4,365 families from 78 acres of land in Haldwanis Banbhoolpura area. The high courts directive, which stemmed from a PIL filed in 2013, put more than 50,000 people, predominantly Muslims, at risk of homelessness during the harsh winter. This decision sparked protests from the occupants and became a contentious issue, drawing criticism from Opposition leaders who alleged that the eviction was an attempt to target the Muslim community. On January 5, 2023, the Supreme Court stayed the high courts order, emphasising the need for a balanced and humane approach.

Subsequently, the Railways moved a plea, urging the court to modify its previous order so that dwellings from the disputed land could be removed to enable the Railways to shift the station and augment other facilities. This application came up before the bench on Wednesday when the court sought to know if the authorities had thought of rehabilitating the families from the area in accordance with the existing policies.

Pulling up the state governments counsel for arguing that only 13 out of over 4,300 families were able to show some title over their land, the bench asked why the district collector failed to adjudicate the notices issued to the encroachers by the Railways under the PP Act.

You want to uproot everyone just after the high court order. Railways filed PP proceedings before your collectors only. Why were they not decided in all these years? What have you been doing except colluding? Should we pass orders against your collectors? the court asked.

The bench proceeded to direct the Centre and the state to present a rehabilitation plan within four weeks, highlighting the need for a fair and balanced approach, and posted the matter for hearing on September 11.

We understand the importance of a railway line, but something will have to be done for them. We will have to balance the rights, the court stated, directing the chief secretary of Uttarakhand to convene a meeting with the Railways and the Ministry of Housing Affairs to formulate a rehabilitation scheme that is fair, just and equitable.

It directed the Centre and the state to identify the strip of land required for railway expansion and infrastructure enhancement and the families likely affected by the eviction proceedings. The court further asked for a specific plan along with the details of the sites where these affected families can be shifted.
The Bangladesh government on Tuesday said it has sent a note to the Indian government over West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's statement that she would offer shelter to the helpless people from the neighbouring country, local media reported. Bangladesh foreign minister Hasan Mahmud said Mamata Banerjee's remarks could create confusion and mislead people. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.(ANI)

"With due respect to (West Bengal) chief minister Mamata Banerjee, I would like to say, we have excellent relations with her. We have deep relations. But her remarks created confusion to some extent, and there is scope to be misled, Hasan Mahmud said, United News of Bangladesh reported.

The statement comes a day after Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the annual Martyrs' Day rally of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata, offered to provide shelter to the people of Bangladesh, which has been witnessing violent student-led protests against reservations in its civil services.

I should not speak on the affairs of Bangladesh as it is a sovereign nation, and whatever needs to be said on the issue is subject matter of the Centre. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on our doors, we will surely provide them shelter, Banerjee had said.

The chief minister had also urged the people of Bangladesh not to get provoked over matters regarding the situation in Bangladesh.

Her remarks were also criticised by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, who also reminded the West Bengal government that the Centre has the prerogative to handle anything related to external affairs.

According to the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, Bose also sought a report from chief minister Mamata Banerjee on her statement.

Violent protest in Bangladesh

Bangladesh saw violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to a controversial quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

Over 130 people were reportedly killed in the protest, even though no official tally has been announced yet. A curfew was imposed, and the Army was deployed across Bangladesh.

The controversial quota system was scaled down by the country's Supreme Court on Monday, meeting a key demand of the protestors.
Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc staged a protest inside Parliament premises today, vehemently criticising the Union Budget 2024 as 'discriminatory' and demanding equitable treatment for all states. The Opposition accused the government of favouring Bihar and Andhra Pradeshstates governed by BJP's key allies whose support is crucial for the survival of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governmentwhile neglecting others. Opposition MPs led by Congress protest inside Parliament premises alleging discrimination in Union Budget 2024 during the Monsoon session, in New Delhi, Wednesday, July 24, 2024.(PTI)

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a cluster of projects and packages for Bihar, totalling roughly 59,000 crore. For Andhra Pradesh, she announced 15,000 crore for the construction of the state capital Amaravati and additional funds if required, completion of the Polavaram dam project and two industrial nodes.

Union Budget 2024: Top 5 takeaways for salaried persons, job seekers

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, voiced strong objections. "Many didn't get justice in the Union Budget. We are fighting for justice," he said.

Adding to the chorus, Congress leader Manickam Tagore denounced the budget calling it "discriminatory" and accusing the government of neglecting states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, which were not allocated any flood relief despite recent disasters.

"It is a discriminatory Budget towards the states not ruled by the BJP. It's a 'Kursi-bachao Budget'. It is just to save their government. Nothing is there. NREGA funds, education funds, education loan have been cut down. Middle-class is going to suffer. This government betrayed everybody," Tagore said.

2001: The year that divides property sellers under new Budget tax rules

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over the lack of provisions for Kerala, especially in the health sector. "There is very little for most states. There were a few expectations for Kerala, especially in the health sector, but all of them have not been fulfilled," he noted.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed the sentiment, describing the budget as "unfair" and "desperate."

"More states of India and their pressing concerns have been ignored. This is a desperate budget by a desperate government only to save its existence. They do not care about what the local needs of all the states are, that's why the INDIA alliance is protesting," Gogoi said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack at the BJP, calling it 'Kursi Bachao' Budget.

"There was a time when the traders of Gujarat used to give extortion money to the East India Company...I think that the same traders have given the extortion money to Bihar's Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh's Chandrababu Naidu to protect their chair," Raut said.

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TMC MP Sagarika Ghose criticised the lack of cooperative federalism in the budget.

"The government has done discriminatory federalism in the Budget as only two statesAndhra Pradesh and Bihar, who are coalition partners of the Centre, have been given everything," she said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered the allegations, saying, "...The Budget is really good and everyone has welcomed it. The Opposition is trying to mislead by saying that it is a budget for only 2 states...It is the budget of the entire country, which is presented collectively to everyone."

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar defended the allocations for Bihar, calling them justified and necessary. "This has become clear that INDI alliance parties, from their statements and tweets, are anti-Bihar... Whatever Bihar has been granted, is our right and people need it," he said.
The Congress on Tuesday claimed that finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has a taken a leaf out of the Opposition partys key poll promise of a Right to Apprenticeship Act , after she said in her budget speech on Tuesday that the government would launch an internship scheme for youth in 500 top companies. The scheme will cover 10 million young people over five years, she added. The scheme will cover 10 million youngsters over five years, the minister said on Tuesday. (HT Archive)

They will gain exposure for 12 months to real-life business environment, varied professions and employment opportunities. An internship allowance of 5,000 per month along with a one-time assistance of 6,000 will be provided. Companies will be expected to bear the training cost and 10% of the internship cost from their CSR funds, Sitharaman said.

But the Congress was quick to point out that the idea seems to have been borrowed from its manifesto.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X: The Finance Minister has taken a leaf out of the INCs Nyay Patra 2024, with its internship program clearly modelled on the INCs proposed Apprenticeship Program that was called Pehli Naukri Pakki.

Ramesh, however, criticised the NDAs plan and said, In their trademark style, the scheme has been designed to grab headlines, with arbitrary targets (10 million internships) rather than a programmatic guarantee for all diploma holders and graduates, like the Indian National Congress had envisioned.

In its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the main opposition party said: Congress guarantees a new Right to Apprenticeship Act to provide a one-year apprenticeship with a private or a public sector company to every diploma holder or college graduate below the age of 25. Apprentices will get 1 lakh a year. The apprenticeship will impart skills, enhance employability and provide full-time job opportunities for millions of youth.

The proposed Right to Apprenticeship Act was one of the key highlights of the Congress manifesto and it was seen as an extension of the host of rights-based laws that were enacted during the UPA era.

The Congress also claimed that the Budget announcement to scrap the angel tax and the employment-linked incentive were also lifted from the Congress manifesto. Former Union minister P Chidambaram posted on X, I was pleased to hear that the FM will abolish the Angel Tax. Congress has pleaded for the abolition for many years and most recently in the Congress Manifesto on page 31.

To be sure, the angel tax, imposed on funds raised by startups from angel investors was introduced in 2012 by the UPA government.

In her speech, Sitharaman announced that to bolster the Indian start-up eco-system, boost the entrepreneurial spirit and support innovation, I propose to abolish the so-called angel tax for all classes of investors.

According to the IT laws, a startup or an unlisted company has to pay a part of its funding from angel investors as a tax (angel tax) if the total investment value of a firm is more than its Fair Market Value.

The excess amount is seen as income from other sources, which is taxable.

HT reached out to the government officials for a comment but did not receive a response immediately.
Nityanand Rai, the minister of state for home affairs, spelt out the government's stance on the spate of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, saying active terrorists will either be sent to jail or jahannum (hell). Replying to a supplementary question posted by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, the minister said terrorists will not succeed in their design and their activities will soon end. There has been a spike in terror activity mostly south of the Pir Panjal mountains, which divide Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. (PTI/Representative)

Nityanand Rai said the Narendra Modi government has zero tolerance for terrorism.

He said over the past few days, 28 terrorists had been killed by security forces in the union territory.

"Modi government has zero tolerance for terrorism. We will end terrorism. They (terrorists) will be either in jail or jahannum... I want to assure the House," Rai said.

He said incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir came down from 7,217 during the UPA's rule to 2259 in July this year.

"These should not have happened. It is unfortunate but they (the Opposition) should not do politics over it," the minister said.

Rai told the House that 2,829 citizens and security personnel lost their lives between 2004 and 2014. This number has come down by 67 per cent since 2014. Besides, there is also a reduction of 69 per cent in terror incidents.

"In the last few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir. What's saddening is that some of our soldiers have also been killed in the firefighting. The soldiers killed are very less than the terrorists neutralized," he said.

"In 2023, 2 crore 11 thousand tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir. Peace has been restored there, which is why tourists are increasing," he added.

Also read: Terrorists attack Army camp in J-K's Rajouri, forces launch massive operation

Per the minister, a total of 1,08,41,009 tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir between January to June 2024 and 2,11,24,674 in 2023-- all-time high so far-- followed by the visit of 1,88,64,332 tourists in 2022, 1,13,14,884 in 2021 and 34,70,834 tourists in 2020.

The Modi-led Central government cancelled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and bifurcated the state into two union territories. The government says the decision brought terrorism under control. However, the Opposition has questioned the Centre's claims after the recent terror attacks.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday hit out at the Kerala government saying that it had not been very cooperative on railway projects. He highlighted that a lot more could be done in Kerala if the state government provided support, reported news agency PTI. Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (PTI)

Vaishnaw made the remarks during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha while responding to a supplementary question related to the proposed Angamali-Sabarimala railway line project, which was sanctioned back in 1997-98.

Responding to a supplementary from Congress member Adoor Prakash, Vaishnaw said, "I would like to place on record that the Kerala government has not been very cooperative on railway projects. I request the MPs to use their good offices to get the support for land acquisition... projects can be taken up only if the state government supports land acquisition".

Further, the minister said that a lot more can be done in Kerala if the "state government supports us".

ALSO READ| Kerala foreign secretary triggers controversy

Talking about the proposed Angamali-Sabarimala railway line project, the railway minister said, "It is a complex project and the cooperation of the state government is required to be able to take this project forward." Vaishnaw added that a new alignment is being assessed.

"There is a public demand for an alternative alignment from Chenganoor to Pamba, which is shorter at around 75 km. The new alignment is only about 4 km short of the shrine. A decision has to be taken in discussion with MPs and the state government on whether the old alignment should be done or the new alignment," said Vaishnaw

"The detailed assessment of the new alignment is going on. Once it is done, a final call can be taken," the minister said.

Vaishnaw highlighted that further works on the project could not be taken forward because of protests by local people against land acquisition and fixing of alignment of the line, court cases filed against the project and inadequate support from the Kerala government.

On whether the government proposes to conduct a feasibility study for extending the Angamali-Sabarimala railway line from Erumeli to Vizhinjam International Seaport, the railway minister said the port has no connection with the Erumeli line and that the nearest railhead to the port is Nemom.

Vaishnaw highlighted that fund allocation for the railways in Kerala has increased substantially since 2014. He said that the average outlay stood at 2,033 crore in 2023-24 compared to 372 crore annually during 2009-14 period.
The opposition and the government exchanged words in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday after leader of the opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of providing budgetary allocations to two states to save the government to keep some people happy. Nirmala Sitharaman had presented the Union Budget on Tuesday. (PTI photo)

Speaking in the House, Kharge said, All this has happened to please someone, to save the chair, and we condemn it...

The Congress and other opposition parties criticised the union budget for making special allocation for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, the two states where the BJP is a coalition partner with the TDP and the JDU, while overlooking other states.

In the states where the opposition won, and the BJP was neglected nothing was given... we condemn this. If there is no balance, how will development take place, Kharge said.

The Congress leader said being from Karnataka, the state that Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman comes from, he had expected better allocation.

The opposition then walked out briefly from the Upper House.

Also Read: Mallikarjun Kharge attacks Narendra Modi over Dibrugarh Express accident: Leaves no opportunity for

Responding to his charge, Sitharaman said, the allegation was baseless as allocation has been made to other states as well.

What happens in a speech, we do not get an opportunity name every state. Congress has been in power, they should know. Maharashtra for instance, was not named. But the Cabinet has passed an important decision, did Maharashtra get ignored ... 75,000 crore has been granted, she said.

The FM went on to say that she can take the name of so many different states where allocation has been made but the states were not mentioned in the speech.

If the speech does not take names... does it mean schemes and external aided assistance dont go to these states, they go as per routine, the department wise allocation, item wise mentions it. This is a deliberate attempt of opposition led by Congress to create an impression that nothing has been given, she said.

Dubbing the allegation outrageous, she took potshots at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and said even then schemes given to West Bengal in the last 10 years have not been implemented in the state.

Jagdeep Dhankhar expresses displeasure

Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed displeasure at the opposition walking out and Kharges comments.

Speaking in the House he said, discussion on the Budget was listed today and I gave the floor to the Leader of the Opposition in expectation that rules will be followed. I find it has been used as a ploy and a strategy.

He told members to observe decorum and said, Democracy will be seriously threatened if disruption and disturbance are weaponised as a political strategy as has been done now.

He went on to say, I cannot persuade myself but to take serious exception to this unwholesome practice adopted by a senior Member, Leader of the Opposition. I will call upon leaders of the parties to soul-search...

Referring to Parliament as a citadel of Constitutional and democratic values and liberties, he said there was absolutely no occasion or justification, even remotely, to not avail the facility accorded by the chair for discussing the budget. The statement was in response to Kharge describing the budget as discriminatory.

We have received nothing. We will condemn it and INDIA bloc parties will protest from Kanyakumari to Kashmir... Kharge said before the oppositions walkout.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday condemned the Union budget 2024-25 for allegedly being discriminatory towards states. Kharge said the 'plates' of all states except two Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were left empty in the Union budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.(PTI)

No state received anything, Kharge said, naming states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and his home state Karnataka.

Kharge alleged that the budget was only to please a few people and protect the chair.

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Taking a swipe at Sitharaman, who represents Karnataka in the upper house, the Congress president said, I was expecting that I'll get the most. But we didn't get anything.

As Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked the Leader of Opposition to let Sitharaman respond, Kharge quipped, Main bol deta hun. Mataji bolne mein toh expert hain mujhe maloom hai. (Let me finish. Mataji is expert in speaking, I am aware of that.)

Yeh kursi bachane ke liye yeh sab hua hai...We will condemn it and protest against it. All INDIA alliance parties will protest...How will development happen if there is no balance? the veteran Congress leader said, before walking out of Rajya Sabha.

Union Budget 2024: Top 5 takeaways for salaried persons, job seekers

Denying allegations of discrimination, the finance minister said it is not possible to name every state in a budget speech.

"Let me take Maharashtra for instance, between vote on account and yesterday's budget, cabinet has passed a very important decision to set up a very big port in Vadhavan," Sitharaman said, referring to the proposed deep sea port in Palghar district.

"Did Maharashtra get ignored because it didn't name Maharashtra?" the finance minister asked rhetorically. " 76,000 crore have been announced for that project."

Terming the opposition's allegation outrageous, Sitharaman accused the Congress party of deliberately misleading the public.

"I am saying with responsibility that this is a 'deliberate attempt' of the opposition parties led by the Congress to give the people the wrong impression that their states were not allocated funds or schemes," said Sitharaman.

INDIA bloc MPs, including Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament premises on Wednesday over the alleged discrimination against opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget.

Besides Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, several MPs of the Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, DMK and the Left joined the protest held on the steps leading up to the Makar Dwar of Parliament.
On Sunday, the 45-year-old wife of a Gujarat cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer died at Gandhinagars Civil Hospital. She succumbed a day after she allegedly consumed poison outside her husbands residence. The woman succumbed a day after she allegedly consumed poison outside her husbands residence. (HT PHOTO)

Police said the woman, who left her spouse months back, was reportedly involved with a gangster from Tamil Nadus Madurai known as High Court Maharaja. She allegedly leveraged their shared regional connections and criminal network to solve land disputes and extort money, they added.

Days before her death, the woman was allegedly involved in the abduction of a 14-year-old boy in Madurai. The abductors used an autorickshaw drivers mobile phone to call the boys mother for  2 crore ransom. The mother alerted the Madurai Police, who rescued the boy within three hours.

Investigators found a group including Senthilkumar, a former police constable who joined High Court Maharaja after his dismissal from service, allegedly abducted the boy. Senthilkumar was arrested along with his accomplices Abdul Kader, Kaliraj, and Vairamani.

Madhurai Police formed special squads to arrest the IAS officers wife and High Court Maharaja as they managed to evade arrest. The woman, meanwhile, returned to her husbands residence in Gandhinagar on July 22 as police were looking for her but was denied entry as the IAS officer was away to finalise their divorce proceedings.

She allegedly consumed poison outside the house before someone called for an ambulance. Investigators recovered a note in Tamil from the woman purportedly addressed to Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin and the media suggesting her alleged involvement in the Madurai kidnapping case may have prompted her to take her life.

Virendra Kher, a local police officer, said the note referred to High Court Maharaja, who had borrowed 75 lakh from a financier in Madurai. After Maharaja was jailed, the financer started pressuring the woman to clear the debt. According to the note, she sold her complex where she ran a restaurant and also her parlour but it was insufficient. She said she had to sell all her gold worth 10 lakh to clear the debt, but it was still not enough. She left for Bengaluru during this period.

Kher said when Maharaja fled from jail, he and a few others planned the kidnapping. The woman claimed in the note that she was falsely implicated in this and another case. The note said she was unaware of the criminal background of Maharaja and got into a relationship with him about a year ago after they partnered in a business. ...she called her husband noble who took care of their children in her absence. Kher said that the woman left her husband about a year ago and was living with High Court Maharaja in Madurai.

The police were investigating the source of the poison she consumed and whether the act was pre-planned, as well as who called for the ambulance.

The IAS officer, the father of two who had an arranged marriage with the woman about 20 years ago, refused to comment.
The Chhattisgarh legislative assembly witnessed noisy scenes on Wednesday as Congress MLAs questioned the government over the Maoist encounter in Pidia village in Bijapur district in May. The Chhattisgarh legislative assembly. (File)

The Opposition claimed that most of those killed in the incident were innocent villagers, not Maoists.

On May 10, the Bijapur police said that 12 Maoists were killed, and two security personnel were injured in a fierce encounter that lasted over eight hours in the jungles of Pedia village.

Two days after the incident, villagers and activists raised questions on the claims of police alleging those killed were villagers who were later branded by police as Maoists

On Wednesday, during Question Hour, leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant sought figures of Maoist-related incidents between December last year and June this year.

Replying to Mahant, deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the home portfolio, said that 273 such incidents, including 92 encounters, occurred during this period.

Sharma said 19 security personnel killed, 88 injured, 34 civilians killed by Maoists, 137 Naxalites gunned down, and 171 arrested.

Refuting the charges of Congress MLAs, Sharma said the Congress should stop supporting Maoists.

As on June 30 this year, 790 Naxalites are in jail, of whom, 765 are under trial and 25 are convicted, he added.

Later, Congress MLAs, including former minister Kawasi Lakhma and Vikram Mandavi, raised questions over the authenticity of the encounter near Pidia village in Bijapur district and alleged that innocent villagers engaged in tendu leaf collection were killed by the police.

Refuting their charges, the deputy CM raised an objection and asked them to desist from making such unacceptable statements.The Congress should stop supporting Naxalites, he said.

Subsequently, the Congress members started sloganeering, and demanded that the state government should stop targeting innocent tribals in the name of Maoists.

It is worth mentioning that after the encounter in May, a fact-finding team of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) visited Pedia village and its report claimed that the villagers clearly stated that it was by no means an encounter as claimed by the police but in fact a clear case of an extra-judicial killing by the security forces.

However, police had then refuted the claims in the report and said that all killed in the encounter were Maoists.

The fact-finding team comprised activists and tribal leaders which included Soni Sori, Rinchin, Hidme Madkam, Sukalu Kothari and Virendra Bharadwaj.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met a farmers delegation to discuss the long-pending issue of legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), a day after the announcement of the Union Budget 2024-25. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. (AICC Photo)

A delegation of farmer leaders from two organisations  the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Majdoor Morcha (KMM)  met Gandhi in Parliament.

In our manifesto, we had mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment, and it can be implemented. We had a meeting right now where were decided that we will talk to other leaders of the INDIA alliance and put pressure on the government to give legal guarantee on MSP to the farmers of the country, Gandhi said after the meeting.

A legal guarantee for MSP of crops has been a key demand by many farmers who agitated against three farm laws during the second term of the Narendra Modi government. The government had to eventually withdraw the three laws.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party lawmakers Raja Brar, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda and Jai Prakash were also present in the meeting.

The Congress claimed that, initially, the farmer leaders were not allowed to enter the Parliament complex, but Gandhi went out and intervened. The meeting was later held at Gandhis office at the new Parliament building.
New Delhi The central government will help build an additional 30 million houses in both urban and rural areas under the PM Awas scheme, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her seventh budget speech in Parliament, allocating an additional 68% funds for rural areas compared with the revised estimates of the previous budget. On June 10, the government gave approval to a cabinet proposal to construct a total of 3 million houses in the next five years. (PTI)

Three crore additional houses under the PM Awas Yojana in rural and urban areas in the country have been announced, for which the necessary allocations are being made, Sitharaman said on Tuesday. The government allocated 54,000 crore for the rural housing programme in the FY 24-25 budget as against 32,000 crore in the revised estimates in the last budget.

Under the rural housing scheme, the government has constructed 2.63 dwelling units against a target of 2.94 crores. In the past few years, all PMAY (Grameen) houses came with cooking gas, water and power connections.

Presenting the interim budget in February this year, Sitharaman had announced: Despite the challenges due to Covid, implementation of PM Awas Yojana (Grameen) continued and we are close to achieving the target of three crore houses. Two crore more houses will be taken up in the next five years to meet the requirement arising from increase in the number of families.

On June 10, the government gave approval to a cabinet proposal to construct a total of 3 million houses in the next five years, of which 20 million will be in rural areas, and 10 million in urban areas across the country.

The housing programme has worked well politically and as a developmental intervention, experts said. There was no discrimination among the beneficiaries and it addressed the multidimensional poverty by creating durable assets of brick and mortar houses. The extension is much-needed as it will cater to new families in a number of states, an official said.

Under the central government, all new PMAY (Grameen) houses are provided with a cooking gas connection under the Ujjwala scheme and electricity connection under the Saubhagya scheme.

In her address to the joint sitting of both Houses in the last session of 17th Lok Sabha, President Droupadi Murmu had said, Construction of pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana has enhanced the social status and dignity of the beneficiary families and giving over seventy per cent houses under PM Awas Yojana in rural areas to women as sole or joint owners have enhanced their dignity.

Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the top states in completing the construction of these houses.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday underscored the deep trust deficit between the central government, states and farmers, and proposed the setting up of an independent committee to address the farmers various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Dark clouds hover over Supreme Court in New Delhi. (ANI Photo)

A bench, headed by justice Surya Kant, directed the Centre and the states of Haryana and Punjab to suggest names for the committee while ordering a status quo for a week on the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been camping since February 13; the border has been sealed.

We have impressed upon the parties to have instructions regarding the constitution of an independent committee, comprising such eminent persons who can reach out to farmers and other stakeholders, in order to find out viable solution to their demands that can be fair, just and in the interests of one and all. The states of Punjab and Haryana can suggest some names or else they can leave it to us to find out some suitable persons, the court order recorded. It will hear the matter again after a week.

During the hearing, the bench made several critical observations. You have to take some initiatives to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi or agitate? You are sending ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is a trust deficit. They will think you are only thinking about self-interests and ignoring local issues, the bench, also comprising justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan, told solicitor general Tushar Mehta.

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea by the Haryana government which challenged a March 7 decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The HC had set up a committee headed by a former high court judge to probe the death of farmer Shubhkaran Singh during a clash between protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel in February. The apex court had refused to stay the high courts order on April 1. Last week, the Haryana government filed another petition challenging the Punjab and Haryana HCs July 10 order directing the opening of the highway within seven days.

In February, the Haryana government set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to a march announced by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The march aimed to support various demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for crops. The barricades were a preventive measure, anticipating the large-scale movement of farmers towards the national capital.

Seeking a stay of the high courts order on removing the barricades at the Shambhu border, SG Mehta, representing the Haryana government, expressed concerns about the farmers protest tactics. He described the presence of 500 to 600 trolleys converted into what he termed warlike armoured tanks at the border.

Responding, the bench questioned the necessity of such measures and urged the SG to make efforts to reach out to the farmers. Mehta reiterated the governments position that the farmers demand to enter Delhi with tractors and trolleys posed a law and order risk.

However, the bench pointed out the existing trust deficit, suggesting the involvement of neutral mediators. As a welfare state, you have to make efforts. Some of the demands could be genuine, some may not be acceptable. Some neutral persons, who could communicate when they are wrong and when they are right, are needed, it remarked.

It went on to add that a state cannot block a national highway indefinitely. You also cant block a national block for all times to come. Its been almost a year. Various high court orders have said you cant block national highways...its a case of deep trust deficit, the court told Mehta.

Mehta replied that pertinent regulations prohibit tractors and JCBs from plying on the national highways. They protested earlier too, and the Centre withdrew the three farm laws. They are protesting again now. We have the apprehension that some untoward incident can take place. Even as an experimental basis, we cant take chances when its about law and order. JCBs and tractors have been converted into virtual war tanks, said Mehta, adducing some photographs.

But the bench retorted asking if his statement was an exaggeration. Some of them also use such vehicles in farming... They will have to stay somewhere if there is rain, it observed.

While the SG replied that he had no quarrel where the farmers stayed, including air-conditioned rooms, the court lamented that his statement may be emblematic of the existing trust deficit between the government and farmers. This is how trust deficit happens. Your argument shows there is a trust deficit, it said.

During the proceedings, the bench also sought the views of the Punjab government. Represented through advocate general Gurminder Singh, the state supported the high courts order on opening the Shambhu border, subject to relevant regulations. Singh claimed that highway blockade is resulting into huge ramifications for Punjab economically.

Mehta responded by saying that if the Punjab government was willing to open the borders on their side, Haryana would also do so.

The court, however, stressed the need for dialogue and mutual trust in resolving contentious issues. We do no want a fight between Punjab and Haryana... We are proposing a committee to reach out to farmers with consensus of states and the Union of India...to talk to them, get their viewpoints, know and tell them where they are right and wrong, it said.

The court ordered the Centre and the states to come back with their suggestions within a week. Until then, both Punjab and Haryana are to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu border.

Shubhkaran Singh, 21, a native of Bathinda, was killed and several police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident occurred when some protesting farmers tried to move towards barricades at the border and were stopped by security personnel from marching to Delhi.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday noted that removing judgments from the public domain by court orders after an accused's acquittal in criminal cases under the right to be forgotten will have very serious ramifications". The Supreme Court of India. (PTI Photo)

How can a court order this? To say that the judgement, a public document, be pulled down will have very serious ramifications, said a bench consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

This statement followed submissions from Ikanoon Software Development Pvt Ltd, a Bengaluru-based legal website, which highlighted that the Madras High Court had ordered the removal of a judgment revealing the identity of a person acquitted in a rape and cheating case.

The Supreme Court agreed to consider the complex legal question of whether an accused, after being acquitted, can request the removal of the judgment from the public domain, including digital platforms, under their right to be forgotten.

"Issue notice, and in the meantime, the directions of Madras High Court shall remain stayed," the bench ordered, stating that it will establish the law on this issue.

What did the plea say?

According to PTI, in its plea filed through lawyer Abiha Zaidi, the website argued that the high court's decision adversely impacts the freedom of speech and expression of the petitioner and the public at large, guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution as well as the petitioner's freedom of trade, occupation and profession protected by Article 19(1)(g).

The website's counsel pointed out that the high courts of Kerala and Gujarat have ruled that there is no right to be forgotten in such cases, whereas the Madras High Court, in this instance, took the opposite stance.

"There is a genuine question of law emerging from contradictory judgements from different high courts," the lawyer stated.

Bench's reply to the plea

The bench questioned the counsel representing the individual who had approached the high court, asking, "Assuming you are acquitted, how can the high court order the website to remove the judgment, which is part of the public record... once a judgment is delivered, it becomes part of the public record."

The bench noted that courts may redact names or mask identities in sensitive matters in some cases, but the Chief Justice said: "Ordering the removal of an entire judgment was farfetched."

The bench expressed concern that such a precedent could lead to situations where litigants in commercial disputes might request the removal of judgments to protect financial information. "Then people might argue that their commercial secrets are involved and request the removal of judgments from arbitration cases; this could have very serious ramifications," it said.

The bench also mentioned that even convicted individuals might seek to remove judgments after serving their sentences.

On August 24, 2017, a nine-judge bench led by then-CJI J S Khehar declared the right to privacy a fundamental right under Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution. This ruling included the right to be forgotten and the right to be left alone.

The website argued that it had removed several sensitive judgments, including those involving sexual offences with children as victims or accused. It contended that the high courts judgment contravened settled law established in the R Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu case, which affirmed that the right to privacy under Article 21 does not extend to shielding individuals from the publication of public records such as court decisions.

The website claimed that the high courts order negatively impacted fundamental rights by limiting access to court records, curtailing its database, and impeding its operations. The high court had directed the website to remove the judgment dated April 30 from its legal database under the right to be forgotten.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed setting up a committee to look into the various demands of farmers, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Members of the Punjab farmer unions had staged a long protest at the Shambhu border. (HT file photo)

The court directed the Central government and state governments of Haryana and Punjab to suggest individuals who can be included in the committee, while ordering a status quo for a week on the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been camping since February 13.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Haryana government against the July 10 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the state government to open the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border within a week.

The border has remained closed since February 13, when several farmer unions from Punjab began their march towards Delhi in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for crops.

The Haryana government set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway to stop the farmers' march to the national capital. Since then, the farmers have been camping at the Shambhu border.

Also Read | Shambhu border closure: What Haryana told Supreme Court in plea against HC order

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Haryana government, submitted that over 500-600 tanks, which he said have been modified as "armoured tanks," are stationed at Shambhu Border. He argued that a law-and-order situation may arise if they are allowed to enter the capital, according to Live Law.

The court, however, sought to know whether the farmers can be permitted to travel without their tractors and trolleys.

"You (Haryana government) need to make some effort, after all, you have to reach out to the farmers. Why would they otherwise need to come to Delhi?" the court asked.

The court also noted that there appears to be a "trust deficit" between the government and the protesting farmers.

"Have you taken any initiative to negotiate with the farmers? Your ministers might go to the farmers without realising the local issues. There is a trust deficit. Why don't you have some neutral umpires? There have to be confidence-building measures," it observed, according to Live Law.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Wednesday that his government will skip the NITI Aayog meeting on July 27. This decision was taken in protest against the central government's alleged denial of the state's funds and infringement on its rights. Telangana chief minister and senior Congress leader Revanth Reddy. (PTI/File)

Prime Minister is the chairman of NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog meeting would be held on (July) 27th under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. As Chief Minister of Telangana, (I am) boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting for hurting Telangana's interests, not releasing the funds due to Telangana and for not giving the permissions due to be given to Telangana, he said.

After a day-long debate, the Telangana Assembly passed a resolution criticising the central government's alleged unfair treatment of the state in the Union Budget. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposed this resolution.

All Congress chief ministers  Karnatakas Siddaramaiah, Telanganas Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradeshs Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu  will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said in a post on Tuesday. Along with that, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin will also be skipping the meeting to protest against the discriminatory budget.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal attacked the Opposition over the decision.

I think due to their (the opposition) personal thinking of hatred towards PM Modi - they don't think about their own people... Be it Telangana, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu - eight states have boycotted last year's NITI Aayog meeting which was centred around Viksit Bharat... They only talk about democracy by having the Constitution in hand, they do drama but they don't believe in democracy. They are arrogant about the names of their families. Being misguided by the Congress party, the parties in the INDI alliance are trying to demolish the democratic system, he said.

On Wednesday, MPs from the INDIA bloc protested at the Parliament, claiming the Union Budget unfairly targets states led by opposition parties. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, described the budget as an "assault on the sanctity of India's federal structure".

Along with Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, and MPs from Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, DMK, and the Left took part in the protest at the Parliament steps.
A terrorist was killed and non commissioned officer (NCO) injured in an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in the Kupwara district of Kashmir on Wednesday even as there has been a spike in terror activity mostly south of the Pir Panjal mountains, which divide Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. There has been a spike in terror activity mostly south of the Pir Panjal mountains, which divide Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. (PTI/Representative)

In a post on X, the Army said the exchange was triggered after it launched a joint search operation along with Jammu and Kashmir Police based on a specific input regarding the presence of terrorists on Tuesday. On 24 July [Wednesday], suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing firefight, one terrorist has been eliminated and an NCO injured. Operation is in progress, the Armys Chinar Corps said.

People aware of the matter said the scene of the gunbattleTrimukha Top forestis near the Armys Divar camp, which keeps a watch on movement in the Lolab Valley. The forest connects Lolab with Bandipora and Baramulla districts. The terrorists use it to sneak from one district to another after infiltrating from across the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir.

The gunfight broke out days after the Army foiled an infiltration bid in Kupwaras Keran sector and killed two terrorists. On July 14, three terrorists were killed as security forces foiled another infiltration bid in Keran.

The region has been on alert amid an increase in terror attacks. The Army has been using drones, quadcopters, and human intelligence to track the movement of terrorists and thwart infiltrations. Keran has been used as a regular infiltration route. In April, the Army killed two infiltrators in Baramullas Uri. It was the first such attempt of the year.

The gunbattle in Kupwara was triggered a day after a soldier, Lance Naik Subhash Chander from Uttar Pradesh, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists as the Army thwarted an infiltration bid along the LoC in the Poonch district of the Jammu region, which has been on the edge amid spike in terror activities.

On Monday, terrorists attacked village defence guard Parshotam Kumars residence and an army picket at Gundna Khawas in the neighbouring Rajouri. Kumars uncle, Vijay Kumar, and a soldier were wounded in the predawn attack two days after Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security scenario at a joint meeting with police, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies in Jammu on Saturday amid a series of attacks in the region.

This year, 28 people, including 12 security personnel, a village defence guard, and five terrorists, have been killed in nearly a dozen attacks in six districts of Jammu. Four Army personnel, including an officer, died in a gunfight with terrorists in the Doda district on Tuesday last. Five soldiers were killed and five wounded in a terrorist ambush a week earlier in Kathua.

The Army has sent more troops to the region, reoriented its units, and strengthened the intelligence network for counterterror operations.

Security forces recalibrated their responses as Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts became clear targets for Pakistan-based terror groups. Seven soldiers were killed in counterterror operations in the Kashmir Valley last year compared to 20 in the Rajouri-Poonch sector. A total of 71 terrorists were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2023, including 51 in the Kashmir Valley and 20 in the Rajouri-Poonch area.

The Kathua attack came after twin gunbattles in the Kulgam district of Kashmir in which six terrorists and two soldiers were killed this month. On June 9, armed terrorists attacked a pilgrim bus in Reasi leaving nine people dead and 42 others injured. Three terrorists were killed after a gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Gandoh area of Doda district on June 26.
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal on Wednesday moved a resolution in the legislative assembly condemning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and demanding that the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) be reinstated in the state. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. (File)

Earlier in June chief minister Mamata Banerjee had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to abolish NEET and revert to the previous system in which states conducted their own entrance examinations.

Previously for the state quota of undergraduate and postgraduate seats in medical colleges in West Bengal, JEE was conducted by the Joint Entrance Board, which has since been abolished due to the NEET coming into force, the resolution said while condemning the failure of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

State education minister Bratya Basu said in the assembly that the TMC had protested when the exams were handed over to the Centre.

We feel that the JEE should be returned to the states as it was before 2016 - 17. Other states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have already demanded this. The Centre should immediately take a decision, he said.

Earlier this week the Karnataka cabinet approved a proposal and they were set to pass a resolution in both Houses during the ongoing session. It came after Tamil Nadus move to abolish the NEET examination and revert to the previous system of state-based medical admissions using Class 12 marks.
British foreign secretary David Lammy will push for a reset of the India-UK partnership during his visit to New Delhi this week, reinforcing Britains commitment to securing a free trade agreement (FTA) that benefits both countries. Britains foreign secretary David Lammy. (Reuters Photo)

The FTA, negotiations for which began in January 2022, is set to top the agenda for Lammys visit beginning on Wednesday. Lammy, who is travelling to India within a month of taking over the position, will meet external affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal.

Lammy will tell Jaishankar that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries, said a statement from the British high commission. He will also highlight the importance of a new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security.

Our FTA negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security, Lammy said ahead of the visit.

I am travelling to India in my first month as foreign secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home, he said, referring to the new Labour Party government that came to power with a landslide victory in the UK polls this month.

Lammy, who described India as the emerging superpower of the 21st century, will push for a reset of the India-UK partnership, including through reinforcing Britains commitment to securing an FTA that benefits both sides, the statement said.

He will hold high-level meetings with the Indian government and climate and business leaders. He will also galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis, with India as an indispensable partner, driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses.

Lammy will also discuss partnering on India-led global initiatives to build clean power access and climate resilience in the Global South and small island states.

At the same time, Lammy will underscore the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India represented by the 1.7 million people of Indian heritage in Britain.

In a visit to Indias third largest technology company Wipro, Lammy will meet business leaders to showcase how the UK and India are working on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade and improve the livelihoods of working people.

After India, Lammy will attend the Asean foreign ministers meeting in Laos, where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health.
Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress on Wednesday embarked on a protest march to Kedarnath against the proposed construction of a replica of the Himalayan temple in Delhi. U'khand Cong begins march to Kedarnath against construction of temple's replica in Delhi

State Congress president Karan Mahara, vice president Mathuradutt Joshi and a host of other party leaders performed a puja and a havan on the banks of the Ganga River at Har Ki Pairi in Haridwar and took the blessings of seers before starting the 'Kedarnath Bachao' yatra.

Former chief minister and senior party leader Harish Rawat too joined the yatra in Haridwar. The march is likely to conclude in around 16 days.

The Congress has been vehemently opposing the proposed construction of a symbolic replica of the Kedarnath temple in Delhi's Burari area ever since Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended its foundation stone laying ceremony held earlier this month.

The Congress feels replicating the temple in Delhi goes against the sanctity of the centuries-old temple in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.

"Our four dhams symbolise our spiritual traditions. We will always oppose any attempt to tamper with them," Rawat said.

Mahara lashed out at the chief minister for laying the foundation stone of the temple in Delhi and said the trust behind its construction is named after the Dham and is receiving donations through a QR code.

He demanded that a case be registered against the people associated with the trust and asked why no action had been taken against them yet.

The temple in Delhi as well as the trust behind its construction are named after Kedarnath.

Earlier, the priests of Kedarnath staged a dharna outside the temple for several days against the proposed construction of its replica. They withdrew their agitation after getting a positive assurance from the chief minister.

Strong opposition from the Congress and priest bodies put the state government on the backfoot as it took a decision in its last meeting here to introduce a stringent law banning the use of the names of Uttarakhand's major Himalayan temples, including Badrinath and Kedarnath, for any other temples, trusts or committees managing their affairs.

State Cabinet minister Dhan Singh Rawat termed the Congress's protest march as "politically motivated" and claimed that the kind of work done for the development of the temple and its surroundings by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government was never seen before.

"The Congress' entire yatra is politically motivated. What Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our state government have done for the development of Kedarnath was never done before. People also understand that Congress is only doing politics. It has nothing to do with development," Rawat said.

Hours before the Congress began its yatra to Kedarnath, Dhami visited the temple to perform 'jalabhishek' a ritual in which holy water of the Ganga is offered to Lord Shiv, the deity to whom the temple is dedicated.

The chief minister also reviewed the arrangements made for the convenience of pilgrims in Kedarnath the reconstruction projects underway at Kedarpuri - a township around the ancient temple.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said on Wednesday that the INDIA bloc will press the BJP-led NDA government for a legal guarantee on minimum price support (MSP). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met a farmers' delegation inside Parliament complex on July 24. (INC)

The Congress leader's statement came after meeting with 12 farmer leaders inside the Parliament complex, who had come from various states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

"In our manifesto for the general election, we had promised a legal guarantee for the MSP. We did an assessment and it can be done. In the meeting, we decided to discuss with other INDIA bloc leaders and press the government for its implementation, said Rahul Gandhi.

The meeting was also attended by Congress Lok Sabha MPs KC Venugopal, Deepender Singh Hooda, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.



Farmer leaders said they were promised by the Congress leaders that their demands would be raised in the Lok Sabha and that an investigation would be sought into the firing incident in Haryana.

On February 21, Haryana police allegedly fired teargas shells in a clash with protesting farmers in Hisar in a bid to prevent them from marching towards Khanauri.

The Supreme Court also proposed setting up a committee on July 24 to look into the various demands of farmers, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

The apex court has directed the Central government and state governments of Haryana and Punjab to suggest individuals who can be included in the committee, while ordering a status quo for a week on the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been camping since February 13.

The farmers have been demanding a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, among other things. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Union Budget for 2024-25, announced an allocation of 1.52 lakh crore for the agriculture and allied sectors.
India on Tuesday set aside almost 6.22 lakh crore for spending on defence in the Union Budget 2024-25, with the chunk of the outlay allocated for buying modern weapons, systems and equipment from domestic suppliers to achieve the larger goal of Atmanirbharta or self-reliance. The revenue expenditure includes almost  6,000 crore for the Agnipath scheme, up from  4,266 crore and  3,518 crore in the budget and revised estimates for 2023-24. (HT Photo)

The allocation is 4.79% higher than what it was in the budget estimates ( 5.93 lakh crore) for financial year 2023-24, but a fraction lower than last years revised estimates ( 6.23 lakh crore), budget documents show. The allocation is 400 crore more than what it was in the interim budget announced in February.

This years allocation ( 6,21,940.85 crore) includes a revenue expenditure of 2.82 lakh crore, a capital expenditure of 1.72 lakh crore, and a pension outlay of 1.41 lakh crore. The capital outlay includes 1.05 lakh crore for domestic procurement, and the revenue outlay consists of 92,088 crore for sustenance and operational readiness.

In all, the defence ministry has earmarked 75% of the total modernisation budget for domestic procurement during 2024-25. This will have a multiplier effect on GDP, employment generation and capital formation, thus providing a stimulus to the economy, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The defence budget accounts for 12.9% of the total government budget and 1.9% of the countrys projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024-25.

The allocation is aimed to promote Atmanirbharta in defence technology and manufacturing and equipping the armed forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth, the ministry said in the statement, soon after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget in Parliament.

To be sure, she did not spell out the defence allocation in her speech.

It allocation at 6,21,540.85 crore in the interim budget announced in February, then accounting for 13.04% of the total government budget. While maintaining the allocation made to the defence ministry during interim budget, the government has made an additional allocation of 400 crore on innovation in defence through the ADITI scheme, the statement said. ADITI stands for Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence).

The capital outlay (for modernisation) stood at 1.62 lakh crore in 2023-24, and was revised to 1.57 lakh crore.

In absolute terms, budgetary allocation under capital head to the defence forces for FY 2024-25 is 1.72 lakh crore, which is 20.33% higher than the actual expenditure of FY 2022-23 and 9.40% more than the revised allocation of FY 2023-24. The allocation is aimed to fill the critical capability gaps through big ticket acquisitions in current and subsequent FYs, the statement said. To be sure, the capital budget is 5.8% more than the budget estimates for 2023-24.

The enhanced allocation for 2024-25 will help the armed forces strengthen their capabilities with new military hardware to stay prepared for security challenges. India is modernising its military with fighter jets, helicopters, warships, tanks, artillery guns, rockets and missiles, unmanned capabilities and other combat systems, at a time when it is locked in a military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.

The standoff has entered its fifth year, with no indication of an immediate resolution to the outstanding problems along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) even as India is hoping that ongoing negotiations with the neighbour will result in restoring the status quo ante of April 2020,

The enhanced budgetary allocation will fulfil the requirement of annual cash outgo on planned capital acquisitions aimed at equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art niche technology, lethal weapons, fighter aircraft, ships, submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and specialist vehicles, the statement said.

The revenue expenditure includes almost 6,000 crore for the Agnipath scheme, up from 4,266 crore and 3,518 crore in the budget and revised estimates for 2023-24.

Revised estimates in the budget documents show that the armed forces were unable to spend 5,372 crore of last years capital outlay of 1.62 lakh crore. In 2022-23, the armed forces spent around 21,000 crore on top of the previous years budget allocation as border tensions with China saw the country make a raft of emergency purchases and sharpen its focus on building infrastructure in forward areas.

The Border Roads Organisation, which is at the centre of the Indias border infrastructure push, has been given a capital outlay of 6,500 crore, which is 30% higher than the allocation for FY 2023-24 and 160% higher than what it was in FY 2021-22 before the situation along the Line of Actual Control escalated.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government will use digital public infrastructure (DPI) to conduct a digital crop survey (DCS) in 400 districts for the kharif season this year. She said the details of 60 million farmers and their lands will be included in the farmer and land registries. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT Photo)

A DCS creates one verified source of truth about the farmer and the crops that they sow, which can be used by multiple departments and stakeholders (such as insurance companies and banks). It involves creating a registry of geofenced plots. Photos of these plots will then be geotagged, and the registry will include details about the owners (including joint owners), details about which crop is sown and when, what is the expected and actual yield, standardisation of data at both the central and state level, photographic evidence of the crop, etc. It can also use satellite imagery to collect data. Specifics may vary across states.

The use of DPI for agriculture is not a new step  the pilot DCS was conducted in 12 states for the 2023 kharif season, then agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar had informed Lok Sabha in August 2023 in a written response.

Buoyed by the success of the pilot project, our government, in partnership with states, will facilitate the implementation of DPI in agriculture for coverage of farmers and their lands in 3 years. During this year, DCS for kharif using DPI will be taken up in 400 districts. The details of 60 million farmers and their lands will be brought into the farmer and land registries. Further, the issuance of Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be enabled in five states, Sitharaman said.

States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala have created their own websites and apps to conduct DCSs. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav had in June announced a DCS for this kharif season.

In May 2023, the agriculture ministry organised a workshop on DCS, where additional secretary Pramod Kumar Meherda explained that DPI for agriculture was an open source, open standard, and interoperable public good. At this event, user manuals for the DCS website and mobile app (both of which were developed by National Informatics Centre) were released.

DPI for agriculture depends on AgriStack, which creates a federated registry of all the farmers in the country, with each assigned a unique Farmer ID based on his or her Aadhaar. This registry will be linked to farmland plot records. The two registries together will be used by the central and state governments to assess eligibility for different schemes and benefits, and to subsequently disburse them. It gives farmers access to cheaper credit, farm inputs, localised and specific advice, and access to the market. The Agri Stack portal will also have details about the kind of crops planted, and the ideal amounts of fertiliser and water quantities required.

The agriculture ministry has already released multiple apps on Android to collect data related to farmers and farmlands --- DigitalCropSurvey UP (an AgriStack app for surveyors to use), KrishiMapper (to conduct surveys and include details about the caste of the farmer, crop information, land area measurements, geo-plotting functions, uploading photos), GCES (General Crop Estimation Survey, to gather field data from the designated plots along with images of plots and harvested crops), and Soil Health Card (to test soil samples from different plots).

DPIs in other sectors

Sitharaman said that DPIs also are planned in areas of credit, e-commerce, education, health, law and justice, logistics, MSME, services delivery, and urban governance. She proposed the development of DPI applications at population scale for productivity gains, business opportunities, and innovation by the private sector.

The idea behind a DPI is to create a set of open protocols that can ideally be used by any entrant. A bit like how the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) can be used by any email service provider (like Outlook, Gmail) to enable people to send emails to each other. Or how any fintech can offer UPI services after being vetted by the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).

To be sure, digital payments infrastructure such as UPI, e-commerce protocols like Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), consent management framework for account aggregators, network to assess credit histories like Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) which is dependent on the ABHA health ID, and Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID for students are all considered DPI and/or digital public goods (DPG) by the government and have already been implemented to varying degrees. All of them are premised on the idea of offering services on the basis of a single source of truth for their respective sectors.

For instance, OCEN wants to create a single source of truth about the credit histories of people who may not have formal credit histories.
A Delhi court has issued a summon to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in connection with a defamation case filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party leader. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.

Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, a spokesperson for Mumbai unit of the BJP, claimed that after Rathee called him a violent and abusive troll in one of his videos uploaded on his YouTube channel on July 7.

The order to summon Dhruv Rathee was issued by district Judge Gunjan Gupta of the Saket Court on July 19.

The court also issued notice to Rathee on Nakhua's plea for interim relief and posted the matter for hearing on August 6.

Also Read | Maharashtra police files case against YouTuber Dhruv Rathee over parody account's post on X

"Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application u/o 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, subject to steps by all modes i.e. PF & RC/Speed Post/ Approved Courier including electronic mode for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed," the court said in its order.

In his plea, Nakhua alleged that Rathee made bold and unsubstantiated claims in a video and referred to him as being part of violent and abusive trolls.

He further pointed out that the allegations are without any rhyme or reason and have the tendency to hurt his reputation.

"That through this cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign to besmirch the Plaintiff's (Suresh Karamshi Nakhua) integrity and reputation is apparent, as baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated. The primary creator of this video that is Plaintiff seek not only to cast doubt on the Plaintiff's character but also to tarnish his hard-earned standing in society, has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust that can have far-reaching consequences. The repercussions of such false allegations are manifold, extending well beyond the realm of the video itself to irrevocably impact both the personal and professional domains of the Plaintiff, leaving scars that may never fully heal.
Nita Ambani recently attended an event during the 2024 Paris Olympics ahead of the opening ceremony. Nita, who is married to Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, attended the opening ceremony of the 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. She received a warm welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron at the event. Nita Ambani gets a warm welcome at the 2024 Paris Olympics event by French President Emmanuel Macron. (Instagram )

What did Nita Ambani wear to the 2024 Olympics event?

A picture shared by a fan page of the Ambani family shows Nita Ambani getting a warm welcome from Emmanuel Macron. Emmanuel kisses Nita's hand as the French President and IOC President, Thomas Bach, greet her. For the occasion, she chose to represent India in a red suit decked in intricate embroidery. Read on as we decode Nita Ambani's ensemble for the Olympics event.

The red suit features a relaxed silhouette, side slits, and full-length sleeves. It is adorned with delicate gold zardozi work adorned on the trims, sleeves, back, and torso. Lastly, Nita styled the ensemble with loose tresses, ornate gold kadhas, and striking glam.

About the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics is the 33rd edition of the quadrennial event. It will take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. Over 200 countries are expected to send their athletes to compete in a total of 329 events across 32 sports. Meanwhile, the organising committee for the Paris Games said the opening ceremony will be the largest in the history of the Olympics.

About the Ambani family

Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani have three kids - Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani, and Anant Ambani. The youngest, Anant, tied the knot with Radhika Merchant on July 12. Their wedding was a lavish affair and saw the attendance of Bollywood celebrities, international starlets, global leaders, and politicians. Meanwhile, Isha Ambani is married to Anand Piramal, and Akash Ambani's wife is Shloka Mehta.
Saturn Lunar Eclipse 2024: Skywatchers across India will witness a rare celestial phenomenon today called the Saturn Lunar Eclipse. This astronomical occurrence takes place once every 18 years (approximately) and offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers to see the Moon pass from in front of Saturn. As the event occurs today, here's all you need to know about it. (Also Read | Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Date, shubh muhurat, puja rituals, significance, mantra and more) Saturn Lunar Eclipse 2024: Saturn Lunar Eclipse or Shani Chandra Grahan occurs when the Moon passes in front of Saturn, hiding it from view. (Representation Image) (LM Otero/AP)

The rare astronomical phenomenon of the Saturn Lunar Eclipse will take place after almost 18 years. (Representative Photo)

Saturn Lunar Eclipse 2024: Date and time

The Saturn Lunar Eclipse will be witnessed tonight, July 24. You can watch the Eclipse at the beginning or at the end when Saturn is seen as a ring. Here is the start and end time of this rare phenomenon:

Saturn Lunar Eclipse starts - July 25, 2024 at 1:30 am.

Saturn Lunar Eclipse ends - July 25, 2024 at 2:25 am.

Saturn Lunar Eclipse 2024: What is the rare phenomenon?

Saturn Lunar Eclipse or Shani Chandra Grahan occurs when the Moon passes in front of Saturn, hiding it from view. The Saturn Lunar Eclipse is also known as the Lunar Occultation of Saturn. A lunar occultation in astronomy is when the Moon appears to move in front of another object in the sky like a star, a planet or an asteroid.

Saturn Lunar Eclipse 2024: Significance

In India, the Saturn Lunar Eclipse holds a scientific interest and cultural importance. As per Hindu traditions, the effect of the Saturn Lunar Eclipse on each zodiac sign is considered. According to Panchang, the Eclipse will affect five zodiac signs: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio.

Saturn Lunar Eclipse 2024: How to watch the Shani Chandra Grahan; where will it be visible

Apart from India, the Saturn Lunar Eclipse will be visible in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, and Japan. To witness this rare phenomenon, go to a light pollution-free place. In good weather conditions, you will be able to see the Eclipse using a telescope or binoculars. You will also be able to see it from the naked eye.
Loneliness festers behind the facade of the busy world you live in. Jobs take you away from your hometowns to big cities. The big city job keeps you on your toes, mentally gruelling, and you just want to come back to someone at home. Only emptiness and silences ring welcome you instead. Sometimes work wrings the last ounce of energy needed for any socialising, be it clubs or cafes to meet new people. To outrun this eerie quietness, people prefer to work and keep themselves busy, even on weekends. Busyness keeps loneliness at bay. Loneliness can lead to debilitating mental health issues, making it all the more important to reframe our perspective on what it means to be alone.(Pexels)

Recently, a Microsoft engineer in Bangalore was spotted driving autorickshaws on weekends to combat loneliness. This is not a single case, loneliness is a challenge for todays generation. However, the quietness isnt all bad. Theres a calming peace in that silence. Learn to embrace the solitude and carve out a space for yourself in it. Here are some ways you can be alone without being lonely.

Unlearn

Firstly, drop any negative notions of pity or FOMO. The void of loneliness feeds on media portrayals and your expectations. Believe it or not, everyone wants a friend group like the one in the popular US sitcom Friends. A new job brings you to a new city teeming with people everywhere, and its obvious to envision yourself in Friends, hanging out at Central Perk. But then you get a reality check, and things dont work out as you imagined.

Chances are that youll spiral more. And, most importantly, even if the media may condemn it, loneliness isnt a curse. Being alone does not have to mean loneliness. Reframe your perspective and look at being alone as the ultimate me time. Its a moment of self-reflection where you dig into yourself to understand what you enjoy. By shifting your understanding of solitude, youll be able to enjoy it better.

ALSO READ: Are you overstimulated? Early signs to be aware of

Develop hobbies

Develop a routine to go about your day and rearrange your priorities. At the end of the day, the antidote to loneliness is not people but their infectious, jovial energy. That energy, however, is everywhere, in the very thread of human existence. This energy exists in vessels, people, animals, art, poetry, and so on. Unearth that energy by developing hobbies youre passionate about, that feel like a warm hug. You can reconnect with an old pastime from your childhood. Immersing yourself in creative pursuits is a powerful way to express yourself. Be consistent and take your time out for these hobbies. Theres also a sense of pride and accomplishment with hobbies and certain milestones you hit. Learning something new is stimulating, keeping the lonely thoughts at bay. Its an impeccable serotonin booster.

Declutter your mind with yoga

To reduce the overwhelming feelings of loneliness, practice yoga and meditation. This helps you to achieve a deeper understanding of yourself. With increased self-awareness, your emotional wellbeing develops. It quells the turbulence in your mind and takes you one step closer to inner peace. Yoga is best for reducing stress and anxiety that arise from loneliness. Meditation requires concentration, countering the flooding of negative thoughts. It's important to build the habit of yoga for your overall mental and physical wellbeing.

Open the barrage of thoughts

There's a lot of overthinking which builds on and can eventually feel suffocating. Release these thoughts by journaling. It settles down the fog of anxiety as you begin to see things clearly. Journaling is cathartic, helping you to be more self-compassionate. Penning down these thoughts reduces the intensity of anxiety. You process your emotions better when they become visible. Regular journaling tracks and discovers patterns in your moods. With a mindset of gratitude, you can shift your focus away from loneliness, fostering much-needed self-reflection.

ALSO READ: Anxiety and depression elevate blood clot risk by 50%, says new study

Stay connected

The emptiness of loneliness wanes by staying connected. Theres an impulsive urge to seclude yourself from everyone, which only fuels that ache of loneliness. Take proactive steps to engage with others. Maybe join a nature walk or a pottery class. Online communities also connect you to like-minded individuals and groups. Meaningful relationships will empower you and help you view silence from a new vantage. If you are not ready to connect with anyone immediately, focus on enjoying the task at hand. When you are ready, youll find people with similar interests. If youre not up for people-ing, consider adopting a furry friend with adequate research. However, if loneliness becomes too overwhelming to bear, see a therapist. Its healthy and powerful to ask for help. Remember, being alone does not necessarily mean loneliness.

ALSO READ: What can loneliness do to our brains? Neuroscientist sheds light
Newly-married Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal celebrated the one-month anniversary of their marriage in Philippines. Her special holiday was marked with recovery,' a much-needed break for both of them. The actor took to Instagram to share her special moment with her beau in Philippines. Let Sonakshi Sinha's wedding holiday be the travel inspo for you.

Philippines is an underrated tropical paradise with beautiful white sand beaches and picturesque sunsets. Its an overlooked travel destination in Southeast Asia with tourists mostly opting for Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, or Singapore. However, Philippines has an entire world of unforgettable travel experiences waiting to be uncovered. Philippines offers a diverse experience for every kind of traveler, from cultural enthusiasts wrapped up in the historic charm of Manila to nature lovers revelling in the beauty of the rich biodiversity in Palwan. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Philippines always offers something extraordinary. Here are some top places to explore in Philippines.

ALSO READ: Top 5 cultural festivals around the world you need to visit for a wholesome travel experience

Intramuros

Step into Filipino history within the walls of Intramuros.(Unsplash)

Located in the oldest district of Manila, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also referred to as the walled city. With robust fortification, it served as the epicentre for the Spanish colonial power. It has well-preserved museums like the Archdiocesan Museum of Manila, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, and the Silahis Center that offer a glimpse of Manilas history. Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church are the crown jewels of Intramuros, a must-visit.

El Nido

El Nido's beauty is postcard-worthy. (Pexels)

El Nido in Palawan is breathtaking with its turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and gorgeous white sand. Tropical fantasies come true in El Nido as tourists kayak through the stunning lagoons. Explore the vibrant underworld marine life by scuba diving. With lush forests around, tourists hike and explore the flora and fauna.

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The underground river boat ride is a thrilling experience.(Unsplash)

Located in Palwan, this natural marvel is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Referred to as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, this 8.2 kilometer-long subterranean river is renowned for its gorgeous cave formations, including stunning stalagmites and stalactites embedded in its walls. It stands out as one of the most breathtaking caves in the Philippines. The waters surrounding the caves appear vibrant green due to the reflection of the lush greenery around them. Underground river exploration in boats is available for tourists to watch the marvelous ecosystem inside the caves.

Chocolate hills

Climbing one of the hills offers a fantastic panoramic view of the landscape. (Unsplash)

As the name suggests, the hills oddly bear a chocolate-like resemblance. During the dry season, the grass on the hills turns brownish, making the hills look brown as well. They are brown-coloured due to the colour of the grass covering them. The hills have a unique shape, uniform in shape with a smooth conical top. These hills attract tourists to see this bizarre natural phenomenon. Located in Bohol, the hills jut out of the thick forest, making the panoramic view astonishing.

ALSO READ: Top natural phenomena that are a must for your travel bucket list

Vigan

Vigan is a well-preserved Spanish city. (Unsplash)

Vigan in Philippines boasts a well-preserved city from the Spanish colonial era. The culture is a fusion of Hispanic and Filipino elements- both in food and architecture. The city is unique for its cobblestone streets and the grid-like layout of the cityscape. It is a true gem for tourists who are interested in exploring the past.

ALSO READ: Top animal migrations you need to experience in person
The electoral shift in the United Kingdom (UK), which brought the Labour Party back to power after 14 years, has triggered intense speculation about the likely trajectory of the India-UK economic ties under the Keir Starmer government. Attention, in particular, has been focused on the future of the free trade agreement (FTA) that India and the UK have been negotiating since 2021. So far, there have been encouraging signs of the Labour Party siding with continuity in the policies initiated by the Conservative government it succeeded. Labour gave these signals in its election manifesto, stating that it was committed to seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a free trade agreement. While this seems to suggest that the Starmer government would be keen to ink the trade deal with India at the earliest, it is important to pay some attention to the details in the Labour Partys election manifesto, as well as the legacy issues to understand the reality and be able to visualise the larger backdrop that would govern progress here. Hyderabad: A worker during the construction of a flyover in Hyderabad, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI)

India-UK economic relations reached a high during Boris Johnsons premiership, which culminated in the agreement between the leaders of the two countries in 2021, to launch an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP). An important component of the ETP was the intent to negotiate a comprehensive FTA that would help double bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders of both countries agreed to remove trade barriers through a balanced and beneficial market access package under the ETP that would include agriculture, health care, education, legal services, seafarers, marine, health care, and social security.

One of the key priorities for India in its bilateral FTAs thus far has been temporary movement of people  short-duration migration to the partner countries for taking up jobs, which in WTO-speak is known as Mode 4. On the other hand, the UK, in all the FTAs it has signed thus far, has insisted that its partner countries must ratify and enforce fully all the Fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The relevant provisions are included in a standalone chapter on labour.

On the labour question, two important developments had taken place even before the FTA negotiations commenced. In what was a decidedly positive augury for India, the two countries agreed to implement the comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership covering movement of students and professionals as well as irregular migration keeping in view the UKs new skills based immigration policy. This agreement included a young professionals scheme that would allow 3,000 young Indians to travel to the UK every year.

The second development posed several piquant questions to India. These emerged through the process of consultations that the UKs department of international trade had initiated with a wide range of domestic stakeholders, seeking help to craft a deal that boosts economic growth creating high-value jobs across the country. The issue of labour standards figured prominently with the stakeholders insisting on the need to ensure that the labour chapter [in the FTA] does not weaken or reduce the level of protection afforded by labour laws in order to encourage trade or investment. Stakeholders were concerned over the differences between the two countries in labour standards in domestic laws as well as on the enforcement mechanisms, and the potential impact that these differences could have on workers and business, particularly with regards to open and fair competition. Importantly, the UK government supported the high priority that the stakeholders had accorded to safeguarding labour rights, pledging not only to not compromise on its position but also to ensure that its trade partner reaffirms its commitment to international labour protections.

The UK and India have long differed on this issue on two counts. First, India has always insisted that labour standards cannot be enforced through trade agreements  in other words, trade agreements cannot be given the authority to dictate to it the ideals of labour laws. Secondly, and following from the above, India has insisted that it would continue to exercise independence while defining labour rights. In keeping with this stand, India had chosen not to ratify the ILO Fundamental Conventions on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (C087) and Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (C098). India has consistently argued that the ratification of these Conventions would imply granting of certain rights that are prohibited under the statutory rules for government employees, namely, to strike work, to openly criticise government policies, to freely accept financial contribution and to freely join foreign organisations, among others. With the Starmer government insisting on continuity, it would have to be seen how these existing differences between the two governments on the question of India ratifying ILO Conventions C087 and C098 are addressed.

As mentioned earlier, Indias interest in enabling temporary movement (temporary) of its people through the FTA seemed to have resonated well with the UKs Conservative government while it was in power, especially through the MoU on Migration and Mobility Partnership. In contrast, the Labour Party seems to have sounded a discordant note on this issue in its election manifesto. The Party argued that under the Conservatives, [the UK] economy had become overly dependent on workers from abroad to fill skills shortages as the level of net migration was more than three times higher than that in 2019. The Party emphasised that the overall level of migration must be properly controlled and managed since failure to do so reduces the incentives for businesses to train locally and it would therefore strive to reduce net migration. Given their entrenched positions, it is clear that no less than an intervention from the top leadership will be required to settle the differences between the two countries on labour rights in India or the movement of labour from India to the UK.

Biswajit Dhar is distinguished professor, Council for Social Development, and retired professor, JNU.The views expressed are personal
Melbourne, The internet, a vast and indispensable resource for modern society, has a darker side where malicious activities thrive. HT Image

From identity theft to sophisticated malware attacks, cyber criminals keep coming up with new scam methods.

Widely available generative artificial intelligence tools have now added a new layer of complexity to the cyber security landscape. Staying on top of your online security is more important than ever.

The rise of dark LLMs

One of the most sinister adaptations of current AI is the creation of dark LLMs .

These uncensored versions of everyday AI systems like ChatGPT are re-engineered for criminal activities. They operate without ethical constraints and with alarming precision and speed.

Cyber criminals deploy dark LLMs to automate and enhance phishing campaigns, create sophisticated malware and generate scam content.

To achieve this, they engage in LLM jailbreaking  using prompts to get the model to bypass its built-in safeguards and filters.

For instance, FraudGPT writes malicious code, creates phishing pages and generates undetectable malware. It offers tools for orchestrating diverse cybercrimes, from credit card fraud to digital impersonation.

FraudGPT is advertised on the dark web and the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Its creator openly markets its capabilities, emphasising the models criminal focus.

Another version, WormGPT, produces persuasive phishing emails that can trick even vigilant users. Based on the GPT-J model, WormGPT is also used for creating malware and launching business email compromise attacks  targeted phishing of specific organisations.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Despite the looming threats, there is a silver lining. As the challenges have advanced, so have the ways we can defend against them.

AI-based threat detection tools can monitor malware and respond to cyber attacks more effectively. However, humans need to stay in the mix to keep an eye on how these tools respond, what actions they take, and whether there are vulnerabilities to fix.

You may have heard keeping your software up to date is crucial for security. It might feel like a chore, but it really is a critical defence strategy. Updates patch up the vulnerabilities that cyber criminals try to exploit.

Are your files and data regularly backed up? Its not just about preserving files in case of a system failure. Regular backups are a fundamental protection strategy. You can reclaim your digital life without caving to extortion if you are targeted by a ransomware attack  when criminals lock up your data and demand a ransom payment before they release it.

Cyber criminals who send phishing messages can leave clues like poor grammar, generic greetings, suspicious email addresses, overly urgent requests or suspicious links. Developing an eye for these signs is as essential as locking your door at night.

If you dont already use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, its time to do so. This combination multiplies your security, making it dramatically more difficult for criminals to access your accounts.

What can we expect in the future?

Our online existence will continue to intertwine with emerging technologies like AI. We can expect more sophisticated cyber crime tools to emerge, too.

Malicious AI will enhance phishing, create sophisticated malware and improve data mining for targeted attacks. AI-driven hacking tools will become widely available and customisable.

In response, cyber security will have to adapt, too. We can expect automated threat hunting, quantum-resistant encryption, AI tools that help to preserve privacy, stricter regulations and international cooperation.

The role of government regulations

Stricter government regulations on AI are one way to counter these advanced threats. This would involve mandating the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are equipped with robust security features and adhere to stringent standards.

In addition to tighter regulations, we also need to improve how organisations respond to cyber incidents and what mechanisms there are for mandatory reporting and public disclosure.

By requiring companies to promptly report cyber incidents, authorities can act swiftly. They can mobilise resources to address breaches before they escalate into major crises.

This proactive approach can significantly mitigate the impact of cyber attacks, preserving both public trust and corporate integrity.

Furthermore, cyber crime knows no borders. In the era of AI-powered cyber crime, international collaboration is essential. Effective global cooperation can streamline how authorities track and prosecute cyber criminals, creating a unified front against cyber threats.

As AI-powered malware proliferates, were at a critical junction in the global tech journey: we need to balance innovation with security and privacy.

Overall, its best to be proactive about your own online security. That way you can stay one step ahead in the ever-evolving cyber battleground. GRS GRS

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
NEW YORK  The Federal Trade Commission has ordered information from eight companies that the agency says offer products and services that use personal data to set prices based on a shoppers individual characteristics. HT Image

In a Tuesday announcement, the FTC said it was seeking to better understand the opaque market of surveillance pricing practices using consumer data  including credit information, location and browsing history  to charge different customers different prices for the same goods.

To do this, the agency noted, third-party intermediaries claim to use advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technology.

Firms that harvest Americans personal data can put peoples privacy at risk. Now firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a prepared statement.

Khan added that the FTC's inquiry will shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen.

The FTC said it sent orders to Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture and McKinsey & Co.

The agency says its study will aim to understand how surveillance pricing works and investigate potential impacts on privacy and consumer protection.

The orders requested information on the "types of surveillance pricing that each company has produced, developed or licensed  as well as details on data collection methods, which customers were offered such products or services and other potential impacts, such as different prices paid, the FTC said.

In a statement sent to The Associated Press Tuesday, Revionics said that it does not develop software that recommends pricing targeted to specific individuals  or use individual consumer data in any manner.

The software company said its AI price optimization software considers several market-level factors to recommend optimal prices, such as historical sales data. Revionics added that its data is often sourced from retail partners  reiterating that it does not, in any way, conduct operations related to the surveillance of consumers.

Mastercard did not comment when reached by the Tuesday afternoon, but confirmed that it received the FTC's request and would cooperate in the process. The remaining companies did not immediately release additional statements.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A woman was left shocked after she received a parcel from Amazon. But what happened that left her surprised? When X user Sofia Serrano ordered an air fryer from the e-commerce giant, she ended up receiving a massive live lizard. Yes, you read that right. Now, Amazon has replied to it and apologised for the incident. Snapshot of the lizard found in the air fryer.

Serrano, in her X post, wrote, "We ordered an air fryer through Amazon, and it arrived with a companion. I don't know if it was Amazon's fault or the carrier's fault, good morning!" (Also Read: 'Amazon India selling used products as new': Man after receiving old laptop, company apologises)

She further added, "We already know that it was the responsibility of @amazon because the reptile was put in the bag where the air fryer was packaged. @amazon does not want to take responsibility, and the situation is very serious since a foreign animal can have health implications."

She also shared a picture of the lizard in the box.

Take a look at the post here:

This post was shared on July 18. Since being posted, it has gained more than 4.1 million views. The share also has numerous likes and comments. (Also Read: Amazon, retailer fined 45,000 for refund delay of laptop: Here's what happened)

Amazon also took to the comments section of the post and wrote, "Hello! We're sorry for the inconvenience. Can you tell us if the purchase was made on Amazon .com, .com.mx or .es?"

Here's how others reacted to it:

An individual wrote, "Where did that come from? From Singapore? There are some like that, and it is very common to see them on the street."

Another X user, Paulina Mejia, said, "I'll die if this happens to me. On the other hand, what a pity for the little animal; it must be all scared, hungry and thirsty as would be the abuse on that trip."

"In this case, you have to contact the environmental entity in your region, the environmental police, or another environmental entity that takes care of that reptile. Just as you say, you can't release it in any area. Since it is a foreign species," commented X user Cristian Gonzalez Acosta.
An alumnus of BITS Pilani took to X to share a post about techies in Bengaluru and it has sparked a conversation about the challenges they face while working in the IT industry. The man highlighted issues such as loneliness, work-life imbalance, and its overall impact on mental and physical health. His post also served as a reminder for people to fix their health and family. Many users resonated with BITS Pilani alum's post on Bengaluru techies and said that it was 'harsh'. (Representative image)

Most techies in Bangalore are pretty lonely. Away from family, no real friends, stuck in traffic, high rents, children not getting good values, peers into status games, cringe tech meet-ups, shoving body with coffee & alcohol, hair-loss, tummies popping out and paying highest taxes, X user Harsh wrote on the microblogging platform which was formerly known as Twitter.

He replied to his own post and wrote, It scares me even more that so many people relate to this. Consider this your wake-up call and take some action, fellas. Fixed 1000s of jiras, but your health & family is broken?

Take a look at the posts here:

Since being shared on July 23, Harshs post on techies in Bengaluru has received over five lakh views and the numbers are still increasing. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.

Check out how people reacted to this post on X here:

Scary to relate to some parts of it, posted an individual.

Another asked, Isnt this the story of most youngsters away from home in almost every city?

To this, Harsh replied, I wrote this for folks beyond mid-thirties who are locked in the system and very hard to get out even if they want to. Golden cuffs. Young ones have the freedom to get out and still choose the best for them before getting landlocked.

Harsh, that was harsh, commented a third.

A fourth posted, Just be random. Life is random.

It's not just about the techies; this generation is through this mess. Whether they are students, engineers, working professionals, etc, expressed a fifth.
From deforestation to rampant pollution, humankind's actions are chipping away at the delicate balance of ecosystems. Brazilian scientists noticed one such disturbing instance and published a research paper. The study is about 13 sharks that tested positive for cocaine. The scientists are unsure about the source of the cocaine but claim that it was introduced to the sharks in their natural habitat. (Unsplash/geerald)

The study, titled, Cocaine Shark: First report on cocaine and benzoylecgonine detection in sharks, was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

As per the study, the drugs were probably introduced into the marine ecosystem by drainage from illicit cocaine labs or from excrement of drug users, via untreated sewage. It suggests that the sharks could also have eaten the bales of cocaine dumped or lost in the water. However, the scientists are still unsure about the source.

How is this impacting marine life?

Sharks and rays play crucial roles in marine ecosystems as predators, shaping marine trophic chains, and are recognised as sentinel species for environmental contamination. Additionally, they represent a valuable protein source and are extensively consumed worldwide. However, this consumption has encouraged even more commercial fishing activities, leading to significant population declines across various regions, explains the study.

About the sharks that tested positive for drugs

The sharks that tested positive for drugs were Brazilian Sharpnose sharks or Rhizoprionodon lalandii. Among the 13, three were males and 10 were females. The sea creatures were captured off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil, specifically in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes in 2011. Over the years, the researchers collected various data for individual sharks, including length, weight, sex, pregnancy status, condition factor, and life stage, before publishing the study.

Five of the ten female sharks were pregnant. Of the remaining five, only one was an adult, and the others were juveniles. None of the male sharks were adults; they were all categorised as juveniles.

The study indicates that the sharks were introduced to the drugs in their natural habitat.
Over the years, the extraction of objects from bodily orifices has become increasingly common among doctors worldwide. Nonetheless, the tales of foreign object removal still come as a surprise or shock. A man in Madhya Pradesh recently made headlines for the same reason after the doctors reportedly removed a bottle gourd (lauki) from his rectum. Doctors are uncertain about how the lauki ended up in the man's rectum. (HT PHOTO)

According to the Times of India (TOI), the 60-year-old farmer came to the doctors with a complaint about a severe stomachache. The medical professionals performed an X-ray, which revealed the presence of the bottle gourd in his rectum. It is, however, unclear how the vegetable ended up in his rectum. Also, the man didn't provide any clarification.

The man was immediately admitted to the hospital, and the doctors were able to remove the object after two hours of complex surgery. The team that conducted the operation included Dr Manoj Chaudhary, Dr Nandkishore Jatav, Dr Ashish Shukla, and Dr Sanjay Maurya. They performed the surgery after the initial examination. Following the procedure, the doctors declared that the man was out of danger and recovering.

Dr Chaudhary told TOI that the reason behind the incident could be related to mental illness, testicular disorder, or an accident. The hospital has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances.

Similar incident

Earlier in March, a similar incident in Vietnam left people shocked. When a 34-year-old man visited a doctor for severe abdominal cramps, he was presented with a shocking diagnosis. After an ultrasound and an X-ray, the medical professionals found that the reason behind his illness was a live eel trapped in his belly. The doctors believed that the 30 cm eel entered the mans body through his anus and then slid through his colon.

"This is a rare case. The rectal area has a lot of faecal fluid and is easily infected with bacteria, but it was performed safely, so the surgery did not have any problems," Dr Pham Manh Hung, Head of the Department of Surgery at Hai Ha District Medical Center, told Doctor's Health & Life newspaper.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of the erstwhile princely state of Baroda, has stirred up a debate with her remarks on royal marriages. Gaekwad recently appeared on Ranveer Allahbadias podcast where she made the controversial remarks. Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of Baroda

Asked if royal people only get married to royals, Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda answered: I think, preferably. I would say families would want their children to get married in their type of families. An arranged marriage, basically.

In traditional communities, if you are a Gujarati, you marry a Gujarati. This is how it is, she added.

The Maharani of Baroda added, however, that marriages with outsiders are very common. Non-royals are also readily accepted into royal families, she clarified.

Marriage to royals, she said, is a matter of preference like in all orthodox Indian families.

However, asked if royals find it difficult to adapt after marriage to non-royals, Gaekwad answered: To tell you the truth, it is difficult. We have grown up in palaces. You get used to the love and respect you get from people. Or how you treat each other. That may be tough to find outside of royalty.

Sometimes these are non-issues to begin with, but I have seen these develop into issues in the long run, she explained. You get married. You are very happy because as an individual you love this person, you dont care about status. Very good. But sometimes these traditions are so deeply entrenched in us that when we stray, we feel that we have strayed from our sense of self, our identity.

Take a look at a snippet from the podcast below:

Social media reactions

Reactions to Gaekwads remarks on royal marriages ranged from supportive to dismissive to angry.

Royalty was what brought the British to India because of their wealthy greed. While they enjoyed, the poor fought on streets to free themselves from tyranny of the British. Stop glorifying them, wrote one person in the comments section on Instagram.

She spoke the truth! It's not only royal even in normal community we feel same, another countered.

She is correct. Add financial angle also, a third Instagram user agreed.

Ex Royals you mean... they don't have a kingdom, a person pointed out.

Radikaraje was born into the princely family of Wankaner, Gujarat. She married Samarjitsinh Gaekwad of Baroda.
Tatyana Ozolina, famously known as Russias most beautiful biker, tragically lost her life in a motorcycle accident while riding in Turkey. The 38-year-old was travelling between Mugla and Bodrum when the fatal crash occurred, according to reports. Russias most beautiful biker Tatyana Ozolina was killed in a bike accident in Turkey. (Instagram/@tanechkaozolina)

According to a report by The Sun, Ozolina lost control of her red BMW S1000RR 2015 and collided with a truck near Milas. Another biker from Turkey, Onur Obut, suffered injuries, and a third escaped unharmed. The authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident that occurred.

The outlet also reported that Andrei Ivanov expressed shock at her sudden death. MotoTanya is not with us anymoreshe had a bright and beautiful life. Millions of people followed her. Perhaps there was not a single motorcyclist in the country who was indifferent to Tatyana. She was adored, envied, admired, copied, awarded as a top blogger and, at the same time, discussed and slandered. Now all that remains is her memory. Sleep well, The Sun quoted Ivanov as saying.

According to reports, Ozolinas bike was struck by another rider in her group, causing her to brake abruptly. She was unable to avoid a collision, and ploughed into a truck, losing control and suffering fatal injuries.

A few reports even stated that she suffered a neck wound and was conscious for some time but died before the ambulance arrived.

Ozolina had a vast social media following - five million followers on TikTok, two million on YouTube, and almost one million on Instagram.

In her last Instagram post, she shared that she wasnt allowed to enter Europe: 4000 km from home. Greece missed me but didnt miss my motorcycle. I was in Greece on foot. I bought a magnet and returned it to Turkey. I was upset that I didn't manage to ride around Europe, but not much because I knew that the situation could be like this... therefore, I moved on. Conquer beautiful, hot and hospitable Turkey.
What do you give a billionaire who has everything he needs and then some? One fan came up with a unique gift for Lulu Group chairman MA Yusuff Ali - a watch featuring a photograph of the billionaires mother. MA Yusuff Ali receives a watch from a fan(Instagram/@ma.yusuffali)

Kerala-born Yusuff Ali is the chairman and managing director of Lulu Group, which has 256 hypermarkets and malls in the Gulf and in India. His personal net worth exceeds $8.9 billion, according to Forbes.

The Abu Dhabi-based businessman was recently in Kerala to attend his nieces wedding, when he was presented with a watch featuring a photograph of his mother.

I saw a video of you speaking about your mother and how much you love her, the man who gave him the watch was heard saying in a video.

Everyone loves their mothers, it's not just me. Who in the world does not love their mother? the Lulu Group billionaire responded.

This is for someone who loves their mother very much. It has an engraving of your mother... it's a water-proof watch, the fan then said, presenting Ali with the watch and requesting the businessman for a photograph.

Take a look at the video below:

According to Gulf News, Ali lost both his parents in a car crash in 2001. They were travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi when the accident occurred.

Yusuff Ali was recently in Kerala to attend the wedding of his cousins daughter. Lulu Group director MA Salims daughter Naurin tied the knot in a high-profile wedding in Thrissur, which was attended by celebrities, politicians and other VIPs.

Ali was filmed greeting guests at the wedding, which took place at Thrissurs Hyatt Regency Convention Centre. Superstar Rajinikanth also flew down to attend the ceremony, where other guests included former president Ram Nath Kovind, former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, UAE Minister of Finance Abdullah Bin Tauq Al Marri and more.
Nine months pregnant, Ola Al-Kurd could not wait to hold her baby and bring new life to Gaza during a war which has killed over 39,000 fellow Palestinians and razed much of the enclave. A Palestinian baby boy, not yet named, who was delivered prematurely after his mother Ola al-Kurd was killed in an Israeli strike, lies in an incubator at a hospital in Deir al-Balah(AP)

That special moment never came.

An Israeli airstrike smashed into the family home in Al-Nuseirat in central Gaza on July 19, according to her father Adnan Al-Kurd. The blast threw Ola down several floors to her death in the house, whose inhabitants included women, children and the elderly, he said.

Somehow, her baby survived, as did her husband, who was hospitalised.

"Its a miracle that the fetus stayed alive inside of her when she was martyred (died)," Adnan Al-Kurd said, contemplating a photo of his daughter's graduation.

ALSO READ| US military pier for carrying aid to Gaza to be dismantled after weather security problems

The explosion, like many others, killed several members of a single family, a daily tragedy across Gaza since Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to a devastating cross-border attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on Oct. 7 last year.

Mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt have failed in multiple attempts to secure a ceasefire. So it is highly unlikely that Israeli airstrikes and shelling will end anytime soon.

"She wanted to hold her child and fill our home with his presence," Al-Kurd said. "She would say, 'Mom, hopefully, this will make up for the loss of my martyred brothers and bring life back to our home'."

Entirely against the odds, surgeons at Al Awda hospital in Nuseirat - where Ola was first taken after the strike - managed to deliver the newborn, Malek Yassin. He was then transferred to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where an aunt touched the baby's face as he lay in an incubator.

Thank God, this baby's life was saved and he is now alive and well, doctor Khalil Al-Dakran said at the hospital, where many medical facilities have been destroyed in over nine months of war.

Al-Kurd gazes at photos of his three late children killed in the Gaza war. He said baby Yassin is blond like his deceased uncle Omar. I go visit him everyday. He is a part of me, he said.

Babies who survive frequent Israeli bombardment get no relief as the conflict inflicts more destruction in the heavily built-up, densely populated Gaza Strip.

We are in fact facing very great difficulties in the nursery department, said Al-Dakran, due to a lack of sufficient medication and supplies and fears that the hospital generator could stop at any moment due to fuel shortages.

Hospitals across impoverished Gaza have been demolished or seriously damaged during the war, which began when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with an air and ground offensive that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, and levelled much of the coastal territory.

"What is the fault of this child to start his life under difficult and very bad circumstances, deprived of the most basic necessities of life?" said Dakran.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  A judge says controversial social media personality Andrew Tate 's defamation lawsuit against a Florida woman who accused him of imprisoning her in Romania can go to trial, but he threw out Tate's allegations against her parents and some allegations against the woman. Andrew Tate's defamation lawsuit against human trafficking accuser can go to trial, judge says

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Joseph Curley ruled that the widely followed former professional kickboxer, 37, and his brother, Tristan, 36, can present their allegations to a jury that the woman in 2022 enlisted another woman in a plot to extort money from them.

The British-American brothers say the woman falsely accused them of human trafficking and rape, costing them their freedom and millions of dollars in income from their lucrative social media, podcasting and business ventures. Romanian officials indicted the Tates last year, saying the brothers forced seven victims into pornography and subjected them to physical violence.

Her attorneys say the lawsuit is in retribution for her reporting him to authorities. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted.

Curley said in last week's ruling, posted to online court records Tuesday, that the Tates' attorneys have shown enough possible evidence that the woman defamed their clients and was attempting to defraud and extort them to warrant a trial. He pointed to April 2022 text messages the woman and her friend exchanged where they say they will ask the Tates for $200,000 and act like we still love them and stuff."

Curley also pointed to other text messages that could indicate the woman knew she falsely accused the Tates of sex trafficking and false imprisonment. No trial date has been set and because of discovery and legal challenges it could be years before one occurs.

Curley did throw out parts of the lawsuit accusing the woman of false imprisonment for the Tates being arrested, intentional infliction of emotional distress and interfering with their business relationships. He left the door open to their attorneys amending and refiling those accusations.

Curley dismissed the Tates accusations that the womans parents defamed them when they told American diplomatic officials about their daughters allegations. He said they had no reason to believe their daughter's accusations were false and had a right to report them.

Attorneys for the Tates and the woman each said Curley's decision was a win for their side.

Tate attorney Joseph McBride said they are most pleased with Judge Curley's ruling" as the defamation accusation directly addresses the plot to destroy Andrew and Tristan Tate's lives. He said no decision has been made on whether to amend and refile the dismissed accusations.

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation Law, which represents the woman and her parents, called Curley's ruling a huge victory."

We are very pleased the Court has tossed out the majority of this frivolous lawsuit and wisely narrowed the issues and claims, attorney Dani Pinter said in a statement. "If the case proceeds, we look forward to the opportunity to prove the truth of what occurred in Romania, and we are confident that ultimately we will succeed and this harassing lawsuit will fail.

Romanian investigators said in their indictment that the Tates and two Romanian women formed a criminal group in 2021 in order to commit the crime of human trafficking in that country, the United States and Britain. Prosecutors also confiscated the Tates assets, including 15 luxury cars, luxury watches and about $3 million in cryptocurrency.

Investigators say the seven accusers were recruited with false declarations of love, but then forced to take part in pornography. The women were controlled by intimidation, constant surveillance and claims they were in debt, officials said.

But the Tates, in their lawsuit, paint a different picture. They say the Florida woman and all women who lived at their estate were free to come and go as they pleased, and closed-circuit security video can prove it.

Earlier this month, a Romanian judge lifted a year-long bar on the Tates leaving that country, but said they must stay within the European Union while they await trial.

THE SHAM CASE IS FALLING ART, Andrew Tate wrote on the social media platform X.

Andrew Tate has been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after the platforms accused him of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments, including that women should bear responsibility for being sexually assaulted. But he remains popular on X, with almost 10 million followers, many of them young men and schoolchildren. He runs an online academy where he says he teaches young men how to get rich and attract women.

Several women in Britain also are pursuing civil claims against Andrew Tate, alleging they were victims of sexual violence. British authorities have charged the Tates criminally with sexual aggression. Details have not been disclosed.

In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Andrew Tate denied spreading a culture of misogyny and accusations that he manipulated women for financial gain.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Ruma Paul Bangladesh partially restores telecommunication services as protests taper off

DHAKA - Bangladesh partially restored telecommunication services on Wednesday although internet connection was slow and social media remained suspended, days after deadly protests against reservations for government jobs killed almost 150 people.

The country has mostly been calm since Sunday when the Supreme Court scaled down reservations for various categories to 7%, overruling a high court verdict reinstating a 56% quota in government jobs that had been scrapped in 2018.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government said on Tuesday that it would heed the Supreme Court ruling.

As demonstrations against the quotas - which included a 30% reservation for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan - tapered off, the government started easing the curfew imposed last week.

Restrictions will be relaxed for seven hours on Wednesday and offices will also be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., officials said.

Residents of the capital Dhaka could be seen out on the streets on Wednesday morning as they made their way to their offices, with public buses also plying in some places - in sharp contrast to the violent clashes in the city last week.

Protesting students have given the government a fresh 48-hour ultimatum to fulfil four other conditions of an eight-point list of demands, and said they will announce next steps once that ends on Thursday.

"We want the government to meet our four-point demand, including restoration of internet, withdrawal of police from campuses, and opening universities ," protest coordinator Nahid Islam said.

The South Asian nation of 170 million was rocked by protests since the high court verdict last month, which left less than half of state jobs open on merit in a country where about 32 million young people are out of work or education.

Demonstrations intensified after Hasina refused to meet the protesters' demands and instead labelled them "razakar" - a term used for those who collaborated with the Pakistani army during the war.

Hasina this week blamed her political opponents for the violence and said the curfew would be lifted "whenever the situation gets better".

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has denied any role in the violence.

Several countries in the region have evacuated citizens from the violence-hit nation over the last few days, including India and Malaysia.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Boeing Co. said it has resumed deliveries of its cash-cow 737 Max aircraft to airlines in China, a much-needed boost for the beleaguered manufacturer and its strained finances. Boeing resumes deliveries of 737 Max aircraft to China after two-month pause(AP)

The green light comes after a roughly two-month pause imposed by aviation regulators in China to review additional information about batteries used in cockpit voice recorders in Boeings planes.

Reopening the Chinese market to Boeings cash-cow narrowbody will help alleviate some of the pressure on Boeings finances. The planemaker has said it expected to burn through $3.9 billion or more in the second quarter, with the China delivery halt a contributing factor.

Boeing as of late June was expected to receive clearance for 737 Max deliveries to China within weeks, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg at the time.

Boeing shares were little changed in after-hours trading on Tuesday. Aviation Week reported the resumption earlier.
The COP Presidencies Troika (UAE, Azerbaijan and Brazil) have invited early movers to submit improved, ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that are in keeping with the Paris Agreements 1.5 degree C goal to announce their intent at the United Nations General Assembly in September. COP28 UN Climate Summit in UAE. (AP File Photo)

The COP Presidencies of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 UN Climate Change Conferences had formed the COP Presidencies Troika in March and launched the Roadmap to Mission 1.5C to significantly enhance international cooperation... and implementation over this critical decade and keeping 1.5C within reach.

Now the Troika is calling on parties to submit updated NDCs which are supposed to be submitted between November and February 2025.

To this end, the Roadmap to Mission 1.5 COP Presidencies Troika is inviting early movers who will submit next generation NDCs, informed by the outcome of the Global Stocktake, between COP29 and February 2025, to demonstrate their leadership at UNGA. This will be an important opportunity for leaders to signal their commitment to keep 1.5 within reach. The UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, in our national capacities, will be among those countries who will provide corresponding signals at UNGA, a letter sent to all 196 parties on Tuesday said.

With only six years remaining until 2030, the urgency of the climate crisis demands accelerated action across all pillars of the Paris Agreement. Our shared success requires tangible progress on mitigation, adaptation, and the means of implementation and support, along with scaling up financial flows to support just and equitable transitions towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development, the letter added.

The Troika also said the course correction to keep 1.5C within reach in a nationally determined manner and build global resilience requires transforming the worlds current development model encompassing different pathways and approaches. This transformation must respond to the latest science and be guided by equity, ensuring climate ambition can also drive social inclusion and economic prosperity and a just and equitable transition for all, in the context of sustainable development and of efforts to eradicate poverty.

Discussions at the recent session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) in June emphasised the priority all Parties give to the next generation of NDCs informed by the GST outcome and the need for them to mark a step change on implementation.

At the current levels of emissions, the world is way off the mark from the Paris Agreement goals, and, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, headed for 2.7C warming.

In June ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres flagged several issues and said parties are backtracking on climate action. I see a lack of ambition. A lack of trust. A lack of support. A lack of cooperation. And an abundance of problems around clarity and credibility. The climate agenda is being undermined. At a time when we should be accelerating action, there is backtracking. At a time when we should be filling gaps, those gaps are growing. Meanwhile, the human rights of climate activists are being trampled. The most vulnerable are suffering the most, he had said.

In its first letter to all member countries of the UN Climate Convention on July 17, the COP29 Presidency headed by Mukhtar Babayev, called on members to enhance their climate plans to make them 1.5 degree C compliant and put in place finance to achieve those plans.

The COP29 Presidencys top negotiating priority is agreeing a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance (NCQG) adequate to the urgency and scale of the problem, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing country Parties. Our efforts should include the full scope and potential of the resources that need to be made available, the letter stated.

Growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in the international environment must not distract us from the imperative to collaborate and address climate change as the greatest transnational challenge of the century, it added.
New Delhi, Curator and author Rahaab Allana was conferred with the insignia of Officier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres at the Embassy of France here on Tuesday. Curator-publisher Rahaab Allana receives insignia of 'Officier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres'

The French government distinction is given to "persons who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of arts in France and throughout the world."

Allana, curator and publisher, Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, received the honour for his career as curator of contemporary South Asian photography as well as his contributions to Indo-French artistic cooperation over the years.

"We feel very lucky to have longstanding partners like Rahaab Allana who have such a deep and sincere interest in French visual art history. Each exhibition or publication we have collaborated on was an opportunity to create unprecedented parallels between lens-based practitioners from both France and India.

"For almost 20 years, the curatorial work of Rahaab has truly helped France and India to learn from each other and change our perceptions," Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, said in a statement.

Allana's artistic journey of cooperation with France spans two decades, starting with the exhibition of the Alkazi Collection at the Arles Photo Festival in 2007.

Since then, Allana has played an instrumental role in driving Indo-French projects around lens-based art, including the curation of two multi-disciplinary photography exhibitions for Bonjour India festivals, Mutations in 2018, and Convergence in 2022.

"It is an honour to receive this commendation from the French Government for the many partnerships and collaborations that have been consistently realised between India and France over the last two decades. This recognition is one that highlights the many visible and invisible partners and cultural workers who strive to create a greater freedom for expression at this critical time," Allana said.

In 2022, Allana also co-curated 'Terra Nullius: Nobody's Land' at Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, showcasing eight French artists working with Artificial Intelligence around ecology and non-human image making.

Allana has also contributed to and edited several publications and curated exhibitions on South Asian photography and its trans-national histories, working internationally with museums, universities, festivals and other arts institutions across the world, including the Rencontres dArles, Musee du Quai Branly, Centre National des Arts Plastiques in France.

Some noted Indian recipients of this honour in the past include Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Raghu Rai, Ebrahim Alkazi, Habib Tanveer, Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Upamanyu Chatterjee.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised Republican candidate Donald Trump for his support of Israel, while also thanking President Joe Biden for his efforts to free hostages held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump (Getty Images/ File Photo)

"I... want to thank President Trump for all the things he did for Israel. From recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Iran's aggression to recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and moving the American embassy there," Netanyahu told US lawmakers, referring to steps Trump took while in office.

And "I want to thank President Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages," he said, referring to people seized by Hamas during the militants' shock October 2023 attack.
LONDON  A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed and seriously injured in a street near a barracks in southeast England, police said Wednesday. Man arrested after British soldier was stabbed and seriously hurt in attack near barracks

The British Army said the victim, who is in his 40s, suffered serious injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. There was no immediate word on a motive.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was shocked and appalled, writing on social network X. "All our thoughts are with the soldier, his family and our Armed Forces community, who serve to keep all of us safe. I wish him a swift recovery.

Defense Secretary John Healey also called the attack shocking.

The Kent Police force said officers were called Tuesday evening to reports of an assault in the town of Gillingham, 30 miles southeast of London.

Witnesses said an attacker wearing a ski mask, rode up on a moped, attacked the soldier, and then fled.

A suspect was arrested within half an hour, police said. They identified him only as a 24-year-old local man. British police do not name suspects until they have been charged.

The road where police said the attack happened is close to Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Armys 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment. On Wednesday morning, police cars and crime scene tape cordoned off both ends of the treelined road. The army did not confirm media reports that the soldier was in uniform at the time of the attack.

Our thoughts are with the soldier and their family and we request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time," the army said in a statement. We will continue to work closely with Kent Police to understand what happened and support the investigation."

Attacks on soldiers in Britain are rare. In 2013, two men inspired by al-Qaida killed soldier Lee Rigby in a London street, running him down with a car before stabbing him to death.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
July 24, 2024 9:07 PM IST

Nepal plane crash LIVE updates: Television footage captured firefighters battling the blaze as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Other images revealed the plane flying low above the runway before tilting right and crashing.

Rescue workers were seen examining the charred wreckage scattered across green fields and transporting bodies on stretchers to ambulances.

Kathmandu airport was temporarily closed after the crash but reopened within hours, according to officials.

Flightradar24 indicated that Saurya Airlines operates two CRJ-200 regional jets, a model originally produced by Bombardier, which was acquired by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2020.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's ongoing war in Gaza and condemned American protesters in a scathing speech to Congress Wednesday that triggered boycotts by many top Democratic lawmakers and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has created. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AP/ file)

Nine months into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory. He also sought bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups, and bitterly condemned widespread opposition in the United States to the war.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: we win, they lose. said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahus speech quickly took on a darker tone as he defended his country but also derided those protesting the war, gesturing to demonstrations happening as he spoke on the streets outside the U.S. Capitol, as useful idiots for Israels adversaries.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened in the House chamber as Netanyahu spoke. Lawmakers of both parties rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held a sign in the House chamber that says war criminal.

Netanyahu accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the militants who he said killed babies in Hamas' attack on Oct. 7. These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves," he said.

With criticism against him rising in Israel, too, Netanyahu also aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally. That task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the U.S. presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol Wednesday, and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol, denouncing Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a cease-fire.

Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber. Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Johnson said shortly before Netanyahu began speaking. He received a bipartisan standing ovation.

Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage who was freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was in attendance.

The appearance makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahu's speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat who has family in the West Bank, sat in the House chamber with a keffiyeh, which she often wears, wrapped over her shoulders. Tlaib was censured last year for her strident criticism of Israels conduct in the war.

Republicans said the absence of Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, was a sign of disloyalty to an ally. Former President Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahu's speech, citing the need to campaign.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Many in the swelling crowds of demonstrators protested the killings of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the war. Others condemned Netanyahu's inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas and other militants during the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war.

Support for Israel has long carried political weight in U.S. politics. But the usual warm welcome for Netanyahu's visits has been diminished this time around by political turmoil, including the assassination attempt against Trump and Bidens decision not to seek another term.

Many Democrats who support Israel but have been critical of Netanyahu see the address as a Republican effort to cast itself as the party most loyal.

Many Democrats attended the address despite their criticism of Netanyahu, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a March floor speech. Schumer, of New York, said then that Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

About 60 lawmakers met Wednesday with relatives of those taken hostage by Hamas, and they expressed anger toward Netanyahu. Because by coming here, he risks making himself the issue, turning the humanitarian issue of the hostages into a political one, Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage, told the lawmakers.

The United States is Israel's most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid. Netanyahu's visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

The Biden administration says it wants to see Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage-release. Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Netanyahu has said his aims for the U.S. visit are to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, to build support for continuing Israel's battle against the group, and to argue for continuing to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.

Some Democrats are wary about Netanyahu since he used a 2015 joint address to Congress to denounce then-President Barack Obama's pending nuclear deal with Iran.

Netanyahu used an appearance early Wednesday to focus on Iran, its nuclear program and its network of armed allies. Iran is behind the entire axis of terror that threatens the U.S. and Israel, he said, speaking at a memorial for former Sen. Joe Lieberman.
WASHINGTON  The arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touched off a flurry of protests in the nations capital, including a sit-in at a congressional office building that ended with multiple arrests. Some of the demonstrations have condemned Israel but others have expressed support while pressuring Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas. Netanyahu visit sparks wave of protests in DC, with all sides criticizing the Israeli PM

Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday for a visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members.

Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing red T-shirts that read Not In Our Name took over the building's rotunda, sitting on the floor, unfurling signs and chanting Let Gaza Live!

After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters  binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one-by-one.

I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like, said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest along with her two daughters  both of whom were arrested. When we say Never Again, we mean never for anybody.

The demonstrators focused much of their ire on the Biden administration, demanding that the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel.

Were not focusing on Netanyahu. Hes just a symptom, Hirschmann said. But how can be calling for a cease-fire when hes sending them bombs and planes?

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday night, the Capitol Police said they did not have a final tally of the number of people arrested. But JVP claimed in a statement that 400 people, "including over a dozen rabbis," had been arrested.

Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.

Kildee later told The Associated Press that he was confused why his office was targeted, saying he had voted against a massive supplemental military aid package to Israel earlier this year.

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read Seal the Deal NOW! chanted Bring Them Home and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages. The demonstrators applauded when Biden's name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu  known by his nickname Bibi  on the belief that he was dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.

I'm begging Bibi. There's a deal on the table and you have to take it, said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband, Keith, remains a hostage. I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.

Multiple protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for most of the week.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day.

Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but shell be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.

Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Farnoush Amiri and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.

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* New Zealand to apologise after inquiry finds 200,000 children and vulnerable adults abused in care

Nearly 1 in 3 in New Zealand abused in care since 1950

*

PM says "dark and sorrowful day", official apology Nov. 12

*

Compensation for survivors expected to run into billions

By Lucy Craymer and Alasdair Pal

WELLINGTON, - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed regret on Wednesday after a public inquiry found some 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the last 70 years.

Nearly one in three children and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced some form of abuse, the report found, a finding that could leave the government facing billions of dollars in fresh compensation claims.

"This is a dark and sorrowful day in New Zealand's history as a society and as a state, we should have done better, and I am determined that we will do so," Luxon told a news conference.

An official apology will follow on Nov. 12, he added.

Survivors and their supporters filled the public gallery of the country's parliament as the report was debated, while still more watched from a separate room.

After Luxon spoke, likening the abuse against children at one of the state care facilities, Lake Alice, to torture, many stood and sang an Indigenous Maori song about love and unity.

The report by Royal Commission of Inquiry spoke to over 2,300 survivors of abuse in New Zealand, which has a population of 5.3 million. The inquiry detailed a litany of abuses in state and faith-based care, including rape, sterilisation and electric shocks, which peaked in the 1970s.

Those from the Indigenous Maori community were especially vulnerable to abuse, the report found, as well as those with mental or physical disabilities.

Civil and faith leaders fought to cover up abuse by moving abusers to other locations and denying culpability, with many victims dying before seeing justice, the report added.

"It is a national disgrace that hundreds of thousands of children, young people and adults were abused and neglected in the care of the State and faith-based institutions," the report said.

It made 138 recommendations, including calling for public apologies from New Zealand's government, as well as the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury, heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches respectively, who have previously condemned child abuse.

In a statement the Catholic Church of New Zealand said it was carefully reviewing the report.

"We will ensure that action follows our review of the inquirys findings," the statement said, adding it had previously acknowledged the abuse occurred.

A spokesperson for the Anglican Church in New Zealand did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PAYOUTS DUE

The report estimated the average lifetime cost to an abuse survivor, that is what New Zealanders would consider normal, day-to-day activities, was estimated in 2020 to be approximately NZ$857,000 per person, though the report did not make clear the amount of compensation available for survivors.

Luxon said he believed the total compensation due to survivors could run into billions of dollars.

"We're opening up the redress conversations and we're going through that work with survivor groups," he said.

The inquiry also recommended payments to families who have been cared for by survivors of abuse due to the intergenerational trauma they suffered, as well as review of compensation paid in previous child abuse cases including at the Lake Alice adolescent unit.

"The most important element is to recognise and acknowledge the survivors for the reality and the truth of their lives," said Tracey McIntosh, a sociologist at the University of Auckland.

The report also called for the government to set up a Care Safe Agency responsible for overseeing the industry, as well new legislation including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, including admissions made during religious confession.

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In response to separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannuns video telling him and his Hindu friends to go back to India, Canadian MP Chandra Arya said on Wednesday that Canada is their land and it is being polluted by Khalistani extremists. Canada MP Chandra Arya

He said that Hindus from all over the world have come to Canada and have made significant contributions to the countrys socio-economic development.

We Hindus have come to our wonderful country Canada from all parts of the world. From every country in South Asia, many countries in Africa and the Caribbean, and many other parts of the world, we have come here and Canada is our land, said Arya in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Read: Correct yourself: Om Birla vs TMC's Abhishek Banerjee in Lok Sabha

We have made and continue to make immense positive and productive contributions to the socio-economic development of Canada. With our long history of Hindu culture and heritage, we have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada, he added.

He said that their land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists, who are abusing freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights.

The Canadian MP also expressed concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fueled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities.

The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalized again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia and other places in Canada have been vandalized with hateful graffiti. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice last year publicly called for Hindus to go back to India, he wrote on X on Tuesday.

In the post, he also mentioned that Khalistan supporters publicly celebrated in Brampton and Vancouver the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and brandishing images of deadly weapons.

As I have always been saying, Khalistani extremists seem to get away with ease with their public rhetoric of hate and violence. Again, let me put it on record. Hindu Canadians are legitimately concerned. Like a broken record, I again call on Canadian law enforcement agencies to take this issue seriously before these rhetorics get translated into physical action against Hindu Canadians, he added.



With ANI inputs
The man accused of attempting to kill author Salman Rushdie in New York two years ago now faces federal terrorism charges for his alleged support of Hezbollah, according to an indictment unsealed on Wednesday. Salman Rushdie's attacker faces federal terrorism charges(AFP)

The grand-jury indictment charges Hadi Matar, the New Jersey man already facing state murder and assault charges for a 2022 knife attack on Rushdie, with three terror charges, including carrying out an act of terrorism and providing material support to Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group that was founded by Iran in Lebanon during the early 1980s.

Matar, who has Lebanese roots, has pleaded not guilty on the state murder and assault charges and is awaiting trial. He remains jailed in the Chautauqua County Jail in Mayville, New York.

Matar's public defender, Nathaniel Barone, said that his client plans to plead not guilty to the federal charges.

Matar is expected to be arraigned later on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Buffalo, New York.

Hezbollah's media office in Lebanon did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the charges tying Matar to the group.

Iran's supreme leader at the time, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, pronounced a fatwa, or religious edict, calling upon Muslims to kill Rushdie upon publication of Rushdie's 1988 book, "The Satanic Verses," considered blasphemous by some Muslims. Rushdie, the acclaimed India-born novelist, then spent a decade in hiding.

Matar is a Shi'ite Muslim. Hezbollah is a Shi'ite Islamist group and shares the ideology of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

While Iran's pro-reform government of President Mohammad Khatami distanced itself from the fatwa in the late 1990s, it was never lifted.

Rushdie was blinded in his right eye and his left hand was badly injured by the stabbing attack in August 2022 on a stage just as Rushdie was to deliver a lecture at an educational retreat near Lake Erie.

Rushdie released this year his memoir on the attack, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder".
Nepal plane crash updates: At least 18 people were killed after a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu on Wednesday, July 24. Nineteen people, including aircrew, were aboard the Pokhara-bound plane which met with the accident at around 11am, said Premnath Thakur, TIA spokesperson. Army personnel and other officials stand around the debris of a Saurya Airlines plane after it crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on July 24, 2024.(AFP)

Police and firefighters are carrying out rescue operations at the accident site.

The pilot of the aircraft has been taken to a hospital, a security official deployed at the airport told PTI without giving further details.

Nepal plane crash: What we know about Saurya Airlines mishap

The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft "suffered a runway excursion and burst into massive flames immediately", the Search and Rescue Centre of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a statement.

Videos posted online showed the plane being enveloped in fire and smoke. Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the spot after the incident.

The deceased were identified as co-pilot S Katuwal and 17 employees of the Saurya Airlines, including a Nepali female and a Yemeni national.

Pilot captain Manish Shakya, 37, is undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Model Hospital.

Of the deceased, 15 died on the spot while three died during treatment at a local hospital, authorities said.

Following the accident, services at the Kathmandu airport were halted briefly before being resumed, the airport authorities said.

Saruya Airlines operates flights to five tourist destinations within Nepal, with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, according to the companys website.

The Saurya Airlines flight was en route to Pokhara, an important tourism hub in the Himalayan republic.

Nepal's air industry has boomed in recent years, carrying goods and people between hard-to-reach areas as well as foreign trekkers and climbers. But it has been plagued by poor safety due to insufficient training and maintenance. The European Union has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace over safety concerns.

Nepal averages about one flight disaster a year. Since 2010, the Himalayan destination has witnessed at least 12 fatal plane crashes, including the latest one.

In January 2023, a tragic accident took place when a Yeti Airlines flight crashed near the central city of Pokhara. All 72 people on board, including passengers and crew members, lost their lives in the incident. The aircraft plummeted into a steep gorge, breaking into pieces and bursting into flames as it approached Pokhara.

On May 29, 2022, a Tara Air plane crashed in Mustang district, resulting in the fatalities of all 22 individuals aboard.

In 2018, a tragic accident occurred near Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport involving a US-Bangla Airlines flight. The plane crash-landed, causing the death of 51 people, while 20 others sustained serious injuries.

According to Nepals civil aviation body, 914 people have died in air crashes in the country since the first disaster was recorded in August 1955.

The only incidents in which more people were killed took place in July and September 1992. Those crashes involved aircraft of Thai Airways and Pakistan International Airlines and left 113 and 167 people dead, respectively.
An unnerving CCTV footage has captured the moment a terrified Australian woman entered a kebab shop to seek refuge after allegedly being gang-raped by five men in Paris. The woman, 25, reportedly appeared disoriented and was unable to speak French outside a kebab shop at about 5 am on Saturday, July 20. The shop is located on Boulevard de Clichy in Paris 18th arrondissement, close to Moulin Rouge. Terrified Australian woman runs into shop, asks for help after alleged gang rape by 5 men in Paris (@OliLondonTV/X via Channel 7 News)

The woman appeared stunned and was seen wearing her dress backward, New York Post reported. Her outfit was partially torn off. She alleged that five people had raped her.

What does the video show?

The viral video shows the woman, reportedly a tourist, running into the shop and urging the staff to help her. Staff and customers are seen crowding around her to comfort her. At this moment, a man enters the kebab shop, and the woman identifies him as one of her attackers.

The alleged attacker pats the woman on the back, but flees after being confronted by a customer. After police arrived at the scene, the woman told them the attackers were of African appearance. She was rushed to Bichat Hospital.

The kebab shops owner told 7News that the alleged victims dress was damaged and she cried unstoppably. Some reports claimed the womans phone was stolen, and she was seen carrying her underwear in her hand.

The woman was supposed to travel back to Australia. However, she will now stay back in Paris and help police probe the case.

An investigation is underway, the Paris Prosecutors Office has confirmed. 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, prosecutors office said.

A major operation has now been launched by police. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that the Australian Embassy in Paris is making urgent inquiries with French authorities following reports of an Australian citizen assaulted in Paris. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to provide consular assistance, the statement said.

As per Le Parisien, the Alliance Paris police union asserted that investigators will do everything to quickly identify the individuals to justice.
Germany and Britain pledged Wednesday to cooperate more closely on defence and security issues as part of the new Labour government's post-Brexit "reset" in relations with European allies. UK, Germany to boost defence ties in relations 'reset'

On his inaugural visit to Berlin, UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a joint declaration with German counterpart Boris Pistorius that was hailed as the first of its kind between the NATO allies.

It includes pledges to strengthen the defence industries in both countries, cooperate more closely on the development and procurement of weapons, and coordinate "even better" on support for Ukraine, Pistorius said.

The pact would "strengthen the European pillar within NATO and thus NATO as a whole", Pistorius said at a joint press conference.

Healey, welcomed to the German capital with military honours, said the deeper cooperation in the defence sector would bolster both nations' security as well as "our national economies".

The pact comes as Britain's Labour government, after a landslide election win this month, is "determined to reset relations with Europe", Healey said.

"Britain's essential relationships with many European allies has been strained at best" in recent years, he said, in a nod to ties soured by Brexit.

The defence declaration "signals the start of a developing and deepening relationship between our two countries" that "have an important contribution to make to the collective security of Europe", Healey added.

Healey's trip to Berlin is part of a lightning tour of Europe this week including stops in France and Poland and a coming visit to Estonia.

"Yes, breakfast in Paris, lunch in Berlin, dinner in Warsaw and perhaps a beer after this is over," Healey told reporters after meeting with his Polish counterpart on Wednesday evening.

He added that he came to Poland to "state very clearly the new UK government's unshakeable commitment to NATO, to Poland and to the alliance's eastern flank".

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked Healey for what he said was the UK's plan to deploy "four to six Eurofighter jets to the air policing mission over Poland next year".

mfp-amj/js

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TEXARKANA, Texas  The trial in a countersuit brought by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones against a woman who says she's his daughter and her mother abruptly ended Tuesday afternoon as Jones agreed to drop the countersuit if the women dismissed pending lawsuits against him, including one where the billionaire was ordered to take a DNA test, according to media reports. Agreement halts Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' countersuit trial against woman who says he's her father

The announcement in the courtroom in Texarkana, Texas, located about 180 miles east of Dallas, came on the second day of the trial, which had focused on whether Alexandra Davis, 27, and her mother, Cynthia Davis, had breached a 1998 agreement that barred them from suing to establish paternity, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Jones, 81, filed the countersuit after a judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought against him by Alexandra Davis. The married owner of the Cowboys has denied he's her father.

In 2022, Davis sued Jones in Dallas County, asking a judge to void a legal agreement she said her mother reached with Jones two years after she was born. The 1998 settlement allegedly said Jones would support them financially as long as they didnt publicly say he was Davis' father. Davis dropped that case a month later and instead filed the paternity case in which earlier this year the judge ordered Jones to take a DNA test.

As part of Tuesdays agreement, the 1998 settlement will remain in effect.

Cynthia Davis had testified Monday that she and Jones met when she was working for American Airlines out of Little Rock, Arkansas, and they began a romantic relationship. She testified that she began to regret agreeing to the terms of the 1998 agreement, adding that while it was good for her financially, it didn't account for her daughters desire to have a relationship with her father.

Jones thanked the jury for their time after the agreement was announced, and said the defendants were well-meaning. He also noted that he appreciated working mothers like Cynthia Davis. He and Cynthia Davis had embraced on the first day of the trial after she became tearful during testimony.

Television station WFAA reported that Jones said outside the courthouse that he was happy there was a resolution. The Davis' attorney, Jay Gray, said he was surprised at the outcome, but that everybody was happy.

/hub/NFL

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The Philadelphia school district has failed to protect Jewish students from a virulent wave of antisemitism that swept through classrooms after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, according to a federal complaint filed Tuesday. Antisemitism runs rampant in Philadelphia schools, Jewish group alleges in civil rights complaint

The district, among the largest public school systems in the U.S., has ignored persistent harassment and bullying of Jewish students, some of whom have been forced to drop out, lawyers wrote in the complaint. Some teachers and administrators have spread inflammatory anti-Jewish and anti-Israel messages on social media and even in the classroom without repercussion, the complaint said.

The Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Jewish advocacy group, asked the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights to order the district to issue a statement denouncing antisemitism and to take disciplinary action against teachers and students who engage in discrimination and harassment. The ADL also wants training for faculty, staff and students and the removal of antisemitic posters, flags and other material on school property.

A school district spokesperson declined to comment on an active investigation.

Colleges, universities and high schools nationwide have seen a wave of pro-Palestinian student protests in response to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, taking hostages and killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The toll in Gaza recently surpassed 39,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Most of the focus has been on protests that rocked college campuses this spring, leading to thousands of arrests. But a recent congressional hearing spotlighted antisemitism in K-12 education, with the leaders of New York City Public Schools, the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, and the Berkeley Unified School District in California all vigorously denying they had failed to address hostility toward Jewish people.

Like Philadelphia, New York City and Montgomery County are facing Education Department civil rights investigations into allegations of antisemitism. The ADL filed a complaint against Berkeley in California state court.

In Philadelphia, schools leaders allowed hostility toward Jewish students to spread and intensify over the past nine months, and failed to address a rampant culture of retaliation and fear" that prevented Jewish students and parents from even coming forward, James Pasch, ADLs senior director of national litigation, said in an interview Tuesday.

There's an environment here that really needs to change, and it really needs to change now, he said.

A group of pro-Palestinian teachers called Philly Educators for Palestine, which was cited in the complaint, responded Tuesday by accusing the ADL of multiple inaccuracies. The group added in a statement to The Associated Press that criticism of Zionism or the Israeli government is not antisemitism, and attempts to label it as such is not only antisemitic itself but troubling as it will shut down any opportunity for critical thought and discussion.

In May, a group called the School District of Philadelphia Jewish Family Association made similar allegations against Philadelphia schools in a complaint to the education department under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry.

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Chick-fil-A may be renowned for its chicken, but french fries have never earned a spot on its menu. After years of having waffle fries as a staple side dish offering, the company is now experimenting with regular fries. Chick-fil-A's test kitchen, Little Blue Menu in College Park, Maryland, announced last Friday that the company is testing the traditional cut variant of the popular dish. Chick-fil-A is experimenting with traditional-cut french fries(Representational Image)

Chick-fil-A is experimenting with regular french fries

Though Chick-fil-A is experimenting with regular fries, it has neither made it a permanent menu item nor made it available nationwide. Those who wish to taste the fast-food giant's latest offering can purchase it at the Maryland test kitchen or place an order via the company's app.

Its FRYday, FRYday! Gotta get delivery on Friday! Make any day a little better with Little Blue Order through the Chick-Fil-A App today. *now delivering to most areas in College Park, MD. Menu prices for delivery are higher than at restaurant. Additional fees apply; see applicable charges at checkout, Little Blue Menu said, along with a promotional video shared on Instagram.

ALSO READ: Dark oxygen is being produced 13,000 feet below ocean surface, ground-breaking study finds

Fans worried if regular french fries will replace waffle fries

Shortly after the company made the announcement, fans flooded the comment section with their reaction. Chick-fil-A customers are worried if the traditional french fries will replace the iconic waffle fries that have been a staple on its regular menu. One fan commented on Instagram, Please dont tell me this is replacing the waffle fries.

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, saying, Everyone is having a meltdown and TikTok because they think youre getting rid of our waffle fries, probably due to this post LOL. Youre not? Right? One more customer expressed excitement, calling the french fries a need.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday, arguing that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris could not legally take over funds raised by President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. The Trump campaign argued that Harris undertook a "brazen money grab," according to the filing by David Warrington, the campaign's general counsel.(AP)

Biden, an 81-year-old Democrat who was in a tight race with Republican challenger Donald Trump, endorsed Harris when he ended his reelection bid on Sunday. Harris quickly took control of Biden's campaign accounts and on Monday night wrapped up the nomination by winning pledges from a majority of the delegates who at next month's party convention will determine the nominee, according to her campaign.

The fight over the accounts, which had roughly $95 million in the bank at the end of June, is part of a multi-pronged effort by Republicans to stymie Harris' bid to lead the Democratic ticket.

The Trump campaign argued that Harris undertook a "brazen money grab," according to the filing by David Warrington, the campaign's general counsel. In the filing, which was shared with Reuters, Warrington said Harris was in the process of committing what he described as the "the largest campaign finance violation in American history."

Saurav Ghosh, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, a non-partisan watchdog group, has said that because Harris was already part of "Biden for President" as the vice presidential candidate, her claim on the money should be secure.

In any case, election regulators are unlikely to resolve the issue before the Nov. 5 presidential election.

The FEC said they were unable to comment on unresolved enforcement matters.

Harris' campaign has said it had raised $100 million since Sunday, when Biden stepped back from the campaign and endorsed her - exceeding Biden's remaining tally in just a few days. Her campaign brushed off the FEC complaint.

Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energized to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, but baseless legal claims  like the ones they've made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections  will only distract them while we sign up volunteers, talk to voters, and win this election, said Harris campaign spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak.
Donald Trump recently said that theres no question top Democrats pushed Joe Biden out of his re-election campaign, including Barack Obama. Trump also went on to say that Obama cant stand Biden. Donald Trump says top Democrats like Barack Obama helped push Joe Biden out (Photo by BILL PUGLIANO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Obama cant stand him, and he cant stand Obama. Obama had a part because he said he wasnt going to support him, Trump said, according to New York Post.

Nancy Pelosi dumped him, the former president added. They all dumped him, and they said, Either you get out nice or were going to go after you. And thats what happened. And he had no choice. Theres no question about it.

The debate was really [Bidens] ending

Biden dropped out of the race days after his disastrous presidential debate performance. It was reported that Obama told Biden that his chances of beating Trump were greatly diminished following the debate. Pelosi reportedly told Biden that according to polling, he would not be able to defeat Trump in November.

They told him to get out, Youre not going to win, Trump said. I was really beating him badly in the polls.

I think it really started with the debate, he continued. The debate was really [Bidens] ending. He was not good at the debate. And I think I was good. Some people say I was very good, but whether I was or not, he was not good. And I think that was the end of Biden, frankly.

And I think the politicians, the, you could call them elites in the party or you could call them the non-elites, because I think theyre generally not, but the people in the party said, If you get out, they gave him a chance, and they said, If you dont get out, were going to go after you. And that was it. He got out, he added.

Trump went on to say that he would absolutely debate Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by Biden. She is now expected to get the Democratic presidential nomination. Trump called Harris more radical than Biden, who was a little more mainstream.

Shes a radical left person, and this country doesnt want a radical left person to destroy it. Shes far more radical than he is. She wants open borders. She wants things that nobody wants you take a look at the car mandate, the electric car mandate, everything, Trump said.

Really, what you should do is take a look at San Francisco now compared to before she became the district attorney, and youll see what shell do to our country, he added. So I think she should be easier than Biden, because he was slightly more mainstream, but not much.
Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman, ripped into Republican contender Donald Trump for berating his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris. Doug Emhoff, while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, hit back at Donald Trump for insulting Kamala Harris.(AFP)

In his first appearance since Harris formally launched her presidential campaign following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 White House race, Emhoff was questioned on Trump's assault on the likely Democratic nominee.

This comes after Trump brutally trolled Harris on Truth Social by giving her a new nickname Lyin Kamala and called her vicious and dumb, and a totally failed and insignificant vice president.

Trump even referred to Harris as crazy, nuts, and Laughing Kamala at a rally in Michigan on Saturday night.

In a post on Truth Social after Biden stepped aside from the race, the GOP nominee expressed frustration over the media coverage of Biden and Harris.

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, he wrote.

Also Read: Kamala Harris gives 'delicious dose of trolling' to Trump

Doug Emhoff claps back at Trump

Hitting back at Trump for insulting Harris, Emhoff told reporters, Thats all hes got?, but asserted that all that is going to change and it must change.

He then cited Harris' Monday speech at Wilmington, Delaware, and said she has made her case against the criminally convicted candidate very clear. According to him, Harris has outlined her vision for the future of the US, where theres freedom and where were not having to talk about these issues of today in this post-Dobbs hellscape that Donald Trump created.

Blasting Trump for encouraging censorship, he pledged that his spouse would keep highlighting the ex-president's COVID-19 mismanagement and how he caused an insurrection. He remarked that they will prosecute the case against Trump and his lies, his gaslighting.

Emhoff further mentioned that Democrats rapidly united behind Harris because she's talking about an America that we all have a place in... Shes gonna unite the country. Shes gonna earn this nomination. You see that happening and shes gonna win this election.

Speaking about her past experience as a prosecutor at a Wisconsin rally on Tuesday, Harris mocked her Republican opponent, stating that I took on perpetrators of all kinds, adding that I know Donald Trumps type.
By Doyinsola Oladipo Hotel workers in four US cities to hold strike authorization votes

NEW YORK, - About 13,500 unionized hotel workers in four U.S. cities plan strike authorization votes next month as contract talks with Marriott International , Hilton Worldwide Holdings and Hyatt Hotels Corp stall, the union said.

UNITE HERE, a union representing workers in hotels, casinos and airports across the U.S. and Canada, said the votes will begin the first week in August in Boston, San Francisco, Honolulu and Providence, Rhode Island. "We are getting ready," said Elena Duran, a server at Marriott's Palace Hotel in San Francisco. "Seeing the proposals from the hotels, people are not happy."

Workers at 125 hotels in the four cities have sought significant pay raises in new contracts to replace ones that have expired or will expire soon.

They are also seeking better healthcare and pension plans and are looking for hotel operators to reverse pandemic-era staff and service cuts like daily room cleaning.

"Frankly, we were insulted with what they came to the table with," said Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26 in Boston. "We are very, very far apart from an agreement."

A further 26,500 hospitality workers in 16 U.S. cities represented by Unite Here are also negotiating new contracts.

"We are disappointed that several UNITE HERE locals have chosen to take strike votes," a spokesperson from Hyatt said.

The hotel operator said it has contingency plans in place in the event of a strike so that its hotel operations are not affected.

Hilton said it maintains a cooperative and productive relationship with the union.

Marriott did not respond to a request for comment.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
With the support needed to secure the Democratic Partys nomination for the upcoming US presidential election, Kamala Harris has declared her readiness to unite our party, unite our nation and defeat Donald Trump. And now she has launched a fierce critique of Trump as she kicks off her presidential campaign. US Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at West Allis Central High School during her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2024. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP)(AFP)

Harris began her campaign tour with a stop in Wisconsin, a key swing state for the November election, with a rally that saw the crowd chanting Lock him up as she targeted the former president's legal woes.

She vowed, Before I was elected vice-president, before I was elected United States senator, I was elected attorney general of the state of California, and I was a courtroom prosecutor before then.

So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type and in this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his, 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, she stated.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle could endorse Kamala Harris as she wants to be

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.

Harris leads Trump 44% to 42% in national poll

Since Joe Bidens announcement on Sunday afternoon that he would not seek re-election, Harriss campaign has raised over $100 million (77 million). She is set to be formally nominated as the Democratic Partys candidate at the National Convention in Chicago next month.

Biden, who has remained silent since his announcement, is expected to address the public later this week after recovering from coronavirus. He was seen this morning at the White House for the first time since the announcement. He has been isolating at his beach house in Delaware.

ALSO READ| Kamala Harris kicks off Wisconsin rally, tells voters 2024 election is a choice between freedom and chaos

Meanwhile, Trump has been accused of avoiding a televised debate with Harris, criticizing US network ABC as not worthy of hosting such an event. He proposed moving the debate to Fox News, a network known for its favourable coverage of him.

A new national Reuters poll found that Harris led the former prez 44% to 42%.
US Vice President Kamala Harris is narrowly leading rival former US President Donald Trump in a national presidential poll released on Tuesday, marking one of the first major surveys conducted since President Joe Biden stood down from the presidential race. Donald Trump donated to Kamala Harris re-election campaign in the past, as per reports (Photo by BILL PUGLIANO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, Harris holds a slight edge over Trump, with 44 per cent to his 42 per cent. This poll was conducted in the two days following Bidens announcement on Sunday that he was exiting the race and endorsing his vice president. 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, Biden said in a statement.

The previous week's poll had Harris and Trump tied at 44 per cent each. Harris, 59, and Trump, now the elder in the presidential race at 78, remain in tight competition as new surveys reflect.

Harris narrowly trails Trump in another survey also released on Tuesday. Both results fall within the polls margins of error, indicating a highly competitive race.

ALSO READ| Kamala Harris hits Donald Trump with a zinger, and this time with 'Trump's type'

Trump edges out Harris in PBS News poll

The recent surveys followed political milestones, including the Republican National Convention, where Trump formally accepted the partys presidential nomination and Bidens exit from the race. Harriss performance in these polls, buoyed by Democratic voter enthusiasm following the shakeup in the race, suggests she has effectively neutralized the typical post-convention bounce that candidates usually receive.

In a Monday PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, Trump edged out Harris with 46 per cent to her 45 per cent among US registered voters, leaving nine per cent undecided. When third-party candidates or independents are included, both Trump and Harris are tied at 42 per cent, with other candidates trailing significantly.

The PBS News survey also revealed that a significant majority, 87 per cent, of Americans believe Bidens decision to drop out was the right move. This sentiment transcends partisan and generational lines. Additionally, 41 per cent of respondents believe Bidens decision increases the Democrats' chances of winning in November, compared to 24 per cent who think it decreases their odds and 34 per cent who see it makes no difference.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle could endorse Kamala Harris as she wants to be

These polls come in the wake of Trump miraculously surviving an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
Is there a budding alliance between Meghan Markle and Kamala Harris going on? Several speculations suggest there is. As Harris will fight against Donald Trump in the coming presidential race, there is speculation that she might receive an endorsement from Meghan Markle. The Duchess, who has a history of support for the Democratic Party prior to her royal life, could see this as an opportunity to advance her career in politics. Meghan Markle may be set to support Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency.(AP/AFP)

Meghan told Gloria Steinem in 2020, Im so excited to see that kind of representation, while expressing her excitement for Harris' candidacy.

For me, being biracial, growing up, whether it was a doll or a person in office, you need to see someone who looks like you in some capacity.

Meghan, who is half African-American and half Caucasian, celebrated Harris' diverse heritage, appreciating her Afro-Jamaican and Indian roots even before she assumed the vice presidency.

Traditionally, members of the British royal family are expected to remain apolitical. However, Meghan has consistently engaged in political advocacy, which she continued even after she became a royal.

ALSO READ| Kamala Harris kicks off Wisconsin rally, tells voters 2024 election is a choice between freedom and chaos

Meghan Markle wants to get her foot in the politics

Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, told GB News about the potential impact of an endorsement from Meghan and Prince Harry. Newsweek took a poll asking how many people would be influenced by a potential endorsement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and 40 percent said they would be influenced, Schofield reported.

She further elaborated, Meghan wants to be included, this is potentially a very historic election.

We really saw Meghan involved, including with Kamala Harris in some voter campaigns in 2020, and I think this is a great way for Meghan Markle to get her foot in the door.

After stepping down from royal duties in 2020 and returning to California, rumours circulated about Meghans aspirations for political office, although she has not confirmed any plans to enter civil service. Schofield expressed doubts: I don't feel like she has tough enough skin, but I do believe that this is important to her.

We saw her in 2020 work with Stacey Abrams, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama to do campaigns for women voting, getting women to the polls, she cited.

ALSO READ| Harris locks in delegates, may secure nomination by early August

During the 2020 presidential election, the Sussexes appeared to support President Joe Biden subtly. Meghan had labelled Donald Trump as divisive, and during the Times 100 event on ABC, both she and Prince Harry suggested that Americans deserved change.

Schofield mentioned this, saying, We also saw Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the Time 100 event on ABC say Americans 'deserved change' during 2020, which was a very subtle endorsement of Joe Biden at the time.

This could be her first step in the door, Schofield speculated.
Prince Harry has finally spoke out on his destroyed relationship with Royal family members. The Duke of Sussex, who reportedly sent a congratulate note to Kate Middleton over Wimbledon appearance, issued a issued a rallying call to the British monarch and the family. Prince Harry will be featured in the ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial on Thursday night, (AP)

On Thursday night, Harry will be featured in the ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial. In a teaser clip from the documentary, journalist Becca Barry asked the Duke, to what extent do you think your determination to fight the tabloids destroyed your relationship with your family?

In response, Harry stated, his legal battle with the tabloids is a central piece in the breakdown of his ties with his family. He remarked that it is hard a question to answer since anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press.

Calling for an action in this regard, he remarked, It would be nice if we did it as a family, I believe from a service standpoint and when you are in a public role these are the things we should be doing for the greater good.

On being asked about his views on hi s family members' choice to not to fight in the manner he has, Harry noted: I think that everything that has played out has shown people what the truth of the matter is, for me the mission continues.

I think as you say, it has caused part of a rift, he added.

Also Read: Prince Harry set to inherit millions on his 40th birthday, here's how

Harry opens up about case against Mirror Group Newspapers

The Prince further spoke about the case against Mirror Group Newspapers.

According Harry's attorney, a British newspaper publisher consented to pay the Duke a substantial amount in fees and damages for breaching his privacy through phone hacking and other unlawful snooping.

Mirror Group Newspapers, according to lawyer David Sherborne, promised to cover all of Harry's legal fees and damages in addition to making an advance payment of $505,000.

In December, Harry was granted $177,000 in damages after a judge determined that phone hacking at Mirror Group Newspapers in the late 1990s was widespread and habitual, that it continued for more than ten years, and that tabloid officials covered it up.

Reacting to the verdict, Harry asserted it was undoubtedly a big relief that court rule in our favour. To be able to achieve that in a trial is a monumental victory, he mentioned.

In response to the ITV's documentary, Mirror Group Newspapers applauded the December 2023 ruling that provided the company with the essential clarity to proceed from the events that occurred many years ago, GB News reported.

Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid compensation.

According to Judge Timothy Fancourt, the Duke's phone was hacked to a modest extent.
As Donald Trump may face Kamala Harris in the November elections, the former president is leaving no stone unturned to gain the support of Americans and world leaders following an assassination attempt on him. While Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed shock over the attack on Trump, the GOP presidential nominee on Tuesday shared a letter from Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas condemning the assassination attempt. Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, denounced the attempt on Trump's life in the letter, which began while addressing Trump as Your Excellency.(NYT Photo)

On Sunday, Netanyahu, who has now arrived in Washington and expected to meet Joe Biden and address US Congress, said in a statement that he and his wife, Sara, pray for Trump's safety and speedy recovery.

A shooter opened fire at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, piercing Trump's ears, killing one and injuring two other attendees. The attacker, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvanian, was killed by the Secret Service. Following the horrific attack, the Secret Service came under intense scrutiny and its director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after facing backlash over "unsatisfied" five-hour grilling during Congress hearing.

Also Read: Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns after Trump's assassination attempt

What Mahmoud Abbas has to say?

Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, denounced the attempt on Trump's life in the letter, which began by addressing Trump as Your Excellency.

It is with grave concern that I have received news and later on watched footage of your attempted assassination, he wrote.

In the letter, which was sent the day after the shooting at the Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, Abbas stated that acts of violence must not have a place in a world of law and order. Respect for the other with tolerance and valuing of human life is what must prevail.

The 88-year-old Palestinian leader called attempted or successful assassination attempts despicable acts, which reflect weakness with failed understanding of peaceful measures to resolve conflicts. In his missive, he stressed that freedom of expression and communication are necessary for resolving differences.

Abbas concluded the letter by wishing Trump strength and safety and sending his thoughts to the families of the victims of the attack.

The former president posted the letter on Truth Social, along with his own Sharpie annotations beneath the note from the Palestinian leader.

Mahmoud. So nice. Thank you. Everything will be good. Best wishes, Trump wrote on the letter.

In his post, Trump also stated that he is looking forward to achieving peace in the Middle East, and even more forward to seeing Bibi Netanyahu on Friday.

Netanyahu and President Trump will meet on Friday, following the Israeli PM's speech to a joint session of Congress.

Since Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel that claimed at least 1,200 lives, the Biden administration has made it clear that it firmly backs unified West Bank and Gaza under a revitalized Palestinian Authority headed by Abbas.
The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive. This 2021 photo provided by Bethel Park School District shows student Thomas Matthew Crooks who graduated from Bethel Park High School with the Class of 2022, in Bethel Park, Pa. Crooks was identified by the FBI as the shooter involved in an assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (Bethel Park School District via AP)(AP)

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a sniper's perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

"That is a search that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears he registered" for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

The FBI is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service countersniper. The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

The agency has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks' movements and online activity, but the precise motive  or why Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, was singled out  remains elusive, Wray said.

A lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded, anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, Wray said.

The FBI's assessment is that Crooks acted alone.

Wray noted that Crooks had grown interested in public officials  besides Trump, Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent figures  and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump.

Crooks is believed to have visited the rally site a week before the event, staying for about 20 minutes, and then returned on the morning of July 13. About two hours before the shooting, Wray said, Crooks flew a drone about 200 yards from the rally for about 11 minutes, using the device to livestream and watch footage and obtain what Wray said would have been a rear view mirror of the scene behind him.

The use of the drone, which along with a controller were recovered from Crooks' car, so close to the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage add to the questions about the security lapses.

On the afternoon of the rally, Crooks attracted law enforcement scrutiny because of odd behavior around the edges of the event, including shouldering a backpack and peering into the lens of a range finder toward the rooftops behind the stage where Trump would stand within the hour.

Using what Wray said was mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, Crooks was able to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage. Crooks fired eight shots from an AR-style rifle before being he was killed.

The FBI thinks Crooks may have managed to avoid detection despite being armed because his weapon had a collapsible folding stock, Wray said.

Wray pledged to lawmakers that the FBI would leave no stone unturned in its investigation.

I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example  a particularly heinous and public one  of what Ive been talking about, Wray said.

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting  as part of the committees routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session.

The FBI so far has avoided the same level of scrutiny over the shooting directed at the Secret Service over security failures that preceded the shooting and has led to the the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle.

Even so, Wray was not able to entirely avoid the antagonistic questions he typically receives from the Republican-led committee, a reflection of the lingering perception that the FBI and Justice Department have become politicized against Trump  something Wray has consistently denied.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray: Im sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBIs ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.
The father of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump, has broken his silence days after the shooting at the Pennsylvania rally. Matthew Brian Crooks, 53, has revealed that the family is just trying to take care of ourselves. His son was killed by Secret Service Snipers. Thomas Matthew Crooks' (pictured) father breaks silence (The Bethel Park School District via AP)(AP)

Matthew made the remarks while leaving a grocery store on Monday, July 22, Fox News reported. We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. Please, just give us our space, Matthew said.

Were going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so  until then, we have no comment, he added.

As per reports, Matthew previously simply said he is trying to understand "what the hell is going on, declining to provide any more details. He said he wanted to "wait until I talk to law enforcement" before commenting.

The rifle Crooks used to carry out the shooting was purchased by Matthew, who is a registered Libertarian. Crooks family has been coordinating in the investigation, which is ongoing. A motive has yet to be revealed by feds.

In Crooks phone, investigators found photos of Trump, Joe Biden and other senior government officials. He also searched dates for the Democratic National Convention, and looked up the former presidents appearances.

Thomas Matthew Crooks school denies claims he was bullied

Meanwhile, the high school Crooks attended denied claims that he was bullied, and that he tried out for the schools rifle team, and threatened to shoot up the school. Crooks classmates previously alleged that he was relentlessly bullied at school. Bethel Park High School, however, dismissed the painful misconception that he was a victim of bullying.

Crooks opened fire at the rally, wounding Trump and two others. He killed firefighter Corey Comperatore before being killed by snipers.
U.S. regulators are investigating why Delta Air Lines failed to recover as quickly as other airlines from a global technology breakdown and whether Delta's treatment of passengers stranded by canceled and delayed flights violated federal rules. US is investigating Delta's flight cancellations and faltering response to global tech outage

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Tuesday announced the investigation into Delta's response to the outage, which he said has affected more than half a million of the airline's passengers.

A Delta official said the airline expects to return to normal operations by the end of the week.

Delta and its Delta Connection partners canceled more than 500 flights Tuesday. That was down by more than half from Monday but still accounted for nearly two-thirds of all canceled flights in the United States, according to tracking platform FlightAware.

Many airlines were affected when cybersecurity company CrowdStrike sent a faulty update to more than 8 million Microsoft computers around the world late last week. Most of them reduced cancellations to roughly normal levels by the end of the weekend.

Atlanta-based Delta and its partners have canceled more than 6,500 flights since Friday, far more than any other airline, according to figures from FlightAware and travel-data provider Cirium.

Buttigieg said his department will investigate how it could be that days after the other airlines are back to normal, Delta is still canceling hundreds of flights.

At a news conference, Buttigieg said the Transportation Department will also examine Delta's customer service, including unacceptable lines for customer service and reports that unaccompanied minors were stranded at airports. He said the department has received more than 3,000 complaints about the airline's breakdown.

Delta said it was cooperating with the investigation.

We remain entirely focused on restoring our operation after cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrikes faulty Windows update rendered IT systems across the globe inoperable, an airline spokesperson said in a statement. Across our operation, Delta teams are working tirelessly to care for and make it right for customers" affected by the disruptions.

John Laughter, Deltas chief of operations, said the airline was moving planes, pilots and flight attendants to where they need to be so we can return to normal operations by the end of the week.

The collapse at Delta has been stunning for an outfit that was widely viewed as the best big U.S. airline  the most profitable before and after the pandemic, and the best-run. In recent years, Delta has almost always ranked near the top among all U.S. carriers for on-time performance.

Delta appears to rely more than other airlines on systems that run on Microsoft Windows. The airline said upward of half its technology systems are Windows-based, including a key tool used to schedule pilots and flight attendants. That system could not keep up with the high number of changes triggered by the outage.

Delta said late Tuesday that a backlog of issues in the crew-scheduling system was reduced by 75% over the last 36 hours, and the airline was also making progress in returning lost bags to their owners.

In addition to probing the cause of Delta's collapse, investigators are likely to focus on whether Delta is complying with federal requirements such as offering prompt refunds to passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed. The refunds are supposed to be in the form the customer used to pay for their ticket  typically a credit card  and not just a voucher.

In a text provided to The Associated Press, a Delta passenger whose flight was canceled Saturday was told, If you prefer not to rebook your trip, your ticket value will automatically be available as an eCredit that can be used towards a future Delta ticket.

In Washington, lawmakers are beginning to weigh in. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chair of the Senate committee that oversees airlines, said in a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian that she is concerned that Delta is not complying with passenger rights contained in a law that Congress passed in May.

While the technology outage was clearly not caused by Delta or any airline, I am nevertheless concerned that Delta is failing to meet the moment and adequately protect the needs of passengers, Cantwell wrote.

Deltas meltdown mirrors that of Southwest Airlines, which canceled nearly 17,000 flights over 15 days in December 2022. A Transportation Department investigation ended with Southwest agreeing to pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement.

Southwest blamed its breakdown on a winter storm, but other airlines recovered in a couple days while Southwest did not. Consumer advocates see the same pattern with Delta this month  the airline continues to blame the CrowdStrike outage while rivals such as American recovered quickly. Even United Airlines, the second-worst at cancellations, was back on track Monday.

It's not about the thing that caused the problem, it's about how you recover from the problem. That's the test of an airline, said William McGee, a former aircraft dispatcher who is a consumer advocate at the American Economic Liberties Project, a group critical of large corporations.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Bay Area tech mogul Vinod Khosla has made a clarion call for all not MAGA folks to stand up in support of Kamala Harris and to reject Donald Trump's candidature for US presidentship. Indian American tech billionaire becomes first prominent voice from the community to endorse Indian origin candidate Kamala Harris.(Bloomberg)

The term MAGA has been coined for ardent Trump supporters who follow his ideology and slogan of 'Make American Great Again".

Indian American billionaire wrote on X, "Time for all "not MAGA" folks to come together for @KamalaHarris to beat Trump and save our democracy, reject bad values, reject Project 2025 and the dictatorship that Trump loves, all while being a good global citizen. "

He made clear that his call wasn't just for liberals but was talking to, As I said there are democrats, independents, republicans, and then there are MAGA assholes (test: election denialism). Good people on both sides. We should stand together.

This isn't the first time Khosla has aired his views about Donald Trump. Soon after Joe Biden stepped down Khosla got into a heated debate with Elon Musk, who has already endorsed Trump with huge donations.

When Vinod Khosla called for an open Democratic convention on X following Bidens announcement, saying he wanted to get a more moderate candidate who can easily beat Trump. Musk urged him to instead back Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, saying LFG!!

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?

Musk quickly buckled and exited the conversation after admitting Trump has flaws but the country needs an administration that is more likely to be meritocratic and promote individual freedoms over the heavy hand of government.
Police in North Carolina arrested a woman on murder charges in connection with her infant daughter.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office says they got a call just before 5 a.m. on July 12 of a suspicious person.

Deputies responded and said they found Megan Stack Sattizahn, 39, who appeared to be disoriented.

They followed her home and found the body of 9-month-old Samantha Sattizahn and arrested the mother.

Sattizahn had a first appearance in court on Monday.

Sattizahn admitted to killing her daughter, describing it as a "mercy killing," according to court documents reviewed by WSOC-TV.

Sattizahn also allegedly tried to poison her daughter with prescription medication in December. She reportedly told authorities that "God told her to."
An Alabama woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing some $300,000 from the Catholic church where she worked to pay for gifts for TikTok content creators and personal expenses, officials said.

Kristen Marie Battocletti, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with the scheme to embezzle approximately $300,000 from her employer, St. Francis of Assisi University Parish, according to Al.com.

According to the charges filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama, Battocletti was employed as an administrative assistant at St. Francis, part of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, when she engaged in the scheme from April 2023 to October 2023.

READ ALSO: Priest accused of stealing $40K to fuel Candy Crush gaming addiction

Battocletti stole approximately $300,000, and used more than $220,000 to purchase TikTok Coins, which are used to send digital gifts to content creators on the social media app. She spent the rest of the money on personal expenses.

Battocletti's sentencing has been set for Nov. 26. She faces up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

She told a WBRC-TV reporter she didn't want to talk about the case as she left the courthouse.

With TMX
A New Jersey man is facing an animal cruelty charge after allegedly beheading a seagull that was stealing his daughter's French fries, police said.

The North Wildwood Police Department this week announced charges against 29-year-old Franklin Zeigler of Cape May in connection with the incident at Morey's Piers in Wildwood on July 6.

Police said officers responded to an animal cruelty incident at Morey's Piers on Boardwalk Avenue on July 6, and witnesses reported that Zeigler had "decapitated" a seagull with his bare hands.

Zeigler was initially arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest because he was allegedly "irate and uncooperative with officers on an unrelated investigation," police said.

A followup investigation conducted by a detective and the department's Humane Law Enforcement Officer, which looked at Zeigler 's statements, witness statements and available photographs, resulted in an additional charge of third-degree animal cruelty.

According to the probable cause statement for his arrest, Zeigler allegedly ripped the seagull's head off with his hands after it tried stealing French fries from his daughter. Witnesses reported that Zeigler asked Morey's Piers staff for a trash bag while holding the decapitated bird.

Zeigler was issued a summons and released pending a future court date, police said.

--with reporting by TMX
The Florida family of a disabled woman who was found dead in the dirt earlier in July now has a message for her killer.

Kristie Murray, 48, was found dead on July 6th by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in a dirt lot on Picketville Road. Police say Murray, who had disabilities and was high-functioning mentally handicapped, died from blunt force trauma, and the case remains unsolved.

Mark Raymer, Murray's younger brother, now has a message for her killer, according to Action News Jax.

"The human side of me wants to say not nice things but if you're listening, I hope you have the conscience and you want to come forward and clear your conscience and pay your debt to society you now owe," he said.

"It was surreal, it still is, it's in my mind that someone murdered my sister and it's a hard thing to swallow," Raymer continued. "I'll never understand why anyone would do that to a handicapped person, any person at all."

She was loved by her family and Raymer remains in deep mourning as he laments that he will never speak to her again.

"She'd always give me a call, 'Hey brother this is what I'm doing now, I love you guys, tell the babies,' you know, my children, 'That I love them and miss them," he said. "She's never going to call me baby bro anymore."

"She was fun-loving, give you the shirt off her back. I know these things sound cliche but it was true," he expressed.
At least six workers were killed in an explosion at a Jose Cuervo tequila distillery in central Mexico on Tuesday, according to local authorities.

The explosion occurred in a large boiler at the Casa Cuervo facility in the city of Tequila, the spirit's hometown in Mexico's Jalisco state. The resulting fire spread to three tanks, each with a capacity of 219,000 liters, Jalisco's civil protection cervice said in a statement.

Areas around the plant, operated by Becle, the world's largest producer of tequila, were evacuated as a precaution, and electricity was temporarily cut. After a few hours, electricity was restored and people were allowed to return to the area.

After the fire was extinguished, Victor Hugo Roldan, director of Jalisco's civil protection service, told reporters that an investigation into the cause of the explosion by the state's Institute of Forensic Sciences was already underway.

State authorities confirmed Tuesday that five workers were killed, and at least two were injured, one of them seriously. In an update on Wednesday, the civil protection service confirmed that a sixth person was found dead in a retention pit while firefighters worked on cooling and debris removal.

The civil protection service also said another fire broke out Wednesday morning in a storage area at the facility, and reached a 200-liter tank that contained "raw material waste," but the fire was quickly controlled. The agency said they are continuing to monitor the situation at the site.

Tequila Boom: 5 dead in #Mexico liquor factory explosion

Authorities in the state of Jalisco confirmed the deaths of five workers at a Jose Cuervo factory in the town of Tequila on Tuesday, with two more injured

The explosion affected four 57,850-gallon vats of tequila#Mexico pic.twitter.com/CruhSdRpZj  Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) July 24, 2024



With TMX
The head of the FBI revealed to a congressional hearing on Wednesday a "significant" online search that the gunman conducted in the days before the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

FBI Director Christopher Wray faced questions from the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday as they sought fresh details about the gunman's motive and background.

Wray said that a review of Thomas Matthew Crooks' laptop showed he did a Google search on July 6 for "How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?"

Wray called it a significant clue to Crooks' state of mind ahead of the assassination attempt.

Earlier, Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan asked a series of questions about the shooter, the drone he used and the explosives he had in his car at the rally site.

When asked if Crooks fired eight shots, Wray said he believed so since investigators recovered eight spend cartridges from the scene.

He also confirmed that they had recovered a drone Crooks had used from his vehicle and is still being analyzed.

Wray confirmed that Crooks is believed to have flown the drone about 200 yards from the stage around 4 p.m. the day of the shooting.

He told the committee that they recovered three explosive devices. Two were in Crooks car and another at his home.

Wray said they are still investigating whether the shooter had help or co-conspirators who were involved in the assassination attempt. Wray said they were "relatively crude" devices but had the ability to be remotely detonated.

Crooks did have a transmitter on him when he was killed but Wray said it appeared the transmitters were not turned on and he would not have been able to set them off from the roof.

Investigators are still investigating a motive for the shooting but Wray confirmed that Crooks had been communicating on an encrypted messaging app.

And Wray said said the FBI has been unusually forthcoming with information about the shooting considering it is an ongoing investigation.

The hearing was a lot less contentious than a Monday hearing involving Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. She faced a series of bipartisan criticisms and answered very few questions.

Cheatle resigned a day after the hearing.
Noa Argamani, who was kidnapped at a music festival when Hamas gunman overran part of Israel on Oct. 7, and freed from Gaza in a bold Israeli raid, was in the U.S. Capitol as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed U.S. lawmakers.

Argamani was seated next to Sara Netanyahu in the gallery.

The Prime Minister took time to recognize her during his speech.

Argamani because one of the faces of the terror of Oct. 7.

She was seen in a widely viewed video being taken by motorcycle to the Gaza Strip.

Argamani was at the festival with her partner, Avinatan Or. He is believed to still be a hostage in Gaza.

In June, Argamani was one of four hostages rescued in a raid by the Israeli Defense Forces.

Liora Argamani, her mother, died of brain cancer a short time after her rescue.

Her final wish was to see her daughter home.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.

"Israel and America must stand together," he said. "Because when we stand together something very simple happens. We win. They lose."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress Wednesday afternoon during a joint session on Capitol Hill in an effort to bolster support for Israel.

"We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval," Netanyahu said in his opening remarks to Congress,

"For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose," he said.

Netanyahu, who touted his speech as his fourth address on Capitol Hill, claimed the war in Gaza is "not a clash of civilizations. It's a clash between barbarism and civilization."

"It's a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life," he explained.

He also addressed campus protests in the United States, saying anti-Israel protesters "have become Iran's useful idiots."

Netanyahu vowed to bring back the remaining hostages who were captured as part of the Oct. 7 attacks.

"The pain these families have endured is beyond words," he said. "I met with them again yesterday and I promised them this: I will not rest until all their loved ones are home. All of them."

Israel is "actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release," he claimed, according to CNN. "I'm confident that these efforts can succeed."

Netanyahu also took the time to thank President Joe Biden for his "tireless efforts on behalf of hostages and his efforts to the hostages' families," and expressed gratitude for their decades-long relationship.

"President Biden and I have known each other for over 40 years. I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel and being, as he says, a proud zionist. Actually he says, a proud Irish American zionist," he said.

"I thank President Biden for his heart-felt support for Israel. After the savage attack on October 7, he rightly called Hamas 'sheer evil.' He dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter a wider war, and he came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten," continued Netanyahu.

Biden will meet with Netanyahu later this week.

Ahead of his visit, Netanyahu said he sought to "anchor the bipartisan support that is so important to Israel; and 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," in a video posted on X.

"There 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 the Hamas... and ensuring that all Israeli citizens return safely to their homes," he said.

Several prominent Democrats skipped Netanyahu's address, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, who is on the campaign trail in Indianapolis, NBC News reported.

Netanyahu's visit has been met with controversy, particularly among Democrats, who have expressed anger and frustration over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, his inability to reach a cease-fire agreement, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza it has spurred.

New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed that a large number of seats during Netanyahu's address were filled by non-members of Congress because of the number of Democrats who refused to attend.
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of genocide during his speech in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, despite House Speaker Mike Johnson's stark warning for lawmakers to remain respectful ahead of his controversial visit.

Rep. Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent, looked seemingly unamused while she held up a sign that read "GUILTY OF GENOCIDE" as Netanyahu addressed Congress in an effort to bolster support for Israel in its war in Gaza, according to photos.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Tlaib described Netanyahu as a "war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people. It is utterly disgraceful that leaders from both parties have invited him to address Congress. He should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court."

She also accused the U.S. of sending billions of dollars to Israel "to fund the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians" since 1948.

"Netanyahu's apartheid regime has already slaughtered over 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including over 15,000 children," she wrote, in part. "Make no mistake: this event is a celebration of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It is a sad day for our democracy when my colleagues will smile for a photo op with a man who is actively committing genocide."

Several Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahu's visit, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Johnson previously pointed out Congress' "zero tolerance policy for disturbances in the building" and threatened arrest and prosecution in his "friendly reminder" regarding the prime minister's speech.

"If any Member creates a disturbance, the Sergeant at Arms will request that such action be ceased immediately, and we trust that request will be heeded," he wrote.

It's unclear if Tlaib will be reprimanded for her actions.
Scenes of chaos erupted outside Benjamin Netanyahu's speech on Capitol Hill, as throngs of protesters boycotted the Israeli prime minister's controversial visit with Washington, D.C., lawmakers.

The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed six people were arrested in the House Gallery as Netanyahu delivered his address on the Gaza war during a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday afternoon.

In an announcement on X, police also noted the crowd at First Street and Constitution Avenue "failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line."

I cannot believe my eyes. A courageous man walked up to the burning American flag and grabbed it from the flames when someone in the crowd shouted get him and chased him! These people are sociopaths! pic.twitter.com/HWKq2mVnMN  Emily Schrader -     (@emilykschrader) July 24, 2024

Bystander video showed a dramatic scene of police dressed in riot gear pepper spraying, striking, and arresting pro-Palestinian protesters outside Union Station, where demonstrators also set fire to the American flag.

A separate clip appeared to show extensive vandalism to the Columbus Fountain, with the phrase, "Hamas is Coming" spray painted across the historical landmark. The Liberty Bell was also subject to similar defacement, as a pair of men waved the Palestinian flag while standing atop the iconic symbol of freedom.

Protesters have painted Hamas is Coming on the Columbus Fountain and written Gaza slogans on the Liberty Bell. pic.twitter.com/iS4o99QKse  Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) July 24, 2024

Netanyahu's visit has been marred with controversy, particularly among Democrats, who have expressed anger and frustration over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, his inability to reach a cease-fire agreement, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza it has spurred.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) waved a "GUILTY OF GENOCIDE" sign during his speech, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, were among several Democratic lawmakers to skip the event.

The arrests come after police arrested 200 protesters inside the Cannon House Office Building Tuesday.
Radisson RED Hotel & Radisson RED Apartments Krakow offers lifestyle hotel experiences with bold design and modern amenities. The property features 229 rooms, along with 46 extended-stay apartments located in a separate building. The main building offers a wide selection of rooms and suites, including superior rooms with a terrace overlooking the University of Economics campus, in addition to corner and junior suites, and a presidential suite.

In the separate apartment building, apartments ranging from 27 to 92 square meters will be available, with the largest two-bedroom apartment accommodating up to four adults. All apartments, except for the smaller studio apartments, feature private terraces. Studio apartments are equipped with a refrigerator and microwave, while larger apartments feature one or two bedrooms with separate living rooms, bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchenettes.

Radisson RED Hotel & Radisson RED Apartments Krakow are conveniently located near the University of Economics. It's within a short stroll from the main train station and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Krakow is a vibrant blend of history and modernity, making it an ideal travel destination for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle experience. The center with its medieval market square, gothic St. Mary's Basilica, and the majestic Wawel Castle are the main attractions, and the city beckons with the energetic nightlife of Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, now a hub of trendy bars and restaurants. Krakow's culinary scene is a delightful surprise, offering everything from hearty street food to fine dining.

The hotel's all-day dining restaurant, Filini, offers a culinary journey through Italy. It combines the richness of local ingredients with the best of Italian cuisine. The menu includes antipasti, Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta dishes, creamy risottos, grilled meats and fish selection. Filini also features a welcoming bar area, perfect for guests to relax after a meal or mingle with friends and fellow diners.

The hotel's conference floor spans 300 m, offering a range of spaces from a 10-person boardroom to versatile meeting rooms. The largest room can host up to 140 participants. All meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including projectors and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity and productivity.

Radisson RED Hotel & Radisson RED Apartments Krakow is the third Radisson Hotels property in the city, joining Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow and Park Inn by Radisson Krakow, offering guests a variety of options to choose from.

Hotel website
Hawai'i Vacation Condos by OUTRIGGER has named Sootaga "So'o" Tana the general manager of the Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by OUTRIGGER (RBW), Waikiki Shore by OUTRIGGER (WSR) and AOAO of Regency on Beachwalk effective July 1, 2024.

In this role, Tana will assume the responsibility of overseeing the daily operations and management of these boutique-style condominium resorts in the heart of Waikiki. His duties will include cultivating a positive work environment, engaging with various boards of directors, moving ahead strategic enhancement projects for Regency on Beachwalk and developing strategic plans to ensure both property's profitability and growth.

Tana has been with OUTRIGGER for 25 years, working at a number of different properties in positions ranging from guest services manager to hotel manager. He first joined the company in 1999 as a night auditor at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Village and Coral Seas Hotel. Since 2022, Tana was the area director of front services at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort & OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and before that, the hotel manager at Waikiki Malia by OUTRIGGER (2020-2022).
Marriott International is pleased to announce Sam Basu as new Area General Manager of Puerto Rico, and concurrently to General Manager of the iconic The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. With over two decades of extensive experience in luxury hospitality spanning across the United States, Central America and Puerto Rico, Basu will oversee the breadth of Marriott's portfolio on the island, liaise with franchise partners, foster relationships with local officials and lead the highly anticipated re-opening of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan.

As the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, Basu brings a wealth of knowledge and international tenure to lead the talented Ladies and Gentlemen that will reintroduce the iconic resort to the island in 2025.

No stranger to Puerto Rico, Basu held managerial positions at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan for 10 years, including role of executive assistant manager of rooms and F&B. He also worked in leadership positions at Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, both on the island. Most recently he served as the opening General Manager of the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa, in Florida where he led his team to achieve the 2022 Luxury Hotel of the Year, Eastern Region, US.

Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, currently operates more than 110 hotels in 35 countries and territories. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Travel Tech Asia 2024, co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia, will take place from 23 to 25 October 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. The show has already sold more exhibition spaces than last year with bigger and more Travel Tech exhibitors. Key exhibitors include Hotelbeds, Agoda, Go Global Travel, TBO Holidays, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Juniper Travel Technology, Convergent International Travel, Travel Compositor, SiteMinder, DerbySoft, Archipelago International, 11-Infotech System, LY.com,Airalo, Guangdong Qiyouji International Travel, Green Motion International, LianLian Pay and YeePay. And top bellwether speakers from Agoda, D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, Sabre Corporation, Booking.com and Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Travel Tech Asia has already sold more exhibition spaces than last year's show with a stunning line up of exhibitors and speakers. With its dedicated hall space at Level 1 of Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Travel Tech Asia 2024

is the ultimate platform where established tech giants, experts, and innovative startups converge to share their expertise and latest digital trends.

This years Travel Tech Asia brings together key tech exhibitors including Agoda, which is this year's Official Sponsor of the Travel Tech Asia delegate bags. Other key companies showcasing their products and solutions include Hotelbeds, TBO Holidays, Go Global Travel Ltd, Archipelago International, Convergent International Travel Development Co., Ltd, LY.com, SiteMinder, STAAH, DerbySoft, Juniper Travel Technology, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Travel Compositor, YeePay, Guangdong Qiyouji International Travel Co. Ltd, CRUISEHOST Solutions, GroundK Co., Ltd, Airalo and many more.

Participating in Travel Tech Asia 2024 allows HBX Group to connect with leaders and innovators in the travel technology sector. The event offers a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise in leveraging technology to offer travel solutions and engage with a diverse audience of industry professionals. It provides a platform for us to connect with forward-thinking partners, share insights on the latest industry trends, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to forging new relationships and driving the future of travel technology together, says Pippa Williamson, VP Commercial APAC, HBX Group.





This year's conference highlights sessions on pivotal travel technology topics

Some of the key discussion topics include: "Travel Technology 2025: The Next Essential Ingredient for the Future of Tourism" explores future innovations. "Embracing the Digital Era: How Technology is Transforming the Future of Travel" examines the digital revolution's impact. "Overcoming Challenges in Travel Tech Adoption  Bridging the Digital Divide" tackles tech integration barriers and solutions. Lastly, "Transforming Travel in the World of Mobile, Data, and AI" delves into how mobile tech, big data, and AI are revolutionising travel experiences.

Industry leaders speaking at Travel Tech Asia 2024 include Amy Read, Vice President of Innovation at Sabre Corporation, who will discuss strategies for unlocking the full potential of mobile payments in her talk titled "Beyond Conventional Transactions: Strategies for Unleashing the Full Potential of Mobile Payments." She will cover the latest trends in payment innovation within the hospitality sector and how mobile payments can be leveraged to drive significant growth.

Emilie Couton, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, will delve into the "The Real Cost of Direct Bookings at the Dawn of AI." Couton will provide insights on how advancements in AI can enhance operational efficiency and drive incremental business, presenting recent data and strategies for adapting to these technological changes.

Andy Tan, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Food & Beverage, Partnerships & Operations at Millennium Hotels and Resorts, will address the evolving landscape of customer expectations in his session titled "Hospitality 2.0: Navigating the Future of Customer Expectations." Tan will discuss the latest trends in travel preferences among the next generation of guests and how the hospitality industry can adapt to meet these rapidly changing expectations.

Nuno Guerreiro, Regional Director of Global Accounts & Oceania at Booking.com will share his insides on the transformative impact of AI on the travel experience, including personalised recommendations, seamless booking processes, enhanced safety protocols, and efficient customer service in the panel discussion titled "Unpacking AI's Role in the Travel Landscape".

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda, will speak about the latest travel tech trends and insights. He will also share insights on leveraging technology for revenue optimisation, providing valuable strategies for maximising profitability in the ever-evolving travel industry. This conference promises to offer a wealth of knowledge and forward-thinking strategies from some of the leading minds in the industry.

Attractive Booth Packages and Startup Opportunities Available

Travel Tech Asia 2024 offers a wide range of booth packages to suit various business objectives, including a newly introduced Startup package for emerging travel tech startups. Booth registration is ongoing: Exhibitor Registration

Trade visitor passes are available complimentary until 22 September 2024 at Visitor Registration.

For more information, please visit traveltechasia.com.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360

ITB Berlin 2025 will take place from Tuesday, 4 to Thursday, 6 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World's Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under this year's heading 'Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.', leading speakers from business, science and politics examined current and future challenges facing the industry on four stages and at a total of 17 theme tracks with over 24,000 visitors in attendance. At ITB Berlin 2024 more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors. As a global innovation hub with a year-round presence, ITB Berlin offers the global tourism community valuable insights throughout the year with ITB 360 in the form of expert articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats.

Additional information is available at www.itb.com and from the ITB News & Insights & Social Media.
Hospitality technology solutions providers WorldVue Connect, LLC and Cabling Solutions, LLC have announced they have signed an agreement that marks their commitment to designing and building quality infrastructure in hotels.

Nearly fifty years in business, WorldVue has been a trusted provider of video, wireless connectivity and professional services to hotels, residential properties, and enterprises around the world.

Robert Grosz, President and Chief Operating Officer at WorldVue commented: Our mission is to help guest-centric real estate venues leverage digital technology to evolve the lives of those who work, live, and enjoy these built-environments. Behind every great digital experience is a foundation of cabling and fiber optic infrastructure. Cabling Solutions is a market leader in designing and building this infrastructure at scale.

Specializing in IT infrastructure project design, deployment, and management for the hospitality industry, Cabling Solutions designs solutions that are approved by leading vendors and hotel chains, using decades of industry experience of their team.

This is a very exciting milestone for the company, said Lori Brown, Founder of Cabling Solutions. WorldVue is an ideal partner to align with as we scale the quantity of projects without sacrificing quality. Our well-established presence and experience in building infrastructure for hospitality provides immense synergies for both our current and prospective clients.

Our strategic alliance with Cabling Solutions follows significant demand from our clients to deliver the best possible infrastructure products, added Grosz. We cannot be prouder to have the dynamic and trusted team led by Matt and Lori Brown join us.

The alliance includes an acquisition of a minority ownership of Cabling Solutions, establishing a funding vehicle to fuel scaling for growth, an operating arrangement that gives Cabling Solutions both the autonomy to do what they do best while allowing them access and leadership influence over the WorldVue operating platform, and sets the stage for WorldVue to make an investment in the future.

At WorldVue, the companys core values and vision support a journey of innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, WorldVue is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the owner, staff, and guest experience. To stay updated on future announcements and learn more about WorldVue, visit www.worldvue.com.

ABOUT WORLDVUE
The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (22-24 July) welcomed public and private sector leaders from across the region. The Member States met as Africa's tourism sector experiences strong recovery. During the first quarter of 2024, arrivals were up 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This positions the continent as the second-best performer globally, surpassing all regions except the Middle East.

Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation.

Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated, Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation. Furthermore, our Members come together in Livingstone as Zambia is celebrates 60 years of peace and independence, an inspiration as we get set to mark World Tourism Day around the theme of tourism and peace in September.

Investing in African tourism

In the last 10 years alone, Africa has attracted over 160 greenfield projects in tourism, representing a total capital investment of USD 10.7 billion, and the potential to create over 24,000 jobs. Recognizing this positive trend, the Commission Meeting Session featured a special Ministerial-level discussion focused on global tourism investment trends, with a special emphasis on the promising tourism outlook in Zambia. The session offered insights into sustainable development opportunities and strategies to attract and secure tourism investments. Key talking points included sustainable tourism development strategies, enhancing Africa's global tourism competitiveness and innovation in tourism marketing and branding.

The meeting also saw the launch of a new set of the Investment Guidelines for Zambia. The publication focuses on tourism and inclusive growth in Zambia, which aligns with the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa, identifying opportunities for global investors.

New tourism Academies planned for Africa

At the meeting, Memorandums of Understanding were signed for the creation of the Tourism Centre of Excellence in Livingstone, Zambia and the Academy for Culinary Arts in Zimbabwe.

The Academies will add to the growing network of education centres supported by UN Tourism, helping give workers the skills they need to thrive in the sector and so drive economic growth and social opportunity. Secretary-General Pololikashviki also announced 100 scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy to each of the countries.

Technical support for African Members

Out of 50 technical cooperation projects worldwide, UN Tourism is currently working on 13 in 10 African countries covering areas such as tourism statistics, digital transformation or skills development. Several technical cooperation projects are currently being developed in the region, aligning with the five pillars of the Agenda for Africa: branding, connectivity, innovation, education, and investments. Secretary-General Pololikashvili also confirmed that UN Tourism will work with its Members across the region to develop and implement a new communication strategy designed to showcase the uniqueness of African destinations.

Additionally, Members embraced the Secretariats emphasis on safety and security recommendations in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa which includes a tourism police initiative in collaboration with The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD).

With the aim of widening the portfolio and expanding on-the-ground presence of the organization, the establishment of a new Regional Office in Marrakesh is currently under discussion.

Expanding global cooperation

Looking ahead, UN Tourism will hold a first joint meeting of its Regional Departments for Africa and the Americas (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 3-5 October 2024). Here, Members of both Commissions will meet to discuss South-South cooperation through investments, education, cultural roots, creative industries, and innovation.

About UN Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

Our Priorities

Mainstreaming tourism in the global agenda: Advocating the value of tourism as a driver of socio-economic growth and development, its inclusion as a priority in national and international policies and the need to create a level playing field for the sector to develop and prosper.

Promoting sustainable tourism development: Supporting sustainable tourism policies and practices: policies which make optimal use of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities and provide socio-economic benefits for all.

Fostering knowledge, education and capacity building: Supporting countries to assess and address their needs in education and training, as well as providing networks for knowledge creation and exchange.

Improving tourism competitiveness: Improving UN Tourism Members' competitiveness through knowledge creation and exchange, human resources development and the promotion of excellence in areas such as policy planning, statistics and market trends, sustainable tourism development, marketing and promotion, product development and risk and crisis management.

Advancing tourism's contribution to poverty reduction and development: Maximizing the contribution of tourism to poverty reduction and achieving the SDGs by making tourism work as a tool for development and promoting the inclusion of tourism in the development agenda.

Building partnerships: Engaging with the private sector, regional and local tourism organizations, academia and research institutions, civil society and the UN system to build a more sustainable, responsible and competitive tourism sector.

Our Structure

Members: An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members.

Organs: The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council take all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly.

Secretariat: UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The Secretariat is led by the Secretary-General and organized into departments covering issues such as sustainability, education, tourism trends and marketing, sustainable development, statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), destination management, ethics and risk and crisis management. The Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department carries out development projects in over 100 countries worldwide, while the Regional Departments for Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East serve as the link between UN Tourism and its 160 Member States. The Affiliate Members Department represents UN Tourism's 500 plus Affiliate members.


Weekly Hotel Industry Asia Pacific News Roundup from HVS

Sebel Melbourne Ringwood Hotel Acquired by Serene Capital

Australia-based Amber Property Group have sold the 103-key Sebel Melbourne Ringwood Hotel to Australia-based Serene Capital, marking it as the 13th asset in Serene Capitals flagship hotel fund, Serene Capital Hotel Fund 1. The property is located at 96 Maroondah Highway, Melbourne. It features both guest rooms and suites, on-site restaurant & bar, conference and event spaces, a fitness centre, and on-site car parking. Vacant possession of hotel management was also included as part of the agreement.

CHI 120 Serviced Apartment in Hong Kong Sold for HKD188 Million

Hong Kongs CHI 120 Serviced Apartment has been acquired for HKD 188 million. The property is located a 2-minute walk from the Sai Ying Pun MTR Station and boasts a harbour front location. It features 19 whole-floor, 1,050-square-foot one-bedroom apartments and a retail podium of 8,824 square feet. The property has the potential to be redeveloped into a commercial building to maximize its gross floor area.

Aqualand Lodges Request to Build Mixed-Use Tower in North Sydney

After recently completing the development of AURA by Aqualand, Australia-based Aqualand Australia ("Aqualand") has lodged a request with local governing bodies for permission to build a 40-storey mixed-use development at the site of an existing commercial building in 132 Arthur Street, North Sydney. The planned development will include a 240-key hotel spanning twelve stories; and around 225 built-to-rent apartments spanning 25 stories above the hotel. The development will also include food and beverage options on the ground floor, as well as a hotel lobby and conference space. The property will be situated close to the existing North Sydney Metro Station, and the upcoming Victoria Cross Metro Station slated to open in August 2024.

Bangkok Airways is Developing Koh Samui Infrastructure to Attract more Tourists

Thailand-based airline Bangkok Airways PLC ("Bangkok Airways") has announced plans to expand its Koh Samui Airport over the next two to three years with an investment of THB 1.5 billion. Four boarding gates and ten additional check-in counters will be added to the airport. The shopping area of the airport will also be enlarged. Furthermore, Bangkok Airways has expressed interest in bidding for the construction and ownership of two new projects on Koh Samui: a cruise terminal and a sea airport. While a feasibility study is required before commitment, Bangkok Airways has stated that the projects align with the airlines interests in expansion and attracting tourists to the island.

About HVS

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Radisson Hotel Group Adds Three Hotels in the Philippines - Image Credit Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group announced the addition of three new hotels in the Philippines, adding more than 450 keys to its portfolio in three first and second-tier destinations - Cauayan City, Olongapo and Dasmarinas.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, comments: Our success in this important market is underpinned by the strength of our local partnerships and relevance of our brands. We are grateful to SMHCC for their trust in our brands and people. We commit to creating more opportunities to our guests, owners and people.

Ms. Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President, SM Hotels & Conventions Corp., said: These three hotels will be an outstanding addition to the SMHCC portfolio as it forays into newly-emerging important destinations in the country. The anticipated opening of these properties underscores the expansion of our hotel group and will be an added boost for the Philippine hospitality industry.

The three hotel signings include:

Park Inn by Radisson Cauayan Isabela is a new upper-midscale property that will become the first internationally branded hotel in Cauayan, a city in the province of Isabela, Luzon Island. It is perfectly positioned atop the existing SM City Cauayan Mall - the first SM Supermall in the region which launched in 2014 and has become a popular retail tourism hub for the entire region. The development is now being expanded to cater for a rising number of visitors. Opening in Q2 2027, the hotel will feature 151 rooms, plus a lobby bar, a breakfast restaurant and private dining room, plus a gym, swimming pool, a pool deck and lounge, kids pool, three meeting rooms and a pre-function area.

Park Inn by Radisson Olongapo Central is a brand-new hotel that will mark Radisson Hotel Groups entry into Olongapo, an emerging coastal city overlooking Subic Bay on the west coast of Luzon Island. This location is expected to attract leisure travelers seeking beachfront relaxation, diving and water sports, while also providing a gateway to the jungles and mountains of Central Luzon. The hotel will be located next to the SM Olongapo Central Mall. Making its debut in Q1 2028, this property will offer 151 rooms, a lobby bar, a convertible breakfast area and private dining room, plus a swimming pool with a pool deck, lounge and kids pool.

Park Inn by Radisson Dasmarinas is another exciting addition to the upper-midscale Park Inn by Radisson portfolio in the Philippines. It will form part of the extension of the existing SM City Dasmarinas shopping mall, the largest mall in the province of Cavite, which is 50 minutes drive away from Manilas Ninoy Aquino International Airport. When it opens its doors in Q4 2027, this hotel will feature 151 rooms, plus a lobby bar, a convertible breakfast area and private dining room, a grab & go kiosk, a swimming pool with a pool deck, lounge and kids pool.

Radisson Hotel Group currently operates six hotels in the Philippines, comprising an upper-upscale Radisson Blu hotel in Cebu and 5 Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Davao, Clark, Iloilo, Quezon and Bacolod. This latest phase of growth will reinforce Park Inn by Radissons position as the leading international upper-midscale brand in the Philippines, catering to business and leisure travelers alike. Other hotels in the groups nationwide pipeline include Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson, and Radisson RED hotels in Cebu, a Radisson Collection hotel in Boracay, and a Radisson Individuals member in Bohol.
The Publisher Hotel in Fredericksburg, VA - Image Credit The Publisher Hotel

Greenwood Hospitality announced the opening of The Publisher, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, located in Fredericksburg, a town deeply-rooted in American history.

Built and owned by Fredericksburg-based Vakos Companies, The Publisher Hotel is a beacon of modern storytelling and a keepsake of downtown Fredericksburg. Having officially opened its doors on July 18th, 2024, the hotel now stands nearby the home of George Washington's mother, Mary Washington, and the Lewis/Washington family farm.

Inspired by the legacy of the city's oldest newspaper and the site's last occupant, The Free Lance Star, The Publisher is more than a place to stay; it embodies Fredericksburg's vibrant history where guests can uncover fascinating stories and share them in their unique way. The Publisher is the community's new central connector, inviting travelers from around the world to write their chapters among the town's captivating stories.

"Fredericksburg is more than a destination; it's a tapestry of tales waiting to be unveiled. The Publisher Hotel represents the essence of the community's spirit while celebrating the decorated history of the city's past," said Collin Vakos, Fredericksburg native and developer of the 98-room historic property. "We are delighted to invite the world to experience the warmth of our great city's hospitality and become part of its ongoing story."

Guests at The Publisher can expect an upscale and accommodating hospitality experience, featuring a striking first impression within the sophisticated lobby, a locally-inspired destination bar and restaurant from a decorated restauranteur, flexible reception space, and restorative room accommodations that emanate a contemporary, classy cool vibe. The hotel's design aesthetic is thoughtfully-inspired by Fredericksburg's patriotic past with bold contrasts and locally-sourced art.

"Like any good story, a stay at The Publisher will always leave you wanting more. Its unexpected aesthetic will not only captivate guests, but also stimulate inspiration to create and share stories that have never been told," said Vakos. "To us, The Publisher is more than a hotel; it's a living story waiting to be shared with generations to come."
KiT Access Advantage Plan for Album Releases: Bringing Physical & Digital Together

Unlock the power of physical media in the digital world with the KiT Access Advantage Plan for album releases.

by A2IM

KiTbetter (an acronym for Keep in Touch Better) is excited to offer A2IM members an exclusive opportunity to transform how they deliver music to their fans. With our KiT Access Advantage, we provide an end-to-end solution for creating and distributing KiTalbums, ensuring a seamless and premium experience for your artists and their audience.

As A2IM members, we offer hands-on support throughout the KiTalbum creation process to provide you with the best possible experience.

KiTalbum is a revolutionary product that bridges the gap between physical and digital music, selling over 8M albums worldwide. Combining the tactile appeal of physical media with the convenience of digital access, the KiTalbum offers a unique and engaging experience for music fans. Using our patented Ultrasonic Near-Field Communication (U-NFC) technology, KiTalbums delivers secure, exclusive content that fans can access on any smart device.

Exclusive KiT Access Advantage for A2IM Members

Personalized Consultation and Design  Our KiT Access Advantage begins with a personalized consultation to understand your needs and vision. We work closely with your team to design bespoke KiTalbums that reflect your artists brand and aesthetic. From selecting premium packaging options to customizing add-on features, we ensure every detail is perfect.

 Our KiT Access Advantage begins with a personalized consultation to understand your needs and vision. We work closely with your team to design bespoke KiTalbums that reflect your artists brand and aesthetic. From selecting premium packaging options to customizing add-on features, we ensure every detail is perfect. Seamless Production and Quality Assurance  With our optimized production process, your KiTalbums will be ready within weeks, not months. We manage every manufacturing process step, from design to delivery, ensuring high-quality standards and minimal lead times.

 With our optimized production process, your KiTalbums will be ready within weeks, not months. We manage every manufacturing process step, from design to delivery, ensuring high-quality standards and minimal lead times. Advanced Analytics and Insights  Gain valuable insights into your audiences engagement with the KiTbetter Platform. Our service includes access to 40+ types of post-sale analytical data, helping you understand fan behavior, preferences, and regional trends.

 Gain valuable insights into your audiences engagement with the KiTbetter Platform. Our service includes access to 40+ types of post-sale analytical data, helping you understand fan behavior, preferences, and regional trends. Comprehensive Marketing Support  Leverage our expertise to maximize the impact of your KiTalbum release. We provide comprehensive marketing support, including social media strategies, promotional campaigns, and exclusive launch events to drive awareness and sales.

 Leverage our expertise to maximize the impact of your KiTalbum release. We provide comprehensive marketing support, including social media strategies, promotional campaigns, and exclusive launch events to drive awareness and sales. Sustainable and Cost-Effective  Our production methods are designed to reduce waste and excess inventory, offering a more sustainable and efficient way to release music. With flexible pricing models, including advance purchase and on-demand production, you can choose the best approach for your business needs.

Why Choose KiTalbum?

Enhanced Fan Engagement: Create a deeper connection with fans through a tangible, collectible product.

Create a deeper connection with fans through a tangible, collectible product. Increased Revenue: On average, artists earn $4.50 per KiTalbum sold, significantly more than traditional streaming revenue without any production costs.

On average, artists earn $4.50 per KiTalbum sold, significantly more than traditional streaming revenue without any production costs. Innovative Technology: Our U-NFC technology ensures secure and exclusive content delivery.

Our U-NFC technology ensures secure and exclusive content delivery. Global Reach: KiTalbums are recognized as physical album sales in major music markets, including the UK, Australia, and Korea, with immediate plans for global expansion.

KiT Access Advantage Plan for Artist Album Releases

Dont miss this exclusive opportunity to elevate your music distribution with Muzlives KiT Access Advantage for KiTalbums.

As an A2IM member, youll receive unparalleled support and expertise to create a premium product that resonates with your fans and drives your success.

Contact KiTbetter today to schedule your personalized consultation and discover how KiTalbums can revolutionize your music marketing strategy.

Experience the future of music with KiTbetter, where physical meets digital, and fans unlock exclusive, private fan club experiences.

Learn about KiTbetters Access Advantage Program & sign up in the A2IM Member Info Hub Portal here.

About A2IM:

A2IM is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support and strengthen the independent recorded music sector. Membership currently includes a broad coalition of more than 700 Independently-owned American music labels. A2IM represents these independently owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. In doing so, it supports a key segment of Americas creative class that represents Americas diverse musical cultural heritage. Billboard Magazine identified the Independent music label sector as 37.32 percent of the music industrys U.S. recorded music sales market in 2016 based on copyright ownership, making Independent labels collectively the largest music industry sector.

Learn more about A2IM here. For information about how to join our community, see here.

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The Classical 'High Season' Approaches its Zenith

The Classical Beat

By

Stephen Danker

The Classical 'High Season' Approaches its Zenith

Classical and Contemporary Festivals at Tanglewood and Bach at Sevenars showcase musical excellence

During late-July, the classical music festival "high season," anchored by concerts at Tanglewood in Lenox and at the Sevenars Festival in South Worthington approaches its zenith, with both sure-fire and innovative programming. Offerings this week include revelatory chamber and orchestral works in Ozawa Hall and in the Shed. Boston Symphony performances include both classic and rarely heard works by Sibelius and Copland as well as masterpieces by Russian masters Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, Khachaturian, and Stravinsky. Celebrating the great and historic BSO Russian/American maestro Serge Koussevitsky's 150th birthday, double bass virtuoso Edwin Barker, Principal double bass with the Boston Symphony, will perform the great conductor/composer's landmark Concerto for Double Bass, Op. 3, composed in 1904.

For a similarly musically rewarding change of pace, be sure to check out the performance of three of the Bach solo cello Suites by the phenomenal Israeli cellist Inbal Segev, on Sunday, July 28, located in the historic and intimate Academy at the Sevenars Music Festival in bucolic South Worthington, MA.

As always, the place to be for great classical and stimulating new music is right here in our own intimate corner of the world - the Berkshires - a so-designated "cultural capital," where artistic boundaries are nonexistent.

Read on for concert details for all of the above, covering the week from July 24-30:

Tanglewood

This is the week for celebration at Tanglewood. Here are the highlights:

 Wednesday, July 24, Ozawa Hall, at 8:00 p.m. The Boston Symphony Chamber Players, with special guest artist pianist Paul Lewis, will perform a RECITAL SERIES program of Mozart (a masterpiece: the Quintet in E flat for piano and winds, K. 452), Brahms (the String Sextet, Op. 36) and a work for solo flute, "Homeland," by contemporary composer Allison Loggins.

 Friday, July 26, Shed, at 8:00 p.m. - KOUSSEVITSKY 150 Celebration: BSO Maestro Andris Nelsons conducts the Orchestra and guest artists the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and powerhouse pianist Yefim Bronfman in a program of Steven Mackey, ("Urban Ocean") Sibelius ("The Origin of Fire") and Alexander Scriabin ("Prometheus, Poem of Fire") for piano, chorus and Orchestra).

 Saturday, July 27, Shed, at 8:00 p.m.: Andris Nelsons returns to lead the Boston Symphony, with the thrilling piano soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, performing the scintillating Khachaturian Piano Concerto, and concludes with Tchaikovsky's impassioned Symphony No. 6 ("Pathetique"). The program opens with the supercharged curtain-raiser "Stride," by resident composer Tania Leon.

 Sunday, July 28, Shed, at 2:30 p.m.- KOUSSEVITSKY 150 Celebration: Focusing on Maestro Serge Koussevitsky's commissions to composers and premiere performances, Music Director Andris Nelsons leads the BSO in a program of Copland (his 1926 jazz-tinged Piano Concerto), Randall Thompson's beloved choral masterwork, "Alleluia," and Stravinsky's eloquently inspired neoclassical magnum opus, "Symphony of Psalms," composed for the BSO to celebrate the Orchestra's 50th anniversary in 1930. The concert opens with James Lee's "Freedom's Genuine Dawn."

SPECIAL EVENT: The five-day 'Festival of Contemporary Music'

Tanglewood's 2024 Festival of Contemporary Music, Thursday, July 25-Monday, July 29, will be jointly curated by composers Tania Leon and Steven Mackey, and will feature several of these major composers' works, as well as compositions by others, with a special focus on showcasing up-and-coming, path-finding, and groundbreaking new composers whose works may well define the evolution of classical music.

As the Festival of Contemporary Music (FCM) is one of the world's most prominent showcases for works from the current musical landscape, landmark pieces from the new music vanguard of the 21st century will be performed during the five-day Festival.

Additionally, the FCM affords Tanglewood Music Center Fellow performers the opportunity to explore and learn unfamiliar repertoire and to experience the value of direct collaboration with individual living composers - performing their music composed across a wide stylistic spectrum.

Concerts and related events will occur in Ozawa Hall and at Studio E, the Linde Center for Music and Learning. For tickets to all Tanglewood events, call (888) 266-1200, or go online at tanglewood.org.

Sevenars Music Festival

 Sunday, July 28, at 4:00 p.m.: Sevenars is extremely proud to present Israeli-American musician Inbal Segev, one of the leading cellists of our time. Ms. Inbal will perform three of the six solo Bach Cello Suites. Hailed as "a cellist with something to say" (Gramophone) she combines "thrillingly projected, vibrato-rich playing" (Washington Post) with "complete dedication and high intelligence" (San Francisco Classical Voice). She comes to us from a season that has included concerto engagements with the London Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, and Colorado Symphony orchestras; she has recorded for Nonesuch Records, which includes world premieres of her own compositions.

Founded in 1968, Sevenars Concerts, Inc., is celebrating its 56th season of six summer concerts, held at the Academy in the historic village of South Worthington, MA, located at 15 Ireland Street, just off MA Route 112.

Concerts are presented on consecutive Sundays at 4:00 p.m. until August 18. Phone: (413) 238-5854 (please leave a message for a return call). Online: www.sevenars.org. Email: Sevenars@aol.com. Admission is by donation at the door (suggested $20). Refreshments will be available.
Chinese FM calls for healthy, steady development of China-Ukraine ties

Xinhua) 15:56, July 24, 2024

GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba here Wednesday, urging healthy and steady development of bilateral ties.

China and Ukraine are friendly countries, with their strategic partnership established more than a decade ago, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The two countries have treated each other with mutual respect and equality, and steadily advanced mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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John Mayall, the revered British blues musician whose band the Bluesbreakers provided a springboard for stars including Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood, has died aged 90.

The news of his death was announced via his Instagram page on Tuesday (23 July) stating that he died on Monday at his home in California.

Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this worlds greatest road warriors, the statement said.

Described as the godfather of British blues, Mayall is credited with helping to develop the British take on Chicago-style rhythm and blues that helped steer the blues revival of the late Sixties.

He was born in Macclesfield and grew up in Manchester, founding the Bluesbreakers in the Sixties.

The only reason I was born in Macclesfield was because my father was a drinker, and thats where his favourite pub was, he once said.

His father also played the guitar and banjo, and his records of boogie-woogie piano captivated his teenage son, who learnt to play the piano one hand at a time (a year on the left, then a year on the right) so he wouldnt get all tangled up. He also performed on the guitar and harmonica, and sang in a distinctive, strained-sounding voice.

He moved to London in 1962 with the aim of soaking up the nascent blues scene led by Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies.

At the time, he told The Guardian in a 2014 interview, the scene in America was racially segregated but, in Europe and England, the black blues began to be heard by an audience that was not listening to them in America.

open image in gallery John Mayall was regarded by some as the godfather of British blues ( AP2008 )

Over the years, the Bluesbreakers members included Clapton and Jack Bruce, who went on to form Cream; Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac; Mick Taylor, who played five years with the Rolling Stones; Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor of Canned Heat; and Jon Mark and John Almond, who went on to form the Mark-Almond Band.

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Clapton joined in 1965 after quitting the Yardbirds, having been unhappy with his former bands creative direction. He recalled that Mayall had the most incredible collection of records he had ever seen.

Interviewed for a BBC documentary on Mayall in 2003, he confessed that to a certain extent I have used his hospitality, used his band and his reputation to launch my own career,

I think he is a great musician. I just admire and respect his steadfastness, Clapton added.

Mayall often rejected the suggestion that he was a talent scout, instead calling himself a band leader who knew what I want to play in my band.

"It's definitely a family. It's a small kind of thing really, he told the Southern Vermont Review.

open image in gallery John Mayall in 1978 ( Getty Images )

He moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and continued to lead bands, as well as releasing dozens of albums and touring around Europe and the US. Despite his renown, he was vocal about feeling underappreciated by the music industry, telling the Santa Barbara Independent in 2013: Ive never had a hit record, I never won a Grammy Award, and Rolling Stone has never done a piece about me.

Im still an underground performer.

He continued with live performances well into his eighties. Asked about his prolific nature, he told The Guardian: To be honest, I dont think anyone really knows exactly what it is. I just cant stop playing it.

Mayall was appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005, and was selected for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024.

He is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, the family statement said.

He is also surrounded with love by his previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, his devoted secretary, Jane, and his close friends, it added.

We, the Mayall family, cannot thank his fans and long-list of band members enough for the support and love we were blessed to experience secondhand over the last six decades.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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You never forget your first love. And Edna loves Harry. Except Harry is the cheeky Northern member of a British boyband, a handsome void who has a propensity for flicking his lovely hair, and Edna is a 14-year-old schoolgirl who, in the words of her pal, writes psycho fan fiction and posts it on the internet. This is Fangirls, a new musical about the euphoria and misery of being a teenage girl with an obsession. Aptly, then, its the kind of show that inspires outsized feelings and ardent devotion. In the words of the fangirls, it left me actually dead.

Before opening in London, Fangirls premiered in Australia to five-star reviews, where it acquired its own set of fans who queued around the block for tickets. Writer Yve Blake, prompted by the global devastation wrought by Zayn leaving One Direction in 2015, felt compelled to write a show exploring who fangirls really are beneath the derisory idea of them as hysterical, silly and screechy. The result combines the acid wit of Six, the rebel streak of Matilda and the gooey heart of Everybodys Talking About Jamie in order to create a musical that feels unlike anything else.

Its trick is to be much cleverer than you think it is (a bit like those fangirls themselves). Ednas infatuation is complex. Yes, she has a picture of Harry on her pillow and spends too much time online thinking up fantasies where she and the star of fictional supergroup Heartbreak Nation run away together. But shes actually worried that Harry has depression eyes and needs to be saved from the band. This is an online community where conspiracy theories proliferate  are queer relationships between band members being covered up?  dressed up in the guise of brave truth-telling and wanting happiness for their heroes.

The poignancy is in Ednas clearly  but not that clear to her  parallel feelings of being lost and alone. Acutely painful to her is the fact that only one person understands me and he doesnt know who I am. Worse still is when her frenemy, Jules, discovers her fanfic blog and reads it out at school. Could it get worse? It does. When Heartbreak Nation finally announce tour dates in Sydney, the extortionate prices dont match up to a schoolgirls pocket money. Its all so unfair!

But alongside all of this is a raucous comedy that perfectly captures the hyperbole and bluntness of internet parlance. You ruin my life and you make my day, goes one lyric. Use my guts as your spaghetti, goes another. A video circulates of a girl being brought on stage and hugged by Harry  why does she get to go up there? Shes terminally ill, points out Ednas friend Brianna. And Fangirls is often disarmingly dark as the lines between fan fiction and reality begin to blur, as being actually dead threatens to take on another meaning. If the second act doesnt quite reach the heights of the first, it still manages to finish on a giddy, glitter-filled rush of brilliantly OTT satisfaction.

It must be fun to perform in a show this joyful and smart, and the cast are pure pleasure. Mary Malone uncovers a chance for comedy in almost all of queen bee Juless lines, Debbie Kurup is moving as Ednas put-upon, worried mum, and Thomas Grant finds just the right level of pastiche in his preening Harry. But as Edna, Jasmine Elcock, who has only recently graduated, made me fangirl, uniting a knockout voice with a performance that manages to be relatable and absurd all at once. Shes the real hero were rooting for.

Thomas Grant and Jasmine Elcock portray the parasocial dynamic of pop star and fan ( Manuel Harlan )

All the elements come together in Paige Rattrays production to make Fangirls often feel like a real concert; its the first theatre show where Ive ever been asked to wave my phone light in the air. And although Blake succinctly targets the cynical capitalist exploitation of teenage girls, this celebration of vulnerability, bravery and self-acceptance will win you over for something more. Fangirls doesnt just evoke the untamed inner life of being a teen, it reclaims it  making you wistful for when you felt things so deeply that they actually hurt.

Fangirls at Lyric Hammersmith until 24 August
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A man in China, who had a persistent cough going back two years, was relieved to discover that the cause was not cancer but a piece of chili pepper lodged in his lung.

The 54-year-old man, identified only by his surname Xu, is from the Zhejiang province in eastern China. He had been self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs for his cough but saw no improvement, reported Chinese newspaper Dushi Kuaibao.

In June, he finally decided to head to the Thoracic Surgery Department at Zhejiang Hospital for a check up.

A CT scan showed a mass about 1cm-long inside his right lung, which raised concerns about him either having pneumonia or a malignant tumour. Further investigation also revealed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes (the central compartment of the chest between the lungs), intensifying Mr Xus fear of lung cancer.

On 3 July, Mr Xu underwent surgery to remove a part of his lung tissue through a thoracoscopy so they could test it to confirm cancer.

However, doctors were astonished to discover a foreign object  the tip of a chili pepper.

Mr Xu then recalled choking and coughing severely during a hotpot meal two years ago, possibly inhaling the pepper.

Zhu Xinhai, Director of the Thoracic Surgery Department, explained that the chili pepper had likely travelled into Xus lung through his airway, pushed along by the choking. The chili pepper caused an enlarged lymph node in his right lung and was hidden under the tissue, making it difficult to detect through a standard examination.

Because the pepper was embedded in his bronchial tubes for a long time, he had developed a lung infection that led to his chronic coughing.

Ye Jian, director of the respiratory medicine department, noted that its not uncommon to find foreign objects in patients, including animal bones, earrings, and even dentures.

Mr Xus story quickly became a sensation on Chinese social media, with one user remarking: Its really impressive that he was able to endure the coughing for two years before going to hospital. Hes truly a master.
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A trash-filled balloon sent by North Korea fell inside the compound of South Koreas presidential office, marking the most serious escalation yet in the balloon war between the neighbours.

The Presidential Security Service said they monitored the latest batch of balloons from the North in real time as they flew towards Seoul but didnt intercept them midair since their contents were unknown and could have scattered.

Its not known if president Yoon Suk Yeol was inside the compound when the balloon landed.

An investigation by the chemical, biological and radiological response team showed the objects didnt present a danger or contamination, so they were retrieved, Yonhap news agency quoted the security service as saying. We are continuing to monitor in cooperation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

open image in gallery File: A balloon presumably sent by North Korea, is seen in a paddy field in Incheon, South Korea, on 10 June 2024 ( Yonhap )

It is difficult to handle midair because we do not know what the balloons may contain, a presidential official said. There will be no change in our policy of collecting them after they have fallen.

Its not known if the North uses timers or other technology to drop the balloons in strategic places such as the presidents office. If that is the case, then it would invite a strong reaction from the South.

open image in gallery File: A plastic bag carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash that crossed inter-Korean border with a balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea ( via REUTERS )

The North has sent across nearly 2,000 balloons in 10 tranches filled with wastepaper, cloth scraps, cigarette butts and even manure since May, causing alarm at airports and in residential areas.

Pyongyang has justified the campaign as retaliation for South Korea sending propaganda leaflets the other way.

Seoul, in turn, has restarted propaganda broadcasts over loudspeakers near the border, including K-pop songs that are banned in the North.

The presidential complex is situated in the central Yongsan area of Seoul, 56km from the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas. It has been the presidents office since 2022.

open image in gallery File: South Korean soldiers check a balloon carrying garbage, presumably sent by North Korea ( EPA )

Seoul last week warned that the North would pay a fatal price after Pyongyang sent a new wave of balloons across the border.

The North Korean militarys tension-escalating acts in frontline areas may lead it to pay a fatal price and we sternly warn that all responsibility for this situation lies with the North Korean regime, said the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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Children in Japans Ishikawa prefecture, who are still reeling under the trauma of this years fatal earthquake, have been asked to hug family members as part of their school homework.

The psychological trauma from a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in January this year can be reversed by parents hugging and assuring their children of safety, doctors and experts have said.

The quake rocked Japan on the first day of the year and caused several severe aftershocks, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency officials. At least 260 people were killed and more than 3,300 were evacuated. The fatalities also included those who died later due to stress, illnesses and other causes linked to the earthquake.

The aftershocks were also felt in June this year.

As a result, the children in the Noto Peninsulas Wajima have become sensitive to noise, their surroundings, and even dark places as complaints of stress-related physical and mental disorders have trickled in, reported The Japan News.

A woman in her 40s told the paper that her daughter is still afraid of dark places and cannot go to the bathroom alone at night, probably because of memories of the disaster still scarring her. After the earthquake, she became sensitive to noise and scared of even small tremors, she told the newspaper.

The familys house was among more than 40,000 of those destroyed.

The Sanno Elementary School in Ishikawa prefectures Nanao has asked students to make physical contact of four types with their family members as part of their homework. These include hugging, sitting on a parents knee, holding their hands for more than one minute, or shaking hands, the report added.

The school took inspiration from another elementary schools nurse Kimiko Koura who saw the findings of a survey on trauma in children days after the quake when the school reopened. The affected children were throwing up at the sight of collapsed houses or were unable to leave their parents side. Ms Koura thought close contact can help children feel safer.

She said she hoped the unconventional homework gave the affected children a sense of comfort and charged them with energy to move ahead in life.

Some parents have already registered the homeworks results on their children. The hugs made me feel much better, read one parents feedback.

Experts told the newspaper that the move can instill parental comfort in children recovering from the psychological effect.

It is good for children to have physical contact when they start to feel insecure. Even though children may not like it, I want parents to hug their children and tell them they are on their side, said Norihiko Kuwayama, a psychiatrist who has looked after children from the previous deadly earthquake in 2011.
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A small plane carrying 19 people has crashed during take-off from Nepals capital, Kathmandu.

The flight operated by Saurya Airlines involved a small aircraft bound for Pokhara, Nepals second-largest city and a major tourist gateway for trekking and adventure sports.

The aircraft crashed at around 11am local time on Wednesday, according to The Kathmandu Post.

An official told Reuters that 18 bodies had been recovered from the site of the crash, while the pilot survived the incident with a head injury and has been taken to hospital.

Premnath Thakur, a spokesperson for Kathmandus Tribhuvan international airport, said the 19 people on board the plane included crew members. The Himalayan Times reported that the plane  a Bombardier CRJ 200 with the registration code 9N-AME  was carrying technical staff from the airline and that there were no paying passengers on board, citing Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at Tribhuvan international airport.

Witnesses reported that the plane suddenly flipped during take-off and its wing tip struck the ground, causing a fire to break out. The aircraft then crashed into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway.

open image in gallery Rescue operations underway at the site of a plane crash ( EPA )

The plane was reportedly being taken to Pokhara for maintenance.

Only the captain was rescued alive and is receiving treatment at a hospital, said Tej Bahadur Poudyal, the spokesperson for the airport.

Nepals Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement: Shortly after takeoff ... the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway.

open image in gallery Nepal has been criticised in the past for its poor air safety record, and Nepali airlines are banned from operating in European airspace ( EPA )

Saurya Airlines said that of the total on board, 18 were Nepali citizens while one engineer was from Yemen.

The airport was briefly closed for operations on Wednesday after the crash, but was reopened within hours.

Flightradar24, a flight-tracking website, said it did not track the crashed Saurya flight on Wednesday because the aircraft was not equipped with a modern ADS-B [automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast] transponder.

open image in gallery Nepalese army personnel sort debris after the crash ( AP )

Nepal has been criticised in the past for its poor air safety record, and airlines based in the country are banned from operating in European airspace.

On 15 January last year, 72 people were killed when a twin-engine ATR 72-500 aircraft operated by Yeti Airlines plunged into a gorge while approaching Pokhara international airport in the Himalayan foothills.

open image in gallery Smoke rises near to the airport following the incident ( AP )

The site of that crash, which killed all those on board, was approximately 1.6km from the runway, at an elevation of about 820 metres. A report by investigators later revealed that the pilots had mistakenly cut the power, causing the aircraft to crash.

It was Nepals deadliest air disaster since 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A300 crashed into a hillside on approach to Kathmandu, killing all 167 people on board.

The Independent has reached out to Saurya Airlines for comment.
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Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to preliminary data from the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The global average surface air temperature on Sunday reached 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit), this is slightly higher than the previous record set last July of 17.08 C (62.74 F).

Heatwaves have scorched large swathes of the United States, Europe and Russia over the past week.

Copernicus confirmed that the record daily temperature average set last year appeared to have been broken on Sunday.

Last year saw four days in a row break the record, from July 3 through July 6, as climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, drove extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere.

Every month since June 2023 - 13 months in a row - has now ranked as the planets hottest since records began, compared with the corresponding month in previous years, Copernicus said.

Some scientists have suggested 2024 could outrank 2023 as the hottest year since records began, as climate change and the El Nino natural weather phenomenon, which ended in April, have pushed temperatures ever higher this year.

Tourists protect themselves from the sun using an umbrella during a heatwave in Cordoba in Cordoba, southern Spain ( AFP via Getty Images )

Spain sweated under its first official heatwave of the year last week, with temperatures reaching 40C in a large swathe of the country, while Italy, Greece and other areas of southern Europe also struggled to stay cool.

After a relatively bearable spring compared with record heat in 2023 and 2022, millions of Spaniards were left sweltering.

The countrys weather authority said the only areas to be spared will be the northwest and northern Atlantic coasts.

Weather forecasters said a mass of hot air travelling across the Mediterranean from northern Africa will settle over central and southern Spain.

A woman poses for a photo with smoke from a fire at the background, during a hot, windy day at Acropolis hill, in Athens ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

That, combined with the typical harsh summer sun, will make cities like the medieval cites of Seville, Toledo and Granada bake.

The hottest year for Spain since it started keeping records in 1961 was 2022; 2023 came in as the second hottest year. The first heatwave for last year arrived in June.

Authorities and experts agree that climate change is behind the rise in temperatures that is also feeding prolonged droughts and wildfires in the Mediterranean and other parts of the world.

Hot, dry winds scorched Greece, where a prolonged heatwave was at its peak on Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures touched 43C in several parts of the country, while night-time temperatures in parts of Athens remained above 30C for the past 10 days.

Firefighters were fighting two large blazes on Thursday, one near a village on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, and a brush fire on the island of Kea, near Athens.

Emergency services ordered the evacuation of two areas on Kea, while local media said the fire near Thessaloniki had damaged several homes.

We appeal to the public to be particularly careful as over the next few days there is a very high risk of the outbreak of serious wildfires, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said.

Even one spark can cause a major catastrophe.

On Tuesday, Serbias state power company reported record consumption due to the use of air conditioning.
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Kathy Hilton was nearly run over by a model at Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Sutton Strackes fashion show.

The socialite, 65, attended her fellow cast members fashion event at The Godfrey Hotel in Los Angeles on Monday, July 22, when she accidentally found herself on the catwalk. In a video circulating online, Hilton could be seen standing on the runway while chatting with attendees in the front row.

It was then that model Whizdom Williams began strutting down the catwalk, coming up behind Hilton and tapping her on her shoulder to signal that the show had started. The reality TV star turned her head toward the model, seemingly taken aback, before rushing back to her seat.

The clip  which was originally taken by Jadon Medina (@jadonmedina)  was reposted by the popular Bravo account Queens of Bravo, where it received nearly 300,000 views on X (formerly Twitter).

Not Kathy IN THE MIDDLE of the runway during Suttons fashion show, the fan account captioned the video.

Hiltons fashion faux pas sparked many mixed reactions on social media.

Im crying real tears and watching it on repeat, one X user said in response to the video.

She has zero self awareness but I love it, another fan said.

Some fans praised the Bravo star for her usual quirky antics, like one viewer who posted: Lmao not the model pushing her aside. Does she know who Kathy is? Rude girl.

DO NOT PUSH KATHY HILTON, another user said. If shes in your way you should be honored.

However, others claimed that Hilton should know better, having been to many fashion events before.

Honestly, I dont blame the model at all, one person wrote. And she did it with a smile.

Love me some Kathy but girl have some decorum, you know how to act at a fashion show, another shared.

In a statement to The Independent, Williams  who is signed to Ford Models  said she was surprised to see Hilton on the runway but simply kept it moving.

Kathy and all the ladies were so kind to the models at Suttons fashion show, she said. It was a fun event!

In addition to Hilton, fellow RHOBH stars Erika Jayne, Garcelle Beauvais, Bozoma Saint John, Dorit Kemsley, and Hiltons sister Kyle Richards attended Strackes fashion show for the debut of her Sutton Green Label Brand Capsule Collection. The occasion was likely filmed for Bravos upcoming RHOBH season 14.

This isnt the first time Hilton has gone viral for her eccentric behavior. In December 2022, the mother of four sparked backlash when she began applying lipstick while on-stage with actor Mariska Hargitay at the 2022 Peoples Choice Awards. Hargitay was accepting the award for drama TV star of the year for her role in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit when Hilton reached into her bag and applied lipstick during Hargitays heartfelt speech.

She later apologized for the incident, telling Extra that she felt terrible over the viral moment. I adore and I respect Mariska very much, Hilton told the outlet. I already reached out to her, DMed her, I want to get her address, I feel terrible.

Hilton added that she would never do anything to be rude intentionally and that it was the first time being back on the stage with some of the girls, in reference to her RHOBH co-stars.

Since she became a recurring cast member on RHOBH in 2021, Hilton has been the subject of many viral memes  like when she mistook her co-star Garcelle for her own sister Kyle, or when Stracke said, Not everything is hunky dory, and Hilton asked: Who is Hunky Dory?
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A judge declared a mistrial in the case of an Indianapolis man accused of fatally shooting five people, including a pregnant woman, after a witness verbally confronted the defendant in front of the jury.

Marion County Superior Judge Chris Miller declared the mistrial Tuesday in the trial of Raymond Ronald Lee Childs III, who faces six counts of murder in the January 2021 slayings in an Indianapolis home.

Childs, 20, was arrested a day after the attack and accused of killing his father, stepmother, two teenage relatives, a heavily pregnant young woman and her unborn son.

The mistrial came after a key witness in the case, Elanso Valez, testified that in the hours after the killings, he had picked up Childs and drove him around Indianapolis. He said Childs later covered his eyes and wept while laying on a bed at Valez's home in Plainfield, just west of Indianapolis.

Yall remember that? Valez asked Childs from the witness stand, WXIN-TV reported.

The defense and prosecution teams quickly sought to cut Valez off, and the judge tried to intercede from the bench, but Valez continued, asking: Why did you do it, Raymond?"

The judge admonished Valez for his comments in front of the jurors and sent them from the courtroom so he could speak with attorneys and then each juror individually.

Miller then declared a mistrial, saying he's firmly convinced that Mr. Childs cannot get a fair trial. He set a status conference for Monday with the attorneys.

The killings followed an argument over Childs, who was 17 at the time, staying out late, according to court records. Prosecutors said Childs methodically went from room-to-room, shooting the victims.

The attack killed Childs' father, Raymond Childs Jr., 42; his stepmother, Kezzie Childs, 42; the couple's daughter, Rita Childs, 13; son Elijah Childs, 18; and Elijah's 19-year-old girlfriend Kiara Hawkins, who died at a hospital along with her unborn son.

Childs' 15-year-old brother also was shot but survived after fleeing the house to escape the gunfire.
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A man who served nearly 40 years in prison for a Detroit-area murder won't face another trial after a judge threw out his conviction based on new evidence.

The decision by prosecutors means Paul Clark, who has been out on bond since May, is free  for good.

"I just cant believe it. I have waited for this day my entire life, said Clarks daughter, DeAngelic Clark, 36, who was born shortly after he was sent to prison in 1987.

Clark was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of Trifu Vasilije during an attempted robbery in Highland Park. Clark has repeatedly expressed his innocence but appeals failed for years.

The effort took a major turn in 2020, with assistance from the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. The Wayne County prosecutor's office uncovered a police mugshot of a man who had been arrested in 1987 for a similar homicide in Highland Park.

The photo showed a large, fresh scar on the man's face. That wound was significant: Vasilije was found with a knife in his hand when he was killed.

Clark's lawyer wasn't given that mugshot before the 1987 trial. It could have raised doubt about the prosecutors' case, Judge Mark Slavens said in April.

There is a significant possibility the defendant may actually be innocent, Slavens said of Clark.

In court Tuesday, prosecutors said they would not take Clark to trial again. There was no immediate comment Wednesday from spokeswoman Maria Miller.

Attorney Shereef Akeel, who is working on a possible lawsuit on Clark's behalf, told the Detroit Free Press that we witnessed justice.

Unfortunately, there are many other innocent men and women fighting to prove their innocence, Akeel said.
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A prominent Christian church leader and human rights advocate from Myanmars Kachin ethnic minority was released from prison earlier this week, a member of a Kachin peace organization said Wednesday.

The Rev. Hkalam Samson was first arrested in December 2022. In April last year he was handed a six-year prison term after being convicted of unlawful association, incitement and counter-terrorism. He was released in April of this year under a general amnesty but detained again just a few hours later.

Samson, a former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention, also chairs the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, an umbrella organization uniting religious and civil society groups with political organizations promoting Kachin rights, including autonomy from Myanmars central government.

The state, in northern Myanmar, has been the scene of intermittent warfare for decades between the army and well-organized and well-armed Kachin guerrillas.

Samson had been held for 16 months in the prison in Myitkyina township, the Kachin state capital, until his initial release in mid-April this year under an amnesty covering 3,300 prisoners across the country to mark the traditional Thingyan New Year holiday.

However, just hours after his release, he was taken into custody again.

Two days after Samson was detained for the second time, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson of the ruling military council, said in an interview with the BBCs Burmese-Language service that he had not been rearrested but was taken in for cooperation and discussion about the peace process.

Lamai Gwanja, a leading member of the Kachin-based Peace-talk Creation Group, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Samson was released from the prison compound at 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

He was released after living at a house in the prison compound, Lamai Gwanja said by phone. He had not been rearrested, but was called in for a short time for discussion of the peace issue, and after three months, he was released.

He added, however, that Samson did not take part in any activity related to peace talks during the period of his detention.

Samson could not be contacted for comment.

Samson is a prominent advocate of the human rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Myanmar, and in 2019 was part of a delegation that met then-U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the militarys abuse of ethnic minorities.

Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said in a statement released on Tuesday that Washington welcomes Samsons release.

We are pleased that he is finally able to return home to his family and continue his important work, Miller said.

Christians make up about 6% of Myanmars overwhelmingly Buddhist population, but about 34% of Kachins estimated 1.7 million population.

Human rights groups have said minority religions including Christians have been significantly persecuted in Myanmar since an army takeover in 2021, when the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and suppressed nonviolent protests, triggering armed resistance that has led to civil war.

Kachin guerrillas have played a large role in the resistance movement uniting armed ethnic minority groups with pro-democracy fighters who organized against military rule.
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France's air force made a stopover in Indonesias capital on Wednesday, part of a visit to Southeast Asia that's meant to display French commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing Chinese maritime activity there.

The French mission, named Pegase, visited Jakartas Halim Perdanakusuma air force base on a weeks-long trip that also included stops in countries including Malaysia and Singapore. It showcased two Rafale fighter jets, a tanker transport plane and one A400M Airbus military transport plane.

The mission aimed to boost military cooperation between France and Indonesia, Brig. Gen. Guillaume Thomas, Chief of the 2024 Pagase mission, told a news conference after showing the aircrafts to journalists.

We want to assert our position as a proactive regional power in the Indo-Pacific completely, dedicated to the security of the area and defending the freedom of navigation when necessary, Thomas said.

He said Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron will conduct a long awaited bilateral meeting in Paris this week to strengthen our ties even more, diplomatically and militarily.

The French Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement ahead of the July 20-27 stopover that the mission shows Frances commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its close ties with the country partners in the region.

Indonesia has embarked on a drive to upgrade and modernize its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defense industry. The country completed an order for 42 French Rafale fighter jets in January, and the first delivery is expected in early 2026, defense ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha said in a statement.

Subianto, who is also currently Indonesias defense minister, has crisscrossed the globe since he was appointed in 2019, traveling to China, France, Russia, Turkey and the United States in a bid to acquire new military weapon systems as well as surveillance and territorial defense capabilities.

The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and Britain. However, some of those aircraft had reached or would soon reach their end-of-life phase, and needed to be replaced or upgraded, Sumantha said.

The purchase of the French jets came amid rising tensions in the region, especially in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its expansive claims over the disputed waters. Indonesia is not a claimant state in the South China Sea, but it has clashed with China over the fishing rights around the Natuna Islands, which lie within Indonesias exclusive economic zone but in waters also claimed by China.

The South China Sea is home to vital shipping lanes, plentiful fish stocks and undersea mineral resources. China and Association of Southeast Asia Nations have made little headway in finalizing a code of conduct to avoid conflicts in the area.

Indonesia last year signed a contract to buy 13 Thales Ground Control Interception radars from the French. Five of them are expected to be installed in the countrys new capital, Nusantara.
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A man who severely injured author Salman Rushdie in a frenzied knife attack in western New York faces a new charge that he supported a terrorist group.

An indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Buffalo on Wednesday charges Hadi Matar with providing material support to Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon and backed by Iran. The indictment didn't detail what evidence linked Matar to the group.

The federal charge comes after Matar earlier this month rejected an offer by state prosecutors to recommend a shorter prison sentence if he agreed to plead guilty in Chautauqua County Court, where he is charged with attempted murder and assault. The agreement also would have required him to plead guilty to a federal terrorism-related charge, which hadn't been filed yet at the time.

Instead, both cases will now proceed to trial separately. Jury selection in the state case is set for Oct. 15.

Matar's lawyer, Nathaniel Barone, didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Matar, 26, has been held without bail since the 2022 attack, during which he stabbed Rushdie more than a dozen times as the acclaimed writer was onstage about to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution. Knife wounds blinded Rushdie in one eye. The event moderator, Henry Reese, was also wounded.

Rushdie detailed the attack and his long and painful recovery in a memoir published in April.

The author spent years in hiding after the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa, or edict, in 1989 calling for Rushdie's death over his novel The Satanic Verses. Khomeini considered the book blasphemous. Rushdie reemerged into the public the late 1990s.

Matar was born in the U.S. but holds dual citizenship in Lebanon, where his parents were born. He lived in New Jersey prior to the attack. His mother has said that her son became withdrawn and moody after he visited his father in Lebanon in 2018.

The attack raised questions about whether Rushdie had gotten proper security protection, given that he is still the subject of death threats. A state police trooper and county sheriff's deputy had been assigned to the lecture. In 1991, a Japanese translator of The Satanic Verses was stabbed to death. An Italian translator survived a knife attack the same year. In 1993, the books Norwegian publisher was shot three times but survived.

The investigation into Rushdie's stabbing focused partly on whether Matar had been acting alone or in concert with militant or religious groups.
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The British Library attempted to purchase a notorious Cold War double agents archive in a deal worth tens of thousands of pounds to his widow, documents have revealed.

Kim Philby was recruited by Russia in the 1930s and soon rose to become a senior officer in MI6 before coming under suspicion in the 1950s.

Cabinet papers unsealed and released by the National Archives in Kew after 30 years have revealed the horror the government felt when they realised a public body could help enrich a traitors widow. Mr Philbys treachery as part of the Cambridge Five spy ring was blamed for countless agent deaths.

The library was first approached by Mr Philbys Russian fourth wife, Rufina, in 1993, five years after his death and 30 years after he fled to Moscow. She wanted 68,000 for the collection which included key details of a course the spy had run following his defection to the Soviet Union for KGB agents preparing to deploy to the UK.

The son of a British diplomat embraced communism while studying at Cambridge in the early 1930s. His influential connections attracted the attention of Soviet spymaster Arnold Deutsch, who advised Mr Philby to sever ties with his communist associates to infiltrate the British establishment.

Posing successfully as a loyal patriot, Mr Philby then joined MI6 during the Second World War and held posts in Istanbul and Washington DC while spying for the Soviets.

As the head of counter-Soviet intelligence, he became a fox in the henhouse, thwarting a Soviet agents defection and undermining an Allied operation against communist Albania.

Mr Philby (right) at a London press conference held in response to his involvement with Burgess and McLean, 1955 ( Getty Images )

His fellow Cambridge spies, Donald Maclean and Guy Burgess, were exposed in 1951 which led to suspicion turning towards him. But due to a lack of solid evidence, Philby remained free.

It was not until a decade later that a KGB defector confirmed Mr Philby was a Soviet spy. Nicholas Elliott, one of Mr Philbys closest friends in MI6 who had always believed he was innocent, was assigned to get a confession from him. Elliott told Mr Philby, I once looked up to you, Kim. My God, how I despise you now.

It was Michael Borrie, a senior member of the library staff, who contacted the Cabinet Office about the archive deal on behalf of the chief executive saying they were keen to go ahead if suitable arrangements could be made.

He wrote: The chief executive feels that these should be in a British public institution, provided they are what they purport to be, and have not been sanitised or made a vehicle for disinformation. He is not however willing to spend the grant-in-aid on them, and is looking for a benefactor.

But a note from one official between the Cabinet Office and the Department of National Heritage, which oversaw the library, said: I suspect there might be something of a public outcry if it became known that a public was involved even in this indirect way in a traction which would enrich a traitors widow.

Afraid of being imprisoned, Mr Philby fled to Moscow instead of cooperating further. He then lived as a Soviet citizen and national hero until he died in 1988. His granddaughter Charlotte Philby recalled in a recent interview with the Times that on visits to his apartment in Moscow, there were rifles on the wall.

Mr Philbys widow did not lose out despite the Library deal falling through, with the archive material eventually selling for 150,000 by Sothebys auction house.
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The number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has risen to a 20-year high.

A total of 443,995 offences were logged by forces in the year to March 2024, up 30% on the 342,428 recorded in the previous 12 months.

The figure is the highest since current records began in the year to March 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which described the latest increases as notable.

Knife crime offences recorded by police forces in England and Wales increased year on year in the latest figures, but remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Some 50,510 offences were recorded in the 12 months to March 2024. This is up 4% from 48,409 in the previous 12 months, but is 3% lower than the 51,982 in the year to March 2020.

The Independent has put together two interactive maps below showing shoplifting offences and violent crimes, broken down by local policing areas. The darker colours on the map represent the areas with the highest crime levels. Scotland records violent crime differently and is omitted from the second map.

The data, published on Wednesday, comes in the wake of major retailers raising concerns about the rising cost of thefts, and as the new Labour government vowed to tackle low-level shoplifting and make assaulting a shop worker a specific criminal offence.

The move to create a separate offence follows a long-running campaign from business owners and Conservative backbencher Matt Vickers amid rising violence against retail workers.

Retailers have said they hope the measures set out last week in the Kings Speech will make it easier for police to investigate and prosecute criminals.

There has been a notable increase in the number of robberies involving a knife or sharp instrument, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which compiled the figures.

These jumped from 18,787 in 2022/23 to 21,226 in 2023/24, a rise of 13%, though the total is still lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic, with 22,727 recorded in 2019/20.

Knife-enabled homicides stood at 233 in the year to March 2024, up very slightly on the 226 in the previous year, but again lower than pre-pandemic figures (253 in 2019/20).

This follows substantial increases in recent years, which may have been influenced by targeted police action to tackle knife crime, the ONS said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper blamed the figures on the disgraceful dereliction of the last Tory Government on law and order as she promised changes under Labour.

She said: We cant carry on like this. This Labour government will put neighbourhood police back on the beat in our town centres, with stronger laws on knife crime, shoplifting and assaults on shop workers to keep our communities safe.

Labour has set an unprecedented mission to halve serious violence in 10 years and to restore confidence in policing and the criminal justice system. We will be a government of law and order that puts the safety and security of our communities at its heart.

ONS spokesperson Meghan Elkin said: There has been no change across many crime types in the last year. However, we have seen falls in fraud, while there have been increases in computer misuse and some forms of theft, such as shoplifting and theft from the person. Notably, shoplifting has continued to see increases and remains at its highest level in 20 years.

In addition, robbery, offences involving knives or sharp instruments, and offences involving firearms have also increased over the last year while remaining below pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic levels.
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Captain Sir Tom Moores daughter has been warned her company could be struck off the government business register.

Management consultancy Maytrix Group, of which Hannah Ingram-Moore is a director, failed to file its accounts by the deadline of 31 May.

It is the seventh time in 11 years that the company has been issued with such a warning, records show.

Maytrix has been given notice that it could be forcibly closed and removed from the Companies House register after missing the deadline.

Companies House has issued the firm with a First Gazette Notice, which is a warning of at least three months. If action is not taken, a second notice would announce the company dissolution.

Captain Sir Tom Moore (second left) with his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore (second from right) (Joe Giddens/PA) ( PA Archive )

Company bosses may object to the proposed dissolution during the three months.

Previous official notices were issued to Maytrix in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2021 and 2022, Companies House records show.

In each case, the compulsory strike-off action was dropped, usually after several days.

This time, the missing accounts refer to the year ending 31 August 2023.

Maytrix, based in Marston Moretaine, Bedford, had net assets of 170,333 at the end of August 2022, according to that years accounts - down from 195,955 a year earlier.

Ms Ingram-Moore and her husband, Colin, have been at the centre of a string of controversies since the death of her father, Captain Tom Moore, who was knighted for raising money for NHS charities.

In 2022, The Independent revealed that the Captain Tom Moore Foundation, established following the war veterans fundraising efforts, had paid 54,039 to two companies owned by Ms Ingram-Moore and her husband.

Maytrix also claimed up to 100,000 in furlough money from December 2020-September 2021, and received nearly 48,000 in Covid loans from the government.

Earlier this month, the Charity Commission banned the couple from being charity trustees following an inquiry launched over concerns about the foundations management and independence from Sir Toms family.

Last year, Ms Ingram-Moore admitted taking 18,000 for an appearance at an awards ceremony, while her fathers foundation received only 2,000.

The couple were also forced to demolish an unauthorised spa pool block at their home after they lost an appeal against the order to remove the building.
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British foreign secretary David Lammy arrived in India for a four-day visit to reset economic, domestic, and security ties.

This is the first high-level tour to the country by a representative of the UKs newly-elected Labour government.

The British Foreign Office said Mr Lammy is aiming to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership and reinforce the commitment to securing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which has hit a roadblock as negotiations have dragged on for two years.

Mr Lammys visit has raised hopes for a fresh push to the FTA negotiations that would double trade to 86bn by 2030. However, the deal remains frozen in the final stages after some 14 rounds of talks under the previous Conservative government.

Mr Lammy will meet Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal. He is also likely to meet Indian prime minister Narendra Modi although it is yet to be confirmed.

Ahead of his visit, Mr Lammy said: "Our free trade agreement negotiations are the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests in the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security.

"I am travelling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the global south is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home."

Most FTA negotiations were finished in the previous Rishi Sunak government but were put on hold earlier this year as both countries were heading into general elections. Negotiations on tough topics such as business mobility, tariffs, and market access for certain goods continue to remain unresolved, according to reports.

Britain is seeking the trade deal with India which has the potential to grant more favourable access for British companies to a market of 1.4 billion people.

Mr Lammy will also seek to rally support of India for stronger action on the climate crisis and discuss Indian-led global initiatives to build clean power access and climate resilience in the global south and small island states.

The foreign secretary will underscore the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India, a reference to the 1.7 million Indian-origin people who live in the UK.

India is expected to again raise with Mr Lammy its concerns about the activities of Sikh activists operating in the UK. Dubbed the Khalistan Movement, its members advocate for the creation of a separate nation for Sikhs in what is currently Indias Punjab state. The Indian foreign ministry issued a diplomatic protest with London last year after supporters of the movement pulled down the Indian flag at the countrys High Commission in London.

The issue of long-pending extradition cases against business tycoons Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who live in the UK and are wanted for alleged financial crimes in India, will also be discussed, according to reports.

And Mr Lammy is expected to raise the issue of imprisonment of two British nationals: Jagtar Singh Johal, who was arrested in 2017 on terrorism charges, and Christian Michel, who was extradited from UAE to India in 2017 in an alleged scam.

Government officials, the UN and human rights groups have previously accused India of torture and arbitrary detention without trial in relation to the two cases.

The visit is a stopover for Mr Lammy before he heads to Laos to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the ASEAN group of nations.

As India and the UK struggled to iron out the details of the FTA, the Narendra Modi government last year instead signed a landmark deal with four European nations that it claims will result in $100bn (78bn) of investment in the country.

The agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association (Efta) bloc of non-EU nations  Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein  was concluded after 16 years of negotiations.
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Dozens of migrant cleaners at Harrods are preparing to strike over discriminatory holiday policy affecting Black and Asian workers as the company celebrates its 175th anniversary, The Independent can reveal.

The policy, which a union has described as new and draconian, limits workers holidays to a maximum of two weeks which will restrict their ability to take time off to visit their families abroad.

Harrods facilities workers received notification of new guidelines in June, resulting in those who had already arranged and paid for their holidays left scrambling to cancel or change their plans.

Harrods insists that the policy is not new, but that it is now enforcing it.

These employees often save for several years to travel long distances to visit their families with many unable to take several shorter trips in a year.

Since the announcement, the workers claim Harrods has turned down holiday requests longer than two weeks amid accusations that the company is undermining the welfare of its migrant workforce comprised of cleaners from Asia and Africa.

Petros Elia, general secretary of United Voices of the World (UVW) union representing the cleaners, told The Independent that she considers this policy is tantamount to race discrimination.

Profits at Harrods benefitted from the comparison to the previous year, which was impacted by Covid-19 (Matt Alexander/PA) ( PA Archive )

Harrods is celebrating its 175th anniversary, but it seems they havent learned a thing about treating their workers with respect and dignity, she said.

It would seem this is a clear case of discrimination against migrant workers, who have always been able to take extended holidays to visit their families.

This new policy could lead to a patently absurd and unconscionable situation where none of the facilities workers will ever be able to spend time with their families who live overseas.

This cannot be the intended or permissible consequence of this policy. She said that she is of the opinion that it might well amount to indirect race discrimination.

She added: These workers are not asking for anything unreasonable; they are simply asking for time with their families (...). They are ready to fight and UVW will support them like we have done, again and again.

Despite raising concerns about this unfair policy via their union, the UVW claims the luxury company has completely ignored the workers issues.

Maclino Rodrigues, Harrods night cleaner of eight years, said: I have two children, our families are in India and travelling there is not easy.

The ticket prices are so high during the childrens school holiday. We cant leave them here. I havent seen my family for three years. We explained all of this.

( Getty Images )

They say these changes are supposed to provide cover for the peak periods, but we are behind the scenes.

He added: No one wants to go on strike, everyone needs to work, we have used up all other options; we have raised it verbally, formally and informally and tried to solve this amicably.

The cleaners have now instructed their union UVW to send Harrods a Notice of Intention to Ballot (NOIB) and strike dates will be announced soon.

When approached for comment, Harrods acknowledged the dispute and told The Independent that it does not plan to engage with the union as it is not recognised by the company.

A spokesperson said: There has been no introduction of a new policy in relation to holidays at Harrods. Harrods clarified existing company policy, which limits holiday length during peak periods, as defined by the specific divisional needs of the business.

This is to ensure that holiday is taken fairly and consistently across the team, as well as ensuring the business can continue to operate during its busiest periods.

UVW is not a recognised union by Harrods and therefore we do not engage with this organisation on our policies.
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Three people have died after a car smashed into a stationary vehicle on a busy A-road in east London.

Officers were called to a crash on the A13 in Wennington Marshes, Rainham last Monday evening. Before they arrived at the scene, another car collided with a vehicle a stationary vehicle on the carriageway.

Three people were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth person was taken to hospital but has since been discharged. All of the fatalities occured during the second crash.

The incident took place within the Metropolitan Police area but close to the border with Essex Police.

Calls to the first collision were answered by Essexs control room and the Met picked up those for the second.

No arrests have been made and both Essex Police and The Met have made referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (ICPO). The next of kin of the deceased have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden, from the Mets Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: This is an extremely tragic incident and my thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their loved ones.

We are keen to speak with anyone who may have been driving along this stretch of road around 10pm on July 15 and who may have dashcam footage of the incident.

East of England Ambulance Service was the first responder at the scene along with the London Fire Brigade.

The ICPO was approached for comment.

Have you been affected by this story? Get in touch at madeline.sherratt@independent.co.uk
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The Prince of Wales has refused to reveal how much tax he pays on private income derived from his huge property portfolio.

Prince Williams Duchy of Cornwall estate, which he inherited on the death of his grandmother Elizabeth II, generated profits of 23.6m over the last financial year, according to the estates latest annual report.

The decision marked a stark contrast with his father King Charles III, who would publish a full breakdown of household costs and his tax, which for the year ending 2022 was 5.89m.

Kensington Palace said the Prince was paying the appropriate level of income tax and his decision not to publish details reflected what was required, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Tax is paid by the Prince of Wales on his earnings from the Duchy of Cornwall after deducting official expenditure on his family.

His father King Charles III would publish a full breakdown of household costs and his tax, which for the year ending 2022 was 5.89million ( Chris Jackson/Getty Images )

The surplus available to William, Kate and their family is used for the official, charitable and private lives of their household.

Tax is then paid at standard UK rates once official costs have been deducted from the 23.6m figure reported this year.

The Duchy was set up in 1337 by Prince Edward III in order to provide a pot of money for his son, Prince Edward. It was designed to provide an income for the Prince of Wales and all subsequent heirs to the throne that is independent of the Sovereign.

On Wednesday, the Sovereign Grant report revealed travel expenditure for the Royal Family went up by 300,000 at a bill of 4.2m despite there being around 400 fewer visits and less foreign travel than the year before.

The surplus available to William, Kate and their family is used for the official, charitable and private lives of their household ( PA Archive )

The royals managed to attend 2,327 events, down from 2,710 the previous year, with the King and Queen undertaking 665 official engagements between them.

There were 27 separate journeys by Royal Family members listed in the official report for 2023/24 where travel costs were at least 17,000, only eight of which involved the King.

It also revealed the royal estate was undergoing a climate-friendly makeover in the first full year of King Charles reign, with energy efficient electric gas lamps will installed as part of the 16.6m spent on property maintenance projects.
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A string of new probation watchdog investigations have laid bare the staffing crisis blighting the services ability to supervise offenders in the community and keep the public safe.

With prisons already dangerously full, justice secretary Shabana Mahmood announced this month that some 5,500 prisoners will be freed 40 per cent of the way into their sentence, starting from September.

But questions have been raised over how the probation service will be able to cope with this new influx of offenders who will pass into their care, amid warnings that the early release scheme enacted by the Tories  which saw 10,000 inmates freed in nine months  had caused absolute mayhem for the service.

Each of the four reports published by HM Inspectorate of Probation in the week following Ms Mahmoods announcement highlighted understaffing as an issue which is already undermining probation workers efforts to keep the public safe.

In Essex South, the watchdog found just 45 per cent of the required number of probation officers in post  something inspectors said was understandably hampering the probation units ability to supervise offenders.

As a result, the delivery of probation services in Essex South were judged to be to a level sufficient to effectively support public safety in as little as 23 per cent of cases examined by inspectors. Improvements were also needed in assessments to assess and manage the risks offenders posed in the community.

Similarly, in Northamptonshire, the probation officer vacancy rate was 40 per cent and workloads were too high as a result, with a situation further exacerbated by staff absences. Staff spoke of feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to prioritise  which had a detrimental effect on risk management, inspectors said.

In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, inspectors warned that almost all the assessments we inspected were insufficient in relation to keeping people safe, with senior supervising officers forced to handle cases themselves because of staff shortages and very high sickness rates, which further reduced capacity.

The situation was unsustainable and counterproductive, inspectors warned.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced new plans to free inmates early to ease the prisons crisis ( Joe Giddens/PA )

Inspectors in Hertfordshire warned that the probation units staffing levels meant workloads too high across all grades. They said managers were signing off risk assessments which too often did not incorporate key information related to domestic abuse and child safeguarding.

The findings came as HM chief inspector Martin Jones reiterated the stark reality that 30 out of the 31 local probation units inspected across England and Wales in 2022-23 were judged to be either inadequate or requiring improvement.

While the government has pledged to have 1,000 extra trainee probation officers in place by next spring to help the service cope with the emergency prisoner early release scheme, Mr Jones warned it would take time for new recruits to bed down and gain the experience needed to supervise offenders.

Thousands of probation staff have left the service over the past two years, with almost two-thirds of the 359 officers who quit in the year to March 2023 taking with them five or more years of experience. As of March, 5,113 full-time probation officers were in post  25 per cent below the required staffing level of 6,794.

One officer who joined the probation service as a job for life in 2018 told The Independent last year that she now reluctantly planned to quit, saying: We are completely overwhelmed, morale is low, and we have multiple people in our offices on long-term sick leave  so six months or more  because it is so stressful.

Thousands of probation staff have left the service in the past two years ( iStock )

Responding to the four new inspection reports, Tania Bassett of the probation union Napo told The Independent: The staffing crisis in probation is not going to go away anytime soon. Too few staff and dangerously high workloads lead to increased sickness of staff which only compounds the issue.

Ms Bassett added: As we enter the summer holidays, staffing will be at a critical state with many regions seeing their workforce reduce by 50 per cent as many people take annual leave.

The timing of the governments new prisoner early release scheme in September means that the pre-release work required for cases will need to be completed over this period  which will only exacerbate already high workloads and cause additional stress to staff, Ms Bassett warned.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: The prison system is in crisis which is putting significant pressure on the whole justice system.

We are gripping the situation and supporting our hardworking staff by improving training and recruiting 1,000 more probation officers nationally to deliver robust supervision and protect the public.
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The government has been urged to consider sending prison-based probation staff into the community to ease the staffing crisis afflicting the service and endangering public safety.

With thousands of prisoners set to be released 40 per cent of the way into their sentence from September to ease dire prison overcrowding  on top of 10,000 already freed up to 70 days early by the last government  there are concerns over how the probation service will cope with the resulting influx of new cases.

Thousands of probation staff  many with years of experience  have left the beleaguered service over the past two years, with the latest figures showing there were 25 per cent fewer officers in post than the required staffing level of 6,794.

While justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to hire 1,000 new trainee probation officers by spring 2025 in a bid to help the service cope with the new emergency release scheme, experts have warned they will take time to bed down and gain vital experience in supervising potentially dangerous offenders.

Meanwhile, four separate watchdog reports published last week each laid bare the impact understaffing is having across the service, with inspectors warning that vacancy rates as high as 55 per cent and sickness absences  many stress-related  were jeopardising public safety.

As experts urge bold thinking to ease the pressure, the Howard League for Penal Reform has now suggested overhauling the system which sees hundreds of probation officers stationed within prisons.

Under a system brought in in 2018, known as Offender Management in Custody (OMiC), probation staff were given prison-based roles to help inmates prepare for life outside prison, with some 135 senior officers and 626 officers holding such posts at the most recent count.

But inspectors warned in 2022 that the system was simply not working, with dire understaffing meaning only a third of inmates were found to be receiving the level of support deemed necessary to reduce re-offending.

Two thirds of probation officers said they were struggling under unmanageable workloads, inspectors have found ( iStock/Getty )

These prison-based roles created very little added value, according to inspectors who said the officers had little direct contact with prisoners and were not clear about their roles and responsibilities, with poor information sharing and relationship building between prison staff, probation workers and prisoners.

The model must be reviewed, and overhauled, at the earliest opportunity, inspectors concluded.

Andrew Neilson of the Howard League said: When something is simply not working, it is time to try something else. Work to prepare people for release from prison can be done just as effectively, if not more so, beyond the prison gates.

Mr Neilson warned that potential resistance from officers working in prisons and senior management should not stop ministers from grasping the nettle, adding: To deploy so many probation officers in prison when community workloads are so high is just irresponsible.

Tania Bassett of Napo said the probation union fully supported the call to overhaul the system, but told The Independent: This must, however, be done in conjunction with a commitment to fully train prison staff and provide them with the skills to ensure this work is carried out safely and effectively.

Thousands of probation staff have left the service in recent years ( iStock )

Tom Wheatley, chief of the Prison Governors Association said that prison officers were already filling gaps that should be filled by probation officers due to recruitment and retention issues.

But he warned: If probation officers are redeployed into community roles, then this work would either have to stop or additional prison officers would be needed to do it. The whole system is under pressure and has not been effectively resourced.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: The prison system is in crisis which is putting significant pressure on the whole justice system.

We are gripping the situation and supporting our hardworking staff by improving training and recruiting 1,000 more probation officers nationally to deliver robust supervision and protect the public.
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The threat of multiple wars involving Russia, China and Iran breaking out in three years means that British forces must double their fire power to be ready to cope, according to the head of the Army.

General Sir Roly Walkers grim scenario of the world on fire involves China launching an invasion of Taiwan, the war in Ukraine still continuing, or Russia seeking retribution for losing, and Iran acquiring a nuclear arsenal.

Speaking to journalists before giving an address at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) the new Chief of General Staff did not give detailed timeline on how this witchs brew will be concocted.

But his doomsday scenario appears to have been based on three premises.

They are Chinas President Xi Jinping reportedly wanting to forcefully reunify Taiwan by 2027, Vladimir Putin continuing his Ukraine invasion for another two years, and even if its ends, the Kremlin seeking retribution on the West, and Iran carrying on its uranium enrichment programme.

Ukrainian forces fire towards Russian positions in a war that highlights why Britain must be ready to fight in three years, says General Sir Roly Walker ( Facebook / General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine )

In his first public speech as head of the Army, Gen Walker said Britain faced danger from an axis of upheaval in which a conflict involving one of the three countries would lead to a significant detonation elsewhere.

He stressed that the UK and its allies had to be ready to deter or fight a war in three years.

Gen Walker acknowledged that war was not inevitable, but held that the Army had just enough time to prepare for any conflict. This meant doubling the Armys fighting power by 2027 and tripling it by the end of the decade.

The CGS did not demand that the size of the Army, which with around 70,000 troops is the lowest for 300 years, is increased. With modern weaponry and use of AI the aim would, he said be to reach a stage when it destroys an adversary three times its size.

He said: We have just enough time  to prepare, act, and assure the re-establishment of credible land forces to support a strategy of deterrence.

He added that the need is urgent if the Army was to apply all strengths as a free-market democracy against the weaknesses of their rigid, autocratic, command economies.

Gen Walker continued it will take more time than I think we have for new fighting systems to be fielded at scale in our fighting formations and if the army is called to battle before then it will have to use old equipment, as well as limited stockpiles as logistic support systems.
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The monarchy is to receive a boost of more than 45 million, with a 53% jump in its official annual income to more than 130 million.

Soaring profits from the Crown Estate to 1.1 billion mean the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant, which supports the official duties of the royal family, will increase from 86.3 million in 2024/2025 to 132 million in 2025/2026.

Officials said the increase will be used to help fund the final stages of the 10-year 369 million renovation of Buckingham Palace, keeping it on time and budget.

The boost will be reviewed through legislation in 2026/27 to keep funding of the royal family at a more appropriate level, a Palace spokesman said.

A National Audit Office report on Tuesday revealed that the Palace renovation has been well managed but structural damage and the discovery of asbestos, which led to cost increases, could have been foreseen.

Buckingham Palaces annual accounts  covering the first full financial year of the Kings reign  were published on Wednesday after being delayed for a month because of the General Election.

The Sovereign Grant report revealed the royal household will take delivery of two new helicopters in 2024-25 to replace the existing 15-year-old ones.

Buckingham Palace is undergoing essential works (Andrew Matthews/PA) ( PA Wire )

The AgustaWestland AW139s are considered a key component in enabling the King and royal family to carry out their engagements, allowing access to remote areas of the UK, and they will replace the current Sikorsky helicopters.

The Kings state Bentleys are being converted to run on bio-fuel within the next year, with a view to switching to a fleet of official electric cars in the future, while solar panels have been introduced to Windsor Castle for the first time.

Gas lanterns at Buckingham Palace, which were switched off during the recent energy crisis as a cost-saving measure, are being repurposed with specially designed electrical fittings to improve their energy efficiency while also preserving their historic look and glow.

The Sovereign Grant is funded by the taxpayer in exchange for the Kings surrender of the revenue from the Crown Estate.

The rundown of royal finances  from April 1 2023 to March 31 2024  covers the months following the King and the Princess of Waless double cancer diagnosis, with both away from public facing duties from January onwards.

But the accounts also span a time of celebration, with coronation and festivities celebrating the crowning of the King and Queen in May last year.

Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, described the coronation as a glorious moment in our national story but added: If that was the high point in a royal calendar that would contain many subsequent moments of significance on the public stage, then there were also moments of personal challenge for the family at home, which have affected this years report in a rather different way.

In the early part of 2024 came the sad news that both His Majesty the King and the Princess of Wales would be withdrawing from public-facing duties temporarily, to prioritise their treatment and recovery from cancer.

This inevitably impacted on the number and nature of engagements that had been planned  though may I say how encouraging it is to see the King back performing so many public duties and, more recently, the princess similarly well enough to join the Kings Birthday Parade and the mens Wimbledon final.

There were more than 2,300 official engagements by members of the royal family in the UK and overseas, compared with more than 2,700 last year.

The King undertook 464 official engagements despite his cancer diagnosis, with the Queen carrying out 201, of which 103 were joint engagements.

Sir Michael added: Behind the scenes, the work of the Royal Household continued apace, even throughout the latter course of the financial year, with His Majesty still performing his full state duties, Her Majesty taking on a greater share of public engagements, and their support teams adapting swiftly to the changing circumstances.

The number of guests at official residents however rose by 10% to more than 105,000 with over 400 events.

The King and Kate received some 27,000 messages from well-wishers, and 31,000 congratulatory messages for the coronation, amounting to 138,000 items of correspondence for the year 2023-24.

Official travel costs for the monarchy rose marginally by 0.3 million from 3.9 million to 4.2 million.]

King Charles III, center gestures as he meets with Kenyan Scouts during a visit to Nyali beach in Mombasa, Kenya, Thursday, November 2, 2023

The most expensive travel was the King and Queens visit to Kenya by charter flight in October, along with the related sparate staff planning visit by scheduled flights, which came to a total of 166,557.

King and Queens most expensive royal trips Listed There are 27 separate journeys by royal family members listed in the official report for 2023/24 where travel costs were at least 17,000, only eight of which involved the King. This includes the most expensive trip in the 12 months to March 2024, the five-day state visit by the King and Queen to Kenya in October and November 2023, which had travel costs totalling 166,557. The King was also involved in the second and third most expensive trips on the list: a three-day state visit to France with the Queen in September 2023 (117,942) and a solo two-day journey on the royal train in June 2023 to Pickering in North Yorkshire, to mark the centenary of the Flying Scotsman (52,013). Of the five other journeys mentioned in the report that involved the King, the cost is given for four of them:  A two-day trip to Northern Ireland with the Queen, by plane, in May 2023 (32,976);  A day trip to Liverpool with the Queen, by plane, ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest in April 2023 (23,596);  A flight from Aberdeen to Farnborough in September 2023, returning to a royal residence (22,248);  A flight from Aberdeen to Northolt in October 2023, to attend a reception in London for leaders of African nations (22,208). The travel costs of the Kings eighth and final journey on the list, a three-day visit to Dubai in November and December 2023 to attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), is not disclosed, as it was funded by the Foreign Office. The most expensive trip not involving the King was a six-day visit by the Princess Royal to Sri Lanka in January 2024, undertaken on behalf of the Foreign Office, with travel costs of 48,112. Aside from the visits to Kenya, France, Dubai and Sri Lanka, the only other journeys outside the UK to feature on the list are:  A day trip by the Prince of Wales to Kuwait in December 2023, to pay condolences after the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah (41,597);  A two-day visit to Marseille in France by the Prince and Princess of Wales in October 2023, to watch the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup (30,975);  A three-day trip by the Princess Royal to Johannesburg in South Africa in February 2024, to attend the state funeral of the former president of Namibia (funded by the Foreign Office);  A five-day visit by the Prince of Wales to Singapore in November 2023, to attend the Earthshot Prize ceremony (funded by Earthshot). Seven of the 27 royal trips listed in the report were carried out by the Princess Royal, four were undertaken by the King, and four involved the King and Queen together. Three trips were carried out by the Prince of Wales, with a further three by the Prince and Princess of Wales together. Two trips involved the Duke of Edinburgh, one the Duchess of Edinburgh, one the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh together and one the Duke of Kent. The Queen appears by herself just once on the list, for the solo trip she made to the Isle of Man and Belfast in March 2024.

Housekeeping and hospitality came in at 2.6 million, up from 2.4 million last year.

But overall expenditure fell by 17% or 18.4 million from 107.5 million in 2022/23 to 89.1 million, with the Palace putting the change mostly due to an anticipated decrease in expenditure on the Palace renovation program in 2023-24.

The report also showed 600,000 from the Sovereign Grant was spent on the coronation and events surrounding it last year, with the total cost to the Sovereign Grant overall coming to 800,000.

( PA Wire )

The figure covered internal costs such as staffing, Palace receptions, plus any furnishings or costumes which be reused later on, including the readjusting of the Imperial State Crown and the King and Queens coronation robes.

Palace officials also confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs former home Frogmore Cottage remains empty and there are no new tenants.

The funding of the monarchy was switched last year from 25% to 12% of the Crown Estates net profits because of the rising income expected from the estates new offshore wind deals.

The King asked for the wind farm profits to be used for the wider public good.

If the 25% formula had continued the monarchy would have received 275 million instead in 2025/26.

Despite the percentage reduction, Crown Estate financial figures published on Wednesday showed the profits in 2023-24 were 1.1 billion, meaning the Sovereign Grant  based on funds two years in arrears  will be 132 million in 2025-26  45.7 million more than in 2024/25.

With the new formula, 143 million will be redirected for the wider good of the nation.
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Royal travel costs soared by hundreds of thousands of pounds last year despite fewer engagements due to the illness of the King and Princess of Wales, figures show.

The Sovereign Grant report revealed travel expenditure went up by 300,000 at a bill of 4.2m despite there being around 400 fewer visits and less foreign travel than the year before.

The royals managed to attend 2,327 events, down from 2,710 the previous year, with the King and Queen undertaking 665 official engagements between them.

There were 27 separate journeys by royal family members listed in the official report for 2023/24 where travel costs were at least 17,000, only eight of which involved the King.

This included the most expensive trip in the 12 months to March 2024, the five-day state visit by the King and Queen to Kenya in October and November 2023, which had travel costs totalling 166,557.

The most expensive trip was the five-day state visit by the King and Queen to Kenya in October and November last year ( PA )

Sir Michael Stevens, keeper of the privy purse, said Buckingham Palace was at the heart of so many key events during this coronation year as he reflected on that day.

It was a glorious moment in our national story and a source of unity and pride after uncertain times for many at home and abroad, he said.

Meanwhile, Wednesdays annual report revealed the royal estate was undergoing a climate-friendly makeover in the first full year of King Charles reign.

The King pushed ahead with green measures including adding solar panels to the royal estate as well as converting his pair of Bentleys to run on biofuel.

Energy efficient electric gas lamps will also be installed as part of the 16.6m spent on property maintenance projects, which saw the removal of asbestos from Buckingham Palace mews and structural repairs to Salisbury Tower.

Energy efficient electric gas lamps will also be installed as part of the 16.6m spent on property maintenance projects ( PA )

Out went the leaking lead roof and in came the Castles first solar panels  just one of a number of environmental initiatives, driven by a determination to place sustainability at the heart of our operations and inspired by His Majestys leadership in this sphere, Sir Michael said.

Sir Michael also described the new developments as small steps, but part of a much wider plan to make a significant impact on our carbon emissions in the years ahead.

A new head of sustainability was appointed by the monarch in 2023 to accelerate his net zero ambitions, while the two Bentleys will undergo refurbishment in the coming year.

The report also revealed that overall spending fell by 17 per cent to 89.1m from 107.5m, largely due to a decrease in expenditure on the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme.

The total Sovereign Grant for 2023-24, has remained static at 86.3m for the third consecutive year. This is split into a core grant of 51.8m to fund official travel, property maintenance and the operating costs with a further 34.5m being used for the continuing renovation of the palace.
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Newly elected British leader Keir Starmer faces a House of Commons milestone on Wednesday, fielding lawmakers queries at the boisterous weekly Prime Ministers Questions session.

Its the first such session since Starmers Labour Party won a landslide election victory on July 4, returning to power after 14 years. The center-left party won 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons.

Starmer is more accustomed to asking the questions after spending four years as leader of the opposition to a Conservative government. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak now fills that role as leader of the defeated Conservative Party.

Labour won a landslide election victory on July 4 on a promise to get the U.K.s sluggish economy growing, unleash a wave of housebuilding and green energy projects and patch the countrys frayed public services.

Labours large majority means Starmer should easily be able to pass legislation. But he has already had to quell a rebellion, suspending seven Labour lawmakers for voting against the party over social welfare.

The government is under pressure from anti-poverty groups and many Labour lawmakers to scrap a policy introduced by the Conservatives that limits a widely paid welfare benefit and tax credit to a familys first two children. The new government says it cant afford to immediately abolish the two-child cap.

On Tuesday night, seven Labour lawmakers on the left of the party sided with an opposition call to scrap the limit. The party said the seven, who include former deputy leader John McDonnell, had been suspended from Labours parliamentary caucus for at least six months. They will remain lawmakers, but will sit as independents.

Zarah Sultana, one of the suspended legislators, said she had slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country."

"It is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it, she told broadcaster ITV.
The Bibby Stockholm barge, which came to symbolise the failure of Tory policy on tackling the small boats, is to be shut down by the new Labour government.

The contract for the boat, on which asylum seeker Leonard Farruku was found dead in a suspected suicide last year, will not be renewed when it ends in January.

The announcement came on a day when 12 damning reports by the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed the depth of the chaos left behind by Rishi Sunaks Tory government with billions wasted and systematic failures across departments.

Auditors have uncovered billions in taxpayers money wasted or misspent in services ranging from fixing potholes, the funding of HS2, management of the NHS, schools and tackling chronic homelessness.

Among the highlights in the 12 NAO reports were:

9.2bn spent on reducing the classroom attainment gap for disadvantaged children only for it to get wider

100m spent to undo the work on the now cancelled legs of HS2 which had already gone 6bn over budget

Up to 1.6bn a year spent on fixing potholes with a lack of information on where and how the money was being spent

Mismanagement of the NHS means that it will have a shortfall in funding of tens of billions by the end of this parliament

1.6bn was spent by councils in just one year on temporary accommodation for people who are homeless

A lack of a central coordinated approach in setting up compensation schemes for issues like the Post Office/Horizon and infected blood scandals

Ellie Reeves, Labour Party chair, said: These reports lift the lid on the chaos left by the Conservatives. From axed projects, eye-watering waste of taxpayers cash, and unprecedented challenges left in our NHS, this is the inheritance the Tories have left after 14 years in power. And it is down to this Labour government to pick up the pieces.

But a Tory spokesperson said: Of far greater concern is Labours refusal to commit to 30bn of vital transport investment across the north and midlands. This is going to boost connectivity and economic growth across the region and scrapping it wasnt included in their manifesto.

The Bibby Stockholm contract announcement forms part of Labours plan to make 7.7bn of savings in asylum costs over the next decade. Extending the contract for a holding centre which had been dubbed inhumane would have cost another 20m.

Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, said the Home Office has set in motion plans to save money on accommodation which is running up vast bills for the taxpayer.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday set out plans to clear the asylum backlog, something the department said would save billions of pounds after she also revealed that the government had wasted 700m on the Rwanda deportation scheme.

A view of the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port in Dorset (Matt Keeble/PA) ( PA Wire )

The Home Office disclosed last year that the barge, moored in Dorset, is costing taxpayers 41,000 a day, equivalent to 205 per person. This is more than the estimated 140 per night for a stay in a hotel.

The three-storey barge, which has capacity to house 500 people, has been used to house male asylum seekers aged 18-65 since August 2023.

Lloyd Hatton, MP for South Dorset, dubbed the barge, which was commissioned by former home secretary Suella Braverman, an unworkable, expensive and ineffective gimmick, accusing the previous government of having failed to listen to concerns from the local community.

Mr Hatton added: I will now spend every day making sure that the closure of the barge happens in an orderly fashion. We must not forget that the previous Conservative government landed our community with the barge.

The previous [government and] Tory MP failed to properly listen to our concerns from the get-go. This is the difference a Labour MP working hand-in-hand with a Labour government can make.

Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, said the Home Office has set in motion plans to save money on accommodation ( PA )

Dame Angela said: We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly; and ensures the rules are properly enforced.

Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais said: The Bibby Stockholm became the physical symbol for the last governments inhumane treatment of people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

The despair and suffering the barge has caused will live long in the people who were residents of it. Nor will not renewing the contract bring back Leonard Farruku, whose family have lost their loved one forever.

The barge was just one aspect of the previous governments policies to come under the microscope yesterday.

One NAO report warned: The scale of challenge facing the NHS today and foreseeable in the years ahead is unprecedented.

Another noted: Dealing with homelessness is creating unsustainable financial pressure for some local authorities.

On HS2 it warned that the government and delivery company need to agree a realistic budget to deliver them, and re-establish control so that risks and costs can be managed effectively and benefits delivered for both passengers and taxpayers.

On potholes the NAO said: At present Department for Transport (DfT) does not have a good enough understanding of the condition of local roads, and does not use the limited data it does have to allocate its funding as effectively as possible.

Edmund King, AA president, said: The NAO report is a damning indictment of the state of Englands local roads and their upkeep.

Elaine Kelly, head of economics research at the Health Foundation, said: The NAO report paints a picture of systemic failures and inefficient decision making  including low spending growth, chronic under-investment in capital, and a culture of agreeing to unrealistic targets. For patients, this has contributed to longer waits and reduced satisfaction with the health service.
Sir Keir Starmers government is pressing ahead with plans to reset Britains global relations and repair the harms of Brexit, announcing a landmark security pact with Germany and the reopening of trade and defence talks with India.

Foreign secretary David Lammy is in Delhi to revive negotiations that foundered under the Tories, while Rachel Reeves is heading to Brazil for her first G20 summit as chancellor, and on Wednesday, defence secretary John Healey signed a joint defence declaration in Berlin, hailing it as a step towards a deep new relationship between Britain and Germany.

But critics have warned that the prime minister needs to go much further and use the deal with Germany as a springboard for the UK to integrate its military with EU forces.

Mr Healey said the agreement shows that the government is getting on with the job and resetting our relationships with Britains European allies.

John Healey hailed the signing of a new security pact between Britain and Germany as the first step towards a deep new defence relationship between the two countries ( PA )

Defence ministers agreed on a number of priorities for tighter cooperation as part of the new accord, recognising the need to collaborate more closely to defend our shared values, according to the Ministry of Defence.

These include strengthening UK and German defence industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving the efficiency of joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as the cyber domain and supporting Ukraine.

It comes as Britain pushes towards renegotiating its Brexit deal with the EU on trade and cooperation, while European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has been tasked with agreeing a new security pact with the whole of the European Union. Talks on the latter began at the Nato conference in Washington DC, with the support of US president Joe Biden.

Sir Keir has insisted that, while the UK is open to integrating further with the EUs joint military structure, his intention is that Britains armed forces will remain separate from those of the bloc.

But with concerns over the impact of a potential Donald Trump presidency on Nato, former Liberal Democrat armed forces minister Sir Nick Harvey  now chief executive of all-party pro-EU pressure group the European Movement  urged the prime minister to go further.

Nato states in Europe are rearming, he said. If the UK is a bystander to this, Europe will miss a historic opportunity to connect its soft power with hard power in a world where one is nothing without the other. Europe-wide scale is the realistic way for countries both to achieve Nato financial goals and to improve military efficiency and effectiveness in Europe.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has insisted that Britains military will remain a standalone entity ( PA )

He pointed out that successive governments have cut Britains military footprint, and that the army is at its smallest since the Napoleonic wars. Sharing costs with EU allies is the best way to make up for these shortfalls, Sir Nick said.

At the start of his two-day visit to India, Mr Lammy said: Our free trade agreement negotiations are the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security.

I am travelling to India in my first month as foreign secretary because resetting our relationship with the global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.

Mr Lammy will seek to rally support for stronger action on the climate crisis, and will discuss Indian-led global initiatives to build access to clean power and climate resilience in the global South and in small island states.

He will also meet business leaders during a visit to Indias third-largest technology company.

A trade deal with India could grant more favourable access for British companies to a market of 1.4 billion people.

But it comes with some question marks over the treatment of Muslims by Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government, and his decision to maintain close ties with Russia despite the invasion of Ukraine, including a public embrace with Vladimir Putin during a trip to Moscow earlier this month.
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James Cleverly will become the first Tory to throw their hat in the ring and replace Rishi Sunak in what promises to be a fierce leadership battle.

The former home secretary said he could unite the Conservative Party and overturn Starmers loveless landslide as he blew the race wide open with an emotional pitch featuring clips of home video of his childhood growing up in south London.

In a post on social media, the shadow minister said he was running to restore the confidence of the British people in us as a party and re-establish our reputation as a party that helps grow the economy, helps people achieve their goals, their dreams and their aspirations.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, he said: Over the next parliament, we must not descend into the infighting, navel-gazing and the internecine manoeuvrings at Westminster that plagued us in government.

In opposition we must be unified and disciplined, resolute in the job of holding the Labour Party to account on their promises.

For updates on the Tory leadership race - visit our live blog by clicking here

James Cleverly has declared his candidacy in the race to replace Rishi Sunak ( PA Wire )

Jostling is under way to replace Mr Sunak as the Tories attempt to rebuild in opposition after their general election mauling.

Former home secretary Suella Braverman is widely expected to launch a bid to lead the party from the right and has warned the Tories must not become a collection of fanatical, irrelevant, centrist cranks.

Earlier on Tuesday, she used a slot guest-hosting a radio programme to argue that we had quite a centrist Conservative agenda and that identity politics got out of control under Mr Sunak.

We need to be a party thats firm and credible on immigration, she told LBC listeners.

Braverman was a guest presenter on LBC radios mid-morning programme yesterday ( PA Wire )

We need to give some hope to the British people on taxation, robust on security and defence, and a real champion for common-sense British values. None of this divisive identity politics and woke nonsense. It really frustrates me that that has happened on our watch.

Ms Braverman dodged a callers question on whether she would run for leader.

The partys last contested leadership selection, in mid-2022, saw members choose Liz Truss over Mr Sunak. Ms Truss resigned after just 49 days in office when her tax-cutting plans rocked the financial markets and battered the value of the pound. The party then chose Mr Sunak to replace her.

In the wake of its devastating election defeat, which saw it lose votes to parties on both right and left, the party is divided between moderates who want to cleave to the political center and hardliners who want an even tougher stance on migration and law and order.

Several Tory lawmakers have already suggested they will run, including Tom Tugendhat, formerimmigration minister Robert Jenrick and ex-businesssecretary Kemi Badenoch from the right of the party.

Under plans drawn up by the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs and the party board, the Tories will elect their new leader on 2 November.

Mr Sunak, who will remain acting leader until a successor is appointed, has given his backing to the plans and said a smooth and orderly transition is in the national interest.
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Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of authoritarian control-freakery after suspending seven LabourMPs for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

The prime minister removed the whip from long-standing figures including former shadow chancellor John McDonnell after they rebelled against the government to back an SNP-led amendment to scrap the policy.

As backlash against the Labour leader grows, a member of the partys governing national executive committee said the move does not benefit him, the party or anyone in the long-run.

But a political spokesperson from Downing Street confirmed today that the action had been taken  because they rebelled against the Kings speech - the partys programme for government - which is a serious matter.

The spokesperson denied that the move would set a precedent for all rebellions and Downing Street confirmed that lifting the cap is something a review into child poverty will be able to consider.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces his first PMQs since the election on Wednesday (Carl Court/PA) ( PA Wire )

Asked if there were conditions on the rebels being allowed back into the party, the spokesperson said: That is a matter for the chief whip.

But it was also confirmed that the prime minister was consulted about the decision to kick the rebels out and agreed with it.

Left-winger Mish Rahman told Times Radio: Keir Starmer thinks this is showing he is a strong leader, but really it is complete control-freakery and authoritarianism.

I do not think it is the right thing to do because everybody in the Labour Party, including Keir Starmer, will criticise that cap.

It shows why politicians will say one thing and do another, which leads to a rise in the mistrust of politicians, when people say we hate this, we want to get rid of it, but when it comes to voting for it, they dont.

The rebellion came as the i newspaper revealed that Sir Keirs new adviser on children and young people has repeatedly called for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped.

New No10 adviser Rachel Statham  formerly the associate director at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) for work and welfare state  has also previously criticised the policy, including describing the cap as punitive and calling on the former Conservative government to end it, the paper reported.

The two-child benefit cap, imposed by Tory former chancellor George Osborne, prevents parents from claiming benefits for any third or subsequent child born after April 2017.

Sir Keir has previously called for the policy to be scrapped, but has since said Labour cannot fund the move and will not promise to do so until it can say how the change would be paid for. He and chancellor Rachel Reeves have faced mounting calls from backbench Labour MPs and campaigners to remove the limit, which would bring 300,000 children people out of poverty and 700,000 more out of deep poverty, according to the Child Poverty Action Group.

Zarah Sultana lost the Labour whip over the rebellion ( ITV )

In the first rebellion Sir Keir has faced since becoming prime minister, seven MPs backed an SNP-led amendment to his Kings Speech to scrap the cap.

As a result, Mr McDonnell, former leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey, Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain and Zarah Sultana have been suspended from the parliamentary party.

Ms Sultana said she did not know she would be suspended from the party if she rebelled, but that she would have done so anyway.

It is really important to use every opportunity in parliament to make the case that the two-child cap has to be scrapped, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

She added: This is something that many people even in the Labour Party believe is important to do, that is why I voted that day.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has had the whip suspended ( Getty Images )

If scrapping the cap is not an urgent priority for a Labour government, you have to question what is every day it is in place, hundreds of thousands of children are enduring unnecessary poverty. She also told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country and it is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it.

Union leaders have issued a stark warning to Sir Keir Starmer over his treatment of seven leftwing MPs over the two child benefit cap vote.

TUC president and Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: 1.6 million children are affected by the two child cap, and 300,000 children live in poverty as a result of it. The UK is a rich country with ample resources for everyone to live a decent life.

The seven MPs who voted to scrap the cap spoke for millions of trade union members and many Labour Party members. Keir Starmer must restore the whip to them immediately.

Meanwhile the general secretary of Labour-affiliated train drivers union Aslef said Labour has such a big majority that you should be able to have voices in a broad church saying they disagree with you.

Mick Whelan told Radio 4: I fully support those seven MPs on the basis that I think the two-child cap is torturous and should be removed.

I think it will be the intention eventually, the problem for any new government is that you cannot do anything overnight I believe it should [go], child poverty costs us 36bn a year in the UK, surely getting people out of child poverty is worthwhile and would reduce that cost at some point.

Sir Keir indicated this week that Labour is considering scrapping the cap after education secretary Bridget Phillipson said it would be looked at as one of a number of ways to lift children out of poverty.

Ms Phillipson told Sky News: Too many young people in our country are growing up in poverty. That number increased massively under the Conservatives.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said Labour will look at scrapping the cap as part of a range of measures ( PA Wire )

There are a range of measures that we will need to consider in terms of how we respond to this.

On ditching the two-child benefit limit, she added: Unfortunately, its 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.

Sir Keir said there was no silver bullet to tackle child poverty but its good that were having a debate about it.

He added: If there was a silver bullet it would have been shot a very long time ago.

Instead, there was a complicated set of factors including pay, benefits, work, housing, education and health and that is why you need a strategy to deal with it.

He also acknowledged the passion of Labour MPs on the issue.
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Watch as John Healey and his Polish counterpart, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, made joint statements in Warsaw on Wednesday, 24 July.

The new defence secretary has made his first visits to France, Germany, Poland and Estonia.

His whistlestop 48-hour tour is aimed at sending a message that European security will be the governments first foreign and defence priority.

In Germany, Mr Healey signed a joint defence declaration agreeing to closer cooperation as the first step in a new UK-German defence relationship.

He said the new Labour administration is getting on with the job and resetting our relationships with allies on the Continent.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said ministers agreed on six priorities for tighter collaboration as part of the new accord, including comprehensive co-operation in the field of long-range capabilities.

Other key goals are strengthening UK and German defence industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as cyber threats, and supporting Ukraine.
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Sir Keir Starmer has suspended seven Labour MPs after they voted against the government in support of scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

The move will be seen as a show of strength by the new prime minister after he saw off the first rebellion of his premiership, by 363 votes to 103, a majority of 260.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, ex-business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain and Zarah Sultana have been suspended from the parliamentary party.

The cap, introduced in 2015 by then-Conservative chancellor George Osborne, restricts child welfare payments to the first two children born to most families.

More than 40 Labour MPs recorded no vote, with some of those listed spotted in the chamber throughout the day but then not voting, while others had permission to miss the vote.

Ahead of the vote, Sir Keir said there is no silver bullet to end child poverty but acknowledged the passion of MPs who were considering opposing the continuation of the Tory measure.

The Independent has put together this map below, where readers can see how their MP voted on the amendment.

In a bid to head off a larger revolt on the issue, ministers had said on Monday that they would consider ditching the cruel policy.

But, just hours before the vote, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall said the government had to do the sums before it could commit to abolishing the limit.

Charities, unions and figures such as former home secretary Suella Braverman have urged the new PM to dump the cap, brought in nearly a decade ago as one of George Osbornes austerity measures. It currently affects 1.6 million children.

Zara Sultana said she did not know she would be suspended from the party if she rebelled but that she would have done so anyway.

It is really important to use every opportunity in parliament to make the case that the two-child cap has to be scrapped, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

She added: This is something that many people even in the Labour Party believe is important to do, that is why I voted that day.

If scrapping the cap is not an urgent priority for a Labour government, you have to question what is every day it is in place, hundreds of thousands of children are enduring unnecessary poverty.
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Keir Starmer has suspended seven Labour MPs from the party after he faced an early rebellion supporting an amendment to the Kings Speech in favour of scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

The government has so far resisted calls to lift the cap, which has been described by campaigners as cruel.

Given his massive majority, the prime minister was able to comfortably see off the rebellion with the amendment failing by 363 votes to 103  a majority of 260 for Labour.

For the latest political news, follow The Independents live coverage

But his decision has divided the party, in an episode that will be seen as damaging to the new prime minister. The seven MPs suspended by Sir Keir are all on Labours left, and the move could stoke factional tensions which have gripped the party throughout his tenure as leader.

Speaking before the vote, now-independent MP Jeremy Corbyn said to Labour MPs stick to your principles, stand up for what you know is right, and be a voice for the kinder society your constituents deserve.

The prime minister enforced a hardline whip on Labour MPs. This means they were threatened with suspension from the party for voting for the amendment, which was tabled by the SNP.

Despite this, 42 Labour MPs abstained from voting alongside the seven that voted in favour. Their suspensions will now last for six months.

Here are the seven Labour MPs that have been suspended by Sir Keir:

John McDonnell

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell is among the seven MPs suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party ( PA Archive )

Veteran MP John McDonnell has represented Hayes and Harlington since 1997. He has long been a stalwart figurehead of the Labour left, often voting against the party as a backbench member.

He is a close ally and friend of Jeremy Corbyn, and was shadow chancellor from 2015 to 2020 under the leadership of the now-independent MP. He has run for leader twice, in 2007 and 2010.

In 2023, Mr McDonnell accused Sir Keirs Labour allies of being drunk with power, and undertaking a factional purge of left-wing members.

Before the vote, Mr McDonnell said: I dont like voting for other parties amendments but Im following Keir Starmers example as he said put country before party.

Richard Burgon

Keir Starmer, Richard Burgon, and Diane Abbott (L-R) ( PA )

Richard Burgon has represented Leeds East since 2015. Now a backbencher, he served in several shadow cabinet positions under former leader Jeremy Corbyn from 2016 to 2020.

He is a staunch trade unionist, acting as secretary of the GMB Parliamentary Group. He holds the same position in the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, and is vice president of Labour CND.

Before entering politics, he worked as a solicitor specialising in employment law, working on tribunal cases in Leeds.

Writing on Twitter/X after his suspension, Mr Burgon said he was disappointed by the decision.

As an MP in an area where 45% of children live in poverty, one of the highest in the country, I simply believe that this strategy must include scrapping this measure, he wrote. Every child poverty expert says this is a key way of lifting children out of poverty and I encourage the new Government to come forward with a plan on this alongside its other initiatives.

Rebecca Long-Bailey

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP was previously sacked by Sir Keir ( PA Archive )

Rebecca Long-Bailey has represented Salford since 2015 (previously Salford and Eccles). She served in several positions in the shadow cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn, running for Labour leader in 2020.

Ms Long-Bailey came second place in the leadership election to Sir Keir, receiving 27.6 per cent of the vote share to his 56.2 per cent.

She was then appointed shadow education secretary by Sir Keir, clashing with the new leader on the governments plan to reopen schools during the Covid pandemic.

Just over two months later, the Manchester MP was sacked by Sir Keir after sharing an article by actress Maxine Peake which contained misinformation about the Israeli secret service.

Speaking after her suspension she said: I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision.

Ms Long-Bailey has not yet commented on her suspension.

Apsana Begum

Aspana Begum ( Getty Images )

Aspana Begum has represented Poplar and Limehouse since 2019. She is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and the UKs first MP to wear a hijab.

She has been outspoken about racism against Muslims during her parliamentary career, saying in 2020 that Labour has been in denial about Islamophobia.

The East London MP has also expressed her support for Palestinian independence and an end to UK arms sales to Israel. She is a member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East.

Writing on Twitter/X after her suspension, she said: I voted against the two-child benefit cap which has contributed to rising and deepening levels of child poverty and food insecurity for many East End families.

I have now been informed that I have had the whip withdrawn.

Imran Hussain

Imran Hussain ( UK Parliament )

Imran Hussain has represented Bradford East since 2015. He is a qualified barrister and worked as a councillor for over ten years before beginning his parliamentary career.

He held several shadow cabinet positions under previous leader Jeremy Corbyn, whom he backed in 2015. When Sir Keir became leader in 2020, Mr Hussain was appointed shadow minister for employment rights, and in 2023, for the New Deal for Working People.

In November 2023, he resigned from Labours shadow cabinet over the leaders refusal to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Speaking on Twitter/X after his suspension, Mr Hussain said: I am disappointed to have had the whip suspended over this vote.

But it was important for me to stand up for my constituents who are amongst the worst affected by a policy that every organisation fighting child poverty has urged the Government to scrap.

The two-child limit is one of the biggest factors driving the soaring child poverty rate that sees almost half of all children in Bradford East living in homes that are unable to make ends meet.

Ian Byrne

Ian Byrne ( UK Parliament )

Ian Byrne has represented Liverpool West Derby since 2019. He grew up in the Merseyside city, previously working as a taxi driver and later a trade union organiser.

At age 16, he was present at the Hillsborough disaster which saw 97 Liverpool fans lose their lives. While he was unhurt, his father sustained serious injuries.

Mr Byrne has been a vocal campaigner on the issue of food poverty during his time in parliament, seeking a right to food to be written into UK law in 2020. He backed Mr Corbyn for leader in 2015, and Ms Long-Bailey in 2020.

Writing on Twitter/X after his suspension, the Liverpool MP shared statistics which show that 43 per cent of children in his constituency live in poverty, adding: Experts say that the best way to immediately impact this is to scrap the two-child cap.

This is why this evening I voted for the #KingsSpeech amendment to scrap the cap.

Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana said she was glad she voted against ( Peter Nicholls/Getty Image )

Zarah Sultana has represented Coventry South since 2019. Despite her short time in parliament, she has fast become a figurehead of the Labour left, and currently chairs the Socialist Campaign Group.

She was appointed shadow secretary for international development in January 2020, but was removed from the position when Sir Keir became leader in the April.

During her time in parliament, the 30-year-old has been an outspoken advocate of free school meals, combatting violence against women and girls, and Palestinian independence.

She currently has the highest number of TikTok followers of any MP at 446,000. This is alongside 356,000 Twitter followers and 325,000 Instagram followers.

Speaking after her suspension, Ms Sultana said: I slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country and it is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it.
Keir Starmer continues to insist that a Labour government is not going to seek to rejoin the single market or a customs union with the EU. An implication is that Britain will continue to make its own independent trade policy, and that it will continue to negotiate bilateral trade deals with other countries.

Which means that the prime minister  and David Lammy, the foreign secretary, and Jonathan Reynolds, the business and trade secretary  are just as keen as their Conservative predecessors were to strike deals. This would enable them to claim to be delivering on their promise to Make Brexit Work.

Which countries are top of Labours list?

Lammy is in India, where he is pushing for a reset and relaunch of the UK-India partnership including through a free trade agreement that will benefit both economies.

If this sounds familiar, it is because an India trade deal was one of many examples of Boris Johnsons boosterism, in which his optimism about what was possible, and how quickly it was possible, outran the long grind of sector-by-sector negotiations. He promised a deal by Diwali, but by the time Diwali took place in October 2022, he had already been replaced by Liz Truss.

Truss, who as Johnsons foreign secretary had done some of the high-level negotiating, hoped to secure the deal as prime minister, but even before she ran out of time she had clashed with Suella Braverman, her home secretary, who refused to agree to grant the number of visas to Indian workers sought by Narendra Modis government.

Rishi Sunak took up the baton, and handed it to Kemi Badenoch, his business and trade secretary, hoping to have a deal agreed by the end of 2023. Now it is Labours turn.

Which other countries are possible?

Starmer is understood to believe that he could secure a deal with the US. Again, if so, he would be succeeding where Johnson, for all his Brexit bluster, failed, and where slow progress was made by both Truss and Sunak. A meaningful deal with the US would be a hugely complex undertaking, but the prime minister thinks he can negotiate a low-calorie deal that could be sold as a significant improvement on the status quo.

A lot depends on who wins the US election in November, as Donald Trump is unlikely to expend any political capital on a deal with an anti-Brexit prime minister, who would be assumed to be anti-Trump. But even if Kamala Harris becomes president, the passage of trade deals through US Congress is notoriously arduous and time-consuming.

What about a better deal with the EU?

Of course, Britains most important trade deal is with the EU: the trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) that was signed by Johnson. It contains a clause requiring it to be reviewed from May 2026, but analysts at the think tank UK in a Changing Europe say that this will merely be what the two parties decide to make of it. So it is possible that Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UKs new minister for European relations, could ask for talks about improving the TCA before then.

The EU has shown no interest in reopening the TCA, although Sunak did persuade it to amend the Northern Ireland protocol of the Brexit withdrawal agreement  the treaty that paved the way for the TCA  in order to ease problems with the Irish border.

So far, most attention has been focused on fairly minor issues such as a possible veterinary agreement and ways to simplify border checks, the full implementation of which has been repeatedly postponed ever since the UK left the EU in January 2020.
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Pressure is mounting on the Labour government to rethink its policy on smartphones for under-16s, after a new survey of 10,000 parents saw more than half say they wish they had waited longer before handing the devices to their children.

Experts have warned that solutions are needed, as three-quarters of respondents admitted they fear smartphones expose their children to internet dangers.

The previous Conservative government promised to ban mobile phones from schools and was considering a ban on selling smartphones to under-16s.

Sunaks government was also looking at raising the minimum age for social media accounts ( Getty Images )

Rishi Sunaks government was also looking at raising the minimum age for social media accounts.

While Sir Keir Starmer said he plans to put in place better protections for children, he dismissed Tory proposals as impractical.

Earlier this month, he told LBC: In relation to simply banning phones for under 16s, I dont think thats a good idea. I dont think thats a practical way forward.

But I do think I will sit down with anyone to look at how well put in place better protections because all parents and everybody across the country is concerned about what can actually be accessed on a phone.

New research commissioned by HMD (Human Mobile Devices) found that 11 is the average age when a parent hands over a smartphone to their child for the first time  but many confessed they wished they had waited longer.

The survey of 10,000 parents in the UK, US, India, Germany and Australia found more than half of those questioned said they regret exposing their child to a smartphone at such a young age.

A third of parents who responded cited the negative effects of the device and changes in personality as the key reasons for this.

While Sir Keir Starmer said he plans to put in place better protections for children, he dismissed the Tory proposals as impractical ( PA Wire )

Some 55 per cent of respondents admitted that their childs phone use is a source of big arguments and a third have criedover their childs phone obsession.

Meanwhile, a staggering 70 per cent of respondents admitted their smartphone-free childhood meant they engaged more with their family.

Dr Becky Foljambe, founder of Health Professionals for Safer Screens, said solutions are urgently needed.

Meanwhile, Alison Winsborough, an assistant principal at a school in Dorset, said she thinks parents should have more control over their childrens phone usage.

She said: It is a shame to see children cant just live their lives, for example they cant be on the beach without letting the world know where they are online. Or you see girls who have been influenced to have their hair in a certain way, for example, because theyve seen it online. Children have to be validated by their life online.

Smartphones are a source of arguments because of the way in which messages can be construed and the potential for antagonism which wouldnt happen when youre talking face-to-face.

She added: I would like things to go back to being simpler and for parents to have more control.

This follows a report from the Education Select Committee, published in May, which urged the next government to consider banning smartphones for under-16s within its first year.

The committee report outlined some of the serious dangers posed to children online, warning that the risks of screen time for young people significantly outweighed the benefits.

Committee chairman Robin Walker said its inquiry had heard shocking statistics on the extent of the damage being done to under-18s.

HMD is co-creating a new phone alongside parents to tackle the impact of smartphone use and social media on the wellbeing of children and Generation Z and create the choice needed to find balance

Commenting on the project, Foljambe said: Exploring the depth and breadth of emotion alongside the need for solutions (when 38 per cent parents are feeling there are no solutions according to the research results), makes this a very meaningful and impactful initiative by HMD.

My feelings reading this research is that it goes some way to de-stigmatising parents, and releasing the ill placed blame that seems to be being piled on parents to police and supervise these devices at home and be across all technological advances to protect children, when the reality is the technology to protect these children could be improved.

Solutions are urgently needed and we commend HMD for exploring these in a pragmatic and honest way.

The survey, conducted in July 2024, spoke to 10,092 parents across the UK, US, India, Germany and Australia.

A Government spokesperson said: Creating a safer online world is a priority and ensuring the Online Safety Act is implemented is an important part of this work.

Ofcom has set out the steps companies will have to take to protect children on their platforms under the Online Safety Act, including using highly effective age checks and altering their algorithms to filter out harmful content.
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Keir Starmer has dropped Rishi Sunaks plans to challenge the International Criminal Courts (ICC) application for an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu.

The previous Conservative government had suggested the ICC was overreaching its powers.

But No 10 has now confirmed that, under Labour, no objection will be submitted.

The matter was one for the court to decide, Downing Street said.

An Israeli soldier jumps from the top of a tank in an area near the Israeli-Gaza border ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In May, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his defence minister Yoav Gallant over Israels war in Gaza.

It marked the first time in ICC history that a sitting head of state and a sitting defence minister of a country supported by other powerful Western states, including the UK and US, faced arrest warrants, international law experts told The Independent.

It came weeks after even Israels staunchest allies called for restraint in its war in the enclave, particularly around the invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians fled to avoid being caught up in the earlier stages of the war.

The charges against Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant, both members of Israels war cabinet, include starvation of civilians as a method of warfare  intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population  wilfully causing great suffering  persecution as a crime against humanity  [and] extermination and/or murder.

The UK had until Friday to decide whether or not to lodge objections.

Since winning the election, Labour has restored funding to the United Nations Palestine relief agency UNRWA - a major shift from Mr Sunaks administration which suspended payments in January.

Sir Keir has also stressed that a Palestinian state has an "undeniable right" to be recognised as part of a Middle East peace process.

But the conflict in Gaza has been a thorn in the Labour leaders side since it erupted last October.

His initial refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire was seen to cost the party votes and seats at the election.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly ( ABIR SULTAN/AFP/Getty Images )

Former frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth was one of several Labour candidates defeated by independents who made Gaza a major part of their campaign.

Commenting on the decision, a No 10 spokeswoman said: This was a proposal by the previous government which was not submitted before the election, and which I can confirm the government will not be pursuing in line with our long-standing position that this is a matter for the court to decide on.

She said the government believes strongly in the separation of powers and the rule of law domestically and internationally.

"I think you would note that the courts have already received a number of submissions on either side, so they are well seized of the arguments to make their independent determinations," she added.

Mr Netanyahu responded angrily to the ICC prosecutors statement, saying Israelis were being painted as mass murderers and accusing Mr Khan of callously pouring gasoline on the fires of antisemitism that are raging across the world.

At the same time, Israels staunchest ally, the US, expressed its shock at the application. President Joe Biden called it outrageous, sadding: And let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence  none  between Israel and Hamas.

Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, said: This was a totally misguided intervention by the last government and we strongly welcome the decision to drop it.

Instead of trying to thwart the ICCs much-needed Palestine investigation, the UK should be backing efforts to bring all perpetrators of war crimes and possible genocide to justice.

The UKs standing as a genuine supporter of the rule of law requires consistency and even-handedness - if war crimes are wrong when carried out by Russian forces in unlawfully-occupied Ukraine, then theyre equally wrong when carried out by Israeli forces in unlawfully-occupied Palestinian territory.
 Close Tom Tugendhat joins race for Tory party leadership

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Robert Jenrick is the third Tory MP to announce his bid to become the next leader of the Conservative party after Tom Tugendhat submitted his papers.

The two contenders will challenge James Cleverly and other MPs hoping to replace the outgoing Rishi Sunak after the election defeat.

Mr Tugendhat, seen as a candidate from the moderate wing of the party, indicated he would be prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if needed to regain control of UK borders.

Shadow home secretary Mr Cleverly is currently leading the leadership race with three endorsements from Tory MPs, including Gagan Mohindra, Peter Fortune and Simon Hoare.

Kemi Badenoch could be throwing her hat in the ring soon after her leadership website was spotted under maintenance.

Other former cabinet ministers expected to announce their bids include Priti Patel, Mel Stride and Suella Braverman.

The Conservative Party will appoint a new leader on 2 November and contenders have until Monday to win the support of the 10 MPs they need to make it onto the ballot paper.
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A juror from Alec Baldwins dismissed involuntary manslaughter trial believes prosecutors went after the actor because hes a celebrity.

I feel like they needed to pin [the death] on somebody, Martina Marquez, 36, of New Mexico, and juror No. 1 from the trial, told People magazine.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case against Baldwin on July 12 after the defense team claimed that prosecutors withheld evidence. Baldwin could be seen crying in the courtroom after she announced the decision. He was facing an 18-month prison sentence if convicted.

The charges were brought against the 66-year-old after a prop gun he was holding on the set of Rust in 2021 went off. A live bullet hit cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, killing her, and injuring director Joel Souza.

Baldwin has previously said he did not pull the trigger or know why the gun contained live ammunition. The movies armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is currently serving 18 months in prison after she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for accidentally loading the gun with live ammo.

Marquez said she had her doubts about the trial from the start. It didnt make sense, she told the magazine. Marquez says she came to her verdict based on the number of people on set the day of the incident.

We all watch TV and we watch movies. Youre not supposed to really touch evidence and move it from place to place. So that made me iffy about the situation because it could have been in so many peoples hands by the time the lieutenant actually confiscated it.

Actor Alec Baldwin attends his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie Rust 12 July 2024. A juror said she had doubt about the dismissed case from the start ( AP )

Additionally, body camera footage from Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office Lieutenant Timoteo Benavidez, which was played in court, showed that the weapon was handed to him by Gutierrez-Reed.

The indictment charge seemed a bit harsh, Marquez said. Just starting from the lapel cam videos, it didnt make sense how they could point fingers directly toward him as a whole.

In Marquezs opinion, Gutierrez-Reed was liable for what happened.

It didnt need to go this far. And it did seem pointless, she said of the three-day trial, adding that she believes other jurors felt the same.

The New York Times recently interviewed two other jurors who felt similarly about the case.

The day before the judge dismissed the case, testimony from crime scene technician Marissa Poppell found that a friend of Gutierrez-Reeds father, Troy Teske, turned over ammunition to police that he believed could be connected to the case.

The defense team stated that they were not made aware of the evidence. This stopped their ability to determine if the evidence was relevant to the case.

This is critical evidence in the case that was never disclosed to us We were entitled to it, Baldwins attorney Luke Nikas said. This case should be dismissed, Your Honor.

She agreed. The late discovery of this evidence during trial has impeded the effective use of evidence in such a way that it has impacted the fundamental fairness of the proceedings.
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A Missouri woman flew into a rage after allegedly getting shorted on a fast-food order, then got behind the wheel of her car and ran down the store manager when she didnt get her dipping sauce, police say.

The unnerving incident took place at a Jack in the Box restaurant in the citys Central West End neighborhood, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in St. Louis Circuit Court .

Local Fox affiliate KTVI first reported the case .

On July 16, the affidavit says, Talanye L Carter, 41, showed up and complained about a missing single chicken strip from the order she received from the restaurant the previous Saturday evening.

In response, the manager, whose name is redacted in the affidavit, replaced the missing strip, the affidavit goes on.

However, [Carter] became unhappy with the lack of ranch dressing provided and then spit in [the managers] face, it states.

Talanye L. Carter remains detained on two counts of assault. ( St. Louis City Justice Center )

The manager then followed Carter out to the parking lot to try and get her license plate number, which set Carter off anew, according to the affidavit.

After knocking the manager with her shoulder, Carter entered her vehicle, threw it into reverse, and accelerated backward, striking [the managers] left foot and ankle and throwing her to the ground, according to the affidavit.

She then fled the scene and was arrested the next day. The managers ankle was visible [sic] swollen and bruised as a result of being ran [sic] over by [Carters] vehicle, the affidavit states.

Carter pleaded not guilty to charges of second and fourth-degree assault and remains detained pending a July 30 bond hearing.

Attacks over food orders gone wrong have taken place in numerous U.S. states. Customers have assaulted employees for charging extra for additional sauces, over delays in preparing their meals , and for serving food they apparently didnt feel was up to snuff. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, a Little Caesars worker was attacked as he was leaving for the night by two people who had ordered a pizza but showed up after the store had already closed.
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A Massachusetts mayor has been accused of bitting and assaulting her husband with a gasket scraper after he called the cops on her during an argument at their home.

Shaunna OConnell, the mayor of Taunton, appeared in court on Monday after being charged with one count of assault and battery on a family or household member and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to WCVB.

The Republican mayors husband, Ted OConnell, called police on Friday night during the argument and told authorities his wife assaulted him.

Mr OConnell stated that during their argument, his wife Shaunna had bit him on his left-forearm and then proceeded to grab a small type of crowbar/gasket cleaner and had struck him with it on his right hand/knuckle area, a police report obtained by the TV station read. The outlet also obtained a photo of the alleged weapon.

The report stated that an officer noticed an open wound on the left forearm consistent with him being bit and multiple open wounds on the knuckles.

Ted, left, and Shaunna OConnell, right, outside a Massachusetts courthouse on Monday after she was charged with assaulting her husband ( WCVB )

Mr OConnell told police his wife tried jumping onto the hood of his car when he attempted to leave the house, which caused visible dents to the vehicle.

The mayor then allegedly refused to come out of the home once police arrived. She said she did not know what had happened or what caused her husbands injuries.

A statement released by Shaunna OConnell to the outlet read: Ted and I have been married for 27 years. Like all couples, we have had challenges. Weve been working through marital issues. During an argument, Ted involved the police and regrets making that decision.

A photo of the injuries Ted OConnell said he sustained ( WCVB )

Ted OConnell reiterated that sentiment outside the courtroom.

I apologize for calling the police. I apologize to my wife and the people of Taunton. It was a huge mistake.

Shaunna OConnells next court date is scheduled for September 12. She has served as mayor since 2020. She was previously a Massachusetts state representative.
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A store clerk was arrested for theft in Tennessee after he stole a dads winning lottery ticket and tried to claim the $1m prize himself, authorities claim.

Meet Patel, 23, was charged with theft of over $250,000, according to the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office.

The real winner bought two winning Diamond and Gold scratch-off lottery tickets for $20 each at a Shell gas station in Murfreesboro, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The customer scratched off the front bar codes and asked Patel to check if they were winning tickets.

The customer did not know how much the tickets were worth, so Patel gave him a smaller prize and threw the winning tickets in the trash.

He told the man that one of the tickets had won $40. He pretended the other ticket was a loser when, in fact, it was a million-dollar winner.

Patel was seen on store surveillance footage taking the winning ticket out of the trash and putting it in his pocket.

Meet Patel was arrested and charged with theft ( Rutherford County Sheriff's Office )

Hes then seen on video celebrating in the store.

After Patel tried to claim the prize, lottery officials were suspicious and began investigating, including watching the store video.

Patel is being held on a $100,000 bond.

The rightful owner was unaware of his lottery winnings until he was contacted by Detective Lieutenant Steve Craig of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office.

"That is absolutely life-changing money," Craig told NewsChannel 5.

The father, who chose to remain anonymous, had to be convinced that the win was real.

He was very thankful, Craig said.

Patel is being held on $100,000 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
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A former Philadelphia police officer was sentenced to at least eight years in prison for fatally shooting a 12-year-old boy in the back in 2022.

Edsaul Mendoza, 28, pleaded guilty in April to third-degree murder in the shooting of Thomas TJ Siderio. He was the youngest person ever fatally shot by a Philadelphia police officer, and Mendozas sentence marks the first time an officer in the city was charged with murder for an on-duty shooting.

On March 1, 2022, the youth fired on a group of officers in an unmarked police car who were investigating a stolen firearm case, then fled. Mendoza pursued the child, who had dropped his weapon, then shot him in the back as he lay facedown on the ground, according to prosecutors.

I wish you had reacted differently, because what you did was wrong, Common Pleas Court Judge Diana Anhalt said during sentencing, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Edsaul Mendoza is the first Philadelphia police officer ever convicted of murder for an on-duty shooting ( Fox29 )

Its hard, his mother, Desirae Frame, told the paper after the sentencing. I still dont really believe it.

Prosecutors said surveillance video contradicted the former officers statements about the shooting, including that Mendoza said Siderio pointed a gun at him, and that he was standing in the street when he fired on the youth, versus standing near him on the sidewalk.

Mendoza, a five-year veteran, was fired shortly after the shooting, for what Philadelphia police was a violation of their use of force protocol.

In court, he said, The remorse of my actions is in me every single day.

After the shooting, Mendoza searched for plane tickets to other countries, and looked online for nations without an extradition treaty to the US, according to prosecutors.

Edsaul Mendoza got every benefit of the criminal justice system that he deprived TJ Siderio of by shooting TJ in the back," prosecutor Clarke Beljean said at a media briefing this week.
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An elderly Donald Trump supporter was run over by an all-terrain vehicle in Hancock, Michigan, while putting up a campaign sign in his front yard in what police say was a politically motivated incident.

The 22-year-old suspect was later found dead by police from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a statement by Houghton County Sheriffs Office.

Hancock police responded to three incidents on Sunday that all appeared to be politically motivated. In two, the suspect vandalized vehicles by smashing car windows and slashing tiers, and the third was a hit-and-run.

At 5.45pm, officers responded to reports of the suspect allegedly intentionally driving an ATV over an 80-year-old man putting up Donald Trump signs in his front yard. The elderly man was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The suspect reportedly ripped up the signs by speeding past on his ATV. When the victim tried to put the signs back, the suspect ran him over.

Were not sure what could happen  could he die from these injuries? Possible, Hancock police Chief Tami Sleeman told TV6 on Monday.

In all three cases, victims displayed political yard signs for former president Donald Trump and law enforcement appreciation flags and stickers.

On Monday, the Hancock police were contacted by a man who said he wanted to "confess a crime involving an ATV driver within the last 24 hours." The man asked police to send someone to pick me up.

Hancock police and deputies with the Houghton County Sheriffs Office arrived at the home to find the man dead in an apparent suicide.

Deputies searched and retrieved electronic devices, the ATV used in the incident and the clothing the suspect wore during the incident.
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At least five workers have been killed and two others wounded in a fiery explosion at the Jose Cuervo tequila distillery in Mexico, according to authorities.

An explosion ripped through the La Rojena factory in the city of Tequila, Jalisco, at around 4.30pm local time on Tuesday, sparking a huge fire and prompting emergency evacuations in the local area.

A statement by Civil Protection Jalisco said that the fire was likely caused by an explosion in a boiler which then spread to other containers.

The blast triggered the collapse of several 60,000 gallon tequila containers, Victor Hugo Roldan, the general director of Jaliscos Civil Protection Department, told reporters.

Fifty firefighters rushed to the scene of the fire, in addition to the firms internal civil protection team, authorities said.

The fire was contained hours later.

Jalisco authorities confirmed in a statement that five people died and two others were wounded  one seriously. The two injured were transported to a local hospital.

The identities of the victims are not yet known.

Evacuatees in the local area were able to return to their homes later on Tuesday

The fire was attended by fifty firefighters and prompted evacuations of the area ( Civil Protection Jalisco )

A photograph released by Jalisco authorities shows a damaged metallic container, crumpled after the explosion ( Proteccion Civil Jalisco )

Roldan said that authorities are now working to ensure no alcohol has spilled into the municipal drainage network as they continue to remove material and cool the site of the fire.

Meanwhile an investigation into the cause of the explosion is now underway.

The Jalisco Institute of Forensic Sciences is already here to do their expert report, he said.

A photograph released by Jalisco authorities showed a damaged metallic container, crumpled after the blast.

The popular tourist destination of Tequilla is the birthplace of bottled tequila, and lies around 375 miles northwest of Mexico City.
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After fatally shooting an unarmed Black woman who called 911 to report what she thought was a prowler outside her Illinois home, police claimed her death was in fact self-inflicted, according to the victims family and dispatch audio from the incident.

Police at first told hospital staff that Sonya Massey, 36, had died by suicide, Jimmie Crawford Jr., the father of Masseys daughter, said Tuesday at a press conference organized by civil rights attorney Ben Crump. At the same time, officers told Crawford that a neighbor had been responsible for Masseys killing, he said. Masseys son said police told him that his mother had been shot in the eye and it came out her neck.

They didnt tell me who, Malachi Hill Massey, 17, said on Tuesday. They were just saying [it was] somebody.

Massey, who Crump said had mental health issues , was shot dead nearly three weeks ago inside her Springfield home by Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson, who is white. He has since been fired and was indicted July 17 on charges of official misconduct, aggravated battery with a firearm, and first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Grayson, who has been arrested twice for DUI, worked for six different police agencies in the past four years , raising questions about his fitness for the job.

The deadly encounter between Sonya Massey and Deputy Sean Grayson began when she called 911 to report a possible intruder outside. ( Illinois State Police )

In bodycam footage captured by Graysons partner, which was released on Monday by the Illinois State Police, Grayson can be heard asking dispatch, post-shooting, if Massey has any call history for being 10-96, the departments code for a mentally ill subject. In contemporaneous radio traffic reviewed by The Independent, a police dispatcher can be heard saying, Just to confirm: self-inflicted? Following a few seconds of confused back-and-forth, an unidentified voice from the scene replies, Self-inflicted.

Graysons body camera was not activated until after the deadly shooting.

In the available video, the two deputies can be seen arriving at Masseys home in the early-morning hours of July 6 in response to her 12:49 a.m. call for service. She told the dispatcher that she was hearing strange noises outside, and that it sounded like someone was banging on the side of her house.

When Grayson and his partner arrive, they spend a few minutes searching the area, then enter the house at around 1:15 a.m. The two talk for a while with Massey, who offers to show them ID and her paperwork. A short time later, Grayson notices a pot of water on the stove in the adjacent kitchen, and instructs Massey to turn off the flame.

We dont need a fire while were here, he says.

Sonya Massey was shot in the face after calling 911 for help ( Courtesy Ben Crump Law via AP )

When Massey picks up the pot, Grayson tells her to put it down. She then says, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, to which Grayson responds by removing his gun from its holster.

You better f*****g not! Grayson shouts at Massey. I swear to God, Ill f*****g shoot you right in your f*****g face! Drop the fucking pot! Drop the fucking pot! Drop it!

Massey then apologizes twice and ducks down slightly; Grayson then yells, Drop the f*****g pot! before firing three rounds at Massey, striking her once below the eye.

We got a head-shot wounded female! Head-shot wounded female! 10-78! F***! he shouts into his police radio.

Graysons partner, who has not been identified publicly, then tells Grayson,Im gonna go get my kit.

Eh, shes done, Grayson replies. You can go get it, but thats a headshot theres nothing we can do, man.

You good? Grayson asks.

Yeah, Im good, the partner says. You?

Yeah, Im good, Grayson responds. ... You know, what else could we do? Im not taking hot, boiling water to the f*****g face.

A few minutes later, with Massey still gasping for air, as Graysons partner can be heard saying, more officers and emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene.

Wheres the gun? one says.

No, noshe came at me with boiling water, Greyson tells him.

Former Deputy Sean Grayson is now facing murder charges. ( Sangamon County Sheriff's Office )

On Monday, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell issued a statement calling Greysons decision to shoot unjustifiable and reckless.

Grayson had other options available that he should have used, Campbells statement said. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office. He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement. Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them.

President Biden also released an official statement on Monday, saying that all Americans should be able to call police for help 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, Biden said. Sonyas family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss.

The US Department of Justice has now opened its own investigation into the shooting.
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President Joe Biden is set to address the nation Wednesday night in a televised speech that will touch on his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and his plans for the remaining three and a half months of his term.

The presidents highly anticipated address arrives three days after he told Americans in a letter that he would stand down from the campaign trail amid pressure from his colleagues.

While Bidens announcement was not completely shocking, its timing is unprecedented, with roughly three months until election day. It is unclear if the president will speak about his timings impact on the election and voters.

Already, the president has spoken with some of his campaign staff calling the change surprising but Wednesday evenings address is a more formal explanation.

Heres what you need to know before watching.

What time is the address?

Bidens televised address will air at 8 p.m. ET from the Oval Office.

President Joe Biden will address the nation on Wednesday evening, for the first time since dropping out of the 2024 election ( CPSAN )

Where can I watch?

Viewers can watch the presidents speech for free online on C-SPAN or through the White Houses official website.

Those with cable subscriptions most likely can find the address on any major news network such as ABC, NBC, CNN or Fox News. For those with streaming subscriptions, services with live TV options, such as Hulu+ Live TV, can watch it there.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris arrives at campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 22, 2024 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

What is Biden going to speak about?

Biden is expected to speak about his withdrawal from the 2024 race, given he is the first president to not run for a second term since Lyndon Johnson in 1969.

The president chose to step aside after facing increasing pressure from members of his party and the media to drop out after his debate performance instilled fears that he could not defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump.

At first, Biden pushed back on the pressure. But ultimately chose to step down when more Democratic leaders privately expressed concerns, polling indicated he was falling behind Trump  all while recovering from Covid-19.

But he will also touch on what Americans can expect in the next three months, specifically what lies ahead and how he will finish the job for the American people.
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Days before he fired an AR-15-style rifle at Donald Trump, a 20-year-old gunman had Google searched the distance between former president John F Kennedy Jr and his assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

In testimony to a House Oversight Committee investigating the attack, FBI director Christopher Wray said law enforcement analysis of Thomas Matthew Crookss devices and digital footprint have not yielded anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, but it does appear fairly clear that he was interested in public figures more broadly.

On July 6, he did a Google search for How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? and so thats a search that obviously is significant in terms of his state of mind, Wray said on Wednesday.

Crooks registered to attend Trumps rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, that same day, Wray said.

The FBI director also reported that at least three explosive devices were recovered from Crookss home and car, and that Crookss gun was initially purchased by his father more than a decade ago, well before Crooks brought it from him. Crooks also likely tested the weapon at a shooting range the day before the attack.

The previously unreported details were disclosed to members of Congress as lawmakers press for answers about apparent security lapses and what fueled the attempted assassination of the former president.

The attempted assassination of the former president was an attack on our democracy, Wray said in his testimony. I recognize the congressional and public interest in this case.

FBI director Christopher Wray provides details about the investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump before the House Judiciary Committee on July 24. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The gunman  who fired several rounds during the rally on July 13, striking Trumps right ear and killing one attendee and critically injuring at least two others  visited the rally site a week before the event and spent roughly 20 minutes at the scene.

He visited again, twice, on the day of the shooting, spending about 70 minutes at the fairgrounds in the morning and then returning in the afternoon to fly a drone for roughly 20 minutes approximately 200 yards from the staging area, Wray testified.

Law enforcement officials believe he flew a drone around 3:50pm and 4pm, roughly two hours before the shooting.

Before Trump took the stage, Crooks climbed to a nearby roof outside of the security perimeter. Secret Service snipers fatally shot Crooks after he fired several rounds moments into Trumps remarks.

The rifle had a collapsible stock, which Wray said could have made it easier to conceal from anyone in the crowd.

FBI agents also recovered eight bullet cartridges from the roof, along with a transmitter for an explosive device. There were magazines and a bulletproof vest in his car, along with the drone and at least two explosive devices.

The explosive devices are relatively  again, key word, relatively  crude devices  but they did have the ability to be detonated remotely, Wray said.

At the moment, it looks to us  again, ongoing review, and I cant say that too many times  it looks like because of the on-off position on the receivers, that if he had tried to detonate those devices from the roof, it would not have worked. But that doesnt mean it wasnt dangerous, he said.

A still image from June 3, 2022, taken from video provided by the Bethel Park School District shows student Thomas Matthew Crooks during a Bethel Park High School graduation ceremony. ( AP )

Law enforcement officials have conducted more than 400 interviews as part of the investigation, including interviews with Crookss parents. Wray said they were cooperative with agents.

We have not identified any accomplices, co-conspirators or anything along those lines, Wray said. We have not seen anything so far that he acted with others.

Wray testified to the committee two days after lawmakers grilled now-former Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle, who took full responsibility for any security lapse surrounding the shooting, which she called the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.

After widespread calls from members of both parties for her resignation, Cheatle stepped down the next morning.

Secret Service deputy director Ronald L Rowe Jr has stepped in as acting director.
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For the past few days, Democrats have been euphoric. Many clearly feel like they finally have a shot at winning the presidential election, now that President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek re-election.

The president will give an Oval Office address this evening explaining his decision.

Vice President Kamala Harris has been on a blitz, swiftly earning numerous endorsements from every wing of the Democratic Party.

During Harriss first speech as a candidate for president in Milwaukee, she received a raucous applause as she laid into Project 2025.

The Trump campaign for its part has scrambled to regroup, resorting to copying and pasting their attacks against Biden onto Harris. And on Tuesday, the Trump campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission to block Harris from touching the Biden campaigns $90 million warchest.

But on Wednesday, Democrats got a snapback to reality when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to Congress.

Before the Biden bedlam, no issue had divided Democrats more than Israels military response to Hamas following the October 7 attacks. Progressives responded to the war  which has led to over 35,000 Palestinian deaths  by calling for a ceasefire and many of them voted against providing Israel additional aid in April. More than 38 Democratic members of Congress  including former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  all boycotted the Netanyahu address.

Indeed, many Democrats who otherwise support Israel have sharply criticized the Netanyahu government lately. Sara Jacobs, the youngest Jewish-American member of Congress, told The Independent why she would not be attending.

I just came from listening to hostage families who were very clear that the most important thing to get their family members back is to end the war and to get a ceasefire, she said. That's what we should all be focused on doing and I know thats something President Biden has been focused on and something Vice President Harris has been focused on as well.

Representative Kathy Manning, a pro-Israel Democrat from North Carolina, remained tight-lipped when asked if she was disappointed that some Democrats would not attend.

I'm going there because I feel strongly about the US-Israel relationship. I'm also going there to hear what he has to say about the hostages, she told The Independent.

Manning was one of a handful of Democrats who last year voted to censure Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the only Palestinian-American congresswoman, for her remarks about Gaza, which many claimed were antisemitic. It is a claim Tlaib firmly denies.

Most suspected that Tlaib would not attend Netanyahus address. But as members filed in, she showed up wearing a keffiyeh. Throughout the speech, she remained seated and periodically held up a sign saying War Criminal.

Many of the Democrats who remain in tough races for re-election in November attended the address. Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, whom prior to running for office ran a synagogue, attended, as did Senators Jon Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, both of whom hail from states that voted twice for Donald Trump.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who has been floated as a potential running mate for Harris, also attended the address and sat in the front row, smack-dab in front of the prime minister, frequently applauding.

During his address, Netanyahu not only thanked Biden, whom hes known for decades, but also thanked Donald Trump.

This mention of Trump angered Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who is Jewish and supports a ceasefire in Gaza.

I thought this was a speech for the Republican National Convention that really didn't belong in the US House of Representatives, the way I heard it, Raskin told The Independent.

Raskin represents Marylands heavily Jewish suburbs of Washington, DC and received criticism when he voted against providing aid to Israel.

But Democrats are not the only ones who are split on Israel. Throughout the address, Republicans including Representatives Matt Gaetz of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado applauded Netanyahus words, despite the fact they voted against aid to Israel in April.

I voted against aid for Hamas, thats what I voted against, Boebert told The Independent, likely referring to aid meant for Palestinians in Gaza, while still saying she supported Israel. And I was deeply saddened and embarrased that there was $6 billions to Gaza.

The seeming inconsistency shows that Republicans are willing to vote against necessary aid to Palestnians, even if it means voting against aid to a country many vaunt as the most important alliance the United States has.
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Thousands of Palestinians and critics of the Israeli war in Gaza descended on Washington DC to protest Benjamin Netanyahus congressional address on Wednesday, with US flags set alight and pepper spray deployed during clashes.

The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line, Capitol Police said X during the protest. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.

Several hundred protesters at the citys Union Station Plaza replaced US flags with Palestinian ones, and it was the site of the burning of the US flag.

The visit of Israels controversial leader on Capitol Hill drew thousands to the streets, shutting down several blocks while a smaller group led a march around the vicinity.

Though Netanyahu was speaking to Congress, it was the presidential race atop the minds of both demonstrators and speakers who delivered addresses between shouted chants of free, free Palestine!.

Pro-Palestinian protesters face police in riot gear at Union Station in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2024 during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US ( AFP via Getty Images )

Both at the main rally and a much smaller sidewalk setup organized by the Socialist Equality Party, speakers warned that Vice President Kamala Harriss ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket meant little hope for a meaningful shift in US-Israel policy either in the next few months or under a potential Harris administration.

Pro-Palestinian protesters and police clash at Union Station in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2024 during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US ( AFP via Getty Images )

However, it was in that potential Kamala Harris presidency that organizers found reason for hope  even if Harris herself remains, like Biden, an ally of Israel generally. Speakers at Wednesdays event pointed to two factors, Harriss apparent decision to avoid attending todays speech and the decision by Biden to step aside, as signs that the political pressure exerted by their movement on the Democratic Party was working. The Democrats dropping of Biden, they reasoned, was not only attributable to concerns about his age and mental faculties but also the uncommitted-vote movement which won a handful of delegates in the primary process this spring.

One speaker said it plainly: Joe Biden is not the nominee because of you, she told the cheering crowd. Kamala Harris is the nominee because of you.

Demonstrators listen to speakers at the main stage of a rally outside of Congress during Benjamin Netanyahus address to a joint session of the House and Senate on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 ( John Bowden )

But that speaker and others also pointed to Harriss private meeting with the Israeli prime minister this week as a sign that a serious shift in policy was not imminent.

A puppet depicting Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, is carried by protesters on July 24, 2024 in Washington DC as Netanyahu spoke to Congress. ( John Bowden )

A number of activists took to Twitter to make the point that Harris was just as bad as Biden when it came to US-Israel policy in an apparent attempt to head off any undue sense of victory throughout the movement. For months, the pro-Palestine left has argued that the White House has put insufficient pressure on Israel, which is the recipient of billions of dollars in US weapons and ammunition, to reach a ceasefire in Gaza or to adequately mitigate civilian casualties across the region.

Biden leaves office a disgraced war criminal but lets make no illusions about where Kamala stands on Israel:



-Regular AIPAC speaker

-Compared Selma & US Civil Rights struggle to her pro-Israel activism

-Called BDS anti-semitic

-Co-sponsored resolution against Obama in support  Abby Martin (@AbbyMartin) July 22, 2024

Spoiler alert: Kamala Harriss position on the genocide in Gaza is just as bad as Bidens. pic.twitter.com/DEiO5Kv3yC  BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) July 23, 2024

The protests remained largely peaceful, with a few outbreaks of chaos. In one instance, protesters were prevented from marching down a street by police and initiated a tug-of-war with officers over a barricade; a few were pepper-sprayed. In another moment, demonstrators took down American flags outside of Union Station and burned them, along with an effigy of Netanyahu.

BREAKING: Capitol police pepper-sprayed and tear gassed demonstrators who protesting against 10 months of genocide perpetuated by the US and war criminal Netanyahu who is speaking in front of Congress today. pic.twitter.com/u2Z5du9Z8w  Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) July 24, 2024

Biden in particular has been sharply criticized for telling a journalist that he would stop supplying weapons to Israel if the IDF went into the city of Rafah; numerous military operations have taken place in Rafah since the president made that promise, but US officials have repeatedly contended that they dont rise to the scale that would trigger a US response. Meanwhile, reports indicate that large parts of Rafah have been devastated by fighting.

Harris has one advantage on the issue of Gaza, though it is a temporary one: as vice president, she has not yet been called to enunciate her own path forward to the end of the conflict in Gaza and beyond to the potential establishment of a Palestinian state. Given that she remains a Biden administration official, however, it will be difficult for her to lay out a plan that differs significantly from Bidens even though the president is no longer her running mate.

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, after taking over the Biden-Harris campaign following Joe Bidens decision to step aside. ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Last November, she indicated that she would defer to Israel in its handling of military actions across Gaza, telling reporters in the United Kingdom: "We are not telling Israel how to conduct this war."

At that press conference, she would go on to call the loss of civilian life heartbreaking but repeatedly declined to say whether a strike on a refugee camp by Israeli forces crossed a line.

In an interview this month with The Nation , Harris did however indicate that she may hold a more nuanced view than her boss on one angle of the Gaza issue: the subject of student protests in the US calling for divestment from Israel by major universities.

They are showing exactly what the human emotion should be, as a response to Gaza, she said. There are things some of the protesters are saying that I absolutely reject, so I dont mean to wholesale endorse their points. But we have to navigate it. I understand the emotion behind it.
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Hillary Clinton has rallied behind Kamala Harris presidential bid in a passionate op-ed writing that the vice presidents administration could become an unstoppable wave that wipes out Donald Trumps chances of a second term in office.

Clinton, 76, who lost to Trump in the 2016 election, reiterated her and her husband former president Bill Clintons endorsement for Harris in the opinion piece for The New York Times where she spoke about the ugly prejudice Harris will face as a woman running for president, praised Joe Biden for his patriotic decision to step aside and warned about the risks of a Trump second term.

Following Bidens axing of his reelection campaign on Sunday, the former first lady and secretary of state said she believes Harris is the person who can do something she failed to do eight years ago: defeat Trump.

She represents a fresh start for American politics. She can offer a hopeful, unifying vision, Clinton wrote of Harris.

She is talented, experienced and ready to be president. And I know she can defeat Donald Trump.

Clinton became the first woman in history to win a presidential nomination in a major political party.

But she noted that she couldnt break that highest, hardest glass ceiling and warned Harris of the difficulties of a woman  particularly a woman of color  taking office.

US vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at West Allis Central High School during her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 23 July 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

While it still pains me that I couldnt break that highest, hardest glass ceiling, Im proud that my two presidential campaigns made it seem normal to have a woman at the top of the ticket, she wrote.

Ms Harris will face unique additional challenges as the first Black and South Asian woman to be at the top of a major partys ticket.

Clinton pointed to the ugly prejudice she said Harris is already started to face since announcing her bid days ago.

Ms Harriss record and character will be distorted and disparaged by a flood of disinformation and the kind of ugly prejudice were already hearing from MAGA mouthpieces, she wrote.

She and the campaign will have to cut through the noise, and all of us as voters must be thoughtful about what we read, believe and share.

Clinton described a burgeoning crowd of conservative Trump supporters fomenting a war against some of the Democrats more progressive policies and the former president pushing a dangerous agenda.

She warned that a second Trump term would be worse than his first in 2016, arguing his plans are more extreme and that with age, he is more unhinged.

But Clinton urged the public to not be afraid and that Harris has the capabilities to cut through the MAGA noise.

She cited Americas first Black president, Barack Obama, taking office in 2008 and the fight against abortion bans across the country after the overturning of Roe V Wade, saying it has galvanised the female vote like never before.

We shouldnt be afraid. It is a trap to believe that progress is impossible. After all, I won the national popular vote by nearly three million in 2016, and its not so long ago that Americans overwhelmingly elected our first Black president, she wrote.

Clinton commends Bidens bravery for stepping off the Dmeocratic ticket and says it was the rigth thing to do ( AP )

As we saw in the 2022 midterms, abortion bans and attacks on democracy are galvanizing women voters like never before. With Ms. Harris at the top of the ticket leading the way, this movement may become an unstoppable wave.

Harris said that Harris is, like many women in politics, chronically underestimated but she is well prepared for this moment.

With Ms Harris at the top of the ticket leading the way, this movement may become an unstoppable wave, she wrote.

Clinton said she is looking forward to hearing her prosecute a compelling case against Mr Trump in the 2024 race.

While throwing her support behind Harris invigorated campaign, Clinton said that it was a bittersweet moment to see Biden step aside, as she praised the presidents decision as an act of pure patriotism.

Serving as president was [Bidens] lifelong dream. And when he finally got there, he was exceptionally good at it. To give that up, to accept that finishing the job meant passing the baton, took real moral clarity, Clinton said.

I know this wasnt easy. But it was the right thing to do, she added.

Clinton concluded: We have gained much as well: a new champion, an invigorated campaign and a renewed sense of purpose.

The time for hand-wringing is over. Now its time to organize, mobilize and win.

Donald Trump has had to quickly pivot his attack campaign from Biden to Harris ( AP )

On Sunday, the former first lady and her husband endorsed Harris, adding to the growing chorus of prominent Democrats supporting the vice presidents run for office.

Harris quickly launched her campaign for the White House on Sunday, and within the first 24 hours secured a record $81m in donations.

By Tuesday, the vice president had garnered enough support from delegates to secure the Democratic nomination for president, according to a survey by the Associated Press.

New polls are echoing Clintons prediction that Harris could beat Trump, with new research from Reuters published on Tuesday showing her leading 44 per cent to 42 per cent.

In her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Harris struck a defiant tone about taking on Trump, recollecting her time as a state prosecutor where she took on perpetrators of all kinds, including fraudsters and predators.

So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type, Harris said.
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Progressive Democrats initially might have been wary of Sara Jacobs when she came to Congress in 2021. The Center for Responsive Politics showed that in 2020, she was the fifth most self-funded candidate, a product of the fact that her grandfather co-founded the semiconductor company Qualcomm. She also beat a candidate who had the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders, who had won the California primary. It would be easy to dismiss her as a moneyed nepo baby with nothing to offer to the left of the party.

But since becoming a congresswoman, the 35-year-old California Democrat has distinguished herself as one of the more progressive voices in Congress.

When members of the Squad slept on the steps of the US Capitol in 2021 in protest of a rent moratorium coming to a close, Jacobs brought protesters pizza. She has been a consistent voice for defending womens reproductive rights, always by leading with her own examples  she was the first member of Congress to discuss her own period on the House floor and has also openly talked about freezing her eggs.

But as the youngest Jewish American member of Congress, it is Jacobs support for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza that stands out.

On Wednesday, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu delivered a joint address to Congress, Jacobs was one of many Democrats to boycott the speech.

 I just came from listening to hostage families who were very clear that the most important thing to get their family members back is to end the war and to get a ceasefire, she told The Independent.  And that's what we should all be focused on doing and I know that something President Biden has been focused on and something vice president Harris has been focused on as well.

For Jacobs, the decision is personal. Some of her own relatives from Israel are currently staying with her family in San Diego, following the violence of October 7th.

I have family members who are members of Jewish Voice for Peace and have been part of the protests [against the war in Gaza], she tells The Independent at her office in Washington, DC. I have my Israeli family living with my family in San Diego. My parents are longtime supporters of the San Diego Jewish community and are very involved in it.

She is a big believer in Israels right to defend itself, which is why she supports the Iron Dome missile defense system and the United States assistance when Iran fired missiles into Israel last month.

But how they defend themselves matters, Jacobs says. And I don't think that what is happening in Gaza right now, what the Israeli government is doing in Gaza right now actually makes Israel any safer. I think it undermines their credibility in the world. And I know from my own experience working in conflict resolution that civilian casualties, human rights abuses actually just fuel more extremism.

Jacobs says that she does not believe that there can be a military solution to the war in Gaza that has led to more than 35,000 deaths, most of them civilians and many of them women and children.

The only way you're going to be able to do that is by taking away the underlying grievances that [Hamas] are able to prey upon, which is the Palestinians inability to have a say in the decisions being made about their lives, Jacobs continues.

Doing so, she adds, would be good for Israel  it would actually be a great act of love for a country that is supposed to represent the best of Jewish values.

The war in Gaza has caused some young voters to lead protests and demonstrations against the Biden administration. The day that The Independent spoke to Jacobs, protesters heckled Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling him the butcher of Gaza as he testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In Democratic primaries, President Joe Biden has seen uncommitted votes not just from heavily Arab areas of swing states like Michigan, but also in college towns.

As one of the youngest members of Congress and the youngest Jewish member, I spend a lot of time trying to make sure that I am expressing views of my generation that don't often get told in these rooms because they're not well-represented, Jacobs says.

Most importantly, she thinks the views of ordinary Jewish Americans  and indeed most Americans in general  are failing to be heard above the noise of political fighting: Here in Congress, the conversation has become very binary. And I dont actually think that that is where most Americans are at in the conversations Im having. What I hear the most is both that October 7 was horrific and inexcusable, and that what were seeing in Gaza is unacceptable. And that that is what I hear the most from the Jewish community that Im talking to.

Jacobs is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee. Earlier in the week, the International Criminal Courts top prosecutor announced he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and senior officials in Hamas. The Biden administration and leaders of both parties condemned the announcement, specifically for creating a false equivalence between Hamas and Israel.

Jacobs has a solid background in international affairs: She holds a Masters degree in international conflict, she worked as a foreign policy adviser on Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, and she is the top Democrat on the Africa subcommittee on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Given that background in working within international conflict zones, she has thoughts on the ICC. Indeed, she frequently speaks with leaders from the African continent who say they feel they are held to a different standard by the ICC than other countries.

I think supporting the ICC is important for the broader global context, she says. And frankly, if, the Israelis truly believe that they're not committing any war crimes, then they should welcome an investigation.

Doing so could be definitive in a way that investigating themselves never could, she continues, and they should be providing evidence that they aren't [committing war crimes] because that could actually be very helpful for them in terms of how they are viewed on the global stage.

I think one of the most important things that we need to be doing for our standing around the world is to be seen as holding our friends to the same standards were holding everyone else, she adds.

The numbers do show that Jacobs view is similar to that of many other younger Jewish Americans. A Pew Research Center survey from last month showed that while 62 per cent Jewish people overall thought Israels response to Hamas was acceptable, only 52 per cent of Jewish people between the ages of 18 to 34 thought so: 42 per cent found it unacceptable, the largest disapproval of any age group. The poll also showed 47 per cent of Jewish people in that group stopped talking to someone because of something they said about the war.

There are a lot of young people who feel like what they're seeing the US do does not reflect their values, and they're speaking up about that, and I think we should welcome that, Jacobs adds.

The walls of Jacobs office are adorned with photos of her with prominent Democratic party members, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden. When I ask her how she feels about Biden, who is hardly on the progressive side of the party, she is clear. Despite the concerns of young voters, she believes supporting Biden in this election is crucial.

I am having a lot of conversations with young people about why I still think it's important to support President Biden, even if you aren't happy with everything he's done on the conflict, she says. I absolutely think things will be much worse if Donald Trump is president, because we know he'll just give Netanyahu a blank check to do whatever. We saw him do that when he was president.

But like many young progressives in Congress, and even some more experienced Democrats, Jacobs also has a track record of criticizing the Biden administrations approach to Gaza. Earlier this year, the White House released a National Security Memo, known as an NSM-20, which found reasonable evidence that Israel had violated international humanitarian law while using US-made weapons in Gaza. But the memo stopped just short of using language that could have required the US to stop sending weapons to Israel.

There's all these different legalese explanations that we get from the administration, she says. But at the end of the day, the fact that we have to do air-drops [of humanitarian aid] and the fact that we have had to build this pier [to make sure aid gets delivered] and the fact that when Biden did apply pressure, more aid was able to get in, to me is clear evidence and all the evidence we should need that the Israeli government... did not facilitate that provision of humanitarian assistance, which is required under international law.

A couple months ago, 16 Jewish Democrats  including Lois Frankel and Jared Moskowitz of Florida, as well as Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey  voted for legislation proposed by House Republicans that would restrict Bidens ability to withhold aid to Israel. The vote came after the Biden administration paused the shipment of some arms over concerns they could be used with devastating effect on civilian areas in Rafah.

Jacobs opposed the bill, just as she voted against censuring Rashida Tlaib  the only Palestinian American congresswoman  for her comments about Gaza. She believes Republicans are, in many cases, weaponizing Jewish pain over antisemitism to push a conservative agenda.

Im incredibly angry at all of the politicians who are using the very real rise in antisemitism and Jewish pain and manipulating it and politicizing it for their own political gain, she says. It hasnt escaped her notice that many of those same politicians say theres good people on both sides [as Trump did about Charlottesville] and traffic in conspiracy theories and replacement theory and have given platforms to white supremacists and white nationalists. After all of that, she says, they then try and say that its the Democrats who are antisemitic because were standing up for free speech, which to me is not only disingenuous, it actually is very harmful to the American Jewish community.

Ultimately, Jacobs believes we need to be thinking about the long-term consequences of the decisions that were making.

And thats true when it comes to the conflict in Gaza, she adds. And its also true of all these bills that were seeing on antisemitism. Because while I dont think that the Biden administration would misuse them necessarily, these same things, these very bills that are being passed could be the things that Im sure Trump or another, future administration could actually use to go after the Jewish community and to undermine civil rights.
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Hamas has been holding his son Nimrod captive in Gaza for nearly a year. But Yehuda Cohen wants Americans to know that he holds Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for it.

Cohen, who has been protesting against Netanyahu since his Likud-led government failed to prevent the October 7 terror attacks in which his son and hundreds of others were taken by the Palestinian militant group, has travelled to Washington DC to be present as the Israeli leader receives a heros welcome before the Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Netanyahus visit comes as Biden administration officials are continuing efforts to encourage the Israeli government and Hamas to reach a deal that would bring home the estimated 116 hostages thought to be still in captivity.

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Netanyahus government has been a significant obstacle to a deal that would have brought hostages home, with the prime minster reportedly intervening to repeatedly torpedo the talks because a deal would lead to his governments collapse.

In an interview with The Independent ahead of the Israeli leaders address to Congress, Cohen said Netanyahu has no regard for the lives of hostages like his son, an Israeli soldier who was captured  on video  after his tanks brakes failed during the October 7 attack.

Cohen said that the prime minister, in his view, is responsible for both the attack itself and the failure to end the war and bring the hostages home. Netanyahus aim has been to remain in power regardless of the impact on the country, Cohen believes.

Cohen blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his sons continued captivity at the hands of Hamas ( Getty Images )

He was responsible for the events. And he is now responsible for not ending it or not going for a deal for total release of all the hostages along with the ceasefire, the only way to release all the hostages in ceasefire, he said.

While the prime minister has denied allegations that he and his government were aware of Hamas planning for the attack and has placed blame on Israeli Defense Forces leadership for Hamas being able to breach the massive security wall separating Israel from Gaza, Cohen doesnt see the IDF as responsible.

Instead, he has placed blame on Netanyahu for the specific circumstances leading to his sons capture, crediting the Likud-led government with short-changing the Israeli Defense Forces units responsible for guarding the Gaza border in favor of sending more resources to protect extremist settlers in the West Bank.

He said the quality of equipment that his sons mechanized unit had to work with in the weeks before the attack was very low in part because Netanyahus government transferred resources to aid extremists who were rioting in the West Bank.

And he further accused the Israeli government of ignoring intelligence suggesting that the attacks were imminent, telling The Independent that Netanyahus right-wing allies had been lusting after an opportunity to reverse the Israeli pullback from Gaza and reestablish efforts to displace Palestinian residents in favor of Jewish Israeli settlements.

Its Netanyahus right-wing allies that are driving the bus on prolonging the war and escalating fighting in Gaza, he said, but its the prime minister himself who benefits because Netanyahu wants to remain out of prison.

For years, Netanyahu has been fighting corruption and bribery charges brought against him in the Israeli courts.

Cohen said he thinks its those charges that have dominated the prime ministers actions, leading Netanyahu to be driven only by a drive for survival.

Its his only agenda  no ideological agenda, no national agenda, just a personal agenda for his personal survival, he said.

Continuing, Cohen added that Netanyahus single-minded obsession with remaining free is a change from the majority of his time since returning to the prime ministers office in 2009.

Then, he said, Netanyahu embarked on a project that was focused on keeping himself at the head of Israeli politics as a sort of king of Israel  using what he described as a poisoning machine that has split Israeli society.

And while the Israeli leader may have had the national interest in mind at one point, Cohen said Netanyahu lost any interest in the nation when he was brought up on criminal charges four years ago.

Instead, hes re-tooled his governing style to keep himself in office using smaller and smaller groups of extreme lawmakers, such as his Interior Minister, Itmar Ben-Gvir, and others like him.

Hell do anything  hell ruin everything  as long as hes prime minister, he said.
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Days after President Joe Biden announced his historic decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, its all eyes on Vice President Kamala Harris, who quickly emerged as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Though Harris has spent the last four years in the White House, her role as VP has largely centered around supporting the Biden administrations initiatives. As she hits the campaign trail to raise cash and shore up support, the vice president will now have to present her vision of the US to potential voters, revealing how a Harris administration would handle key policies and issues.

While much remains unknown about Harriss potential platform  and how it will differ from her predecessors  here is what we know about her take on several key policy issues.

Abortion

Harris may be most well known for her stance on abortion rights  something she spent considerable time on the Biden campaign trail advocating for after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Over the last few months, Harris has stopped in multiple states to speak with abortion rights advocates as part of her Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, becoming the unofficial Biden administration ambassador to the issue.

She has called state abortion bans a health care crisis and highlighted their negative impact on maternal mortality rates. Harris has also come out in favor of codifying abortion protections that Roe v. Wade offered into federal law.

Harris has been an outspoken supporter of abortion rights her entire career  which proved valuable for the Biden campaign since Biden himself has an inconsistent track record on the subject.

While serving as a senator in 2019, Harris pitched a plan to require states to clear any reproductive health laws with the Department of Justice to ensure that they dont violate federal abortion rights.

Vice President Kamala Harris is embracing her position as the Democrats leading champion for abortion rights in this year's election. Harris visits Wisconsin on Monday for the first in a series of nationwide events focused on abortion, which remains politically potent almost two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade ( AP )

Immigration

Harris has largely advocated for more humane treatment of migrants but was highly scrutinized for her handling of the issue when she was tasked with analyzing the root causes of migration from Central America in 2021.

In the past, the vice president has been highly critical of Donald Trumps immigration policies, calling them inhumane.

Harris visited the border in 2021 before the end of Title 42  the emergency Covid-19-era policy that allowed the US to turn away migrants. At the time, she advocated for thoughtful and effective policies to be enacted.

But the vice president also told migrants in Guatemala that same year Do not come to the border and warned they would be forced to turn around if they made the dangerous journey.

Harris faced criticisms from both sides of the aisle.

Democrats, like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, said Harriss comments were disappointing and criticized her for trying to restrict asylum-seekers from coming into the U.S. for stability.

Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Kamala Harris speaks with Lili Montalban and her daughter Roxanna Gozzer, as they visit the outside of a detention center for migrant children on June 28, 2019 in Homestead, Florida ( Getty Images )

Republicans have accused Harris of not doing enough to help negate the problem.

To deal with growing frustrations, Texas Governor Greg Abbot sent a busload of migrants to the vice presidents home in Washington DC to send a message.

The political climate around immigration and the USMexico border has changed dramatically since then, and it is unclear what specific policies Harris would enact.

Foreign Policy

Harriss position on foreign policy has not deviated far from Bidens. Shes said she is committed to pursuing global engagement and defending democratic values at home and abroad.

She supports US involvement in NATO and said in 2019 said she would re-enter the Paris Agreement if she were to be elected. She is supportive of Ukraine and vowed to back them in their war against Russia.

Israel and Gaza

In the wake of the October 7th attack, Harris voiced strong support for Israel and maintained that hostages should be brought home, but in recent months has indicated she could be tougher on Israel than her predecessor.

In December, Harris said she and Biden had been clear with the Israeli government that, it matters how Israel defends itself, while in March, she pushed for a ceasefire.

Harris reportedly declined to preside over the Senate chamber on Wednesday when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint Congressional meeting.

But in the past, Harris voiced support for a two-state solution.

Crime

As a former prosecutor and attorney general of California, Harris has pitched herself as a progressive prosecutor who implemented criminal justice reforms ahead of her time.

Harris vocally opposed the death penalty, she implemented racial bias training for parts of law enforcement and introduced a re-entry program to help low-level offenders, among other incentives.

When Harris ran for president in 2019, her platform emphasized the fight for racial justice. She said she would expand investigations into police misconduct, establish a national police misconduct registry, set a national standard for use of force and require states to report use of force incidents.

Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as President Joe Biden speaks before signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, May 20, 2021 ( AP )

Critics have been skeptical of Harriss promises since her record shows some contradictions.

She fought to keep prisoners in prison, even after it was determined California prisons were overcrowded. Critics are also quick to point out that she prosecuted marijuana crimes at a higher rate than her predecessor.

Harris also believes in gun safety legislation. She advocated for a ban on assault weapons while supporting the Second Amendment.
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Vice President Kamala Harriss internet stardom didnt just fall out of a coconut tree.

Long before she became a brat adored by Gen Z, Harris has made waves online for many viral moments, from the vice president enthusastically showing off her dance moves to earnestly telling President Biden, We did it, Joe! in a phone call after he clinched the White House in 2020.

Coconut and tree emojis have cropped up across the internet as symbols of support for the presumptive Democratic nominee, alongside montages of her powerful laugh, as younger voters embrace a younger presidential prospect.

From that little girl was me to We did it, Joe, here is the context of all in which her meme history lives and what came before the coconut tree.

That little girl was me

In a heated moment at a 2020 Democratic debate, Harris took a jab at Joe Biden about his past opposition to busing: There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools. And she was bused to school everyday. That little girl was me.

We did it, Joe

The debate rivals-turned-running mates celebrated their 2020 victory, which could be summed up in a phone call from Harris to Biden: We did it, Joe.

Big Sister General

Then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris and her sister Maya Harris spoke at the Women in the World conference in 2012, where Maya disclosed that she disliked calling her sister General Harris.

Maya said: When shes president of the United States, I will call her Miss President, but until then youre just Kamala.

No, Im Big SisterBig Sister general, Kamala said, prompting both sisters to burst into laughter.

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?

In May 2023, the vice president said in speech: 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 started chuckling before adding: You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you. Everything is in context.

Were not going back

America has tried these failed economic policies before. But we are not going back. We are not going back, Harris said at her first campaign rally as a presidential candidate in Milwaukee on Tuesday. The crowd then began chanting: Were not going back!
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Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is now the most likely choice to become Kamala Harris running mate on the Democratic ticket, according to betting markets.

The Harris campaign is still vetting candidates and has not made its pick yet. Still, according to electionbettingodds.com, which averages online betting sites, Kelly has a 34.9 percent chance of being the presumptive nominees vice-presidential pick.

Kelly, who hails from a key swing state that Biden flipped in 2020, has already sought to distinguish himself from his would-be rival JD Vance, hammering Trumps running mate for his opposition to further aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Its pretty clear to me youve got JD Vance who wants to totally abandon Ukraine, and youve got Donald Trump who has been in the past rather pro-Russia and leaned in with Vladimir Putin in ways I would never expect the president to do, Kelly toldPolitico on Wednesday.

So again, we have a serious choice to make, and Id be really concerned about what those guys would do to abandon an ally in favor of an adversary. And that would be a much more dangerous world.

When asked if he was being vetted by the Harris campaign, Kelly added that he wouldnt get into private conversations.

Arizona senator and former Navy pilot Mark Kelly is seen as a leading choice for Kamala Harriss running mate ( Getty Images )

Other frontrunners, according to the oddsmakers, include Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro (18.5 percent), North Carolina governor Roy Cooper (17.9 percent), and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (10.4 percent).

The betting odds are fairly close to the political gossip, it seems.

A source close to the Harris campaign told ABC News that Shapiro, Kelly, Cooper, and Kentucky governor Andy Beshear are all being vetted.

Democratic voters will likely have to wait until August 7 to know who comes out on top. Thats when the partys virtual roll call process to formally nominate a candidate to replace Biden ahead of the Democratic convention ends.
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Watch as Kamala Harris delivered a keynote speech at the biennial gathering of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis on Wednesday, 24 July.

The vice president addressed Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.s Grand Boule.

It comes just three days after launching her bid for the White House following Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 race.

The president 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.

It came after mounting pressure about Mr Bidens age and ability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump.

Ms Harris is campaigning for the support of voters in a state that has not backed a Democratic presidential candidate in almost 16 years.

After visiting Indianapolis, Ms Harris will travel to Houston on Thursday to address the national convention of the American Federation of Teachers, an organisation which has endorsed her candidacy.
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Democratic officials and alumni from historically Black college fraternities and sororities are fuming over a clip of a Fox News host they argue includes him saying colored sorority ahead of Vice President Kamala Harriss remarks to the organization.

Fox News and other network personalities have argued that Fox & Friends panelist Brian Kilmeade said college sorority on Wednesdays program. A reporter for Politico who initially flagged the clip on social media later deleted his post.

In Wednesdays broadcast, Kilmeade had criticized the presumptive Democratic nominee for president for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress to instead deliver remarks to historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.

The problem with Kamala Harris, number one, she has not had her record exploited heavily  and number two is she hasnt sat down for an interview. When she sits down for an interview and says, Do you want to fund ICE? Where do you stand on Medicare for All? Why didnt you show up?  the most recent decision, you already gotta question. She will not show up for the prime ministers joint session of Congress today, Kilmeade said.

She would rather address, in the summer, a sorority  a [colored] sorority  like she cant get out of that. So thats her decision, and thats her decision to back up the protesters, he said.

A statement from Fox News Media to The Independent said that the Politico reporters now-deleted tweet completely misquoted and unnecessarily maligned Brian Kilmeade who clearly said college sorority.

Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two in Maryland to head to a sorority event in Indiana on July 24. A Fox News host is under fire for a comment made about the trip. ( AP )

Kilmeade addressed the clip and viral reactions on his radio show after Fox & Friends aired.

Ive never use that word in my life, if youre listening to what Im saying, if you know where shes speaking, why would I even say that? he said. This is an example of how everybody is looking to jump on other people for no reason ... People, use your heads. Dont look for something trending on Twitter and just assume its true. I hope were smarter than that by now.

The segment on Fox & Friends followed several days of coverage from right-wing media and statements from Republican lawmakers suggesting that Harris only made her way to the top of the Democratic ticket because of her gender and race, or that she is merely a DEI hire.

Earlier this month, former Donald Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka called Harris herself colored in a segment on Newsmax.

Black Greek life alumni rushed to the defense of Harris, who is poised to become the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket, and who is also an Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna.

I belong to the 1st Black fraternity  and led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, but I have NO idea what colored sorority Fox News is talking about in 2024, said Harvard Kennedy School professor Cornell William Brooks.

Fox News is ignorant. Dont ever call my Sorority or any other #D9 organization colored. Keep it out of your mouth, said California congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, referencing the so-called Divine 9 historically Black Greek organizations.

This clown thought it was correct and appropriate to use the term colored to describe a distinguished and historic African American sorority, said Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison. But what is even worse a Black man sat a few feet away on that couch and didnt correct him. He was as quiet as a church mouse.

That panelist, Lawrence Jones III, called Harrison so damn dishonest.

He said college, Jones replied. But thats all you have. You know the bulls*** that you advocate for only brings death, poverty, and destruction to our black communities. You are welcome on the show anytime to debate it. Me and you.
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Kamala Harris now looks certain to become the Democratic presidential nominee to take on Donald Trump at the polls in November.

Her lengthy career as a state prosecutor and US Senator, combined with her marriage to a successful lawyer means that Kamala Harris net worth is significant, though still less than that of her Republican rival.

Her campaign  recently rebranded as Harris For President  reportedly pulled in $84m within the first 24 hours of her candidacy being endorsed by Joe Biden.

While this money does not go to Harris directly, her current federal government salary as vice president sits at $218,000.

Her net worth is currently estimated at around $8m, according to Forbes, which is due in part to a multi-million dollar home in California that her husband Doug Emhoff bought in 2012.

The homes value has surged from about $1m in 2021 to an estimated $4.4m in 2024, according to Forbes.

The combined worth of the vice president and her husband Doug Emhoff is estimated by Forbes to be around $8 million ( AP )

Harris rose to prominence as a prosecutor in California, beginning her legal career at the Alameda County district attorneys office, before becoming the San Francisco District Attorney, in 2004.

In that post, she made $140,000 a year, a salary that increased to more than $200,000 in 2010.

Harris took a pay cut in 2010 when she was elected Attorney General of California, which paid her a salary of $159,000, which she took home for the next three years.

Harris and Emhoff married in 2014, at which time he was also a prominent attorney with clients including Walmart and healthcare company Abbott Labs.

According to financial documents reviewed by ABC News, at this time he earned more than $1m per year and held dozens of investments and stocks in companies such as Home Depot, Comcast, and American Express.

Harris received an advance of more than $300,000 for her memoir, The Truths We Hold

When Harris joined the US Senate in 2017, she began earning $174,000 a year.

A year later, a report filed by Harris revealed she received an advance of more than $300,000 for her memoir, The Truths We Hold, and she and Emhoff reported a gross joint income of $1,889,156 that year, according to tax returns viewed by ABC News.

When she ran for President in the Democratic primary in the 2020 election, Harriss net worth was estimated to be $6m, boosted by her husband, according to Forbes. At the time she released 15 years of her personal tax returns, the most of any 2020 presidential candidate.

In December 2020, Emhoff announced he would leave his law firm, later joining Georgetown Universitys law school as a member of the faculty, earning nearly $200,000 per year.

Donald Trump, a man who has long fought to keep his tax records private, is estimated to have a net worth of around $5.9bn ( EPA )

As a result of the move, the couples income dropped significantly, though Forbes estimates that with their real estate assets and pension, the couples net worth is around $8m, up from $7m in 2021.

Harris is in pole position to take on Donald Trump for the presidency, a man who has long fought to keep his tax records private.

Despite his multiple hefty legal bills, thought to be around $540m, Forbes estimates Trumps net worth to be $5.9bn, as a result of his real estate properties, clubs and resorts, as well as the value of his share of Truth Socials parent company.

His net worth reportedly jumped up by $1bn following the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to Forbes.
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On Monday, GOP Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee accused presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris  who served as the San Francisco district attorney, the California attorney general, and a US senator before becoming the first woman, first African-American, and first Asian-American vicepresident in the nations history  of making it only because of her race.

Burchett, a hard-right Republican, told CNNs Manu Raju that in selecting Harris, President Joe Biden [j]ust skipped over white females.

Are you suggesting she was a DEI hire? Raju asked, using the acronym for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, programs meant to provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.

One hundred percent, she was a DEI hire, Burchett replied, later posting on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, The media propped up this president, lied to the American people for three years, and then dumped him for our DEI vice president.

On Tuesday, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican who was ousted last year from his seat by the GOPs ultra MAGA wing, called the DEI line of attack  totally stupid and dumb .

Appearing on NBC News Meet the Press NOW, McCarthy told anchor Garrett Haake that attacking Harris along racial lines is petty.

Look, I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States, McCarthy said. She is the former U.S. senator. These congressmen that are saying it, theyre wrong in their own instincts.

Appearing on NBC News Meet the Press NOW, McCarthy told anchor Garrett Haake that attacking Harris along racial lines is petty.

Rep. Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and the current House speaker, said at a press conference yesterday , Listen, this election, as I noted at the onset, is going to be about policies, not personalities. This is not personal regarding Kamala Harris. Her ethnicity and her gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio, who spent four years as a senior White House aide to Donald Trump, told Fox News that targeting Harris for being a woman of color is certainly not the rhetoric that I would focus on.

And as Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, told NBC News , Of course its not appropriate, for heavens sakes. What, are they just going to say if youre not a white male, its a DEI candidate? Im sorry. No.

Still, the Trumpist faction of the Republican Party seems committed to the dubious strategy.

Sen. JD Vance, challenger Donald Trumps pick for VP, in June introduced the  Dismantle DEI Act , which aims to eliminate all federal DEI programs and funding for federal agencies, contractors which receive federal funding, organizations which receive federal grants, and educational accreditation agencies.

The DEI agenda is a destructive ideology that breeds hatred and racial division, Vance said in a press release announcing the move. It has no place in our federal government or anywhere else in our society. Im proud to introduce this legislation, which would root out DEI from our federal bureaucracy by eliminating such programs and stripping funding for DEI policies anywhere it exists.

Kamala Harris speaks at West Allis Central High School during her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump acolyte Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, recently claimed that Harris was chosen [for] her gender and maybe her skin color. Sebastian Gorka, a former Trump administration counterterrorism adviser who has been accused of having neo-Nazi ties , said Harris was selected because shes female and her skin color is the correct DEI color.

Shortly after Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris for president, Fox News host Jesse Watters said on the air that she did so, obviously, because Harris is a woman.

While the GOP sticks to its DEI guns, a majority of Americans are in favor of DEI programs , according to an Ipsos/Washington Post poll conducted last month.

In the three full days since Biden ended his re-election bid and endorsed Harris as the Democrats contender for the Oval Office, her campaign has taken in some $126 million  with more than $80 million being donated in the first 24 hours of her officially entering the race, which set an all-time fundraising record.

Harris presidential campaign has gotten off to a roaring start, setting all-time fundraising records on its first day ( Getty Images )

For his part, Trump, who briefly attempted to brand himself the unity candidate following an assassination attempt 10 days ago, has since abandoned any such pretenses.

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, he posted Monday on social media. No, it just doesnt work that way!

Responding to Trumps schoolyard taunts, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Harris husband, told reporters, Thats all hes got?
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Majorie Taylor Greenes latest bizarre conspiracy concerned Joe Bidens call to the newly rebranded Harris campaign HQ, in which he made a brief appearance over speaker-phone.

The Georgia congresswoman suggested that a small misstep by Kamala Harris during the call was evidence of the vice president spilling the beans that the call was a recording.

Greene, along with her Republican colleague-turned-rival Lauren Boebert, joined the GOP pile-on against the president after his shock announcement he would be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

Her conspiratorial musings continued on Monday, following Harris first full day of campaigning, where she delivered remarks to campaign workers in Wilmington Delaware. During the speech, Biden called in remotely to urge party members to unite behind his vice president.

I know yesterdays news was surprising, and it was hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do, he said. The name is changed on top of the ticket, but the mission hasnt changed at all.

At one point, after the president had stopped speaking, Harris addressed him and appeared to stumble slightly, saying Joe, I know youre still on the rec the call.

Greene pounced on the slip in a post on Facebook, reposting a clip of the speech and writing: Joe, I know youre still on the recthe call. Did Kamala spill the beans? Was it a recording? Thats what she started to say.

Elsewhere on Monday, Colorado congresswoman Boebert went a step further, demanding proof of life from Biden, in response to his lack of public appearance.

I demand proof of life from Joe Biden today by 5:00pm, she wrote. He needs to get in front of some camera and discuss if hes aware that he dropped out.

Greene joined the GOP pile-on against Joe Biden after his shock announcement he would be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday ( AFP via Getty Images )

Greene also described the announcement by Biden on Sunday  which came in the form of a statement posted to X  in typically conspiratorial terms.Theres a soft civil war happening in the deep state and the elites in power, she wrote.

The Democrats, the IC, and their activists in the media have been lying to us saying theres nothing wrong with Biden for years.

Next, they start a coup against him demanding he drop out of the race when they couldnt hide it anymore.

Greene also baselessly accused the Bidens of dropping out of the campaign because they obtained the price they demanded for the presidential library that will pay the entire family for years to come.
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address Congress today at 2 p.m. ET for the first time since the Hamas attacks on October 7.

Vice President Kamala Harris  the likely Democratic candidate for president after President Joe Biden dropped out the race  will be notably absent from the event, citing a scheduling conflict with a Black sorority convention in Indianapolis.

The decision has sparked a conversation on a possible shift in the Democratic partys support of the war in Gaza.

Kamala Harris stance on war in Gaza

Harris moderate stance on the war in Gaza has not differed greatly from Bidens, and the VP has strong ties to the Jewish community.

Yet Harris has also given strong speeches advocating for a ceasefire, months in advance of Bidens unsuccessful ceasefire deal. Both Harris and Biden will still meet with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Kamala Harris in March, calling for a ceasefire in a speech in Selma, Alabama ( Getty Images )

Nancy Pelosi is the latest and most high-profile in a string of Democrats to confirm they will not attend Netanyahus address to Congress.

This is not the first time that US lawmakers have boycotted a speech by the Israeli prime minister.

In March 2015, the last time Netanyahu addressed Congress, 58 members were reported to have boycotted the speech. Biden also did not attend in his then-role as vice president, largely because President Obama was not alerted ahead of time.

Boycott stretches to GOP

The grid below shows all the members of Congress who have so far decided to boycott todays address. Click on each member to see their stance on Netanyahu.

At least nine senators and 29 representatives have so far said that they will not attend Netanyahus address to Congress, in addition to Harris. The vast majority of these are Democrats.

But one Republican representative for Kentucky, Thomas Massie, has also announced today that he will boycott the speech.

Trump and Netanyahu have had both a close and tumultuous political relationship. ( AP )

The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell [international] opposition to his war. I dont feel like being a prop so I wont be attending, he said in a statement on X/Twitter.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will meet with the Israeli prime minister in his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Independent senator Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, has long been vocal in his criticism of Israels war in Gaza, and accused Netanyahu of being a war criminal on Monday.

Both the oldest Jewish American Democrat  Jan Schakowsky  and the youngest  Sara Jacobs  are also choosing to boycott the address.

I just came from listening to hostage families who were very clear that the most important thing to get their family members back is to end the war and to get a ceasefire, Jacobs told The Independents Eric Garcia today.

The first Gen-Z member of Congress, Floridas 27-year-old Maxwell Frost, has also boycotted, saying: Netanyahu should be focused on working towards a peaceful end to the conflict, not coming to Congress to rally support for his brutal offensive.

Palestinian-American Rep. Rashida Tlaib told The Independent: Netanyahu is a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people. It is utterly disgraceful that leaders from both parties have invited him to address Congress.

Though there was speculation on whether she would boycott, Tlaib is currently in attendance at Netanyahus speech today.

It is a sad day for our democracy when my colleagues will smile for a photo op with a man who is actively committing genocide. It is hypocritical to claim to be concerned about the massive death toll of innocent civilians, and then turn around and welcome the person responsible for these war crimes to our Capitol, she said in a statement on Tuesday.

As Netanyahu gears up to give his speech, dozens more members of Congress are saying they will not attend in the final moments. This list will continue to be updated.
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Israeli Prime Minister gave a full-throated speech in defense of his governments war against Hamas in a joint address to Congress. More than 38 Democrats boycotted the address.

The speech is Netanyahus fourth joint address to Congress. The longest-serving prime minister appeared flanked by many senior members of Congress.

The speech comes as much of the international community has raised concerns about Israels war with Hamas, which commenced after the terror group launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people.

Netanyahu sought to draw similarities of the October 7th attack with the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks during his address.

That is like twenty 9/11s in one day, he said, describing in lurid detail the attack on Israel, noting how only 135 of 255 hostages have been brought home.

This is not a clash of civilizations, Netanyahu said. This is a clash between barbarism and civilization.

On one end, there was an overwhelming sign of support for Israel even as the country becomes somewhat of an international pariah. Tesla and X/Twitter executive Elon Musk was in attendance, as was recently released hostage Noa Argamani.

But in a symbol of how many Democrats have adamantly opposed his actions, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had initially invited Netanyahu, was not flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, nor Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray of Washington, but rather Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin of Maryland.

Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the only Palestinian-American congresswoman, held up a sign that said War Criminal during much of Netanyahus address.

Illinois Representative Jonathan Jackson  the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson  who has voted against aid to Israel was also in the chamber and opted not to sit down.

Other Democrats who boycotted included Senator Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine, as well as Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic leaders such as former speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Netanyahu acknowledged anti-Israel protesters during his speech and criticized them, claiming that they stand with Hamas terrorists who murder children.

These protesters stand with [Hamas], they should be ashamed of themselves, he said, to huge applause and chants of USA. He also specifically denounced protesters who say they are Gays for Gaza and said they were similar to Chickens for KFC.

Netanyahu pushed back against accusations that Israel is carelessly murdering Palestinian civilians. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

For Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy. For Hamas, its a strategy, he said.

The prime minister also pushed back on the International Criminal Court for seeking out a warrant for his arrest.

If Israels hands are tied [by the ICC], America is next, he said. The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself.

Some Democrats said that Netanyahus actions made hostages less safe.

I just came from listening to hostage families who were very clear that the most important thing to get their family members back is to end the war and to get a ceasefire, Representative Sara Jacobs, the youngest Jewish American congresswoman, told The Independent.

Netanyahu also appealed for Congress to continue to provide military aid.

Give us the tools faster, and well finish the job faster, he said.

Netanyahu also spoke about the need to create an international alliance to push back against Iran.

The prime minister sought to make bipartisan appeals by praising President Joe Biden for his years of service and for helping push back against Iranian aggression, while at the same time praising Donald Trump for his brokering of the Abraham Accords and recognizing the Golan Heights. He said he was grateful Trump survived his assassination attempt almost two weeks ago in Butler, Pennsylvania.

On Friday, Netanyahu will visit Trump at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

Despite the continued criticisms at home and abroad and the lack of many elite Democratic members of Congress, Netanyahu received rapturous applause and numerous members went up to greet him after his speech.
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Thousands of protesters rallied on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday night as Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech vowing to continue Israels war in Gaza until total victory.

Demonstrators chanted and waved Palestinian flags as the Israeli prime minister gave a defiant address to Congress, despite a boycott by 50 Democrats who announced they would not attend in protest at his handling of the war.

To applause from some, and stony silence from others, Mr Netanyahu sought to bolster American support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iranian-backed armed groups.

America and Israel must stand together, he said, opening his speech to one of several standing ovations.

Outside, a stage decked with banners included one declaring him a Wanted War Criminal  in reference to an arrest warrant sought by International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors. Mr Netanyahu denies war crimes allegations. Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol.

In his speech, Mr Netanyahu referred to the protesters and said he had a message for them.

When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Irans useful idiots, he said.

Nine months into the war, Mr Netanyahus speech dashed hopes by some that his latest visit to the United States could bring some breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Protesters push an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu down a street in Washington ( AP )

When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose, said Mr Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Israel will fight until we destroy Hamass military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home, he said. Thats what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.

Security escorted out protesters who stood to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held a sign that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other. Ms Tlaib has been one of Mr Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year about the latest Israel-Hamas war.

Mr Netanyahu began with remarks in support of President Joe Biden, but turned to lavishing praise on Donald Trump for all hes done for Israel.

As he faces criticism within Israel, Mr Netanyahu aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by the United States. But the task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war.

Protesters block traffic ahead of Benjamin Netanyahus visit ( AP )

Mr Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

The most notable absentee was Vice-President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, and who said a previously scheduled trip prevented her from attending.

However, she is due to meet Mr Netanyahu in private on Thursday, before he heads to see Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

The United States remains Israels most important arms supplier and source of military aid.

Mr Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the ICC over alleged Israeli war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognise the ICC.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
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Action group Haley Voters for Harris has vowed to continue with its cause, despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the former UN Ambassador herself.

The political action committee (PAC), which describes itself as a broad coalition, claims to represent supporters of Nikki Haley and is urging people to vote for Kamala Harris, rather than Donald Trump in November.

The group has revealed that it was waiting on a letter, sent by a law firm representing Haley, but said that its rights would not be suppressed. We will review the letter with counsel once we receive it and provide further comment in the next few days, an online statement on Tuesday from the group read.

We enthusiastically supported Ambassador Haley over former President Trump in the primaries and our mission is to encourage like-minded voters to vote for Vice President Harris in November.

We do not claim to represent Ambassador Haley or her views. There are many other like-minded Haley voters who also do not plan to support former President Trump in November.

Our rights to engage with voters and encourage them to vote for Vice President Harris - who in our view is the clear better choice for the country - will not be suppressed.

The group was previously known as Haley Voters for Biden, though changed its name on Sunday after the president announced he was ending his reelection campaign  endorsing Harris as his replacement.

A statement from Haleys campaign, shared with Fox News on Tuesday, said: "Kamala Harris and I are total opposites on every issue.

Any attempt to use my name to support her or her agenda is deceptive and wrong. I support Donald Trump because he understands we need to make America strong, safe, and prosperous."

The political action committee Haley Voters for Harris claims to represent supporters of Nikki Haley and is urging people to vote for Kamala Harris, rather than Donald Trump ( Getty )

Haley was the last rival to Trumps GOP presidential candidacy standing before she dropped out of the race in early March. However, even after ending her campaign, the former governor of South Carolina continued to take up to 20 percent of the vote in later Republican primaries.

Despite previously being a vocal critic of Trump, Haley appeared at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last week, where she urged supporters to coalesce around the former president.

On Wednesday, Haley Voters for Harris doubled down, writing that their actions were always about what was best for our country.

We stress that we proudly supported @NikkiHaley over Trump. We have no regrets. We wish her well, the group wrote on X. While we respect her personal decision to support the Republican nominee, we believe @KamalaHarris is better for the country.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress re-opened the longstanding divide that progressives have with President Joe Biden on Israel-Palestine. And they are unsure whether Vice President Kamala Harris  who is all but guaranteed to now lead the Democratic ticket now that Biden announced he would not seek re-election  would be an improvement.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive from New York who did not attend Netanyahus speech, told The Independent the US must be willing to enforce in a stronger, more forceful way US law, which means conditioning military assistance to respect human rights, and to ensure that US resources are not going toward the violation of human rights.

But when asked if she was confident Harris could provide a path forward on these issues, Ocasio-Cortez didnt give a clear answer.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) said that Kamala Harris will have a free hand on Israel ( Getty Images )

My hope is that our advocacy will always be a success, she simply told The Independent.

Others told The Independent they are more confident in the vice presidents policy.

Representative Sara Jacobs of California, the youngest Jewish member of Congress, told The Independent shes encouraged by the fact that Harris has a positive track record on advocating for a ceasefire.

I think its very telling that she was the first person in the administration to call for a ceasefire, and I hope well continue seeing her do that, Jacobs told The Independent just ahead of Netanyahus address to Congress.

Representative Robert Garcia of California, another progressive who boycotted Netanyahus address, praised Harris along the same lines.

Knowing what I know about her and her work as vice president, I think shell be very focused on worldwide peace and making sure that the United States is a global leader, Garcia told The Independent.

Senator Peter Welch, a Vermont progressive who also skipped the speech, told The Independent that Harris might be able to effect change if she makes it to the White House next year

Shes got a free hand, Welch told The Independent. She shares President Bidens commitment to a two-state solution. And that means there has to be a major focus on... the Palestinian people.

Welch was the first Democratic senator to call for Biden to step aside and also supports a ceasefire in Gaza.

For the most part, Harris has remained somewhat of a blank slate on Israel. When she was a senator, she spoke to AIPAC and voted for aid to Israel. Her husband Doug Emhoff denounced rising antisemitism in the United States and across the globe after the October 7 attacks.

At the same time, Harris has been more vocal about Palestinian suffering than Biden. In December, she said that international law must be respected.

Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, Harris said. Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating.

In March, Harris said there should be be an immediate ceasefire  for at least the next six weeks, which Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois, a member of the Squad, cited when asked today about Harriss record.

I think that you have seen her already talk about the importance of getting a negotiated deal to permanent ceasefire, she told The Independent. She said it before many of my colleagues have said it here.

Progressives have roundly criticized the Biden administrations support for Israel and indeed, Netanyahu thanked Biden for his longstanding support for Israel during his address  support which goes back to Bidens time as a young senator.

Regardless of their thoughts on Harris, progressive lawmakers all seem to agree on one thing.

What I know is this: Donald Trump would be a disaster, Representative Jim McGovern told The Independent, when asked about what US policy toward Israel might look like if Trump won a second term. Donald Trump would be a green light for more and more killing. I shudder to think what would happen if he were to become president.

McGovern did not attend Netanyahus address and instead spoke at a counterprogramming event that featured discussions with Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders.

Representative Jamie Raskin  a Democrat who did attend Netanyahus address after voting against US aid to Israel earlier this year  told The Independent hes concerned the Israeli prime minister praised Trump in his congressional address.

I thought this was a speech for the Republican National Convention that really didnt belong in the US House of Representatives, the way I heard it, Raskin told The Independent.
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Donald Trump will be allowed to sue ABC News and George Stephanopoulos for defamation after a federal judge rejected the networks attempts to dismiss a lawsuit targeting the anchors statements that Trump had been found liable for rape.

In March, Stephanopoulos pressed congresswoman Nancy Mace about her support for the former president, despite a judge finding him liable for rape by a jury.

Donald Trump has been found liable for defaming the victim of that rape by a jury. Its been affirmed by a judge, he said.

Two separate juries found Trump liable for defaming and sexually abusing E Jean Carroll after he repeatedly called her a liar for speaking publicly about allegations that he assaulted her in the 1990s. Trump has appealed the $83.3m verdict

The judge overseeing those cases wrote last year that Carrolls failure to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape.

Indeed, as the evidence at trial recounted below makes clear, the jury found that Mr Trump in fact did exactly that, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote.

But Trumps lawyers sued the network in federal court in Florida and accused Stephanopoulos of making patently and demonstrably false statements about him on air.

On Wednesday, US District Judge Cecilia Altonaga denied the networks motion to dismiss the case.

Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 20. A federal judge allowed Trump to sue ABC News for defamation after rejecting the networks motion to dismiss the case on July 24. ( Getty Images )

A BIG WIN TODAY IN HIGH FLORIDA COURT AGAINST ABC FAKE NEWS, AND LIDDLE GEORGE SLOPADOPOLUS. A POWERFUL CASE! the Republican presidential nominee wrote on Truth Social.

BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA WILL BE FORCED BY THE COURTS TO START TELLING THE TRUTH. THIS IS A GREAT DAY FOR OUR COUNTRY. MAGA2024!

Judge Altonagaa rejected ABCs arguments surrounding the allegedly defamatory statements had already been settled by the judge in Carrolls case.

The judge also rejected the networks arguments that the statements were substantially true and thus protected under Floridas so-called fair report privilege, saying she was not persuaded that such broad latitude exists under Florida law.

True, the fair report privilege absolves the media of the burden to be technically precise in their descriptions of legal proceedings, she wrote. But the privilege does not protect media where the omission of important context renders a report misleading.

She argued that a reasonable viewer who watched the ABC News segment could have been misled by Stephanopouloss statements, which did not include the jurys original findings and only fleetingly referenced the interpretation Judge Kaplan later offered.

Judge Kaplans findings do not have preclusive effect here, she added. The Court is thus only persuaded that substantial truth would arise if the jurys verdict of No was presented in combination with Judge Kaplans additional findings. The Court considers that aspect of Defendants arguments now, considering the allegedly defamatory segment in its entirety and in context, from the perspective of a reasonable viewer.

Under that standard, a reasonable jury could interpret Stephanopouloss statements as defamatory, she wrote.

In March, George Stephanopoulos pressed congresswoman Nancy Mace about her support for the former president, despite a judge finding him liable for rape by a jury. A jury found Trump liable for defaming and sexually abusing E Jean Carroll. ( EPA )

A jury may ultimately determine there was sufficient context in the ABC News segment, but a reasonable jury could conclude Plaintiff was defamed and, as a result, dismissal is inappropriate, according to Judge Altonaga.

The judges order marks another legal victory for the former president, after another federal judge dismissed a massive criminal case accusing Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents from law enforcement and then obstructing the governments attempts to get them back.

He also claimed victory after the Supreme Court determined that presidents have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts in office, potentially jeopardizing elements of a separate criminal case involving his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

A judge in New York, where Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, has agreed to review the Supreme Courts decision as it applies to that case.
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Donald Trumps campaign has accused vice president Kamala Harris of committing a heist and a brazen money grab after she inherited President Joe Bidens re-election campaign war chest.

Trumps complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday accuses the president and vice president of running afoul of campaign finance laws by turning Bidens now-ended campaign into the Harris for President campaign, allowing Harris to tap into more than $91 million in the campaigns coffers.

After Biden ended his re-election campaign on Sunday, Biden notified the FEC that his committee was changing its name to Harris for President, with Harris as the beneficiary. But as Bidens running mate, Harris was already sharing the campaign committee with the president, and legal analysts have doubted the arguments at the heart of Trumps attempt to take the wind out of his rivals sails.

The Trump campaigns legal team is now accusing Harris of seeking to perpetrate a $91.5 million dollar heist of Joe Bidens leftover campaign cash  a brazen money grab that would constitute the single largest excessive contribution and biggest violation in the history of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, according to the complaint, which has been reviewed by The Independent.

This is little more than a thinly veiled $91.5 million excessive contribution from one presidential candidate to another, that is, from Joe Bidens old campaign to Kamala Harriss new campaign, reads the complaint, written by Trump campaign general counsel David Worrington.

This effort makes a mockery of our campaign finance laws, he added.

The complaint was first reported by The New York Times.

Kamala Harris speaks to supporters in Wisconsin on July 23. Donald Trumps campaign filed an FEC complaint against the likely Democratic nominee after she inherited Joe Bidens war chest. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Team Harris will continue to build on our more than 250 coordinated offices and more than 1,300 coordinated staffers across the battleground states  just like we built on the $240 million cash on hand that we had at launch this week, raising $100 million in our first 36 hours and signing up 58,000 volunteers, Harris campaign spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak said in a statement to The Independent.

Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energized to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, but baseless legal claims  like the ones theyve made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections  will only distract them while we sign up volunteers, talk to voters, and win this election, he added.

Campaign finance analysts have doubted the legal theory propelling Trump-allied challenges to Harriss campaign. The committees that have raised funds for Bidens re-election  Biden for President, Biden Victory Fund and Biden Action Fund  all have included Harris. The committees remain the same, just with different names.

But right-wing legal groups have been eager to slow down any Democratic momentum now that Biden is no longer in the race.

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, according to Trevor Potter, president of Campaign Legal Center.

Among the arguments in the complaint, Trumps counsel argues Harris is not in a position to inherit contributions because she is not yet officially the Democratic Partys nominee, and that the campaigns treasurer attempted fraud by using government documents to rename and repurpose Bidens committee.

Moments after Biden announced he was ending his re-election campaign, Trump-appointed FEC chair Sean Cooksey posted an excerpt of campaign finance law that requires contributions to a candidate for the general election be refunded or redesignated if that candidate doesnt run.

A group of House Democrats sent him a letter on Tuesday to clarify campaign finance law, warning that his statements could risk fueling uncertainty and mistrust in the nations campaign finance system and our democracy more generally.

All I did was quote federal regulations, he wrote in response on X. Why are Democrats afraid of the law?
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Donald Trump says he doesnt know who came up with the idea that JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon could be Treasury Secretary in his potential second administration.

Trump did. Just a few weeks ago.

The 78-year-old Republican nominee for the presidency, whose cognitive abilities have come under scrutiny as the oldest presidential candidate in a race without Joe Biden, is now denying that Dimon or BlackRock CEO Larry Fink have ever been thought of for his cabinet.

I dont know who said it, or where it came from, perhaps the Radical Left, but I never discussed, or thought of, Jamie Dimon or Larry Fink for Secretary of the Treasury, he wrote on Truth Social.

But it was Trump himself who said he would consider Dimon for the role during a June 25 interview with Bloomberg Businessweek.

We had a great meeting. Jamie Dimon was there. I have a lot of respect for Jamie Dimon, he said of a meeting with CEOs hosted by the Business Roundtable in Washington.

Asked by Bloomberg if he would consider Dimon for Treasury Secretary in a Trump administration, he said: He is somebody that I would consider, sure.

Donald Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Michigan on July 20, has denied floating Jamie Dimon as a potential Treasury Secretary despite doing exactly that. ( AP )

Trumps allies began floating Dimons name earlier this year following a major fundraiser hosted by billionaire hedge-fund manager John Paulson and co-chaired by investor Scott Bessen, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Dimon has yet to publicly comment on a potential role in the Trump administration.

Finks name popped up in a recent column in The New York Post claiming that Trump is still seeking out Fink for insights into the economy despite right-wing attacks aimed at ESG  or environmental, social and governance investing principles  that BlackRock has incorporated into its massive $10 trillion investment portfolio.

Trump had also previously called Dimon a highly overrated globalist after he voiced his support for Trumps former primary rival Nikki Haley.

But both men appear to have some common ground with Trumps newfound interest in the cryptocurrency industry, which Trump told Bloomberg has a good foundation in the US.

Trump told Bloomberg last month that he would consider JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon for a role in his potential cabinet. The former president is now denying he said that ( via REUTERS )

If we dont do it, China is going to pick it up and Chinas going to have it  or somebody else, but most likely China, Trump told the outlet last month. Also, its not going away. Its amazing. Ive gotten to know a lot of people  I went to San Francisco, I met many people that  these are people that this is really becoming an industry [for].

Trump famously jumped on the NFT craze with a series of Trump-themed so-called trading cards using the non-fungible token format that is traded using cryptocurrency.

I did things like NFTs and, you know, stuff, Trump told Bloomberg. And I noticed that 80 percent of the money was paid in crypto. It was incredible. So, NFTs are, you know, I did the  very successful.  I would say almost all of it was paid in crypto, in this new currency. And it opened my eyes.

The industry is a baby and an infant right now, and you ask Jamie Dimon, Jamie Dimon was, you know, very negative and now all of a sudden hes changed his tune a little bit, Trump said.

The Independent has requested comment from representatives for Dimon and Fink.
 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.
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Two snipers left a vantage point that overlooked the gunman minutes before he attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner has testified.

Christopher Paris shared damning new details with lawmakers at a House Oversight Committee over Thomas Crooks shooting of the former president during a rally at Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

The police commissioner described a preliminary timeline of events  including communications between local law enforcement and Secret Service agents  from when they initially spotted Crooks in a crowd to the moment he opened fire on Trump.

Paris claimed that two officers of the Butler County Emergency Services Unit, who heralded sniper capabilities, left their posts which overlooked the rooftop where the 20-year-old gunman sat for three minutes as he fired eight rounds of his semi-automatic assault rifle.

Christopher Paris testified to the House Oversight Committee over Donald Trumps assassination attempt ( Getty Images )

He said that the officers left their posts after spotting a suspicious individual, who turned out to be Crooks, in an attempt to track him down and alert other officers.

Separately, Paris testified that a municipal officer came face-to-face with Crooks minutes before the first shots rang, striking Trump in the ear, killing one rallygoer and injuring two more.

He claimed that state police sent an alert and photo of Crooks to the Secret Service via a phone number it provided to state authorities.

Committee Chair Mark Green said he was totally blown away that federal agents didnt pull the event after receiving the warning. North Carolina Representative Dan Bishop slammed a colossal failure by the Secret Service.

Paris testimony comes less than 24 hours after the embattled director of the Secret Service, Kimberley Cheatle, resigned from her post on Tuesday after her disastrous display during the House Oversight Committee.

As your director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse, she said in a statement.

Bodycam footage of the aftermath of the assassination attempt, including of Crooks bloody corpse after he was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper, was released on Tuesday.

Newly-released bodycam shared by Chuck Grassley reveals moment after Trump shooting ( Beaver County Emergency Services Unit )

It includes officers discussing how the gunman was on their radar before he opened fire.

The graphic video was released by Senator Chuck Grassley via his X account on Tuesday night, as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers continue to demand answers over the shooting.

The footage shines further light on how law enforcement agents at the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, were aware of a suspicious person in the lead up to the attack  but failed to stop him in time.

The video shows various agents and police officers standing over Crooks body on the rooftop of the building which he had scaled to get a direct vantage point of the presidential candidate on stage. A rifle is seen lying close by.

This is the guy, one agent is heard saying.

Investigators have since said that they do not believe anyone else was involved in the assassination attempt and that Crooks, a local resident, acted alone.
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Newly-released bodycam footage has captured the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, revealing law enforcement officers discussing how the gunman was on their radar before he opened fire.

The graphic video was released by Senator Chuck Grassley on Tuesday night, as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers continue to demand answers over the shooting that left one rallygoer dead, two injured and the former president narrowly escaping death.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday amid staunch criticism of the agencys response that day, just hours before Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris revealed in dramatic congressional testimony that an officer came face-to-face with gunman Thomas Crooks minutes not seconds before the shooting.

Trump himself has questioned why Secret Service agents didnt delay his appearance on stage while the threat was investigated and three investigations into the security failures have been launched by the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General.

Now, the new graphic video has shone further light on how law enforcement agents at the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, were aware of a suspicious person in the lead up to the attack  but failed to stop him in time.

The footage shows various agents and police officers standing over Crooks body on the rooftop of the building which he had scaled to get a direct vantage point of the presidential candidate on stage. A rifle is seen lying close by.

This is the guy, one agent is heard saying, which others confirm.

The agents are heard discussing that a sniper had spotted an individual getting off a bike and putting a backpack down.

His photo was taken and sent to the other authorities on the scene  but officers lost sight of the suspect in the crowd.

Bodycam reveals moments after Trump shooting ( Beaver County Emergency Services Unit )

The officers are heard confirming that Crooks is the man in the photo.

Yes, this is him, one officer says.

An agent says that the bike is now being treated as a suspicious device before revealing that two people seen filming the incident had been detained in the rally crowd.

Maybe they were involved, maybe they werent, an officer says.

The guys that saw them said they were filming us, then filming the guy on the roof, then filming us. When the shots started firing they tried to run away, isnt that what everyone would do that had a phone? Im not saying they were involved or they werent involved but I got no problem detaining them.

He adds: I just want to detain those guys, find out what they know, who they are whatever. Im trying to get clear information to relay back to DC.

Investigators have since said that they do not believe anyone else was involved in the assassination attempt and that 20-year-old Crooks acted alone.

Sharing the footage on X, Grassley called for transparency and detailed answers from the Secret Service.

SENSITIVE CONTENT: July 13 Bodycam footage provides more info than Secret Service will share w America We NEED detailed answers ASAP on security failures TRANSPARENCY BRINGS ACCOUNTABILITY, he wrote, adding that the footage had been obtained from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit.

Trump is rushed off stage by Secret Service agents after the shooting ( EPA )

Trump has described his survival as a miracle after a bullet appeared to missed him by mere inches as he moved his head at just the right moment during his campaign speech.

While Trump was struck in the ear, he quickly leaped to the ground and Secret Service agents rushed on stage to protect him.

Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former fire chief attending the rally with his family, was killed as he threw his body over his loved ones to protect them from the shooters spray of bullets. Two other rallygoers  David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74  were hospitalized.

Agents returned fire on the gunman, shooting him dead at the scene.

The motive for the attack remains unclear with investigators so far finding no signs of a political ideological motive and confirming he was not known to law enforcement prior to the day of the shooting.

However, many questions remain around whether the shooter could have been stopped before he opened fire.

In a fiery House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday  one day before her resignation  Cheatle admitted that the failed assassination marks the most significant operational failure by the Secret Service in decades.
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The severed leg of a 23-year-old Australian surfer who was attacked by a great white shark off the mid-north coast of New South Wales has washed up on the beach, police said.

Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark at North Shore Beach at Port Macquarie on Tuesday morning around 11am local time and remained in critical condition. The surfer managed to catch a wave to the shore where bystanders helped treat him after the attack.

An off-duty police officer, who was walking his dog on the beach, used his dogs leash as a tourniquet around his wound in an attempt to stem the bleeding before paramedics arrived at the scene, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr McKenzie was taken to Macquarie base hospital and later flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle where he remained in a stable but critical condition.

The severed leg that washed up on the beach was placed on ice and taken to the hospital about 200km away from the place where the attack occurred. However, doctors will assess whether the leg can be reattached.

Shark biologists from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development reviewed photographs of the incident and identified the shark as a great white approximately 3m in length, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

On Tuesday, the Port Macquarie Hastings Lifeguards stated on social media that beach closures have now been lifted after Tuesdays incident.

Lauren Mac, a friend and neighbour of Mr McKenzie, launched a GoFundMe to support the surfer. Ms Mac was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph that the family and friends of the surfer were devastated.

Its another blow after Kai only recently returned to the water after fracturing his neck, she told the outlet.

His parents are shocked and devastated. I spoke with them yesterday after they saw Kai in the hospital. They are such a tight-knit family.

She added: Kai and all his mates have hearts of gold. Hes the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back.

He saw the shark, Kirran Mowbray, a NSW ambulance worker, was quoted as saying by 10 News First.

He was able to fight it off. He was very courageous. He turned around and caught a wave into shore.

The only person that saw the shark was the young man himself. He was quite calm. He was able to talk with us. He was completely with it, he added.

Images from the scene showed Mr McKenzies surfboard with a chunk bitten off by the shark from its tail. Mr McKenzie is a team rider for Rage, the purple-hued surf grip and hardware brand, according to Surfer.
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Nearly 200,000 people in New Zealand have suffered abuse and neglect at state and faith-based care institutions since 1950, a report said on Wednesday.

The landmark 3,000-page final report from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission noted widespread physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse, and criticised both state and church institutions for failing to protect the vulnerable.

The investigation found that the indigenous Maori people faced particularly harsh treatment and cultural dislocation.

The Royal Commission, the highest level of inquiry that can be undertaken in the country, called for urgent reform, including the establishment of a specialist investigation unit, an independent Care Safe Agency, and a Care System Office.

It also sought public apologies and accountability from various leaders and institutions.

Speaking in parliament after the report was tabled, prime minister Christopher Luxon said it marked a day of deep sorrow and regret.

It was the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held on our shores, Mr Luxon said and announced his government would issue a formal apology on 12 November this year.

At the heart of this report are the stories of 2,400 survivors, many of whom are here today. To every person who took part, I say thank you for your exceptional strength, incredible courage, and confronting honesty. Because of you, we know the truth about the abuse and trauma you have endured, the prime minister said.

I cannot take away your pain, but I can tell you this: you are heard and you are believed. Many of your stories are horrific and harrowing. They are painful to read, but not as painful as they were to endure. A number of faith-based schools, institutions and people in positions of authority who you should have been able to trust failed you in the worst possible way.

People arrive at the parliament in Wellington for the tabling of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on 24 July 2024 ( AP )

Nearly 655,000 children, young people, and adults were in care from 1950 to 2019 and an estimated 200,000 were abused and even more were neglected, the report said.

The true number will never be fully known as records of the most vulnerable people in Aotearoa New Zealand were never created or were lost and, in some cases, destroyed, it said, using both Maori and English names for the country. These gross violations occurred at the same time as Aotearoa New Zealand was promoting itself, internationally and domestically, as a bastion of human rights and as a safe, fair country in which to grow up as a child in a loving family.

If this injustice is not addressed, the report stated, it will remain as a stain on our national character forever.

Royal Commissioners Coral Shaw, Andrew Erueti and Paul Gibson called for wide legal reform, an overhaul of the care system, and urgent implementation of the redress scheme recommended by them.

Instead of receiving care and support, children, young people and adults in care were exposed to unimaginable physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse, severe exploitation and neglect, they said.

Any abuse and neglect, let alone the prevalence of it, could not be justified by the standards of the day and certainly cannot be justified now.

The commissioners urged swift implementation of their 138 recommendations to prevent future abuse and provide holistic redress to survivors.

The government said it had formed a ministerial group to tackle the reports findings and recommendations.

Tu Chapman, a survivor and advocate, told the Associated Press that immediate action was needed to prove the government took the findings seriously.

Announce the redress system as soon as possible, she said. Further delay is just impacting survivors even more who have waited 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 years.

Chris Hipkins, leader of the opposition Labour Party, which initiated the inquiry while in power, said children and vulnerable adults were devalued and dehumanised.

He described it as a nationwide intergenerational shame that remains unresolved.

In a statement, the Archbishops of the Anglican Church said: We acknowledge and take full responsibility for our failures to provide the safe, caring and nurturing environment those who have been in our care had a right to expect and to receive. There have been clear failures to properly investigate and respond when abuse was reported.

They also acknowledged that we have not provided accessible, straightforward processes for the handling of disclosures and complaints of abuse.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress in Washington on Wednesday as he sought to bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.

Netanyahu has signaled that a cease-fire deal could be taking shape after nine months of war, but during his fiery speech to Congress, he vowed to press forward with Israels war until he achieves total victory. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered near the U.S. Capitol to denounce the war.

Palestinians displaced by the Israeli militarys latest order to leave parts of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis say they are sleeping in the streets. The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the war.

Officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar had been expected to meet in Doha on Thursday with the aim of resuming talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire to end the war between Israel and Hamas and free the remaining hostages. But an Israeli official said Wednesday that Israel's negotiating team was delayed and would likely be dispatched next week.

Heres the latest:

U.N. envoy for Lebanon hopes a cease-fire in Gaza will end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah

UNITED NATIONS  The top U.N. envoy for Lebanon told the Security Council Wednesday that both Lebanon and Israel state that they do not seek war, despite thousands of strikes from both sides of the border since Oct. 8, the U.N. said.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert expressed hope that a cease-fire in Gaza would lead to an immediate return to the cessation of hostilities between the Israel military and Lebanons Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, relaying a few of her comments from her closed-door briefing to the council.

Frances U.N. Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere told reporters before the meeting that a full-fledged war would be unbearable and catastrophic, and he urged Israel and Lebanon to implement a 2006 Security Council resolution calling for the cessation of hostilities along the border.

Dujarric said Hennis-Plasschaert also discussed the ongoing leadership crisis in Lebanon, which has failed to elect a president since Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, completed his term on Oct. 30, 2022.

Maltas U.N. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier told reporters after the meeting that Hennis-Plasschaert indicated an appetite among Lebanese leaders to resolve the presidential crisis.

Hennis-Plasschaert briefed the Security Council on the ongoing violence a day after the release of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres report on the Israel-Lebanon conflict.

According to the report, the U.N. humanitarian office in June recorded at least 95 civilian deaths and 95,228 displaced people in Lebanon since Hamas surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Guterres said Israels U.N. ambassador reported in a letter that 10 civilians and 17 soldiers have been killed and 61,184 people displaced along the northern border since the beginning of the war.

Hezbollah publicly claimed responsibility for daily strikes from Lebanese territory against military installations of the Israel Defense Forces, as well as on Israeli residential buildings that they claim were used by the Israeli military, Guterres said.

Hezbollah often said the strikes were in retaliation for Israeli attacks in Lebanon, the U.N. chief said.

The secretary-generals report said the Israeli Defense Forces claimed responsibility for attacks against Hezbollah terrorists, military buildings, military positions, and residential buildings where the military believed Hezbollah members stay.

Body of hostage retrieved from Gaza during Israeli rescue mission

TEL AVIV, Israel  A kibbutz that came under attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 said Wednesday that the body of a hostage taken from the community was retrieved from Gaza by an Israeli rescue mission.

Kibbutz Nir Oz was one of the hardest-hit communities during Hamas assault, with about 80 of its 400 residents taken captive.

Nir Oz said it was informed that the body of Maya Goren, 56, was returned to Israel after a rescue mission, without providing additional details. Israeli authorities had said late last year that she was dead.

Hamas still holds roughly 120 people, a third of whom are said to be dead, according to Israeli authorities. Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire deal that could free the hostages.

Palestinians killed while sheltering inside 2 schools in Gaza, U.N. says

UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations says two schools in southern Khan Younis were hit during military action, killing and injuring Palestinians sheltering inside.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that the U.N. World Health Organization and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society were able to evacuate six wounded people to the International Medical Corp field hospital along with the bodies of two people killed in the shelters.

Dujarric said U.N. humanitarian staff report that intense hostilities and large-scale displacement is continuing in Khan Younis following Israels evacuation order. Most people are moving into a smaller, already overcrowded area labeled by the Israelis as a humanitarian zone, he said.

We and our humanitarian colleagues have been in touch by phone with hundreds of people who are trapped in combat zones of Khan Younis, within the area labeled for evacuation, Dujarric said.

This includes more than 300 people sheltering in schools, he said, pointing out that they include people with reduced mobility and family members staying to help them.

In northern Gaza, fuel and medical supplies were delivered to al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City earlier this week, which had been closed because of insecurity in the area, Dujarric said. It has now partially resumed health services.

Dujarric said Palestinians continue to cross from northern Gaza to the south, where U.N. partner organizations are registering them and providing them with food, water and other supplies.

As for the impact of the nine-month war, the spokesman said the U.N. and its humanitarian partners are continuing to screen children, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding for malnutrition and to treat them.

Since mid-January, nearly 170,000 children under the age of 5 and more than 10,000 pregnant women and breastfeeding women have been screened, Dujarric said. Over 11,500 of those children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition and are receiving treatment.

Protesters in Washington climb flagpoles to replace US flags with Palestinian ones

WASHINGTON  Protesters climbed the flagpoles outside Washingtons Union Station on Wednesday afternoon and replaced the American flags with Palestinian flags.

Dozens of officers wearing helmets and carrying riot shields walked in a line down a street outside Union Station, which is one of the nations busiest railroad terminals. Protesters cheered as a fire burned what appeared to be a paper-mache likeness of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

An Associated Press reporter saw at least four people taken into custody by police during the confrontation outside Union Station.

Thousands of demonstrators had gathered in Washington to protest Israel's war in Gaza as Netanyahu spoke in front of Congress earlier Wednesday afternoon.

Netanyahu vows to press forward with war until total victory

WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin said he is ready to press forward with Israels war against Hamas until he achieves total victory.

Netanyahu told Congress on Wednesday that he would agree to a cease-fire if Hamas surrenders, disarms and releases all hostages it is holding.

But he said Israel would continue to fight indefinitely until it destroys the groups military capabilities and brings home all hostages.

Israel will fight until we destroy Hamass military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home," he said. "Thats what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.

Critics have said Netanyahus vow of total victory is unrealistic, as Hamas has repeatedly regrouped in areas that the Israeli military has withdrawn from. U.S.-led cease-fire talks have dragged on for months without a breakthrough.

Netanyahu praises Biden in fiery speech to Congress

WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded U.S.-Israeli unity and praised President Joe Biden in a fiery speech to Congress.

The address sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has created.

Nine months into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu sought to bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: we win, they lose. said Netanyahu. He lambasted American protesters of the war as useful idiots of Iran.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened in the House chamber as Netanyahu spoke. Lawmakers of both parties rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages.

Police deploy pepper spray at protesters who have gathered in Washington

WASHINGTON  Police deployed pepper spray Wednesday as a large crowd protesting Israels war in Gaza marched toward the U.S. Capitol, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus was speaking to Congress.

Thousands of protesters descended on Washington, chanting Free, Free Palestine as some tried to block streets ahead of Netanyahus speech. Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol.

U.S. Capitol Police said in a post on X that some members of the crowd had become violent and had failed to obey orders to move back from the police line.

We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line, Capitol Police said.

Netanyahu receives standing ovation from both parties in Congress

WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked into the U.S. House chamber Wednesday afternoon and received a standing ovation from both parties, with only a few Democrats seated while everyone else cheered for him. One of those Democrats was Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress.

Republicans enthusiastically cheered Netanyahu, while the Democratic side of the chamber was notably less enthusiastic. Most Democratic members stood and applauded, but were less willing to give the prime minister an enthusiastic greeting.

Scattered throughout the gallery that overlooks the House chamber, at least six people wore T-shirts saying Seal the deal now, urging Netanyahu to reach a deal to return hostages.

Palestinian Health Ministry releases an updated list of Palestinians killed

CAIRO  The Palestinian Health Ministry has released an updated comprehensive list of Palestinians killed in Israels nine-month military offensive.

While the ministry releases a daily update to the overall death toll, this is just the fifth time it has released a detailed list identifying the dead by name, age and gender.

The document, dated June 30, reported a total of 37,900 dead. That includes 28,185 names, and 9,715 others who remained unidentified.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. It said 14,671 people, or 52% of the identified dead, were women or children. That percentage, which has dropped over the course of the war, is widely seen as an indicator of civilian deaths.

The large numbers of unidentified deaths have drawn accusations from Israel that the Hamas-linked Health Ministry has inflated the death toll. Israel says its forces have killed roughly 15,000 militants, without providing evidence to back the claim.

Palestinian health officials say it takes time to identify the dead because the health system has been overwhelmed by the war and some bodies are badly disfigured or not immediately claimed by their families. They say the true death toll is likely much higher because thousands of bodies are believed to be trapped in the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes.

Protesters taken into custody near US Capitol ahead of Netanyahu's speech

WASHINGTON  Police have taken people into custody near the U.S. Capitol at a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war in Gaza. A handful of people were led away by officers from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., while others chanted for them to be released.

More than 1,000 people gathered Wednesday morning on Pennsylvania Avenue within sight of the Capitol building. Protesters carried signs branding Netanyahu a war criminal.

A large group of protesters marched toward the Capitol after blocking a nearby intersection and calling for a student intifada, invoking an Arabic word for uprising or resistance.

Shut it down! they repeatedly chanted.

Bibi, Bibi, Were not done! The intifada has just begun! they also shouted, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

Across the street from Union Station, Jewish Americans gathered for a prayer service led by Truah, an organization of rabbis calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Rabbi Bill Plevan, of New York, said he believed prayer could be a catalyst for peace.

Were here to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech in Congress, he said. Were here to say we dont stand by his policies. As American Jews, we dont support this war.

Mourners attend the funeral of 2 killed in Israeli raid in the West Bank

TULKAREM, West Bank  Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of two people killed during an Israeli raid in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem that killed six people, at least three of them known militants. The bodies of Iman Jumaa, a 50-year-old woman, and Yazan Abdo, a 30-year-old man, were carried through the streets.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military released footage of a person dressed as a woman wearing a paramedic vest and holding a gun, but did not show the persons face. The video could not be independently verified by the AP, and the military did not provide any further evidence.

At the funeral, the body of Jumaa was covered with a paramedic jacket.

Tulkarem and its two refugee camps have become a flashpoint in the West Bank and are regularly raided by Israeli forces. Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are active in the city.

Netanyahu's office rejects far-right minister's comment on prayers at the Temple Mount

JERUSALEM  Israels far-right national security minister says Jews are allowed to pray at Jerusalems most sensitive holy site, threatening to stoke tensions that are already soaring over the war in Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir has said before it's his policy that Jews should be able to pray at the hilltop compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. But his statement on Wednesday comes at a politically sensitive time, hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress in Washington.

Netanyahus office quickly released a statement saying nothing had changed in the decades-old arrangement that prohibits Jewish prayer at the site.

I am the political echelon and the political echelon permits Jewish prayer there, Ben Gvir said during a conference focused on Jewish access to the compound.

Since Israel captured the site in the 1967 Mideast war, Jews have been allowed to visit but not pray there. Perceived encroachments have set off widespread violence on a number of occasions going back decades.

Musk says Starlink is active at a Gaza hospital, with Israel's OK

JERUSALEM  Billionaire Elon Musk in a statement on X says his satellite internet service Starlink is active for a hospital in Gaza, as the besieged territory has faced months of communication issues.

Israels Communication Ministry said the service has been in use at the Emirati-run field hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza for the past six months, and they were unclear why Musk mentioned it Wednesday.

During a visit to Israel in November, Musk met with Israels Communications Minister Shlomi Karhi and agreed that Starlink would operate in Gaza only with approval from the Israeli government. In February, the ministry announced that Starlink would be available at certain hospitals in Gaza for videoconferencing.

Gaza has experienced frequent communications blackouts as the infrastructure crumbles with months of fighting and a lack of fuel.

Dozens die in Gaza, raising the death toll over 39,100

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The Gaza Health Ministry says the bodies of 55 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours.

Hospitals also received 110 wounded, the ministry said Wednesday. The ministry doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count.

The overall Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war rose to at least 39,145, the ministry said, and another 90,257 have been wounded.

Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250.

Israeli delegation heads to Cairo ahead of planned cease-fire talks in Doha

BEIRUT  An Israeli delegation will head to Cairo on Wednesday for negations with Egyptian officials, according to Lebanons daily Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to Lebanons militant Hezbollah group. According to Egyptian sources, the negotiations will focus on the Rafah border crossing and Philadelphi corridor.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar will meet in Doha with the aim of resuming talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire to end the war between Israel and Hamas, Al-Akhbar said. It added that Egyptian and Qatari mediators see that the first phase of the deal is close but they are concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might destroy a possible deal in the final hours.

A spokesperson for Netanyahus office confirmed that a delegation is expected in Cairo.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq sends drones to attack a vital target in Eilat

BEIRUT  An umbrella group of Iran-backed factions in Iraq says it has carried out an attack with drones on a vital target in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said the early Wednesday attack comes in retaliation for what it called Israels massacres in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said its air force shot down two drones that were flying toward Israel from the east. It added that the drones did not enter Israels air space.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for scores of attacks against Israel in recent months, but most of the drones were shot down before reaching their targets. A drone attack by Yemens Iran-backed Houthi last week rebels killed one person in the center of Tel Aviv and wounded at least 10 others near the United States Embassy.
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Nine people are dead and four missing after a fishing boat capsized in the South Atlantic about 200 nautical miles off the coast of the Falkland Islands.

Emergency teams were still searching for the missing in the turbulent waters late on Tuesday after the Argos Georgia, a Saint Helena-flagged fishing vessel, experienced uncontrolled flooding the previous evening.

The crew of 27 abandoned the ship and many managed to board life rafts, with 14 rescued as of Wednesday morning. Four people remain missing, according to the owner of the fishing vessel, while nine have been confirmed dead.

The Falkland Islands government said the vessel requested assistance at around 4pm local time on Monday.

But a rescue operation was thwarted by extremely challenging weather conditions and very limited time on scene due to range, it said.

While the Falkland Islands are under British control, Argentina claims the archipelago as its territory and refers to it as Las Malvinas.

The Argentinian Navy reported that strong winds and waves had damaged the vessel, causing water to rapidly fill the hull.

Authorities in Spains Pontevedra province said 10 of the crew members were from the country, including the captain. Other crew members were reportedly from Russia, Indonesia, Uruguay, and Peru.

The Falkland Islands government said the rescued sailors were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in the capital, Stanley.

The 176ft Argos Georgia, built in 2018, was managed by Argos Froyanes Ltd, a private British-Norwegian company.

It was sailing under the flag of St Helena, one of Britains overseas territories in the South Atlantic.

Our crew members are true professionals and have regular training for such a situation, the company said in a statement quoted by the Associated Press.

We trust in their ability to use the safety equipment to the best of their ability.

In response to the distress call from the Argos Georgia, British authorities said they dispatched boats and a helicopter, with no mention of coordination with Argentina.

The Falkland Islands is a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic ( AFP via Getty )

The Argentine Navy independently said it received the vessels distress call and assumed management of the search-and-rescue case. Argentina said its maritime authorities coordinated the deployment of fishing boats to the life rafts to rescue survivors despite extreme weather conditions, according to the Associated Press.

Britain won territorial rights within about 200 miles of the archipelago following its victory over Argentina in the Falklands War of 1982, a conflict that has strained relations between the two countries ever since.

This accident highlights the harshness of fishing activity and the sacrifice and risk that sea professionals experience, Carmen Crespo, chair of the Committee on Fisheries for the European Parliament, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Additional reporting by agencies
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A Russian military intelligence officer is said to have been seriously injured after his car exploded in northwest Moscow.

Footage published by Russian state media showed what appeared to be a Toyota Land Cruiser with its left side completely torn off in the parking lot of a complex of high-rise buildings.

The officer in the GRU, Russias main intelligence directorate, is reportedly the deputy head of a military unit based in the Russian capital, and is in critical condition, according to preliminary accounts on the Telegram messenger app. It is also believed that his wife was in the car.

But footage published by Kremlin-approved Ria Novosti seemed to show a victim conscious and administering first aid to himself after the explosion.

State media outlet Mash reported that the injuries were caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) under the pedals of the drivers seat, where the officer had been sitting. They claimed that the bomb went off when the driver started the ignition. Other outlets have claimed that the IED was placed underneath the car.

Russian authorities announced they had opened an investigation into the incident.

In connection with the incident that occurred on Sinyavinskaya Street in Moscow, as a result of which a car was damaged and its owner and passenger were injured, the investigative bodies of the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the city of Moscow opened a criminal case, a statement read.

They added that investigators are already at the scene, while a wide cordon has been placed around the parking lot. Residents in the complex have been instructed not to leave their homes.

Images published by Kremlin-approved media on Telegram appears to show the bombed out remains of a GUR officers car ( Telegram )

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi (R) and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba (L) are pictured in Guangzhou ( AP )

Graphic footage, which appears to be CCTV discovered by Mash, has been circulated on Telegram showing the moment the vehicle exploded after the intelligence officer gets into the car.

Subsequent footage showed the officer being pulled into an ambulance with cloth covering his lower half.

The motive for the attack is still unclear but Moscow has previously blamed Ukraine without evidence for comparable incidents in the past.

Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack damaged port infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings early on Wednesday, wounding three people in the southern Ukrainian city of Izmail on the River Danube.

The attack damaged several buildings in the port, caused a fire and also damaged three trucks, Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, said in a statement.

A five-storey residential building was damaged during the attacks that smashed its windows and stairwells, and ruined a part of its facade, officials said.

Izmail and other ports of the Danube river are important routes for Ukraine to import fuel.

Outside of Ukraine and Russia, Kyivs top diplomat Dmytro Kuleba held more than three hours of deep and concrete talks with his Chinese counterpart in Guangzhou, southeast China.

It is the first time a Ukrainian official has visited China, a key ally of Russia, since Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

The talks with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi lasted longer than planned, according to one source in Mr Kulebas delegation, and will kick off the Kyiv officials three-day tour of the country.

Mr Wang said the two countries should maintain communication and exchanges, enhance mutual trust and renew friendship, a foreign ministry spokesperson said after the meeting.
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Elon Musk has said his Starlink satellite internet service is now active in a hospital in Gaza.

The billionaire announced the news on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying it had been made possible thanks to the help of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.

It comes more than five months after the Israeli government approved Starlink's use in the hospital in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Internet connectivity in Gaza is poor because of the lack of power and fuel to operate provider centres. This makes it much harder for medical staff and rescue teams to work.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAEs foreign minister. thanked Musk for supporting the UAE field hospital in Gaza, where many medical facilities have been destroyed in over nine months of war.

The high-speed internet will enable potentially life-saving medical consultations via real-time video calling, the UAE foreign ministry said in February.

Elon Musk ( Reuters )

Gazas residents rely heavily on the internet to communicate with each other and with NGOs. According to a local expert quoted by a source at The Intercept, internet access declined by 80 per cent to 90 per cent within a few weeks of the war breaking out.

The war in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack inside southern Israel during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli totals. In response, Israel launched an air and ground offensive and a blockade, which health officials in the Hamas-run strip say has killed more than 39,000 people.

Starlinks arrival in Gaza is the latest reflection of the growing geopolitical influence that Musk wields through his fast-growing satellite business, which is part of his SpaceX business. He met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem at the end of last year to secure the approval of Starlinks use.

Meanwhile, Gaza health officials said Israeli military strikes had killed at least 80 Palestinians in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza since Monday.
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The mother of a young woman taken hostage during the 7 October attack by Hamas has called on the Israeli government to make the release deal their top priority.

Ayelet Levy Shachars daughter, Naama Levy, is currently being held hostage in Gaza after being kidnapped from an Israeli army observation post near the Gaza border. Around 1,200 people were killed in the 7 October attack, with another 250 people taken hostage. Around 120 are still believed to be held in Gaza, but Israel says that around a third of them are likely dead.

Naama, a determined and fun-loving young woman, turned 20 in captivity, her mother told the BBC. Speaking on the prospects of reaching a hostage deal, she said she believes they have never before been in such a promising point.

Ms Shachar continued: Nothing should be distracting [us] at this point... this is what we should be dealing with right now. Im asking and hoping that our prime ministers commitment to this will be his first priority.

Netanyahu ( The Associated Press )

Her pleas come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington to meet outgoing US president Joe Biden with US hopes of mediating an end to the nine-month Israel-Gaza war. More than 39,000 people have been killed inside Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, since the Israeli military offensive began in response to the Hamas attack.

Mr Netanyahu has been accused by some hostage families of avoiding closing a ceasefire and hostage-release deal to stay in power, given that his personal poll ratings are poor and an election would likely follow the end of the war in Gaza. It is an accusation the Israeli leader has denied.

Some relatives of men and women held captive travelled to Washington with the Israeli prime minister, but Ms Shachar turned down an invitation due to bad timing. Speaking in Washington to the families, Mr Netanyahu said: The conditions [for a deal] are undoubtedly ripening. This is a good sign.

The bedroom of hostage Naama Levy in Raanana, Israel ( The Associated Press )

Hostages released during a previous ceasefire and exchange deal in November gave information to Naamas family which has led them to believe that her captors moved her from place to place to avoid Israeli military action and that she had shrapnel injuries in her legs.

The family have been told by the Israeli military that there is proof of life despite not being given any details.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar will meet in Doha to resume talks for a proposed three-phase ceasefire deal.

Lebanons daily Al-Akhbar newspaper shares the same concerns as the hostages families and is worried that Mr Netanyahu might destroy a possible deal in the final hours.

The Israeli military said it is planning to begin a forceful operation against Hamas in Gaza and has told residents in the adjusted al-Mawasi humanitarian area to leave. Close to half a million people are living in the targeted areas and a significant number of families have left the area.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Chinese scientists have found a mineral enriched with water in lunar soil samples returned from the Moon by the Change 5 mission.

This discovery revealed the presence of trace water from a much higher latitude than any previous missions and could power future missions to the Moon amid an ongoing space race between the US and China.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon in the form of hydrated salts.

The findings, published recently in the journal Nature Astronomy, offer fresh clues about the chemical and physical form of Moon water, an advance that could shape how minerals are extracted for rocket fuel on the lunar surface.

While samples brought back by Apollo astronauts decades earlier suggested the Moon was likely completely dry, recent discoveries suggest the Earths closest neighbour indeed has reservoirs of water.

For instance, in 2009, Indias Chandrayaan-1 mission detected signs of hydrated minerals on the Moon in the form of oxygen and hydrogen molecules.

More recently, Nasa announced the discovery of water on the Moons sunlit surface in 2020, followed by Chinas Change-5 lunar lander sending back the first on-site evidence of lunar water.

Samples collected by the Change 5 probe continue to shed light on the presence of water on the lunar surface.

NASA cancels moon rover mission after spending $450 million on development

The latest study of samples collected during this mission found an unidentified mineral crystal dubbed unknown lunar mineral (ULM-1) to be rich in water and ammonia molecules.

Our findings also suggest that water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon as hydrated salts, scientists wrote.

They found that water molecules make up over 40 per cent of the mineral sample by mass, while also ruling out the possibility that it was contaminated by rocket exhaust.

We rule out terrestrial contamination or rocket exhaust as the origin of this hydrate on the basis of its chemical and isotopic compositions and formation conditions, scientists wrote.

More evidence of the presence of water on the Moon may follow with last months return of Chinas Change 6 probe, which brought back the first samples from the lunar far side.

China has amped up its space program over the last decade, closely competing with the US in what Nasa administrator Bill Nelson calls a new space race.

The country plans to send a crewed mission to the moon by 2030 and also aims to build a lunar base.

Finding water on the Moon is not just about fuel extraction and building bases, as it can also reveal fresh insights into lunar history and evolution.
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CrowdStrike, the company at the centre of an IT outage that brought much of the world to a standstill last week, has finally revealed how the problem was able to happen.

Last Friday, users of Microsoft PCs reported that their computers were refusing to turn on. That rapidly led to global chaos as users of those computers were unable to do their job: TV stations went offline, global air travel was brought to a standstill with many major airlines cancelling flights entirely, and hospital appointments were forced to be cancelled.

It quickly became clear that the bug was not the result of a Microsoft update, but one from cyber security company CrowdStrike. All of the affected computers were running its cybersecurity software.

Now it has revealed that the bug was able to get out into the world because of a failure in its quality control mechanism.

The bug was released in an update to CrowdStrikes Falcon Sensor, a platform that protects computers from malicious software and hackers. To be able to do so, however, it must be constantly updated and have deep access to a computer  both of which led to the problems.

A stray update containing a fault meant that Windows operating systems were not able to run properly once they had installed it. That led to the Blue Screen of Death that greeted users on Friday morning, and meant those computer systems were not able to get online.

CrowdStrike, like other major software companies, has systems that are intended to spot such bugs in software before it is sent out to the public. But that system itself had a bug that meant it certified the release despite the fact it included dangerous errors.

Due to a bug in the Content Validator, one of the two Template Instances passed validation despite containing problematic content data, CrowdStrike said in a statement, referring to the failure of an internal quality control mechanism that allowed the problematic data to slip through the companys own safety checks.

CrowdStrike did not say what that content data was, nor why it was problematic. A Template Instance is a set of instructions that guides the software on what threats to look for and how to respond. CrowdStrike said it had added a new check to its quality control process in a bid to prevent the issue from occurring again.

The extent of the damage from the botched update is still being assessed. On Saturday, Microsoft said about 8.5 million Windows devices had been affected, and the US House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee has sent a letter to CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz asking him to testify.

Once its investigation is complete, CrowdStrike said that it will publicly release its full analysis of the meltdown.

CrowdStrike released information to fix affected systems last week, but experts said getting them back online would take time as it required manually weeding out the flawed code.

Wednesdays statement was in line with a widely held assessment from cybersecurity experts that something in CrowdStrikes quality control process had gone badly wrong.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Among the throngs of tourists in cowboy attire who flock to Nashvilles famed downtown honky-tonks, a small but unsettling group has distracted locals and visitors from the neon lights lately with Nazi salutes and white supremacist rhetoric.

For weeks, neo-Nazis have livestreamed antisemitic antics for shock value in Nashville  waving swastika flags through crowded streets, singing hate songs on the downtown courthouse steps and even briefly disrupting a Metro Council meeting with jeers.

Their continued presence has sparked hard questions about why Music City is attracting groups amplifying Nazi beliefs and what, if anything, can help stop them.

What's significant is that so many of groups feel so emboldened, said Jon Lewis, a George Washington University Program on Extremism research fellow. They're a symptom of the broader disease that is mainstreaming.

Elsewhere in the country, white supremacist groups have made similar  but often isolated  appearances this year. Some have rallied at the South Dakota Capitol, rented billboards in the Detroit area to celebrate Adolf Hitlers birthday and projected a swastika on a dorm at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

open image in gallery Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell speaks to reporters on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Bordeaux Branch of the Nashville Public Library, in Nashville, Tenn. O'Connell answered questions about the appearances of neo-Nazis in the city in recent weeks.

But in Nashville, the groups have stuck around, peppering neighborhoods with propaganda leaflets. Dozens of masked white nationalists marched through downtown early this month, and Republican Gov. Bill Lee condemned the group for its antisemitic views. The uptick in activity comes after Neo-Nazis also marched downtown in February.

Rabbi Dan Horwitz, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, said the city is an amazing place for the Jewish community, and a unity rally Sunday drew hundreds of supporters. Yet part of the reason neo-Nazis have picked Nashville could simply be its draw for tourists, he said.

Im not surprised that white supremacists would also say, Hey, this seems like a great fun place that we can go and meet up and get to do our honky-tonking at night, Horwitz said.

Nashville's touristy attraction may be a factor, but the state's embrace of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-immigrant policies may also play a role, Lewis said.

open image in gallery Jon Minadeo and his Neo-Nazi organization the Goyim Defense League are barred from entering the Nashville Together event at the Bicentennial Park Amphitheater held by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville ( Ray Di Pietro/Shutterstock )

Tennessee's GOP lawmakers have enacted more anti-LGBTQ+ laws more than any other state since 2015, including banning gender-affirming care for minors, limiting drag performances in public spaces and allowing LGBTQ+ foster children to be placed with families that hold anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs.

Separately, Tennessee has aligned with other Republican-led states that have tasked their authorities with more immigration duties. And a 2023 failed mayoral candidate in a city near Nashville made national news for her white supremacist supporters, including a couple who openly signaled their embrace of Nazism.

When there are local and state lawmakers using language that it is not out of place in any of the chats for any groups that are coming to the city, that's always going to be a concern, Lewis said.

The neo-Nazis didn't provide much clarity when several gathered outside Nashville's courthouse last week and a WTVF-TV journalist asked, Why did you guys choose Nashville?

open image in gallery FILE - The Nashville, skyline is seen on July 11, 2022. For weeks, neo-Nazis have made repeat appearances in Nashville, livestreaming antisemitic antics for shock value. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Its the only place that respects freedom of speech, said Nicholas Bysheim, a member of neo-Nazi Goyim Defense League.

City leaders are poring through regulations to see which, if any, may apply to extremist gatherers. Some include limitations on wearing masks in public to conceal someones identity or require permission for larger groups to march through the city. But Mayor Freddie O'Connell stressed that any ordinance enforcement would need to withstand a possible court challenge, with delicate implications on constitutional free speech rights.

These groups, obviously, they are sophisticated in their awareness of where the boundaries of their protections are, and we want to make sure that if we are challenging their testing of those boundaries that were going to pass that test, OConnell told reporters.

According to Nashville police, the most recent faction of neo-Nazis largely traveled from outside Tennessee.

Known for using the public comment period of local meetings to spread anti-Jewish hate messages, some signed up to speak at the Nashville council meeting last Wednesday.

I want to say to all these visitors from out of town: Youre not welcome here, council member Zulfat Suara said. You have the right to march, but there is no room for hate here.

Suaras remarks drew jeers from the neo-Nazis, who hurled racist and sexually explicit comments before the audience was temporarily booted. When the public was allowed back into the meeting, the neo-Nazis had left.

A few days earlier, a neo-Nazi had been charged with using his flag to attack a downtown bar worker, who also is charged in the tussle.

Roberta Kaplan, who represented plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit that secured a $26 million verdict against two dozen white nationalists and organizations in the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, demonstrations, said she sees parallels between between that city and Nashville.

Kaplan said the Charlottesville demonstrations  where a white supremacist deliberately drove his car into counterprotesters, killing one person and injuring dozens  were preceded by dress rehearsals organized by various white nationalist groups starting earlier that spring. Both cities are progressive surrounded by deep-red countryside, which could aid their ultimate goal to provoke violence and start a race war, and have large groups of visitors, some of whom they hope will be receptive to their views, Kaplan added.

Whats truly frightening is that we as a nation do not seem to have learned any lessons from the death of Heather Heyer or the injuries of my clients, Kaplan said. To the contrary, white Christian nationalists now feel emboldened, encouraged by the 'coded' or not-so-coded statements of elected officials.
Rashida Tlaib held up a sign saying war criminal as Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday (24 July) for the first time since the Hamas attacks on October 7.

Thousands of protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza gathered outside the US Capitol building in Washington as the Israeli prime minister spoke.

Addressing both chambers, Mr Netanyahu thanked Joe Biden for supporting Israel during its darkest hour and said it would never be forgotten.

He added that he is actively engaged in seeking the release of the remaining hostages.
James Cleverly paid tribute to his parents in a video announcing that he is running to be the next leader of the Conservative Party.

The shadow home secretary recalled his childhood in south east London, and spoke of how his mother was a midwife in the NHS and his father started a small business.

Mr Cleverly said the Conservatives needed to re-establish our reputation as the party who, in government, helps grow the economy, helps people achieve their goals, their dreams, and their aspirations.

After losing the general election, Rishi Sunak said that he will step down as party leader once formal arrangements for selecting his successor are in place.
The gunman at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania flew a drone 200 yards from the stage just two hours before he opened fire, the FBI has revealed.

Giving evidence to Congress on Wednesday, 24 July, the security and intelligence service's director Christopher Wray also told lawmakers that Thomas Crooks had three explosives in his car.

Analysis of Crooks' laptop showed he had searched "how far away was Oswald from Kennedy", the director added.

The 20-year-old was named by the FBI as the shooter who got close enough to the 13 July campaign rally to wound the former president and 2024 Republican candidate.

One rally attendee was killed and another wounded.
UK-listed property investment group Hammerson is close to refinancing the debt secured against Dundrum Town Centre, one of the countrys largest shopping centres, according to its CEO.

The property group and its 50:50 Dundrum joint venture partner, Pimco, formerly known as Allianz Real Estate, are seeking to refinance 600m of loans secured against Dundrum Town Centre, which fall due in September.

During a call with investors Rita-Rose Gagne, chief executive of Hammerson, indicated that the refinancing will happen soon.

We have 1bn of refinancing covered. Basically this includes Dundrum, where we have credit approval and expect a sign in the coming days, she said.

Hammerson and Pimco secured ownership of Dundrum in 2016. The shopping centre is one of Irelands most popular retail and leisure destinations, and has an annual footfall of about 15.1 million.

In September 2015, Hammerson and Pimco acquired loans secured against a portfolio of retail assets from the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) for 1.85bn under the bad banks Project Jewel portfolio, which had a par value of about 2.6bn.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 24th July 2024

The loans were connected with property developer Joe O'Reilly and the company he founded, Chartered Land.

In addition to Dundrum Town Centre, Hammerson also acquired several other Chartered Land assets in Ireland, including land adjoining the Pavilions shopping centre in Swords, Co Dublin.

Hammerson and Allianz also took stakes in the Ilac Centre in Dublin city centre and the Pavilions shopping centre.

On Monday, Hammerson sold its stake in Kildare Village's parent firm, Value Retail, as part of a bigger 1.5bn deal.

The purchaser was L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH, a luxury fashion group that owns the Louis Vuitton brand.

In a statement, Hammerson said it was generating 600m (712m) in cash proceeds by disposing of Value Retail.

On Monday, the firm indicated that it would return up to 140m through an on-market share buyback scheme upon completion of the sale.

Hammerson has a 41pc stake in Kildare Village, which opened in 2007 and has been extended on several occasions since. Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barbour and Mulberry are among the big fashion brands operating there.

The British property group controls the 5.5-acre site on OConnell Street which was once home to the Carlton cinema. The redevelopment project for the area has hit a range of planning and legal hurdles.
The social media giant looks set to expand its service to users in Ireland this autumn

TikTok is tipped to launch its own shop  called TikTok Shop  in Ireland and Spain this Autumn.

The social media giant already has an in-app shop in its US and UK markets, where people can buy clothes, accessories and a range of other things, sometimes promoted by influencers.

According to a Bloomberg report, TikTok will now extend its shop to Ireland and Spain, before considering expanding to France, Italy and Germany.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 23rd July 2024

A spokesperson for TikTok in Ireland, where it employs around 3,000 people, declined to confirm the news but said that it would be guided by demand.

We're excited to continue experimenting with this new commerce opportunity to support businesses of all sizes and enable our community to discover and engage with products they love," the spokesperson said.

The online shop is based on the experience of TikToks sister company, Douyin, which operates a social media ecommerce shop in Asia.

Around 2.8m people bought something from the UK version of the shop last year, which is used by third party retailers such as Marks & Spencers and Garnier. This month, the UK TikTok shop has begun allowing second-hand clothes brands to sell products there. TikTok takes a 5pc commission of all sales.

TikTok Shop is not without its critics. Some users have complained that it makes videos overly-affected by influencers who are trying to sell things even more than usual.

The company has also had to battle the perception that the shop is being flooded with cheap Chinese fast fashion items and drop-shippers who are middlemen that dont keep any stock.
The Atlanta-based company now sees organic revenue growth, which strips out currency volatility and other items, in a range of 9pc to 10pc this year, above the previous projection in April for 8pc to 9pc.
Sabrina (35), from Belfast, is also looking for love on the show

A Dublin business owner is set to take part in the new series of Love is Blind on Netflix.

The trailer of the new UK series, hosted by Matt and Emma Willis, was released earlier today ahead of the opening show on August 7.

Conor Griffin (31), from south Dublin, owns a health food business and is described as cheeky, flirtatious and down to earth in the blurb for the show.

Hes been single for seven years and since his last relationship ended, says he has struggled to find anyone he can truly connect with.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 24th July 2024

According to Netflix: After losing his mum three years ago, he [Conor] started his own health food business in her memory, determined to make her proud. Now hes keen to start a family of his own.

Mr Griffin is the co-owner of Roots, a specialised food caravan in Monkstown. The business is known for its acai bowls, a creamy Brazilian smoothie served with fruit and other toppings.

Sabrina (35), from Belfast, is also looking for love on the show

Hes not the only Irish person taking part in the show as Sabrina Egerton (35), from Belfast, will also be looking for love.

Netflix said: Unlucky in love Sabrina is hoping to meet the man of her dreams in the experiment. She hasnt had much luck with men in her dating life which has led to her being hyper independent.

Sabrina believes the pods will give her an opportunity to get deep with men from the get-go. She hopes to find someone who has worked through their own issues and wants to grow with her to be the best versions of themselves.

For those not familiar with Love is Blind, its a Netflix series which has been running in the US since early 2020.

Now, those in the UK have their chance to find love in a less-conventional approach to modern dating and see whether looks, race or age matter, or if love really is blind.

Contestants have to choose someone to marry without ever meeting them. Over several weeks, the newly engaged couples will move in together, plan their wedding and find out if their physical connection matches their strong emotional bond developed in the Pods.

When their wedding day arrives, will real-world realities and external factors push them apart, or will they marry the person they fell blindly in love with?
Potatoes are bagged up by farmers in Chagaiya village, Kenya. (Photo by Ed Ram/Getty Images)

Sasini employees unload bags of fertilizer from a truck at Kipkebe Tea Estate at Kipkebe Tea Estate in Musereita on October 21, 2022. (Photo by Patrick Meinhardt / AFP)

When Benson Wanjala started farming in his western Kenya village two and a half decades ago, his 10-acre farm could produce a bountiful harvest of 200 bags of maize. That has dwindled to 30. He says his once fertile soil has become a nearly lifeless field that no longer earns him a living.

Like many other farmers, he blames acidifying fertilizers pushed in Kenya and other African countries in recent years. He said he started using the fertilizers to boost his yield and it worked  until it didn't. Kenya's government first introduced a fertilizer subsidy in 2008, making chemical fertilizers more accessible for smaller-scale farmers.

About 63% of arable land in Kenya is now acidic, according to the agriculture ministry, which has been recording a decline in production of staples such as maize and leading exports of horticulture and tea. The production of maize declined by 4% to 44 million tons in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, which didn't say why.

The agriculture ministry didn't respond to questions, especially after a scandal over fake fertilizer in April. The fertilizer was found to be quarry dirt in misleadingly labelled bags that were distributed to farmers through a national subsidy program. President William Ruto said about 7,000 farmers bought the fake fertilizer and would be compensated with the correct product.

Problems with soil health are growing as the African continent struggles to feed itself. Africa has 65% of the worlds remaining uncultivated arable land but has spent about $60 billion annually to import food, according to the African Development Bank. The spending is estimated to jump to $110 billion by 2025 due to increased demand and changing consumption habits.

Paul Manga, a subsistence farmer, slashes his withered maize crop. (Photo by James Wakibia/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

In May, Kenya hosted an Africa-wide soil health summit to discuss declining production, climate change and other issues that have increased food security concerns. Agriculture is a key part of the economy in Kenya, making up more than a quarter of the GDP.

At the summit, Stephen Muchiri, executive director of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, advocated for a return to traditional farming practices to replenish lifeless soils, including planting a variety of crops and doing as little as possible to disturb the land.

Inorganic fertilizers were never meant to be the foundation of crop production," he said, later adding that because of "commercially inclined farming, our soils are now poor, acidic, and low in biomass resources, and without life!

He said farmers should rotate crops on their land and source compost material from livestock such as goats: There must be some kind of transition and adaptation for our soils to revert back to fertility."

Experts say soil acidity causes land degradation by decreasing the availability of plant and essential nutrients, making soil more vulnerable to structure decline and erosion.

The program coordinator for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, Bridget Mugambe, advised the phasing out of chemical fertilizers.

Soil health goes beyond the quick fixes provided by chemical fertilizers. In fact, chemical fertilizers have extensively damaged our soils in Africa. We need to think of our soils in a more holistic way," she said.

The soil health summit by the African Union  which in 2006 recommended that members use more chemical fertilizers  adopted a 10-year plan that calls for increased investment to produce both organic and chemical fertilizers locally and triple their use for increased production.

During the summit, AU commissioner for agriculture Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko asserted that the continent was losing over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients each year."

Kenya heavily relies on imported fertilizer due to low local production. The main supplier is the European Union, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Potatoes are bagged up by farmers in Chagaiya village, Kenya. (Photo by Ed Ram/Getty Images)

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa's Kenya manager, John Macharia, said Kenya's recent fertilizer scandal should not discourage farmers.

Its still imperative that we are able to work with the government to actually ensure that we have the right fertilizers coming to our stores, Macharia said. He recommended both chemical and organic ones as long as they address the specific issue in the soil, and said soil analysis would guide farmers.

Declining soil quality is a food security concern across Africa.

In Zimbabwe, once a regional breadbasket, about 70% of soils are acidic, according to the government. The government in the past introduced chemical fertilizers in an attempt to strengthen soils, but wrong usage caused a decline in organic matter.

Before the introduction of mineral fertilizers, our forefathers had the knowledge and understanding that if you add organic manure, the soil becomes fertile, and crops perform better," said Wonder Ngezimana, a crop science associate professor at Zimbabwes Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. That has been a traditional norm in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa where people scavenge for any kind of organic matter to add to the soil.

That includes animal manure, grass, leaves and twigs, crop residue, ash and compost. But many farmers in Zimbabwe no longer have cattle because of recent drought, Ngezimana said: Farmers are struggling to maintain soil health because they cant generate enough quantities of organic matter.

AGRA recommended that farmers test their soil's acidity and apply lime to reverse high acidity.

But farmers say both are limited and costly. Soil testing services are available in government agricultural agencies, public universities and private organizations at prices ranging from $20 to $40.

Wanjala, the farmer, said he cannot even find the money cattle for manure, and barely for seeds.

I cannot afford more expenses, he said.

AP
Chinese FM calls for political settlement of Ukraine crisis

Xinhua) 16:59, July 24, 2024

GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou on Wednesday, calling for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, and the conflict is still ongoing with risks of escalation and spillover.

Noting that China remains firmly committed to a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Wang said the four principles laid out by President Xi Jinping form China's fundamental approach to finding a solution to the crisis.

On this basis, Wang said that China and Brazil have jointly outlined six common understandings for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, including three principles for managing the conflict, three elements for a peace plan, three humanitarian concerns, as well as important measures to prevent nuclear risks and ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains.

This consensus has garnered widespread support and response from the international community, Wang added.

China believes that all conflicts have to end at the negotiating table, and all disputes must be resolved through political means, Wang said, adding that recently both Ukraine and Russia have shown willingness for negotiations.

"Although the conditions and timing are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and stand ready to continue to play a constructive role for a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks," he said, adding that China is closely following the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The case is fully contested by the State and opposed by the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association. Photo: Stock image

The High Court has decided that it will be referring questions on the details in the case being taken by An Taisce, for a Judicial Review of the Governments fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), to the European Court for consideration.

The exact questions will be published in a later judgement. In Wednesdays judgement, the Court recognised that An Taisce raised novel, complex and important issues of EU law.

An Taisce has said it welcomes the referral and the prospect of clarification from the EU courts.

Mr Justice Richard Humphreys in the High Courts planning and environmental division described the challenge as culminating in a question regarding the validity of a Commission decision.

The court doesnt have jurisdiction to determine the latter issue in favour of the applicant, and isnt particularly minded at the present time to determine it in favour of the respondents.

The case is fully contested by the State and opposed by the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, which joined the action as notice parties.

Gary Freemantle, CEO of An Taisce said: "Our clean water resources are vital for all life and must be protected.

This judgement is a step towards ensuring that Ireland has the strongest possible legal framework to safeguard our waterways. This is directly connected to the An Taisce mission of protecting and celebrating Irelands natural and built environment for present and future generations."

In its case, An Taisce argues the NAP was instrumental to the grant of the derogation, which currently allows certain farms to exceed the 170kg nitrates per hectare limit by 80kg.

The EUs Nitrates Directive requires member states to produce an NAP every four years setting rules for farm management including on the application of slurry and chemical fertilisers to reduce their impact on water quality.

Dr Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Taisce said: We appreciate the time and attention being given by all parties to these proceedings.

The importance and value of clean water cannot be overstated or taken for granted. All life depends on it and we cannot leave any stone unturned to protect and maintain its quality.

Earlier this year, An Taisce highlighted that drastic reductions to stocking rates on dairy farms will be required in certain catchments in order to reduce the level of nitrate water pollution as required by the EUs Water Framework Directive.
A postmistress who was the victim of a tiger kidnapping and told she would be shot has sued An Post in the High Court.

Susan Lawlor from Malahide, Co Dublin who was the postmistress at Bayside Post Office, Dublin, her daughter and an Italian student, were abducted from her home at gunpoint and driven around by her captors until the 80,000 contents of the post office safe were stolen in September 2014.
New compliance measures planned to clamp down on evasion of TV licenceMinister cant say how much RTE bailout will be each year on top of licence fee725m in funding guaranteed for RTE over three yearsSignificant milestone  Taoiseach

Virgin Media is to review its spending on news and current affairs journalism after the Governments decision to give crisis-hit RTE a multi-million-euro bailout.

In a hard-hatting statement, Virgin Media Television managing director Aine Ni Chaoindealbhain said the company was extremely disappointed by the Cabinets decision to guarantee 725m for RTE over the next three years.

She claimed RTE was being rewarded for inefficiency and all-round bad practice.

Virgins news coverage currently includes regular TV bulletins from early morning hosted by journalists including Colette Fitzpatrick. It is also home of The Tonight Show hosted by Ciara Doherty and Claire Brock four nights a week. The station also broadcasts several documentaries through the year.

Virgin Media Television boss Aine Ni Chaoindealbhain

Since the RTE payments scandal broke last year, Media Minister Catherine Martin has promised a new funding model for the public service broadcaster.

Todays announcement will see the TV licence continue to be collected at a rate of 160 per household, but taxpayers will also be on the line for significant top-ups, which will go directly from the Exchequer to RTE.

Ms Martin could not say how much of an extra bailout RTE will get each year on top of the TV licence.

The Government is guaranteeing 725m of public funding over the next three years. RTE was looking for 780m for that period.

However, the Coalition cant identify the size of the gap between the TV licence revenue and the top-up for each year from exchequer support.

Next year, RTE will be given another 42m on top of the TV licence revenues. But the Government has no predicted figures for the following two years when RTE will get even more money.

The broadcaster will receive 225m next year, 240m in 2026 and 260m in 2027.

Catherine Martin discusses new funding arrangements for RTE

The minister said the Government was not signing a blank cheque because the Coalition expected a strengthening of the collection system from An Post.

She also said her department would plug the gap if TV licence sales were to plummet again should another scandal at RTE emerge.

That is something that we would definitely consider because we have to, given that guarantee now of the amounts that of that multi-annual funding will be reached within the first three years.

However, in response to the development, Virgin Media said it felt ministers had disregard for their 25-year record of delivering public service content.

It also further distorts the market, Ms Ni Chaoindealbhain said. RTE will now be in a more dominant position than ever before where it will receive a guaranteed 725m from the taxpayer over the next three years while continuing to benefit from the largest share of commercial revenue.

"In short, it is a reward for inefficiency and all-round bad practice. In view of the decision, Virgin Media Television has no alternative but to review all options including our position with regards to our existing public service broadcasting commitments.

Meanwhile, it has also emerged that householders who have made a declaration to say they do not have a TV will have their homes inspected and face a fine if they do in fact have a TV set.

Ms Martin has tasked a group of civil servants to look at enforcement measures on collecting the TV licence.

Media Minister Catherine Martin speaks during a press conference at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

The same civil servant group has already sent a report to the minister on reforming RTE  but this is now being re-hashed and given an extra three months to take into consideration other reports which have since come out about the broadcasters financial failings.

The technical group will look at strengthening the licence fee database, 20pc of which is currently anonymous and does not have proper use of Eircodes.

One of the measures it will consider will be asking householders without TVs to sign a statutory declaration saying they do not have a TV set. Those homes will then be targeted by inspectors, as opposed to all homes, according to the minister.

Maybe theyre the households that would be inspected, rather than going to every single household, Ms Martin said. These are some of the items they could discuss.

She said the civil servant group would also look at updating the current TV licence database because the one being used now has software which is old and archaic.

Ms Martin said fining households that did not pay their TV licence was also being examined as an alternative to a court summons.

Fixed-penalty notices cannot be issued to anonymous households.

It could be that you get your letter to pay for your TV licence and within a set period, if you havent paid, you get a fixed-penalty notice, Ms Martin said.

She said the group would also examine charges on everything outside of a TV as well and how people consume media.

However, she ruled out people being charged for watching RTE on a phone or a watch, for example.

The group, which includes civil servants from Ms Martins department as well as the departments of Finance, Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Social Protection, Justice, the Revenue Commissioners, ComReg and An Post, will report back in three months.

The group already submitted a report to the minister on how recommendations from the Future of Media Commission should be implemented  including scrapping of the TV licence.

However, this report has not been published and will not be published.

The minister denied the current report, which is gathering dust on her desk, qs going to be scrapped, saying instead it would be updated.

Ms Martin also backtracked on previous comments where she said a so-called hybrid model of funding RTE, both through exchequer and TV licence funding, would be the worst of both worlds.

She said she made this comment on the basis that the 160 charge would be collected by Revenue and not An Post.

I was referring to a question that was asked by me in relation to a new household charge, collected by Revenue, with exchequer [funding]. We havent done a tax, its not a household tax.

She said a TV licence was different to a household tax.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has called todays decision on funding a significant milestone at the national broadcaster.

In an announcement, Ms Martin confirmed that the TV licence would be retained, after much speculation of it being abolished.

New collection and compliance measures are to be developed around the TV licence, with Ms Martins department saying that administrative, technical and legislative measure will be examined in the coming months.

The Department says this will include investment in a new database and data management system.

Taoiseach says plan to give RTE 725 million euros over three years significant

Speaking earlier today, the Taoiseach said 725m in funding for RTE for the next three years was significant and that other sectors such as the health service did not have that level of certainty about future funding.

The decisions the Government will make today do make two very significant changes. One, there is a significant uplift in the level of public funding, and secondly theres multi-annual certainty.

I felt that we couldnt ask the taxpayer to put their hand in their pocket and pay any more in terms of an increased licence fee. I dont think that would have been palatable for people.

I felt that the level of funding had to be sustainable and I think weve got that right too. And I did also feel that we had to have something for other public service broadcasters as well and Im satisfied those have been met.

He said that, amid misinformation, it was important to properly fund public service broadcasting.

Meanwhile, the Tanaiste said increased funding for RTE and the TV licence fee system represented an important day for media.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream (Brian Lawless/PA)

Speaking on his arrival to Cabinet, Micheal Martin said the retention and strengthening of the licence fee collection system would provide RTE with an important independent revenue stream.

It is important in terms of the independence of media (rather than) total dependency on Government and also in terms of the broader issues around democracy and freedom of the media.

Mr Martin also said there would now be a better system of direct exchequer funding, but added that reforms in RTE need to continue.

The Fianna Fail leader further warned that retaining the licence fee system was important because one never knows when pressure would come on the Exchequer for future direct allocations to RTE.
Nadine Mitchell said those living nearby are haunted by what took place

The James Street flat at the centre of the petition

The sister of murdered Co Antrim woman Chloe Mitchell has launched a campaign to have the scene of her killing in Ballymena demolished.

Ms Mitchell (21) was murdered in June 2023. Her remains were discovered at a flat in the James Street area of the town eight days after she was reported missing.

Brandon John Rainey (27) has been charged with her murder.

Rainey, formerly of James Street, Ballymena, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of Ms Mitchells body during an appearance at Belfast Crown Court in May this year.

Chloes sister has now launched an online petition to have the flat in the town where she was killed demolished.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 24th July 2024

Nadine said the flat was causing distress to a number of family members who live close by.

"We have family members that live around the corner from the flat, she told the Belfast Telegraph.

The James Street flat at the centre of the petition

"They have to walk past it. Theres a smell coming out of the flat. Its horrific, its horrendous. The Housing Executive have said it will never be allocated out.

"We have started this petition and have also started handing out leaflets. A lot of councillors are supporting it, because theyre the same; they want it down too.

"The support around the town has been absolutely amazing; there are people even further afield, in Belfast supporting. Its been unbelievable.

"My mum has not left the house since Chloe was murdered. Everything is still in Chloes room and shell go up there every day and sit.

On the Change.org website, Nadine addressed her petition directly to Grainia Long, Chief Executive of the NI Housing Executive (NIHE).

"On June 3 2023, Chloe Mitchell was horrifically murdered in a flat at 22 James Street, Harryville, Ballymena, she wrote.

"Chloe had a heart of gold and would have helped anyone. Us as a family and the Ballymena community along with further afield need the flat demolished.

"What happened inside that flat was completely demonic. We have been told the flat would never be allocated.

"Family and friends who live nearby are haunted everyday by the events that occurred inside and around the flat.

Chloe Mitchell's devastated parents George and Georgina. Pic: Aodhan Roberts/Sunday Life

"The family is asking for everyone's support in signing this petition to get the flat demolished. It is causing a lot of distress to the family and community due to the horrific murder that happened within the flat.

Launched around lunchtime on Tuesday, the petition has attracted almost 700 signatures so far.

The NIHE said the demolition of any property requires significant deliberation.

"As this property is part of a wider block, we would also need to consider the other adjoining properties and residents when considering the demolition of this flat, said a spokesperson.

We have only just been made aware of the petition.

We will take the views of its signatories on board when considering any future plans for the property."

It comes after Chloes family were left angered when a bouquet of flowers was stolen from a memorial to the 21-year-old in the town last week.

Following her death, her relatives launched a Justice for Chloe campaign, while a mural was also erected on a wall in Ballymena, her hometown, accompanied by a floral tribute.

After the flowers were stolen last week, her family launched an appeal on social media for their return.

According to the Justice for Chloe Mitchell Facebook page, the flowers were given back a short time later by someone who knew the thief.
There has been an alarming increase in the number of road deaths during commuter rush hours, while road fatalities overall have risen by almost 19pc this year.

A total of 109 people have died on Irish roads in 2024, which is 17 more than the same period last year.

Gardai are preparing a major road-safety campaign for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, with August traditionally the worst month for road deaths.

If road fatalities continue at their current rate, Ireland is on course to record 200 deaths by the end of the year  making it the deadliest year on Irish roads for over a decade.

New Road Safety Authority (RSA) data has raised concerns about specific trends.

A sharp increase has been recorded in fatal road incidents during busy commuter periods, or rush-hour times, when many people are travelling to or from work.

There has been a 56pc increase in the number of fatal road incidents between 4am and 8am this year (14 deaths compared to nine last year).

Furthermore, there has been a 31pc increase in the number of road deaths between 4pm and 8pm (21 compared to 16 last year).

The 109 deaths so far this year include 43 drivers, 23 passengers, 21 pedestrians, 14 motorcyclists, six pedal cyclists and two e-scooter users.

Concern has also been raised over the number of fatal single-vehicle incidents this year. Almost half of road deaths have involved single vehicles.

While the monthly average of fatal collisions was 13 per month in 2022, it is now almost 16.

Parc (Promoting Awareness, Responsibility and Care on our roads) the road-safety campaign group, stated that the figures are deeply alarming.

Susan Gray, founder of Parc, called for urgent action to reverse the trend and to ensure enforcement of road-traffic regulations was given top priority.

Ms Gray, whose husband died in a collision involving an unaccompanied learner driver, has called for additional personnel to be assigned to garda road policing units (RPUs).

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: I am very concerned about road safety. We turned the tide substantially in the early 2000s with the establishment of the RSA.

It took very firm action. I think we have got to analyse this deeply as there seems to be a change in behaviour on our roads post Covid-19.

I think behaviour on the roads has to change. We have to look at mechanisms such as cameras and so forth to detect dangerous driving. Speed is an issue.

An RSA submission to the Government earlier this year noted that, in the space of five years, road deaths among people aged 16 to 25 almost doubled  from an average of 25 to 48 in 2023.

Road users aged 16 to 25 represented the biggest proportion of fatalities (26pc) and serious injuries (22pc) over the past year.

RSA chairperson Liz ODonnell said the level of carnage on the roads has become intolerable.

Ms ODonnell said RSA research has shown high levels of non-compliance on roads, including speeding, use of mobile phones and driving while intoxicated.

We cannot continue with this level of carnage on the roads. Were gone back  it is the highest in 10 years and we were doing really well internationally. We were the leading lights in road safety.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has ordered that every garda on duty must undertake at least 30 minutes of road policing daily in a bid to combat the increase in road deaths.

Garda chiefs said they hope to have 75 more gardai assigned to RPUs nationwide by the end of the year.
Tanaiste insists government will keep engaging with UN on Pte Sean Rooney investigation

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin has said he would support reports by the UN being made available to the inquest into the death of Private Sean Rooney.

Private Rooney (24) from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal was killed while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, when his convoy was attacked on December 14, 2022.

The convoy came under fire near the southern Lebanese village of Al-Aqbiya, a stronghold of militant group Hezbollah. Trooper Shane Kearney (22) was also badly wounded in the attack.

On Tuesday, an inquest into Pte Rooneys death got underway in Dublin.

During the hearing, solicitor for the Rooney family, Darragh Mackin addressed the elephant in the room, referring to the UN reports into Pte Rooneys death, which had not yet been made available to the inquest.

Full and frank disclosure from the UN must not be a request, it must be a right, Mr Mackin said.

Two reports were undertaken by the UN into the death of Pte Rooney. The first was carried out by UNIFIL and was an initial "on the ground" report.

Senior Counsel Remy Farrell, who represented the Defence Forces and Defence Minister said Pte Rooneys family would be entitled to a redacted version of the UNIFIL report.

The second report was a confidential UN board of inquiry report which the family have not seen.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he would support the UN reports being released to the Coroners Court while speaking at the launch of the Regeneration and Development Plan for the Reserve Defence Force at Cathal Brugha Barracks.

I have sought in the first instance the release of those UN reports for the family.

Sean Rooneys mother would have had access, [wouldnt] have received a copy but would have had access to the first report, the preliminary UNIFIL report, the Tanaiste said.

These are reports compiled by the UN. The second report to the board inquiry, and the UN retains those but we would be supportive of the release to the Coroners Court, he added.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Clancy also said he supported the release of the reports to the court.

I concur with what the Tanaiste has said. In fact, I've been in lockstep with him in terms of his efforts to try and acquire these reports, Lt Gen Clancy said.

I am very conscious today, and it was only yesterday that the coroners court sat, and Im very sensitive to the very difficult time that this is for Natasha and her husband, Paul, and indeed all the family concerned.

I am very mindful that anything we would speak of outside of the court, we're conscious of the impact that may have.

Suffice to say what the Tanaiste has already said, I concur fully with, he added.

At yesterdays hearing, Mr Mackin said there had been a report 10 months before the incident which raised concerns about the integrity of the UN vehicles.

He said there were question marks about the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation and that the UN must cooperate with this investigation.
Waterfords family wow factor  from Viking lore to one of Irelands most beautiful bookshops

Slow travel on a staycation in Co Waterford throws up all kinds of treats on a family visit

King of the Vikings, a replica viking house in Waterford. Photo: Peter Grogan / Emagine / Failte Ireland

Ellen Coyne Wed 24 Jul 2024 at 03:30

When fearsome Norwegian Vikings landed on the south-eastern coast of Ireland in the year 914 AD, they probably imagined a finer legacy for themselves than impressing little boys in the year 2024.
Relentless bombings and airstrikes by Israeli forces continue to kill hundreds of people across Gaza, while medical staff in hospitals are stretched to their limits trying to provide care to the critically injured.

This month alone, Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams have responded to multiple mass-casualty incidents at Nasser hospital in south Gaza, Palestine. I am working with MSF at Nasser hospital, the last remaining hospital in southern Gaza.

During these mass-casualty incidents, you stand in the emergency department in a puddle of blood, in a crowd of people.

The room is loud, and you can really smell the blood all around. Crowds of people are trying to come into the emergency department, while the security guards are doing their best to keep relatives and loved ones out, so not to overcrowd the hospital.

At Nasser hospital, we provide surgical, trauma and burn care to patients. Two Saturdays ago, July 13, we received hundreds of injured, as well as people who had been killed, by an Israeli strike. The attack hit an area where Israeli forces had repeatedly advised displaced people to go.

We first understood something bad had happened from the enormous explosions that were closer to the hospital than ever before.

Almost immediately after, we heard the ambulances. Chaos soon ensued at the hospital. Our team ran to the emergency department.

One of the patients, a three-year-old, was injured. Her parents were standing right next to her, worried as she was looking directly at me.

She was breathing and looking at me  so she must be OK, I thought. But as I took her dressing down, I realised her entire left thigh was peeled down to the bone.

I turned to the next patient; a woman covered in dust. As I approached her, she looked up at me and I tried to smile and engage with her. She was breathing normally, her eyes were open, I couldnt see blood anywhere. But as I took down the dressing, a large piece of her bowel came out. How is it even possible she is looking at me, I thought.

Seconds later, the doors crashed open. Four to five injured people came in: some of them first-aid responders. Among them was a boy who wasnt breathing, so we tried to revive him, but the nurse looked at us and asked, Why are we responding to him if he cant breathe? We have to save other lives.

No one had the heart to call it and move on to the next one. He was someones child. But we had to move on to the next, and then the next, and this continued for another four and a half hours.

In the emergency department, there was blood everywhere on the floor and I had to kneel to see the patients on the floor. Patients were sprawled everywhere, because there were no beds left. I could feel my knees getting wet from the blood. At the same time, more and more patients were coming in.

Ive worked in mass casualties around the world and the smell of blood is the same wherever you are. But here in Gaza the horror really hits home.

In the middle of our work, we saw our colleague, an MSF anesthetist in the emergency room. I asked him what he was doing there and why he wasnt in the operating room.

Ive just heard my house has been destroyed, and my daughters and nephew are in here somewhere, he said. Later, we found out that his nephew was killed.

Our colleagues are all directly affected by the violence and displacement. You dont have time to process it. Four days later, we faced another mass casualty incident at the hospital. It seems to never end.

Our Palestinian medical staff are still here, trying to stop patients from bleeding, to fix their broken arms, provide surgical care, but we keep on losing patients.

They have been living through this for nine months, working while they hear news about their loved ones being killed.

Exhausted and traumatised doesnt begin to cover the loss they continue to face.

We are just waiting for the next mass casualty incident. Nowhere is safe.

Dr Javid Abdelmoneim is medical team leader with Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza.
Health and Safety Authority investigating incident which led to death of well-known former jockey

The man is understood to have died in hospital due to injuries sustained in an accident at a County Cork stud

The late Valdir Rodrigues De Souza. Photo: RIP.ie

Jack Joy Corkman Wed 24 Jul 2024 at 17:53

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said that it is investigating an incident at Fermoys Grove Stud which resulted in the death of former jockey Valdir Rodrigues De Souza (49).
Betty the chimpanzee had been at Dublin Zoo since 1964

The chimp had been suffering from a number of age-related conditions which were having a negative impact on her health, the zoo said.

To ensure she avoided any future discomfort, Dublin Zoo said the difficult decision was taken to euthanise the animal.

Described as being irreplaceable, the chimpanzee was 62 years old, and arrived at Dublin Zoo in 1964 along with another chimpanzee, Wendy, which died in 2014.

Betty and her companions had participated in the 'Chimp Tea Parties', a relic of bygone times, Dublin Zoo team leader Helen Clarke-Bennett said.

She first saw Betty in the 1970s during her childhood visits to Dublin Zoo, when her dad, zookeeper Michael Clarke, looked after the chimpanzees.

Ms Clarke-Bennett said that Betty was always strong-minded and would be persistent in getting what she wanted.

One of my favourite images will always be that of Betty putting her arm around Wendy to encourage her to go outside with the rest of the troop, when Wendy was stubbornly refusing to leave while the habitat was cleaned, she said.

Ms Clarke-Bennett has been a keeper at Dublin Zoo since 1987.
The Met Eireann offices on Glasnevin Hill, at the site of the former Marlborough House detention centre

A plaque marking the location of Marlborough House, a former state-run detention centre for young boys, is to be unveiled at the site of the Met Eireann headquarters in Glasnevin in the coming weeks.

A local residents group has been advocating for the past three years to install a simple plaque marking the former site of Marlborough House, a state-run detention centre for boys as young as eight.

The detention centre was located at the Met Eireann HQ site, also known as Washerwomans Hill or Glasnevin Hill, from the 1950s until it closed in 1972.

The unveiling of the plaque was originally scheduled for August 3, but is now under review due to a scheduling conflict.

In the 1950s and 60s, untrained staff from the local labour exchange ran Marlborough House, where living conditions were often deplorable and the facility faced criticism for overcrowding.

Reports indicate that children experienced significant physical and emotional abuse, with scant provisions for education and recreational activities. The lack of proper care and psychological support was a significant concern.

The building was condemned as unsafe in 1957 and despite recommendations for its immediate closure, remained open until 1972. The new Met Office building was established on the site in 1979, erasing traces of the past.

Dublin city councillor Mannix Flynn was among those detained in Marlborough House for some time in his youth.

He has expressed concerns about the wording on the plaque, emphasising the importance of acknowledging the site as a detention centre for children.

What it needs to say is Marlborough House, place of detention for children, because this is where children were detained, he said.

It is crucial that the council gets this right, especially for those who are survivors and those who experienced abuse.

Its a very sensitive issue, memorialisation and the plaques going on these particular buildings, he added.

The Dublin City Council Commemorations Committee agreed last year to a new process allowing any group to propose a plaque at the site of a former institution.

The case of Marlborough House is recent, and its sensitive for people who are still alive and witnesses of that place today, cllr Flynn said.

The council needs to get its act together to develop a proper, coherent policy on these matters.

Marlborough House was a filthy, disgusting place where children were subjected to severe abuse. Its not just about these places; its about what happened there, he added

Cllr Flynn is putting a motion through to Dublin City Council calling for a hold on any further plaques until there is a robust sensitive fit for purpose policy regarding such institutitions and sites.

Brendan Teeling, head of the Commemorations and Naming Committee with Dublin City Council, confirmed the plaque will designate the location as Marlborough House, Place of Detention for Children.

The council takes great care to ensure that the wording on the plaques is historically accurate, he said.

In the case of Marlborough House, for example, officials examined the legislation under which the site was designated as a place of detention to verify the legal description of the institution.

We also consulted academic articles and official reports. The wording was also approved by the elected members on the councils Commemorations and Naming Committee.
Gardai are investigating the incident at a creche in Dublin

A woman has been arrested after a firework was thrown into a creche in south Dublin yesterday afternoon.

Gardai said they received a report of an incident of criminal damage at a premises in Dublin 18, at approximately 1.10pm on July 23.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 24th July 2024

A spokesperson said: A woman aged in her 30s was arrested in connection with this incident. She has since been released without charge pending file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigations are ongoing.

The creche sent an email to parents yesterday which said a firework was thrown into a room used for toddlers.

Dear Parents/Guardians, we want to keep you informed about an unfortunate incident that happened during the day today, it said.

The toddler room window faces onto the road to the front of the creche and around 1pm somebody threw a firework that landed on the inside window ledge.

While there was some smoke, there was no harm caused to anyone. The children were immediately moved to another room for their sleep. The gardai and the management company are investigating, using CCTV from the adjoining block of apartments.

As an extra precaution, we are going to immediately install an exterior camera on the front of the building to complement our own interior cameras.

We are very grateful for the prompt response and support from the gardai, it added.

Local Green Party councillor Oisin OConnor said: Id encourage anyone with information about any such incident to contact gardai in Stepaside.

Anyone who sets off fireworks dangerously, especially near small children and childcare staff, needs to be dealt with extremely seriously by the justice system.
The iced strawberry matcha latte is proving to be the Matcha Bar's best seller

One of the countrys first dedicated matcha bars, a common sight in LA, Paris and London, has now opened in Dublin.

After spotting a gap in the market here, owner Elaine Fitzsimons has opened The Matcha Bar in the Powerscourt Centre.

Matcha lattes are made by blending the finely ground green tea powder with milk, and their popularity has surged as many see it as a healthier alternative to their daily coffee.

Ms Fitzsimons told the Irish Independent she began to notice matcha-only cafes in places like LA, Paris, London, and Mexico.

Ive been drinking matcha since probably 2017, she said.

I found it hard to get a consistent matcha in Dublin, probably because of the lack of knowledge about the tea, so I started to order it and make it at home.

She has been documenting her business journey on TikTok, and her new pop-up will be based in Dublin for six weeks, and, if things go well, maybe longer.

People are becoming more health-conscious, and matcha offers a healthier alternative to coffee, she said.

When you drink matcha, youre consuming the entire tea leaf.

The iced strawberry matcha latte is proving to be the Matcha Bar's best seller

Ms Fitzsimons also went to source unique suppliers for her Matcha Bar by travelling to Japan in April.

I wanted to learn more about matcha, meet some tea farmers, and visit the factories, she said. I decided to go with one of the seven or eight farmers I met, so Im importing directly from there.

They tend to drink it more simply with just matcha and water. There are obviously a lot of matcha cafes there that serve matcha lattes, but the traditional way is like a matcha espresso  thats an acquired taste.

Its big over there with ample places to go, she added.

Thinking about the idea for the last three years and leaving her role in marketing, she decided that when January 1 came around this year, shed go all in and give it a go.

Ive tested so many matchas and so many recipes and have been consistently at it for the last six months, she said.

Testing and trialling different recipes, the cafe now offers an assortment of different types of matcha, with the iced strawberry matcha proving to be their most popular.

Despite many cafes and restaurants closing of late, Ms Fitzsimons said she was determined to give her business venture a shot and has been very busy throughout her early weeks of opening.
Reek Sunday falls on the last Sunday of July when thousands of pilgrims are expected to scale Croagh Patrick, Irelands Holy Mountain.

Thousands of pilgrims are expected to scale Croagh Patrick, Irelands Holy Mountain, on Reek Sunday.

On Sunday, July 28, thousands of people will climb Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo to pray and participate on the summit in the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession), and of the Eucharist.

Pope Francis has designated 2024 as a Year of Prayer, and this years pilgrimage theme is: To pray for and honour grandparents and the elderly.

This year, the annual pilgrimage takes place on the weekend of July 26 and 28.

On Garland Friday, 26 July there will be a local pilgrimage with 10am Mass on the summit of Croagh Patrick celebrated by Westport native, Father Tod Nolan PP Newport.

At 7/30pm, mass will be held at Murrisk Community Cafe  Croagh Patrick Car Park.

On Reek Saturday, July 27, the Tochar Phadraig Pilgrimage begins at Ballintubber Abbey at 8.30am. At 6.30pm, Vigil Mass in Saint Marys Church, Westport will be held by Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam.

On Reek Sunday, July 28, from 7am to 2pm, confessions will be heard on the summit of Croagh Patrick.

From 8am to 2pm, there will be hourly mass on the summit.

The last mass on the summit will be at 2pm. Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick has been undertaken for over 1500 years, and this iconic physical feature on the southwest Co Mayo landscape is of significant natural, cultural and spiritual importance.

The pilgrimage is associated with Saint Patrick who, in 441 AD, spent forty days and nights fasting on the summit, following the example of Christ and Moses.

The name Reek Sunday comes from Patricks ability to Christianise many pagan customs including the festival of Lughnasa, which previously heralded the start of the harvest festival honouring the ancient pagan god Lugh, whose name is encompassed in the Irish language word for August: Lughnasa.

This festivals tradition became absorbed into new Christian beliefs and locally become known as Domhnach na Cruaiche (Reek Sunday). A virtual tour and additional information on Croagh Patrick can be viewed on tuamarchdiocese.org and on westportparish.ie.

Croagh Patrick is a physically demanding pilgrimage. Intending pilgrims should make themselves aware in advance of health and safety information about the mountain.

Pilgrims should also heed the instructions of stewards, the mountain rescue teams, Order of Malta, and Gardai.

While it is a custom for some to make the climb barefoot, pilgrims should come prepared for changeable weather conditions, and are advised to bring suitable warm/waterproof clothing, good footwear, walking stick/staff and water, and to be mindful of the safety of themselves and others.

To sustain the tradition of the national Reek Sunday Pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, and to protect the mountain, the Church has actively engaged with other stakeholders to undertake sustainable access and habitat restoration.

This project has provided a robust path for access - the Pilgrims Path - as well as restoring eroded parts of the previous path on the mountain.

As part of Churchs support for the project, there is a commitment to minimise the environmental impact of the pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick.

To achieve this goal, pilgrim climbers are respectfully asked to comply with guidelines including if traveling by car, please park responsibly and follow the instructions of stewards on the day and stay on the defined path on the mountain and do not encroach on the surrounding area.

The mountain streams provide drinking water for the local community so participants are asked to be respectful of this while on the mountain.

Organisers strongly endorse the Leave no Trace Principle. Therefore please not to discard any litter on the mountain and to bring all waste home.

Dogs are not permitted allowed on the mountain.

The mountain is part of a shared working farm.
Wicklow Patchwork Group at Signal Arts. One of the group founders, Moira Byrne, with husband Joe. They are standing in front of a quilt the group made to raffle for Purple House. Tickets are on sale in Signal Arts.

THE members of Wicklow Patchwork Group recently held its 2024 exhibition with a launch at the Signal Arts Centre, Bray. The group first met in the spring of 2014 and have been meeting every month for 10 years. Today, the group has over 120 members, largely from Wicklow, south Dublin and Wexford.

It always welcomes new members of all standards, from the interested beginner to those who have many years of experience, as they are a group of likeminded people whose aim is to share their love of patchwork and quilting with others.

At meetings, there are guest speakers and demonstrations given by members. They also hold regular workshops for members to improve their skills and learn new techniques. Visitors are always welcome to the meetings, which are held in the Community Hall, Newtownmountkennedy, on the third Saturday of each month.

The theme of Ten for this years exhibition, celebrates the diverse work by the members of Wicklow Patchwork Group. The projects displayed were crafted by the enthusiastic beginner to the very experienced quilter.

Many members have exhibited widely throughout Wicklow, including at the Tinahely Show, and most recently at St Patricks Church, Enniskerry, during the Follow the Star Festival.
Lynda Myles became the first woman to direct a film festival when she became director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 1973 (Pako Mera/EIFF/PA)

A Scottish pioneer and champion of film who became the first woman to direct a film festival has been named as this years recipient of the prestigious Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award.

Lynda Myles, the film producer, curator, writer and former director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), is being honoured in recognition of the lasting legacy of a career that has spanned more than 60 years.

In 1973 she became director of the EIFF, and during her eight-year tenure she is credited with transforming the festival into a mecca of discovery.

This included championing the work of overlooked auteurs like Alfred Hitchcock and Sam Fuller, providing a global platform for many female film-makers from the era, and, in 1972, initiating a series of debates and screenings called The Womans Event  the first ever event devoted to women and film-making.

After leaving the EIFF in 1980, Myles went on to produce a number of highly acclaimed films, including 1991 Bafta best picture The Commitments, and also Defence of The Realm, and The Snapper And The Van  both of which were directed by Stephen Frears.

After learning she had been chosen for the award, Myles said: Im deeply touched to be this years recipient of the Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to run the Edinburgh International Film Festival in the 70s and that experience shaped all my future involvement with different aspects of the industry.

Ive enjoyed so many collaborative relationships on which the film industry thrives, and am so grateful for the fantastic support Ive received. Huge thanks to Bafta Scotland for this honour, which Im delighted to accept.

Jude MacLaverty, director of Bafta Scotland, said: Lynda Myles has been a pioneer and champion of film for over 60 years. Her expansive career has seen her assume many roles, from film producer to curator, commissioner and of course festival director.

A true inspiration, her appointment as the first ever female director of a film festival anywhere in the world helped paved the way for many women in the industry and beyond that her passion for and commitment to critical debate and thinking had a significant impact on filmmaking, encouraging filmmakers to reconsider what film is and can be.

We are honoured to present Lynda with the Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award at our special event on August 19 and to celebrate her lasting legacy.

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Myles has occupied a number of senior positions in the film and television industry, including senior vice-president at Columbia Pictures and commissioning editor for drama at the BBC.

In 2004 she became head of fiction at the National Film and Television School, where she mentored some of todays most innovative new directors.

Myles is also credited with influencing the language used to talk about film, with her co-authored book The Movie Brats, about the generation of directors who transformed Hollywood in the 1970s, coining a phrase that is now part of the movie lexicon.

Paul Ridd, who was appointed director of the EIFF earlier this year, acknowledged Myless enduring influence on the annual festival.

Since coming into post earlier this year I spent time meeting with former directors of Edinburgh International Film Festival, including Lynda Myles, he said.

Lynda is a force of nature and someone whose extensive involvement and tireless work with the festival has left an indelible mark on its history and its legacy. I felt inspired and energised by our meeting and I am so thrilled Bafta Scotland will be honouring her this year.

The Bafta Scotland outstanding contribution to film award is presented each year to an individual or organisation that has made a significant and inspiring contribution to film through a particular project or work.

It will be presented to Myles at a special event at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh on August 19, during the 2024 Edinburgh International Film Festival  which runs August 15-21.

The Bafta Scotland awards ceremony takes place on November 17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington DC (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The prime ministers speech sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that it has created.
Roslyn Dee: Theres a new little boy in the family, and he has made me so happy to take on the grandparent mantle
A woman pulls her luggage along fences of the security perimeter in Paris (Thomas Padilla/AP)

French prosecutors are investigating an alleged gang rape of an Australian woman on a visit to Paris where preparations to host the 2024 Olympics are in the final stretch, according to judicial authorities.
A court in Moscow said yesterday it had found Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar guilty in absentia of knowingly distributing false information about the Russian army and sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison.

The charges against Zygar stem from an Instagram post he wrote in April 2022 about what he said were war crimes committed by Russian forces in the Ukrainian town of Bucha.
Ukraine foreign minister visits China for talks on a fair peace

Envoy hopes to encourage Beijing to play active role in ending the war

Ukrainian soldiers from the 3rd Spartan Task Force Brigade taking part in tactical and medical training exercises at an undisclosed location. Photo: AP

Yulilia Dysa Wed 24 Jul 2024 at 03:30







Ukraines foreign minister arrived in China yesterday for talks with foreign minister Wang Yi on ways to achieve a fair peace in the war with Russia and also to discuss bilateral relations, he said.
In the days since Vice President Kamala Harriss presidential campaign was announced, many have taken to social media to post images of a coconut tree.

The memes have specifically become a hit among the Gen Z population, leaving others to wonder where exactly the association between the vice president and coconuts came from. It all started back in May 2023, when Harris spoke at the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy | Photo courtesy: David Lammy X handle

Economic, domestic and global security will be at the heart of the Foreign Secretarys first visit to India as he travels to New Delhi on Wednesday (July 24) to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership.

On the visit, the Foreign Secretary will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership including through reinforcing the UKs commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement that will benefit both economies.

He will tell his Indian counterpart that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

"Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations are the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security."

"I am traveling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home."

David Lammy will galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis with India as an indispensable partner  driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses. He will discuss partnering on Indian-led global initiatives to build clean power access, climate resilience in the global south and small island states.

The Foreign Secretary will underscore the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life.

In a visit to Indias third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.

The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with members from the Indian government including Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias External Affairs Minister. He will reiterate the extraordinary contribution of British Indians, saying that they enrich the UKs social and economic landscape and are the epitome of modern Britain.

He will say that we must harness this and unlock the potential of the new UK-India partnership, so we can deliver prosperity not just for the people of India and the UK but for the rest of the world.

The Foreign Secretary will travel on from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Laos where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health.
Photo courtesy: Congress X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Leaders of opposition parties, who are in the INDIA bloc , on Wednesday protested outside Parliament against the Modi government's budget, calling it "discriminatory".

Among the leaders who protested are Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MPs Kalyan Banerjee, Dola Sen, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh.

Several MPs were seen carrying placards reading, "NDA betrays INDIA in budget."

Sanjay Singh was heard raising the slogan, "Shame on, Modi government."

#WATCH | Delhi | Leaders of INDIA bloc protest against 'discriminatory' Union Budget 2024, demand equal treatment to all States, in Parliament pic.twitter.com/c6uOyF1TQr  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Why does the Opposition call the budget discriminatory?

While focusing on employment generation and rural development, the two components that supposedly cost the Narendra Modi government an absolute majority in its third consecutive term, the historic seventh Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spent a considerable pie for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, the two states ruled by major allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA, which returned to power with coalition strings attached.

Delivering the Union Budget 2024, Sitharaman announced Special Financial Support for Andhra Pradesh, where Rs 15,000 crore have been directed with additional amounts in coming years.

For Bihar, Sitharaman announced support for the development of an industrial node in Gaya on the Amritsar-Kolkata industrial corridor.

The government will, as the Finance Minister said, support the several road connectivity projects, Patna Purnea Expressway; Buxar Bhagalpur Expressway; Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Vaishali and Darbhanga spars.

An additional tooling bridge over River Ganga at Buxar at a total cost of 26,000 crore was announced.

Opposition's reactions

Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, "'Kursi Bachao' Budget.- Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. - Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. - Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets."

Kursi Bachao Budget.



- Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states.



- Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian.



- Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2024

Speaking to the reporters, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "People won't benefit until the farmers' issues are resolved and youth get employment."

#WATCH | Post Budget 2024: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "Till the farmers' issues are resolved and employment is ensured for the youth, the people will not benefit..." pic.twitter.com/xSK8pO0i2V  ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the Modi government's first budget in the third term calling it "directionless" and "visionless".

"This budget is totally directionless, anti-people, and visionless. This budget has only the political mission. I don't see any light in this budget but darkness," the Chief Minister said.
Photo courtesy: PIB

New Delhi/IBNS: Countering the Opposition's charge that the Modi government's budget is "discriminatory", Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said it is impossible for her or anyone else to name all states during the address.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman slammed Congress floor leader Mallikarjun Kharge and said she was surprised to hear such a charge coming from a senior parliamentarian like him.

"Can't name every state in the budget," said Sitharaman, who claimed poll-bound Maharashtra was also given sufficient funds but was not named during the address.

Sitharaman has also lashed out at the Trinamool Congress MPs, who claimed West Bengal has been deprived, claiming the state never implemented the central schemes in the last 10 years.

"West Bengal should course correct," said the furious Finance Minister.

Why does the Opposition call the budget discriminatory?

While focusing on employment generation and rural development, the two components that supposedly cost the Narendra Modi government an absolute majority in its third consecutive term, the historic seventh Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spent a considerable pie for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, the two states ruled by major allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA, which returned to power with coalition strings attached.

Delivering the Union Budget 2024, Sitharaman announced Special Financial Support for Andhra Pradesh, where Rs 15,000 crore have been directed with additional amounts in coming years.

For Bihar, Sitharaman announced support for the development of an industrial node in Gaya on the Amritsar-Kolkata industrial corridor.

The government will, as the Finance Minister said, support the several road connectivity projects, Patna Purnea Expressway; Buxar Bhagalpur Expressway; Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Vaishali and Darbhanga spars.

An additional tooling bridge over River Ganga at Buxar at a total cost of 26,000 crore was announced.

Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, "'Kursi Bachao' Budget.- Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. - Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. - Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets."

Kursi Bachao Budget.



- Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states.



- Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian.



- Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that her state has been deprived of support to tackle natural disasters while four states have been given funds from the budget.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video

New Delhi/IBNS: Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has claimed farmer leaders were not allowed to meet him in Parliament by the government.

Gandhi was scheduled to meet a delegation of farmer leaders at around 11 am in Parliament.

Speaking to the reporters, the Congress MP said, "We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them here (in Parliament). They are not allowing them in, maybe because they are farmers."

#WATCH | Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, says, "We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them here (in Parliament). Because they are farmers, maybe this is the reason they are not allowing them in." pic.twitter.com/oyrv61wsKR  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Gandhi reportedly planned to talk to the farmer leaders on the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the flashpoint between the protesting peasants and government.

Leaders from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Monday announced a fresh protest against the Modi government on the MSP issue.

The farmer leaders demand the legalisation of the MSP.

They will also hold a march in support of the private bills which have been announced by the Opposition.

In February, the farmers had begun the second phase of their protest against the government but they were stopped at the border of Haryana through barricades.

The two organisations have planned to hold a joint rally in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district on September 1.
Photo courtesy: Congress X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met farmer leaders from six states in the Parliament House Complex on Wednesday.

After meeting the farmer leaders, Gandhi said, "In our manifesto, we had mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment and it can be done.

"We had a meeting right now where it was decided that we will talk to the other leaders of the INDIA alliance to put pressure on the government that MSP legal guarantee should be given to the farmers of the country."

#WATCH | After meeting farmer leaders, LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says "In our manifesto, we have mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment and it can be implemented. We had a meeting right now where were decided that we will talk to the other leader of pic.twitter.com/2qbnkZXR3O  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Earlier in the day, Gandhi had alleged the farmer leaders were not allowed to enter Parliament.

Speaking to the reporters, the Congress MP had said, "We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them here (in Parliament). They are not allowing them in, maybe because they are farmers."

#WATCH | Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, says, "We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them here (in Parliament). Because they are farmers, maybe this is the reason they are not allowing them in." pic.twitter.com/oyrv61wsKR  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Leaders from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Monday announced a fresh protest against the Modi government on the MSP issue.

The farmer leaders demand the legalisation of the MSP.

They will also hold a march in support of the private bills which have been announced by the Opposition.

In February, the farmers had begun the second phase of their protest against the government but they were stopped at the border of Haryana through barricades.

The two organisations have planned to hold a joint rally in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district on September 1.
Photo Courtesy: Screengrab from viral video

At least two people were hurt after a temporary gate at Dhanyo Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata's Alipore area collapsed on Wednesday ahead of a cultural event which was scheduled to be attended by CM Mamata Banerjee.

The injured people were rushed to SSKM hospital.

The event was organised by the West Bengal Information and Cultural Affairs Department to mark the 44th death anniversary of legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar.

The entire incident was caught on camera and went viral on the social media.
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Photo Courtesy: The Wall Street Journal

Independent UN human rights experts said in a statement on Tuesday that the recent prison sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva send a threatening message to all journalists.

On Friday, Mr. Gershkovich was handed a 16-year prison sentence on spying charges in a Russian court. The reporter was arrested in Russia in 2023 and has been held there since, despite calls for his release.

That same day, Ms. Kurmasheva received a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence for spreading fake news about the Russian army. She has been arbitrarily detained in Russia since 18 October.

Sentencing shocks

The UN experts said they are shocked by the journalists being sentenced for crimes they did not commit. They also condemned the trial processes which had led to the convictions.

The rushed and secretive nature of their trials -- over three and two days respectively, and behind closed doors -- is yet another demonstration of the sham trials and convictions on fabricated charges of reporters who were just doing their job, the experts said.

In Mr. Gershkovichs case, the Special Rapporteurs noted that the closed-door trials prove that the courts verdict was politically motivated to punish the journalist for reporting concerning Russias invasion of Ukraine.

They said: We are concerned about the instrumentalisation and increased use of national security laws in Russia to unduly restrict freedom of expression, following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and effectively criminalising any independent journalism aimed at reporting on the war.

Call for repeal

In addition to Mr. Gershkocivh and Ms.Kurmasheva, around 33 journalists are currently detained in Russia reflecting a dangerous trend of increased crackdowns on independent media and opposing voices since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The experts call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the journalists in Russia who were detained for doing their jobs.

They also call for the Russian government to repeal all legislation unduly restricting freedom of expression, such as spreading fake news about the Russian army and discrediting the Russian army.

Further, the experts demand that Russia amend its criminal laws to prevent the abuse of national security laws to limit freedom of expression, specifically for journalists who are truthfully reporting about the war in Ukraine.

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.

They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.
Photo Courtesy: UNOCHA

Yemen is at risk of returning to full-scale war and the international community has a common interest and responsibility to stop this from happening, UN Special Envoy for the country Hans Grundberg warned the Security Council on Tuesday.

The trajectory of the development in Yemen has since the beginning of the year moved in the wrong direction and if left unaddressed could reach a tipping point, he said.

Yemeni Government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition have been battling with Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, since 2014. The Houthis also began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea  a crucial route for global trade - following the eruption of war in Gaza last October.

Regional dimension increasing

Mr. Grundberg said the regional dimension of the Yemen conflict is getting more and more pronounced, and the escalatory trajectory reached a new and dangerous level last week.

He was briefing a day after the Council met to debate the 19 July Houthi drone attack against Tel Aviv in Israel, and the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Hudaydah Port in Yemen, and its oil and power facilities, on 20 July.

No signs of de-escalation

The envoy said he was "deeply concerned by the recent military activities in the region".

He also voiced deep concern over the continued targeting of international shipping in and around the Red Sea, adding that recent developments suggest the threat is increasing in both scope and precision.

Commercial shipping vessels have been sunk and damaged, civilians have been killed, the crew of the Galaxy Leader  a cargo ship hijacked in November - remains arbitrarily detained, and international trade has been disrupted.

The United States and the United Kingdom have also continued to carry out strikes on military targets in Ansar Allah-controlled territory.

It is alarming that there are no signs of de-escalation, let alone a solution, said Mr. Grundberg. These latest developments show the real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation.

Clashes along frontlines

Meanwhile, the situation along frontlines inside Yemen also remains a concern, he added. Recent months have seen an increase in military preparations and reinforcements, while clashes were reported this month along several frontlines.

While the levels of violence have been relatively contained compared to the period before the 2022 truce, the recent trend of escalation, accompanied by continuous threats of a full-scale return to war, demonstrates how volatile the situation is."

Although concerned about the overall trajectory in Yemen, Mr. Grundberg said he was encouraged that the parties informed him last night that they have agreed on a path towards measures related to the banking and transport sectors.

Concern for detained personnel

The envoy also reminded ambassadors that nearly two months have passed since Ansar Allah arbitrarily detained 13 UN staff and dozens of personnel from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and private sector entities.

The people are all Yemeni nationals, at least four are women, and there has been no word on their whereabouts or status. Four other staff from the UNs human rights office, OHCHR, and its cultural agency, UNESCO, have also been held since 2021 and 2023, respectively.

Mr. Grundberg repeated his call for their immediate and unconditional release, and for Ansar Allah to refrain from detaining any additional UN, NGO and civil society personnel.

Hudaydah a lifeline for millions

Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also expressed concern over the recent developments in Yemen and the region.

She said that according to the Houthi de facto Ministry of Health, nine people were killed, and 83 injured, following the strikes on Hudaydah.

She described Hudaydah Port as a lifeline for millions in Yemen. Some 85 per cent of food supplies arrive through the port, which must remain open and operating.

Threats to humanitarians

Ms. Msuya also addressed the detention of the UN and other personnel, and the broader threats to humanitarians in Yemen.

Alongside rapidly spreading misinformation and disinformation targeting the international community, the detentions have caused widespread fear and anxiety among humanitarian workers, she said.

She warned that without the necessary safety and security guarantees, and respect for principled humanitarian action, we cannot operate at the scale required.

Rising hunger, funding shortfall

The situation is particularly serious amid a surge in food insecurity and malnutrition, with a staggering one in every two children under the age of five now estimated to be experiencing chronic malnutrition or stunting.

Since January, food deprivation levels have risen from 51 per cent of the population to 58 per cent, an overall increase of 14 per cent. Nearly a tenth of all households in Houthi-controlled areas rely on alms to obtain food.

Ms. Msuya said humanitarians also require adequate support for their operations, but low funding levels continue to hamper our work. As a result, they were only able to reach 315,000 people with nutrition assistance during the first quarter of the year, out of the two million targeted.

She urged the Council to do everything in its power to maintain unity, de-escalate rising tensions, and support the humanitarian response in Yemen.
Kleo season 2, which is a German spy thriller, is about to be available on OTT soon. The Netflix show is set in the 1990s and is about a former German spy who is after her enemies. The spy is named Kleo in the series. The show premiered on June 6, 2024, and has six parts lasting 45 minutes each. Kleo season 2 will now be released on the OTT platform Netflix on Friday, June 25, 2024.

Kleo season 2 OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this German-action thriller

Here's the trailer for Kleo season 2:

So yes, the wait for Kleo season 2 is over, as the series is about to stream on Netflix on July 25th. But do you really remember the story of Kleo?

Poster Of Kleo/X

Here's a recap: All about Kleo season 1:

Kleo, for the first time, was released on Netflix in August 2022. The series was liked by many for its unique storyline and visual style. The story of the series revolves around a former German spy who is all out to take revenge from those who betrayed her.

Also Read: Upcoming movies on Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, Sonyliv, Zee5 and other OTTs in India

What to expect from Kleo Season 2?

Still from Kleo Season 2/X

Season 2 of Kleo is set in the year 1987. Actor Jella Haase plays German operative Kleo Straub, who assassinates a businessman in West Berlin while on duty with a clandestine Stasi commando. She is then shown being imprisoned on false charges and betrayed by everyone she knows. After her time in prison, the Berlin Wall falls, and Kleo gets released. The former spy realises that all she has gone through is part of a conspiracy against her. The series is basically Kleo's revenge journey against all those who have betrayed her.

Also Read: From Panchayat S3 to Heeramandi: Top 15 web series in first half of 2024, how many have you watched?

Cast members of Kleo season 2

Kleo actors who have played lead characters include Jella Haase, Dimitrij Schaad, Julius Feldmeier, Vincent Redetzki, Steffi Kuhnert, and Marta Sroka, among others.

Stay tuned for updates on the Kleo season 2 release on Netflix.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


The Decameron is all set to debut on Netflix on July 25th. The series is being talked about on the internet because of the real-life events that inspired it. The historic drama is basically inspired by Italian poet Giovanni Boccaccio's book. In The Decameron book, short stories about the outbreak of bubonic plague in Italy's Florence were discussed, and the poet left no stone unturned from the historic event. The series, just like the book, is said to cover everything about the devastating disease.

All about the book that inspired Netflixs upcoming series

Poster Of The Decameron/X

The Decameron discusses the pandemic in history and is more of a hilarious, insightful meditation on human nature in difficult times.

Also Read: The Decameron OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this real-life based historic drama

Set in 1348, the story of the series revolves around people fleeing to the countryside to avoid the Black Death. The characters are shown entertaining themselves by telling each other stories, they are shown sharing anecdotes over a period of time.

The characters in the series are shown to have used to elect king and queen for a day and kept responsible for choosing a topic for the day's stories, such as love stories, acts of generosity, and more.

These scenes are based on genuine stories about real-life historical figures that Boccaccio's contemporaries would have been familiar with.

while a plague ravages Italy, a group of nobles retreat to a villa where their lavish getaway turns into chaos. The Decameron launches tomorrow, July 25 pic.twitter.com/zfCPqIPLGE  Netflix Nigeria (@NetflixNaija) July 24, 2024

The upcoming Netflix series is set with the facts and humour of its original source material.

All about The Decameron book

Boccaccio was the illegitimate son of a wealthy Italian merchant and an unknown woman who was born in 1313. The poet grew up in Florence, studied canon law, and practiced banking. Later, Boccaccio shifted his focus to writing. Boccaccio wrote about his observations.

The epidemic, as discussed in his book The Dacameron, arrived on the Italian Peninsula in 1347. It travelled across the peninsula and hit Florence in 1348. Scholars disagree on whether Boccaccio was in the city at the time, but he observed the aftermath of the sickness that killed his father and stepmother, as well as thousands others.
Tokyo Swindlers is the new crime thriller to be released on the OTT platform Netflix. The Japanese television series is based on a Ko Shinjo novel. The series is all about scammers who try to pull off a 10-billion-yen scam. The series is about to make its OTT debut on July 25th.

Tokyo Swindlers OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this Japanese crime thriller

Here's the trailer for Tokyo Swindlers:

There will be seven episodes of Tokyo Swindlers that will be streaming on Netflix by July 25th. On the same day, Netflix will be streaming another brand new thriller series, Kleo Season 2.

Also Read: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare OTT release date Prime Video: When to watch

All about Tokyo Swindlers

Tokyo Swindlers centres on a bunch of scammers. Actor Takumi Tsujimoto (as Go Ayano) meets Harrison Yamanaka (Etsushi Toyokawa), the leader of a group of genuine swindlers known as scammers. Takumi, together with informer Takeshita (played by Kazuki Kitamura), impostor recruiter Reiko (played by Eiko Koike), and legal counsellor Goto (played by Pierre Taki), works as a negotiator to commit real estate fraud. Their next target is the most significant yet: a 10 billion yen real estate swindle.

Cast and crew of Tokyo Swindlers

Tokyo Swindlers is about to hit the small screens. The series is produced by Nikkatsu Corporation and the Booster Project. The credited producers are Yoshida Kenichi and Miyake Harue.

Also Read: The Decameron OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this real-life based historic drama

The cast members of Tokyo Swindlers include Go Ayano, Etsushi Toyokawa, Kazuki Kitamura, Eiko Koike, Pierre Taki, Shota Sometani, and Anthony, among others.

Who should watch Tokyo Swindlers?

If you are someone who likes thriller dramas, this upcoming Netflix series is for you. The lovers of thriller series will asolutely add this one to their watchlist.

For more updates on Tokyo Swindlers and its OTT debut, stay tuned.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Long before photographers reached Italy to capture Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's wedding, they flocked outside the Bachchan house Jalsa and Pratiksha in 2007 where Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were supposed to get married. The news channels covered what was happening outside the two houses live on television. It was nothing short of a regal affair. In the midst of their divorce rumours, the Bollywood's most loved couple's wedding photos have gone viral on the internet once again.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai's wedding photos go viral

As their wedding pictures go viral, here are 5 things that stirred controversies and made headlines back then.

1. The local Baraat

The Baraat started from Jalsa to Pratiksha, where the wedding was solemnised. The groom, Abhishek Bachchan, rode a horse with his face covered with frills of flowers and donning a gold-embroidered white sherwani while his popular songs like Kajra Re and evergreen tunes like Aaj Mere Yar Ki Shaadi Hai were played. The little boy on the horse with Abhishek is none other than Agastya Nanda, who is rumoured to be dating Shah Rukh Khan's Suhana Khan.

Reddit

2. The scandal

Remember a model named Jhanvi Kapoor caused a furore as she reached the wedding venue and claimed she was his first wife. She had put cheating allegations on Abhishek Bachchan saying that he cannot get married again as he is already married to her. She reportedly worked with him in Dus and claimed that the actor got involved with her during that time. The drama went on for hours and she ended up slitting her wrist in an attempt to kill herself. She was however rushed to the hospital. Later, booked under sction 309 of IPC, she was given a bail only after paying a penalty of Rs 10,000.

Reddit

3. The performances

As seen in one of the pictures, Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan performed together at the duo's Sangeet ceremony, while Aishwarya happily cheered for the couple. Shweta Bachchan also danced her heart out at Baraat.

Also Read: 'Seem to co-parent': Abhishek Bachchan likes divorce-related post on Insta amid separation rumours with Aishwarya

Reddit

4. The star-studded guest list

Some of the biggest names from the industry including J P Dutta, Vasu Bhagnani, Ajay Devgan, musicians Ayan and Aman Ali Bangash, Yash Chopra and Karan Johar were among the Baraatis.

5. The rumours

Also Read: Here's the real reason why Abhishek Bachchan liked post about divorce

Before their wedding there were strong rumours circulating that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has married a tree before getting married to Abhishek to ward off bad omens since she is a Manglik. Years later, Aishwarya talked about the same and told NDTV, "Yes, there was so much of that. I just thought it was so unnecessary. To dedicate the kind of prime time, the kind of newsprint, the kind of magazine cover stories for all of that was very unnecessary. The wonderful part was that as a family, we are solid. We are all in the public eye, and we have ample opportunity to voice ourselves, but instead of adding to the din, we decided to have the father of the family... Paa did meet the media at a very decided point in time way after the wedding, and answered all the queries."

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26th to honour India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. This day is dedicated to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly during the intense conflict. The successful operation against Pakistan was named Operation Vijay, and it marked the day when the Indian Army recaptured all the posts in Kargil that had been occupied by Pakistan's army. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 continues this tradition of remembrance and honour.



Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 date:

In 2024, the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated on Friday, July 26th.

The History of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Kargil Vijay Diwas

The Kargil War, part of the larger India-Pakistan 1999 war, was a significant military conflict between the two neighbouring countries. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, there were relatively few direct armed conflicts, aside from skirmishes over the Siachen Glacier. However, tensions escalated in the 1990s due to separatist activities in Kashmir and nuclear tests conducted by both countries in 1998.



In February 1999, the Lahore Declaration was signed to promote peace and resolve the Kashmir conflict. Despite this, during the winter of 1998-1999, elements of the Pakistani Armed Forces began infiltrating Indian territory, an operation code-named "Operation Badri." Their goal was to sever the link between Kashmir and Ladakh, forcing Indian forces to withdraw from the Siachen Glacier and internationalize the Kashmir issue.

Initially, Indian troops mistook the infiltrators for jihadis and planned to evict them quickly. However, they soon realized the scale of the infiltration, which covered an area of 130-200 km. In response, the Indian government launched Operation Vijay, mobilizing 200,000 troops. The war officially ended on July 26, 1999, with the eviction of Pakistani troops, marking this date as Kargil Vijay Diwas. According to official figures, during the war, 527 Indian soldiers lost their lives and, 1,363 wounded.

Important Operations Conducted by the Indian Army during the Kargil War:

Operation Vijay: This was the name for Indias military effort to take back the occupied posts and remove the infiltrators from the region.

Tiger Hill: A very important mission. Tiger Hill was a heavily guarded Pakistani position, and capturing it was a major turning point in the war for the Indian Army.

Battle of Tololing: Another key operation where Indian soldiers faced strong resistance but ultimately took control of the position.

Operation Safed Sagar: This was the name for the Indian Air Forces (IAF) air attacks on Pakistani positions. The IAF carried out many airstrikes to help the ground troops.

Significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Kargil Vijay Diwas holds immense significance as it commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. The day serves as a reminder of the resilience and patriotism displayed by the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War. Captain Vikram Batra, Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, Major Vivek Gupta, and many others were among the 527 brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.

Celebrations and Events

Every year, various events and parades are organized to honour the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. The main ceremony takes place at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, where dignitaries pay homage to the martyrs. Kargil Vijay Diwas's speech ideas.

Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti 2024

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Kargil victory, the Indian Air Force is celebrating 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti' at Air Force Station Sarsawa from July 12 to July 26, 2024. This celebration honours the brave air warriors who played a crucial role in the Kargil War. The IAF's operations, known as Op Safed Sagar, involved overcoming the challenges posed by the high altitudes and steep gradients of the battlefield. The IAF flew around 5,000 strike missions, 350 reconnaissance missions, and 800 escort flights during the war.

Remembering the Heroes

One notable event during the Kargil War was the mission undertaken by the 152 Helicopter Unit, 'The Mighty Armour,' of Air Force Station Sarsawa. On May 28, 1999, Squadron Leader R. Pundir, Flight Lieutenant S. Muhilan, Sergeant P.V.N.R. Prasad, and Sergeant R.K. Sahu were tasked with a live strike against enemy positions at Tololing. Unfortunately, their helicopter was hit by an enemy missile, resulting in the loss of all four air warriors. For their exceptional courage, they were posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). Their sacrifice is remembered and honoured as part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 is a day of national pride and remembrance, honouring the valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the India-Pakistan 1999 war. It is a time to reflect on the significance of their contributions and to celebrate the enduring spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.

Kargil Vijay Diwas Quotes:

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - Gilbert K. Chesterton

"If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I'll kill death" - Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey

A soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves whats behind him.  Bill Clark Jr.

Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it but I will be back for sure  Captain Vikram Batra

The word of bravery always speaks of the bravery of the best warriors.

"You have never lived fully until you have almost died and for those who are not afraid of death and choose to fight, life always has a special flavour for them".

" A soldier is not just a person. One is our pride, the Army is our glory, honour we earned" - Kaushik Dhakate

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 FAQs:

When is Kargil Vijay Diwas?



Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26 July every year to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in 1999.

Why is Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated on 26 July?



Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26 July because it was on this day in 1999 that the Indian Army evicted Pakistani troops from their occupied positions in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir.

What is Operation Vijay in the Kargil War?



Operation Vijay was a military operation launched by India in 1999 to recapture the high-altitude peaks of Kargil, which had been captured by Pakistani soldiers.

Why did the Kargil war happen?



The Kargil War was a two-month-long conflict between India and Pakistan in MayJuly 1999 over the disputed territory of Kargil. The war was triggered by Pakistani infiltration of Indian-administered Kargil.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Hyundai FDCI India Couture Week began in the capital with ace couturier duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Koshla showcasing the opening show. Set in a lux hotel in Central Delhi, the show set the tone for the upcoming days of the fashion fiesta.

The designer duo showcased "Asal" and "Mard" bridal couture collections, and it had everything for everyone. Whether you are a modern girl who likes to keep it chic or a traditional girl who goes back to the roots of bridal fashion.

Menswear pieces were no different either. If you want a traditional sherwani -you got it, if you want a sensual sheer kurta- you got it, if you want to channel your inner Ranveer Singh with a flirty anarkali- you got it.

The collection combined a fresh perspective with the beauty of everything old, namely textiles, embroideries, clothing, and the haveli as a backdrop. The collection drew from our extensive archives to create a series of collections that paid homage to the flawless craftsmanship and time-honored history of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla's original designs.

What inspired the collection?

The show celebrated the spirit of love between modern couples | Image: FDCI

The collection was inspired by the age-old stories of Rajas and Rajkumaris, which became evident as the show concluded.



Abu Sandeep We aim to celebrate the spirit of love between modern couples, a bride who carries her cultural heritage with ease and pride, and a regal groom who exudes contemporary sophistication in a modern spirit, thus harmonising the old with the new to create the ideal wardrobe for their big day!



The Show started with beautiful white numbers with intricate embroideries followed by soft pastel ensembles. The show further showcased edgy outfits in black and blue. Not to forget, the traditional bride red was also a part of the show.



Who was the showstopper for ICW's first show?

Actor Wamiqa Gabbi opened the show in an Ivory Trail Lehenga from the Botanical Bloom line, featuring Resham embroidery with ivory silk threads highlighted with pearls and crystals.

She also closed the show as a regal bride in a Red Lehenga from the Bridal Gota collection, handcrafted with Gota, Zardozi and encrusted with crystals. She admitted it was her first time on the runway and ended up feeling "thrilled."



The inspiration for menswear finds its roots in how men no longer shy away from dressing their maximal best | Image: FDCI

Along with Gabbi, actor Taha Shah Badussha, whom the designer described as the "hottest man in India," walked the ramp in an olive silk tissue long kurta shining with crystal-encrusted flying bird appliques. It was paired with brocade flared pants giving it a modern yet regal touch.



In another appearance later, he showcased a brocade pant with a detailed textile drape adorned in Zardozi embroidery. His ensemble was finished with a matching Zardozi belt.

The designers stayed true to their brand's lexicon of bringing traditional methods into the limelight with yet another spectacular showcase.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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Have you ever wondered how babies perceive the world? Or thought why when you visit a close one's little one they seem to recognise you while other times they don't? Well, there seems to be a perfectly reasonable albeit astonishing reason for this! A recent study published in the Child Development journal reveals that babies use multisensory cues to perceive their environments more efficiently and their mother's smell significantly helps them.

Also Read: Meditation can trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety, study reveals

How do babies recognise people?

magicmaman.com/Pinterest

Researchers at the Institut Universitaire de France, University of Hamburg, Universite de Bourgogne, Universite de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier de Nancy, Universite de Lorraine, and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), conducted a study and tracked exactly how and when French infants use their mothers scent to perceive faces.



For the study, the team tested 50 infants aged between four and 12 months and discovered that face-selective EEG response becomes stronger and more complex over this period.

According to the study, young infants employ their mother's scent to recognise people. At the same time, researchers confirmed that as they grow older they can efficiently perceive faces from visual information alone and they do not need to rely on other cues anymore.

Also Read: Night owls have better cognitive ability than early risers, reveals new study

How can these findings be useful for parents, paediatricians, and caregivers of young infants?

triadmomsonmain.com/Pinterest

Following the release of the study, the Society for Research in Child Development discussed with Dr Arnaud Leleu, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience from the Universite de Bourgogne in Dijon, France who has always been interested about the working of sensory perception in the human brain.



Conveying the importance of this study's findings Dr Leley said, "Our findings reveal the importance of the early exposure to concurrent sensory inputs from different modalities for perceptual learning. Such early exposure to repeated intersensory associations is also a building block for the later development of higher-level abilities."

Talking about the practical use of this study's findings, Dr Leleu highlighted, "Given that our findings highlight the importance of the sense of smell in this early concert of the senses, every sensory modality should be considered when stimulating young infants, not only hearing and vision."

Also Read: Can yogurt help prevent depression and anxiety? Study suggests yes

For more on health, relationships and fashion from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.
Our children reveal to us the shape of the future, for it is in their hands that it will be shaped. And as far as India is concerned, the future seems to be in safe hands.



This is exemplified by the inspiring story of two Class 9 students from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Guru Prasad and Vishal, who took meaningful action for their differently-abled peers.

Also read: Against All Odds, Blind Daughter Of Labourer Achieves A Remarkable 96% In Class 10 Boards

During a field trip to a school for the blind, Guru Prasad and Vishal observed the daily struggles faced by visually impaired and hearing-impaired individuals.

They saw the difficulties these students encountered while travelling, taking photos, or even navigating simple obstacles.

Representational image/ blindrelief.org

Rather than merely feeling sympathy, Guru Prasad and Vishal chose to make a tangible difference.



They set out to create a sensor-equipped shoe designed to enhance the safety and mobility of visually impaired people.

Their innovation includes a device embedded in the shoe that detects obstacles within 30 cm and alerts the wearer through sound and vibration.

This feature ensures that those with hearing impairments can be alerted through vibration, while those with visual impairments can be alerted with sound.

Also read: School For The Blind In Gujarat Incorporates Smell, Touch, Hearing & Sight In Inclusive Architecture



The shoe's detection range can be adjusted up to 300 cm and it is rechargeable like a mobile phone.

Currently priced at Rs 700, the students plan to seek government support to provide the shoes free of charge once fully developed.

Their sensory shoe was presented at the 31st National Childrens Science Conference and showcased at the Science Pavilion of a book festival in Thanjavur, under the theme "Tools for the Blind."

In a world where empathy often falls short, Guru Prasad and Vishal's innovative approach stands as a testament to how compassion can be transformed into actionable solutions. Their work not only addresses immediate needs but also inspires others to use their skills and creativity to make a positive impact on society.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Stepping away from home, whether to a bustling metropolis or a new country, is no small feat. The allure of independence and self-direction often comes with an undercurrent of loneliness.



Recently, a post by a BITS Pilani alum has captured this sentiment, shedding light on the loneliness faced by techies in Bengaluru that can only come with settling in a metro city.

Also read: 'Furnished, 2 rooms, balcony': Bengaluru woman's hilarious 'Man in Finance' flat hunt song goes viral

The post has struck a chord, going viral as it resonates with many navigating the challenges of finding community and connection in a new, bustling city.

The former BITS Pilani student recently shared a post on X expressing his concerns about the loneliness faced by techies in Bengaluru.

He describes the situation vividly: "Most techies in Bangalore are pretty lonely. Away from family, no real friends, stuck in traffic, high rents, children not getting good values, peers into status games, cringe tech meet-ups, shoves body with coffee & alcohol, hair-loss, tummies popping out & pays highest taxes."

He adds, "It scares me even more that so many people relate with this. Consider this your wake up call & take some action fellas. Fixed 1000s of jiras but your health & family is broken?"

Most techies in Bangalore are pretty lonely. Away from family, no real friends, stuck in traffic, high rents, children not getting good values, peers into status games, cringe tech meet-ups, shoves body with coffee & alcohol, hair-loss, tummies popping out & pays highest taxes.  harsh (@harshwsingh) July 23, 2024

The post has understandably sparked a conversation on social media. One commenter reflects, "Scary to relate to some parts of it."

Another points out, "Isn't this the story of 'most' youngsters away from home in almost every city."

A third observes, "Demerits of lopsided development. Had there been fulfilling jobs in native places, they would not have stayed away from their homes."

One writes, "Very accurate description, esp. the loneliness bit. Then the anxiety due to traffic, poor infrastructure, and high rents further adds to the misery making one feel trapped and despondent inspite of a high-paying job, completely messing up your physical and mental health."

What are your thoughts on this?

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented her seventh budget and the third budget of the Narendra Modi government in Parliament. The budget, though it offered some relief to many, failed to live up to the expectations of most. In her speech, Sitharaman outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities.

BCCL

Roadmap for Viksit Bharat vs Kursi Bachao Budget

The priorities include productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, and services. While the BJP termed the budget as the roadmap for a "Viksit Bharat," the opposition called it a "Kursi Bachao Budget" due to its heavy focus on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Also read: These states found mention in Sitharaman's budget speech, here is what they are getting

What India Inc said

Industry bodies reacted to the budget, saying Sitharaman has delivered a growth-oriented, inclusive budget maintaining fiscal discipline with a focus on job creation.

"The abolition of angel tax will give a big boost to our startups and young entrepreneurs, who are the job creators of the future. The commitment to speed up IBC resolution will lead to 12,000 businesses restarting operations and many more jobs," Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal said.

FICCI President Anish Shah termed the Budget 2024-25 as a "growth-oriented" one that has delivered both short-term demand stimulus and actions focused on medium- to long-term growth imperatives while maintaining fiscal discipline.

BCCL

CII President Sanjiv Puri also described it as a "people-centric" budget that balances equitable growth with fiscal sustainability.



Boring, lifeless, and meaningless: Ashneer Grover

BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover, however, was not impressed by the budget, which he felt was "boring, lifeless, and meaningless," and added that "another Ambani wedding function would be of more value."

Also read: FM Nirmala Sitharaman junks angel tax, a shot in the arm for Startup Inc

Angel tax abolition gets thumbs-up

While the Union Budget may have been a polarising one, if there was one thing that has been appreciated across the board, from the opposition to industrialists, it is the abolition of the angel tax.

BCCL

I was pleased to hear that the FM will abolish the angel tax. Congress has pleaded for the abolition for many years and most recently in the Congress manifesto on page 31, Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said.

"I welcome only one provision, which is the abolishing of the tax on angel investors. I had recommended it to Arun Jaitley more than five years ago," Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said.

"The budget has also focused on the startup ecosystem and provided a fillip through the abolition of the angel tax, which is aimed at spurring investments in startups, and the emphasis on ease of doing business will benefit MSMEs," Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson of Biocon, said.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Today marks a special occasion as Azim Premji, the influential founder of Wipro and a key figure in the Indian IT industry, celebrates his 79th birthday. Known for his remarkable achievements and generous spirit, Premji's journey from a young businessman to a global tech leader is truly inspiring. Over the years, he has transformed Wipro into a major IT powerhouse and dedicated much of his wealth to philanthropic causes. As we celebrate Azim Premjis 79th birthday, we look back at his incredible career, his dedication to making a difference, and the lasting impact he continues to have on both the business world and society.



A Visionary Leader in the IT Industry

Azim Premji was born on July 24, 1945. His path to success began at the age of 21 when he took over the family's cooking oil business after the sudden demise of his father Mohamed Premji in 1966 and expanded into software. Facing the challenge of modernizing the company, Premji led Wipro through a major transformation. By recognizing the potential in the computer industry in the 1970s, he shifted Wipros focus towards computer hardware and later software. His leadership helped Wipro become a major player in the global IT market, especially in the United States.

Dedication to Philanthropy

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Premjis achievements extend beyond business. In 2001, he established the Azim Premji Foundation to improve education in rural India. His commitment to helping others was recognized in 2005 when he received the Padma Bhushan, one of Indias highest civilian honors. His philanthropy has made a significant impact, reflecting his dedication to social causes.



The Premji Family: Insights into His Personal Life

Azim Premji is married to Yasmeen Premji, who is also deeply involved in charitable work through the Azim Premji Foundation. Together, they have built a legacy of giving and social responsibility. Their children are actively involved in carrying forward this legacy. Rishad Premji succeeded his father as chairman of Wipro in 2019, continuing the familys business tradition and Tariq Premji is currently a Non-Executive Director at Wipro Enterprises and the Vice President of the Azim Premji Endowment Fund.

Azim Premjis Net Worth and Legacy

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Even though recent changes in Wipros share value have affected his wealth, Azim Premji remains one of Indias richest people. In 2024, he is ranked 165th on Forbes list of the worlds richest people, with a net worth of $11.8 billion, as of today. As per Business Standard, in 2019, Premjis remarkable decision to donate two-thirds of his wealth, which amounts to $21 billion, to charitable causes, further highlights his commitment to making a difference.



Interesting Facts About Azim Premji

Historical Decision:

After the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, Premjis father, Mohamed Premji also known as the Rice King of Burma was invited by Pakistans founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to move to Pakistan. He chose to stay in India, setting the stage for future success.

Educational Journey:

Premji was studying engineering at Stanford University when he had to return to India after his fathers sudden death. Although he left Stanford, he completed his degree in 1999, more than 30 years later.

Simple Lifestyle:

Despite his great wealth, Premji leads a modest life. He travels in economy class, avoids expensive cars, and prefers staying in company guest houses during business trips.

Azim Premji philanthropy

Azim Premji is not just a successful businessman but also a major philanthropist. In 2001, he set up the Azim Premji Foundation to improve primary education in India. The foundation has helped bring computer education to many schools. In FY20 and FY21, Premji was named Indias top philanthropist, donating around Rs 22 crore each day to charity totaling Rs 7,904 crore in FY20, and in FY21, he donated Rs 9,713 crore or Rs 27 crore daily. His foundation has also made large donations to support various causes, including the fight against COVID-19.

Azim Premjis Lasting Influence

As Azim Premji turns 79, his remarkable contributions to the IT industry and his generous philanthropic work are worth celebrating. His life story is a powerful example of how vision, dedication, and generosity can create lasting change and inspire others.

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Greeces Navy is on high alert as Turkey escalates tensions in the Aegean Sea, heightening an ongoing dispute over maritime boundaries and territorial claims.

The latest tension was sparked from the presence of the Italian research vessel "Ievoli Relume," which is conducting surveys for an underwater cable project

connecting Crete and Cyprus

Turkey's challenge to these activities has led to a significant military and diplomatic standoff.

Despite the heightened state of readiness, Greek authorities have decided against deploying

additional naval vessels to the region.

The frigate Nikiforos Fokas and the gunboat Aittitos have been deployed south of Kasos, along with a coast guard patrol vessel..

Diplomatic channels between Athens and Ankara have scrambled to de-escalate the situation, utilizing a hotline set up between the two countries to prevent crises from escalating.

At the centre of the current dispute are Greek Navtex notices issued for the Italian-led survey which focuses on Greek territorial waters, except for a segment just half a mile outside the six-mile limit from Karpathos.

In response, Turkey has issued its own Navtex, claiming that the area south of Karpathos falls within its continental shelf. It has since then dispatched naval vessels to monitor the Italian research ship, deploying the frigates Gokova and Goksu, and three other warships.

Greece maintains that the Italian vessel's activities are fully compliant with international law, highlighting that the surveys are conducted within Greek territorial waters.

The region is part of the 2020 Greece-Egypt agreement on the partial delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), which intersects with the contentious Turkish-Libyan memorandum. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, speaking to SKAI radio, reiterated Greece's commitment to dialogue but emphasised that sovereign rights are non-negotiable.

"The government seeks to maintain dialogue but not at the expense of our sovereign rights. Dialogue does not imply agreement or naivety. Issues of internal politics and sovereignty are not up for negotiation. Our policy remains unchanged, and we will continue to pursue our energy and other national policies," said Mr. Marinakis.

He added that while Greece is open to discussions based on positive agendas and the resolution of the single dispute with Turkey regarding EEZ and continental shelf delimitation under international law, significant disagreements and differences persist.

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The stationmaster responsible for the Larissa station during the fatal Tempi train collision in February, which claimed 57 lives, has filed for early release from pre-trial detention.

The move comes just weeks before his 18-month detention was scheduled to end on September 1st.

The stationmaster, who has been working in an administrative role within

Prison , submitted a request to replace his detention with restrictive conditions.

The request, filed through his lawyer, Stefanos Pantzartzidis, is currently awaiting a decision from the special appellate investigator overseeing the case.

The Tempi train collision, Greece's deadliest rail accident, occurred last February when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train. The disaster sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country, leading to investigations into the systemic failures and negligence within the Greek railway system.

The stationmaster, along with the head of the inspection department of OSE Larissa, was initially detained as part of the investigation. The inspection department head was later released under restrictive conditions.

The stationmaster's lawyer has argued that his client has taken responsibility for his role in the accident but has also pointed to other contributing factors, including broader systemic issues within the railway system.

The stationmaster's request for early release has generated significant public interest and renewed calls for accountability and justice for the victims of the tragedy.

The decision on his request is expected in the coming days and will likely be closely watched by the public and the victims' families.

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The promoted solution for the bank of Attica and Pancretan bank is the best solution both for financial stability and for the Greek taxpayer, assured the Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yiannis Stournaras addressing on Wednesday the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs of the parliament during the examination of the draft law

of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance for the ratification of the Merger Agreement of the Bank of Attica with Pancretan bank as well as the investment between the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF) and the company "THRIVEST HOLDING".

He argued that the claims made that the agreement "gifts Attica Bank to private individuals" show a lack of understanding of the real market data and the competition rules of the European Commission, and above all the costs for safeguarding savers and financial stability in country.

Stournaras argued that the Greek state which, as he mentioned, will have invested a total of 950 million euros in Attica Bank in a decade, with an annual return of 4%, will have obtained around 1.2 to 1.6 billion euros. Therefore, the investment will be profitable. On the other hand, the private investor, as he mentioned, participates in the share capital increase with much more burdensome conditions compared to those private investors participated in all the share capital increases carried out by the four systemic banks.

Stournaras clarified that apart from Thrinvest there was no interest from any other private investor to participate in the Capital Increase. He also warned that in the "inevitable case" that the specific agreement does not go ahead, there will be significant and chain-related negative consequences. Such a development, as he said, would lead to a significant outflow of deposits for both Attica Bank and Pancretan Bank which, if combined with the acute problem of bad loans faced by the two banks, would lead to their collapse. Thus, the value of the HFSF in Attica, which currently amounts to 480 million euros, would immediately be zeroed out, as would the value of the Tier 2 bond amounting to 100 million euros maturing in 2028 that the bank has issued in 2018 and is held by the Greek State.

In addition, given that the unguaranteed deposits of the two banks amount to approximately 1.6 billion euros (909 million euros for Attica Bank and 726 million euros for Pancretan) households, businesses and public bodies would suffer a significant haircut deposits. The Deposit Guarantee Fund would be required to pay 1.8 billion euros for the guaranteed deposits of Attica Bank and 1.7 billion euros for the corresponding ones of Pancretan. The total amount, as Stournaras said, far exceeds the available funds of Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund, a fact that would force it to turn to the other systemic banks in order to cover its liquidity.

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he destruction of a CD containing content from the mobile phone of the murdered journalist Giorgos Karaivaz is assuming political dimensions, with Nasos Iliopoulos of the New Left party launching a scathing attack against the government on Wednesday during a debate in Greeces Parliament.

When this state cannot ensure that a CD containing conversations between a murdered journalist and the former director of Prime Minister Mitsotakis office because thats who Mr. (Grigoris) Dimitriadis is, though weve forgotten his name and anyone who mentions it gets taken to courtalong with the head of EYP (the national intelligence service) proves that the government does not want to tackle organized crime, Iliopoulos said.

The New Left party is asking specific questions about the case, such as whether the individuals in question have been called to testify about the content of their conversations with the assassinated journalist, and whether an investigation has been ordered into the circumstances in which the material was destroyed.

In a country where the rule of law is in retreat, the answers to these questions are imperative, he stressed.

During court proceedings a day earlier, on Tuesday, against two suspects in the murder of Karaivaz, while the court was listing the documents submitted as evidence for consideration, exhibit number 33 was read out, which contained contacts and conversations from the WhatsApp app on Karaivazs cellphone.

The bench read from the evidence report that the contacts included the names of the former director of the Prime Ministers office, Grigoris Dimitriadis; the former head of the National Intelligence Service, Panagiotis Kontoleontas, and the former chief of the Greek Police, Michalis Karamalakis.

However, once these details had been read out, the prosecutor rushed to inform the court that the CD with the content r had been accidentally destroyed when it was punctured by a stapler. Whats more, according to information received, the contents had not been transcribed to a written document (which is the form in which the evidence would have been presented in court) and no copy had been requested by the bench.

Iliopoulos: The country has surrendered to organized crime

The press spokesman for the New Left party and it deputy for Athens, Nasos Iliopoulos, addressed the serious incident on Wednesday from the standing committee on educational affairs, and during a debate on a draft law presented by the ministry of education.

As Iliopoulos said, We are in a country where yesterday, in the Karaivaz trial, the trial of people suspected of involvement in the assassination of a journalist, a trial which all of Europe is following, the court said that the CD that contained conversations between the journalist and Dimitriadis and the head of EYP was destroyed.

He went on to add: Thats why you wont do anything, because you dont want to take on organized crime. Its not something you have done personally, but it is a structural feature of the government of which you are a part.

He railed against Dimitriadis, noting that This State cannot keep safe a CD containing conversations between a murdered journalist and the former director of Prime Minister Mitsotakis officebecause thats who Mr. Dimitriadis is, though weve forgotten his name and anyone who mentions it gets taken to courtalong with the head of EYP.

In conclusion, the New Left MP noted that this country has surrendered to organized crime. And so I say to you, dont bother with laws and legal provisions. Its a waste of time and effort, for the organs of state and for you yourselves.

Crucial questions must be answered

At the same time, the New Left party issued a statement on the incident, asking questions that demand answers. As it says:

Serious questions are raised by the revelation in the trial of suspects in the murder of the journalist George Karaivaz that material containing conversations he had with senior officials has been destroyed.

It goes on to stress that the court read that this material contained communications between George Karaivaz and the former director of the Prime Ministers office, Grigoris Dimitriadis; the former head of the National Intelligence Service, Panagiotis Kontoleontas and the former chief of the Greek Police, Michalis Karamalakis. And that the material was destroyed because the CD on which it was stored was punctured by a stapler!

New Left asks these three reasonable and specific questions and demands immediate answers:

-When did the authorities become aware of the destruction of the material?  Have these persons been called to testify about the content of their conversations with the murdered journalist?  Has an investigation been ordered into the circumstances in which the material in question was destroyed?

The press release ends by stating: In a country where the rule of law is in retreat, the answers to these questions are imperative.

Source: tovima.com
Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, has reacted to the face-off between founder of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and Federal Government officials in the Petroleum Ministry.

In a post on X, on Tuesday, he maintained that visionaries are needed to build a nations economy and their legacies remain long after they have left the stage.

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My brother, the Visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State. Additionally, he has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants in the world, soon to surpass the biggest one in Qatar, also in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created specially for mankind.

Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers. In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined. If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road, he wrote.

The Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, further gave examples of countries where a few individuals laid the foundation for national development and were supported by their government.

Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why its no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individualsCornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry FordTHE MEN WHO BUILT Americas industrial landscape. These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation.

READ ALSO: Hardship: Those Who Led 2012 Occupy Nigeria Protests, Now Trying To Suppress Peoples Rights  Atiku

Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions. Similarly, todays tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components for powering these innovative vehicles.

This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI. In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to Indias economic growth and global business footprint. There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization.

In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the worlds leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce, he added.

Otedola said Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry.

In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nations progress, he wrote.
A socio-political group, Ojo Ola Oyo, on Tuesday, appealed to youths in Oyo State not to participate in the planned nationwide protest.

Kehinde Olaosebikan, the founder of the group, during a press conference in Ibadan, the State capital of Oyo, urged youths in the South-West State to shun the planned demonstration.

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According to him, there is ample evidence Tinubu has great plans for you.

If the youths cant see all those moves, at least they are aware of the students loan scheme of the current administration.

This scheme, which gives loans at no interest, doesnt only cover theoretical academic pursuits but also the area of vocational training.

READ ALSO: After Sending Thugs To Hijack EndSARS Protest Failed, Govt. Then Sent Soldiers To Kill The Young Protesters  Femi Falana

Any government that takes away the burden of education financing, we must understand, prioritises the future of the nation.

Dear youths in Oyo State, we at Ojo Ola Oyo can assure you that your future is secure under this government.

You also can see how the government has been clearing the rot in the nations social security programme and ensuring that what is meant to assist the most vulnerable among us, this time, gets to the right people, he said.

He added that fifth columnists would wait in the wings to hijack such protests and throw society into more damning chaos.

This is why we are appealing to our youths that rather than risk a protest that might end up with everyone licking wounds.

We should encourage platforms to engage the government in discussions that would open its eyes to more areas of our needs and open our own eyes to hitherto unseen areas of opportunities the government had put in place, he added.
Owen Sahnow, who works at the Delaware Theatre Company, wonders how hell commute in the future from Philadelphia to Wilmington now that Amtrak is raising the price of his monthly pass by nearly 70%.

He moved to Philadelphia last year for his partners work and has been taking a trolley from West Philly to 30th Street Station where he hops on an Amtrak train to Wilmington. He has been paying $324 a month for his Amtrak monthly pass and an additional $94 for a SEPTA pass, he said.

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Next month, it will be a different story. Amtrak raised prices on all of its multi-ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor starting July 1. That includes monthly as well as 10-ride ticket passes.

Its typical for prices to change regularly across industries based on customer demand and economic trends, Beth Toll, the companys senior public relations manager, said via email Wednesday. Amtrak customers have benefited from deep discounts on multi-ride tickets across the network for a number of years, and our recent pricing change reflects an update to better align pricing with current fares on the Northeast Corridor.

Prices were not raised uniformly. A monthly pass between Philadelphia and Trenton used to cost $552 and now costs $825, a 49% increase. Commuters riding Amtrak between New York and Philadelphia used to pay $1,032 for their monthly pass and now will pay $1,250, a 21% increase. Travelers looking to get monthly passes between Washington and Wilmington will pay $1,250 now compared to $948 previously, a nearly 32% increase.

Despite the increases, Toll says monthly passes still offer customers a significant discount compared to single tickets.

For Sahnow, the new pricing model means over $200 more for his monthly pass.

I dont have that much wiggle room in my budget, he said.

Commuters consider other options

With the fare increases, commuters are weighing their options.

Sahnow will probably switch back to SEPTA Regional Rail, though Amtrak is faster, has more trains during commuting hours, and fewer delays than SEPTA, he said.

The challenge now is, if Im going to pay $94 a month for SEPTA and $550 a month for Amtrak  like at that point, I might as well own a new car, which I dont really think I could afford right now, but maybe, maybe I could, he said.

A 27-year-old law student and her fiancee said they moved to Wilmington because they commute in opposite directions each morning: She goes north to Philadelphia, and he heads south to Baltimore.

Since last December theyve bought monthly Amtrak passes to make the trips. She paid $324 for Wilmington-Philadelphia. His pass cost $792 for the longer trip to Baltimore. But as of July 1, the passes to Philadelphia jumped to $550, a nearly 70% increase. The monthly price for Wilmington-Baltimore trips went up to $1,075, or nearly 36%.

The couple, who did not want to be quoted by name because of privacy concerns, were lucky in one respect: Having made their monthly purchase the night before the new fares took effect, they bought some time. As of Aug. 1, though, the law student will use SEPTA, and theyll absorb the price shock on the Baltimore pass.

Amtrak infrastructure challenges

The new fares come as Amtrak has recently been experiencing more delays and breakdowns.

At least 10 times in the past two months, a failure of the electrical system that powers Amtrak and NJ Transit trains has frozen rail traffic in the nations densest region. When that happens, breakdowns ripple up and down the 427-mile Northeast Corridor, stranding travelers for hours at a time.

Amtrak inherited its catenary  the wires and poles that move power from generating stations to locomotives  from the Pennsylvania Railroad, which went bankrupt 54 years ago. The wires tend to droop in extreme heat and that can delay or even stop trains.

On June 20, for example, service was suspended for three hours along 150 miles of the corridor. Trains were stopped or canceled as far away from New York City as Harrisburg and Boston.

Officials at Amtrak have said the problems are due to delayed maintenance.

NJ Transit relies on Amtraks tracks, tunnels, and electric power system to carry an average of 130,000 passengers a day in and out of New York, according to the agency.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called outages an unmitigated disaster in May in a scathing letter to Amtraks board chairman, demanding the railroad improve its aging infrastructure and put backup systems in place ASAP.

I refuse to accept these Amtrak infrastructure challenges as an inevitable part of operating integrated mass transit systems, Murphy said. We can and must do better.
Members of the Pennsylvania Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, including former City Council President Darrell Clarke, State Rep. Anthony Bellmon, and State Sen. Sharif Street, listen to testimony during a July 15 hearing. Read more

Almost a century ago, Pennsylvanias liquor code was created by a teetotaler governor distraught enough about the repeal of Prohibition that he decided to make drinking as difficult as possible for residents.

For the last four decades, Philadelphia residents have vigorously complained that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) hasnt made drinking more difficult at so-called stop-and-go stores throughout the city.

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And for four hours over two days last week, the bipartisan Pennsylvania Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force heard it all once again  residents grievances and store owners complaints of harassment  as they attempt to find a solution that will eradicate nuisance stop-and-gos in the city without unnecessarily burdening law-abiding businesses.

I invite everyone on this panel to come and join me in my backyard, because the shenanigans go on all day long and you can have a birds-eye view sitting in my yard seeing people at 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 4 a.m., said Stephanie Ridgeway, president of Lower North Philadelphia CDC. This is impacting a community that is attempting to rejuvenate itself.

 READ MORE: A brief history of a long effort to regulate stop-and-gos

What is a stop-and-go?

The task force, chaired by State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, a Philadelphia Democrat, is responsible for legally defining stop-and-gos and coming up with a suitable special license and effective enforcement to use only in Philadelphia.

The state liquor code prohibits private ownership of liquor stores but allows entrepreneurs to run restaurants and eating establishments that can sell alcohol to customers as they eat. In the late 1980s, entrepreneurs started purchasing old, unused liquor licenses that allowed them to sell food. According to the Pennsylvania State Polices Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE), some stop-and-gos run afoul of the liquor codes because they do not provide sufficient food and eating space, tables and chairs, or utensils, and may sell liquor to go, in violation of the law.

Instead they specialize in selling small quantities of hard alcohol and beer to a transient population, many with addiction issues. Buying single servings of alcoholic beverages is easy and cheap, and customers tend to linger outside the stores, neighbors complain, drinking and creating chaos throughout the day and night.

Stop-and-go complaints mostly a Philly problem

Stop-and-gos is also our corner store, and there are many members of my community who go to these stores and utilize their services. Even the kids go there and utilize their services, said Christopher Edwards of the Bayton Hill Neighborhood Association in Germantown. The problem were having is with the consumption of small quantities of alcohol where these outlets are pretty much functioning as bars. Its a happy hour outside.

As stop-and-gos proliferated and prospered, they incensed nearby residents who complained that customers loitered, which brought noise, litter, drug dealing, sex work, and violence, eroding their quality of life along with the value of their homes.

Frankly, the negative things happening inside and outside these establishments act like a magnet to bring the wrong crowds. Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania License Beverage and Tavern Association

Thankfully, we cant say that we see stop-and-go types of businesses across the state. In fact, we only hear complaints in Philadelphia, said Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PLBTA), which represents the states small and independent taverns, bars, and licensed restaurants.

Frankly, the negative things happening inside and outside these establishments act like a magnet to bring the wrong crowd, Moran said.

 READ MORE: What a nuisance!

Past attempts at regulating stop-and-gos in Pennsylvania

In 1987, enforcement of alcohol sales at stop-and-gos was transferred from the PLCB to the state police. In 1990, at another early attempt to control stop-and-gos, the PLCB established the Nuisance Bar Program, where chronic offenders could have their license immediately suspended until the problems were corrected. Neither initiative was able to stop the issues associated with stop-and-gos.

There are currently 1,546 places in Philadelphia licensed as a restaurant or eating place where alcohol is served as part of a meal. This year to date, the State Polices Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement has issued 90 citations for violations associated with failure to operate as a bona fide restaurant. Last year it was 166 citations, up from 122 citations in 2022.

However, a licensee who regains the privilege to sell alcohol may, and often does, become non-compliant shortly thereafter, requiring yet another compliance check by the Board and BLCE under current law, explained Capt. James Hennigan, director of operations for the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

Sometimes these operators do try to manage inside their operations and sometime ask [customers] to take it outside, which then becomes a problem for the entire neighborhood, because we see all the gambling and carousing and all that dysfunctionality in our neighborhood, Edwards said.

Stop-and-go tension has a racial element

The stop-and-go problem is further complicated because the stores have been primarily owned by Asian Americans and located mostly in Black and Latino neighborhoods, which adds a racial tension to the debate.

The business owners dont really seem to care and have an investment in our community, Deneen Brockington, chair of the Penn Knox Neighborhood Association, told the task force. Theyre there to make their money and to leave, and thats not fair when we talk about out communities.

One of the citys enforcement efforts with stop-and-gos was the 2005 implementation of an 11 p.m. curfew for businesses on residential streets, but it was later found to discriminate against Chinese restaurant owners.

The long history of Asian Americans in this country has been one of discrimination, said former Philadelphia Councilmember David Oh, president and CEO of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. The issue is guilt by association. I believe everyone who testified. There are problems. The issue is: Is everyone guilty because they look the same and because they have a beer deli?

Next steps for stop-and-go regulation

The ultimate goal of the task force, which was established in December by Gov. Josh Shapiro, is to create a stop-and-go liquor license category and provide recommendations for regulating these city businesses. In May, Williams organized a tour of several troublesome stop-and-gos as part of the task forces fact-finding mission.

Darrell Clarke, the former City Council president and PLCB board member, who chaired the hearings in Sen. Williams absence, said the task force has until the start of the next Senate session in September to release a report with recommendations.

We need to come with a solution that can accommodate everyones needs, Clarke said.
Workers at a Center City Starbucks voted to unionize this week. The coffee shop, located at 16th and Walnut Streets, is the 13th Starbucks in the Philadelphia area and the 34th in Pennsylvania to join Starbucks Workers United, which represents over 10,000 Starbucks employees across the country.

The Philly location is the latest to join the union amid a national wave of organizing efforts by workers employed at Starbucks that began in 2021 in Buffalo, N.Y. More than 470 Starbucks locations have unionized since, in 45 states and the District of Columbia, according to Starbucks Workers United.

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Im really happy we, the store, got together and made a change. Were moving forward like a team, and its good to not only feel the unity within us, but to actually see it as well, Anthal Arizaga, a shift supervisor at the Center City location, said in a statement about the Monday decision.

At Starbucks we believe that our direct relationship as partners is core to the experiences we create in our stores, and we respect our partners rights to have a choice on the topic of unions, Starbucks spokesperson Jay Go Guasch, said in a statement shared via email.

The road ahead

Since Starbucks employees began organizing, the company has been accused of not bargaining in good faith for a contract, and charges have been filed by Starbucks Workers United with the National Labor Relations Board, The Inquirer reported in 2023.

By the end of 2024, Starbucks hoped to have contracts ratified, according to a statement from the company, the New York Times reported in February. In April, union leaders and company representatives met at the bargaining table, and the union says they met again last month.

Noah Dixon, a barista at the newly unionized Philly location who has been working there a little over a year, says hes feeling good about the next steps with the union.

We have to put a lot of pressure on Starbucks to actually come to the bargaining table and provide real change, because otherwise they wont, he said.

He has been excited to see how the union is supporting workers on the ground, he says.

Learning what Starbucks Workers United really is representing was really exciting to me, said Dixon.

The news of the newly unionized Starbucks location comes as other coffee shops in Philadelphia have been organizing recently, with mixed results.

Workers employed at three Bluestone Lane coffee shops in Philadelphia unionized in May, but two out of four Ultimo coffee shops left their barista union in January before a first contract was reached.

In June, real estate developer Ori Feibush closed all three of his OCF Coffee House locations shortly after workers informed him that they intended to unionize. Feibush explained that the business hadnt been profitable and noted increased costs, reduced sales, and expiring leases.

This article has been updated to include a statement from Starbucks
Former Pa. Gov. Dick Thornburgh, shown here (center) in a 1986 photograph during a campaign to end the PLCB, was among the first lawmakers to try to make it harder for nuisance stop-and-go stores to operate in Philadelphia. Read more

In the early 1980s, community members begin to report serious problems with a new type of business. Then called beer delis and later stop-and-gos, these businesses, neighbors said, sold alcohol to go that attracted customers who were loud as they loitered and littered in front of the stores, attracting illegal and sometimes violent activities.

As one resident said at the time: I never dreamed that they could be so damaging to the community.

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For more than 40 years, elected officials, city and state agencies, police, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board have been bombarded with the same complaints from neighborhood residents, yet the problem continues to defy a solution.

 READ MORE: Four decades in the making, a task force takes steps to rid Philadelphia of nuisance stop-and-go stores

Timeline

1983: Gov. Dick Thornburgh signed a law requiring the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to give greater weight to complaints by neighbors at license hearings.

1987: State Rep. Ralph Acosta, a Philadelphia Democrat and the first Latino to be elected to the State House, gave a a tour of Kensington to fellow elected officials and PLCB members, to show the devastation caused by stop-and-gos.

Rep. Acosta has told us about his district for over two years, but to see it is worse than he described, said Rep. Eugene G. Saloom (D., Westmoreland), who served as chair of the state House Liquor Control Committee.

1987: Gov. Robert Casey Sr. signed a law transferring the enforcement of alcohol laws at stop-and-gos from the PLCB to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE), a new agency of the Pennsylvania State Police.

1990: The PLCB, under Chair James A. Goodman, established its Nuisance Bar Program, which could refuse to renew the licenses of nuisance stop-and-gos, forgoing the time-consuming court and administrative adjudication process.

1991: District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham launched the agencys Nuisance Bar Task Force. Its goal was to help city residents shut down nuisance bars by using pro bono legal help to support community groups prepare their court cases.

1992: State Rep. Andrew Carn (D., Philadelphia) announced the creation of a citywide task force to rewrite the states liquor code and halt the complaints about stop-and-gos.

It became clear to me that the present liquor code is archaic and does not address many of the circumstances that our communities face today, explained Carn, who chaired the task force.

2005: Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill giving City Council power to control special to-go permits for stores that wanted to sell beer or malt liquor to be consumed off premises. A store would have to get Councils approval before the PLCB would consider granting the store a liquor license. Two Common Pleas Court judges ruled it wrong for Council to commingle legislative, prosecutorial and adjudicative functions.

2005: Mayor John Street signed into law an 11 p.m. curfew on takeout businesses in residential communities, defined as at least 80% homes. By 2015, 96% of the violations had been issued to Chinese takeout restaurants, and owners claimed they were being unfairly targeted. In 2018, 23 local Chinese restaurant owners file suit for discrimination in federal court. The group announced a settlement in 2019, with the city agreeing to not enforce the curfew, to train local police about implicit bias, and to compensate the plaintiffs $265,000.

2017: Gov. Tom Wolf gave the PLCB the authority to conduct more inspections of stop-and-gos, instead of waiting every two years, and to immediately suspend the liquor license of establishments that were found to be harmful to communities.

2017: City Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced a bill that required stop-and-gos to have a minimum of 30 seats for customers and at least one customer-accessible restroom, and remove their interior acrylic barrier or bulletproof glass. Mayor James Kenney signed the bill into law.

2018: State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams invited PLCB members to tour stop-and-gos to highlight quality-of-life issues, including public intoxication, illegal drug activity, and disorderly conduct.

2023: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the creation of the Pennsylvania Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force. In May 2024, Williams, who chairs the task force, held a tour of stop-and-gos for task force members unfamiliar with the quality-of-life issues.

2024: The task force convenes for two days of hearings to listen to community members, stop-and-go owners, and others talk about the issue. The group is expected to release a report with recommendations by September.
The Juvenile Assessment Center in Philadelphia, housed in the former 9th Police District on 21st Street near Pennsylvania Avenue, opened in November 2023. Read more

In November, Philadelphia quietly opened its first-ever Juvenile Assessment Center  a hub where children and teens under arrest can access services and, in some cases, be diverted out of the juvenile justice system before ever being charged.

It was the culmination of more than six years of planning, research, and negotiation  and a solution to the citys chronic failure to process arrested youths within six hours, as required by state and federal law.

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Now, just as quietly, the city plans to close the building on 21st Street near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, known as the JAC, and decentralize its work.

Instead, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel  who led a groundbreaking diversion initiative for the Philadelphia School District that cut in-school arrests by 90%  envisions a system in which police officers will be trained to connect youth with community-based crime-prevention programs instead of arresting them. He said he has convened a task force that will help develop a list of charges that will be designated for diversion at the point of arrest.

We can create a national model, he said.

In his view, his plan is a step to prevent the trauma of kids as young as 10 being handcuffed, placed in a squad car, and driven across the city to a central processing facility for low-level crimes such as shoplifting. And its a way to transform police-community relations, by enabling officers to serve as a resource.

Bethel said hes driven by one guiding question: How do we get up front and reduce the number of kids we have even touch the system?

But his plan means that kids who are not diverted will go back to being processed at police division booking facilities  and, said Keisha Hudson, chief of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, potentially once again face being held in police lockups beyond the legal six-hour limit.

[The JAC] has been effective in helping our kids, Hudson said, adding that she has not seen a concrete plan for how kids will be processed. There is nothing thats going to take its place once its dismantled.

Since November, according to internal data, more than 1,100 kids passed through the JAC, which is staffed by social workers and police. About 10% were diverted from the court system, hundreds of families received information or services, and kids processing time was reduced by almost one third.

JAC staff also prevented more than 50 young people from being placed in juvenile detention simply because their parents refused to come pick them up. Youth incarceration, researchers have found, leads to worse mental health and educational outcomes  and is harmful to public safety because its linked to increased recidivism.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia juvenile detention overcrowding has led to kids sleeping on floors, and in offices

That [parental refusal] was driven down to zero, Hudson said, because you have someone dedicated whos reaching out, trying to find a guardian, and will then transport them home.

Bethel, at a City Council hearing in April, suggested that low rate of cases diverted was not impressive, given that the JAC was costing his department $4.2 million. The JAC also is budgeted $796,320 for civilian staff this fiscal year.

And he said he had no interest in being the Grim Reaper, with his officers delivering only doom and no hope.

I want the officers on the front line to be able to do diversion at the point of contact, be able to talk to those families, provide support.

Philadelphia police already divert adults under arrest for drug possession or prostitution, and refer them to social services. But the police recently decided that adults arrested for retail theft are no longer eligible for diversion.

Whats a juvenile assessment center?

About 100 jurisdictions around the country run local variations on the model, which was first developed in the 1990s with support from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Each one is different, said Molli Barker-Cook, who heads the National Assessment Center Association.

But theyre based on a common framework  which includes providing families with a single point of contact to access information and services, and creating a welcoming and trauma-informed physical space. And, they share a goal of diverting kids out of the justice system and into community-based programs.

Philadelphias JAC, which benefited from a $1 million Bloomberg U.S. Mayors Challenge grant, is housed at a former police district near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Some enthusiastic volunteers even came in on their personal time to help paint the space, to make it look less like a police station. The model called for both social workers and staff with personal juvenile-justice system experience.

 READ MORE: Youth in Philly's juvenile detention center are not getting adequate education, advocates alleged

Barker-Cook was skeptical that the same work of an assessment center could be accomplished with no dedicated location and questioned the idea that beat cops would be positioned to refer kids to resources.

Who in the community has the expertise to connect kids and families with services and support? Is that law enforcement expertise? In most communities, no.

Youth assessment centers have flourished in other cities, including Miami and Las Vegas.

An analysis in Miami estimated that its center, called the Miami-Dade Juvenile Services Department, saved the city $20 million a year, while driving down youth arrests by 78%.

What is Phillys plan now?

Philadelphias JAC is set to cease processing arrested youth in mid-September. Some staff will remain in the building after that, pending relocation to a new site or sites that Bethel has not yet identified.

Our collective goal will continue to be to deliver the highest level of supports and services to youth who touch the criminal justice system, said Evangelia Manos, first deputy for the citys Office of Public Safety, by email.

As to how the city will manage processing times, she said, JAC staff will work to remove barriers and encourage partners to prioritize and expedite processing.

The JAC staff will remain employed and will shift their focus to support community-based diversion and to provide many of the same supports to youth and their families, albeit remotely and/or in a mobile fashion, she said.

Bethel said kids who are diverted by police will likely be referred to Intensive Prevention Services, a community-based program that already serves youth aged 10 to 19. He said hes also considering how police could use the citys Evening Resource Centers, where officers bring kids found violating curfew.

He said the department is still developing its plans, and will track the impact of its work, in collaboration with a Drexel Universitys Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab.

He said that the JAC will be the starting point. But, he said, I want to build that into something even bigger.

Staff writer Samantha Melamed is a Stoneleigh Fellow reporting on youth justice issues.
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) at S. 34th Street and Spruce Street in March. HUP and other Penn Medicine hospitals were heavily impacted by global tech outages Friday. Read more

Top executives at Penn Medicine were woken up by frantic calls at 2:30 a.m. on Friday.

Across the vast health system, staff were trying to log onto their computers, only to be met with a bright blue screen with a few lines of text, known in tech circles as the Blue Screen of Death.

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Something had rendered nearly 50,000 computers at Penn inoperable. And by 2:30 a.m., the health systems IT service desks had fielded so many calls that it was clear the problem was widespread.

John Keogh, an anesthesiologist who oversees all surgeries and procedures at the systems flagship Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, called into HUPs control center around 3 a.m. to get a sense of what was happening on the ground.

I said, Tell me  is Epic down? he said, referring to the electronic medical records system that Penn and many other local hospitals use.

And theyre like, You wont believe it. We dont have computers. Its all blue screens showing up here, Keogh recalled being told.

The IT outage was unprecedented: Weve simulated plans for the event that our electronic medical records become inoperable. But we were less prepared for the complete inability to use a computer.

Dozens of Penn staffers signing into an emergency, middle-of-the-night Zoom call began to realize their systems had been caught up in a global technology meltdown.

Naturally, we first thought it was ransomware  a malicious cyberattack that locks computer systems and demands a ransom to restore them, Penn Medicine CEO Kevin Mahoney said. But it soon became clear that the problem had originated from CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity company that Penn relies on to protect tens of thousands of servers and PCs.

An error in its update for Windows operating systems had brought the Blue Screen of Death to millions of PCs worldwide, upending government operations, forcing airlines to cancel flights, and hampering access to patient records and other crucial hospital programs.

Penn was one of the most impacted health systems in the Philadelphia area, with the outage forcing the rescheduling of nearly an entire days worth of nonessential procedures and appointments and restricting doctors to caring for only their sickest patients, while taking medical notes on paper. In the aftermath, Penn has extended evening and weekend hours at some clinics, vowing to get most canceled appointments rescheduled within two weeks.

Penns experience was due, in part, to caution about restoring access to affected systems too soon and potentially compromising patient data, leaders now say. And because Penn had invested heavily in a leading cybersecurity provider, Mahoney said, it was similarly heavily impacted when its system erred.

We planned for hacks. We planned for bad actors. We hadnt planned for the security vendor to push out the daily patch that wasnt right, Mahoney said.

We took a very conservative approach

The hospitals first patients with scheduled appointments were set to arrive around 5:30 a.m. No one knew how long the outages would last, so hospital executives at first decided to allow patients in, and planned to keep them for up to an hour and a half, hoping the situation resolved. Later, when it became clear the outages would not be resolved that day, they began canceling appointments.

IT staff had security concerns about rushing the process.

We took a very conservative approach to making sure that this wasnt a breach where we had been compromised, said John Donohue, the vice president of entity services at Penns Information Services department. You can make a mistake by just starting to turn things back on again.

In the meantime, Penn staff prepared paper records for physicians to document cases and worked to determine whether the imaging machines that treat the true emergencies  strokes, heart attacks, and other health conditions where time is of the essence  could still function.

Those machines use a different operating system and were still functional, Keogh said, so emergency departments remained open. More than 2,400 inpatients, including those in intensive care, continued to receive treatment.

At Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, doctors treated patients who needed care immediately, including a patient with a serious leg infection and a person whose fractured limb had an exposed bone.

These are the kinds of things we have to get done. We cant wait and hope they get better on their own, said Mark Alan Pizzini, the vice president of preoperative services at Presbyterian.

But with patients electronic medical records out of reach, Penn used backup PDFs of patient schedules to triage those with appointments.

Surgeons were asked whether a patients health would be negatively impacted if they put off surgery. Those not in immediate danger were asked to wait.

A patients life is hanging in the balance

Alison Loren had a patient who couldnt wait. Loren, who directs the blood and bone marrow transplant program at the Abramson Cancer Center, was preparing to conduct a bone marrow harvest, taking stem cells produced by a donors healthy bone marrow and transplanting them into a patient with blood cancer.

The hope is that the stem cells will then produce healthy marrow for the patient, slowing or stopping the cancers progress.

A patients life is hanging in the balance, Loren said. Even though our operating room was telling all of the cases that they were on hold, this particular patient needed to stay right where he was.

All told, Abramson staff had to juggle about 150 patients receiving care in the hospital and hundreds more scheduled for outpatient appointments. Some would still need immediate care or even an ER visit on Friday; others had less pressing needs. The bone marrow harvest  from a son who was donating marrow to his father  was deemed essential, and went smoothly, Loren said.

 READ MORE: Penn researchers are studying how to prevent breast cancer recurrence, which is often fatal. Their work just got a $10 million grant.

By that evening, Penn IT staff were bringing systems back online  though many affected computers still needed to be rebooted. Abramson has about 160 computers between four clinic floors, so Loren and a member of Penns operations staff began walking from floor to floor, rebooting every one by hand.

Moving forward

Mahoney said a top priority for the system is to facilitate surgeries and appointments that were canceled within a week or two. On Friday, several patients had taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their disappointment with canceled procedures.

Keogh said most patients will get appointments within two or three weeks, but some might take longer than others: Cardiology patients and surgery patients, for example, will likely be rescheduled sooner, but patients waiting for an endoscopy might see longer waits because of the high demand for appointments.

We know it impacted patients, and its a huge inconvenience, and we want to get them accommodated, he said.

Some departments, like Lorens at the cancer center, are staying open late to see rescheduled patients.

Penn has long had plans for how to get back to work after a major disruption like Fridays outages. Leadership there will review how well they followed those plans on Friday and discuss how to improve their response in the future, said Anna Schoenbaum, Penns vice president of applications and digital health.

Among the ideas already floated: using more iOS devices, because the CrowdStrike problem affected mostly computers with Windows; subjecting new updates to increased scrutiny; and checking for errors first on a small number of computers, cut off from the rest of Penns systems.

Still, theres no way to eliminate risks entirely, Mahoney and other Penn executives say.

This was an outlier event, said Donohue, the IT executive. But it opened our eyes in terms of how we need to protect ourselves from things like this.
Every spring, after months of dormancy or attachment to a host, ticks reemerge. Spending time outdoors increases the likelihood of encountering one.

They find their way to the tip of grass or branches, and they sit there and wait with their two front legs out, says Michael Bentley, vice president of training and education for the National Pest Management Association. At the ends of their legs are these two little hooks that act like Velcro, and once something walks by, they latch on.

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Ticks need blood to survive and many species feed on humans, potentially transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in the Northeast. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania has had the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country in 11 of the past 13 years.

We have this perfect storm for how ticks survive and how individuals become exposed, with large pockets of forested areas and communities that border those forests, and a lot of outdoor recreation, says Nicole Chinnici, director of East Stroudsburg Universitys Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself. Heres how to identify the most common tick species in the region, ways to lower your chances of getting bitten, and what to do if a tick latches on.

What ticks are found in Pennsylvania?

There are three common species that can affect both humans and animals:

Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks): About the size of a poppy seed, these are the smallest among the three Pennsylvania species. Females have red and brown bodies, and males are brown. Blacklegged ticks are the only species that can transmit Lyme disease to humans. American dog ticks: Oval in shape, these are the largest ticks in the region, growing up to a half-inch-long when engorged. They have brown bodies with white markings. While they dont transmit Lyme disease, they can transmit other diseases, like tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lone star ticks: These brown ticks have a characteristic white dot on the females backs. They can transmit diseases, including tularemia and southern tick-associated rash illness, which can be confused with Lyme disease.

Ticks can vary in size and color, but like other arachnids, they have eight legs, except in the larva stage, when they have six.

What to do if you get a tick bite

While each species has distinctive features, it can be difficult to identify ticks without training. When engorged with blood, their identifying characteristics can be diminished.

If you get bit, the best recommendation is to try to remove it properly and as soon as possible, save it, and bring it to a pest management professional or medical professional, Bentley says.

Ticks can carry multiple diseases, complicating medical diagnosis and treatment without knowing the species. Save the tick in a Ziploc bag and take it to your doctor or a lab like East Stroudsburg Universitys Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute, which offers free tick identification and testing for Pennsylvania residents. Find mailing instructions at ticklab.org. Theyll accept ticks dead or alive and provide a report within three business days showing any diseases youve been exposed to. Bring that to your doctor, says Chinnici. That tick can tell you about a lot of the symptoms you may be experiencing.

How to remove a tick

Get a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skins surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking motions to prevent the ticks mouthparts from breaking off. Place the tick in a Ziploc bag. Wash your hands and the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

You dont want to use anything other than fine-tipped tweezers, says Bentley. Trying to burn it with a match or smother it with petroleum jelly, for example, is going to agitate the tick and cause it to physically regurgitate into the wound, and its the saliva thats the carrying agent for diseases.

Do you have to get every tick tested? Its better to be safe than sorry, says Chinnici. If you cant save the tick for testing, monitor your body for health changes and communicate any symptoms to your doctor. Fever, chills, rash, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes are early signs of Lyme disease. Symptoms vary across other tick-borne illnesses.

How to prevent tick bites

Ticks are most active from April through September and thrive in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas. This makes it important to be mindful not only when hiking but even when spending time in your backyard.

Your best defense, says Bentley, is to conduct a thorough, full-body check for ticks whenever you return from outdoor activities.

Do it before you hop into your car or as soon as you step inside, and be sure to take your time, says Bentley. Ticks are going to look for a fold, a nook, or a cranny where they can remain relatively protected, so you want to make sure youre checking from head to toe, including your armpit areas, hair, and any area that naturally creates a seam on your body, like around your sock lines or where your pants hug your body.

Other places to check include inside your belly button, around your ears, between your legs, and behind your knees.

Consider showering as soon as you return. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce the risk of Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing other tick-borne diseases, says the CDC. It may help wash off unattached ticks.

Throw your clothes into the dryer while youre at it. Sometimes ticks can be crawling on your clothes, and just 10 to 20 minutes in the dryer at high heat will kill them, says Chinnici.

If you have pets, check them from head to toe, especially inside their ears and between their toes, says Bentley. Treat your pets with tick-preventative products to prevent them from carrying ticks indoors. Consult your veterinarian about the best options for your pet.

How to protect yourself outdoors

Before heading outside, consider using insect repellent. Look for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

You can also spray your clothes with products containing 0.5% permethrin, a pesticide that kills ticks, or look for clothes that are pretreated with permethrin, sold by brands like REI and L.L. Bean.

When hiking, avoid the edges of the trail, and wear protective clothing, like long pants and high socks. Choose light-colored clothing simply because it makes it easier to see ticks on you, says Bentley.

How to control ticks in your yard

To reduce tick populations in your yard, keep your lawn trimmed and clear any tall grasses and brush. Thick vegetation is a great environment for ticks and their hosts, like mice, says Bentley.

Keep playground equipment away from yard edges or create a three-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas.

Its also important to remove leaf litter. Ticks like cool and moist areas, so you want to create a warmer and dryer area. You may even want to trim back the trees to allow for more sunlight, says Chinnici.

Theres no silver bullet for avoiding ticks, but doing a combination of home, personal, and pet prevention is whats going to make a difference, she adds.
A young male Atlantic Sharpnose Shark near Cape Lookout in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This is the same species that was found with cocaine in its system in Brazil. Read more

First there was " Cocaine Bear. Then there was even " Cocaine Werewolf.

Now fleshing out this trifecta of speed-infused animals (and cryptids ) is "cocaine shark."

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BBC reports how 13 Brazilian sharpnose sharks taken near the shores near Rio de Janeiro were tested by marine biologists, who confirmed that the concentrations of the illicit substance found in their muscles and livers were more than 100 times higher than similar tests that were conducted previously on other aquatic creatures. This is the first time the drug has been found in the species' system, the report explains.

Sky News continues to report how experts from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation  the scientific institution that first started this research  explained how this cocaine may have found its way into the sharks system in the form of waste from illegal labs where the drug is being manufactured.

The cocaine may also have been either lost or dumped at sea by traffickers, adds the researchers according to BBC, although this may not be as likely.

"We don't usually see many bales of coke dumped or lost at sea here, unlike in Mexico and Florida," tells Dr. Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, British scientist and member of the team, to The Telegraph.

Dr. Tracy Fanara, expert in ecotoxicoloy and environmental engineering at the University of Florida, further explains to The Telegraph how the cocaine could be detrimental to the sharks health by affecting their eyesight, thus affecting their ability to hunt food.

You might see lower fecundity and growth rates, says she.

Dr. Hauser-Davis confirmed that more research on the subject is needed.
Brent Johnstone (left) and Akeiff Staples (right), cofounders of Fathers Read 365, at Acelero Learning Center in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 27, 2023. Black families and teachers should recreate the "porch lessons" of yesteryear to improve literacy among Black and marginalized children, write Sharif El-Mekki and Heseung Song. Read more

In the 1960s, many Black preschoolers in Philadelphia were armed with literacy thanks to Freedom Schools teachers in West Philly, part of a national movement created in that era to supplement the inadequate education many Black students were receiving.

Along with institutions of the South and brick-and-mortar schools like Freedom Library Day School, the Freedom Schools launched highly effective porch lessons. These home-learning sessions were organized by Black families who knew all too well what Maya Angelou would later memorialize: Elimination of illiteracy is as serious an issue to our history as the abolition of slavery.

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Now, more than five decades later, the literacy crisis  particularly for Black and other marginalized children  has only worsened, exacerbated by the further eradication of Black educators from the teaching corps.

 READ MORE: Pa. principals are quitting in record numbers, and I know why | Opinion

The latest public school student achievement outcomes should keep us all up at night.

Only 38% of our children in Philadelphia are reading at grade level in elementary school, and only 7% of our teachers nationwide are African American, while more than twice that percentage of students are Black. Research shows theres a connection.

Black teachers help all children, but especially Black children, do better in school, making it more likely they will graduate high school and enroll in college. They also mirror and empower a proud racial identity and historically accurate cultural worldviews.

This past May, the nation observed the 70th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling Brown v. Board of Education. Although desegregation nominally sought to integrate students, it also resulted in forcibly removing highly qualified Black educators from the classroom.

In losing Black teachers, we didnt lose just their significant influence; we lost their pedagogy  or teaching strategies  which collectively went unrecognized, unused, unstudied, and unreplicated.

Lets help bring back Black pedagogy by turning to the lessons learned from the Freedom Schools of yesteryear.

The porch lessons that supplemented Black childrens schooling in the 60s were designed by Philly pioneers, including educator-activist Suzette Abdul-Hakim. The preschoolers, who were considered young scholars, were shown how to pronounce each letter sound with mouth formations and tongue placements. They practiced breaking down, building, and blending sounds, words, and sentences. At every point, their racial identity, culture, and worldviews were reflected and affirmed, even without realizing it.

Often anti-Blackness is taught subversively; for instance, by using only books that feature white characters. But the children under the auspices of Freedom Schools learned about who they were and the world around them both implicitly and explicitly. They read stories together, connecting their lives with those of the ancestors whose achievements they were taught to cherish and build upon.

This was done so consistently, seamlessly, and thoroughly through guest lectures, books, songs, poetry, and more that its difficult for many of the children to recall the first time they were taught about Malcolm X, Kwame Nkrumah, Benjamin Banneker, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis, Queen Nanny, and a host of others in their canon.

The children witnessed, as they benefited directly from, their families sense of urgency for Black literacy and insistence on communal accountability, building motivation and direction for the activist and leadership roles they each were expected to assume in the ongoing fight for racial equity and social justice.

Pedagogy is a word fraught with ignorance. Add Black in front of it, and Black pedagogy becomes all the more incomprehensible, if not intimidating, even among well-established educators. Yet, all students (perhaps, most critically, those studying to be future educators) would benefit from teaching strategies that help students uphold their cultural identities, which empower children both intellectually and socially, as researcher and educator Gloria Ladson-Billings has noted.

Pedagogy is a word fraught with ignorance.

There are many ways to offer culturally relevant pedagogy, from creating Black-centered, intergenerational, intellectually rigorous learning spaces that are loving and inclusive, designed for scholars to fall in love with themselves and with learning, to cultivating supportive and connected relationships so that scholars benefit from teachers within and beyond their classrooms.

A product that evolved from such pedagogy is the Freedom Schools Alphabet Song that our organizations are bringing back through the Right2ReadPhilly campaign. The song goes beyond the alphabet song we all know by helping children match letters with the sounds they make. Instead of singing individual letter names (A-B-C), students sing a sound each makes (Ah-Buh-Kuh) to encourage reading by sounding out letters and words.

The songs ties to Black pedagogy, and the need for more of it, are clear. First created by Black teachers and Black families of the Freedom Schools movement, the Freedom Schools Alphabet Song was designed  along with many other educational enrichments  to provide marginalized communities with a way to address schooling inequities (that still persist).

It was and is promoted today to be an intergenerational family and community affair, with grandparents, older siblings, parents, and neighborhood reading advocates actively participating in growing strong readers. The song showcases Black teaching traditions, including call-and-response learning and representations of Black joy and excellence.

There are countless other ways we each can exercise playful learning with our children in ensuring, as award-winning education activist and influencer Chris Stewart first coined, that the revolution will be literate.

To protect all our childrens right to read, we must not impede the agency of our families, rightfully seeing them as the educational partners they are, and welcome Black teaching strategies back into classrooms, on neighborhood porches, and at dinner tables.

After all, we each have a role  and a stake  in advancing the literacy revolution.

Sharif El-Mekki, a Freedom Schools alum and lifelong educator and Freedom Friday podcast member, is the founder/CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, whose mission is to rebuild the national Black teacher pipeline, heralding a simple, powerful message from students: We need Black teachers. Heseung Song is a Harvard-trained developmental psychologist and president/CEO of Mighty Engine, the agency facilitating the Right2ReadPhilly campaign.
Trump supporters gather outside of Newtown Athletic Club during a fundraising event for former President Donald Trump on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Bucks County, Pa. Some supporters gained entry to the invitation-only event while those who could not afford the entry fee chose to gather for a street rally outside the venue to show their support. Read more

The Bucks County Republican Party celebrated a turning point Monday.

For the first time in a decade and a half, Republicans outpaced Democrats in voter registration in the key purple county, and Bucks County became the only Republican-majority county in the Philadelphia area.

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The county party enthusiastically celebrated the win on social media, and National Republican Congressional Committee touted the change as proof that GOP messaging was working.

But the reality is more complicated. Voter registration lags behind voting behavior, meaning that people who made the switch to the Republican Party were likely already voting for Republican candidates. And even the local GOP leader cast doubt on how meaningful the shift would be when voters go to the polls

Its a morale booster, its something weve been targeting for years, county GOP chair Pat Poprik said. Though she felt the change may boost GOP turnout, she didnt put too much stock in the figure as a prediction for November.

The shift does, however, underscore that Bucks County is very divided, and will be an essential battleground in this years presidential election. Former President Donald Trump lost the county in 2016 and 2020, but by narrower margins than in Philadelphias other collar counties. And the county has gone red in down-ballot races.

Voters have kept Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in office while voting for Democrats in statewide races. And Democrats seized control of county government in 2019, were swept by Republicans in 2021, then won again last year.

The county is certain to once again draw national attention and become a key area for both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the coming months.

Why does voter registration shift?

The exact reason for the shift in voter registration can vary. Presidential election years tend to have an increase in voter registrations

Last week, Department of State data showed that Democrats held a 112-voter lead over Republicans on registration in the county. On Monday, Republicans had a 264-voter lead as a result of both new Republican voters and fewer Democratic voters. Meanwhile, the number of unaffiliated voters in Bucks County had also grown.

This has been a competitive county for years, and whether the Democrats have a small advantage in registration or the Republicans do, its still going to be a competitive place, said Berwood Yost, director of the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College.

Poprik said Bucks County Republicans had been urging voters to turn out in November and change their party affiliation.

So many people are so unhappy with the Democratic policies and performance, Poprik said, noting that shes had people walk into the GOP office asking how to change their registration.

Republican registrations saw a particular surge last week, which Poprik attributes primarily to the Republican National Convention. However, registration data tends to lag behind major events because of the time it takes for counties to process that data  so its unclear whether this is any correlation to the recent events in this years presidential race.

Bucks County Democratic Party Chair State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, on the other hand, predicted the registration lead would flip back again as Democrats capitalize on a growing energy in the party following President Joe Bidens exit from the race this week. Bucks County Democrats, he said, have their own voter registration activities planned.

I think within the next few months, and certainly within the year, youre going to see a change, he said.

But Republicans in the county had been narrowing Democrats edge for years, and that hasnt always corresponded to a change in election outcomes.

What does this mean in November?

Registration numbers are unlikely to be a clear signal of who will win an election in November, especially because registration tends to lag behind voting behavior.

If I were they, I would not be celebrating because they still keep losing elections, Santarsiero said.

Bucks County, referred to by some as the key to the keystone is a consistently hotly contested area.

I think that there are more traditional Republican voters who may have, or at least in the past had, less comfort with the kind of politics that say a President Trump practices, Yost said, noting that concern about losing voter in places like Bucks County may have been a motivating factor as Democrats pressured Biden to end his reelection campaign.

Bucks County voters are known for ticket splitting, or voting for both Republican and Democratic candidates on the same ballot. And the countys more than 61,000 unaffiliated voters will also play a role in determining the outcome in November.

I think that if you want to succeed, Santarsiero said, you really do have to speak to those folks.
Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his second budget address in the Capitol building in Harrisburg in February. He's on the short list of potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris. Read more

Gov. Josh Shapiro has a track record of winning big in Pennsylvania.

As a candidate for attorney general, he was one of few Democrats to win statewide in 2016, and he got more votes than President Joe Biden in 2020. In 2022, he drove up Democratic margins from the Allegheny to the Schuylkill and became governor in a 14-percentage point win that outperformed Bidens 2020 victory in all of Pennsylvanias 67 counties.

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That record has led some Democrats to hypothesize that, with him on the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris could stand a much better chance of bringing home must-win Pennsylvania.

And even some Republicans admit that having Shapiro as a vice presidential nominee could make the state harder to win.

Of the people she could possibly pick, he would be the one that makes it the most challenging because thats a name that people are familiar with, said Bill Bretz, the GOP chair in Westmoreland County.

But as political pundits look to Shapiros landslide 2022 victory as a reason why he might become Harris running mate, those prognostications often overlook who he was up against: Far-right State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin).

Shapiro cleared the Democratic field early, avoiding a gubernatorial primary, and then beat Mastriano by promising hed shore up voting rights, reach across the aisle, and, after Roe v. Wade, was overturned that hed protect abortion rights. He built a hearty coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and independents that other Democrats look to as a model for their own statewide races. He has built a reputation as a strategic and strong campaigner, never losing an election since he first ran for student government.

Shapiro has neither confirmed nor denied interest in being Harris vice presidential pick. When asked on Wednesday whether his team had received any outreach to vet him as a potential running mate, Shapiro referred questions to the Harris campaign. Shapiro is said to be one of several Democrats being vetted by Harris as a potential running mate.

Democrats know they need to win Pennsylvania if they want to win the White House, and Shapiros 2022 victory map  along with his statewide wins as attorney general in 2016 and 2020  is impressive. But his most recent and biggest triumph cant be separated from its important context: He was running against Mastriano, an underfunded, extreme candidate whom Republicans themselves tried to stop from winning the 2022 primary because they were wary that Shapiro would trounce him in the general election.

It was almost an experiment of what happens when someone has a full campaign and a strong candidate, and the other side doesnt campaign at all, said Stephen Medvic, a government professor at Franklin and Marshall College.

A weak opponent

Mastriano hardly campaigned in 2022. He wouldnt talk to most media outlets, was not supported by major GOP donors, and spent only $7 million. Meanwhile, Shapiro broke spending and fundraising records, spending more than $73 million to secure the governors mansion.

Mastriano also came into the general election with a fanatical following and unpopular views: He began growing his grassroots base in 2020, leading efforts to overturn Pennsylvanias election and speak out against COVID-19 shutdowns. He was on the U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, 2021, and holds extreme views on abortion  both of which were major issues in the 2022 election.

And the Republican establishment knew Mastriano would lose.

Sam DeMarco III, Allegheny Countys GOP chair, was behind last-minute attempts to coalesce around one Republican candidate in a crowded nine-person primary, knowing that Mastriano was a weak candidate. Internal GOP polling found at the time that Shapiro would beat Mastriano by a big margin.

While Democrats are looking lovingly at Shapiro because he won by 14 points, the win wasnt as impressive as it seems, DeMarco said. It wasnt quite the electoral juggernaut that some of his supporters like to believe.

Shapiros path to victory

With his eyes on the governorship for years before 2022, Shapiro was able to clear the field well in advance of the Democratic primary.

Shapiro brought in a large number of independent and Republican voters in 2022. He got about 280,000 more votes than fellow Democrat John Fetterman did in the U.S. Senate race, indicating many voters split their tickets.

His campaign was held up as a model for how other Democrats could reach out to voters in places where Trump has won.

In an interview with CNN days after his win, Shapiro said: Look, we went everywhere. We set up in rural urban suburban communities. Engaged voters  no matter party label. Reached out to constituencies that, quite frankly, had been ignored for some time.

Some of the margins Shapiro improved for Democrats were huge: He outran Biden by 10 or more points in more than half of the states 67 counties  many of them traditionally Republican areas  and got a larger vote share than the president in all of them.

Lisa Labarre, chair of the Democratic Party in Bradford County, said Shapiro was an excellent campaigner who was organized and matter of fact and knew how to talk about the local issues.

She recalled a visit to the county in 2022, when he packed a room with people from both parties. He went on to outperform Biden by 10 points.

Hed be a very good choice for her, Labarre said of Harris. On the selfish side, I dont want to lose him.

While Bidens decision to leave the race has been largely heralded by Democrats, his stepping down means Pennsylvania lost something of a hometown candidate on the ballot. Tom OBrien, Democratic chair in Lancaster County, thinks Shapiro appeals to moderate, middle class, working people, and could fill that void.

OBrien, who is also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said when Shapiro spoke on a party call Monday, he noted Bidens ties to the state.

He made a point to say Biden is a son of Pennsylvania and we need to respect that and honor that, OBrien said.

Still a strong pick

DeMarco, of the Allegheny County Republican Party, said Harris progressive views will hurt her among swing voters in Pennsylvania, but Shapiros popularity and name recognition could convince them to vote for her.

Im concerned it just might help them in turnout here in Pennsylvania, DeMarco said.

Bretz, of Westmoreland County, also noted that while Shapiro would bring an advantage in Pennsylvania for the Democratic ticket, Republicans will still be running primarily against Harris and her record.

Thats tempered with, Ms. Harris has been in lockstep with Joe Biden for the last four years, he said.

And theres also the important question of how much influence a running mate can have, even in an unprecedented election.

Voters arent voting for the vice presidential candidate. Theyre really looking at the top of the ticket, Medvic said. Having said that, this state has been won in the last two elections by tens of thousands of votes.  40,000 in 2016 and 80,000 in 2020.

If you are talking about tens of thousands of votes, a popular governor of a swing state could be able to convince enough swing voters to support the ticket.
Vice President Kamala Harris celebrates Alpha Kappa Alpha Founder's Day with appointed employees of the Biden-Harris administration, including Dr. Ala Stanford (center, third row), on January 13, 2023. Read more

In college, Kamala Harris pledged her commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and gained a network of forever sisters. Today, Vice President Harris sisters, numbering more than 360,000, are preparing to get out the vote as one of their own could become the most powerful person in the world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, or AKA, is one of nine service-oriented, historically Black, Greek-letter organizations within the the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the Divine Nine. Its the first African American sorority.

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Today, the Divine Nine boasts more than four million members across the globe.

Thats a base of more than four million people who may be more energized than ever before to boost voter turnout.

I felt like it breathed new life into the Democratic Party and gives us a new reason to fight, to come out for a strong Democratic candidate, said Evelyn Sample-Oates, an AKA who heads communications and government affairs for the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Harris pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1986 during her time at Howard University in Washington. Less than five miles away at American University, Sample-Oates had already done the same.

We would see each other at good, wholesome college parties, Sample-Oates joked.

For her, and others who spoke with The Inquirer, Harris ascension to being the Democrats presumptive presidential nominee is beyond exciting.

She is probably like our ancestors wildest dreams, said Sample-Oates. They fought for this, they died for this, they wanted to see something like this.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a nonpartisan organization. The groups mission includes civic engagement, but its get-out-the-vote effort doesnt involve telling people whom to vote for.

Ala Stanford, known nationally for her heroic effort to vaccinate Philadelphians through the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium she founded, was tapped by the Biden administration to be the U.S. Health and Human Services Region 3 director, for Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Stanford said she accepted the position because she was aligned with the Biden-Harris administrations policy goals, such as Black maternal health and reproductive freedom.

She is also one of Harris sisters.

Stanford sees a lot of overlap between herself and Harris. Both women are leaders in their respective fields. Both have been criticized for appearing too happy. And both know they can depend on their sisters for support.

We rally around one another like nobodys business, Stanford said of their sisterhood. Youre going to find every AKA in the world supporting Kamala Harris for president.

Stanford remembers celebrating the sororitys Founder Day with Harris at the White House in 2023. Harris sent an email to every presidential appointee, and called all AKAs to gather for a ceremonial photo op with the women all wearing the sororitys signature pink and green, recalled Stanford.

When she came out to greet us, you just heard this resounding skeeeeeeee! she said of a trademarked sound only AKAs make. No one wanted to be the first one to act out of our position and the respect that she deserved as the vice president. However, when she walked out and was skee-weeing, we all just fell into the sisterhood.

Black Greek life evidently means so much to Harris that, in one of her first appearances since becoming poised to become the Democratic presidential nominee, she delivered the keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sororitys national convention in Indiana on Wednesday.

She didnt hold back when exposing the differences between her policies, particularly surrounding reproductive freedom, and those of former President Donald Trump.

In this moment, Harris told the group of Zetas, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past. And with your support, I am fighting for our nations future.

The Divine Nine are a disciplined set of organizations whose regional and local leaders receive marching orders from national and international leaders, said Minretta McFadden, who leads the Blackwood, Camden County-based Theta Pi Omega Chapter of the sorority.

Even before we knew that she was going to run for president, it was part of our planned initiative to mobilize the vote, McFadden said. Of course, its on steroids now!

One mandate for sorority members is to bring at least four other people to the polls, McFadden added.

Charlene Collins, who leads Phillys Omega Omega chapter, emphasized that the organization cant promote a single candidate. Still, she said, As a member, who would not be more proud of this historical moment in our country?

The Divine Nine are bolstering their ongoing voter engagement efforts by working more collaboratively, International AKA president Danette Anthony Reed said in a statement.

In a pivotal historical moment, the Divine Nine has agreed to join forces to launch an unparalleled voter mobilization campaign, said Reed. As a united front, the Divine Nine are steadfast in their commitment to get put the vote, recognizing that strength lies in collaboration and solidarity.

Reed said members will be canvassing, phone banking, registering people to vote and educating people on all things election-related.
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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a June 2023 conversation with labor leaders in Philadelphia. She is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Read more

During her first major remarks of her presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris immediately leaned into her background as a courtroom prosecutor.

In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds, she said to a room of campaign operatives in Wilmington as she tried to draw a contrast with her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, the first ex-president in history to be convicted of a crime.

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There was uproarious applause.

It was a notable moment  not only for the newly minted presumptive Democratic nominee, but for the party itself, which just four years ago backed now-President Joe Biden over Harris as its presidential pick.

At the time, Biden was seen as a more viable option to take on Trump. And through Harris 2020 campaign, there was an undercurrent of dissatisfaction over her background as a law enforcement officer, especially among left-leaning Democrats who called her Kamala the cop.

Today, the mood in the party has markedly shifted  so much so that Harris background as a prosecutor could be a strength with voters in such cities as Philadelphia, and Gov. Josh Shapiro, himself a former top law enforcement officer, is being floated as her potential running mate.

Democrats swift embrace of Harris, despite some progressives concerns about her background, is no doubt a reflection of her opponent.

Shes a prosecutor running against a convicted felon. Thats the sum and substance of where we are, said former Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, who first met Harris two decades ago when she was San Franciscos district attorney. If they want to talk about her past, lets instead talk about his present.

 READ MORE: Pennsylvanians consider crime a major problem and think Trump will do a better job addressing it, our poll finds

But it is also part of a trend of changing attitudes on policing and criminal justice since 2020, when the police murder of George Floyd prompted a national conversation about the role of policing in society. While a majority of Democrats support criminal justice reforms and an end to police brutality, voters today appear more likely to support candidates with law enforcement driven approaches to crime.

Thats been true in major cities, including Philadelphia. A May poll from The Inquirer, New York Times, and Siena College showed Philadelphians were more likely to say crime is a major problem compared with other Pennsylvania residents. And last year, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker  who ran on a promise of restoring order to the city and embraced policing tactics like stop-and-frisk  won the Democratic primary decisively.

Harris background and her identity as a Black woman could endear her to Democrats in Philadelphia in a way thats unique compared with Biden, said Mustafa Rashed, a political consultant based in the city. Some party operatives have expressed concern about sagging turnout in Philadelphia, a deep-blue enclave where Democrats running statewide typically try to run up the score.

The thing an African American candidate can uniquely do is have real conversations that dont sound like a dog whistle when we say we need more law and order, Rashed said. Every city in America thats facing challenges wants to hear from candidates who have plans for it.

On Tuesday, Harris campaign announced that its first event in Philadelphia since she became the presumptive nominee will be led by former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, an Arizona Democrat who was shot in 2011. Harris is not scheduled to attend. Giffords is slated to talk about how the vice president is leading the charge to tackle gun violence.

A flip of the script for Democrats

During her 2020 presidential bid, Harris was criticized by left-leaning opponents and some activists for her tenure as San Francisco district attorney from 2004 to 2011 and as California attorney general, an office she held for six years until 2017. They homed in on her record aggressively prosecuting marijuana-related offenses.

But during the campaign, Harris acknowledged that times have changed. As a senator, she introduced legislation to decriminalize cannabis. And the Biden administration has overseen criminal-justice reforms, including rescheduling marijuana to be categorized as a lower-level drug.

 READ MORE: Philly mayoral candidates are distancing themselves from defund and say police staffing is a key priority

Nutter said that Harris took a smart on crime approach and that attitudes in the party are no longer as hostile toward law enforcement as in 2020. He attributed that to the pandemic-era surge in crime, which led to record levels of gun violence in Philadelphia through 2022.

Since then, shootings in the city have declined precipitously and in line with national trends.

Rashed said Harris prosecutorial background could neutralize one of the GOPs strengths with voters, especially those most impacted by crime. The May poll showed about half of Pennsylvania voters thought crime was a major problem in the state and favored Trump over Biden on the issue.

He said Trumps conviction makes it easy for Democrats to draw a contrast.

When it comes to law and order, which is a mantle that Republicans have usually taken away from Democrats, I cant see that working in this case, Rashed said.

 READ MORE: From defund to refund: Why Democrats are shifting their tone on policing two years after George Floyds murder

Harris has the potential to further lean into those credentials if she chooses Shapiro as her running mate. In endorsing Harris, Shapiro highlighted their shared backgrounds as prosecutors, and this week he touted his record pushing back on Trumps false election fraud claims during the 2020 election.

I spent more time with my team in court trying to protect peoples rights, Shapiro said, because Donald Trump was trying to rip them away.

How Harris can convince progressives

Some progressives worried that Harris background could turn off left-leaning voters. Robert Saleem Holbrook, executive director of the Philadelphia-based Abolitionist Law Center, said bluntly: People are going to stay home.

If she wants to win, if she wants to create a big tent, shes going to have to shift her policies when it comes to mass incarceration, Holbrook said. Thats the only way shes going to bring out a significant wing of the progressive vote, and also bringing out new people to vote.

But, he acknowledged, many will hold their nose and vote for her because the alternative is just so horrible.

And City Councilmember Nicolas ORourke, a member of the progressive Working Families Party, said while voters may consider Harris record in law enforcement, it wouldnt be a determining factor in turnout and that its unlikely marijuana possession becomes the topic of the day.

Tough-on-crime approaches werent a determining factor in 2020 for Biden, who authored the now-notorious 1994 crime bill, which provided for 100,000 new police officers and allocated nearly $10 billion to prisons.

Rotimi Adeoye, a Philadelphia-based political commentator and a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Young Democrats, said Harris can still appeal to progressives by emphasizing the Biden administrations work on the care economy, reproductive rights, and student-loan forgiveness.

And he said the historic nature of her candidacy could energize younger voters regardless of her background.

Joe Corrigan, a Democratic strategist, said a law enforcement officer with a history of prosecuting cannabis-related offenses may not have been the ideal candidate for the 2020 Democratic primary.

The circumstances now, he said, are widely different.

In a general election, when youre running against a ... fraudster, Corrigan said, it sets a very clear contrast.
A rendering of the seven story ... urban farm (?) proposed by developer Ori Feibush at 1601 Washington Ave. He actually wants to build an apartment building. Read more

Real estate developer Ori Feibush has submitted a proposal to Philadelphias Planning Commission that show a mid-rise urban agriculture facility slated for 1601 Washington Ave., where he previously wanted to build 300 to 400 apartments.

The renderings show five of the projects seven stories devoted not to residential development but instead to a use described as nursery/greenhouse.

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So did Feibush suddenly develop a green thumb?

No.

I didnt read too many books to my children and decide to become a farmer, Feibush said. Theres really no substantive change in our long-term vision for the site, although even by my standards this is a wonky process.

Feibushs outlandish proposal is a response to the industrial zoning for the site, a remnant of Washington Avenues past as a warehouse- and factory-lined roadway. Additional zoning rules that date to 2015 ban many of the uses that would be traditionally allowed in an industrial area: storage facilities, auto sales, junk yards. Trucking terminals are also outlawed.

It incredibly hard to find any permitted uses on the site, said Feibush.

But why go to all this trouble  paying architects to design a huge greenhouse and zoning lawyers to present it to the citys Civic Design Review committee  when Feibush has no real plans to build it?

The current proposal, like his earlier apartment plan, is seven stories tall. But Feibush fears further zoning restrictions to limit height on Washington Avenue so he wants to get this building permitted at its present size. Then he could seek relief from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) after he can, in theory, convince neighbors to support a residential proposal.

There is a greater than zero percent chance that while we are going through that process, additional overlays are introduced to Washington Avenue that further limit development rights, Feibush said. If we were to lose [at the zoning board] at the same time that the parcel is further downzoned, then we are in an impossible position.

1601 Washington was previously home to Hoa Binh Plaza, a popular Vietnamese shopping complex that included a restaurant, bakery, and grocery store. In 2019 the business hub shuttered and was purchased by Streamline, another residential developer that was once ascendant in this corner of South Philadelphia and Center City.

But Streamlines proposal for high-end townhomes fell apart amid the pandemic and the companys larger struggles due to a tangle of lawsuits over the quality of their homes.

Then Feibush stepped in. His original plan for the site would have followed the existing pattern on the north side of Washington Avenue, where large residential developments have been taking the place of former commercial properties and vacant lots.

That trend has been met with determined opposition, however, as many near neighbors and community groups have pushed for more job-creating uses and, most of all, fewer new residents.

There are individuals who do not want more density. Their concerns are about parking, about real estate taxes, about gentrification and socio-economic differences, said Michael Showell, a member of the South of South Neighborhood Association, the most prominent community group in the area.

I dont think anyone wants the property to remain as it is, Showell said, but they dont want this large of a [project].

Feibush acknowledges that building an apartment complex here could take a lot of concessions and many fewer units than originally proposed.

And if he fails, well, everyone loves vegetables, right?

Theres going to be a year-long process where we continue to push in support and hope to be able to secure the correct [zoning] relief here, Feibush said. And well explore the strange plan with modifications if we completely fall on our face.
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We are seeing, in real time, a transfer of risk back onto businesses and individuals, with governments as a safety net (in which case the costs are passed back to businesses and individuals anyway, via the tax system). Unchecked and unaddressed this shift, and concentration of risk, can have a damaging impact on communities and our economy, he said. There is, however, potential for a step-change in understanding and accepting that increasing resilience is a necessary task for all who play significant roles in our economy and society. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of superannuation, business, governments, citizens, and insurers and leveraging it to become a strength
With extensive global resources, a strong management team and an excellent talent base, NFP will enable us to make significant contributions that ultimately grow the business. This is a great opportunity for us to bring additional value to the clients we serve, he said.
When the Moberlys filed a lawsuit against Lane Allen, Erie agreed to defend under a reservation of rights in May 2021. This legal maneuver allows an insurer to provide defense while retaining the right to dispute coverage later. In 2021, Erie sought court relief from its duty to defend or indemnify Lane Allen and the Moberlys, initiating its own lawsuit.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown reports that a grand jury for Prince Georges County has handed down two indictments charging an Upper Marlboro woman with insurance fraud.

According to Brown, Rhonda Keisha Powell, also known as Rhonda Keisha Jackson, has been charged with two counts of felony insurance fraud, one count of theft of property with a value of at least $25,000, and one count of attempted theft of property valued at $100,000 or more.

A criminal indictment is merely an accusation of wrongdoing, and a defendant is presumed innocent until the state proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

State prosecutors allege that Powell submitted two fraudulent insurance claims under her renters policy with United States Automobile Association (USAA): one in December 2020 and another in November 2022. In both claims, she falsely stated that a broken pipe in the primary suite bathroom of her Upper Marlboro home caused flooding, damaging her furniture, electronic devices, clothing, purses, shoes, and jewelry. In the 2020 claim, USAA paid Powell $58,373.

In the 2022 claim, Powell alleged property damages of $124,034. However, USAA denied that claim when, according to court documents, it learned that Powell had never reported any broken water pipes or water damage to her landlord, that invoices and receipts that Powell submitted in support of both of her claims were fake or altered, and that photos of alleged damage to the property were not actually taken in Powells home.

Powell is scheduled for an initial appearance in the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County on July 26, 2024.

Source: Maryland Attorney General.

Topics Fraud
Wildfires in Canadas energy-producing Alberta province are threatening almost 10% of the regions oil production and forcing the evacuation of one of the countrys largest national parks during the peak summer tourist season.

Hot weather has contributed to a wildfire outbreak in Western Canada, with 170 burning in Alberta alone  53 of them out of control. The equivalent of about 388,000 barrels a day of oil output and 13,400 barrels a day of natural gas are within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of blazes that are at least 10 hectares (25 acres) in size, according to Alberta Wildfire geographic data and Alberta Energy Regulator June production data.

The situation also endangers tourism in the Canadian Rockies, with a fire prompting the evacuation of the scenic Jasper National Park late Monday, a place that attracts millions of tourists a year who come to see the mountains, glaciers and abundant wildlife. Several other rural communities in Alberta are also under evacuation orders for a total of about 17,500 people who have left their homes due to blazes, Mike Ellis, Albertas minister of public safety and emergency services, said in a video update.

Earlier this month, Suncor Energy Inc. curtailed output from its Firebag oil sands well site northeast of Fort McMurray, which produced more than 230,000 barrels of crude a day in June. Junior oil and gas producer Altair Energy was forced to shut and evacuate its Charlie site north of Grande Prairie, when a wildfire overran the facility.

MEG Energy Corp. has evacuated some workers from its Christina Lake oil sands site and Cenovus Energy Inc. has removed some workers from its Sunrise facility. Imperial Oil Ltd. has also evacuated some staff from its Kearl oil sands mine.

Related:

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Energy Oil Gas Canada
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 didnt 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.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Louisiana
The wife of a former San Antonio trucking magnate was sentenced this month in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme.

Frances Hall, former co-owner of Bill Hall Jr. Trucking, was sentenced for her role in a scheme to avoid $9 million in workers compensation premiums.

During her appearance on July 10 in Austins 147th District Court, Hall was sentenced based on a plea she entered in May. Under the plea agreement, Hall received 10 years deferred adjudication, was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution, and will undergo treatment as the probation department recommended.

Fraud investigators with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) confirmed that between 2009 and 2016, Hall underreported payroll information to Texas Mutual Insurance Company and concealed payroll reports to get lower insurance premiums on their gravel hauling business.

Travis County prosecutor Jessica Bergeman prosecuted the case. Bergeman is a member of DWCs Prosecution Unit embedded in the Travis County District Attorneys office.

Source: DWC

Topics Texas Fraud Workers' Compensation Trucking
Morgan & Morgan calls itself the nations largest injury law firm, with offices in most states. But perhaps the Orlando-founded firm has grown too big, too quickly, suggests a proposed class-action lawsuit that claims the firm has botched hundreds of cases and had operated illegally in Georgia.

The law in this state prohibits entities from bringing and maintaining civil suits if they are not registered to transact business in this state with the Georgia Secretary of State, reads the complaint filed on behalf of the lead plaintiff, a deputy sheriff who was badly injured when his patrol car was rear-ended by a car traveling 114 mph.

Deputy Brandon Walker, of Glynn County, Georgia, said in the lawsuit that he called Morgan & Morgan after he was contacted by the at-fault drivers insurance company, which offered only the policy limits  less than $25,000.

Walker was told his case would be handled out of Morgans Brunswick, Georgia, office, then by the firms Savannah team. Walkers suit argues that Morgan was not properly registered with the state when it claimed local lawyers were involved.

The lawsuit also alleges that Walker had very little contact with any lawyer from the Morgan firm. When Morgan attorneys did communicate, they erroneously told him he would need to quit his job to be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. When he said he couldnt leave his job, the Morgan law firm took no action, allowing the one-year statute of limitations on the comp claim to lapse, the suit contends.

It gets worse, the complaint notes. After the deputys group health insurance carrier, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, paid for some of his medical treatment, the association sought $17,319 in reimbursement from Walker, from the at-fault motorists auto insurance payout. Morgan lawyers went ahead and paid this amount on behalf of Walker, the suit contends.

The complaint and an affidavit from a workers compensation expert witness maintains that the subrogation likely would not have been pursued if a workers comp carrier had been involved.

This claim should have been paid by the workers compensation carrier. The comp carrier would not have had a viable subrogation interest; therefore, Mr. Walker would have had $17,318.78 more net funds in settlement, reads the statement by workers comp attorney Bruce Edwards, of Douglas, Georgia.

Although some insurers may request that claimants leave their employment as part of a comp settlement, thats only done in some cases, Edwards said. And even then, a claimant has options. Other Georgia workers compensation attorneys said Tuesday that it is common for employees to be asked to resign as part of a workers comp settlement, but not before a claim is filed. They also agreed that comp insurance would have paid for most of the medical, and would not have sought subrogation from the claimant.

In other respects, Morgan failed to explore other sources of compensation for Walker, who will need surgery and other care in coming years, the suit charges: The Morgan firm did not investigate enough to show that the errant driver was a severe diabetic and, despite a previous accident, was never advised by his physicians to refrain from driving.

All of that is considered a breach of the legal standard of care for attorneys, the lawsuit claims.

Morgan & Morgan representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The firm has not yet answered the complaint or filed a motion to dismiss. A lawyer with Bradley Arant, the firm representing Morgan in the case, downplayed the suits significance.

This case is meritless and we intend to provide a vigorous defense, said Justin Gunter, partner with Bradley in Atlanta.

The Walker lawsuit, led by Savannah lawyer Brent Savage, argues that many others in Georgia have been misled and ill-represented by Morgan & Morgan. The number of potential class members is so numerous that individual claims would be impractical and would swamp the court system.

The suit, removed to federal court in southern Georgia by Morgan, asks for more than $5 million in damages, plus punitive damages and attorney fees and expenses.

The defendants have been stubbornly litigious, acted in bad faith, and caused plaintiff unnecessary trouble and expenses, entitling plaintiff to recover for litigation costs and attorneys fees the complaint notes.

It acknowledges that, like many class-action lawsuits, the ultimate payout per class member may be small relative to the complexity of litigation.

Morgan & Morgan has earned the ire of many property insurers and insurance defense attorneys, especially in Florida. Last year, the firms attorneys sent notice to Florida defense lawyers that they were about to file tens of thousands of insurance claims lawsuits in the days just before a Florida tort-reform law took effect.

And this is not the first time that Walkers attorney has tangled with the Morgan law firm. In 2023, Savage filed a similar malpractice lawsuit against Morgan & Morgan in a personal injury claim. It was only after that suit was filed, Savage argues, that Morgan registered as a business with the Georgia Secretary of State  long after it had begun representing Georgia clients in legal matters.

Part of that case is pending before the Georgia Court of Appeals.

Topics Lawsuits Claims
Floyd County keeps flooding and the federal government keeps coming to the rescue.

In July 2022, at least 40 people died and 300 homes were damaged when the eastern Kentucky county flooded. It was the 13th time in 12 years that the rural county was declared a federal disaster. These are disasters so costly that local governments feel they cant pay for it all, so the governor asks the president to declare a disaster freeing up federal funds.

After that flood I had 500 homeless people looking at me, Judge what are we going to do? recalled Judge Robbie Williams, administrator for the county of a bit more than 35,000 people. Its overwhelming and its just a matter of time before it happens again.

It did. In 2023, Floyd County was declared a disaster again for 14th time, starting in 2011. And Floyd County isnt even the nations most disaster-prone county. Neighboring Johnson County has 15 disasters declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency since 2011.

When it comes to extreme weather and other so-called natural disasters, people generally look to the hurricane or earthquake-prone coasts and say thats where the danger is. But thats not where the highest concentration of federally declared disasters are, according to an atlas of 713 FEMA declared disasters created by Rebuild by Design and New York University. While most people in disasters think about federal government direct financial help to individual victims to pay for lost housing and businesses, the atlas focuses on the $60 billion pot of FEMA aid to governments.

Eight of the nine counties with the most federal declared disasters since 2011  more than a dozen each  are in Kentucky, with the one in Vermont. These counties have four to five times the number of disaster as the national average of three in the past 13 years.

California and Louisiana and I would say now even Texas, Florida, for sure, they soak up all the oxygen when you hear about these giant storms, said atlas creator Amy Chester, director of the disaster prevention-focused Rebuild By Design nonprofit group. But what youre not hearing about are these storms that are happening all the time, and thats just becoming like, regular to places like Vermont. Chester also mentioned Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Iowa and Alaska as hotspots.

We want to show that climate change is already here, Chester said of the data covers 2011 to 2023, but doesnt include heat waves, drought or COVID. Communities are suffering all over.

Before she crunched the data, Chester said she figured Vermont would be a haven from climate change. Cooler. Inland. Instead its a disaster hot spot.

Its awful Chester said. It just keeps happening to them.

Days after she said that Vermont flooded again, this time from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States, according to FEMA. Since 2011, FEMA handed out more than $41 billion in aid following hurricanes, the most of any disaster type.

What the data tell us is that the frequency and severity of disasters at local-state scales is increasing with rural, suburban, and urban places being affected nationwide, Susan Cutter, co-director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute at the University of South Carolina, said in an email. She wasnt part of Chesters research. More needs to be done to enhance resilience to reduce their impacts on people.

The largest county in the nation that has not had a federally declared disaster since 2011 is Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where the city of Charlotte is.

Weve been blessed, said Charlotte emergency management chief Robert Graham, who attributes the lack of federal disasters to good luck, good government and good geography.

We are protected from the coast somewhat, Graham said of the inland county. We dont get all the impacts from the mountains. Charlotte seems to be in a, somewhat of a sweet spot.

Graham said a cushy reserve fund and planning have prevented the city from having to go to the federal government for financial help after disasters like a 2019 flood. But he said he knows its only a matter of time before the citys luck runs out.

Luck long abandoned eastern Kentucky.

In Floyd County, geography and government regulations make it tough, Williams said. The mountain-heavy county has people living in the narrow valley floor in old coal camps, he said. And when it rains, the ever-shallower creeks overflows.

Were seeing historic levels of flooding, Williams said. Its only getting worse.

Environmental regulations wont let local officials dredge the creeks, which keep getting built up with silt coming down the mountains, often from development, Williams said. Some creeks decades ago were 20 feet deep but are now shallow enough to walk across, he said.

The problem is there is nowhere for the rain to go, Williams said.

National Weather Service data shows that Floyd County now averages more than 50 inches of rain a year, up from 42 to 43 inches a year in the mid 1980s. Warmer air holds more moisture, with studies and statistics showing the Eastern United States is not only getting more rain, but more intense downpours that cause floods.

Floyd Countys government received more than $35 million in FEMA disaster aid since 2011. Thats not even near the top, where the big money went to places devastated by hurricanes.

Five counties  three of them in New York  received more than $1 billion in FEMA aid, led by Manhattans New York County, which got $8.9 billion, nearly all of it due to 2012s Hurricane Sandy. All of the top five counties were struck by one or more hurricanes.

Chesters group decided to look at congressional districts and how they compared in disasters, especially with a nearly evenly split House of Representatives.

Nearly 60 counties have had at least 10 federally declared disasters since 2011 and nearly 70% of them are represented in Congress by Republicans. About 280 counties have had no disasters in that time periods and 87% of them are represented by Democrats, according to the NYU data.

Chester noted that Republicans arent talking about climate change on the campaign trail, but said research shows that extreme weather is not a partisan issue.

More important is how state and local policies create or minimize risk for future disasters, said Samantha Montano, a professor of emergency management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. And in Floyd County the government using FEMA money is buying the homes of 150 residents to move them out of harms way, but some dont want to leave, Williams said.

Until we get those homes out of these flood ways were still going to have these issues, Williams said.

___

Data journalist Mary Katherine Wildeman contributed from Hartford, Connecticut.

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Photo: This July 28, 2022 photo provided by Appalshop shows the flooded Appalshop building in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The cultural center known for chronicling Appalachian life is cleaning up and assessing its losses. Like much of its stricken region, Appalshop has been swamped by historic flooding. The water inundated downtown Whitesburg in southeastern Kentucky, causing extensive damage to the renowned repository of Appalachian history and culture. (Appalshop via AP)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Flood Hurricane
Attorneys general from 14 states, most of them in the South, are urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency to back off a pilot program that would remove age-old title insurance requirements from some home loans sold to Fannie Mae.

The affordable housing crisis demands meaningful bipartisan solutions, not shortsighted regulatory overreach, Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti said in a statement about the letter.

The pilot program initially faced pushback from some members of Congress and industry experts, the AGs news release said. It was abandoned last year, but the housing finance agency has revived it with a similar program. The new plan, designed to save homeowners money on house purchases, would leave home buyers with fewer protections against fraud, errors and alternative claims of ownership, critics have said.

Contrary to the FHFAs claims, the cost of title insurance is comparable to a monthly subscription to Amazon Prime and provides essential protection against catastrophic financial harm, Skrmetti said.

The FHFA also advanced the program without proper public input, the AGs argued. The plan would mostly benefit homeowners in the lower risk category, neglecting the needs of low-income and first-time homeowners, Skrmetti claimed.

The July 22 letter was signed by attorneys general in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Home title fraud is not an academic risk, the letter reads. While title theft is not common, tens of thousands of people have been victimized by deed scams, and even the most famous private home in America is not immune to attempted fraud.
Facing a future of shortages, California is entering a new phase of water conservation: Cities and towns must meet new mandates ramping down use over the next 15 years  and some will be hit harder than others.

Approved two weeks ago, the new state rules require 405 cities and other urban suppliers serving 95% of Californians to meet individualized water budgets.

Suppliers serving roughly a third of Californians wont need to cut water use to meet the 2040 mandates. Coastal California is expected to escape relatively unscathed with its cool climate, while hot, inland communities will face far steeper conservation requirements.

Of a dozen water systems projected to face cuts of 40% or more over the next 15 years, seven are located in the Central Valley, where many suppliers already struggle with water availability and quality, according to preliminary state data.

Were the closest to where the rubber meets the road. But older districts like ours just arent as capable, said Brian Davis, general manager of the Linda County Water District in Yuba County north of Sacramento, which will have to cut an estimated 43% by 2040.

It puts us in the seat of having to be the bad guy for what may be a miniscule amount of savings. So thats an unpalatable place to be, he said.

The rules target urban water agencies, not residents. Suppliers will have to develop rebates, fee structures and other ways to provide incentives for people to use less water.

Many large urban agencies near the coast are already well-positioned to weather the cuts because their water use is projected to fall near or below their targets.

Fog-shrouded San Francisco, with its dense housing, small yards and a $6 million conservation program  is expected to meet its 2040 mandate without any additional reductions.

San Franciscos roughly 880,000 residents use on average 42 gallons of water per person per day, conservation manager Julie Ortiz said. Thats roughly half of the state average last year, according to water board data.

San Diego, Irvine, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey are among the others that wont have to cut water use to meet their state mandates.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nations second largest municipal water utility, serving about 4 million people, will have to reduce use by a modest 9% by 2040.

That, however, seems like a lot when you look at the history of our conservation effort, said Delon Kwan, assistant director of water resources. Over the past 15 years, Angelenos have cut their water use by 33%, dropping to 101 gallons per person per day by June 2023.

Now the utility, which spends $25 to $30 million every year year on conservation, is working on getting a full-service lawn replacement program up and running for underserved communities with a $14 million state grant.

The low-hanging fruit  weve done a lot of those early on, Kwan said, adding that the utility already offers rebates for just about every type of indoor and outdoor water-consuming plumbing fixture.

The South Coast region, mostly spanning coastal parts of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, will cut water use by only 10% by 2040. With more than half the states population, that regions relatively modest cuts will account for roughly half of water savings from the states new measures.

Regions facing the steepest cuts, averaging between 17 and 30%, include the Sierra Nevada and mountain communities in Southern California, the deserts, much of the Inland Empire, stretches of the Central Valley and the remote, sparsely populated areas of the northeast.

Water suppliers must stay within water budgets calculated from targets for residential indoor and outdoor use, certain business landscapes and losses in the system, such as leaks. Local climate, population and landscaped area also factor into the equations, as do livestock, recycled water, swamp coolers and other factors.

If they serve areas with lower incomes, agencies that face cuts of 20% can opt for alternatives that extend their deadlines. Other agencies with bigger cuts also can opt for the alternatives as long as they reduce use by at least 2% per year and meet other requirements, regardless of local incomes.

Statewide, urban water use per person is expected to drop by 21.8% between 2022 and 2050 with the proposed regulation, compared to 17.9% without it. The measures are projected to save an estimated 1.7 million acre-feet of water through 2040  enough to supply almost half the states population for a year, substantially less than the states earlier proposals would have cut. Total savings through 2050 could reach 3.9 million acre-feet.

Most Residents Wont See Higher Bills

State regulators watered down the rules after facing an onslaught of criticism from suppliers and state analysts about the high costs of their earlier proposal.

The costs of the regulations, largely expected to be passed onto customers, are estimated to reach $4.7 billion through 2050. But state analysts expect the benefits for customers and water suppliers, largely from purchasing less water, will outweigh the costs of funding conservation programs by about $1.4 billion.

For roughly two-thirds of Californians, the regulations wont change average monthly water and wastewater bills from 2025 through 2050, according to the water boards analysis. The rules could increase costs for about 5 million people, including 1.7 million with increases of more than 10 cents per month. But 8 million could see their bills drop, mostly by more than 10 cents per month.

Its always going to be more efficient to help reduce demand than it is to develop alternative water supplies, San Franciscos Ortiz said. Conservation is our number one supply management strategy.

Several smaller suppliers facing massive reductions told CalMatters that they expected their projected cuts to shrink as they collect more information about water use in their communities.

Some said they will apply for variances  such as for air conditioning systems that require water, known as swamp coolers  or opt for alternative pathways available to lower-income communities and suppliers facing especially large cuts. The states projections for regions and individual suppliers dont yet incorporate such carveouts, and water budgets may yet change with new data about landscape areas.

The unincorporated, low-income community of Linda in Yuba County faces one of the steepest reductions  43% to meet the 2040 mandate. In the heart of the agricultural Sacramento Valley and near the Beale Air Force Base, many locals are renters and retirees on fixed incomes, said Davis, the general manager.

Theyre hard to convince to invest money in their older homes for water conservation, Davis said. Were kind of scratching our heads.

The average monthly bill there is about $35 per month, rising to about $55 in the summer, Davis said. We know that it is low, and we work to keep it low in a disadvantaged community.

With a budget of only $2.8 million, the water agency anticipates having to raise money for outreach consultants to support engineers with an entirely new role: educating people about saving water.

Maybe the community rises and really gets a water conservation mind, and were seen as the heroes. But its a more rural, older community. Thats an unlikely outcome, Davis said.

Its the same problem that the relatively affluent city of Glendora in eastern Los Angeles County, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is grappling with as well. Like Linda, the city is facing 43% reductions by 2040.

Glendora recently raised water rates to an average of $95 per month to help tackle $350 million in projects needed to upgrade the water system and shore up leaky pipes and reservoirs.

Conserving will reduce the citys need for pricey imported supplies, which supplement local groundwater. But changing behaviors, City Manager Adam Raymond said, can be challenging in a suburban community of long-time homeowners, where much of the water is used for lawns and yards.

Though the city offers rebates for tearing out lawns in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, it can take 15 to 20 years to see substantial water savings as a result, Raymond said.

Therein lies the biggest challenge. Because last I checked, we cant force someone to rip out their yard, he said.

Big Water Cuts in Inland California Cities, Deserts

Others facing especially steep cuts include the Central Valley community of Atwater in Merced County, which will need to reduce water use by 58%, according to preliminary data  among the largest cuts expected in the state.

But Justin Vinson, the citys director of public works, says he suspects these massive cuts reflect inaccurate calculations of leaks in the system, because half the city isnt metered yet. Once meters are installed by the end of the year and residents are charged for their usage instead of a flat fee, we should be able to show we can make the cuts.

In Merced Countys Los Banos, Public Works Director Charles Bergson said there is room to conserve. Hes concerned about future water supply and capacity for the city, which the state projects must cut back 38% by 2040.

Between the hot climate and large lots, household use there is higher than the state average, he said. The city also struggles with contaminants in the groundwater it depends on, such as hexavalent chromium  made infamous by the movie Erin Brockovich.

Tightening the water usage will help us in the long run, he said. I dont see that much downside. A dead lawn or two, I dont think thats going to hurt anybody. I am looking for sources of water, and this is obviously a big one.

In the desert city of Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County, at the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, squeezing an additional 14% in savings by 2040 out of their low-income customers will be an incredibly large lift and will not be easy, said water district spokesperson Yasmeen Nubani.

The desert community has little to no outdoor landscaping, Nubani said, which means conservation must come indoors. Setting up a rebate program offering $160 in incentives to about 20% of their customers would cost around $300,000  about half of what theyd need to meaningfully cut water use.

And even with a rebate program, she said, shes not optimistic about participation because of the costs that customers would still need to bear to upgrade toilets and washing machines.

All of our customers are going to be hit hard by this, considering that the vast majority are low-income, Nubani said.

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
Jewelers Mutual Group acquired Union Life & Casualty Insurance Agency in Phoenix, Arizona.

JM Insurance Agency Partners Inc., a Jewelers Mutual Group company, will join with UL&C.

UL&C has been in the insurance business since 1965, specializing in pawn and related industries.

Policyholders of Jewelers Mutual are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Co. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other offices in Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Casualty
The Government must address persistent deficits in the countrys infrastructure, particularly in areas of energy, water, and waste-water, as it may impact Irelands competitiveness as well as its attractiveness for foreign investment, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) has said.

In its report for Irelands Competitiveness Challenge 2024, the NCPC outlined a number of challenges to the countrys competitiveness and called for the Government to take action to address them.

Among the challenges are; addressing issues relating to the cost of doing business, taking action towards building and retaining a skilled and talented labour force, as well as tackling obstacles to the planning and delivery of sustainable infrastructure.

The NCPC also called on the Government to better utilise the potential of the EU single market to enhance growth and scaling opportunities for Irish firms.

In its report, the NCPC noted that deficiencies in areas such as energy, water, and waste-water infrastructure present the risk that future demand by enterprises will outstrip supply, with ramifications for SMEs and the investment decisions of internationally mobile foreign-owned firms.

This represents a significant reputational risk for Ireland.

The report said that Irelands tight labour market and high-cost environment are symptomatic of an economy operating at capacity, which is limiting our output in multiple areas  but particularly in the delivery of key infrastructure, including housing, energy and water.

In relation to the cost of doing business, the NCPC said an enhanced SME test should be implemented so that an enterprise perspective is present across all major Government decisions.

This offers an opportunity to comprehensively set out forthcoming impacts on business annually, the report said.

In the area of building and retaining a skilled workforce, the NCPC said addressing the skills shortages in key areas  including green, digital and construction  is urgently required.

Similarly, improved opportunities for learning are critical for addressing skills needs in the economy, particularly so in the context of the green and digital transition, and the National Training Fund has a key role to play as part of this, the NCPC said.

It added that inward migration will continue to be important in order to fill vacancies.

Chair of the NCPC Dr Frances Ruane said Ireland has continued to perform relatively strongly in terms of its competitiveness throughout 2023 and into 2024.

However, there remain significant longstanding challenges to securing Irelands competitiveness into the medium to long-term. It is imperative that we take the decisions around prioritisation and sequencing which are necessary to meet these challenges, she said.
Food and drink is one of the sectors at which the new National Enterprise Hub is aimed, offering streamlined access to Government supports for businesses.

World-renowned for its quality, the sector is threatened by rising costs, labour shortages, and supply chain issues, but the hub can help.

Those who contact the hub are promised "the right support to help make your business stronger and more adaptable".

This service helps businesses to navigate and access Government supports, by bringing together information and resources of more than 180 services provided by 19 departments and State agencies.

This service is available online, and is supported by a team of experts and advisers accessible by phone or via live chat.

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke recently launched the hub, which is particularly aimed at small businesses that have not yet availed of Government support, and at increasing uptake of grants and Government schemes.

The hub is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and operated by Enterprise Ireland. Businesses can contact the Hub team via the website or by phone at 01 727 2100.

For example, food and drink businesses can be helped by Bord Bia to develop market-ready growth strategies, or introduced to the start-up accelerator programme for early-stage companies preparing for global growth, and seeking investment.

Risks of innovation can be reduced by availing of certified research agency evaluation of new food or drink products, through Bord Bia.

The Bord Bia Learning Zone digital platform can help food and drink businesses improve their work processes and find new opportunities.

Enterprise Ireland's GradStart provides financial support to compete for and hire graduate talent, covering the cost of two-year graduate placements.

Or the Food Academy of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) can provide essential knowledge about starting a food business (and a unique opportunity to sell your product through one of Irelands leading retailers).

An Enterprise Ireland grant for strategic planning can fund a response plan, in challenging times when the world around companies suddenly changes.

Support from the same agency can help with investment to become more competitive internationally. And its LeanPlus and LeanStart programmes help to make businesses more efficient and competitive.

The Local Enterprise Office's Lean for Business support can also help to increase productivity.

Companies can also get in touch with Enterprise Ireland's Mentor Network of more than 400 successful business people with international experience, in one-to-one sessions of practical business advice (there is also an LEO mentoring service).

The early stages are the hardest for small businesses. This is where LEO Priming Grants can reduce the financial burden of starting a business.

LEO innovation vouchers help small businesses collaborate with higher education institutes and public research bodies to solve technical challenges and explore new opportunities.

Then the LEO's Accelerate Management Development Programme can help small business owners and managers to achieve sustainable growth through skills and knowledge.

Among the hundreds of other Government services that can be accessed through the National Enterprise Hub are the Enterprise Ireland Spotlight On Skills programme which helps businesses identify the important skills they need to achieve their full potential, or the LEO Business Expansion Grant for early-stage businesses.

The hub can also introduce small businesses to the Local Enterprise Office's grants and funding for energy-saving measures.

Green for Business is a Local Enterprise Office entry-level sustainability grant scheme.

GreenPlus and GreenStart are Enterprise Ireland sustainability grant schemes, and their scheme of capital investment for decarbonisation also helps businesses become more environmentally friendly.

The Climate Action Voucher from Enterprise Ireland offers training and advice on areas for improvement, and planning to reduce emissions and become more resource efficient.

Innovation Vouchers from Enterprise Ireland can be used to collaborate with higher education institutes and public research bodies, to explore opportunities or solve technical problems.

Enterprise Ireland also offers capital funding support for companies seeking to increase international trade; an Innovation Partnership Programme which connects businesses with research institutes; and a Research, Development & Innovation Fund to invest in developing new products, services, and processes.

Digital Discovery is an Enterprise Ireland grant scheme for introducing new digital technologies (the agency's Digital Process Innovation support also funds new digital services, organisational processes, and technology). LEO also supports development of e-commerce capabilities like website creation and online marketing.

Enterprise Ireland offers help and advice on intellectual property matters; financial support for systems to lower energy bills and improve energy efficiency; and access to knowledge and research when bringing new products or services to market (including the Masterclass in Market Intelligence).

The National Enterprise Hub can also be the gateway for food and drink businesses to access many Skillnet Ireland services, such as the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy.

Accessed through Enterprise Ireland, the EUs Horizon Europe flagship research and innovation programme can also provide Irish businesses with funding and expertise.

As the Government agency responsible for supporting Irish businesses in manufacturing and internationally traded services, Enterprise Ireland also has a Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund; Employment Funding Support to help businesses with growth potential to increase international trade and create new jobs; Digital Marketing Capability support to reach new customers, grow sales and expand market reach; and a Strategic Consultancy Assignment service to help companies plan for change.

Cross-border trading is one of the easier, more accessible ways to begin exporting, which is where InterTradeIreland comes in, with its Acumen programme to help businesses grow on an all-island basis, and the Trade Export Pathway of tailored support.

The same agency's Go-2-Tender support programme teaches companies how to successfully apply for public sector contracts, specifically across borders.

InterTradeIreland's Business Explorer programme helps businesses with financial support to try out new ideas or projects; and its Enterprise Investment Scheme helps smaller, higher-risk trading companies with tax relief for investors who buy new shares (including the necessary advance assurance the company, its trade, and its shares qualify).

Enterprise Ireland's Key Manager Support grants help fund positions such as chief financial officer, chief technology officer, research and development manager; and its Market Research Centre helps businesses uncover trends, potential successes, and challenges in a market. Its Strategic Marketing Review is a short, intensive programme for senior leaders.

Enterprise Ireland's Market Discovery Fund is an export development grant, and its Leadership for Growth training programme develops the business skills and abilities of Irish senior management.

The hub also offers streamlined access to Teagasc's advice, consultancy and training, and the Western Development Commission's Business Investment Fund for businesses located in or moving to the west of Ireland.

The hub is a gateway to the micro-qualifications programme from Solas, which offers short accredited qualifications for employees, designed to fit their work schedules at little or no cost to employers.

The hub's seemingly endless list of services includes credit facilities (such as Microfinance Ireland small loans with minimal paperwork requirements); Udaras na Gaeltachta funding and services; Sustainable Energy Authority grants and services; and the Department of Social Protection's employment and income supports and services.
While the early 1970s was one of the greatest eras in music, by 1974 a subtle dip in quality began to emerge. Artists who had survived the 60s artistically began to struggle, Ziggy was gone, glam had lost its glitter and others seemed to be merely going through the motions.

While 1974 was an incredible year for live albums, Im sticking to the studio for these highlights. Agree or disagree with my selection? Feel free to add your own comments on the form below.

1. Van Morrison, Veedon Fleece

The forgotten masterpiece and my favourite Van album alongside Astral Weeks. In 1973, physically and mentally exhausted after a gruelling American tour, and freshly divorced from Janet (Planet) Rigsbee, Van returned to Ireland for three weeks touring around the Republic at a time conflict was waging in the North.

While south of the border, he was inspired to write a lot of the songs that made up this record. It has a very Celtic spiritual feel to it, like Astral Weeks but without the meandering jazz overtones. Song wise it stands alone, Bulbs, Cul De Sac and Who Was The Masked Man, which remains one of the best songs written about the Troubles. The album wasnt well received, and Van disowned it and wouldnt record again for three years.

2. Planxty, Cold Blow And The Rainy Night

Theyve been described as the Beatles of trad and its not an inaccurate description. Planxty released six albums in the space of 10 years that transformed the genre. For me, admittedly a trad novice, this is the finest. At this point Donal Lunny, exhausted from touring, left the band to be replaced by Johnny Moynihan from Sweeneys Men. The resulting album, which Lunny contributed to, is deeper, more song-based and more worldly than its predecessors.

European and particularly American folk influences become evident, especially on tracks like Lakes Of Ponchantrain and Andy Irvines excellent Green Fields Of Canada.

3. David Bowie, Diamond Dogs

Being a teenage Bowie fanatic in the late 70s, one quickly realised that Diamond Dogs was a bit different to his other albums. However, its rather bleak outlook of what the future might bring provided serious fodder for the more fanatical angst-ridden fans like me. I can remember writing the lyrics to all the songs on my army jacket and wearing it to school at the North Mon every day, thinking it was so cool.

Musically it was rougher than its predecessors but there were hits. The title track and of course Rebel Rebel were monsters. It was the deep cuts that excelled, We Are The Dead and the mind-blowing Sweet Thing suite spread over three songs. Today, its an album I rarely revisit. I think I went off it as I got older, but I have friends who still regard it as his best album.

Planxty's Cold Blow and the Rainy Night; Gram Parsons' Grievous Angel

4. Gram Parsons, Grievous Angel

The second and final album by Gram Parsons was released nine months after his untimely but not unexpected death from a drug overdose. By 1973 Parsons was a train wreck, totally unreliable and ostracised from the music business due to his drug and alcohol use. The glory days of The Byrds and the Flying Burritos a distant memory.

In rare moments of coherence, he could still outsing anybody, as this album shows. The duets with a young Emmylou Harris on Hearts On Fire and Love Hurts are timeless, while $1000 Wedding is one of the greatest songs ever written. Initially the record was a flop, though it did provide a launch pad for Harriss career, but today it is recognised as one of the most influential albums in the country rock genre.

5. Clannad, Clannad 2

I first came across this in the summer of 1977 when I went off to the Gaeltacht (Beal Atha an Ghaorthaidh) for three weeks at the end of the school term. The brother who was teaching us music used this album to teach us songs. Id never heard anything like it.

It was very different from normal trad I was used to hearing on the radio or TV. They used mainly acoustic instruments, and they all sang. Their voices blended so beautifully and seamlessly, particularly on the track Rince Philib a Cheoil, the song we were attempting to learn. Maire (Moya) Brennan on her own also had an amazing voice - Coinleach Ghlas an Fhomhair and Chuaigh Me 'Na Rosann are up there with Sandy Denny at her best.

Clannad 2; Isaac Hayes' Tough Guys

6. Isaac Hayes, Three Tough Guys OST

The thing about the early 70s Blaxploitation movies was that 50% of the budget went on the music, so you had a lot of bog-standard films with these incredible soundtracks. This is no exception. An instantly forgettable movie in which Hayes makes his acting debut delivers a killer soundtrack. Arguably one of the best of the genre.

The much-sampled title track and the gritty Run Fay Run are slices of pure 70s street funk. Again, its the deep cuts that really excel. The chugging dirty funk jam that is Joe Bell and the timeless Hung Up On My Baby with builds up from a basic drum, bass and two guitars to a crescendo with strings and the Memphis Horns, showcasing Hayes talent not only as a composer but as an arranger and producer as well.

7. Neil Young, On The Beach

As the 1970s progressed Neil Young was feeling the pressure of being both a huge solo artist and a member of the worlds biggest supergroup, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Under increasing pressure to deliver a follow up to Harvest, he began to feel increasingly isolated from the music business so he did what any artist would do. He retreated to the studio and made a series of albums that were almost purposely non-commercial. They would be known as the Ditch Trilogy.

This is the third of the series and is a bit more upbeat and commercial than Tonights The Night. However there are still some weighty subjects. Ambulance Blues deals with the head wreck of being in CSNY while Revolution Blues, with the greatest backing group ever ( David Crosby, Ben Keith, Rick Danko, Levon Helm) is inspired by meeting Charles Manson. While the record wasnt well received initially, many now regard it as his best record.

Neil Young's On the Beach; Roxy Music's Country Life

8. Roxy Music, Country Life

While I dont think Roxy Music really clicked until their third album, Stranded, in 1973, they were on fire by the time they released Country Life. Probably their most complete, and for many their best record, it takes that European electronic feel of the first few albums and pushes it to the limit without going over the top. They still had one eye on Top Of The Pops, though. All I Want Is You was a huge hit. The group and this album were hugely influential on the punk and post-punk movement, Simple Minds and Magazine among the bands acknowledging the artistic debt owed.

9. Bob Dylan, Planet Waves

By 1974 Dylan had become a marginal figure in the music scene. He hadnt toured since 66 and his records continually fascinated and frustrated his fans who longed for the Dylan of old. Im not sure if Bob cared, but it may have been on his mind when he decided to work with The Band for the first time in eight years.

The resulting album was his best and most cohesive in years. Hazel, Never Say Goodbye and Wedding Song showed that the master hadnt lost his touch, while Forever Young became an anthem and a staple of his live shows for years. Its not without its faults. The fast version of Forever Young was unnecessary, and he inexplicably decided to overdub his own backing vocals, despite having three of the greatest backing vocalists in rock history in the studio with The Band.

Bob Dylan's Planet Waves; Gene Clark's No Other

10. Gene Clark, No Other

Three decent solo albums since leaving The Byrds but the groups main songwriter was having no luck. People just didnt seem interested. However, in 1973 The Byrds reunited for one album which resulted in a record deal with Geffen for Clark. Label boss David Geffen pulled out all the stops and threw everything at the record which was probably the biggest production Clark had been involved with to date.

Geffen, however, failed to see the brilliance of the finished product and freaked at the lack of hit singles. This came to a head in a restaurant one night when a drunk Clark hit Geffen. As a result, the company refused to back the record which sank without trace and was eventually deleted from their catalogue. Clark never recovered from the disappointment.

NEARLY MADE IT

Minnie Riperton's 'Perfect Angel'

Minnie Riperton, Perfect Angel: Second solo album from the voice of Rotary Connection. The one with Loving You and Reasons on it.

Stevie Wonder, Fulfillingness First Finale: The fourth in that incredible run of five albums that began with Music Of My Mind in 1972.
The first ever hard data detailing how endangered basking sharks respond to boat strikes has been captured.

A collaborative team fitted a 'shark fitbit' with an integrated camera to a 7-metre female basking shark in County Kerry to gather important behavioural and physiological data. And just six hours later she was hit by a boat in an area recently designated Irelands first National Marine Park. Boat strikes post an increasing threat world-wide to marine megafauna (eg whales and large sharks).

Big Fish Lab basking shark wearing an 'animal-borne camera and inertial measurement unit'

Data from the recovered shark fitbit  more specifically an 'animal-borne camera and inertial measurement unit'  showed that the shark immediately swam to the seafloor, moved to far deeper, offshore waters, and significantly reduced her activity levels. The fitbit released around seven hours later, at which point the shark had not resumed normal behaviour, so while the strike was initially non-lethal, the team is unsure how significant the internal injuries were and whether the shark ultimately survived.

In combination, the work, which has just been published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, outlines the need for a legally binding code of boating conduct (e.g. restrictions on vessel speed in basking shark aggregation areas), with enforcement power for the appropriate authorities.

In the meantime, very simple guidance for boaters is to go slow (<6 knots) in any place basking sharks have been known to surface during sunny, calm days in the spring and summer in Ireland.

And for more information on how to behave around basking sharks, the Irish Basking Shark Groups Code of Conduct is available here.

Professor Nick Payne: Ireland remains one of the only locations worldwide where globally endangered basking sharks continue to aggregate in large numbers, and it is great that they were officially protected under the Wildlife Act (1976) in 2022."

Nick Payne, assistant professor in Trinity College Dublins School of Natural Sciences, said: Ireland remains one of the only locations worldwide where globally endangered basking sharks continue to aggregate in large numbers, and it is great that they were officially protected under the Wildlife Act (1976) in 2022. Additionally, this year, the Irish government announced Irelands first National Marine Park off County Kerry, a spot that is seasonally frequented by the species for feeding  and very probably breeding."

But the fact a shark we fitted our fitbit to was struck in this area within a few hours underlines just how vulnerable they are to boats and highlights the need for greater education in how to mitigate against such strikes. Basking sharks filter feed at the surface, like some whales, and this behaviour makes them similarly susceptible to strikes.

Alexandra McInturf, research associate at the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES), Oregon State University, and co-coordinator of the Irish Basking Shark Group, sees this as an opportunity to inspire further research on interactions between water users and basking sharks in Ireland. She said: This incident suggests that much more research is needed on the prevalence of ship strikes on basking sharks in the new National Marine Park and other hotspots along the Irish coastline."

Additionally, it brings to light further questions about whether and how often the sharks are actually occupying such habitats when they are not clearly visible at the surface. Given that Ireland is one of the only locations globally where basking sharks are still observed persistently, addressing such questions will be critical to informing both our ecological understanding and conservation of this globally endangered species.

Taylor Chapple, assistant professor at the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES), Oregon State University and lead author, added: Unlike whales, basking sharks often sink when killed, so it is very hard to gauge mortality rates and even in this case, where the strike wasnt lethal right away, were not sure of the fate of the female that was hit."

The overlap between sharks, whales and other marine life and maritime activities is a global concern and even when strikes are not lethal, the non-lethal effects can also have significant short- and long-term consequences. These can take on even greater importance when they alter the behaviour of endangered species we are trying so hard to protect.

The IBSG has noted that: "Basking sharks in Ireland have altered behavior and exhibited signs of stress (such as closing their mouth) when approached by swimmers or boats. Boat strikes are still a real threat throughout their range, and the impact of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV, i.e., drones) is virtually unknown."

Also, "People often assume that because basking sharks 'dont eat people', it is perfectly safe to approach them. This assumption is dangerously wrong, as basking sharks can leap out of the water unexpectedly, at the same speed as a great white, or thrash their tails when 'spooked'."

According to the ISBG: "We have seen footage on social media of people swimming too close to sharks, only to be nearly crushed by a breaching shark."
Have you ever caught yourself in a loop of grumbling about everyday annoyances  perhaps the weather, the endless traffic, or writing letters to ham manufacturers that their self-seal packages are useless? (Probably just me on that one)

Fear not, my fellow whingers, youre not alone.

Recently, I was lamenting over another trivial inconvenience. A spark of curiosity ignited within me. What would happen if I were to forego complaining entirely for a week?

Research from Stanford University shows that habitual complaining physically alters the brain, shrinking the hippocampus, an area crucial for cognitive functions and problem-solving.

Further studies suggest that this constant negativity can foster similar neural pathways, making future complaining more likely and increasingly hostile.

Our brain releases stress hormones when we complain that impact our neural connections, reinforcing negative thought patterns.

Those neural connections have been taking a hammering in our brains for thousands of years.

The oldest known written complaint, the Complaint tablet to Ea-nasir from 1750 BCE, details a dispute over copper quality.

Its clear that different cultures and eras have treated this behaviour with varying acceptance and disdain.

Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus viewed complaining as an unnecessary waste of energy.

The famous quote attributed to Aurelius, Dont be overheard complaining  not even to yourself.

He followed it up with this one: Everything that happens is either endurable or not. If its endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining.

Today, especially with the rise of social media, voicing dissatisfaction is often encouraged, creating communal bonds, increasing vanity metrics for digital marketers and spreading discontent.

After a thorough meander through the aforementioned social media platforms and Google, I decided to format a plan to implement a no-complaint week.

I broke it down into the acronym G MASS. You can take the boy out of Catholicism, but you cant take (you know the rest).

Gratitude Practice: Daily reflections on things youre grateful for can profoundly shift your perspective from negative to positive.

Daily reflections on things youre grateful for can profoundly shift your perspective from negative to positive. Mental Preparation: Set a clear intention and mentally prepare for inevitable challenges.

Set a clear intention and mentally prepare for inevitable challenges. Awareness: Monitor and note each instance of complaining.

Monitor and note each instance of complaining. Substitution: Replace complaints with positive affirmations or constructive comments.

Replace complaints with positive affirmations or constructive comments. Solution Orientation: Instead of dwelling on problems, think about possible solutions.

During my no-complaint week, I faced a real test when my youngest woke me several times in one night only to have to get up at 6am the next morning to make a three-hour car journey to Dublin.

I kept telling my beloved hippocampus to head down Gratitude Street and not want to scream out the window on the M50. Of course, I hit the worst traffic recorded since the invention of the internal expulsion engine and was late for my meeting.

Still, I felt I would mentally implode, so I tried the substitution of my masterplan and repeated, You will really enjoy the coffee you are going to buy in the petrol station on the way home. That didnt work nor did the solution orientation.

Instead, I ditched my G MASS and kept singing to myself, Stop, stop fucking complaining, to the air of Lanigans Ball, and it worked!

Its funny how much energy we waste on things that dont deserve our attention.

As I navigated through my week without complaining, I realised the sky didnt fall when I didnt mutter darkly about the weather, and the traffic didnt get worse when I listened to a podcast instead of grumbling about the congestion.

The outcomes of my no-complaint week were honestly enlightening. Not only did I feel a significant reduction in stress and an increase in overall happiness, but my interactions with others also became more positive, and it seemed my improved mood was contagious.

This experiment not only reaffirmed the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius but also underscored the power of mastering ones reactions to what can seem like a canopy of consistent annoying circumstances.

So, the next time you feel like complaining, remember Lanigans Ball. One small caveat: It can be a very annoying tune to get out of your head, so dont complain to me about it.
A 51-year-old man jumped headfirst out through the window of his ex-partners home when gardai arrived to investigate a complaint under the Domestic Violence Act.

The incident came to light again at Cork Circuit Appeals Court where the accused man appealed a six-month sentence.

The appellants barrister, Orla Meere, explained to Judge Sinead Behan that the sentence originally imposed at Cork District Court was one of six months suspended but that another offence triggered the revocation of the suspension which left him facing six months in jail.

The offence dates back to December 2021/January 2022 when he began sending his ex-partner abusive and nuisance phone calls and texts.

He was insisting on video calls with his children and she explained that they were having their dinner at one time and sleeping at another.

He said in one message: Stop bullshitting me, show me the kids.

In another, he said: Stop playing games with me, it would be dangerous.

The woman complained to gardai that she was in fear, Sergeant John Kelleher said at the appeal court.

He was being arrested at the complainants home and he had to be pepper-sprayed because of his resistance, Sergeant John Kelleher said.

He jumped headfirst out the window of her home, Sgt Kelleher said.

Ms Meere explained that the accused had a good work history and that these domestic issues occurred at a time when he had difficulties in his personal life.

Judge Behan said: I will suspend the sentence. He must pay his ex-partner 500 within months.

The judge said access to see his children must be arranged through an intermediary.
The partner of Independent Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne, told a court that she has upset a lot of people and said he believed this to be a reason he has not been able to get an appointment for a driving test in almost four years.

At Kilrush Circuit Court on Tuesday, John Mountaine (42) of Pella Rd, Kilrush, unsuccessfully pleaded with Judge Francis Comerford not to affirm the three-month driving ban that was imposed on him in the district court in June.

After Judge Comerford said he would be affirming the three-month ban on Mr Mountaine for driving unaccompanied on a provisional licence at Lack West, Kilmihil, Co Clare, in October 2021, Mr Mountaines solicitor, Patrick Moylan told the judge Mr Mountaine would like to personally address the court.

At Kilrush Circuit Court on Tuesday, Judge Francis Comerford affirmed the three-month driving ban that had been imposed on John Mountaine (pictured) for driving unaccompanied on a provisional licence. File picture

Mr Mountaine told Judge Comerford: The reason why I didnt apply [for the driving test] until 2020 was because I couldnt afford it before then to do the test.

Violet-Anne Wynne was elected a TD for Sinn Fein for Clare in the February 2020 general election and Mr Mountaine said: My wife got a job and I applied for the test. He told the court:

Unfortunately she is a politician and there is no filter from the brain to the mouth and she has upset a lot of people and I believe this is why this has taken so long.

He said: I dont understand why it has taken so long  that is the only reason I can come to.

Appealing to Judge Comerford not to impose the driving ban, Mr Mountaine said: I need my licence to be able to get to work. I am asking, impose any fine on me you would want but please let me keep my licence because it affects me majorly.

However, after hearing Mr Mountaines personal plea, Judge Comerford said he would affirm the ban and that Mr Mountaine could sit his driving test after the ban expires.

Judge Comerford said Mr Mountaines account of the course of events of waiting for a driving test appointment for almost four years was inherently improbable without providing any correspondence to back it up.

The judge noted that Mr Mountaine was first convicted of driving without a valid licence in 2013 and he still is without a full licence.

State Solicitor Aisling Casey said a cursory look at the Government website in question show that Mr Mountaine could be invited to sit a driving test in October.

In reply, Mr Moylan said: There is no getting around that Mr Mountaine made a driving test application in November 2020 and we are now in July 2024." Mr Moylan continued:

The Shannon Driving Test centre has not provided him with a date despite what it might be saying on the website. Whatever their website is saying, Mr Mountaine is the reality here judge. Almost four years and he has not got his test.

Mr Moylan said the almost four-year wait is extraordinary  it is in his interests and no one wants more to get his test than Mr Mountaine.

Judge Comerford commented that there would be thousands of Clare people who have sat their driving test in that period.

Earlier, Ms Casey told Judge Comerford that Mr Mountaine has a number of previous road traffic offence convictions and four previous convictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mr Moylan said that Mr Mountaine has now withdrawn his application for a driving test at Shannon and has applied for a test at a Dublin test centre.

Mr Moylan said: He is a 42-year-old man who has a partner and six children ranging in age from 14 to 2. His drivers licence is something that is very important to him.

Mr Moylan added: He commenced a carpentry business, Montys Carpentry, and it has taken off and he is doing very well.

He wants nothing more than to get his drivers licence. If he is disqualified from driving, he cant do his driving test.
Former All-Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler Niall Gilligan allegedly repeatedly struck a 12-year-boy with a stick causing a series of injuries, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, State Solicitor for County Clare Aisling Casey told the court that one of the injuries the boy was treated for in the aftermath of the alleged stick assault by Mr Gilligan (47) was a fractured left hand.

Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Daragh Hassett, told the court that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted by his client and there is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here.

Ms Casey said that the DPP had directed that the prosecution against Mr Gilligan be heard in the district court. However, after hearing an outline of the State case against Mr Gilligan from Ms Casey to determine which court the case will be heard in, Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction.

Judge Gabbett has directed that the case against Mr Gilligan of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge, now go forward to the circuit court where more serious penalties apply on conviction for assault causing harm.

As part of the State case, a medical report and photos of the boys injuries were handed into court and Judge Gabbett said: I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with significant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with so I am going to refuse jurisdiction.

Farmer and auctioneer, Mr Gilligan is charged with the assault causing harm of a 12-year old boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmildebridge, contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act on October 5, 2023.

Mr Gilligan is also charged with producing a wooden stick during the course of a dispute contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act at the same location on the same date. Mr Gilligan denies both charges.

Case background

Outlining the background to the charges against Mr Gilligan, Ms Casey said the charges relate to a matter alleged to have happened on October 5, 2023, at 5.30pm.

She said that the alleged injured party, who was aged 12 at the time, was with a friend also aged 12 and they were on a disused property, the Jamaica Inn in Sixmilebridge owned by the accused.

Ms Casey said: When the boys were on the property, it will be alleged that the accused confronted the two boys and produced a wooden stick and the boys attempted to flee."

She said that it will be alleged that the alleged injured party slipped on muddy ground and while lying on the ground, it will be alleged that the accused struck him several times with the wooden stick he had in his possession.

Ms Casey stated the boy returned home on foot and was brought first to the VHI clinic and subsequently transferred to University Hospital Limerick that evening. Ms Casey said that the injuries reported was a loss of consciousness by the boy on the occasion along with significant bruising at the top right shoulder, the buttocks and lower back.

The State Solicitor said that injuries also included a 2cm long wound on the boys forearm and a 2cm long wound to the right shin which both required suturing. She stated that following orthopaedic intervention, a fracture was identified on the boys left hand and he made a full, uneventful recovery concerning the hand injury.

Asked for his observations by Judge Gabbett, Mr Gilligans solicitor, Daragh Hassett said: "My role is limited here, save to say that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted." Mr Hassett said that Niall Gilligan "volunteered a full account to gardai some time back".

He said:

There is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here. That is for a different day and perhaps for a different court.

Mr Hassett said that he had no role on the issue of jurisdiction "so I will hold my fire. After declining jurisdiction, Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 18 to allow a Book of Evidence to be served on Mr Gilligan.

Ms Casey said that as juveniles are involved in the case, she was anxious that matters be expedited as soon as possible. She confirmed that both juvenile witnesses will give evidence by video link in the circuit court.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Gilligan on bail to re-appear before court on September 18.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999. The Sixmilebridge clubman also won two Munster titles with Clare and multiple honours with his club over a long, distinguished hurling career.
A postmistress who was the victim of a tiger kidnapping, tied up and told she would be shot has sued An Post in the High Court.

Susan Lawlor from Malahide who was the postmistress at Bayside Post Office, Dublin, was along with her daughter and an Italian student abducted from her home at gunpoint and driven around by her captors until the 80,000 contents of the post office safe were stolen in September 2014.

Ms Lawlors counsel Richard Kean SC, instructed by solicitor Daniel OConnell, told the court it was a truly extraordinary case where Ms Lawlor, when she heard armed robbers in her home, followed An Post protocol by phoning a Hostage Helpline which was meant to activate a covert response.

However, counsel said as Ms Lawlor and the other two women were being driven around north Co Dublin in a car by the robbers, an An Post security officer rang her back and the robbers went utterly ballistic. Counsel said there was a massive escalation in violence and Ms Lawlor was told by one robber I am going to shoot you in the f----- head.

She later thought they may be burned alive in the car as an accelerant was poured over it, and counsel said she pulled out some of her hair and spit on the car floor so she would leave her DNA sample.

Counsel told the court that tiger kidnappings were rampant in the country at the time and Ms Lawlor, when she heard the gang in her home, rang the hostage hotline. He said she was loyally following protocol  but he said her alleged negligent treatment by An Post has caused her life-long stress and anxiety.

Counsel said

Her life was in complete disorder afterwards. It ruined her life and it continues to cause her stress and fear.

He said an expert on their side will say that Ms Lawlors condition is attributable to the tiger kidnapping and the phone call from the An Post worker which escalated aggression from the robbers.

He said Ms Lawlor will also say that An Post would not initially pay for a hotel for herself and the other two women caught up in the tiger kidnapping as they could not return home because it was a crime scene.

He said she will also say she felt under huge pressure and will allege she was bullied to go back to work two or three weeks after the event. An An Post investigation report, counsel said, exonerated An Post for adhering to protocol, that the money was recovered and arrests made but there was no mention of the phone call to Ms Lawlor.

Susan Lawlor's claims

Ms Lawlor (58) in her proceedings against An Post claims there was an alleged failure to have regard to previous incidences of tiger kidnapping and an alleged failure to follow the appropriate An Post protocols.

It is further claimed there was an alleged failure to take any or any adequate precautions for the safety of Ms Lawlor and she had allegedly been phoned on her mobile in order to ascertain whether the alarm that she had called in was valid.

All of the claims are denied and An Post contends that the postmistress was not an employee but an independent contractor.

Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, when she heard there are three similar actions against An Post arising out the same set of events, said the four actions should be heard together. She adjourned Ms Lawlors case until that can be done.
Fine Gael members reacted angrily last night over a bullshit party directive about candidate selection in Cork South Central as the party sets out to retain the seat held by former Tanaiste Simon Coveney for 26 years.

About 300 party members met in a Cork city hotel for their first contested selection convention in the constituency for years.

Five candidates put their names forward  recent poll-topping Cork city councillor Shane OCallaghan; former MEP candidate John Mullins, who received over 33,000 first-preference votes in the Ireland South constituency during the recent European elections; senator Jerry Buttimer; Cork city councillor Des Cahill; and Cork county councillor Una McCarthy.

There had been speculation that one candidate would be chosen and that perhaps a further two candidates would be added to the ticket closer to the election.

Each candidate made their pitch to a packed conference room at the Cork Airport International Hotel, but party members reacted angrily when minister of state Jennifer Carroll MacNeill opened an envelope and read a directive from party headquarters which stated that two candidates should be chosen, and that one should be from the Carrigaline area.

A directive from Fine Gael party headquarters effectively meant that Carrigaline-based county councillor Una McCarthy would be added to the party's general election ticket irrespective of how members voted. Picture: Billy macGill

It effectively meant that Carrigaline-based councillor Una McCarthy, the only female candidate, would be added to the ticket, irrespective of how members voted.

One member attending the packed selection convention branded it as bullshit, while others voiced their anger over being dictated to by party headquarters.

Minister of state Jennifer Carroll MacNeill speaking at this year's Fine Gael ard fheis. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie.

Ms MacNeill said she appreciates that the party has not had a contested convention in Cork South Central for some time, but she insisted that the directive was in line with the rules set by members at its ard fheis and that the selection convention was being held in accordance with those rules.

Following the vote, it was confirmed that Mr OCallaghan has also been selected to run for the party in the next general election.

He topped the poll in the citys South Central local electoral area in the recent local election.

Shane O'Callaghan, Fine Gael councillor for Cork City South-Central Ward.

A practicing barrister, who lives in the Grange area, he said he will be an effective legislator and parliamentarian who will champion quality-of-life issues and law and order issues.

Mr OCallaghan, and his running mate Ms McCarthy, will now stand in what is set to be a keenly contested constituency following Mr Coveneys announcement two weeks ago that, after 26 years as a Fine Gael public representative for the constituency, he will not be seeking re-election.

The current four-seat constituency, which is also represented by Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin; former finance minister Michael McGrath, who has been nominated as Irelands next European Commissioner; and Sinn Fein spokesperson on social affairs Donnchadh O Laoghaire; is also increasing to a five-seater.

Fine Gael has now chosen 23 general election candidates in 15 constituencies.

The partys selection conventions for Cork South West and Cork North West take place next week.
Last Sunday, Jarlath Burns touched on an essential component of the Irish DNA, that of empathy with the immigrant.

The president of the GAA was speaking at the conclusion of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final when he referred to the people who are our diaspora, who left this country because of war and famine and if your ancestors had to leave, you are in Croke Park today, if not in body but in spirit.

Burns is shaping up to be an impressive leader.

He would have been acutely aware he was referencing those fleeing war and famine while a few miles from Croke Park serious social upheaval was taking place over the issue of housing such people.

Never forget, he might have added, once they were the Irish.

The violence and arson attacks perpetrated on and around the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock are a new low.

Plans to house up to 500 asylum seekers on the premises have attracted legitimate questions, protests, and in the last week some pure thuggery perpetrated by a small minority.

The vacuum that resulted saw outsiders, both thugs and political figures associated with the far right, move in to claim Coolock as the latest staging post from which to push their agenda.

It has also become a major staging post for an element attempting to inflame opposition against those fleeing war and famine.

In such a milieu, one of the more concerning aspects has been the paucity of imagination and even common sense in Government policy.

There are two outstanding features to the handling of this affair which highlight major shortcomings in how the Government is dealing with one of the most serious issues of today.

Firstly, the locating of asylum seekers in a community suffering deprivation was regarded as an accommodation issue and little more.

In late March, the Department of Integration identified the site as suiting its requirements.

A few weeks later, in early April, a meeting was organised with local elected representatives and a few other individuals from community organisations.

They were informed of the plans, effectively given notice.

Meanwhile, sandwiched between identifying the site and meeting the politicians, the Government indicated a new approach to housing asylum seekers.

On March 27, a release announcing a new comprehensive strategy in this area was issued.

It was to include aspects such as to plan more effectively for delivery of increased public services, where possible, as part of a multi-strand approach.

Coolock, a disadvantaged community, was now being asked to accommodate more, quite possibly, vulnerable people. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

This enlightened approach was nowhere to be seen in Coolock.

Apart from the initial engagement, there were no further attempts to liaise with the community or its representatives.

There was no request for any kind of report, laying out what services might come under further pressure due to the new arrivals.

There was no suggested programme of supports, or acknowledgement a disadvantaged community was now being asked to accommodate more, quite possibly, vulnerable people.

Coolock does much to help itself through the strands of disadvantage that infect an area of its socio-economic profile, but there are also effective and necessary programmes for which funding is not even at pre-2008 levels.

None of this was acknowledged and no offers were made, under the circumstances, to assist in lightening the load.

In the resulting vacuum, a protest camp was set up at the entrance to the site, opposition hardened, resentment increased.

By May 10, the protest camp was well established.

That day, on a visit to Fermoy, Taoiseach Simon Harris was asked about issues around accommodating asylum seekers.

He said he was determined to bring a whole-of-Government approach to what was a very significant challenge.

No such approach was taking place in Coolock.

Instead, it was regarded primarily as an accommodation issue in which a former factory was to be made habitable for vulnerable people once a decision was taken on when to remove the protest.

Had a 'whole-of-Government' approach been taken, there would still, undoubtedly, have been those intent on thuggery, but Coolock could also have claimed a victory in terms of forcing the State to acknowledge it requires sufficient supports at all times. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

That move last week prompted a swelling of protest and kicked off the violence.

Had a "whole-of-Government" approach been taken, there would still, undoubtedly, have been those intent on thuggery, but Coolock could also have claimed a victory in terms of forcing the State to acknowledge it requires sufficient supports at all times, even if it took this for the Government to begin to act.

This, in turn, could isolate those whose motivation has nothing whatsoever to do with the welfare of the people of the area.

The vacuum that resulted saw outsiders, both thugs and political figures associated with the far right, move in to claim Coolock as the latest staging post from which to push their agenda.

One such politician was Malachy Steenson, elected to Dublin City Council last month.

He told the Sunday Times that talks were now being arranged but said the community would not allow the housing of asylum seekers one way or the other.

The State can offer all it wants through the communities schemes but it wont be accepted, he said.

Mr Steenson represents the north inner city, miles away from the scene of the protests.

He doesnt represent anybody in Coolock. Yet here he was, coming in and telling how it was going to be.

The other issue the whole case has highlighted is the continual use of private accommodation for international protection applicants.

It is now two-and-a-half years since an expert group led by Catherine Day recommended the setting up of six large, State-run reception centres, with a timeline of having two up and running by May 2023.

That didnt happen.

Initially, the Government appeared not to have any intention of acting on the recommendation but following a spate of protests  and arson attacks  around the country, there is now acceptance that State-run facilities are the only way forward.

Failure to properly get to grips with housing asylum seekers is going to have long-term serious consequences. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Recent reports suggest 30 sites have been identified by State agencies but nothing more concrete has been done.

All the signs are that the Government is putting this move on the long finger. As with other aspects of this issue, the general approach appears to be not to do anything until after the next general election.

If sites are selected and work begins, there is every chance there will be either a protest or a legal challenge.

Again, the resultant vacuum opens up huge plains of fertile ground for nefarious actors to spread their messages of hate and intolerance.

Addressing the issue would not be easy at any time.

Doing so when intolerance is rising across the world, and has reached these shores, makes it even more difficult.

But failure to properly get to grips with it is going to have long-term serious consequences.

The very least this country should be capable of is to retain some empathy for those fleeing war and famine.
The arrogance and indifference that were such central features of Bishop Eamonn Caseys persona were characteristics fuelled and facilitated by his superiors in Rome  beginning with Pope John Paul II.

The failure on the part of the Vatican to take decisive action against Casey, against whom several serious complaints of sexual abuse had been made before his secret affair with Annie Murphy was exposed in 1992, was typical of the policy that prevailed under the Polish pope.

Coloured by indifference, the central feature of the policy was the safeguarding the reputation of the Church at all costs.

We saw, at first hand, evidence of this in Ireland in the Vaticans reaction to the hugely damaging Ryan, Murphy and Cloyne reports  a reaction that triggered the now-famous speech in Dail Eireann in July 2011 by the then Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Given the mounting evidence of the widespread sexual abuse of children from places like the USA, Australia and France, it is difficult to understand in retrospect how John Paul II could continue to turn a blind eye to the files that were piling up in Rome.

In that speech, Kenny condemned the Church for its role in obstructing an investigation, describing it as a serious infringement of Irelands sovereignty, and said the sex abuse scandal revealed the dysfunction, disconnection and elitism that dominates the culture of the Vatican to this day.

The RTE documentary by reporter Anne Sheridan, Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets, screened this week by RTE, showed that long before his affair with Annie Murphy was exposed, revealing his double life, serious allegations of abuse had been made against him, including the sexual abuse of his own niece.

He was a sexual predator, but how much of that was known to his fellow bishops?

Given the mounting evidence of the widespread sexual abuse of children from places like the USA, Australia and France, it is difficult to understand in retrospect how John Paul II could continue to turn a blind eye to the files that were piling up in Rome.

And it wasnt just indifference Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II's given name, displayed.

He took action to shield a notorious abuser called Fr Marcial Maciel, and he sanctioned the rapid transfer of the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Bernard Law, after the latters role in covering up an extended paedophile scandal had been exposed by an investigative team from the Boston Globe.

Pope John Paul II sanctioned the rapid transfer of the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Bernard Law, after the latters role in covering up an extended paedophile scandal had been exposed by an investigative team from the Boston Globe, the subject-matter of acclaimed film Spotlight.

That expose, which lifted the lid of a network of paedophile priests in the diocese, priests who had been moved from parish to parish by the archbishop despite their past record of abuse, was the subject-matter of Spotlight, an acclaimed 2015 film starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams.

Law was moved to Rome before he could face criminal charges in Boston, and given a post in the Basilica of St Mary Major, thereby bestowing diplomatic immunity on him and shielding him from the American courts. All of this happened on Wojtylas watch and with his approval.

In a fiercely critical 2005 biography, The Pope in Winter: The Dark Face of John Paul IIs Papacy, John Cornwell said the problem of Vatican indifference of clerical paedophile abuse went right to the heart of the official Church, even into the papal apartment itself.

The most remarkable case, within the ambit of John Pauls haven, involved a prominent priest in whom John Paul continued to place trust, and upon whom he bestowed honours, despite credible allegations of abuse by victims who had nothing to gain from their accusations except the consolation of justice delayed.

Standing accused of serial abuse of seminarians was Fr Marcial Maciel, the Mexican founder of the of the order of the Legionnaires of Christ, born in 1920.

Not only was Maciel allowed to evade due process of canon law, but he was honoured with tokens of special papal privilege after the accusations had been made.

As in the case of priests running harems of nuns for HIV-free sex in Africa, John Paul allowed the case of Maciel to gather dust for years within the Vatican.

Mexican priest Maciel was the founder the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi movement, who was lauded in life as one of the church's great fundraisers along with his ability to recruit men to the priesthood.

It would be revealed later in his life he was a serial abuser of young boys and young men.

In 2006, John Paul IIs successor, Benedict XVI, eventually removed Maciel from active ministry.

After his death in 2008, it came to light that Maciel had been in sexual relationships with at least four women, and had fathered a number of children.

Casey himself claimed, after his affair with Annie Murphy was exposed by the Irish Times, that when he eventually met the pope in the Vatican, the latter didnt want him to resign

Casey himself claimed, after his affair with Annie Murphy was exposed by the Irish Times, that when he eventually met the pope in the Vatican, the latter didnt want him to resign. Picture: Michael Norcia / NYP Holdings via Getty Images

Eamonn Casey was, among the Irish bishops, a particular favourite of John Paul II.

It is noteworthy that, during the Popes historic visit to Ireland in 1979, Casey alone among the Irish bishops was granted the privilege of hosting a private dinner for the pope at his residence on Taylors Hill in Galway.

Casey himself claimed, after his affair with Annie Murphy was exposed by the Irish Times, that when he eventually met the pope in the Vatican, the latter didnt want him to resign.

That has never been officially confirmed by the Vatican, and is very hard to credit, even given the lax standards operating at the time.

As for Karol Wojtyla himself, the rush to have him declared a saint after his death in April 2005 was unseemly, to say the least.

Now that we know a lot more about his indifference (to put it mildly) to the burgeoning problem of sexual abuse of children by clergy (including in his native Poland during his time in office), it is surely time for a thoroughgoing reappraisal of the second longest pontificate in the history of the Church.
CORK citys booming hotel market shows no sign of a slowdown with two new Marriott-brand hotels due to open in September as part of a 40m riverside development.

The 153-bedroom Moxy Hotel and 53-bedroom Residence Inn, co-located at Camden Quay, mark the arrival to the city of one of the worlds most recognisable hotel brands after the half acre site was developed by the JMK hospitality group, owned by the UK-based Kajani family.

Roger Russell, formerly of the Metropole Hotel, is the newly-appointed general manager of the Moxy Hotel and Residence Inn on Camden Quay Picture: Larry Cummins

The group also has plans for an Adagio-aparthotel on South Terrace.

The arrival of the Marriott brand to the city is hot on the heels of the opening on Morrisons Quay earlier this year of the citys first Premier Inn by the Whitbread group, with plans for a second inn at the site of the Leisureplex entertainment complex at the junction of MacCurtain Street/Brian Boru Street. A planning application is due to be lodged in August.

New 30m Premier Inn on Morrison's Quay opened early this year

Meanwhile over on South Mall, well-known hotelier Shay Livingstone, who has a long track record in the hospitality industry, including as general manager of the Rochestown Park hotel in the noughties, is set to commence construction of his 58-bedroom boutique hotel at 71 South Mall shortly.

No 71 South Mall is due to become a boutique hotel

With the three-star Moxy Hotel and Residence Inn due to open mid-September, newly-appointed general manager Roger Russell  formerly of the Metropole Hotel on nearby MacCurtain Street where he served as general manager for 16 years  said they expect to compete price-wise with the likes of the Clayton and Maldron brands, with rates starting at 179 for room-only.

Roger Russell with the new Marriott brand hotels in the background

Our offering is unique as we are operating two hotels in one building, said Mr Russell, adding that the Moxy is a cool, energetic brand where the staff or crew are encouraged to bring their personalities to work and where customers are known as fun hunters. The Residence Inn will have a more traditional hotel vibe, with a focus on extended lets, where suites are designed to be a home-away-from-home, Mr Russell said, with 55 TVs, fully fitted kitchens, a sofa and queensize/kingsize beds, complimentary breakfast and grocery delivery service.

Both franchise brands will be part of the Marriott Bonvoy, global travel programme allowing regular customers to build up points which can be redeemed to offset cost of stays at different Marriott locations.

Mr Russell said the new hotel development would be great for this part of the city, adding to the attractiveness of Cork city as a destination with a wide range of accommodation.

The site was challenging to develop as its bounded on all sides by busy city streets as well as neighbouring residential and commercial properties. The main contractors were Limerick-based Conack Construction Ltd, who were also behind Dublins Moxy Hotel in Sackville House, just off OConnell Street.

Conacks project team was tasked with the delivery of full design and build services for the seven-storey development which involved restoring the iconic facade of the Camden Quay property. The premises, best known as the former location of Atkins/McKenzie's garden world, operated also as a temporary circuit court and later a community arts centre, when it was known, perhaps presciently, as Camden Palace Hotel.

Ballroom dancing to live music in Camden Palace Hotel Picture: David Hegarty

The late Ian Bailey outside the circuit court on Camden Quay during a 2004 libel case Picture: Dan Linehan

View of Camden Quay showing McKenzies, taken in 1971

Its been through a series of ownerships too: a company called Oyster Developments bought the site in 2005 for 12.2m; in 2014 it was sold for 750,000 to Stone Work Properties who had plans for an office development and in 2020, it was bought for 3.5m by the JMK group, of which Irish-Pakistani businessman John Kajani is chair. Another of Mr Kajanis companies, Carra Shore, is behind plans for the aparthotel on South Terrace.

In developing the Camden Quay site, specialist companies were brought in by Conack to restore all of the decorative elements of the 19th century Venetian-style building, the developments focal point. While the structural repair, reroofing and repair of existing timber sash windows and doors was done by Conack and their domestic subcontractors, conservation architects John Cronin & Associates along with Meitheal Architects supervised works to ensure the character of the original buildings was maintained.

Main design consultants on the project included Meitheal Architects, MMOS Civil & Structural Engineers and Woods PS M&E Services Engineers.

Construction took 22 months, and the developers say it will be delivered on time and within budget.

Sonia Kajani of the JMK group said they were thrilled to bring the two Marriott brands to Cork city.

Our goal is to offer a unique blend of stylish comfort and playful experiences that resonate with both short-term and extended-stay guests. Corks dynamic spirit aligns perfectly with our vision, and we look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world, she said.

The group also owns hotels in Dublin, Waterford and London.

View of the Residence Inn from Pine Street

The new Cork city offering is within 100m of St Patricks Street, and directly across the river from Cork Opera House and the Crawford Art Gallery, where a major expansion is due to get underway shortly. The location is also close to bustling MacCurtain Street, where the citys first micro-sleeper, Rezz, opened in 2021.

A report by property specialists CBRE earlier this year referred to Cork as a major tourist destination for both domestic and international travel, with a total of 2.8m international passengers flying in and out of Cork Airport in 2023, an increase of 25% from 2022 and the busiest year on record for Cork.

With more than 90 hotels and more than 5,500 bedrooms, the report said the hotel market in Cork was particularly vibrant. Hotel room occupancy in Cork in 2023 averaged over 80%, while the average room rate averaged approximately 152. The report noted also that the most noteworthy hotel transaction in 2023 was the sale of the Imperial Hotel and Spa in the city centre, a 4-star hotel with 125 bedrooms that sold for 25.2 million to the Louis Fitzgerald Group
A domestic plane slipped off the runway and crashed while trying to take off from the airport serving Nepals capital, killing 18 passengers and injuring the pilot.

Police official Basanta Rajauri said authorities have pulled out all 18 bodies.

The only survivor was the pilot, who was taken to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment, said a doctor at the hospital who was not authorised to speak to media.

The pilot has injuries to the eyes but is not in any danger, the doctor said.

The Saurya Airlines plane was heading from Kathmandu to the resort town of Pokhara.

It was not clear how it slipped.

Nepal army personnel stand by a plane crash site at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Picture: AP Photo/Sujan Gurung

Local media images showed smoke rising and plane wreckage scattered all over a ditch. A fire has been brought under control.

Tribhuvan International Airport, the main airport in Nepal for international and domestic flights, has been closed as emergency crew worked.

It is monsoon rainy season in Kathmandu but was not raining at the time of the crash. Visibility was low across the capital, however.

Saurya Airlines operates the Bombardier CRJ 200 on domestic routes.

In 2019, a Bangladeshi plane crashed at Tribhuvan airport, killing 51 people while 20 on board survived.

An investigation confirmed the plane was misaligned with the runway and its pilot was disoriented and tried to land in sheer desperation when the plane crashed.

In 2015, a Turkish Airlines jet landing in dense fog skidded off a slippery runway at the airport. The plane was carrying 238 people but there were no serious injuries.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded United States-Israeli unity and praised President Joe Biden during a fiery speech to Congress.

The prime ministers speech sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that it has created.

Nine months into the war in Gaza, Mr Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory. He also sought to bolster US support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups and bitterly condemned widespread opposition in the United States to the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that America and Israel must stand together (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

America and Israel must stand together, he said, opening his speech to one of several standing ovations.

When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose, said Mr Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

He lambasted American protesters of the war as useful idiots of Iran.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened from the House chamber as Mr Netanyahu spoke.

Officials gave the Israeli Prime Minister several standing ovations throughout his speech (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

Officials on both sides of the house rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held a sign in the House chamber that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other.

Ms Tlaib has been one of Mr Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year about the latest Israel-Hamas war.

She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a district in Michigan with many Palestinians.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib holds a sign that says guilty of genocide as Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress (AP Photo/J Scott Applewhite)

Mr Netanyahu accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the militants who he said killed babies in Hamas attack on October 7.

These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said.

With criticism rising against him in Israel, too, Mr Netanyahu also aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally.

United States Capitol Police announced that they had deployed the use of pepper spray against protesters at the Capitol (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the US presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol on Wednesday and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol, denouncing Mr Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a ceasefire.

Mr Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican officials who arranged for his speech to happen.

Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Mr Johnson said shortly before the Israeli prime minister began speaking.

At least 50 officials chose to boycott the speech as protesters continued to demonstrate outside the Capitol building (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage who was freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was in attendance.

The appearance makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill, who was referenced by Mr Netanyahu.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Mr Netanyahus speech.

The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

People hold signs with photos of Israeli hostages, demanding their release as they watch Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech before the US Congress (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

The next Democrat in line, Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Ben Cardin, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Mr Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Ms Harris on Thursday, and with former president Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid.

Mr Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to address Congress four times (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The United States does not recognise the ICC.

The Biden administration says it wants to see Mr Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Mr Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Mr Netanyahu has said his aims for the US visit are to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, to build support for continuing Israels battle against the group, and to argue for continuing to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.
Musical instrument production thrives in Lankao county, C China's Henan

People's Daily Online) 16:08, July 23, 2024

During the summer, Xuchang village in Guyang township, Lankao county, central China's Henan Province transforms into a lush paradise as vibrant paulownia trees create a picturesque scene. In a workshop in the village, a villager named Xu Yachong meticulously fine-tuned a guqin, an ancient seven-stringed zither.

Xu Yachong is the youngest guqin maker in the village.

Xu Yachong fine-tunes a guqin (an ancient seven-stringed zither) in his workshop in Xuchang village, Guyang township, Lankao county, central China's Henan Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Yuxing)

Paulownia wood, known for its resistance to deformation and excellent breathability and sound transmission, is an ideal material for crafting traditional musical instruments. The musical instrument industry utilizing paulownia as soundboards has become a pillar of economic growth in Lankao.

"The manufacturing of guqin has a history of 40 years in the village. In the past, villagers with a carpentry background lacked knowledge of musical theory and couldn't distinguish the quality of guqin based on its sound, resulting in difficulty selling it at a good price," said Xu Yachong.

In 2010, at the age of 17, Xu Yachong went to Yangzhou in east China's Jiangsu Province to learn traditional guqin craftsmanship, musical theory, and playing techniques. Three years later, he returned to his hometown and started his own business.

Fewer than 20 guqin are crafted by hand annually, whereas over 100 can be produced using machines each month. Xu Yachong believes in the tradition of handcrafting guqin, emphasizing the importance of preserving the ancestral craft to prevent its loss.

Out of the over 100 households in the village, residents from more than 90 households are involved in the production of musical instruments. The annual revenue generated from selling these instruments has exceeded 100 million yuan ($13.75 million).

Photo shows the musical instrument industrial park in Lankao county, central China's Henan Province. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Lankao county committee)

The musical instrument industrial park of Lankao, situated in Guyang township, is home to over 50 musical instrument manufacturing companies and related enterprises.

Xun Shunhai, head of a musical instrument manufacturing company in the park, said his business transformed from a small workshop into an enterprise with an annual revenue of 7 to 8 million yuan over 10 years. He described the growth as something that was unimaginable.

In recent years, well-known musical instrument manufacturers from Shanghai and Suzhou have established their production facilities in Lankao. Moreover, several prestigious universities and colleges, such as the Central Conservatory of Music and Shanghai Theatre Academy, have engaged in research and collaboration with Lankao in the fields of Chinese musical instrument manufacturing, musical instrument playing, and talent development.

Lankao is currently home to 219 musical instrument production and support enterprises, including 19 large-scale companies, according to Zhao Shanggong, chair of the Lankao Chinese Musical Instrument Association.

They specialize in crafting a diverse range of musical instruments, along with complementary products like soundboards, instrument tables, and stools. With an annual production and sales of 700,000 units, these musical instruments generate an impressive annual revenue of 3 billion yuan.

The products are not only highly sought after within China, but are also exported to more than 40 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and Germany.

A worker makes guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, at the musical instrument industrial park in Lankao county, central China's Henan Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Yuxing)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Aden Duale was removed from the position of Minister of Defense and appointed Minister of Environment

July 23 (Jowhar.com)  President William Ruto has made other changes in the members of his Cabinet as the Minister of Defense Aden Barre Duale has been replaced as the Minister of Environment while the Minister of Defense has been replaced by Soipan Tuya.

This change has been conveyed to the Speaker of the National Parliament, Moses Wetangula, but it is not known why Aden Barre Duale, one of the most powerful ministers in the Ruto government, has been removed from this position.

President Ruto has named 11 members of his cabinet. Duale, who spoke after the change, thanked the President for the position he appointed him.

He added that he hopes he will succeed in his new role. I hope to work in my new position, said Duale.

The 11 members of the Council of Ministers who were appointed are now waiting for the National Parliament to appoint them.

After the approval, the parliament will submit all the names of the nominated cabinet members, and then they will approve or reject the nominated members.

President Ruto has expressed confidence in his new cabinet members, stating that he believes they will work diligently to serve the people of the country. He has also urged the National Parliament to expedite the approval process so that the government can continue its work without any delays.

It remains to be seen how the new cabinet members will perform in their respective roles, and how their leadership will impact the countrys political landscape. The people of the nation are hopeful that this change will bring about positive developments and improvements in various sectors.
The director of the US intelligence agency has resigned

July 23 (Jowhar.com)  The director of the United States intelligence agency, Kim Cheatle, resigned from her position in the agency after the assassination attempt against the former president of the United States, Donald Trump.

She faced calls from both Democrats and Republicans to resign after a House committee heard the incident on Monday.

Lawmakers were outraged when she refused to answer questions about the shooting at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania earlier this month.

As director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse, she said in a resignation letter sent to agency staff.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he is grateful for her decades of service to the community. Mr. Biden said that he will soon appoint a new director.

The president appointed Ms Cheatle to head the intelligence agency  which oversees current and former presidents and other officials  in 2022. She has already served 27 years at the agency. did different jobs.

During her time as a representative, Ms Cheatle was involved in the evacuation of Vice President Dick Cheney from the White House during the attacks of 11 September 2001.

But its leadership has been questioned after the shooting that took place at a Trump rally on July 13, where the former president was shot in the ear.

The attack killed one of the people who were there, while two others were injured.

Witnesses said they saw a man suspected to be Thomas Matthew Crooks with a gun on the roof of a building not far from where the protest was taking place minutes before the shots were fired.

20-year-old Crooks was killed a short time later but the motive behind his attack is not yet known.

The demonstration was attended by officers from various security agencies.
Jul 24 (Jowhar.com)  Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris launched a frontal attack on Donald Trump at her first White House campaign rally, describing the November election as a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted criminal.

Speaking to a crowd of 3,000 people in the battleground state of Wisconsin, Ms Harris called her Republican Party traitors and said they were the ones who prosecuted her for the crime.

same as her Republican opponents and the fraudsters she claims to have prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Trump attacked her border record and posted on social media: Lyin Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches!

Trump also accused her of lying, as she posted on social media that she destroys everything she touches.

These issues come just one day after she received the support of the majority of the Democratic delegates, which paves the way for her to become the candidate of that party.

Ms. Harris, undeterred by Trumps attacks and accusations, remained focused on her message of unity and progress. She reiterated her commitment to fighting for the rights of all Americans, regardless of their background or beliefs.

As the election season heated up, both candidates ramped up their campaigns, crisscrossing the country to rally support and gain momentum. The race was tight, and tensions were high as the nation awaited the outcome of the upcoming election.

Despite the challenges and obstacles in her path, Ms. Harris remained determined and resilient. She knew that the road to victory would be tough, but she was ready to face whatever came her way.

As the final days of the campaign approached, Ms. Harris continued to inspire and energize her supporters, delivering powerful speeches and connecting with voters on a personal level. The fate of the nation hung in the balance, and she was prepared to fight with everything she had to secure a brighter future for all Americans.
July 24 (Jowhar.com)  The chairman of the East African Community Parliament, Mr. Joseph Ntakirutimana, spoke at the Somali Peoples Assembly and thanked the chairman and the member of the House of Representatives, while also praising the work of the Peoples Assembly for the Somali people.

The chairman of the Parliament of the East African Community has informed the Peoples Assembly about the establishment of the Parliament of the East African Community and its activities, and he pointed out that the importance of this Parliament is to work for the progress and unity of the countries in the organization.

Finally, he praised the efforts of Somalia to join the East African Community and the contribution made by the Somali Parliament, while on the other hand he welcomed the preparation of the Somali Parliament for the selection of members of Somalia to represent the East African Community Parliament. .

Todays meeting, which was the second extraordinary session of the fifth session, was chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Noor (Madobobe), together with the first deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Saadiya Yassin Haji Samatar and the second deputy speaker of the assembly. the people of Mr. Abdullahi Omar Abshirow.

The Speaker of the Peoples Assembly, MP Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan Nuh, has sworn in MP Bashir Mohamed Jama, who officially became a member of the Peoples Assembly of the 11th Parliament after being elected in Dhusamareb, Galmudug.

The Chairman of the Peoples House of Parliament, Mr. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobobe) who closed the meeting, thanked the Chairman of the Parliament of the East African Community, Mr. Joseph Ntakirutiman, who informed the chairman and the member of the House of Representatives and the member of the people about the activities of the regional organization of the East African Community, especially the parliament. that organization.
Jul 24 (Jowhar.com)  The Ethiopian government said that the weapons recently captured by the people of Abudwak have nothing to do with Ethiopia, the Somali government is responsible for the management and distribution of weapons.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Nebiyu Tedla, while speaking to VOA, was asked whether they bought these weapons from DFS or not, but he refused to give details.

A few days ago, the XFS sent a letter to its foreign embassies saying that Ethiopia imported the weapons into Somalia, illegally.

This weapon is causing serious confusion in Somalia, three embassies in Addis Ababa, Nairobi & Mogadishu are under strict investigation.

However, these weapons, which were imported into Somalia a few days ago, especially Abudwaq, according to the media, were taken from military bases in the town of Godey in the Somali Regional Government.

The Somali government has denied any involvement in the illegal importation of weapons and has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The XFS has also urged the international community to take action against those responsible for the illegal arms trade in Somalia.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising in Abudwaq as local residents fear the consequences of the influx of weapons into their town. The XFS has promised to work with local authorities to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area.

As the investigation continues, the XFS is determined to uncover the truth behind the illegal arms trade in Somalia and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The stability and security of the region depend on it.
Jul 24 (Jowhar.com)  The President of the Government of Jubaland, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam, today paid a historic and encouraging visit to the Dervish forces of Jubaland, especially the Birjeh Brigade based in the Bulohaji area, where on Monday, July 22, 2024 carried out a historic operation in which more than 135 Khawarij were killed.

The president thanked the brave soldiers for the great victory they achieved in the war, noting that this victory is something that all Somalis are proud of and it needs to be sustained and continued.

The President added that the enemy is weak and it is necessary to cooperate as a lot has been learned about his machinations and now all Somalis have seen that they can be defeated.

President Ahmed Mohamed Islaam said that the bravery and heroism shown by the Birjeh brigade has made everyone happy who has been struggling with the problems that the Khawarij have inflicted on the Somali people.

The President urged the military that more efforts and sacrifices are needed to ensure the common goal of ridding the country of Khawarij.

The President prayed to God to shower mercy on the veterans who lost their lives in the war while wishing good health to those injured who sacrificed their lives for the defense of their country and people.

The president awarded a bravery medal to Major General Abdi Kafi Dayib Ahmed, Commander of the Birjeh Brigade of the Jubaland Darwish Army, Major General Bashir Guhad Hassan, Commander of the Birjeh Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Abdi Shafeec.

The President has also promoted all the Birjeh Brigade of the Jubaland Dervish Army who have poured blood on the Kharijites who have wasted the blood of the Somali nation.

The President of the Government of Jubaland, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam, was accompanied by the officials of the various councils of the Government and Sheikh Abdiqani Korane, who encouraged the troops in the righteous war they are fighting and urged them to be closer to God in order to rid the country of the Khawarites. the horror.
Jul 24 (Jowhar.com) In a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Somalia, a senior Al-Shabaab militant, Abdi Mohamed Araye, has surrendered to security forces in Bulo Mareer town, Lower Shabelle region.

Araye, also known as Abdirashid, was a high-profile operative of the militant group and had been active in the region for over 14 years. He was responsible for collecting extortion payments for the group, which has been known to use violence and intimidation to fund its activities.

Arayes surrender comes at a critical time when the Somali government, along with its international partners, has been intensifying military operations against Al-Shabaab. The group, which aims to overthrow the Somali government and establish an Islamic state, has been responsible for numerous attacks and acts of violence in the region.

During his surrender, Araye expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged that the end of the militant group is approaching. He cited the increasing military pressure and community reprisals as reasons for his decision to turn himself in. This development is seen as a significant blow to Al-Shabaab and a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia.

In a show of solidarity and support for the security forces, President of Jubaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, visited the Dervish forces following their historic victory in securing the surrender of Araye. The President commended the efforts of the security forces in combating terrorism and reiterated the commitment of the government to eliminate Al-Shabaab from the region.

The surrender of a high-profile militant like Araye is a positive sign that the tide may be turning against Al-Shabaab in Somalia. It also highlights the importance of community engagement and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

As the Somali government continues to work towards stabilizing the country and improving security, the surrender of militants like Araye serves as a reminder that there is still hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for Somalia.
( Middle East Monitor )  Targeting a school during a war could be justified as, or at least argued, to have been a mistake. But striking over 120 schools, and killing and wounding thousands of civilians sheltering inside, can only be intentional, with each attack a horrific war crime in its own right.

Between 7 October last year and 18 July, Israel has done precisely that, targeting with total impunity UN infrastructure in the besieged Gaza Strip, including schools and medical centres. According to the estimates of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), at least 561 internally displaced Palestinians sheltering in UNRWA buildings have been killed and 1,768 have been wounded since the start of Israels war. Within just ten days between 8 and 18 July, at least six UNRWA schools serving as makeshift shelters for displaced Palestinians were targeted by the Israeli army, resulting in the killing and wounding of hundreds.

Middle East Eye Video: Israeli parliament passes bills to close Unrwa, labels it terrorist organisation

Historically, UN-linked organisations have been more or less immune from the impact of wars. The privilege of being neutral outsiders to any conflict allowed those affiliated with such organisations to carry out their duties largely unhindered. The Israeli war on the Palestinians in Gaza, however, is the primary exception among all modern conflicts. According to UN sources, 274 aid workers and over 500 healthcare workers linked to the international organisation have been killed by the Israeli occupation forces.

These figures are consistent with all other statistics produced by the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. Indeed, not a single category of people has been spared: neither doctors nor civil defence workers, mayors or even traffic police, let alone the children, women and elderly.

It was obvious from the very start of the war that Israel wanted to criminalise all Palestinians.

Not only those affiliated with Hamas or other groups, but also the civilian population and any international organisation that came to their aid. Blaming and dehumanising all of Gaza was and remains part of Israels strategy that lets its army operate without any restraints, and without even the most minimal moral threshold or respect for international law.

However, the Israeli attacks on all UN institutions, in particular UNRWA, the agency responsible for the welfare of Gazas Palestinian refugees, serve a different purpose than that of mere collective punishment. Israel does not attempt to mask or justify its attacks on the agency as it did during previous Gaza wars. This time around, the Israeli war was accompanied, from the very beginning, with the outlandish accusation that UNRWA staff had participated in the 7 October cross-border incursion by Hamas and other Palestinian groups.

Without providing any evidence, Tel Aviv launched an international vilification campaign against the UN agency which has, for decades, provided essential educational, medical and humanitarian services to millions of Palestinian refugees, not only in occupied Palestine, but also in refugee camps in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Sadly, and tellingly, some Western, and even non-Western governments, answered the Israeli call to punish UNRWA by withholding badly-needed funds, the urgency of which did not only stem from the direct impact of the Israeli war, but also the acute famine resulting from the war. UNRWA depends almost entirely on such voluntary donations from UN member states.

True, a number of governments eventually resumed their funding of the agency, but such action was only taken when much damage had already been done. Moreover, most, if not all, Western governments have taken no action against Israel for its continued targeting of UNRWA facilities, and thus the killing of hundreds of innocent Palestinians in the process.

This non-committal attitude has emboldened Israel to the extent that, just this week, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) passed the first reading of a bill to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organisation. On 18 July, Israeli spokesman David Mencer accused the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, of being a terrorist sympathiser.

Israels hate for UNRWA, however, stretches back long before the current war.

For years, successive Israeli governments, not least with the aid of the Donald Trump administration in the US, have sought to shut down the agency altogether.

Jared Kushner, Trumps former advisor on the Middle East, said in January 2018 that it was important to have an honest and sincere effort to disrupt UNRWA. For him, the dismantlement of the agency meant the eradication of the legitimate Right of Return for Palestinian refugees.

Indeed, the issue is not just about UNRWA, but rather the historic role the agency has played as a reminder of the plight of millions of Palestinian refugees in occupied Palestine, the Middle East and across the world.

UNRWA was established through General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949. The founding of UNRWA came one year after the passing of UN Resolution 194, which granted Palestinian refugees the right to return to their homes. Although UNRWAs mission has turned into a de facto permanent mandate (albeit one that has to be renewed periodically), since Palestinian refugees were not granted their right of return, the role of the agency has remained as critical as it was decades ago.

Since Kushner and others have failed to have UNRWA shut down, the Israeli government has taken advantage of its war on Gaza to try to do so. According to Israeli logic, without a UN agency specifically for Palestinian refugees, there must be no more Palestinian refugees, so the issue of their return would lose its main legal platform and would ultimately disappear. This would give Israel the space and leverage to resolve the problem of the refugees in any way it sees fit, especially if it has Washingtons full support.

Israel must not be allowed to dismantle UNRWA or to dismiss the generational struggle of Palestinian refugees, which is the core of the Palestinian fight for justice and freedom. The international community must challenge Israels vilification of UNRWA and insist on the centrality of the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees. Without it, no real peace is possible.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.
( Tomdispatch.com )  The Biden campaign drove the Democratic Party into a ditch and speculation is rampant about grim prospects for the election. But little scrutiny has gone into examining how such a dire situation developed in the first place.

Joe Biden was on a collision course with reality long before his abysmal debate performance led to his withdrawal from the race. Several current and former officials and others who encountered him behind closed doors noticed that he increasingly appeared confused or listless, or would lose the thread of conversations, the New York Times reported five days after the debate. Some had noticed the glaring problem months earlier but kept quiet.

A culture of dubious loyalty festered far beyond the Biden White House. It encompassed Democratic leaders at the Capitol and across the country, as well as countless allied organizations and individuals. The routine was to pretend that Bidens obvious cognitive deficits didnt exist or didnt really matter.

Because his mental impairment was so apparent to debate viewers, some notable Democratic dissenters in Congress stepped up to oppose his renomination. But for weeks, relatively few colleagues followed the lead of Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett, who broke the congressional ice by calling for Biden to make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw.

Heads in the Sand

Acuity came from Julian Castro, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Obama administration, who kept up a barrage of cogent tweets. One message referred to Bidens unique political liability and warned: Its not going to get any better  and has a high risk of scrambling the race again, sealing Dems fate. Burying our heads in the sand wont assuage voters concerns, which have been painfully obvious for years.

A literal heads-in-the-sand photo was at the top of a full-page print ad that the Dont Run Joe team at RootsAction.org (where Im national director) placed in The Hill a year and a half ago. Headlined An Open Letter to Democrats in the House and Senate, it said: Many of your colleagues, and maybe you, are expressing public enthusiasm for another Biden presidential campaign in on-the-record quotes to journalists  while privately voicing trepidation. This widespread gap ill serves the party or the nation There are ample indications that having Joe Biden at the top of ballots across the country in autumn 2024 would bring enormous political vulnerabilities for the ticket and for down-ballot races. No amount of spin can change key realities.

But the spin never stopped and, in fact, went into high gear this summer with Biden trying to make his candidacy a fait accompli. Meanwhile, the culture of loyalty kept a grip on the delegates wholl be heading to Chicago in mid-August for the Democratic National Convention. As the second week of July began, CNN reported that a host of party leaders and rank-and-file members selected to formally nominate Biden said they were loath to consider any other option. A delegate from Florida put it this way: There is no plan B. The president is the nominee. And thats where I and everyone that Ive been talking to stands  until and unless he says otherwise.

The lure of going along to get along with high-ranking officials is part of the Democratic Partys dominant political culture. I saw such dynamics up close, countless times, during my 10 years as a member of the California Democratic Partys state central committee, and as a delegate to three Democratic National Conventions. I viewed such conformist attitudes with alarm at meetings of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Democratic Rubber-Stamping

Larry Cohen, former president of the Communications Workers of America, has been on the DNC since 2005. Currently the national Democratic Party exists in name only, and is largely the White House and a nominating procedure for the president, he told me. The internal life is in the 57 state and territorial parties, and important reform efforts are visible in many of them. Cohen added: Its the rules and not just the rulers, and the Democratic Party compares poorly to centrist parties in other democracies, especially with the domination of corporate and billionaire money in our nominating process at every level of government.

Pia Gallegos, co-founder and former chair of the Adelante Progressive Caucus of the New Mexico Democratic Party, summed it up this way: The culture of the Democratic Party at the national level is top-down in the sense that it appoints the members of its committees rather than opens committee membership to elections among the DNC delegates  and then expects its delegates to rubber-stamp approval of those appointments.

Gallegos, who chairs the board of RootsAction, is on the steering committee of the nationwide State Democratic Party Progressives Network, an independent group that formed last year. Democratic parties at the state level also have policies or traditions to appoint local committee members or national committee representatives, consequentially pushing out their more progressive or reformist members from positions of power, she said. In short, the Democratic Party leadership appears to be more concerned with maintaining their control of the party than with promoting democracy within the party.

When it comes to their decision-making, some state parties have headed in more democratic directions  or the opposite. Ive seen firsthand that the nations largest one, the California Democratic Party, has steadily become more autocratic for over a decade.

Overall, big donors and entrenched power are propelling the Democratic Party.

After Judith Whitmer became an active DNC member as chair of the Nevada Democratic Party, she got a close look at the committees inner workings. Todays Democratic Party is run by consultants and operatives who tightly control every aspect of the DNC, she texted me. The big-tent party that champions democracy is actually a small circle of insiders who hold all the power by maintaining the status quo. Dissenting opinions are not welcome. Progressives are ostracized, and the everyday voter no longer has a voice.

In early 2021, a progressive insurgent campaign enabled Whitmer to be elected chair of Nevadas Democratic Party. Powerful Democrats in the state, outmaneuvered by that grassroots organizing, quickly transferred $450,000 from the Nevada partys coffers to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and set up a parallel state organization. Two years later, the erstwhile party establishment retaliated by crushing Whitmers reelection bid.

In a Word: Undemocratic

Subduing progressive power is a key goal of dominant party leaders as they gauge when and where to strike. While nominally supporting the two-term progressive congressman Jamaal Bowman for reelection in his New York district last month, powerful party elders nonetheless winked and nodded as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee poured some $15 million into backing a corporate pro-war Democrat against him.

The Democratic Party is, in one word, simply undemocratic, Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of the national activist group Our Revolution, told me. The illusion of party unity fostered by Biden and Bernie [Sanders] four years ago is gone. In fact, the donor class feels emboldened to wage war openly with progressives, especially after defeating Jamaal Bowman.

I saw the illusion of party unity playing out at sessions of the Unity Reform Commission that the DNC convened in 2017. The calculus was that the strength of Bernie Sanders forces, then at high ebb, had to be reckoned with. The commission had a slight but decisive majority of members aligned with Hillary Clinton, while the rest of the seats went to allies of Sanders. While the commission did adopt some modest reforms, the majority balked at substantive DNC rules changes that would have provided financial transparency or prevented serious conflicts of interest.

Overseeing the blockage of those changes was Jennifer OMalley Dillon, the commission chair, who later worked for three years as deputy chief of staff in Joe Bidens White House. She went on to become the Biden campaign chair.

The Democratic Party now functions through foundation-funded advocacy organizations, and without the kind of self-funded mass membership groups that had a genuine voice with real power when the labor and civil rights movements were strong, journalist David Dayen wrote in early July for the American Prospect. If you read the polls, the interests of the public and the donor class are actually aligned in favor of Bidens withdrawal. But given whos making that case, it sure doesnt feel that way, nor does it feel particularly small-d democratic. That makes it easy for Biden to fall back on the will of the people who voted in Democratic Potemkin primaries, because outside of that, the people are voiceless.

Money in Charge

Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America, had this to say when I asked him to describe the partys political culture: While the Democratic Party is a complex organization with a lot of dimensions, I think the role of money  and, more specifically, the never-ending need to raise more money  has become its central organizing principle. This, of course, skews the priorities of the party in a conservative direction. Democrats who can raise money comparable to the levels raised by the GOP are seen as indispensable to the party, and grow in power and influence In turn, these powerful money-raising Democrats have little use for anyone inside the party who is perceived as jeopardizing the flow of money  such as left-progressives and other advocates for the poor and working class.

Minsky added:

As these dynamics became central to the party over the past few decades, the rich and powerful grew in influence, and the general political culture reflected the priorities of the professional class rather than the working class, a sharp contrast to the mid-20th century, which was the height of the partys power and influence.

However, since the GOP only turns ever more to the right, progressives and working-class advocates continue to stake a claim in the Democratic Party. Paradoxically, since these non-wealthy groups represent the majority of the population, they also provide the best opportunity for the party to regain its majority status. However, from the point of view of the partys dominant faction, and their legions of highly compensated consultants, this is an unacceptable outcome as it would shut down the gravy train.

The Democratic National Committee building on South Capitol Street in Washington is a monument to the funding prowess of multibillionaire Haim Saban, who became the chair of the capital campaign in late 2001 to raise $32 million for the new headquarters. He quickly donated $7 million to the DNC, believed to be the largest political donation ever made until then.

Haim Saban has long been close to Bill and Hillary Clinton. By 2016, Mother Jones reported, Saban and his wife Cheryl  in addition to hosting lucrative fundraisers  had given upward of $27 million to assorted Clinton causes and campaigns.

Saban and Joe Biden also bonded. When Saban had an appointment at the White House last September, the visit was supposed to last an hour, as part of lunch, but in practice he spent three hours with the president and his people, the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronoth reported.

Reasons to reaffirm warm relations with the likes of Haim Saban were obvious. Presumably, the president remembered that a single virtual fundraiser the Sabans put together for the Biden-Harris campaign in September 2020 brought in $4.5 million. In February 2024, with the Gaza slaughter in its 135th day, the Sabans hosted a reelection fundraiser for the president at their home in Los Angeles. The price of a ticket ranged from $3,300 to $250,000. An ardent Zionist, Saban has repeatedly said: Im a one-issue guy, and my issue is Israel.

This summer, while Biden fought to retain his spot as nominee, fervent support from the Congressional Black Caucus seemed pivotal. The CBC has changed markedly since the 1970s and 1980s, when its leadership came from visionary representatives like Shirley Chisholm, John Conyers, and Ron Dellums. Then, the caucus was antiwar and wary of corporate power. Now, its overwhelmingly pro-war and in willing captivity to corporate America.

With President Biden in distinct denial about his unfitness to run again, the role of the Congressional Progressive Caucus was accommodating. Its chair, Pramila Jayapal, endorsed him for 2024 gratuitously early  in November 2022  declaring herself a convert. Since then, some high-profile progressives went out of their way to back Biden in his determination to run for reelection.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Biden a year ago, went in front of journalists 10 days after his debate disaster to make a vehement pitch for him as the nominee. In a similar mode, Senator Bernie Sanders was notably outspoken for Biden to stay on as the partys standard-bearer, even implausibly claiming on national television that, with a proper message, hes going to win, and win big.

When some of the best progressive members of Congress fall under the spell of such contorted loyalty, its an indication that deference to the leadership of the Democratic Party has come at much too high a price.

Copyright 2024 Norman Solomon

Via Tomdispatch.com
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a master of misdirection, the technique master illusionists use to divert the viewers attention from the trick and to pull the wool over their eyes. He uses his slick American accent, his bulging eyes, his rhetorical flourishes, his maniacal certainty, to fool people whenever and however he can.

Netanyahu, the Butcher of Gaza, boasted of destroying the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords that would have resulted in a Palestinian state and an Israeli withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territories by 1997. He has consistently attempted to annex Palestinian private property and covertly has paid for a movement of Israeli squatters onto Palestinian land. He has engaged in collective punishment of innocent noncombatants in order to quash any resistance to his vast acts of grand larceny. He bankrolled Hamas for a decade with Egyptian and Qatari funds deposited in Israeli accounts, which he transferred to Gaza, in hopes of taming the organization by giving it Gaza as a fief. He thereby hoped to continue to split the Palestinians, most of whom support instead the secular, nationalist Palestine Liberation Organization. Most Israelis recognize that Netanyahus brain-dead policies led to the October 7 terrorist attack.

One of the twenty-first centurys worst war criminals, responsible for more deaths of innocents and children than Russias Vladimir Putin, Netanyahu needs a bright shiny object to distract the world from the threat his racist, fascist Likud-led government, armed with 200 nuclear devices, poses to the planet.

Ben Norton at The Real News Network has reviewed Netanyahus long history of blatant warmongering lies:

In 1990, when Netanyahu was deputy foreign minister of Israel, he alleged that Iraqs nuclear program was fast accelerating. In December, 1990, he said on the NBC News Today Show of Iraqs ruler Saddam Hussein: The question is, really, how do we ensure that these weapons of destruction, these missiles, these chemical weapons, the nuclear program that is fast accelerating in Iraq, that these do not pose a threat in the aftermath of the crisis, assuming, assuming it gets out of Kuwait? This is an issue for the entire international community.

Iraqs chemical weapons were used on Kurds and on Iranian troops but were not in a form where they could be deployed outside the country. Iraq engaged only in anemic and sporadic nuclear experimentation that never amounted to anything (they did not have centrifuges, then or later). Iraq was a ramshackle third world country, not a threat to Europe or the United States. Netanyahu just had a wish list of wars he wanted other people to fight for him, and his exaggerations and fantasies were tools toward that end.

Netanyahu addressed a US Congressional hearing September 2002, saying:

If you take out Saddam, Saddams regime, I guarantee you that it will have enormous positive reverberations on the region. And I think that people sitting right next door in Iran, young people, and many others, will say the time of such regimes, of such despots, is gone. There is a new age, something new is happening.

Actually, all the Arab countries are dictatorships, monarchies or failed states after the disastrous US invasion and occupation of Iraq, which left tens of thousands of veterans wounded and killed 4,492 US military personnel. The US operation in Iraq gave rise to ISIL, which roiled the region for several years and conducted terrorism against France, Belgium and other countries to which Saddam Hussein had posed no challenge.

As for Irans ayatollahs, the US destruction of the Baath regime in Iraq and the installation of a Shiite-majority government strengthened them enormously.

Netanyahu told Congress:

Two decades ago it was possible to thwart Saddams nuclear ambitions by bombing a single installation. But today nothing less than dismantling his regime will do, because Saddams nuclear program has fundamentally changed in those two decades. He no longer needs one large reactor to produce the deadly material necessary for atomic bombs. He could produce it in centrifuges the size of washing machines that can be hidden throughout the country. And I want to remind you that Iraq is a very big country.

He told Congress before the Iraq War, There is no question whatsoever that Saddam is seeking and is working and is advancing towards the development of nuclear weapons. No question whatsoever. And there was no question that once he acquires it, history shifts immediately. There is no question that he had not given up on his nuclear program. None whatsoever. There is also no question that he was not satisfied with the arsenal of chemical and biological weapons that he had and was trying to perfect them constantly. Saddam is hellbent on achieving atomic bombs, atomic capabilities as soon as he can.

Netanyahu also said, The two nations that are vying, competing with each other, who will be the first to achieve nuclear weapons, is Iraq and Iran. And Iran, by the way, is also outpacing Iraq in the development of ballistic missile systems that they hope will reach the Eastern seaboard of the United States within 15 years. Now, the question is whats your next step, knowing that three of these nations are developing nuclear weapons? This is not a hypothesis. It is fact. Iraq, Iran, and Libya are racing to develop nuclear weapons.

None of them were racing to develop nuclear weapons. None. And none have the capacity to hit the US with missiles. It is all intense and delusional fearmongering.

Once the US military was on the ground in Iraq, it became clear that it had never had a serious nuclear weapons program, and the little it had was mothballed by UN inspectors in 1995. At the time that Netanyahu was speaking, Iraq had no centrifuges or any enrichment program of any sort. It was all smoke and mirrors, as tissue-thin and insubstantial as a paranoid nightmare. All those no questions were expressions of a false certainty or outright lies.

Heres an interview Norton pulled up that Netanyahu gave on Iraq after 9/11:

INTERVIEWER: Youre making a connection between the Taliban and Iraq.

NETANYAHU: Yes, I am. Im saying that the, if you look at those who harbor terrorists, and those who support terrorists, and-.

INTERVIEWER: I guess I was looking for a connection between September 11, and my understanding why we went to the Taliban is it was a connection there, they were harboring somebody that we believed did the act of September 11.

NETANYAHU: Yes, thats the first reason why you did it, and-.

INTERVIEWER: Now youre going to take me from September 11 to Iraq, somehow?

NETANYAHU: Yes, but Im saying something else. Im saying the connection is not whether Iraq was directly connected to September 11, but how do you prevent the next September 11? . . . And to the various critics, especially overseas, believe that a clear connection between Saddam and September 11 must be established before we have a right to prevent the next September 11, well, I think not.

I once saw on the web a captured Iraqi document from Saddams secret police warning of how dangerous Bin Laden and al-Qaeda were and putting out an all points bulletin for any al-Qaeda operatives in Iraq. Saddam was afraid of those people, not in cahoots with them. We know that the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq had absolutely no plans or possibly even the capacity to stage a terrorist attack on the United States homeland. Iraq was secular and Arab nationalist. There was no connection with or resemblance to the fundamentalist Pushtun-speaking Taliban or the equally fundamentalist al-Qaeda. Netanyahu was just pulling things out of his ass, to drag the U.S. into a Middle East war that would break the legs of Iraq, then a significant military power. As Norton pointed out, he even asserted that the US needed no casus belli to go to war with Iraq. Apparently paranoid suspicions are sufficient. Which explains a lot.

Iraq was not the only butt of his calumnies. In 2012, Norton shows, Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly, By next spring, at most by next summer, at current enrichment rates, they will have finished the medium enrichment and move on to the final stage. From there its only a few months, possibly a few weeks, before they get enough enriched uranium for the first bomb. A red line should be drawn right here, before Iran completes the second stage of nuclear enrichment necessary to make a bomb.

Iran has had a civilian nuclear enrichment program since 2000. If it wanted a nuclear weapon, it could have one by now. In fact, the CIA has repeatedly assessed that Iran has no military nuclear program and cannot be shown to be trying for a bomb.

Netanyahu has long tried to get the US into a war with Iran: Obviously wed like to see a regime change, at least I would, in Iran, just as I would like to see in Iraq. The question now is a practical question. What is the best place to proceed? Its not a question of whether Iraqs regime should be taken out, but when should it be taken out? Its not a question of whether youd like to see a regime change in Iran, but how to achieve it. The application of power is the most important thing in winning the war on terrorism. The more victories you amass, the easier the next victory becomes. The first victory in Afghanistan makes a second victory in Iraq that much easier. The second victory in Iraq will make the third victory that much easier, too.

Those victories in Afghanistan and Iraq turned quickly to dust in Americas mouth, and if the US government ever allowed the wily Netanyahu to trap it into a war with Iran, it might well bankrupt the Republic for no gain.

Netanyahu tried to derail the 2015 UNSC nuclear deal with Iran, in which it mothballed 80% of its nuclear enrichment program in return for sanctions relief. Netanyahu successfully pushed US Republicans to refuse the sanctions relief, helping derail the treaty. He then went before the UN again, saying, Well, tonight Im here to tell you one thing: Iran lied. Big time. After signing the nuclear deal in 2015, Iran intensified its efforts to hide its secret nuclear files.

UN inspections repeatedly showed that Iran was carefully abiding by the terms of the nuclear deal. Netanyahu was just making shit up again. Norton quotes Robert Kelley, the former inspector for the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the falsity of Netanyahus claims: I thought many of the things that he presented were very childish. I would think that a country like Israel that has its own nuclear weapons, and has scientists who must be pretty competent, would be able to look at the information we were shown and say right away, well, this is garbage. He presented very early in the presentation a drawing which was supposed to be an illustration of a nuclear device. And you look at that drawing, its a cartoon, its a joke. You look at this and you see its completely amateurish, completely childish, and trying to make something very important out of something thats not important at all.

When Trump got in, Netanyahu whispered into his ear that he should rip up the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump did with alacrity. As a result, Iran felt stabbed in the back. It never got sanctions relief. Its leaders felt free to enrich uranium to higher levels than the treaty had allowed.

Having destroyed the best chance for denuclearizing Iran, Netanyahu will now tell Congress to go to war against that country because there is no question that Tehran is attempting to get a nuclear bomb with which to attack the United States.

Netanyahu has all the variation in his speeches of a myna bird, and squawks just as annoyingly. After his decades of lies, misrepresentations, undermining of the US governments foreign policy, and now his maniacal genocide, no one in Washington should be willing to listen to a word he says.

Note that Netanyahu was afraid of having any layovers on his way to Washington in any civilized countries for fear hed be dragged off to the Hague for trial. Congress has brought eternal and indelible shame on itself by inviting this war criminal to address it.
VANCOUVER, BC, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Callinex Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Callinex") (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of $2,094,409 (the "Financing"), which represents an oversubscription of $594,409 of the originally announced financing (see news release dated July 10, 2024).

The Financing consists of (i) 753,412 hard dollar units (the "HD Units") at a price of C$1.25 per HD Unit (the "HD Offering Price") for gross proceeds of up to C$941,765; and (ii) 543,700 Manitoba flow-through units (the "FT Units") at a price of C$2.12 per FT Unit (the "MB FT Offering Price") for gross proceeds of up to $1,152,644.

Each HD Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole such common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share and one-half of one transferrable Warrant to be issued on a non-flow-through basis. Each Warrant is exercisable into one additional common share (a "Warrant Share") for two (2) years from closing at an exercise price of C$2.00 per Warrant Share.

The securities issued will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four months and day from the date of issue. In connection with the Financing, the Company paid a finders' fee of $3,750 to a registered finder.

Michael Louie, an insider of the Company, has subscribed for 20,000 HD Units for gross proceeds of $25,000. The issuance of the HD Units to the insider is considered a related party transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the participation by the insider will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization.

The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Pine Bay Project, Manitoba. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the Flow-Through Shares effective December 31, 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of the HD Units will be used by the Company for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In addition, further to the Company's news release dated May 28, 2024, the Company confirms that it entered into an investor relations agreement with Joseph Gray. Mr. Gray's term is for a period of three months and, if not terminated, will be automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis. Additional details on the engagement are set forth in the news release dated May 28, 2024.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Callinex Mines Inc.

Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of base and precious metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The focus of the portfolio is highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow deposit at its rich VMS Pine Bay Project located near existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District. Callinex prepared an indicated mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 3.44 Mt grading 3.59% CuEq for 272.4 Mlb CuEq (238.3 Mlb Cu, 56.9 Mlb Zn, 37.6 koz Au, 692.8 koz Ag, 2.3 Mlb Pb), an inferred mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 1.28 Mt grading 2.95% CuEq containing 83.4 Mlb CuEq (72.1 Mlb Cu, 19.5 Mlb Zn, 11.1 koz Au, 222.2 Koz Ag, 0.8 Mlb Pb) and an inferred mineral resource at the Pine Bay deposit of 1.0 Mt grading 2.62% Cu containing 58.1 Mlb Cu (see news release dated July 10, 2023). The second asset in the portfolio is the Nash Creek Project located in the VMS rich Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. A 2018 PEA generates a strong economic return with a pre-tax IRR of 34.1% (25.2% post-tax) and NPV8% of $230 million ($128 million post-tax) at $1.25 Zinc (see news release dated May 14, 2018). The third asset, 100% owned Point Leamington Deposit in Newfoundland, is located in one of the richest VMS and Gold Districts in Canada. Callinex prepared a pit constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.0 Mt grading 2.5 g/t AuEq for 402 koz AuEq (145.7 koz gold, 60.0 Mlb copper, 153.5 Mlb zinc, 2.0 Moz silver, 1.5 Mlb lead), a pit constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 13.7 Mt grading 2.24 g/t AuEq for 986.5 koz AuEq (354.8 koz gold, 110.2 Mlb copper, 527.3 Mlb zinc, 6.2 Moz silver, 7.0 Mlb lead) and an out-of-pit Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.7 Mt grading 3.06 g/t AuEq for 168.5 koz AuEq (65.4 koz gold, 13.3 Mlb copper, 102.9 Mlb zinc, 1.4 Moz Ag, 2.6 Mlb lead) (see news release dated October 25, 2021).

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.

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, completing the private placement financing, the ability to complete the proposed drill program and the timing and amount of expenditures. Except as required under applicable securities laws, Callinex does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
VANCOUVER, BC, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. ("Metalla") or ("Company") (NYSE American: MTA) (TSXV: MTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Cho as President of the Company, effective immediately.

Brett Heath, Chief Executive Officer of Metalla, stated, "The Board is pleased to have someone of Jason's caliber joining the team. As a highly respected mining professional with 25 years of sector expertise, Mr. Cho adds meaningful capital markets, technical, finance, and strategic expertise. Throughout his extensive career, he has shown a commitment to shareholder value, and will be aligned through a significant personal equity investment into the Company. Jason's strong industry relationships will be instrumental in continuing Metalla's growth going forward."

Mr. Cho commented, "I am enthusiastic to partner with Brett and the Metalla team at such a pivotal time as the Company advances its path towards building a leading royalty company and more fully realizes value within its existing portfolio of high quality assets."

ABOUT JASON CHO

Mr. Cho is an accomplished mining executive with over 25 years of broad based experience in engineering, corporate finance, portfolio management and corporate development focused on the mining and materials sector. He most recently held the position of Executive Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development with Eldorado Gold from 2013 to 2023 and led over $4 billion in M&A; various equity, debt and project financings; and restructuring. He previously spent over fifteen years in investment banking and institutional sales & trading (Merrill Lynch, UBS Securities), proprietary trading (TD Securities), and engineering (AMEC) focused on natural resources. Mr. Cho holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and is a professional engineer and professional geoscientist (BC and ON).

JASON CHO PRIVATE PLACEMENT

Concurrent with his appointment as President, the Company is also pleased to announce a C$1.0 million equity investment by Mr. Cho into the Company, for the acquisition of 250,000 common shares of Metalla (the "Shares") at a price of C$4.00 per Share by way of private placement (the "Placement"). The closing of the Placement is subject to the receipt of approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American LLC. The proceeds of the Placement will be used for general working capital purposes. The Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day from issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AND OPTION GRANT

Effective July 23, 2024, Metalla has granted, in accordance with the Company's share compensation plan, an aggregate of 250,000 restricted share units (each "RSU") and an aggregate of 150,000 stock options ("Options") to Mr. Cho. The RSUs will vest in four equal installments annually from the date of grant, and Options vest in two equal installments, twelve and twenty-four months from the date of grant. Each vested RSU will entitle the holder to receive one common share of the Company or the equivalent cash value thereof and each vested Option will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$4.14 for a period of five years and are subject to vesting provisions.

ABOUT METALLA

Metalla was created to provide shareholders with leveraged precious and strategic metal exposure by acquiring royalties and streams. Our goal is to increase share value by accumulating a diversified portfolio of royalties and streams with attractive returns. Our strong foundation of current and future cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced team, gives Metalla a path to become one of the leading royalty companies.

For further information, please visit our website at www.metallaroyalty.com.

ON BEHALF OF METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

(signed) "Brett Heath"

Chief Executive Officer

Website: www.metallaroyalty.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "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. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements of management regarding Mr. Cho's future contributions to the Company; the completion of the Placement; the receipt of the stock exchange approvals for the Placement; the expected use of proceeds from the Placement; the vesting and settlement of the RSUs; the vesting and exercise of the Options; the expectations generally of Metalla regarding the property owners/operators and the authors of relevant technical reports and studies with respect to the mineral projects in which Metalla has an interest, including without limitation, estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves and updates thereto, production, mine life, NPV, IRR, costs, drilling, development, permitting, water sourcing, commodity mix and prices, and the timing thereof; future opportunities and acquisitions; future exploration, financing, development, production and other anticipated developments on the properties in which the Company has or has agreed to acquire an interest; future growth, increased share value, cash generation and returns; and Metalla having a path to becoming a leading gold and silver royalty company.

Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Metalla to control or predict, that may cause Metalla's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: that the expectations regarding Mr. Cho's future contributions to the Company will not be realized; that the Placement will not be completed; that the stock exchanges will not approve the Placement; that the proceeds from the Placement will be used differently than announced; that the RSUs will not vest or be settled; that the Options will not vest or be exercised; the absence of control over mining operations from which Metalla will purchase precious metals or from which it will receive stream or royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans are refined; problems related to the ability to market precious metals or other metals; industry conditions, including commodity price fluctuations, interest and exchange rate fluctuations; interpretation by government entities of tax laws or the implementation of new tax laws; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Metalla holds a royalty or stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; risks related to global pandemics, including the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Metalla; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the volatility of the stock market; competition; future sales or issuances of debt or equity securities; use of proceeds; dividend policy and future payment of dividends; liquidity; market for securities; enforcement of civil judgments; and risks relating to Metalla potentially being a passive foreign investment company within the meaning of U.S. federal tax laws; and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual information form, annual report on Form 40-F and other documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. Metalla undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Omega Pacific Resources Inc. (CSE:OMGA) (OTCQB:OMGPF) (FSE:Q0F) ("Omega Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce initial drill results from its 2024 drill program at the Williams Property in British Columbia's Golden Horseshoe. These intervals from the Phase 1 program confirm the potential of high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold mineralization on the Property (Figure 1).

Highlights

Drill hole WM24-01 intersected the highest grades at Williams so far within bulk-tonnage mineralization including: 6.22 g/t Au over 18.98 m, within 3.16 g/t Au over 44.32 m, within 1.69 g/t Au over 104.08 m (Table 1 and Figure 2)

WM24-01 successfully undercut and extended the mineralization noted in hole WM22-02 (CopAur Minerals Inc Press Release August 16, 2022)

WM22-02, which historically reported 2.2 g/t Au over 50m ending in mineralization, has been re-entered and extended - assays are pending

Omega Pacific's CEO Jason Leikam commented, "Our Phase 1 program is off to a great start at Williams and we are thrilled to see high-grade mineralization manifest in our very first hole. The 6.22 g/t Au over 18.98 m demonstrates the presence of high-grade mineralization at the GIC Prospect, a region of our property which has demonstrated strong results during previous drill campaigns. For Phase 1, we deployed a targeted and methodical drilling strategy that focused on this region of the Property. With the impressive results from this first hole, we are excited to receive further assays throughout the summer as we continue realizing the potential of our project. Our goal has always been to drive shareholder value through strong execution, and we are thrilled to deliver this news to our committed shareholders. It's an exciting time for Omega Pacific and we are one step closer to delivering a premier asset in the heart of BC's Golden Horseshoe."

Drill Results at GIC

The GIC Prospect represents a >3 km long target with overlapping gold-copper rock and soil anomalism and chargeability/resistivity anomalies from induced-polarization (IP) geophysical surveys. This area is marked by the "Park Gossan" and occurs proximal to the contact between volcanic and intrusive rocks and large-scale faults all of which are critical to mineralization elsewhere in the Golden Horseshoe. It has seen limited historical exploration drilling of ~2,300 m.

Phase 1 of the 2024 drill program was designed to follow-up on the historical results of WM22-02. The 2024 drill holes are planned to trace that mineralization to depth and to the east and west. The first hole of the 2024 program (WM24-01) was drilled at a steeper angle to undercut the historical results by approximately 50 m with the intention of drilling deeper to get the full thickness of mineralization - WM24-01 succeeded in both of these goals.

Figure 1: Plan map of the GIC Prospect showing 2022 and 2024 drill holes on bedrock geology. Drill hole WM22-03 intersected 4.64 g/t Au over 8 m.

WM24-01 was drilled underneath WM22-02 intersecting the targeted mineralization at approximately 250 metres downhole and continuing for over 100 m. This mineralization was centered on a black basaltic unit with several phases of quartz veining and pyrite mineralization. The highest grade mineralization, 6.22 g/t Au over 18.98 m, is hosted within this unit. Gold mineralization continues above and below this basaltic unit in intermediate volcanic rocks which are highly silicified and variably pyritized. Gold mineralization continuing into these intermediate volcanic rocks helps define a bulk-tonnage target for GIC with 1.69 g/t Au over 104.08 m. The overall thickness of altered and silicified volcanic rocks exceeds 300 m suggesting a large hydrothermal system has affected the rocks at GIC which, combined with the >3 km strike length, represents a large target for continued exploration for high-grade and bulk-tonnage mineralization.

Historical assays from WM22-02 included 4.2 g/t Au over 10.5 m within a broader interval of 2.2 g/t Au over 50m ending in mineralization. This hole was successfully re-entered and extended as part of the 2024 Phase 1 program (WM22-02 (ext)) allowing Omega to complete drilling of the historical intercept. The above noted basaltic unit continued beyond 300 m (original hole depth) and transitioned into heavily silicified and pyritized intermediate volcanic rocks much like WM24-01. Assays are pending for WM22-02 (ext) which will add to the historically reported 2.2 g/t Au over 50 metres.

Figure 2. Cross-section of drill holes WM24-01 and WM22-02 (ext) with current gold results on IP chargeability. Note pending assays for WM22-02 (ext).

Select Assay Results WM24-01 Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) WM24-01 301.22 320.2 18.98 6.22 within 276.91 321.23 44.32 3.16 within 248.92 353 104.08 1.69

Table 1. Select assay intervals from drill hole WM24-01. True thicknesses of mineralization are not known given the early stage of exploration. A complete list of all drill results to date will be posted to the Company's website at OmegaPacific.ca.

Drill Collar Locations HoleID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m) WM24-01 572769 6408008 1655 0 -57 503 WM22-02(ext) 572769 6408010 1655 0 -50 From 300-502

Table 2. Current drill hole information.

Omega Pacific's summer 2024 drill program is designed to drill up to 2,000 m at the GIC Prospect of the Williams Property. The company will report on additional program results over the summer season as it receives assays.

Corporate Update

Additionally, Omega Pacific has retained Machai Capital Inc. ("Machai") to provide digital marketing services (the "Engagement"). Machai will provide certain digital marketing services in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the Canadian Securities Exchange and other applicable legislation.

Machai is a marketing, advertising and public awareness firm specializing in the mining and metals, technology and special situation sectors. It assists companies in branding, content creation and data-optimization to create in-depth marketing campaigns. Machai is able to track, organize and execute its plan through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing and Brand Marketing.

The Engagement has an initial term of up to 12-months, Machai will have a marketing budget of up to 200,000 Euros ($300K CAD) paid in cash. Machai currently owns 687,500 share purchase warrants and 150,000 common shares. Machai Capital Inc. is 100% owned by Suneal Sandhu and can be reached This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Machai is at arm's length to Omega Pacific Resources and has no other relationship with the company except pursuant to the Engagement.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Measures and Analytical Procedures

Omega Pacific adheres to a strict QA/QC monitoring program that includes the insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample stream, as well as the re-submission of select samples for check assays by an independent third party laboratory. Drill core is cut in-half with a diamond saw, with one-half placed in sealed bags and shipped to the laboratory and the other half retained on site. Third party laboratory checks on 5% of the samples are carried out as well. Chain of custody is maintained from the drill to the submittal into the laboratory preparation facility.

Core samples were prepared and analyzed by ALS Labs in Kamloops and Vancouver, BC using Fire Assay methods on a 30g split with an atomic absorption finish. Gold assays exceeding 10 g/t were re-assayed with a gravimetric finish. Samples were also analyzed for a 48-element suite via mass-spectrometry with a four acid digestion.

The Company adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines for exploration related activities conducted on its property. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures are overseen by the Qualified Person.

Qualified Person

Robert L'Heureux (P.Geol.), Director of Omega Pacific Resources, is the "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. L'Heureux oversees exploration planning and execution at the Williams Property.

About Omega Pacific

Omega Pacific is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of mineral projects containing base and precious metals. The Company recently acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Williams Property, located in the Toodoggone region of the Golden Horseshoe. The Golden Horseshoe is a prolific area of British Columbia known to host many gold, copper and silver deposits. The Company also holds an option on the Lekcin Property, located 120 km east of Vancouver, BC.

For more information, please contact:

Omega Pacific Resources Inc.

Jason Leikam, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel: +1 (778) 650 4255

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws including statements about the Company's plans. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of beliefs, assumptions, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change, except as required by law.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Uranium Corp. (CSE: GURN | OTC PINK: GURFF | FRA: Q3J) (the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to C$3,000,000 (the Offering).

The Offering is expected to consist of the offering of: (i) units of the Company at a price of $0.35 per unit (the $0.35 Unit) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000, with each $0.35 Unit comprised of one non-flow-through common share of the Company (each, a Share) and one Share purchase warrant of the Company entitling the holder to acquire one Share (each, a Warrant Share) at a price of C$0.45 per Warrant Share for a period of twenty-four months from the date of issuance (the Non-Flow Through Offering); and (ii) units of the Company at a price of $0.40 per unit (the $0.40 Unit) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,000,000, with each $0.40 Unit comprised of one flow-through common share (each, a FT Share) and one Share purchase warrant of the Company entitling the holder to acquire one Warrant Share at a price of C$0.45 per Warrant Share for a period of twenty-four months from the date of issuance (the FT Offering). The FT Shares issued under the FT Offering are intended to qualify as flow through shares within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Tax Act).

The Company intends to use the net proceeds raised from the Offering to fund exploration activities on the Companys projects, including at the Northwest Athabasca Project, and general and administrative expenditures, including investor awareness and promotional expenditures, and for general working capital purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used to incur Canadian exploration expenses that are intended to qualify as flow-through mining expenditures as those terms are defined in the Tax Act, which the Company intends to renounce to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares.

All securities issued in the Offering will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period. Closing of the Offering is subject to the Companys receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Offering is expected to close on or about August 30, 2024.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

ABOUT GLOBAL URANIUM CORP.

Global Uranium Corp. focuses on exploring and developing uranium assets primarily in North America. The Company currently has an interest in two uranium projects in Canada: the Northwest Athabasca Project in the Northwest Athabasca region of Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Wing Lake Property in the Mudjatik Domain of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has also entered into an agreement to acquire five other uranium projects in several regions of Wyoming, USA, including the Great Divide Basin District, the Gas Hills District and the Copper Mountain District.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

S. John Kim

S. John Kim

CEO and Director

604-359-1248

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Offering, including the total anticipated proceeds, the expected use of proceeds, the Companys expectation that the FT Shares will qualify as flow-through shares as defined in the Tax Act, the Companys intention to renounce the flow-through mining expenditures to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares and the closing (including the proposed closing date) of the Offering. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including the assumption that the Company will close the Offering on the timeline anticipated, will raise the anticipated amount of gross proceeds from the Offering and will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated (including to incur Canadian exploration expenses). Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include: the risk that the Offering does not close on the timeline expected, or at all; the risk that the Company raises less than the anticipated amount of gross proceeds from the Offering; the risk that the Company does not use the proceeds from the Offering as currently expected, including that the Company does not utilize the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares to incur Canadian exploration expenses such that the Company may renounce flow-through mining expenditures to initial purchasers of the FT Shares; the risk that the FT Shares do not qualify as flow-through shares as defined in the Tax Act; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to receiving requisite permits and approvals, changes in project parameters or delays as plans continue to be redefined, that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and that the results of mineral exploration may not be indicative of the actual geology or mineralization of a project; that mineral exploration may be unsuccessful or fail to achieve the results anticipated by the Company; operational risks; regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits; financing, capitalization and liquidity risks; title and environmental risks; and risks relating to the failure to receive all requisite regulatory approvals. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.






Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Authorities in Illinois have released shocking footage of a White Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy killing a black woman who called 911 fearing an intruder was in her home.

Illinois State Police said Sonya Massey, who is Black, called 911 in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 6, to report a suspected intruder outside her house in Springfield, Illinois, with two officers showing up at the property.

Body cam video shows Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two sitting on her couch, volunteering to give the deputies some paperwork and looking for her ID.

Deputy Sean Grayson then notices a pot on the stove, asks Massey to check on it, and gives Massey permission to move it. He says they don't need a fire in the house.

The video then shows Massey turning off the flame on the stove and picking up the pot.

"Where are you going?" Massey is heard saying. "Away from your hot, steaming water," Grayson says.

"Away from my hot steaming water?" Massey seems to say in the video. "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

"What?" Grayson says.

"I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey says.

"You'd better f***ing not. I swear to God, I'll f***ing shoot you right in your f***ing face," Grayson says.





He then raises his gun, a 9mm pistol, and yells at Massey to "drop the f***ing pot!"

Massey is seen apologizing and ducking for cover, at which point Grayson shoots her. Three shots are heard in the video.

Grayson did not activate his body camera until after firing the shots, Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser said. But his partner had his on and captured shots.

After the shooting, Grayson allegedly advised his partner not to give medical aid to Massey because of the severity of her injuries. When the other deputy says he is going to get his med kit just after the shooting, Grayson is heard saying: "She's done. You can go get it, but that's a headshot."

Soon after that, Grayson is heard saying to the other deputy: "What else can we do? I'm not taking a pot of boiling water to the f***ing face, and it already reached us."

Grayson then leaves to get his med kit, as the other officer says they can at least try to stop Massey's bleeding.

It was also gathered that Grayson claimed that Massey had boiling water and came at him with boiling water.

Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail while he awaits trial.





"(The video) is going to shock the conscience of America. It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional," civil rights attorney Ben Crump said. "This sheriff's deputy was twice as large as Sonya. Why would you have to use a gun to shoot her in the head?"

Watch the video below




Wednesday, July 24, 2024  President William Rutos daughter, Charlene, has been forced to set the record straight about her foundation, named SMACHS.

This is after it emerged that SMACHS has been soliciting funds from individuals attending the Kenya-Israel Agricultural Exchange Program.

In a statement, Charlene denied that SMACHS is involved in a scheme to solicit funds from the attendees of the program.

According to the Charlene-led foundation, the organization was only involved in facilitating the identification of a cohort to undergo the Program.

Additionally, SMACHS confirmed that the foundation was one of the institutions mandated to recruit individuals who would undertake the program in Israel, where 45 were identified.

 As part of the recruitment campaign, SMACHS Foundation alongside other institutions was mandated with the task of identifying young trainees for The MASHAV Agricultural Training Program.

As a result, we were able to identify and send 25 individuals in the first cohort, and 20 individuals in the second Cohort, SMACHS stated.

SMACHS further clarified that contrary to earlier allegations made by several individuals, no funds were solicited from the participants.

As a non-profit organization, we do not solicit funds from any individuals for any opportunities, partnerships or training activity whatsoever; read the statement in part.

Additionally, SMACHS denied any involvement with an individual purported to have been collecting bribes from individuals on behalf of the organisation.

Kenya sent 210 agriculture trainees to Israel on an 11-month airlift project under the Mashav Agricultural Training Program in August 2023.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Comedian and actor, Pete Davidson has revealed the one drug he still cant give up after getting clean from other addictive drugs.

In August 2023, reports revealed that Davidson, 30, dabbled with ketamine to treat his depression.

At the time, the Saturday Night Live alum was fresh out of rehab after seeking help to deal with his PTSD and borderline personality disorder.

Speaking via the Daily Mail, Davidson said;

I cant quit [weed] yet. Its all I have left, the comedian told the crowd at his Pete Davidson: Rehab Tour

I did coke and ketamine and fking all the pills and all that st. All I have is weed left, so its almost over, but Im holding on for a little bit longer.

Months before seeking help, Davidson was involved in a crash with then-girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders in March 2023.

At the time, Davidson was travelling 100 miles per hour down a Beverly Hills neighbourhood in his Mercedes-Benz when he hit a fire hydrant and slammed into the garage of a home, police records revealed.

The actor spoke about the accident after hearing that the charges against him had been dropped.

Davidson said he didnt see a stop sign and decided to ram into the home instead of a pedestrian he nearly missed.

I saw the house and I was like, I dont think you could die if you hit a house. Usually in sitcoms they just go right through it, he said, per the Daily Mail.

So, I swerved and I aimed for the house and I actually hit the garage pretty good. Even at my worst, Im pretty fking spot on.

Davidson admitted he was so scared of potentially going to jail.

The cop came, he was all pissed because I drove into a structure, he explained. I was freaking out, and I had to calm myself down.

As a punishment, the Suicide Squad star was required to complete 50 community service hours and a safe driving course.




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has revealed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has withdrawn summons over incitement allegations.

In a post on his X page, Babu, who had been summoned to appear before DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road on Wednesday, shared a screenshot of the DCI's communication showing that he was no longer required to avail himself.

The firebrand Orange Democratic Movement MP said he had planned to attend to show up at DCI offices accompanied by his advocates, several Members of Parliament, and supporters from across Kenya.

"I was to be accompanied by my advocates, MPs and the people of Kenya, but it appears news of our visit in our thousands prompted them to recall their invitation," Babu Owino said.

"I reiterate that we shall not be intimidated into silence.

"No matter the price, we are ready to pay it."Babu Owino added.

Babu had also been summoned over money laundering claims.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - It is now emerging that the local police were kept in the dark when the government deployed rogue police officers to unleash terror on residents of Zimmerman and Githurai on Tuesday night.

According to investigative journalist Chris Sambu, a high-ranking police officer stationed in the area informed him that the local police were not aware of the clandestine operation.

It is not my officers, it is not us, I can tell you that for sure, the senior police officer said.

Sambu said he spotted plain-clothed officers from a dreaded police killer unit being dropped in the area in a Maroon Ford double-cabin pickup.

Rogue cops teargassed women and kids and used live bullets to unleash terror on the residents.

The media was gagged but several videos taken by the residents and shared on social media shows rogue police officers brutalizing anyone they came across.

Read Sambus post on X.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has thrown his weight behind Gen Z amid ongoing anti-government protests.

In a statement, Savula expressed firm backing for the demands of youthful protesters.

Savula urged President William Ruto to act rather than frustrate the young generation that has been on the streets demanding better governance.

I support the Gen Zs; we do not need dialogue. Dialogue for what? We just need actions.

"The demands raised by Gen Zs were to dissolve the cabinet, which was done; another one was to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024, and it was withdrawn; the other condition was not to recycle the cabinet secretaries, Savula noted.

Savula expressed frustration at Ruto reappointing some of the cabinet secretaries he had fired, noting that it goes against the demands raised by the youths.

Anyone can be a CS, as long as you have an ID and have gone to school.

"What was so special about Kithure Kindiki, Aden Duale, and Davis Chirchir that they got reappointed? Gen Zs were killed when Kindiki was in office; they demanded Kindiki be removed and arrested, he stated.

In the Gen Z-led movement, Kenyans have been protesting both online and, on the streets, demanding accountability and better governance.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, July 23, 2024  Donald Trump blames US President, Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not properly protecting him during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania where a gunman fired at the former president and killed an attendee.

Trumps allies have floated conspiracy theories about an assassination plot orchestrated by the administration after allegations emerged that the Biden administration had rejected pleas from the former president for extra security.

On his Truth Social on Tuesday, July 23, Trump revived those claims by directly placing the blame on the president and Kamala Harris for the threat to his life.

The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy,. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!

His post comes after Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her role as director of the US Secret Service after widespread demands for her exit in the wake of the shooting.

She stepped down one day after she testified to a congressional committee about law enforcement failures at the rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, where one rally attendee was killed and at least two other people were critically injured.

She never gave me proper protection, so I ended up having to take a bullet for democracy, Trump told Fox News Digital after her resignation on Tuesday.

Many requests were made by on-site Secret Service for more people, always with a turndown or no response, he added. I have the biggest crowds in history, and they should be treated accordingly.

Trumps claims are absolutely false, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said hours after the shooting.

In fact, we added protective resources and technology and capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo, he said.

But a week after the shooting, the Secret Service acknowledged that it had turned back some requests to increase security around the former president, raising fresh questions about the state of Trumps security protections.

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, Gugliemi said on Saturday. This may include utilizing state or local partners to provide specialized functions or otherwise identifying alternatives to reduce public exposure of a protectee.

Trump, also said he did not receive any warning of a problem from Secret Service agents after some rallygoers said that they saw a gunman on a nearby roof and tried to warn law enforcement.

No, nobody mentioned it, nobody said there was a problem, he said in the interview. They couldve said, Lets wait for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, five minutes, something. Nobody said. I think that was a mistake.

He also appeared to float a conspiracy theory that the 20-year-old gunman who fired at him had some encrypted phone numbers and to foreign countries.

You hear all different stories, Trump told Fox News. I would say probably he was a loner, but you dont know that. You have to check out the phone numbers, you have to check out the phone.




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Prominent car dealer Khalif Kairo has been described as a traitor by Generation Zoomers (Gen Zs) for going to bed with President William Rutos government.

Kairo, who owns an exotic car yard along Kiambu Road, was among those who initiated the 'Occupy Parliament' protests.

However, midway, he was approached by state operatives and allegedly bought off with "three coins of silver," like Judas Iscariot.

In the last three weeks, he has been siding with the government, which has irked the Gen Zs who have vowed to teach him a lesson.

The Gen Zs are planning to raid Kairos car yard and burn everything to the ground.

Suppliers wameweka magari zao huko Kai and Karo wanafaa kuanza kuzitoa.

"Naskia watu wanaplan kwenda huko kuzichapa mawe na kuzichoma wakidhani ni za Kairo. #UnfollowKairo, wrote one of Gen Z identified as Gitz on X .

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, July 23, 2024  US Vice President, Kamala Harris raised a record-breaking $81 million for her presidential bid in the first 24 hours after President Biden announced he would not seek reelection and then endorsed her.

According to Harris campaign, more than 880,000 donors contributed to Harris campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and joint fundraising committees.

The historic outpouring of support for Vice President Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections, Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz said in a statement. 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.

Munoz added that 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.

It represents the largest 24-hour sum reported by either side in the 2024 campaign.

Money raised for the Biden-Harris ticket was transferred to Harris new presidential campaign. The ticket had raised $296 million through June 30, according to the Federal Election Commission, while Trump had raised $221 million.

Speaking to campaign staff in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris acknowledged the rollercoaster of the last several weeks but expressed confidence in her new campaign team.

It is my intention to go out and earn this nomination and to win, she said.

She promised to unite our Democratic Party, to unite our nation, and to win this election.








Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo has urged the National Police Service to allow the Gen Z protests, arguing that they are a major tourist attraction.

During a Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting on Monday, Millie Odhiambo claimed that if the police cease their brutality against Gen Z protesters, the protests could become a significant tourist attraction due to the unique way the protesters dance and behave.

"You have told us that the demonstrations are keeping tourists away.

"But I actually think it's the opposite.

"If you can do away with the police beating demonstrators and the goons that are somehow infused; why? Because Ugandans will come here, Nigerians will come to see our Gen Zs are actually demonstrating with style.

"They are good; they dance, and they do it peacefully, with no destruction.

"So we can actually use it to bring more tourists. Just be nice to the Gen Z," Millie said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, July 23, 2024  Tesla CEO Elon Musk has opened up about his child who transitioned from male to female and dropped his surname.

Musk said his estranged transgender daughter was "killed" by the "woke mind virus" after he was tricked into agreeing to gender-affirming care procedures.

In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Dr. Jordan Peterson, the X owner called gender-reassignment surgery "child mutilation and sterilization."

He then discussed his 20-year-old child Vivian Jenna Wilson, who he said underwent the gender reassignment procedures during the pandemic.

"I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys," Musk told Peterson in a Daily Wire interview during which he referred to his child by their former name.

"This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on, and we had COVID going on, so there was a lot of confusion and I was told (Musk's child) might commit suicide."

The SpaceX founder claimed the process is done to children "who are far below the age of consent" and said he agreed with Peterson's belief that anyone who promotes the practice should go to prison.

"I was tricked into doing this," Musk said. "I lost my son, essentially. They call it 'deadnaming' for a reason. The reason they call it deadnaming is because your son is dead."

Musk went on to say that the experience set him on a mission.

"I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that," Musk said. "And were making some progress."

Recall that Elon Musk's estranged child was legally granted her name and gender change at age 18 at the Santa Monica courthouse in California on June 22, 2022.

She said the name change was due to gender identity and an apparent dislike of her father Musk, according to a petition filed on April 18, 2022, in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

"I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form," Wilson wrote in the petition.

Wilson's mother is Justine Wilson, a Canadian author who divorced Musk in 2008; the couple shares six children.






Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Two of Tekashi 6ix9ine's luxury cars were sold to the highest bidders at a government auction after being seized by the IRS from his Florida estate. The auction concluded on Tuesday with significant sums garnered for both vehicles.

The rapper's 2019 Lamborghini Urus fetched an impressive $175,043, while his 2017 Bentley Continental GT Speed was sold for $85,500. These vehicles were among the assets seized by IRS agents in April when they raided 6ix9ine's Lake Worth home.

Both luxury cars are known for their distinctive rainbow paint-splatter custom wraps and were registered to Tekashi's brother, Oscar Osiris Hernandez, leaving no doubt about their ownership.

The Bentley, which had 38,803 miles on it, featured shattered front windows, a red leather interior, and red rims. The new owner might opt for an exterior change, but the cars unique features will likely remain a highlight.

Meanwhile, the Lamborghini Urus, with 49,294 miles on the odometer, boasted a black leather interior equipped with TV screens in the back of the headrests.

The total amount raised from the sale of the cars was $260,543, which will be directed towards settling Tekashi 6ix9ine's IRS debt. While the exact amount he owes remains unclear, the proceeds from the auction will make a significant contribution towards it.






Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Russia is now offering a record-breaking signing-on bonus for new recruits to fight in Ukraine, in the latest sign of a scramble to boost Russian troop numbers.

The enticement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin struggles to recruit soldiers for his army as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its third year.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin introduced the one-time signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles (about $22,000) for city residents who join the military, according to a statement on Tuesday night, July 23.

Anyone taking up the offer would earn as much as 5.2 million rubles ($59,600) in their first year of service, the statement read in part.

Those willing to join the fight in Ukraine can also receive one-time cash payments of about $5,690-$11,390 for injuries, depending on the severity, and the family of a soldier killed in action could be paid $34,150.

It is estimated that Russia has lost 87% of the active-duty ground troops it had prior to launching its invasion of Ukraine and two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks, a source familiar with a declassified US intelligence assessment provided to Congress revealed in December last year.

As personnel deaths mount, the Kremlin is looking for fighters to send to the front.

Putin has ordered the countrys military to increase troop numbers by 170,000, which would take the overall number of Russian military personnel to more than 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops, according to a decree published by the Kremlin in December.

That equates to boosting the Russian armys size by 15% and marks the second such expansion of the army since Putin launched its invasion.

Putin initially ordered an immediate partial mobilization of Russian citizens in September 2022 following a string of defeats that caused recriminations in Moscow. The mobilization meant citizens who were military reservists could be called up and that those with military experience were subject to conscription.

The war has sparked an exodus of military-age men fleeing the country to avoid joining the war.




Wednesday, July 24, 2024  Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas bid for African Union Chairmanship has taken another twist.

This is after President William Ruto allegedly sponsored a former UDA presidential candidate to challenge Baba for the AU chairmanship.

Dr. Jephnei Orina Nyakwama has thrown his hat into the ring for the AU chairmanship position, igniting a competition.

The former UDA presidential aspirant announced his candidacy on Monday, aiming to challenge Raila, who is allegedly being backed by Rutos government.

Orina expressed his motivation behind this bold move, criticizing the current candidates for not representing the continent's youth.

"They don't represent the aspirations of the populace, which is primarily youth. Africa's median age is 19.7 years," Orina stated.

Despite his enthusiasm, Orina faces an uphill battle against heavyweights like Raila, who has recently fallen out with Ruto after he refused to join his Government of National Unity.

The race for the AU's top job often turns into a tug-of-war among member countries, each pushing their preferred candidates.

With the AU set to elect its new leaders in early 2025 and the registration deadline looming on August 6, the competition is intensifying.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Julius Bitok has issued a statement explaining the decision by President William Rutos government to have the digital identity cards dubbed Maisha card.

This is after Kenyans raised serious questions after it emerged that they will be renewing their IDs every 10 years.

Maisha Card has a 10-year expiry date.

However, the government has explained that the renewal is standard practice for IDs that contain digital chips across several countries.

Holders will need to renew their National ID cards every ten years. This is a standard practice in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and France, among others that have implemented an ID with a microchip, stated Bitok.

Applicants seeking renewal of expired National ID cards will not be required to undertake fresh biometrics. However, they will retake their passport-sized photos due to potential changes in facial features over the years.

Furthermore, while responding to concerns raised by civil society, Bitok stated that the government developed them for several reasons among them being compliance with best practices.

According to Bitok, the Maisha ecosystem complies with regional and international best practices on the standardisation of essential features of personal registration documents including the National ID Card.

Secondly, the government instituted the cards in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements on cross-border identification documents.

Additionally, the government cited that the Maisha cards have enhanced security features making it difficult to forge and tamper with.

Further, the Maisha cards have digital features that enable the creation of a digital version of the National ID Card.

Another reason that the government provided for the development of the Maisha Cards includes database consolidation where the government can create a master national register, negating the need for multiple and separate personal registration records

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - A young man who went missing on July 17, 2024, after he was released from Central Police Station has been found dead.

Frankline Ondwari, 27, was arrested and taken to Central Police Station after he was caught protesting in the Nairobi CBD.

He was later released, never to be seen again.

The victim was reportedly found hanging in the washroom at his rented house, leaving his family devastated.

His body was hanging lowly with his feet touching the ground.

He also had marks of being beaten.

Franklines family had circulated his photos on social media hoping to find him and even sought the help of the mainstream media to look for their son.

His body was taken to the city mortuary.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - The High Court of South Africa, Johannesburg has sentenced a man, Ronald Ngobeni, 31, to life imprisonment for the heinous crime of murdering his 5-year-old son, Rivoningo Capu and an additional two years for obstructing justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson for Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, Phindi Mjonondwane, in a statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, said the sentences will run concurrently.

Ngobeni has been in police custody since 10 October 2022.

The police investigation, led by Warrant Officer Koko, revealed that Ngobeni deceived his son's grandparents by promising to return the child after buying clothes but instead brutally murdered the 5-year-old on 07 October 2022.

The accused fabricated a story about leaving the child with a street vendor, but the vendor denied any involvement. The 5-year-old's decomposed body was later discovered in a shallow grave with a fatal head injury.

Ngobeni testified in mitigation and pleaded for a lenient sentence, apologising to the court and the mother of his son.

However, Senior State Advocate Thami Mpekana successfully argued that Ngobeni's crime was premeditated and that he failed to provide a convincing explanation for his actions.

The state also presented a victim impact statement from the mother of the 5-year-old, Emihle Capu, who described the devastating impact of her son's death on her life.

She revealed that her mother, the grandmother to the deceased, was 8 months pregnant when her son was murdered and lost the child she was carrying due to the trauma and stress of the crime.

In delivering the verdict, Judge Karam emphasised that individuals like Ngobeni are a danger to society and that a life sentence was necessary to protect the community.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence handed down to Ronald Ngobeni, ensuring that justice has been served for the senseless murder of his innocent son, Mjonondwane added.




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has told the Kenyan Gen Zs to stop blaming President William Ruto for the woes facing the country.

Speaking during an interview, Njeri sought to clarify the root causes of youth unemployment and system inefficiencies, which has forced the Gen Zs to revolt against Rutos government, distancing the current government from blame.

"I dont understand the frustration of the young people because, factually speaking, the high rate of unemployment and system failure we are experiencing is not the making of the Kenya Kwanza government," Maina stated.

"We have had successive governments, and if you look at how we have been doing things, the young people are telling us that the system is no longer working, but the system is not working anymore because, quote and quote, it has been created that way by the Kenyan government."

Njeri emphasized the need for a candid national dialogue, urging all stakeholders to acknowledge the historical context of Kenya's systemic issues.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - In a determined effort, detectives in Kisii South have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against trafficking in narcotics after apprehending the prime suspect who escaped a police dragnet in the wee hours of July 10, 2024, abandoning a drug-laden motor vehicle Reg. No KDP 353U.

While on routine patrol along the Kisii-Migori highway, the officers spotted a speeding Nissan Xtrail heading towards Kisii town but when signalled to stop, the vehicle initially slowed down and then bolted like a bat out of hell, running over spikes at the roadblock.

In a high-octane chase, the officers pursued the suspects vehicle, which eventually skidded off the road and landed in a ditch. Three occupants fled the scene and vanished into a nearby thicket leaving behind the vehicle.

Upon searching the abandoned vehicle, the officers recovered several sacks of a green substance suspected to be cannabis sativa weighing 112.8 kg, with an estimated street value of Sh 3,384,000.

After toiling and moiling for days, the search for the suspects bore fruit yesterday when detectives, acting on a tip-off, managed to smoke out the main suspect, Samuel Omondi Audi 36, from his hideout in Kibera, Nairobi.

The suspect has been arraigned as the search for his accomplices continues.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - A teenage girl who had been missing for nearly two months after she disappeared from her familys Michigan home in May was found Sunday, July 21, living with and engaged to an older man she had just met, officials said.

According to the Kent County Sheriff's Office, Penelope Penny Wise, 17, was reported missing by family members after she ran away from her Cedar Springs home around 6 p.m. on May 31.

She was last seen on security footage walking alone near a bar in Rockford around midnight on June 1.

Wise met a 44-year-old man that night and she moved in with him, the sheriffs office said Monday, July 22, in an update to her missing persons case.

The teen was believed to have voluntarily left her home, but in the nearly two months since she was spotted near the bar, there was not a trace of the girl anywhere.





She had not been seen by either bystanders or security cameras in the area, leading to a massive search by investigators from the FBI, US Marshals Service, Michigan State Police and the Rockland Department of Safety.

We believe she intentionally walked away from home, but due to the length of time and no sightings, KCSO (Kent County Sheriffs Office) and her family are concerned for her well-being, the sheriffs office said in a June 7 update.

Despite the help from other law enforcement agencies and volunteers, additional on-the-ground searches and an open tipline for information about Wise, investigators had no leads into her disappearance until Sunday morning.

An observant community member called police around 11 a.m. on July 21 after seeing the teen girl riding a bike and recognizing her from the missing persons flyers.





Investigators responded and learned that Wise had been living with the unnamed man 27 years her senior since the night she ran away from home.

She had first met him around 2 a.m. June 1 and had been living in his house from that same day until this past Sunday, July 21, when she left the home on a bike and was spotted by the resident.

Investigators also learned that Wise and the man had gotten engaged in the time between her disappearance and this weekend.

They said the teenage girl was located safe and sheriffs detectives are still investigating the case.

The Kent County Prosecutors Office has not authorized any charges against Wises new fiance, according to M Live.




Wednesday, July 24, 2024  President William Rutos Cabinet offer to Raila Odingas Azimio has split ODM right in the middle.

Raila had warmed up to Ruto's call for a national dialogue and was ready to form a government of national unity with him.

In the proposed broad-based government, reports indicate that Ruto offered Odinga several Cabinet slots which now seem to have split leaders in the Orange party.

In a statement yesterday, Governor James Orengo was the first to fire a salvo at the proposed agreement, terming it 'treachery and political cannibalism.'

"Taking a cabinet secretary position in the name of ODM betrays the principles of the Constitution and the progressive movement which the party represents.

"It's absolute treachery and an act of political cannibalism," Orengo stated.

Saboti Member of Parliament seemed to agree saying that the former Prime Minister is surrounded by selfish individuals who are now scrambling to join the government.

"When I say Raila has had selfish individuals around him, I mean that every bigwig around him is scrambling to join the cabinet.

"They don't even care whether Baba gets the AU position or whether he goes home, as long as they join the cabinet. Some are even calling Ruto directly.

"I think we were never on the same journey," remarked Amisi.

On the other hand, a section of leaders like Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai backed the dialogue call by Raila Odinga.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi openly criticized a faction of Azimio leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka who are opposed to dialogue and the formation of the proposed Government of National Unity while dragging former President Uhuru Kenyatta into the mix.

"I am not persuaded that Uhuru means well for us now.

"If he wanted to give us leadership, he would have given us leadership in 2022.

"Some of us today would be Cabinet ministers; I would not be a nominated member of parliament.

"I am also not persuaded that Kalonzo is taking us anywhere," said Mbadi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Former Cabinet Secretary, Moses Kuria, has urged Generation Zoomers (Gen Zs ) to shift their focus from urging President William Ruto resign and enter dialogue to have their grievances addressed.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kuria said Gen Z must now ensure those who lost their lives in their quest to have a better country did not do so in vain.

He noted that the issues raised by the young Kenyans are real and have a lasting impact.

Kuria said the national conversations going forward will be very different.

He, however, insisted that they must change focus because Tuesday's protests did not march the expected energy.

"Dear Gen Z. The issues you have brought forth are real and indelible.

"The national discourse will never be the same again.

"But let us face it - It's Over! Today was underwhelming," Kuria said.

"Focus should now shift from regime change to ensuring those whom we lost did not die in vain.

"It's time to dialogue about our surrender," Kuria added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, July 23, 2024  The father of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the young man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump, has spoken as he stepped out in public for the first time since the shooting.

Matthew Brian Crooks, 53, made the remarks as he was spotted leaving a grocery store on Monday, July 22, Fox News reported.

We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. Please, just give us our space, Crooks said as he loaded bag-loads of items into his car.





Were going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so  until then, we have no comment.

It marks the first time the dad has spoken out since his 20-year-old son opened fire with an AR-15 rifle during Trumps campaign rally in Butler, Pa. on July 13.

The would-be assassin was shot dead by a Secret Service counter-sniper just moments after he managed to clip the former president in the ear with one of his bullets.




Tuesday, July 23, 2024  US President Joe Biden has reacted to the killing of an unarmed Black woman by an Illinois sheriffs deputy in her house.

Sonya Massey, a mother of two, was shot dead by Sean Grayson, who had visited her house with another deputy after she called 911 to report a potential intruder earlier this month.

The horrifying incident was caught on a body camera and released to the public.

While the deputies and Massey, 36, first had a normal conversation, things took a turn for the worse when Grayson asked Massey to drop a pot of hot water, and then fatally shot her in the face.

Body cam video shows Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two sitting on her couch, volunteering to give the deputies some paperwork and looking for her ID.

Deputy Sean Grayson then notices a pot on the stove, asks Massey to check on it, and gives her Massey permission to move it. He says they don't need a fire in the house.

The video then shows Massey turning off the flame on the stove and picking up the pot.

"Where are you going?" Massey is heard saying. "Away from your hot, steaming water," Grayson says.

"Away from my hot steaming water?" Massey seems to say in the video. "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

"What?" Grayson says.

"I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey says.

"You'd better f***ing not. I swear to God, I'll f***ing shoot you right in your f***ing face," Grayson says.





He then raises his gun, a 9mm pistol, and yells at Massey to "drop the f***ing pot!"

Massey is seen apologizing and ducking for cover, at which point Grayson shoots her. Three shots are heard in the video.

Grayson did not activate his body camera until after firing the shots, Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser said. But his partner had his on and captured shots.

After the shooting, Grayson allegedly advised his partner not to give medical aid to Massey because of the severity of her injuries. When the other deputy says he is going to get his med kit just after the shooting, Grayson is heard saying: "She's done. You can go get it, but that's a headshot."

Prosecutors have said that Massey did not pose any threat to Grayson.

President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the deputy's actions and saying Sonya Massey "should be alive today."

"Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. 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," Biden said in a statement.

"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. Sonyas family deserves justice," he added.

Deputy Sean Grayson, who is white, has been indicted by a grand jury on first-degree murder and other charges.
THE Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has awarded 10,000 to the fantastic Sensational Kids in Kildare.

This support, through the Heart of the Community Fund grant round, will assist Sensational Kids in delivering vital front-line therapeutic supports for children with additional needs, ensuring that these children in need have access to vital supports when and where they need them.

The Heart of the Community Fund this year is awarding 930,000 ($1,000,000) to 93 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland to support their vital local activity. Made possible by generous philanthropic gifts and fundraising events of The Ireland Funds America, the largest chapter of The Ireland Funds, these grants exemplify the power of collective giving.

Karen Leigh, founder and CEO of Sensational Kids, said they are thrilled to be awarded a Heart of the Community 2024 grant.

Sensational Kids provides timely and impactful therapeutic supports to over 300 children weekly through our four child development centres in Kildare, West Cork, Mayo, and Monaghan, she said. This grant is vital in funding our core costs, enabling us to serve underserved children and help them develop essential skills for their future. We are very grateful for The Ireland Funds' continued support in achieving better outcomes for children across Ireland.

The Heart of the Community Fund strategically supports non-profits under The Ireland Funds four funding pillars: Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, and Peace and Reconciliation. Emphasising community integration and inclusion, this fund prioritised projects that centred around belonging and organisations addressing youth and family support needs.
Sean McCarthaigh

The family of a Galway woman who died after being struck by a motorcycle in Dublin city centre two years ago have appealed a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that no criminal prosecution should arise out of the fatal incident.

Marie Farragher Pollard (62), from Bruckey, Castlegar, Co Galway, suffered fatal injuries in the collision with the motorcycle which occurred at around 10.40am at the junction of Eden Quay and Beresford Place, Dublin 1, on November 11th, 2022.

The retired nurse and married mother of three, originally from The Neale, Co Mayo, died two days after the incident at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin, where she had been taken by ambulance for treatment.

The driver of the motorcycle was uninjured and did not require medical attention.

A senior Garda investigator told a brief sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Wednesday that a file on the case had been forwarded to the DPPs office since the previous sitting of the inquest into Ms Farragher Pollards death last December.

Detective Inspector Ken Hoare told the coroner, Clare Keane, that he understood Ms Farragher Pollard's family are appealing the DPPs decision in relation to the Garda file on the fatal incident.

Det Insp Hoare said the familys appeal meant the decision is now being reviewed by the DPP.

For that reason, he applied for a further six-month adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings were still under consideration.

Dr Keane granted the application and adjourned the case for an update to a date in January 2025.

Ms Farragher Pollard, who worked as a nurse at University Hospital Galway for many years up to her retirement in 2020, had travelled to Dublin to attend an exhibition.

At the opening of her inquest in June 2023, the deceaseds husband, Tom Pollard, gave evidence of formally identifying his wifes body.

The coroner also revealed that the results of a post-mortem examination showed Ms Farragher Pollard had died as a result of a traumatic head injury.
By Ellie Iorizzo, PA Los Angeles Correspondent

Actor Richard E Grant and the production company co-founded by British film director Sir Sam Mendes have both donated to prolong the life of a mother whose rare and very invasive cancer has spread.

A Bristol-based Go Fund Me page saw a 1000 donation from Withnail And I star Grant, while Neal Street Productions  founded by Sir Sam alongside producers Dame Pippa Harris and Caro Newling in 2003  donated 2000 to the cause.

The fundraiser was to help a mother named Summer, who had been diagnosed with an inoperable cancer and given just a few months to live.

Sir Sam Mendes co-founded Neal Street Productions in 2003 (Ian West/PA)

Summer, who shares a son named Emmett with husband Robin, is preparing to enrol herself onto The Aurora Clinical Trial in Southampton in the hope it will give her some more time with her family.

Oscar-nominated actor Grant has previously spoken about the death of his wife Joan Washington in September 2021, after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Grant married Washington in 1986, shortly after he had moved to London from Swaziland (now Eswatini) to pursue a career in acting. The couple had a daughter named Olivia.

Washington was diagnosed with lung cancer in late 2020 and told that she had 12 to 18 months to live, but died after eight months.

Richard E Grant and Joan Washington (Ian West/PA)

The fundraising page for Summer said: A few years ago Summer was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

The cancer, called Squamous Cell Carcinoma, is rare, very invasive, unresponsive to chemotherapy and there are very limited treatment options.

At that time Summer underwent intensive surgery to remove her bladder. We all thought everything would be ok.

Earlier this year, at a check-up for an unrelated matter, it became clear that the cancer had returned and moved to Summers lung.

Doing everything she could to fight this disease, Summer once again bravely underwent surgery. During the operation surgeons removed half of her left lung and some lymph nodes.

Last week it became clear that the cancer has progressed to the rest of Summers lung and treatment options available will be to prolong her life not save it.

The Support For Summer page has raised almost 22,000 out of the 50,000 target.
A gospel charity event held in Monasterevin recently was a great success, with 130 guests and a total of 800 raised.

Olayinka Akinkuolie, aka Yinka Miracle, is an accountant and gospel artist who organises a yearly event called Loud it for Jesus. It started last year and they raised over 1,000 for Childrens Health Foundation Ireland.

This years edition featured worship, praise, prayer, revival, a raffle and more on Saturday 13 July at Unit 2, Cowpasture, Monasterevin.

Yinka Miracle with family and friends at her event in Monasterevin

One of the beneficiaries was SOSAD (Laois), who received 500. SOSAD offer support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if you simply need to talk.

A further 300 was raised for the Elim Spring Foundation in Nigeria  a charity organisation providing free education, food, accommodation and clothing for less privileged children.

The event was an unforgettable day filled with passionate praise, worship, and a powerful call for revival.

According to feedback the event went very well and great improvement from last year, Olayinka said. People had great fun in the presence of God and were so blessed. Hopefully, it will be getting better by the grace of God.
The final report on the abuse and neglect of children, young people and adults in the care of the State and faith-based institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950 and 1999 is here.

Ive not yet read the whole thing, but I will. The history they reveal is a blight on New Zealand. Just a few extracts:

200,000 NZers in care were abused

Around 1 in 3 in care were abused

Some children were trafficked to members of the public for sex

Patients at Lake Alice were tortured

14% of all diocesan clergy were accused of abuse

Patients at Lake Alice were given electric shocks without anaesthetic

Lake Alice patients were also given painful and immobilising paraldehyde injections as punishment and emotional control.

Staff at the facilities encouraged fighting and abuse between the children

Children at facilities faced severe corporal punishment, sometimes inflicted with weapons and to the genitals

This is not history from 100 years ago. This is the second half of the 20th century.

So many New Zealanders who suffered at the hands of the state and faith-based institutions. It must not happen again.

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Stuff reports:

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has cut the excise tax on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), as she aims to make them more attractive as an alternative to smoking. Costello, who is also Customs Minister, has cut the excise rate on HTPs by 50% effective from 1 July  a move silently dropped on the Customs website. Costello refused to be interviewed by RNZ but a spokesman said she had made the move to reduce the cost of the products to encourage smokers to switch to safer alternatives. But Janet Hoek, a Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, told RNZ that the move seemed weighted in favour of the tobacco industry.

This is just common sense  you tax less harmful products less than more harmful ones to encourage substitution. This is why vaping is not taxed at the rate of tobacco  because vaping has led to a huge decrease in the smoking rate.

You need to recall there are two type of public health activists  those who will follow the science to reduce harm (ASH) and those who judge policies purely on whether or not they are good or bad for the industry they despise.

The CDC states:

The emissions created from heated tobacco products generally contain lower levels of harmful ingredients than the smoke from regular cigarettes. However, that does not mean heated tobacco products are safe.

Also a good article at The Conservation.

So you should not take up heated tobacco products if you do not smoke or only vape. But if you smoke then heated tobacco seems less harmful than burnt tobacco. There is less evidence on their level of harm than vaping, but the harm hierarchy broadly appears to be:

Smoking > Heated tobacco > Vaping > No nicotine products at all

And so what the Government is doing with tax is:

$1773/kg > $887/kg > no tax = no tax

So they are not signalling HTPs are less harmful than vaping, just less harmful than smoking.

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'The Idol' nominated for 'Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming' category

By KTimes

The drama "The Idol," which sparked controversy over its explicit content featuring Jennie of the idol group BLACKPINK, has been nominated for an Emmy Award.

The American Television Academy (ATAS) announced the nominees for the 76th Emmy Awards. Among them, the HBO series "The Idol" was nominated for "Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming."

Released in June last year, "The Idol" is a drama about the love, passion and world of the music industry centered around a pop idol.

The nominated scene features Jennie and Lily-Rose Depp dancing to the song "World Class Sinner." Jennie plays Diane, a friend and backup dancer to Jocelyn (played by Depp), performing highly suggestive choreography with the dancers.

In one of the scenes, she is seen dancing closely with a male character in a club, which led to discussions about the provocative nature of the content.

"The Idol" will compete in this category against John Carrafa's "Only Murders in the Building," Brooke Lipton's "Palm Royale" and Jennifer Hamilton's "Physical."

Jennie expressed her thoughts on her Hollywood debut in a video released by HBO after the first episode of "The Idol."

"I wasn't given much time to learn the choreography for the shoot, but it was something I had always done, so I was very grateful," she said.

The 76th Emmy Awards will take place on Sept. 15 (local time) in Los Angeles, U.S.

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.
By Baek Byung-yeul

The upcoming Disney+ series "No Way Out: The Roulette" will raise questions about how society should deal with issues that defy simple legal resolutions, the cast of the new series said Wednesday.

The eight-episode drama, which will be released on Disney+ worldwide and Uplus Mobile TV here, follows the story of Kim Kook-ho (Yoo Jae-myung), a notorious felon who is recently released from prison. The plot thickens when a mysterious figure offers a bounty of 2 billion won ($14.4 million) for Kim's death, setting off a tense narrative of survival and moral dilemmas.

Actor Cho Jin-woong plays detective Baek Joong-sik, who is tasked with protecting Kim, while Kim Moo-yul portrays attorney Lee Sang-bong, the criminal's legal representative. Yum Jung-ah plays An Myeong-ja, mayor of the fictional Hosan City.

Cho's detective character is conflicted by the task of protecting the felon. The actor said this series will spark various debates among viewers.

"There are clearly points that can't be resolved by law. I think the drama series sharply pinpoints that matter," Cho said during a press conference in Seoul, adding that the character he plays is a realistic detective that can be seen around us.

Yoo added, "I think our drama expresses the helplessness of everyone wanting to find a way out but not seeing an exit at every moment."

Yum also said the drama is about two-faced characters who are involved in a public murder-for-hire case for their own gain.

"An Myeong-ja is a character with duality. I had a lot of concerns because I had to express emotions that change each time," Yum said.

"No Way Out: The Roulette" was initially planned to star the late Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in "Parasite," as detective Baek. However, due to allegations of drug use last year, Lee decided to withdraw from the drama before filming began, leading Cho to step in and take over his role.

Cho expressed his desire to work hard for Lee's sake as well.

"I want to say that participating in this drama was like any other project, but it wasn't," he said. "There was great sadness. However, I thought I should contribute more rather than just dwelling on that, so I wanted to do well. I approached this work with the mindset of doing as much as I could, enough for his share, too."

Other cast members include Sung Yoo-bin, who plays the felon's son; Lee Kwang-soo as Yoon Chang-jae, a butcher trying to earn big money by killing the criminal; Kim Sung-choel as a pastor and Taiwanese actor Hsu Kuang-han as a killer who also tries to kill the criminal.

The new drama series will be available on the streaming platforms from July 31.
Exports by Korea's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increased 4.4 percent in the first half from a year earlier, driven by the strong performance of the cosmetics sector, data showed Wednesday.

Outbound shipments by 77,078 SMEs came to $57.1 billion in the January-June period, compared with $54.7 billion a year ago, according to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

By item, cosmetics exports jumped 30.8 percent on-year in the first half to $3.3 billion, the highest figure for the half yearly period, on diversification of trading partners as well as strong demand in the United States and China.

Outbound shipments of semiconductor manufacturing equipments advanced 14.7 percent to a record $1.9 billion, and exports of electronic appliance equipments gained 4.1 percent to an all-time high of $1.3 billion.

But auto exports dropped 10.6 percent on-year to $2.25 billion.

By nation, overseas shipments to the U.S. climbed 20.6 percent to $9.46 billion on strong demand for cosmetics, making the country the biggest buyer of Korean SME products for the first time.

Exports to Mexico increased 5.5 percent on-year to $1.4 billion on the U.S. nearshoring effect, and those to Thailand added 4.4 percent to $1.29 billion thanks to the popularity of Korean food and beauty products.

Exports to China, however, decreased 3.6 percent to $9.03 billion.

Data also showed that Korean SMEs exported $450 million online in the first half, up 23 percent on-year. (Yonhap)
By Lee Kyung-min

A group of unionized workers of Tongyang Life and ABL Life called on Woori Financial Group to guarantee continued employment and independent management of their employers, Wednesday, in what they said was the only recourse to avoid a vulturistic takeover by Woori.

Also among the demands was a meeting between union leaders and Woori Financial over the course of the due diligence of the two life insurers owned by Chinas Dajia Life Insurance Group. Dajia holds over 42 percent of Tongyang Life shares and a 100 percent stake in ABL Life.

Tongyang and ABL have total combined assets of 49.9 trillion won ($36 billion) as of end-March. Together they stand as the sixth-largest market player by asset size after Samsung, Kyobo, Hanwha, Shinhan and NH NongHyup. The acquisition will take shape, as indicated by a memorandum of understanding signed between Woori and Dajia last week. It will fortify Wooris insurance business, a decade after it sold off Woori Aviva Life in 2014.

The development followed Woori Financial opting out of an acquisition deal for Lotte Insurance, June 28, a move market watchers said was to prime the Tongyang and ABL acquisitions.

Woori Financial should guarantee Tongyang and ABL workers continued employment after the acquisition, the group said during a rally in front of the Seoul Government Complex in Gwanghwamun.

Also to be observed are previous agreements between management and unionized workers. We expect the independent management of the two firms to be evidenced by no corporate restructuring, affiliate spinoffs or hiring of subcontractors to outsource our jobs.

They criticized the Financial Services Commission (FSC) over what they characterized as a failed oversight of the problematic acquisition.

The FSC rushed to approve the acquisition with no consideration for the job security, basic rights to labor or the healthy growth of the two firms, they said.

Any further confusion or violation of labor rights will lead to a full-fledged, extended collective walkout.
Speakers foster counterforce against modern divisions around world

By Ko Dong-hwan

MANILA, the Philippines  Religious leaders, educators and philanthropists from the Asia-Pacific region emphasized the importance of love and unity regardless of nationality, religion or social rank to overcome global divisions and conflicts, according to the dignitaries at the First Asia-Pacific Family Peace Leadership Conference, Friday.

The key guests at the three-day event held by the Family Peace Association Asia-Pacific hailed from diverse professional backgrounds and countries but shared a common belief in the event's motto: "One Family Under God." The Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a non-government organization behind the association, has been promoting the motto since 2007. Moon Hyun-jin, the founder of the GPF, has been referring to the motto as the bedrock of a new civilization that the world now needs.

Antonio Ledesma, archbishop emeritus of the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, the Philippines, said in an interview with The Korea Times that the motto is a reminder of the Philippines history, where Christians and Muslims often clashed due to religious differences.

Both are religions of peace, Ledesma said. We should be one family when we all live in the same country.

He applied the same approach to the divided Korean Peninsula.

The division is temporary and arbitrary, he said.

In fact, the Korean Peninsula is only one culture and, you might also say, one homogeneous society. What must be prioritized, however, is to heal the memories, wounds and division that happened in the past.

To demonstrate the motto, some of the dignitaries and local Filipino youths visited Tatalon Balangay, Thursday, a local district in Quezon City with a large number of financially troubled households, to provide outreach services including medical checkups, haircuts, free food and blood donations. The visitors believed that their activities helped the community's residents not only appreciate the associations efforts but also boost their morale under the motto.

Erlinda Banega, president of the Senior Citizens Organization in Quezon City, has been helping the Tatalon community for years. What drove her devotion was the motto.

Some of the children and women in our community are malnourished. Some children are also unschooled, said Banega, a supporter of the association.

Were thankful for the associations assistance. Many people in this community dont know about God. They dont know about love, either, all because theyre still fighting with hardships. I believe the only way to help them is instilling the motto in their minds.

Michael Zablan, an engineering and math professor at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila and the conferences co-chair, said, We see no differences when we look directly into each others eyes."

He also joined the outreach activity in Tatalon Balangay, delivering a speech to the residents.

Zablan said that educations role is to circulate the motto through teachers and textbooks in schools so that youths can easily learn about it. That is why the conference has put together educators, philanthropists and representatives of model households in the Philippines to promote how the concept should be learned through systematic learning.

Were inching step by step toward that direction, he said. The future especially belongs to young people who will inherit the world. Its amazing how many local university students have traveled to Manila to help run the conference. They've shown up here because they genuinely aspired to the mottos value.

Samuel Salvador, the conferences chair and chairman of the Asia-Pacific Regional Peace Council of Professionals, also shared the importance of youths learning the motto. He said that K-pop bands can be a good medium for youths who idolize global celebrities.

These K-pop idols can help put God at the center of families around the world, said Salvador. Those brilliant talents can contribute a lot. If they include peace and harmony in undertaking their works and introduce numbers dedicated to those values, they can help greatly.
North Korea's top diplomat has hosted a banquet for her visiting counterpart from Belarus, vowing to expand their relations comprehensively, North Korea's state media said Wednesday, as experts forecast trilateral cooperation involving Russia.

Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui hosted the banquet Tuesday night upon the arrival of Maxim Vladimirovich Ryzhenkov for an official visit, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The Belarusian foreign minister will be in Pyongyang until Friday.

During a speech, Choe mentioned that the two countries share "common ideals and purposes," adding that it is the North Korean government's firm stance to bring their relations to a "new chronicle."

In his speech, Ryzhenkov also emphasized that both Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un have shown deep interest in enhancing the relations between the two countries based on mutual trust, respect and understanding.

The KCNA did not elaborate on a bilateral meeting between the top diplomats, but given the countries' deepening ties with Russia, experts say Ryzhenkov's trip will likely center on building trilateral cooperation to better cope with their separate disputes with the West.

Belarus, led by an authoritarian president for 30 years, has been supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is considered one of Russia's strong allies. It is also among the countries to which North Korea has sent its workers in the past in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"There is a high possibility of such trilateral cooperation involving Russia," said Hyun Seung-soo, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, adding there are views within Russia that the cooperation could extend to both the economic and military sectors.

During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last September, President Lukashenko suggested that Belarus could join Russia and North Korea in three-way cooperation.

"Putin desires to create a structure where Russia's friendly nations in Eurasia can cooperate without Western interference," Hyun said.

Hyun also pointed to the possibility of trilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector, as Belarus is located next to Ukraine's agricultural areas currently under Russian control. (Yonhap)




North Korea is believed to have sent containers that can carry more than 5 million artillery shells to Russia, South Korea's defense chief has said, amid persistent concerns over deepening military cooperation between the two nations.

Among shipments presumed to have been delivered to Russia from North Korea as of July 15 were containers that can hold some 5.2 million artillery shells as well as scores of short-range ballistic missiles, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said in an interview published in the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper earlier in the day.

Shin reaffirmed South Korea's stance that its possible provision of arms supply to Ukraine would hinge on the level and details of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, such as transactions of weapons and military technology.

Noting how Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, threatened of "gruesome and dear" consequences against anti-Pyongyang leafleting by activists groups in South Korea and hinted at a change in its response, Shin said the North may attempt to strike locations where such leaflets are launched.

"We are closely monitoring the situation as there is a possibility of (North Korea) shooting down leaflet-carrying balloons sent from the South, or shooting or shelling locations where the balloons are floated," Shin was quoted as saying.

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 has bristled against anti-Pyongyang leaflets and South Korea's propaganda broadcasts near their tense border on fears that an influx of outside information could pose a threat to the Kim Jong-un regime.

North Korea has launched more than 3,000 trash-carrying balloons across the border over 10 occasions since late May in a tit-for-tat move against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by North Korean defectors and activists in the South.

Shin emphasized that trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan against North Korea's threats has never been more important, and said the three nations are in the final stage of arranging a joint document that institutionalizes such efforts.

The envisioned document will encompass details on high-level exchanges as well as overall principles for their trilateral multidomain "Freedom Edge exercise" that was held for the first time in late June, according to Shin.

Shin is set to visit Tokyo for a trilateral meeting with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts slated for Sunday. (Yonhap)
The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on a China-based network of six individuals and five entities for their alleged involvement in the procurement of items supporting North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

The Treasury Department issued the sanctions after Pyongyang's persistent launches using ballistic missile technology, including a failed attempt at a military spy satellite launch in May, in breach of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The department stressed that the new sanctions reaffirm that relevant UNSC resolutions remain "in full force" and reiterate the U.S.' "commitment to countering sanctions evasion and strengthening efforts for enforcement."

"The DPRK's continued development and proliferation of its ballistic missile technologies  in violation of U.N. sanctions  is both irresponsible and destabilizing for both the region and the international community," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The United States remains committed to using our tools to enforce these international sanctions, including disrupting the illicit procurement networks that provide key inputs for these technologies and holding accountable those who seek to enable these activities," the official added.

Among the five entities are Beijing Sanshunda Electronics Science and Technology, and Shenzhen City Mean Well Electronics. The six individuals include Chen Tianxin and Du Jiaxin, according to the department.

In a press release, the department said that the North's ballistic missile and space programs rely on foreign-sourced materials and components, and that the North uses an extensive network of overseas agents to procure those materials and components,

"The DPRK also leverages foreign-incorporated companies to purchase items in support of its ballistic missile and weapons production," it said. "These companies consolidate and repackage items for onward shipment to the DPRK, concealing the true end-user from the manufacturers and distributors of the items."

The new sanctions came amid concerns that the disbandment of a U.N. sanctions-monitoring panel in April would weaken international efforts to identify and prevent Pyongyang's sanctions violations and evasion. (Yonhap)
Body donations feared to decrease following paid lecture using corpse

By Jung Min-ho

The government aims to ban the commercial use of cadavers, following a controversial incident where a donated human body was used in a paid lecture for fitness trainers, according to officials familiar with the matter, Wednesday.

They told The Korea Times that the Ministry of Health and Welfare is preparing a bill to outlaw the use of donated corpses for profit. This follows heightened concerns that the recent incident could further strain an existing shortage of cadavers.

In Korea, cadavers for medical schools are obtained primarily through donations. Individuals can pledge to donate their bodies after death for educational purposes. The ministry is concerned that the recent developments could have a negative impact on decisions by potential body donors.

The most important thing is to make sure that the goodwill of donors and their families is respected and honored, an official said. This will be the focus of our efforts for legislation and other necessary administrative rule changes.

The move follows criticism surrounding an educational program offered by a service company in collaboration with professors from the Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy in Seoul.

The firm charged 600,000 won ($433) for the nine-hour program on June 23, through which participants could gain knowledge about the human body from anatomists.

It is still unclear how much money the doctors received from the firm for giving lectures or whether the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine was directly involved. The case is now under investigation by police, who have found similar cases at other schools.

But those involved in the program are unlikely to be indicted, according to ministry officials. Although the current law clearly defines who is permitted to perform human body dissections, it does not explicitly address regulations regarding observers or whether research involving cadavers can be conducted for profit.

Nevertheless, the ministry has requested medical and dental schools nationwide to suspend any paid lectures or educational programs involving human bodies, pending a solution as officials work urgently to address the issue.

The number of cadavers available for training future physicians has always been insufficient. However, the shortage is expected to worsen, exacerbated by controversies following the government's decision earlier this year to increase the nation's medical school enrollment quota, which necessitates hundreds more cadavers annually. According to the ministry, approximately 1,200 bodies are donated each year.

In addition to banning the use of cadavers for profit, the ministry is considering other policy ideas, such as specifying the range of studies using cadavers and the range of people permitted to take part in them.

In the wake of the incident, lawmakers have also moved to fill legal loopholes.

A bill, proposed by Rep. Park Hae-cheol of the liberal opposition Democratic Party of Korea and 15 other lawmakers on June 25, aims to prohibit the use of cadavers for profit and also mandates that participants in non-commercial educational programs must obtain the approval of their medical college head.

Using cadavers for money-making purposes is expected to be prohibited eventually as the idea is supported by both major parties, a health ministry official said.
N. Korea likely to send troops to Ukraine in support of Russia: S. Korea's defense chief
Korea and India have conducted joint air drills during a major multinational exercise in Australia, the South's Air Force said Wednesday.

The drills, involving Korean F-15K and Indian Su-30MKI fighter jets, took place Thursday over an air base in Darwin in northern Australia as part of the biennial Exercise Pitch Black.

The Air Force said the drills were designed to help improve their pilots' understanding of the characteristics and tactics of the countries' different war planes.

Korea does not operate the Su-30MKI, a variant of Russia's Su-30, while India does not operate the F-15 built by U.S. defense giant Boeing.

Exercise Pitch Black, which involves 20 countries and over 140 aircraft this year, kicked off on July 12 and will run through Aug. 2. Korea has dispatched six F-15K fighters and some 100 troops for the exercise. (Yonhap)
The defense ministry said Wednesday it has called in a defense attache stationed at the Korean Embassy in the United States for questioning over an alleged "inappropriate" behavior.

The ministry said it recently summoned the two-star Army general from Washington for an internal probe after receiving a report of the unspecified improper conduct. It did not provide further details.

"(We) plan to handle (the case) in accordance with the probe's results based on the law and regulations," the ministry said in a statement.

Defense attaches serve as military representatives in diplomatic missions overseas and are tasked with gathering military-related intelligence. (Yonhap)
Pyongyang floats 10th wave of garbage balloons despite Seoul's full-scale propaganda speaker operations

By Lee Hyo-jin

Several trash-carrying balloons from North Korea landed on the presidential office compound in Yongsan District, Seoul, Wednesday, sparking concerns about potential security lapses in South Korea's defense against unconventional provocations from Pyongyang.

This is the first time the trash-laden balloons have landed on the presidential compound, out of over 2,000 balloons Pyongyang sent on 10 occasions since late May.

The persistent balloon launches are proving to be a major headache for the South Korean military, which appears to lack an effective strategy to deter them other than repeatedly collecting the debris from the ground.

In a text message sent to reporters at around 7:25 a.m., the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the balloons launched by North Korea appeared to be heading toward northern Gyeonggi Province, and urged residents to be wary of falling objects.

The military detected around 300 balloons in the air, with approximately 250 falling within South Korea's territory, mostly in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province.

The Presidential Security Service (PSS) said some balloons landed on the presidential compound, but did not specify the exact number.

"Following an investigation by the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response team, it was confirmed that the objects posed no risk or contamination and were subsequently collected," the PSS said.

The presidential office said it had been monitoring the balloons' precise location in real-time until they landed. It is unclear whether President Yoon Suk Yeol was in the office when the balloons landed, but his office said earlier that he had no official appointments on Wednesday.

"We were observing in real-time through surveillance equipment. We accurately identified the location and safely handled it after it landed," a senior presidential official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

A military official told The Korea Times that there is a low possibility North Korea deliberately targeted the presidential office with the balloons, as their courses and landing locations are largely affected by wind and weather conditions.

The official added that the government's protocol regarding the North's trash balloons  retrieving them after they fall instead of shooting them down  remains unchanged, saying, "Since we don't know what substances the balloons might contain, it is difficult to deal with them while they are airborne."

At least one balloon also landed on a United States Forces Korea (USFK) base in Yongsan District, Seoul, on the same day, according to several media reports. The USFK was not immediately available for comment.

The latest wave of balloons, which marks the 10th such offensive since the first one on May 28, occurred three days after South Koreas military expanded its anti-North Korean propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the inter-Korean border to full-scale starting Sunday afternoon.

This move was in response to Pyongyang's repeated balloon launches despite multiple warnings.

The broadcasts, which include K-pop songs and news critical of the North Korean regime, are part of South Koreas psychological warfare tactics aimed at demoralizing the North's frontline troops and residents.

The military is believed to have 24 fixed loudspeakers, which are audible at distances of up to 24 kilometers at night, and 16 portable speakers with a greater range, deployed in front-line areas.

"The speakers are currently in operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day since Sunday, a military official said. The official declined to comment on the exact number of loudspeakers currently in operation, citing security reasons.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a state-run think tank, commented that the South Korean military seems to be struggling to devise an effective countermeasure beyond the propaganda speakers.

It's not easy for the military to come up with a clear tit-for-tat response. If the trash balloons are considered highly threatening, the response would logically be to shoot them down. However, at this point, its difficult to view them as a serious military threat, and intercepting the balloons midair could pose bigger risks to the public, Hong said.

There have been no reports of hazardous materials in the balloons so far, according to the military, which have primarily contained wastepaper, although earlier ones even included excrement.

Some conservative lawmakers here have argued that the military should take a more hardline approach by striking the origin of the balloons, but critics worry this could escalate military tensions.

The North Korean regime argues that the trash balloons are a tit-for-tat response to South Korea-based civic activists releasing anti-Pyongyang leaflets and USB drives containing K-pop and trot music into North Korea.

These civic groups, mostly comprised of North Korean defectors, remain resolute about their campaign to inform North Korean residents of the outside world.

Park Jung-oh, a defector-turned-activist, said he floated hundreds of plastic bottles packed with rice, USB drives, and Tylenol into the West Sea near Ganghwa County in Incheon on Monday. The USB drives were loaded with content from the Bible, Korean dramas and American action movies.

"We've been sending the bottles twice every month for the past few years, and we will continue to do so," Park said, Wednesday.
Prosecutors have summoned former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su to appear for questioning in connection with a falsehood he said in 2021 about his refusal to accept the resignation of a judge facing parliamentary impeachment, sources said Wednesday.

Kim, who headed the top court from 2017-23, faces charges of stating a falsehood in an official document after he said in early 2021 that he had never refused to accept the resignation of then Judge Lim Seong-geun when the two met in May 2020.

But Kim's statement was later found to be false as Lim disclosed the recording of their conversation, in which Kim said he could not accept the resignation because it would put him in trouble as Lim was facing parliamentary impeachment at the time.

"How would the parliament respond if I tell them I accepted your resignation, at a time when they are going all out for an impeachment?" Kim said at the time, according to the recording. "It's not appropriate to receive such criticism."

Kim later apologized, saying he made the untrue statement due to "unclear memories."

The then main opposition People Power Party and right-wing civic groups later filed complaints with the prosecution against Kim.

Sources said the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office has recently sent a summons for Kim to appear for questioning. The questioning is expected to take place sometime next month.

It would mark the second time a former Supreme Court justice undergoes questioning after former Supreme Court Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae, who was indicted on charges of using trials as bargaining chips in dealings with the Park administration to promote his bid to establish a court of appeals. (Yonhap)
Governor vows to attract more high-tech companies

By Jung Da-hyun

North Chungcheong Province has unveiled a new comprehensive package of policies for international students, including offering stable jobs and lowering tuition fees, to address the region's growing demographic challenges, according to the province's top policymaker.

"Unlike other systems, our program is designed to eliminate the burden of tuition and provide opportunities for students to gain skills and experience, enabling them to start a business or secure a job, even back home," North Chungcheong Province Gov. Kim Young-hwan said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.

He highlighted the unique features of the province's international student policy.

"It allows international students to simultaneously study and work by offering stable employment through connections with local companies," he said.

Following efforts to attract international students, their numbers in the province rose to 5,353 as of April 30 this year, a 31 percent increase from 4,066 the previous year.

"We expect international students to play a key role in addressing local population decline by securing jobs at regional companies after graduation and settling down here," Kim said.

The province currently faces a crisis of regional extinction due to a severe population shortage affecting factories, rural areas, laboratories, traditional markets and universities, exacerbated by an aging population and low birth rates.

Kim emphasized the province's goal is to attract 10,000 international students this year to solve these challenges.

He also highlighted that North Chungcheong Province is ideally suited for these policies due to its diverse job opportunities in agriculture, service and high-tech industries.

"Unlike large metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan, our province has rural areas capable of accommodating laborers, particularly in agriculture," he said.

He added that, unlike other rural regions focused solely on agriculture, the province boasts a conducive environment for employment across various sectors, including high-tech industries.

The province's industrial structure is also favorable, with over 50 percent of its economy rooted in mining and manufacturing and 40 percent in service industries. This provides a significant advantage for international students, who can transition their student visas to employment in fields related to their university majors.

However, visa issuance remains a significant hurdle for the initiative.

"Many international students enter with existing debt, increasing the likelihood of illegal work and departure to settle debts and cover living expenses," Kim explained.

While local governments are developing policies to attract international students, the Ministry of Justice still mandates substantial financial requirements for visa issuance. This poses a significant economic burden, particularly for students from underdeveloped Asian countries.

"I believe we can prevent illegal stays only if international students can study abroad without undue financial strain," he said.

He stressed the importance of support from local governments, corporate scholarship programs and university research funds to alleviate this burden.

Kim also noted that the province is proposing improvements to the justice ministry, including exempting outstanding international students recommended by the province from financial capacity screenings during visa issuance.

Despite these challenges, he highlighted the rapid increase in the number of foreign residents in North Chungcheong Province. Eumseong and Jincheon counties, in particular, have the highest percentage of foreign nationals.

The proportion of foreign residents in the province rose from 12.8 percent in 2022 to 15.2 percent in 2023. As of May this year, foreigners comprised 18 percent of Eumseong's population and 13 percent of Jincheon's.

"This shows that our living conditions and job opportunities are attractive to foreigners," Kim said.

"As more foreigners settle here, we anticipate further improvements in settlement conditions, social integration and public awareness."

He emphasized that while attracting foreigners is crucial, long-term settlement requires robust self-reliance and social integration policies.

"Communication, employment and visa-related support are the most challenging areas for foreigners and require targeted support projects," he said.

In response, the province has launched new initiatives this year to improve foreign resident's settlement conditions, employment opportunities and social integration. These include Korean language education, multilingual counseling services and job fairs to provide employment information.

Furthermore, the province established a dedicated policy promotion team focused on foreign resident issues, which began operations in July.

"Addressing the population crisis requires effective policies for foreign residents. North Chungcheong Province will continue to attract skilled foreign workers and develop new policies to support their settlement in the region," Kim said.

Who is Kim Young-hwan?

Kim has been serving as the governor of North Chungcheong Province since 2022.

Born in Goesan County in the province, Kim pursued dentistry at Yonsei University before embarking on his political career in 1995. He first entered the political arena by successfully running in Gyeonggi Province's Ansan-A constituency during the general elections for the 15th National Assembly.

Following his reelection in 2000, he assumed the role of minister of science and technology, which is now the Ministry of Science and ICT, from 2001 to 2002 during Kim Dae-jung's presidency.
Sejong City eyes global role in Hangeul education, seeks collaboration with language village

By Jung Da-hyun

BEMIDJI, Minn.  At the Concordia Korean Language Village in the U.S. state of Minnesota, students immerse themselves in the Korean language through daily routines and a variety of activities. These include playing traditional Korean musical instruments and learning poetry, offering a hands-on approach to cultural education.

"I recognized the need for an American initiative that employs proven, engaging pedagogical techniques to teach Korean in a fun and engaging way," said Ross King, a professor of Korean language at the University of British Columbia and the first dean of Concordia Korean Language Village.

"This approach is essential for encouraging children to learn and share the Korean language, especially those without Korean heritage."

King stressed the importance of creating methods that appeal to non-Korean heritage learners, ensuring they are motivated to learn and share the Korean language.

Since its inception in 1999, the Concordia Korean Language Village has attracted over 2,500 students aged 7 to 18 from across the country.

Known as "Sup sogui Hosu," meaning "a lake in the woods" in Korean, the village offers one-, two- and four-week sessions for all proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced speakers.

Concordia Language Villages, sponsored by Concordia College, operates language and cultural immersion programs in 18 languages. Each program features architecturally and culturally authentic village sites, all named "a lake in the woods" in their respective languages.

Students participating in the program show interest not only in K-pop but also in Korean food and authentic culture. The immersive environment allows them to learn the language as part of their daily lives.

"I really like the program because we can learn a lot of useful phrases. It's not just in the classroom; it's immersive, with Korean cultural experiences all the time," Raven Glaser, a 17-year-old student attending the program for the second time, said.

"It gets to a point where it's more effective to learn a language by being immersed in the environment and through everyday interactions," Kira Robertson, a 17-year-old student participating in the program for the first time, said.

Participants also appreciate the opportunity to learn about Korean culture and traditions beyond textbooks in an environment where staff and students support each other in their learning.

"I feel welcomed and supported. The program allows everyone to explore interests and what is relevant to each of us," Amelia Goodwin, a 16-year-old student who has been learning Korean for two years, said.

"I think students can always learn more about the culture through experiences than through books."

The experience at the language village also influences participants' future career choices. Victoria Caudle, a teacher in this year's four-week program, first learned Korean by attending the village in 2007.

"I didn't know any Korean when I started. I had a Korean friend in my hometown in Florida, and I thought it would be fun to learn Korean to speak a 'secret language,' so I joined the program," she said.

Victoria was fascinated by how the meaning of words changed with different Korean vowels and found studying poetry particularly enjoyable.

She also earned a master's degree in Korean language and literature at Seoul National University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Korean culture at the University of California, Los Angeles, and is dedicated to translating Korean literary works into English.

"This program sparked my interest in Korean literature, which I continue to study and translate," she said.

As cases like Victoria's increase, the staff composition at Concordia Korean Language Village is gradually diversifying.

"It used to be difficult to find American staff who had learned Korean in the past, but now we have both Korean and American staff," said Park Hyeon-jeong, an assistant dean of Sup sogui Hosu who has worked at the village for 20 years.

"The proportion of students without Korean heritage is also much higher now."

In response to the growing demand for Korean language education in the United States, Concordia Language Village held a ceremony on Saturday to celebrate the expansion of Sup sogui Hosu.

"This Korean Language Village is set to feature a plaza dedicated as a lasting symbol of the relationship between the two nations," U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said, highlighting the significance of the expansion.

King emphasized the need for Korean language education to become more inclusive and accessible to everyone.

"Koreans need to learn how to share their language and culture, and we aim to support that effort," he said.

The ceremony also saw a delegation from the Sejong City Government in Korea, which visited to gain insights from Concordia's experience in operating a Korean language village. This visit is part of Sejong's efforts to develop its own Hangeul culture village in the city.

Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho expressed interest in fostering future exchanges between Korean teachers, foreign students and Korean students.

As the city seeks to become a global hub for Hangeul, the Korean alphabet and language, it has expressed a strong interest in establishing exchanges with Concordia Language Village.

The city plans to build a culture village focused on Hangeul and Korean culture, including museums showcasing authentic Korean traditions. The initiative aims to offer programs where international students can learn both the language and cultural practices.
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) said Wednesday it will invest 380.8 billion won ($275.2 million) for the next seven years to build three industrial parks for the space industry.

KASA said the budget will be spent to build an industrial complex for space vehicles.

The other two industrial parks will be built for development of civilian satellites and training of professionals for the space industry, it said.

Korea aims to land a homegrown spacecraft on the moon in 2032 and Mars in 2045, with massive investment in space exploration. (Yonhap)
Han's most pressing issue is resolving internal conflicts within party: experts

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Han Dong-hoon, who has been elected to lead the People Power Party (PPP), faces a range of daunting tasks, most notably repairing the relationship with the presidential office, addressing factional infighting within the party and countering the opposition's legislation push for contentious bills, political watchers said Wednesday.

In the PPP's national convention held Tuesday, Han, formerly an interim leader, was elected as chairman, garnering 62.84 percent of the votes. Former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong followed him with 18.85 percent, and five-term lawmaker Rep. Na Kyung-won trailed them with 14.58 percent. Another five-term lawmaker, Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun, received 3.73 percent of the ballots.

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), sent congratulatory messages to Han, vowing to work together despite differences.

Lee is also the expected winner of the DPK's ongoing leadership race.

Han, a former justice minister once known as a close ally of Yoon, had clashed with the president over politically sensitive issues in the run-up to the April 10 general elections, including how to handle allegations over first lady Kim Keon Hee receiving a luxury bag as a gift in 2022. Tensions with Yoon resurfaced this month over allegations that Han had ignored Telegram messages from the first lady earlier this year.

However, Yoon invited Han, PPP floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, as well as Supreme Council and Youth Council members, to dinner at the presidential residence in a show of rapprochement.

Han and the PPP leadership dined on "samgyeopsal," BBQ-style pork, mung bean pancakes, and lettuce wraps.

"Samgyeopsal symbolizes harmony between the party and the government, and is an informal Korean food often shared among people in close relationships. President Yoon handpicked the dinner menu, the presidential office said in a statement.



"The president stressed that the government and party should come together as one team," a senior presidential office official said.

Pundits said Han's most pressing task is to resolve internal conflicts that arose during the leadership race and unite party members.

"I would say the most pressing issue that lies ahead of Han is resolving political conflicts within the party. As soon as Han began his term, Rep. Kim Jae-won of the PPP said in a radio interview that he would rather follow the party's floor leader than the party chief. This implies that power within the party is controlled by the pro-Yoon faction," said Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator and professor at Jangan University.

PPP members who are not aligned with Han include a number of incumbent lawmakers and high-profile figures such as Won, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and Rep. Lee Chul-gyu.

Park added, "In order to resolve the internal conflicts within the party, Han should repair his relationship with President Yoon. Resolving intra-political conflicts with the opposition comes next."

Kim Sang-il, a political commentator, said re-establishing a relationship between the party and the government should be a tool, not a goal, for Han.

"As Han stressed in his acceptance speech, he should focus on bringing change to the party and meeting public mandate. If he succeeds in gaining public trust and the party's approval goes up, the presidential office will inevitably have to follow Han's leadership."

On Wednesday, Han vowed to create synergy between the party and the government and work toward a common goal despite differences. "We will create working synergy with the government and find answers through constructive discussions about issues we disagree on," Han told reporters Wednesday.

Han also has to deal with politically sensitive issues, such as a special counsel probe into graft and stock manipulation scandals involving the first lady.

The DPK urged Han to endorse a contentious bill mandating a special counsel probe into the death of a young Marine, which occurred during a search and rescue operation in a flooded area in July last year.

The DPK alleges state interference in a Marine Corps investigation into the death of Marine Cpl. Chae Su-geun.

"After being elected as the party chief, Han said he would listen to the public. The public overwhelmingly wants to pass the bill mandating a special counsel investigation into allegations surrounding the death of the Marine. I hope Han shows his commitment by choosing to vote in favor of the bill," Rep. Park Chan-dae, acting leader of the DPK, said during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly.

Han reaffirmed his position on the bill, saying that he would endorse it if the special counsel is chosen by a third party.

"My position remains unchanged. We respect the democratic process, and we will explain our stance through such democratic processes of our party," he said.
By Lee Hae-rin

A heat wave warning was issued for most parts of Korea, Wednesday, as searing heat kicked off after the end of a period of heavy rainfall, according to the weather agency, Wednesday.

The nation will receive strong sunlight and high humidity, with the highest apparent temperature reaching 35 degrees Celsius at midday, due to the influence of the North Pacific anticyclone, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said.

A heat wave warning was issued for most parts of the country as of 10 a.m., with the southeastern city of Busan under a heat wave warning for the first time this year.

Currently, 173 out of 183 land special warning areas nationwide have been issued heat warnings.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety issues the alert when the daily temperature covers more than 40 percent of the country and reaches 33 degrees or higher for more than two days.

As Typhoon Gaemi pushed the North Pacific High northward, and the stagnant front followed suit, Korea was then placed on the edge of the North Pacific High away from the stagnant front.

As a result, it is expected that the heat wave will continue in most regions for the time being.

During the day, as the ground temperature rises, the atmosphere will become unstable, triggering occasional showers.

Tropical nights will continue. A night is considered tropical when temperatures do not fall below 25 degrees from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day.

It is recommended for people to refrain from outdoor activities and take special care against food poisoning in such hot weather.

Also, it is recommended to drink water frequently and take regular breaks when working outdoors.

According to the KMA, there has been only one day this month, as of Monday, with scorching heat defined by a daily maximum temperature of 33 degrees or higher. It is not the strong sunlight but the high temperature with humid southwesterly winds that has caused the humid heat wave.

According to the KMA's calculations, the ambient temperature matches body temperature when humidity is at 55 percent. Additionally, the ambient temperature increases by approximately 1 degree for every 10 percent increase in humidity.
Gleaning glimpses, insights from a full-fledged super-aged society



By Kim Ji-soo

The allure of a short flight and the relatively low exchange rate of the yen has been prompting many Koreans to travel to neighboring Japan. One commercial aptly and happily blares on television these days, lowest yen in 34 years, beckoning budget-savvy tourists. Japan National Tourism recently released its June inbound tourist figures, saying that 3.13 million visitors arrived there, with Koreans at 703,300 making up for roughly one quarter of all travelers. I joined the trend for a July trip. The capital of Tokyo was hot and humid, and thronged with many tourists. Its unique energy and vibe were palpable.

Staying only for a few days, I decided to get around the city via the expansive and efficient subway and train lines. At times, it proved to be like a maze. It was an immense relief to find human traffic routers in especially in such stations as Shinjuku Station. What stood out among these uniformed staffers working underground at the subway stations was that they were mostly older. They mostly spoke Japanese but our phones faciliate in the translations. Then, I recalled upon arriving at Narita International Airport, the workers there also seemed to be mainly older adults, regulating the steady influx of tourists. They seemed well-trained, readily answering tourists questions even amid reports of Japanese residents suffering from overtourism. Many a time during my three days there, I was tempted to ask their age, to draw some glimpse into how Japan managed its super-aging society status before Korea lunges forward. Japan became a "super-aged society" back in 2005, and its know-how has been sought since. It was refreshing to see older people working in such capacity in urban areas. Korea pales in comparison even as the country hurls toward a super-aged society as well.

On July 11, South Koreas Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that the number of those aged 65 and older registered as Korean residents exceeded 10 million or about 19.51 percent of South Koreas total population of 51.26 million. That means South Korea is very close to becoming a super-aged society where 20 percent of its population is 65 or older.

The portion of those 65 or older surpassed 10 percent or 11.79 percent of the total population by registering over 6 million in January 2013. The percentage of senior citizens, or those 65 or older, then grew, accounting for 15.48 percent of the population in December 2019 and 17.45 percent in April 2022.

As the nation's retirement age averages 60, and with the national pension program having only been in effect since the late 1980s, not many older Koreans live with financial independence. South Korea is known to suffer some of the highest poverty and suicide rates for older people among OECD member nations. That means more elderly will continue to look for jobs that are often relatively low-skilled and low-paying ones. Statistics Korea in early July said that it saw an increase of those in their 70s becoming employees in the first half of this year. A total of 1.92 million of those in their 70s found jobs in the first six months of the year, a rise by 150,000.

It's not only the quality of life, which is highly important for a society that seeks to age gracefully, that is affected. The Bank of Korea has recently forecast that if the nation's so-called "second baby boomers"  or those born from 1964 through 1974  start retiring this year, the result will be a lower annual growth or a drop of 0.4 percentage points each year for the coming decade.

The declining total fertility rate of course compounds the problem. Korea, in particular its capital Seoul, is well-known for its hip, hallyu content of music, drama and food. The economy has catapulted on its come-from-behind, latecomer strategy for respective industries. We need to seriously contemplate and pounce on the question of why it cannot do the same for its aging population. True, Korean society has become advanced, featuring a complex set of societal/economic traits that need adroit consultations, negotiations and flexible application of policies and better conflict resolutions skills overall. The fast-paced growth and development that enables Korea to enjoy its current prosperity ironically requires us to find fast solutions to our changed social fabric.

The writer is a member of the editorial board.
NIS should do more to regain trust of US

By John Burton

The indictment of Sue Mi Terry last week has sent shockwaves through Washingtons Korea-watching community. As a respected North Korea expert and former CIA analyst, her alleged role as an unregistered agent for South Koreas spy agency has triggered the biggest scandal in this field in years.

This case offers a glimpse into the tangled relationships within Washingtons foreign policy establishment, while also raising concerns about South Koreas efforts to influence U.S. politics and the possibility of U.S. spying on the Korean Embassy.

Terry is a beneficiary of the revolving door that shuffles former government officials into jobs at leading U.S. think tanks. Her career began as a North Korea analyst at the CIA before moving to the National Security Council at the White House during the George W. Bush administration and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in the early years of the Obama administration.

Leaving government service in 2010, she held an academic post at Columbia University as well as working for a consultancy firm before joining the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 2017 and the Wilson Center in 2022. This year, she moved to the Council on Foreign Relations, where her husband, Max Boot, a conservative foreign policy commentator and a Washington Post columnist, is a senior fellow.

Her role at leading think tanks made her a go-to commentator for the U.S. media on Korean issues and she was a regular talking head on U.S. news programs. Her background meant she was a reliable promoter of the hawkish views of Americas national security establishment. It was during this period that Terry allegedly became involved in Seouls influence operations in Washington. She has denied accusations that she acted improperly.

The alleged recruitment of Terry by Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS) would have been regarded as quite a catch because of her prominent media role and her access to officials setting U.S. policy on the two Koreas.

Given the importance of the security alliance with the U.S., Seoul has always been concerned about political developments in Washington that could impact this relationship. South Korea is one of the top lobbyists in Washington. It views U.S. think tanks as a source of both information and as a way to influence decision makers.

These influence operations are supposed to be regulated by the Foreign Agent Regulatory Act (FARA), established in 1938 to combat Nazi propaganda, which identifies those working on behalf of foreign governments. Terry is accused of violating FARA by not disclosing her alleged links with the NIS.

Seoul has resorted to illegal operations at times. The most famous incident is the Koreagate scandal in 1976, when it was disclosed that the South Korean CIA, as it was known at the time, had conducted a secret influence campaign using bribery to persuade members of the U.S. Congress to block President Jimmy Carter from withdrawing U.S. troops. In 1996, Robert Kim, a U.S. naval intelligence analyst, was arrested and convicted for handing over classified documents to Seoul.

Given this history, it would not be surprising that U.S. security agencies, especially the FBIs counter-espionage unit, would have kept tabs on NIS agents working out of the South Korean Embassy. This surveillance could have led to exposing Terrys alleged association with Seouls spy agency. The U.S. government indictment against Terry suggests that she may have been tracked by U.S. agents for as long as 15 years.

Terry admitted to FBI investigators that she had resigned from the CIA in 2008 to avoid being fired over the agencys concerns about her contacts with NIS agents, although this did not prevent her from landing a job at the White House. The indictment is supported by recent surveillance photographs showing Terry shopping for luxury goods with NIS agents, who bought these items for her.

A lingering question is why the FBI would spend so much time and money on such an extensive operation against Terry, especially since her activities  like facilitating access to U.S. officials and promoting Seouls message through media contacts  dont seem to justify such a large-scale surveillance effort.

One answer may be that the FBI believes that Seouls influence operations may reach further into the U.S. government. The indictment alleges that Terry talked with an NIS source about her close relationship with a senior State Department official with responsibilities covering Korean affairs who had previously served in senior roles at the CIA and at the National Intelligence Council. This description seems to fit Jung Pak, the top U.S. official for North Korea policy, who suddenly resigned two weeks ago after only a year in the position.

Terry's indictment comes at an awkward time for the Seoul government when it is scrambling to obtain as much information as possible about South Korea policy under a possible second Trump administration. Many in Washington will now be reluctant to share their views with South Korean officials.

John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant. He is a guest editorial writer of The Korea Times.
Market shows disappointment over delayed tests for advanced HBM chips

By Nam Hyun-woo

Samsung Electronics fourth-generation high bandwidth memory 3 (HBM3) chips have been cleared by NVIDIA for use in NVIDAs China-bound processors, marking the first case of Samsung supplying its HBM chips to the artificial intelligence (AI) processor giant, according to a Wednesday report.

The report that Samsung neither confirmed nor denied also said Samsung's fifth-generation HBM3E chips have yet to meet NVIDIA standards and that tests are continuing, presenting a mixed outlook on the chipmaker's efforts to keep up with the fast-evolving HBM market.

Citing multiple unnamed sources, Reuters reported that Samsung's HBM3 chips will, for now, only be used in a less sophisticated Nvidia graphics processing unit (GPU), the H20, and Samsung could begin supplying HBM3 as early as August.

The H20 has been developed for the Chinese market, and its computing power is capped in compliance with U.S. export controls. HBM, which vertically stacks chips to save space and power consumption, is viewed as a key component of graphics processing units for powering generative AI.

Samsung did not confirm or deny the report, with an official noting that "efforts are underway with partner companies to supply HBM chips."

Samsung has been striving to supply HBM chips to NVIDIA, which holds a dominant position in GPUs for AI, in order to achieve sustainable improvements in its earnings and challenge SK hynix's leadership in the HBM market.

SK hynix is the main supplier of HBM chips to NVIDIA, supplying HBM3 since June 2022. On March 19, SK hynix announced that it began supplying HBM3E to "a client," which was assumed to be NVIDIA. Along with SK hynix, Micron of the U.S. is also supplying HBM chips to NVIDIA.

In comparison, Samsung has been struggling to compete to win NVIDIA's order.

In February, the company announced that it has developed the industry's first 36-gigabyte 12-layer HBM3E and plans to mass produce those chips in the second half of this year, but reports have alleged that Samsung's supplying efforts are being delayed due to heat and power consumption issues. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said earlier this month that Samsung has not failed any qualification tests.

Read More Samsung strikes back in AI chip war with 12-layer HBM3E DRAM

NVIDIA's possible clearance of Samsung's fourth-generation chip appears to be a boost for the company's outlook in the HBM market and its earnings.

In the DRAM market, HBM accounted for 8.4 percent last year, but its shares are expected to jump to 20.1 percent this year. Samsung plans to expand its HBM production capacity by 2.9 times compared to that of last year, in order to expand its market share. Last year, SK hynix was leading the global HBM market with a 53 percent share, followed by Samsung with 38 percent and Micron with 9 percent, according to market tracker TrendForce.

Analysts have assumed that NVIDIA may post approximately $12 billion in revenue by selling more than 1 million H20 processors to China this year. Samsung has already predicted that its second-quarter operating profit will likely be 10.4 trillion won ($7.54 billion), a jump of about 1,452 percent from 670 billion won a year ago.

For NVIDIA, Samsung, which has the world's largest chip manufacturing capacity, is also necessary to meet the soaring demand for its chips and to diversify its supply sources.

Casting uncertainties are new U.S. regulations. U.S. media outlets reported earlier this week that the U.S. government may introduce new trade restrictions that could prevent NVIDIA from selling its H20 processors while NVIDIA is preparing another China-oriented processor, the B20.

Though it will likely be the first instance of Samsung supplying its HBM chips for NVIDIA, the market appeared to be accepting this issue as a disappointment due to hyped expectations that Samsung has already passed HBM3E tests and will likely begin mass production soon.

Samsung Electronics closed at 82,000 won, down 2.26 percent from a day earlier.

Industry officials assume that further details of Samsung's chip supply for NVIDIA will likely be available during the company's conference call slated for July 31.
Foreign investors dump Bobcat shares as Doosan announces merger plan

By Park Jae-hyuk

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) on Wednesday ordered Doosan to correct its prospectus on the business groups controversial plan to merge its lucrative construction equipment unit, Doosan Bobcat, with its money-losing robotics affiliate, Doosan Robotics.

Upon the request, the validity of Doosan Robotics' prospectus was suspended immediately, meaning the merger plan will be on hold, for now.

The prospectus may confuse investors, due to the lack of important information, the FSS said in its letter of request. Unless the company corrects its prospectus within three months, the document will be regarded as invalid.

A Doosan spokesman explained that it is usual for companies to receive such requests when they try to merge their affiliates.

However, some market insiders pointed out that it is unusual for the financial authorities to ask for corrections to a prospectus related to a merger of affiliates, although the regulators tend to make such requests toward initial public offerings.

The FSS made the request a couple of days after Financial Services Commission Chairman nominee Kim Byoung-hwan promised to review the necessity of reforms in the current system, after Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Kim Hyun-jung urged the financial authority to look into Doosans merger plan thoroughly.

Doosan Group announced on July 11 that it would spin Doosan Bobcat off from Doosan Enerbility and delist the construction equipment maker from the benchmark KOSPI to make it a fully owned subsidiary of Doosan Robotics.

Since then, foreign investors have continued unloading of their Doosan Bobcat shares over the past two weeks, according to data compiled by the Korea Exchange.

Between July 12 and 23, the net-selling of Doosan Bobcat shares by foreign investors reached 197 billion won ($142 million), marking the third-largest net-selling by foreigners during the period.

Although Doosan Bobcat held a private conference call exclusively for foreign and institutional investors on July 12, the companys top executives appear to have failed to reassure them.

I was so angry and disappointed, so I sold most of my shares during the intraday trading, Sean Brown, director of global investments at Texas-based Teton Capital Partners, said in fluent Korean during a seminar hosted on Monday by the Korean Corporate Governance Forum (KCGF) in Seoul.

He described the planned merger as robbery, given that each Doosan Bobcat share will be exchanged for 0.63 Doosan Robotics shares, thereby giving a higher value to the robotics firms shares.

The KCGF also claimed that the restructuring plan is intended to benefit controlling shareholders.

Park Yoo-kyung, head of emerging market equities at APG Asset Management, said in a separate seminar on Tuesday that most of the largest listed companies here have continuously damaged shareholder value, making it more difficult for investors to bet on the Korean market.

Doosan Group explained that it complied with the Capital Markets Act in setting the ratio, which stipulates the exchange ratio for mergers involving listed companies be determined based on the average of their recent stock prices.

Both companies will stop redundant investments as they will be able to work together in R&D, a Doosan Group official said.

In addition, Doosan Bobcat is said to be considering retiring its treasury stocks, so that its shareholders can hold larger stakes.

However, minority shareholders saw the planned treasury stock retirement as being intended to block them from asking the company to buy their shares before the merger.

Amid the growing controversy, Doosan Bobcat announced on Wednesday that its second-quarter revenue fell 16.3 percent year-on-year to 2.2 trillion won. Its operating profit dropped by 48.7 percent to 239.5 billion won during the period.

Its stock price closed at 47,050 won, a 2.79 percent decline from the previous session.
By Lee Min-hyung

Genesis has forged a five-year partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, pledging to play a part in helping spread inspiration and vision by globally renowned artists, the luxury carmaker said Wednesday.

Under the tie, Genesis will sponsor the Genesis Facade Commission by inviting an artist each year to create new works of art for Fifth Avenue, the primary building for the museum. The company said the partnership will also help inspire authentic connections between the artist, the museum's audiences and broader global art communities.

"As a long-time supporter of the arts, we are thrilled to embark on a new journey of Genesis Art Initiatives with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world's most highly-respected arts institutions," Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun said. Genesis is a luxury arm of the group.

"With our aspiration and ambition for this impactful partnership, we hope to become part of the museum's inspiring community and to amplify the voices of renowned cultural visionaries."

The museum also thanked Genesis for supporting its art display platform.

"We are grateful to Genesis for their incredible generosity and support, which ensures the opportunity for visitors and passerby alike to be surprised, delighted and inspired by dynamic commissions for years to come," Metropolitan Museum of Art CEO Max Hollein said.

The inaugural exhibition from the partnership is the Genesis Facade Commission: Lee Bul, "Long Tail Halo," which will be on view from Sept. 12 to May 27, 2025. This marks the first time an artist living and working in Asia has been commissioned for the installation, according to Genesis.
By Ko Dong-hwan

GS Retail, the operator of Korea's major convenience store chain GS25, will launch a new tourist-friendly card which provides various services such as transportation, payments, tax refunds and identity verification at duty free shops, the company said, Wednesday.

GS Retail said that it will launch the Trip Pass Card next month and will distribute 5,000 cards for free at GS25 stores near Seoul Station and Hongik University in the capital, Aug. 19, before its official launch.

Along with its conventional functions of making payments or paying fares for public transportation, the card will enable users to get tax refunds and show their mobile passports at duty free stores by registering it on their mobile phones.

Based on information collected from mobile passports, the card automatically applies age-specific transportation fares for foreign tourists.

GS Retail plans to begin the sales of the card within next month. After its launch, the company plans to introduce a mobile identification service that allows foreign tourists to verify their age through a mobile passport when purchasing alcohol or cigarettes.

GS Retail said the number of foreign customers is rising at GS25 stores upon the general increase in the number of overseas tourists coming to Korea. It said that payments made at GS25 stores via WeChat and Alipay increased during the first half of this year by 249.9 percent from the previous year.

Were seeing a rising number of visitors from countries in Southeast Asia, Europe and North America due to the smoking popularity of K-dramas and K-pop, said Lee Tae-young, merchandiser at GS Retails service product team. So weve begun introducing a diverse range of services that we consider as key functions for tourists.
The director of the Secret Service resigned Tuesday in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump that unleashed an outcry about how the agency failed in its core mission to protect current and former presidents .

Kimberly Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, faced growing calls to resign and several investigations into how a gunman was able to get so close to the Republican presidential nominee at an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

I take full responsibility for the security lapse, she said in an email to staff obtained by The Associated Press. In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.

Cheatles departure was unlikely to end the scrutiny of the long-troubled agency after the failures of July 13, and it comes at a critical juncture ahead of the Democratic National Convention and a busy presidential campaign season. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have promised more investigations. An inspector general probe and an independent, bipartisan effort launched at President Joe Bidens behest will keep the agency in the spotlight.

Cheatles resignation came a day after she appeared before a congressional committee and was berated for hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. She called the attempt on Trumps life the Secret Services most significant operational failure in decades, but she angered lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.

Biden said in a statement that what happened that day can never happen again, and he planned to appoint a new director soon, but he did not discuss a timeline.

The president and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas thanked Cheatle for her service. Mayorkas appointed Deputy Director Ronald Rowe as acting director. He has worked for the agency for 23 years.

At this moment in time, we must remain focused, Rowe said in a note to staff obtained by AP. We will restore the faith and confidence of the American public and the people we are entrusted to protect.

At the hearing Monday, Cheatle remained defiant that she was the right person to lead the Secret Service, even as she said she took responsibility for the failures. When Republican Rep. Nancy Mace suggested Cheatle begin drafting her resignation letter from the hearing room, Cheatle responded, No, thank you.

The 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks , was able to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where the former president was speaking when he opened fire. Thats despite a threat on Trumps life from Iran that led to additional security for the former president in the days before the rally.

Cheatle acknowledged Monday that the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the rally shooting. She also revealed that the roof from which Crooks fired had been identified as a potential vulnerability days earlier. But she failed to answer many questions about what happened, including why there were no agents on the roof.

A bloodied Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and agency snipers killed the shooter. Trump said part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. One rallygoer was killed, and two others were critically wounded.

Details continue to emerge about signs of trouble that day and the roles of the Secret Service and local authorities. The agency routinely relies on local law enforcement to secure the perimeter of events. Former top Secret Service agents said the gunman should never have been allowed to gain access to the roof.

After Cheatles resignation, Trump posted on his social media network: The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!

The House Homeland Security Committee had asked Cheatle to testify Tuesday for another hearing on the assassination attempt, but lawmakers said she refused. Cheatles name was on a card on a table in front of an empty chair during the hearing, which began shortly before her decision to step down became public.

The Secret Service is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes immigration, transportation security and the Coast Guard. The department was formed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A few years ago, there was a movement to shift the agency back to the Treasury Department, where it was housed before Sept. 11, particularly because Homeland Security's intense focus on immigration added to the growing divide between what the Secret Service sees as its dual missions  protecting the president and investigating financial crime  and the mission of its parent department. But that movement stalled.

Roughly half of the Secret Services $3 billion budget is spent on protective services. It also has a robust cybercrime division, state-of-the-art forensic labs and a threat-assessment center that studies how to mitigate and train against threats.

With a workforce of 7,800 special agents, uniformed officers and other staff, the Secret Service has investigated an ever-increasing number of threats against the president and other officials under its protection. It has also managed a growing number of high-profile government figures asking for support. Staffing has not kept pace with the workload increase. Around Sept. 11 there were about 15 full-time protectees. That number has now more than doubled.

Trump is the first modern ex-president to seek another term, and because of his high visibility, his protective detail has always been larger than some others. That protective bubble got tighter in recent months as he drew closer to the nomination. All major party nominees are granted enhanced details with counterassault and countersniper teams similar to the president.

There were calls for accountability across the political spectrum, with congressional committees immediately moving to investigate and issuing subpoenas. Top Republican leaders from both the House and the Senate said Cheatle should step down.

Biden, a Democrat, ordered an independent review into security at the rally, and the Secret Services inspector general opened an investigation. The agency is also reviewing its countersniper teams preparedness and operations.

On Tuesday, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said Cheatle's resignation was overdue.

Now we have to pick up the pieces. We have to rebuild the American peoples faith and trust in the Secret Service as an agency, Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., introduced legislation Tuesday to require Senate confirmation of future Secret Service directors.

Cheatle served in the Secret Service for 27 years. She left in 2021 for a job as a security executive at PepsiCo before Biden asked her to return in 2022 to head the agency.

She took over amid a controversy over missing text messages from around the time thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, following his 2020 election loss to Biden.

During her time at the agency, Cheatle was the first woman to be named assistant director of protective operations, the division that protects the president and other dignitaries, where she oversaw a $133.5 million budget. She was the second woman to lead the agency.

When Biden announced Cheatle's appointment , he said she had served on his detail when he was vice president and he and his wife came to trust her judgment and counsel. (AP)
Ukraine's foreign minister says he is seeking common ground in talks with his Chinese counterpart on ending his country's war with Russia.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, has strained relations between the two countries.

Video released by Ukraines Foreign Ministry showed Dmytro Kuleba exchanging opening remarks on Wednesday with Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a meeting in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. It is the first visit by a Ukrainian foreign minister since the war started in 2022.

Wang said that China attaches great importance to its relations with Ukraine. Noting the growth in trade between the two countries, he said that their relations have continued to develop normally despite complex and ever-changing international and regional situations.

China has close ties with Russia and has pushed for an end to the war that would take into account the interests of both sides. That position has put it at odds not only with Ukraine but also Western European countries and the United States, which are demanding a Russian withdrawal as the basis for any settlement.

China did not participate in a peace conference in Switzerland last month that did not include Russia.

In a video posted late Tuesday on his social media accounts, Kuleba said he would have extensive and detailed negotiations to look for common ground in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine.

We need to move to a just and stable peace, he said, according to a translation posted by Euromaiden Press, an English-language news site on Ukraine. "China can play a significant role in this. Lets go.

Kuleba arrived in China on Tuesday and is scheduled to depart on Friday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Tuesday that China would support the international community in gathering more consensus and jointly finding practical ways to resolve the crisis politically. (AP)
SEVENTEEN officially announced its highly anticipated movie "SEVENTEEN TOUR FOLLOW AGAIN TO CINEMAS," causing a myriad of thrilled CARATs. However, this was followed by a subsequent boycott from the fandom due to one of its screening locations.

On July 23, SEVENTEEN released an official trailer for its upcoming film "FOLLOW AGAIN," which is scheduled to premiere on August 21 for a limited time.

Fans were ecstatic as this was a chance to relive or experience the boy group's unforgettable encore concert.

"CARATs, let's always support our Seventeen boys. No matter the circumstances, we will always remain united and strong."

"Just booked my ticket for Aug 22nd. Can't wait to see the guys on the big screen!"

"I'm so excited to watch this in theaters! I'm gonna bring my mom to show her what amazing people I stan."

"With lots of love and gratitude! Can't wait to go see this in Cinemas in Johannesburg, South Africa!"

"I can't believe after 9 years of stanning them, I actually got to experience their concert real-time."

"I was super lucky to go to 3 follow again concerts both in incheon and seoul. Watching this again in cinema to relive the moments."

"SEVENTEEN, Let's be together forever." goddd im so excited to see this https://t.co/Xp7YdfKX47  fish (@17runtoyou) July 23, 2024

were gonna see thissssssss https://t.co/vUIe5h7yRI  e  (@coupsdkpm) July 23, 2024

secured the ticket already! see you soon my boys <3 https://t.co/ILSAJ4bwNC  narayaa. (@skyIaand) July 23, 2024

SEVENTEEN TOUR FOLLOW AGAIN TO CINEMAS TO BE RELEASED BEGINNING ON AUGUST 21!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/KeNOG1GocC  hannie  (@minghaocheol_) July 16, 2024

!!! https://t.co/YtySz3WRae pic.twitter.com/RxIoTUlC46  zee  (@wwooxyzee) July 16, 2024

However, on social media platform X (Twitter), CARATs have noticed that the film has included a screening in Israel, prompting them to urge a mass boycott of the movie. Fans have raised awareness of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Furthermore, netizens have also suggested that HYBE cancel the film's screening in Israel, while also trending the hashtag "#HYBEDivestFromZionism," and calling out organizer Trafalgar Releasing with "#CANCELTRAFALGAR."

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: Japanese CARATs Boycott SEVENTEEN Joshua's Goods Amid Dating Rumor

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
In a dreamy teaser video, FIFTY gave Hunnies the first official glimpse of its four new members. The clip made rounds on social media, where netizens and fans expressed their reactions.

On July 24, ATTRAKT released a teaser video titled "Silhouette," which featured FIFTY FIFTY. The clip started with current member Keena playing a game with the upcoming new members, whose introduction has been highly anticipated by the K-pop community.

Watch the full teaser here:

In the video's comments section, netizens expressed their support for the group's future endeavors and welcomed the new members. Read their comments below:

"I'm looking forward to FIFTY FIFTY and Keena's comeback. Girls, let's shake the world!"

"Regardless of everything that has happened, I'm practically rooting for Keena and the new members, good luck lads!"

"It's cool that they centered the concept around only showing Keena's face. Reminds us how much we love her and how excited we are to meet the others!"

"I don't know why but this makes me want to cry. We'll be rooting for you FIFTY FIFTY."

"After a long time, finally, we will see Keena with new members and I hope this group will continue to keep their success."

"I'm so happy that Keena is getting her second chance and looks like Chanelle might be in this group too, so she gets her chance to finally debut!"

"Good luck to the new members and hopefully they will be happy from here on out!"

"I am so glad to see what FIFTY FIFTY could have been and can't wait for them to continue their concept."

However, the reactions were starkly different on social media platform X (Twitter), where netizens conveyed mixed reactions.

The frustrated netizens were also against supporting the revised girl group and mentioned ATTRAKT's treatment towards former members Saena, Sio, and Aran.

Meanwhile, other netizens simply supported the new members, Keena, and FIFTY FIFTY's fresh start.

What are your thoughts on the new members? Are you looking forward to FIFTY FIFTY's return to the music scene? 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: FIFTY FIFTY Unveils New Members During Keena's Birthday - Here's How Fans Reacted

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
NewJeans is drawing flak for supposedly ignoring ILLIT during the SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer 2024.

The SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer 2024 was held on July 21, 2024. Featuring some of the hottest names in the industry, like LE SSERAFIM, Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, NCT, ILLIT, and (G)I-DLE, this is one of the greatest music events in South Korea. Although the K-pop groups in attendance showcased several memorable stages, the interactions between stars drew the public's attention.

The only artists with a loud fanchant in a music festival. Goated le sserafim pic.twitter.com/B8P54bkFKB  realyunjin (@yunjinsdoll) July 21, 2024

Notably, the SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer 2024 is the first time that LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and NewJeans, the three main girl groups signed to HYBE Labels, shared the same stage.

A video taken during the event that shows the interaction between ILLIT and NewJeans is currently trending on social media. For the first time since their debut at the end of March this year, ILLIT was spotted with NewJeans.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Dispatch Exposes Min Hee Jin of Kicking Out Trainee Due to Her Visuals: 'She Looks Like A Fool'

Many were excited to see the interaction between ILLIT and NewJeans on the SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer 2024 stage. However, the "awkward" environment generated a lot of online conversation. ILLIT bowed and greeted NewJeans, but their superiors appeared to ignore them, according to netizens completely.

Despite the strained history between the two groups, this incident stunned netizens. The relationship between ILLIT and NewJeans has been less than ideal since this year.

Previously, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin claimed that ILLIT had copied the formula from NewJeans for their debut. The people strongly reacted against ILLIT after the claims.According to netizens, Min Hee Jin's remarks about ILLIT are why NewJeans don't like ILLIT. Their relationship is uneasy at best because of the rift that the plagiarism controversy has caused.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: ADOR Addresses NewJeans' Plagiarism Accusations In Fiery Official Statement

NewJeans were slammed for ignoring ILLIT. Bunnies (NewJeans' fans) attempted to defend the ADOR girl group, arguing that it was understandable that no one would want to show respect for a group that had been accused of plagiarizing them. This explanation, however, did not sit well with many, and anti-fans are already utilizing the incident to spread rumors about NewJeans's rude and conceited behavior.

Min Hee Jin's accusations have added fuel to the fire surrounding the unresolved claim that ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans.

The company of ILLIT, BELIFT LAB, reacted by disputing the accusations and suing the Min Hee Jin for defamation. It is recommended that artists refrain from exhibiting any attitudes that might influence public opinion while the companies are embroiled in legal disputes.

CHECK THIS OUT: Min Hee Jin Shares Unfiltered Moments of NewJeans Chaos on Instagram

In light of this, NewJeans is under fire for being conceited and rude to their juniors.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

KpopStarz Owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez
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Market risk prudential requirements under Basel III

The European Commission has today adopted a delegated act that postpones by one year (i.e. until 1 January 2026) the date of application of one part the Basel III standards in the EU  the Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB). The FRTB incorporates more sophisticated risk measurement techniques that aim to align capital charges more closely to the actual risks banks are facing in their activities in capital markets.

The Commission has always been committed to a timely implementation of the Basel III standards. The entry into force of the final text of the Banking Package on 9 July as well as the entry into application in the EU of the new Basel requirements from 1 January 2025 are a proof of that.

By doing so, the EU is among the first major jurisdictions to finalise the implementation of the Basel standards. The application of these standards is important for the functioning of a well-regulated and stable banking sector that can contribute to financial stability and economic growth.

However, aligned implementation of the standards across jurisdictions is essential. Delays and deviations in implementation in major jurisdictions could undermine the credibility of the standards. This could ultimately hamper the international level playing field and undermine the global financial stability.

The Commission's ongoing monitoring of the implementation of the Basel standards in the rest of the world indicates that some major jurisdictions have yet to finalise their rules or communicate on their timelines for implementation. That is why, to preserve the global level playing field for internationally active European banks in respect to their trading activities, the Commission has decided to postpone the entry into force of this part of the Basel III standards. The Basel III standards will apply to all EU banks from 1 January 2025, with the exception of the market risk framework (provided the co-legislators do not object to the delegated act).

The delegated act has been adopted in accordance with the mandate received by the Commission from the European Parliament and Council.

Next steps

The delay of the application date of the FRTB rules by one year will give us time to assess the international developments and our next steps. This delegated act is now subject to the scrutiny of the European Parliament and Council for a period of 3 months.

Background

The recent entry into force of the Banking Package (the Capital Requirements Regulation and the Capital Requirements Directive) represents a key milestone towards the faithful implementation of the Basel standards in the EU. It reaffirms our willingness to fulfil our international commitment and to implement the new prudential rules as of 1 January 2025, as previously announced.

An international level playing field is particularly important for capital market activities. Competition between internationally active banks is very intense in this area due to the ease with which market activities can be conducted across jurisdictions. The implementation of the FRTB should therefore converge as much as possible across jurisdictions to prevent distortions of the playing field.

For more information

Delegated act

Q&A published on DG FISMA's website

Quote

We are steadfast in our international commitment to financial stability: the Basel III international standards will apply in the EU from 1 January 2025. This will ensure a reliable and stable banking sector for EU citizens and companies: implementing the Basel III rules is in the EU interest. However, as major jurisdictions have not yet finalised their own implementation of the Basel III rules, we need to delay by one year the application of the new market risk capital requirements, to preserve the international level playing field for EU banks. The Commission is working closely with the European Banking Authority and the supervisors to provide banks with the necessary technical details for a consistent approach across Europe.

Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union 2024-07-23
Washington, Jul 24 (PTI) Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations, while hers is a people powered campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris said Tuesday addressing her first election rally, a day after she became the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.****

Also Read | US Shocker: Woman Jumps to Death out of Moving Car in Arizona During Police Chase After Boyfriend Allegedly Takes 20 Fentanyl Pills and Drives Vehicle up Mount Lemmon.

FGN34: US-TRUMP-HARRIS-COMPLAINT ****Trump campaign files complaint to block Biden's campaign funds being transferred to Harris

Washington: The Trump campaign has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission arguing that money raised for US President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection bid could not be transferred to Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.****

Also Read | Indian Navy Successfully Evacuates Critically Injured Chinese Mariner From Bulk Carrier Zhong Shan Men off Mumbai Coast (See Pics and Video).

FGN28: US-ELECTION-BIDEN-LD ADDRESS ****Biden to address nation on decision to withdraw from presidential race

Washington: US President Joe Biden will address the nation on Wednesday to explain to fellow Americans his decision to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse his deputy Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for the November general elections.****

FGN16: US-HARRIS-NETANYAHU ****Harris in her meeting with Netanyahu to say it's time for war to end

Washington: US Vice President Kamala Harris will meet the visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week but would not be able to preside over a joint session of the US Congress which would be addressed by him, according to her aide.****

FGN25: US-TRUMP-PALESTINE ****Trump tells Palestinian President everything will be good

Washington: Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that everything will be good.****

FGN24: US-HARRIS-MEMO ****Harris has energized Democratic base, says a confidential memo from Trump campaign

Washington: A confidential Trump campaign memo Tuesday acknowledged that the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris has energized the Democratic base and that given what has happened over the past couple of days there is no question that she will get her bump earlier than the Democrat's Convention.****

FGN22: US-HARRIS-INDIA ****No shift in India policy under Kamala Harris, says Mukesh Aghi

Washington: There is unlikely to be any shift in India-US policy and strategy under a Harris administration, the head of a top India-centric American trade and strategic advocacy group said Tuesday, noting that Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party has energized the base.****

FGN2: US-KAMALA HARRIS-FUND RAISING ****Harris campaign raises USD100 million from 1 1 million people

Washington, Jul 24 (PTI) Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, has raised an unprecedented USD100 million from more than 1.1 million people for her presidential campaign, reflecting the groundswell of support in her favour.****

FGN59: CHINA-MOON-WATER ****Chinese scientists find traces of water in lunar soil brought by Chang'e-5 mission

Beijing: Chinese scientists studying the soil samples of the moon brought by Chang'e-5 mission found water molecules in lunar soil, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).****

FGN52: PAK-IMRAN-POLYGRAPH ****Jailed former PM Imran Khan refuses to undergo polygraph test linked to May 9 riots

Lahore: Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has refused to undergo polygraph and voice matching tests as part of an investigation by Lahore police in connection with a dozen cases related to the unprecedented May 9 riots last year.****

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
On 23 July the president of Chiles right-wing opposition Union Democrata Independiente (UDI), Senator, resigned as head of the party.

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On 23 July Mexican think tank Mexico Evalua presented a report on the impact of militarising citizen security in the country which suggested that it had failed as a policy.

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On 23 July the Colombian police arrested seven high-ranking members of the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) alliance of dissident units of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) guerrilla group, who were travelling in government vehicles at the time of their arrest.

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Rongcheng in E China's Shandong revitalizes ancient seaweed-thatched houses

People's Daily Online) 14:44, July 24, 2024

Photo shows seaweed-thatched houses in Dongchudao village, Rongcheng city, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Yang Zhili)

In a seaside fishing village in Rongcheng city, a county-level city administered by Weihai city, east China's Shandong Province, seaweed-thatched houses are a unique sight to behold.

The houses, made of stone walls and seaweed roofs, have a distinctive appearance with fluffy textures. They are representative examples of eco-friendly traditional dwellings in the coastal region in eastern Shandong Province.

Currently, Rongcheng boasts over 300 traditional fishing villages, with seaweed-thatched houses as their iconic feature. Among them, 25 villages have been recognized at the national and provincial levels as traditional villages.

One of these villages is Dongchudao village. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the village stretches along a 10-kilometer coastline. It stands out as one of the best-preserved villages in eastern Shandong, with 144 households and 650 seaweed houses.

The construction of seaweed-thatched houses has a long history in this area. Local residents use thick stones for walls and dried seaweed as roofing material. This traditional house building technique was officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Shandong Province in 2006.

Photo shows seaweed-thatched houses in Dongdun village, Rongcheng city, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Yang Zhili)

"The seaweed washed ashore is gradually decomposed by microorganisms, releasing the stored carbon as carbon dioxide into the air. However, by drying and using the seaweed to build houses, its usage time can be extended to over a decade, thereby lowering the speed of carbon dioxide emissions," said Wang Shanshan, an associate professor from Weihai Ocean Vocational College, who added that seaweed houses contribute positively to the reuse of seaweed and environmental conservation.

In 2015, Dongchudao village initiated a renovation project for those seaweed-thatchede houses that needed repairs. A team of professionals was invited to repair and reinforce the structures, which were subsequently inspected on-site by the local cultural relics department.

Since 2013, Rongcheng has designated seaweed houses and courtyards with significant historical, cultural, and artistic value as protected cultural relic units.

To preserve the authenticity and integrity of traditional villages, the city has carried out proactive maintenance repairs and protective development on the seaweed-thatched houses in these villages. Presently, houses in seven villages have attained the status of provincial-level protected cultural relic units in Shandong Province.

Furthermore, the local government in Rongcheng city has recruited young local talents who possess a genuine passion for the preservation of ancient villages. To date, over 2,000 individuals with diverse expertise have been cultivated and integrated into the workforce.

Aerial picture shows seaweed-thatched houses in Dongchudao village, Rongcheng city, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Yang Zhili)

Liucun village is a traditional village in Rongcheng city. Surrounded by mountains, it has a history of over 700 years and is home to more than 140 seaweed-thatched houses.

"Constructing a seaweed-thatched house involves over 70 steps," said Cheng Zhongan, director of the villagers' committee of Liucun village. The construction process encompasses material preparation, wall construction, and thatching the roof, Cheng added.

"Thatching the roof with seaweed is the most critical step. The thickest part of the thatch can reach up to 4 meters. It takes a team of three or four skilled craftsmen over 10 days to complete a single thatched roof," said Cheng.

Rongcheng city has launched a project to improve the living environment in traditional villages, with an investment exceeding 500 million yuan (about $68.82 million). This initiative focuses on addressing the deficiencies in infrastructure, including water, electricity, roads, gas, and heating.

Ten years ago, Yu Haiyang, a native in Yandunjiao village, Rongcheng, returned to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.

Yandunjiao village boasts over 1,300 well-preserved seaweed-thatched houses, many of which had remained vacant for a long period of time. After careful consideration, Yu secured leases for three of these houses, intending to transform them into a facility that provides food services, accommodation, and other activities for tourists.

Yu and the villagers' committee agreed that the exterior of the seaweed-thatched houses must remain unchanged. It was not until after the renovations were completed and approved by the villagers' committee that Yu's business was opened to welcome guests.

"My business has been thriving. Last year, I earned over 100,000 yuan," Yu said. He added that in recent years, more and more young people have chosen to return to the village and contribute to the cultural tourism industry, leading to an increasing number of tourists visiting the village.

Nowadays, Yandunjiao village has more than 70 houses that provide food services, accommodation, and other activities for tourists. Over 95 percent of the villagers are involved in the tourism service industry. In 2023, the village welcomed over 100,000 tourist visits, generating tourism revenue of over 2 million yuan.

Rongcheng city is committed to continuing the preservation of its traditional villages and the development of tourism, said a leading official of the city, adding that by leveraging regional characteristics like the ancient villages and seaweed-thatched houses, the villages are able to thrive in conservation while being rejuvenated through revitalization brought by tourism.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. was initially on board when Councilman Frank Pintabone proposed reopening the Home Rule Charter, which would remove the mayor of Easton from council.

Now, he believes having the mayor on council has worked for the past 17 years, and questioned the need to change what is working well.

In Pennsylvania, Home Rule is a form of local government structure that allows municipalities to draft their own local constitution. This charter defines the organization, powers, functions and procedures of the local government. Home rule municipalities can tailor their laws and policies to serve local needs within the bounds of state and federal law.

Easton voters in November 2007 approved the citys Home Rule Charter . It made the mayor a voting member of a city council expanded from five to seven members. Panto said the main reason why the city did this was for economic reasons.

Other council members have expressed their opinions on the matter since Pintabone introduced it.

Panto said local governments in neighboring cities where mayors do not sit on council are often at odds with the voting members of council. This is not the case in either respect when it comes to Easton, he said.

I really believe that the mayor on council works, Panto said. (Its) more collegial between the mayor and the council members instead of just being at odds all the time.

Council member Roger Ruggles leaned toward Pantos opinions, saying not having the mayor on council would form a rift. He said having the mayor on council, stating his opinions, allows for better dialogue.

Pintabone said the harmony within the council is not a result of the charter, but the fact that members of council are generally on the same page. He said with or without the charter, council members can still disagree  having the mayor on council does not affect that.

What it does affect, Pintabone said, is the mayors level of power over the council. He said if Panto, or any future mayor, wanted to block an item from appearing on the agenda, he could do so.

Somebody is going to be the chair of council, Ruggles said. Whoever is the chair of council is going to set the agenda. And if youre not chair, they can block you.

Solicitor Joel Scheer said under the charter, council can set its own rules and agenda, which are made public. If council wishes, they could pass a rule that any council member can propose anything, and that must go on the agenda.

Pintabone said previously that his proposal to reopen the Home Rule Charter had nothing to do with Panto as a mayor, but because its form of government he would prefer. He reiterated that point, and said that when it comes to agenda items, Panto doesnt block him.

If we keep the same form of government, Ill be fine. Im gonna operate the same way, Im still gonna work with everybody, Pintabone said. I really want [the public] to understand the government theyre voting for, whether we have to do 20 public sessions over the next two years or 100, I want them to understand and make the vote.

Pintabone said after speaking to members of the public, he gathered that they did not know what they were voting for when the current charter was established.

Vice Mayor Ken Brown said he believes reopening the charter is a great idea, especially because it hasnt been reopened for several years. Pintabone said while his main priority was opening the charter to remove the mayor from council, he said there are other pieces of the charter council members want to revisit.

Council member Crystal Rose said it would be a good idea to further discuss it.

I dont know personally how I feel about it yet, she said. But there also may be an opportunity if we dont change the charter to update it.
One of the largest Girl Scouts councils in Pennsylvania has fired four camp counselors at a popular overnight summer camp after they addressed a camper in the childs choice of pronouns.

Officials from the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania on Tuesday confirmed to PennLive that they fired the counselors at Camp Small Valley in Halifax after the counselors violated council policy and referred to the child by he/him pronouns.

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania said the organization is inclusive and serves all girls, but that the actions of the counselors had gone against written guidelines given to staff.

Recently, it came to our attention that one of our summer resident camp participants, who is a biological girl, was identifying as a boy and using he/him pronouns, the statement said. While Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is committed to inclusivity, identifying as a boy and using male pronouns becomes a complex issue in a setting that is a space just for girls. This introduces subject matter that may be considered sensitive or not appropriate to discuss in a youth program setting without staff who are specially trained.

The council said it makes the policy clear to counselors ahead of the summer camp season.

Contrary to the direction we provide to our camp staff to handle situations of a sensitive nature, certain camp staff members intentionally withheld this situation from camp leadership, the statement said. After having been given an opportunity to commit to transparency about any sensitive camper issues in the future, certain staff refused and were let go.

The council is chartered by the national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA. However, each Girl Scout council is an independent 501c3. The council follows the national Blue Book, the governing documentation that sets the required policies for all independent councils.

In an interview with PennLive, one of the parents of a junior counselor said the sequence of events began about a week ago when a camper told her mother that there was a boy in her dorm.

Michelle Gallo, who has been sending her daughter to the camp for nearly a decade, said the staff, mostly college students, felt it was morally the right thing to do to address the child by the chosen pronouns.

The report to the mother prompted a visit by two senior officials in the scouting council to the camp, Gallo said, resulting in the termination of several camp counselors.

Gallo said that she learned that the counselors had requested a copy of the councils written policy regarding the use of pronouns, but that as far as she knew, no written policy had been provided.

I know my daughter did not receive a copy, she said.

Gallo said that four counselors were fired on Friday evening ahead of Sunday afternoons arrival of new campers. Gallo said at least six additional counselors resigned on the spot as a show of solidarity.

The Girl Scouts confirmed the resignations. PennLive has not been successful at reaching those counselors for comment.

According to Gallo, many of the counselors are international students here on summer work visas. Without jobs they run the risk of losing their visas and having to leave the U.S. She said most counselors are from England.

I dont feel any organization has any right to tell a child what their gender identity or what pronouns they should use, Gallo said. To me thats just a basic human right ...for you to decide how you want to live your life in whatever way you choose and feels right in your heart.

Gallo said her daughter returned to the camp this week out of a sense of obligation to the young campers.

I believe those who are there are still there only because they feel a sense of responsibility for the new group of children scheduled to arrive today, Gallo said on Sunday.

I do find it ironic that the Girl Scouts are part of the reason my daughter has learned to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in, Gallo said. And now that power they have instilled in her is coming back to bite them in the backside. Children should be able to express themselves and adults should respect that.

In its statement, the council said its mission was to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. It billed itself as the premier girl leadership organization in the world with 112 years of creating an all-girl environment where girls can stretch their limits and shine their brightest without the distractions or pressures that can be found in a coed environment.

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania is an inclusive organization that serves all girls, the statement said. If a child is recognized by her family and community as a girl, and lives culturally as a girl, she is welcome to participate in our programs. The Girl Scout experience will give her a greater sense of confidence, a higher comfort level with taking risks, the ability to claim every space as a space where girls and women belong, and the support and encouragement of a strong female network.

The council comprises approximately 13,500 girls across 30 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, according to its website. It covers a number of counties, including Adams, Centre, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York.

The two U.S.-based premier scouting programs have in recent years been roiled by issues of inclusivity involving LGBTQ issues and transgender members.

Boy Scouts of America earlier this year announced it will change its name next year to Scouting America, one of several measures the embattled organization has taken to demonstrate inclusivity.

The Boy Scouts of America for years resisted lifting its ban on gay members and leaders, even as it was rocked by a sex abuse scandal and bankruptcy.

The organization lifted the ban on gay and bisexual youth members in 2014; the following year it opened its leadership ranks to gay and bi adult leaders. (Church-sponsored troops are allowed to exclude anyone whose beliefs run counter to their religious tenets.)

Although the Girl Scouts has been considered a more progressive organization, it has faced its own culture war battles.

The Girl Scouts has accepted trans girls at least as far back as 2011, when news broke that a Denver troop had a trans member. The council faced fierce backlash from right-wing groups, prompting the organization to release the following statement:

If a girl is recognized by her family, school and community as a girl and lives culturally as a girl, Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve her in a setting that is both emotionally and physically safe. Inclusion of transgender girls is handled at a council level on a case by case basis, with the welfare and best interests of all members as a top priority.

But Girl Scouts has continued to face backlash from far-right groups for its inclusivity, at times returning sizeable donations to transphobic donors.

The mission of diversity and inclusivity appears to be expressed differently from council to council.

The 2024 parents handbook for the Halifax camp obtained by PennLive states that Girl Scouts has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we welcome and embrace staff and campers of all abilities and backgrounds into our wonderful sisterhood.

Inclusion is at the core of who we are; its about being a sister to every Girl Scout and celebrating our unique strengths. Part of the important work we do includes modeling friendship and kindness for our campers and showing them what it means to practice empathy. Through equal treatment, we can nurture an inclusive camp environment. "

Corinne Goodwin, executive director of Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, said they were troubled by the response they received from the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.

Goodwin said policies such as the one executed by council leadership are harmful to gender-expansive youth.

Goodwin said she offered to provide cultrual competency training to staff members but was told only that her offer would be passed on to leadership.

I was also told that their Council was not obligated to follow the guidance that the Girl Scouts of America on this or any other associated issue, said Goodwin. They did not provide me with any comments that would indicate that they have any policies in place that would protect the health and safety of gender-expansive young people.

Goodwin noted that studies show that using a persons chosen name and pronouns significantly reduces the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm among young people.

It would appear that the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania have not taken Girl Scout USAs DEI statement to heart where they are asking for all Girl Scoutsgirls, volunteers, alums, supporters, families, staff, and our suppliers and service providersto commit to taking action to make the world a more equitable place, Goodwin said.

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania said the summer camp line-up at Camp Small Valley in Halifax was unchanged by the incident.

Our summer camp remains in full swing, led by remaining seasonal staff as well as additional qualified council staff and volunteers who have stepped up to ensure that girls continue to have a wonderful and rewarding camp experience, the council said in the statement.
When something strange washes up on the Jersey Shore, beachgoers are bound to notice.

The latest reports this July on our coast: a tiny orange fish usually found in tropical environments.

Some have likened the fish to Nemo or a missing pet goldfish  while others have worried its appearance on our shores could be a harbinger of trouble brewing further out to sea.

The Atlantic Ocean in the northeast has warmed by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 15 years, which is much faster than the global average, an analysis by NJ Advance Media found. Bottom ocean temps have gone up significantly in the past two decades too. Ramifications of that warming  linked to climate change here and elsewhere  have been seen already. Atlantic surf clams have had to reckon with ocean acidification and black sea bass have been seen to change and expand their migration north.

This fishs appearance at the Jersey Shore, however, is not particularly concerning, experts said.

The little orange fish, spotted in Sea Bright, Holgate, and Ocean City over the past few weeks, appears to be a short bigeye or Pristigenys alta if going by the scientific name, several experts told NJ Advance Media while reviewing images of the fish provided by residents.

The fish is often found further south off the coast of North Carolina and Florida and is native to tropical and subtropical marine environments. They can be as small as your thumb, or grow to larger than 30 centimeters, according to The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

And the fish has shown up here before.

Its known range (in New Jersey)  especially during the summer as a visitor  is long-standing, Peter Auster, a research professor with the University of Connecticuts Department of Marine Sciences and senior research scientist with the Mystic Aquarium, said on the phone.

If theres lots of them, that might be a little more unusual but it could be reflective of the local oceanography pushing things ashore, pushing the fish, said Auster, adding that the images appear to be of juveniles a year old or less.

Tom Baum, a retired fisheries biologist who worked for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for over 30 years, said the young are often transported here by currents.

The Gulf Stream off New Jersey is scores of miles off (the coastline) as opposed to North Carolina or Florida, where its right off the coast, Baum said, you get these currents or gyres, that peel off the Gulf Stream and they basically transport some of this plankton, the eggs and the larvae of these tropical or semi-tropical fish  closer to (our) shore.

Resident Justin Grugeon in early July said his family found the fish in Ocean City at low tide behind a sandbar among a pile of sticks and seaweed.

I was able to scoop one of the (fish) up and put it in the bucket for pictures, Grugeon said. My kids went on to find four more. They were all alive, not very quick and rather easy to pick up.

Another person said they found the fish  one alive and 15 dead also in a small tide pool  by the Sea Bright bridge near Rumson.

Cindy Zipf, founder and executive director of nonprofit Clean Ocean Action, said its not just short bigeye. New Jersey sees a lot of tropical species in the summer as they take a free ride up in the Gulf Stream, which also often spins off warm core eddies even closer to shore.

Baum said state marine fishery ocean trawl surveys pulled in short bigeye as far back as the late 1980s.

The species has shown up occasionally in the 34 years of regular trawling, seining, and plankton collection and class field studies started under Ken Able and continuing under Roland Hagan and me, added Thomas Grothues, a professor with Rutgers Universitys Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, while naming fellow researchers hes worked with.

Various experts concurred: The Jersey Shore has seen short bigeye in at least the past three decades and possibly further back.

Finding the fish here, however, has happened too scarcely to fit any specific trend, they added. The matter has also not been extensively studied.

Most likely, the spawning adult populations are progressing northward and/or the juvenile expatriates are surviving longer, said Grothues of short bigeye and other species.

The numbers of fish that we are already familiar with are increasing here and further north while they decline from historical numbers in the south  summer flounder, aka fluke, being a prime example. At the same time, cold water species are declining from their historical numbers here, with winter flounder and lobster  not a fish to be sure but sharing their environments  being examples, Grothues continued. These trends also fit ocean and bay temperature trends.

That reports of short bigeye dont exactly raise alarm bells at the Jersey Shore doesnt mean people shouldnt continue being vigilant, said Auster of the University of Connecticut.

Besides providing a chance to learn about science, the next finding might be important.

Its great that people are aware of these kinds of (sightings), these species that look odd on the beach, Auster said. People can be citizen scientists.
The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

That is a search that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears he registered for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

The FBI is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service countersniper. The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

The agency has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks movements and online activity, but the precise motive  or why Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, was singled out  remains elusive, Wray said.

A lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded, anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, Wray said.

The FBIs assessment is that Crooks acted alone.

Wray noted that Crooks had grown interested in public officials  besides Trump, Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent figures  and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump.

Crooks is believed to have visited the rally site a week before the event, staying for about 20 minutes, and then returned on the morning of July 13. About two hours before the shooting, Wray said, Crooks flew a drone about 200 yards from the rally for about 11 minutes, using the device to livestream and watch footage and obtain what Wray said would have been a rear view mirror of the scene behind him.

The use of the drone, which along with a controller were recovered from Crooks car, so close to the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage add to the questions about the security lapses.

On the afternoon of the rally, Crooks attracted law enforcement scrutiny because of odd behavior around the edges of the event, including shouldering a backpack and peering into the lens of a range finder toward the rooftops behind the stage where Trump would stand within the hour.

Using what Wray said was mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, Crooks was able to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage. Crooks fired eight shots from an AR-style rifle before being he was killed.

The FBI thinks Crooks may have managed to avoid detection despite being armed because his weapon had a collapsible folding stock, Wray said.

Wray pledged to lawmakers that the FBI would leave no stone unturned in its investigation.

I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example  a particularly heinous and public one  of what Ive been talking about, Wray said.

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting  as part of the committees routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session.

The FBI so far has avoided the same level of scrutiny over the shooting directed at the Secret Service over security failures that preceded the shooting and has led to the the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle.

Even so, Wray was not able to entirely avoid the antagonistic questions he typically receives from the Republican-led committee, a reflection of the lingering perception that the FBI and Justice Department have become politicized against Trump  something Wray has consistently denied.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray: Im sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBIs ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.

By ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

Follow the APs coverage of FBI Director Christopher Wray at https://apnews.com/hub/christopher-wray.
The Phillipsburg Downtown Association is encouraging residents to make their opinions known ahead of a regular Land Use Board meeting scheduled this week.

The Phillipsburg Land Use Board is expected to deliberate over the prospective zoning for a portion of Howard Street, to determine whether rezoning the property at 170 Howard St. from residential use to industrial use is consistent with the towns master plan.

Members of the PDA say rezoning the tract adjacent to the Delaware River and Delaware River Park is not consistent with the towns goals and would have harmful effects on the surrounding neighborhood.

The Land Use Board meeting is open to the public and scheduled to happen 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at 310 Firth St., inside the Phillipsburg Senior Center.

Robin Coe-Donaldson, owner of COE Insurance, at a meeting in July said she believes the warehouse could potentially contribute to air pollution and truck traffic in the residential neighborhood known as the Flats.

Advocacy and education are two pillars of the Phillipsburg Downtown Association. Our goal as a community organization is to provide timely, relevant information to our members so we can make more informed decisions about various topics affecting the economic development of Phillipsburg, the PDA said in a news release.

Residents are also being encouraged to donate to the New Jersey Highlands Coalition with a note to dedicate the money toward funding the Phillipsburg Environmental Watch, a local environmental watchdog group. Checks can be made payable to New Jersey Highlands Coalition 508 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.

Last month, the group settled a lawsuit with the town of Phillipsburg to vacate a November 2022 ordinance that changed the zoning of the parcels from riverside residential zoning to industrial zoning.

We cant stop now. We have a second lawsuit against a previous warehouse ordinance, Ordinance 2021-14, states the NoWareHouse website, which is run by Phillipsburg Environmental Watch. ...We believe there is no way that it can be argued successfully that changing the zoning to Industrial is consistent with the latest Master Plan, the 2013 Master Plan Revision Report.

Peron Construction LLC is still proposing a 328,227-square-foot warehouse with 219 parking spaces and access to a nearby rail line, according to site plans shown during a public meeting. The site is being designed to spec without a known tenant in mind.

Editors note: This article was updated to correct an erroneous reference to the Phillipsburg Downtown Association collecting signatures related to the rezoning.

Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe to lehighvalleylive.com today.
What can polluted Polish cities learn from Spain? Kapsch TrafficCom explains





Polish cities' problems with air pollution are well known. A report by researchers from the Medical University of Bialystok highlights the harmful effects of air pollution on people's health, from asthma and cardiovascular disease to cancer.

The researchers calculated that if air pollution levels were reduced to WHO standards, 25 000 deaths could have been avoided over the past 10 years in eastern Poland alone.

Urgent need for action

Immediate action is needed, especially in cities, as no Polish city meets the WHO criteria for air quality. Traffic, which accounts for 25% of urban air pollution, is one of the key causes of the problem. This is becoming an increasingly important topic for local authorities, not only for environmental reasons, but also for public health reasons.

"The main source of particulate pollution in cities is motorised traffic," explains Maciej Zezyk, Sales Director at Kapsch TrafficCom. "Braking and tyre wear play a particularly important role here, so simply switching to electric vehicles is not the ultimate solution. It is about reducing the traffic load and better distributing the overall demand for mobility."

Learning from Spain's success

There are a number of technologies that have proven their effectiveness in reducing pollution in cities, and Spain is one of the pioneers in this field. Following the introduction of new emissions legislation in 2021, more and more Spanish cities are using Clean Air Zone (CAZ) solutions to improve air quality. Kapsch TrafficCom is currently supporting six cities to implement these solutions, enabling them to meet EU targets and access EU funds. More than three and a half million people benefit from these projects. The results are: less traffic congestion, better air and an overall higher quality of life.

Clean air zones are also bringing benefits in other European cities. In London, for example, CO 2 pollution was reduced by 20 per cent, while in Milan a similar measure resulted in an 18 per cent drop in particulate matter.

Data as a key element

In Seville, Spain, traffic management is based on artificial intelligence and the intelligent use of data. Practical solutions such as real-time parking information, dynamic traffic control to avoid congestion or demand-based public transport management during major events are becoming a reality there thanks to advanced traffic management systems.

"It is crucial that cities implement these solutions thoughtfully and responsibly. Spanish cities have decades of experience in technology-based traffic management and are now taking the next step towards data-driven traffic management," explains Maciej Zezyk. "Powerful tools are available to improve air quality and reduce congestion. The impact of these systems is clear - they benefit the community, the environment and public health."

More information: Press | Kapsch TrafficCom

Kapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries. Innovative solutions in the application fields of tolling, tolling services, traffic management and demand management contribute to a healthy world without congestion.

With one-stop-shop solutions, the company covers the entire value chain of customers, from components to design and implementation to the operation of systems.

Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed in the Prime Market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: KTCG). In its 2023/24 financial year, about 4,000 employees generated revenues of EUR 539 million.

Further information: www.kapsch.net

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24 july 2024 at 01:20

News published onand distributed by:
Manulife Investment Management Announces Cash Distributions for Manulife Exchange Traded Funds





C$ unless otherwise stated TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945

TORONTO, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Manulife Investment Management today announced the July 2024 cash distributions for Manulife exchange traded funds (ETFs) that distribute monthly. Unitholders of record of the Manulife ETFs at the close of business on July 31, 2024, will receive cash distributions payable on August 14, 2024.

Details of the distribution per unit amounts are as follows:

ETF Ticker Distribution

Amount

(per unit) ($) Distribution

Frequency Manulife Smart Short-Term Bond ETF TERM 0.024328 Monthly Manulife Smart Core Bond ETF BSKT 0.017693 Monthly Manulife Smart Corporate Bond ETF CBND 0.028455 Monthly Manulife Smart Global Bond ETF GBND 0.024643 Monthly Manulife Smart Enhanced Yield ETF CYLD 0.150000 Monthly Manulife Smart U.S. Enhanced Yield ETF - Unhedged UYLD.B 0.150000 Monthly Manulife Smart U.S. Enhanced Yield ETF - US Dollar UYLD.U 0.150000* Monthly Manulife Smart U.S. Enhanced Yield ETF - Hedged UYLD 0.150000 Monthly

*Distribution amount ($) in USD.

Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with exchange traded funds (ETFs). Please read the ETF Facts and prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Manulife ETFs are managed by Manulife Investment Management. Manulife Investment Management is a trade name of Manulife Investment Management Limited.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering investors for a better tomorrow. Serving more than 17 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members, we believe our global reach, complementary businesses, and the strength of our parent company position us to help investors capitalize on today's emerging global trends. We provide our clients access to public and private investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternative, and sustainability-linked strategies, such as natural capital, to help them make more informed financial decisions and achieve their investment objectives. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2023, we had more than 38,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 35 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' in Hong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

SOURCE Manulife Investment Management

24 july 2024 at 07:30

News published onand distributed by:
Puma Samples 72 g/t Au at New Lion Gold Zone on Williams Brook Property





RIMOUSKI, Quebec, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the "Company" or "Puma") is pleased to report surface sampling results from its ongoing 2024 exploration program at its Williams Brook Gold Project located in New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada. A grab sample* returned 72.0 g/t Au in a new area located 10 km NE from the Lynx Gold Zone ("LGZ") along a potential trend that includes the Jaguar and Cougar gold zones.



This quartz-rhyolite-limonite-sericite subcrop returned the highest gold assay from surface sampling outside the LGZ. Previous drilling along the 4 km-long Lynx Gold Trend has confirmed that surface sampling is a strong vector for targeting gold mineralization at depth. Puma's work has found that surface sampling grades translate to similar grades subsurface (Figure 1). * The reader is cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true metal content of the mineralized zone.

President and CEO of Puma, Marcel Robillard, stated: "Work on the Williams Brook Project has been ongoing since the beginning of the summer with two exploration teams undertaking surface work on more than 20 priority targets throughout the land package. This latest finding continues to highlight the potential scale of our flagship project and further supports our work of the last four years. We've always maintained that a large orogenic gold system is at play here. These latest findings continue to support our hypothesis."

Newly discovered Lion Gold Zone

The ongoing surface exploration program in 2024 uncovered several large quartz outcrops and subcrops in an area that was never explored before, 4 km along strike away from the Jaguar Gold Zone. This gold trend-oriented NE parallels the Lynx Gold Trend, which extends more than 10 km between the Lynx and Panthera gold zones.

The new gold zone, the Lion Gold Zone (?'LIGZ''), is closely associated with a major fault, the McCormack Brook Fault. Prospection uncovered altered sediment and rhyolite with mineralized quartz veins similar to the mineralization found at the LGZ. An initial ten (10) samples were collected with assay highlights of 72 g/t Au, 2.61 g/t Au, 0.13 g/t Au and 0.07 g/t Au. The 72 g/t gold sample is composed of quartz, oxidized sulphides and fragments of altered rhyolite (Figure 2).

Figure 1. 2024 Exploration Program ? Discovery of the Lion Gold Zone





Figure 2. The 72 g/t gold sample



Following these findings, the company brought an excavator to define and study this new zone using the same systematic low-cost exploration approach, aiming to bring this discovery to a drilling stage as soon as possible.

About the Williams Brook Gold Project

Puma's flagship Williams Brook Gold Project comprises four properties covering more than 50,000 ha in Northern New Brunswick?an established and mining-friendly jurisdiction near paved roads and excellent infrastructure. The land package is located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault ("RBMF"), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region.

Puma's successful exploration model returned, amongst others, 5.50 g/t gold over 50.15 m in hole WB21-02 (see Sept.15, 2021, News Release), 2.77 g/t gold over 42.80 m in hole WB 22-66 (see June 8, 2022, News Release), 2.49 g/t gold over 63.05 m in WB23-139 (see Oct. 31, 2023 News Release), 5.15 g/t gold over 23.15 m in WB23-142 and 1.24 g/t gold over 98.05 m in WB23-145 (see Nov. 16, 2023 News Release).

Since 2021, with less than C$15M of exploration investment, Puma has made multiple gold discoveries at the Williams Brook property and believes it hosts an extensive orogenic gold system. Puma's ongoing exploration programs are focused on building a gold camp in Northern New Brunswick, Canada.

Dr. Gregg Morrison, a leading expert on intrusion-related, porphyry, and epithermal gold systems, stated: "I believe Williams Brook is part of the same family of gold systems as Fosterville and Sunday Creek in Australia and Valentine Lake in Newfoundland. These other deposits are known for their structure-controlled mineralization, metal zoning, free gold in bonanza shoots and kilometre scale depth extent. The similarities to these more comprehensively explored deposits gives real confidence to deeper drilling in the Lynx Zone and continued exploration around the feeder structures in the Williams Brook District.''

Qualified Person

Dominique Gagne, P.Geo, operator of Geominex, a company that provides independent consulting services to Puma and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101?Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved this release's technical information.

About Puma Exploration

Puma Exploration is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"). Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years.

As a first mover, the Company quickly and strategically accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings in the area. Puma's successful exploration methodology combines old prospecting methods with detailed trenching and up-to-date technology such as Artificial Intelligence ("AI") to facilitate an understanding of the geology and associated mineralized systems.

Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data, and consultants' expertise, Puma has developed a low-cost exploration tool for discovering gold at shallow depths and maximizing drilling results.

The Company is also committed to deploying its DEAR strategy (Development. Exploration. Acquisition. and Royalties) to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution.

Connect with us on Facebook / X/ LinkedIn.

Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact:

Marcel Robillard. President and CEO. (418) 750-8510;

[email protected]

Mia Boiridy. Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development. (250) 575-3305; [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0278366-c0da-4815-b4ad-cc3b402cbc6d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3df5fcd4-6f64-41f1-a3ea-ef3633e9107c

24 july 2024 at 08:00

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Boeing Provides Digital Flight Operations Solution for Ryanair





- Strategic multi-year agreement underscores Ryanair's dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in airline operations.

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ryanair, Europe's largest airline group, are elevating efficiency across Ryanair's fleet of primarily 737s with the addition of Boeing's Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro 5.0 electronic flight bag (EFB) solution.

This strategic multi-year agreement, providing support for the carrier's Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX fleet, underscores Ryanair's dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in airline operations.

"We are excited to integrate Boeing's newest electronic flight bag into our operations. This advanced tool will optimize our flight operations, minimize disruptions, and enhance efficiency across our expanding fleet," said Neal McMahon, chief operations officer of Ryanair.

FliteDeck Pro will provide Ryanair with tailored route information and the latest technology, including Smart Airport Maps to optimize taxi routes, reduce fuel consumption and improve ground safety.

As a platform-agnostic EFB solution, FliteDeck Pro provides airport moving maps, customer-inserted content and tailored maps.

"Our latest version of FliteDeck Pro includes enhanced pilot briefings, route planning and traffic features. This technology enables Ryanair with real-time data and insights, enhancing decision making and flight operations," said Brad Surak, vice president of Boeing Digital Aviation Solutions.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers .

Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing

24 july 2024 at 08:00

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Kye Pharmaceuticals Secures Exclusive License, Supply and Commercialization Agreement with Catalyst Pharmaceuticals for AGAMREE, a novel treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in Canada





Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy.

The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry estimates there are more than 800 boys and young men in Canada currently living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and coping with its debilitating symptoms.1

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Kye Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Kye"), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, licensing, and commercializing novel medicines for patients in Canada, today announced that it has entered into a License, Supply and Commercialization Agreement with Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Catalyst"), securing exclusive Canadian commercial rights to AGAMREE (vamorolone), an novel corticosteroid for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ("DMD"). Under the terms of the agreement, Catalyst will supply the product to Kye, who will assume full responsibility for obtaining regulatory approval for AGAMREE for the treatment of DMD from Health Canada and all future aspects of commercialization of the product within Canada. Kye currently markets FIRDAPSE in Canada, Catalyst's flagship product for the treatment of Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

"Our expanded partnership with Catalyst highlights the intrinsic value of our collaboration in developing innovative treatments for rare diseases, including DMD, and exemplifies our shared dedication to improving health outcomes across the U.S. and Canada" stated John McKendry, CEO and President of Kye Pharmaceuticals. "Together, we are committed to delivering novel therapies and bridging clinically significant treatment gaps."

"We are pleased to enter into the licensing agreement with Kye Pharmaceuticals for AGAMREE, marking a pivotal milestone in our strategic initiative to expand the product's footprint in North America. This collaboration leverages our combined expertise, fortifies our alliance by licensing our second therapeutic rare disease product for Canada, and demonstrates our sustained commitment to patient care," stated Richard J. Daly, CEO and President of Catalyst. "Building upon the U.S. approval of AGAMREE, we are committed to helping facilitate access to this novel alternative corticosteroid treatment to DMD patients and their healthcare providers in Canada. We look forward to working closely with our partner, who will spearhead the regulatory approval process for AGAMREE, with application submission to Health Canada anticipated by early 2025."

Under the terms of the agreement, Kye will have the exclusive Canadian rights to commercialize AGAMREE (vamorolone) oral suspension and will be responsible for funding all regulatory, marketing, and commercialization activities in Canada. Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., will be responsible for clinical and commercial supply and provide support to Kye Pharmaceuticals in its efforts to obtain regulatory approval for the product from Health Canada.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It primarily affects males, with symptoms typically appearing in early childhood, around ages 3 to 5. DMD is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes dystrophin, a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of muscle fibers. Without dystrophin, muscle cells become fragile and easily damaged, leading to progressive muscle degeneration. Symptoms of DMD usually begin with difficulty in walking, frequent falls, and muscle weakness, particularly in the legs and pelvis. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulty standing, climbing stairs, and eventually, complete loss of mobility. Other complications can include respiratory and cardiac issues due to muscle weakness.

About AGAMREE (vamorolone)

AGAMREE's unique mode of action is based on differential effects on glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors and modifying further downstream activity. As such, it is considered a novel corticosteroid designed to achieve dissociative properties while maintaining efficacy that has the potential to demonstrate comparable efficacy to steroids, with the potential for a better-tolerated side effect profile. This mechanism of action may allow AGAMREE to emerge as an effective alternative to the current standard of care corticosteroids in children, adolescents, and adult patients with DMD. In the pivotal VISION-DMD study, AGAMREE met the primary endpoint Time to Stand (TTSTAND) velocity versus placebo (p=0.002) at 24 weeks of treatment and showed a good safety and tolerability profile. The most commonly reported adverse events versus placebo from the VISION-DMD study were cushingoid features, psychiatric disorders, vomiting, weight increases, and vitamin D deficiency. Adverse events were generally of mild to moderate severity.

About Kye Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Kye Pharmaceuticals is a growth-stage Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company committed to bringing value to Canadians by identifying, licensing, and commercializing novel prescription medicines that may not otherwise be available to patients across Canada. With a growing pipeline of novel medicines, Kye's portfolio spans a range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, psychiatry, pediatrics, rare diseases, hematology, and neurology. Kye Pharmaceuticals is a private company headquartered in Toronto focused on bringing medications to the Canadian market which fulfill clinically significant unmet needs. Kye is committed to licensing and launching medicines that matter by delivering better outcomes to our partners, Canadian healthcare professionals, and, most importantly, patients across Canada. For more information, please visit www.kyepharma.com.

About Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

With exceptional patient focus, Catalyst is committed to developing and commercializing innovative first-in-class medicines that address rare and difficult-to-treat diseases. Catalyst's flagship U.S. commercial product is FIRDAPSE (amifampridine) Tablets 10 mg, approved for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome ("LEMS") for adults and for children ages six to seventeen. On July 31, 2020, Health Canada approved the use of FIRDAPSE for the treatment of adult patients in Canada with LEMS. On July 18, 2023, Catalyst acquired an exclusive license for North America for AGAMREE (vamorolone) oral suspension 40 mg/mL, a novel corticosteroid treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. AGAMREE previously received FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations and was approved by the FDA for commercialization in the U.S. on October 26, 2023. AGAMREE became commercially available by prescription in the U.S. on March 13, 2024.

For more information about Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., please visit the Company's website at?www.catalystpharma.com.

SOURCE Kye Pharmaceuticals Inc.

24 july 2024 at 08:10

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ServiceNow Acquires Raytion to Enhance GenAI-powered Search and Knowledge Management Capabilities on the Now Platform





ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation, today announced it has acquired Raytion to enhance GenAI-powered search and knowledge management capabilities on the Now Platform. Raytion's industry-leading information retrieval technology will enable unified real-time access to business-critical data across multiple enterprise sources for a more powerful, efficient, and personalized AI search experience, all on a single technology platform.

The complexity of modern enterprise environments will drive the need for more intelligence about the data, so that organizations can take control of highly distributed, diverse, and dynamic information1. With Raytion technology combined with ServiceNow AI Search, users can find the answers they require without having to know exactly where the information is located. Raytion's technology will integrate secure access to information from enterprise data sources and allow ServiceNow's AI Search to provide users with an industry-leading, intelligent search experience and the information they need, all from a single entry point. This includes data within ServiceNow and from third-party systems.

"ServiceNow is accelerating work, uniting fragmented data into a single, intelligent platform that helps customers access and share knowledge across their organizations," said Jon Sigler, senior vice president, Platform and AI, at ServiceNow. "Raytion's information retrieval technology will set us apart by making relevant data sources searchable so everyone?employees, customers, and agents?get the answers they need, when they need them."

Raytion's GenAI-powered search and knowledge management capabilities allow for cross-enterprise data integration, pulling from the full universe of enterprise knowledge that exists in various knowledge repositories, rather than a subset. When combined with the ServiceNow Now Assist GenAI experience, data moves beyond disparate information to now providing users with more comprehensive, relevant search results in one centralized location, helping boost self-service and case deflection. ServiceNow's single data model ? which seamlessly integrates people, services, and systems to empower AI capabilities ? takes this even further, enabling a more personalized experience for users, drawing on employee history like previous searches and interactions so results are more relevant and tailored to their unique needs.

"Enriching GenAI with the specific up-to-date information an employee has access to across all relevant data sources makes not only business processes smarter but the whole enterprise," said Valentin Richter, founder and CEO of Raytion. "The combination of ServiceNow's single platform with Raytion's secure enterprise data integration technology gives businesses a competitive advantage, allowing employees to solve problems and take informed action faster. We're bringing together business-critical information with intelligent GenAI-powered search and reliable data retrieval, all in one place."

Since 2001, Germany-based Raytion has been implementing and operating large-scale business solutions for Global 500 companies and organizations worldwide. For ServiceNow, this announcement follows previous acquisitions of Enable OH&S technology, Hitch Works, and 4Facility technology as part of the company's ongoing commitment to drive AI transformation on a global scale, enhance employee experiences, and power the future of work. ServiceNow completed the acquisition of Raytion in July 2024. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Use of forward-looking statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" about the expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, and strategies relating to ServiceNow's proposed acquisition of Raytion. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding future product capabilities and offerings and expected benefits to ServiceNow. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include, without limitation, inability or delays in assimilating or integrating Raytion's technology into our platform; inability to retain employees of Raytion after the transaction closes; unanticipated obligations or liabilities related to Raytion's legacy business; potential adverse tax consequences; and disruption to our business and diversion of management attention and other resources. Further information on factors that could affect our financial and other results is included in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

About ServiceNow

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is putting AI to work for people. We move with the pace of innovation to help customers transform organizations across every industry while upholding a trustworthy, human centered approach to deploying our products and services at scale. Our AI platform for business transformation connects people, processes, data, and devices to increase productivity and maximize business outcomes. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com.

 2024 ServiceNow, Inc. All rights reserved. ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other company names, product names, and logos may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. http://www.servicenow.com

1Source: IDC Worldwide Public Cloud Platform as a Service Forecast, 2023?2027

24 july 2024 at 08:35

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Union finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman, while presenting the Budget for 2024-25 on Tuesday, announced the formation of variable capital companies or VCCs in India. This move will boost capital flow from global and domestic investors in the alternative investments space in Gift IFSC.

The government will enable pooled private equity fund structures through VCCs, a system popular in tax-friendly jurisdictions such as Singapore and Mauritius. Mint explores the details of VCCs and how they are likely to be attractive to overseas investors.

What are variable capital companies?

Unlike typical funds where investors share risks and rewards uniformly, a VCC allows for sub-pools with different investment objectives, investors, and asset classes, all governed by the same board and managed by a single fund manager, custodian, auditor etc.

Under the current Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) regulations, an AIF may be set up as a trust, an LLP or a company. However, a VCC would necessarily have to be a company or at least an incorporated entity, said Vinod Joseph, partner at Economic Laws Practice. Many regulations applicable to companies would need to be disapplied to give flexibility to VCCs, he added.

However, the legal aspects of governing the VCC structure are still not clear. It remains to be seen how the government will operationalize the VCC structure, whether it will be done under the Companies Act, 2013 or under a different law," Joseph said.

How has the industry reacted to the move?

Investors and industry experts have cheered the introduction of the structure. They believe that the move would create sources of capital beyond just the private equity and venture capital ecosystem and will give another avenue for early-stage companies and founders to raise funds in a constrained environment.

AIFs in Gift IFSC can look forward to a variable capital company (VCC) structure, a globally recognized and accepted vehicle for investment funds," said Siddarth Pai, founding partner, 3one4 Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. Trusts were not conceived for the complex operations of VC/PE funds and the VCC structure will make Gift IFSC even more attractive."

EY Indias Jaiman Patel, among other efficient funding announcements, said VCCs promise enhanced financial and operational flexibility to the Gift City ecosystem.

Despite these advancements, anticipated reforms such as the tax framework for ODIs by non-banking units, reverse flipping of startups to Gift City IFSC, clarity on taxation of insurance proceeds in IFSC, etc remain pending," Patel added.

Other experts said the move would reduce compliance burden while making follow-on investments in startups when only a certain number of LPs are willing to participate. When you set up a fund, it comes with compliance requirements and so on. VCC structure is basically one umbrella structure. And then within that, there will be multiple teams you can createteams or specific carve-outs for each portfolio," Blume Ventures Mitul Mehta said.

What are the other provisions made for funds in Gift City?

The budget also announced more inclusions into what constitutes a specified fund". This fund could avail a tax exemption for capital gains arising out of investing in Indian debt securities. Generally, businesses operating in Gift City enjoy a general ten-year tax holiday which is applicable only to business income" and not to capital gains".

Until recently, a specified fund was defined as a Category III AIF located in any IFSC and whose units (other than units held by its sponsor or manager) are held by non-residents. The specified fund is the only Gift City entity that is eligible for an exemption from income tax on capital gains.

The latest budget has also included a retail scheme or an exchange-traded fund into the broader specified funds qualification, which can avail similar tax exemptions. In other words, if a retail scheme or an exchange-traded fund is set up in Gift City, it can raise monies from overseas retail investors, and such funds can invest in Indian debt securities. The capital gains arising from investments in Indian debt securities would not be taxable, Joseph explained.

EYs Patel said this will attract global fund managers and boost the broader fund management ecosystem. Additionally, IFSC finance companies now enjoy an exemption from thin capitalization rules, encouraging the establishment of Finance Companies and treasury units," he added.

What are the challenges in setting up funds in Gift City?

While the government is undertaking measures to ensure a steady flow of capital, there are certain challenges that various entities continue to face in Gift City. One such impediment is talent, especially in fund administration management.

An improving funding environment and as more funds start routing from Gandhi Nagar, some of these obstacles may see ease with institutions looking to hire more with competitive salaries. Over the next two to three years, people will start paying higher salaries, solving the talent problem," said Yagnesh Sanghrajka, founder and CFO, of early stage venture capital firm 100X.vc.

Sanghrajka also emphasized issues such as approval, licensing and capacity for institutions in Gifty City. As per the Economic Survey, released on Monday, there has been rapid growth in fund management entities (FMEs) and AIFs registered with IFSCA over the last three years. The cumulative FMEs and funds registered rose from 39 and 33 as of September 2022 to 114 and 120 as of March 2024, the survey said.

While investors believe there are ample opportunities to deploy capital, they encounter significant challenges in receiving approvals. The number of funds growing in this area have received approval but haven't started channelling funds into India yet. Approvals are there, but things take time," Sanghrajka said.

He added that the IFSC demands funds to show presence and carry out affairs in the Gift City. Fund managers will need to travel to Ahmedabad for board meetings. IFSC is driving this emphasis on substance over form. However, they offer substantial benefits like 100% tax exemption for 10 years and no GST on fees, which justify the costs of maintaining a presence there."

Also Read: RBI allows Indians to open dollar accounts in Gift City. What this means for you
In a recent LinkedIn post, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu shared encouraging updates on the progress of the new NDA government in Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP supremo emphasised that the state is regaining momentum thanks to productive meetings with key stakeholders, including foreign investors, NITI Aayog representatives, and BPCL officials. According to Chandrababu Naidu, these interactions have reignited investor interest in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing it as a promising and investor-friendly destination.

Here's N Chandrababu Naidu's post "Hello friends,

It has been a productive month for our new NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, and I'm glad to let you know that our State is back on track. Over the last month, I have met several key stakeholders, including foreign investors and representatives from NITI Aayog and BPCL, to unlock the potential of Andhra Pradesh. Investors are now looking at our State again with renewed hope, recognizing it as an investor-friendly destination with tremendous potential.

Yesterday, the Hon'ble Union Minister presented the Union Budget for 2024-25. I'm grateful that the union government led by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Ji, has prioritised the needs of Andhra Pradesh and honoured their commitment to our State's progress. The budget announcement is another step towards rebuilding our State. It is also a demonstration of excellent centre-state collaboration, strengthening cooperative federalism.

Recognising the need for capital, the union government has decided to facilitate special financial assistance through multilateral development agencies. The government has also reiterated its commitment to the early completion of the Polavaram project, a lifeline for our farmers.

Furthermore, under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the union government has pledged financial assistance for essential infrastructure to boost industrial development and an additional capital investment for economic growth. This will go a long way in rebuilding our State."

The Andhra Pradesh CM welcomed the Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and expressed gratitude to the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the budget prioritises Andhra Pradesh's needs, demonstrating a strong commitment to the state's progress. He added that this move highlighted the excellent cooperation between the central and state governments, reinforcing cooperative federalism.

Also Read | Budget 2024: How to choose between the old and new tax regimes

The budget included special financial assistance through multilateral development agencies, addressing the state's capital needs. Additionally, the Centre reaffirmed its commitment to the early completion of the Polavaram project, a crucial initiative for the state's farmers.

During the seventh consecutive Budget presentation on July 23, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a special financial support package of 15,000 crore for the development of Andhra Pradesh's new greenfield capital city, Amravati.

Recognising the states need for capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, 15,000 crore will be arranged, with additional amounts in future years, Sitharaman stated during her Budget speech.
As promised in the Interim Budget 2024-2025 by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it was heartening to see the detailed and comprehensive road map for Viksit Bharat in the full budget. Overall, the Budget 2024 has been an inclusive one, listing out nine priority areas. In fact, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision, FICCIs four priority areas, namely manufacturing (Make in India), farm-led growth, women-led development and sustainability, closely mirror the thrust areas highlighted in the budget. These are areas for further growth and progress as we build a Viksit Bharat .

For the first time in the budget speech, we have seen announcements made to lay out an economic policy framework for next-generation reforms that will include measures for improving the productivity of factors of production, namely land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship and technology, making markets and sectors more efficient. The worlds living standards have climbed sharply over the past two decades, driven by strong productivity growth. However, there are signs that productivity growth is fading in many parts of the world. If India has to sustain its economic growth rate over a quarter century and do it sustainably, it is important that these reforms for factors of production improving their productivity and making markets efficient are carried out now.

The government has focused a lot on infrastructure in the last few years, and significant investment has been made in building and improving infrastructure. The expenditure has almost doubled in the last six to seven years and there has been a lot of progress in sectors like roads, highways, ports, electricity, water and sanitation, urban development, strategic and digital infrastructure. This has had a strong multiplier effect on the economy.

Infrastructure push

It is important that this focus on infrastructure continues, and FICCI is happy to note the governments endeavour to maintain strong fiscal support for infrastructure over the next five years, in conjunction with imperatives of other priorities and fiscal consolidation. This year, the budget has provided a record-high allocation of 11.11 trillion for capital expenditure, which is 3.4% of our gross domestic product (GDP).

Further, the budgets focus on manufacturing, MSME and employment will be a decisive factor in our journey towards Viksit Bharat. Incentives in the budget for employment, strengthened support for MSMEs and the cost of doing business will help address these aspects in a comprehensive manner.

The role of manufacturing in Viksit Bharat is imperative, and this came out loud and clear in the latest budget. A slew of measures announced in the budget for manufacturing, particularly for employment generation and skilling, bode well for the country. Manufacturing is considered as one of the most dynamic sectors in the global economy, both in terms of economic weight and its links with all other sectors. Structural change towards higher value-added manufacturing activities has traditionally been considered the main path economies can take to achieve higher income levels and provide sustainable livelihoods for their population.

Focus on manufacturing

With a $467 billion size, Indias manufacturing sector today stands fifth globally, surpassing traditional superpowers in manufacturing like the UK, South Korea, France, etc. But we need to scale this up fast, as the gap between India and economies like Japan and Germany is more than double and with China it is almost ten times.

Currently, only 11.4% of our workforce is in manufacturing. The service sector remains a major job creator along with the construction sector, driven by the governments push for infrastructure. However, since construction jobs are largely informal and low-paying, there is a need for avenues for the labour force leaving agriculture. Unfortunately, the manufacturing sector employment creation has been subdued, as noted in the Economic Survey 2024, though it appears to have rebounded since 2021-22. According to UN population projections, Indias working-age population (15-59 years) will continue to grow until 2044. Indian economy needs to generate nearly 7.85 million jobs annually in the non-farm sector to cater to the rising workforce. Prime Ministers Package for Employment and Skilling announced in the budget, namely employment-linked incentives for first-timers, job creation in manufacturing and support to employers, will provide the much-needed impetus to absorb the growing labour force in manufacturing and MSMEs.

Some of the announcements made in the budget for MSMEs have been a long-standing demand of the sector, and these announcements are expected to provide much-needed respite and space for the sector to scale up. A credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs in manufacturing, credit support to MSMEs during stress periods and the development of investment-ready plug and play" industrial parks with complete infrastructure in or near 100 cities, among others, will help MSMEs to grow and compete globally.

Lastly, it was quite reassuring for the investors to know that the government aims to reach a fiscal deficit below 4.5% by next year itself, from the current level of 4.9%. This truly shows the governments commitment to the continuity of reforms and major steps it has taken in the last few years to provide strong and resilient growth for the Indian economy.

Anant Goenka, vice-president, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and vice-chairman, RPG Enterprises.
The Union budget for 2024-25 has proposed several changes in the capital gains tax structure, some of which are surprising moves that the mutual fund industry and the wider market community were not prepared for.

One of the most significant was the hike in long-term capital gains tax from 10% to 12.5%. The budget's proposal to hike the exemption limit on equity and equity mutual funds to 1.25 lakh per year will soften the blow, but only to a miniscule extent.

India is a developing country where most of the savings are still parked in fixed assets. Mutual fund penetration is around 15% against the global average of 75%. With over 150 million demat accounts, the penetration of the stock market among Indians is even lower.

This highlights that despite the rapid rush towards mutual funds and the stock market in recent years, the financialisation of savings is still at the nascent stage.

Considering these factors, hiking long-term capital gains tax may trim Indias newfound enthusiasm towards investing, at least in the short term. The government has, in the past, applauded the retail flows in the market, terming those as a shock absorber" whenever foreign investors withdraw money.

It remains to be seen if the shock-absorbing capacity may diminish in the short term. That said, in the long term, I believe the investor community will accept the new tax rate and continue investing in mutual funds and the stock market.

The budget has also tweaked the short-term capital gains tax, increasing it to 20% from 15% now. This can be termed a positive. Because if an investor sells their holdings before one year, they will have to shell out 20% of their gains as taxes. This will surely discourage investors from selling their investments in quickly or in panic. Hopefully, this will become a factor in stabilising the market in times of crisis.

The government also sent a message to the market community that investments are for the long term and not for speculations, by raising the securities transaction tax (STT) to 0.1% for options and to 0.02% for futures.

One disappointment is that the budget has neither brought back the indexation benefit for debt mutual funds nor rescinded the decision to tax gains from it at the individual slab rates.

Debt mutual funds are a great investment tool for conservative investors who want moderate returns with relative safety of capital. These funds need policy support to make them more attractive. Some relief from tax could have encouraged more investment in them.

Indexation as a concept brings the basic knowledge of the time value of money to an individual. Removal of indexation may be detrimental to investors looking at real estate as an additional investment avenue, and investors could turn towards real estate investment trusts and infrastructure investment trusts, or even mutual funds, for long-term investing.

The budget has also rationalised taxes applicable on fund-of-funds. It has proposed to amend the definition of Specified Mutual Fund in Explanation (ii) of Section 50AA of the Income Tax Act. This change will bring fund-of-funds on par with the scheme they invest in, rectifying the current anomaly.

Investing in mutual funds should be seen as a wealth-creation journey. You cannot create wealth in a short term. It takes time, patience, and a disciplined approach to investing. Overall, I would say the mutual fund industry is nascent. The domestic industry's assets under management was barely $730 billion as of June-end. In the US, it was $25 trillion as of the end of 2023. India's mutual fund industry has a long way to go, and it cannot be done without government policy support.

Swarup Anand Mohanty is vice chairman and CEO, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India)
In its first budget since returning to power with a reduced majority, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has made job creation a central focus, introducing financial incentives aimed at expanding formal-sector employment. Although the specifics of the three targeted schemes are still pending, they primarily offer financial benefits to both first-time employees and employers. Despite this, Indias ongoing structural weaknesses in the job market, particularly within small enterprises, and the historical reluctance of employers to formalize workers unless necessary, leave uncertainty about the impact of these new measures on the country's labour crisis.

Read this | Mint Primer: The budget in 5 minutes

The one thing we know is the three schemes are framed in formal-sector employment. This takes the shape of workers being registered with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which is mandatory for firms with 20 employees or more. In the last few years, net new EPFO enrolments have risen progressively, with first-time employees aged 25 years and below accounting for about 50% of net additions to EPFO payrolls.

Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, an average of 6.3 million new EPFO members aged 25 and under were added annually. If each were to receive the maximum 15,000 , as per one of the three schemes, it would cost the government approximately 9,500 crore, though this amount could be lower depending on any duration clauses. In 2022-23, while there were 277 million EPFO members, only 68 million were activeat least one EPFO deposit was made in their account over the past year.

Lacking security

Additions to the EPFO subscriber base do not necessarily indicate new job creation. Rather, at most, they indicate the size of the formalised workforce, with a substantial proportion of enrolments likely to be of workers who were formerly casual workers and have been formalised. The governments Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) annual report for 2022-23 estimates that only around 20% of the workforce were regular wage or salaried workers. Even within them, the share of workers with no social security benefitssuch as EPFO enrolmentwas 54%.

More here | How Budget signals policy continuity, explained in 8 charts

Using the governments population estimates for 2023, and applying PLFS estimates of the share of population employed, the number of workers with job-related social security benefits works out to only 78 million. What this highlights is the historical tendency of Indian employers to refrain from formalizing their workforce unless required. Now, they have a financial incentive, with the government contributing up to 3,000 per new worker per month towards their EPFO for two years. But it may not be strong enough.

Gender gap

Within these PLFS numbers, there is a sharp disparity between male and female workers who have job-related social security59 million men versus only 19 million women. The same is also seen in average earnings. In this budget, the government has promised to pay, via a direct benefit transfer, one-month salary to a first-time employee who is enrolled in EPFO, up to a maximum of 15,000. This amount is roughly equivalent to the average monthly salary earned by regular wage/salaried workers across the economy, as estimated by the PLFS for 2022-23.

Earnings for self-employed and casual workers were far lower though, with female casual labour earning less than 5,000 per month. Given that close to 80% of workers in the economy do not earn regular wages or salaries, the government has its work cut out in terms of upskilling them to enable them to enter the formal workforce.

Size Matters

According to the latest Economic Survey, as of 2021-22, factories employing less than 100 people constituted 79.2% of all factories but only 22% of persons employed. This is also where the greater labour stress is. The survey argues that employment has been rising in bigger factories as compared to smaller ones, suggesting a scaling up of manufacturing units". Average compound growth in employment for factories with less than 100 employees was 3.9% between 2017-18 and 2021-22. For factories with more than 100 employees, it was 12.2%.

Even in terms of number of factories, the number of such units with over 100 workers grew at an average rate of 11.8%, compared with 0.4% for factories with less than 100 employees. If this trend holds, this also leads to relatively better conditions for workers, as workers in larger factories tend to earn more. While the three new schemes could boost labour formalisation, a true measure of their effectiveness will be new jobs created.

www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data
New Delhi: As finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman began preparing for her seventh consecutive budget, conditions on the ground were very different from what she had encountered in the past. The surprising electoral outcome in May this year reduced the governments political capitalthe compulsions of coalition politics reared its head again.

And while the economy is galloping, there are pain points that are beginning to hurt. India has emerged as the fastest growing large economy with an enviable gross domestic product (GDP) growth of over 8%. However, the economic expansion has been uneven. The rural economy, particularly, has been sluggish and there simply arent enough jobs that pay well or are aspirational. The private sector, unsure of demand growth, is hesitant to invest. In fact, after the electoral outcome, there were worries of the Centres economic approach embracing populism.

The Union budget, presented on Tuesday, has eased many concerns. The government has stressed on fiscal consolidation, spending efficiency and capital expenditure (capex)-led growth.

Mint explains the budgets many nuances and its potential long-term impact.

What were the concerns before the budget was presented?

The biggest concern was whether the central governments policy choices could change after the electoral outcome. Over the years, it had worked hard to improve spending efficiency by cutting back on revenue expenditure (expenses that are routine in nature like salaries and pensions) and focusing on capex (expenses that create assets) which had a greater multiplier effect. In the 2024-25 interim budget, the revenue expenditure as a share of the gross domestic product (GDP) had declined to 7.5%. In absolute terms, this was 4.5% lower than during the covid-19 period. Welfare and rural spending bore the brunt of the cuts.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s below par performance in rural seats during the general elections was partly blamed on these cuts.

This explained the fearswhat if the government turned populist and splurged on welfare measures?

There were demands for a farm loan waiver, higher allocation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), higher cash transfer under the PM KISAN scheme or even a new cash handout scheme.

Did people expect a capex rollback?

Some did. To generate resources for welfare spending, the government needed to inevitably scale back its capex spending. The last three years have seen a significant increase in capex as the government revved up public spending to drive growth in the hope that private investment will follow suit. It is this public spending that had powered Indias strong GDP growth. Also, populist spending would hurt the governments fiscal consolidation record. The government has been steadfast in reducing the fiscal deficit (excess of government spending over its income) over the years and planned to reduce it to 4.5% by 2025-26 from the post-covid level of 9.2%.

The fear was that the government would slow down that glide path to create resources for welfare spending. These actions would have hurt Indias immediate growth and weakened the countrys long-term prospects.

How did the budget address these concerns?

The budget has sent a clear message that the electoral outcome has not forced a change in its economic thinking. Let us take the case of fiscal consolidation which many feared would slow down. In reality, the government has accelerated it.

The fiscal deficit for 2024-25 is expected at 4.9% of GDP as against 5.1% that was fixed in the interim budget presented in February. The government has committed that the fiscal deficit for 2025-26 would be below 4.5% and for every year post that, it would be such that the governments debt is lower than the previous year.

The governments net market borrowing at  11.63 trillion in 2024-25 would be lower than  11.75 trillion envisaged in the interim budget.

A lower fiscal deficit means less government borrowing from the market. This, in turn, would result in more funds being available for corporates and others to borrow at lower cost to fund their expansion. The governments net market borrowing at 11.63 trillion in 2024-25 would be lower than 11.75 trillion envisaged in the interim budget.

Did the government spend more to address rural distress?

Yes, it did. Rural development received an allocation of 2.66 trillion. This includes 54,500 crore for affordable housing, a significant increase from 32,000 crore spent last year. As building houses is labour intensive, this could see substantial creation of rural jobs. Allocation for agriculture and allied sectors saw a modest increase in allocation of 6% from 1.31 trillion in 2023-24 (revised estimate) to 1.39 trillion in 2024-25. The focus is more on improving crop productivity and resilience to climate risk. For this, the finance minister seeks to reset the farm research system to release 109 high-yielding and climate resilient varieties of 32 crops. This move, if successful, will not only improve and protect farm income but also ensure stable prices for consumers.

MNREGS allocation was 86,000 crore, same as the revised estimate of 2023-24. This could be based on past experience where demand for jobs under MGNRGS typically falls when the monsoon is good. Monsoon, this year, is expected to be normal. PM Kisan allocation also saw no increase.

What about jobs?

Creating adequate good quality jobs has become the biggest challenge for the government. Even though the economy is growing at a rapid clip, its job intensity (its ability to create jobs) is low. That needs immediate correction if India has to leverage its demographic advantage.

The government took up this challenge head on in this budget. It has come up with five schemes aimed at education, skilling and employment with an outlay of 2 trillion. In the next five years, these schemes will benefit 41 million youth. The outlay for this year is 1.48 trillion.

In the next five years, these schemes will benefit 41 million youth. The outlay for this year is  1.48 trillion.

These employment-based incentive schemes are the only new direct benefit transfer scheme announced in the budget. They will not only skill but also bring youth and women into the formal workforce. The success of this initiative will depend on close co-operation between the centre, state governments and industry.

Has the capex focus continued?

Yes. The government has retained the capex outlay at 11.1 trillion as made in the interim budget. This works out to 3.4% of GDP. The capacity of the system to spend the allocated money would have played a part in not increasing the allocation further. According to Emkay Research, the capex spend has declined by 14% in the first two months of this fiscal and the spending in the rest of the months have to be significantly higher to meet the target. Also, the Centre is keen on pushing the states to spend more. It has increased the allocation for the 50-year interest free capex loan from 1.3 trillion to 1.5 trillion.

Experts have said that the capex spend of the states has less gestation period and is more labour intensive than that of the central government. So, the economic benefits accrue faster.

If spending is more and the deficit has reduced, how did the fiscal math work?

The budget math worked because the government got a dividend bonanza from the Reserve Bank of India amounting to 2.1 trillionas much as 0.4% of the GDP. It used half of it (0.2%) to reduce the fiscal deficit and the other half to increase revenue allocations. The overall revenue expenditure, excluding interest payments, has risen to 7.8% of the GDP, up from 7.5% in the interim budget. The government also benefited from a 15% growth in projected revenue receipts. The budget has assumed a nominal growth rate of 10.5% but most experts expect it to be well over 11%. When it comes to resource mobilization, the government is well placed.

Did the government fall for a consumption stimulus?

To some extent. The increase in standard deduction and tweaking of the slab rates for those in the new income tax regime will leave 17,500 in the hands of the salaried employee.

The big question is if this money will be spent or saved. One of the main reasons why the government has stayed away from any stimulus to boost consumption is that its multiplier effectthe cascading benefit that the economy getsis far lesser than spending by the government. The latest move must be seen more as an effort to provide relief for the salaried class, especially the middle class, and not as an attempt to boost consumption.

Sluggish private investment remains a challenge. What plans did the budget have?

A lot has already been done to cajole the private sector to drop its reticence and invest. The government has been spending heavily ( 28.11 trillion between 2022-23 and 2024-25 on capex) hoping that it will pump prime private investment (or investment made by private industries).

A study by Mint of India Incs cash flow shows that the industrys net cash from operation has surged 26.4% in 2023-24.

It has come up with a production-linked incentive scheme (it has attracted investments worth 1.28 trillion as of May 2024 as per the Economic Survey) and most importantly, cut corporate tax rates significantly.

A study by Mint of India Incs cash flow shows that the industrys net cash from operation has surged 26.4% in 2023-24. This clearly means that capacity utilization is high. But a study of the investments the same companies made in fixed assets shows that it has risen by only 10.7%, the slowest post-pandemic growth.

The government is hoping that the long overdue investment cycle will pick up this year.

What measures did the budget propose to revive the informal sector?

View Full Image A new mechanism has been announced to fund MSMEs which are under stress and classified as a special mention account. (Bloomberg)

A recent study by India Ratings and Research revealed that between 2015-16 and 2022-23, as many as 6.3 million unincorporated enterprises shut down and 16 million jobs were lost. These informal enterprises typically create more jobs as the industry is more focused on profits and drives productivity in a big way. Understanding the importance of medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs), the budget rolled out multiple initiatives to ease funding, which is the biggest bugbear for them. A new credit guarantee scheme will be in place to enable manufacturing MSMEs to raise funds for procuring plant and machinery without a need for collateral. This will help them to expand and gain scale. The limit for Mudra loans has been doubled for those entrepreneurs who had availed these loans and paid them back.

According to a study, between 2015-16 and 2022-23, as many as 6.3 million unincorporated enterprises shut down and 16 million jobs were lost.

Also, a new mechanism has been announced to fund MSMEs which are under stress and classified as a special mention account. Hitherto, they received no funding, and they inevitably became a non-performing asset. In addition, the finance minister announced measures that can help MSMEs improve their cash flow.

Equity investors arent that happy. Why?

The budget has increased the capital gains taxboth short and long term. This came as a shock to investors. The finance minister has said that it has been done to simplify the levy. Short-term capital gains will now be taxed at 20% instead of 15% while long-term capital gains will be taxed at 12.5%, up from 10%.

The indexation benefit that was hitherto available has been removed for all asset class including real estate. The securities transaction tax on futures and options trading has been increased sharply as volumes in this segment have reached alarmingly high levels. Expectedly, the market didnt like these provisions.

View Full Image Short-term capital gains will now be taxed at 20% instead of 15% while long-term capital gains will be taxed at 12.5%, up from 10%. (AP)

In short, can one call it a balanced budget?

It is. The budget has maintained the focus on fiscal consolidation without compromising on the need to spend on areas that need support. The fiscal deficit in the budget proposal has been reduced even as revenue expenditure has risen. The overall quality of spending is not being compromised. The finance minister has also balanced the immediate needs of the economy while investing in the futurein areas such as agricultural research, human capital development and space.
Individual taxpayers eagerly awaited the Union Budget 2024, anticipating significant tax relief from the Modi 3.0 government. Many expected enhanced deductions or revised tax slabs that would lower overall tax rates.

The Reserve Bank of India's optimistic economic outlook and repeated affirmations of India as the fastest-growing major economy fuelled these expectations. Additionally, the government's strong financial position, buoyed by robust tax revenues and a substantial central bank dividend, had led to hopes for meaningful tax reforms.

However, the actual relief offered by the Budget seems modest by comparison. While the finance minister proposed a slight adjustment in tax slabs and an increase in the standard deduction to 75,000resulting in a reduction of approximately 17,500 in tax burdenthe changes fall short of the anticipated overhaul. The deduction for family pensions will also rise from 15,000 to 25,000, alongside a boost in the pension scheme deduction from 10% to 14% for those in the new tax regime.

Read this | Budget 2024: How to choose between the old and new tax regimes

The anticipated overhaul of the old tax regime, including enhancements to deductions like those under sections 80C and 80D, did not materialize, reinforcing the governments push for taxpayers to transition to the new regime. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had highlighted that over two-thirds of individual taxpayers have already opted for this new scheme, and it appears, the government aims to increase this number further.

A notable change involves the tax collected at source (TCS) credit for foreign currency payments, which will now be integrated into the TDS (tax deducted at source) credit calculation, offering significant relief to expatriate employees.

On the capital gains front, the Budget introduced a unified tax rate of 12.5% for long-term capital gains across various asset classes, aiming for simplicity and parity between domestic and foreign investors. However, the abolition of indexation benefits for long-term capital assets could have adverse effects, depending on individual circumstances.

More here | Budget 2024: What changes in capital gains taxes mean for investors

The finance minister also unveiled three employment-linked incentive schemes for first-time employees. Scheme A, in particular, offers a direct benefit transfer equivalent to one month's salary, distributed in three instalments of up to 15,000, for new hires registered with Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.

Additionally, the introduction of employment-linked incentives, including direct benefit transfers to first-time employees, adds a layer of encouragement for new entrants to the job market.

Overall, while the budget offers some relief, it is a mixed outcome for individual taxpayers. The minor adjustments, coupled with the push towards the new tax regime, suggest that the governments focus is on streamlining and incentivizing specific tax behaviours rather than delivering broad-based relief.

Ajay Rotti is founder and chief executive, Tax Compaas
Mumbai: This year's budget has sharpened focus on skilling and jobs for the country's youth, setting aside 2 trillion to educate, skill and employ 41 million people who will enter the job market over the next five years.

One of the ambitious schemes is to get the country's 500 biggest companies to provide paid internships to 10 million youth over the next five years, making them job-ready in the process.

While the intent is laudable, given high youth unemployment and unemployability, the scale of the scheme could make it unviable.

R. Shankar Raman, president and group CFO, Larsen & Toubro, said, Labour issue is not simple. We too are working on this. All are not blessed with the same skill levels. They have to be trained."

It is not really about 5,000 per month. There is a need to do a realignment on what people want and what people possess as a skill. It is about the quality of the skill and there are various other basic issues that need to be addressed. There is no one-time solution. This has to be addressed on a continuous basis over several years," Raman said at L&Ts earnings call on Wednesday.

A rough calculation shows that each of the top 500 firms will have to create space for 20,000 interns in five years, or 4,000 in a year. Companies are doubtful that they will have the capacity to take in and skill such a large number of youngsters, when the demand for manpower remains sluggish.

We take 500 apprentices and interns every year from engineering colleges and B-schools , and give them a stipend. While apprentices and interns from engineering firms work in the plants, those from B-schools work in the corporate offices," said the head of human resources (HR) of a conglomerate, requesting not to be named. While the intention of the government to create employment is in the right direction, we will find it difficult to increase the numbers to about 4,000 from 500 in a year."

Also read | Employment schemes aim to shift workforce from informal to formal jobs

In the five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24, India added 4.47 million people to the salaried workforce, which stood at a little over 90 million in 2023-24, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy's consumer pyramids household survey. The salaried class includes managers, supervisors, white-collar professionals, clerks, industrial and non-industrial workers, and support staff.

Offering internships to 10 million people in the next five years in India's top 500 companies will mean more than doubling the total employment generated across the salaried class in the past five years, or 11% of all the people employed under this category.

As per the Union budget's announcement on Tuesday, the interns will be paid 5,000 per month along with a one-time assistance of 6,000. Companies will be expected to bear the training cost and 10% of the internship cost from their corporate social responsibility funds.

The emphasis on skilling comes at a time when the Economic Survey for 2023-24 found that about one in two graduates straight out of college is not employable.

Estimates show that about 51.25% of the youth is deemed employable. In other words, about one in two are not yet readily employable, straight out of college," the Economic Survey, unveiled on 22 July, said. "However, it must be noted that the percentage has improved from around 34% to 51.3% in the last decade."

The Internship Scheme

Manufacturing, IT , IT-enabled services, automotive, and medium and small-scale sectors pick up interns and apprentices in large numbers.

The budget says that participation of companies is voluntary" and those aged between 21 and 24 will be eligible to apply under the internship scheme. Graduates from IITs, IIMs, Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), and chartered accountancy colleges aren't eligible, the budget document says.

Also read | Eco survey flags impact of AI on workers, puts onus on pvt sector to create jobs

According to a senior executive at an industry body, the companies will not need interns for long periods.

The employment opportunities are low, firms are not heading to campuses in large numbers. Interns are picked up for a couple of months, so getting the companies to skill for a year will need more clarity," said the executive, who did not want to be named.

A consultant raised the concern of what happens to the fund if the intern leaves or the firm relieves the person midway.

According to Mint's study of annual reports of 94 companies on the BSE 100 index, there were 3.83 million employees at BSE 100 firms as of 31 March 2023. The data included both permanent and non-permanent employees, and excluded workers (in some cases, only permanent employees were considered due to unavailability of data).

A government official told Mint that there also needs to be more clarity on how one will demarcate this internship scheme from the apprenticeship programmes, wherein companies have to adhere to an intake of a minimum number of apprentices a year, depending on their manpower.

The Apprenticeship Framework

An apprenticeship is a structured system of training where individuals, known as apprentices, learn a trade or profession through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprentices can be both graduates and non-graduates. Students who turn apprentices can also use the stipend to fund their education.

The stipends depend on whether the candidate has been picked up under the NAPS (National Apprentice Promotion Scheme) or NATS (National Apprentice Training Scheme) programme. The former is meant for all trades and may take non-graduates, while the latter is largely for engineers and technical apprentices.

The Economic Survey also pointed to challenges faced by apprenticeship programmes as a reason for gaps in skills.

Also read | Workforce crisis hits construction & infra firms like L&T, KEC, HCC

"There exist significant challenges in the Indian apprenticeship ecosystem, such as lack of coordination between education institutions and industry, inadequate infrastructure, gaps in the regulatory framework," the survey said. Besides, the negative perception of vocational training as being inferior to academic education is one of the biggest challenges."

The apprenticeship framework thus needs to be recalibrated to provide flexibility and negotiability in work hours, compensation, and disengagement," it added.

Note: Mint data team contributed to the story with the data and analysis.
Mumbai: Hindustan Zinc Ltd. is exploring options to double its annual output capacity to 2 million tonnes, and expects a final report from mining and production consultants next month for presenting to its board of directors, a top company executive said on Wednesday.

The Vedanta group company also launched a new low-carbon line of zinc, betting on demand from steelmakers as emission norms get stricter globally.

By August, we will have the final report and we will place it before the board. In all probability, we will go for an expansion to 2 million tonnes," Arun Misra, chief executive of Hindustan Zinc, told Mint. Currently, it has an annual metal producing capacity of just over 1 million tonnes.

The countrys largest producer of zinc does not plan to acquire new mines or land for expansion. It will be ramping up output from its existing mines for raw material and the additional smelting capacity will also be based in its current leasehold at Chanderiya in Rajasthan.

Read more: Now, Qatar wealth fund goes after Byju Raveendran's personal assets Hindustan Zinc has engaged two Australian mine-planning and mine-contracting companies to prepare a plan on doubling the capacity of its mines, according to Misra. Separately, it has also engaged a consultant for doubling its zinc smelting capacity, he said.

Misra clarified that the plan is still in an early stage and no material progress has so far been made.

"With demand for zinc projected to grow at 3-4% CAGR, capacity expansion at this stage will help Hindustan Zinc to meet domestic as well as export demand. The expansion will be largely brownfield and hence will require less capex compared to capex spent for current capacity. Further, proactive initiatives benefit in the long run," said Kunal Kothari, research analyst at Centrum Broking.

On Wednesday, the company launched EcoZen, a new line of low-emission zinc that it said causes a fourth of the emissions during production compared to the global standards. The lower emissions will be on account of using round-the-clock renewable power sourced from fellow group firm Serentica Renewables. The company will have a separate production line for making EcoZen that will run on round-the-clock renewable energy.

Hindustan Zinc did not disclose the pricing for this new product.

Misra said that this product could account for 8-10% of HZLs zinc production this year and could go as high as 30% by next year. The company is betting on growing demand for low-emission raw materials from steelmakers, as they prepare for lower emission standards in export markets.

Read more: Mamaearth distributors say company is burdening them with excessive inventory Europes Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) requires steel exporters to declare the carbon footprint of their products. From 2026, high carbon emitters will have to pay an extra duty to sell steel in the European market.

All the steelmakers, especially those who export to Europe, have an obligation to declare their emissions. They will be all under pressure to reduce (their supply chain emissions)," Misra said.

This helps them to show that net CO2 emission is much lesser compared to what they would get with normal zinc, he said.

Zinc is used to produce galvanized steel, which is used in the automotive industry.

The stock of Hindustan Zinc gained 1.66% to close at 632.65 on the BSE on Wednesday compared to a 0.35% fall in the benchmark Sensex. The companys share prices have doubled since the beginning of the year. Recently, a rally in the prices of silver has aided the companys stock.
Spanish antitrust officials launched an investigation into Apple, saying the iPhone maker might be imposing unfair conditions on developers who rely on its App Store to distribute their applications.

The countrys National Markets and Competition Commission, known as CNMC, said it is probing Apples treatment of developers to ascertain whether the tech giant is engaging in anti-competitive practices in breach of Spanish and European Union legislation.

The CNMC has the power to fine companies up to 10% of their global sales for the year before a fine is imposed. Apple reported nearly $383.29 billion in sales in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2023, meaning it faces a multi-billion-dollar fine if CNMC officials conclude it stifled competition.

Today, Spanish developers of all sizes compete on a level playing field on the App Store," an Apple representative said. Apple will continue to work with the Spanish Competition Authority to understand and respond to their concerns."

The Spanish investigation adds to a growing list of headaches that Apple is facing in Europe.

Last month, the EU said the company might be in breach of its digital-competition law, alleging that the companys App Store wasnt allowing developers to freely direct customers to alternative ways to make purchases.

If EU officials determine that the company broke the blocs Digital Markets Act, Apple could be fined up to 10% of its worldwide revenue.

Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com
The Delhi High Court quashed a summons issued against Hero Motocorp Chairman Pawan Munjal on Wednesday, July 24, in a foreign currency case registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

The court's decision came in response to Munjal's plea seeking to quash and set aside a trial court's order from July 1, 2023, summoning him for alleged offences under the Customs Act.

The petition is allowed. Summoning order is quashed, Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri pronounced the order.

Hero Motocorp stocks price was trading in red, down 1.10% at 5450.70 on July 24, at 1:41 pm, on BSE.

In November last year, the high court held proceedings related to the foreign currency case lodged against Munjal by the DRI. The court noted in its interim order that Munjal had been exonerated by the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) on the same set of facts, a detail not disclosed before the trial court. The petitioner successfully made out a case for interim protection, leading to the stay of the July 1, 2023, order and all related proceedings before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM).

DRI case The DRI filed a prosecution complaint in 2022, accusing Munjal, a third-party service provider company called Salt Experience and Management Private Limited (SEMPL), and Amit Bali, Hemant Dahiya, K R Raman, and others of carrying, attempting to export, and illicit export of prohibited items, that is, foreign currency.

Munjal's counsel argued that the trial court's order was passed mechanically without providing reasons. In contrast, the DRI's counsel contended that the agency was not a party to the proceedings before the CESTAT and, therefore, had no knowledge of or obligation to disclose the March 2022 order.

Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a case under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case primarily stems from the DRI's chargesheet, filed under section 135 of the Customs Act, concerning the evasion of duty or prohibitions.

The ED has alleged that SEMPL illegally exported foreign currency equivalent to about 54 crore to various countries from 2014-2015 to 2018-2019, which was ultimately used for personal expenses of P K Munjal.

SEMPL reportedly obtained foreign exchange worth about 14 crore in the names of its officials and employees, exceeding the annual permissible limit of USD 2.5 lakh in various financial years. The agency also claimed that SEMPL issued foreign exchange and travel forex cards in the names of other employees who did not travel abroad.
New Delhi: The Employees' State Insurance Corp. (ESIC) welcomed 2.30 million new employees in May, according to provisional payroll data. This marks a 14% increase from the same period last year. Notably, 48% of these new enrolees were under 25 years old, and nearly 20% were women.

The latest figures also show a significant sequential increase, with nearly 40% more people joining the scheme compared to April. Additionally, the number of new establishments offering ESIC coverage grew by 8.7% from the previous month.

The ESIC, overseen by the labour ministry, provides social security benefits through monetary insurance to registered employees. Under the Employees' State Insurance Act of 1948, the ESIC offers financial aid for health-related events that may result in wage loss.

The data comes a day after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for FY25. Employment and skilling were key highlights of the budget, which included five new schemes with a total outlay of 2 trillion over the next five years to address the country's employment situation. The budget also allocated 1.48 trillion for education, employment, and skilling.

As part of the prime ministers package, the government plans to introduce three new schemes featuring an employment-linked incentive (ELI) model. These schemes will focus on enrolling new employees in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), recognizing first-time employees, and supporting both employees and employers. Employers will be reimbursed up to 3,000 per month for two years for each additional employee hired. This initiative aims to create 5 million new jobs.

The budget also allocated 10,000 crore for a New Employment Generation Scheme, reflecting a renewed focus on job creation following a slowdown in employment growth post pandemic.
To understand what Chinas leaders care about, look at where they travel. Earlier this month Li Qiang, the prime minister, spent three days in Xinjiang, a poor area in western China where he ordered local authorities to boost incomes and employment. At the same time Mr Lis deputy, Ding Xuexiang, went to Shenyang, a city in Chinas north-eastern rustbelt. Mr Ding called for the regions revitalisation. Two weeks before all that, the supreme leader, Xi Jinping, presided over a symposium in the city of Chongqing where he heralded a new chapter in the development of Chinas western region.

Chinas leaders are trying to fix a problem that has dogged the country for decades: how to spread wealth more evenly. GDP per person in the west and north-east, which make up most of Chinas land mass and hold a third of its population, is 70,870 yuan ($9,800) and 60,400 yuan, respectively. Along the coast it is 124,800 yuan. Chinas richest provincial-level unit, Beijing, is four times wealthier than its poorest, Gansu (see map). And the richest areas are pulling further ahead.

China is hardly the only country struggling with regional inequality. Indias economy is driven by its relatively rich southern and western regions, which leave parts of the north and east in the dust. British politicians talk of levelling up neglected areas. Chinas leaders, though, have unique concerns. They worry about the security and stability of the hinterland, which contains most of Chinas natural resources. And they are embarrassed that such gaping inequality exists in their socialist country. Mr Xi, after all, has promised to create a more egalitarian society under the banner of common prosperity.

...

Todays uneven picture dates back to the reforms of Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s. Chinas former leader set up special economic zones along the coast that were free to experiment with market activity. The policy was a resounding success and expanded to other parts of the coast. Let some people and some regions get rich first, said Deng. He promised that the rest of China would catch up eventually.

As the years went on, the coast became prosperous by making cheap goods and shipping them abroad. But Chinas hinterland remained poor. Some worried that the growing disparity could lead to unrest. One influential scholar, Hu Angang, wrote that China might go the way of Yugoslavia, a socialist country that had broken up in the early 1990s. So in 2000 China launched the go west strategy to help its western provinces. In 2003 a similar plan was unveiled to revitalise the north-east.

At the heart of the campaigns were big infrastructure projects. Since the go-west strategy was introduced, some 40,000km of railways have been laid in western China, more than the total length of track in Japan. Officials also built roads, bridges and airports. Many of these efforts were tied to the Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious attempt to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade route that linked China with Central Asia and Europe.

Officials have given inland areas cash as well as concrete. Whereas coastal provinces largely rely on taxes they raise themselves, those in the west and north-east are showered with funds from the central government. Last year they received 5trn yuan, making up over half of the budget in some provinces. Wealthy cities have been paired with poor inland ones and told to assist them directly. For example, some food-processing companies in Shanghai are pressed to buy agricultural goods from Zunyi, 1,700km to the west.

For a time these policies helped to bridge the gap between regions. In the 15 years after the go-west plan was put in place, GDP per person in western provinces rose from just 35% of coastal levels to 54%. In the north-east, it rose from 62% to 71%. Abject poverty is now rare in the hinterlands. But in the past ten years regional inequality has remained stickyor got worse. Today residents of western provinces earn about 57% as much as those on the coast. North-easterners earn 48% as much. Many locals seem to have given up on the north-east. Its population shrank by 10% between 2010 and 2020 because of low birth rates and emigration.

Provinces in the landlocked interior cannot trade their way to riches as easily as those on the coast did. Chinas poor neighbourssuch as Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstanhave relatively little demand for its goods. For all the talk of reviving the Silk Road, it is still cheaper to send products to Europe by container ship than by train. So most exporters would rather invest in factories near ports.

The situation inside China does not help. Tongwei, a dusty county in Gansu province, has had a high-speed railway station linking it to the coast since 2017. But the railway does not bring in new business, explains Li Hongwei, who sells refrigerators and televisions in the county seat. Instead, he says, young people use it to travel to find jobs in eastern cities. A study from 2020 backs him up. Researchers at the Nanjing University of Finance and Economics and the University of Cambridge looked at 285 cities with high-speed rail connections in China. It found that, while big cities benefited because the railways brought in more workers, small cities saw insignificant economic effects.

That is not to say that Chinas spending on infrastructure has been a complete waste. The countrys inland areas were in need of public investment when the go-west policy was introduced. But the government has also ignored market signals, squandering money on vanity projects. Some 200km north-west of Tongwei, city planners have spent over a decade constructing Lanzhou New Area. Its skyscrapers and factories are built on bulldozed hills and supplied with water from three reservoirs dug for the purpose. It features a replica of the Parthenon. Officials insist people are flocking to the city. But many flats are still empty, say locals.

Put your Han up All this worries Chinas leaders, wholike over 90% of the populationbelong to the Han ethnic group. Most members of ethnic-minority groups live in the countrys hinterland. Officials doubt their loyalty and fear they may try to secede. Economic development, the officials reckon, will keep them happy and bind them to Beijing. But the governments cultural and security policies often alienate minority groups. And even its development efforts risk generating more anger than gratitude. For example, nomads on the Tibetan plateau have been forcibly settled in villages. Mongols have been turfed off northern grasslands to make way for mines. And the government has encouraged Han citizens to migrate to the interior. Thats good for development, but one suspected aim is to dilute minority populations.

A clear goal is to make Chinas 22,000km of land borders more secure. To this end the government has encouraged people to settle in areas around the borders, which are generally poor. Many of the families living in these places were exempted from the one-child policy (which was rolled back in 2016) and given cash subsidies. Border towns have been ordered to build more industrial parks, tourist attractions and libraries.

Chinas inland areas are important not just because of the risks they pose, but because of the riches they hold. Most of the countrys rare-earth elements are dug up in the north-east. Oil and coal is found in the west. Parts of that region also offer strong winds, dependable sunlight and swift rivers that can generate power. China has built the worlds biggest network of ultra-high-voltage energy lines to transport electricity from the west to the east.

But all this natural wealth may actually be holding inland regions back. Some places are suffering from a kind of resource curse, says Andrew Batson of Gavekal Dragonomics, a research firm. Their economies have become so dependent on digging things up that too little capital and labour have flowed to higher-value sectors, such as manufacturing or services. Part of the problem is that the state-owned firms leading the development push tend to focus on resource-intensive industries.

Experts suggest doing more to tempt private firms to invest in the west and north-east: not always easy, because local governments there tend to be more bureaucratic and corrupt than those on the coast. China could also focus less on hard infrastructure and more on the softer sort. Government spending per high-school student in the west is just 60% of that in the east. Of Chinas top 100 universities, only 16 are in the west. The predictable result is less dynamism. Chinas eastern provinces and cities have five times as many high-tech firms as the hinterland.

The risk to Mr Xi and the Communist Party is that as economic growth slows, poor areas will be hit hardest and regional inequality will rise even faster. So the government has continued to pour resources into western and north-eastern provinces. Two decades ago such efforts were compared to making water flow uphill, according to the memoir of a former official. That has not discouraged party leaders, says David Goodman of the University of Sydney. Communist parties thrive on the belief they can change nature.
New Delhi: David Lammy, the UKs newly appointed foreign secretary, is on his maiden visit to India, during which he will push for a reset of the India-UK free-trade agreement talks that have been bogged down by issues including tariffs on whisky and duty on meat and chocolates

Mint was the first to report about Lammys proposed visit to India on 17 July.

Free-trade talks between both nations, which started in January 2022, are set to resume following Lammys visit. The discussions were paused following the announcement of the UK general elections.

The Labour Party came to power with a massive majority in the UK general elections held on 4 July, ousting the Conservatives. General elections in India too were among the factors that held up the FTA talks.

Lammy is visiting India within a month of taking over and is scheduled to meet external affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal.

Also Read: UKs new foreign secretary David Lammy on his maiden India visit next week, India-UK FTA talks on the agenda Lammy will tell his Indian counterpart that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries, the British High Commission said in a statement. He will also highlight the importance of a new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic, and global security.

Our FTA negotiations are the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests in the green transition, new technologies, economic security, and global security, Lammy said ahead of his visit to New Delhi.

Sticking points The key sticking points for the UK include high Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky, New Delhi's demand for easier mobility for Indian professionals, and the UK's demand for tax relief for its electric vehicles. London also wants substantial duty cuts for British lamb meat, chocolates, and confectionery.

The Indian industry seeks increased access for skilled professionals from sectors such as IT and healthcare in the UK market, as well as zero customs duty on several goods.

I am travelling to India in my first month as foreign secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home, Lammy said.

Lammy, who described India as the emerging superpower of the 21st century, will also reinforce Britains commitment to securing an FTA that benefits both sides, the high commission said.

He will also hold high-level meetings with Indian government officials and climate and business leaders. The foreign secretary will seek to galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis, with India as an indispensable partner, driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses.

Discussing potential partnerships on India-led global initiatives to build clean power access and climate resilience in the Global South and small island states is also part of his agenda.

Lammy will underscore the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India, represented by the 1.7 million people of Indian heritage in Britain, the high commission said.

On a visit to Wipro, one of Indias biggest technology companies, Lammy will meet business leaders to showcase how the UK and India are working on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people.
The VVIP Infratech IPO subscription period began on Tuesday, July 23, and it closes on Thursday, July 25. The initial public offering (IPO) of VVIP Infratech is priced between 91 and 93 per share, with a face value of 10. There is a minimum of 1,200 shares up for bid, as well as multiples of those.

The company VVIP Infratech is involved in the planning, development, and building of infrastructure projects, including those involving sewers, treatment plants for them, water tanks, Jal Jeewan Mission work, sector development, electrical distribution, and substations up to 33 KVA. In 2013, the business built two 56 MLD STPs with Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology.

The company's promoters are Vaibhav Tyagi, Vibhor Tyagi, and Praveen Tyagi.

As per the red herring prospectus (RHP), the company's listed peers are EMS Ltd (with a P/E of 13.92), and Vishnusurya Projects and Infra Ltd (with a P/E of 16.62).

Between March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, VVIP Infratech Limited's profit after tax (PAT) climbed by 52.56% and its revenue by 35.77%, respectively.

VVIP Infratech IPO subscription status VVIP Infratech IPO subscription status is 73.22 times, on day 3, so far.

The retail portion was subscribed 91.74 times, and NII portion was booked 120.03 times. The qualified institutions buyers portion has been subscribed 5.64 times.

The company has received bids for 32,01,09,600 shares against 43,71,600 shares on offer, at 12:53 IST, according to data on chittorgarh.com.

VVIP Infratech IPO subscription status was 6.21 times on the first day of bidding, and the issue was booked 26.40 times on day 2.

VVIP Infratech IPO details The VVIP Infratech IPO, valued 61.21 crore, includes a fresh issuance of 6,582,000 equity shares with a face value of 10. There is no "offer for sale" component.

The business plans to use the issue's proceeds for the following purposes: issue expense, working capital requirement, capital expenditure, and general corporate purpose.

The VVIP Infratech IPO's book running lead manager is Share India Capital Services Private Ltd, while the issue's registrar is Maashitla Securities Private Ltd.

Also Read | Sanstar IPO oversubscribed by 82.99x on the last bidding day led by QIBs

VVIP Infratech IPO GMP today VVIP Infratech IPO GMP is +75. This indicates VVIP Infratech share price were trading at a premium of 75 in the grey market, according to investorgain.com.

Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of VVIP Infratech share price was indicated at 168 apiece, which is 80.65% higher than the IPO price of 93.

'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price.'

VVIP Infratech IPO review Contributing editor at Chittorgarh, Dilip Davda, claims that the firm mostly focuses on STP-related services when it comes to infrastructure operations. As of March 31, 2024, it had an order book of over Rs. 477 crore, and it had increased both its top and bottom lines during the periods under review. FY24 super results suggest that the issue is fully valued. It competes in a crowded and very competitive market. Sensible investors may park modest sums of money for a medium duration.

Also Read | RNFI Services IPO booked over 60 times on the third bidding day; check GMP
Buy or sell stocks for today: Domestic equity benchmarks Nifty 50 and Sensex settled marginally lower in volatile trade as the government proposed to hike the securities transaction tax on futures & options (F&O) in Modi 3.0's first Union Budget. The frontline indices showed an impressive reversal toward the end of the session, shrugging off concerns over a hike in taxes on capital gains.

The key indices, however, recovered most of the losses as the Sensex closed 73 points, or 0.09 per cent, lower at 80,429.04, while Nifty 50 settled 30 points, or 0.12 per cent, down at 24,479.05. On the broader front, mid and smallcap indices underperformed the benchmarks. The BSE midcap index suffered a loss of 0.74 per cent, while the smallcap index ended 0.18 per cent lower.

The domestic benchmarks dropped nearly two per cent during the session in a knee-jerk reaction to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of hikes in the security transactions tax (STT), long-term capital gains tax (LTCG), and short-term capital gains tax (STCG). Among the Sensex pack, Titan jumped over 6 per cent, followed by ITC which surged more than five per cent.

Adani Ports, NTPC, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies and Sun Pharma were among the other big gainers. However, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank were the major laggards.



Intraday trading tips for Wednesday Vaishali Parekh, Vice President  Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, said, The index would have the near-term crucial support of 24,000 zone which needs to be sustained below which the bias can turn weak with sentiment turning into cautious mode.''

For Bank Nifty, the Prabhudas Lilladher expert added, A decisive breach above 52,800 levels shall improve the bias to anticipate for further rise in the coming days. The support for the day is seen at 24,300 levels, while the resistance would be seen at 24,650 levels. BankNifty would have a daily range of 51,200-52,500 levels.''

Regarding stocks investors can buy, Vaishali Parekh recommended three intraday stocks for today: Escorts Kubota, Granules, and IPCA Lab.

Stock market today On the outlook for the Nifty 50's performance today, Vaishali Parekh said, Nifty index was subjected to huge fluctuations as the budget session unfolded as it hit the low near 24,075 zone and regained to scale above the 24,500 level during the intraday session.''

Bank Nifty amid the volatile session breached and closed below the important 51,800 zone slightly weakening the bias and further ahead would have the crucial support zone of 51,000 levels below which the overall bias would turn weak,'' added Parekh.

Nifty Spot Index Support  24,300

Resistance - 24,650

Bank Nifty Spot Index Support  51,200

Resistance  52,500



Stocks to buy today 1.Escorts Kubota Ltd: Buy Escorts Kubota at 4,120, Target 4,300, Stop Loss 4,050

2.Granules: Buy Granules at 526.75, Target 548, Stop Loss 514

3.IPCA Lab: Buy IPCA Lab at 1,241, Target 1,300, Stop Loss 1,225
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) share price was locked at 5% upper circuit at 88.06 on Wednesday, extending its rally for the ninth straight session. MTNL shares have more than doubled in the last nine days after hitting back-to-back upper circuit limits.

The rally in MTNL shares began after reports that earlier this month the government deposited 92 crore to pay the immediate bond interest dues of the telecom PSU.

In the Union Budget 2024-2025, the government has proposed to allocate 3,668.97 crore for payment of principal amount of MTNL bonds.

The government allocated 1.28 lakh crore for telecom projects and public sector companies under the telecom ministry. Of the total allocation in the Budget 2024, over 1 lakh crore is for BSNL and MTNL-related expenses .

MTNL had earlier announced that it was unable to fund the escrow account for the payment of semi-annual interest on the series VIII-A bonds due to insufficient liquidity.

However, on July 17, the state-owned telecom services provider said that the funding of Designated escrow account for the payment of second semi annual Interest w.r.t. 7.59% MTNL Bond Series VIII-A which is due on 20th July 2024 has been done.

The government earlier had assured that there will be no default on bond dues of MTNL, and said the operations of state-owned telco will be transferred to BSNL even as its asset monetisation efforts to pay off liabilities are underway.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia asserted that the Government of India stands behind the sovereign Guarantee bonds.

MTNL's operations will be transferred to BSNL, and monetisation of assets will take place to pay off liabilities. In the interim of monetisation of assets and some bonds coming due, the Sovereign Guarantee Bonds will stand good. Government of India stands behind those bonds and there will be no default and that is what you have seen, Scindia said.

MTNL stock has given multibagger returns with the shares jumping nearly 109% in one month and over 136% in three months. MTNL stock price has rallied more than 161% year-to-date and the PSU stock has given 345% returns in one year.
Hindustan Unilever: The companys net profit grew by 2.7% to 2,538 crore in the first quarter of FY25, and revenue increased by 1.3% to 15,339 crore. EBITDA rose by 2.4% to 3,606 crore, and the margin expanded to 23.5%. The underlying volume growth was at 4%. The company expects low-single-digit price growth in the second half of the financial year. The companys net profit rose 3% YoY to 2,538 crore in Q1FY25.

Bajaj Finance: The non-banking finance companys net profit rose by 14% to 3,912 crore in Q1FY25, and net interest income jumped by 25% to 8,365 crore. However, both Gross NPA and Net NPA showed a slight increase. Bajaj Finance's Q1FY25 net profit numbers missed street expectations.

United Spirits: The companys profit grew by 1.7% to 485 crore, and revenue soared by 3.5% to 2,761 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal. However, EBITDA remained flat at 713 crore, and the margin dropped by 90 bps to 25.8%.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals: The companys net profit grew by 21% to 457 crore, and revenue increased by 10.3% to 2,859 crore in Q1FY25. EBITDA rose by 14.3% to 904 crore, and the margin expanded by 110 bps to 31.6%.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance: The value of new business (VNB) grew by 7.8% to 472 crore, but the VNB margin dropped to 24% in the first quarter of this fiscal. Premium growth (APE) increased by 34.4% to 1,963 crore, and profit climbed by 8.7% to 225 crore.

Schaeffler India: The auto parts maker reported a 3.5% YoY growth in net profit at 245.4 crore for the first quarter that ended June 30, 2024. The companys revenue from operations increased 15.2% to 2,106.8 crore.

Religare Enterprises: The company is likely to file the open offer application with the concerned regulators, but it is also likely to submit views of its board and particularly independent directors on why the open offer should not be approved as it is not transparent and fair.

Steel Strips Wheels: The company reported net sales at 1,025.29 crore in June 2024, down 1.83% YoY from Rs. 1,044.40 crore in June 2023. Quarterly net profit for the company stood at 46.20 crore in June 2024, down 2.94% YoY from Rs. 47.60 crore in June 2023.

Heritage Foods: The company reported net sales of 1,019.59 crore in June 2024, up 11.64% from 913.31 crore in June 2023. Quarterly net profit stood at 58.01 crore in June 2024, up 220.97% from Rs. 18.07 crore in June 2023.

ICRA: The company reported net sales at 63.20 crore in June 2024, up 8.67% YoY from Rs. 58.16 crore in June 2023. Quarterly net profit stood at 24.72 crore in June 2024, down 5.1% YoY from 26.04 crore in June 2023.

United Spirits: The Diageo-controlled liquor maker reported a 1.7% YoY increase in consolidated net profit at 485 crore for the first quarter that ended June 30, 2024. The companys consolidated net sales grew 3.5% to 2,761 crore.

ICICI Prudential: The company reported a 9% increase in profit after tax (PAT) for the June quarter at 224.34 crore. Its net premium income increased to 7,875 crore from 7,020 crore a year earlier.

DCM Shriram: The diversified agri firm reported a 77.2% YoY jump in net profit at 100.3 crore for the first quarter that ended June 30, 2024. The companys revenue from operations increased 4.6% to 3,073 crore.

Parag Milk Foods: The companys net profit jumped by 27.5% in Q1FY25 to 27.3 crore, and revenue grew by 1.1% to 757.9 crore.

Thyrocare Technologies: The companys net profit spiked by 38.8% to 23.9 crore in the first quarter of the fiscal, and revenue grew by 16.3% to 156.9 crore.

Bajel Projects: The company received contracts worth 586.28 crore for the supply of goods and services for a transmission line package from PowerGrid Corporation of India.

South Indian Bank: The bank announced that the board members will meet on July 30 to consider raising funds via the issuance of equity shares through various methods.

Titagarh Rail Systems: The company has commenced the export of traction converters. The first batch of eight converters was shipped to Titagarh Firema SpA, Italy, on July 19, the company said.

Vedanta: The mining company will be considering its second interim dividend for the fiscal on July 26. The record date for determining entitlement of equity shareholders for the proposed dividend, is being fixed as Saturday, August 03.

Axis Bank: The bank is expected to post double-digit growth in profit and net interest income (NII) for the April-June quarter (Q1FY25), when it reports its quarterly results on Wednesday, 24 July. The increase is expected to be driven by a healthy growth in loans.

Tata Consumer Products: The companys board announced a rights issue worth 3,000 crore at 818 per share.

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services: The company posted a 45.45% jump in net profit at 512.96 crore in the first quarter of FY25.

SpiceJet: The company plans to raise up to 3,000 crore by selling securities, including shares.

Asian Paints: The company has implemented another price increase of 1-1.25%, marking the second price hike in just a month. The company had previously raised prices by around 1% effective July 22, 2024. In the June quarter, Asian Paints reported a 7% volume growth.

Infosys: The IT company has invested 5 million for a minority stake in German venture capital fund UVC Partners. The investment will be made as and when the capital is called over the investment period of approximately five years. These solutions leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and Deep Tech to aid clients in their business transformation efforts.

Indoco Remedies: The company reported net sales at 401.43 crore in June 2024, which was down 5.07% from Rs. 422.88 crore in June 2023. Quarterly net profit at Rs. 14.95 crore in June 2024 was down 42.37% YoY from Rs. 25.94 crore in June 2023.

MMP Industries: The company reported net sales at 155.51 crore in June 2024, up 2.69% YoY from Rs. 151.43 crore in June 2023. Quarterly net profit stood at Rs. 9.88 crore in June 2024, up 51.97% YoY from Rs. 6.50 crore in June 2023.
When Kavita Khosa, a lawyer turned wellness entrepreneur, launched Purearth 12 years ago, she was clear that her beauty brand wouldn't be about chasing trends, but more focused on raising awareness about traditional practices.

This year, she won a patent for one of the brand's most innovative products, the Kwansha Coin, which merges the benefits of gua sha (used in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, for massaging) with bronze, an alloy hailed in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties.

Because of my husband (born in Hong Kong), I started going to TCM aestheticians, who would do gua sha with horn material tools to release heat, toxins, and pain, and improve qi flow (the flow of energy)," Khosa, an Iyengar yoga teacher who's studied Ayurveda, explains while talking about the idea behind the coin. "Eight years ago, I thought, why not marry TCM and Ayurveda?

Also read: The mermaid-style lehnga is hot again Khosa worked with artisans in Odisha, Punjab, and Gujarat, to create the coin, which is handmade, with perfectly rounded edges that sit well on the facial contours. She says the Kwansha Coin can be used to massage blocked energy in different areas, including the thumb and forearm.

Why kwansha, or kansa (copper), though?

When I was a child my grandmother used to rub my belly with warm mustard oil in a kansa vatti (copper bowl), when I had stomach ache. While rubbing the tummy with a round bowl, she used to put the oil in my navel. I wanted to learn more about the kansa alloy as I grew older, says Khosa.

Unlike other gua sha stones, often made with jade or rose quartz, the Kwansha Coin has been designed to work on the contours and give the face a snatch.

Research shows massaging with kansa helps release toxins, heat and acidity, and improve imbalances in the body.

In Ayurveda, kansa is believed to balance the body's doshas and enhance the nutritional value of food. So, whether you choose to eat out of a bronze vessel or massage yourself with it, kansa or bronze has only positives to offer for your skin and body," Khosa says.

The patent journey Once launched in 2017, the coin was replicated by several brands, which prompted Khosa to file for a patent.

We took over seven years, and hundreds of prototypes to finally arrive at a design and function we were happy with. Since we debuted the product before it was patented (she filed for a patent in 2018; the process was delayed because of the pandemic), it resulted in a lot of knock-offs," says Khosa.

"The system around registering patents is not the friendliest, but if a lot of businesses are there and represented and trying, I trust the system around it will change, and copyrights will be taken much more seriously.
The Union Budget 2024 endorses the government's policy of an apparent tilt to the New Tax Regime over the previous one, as evident from a slew of efforts to make it a more attractive proposition for taxpayers.



The government's push for the New Tax Regime became evident last year when the income threshold limit for being eligible for a rebate under Section 87A was raised from 5 lakh to 7 lakh. The tax rebate was also raised from Rs. 12,500/- to Rs. 25,000/- for those opting for New Tax Regime. Specific provision for marginal relief was also introduced in case the taxable income exceeded the threshold limit in the New Tax Regime. In Budget 2024, the finance minister also proposed certain amendments to make the New Tax Regime more attractivea peek into these proposals.

Higher Standard deduction for salaried employees: Salaried and retired persons are allowed a fixed standard deduction of 50,000/- against their taxable salary and pensions under both tax regimes. The finance minister has proposed a higher standard deduction of Rs. 75,000/- against your salary or pension income if you opt for the New Tax Regime. For those opting for the Old Tax Regime, the standard deduction will remain at Rs. 50,000/.

Higher deduction for employers contribution toward your NPS (National Pension System) Under the present taxation scheme, the employers contribution towards your NPS account is first added to your income. Then, the same is allowed as a deduction under Section 80CCD(2) under both tax regimes. Central Government employees can claim the deduction, regarding the employers contribution to their NPS account, up to 14% of their salary. The maximum deduction is restricted to only 10% of the salary for others. To make the new tax regime more attractive for salaried employees, the government has proposed to raise the limit of 10% for employer contributions to 14% of the salary for contributions to the NPS account for all categories of employees.

Please note that though the finance minister has proposed to raise the percentage limit in respect of the employers contribution towards your NPS account, the overall limit of Rs. 7.50 lakh has not been changed, beyond which the employers contribution towards your NPS, Provident Fund and superannuation taken together will get taxed. After the overall limit, it is treated as your prerequisite.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Here are 12 key tax change proposals that impact individuals

Also Read | Income tax budget 2024: Standard deduction for salaried individuals hiked

Enhanced deduction for family pension Presently, you can claim a deduction equal to 1/3rd of the family pension you received, subject to a maximum of Rs. 15,000/- as a standard deduction. This has been enhanced to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- provided you opt for the New Tax Regime. I do not think this will significantly impact a person's choice between the Old and New Tax Regime.

Revised rates and slabs The finance minister has proposed some tweaks in the tax slabs and rates for the New Tax Regime starting in the current financial year.

Present income slabs and rates 1) 0 to 3 Lakhs 0

2 3 to 6 lakhs 5%

3 6 to 7Lakhs 10%

4 7 to 9 Lakhs 10%

5 9 to 10 Lakhs 15%

6 10 to 12 Lakhs 15%

7 12 to 15 Lakhs 20%

8 Over 15 lakhs 30%

Proposed slabs and rates 1 0 to 3 Lakhs 0

2 3 to 6 lakhs 5%

3 6 to 7Lakhs 5%

4 7 to 9 Lakhs 10%

5 9 to 10 Lakhs 10%

6 10 to 12 Lakhs 15%

7 12 to 15 Lakhs 20%

8 Over 15 lakhs 30%

So,it is apparent that the government is trying to lure the salaried class into opting for the new tax regime. The new tax regime becomes very attractive for those under the lower tax slabs who cannot spare money to invest and are eligible for various investment-based deductions.

However, considering the benefits and deductions that a salaried person has to forgo when opting for the New Tax Regimelike the House Rent Allowance, Leave Travel Concession, deduction under Section 80C and 80D, and tax benefits for home loansin most cases, the old tax regime is beneficial, especially for the younger lot who are either staying in rented premises or servicing a home loan.

Balwant Jain is a tax and investment expert and can be reached at jainbalwant@gmail.com and on @jainbalwant on social media platform X (formerly Twitter)
Two persons were injured on Wednesday after a hoarding fell, acting as a temporary gate for the cultural event, fell on them in front of an auditorium in the Kolkata, moments before West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived there for an award ceremony, police said.

The incident took place in the afternoon near the entrance of the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Alipore area. The injured have been taken to the nearby SSKM Hospital.

"Their condition is stated to be critical. We are trying to ascertain whether this was an accident or a security lapse," a senior police officer told news agency PTI.

A few other hoardings near the auditorium were removed following the incident.

Also Read | After Mumbai, hoarding collapses on vehicle near Pune due to strong winds

Banerjee was at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium to take part in an award function, organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs, to mark the 44th death anniversary of cine legend Uttam Kumar.

Also Read | Mumbai hoarding collapse: Maharashtra govt suspends IPS officer Quaiser Khalid

This collapse comes after an illegal hoarding collapsed in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area in May this year, resulting in the death of 17 people and injuring over 70 others. The hoarding collapsed onto a petrol pump amid gusty winds and a dust storm that day.

As per the probe carried out so far, the hoarding came up on land in possession of Government Railway Police and the permission to erect it near a petrol pump was given to Ego Media Private Limited for 10 years with the approval of then Police Commissioner of Government Railway Police Quaiser Khalid.

Also Read | Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Bhavesh Bhide arrested by Mumbai Police

Maharashtra government suspended the IPS officer for allowing the illegal hoarding that collapsed without the go-ahead from the Director General of Police (DGP) office.

A report submitted by Veermata Jijabai Institute of Technological Institute (VJTI) contended that the hoarding's foundation was inadequate and weak.
(Bloomberg) -- Delegates to the Democratic National Convention will meet virtually within the next two weeks to confirm Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee for president  and her yet-to-be-named running mate.

The conventions rules committee on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the process for a virtual roll call, clearing the final hurdle to solidifying the ticket before the convention convenes in Chicago Aug. 19. The exact date of the vote  some time between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7  will be decided by the conventions co-chairs, Jaime Harrison and Minyon Moore.

That gives Harris a tight window to vet and select her running mate, now that her elevation to the top of the ticket has left the No. 2 slot vacant. President Joe Biden, 81, said Sunday he would no longer seek the nomination amid concerns about his ability to beat Republican Donald Trump, and his endorsement of Harris allowed her to effectively clinch the nomination within 48 hours.

Among the names shes thought to be considering are a number of Democratic governors: Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota, in addition to Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder is working to vet possible running mates, according to a person familiar with the process.

Democratic officials say theyre moving up the process to accommodate early ballot deadlines in several states, especially Ohio, where the deadline had been Aug. 7. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill in May to move the deadline to Sept. 1, but Democrats say theyll act as if the earlier deadline is in effect to avoid any possibility of a legal challenge to having Harris and her running mate appear on the ticket.

Ohio requires major parties to name both a presidential and vice presidential candidate for the ballot, effectively making Aug. 7 the partys deadline for Harris to select a running mate as well.

The rules ratified Wednesday set a deadline of 6 p.m. New York time Saturday for presidential candidates to declare theyre running, and they will need to collect at least 300 signatures to place their names into nomination by July 30.

If theres only one candidate, the roll call will take place on or about Aug. 1, said committee chairwoman Leah Daughtry. If theres more than one candidate, it could be about Aug. 3, she said.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud objected to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent remark offering shelter to people from Bangladesh amid ongoing protests there. In a video doing the rounds on social media, Mahmud said Banerjee's statement created "confusion" and that the Bangladesh government had sent a note to the Narendra Modi-led government on the matter.

In a video shared widely on X, Hasan Mahmud could be heard saying, "With all due respect towards Mamata Banerjee, we share a relationship of mutual interests. However, her this statement has created confusion and has the potential to create confusion among people. Therefore, we have sent a note to the Indian government on her statement."

BJP leader Amit Malviya also reacted to the viral video, saying, Mamata Banerjee is a constant source of embarrassment, not just for West Bengal but also for India, now.

What did Mamata Banerjee say CM Banerjee, while addressing the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) Martyrs Day rally in Kolkata on July 21, had said, "Don't worry if any of your family members or relatives are in Bangladesh for work or study. We're ready to help them in return back..."

"I can't comment on Bangladesh (issue), as it's a separate country. Whatever needs to be said, the Indian government will say. These are matters which are handled by the Indian government," she said.

"But if helpless individuals knock on Bengal's door, we will shelter them because a United Nations resolution allows neighbouring regions to assist those in trouble," Banerjee was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.

Hours after the comment, sources in the central government told news agency PTI that a state administration has no locus standi on the issue. "These are matters which are handled by the Union government," said a source in the central government. "A state government has no locus standi on the issue and as such their comments are totally misplaced," the source was quoted as saying.

On July 22, TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee can talk to neighbouring PM Sheikh Hasina if needed, as they have a good relationship.
New Delhi: The Delhi high court on 24 July, Wednesday has issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding Umar Khalid's bail plea in the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) case seeking response.

A division bench of justice Suresh Kumar Kait and justice Girish Kathpalia has requested a response from the Delhi Police and scheduled the hearing for August 29. The Delhi Police's special cell is investigating the case and alleges that Khalid had pre-planned protests at 23 locations in 2020, which led to the riots in national capital's north east district.

Earlier in the month of May, his second bail plea was rejected by the trial court, which noted that the previous denial of bail had become final. On May 28, the court stated that there was no delay by the Delhi Police in framing charges and starting the trial. The court pointed out that the accused had filed separate applications requesting the prosecution confirm if the investigation was complete before framing charges. While rejecting the bail plea, the trial court referred to the order of the Delhi High Court, which said that allegations against the accused are prima facie true and he does not deserve bail.

As the delay was caused by the accused, they cannot benefit from it, according to the court. The order on Umar Khalid bail application had been reserved by the court on May 13.

Umar Khalid has been in custody since September 2020. This investigation is still going on after the filing of charge sheets and supplementary charge sheets.

In his order, Special Judge Sameer Bajpai said, "The Hon'ble High Court analysed the case against the applicant and finally concluded that allegations against the applicant are prima-facie true and that the embargo created by Section 43D(5) of UAPA squarely applies against the applicant and the applicant does not deserve bail."

"It is clear that the Hon'ble High Court has minutely considered the role of the applicant and declined the relief as desired by him," the Special Judge observed in the order passed on May 28.
Bollywood star Salman Khan reportedly informed the Mumbai crime branch that the recent gunfire outside his Mumbai residence was allegedly orchestrated by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in an attempt to assassinate him and his family.

According to India Today, the Mumbai crime branch filed a 1,735-page chargesheet in July 2024 detailing threats received by actor Salman Khan and his family, including Salim Khan and Helen, from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Salman Khan reportedly instructed his family members to remain "alert at all times" due to ongoing threats, as stated in the chargesheet cited by India Today.

What Salman Khan told Mumbai Police? Salman Khan has implicated Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang in the firing incident at his residence, citing previous threats and attacks targeting him and his family.

"I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartment's first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony," the police said in the chargesheet, as per the India Today report.

Also Read | Mumbai Police reveals Lawrence Bishnoi gangs plan to kill Salman Khan

Earlier also, Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members in an interview talked about killing me and my relatives. So, I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members, carried out the firing incident when my family members were sleeping inside and planning to kill me and my family members so they carried out the attack, India Today reported, quoting the chargesheet filed in Salman Khan house firing incident.

In earlier incidents, Khan's father, Salim Khan, found a threatening letter on a bench opposite Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai in 2022.

This was followed by an email threat to Salman Khan's employee in March 2023.

Also Read | Plot to harm Salman Khan: Haryana Police arrests one more accused from Bhiwani

Additionally, two individuals attempted to trespass at Salman Khan's Panvel farmhouse in January 2024. They were later identified as hailing from Bishnoi's village in Rajasthan.

Salman Khan Mumbai house firing On April 14, Salman Khan's residence was targeted in a shooting incident by two motorcycle-borne assailants. Following the attack, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, suspected shooters, were apprehended in Gujarat. The police investigation led to the arrest of six individuals, although one, Anuj Thapan, reportedly died by suicide in police custody on May 1.

Authorities have filed a case against 17 individuals, including Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, in connection with the firing. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently incarcerated at Ahmedabad's Sabarmati prison.

Why Lawrence Bishnoi is targeting Salman Khan? Salman Khan became a target of Lawrence Bishnoi's gang following his involvement in the 1998 Blackbuck killing case during the shooting of the film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1999. Khan was accused of hunting a blackbuck in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Also Read | Salman Khan murder plans: Mumbai Police arrests man over YouTube video

The Bishnoi community reveres blackbucks as the reincarnations of their spiritual leader Bhagwan Jambeshwar, leading to heightened tensions and legal repercussions for the actor.

Devendra Budiya, President of the All India Bishnoi Society, suggested that Bollywood actor Salman Khan could seek forgiveness from the community for his involvement in the 1998 Blackbuck killing case.

Also Read | Bishnoi gang planned to harm Salman Khan with gun used to kill Moose Wala

Budiya mentioned that if Khan visits their temple and expresses regret, along with pledging to protect wildlife and the environment, the community may consider forgiving him.
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration on Tuesday terminated four more government employees without an inquiry over allegations they posed a threat to the security of the state, according to a report by Indianexpress.com.

The four J&K government employees, including two policemen, were terminated with immediate effect under Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution, said the report.

Article 311 (2) (c) allows the dismissal of a government employee without an inquiry. It gives the government the power to sack employees without an inquiry if the President or the governor, as the case may be, is satisfied that in the interest of the security of the state, it is not expedient to hold such an inquiry.

After the latest terminations, the total number of employees sacked in the Union Territory in the last four years has risen to 64.

According to the J&K administrations latest order, services of these four employees were terminated -- Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, senior grade constable from Handwara; Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, a police constable from Gamraj village of south Kashmirs Tral; Bazil Ahmad Mir, a junior assistant in the education department from Khurhama village of Lalpora in north Kashmirs Kupwara; and Mohd Zaid Shah, a village level worker in the rural development department from Basgran village in Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district.

The order dismissing Mushtaq Ahmed Pir said: Whereas the Lieutenant Governor, after considering the facts and circumstances of the case and on the basis of the information available that the activities of Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, Senior Grade Constable in Police Department S/O Ab Ahad Pir R/O Kalmoona, Vilgam Handwara District Kupwara are a such warrant his dismissal from service. Accordingly, the Lieutenant Governor hereby dismisses Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Pir with immediate effect.

And whereas, the Lieutenant Governor is satisfied under sub section (c) of the provisio of clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of Indian that in the interest of the security of the state, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, the order dismissing Mir said.

On June 8, the J&K government had terminated the services of two policemen, an assistant lineman in the Jal Shakti department and a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the situation in the Union Territory will be back to normal within a few months as inimical elements will be given a befitting response.

Those who cannot digest (the peaceful atmosphere here), they should be (ready) for their end. People here have given a befitting response to them before also. The situation demands so. I think the situation will be back to normal again in a few months, Sinha said in Srinagar.
Nepal plane crash news: An aircraft carrying nineteen passengers crashed while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Atleast 18 bodies were recovered from plane that caught fire after skidding, reported news agency Reuters. Nepal Airport is temporarily shut after the small plane crash.

The Kathmandu-based aircraft of Saurya Airlines was scheduled to leave for Pokhara from Kathmandu, reported ANI citing The Himalayan Times.

Also Read | Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli wins vote of confidence with two-thirds majority

Only technical staff of the airline was on board during the take-off, according to Gyanendra Bhul, Information officer at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Further details of the accident are awaited.

A similar accident took place in January last year, where a Yeti Airlines plane with 68 passengers on board crashed in Pokhara, Nepal. All the 68 passengers were killed in the accident.
The Supreme Court on July 24 ordered that status quo be maintained at the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been camping since February 13.

A three-judge panel led by Justice Surya Kant emphasized the necessity of a "neutral umpire" to build trust between the farmers and the government.

The Supreme Court was addressing the Haryana government's appeal against a high court decision that mandated the removal of barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala, where farmers have been stationed since February 13, within a week.

NEET UG 2024 Hearing Highlights "You have to take some steps to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi? You are sending Ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is trust deficit," the bench also comprising justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan said.

"Let appropriate instructions be taken within a week. Till then let parties maintain status quo at the site to prevent flaring up of the situation at the Shambhu border," the bench said.

The top court proposed to constitute an independent committee comprising eminent persons who can reach out to farmers and other stakeholders in order to find out viable solution to their demands that can be fair, just and in the interests of everyone.
Top news on 24 July: From quarter one results of L&T, Axis Bank to fa fatal plane crash in Nepal's Kathmandu, several newsmakers dominated 24 July. Take a look below.

L&T Q1 results: Net profit rises 12% to  2,786 crore Engineering and construction giant Larsen and Toubro (L&T) announced a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching 2,786 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, on Wednesday. According to brokerage estimates, the profit were not up to the mark to the street estimates.

To read more click here

Axis Bank Q1 Results: Net profit rises 4% to  6,035 crore, NII up 12% YoY Axis Bank announced its April-June quarter results for fiscal 2024-25 (Q1FY25) on Wednesday, July 24, reporting a rise of four per cent in net profit at 6,035 crore, compared to 5,797 crore in the corresponding period last year.

To read more click here

Nepal plane crash kills 18; pilot lone survivor In a tragic incident, a Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff from Kathmandu, resulting in 18 fatalities on Wednesday, July 24. Reports indicate that the pilot miraculously survived the crash, which occurred due to a fire onboard the aircraft.

To read more click here

INDIA bloc protests Budget 2024 Leaders of INDIA bloc protested against 'discriminatory' Union Budget 2024 demanding equal treatment to all States. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, 'Many didn't get justice. We are fighting for justice.'

To read more click here

BMW CE 04, Indias most expensive electric scooter, launched BMW Motorrad has unveiled its top-tier electric scooter, the CE 04, in India, marking its entry into the premium segment of electric two-wheelers in the country. The CE 04 is available at a price of 14.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be sold as a fully built unit.

To read more click here

Thyrocare Technologies share surge 19% to hit fresh all-time high Thyrocare Technologies shares surged 19.99 per cent to a new all-time high of 778 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This spike followed the company's announcement of a 46 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax, reaching 24.7 crore for the first quarter ending June 2024.

To read more click here

Bangladesh objects to Mamata Banerjee's shelter remark Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud objected to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent remark offering shelter to people from Bangladesh amid ongoing protests there. In a video doing the rounds on social media, Mahmud said Banerjee's statement created "confusion" and that the Bangladesh government had sent a note to the Narendra Modi-led government on the matter.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan expressed concern over the accident involving the INS Brahmaputra warship and said that a search operation is underway to locate the Indian Navy sailor who went missing after the fire. The warship is resting on one side in Mumbai's Naval Dockyard after a fire incident occurred on board on Sunday night.

Also Read | INS Brahmaputra severely damaged in fire at Mumbai dockyard, sailor missing

While elucidating on the accident, Swaminathan said that the missing sailor was visible when he was trying to come out of the ship and swim ashore, but later, other personnel weren't able to trace him.

"It is a sad incident, but the navy will inquire into what happened, and whatever corrective measures need to be taken will certainly be taken. The ship had a fire, like all of you know, and in fighting the fire, a lot of water was used. Perhaps because of that, some of the stability of the ship may have gotten upset, so the ship just tilted to one side and is resting on the jetty," he said on Tuesday.

Commenting on the damage caused to the ship by the accident, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said that the ship can be very well made upright, and the water can be pumped out to reset the ship as soon as possible.

The Naval headquarters has ordered a detailed probe led by a Rear Admiral to determine the exact causes and establish accountability based on the inquiry report.

Also Read | 13 Indians, 3 Sri Lankans missing after oil tanker capsizes off Oman

The warship rests on one side in the Naval Dockyard after a fire incident on board Sunday night. Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has given strict instructions to the officials concerned to be very careful in handling of vital national assets during his visit to Mumbai to review the cause of the accident, Defence Sources told ANI.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued a long-awaited proclamation on Wednesday calling a special legislative session to address the state's soaring property taxes, ruffling some lawmakers' feathers by giving them just a day's notice.

Pillen warned lawmakers on the last day of the regular legislative session in April that he would convene a special session sometime in the summer after lawmakers failed to pass a bill to significantly lower property taxes. Last month, he sent a letter to Speaker of the Legislature John Arch saying he planned to call lawmakers back on July 25.

Property taxes have skyrocketed across the country as U.S. home prices have jumped more than 50% in the past five years, leading a bevy of states to pass or propose measures to rein them in. Nebraska has seen revenue from property taxes rise by nearly $2 billion over the past decade, far outpacing the amount in revenue collected from income and sales taxes.

Pillens proclamation calls for slew of appropriations and tax changes, including subjecting everything from cigarettes, candy, soda, hemp products and gambling to new taxes. It also calls for a hard cap on what cities and other local governments can collect in property taxes.

Just as significant is whats not included in the proclamation: Pillen didn't direct lawmakers to consider a winner-take-all system of awarding electoral votes ahead of this years hotly-contested presidential election.

Nebraska and Maine are the only states that split their electoral votes. In Nebraska, the three electoral votes tied to the states three congressional districts go to whichever candidate wins the popular vote in that district. Republicans who dominate state government in the conservative state have long sought to join the 48 other states that award all of their electoral votes to whichever candidate wins statewide, but have been unable to get such a bill passed in the Legislature.

Pillen said this year that he would include a winner-take-all proposal in a special session proclamation if the measure had the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. He could still call another special session to consider a winner-take-all proposal if he thinks it has enough support to pass.

Pillen's 11th-hour call for a special session to deal with property taxes drew testy responses from some lawmakers, who have to interrupt summer plans, find day care for children and put their full-time jobs on hold to head back to the Capitol. Even some of Pillen's fellow Republicans joined in the criticism.

State Sen. Julie Slama, a Republican in the single-chamber, officially nonpartisan Legislature, slammed Pillen in a social media post as an entitled millionaire. She also dismissed his plan to shift a proposed 50% decrease in property taxes to a wide-ranging expansion of goods and services subject to the state's 5.5% sales tax.

Pillen thinks the Legislature will pass the largest tax increase on working Nebraskans in state history because he snapped his fingers and ordered us to dance, Slama posted on X.

State Sen. Justin Wayne, a Democrat from Omaha, called on fellow lawmakers to immediately adjourn the session Thursday and demand a weeks notice from Pillen before reconvening. Barring that, the Legislature should at least recess on Thursday until Aug. 1, Wayne said in a Tuesday letter to his fellow 48 senators.

Under Nebraska rules, governors can call a special session but must issue a proclamation that outlines specifically what issues the Legislature will address during it. There is no deadline by which governors must issue a proclamation before calling lawmakers back for a special session, but legislators have typically gotten that call a week or more ahead of time.

Wayne called the lack of a proclamation from Pillen with only hours before the planned special session blatant disrespect."

We are not his slaves to be summoned at his whim, Wayne said. "We have families and lives, and this lack of consideration is unacceptable.

It is time we assert our independence and demand the respect we deserve.

Pillens office did not answer questions about why he waited until the day before the special session to issue the proclamation calling it.
In a bizarre incident, a team of doctors in Madhya Pradesh removed a 16-inch-long gourd from the rectum of a man in a 2-hour operation. In the 21 July surgery at the Chhatarpur district hospital, the doctors successfully removed the foreign object from a farmer's insides.

According to an India Today report, the patient, a farmer from Khajuraho, was brought to the hospital in critical condition. He was experiencing severe abdominal pain.

Also Read | New Delhi surgeon utilizes Apple Vision Pro in landmark bariatric surgery

Following a medical exam, doctors discovered a foreign object, a bottle gourd, in the back of his body. It had likely entered inside his body through his rectum, causing internal injuries.

The medical team, headed by Dr Nandkishore Jatav, successfully carried out the complicated surgery to remove a 16-inch bottle gourd from the patient's body. The patient has now been declared out of danger.

Meanwhile, it has yet not been clear how the bottle gourd entered the man's body. Reportedly, the patient is probably suffering from a mental illness, leading to the act. A probe to determine how the foreign body ended up in the man's body is underway.

According to the India Today report, the doctors during the surgery noted that the bottle gourd caused a rupture in the patient's internal membranes.

Also Read | Raghav Chadha undergoes vitrectomy in UK: Know what it is and when it is needed

"The night before last, a patient from the Khajuraho area arrived with abdominal pain. Around 3.30 am, he first went to the Mission Hospital, where the doctor refused to treat him. Subsequently, he came to the district hospital," Dr Jatav told India Today.

"Upon examination, it was found that he had inserted a gourd into his rectum. He was admitted and operated on, during which the membrane ruptured. With the assistance of two other doctors, a gourd approximately one and a half feet long was removed," he added.
Israeli far-right cabinet member Itamar Ben Gvir took the unusual step of endorsing Donald Trump as the next US president, saying a return of the ex-leader would bolster the chances of victory against Irans allied militant groups and the Islamic Republic itself.

I believe that with Trump, Israel will receive the backing to act against Iran, the minister for national security told Bloomberg in an interview. With Trump it will be clearer that enemies must be defeated.

The head of Jewish Power  a nationalist party thats key to the survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition  Ben Gvir has been an outspoken critic of cease-fire talks that could stop the fighting in Gaza, at least temporarily, and see some of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas freed in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

His opposition to a truce has the ability to undermine internationally mediated attempts to reach a deal, which the US has pushed for months. That said, he opposed a cease-fire agreement in late November  the only one to date  but did not go as far as quitting government.

Ben Gvirs comments underscore how the Israel-Hamas war has strained relations with the US and come ahead of Netanyahus address to the US Congress in Washington on Wednesday. The prime minister, on his first trip abroad since the war against Hamas started in October, is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, before traveling to Florida to see Trump on Friday.

Netanyahu himself has remained neutral and said its essential for Israel to work with whatever government runs its most important ally.

Trump will likely face off against Harris in Novembers presidential election. The decision by Biden not to run is no great loss to Israel, Ben Gvir, 48, said in his Jerusalem office. The US leader has failed to support the country fully in its campaign against Hamas, the minister said, citing delayed supplies of weapons.

The US has always stood behind Israel in terms of armaments and weapons, yet this time the sense was that we were being reckoned with  that we were trying to be prevented from winning, Ben Gvir said. That happened on Bidens watch and fed Hamas with lots of energy.

While Biden and his top officials repeatedly urged Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza and engage in truce negotiations, the president visited Israel after the Hamas invasion on Oct. 7 that triggered the war. His administration has supplied Israel with hundreds of ammunition shipments and a $14 billion military aid package.

More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war started, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, much of which has been reduced to rubble. Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, killed about 1,200 people on Oct. 7 and took about 250 hostage.

A spokesman for the Palestinian Authority said Wednesday that the US should use Netanyahus vist as an opportunity to urge him to stop the conflict.

Ben Gvir appreciates endorsing Trump may go down badly with other Israeli officials.

A cabinet minister is supposed to maintain neutrality, but thats impossible to do after Biden, he said.

Iran Fire

Israels brief exchange of direct fire with Iran in April, following an attack on Tehrans diplomatic buildings in Syria, has been a source of frustration for Ben Gvir and other far-right cabinet members such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who see it as a missed opportunity to assert military dominance.

Israel should respond to attacks on it in a determined, pain-inflicting manner, the minister said, bemoaning Netanyahus muted reaction to Irans unprecedented attack with missiles and drones, almost all of which were intercepted with the help of the US, UK, France and Jordan. At the time, Ben Gvir described Israels counter strike on a military site near the city of Isfahan as weak.

Trump maintains a hard line against Iran and has said the Islamic Republic wouldnt have attacked Israel had he been in office. During his term as president that began in 2017, he walked away from a deal between Iran and world powers over its nuclear-development program, which hasnt been reinstated under Biden.

Trump has also said Israel must end the war in Gaza and laid the blame for the Oct. 7 attack on Netanyahu.

Ben Gvir didnt address Harris policies directly but implied they would be a continuation of Bidens. The US attitude toward Israel needs to change, he said, suggesting that will only happen with Trump.

The minister warned he would quit Netanyahus government  potentially collapsing the whole coalition  if a cease-fire deal is reached that he cant support.

That would include one that prevents Israel from being able to resume fighting against Hamas in Gaza and leads to a mass release of Palestinian prisoners involved in lethal attacks on Israelis.

Benny Gantz, a former war cabinet member who quit last month, said Wednesday that more Israeli hostages held in Gaza have died over the past two months because Netanyahu stalled in promoting a cease-fire agreement that was drafted by the war cabinet weeks ago. He suggested the prime minisiter is procrastinating to ensure his political survival.

Ben Gvirs preference would be to escalate pressure against Hamas  both with military force and by depriving Gaza of humanitarian aid. Hes also in favor of a full-blown war with Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based militant group supported by Iran.

The sooner, the better, he says of Hezbollah.

Such talk unnerves many in Israel and the countrys allies. Hezbollah is the most powerful militant group in the Middle East, with far more missiles and fighters than Hamas.

Yet he says Israelis back him. Jewish Power is the only party in Israels coalition government thats gaining support in the polls.

Many Israelis realize that I was right all along, he said. Their sympathy doesnt come from nowhere.

With assistance from Julius Domoney.
The family of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the youngster behind the Donald Trump shooting incident, is trying to take care of themselves and is yet to release a statement on the matter, said Crooks's father in his first interaction with the media.

While leaving a grocery store, Matthew Brian Crooks, 53, told Fox News that his family is trying to take care of themselves and need space. We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. Please, just give us our space, Fox News quoted Matthew as saying.

Were going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so  until then, we have no comment, he added.

Twenty-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was killed by Secret Service Snipers while he was trying to shoot former US President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

According to earlier reports, Matthew declined to provide any more detail about the case and maintained that he would not make any public statement before interacting with law enforcement.

The gun used by Thomas Matthew Crooks to shoot Donald Trump was issued in his father's name, who is a registered Libertarian. The exact motive behind the attack is yet to be confirmed by the investigative agency.

Months before attempting Donald Trump's assassination, Thomas Matthew Crooks made online searches for major depressive disorder, revealed investigation, according to a New York Post report. However, there is no firm evidence indicating that Crooks was suffering from a mental disorder.

Thomas Matthew Crooks tried to diagnose himself after acknowledging his thoughts or feelings. However, he ended up opting for the path of violence instead of receiving mental health counselling, reported NYP, citing former FBI terrorism task force supervisor Michael McKeown's statement to WTAE of the unearthed searches.
By Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON -Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday, supported by large declines in U.S. crude and fuel stocks, but hovered close to their lowest level in six weeks due to concerns over weak global demand.

Prices snapped three straight sessions of decline on falling U.S. crude and fuel inventories, as well as growing oil supply risks from Canadian wildfires.

Brent crude futures for September closed 70 cents, or 0.9%, higher at $81.71 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for September rose 63 cents, or 0.8%, to $77.59 per barrel.

U.S. crude inventories fell by 3.7 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.6-million-barrel draw. [EIA/S]

U.S. gasoline stocks dropped by 5.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations for a 400,000 draw. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 2.8 million barrels versus expectations for a 250,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed.

"Demand is better than anticipated," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York.

"As long as gasoline is doing well, that will support the rest of the market into the short-term future. Higher distillates demand was the icing on the cake," Yawger added.

However, the market remained wary about global summer demand. U.S. oil refiners are expected to report sharply lower second-quarter earnings versus a year ago after a listless summer-driving season weakened refining margins, energy analysts said.

Prices are under pressure from ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and continued concern that the economic slowdown in China, the world's biggest crude importer, would weaken global oil demand.

Crude-oil deliveries to India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, also slipped in June to their lowest since February, government data showed.

WTI lost 7% over the previous three sessions, while Brent was down nearly 5%.

Buoying prices, wildfires in Canada forced some producers to curtail production and threatened a large amount of supply.

Imperial Oil said it has reduced non-essential staff at its Kearl oil sands site as a precaution.

Meanwhile, Russia's energy ministry pledged to stick to the crude-output quota set by the OPEC group in July, after its June production exceeded limits.
Vice President Kamala Harris infused fresh energy into the Democratic Party's US Presidential Elections 2024 campaign while addressing her first election rally on Tuesday. Emphasising her people-powered campaign, Kamala Harris said that Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations.

Kamala Harriss' first address came after she became the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. While attacking Republican candidate Donald Trump for relying on support from billionaires and big corporations, Kamala Harris alleged that Trump wants to take the country backwards.

Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations. He is trading access in exchange for campaign contributions. A couple of months ago, you all saw that, at Mar-a-Lago, he literally promised big oil companies, big oil lobbyists, he would do their bidding for $1 billion in campaign donations, Harris, 59, said in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She concluded her address with a powerful remark, When we fight, we win, reported New York Times.

We will be a people-first presidency: Kamala Harris While addressing rally, Kamala Harris assured that her party will strive to bring a people-first presidency as her party is running a people powered campaign.

"We just had some breaking news. We just had the best 24 hours of grassroots fundraising in presidential campaign history. Because we are a people-powered campaign, that is how you know we will be a people-first presidency, said Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

Her speech also found mention of the empowerment of the middle class, affordable health care, paid family leave. While attacking Donald Trump, Kamala Harris alleged that he wants to take the country backward and attacked Trump's Project 2025 agenda.

This campaign is also about two different visions for our nation. One, where we are focused on the future. Focused on the past. We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead, she said amidst cheers from the audience.

A future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every worker has the freedom to join a union, where every person has affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid family leave. We believe in a future where every senior can retire with dignity. So, all of this is to say building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. Because here's the thing: we are all here. When our middle class is strong, America is strong, she said.

While criticising Trump's Project 2025 agenda, Kamal Harris said that he aims to cut Social Security and Medicare and drew attention towards his regressive policy proposals related to healthcare, reproductive freedom, etc.
Money talks, as they say, but even $23 billion of it did not convince the founders of Wiz Inc to sell the business to Alphabet Inc, parent of Google.

Wiz, a New York-headquartered cybersecurity company that until recently would have been confused with a Hungarian low-cost airline or the name of a rapper, has apparently made the mother of all jiujitsu moves against the acquisitive tech giant. It has walked away from what would have been Googles biggest-ever purchase two months after the start of talks.

In a memo to Wiz employees, Wizs co-founder Assaf Rappaport said Googles offer was humbling," but the company wanted to focus on growing its recurring revenue to $1 billion (it is currently at $550 million) and pursue an initial public offer at some point.

Cue frustration among Wiz employees who likely arent thrilled about missing out on a big payday. The fallout may be worse for Google, which is floundering in its efforts to bolster its cloud business and catch up with Amazon.com and Microsoft Corp, its principal rivals in this market.

This is the second time in a month that Google has lost out on such an acquisition. Earlier in July, the company ended its efforts to acquire HubSpot Inc, a customer-relationship management software maker that would have helped it compete with Microsoft, Oracle Corp and Salesforce Inc, in another mega deal.

Though its unclear why that deal fell apart, it likely would have attracted antitrust scrutiny at a time when Google already faces a lawsuit from the US Justice Department over its dominance in search and advertising.

Wizs rejection, combined with the testy regulatory environment, puts Google in an even more awkward position in its effort to grow its cloud business, which has 11% of the market behind Microsofts Azure (with 25%) and Amazons AWS (the leading player with 31%), according to Synergy Research Group, a market intelligence firm. But grow it must, as the companys longtime reliance on advertising leaves it exposed to slowing growth or interest-rate hikes.

Acquisitions are the way to go, since Google has a spotty history in turning its own innovations into lucrative products. Remember, Google researchers invented the Transformer, for instance, but it was OpenAI that first commercialized it successfully. Transformer is the T in ChatGPT. Two years ago, Google managed to buy cybersecurity firm Mandiant for $5.4 billion.

The addition of Wiz, which specializes in cybersecurity for cloud-based applications, could have rounded out that security offering and given Google Cloud a strong selling point against its bigger competitors. Google didnt respond to requests for comment.

Wiz will have its own price to pay for the snub. According to people close to the company, its founders havent walked away from Google as a negotiating tactic, but genuinely want to become as big as rival Palo Alto Networks Inc, which similarly has Israeli founders, went public in 2012 and has a market cap of $100 billion.

Wizs founders previously sold a security company to Microsoft for $320 million and are already multi-millionaires who arent lured by the prospect of a sudden jump in personal wealth, or keen on being plugged into a legacy tech giant, two people close to the company tell me.

Fine, but in the meantime, many of Wizs engineers will be disgruntled at having lost out on a windfall. Snubbing an acquirer isnt unheard of in Silicon Valley. Mark Zuckerberg said no to $1 billion from Yahoo in 2006, and the founders of Snap Inc declined $3 billion in 2013 from Zuckerberg. But $23 billion is an entirely different conversation.

A founder of WhatsApp once explained to me that when Zuckerberg came to him with a $19 billion takeover offer in 2014, the Facebook billionaire made us an offer we couldnt refuse."

The WhatsApp founders surmised that if they rejected the offer, theyd face a revolt from their staff. Of course, WhatsApps tiny workforce of 50 stood to become multi-millionaires, and Wiz has a larger staff of 1,200but they are still missing a life-changing payout.

Appeasing Wizs employees in Israel will be especially tricky, given that many local tech-sector workers have been leaving the country, and Israel is where some of the worlds best hackers reside, thanks to the countrys mandatory military service that often involves cybersecurity training.

Its hard to overstate how audacious Wiz appears by leaving $23 billion on the table, but it does leave both companies in a something of a bind.

Google must find another route to augmenting its lagging cloud business. Wiz must also live up to the high expectations it has set for itself. bloomberg
Whenever I speak to my clients about how Indias new Digital Personal Data Protection law will affect their operations, it is almost always their sales teams that express the most consternation. How are we expected to do our jobs if this new law comes into effect?" they ask me, What are we supposed to do if we cant call people to see if they want to buy our products?"

For almost as long as I can remember, commercial organizations have oriented their sales teams to acquire massive data-sets of personal datafrom names and email addresses to mobile numbersso that they can be converted into leads.

They have put in place massive call centres to use this information to reach out to as many people as possible, treating everyone as a potential customer who can be convinced to buy whatever they have to offer, whether they need it or not.

We have all been interrupted at odd hours of the day and night by calls from banks we dont know selling us loans we dont want. We cannot spend a minute online without being shown some product or the other that an algorithm has determined we need to see when in fact these messages just get in the way of what we want to do.

Organizations today know of no other way to market their products to us. And so they find dubious means to acquire personal information that they can use for their sales pitches. Which is why, when I break it to them that this spray-and-pray approach is no longer on the table, they seem completely lost.

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) of 2023, no one can process personal data unless they have a legitimate ground to do so. This, in most instances, will have to be the consent of the data principal to whom that data pertains.

Which means that unless all the organizations that plague us with sales calls can show they have our consent to do this, their actions will be against the letter and spirit of the law.

Whats more, since the law requires consent to be specific, referring precisely to the purpose for which data is being collected, even if a bank has our consent to process our personal data to provide us a loan, it cannot re-use that consent to upsell any other service to usor share our personal data with anyone else.

As data principals, we will all have rights to ensure that companies comply with the law. Foremost among these is the right to accessthe ability to ask any data fiduciary what personal data about us they are processing and who they have transferred it to.

This means that organizations will not only have to know what personal data is under their control, they will also have to keep track of each and every purpose to which that data is put. If it happens to get into the hands of someone else, the organization that processed it will have to demonstrate that this transfer had our consent.

For sales teams that know no other way to market products and services other than by getting their call centre agents to work the phones calling every last person on a list of names purchased on the black market, the bottom has fallen out of that outreach model. Not only will these data-sets be increasingly unavailable, businesses that acquire and sell them will be forced to shut down.

Whats more, without a legitimate ground, even the act of continuing to store such data obtained before the DPDP Act came into force will be a violation of the law. When I have explained this to sales teams in the many organizations I have addressed, they have been gobsmacked.

There are a number of other workflows and processes that companies will have to revisit in the light of the new law.

A couple of days ago, I tried to update my KYC details on my mobile phone. I was told by my telecom provider that I could either allow it to scan my Aadhaar card or provide any other form of identity that I chose. If I opted for the latter, I had to also supply an alternate phone number to which an OTP could be sent.

Now, as it happens, I have no other mobile number. Which means that in order to complete the KYC re-verification of my mobile number (one that I have held without change for 24 years), I had to provide the telecom operator with someone elses phone number.

As a data protection lawyer, I was loath to offer up another persons personal data without their consent, but, as the lady at the store was at pains to warn me, if I did not comply, my phone number could be cancelled for want of an updated KYC.

It is insidious business processes such as these that companies will have to immediately redesign. If they require the mobile number of any person, they need that persons consent, even if all they intend doing with it is to send an OTP in order to confirm a KYC update.

They should not be asking me to provide them with the mobile number of a family member or colleague because the very act of sending an OTP to it without the consent of the recipient will be a violation of the law.

Each breach of the provisions of the new law will be liable to a penalty of up to 250 crore. This is not a sum to be trifled with and organizations around the country have already begun to re-order their operations to ensure compliance.

Given that the government has confirmed that the notification of rules and implementation of the DPDP Act are among the top priorities of the ministry of electronics and information technology, businesses that have not revised their processes accordingly are living on borrowed time.
The Union Budget 2024-25 presents comprehensive, outcome-based and sector-specific measures that will accelerate Indias growth trajectory in an inclusive and sustainable manner.

Moreover, this has been done with attention to macroeconomic stability and fiscal prudence, adhering to a path of fiscal consolidation, with the fiscal deficit pegged at 4.9% for 2024-25, in contrast with 5.6% of GDP in 2023-24. This will open up space for private-sector participation.

Focused on all-round development measures that would generate economic opportunities for all, the budget rightly centres around nine major priority areas, including promotion of agricultural productivity, employment and skilling, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation and R&D, and next-gen reforms.

These are critical growth drivers and addressing these diverse areas through a holistic approach holds great potential for furthering Indias economic growth and development prospects.

The budget has a clear focus on fostering inclusivity, with specific measures aimed at enhancing opportunities for women, the youth, the poor and farmers. The adoption of a saturation approach through the implementation of various schemes across sectors will empower and facilitate livelihood creation for many, including Indian artisans, craftsmen, self-help groups, Scheduled Tribes and Castes, and street vendors.

CII appreciates measures like the establishment of women hostels and creches with industry collaboration, which are in line with CII recommendations and will greatly encourage womens participation in the workforce.

The new initiative to provide internship opportunities to 10 million youth over the next five years with placements in 500 leading companies is expected to strengthen skill development and boost employability.

Announcements such as the promotion of farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives and startups for vegetable supply chains and the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in partnership with states should promote sustainable development of the agricultural sector by enhancing productivity and building resilience.

The budgeted outlay on agriculture and allied activities increased from 1.4 trillion in the previous budget (revised estimate) to an estimated 1.47 trillion.

Boosting employment and employability was rightly given utmost priority in this years budget. The announcement of three employment-linked incentive (ELI) schemes for first-time workers, job creation in manufacturing and support for employers are in line with CII recommendations.

These three schemes, together with a new centrally sponsored scheme and internship opportunity for youth, are expected to support 41 million beneficiaries. Measures to boost tourism with a focus on spiritual and cultural heritage are also expected to spur jobs growth.

The strategic focus on MSMEs would strengthen the sector and is welcome. Tech and financial support to this vital sector are imperatives, as it has significant potential to step up innovation and support inclusive development.

The decision to reduce the turnover threshold of buyers for mandatory onboarding on the TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) platform from 500 crore to 250 crore is laudable.

Further, the introduction of an assessment model for credit based on ones digital footprint, a new mechanism to provide financial support during stress periods and the enhancement of the loan limit under the Mudra scheme, along with a slew of other measures, will stimulate the MSME sector. The setting up of e-commerce export hubs through the public-private partnership approach will enable internationalization of MSMEs.

Infrastructure continued to be a core budget focus. The governments announcement to provide long-term interest-free loans to states to the tune of 1.5 lakh crore for developing infrastructure will attract investments and boost job creation.

The financial package includes infrastructure projects in Bihar as well as financial assistance for reconstruction in disaster-affected states. The emphasis on creating economic opportunities and all-round development of eastern India under the Purvodaya initiative could play a catalytic role in realizing Indias vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

This years budget also saw major tax announcements. The simplification and rationalization of the tax-deducted-at source (TDS) structure is expected to reduce litigation and ease the administrative burden. Decriminalization of TDS-payment delays is a business-friendly move and also in line with CII recommendations.

The increase in income-tax standard deduction and revision of tax slabs under the new regime will boost disposable incomes and could drive higher consumption and demand in the economy.

The abolition of angel tax has been a long-standing CII ask and this move will encourage startups and entrepreneurship in the country, while fostering an innovation ecosystem.

Measures such as installation of rooftop solar plants, promotion of pumped storage projects and the focus on R&D in nuclear energy, etc, will enhance energy security and enable a just energy transition. These are steps in the right direction which will help India achieve its Sustainable Development Goal targets.

Overall, this years budget focuses on comprehensive measures that are expected to benefit diverse sectors of the economy and help India chart an inclusive and sustainable growth path.

Its focus on critical growth drivers such as infrastructure, employment, MSMEs, the rural economy, urban development, women and youth will catalyse all-round economic development, while helping realize Indias goal of becoming Viksit Bharat or a developed nation by 2047.

The author is director general, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The Biden Administration has been consistent: The Palestinian Authority must rule Gaza after the war. The White House dismisses Israels protests that the PA supports terrorism and is too feeble to resist Hamas as domestic political pandering. The only way to defeat Hamas in Gaza, says the U.S., is to hand the keys to Mahmoud Abbas and a revitalized" PA.

Good thing Israel didnt take Secretary of State Antony Blinkens word for it. On Tuesday the PAs many factions signed an agreement with Hamas and Islamic Jihad to form a unity Palestinian government. Oh, and they did it in Beijing, with Chinas foreign minister presiding over warm handshakes with the perpetrators of the Oct. 7 massacre.

The plan is to form an interim reconciliation government for Gaza and the West Bank, where the PA has been losing ground to Hamas. But the agreement lacks a timetable for implementation and faces many obstacles. Hamas slaughtered Mr. Abbass party comrades in Gaza in 2007, and experiments in unity since then have been abortive. At this stage the agreement is notable primarily for what it says about the parties involved.

The deal is a way for the PA to signal solidarity with the resistance." Though the Biden Administration ignores the broad popularity of Oct. 7 among Palestinians, Mr. Abbas can afford no such illusions. Hamass atrocities are glorified and its decision to launch the war earns about 70% support in Palestinian polls.

The PA is a husk. The foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates reportedly called it Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" at an April meeting with Mr. Blinken. But this month the U.A.E. said it could join a stabilization force for postwar Gaza if the PA invites it.

Hamas also seeks to use the PA as political cover, and it expects President Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris to fall for it. The terrorists would love to copy the Hezbollah model from Lebanon and become the power behind the throne in Gaza, devoted to war alone. Aid groups can be trusted not to object as Hamas rebuilds behind Western-funded PA signage.

This Beijing Declaration is also a way for Hamas to advertise its diplomatic success. Carrying out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust has improved its standing in Beijing, Moscow and Pretoria, without jeopardizing support from Tehran, Doha and Ankara. Hamas has become a player on the world stage.

China enjoys coordinating anti-American forces and disrupting U.S. diplomacy. Since Hamas has proved effective at sparking wars that stress the U.S. regional alliance system, China will help keep Hamas in business.

While liberals insist on a Palestinian state, they rarely ask what kind of state it would be. At present it would be a Hamas state, by force of the ballot or the bullet. Creating a jihadist-theocracy Iranian satellite state isnt high on a list of vital U.S. priorities.
WASHINGTONHours before President Biden tasked Vice President Kamala Harris with her first public assignmenthelping with the administrations response to the surge of migrants at the southern borderWhite House staff working on the issue were still unsure what exactly the announcement would say.

Harris, then two months into her tenure as vice president, was already reckoning with sky-high expectations and intense scrutiny. She wasnt expecting Biden to ask her to play a similar role on immigration-related diplomacy as he had during the Obama administration, people familiar with the discussions said. Her aides wanted to shield Harris as much as they could from what they knew had become a much more politically toxic issue in recent years.

The episode, which launched the rockiest stretch of the vice presidents tenure, illustrated the unfamiliarity between Harris and Biden at the start of the administration, with Biden looking to his own experience in that role to guide how Harris would fit into his administration. The assignment led to a foiled first foreign trip to Central America for Harris, criticism from immigration advocates and an NBC interview about the border that continues to haunt her.

But over the yearsand at times at a cost to Harriss own political capitaltheir relationship found firmer footing. Though Harris never broke into Bidens inner circle of longtime advisers, their relationship became warmer and grew into one of mutual respect, people close to both the president and vice president said. In the aftermath of the presidents halting debate performance, Harris became his strongest public defender, vouching for Biden as other Democrats continued to call on him to step aside.

On Sunday, the president tasked Harris with another job: replacing him on the ticket as the Democratic nominee. This one, she more readily accepted, locking in hundreds of delegates within hours.

The shift in their relationship was gradual, as Harris, the first female and Black vice president, navigated how best to advise the president in private, gain the trust of his allies and help bolster his standing in public. Biden, meanwhile, came to count on Harriss questioning in meetings and trust her counsel.

During the 2020 campaign, Biden and Harris, who were living in different cities and dealing with pandemic restrictions, didnt have much time to get to know each other. Harris had worked with the presidents late son Beau Biden, while they were serving as attorneys general in their states, but didnt know the president personally before the campaign.

Beau was the kind of guy who inspired people to be a better version of themselves," Harris said during her first joint appearance with Biden as his running mate. He really was the best of us. And when I would ask him, Whered this come from? hed always talk about his dad."

Harris entered the White House knowing she had to prove her loyalty to Biden and his top aides. Some of them thought Harriss ambitions would lead her to overshadow the president and were still skeptical of her after she questioned his busing policy and relationship with segregationist senators during a 2019 Democratic primary debate. Harris terminated her political committees and didnt staff her top ranks with campaign aides to assuage concerns from the presidents advisers about her bringing what was seen as a messy presidential campaign into the White House.

During her first foreign trip, when the White House asked Harris to deliver a message of deterrence to migrants in Central America, some aides working on the issue warned against it but were ignored. Even though it expressed the administrations policy, it would come across differently coming from a daughter of immigrants. Do not come," Harris said in Guatemala, drawing immediate backlash from immigration advocacy groups and Democrats.

In addition to her role on immigration, other jobs that were seen broadly as thanklessincluding voting rights, which she requestedstarted stacking up. At the staff level, tensions bubbled between the West Wing and her office. The presidents inner circle was frustrated with media coverage of Harris, including news of staff departures, and complaints from her allies about how she was being used.

But with travel still limited early in the administration, Harris and Biden started to get to know each other one-on-one. The two met for lunch weekly, if their schedules aligned. Biden, at times, popped into Harriss office while she was on a Zoom with staff, including once to present her with a mug with a drawing of Harriss face on it that he had bought from a small business in D.C.

Though she had served in the Senate, Harris didnt come into the White House with as many longstanding relationships on Capitol Hill as Biden did when he was vice president. And while she was in the room with Biden as he pushed lawmakers to pass his legislative agenda, her influence was more on the inclusion of certain policies rather than on the dealmaking.

The vice president pushed for the inclusion of funding to replace lead pipes in the infrastructure bill and investments for historically Black colleges and universities in the early months, people familiar with the discussions said. She also advocated for proposals that didnt ultimately pass, such as an expanded child tax credit and investments in paid leave, child care and public housing. As Biden faced pressure from progressives to make a decision on student debt cancellation, Harris was one of the major internal backers of the idea and helped Biden in his decision to ultimately support it.

Harris centered her case on canceling student debt to Biden on the relief it would provide Black families and low-income families who never even graduated because of the expenses but still carried student debt. One of Bidens concerns as he made his decision was that it would be seen as a giveaway to relatively affluent college-educated families.

She also interviewed the finalists for Bidens Supreme Court nomination and helped the president with his decision.

Ive been fortunate to have the advice of theVice President Harrisand I mean this sincerelyan exceptional lawyer," Biden said at the White House while announcing his nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

For Harris, trying to establish some internal cloutquietlyoften came at the cost of losing external support, people familiar with the issue said.

The vice president, who was still gaining the trust of the president and his advisers, didnt publicly discuss most of her efforts, even as Democrats who had high expectations for the first female vice president criticized her and the administration for not giving her a more prominent role. They questioned why Harris was constantly positioned behind the president during announcements, with little to do or say.

The Democratic criticism of Harris began to die down in the aftermath of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Harris took on a more public role on a policy issueone she was well-versed in and built her career on. The vice president traveled the country and kept abortion rightswhich the president has been uncomfortable talking aboutfront and center.

Inside the White House, the vice president was frustrated that the administration wasnt prepared enough for the decision, given they had time to start preparing once Politico published a leaked draft. When Biden left for a trip to Europe to attend global summits the day after the decision, the administration struggled to come up with a detailed plan and messaging strategy. Harris pressed for more specificity, according to people familiar with the matter. The president appreciated Harriss leadership on abortion rights, and said so publicly, recognizing she was a better messenger for it.

But it was foreign-policy issues that helped the two establish more of a bond.

Harris entered the administration with little foreign-policy experience, especially compared with Biden, who had served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As Harris started building out her international portfolio and became an active participant in National Security Council meetings, Biden often looked to Harris to ask probing questions, according to people familiar with the discussions. Her back and forths with national security officials helped inform Bidens thinking.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has played a key role in urging the administration to articulate more empathy toward Palestinians and focus on a postconflict plan.

Even as she reiterated the White Houses positions on the war, the differences between Bidens public comments and hers were clear. Harris was more readily critical of Israel and spoke emotionally of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The day after Biden bowed out of the presidential race, Harris walked into her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Del. Hours earlier, it had been the presidents. Signs with her name now covered some of the walls.

Still self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, Biden called in to address campaign staff who now worked for his vice president. Embrace her," he said.

As Harris began, the president added: Im watching you, kid. I love ya."

Write to Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress on Wednesday drops one of the worlds most polarizing politicians into the middle of an unprecedented U.S. political shake-up, a risky combination as he tries to win support from both parties for his country and its war.

In the days leading up to his visit, it appeared U.S. party politics had moved in Israels favor. The national discussion over Israels conduct in Gaza seemed to have fallen into the background, as the focus moved to President Bidens fitness and former President Donald Trumps invigorated campaign after a failed assassination attempt. Campus protests had died down with the summer break, and some delayed arms shipments had begun to flow.

Then the ground shifted. Just hours before Netanyahu boarded his plane for the long flight, Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race. The prime minister was airborne while Vice President Kamala Harris was solidifying her position as the Democrats presumptive nominee.

He landed confronted with a new balancing actappealing to the new, potentially more progressive face of the Democratic Party while not antagonizing Trump.

There is tension between Netanyahu and both sides of the U.S. political aisle. Some Democrats continue to chafe over his 2015 speech before Congress in which he attacked President Barack Obamas Iran policy. Meanwhile, Trump was put off by Netanyahus embrace of Biden after the 2020 election.

Harris has been tougher in her criticism of Israel than Biden, hewing closer to the progressive flank of her party. Netanyahu will need to be wary of reigniting controversy over Israel just as she is formulating her own public approach to what has become a wedge issue in the election.

If Netanyahu comes off as too chummy with the Democrats, he risks raising the ire of Trump, who has already lambasted him as someone ungrateful for their prior cooperation.

Many back in Israel are bracing themselves for a speech that they fear could draw the wrong sort of attention.

Anyone who understands the bilateral relationship has got to be very concerned about Israel becoming a partisan issue," said Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser in Israel. He is going to have to be very, very careful if he doesnt want in the end to alienate both sides."

Speaking Monday morning from the tarmac in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu sought to allay fears that his rhetoric would alienate either side of the U.S. political divide.

I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel," Netanyahu said. And 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."

Netanyahu is traveling to the U.S. for the speech at the invitation of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.). He is scheduled to meet Biden on Thursday at the White House and Trump on Friday at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. He is set to meet Harris as well.

Boaz Bismuth, a lawmaker from Netanyahus Likud party, said the prime minister couldnt say no to an invitation from Congress, especially not when Israel is facing historic challenges.

Few countries have more at stake in this U.S. presidential election. Israel needs a steady supply of arms, intelligence, diplomatic support in international forums and potentially outright military support as it hopes to defeat or deter its adversaries. It is contending with a war in Gaza, another looming on the border with Lebanon and an increase in clashes with Iran-backed militias in places as distant as Yemen.

U.S. support looked less certain in the spring, with college campuses roiled by pro-Palestinian protests, the Biden administration pausing some weapons deliveries because of concerns about civilian casualties and Schumer calling for Netanyahu to step down. Concerns grew in Israel that U.S. support would fall victim to partisan politics.

Such concerns have eased, but Netanyahu risks reigniting debates over U.S. support for Israel. Progressive Democrats already have Netanyahu and Israel in their sights thanks to the visit.

Netanyahu should not be welcomed into the United States Congress," said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vermont), a critic of the Israeli government who wont attend the speech. On the contrary, his policies in Gaza and the West Bank and his refusal to support a two-state solution should be roundly condemned."

Harris also wont be attending the speech because of what aides said was a previously scheduled event Wednesday in Indianapolis.

A letter signed by 230 anonymous House and Senate staffers last week called on members to protest or boycott the event.

This is not an issue of politics, but an issue of morality," the letter says. Citizens, students, and lawmakers across the country and the world have spoken out against the actions of Mr. Netanyahu in his War on Gaza."

In 2015, nearly 60 Democrats boycotted Netanyahus speech to Congress. While the exact number of Democrats who plan to skip this weeks address isnt known, some congressional aides have privately suggested it could be between 50 and 100.

Netanyahu is deeply unpopular at home among many voters and his own security establishment. Both blame him for failing to cut a cease-fire deal with Hamas that could free some of the 116 hostages still being held in Gaza, many of them already likely dead, and for subjecting the country to the prospect of an endless war.

Critics also fault him for fighting publicly with the Biden administration about the war in Gaza, including a recent dispute over arms deliveries, in what they see as posturing to improve his standing at home.

The prime minister has said that he is standing up for Israel and that the military pressure is improving the prospects for a deal. Many in Israel see his visit as an attempt to burnish his image and appear as a statesman to his supporters.

Netanyahus speech at the Capitol will be his fourth. He is making the address on his first trip abroad since the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7 killed 1,200, took around 250 hostages and set off Israels invasion of the Gaza Strip. More than 39,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to Gaza health authorities, who dont say how many were combatants.

The feeling in Israel now is that the tension with the U.S. has abated, Hamas has been severely weakened and that Israel is no longer facing an emergency situation, said Amit Segal, a leading conservative Israeli commentator.

The backdrop gives Netanyahu the room to take a less combative approach with the Biden administration while seeking to frame the conflict in Gaza as an international war with international consequences, he said.

Bismuth, the Likud lawmaker, said that while the prime ministers 2015 speech was meant to warn the West about the threat from Iran, this weeks speech is about what to do now that the threat has been unleashed.

In 2015 it was theoretical," Bismuth said. Now everything is all too real."

Israels security establishment fears that long-term bipartisan support in Washington, a pillar of national security, is in danger.

The fact that hes landing in the biggest political storm now shows he doesnt understand the political situation," said Mitchell Barak, a former adviser to Netanyahu and now a political analyst and director at Jerusalem-based Keevoon Global Research. Hes only going to create divisions and do more damage than good by doing this trip."

Write to Dov Lieber at dov.lieber@wsj.com, Sabrina Siddiqui at sabrina.siddiqui@wsj.com and Lara Seligman at lara.seligman@wsj.com
At least four Chief Ministers from the Opposition camp have decided to boycott the upcoming meeting of NITI Aayog to protest what they call a discriminatory Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on July 23.

Three of these Chief Ministers are from the Congress party  Revanth Reddy (Telangana), Siddaramaiah (Karnataka) and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin is the fourth.

The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow. In protest, INC CMs will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said in a post on X.

Earlier Stalin had in a press conference announced he would not attend the meeting. The NITI Aayog meeting scheduled on July 27 will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

We dont feel Kannadigas are heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, adding that the Budget 2024 has neglected his states demands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not look beyond Andhra Pradesh and Bihar in the Budget, in order to protect his government, the opposition leaders said.

NDA allies benefited Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 today in the Parliament on Tuesday. The FM introduced increased standard deduction and revised tax rates for salaried individuals under the new tax regime. Besides this, a cut in customs duty on gold, silver, mobile phones and other goods were also announced.

The Finance Minister announced significant financial aid for Andhra Pradesh and major infrastructure projects for Bihar. Andhra Pradesh is governed by N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party. In Bihar, Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal-United is in power. The TDP and the JD-U are allies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre.

Speaking at the press conference, Stalin said that the Union government boycotted Tamil Nadu in the Budget 2024.
Congress president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Budget 2024 on July 24, accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre of neglecting states. Kharge said all states, except Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, received nothing in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2024.

The Congress leader listed states, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, that, according to him, didnt get anything in the budget. He alleged that the budget was to please a few people and protect the chair.

While speaking in Rajya Sabha, during the discussion on Budget 2024, Kharge said, he expected that at least Karnataka, the state the FM represents, would get something, but it didnt. While Kharge spoke,Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar allowed the FM to respond, and the Congress count said, Main bol deta hun. Mataji bolne mein toh expert hain mujhe maloom hai. (Let me finish. Mataji is an expert in speaking, I am aware of that.).

The opposition parties, including the Congress, have accused the PM Modi-led Union government of favouring just their alliesthe TDP and the JD-Uby announcing significant allocations and projects for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The TDP is in power in Andhra Pradesh, and the JD-U is in power in Bihar.

The Finance Minister responded, denying Opposition parties' allegations of neglect and discrimination. She said it is not possible to name every state in the budget.

"Let me take Maharashtra, for instance. Between the vote on account and yesterday's budget, the cabinet has passed a very important decision to set up a very big part in Vadhavan," Sitharaman said, referring to the proposed deep-sea port in the state's Palghar district.

" 76,000 crores have been announced for that project," the FM said, wondering if Maharashtra was ignored because the name was not taken in the budget.

Also Read | Budget 2024 reduces time limit for reassessing old ITRs

Sitharaman accused the Opposition of misleading people. "I am saying with responsibility that this is a 'deliberate attempt' of the opposition parties led by the Congress to give the people the wrong impression that their states were not allocated funds or schemes," said Sitharaman.

Earlier in the day, INDIA bloc Members of Parliament (MPs), including Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief Sonia Gandhi and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament premises over the alleged discrimination against opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget. Members from TMC, Samajwadi Party, DMK and the Left joined the protest held in front of the Parliament.
It is a step to bring peace to the Middle East", according to Simon Harris, Irelands prime minister. On May 22nd his country, along with Norway and Spain, said that it would formally recognise Palestine as a state. Israel recalled its ambassadors from all three countries in response; its foreign minister condemned the trios decision as a distorted step" and said it was evidence, in the wake of Hamass attack on Israel on October 7th, that terrorism pays". Ireland, Norway and Spain are joining the majority of countries: almost three-quarters of members of the UN recognise Palestine. What exactly does that meanand who are the holdouts?

There are no binding rules about when one country should recognise another, but international law provides some guidelines. The Montevideo Convention on the rights and duties of states, signed by 20 countries in North and South America in 1933, sets out four criteria: a state should have a permanent population; a government; defined borders; and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. But many places recognised as states do not meet those requirementsfor instance those with two governments, such as Libya. (Recognising a state usually implies recognising its government, but in such cases countries may choose to endorse whichever government that they consider legitimate.) Some states emerge after national movements declare independence and seek international recognition.

View Full Image Graphic: The Economist

In 1988 Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), declared Palestine a state, with borders based on the land controlled by Arab countries on the eve of the Six Day War of 1967: before that conflict, Egypt controlled Gaza and Jordan held the West Bank and East Jerusalem; during the fighting, Israel took control of those territories. By the end of 1988 roughly half of UN members had recognised Palestine. Today that figure stands at 140; on May 28th Ireland, Norway and Spain will formally join the club.

That will be particularly notable because most other Western countries do not recognise Palestine. America, Britain, France and Germany all support a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, but say that they would only recognise a Palestinian state that is agreed to by the two sides. Israel rejects all unilateral moves. Officially, it says that Palestine must negotiate its final status directly with Israel, but Binyamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has repeatedly ruled out a two-state solution.

In case you missed it

Because many countries still do not recognise Palestinian statehood, the UN itself has given it only partial recognition. In 1974 the PLO became an observer entity at the UN. In 2012 the UN General Assembly upgraded Palestines status to a non-member observer state, putting it on par with the Holy See. To be admitted as a full member it needs the approval of the UN Security Councilof which America, Britain and France have permanent seats, with veto power. In April Algeria, which currently holds a seat on the council, brought the matter to a vote: 12 of the 15 members, including France, supported UN recognition of Palestine, but America vetoed it (Britain and Switzerland abstained). Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Americas ambassador to the UN, argued that the Palestinians do not have full control of what is supposed to be their state" because Hamas runs a significant portion" of it.

For Palestinians, the benefits of recognition are mainly symbolic, although there are practical implications: Palestine can open embassies in countries that have recognised its statehood. But its people will not enjoy the full benefits and freedoms of statehood until Israel accepts it. The last direct talks collapsed in 2014; a resumption looks impossible in present circumstances. But they are much needed.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Google was going to dump its cookie jar into the garbage. For now, its back on the shelf.

The company reversed course on Monday and said it isnt getting rid of the software cookies that track you across the web. Instead, it says it will make it easier for you to turn them off.

So now what? Do you block them yourself? Internet cookies have long been a standard part of web browsers and a major way advertisers track potential customers who view their products online. Theyre the reason you see an ad for spatulas on some random website after you search for them on Amazon.

So, yeah, if you like spatulas following you around the internet and companies keeping tabs on you, keep cookie-ing on. If you dont, turn them off. Privacy is a big reason other browsers have moved away from third-party cookies.

Confused? Hungry? Heres where things stand now.

What are cookies anyway?

There are two different types of internet cookies. First-party cookies are the best kind. Like your grandmas special chocolate-chip cookies, they were made at homethat is, by the website youre using. They remember your login details and other preferences so you dont have to punch in your username and password every time you come back to that website.

Third-party cookies are the ones used for tracking you across different websites, typically for advertisingof spatulas and pretty much everything else. This is why marketing companies pushed back on Googles plans to get rid of them.

Whats Google doing here anyway?

Google had said it was going to ban third-party cookies from working in its Chrome browser, to better protect users privacy.

Now, its saying cookies are here to stay, but its going to be easier for you to block them. The company wouldnt detail exactly what youll see, but the U.K. competition regulator overseeing Googles plans to block cookies said Google will present you with a prompt that asks if you want cookies on or off.

Were exploring an approach that elevates user choice," a Google spokesman said.

Sound familiar? Remember back in 2021 when Apple came out with App Tracking Transparency? Nowadays, when you download a new iPhone app, you might see a pop-up asking if you want the service to track you across other apps. Because the top option says Ask App Not to Track," thats what most people choose, says Eric Seufert, an independent analyst who writes the Mobile Dev Memo newsletter. He expects Googles prompt to be similar.

The way Apple worded the language of the prompt was to give users no reason to want to allow tracking," he says. People see no downside in opting out and feel like their data is being protected."

How do I turn off cookie tracking in Chrome?

If youre using Chrome on a Windows, Mac or Chromebook computer, click on the three vertical dots in the top right near the address bar. Select Settings and then Privacy and security. Scroll down to Third-party cookies. You can choose from three settings: allowing them, blocking them or blocking them while in Incognito mode.

Android phones give you the same options on their mobile Chrome browsers, under More Settings. Those settings dont affect your other apps. On an iPhone or iPad, Chrome already has third-party tracking disabled, just like on Apples own Safari browser.

What about other browsers?

Microsoft Edge for Windows, Mac and Android has third-party cookie tracking on by default. You can adjust the level of tracking by going to Settings, Privacy, Search, and Services and adjusting Tracking prevention to Balanced or Strict.

Third-party cookies are blocked by Brave, Mozillas Firefox, and Apples Safari on computers, iPhones and iPads.

You could turn them on, but if everything works fine without them, why bother?

For more WSJ Technology analysis, reviews, advice and headlines, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Write to Joanna Stern at joanna.stern@wsj.com and Shara Tibken at shara.tibken@wsj.com
After a yearslong saga involving squabbles with the larger ad industry and regulators, Google is ending a plan to eliminate third-party tracking cookies on its Chrome browser. The marketing world is now trying to figure out how such tracking would fare if consumers have more choice to stop it.

Four years ago, Google said it would phase out support for third-party cookies, which log the activity of internet users across websites so advertisers can target them with relevant ads and track the effectiveness of those ads. The insights can be valuable to advertisers but have generated consumer privacy concerns.

Instead of eliminating those third-party cookies, Google will present users with a prompt to decide whether to retain third-party cookies, according to the U.K. competition regulator that has been overseeing the search giants plan to block cookies, leaving marketers to wonder how that will work, and how they will reach consumers if they opt out en masse.

Heres what marketers should know about Googles change and what could come next.

Delays have been happening for years

Google first announced its intention to phase out third-party cookies in 2020. Privacy advocates were enthusiastic, but many advertisers objected, saying Googles plan to replace cookies would force them to shift spending to its digital-ad products.

What followed was years of delays and disagreements with the industry and regulators.

Google was being pulled in multiple directions. The company had to thread the needle between offering a more privacy-centric approach to web browsing while not disrupting the ad tech ecosystem to the point that antitrust concerns could be raised," Raymond James analysts wrote in a research note this week. In the end, the company seems to have satisfied nobody."

Marketing world finds this surprising, but not shocking

Following delays from Google and concerns from the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, plans to eliminate third-party cookies have seemed less than solid, some industry watchers said.

In the last six months, there has been a growing feeling that this was very possible," Shiv Gupta, founder of ad tech education company U of Digital, said of Google dropping its plan to end third-party cookies.

Jason Hartley, head of media innovation at marketing agency PMG, said there had been skepticism among regulators and the wider ad industry about the viability of Googles Privacy Sandbox, which refers to the companys set of technologies to replace ad targeting and measurement features.

Surprising, but not shocking," Hartley said. The issues were complex and solutions werent obvious. Recent tests suggested that there was still a significant gap in performance with Privacy Sandbox solutions."

Efforts to move to a postcookie world werent wasted

Though Googles immediate plan to eliminate cookies isnt moving forward, industry onlookers say efforts to move in that direction werent for nothing.

I have been very vocal about saying I believe cookies are going away, and Google is going to do away with cookies," Gupta said. My stance on that doesnt changeThe plan is still to do away with cookies. The plan is just to do it in a way that can appease people and authorities and pawn off the responsibility of cookie deprecation to users, in a way[with] user consent."

Raymond James analysts say user choice means Googles planning likely wasnt in vain.

Much technical effort has been expended and ink spilled about the preparations that advertisers and publishers were making to deal with the phaseout of the cookie. While no longer as urgent as feared, that effort may not have been for naught," they wrote.

They added that, Depending on the alternative framework that Google will offer to users seeking privacy-first web browsing, industry participants may be able to use this work to reach these opted-out users on a contextual or cohort-based framework."

What happens next depends on how Chrome treats opting in or out

Whether consumers accept cookies likely will depend on how Google chooses to prompt them. Google in a post said it would propose an updated approach that would involve a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and theyd be able to adjust that choice at any time."

Advertising industry executives and experts say they have questions about what that will look like, and how closely prompts will resemble those from Apple to allow app tracking, for instance.

We dont have the details and regulators may have a say in this. If we see the type of opting out we have seen with [Apples App Tracking Transparency], Privacy Sandbox and other cookieless options will be important tools," said Hartley. If not, advertisers will have to decide if cookies are right for them based on their goals, brand values, etc."

Gupta said people in the ad industry are wondering how user choice will lookwhether prompts are opt-in or opt-out, what language is used, how much control publishers have over prompts, and whether prompts appear on every website or just once and apply across all sites.

No matter what the opt-out procedure looks like, advertisers should be ready to not rely heavily on cookies as time passes, some executives said.

Its fun to speculate what [the cookie prompt] will ultimately look likeregardless of the end result, the practical outcome here is that the cookie-addressable universe of users will be getting smaller and smaller every day," said Ana Milicevic, a principal and co-founder at Sparrow Advisers, a management consulting firm specializing in ad tech. She also serves as an independent director sitting on the board of adtech infrastructure company ID5.

Privacy remains a priority

Regardless of the cookie deadline no longer being imminent, advertising executives said marketers shouldnt expect the desire for privacy to diminish.

Marketers should continue preparing for a future where data privacy is increasingly prioritized," said Dimitrios Koromilas, director of platform services for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at data-marketing company Acxiom. Those who have been proactive in exploring alternatives will be better positioned to adapt when changes do inevitably occur, particularly given the changing regulatory landscape and shifts by other major players in the industry."

The decision to not eliminate cookies outright may provide an illusion of respite for some media owners that havent had resources to adopt alternatives, said Milicevic.

Marketers need to have a resilient strategy thats not overly dependent on a single company, a single channel, or a single piece of obsolete technologylike cookies," she said.

Smart marketers will keep trying to test different approaches to connect with consumers, said Matt Barash, a longtime ad tech industry executive.

Change is inevitable and the most important will be how the efficacy of campaigns are measured in an undefined future state," he said. Privacy is a consumers inherent right and their choice to opt in or out of personalization has historically been overly complicated by design. Its clear that the pendulum will swing in the consumers favor and ad tech companies will have to continue to plan to do more with less signal."
Local News, Travel & Local Attractions

By Long Island Published: July 24 2024

Today marks the centennial anniversary of the Theodore Roosevelt House's designation as a National Historic Site.

As the sun rises over the serene waters of Oyster Bay, Long Island, we gather to commemorate a significant milestone in American history. Today marks the centennial anniversary of the Theodore Roosevelt House's designation as a National Historic Site. This iconic house, nestled in the heart of Long Island, stands as a testament to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. On this special day, we celebrate not just the man himself, but the impact his home has had on our community and nation.

The Birthplace of a Legacy

Theodore Roosevelt, born on October 27, 1858, in New York City, was a man of diverse talents and remarkable achievements. However, it was in the quaint town of Oyster Bay, Long Island, that Roosevelt found solace and inspiration. His beloved home, known as Sagamore Hill, became the epicenter of his personal and political life. Roosevelt purchased the property in 1880 and moved in with his family in 1885. Over the years, Sagamore Hill transformed into a symbol of Roosevelt's dynamic spirit and unwavering dedication to public service.

Sagamore Hill: A Historical Treasure

Sagamore Hill is more than just a house; it is a living museum that encapsulates the essence of Theodore Roosevelt. The house, a Queen Anne-style mansion, boasts 23 rooms filled with artifacts, memorabilia, and personal belongings that offer a glimpse into the life of one of America's most influential leaders. Walking through its halls, visitors can feel the presence of Roosevelt, as if he might walk through the door at any moment.

One of the most striking features of Sagamore Hill is its extensive collection of books. Roosevelt was an avid reader, and his library reflects his wide-ranging interests, from natural history to politics. The house also contains numerous hunting trophies, a testament to Roosevelt's passion for the outdoors and his commitment to conservation. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the man who once roamed the halls, shaping the course of American history.

The Designation as a National Historic Site

On July 25, 1924, Sagamore Hill was officially designated a National Historic Site, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This designation was a significant moment in the history of Long Island and the United States. It recognized the importance of preserving the home of a man who had made profound contributions to the nation.

The designation was not just a matter of preserving a building; it was about safeguarding a legacy. Sagamore Hill stands as a reminder of Roosevelt's contributions to conservation, his progressive policies, and his belief in the power of the American spirit. The house serves as a place of pilgrimage for those who seek to understand the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt.

Roosevelt's Impact on Long Island

Theodore Roosevelt's connection to Long Island goes beyond Sagamore Hill. His presence in Oyster Bay and the surrounding areas had a profound impact on the community. Roosevelt was known for his love of nature and his commitment to conservation, and these values are reflected in the natural beauty of Long Island.

Roosevelt's efforts to preserve the environment can be seen in the establishment of several parks and nature reserves in the area. The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay, for example, was founded in 1923 as a tribute to his conservation legacy. This sanctuary, the first of its kind in the nation, continues to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of protecting our natural world.

A Community Celebrates

The centennial anniversary of Sagamore Hill's designation as a National Historic Site is a momentous occasion for the Long Island community. It is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and the impact he had on our region. The celebration includes a series of events and activities designed to engage and inspire people of all ages.

Historical Reenactments and Tours

Visitors to Sagamore Hill can step back in time through historical reenactments and guided tours. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, portraying Roosevelt and his family as they share stories and anecdotes about their time at Sagamore Hill. These reenactments provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with history in a personal and meaningful way.

Educational Programs and Workshops

Educational programs and workshops are being offered to deepen the understanding of Roosevelt's life and legacy. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from Roosevelt's role in the Progressive Era to his contributions to conservation. Experts and historians lead discussions and hands-on activities, providing valuable insights into the life of one of America's most beloved presidents.

Community Picnics and Outdoor Activities

In the spirit of Roosevelt's love for the outdoors, community picnics and outdoor activities are being held throughout Oyster Bay. Families can enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island while participating in games, nature walks, and wildlife observation. These activities not only celebrate Roosevelt's legacy but also encourage a deeper appreciation for the environment he worked so hard to protect.

Reflections from Local Leaders

Local leaders and dignitaries have shared their thoughts on the significance of this anniversary. Many have highlighted the importance of preserving Sagamore Hill as a way to honor Roosevelt's contributions to the nation and to inspire future generations.

Governor of New York

"Theodore Roosevelt was a man of vision and action. His home at Sagamore Hill is a testament to his enduring legacy. As we celebrate this centennial anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our history and protecting our natural heritage. Sagamore Hill is not just a house; it is a symbol of the values that Roosevelt held dear  values that continue to resonate with us today."

Local Historian

"Sagamore Hill is a treasure trove of history. It offers a unique window into the life of Theodore Roosevelt and the times in which he lived. The designation of Sagamore Hill as a National Historic Site was a pivotal moment in our history. It ensured that future generations would have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by Roosevelt's legacy."

President of the Oyster Bay Historical Society

"Theodore Roosevelt's connection to Oyster Bay is a source of great pride for our community. Sagamore Hill is a beloved landmark, and its preservation is a testament to our commitment to honoring Roosevelt's legacy. This centennial anniversary is a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate the enduring impact of Theodore Roosevelt on our region and our nation."

A Lasting Legacy

As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Sagamore Hill's designation as a National Historic Site, we are reminded of the lasting legacy of Theodore Roosevelt. His contributions to conservation, his progressive policies, and his unwavering dedication to public service continue to inspire us today.

Sagamore Hill stands as a beacon of Roosevelt's spirit, a place where history comes alive, and where visitors can connect with the past in a meaningful way. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and protecting the natural world for future generations.

On this special day, we honor Theodore Roosevelt and the home that played such a significant role in his life. Sagamore Hill is more than just a historic site; it is a symbol of the values that Roosevelt held dear. As we look to the future, let us carry forward his legacy of conservation, public service, and a deep love for the natural world. Let us continue to preserve and protect Sagamore Hill, ensuring that it remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion, and share the story of Sagamore Hill with others. Together, we can keep the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt alive and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire and guide us.

Visit Sagamore Hill

To learn more about Sagamore Hill and the events planned for this centennial celebration, visit the official Sagamore Hill website. Plan your visit, explore the rich history of Theodore Roosevelt's home, and be a part of this historic occasion.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: July 24 2024

Sebastian Patino Caceres allegedly spray-painted several antisemitic phrases on the fences of private homes and in front of the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that an East Meadow man was indicted on several counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime and other charges for allegedly spray-painting antisemitic phrases on fences and in front of a local Jewish center in April.

Sebastian Patino Caceres, 23, was arraigned before Judge Colin ODonnell on charges of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime (a D felony); six counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree as a Hate Crime (an E felony); Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (an E felony); six counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor); seven counts of Making Graffiti (an A misdemeanor); and Possession of Graffiti Instruments (a B misdemeanor). The defendant pleaded not guilty and was released to pretrial services with electronic monitoring. Patino Caceres is due back in court on September 13, 2024. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 2-1/3 to seven years in prison.

Armed with a can of green spray paint and his bicycle, Sebastian Patino Caceres allegedly rode up to the Beth-El Jewish Center where he spray-painted Free Palestine right outside the front door on the sidewalk. He continued on to Merrick Avenue where he made the choice to deface several homeowners fences with antisemitic vitriol, including scrawling hateful language over a mural of the faces of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, according to the charges, said DA Donnelly. This is not just graffiti  it is an act of hate. One that is meant to instill fear in our Jewish communities. But Nassau County refuses to live in fear. My office has no tolerance for these offensive criminal actions that target entire communities and their security.

DA Donnelly said that, between April 14 and 15, 2024, the defendant allegedly spray-painted several antisemitic phrases on PVC fencing of the rear yards of private homes along Merrick Avenue. The phrases included Zionism is Nazism, Stop the Genocide, Free Palestine, and F-ck Israel.

The defendant allegedly spray-painted one of the phrases across plastic sheeting affixed to the PVC fencing that protected a mural of Israeli citizens who were taken hostage by Hamas in October 2023.

Patino Caceres also allegedly spray-painted Free Palestine across the front cement sidewalk of the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center at 1400 Prospect Avenue.

Patino Caceres was arrested on April 16, 2024, by detectives of the Nassau County Police Departments First Squad.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Taglienti of the County Court Trial Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Ali Ajamu and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. The defendant is represented by James Lynch, Esq
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 24 2024

Prevention Effort Focused on Unique Cultural Factors Putting Historically Underserved, Racial and Ethnic Groups at Heightened Risk.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced five conditional awards totaling $15 million over five years to help community-based service providers to develop innovative programs that will help reduce suicide risk among youth from historically underserved populations. Administered by the Office of Mental Health, the state funding through the Connecting Youth to Mental Health Supports program will help develop programs and suicide prevention strategies among racial and ethnic minority populations and LGBTQ+ groups, including those in rural areas.

While New Yorks suicide prevention efforts are nation-leading, we have seen alarming trends developing among youth and young adults since onset of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago, Governor Hochul said. These awards will help develop innovative and culturally appropriate programs to serve the mental health needs of the young New Yorkers  especially those at the center of these tragic trends.

The awards will develop community-based, treatment-adjacent mental health services aimed at building a sense of safety and connectedness at-risk populations and to establish partnerships to help these individuals access treatment when needed. Grant recipients with their total award amount over five years include:

Contact Community Services Inc., Onondaga County; $2.9 million

Child Center of New York, New York City; $3.4 million

John R. Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Erie County; $2.9 million

Access: Supports for Living Inc., Orange County, $2.9 million

Comunilife Inc., Nassau County, $2.9 million

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, By focusing prevention efforts on young New Yorkers at risk, we can connect them with critical and sometimes life-saving services they might not otherwise encounter during a mental health crisis. This funding will help community-based service providers to tailor innovative programs to connect with traditionally marginalized groups and help them address their mental health issues in a culturally competent manner.

State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, Suicide rates among Black youth have increased faster than for any other racial group and we know that New Yorks youth mental health crisis is impacting historically underserved populations at higher rates across many outcome measurements. I applaud Governor Hochuls work to make much-needed investments in community-based service providers to help reduce suicide risk among these youth.

State Senator Luis Sepulveda said, I particularly want to applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the unique mental health needs of at-risk youth in historically underserved racial and ethnic groups. Communities and families of color which I represent in my Bronx district are particularly vulnerable because of an acute lack of mental health resources and services targeted toward and reflective of their special cultural, racial and ethnic needs. Particularly when it comes to dual diagnoses requiring mental health and substance abuse services, as well as suicide prevention, there are profound gaps in the delivery system and countless youth and their families have suffered as a consequence. As someone whose family has endured the suffering of mental illness and addiction, I want to commend Governor Hochul for continuing to place the needs of the endangered at the top of her agenda. The $15 million in grants and the unique programs that will be developed by community service providers as a result will go a long way in helping a formerly forgotten population.

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, We are facing a youth mental health crisis, particularly in the LGBTQ community. According to the Trevor Project, over 40% of LGBTQ youth and half of all trans and nonbinary young people in New York State have seriously considered attempting suicide. That is unacceptable. I applaud Governor Hochul for dedicating $15 million for suicide prevention services for at risk young people across our state, including $3.4 million for the Child Center of New York in New York City. By funding community-based service providers like this once, we can ensure that every New Yorker, especially those from underserved communities, has access to high quality mental health services.

State Senator Rachel May said, Many people in New York are facing mental health challenges, particularly young individuals in marginalized communities. It is essential that we take proactive steps and offer resources to help our youth deal with mental health crises. By doing this, we can give them a better opportunity to live happier and more fulfilling lives. I appreciate Governor Hochul for prioritizing this issue, as it will provide our youth with the necessary tools to navigate through difficult times.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, By expanding suicide prevention efforts across our state, we can increase options for appropriate treatment so we can save lives and help heal communities. New Yorkers in low-income neighborhoods have the highest rate of suicide, with teenage Latina New Yorkers facing disproportionately high rates of suicide ideation and mortality. In the Bronx, the rates of youth suicide are incredibly concerning. I'm grateful that this funding will focus on equitable access to mental health services, addressing injustices that create barriers to access to care.

Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, One of the most effective ways to address suicide in our state is to ensure those most at-risk are connected to and comfortable with prevention services. These programs are aimed at building trust with these populations and connecting them with the critical services designed to save lives. As a Registered Nurse and Chair of the Assembly Mental Health Committee I am keenly aware of the struggles New Yorkers are facing today and I commend Governor Hochul for continuing to make mental health and suicide prevention a focus of her administration.

Assemblymember Danny ODonnell said, Anti-bullying and suicide prevention legislation have been central to my career, and I am excited to support Governor Hochuls initiative. New York has been at the forefront of youth mental health support, but today our young people are battling a mental health crisis. Governor Hochuls investment reaffirms her commitment to our most vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth, children of color, and rural communities. This funding will empower community-based organizations to innovate and implement life-saving support.

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, I'm thrilled to see this significant investment in suicide prevention for at risk-youth in New York State. This funding will help address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities. It recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short, and instead focuses on tailored strategies for young people with diverse backgrounds. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to supporting the mental health needs of all New Yorkers.

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, Despite ongoing efforts, the concerning increase in suicide rates highlights the need for further action. Allocating $15 million to this critical service allows New York State to address the significant challenges faced by our most at-risk communities. Studies have shown that Black adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 are more likely to commit suicide than their white counterparts, while young people in the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to take their own life compared to their peers. By using these funds to expand the use of screening tools and to research the risk factors our youth face, we will better understand how to address this issue more directly while curbing the number of suicides in our adolescent population. Furthermore, this is an opportunity to give marginalized young people access to resources that may have once been out of reach. This is a major step for addressing cultural competency in healthcare across the state, and I commend the Governor for making this excellent decision.

Assemblymember Pam Hunter said, Governor Hochuls announcement of $15 million to fund suicide prevention services for at-risk youth is a vital step toward protecting our most vulnerable populations. By addressing the unique cultural factors that place Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and LGBQIA+ youth at heightened risk, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for all. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has access to the mental health support they need. I commend Governor Hochul for her leadership in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of our diverse communities.

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, The increasing suicide rates among youth in rural communities is deeply concerning. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for encouraging and supporting the development of innovative programs that address the underlying causes of suicide amongst our young people.

Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas said, More than ever, especially after the onset of COVID-19, our youth are facing astounding mental health challenges without access to culturally relevant support and resources. Todays announcement is a major step in the right direction and represents a thoughtful investment in our youth, especially those from marginalized communities. According to research released by the United Hospital Fund, in New York State, an estimated 1 in 4 adolescents experienced a behavioral health condition in 2022. Black and Latine high school students were nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to White high schoolers from 2019 to 2021. This investment will help us build a more equitable, healthier New York.

Assemblymember Chantel Jackson said, As a former high school social worker, I have witnessed firsthand the need for targeted mental health resources for young people, especially young people of color and LGBTQ youth. This funding will help bridge care gaps and offer hope to countless young lives. I commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to the mental health of all of New York's youth.

Assemblymember Anna Kelles said, I am thrilled that Governor Hochul has announced $15 million in new funding for suicide prevention and mental health services for at-risk youth across our state. These funds will go directly to community-based service providers to develop cutting-edge programs to connect youth from historically underserved populations with suicide prevention services. Far too many BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, AAPI and rural youth in New York face a severe lack of adequate mental health and suicide prevention services and resources. According to the American Psychological Association, youth from racial and ethnic minority groups, in the LGBTQ+ community and in rural areas face higher suicide rates than many of their peers. These funds will create equity in access to suicide prevention programs and mental health resources for young people across our state and ensure they are focused on our most at risk youth. As a member of the Assemblys Mental Health Committee, I welcome the news of these funds being made available for community-based service providers to implement programs that will undoubtedly save lives.

Assemblymember Grace Lee said, Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Asian American youth in New York, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care and outreach. I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the unique needs of our youth in underserved communities and supporting community-based organizations in developing targeted programs for them.

Contact Community Services will use the funding for its youth suicide prevention program with a focus on Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQ+ youth between the ages 12 and 18 in Onondaga County. This program provides culturally responsive and trauma-informed services to marginalized and at-risk youth to promote safety, connectedness, and good mental health to reduce the risk of suicide and establish age-appropriate pathways for intervention.

The Child Center of New York will develop a program to reduce the risk of suicide and build a sense of safety and connectedness for high-risk youth and young adults up to age 24 who are living in Queens and Brooklyn. Specifically, the program will focus on groups more likely to experience post-pandemic poor mental health outcomes, including Black/African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQ+ youth.

The John R. Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo will implement a new protocol that will expand its prevention efforts to all patients between the ages of 11 and 21 who are screened for suicide, not just those at the highest risk. The funding will also allow Oishei to expand prevention screening services, making them available at tabling events involving underserved populations.

Access: Supports for Living Inc. will develop Youth Resilience, Education, and Advocacy for Childrens Health program also called Youth REACH to focus primarily on suicide prevention for youth and young adults from historically marginalized or underrepresented communities, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ individuals. Serving both rural and urban communities in Dutchess, Orange, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster counties, this program will provide treatment-adjacent risk assessment and include safety planning and connection to crisis intervention services, screenings, individual and group support services, and peer support services.

Comunilife will expand its Life is Precious program to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate suicide prevention activities for at-risk Latina teens between the ages of 12 and 18 and their families in Hempstead and in Nassau County on Long Island. The program will focus on teens enrolled in school and living with depression, suicide ideation or other diagnosed mental illness.

Governor Hochul has made youth mental health a focus of her administration. The FY25 Enacted Budget expands mental health support for children statewide, fulfilling an agenda she outlined in her State of the State address in January.

The Budget provides $20 million in start-up funding for school-based mental health clinics and a rolling application process to expedite these awards, which were previously secured through the state procurement process. An additional $2 million was dedicated to expanding peer-to-peer mental wellness efforts among young people across the state, including training programs like teen Mental Health First Aid.

While the suicide rate in New York State has remained relatively stable since 2012, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Youth Risk Behavior Survey found alarming mental health trends among high school-aged youth between 2011 and 2021  especially among teen girls. Nearly a third of teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021, an increase from 19 percent the prior decade; about three in five felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, which was twice the rate of teen boys and represents a nearly 60 percent increase over the rate recorded in 2011.

This survey also found that youth from marginalized populations are more likely to suffer mental health issues: More than half of LGBTQ+ students expressed having poor mental health, with one in five reporting having attempted suicide in the past year. Suicide attempts were also elevated among Black youth when compared to White youth, according to the report.

The awards build on state efforts to engage at-risk and underserved populations with prevention efforts and mental health supports, including youth and young adults identifying as transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary and help those questioning or struggling with gender identity. Earlier this year, OMH conditionally awarded a total of $1 million to three service providers through the Connecting Youth to Mental Health Supports-TGNCNB initiative, which is part of the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-binary Wellness and Equity Fund and provides funding to support trans-led and staffed community-based services for this underserved population.

Likewise, there have been alarming increases in suicide rates among Black youth. Suicide rates among Black individuals ages 10 to 19 have increased 54 percent since 2018, and faster than all other racial and ethnic groups, according to a report released by the Pew Charitable Trust in April.

The suicide rate among Black youth, ages 10 to 17 rose 144 percent from 2007 to 2020, even though overall youth suicide rates were trending downward. Black adolescents were also significantly less likely than their peers in other demographic groups to receive mental health care, the report found.
A martyr poster of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander Muhammed Abdo (left) and Hamas commander Ashraf Nafeh.

On July 23, an Israeli drone strike in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarm killed two wanted commanders belonging to Hamas and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Hamas commander Ashraf Nafeh and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander Muhammed Abdo were sought by the Shin Bet, Israels internal security service, for terrorist activity against troops and civilians in the West Bank.

An IAF [Israeli Air Force] drone struck several terrorists from various terror organizations in the Tulkarm area. Among those struck were terrorists who were involved in the planning and carrying out of attacks against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel from the Tulkarm area, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF stated that Nafeh was involved in manufacturing and planting IEDs to wound and kill Israeli troops in the West Bank. He was also involved in carrying out shooting attacks on behalf of Hamas and responsible for recruiting fighters, the IDF noted. Furthermore, Nafeh maintained connections with Hamas operatives outside the West Bank who were involved in planning terrorist attacks in the region.

The IDF said that Muhamed Abdo was responsible for carrying out shooting attacks against Israeli troops, helping raise terror funds, and procuring weapons for terrorist groups in Tulkarm.

The Times of Israel reported that the IDF was able to execute the strike after it lured the commanders into a specific target zone. As well as Nafeh and Abdo, Israel eliminated Muhammed Badiaa, who belonged to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Tulkarm. Palestinian media reported that the Israeli strike killed five people and wounded others.

Three years of significant West Bank violence

The West Bank, especially the northern part of the territory, has become a hotbed of terrorist activity since June 2021. Islamic Jihad, Hamas, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and other terrorist organizations have established so-called battalions or groups in cities and villages. These groups have become organized and lethal and have learned how the Israeli military operates in the West Bank. Their growth has led to a significant increase in shootings and bombings against Israeli troops and civilians.

Hamas, the most prominent and powerful Palestinian terrorist group, has long been the dominant force among the factions. However, Islamic Jihad has emerged as the leading group orchestrating attacks against Israelis in the West Bank since the uptick in violence began. The groups presence is widespread, with its battalions spread across the northern West Bank. Cities such as Jenin, Qalqilya, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Tubas have become hotbeds of activity, serving as hubs for recruitment and the establishment of bombmaking facilities that produce increasingly sophisticated IEDs used against Israeli targets. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades have also adopted this tactic of establishing organized networks in multiple cities.

Over the last three years, the IDF has attempted to manage the increasing violence led by Islamic Jihad and other groups in the West Bank. Despite these efforts, it has become clear that this approach is no longer sustainable. A more effective strategy is needed to counter the growing terrorism in the region, which is mainly fueled by Iranian support and funding. The Israeli political establishment will likely need to wait for a resolution to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon before redirecting its focus to the West Bank.

While the current violence in the West Bank has not yet reached the same intensity as the Second Intifada, it may be worthwhile to revisit the strategy that ultimately brought an end to the terror of that era. During the Second Intifada, Israeli military pressure did not solely resolve the phenomena of suicide bombings perpetrated by the same actors fomenting chaos in the West Bank today. Instead, it was a multi-faceted approach that combined military action with the dismantling of an extensive support network behind the bombing campaigns that ultimately proved effective in alleviating Israels security concerns.

The suicide bombers of the Second Intifada were merely cogs in a vast machinery of terrorist operatives. Similarly, todays West Bank terrorists who brandish rifles and trigger explosives should be understood as part of a complex network of perpetrators, each playing a crucial role in the larger scheme.

Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East.


Yesterday, the US Treasury Department sanctioned three Islamic State facilitators based in Zambia, Uganda, and South Africa. The three have operated as part of a coordinated network that moves money between Islamic State franchises in Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Mozambique.

Treasurys designation report reveals it sanctioned Abubakr Swalleh, a Ugandan national based in both Zambia and South Africa; Zayd Gangat, a South African national also linked to criminal networks; and Hamidah Nabagala, another Ugandan national based in the DRC.

According to the designation statement, Swalleh is involved in the physical transfer of funds from South Africa to the DRC. Treasury also states that Swalleh facilitates the movement of ISIS-affiliated individuals from Uganda to South Africa, and vice versa.

In addition, Treasury states that Swalleh closely works with Mohamad Ali Nkalubo, also known as Meddie, a senior official within the Islamic States Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in the DRC. Swalleh and Meddies roles in funding ISCAP were meticulously outlined in a previous study by the Bridgeway Foundation for George Washington Universitys Program on Extremism.

Meddie ordered Swalleh to move from Uganda to southern Africa, according to Treasury. Meddie was previously designated by the US State Department late last year for his own involvement with the Islamic State. He is believed to be behind most terrorist incidents in Uganda since 2021.

Though the US government just sanctioned Swalleh, he is currently in Ugandan custody. Swalleh was arrested earlier this year in northern Zambia, where he was continuing his work as an Islamic State facilitator. He was subsequently extradited to Uganda, where he is currently held in Kampalas notorious Luzira Prison.

Regarding Zayd Gangat, the Treasury Department notes that he is a South Africa-based ISIS facilitator and trainer. It also states that Islamic State operatives in South Africa have historically used robbery, extortion, and kidnap for ransom operations to generate funds for the group. Gangats current status and location are unclear, though he is believed to be based in Johannesburg.

The Bridgeway Foundation study also documented former Ugandan Islamic State members traveling to South Africa to receive military training. Based on testimony from these defectors, the research confirmed that Islamic State cells in South Africa, primarily in Johannesburg, rely heavily on crime to generate revenue. The relationship between crime and Islamic State nodes in South Africa has previously been documented by independent reporters in 2020 and the US Treasury in 2022.

Money gained from criminal activities is pooled with money forwarded by the Islamic States Al-Karrar Office, an Islamic State-central administrative body hosted within the groups franchise in Somalia. The Islamic State then forwards funds to other operatives in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the DRC. Swalleh and Hamidah Nabagala, designated by Treasury yesterday, are two such operatives.

Treasury states Nabagala serves as an intermediary for ISIS financial flows in central Africa. While still based inside Uganda, she helped fund the November 2021 triple suicide bombing in Kampala. Treasury makes a point to state that Nabagala also sought to smuggle her three children out of Uganda to send them to ISIS-affiliate camps in the DRC, where she is now based.

Though he is not mentioned in Treasurys designation, Nabagalas husband, Hamidu Nsubuga, was also an Islamic State operative in Uganda. Hamidu Nsubuga was linked to the August 2021 suicide bombing plot at the funeral of a Ugandan general, which was broken up by Ugandan security forces before he and another individual could blow themselves up. According to Ugandan officials, Meddie Nkalubo commanded that plot.

Hamidu Nsubuga was killed two months later, in October 2021, by Ugandan security after attempting another terrorist plot in Kampala. In November 2021, a separate cell commanded by Nkalubo conducted the triple suicide bombing that Nabagala helped facilitate.

Yesterdays designations will likely have little impact on the ground since Islamic State financial nodes in Africa largely operate outside of formal banking or financial institutions. However, the report provides useful insights into just how extensive and robust Islamic State networks are across the African continent, including in countries virtually untouched by global jihadism in the past, such as Zambia.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.
Back in 2022, Google surprised most of the web-browsing world with the announcement of the Privacy Sandbox, a multi-year initiative to phase out third-party cookies and limit tracking. Two years later, Google has now announced that Privacy Sandbox wont be quite as robust as that original vision.

In a blog post titled A new path for Privacy Sandbox on the web, Google describes an updated approach [to Privacy Sandbox] that elevates user choice. Rather than eliminating third-party cookies on the web, Google is instead developing a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and theyd be able to adjust that choice at any time. Translation: Itll be hidden several tabs deep in Settings and hard to find unless you look for it.

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And we dont even know if the original goals will be intactto make current tracking mechanisms obsolete, and block covert tracking techniques, like fingerprintingif and when it does arrive. Google only says it will continue to consult with the CMA, ICO and other regulators globally as it finalizes its approach.

Its somewhat ironic that this move comes about a week after Apple starting running a new ad called Flock set to the creepy song Billathi Askara by Bjorn Jason Lindh. In the 2-minute spot, people are seen using Android-like phones while creepy surveillance cameras with wings follow them around like a horror movieuntil people using Safari instead of presumably Chrome causes them all to explode before they get too close.

The message is that Safari protects your privacy while Chrome doesnt. Apple has numerous features built into Safari designed to protect users, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention and fingerprinting defense. Privacy Sandbox would have gone a long way toward showing people that this ad isnt an accurate representation of Chrome on Android phones, but now that the initiative is delayed and significantly watered down, its going to be hard to make that case.

Google says the revamped Privacy Sandbox is still being developed and doesnt provide a date for release. It does say, however, that it look[s] forward to continued collaboration with the ecosystem on the next phase of the journey to a more private web.
The crisis of the French regime has the feel of a TV series. Yesterdays episode was not lacking in a certain dramatic intensity.

[Originally published at marxiste.org]

As we wrote yesterday, the right and left wings of the New Popular Front (NFP) had been battling to choose a candidate for Prime Minister. Two hours before a long-prepared interview with Macron, the NFP leaders finally agreed to ask him to appoint Lucie Castets: an independent (previously a member of the Socialist Party, which heads up the conservative wing of the NFP).

Macron refused even this compromise candidate, provoking protests from the NFP leaders. All the elements of a first-season finale were there: a dramatic turn of events, the appearance of a new character, growing tension  and, above all, suspense. Season two can begin. It could turn out to be even more entertaining than the Olympic Games.

"It is false to say that the New Popular Front would have a majority, whatever happens," Macron declared yesterday evening. The main thing here is "whatever happens": the NFP, therefore, would not even have a relative majority?

For such a statement to cease to be a pure and simple denial, another relative majority  larger than that of the NFP  would have to be formed. However, assuming National Rally (RN) will not be part of it, this necessarily presupposes either the fracture of the NFP, which has just affirmed its unity behind Lucie Castets, or a coalition made up of all the Macronist and LR deputies, which is far from straightforward. In short, Macron told the NFP deputies yesterday, who constitute the biggest bloc in the Assembly: "to call a new government, I first demand that you divide yourselves." This is absolutely unprecedented.

Macron refused even the compromise candidate, provoking protests from the NFP leaders / Image www.kremlin.ru, Wikimedia Commons

In the coming days and weeks, a few "left-wing" MPs could be tempted by Macron's call to split away, forming an alliance with his bloc. But as we explained yesterday, the leaders of the PS, the Greens and the Communist Party (PCF) have good reasons not to give in to the presidential siren song. On the one hand, they would be a minority within a coalition dominated by the right; on the other hand, this would immediately strengthen La France Insoumise, which would then be the only left-wing opposition.

As in any good TV series, it is difficult to predict what will happen next. But let's note that Macron must systematically "rule out" the possibility of an early presidential election. If it were really "ruled out", he should not have to keep repeating it. In fact, his resignation is one of the possible conclusions of season two.

So far, the political crisis has been taking place mainly in the electoral and parliamentary sphere. In the coming weeks and months, it could take the form of large-scale extra-parliamentary mobilisations. This is essential. The fact is that the NFP programme will not find an absolute majority in the National Assembly, which is numerically dominated by the right and the extreme right.

Therefore, as we wrote yesterday:

"Workers and youth can expect nothing good from the new National Assembly; they will only be able to count on their own strength. Only big social mobilisations, demonstrations and massive strikes will open up the prospect of wresting serious improvements in our living, working and studying conditions. The axis of the struggle is no longer on the parliamentary terrain, it is in the streets, in workplaces and in working-class neighbourhoods (...) In this context, workers and youth must not wait passively to find out with what superficial flavour of governance they will be served up to the bosses. Trade union activists, in particular, must put pressure on their leaderships to develop an offensive battle plan armed with a radical programme.






In a successful effort to increase community college enrollment, the state offered free tuition to students over 25 last year. Now, the commonwealth hopes to continue that positive trend by providing universal free community college.

But how will this impact four-year universities and colleges?
A former Boston police officer from Hyde Park was sentenced in federal court in Boston this week for his role in a long-running overtime fraud scheme at the departments evidence warehouse, acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office announced Tuesday.

Michael Murphy, 64 was sentenced to two years of supervised release. Murphy, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds in June 2021, was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $16,014 in restitution.

Between September 2016 and February 2019, Murphy submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts he did not work at the evidence warehouse.

Read more: Ex-BPD sergeant becomes 5th officer sentenced for overtime fraud scheme

The first type of shift Murphy claimed to work, known as purge overtime, was a 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekday shift for disposing of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, known as kiosk overtime, involved driving to each police district in the city one Saturday a month to gather old prescription drugs that were then burned, according to Levys office.

For the purge shift, Murphy claimed to work the full four hours but routinely left two hours early, at 6 p.m., and sometimes even earlier.

In the kiosk shifts, Murphy routinely submitted overtime slips reporting that he worked eight-and-a-half hours when, in fact, he only worked three or four hours of those shifts. Prosecutors say other members of the unit also followed the same practice.

In all, during the period he submitted fraudulent overtime, Murphy made roughly $16,014 for overtime hours he did not work, Levys office said.

More than a dozen Boston police officers have been charged in connection with the overtime fraud scheme at the evidence warehouse, according to Levys office. Murphy is the sixth officer to be sentenced.

To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Departments evidence warehouse. Murphy is the sixth officer to be sentenced.

During the period the scheme ran, Boston Police received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice totaling more than $10,000, funded by federal grants, Levys office said.
Once President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee, questions about who she would pick for her running mate exploded across the country and social media.

Several prominent Democrats have come up in the days since Harris announced she would run in Bidens place as he serves out the remainder of his term.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina; Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona; Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker; and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are among several possible running mates, Politico reported.

But the job of vice president has not always been filled after the United States gains a new chief executive. Four times in American history  specifically after a president died in office  and after a vice president ascended to the presidency, there was no new vice president.

These are the four vice presidents turned presidents who did not select a running mate.

John Tyler

John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, 1841-1845, is shown in this undated illustration. (AP Photo)ASSOCIATED PRESS

Succeeding William Henry Harrison roughly a month into his presidency in 1841, John Tyler was the first vice president to take over the country after a president died in office. But it did not stop his political enemies from referring to him as the acting president.

Former President and Massachusetts Rep. John Quincy Adams wrote that Tyler styles himself President of the United States, and not Vice-President acting as President, which would be the correct style, according to the White House Historical Association. Adams called Tyler His Accidency.

Tyler did not choose a vice president, because no process was in place for replacing the vice president who became president. These vacancies were intended to be left open until the next election, according to the association.

While Tyler set the precedent, it was not until after John F. Kennedys assassination that the 25th Amendment was ratified and cemented the process of presidential succession.

Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore of the Whig party, 13th U.S. president, 1850-53. (AP Photo)ASSOCIATED PRESS

About a decade after Tylers ascension, Vice President Millard Fillmore became the thirteenth president after Zachary Taylor died a year and four months into his presidency.

The Whig president did not choose a vice president during his short presidency. Fillmore served out the remainder of Taylors term and did not campaign in the 1852 election, according to the University of Virginias Miller Center. Although he ran, Whig Party officials chose Gen. Winfield Scott as the nominee.

Andrew Johnson

This 1865-1880 photo made available by the Library of Congress shows a damaged glass negative of President Andrew Johnson. (Brady-Handy photograph collection/Library of Congress via AP)AP

The vice president from Tennessee became president after an assassins bullet killed President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.

Johnson battled more liberal Republicans who wanted to advance Reconstruction in the South following the end of the Civil War, according to the White House website. After military rule was ordered in the South, Johnson tried to fire Secretary of War Edwin Stanton leading to the first impeachment trial of a sitting president. Johnson was acquitted.

While Johnson would have selected a vice president in a new term, he did not receive the Democratic Partys nomination in 1868. He finished what would have been Lincolns second term, and briefly returned to the U.S. Senate in 1875 before his death that same year.

Chester Arthur

A cutout of President Chester Arthur stands at the town office in front of cases of memorabilia in Fairfield, Vt., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. Nearly 123 years after his death, doubts about his U.S. citizenship linger, thanks to lack of documentation and a political foe's claim that Arthur was really born in Canada _ and was therefore ineligible for the White House, where he served from 1881 to 1885. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Vermont Republican took over from President James Garfield after his assassination in 1881.

During his short presidency, Chester Arthur was diagnosed with a kidney ailment called Brights disease, according to the National Constitution Center. Secretary of State Frederick Frelinghuysen learned from an administration official in 1883 that Arthur had the disease, and that it was likely terminal. Frelinghuysen was notified because nothing was in place to replace Arthur had he died without a vice president.

Even while he battled what was essentially kidney failure, Arthur did not win the GOPs nomination in 1884, losing to James Blaine, according to the center. Arthur died in 1886.
A former Boston police sergeant was sentenced in federal court in Boston last week for his role in a long-running overtime fraud scheme at the departments evidence warehouse, acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office announced Tuesday.

George Finch, 62, of Franklin, was sentenced to three years of probation, followed by six months to be served in home detention, Levys office said in a statement. Finch, who pleaded guilty in 2021 to conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds, was also ordered to pay $11,310 in restitution.

Between at least March 2015 and December 2016, Finch submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts he did not work at the evidence warehouse.

The first type of shift Finch claimed to work, known as purge overtime, was a 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekday shift for disposing of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, known as kiosk overtime, involved driving to each police district in the city one Saturday a month to gather old prescription drugs that were then burned, according to Levys office.

For the purge shift, Finch claimed to work the full four hours but routinely left two hours early, at 6 p.m., and sometimes even earlier.

In the kiosk shifts, Finch routinely submitted overtime slips reporting that he worked eight-and-a-half hours when, in fact, he only worked three or four hours of those shifts. Prosecutors say other members of the unit also followed the same practice.

As a supervisor, Finch endorsed overtime slips submitted by other officers working in the warehouse, according to Levys office.

During the period he submitted fraudulent overtime, Finch made roughly $16,151 for overtime hours he did not work, Levys office said.

Finch is the fifth Boston police officer to be sentenced in connection with the overtime fraud scheme and one of more than a dozen charged, Levys office said.
A former Massachusetts congressional candidate has been sentenced to prison for breaking federal campaign finance law, including by using political donations to pay money he owed from running his hotel business.

North Andover resident Abhijit Beej Das, 51, was convicted on three campaign finance charges and two counts of making a false statement in October 2023, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office said in a press release. Last week, a federal judge sentenced him to 21 months in prison, one year of supervised release and to pay a fine of $25,000.

Das ran in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts 3rd Congressional District seat in the 2018 election  a seat ultimately won by Rep. Lori Trahan. While running for office in December 2017, he devised a scheme to inflate his fundraising numbers that involved asking for personal loans from friends in excess of the $2,700 limit set by federal law, the U.S. Attorneys office said.

Das received about $125,000 in campaign contributions through personal loans made to a family member of his, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. By having the money paid this way, he circumvented Federal Election Commission (FEC) reporting requirements. He later falsely claimed that the money came from his own personal funds.

Additionally, between January and May 2018, Das used at least $267,000 in campaign funds to pay outstanding debts from his hotel business, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He used the money to pay off vendors, hotels yacht and real estate taxes he owed.

To hide the withdrawals from his campaign account, Das instructed bank tellers to report the withdrawals as separate withdrawal and deposit transactions rather than direct transfers, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He also submitted false information about how much money his campaign had on hand to the FEC in quarterly reports. At one point, he reported that the campaign had approximately $440,000 on hand, when in reality there was less than $5,000 in his campaign account.

Campaign finance laws exist to protect the rights of voters to transparency and accountability. Due to his greed and lies, Das violated those rights, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said in the release. When political candidates violate the law, it erodes the publics trust in the process. It is imperative that we continue to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by holding candidates accountable.

In a separate June 2023 federal indictment, Das was accused of using more than $5 million in escrow funds from his clients accounts for personal expenses, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He faces 10 counts of wire fraud in the case and has pleaded not guilty.
Officials on Tuesday identified a 43-year-old man killed in a shooting in the parking lot of a temple in Lowell as Jose Ortiz, a resident of Lowell.

Ortiz was one of three people wounded when a gunman opened fire into a crowd of about 30 people that had assembled in the parking lot of the Swaminarayan Temple on Middlesex Street in Lowell early Tuesday morning. When police arrived to the parking lot, they found two men, including Ortiz, had been shot, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said in a joint statement.

Both men were taken to a hospital, where Ortiz was pronounced dead. The other man, a 34-year-old, was treated and released. A third victim, a 26-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries and took herself to a hospital, where she was treated and released, Ryan and Hudon said in the statement.

On Tuesday, Paul Garcia, 38, of Dover, New Hampshire, was arrested in Lawrence and charged with murder in connection with the shooting, according to the statement. Garcia is also charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigators believe that two groups of people had gathered in the temple parking lot before the shooting, where they were drinking, partying and lighting off fireworks, according to the statement. A physical altercation broke out between the victims and other people in the parking lot. At that point, prosecutors say Garcia began shooting into the crowd, killing Ortiz. Garcia is then accused of fleeing the scene.
(*This story was updated at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, to include more information.)

A Massachusetts town cleaved by the opening of an overflow emergency shelter location within its boundaries is hailing Gov. Maura Healeys sweeping changes to the states overburdened system announced this week.

Residents in Norfolk, about an hour southwest of Boston, have been staunchly divided over the former Bay State Correctional Center being turned into an overflow shelter site.

The prison was configured to house approximately 225 people  or 60 families  both permanent Massachusetts residents and newly arrived migrants.

At a community forum held in June that grew heated with political division, Norfolk residents demanded answers from state officials on their perception that town infrastructure, both emergency services and schooling, couldnt handle an influx of families.

Later that month, some residents organized to protest the arrival of the first 21 families at the former prison.

This week, in a series of policy changes, the Healey administration furthered its messaging that Massachusetts shelters are full, a move applauded by Norfolk officials.

Beginning Aug. 1, the state will prioritize placement in emergency assistance shelters for families who are homeless because of no-fault eviction, have at least one member who is a veteran, or are homeless because of sudden or unusual circumstances in Massachusetts beyond their control, such as a flood or fire.

As part of the changes, the Healey administration set a five-day cap on how long people can stay in overflow/safety net sites, which include the former Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk.

These sites will be transitioned to temporary respite centers.

The town of Norfolk supports the changes announced by the governor today, as they ensure the town can continue to support the shelter without overtaxing its ability to provide core programs and services to residents, Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis said in a statement Tuesday.

Existing overflow sites in Chelsea, Lexington, and Cambridge also will adopt the new policy.

Read more: Families no longer allowed to sleep at Logan Airport

The administration will not be opening additional respite center sites due to operational and financial constraints, Gov. Maura Healeys office said.

Families who choose to use one of those locations after Aug. 1 will, after a five-day maximum stay, need to wait at least six months to secure placement into an emergency assistance shelter, though they will remain eligible for other diversion services such as reticketing and HomeBase.

Casanova-Davis said the changes mean children temporarily living at the decommissioned Bay State Correctional Center will not be enrolled in Norfolk public schools or the King Philip Regional School District, a point of concern for many vocal residents.

According to the state, however, under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, families staying in temporary respite centers have the right to enroll their children in the district where theyre living if they intend to remain where the respite center is located.

Districts cannot deny enrollment solely because students are staying at temporary respite centers.

Town officials will remain in regular communication regarding the impacts of the shelter on our operations, Casanova-Davis said, and will continue to work with state officials and our legislative delegation to ensure that our concerns are heard.
A New Hampshire man was arrested Tuesday in Lawrence and now faces a murder charge in connection with a fatal shooting in the parking lot of a temple in Lowell on Saturday, officials announced.

Paul Garcia, 38, of Dover, New Hampshire, is also charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said in a joint statement.

On Saturday at around 4:53 a.m., Lowell police learned of shots fired in the parking lot of the Swaminarayan Temple on Middlesex Street. When officers arrived they found 30 people had gathered in the parking lot and were directed to two men who had been shot, according to the statement. Both men were taken to a hospital.
New Hampshire State Police detectives are searching an area of Barrington in connection with a decades-old missing person case out of Essex County, the office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirmed.

State Police detectives assigned to Tuckers office and Lynn police requested the search Wednesday, Michael Keefe-Feldman, a spokesman for Tucker, said in a statement.

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker would like to thank the New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office for their invaluable assistance, the statement reads. We recognize the losses suffered by families with missing loved ones and want them to know that they are not forgotten. Our office is committed to reexamining old cases and acting on any new leads.
A pair of Massachusetts State Police troopers who testified at the Karen Read murder trial, which ended when a judge declared a mistrial earlier this month, are now the subjects of an internal investigation, according to multiple reports.

The troopers  Detective Lieutenant Brian Tully and Sergeant Yuriy Bukhenik  remain on full duty while the internal affairs probes are ongoing, The Boston Globe reported, citing a statement from state police.

State police did not return multiple requests for confirmation sent by MassLive Wednesday morning.

It was not immediately clear what the subject of the investigations into Tully and Bukhenik were.

A spokesperson for the agency told WCVB-TV that state police respectfully declines further comment in fairness to the integrity of the process and pending investigative outcomes.

A third trooper, Lt. John Fanning, was also under investigation but later cleared, according to the station. That investigation determined there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that Trooper Fanning violated rules and regulations by failing to uphold the responsibilities of a supervisory member, the Globe reported.

The internal investigations come on the heels of the decision by state police to relieve Trooper Michael Proctor of duty following Reads trial. Proctor, who was later suspended without pay, admitted to sending unprofessional text messages about Read calling her a whack job and making fun of her medical condition during testimony at her trial.

Tully testified during the Read case that he reported the unprofessional messages sent by Proctor up the chain of command and admonished the trooper.

State Police Trooper Det. Lt. Brian Tully testifies during Karen Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court. (David McGlynn/Pool). David McGlynn

Bukhenik was the supervisor on call when the body of Reads Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe was found in the snow outside a Canton home. He and Proctor conducted several witness interviews during the investigation. Bukhenik was the subject of sharp cross-examination from Reads attorneys about a broken taillight on her car.

This week, Read learned she would stand trial for OKeefes killing a second time come January 2025.

Norfolk County prosecutors charged Read, 44, 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 OKeefes death. OKeefe, 46 was found cold to the touch and unresponsive on Jan. 29, 2022, outside of a home in Canton. Read pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Reads attorneys contend she has been framed and that others were responsible for OKeefes death.
A Westford woman was convicted on charges related to a home health care fraud scheme worth at least $100 million in federal court on Friday, according to the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office.

After a nine-day trial, a jury found 56-year-old Faith Newton guilty on one count of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of money laundering, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. She was found not guilty on one count of money laundering conspiracy.

From January 2013 to January 2017, Newton was a part owner and operator of Arbor Homecare Services, the U.S. Attorneys office said. While in this position, she and others repeatedly billed for home health services that were never provided, not medically necessary and not authorized.
The damage to a blade of an offshore wind turbine that fell into the ocean near Nantucket last week is believed to have been caused by a manufacturing issue, the company that made the turbine said Wednesday.

GE Vernova CEO Scott Reese said during an earnings call Wednesday morning that there was no evidence of an engineering design flaw. But the company is re-inspecting all of the approximately 150 turbine blades manufactured at a Canadian plant to be safe.
WESTFIELD  Representatives from the Massachusetts Cultural Council recently gave positive feedback during a site review of Westfields proposed cultural district, according to Community Development Director Peter Miller.

While he has yet to receive official feedback, he thinks the proposal met the representatives expectations.

They seemed pleased with our programming model, aggregating the programming that our existing partners are already operating and leveraging that to provide a better marketing plan for the downtown neighborhood, he said.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 24, 2024

Data brokers and online ad companies should avoid claiming that the data they collect or transfer is anonymous if there is any chance that the data could be linked to an individual.

That's according to the Federal Trade Commission, which signaled Wednesday that it will continue to scrutinize companies' disclosures about privacy -- including statements by businesses that they anonymize data when, in actuality, they merely assign pseudonyms to consumers.

The agency specifically debunks claims that companies can anonymize personal data by hashing -- which involves using algorithms to convert people's names or email addresses into alphanumeric sequences.

Those alphanumeric strings, comparable to serial numbers, arent 'anonymous' and can still be used to identify users, and their misuse can lead to harm, agency staff said in a technology blog post.

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All user identifiers have the powerful capability to identify and track people over time, therefore the opacity of an identifier cannot be an excuse for improper use or disclosure, the post states.

Companies should not act or claim as if hashing personal information renders it anonymized, the agency wrote. FTC staff will remain vigilant to ensure companies are following the law and take action when the privacy claims they make are deceptive.

The FTC has alleged in enforcement actions that pseudonymous information -- such as mobile device identifiers -- can identify users.

Most of those cases have settled, but at least one case currently in court -- a complaint by the FTC against the mobile data broker Kochava -- could result in a definitive ruling about pseudonymous identifiers.

In that matter, the FTC alleged that Kochava engaged in an unfair practice by selling precise geolocation data as well as mobile advertising IDs -- unique, 32-character identifiers that persist, unless consumers proactively reset them.

Kochava has always countered that the data at issue isn't personally identifiable. (The company has also raised other arguments, including that the allegations against it, even if proven true, wouldn't support a finding that it engaged in unfair acts.)

Earlier this year, U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill in the Northern District of Idaho rejected Kochava's bid to dismiss the case before trial. The matter remains pending in front of Winmill.
by Danielle Oster , July 24, 2024

Breakfast and morning coffee have merged, thanks to a new collaborative brand partnership.

Two Rivers Coffee teamed up with Kellanova for the release of an Eggo Coffee line, spanning a variety of flavors and formats.

According to a release announcing the news, the agreement between the companies was brokered by Kellanovas global exclusive food and beverage licensing agency, Beanstalk, and Tucker Brand.

In a statement, Two Rivers Coffee Director of Marketing Sam Blaney said the collaborative release provided a new way to indulge innostalgia evoking fond memories of eating Eggo waffles throughout our childhood, adding: "Inspired by classic Eggo waffle flavors and the rich taste of Two Rivers coffee, each cup infuses a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite breakfast.

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Eggo Coffee will be released in 12-packs of Keurig-compatible cups, making their debut in stores nationally, as well as e-commerce channels, in mid-August.

The Eggo Coffee line launches with flavors including Maple Syrup Eggo, Vanilla Eggo Coffee, Cinnamon Toast Eggo, Blueberry Eggo, and Chocolate Chip Eggo.

To promote the launch, Eggo Coffee will launch a campaign timed around National Waffle Day -- August 24 -- as well as back-to-school season, when parents will be more in need of a quick solution on busy mornings.

To further support the launch, the campaign will have a comprehensive social-media component, including Facebook advertising, and an influencer marketing component.

The campaign includes an event marketing component next month connecting consumers with a complementary cup of Eggo Coffee, and an upcoming promotional sweepstakes will be held, where fans can enter for a chance to win Eggo Coffee-related prizes.

This type of collaborative release is not new for Two Rivers Coffee, which was an early adopter of the single-serve coffee cup format.

The Two Rivers brands products made available through its partnerships include ice cream-flavored coffee pods for Cold Stone Creamery and Friendlys; Andes Mint coffee; and Cellas Chocolate Covered Cherry coffee as well as Junior Mint hot chocolate, and Sugar Babies hot chocolate.

This story has been updated.
  Trusted Source

WHO sees 'high risk' of poliovirus spreading across Gaza, assessment underway



Go to source Trusted Source

Sewage Samples Reveal Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus

Did You Know?

Gaza's fragile healthcare system faces a double threat: war and disease. #polio #medindia

Gaza's fragile healthcare system faces a double threat: war and disease. #polio #medindia

Devastating War Compounds Humanitarian Crisis

WHO sees high risk of poliovirus spreading across Gaza, assessment underway - (https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2024/07/23/who-extremely-worried-at-prospect-of-polio-other-outbreaks-in-gaza)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is raising serious concerns about a potential polio outbreak in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The alarm comes after the Global Polio Laboratory Network found vaccine-derived type-2 poliovirus in six sewage samples collected in Gaza on June 23rd ().While human samples havent been collected to confirm any active infections, Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, WHOs head of health emergencies in the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed grave worries. He highlighted the precarious situation in Gaza, where a crippled healthcare system, lack of proper sanitation, and low vaccination rates create a perfect breeding ground for outbreaks.Dr. Saparbekov emphasized the ongoing wars devastating impact on Gazas infrastructure, particularly its healthcare system. He also pointed to the confirmed hepatitis A outbreak late last year, raising the chilling possibility of multiple disease outbreaks overwhelming the already struggling medical facilities.The WHO has consistently stressed the urgent need for medical evacuations from Gaza. Dr. Saparbekov estimates that the number of people requiring treatment outside the territory has risen to a staggering 14,000. This figure paints a grim picture, considering the already overburdened healthcare system within Gaza.Dr. Saparbekovs stark warning highlights the potential for communicable diseases to become a leading cause of death in Gaza, surpassing war-related injuries. With a crippled healthcare system and limited access to basic necessities, the potential for a polio outbreak combined with other diseases could be catastrophic.The WHOs warnings serve as a stark call to action. Immediate steps are needed to address the sanitation crisis in Gaza, ensure proper vaccination campaigns, and facilitate the evacuation of critically ill patients. Without swift action, the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza could spiral even further out of control.Source-Medindia
The Paris 2024 Olympics are around the corner, where thousands of world-class athletes will be competing to bring glory to their nation. Continuing with the tradition, the Paris Olympics 2024 will also begin with a grand opening ceremony, with sportspersons from across the globe introducing themselves to the world while marching under their countrys flag. Billions of spectators will tune in from different parts of the globe to watch their respective nations taking centre stage at the grand opening ceremony in the French capital, but all eyes will be on Team Mongolia.

 instagram/mongoliannoc Team Mongolia's new uniform designed for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has set a new benchmark in simple yet majestic fashion.

Designed by the extremely talented designer sisters Michel and Amazonka, these outfits blends Mongolias rich culture with modern aesthetics, demonstrating how minimalistic fashion can capture everyones imagination. Interestingly, it wasnt their first attempt. You see, creating magic takes time! The talented sisters had previously designed Team Mongolias uniforms in the previous two editions  2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Beijing Winter Games, but those attires didnt make such noise. View this post on Instagram This year, they werent even supposed to design the uniforms. The Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MNOC) had given the contract to another company. However, that company backed off from the deal for some reason in February, leaving the governing body in a spot of bother. Since Michel & Amazonka had already delivered similar projects in the past, the MNOC reached out to them, offering only three months to conceptualise and design the uniform. Despite time being their biggest enemy, the designer duo was able to create a beautiful dress, a masterclass in simple yet majestic fashion that would go down in the annals of Olympic history. Representing Mongolias Rich Culture

 instagram/mongoliannoc Mongolia might not be a sporting powerhouse but the country boasts a rich history and culture. Instead of looking outside for inspiration, the designers drew their inspiration from the Naadam Festival, which is considered their Olympics and takes place in July every year. During this festival, people compete in various competitions wearing similar outfits. The Olympic uniform is inspired by Mongolian deels which have been parts of their part of their culture for centuries. The designers have added some modern design elements to make their national athletes stand out from the rest. Minimalistic Design Instead of complicating things, the designers chose a simple yet powerful design. The uniforms are sharp, and precise, with boxy vests and embroidered collars. This design pattern avoids overcomplication, resulting in a timeless elegance that appeals to both classic and modern sensibilities. Conveying Symbolism Through Key Elements View this post on Instagram The uniform is a perfect amalgamation of simplicity and modernity. The designers have paid great attention to detail, especially in the embroidery. They deliberately designed every aspect of the costume to communicate symbolism. Every little needlework has a deep underlying meaning. The 'Nine White Banner' represents fresh starts, while the mountains reflect the athletes' journey and hard work. The use of golden thread in the embroidery signifies their desire to win gold medals. This meticulous integration of symbols adds meaning to the design, transforming the uniforms into a story about the Mongolian spirit and ambition. These intricate details offer a touch of refinement without dominating the design. Focus on Comfort
The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating a Coast Guard Academy official on allegations of harassment and a hostile work environment after she publicly charged the service with covering up incidents of sexual assault and hiding a subsequent investigation from Congress.

Shannon Norenberg, the school's sexual assault response coordinator, resigned from her position June 9 via a blog post, excoriating Coast Guard leadership for quashing an investigation into reports of sexual assault and abuse at the institution that spanned decades.

In July, Norenberg reversed course, saying in a public letter to Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan that she would not resign until the service supported the victims of the assaults and abuse and provided "them with the critical medical care and support they urgently need."

Read Next: 3 Army Officials Punished After Investigation of Maine Reservist's Mass Shooting Finds Numerous Failures

In an online letter posted July 10, Norenberg said the service has not taken any actions to help victims through outreach, administrative support or accountability.

"Your ongoing and intentional refusal to care for these survivors is not mere neglect; you are perpetuating an ongoing, life-threatening emergency that demands immediate intervention and leadership," Norenberg wrote. "You seem to believe that you can move forward without reckoning with the past."

A week after Norenberg retracted her resignation, the service launched an investigation into Norenberg and other unnamed officials at the Coast Guard Academy and Coast Guard Headquarters.

According to the nonprofit Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy, or MLAA, a group established to protect mariners from sexual assault and abuse, the Coast Guard received an anti-harassment/hate incident complaint against several individuals, including Norenberg, and is obligated to investigate it.

The Coast Guard also has moved to reassign Norenberg to a new Enterprise Victim Advocate unit designed to represent the perspectives of sexual assault victims to Coast Guard leaders, according to MLAA.

Norenberg's attorney, J. Ryan Melogy of Maritime Legal Solutions, said the temporary duty assignment appeared to be "retaliatory."

According to Melogy, Norenberg has been shut out of her Coast Guard computer and email and has had her access card suspended.

"This proposed 120-day detail scheme appears to be an attempt to illegally remove Ms. Norenberg from her position at the academy in order to silence and sideline a whistleblower," Melogy said in a statement through MLAA.

In an email to Military.com on Monday, Coast Guard officials said Norenberg "remains assigned to the [Coast Guard Academy] Sexual Assault Response Coordinator position," but they refused to comment on the proposed reassignment or the anti-harassment/hate incident investigation.

"We cannot comment on administrative matters involving Coast Guard employees," the service said in a statement.

In 2014, the Coast Guard launched a multiyear probe into cases of rape and sexual abuse at the Coast Guard Academy, examining reports of more than 50 sex crimes from 1988 through 2006. But it never released the findings of the investigation, known as Operation Fouled Anchor.

When the results of Operation Fouled Anchor were revealed by CNN last year, the Coast Guard launched a review of its policies, procedures and culture and found the service had failed to protect many of its members. As a result, Fagan announced changes to training, education, victims services and other programs to improve the response to reports of sex crimes.

Yet few in leadership have been held accountable, though several resignations and reliefs have occurred in the past three years that may have been investigated under Operation Fouled Anchor.

In 2021, Master Chief Brett VerHulst stepped down as command master chief of the academy for behavior that included hugging and being too close to female cadets and academy personnel.

Retired Capt. Glenn Sulmasy resigned as president of Nichols College last year after he was accused of inappropriate communications with students while he was on the faculty at the Coast Guard Academy a decade ago.

And during a June 11 hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Fagan told senators she was waiting for the results of an inspector general investigation into the assaults and Operation Fouled Anchor to take steps toward "accountability," with the service considering pursuing a reduction in rank for a person who was involved and has left the Coast Guard.

"I continue to work in full support of the [inspector general], and as that report concludes, we'll work to understand what misconduct occurred or didn't occur. At this point, I don't have any direct evidence of misconduct," Fagan said, referring to the alleged suppression of the Operation Fouled Anchor report.

Fagan is expected to testify Wednesday before the House Homeland Security Committee on the role of the service in defending the U.S.

In late 2018, the Department of Homeland Security inspector general found the Coast Guard retaliated against then-Lt. Cmdr. Kim McLear, an instructor at the Coast Guard Academy, after she said she was harassed and bullied by colleagues and after she blew the whistle on an environment she described as racist, discriminatory, sexist and misogynistic.

Following that experience, McLear founded the Right The Ship Coalition, an organization that aims to support victims of abuse and harassment and improve the Coast Guard's workplace culture.

During an interview with Military.com on Monday about the ongoing investigation into Operation Fouled Anchor, McLear said the service has a history of retaliation against whistleblowers.

"The reason why these issues keep repeating is the Coast Guard has failed at step one: They deny that they have a problem. And if you can't acknowledge that you have a problem, you can't fix it," McLear said.

Related: 'Culture of Cover-Up:' Senators Ratchet Up Pressure on Coast Guard After It Hid Report on Rapes, Sexual Assaults
A Texas woman who was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison for stealing nearly $109 million from a youth development program for children of military families.

Janet Yamanaka Mello, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in federal court in San Antonio after pleading guilty in March to five counts of mail fraud and five counts of filing a false tax return.

Prosecutors say Mello, as financial manager who handled funding for a youth program at the military base, determined whether grant money was available. She created a fraudulent group called Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development.

Janet Mello betrayed the trust of the government agency she served and repeatedly lied in an effort to enrich herself, said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas.

Rather than $109 million in federal funds going to the care of military children throughout the world, she selfishly stole that money to buy extravagant houses, more than 80 vehicles and over 1,500 pieces of jewelry," Esparza said.

Defense attorney Albert Flores said Mello is deeply remorseful.

She realizes she committed a crime, she did wrong and is very ashamed, Flores said.

Flores said Mello has saved many things she bought with the money and hopes the items are sold to reimburse the government. I don't think the court gave us enough credit for that, but we can't complain, Flores said.

The defense has no plans to appeal, he said.

Prosecutors said Mello used the fake organization she created to apply for grants through the military program. She filled out more than 40 applications over six years, illegally receiving nearly $109 million, assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons wrote in a court document asking for Mello to be sentenced to more than 19 years in prison.

Mello used the money to buy millions of dollars of real estate, clothing, high-end jewelry  including a $923,000 jewelry purchase on one day in 2022  and 82 vehicles that included a Maserati, a Mercedes, a 1954 Corvette and a Ferrari Fratelli motorcycle.

Agents executing a search warrant in 2023 found many of the vehicles with dead batteries because they had not been operated in so long, Simmons wrote.

Prosecutors said Mello was able to steal so much because of her years of experience, expert knowledge of the grant program, and accumulated trust among her supervisors and co-workers.

Mellos penchant for extravagance is what brought her down, said Lucy Tan, acting special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigations field office in Houston.

A co-worker and friend of Mello's, Denise Faison, defended Mello in a letter to the judge.

Janet Mello is a good, kind, caring and loving person that would do no harm to anyone, Faison wrote. Janet has so much more to offer the world. Please allow her to repay her debt to society by returning what she has taken but not be behind prison bars.
A soldier was killed at the main gate at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, on Monday after an alleged drunk driver plowed into them with an SUV late that afternoon, according to local police. The main gate was subsequently shut down.

The soldier has not been identified, pending the notification of the next of kin, an Army spokesperson told Military.com. Brianna Lapp, 31, was arrested and faces charges related to driving under the influence and manslaughter.

Lapp seemingly had no relationship to the installation and allegedly collided with two vehicles and a fence outside the gate; she also had a blood alcohol level of 0.299, more than three times the legal limit, according to a law enforcement spokesperson.

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"Our hearts go out to the victim's family and all his colleagues and friends on Fort [Wainwright] impacted by this senseless tragedy," the Fairbanks Police Department said in a statement.

Alaska has the 10th highest prevalence for binge drinking in the country, according to state data. Some of that is attributed to the weather and many places being remote, keeping people at home with less access to activities.

Last year, in an unrelated incident, a soldier at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, Pfc. Andy Ramos, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a drunken-driving collision that killed Pfc. Arath Esau Martinez-Arguelles. Ramos pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and was dishonorably discharged.

Drinking issues have become such a concern in Alaska that both Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in 2021 barred on-base alcohol sales between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The following year, Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, then the commander of the 11th Airborne Division, issued a set of policies that any unit under his command would earn a day off if that entire unit remained DUI-free for 90 days.

The services have also seen a string of incidents at its gates in recent years.

In October, Air Force security personnel fired shots at a driver who breached the main entry point for Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis in Texas. In December 2019, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Oscar Jesus Temores, 23, a sailor, was killed when a driver smashed into his patrol car at the gate at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia.

In September, The Wall Street Journal reported there have been as many as 100 incidents of Chinese nationals, sometimes posing as tourists, trying to gain access to military installations and other government property to take photos.

Fort Wainwright is home to the Army's 11th Airborne Division; some 6,700 soldiers are stationed there.

Related: Marine Family Wants Safety, Security Improvements After Child Dies in Military Police Response to Gate Breach
The Marine Corps is on the hunt for electronic warfare attachments, "buckshot-like" ammunition, and advanced optics for its standard-issue rifle to help dismounted troops track and defeat incoming drones, according to a recent announcement from the service.

The notice seeking sources, published July 15 by Marine Corps Systems Command, details plans to field several new attachments to troops at the squad and platoon level to mount on their M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles in order to "support 'every' Marine's ability to conduct self-defense against threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS [unmanned aerial systems]," drones that weigh 20 pounds or less and between 21 and 55 pounds, respectively.

Those attachments include a "directional RF [radio frequency] and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) jammer" designed to interfere with the signals drones use to communicate with their operators and a "rifle/rifle optic capable of tracking and defeating" small drones.

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Rather than have dismounted troops to rely on bulky and unwieldy stand-alone hand-held, counter-drone jammers, the emphasis on mounting these new attachments on an "organic" (read: essential) rifle reflects a need for systems that have "little to no impact on [Marines'] primary mission," as the notice puts it.

For the advanced rifle optics, the most likely candidate for Marines is the SMASH 2000L fire control system from Israeli defense contractor SmartShooter, which allows troops to "lock on" to an incoming drone target for a "guaranteed hit." The Marine Corps has been testing the system since 2021 but has yet to field it across the broader close-combat force.

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab "has provided a limited quantity of the [SmartShooter] SMASH 2000L optics to a small number of Marine Corps units for experimentation," a battle lab spokesperson told Military.com. "The optic has not been provided by the program office for use in Marine Corps training, nor has it been provided to deployed units."

For the average grunt, it's unclear how much weight these new devices will add to their rifle and, in turn, how that might affect its use on the battlefield.

The M27 weighs 9.8 pounds loaded with a 30-round STANAG magazine and outfitted with a sling, according to Marine Corps Systems Command spokesperson Morgan Blackstock. The addition of the Corps' new Squad Common Optic (2 pounds), a rail-mounted AN/PEQ-16 laser illuminator (9.9 ounces), and a standard Knights Armament suppressor (1.4 pounds) results in a 13.8-pound weapon -- just under the weight of the noticeably heavy XM7 Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle the Army recently started fielding.

Beyond these rifle add-ons, the Corps is also searching for "enhanced ammunition for existing firearms," namely "buckshot-like" rounds for the service's arsenal of rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm, such as the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, as well as for its M2 .50-caliber machine guns and 40mm grenade launchers.

Details about the new ammunition were not immediately available, but as recently as April Marines have engaged in counter-drone training with shotguns, alongside other "direct fire" weapons such as rifles and machine guns. When asked about the ammo, Blackstock referred Military.com back to the service's notice.

Conventional militaries and non-state actors have increasingly menaced U.S. and allied forces with low-cost, weaponized drones in recent years, a development that had previously prompted Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., the former head of U.S. Central Command, to dub them the most dangerous threat to American forces in the Middle East since the advent of the improvised explosive device at the dawn of the Global War on Terror.

While the Marine Corps is working overtime to field several vehicle-mounted counter-drone solutions such as the vehicle-mounted Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or L-MADIS, the new push to equip grunts with easy-to-carry systems is part of the service's broader effort to make every Marine a drone defender at a time when some units are currently deploying to geopolitical hot spots such as the Indo-Pacific without such capabiilties.

"Every unit down to the individual Marine, regardless of geographic location on the battlefield, is vulnerable to reconnaissance and, more dangerously, attack from threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS," according to the notice. "To facilitate freedom of movement, Marines require the ability to conduct self-defense against the threat."

Editor's note: This story was updated with a comment from Marine Corps Systems Command.

Related: The Army Has Officially Deployed Laser Weapons Overseas to Combat Enemy Drones
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed a five-person panel to review the 20 Medals of Honor that the Army awarded to soldiers for their actions at the Battle of Wounded Knee in South Dakota on Dec. 29, 1890.

A senior defense official who spoke exclusively with Military.com on Monday said that the goal is "to ensure no soldier was recognized for conduct that did not merit recognition under the standards applicable at that time," such as attacking noncombatants and those who have surrendered, or the murder or rape of a prisoner.

The events of Wounded Knee took place along a creek that lends its name to the massacre on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the southwest corner of South Dakota. While the events of that day are sometimes described as a battle, in fact the U.S. Army -- amid a campaign to repress the tribes in the area -- killed hundreds of unarmed members of the Lakota Sioux tribe, including many women and children, while attempting to disarm Native American fighters who had already surrendered at their camp.

Read Next: 3 Army Officials Punished After Investigation of Maine Reservist's Mass Shooting Finds Numerous Failures

The review is hardly the first to consider revoking the military's highest award for gallantry from troops who were given the award in the past. However, the review of the awards for Wounded Knee itself is the result of several years of lobbying and pressure from Congress, the South Dakota legislature, and native tribal leaders.

"It's never too late to do what's right, and the right thing is to go back and review those medals in the context of the engagement at the time and in consideration of the standards at the time and ensure that none of those medals were awarded for conduct that did not merit recognition," the senior defense official said.

While there is dispute over the exact details of what prompted the violence in December 1890, it's broadly agreed that shots started flying after two soldiers tried to take away a warrior's rifle. A scuffle ensued, and the gun went off.

When the dust settled, more than 300 Lakota -- the vast majority of whom were women and children -- were dead. The actions of the Army soldiers that day are often described as a "massacre" that became one of the deadliest acts of violence against Native Americans by U.S. troops.

More recently, some scholars have argued it could be considered the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Regardless of the terminology, the event and the site continue to be the focus of protest and anger into the modern day.

After the action, government leaders decided to award the nation's highest military commendation to some of the soldiers. Most of the awards went to members of the Seventh Cavalry regiment.

Some of the citations included in the memo provided to Military.com praise the soldiers for "extraordinary gallantry" or "conspicuous bravery in action against Indians concealed in a ravine." The unit's coat of arms to this day still features the head of a Native American chief to "commemorate Indian campaigns," according to the military's Institute of Heraldry.

Defense officials who spoke with Military.com for this story said that part of the review will involve the Army providing the review panel with historic evidence and records to help it evaluate the underlying actions and context of the awards.

"We expect the special review panel will look at previous investigations and reports; records of interviews of witnesses and other relevant historical documents; original award files; official military personnel records; records of interviews of witnesses at the event; and other relevant historical documents that the panel deems appropriate," an official said.

That official also added that the Defense Department is working with the U.S. Department of the Interior "to make sure that we look at all the appropriate sources."

The Department of the Interior is host to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"We believe that they're in a unique position to inform and advise on this matter, as well as to provide some of those additional historical records that we believe are relevant," the official said.

Revisiting History

This is far from the first time the military has reviewed Medal of Honor awards. The most notable historical parallel is a 1916 panel that spent months reviewing more than 2,500 medals awarded during the Civil War and ultimately rescinded 911 awards.

The review was necessary because, according to the Medal of Honor Society website, "The Medal of Honor of the early 20th century was different from the Medal of Honor of the Civil War," when it was awarded far more liberally and not always in moments of valor.

Among those who had their medals rescinded were President Abraham Lincoln's funeral guards and the members of 27th Maine Infantry Regiment that defended Washington, D.C., against a Confederate advance in 1863.

Many members of that unit agreed to voluntarily extend their enlistments after the Army offered a Medal of Honor to those who stayed in the Capitol. The board argued "that the basis for the awards were suspect and rescinded all 864 awards," the society wrote on its website.

"The department does have a history of reviewing Medals of Honor and other such awards," a defense official said, though they noted that robust consideration and rescinding awards are less common.

More recently, the Biden administration has taken up the task of reviewing historical acts and upgrading lower awards to the Medal of Honor in the cases of a handful of Vietnam War veterans and Union soldiers who carried off a daring raid during the Civil War. Some efforts have focused specifically on Black or Native American troops.

However, the Biden administration and Austin have also sought to address historical wrongs and injustices that service members have experienced over the years.

Those efforts have ranged from the militarywide review of the names for around 750 bases, ships, and memorials that commemorated the Confederacy or its members to pardoning troops convicted of sodomy from a time when the military actively prosecuted gay service members.

Just last week, the Navy exonerated 256 Black sailors who were unjustly punished in 1944 following a massive port explosion that killed hundreds of other Black service members. The sailors raised concerns over safety and, after the explosion, were forced to return to the dangerous conditions. When some protested, they were convicted of mutiny.

The memo provided to Military.com gives the board reviewing these 20 Medal of Honor awards until Oct. 15 to provide a recommendation to retain or rescind each award. From there, the senior defense official said that the report will go to Austin, who will provide a recommendation to the White House.

President Joe Biden has the final decision on awarding or rescinding a Medal of Honor.

Related: Why the United States Revoked Hundreds of Medals of Honor
MOSCOW  Russia plans to massively strengthen its navy against the backdrop of tensions with the West.

"The US and other NATO states are expanding their military naval presence in the world's oceans, including in the waters directly bordering Russia," said Nikolai Patrushev, a close adviser to President Vladimir Putin and the country's former intelligence chief.

He claimed Russia needs to modernize its fleet because trade routes are being blocked and cargo and passenger ships of independent nations are being stopped, searched and in some cases confiscated under the pretext of the fight against piracy.

"Ensuring the constant readiness of our fleet to deter and prevent military conflicts and to protect our country in accordance with international norms is necessary," Patrushev said on Wednesday.

Putin had ordered the strategic documents on the development of the navy to be revised and corresponding instructions have been sent to the ministries and shipbuilding companies. Details of the naval armament programme were not disclosed.

Russia is using its navy in its war against Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years. Ships from the Black Sea Fleet and the flotilla in the Caspian Sea regularly fire missiles at cities and other targets in Ukraine.

Following heavy losses - such as the sinking of the flagship Moskva - the main part of the Black Sea Fleet has withdrawn from its base on the Crimean peninsula, which has been annexed since 2014, to Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar region.

Ukrainian hackers disrupt Russian online banking, mobile, internet

Computer experts from Ukraine's military intelligence service reportedly disrupted Russian banking systems, mobile phone and internet providers briefly on Tuesday, several Ukrainian media reported, citing intelligence sources.

Russian customers were temporarily unable to access their online banking or pay by card for several hours. Customers saw an announcement on their Russian bank's apps that there was a system failure, and the faults would be rectified as soon as possible.

The services were working again on Wednesday.

Ukrainian secret services regularly claim successful online attacks on Russian resources. However, they have not yet succeeded in carrying out an attack on the scale of the one on the Ukrainian mobile phone provider Kyivstar in December last year. Its services were paralysed for days.

Car bomb explodes in Moscow injuring senior military officer

A high-ranking Russian military officer was seriously injured in a bomb attack in the north of Moscow on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

A car bomb exploded when the man got into the car, injuring two people, investigators said. Local media reported that the officer's legs had been torn off in the explosion and that his wife was also injured.

A report in the Kommersant newspaper suggested that the injured man is a senior military intelligence officer. He is said to have been responsible for satellite communications in the military and had served in the war against Ukraine. No official details were initially available.

Investigators were deployed to the car park in a residential area to clarify the background to the attack. A Ukrainian lead was also being investigated, it was said.

There have been several bomb attacks on Russian territory since Moscow launched its war of aggression against Ukraine, including in the capital. Investigators always hold Ukrainian secret services responsible for the attacks.

Videos from surveillance cameras showing an explosion of the parked vehicle circulated on social networks. The footage showed the destroyed car and other damaged vehicles.

2024 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Military vehicles are just plain cool. Its no surprise that they find their way into civilian life through government auctions, historical collectors and pop culture references. Aside from the ubiquitous Jeep, there might be no better military-to-civilian crossover than the mighty Humvee.

Of course, the Humvee has appeared in more war movies than I can keep track of. Whats more interesting is the way this military vehicle has infiltrated pop culture at large and worked its way into movies that have nothing to do with convoys, mounted patrols or screaming, RPG!

The boxy High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV, has a face the camera cant get enough of. Here are some of our favorite non-military surprise appearances.

The Rock

Disclaimer: Do not attempt to outrun a Ferrari F355 on paved roads in a Humvee. (Photo courtesy of Hollywood Pictures)

Oh, to be a kid in the 1990s again. Few are the thrills that can match a Friday night trip to Blockbuster to rent a brainchild of Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay. The filmmaking juggernauts might have been at their best when they unleashed The Rock on audiences in 1996.

Diabolical plots: check. Snappy one-liners: check. The incomprehensible awesomeness of Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris sharing the screen: check, check, check. And to top it all off, the movie gave us the chase scene we didnt know we needed: a Ferrari F355 versus a Hummer.

The Hummer H1 was the first civilian adaptation of the military-spec Humvee. The Rock would have us believe that it was a fire-breathing war machine loosed from the bowels of the military-industrial complex -- free to mow down every fruit stand, taxi cab, water-delivery truck, telephone pole and VW Beetle (maybe especially the Beetles) in San Francisco.

But according to a 1995 review in Car and Driver, the H1 was far from the war wagon the public hoped or feared it would be. Plush seats and a decent air conditioner might have been welcome changes, but the gas-chugging (think 7-9 miles per gallon) Chevy 350 that replaced the Humvees turbo-diesel engine needed more than 18 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.

Fortunately for us, well probably never encounter an H1 in person. In our imaginations, it can remain the snarling beast that Sean Connery used to rampage an entire city in the process of escaping his captors -- Ferrari-commandeering scientist included.

Gone in Sixty Seconds

Whats tougher, a Hummer H1 or Vinnie Jones? Discuss amongst yourselves. (Photo courtesy of Touchstone Pictures)

How sad; Nicolas Cage appears twice on this list, and he didnt get to drive either Humvee.

In the 2000 masterpiece Gone in 60 Seconds, a tricked-out Hummer H1 appears alongside a star-studded automotive cast that includes a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB4, a 1988 Porsche 959, a 1999 Toyota Supra and -- of course -- Eleanor herself, the legendary 1967 Ford Mustang GT500 built by Chip Foose.

The H1 doesnt get much screen time, but it makes a big impression. Sphinx (Vinnie Jones) and Mirror Man (TJ Cross) steal the pickup truck configuration H1 from a parking garage and predictably smash their way out, leaving nothing but automotive carnage and the pet python that had been sleeping under the seat in their wake.

In retrospect, its funny to see the H1 alongside such an illustrious array of collectibles. It just goes to show how sure people were in 2000 that the tamed military truck would become an enduring status symbol.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Prepping this Humvee for Mad Max: Fury Road must have been one of the easiest prop design jobs in film history. (Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers)

In 2015, Mad Max: Fury Road was a freak show of chop-shop horrors and rusty redneck engineering, just as the original movie was in 1979.

The film's prop department must have had a field day welding together all kinds of nightmarish contraptions that were half vehicles, half acid-inspired sculptures fit for Burning Man.

Amid all of the scrap-metal chaos is one vehicle that looks like it took almost no effort to create. If you look closely, youll see what appears to be a military surplus Humvee stripped of sheet metal to create a skeletonized dune buggy capable of delivering freedom to anyone, whether they want it or not.

It makes sense. The Humvee was born for such a role; crashing across open desert is one of the things it does best. Its also a great way to bump up the number of vehicles in this chase scene without blowing the budget. Its one silver-screen vehicle you can scoop up for just a few grand.

Bad Boys II

There was a brief moment in the early 2000s when the Hummer H2 seemed like it might be cool. (Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures)

Who doesnt love a good buddy cop movie? Bad Boys II has action, infinitely quotable jokes and flashy cars. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence strike a perfect balance of hilarious and cool. And the soundtrack slaps.

The movies action-packed chase scene took the characters inside a mansion, down a dirt road in the jungle and through a hillside favela where everything -- and I mean everything -- was explosive.

Luckily, they had a Hummer H2 that was up to the task. Not only did it complete the journey, but it looked fly as hell doing it.

Well just ignore the fact that our heroes destroyed an entire low-income neighborhood with their lead-slinging SUV chase.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

The Humvees job description includes troop transport and dino wrasslin. (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios)

The Humvee has taken many forms throughout its tenure as Americas fighting troop carrier. You probably know about the lightweight original configuration, the up-armored versions, the ambulances and maybe even the one equipped with an Avenger weapon system, but what about the one used to nab velociraptors at full speed?

In 1997, near the height of Humvee celebrity, The Lost World: Jurassic Park gave audiences this gem. The capture vehicle was a big step up from the Jeep Wranglers and Ford Explorers of 1993s Jurassic Park. It came equipped with a pair of front-mounted arms to grab a running dinosaur and boom-mounted seats where crew members could sit and administer medicated darts.

Back then, you could even get a toy version of this Humvee. The iPad generation will never know the thrill of playing with one of these.

Lilo & Stitch

Yes, civilian Humvee fire trucks are a thing! (Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures)

I bet you didnt expect to find a Humvee in a childrens cartoon about a young girl befriending an alien, but here we are.

Walt Disney Pictures wasnt just making things up when the studio put a bright red Humvee in the Hawaiian storyline. Humvees are popular among rural and wildland fire departments that need a brush truck capable of covering rugged terrain in a hurry to stop the spread of wildfires and forest fires.

The same capabilities that made the Humvee so formidable on the battlefield made it a huge asset in the fight against wildland fires. A 1993 report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources commended the vehicles ability to transport a 300-gallon water tank and foam fire suppression system anywhere the job required.

Not everyone is thrilled, though. Leave it to Redditors to kick up a controversy about a government agency using a vehicle created for use by government agencies.

So Many Music Videos

Rap, pop, rock  it doesnt matter; just put a Hummer in the music video. (Photo courtesy of Columbia Records)

One of the cool tricks record labels kept in their back pocket during the early 2000s was the ability to instantly make any music video more popular by adding a Hummer to it.

It started with rap videos, including what feels like every Biggie video ever made, but the trend quickly worked its way into pop and rock, as well. Hey, if it aint broke, dont fix it.

Tupac appeared alongside a Humvee in the video for California Love. The Notorious B.I.G. used Hummer H1s in the videos for Only You, Been Around the World and Hypnotize. Mariah Carey sang from an open-top H1 in the video for Fantasy. AC/DC got in on the action with the video for Stiff Upper Lip.

The Hummer H2 even got time in the limelight with 50 Cent (Wanksta) and Ludacris (Stand Up) in 2003.

Shes the Man

This is an accurate representation of the only 2 ways people react to a Humvee on the streets. (Photo courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures)

The Hummer H2 only gets a quick glance in a background shot during Shes the Man, but its a surprisingly appropriate metaphor in the movie.

Sebastian isnt really the new boy in school; thats his sister, Viola (Amanda Bynes), in disguise. Likewise, the H2 isnt really a Humvee; its a Frankenstein-esque combination of Chevy truck parts wrapped in trendy bodywork with abysmal quality control to make suburban housewives and teenage girls feel edgy while they drive to Pilates and eat brunch at the local Starbucks.

Rumor has it that the H2 is actually fairly capable off-road, but its hard to get anyone on record about that, because theyd have to publicly admit to driving one.

Bonus: The Girl Next Door

Its there; I seent it! (Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

What? You dont remember this one?

Dont worry, your memory isnt failing you. According to the Internet Movie Car Database, multiple versions of The Girl Next Door exist, and in at least one, the shot of the Humvee was cut to save time.

Who knew? Now, you can use this trivia to impress your Humvee-fan friends -- and no one else.

Heres to Camo Crossovers

We love a good mash-up of military and civilian culture. Just like the peace sign on Jokers helmet in Full Metal Jacket and the Jeeps that occupy every parking lot in America, theres something cool about transporting something from one world to the other.

The Humvees aura was too big to be limited to military use. Sure, the civilian-spec Hummers might not be everything we want them to be, but theyre a testament to the power military tech has on our collective psyche. Deep down, some small part of all of us wants a Humvee -- even if we never admit it.

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SAULT STE. MARIE, MI  Registration is now open for a relay swim event that will mark the 50th anniversary of the tragic shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Open water swimmers are invited to participate in the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim on July 26, 2025.

The 17-stage, 411-mile relay swim begins in Lake Superior, where the shipwreck lies, and ends in Detroit, the ships intended destination. The event will be the subject of a documentary film.

Register here.

Seventeen teams of 4 relay swimmers each will symbolically complete the ships intended route and cargo delivery. Iron ore pellets  which come from the same dock in Superior, Wis., where the ship took on its last load  will be passed between the participants and delivered to dignitaries in Detroit.

RELATED: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: See photos of the Great Lakes most famous ship

The event is organized by Jim Dreyer, who is known for swimming across all five Great Lakes.

The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim presents epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for up to 68 swimmers to be part of history, play a role in a documentary film, and swim where no one has ever swum before and may never swim again, Dreyer said.

The swim is tentatively planned to begin at the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck site, starting with a memorial ceremony. It will conclude at Belle Isle in Detroit where dignitaries will receive the iron ore pellets. The bell at the Mariners Church of Detroit will then ring 29 times  once for each man who died aboard the ship  just as it did 50 years before.

RELATED: Hear Coast Guards 1975 call to help search for missing Edmund Fitzgerald

Participants will swim the St. Marys River, the entire length of the St. Clair River, and across the open waters of Whitefish Bay, Lake Huron between Michigans upper and lower peninsulas, the mouth of Saginaw Bay, and Lake St. Clair.

Swimmers will raise funds for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) to preserve the Whitefish Point Light Station.

The Edmund Fitzgerald has come to represent, in many ways, shipwrecks in general on the Great Lakes, and the Whitefish Point Light is the most important beacon for all vessels entering or leaving Lake Superior, said Bruce Lynn, GLSHS executive director. Preserving the legacy of the 29 men who lost their lives in this historic maritime tragedy and helping to preserve a lighthouse that safeguards mariners along Lake Superiors Shipwreck Coast, are causes the swimmers can really rally around while they are themselves making history.

The 729-foot Edmund Fitzgerald was bound for Detroit carrying over 26,000 long tons of iron ore when the ship went down in a violent Lake Superior storm on Nov. 10, 1975. All 29 crew members died in the wreck. The ship lies in Canadian waters, 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point.
Theres hot girl music in your area, and you dont want to miss it. Get tickets to see Charli XCX, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and more  all before the end of the year.

Shop tickets and compare prices on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster.

Chappell Roan performs at Jacobs Pavilion in Cleveland Tuesday. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

2024 has been a big year for pop music. The Taylor Swift Eras Tour took over both stadiums and movie theaters, Billie Eilish won an Oscar, Chappell Roan has exploded in popularity, and in a recent (and delightful) development, Charli XCXs Brat album is now referenced on the Kamala Harris HQ rapid response X account. The genre and its stars are having a major moment in the sun; and as a result, there are an abundance of concerts.

Discover upcoming pop music shows below...

Charli XCX

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

360 star Charli XCX is touring with Troye Sivan this fall, stopping in Detroit, Chicago, and more from September through October. Experience a Sweat show near you to hear songs like Apple, Von dutch, and the Charli and Troye Sivan collab, 1999.

Chappell Roan

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Chappell Roans The Midwest Princess tour just added three new tour dates between All Things Go and Austin City Limits Festival, stopping at FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee; Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas; and Westfair Amphitheater in Council Bluffs, Iowa, all back-to-back in early October. Dance along to HOT TO GO! and hear her hits Red Wine Supernova, Pink Pony Club, and the recent single, Good Luck, Babe! released just this spring.

Billie Eilish

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour, named for Eilishs latest studio album, begins this September in Quebec. The star is set to bring her new tracks like BIRDS OF A FEATHER, CHIHIRO, and LUNCH, to Boston, Atlanta, and more, making her way to Detroits Little Caesars Arena on Monday, October 7.

Sabrina Carpenter

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

The Sabrina Carpenter Short n Sweet tour begins September 23 in Columbus, Ohio, bringing Please Please Please, Espresso, and more to 29 stadium venues all over the States.

Dua Lipa

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Dua Lipa is performing at Austin City Limits Festival before heading to London and Singapore. Find tickets here, and experience the pop stars big hits like Levitating, New Rules, Dont Start Now, and more.

Olivia Rodrigo

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Known for her top songs Good 4 U, Drivers License, and Vampire, Olivia Rodrigo is currently taking her latest album, GUTS, on tour. The route runs through mid-August, and is still to stop in Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland, and more.

Tyla

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

South African star Tyla is known for her hit songs Water, Jump, and Truth or Dare, as well as her mesmerizing choreography. See her live at Thalia Hall in Chicago on July 31. Fans can also find Tyla performing at festivals across the country, beginning with Lollapalooza and ending with Austin City Limits.

Tate McRae

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

For pop fans who cant wait until the fall, or even until August, Tate McRae is currently on tour  and coming to Michigan in only a few days. Get tickets to her show at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights to hear songs such as greedy, you broke me first, and exes.

Taylor Swift

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Last but not least, Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour is taking over five North America venues for multiple nights each when the show returns to the U.S. and Canada in the fall. Get tickets to hear fan-favorite tracks from albums like Reputation, Midnights, and her latest release, The Tortured Poets Department.
By MEG KINNARD Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  Donald Trump is holding his first public campaign rally since President Joe Biden dropped out of a 2024 matchup that both major parties had spent months preparing for, leaving the former president to direct his ire toward his likely new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump is expected to turn his full focus on Harris as he stops Wednesday in North Carolina. The former presidents trip to the swing state shows hes concerned about keeping it in his win column this November, even as his team reaches for wins in traditionally Democratic-leaning states like Minnesota, where Trump is set to visit Saturday. Trump has ramped up his criticism of the vice president, whom hes characterized as the same as Biden but much more radical.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  Donald Trump is holding his first public campaign rally since President Joe Biden dropped out of a 2024 matchup that both major parties had spent months preparing for, leaving the former president to direct his ire toward his likely new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump is expected to turn his full focus on Harris as he stops Wednesday in North Carolina, a swing state that Trump has carried in the past, but Democrats have seen as pivotal. The former presidents trip to the state shows hes still concerned about keeping it in his column this November, even as his team reaches for wins in traditionally Democratic-leaning states like Minnesota, where Trump is set to visit Saturday.

With Bidens abrupt departure from the presidential race and Harris edging closer and closer to officially being the Democrats general election pick, Trump has ramped up his criticism of the vice president, whom hes characterized as the same as Biden but much more radical.

He has blamed her for what he portrays as the Biden administrations failures, particularly on security along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump has also hedged on plans for an expected debate with Harris, first saying that he wanted Fox News, not ABC, to host the matchup he had originally scheduled for September with Biden. On Tuesday, Trump appeared to tweak that message again, saying on a call with reporters that hed like to debate Harris more than once but not committing to appearing at the debate currently on the books and saying hed only agreed to debate Biden twice, not Harris.

Quietly, Republicans have spoken about how subbing Harris in for Biden nullifies a portion of their partys argument in favor of Trumps vitality and vigor.

At 81, Biden had been the oldest nominee heading into a general election. Now, the 78-year-old Trump occupies that slot. Harris, 59, has launched a campaign that at least in some corners appears to be stoking interest among the younger voters who could be key in deciding an anticipated close general election.

North Carolina is a state Trump carried in both his previous campaigns but by less than 1.5 percentage points over Biden in 2020, the closest margin of any state Trump won. Trump stumped heavily in North Carolina even as the COVID-19 pandemic wore on, while Biden largely kept off the physical campaign trail and did not personally visit the state in the last 16 days of the election.

Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte  the states biggest city  was also the scene of Trumps narrowest margin of victory in North Carolinas GOP primary, edging out Nikki Haley by fewer than 8 percentage points.

This year, Trump had planned to hold his first rally since the start of his hush money trial in Fayetteville, but that event was called off due to inclement weather. Trump called in from his private plane instead.

Democrats also have been working to win North Carolina, where the partys most recent presidential win was Barack Obamas 2008 victory, despite recent GOP dominance.

Biden held a campaign event in Raleigh the day after his disastrous June debate with Trump. While he was much more forceful in that appearance than he was on the debate stage, it did not help much to quell the growing concern from members of his party about his ability to win the White House again.

With Harris now poised to take his spot, she may again be turning to North Carolina for some political help: the states Gov. Roy Cooper is among the Democrats that Harris campaign is vetting for a possible pick as her vice presidential running mate.

Cooper is term limited and cannot seek reelection. The highly competitive race to replace him pits Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a staunch Trump supporter who is North Carolinas first Black major party nominee for governor.

Trumps Charlotte event is his second campaign rally since a July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Days later, Trump accepted the GOP presidential nomination and gave a speech at the Republican National Convention, where his ear  injured in the shooting  was bandaged.

Wednesdays rally also is the first since the resignation of Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle, who said she took full responsibility for the security lapse that led to a gunman being able to get so close to Trump at the outdoor event in Pennsylvania.

The Charlotte rally, like the one over the weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will be held in an indoor arena.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
(This story has been updated to correct the spelling of a name and to include additional information.)

FLINT, MI -- The second in a series of virtual town halls on the Flint water crisis settlement is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, and theres still time to register to attend.
PORTAGE, MI  Federal officials have rejected Michigans request for federal assistance to help local communities recover from damaging tornadoes and storms that tore through Southwest Michigan on May 7.

In a July 23 letter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers request for a major disaster declaration for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties, according to a copy of the letter provided to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette by state Sen. Sean McCanns office.

Whitmer sent a letter to President Joe Biden on June 6 requesting a major disaster declaration and activation of the federal individual assistance programs for the four Southwest Michigan counties that were hit by severe storms and multiple tornadoes in May.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said in her response to Whitmer that the four affected counties did not meet the need for federal assistance.

Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies, Criswell wrote. Accordingly, we have determined that supplemental federal assistance is not necessary. Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied.

Whitmer can appeal FEMAs denial within 30 days, Criswell said.

McCann, D-Kalamazoo, said he was dismayed to learn that FEMA had denied the request for disaster assistance following the devastating tornado. He said he has asked the governor to appeal the decision.

It is a disappointing determination that impacts real people, McCann said in a statement.

McCann said even without FEMAs assistance, there is some state funding on the way.

In the upcoming state budget, I was proud to have helped secure more than $3 million in funding to provide relief to the affected communities and the impacted people in my district, he said. The budget, recently passed by the Legislature, will also put the maximum amount into the State Disaster Emergency Contingency Fund so that there will be money already available for future disasters.

RELATED: Will Portage tornado be a federal disaster? Damage isnt the only factor

Earlier this month, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a rapid disaster declaration allowing businesses, renters and homeowners in Kalamazoo County to request low-interest loans to repair or replace real estate, personal property and business assets damaged or destroyed in the May 7 storms.

The declaration also included Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

An EF2 tornado touched down in Kalamazoo County on May 7, leaving hundreds of buildings damaged, many in the city of Portage.

The tornado was one of the strongest to hit the county in the past 40 years. With wind speeds of 135 mph, the May 7 tornado was only 5 mph shy of a 1980 F3 tornado that had 140 mph wind speeds.

Three other tornadoes touched down on May 7: An EF2 tornado in St. Joseph and Branch Counties, an EF1 tornado in Branch County and an EF1 tornado in Cass County.

FEMA officials arrived in Southwest Michigan a week after the tornadoes to assess the damage. The assessment found that in Kalamazoo County, 60 structures had been destroyed, 129 structures had major damage and 159 sustained minor damage in the storms.

RELATED: Portage tornado assessment: 60 buildings destroyed, 129 with major damage

FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and programs to help people and businesses recover from the disaster.

Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive offers free email news alerts. Click here to sign up for alerts or for the daily 3@3 Kalamazoo news roundup. Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page here.
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI  A Wyoming man has been sentenced to serve several decades in prison for sexually assaulting two children he was hired to care for.

Gary Carlson, 29, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 23 to serve a minimum of 37-and-a-half years and a maximum of 60 years in prison for his abuse of the two girls, ages 2 and 14.
This story has been updated to include comments from the developer following Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmers state budget announcements on Wednesday.

MUSKEGON, MI - Plans for condominiums, market-rate apartments, a rooftop pool and more are in place for the former Shaw-Walker Factory in Muskegon.
Michigans experiment with digital license plates is coming to an end, for now at least.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson earlier this month sent letters to about 1,700 drivers with digital license plates that they will have to go back to a standard metal plate at the time of their next registration.

Thats because Bensons department is terminating its agreement with Reviver, the only company in the state currently allowed to sell digital license plates, effective Aug. 10.

No other digital license plate vendors have proposed operating in the state.

Benson alleges the California-based company repeatedly failed to comply with its obligations under the agreement as well as state law, according to the July 11 notice of termination obtained by MLive.

Reviver has been offering digital license plates in Michigan since 2022 following a change in law allowing them. Michigan became the third state, after California and Arizona, to allow the technology.

About 1,700 people have opted for digital license plates since then, according to Bensons office.

Related: Michigan motorists can now buy digital license plates

The digital plates replace, and look similar to, regular metal ones. They use a screen display and have some unique features, like digital plate tags, in-app registration renewal and the ability to display on the plate that a vehicle is stolen.

The allegations levied by Bensons office include that Reviver offered unapproved license plate designs and failed to verify the registration status of some prospective customers before putting a Michigan registration on digital plates.

Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston said that misunderstandings are at the heart of the claims. And anything that mightve been considered a violation, he said, has been rectified.

Boston on Tuesday was flying to Michigan to meet with Benson and her team. He said hes optimistic the partnership between Michigan and Reviver will continue.

Weve always had a good working relationship with the Secretary of State and her office and I believe well be able to get this rectified and moving in the right direction, he said.

But Secretary of State spokesperson Angela Benander told MLive on Tuesday there is no chance an agreement will be reached allowing Reviver to continue offering digital plates.

Over the past two years, the department provided the company with multiple opportunities to follow the law and the terms of their contract, but they failed to do so, Benander said.

The agreement between Reviver and the state expired Dec. 31, 2023. Both have continued operating under the terms of the agreement since then.

Benander said the department is within its rights to terminate the agreement, even if there was no alleged violation, because Reviver didnt request an extension of the agreement.

If the agreement is terminated Aug. 10, those with existing digital plates can continue to use them and Reviver services.

However, at the time of their next registration theyll have to switch back to regular metal plates.

Reviver will no longer be able to sign up new customers for digital plates come Aug. 10.

Reviver plates cost $699 but people can also opt for a subscription model, which costs $39.95 a month. Drivers also pay an additional annual fee, ranging from $35 to $145, for a service plan that grants different features depending on the chosen tier.

The subscription model provides a free tier of the service plan.

When asked if customers would receive a prorated refund on the service plan, Boston said the company will take care of everybody.

Thats something that we do, Boston said. We always stand by our product, and thats something that we would definitely take care of.

Boston said the termination notice comes as Reviver was pushing for expanded legislation in Michigan that would allow further customization and personalization of digital license plates.

The hope was to get legislative approval for allowing custom banner messages at the bottom of the digital plates and expand the types of plates Reviver can offer, such as Michigan State University- and University of Michigan-themed ones.
EAST LANSING, MI  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday said President Joe Biden dropping out of the race was the right move.

Whitmer, whose name was floated at one point as a possible replacement candidate for Biden in this years presidential race, was speaking publicly this week during events promoting her new book. Her comments are coming just days after Biden stepped down as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

It was a surprise. I think it was the right move, Whitmer said. I have a great deal of respect for President Biden, but I think it was the right move for a lot of reasons and I am thrilled about Kamala Harris being at the top of the ticket.

Whitmer didnt expound on those reasons during her talk Tuesday, July 23, at a ticketed event at her alma mater, Michigan State University. The event, which was a conversation between her and former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard, was part of the tour for her new book, True Gretch.

With Whitmers name first floated as a replacement candidate for Biden and then a possible vice presidential nominee pick for Vice President Kamala Harris, Whitmer reiterated that she wont be leaving the Mitten State before her term is up in 2026.

I can tell you this, and Ive been consistent and its totally genuine: Ive made a commitment to serve out my term as governor here. That is 100% where my head is at, she said. Its flattering to be mentioned. Its flattering to have been on a list or considered -- whatever.

My commitment is to the people of Michigan through the end of this term, and that is exactly where Im going to stay.

Related: Whitmer wont seek VP spot on Kamala Harris ticket, but this Michigan Democrat may

Biden announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential contest Sunday, July 21, after growing concern about his age and ability to beat former President Donald Trump.

He endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate and top Democrats, including Whitmer, have done the same. According to an Associated Press survey, Harris is backed by enough delegates to become her partys nominee.

Biden is set to address the nation on his decision to bow out of the race at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Related: President Biden to address nation on dropping out of the 2024 race | Watch for free

The public pressure by Democrats on Biden to drop out followed the presidents poor debate performance last month.

Articles headlined in variations of Who could replace Joe Biden? ensued, and Whitmers name was often floated alongside other prominent Democrats.

Whitmer, who served as the national co-chair for Bidens reelection campaign, had said she wouldnt seek to replace Biden as the presidential nominee if he dropped out.

Related: I want Gretch: Ann Arbor reacts to Biden dropping out of presidential race

Whitmer never called publicly for Biden to drop out. U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, was the only member of Michigans congressional delegation to publicly call on Biden to step aside.

The second term governor has been viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028 but hasnt herself confirmed those ambitions.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed the $59 billion spending plan for state agencies and departments in 2025.

Todays balanced budget prioritizes public safety, infrastructure, and Michigan workers without raising taxes by a dime, Whitmer said after signing the budget Wednesday, July 24.

Together, we will hire, train, and retain more first responders, keep fixing the damn roads, compete to bring manufacturing plants back home, put workers on paths to better-paying jobs, and build a heck of a lot more housing. Lets keep getting things done that make a real difference in peoples lives and ensuring everyone can make it in Michigan.

The budget, which goes into effect Oct. 1, includes $150 million to support reopening the Palisades Nuclear Plant, $100 million to construct more affordable housing and $45.5 million toward growing the states population and helping businesses with workforce needs.

Related: Michigan lawmakers pass $82.5 billion budget mostly along party lines

The budget also includes $75 million to establish a Public Safety Trust Fund that will provide cities, villages and townships with additional funds for police services and community violence intervention efforts.

The signing comes a day after Whitmer approved the $23.4 billion education spending plan for 2025 that includes free pre-K for many families and free community college education.

Related: Gov. Whitmer signs $23.4B education budget including free community college, pre-K

Republican lawmakers contend the budget is too bloated with various pet projects in urban areas, like $17 million for zoos in Lansing and metro Detroit or the $300,000 grant to provide public Wi-Fi in Detroits Greektown, and not enough for infrastructure investments across the state.

The state budget should responsibly address the needs of the entire state of Michigan, such as fixing broken roads and keeping our neighborhoods and schools safe. Democrats priorities lie elsewhere, said state Rep. Andrew Beeler, R-Port Huron.

Their giant budget, which was funded by their recent income tax hike, managed to inject cash into pet projects in a few favored communities like Detroit and Lansing. But the Democrat trifecta couldnt be bothered to distribute any extra statewide resources to help every community repair their city streets and rural roads, and they chose to axe hundreds of millions in school safety funding.

The governors office says the budget includes $247.6 million in new funding to improve state and local roads, highways and bridges across the state and $509.4 million for water infrastructure and lead service line replacement, among other infrastructure investments.

The government spending plan was approved by the legislature on June 27 along party lines, with exception to Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, who voted in support with Democrats.

House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said the budget puts the people of Michigan first.

Every hometown from Detroit to Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula will benefit from tens of millions of dollars to establish a Public Safety Trust Fund, $100 million for innovative housing programs, and tax relief for families and seniors, Tate said. With the passage of this budget, we are making transformative investments for every main street and every household, and Michigan continues to be on a stronger and brighter path forward.

The spending plan for 2025, including the education budget, totals $82.5 billion. The spending plan is expected to add $50 million to the states rainy day fund, bringing it to nearly $2.2 billion by the Sept. 31, 2025.
YPSILANTI, MI  Three Republicans are competing in the Aug. 6 primary for a chance to challenge Democrat Jimmie Wilson Jr. for his Ypsilanti-area seat in the Michigan House.

Candidates on the GOP ticket include James Chapman, Martin Church and Jonathan Hoover.

The heavily Democratic 32nd District includes the city of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and parts of Pittsfield and Superior townships in Washtenaw County.

Wilson, a former Ypsilanti Township trustee, defeated Church, an Ypsilanti business owner and information technology specialist, to win the seat in 2022 with over 79% of the vote. Hes now seeking a second two-year term and has no primary opponent.

MLive/The Ann Arbor News has partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund to provide the Vote411.org voter guide.

Church is the only 32nd District candidate who responded to the voter guide questionnaire, sharing why hes running and his positions on issues ranging from education to climate change and retaining state residents.

Note: All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

GENERAL BIO QUESTION: Why are you running for the Michigan State Legislature?

Church:

Our Budget is out of Scope and needs to be done to reduce the cost of the Michigan taxpayers. To return individuals rights also to those same individuals. Its time for honesty to be returned to the state legislature.

EDUCATION: What should Michigan do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all while addressing the current teacher shortage.

Church:

get the state out of education and let parents back in. currently the governor is stealing the powers of the State school board for her own Executive Branch. It is time for the legislature to restore the balance.

ENVIRONMENT: What do you see as the states role, if any, in mitigating the impact of climate change?

Church:

First find the truth. Climate Change has been going on since the creation of the earth. Human activity is not the problem, trying to fix something has caused more damage.

RESIDENT RETENTION: What actions/proposals, if any, do you support to retain residents in our state?

Church:

Lower taxes and restore the rights of citizens to control their lives and associations.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- A longtime county employee named Ottawa County treasurer in December is running to retain the position against a financial advisor.

Cheryl Clark will face Ben Genser in the Aug. 6 primary election for the Republican slot in the November election.

MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund this year to provide voters with a Vote411 election guide. Candidates filled out general information about their campaigns and answered a list of questions from the League of Women Voters.

RELATED: Michigan voter guide now live for August primary

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters or MLive, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org.

What is your background and how will it help you to serve as county treasurer?

Clark: I am the current Ottawa County Treasurer. I have 32+ years of Treasurers Office experience, 15+ years as Ottawa County Chief Deputy Treasurer, 8 years in other roles in the Ottawa County Treasurers Office, and 9 years as Robinson Township Treasurer. Ive worked with 4 different Ottawa County Treasurers. I am an Advanced Certified Public Funds Manager and have managed Ottawa Countys $200+ million portfolio. Ive assisted Ottawa County residents in keeping their property from going into tax foreclosure, processed and managed multiple budgets for the Ottawa County Treasurers Office, and written Deposit and Investment notes to the annual financial statements. This has given me extensive knowledge of the statutory requirements of this role.

Genser: As a proven wealth management professional, I provide comprehensive financial planning, asset management, and investment advisory services to families and businesses across West Michigan. With a Bachelors and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan combined with 18 years of private sector leadership experience across financial services, management consulting, and advisory, I believe now is the right time to use my distinct skill set to help our county. Leadership, communication, critical thinking, and negotiation are skills I bring to the table alongside a proven track record in strategic planning, project management, process improvement, tax planning, and audit.

What are the most important challenges facing your county and how do you propose to address them?

Clark: 1) Affordable housing, I serve on the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and will encourage developers to utilize the financial tools that the authority can offer them, including Tax Increment Financing, which will help create affordable housing. 2) Access to broadband, I will continue to invest the county funds following the law and investment policy and maximize the countys return on surplus funds, thereby providing funds to help with the cost of expanding broadband. 3) Property foreclosure, I will continue to help Ottawa County residents keep their property from going into tax foreclosure through all means of communication, including visiting them at their home, providing payment plans, and partnering with agencies who can help them.

Genser: As one of Michigans fastest growing counties, we must consider how population growth will affect land use planning, infrastructure needs, workforce development, government services, housing, and economic opportunity. County government is an important sponsor of local economic development initiatives, and it must involve a collaborative process between public, private, and non-governmental sectors to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities. Although local government does play a key role in development initiatives, its also important to consider the limited role of government and how that limited role should support a free market economy, deregulation, reduced taxation, and the protection of individual liberties.

How do you propose maintaining or improving the current bond rating for the county?

Clark: The bond rating is an assessment of creditworthiness and is evaluated on the countys ability to generate revenue, manage expenses, and repay debt obligations. To maintain/improve the current bond rating, I will continue to invest the countys funds following the law and the investment policy; maintain procedures to control risk and diversify investments; keep the portfolio sufficiently liquid to meet operating, capital expenditure, and debt needs; and maximize the countys return on surplus funds. I will also do my part to help manage expenses by continuing to keep the expenses of the Treasurer Office down.

Genser: As Treasurer, it is important to encourage an investment policy that supports the liquidity needs and budgetary requirements of the county. I aim to promote conservative budgeting practices and adherence to formal fiscal and debt management policies key to maintaining a AAA bond rating. Additionally, I will promote communication and collaboration between various key county departments to ensure strategic planning efforts are in line with financial resources dedicated to infrastructure planning, development, maintenance, and repair. Lastly, the Treasurer must communicate the correlation between infrastructure health, economic opportunity, and the countys credit rating as part of the budgetary planning process.

MLive, separate from the League of Women Voters, sought to offer voters further insight into the candidates and asked additional questions. Those can be found here:

Do you plan to sign the Ottawa Impact Contract with Ottawa? Why or why not?

Clark: I will not be signing the Contract with Ottawa drafted by Ottawa Impact. When I took the oath of office as the Ottawa County Treasurer, I made a solemn commitment to uphold the United States and Michigan State Constitutions and to faithfully discharge my duties.

Genser: I am not affiliated with or endorsed by Ottawa Impact (OI). OI is a Political Action Committee (PAC) running a slate of candidates for County Commissioner. The Treasurer serves as the chief banker and custodian of all county funds; thus, I believe it would be inappropriate to sign a contract with or accept endorsement from Ottawa Impact. To manage the balance sheet in an effective and transparent manner, the Treasurer must maintain some autonomy from the Board of Commissioners to ensure fiscal responsibility and the best interest of the public are maintained as top priorities. Personally, I support candidates who maintain conservative values and believe in leading with traditional republican principles. I dont necessarily weight a candidates affiliation with a PAC as heavily as I would with what they have achieved, or lack thereof, and whether or not they have followed through with the campaign promises made to those they represent. I will be working with all the commissioners regardless of their affiliation to OI. As a county wide candidate, I owe it to those I hope to represent to maintain working relationships with the commissioners representing all 11 districts.

What are the most important issues facing Ottawa County in terms of the treasurers office?

Clark: 1. Preventing foreclosures: I am committed to preventing foreclosures by engaging with property owners, equipping them with resources to settle their taxes, arranging payment plans, and offering hardship exemptions to provide them with the necessary extra time get their taxes paid.

2. Lawsuits concerning the recovery of sale proceeds: The counties in Michigan are currently facing numerous lawsuits regarding the recovery of sale proceeds on foreclosed properties with delinquent tax debts. However, we are making significant progress in resolving these legal issues. Thanks to the amendments to the Michigan General Property Tax Act, which were diligently crafted by county treasurers, a clear and fair process has been established to ensure that property owners receive the sale proceeds they are owed. This proactive step will help us avoid any further legal disputes on this matter.

Genser: Although property tax forfeiture and foreclosures are under the purview of the Treasurers Office, which is statutorily defined, I believe the Treasurer should play a leading role in educating homeowners on how to manage increasing living costs and fluctuations in housing values, both of which are highly correlated to foreclosure rates. Ensuring the Treasurers office has the tools in place to reduce foreclosure rates during times of economic contraction is challenging, but not impossible. For many, their family home will be the largest investment made throughout their lifetime. I pledge to protect property rights and work diligently to reduce foreclosure rates, by enhancing and improving access to financial literacy tools and educational programs. I will also work to promote communication and collaboration with community stakeholders to remove barriers preventing sustainable business models and encourage an entrepreneurial philosophy which provides a protective layer from financial uncertainty. Lastly, I believe it must be a priority to evaluate, plan, and implement process improvement initiatives and technology enhancements across the county to meet the growing needs of the community.

What do you view as the role of county treasurer?

Clark: The county treasurer, as authorized by the Michigan Constitution and State law, serves as the countys banker and investment officer. The treasurers primary responsibilities include safeguarding public funds in accordance with Public Act 20 and the Ottawa County Investment Policy (which I helped write), collecting and accounting for revenue used to operate programs for county residents, collecting delinquent real property taxes, acting as the agent of the delinquent tax revolving fund, and managing the dog and kennel license program. As an elected official of Ottawa County, I believe the Treasurer is accountable to the Ottawa County residents.

Genser: As per the Michigan Constitution, the County Treasurer serves as the chief banker responsible for the receipt and recording of all revenues and the management of assets on the balance sheet to include overall investment strategy implementation to meet the investment objective and budgetary needs of the county. As the custodian of all county funds, it is imperative the Treasurer take a strategic and tactical approach to managing the countys balance sheet to fortify financial resilience and expand economic opportunity. Property tax forfeiture and foreclosures are also under the purview of the Treasurers Office and the Treasurer serves as the agent of the delinquent tax revolving fund. In addition, the County Treasurer manages the dog and kennel license program. Lastly, the Treasurer is a member of the County Elections Commission, County Plat Board, County Tax Allocation Board, County Brownfield Authority, County Insurance Authority, County Building Authority, and serves as chair of the Ottawa County Land Bank Authority.

Should faith play a role in county government?

Clark: As Ottawa County Treasurer, my faith guides me to treat others with the same dignity and respect that I would expect for myself. This principle, rooted in my upbringing and church teachings will be how I serve the community.

Genser: As a candidate for Ottawa County Treasurer, I believe that faith can and should play a significant role in the decision-making process of a leader. Although the Treasurer is not a policy maker, as a leader and gatekeeper of sorts, the Treasurer will be regularly presented with unique challenges and I believe faith can be used as a guide to find the right path forward. That being said, leaders must ensure that their faith does not encroach on the differentiating beliefs of others. Faith can serve as a road map to high emotional intelligence, but the implementation of a faith based social value system in any workplace setting must respect that not all are of the same faith. Although I believe we should leverage faith as a guide, we must also ensure that others are not forced down that path unwillingly. As a Republican, I believe that it is the duty of our elected leaders to uphold conservative social values and ethical principles in our county and my faith will help lead me to the the best way forward.

How do you plan on communicating and being transparent with your constituents?

Clark: I have made it a priority to be fully transparent with Ottawa County residents by consistently providing monthly financial reports, annual reports, and the Ottawa County Land Bank Authority meeting agenda and minutes on the countys website for public access. Additionally, since assuming office in January 2024, I have been actively engaging with township board meetings and city council meetings to ensure that pertinent updates from the Treasurers Office are communicated. This practice will be an ongoing commitment, with plans to provide these updates at least once, if not twice, a year.

Genser: It is essential proven leaders who value honesty, integrity, and transparency above all else are elected to office. I pride myself as a highly ethical financial professional with a strong moral compass dedicated to the financial success of those I represents. As an experienced manager, I have learned to maintain a system which promotes bottom-up communication at the organizational level, which is key to understanding the weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, and threats tied to an organizations workforce. As you next Treasurer, I pledge to maintain an open-door policy with my constituency, as I believe broader public access opens the door to wider transparency supported by multiple channels of communication. As Treasurer, I will dedicate myself to promoting a culture that exemplifies these core values and will work to achieve financial security and economic freedom.

Why are you running for treasurer?

Clark: When I learned that our former treasurer, Amanda Price, was retiring, I knew that we needed a leader who would carry on Ottawa Countys legacy of sound fiscal responsibility, integrity, accountability, and preventing foreclosures. I am confident that I am that leader. With over 32 years of experience in public financial management and holding the title of Advanced Certified Public Funds Investment Manager, I am well-equipped for the role. Having dedicated over 28 years to Ottawa County, including 15 years as Chief Deputy Treasurer and later being appointed as the Ottawa County Treasurer, I am deeply rooted in public service. My 9-year tenure as Treasurer for Robinson Township has further prepared me for this role. Being born and raised in Grand Haven and a long-time resident of Ottawa County, I have a genuine passion for the well-being of this community and its residents, and I am committed to serving them to the best of my abilities.

Genser: As a proven wealth management professional, I provide comprehensive financial planning, asset management, and investment advisory services to families and businesses across West Michigan. With a BS and MBA from the University of Michigan combined with 18 years of leadership experience in financial services, management consulting, and advisory, I believe now is the right time to use my distinct skill set to help our county. Leadership, communication, critical thinking, and negotiation are skills I bring to the table alongside a proven track record in strategic planning, project management, process improvement, tax planning, and audit. In the midst of litigation against and deficiencies within the Treasurers Office, I believe Ottawa County is in need of a reliable and experienced financial professional who aims to rebuild public confidence through integrity and transparency with full accountability to the residents of Ottawa County. I am a conservative Republican who brings a unique combination of private sector and public service experience. Regardless of whom holds the majority on our Board of Commissioners, as Treasurer, I aim to manage the countys balance sheet through a conservative lens, and will work to ensure the residents of Ottawa County have every opportunity to realize the American dream with financial security and economic freedom.

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KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Voters will weigh in on continuing a tax to fund firefighting services in Kalamazoo Countys Ross Township.

The Ross-Augusta Fire Department is encouraging residents to vote in the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 6, election, to support a renewal of the its operating millage that expires Dec. 31.

The fire department operates under the millage, separate from Ross Township.

The current millage was approved at 1 mill and the proposed millage is for 1 mill for the next five years.

For a property with a residential market value of $200,000 (with an estimated taxable value of $100,000), the 1-mill tax would cost a property owner about $100 annually.

The millage has allowed the department to replace some of its aging apparatus fleet, the department said, and the fire service has seen significant cost increases for equipment and apparatus in recent years. Fire trucks have increased significantly in price since 2020, department officials said.

The renewal would help the department continue to replace outdated critical equipment to serve residents, as it expects an increase in calls to service.

The department responded to 461 calls for service in 2023, its highest response total to date, officials said.

The increase in calls corresponds with an increase in operating costs, including payroll and insurance increases. Maintenance of fire trucks, apparatus equipment, repairs and increases to gas prices also contribute to a higher operating budget.

Ross-Augusta firefighters are also medical first responders and respond to a wide variety of emergency calls: fires, medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, water incidents, carbon monoxide/gas leaks and more, officials said in a news release. Crews continually train to stay proficient in life saving skills.

If passed, the millage would allow fire department to continue to provide exceptional service to residents in Ross Township and the village of Augusta, the townships news release states.

The official ballot language is as follows:

Shall the previously voted increase in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Ross Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan of up to 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) presently reduced by the required millage roll backs and which millage will expire with the 2024 tax levy, be renewed at 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for five (5) years, 2025 through 2029 inclusive, on all taxable real and personal property in the Township, including the portion of the Village of Augusta within Ross Township, for disbursement to Ross Township for the purpose of operating and maintaining fire protection services and related emergency services provided by the Augusta-Ross Township Fire Department, including the purchase of vehicles, apparatus, equipment, and housing, thereby raising an estimated $468,757 in the first year the millage is levied.

Ross Township Supervisor Christina Hutchings told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette the word housing in the ballot language refers to housing of equipment, not housing for people.

Currently, Hutchings said, the departments firefighters in Augusta and in Ross Township live in their own private homes and are paid on call.

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We do have several dry and nice weather days coming for all of Michigan. The parade of rain systems is not going to take a big break however. The next rain is moving toward us from a not-so-frequent trajectory. This next rain is also moving a day faster than what it looked like yesterday.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be dry. Each day should have some sun, but the question is how much wildfire smoke will appear to knock down the sunshine.

Yesterday the next rain looked to move into Michigan this coming Monday, moving in from the northwest. Now a storm circulation appears to be emerging from the recent very heavy rain in the deep Southwest. This circulation is going to bring the next rain to Michigan straight from the south.

That circulation is moving fast and now looks to bring showers and thunderstorms into southwest and south-central Lower Michigan Sunday afternoon or early Sunday evening.

Heres the rain forecast showing six-hour increments from Saturday morning to Sunday evening.

Six-hour rain forecasts from 8 a.m. Saturday, July 27 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28NOAA

This means Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Jackson could have rain starting Sunday afternoon or Sunday evening.

With a storm system coming straight from the south the system will have plenty of moisture to work with to produce rain. A system like this is still off and on showery but also heavy downpours in thunderstorms are likely.

Rainfall forecast from 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday.NOAA

The total rainfall from Saturday evening to Sunday evening shows the late-day Sunday rain could be pretty heavy at one-half inch to one inch of rain.

The rest of Michigan should stay dry through the daylight hours of Sunday and get into showers and thunderstorms Sunday night and Monday.
Commentary

By Sylvain Charlebois

The recent announcement that American retail giants Walmart and Costco will be joining the Grocer Code of Conduct, alongside established Canadian players such as Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro, marks a critical step forward in the evolution of Canadas grocery sector.

This collective commitment by all major players is vital for the codes effectiveness and represents a significant effort that has taken years to achieve.

The Grocer Code of Conduct is designed to improve competition in the Canadian market by ensuring accountability across the food industry. It targets previously hidden practices, such as the high fees retailers charge suppliers, subjecting them to scrutiny and regulation.

For instance, consider a Canadian jam producer who wants to distribute products through major retailers like Loblaw. Initially, the grocer might impose listing fees and other charges that could amount to over $100,000 annually. As the product gains popularity, these fees can escalate dramatically, compelling the supplier to increase prices to maintain profitability.

This cycle leads to market instability and higher costs for consumers. The Grocer Code of Conduct aims to regulate these fee escalations, promoting a more stable pricing environment and fairer practices.

Furthermore, the Grocer Code of Conduct promises a more equitable environment for independent grocers, allowing them to negotiate on more equal terms. While major players like Loblaw and Walmart will still hold significant market influence, the code is expected to curb their predatory practices.

The industrys need for an image overhaul cannot be overstated, especially in the wake of scandals such as the bread price-fixing debacle and the controversy over hero pay during the pandemic. These incidents have severely tarnished the publics perception of the grocery sector.

Key figures such as Michael Medline, CEO of Sobeys, have played pivotal roles in advancing the code. Medlines call for greater discipline and respect within the industry, alongside the tireless advocacy by Michael Graydon and Sylvie Cloutier on behalf of Canadian food manufacturers, has significantly shaped the discourse and mobilized support among policymakers. The efforts of Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne and the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee, chaired by MP Kody Blois, have also been instrumental in positioning the code as a strategic blueprint for fostering competition and enhancing supplier relations in Canada.

With the codes implementation, food manufacturers and independent grocers will gain a stronger voice, leading to greater product diversity for consumers. This is a straightforward equation: more suppliers equate to more choices on the shelves.

While securing the commitment of all five major retailers is a commendable achievement, the real challenge lies ahead in ensuring compliance and tangible results. Canadians skepticism will likely persist until they witness the benefits of these reforms firsthand  a sentiment that is both understandable and justified.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.
The woman's car was completely destroyed. She was just relieved to have survived, but her little passenger was not so lucky

An Aussie driver was just days away from celebrating a milestone birthday when her 4WD unexpectedly veered off the road towards a 60-metre cliff.

Shane Williams recalled the terrifying near-death experience as she spoke with Yahoo News on Tuesday.

I don't speed, but all of a sudden my car lost control and started swerving. Then it started to spin and I thought: 'Oh no, Im going to lose complete control'. And I did, she said.

Williams couldnt understand why the vehicle had spun out of control last Monday. She had been travelling along Jayes Road in Balingup, a picturesque tourist town around 240 km south of Perth. And it was a road she knew well.

Funny things go through your head when you think youre about to croak it. I was thinking: I'm not going to make 65. This is gonna be the day that I die.

Related: Kangaroo's gruelling seven-hour ordeal exposes 'significant danger' in suburb

Driver suffers painful injury after terrifying accident

Luckily for Williams, her 4WD smashed into a tree and this prevented her from plummeting to her death. Sadly her Toyota Land Cruiser was completely written off.

"I was definitely protected by God... no question about that at all," she said after the crash.

Sitting inside her vehicle, she surveyed the damage around her. The motor, car doors and roof were all crushed. The force was so great, her battery had dislodged and fallen to the ground in front.

Shane Williams has no family and has dedicated her life to wildlife rescue. Source: Supplied

While Williams wasnt badly injured, she struggled to get out of the vehicle.

Everything happened so quickly. I couldnt believe when everything crushed around me that I was okay, she told Yahoo.

The drivers door wouldnt open, so I had to crawl across and get out of the passenger door. My knee was dislocated so it was very painful.

I put it back in myself by the side of the road when I got out of the car. I screamed out: Oh my goodness that hurt.

Heartbreaking discovery following 4WD crash

And while Williams was happy to be alive, all was not well. Her tiny passenger had suffered a broken leg.

Williams is a volunteer wildlife carer at Bridgetown Wildlife Rescue and moments before she crashed her vehicle, shed rescued a little kangaroo joey and placed it inside.

The little joey, he unfortunately had to be put down. Thats what upset me the most. I was really devastated, she said.

While Williams is thankful to have now celebrated her 65th birthday, shes struggling to continue rescuing wildlife without a vehicle.

Because she funnels all of her money into wildlife rescue and care, she wasnt insured. So now, shes having to borrow a car from friends while she tries to raise money to buy a new one.

Its very hard without my own car. Ive been doing this for 20 years. Its my whole life. I have no family. So my kangaroos are my family, she said.

When they're injured or orphaned or sick, they need you. They need someone to care for them. And so I'm always there for them. Ive never said no to helping an animal.

Locals have set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Williams. It has raised over $8,000, but she needs to get to $18,500 to buy a secondhand 4WD.

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Aussie man Jan Laczynski said he felt 'embarrassed' and 'stunned' to find the monument that is 'so sacred to many' had been left to rot.

Australian man Jan Laczynski who lost five friends during the 2002 Bali Bombings said it's 'appalling' that local authorities had left the site to decay. Source: Supplied

A heartbroken Australian man who lost several friends during the 2002 Bali Bombings has slammed the state of the "rapidly deteriorating" public memorial, which he said has been neglected for months and is now overflowing with rubbish.

Victorian man Jan Laczynski was present on the night of the bombings almost 22 years ago in the popular nightlife precinct of Kuta, in which 202 people were killed, including 88 Australians. Although his life was miraculously spared during the attack  which at the time was branded the "worst act of terror in Indonesia's history"  five of his loved ones weren't so lucky.

Laczynski said the beloved monument honouring the victims, in Kuta in the Badung Regency, is a place many Australians go "to reflect on that awful night" each time they're in Bali, but after viewing it two weeks ago, he "just stood there in disbelief, completely stunned" by the state of it.

He blasted Indonesian officials for failing to maintain the monument, which he said he'd noticed was 'rapidly deteriorating'. Source: Supplied

Bali bombing survivor 'shocked' by state of 'sacred' memorial

He saw cigarette butts, empty vapes, floating trash and piles of debris present throughout the water feature, which he said now was now merely "slimy green water".

Laczynski photographed cracks and broken tiles around the edges of the structure  also known as Ground Zero Monument and said its signature light display no longer worked.

"The lights that used to come on at night aren't working. The pumps for the water fountain aren't working. It has a stench, the water's slimy and green," he told Yahoo News Australia.

"It's supposed to be a place of reflection. Every single day you go there, there are Australians there on their holidays  they make a B-line to it. It's the place where that awful event happened.

"Just to see it like that, I was honestly totally shocked. The pond is like a rubbish tip. It's a disgrace.

The memorial  also known as the Ground Zero Monument  was once colourful, clean and tidy. Pictured here one year ago. Source: Google

"I just stood there in disbelief, just thinking 'this isn't right, imagine if this was Gallipoli'  this is a very sacred place for a lot of Australians. I just found it painful to see it in that state. Rubbish everywhere, even behind the memorial. Live electrical wires, exposed wiring. It's just wrong."

Laczynski said he personally called local authorities to make them aware of the "embarrassing" problem and was assured the issue was on their radar and that plans were currently underway to have it "fixed".

He's far from the first to share his criticisms of the deteriorating memorial, with other travellers having also recently raised the issue in recent months, according to reports.

The Kuta Village Community Empowerment Institute said earlier this year it was committed to ensuring the space is well maintained to honour those affected by the attacks and to ensure travellers visiting feel "comfortable and safe".

Bali officials vow to maintain order

Chairman of the LPM Kuta Subdistrict Putu Adnyana reportedly admitted the condition of Ground Zero needed urgent attention. He pointed blame towards the Badung Regency Tourism Office, and said he hoped the cleanliness, comfort and order in the surrounding area can be given more attention, the Bali Sun reported.

"The responsibility for management was in the domain of the Badung LHK Service. But from May 2023, the responsibility will be the Tourism Office," Adnyana said in January.

"From the Tourism Office, there are arrangements, whether it is managed as religious tourism, that will be discussed. We hope that this monument can be managed better in the future.

"Currently, the monument area is faced with various problems such as rubbish, careless parking, and activities that are not in accordance with the essence of this place. We want to see this monument managed well so that it remains sacred and has a positive impact on society".

Yahoo News Australia has requested an update on the planned restoration of the site.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Abhishek Sahu covers HR and Education (Careers) at Moneycontrol. He can be reached at Abhishek.Sahu@nw18.com and @Abhishek44sahu.
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1/9 When the demands of work overpower your personal time and activities, you have an unbalanced work-life schedule. This imbalance can lead to ongoing stress and a lower quality of life, impacting both your physical and mental health. Burnout often arises from chronic work-related stress and an inability to separate professional responsibilities from personal life. Studies show that burnout can result from an excessive workload, lack of control, and not receiving enough rewards or recognition. When work constantly intrudes on personal time, it prevents you from relaxing, rejuvenating and recharging, thus making burnout more likely (Image: Unsplash)

2/9 The symptoms of burnout include chronic fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Physically, you may experience headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances. Psychologically, feelings of cynicism or detachment from work are common. Recognising these signs early is key to addressing the imbalance and preventing further health issues. Here are 7 mistakes you should avoid for a balanced work-life schedule (Image: Canva)

3/9 Overworking: Consistently working long hours without breaks can lead to burnout. According to the American Psychological Association, overworking reduces productivity and increases stress. Set clear boundaries for work hours and make time for breaks to maintain balance.

4/9 Neglecting self-care: Ignoring personal well-being can have severe consequences. Research emphasises that neglecting self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation can exacerbate stress. Prioritise activities that support your physical and mental health (Image: Canva)

5/9 Poor time management: Inefficient scheduling can lead to overlapping tasks and missed deadlines. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that effective time management improves productivity and reduces stress. Use tools like calendars and task lists to organise your day and avoid last-minute rushes (Image: Canva)

6/9 Lack of boundaries: Failing to set boundaries between work and personal life can blur the lines, making it hard to disconnect. Maintaining clear work-life boundaries is essential for mental health. Create designated times for work and personal activities to maintain separation (Image: Canva)

7/9 Ignoring personal relationships: Neglecting family and friends due to work commitments can lead to isolation and relationship strain. Studies from the University of Michigan suggest that strong personal connections are vital for emotional support and stress relief. Make time for social activities and nurturing relationships (Image: Canva)

8/9 Overloading tasks: Multitasking often leads to decreased efficiency and increased stress. Taking on too many tasks at once can be overwhelming. Prioritise tasks and follow the divide and rule approach: break down the work and delegate when possible to manage your workload effectively.
Aizaz, from the UK, was camping in the bush with his mates in northern NSW when he was left 'screaming' in pain.

Aiz was bush camping with some mates when he discovered he'd been targeted by leeches which had attached to his feet. Source: TikTok/Aiz The Solo Traveller

A solo traveller living in Australia has shared the "excruciating" moment he was "eaten alive" while bush camping in a remote area with friends. British man Aizaz Hussain said he and some mates travelled from Brisbane to "the middle of nowhere"  a place called Mount Burrell, a couple of hours drive from Nimbin in northern NSW.

They'd planned to camp rough for a night, packing only the bare essentials  an Aussie adventure Aizaz said he was keen on. But he didn't expect to get the "real bush experience" and was "attacked" by "monster" leeches.

"I was in the most excruciating pain, I was screaming into my hands. It was all pretty nasty," he told Yahoo News Australia.

Traveller 'freaked out' after noticing 'massive black thing'

The group, who Aizaz had met during his time in Australia, had warned him "there might be some creepy crawlies around," when venturing out into the bush. But Aiz, from South London said, "I had a feeling he was withholding some information and I found out the hard way".

"It felt very strange, like a weird sensation inside my sock, and I was like, surely it must be just an itch or something like that," he said. "But then when I took the shoe off to scratch, there was some massive black thing wriggling around  like it was from the movie Alien. And that's when I freaked out," he said.

A video posted on TikTok, where he's shared his Aussie adventures, shows the moment he learned a "massive" leech was inside his sock. Sat in a camping chair, hands shielding his eyes, his mates got to work on "ripping" it off.

"Everyone was just sitting around chilling, we were about to set up a campfire. Everyone just jumped up to help pull it out [of my sock]," he told Yahoo. "I later found two more on the top of my shoes."

How to correctly remove leeches from skin

Aiz now knows his friends' approach was not the correct way to remove leeches. Instead, it's advised to either leave them  they will simply fall off on their own  or tactically remove them by first finding their head.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife advises pushing the head sideways with your fingernail to help release the suction and do the same with the other end until the critter has been released from the body.

Aiz was left with a bloodied sock as they discovered more leeches hanging close by. Source: TikTok/Aiz The Solo Traveller

Leeches can be found almost anywhere in Australia, wherever its damp or wet, so rivers, lakes, waterfalls, creeks and ponds are all healthy breeding grounds. Aiz said they'd walked through lots of bush and long grass to reach their camping spot.

According to the Australian Museum, land leeches are common on the ground or in low foliage in wet rainforests. In drier forests, they may be found on the ground in seepage-moistened places. Most do not enter water and cannot swim, but can survive periods of immersion.

Most leeches are sanguivorous, meaning they feed as blood-sucking parasites on preferred hosts  including humans and other mammals. To avoid a leech bite, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants is advised, and tuck your pants into your socks.

As much as he desired to enjoy all Australia has to offer, Aiz told Yahoo one night in the bush was certainly enough". "I don't think I would have lasted another," he said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Nivi Shrivastava is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on lifestyle, health and travel. Views expressed are personal
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Experts are warning the public there's a very good reason why people shouldn't try and return beached dolphins to the ocean.

A group of beachgoers rushed to the aid of a dolphin at Forresters Beach on Sunday. Source: @dpwildphoto

A group of beachgoers have been described as heroes after they were seen running to help a stranded dolphin. Images taken hundreds of metres away by a wildlife photographer highlight the dramatic three-minute ordeal.

Aussie photographer David Parry was out looking for osprey and sea eagles on Sunday morning when he saw the commotion unfolding on Forresters Beach, 55 km north of Sydney.

It was fairly rough out there. I looked across the beach and the gathering of a group of people caught my attention. I had concerns there could be a swimmer in trouble, he told Yahoo News.

Then I spotted the dolphin beached on the sand.

David watched from hundreds of metres away as a group of men tried to help the dolphin. Source: @dpwildphoto

Too far away to intervene himself, Parry was impressed by the bravery of men entering the freezing water. Experts believe the animal helped back into the water was a short-beaked common dolphin  an abundant and federally protected species.

After Parrys dramatic photographs showing the drenched rescuers were shared online, Central Coast locals showered the rescuers with adulation for their efforts to push the dolphin back into the water. Well done! Amazing, one person wrote. Thank you for saving this little one, another said.

Related: Tourists blasted after chaotic scenes following whale beaching

Warning about trying to help stranded dolphins

While its unknown whether those involved in the rescue were trained, the encounter has prompted experts to remind the public they should not interfere with stranded dolphins and need to instead call for help. Thats because simply sending them back into the ocean can create a bigger problem for the animal.

A man can be seen being pummelled by a wave as he worked to push the dolphin back out to sea. Source: @dpwildphoto

Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) is a non-profit that works with the NSW Government to help stranded marine mammals. It told Yahoo beaching is often a sign there is something wrong with the animal and it needs medical attention.

Problems could include illness, plastic or fishing gear ingestion, or even an injury caused by a predator bite or ship strike. And once a dolphin beaches itself once, without proper assistance it will often repeat the behaviour.

Its a bit of a tricky one. People want to do the right thing, but it could ultimately result in the demise of the animal, ORRCAs Sharon Coffee said.

Theres a lot more involved than simply pushing it back in and thinking that youve saved it.

More remarkable marine mammal stories

Why refloating beached dolphins can take hours

While its believed the animal on Forresters Beach had not been there for long, when it comes to animals that have beached for a prolonged period they require even more specialised care.

When we refloat a dolphin it takes hours. Because when the animal is on the sand, pressure is put on its organs, and the lactic acid builds up in their body.

They actually have to be floated in the water for hours or a whole day, until they can get their muscles working again.

In Australia, cetaceans including common species of whales and dolphins are protected. You can find information about who to contact in your state or territory here.

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Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com
A leading animal welfare campaigner is warning international tourists may boycott Turkey if it moves to vanquish its street dogs.

Holidaymakers could soon boycott Turkey over a radical solution designed to vanquish stray dogs from its streets. For centuries, human residents have shared their cities with the animals, but a planned crackdown could see millions of them rounded up and euthanised.

Dominic Dyer, a leading animal welfare campaigner in the United Kingdom, said the decision could have a direct economic impact on the nations all important tourism sector  worth an estimated US $64 billion ($97 billion) in 2023.

Its not just British, its the Germans, Dutch and Swedes and other holidaymakers who go there in their millions who are saying they'll just travel somewhere else, he told Yahoo News.

So there is significant potential damage to Turkey's reputation if it goes ahead. Particularly once we see these images emerge in the world of large numbers of animals being killed.

Turkish authorities estimate there are 4 million street dogs across the country. Source: Dr Fatima Gunay

Global response to Turkish stray dog plan

Calls for the countrys right-leaning Justice and Development Party (AKP) government to abandon its dog killing agenda have also been widespread in Turkey. Tens of thousands of protesters in multiple cities have taken to the streets chanting No to the massacre.

The kill-plan has also sparked concern far away in Australia at Humane Society International. Its animal welfare campaigner Georgie Dolphin was part of the non-profit's first responder team that flew to Turkey in 2023 following a devastating earthquake, helping not only pet owners and their animals but also strays.

Its heartbreaking to think that dogs we helped rescue and cared for might be euthanised when there are humane alternatives on the table, she told Yahoo News on Wednesday.

She has called on the countrys leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reconsider changing legislation and focus on mass dog sterilisation, vaccination and community engagement.

This will be far more effective in the long term and is considered best practices and the most humane approach.

Tens of thousands of Turks have protested against planned anti-street dog regulations. Source: Getty

Turkish vet says killing dogs is not the answer

Turkish vet Dr Fatima Gunay understands the problems street dogs pose. There are reported to be four million stray dogs in Turkey. She was attacked by one when she was 10 years old.

It traumatised me. And I only got over my dog phobia when I was 25, she said.

Its the truth, there is a huge street dog issue. But the brutal thing is the solution. The dogs are living things who have been with us for thousands of years. And I certainly dont agree [killing them] is the way to solve the problem.

Gunay has struggled to find the funds needed to neuter strays. She believes calls to wipe them out instead may have begun to germinate after Turks moved overseas to other countries like Germany  where the diaspora are the largest ethnic minority group  and realised the animals werent common.

People were comparing Europe and America to Turkey. And they say there are no street dogs here and people can live peacefully and walk in the street without thinking about being attacked, she said.

Why Turkish leaders want to wipe out street dogs

A 2004 law introduced by President Erdogan had required city governments to vaccinate and release strays.

But their presence began attracting negative attention in 2021 after reports a pack had killed children. This prompted President Erdogan to call on city officials to round the dogs up.

Sadly the response was less than humane  footage that Dyer describes as "horrendous" went viral on social media showing a dog savagely beaten. And there were reports of other animals left in tiny cages to starve by local authorities who were not financially equipped to sterilise or rehome them.

While problems with dog aggression in some areas are undeniable, the majority of street dogs are docile. Thats because rather than buying individual pets, many people in small towns have traditionally pooled money to communally feed the local strays.

While some street dogs are aggressive, most are docile. Source: Getty

The call to wipe dogs from the streets is widely seen as a political move by the AKP to continue favour with its conservative supporter base.

Dyer thinks stray dogs are a national issue, which splits Turkish in two, creating a cultural divide.

You have the more conservative communities who traditionally support the AKP and Erdogan who consider the dogs as more of a threat. They don't have dogs as pets, and many are poorly educated and they demonise the animals, he said.

Then you have the secular Turks  millions of people, who like in many Western countries own dogs. They spend an awful lot of money looking after their dogs and want to look after the stray animals.

There are a lot of women and not just young women, but also those in poor areas, who are out feeding dogs and looking after them or going to the shelters to to protest against the mistreatment of dogs.

New bill waters down dog kill plan

In May, Erdogan escalated plans to wipe out the dogs, claiming stray numbers were on the rise. We have a stray dog problem that does not exist in any developed country, he said.

He called for a radical solution to the problem. And his government responded with a plan that would see all of the countrys four million street dogs rounded up, and those not rehomed in 30 days killed.

That plan has since been watered down. A new bill was passed by a parliamentary commission this week which appears to limit the circumstances in which dogs can be euthanised.

But municipalities will still be required to remove stray dogs from the streets and put them in shelters. They will have to improve conditions inside shelters by 2028.

Several Turkish shelters believe the plan offers little funding for cities to deal with stray dogs, and there is ambiguity in the law which permits euthanasia.

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Ashwin Mohan is Editor (Deals) at Moneycontrol and leads the M&A, private equity and equity capital market transactions coverage. He anchors the video show 'Deal Central ' and tweets at @ashwinmohansays. He has previously worked with ET NOW, CNBC TV-18 and The Times of India.
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Police have issued a confronting warning after the mum's discovery in her local shopping centre car park.

Leeann Heffernan found a dangerous object under her car tyre when parked at her local Woolworths recently. Source: Supplied

Authorities have issued a confronting warning to the public after an Aussie woman discovered an ominous looking timber block with sharp nails protruding out of it under her car tyre at a suburban Woolworths car park. Luckily the mum spotted the object before she got into the car.

Leeann Heffernen found the disturbing object when she returned to her parked car in a shopping centre car park at Tahmoor, on the south western outskirts of Sydney recently and Camden Police have since issued a warning to locals to look out for similar objects.

Heffernen told Yahoo News Australia that she felt "very taken aback and shocked" by the incident, particularly knowing that someone had placed the object there intentionally.

"It definitely makes me feel a little more cautious and reluctant to walk down there alone," she told Yahoo News.

Heffernen's car had been parked on the back wall of the car park, behind the trolley bay, for the entire day until she returned to the vehicle at 5.30pm.

Haylee Heffernan shared a warning online after her mum's scary experience at her local shopping centre. Source: Supplied/Google Maps

Haylee Heffernan, Leanne's daughter said luckily her mum was on the phone as she was approaching her car. "The light from the phone glimmered on a nail, otherwise she would not have noticed," Haylee told Yahoo News.

"It's quite scary to think that it might have been a targeted attack or set up for particular people, knowing that they would be stuck on the side of the road at night.

"However, we are hoping that it's just senseless. We have heard of multiple break-ins in the area, however, this is the first we have heard of this particular style."

Local police issue warning following car park incident

Haylee has since shared photos of the wooden block with nails on social media, warning other Aussies to check behind their wheels before driving.

Obviously someone has nothing better to do, Haylee wrote in the post. How disappointing.

Camden Police Area Command issued a public warning about the incident, sharing Haylee's photos of the block of wood. The post requested that people be "cautious" of similar items and suggested that they had been placed under multiple cars.

The car park where Leanne had been parked. Source: Google Maps

These were placed under the wheels of vehicles that were parked in a shopping centre car park in the Tahmoor area, the post read. If you find any items such as this, please call Narellan Police Station.

Haylee said she and Leeann called the police to notify them of the situation, but are yet to make a formal complaint in person.

"While police have not received any formal reports, officers attached to the Camden Police Area Command are aware of an incident involving a vehicle in the Tahmoor area," NSW Police confirmed in a statement provided to Yahoo News Australia.

The timber block with nails that Leeann found under her car tyre. Source: Facebook/Haylee Heffernan

Locals complain of similar incidents: 'So bad'

Aussies responded to Haylee's online warning, with one local saying she had heard of incidents like this previously.

Basically people in car parks ... put that brick with the nails under people's car tyres so that when you run over it the tyre pops, she wrote. Then these people (who are hanging around waiting) come and offer assistance and rob you. Happening all around the world.

Tahmoor is getting so bad, another person wrote.

As inquiries continue, NSW Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Either jail or jahannum: Govts stern warning to terrorists carrying out attacks in J&K
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J. Kumar J.Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in Mumbai
July 24, 2024 / 21:55 IST

The Bangladesh Government has raised strong objections to the comments of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on situation in Bangladesh with the High Commission of India. Bangladesh govt has said that the tweet of Mamata Banerjee was provocative and had false elements concerning the internal affairs of Bangladesh

Further, the Bangladesh government has informed that they are trying to bring normalcy, and such remarks (particularly on the deaths of students) by the Chief Minister of West Bengal is misleading

They informed that as mentioned in the post of Mamata Banerjee on X, the situation mentioned with reference to the United Nations Resolution does not prevail in Bangladesh. Further, Bangladesh said this kind of comment, in particular the assurance of giving refuge to the people, may provoke many people, especially the terrorists and miscreants to take advantage of such an announcement
Monsoon Session Highlights: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran suggests that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should consider following the leadership approach of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

He says Stalin's approach as Chief Minister involves working for all residents of Tamil Nadu, not just those who voted for him, emphasizing an inclusive governance model.

Maran criticizes PM Modi for focusing only on the parties supporting him, rather than addressing the needs of all citizens, including those who did not vote for his party.

Maran advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive governance style similar to Stalins, where leadership serves the entire population rather than just political allies.

LoP in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, after meeting a delegation of seven farmer leaders in the Parliament premises earlier today, said, "In our manifesto, we have mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment and it can be implemented. We had a meeting right now where were decided that we will talk to the other leader of the INDIA alliance to put pressure on the Govt that MSP legal guarantee should be given to the farmers of the country."

A delegation of 12 farmer leaders under the aegis of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) from across the country meet the Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi in Parliament today.

Congress MPs KC Venugopal, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Dr Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda and Jai Prakash were also present in the meeting.

Kharge, along with other prominent leaders such as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress' deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari, and Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, convened a meeting at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at 10 Rajaji Marg.

Also present were key figures including NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, TMC leaders Derek O'Brien and Kalyan Banerjee, DMK's TR Baalu, JMM's Mahua Maji, AAP's Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, and others. Congress general secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh participated in the discussions as well.

"The concept of a budget has already been destroyed by this year's Union Budget. They have completely discriminated against most of the states. So general sentiment of the INDIA bloc meeting was: we have to protest against this," Venugopal told reporters after the meeting.
Swati Das is an independent journalist covering Tamil Nadu politics, and is based in Chennai.
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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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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 12, GAC INTERNATIONAL, GAC Group's arm focusing on its global business expansion, held a grand brand launch event in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, officially marking its entry into the Azerbaijani market.

The GS3 EMZOOM; photo credit: GAC INTERNATIONAL

During the launch event, GAC INTERNATIONAL unveiled its development strategy for the Azerbaijani market with five vehicle models introduced: the EMKOO, the EMPOW , the GS3 EMZOOM, the All New GS8, and the M8. This impressive lineup showcases the brand's comprehensive product range and robust technological prowess, underscoring its commitment to deeply cultivating the Azerbaijani market.

The GS3 EMZOOM; photo credit: GAC INTERNATIONAL

The new vehicles are available for immediate delivery, with nearly 20 units of the GS3 EMZOOM and the All New GS8 already sold since their market launch in the country, according to GAC INTERNATIONAL.

GAC INTERNATIONAL is actively expanding into markets along the Belt and Road Initiative. Currently, the company has established its presence in several Belt and Road countries and regions, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt, Malaysia, the Philippines, Chile, Bolivia, and Nigeria, where it has built extensive sales networks and service systems. Located in the eastern part of the Transcaucasia region, Azerbaijan sits at the heart of the Eurasian continent, making it a key strategic market for GAC INTERNATIONAL's overseas expansion. The brand launch in Azerbaijan not only signifies GAC INTERNATIONAL's expansion into another Belt and Road market but also vividly illustrates the deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Azerbaijan.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 24, Hon Hai Technology Group, the worlds leading electronics manufacturer, announced that its subsidiary, Foxconn Technology Group ("Foxconn"), has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the government of Henan province.

Photo credit: Foxconn

According to the agreement, the Henan government will support Foxconn in establishing a new business headquarters in its capital city, Zhengzhou. Leveraging its core competencies in smart manufacturing and its extensive global technological resources and supply chain advantages, Foxconn aims to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, digital health, and robotics industries in Henan province. The goal is to create a global high-end manufacturing industrial chain and an ecosystem for strategic emerging industries.

As part of this initiative, Foxconn will invest in constructing a new headquarters building in Zhengzhou. The first phase of the project will be located in Zhengdong New Area, covering an area of approximately 700,000 square meters, with a total investment of about 1 billion yuan. The headquarters will house seven key centers: the headquarters management center, R&D and engineering center, strategic industry development center, strategic industry financial platform, industry research institute and key talent center, marketing center, and supply chain management center.

The company said the strategic cooperation will focus on the implementation of Foxconn's "3+3" strategy, emphasizing the development of three emerging industrieselectric vehicles, digital health, and roboticsand three new technology fieldsartificial intelligence, semiconductors, and next-generation mobile communications. This collaboration will encompass development planning, core technology research, industrial investment and management, project incubation, market expansion and customer development, talent acquisition and training, and the creation of an industrial ecosystem. Key projects, such as an electric vehicle prototyping center and solid-state battery initiatives, will be prominently developed in the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone.

The NEV prototyping center will feature a high-end demonstration NEV production line. This center will serve as a showcase platform providing manufacturing services to renowned automotive brands both domestically and internationally. It is poised to become a world-class lighthouse factory in the entire vehicle sector, laying a robust foundation for the mass production of new energy vehicles. The goal is to establish the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone as the core production base for Foxconn's NEV segment.

In line with the latest industry trends, Foxconn will develop the solid-state battery business within the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone. This initiative will focus on the R&D and manufacturing of solid electrolytes, semi-solid, and all-solid-state battery cells.
Marondera  A chilling scene of domestic violence unfolded in the quiet Nyameni High Density suburb on Sunday, leaving a community reeling and a husband facing murder charges. Ezekiel MacDonald Chibvongodze, a 29-year-old loan broker, appeared before Marondera Regional Magistrate Mr Panashe Matongo yesterday, charged with the brutal murders of his wife, Mitchel Evelyn Katakwe, and their six-year-old son, Kimley Tawananyasha. The accused, who attempted to take his own life after the horrific incident, was denied bail and remanded in custody until August 6.

The court heard a harrowing account of the events that transpired. Chibvongodze, consumed by suspicion of his wifes alleged infidelity, purchased an Okapi knife in Marondera town. He then returned home and, after waiting for his wife and son to fall asleep, launched a savage attack, stabbing them repeatedly. The kitchen floor and yard were stained with blood, a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded. The dining room, where young Tawanda met his tragic end, bore the same grim testament.

On the fateful day, the news crew visited Nyameni where the incident took place and various witnesses, including fellow tenants and neighbours explained what happened.

Egenia Bhainai, a tenant in the same house, provided a chilling eyewitness account of the events. I was in my room when I heard the woman crying out for help, she said, her voice trembling with the memory. Aichema achiti ndiri kubaiwa nebanga, ndava kufa ndibatsireiwo. (She was crying out for help saying she was being stabbed with a knife and she was dying).

Bhainais words painted a picture of desperation and terror. I rushed to their bedroom door and tried to open it, but it was locked from inside, she continued. I started banging on the door and shouting, but no one opened it. The woman continued crying helplessly.

The chilling sound of Evelyns cries echoed through the house, a desperate plea for help that went unanswered. Bhainai, fearing for her own safety, retreated to her room, locking herself inside. I was afraid that the man would also attack me, she said, her voice filled with a lingering sense of fear.

Moments later, the sound of the bedroom door unlocking sent a shiver down her spine. I took a peek and saw the woman staggering out, crying and bleeding, she recalled. She came through my kitchen door and fell outside. Her husband then rushed out through another door.

Driven by a desperate need to help, Bhainai rushed to her neighbours for assistance. When she returned, Evelyn was gone. I went inside the house, thinking she had gone back inside, she said. When I entered their dining room, I saw their son lying on the floor with a knife stuck in his back.

The sight of the young boy, lifeless on the floor, was enough to send a wave of horror through the neighbourhood. Bhainais screams alerted the neighbours, and they rushed to the scene, their hearts sinking as they witnessed the unfolding tragedy.

I went outside to search for Mitchell, Bhainai said, her voice choked with emotion. That is when I found her lying about 30 metres from the house, breathing faintly. I asked her what was happening, but she only stared at me as she was struggling to breathe. We tried to get a vehicle to take her to the hospital, but failed, and she died.

Samson Matibiri, a Nyameni resident who runs a tuckshop near Chibvongodzes rented room, confirmed to My Zimbabwe News the accused had harboured suspicions of his wifes infidelity, leading to the horrific act.

The double murder case continues and Chibvongodze will be back in court on 6 August.

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In a move that has damped the spirits in the education sector and ignited widespread condemnation, prominent unionist and human rights campaigner Obert Masaraure has been summarily dismissed from his teaching post at Chemhanza High School, a Methodist Church-run school in Hwedza.

The dismissal, which came in a letter dated 30 March 2024, was delivered to Masaraure, the president of the Amalgamated Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), on Tuesday. The letter, which cited his absence from duty for over 30 days as the reason for termination, has been met with outrage by Masaraure and his supporters, who claim the dismissal is a politically motivated attempt to silence his outspoken activism.

Today I received a summary dismissal from my teaching post. The letter dated 30 March was pregnant with lies, but because no one accorded me the right to be heard they acted on falsehoods, Masaraure said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. I have served government since May 2014 and they chose to just terminate my contract.

Masaraures dismissal comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing struggles for better working conditions for Zimbabwes educators. Under the ARTUZ banner, he has spearheaded numerous protests, demanding improved wages and working conditions for teachers, often facing harsh reprisals from the government.

Its so heart wrenching that we have a serious shortage of STEM teachers. Some of us are willing to serve under the difficult working conditions. The ruling elites choose to invest anything and everything to block us from teaching. They are punishing learners not me. We wont allow it, he said, highlighting the irony of his dismissal at a time when the country is facing a severe teacher shortage.

Beyond his role as a union leader, Masaraure has emerged as a fearless advocate for human rights in Zimbabwe, consistently challenging the Zanu-PF government on issues of political repression and social injustice. His activism has often come at a personal cost, with arrests, torture, and intimidation becoming a recurring theme in his life.

The regime has expelled him without due process. This is the challenge with the regime in Harare. Instead of addressing the issues raised by the teachers and civil servants it decides to punish their representatives. We have to wage a collective fight! said opposition politician Gift Ostallos Siziba, echoing the sentiment of many who believe Masaraures dismissal is a direct attack on his activism.

Pashor Raphael Sibanda, another opposition politician and former MP, described Masaraures dismissal as a grave injustice, adding, our nation cannot afford to lose teachers due to politically motivated actions.

The dismissal letter, dated May 3, 2024, from Mashonaland East Provincial Education Director, Mrs Anatoria Ncube, states that Masaraures employment was terminated due to his absence from duty for more than 30 days.

It has been noted that your salary was ceased after you failed to report for duty, the letter reads. You did not, thereafter, come forward to claim your salary or avail yourself to your head of office to advise why you had failed to report for duty. You have still not reported for work to date. You were, thus, absent from duty for a continuous period in excess of 30 days without having been granted leave of absence.

However, Masaraure maintains that his absence was due to his commitment to his union work and his ongoing activism, which often placed him in direct conflict with the government. He claims that his dismissal is a direct consequence of his outspoken criticism of the governments policies and his relentless fight for the rights of teachers and other Zimbabweans.

The dismissal of Obert Masaraure has sent a chilling message to other teachers and activists in Zimbabwe. It amplifies the risks associated with speaking out against the government and the lengths to which the authorities are willing to go to silence dissent.

Breaking News via Email

Related Zimbabwe Latest News
By Lambert Strether of Corrente

Bird Song of the Day

Northern Mockingbird, 138 Captains Dr, West Babylon, Suffolk, New York, United States. Singing from a rooftop. Mimicry includes Black-capped Chickadee, Killdeer, Carolina Wren, Northern Flicker, American Robin (call), Blue Jay, and possibly a few others of lesser fidelity.

* * *

In Case You Might Miss

(1) Impeachment articles against Harris (frivolous).

(2) How Harris grabbed Bidens war chest.

(3) Only Google can search Reddit.

(4) The wheel of emotions.

* * *

Politics

So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles

* * *

The Constitutional Order (Immunity)

Whats Going On in Footnote 3? [Lawfare]. In practical terms, the matter is important because it mightand we must stress mightopen up a loophole in the Courts opinion that Special Counsel Jack Smith could exploit on remand to one degree or another.  Ive gotta admit, my eyes glazed over on this one. However, if Lawfare is signaling Smith, we can expect the issue to come up. For now, just remember the words Footnote 3.

The Constitutional Order (Twenty-Fifth Amendment)

Tennessee Republican files articles of impeachment against Harris [The Hill]. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) filed articles of impeachment against Vice President Harris on Tuesday, as Republicans ramp up attacks while she launches a presidential campaign. The filing expands on previously introduced articles that target Harriss record on immigration He added a second article in the new filing, which claims Harris covered up President Bidens mental well-being, constituting a breach of public trust.'  I dont the immigration stuff is impeachable, so Ill skip that part. But here are Ogle articles of impeachment, and here is the Twenty-Fifth Amendment section, which I have helpfully annotated: [1] I dont think failing to act upon a putative moral obligation is an impeachable offense Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors).Here once again is the relevant part of the Twenty Fifth Amendment: Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President. The Twenty Fifth Amendment gives the Vice President (Kamala) the power to declare that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, but it imposes no duty to do so. Moral obligation or no, theres no Constitutional obligation. [2] So what? [3] Breaches of public trust, failing basic expectations, and lack of integrity are not high crimes and misdeameanors either. Nor are they rare in Our Nations Capital. Use every man after his desert, and who shall scape whipping? William Shakespeare, Hamlet. This is frivolous, and its no wonder the leadership doesnt support it.

2024

Our Famously Free Press

That was then, this is now: 2021: Media reports on Biden asking Kamala to be border czar 2024: Media says Biden never asked Kamala to be border czar pic.twitter.com/jdlAQSB8vz  Paul A. Szypula  (@Bubblebathgirl) July 24, 2024 Pack journalism: Remarkable. Two different AP News streams, both on the same day, with radically different results. After Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Robert F. Kennedy immediately scheduled a press conference to reassure the American people. Joe Biden did not. However, AP News DID pic.twitter.com/NTn27YAWRT  Lauren Lee (@sheislaurenlee) July 23, 2024

Syndemics

I am in earnest  I will not equivocate  I will not excuse  I will not retreat a single inch  AND I WILL BE HEARD. William Lloyd Garrison

* * *

Covid Resources, United States (National): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot ; includes many counties; Wastewater Scan, includes drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); Iowa COVID-19 Tracker (in IA, but national data). Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts (especially on hospitalization by city).

Lambert here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To update any entry, do feel free to contact me at the address given with the plants. Please put COVID in the subject line. Thank you!

Resources, United States (Local): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reports); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur dAlene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard) ; NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard) ; PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (dashboard); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV ( wastewater ); WY ( wastewater ).

Resources, Canada (National): Wastewater (Government of Canada).

Resources, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usees); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater).

Hat tips to helpful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, KF, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, square coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3).

Stay safe out there!

* * *

Transmission: Covid

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva, stool, and urine samples of COVID-19 patients in Bihar, India Open Access [Microbiology Research]. From the Abstract: Besides inhalation as a route for transmission, feco-oral has also been proposed. Its transmission to sewage systems is a growing public health issue. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2022 on human non-respiratory samples. A total of 345samples including saliva (116), stool (97), and urine (132) were collected from 143 COVID-19 cases. Samples were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 by multiplex RT-PCR targeted against E, ORF 1ab, and RdRp genes. In this study, out of 143cases, a total of 107 (74.8%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in at least one of the nonrespiratory samples. There is a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in non-respiratory samples. And: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the faeces of COVID-19 patients indicates potential feco-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In addition to this, the excretion of SARS-CoV-2 in human stool and saliva is a concern of public health importance, especially in developing countries like India where open defecation and spitting in public is a rampant practice. Also, stray animals may get infected and might serve as a source of infection for humans. The sewage system might also be a potential source of viral outbreaks, community spread, and a future surveillance strategy. However, these potential routes of transmission need further investigation.

Maskstravaganza

Masks while swimming (!), a thread: Its pool and beach season! Will a respirator work for swimming and water parks (or shower sans hair washing)? Using my PortaCount 8020A, I tested the most accessible & affordable water-resistant respirator, 3M Aura 1870+, after 6 and 8 hours of wear at the pool (1.5hrs total of pic.twitter.com/xwx00hGI8V  Stealthy Jess   (@AdvancedTweaker) July 24, 2024

Celebrity Watch

Winning gold in the FAFO Olympics: Yesterday: Australia's Olympic team chief said one water polo player had covid but they were 'treating covid no differently to other bugs.this isn't Tokyo." Today: pic.twitter.com/4uHwfWHG34  Nate Bear (@NateB_Panic) July 24, 2024

Elite Maleficence

Another sure-to-be maskless conference, coming up: Please tell me the pandemic preparation community has learnt something from the disastrous WHO AIRBORNE disinformation response to SARS-CoV-2?? Is the focus still just on vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, and surveillance? Is no one discussing the lesson about the vital https://t.co/jnjR8KgarD pic.twitter.com/AgkRAAPJgw  John Johnston (@JOHNJOHNSTONED) July 24, 2024 Is no one discussing the lesson about the vital role of transmission mitigation strategies and the fundamental importance of getting the mode of transmission right? Until the powers-that-be can figure out how to charge rent for the air, the mode of transmission will not be of fundamental importance, no. * * * Where do pediatricians get this? And when I follow up and ask if their pediatrician informed them about covid safety precautions, all of them said they got no advice, no information.  The Babel Fish (@TheBabelFish1) July 23, 2024

* * *

Lambert here: Looks like the holiday travel dumped accelerant on the pre-existing surge; see especially the growth in wastewater hot spots. Stay safe out there!

TABLE 1: Daily Covid Charts

Wastewater This week[1] CDC July 15: Last Week[2] CDC July 8 (until next week): Variants [3] CDC July 20 Emergency Room Visits[4] CDC July 13 Hospitalization  New York[5] New York State, data July 23: National [6] CDC June 29: Positivity National[7] Walgreens July 22: Ohio[8] Cleveland Clinic July 13: Travelers Data Positivity[9] CDC July 1: Variants[10] CDC July 1: Deaths Weekly Deaths vs. % Positivity [11]CDC July 13: Weekly Deaths vs. ED Visits [12]CDC July 13:

LEGEND

1)  for charts new today; all others are not updated.

2) For a full-size/full-resolution image, Command-click (MacOS) or right-click (Windows) on the chart thumbnail and open image in new tab.

NOTES

[1] (CDC) This weeks wastewater map, with hot spots annotated. Keeps spreading.

[2] (CDC) Last weeks wastewater map.

[3] (CDC Variants) KP.* very popular.

[4] (ER) Worth noting Emergency Department use is now on a par with the first wave, in 2020.

[5] (Hospitalization: NY) Keeps up steady increase. (The New York city area has form; in 2020, as the home of two international airports (JFK and EWR) it was an important entry point for the virus into the country (and from thence up the Hudson River valley, as the rich sought to escape, and then around the country through air travel.)

[6] (Hospitalization: CDC). The visualization suppresses what is, in percentage terms, a significant increase.

[7] (Walgreens) An optimist would see a peak.

[8] (Cleveland) Still going up!

[9] (Travelers: Positivity) Up. Those sh*theads at CDC have changed the chart so that it doesnt even run back to 1/21/23, as it used to, but now starts 1/1/24. Theres also no way to adjust the time rasnge. CDC really doesnt want you to be able to take a historical view of the pandemic, or compare one surge to another. In an any case, thats why the shape of the curve has changed.

[10] (Travelers: Variants) Same deal. Those sh*theads.

[11] Deaths low, but positivity up.

[12] Deaths low, ED up.

Stats Watch

There are no statistics of interest today.

* * *

Tech: CrowdStrike offers a $10 apology gift card to say sorry for outage [TechCrunch]. CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity firm that crashed millions of computers with a botched update all over the world last week, is offering its partners a $10 Uber Eats gift card as an apology, according to several people who say they received the gift card, as well as a source who also received one. To express our gratitude, your next cup of coffee or late night snack is on us!'

Tech: Google Is the Only Search Engine That Works on Reddit Now Thanks to AI Deal [404 Media]. Google is now the only search engine that can surface results from Reddit, making one of the webs most valuable repositories of user generated content exclusive to the internets already dominant search engine. If you use Bing, DuckDuckGo, Mojeek, Qwant or any other alternative search engine that doesnt rely on Googles indexing and search Reddit by using site:reddit.com, you will not see any results from the last week. DuckDuckGo is currently turning up seven links when searching Reddit, but provides no data on where the links go or why, instead only saying that We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. Older results will still show up, but these search engines are no longer able to crawl Reddit, meaning that Google is the only search engine that will turn up results from Reddit going forward. Searching for Reddit still works on Kagi, an independent, paid search engine that buys part of its search index from Google. The news shows how Googles near monopoly on search is now actively hindering other companies ability to compete at a time when Google is facing increasing criticism over the quality of its search results. And while neither Reddit or Google responded to a request for comment, it appears that the exclusion of other search engines is the result of a multi-million dollar deal that gives Google the right to scrape Reddit for data to train its AI products. Theyre [Reddit] killing everything for search but Google, Colin Hayhurst, CEO of the search engine Mojeek told me on a call.  And of course, as usual, Google scraping Reddit means stealing the labor of hundreds of thousands of users. Original accumulation, as the Bearded One calls it. All for a power-hungry bullshit generator nobody ever asked for, but the Bros thought would be a great idea!

Tech: Hat tip, Silicon Valley:

CVS is going to stop all phone customer service. Not just that, but calls from patients will now be transcribed via generative AI and routed to pharmacists. Hope there are no errors here's your medicine! Efficiency! pic.twitter.com/UhuJQktgst  Matt Stoller (@matthewstoller) July 24, 2024

* * *

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 43 Fear (previous close: 55 Neutral) [CNN]. One week ago: 58 (Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jul 24 at 12:37:17 PM ET.

Zeitgeist Watch

Interesting graphic:

Geoffrey Roberts's emotional word wheel helps describe emotions. pic.twitter.com/2m5Lx9R3km  Prof Lennart Nacke, PhD (@acagamic) July 23, 2024

Interesting idea but Im not sure I accept the categories or the method (Spinoza distinguishes between emotions and feelings, though without the text to hand I cant say why. But Im not sure this wheel does). Meanwhile, a fraction within the Democrat Party is clearly feeling strong emotions, collectively, after Kamalas annunciation. I dont know where to place them on this wheel (nor do I understand them in the first place).

Class Warfare

Extreme wealth has a deadening effect on the super-rich  and that threatens us all [George Monbiot, Guardian]. Extreme wealth can severely hamper enjoyment. As Michael Mechanic documents in his book, Jackpot, there are two groups of people who have to think about money all the time: the very poor and the very rich. Immense wealth possesses you just as much as you possess it: managing it becomes a full-time job. You dont know whom to trust; you can start to imagine your friends arent friends at all; it can dominate and poison your family relationships. It can hollow you out, socially, intellectually and morally. But I think there might be a further corroding aspect of wealth that hasnt been widely discussed. Great wealth flattens the world. If you can go anywhere and do anything, everything is over the horizon. You speed past the local and the particular, towards an endlessly escalating ideal of luxury: the better marina, the bigger yacht, the private jet, the super-home. The satisfaction horizon can retreat before you. Place has no meaning, other than as a setting that might impress the friends you no longer trust. But anyone who is impressed by money is not worth impressing.

News of the Wired

Relationships are coevolutionary loops [Escaping Flatland]. This is what I infer when I see someone who is comfortable in their unique strangeness, too. There probably exists someone who enabled that evolution of personality. A parent, a friend group, a spouse. It is rare for people to come into themselves if no one is excited and curious about their core, their potential. We need someone who gives us space to unfold. For me, this is Johanna. We first met when she was 21 and I was 22 and later became a couple. What is me in me has unfolded primarily in her company. This has been a mutual unfolding; we spoke each other into being. This essay is about how we made our first home together. By home I dont mean just the physical structure, but the emotional space in which the coevolutionary loop plays out.  Hmm.

Nevertheless, progress still does occur:

A comparison of Wisconsin's occupied bald eagle nests in 1974 and 2019. The increase is attributed to the Clean Water Act pic.twitter.com/S0IS3UDghT  Amazing Maps (@amazingmap) July 23, 2024

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Contact information for plants: Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, to (a) find out how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal and (b) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi, lichen, and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. From timotheus:

Timotheus writes: Tobacco as decoration.

* * *

Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for three or four days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals:

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If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you!
Pair of sea lions chase people, charge through crowds once again at Californias La Jolla Cove FOX. Meanwhile:

Two people were thrown into the ocean after a whale landed on their fishing boat off the New Hampshire coast on Tuesday morning, and the entire incident was caught on video by two brothers on a nearby boat https://t.co/tZ4tildSTx pic.twitter.com/WzPemowDTZ  WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) July 23, 2024

Baby bull sharks are thriving in Texas and Alabama bays as the Gulf of Mexico warms Phys.org

CalPERS plan to generate alpha from climate investments Top 1000 Funds

Editorial: STRS Minnesota meddling Toledo Blade. STRS = State Teachers Retirement System. From last week, still germane.

Joseph E. Stiglitz Says More. Project Syndicate

Climate

Syndemics

China?

India

Bangladesh protests pause after top court scraps job quotas, more than 500 arrested over deadly unrest Channel News Asia

All-in on the Indo-Pacific the key message on Blinkens upcoming visit to Asia, says US official Channel News Asia

Syraqistan

European Disunion

Dear Old Blighty

New Not-So-Cold War

Biden Administration

2024

Gods in the Building: How the Texas Senate Buries Sexual Harassment Complaints and Enables Bad Actors Texas Monthly

Antitrust

Digital Watch

Police State Watch

Missouri prison ignores court order to free wrongfully convicted inmate for second time in weeks AP

Supply Chain

Class Warfare

Reading as Moral Formation Hedgehog Review

Life, Whats Luck Got to Do With It? Fossils and Other Living Things

Antidote du jour (JJ Harrison):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. This post illustrates a pet theme of ours: how in complex systems, trying to map a simple path through them often makes things worse. A big reason why is that the parties trying to hack their way through what amounts to a jungle dont even have a map of the terrain. Protectionism is a case in point.

Development economists have found that erecting various market barriers and providing support to young but high-priority industries can indeed succeed in having them grow big enough to survive global competition. But the US is allergic to industrial strategy even though it wants dirigiste-looking results, namely rebuilding our hollowed-out industrial base and defending, better yet improving, our standing in advanced technologies. The fact that weve been unable to increase production of 155 mm shells, and are dependent (per Alexander Mercouris) on a single factory in Poland for TNT (later gen less nasty explosives have proven to be too difficult to produce to date) shows a remarkable failure of planning. Yet that seems to be endemic in a world of MBAs whose brains have been addled by PowerPoint.

By Mehmet Canayaz, Assistant Professor of Finance, Smeal College of Business, Penn State University; Isil Ere, David A. Rismiller Chair in Finance, The Ohio State University; and Umit Gurun, Stan Liebowitz Professor of Finance and Accounting, University Of Texas at Dallas. Originally published at VoxEU

The US aims to revitalise its domestic semiconductor manufacturing industry, but will there be enough skilled workers to meet the ambitious goals? This column presents evidence, based on a global dataset of 1.6 million employees with chip manufacturing skills, that US protectionist policies  increased tariffs and visa restrictions  implemented since 2018 may have undermined the very workforce the industry needs to thrive. The number of US students graduating with skills relevant to chip manufacturing has decreased, and US chip manufacturing firms reduced hiring, especially for entry-level and junior positions.

As the US aims to revitalise its domestic semiconductor manufacturing industry through initiatives like the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, a critical question looms: will there be enough skilled workers to meet the ambitious goals? In a recent paper (Canayaz et al. 2024), we present new evidence that protectionist policies  increased tariffs and visa restrictions  implemented since 2018, ironically, may have undermined the very workforce the industry needs to thrive.

The semiconductor industry sits at the intersection of national security and economic competitiveness. Recognising this, policymakers have sought to bolster domestic chip production through measures like tariffs, immigration restrictions, and subsidies. However, our analysis reveals that these efforts have had unintended consequences on the industrys most vital resource: its talent pool.

Building on earlier work examining the broader economic impacts of trade frictions (Fajgelbaum et al. 2020, Amiti et al. 2019), we focus specifically on how protectionist policies have shaped the semiconductor workforce. Our findings paint a concerning picture of declining domestic hiring, especially for entry-level positions, and a shift in career choices away from the chip industry.

Using a comprehensive dataset of 1.6 million employees with chip manufacturing skills worldwide, we employ a difference-in-differences methodology to analyse employment trends before and after the implementation of protectionist measures in 2018. Our study examines both US semiconductor firms and the educational and career trajectories of individuals with relevant skills.

The results are striking. We find that US chip manufacturing firms experienced a 9% reduction in hiring activities and a 3% decrease in overall workforce size for science and engineering positions compared to other job categories within the same firms. This translates to an annual loss of 2,285 science and engineering positions in the US chip manufacturing sector. Between 2019 and 2022, this amounts to a cumulative reduction of 9,140 jobs in an industry that employed 66,382 engineers and 9,768 scientists during this period.

The decline in hiring is particularly acute for entry-level and junior positions, indicating that protectionist policies have disproportionately affected those new to the workforce. This trend is especially concerning given the industrys need for fresh talent to drive innovation and growth.

Furthermore, our analysis of educational cohorts reveals a significant shift away from chip manufacturing careers. We observe a marked decrease in the number of US students graduating with skills relevant to chip manufacturing. In 2017, there were 65,290 undergraduates and 39,019 postgraduate students in relevant programmes. By 2022, these numbers had plummeted to 12,311 and 20,503, respectively.

We find that US semiconductor firms have responded to these challenges by increasing their recruitment of experienced workers outside the US. There was a 3% increase in hiring for both junior and mid-senior roles in international segments of these companies. Countries benefiting from this shift include Canada, which strategically amended its immigration policies to welcome more foreign engineers and scientists, as well as European nations with established chip manufacturing industries, such as the Netherlands.

These findings have profound implications for the success of initiatives like the CHIPS Act. The Semiconductor Industry Association (2023) projects a need for 115,000 new semiconductor jobs in the US by 2030. Based on our estimates, it could take approximately 16 years to fill these positions at current graduation rates. This talent shortage could seriously impede the industrys growth and the USs ability to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency.

Our research underscores the relationships between trade policies, immigration, and workforce development. While protectionist measures were intended to boost domestic manufacturing and employment, they appear to have had the opposite effect on the semiconductor industrys talent pipeline. Recent research by Bosone et al. (2024) shows that geopolitics began significantly affecting global trade after 2018, aligning with the US-China tariff war and coinciding with the timeline of our observed talent crunch in the semiconductor industry. Their study also found evidence of friend-shoring in trade patterns, suggesting that geopolitical considerations are reshaping not only supply chains but, potentially, talent flows as well, further complicating the semiconductor industrys access to global skill pools. This highlights the need for a more thoughtful but fast approach to industrial policy that considers the global nature of the semiconductor workforce and the importance of maintaining open channels for talent acquisition and development.

To address these challenges, policymakers could consider several key actions:

Re-evaluate immigration policies: Implement targeted visa programmes, such as the proposed Chipmakers Visa, to attract and retain international talent in the semiconductor industry. Boost domestic STEM education: Increase investments in educational programmes and initiatives that encourage more domestic students to pursue careers in chip manufacturing and related fields. Foster industry-academia partnerships: Encourage closer collaboration between semiconductor companies and universities to ensure curriculum alignment with industry needs and provide more internship and research opportunities. Develop retraining programmes: Create initiatives to help workers from other industries transition into semiconductor manufacturing roles, tapping into a broader pool of potential talent. Incentivise talent retention: Implement policies that make it more attractive for skilled workers to remain in or return to the US, such as tax incentives or student loan forgiveness programmes for those who commit to working in the domestic semiconductor industry. To bridge the talent gap and secure a long-lasting competitive edge in chip manufacturing, prioritise investments that integrate AI into this sector. Coordinate the proposed Chipmakers Visa programme with supplementary initiatives that link chip manufacturing and AI development.

The success of Americas semiconductor renaissance hinges not just on building new fabrication plants (fabs) and securing supply chains, but on cultivating and sustaining a skilled workforce. Our research serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of protectionist policies on talent development and retention. As the global competition for semiconductor supremacy intensifies, the nation that best nurtures and attracts top talent will likely emerge as the leader in this critical industry.

The path forward requires a delicate balance between promoting domestic capabilities and maintaining the global interconnectedness that has long been a hallmark of the semiconductor industry. By addressing the talent crunch head-on with targeted, forward-thinking policies, the US semiconductor industry can work towards realising the full potential of its ambitions and securing its technological leadership for decades to come.

See original post for references
Yves here. Its encouraging to see Lina Khan at the FTC launch a new front in investigating corporate abuse of market power, here of using profiles of consumer behavior to engage in price discrimination. Note that the FTC seems to be relying on multiple types of consumer protection to make this case. Props to the FTC for coming up with branding, here surveillance pricing.

Keep in mind that vendors have been engaged in this type of activity for a very long time, with airlines the leaders. I have annoyingly and regularly found that Delta will increase its prices if I have searched for a particular city pair and date and then return as little as a day later for the same trip. Clearing cookies was no cure.

I was able to get around this annoying practice with the use of a VPN set outside the US (which then resulted in Delta wanting to ticket me in foreign currency, which I would have to override). There were probably less extreme measures that would have worked, but this one usually succeeded.

Better-known cases of airlines using granular information to price gouge include showing higher fares to presumed-more-affluent Apple product users and for searches from wealthier districts.

I suspect but cannot prove that the FTC focus on this issue was in part due to the recent report of a clear case of price collusion, that of a national rent fixing cartel, which has generated scorched-earth level legal responses. As Conor Gallagher wrote in June:

After becoming the target of multiple state attorney general lawsuits and investigations, nationwide class action lawsuits, a Department of Justice criminal probe, and the likely target of a recent FBI raid in Atlanta, RealPage  a private equity-owned corporation that creates software programs for property management  is finally responding to allegations it orchestrated a national rent price-fixing cartel that has sent rent prices through the roof. Texas-based RealPage is accused of acting as an information-sharing middleman for real estate rental giants. The lawsuits against it and large property managers [1] contend that the latter agreed to set prices through RealPages software, which also allowed the companies to share data on vacancy rates and prices in many of the US most expensive markets.

Admittedly, RealPage was sharing property-level information. However, this does open a can of worms regarding the many other forms of information that companies buy or share in order to get a big leg up on hapless consumers. So even if this case did not directly generate the FTCs action, it may have moved it up on the agencys priority list.

I may be unduly optimistic. Lina Khan would almost certainly continue at the FTC as part of a Harris Administration, since shes one of the few agency picks the Dems can brag about. Even though the odds are slim, I dont think it is impossible that a Trump Administration would keep her on. Trump (and arguably more so) Vance are wont to make some populist gestures. They are also not tied into Silicon Valley or Big Finance to the degree Team Biden has been.which nevertheless picked Kahn.

By Edward Carver, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday launched an investigation into surveillance pricing and requested information from eight companies on the practice.

The FTC inquiry will look at the effect of surveillance pricingusing data on consumers behavior or characteristics to manipulate the price for them as individualson privacy, competition, and consumer protection.

The agency asked Mastercard, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture, and McKinsey for information on the practice, as well as four less well-known companies that service major corporations.

Firms that harvest Americans personal data can put peoples privacy at risk, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. Now firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices.

Americans deserve to know whether businesses are using detailed consumer data to deploy surveillance pricing, and the FTCs inquiry will shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen, she added.

1. Firms harvest a trove of Americans personal data, from your browsing history to your biometrics. Now firms could be using this data to target you with an individualized price. Today @FTC launched an inquiry into these surveillance pricing tactics. https://t.co/G4uc8lHWOV  Lina Khan (@linakhanFTC) July 23, 2024



Progressive advocacy groups, which have long considered Khan to be one of their strongest allies in the Biden administration, and which argue that discriminatory pricing is unfair, celebrated the FTCs announcement.

Were thrilled to see the FTC crack down on the dystopian practice of surveillance pricing, Lee Hepner, legal counsel at the American Economic Liberties Project, said in a statement. Its chilling to think that companies have so much control over our lives that they can leverage personal data theyve harvestedincluding your location, demographic, and shopping historyto turn our habits against us and hike up prices on essential goods. But its already happening.

Groundwork Collaborative executive director Lindsay Owens also praised the FTC move, warning that a personalized price might sound nice, but it is actually a three-part corporate strategy to spy on you, isolate you, and overcharge you.

Todays investigation is an important step in cracking down on the methods big corporations use to spy on consumers to rip them off, Owens said in a statement.

Emily Peterson-Cassin, a director at Demand Progress Education Fund, said in a statement that Tuesdays announcement was another strong sign that the FTC is fighting for consumer power over corporate power.

Zephyr Teachout, a law professor at Fordham University who has helped lead the opposition to surveillance pricing, reacted with excitement on Tuesday.

Woah! she wrote on social media. The FTC is going there! So excited to see the FTC launching a full study into how companies use data to serve different prices to different people. We know the incentive and capacity is there, but the reality of surveillance pricing has been a triple-locked black box!

Advocates of surveillance pricing sometimes call it personalized pricing and argue that it efficiently allocates resources. Such pricing questions are the subject of great interest among business school academics, especially at elite institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, according to a detailed article in The American Prospect last month.

A crackdown on the practice could conceivably have support across the political spectrum. Stock guru Jim Cramer of CNBCa frequent and vociferous critic of Khanpraised the FTCs announcement on air on Tuesday, while expressing disbelief that he was doing so.

7/ Even @jimcramer agrees that surveillance pricing is not an honest or ethical way to treat customers. How could you live with yourself? if youre a business that uses this strategy, he asked this morning. That is a great report. I agree with [@FTC]. pic.twitter.com/23HEDk8Yqf  American Economic Liberties Project (@econliberties) July 23, 2024



All five FTC commissioners, including two Republicans, voted to move forward with the investigation, which will focus on intermediary firmsthe middlemen enabling firms to algorithmically tweak and target their prices, according to a blog post the FTC also published Tuesday.

The requests for information dont indicate that the eight firms engaged in wrongdoing, but rather that they can be useful sources of information, an unnamed FTC official toldThe Hill.
CNN and MSNBC accused of snubbing Tucker Carlsons appearance at the RNC by refusing to air his speech

Mainstream media outlets CNN and MSNBC are being accused of snubbing independent journalist Tucker Carlson's primetime return at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, due to the suspicious lack of coverage of his speech at the event.

Carlson, a former host from major news networks, including Fox News, CNN, PBS and MSNBC, was introduced as a "journalist, author and American citizen" in the recent RNC event. In his speech, Carlson endorsed former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH). His speech touched on themes of "divine intervention" following the recent assassination attempt on Trump. This, in turn, gained a warm reception from the GOP delegates. (Related: 'Top Jewish Republican' says his goal is to keep the GOPs 'Tucker Carlson-wing' out of power.)

But despite the high-profile nature of Carlson's return, CNN and MSNBC chose not to cover his speech.

CNN, did not broadcast any portion of Carlson's remarks. Instead, the network focused on other events and speakers at the RNC, notably airing remarks from former teacher Annette Albright. MSNBC, while briefly showing a wide shot of Carlson taking the stage in a live feed from Wisconsin, did not provide any in-depth coverage or commentary on his speech. Hosts Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes continued their regular programming.

The BBC, however, did air Carlsons time at the lectern, even as their coverage remained centered on the Democratic Party's internal challenges. This juxtaposition highlighted the absence of coverage by CNN and MSNBC.

MSNBC and NBC News face backlash for using LED screen of RNC to cover the event

Aside from allegedly snubbing Carlson's speech at the RNC event, MSNBC's decision to do the coverage from their Manhattan headquarters while using a giant video screen to show the convention as a backdrop raised ethical concerns.

The unconventional setup has been criticized for potentially misleading viewers into believing that top anchors, including Rachel Maddow, are on-site in Milwaukee. The on-the-ground presence of MSNBC in Milwaukee was limited, with only anchors Stephanie Ruhle and Katy Tur, along with reporter Jacob Soboroff, sent to cover the event in person.

Meanwhile, NBC News, MSNBC's corporate cousin, has sent "TODAY" co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Lester Holt to anchor their coverage directly from Milwaukee.

During the July 15 broadcast, Guthrie interviewed MSNBC host Jen Psaki, who appeared via a split-screen. The LED screen background behind Psaki created the illusion that both anchors were at the convention.

"If news organizations don't represent where they are clearly, then how is the audience to have faith and confidence in the actual content of the reporting?" media veteran and former CNN Washington Bureau Chief Frank Sesno said. "It can feel like a frivolous thing  oh, well, gee, we're just using the pictures behind them  but there's something profoundly important here."

MSNBC denied the intention of misleading the viewers, claiming that their anchors had made their location clear during those broadcasts. Maddow began the first night by noting they were at MSNBC headquarters in Manhattan, while Chris Hayes greeted viewers from New York during his segment.

"At the top of every broadcast, hosts identify themselves as being in New York or at MSNBC headquarters," an MSNBC spokesperson said.

Visit Journalism.news for more stories like this.

Watch this Feb. 22 episode of "Tucker Carlson Uncensored" as host Tucker Carlson goes into detail regarding the legal actions being levied against former President Donald Trump.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Tucker Carlson blasts house Republicans for rewarding FBI, says agency is now a secret police organization.

Tucker Carlson: Misuse of judicial system to go after Trump could threaten the future of democracy in America.

Tucker Carlson says grocery shopping in Moscow left him feeling shocked and radicalized about food prices and food inflation in the USA.

Tucker Carlson launches new STREAMING PLATFORM to combat MSM propaganda.

Tucker Carlson: Criminal politicians, NGOs are intentionally allowing MIGRANT INVASION to happen.

Sources include:

Deadline.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd. (DFAC), the light commercial vehicle arm of Dongfeng Motor, recently held a successful launch event for new models in Latin America, marking a significant milestone in its global market expansion efforts.

Launch event; photo credit: DFAC

At the event, DFAC and its local dealership partners showcased the latest models from its light commercial vehicle lineup and outlined the company's strategic plans and future goals for the Latin American market. Initial statistics from the event indicate that several hundred units of sales intentions were reached, with enthusiastic responses from customers toward the DFAC brand.

As a leading representative of China's light commercial vehicle industry, DFAC has been committed to global expansion. The launch event in Latin America highlights the company's international strategy and represents another milestone in the globalization of the Dongfeng Motors light commercial vehicle brand. The event featured a full range of DFAC products, including micro trucks, light trucks, medium trucks, and vans, as well as models specifically tailored for the Latin American market. These vehicles not only demonstrate DFAC's latest achievements in technological innovation but also reflect a deep understanding of the needs of the Latin American market.

DFACs rapid market presence in Latin America is attributed to precise market research and effective brand promotion strategies over the past two years. The director of DFACs local dealership, stated, Our focus is to expand our brand influence in Latin America by providing excellent customer service. With the launch of new DFAC products, we will further combine our strengths in brand promotion, secondary network development, and customer experience with Dongfeng's brand advantages to establish DFAC as the leader of light commercial vehicles in the Latin American market.
Death toll in Gaza could reach nearly 600,000 due to indirect deaths, discredited Lancet medical journal claims

A top medical journal The Lancet said that the "indirect deaths" of Palestinians in Gaza from Israel's destruction of civilian infrastructure would far surpass those killed directly by the bombing and war efforts. Of course, The Lancet also claimed ivermectin was dangerous to try to scare people away from this lifesaving off-patent medication, so the credibility of The Lancet remains in doubt.

The Lancet claimed that indirect deaths as a result of the war could be anywhere between 149,000 and 598,000 Palestinian deaths if the war were to end at once, indicating between three to 15 indirect deaths per direct death. (Related: Death toll in Gaza could hit nearly 600,000 people as "indirect deaths" pile up, The Lancet projects.)

The medical journal released a research correspondence between physicians and public health experts on July 5 on the difficulty of accounting for the number of those killed by Israel's ongoing war on Gaza, stressing that both direct and indirect deaths should be considered.

If the conflict were to end instantly with 37,396 direct deaths, and the upper bound of 15 indirect deaths per direct death is used, a total death toll of 598,336, or 26 percent of the population, would be expected.

The lower bound of three indirect deaths per direct death would result in an estimated 149,584 total deaths.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 38,000 Palestinians killed since the start of the war. The ministry traditionally depends on data from hospital officials in the beleaguered enclave, who receive the injured and bodies of the dead.

Nevertheless, Israeli bombing has destroyed several of Gaza's hospitals and brought its whole health system to the brink of collapse.

Indirect deaths will continue to rise in coming months and years

The authors said that "even if the conflict ends immediately, there will continue to be many indirect deaths in the coming months and years" due to disease, destroyed healthcare infrastructure, and severe shortages of food and water.

Verifying the number and identities of the dead is also difficult because many are buried under the rubble of homes and apartment buildings bombed by Israeli forces, frequently in the middle of the night as Palestinians sleep.

As a result, the ministry has started reporting identified deaths, where the victim's name is known, and unidentified deaths, where it is not.

The contributors mentioned that although some have questioned the accuracy of the Gaza Health Ministry's count, international rights organizations and even Israeli intelligence have accepted it as widely accurate.

Furthermore, the Gaza Health Ministry's official count is probably an underestimate, the authors contend.

For instance, Airwars, a non-governmental organization that became known for tracking deaths during the 2003 United States war in Iraq, has discovered that not all names of identifiable victims are added to the Gaza Health Ministry's list.

The United Nations estimated that as of February 29, Israeli bombings had destroyed 35 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip, with an estimated 10,000 bodies buried under the rubble, along with many that were never found.

Human Rights Watch said in April that "children in Gaza have been dying from starvation-related complications since the Israeli government began using starvation as a weapon of war."

"In recent conflicts, such indirect deaths range from three to 15 times the number of direct deaths. Applying a conservative estimate of four indirect deaths per one direct death to the 37,396 deaths reported, it is not implausible to estimate that up to 186,000 or even more deaths could be attributable to the current conflict in Gaza," the authors stated.

Such a "conservative estimate" of the death toll would amount to 7.9 percent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million.

Follow Genocide.news for more news about Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.

Watch the video below about the deaths in Gaza being undercounted.

This video is from the The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Over 47,000 Palestinians killed, wounded or missing in Gaza since Oct. 7.

Death toll in Gaza could exceed 186,000, Lancet journal says but The Lancet already discredited itself during COVID

'Genocide denial': US Congress passes amendment denying Gaza death toll.

UN estimates it will take at least 15 years to clear Gaza of bombing debris.

Sources include:

SHTFPlan.com

TheLancet.com

TheCradle.co

HRW.org

Brighteon.com
OBVIOUS COVER-UP: FBI, DHS and DOJ refuse to provide requested information about Trump assassination attempt

The office of Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) released its preliminary findings on the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Former President Donald Trump which suggest that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) were complicit.

Attempts by Congress to obtain and preserve records and information relating to the security setup at Trump's Butler, Penn., have thus far failed as the DOJ, the DHS and the FBI are all stonewalling the investigation.

Sen. Johnson further demanded in a letter he wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland, DHS head Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray the preservation of background information on the alleged gunman as well as all texts and communications between law enforcement agents, including Secret Service personnel, only to receive no cooperation.

"The lack of transparency from federal entities regarding the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt  which left former President Trump wounded, one rally goer dead, and two other spectators critically injured  is unacceptable," Sen. Johnson's office wrote in an executive summary of its preliminary investigation findings.

"Congress and the public deserve a full explanation and complete answers to all questions regarding the failure of security at the Butler rally. Without transparency, the truth behind the assassination attempt will never be fully revealed and understood."

(Related: Did you know that the current queen of the Secret Service, Kim Cheatle, is a close friend of the Biden Crime Family, having been personally recommended for the position by "Dr." Jill's office?)

Secret Service stonewalled local law enforcement's efforts to protect Trump and his supporters

In the immediate aftermath of the Butler incident, Sen. Johnson's office began feverishly contacting federal, state and local government entities, as well as various private companies, seeking information about what happened with the security failure at Trump's rally. One thing that was discovered is that Secret Service failed to attend a key security briefing for local special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and sniper teams the morning of July 13.

Sen. Johnson's office says Butler County Emergency Services (Butler ESU) provided the security briefing at 9:00 am for all local SWAT teams and snipers assigned to the rally. Local SWAT teams and snipers from nearby Washington and Beaver Counties also attended the meeting.

Nowhere to be found, however, was Secret Service which showed zero interest in even attempting to coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure that Trump and his supporters were safe from harm during the rally.

Local law enforcement confirmed that communications "were siloed" and "not in frequent radio contact directly with Secret Service." And now the world is wondering: why not?

Prior to when the alleged shooter opened fire, local law enforcement notified command, but nothing was done to stop him. It was later revealed that the Secret Service was well aware of that notification but did nothing about it.

Secret Service wasn't going to send snipers to Butler but changed mind after learning local teams were going "sniper heavy"

Almost unbelievably, Secret Service agents were seen on the rooftop of the American Glass Research (AGR) building on which the alleged shooter opened fire. Photos proving this were reportedly sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for facial recognition.

Sen. Johnson's office reported that it is unknown when Secret Service arrived on the rooftop following the shooting or how Secret Service and others accessed the rooftop. It is also unclear why ATP was the agency assigned to conduct facial recognition on Crooks, nor do we know whether or not ATF ultimately conducted any facial recognition at all on the photos provided to their agent.

There was a point in time when Secret Service was not even planning to send any snipers to the rally. Local law enforcement in and around Butler told Sen. Johnson's office that it was planning to go "sniper heavy" all on its own in order to ensure proper coverage.

It almost seems, at least from this writer's perspective, that Secret Service may have been planning to not bring snipers because it knew there was going to be an assassination attempt on Trump and planned to allow it. After discovering that local law enforcement was going "sniper heavy," everything changed in an instant.

"Local law enforcement learned at least a day before the rally that Secret Service changed course and decided to send two sniper teams," the preliminary investigation report explains.

"If Secret Service had originally not intended to send snipers to the rally, it is unclear why and when Secret Service changed their plan."

Sen. Johnson's office emphasized in the report that these findings are "very preliminary" and "barely scratch the surface of what a full investigation must reveal."

"We are releasing this document to provide the public with complete transparency and to ensure that all entities examining the assassination attempt are equipped with this information," the team says.

"We are also hoping it prompts others  both in law enforcement and the general public  to come forward. The information presented in this document raises many questions that Congress and law enforcement entities must answer. Senator Johnson's office will continue to pursue the truth and in doing so, encourages anyone with relevant information on the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt or the alleged shooter to contact his office and email his whistleblower account: [email protected]."

If you are interested in keeping up with all things Trump as the 2024 election fast approaches, be sure to visit Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

RonJohnson.senate.gov

NaturalNews.com
CENSORSHIP: German government BANS conservative magazine, claiming to combat hate speech and extremism

The government of Germany has shut down a conservative magazine due to allegations of "dissemination of hate speech and extremism."

The German publication Compact, founded in 2010 and based in the town of Falkensee just outside of Berlin, was recently banned by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior for allegations that the magazine was disseminating "antisemitic, racist, anti-minority, historical revisionist and conspiracy theory content."

As part of the ban, over 300 federal police under Interior Minister Nancy Faeser initiated a nationwide raid on 14 properties linked to the magazine in the German states of Brandenburg, Hesse, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. The home of Compact founder and editor-in-chief Jurgen Elsasser was also raided, with media outlets capturing footage of him being led out of his home in a bathrobe.

Authorities seized all of the magazine's assets, including electronic devices, data carriers, vehicles and even bank accounts, hard cash and gold. The magazine's website, social media channels and subsidiary video production company  Conspect Film GmbH  were also shut down. (Related: Brighteon Media lawsuit against Big Tech and Big Government a fight for FREE SPEECH in America.)

"Today I have banned the right-wing extremist Compact magazine. It is a central mouthpiece of the right-wing extremist scene. This magazine incites hatred against Jews, people with a history of migration and our parliamentary democracy in an unspeakable manner," said Faeser in a statement. "The ban shows that we are also taking action against the intellectual arsonists who foment a climate of hatred and violence against refugees and migrants and want to overcome our democratic state. Our message is very clear: we will not allow ethnicity to define who belongs to Germany and who does not."

Compact has been classified as extremist, nationalist and anti-minority by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution since 2021. The magazine has been a significant platform for conservatives, with a circulation of 40,000 copies and an online video channel, "Compact TV."

Faeser widely receives criticism for shutting down Compact Magazine

The ban has sparked criticism from the conservative Alternative for Germany (AfD), with party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla describing it as a "serious blow to press freedom."

"The ban on Compact magazine is a serious blow to press freedom. We are observing these events with great concern. Banning a press organ means a denial of discourse and diversity of opinion. A ban is always the most far-reaching step. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser is thus abusing her powers to suppress critical reporting. We call on the Minister to respect the freedom of the press," Weidel and Chrupalla said in a joint statement.

Tichys Einblicke, a liberal-conservative column magazine for politics, business private finance and society, described the ban of Compact as "historically unprecedented." Meanwhile, constitutional lawyer and former Federal Minister of Defense Rupert Scholz stated that the ban is unconstitutional.

"Freedom of expression enjoys such a high constitutional status that it cannot simply be undermined by an executive decision," Scholz said. "At most, a medium can be banned if it represents a revolutionary position, i.e., calls for overthrowing the existing order by force. But that would then have to lead to criminal proceedings."

Scholz stated that the "ethnic concept of people" used by Compact  distinguishing between ancestral and naturalized German citizens  is also "not unconstitutional."

Follow Censorship.news for more news about people being censored across the globe.

Watch the video below to learn why some countries are clamping down on free speech.

This video is from the The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Meta abandons free speech principles, adopts globalist thought police guidelines to block speech.

Elon Musk claims EU offered him secret deal to carry out censorship across the X platform.

MAJOR PROOF of conservatives, constitutionalists and health advocates being BLATANTLY CENSORED by Big Tech, Big Pharma and the insidious Biden Regime.

'Illegal secret deal': Musk claims European Union tried to blackmail X into censorship.

UN's Antonio Guterres unveils global game plan for surveillance, control and censorship.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

DW.com

Brighteon.com
Heart failure surge among children linked to COVID-19 vaccines

Heart failure has been on the rise among children recently, and a new study has linked this phenomenon to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines

In the last three years, medical professionals have observed a rise in children with a range of heart problems, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, which were rare before COVID-19. Both of these conditions are well-known side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Although the mainstream media often tries to paint these deaths as connected to the COVID-19 virus itself and not the vaccines, a new study shows that these conditions are only appearing in children following vaccination rather than infection with the virus.

The study, which was carried out by researchers from the University of Oxford, looked at more than a million British children aged 5 to 15, comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects and considering the number of doses each one received.

In addition to observing that hospitalizations related to infection with the virus itself were extremely rare among these age groups, they stated that no one in the entire subject population died as a result of the virus.

Moreover, they noted: All myocarditis and pericarditis events during the study period occurred in vaccinated individuals.

In the study, the researchers found that most pericarditis and myocarditis cases took place after children and adolescents received their first dose of the vaccine, with more than half of the adolescents who did experience these infections going to a hospital for treatment.

Because it is possible to recover from myocarditis and pericarditis if it is detected in time and treated properly, the mainstream media has done its best to downplay these infections and their connection to the vaccines. However, one study found that half of all young men who get a COVID-19 vaccine and go on to develop myocarditis end up suffering from permanent heart damage.

The study, which was peer-reviewed and published in the journal Circulation, did not get a lot of attention as the media continues to cover up vaccine side effects, but Dr. Drew Pinsky explained what could happen to the affected children in the future and said schools that issued mandates should be held accountable.

"That means that we don't know what percentage are going to be disabled by this as they get older or develop heart failure, or are going to need cardiac transplants, some of them. It's breathtaking, this study. And why it wasn't a big headline  I don't understand why people aren't reacting to it," he stated. (Related: CDC "releases" 148-page study on myocarditis following COVID "vaccination"  WITH EVERY PAGE REDACTED.)

Even mild cases of myocarditis can be fatal

Moreover, there is evidence that even mild cases of myocarditis can lead to fatal arrhythmias. One study, which was carried out by pathologists from Japan, described how a healthy 40-year-old man experienced tachycardia suddenly two days after receiving the jab, lost consciousness and ultimately died. That patient tested negative for the virus.

The researchers noted that the mans case of myocarditis had been focal and mild, as is mostly observed following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

Meanwhile, a different recent study, this one by researchers from Harvard Medical School, revealed that COVID-19 vaccines were responsible for a surge in sudden deaths seen throughout the world as a result of cerebral ischemia. This type of deadly brain damage is caused by insufficient flow of blood to the brain.

The researchers determined that the spike could be attributed to the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Unfortunately, just as many people feared, we are learning more every day about the damage these vaccines cause, and their long-term effects will only grow more apparent with time.

Sources for this article include:

SlayNews.com

MedRxiv.org

Revolver.news

Expose-News.com
Houston zombie residents attacked linemen restoring power after the hurricane

A number of linemen restoring power in Houston, Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl have been sent to the hospital following the physical attacks of "desperate and frustrated" residents despite the repair crews' essential work.

The acts of violence not only hamper the restoration efforts but also demoralize the utility workers. Many of these men have traveled far from their homes from all over the nation, working long shifts in dangerous conditions to bring electricity back to nearly three million people in the Democrat-ran city.

A non-Texas residing utility worker shared a variety of horror stories from the past week on TikTok, including a story where his colleague was hospitalized after ingesting water laced with fentanyl that had been given to him by the residents.

"What the hell are you guys doing right now to the men who came down, who left their families, to come to help you?" a lineman asked in a video post on X, formerly Twitter. "Linemen are leaving right now and there are linemen that will never be back to Texas. And let me tell you, I'm one of them. You'll never see me in Houston." He added that the most dangerous part of his job is supposed to be the electricity and it is not supposed to be the public.

There were also reports that the repair crews had been beaten and forced to evacuate staging areas, and in one case, 20 linemen were held hostage by armed men.

"We've had guys who have had guns pulled on them, we've got guys who have had rocks picked up and slung at them. I had a crew out in Sugarland, they had guys with AK-47s standing across from them. Never pointed it at them but menacing them," Ed Allen, business manager for IBEW Local 66 Federal Credit Union, told KPRC 2.

One account on X posted a video where a seemingly lunatic local was battering his truck with a metal rod in the middle of a busy highway.

Last night, I posted videos of linemen who came from all over the country to fix the power grid in Houston. They stated that they have been attacked, beaten up, given fentanyl-laced water, and some were even threatened with guns. Here is a crazed man attacking a lineman's truck pic.twitter.com/F3FvBj9pSW  I Meme Therefore I Am ?? (@ImMeme0) July 16, 2024

There were also reports of verbal attacks. Houston police have investigated at least five cases involving threats made to workers and other employees, whether in person or online. The police have also charged at least two cases. One suspect named Anthony Leonard, 38, has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly pointing a gun at a group of CenterPoint Energy workers who were at a staging area.

Hurricane Beryl hit Southeast Texas on July 15 as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm and then a tropical depression. The storm unleashed heavy rain and winds that uprooted trees and damaged homes and businesses along the Texas Coast and parts of Southeast Texas. It left 18 deaths, which may have been due to heat exposure following the loss of power, according to the medical examiner's office in Harris County. (Related: Nearly all of Houston suffers BLACKOUT after Beryl makes landfall.)

Abbott urges residents to support rather than hinder repair efforts

CenterPoint Energy has already addressed the violence and threats met by its crews in a statement.

"The safety of our employees, contractors, mutual assistance crews and support personnel is our top priority," the release read. "For that reason, we have decided to close the site until we can be sure it is safe."

In line with this, Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned the verbal and physical threats to the utility workers and urged the residents to just support the linemen rather than hinder their efforts. "If you're interfering with somebody who's trying to get the power back up, you're not speeding up the process of getting the power back on; you're slowing that process down," Abbott said in a recent press conference.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia also called for an end to these threats. He was joined by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Houston Police Department (HPD) Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite and union representatives from IBEW Local 66 in a press conference held at Leonel Castillo Community Center in Houston on Sunday.

"Violence and threats against people who are working to get the lights back on is not the answer, never," Garcia said. "All that does is make it harder and longer to get your lights back on."

Satterwhite said police are escorting linemen and watching over sites but some Satterwhite crews were forced to move staging areas. "They elected to move their operation from Barnett Stadium, all the way out to Barker-Cypress because they felt threatened. Well, that slows down everything that was ever close to the work being done. More people have to be without power because of the distance they're going to have to travel just to get back and do that kind of work," said Satterwhite. He said they will make arrests and because of the disaster declaration in place, charges for harassing or threatening linemen will be enhanced. "We will find you, we will make arrests, we will charge you," he said.

Harris County Sheriff Office's Chief Deputy Mike Lee echoed Satterwhite's comments, noting that he believes the majority of people are doing the right thing and allowing the linemen to work without interference, but also mentioned the enhanced charges for those who threaten or commit violence against linemen. "If it's related to the storm, we are going to ask the [District Attorney] DA to enhance the charges and they have been," Lee said.

Check out Violence.news for stories similar to this.

Sources for this article include:

InfoWars.com

ABCNews.Go.com

Click2Houston.com
ICJ orders Israel to end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest United Nations body for hearing disputes between states, has ruled 14-1 that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and should come to an end "as rapidly as possible" as it issued an unprecedented and sweeping condemnation of Jerusalem's rule over the lands it captured 57 years ago.

ICJ President Nawaf Salam read out the "nonbinding advisory opinion" issued by the 15-judge panel. They pointed to a wide list of policies, including the building and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the use of the area's natural resources, the annexation and imposition of permanent control over lands and discriminatory policies against Palestinians. According to them, all of these measures violated international laws against acquiring territory by force and impeded Palestinians' right to self-determination.

According to a summary of the more than 80-page opinion, other nations were not obliged to "render aid or assistance in maintaining" Israel's occupation in the said territory. Israel's "abuse of its status as the occupying power" renders its "presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful," the court said.

"Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law," the decision further read.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized ICJ's opinion, saying the territories are part of the Jewish people's historic homeland. But the resounding breadth of the decision could impact international opinion and fuel moves for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The court's opinion was sought by the UN General Assembly after a Palestinian request concerning Israel's massive genocidal assaults on Gaza.

According to The Hague court, the General Assembly and Security Council should consider "the precise modalities" to end Netanyahu's men's presence in the territories. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will send the advisory opinion to the 193-member world body.

"It is for the General Assembly to decide how to proceed in the matter," UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

Guterres has signified his call once again for Israel and the Palestinians to engage "on the long-delayed political path towards ending the occupation and resolving the conflict in line with international law, relevant resolutions and bilateral agreements," the spokesperson said.

Guterres also stressed that a two-state solution is "the only viable path" to seeing Israel and "a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian state" living side by side in peace and security, Haq said.

World leaders react on ICJ's landmark decision

Following the historic decision of the ICJ, leaders from around the globe reacted. Palestinian officials lauded ICJ and said the Justice ruling was a "watershed moment" in their decades-long fight for justice. Israel's reaction is expected to be not favorable as the United States' top ally criticized the ruling on Saturday, July 20, after initial silence.

United Kingdom's newly formed Labour government said it "respects the independence of the ICJ" and is considering the ruling before making an official response. The Foreign Office added the U.K. is "strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence." (Related: EU states considering SANCTIONS against Israel for defiance against ICJ ceasefire order.)

For Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide, the ICJ ruling is crystal clear. "Israeli policies and practices are to be considered annexation of large parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and are in violation of international law," he wrote on X. Malaysia called on all states to compel Israel to abide by the ruling of the ICJ and immediately end their support to Israel in continuing its illegal occupation of Palestine.

Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Sadadi said: "Israel's impunity must end. Its war crimes must be stopped. Israel must be held accountable." Moreover, Kuwait's foreign minister called on the international community to carry out its "legal, political and moral duties to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent state and to stop the aggression against Gaza." Saudi Arabia welcomed the ruling while stressing the "need to take practical and credible steps to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration denounced the ICJ's opinion that Israeli settlements are "inconsistent" with international law.

"We are concerned that the breadth of the court's opinion will complicate efforts to resolve the conflict and bring about an urgently needed just and lasting peace with two states living side by side in peace and security," the Department of State told Reuters.

On the other side, Spain was taking a safer stance. "The government urges the UN and the international community to take into consideration the conclusions of the report and to adopt appropriate measures in this regard," it said.

IsraelCollapse.com contains similar stories regarding Israeli violations of international law.

Watch the video below that talks about ICJ's ruling for Israel to halt military operations in Rafah.

This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

13 Countries join South Africas case against Israel on genocide in Gaza.

Egypt to join South Africa in ICJ genocide case against Israel.

South Africa calls for immediate halt to Israels military offensive in Rafah.

Sources include:

X.com

AlJazeera.com 1

APNews.com

AlJazeera.com 2

Brighteon.com
IT blunder by Russia hacked the DNC firm CrowdStrike causes global chaos

A massive IT failure at CrowdStrike has disrupted travel, banking, and healthcare services worldwide. Flights were grounded as an IT outage left many computers displaying blue error screens. CrowdStrike, based in Austin, Texas, is a major cybersecurity service provider with nearly 24,000 customers, each a large organization.

(Article by Jack Montgomery republished from TheNationalPulse.com)

Infamously, it was hired by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to claim Russia had hacked its computers in 2016. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) relied on evidence supplied by the DNC-retained firm to launch its Russia hoax investigation.

CrowdStrike admits the global outages its customers have experienced stem from an update to its antivirus software, designed to protect Microsoft Windows devices from malicious attacks. Microsoft is taking mitigation action to address the problem.

CrowdStrike claims the issue is down to a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts rather than a cyber-attack.

Despite CrowdStrike deploying a fix, the solution involves manually rebooting each affected device in safe mode, causing significant headaches for IT departments.

GLOBAL CHAOS.

The tech failure first emerged in Australia and severely impacted the air travel industry, with over 3,300 flights canceled globally. Airports in Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Delhi also experienced disruptions. U.S. airlines, including United, Delta, and American Airlines, grounded their flights worldwide, and British airports saw delays with long queues at Londons Stansted and Gatwick.

The outage also affected payment systems, banking, and healthcare providers worldwide. Railway companies in Britain are warning passengers to expect delays, and Alaskas 911 emergency service is facing disruption. Comcasts Sky News was off the air for several hours.

The outage may delay employee payments.

Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com
Microsoft CrowdStrike payment blackout caused supermarkets to go CASH ONLY

Shoppers throughout the United Kingdom were left in a panic this past week after an extreme magnitude global tech outage left retailers unable to accept digital card payments

The newly cash-only operations encountered hordes of angry and confused people who were unable to buy food from the local supermarket because they were heavy on cards and low on cash.

The issue began after a Microsoft software product failed, taking down air traffic control towers, television channels, banks, government office operations, and phone lines. Cybersecurity software firm Crowdstrike claims the collapse of the Microsoft system was prompted by a flawed anti-viral update.

Many retailers and card providers also got swept away with the tech outage, putting an immediate halt on commerce throughout all of the affected areas. The Sun reported that the following retailers, pubs, and banks were affected by the tech blackout:

Morrisons

Metro Bank

Wetherspoons

Waitrose

Sainsbury's

Co-op Food

(Related: Did you know that Microsoft has a plan to make video game characters fatter and uglier to "avoid stereotypes" and cater to America's bloating demographics.)

Trouble buying and selling

Just 24 hours into the outage, Visa customers reported an astounding 700 different issues primarily with purchases and payments at stores. Visa, however, claims otherwise:

"There is no indication of any impact on Visa's ability to process payments from this issue," a company spokesperson told the media.

"Our systems are operating normally. We are aware of reports of people being unable to make payments and are working with our financial institution clients to understand any impact on their services to cardholders and merchants."

At Morrisons grocery stores, customers had to use either a chipped or pinned card as contactless payment systems were not working properly.

"No contactless payment in Morrisons this morning  cash or chip and pin only," one customer reported.

In a statement, a company spokesperson admitted to having "some issues" with payment systems in some of its stores, but that it was "working hard with our partners to resolve this issue."

The Wetherspoons smartphone app reportedly failed to allow orders and payments as a result of the Microsoft outage. The pub giant said it could only accept cash from customers to pay for their food and booze.

"This is bloody serious, the Wetherspoons app is down," one alcohol lover complained during the outage.

"I hope no one was planning on going to Wetherspoons tonight," said another. "Microsoft has crippled them."

The situation was much the same at Co-op Food stores and the many independently-run affiliates of its parent company, The Co-operative Group. Customers were told that it was cash only until the problem was remedied.

At Metro Bank, phone lines were down which mean customers had a much more difficult time getting through to someone for help with their finances. Some of Metro Bank's faster payment options were also brought down in the tech collapse.

The entire Barclays investing platform failed to operate during the outage with a company spokesperson also revealing that some customers were "unable to manage their account in the app, Online Banking or over the phone."

Sainsbury's denied encountering any problems during the outage despite customers complaining on social media about issues, including one who said her card payment for a shopping delivery was declined "without a reason."

"You have advised my card payment has been declined for my delivery," the woman whined online.

"I have tried calling you and have been on hold for 60 mins. You have now sent a text asking me to call and the line is not working. Please can you resolve this for me?"

When the grid eventually goes down for good, cash and other tangible objects will be the only way to trade. Learn more at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheSun.co.uk

NaturalNews.com
Offshore wind turbine in Massachusetts suffers BLADE FAILURE, debris washes up on beaches

An offshore wind turbine off the coast of Massachusetts suffered a serious blade failure on Saturday, July 13, leading to debris from the turbine washing up on the beaches of Nantucket, and forcing the federal government to intervene and temporarily close the wind farm.

The incident occurred at the Vineyard Wind 1 project, an 804-megawatt project in federal waters about 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The incident now raises specific questions about the safety and dependability of offshore wind projects, in addition to the regulatory structure governing the emerging industry.

"The blade experienced a breakage approximately 20 meters out from the root," said Vineyard Wind 1 spokesperson Craig Gilvarg. "The turbine was in its commissioning phase and was still undergoing testing. Nearly the entirety of the blade remains affixed to the turbine and has not fallen into the water."

On Tuesday, July 16, Vineyard Wind said it is "mobilizing debris recovery teams on Nantucket to survey the southern-facing beaches of the island for the recovery of debris following the blade damage incident that took place on Saturday."

It added the company remains focused on ensuring the safety of personnel and mariners in the offshore area, and to work with the Coast Guard to maintain a safety zone of 500 meters around the affected turbine offshore.

The owners of Vineyard Wind 1  Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners  stated that they will be fielding teams to clear the debris.

In the days after the incident, debris from the broken turbine blade started washing up on Nantucket's south shore beaches. People reported finding portions of green and white foam, along with larger pieces of fiberglass.

Vineyard Wind 1 describes the debris as "non-toxic fiberglass fragments," and although they are "not hazardous to people or the environment," the company is recommending that only its recovery team handle the debris.

"While walking on the beaches was still permitted, officials strongly recommended wearing footwear due to the presence of sharp fiberglass shards and debris," Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey said.

Federal government steps in, shuts down Vineyard Wind 1

In response to the incident, the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) ordered Vineyard Wind 1 to shut down operations "until further notice." (Related: High wind hazard: Norway wind farm faces SHUTDOWN as parts of wind turbines fly off due to strong winds.)

The BSEE, which supervises offshore energy projects, sent a team of experts to cooperate with Vineyard Wind 1 to examine the cause of the incident and decide the next moves.

Vineyard Wind 1 stated that General Electric, the project's turbine and blade manufacturer and installation contractor, would be performing the analysis into the primary cause of the incident.

The company said that it would continue working with federal, state and locals to make sure the health and safety of its workforce, mariners and the environment.

The Vineyard Wind 1 project incorporates an array of 62 wind turbines, separated one nautical mile apart on an east-west and north-south orientation.

The turbines are General Electric Haliade-X models, each capable of producing 13 megawatts of electricity.

The project involves two submarine cables that transmit the generated electricity to shore, with an onshore substation situated in Hyannis.

In January 2023, regulations managing offshore renewable energy activities, as well as workplace safety and environmental compliance, were officially transferred from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to BSEE.

The Vineyard Wind 1 turbine failure has also created doubts about the safety and dependability of offshore wind projects.

As the first major incident at a commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the United States, it may lead to greater examination of safety protocols and equipment credibility in the industry.

The closure of Vineyard Wind 1 operations, even if temporary, could have economic ramifications for the project and the wider offshore wind industry. Delays in power generation and possible increases in operational costs may affect the project's financial sustainability and investor confidence.

This incident may lead to enhanced regulatory oversight and probably stricter safety standards for offshore wind projects. Regulators may review existing guidelines and consider enforcing more rigid inspection and maintenance requirements.

Follow NewEnergyReport.com for more news about renewable energy projects.

Watch the video below about the epic failures of wind turbines.

This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Faking GREEN: Scotlands wind turbines are secretly using generators that run on FOSSIL FUELS.

Wind turbine blades could account for more than 43 million tons of waste each year by 2050.

UNRELIABLE SOURCE: Siemens Energy says up to 30% of its wind turbines could be MALFUNCTIONING.

Offshore wind is gearing up to bulldoze the ocean.

Green energy projects financially COLLAPSING around the world: Siemens wind turbine manufacturer latest casualty.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

Reuters.com

NantucketCurrent.com

Brighteon.com
Trump and Vance call for investigation of Bidens doctors and invocation of 25th Amendment

Former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) have voiced their opinions about the health of President Joe Biden, calling for the president's doctors to be investigated

In a July 20 interview on the Fox News program "Jesse Watters Primetime," Trump insisted that Biden's doctors should be scrutinized for giving him a "wonderful report." The former president's remark was an answer to Watters, who asked if he would investigate doctors providing Biden with positive health reports despite the opposite.

"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. I'm not a doctor, but I saw him the other day, was unable to get up the children's stairs going into Air Force One," Trump answered, referring to Bidens preference for a shorter staircase to board the plane.

Vance meanwhile called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment, leading Watters to ask if this situation constituted a "coup" against Biden. The Republican presidential and vice-presidential nominee both agreed.

"If Biden can't run for president, he can't serve as president," the Ohio senator said. "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 the appropriate way." (Related: Biden says he might reconsider dropping out if his doctors advise that a medical condition warrants it.)

Republicans call for Biden to resign as president

The interview was aired a day before Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election on July 21. Republicans quickly interpreted his withdrawal as an admission of unfitness for office, despite claims that Biden gives in amid mounting pressure from within his party.

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace echoed these sentiments on social media, stating her intent to introduce a resolution urging Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment. Mace wrote on July 22 in a post on X: "If Biden does not have the cognitive ability to seek reelection, he does not have the cognitive ability to serve the remainder of his term."

Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville also joined in the fray, writing: "For three and a half years, the corrupt media and the Deep State bureaucracy have lied to the American people. Biden was never mentally fit to be president. I join my colleagues in demanding that [he] resign immediately.

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert also posted: "If Biden can't run for office, he should resign  immediately." House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana also called on the 81-year-old chief executive to "resign the office immediately" because "Nov. 5 cannot arrive soon enough."

Several other GOP members in the lower chamber of Congress joined the chorus of those demanding that Biden step down. These include Michigan Rep. John James, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany and Texas Rep. Pat Fallon. Over at the Senate, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley and Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn also joined in.

Head over to JoeBiden.news for more stories related to the declining mental state of the incumbent president.

Watch the video below about Dr. Peter McCullough's analysis of Biden's neurological decline.

This video is from the Moms On A Mission channel on Brighteon.com.

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House Oversight Committee subpoenas three top Biden aides for concealing president's declining health.

Bidens MENTAL DECLINE a topic of hushed conversation inside the DNC for years, journalists reveal.

Senate Democrats, European leaders want Biden OUT due to accelerated aging: "He can't win."

Sources include:

Modernity.news

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IJR.com

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Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 23, the authority of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Geely Holding Group and MEGVII, an AI company focused on IoT scenarios for the development of an AI-enabled open platform.

Signing ceremony; photo credit: Geely

According to the agreement, the three parties will leverage Chongqing's manufacturing base and industrial advantages, MEGVII's key AI technologies, and Geely's expertise in vehicle development and manufacturing to jointly build an AI smart mobility open platform. This collaboration aims to establish an innovative development model integrating "AI + Vehicle + Robot" and create a benchmark project for new production capabilities.

Yuan Jiajun, Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee, expressed his hope that companies like Geely Holding Group and MEGVII would strengthen their strategic alignment with Chongqing, engage in pragmatic cooperation, and increase their investments in intelligent connected new energy vehicles and AI industries in the region. Chongqing is currently enhancing its "33618" modern manufacturing industry cluster system to become a major growth driver and new source of momentum for high-quality national development.

Last year, Chongqing introduced the "33618" modern manufacturing industry cluster system.

The plan focuses on creating three trillion-yuan-level leading industrial clusters in intelligent connected new energy vehicles, next-generation electronic information manufacturing, and advanced materials. Additionally, it aims to upgrade three 500-billion-yuan-level pillar industry clusters, including intelligent equipment and smart manufacturing, food and agricultural product processing, and software information services. The plan also seeks to innovate six 100-billion-yuan-level characteristic advantage industry clusters, covering new displays, high-end motorcycles, light alloy materials, textiles, biomedicine, and new energy and energy storage. Furthermore, it aims to nurture and expand 18 "new star" industry clusters, which include six future industry clusters and 12 high-growth clusters valued at over 50 billion yuan and 10 billion yuan, respectively. The future industry clusters will focus on areas like satellite internet, cutting-edge new materials, and future energy.
Whistleblowers allege Trump was NOT protected by Secret Service agents during assassination attempt

Whistleblowers have informed Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) that most of former President Donald Trump's security detail at Butler, Pennsylvania during the assassination attempt against him were not Secret Service agents , but less-qualified agents from other agencies in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The whistleblowers, who are themselves members of the DHS, relayed their claims to Hawley, who then wrote the allegations in detail in a public letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The letter outlined the many security failures at Trump's fateful Butler rally. (Related: 9 House Democrats tried to nix Secret Service protection for Trump months before assassination attempt.)

"Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a 'loose' security event," Hawley wrote. "For example, detection canines were not used to monitor entry and detect threats in the usual manner. Individuals without proper designations were able to gain access to backstage areas. Department personnel did not appropriately police the security buffer around the podium and were also not stationed at regular intervals around the event's security perimeter."

"In addition, whistleblower allegations suggest the majority of DHS officials were not in fact USSS [United States Secret Service] agents but instead drawn from the department's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)," continued Hawley. "This is especially concerning given that HSI agents were unfamiliar with standard protocols typically used at these types of events, according to the allegations."

Hawley, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, one of the congressional panels investigating the assassination attempt against Trump, is asking Mayorkas to provide information about DHS staffing and security lapses during the rally.

Secret Service allegedly understaffed during Trump rally

A day before Hawley's letter to Mayorkas, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, revealed whistleblower allegations that the Secret Service was understaffed at the Trump rally.

The whistleblowers informed Jordan's committee that, several days before Trump's rally, the Secret Service held briefings with "stakeholders," including officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to discuss how the agency was being stretched thin, as it had to provide agents for Trump's rally, a similar event with First Lady Jill Biden in Pennsylvania and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Washington, D.C.

While Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi denied that "resources were diverted" from Trump's campaign, the House Judiciary Committee still alleges that, according to the whistleblowers, law enforcement "overlooked a number of vulnerabilities prior to and during" the rally.

The whistleblowers further claimed that Trump's security detail was asking for increased resources for weeks before the rally and that DHS had repeatedly denied these requests.

"The Committee has several unanswered questions about the failures that led to the attempted assassination of a president  the first in over 40 years  as well as the FBI's ability to conduct a rapid, transparent and thorough investigation in the wake of its recent scandals," read Jordan's letter demanding that FBI Director Christopher Wray testify before the committee to answer questions. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is also expected to testify.

Watch this clip of political analyst and commentator Sebastian Gorka discussing the incompetence of the Secret Service under DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Day before Trump assassination attempt, Austin Private Wealth reported MASSIVE short bets on $DJT and $RUM stocks  similar to stock bets placed right before 9/11.

Butler, Penn. commissioner says Secret Service is LYING; responsibility to secure building where shooter clibmed was on Cheatle and her team, not local PD.

Snipers INSIDE building used by failed Trump assassin did NOTHING to stop the attack, says local cop.

Trump shooter spotted with a RANGEFINDER ahead of assassination attempt  but no one stopped him.

Check out the FBI employee and other TDS exhibitors who posted disappointment that Trump wasn't assassinated.

Sources include:

InformationLiberation.com

FoxNews.com

NationalReview.com

TheFederalist.com

Brighteon.com
UNHINGED: Survey finds 33% of Democrats think Trump assassination attempt was staged

A recent Morning Consult poll has found that around a third of Democrats believe that former President Donald Trump staged the assassination attempt against himself

The poll, conducted after the assassination attempt, reveals some startling beliefs and conspiracy theories among Democrats. For instance, 33 percent of those surveyed think the attack was a staged event, purportedly never intended to be fatal. Additionally, the poll shows that 20 percent of the respondents consider the theory that the shooting was staged to be "credible."

Moreover, 38 percent of those surveyed blame Trump for the violence in American politics, attributing the incident to his own actions, while 29 percent point fingers at Biden's rhetoric. (Related: X user: FBI and Secret Service were complicit in Trump assassination attempt.)

"The poll suggests that over 1/3 of Democratic voters think Trump is Neo from the Matrix, able to dodge a bullet with his head as the bullet travels 3,000 feet per second," Colin Rugg commented. This statement underscores the oddity of such beliefs in the political discourse.

These revelations stand in stark contrast to long-standing media narratives that accuse Trump supporters of fabricating "fake news" and engaging in conspiracy theories.

Leftists have voiced their frustration over failed assassination attempt against Trump

Left-leaning individuals also voiced their frustration over the failed assassination attempt against Trump.

Jenna Howell, an FBI employee, shared a meme on Facebook mocking the failed assassination attempt on Trump. The meme, depicting the Grim Reaper playing an arcade game where a claw fails to grab a toy resembling Trump, was captioned "Awwww so close." Howell, who works in the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and holds top-secret clearance, has been vocal about her opposition to the Second Amendment.

Adding fuel to the fire, Jacqueline Marsaw, a staffer for Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), tweeted a call for improved marksmanship for anyone attempting to assassinate Trump in the future.

"I don't condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don't miss next time ooops [sic] that wasn't me talking," Marsaw posted on X.

Denver lawmaker Rep. Steven Woodrow (D-Colo.) also faced public outcry for his post referring to Trump as the "devil" following the shooting. Woodrow later apologized, stressing the importance of resolving differences peacefully through the ballot box, not violence.

The public reaction has been intense, with many calling for disciplinary actions against Howell and Marsaw. Critics argue that such comments are inappropriate for individuals in positions of public service and demand investigations into the culture that allows such behavior.

There were also notable instances linking Democrats to the attempt on Trump's life. On July 8, President Joe Biden posted this on X: "It's time to put Trump in a bullseye." This was interpreted by many as a call for violence against the former president.

Furthermore, Democrat lawmakers, including Rep. Bennie Thompson and members of the Black Caucus, sponsored House Resolution 8081 to strip Trump of his Secret Service protection before the Butler rally. The proposal added to the controversy surrounding the incident.

Check out Trump.news for more stories about the assassination attempt on the former president.

Watch this video of former President Donald Trump appearing on the first night of the RNC with a bandaged ear.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

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Day before Trump assassination attempt, Austin Private Wealth reported MASSIVE short bets on $DJT and $RUM stocks  similar to stock bets placed right before 9/11.

Trump rewrites RNC speech to focus on UNITY following assassination attempt.

Trump stock saw record shorts the day before the assassination attempt  were investors tipped off?

Sources include:

Modernity.news

DenverPost.com

Brighteon.com
Democrats threatened to unleash loophole of rebellion two days before Biden dropped out of presidential race

Democratic National Committee (DNC) delegate Elaine Kamarck is the one who set up a Zoom call on Friday to discuss the "loophole" that Democrats could have used to rebel in the event that Joe Biden refused to drop out of the presidential race.

The call took place two days before Biden officially dropped out on July 21, revealing that convention-goers had the option to choose not to vote for their pledge candidate in "good conscience" despite picking him in the primaries and caucuses.

Kamarck planted herself on the DNC Rules Committee several decades ago. She told everyone on the call that "there's no such thing as Joe Biden releasing his delegates," adding that Joe Biden gets this.

"I don't know why the rest of the press doesn't get it," she complained.

DNC rules stipulate that all delegates elected to the national convention who pledged to a presidential candidate "shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them."

While the rules previously mandated that delegates had to vote for whoever they pledged to vote for, the 1980 convention saw rule changes amid a fierce battle between Ted Kennedy and then-President Jimmy Carter, according to Kamarck.

"Unlike the Republican party, Democrats can revolt at any time," is how one media outlet put it in simple terms.

Apparently Our Democracy has been reduced to focus groups when the elites dont like the outcome of free and fair primary elections. https://t.co/wTuPQNr8nw pic.twitter.com/QhgVpaBTio  Wuhan Blitz Primary Swan (@TheWuhanClan) July 20, 2024

(Related: Did you know that Secret Service director Kim Cheatle is a close friend of the Biden Crime Family, having been personally recommended for her position by the office of "Dr." Jill?)

Will Biden finish his term?

Now that Biden has dropped out, the loophole rebellion is unnecessary. However, many leftists are now calling on Biden to quit his current term as well, seeing as how he is clearly unfit for the job due to his failing health.

"We've never had a situation quite like this where the primaries were over (with a) very clear-cut winner, and yet something was discovered un[dis]closed, whatever you want to call it, after the end of the primaries that caused people to severely doubt whether or not their nominee should proceed," Kamarck said during the call.

In 2016, Democrats rigged the super delegate process in their primary to stop Bernie Sanders. In 2024, they wouldnt allow debates. Biden won the primary. Now Biden is being forced out before the convention. Rich donors will select a new candidate. The party of democracy.  Cernovich (@Cernovich) July 18, 2024

Biden megadonor John Morgan gave notice to his party following Sunday's announcement about his candidate dropping out of the race by indicating that he will not be fundraising for Kamala Harris, who appears to be the left's top choice as Biden's replacement.

"Joe Biden's endorsement of Kamala is his **** you to all who pushed him out," Morgan wrote on X. "Be careful what you wish for."

"If Trump World could pick anybody to run against, I think they pick her," Morgan added in an interview with ABC News.

Morgan's top choice for Biden's replacement is Michelle "Michael" Obama, the "wife" of former President Barack Obama, whom he says "wins in a landslide with any of these picks," the picks being "any combination" of Joe Manchin, Andy Beshear, Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Shapiro.

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told his followers that the winning ticket to beat Trump is Kamala Harris and Gretchen Whitmer, who "will wipe the smirk off Donald Trump's face and allow us to come roaring back."

The latest news about the upcoming election can be found at Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
European Court of Justice: Pfizer LIABLE for damage if its COVID-19 injection is defective

According to a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), drug manufacturer Pfizer is liable for damage if its Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) injection is found to be defective.

The ECJ's July 17 ruling argued that the idea of COVID-19 vaccine makers having limited liability for vaccine-related injuries or deaths is not entirely true. "A producer is liable for the damage caused by a defect in its product and its liability cannot be limited or excluded," the decision stated. "However, there is no provision  that prohibits a third party from reimbursing the damages which a producer has paid as a result of its product being defective."

The Daily Expose continued: "That means if Pfizer's product is defective and people are harmed by that product, then the victims can seek damages from Pfizer. For any damages that Pfizer pays out, Pfizer can seek reimbursements from a third party  for example, BioNTech."

According to the ECJ ruling, "a producer is liable for the damage caused by a defect in its product." (Related: Former CDC Director calls out FDA's under-reporting of COVID-19 vaccine side effects in congressional hearing.)

"Producer" is defined as "the manufacturer of a finished product, the producer of any raw material or the manufacturer of a component part and any person who, by putting his name, trade mark or other distinguishing feature on the product presents himself as its producer." It also applies to any person who imports a product for sale or any form of distribution in the European Community in the course of their business.

Meanwhile, the definition of "damage" includes "damage caused by death or by personal injuries." According to the Expose, "the COVID-19 vaccines have caused death and personal injury" despite the public being deceived about the injections being "safe and effective."

ECJ also deems efforts to conceal vaccine contracts ILLEGAL

The ECJ's July 17 ruling also annulled the European Commission's (EC) decision to conceal certain parts of COVID-19 vaccine contracts inked by EC President Ursula Von der Leyen. The concealment was done as part of her efforts to gain support for her reelection bid.

Back in October 2021, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Green bloc asked for access to the COVID-19 vaccine contracts with Pfizer negotiated by the EC to know the terms and conditions of the agreements. However, they were only provided with redacted versions of the said contracts.

But the ECJ ruled that Von der Leyen was wrong to conceal details of its multi-billion euro deals for the COVID-19 vaccines. It also noted that the EC did not give sufficient access to the purchase agreements.

This ruling serves as a major blow to Von der Leyen, who is seeking a second term as EC president. She was already under scrutiny for allegedly keeping secret and deleting text messages with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla over vaccine purchases in a controversy dubbed "Deletegate."

"The new European Commission must now adapt their handling of access to documents requests to be in line with todays ruling," said Tilly Metz of Luxembourg, one of the Green MEPs who filed the lawsuit.

Head over to BigPharmaNews.com for similar stories.

Watch this video about EC President Ursula Von der Leyen being accused of secretly negotiating with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla for COVID-19 vaccines.

This video is from the Conspiraciones y Noticias channel on Brighteon.com.

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Pfizergate: Ursula von der Leyen's shady COVID vaccine deals prove she can get away with anything.

EU head Ursula von der Leyen calls for global implementation of Mark of the Beast  "future is digital."

OBEY OR SUFFER: EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen calls for creation of GLOBAL DIGITAL ID SYSTEM.

VAX HOLOCAUST: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she's considering forcing covid "vaccines" on all of Europe.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Brighteon.com
U.K. report: Halting puberty blockers DOES NOT increase suicide ideation in gender-confused youth

A recent independent review has found no evidence that halting the prescription of puberty blockers to transgender-identifying children leads to a significant rise in suicides

The review, commissioned by the government of the United Kingdom and conducted by psychiatrist Louis Appleby, head of the National Health Service's (NHS) Suicide Prevention Strategy programs, was published on July 19 under the title "Review of suicides and gender dysphoria at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust: independent report." (Related: Puberty blockers are QUACK medicine backed by nothing chemical child abuse is now demanded by LGBT pushers conspiring with evil doctors.)

Appleby, a professor of psychiatry and experienced suicide researcher from the University of Manchester, was tasked by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting to scrutinize the evidence following claims by LGBT activists that suicide rates were escalating due to restrictions on puberty blockers implemented in 2020.

The review, which covered data from NHS England on suicide patients at the Tavistock and Portman clinic from 2018 to 2019 and 2023 to 2024, only found 12 suicides. Five in the three years leading up to 2020 to 2021 and seven in the three years afterward. For those under 18, there were three suicides before and three after 2020 to 2021.

Appleby concluded that there is no substantial evidence to support the claim of a large rise in suicides among young gender dysphoria patients at the Tavistock and Portman clinic. The discussion of this issue on social media has been insensitive, distressing and dangerous, contradicting guidelines on the safe reporting of suicide.

Public claims regarding suicide rates do not meet basic standards for statistical evidence. It is crucial to move away from the notion that access to puberty blockers is the primary marker of non-judgmental acceptance in healthcare for gender dysphoric youth.

Moreover, Appleby noted that trans activists' rhetoric about suicidality could inadvertently harm gender-confused children. The irresponsible assertions that puberty blockers are essential to prevent inevitable suicides could lead to adolescents mimicking this behavior.

"These numbers do not show a statistically significant difference," Appleby stated in his report. He also stressed the need for careful interpretation of small data sets, while ensuring high-quality data collection to improve the safety of these children.

Study: A third of children on puberty blockers end up with deteriorating mental health

A 2023 analysis of a 2011 study conducted by University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and Gender Identity Development Service revealed that over a third of children placed on puberty blockers suffered from deteriorating mental health.

The new analysis, led by professor of psychology and sociology Susan McPherson of the University of Essex and retired social scientist David Freedman, indicates that 34 percent of children experienced a "reliable deterioration" in mental health after taking puberty-blocking drugs, while 37 percent saw no change and only 29 percent showed "reliable improvement."

This contrasts sharply with the 2011 study, which claimed "no changes in psychological function" after the treatment. The initial analysis was based on group averages from questionnaires given to children and their parents, whereas the recent analysis focused on individual results. McPherson and Freedman claimed that their methodology offers a "greater indication as to variation across participants," providing a more nuanced understanding of the treatment's impact.

"This complementary analytic approach allows us to look at how a treatment is performing in terms of the percentage of patients improving, deteriorating and showing clinically significant change," the researchers said at the time. "It is possible, using this approach, to look at patterns, such as who is benefitting and who is not. We recommend that these approaches be incorporated into new GD [gender dysphoria] services being established in the U.K. as well as new research studies being designed."

Head over to GenderConfused.com for more stories about gender-related medical interventions.

Watch a detransitioned molecular biologist warn against puberty blockers in an interview below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

South Carolina Senate bans use of puberty blockers and genital mutilation of children.

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Mayo Clinic study reveals disturbing impact of puberty blockers on testicular development.

Study: 34% of children put on transgender puberty blockers end up becoming mental cases.

Biden education department unveils Pride seminar for children pushing them to take puberty blockers and mutilate their bodies.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

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Hunter Biden DROPS lawsuit against Fox News hours after president announces withdrawal from race

Presidential son Hunter Biden dropped an earlier lawsuit he filed against Fox News just hours after President Joe Biden announced that he won't be seeking a second term.

According to CNN, the younger Biden abruptly dropped a lawsuit he filed last month against Fox News over the network's fictionalized miniseries. He alleged that it included sexually explicit images of him without consent.

The July 21 notice of voluntary dismissal was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Tina Glandian, an attorney at the Geragos & Geragos law firm.

The move came less than a month after Hunter filed the lawsuit late last month. He accused the Rupert Murdoch-owned network of unlawfully publishing "intimate images" of him in a now-scrubbed 2022 miniseries about his legal troubles. These images were reportedly included in the so-called "laptop from hell" that originally belonged to him.

The miniseries in question was titled "The Trial of Hunter Biden." This six-part series featured a dramatized "mock trial" about the presidential son's overseas financial dealings. The series led, in part, to his federal tax indictment and claims that fueled House Republicans' stalled impeachment inquiry into the elder Biden.

Geragos & Geragos initially threatened to take legal action against the conservative network. In an April 23 letter signed by Glandian, the law firm accused Fox News of "conspiracy and subsequent actions to defame [the younger] Biden and paint him in a false light." It also accused Fox News and Fox News Digital of "the unlicensed commercial exploitation of his image, name and likeness" and "the unlawful publication of hacked intimate images of him."

"For the last five years, Fox News has relentlessly attacked Hunter Biden and made him a caricature to boost ratings and for its financial gain. We plan on holding them accountable," the law firm said in a statement. The network complied with the letter and removed the six-part miniseries from its platforms.

Hunter still sued Fox News despite removal of miniseries

"This program was produced in and has been available since 2022," Fox News told Mediaite in April. "We are reviewing the concerns that have just been raised and  out of an abundance of caution in the interim  have taken it down."

Despite this, Hunter went ahead with filing the lawsuit in New York City on June 30. He accused the network of targeting him "in an effort to harass, annoy, alarm and humiliate him, and tarnish his reputation." The presidential son also alleged that Fox News violated Section 52-b of the New York Civil Rights Law, which covers so-called "revenge porn"  spreading a person's nude images without their consent to malign them. (Related: Hunter Biden sues Fox News for mock trial series scrubbed months ago.)

"Far from reporting on a newsworthy event, Fox News sought to commercialize [Hunter] Biden's 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."

The network pushed back against the complaint in a statement to Mediaite, calling it an "entirely politically motivated lawsuit" that is "devoid of merit."

"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 [Hunter's] own making, and we look forward to vindicating our rights in court," the statement continued.

Before Hunter's decision to voluntarily drop the lawsuit, it had been in the courts for less than a month. On the same day as the lawsuit's withdrawal, the younger Biden released a statement praising his 81-year-old father's historic decision to bow out of the 2024 presidential race.

"I'm so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him and to thank him," Hunter wrote. "I ask all Americans to join me in doing the same. Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad."

Head over to BidenCrimeFamily.news for more stories about Hunter Biden.

Watch Breanna Morello and Garrett Ziegler discussing Hunter Biden's lawsuit against Fox News, which he later dropped, in the clip below.

This video is from the MyPodcastDropped2320 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hunter Biden found GUILTY of felony gun charges.

Hunter Biden sues IRS whistleblowers for BREACH OF PRIVACY over tax probe.

Hunter Biden lawyers announce plans to take LEGAL ACTION against Fox News.

ITS JOE-VER! Biden DROPS OUT of presidential race, endorses VP Harris as replacement.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

Edition.CNN.com

NBCNews.com

Mediaite.com

Brighteon.com
Biden-linked MeidasTouch owner refusing to pay staff, editor quits

Los Angeles Magazine Editor-in-Chief Shirley Halperin has resigned after just over a year on the job amid reports the publications ownersMark Geragos and Ben Meiselashave failed to pay reporters, photographers, freelancers, and other vendors for their work. Meiselas co-founded the far-left, anti-Donald Trump MeidasTouch Network with his brothers Jordan and Brett, which has spread conspiracy theories regarding the former president and Republican lawmakers.

(Article by William Upton republished from TheNationalPulse.com)

Responding to a report in The Wrap regarding Halperins resignation and the failure to pay staff and freelancers, the magazine offered a non-answer. We are proud that Los Angeles Magazine will have a profitable year in a challenging media environment, and circulation is way up, Christopher Gialanella, the president and publisher of Los Angeles Magazine, said, adding: We will be announcing our new Editor-In-Chief in the next two weeks.

NO REGARD FOR MEDIA INDUSTRY.

Ben Meiselas and his law partner Mark Geragos purchased Los Angeles Magazine in 2022 for an estimated $6 million. At the time of the purchase, the magazine was an unprofitable venture. Under Meiselas and Geragos, the magazine has continued to hemorrhage cash.

According to The Wrap, Greg Gilmanthe executive editor for the magazines websitedeparted the publication last month over the failure to pay freelancers and the lack of vision and strategy by new owners. Meiselas and Geragos are said to have little or no regard for journalists and media industry.

The National Pulse has reported extensively on Ben Meiselas and his brothers MeidasTouch operation. Ron Filipkowski, Editor-in-Chief of the far-left network, has likened his organizations behavior on social media to criminal arson, dropping a burning ember in a dry forest and creating a big blaze of fake news within hours. MeidasTouch popularized the bloodbath hoax against Trump, and has been praised by the Biden-Harris regime as their front lines.

Disgraced attorney and perjuror Michael Cohen is a regular contributor to the far-left website, which has received funding from Epstein Island visitor Reid Hoffman and the scandal-ridden Lincoln Project.

Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com
RFK Jr. accuses DNC of once again RIGGING the nomination process  this time for Kamala Harris

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has accused the Democratic National Committee (DNC) of " anointing a candidate hand-picked by elites ," amid President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race and the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democrats' presumptive nominee. Kennedy has called for a return to an "open process" of selecting a nominee.

During an appearance on Fox News on July 22, Kennedy, who initially entered the race as a Democrat, argued that the DNC made a "strategic mistake" by overtly backing President Joe Biden. RFK Jr. cited various rule changes and the shutdown of primary votes, including in key states like Florida. In this regard, he drew controversial parallels to elections in Russia after Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race. (Related: RFK Jr. claims DNC is RIGGING presidential primaries to favor Biden.)

"A few weeks ago, President Biden was ridiculing Vladimir Putin, who won 88 percent of the vote in Russia, and he said that that was a fixed election because President Putin made sure that no adversaries could challenge him, and also that he had fixed the press so the press wouldn't cover his adversaries," Kennedy said. "The Democratic Party succeeded in doing the same thing."

Kennedy continued by praising Fox News for allowing him to voice his opinions and accused "Democratic networks" of deliberately keeping him off the airwaves.

"I havent been allowed on any of the Democratic networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN. Fox has allowed me on. You have allowed me to speak, you debate me, you give me a platform even though you don't agree with things that I say," he said. "I think that's the way the media is supposed to work."

Earlier that day, Kennedy also criticized the DNC for positioning Harris as Biden's successor on X. Kennedy suggested that it was a strategy to maintain control of its campaign finances.

"I call on the Democratic Party to return to its traditional commitment to democracy and exemplify it with an open process," Kennedy wrote. "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."

RFK Jr. open to once again compete for the Democratic nomination

That same day, Kennedy held a press conference at his family home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts to let the public know that he might seek the Democratic nomination for president if "party elders" urged him to.

"Im the only presidential candidate who can beat Donald Trump," he told reporters. "If I were them, I would do that."

Kennedy accused the party of making it difficult to compete against Biden and criticized Democrats for rallying behind Harris. He described Harris as "one of the primary authors of the school-to-prison pipeline," so he suggested that supporting her was a way for the party to maintain financial stability.

"I predicted that President Biden suffered from a degenerative condition that was not going to improve," he said. "The reaction of the DNC to that obvious condition was to hide it from the American public."

This comes over nine months after leaving the Democratic Party and accusing it of rigging the contest against him and for Biden.

Visit RFKJr.news for more stories about the independent presidential candidate.

Watch this clip from Fox News as Kennedy is interviewed and comments on the DNC's attempts to crown Harris as the Democratic nominee.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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DEMOCRAT COUP: Pelosi played major role in pressuring Biden to DROP OUT of presidential race.

IT'S JOE-VER! Biden DROPS OUT of presidential race, endorses VP Harris as replacement.

RFK Jr. says Democrat Party has already rigged nomination for Biden by EXCLUDING everyone else.

RFK Jr. on corporate media not putting his name in polls: That's OK. All we have to do is win the election.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

MSN.com

Yahoo.com

Brighteon.com
The censorship boomerang

They fooled themselves. The censorship meant to keep regular people in the dark instead blinded the pseudo-elite censors and their friends.

(Article by Bret Swanson republished from Brownstone.org)

The shock  both feigned and real  over Joe Bidens long-obvious dementia cements our 2022 diagnosis of the ruling classs dysinformation disorder. Yes, some knew and hid the truth, as the brilliant Timur Kuran explains. But many journalists and Democratic power brokers appear to have been truly clueless. Otherwise, they would have changed course long ago.

The refrain that Joe is sharp as a tack was just the latest in two decades worth of increasingly preposterous propaganda.

Iraqi WMD

Russian collusion

51 intel officers

Everything Covid SARS2 emerged in a wet market Lockdown Mask your toddlers Jab the healthy Horse dewormer

Ukraine is winning  escalate!

The borders secure

This propaganda is believed most deeply and fervently in Washington, D.C., New York, and Hollywood. Those who think they know the most turn out to know the least. So what? Lots of people are wrong lots of the time.

Well, it turns out self-delusion at scale is no trifling matter. With Covid, it produced the biggest set of policy debacles since the Great Depression and has now brought us closer to nuclear conflict than any time since October 1962.

A Dangerous Info Gap

In June of 2020, we warned of growing censorship spurred by the Internets very openness:

The democratization of knowledge, expertise, and opinion is a fundamental and mostly welcome shift. Over time, it should allow us to learn faster and better stumble our way toward the truth. Ideally, preference cascades that expose falsehoods and improve the world wont take decades to emerge. But not everyone is happy with this new transparency. Information threatens the totalitarian mindset and its programs. As the internet breaks down the old barriers which hid private truths, the central goal of authoritarians is to erect new structures to maintain public lies.

In May of 2022, we speculated about the self-delusional effects of censorship:

Which brings us to dysinformation as a disorder. At some point, the tactic becomes a strategy and then turns to addiction. The power of propaganda and censorship is seductive. Along the way, you mislead your followers over an epistemic cliff, and you lose touch with reality yourself.

And in May of 2023, we said the gap between pseudo-elite opinion and reality had grown into a dangerous chasm:

The online world supercharges all these top-down tactics. We now have demonization and indoctrination at scale. And yet, the infoweb allows for a bottom-up insurgency as well. In other words, the Internet makes narrative control far more effective or ineffective  depending on the audience. Unprecedented volumes of polished publicity flowing at tik-tok speed from legacy know-nothings etch messages on millions of lazy brains. Herds of online trolls defame anyone who strays from the plot. Meanwhile, however, alternative exafloods of data and truly expert content, evading gatekeepers for the first time on thousands of decentralized channels, enlighten billions of savvy info consumers, who parse and argue and think critically for themselves When the incompetence of the ruling class is exposed and the people lose confidence, the ruling class must construct ever more elaborate and maximal stories to retain and project power. The gap between narrative and reality grows into a chasm. Each side thinks the other is mad, as in batty and deranged. No doubt, each side has its loons. But  and heres a crucial difference  only one side insists on a free flow of data and open discussion. The other side believes more information is a threat to our democracy and demands data lockdowns.

Justice Barretts Green Light

Last week, the Supreme Court greenlit more of these data lockdowns. In a 6-3 decision, it allowed government agencies to continue pressuring online platforms to suppress disfavored views and speakers. With the three moderate Republicans joining the three Democrats, the Court reversed a preliminary injunction, issued on July 4, 2023, blocking government-sponsored social media censorship. (We wrote about the case a year ago in the Wall Street Journal  Covid Censorship Proved to Be Deadly.)

Writing for the majority, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the plaintiffs, including Stanford medical professor Jay Bhattacharya, lacked standing. They hadnt shown the specific harms needed to meet the high bar of an injunction, remanding the case to Judge Terry Doughty of the 5th Circuit District Court.

Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, issued a sharp and persuasive dissent, arguing the plaintiffs had indeed shown, even before trial, both standing and a pattern of egregious First Amendment violations by the government-social media collective.

In one sense, the Supreme Courts opinion in Murthy was narrow  ruling only on the technical matter of standing, not reaching the merits of the evidence or First Amendment law.

In other ways, however, Justice Barretts majority opinion was devastatingly broad. The majority appears to have established a much higher threshold to sue government censors.

In First Amendment jurisprudence, one factor affecting standing is traceability. In this case, can the plaintiffs point to specific government actions that yield specific censorial behavior? Could the plaintiffs show how the government pressured the social media companies to suppress information?

To most of us, the thousands of pages of emails documenting White House, FBI, and CDC coercion and collaboration with Facebook and Twitter showed clear government censorship and harms to individuals. Barrett, however, invented a new, higher standard. Its not enough to show the government ordered Facebook to take down content opposing lockdowns or supporting school reopenings, and that the social media firms then throttled or suspended doctors advocating those views. Barretts new traceability framework seems to insist that a specific government employee writes to a specific private actor calling for the specific censorship of a specifically named person. Its kind of like insisting on a notarized confession letter of a bank robber while ignoring the bank video showing him entering the building and the million dollars in his suitcase.

Justice Alito showed a much deeper understanding of both the factual record and the novel web of institutional censorship. Barrett, he warned, had offered a roadmap for more data lockdowns. A savvy government censor can easily avoid naming specific victims of censorship and merely suggest to online platforms, wink and nod, they remove this or that viewpoint or even subtly call out individuals with less than explicit targeting. If government can effect the removal of viewpoints without demanding the banishment of a specific person, moreover, how is any individual ever to show harm, gain standing, and bring a case?

As Alito put it:

The Courtpermits the successful campaign of coercion in this case to stand as an attractive model for future officials who want to control what the people say, hear, and think. That is regrettable. What the officials did in this case was more subtle than the ham-handed censorship found to be unconstitutional in Vullo, but it was no less coercive. And because of the perpetrators high positions, it was even more dangerous. It was blatantly unconstitutional, and the country may come to regret the Courts failure to say so. Officials who read todays decision together with Vullo will get the message. If a coercive campaign is carried out with enough sophistication, it may get by. That is not a message this Court should send.

Columbia law professor Philip Hamburger identified another major problem with Barretts opinion  insisting plaintiffs prove government coercion of third parties.

The First Amendment, however, says nothing about coercion. On the contrary, it distinguishes between abridging the freedom of speech and prohibiting the free exercise of religion. As I have explained in great detail, the amendment thereby makes clear that the Constitutions standard for a speech violation is abridging, that is, reducing, the freedom of speech, not coercion. A mere reduction of the freedom violates the First Amendment. The court in Murthy, however, didnt recognize the significance of the word abridging. This matters in part for the standing question. Its much more difficult to show that the plaintiffs injuries are traceable to government coercion than to show that they are traceable to government abridging of the freedom of speech. More substantively, if the court had recognized the First Amendments word abridging, it would have clarified to the government that it cant use evasions to get away with censorship.

Under the new Barrett rules, theyve invented the perfect First Amendment-evading censorship machine.

The Crisis of Credulity

One reason so many hoaxes have gained traction over the last decade is a crisis of credulity among conservative intellectuals and GOP party leaders. Most of them bought hook, line, and sinker the Russian collusion fraud and most of the Covid narrative and policies. If more conservative D.C. think tanks, op-ed pages, and party leaders had not gone along with these swindles, they would have had far more difficulty gaining widespread purchase.

The Supreme Court itself is a victim of the censorship it now downplays. From Justice Barretts opinion, one can see that the majority does not understand the new media dynamics of the Internet. It doesnt grasp the sophisticated, interwoven array of public, private, and non-profit players working to suppress information. In other words, it doesnt grasp the complex in the Censorship Industrial Complex.

Nor does the majority understand the direction and magnitude of the many Covid policy disasters. Justice Barrett simply assumes the government was informing and the plaintiff dissident scientists were misinforming. Because they are so deeply insulated in the D.C. infowarp, Barrett and her majority colleagues cant see the most potent and prolific sources of misinformation are the government and pseudo-elite institutions who often work hand in glove with government.

During Covid, for example, the FDA, NIH, CDC, and dozens of medical societies were the primary and most authoritative sources of misinformation. In the same way, in the weeks before the 2020 election, five former CIA directors and 46 of their intel colleagues, who received approval for their bogus Russian information operation letter from the existing CIA director, were the primary and most authoritative sources of misinformation.

The First Amendment should apply whether the information is true or not. Yet in the Murthy case, it surely would have helped if the justices had understood (1) the hyper-destructive effects of the censors misguided propaganda and (2) the true insights of the censored scientists, which if followed would likely have delivered far better results. Understanding the size of the policy mistakes and the real sources of misinformation might have led the majority to dig deeper into the facts and the novel mechanism that threatens free speech. Instead, the narrative that shaped the failed Covid response  fear, lockdown, mask, jab, listen to Fauci  still has a hold on Justice Barrett.

How many more elaborate hoaxes will our leadership class promote and fall for? Could the Biden implosion finally lead to an epistemic reckoning?

The good news is this preposterous episode may help reorient our information landscape, at least for a while.

Read more at: Brownstone.org
SCARE TACTICS: U.S. government gives Moderna $176 million to develop mRNA bird flu vaccine for next fake scamdemic

The U.S. government has given $176 million to Moderna with the intention of developing an mRNA vaccine against avian influenza.

The government funds were coursed through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The money will be used to finish developing and testing an mRNA injection against the H5N1 strain of bird flu pending the results of Phase 1 clinical trials, which are expected to be completed this month. Late-stage testing of the vaccine is set to begin in 2025.

The $176 million contract between Washington and the Massachusetts-based Moderna allows for accelerated vaccine development should human H5N1 cases and/or their severity continue to grow. It shares similarities with the earlier Operation Warp Speed, the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) shot development initiative in 2020.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel confirmed that his company received the $176 million federal grant in a statement, adding: "mRNA vaccine technology offers advantages in efficacy, speed of development, and production scalability and reliability in addressing infectious disease outbreaks."

The bird flu virus primarily infects birds but can sometimes infect other animals. It spreads through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings, feathers, or saliva. But following the failures of COVID-19 and monkeypox to usher in the medical police state globalists are much eager to impose, they have now turned to bird flu as the next "disease to watch out for"  and the next tool for making the population submit. (Related: International Bird Flu Summit discussing "mass fatality management plan" to be held in Washington, D.C. before the election.)

The first outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in dairy cattle was reported in March, and the avian virus reportedly has since infected more than 130 cattle herds in 12 states. Given this, health authorities have expressed concern over the possibility of the bird flu virus mutating and jumping to humans. However, such a possibility would only be true if the virus was subjected to manipulation in a laboratory.

Public health officials ramp up the bird flu fearmongering

According to Dawn O'Connell, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response, the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low and vaccination is not currently recommended. However, she added that the government is expected to have more announcements on bird flu vaccines soon. Aside from Moderna, the government is also in negotiations with Pfizer about developing an mRNA vaccine for bird flu.

Like many viral infections, infected individuals can have mild symptoms or none at all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common symptoms in those affected with bird flu include pink eye (conjunctivitis), fever, sore throat and cough, with pneumonia being a serious complication.

While H5N1 is not currently transmissible between humans, other experts including former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield warned that could change. Back in 2012, he touched on gain-of-function research and the ease of making H5N1 highly pathogenic.

"I really do think it's very like that we will, at some time  it's not a question of if, it's more a question of when  have a bird flu pandemic," Redfield said at the time. "I know exactly what amino acids I have to change because in 2012, against my recommendation, the scientists that did these experiments actually published them. So the recipe for how to make bird flu highly infectious for humans is already out there."

Watch this video that tackles whether PCR tests, misused during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be misused again for bird flu.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Finland offers BIRD FLU vaccine to humans, but many experts warn against it.

Independent media spreads fearmongering rhetoric to pave way for "BIRD FLU plandemic."

Finland to provide bird flu vaccinations to all workers exposed to animals.

Bird flu and food inflation push turkey prices 73% higher than last year.

Bird flu is evolving in Chinese poultry; the WHO says avian flu has spread to humans for the first time.

Sources include:

Technocracy.news

Brighteon.com
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 24, 2024, the city of Guangzhou hosted an expo focused on the digital and new energy transformation of public transportation, aiming to create a green and smart urban public transport system. Intelligent driving solution provider CalmCar was invited to participate and signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Guangzhou Public Transportation Group.

Signing ceremony; photo credit: CalmCar

The partnership aims to support the comprehensive development of public transportation in planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and safety, fostering a more favorable environment for its deep integration and sustainable development in the city.

CalmCar continues to invest in R&D and talent development in core technologies for autonomous driving buses, including vision perception, fusion, localization, planning, and control. Alongside its technical capabilities, CalmCar has extensive experience in mass production.

CalmCar products; photo credit: CalmCar

Beyond vehicle intelligence, CalmCar provides a cloud platform for monitoring and operating intelligent connected vehicles. This platform offers collaborative perception, decision-making, and control capabilities, while performing big data analysis on operational data and real-time monitoring of power supply, chassis, and control systems. In case of unexpected situations, the system can implement functions like slow parking or remote human intervention.

CalmCar offers comprehensive Level-4 integrated service products, covering intelligent bus access, V2X roadside infrastructure construction, real-time monitoring center setup, and remote virtual cockpit deployment. This ensures a safe and efficient autonomous driving experience for users.

CalmCar has received strategic investments from industry leaders such as ZF, SAIC Motor, BAIC Group, China Unicom, and SureKAM Corporation. Its core mass production customers include global automakers and suppliers like HOZON Auto, ZEEKR, Dongfeng Motor, VinFast, ZF, Autoliv, and Aptiv.
And Microsoft Defender is a component of its SSE solution, she adds. It is integrated with Microsoft Entra ID and the rest of Microsoft Entra portfolio through Conditional Access policy engine.

Our SSE products can also be deployed side-by-side with other SSE vendors, making it possible for customers to mix different components of the SSE stack, she adds.

SASE vs. SD-WAN

SSE can be considered a subset of SASE (secure access service edge), which is a term coined by Gartner to describe a cloud-based service that combines networking and security to give remote workers safe access to internet-based resources. The five elements of SASE are CASB, secure web gateway, ZTNA, firewall as a service, and integrated SD-WAN. SSE is essentially SASE minus SD-WAN, the network access part of the equation.

IDC splits the difference between SASE and SSE, using the term network edge security as a service (NESaaS) to describe a converged approach that includes SWG, CASB, and ZTNA as prerequisites and treats networking capabilities like SD-WAN and digital experience monitoring (DEM) as optional points of integration.

SSE vendor landscape

According to Gartner, there are three SSE vendors that are leading the space: Netskope, Zscaler, and Palo Alto. Other SSE vendors include Cisco, Fortinet, Versa Networks, Cloudflare, Broadcom, iBoss, Skyhigh Security, and Lookout.

Microsofts SSE solution will put pressure on the other vendors in the space, says David Holmes, an analyst at Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research. They have all the pieces, he says.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- BAIC Group recently signed an agreement at the BAIC Zhuzhou factory for an order of 1,000 EU5 electric vehicles to be offered to Tajikistan, the automaker announced via its WeChat account.

At the same time, the first batch of the 300 EU5 vehicles was delivered to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to serve as green taxis, providing eco-friendly transportation for local residents.

Signing & delivery ceremony; photo credit: BAIC Group

During the delivery ceremony, Yang Nanhua, General Manager of BAIC International, highlighted BAIC's achievements in the new energy vehicle sector and expressed optimism about future collaborations. He emphasized BAIC's commitment to working with Tajik partners to promote green mobility and support Tajikistan's sustainable development goals.

Saidzoda Firdavs, Deputy Mayor of Dushanbe, praised the friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between China and Tajikistan. He expressed high regard for BAIC's advanced electric taxis and looked forward to deeper collaborations in various fields to drive the green development of Dushanbe and the entire country.

As a flagship model of BAIC's new energy vehicles, the EU5 is widely used in green transportation operations in China. This delivery signifies the integration of eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and high-performance electric taxis into Dushanbe's transportation system, offering convenient and comfortable green travel options for local citizens.
UN chief welcomes declaration on strengthening unity by Palestinian factions

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N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the declaration on ending division and strengthening unity signed by 14 Palestinian factions in Beijing, a spokesman said.

Guterres "very much welcomes the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the Palestinian factions," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, in response to questions at a regular daily briefing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Terming the deal as "an important step towards furthering Palestinian unity," Dujarric said the secretary-general "encourages all factions to overcome their differences through dialogue and urges them to follow up on the commitments that were made in Beijing and the declaration they signed on to."

"We've seen this before, we've talked about it before, and I think all steps towards unity are to be welcomed and encouraged," he said.

"Palestinian unity, as we've said many a time, is crucial for peace and security and for advancing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and for a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he added.

Guterres also expressed his appreciation for the diplomatic efforts being made by China as well as efforts of other countries involved in facilitating the process, said the spokesman.

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

int/rs/svn

 UN chief welcomes declaration on strengthening unity by Palestinian factions

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Elon Musk Richard Bord/Getty Images

On Tuesday, Elon Musk floated the idea of Tesla investing $5 billion into xAI.

Musk's gotten pushback for shifting resources between his companies in the past.

But shareholders in the past have bought into Musk's whole entrepreneurial vision  rather than just its parts.

Should Elon Musk spend money from one company he controls to invest in another? Musk asked users of a third company he controls.

On Tuesday night on X, Elon Musk floated the idea, polling users whether Tesla should invest $5 billion into his burgeoning AI startup, xAI.

It wouldn't be the first time Musk has sought to shift resources from one company he controls to another.

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Fortune reported in April that five companies run by Musk  including SpaceX, Tesla, X, the Boring Company, and an unnamed security entity  had billed one another $9.1 million in various transactions over roughly a year.

But it's a strategy that has garnered pushback.

Last month, a group of Tesla shareholders filed a lawsuit accusing Musk and the EV maker of diverting AI talent and resources to xAI  including key employees and critical Nvidia graphics processing units.

Business Insider reported in June that at least 18 former Tesla employees had joined another Musk startup, Neuralink.

And when Musk bought Twitter  and renamed it X  some engineers from Tesla went over to work at his new social media platform; Musk later said the engineers had volunteered for the work.

As for Tuesday's poll, Musk assured he was just testing the waters, noting that "board approval & shareholder vote are needed." Still, users were overwhelmingly in favor of the idea, to the tune of 69%.

While other companies might be terrified of muddying the waters, fearing an SEC investigation or shareholder revolt, Musk has proven able to shift resources across his increasingly interwoven empire.

That's likely because shareholders have bought into his entire entrepreneurial vision moreso than any of its individual parts.

Story continues

Musk's bold vision has earned him a cult-like following, which was on full display at the company's shareholder meeting in June, where attendees wore Cybertruck shirts, signed banners, and sung his praises in a Q&A.

Tesla did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Earlier Tuesday, Tesla reported Q2 earnings, which saw its stock tumble on missed expectations.

On the call, Musk faced tough questions about reallocating resources, including diverting Nvidia chips from Tesla to xAI and X.

Earlier in the call, Musk had voiced concerns about Nvidia chip access in light of scorching demand. But when asked about diversion, Musk said Tesla lacked the infrastructure to use them.

"I want to be clear that was in Tesla's interest, not contrary to Tesla's interest," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
French museum issues gold coins in honour of Shah Rukh Khan

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he Grevin Museum in the French capital has honoured Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan with its set of customised gold coins.

The Grevin Museum at Paris is a wax museum located on the Grands Boulevards on the right bank of the Seine river.

A paparazzi shared the update on Instagram with a photo of the coin featuring SRK's likeness. This makes SRK the first Bollywood actor to have gold coins in his name at the museum.

Meanwhile, SRK has been earlier immortalised in wax statues in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Thailand, India, Singapore and Australia.

Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK bailed out the struggling Hindi film industry in 2023 with his consecutive blockbusters like 'Pathaan', and 'Jawan'. While in 'Pathaan' he played the role of the titular spy, he played a cop who doubles up as a vigilante in 'Jawan'.

'Jawan' marked the Hindi debuts of director Atlee and superstar Nayanthara. The film grossed Rs 1,100 crore worldwide as per the industry tracker Sacnilk.

The megastar is currently busy with the upcoming film 'King' in which he will be sharing the screen with his daughter Suhana who made her debut with the streaming movie 'The Archies'. SRK also made an exit from Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' franchise, and passed the baton to Ranveer Singh for the titular role.

 French museum issues gold coins in honour of Shah Rukh Khan

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Will further strengthen our friendship with India: Bhutanese PM after meeting Gautam Adani

B

hutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay on Wednesday said their visit will further strengthen the friendship ties between Bhutan and Bharat, as they wrapped up the three-day visit to Gujarat where they also visited the Adani Group-operated world's largest Renewable Energy (RE) site at Khavda and Mundra Port.

The delegation also visited the GIFT City, an upcoming global financial and IT services hub, near Gandhinagar.

"We are inspired by what has been achieved in such a short time in this Smart City. Our visit here will further strengthen strong ties of friendship between Bhutan and Bharat. On behalf of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, I would like to thank the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, for the wonderful arrangements," Tobgay told the media.

The Bhutanese delegation also visited the Statue of Unity which was like a "pilgrimage" for them.

The Bhutanese PM also called for a partnership between India and Bhutan for the development of the 'Mindfulness City', planned at Gelephu town in southern Bhutan near the border with India.

The state government said the visiting delegation was impressed after seeing "world-class infrastructure and other high-tech systems such as the district cooling system and utility tunnel".

On Tuesday, Wangchuck and Tobgay visited the world's largest Renewable Energy (RE) site at Khavda which is operated by the Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the country's largest and one of the world's leading RE companies. Later, they also visited the mega port at Mundra, the largest commercial port in India with state-of-the-art infrastructure run by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) -- the biggest commercial ports operator in India accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, said he was "immensely grateful" for their visit to Adani's 30 GW Renewable Energy site at Khavda and Mundra Port. Last month, the Adani Group announced the signing of an agreement with Bhutan for a 570 MW green hydro plant, along with collaboration on several transformative infrastructure initiatives in the neighbouring country. The announcement was made following Gautam Adani's meeting with the Bhutanese PM in Thimphu.

India and Bhutan continue to intensify bilateral cooperation, including development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance.

 Will further strengthen our friendship with India: Bhutanese PM after meeting Gautam Adani

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Unexpected Camaraderie: Sonia Gandhi, Jaya Bachchan break barriers with smiles

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video on Wednesday captured a significant moment: Sonia Gandhi and Jaya Bachchan engaged in a jovial conversation in Parliament, sharing laughter and signalling a potential thaw in their relationship.

As opposition party leaders exited the Rajya Sabha proceedings and gathered outside, Sonia Gandhi's convoy reached there and she emerged from her vehicle. Congress leader Rajeev Shukla, a Rajya Sabha member from Chhattisgarh, warmly greeted her upon her arrival. Moments later, Sonia Gandhi exchanged words and laughter with Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress and Jaya Bachchan, a veteran Rajya Sabha member representing the Samajwadi Party and wife of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan.

Their interactions, captured on camera, portrayed a moment of camaraderie, although the details of their conversation remained undisclosed.

There was a time when the Gandhis and the Bachchan family shared a close friendship, which gradually waned over the years. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan were notably close. Upon Rajiv Gandhi's request, Amitabh Bachchan contested and won the Lok Sabha election from Allahabad in 1984. However, amidst allegations in the Bofors scandal, Bachchan, then an actor-turned-politician, resigned from his parliamentary seat. Reports indicate that Rajiv Gandhi was disappointed and subsequently stopped communicating with Bachchan, leading to a strain in their families' relationship.

In fact, in the Upper House, Sonia Gandhi occupies a front-row seat, while Jaya Bachchan sits a few rows behind her. Previously, Sonia Gandhi was in the Lok Sabha and Jaya Bachchan was in the Rajya Sabha. Their interactions were rare. Now, they are more likely to encounter each other regularly. In the previous Parliament, Sonia Gandhi represented Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha but chose to move to the Upper House from Rajasthan earlier this year. Meanwhile, her son, Rahul Gandhi, continues to represent the family stronghold of Rae Bareli in the current Lok Sabha.

During the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party formed an alliance under the INDIA bloc platform, delivering a surprising blow to the BJP. Both Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav have notably displayed a rare camaraderie during this period.

On Wednesday, MPs from the INDIA Bloc staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha, citing concerns over purported discrimination against states governed by opposition parties in the Union Budget. At the start of the session, opposition members immediately sought to address the issue of budget allocations.

 Unexpected Camaraderie: Sonia Gandhi, Jaya Bachchan break barriers with smiles

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Welcome desire to conclude mutually beneficial FTA, PM Modi tells visiting UK Foreign Secretary

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K Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as both countries continue to unlock the full potential of their growing partnership in diverse fields.

"A pleasure to meet UK FS David Lammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM Keir Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

Visiting India in his very first month as Foreign Secretary, Lammy called India as the "emerging superpower of the 21st century", the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

"An honour to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UK and India share a unique living bridge that enriches both our countries. We are working together to accelerate climate action while creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses," he wrote in his reply to PM Modi's post on the social media platform Wednesday evening.

Lammy also called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as both held bilateral discussion on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

This is the first high-profile visit from London after the formation of Labour Party government under the leadership of British PM Keir Starmer, earlier this month.

"Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security," the UK Foreign Secretary said before his arrival in the Indian capital.

He also underscored the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India, highlighting that it represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life.

Earlier in the day, the UK Foreign Secretary met business leaders to emphasise how both countries are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.

The government led by Keir Starmer remains keen on harnessing and unlocking the true potential of the UK-India partnership, asserting that it will not only deliver prosperity for the people of India and the UK but also for the rest of the world.

Lammy will travel to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Laos on Thursday, which will also see participation of EAM Jaishankar.

 Welcome desire to conclude mutually beneficial FTA, PM Modi tells visiting UK Foreign Secretary

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WASHINGTONVice President Kamala Harris has officially replaced her boss, incumbent Democrat President Joe Biden, as the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for the U.S. presidency.

While she has not yet been named the nominee, and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) for this year has yet to take place in Chicago, Harris received an outpouring of support from top-level Democratic lawmakers and DNC delegates from the states. In an already tumultuous election, Biden passing the torch to his 2020 running mate revitalizes the Democrats in a bid to beat Donald Trump and his running mate, far-right Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

How does this impact the adult industry and commercial sex work? That may be a bit difficult to forecast at this point, but Harris' entry into the race most certainly redraws the election for the presidency.

At the time of this writing, Harris has yet to name a running mate who would be the Democrats' nominee for vice president. In the first days of her presidential campaign, Harris raised over $100 million.

Journalists across the political spectrum observe that Trump is now the old and deteriorating candidate for the presidency. Anne Applebaum, a staff writer for The Atlantic, authored a column titled "Suddenly Trump Looks Older and More Deranged." She commented, "Now it is the Republicans who are saddled with the elderly candidate, the one who cant make a clear argument or finish a sentence without veering off into anecdote."

All of these developments are mere footnotes to the role pornography has played in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Harris, Trump and J.D. Vance, and other stakeholders have turned 2024 into the "porn election." Trump and Stormy Daniels. Vance and his alignment with the anti-porn, far-right Project 2025 network. And Harris and her work to defend the criminalization of sex workers.

To begin, consider Kamala Harris and her record on sex workers' rights. Harris rose to prominence as the California Attorney General. A Democrat and "top cop" for the state, she has a mixed reputation.

For example, when she served as the San Francisco District Attorney, she opposed a proposal to decriminalize sex work.

Proposition K was on the local ballot in November 2008 and was a bid to "prohibit the police from using public resources to investigate and prosecute charges of prostitution." Harris is on record calling the measure "completely ridiculous," via an article on the measure from the New York Times archive. In 2020, LGBTQ+ news outlet Them pointed out Proposition K was a response to longstanding research and advocacy to prevent harm to sex workers.

She also defended the criminalization of sex work and for further carceral action against consensual sex work because it facilitates the spread of HIV and AIDS.

In 2019, a critic said Harris "has spent her career building the carceral state."

An interview with The Root published in 2019 features Harris, a senator for California in Washington, D.C. at the time. She said that her stance on sex work criminalization had softened. When the interviewer asked about her position on the decriminalization of sex work and whether she supported it, Harris simply said, "I think so. I do." She then explained, during her time as a prosecutor, that she preferred arresting pimps and buyers over sex workers.

Several sex workers' aid groups and nonprofits characterized this as an endorsement of a "Nordic" model of regulating sex buying. Also, during her tenure as attorney general, she instigated criminal action against Backpage.com and its former owners. At the time, Harris and her office charged Michael Lacey and the late James Larkin with felony conspiracy to commit pimping.

In addition, also while a U.S. senator, Harris co-sponsored and voted in favor of FOSTA/SESTA, which gutted safe harbor provisions in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996.

At the other end of the political spectrum, there is someone who is just as bad, if not worse than Harris, on issues related to sexual expression and other forms of First Amendment-protected speech.

Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, was named former President Donald Trump's running mate and nominee for the vice presidency during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. last week.

A hypocrite to many, Vance is a convert to Trump's movement after years of criticizing the former president. Vance even compared Trump to Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany who oversaw the genocide of millions of Jews, Romani, queer people and political rivals during the Second World War. Vance's criticism of Trump hasn't discredited him in any way, it appears.

Vance was named to the top of the Republican ticket just days after the former president survived an assassination attempt on his life. Sen. Vance, spry and young compared to aging Trump, ultimately serves as the Republican Party's lifeline if something were to happen to Trump if he wins his second term in office. A typical anti-LGBTQ+, religious conservative, Vance is a godsend for a right-wing movement that has gone fully populist.

He is a frightening figure as it relates to sexual rights and bodily autonomy. As a candidate for the senate, Vance told a far-right Roman Catholic magazine that he thinks pornography should be banned in a bid to protect families.

"I think the combination of porn, abortion have basically created a really lonely, isolated generation that isnt getting married, theyre not having families, and theyre actually not even totally sure how to interact with each other," Vance told Crisis Magazine. The story covered a summit of young "new right" conservatives who are convinced that sex outside of marriage or having the right to make their own reproductive choices is sinful conduct.

Vance added that he wants to ban porn in its entirety. This worldview links up to Project 2025. AVN has previously reported on the project, which presents itself as a conservative "presidential transition project."

Organized by the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a network of right-leaning groups and policy proposals that they believe Trump should champion if he returns to the White House in 2025. These proposals are outlandish, culture-war responses that lack a legal basis.

For instance, Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts wrote in the foreword of the Mandate for Leadershipthe project's nearly 1,000-page policy treatisethat pornography should be stripped of its First Amendment rights and that "pornographers" should be imprisoned. Roberts characterizes "pornography" as a catch-all term to include anything that even remotely deals with LGBTQ+ subject matter, reproductive rights or bodily autonomy.

Vance and Roberts have a lot in common politically. Both believe that "gender ideology" threatens the country's youth and have called for bans on various things such as pornography. Vance and Roberts also agree with Trump that Section 230, colloquially the "First Amendment of the internet," should be repealed or significantly changed, which could have lasting damage to freedom of expression online if this were to happen.

All of this proves even more ironic given that the person both are stumping for, directly and indirectly, is Donald Trumpthe same Donald Trump who appeared on the cover of Playboy in 1990 and had an affair with AVN Hall of Famer Stormy Daniels that he covered up to sway the 2016 election in his favor.

Additionally, Trump is still a convicted felon in the state of New York for falsifying business records in a conspiracy to cover up the affair with Daniels.

Normally, this conduct wouldn't be considered so controversial or disconcerting for a rich oligarch such as Trump.

But it shows that the anti-porn right wing in the political landscape is willing to side with anyone they think could be amenable to censoring protected speech and violating the rights of millions of women and LGBTQ+ people.

While a potential Harris administration is potentially more palatable than a Trump-Vance administration, this election proves there is no longer any middle ground.
"I really dont know if Ive had a 'worst' job. But I still remember the smell of steam coming from the dish room in the nursing home."
New guidance on peri-operative care of transgender and gender-diverse individuals is today published in Anaesthesia (the journal of the Association of Anaesthetists) to guide best practice to ensure the safety and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse people in the peri-operative period. The guidance has been produced by a working group of experts including Dr Stuart Edwardson, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, and Dr Luke Flower, Victor Philip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge, UK, and colleagues.

The number of people openly identifying as transgender and/or gender diverse has increased significantly over the past decade, most likely as a result of emerging clarity and comfort with open expression. Census estimates from 2021 identified 262,000 people living in the UK identifying with a gender that does not correspond with that assigned at birth. It is worth noting that this is a lower estimate than others, most likely due to hesitation of people to disclose.

Around 50% of transgender and gender-diverse people are currently undergoing some form of medical treatment for gender affirmation (whether this is hormonal therapy, surgical affirmation or both), and a further 25% are not currently accessing gender-affirming medical interventions but wish to. Many aspects of these interventions provide specific and important considerations for the anaesthetist in the peri-operative period.

The authors say: "Transgender and gender-diverse people comprise a significant and varied minority with specific healthcare needs that are often both poorly misunderstood and met. It is our collective responsibility for this inequity to be addressed. Transgender and gender-diverse people, in addition to some specific needs, experience the same health problems as everyone else and will therefore present to all services whether specialist or not. This guideline sets out a structured explanation of current evidence and practicalities to be considered for any anaesthetist looking after a transgender and gender-diverse patient in any scenario or area of the hospital."

They add that the new guidance is necessary as there is currently no existing guidance covering the scope and focus of this document.

The working group make some key recommendations:

The patient's preferred name and pronouns should be confirmed and used at all times. This is an important way of showing respect and decreasing the risk of gender dysphoria. There should be a process in place whereby a patient can privately and safely disclose both their sex at birth and gender as part of pre-operative assessment. Digital pre-assessment questionnaires can provide this in an elective setting. All forms of social, medical and surgical gender affirmation should be identified at pre-operative assessment, and sensitive explanations given to the patient for the purposes of enquiring. Anaesthetists should be aware that many aspects of gender-affirming care may not be present on a patient's health record (including gender-affirming surgical procedures). A pre-operative pregnancy test should be offered to all patients who have a uterus and ovarian tissue between the ages of 12 and 55 years, regardless of the use of contraception. All specific peri-operative considerations for transgender and gender-diverse patients, including name and pronouns, should be communicated with the team at the surgical brief. Transgender status need only be shared with the patient's consent and if it is deemed important for the safety of their care. It should be given the same level of confidentiality as any other sensitive personal information. Chest binders should ideally be removed, with the patient's consent, before anaesthetic intervention. Hormone therapy should be continued throughout the peri-operative period unless there are specific contraindications. Patients should be counselled on the risks and benefits of this with the aim of making a shared decision. Transgender and gender-diverse patients should be cared for in an environment that respects their gender identity. In some circumstances, this may involve providing a single room. Organisations should have clear guidance for the care of patients who are transgender and gender-diverse. This should include specific educational materials to increase awareness of issues impacting their access to high-quality care. All areas of peri-operative and perinatal practice should embrace gender-inclusive language to honour all identities. Pregnant patients who are transgender or gender diverse should be seen in an anaesthetic clinic in the antenatal period to inform and support decision-making and plan care before presenting in labour.

The authors conclude: "The objective of this document is to guide best practice to ensure the safety and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse people in the peri-operative period. While they may have specific health needs in relation to gender dysphoria, their health requirements go beyond their gender identity. Most doctors will provide care to someone who is transgender or gender-diverse at some stage in their career. It is therefore important that all anaesthetists are educated on specific considerations when caring for these patients."

"This document provides the first guidance produced to advise on best practice to ensure the safety and dignity of trans and gender-diverse individuals in the peri-operative period."
Researchers from North Carolina State University, University of Manitoba, Bern University of Applied Sciences, University of South Carolina, and California Baptist University published a new Journal of Marketing study that explores whether the onset of daylight saving time leads consumers to engage in unhealthy behaviors.

The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "Spring Forward = Fall Back? The Effect of Daylight Saving Time Change on Consumers' Unhealthy Behavior" and is authored by Ramkumar Janakiraman, Harsha Kamatham, Sven Feurer, Rishika Rishika, Bhavna Phogaat, and Marina Girju.

Changing clocks twice a year is a tradition for most people living in the United States, with the spring transition to daylight saving time raising the ire of many due to the loss of an hour of sleep.

Public policy makers are grappling with the question of whether to abolish the biannual time change and, if so, whether to make standard time or daylight saving time permanent. While sleep scientists call for year-round standard time because it best aligns with humans' circadian rhythms, many retailers and outdoor industries support permanent daylight saving time, arguing that longer sunlight in the evenings supports their business. It is thus crucial to further illuminate the consequences of the current policy to better inform policy makers, managers, and consumers.

This new Journal of Marketing study explores whether the onset of daylight saving time leads consumers to engage in unhealthy behaviors. The researchers examine social media data from X (formerly Twitter) to study consumer responses to the onset of daylight saving time. They say that "the number of tweets with keywords related to the disruptive nature of the switch to daylight saving time peaked around 12 hours after the change occurred. We also find that the volume of negatively toned tweets rose more substantially, indicating a stronger increase in negative sentiment toward the time change. Overall, our preliminary findings suggests that consumers respond negatively to the switch to daylight saving time."

Snack consumption and fitness center visits

The study then examines two unique disaggregate level datasets that capture two different consumer behaviors: snack consumption and fitness center visits. The first dataset captures consumers' real-time snack consumption in their natural environments while the second dataset tracks the attendance records of customers visiting fitness centers. To understand consumer behavior following the onset of daylight saving time, the researchers compare consumers' calorie consumption from packaged snacks and visits to fitness centers across two customer groups: those who are affected by the onset of daylight saving time (the treatment group) and those who are not affected by the onset of daylight saving time (the control group), before and after the onset of daylight saving time.

Results show that:

calorie consumption from largely unhealthy snacks increases following the time change and

visits to fitness centers decrease.

The effect on calorie consumption is amplified during the evening hours and for cloudy days. Further, visits to fitness centers are reduced among fitness center members who live farther away and who do not visit the fitness centers regularly. Finally, the researchers examine the effect of the transition from daylight saving time to standard time (during fall) and find that there is no effect of the fall transition on calories consumed from unhealthy snacks. These results highlight the role of sleepiness caused by the one-hour setback, which impairs consumers' self-control and leads to less healthy consumption behavior.

Lessons for public policy makers

"Our study indicates that the onset of daylight saving time is an obstacle to consumers' health goals, suggesting that policy makers should continue trying to end the time changes. Further, from a consumer well-being perspective, public health campaigns promoting healthy eating and exercise might be especially necessary around the time change," the research team advises.

Lessons for consumers

Consumers can emphasize self-control strategies such as avoiding stocking up on unhealthy snacks before the time change. Conversely, fitness center members might plan activities close to the center to reduce the effort required to visit it following the time change. Consumers vulnerable to self-control failures might also seek support from peers (e.g., online social networks) and platforms incentivizing healthy behavior (e.g., through gamification).

Novel technologies, such as smart circadian lighting systems, might also help consumers reset their circadian clocks in a less disruptive fashion. Apps originally designed for travelers to reduce jet lag can be used to minimize the effect of the time change.

Lessons for Chief Marketing Officers

Firms involved in health-related industries can use these insights to anticipate demand and to better serve their customers around the onset of daylight saving time. For instance, when daylight saving time starts, fitness centers could offer promotions like free coffee or a competition or event to bring people in and counter their tendency to skip exercising.
For decades, insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor insecticide spraying regimens have been important  and widely successful  treatments against mosquitoes that transmit malaria, a dangerous global disease. Yet these treatments also  for a time  suppressed undesirable household insects like bed bugs, cockroaches and flies.

Now, a new North Carolina State University study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control shows that as the household insects developed resistance to the insecticides targeting mosquitoes, the return of these bed bugs, cockroaches and flies into homes has led to community distrust and often abandonment of these treatments  and to rising rates of malaria.

In short, the bed nets and insecticide treatments that were so effective in preventing mosquito bites  and therefore malaria  are increasingly viewed as the causes of household pest resurgence.

"These insecticide-treated bed nets were not intended to kill household pests like bed bugs, but they were really good at it," said Chris Hayes, an NC State Ph.D. student and co-corresponding author of a paper describing the work. "It's what people really liked, but the insecticides are not working as effectively on household pests anymore."

"Non-target effects are usually harmful, but in this case they were beneficial," said Coby Schal, Blanton J. Whitmire Distinguished Professor of Entomology at NC State and co-corresponding author of the paper.

The value to people wasn't necessarily in reducing malaria, but was in killing other pests. There's probably a link between use of these nets and widespread insecticide resistance in these house pests, at least in Africa." Chris Hayes, NC State Ph.D. student and co-corresponding author

The researchers add that other factors  famine, war, the rural/city divide, and population displacement, for example  also could contribute to rising rates of malaria.

To produce the review, Hayes combed through the academic literature to find research on indoor pests like bed bugs, cockroaches and fleas, as well as papers on malaria, bed nets, pesticides and indoor pest control. The search yielded more than 1,200 papers, which, after an exhaustive review process, was whittled down to a final count of 28 peer-reviewed papers fulfilling the necessary criteria.

One paper  a 2022 survey of 1,000 households in Botswana  found that while 58% were most concerned with mosquitoes in homes, more than 40% were most concerned with cockroaches and flies.

Hayes said a recent paper  published after this NC State review was concluded  showed that people blamed the presence of bed bugs on bed nets.

"There is some evidence that people stop using bed nets when they don't control pests," Hayes said.



The researchers say that all hope is not lost, though.

"There are, ideally, two routes," Schal said. "One would be a two-pronged approach with both mosquito treatment and a separate urban pest management treatment that targets pests. The other would be the discovery of new malaria-control tools that also target these household pests at the same time. For example, the bottom portion of a bed net could be a different chemistry that targets cockroaches and bed bugs.

"If you offer something in bed nets that suppresses pests, you might reduce the vilification of bed nets."

The study appears in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The review was supported in part by the Blanton J. Whitmire Endowment at NC State, and grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Healthy Homes program (NCHHU0053-19), the Department of the Army, U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Natick Contracting Division, Ft. Detrick, Maryland (W911QY1910011), and the Triangle Center for Evolutionary Medicine (257367).
PATTAYA, ThailandRicci Levy of Woodhull Freedom Foundation is this week's guest on "Adult Site Broker Talk." Levy has been engaged in sexual freedom activism for several decades.

In 2003, she helped found the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit human rights organization dedicated to defending the personal autonomy of all individuals. As the executive director, then president and CEO, Levy has led Woodhull for more than 20 years.

Levy has given evidence and spoken at conferences nationwide, frequently presenting divisive topics in a way that encourages cooperative dialogue to forge coalitions and create bridges. She is at the forefront of the human rights movement, bringing issues like censorship, the liberalization of sex work, the shackling of laboring prisoners, and the right to family and reproductive justice to the forefront of discussion.



Since its founding, the Foundation has battled to recognize sexual freedom as a basic human right that belongs alongside other hard-won freedoms like the right to privacy, the right to family, and freedom of speech.

Together with allies who represent particular issues, identities and communities, Levy also acts as a general advocate for sexual rights, whether she is speaking to students about the legitimacy of all consenting families or successfully pleading with Congress to ban condoms as proof of prostitution.



The Woodhull Freedom Foundation seeks to alter laws, regulations and practices pertaining to various topics that all share the common trait of either negating or endangering our inalienable right to sexual freedom. Woodhull played a key role in ensuring that domestic partner benefitsa detail that was at risk in the original legislationwere included as a component of same-sex marriage.



The group testified and lobbied on behalf of efforts to end the practice of shackling incarcerated women during labor and delivery in Florida prisons, and it played a significant role in the termination of Washington D.C.'s "Prostitution Free Zones," which infringed on legally defendable rights.



Apart from promoting legislative, judicial and corporate responsibility and advancement, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation is the leading voice at the intersection of human and sexual rights, urging the U.S. to uphold rather than restrict human rights, including those pertaining to sexual freedom.



Woodhull was the principal litigant in the lone federal challenge to the lethal FOSTA law, Woodhull Freedom Foundation et al. v. United States.

Follow Woodhull on X @WoodhullFreedom.

Bruce, the adult site broker, host of the show, and CEO of Adult Site Broker, said: I really enjoyed my conversation with Ricci. I love her dedication to the cause of protecting sexual freedom, which is so important to our country.

Adult Site Broker helps people buy and sell websites in the adult space. Contact the firm on its website at adultsitebroker.com.

Listen to Ricci Levy on "Adult Site Broker Talk" starting today at adultsitebrokertalk.com.
Very overweight children infected with dengue appear to be at higher risk of hospitalization, according to researchers who say more public awareness is needed about the risks of obesity and severe disease.

Spread by the Aedes mosquito, cases of dengue reached a historic high of over 6.5 million in 2023, with more than 7,300 dengue-related deaths reported, according to the World Health Organization. About 90 percent of those hospitalized are children less than five years old.

With 10 million cases already reported this year by the end of June, 2024 is set to break the record again.

Neelika Malavige, professor in Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka says the disease is a significant problem in many South American and Asian countries including Sri Lanka.

Some individuals develop [the severe form] dengue hemorrhagic fever, requiring hospitalization, said Malavige, co-author of the study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Disease.

Others develop plasma leakage, which leads to shock, and if untreated, death. Therefore, early detection of complications is crucial.

Obesity and diabetes  on the rise in many countries  are known risk factors for dengue but there is little data on whether these conditions lead to more dengue-related hospitalizations, say the researchers.

To investigate this, they looked at almost 5,000 Sri Lankan children aged 10 to 18 years, analyzing their case details including hospitalizations due to dengue and body mass index (BMI).

Dengue-infected children with higher BMI for their age group  50th to 85th centiles  were associated with higher hospitalization rates as compared to children with a lower BMI. Those in the top centiles (98th and above), indicating clinical obesity, were twice as likely to be hospitalized than the rest.

With the increase in obesity in many countries, it would be important to create awareness and educate the public of the potential risks regarding obesity and risk of severe disease and hospitalization from dengue. Neelika Malavige, Professor in Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

It definitely is important to study if obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases lead to more symptomatic illness and also increase in hospitalizations, she stressed.

Dengue is often referred to as break bone fever because of the severe joint, bone and muscle pain it causes. Transmission usually occurs during the rainy season when the temperature and humidity are conducive for build-up of the mosquito population.

According to the WHO, dengue is now endemic in more than 100 countries, with the Americas, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions the most seriously affected.

Marianne Comparet, director at the UK-based International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases, says studies such as this, which can support the clinical management of at-risk groups, are vital amid the alarming global progression of dengue.

With a vast majority of cases in resource-scarce countries, the already vulnerable health systems are easily overwhelmed during dengue outbreaks with children significantly at risk of potentially fatal complications, Comparet told SciDev.Net.

With no treatments currently available, further research to better understand and quantify the risks of progression to severe dengue in children is both urgent and crucial, she added.
Nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and more than 30 million of them use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping. However, the machines tend to be expensive, clunky and uncomfortable -; resulting in many users giving up on using them.

High blood pressure is often linked with sleep apnea because the brain works harder to regulate blood flow and breathing during sleep. A recent study at the University of Missouri offers new insight into the underlying mechanisms within the brain contributing to hypertension for those with sleep apnea.

The findings can help pave the way for new drugs that target the brainstem to bring blood pressure back down to normal levels for those with sleep apnea.

The study took place in the lab of David Kline, a professor in Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine and researcher at the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center.

When oxygen levels in the blood drop during sleep apnea, the forebrain sends warning signals to the brainstem area that controls heart and lung functions. By studying these signals, we found that two neurochemicals, oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), cause the brainstem to become overactive. Over time, this leads to hypertension." David Kline, Professor in Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine

Hypertension leads to increased risk of stroke, complications for the metabolism and a variety of other health issues.

"Not only do those with sleep apnea often have high blood pressure, but they also lose a lot of sleep, they have more cognitive and memory issues, and they are more prone to injury at work due to sleepiness," Kline said.

By being the first to identify the role that oxytocin and CRH play in strengthening and overexciting the pathways and mechanisms involved in sleep apnea, Kline and his fellow researchers hope to pave the way for the design of better therapeutic approaches for humans and animals.

"Our ultimate goal is to eventually help clinicians develop specific drugs to target either these neurochemicals or the proteins they bind to in a way that reduces high blood pressure," Kline said. "This discovery opens the door for future research to block the pathways these neurochemicals use, ultimately helping to bring blood pressure back to normal levels."

During the nearly 20 years Kline has researched the mechanisms within the brain responsible for controlling blood pressure and respiration at Mizzou, he has earned more than $10 million in grants and published more than 40 studies in peer-reviewed journals. He is one of the reasons Mizzou -; a member of the Association of American Universities and a leading research university -; has seen 10 consecutive years of increases in research expenditures.

"I have always been fascinated by the brain and how it contributes to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of our bodies," Kline said. "I have a great group of interdisciplinary collaborators here at Mizzou who have helped me out tremendously, and seeing others in my lab make scientific discoveries brings me a lot of joy and excitement."

The study was led by Procopio Gama de Barcellos Filho, a postdoctoral researcher who works in Kline's lab.

"What makes Dr. Kline such a great supervisor is he is very encouraging and motivating, and while I have always been interested in neuroscience, he has helped me see the bigger picture in terms of how the brain is tied with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems," Gama de Barcellos Filho said. "He always wants to hear the thoughts of others in his lab before he makes a final decision, and that is something I will keep in mind if I ever become a principal investigator one day."
A new antibiotic that works by disrupting two different cellular targets would make it 100 million times more difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance, according to new research from the University of Illinois Chicago.

For a new paper in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers probed how a class of synthetic drugs called macrolones disrupt bacterial cell function to fight infectious diseases. Their experiments demonstrate that macrolones can work two different ways  either by interfering with protein production or corrupting DNA structure.

Because bacteria would need to implement defenses to both attacks simultaneously, the researchers calculated that drug resistance is nearly impossible.

The beauty of this antibiotic is that it kills through two different targets in bacteria. If the antibiotic hits both targets at the same concentration, then the bacteria lose their ability to become resistant via acquisition of random mutations in any of the two targets." Alexander Mankin, distinguished professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UIC

Macrolones are synthetic antibiotics that combine the structures of two widely used antibiotics with different mechanisms. Macrolides, such as erythromycin, block the ribosome, the protein manufacturing factories of the cell. Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, target a bacteria-specific enzyme called DNA gyrase.

Two UIC laboratories led by Yury Polikanov, associate professor of biological sciences, and Mankin and Nora Vazquez-Laslop, research professor of pharmacy, examined the cellular activity of different macrolone drugs.

Polikanov's group, which specializes in structural biology, studied how these drugs interact with the ribosome, finding that they bind more tightly than traditional macrolides. The macrolones were even capable of binding and blocking ribosomes from macrolide-resistant bacterial strains and failed to trigger the activation of resistance genes.

Other experiments tested whether the macrolone drugs preferentially inhibited the ribosome or the DNA gyrase enzymes at various doses. While many designs were better at blocking one target or another, one that interfered with both at its lowest effective dose stood out as the most promising candidate.

"By basically hitting two targets at the same concentration, the advantage is that you make it almost impossible for the bacteria to easily come up with a simple genetic defense," Polikanov said.

The study also reflects the interdisciplinary collaboration at the UIC Molecular Biology Research Building, where researchers from the colleges of medicine, pharmacy and liberal arts and sciences share neighboring laboratories and drive basic science discoveries like this one, the authors said.

"The main outcome from all of this work is the understanding of how we need to go forward," Mankin said. "And the understanding that we're giving to chemists is that you need to optimize these macrolones to hit both targets."

In addition to Mankin, Polikanov and Vazquez-Laslop, UIC co-authors on the paper include Elena Aleksandrova, Dorota Klepacki and Faezeh Alizadeh.
How did the 2021 national marriage equality referendum campaign in Switzerland affect the well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community? A team led by researchers at UZH has shown that LGBTIQ+ individuals and their cisgender heterosexual allies exhibited more stress hormones during the controversial campaign.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals face persistent structural inequalities and discrimination that can adversely affect their well-being. When concerns of the LGBTIQ+ community are discussed in widespread public debates, such as during political initiative and referendum campaigns, that can leave marks and scars.

A team of researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH), Princeton University and the Universite de Montreal has now investigated these lasting consequences in a study of how the public campaigns surrounding the 2021 national referendum on marriage equality in Switzerland affected LGBTIQ+ and cisgender heterosexual individuals' stress levels. To conduct the study, the researchers surveyed several hundred people before, during and after the national referendum in 2021 and gathered biological data collected in hair samples.

Significantly higher stress levels

Political campaigns against the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals can reinforce lived experiences of discrimination, rejection and alienation by mainstream society in people who are already stigmatized." Leila Eisner, lead author, UZH Department of Psychology

The researchers discovered that during the referendum campaign, LGBTIQ+ individuals and their milieu of cisgender heterosexual families and friends both exhibited significantly higher levels of biological stress markers like cortisol and cortisone in the hair samples than before and after the campaign.

However, self-perceived stress did not increase in either of the two groups across the time frame. One reason for that might be because perceived stress is influenced by many factors, such as by the COVID-19 pandemic or by stress at work or at home, for example. Whereas the campaign left traces in biological stress markers, people may have downplayed the stress in the questionnaires.

Exposure to "yes" campaign moderates negative outcomes

The study thus shows that the arguments and statements from the "no" camp adversely affected LGBTIQ+ individuals' and their allies' biological stress levels. This effect, however, was attenuated when LGBTIQ+ individuals repeatedly perceived supportive statements from the "yes" campaign. "The campaign in favor of marriage equality evidently contributed to alleviating the health consequences of discrimination. However, the data from our study also show that engagement in the campaign wasn't always devoid of conflict," explains Tabea Hassler, who co-directed the study. "This illustrates how important fairness in people's dealings with each other is to/for improving health in minority populations".
In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers analyzed survey data from individuals in India to understand mortality and life expectancy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. They found that life expectancy in India fell by 2.6 years in 2020, with 1.19 million excess deaths, disproportionately affecting younger age groups, females, and marginalized social groups.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant global mortality while reducing global life expectancy. In high-income countries (HICs), robust surveillance systems recorded notable declines in life expectancy and increased disparities across socioeconomic status and race. However, the extent and social variation of COVID-19 deaths in low- and middle-income countries remain poorly understood due to limited resources and inadequate health response and data quality.

Given that India is the world's most populated country with a highly diverse demographic, accurately estimating pandemic mortality is crucial for understanding the global impact of the pandemic.

Therefore, researchers in the present study estimated changes in life expectancy by social group and gender from 2019 to 2020 in India, where it is estimated that one-third of the global excess deaths from the pandemic may have occurred. Using high-quality data from India's National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), the researchers aimed to address the current gaps in knowledge caused by incomplete data. They also estimated monthly excess mortality in 2020 relative to baseline, enabling comparisons of pandemic mortality impacts across different populations.

About the study

In the present study, a "subsample" from the NFHS-5 data was used (n = 765,180), which included households interviewed in 2021, representing 23.2% of India's population. Mortality was estimated for 2018, 2019, and 2020 using retrospective questions, ensuring unbiased comparisons. Initially, life expectancy at birth was compared between 2019 and 2020 for both the entire subsample and separately for the two genders. Further, high-caste Hindus were compared to the following social groups: Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Muslims, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Retrospective questions on household deaths were used to estimate age-specific mortality.

Additional data were obtained for comparison from the Sample Registration System, Civil Registration System, World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations World Population Prospects. Robustness checks were performed to ensure the representativeness of the subsample and address potential concerns related to data quality and recall bias.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed a 2.6-year reduction in life expectancy at birth from 2019 to 2020, a decline more severe than in HICs and greater than previous estimates for India. This decline was notably pronounced among the youngest and oldest age groups, with higher-than-expected mortality among older individuals, possibly due to higher infection fatality rates and indirect effects of the pandemic.

Gender disparities were also evident, with females experiencing a larger decline in life expectancy (3.6 years) compared to males (2.6 years), likely due to gender inequality in healthcare and resource allocation. Social disparities were also highlighted, with SC, STs, and Muslims experiencing a greater reduction in life expectancy compared to high-caste Hindus. Muslims saw a 5.4-year decline, STs a 4.1-year decline, and SCs a 2.7-year decline, adding to pre-existing inequalities.

The study estimated a 17.1% increase in mortality during 2020 compared to 2019, with significant peaks in the last four months of 2020. If extrapolated to the entire country, this suggested about 1.19 million excess deaths in 2020, substantially higher than official COVID-19 death counts and previous WHO estimates. The excess mortality patterns were validated with civil registration data in states with high death registration rates.

The NFHS-5 data provided valuable insights into pandemic mortality, addressing gaps left by administrative data and non-representative surveys. The study is strengthened by its use of comprehensive, high-quality data from the NFHS-5, providing a large and diverse sample for unbiased mortality analysis. The observed patterns suggest that indirect effects of the pandemic and lockdown might have contributed to increased mortality.

Still, more data are required to differentiate between the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mortality in 2020 and beyond. Additionally, geographic clustering and compositional differences in the subsample are found to potentially limit the generalizability of the findings to the national level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights significant life expectancy declines and increased mortality in India during COVID-19, especially among females, younger age groups, and marginalized communities. It emphasizes the value of high-quality data for understanding such crises and demonstrates effective retrospective mortality estimation methods.

In the future, studies could explore gender and age disparities, differentiate between direct and indirect mortality impacts, broaden geographic coverage, and enhance data quality. Targeted interventions for disadvantaged groups are essential to address exacerbated inequalities and improve crisis responses in the future.
The share allotment of the Sanstar IPO is expected to be finalised today, Wednesday. Investors will start getting bank debit messages in the evening today. Once allotted, the Sanstar IPO allotment status can be checked on the BSE and NSE websites as well as on register Link Intime Indias portal.

The 510.15-crore initial public offering (IPO) of plant-based speciality products company Sanstar Limited, which was opened for subscription between July 19 and July 23, received an 82.98 times subscription, garnering bids for 3,11,93,83,050 shares as against 3,75,90,000 shares on offer.

The issue was opened for public subscription on July 19. The price band of the IPO has been fixed at Rs 90-Rs 95 apiece.

The Sanstar IPO listing will take place on both BSE and NSE on July 26.

Sanstar IPO: How To Check Allotment Status

Once the IPO allotment is finalised, the status can be checked by following these steps:

1) Go to the official BSE website via the URL https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx.

2) Under Issue Type, select Equity.

3) Under Issue Name, select Sanstar Ltd in the dropbox.

4) Enter your application number, or the Permanent Account Number (PAN).

5) Then, click on the I am not a robot to verify yourself and hit Search option.

Your share application status will appear on your screen.

You can also visit direct Link Intime portal  https://www.linkintime.co.in/Initial_Offer/public-issues.html and check Sanstar IPO allotment status.

Sanstar IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Sanstar Ltd are trading Rs 36 higher in the grey market as compared with its issue price. The Rs 36 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 37.89 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: 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.

Most analysts have grant a Subscribe rating to the Sanstar IPO, given its growth prospects.

According to the latest data, the retail quota received a 24.23 times subscription, while the non-institutional investors category got a 136.49 times subscription. The qualified institutional buyers (QIB) category received a 145.68 per cent subscription.

Its retail and non-institutional investors quotas were fully subscribed within the first two hours of its bidding on Friday.

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.
The fourth and final version of the automatic train protection system Kavach is ready and necessary approvals from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) have also been received, union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media about Budget 2024-25 a day after it was presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Vaishnaw also assured that now the installation of the technology will begin soon.

Recurrently, particularly after any train mishap, questions have been raised about the implementation of the technology.

Last week, Kavach 4.0, Kavach version four, was approved by the RDSO. Our railway network is very complexThis system is designed keeping in mind all these conditions across the country. All the various conditions are covered in this fourth version. The fourth version has been freezed now. Now, we can rapidly start the rollout, he said in Hindi.

There are five sub-systems under the technology: laying of optical fibre cable, installation of telecom towers, provision of equipment at stations, provision of equipment in loco, and installation of trackside equipment.

Not sharing the tentative timeline by which the entire railway network is expected to be covered, the minister assured that it will be done on priority.

He also explained that if it were implemented before finalising the design, a replacement would be needed.

As per the ministrys statement in the Rajya Sabha from February, Kavach has so far been deployed on 1,465 Route kilometres and 139 locomotives (including Electric Multiple Unit rakes) on the South Central Railway.

Presently Kavach tenders have been awarded for DelhiMumbai & DelhiHowrah corridors (approximately 3,000 Route km). The progress of main items related to Kavach is as under: Laying of Optical Fibre Cable (3,040 Km); installation of Telecom Towers (269); Provision of equipment at Stations (186); Provision of equipment in Loco (170 Locos) and Installation of Trackside equipment (827 Route Km), the statement said.

Vaishnaw also assured that there will be no shortage of funds for the implementation of the technology, adding that Rs 1.08 lakh crore was allocated this year for safety.

He said the technology was developed in 2016 and its certification was done in 2019. In 2022, the first big rollout was started.

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system and a highly technology-intensive system, which requires safety certification of the highest order. The technology aids the loco pilot in train running within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case the Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the train safely run during inclement weather.

Kavach has been certified for the highest level of Safety Integrity Level  SIL4 by the Independent Safety Assessor and reduces the probability of train collisions in block sections and on running lines at stations through its non-SIL features. With this, Kavach has the potential for adoption by other countries.

As per the latest numbers from the ministry, Kavach has so far been deployed on 1,465 Route km and 144 locomotives (including Electric Multiple Unit rakes) on the South Central Railway.

The ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the progress of main items related to Kavach is as follows: laying of optical fibre cable (4,275 km), installation of Telecom Towers (364), provision of equipment at stations (285), provision of equipment in loco (319 locos), and installation of trackside equipment (1,384 Route km).

Further, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Detailed Estimate on another 6,000 RKms are approved on Indian Railways. To increase capacity and scale up implementation, trials of more OEMs are at different stages.

Earlier in the day, the minister informed the Lok Sabha that on July 16, Kavach 4.0 specification had been approved by the RDSO.

This version covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, Indian Railway has developed, tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System, the ministry said in a reply.

The funds utilised on Kavach works so far is Rs 1,216.77 crore and the allocation of funds during the year 2024-25 stands at Rs 1,112.57 crore. Funds sanctioned for Kavach are being used for Kavach only, Vaishnaw added.
GIFT Nifty traded down by 34.50 points, or 0.14%, at 24,426.50, indicating a negative start for NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex.

On Tuesday, the NSE Nifty 50 declined by 30.20 points, or 0.12%, to settle at 24,479.05, while the BSE Sensex dropped 73.04 points, or 0.09%, to 80,429.04.

Stocks To Watch

Hindustan Unilever: The companys net profit grew by 2.7% to Rs 2,538 crore in the first quarter of FY25, with revenue increasing by 1.3% to Rs 15,339 crore. The company anticipates low single-digit price growth in the second half of the financial year. Year-on-year, net profit rose 3% to Rs 2,538 crore in Q1FY25.

DCM Shriram: The diversified agri firms net profit jumped 77.2% year-on-year to Rs 100.3 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2024. Revenue from operations increased by 4.6% to Rs 3,073 crore.

Tata Consumer Products: The companys board announced a rights issue worth Rs 3,000 crore at Rs 818 per share.

Vedanta: At its board meeting on July 26, the company will consider the second interim dividend on equity shares, if any, for FY25.

Bajaj Finance: Non-bank lender reported a net profit of Rs 3,912 crore for the April-June quarter, closely aligning with the street estimate of Rs 3,973.7 crore. Net Interest Income (NII) stood at Rs 8,365 crore, also largely in line with the anticipated Rs 8,445.1 crore.

Axis Bank: The bank is expected to report double-digit growth in profit and Net Interest Income (NII) for the April-June quarter (Q1FY25) when it releases its results on Wednesday, July 24. The increase is expected to be driven by healthy loan growth.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented her seventh Budget in a row  Union Budget 2024-25. Though there are measures like no indexation on property & gold sales and higher LTCG on listed equities that have disappointed markets, the finance minister also announced a number of measures that will benefit taxpayers. Here are 22 proposals that are positive for taxpayers.

Comprehensive Review of the Income Tax Act: A six-month review is set to make the Income Tax Act more concise, lucid, and user-friendly, which will be beneficial for all taxpayers. Increased Standard Deduction, Income Tax Slab Changes: The standard deduction under the new tax regime has been increased to Rs 75,000, from Rs 50,000 earlier. Also, income tax slabs have also been revised. Salaried employees under new tax regime will save up to Rs 17,500 annually in taxes due to changes proposed in the FY25 Budget. Simplified Charitable Tax Exemption: The budget proposes merging the existing two tax exemption regimes for charities into one, simplifying the process and making it easier for charitable organizations to benefit. Increased Standard Deduction for Pensioners: The standard deduction for pensioners has been raised from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, providing additional tax relief to senior citizens. Exemption from Angel Tax: Start-up founders and angel investors can now rejoice as the budget removes the contentious angel tax, reducing undue harassment and fostering a more vibrant start-up ecosystem. Cheaper Imported Phones: A reduction in customs duty on mobile phones from 20% to 15% is set to make high-end imported phones, such as the Google Pixel and iPhone Pro, more affordable, saving consumers between Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000. Duty Cut on Gold and Silver: The customs duty on gold and silver has been reduced, making gold cheaper by Rs 5,900 per kg and silver by Rs 7,600 per kg, benefitting both investors and consumers. LTCG Holding Period on Gold, Bonds Reduced: The minimum holding period to qualify as long-term capital gains for assets like golds and bonds has been reduced from 36 months to 24 months LTCG Exemption Limit Increased: The limit of exsisting LTCG has been increased to Rs 1.25 lakh, against Rs 1 lakh earlier. Scrapping the 2% Equalisation Levy: The elimination of this levy is expected to improve compliance and ease the strained trade relations between India and the US. Lower LTCG on Unlisted Securities: The capital gains tax on unlisted securities has been reduced from 20% to 12.5%, despite the removal of indexation benefits. This change benefits investors and private equity firms by enhancing net returns. Exemption from Angel Tax: Start-up founders and angel investors can now rejoice as the budget removes the contentious angel tax, reducing undue harassment and fostering a more vibrant start-up ecosystem. Vivad se Vishwas Scheme for Conflict Resolution: The introduction of a new scheme under Vivad se Vishwas aims to streamline and reduce litigation, providing a faster resolution mechanism for tax disputes. Direct Benefit Transfer for First-time Employees: A one-month salary direct benefit transfer to first-time employees earning up to Rs 15,000 will benefit approximately 3 million employees, providing immediate financial support. Lower TDS on Commission and Rent: The rate of tax deducted at source on commission and rent has been reduced from 5% to 2%, easing the cash flow for individuals and businesses. Higher Monetary Limits for Tax Appeals: The monetary limit for filing appeals by the tax department has been increased to Rs 60 lakhs for ITAT, with corresponding increases for High Court and Supreme Court appeals, reducing the number of small value disputes. Tax Credit for Investments in Childrens Names: Parents investing in their childrens names can now claim tax credit for any Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on these investments, making it more appealing to secure their childrens future. Relief for Owners of Foreign Assets: Taxpayers with undisclosed foreign assets valued up to Rs 20 lakh will now face no penalty, easing the compliance burden for many and encouraging voluntary disclosure. Encouragement for Women Property Buyers: The budget has proposed that states should offer stamp duty rebates for women property buyers, potentially lowering their costs and promoting gender equality in property ownership. Reduced TDS for E-Commerce Sellers: The tax deducted at source for e-commerce transactions has been slashed from 1% to 0.1%, offering significant relief to sellers on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Boost for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): The holding period for REITs to qualify as long-term capital assets has been reduced from 36 months to 12 months, likely increasing their attractiveness to investors. Three Cancer Drugs Now Tax-Free: Budget 2024 has made 3 more cancer drugs tax-exempt.
BURBANK, Calif.pjur was awarded the title of Lubricant Company of the Year at the annual StorErotica Awards, which was held on July 16 at the ANME Founders Show in Burbank, Calif.

A marker of quality and innovation, winning the title of Lubricant Company of the Year is a major success for pjur and recognizes the companys quality and

innovative performance in the manufacture of premium lubricants.

Next year, pjur will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Right from the start, premium quality has been part of our DNA. In the future, we will keep striving to produce the very best products for our partners and customers, said Alexander Giebel, CEO and founder of pjur. This award is a clear signal that our efforts to deliver certified quality and our brand refresh have resonated with the market. We want to say a special thank you to all of our customers and partners for their ongoing support. The latest win at StorErotica underlines pjurs position as a leading manufacturer of premium lubricants.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday tweaked tax slabs under the new income tax regime to provide more money in the hands of the salaried class to boost consumption. She said salaried employees in the new tax regime could save up to Rs 17,500 in income tax annually following the changes announced in the Budget.

At the same time, she added that the standard deduction for salaried employees is proposed to be increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 annually. Similarly, the pensioners family pension deduction is proposed to be enhanced from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000.

Sitharaman said income of up to Rs 3 lakh will continue to be exempted from income tax under the new regime.

Many taxpayers took the calculation mode after the announcement made by the Finance Minister, on how they will save Rs 17,500 in taxes.

Dipesh Jain, Partner at Economic Laws Practice, elaborates;

The slab rate reduction effect will be Rs 10,000.

Standard deduction Rs 25,000 additional @ 30% = Rs 7,500

Tax Saving: Rs 10,000 + Rs 7,500 = Rs 17,500

CA (Dr.) Suresh Surana cracks the maths behind the FMs statement.

New Tax Slabs Under New Tax Regime

Let us understand the breakup for such savings of Rs. 17,500.

Revised / Proposed tax rates under the new tax regime under section 115BAC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (Applicable form AY 2025-26)

Illustration: Assuming Mr. A is an employee of ABC Ltd. having a salary income of Rs. 24,00,000 under the new tax regime.

New Tax Slabs FY 2024-25

The new tax slabs under the latest income tax regime will be effective from April 1, 2024. (Assessment Year 2025-26).

More Relief Was Expected

Inderjeet Singh, CA, Partner, AHSG & Co LLP, said that the government has done a commendable job by relaxing individuals income tax slab.

It is a great decision for middle-income groups. This group has been struggling to save and barely managed to save with existing tax saving schemes. This refreshing change will allow them to have increased income and contribute to their economic stability. Also, slightly more tax relief should be considered for the middle-class salaried people considering their low savings investments," Singh added.

Is the New Tax Regime Popular Now?

In the last fiscal, more than two-thirds of individual taxpayers have availed of the new personal income tax regime. Over 8.61 crore IT returns were filed in the 2023-24 fiscal.
There has been a major pushback since Tuesdays union budget presentation from all the southern states except Andhra Pradesh, with a government led by BJP ally TDP. The chief ministers of these states are rallying their forces to fight against what they call an anti-people, one-sided, and unjust budget.

Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddys call to unite all southern states and rally non-BJP southern leaders against the party reminds one of the 2009 Third Front. This coalition, formed in February of that year with former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at the helm, aimed to give people a third option apart from the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. This front had seen several evolutions since such a coalition of parties was first planned. It was called the National Front in 1989 and lasted until 1991. Later, between 1996 and 1998, the bloc regrouped under the United Front, and just before the Lok Sabha elections of 2009, the Third Front was formally launched. This grouping consisted of eight parties: the four Left outfits, AIADMK, JD(S), TRS, and TDP. The show of strength and formal launch was held in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Fifteen years later, two major players, Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (Secular), have switched sides to support the BJP. The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu, a key member of the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, has reaped benefits in the union budget, leaving his southern counterparts seething.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced special financial support to Andhra Pradesh to the tune of Rs 15,000 crore, with the funds to be generated by the Centre through various development agencies. Another undertaking in Andhra Pradesh that the budget promised financial support for early completion is the famed Polavaram irrigation project. Apart from this, Sitharaman announced funds to build infrastructure in the Kopparthy node (Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor) and the Orvakal node (Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor).

Not naming states in budget speech does not mean that a state has been ignored. This is an outrageous allegation  strong words by FM @nsitharaman in Rajya Sabha in response to LoP Kharges speech Aman Sharma (@AmanKayamHai_) July 24, 2024

Karnatakas Empty Vessel

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah used his Chombu (empty vessel) campaign to depict what the state got out of the union budget, despite the regional party JD(S) being an NDA member. He said, Mr Modi is unable to see states other than Andhra Pradesh and Bihar only because he cares only about retaining his post as PM.

Sitharaman, who has been elected as a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, did not mention the state in her budget speech. However, the state capital got a mention as the union budget reduced the allocation for the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP), which includes constructing a 148 km network across four corridors in the city, by Rs 100 crore compared to the previous year. The venture, projected to cost Rs 15,767 crore, was allocated Rs 350 crore, down from last years allocation of Rs 450 crore.

What had Karnataka demanded? The Siddaramaiah-led government had previously claimed that the Centre failed to provide Rs 5,495 crore recommended as special grants by the Finance Commission in its interim recommendation. At the time, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called it a false and misleading claim.

Karnataka contributes over Rs 4.30 lakh crore in taxes. For every Rs 100 Karnataka gives to the Centre, it receives only Rs 13 in return. Karnataka has lost Rs 62,098 crore in tax devolution for the fiscal year 2025-26 due to the transition from the 14th to the 15th Finance Commission, the CM had told News18 while leading a protest in Delhi earlier this year.

Another demand that Siddaramaiah had made was for matching funds from the Centre after the state had allocated Rs 5,000 crore for Kalyana Karnataka.

We had requested matching funds for this, but they were not provided. Our farmers have also been greatly wronged as their demand for a law for MSP has been put under cold storage, he said, adding that despite five MPs from Karnataka being union ministers, they all have failed to secure any benefits for the people of the state.

JD(S), in its defence, said people should not conclude that the state got a raw deal. I have my own ideas on various development projects in Karnataka. Wait and watch, I will announce good news in the coming days, a party spokesperson told the media in New Delhi.

Tamil Nadus Thirukural Jibe

Karnatakas neighbour Tamil Nadu, ruled by the MK Stalin-led DMK, ensured that the BJP got nothing in the Lok Sabha polls. The state saw itself receiving the same treatment in terms of allocation in the union budget.

What did TN demand? Stating that Tamil Nadu was completely ignored, CM Stalin attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for playing favourites to satisfy a few regional parties that helped make a minority BJP into a majority BJP in the recent elections.

Calling it a political ploy to appease their allies, the DMK leader criticised the BJP for playing on Tamil sentiments for political capital. The finance minister has quoted extensively from the Thirukkural. PM Modi in his earlier stint would also quote from the Thirukkural, mention the greatness of the Tamil language, and even said during a public meeting that he wished to have been born a Tamilian. Now the budget announcement is devoid of the name of our great state, said a DMK minister. Interestingly, a local Tamil news channel counted that the FM mentioned Bihar and Andhra Pradesh five times in her speech.

Stalin said that Tamil Nadu had sought a reduction in income tax for the middle class, funds for several developmental and infrastructural projects like the second phase of the Chennai metro rail project, approval for the Coimbatore and Madurai metro rail projects, approval for the express flyover between Tambaram and Chengalpattu, allocation of funds for pending projects under old and new railway schemes, and an increase in the slab rate for houses being constructed under rural and urban housing development schemes among others.

The union budget made no mention of the state. However, it did announce building three crore additional houses under the PM Awas Yojana in rural and urban areas across the country.

Telanganas Target

Telanganas CM Revanth Reddy called the Union budget a Kursi Bachao Budget, which was antagonistic and discriminatory in nature against south India. Reddy took the fight one step further by saying that the union budget felt like the Centre had banned the word Telangana and did not like to utter the name of the state. Despite 18 meetings with the PM, home minister, and other ministers seeking an amendment of rights under the state bifurcation act, funds to build the state after the previous BRS (erstwhile TRS) government had left it in shambles, funding for the Hyderabad metro, developing Hyderabad as a global city, and completion of the ITIR corridor, nothing saw even a mention, said the Congress CM.

We consider the PM as an elder brother. After being elected as PM for the third time, I requested him to include the necessary funds for our Telangana. Look at the budget; not a mention of the state. Its as if they dont want to utter the name of the state, he said, adding that the funds given to Andhra Pradesh should have also come to Telangana. Addressing the media later, he said he had already written to the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu CMs asking them to join hands with Telangana in opposing the Centres move.

Keralas Struggle

Kerala too found itself standing with empty hands. This despite leading parties in the state recently appealing to the Centre for a special economic package of Rs 24,000 crore. And just like Karnataka, Kerala too had asked the Centre to release the union governments share of Rs 3,686 crore spent on centrally sponsored schemes to help the state tide over its current liquidity stress.

Kerala also sought a Rs 5,000 crore special grant to complete work on the Vizhinjam International Port project, expedite permissions for the Silver Line Project, support the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Kannur International Ayurveda Research Institute, as well as a hike in the support price of rubber.

Kerala felt completely ignored, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. This neglect is both disappointing and objectionable, he stated, adding that the announcements made for states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were for the NDAs political survival and were not pro-people.
Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman gearing up for another Marvel film? With just a few days left before their much-awaited film hits theatres, it seems like the makers are doing their job quite perfectly to give it plenty of attention. Besides new clips, hints and teasers for the feature, the actors are also teasing fans with interesting hints. Their latest stunt has a Spider-Man connection. Both Reynolds and Jackman want Tom Hollands friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man to be a part of their team.

Getting candid with Marvel Thailand, the actors expressed their wish to team up with another Marvel hero. On being asked to choose one more MCU hero to join the team, Ryan said, A different MCU hero to join usDeadpool is part of his storyline, he wants to matter, so badly wants to be an Avenger, a part of the team. And he just cant quite get there, as Wolverine is everything I wish I was. Hes a legend, he matters, he saves people, and he has done hero stuff, but I have to pick one, Id love to play with Spider-Man."

As the actor went on to praise Tom Holland for playing the actor, Hugh joined in and joked, I agree. Hes so cool. That would be great. And hes young, we could pile on him and abuse him." You can hurt him. You can hit him as hard as you want. He will get right up," Reynolds added. Hugh Jackman further named Hulk, stating that he wants the Gamma superhero on his side.

The actors remarks come at a time when fans believe that Spider-Man might have a part in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, its not Tom Holland but the OG Tobey Maguire. The latest trailer features a not-so-important scene where Deadpool tries to spew web from his wrists, pointing to the return of the spidey as it was only Maguires version who could naturally shoot web from his wrists.

Whether this means nothing or maybe a real hint, fans will have to wait till the film arrives in theatres.

More On Deadpool & Wolverine

Following its NYC premiere, Deadpool & Wolverine is set to release this Friday in India and worldwide. Said to be the biggest Marvel-franchise crossover with epic cameos, the film will mark the exciting reunion of Hughs Logan and Reynolds Wade Wilson.
The second phase of war against terrorism and terrorist groups has begun in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Following the zero tolerance policy against narco-terror, four government employees were terminated from the service by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha by invoking Article 311 of the Constitution of India.

Painstaking investigation clearly established that they were acting on behalf of terror outfits and law enforcement and intelligence agencies had collected incriminating material evidence against them. Sources said heroin and brown sugar (lucrative compared to other narcotics), which is not cultivated in Indian territory, is inextricably linked with terrorism in J&K and every gram of it being peddled or consumed in India comes from Pakistan through several networks with the sole aim of destabilising the security situation especially in J&K.

Intelligence sources claimed that it is common knowledge that heroin in J&K is mostly smuggled from across the LoC to finance terrorism via districts sharing LoC with PoJK or border with Pakistan, including Kupwara. Scores of such drug trafficking modules unearthed by police have led to the discovery that such modules have turned out to be organised drug cartels smuggling contraband from Pakistan which is connected directly or indirectly with terrorism.

Here are the details of four terminated government employees who were part of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) module and narco-terror network:

1. Mushtaq Ahmad Pir: Police Constable

According to sources, Mushtaq Ahmad Pir was recruited in Jammu and Kashmir Police in 1995 as a constable in its Armed Police Wing. Government sources said, After getting acquainted with networks of drug traffickers, he took undue advantage of his police position and leveraged it for hassle-free transportation and sale of drugs. He was least likely to be suspected for being a man in uniform, and therefore went unnoticed at Police Naka points, where he would use his Police Identity Card to avoid detection of any of his wrongdoings especially avoid searches of his vehicle, including of those travelling with him in such vehicles. As such, his criminal activities remained undetected over the period.

Investigations have revealed that instead of helping the department in fighting the drug menace, which he was mandated to do, he chose to be a kingpin of peddling drugs and thus betrayed his oath and uniform. Mushtaq Ahmad Pir brazenly used his influence as a police official to strengthen the drug syndicate in and around Kupwara-Handwara area.

Sources said he was able to establish contacts with narcotic drug smugglers across the border in Pakistan and was able to run a drug cartel in the North Kashmir belt. It is a well-established fact by now that origin of all contraband like heroin and brown sugar is Pakistan, from where it gets smuggled through LOC and international border into India. Police had been monitoring his activities to nab him along with the recovery of contraband substance. Due to continuous surveillance on his activities, he was eventually caught by an alert team of Handwara Police. During interrogation, he revealed that he has been close associate of Iftikhar Andrabi who was the kingpin of a narco-terror syndicate operating across the border.

2. Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone: Police Constable

Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone was appointed as Constable in Jammu and Kashmir Police in 2002. Sources said after his recruitment, instead of working for maintenance of law, order and peace in the UT of J&K as a policeman, he strayed and slipped into illicit activities aimed at aiding and abetting terrorism in J&K which has been raging since last three decades for breaking the territorial integrity of Union of India by secession of J&K. He, out of his freewill, chose the path of secessionism and became an important and trusted terror associate (OGW-Over Ground Worker) of banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). According to sources, in December 2023, Police Station Tral received an information to the effect that some terrorist associates (including women) active in Police District Awantipora especially in jurisdiction of Tral are in constant touch with terrorist handlers of proscribed terrorist organizations based in Pakistan through different communication mediums and supplying, transporting and facilitating delivery of arms and ammunition for promoting and executing terrorist acts.

It was further learnt that some of the terrorist associates have received illegal arms and ammunition and have been tasked to commit terrorist acts by targeting civilians and security forces to create an atmosphere of terror in Kashmir. During the course of investigation, a woman, Rukaya Farooq of Tral, was arrested. In her confession, she disclosed that during the first week of December 2023, three Pakistan-based terrorists of proscribed terrorist organization JeM, namely Shaheen Bhai, Rezwan Bhai and Qari Bhai, contacted her and conveyed that some arms / ammunition has to be brought from Jammu to Kashmir for carrying out terror activities. The woman conveyed the message to Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone who consented to bring the consignment from Jammu.

3. Baazil Ahmad Mir: Junior Assistant, School Education

Bazil Ahmad Mir was appointed as a Junior Assistant in School Education Department in 2018 and posted at Government Boys High Secondary School, Ring Payeen, Machil, District Kupwara. Investigations have revealed that Bazil Ahmad Mir, after being appointed as a government employee, became a notorious drug peddler in Lolab, Kupwara and adjoining areas of Kupwara district. Taking advantage of his position as a government employee, he brazenly used his influence to create and spread the tentacles of a drug syndicate in and around Lolab, turning into a full-fledged trafficker of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and would mint money, at the cost of the life and career of the local youth.

According to investigators, Bazil Ahmad Mir has been in close touch with the Pakistani terrorist handlers and strengthened their foothold by playing a conduit in delivery, supply and sale of narcotic drugs, including weapons and explosives, with the intention to break & destabilise J&K internally by exploiting and luring its youth (the future of country) into narcotics and terrorism at the behest of these handlers.

Bazil Ahmad Mir was finally caught last year when he was travelling along with his close associate. In view of the activities of Bazil Ahmad Mir, it is evident that he is a highly motivated and committed drug trafficker and his activities are causing irreparable damage to the society especially youth who are being addicted to drugs.

4. Mohd Zaid Shah: Village Level Worker, Rural Development Department

Mohd Zaid Shah was appointed as a Village Level Worker (VLW) in Rural Development Department in 1998. He is a hardcore drug peddler. Besides working as a Village Level Worker (VLW) in the Rural Development Department, he also functioned as a President of All J&K VLWs Association Baramulla.

Mohd Zaid Shah, under the guise of being a government employee, a President of VLW association and his political affiliation with a national political party, had carved out an image in the general public, whereby he could be least suspected by the police or the security forces for being an arch element of narco-terror syndicate operating in J&K. Taking advantage of the cover and camouflage of his public image, he leveraged his social standing to spread the drug syndicate in and around Uri in a covert and systematic manner, without being caught in the legal dragnet for a considerable period of time< Sources said.

Sources said Zaid was put under the surveillance which finally led to his arrest in 2022 along with narcotics worth Rs 30 crore. Investigation further revealed that Mohd Zaid Shah had received such a huge consignment of heroin (10 KG) from drug smugglers across LoC in Pakistan-occupied J&K and was aiming to sell the contraband among peddlers in J&K and other parts of India. Sources said the recovery of around 10 kg of heroin from his possession has reduced the negative impact of the epidemic of drug abuse and thwarted the nefarious designs of terrorists operating inside and across LOC which would have otherwise severely jeopardised the ongoing development initiatives undertaken by the government for youth besides whole of the government approach in dismantling the terrorist-secessionist ecosystem.

Intelligence sources said that Zaid was able to establish contacts with narcotic drug smugglers across the border in PoJK and was at the forefront of running a drug cartel in the North Kashmir belt. He was in constant touch with individuals of J&K origin namely Abdul Razaq Khatana of Madian Kamalkote, Uri, District Baramulla, and Mohammad Arif Gojer & Mohammad Sharief Gojer both from Jabda Uri, Baramulla District, who in 1990 had ex-filtrated into Pakistan for terrorist training and are currently settled in PoJK. It has also been revealed that the duo based in PoJK are critical to the adversary tasked with smuggling narcotics, weapons and money to this side. Both these individuals have acted as the main supply source of drugs to Mohd Zaid Shah for fuelling and funding the terrorist ecosystem in J&K. The government till date has also dismissed over 50 govt employees with proven links of terror network. The war against terror continues.
A soldier and a terrorist were killed after an encounter broke out between the Army and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara region in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Army launched a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kowut, Kupwara. The terrorists launched the attack on the troops on Wednesday. In the firefight, a soldier was injured and one terrorist was killed. However, the soldier succumbed to his injuries soon after.

The counter operations are currently underway, the Militarys Chinar Corps said in a statement on X.

Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on days leading upto 23 July 24. On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing fire fight one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO injured. Operation is in progress, it said.

OP KOWUT, #KupwaraBased on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on days leading upto 23 July 24. On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by pic.twitter.com/0CHyEU59qh  Chinar Corps  Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 24, 2024

Earlier on Tuesday, another in infiltration attempt by terrorists was foiled by the Army in Battal sector, in which a soldier was injured in the exchange of fire, and later succumbed to injuries.

On Monday, a soldier and a civilian were injured as security forces foiled twin terror attacks on an Army post and the house of a Village Defence Group (VDG) in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district.
As reports of the nameplate controversy and communal discord along the Kanwar Yatra route trickle into the quiet village of Kushahari in Uttar Pradeshs Deoria district, Nizaam Ansari stands undeterred. In his late 50s, Ansari has been diligently organising a Kanwar Yatra from UP to Jharkhand for many years. Similar to previous years, this time too he would lead a group of around 60 Shiv Bhakts including 15 Muslims, who would embark upon the 720 km annual pilgrimage during the second week of the ongoing Hindu month of Shravan.

A debate has been raging over the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh governments directive mandating food shops on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners names. Various opposition parties and leaders argue that the directive discriminates based on religion, seeing it as a veiled attempt to identify and potentially target Muslim-owned businesses. A similar directive was issued by the government in neighbouring Uttarakhand. However, the Supreme Court has stayed these orders till Friday.

Ansari, who says he is a true Muslim with unwavering faith in Lord Shiva, doesnt find anything unusual or absurd if people of his faith go on a Kanwar Yatra. It is just like his Hindu brethren observing Muharram rituals, he says, quite a common tradition in many parts of UP and some other states.

Muslims taking part in the Kanwar Yatra alongside our Hindu brothers had been a long-standing tradition in our village. This practice, observed with much fervour and devotion, had lapsed for some time. However, I revived it almost 15 years ago, and since then, Muslims from our village have continuously participated in the yatra, fostering communal harmony and shared devotion, Ansari told News18. Aur mujhe lagta hai ki uparwale ki ibadat karne mein kisi ko kya hi aitraaz ho sakta hai, fir ye ibadat chahe Allah ki ho ya Mahadev ki (And I think, what objection can anyone have in worshiping God, whether its Allah or Mahadev).

Deorias Kushahari village, with its predominantly Hindu population, is often seen as a beacon of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of composite high culture. For many Muslims here, the month of Shravan is as significant as the holy month of Ramzan. Similarly, the Hindu community holds iftars during Ramzan and participates in Muslim festivals. People here respect each other and their respective religions. It hardly matters to them who is Hindu and who is Muslim. Everyone is a human being first, said Arvind Kumar, a Kushahari village resident.

Preparations for the month of Shravan begin well in advance here. On average, around 60 to 70 devotees of Lord Shiva, including 15 to 20 Muslims, participate in the 720 km yatra from UP to Jharkhand every year. This year too our yatra would start from Kushahari, then will reach Thawe, which falls in the Gopalganj district of Bihar, where we would visit a grand temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, after which we would leave for Bihars Sultanganj to visit the sacred Ajgaibinath Dham, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. We would collect water from Sultanganj, and cover around 111 km on foot to reach Baidyanath temple, also referred to as Baba Baidyanath Dham, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, said Ansari.

This year 60 people including around 15 Muslims have signed up for the pilgrimage, which will start on Saturday. We are hopeful that similar to previous years, this year too we will manage to complete the yatra safely and get Babas blessings, added Ansari, saying that he has visited other Hindu holy sites including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Haridwar-Rishikesh, Mathura-Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Dwarka, and Rameswaram.

Girish Singh, another Kishahari resident and devotee of Lord Shiva, appreciates Ansaris selfless service and calls him a true Shiv Bhakt. Yehi Shiv ki leela haikab kaun uska mureed ban jaye koi nahi janta (This is Lord Shivas divine play, no one knows when someone would become His devotee). And Ansari is no exception. Ansari has been organising the Kanwar Yatra at his own expense. Last year we went by bus that charged around Rs 1.5 lakh. However, this year since the number of people is a little less, we are going by SUVs, and the estimated cost is around Rs 60,000 to 70,000, he added.

Extensive arrangements have been made across states for Kanwariyas, as the month of Sawan began on Monday. During this time, lakhs of Shiva devotees carry holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar to their homes and offer it at temples on the way.

In an era marked by rising intolerance and communal discord, rare acts of selfless service and shared traditions serve as an elixir for human relationships. They strengthen the bonds between communities, fostering unity and mutual respect. Such efforts should be celebrated and appreciated, as they exemplify the true spirit of harmony and togetherness, said Vinay Kumar Singh, a social worker from Deoria.

Asked about the recent nameplate controversy, Ansari says its all politics, and a devotee or a true bhakt has nothing to do with it. Yeh humein sochna hain ki humein in baton pe dhyan dena hai, ya uparwale ki ibadat mein. Ye bhi daur hai, guzar jayega (We have to decide whether we focus on such things or the devotion of the Almighty. This is also a phase and it will pass), he said.
As UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning, for his first official visit, reset of economic ties, along with domestic and global security, will be his agenda.

Lammy will hold a discussion with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and is likely to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. On Thursday morning, he will leave for Vientiane for ASEAN Framework Foreign Minister Meet.

I am travelling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home, said Lammy.Lammy will hold a discussion with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and is likely to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

He is expected to put reviving India  U.K Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks for an early conclusion on top of his agenda. Most of the discussion was completed during former UK PM Rishi Sunaks tenure. The India-UK talks for free trade agreement began in January 2022, but the 14th round of talks was stalled as the two nations stepped into their general election cycles.

Lammy said, Our Free trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interest on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security.

According to the FCDO Statement, the Foreign Secretary will underscore the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage who have made their home in the UK.

India is expected to discuss its concerns about anti-Indian, pro-Khalistani groups operating from British soil. The Indian side is also expected to raise the issue of long-pending extradition cases against businessmen Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya.

According to FCDO, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.
Mumbai commuters took to walking on railway tracks to reach their offices after local train services failed on Wednesday (July 24). Fast trains were hit after a bamboo structure fell on an overhead wire between Sion and Matunga stations, but services were restored after an hour.

Mumbaikars walking on railway tracks to reach their office due to failure of local train service. pic.twitter.com/JpZQCcfKaq Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) July 24, 2024

Due to the delay, many passengers chose to get off the stationary local trains and walk along the tracks. According to officials of the Central Railway, local train services on the main line of the Mumbai suburban network were disrupted after a bamboo structure fell on an overhead wire between Sion and Matunga stations. As a result, the fast local train services remained held up between these two stations for almost an hour, causing hardships for office-goers and others.

Central Railways chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila said, A bamboo structure erected around a building adjacent to the railway line fell down on the UP fast (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-bound) line between Sion and Matunga stations at around 7.25 am. Due to the incident, the fast local train services on the Main line were held up as they had to switch off the power supply to the overhead wire for removing the bamboo fallen on it. Services on this line were restored at 8.20 am.

Local trains are considered lifelines of Mumbai. More than 70 lakh commuters use the services operated by the Central Railway and the Western Railway. The local trains operated by the Central Railway ferry about 35 lakh suburban commuters everyday through 1,810 suburban services on four corridors namely the Main line, the Harbour line, the Trans-Harbour line and the Belapur-Uran line.

The IMD, meanwhile, sounded a red alert predicting extremely heavy rainfall over central Maharashtra on July 23 and 24, with moderate to heavy rain (yellow alert) is likely in the city and suburbs on Wednesday. An orange alert has been issued for Thane, with a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Taking note of the alert, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has advised residents to step out only if necessary.

(With PTI inputs)
Thane Police lodged an FIR against a 23-year-old woman for allegedly using counterfeit documents to procure a passport to travel to Pakistan. According to police sources, the woman, accompanied by her daughter, travelled to Pakistan after obtaining a fake passport and visa based on falsified paperwork. The Vartak Nagar Police registered a case under the Indian Passport Act and other relevant statutes against the woman and an unidentified individual who aided in the creation of the forged documents, reported news agency ANI.

Identified as Nagma Noor Maqsood Ali, also known as Sanam Khan, the primary suspect reportedly acquired a fraudulent Aadhar card, PAN card, and birth certificate for her minor daughter. These documents were purportedly used in her passport application, as confirmed by an official from Vartak Nagar Police Station. According to reports, the woman recently travelled to Pakistan for her boyfriend who she met online. Reports suggest that after meeting on Facebook, the woman went from Thane to Pakistan and got married to her boyfriend in Abbottabad (Pakistan).

Sanam Khan utilised fake documents to obtain her passport and visa, subsequently traveling to Pakistan where she resided for approximately one and a half months before returning to India. The police have stated that the offense occurred between May 2023 and 2024. Khan has been apprehended and the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities suspect that an unidentified accomplice assisted her in acquiring falsified credentials to travel to Pakistan. The matter came to light when she returned to India, leaving officials baffled and prompting immediate action. The police are probing why she went to Pakistan, who facilitated her travel, and the motive behind her actions, stated a police official from Vartak Nagar Police Station, where she is currently under interrogation.

The officer disclosed that the suspect, altering her identity, acquired crucial documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, and her daughters birth certificate from a centre in Lokmanya Nagar. These falsified documents were subsequently utilised in her application for a passport.

Her husband, identified as Maqsood Ali based on his previous name, is also under scrutiny due to limited information available to the police about him, reported ANI. In her initial statement to Thane Police, Sanam Khan claimed that she had befriended an individual online, leading to her decision to travel to Pakistan.

Using fake credentials, she successfully secured a passport and visa for Pakistan, where she travelled thereafter, as stated by the officer. Sources indicate that the fraudulent activities occurred between May 2023 and July 2024. It was a serious breach under the Indian Passport Act, and both Nagma Ali and her accomplice are facing legal consequences, added the officer, highlighting the severity of the charges.
Bangladesh has been witnessing violent clashes between students and the police in the last week. Students have been protesting ever since the High Court reinstated a quota system for government jobs, overturning a 2018 decision by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government to scrap it. In the midst of reports of police brutality and deaths of students emerging from the country, many medical students from West Bengal, who went to study in Dhaka and other areas are returning to their homeland. Recently, a student returned from Bangladesh to his hometown of Hariharpara in Murshidabad. This raises the question as to why medical students go to Bangladesh to pursue their degrees when there are good medical universities in India.

Studying at private medical colleges in India costs between Rs 50 to 60 lakh, with some institutions charging slightly more. In contrast, studying medicine in private medical colleges in Bangladesh typically costs about half of what it does in India. This cost is still approximately 150 times higher than the cost of studying at a government medical college in Bangladesh.

According to calculations from the Department of Medical College Health Education in Bangladesh, there are 4,350 seats available across 37 government medical colleges and 72 private medical colleges, which collectively offer 6,489 seats. There is the North Bengal Medical College in Bangladesh. Despite many medical students graduating, they cannot practise medicine in the country unless they have an MBBS degree from a foreign institution. To do so, they must pass an exam known as the Exit Test, and most students with foreign degrees face difficulties in passing this exam.

The pass rate for the Exit Test does not exceed 25% in any year. After completing a medical degree from Bangladesh, you cannot directly practise medicine in India. Before doing so, you must pass an exam administered by the Medical Council of India. Only after clearing this exam will you be permitted to practise medicine in India.
In a tragic incident at a PG accommodation in Bengalurus Koramangala area, a 24-year-old woman from Bihar, identified as Kriti Kumari, was brutally murdered late Tuesday night. Kriti Kumari, who worked at a private company in the city, had recently moved into the VR Layout PG in Koramangala.

According to reports, the assailant gained entry to the PG premises around 11:10 to 11:30 PM and proceeded to Kriti Kumaris room on the third floor. Armed with a knife, the attacker allegedly strangled her to death. The incident came to light when other residents heard commotion from her room and alerted the authorities.

The Koramangala Police, upon arriving at the scene, initiated a thorough investigation. Additional Commissioner of Police Raman Gupta confirmed that a case has been registered and stated that the perpetrator was known to the victim. Efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect, who is currently on the run, he added.

Police sources revealed that three special teams have been formed to track down the accused. They are meticulously examining Kriti Kumaris mobile phone records, including call details, and scrutinizing CCTV footage from the PG premises. Investigators are also gathering information on the victims recent activities and interactions.

Preliminary inquiries suggest a possible romantic angle to the crime. There are suspicions that Kriti Kumari was killed by a young man she was romantically involved with. Kriti Kumari reportedly escorted the young man into the PG around 11:30 PM on Tuesday night. It appears that after returning from dinner, Kriti Kumari and the young man entered a room together. Later, a confrontation ensued between them in the room, leading to the suspected murder.

Reports suggest that the young woman had only recently joined the PG, with the accused assisting her with luggage upon arrival two days ago. Allegedly, he claimed to be her brother when challenged by security, allowing him to enter under the pretext of arranging a quick departure.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars recent statement regarding the special status for the state has proven to hold significant foresight, as evidenced by recent developments in the Union Budget 2024. Addressing journalists in Patna ahead of the budget presentation, Kumars remarks hinted at forthcoming developments for Bihar. The anticipation surrounding Bihars omission from the list of special states had sparked considerable debate among opposition leaders. Kumars cryptic comment, you will know everything slowly, during the Legislative Assembly session, foreshadowed substantial revelations in the budgetary allocations.

True to Kumars suggestion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her budget speech with a series of landmark announcements benefiting Bihar. Notably, she unveiled projects including the Patna-Purnia Expressway, Buxar-Bhagalpur Expressway, and significant infrastructural investments across the state, amounting to a staggering Rs 26,000 crore. Further bolstering Bihars developmental landscape, a 2400 MW power project in Pirpainti was earmarked with a budgetary allocation of Rs 21,400 crore.

In a gesture aimed at boosting tourism and cultural infrastructure, Sitharaman outlined plans to develop religious and historical sites akin to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. The Vishnupad Temple Corridor in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple Corridor in Bodhgaya are set to receive substantial investments, along with initiatives to enhance facilities at Rajgir and Nalanda.

Moreover, the Finance Minister affirmed the central governments commitment to industrial expansion along the Amritsar-Kolkata corridor, which promises to stimulate economic growth in the eastern region. Additional provisions were made for the establishment of airports, medical colleges, and other essential infrastructure across Bihar, signaling a robust commitment to the states comprehensive development agenda.

While Bihar awaits the official designation of special state status, the budgets comprehensive provisions totaling over Rs 58,000 crore reflect a strategic investment in the states growth trajectory. This includes substantial allocations for road networks, power generation, flood management, and tourism infrastructure.

In retrospect, Nitish Kumars enigmatic hint before the budget presentation aptly underscored the unfolding of a transformative chapter for Bihar, reinforcing the adage that patience indeed brings forth rewards.
Helsinki Airport invites travelers to make the most of their layover by exploring the vibrant Finnish capital. Whether you have 6, 12, or 24 hours, Helsinki offers a wealth of experiences that cater to every interest. From the citys rich design heritage and authentic Finnish cuisine to traditional saunas and the legendary metal music scene, theres something for everyone.

With Finnairs direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki, discover how to turn your brief layover into a memorable mini adventure by following this comprehensive guide.

Helsinki in 6 hours

For those with a six-hour layover, begin your journey at the Helsinki Design Museum, a short 30-minute trip from the airport. Nestled in the Helsinki Design District, the museum showcases an extensive collection of Finnish and Scandinavian design, including works by Alvar Aalto. Open from 11 am, admission is 20 for adults and 12 for pensioners and students. After immersing yourself in design heritage, enjoy a meal at the historic Restaurant Savoy, designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto, just six minutes away. The Finnish-French menu, featuring seasonal local ingredients, is served in a beautifully restored 1937 interior.

Post-lunch, explore the Helsinki Design Districts boutiques and cafes, and visit iconic stores like Marimekko, Lumi Accessories, Lumoan, and Lapuan Kankurit for unique souvenirs. If time permits, stop by the Helsinki City Museum. Conclude your visit with a short walk back to the train station for a smooth return to Helsinki Airport.

Helsinki in 12 hours

With a 12-hour layover, delve deeper into Finlands art scene. After following the six-hour guide, head to the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), featuring over 9,000 public artworks and rotating modern exhibitions. Admission is 18, and the museum is closed on Mondays. Next, visit the Ateneum Art Museum, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Le Corbusier, and Munch. Open from 10 am, tickets cost 20.

Unwind Finnish-style at Allas Sea Pool, a waterside sauna complex with heated pools and stunning Baltic Sea views. Ticket prices range from 18-22. After a refreshing sauna session, enjoy a meal at Allas Cafe or Seagrill restaurant, offering Nordic cuisine and scenic vistas. From Allas Sea Pool, its a short walk or tram ride back to Helsinki Central Station for your return to the airport.

Helsinki in 24 hours

For a 24-hour layover, extend your exploration with activities from both the six and 12-hour guides. Experience the legendary heavy metal scene at Tavastia, one of Europes oldest rock clubs. After a night of music, rest at a nearby accommodation.

Start your morning at Cafe Ekberg, a historic patisserie dating back to 1852, renowned for its exquisite pastries and buffet breakfast. Join the free walking tour from Esplanadi Park at 11 am to learn about Helsinkis culture and history. Afterward, head back to the airport, ensuring you allow at least two hours before departure.
As India marks the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the nation comes together to honour the bravery and sacrifices of our martyrs. Bollywood celebrities, including Abhishek Bachchan, Siddharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor, Anupam Kher and others, have taken to social media to remember the brave soldiers who upheld the sovereignty of our nation and dedicated their lives to the safety of India. Their heartfelt posts express deep gratitude and respect for the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Abhishek Bachchan, in his video, said, 25th anniversary of Kargil  firstly Id like to remember all the great martyrs who gave the supreme sacrifice to keep us safe and the sovereignty of the nation of this nation. My respect and love for the armed forces remains and grows each day. 25 years of remembrance of bravery and most of all, from us citizens of the country, the feeling of safety and pride that we know that you all are there on the borders to take care of us.

#25YearsofKargilVijay#KVDRajatJayantiNation comes together on Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay to pay tribute to our War Heroes, Bravehearts and Veer Naris.#KVD2024#IndianArmy@juniorbachchan pic.twitter.com/1aC6tSufcL  ADG PI  INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 10, 2024

Janhvi Kapoor remembered the brave martyrs and said, On this historic milestone of 25 years of kargil Vijay Diwas, let us stand united in remembrance and gratitude for the heroes who lay down their lives for our freedom. Their unwavering commitment to duty and sacrifice embodies the true spirit of our nation. Salute to our brave hearts, forever in our hearts.

#25YearsofKargilVijay#KVDRajatJayantiNation comes together on Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay to pay tribute to our War Heroes, Bravehearts and Veer Naris.#KVD2024#IndianArmy@JanhviKappoor pic.twitter.com/WRNsIZ7Nke  ADG PI  INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 22, 2024

25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas mark a pivotal moment in our nations history  a testament to the unwavering bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. As we honour the courage, I am humbled to have portrayed the role of Captain Vikram Batra in the movie Shershaah. His valour and selflessness continue to inspire us all. Let us never forget to sacrifice made by our indomitable heroes. Jai Hind.

#25YearsofKargilVijay#KVDRajatJayantiNation comes together on Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay to pay tribute to our War Heroes, Bravehearts and Veer Naris.#KVD2024#IndianArmy@SidMalhotra pic.twitter.com/SbWHPBnnPj  ADG PI  INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 12, 2024

Lets honour the memory of our gallant soldiers, said Anupam Kher in his video.

#25YearsofKargilVijay#KVDRajatJayantiNation comes together on Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay to pay tribute to our War Heroes, Bravehearts and Veer Naris.#KVD2024#IndianArmy@AnupamPKher pic.twitter.com/p87dNpDvTp  ADG PI  INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 17, 2024

Sonu Nigam, too, sent across his wishes to the brave soldiers in the Armed Forces.

#25YearsofKargilVijay#KVDRajatJayantiNation comes together on Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay to pay tribute to our War Heroes, Bravehearts & Veer Naris.#KVD2024#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/w5kSizra4z  ADG PI  INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 20, 2024

This day of remembrance is a testament to the courage and dedication of our armed forces, and its heartening to see the film industry joining in to celebrate their legacy.
Ali Fazal who is basking in the success of Mirzapur Season 3, has now reportedly signed the lead role in the upcoming fantasy thriller series, Rakht Brahmand. He will join Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who will also play the lead role in the series. The other members of the cast are Aditya Roy Kapur and Wamiqa Gabbi in key roles. Rakht Brahmand is being helmed by filmmaker duo Raj & DK, known for creating shows like The Family Man, Farzi and Guns and Gulaabs. Rahi Anil Barve, best known for the cult horror film Tumbbad, will be directing the six-part series. It is currently unclear when the show is expected to be released and what is its broad plotline.

According to reports, the entire cast for the show has been finalized, with shooting scheduled to begin next week in Mumbai. IANS reported that Ali Fazal will be working on the series throughout August, alongside completing brief schedules for his other projects. A source known to them said, Ali Fazal will be shooting for the series through August while also completing small schedules of his other projects.

The source added that Ali Fazal was eager to sign the project and his role is something that he has never done before both from a character perspective and also genre-wise. Along with Rakht Brahmand, Ali Fazal has a line of exciting projects ahead. These include Anurag Basus Metro In Dino which is scheduled to release on September 13. The anthology film has an ensemble cast of Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi and others.

Ali Fazal is also a part of Lahore: 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. The period film centred around the partition of India and Pakistan will be released on January 26, 2025. Ali Fazal has also joined the cast of Thug Life, an Indian gangster film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film has an ensemble cast of established actors from Bollywood and Tamil cinema such as Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Pankaj Tripathi and others.

On his personal front, Ali Fazal and his actor-wife Richa Chadha announced the birth of their first child. The couple confirmed that they welcomed their daughter on July 16.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ali fazal (@alifazal9)

They shared their daughters glimpse on Instagram and wrote, Doing a collab post to announce the biggest collab of our lives!! Weve been blessed indeed. Our baby girl continues to keep us very very busy. So Thank you all for your love and blessings.
Besides being a phenomenal actor, Jr NTR is known for having excellent dancing skills. Time and again, the actor has amazed audiences with his terrific dance movies, including the Naatu Naatu song from RRR. Having picked up his passion for dancing from his school days with his mothers support, Jr NTR is even a trained Kuchipudi dancer. With his upcoming film Devara, he has once again put on his dancing shoes. Renowned choreographer Bosco Martis, who is working with the actor, recently opened up about Jr NTRs dancing prowess.

In a conversation with India Today, Bosco spoke highly of NTR, stating that he is fabulous and that he enjoyed working with him in Devara: Part 1, which also features Janhvi Kapoor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bosco Martis (@boscomartis)

I am working on Devara; its not a hectic song; its a smooth choreography that we are doing in the film. Jr NTR is fabulous; he is one of the most celebrated performers back there. He is also cool with his dance moves. You will enjoy seeing him dance; its great. I had a blast working with him, the choreographer said.

Notably, Bosco has been brought onboard to work on the dance numbers in the film. Known for making several Bollywood actors groove to his moves, his recent one for Vicky Kaushal in the Tauba Tauba song has become a hit trend.

Meanwhile, Devera is not the only one, as Jr NTR is also expected to show off his dancing skills in Ayan Mukerjis War 2. The two dancing legends, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, will have an epic faceoff on the floor, as was shown in the first War film between Hrithik and Tiger Shroff.

More About Devara

Directed by Koratala Siva, Devara: Part 1 stars Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan in significant roles. The film, which will also mark Janhvis Telugu debut with the South superstar, will release on September 27.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jr NTR (@jrntr)

While details about Devaras storyline have been kept under wraps, the action film will have Saif Ali Khan as the lead antagonist. Others like Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacho, Narain and many others, will play pivotal roles.
Actress Jasmine Basin is on the mend after suffering corneal damage due to a contact lens mishap earlier this week while in Delhi for an event. On Wednesday morning, she was spotted at the airport looking healthy and in good spirits, dressed in a pretty pink and blue shirt and trousers combo. When asked by the paps about her recovery and the condition of her eyes, Jasmine briefly removed her sunglasses, revealing one eye slightly smaller than the other, and gave a thumbs up, telling everyone that she was doing well. Just days after the mishap, Jasmin is already back to work, flashing a big smile as she made her way out of the city.

The actress and former Bigg Boss contestant visited a hospital in Mumbai on Monday afternoon amid her corneal damage treatment. Her actor-boyfriend Aly Goni took to his Instagram handle to share a picture in which Jasmin was seen undergoing tests. Even though Aly did not write anything, the photo came as a sigh of relief for fans who are otherwise worried for Jasmin.

Jasmin suffered corneal damage due to a mishap with her contact lenses, which has severely affected her vision. Opening up about the incident, Jasmin told Bombay Times that it happened while she was in Delhi. The actress was supposed to attend an event on July 17 but when she wore lenses, her eyes started to hurt.

On Monday, Jasmin took to her Instagram handle and shared that the last few days were extremely difficult due to her corneal damage. The actress talked about the pain she has been suffering from due to the mishap and thanked Aly Goni for being her support during this difficult time. Last few days were extremely difficult, feeling worst with excruciating pain and no vision. Thank you so much @alygoni for not just being with me 24*7 but also for being my eyes, trying to make me smile and forget pain and reciting duas for me every minute, she wrote.
While many shy away from thoughts about death, Keanu Reeves embraces them. Im 59, so Im thinking about death all the time, the Hollywood superstar shared in a recent BBC News interview. He sees this contemplation as valuable. Hopefully its not crippling, but hopefully it makes us more appreciative of the breath we take and the relationships we have the potential to nurture.

The reason for this deep conversation with The Matrix star isnt another blockbuster movie. This time, its about his new bookReeves first novel. The Book of Elsewhere, written in collaboration with British science fiction author China Mieville, follows an immortal warrior who yearns for the ability to die.

The Book of Elsewhere is inspired by the hugely successful BRZRKR comic book series created by Reeves. Released in 2021, BRZRKR (pronounced berserker) is also set to be adapted into a live-action Netflix film starring Reeves, as well as an anime series. For Reeves, comic books hold a special appeal. I love the images, he says. I love words and storytelling, and I love the way that you can have this engagement that overlays. And so you can look at the art and then you can follow the story.

Despite his significant contribution, Reeves downplays his role in the novels creation. I didnt write a novel. China wrote a novel, he insists. However, Mieville counters, Thats putting it too far. It wouldnt exist in this form without a lot of very thoughtful and careful work with Keanu.

Keanu Reeves once provided an incredibly thoughtful response when asked about his thoughts on death. Mortality isnt a common topic for celebrities on late-night talk shows, but it came up when Reeves, then 54, discussed the third installment of the Bill and Ted franchise during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. When Colbert asked what he thought happens when we die, Reeves paused before simply replying, I know that the ones who love us will miss us.
Kriti Sanon is taking a well-deserved break from her busy schedule following two successful releases this year. The actress is off to London with her sister Nupur Sanon to celebrate her birthday this weekend. Kriti shared a photo of herself and her sister on her Instagram stories. The photo depicts the Sanon sisters having a great time together as they are en route to London.

In the photo, Kriti was seen in a black leather jacket and a white top, while Nupur donned a white graphic shirt. Both of them looked adorable as they posed for a selfie. The actress accompanied the picture with a caption, Vacay time. #LondonDiaries. She will be celebrating her birthday on July 27.

Kriti Sanon worked in two films this year, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew. Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, co-directed by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, starred Kriti alongside Shahid Kapoor. In Crew, she was seen opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu. Kriti is also set to make her production debut with Netflixs upcoming feature Do Patti. She will also star in the Shashanka Chaturvedi-directed thriller and share screen space with Kajol.

Meanwhile, the actress is also expected to be seen in the biopic of Meena Kumari, under Manish Malhotras label. However, as per recent reports, the shoot for the film has been delayed as the makers need more time to develop the script. A source told Mid Day, The material will be vetted by multiple script doctors before it goes into filming. In a way, the delay might be good for the team. Since its a period drama, this allows them ample time for pre-production. Costumes are also a big part when recounting the story of one of Hindi cinemas finest actors, and their recreation will take time. It will most likely roll in the first half of 2025.

Earlier, the portal reported that Kriti Sanon has been watching old films and reading interviews with Meena Kumari to prepare for the role. The film, based on the life of Bollywoods Tragedy Queen, would be Kriti Sanons first biography. Manish Malhotra, the fashion designer, makes his directorial debut with it.
Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh is set to host the new season of Bigg Boss Marathi for the first time. The show will start airing on July 28 at Color Marathi. The previous seasons of Bigg Boss Marathi were led by the notable actor Mahesh Manjrekar. Riteish Deshmukh is expected to bring his unique style and energy to the show. Bigg Boss is one of the widely loved shows. It has been hosted by numerous superstars in the past including Mahej Manjrekar, Nagarjuna, Sanjay Dutt and others. As Riteish Deshmukh is set to enlist his name in the list of actors who have hosted Bigg Boss in the past, fans are constantly drawing comparisons between him and Salman Khan, who has been hosting Bigg Boss for the past 13 seasons.

Riteish Deshmukh remains unbothered by such comparisons. In an exclusive conversation with the media, he opens up about Salman Khans hosting style and the learnings he picked from him by watching the show for years.

Riteish Deshmukh admitted that the comparisons will be drawn between him and other hosts but he is unbothered by it, he added. Salman bhau is something else. I feel no one in this world can host this format the way he does, he is iconic and epic, he said. He appreciated the hosting style of Salman Khan in the show.

Nobody in the world can host like Salman Khan. He has an inbuilt natural style, attitude, a swag. Its just him. Watching them tells us a lot about how to interact and the limits which are required to be maintained. Just like the contestants take a stand, the host has to take a stand, said Riteish Deshmukh.

When asked about one quality he would like to pick from Salman Khans hosting, he said, I think the best quality about him is that he is himself. He further said that Salman Khan never changes his nature while hosting the show. You can take a stand because of your nature. But it is very important to take a stand ethically and morally and I will try to do that added Riteish Deshmukh.
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Rohit Shetty has established a cop universe in the film industry with his hit movies and shows, such as Singham, Simmba, Sooryavanshi, and Indian Police Force. Shilpa Shetty stepped into a cop avatar in Sidharth Malhotras Indian Police Force. Television actress Shweta Tiwari was also a part of the web show. Next, Deepika Padukone has also joined the cop universe and will be seen donning a uniform in the upcoming Singham Again.

However, is Rohit Shetty planning to make a women-oriented cop universe movie soon? In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, the filmmaker has teased it. He hinted that there is a women-oriented film in the pipeline and added it will happen very soon.

Shetty also talked about his upcoming film, much-awaited Singham Again and promised that the audiences will get to see a lot of hand-to-hand combat in his directorial. He called himself old school and shared that he relies more upon real action sequences than VFX.

I think now everyone is doing VFX. It is not just us but all over the world. Most importantly, it is a bit easier and safer. When you are doing hand-to-hand combat, we are trying to be as real as possible. We are old-school guys. For me, hand-to-hand combat will always be real. Even when you see my next venture (Singham Again) hand-to-hand combat is real and yes, there is a lot of CG as well, he told us.

Meanwhile, Rohit Shetty is all set to return to television with the 14th season of his widely-loved reality show, Khatron Ke Khiladi. The stunt-based show will see celebrities such as Gashmeer Mahajani, Niyati Fatnani, Asim Riaz, Abhishek Kumar, Shalin Bhanot, Sumona Chakravarti, Shilpa Shinde, and Krishna Shroff as contestants. The shooting of the show took place over the last couple of months in Romania. It will premiere on July 27 on Colors TV.
Salman Khan has opened up about the alleged threats he and his family members have been getting from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang over the years. Last month, the Bollywood superstar recorded his statement in connection to the house firing case when he claimed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was trying to kill him. He also revealed that after the firing case in April this year, he asked his family members to be on alert at all times.

I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartments first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony, Salman Khan told the anti-extortion cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch as quoted by India Today.

Earlier also, Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members in an interview talked about killing me and my relatives. So, I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members carried out the firing incident when my family members were sleeping inside and planning to kill me and my family members so they carried out the attack, the actor added.

Khan further detailed the previous threats by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and said, After that, in March 2023, an email was received on my official email of an employee in my team threatening me and my family from Lawrence Bishnoi. In this regard, a case was registered by my team member at Bandra police station. He also revealed that in January this year, two people attempted to trespass his farmhouse in Panvel by using fake names and identities.

In April this year, gunshots were fired outside Khans Galaxy Apartments in Mumbais Bandra area. Later, it was reported that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is alleged to be behind the attack as the gangsters brother, Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shooting incident via a Facebook post.

In May, the President of the All India Bishnoi Society, Devendra Budiya, also issued a statement and argued that the Bollywood superstars apology would be considered if he seeks forgiveness. If Salman himself apologizes, the Bishnoi society will consider the apology. The mistake was not made by Somy Ali, but it was committed by Salman, the Bishnoi gang leader told IANS, as quoted by Pinkvilla.

Therefore, he should propose to the Bishnoi society that he wants to apologize. He should come to the temple and seek forgiveness. He should further take an oath that he will never make such a mistake in the future and will always work to protect wildlife and conserve the environment. If he does this, a decision of the society to forgive him will be considered, he added.

After the shocking incident, Salman Khans security was upgraded.
Actress Sonam Kapoor recently opened up her personal life, including her marriage to Anand Ahuja and the physical changes shes experienced since welcoming her son Vayu, in a recent interview with The Dirty Magazine. The 39-year-old actress also addressed the phenomenon of being offered roles that seem to defy her age, confessing that while its flattering to be considered for parts typically reserved for 20-somethings, she finds it weird. Nevertheless, Sonam expressed her delight in being perceived as ageless, saying shes thrilled that people still think of her as someone who hasnt aged much.

In the interview, she shared, Its weird though because the roles Im getting offered are still of a 20-something. I just recently got offered one of a girl whom her parents want to get married. I was just like, are you sure you want to offer this film to me? It doesnt make any sense. Another role was of a girl in school, who becomes a sportsperson. I thought the role would be split between a younger actor and me, but they wanted me for both! They were like, well make it work. I was like, no, I cant make it work! You know, because now they can de-age you. I dont want to be de-aged! Can you imagine me de-aged.

Giving reference of her cousin sisters Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, she further added, I mean, obviously I dont look as young as a Jhanvi or a Khushi, but Im quite grateful for the fact that people think of me as someone whos not aged much. Even though Ive had a kid (Vayu) and all of that. I guess because my kids not been out there for the world to see? And I want to keep it that way.

Sonam Kapoor welcomed a baby boy named Vayu with her husband, Anand Ahuja, in 2022. She took a break from acting and moved to London, but now she spends time in both India and the UK. Her last main movie role was in The Zoya Factor in 2019. Since then, she only made a brief appearance in the 2020 Netflix film Ak vs Ak, which also starred her dad Anil Kapoor, brother Harshvardhan Kapoor, and director Anurag Kashyap.

Sonam Kapoor was last seen in Shome Makhijas 2023 thriller Blind as a visually-impaired investigator.
When Vijay Deverakonda and Rashima Mandanna shared the screen in the 2019 romantic action drama, Dear Comrade, they left everyone completely impressed. Their chemistry in the film in the Bharat Kamma directorial was widely loved by the audience. Five years after the film hit theatres, a never-seen-before picture of the two actors from the sets has surfaced online which has left netizens in complete awe.

In the photo, Vijay and Rashmika are seen lost in each others eyes as they hold hands. While Vijay looks charming in a white shirt, Rashmika dons a blue saree and looks as pretty as ever. Check it out here:

Interestingly, Vijay and Rashmika are rumoured to be dating each other for a long time now. In April this year, they reportedly celebrated Rashmika Mandannas birthday together in Abu Dhabi. Even though the actors did not confirm their vacation, netizens noticed that Vijay Deverakonda dropped a video on his Instagram stories from the same location from where Rashmika also shared her pictures.

Prior to this, the rumoured couples trip to the Maldives fuelled speculation about a possible marriage announcement. It was also said that Vijay and Rashmika would get exchanged soon.

However, the Kushi actor later clarified that he was neither getting engaged nor getting married. Im not getting engaged or married in February. It feels like the press just wants to get me married every two years. I hear this rumour every year. Theyre just walking around waiting to catch me and get me married, he told Lifestyle Asia.

Besides this, Vijay was promoting Family Star when he was asked about his romantic relationships. The actor decided not to address dating rumours with Rashmika but rather said he is in a relationship with his parents and brother. Yes, with my parents, with my brother, with you, and we all are in a relationship, he said.

Meanwhile, Dear Comrade is not the only film in which Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda worked together. The two also shared the screen in the 2018 movie Geetha Govindam.
With hundreds of protesters dead and innumerable others injured in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government is in big trouble. Having won the general election only months ago, Hasina now stares at a popular uprising against her. She may have been successful in curbing the protests this time, but the leader of the Awami League will not be as lucky every time trouble strikes Bangladesh.

While the merits and flaws of the protests can be debated, what is abundantly clear is that Sheikh Hasina is nearing the end of her political career. Eventually, she will be out of power. That should send alarm bells ringing in New Delhi and trigger the formulation of appropriate plans and strategies to deal with Bangladesh in a post-Sheikh Hasina scenario.

While there are signs that the students protest has been hijacked by radical elements in Bangladesh, the bottom line remains this: Holding on to power is getting increasingly untenable for Sheikh Hasina. Whether it is the students that bring her fall or whether radical Islamists do so is immaterial, since her mere ouster will serve a significant blow to Indias relationship with Bangladesh.

The only real Bangladeshi leader keeping ties between New Delhi and Dhaka robust is Hasina. With her gone, bilateral ties between both countries will enter a rocky and uncertain era. One only needs to jog their memory back to the early 2000s, when radicals took control of Bangladesh and the country witnessed a parallel hike in Islamist and jihadi activities. Is India prepared for such an eventuality now? The signs do not look very promising.

While Sheikh Hasina leads the largely pro-India Awami League party, the Opposition is squarely against New Delhi. What is even more worrying is that the public mood in Bangladesh is shifting against India. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in fact, has been spearheading the India Out campaign on social media, ostensibly to woo China.

The BNP is also in an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami  an ultra-radical outfit that believes the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan was not really needed. The very same Jamaat has been referred to by the United States as a moderate Islamic party. That, when seen in consonance with Washingtons overarching anti-Sheikh Hasina stance, makes one fact very apparent: The US does not like to see Awami League retaining power in Bangladesh.

Luckily for Sheikh Hasina, China is on her side, for now. The BNP realises the importance of China, and to build better ties with it, the Islamist coalition will readily sacrifice ties with India. What makes the BNP-led alliances agenda clear is the fact that the India Out campaign has specifically targeted New Delhis economic ties with Bangladesh and called for a boycott of Indian goods.

India remains crucial to Bangladeshs economy, given how New Delhi ranks as Dhakas second-largest trade partner in Asia. India and Bangladesh are also partnering on important connectivity and energy projects, all of which stand the risk of being undone if the radicals cease power in Dhaka. If it is not already clear, radicals coming to power in Bangladesh is not a question of if but when. India will be well advised to prepare for the inevitable and not appear clueless when a crisis does strike our eastern neighbourhood.

Third Front Against India: A Real Possibility?

The threat of a two-front war no longer remains a figment of the imagination of Indias security establishment. In fact, it is now viewed as a real and unavoidable possibility. The recent upsurge in terror attacks in Jammu has proven beyond any measure of doubt that Pakistan and China are actively collaborating to hurt India and wear down its troops along both the LAC and LoC. With India redeploying much of its Jammu-based troops to the LAC, Pakistan saw an opening to exploit the resultant vacuum. This is among the biggest reasons why terrorists are finding it easy to strike in Jammu, given how troop deployment south of the Pir Panjals was heavily diluted in recent times.

Now, India should brace for another equally worrying scenario  that of Bangladesh joining the China-Pakistan nexus in the near future.

As mentioned previously, the only person stopping this from happening is Sheikh Hasina. The moment power gets in the hands of the BNP-led alliance in Bangladesh, India should be prepared for a new and unique set of challenges emerging, with profound security implications for the whole of our Northeastern region. The Bangladesh Nationalist Partys immediate goal is to turn China against Sheikh Hasinas Awami League party. To that end, the BNPs Foreign Relations Committee and Standing Committee have hinted at prioritising relations with Beijing. That effort is being led by a senior BNP leader, and when it comes to fruition, it will signal the Maldives-isation of Bangladesh.

While the BNP takes care of the sinicisation of Bangladeshs foreign and strategic policy, the Jamaat-e-Islami would readily collaborate with Pakistan and its intelligence service to create a security nuisance for India in the Northeast. Apart from pushing jihadis into India, an anti-India government run by Islamists could also allow redundant Northeastern insurgent groups to begin their anti-India activities from Bangladeshs soil. Given the Northeasts thick forests, hunting such enemies down will only require more Indian troop deployment  ultimately serving both China and Pakistans goals.

The Jamaats student wing, Chattra Shibir, is already under the scanner for instigating violence in Bangladesh and hijacking the ongoing students protest. At the same time, Sheikh Hasinas government is looking into the role played by Western NGOs to turn the protest into a larger popular uprising aimed at ousting the Awami League from power. If that was not worrying enough, Sheikh Hasina in March this year warned of a nefarious Western plot to carve out a Christian state using parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar and possibly even India. If this claim holds any truth, it should trigger some serious deliberations in New Delhi about how a big security challenge is on the rise in the Northeast. Given how China is making inroads into Myanmar with its Three Brotherhood Alliance of insurgents, it would not be an overstatement to suggest that the United States is trying to become more active in the region to counter Beijing  even if that comes at the cost of Indian interests and territory.

India enjoys a friendly relationship with Bangladesh only as long as Sheikh Hasina remains its Prime Minister. With her gone  which is inevitable  India will need to deal with a much more assertive and perhaps even hostile Bangladesh, that not only shares better ties with Beijing, but is also open to the idea of being used by Pakistan to hurt New Delhis interests. A broader China-Pakistan-Bangladesh nexus would severely aggravate threats faced by India in the security domain.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The INDIA bloc parties will protest in and outside of Parliament on Wednesday over the discriminatory Union Budget 2024 that was presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday.

The opposition has argued that the Budget was lop-sided and in favour of NDA allies JD(U) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and other Opposition leaders such as Akhilesh Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee said the BJP gave sops to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to ensure a stable government at the Centre. The Budget is about kursi bachao, they quipped.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee had criticised the Central government for overlooking the flood situation in West Bengal, and not granting funds to the state.

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal had called the Budget extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union government must follow.

Therefore, the Congress and DMK chief ministers have decided to not attend the Niti Aayog meeting on July 27. The Niti Aayog platform is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where states represented by the chief ministers present their pitch for allocation of funds.

This governments attitude is completely antithetical to Constitutional principles. We will not participate in an event that is solely designed to hide the truth, and discriminatory colours of this regime, Venugopal said.

The BJP has called the boycott of NITI Aayog anti-people and irresponsible. They said the NITI Aayog meeting could have been used as a platform by the CMs to raise their concerns and get something in return. Its now a missed opportunity for them as per the BJP.

Maharashtra, which will go to polls in a couple of months, was not mentioned in the Union Budget. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and other leaders of his party questioned the government on why his state was ignored. The Maha Vikas Aghadi is bound to label the BJP as anti-Maharashtra and will use the Budget to campaign against the saffron party in the state.

No doubt that the Budget has emerged a unifying factor for the INDIA bloc, which will use it by boycotting meeting NITI Aayog meeting and organise joint protests.

In politics, the one who benefits is a winner. But at times, those who dont use the opportunity, win too.
Looking to maintain Brand Bengaluru, which has taken quite a beating over the last decade, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka tabled the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 to bring in effective governance, political accountability, and improve the quality of life.

However, this move has sparked another political slugfest between the Congress and the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the latter accusing those who did not belong to the city of making decisions for it solely in the interest of looting and destroying it.

While a similar exercise for delimitation of Bengaluru was undertaken in the form of bills by previous governments of the BJP and Congress, including increasing the number of wards from the existing 198 to 245, little change was seen on ground. Political critics call this yet another delaying tactic for the election to the city civic body, which has been pending since 2020. Despite being labelled a global city and the IT capital of the country, Bengaluru has faced significant challenges due to mismanagement and ineffective governance. The decline in the quality of life has been seen through a steady rise in encroachments on water bodies, concretisation, skyrocketing pollution levels and deteriorating infrastructure.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru in-charge minister, said Bengaluru belongs to everyone and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) intends to protect the interests of the city. He stated that the new bill seeks to address these issues by establishing a decentralized, participative, efficient, and equitable governance framework for Bengaluru.

RULING GOVERNMENTS POSITION

Several Congress leaders told News18 the bill was an attempt to bring about a significant governance overhaul intended to manage Bengalurus rapid urban expansion while addressing the complexities in infrastructure and city management.

I may have been born in a village, but I have made Bengaluru my home since the age of five. I not only understand the situation here, but I am also a concerned citizen of Bengaluru. The proposal was to restructure Bengaluru along the lines of the London model, and a committee was formed to design that. I, however, did not agree with completely replacing the system, so a system to modify the existing system to a certain extent has been proposed, Shivakumar said while tabling the bill.

The bill presented in the Karnataka legislative assembly is a major departure from the Brand Bengaluru Committees panel report and looks at not only restructuring the city body, but also breaking the city into not more than ten zones. The 114-page bill proposes to divide the city into not more than 10 smaller city corporations in the Greater Bengaluru region and argued that earlier acts to govern the city were inadequate and did not institute any mechanisms to address the fragmentation of governance in the city due to the multiplicity of civic agencies and the lack of coordination between them.

Unlike the draft report submitted by the Brand Bengaluru Committee that specified the GBA should cover 1,400 square kilometres, this bill does not specify the area it covers, leading to ambiguity regarding how much each of the corporations would cover and the actual number of corporations that would be formed under the GBA.

The bill states that the GBA intends to integrate and streamline political accountability of all public authorities delivering services in the Greater Bengaluru Area. A meeting of all Bengaluru Congress MLAs and other elected representatives from the city has been called by Shivakumar on July 27 to deliberate on the bill and put forth their suggestions.

The GBA is an important bill that aims to address the challenges and potential of a growing city like Bengaluru that has seen itself expanding multifold over the years. There is a need for multi-level bodies for effective governance, infrastructure development, and service delivery in Bengaluru. By breaking it down into zones, it will certainly help better management, said a city Congress legislator who preferred not to be named.

Fast-tracking into the Bengaluru of tomorrowPresenting a run through the double-decker flyover from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board, a boost to the citys ongoing progress.#DoubleDeckerFlyover #Silkboard #BrandBengaluru pic.twitter.com/VOwPEWqGTB  DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) July 20, 2024

OPPOSITION QUESTIONS SHIVAKUMAR

Senior leaders such as Leader of Opposition R. Ashok, former law minister Suresh Kumar, and former DCM Dr. C. N. Aswath Narayan called it a move by a failed government that could not even handle the debilitating situation Bengaluru is in.

The Congress government does not understand governance. This is just another pipe dream for D. K. Shivakumar, who wants to create a Bengaluru for himself. They are unable to handle healthcare, education, or infrastructure and have completely destroyed the economy and governance, said Dr. Ashwath Narayan to News18.

Pointing fingers at Shivakumar, the leader called him one of the biggest disasters who is unable to handle the citys problems, including curbing dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, and failing in garbage management and education management. A leader such as him with no good in his mind, what changes can he make to the system? I am making this statement with no political motivation, but with full responsibility and as a concerned citizen of Bengaluru, Narayan added.

None of them belong to Bengaluru and now they are looking at looting and destroying it. This is the sorry state of affairs that is there for all to see. The city body has been reduced to a body that builds roads and fills potholes? Even a panchayat has more powers than this, he said.

Trading barbs with the Opposition, the DCM also said that he was not foolish to take a decision on the bill solely without taking opposition elders into confidence. It was discussed in the cabinet meeting and it was felt that the Opposition leaders have to buy into the changes. I dont expect you to approve it as it is, said Shivakumar on the floor of the house.

According to the bill, the GBA is expected to function as a body responsible for major roads, projects, storm-water drains, and solid waste management, and receive a share of the property tax collected by multiple corporations. This is a complete departure from the suggestions made by the Brand Bengaluru Committee that suggested reforms such as the Mayor-in-Council in corporations and proportional representation in ward committees.

THE GBA

A look at the functions of the Greater Bengaluru Authority according to the bill.

FINANCIAL FUNCTIONS

A percentage of the revenues of the City Corporations within the Greater Bengaluru Area shall accrue to the Greater Bengaluru Authority as recommended by the Government. This includes agencies of the City Corporation undertaking specific functions on their behalf, such as Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited.

Approve rates for property tax, property tax rebate rates for payment of full tax within one month of the start of a financial year, extension of the rebate period, and other taxes, fees, cess, and user charges prescribed under this Act for the City Corporations in the Greater Bengaluru Area, with prior approval of the Government.

Recommend new revenue streams, taxes, and schemes for the City Corporations and other public authorities to the Government.

Recommend asset management strategies, including land monetization, to the City Corporations and public authorities.

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

The Greater Bengaluru Authority shall exercise administrative functions and powers over the City Corporations administration as decided by the Government.

Coordination, Execution and Administration of Plans, Schemes, and Major Projects

Formulate schemes necessary for implementing various plans prepared by the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Coordinate the execution of schemes for the implementation of plans prepared by the Greater Bengaluru Authority and issue binding directions.

Coordinate and administer major infrastructural and other projects in the Greater Bengaluru Area, including those crossing multiple City Corporations jurisdictions.

Establish and administer Geographical Information Systems, Intelligent Transport Systems, and other information and technology-based solutions for coordinating the development of the Greater Bengaluru Area.

Infrastructure

The Greater Bengaluru Authority shall be responsible for formulating and executing major infrastructural projects in the Greater Bengaluru Area, including those cutting across multiple City Corporations jurisdictions. This includes:

Construction and improvement of arterial roads, elevated expressways, and major flyovers.

Construction and improvement of the stormwater drain network.

Administration of the distribution and supply of electricity to main lines.

Administration of the distribution and supply of water and sewerage to main lines.

Greater Bengaluru Security Force

1. A force called the Greater Bengaluru Security Force shall be constituted and maintained for:

a. Better protection and security of the property owned by the City Corporations.

b. Aiding City Corporation officers in detecting and investigating matters relating to revenue leakage or any tax payable to the City Corporation.

c. Effective communication and obtaining information regarding any design to commit or commission of any offence under this Act.

2. The Greater Bengaluru Security Force shall consist of supervisory officers and members as determined by the Authority and shall be appointed by the Chief Commissioner in accordance with prescribed rules.

3. The Chief Commissioner shall exercise powers of superintendence and control over the Greater Bengaluru Security Force. Matters relating to recruitment and conditions of service, conduct, and discipline of the security force members shall be governed by prescribed rules.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday took a dig at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman alleging that the Budget 2024 is discriminatory towards states. Rajya Sabha LoP Kharge alleged that the budget was only to please a few people and protect the chair.

No state received anything, Kharge said, adding that the plates of all states except two Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were left empty in the Union budget presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

Kharge targeted Sitharaman, who represents Karnataka in the upper house, saying, I was expecting that Ill get the most. But we didnt get anything.

When Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked LoP Kharge to let Sitharaman respond, he retorted, Main bol deta hun. Mataji bolne mein toh expert hain mujhe maloom hai. (Let me finish. Mataji is expert in speaking, I am aware of that.)

Yeh kursi bachane ke liye yeh sab hua haiWe will condemn it and protest against it. All INDIA alliance parties will protestHow will development happen if there is no balance? Kharge said, before walking out of Rajya Sabha.

Denying allegations, the finance minister said it is not possible to name every state in a budget speech.

Let me take Maharashtra for instance, between vote on account and yesterdays budget, cabinet has passed a very important decision to set up a very big port in Vadhavan, Sitharaman said, referring to the proposed deep sea port in Palghar district.

Sitharaman further accused the Congress party of deliberately misleading the public.

I am saying with responsibility that this is a deliberate attempt of the opposition parties led by the Congress to give the people the wrong impression that their states were not allocated funds or schemes, the Finance Minister said.
The preferential treatment tag attached to the budget has become the latest flashpoint between the government and the opposition, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accusing the Opposition of double speak.

She replied: Which finance minister has mentioned all states? Just because I have mentioned Andhra Pradesh and Bihar specifically doesnt mean that others are not important.

NITI AAYOG MEETING, BUDGETARY CONSULTATIONS, FLOOD RELIEF

Top finance ministry sources say that the decision of the Tamil Nadu CM and Congress CMs to skip the Niti Aayog meeting on July 27 is a lost opportunity. They could have confronted PM Narendra Modi directly with a copy of the budget and asked him why they have got less money than expected, they said.

During budgetary consultations, CMs like Telanganas Revanth Reddy, Himachals Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met the PM asking for more funds. In fact, sources say the PM heard the Himachal CM out and decided to allocate funds for flood relief. This is the grudge of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who asked why she did not get funds when her state too faced floods.

ALSO READ | Not Special, But Budget Elevates Bihars Status: JDU Tells Nitish Critics To Resign; Opposition Not Impressed

Sources replied, Before the budget, the PM had announced 12-13 schemes and if this was not attention to the poll-bound state, then what was?

This apart, sources said that any new scheme announced and increased allocation for existing schemes such as Awaas Yojana and Aarogya Yojana would benefit all states. It was up to the states to ask for the funds they need. In fact, in Maharashtra alone, the government had announced projects worth Rs 17 lakh crore, they said.

INDEXATION NEW INHERITANCE TAX?

This is not the only perception built by the opposition that the ministry is fighting. The other big tax, which the opposition is calling the backdoor entry of inheritance tax, is removing of indexation.

Sources said, The new tax rate without indexation is beneficial in most cases. For example, for a property held for five years, the new regime is beneficial when property has appreciated 1.7 times or more. For a property held for 10 years, it is beneficial when the value has increased 2.4 times or more.

ALSO READ | Bengal Govt Ignored Central Schemes, But They Have The Audacity: In RS, Sitharaman Vs TMC Over Budget

The budget has now become a battle of optics and one-upmanship. And the Opposition is hoping that the government will blink first, even though the finance ministry is armed with facts and statistics to call the bluff.
Parliament LIVE: INDI Alliance Prioritising Personal Interests, Says BJP's Bhupendra Yadav on Oppn Wanting To Boycott NITI Aayog Meet This is unfortunate. Congress and INDI alliance parties are prioritising their personal interests rather than public interest. NITI Aayog is an institution with the idea of federalism, where discussions around development are held. Hence, this boycott is unfortunate, said Union Minister and BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav on Opposition announcing boycott of NITI Aayog meeting, scheduled to be held on July 27.

Parliament LIVE: INDI Alliance Misguided By Congress Party, Says Union Minister Piyush Goyal Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, I think due to their (the opposition) personal thinking of hatred towards PM Modi  they dont think about their own people Be it Telangana, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu  eight states have boycotted last years NITI Aayog meeting which was centred around Viksit Bharat They only talk about democracy by having the Constitution in hand, they do drama but they dont believe in democracy. They are arrogant about the names of their families. Being misguided by the Congress party, the parties in the INDI alliance are trying to demolish the democratic system.

Parliament LIVE: Amit Shah Leaves From Parliament Union Home Minister Amit Shah left from the Parliament. VIDEO | Parliament Budget Session: Union Home Minister Amit Shah (@AmitShah) leaves from Parliament. #parliament2024 (Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/45wt2x7dwe  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 24, 2024

Parliament LIVE: 'Budget Planned By Two People To Keep Another Two in Good Faith', Says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee While speaking at the Lok Sabha, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said, This Budget was planned by two individuals to keep another two in good faith, neglecting the aspirations of 140 crore people.

Parliament LIVE: 10% Reservation For Ex-Agniveers In Constable/Rifleman Post in CAPF, Says Centre A decision has been taken to reserve 10% vacancies for former Agniveers in the recruitment to the post of constable (general duty)/rifleman in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. Further, a provision has been made for relaxation in upper age limit and exemption from the physical efficiency test, said MoS Home Nityanand Rai in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (July 24). The number of vacancies as on 01.07.2024 in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles(AR) are 84,106 against the total sanctioned strength of 10,45,751. 67,345 persons have been recruited between April 2023 and February 2024. Further, 64,091 vacancies have been notified and are at different stages of recruitment. It is clear from the above, with insignificant effective vacancies compared to the size of the forces, the question of overtime doesnt arise, he said.

Parliament LIVE: Will Put Pressure On Govt For MSP Legal Guarantee For Farmers, Says RaGa Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (July 24) said the INDIA bloc will put pressure on the NDA government to implement MSP legal guarantee for farmers. After a meeting with farmer leaders, the LoP in Lok Sabha said: In our manifesto, we have mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment and it can be implemented. We had a meeting right now where we decided that we will talk to the other leader of the INDIA alliance to put pressure on the Govt that MSP legal guarantee should be given to the farmers of the country. A delegation of 12 farmer leaders under Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) from across states met Gandhi in Parliament. Congress MPs KC Venugopal, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Dr Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda and Jai Prakash were also present.

Parliament LIVE: Shivakumar Says 'No Policy, No Justice' On Boycott Of NITI Aayog Meeting On Karnataka boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Wednesday (July 24) said there is no policy and no justice after the Union Budget was presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. There is no Niti (policy), it has gone. There is no justice here. So, our leaders have decided in the interest of the protest over no proper representation in the budget, he said.

Parliament LIVE: Budget In Best Interest Of Country, Says Khattar On the Union Budget, Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar said it was in the best interest of the people. He said central schemes announced for women and farmers are especially important. The budget of 2024-25 has been presented yesterday by the Finance Minister. The budget is in the best interest of the people of the country, in the interest of every section of the society, especially the many schemes that have been announced in the interest of women and farmers. PM Modi told us that by 2047, the country will complete its journey towards developed IndiaIn the urban housing sector, 1 crore new houses will be made with an investment of Rs 10 lakh crores he said.

Parliament LIVE: 809 Additional Posts Sanctioned In NIA Over Past 5 Years, Says Centre The NIA, with its headquarters at New Delhi, has 21 branch offices of which 13 in Chandigarh, Ranchi, Imphal, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Patna, Jaipur, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam, Dimapur and Dehradun, have been created in the last five years, said MoS Home Nityanand Rai to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (July 24). A total of 809 additional posts have been sanctioned in the NIA in these five years and, of these, 142 posts are for two new divisions set up at the headquarters  one for investigation and monitoring of human trafficking cases and the other for investigation of offences of cyber terrorism, explosives and prohibited arms and also for strengthening of legal cadre in NIA Headquarters, Rai said. The NIA Act was amended in 2019 to enlarge the mandate of the NIA by inclusion of offences related to human trafficking, manufacture/sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and the jurisdiction of NIA was expanded beyond India, he added.

Parliament LIVE: Farmers Allowed Inside Parliament, To Meet RaGa At LoP Office After being denied entry into Parliament initially, farmers invited by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi were finally allowed in to meet the LoP at his office. This is the issueWhat should we do? It could be a technical issue also We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them (in Parliament). Because they are farmers, maybe this is the reason they are not allowing them in, Gandhi earlier said.

Parliament LIVE: MEA 'Very Happy' With 22% Hike In Budget, Says Jaishankar External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (JUly 24) said his ministry is very happy with a hike of 22 per cent for its in the Union Budget this fiscal as this will allow India to focus on and support work with the Global South. He said with this fund allocation, passport services will improve. As foreign minister, we are very happy weve got a 22% growth in the budget of the ministry of external affairs. It will allow us to focus on our neighbourhood. It will allow us to support and work with the Global South. It will help us to facilitate and service and support Indians going abroad. Our passport services will definitely improve in many ways. As a result of all of this, the country will be more secure because our own neighbourhood will be much more friendly as a result of all that we do, he added. Jaishankar said the country should appreciate this budget at a difficult time in the global situation as it will sustain growth. The budget presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman is a very exceptionally important budget as it is the first budget of the third term of the NDA government. The budget is presented at a time when the global situation is very volatile, uncertain, difficult in many ways. What the budget seeks to do is to maintain growth, manage and reduce inflation to ensure that our national capabilities grow and that Indias rise and growth are not affected by a negative international environment. So this is a kind of global perspective, really global context in a way of how the budget should be seen

Parliament LIVE: Rahul Gandhi Meets 20 Congress MPs Scheduled To Speak In Budget Question Hour Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (July 23) held a meeting with 20 Congress MPs who will speak during the Budget question hour. The party is expected to counter the government on jobs and employment.

Parliament LIVE: Sitharaman Gives Strong Reply To Bengal in Rajya Sabha Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday (July 24), while defending the budget, gave a strong reply to West Bengals allegations that it has not received any allocation. She said the state has not implemented any central schemes under the Narendra Modi-led government. In the last 10 years, Bengal has not implemented many central schemes given by Modi government and now the TMC has the audacity to question me? she asked.

Parliament LIVE: Oppn Shouts Slogans in Lok Sabha, Walks Out in Rajya Sabha During Budget Question Hour During the third day of the monsoon session in Parliament on Wednesday (July 24), opposition MPs shouted slogans in the Lok Sabha and staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha during the budget question hour. Before the Opposition walked out of Rajya Sabha over discriminatory budget, LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said: Yeh kursi bachane ke liye yeh sab hua hai (this has all been done to save their government). We will condemn it and protest against it. All INDIA parties will protest How will development happen if there is no balance? he asked.

Parliament LIVE: CMs of 4 States To Boycott NITI Aayog Meeting; Kerala CM To Be Absent The chief ministers of at least four states will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi on July 27 in protest against alleged discrimination against them in the Union Budget. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan will also be absent on account of ill health, but it has not yet been confirmed if this is part of the boycott by the other states.

Parliament LIVE: Mamata To Place Bengals Demands at NITI Aayog Meeting West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will be flying to Delhi on July 26, to attend the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi the following day. She will hold a discussion with TMC MPs before this crucial meeting, and then place the states demands before the council.

Parliament LIVE: FM Sitharaman Defends Budget, Says Oppn's Allegations 'Outrageous' Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday (July 23) defended the Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha, saying the allegations made by the opposition that the budget is only for two parties  Bihar and Andhra Pradesh ruled by key partners of the NDA government  are outrageous, especially since they were being made by a senior leader like Mallikarjun Kharge. She said this is a deliberate attempt by the Congress to give an impression to people that nothing has been given to other states. In every Budget, you dont get an opportunity to name every state of this country The Cabinet had taken a decision to set up a port on Vadavan. But Maharashtras name was not taken in the budget yesterday. Does this mean that Maharashtra feels ignored? If a particular state is named in the speech, does it mean that programmes of the government dont go to these states? This is a deliberate attempt of the Opposition led by the Congress to give the impression to people that nothing has been given to other states. This is an outrageous allegation she said.

Parliament LIVE: 'Support Price' Given To Key Allies Instead Of Farmers, Says Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday (July 24) said Uttar Pradesh did not get anything in the Union Budget as the people of Lucknow have angered the people of Delhi. Uttar Pradesh did not get anything. It should have got a double benefit from the double-engine government. I think the people of Lucknow have angered the people of Delhi. Its result is visible in the budget. So what is the benefit of the double engine? he asked. Taking a dig at the NDA government, he said the Centre has given support price to its allies  referring to the sops given to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh  instead of giving MSP to farmers.

Parliament LIVE: INDIA Bloc Protests Against 'Discriminatory' Union Budget The INDIA bloc on Wednesday (July 24) staged a protest outside Parliament over discrimination against opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget, which was presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman a day before. Congress chief ministers will also be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who will be the first to speak during the discussion on the budget, said: There is very little for most states. There were a few expectations for Kerala, especially in the health sector, but all of them have not been fulfilled. Each state has its own issue to point to he said. The opposition front demanded equal treatment for all states in the budget. Congress president and LoP in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said: This Budget is anti-people, no one has got justice. They have talked about special package but special status has not been given. This is a deceptive budget and injustice to the people. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, several MPs of the Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, DMK and the Left joined the protest held on the steps leading up to the Makar Dwar of Parliament. The MPs raised placards such as We want India budget not NDA budget and NDA betrays India in Budget. #WATCH | Delhi | Leaders of INDIA bloc protest against 'discriminatory' Union Budget 2024, demand equal treatment to all States, in Parliament pic.twitter.com/c6uOyF1TQr  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his hunger strike on the fifth day in Antarwali Sarati on Wednesday, citing health concerns and pressure from his supporters.

During his announcement, Jarange emphasised his commitment to the cause, stating, I am ready to continue the hunger strike without any medical intervention or saline, prepared to go to any lengths for our cause. But lying on a saline drip feels like a hollow protest. It is better to prepare for the struggle ahead than to pretend to fast.

Jarange voiced his frustration with the government, accusing them of fearing the power of hunger strikes and the potential threat to their authority. He expressed his disappointment that his supporters had to intervene. The government is afraid of our strength and what we can do if we unite. My people insisted on giving me a saline drip. Its useless to lie there hooked up to it. Instead, I should prepare for the elections and the larger battle ahead.

Over the past days, Jaranges health had visibly deteriorated, prompting his fellow villagers and supporters to urge him to end the hunger strike and receive medical treatment. Despite his initial resistance, Jarange acknowledged the insistence of his community and their genuine concern for his well-being.

Jaranges speech also highlighted his strategic shift towards electoral preparation. He indicated that instead of lying incapacitated, it was more productive to start gearing up for the next election. He underlined the need to mobilise efforts towards identifying and supporting candidates who would fight for their cause, as well as campaigning against those who opposed them.

Jarange targeted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, accusing them of betrayal and dishonesty. He criticised Devendra Fadnavis, expressing doubts about the partys commitment to the Maratha community. Jarange

Jaranges medical reports indicated critically low sugar and blood pressure levels. The doctor monitoring his condition stated that Jarange urgently needed medical attention, without which, there was a significant risk of him losing consciousness.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday said that he proposed the inclusion of northern West Bengal under the Ministry of DoNER to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the development of the region.

However, his suggestion sparked controversy as West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) labelled it an attempt to separate the region from the state.

In a video statement, Majumdar, also the state BJP chief, said, Today, I met the Prime Minister and proposed that as north Bengal shares similarities with the Northeast, if north Bengal, while still being part of West Bengal, could be included in the Northeast under DoNER, the region would receive more development funds for various projects. I dont think the state government would oppose this idea as it is for the development of the state. When contacted by PTI, Majumdar clarified, I had proposed inclusion of the north Bengal region, which has many similarities with the Northeast, under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER). This would allow funds allocated for the northeastern region to also be used for the development of north Bengal. This has nothing to do with dividing or separating the state. The TMC responded swiftly, calling it an attempt to divide the state.

Senior TMC leader and MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said, This is a separatist move by a Union minister, violating the oath of office under the Constitution. North Bengal is an integral part of West Bengal. Even the Prime Minister doesnt have the power to entertain such an unconstitutional and illegal demand. This is an evil plan by the BJP to divide West Bengal, as they have been losing elections in the state since 2011, he said.

The idea of separation of north Bengal has been a topic of debate since the BJPs loss in the 2021 assembly elections. Some BJP leaders, including former Union minister and ex-MP from Alipurduars, John Barla, have previously suggested creating a Union territory comprising north Bengal districts.

The TMC had previously accused the BJP of encouraging separatism.
The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System has helped save at least Rs 2,400 crore from fraudsters, Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, told Parliament.

The response stated that this initiative has effectively handled more than 7.6 lakh complaints, showcasing a robust response mechanism to financial cyber frauds.

Amid growing concerns over the increasing incidents of cyber fraud, KC Venugopal recently posed a series of questions to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in Parliament. The queries aimed to uncover the extent of the problem, government measures and the effectiveness of current mechanisms to combat cyber fraud.

Government Initiatives

Prasada, in his detailed response, shed light on the governments efforts to mitigate fraud risks:

Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System: This system, along with a toll-free helpline number 1930, allows for immediate reporting and assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (14C): Established under the Ministry of Home Affairs, it provides a comprehensive framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to address cyber crimes cohesively.

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: This portal enables the public to report all types of cyber crimes, with a special focus on financial fraud. Incidents reported are automatically routed to the respective State/UT LEAs for further action.

Enhancing Awareness and Capacity Building

The government has implemented several measures to raise awareness and build capacity among organisations and users for safe digital practices:

CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team): CERT-In issues alerts and advisories regarding the latest cyber threats and vulnerabilities. It coordinates with service providers, regulators, and LEAs to track and disable phishing websites, facilitate investigations and ensures the implementation of best security practices.

Cyber Safety Campaigns: The Ministry of Home Affairs has conducted numerous awareness campaigns through social media platforms, radio, and collaboration with MyGov for widespread publicity. Initiatives include the publication of handbooks for adolescents and students and organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in various states and UTs.

Cybersecurity Training and Workshops: CERT-In conducts extensive training programmes for officials across government and private sectors. In 2024, until June, nine specialised cybersecurity training sessions were conducted, covering 4,166 participants.

According to the response, the government has established collaborations with law enforcement agencies and private sector entities to combat cyber frauds. CERT-In, in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has launched campaigns to raise awareness about financial fraud. Additionally, cybersecurity mock drills are conducted to assess and improve the cyber readiness of organizations.

The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System has played a pivotal role in preventing financial losses and providing immediate support to victims. The systems success is further bolstered by continuous efforts to spread awareness, enhance cyber forensic facilities and improve the overall cybersecurity infrastructure, said the response.
Samsung is following Googles path by blocking the ability to sideload Android apps on its Galaxy phones. The company has introduced a new auto blocker feature that restricts people from installing apps they download from unknown or third-party sources. The feature itself is not new on Samsung phones but the new One UI version sees changes being made which now includes blocking sideloading of apps.

Samsung Stops Sideloading Of Apps  But Why

Samsung and Google have started working closely over the past few years. The WearOS 4 version was introduced with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series and thats where the partnership with Google was also announced. Since then, Samsung has picked up traits from Google, which now seems to include its views on sideloading of apps to Android phones.

The new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are the first to get it by default with the One UI 6.1.1 available out of the box. You get the auto blocker option while setting up the device and in case you dont disable it, you can do it later from the Settings of the phone. Many app developers bypass the Play Store listing to avoid paying Google its commission, and for them third-party website downloads are the only option.

Samsung might have been pushed into making this addition to the auto blocker tool which was previously focused on protecting the devices against malware or USB hijack attempts from bad actors. We were independently able to verify this change while trying to download an app to the Samsung phone from an unknown website with the auto blocker tool enabled. Samsung clearly says it recommends you to download apps from the Play Store or its own Galaxy app store only.

But like we said, the auto blocker tool can be disabled even after you finish setting up the device. You can head over to Settings  Security and Privacy  Auto blocker to enable/disable the tool for the device. Currently, One UI 6.1.1 update is available on the premium Galaxy S phones and the Galaxy Z foldables. But we are eager to see if the new update brings the blocking tool to other mid-range phones from Samsung as well.
Tech jobs in Bangalore may be high paying but they are often accompanied by a taxing work environment, strict deadlines, and long hours. Additional factors like traffic-filled commutes and the lack of community support make the situation worse. Recently, an X user, who is a BITS Pilani alumnus, claimed that most techies in Bangalore are pretty lonely.

He argued these tech workers live far away from their families and have no real friends. They worry about the high cost of living, children not getting good values, and status-obsessed friends. Such tech workers depend on excessive coffee and alcohol.

As a result, they struggle with loneliness and chronic dissatisfaction with their quality of life, he said. It scares me even more that so many people relate to this. Consider this your wake-up call & take some action fellas. Fixed 1000s of jiras but your health & family is broken? he added. The post got over 5.8 lakh views since it was shared on June 23.

It scares me even more that so many people relate with this. Consider this your wake up call & take some action fellas. Fixed 1000s of jiras but your health & family is broken?  harsh (@harshwsingh) July 23, 2024

The BITS Pilani alum added, I wrote this for folks beyond mid-thirties who are locked in the system & very hard to get out even if they want to.

Nope. I wrote this for folks beyond mid Thirties who are locked in the system & very hard to get out even if they want to. Golden cuffs. Young ones have the freedom to get out & still choose the best for them before getting landlocked.  harsh (@harshwsingh) July 23, 2024

An X user responded to this post and wrote, I also used to feel lonely like this. And I was not able to take care of my health at all. Then somehow I took up a WFH job. Then I was sick for a year because the habit I had developed in cities made my body not work. After that, I worked a lot on my health. Now Im feeling better. I meet people. I will stay with my family.

I also used to feel lonely like this. And I was not able to take care of my health at all. Then somehow I took up a WFH job. Then I was sick for a year because the habit I had developed in cities made my body not work. After that, I worked lot on my health. Now Im feeling Rahul | Data & Tech (@yesrahulkr) July 23, 2024

Another person wrote, As someone who has been a techie in Bangalore, this is 100% true. Cant say about marriage or kids, but alcohol consumption of people is off the charts(this is coming from someone who grew up in Delhi).

As someone who has been a techie in bangalore, this is 100% trueCan't say about marriage or kids part, but alcohol consumption of people is off the charts(this is coming from someone who grew up in Delhi) https://t.co/XW05sBM7Dc Sarlloc (@sarlloc) July 23, 2024

Someone else remarked, Not only techies, but all trades have this. Rickshaw, cab drivers who have left their home state for Mumbai or Bangalore, etc. If you watch old movies you will realise that this is always the case.

Not only techies, but all the trades have this. Rickshaw, cab drivers who have left their home state foe mumbai or bangalore,etc.If u watch old movies u will realise that this is always the case.  Chandrashekhar  (@shekhar_kotekar) July 23, 2024

As per a 2024 study by health-tech company Onsurity, in collaboration with the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 43 per cent of Indian tech professionals have health concerns directly stemming from their work. The study, titled Burying the Burnout: Decoding the Health Challenges of Indias Tech Geniuses also revealed that 50 per cent of tech professionals work overtime.
Many claim that after having one or two drinks, they can communicate in a foreign language better. Who knows, though? Some people even believe that drinking alcohol empowers them to dance like popstars. But we do know that the Dutch courage effect does exist in certain cases. However, does drinking actually improve ones ability to speak a foreign language? Or merely give the impression that you speak it more fluently? The primary reason one seems to use a foreign language more fluently when intoxicated is because the person tends to let go of his or her fears and concerns. Taking inspiration from this, a liquor store in Madhya Pradesh created the finest advertisement.

In Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, a poster with the words Din dahade English bolna seekhe (Learn to speak English fluently in broad daylight) is placed next to a liquor store. The poster points an arrow towards the store that reads, Theka (Liquor store).

As India Today reporters went to the liquor store to find out who placed the controversial advertisement, the employees maintained they had no information. A local college student, Siddharth Kumar, took issue with the ad, saying it will negatively affect students. Kumar told the news portal that these kinds of ads are going to have a negative influence on kids and young people.

Speaking for others as well, Kumar stated that they wanted authorities to track down the individual who erected the poster and take decisive action against them. The post incorrectly suggests that drinking alcohol would help someone learn to speak English. Furthermore, he noted that a quick look at the banner appears to be an ad for a spoken English instruction facility.

District Collector Bhavya Mittal swiftly gave the excise department instructions to take down the ad and pursue legal action against its posterers in response to the outcry from the community, the report added.

In a 2017 research that was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, 50 native German speakers who had only recently taken up Dutch were randomly assigned to either a nonalcoholic beverage or a modest amount of alcohol. The experiment was followed by a standardised conversation in Dutch between the participants and a blinded investigator.

The conversation was recorded on audio, and two native Dutch speakers utterly unaware of the experimental setup judged the participants foreign language proficiency thereafter (observer-rating). When comparing the observer judgements of the Dutch language, particularly pronunciation, the alcohol-consuming participants performed noticeably better than the non-alcoholic ones.

However, the study was just for experimental purposes and science still has a lot to prove. So, before you go for a bottle of liquor, consider other options for improving your language skills as there are significant drawbacks to this tactic. One is that, even though you will be more fluid and self-assured, you will probably also make a lot more mistakes in grammar and pronunciation. More importantly, you could even develop negative habits that you may carry with you when you sober up.
Two people were wounded in a Moscow car bombing on Wednesday, with investigators probing the incident amid conflicting reports over whether a Russian military official and his wife were involved.

Surveillance video of the moment when an apparent car bomb went off on a car in Moscow. @kommersant says a man who was wounded in the blast is a GRU officer. Investigative Committee says it's investigating. https://t.co/Vxv2Lvg4Dn pic.twitter.com/zt7jChZj1K Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) July 24, 2024

Officials said an unidentified explosive device tore apart a car in a residential courtyard in the north of the capital.

Two people were wounded. The victims were taken to a medical facility by ambulance, interior ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk added in a post on Telegram, without providing further details.

Citing unnamed sources in law enforcement, the state-run TASS news agency and several other outlets initially reported that a Russian military official named Andrei Torgashov  identified as a serviceman and participant in the special military operation in Ukraine  and his wife were hit.

But hours later that version was brought into question when several state outlets and Telegram channels reported they had spoken to Torgashov and his wife, who were unaffected.

Its a complete fake. This explosion has nothing to do with me, RIA Novosti cited Torgashov as saying.

He said the car was not his and that he lived in a different part of the capital.

The Mash Telegram channel, which has connections to Russian authorities, posted what it said was CCTV footage of a man placing a device under a silver SUV in the middle of the night.

It also published footage that showed the same vehicle exploding seconds after a man got into the drivers seat early on Wednesday.

The Investigative Committee said a unit that deals with especially important cases was running the investigation.

Several Russian military and pro-Kremlin public figures have been targeted in car bombings since Moscow launched its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.
The US, in a bid to prevent Pakistan from drawing closer to its iron-ally China, has sought an allocation of $100 million for Islamabad in its budget, CNN-News18 has learned.

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu told a congressional panel that the huge sum of money would help Islamabad strengthen democracy, fight terrorism, and stabilise the countrys economy.

Pakistan has been struggling since the beginning of the current decade to remain stable due to dual challenges put forth by an ongoing economic crisis and a sudden, consistent surge in terrorism.

The Presidents Budget requests a straight-lining of our $101 million Pakistan budget. That money would be used to strengthen democracy and civil society, to fight terrorism and violent extremism, and to support economic reforms and debt management to help stabilise Pakistans economy, Lu told a congressional panel.

Lu further added that the US was seeking to prevent Islamabads further overreliance on Beijing.

China is the past in terms of investment; we are the future, Lu said.

As per data from US agencies from 2023, Pakistan is the third biggest recipient of Chinese development finance worldwide with a portfolio of $70.3 billion.

This is an interesting development where one country is being paid to stay away from another, a highly-placed government source said.

Pakistan is a new victim of the Chinese debt trap. We cant rule out that Pakistan is completely taken over by China as Chinese outposts and police posts have been set up in Pakistan, the aforementioned person said.

The presidents budget request includes a total of $1.01 billion in foreign assistance for the South and Central Asia region. This funding is intended to help the US compete with China by strengthening its influence in these areas. Additionally, the funds aim to counter disinformation campaigns from both Russia and China, which the US believes can create instability.

A significant part of this budget is said to be focused on preventing terrorist groups from threatening US security.

Recently, CNN-News18 in a recent report said that Islamabad has clear value for Beijing as a source for transporting illicit substances and dual-use technologies to advance its military programs, including potential proliferation.

Meanwhile, Amrullah Saleh, former vice-president of Afghanistan expressed surprise upon hearing the US proposal.

The United States promises thirty cents (30 cents) per year to each Pakistani citizen to be democratic, fight terrorists, stay away from China, be friends with the US and Western world and topple your elected government when Donald Lu asks you to, Saleh told CNN-News18.
Bangladesh has objected to West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjees recent statement offering shelter to helpless people from civil unrest-hit Bangladesh.

The neighbouring country has sent a note to New Delhi stating its concerns about the matter.

Bangladesh Raises Objection

Sources within the Bangladesh government said that officials have raised strong objections to the comments of Mamata Banerjee on the situation in Bangladesh with the High Commission of India.

They said that Mamata Banerjees post on Bangladesh was provocative in nature and contained false elements with respect to Bangladeshs internal politics.

Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from the trouble-torn Bangladesh.I have asked our 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  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 21, 2024

They said that remarks made relating to deaths of students in the protests was misleading and hampers their efforts to bring normalcy.

The situation mentioned with reference to the United Nations Resolution, does not prevail in Bangladesh, the sources said.

This kind of comment, in particular the assurance of giving refuge to the people, may provoke many people, especially the terrorists and miscreants to take advantage of such an announcement, the source said.

Separately, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, told Bangladeshi broadcaster Somoy TV, said, With due respect to the West Bengal Chief Minister, with whom we share a very warm and close relationship, we want to make it clear that her remarks have a lot of scope for creating confusion. Therefore, we have sent a note to the Government of India.

What Had Mamata Said

Last Sunday, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that in the wake of the escalating violence in Bangladesh, she would keep the doors of her state open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter.

Banerjee referred to the United Nations resolution on refugees as justification for her stand over a possible humanitarian crisis that may emerge on account of the severe law and order breakdown that has gripped the neighbouring country over the past few days.

I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since that is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the issue is the 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 at the Martyrs Day rally of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata.

Thats because there is a United Nations resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to those in turmoil, the West Bengal chief minister added, while drawing an example of people from Assam who were allowed to live in adjacent Alipurduar district in northern West Bengal for a considerable period during a strife in the Bodoland Territorial Region in the northeastern state.

Assuring all cooperation to West Bengal residents whose relatives may have remained stuck on account of the escalating violence on the other side of the international border, she also extended assistance to Bangladeshis who came to West Bengal but were facing difficulty in returning home.

Banerjee also appealed to the people of West Bengal not to get provoked over matters concerning the current situation in Bangladesh.

We should exercise restraint and not walk into any provocation or excitement on the issue, she stated.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also expressed her solidarity with the people who have remained at the receiving end of the ongoing violence in the neighbouring country.

We are sad to see blood getting spilled and my heart goes out to those students who were killed, she said.

Later in the day the chief minister listed out the assistance that the state administration provided to Bangladesh returnees.

(With PTI inputs)
Fred C. Trump III, the nephew of former US President Donald Trump, claims in his upcoming memoir that his uncle expressed disturbing views about disabled Americans, including his own son. The memoir, titled All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, is scheduled for release on July 30. According to an excerpt published by TIME magazine, Fred recounts an incident where Trump allegedly said that disabled individuals should just die.

Freds son, William, was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare disorder affecting physical and cognitive development. This diagnosis motivated Fred and his wife to advocate for better education, investment, and research for people with disabilities. During Trumps presidency, Fred reached out to his cousin Ivanka Trump who was working in the White House as an advisor to the President at the time. She helped arrange a meeting with administration officials to discuss the issues.

The meeting took place in the Oval Office with healthcare advocates and doctors. After the discussion, Trump reportedly requested a private conversation with Fred. During this exchange, Fred claims his uncle commented on the financial burden of caring for disabled individuals, suggesting they should just die.

Fred was taken aback by Trumps insensitivity, emphasising that while they were discussing human lives and dignity, Trump seemed fixated on expenses. I truly did not know what to say. He was talking about expenses. We were talking about human lives. For Donald, I think it really was about the expenses, even though we were there to talk about efficiencies, smarter investments, and human dignity, Fred Trumps grandson wrote in his memoir.

This is not the first instance of Trump being criticised for his remarks about people with disabilities. During his 2015 presidential campaign, he infamously mocked New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has a physical disability. Trump later defended his actions, claiming he was criticising the reporters work, not his disability.




US Vice President Kamala Harris Photo: CFP

(Global Times) One day after US President Joe Biden announced his decision to quit the US presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Harris on Monday secured enough support to become the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, US media reported.

Harris quickly locked up the support of her party's donors, elected officials and other leaders, the AP reported. No other candidate was named by a delegate in the survey and Harris now appears to have the backing of more than the 1,976 delegates she needs to claim the nomination.

In hitting out at Republican nominee, former president Donald Trump, Harris said "I know Donald Trump's type" in a meeting with campaign staffers on Monday, Politico reported. "I'm a prosecutor, and he's a convicted felon," she said.

In a Washington Post average of 11 post-debate polls, Trump edged out Harris by 1.5 percentage points, only slightly less than his 1.9-point lead over Biden in the same polls.

And CNN's polling in late June tested Biden's support against Trump in the wake of the presidential debate, and it also looked at how Harris would fare in a hypothetical matchup with the former president.

Overall, Harris held 45 percent support to Trump's 47 percent among registered voters nationwide, a result with no clear leader, within the poll's margin of sampling error. Biden trailed Trump by 6 points in the same poll.

CNN pointed out that Harris outperformed Biden against Trump among women - notably among women of color and suburban women - and political independents, and she held an advantage over Trump among voters who said they were not fully locked into their presidential choices.

"Harris does not possess the same level of leadership ability as Biden to unite party members. Some people doubt her leadership capabilities, believing that Harris lacks sufficient experience and achievements to serve as president," Sun Chenghao, a fellow and head of the US-EU program at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times.

Moreover, her overall record as vice president has not been particularly impressive, and she has not delivered satisfactory results, Sun said.

"Looking back at the 2020 Democratic primary, Harris' performance was mediocre, and she withdrew from the primary at an early stage, indicating that her influence within the party is relatively limited," the expert added.

After Biden endorsed Harris, it is highly likely that the Democratic Party will prioritize the bigger picture and support Harris as the Democratic candidate, Chinese observers said.

"From Sunday through the entirety of Monday, no one within the Democratic Party has challenged Harris. If no one challenges Harris in the next two to three days, she will undoubtedly be the sole [Democratic] candidate," Diao Daming, a professor from Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

"I think there might be a slight suspense, but it's highly unlikely that anyone will openly challenge Harris within the party. It's hard to imagine because this election is indeed difficult to win," Diao said.

After Biden withdrew, his successor involves issues such as those related to the Federal Election Commission, including campaign finances and other matters, Diao noted.

"Previously, it was Biden and Harris, so now it's easier for Harris to take over. Therefore, I think that in terms of difficulty and procedure, the likelihood of another candidate emerging from within the party is relatively small," Diao said.
The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

The revelation to the House Judiciary Committee was part of a collection of new details offered by Wray about the July 13 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBIs investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

The FBI has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks movements and online activity, but the precise motive  or why Trump was singled out  remains elusive, Wray said.

A lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded, anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, Wray said. He did note that Crooks had grown interested in public officials  besides Trump, Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent figures  and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump, the Republicans White House nominee.

Wray also said that Crooks, about two hours before the shooting, had flown a drone about 200 yards (180 meters) from the rally stage where Trump would later stand and that Crooks used the device to livestream and watch footage. The use of the drone so close the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage for the rally add to the questions about the security lapses preceding the event.

Wray pledged to lawmakers that the FBI would leave no stone unturned in its investigation.

I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example  a particularly heinous and public one  of what Ive been talking about, Wray said.

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting, as part of the committees routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session.

Despite being appointed by Trump, Wray typically faces antagonistic questions from the Republican-led panel, a reflection of lingering discontent over the FBIs investigation into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 campaign, when Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray: Im sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBIs ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.

The FBI so far has avoided the same level of scrutiny over the shooting directed at the Secret Service over security failures that preceded the shooting and has led to the the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle,

The FBI has said it is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism and an attempted assassination. Trumps campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing fine after the shooting, which Trump said pierced the upper part of his right ear.
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad narrowly escaped an assassination attempt last week, the Iran International said. It further added that his vehicle was sabotaged.

On the evening of Monday, July 15, Ahmadinejad and his entourage were set to travel to Zanjan for the Muharram religious mourning ceremony. As part of the routine checks, his chief security officer inspected Ahmadinejads main vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and found that the air conditioner was still malfunctioning. He then requested the former president to use a different car.

The outlet said that some time later the driver of the Toyota Land Cruiser carrying Ahmadinejads associates and bodyguards suddenly lost control of both the steering and brakes while driving along the Karaj-Qazvin Highway.

The car spun three times in high-speed traffic, swerved left and right twice, hit the central divider and collided with another vehicle in Ahmadinejads convoy. It then struck the barrier again before finally stopping after hitting a Peugeot car.

A passenger in the Peugeot sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital and was discharged after outpatient treatment.

Two days before the trip, Ahmadinejads security team had submitted his primary vehicle, the Toyota Land Cruiser, to the presidential institutions repair unit to fix a malfunctioning air conditioner.

The news outlet said that after Ahmadinejads Toyota Land Cruiser was handed over to the presidential institution it was seized by special security agents and taken to an undisclosed location rather than the usual repair shop.

It said that the vehicle was sabotaged before being returned to Ahmadinejads security team and the repairers falsely claimed that the air conditioner had been repaired.

The security team protecting high-ranking officials like Ahmadinejad, the Ansar-al-Mahdi Protection Corps, is part of the IRGC. This corps is a subset of the IRGC Intelligence Protection Organization, led by Brigadier General Fathollah Jomeiri.

The report did not identify which organisation the special security agents who took the vehicle belonged to.

It said that high-ranking members from one of three IRGC subdivisionsthe IRGC Intelligence Organization, the IRGC Protection and Intelligence Organization, or the IRGC Vali-e-Amr Corpshave the authority to retrieve Ahmadinejads vehicle from the presidential repair unit without involving the Ansar Protection Corps.

This could have allowed them to carry out the alleged sabotage without raising security concerns, the report said.

Ahmadinejad registered to run in this years presidential election but was disqualified by the unelected Guardian Council. He did not endorse any candidates.

According to sources from Iran International, five days after the failed assassination attempt, Ahmadinejads office informed the responsible authorities about the incident and filed complaints regarding previous attacks. There have been prior indications of attempts on his life.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to bolster US support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups in a speech to Congress Wednesday that sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has created.

America and Israel must stand together, said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas. When we stand together something really great happens: we win, they lose.

With criticism against him rising in Israel, too, Netanyahu also aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally. That task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the US presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol Wednesday, and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol, denouncing Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a cease-fire.

Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber. Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Johnson said shortly before Netanyahu began speaking. He received a bipartisan standing ovation.

Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage who was freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was in attendance.

The appearance makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahus speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat who has family in the West Bank, sat in the House chamber with a keffiyeh, which she often wears, wrapped over her shoulders. Tlaib was censured last year for her strident criticism of Israels conduct in the war.

Republicans said the absence of Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, was a sign of disloyalty to an ally. Former President Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahus speech, citing the need to campaign.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Many in the swelling crowds of demonstrators protested the killings of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the war. Others condemned Netanyahus inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas and other militants during the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war.

Support for Israel has long carried political weight in US politics. But the usual warm welcome for Netanyahus visits has been diminished this time around by political turmoil, including the assassination attempt against Trump and Bidens decision not to seek another term.

Many Democrats who support Israel but have been critical of Netanyahu see the address as a Republican effort to cast itself as the party most loyal.

Many Democrats attended the address despite their criticism of Netanyahu, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a March floor speech. Schumer, of New York, said then that Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

About 60 lawmakers met Wednesday with relatives of those taken hostage by Hamas, and they expressed anger toward Netanyahu. Because by coming here, he risks making himself the issue, turning the humanitarian issue of the hostages into a political one, Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage, told the lawmakers.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid. Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

The Biden administration says it wants to see Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage-release. Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Netanyahu has said his aims for the US visit are to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, to build support for continuing Israels battle against the group, and to argue for continuing to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.

Some Democrats are wary about Netanyahu since he used a 2015 joint address to Congress to denounce then-President Barack Obamas pending nuclear deal with Iran.

Netanyahu used an appearance early Wednesday to focus on Iran, its nuclear program and its network of armed allies. Iran is behind the entire axis of terror that threatens the US and Israel, he said, speaking at a memorial for former Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that Irans nuclear program  which it says is for civilian purposes  was now one to two weeks away from having enough enriched fuel for a nuclear bomb. Blinken said there was no sign Iran had decided to take the final steps to build a bomb.
If Democrats elect US Vice-President Kamala Harris in August at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago then it will be the second time in more than two centuries of democracy, American voters will get to choose whether they will pick a woman to lead them.

They have elected only one Black president and never a woman.

Kamala Harris would just not crash through the hardest ceiling in US politics if elected but would also become the first Indian American, the first Asian, the first Black woman and the first person of Jamaican descent to ascend to the office.

A report by CNN said that to ensure that this possibility becomes a reality, Harris alma mater, Howard Universitys sorority group Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc have already started sending cheques to the Harris campaign.

The broadcasters report also revealed that there has been a major financial turnaround for Democrats since US President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race.

A major donor to Joe Biden, who was opposed to Harris presidential ticket, said there is no point for him to withhold back his money and even if he decided to fund Harris campaign it would be akin to pouring coffee in a full coffee cup while speaking to the Washington Post.

Dmitri Mehlhorn, a donor adviser and Democratic strategist, said that Joe Bidens dropping out was an act of sacrifice which has sent Democrat donors and party workers into a sacrifice mode.

The financial situation is optimized for Democrats because the pressure campaign against Biden created a huge amount of tension that could have broken the Dem campaign organizations, Mehlhorn said while speaking to the newspaper.

But it didnt break. It snapped back like a bolt or catapult. Joes sacrifice has put people in the mode of sacrifice, he further added.

Increased Cash Flow

An adviser for Harris told the Washington Post that Kamala Harris detractors are also opening their wallets to contribute to her campaign.

Its intense. Its bonkers. Its everybody, an adviser said.

ActBlue, the fundraising platform for the Democratic Party, reported raising nearly $47 million in just seven hours after Bidens announcement on Sunday. Over the course of Sunday and Monday, the platform recorded a total of around $67 million in donations for all candidates and causes, the newspaper revealed.

Harris campaign reported raising $100 million between Sunday and Monday evening across all its fundraising committees, significantly exceeding the $53 million that Trumps campaign raised after his May conviction in a Manhattan business fraud case. According to Harris campaign, over 1.1 million donors contributed, with 62% of them being first-time donors this election cycle.

Moreover, the 1.1 million contributors in 41 hours represent 1.4 percent of the 81.3 million people who voted for Biden in the 2020 general election. Kamala Harris also enjoys warm ties with Silicon Valley bigwigs as she was an attorney general and a senator representing California.

Will This Be Enough

Kamala Harris opened up a marginal two-percentage-point lead over Republican Donald Trump after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and passed the torch to her, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

Harris, whose campaign says she has secured the Democratic nomination, led Trump 44% to 42% in the national poll, a difference within the 3-percentage-point margin of error.

A pollster with Trumps campaign played down any polling showing an increase in Harris support, arguing that she was likely to see a temporary rise in popularity because of widespread media coverage of her new candidacy.

That bump is likely to start showing itself over the next few days and will last for a while, pollster Tony Fabrizio said in a memo circulated to reporters by Trumps campaign.

Some 56% of registered voters agreed with a statement that Harris, 59, was mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges, compared to 49% who said the same of Trump, 78.

That has not deterred Trump who believes defeating Kamala Harris would be easy.

The Trump campaign has insisted it is prepared for Harris candidacy, arguing she serves as a proxy for Biden on the economic and immigration policies that contributed to his sinking popularity with voters.

On Tuesday, Trump took the unusual step of speaking to reporters on a conference call to underscore his campaigns line of attack on the border, saying Harris was partially responsible for a record flow of migrants.

Shes a radical left person, and this country doesnt want a radical left person to destroy it, Trump said on the call. She wants open borders. She wants things that nobody wants.

(with inputs from Reuters)
The leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is to blame for the poor condition of the Nepal aviation sector, said sources from the sector after Wednesdays accident.

ALSO READ | Nepal Plane Accident Videos Show The Exact Moment Saurya Airlines Flight Crashed And Burst Into Flames

A Nepalese private plane on Wednesday crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 18 people aboard, including a child, and seriously injuring the pilot  the only survivor. The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines was bound for Pokhara International Airport for regular maintenance service when the accident occurred at 11.11 am (local time).

According to Tribhuvan International Airport chief Jagannath Niraula, the plane flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara turned in the wrong direction. Shortly after takeoff from runway 02, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway," said a statement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

CAAN, CHINA HAND

Technical glitches are common in the newly-built airports in Nepal due to quick completion of the work by the Chinese for the advantage of an individual heading the CAAN. The Pokhara airport is not ready, but was still made available for the benefit of CAAN leadership. Unnecessary flights are also diverted to the airport to show it is operational," said the source from the aviation sector.

ALSO READ | With At Least 68 Plane Accidents So Far, What Makes Nepal Prone To Aviation Disasters?

According to sources, the earlier Pokhara crash, in which 72 people were killed, and Wednesdays accident were due to the careless attitude of the CAAN. Despite all efforts, seven domestic and four international flights are operating from the Pokhara airportThe government is aware that these airports are not fully operational and services are also not as quick as the Tribhuvan airport," said sources.

Meanwhile, the CAAN is pushing to build one more airport at Nijgadh. According to the government, the CAAN leadership had banned all flights to the mountains earlier during the tourist season, even as these airports are causing losses amounting to billions of dollars and creating a new debt trap for Nepal.

With PTI Inputs
The pilot was rescued from the burning wreckage and 18 others aboard a Saurya Airlines plane were killed when it crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday (July 23). The Pokhara-bound flight, carrying a total of 19 people including the crew, slipped off the runway and crashed around 11 am.

According to the police, the pilot is the sole survivor in the crash. Eighteen bodies have been recovered, including one foreigner, police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki told AFP. We are in the process of taking them for post-mortem.

Footage from the spot showed dramatic scenes of the plane speeding down the runway before a fire broke out with high flames and thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepals Kathmandu. Details awaited pic.twitter.com/tWwPOFE1qI ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepals Kathmandu. Details awaited pic.twitter.com/tWwPOFE1qI ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

A doctor said the pilot was undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu Medical College Hospital. The survivor has received injuries to the eyes but is out of danger. The fire that broke out after the plane crash was doused, while rescue operations at the accident site are underway.

Karki said the flight was carrying two crew and 17 of the companys staff members. The flight was being conducted for either technical or maintenance purposes, Gyanendra Bhul of Nepals Civil Aviation Authority told AFP without giving further details.

Bahadur and Bhul were unable to confirm the nationality of the sole foreigner aboard. Images of the aftermath shared by Nepals military showed the planes fuselage split apart and burnt to a husk. Around a dozen soldiers in camouflage were standing on top of the wreckage with the surrounding earth coated in fire retardant.

The plane was scheduled to fly on Nepals busiest air route between Kathmandu and Pokhara, an important tourism hub. Saurya Airlines is a domestic carrier with a fleet of only three aircraft, all Bombardier CRJ 200. Each has a capacity of 50 passengers.

Plagued by poor safety

Nepal has a woeful track record on aviation safety and has seen a spate of deadly light plane and helicopter crashes over the decades due to insufficient training and maintenance  issues compounded by the treacherous geography. The European Union has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace over safety concerns.

The country has some of the worlds trickiest runways to land on, flanked by snow-capped peaks with approaches that pose a challenge even for accomplished pilots. The weather can also change quickly in the mountains, creating difficult flying conditions.

The last major commercial flight accident in Nepal was in January 2023, when a Yeti Airlines service crashed while landing at Pokhara, killing all 72 aboard. That accident was Nepals deadliest since 1992, when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines plane died when it crashed on approach to Kathmandu airport. Earlier that year, a Thai Airways aircraft had crashed near the same airport, killing 113 people.

In 2019, a Bangladeshi airliner crashed at Tribhuvan airport, resulting in 51 deaths while 20 passengers survived. An investigation showed that the plane was misaligned with the runway, and the disoriented pilot attempted to land in sheer desperation before the crash took place.
Elon Musk has denied reports that he was donating $45 million a month to a fund backing former US president Donald Trumps latest White House bid.

In a post Tuesday on X, Musk called the report he was funding a so-called political Super-PAC ridiculous. Super PACs are specially designed groups that can spend unlimited amounts on political candidates and causes.

I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting meritocracy and individual freedom.

Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom, he added.

Musks comments came days after the democratic campaign for the presidential election was re-invigorated with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in for Joe Biden.

The Wall Street Journal had reported that Musk plans to donate $45 million monthly to America PAC, even though Musk stated just months ago that he would not donate to either Trump or President Joe Biden.

The Tesla founder formally endorsed Trumps candidacy for US president earlier this month immediately after the Republican survived a shooting at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Musk is one of several major backers of the new fund, with others reportedly including Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, former US ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and cryptocurrency investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday began a two-day visit to India to galvanise negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement and reset the overall bilateral partnership in crucial areas such as clean energy, new technologies and security.

Lammy held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and visited HCLTechs campus in Noida.

PM Modi said it was a pleasure to meet the foreign secretary and appreciated his UK counterpart Keir Starmer for prioritising deepening of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while saying that he remains committed to elevating India-UK ties.

A pleasure to meet UK FS @DavidLammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM @Keir_Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a pic.twitter.com/7bGWZuJlOk Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2024

A pleasure to meet UK FS David Lammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM Keir Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA, PM Modi said in an X post.

As he embarked on the high-profile trip, Lammy described the negotiations for the trade deal as the floor and not the ceiling of the ambitions to unlock shared potential and deliver growth.

The British foreign secretarys visit to New Delhi is the first high-level engagement between India and the UK after Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour government came to power on July 5.

IT services company HCL Technologies (HCLTech) on Wednesday hosted a delegation led by Lammy at the Noida campus. He met with HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra and visited one of the innovation labs on the campus.

HCLTechtoday hosted a delegation led by The Rt. Hon David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK, the company said.

During his visit to HCLTechs global headquarters in Noida, Lammy was accompanied by Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India and Harjinder Kang, the British Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India.

The delegation also included representatives from British companies.

Lammy noted that India is an emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations are the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham, Lammy said.

We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security. I am travelling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home. HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra said the company takes immense pride in being a digital transformation enabler for UK businesses and the economy at large, and exuded confidence that the visit will further strengthen the economic collaboration between the two nations.

HCLTech began its business operations in the UK in 1998 and has strengthened its presence in the country with its innovation labs.

India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Lammy said.

He will discuss partnering on Indian-led global initiatives to build clean power access, climate resilience in the global south and small island states, it said.

In a post on X, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Lammys visit will strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Lammy and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold wide-ranging talks this evening that is expected to focus on the FTA and New Delhis concerns over activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Britain, people familiar with the matter said.

The British foreign secretary is also scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during which both sides are likely to reaffirm their commitment to the proposed free trade pact, they said.

It is learnt both sides have already agreed on almost 90 per cent of the trade pact but the remaining 10 per cent comprised several sticky issues such as import duties on automobiles and scotch whisky and visas for business people.

The British readout said Lammy will highlight the importance of a new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security.

Economic, domestic and global security will be at the heart of the foreign secretarys first visit to India as he travels to New Delhi to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership.

The foreign secretary will also hold high-level talks with members from the Indian government, including Jaishankar, where he will underscore the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India.

It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life, the readout released by the UK high commission in New Delhi said.

Lammy will reiterate the extraordinary contribution of British Indians, saying that they enrich the UKs social and economic landscape and are the epitome of modern Britain, it added.

In their talks, Jaishankar and Lammy are also expected to review the implementation of the India-UK roadmap that seeks to broad-base the ties in a range of areas.

In 2021, India and the UK adopted the 10-year roadmap to expand ties in key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.

Jaishankar and Lammy are also likely to deliberate on pressing global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle-East.
Two people are dead and at least a dozen are injured after a third-floor pedestrian walkway collapsed late Monday at a housing project on the outskirts of Naples, Italy. Per the Guardian , a 29-year-old man, identified as Roberto Abbruzzo, and 35-year-old woman, Margherita della Ragione, were killed in the suburb of Scampia, at the dilapidated Le Vele (The Sails) housing complex. The AP reports that at least seven of those hurt were children between the ages of 2 and 10; two of the children were reportedly in the ICU.

The collapse at the complex, which was built in the '60s and '70s, took place at the only sail-shaped building left; all others have been demolished. CNN notes the slum's ties to organized crime, and how it became infamous thanks to Roberto Saviano's Gomorrah book, movie, and TV series, which detailed the Camorra mob. Members of that group operated out of the complex's apartments.

More than 800 people were squatting in the complex when the walkway collapsed, including 300 kids. They've since been evacuated to tent camps. The building has long been condemned, but people who lost their homes in a 1980 earthquake have been living there since. It's not clear what caused the walkway collapse. "In this hour of pain, my condolences go to the victims' families," Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said. (More Italy stories.)
Sonya Massey's family says police initially attempted to cover up the Illinois woman's death and pass it off as self-inflicted, when it was actually a sheriff's deputy who fatally shot her after she called police to her home on July 6. In police audio obtained by the Guardian , someone on the scene can be heard telling a dispatcher the gunshot wound was "self-inflicted." Asked to confirm that, the person repeats, "Self-inflicted." Massey's family says law enforcement told nurses at the hospital the same thing, and that the family was told it was a "neighbor" who shot Massey. Some of her family members didn't learn the truth until news reports about the shooting came out.

The family gave a press conference Tuesday, the day after bodycam video of the shooting was released. According to Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing the family, the Department of Justice is launching an investigation into the shooting, which has been decried by officials from the local level all the way up to President Biden, USA Today reports. Sean Grayson, the 30-year-old who allegedly fired the fatal shot was fired by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office after his arrest, ABC 7 reports; he has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. Records show he had worked at six different law enforcement agencies over the past four years and was arrested for alleged DUIs in 2015 and 2016; Massey's father says he doesn't understand why the sheriff's office hired him. (More Sonya Massey stories.)
At the 2012 London Olympics, the last Olympic Games held in Europe, there were about 25,000 security personnel on hand. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, there will be three times as many. The French capital is "rolling out the largest peacetime security operation in the country's history" to protect around 10,500 athletes, 100 world leaders, and more than 10 million visitors for the Games beginning Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reports. Officials say up to 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 22,000 private security guards will be on hand. For Friday's opening ceremony on the Seine, to attract 300,000 onlookers, police will be stationed every 6 feet along the riverbank, which has been blocked from the public for a week.

Unlike London, which relegated festivities to the outskirts of the city, Paris is bringing the action to iconic locales at its heart. Place de la Concorde, Paris' largest public square, is hosting BMX bike races, skateboarding, and breakdancing; the Eiffel Tower is hosting beach volleyball; the 17th-century Invalides military complex, home of Napoleon's tomb, is hosting archery events; the Grand Palais historic site and museum is hosting fencing and taekwondo; and the Seine is hosting the opening ceremony. The idea is "to allow access for as many people as possible," Nicolas Nordman, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of security, tells the Journal. "That means the security challenges are clearly more significant than doing this in a stadium."

For the first time, US police departments will be assisting an overseas Olympics host. Officers from New York, Los Angeles, and Virginia's Fairfax County will join some 1,750 foreign police from dozens of countries, per the BBC and Journal. French officials say there have been no specific threats, though they're preparing for potential attacks by Islamist militants and sabotage stemming from Russia or Iran.

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Authorities said Tuesday that a Russian man was arrested and charged with planning an operation to sow disorder. Some 45,000 police will be deployed for the opening ceremony and 30,000 for each subsequent day, with private security and soldiers to intervene in case of a terror attack, per the Guardian. Additionally, 44,000 barriers have been erected, and numerous roads and Metro stations have been closed. (More 2024 Paris Olympics stories.)
An ATV driver in Michigan allegedly ran over an elderly Trump supporter who was posting political signs in his yard before calling 911 to confess. The caller asked to be picked up by police on Monday, the Guardian reports. When authorities arrived, however, they found a 22-year-old man dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators now say the man was linked to three "politically motivated" cases on Sunday. He initially smashed the windows of a parked vehicle displaying a Trump sticker and damaged the tires of another parked vehicle displaying a sticker in support of law enforcement, police say, per the BBC . He then allegedly ripped up signs an 80-year-old man was trying to place in his yard, per the New York Post .

When the victim tried again to erect the signs, the suspect allegedly struck him from behind with the ATV around 5:45pm. The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition with serious injuries, including a brain bleed, per WLUC. He remained in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon, per Newsweek. Hancock Police Chief Tami Sleeman told WLUC it was "possible" he might die. On Monday, the suspect called police to "confess a crime involving an ATV driver," said the Houghton County Sheriff's Office. Authorities responded to a Quincy home but found the caller dead. After obtaining a search warrant, they found the ATV, along with clothing the suspect had been wearing and electronics that were seized, per WLUC.

"The crimes reported in the city of Hancock appeared to be politically motivated, involving victims who displayed Trump election signs as well as ... 'thin blue line' paraphernalia," the sheriff's office said. "Prior to Sunday we have not had any recent politically motivated crimes," Sleeman tells Newsweek. "What this has done to this community is pretty upsetting," she adds, per the Detroit News. "Our concern is the safety of everybody here. Politics should not bring violence." Political violence has been on the rise in the US for a decade, though the attempted assassination of former President Trump has led to bipartisan "calls for cooler rhetoric and heightened security," per Bloomberg. (More Michigan stories.)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress at 2pm Wednesday and, in his words, "present the truth about our just war." The BBC reports he comes at the invitation of House Speaker Mike Johnson and will make the rounds after his congressional appearance. Netanyahu will meet with President Biden and Vice President Harris before heading to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Donald Trump on Friday. More:

A political divide: The Washington Post describes divergent views: "Netanyahu has come to embody the Biden administration's frustrations with an ally that some officials see as having exploited America's support to mete out excessive punishment to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Republicans, by contrast, have embraced Netanyahuseeking to portray the right-wing leader as a cherished ally, betrayed and undermined by President Biden and the Democrats in Israel's most critical hour of need."
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, reports the AP .

"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 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 Dean's 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.

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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. 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. Judge Brian Abels sentenced Dean to a total of 20 years in prison, but deferred the sentences in favor of three years of probation.

(More Hurricane Ida stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage is actively participating in the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, which is being held in New Delhi, India, from July 21 to July 31, 2024.

His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Centre, is leading a delegation of experts and staff from the Centre.

During the meeting, which officially commenced with His Excellencys attendance, the Centre will also host a series of side events in collaboration with international organizations.

These side events will focus on critical issues related to the preservation and conservation of the Arab worlds cultural and natural heritage.

The aim is to highlight the regions rich cultural and natural treasures, provide guidance and support to Arab States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, and review the status of Arab World Heritage sites.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed emphasised the significance of the Centres participation in this prominent meeting.

He noted that the discussions will address essential and contemporary issues concerning Arab heritage.

The Centre plans to conduct events and discussion sessions to offer global attendees insights into local heritage challenges and potential solutions
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The High Criminal Court in Bahrain has sentenced two Asian men to 15 years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Bahraini dinars each. The men were found guilty of possessing and attempting to smuggle heroin into the Kingdom.

The incident occurred on April 20th, 2024, when the first defendant, a young Asian man, arrived at Bahrain International Airport from an Asian country. He was carrying a single backpack and aroused suspicion among airport security personnel. Upon inspection, a significant amount of heroin was discovered hidden within the backpack, concealed in plastic bags sealed with tape and placed under the foam padding.

The defendant admitted to receiving the drugs from an individual in his home country and was tasked with delivering them to another individual in Bahrain.

Meanwhile, the second defendant, who was waiting for the first defendant in the arrival hall, was also apprehended. His suspicious behaviour, including filming passengers and staring intently at the first defendant, raised red flags. He confessed to being present to receive his brother, but a check of his phone revealed communication with the first defendant regarding the drug transaction.

Investigations revealed that both defendants were part of a larger drug trafficking network operating in Bahrain. The first defendant received the drugs in exchange for a substantial sum of money, indicating his role as a courier.

Further analysis of the second defendant's phone revealed images of unidentified locations marked with circles, a large number of pills, and dark-coloured drugs, suggesting his involvement in drug-related activities.

The court, after considering the evidence, sentenced both defendants to 15 years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Bahraini dinars each. They were also ordered to be deported from Bahrain after serving their sentences.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement providing guidance to Bahraini citizens who have lost or had their passports stolen while traveling abroad. The Ministry emphasised the importance of obtaining a travel permit to return to Bahrain in such situations.

The statement outlines two methods for obtaining a travel permit: Citizens can approach the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate in their current location and follow the established procedures and provide necessary documentation to obtain a travel permit. Alternatively, citizens can access the National Portal of Bahrain (bahrain.bh) to submit their request online. The portal provides a comprehensive guide and detailed information on the required documents and procedures.

The Ministry assured citizens that it is committed to assisting them in returning to Bahrain safely and efficiently. By following the outlined procedures, citizens can ensure a smooth process for obtaining a travel permit and returning home.
The states highest court ruled Thursday that a New Jersey yeshiva had a right to tell families why it fired a rabbi, dismissing his claims that the school falsely branded him a pedophile.

In a unanimous decision, the state Supreme Court found that ministerial exception applied to Rabbi Shlomo Hymans case against Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, a private Orthodox Jewish school in Bergen County.

Ministerial exception is an interpretation of the First Amendment that says religious groups have the freedom to oversee their ministers without governmental interference.


China is welcoming more tourists with new visa policies. In Guangdong's Foshan, some foreign tourists have experienced the city's tradition and modernity. #ChinaTravel #GLOBALink
Authorities have arrested a man who allegedly defrauded a Gloucester County woman out of more than $341,000 by never completing repairs to her home, the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office announced Wednesday.

A woman and her mother contacted Washington Township police in November 2023. They said the mother, who is in her 80s, hired contractor Christopher Fuscellaro, 32, of Mantua Township, to perform small repairs to an interior staircase and minor kitchen renovations, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case.

She found Fuscellaro via the Nextdoor social networking app in 2022 and he represented himself as a licensed and insured contractor, police said.

Beginning in September 2022, Fuscellaro allegedly financially exploited and utilized various means of fraud to defraud the victim, pressuring her to agree to several unnecessary repairs in her home, police said in an affidavit of probable cause filed with the charges.

He completed demolition to various areas of the victims home while continuing to request additional funds, but never completed the work or brought building materials into the home, police said.

Fuscellaro also allegedly assisted the victim with submitting fraudulent homeowners insurance claims for various damages to her home, according to police.

Investigators learned Fuscellaros companies, Fuscellaro Construction and Four All Seasons Construction LLC., were not registered in New Jersey and he had no reported wages in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, according to the affidavit.

Following an eight-month investigation, officials with the prosecutors office and police from Washington and Mantua townships arrested Fuscellaro on Tuesday morning at his home.

Hes charged with second-degree counts of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and failure to make lawful disposition. He was also charged with three third-degree counts of insurance fraud and fourth-degree failing to register with the state as a contractor.

One of the insurance fraud charges involves an allegation that Fuscellaro filed a fraudulent auto insurance claim stating his vehicle was vandalized and parts stolen from it in Philadelphia in 2023, according to the complaint.

Fuscellaro is jailed pending court hearings.

Efforts to contact his lawyer were unsuccessful Wednesday.

The investigation is ongoing, officials said. Anyone with information about the case and those who believe they are alleged victims of Fuscellaro are asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Alex Phillips at 856-384-5529.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
The prominent developer and restauranteur behind the Liberty House in Liberty State Park and The View in Lincoln Park is now setting his sights on transforming an early 20th century bank building in Downtown Jersey City into a new four-star luxury hotel.

Frank Cretella, who owns and operates numerous restaurants, hotels and event venues across New Jersey, is planning to convert the Trust Company of New Jersey building at 201 Newark Ave. into the seven-story Albion Hotel.
A mother who launched her babys stroller out of the way moments before a city pickup truck slammed into her at a Trenton intersection has collected a $935,000 settlement from the city.

Heidi Us-Chan was critically injured in the December 2019 collision as she tried to cross Prospect Street at Bellevue Avenue in Trentons West Ward. A Trenton city employee was at the wheel.

Chans instinct to push her daughters stroller ahead of her as the truck barreled toward her was pure heroism, her lawyers say.
A New Jersey electrical contractor is paying $500,000 to a group of older job candidates to settle an age discrimination lawsuit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said.

Hatzel & Buehler, based in Hamilton Township, was sued in June over accusations the vice president of its New Jersey branch had engaged in age discriminatory recruiting and hiring practices since November 2020, the commission said.

The vice president requested that recruiting companies seek out younger candidates for job openings and then refused to hire older workers because they didnt fall within his desired age range, according to the lawsuit.

Job candidates should be evaluated based on their qualifications, not their age, said EEOC Philadelphia District Office Regional Attorney Debra Lawrence. The EEOC will continue to hold employers accountable for age-discriminatory recruitment and hiring practices.

The lawsuit was filed by the EEOCs Philadelphia district office, which has jurisdiction over portions of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, portions of Ohio, and West Virginia.

Hatzel & Buehler is a commercial electrical contractor with branch locations in eight states and the District of Columbia, according to its website. Founded in 1884, it is the longest continuous member in the National Electrical Contractors Association.

The company did not return requests for comment.

In May 2021, the vice president contacted a third-party recruiting company about two positions at Hatzel & Buehlers New Jersey branch: electrical estimator and project manager, according to the complaint filed in federal court.

The vice president allegedly told the recruiter the company would not consider candidates with over 25 years of experience, the suit claims. He also expressed a preference for candidates younger than 40.

Federal law prohibits age discrimination in employment, including refusing to recruit or hire candidates because they are 40 or older.

In September 2021, a 65-year-old man with more than 32 years of experience expressed interest in the open estimator or project manager positions, according to the lawsuit.

A few days after receiving the mans resume, the vice president stated words to the effect that the candidate was too old to be hired for the position because he was older than Defendants ideal age range for the position, which was 30-45 years old, the suit claims.

The vice president also refused to hire multiple candidates age 40 and older, according to the EEOC complaint.

In another case, a 58-year-old candidate with 12 years of electrical estimating experience applied for a job in August 2021.

The vice president forwarded the candidates resume to Hatzel & Buehlers chief estimator, with the note: FYI. Seems to have started working around 1981. Would put him around 60 years old is my guess, the suit alleges.

The candidate interviewed for the position a week or so later, and was asked how long he planned to work until he retired, according to the complaint.

The applicant said he planned to work until he was 67, giving him about eights years left before retirement, the suit claims. He never heard back from Hatzel & Buehler after the interview, according to the lawsuit.

The same vice president was also accused of failing to keep his notes from job interviews regardless of whether the candidates are hired, in violation of federal law, the suit states.

American workers are staying in the workforce longer than ever before, according to the latest data.

Some 19% of people 65 and older are in the workforce today, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center report. Numbering roughly 11 million, the older workforce has nearly quadrupled in size since the mid-1980s, research shows.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Research Editor Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report.

Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority opened a walk-up E-ZPass Customer Care Center on June 28 in the Farley Service Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway in Hammonton to provide support and resolve concerns.

The new center, which joins locations in Newark and Camden, was created to serve South Jersey residents and travelers of the Atlantic City Expressway, according to Karen Coughlin, director of transportation technology for the authority.

Were committed to customer satisfaction and this is one way that were trying to help our customers. Its also convenient for our patrons, Coughlin said.
A mother and son from New Jersey have both pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from the sale of cheap parts for military equipment to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Linda Mika, 73, of Jackson, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a news release. Kenneth Mika, 53, of Ewing, pleaded guilty to same charge last month.

The mother and son were employed by a maritime equipment company that was a federally approved contractor. From 2016 to 2020, the Mikas entered into contracts with the Department of Defense on behalf of the company under the false pretenses that the parts they would provide were made by authorized manufacturers, authorities said.

The duo then provided cheaper substitute parts to the agency in order to beat their competitors prices and increase profit margin, federal prosecutors said.

The U.S. Attorneys Office did not say when the two will be sentenced.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
An indictment against a police officer who shot a fleeing man in Paterson, causing him to become paralyzed, will be dropped, and the case reinvestigated as new evidence has emerged, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

Paterson police Officer Jerry Moravek shot 28-year-old Khalif Cooper in the back during a foot pursuit on June 11, 2022, investigators have said. Cooper was paralyzed after bullet fragments were lodged in his spine, authorities said.

A state law prohibits police officers from shooting an unarmed suspect who is running away. However, Moravek told investigators he believed Cooper had a gun in his hand and can be heard on body cam footage yelling drop the gun.

In the video, Maravek asks Cooper why he was running away and Cooper can be heard responding, I was scared. But I dont got no gun, though.

In a rare case of a New Jersey police officer facing criminal charges in an on-duty shooting, Moravek was charged with official misconduct and aggravated assault last year and later indicted by a grand jury.

Cooper has also filed a separate $50 million federal lawsuit in the shooting.

The state Attorney Generals office filed a motion to drop the case Monday due to the discovery of new evidence. Prosecutors can seek a new indictment from a new grand jury after the additional investigation is complete.

While we are confident that the state would prevail in court on any motion brought by the defendant to challenge the indictment already obtained in this case, we have filed this motion to ensure any grand jury charged with considering the events of the night in question has the available evidence, inclusive of the additional evidence, a spokesperson for the Attorney Generals office said in a statement.

According to the motion, the new evidence supports that Cooper had a gun at some point on the day of the incident, but does not directly negate the officers guilt.

Moraveks attorney, Charles J. Sciarra, disagrees.

He encountered a suspect running away with a gun and newly-found evidence proves it, Sciarra said. Moravek did what we ask all our police officers to do: run to the danger. Protect and serve.

After Cooper was shot, no gun was found in his possession or hands reach, authorities said. Several firearms were later found nearby, but investigators said tests were performed that did not find his DNA or fingerprints on the weapons.

Cooper has not been charged with any crimes, officials have said.

Sciarra as well as Moraveks former attorney and the city mayor have also argued that when the officer fired his gun, he was responding to gunshots he heard that were part of a separate, nearby incident.

Patersons police force has been under scrutiny in recent years following an FBI corruption probe that ensnared several officers and a state takeover of the department in March 2023.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Nikki Haley doesnt want anything to do with Kamala Harris.

So much so her lawyers sent a cease and desist letter to the group Haley Voters for Harris for using her name to try and rally support behind the presumptive Democratic nominee. Prior to Joe Biden ending his bid against Trump, the group was called Haley Voters for Biden.

Kamala Harris and I are total opposites on every issue. Any attempt to use my name to support her or her agenda is deceptive and wrong, Haley said in a statement shared first with Fox News on Tuesday. I support Donald Trump because he understands we need to make America strong, safe, and prosperous.

The effort to peel Haley voters away from Trump comes after the former UN ambassador amassed a significant showing in the Republican primary against the former president. Of course, it wasnt enough to win and Haley ended her bid after Super Tuesday.

Former GOP Congressman Joe Walsh, who is a staunch conservative turned never-Trumper, trolled Haley on X.

Alternative headline: @NikkiHaley demands that her supporters sell their souls just like she did. Walsh wrote.

Alternative headline: @NikkiHaley demands that her supporters sell their souls just like she did. https://t.co/8A03JlbI10  Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 23, 2024

Haley has been criticized for some in her own party of being extremely critical of Trump only to do a 180 once he officially became the partys nominee.

For instance, Haley said in an interview from January: 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.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
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After several years of steady recovery from pandemic learning loss, Louisiana students saw their progress stall on this years state math and science tests, according to new state data.

English scores inched up only slightly, returning to just below pre-COVID levels.

In math, 31% of students in grades 3-8 met or exceeded state expectations on the 2024 LEAP tests, the same share as the previous year, according to scores released Wednesday by the Louisiana Department of Education.

That rate is still 3 percentage points below where students were in 2019, before the pandemic shut down schools and slowed or stopped many students learning.
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Lobster Fest and crab leg feasts may continue.

Red Lobster has a buyer that is looking to pull it out of bankruptcy court.

RL Purchaser LLC won an auction in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida to buy the chain of New England-style seafood restaurants known for their lobster, shrimp and crabs.

RL Purchaser is a subsidiary of New York City-based Fortress Credit Corp., which also recently bought Vice and Alamo Drafthouse out of bankruptcy. The firm has lent $95 billion to more than 1,550 companies since 2006. It's part of the Fortress Investment Group private equity firm that has $49 billion in assets under management.

RL Purchaser put in a stalking horse bid that was accepted by the court after no other bidder came forward, according to a court filing.

Red Lobster has restaurants in Munster, Michigan City and Merrillville, near the Southlake Mall. The Michigan City location was one of 129 restaurants nationwide at risk of closing, according to a bankruptcy court filing.

The Orlando, Florida-based casual dining chain said it would shutter the Red Lobster at 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City if it could not renegotiate the lease so. It also identified restaurants in Kokomo and Richmond in Indiana, and Bourbonnais and Champaign in Illinois, as targets for closure if leases could not be renegotiated.

Red Lobster operates more than 600 restaurants nationwide, including south suburban locations in Orland Park, Oak Lawn and Matteson.

Red Lobster reported in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing it has more than $1 billion in debt and less than $30 million left in cash, including after losing millions of dollars on all-you-can-eat shrimp and crab promotions that bled money.
John Mayall, the pioneering British bandleader whose mid-1960s blues ensembles served as incubators for some of the biggest stars of rocks golden era, died on Monday. He was 90.

The death was confirmed in a statement on Mr. Mayalls official Facebook page. The statement did not give a cause or specify where he died, saying only that he died in his California home.

Though he played piano, organ, guitar and harmonica and sang lead vocals in his own bands with a high, reedy tenor, Mr. Mayall earned his reputation as the godfather of British blues not for his own playing or singing but for recruiting and polishing the talents of one gifted young lead guitarist after another.
A Texas woman who stole over $100 million from a youth development grant program for children of military families and spent the money to fund a lavish lifestyle was sentenced on Tuesday to federal prison, the authorities said.

The defendant, Janet Yamanaka Mello, 57, pleaded guilty in March to five counts of mail fraud and five counts of filing a false tax return, according to a criminal court docket.

Judge Xavier Rodriguez of the Western District of Texas sentenced Ms. Mello on Tuesday to 180 months, or 15 years, in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas.

According to federal prosecutors, Ms. Mello was a civilian employee for the U.S. Army and worked as a financial manager for a child and youth grant program at the Fort Sam Houston Base in San Antonio. Part of her job was to determine whether funding was available for various organizations that applied to the grant program, called the 4-H Military Partnership Grant.
Two Republican operatives who played senior roles helping the presidential campaign of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida have taken on leadership roles in a new pro-Trump super PAC that could spend tens of millions of dollars in the presidential race and has ties to Elon Musk.

The aides, Generra Peck, who initially managed the DeSantis campaign, and Phil Cox, a former head of the Republican Governors Association who ran the DeSantis political operation in the years before his run, are quietly guiding the group, America PAC, according to three people briefed on the matter who were not authorized to discuss it publicly.

The super PAC has acquired an air of mystery in the Trump orbit, with other outside groups largely in the dark about its plans. The involvement of Mr. Cox and Ms. Peck may help legitimize it within the Republican establishment as it aims to become one of the leading groups on behalf of Mr. Trump. Ms. Peck and Mr. Cox are two of the partys most prominent operatives and now lead a public affairs firm, P2 Pathway Public Affairs, and their involvement also helps unify the DeSantis and Trump orbits even further.

Also involved, according to a separate person briefed on the matter, is Charlie Spies, a senior election lawyer for the Republican Party. Mr. Spies, Ms. Peck and Mr. Cox declined to comment.
Ahead of President Bidens planned prime-time address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, former President Donald J. Trump and his campaign sent a letter to ABC, NBC and CBS on Tuesday demanding that Mr. Trump be given equal airtime.

Mr. Biden is expected to address his decision to end his re-election campaign and outline his plans for the rest of his time in office. In a social media post, he wrote that he would discuss what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.

But in the letter, which was obtained by The New York Times, the Trump campaigns general counsel, David Warrington, asserted in advance of Mr. Bidens speech that it would most likely address Mr. Bidens endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Based on that assumption, Mr. Warrington wrote, it appears that President Bidens speech will not be a bona fide news event, but rather, a prime-time campaign commercial. Citing the Federal Communications Commissions equal time rule, Mr. Warrington insisted that Mr. Trump be given similar time on air, arguing that Mr. Bidens address was a campaign speech, even as Mr. Biden is no longer technically a candidate for the presidency.
An explosion at a Jose Cuervo tequila distillery in Mexico on Tuesday sparked a fire and killed six workers, officials said.

The explosion and fire in the city of Tequila, Mexico, about 40 miles by road northwest of Guadalajara in the western state of Jalisco, prompted evacuations. The fire was later contained.

The Jalisco authorities later said in a statement that five people had been killed and two others were wounded, one seriously.
Lisa Kudrow doesnt particularly like to travel. Raised and based in Los Angeles, she mostly hasnt had to. Even the quintessential New York sitcom Friends was shot in Burbank.

I like L.A., she said in a video call from her home there. I guess vacations are nice, but I feel like I live in a vacation spot so, where am I going? I can watch a video.

But when the filmmaker Taika Waititi sent her a message on Instagram asking if she would come to New Zealand to star in a series-length adaptation of the 1981 Terry Gilliam movie Time Bandits, she said yes. It was a six-month commitment, but in one of the few places on Earth Kudrow had always wanted to visit.

And, as she said with a laugh, No ones putting me in a Hobbit movie.

Fair enough, though there are bigger departures from Middle-earth than Time Bandits, a 10-part adventure-fantasy based on a movie about time traveling dwarfs. The series, which debuted Wednesday on Apple TV+, puts a new spin on the beloved film  an ambitious task, given the movies bona fides and cult status. The original was written by Gilliam and his fellow Monty Python player Michael Palin, and it starred the likes of John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall and Ian Holm.
Netanyahu defended Israels war as protesters rallied

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, defended his countrys military campaign in Gaza before Congress yesterday. His address laid bare the divisions in Washington over a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Netanyahu did not discuss the status of a cease-fire deal that Hamas and Israel had been negotiating for weeks. He said the war against Hamas was part of a larger conflict between Iran and the U.S., insisting: Were not only protecting ourselves; were protecting you.

Our enemies are your enemies; our fight is your fight; and our victory will be your victory, Netanyahu said.

But in the House chamber, the erosion of bipartisan support for Israel was evident. Republicans applauded loudly, but dozens of Democratic members boycotted the speech. Representative Rashida Tlaib, Democrat of Michigan and the first Palestinian American to be a member of Congress, held up a sign that read war criminal as Netanyahu spoke.
A federal judge in Florida on Wednesday allowed former President Donald J. Trumps defamation suit against ABC News to move forward, rejecting an effort by the television network to dismiss the litigation as spurious.

The lawsuit, filed in March, argued that ABCs star anchor, George Stephanopoulos, defamed Mr. Trump by saying on the air numerous times, in a March 10 segment on This Week, that the former president had been found liable for raping the writer E. Jean Carroll.

Mr. Trump was found liable last year in a Manhattan civil case for sexually abusing and defaming Ms. Carroll. The jury did not find Mr. Trump liable on a technical charge of rape, which is narrowly defined in New York State law. But the judge in the case later asserted that Mr. Trump had been held liable for rape as many people commonly understand the word.

There is typically a high bar in court to prove that a journalist defamed a public figure. But the Florida judge, Cecilia Altonaga of U.S. District Court in Miami, denied ABCs initial attempt to have the case thrown out. A jury may, upon viewing the segment, find there was sufficient context, she wrote. But a reasonable jury could conclude Plaintiff was defamed and, as a result, dismissal is inappropriate.
Ukraines top diplomat met with Chinas foreign minister on Wednesday in talks that signaled Kyivs increased willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution to the war with Russia and to have China play a more central role in the effort.

I am convinced that a just peace in Ukraine is in Chinas strategic interests, Dmytro Kuleba said in a statement after a meeting with Wang Yi, the Chinese official, in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. Chinas role as a global force for peace is important.

Mr. Kuleba made clear that Ukraine attached conditions to such negotiations, saying it would only engage Russia when Moscow was ready to negotiate in good faith. He added: No such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side.

Mr. Kuleba is visiting China for the first time since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His trip comes as Ukraine is slowly losing ground in the war and faces growing uncertainty about the level of support it will have from the West. Moscow and Kyiv briefly held peace talks in the spring of 2022 but they quickly broke down over critical issues.
Monday was most likely the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, with a global average of about 62.87 degrees Fahrenheit, or 17.15 degrees Celsius, preliminary data showed  beating a record that had been set just one day before.

The data, released on Wednesday by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European Union institution that provides information about the past, present and future climate, caused alarm among some experts.

Earlier this week, the service announced that Sunday had set a record, with a global average of about 62.76 degrees Fahrenheit, or 17.09 degrees Celsius. A day later it announced that Monday was the hottest day since at least 1940, when records began.

Before this weeks back-to-back records, the previous record, 62.74 degrees Fahrenheit, or 17.08 degrees Celsius, was set last year, on July 6, besting a record that stood since 2016.
The New York State Education Department is banning realistic active shooter drills in schools in an effort to make them less traumatic for students.

The states new rules call for a trauma-informed and age-appropriate approach to drills that excludes the use of any props, actors or tactics mimicking violence when school or extracurricular activities are in session. The new rules also require schools to notify staff members and pupils about drills ahead of time. Parents are to be notified a week in advance.

The rules will take effect in the coming school year. New York schools  public and nonpublic  will still be required to conduct eight evacuation drills and four lockdown drills every year.

New Yorks ban on realistic shooter drills comes as the United States is grappling with an ongoing epidemic of gun violence. There were at least 118 episodes involving gunfire on school grounds in 2024, according to data collected from news accounts by the group Everytown for Gun Safety. That number is about double what it was a decade ago.
The elephant in the room will be impossible to ignore when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel addresses Congress on Wednesday, turning attention to the bloody spectacle that both major parties have been taking pains not to mention: the ongoing death and destruction in Gaza.

That U.S. politicians from both major parties invited Mr. Netanyahu to Washington at all  let alone to lecture our lawmakers in the peoples house  is a disgrace. Mr. Netanyahus war on Gaza has already killed at least 39,000 Palestinians (many of them women and children), according to the health ministry in Gaza, displaced some 1.9 million people and spread what experts describe as a famine across the besieged enclave.

The International Criminal Court prosecutor has applied for a warrant to charge Mr. Netanyahu with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Court of Justice has taken up the question of whether the Israeli attack on Gaza constitutes a genocide  a classification the court deemed plausible. Israel has for months behaved as if a range of orders from the worlds highest court simply didnt exist, including to prevent the destruction of human life in Gaza, rush humanitarian aid into the territory and preserve evidence needed by investigators to determine whether genocide is taking place.

History will cast Mr. Netanyahus visit in deservedly ugly tones. Hes not a guest we should aspire to host, but he is a visitor we deserve. Gaza is our war, too, thanks to the indispensable military aid and political cover the U.S. government has lavished on Israel as the death toll climbs.
Frank Bruni, a contributing Opinion writer, hosted a written online conversation on Tuesday with Mallory McMorrow, a Democratic state senator in Michigan, and Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist and author of the newsletter Hopium Chronicles, to review the extraordinary events of the past week in American politics and discuss the upended presidential race.

Frank Bruni: Thank you for joining me on what will, no exaggeration, go down as one of the most fascinating, disorienting, consequential months in American political history. Im still waiting to wake up and realize that it was all a dream: the debate, the attempted assassination, President Bidens Rehoboth reckoning, the quicksilver ascent of Vice President Kamala Harris. I feel at least slightly more hopeful than a week ago that Donald Trump may be stopped on Nov. 5, but dear God, am I nervous. Briefly summarize for me the magnitude of  and reasons for  your optimism or, conversely, your panic.

Mallory McMorrow: The last few days have felt like nothing Ive ever experienced. I have teachers texting and calling me from out of state who have never donated to a political candidate asking how to do it the right way to ensure it gets to the Harris campaign. Thousands of new volunteers have signed up. A staggering amount of content has been produced, all organically. The memes! It feels very hopey changey. I tuned in (along with hundreds of thousands of others) to watch Harris speak to the staff at campaign headquarters and walked away inspired. Were going to win.

Simon Rosenberg: I am very excited about what is happening in our party. The transition from Biden to Harris has been remarkably seamless and successful. Her initial remarks on Monday were strong, powerful and clearly her own words, not things cribbed from the previous campaign. All of us are now very optimistic about going out and winning this election.
Donald Trump and JD Vance are cobbling together a core constituency that includes millions of voters who are both culturally conservative and financially hard-pressed.

Trumps selection of Vance reflects his determination to focus on incorporating middle- and lower-income, predominantly but not exclusively white men and women who often did not graduate from college, into the base of the Republican Party. To do so, Trump and Vance are taking their side on matters ranging from diversity to abortion to immigration to trade policy, promising protection from pretty much everything they dont like about America today.

The 2024 Republican Platform provides evidence of the leverage of this ascendant bloc of voters:

Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age.

Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children.

Keep men out of womens sports.

If more proof is required, Vance told delegates in his July 18 acceptance speech:

We need a leader whos not in the pocket of big business but answers to the working man, union and nonunion alike. A leader who wont sell out to multinational corporations but will stand up for American companies and American industry. As always, Americas ruling class wrote the checks. Communities like mine paid the price. For decades, that divide between the few, with their power and comfort in Washington, and the rest of us, only widened.

What is happening here? For many years, Elizabeth Suhay, a political scientist at American University, wrote by email,

the Republican Party managed to persuade many working-class whites to support their economic agenda not only by contrasting it with Democrats emphasis on racial equity but also by arguing that small government, economically conservative policy rewards hard work. The persuasiveness of this message waned, however, with increasing inequality, low income growth, rural job loss, etc., creating an opening for Trump. His 2016 campaign directly addressed working-class whites economic concerns, even if his policies in office generally did not. With the Vance pick, we are seeing an even greater rhetorical shift toward economic populism aimed directly at working-class and rural voters, and it is likely that a second Trump term would advance more populist policy than the first.

There is a clear underlying logic to the Trump 2024 agenda, according to Christine Reyna, a professor of psychology at DePaul University, who wrote by email:

Regarding the seemingly contradictory policies of the MAGA platform, they actually align perfectly with a populist agenda. Populism is not a stand-alone ideology so much as a framework/narrative that centers the grievances and needs of the noble citizens against the greedy, amorphous elites. You can be populist on both the left and the right. In the context of Trump/MAGA, his platform is unambiguously national populism that combines right-wing political/social ideologies with left-wing economic policies. The combination of isolationism, protectionism (anti-trade, anti-globalism, anti-immigration), support for blue-collar jobs (primarily in swing states  oil, coal, natural gas, opposition to clean energy) and his thinly veiled support for white Americans over Americans of color (anti-C.R.T., anti-D.E.I., anti-affirmative action), regressive traditionalism (anti-womens rights, anti-abortion, anti-L.G.B.T.Q.) and antidemocratic/pro-religious ideals (promotion of Christian nationalism despite not being particularly religious), etc., all form a package that is squarely right-wing populist.

In Who Is Open to Authoritarian Governance Within Western Democracies? Ariel Malka, Yphtach Lelkes, Bert N. Bakker and Eliyahu Spivack examined World Values Survey data from 14 Western democracies and separate polling from Canada and the United States:

Two key findings emerged, they wrote. The first is that a broad conservative cultural orientation  involving traditional sexual morality and gender views, religiosity, anti-immigration attitudes and related beliefs and values  is consistently associated with openness to authoritarian governance.

The attraction of these voters to the MAGA movement, Malka and his co-authors argued, suggests that authoritarian governance may be perceived as an efficient way of enforcing social conformity, upholding religious traditionalism and resisting multicultural diversity.
With a knack for brokering luxury properties, Tal and Oren Alexander, brothers who worked as real estate agents, rose as high as the New York City penthouses they sold.

They built an image as jet-setting bachelors, filling their social media feeds with photos from Wimbledon, Art Basel and the beach in Mykonos. They took calls in between ice baths after sessions with their personal trainers. Their traditional good looks and magnetism attracted ultrarich clients who propelled the brothers past thousands of other agents to the very top of the ranks at Douglas Elliman, one of the largest real estate brokerages in the country.

But as the brothers partied and sold co-ops and condos from Manhattan to Miami, they were quietly earning another reputation: Accusations that they drugged and sexually assaulted women were spreading throughout the world of high-end real estate.

Still, Tal and Oren continued to climb. They secured rarefied status in 2019 when they helped broker the sale of a nearly $240 million penthouse  at the time, the most expensive residential sale in United States history. By 2022, they had co-founded their own real estate brokerage, Official.
A man who broke into the Los Angeles home of Mayor Karen Bass in April pleaded no contest on Wednesday to a vandalism charge and was immediately sentenced to probation and drug treatment, and ordered to pay restitution.

Prosecutors said that the man, Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29, smashed a glass back door to get into the mayors official residence at about 6:40 a.m. on April 21. The authorities said he cut his hand and left blood stains throughout the house, which is in a quiet neighborhood of old homes in the center of the city.

Ms. Bass, her daughter, son-in-law and grandchild were inside the home at the time. None of them were injured. Police officials at the time acknowledged that the break-in occurred during a gap in security and vowed to correct it.

Mr. Hunter was at first charged with first-degree residential burglary and vandalism, and faced 13 years in prison. But as part of a plea deal, he pleaded no contest to only the lesser vandalism charge, did not receive prison time and was sentenced to probation.
Follow the latest news about the 2024 election, and the Trump and Harris campaigns.

Democrats on Wednesday took another step toward formally nominating Vice President Kamala Harris for president, with the rules committee for the partys national convention setting Aug. 1 as the date that delegates are likely to begin voting.

In a virtual meeting, Jaime Harrison, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, and other party officials acknowledged the groundswell of support for Ms. Harris among its members and assured them that the party was dedicated to what one leader called an open, fair and transparent nominating process.

We have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote, Mr. Harrison said.

Candidates for the nomination will have until the evening of July 30 to show they have met the qualifying criteria, mainly by having acquired the support of at least 300 delegates, with no more than 50 from a single state. No plausible Democrats have stepped forward to challenge Ms. Harris after President Biden exited the race on Sunday and quickly endorsed her.
Vice President Kamala Harris made an appeal on Wednesday to the Democratic Partys most loyal voting bloc, Black women, telling an audience of several thousand in Indianapolis that Donald J. Trumps agenda represented an outright attack on our children, our families and our future.

Ms. Harriss pointed speech, delivered at a convention of Zeta Phi Beta, one of the nations most prominent Black sororities, laid out a choice between two different visions for our nation.

One vision  hers  would build on a series of what she described as the Biden administrations biggest accomplishments: expanding access to health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs like insulin, reducing child poverty and creating an economy that works for working people.

The other, she warned, would return the United States to a dark past, with cuts to Medicare and the elimination of the Department of Education and popular programs like Head Start.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Wednesday turned an address to Congress into a forceful defense of Israels military campaign in Gaza. He cast it as a battle for survival of the Jewish state while making almost no mention of the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians killed in its drive to destroy Hamas.

The address laid bare deep divisions in Washington over the nine-month war, whose toll on civilians has outraged many Democrats and drawn international condemnation. Dozens of Democrats did not show up, with some openly boycotting the speech.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the partys presumptive presidential nominee who was campaigning in the Midwest, declined to preside in her capacity as president of the Senate alongside Speaker Mike Johnson, a break with tradition.

Outside the Capitol, pepper spray filled the air as police officers tried to push back thousands of protesters who had gathered to jeer Mr. Netanyahu. Demonstrators held signs calling him a war criminal, burned an effigy of him and an American flag and vandalized statues with anti-Israel slogans including Hamas is coming.
A Tennessee gas station clerks plan to cheat a customer out of a $1 million lottery ticket and to claim it for himself was thwarted after store video captured the clerk pretending to throw the ticket away and then celebrating after retrieving it from the trash, according to prosecutors.

The store clerk, Meer Patel, 23, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., has been charged with theft over $250,000. He went to Tennessee Lotterys district office in Nashville on July 16 to cash the seven-figure winning ticket, according to court documents. But lottery employees became suspicious after analyzing Mr. Patels identification and hearing his story about finding the ticket in the trash, court documents said. The lottery employees then asked police to review video from the Shell station in Murfreesboro where the ticket was bought, the local station WSMV reported.

The images showed that on July 13, the buyer purchased a couple lottery tickets from the station and showed them to Mr. Patel to see if he had won any money, according to court records. Mr. Patel scanned the tickets bar code but failed to disclose to the victim that it was a winning ticket and instead placed it in the trash, records said.

He knew it was a winning ticket, Lt. Steve Craig of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office said in an interview on Wednesday.
Ryland Kenney didnt get much sleep on Tuesday night because he kept picturing the mouth of a humpback whale.

Mr. Kenney, a fisherman, and his friend, Greg Paquette, were about two miles off the coast of Rye, N.H., that morning when a 30-foot-long juvenile whale lobbed itself onto the back of their 23-foot motorboat, sending the bow of the boat skyward and Mr. Kenney and Mr. Paquette into the water.

All three parties, including the whale, were uninjured, the United States Coast Guard said, but Mr. Kenney couldnt stop playing the episode in his head, seeing the whale resting its head on the engine.

Mr. Kenney, 44, and Mr. Paquette, 54, are experienced fishermen, Mr. Kenney said, and the two had been out the previous few days because the fishing had been the best theyd seen in a decade. Theyd also seen what they believed to be the same whale, which was feeding on bait fish in the area.
To most who saw the quotation being circulated this week as a meme, it was just something funny that Kamala Harris said in a speech in 2023: You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?

But for many Indians and Indian Americans, the line, which Ms. Harris attributed to her mother, is layered with extra meaning. Tamil Nadu, the South Indian state where her mothers family is from, is one of Indias largest growers of coconut palms. Its also the kind of thing an Indian parent might say.

Ms. Harris, the vice president and Democratic candidate for president, neither advertises nor shies away from her Indian heritage. She slips in references to it. She also deploys it strategically.

Last year, Ms. Harris spoke of her deep personal connection to India at a luncheon in Washington for Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, whom the United States has been courting. Her introduction to the concepts of equality, freedom and democracy came from her Indian grandfather, Ms. Harris said, with whom she went on long walks during her visits to Chennai.
Weeks into North Koreas campaign of launching balloons loaded with trash across the worlds most heavily armed border, some of them hit a symbolically significant target in South Korea on Wednesday: the presidential office in the heart of Seoul, the capital.

North Korea has released more than 3,000 of the trash balloons since May, many of which have reached the South after floating across the Demilitarized Zone between the two nations. So far, they have been a nuisance but have posed no danger. They have landed on trees, farms and urban side streets, their payloads bursting and spilling out waste paper, used cloth, cigarette butts and compost.

On Wednesday, for the first time, some of them landed inside the sprawling compound in central Seoul that includes the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The authorities did not say exactly how many had reached the compound, one of the most tightly guarded places in South Korea.

Officials said they waited for the balloons to land before sending a chemical, biological and radiological response team to inspect their payloads, rather than blast them  and scatter their suspicious payloads  from the sky. The team found nothing dangerous or contaminating, South Koreas presidential security service said in a brief statement.
As tourists savored icy granitas under hibiscus trees and swam in the cool Mediterranean Sea, in the farmlands of southern Sicily, among hillsides so scorched they resembled desert dunes, a farmer watched recently as his cows headed to the slaughterhouse.

After months of drought, he didnt have any water or food to give them.

Its devastating, said the farmer, Lorenzo Iraci Sareri, as tears fell on his tanned face, lined by 40 years of labor pasturing cows. I have never seen something like this.

Parts of southern Italy and other Mediterranean regions, including Greece and southeastern Spain, are experiencing one of their worst droughts in decades. It is particularly devastating, experts say, because the lack of rainfall has been made worse by the higher temperatures caused by climate change.
Oleksandra Nekipelova sat down at a desk in her apartment, lit a small candle and opened her computer to join a video call.

Tell me, please, what would you like to talk about this time? Ms. Nekipelova asked. Valeriia Korotchenko, her client, responded that she was feeling fundamentally powerless against the war launched by Russia on Ukraine. Near-daily Russian air attacks had made destruction and death a new normal in her life, she said.

I lose faith that I will ever be able to live peacefully, Ms. Korotchenko told Ms. Nekipelova, who lives in Lviv, Ukraine.
Sally Thabet, 40, said she had done all she could to protect her three daughters from illness after they fled their home in Gaza City, taking refuge in the town of Deir al Balah. But living in a former minimart, sharing a toilet with 20 others and washing dishes with dirty seawater, no amount of hand sanitizer could help.

One by one her girls fell sick with what doctors diagnosed as hepatitis A, a viral liver infection that is transmitted through person-to-person contact or contaminated food or water, and can spread quickly in unsanitary conditions.

Amoon was the first to be diagnosed two months ago, she said last week, adding that the 10-year-old girl developed a stomachache, stopped eating, started vomiting and looked pale. I couldnt see how yellowish she was because it is very dark inside the store. Her other two children, Kenzy 15, and Kandi, 11, followed soon after.

More than 100,000 people in Gaza have contracted acute jaundice syndrome, or suspected hepatitis A, since the war between Hamas and Israel began on Oct. 7, the World Health Organization said last week.

It is just one disease that has spread rapidly in Gaza as most of the territorys 2.2 million people have fled their homes, forced to live in squalid, crowded camps and makeshift shelters, while basic needs like clean water, sewage treatment, trash collection, soap and fuel for cooking have grown scarce.

There are also nearly one million cases of acute respiratory infections, half a million cases of diarrhea and 100,000 cases of lice and scabies, the W.H.O. said. On Friday, the agencys chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that even polio, a disease that has been eradicated in much of the world, was present in Gaza. A variant of poliovirus has turned up there in six samples of water or wastewater, he said, meaning that some people there are infected, though no symptomatic cases have been reported.
Julie Freeman

While progress has been made in recent years toward being more inclusive and realizing the importance of reaching diverse audiences, travel and hospitality brands still need to place significant focus on creating and implementing equitable and inclusive approaches as part of their PR and marketing communications programs. The Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing reported that while 40 percent of the U.S. identifies as multicultural, theyre represented in only 19 percent of campaigns. The CDC notes that one-quarter of U.S. adults live with a disability, yet we rarely see them represented. These significant gaps extend to sexual and gender identity. In the most recent Gallup poll, 7.6 percent of U.S. adults self-identified as LGBTQ+, yet a Nielsen study found that outside of June, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in campaigns drops to 1 percent.

The business case for inclusivity in PR campaigns

In the travel and hospitality industry, we see these trends hold steady. For example, in MMGYs 2021 The Black Traveler: Insights, Opportunities & Priorities study, 70 percent of Black travelers said that a destinations commitment to diversity and inclusion directly influences their travel decision. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, more than half of travelers are more likely to consider a destination that represents them in its marketing, according to MMGYs 2022 Portrait of LGBTQ+ Travelers in America.

Effective PR campaigns act on these statistics and leverage these audiences extensive combined purchasing power of $21.6 trillion, drawing on relevant resources and forging relationships with new ones to get representative coverage where it will have the greatest impact. Inclusive PR campaigns also support:

Building trust between brands and consumers.

Creating genuine connections through accurate depictions of underrepresented communities.

Cementing a good reputation, fostering brand loyalty and encouraging consumers to recommend brands to friends and family.

Expanding market reach.

This article is featured in O'Dwyer's Jul. '24 Travel & Tourism PR Magazine



Instituting an inclusive PR campaign

Promoting diversity and inclusion goes well beyond the outlets and journalists we pitch. It means advocating for more diverse representation in creative executions, experiential activations and influencer engagement. Oftentimes, it means partnering with an outlet, reporter, freelance writer or an influencer with a smaller but more highly targeted audience than the mainstream option. Most importantly, we dont approach DEI as a standalone effort. Instead, we incorporate it into all we do.

MMGY secured widespread national media coverage to support Visit Californias launch of its program, Visit Native California.

At MMGY, our approach includes:

Inviting members of diverse communities into the PR planning process with clients to understand their perspectives, ensuring that different groups have a say in how we tell their stories accurately and authentically.

Creating industry-first studies of the travel needs, priorities and behaviors of underrepresented groups, formulated together in partnership with advocacy groups.

Having an equitable and relevant number of niche media on our targeted media lists.

Continuously seeking out and building relationships with media and content creators who are writing and creating for very specific audiences.

Inviting a variety of outlets, editors, freelancers and content creators on press and influencer trips and to media events.

Including diverse writers in all of our media relations efforts, not just those related to their identified community.

Pitching these writers on meaningful story angles that highlight diverse communities year round, not just around holidays that are a groups designated pride or history month.

Here are a few examples of putting this approach into practice.

Visit Native California

Visit California sought to amplify Native businesses and experiences through the online content hub, Visit Native California. In the first collaboration of its kind, tribal leaders came together with Visit California to collectively promote Native American tourist destinations, attractions, events and tours to drive economic growth for their communities and businesses.

For this PR and influencer campaign, MMGY and Visit California held a launch event at the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in Palm Springs with top contributors from Lonely Planet, Fodors, Afar and others in attendance, along with Native content creators. These content creators shared their experiences at Native cultural sites in the Greater Palm Springs area while spreading campaign messaging in an authentic voice in more than 80 social posts, earning 200,000 impressions and 5,000 engagements.

Marquee placements across digital, broadcast and print shared the launch of the new hub, contributing to more than 600 stories being posted within a week of the announcement. NBC Today show travel correspondent Dayvee Sutton selected California as a top 2023 destination based on the Visit Native California initiative, showing audiences a captivating canoe journey through Yurok tribal lands. An additional relationship with Outbound Collective resulted in the creation of assets that allowed Native people to share travel experiences in their own words. As a result, 1.5 billion media impressions were generated along with 720 earned media placements.

Wheel the World

People with mobility disabilities travel at nearly the same rate as those without, according to MMGYs 2022 Portrait of Travelers with Disabilities study. But the marketing to and accommodation of this demographic in travel and tourism falls well below par. Wheel the World, an online travel agency for people with mobility challenges, is changing that. Tasked with raising awareness and increasing bookings for the brand, we targeted a variety of outlets, including those focused on people with disabilities as well as mainstream media.

We elevated Wheel the World CEO Alvaro Silberstein, a quadriplegic and electric wheelchair user, into the spotlight to tell his story and advocate for others from a place of experience and empathy. In addition to pitching to travel media, we also reached out to lifestyle media, business reporters and those covering disability-related topics. We arranged for Silberstein to appear at Conde Nast Traveler Points of View virtual summit, The Phocuswright Conference and TravelAbility summit. Silberstein also joined the steering committee and acted as spokesperson for MMGYs Portrait of Travelers with Disabilities study. Wheel the Worlds booking requests grew by 70 percent and more than 606 million impressions were earned.

Queens of the desert

The people of Australias Northern Territory are as diverse as its landscapes. In order to show travelers the inclusive nature of the NT, MMGY partnered with the destination to promote Alice Springs fabALICE Festival, an LGBTQ+ event. Using the 30th anniversary of the cult classic film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert as inspiration, we invited four drag queens to travel across the NT in a bus and recreate famous scenes. With a combined social media audience of 1.05 million, the drag queens shared their experiences traveling to and performing at fabALICE. Their authentic interactions with the areas community, as well as their connection to the land, showed their audiences that the Northern Territory truly welcomed them.

Drag queens mark the anniversary of an iconic film in Australias Northern Territory.

By lifting up individuals from each underrepresented community, we were able to help our clients authentically communicate and connect with those communities while showing a true dedication to inclusivity. We further this commitment in our mainstream campaigns by using diverse media outlets, journalists and influencers to spread our clients stories to a wider audience.

As we strive for more inclusivity and diversity in our PR campaigns, we need to take an honest look at the audiences were trying to reach and work to accurately and equitably portray them to the best of our ability. Centering them in conversations, including them with intention and purposefully planning will take us a long way toward closing the gaps that exist in many travel and hospitality PR campaigns today.

***

Julie Freeman is EVP of Public Relations for the Americas at MMGY and leads the PR, social media and experiential marketing practice and the agencys New York City office.
Frank van de Koppel

Hotwire appoints Frank van de Koppel as strategy creative director to helm its newly launched pan-European digital creative team, which will serve clients with campaigns fusing creativity, marketing and PR. Van de Koppel has led and developed digital marketing, social media and influencer campaigns for such brands as Netflix, Vodafone, BMW, Volkswagen and Porsche. Based in Amsterdam, he will partner with Hotwires teams in the US, UK and APAC on global programs in addition to leading the cross-functional team in Europe. The Netherlands is one of the best countries for global technology giants to set up in Europe and having a dedicated presence here will support our ambitious growth plans across Europe and serve our clients in the markets they operate in, said Hotwire CEO of continental Europe Ute Hildebrandt.

Erika Bellido-Jin

Signal Group, a DC-based public affairs firm that became fully independent in March, hires Erika Bellido-Jin as VP of operations. Bellido-Jin joins the firm from Sullivan, where she served as director of business operations. Before that, she was director, revenue operations at Gallery Media Group. Her role includes streamlining our operational efficiency and making investments in our people to reflect a modern approach to public affairs, said Signal Group president Chelsea Koski. Signal has also promoted Madeleine Russak, who oversees communications strategy for a broad portfolio of Tribal, healthcare and veterans affairs clients to SVP and Jackson Parker, who supports several clients in renewable energy, international relations, veterans affairs, to senior associate.

Jayne O'Connor

Taft Communications promotes Jayne OConnor to senior vice president and Meghan Bianco and Nicole Kirgan to director in its sustainability practice. Since joining Taft in 2015, OConnor has overseen the practice, most notably with ReThink Energy NJ, which seeks to advance clean energy policies within the state. She previously worked as press secretary for New Jersey governor Christie Todd Whitman and held corporate communications roles at Bristol Myers Squibb and Capital Health. Bianco, who has most recently served as director of media relations, provides guidance and execution on media strategy for accounts including Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and PosiGen. Kirgan, who joined the firm in 2022, serves as director of policy and communications, a new position at Taft created to focus on the intersection between the two disciplines. She previously served seven years in state government at the New Jersey Department of Health and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Jayne, Meghan, and Nicole each bring a unique skillset that enhances our ability to deliver on our clients strategic communications goals through meaningful campaigns that create impact, said Taft chief client officer Lindsey Pascarella.
Individual grains may be small in size, but the story of salt reflects a grand picture of economics, politics, and national governance in China. The famous debate held in the imperial court of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) in 81 BC, Discourses on Salt and Iron, kept high officials and scholars arguing for months over economic policies, beginning with whether to maintain monopolies on producers of salt and iron. Throughout Chinese history, a variety of key positions and facilities were set up around the country, particularly along the Grand Canal, to strictly supervise and manage production, transportation and sale of this crucial ingredient, which is closely tied to the lifeblood of the economy. Archaeological work in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, is gradually yielding evidence of the long epic of salt. Yancheng itself means "city of salt "in Chinese, and the roots of the city's name lie beneath the ground. According to Chen Gang, a researcher with the Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, which oversaw the recent excavations in Yancheng, a series of key findings concerning the ancient salt industry have been made in this coastal city between the Yellow Sea and the Grand Canal. The ancient Chinese had a poetic term to describe the coastal salt industry, referring to it as "boiling the ocean". As Chen said during a recent news conference at the National Cultural Heritage Administration in Beijing, archaeological findings at the Shajingtou site, which is located on a sandy ridge near the coast, include well-organized Western Han Dynasty roads, a dense network of water wells, large-scale drainage facilities, as well as the ruins of houses and other significant remains. "Excavations have yielded a large number of roof tiles, bricks, and everyday pottery," Chen says. "Additionally, more than 10 Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) architectural ruins and tombs have been discovered around the site." It is believed that the area was the site of the county seat of Yandu, which is mentioned in the Book of Han, a history book of the Western Han compiled by Ban Gu in the 2nd century, as well as in other key historical documents. The architectural remains found at Shajingtou may have been official buildings belonging to the Yandu county government, which is listed in historical documents as a crucial salt-producing hub. Chen says that the new findings offer physical evidence of the significance of salt in Western Han Dynasty society. Separately, at the Miaohang site in Yancheng, archaeological discoveries include relics related to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) salt production facilities, such as water storage tanks, drying fields, and brine processing areas, confirming that the site was a salt-making settlement. The large concentration of strip-shaped pits suggests that salt-making was likely strictly supervised by the government through official workshops. The salt-processing hub later gradually fell out of use and became a regular village as the coastline moved eastward due to the silting up of estuaries. The site at Houbeituan shows evidence of salt production in the form of salt stoves and brine pits from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, indicating a period of salt-making that lasted for centuries. "Archaeological surveys since 2021 have identified over 100 sites in Yancheng that reflect various aspects of salt production and transportation," Chen adds. "This has laid a foundation for the reconstruction of the historical salt production system during different periods. The discoveries provide valuable insight into the management of the coastal salt industry by the central government since the Western Han Dynasty period." "The salt industry was a pillar of revenue in ancient dynasties," Qin Dashu, an archaeology professor at Peking University, says. "Continuous study of the sites in Yancheng could complete our knowledge of the industrial chain." Lin Liugen, an archaeology professor at Zhejiang University, believes that the findings present an example for the future study of historical salt industry facilities and technology. He expects that follow-up studies of the sites will provide information about ancient societies from a variety of angles. For example, the large number of ordinary tombs around the sites may belong to salt laborers. "Their job was really tough, and they moved around quite often," Lin says. "Deeper research into the tombs could lead to a better understanding of this process of migration, and acknowledge their contribution." Wang Ru contributed to this story. wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn


News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwean Government has issued 651 import permits to private companies to procure at least 3.2 million tonnes of maize to mitigate drought impacts, surpassing the country's annual requirement of 2.2 million tonnes. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka emphasized the importance of private sector partnerships for food security.Since April 1, approximately 400,000 tonnes of maize have been imported from South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique. The Government aims to ensure affordable mealie meal and has warned businesses against price gouging. Additionally, household-level imports of mealie meal are now allowed.Dr. Masuka highlighted the success of the winter cereals production plan, with 121,982 hectares under wheat and 6,725 hectares under potatoes, projecting a record harvest of 600,000 tonnes of wheat. The area under irrigation has increased by 28 percent since 2019, reaching 217,000 hectares in 2024, driven by the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan initiated by President Mnangagwa. Zimbabwe's 10,600 dams, holding over 10.6 billion cubic meters of water, support the irrigation expansion goal of 496,000 hectares by 2030.Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere outlined four key irrigation development models to achieve food production independence from the rainy season. These include developing existing irrigation infrastructure, leveraging the country's dams, promoting corporate irrigation development, and supporting smallholder irrigation.The Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan, approved in 2021, aims to develop 350,000 hectares for summer irrigation by 2025, producing 1.8 million tonnes of summer cereals annually. This will meet the population's consumption needs, estimated at 120 kilograms per person per year, although current consumption is 92 kilograms per person per year.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The children's cancer ward at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has recently been refurbished thanks to a US$11,000 donation from local energy company Caltex. The donation focused on upgrading Ward A4, which includes a chemotherapy room. The refurbishment involved connecting running water, installing a hazard cabinet, and updating the ceiling.Clinical Director Morgan Mhlanga highlighted the importance of the ward and expressed gratitude for the support from Caltex, emphasizing that it helps in the fight against cancer. Orient Dube, the hospital's Director of Operations, noted that the improved chemotherapy room will enhance the hospital's capabilities and lead to more successful patient outcomes.Caltex Managing Director George Mudanga explained that their initiative aims to provide a more comfortable and hopeful environment for young cancer patients. The renovated space now features cheerful decor and modern amenities, offering a more supportive setting for treatment. This upgrade is crucial for Parirenyatwa Hospital, which has faced challenges with outdated and malfunctioning cancer treatment equipment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

BULAWAYO proportional representative legislator Thokozani Khupe has called on the government to fully fund universities and promote research on cancer medicines throughout the country.Khupe was speaking in Parliament recently in support of the motion on cancer research recently.She said the government should move with speed and fully fund universities to undertake research on new cancer medicines."For one to get cancer treatment it's expensive and very few can afford the costs which leads to loss of lives. The first issue I would like to highlight is research and development because research and development will make us discover new modern and advanced cancer medication," she said.Khupe said research and development played a critical role in finding new and improved ways to enhance public health and stay ahead of the disease."It is of utmost importance that government prioritises and invests with agility in research and development because it will lead to breakthroughs in new cancer treatment."We have big brains in Zimbabwe, professors, doctors and scientist who can creatively and innovatively do research on new modern medication on all cancers," she said.Khupe also called on the government to move with time as a country and do continuous research to conquer all types of cancer."Also Mpilo and Parirenyatwa as our public hospitals, the government should make sure that they are fully equipped with modern cancer equipment so that patients are able to receive treatment which is correct," she said.Khupe said the government should engage other organisation in holding cancer awareness programmes so the majority can know more about the disease."Awareness programmes will help in that the majority of people will know they have cancer when it is in early state. It is cheaper and easier to treat cancer at its early stage. Whereas it is difficult, complicated and very expensive to treat advanced cancer," she said.The government, Khupe said, should intensify awareness programmes to make people aware that cancer was a deadly disease that needed early treatment."Cancer treatment must be available, accessible and affordable in Zimbabwe. It is equally better for one to travel from Binga to Mpilo for cancer treatment than for one to travel to India for treatment," she said.Khupe said investors would not come to invest in a country with a disease burden hence the government must prioritise healthcare for all.
When Green Dot Public [SIC] Schools last sought a renewal of the charter for Locke High School in 2017, the overwhelming evidence showed that the chain had failed to achieve the promised results. Even the Charter School Industries' lobbying firm, the California Charter School Association (CCSA), recognized the failure, giving the school a Statewide Rank of one out of ten for the previous two years. The LAUSD Charter School Division graded its Student Achievement and Educational Performance a two on a four-point scale. When compared to Resident and Similar Schools Medians, "Locke reclassified [English Learners] at a lower rate", had "low graduation rates" during the past three years, and had "a high disproportionality suspension rate for African Americans and Students with Disabilities".

The school's trajectory did not provide any reason to believe the situation would improve. The Charter School Division's Student Achievement and Education Performance score for Locke was lowered from the one it achieved in 2015-16. In 2016-2017, the charter school's reclassification rate [of English learners] showed a 5.1% drop from the prior year. The graduation rate went from 61.6% in 2014-15 to 55.9% in 2015-16.

LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin was present for the meeting where these results were presented but the data did not affect his decision. Ignoring the proven failure to turn the school around by converting a public school into a charter, he joined the Board majority in approving the renewal allowing Green Dot to continue managing the former LAUSD school.

Given Melvoin's record, his failure to hold a charter school operator responsible for its failures is not surprising. In 2019 he defended the Charter School Division's failure to stop an executive from the Community Preparatory Academy (CPA) charter school from embezzling $3.1 million in school funds. In 2020 he joined Monica Garcia in voting to approve Prepa Tec charter school even after being told that only 3.26% of its students met state standards in math, it was $485,718 in debt, and had no cash reserves. While the Office of General Council defended the LAUSD against a lawsuit filed by the CCSA that attempted to stop the District from spending money to correct atrocious conditions that prevented disabled students, parents, and staff members from having full access to school campuses, Melvoin provided the charter school association with confidential information about lawsuits provided during closed-door LAUSD Board meetings.



Melvoin and Garcia (Courtesy of Big Education Ape)

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LAUSD School Board candidate Dan Chang considers Melvoin's corrupt support of the Charter School Industry over the LAUSD students who he is supposed to represent to be leadership "with conviction and purpose". Showing disregard for students with moderate to severe disability, Chang "proudly" accepted Melvoin's endorsement even though he had attempted to move a Career Transition Center off of the Fairfax High School campus so he could proceed with plans to open up an exclusive new middle school. Does Chang aspire to be the type of "leader" who would displace children with disabilities to pursue a vanity project?

Showing how alike the two Charter Industry stooges are, Melvoin repeats a lie used frequently during the campaign. Despite the evidence of Green Dot's failure to improve results at Locke High School, Chang claims to have led the school's "turnaround". Even though Melvoin was made aware that the school's students were not being adequately served, he states that "Dan helped turn around Locke High School."

Worse than repeating the lie so often with the hope that the electorate will accept it as truth is the possibility that Chang (and Melvoin) actually believe it to be true. What if this false narrative is a "Mission Accomplished" moment for the candidate where he does not recognize that the students of Locke, 95.1% of whom are "socioeconomically disadvantaged", deserve better? An inability to know what success should look like should alarm all LAUSD parents.



Screenshot of coverage of George W. Bush's 'Mission Accomplished' speech

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Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.
China's recent role in brokering a unity deal between Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas represents a strategic maneuver aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence in the Middle East. Historically, attempts to reconcile these factions have failed, with deep-seated ideological divides and a history of violent conflict. However, China's involvement brings a new dynamic to the mediation process, which could either pave the way for significant progress or fall into the pattern of past failures.

The primary advantage of this unity deal lies in the potential for greater political stability within the Palestinian territories. A unified government could facilitate more effective governance, streamline international aid distribution, and improve living conditions for Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Additionally, China's role as a mediator introduces a fresh perspective, which could break the longstanding deadlock in reconciliation efforts.

However, skepticism abounds regarding the durability and sincerity of this agreement. Past reconciliation attempts have consistently fallen short, raising questions about whether this latest effort will yield different results. Furthermore, Hamas's designation as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and other countries complicates international relations and casts doubt on the legitimacy of any government that includes Hamas without a clear renunciation of violence and recognition of Israel.

There are significant concerns about the true motives behind China's mediation. Critics argue that Beijing's involvement is driven more by a desire to expand its geopolitical influence rather than a genuine commitment to resolving the Palestinian conflict. This skepticism is further fueled by China's broader strategy to present itself as a key player in Middle Eastern affairs, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional Western mediators.

The response from the international community has been cautious. The United States has reiterated its position that any Palestinian government must renounce violence, recognize Israel, and adhere to previous agreements. This stance reflects deep reservations about the inclusion of Hamas in the unity deal.

As US State Department Matthew Miller said this week, "Hamas has not renounced terrorism; it has not renounced the use of violence to achieve its political aims; it has not renounced the destruction of the state of Israel - something the PLO has done. It remains a terrorist organization. It remains committed to killing civilians. It remains committed to bringing about the destruction of the state of Israel. So no, we do not see an organization that believes in those tactics and believes in carrying out terrorism as a suitable organization to govern the Palestinian people."

Similarly, the European Union has expressed concerns about Hamas's role but has shown some openness to dialogue, emphasizing the importance of Palestinian unity for peace negotiations and stressing the need for any unified government to commit to democratic principles and peaceful resolutions.

While the Fatah-Hamas unity deal brokered by China holds the promise of political stability and improved governance, it is fraught with challenges and skepticism. The historical context of failed reconciliation attempts, ideological divides, and international concerns about Hamas's involvement pose significant obstacles.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will closely monitor the implementation and impact of this agreement, weighing its potential benefits against the longstanding complexities of the Palestinian conflict.
In the fall of 2009, I made a mental note: keep your eye on Kamala Harris she's well worth watching. I made the note to myself after a nearly one hour interview I did with her on my weekly Pacifica Radio show. Harris was then San Francisco District Attorney. She discussed her new book, Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safer . She was smart, witty, but most of all tough, tough, and resolute.

She laid out a pragmatic blueprint for confronting police abuse, the social and economic causes of crime, the towering abuses in a blatant racially skewed criminal justice system, and a humane alternative to the then prevailing lock em' up and throw away the key hard mentality of prosecutors. However, again, the operative word during the interview for me about her was tough.

I knew she'd need every ounce of that toughness as she marched up the political ladder. First, winning the race for California Attorney General. Next winning the race for California U.S. Senator. And then her brief but determined 2020 presidential bid. Each time, she had to prove that a woman, a Black woman, and a progressive, could deftly handle the barbs, verbal insults and assaults, and put downs she'd face.

I wasn't wrong especially when it came to dealing with her biggest tormentor--the GOP. I knew as Biden's Vice president they'd make her their whipping post.

Her first two years in the VP post she had to spend much time defending the Biden administration, Democrats, and most importantly herself, from withering criticism. So withering that the overwhelming majority of Americans in some polls thought that she was doing a lousy job as vice president. At one point, her ratings hit a historic low. No vice president and that included Bush's controversial always under fire VP, Dick Cheney, had reached that historic low.

In any other season, that might not have meant much. The president, not the vice president, totally runs the administration show. The long-standing view is that the vice president at most is a trusted advisor to the president, at the least, its mostly a ceremonial position. The single most important and somewhat visible role for the VP is as the presiding officer over the Senate.

Yes, some presidents have tasked their VPs with important assignments and administration policy reviews. All major policy decisions, though, remain firmly in the president's hands.

In the case of Harris, it got a little more complicated. Before, during, and after Biden's White House win, the talk was non-stop about his age and health. There was endless speculation over what to do if Biden faltered from illness or something age related in his first years in the White House.

There was even more speculation over whether Biden, who be eighty plus during a reelection bid in 2024, would be up to the grind of a campaign, or even make the effort. In every instance the chatter about Biden's future immediately turned back to Harris. She was the logical successor as a presidential candidate or as a fill in president if illness rendered Biden unable to perform his duties.

The GOP sniffed blood and deep vulnerability, and yet another monumental opportunity to attack. Harris became even more their prime target. Their game plan was simple wage a gutter campaign of sniping, rumor-mongering, and flat-out attacks on her. Next, hammer her as a poor organizer and a hard taskmaster. Play up any grousing from staff members about her supposed failings as an administrator.

By pile driving on Harris, the GOP could pirouette easily to hammer the supposed flubs, missteps, and deficiencies of Biden's administration. Harris was pulverized for her statements about voting rights and supposedly being missing in action on an immigration tangle at the border. This was more grist for the GOP's attack mill on the supposed ineptness of Harris and the Biden administration. The Trump attack squad wasted no time in picking up on the blame Harris for a supposed porous border as a major hit attack.

The other supposed Harris vulnerability is the same one the GOP played on to tar Hillary Clinton. Strong, tough, decisive, and, yes, aggressive, are the exact qualities that voters and millions of Americans want and expect in their leaders. For many, that means the presidential office is a man's office. Polls in the past did show that a considerable number of voters said they had reservations about a woman president.

Trump will subtly and openly play hard on every one of Harris's supposed vulnerabilities from allegedly being a Biden clone, the border, and a Black woman to savage her candidacy. It's just an upgrade of the same dirty playbook it has used all along against her.

Much now depends on Harris to seize the initiative, parry the attacks, and assure millions that she has the experience and political savvy to handle the wheel of governing in the Oval Office. In other words, the toughness it takes. The Harris I saw and heard that day in the studio told me that is a quality she more than has to handle a Trump.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His forthcoming book -- "President" Trump's America (Middle Passage Press). He also is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles and the Pacifica Network. He publishes thehutchinsonreport.net


Frederick Joseph

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It's a tough nut to crack. Ever-escalating violence: war; assassination attempts; BLM protests met with batons and the same old racism; annihilations, terrorism; America with more guns than people. When leadership and the vigour of new ideas are needed folks are treated with the same tired bromides that didn't work to begin with. The UN, which was meant to be a beacon away from the darkness of inter-state conflict and a reminder to cooperate in improving the commonweal of humankind, is a dud outfit.

We learn that there are billions of potential Earths in our galaxy alone, and that there are billions of galaxies in the universe, and that ours is just one of many in a multiverse. We have never seemed so diminished. Back in 1945, just before the bomb drop on Hiroshima changed everything, HG Wells put out his last book with a title that seemed to sum up the human condition: Mind at the End of Its Tether. It's easy to feel alone and overwhelmed with a metaphysics that eludes clear meaning.

But Frederick Joseph's poetry does what the best stuff does: It acknowledges the universal pain, it lifts, and challenges the reader to respond to such a world -- first by surviving its terrors and pressures. The most rewarding return from reading Frederick Joseph's new volume of poems, We Alive, Beloved, is the music kicking around in his heart and its invitation to join in the rhythm and dance the blues away.

His poem, "We Dance, Because We Alive," invites the observer from the audience, the reader, to come up on the stage and do just that -- dance with the dancer, engage rather than merely consume. He writes, "The synergy between the dancer / and the once-passive observer is electric. Emboldened, the dancer reaches out again, / inviting another from the audience. And then another-- until the stage fills, / a rainbow of individuals." It works as a great enactment of reader-response theory -- and as dance.

Though the word 'resilience' has become a buzzword in our times, Joseph reanimates it with fresh, clever and often brilliant lyricism. I was sometimes struck with a kind of awe and jealousy of his facility with language. In "My Father's Void," he imagines the black hole opened up by his father's death, but surprises the reader with an unanticipated perspectival shift: "On the other side is me. / Pulling in fragments of cosmos, / From every soul who leans in close, / pouring into me parts of themselves / as hugs. Kisses. Laughter. Shoulders to cry on." The very gravity of grief.

Joseph's themes are deeply personal and familial, concrete but also abstract, and always precisely cadenced and breathing with lyricism. He writes of being a father, a husband, a friend, a child, and a philosopher. Being Black is a heavy motif in Joseph's poetry. He can approach the subject with circumspection, or with righteous disappointment at the ignorance and herd mentality that fuels racism. In "Black Threat," he writes, "A society, steeped like bitter tea in fear, / bathes in the falsehood of Black as synonymous with wrong. / In their minds, melanin is a marker of menace, / a twisted signal fire of a threat existing only in perception." Skin deep othering. Still alive -- and kicking with jackboots.

When his wife loses a child in birthing, he struggles for words: "There is nothing to say, when spun into a vortex of unspeakable loss"And I wondered, how are we going to survive this, / And in time, my question was answered: Together."

Joseph is, to modify another current buzzword, the poet as Lived Experience Expert, the one who brings the magical, seeing, healing language of resilience. He writes in "Notes from Therapy," which he has been in and out of for years, "This world bruises us into retreat." The poet pushes "becoming," "transformation," "possibility." Keep on keeping on, as Dylan says, with Joseph adding, "Write, rewrite, until the ink runs dry." Poet and person.

Deeply engaging poems.

Frederick Joseph can be followed at his Substack site.

######
Charlotte, North Carolina- July 24, 2024 - Navigating the complexities of a workers' compensation claim can be overwhelming for injured employees. The legal landscape is intricate, and the stakes are high, making it crucial to have experienced legal representation. At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we understand that hiring an attorney is often the last thing you want to think about during such a stressful time. However, the benefits and importance 
News / National

by Staff reporter

The ZPRA soldier, Seven Dube, who became the face of the armed wing as "Isotsha eliphethe umntwana" (the soldier cradling the baby) is still alive 44 years after independence, and the baby has become a councillor in Mangwe, Plumtree, CITE revealed.In a historically significant story, CITE spoke to Tshetshukuza Ngwenya, now a Ward 2 councillor at Izimnyama, who confirmed that he is the baby in the picture, believed to be taken by Zenzo Nkobi, a ZAPU photographer."Yes, history shows I am that child," said the councillor who tracked down Dube last year."I started looking for Dube after always hearing about an elderly man known as Seven Dube, who said he had picked up a child from koNxele. This was when I wanted to be a councillor. This prompted me to search for him because the community was advising me to seek him before he passed away given his age."The iconic photograph has become a symbol of ZPRA's ethosshowing that even in conflict, compassion and hope for a better future exist.Dube described how he came across Ngwenya crying while patrolling in Zambia. He initially thought Ngwenya's mother had hanged herself and searched for her but could not find her. He then alerted his comrades, who told him to carry the baby back to their base for attention.To those who have seen the image, it shows a soldier with a soft spot for children, and when interpreted, people believe liberation must have meaning for the next generation.Ngwenya said he was motivated to find Dube so that he could learn more about his background. However, Ngwenya said he cannot recall much of the circumstances of that day when the photograph was taken as he was still too young.Although the image is now iconic, for Ngwenya, who was born in 1977, it evokes a mix of pride and sorrow, as it reminds him of his mother's death."My mother died in Zambia during the liberation struggle. I was very young and had to be raised by others. Her death is painful to think about. However, I appreciate that my mother sacrificed herself alongside others for the country's independence," he said."Her contribution to the struggle and the role played by other freedom fighters such as Dube are valuable lessons to me, showing that caring for others and giving your life to help them is essential."Due to that valuable life lesson, Ngwenya said he too was motivated to serve and stand up for other people.In 2023, Ngwenya was elected as a councillor for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party."I am working to uplift our community, doing what I can to make a difference and improve people's standards of living by bringing better services and facilities," said the councillor.Ngwenya is now married with three children, whom he teaches to value other people and respect their circumstances."I also teach my children that the challenges they encounter in life should make them stronger and more determined to overcome obstacles," he said.ZPRA Veterans Association Secretary General, Petros Sibanda, said that this famous image encapsulates how ZAPU taught its forces social etiquette, ranging from discipline and ubuntu (humanity) to taking care of others and communication skills."ZPRA soldiers were taught many social manners to help them be accepted by the community. The community was also taught to accept their sons and daughters who would be protecting, educating, and caring for them," Sibanda said.Sibanda said every fighter who entered the camps was taught how to conduct themselves as a good soldier."Comrades who executed the liberation struggle were taught social behaviours and what was expected of them as they worked with people towards the goal of achieving independence," he said."The picture of our comrade Seven Dube exemplifies the type of soldier that was expected from ZPRAone that showed compassion and love."The secretary-general said Dube deserves recognition for his contribution and attributes."It was fitting that such an image was taken of him because that picture represents what ZPRA was and is. In Seven Dube, we recognize a soldier who, after the war, can still show love to people and take care of the community and their families," he said.ZAPU Matabeleland South organiser, Patrick Msongelwa Dube, who visited the former fighter last week, described this as a fascinating story that had to be told."It's a wonder that both the ZPRA soldier and the child are alive and in the same area. Seeing history come alive like this makes us appreciate and honour the sacrifices made by Dube, Ngwenya, and others who fought for Zimbabwe's independence," he said.
A federal judge has ordered the University of Oregon not to hide, mute or delete social media posts by a Portland State University professor even if they could be considered hateful, racist, offensive, out of context, off topic or irrelevant on the schools equity X account, formerly Twitter.

U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez issued the order Tuesday in professor Bruce Gilleys 2-year-old case against the University of Oregon after Gilley got kicked off its diversity Twitter account for commenting on one of its posts.

Gilley has publicly criticized state efforts for inclusive educational curriculum as identity politics and has been highly critical of university diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

He sought a court order to bar the UO from blocking him from the diversity account in the future but Hernandez denied it.

Then the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Hernandezs denial. A three-judge appellate panel , in a 2-1 vote in March, said that the UO hasnt shown that it wouldnt in the future remove Gilleys posts.

Gilley had sued the University of Oregon and a former university employee after he was bumped from the schools Division of Equity and Inclusions Twitter account following a comment he made on June 14, 2022.

Tova Stabin, who worked as a UO communications manager, blocked Gilleys Twitter account after he retweeted and added a comment to an @UOEquity tweet that included a racism interrupter tool designed to help people respond to remarks they consider racist or offensive.

The @UOEquity tweet suggested people say: It sounded like you just said ______. Is that really what you meant?

Gilley, in his retweet, filled in the blank: My entry:...you just said all men are created equal.

On Tuesday, Hernandez wrote in his new ruling that if Gilley was blocked from the University of Oregons equity account for posting all men are created equal because the post was viewed as hateful, racist, or otherwise offensive, such blocking would violate the Constitution. Deleting or hiding the post for that reason would also violate the Constitution.

Hernandez wrote that his preliminary injunction is narrow and not likely to harm the University of Oregon.

The University of Oregon had argued against any preliminary injunction, contending much had changed in the past two years.

After Gilley filed his lawsuit, the university unblocked him and the universitys general counsel sent him a letter informing him that the school didnt intend to block him in the future.

The person who had blocked Gilleys account retired the day after Gilley filed his suit. The school hired a new communications manager for its equity and inclusion division, though she hasnt started yet. The new manager will receive training on the schools social media guidelines and monitoring its social media accounts, as well as the schools bar on blocking or censoring any social media accounts based on viewpoints or protected speech, the universitys lawyer Misha Isaak argued.

The university also has adopted a new oversight system to ensure users are not blocked for viewpoints they express, making sure the communications manager cant act alone to avoid the risk of a rogue employee, according to court records.

Hernandez said those changes dont negate the need for an injunction. He said UOs changes are new and some have not been put in place yet so their effectiveness is not yet known.

The Court welcomes the efforts the University is making to ensure that First Amendment rights are upheld, but at this time Defendants have not made a strong enough showing of changed circumstances to justify departing from the Ninth Circuits conclusion that Plaintiff has shown irreparable harm, Hernandez wrote.

While the injunction is in place, the judge put a hold on the lawsuit proceeding for 60 days while both sides said they would explore settlement talks.

Attorneys Endel Kolde, of the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Free Speech, and D. Angus Lee, represent Gilley.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com , follow her on X @maxoregonian, or on LinkedIn.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
In April, Bridget McDermott was a prisoner at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and expected to spend another six months there before her release, which the corrections agency projected for Oct. 4.

But the prisons calculation was wrong. She spent an extra 21 months in Oregons womens prison when she should have been free, after serving about 14 years on a 2010 robbery, burglary and kidnapping conviction in Lane County.

Her best friend died while she was wrongly imprisoned. That extra time also prevented her from planning a smooth transition into the community and a regular life.

Instead, she suddenly learned of her release. When he came with that news, I literally thought I was having a heart attack, McDermott said in an interview with the Capital Chronicle.

McDermott is among a few people whove been suddenly released in recent years following an internal review by the Oregon Department of Corrections of its calculation of release dates, a process that takes into account factors like time served, charges and concurrent and consecutive sentencing. Public records and the corrections agencys response back up her account, which also shows the chaos that can unfold amid the scramble to quickly release a person from prison without a release plan in place.

And though the agency changed its sentencing calculation policy after a 2021 lawsuit, it still does not have a policy for handling a sudden release.

Sentence calculation errors are not common, and it is the goal of ODOC to have an accuracy rate of 100%, Amber Campbell, a spokesperson for the agency, said in a statement.

Im begging you

Her pathway to that early release started simply enough: McDermott scheduled an appointment for April with a counselor to start making plans for life after prison, an intense process that usually starts about six months prior to release. She was due to be released Oct. 4, 2024.

But on April 3, the corrections counselor approached her in a communal area of her housing unit, not a private meeting room.

He told her the agency had really screwed up.

She had been wrongly imprisoned since July 2022, he said, asking her to gather her things to leave that evening.

They were literally kicking me out in the middle of the night with nothing, no funds, really, no documents, no ride, she said.

The prison was on lockdown that night, she said, so she couldnt call anyone. She pleaded to stay another night.

I started crying, she said. I was like, Im begging you. Let me stay the night until I can get someone called.

Prison officials agreed. She left the next morning, standing next to her belongings as she waited for her ride.

I hadnt had time to give it away, so I was just out there like an idiot with a bunch of boxes, she said. Nobody searched my boxes. I could have had a small person in there. They could have come home with me.

Agency responds

In a statement, the Oregon Department of Corrections said it has changed the way the agency calculates projected release dates and shaves time off sentences for good behavior, also called earned time credits.

In McDermotts case, the robbery and kidnapping charges were not eligible for a sentence reduction, the agency said. Prison officials said calculating release dates gets complicated when a person is concurrently sentenced to prison time for different charges that qualify for a reduction in time while others do not.

A 2021 court case filed by an inmate challenged the agencys policy of not reducing time when someone is serving time concurrently for both types of charges. In response to the case, the agency changed its policy so prisoners could get earned time off for eligible convictions when the sentences run concurrently with other charges that dont qualify, the agency said in a statement.

The revised policy was applied to all new sentences, as well as applied retroactively to all (inmates) who fit the circumstances, the agency said.

To comply with its policy, the agency reviewed 2,641 inmate reports to look for those qualifying for an early release. Five people were released immediately.

This was an extremely large project that included the review of many files that had complicated sentencing factors to consider, the agency said.

The policy change applied to McDermott, changing her release date from Oct. 4, 2024, to July 5, 2022. But the agency didnt elaborate on why it held her 21 months beyond that.

The underlying issues in Ms. McDermotts case are being reviewed, the agency said.

Besides McDermott and the five earlier releases, the agency has not let anyone else out suddenly because of the change. And the agency has not established a policy on how to handle releases like McDermotts.

Currently there is not an established policy or procedure for releases that are identified as immediate, although we have recently discussed plans to develop one, Betty Bernt, an agency spokesperson, said in an email.

In general, that process includes working to enroll them in Medicaid, arrange transportation and housing, with a release bag with hygiene items. They also provide a gift card for food while waiting for food benefits.

Turning her life around

McDermott is still working to turn around her life. Now 56, she wants to become a drug and alcohol counselor.

In the events leading up to her charges in Lane County, McDermott became addicted to prescription drugs and fell into depression. Eventually she robbed an emergency veterinary hospital where she worked. She doesnt remember any of it, she said.

I woke up in the county jail wondering why the air conditioning was on so high in the house, she said. I didnt have a real recollection of what had happened.

After she realized that she had held an employee at the hospital, trying to steal their drugs, she was plagued with guilt.

Her attorney warned her that potentially she faced 50 years in prison. She took the first plea offer that came her way and later asked for her records to understand the sentence.

I was so drugged up, amazingly drugged up, it took years for me to unscramble chemically at Coffee Creek, she said.

Sarah Bieri, a staff attorney with the Oregon Justice Resource Centers Womens Justice Project, said her client, McDermott, is still evaluating legal options after spending more time than necessary in prison.

For now, McDermott is working for a janitorial services company that cleans construction sites. And she may work as a bus driver for a transit company.

Shes had a lot to get adjusted to since she first entered prison on Jan. 7, 2010.

The economy is shocking, the homelessness is shocking and the technology is overwhelming, she said.

McDermott said she believes in accountability, but with a focus on restoration.

Im not opposed to incarceration, but it should be intentional, she said. You should be getting your life back in order. You should be getting some help.
Portland police arrested a 23-year-old man in the May 4 fatal shooting of Ozell Shepherd , found collapsed on a sidewalk in Northeast Portland.

Shepherd, 34, of Gresham, died around 5 a.m. after he was shot in the 15700 block of Northeast Beech Street. Neighbors reported hearing at least eight gunshots and saw Shepherd down on the sidewalk. On Tuesday, police and U.S. marshals arrested Alex Brown-Golden, 23, in connection with the killing, Portland police said in a statement.
The cast of Criminal, an upcoming Amazon Prime Video series that is filming in Portland, features an impressive lineup of well-known actors, including Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), and Luke Evans (The Alienist).

The local casting company, Adam and the Backgrounds, has posted on Facebook about a general casting call for Criminal, which will be filming in the Portland area through October, according to the post.

These are paid extra roles, offering a fantastic opportunity to gain on-set experience, the post says. Were particularly looking for individuals who own cars from the 80s to early 2000s!

Those interested are advised to create a profile with the company, at this link:

https://adamandthebackgrounds.us.epcastingportal.com/apply

Questions can be emailed to criminalextra@gmail.com. Applicants are encouraged to include as much information and as many photos as possible in your profile.

Criminal is based on comics created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, and has been described as a drama series based on an interlocking world of crime stories.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and another vehicle were involved in a rollover crash on a Chicago-area highway Monday morning.

The Wienermobile was traveling north on Interstate 294 in Oak Brook, a Chicago suburb, when the driver struck a Hyundai Sedan, also traveling north, at about 11:12 a.m., according to Illinois State Police.
American band Limp Bizkit, fronted by Fred Durst, is coming close to Portland as part of their U.S. tour. They will perform at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater on Wednesday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are still available for the highly-anticipated tour at a variety of price points, starting as low as $22 per seat.

You can purchase tickets to see Limp Bizkit from Vivid Seats and Stub Hub.

Through a special arrangement, if you are purchasing tickets for the first time through Vivid Seats, use our special discount promo code Oregon20 at checkout to save $20 on orders of $200 or more for the event you plan on attending.

To check out their iconic Break Stuff music video, watch the link provided below:

Limp Bizkit is an American nu metal band that formed in Jacksonville, Florida. It is comprised of vocalist Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland, turntablist DJ Letha, and bassist Sam Rivers. The band rose to fame in the 90s with hits like Break Stuff, Take a Look Around, and Nookie. They were also featured in the controversial lineup of Woodstock 99, the music festival that attempted to take after the original Woodstock music gathering but ended up a wild party and safety hazard. On August 21, Limp Bizkit will perform with various other bands at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups in a speech to Congress Wednesday that sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has created.

America and Israel must stand together, said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas. When we stand together something really great happens: we win, they lose.

With criticism against him rising in Israel, too, Netanyahu also aims to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally. That task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the U.S. presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol Wednesday, and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol, denouncing Netanyahu as a war criminal and calling for a cease-fire.

First aid is administered to a demonstrator at a protest near the Capitol during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)AP

Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber. Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Johnson said shortly before Netanyahu began speaking. He received a bipartisan standing ovation.

Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage who was freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was in attendance.

The appearance makes Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahus speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat who has family in the West Bank, sat in the House chamber with a keffiyeh, which she often wears, wrapped over her shoulders. Tlaib was censured last year for her strident criticism of Israels conduct in the war.

Republicans said the absence of Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, was a sign of disloyalty to an ally. Former President Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahus speech, citing the need to campaign.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Many in the swelling crowds of demonstrators protested the killings of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the war. Others condemned Netanyahus inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas and other militants during the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war.

United States Capitol Police stand near protestors, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington, during of a scheduled visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)AP

Support for Israel has long carried political weight in U.S. politics. But the usual warm welcome for Netanyahus visits has been diminished this time around by political turmoil, including the assassination attempt against Trump and Bidens decision not to seek another term.

Many Democrats who support Israel but have been critical of Netanyahu see the address as a Republican effort to cast itself as the party most loyal.

Many Democrats attended the address despite their criticism of Netanyahu, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a March floor speech. Schumer, of New York, said then that Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

About 60 lawmakers met Wednesday with relatives of those taken hostage by Hamas, and they expressed anger toward Netanyahu. Because by coming here, he risks making himself the issue, turning the humanitarian issue of the hostages into a political one, Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage, told the lawmakers.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid. Netanyahus visit is his first abroad since the war started, and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

The Biden administration says it wants to see Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage-release. Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Netanyahu has said his aims for the U.S. visit are to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, to build support for continuing Israels battle against the group, and to argue for continuing to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.

Some Democrats are wary about Netanyahu since he used a 2015 joint address to Congress to denounce then-President Barack Obamas pending nuclear deal with Iran.

Netanyahu used an appearance early Wednesday to focus on Iran, its nuclear program and its network of armed allies. Iran is behind the entire axis of terror that threatens the U.S. and Israel, he said, speaking at a memorial for former Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that Irans nuclear program  which it says is for civilian purposes  was now one to two weeks away from having enough enriched fuel for a nuclear bomb. Blinken said there was no sign Iran had decided to take the final steps to build a bomb.

___

By ELLEN KNICKMEYER, FARNOUSH AMIRI and ASHRAF KHALIL Associated Press

Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Mary Clare Jalonick and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.
Theres a home movie theater with orange walls and plush recliners at the top of a steep hill on Matthew Rantanens ranch in Southern California. But on a recent afternoon, people werent flocking to the room to watch a movie or to escape the scorching heat, they were shining a beam of light through more than 55,000 feet (17 kilometers) of fiber optic cable coiled up in the corner.

The demonstration took place during a hands-on broadband training for tribal nations near rural Aguanga, about 53 miles (85 kilometers) north of San Diego. Participants handled fiber made up of strands of glass as thin as human hair that transmit energy through pulses of light.

The session was part of an initiative founded in 2021 by Rantanen and his business partner, Christopher Mitchell, to help shore up historic disparities in connectivity in Indian Country.

Essentially what it does is it brings together like-minded individuals that are building broadband communications for their community, said Rantanen, a descendant of the Cree Nation who has worked at the intersection of broadband and policy for two decades.

Broadband expansion has gotten a major boost from the Biden administration, which has invested $65 billion to develop internet infrastructure in places that need it. The money is fueling an unprecedented effort to connect every home and business in the country to high-speed internet, a lofty goal President Joe Biden has said he hopes to achieve by 2030.

That effort suffered a recent setback when Congress let an internet subsidy program expire despite pleas from the administration and advocates about its positive impact.

Ultimately, though, if broadband expansion is to succeed on tribal lands, it will happen because people understand how to make it work in their communities, and thats where nuts-and-bolts training sessions like this come into play.

More than 1 in 5 homes on tribal lands lack access to adequate broadband, compared to fewer than one in 10 on non-tribal land in 2024, according to Federal Communications Commission data. But experts say the disparity is likely greater.

Tribal nations have struggled to connect to the web for a variety of reasons ranging from living in remote locations to lack of investment by internet service providers. The lack of service has hampered every aspect of 21st century life, from health care and education access to the ability to start a business and stay in touch with friends and family.

A lot of tribal communities, theyre probably decades behind a lot of urban areas in terms of internet connectivity, said E.J. John, a Navajo Nation member and policy analyst at the American Indian Policy Institute. Connectivity rates are very low.

With at least $3 billion specifically set aside for tribal nations, depending on how they fare competing for the biggest pot of federal money for broadband expansion, Rantanen said he has received a flood of interest in training and applying for grants.

The solution Rantanen and Mitchell came up with was the Tribal Broadband Bootcamp, a hands-on way to help people understand the technology through three-day sessions.

We actually want people to see a fiber optic network in the ground that they can use tools to manipulate and troubleshoot, said Mitchell, who runs broadband efforts for a nonprofit called the Institute of Local Self-Reliance.

Most previous boot camps have taken place on tribal lands, but about a third of the sessions have been hosted on Rantanens ranch, which the founders affectionately call a broadband playground.

At the groups 14th boot camp in June, participants roamed the ranch on foot and by utility vehicles trailed by clouds of dust. In the home movie theater, they played with a device called an optical time-domain reflectometer, which uses light to identify breakages and impurities in a run of fiber. Halfway down the hill, outside two large storage containers that make up Rantanens workshop, attendees pulled cables through protective hollow tubes known as conduits. Later in the day, by a white tent decorated with retro sci-fi posters, they learned how to use a cable lasher to secure fiber to utility poles.

Kyle Day, a technician, attended his third boot camp to learn how manage a fiber-to-home network for the Karuk tribe in Northern California, which currently lacks high-speed internet and cell service.

For me, being here, its learning to maintain and upkeep if there is a broken fiber somewhere, Day said.

Learning these skills will save the tribe money and time, since it can take up to four hours for outside contractors to arrive, Day said.

As she spliced and repaired fiber for the first time, Erin Dayl marveled at how information is transmitted through fiber. She previously helped develop an internet company that provided high-speed internet access for pueblos in New Mexico and now works on broadband and renewable energy development with tribal nations across the country.

Information is what we all depend on, Dayl said.

Natural disasters are a big concern for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in southeastern Idaho, where some areas lack cell phone connections, said Amber Hastings, a tribe member.

If you dont have an internet connection at all, theres no way to connect yourself with emergency services, Hastings said. If theres a wildfire out there, theres no way to know about it unless you can physically see the smoke.

Claudia Tarbell, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, said connectivity has cultural implications, too. Without internet, Tarbell said people would miss important moments in pop culture, like Lily Gladstone becoming the first Indigenous actress to win a Golden Globe.

It inspires our youth to do more, to really think outside of what our normal roles and jobs are, said Tarbell, a tribal engagement manager for Calix, a broadband software company that has sponsored some of the boot camps.

Seventy-two tribes have been represented at boot camps and nearly 400 people have attended at least once. Several have gone on to become instructors.

Matthew Douglas started attending the boot camps as he was helping his community, the Hoopa Valley Tribe, transition from a wireless to wired network. He has been back a dozen times.

In addition to learning about applications and planning, Douglas team leaned on connections made at boot camps to help clinch a $65 million award, the second-largest sum of money won through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program so far.

A few months after winning the money in 2022, the Northern California tribe hosted its own boot camp.

We felt it necessary for us to try and give back, because of the success we were seeing from partnerships, Douglas said, and knowledge that was gained at the boot camps.

Fostering connections that people can rely on is exactly what Rantanen and Mitchell hope to continue seeing.

They didnt know other tribes were doing this much building and had this much experience, Rantanen said. The coolest byproduct of the boot camps is this people-network that then uses each other as resources.

That was evident during a barbecue dinner at the end of a long day on the ranch.

People talked and laughed and shared stories, building just the sort of camaraderie that the founders worked to create. Near the end of the meal, one participant interrupted the chatter to announce some in the group were going bowling later that night in nearby Temecula.

She said everyone was invited.

By KAVISH HARJAI Associated Press. Associated Press writer Arushi Gupta contributed from Los Angeles.
Tom Rinehart

Rinehart served as chief administrative officer for the city of Portland from 2017-2022. He is founder and CEO of Rinehart Strategies, a consulting firm, and lives in Portland.

With the upcoming change in Portlands form of government in 2025, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler recently took command of all city bureaus and handed over day-to-day operations to an interim city administrator to test and refine a consolidated approach to governing.

Their testing and refining should also include taking a close look at the organizational structure for the new government, specifically for oversight of police. The plan calls for dividing supervision of the police chief from supervision of the police bureau  a problematic governance model that will make it difficult to achieve the long-term reforms Portlanders want. Wheeler should make clear in this time of transition that the next mayor should delegate supervision of the police chief to the city administrator.

According to the organizational chart for the new government, the mayor will continue to oversee the police chief, as is currently the case, for budget and business operations. However, the new city administrator, with the support of a deputy, will oversee the roughly 800 police officers and 300 staff members who comprise the Portland Police Bureau.

In other large U.S. cities, day-to-day management of the police is either within the mayors responsibilities or delegated to a city manager or administrator, not split between the two of them. Vesting responsibility with a professional administrator does not absolve elected officials - like our next mayor  from ultimate accountability and oversight of the chief. It simply acknowledges the reality that most elected officials do not have expertise in city management or public safety and are not qualified to direct a police chief or fully evaluate their performance.

Portland needs a practical approach that ensures a qualified professional, not subject to the election cycle, will work with the police chief and Portland Police Association on long-term policy issues like modernizing training and accountability procedures, hiring and retaining police officers, upgrading dilapidated facilities, obtaining appropriate technology, and ensuring police are transparent with the public. A clear line of supervision and oversight will also mitigate the risk of confusion during emergencies.

The hard truth is that to make significant progress on the most difficult public safety issues takes multiple cycles of police union contract negotiations over many years. If a mayor has direct day-to-day management of the police chief while at the same time our first city administrator manages the rest of police and related employees, we will have a confused mix of political and managerial priorities. The most likely result, looking at history, is that a mayors short-term budget and policy pressures will take priority over reforms that realistically take longer due to negotiations that by collective bargaining law must be done with the police union.

The 10-year effort to start Portlands body camera program is a good example of the dysfunction that occurs when policy decisions are separated from operations and budget allocations. The Department of Justice ordered Portland to start a body camera program and yet it took a decade to come to agreement with the union and launch a pilot of the effort. Two successive mayors prioritized policies other than body cameras in police union negotiations and the budget and technology teams on the operational side of city government raised different issues and recurring financial constraints when mayors did prioritize the effort. The result was years of inaction. We will likely get more examples like this delay if the chief reports to the mayor and the rest of the police staff report to the city administrator.

Critics of this approach may say that Portlanders lose direct oversight over police if their elected representative, the mayor, assigns day-to-day management of the chief to the city administrator. The Charter Commission debated this and decided that the mayor, as our elected representative, should be the direct supervisor. This is a misunderstanding of how supervision really works each day in the complex systems of public safety and emergency management. The appropriate role of the mayor is to set policy, in alignment with the City Council, while a professional manager leads the implementation. This works in cities across the country.

Separated oversight of the chief and the bureau between the mayor and administrator sets Portlanders up for continued disillusionment with our public safety system. The next mayor should commit to letting the city administrator take day-to-day responsibility for oversight of both the police chief and police bureau. In 2025, Portlanders should know who is in charge.

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News / National

by Staff reporter

Police in Mashonaland East have arrested Memory Choga (41) from Jeche Primary School in Sadza, following the death of her husband, Douglas Choga (45), a teacher at the same school. The arrest came after Choga allegedly murdered her husband during an argument over money.It is reported that Douglas Choga had transferred his salary from his bank account to his EcoCash wallet without informing his wife. When Memory Choga attempted to withdraw money from her husband's account and was unable to, she became upset. Upon returning home, she assaulted Douglas with a log, causing severe injuries from which he later died.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident. He stated, "On July 19, 2024, Memory Choga was arrested in connection with the murder of her husband, Douglas Choga, at Jeche Primary School. The suspect assaulted the victim with a log after a dispute over his salary transfer to an EcoCash account. The husband sustained multiple injuries and succumbed to them."
The largest Black fraternities and sororities, also known as the Divine Nine, are teaming up to mobilize, educate and register voters for the upcoming election this fall.

A push that comes amid heightened public awareness about the organizations as well as disparaging remarks about Divine Nine sororities, including a Fox News host saying what some viewers heard as colored sorority. Fox maintains that the host said college sorority.

Regardless, Divine Nine organizations are buzzing since Vice President Kamala Harris announced her bid for presidency in the upcoming election.

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Divine Nine Black sorority, she has not only seen support from her sorors but also many other Black Greek Letter Organizations.

They are: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents, the leadership body of Divine Nine organizations, sent a statement to its members encouraging them to spread the word about their voter campaign, using #D9StrongerTogether to rally all historically Black fraternities and sororities.

We, the Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine 9), have met and agreed to meet this critical moment in history with an unprecedented voter registration, education and mobilization coordinated campaign, reads the joint statement from the Presidents.

The voter mobilization campaign will not only reach Divine Nine organizations but also HBCUs, where many historically Black fraternities and sororities began and have deep roots. For example, Black institutions like Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, D.C., is both Harris alma mater and where the sorority to which she belongs was founded in 1908.

This campaign will activate the thousands of chapters and members in our respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve. This nonpartisan coordinated voter mobilization effort builds on our shared legacies of social action and service to our communities, the statement reads.

While the statement from the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents noted that this voter campaign is a nonpartisan effort, Harris has always proudly claimed, supported and championed her sorority.

Earlier this month, Harris spoke at Alpha Kappa Alphas biannual Boule event in Dallas and encouraged attendees to continue that work toward voter registration and mobilization.

And so, in this moment, once again, our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward; to energize, organize, and mobilize; to register folks to vote and to get them to the polls in November, she stated at the event. For 116 years, the members of our sorority have been on the front lines of the fight to realize the promise of America. This year, let us continue that work.

Now endorsed by President Biden amid his dropping out of the race, Harris now has enough delegate support to become Democratic nominee and more than $100 million has been raised for her presidential campaign.
July hasnt been kind to the Pacific Northwests forests and wild lands  and those in Oregon, in particular.

The U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday said parts of southern and central Oregon have gone more than 45 days without wetting rains, and more than triple the acreage is ablaze in the Beaver state than in Washington, California and Idaho combined.
Stora Enso Appoints New CFO and New EVP Packaging Solutions Division

Niclas Rosenlew Niclas Rosenlew

July 24, 2024 - Stora Enso has appointed Niclas Rosenlew as Group Chief Financial Officer. He will replace Seppo Parvi, who has previously announced that he will leave Stora Enso to continue his career outside the company.

Stora Enso has also appointed Carolyn Wagner as Executive Vice President, Packaging Solutions division. She will replace Ad Smit who will retire.

Rosenlew and Wagner will join Stora Enso in January 2025 at the latest and be members of Stora Enso's Group Leadership Team.

Rosenlew is currently Group CFO at the Swedish stock-listed industrial company SKF, a position held since 2019. Prior to his current role, he held a CFO position at Basware, and senior finance positions at Microsoft and Nokia. He holds a Master of Science degree in Finance.

"I am delighted to welcome Niclas Rosenlew to the role as Stora Enso's new CFO," said Hans Sohlstrom, President and CEO of Stora Enso. "Niclas has extensive experience in leading, developing and reshaping large international organizations. His solid background in CFO and other senior positions in listed companies will be immensely valuable in Stora Enso's continued growth transition, value creation and in reaching our financial targets.

Carolyn Wagner Carolyn Wagner

"I would like to express our utmost gratitude to our current CFO Seppo Parvi for his dedicated service over the past decade and wish him success in his new professional role," Sohlstrom added.

Wagner is currently Divisional CEO of the Packaging Division at the German Klingele Paper & Packaging Group. Prior to her current role, she has held senior positions at other European corrugated packaging companies, amongst others, DS Smith and SCA. She holds a degree of Graduate Engineer Packaging Technology.

"Carolyn's strong packaging industry insight will be important in developing and advancing our packaging solutions business," Sohlstrom said. "I would like to thank Ad Smit for his key role in integrating De Jong Packaging Group into our existing packaging solutions business after the acquisition, and wish him all the best for the future."

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world.

SOURCE: Stora Enso
News / National

by APO

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in drought-stricken Southern Africa, has joined the UN Water Convention in a clear demonstration of political will for water cooperation across borders. Home to some 17 million people, Zimbabwe faces pressing water challenges linked to climate change and competing socio-economic, environmental and political demands and interdependencies for the water it shares with its neighbours.It is the 54th Party to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (UN Water Convention) and 11th African country to join this treaty, following closely the accession of Cote d'Ivoire announced just last week. The Convention constitutes a unique global legal and intergovernmental framework for the sustainable management of transboundary water resources, serviced by UNECE.In Southern Africa, a region facing extreme water stress worsened by the El Nino phenomenon where several countries have declared national drought emergencies in the past year, Zimbabwe's accession is part of a growing wave of countries on their way to join the Convention. Along with Namibia which in 2023 became the first Party in the region; Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania are currently in the accession processes, and Malawi has indicated its readiness to join. Having Parties in the region creates the enabling conditions for other countries to join and maximize the usefulness of the UN Water Convention to tackle shared water challenges. Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, highlighted that Zimbabwe's accession "is sending a tone to other countries in the region which may help them decide on acceding".Zimbabwe's accession further reinforces the strong momentum for water cooperation in Africa, where over 90% of water resources are in 63 basins shared by two or more countries.During its recent national workshop in Harare on 17-18 June 2024, Zimbabwe made clear its intention to fast-track the accession process to both the 1992 UN Water Convention, and the 1997 Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Watercourses Convention), two complementary treaties collectively referred to as the 'UN global water conventions'. Zimbabwe's accession to the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention makes it the 39th Party to this treaty, joining Namibia and South Africa from the Southern African region. Minister Masuka stated that "Zimbabwe's accession to the UN global water conventions will enable Zimbabwe to accrue multiple benefits in transboundary water resources management".Zimbabwe is already a party to several basin agreements and a member State of the associated river basin organisations, including the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM), Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM), Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM), representatives of which also took part in the discussions during the National workshop. Zimbabwe is also a party to the 2000 Southern African Development Community's (SADC) Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses. Its Water Convention accession will further strengthen this existing cooperation at different scales.The latest data on progress towards Sustainable Development Goals indicator 6.5.2 on transboundary water cooperation further demonstrates Zimbabwe's commitment to strengthen transboundary cooperation over increasingly scarce shared water resources, improving from having 69.90% of all its shared basins covered by operational agreements for cooperation in 2020, to 90.4% in 2023. Despite such strong progress, challenges remain, especially with regards to data collection and management and groundwater management. The UN global water conventions can help in these areas, specifically via the UN Water Convention's Programme of Work and associated tools and guidance materials.The UN Water Convention provides an effective global legal and intergovernmental framework and unique platform with the UN system aimed to support cooperation and sustainable management of shared waters, including groundwater. Accession can enable support by the community of Parties and experience-sharing with basins and countries worldwide, strengthen joint climate change adaptation and disaster resilience efforts, facilitate access to financing and foster broader cooperation with neighbouring countries and beyond.Secretary to the Water Convention, Ms Sonja Koeppel, recognized that "Zimbabwe's rapid accession to the UN Water Convention is a testament to the country's drive to strengthen its transboundary water cooperation on top of its already significant progress in this field." Zimbabwe's accession will be celebrated during the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Water Convention, to be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia (23-25 October), which is expected to further catalyse the momentum for water cooperation worldwide.The MOP to the UN Water Convention, organised every three years, is the largest and only international meeting driving the transboundary water cooperation agenda at the global level. Some 500 representatives are expected to participate, bringing together Ministries from about 80 countries responsible for water, environment, foreign affairs and development cooperation - from both Parties and non-Parties to the Water Convention - together with representatives of joint bodies, international and non-governmental organizations, international financial Institutions and academia from all world regions.
Reformed Baptist Gavin Ortlund stated in his video, Clerical Celibacy: A Protestant Critique (7-14-24) at 2:16:

. . . related to that the concern is a conception of celibacy as intrinsically more excellent than marriage in its nature as opposed to just a more fitting and expedient arrangement according to Gods calling.

First of all, I fully agree that Gods calling is paramount. We all must follow the vocation that God has for us. Vocation isnt relevant only to priests and nuns, pastors and missionaries. St. Paul writes: let every one lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him, and in which God has called him (1 Cor 7:17, RSV) and each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another (1 Cor 7:7). I believe I have been called to be an apologist, and I have followed that calling since 1981. I was also called to be married, as indicated by a very happy marriage that will be forty years in length this October.

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That said, and agreed with, now I submit that voluntary, heroic, self-sacrificing celibacy for the sake of the kingdom, has aspects about it that make it better in some sense than marriage, which we also regard as holy and indeed a sacrament (meaning, that it gives grace). Protestants dont regard it as a sacrament. We  and the Orthodox  do that. We even regard their marriages (if there is no defect of form; former Catholics or divorcees, etc.) as sacramental. The same Paul also wrote the following:

1 Corinthians 7:7-8 (RSV) I wish that all were as I myself am. . . . [8] To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain single as I do.

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1 Corinthians 7:28 . . . those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.

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1 Corinthians 7:32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord;

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1 Corinthians 7:34 . . . And the unmarried woman or girl is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; . . .

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1 Corinthians 7:35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

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1 Corinthians 7:38 So that he who marries his betrothed does well; and he who refrains from marriage will do better.

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1 Corinthians 7:40 . . . in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. . . .

Note that every time Paul makes a general one-on-one comparison, he states that singleness or celibacy is better (1 Cor 7:38). Why? Its never the opposite. There must be something to that, no? He does say, it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion (1 Cor 7:9), but thats a different comparison (i.e., longing for marriage and sexual desire vs. being married, where both can be properly fulfilled. Paul explains exactly what he means, earlier in the same verse: if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry (cf. 7:36).

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There is also the aspect of heroic renunciation of things good in and of themselves for the sake of the kingdom. Those who do that are in a higher state, so to speak, than those who dont. They are going above and beyond. St. Paul did this, not only in being single, but voluntary undertaking all of his sufferings. He wrote about it:

2 Corinthians 11:5, 12, 16, 23-28, 30 I think that I am not in the least inferior to these superlative apostles. . . . [12] And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. . . . [16] . . . I too may boast a little. . . . [23] Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one  I am talking like a madman  with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. [24] Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. [25] Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea; [26] on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brethren; [27] in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. [28] And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. . . . [30] If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 1 Corinthians 9:5, 15 Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? . . . [15] But I have made no use of any of these rights, . . .

Thats a heroic, saintly lifestyle. That is far relatively better in a spiritual sense than a life, say, like mine, where I do what I passionately love all day, writing apologetics at my desk (with heat or air conditioning and a nice comfy chair), ride my electric bike or Jet-Ski, travel for fun, listen to music, hike in the woods with my wife, swim in my backyard pool, visit with children and grandchildren and friends, watch good movies and documentaries, etc. None of that is bad but its not as good as what Paul did. And thats because he was  by his own choice and calling  following what Catholics call the evangelical counsels. Im not. Likewise, there is a real and true sense in which voluntary celibacy is better than marriage. Paul expressly said so. Who are we to disagree? Jesus said the same about the lifestyle His disciples willingly chose (including, in several cases celibacy or significant, sacrificial willing separation from an existing wife or other family members:

Luke 18:28-30 And Peter said, Lo, we have left our homes and followed you. [29] And he said to them, Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, [30] who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life. Matthew 19:27-29 Then Peter said in reply, Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have? [28] Jesus said to them, Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my names sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. (cf. 19:12)

Therefore, the Council of Trent in 1563 (24th Session: Canon X on the Sacrament of Matrimony) was merely reiterating Jesus and Pauls teaching above, when it decreed that no one should say that the marriage state is to be placed above the state of virginity, or of celibacy, and that it is not better and more blessed to remain in virginity, or in celibacy, than to be united in matrimony. Its not good to contradict the words of Jesus and Paul in the inspired and inerrant revelation of Holy Scripture (we can all agree).

Id love to hear Gavins reply to this argument, but he has chosen  with one lone exception  to not interact with me at any length (citing time factors and priorities). Oh well . . .perhaps someone who holds his opinion will interact.

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For related reading, see my article, Evangelical Counsels & Monasticism (Vs. Calvin #33) (1-26-19). I also have many articles about priestly celibacy on my Church web page (section: Clerical Celibacy: fourth from the end).

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On July 24th in 1901 that William Sydney Porter was released from prison.

He tried his hand at a number of jobs. He was at one time or another a pharmacist, a bank teller, and even a journalist. But it was Porters work as a bank teller that led to his indictment for embezzlement and the sequence of events leading to this day.

He fled to Honduras, returning to America only when he learned his wife whom he had planned on joining him in Central America, was diagnosed with tuberculosis and that she was dying. He returned and he was allowed his free on bail. Porters wife died in 1897.

The following year he was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

During all this time he was also writing.

He used various pseudonyms. Eventually he settled on O Henry.

He may not have been very good at banking, or, maybe it was embezzling. But it turned out he had an unusually clear eye for the human condition, and our many foibles.

For me this triggers my thoughts about the great project of introspection.

I find the most important aspect of this as a path through our various ways of clinging to our delusions and to a door through which we can walk to a sort of freedom. A mysterious, terrible, and beautiful thing.

But theres another project, not quite the same, but it walks much of the way in tandem with that other one. It is an exploration of the shape of our individual lives, found as a relentless investigation of our many identities and the stories we tell ourselves. Ive found when it is done with compassion as well as honestly, it leads to a softening of the heart, and makes a vastly better human.

A good thing.

I dont think Mr Porter got the first great project, I see no evidence he thought about it. But he did a lot of the other project, as evidenced by his writing. He loved the ironies of our human condition, and was sometimes maybe even a bit cruel in his presentation of the flow of consequences.

Irony, you know. Maybe the substance of our lives. It certainly opens us to humility, which is itself the gateway to wisdom.

And in this O Henry showed a bit of how we might engage.

So a day to note, I think.

And maybe an invitation into a bit self-reflection our own own parts
Former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu has spurned the credibility and efficacy of the mid-year budget set to be read on the floor of parliament on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 by the Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.



According to Haruna Iddrisu, the mid-year budget will not bring any significant change in the living conditions of Ghanaians and businesses that are struggling with recent economic downturns.



In an interview on Joynews on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Tamale South lawmaker said, It will produce the same undesirable outcome. It will not improve the economy from its current state. It will not lead to reduction in prices of goods and services.



Haruna Iddrisu added, "We expect them to reintroduce road toll. We told them not to touch it, but they did.



Speaking on the high debt rate in recent times, the former Minority Leader apportioned the blame to Parliament for not helping enough to prevent the high borrowing rate.



He said, Parliament must share the blame for the unsustainable debt situation. We could have helped in preventing it.



He further underscored the need for government to cut expenditure to be able to have a balanced budget in order not to experience a further decline in the countrys economic status quo.



An alternative to revenue generation is to cut expenditure, there is too much waste in the system, he suggested.



Haruna Iddrisu went on to propose the implementation of stricter measures at the ports so as to mobilise the quantum of taxes that needs to be generated from the ports.



According to him there is too much leakage at the ports in the name of exemptions. Lets police the ports he noted.



The Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam (MP), according to Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), is expected to present the mid-year budget statement to the legislature.



A statement issued by the Finance Ministry stated that the Mid-year review offers an update on the implementation of the 2024 Budget, with insights into the economic and fiscal performance for the first half of the year, including updates on growth measures, revenue, and expenditure performance, financing, debt sustainability, and related matters as well as the IMF-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG).



The budget statement is expected to highlight budget implementation for the rest of the year and a possible review of proposed policies on growth with a focus on Small and Medium scale Enterprise growth, status on implementation of key governmental programmes, revenue measures, and expenditure controls, and financing adjustments based on the half-year performance.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ghanas Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Ami Adam has revealed that the country is on the right trajectory to economic freedom.



During the reading of the Mid-year budget in parliament on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Dr. Amin Adam reiterated governments strategic implementations of policies which is seeing a revamp of the Ghanaian economy.



The Finance Minister said, Mr. Speaker, it is evident that we are on the right trajectory. The economy is rebounding stronger than anticipated. The choices we have made and the policies we are implementing are yielding results. We have reversed the negative trends, all the indicators are looking better. I want to assure you that we will stay on this path and continue to make the right choices. Our economic recovery is fast and strong.



Dr. Amin Adam, then finance minister and Member of Parliament for Kalaga, revealed that the government has been able to bring some urgencies and speed to the implementation of some key government policies which is currently seeing a swift and viable results.



Mr. Speaker, over the last six months, we have sought to bring some urgency and speed to the implementation of key government programmes and also swiftly provided the necessary support for growth-enhancing initiatives. I am again happy to inform this August House that with the support of His Excellency the President, Cabinet and other Stakeholders, we have successfully concluded the second review of our Extended Credit Facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which led to the disbursement of the 3rd tranche of 360 million US Dollars, bringing total disbursement to about US$1.6 billion.



He further stated that the government has completed the Debt Restructuring programme with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), covering US$5.1 billion dollars resulting in approximately 2.8 billion US Dollars of debt relief. This, according to the minister, means that we will not service Ghanas debt to her official creditors from 2023 to 2026.



We have concluded negotiations with our Eurobond holders, covering 13.1 billion US Dollars, which will lead to a cancellation of 4.7 billion US Dollars of our debt and provide debt service relief of 4.4 billion US Dollars between

2023 and 2026. We have concluded our negotiations with five (5) of the seven (7) Independent Power Producers, which will lead to a saving of some of US$6.6 US Billion over the lifetime of the Purchasing Power Agreements (PPAs).



We have reined in expenditures to ensure we are within 2024 Budget Appropriation and exceeded the midyear revenue target by 0.2 percent by end-June, 2024. In effect, Mr. Speaker, we are living within our means. Indeed,

consistent with our programme with the IMF, we are on course to achieving a primary surplus of 0.5 percent of GDP by end of the year.



The minister further stated that the ministry of finance has cleared all outstanding Bank Transfer Advice (BTAs) up to 2022, and working hard to pay BTAs from 2023.



We have embarked on major reforms of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), especially those in the Energy and Cocoa sectors, to be fiscally prudent and reduce their risk on the budget.



We have launched the SME GO programme to provide financial and technical support to SMEs. We have disbursed 5.4 billion Ghana Cedis to support LEAP, School Feeding programme, Capitation Grant and NHIS since January, 2024 to reduce the burden on the vulnerable in our country.



We have spent about 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis to support 1,488,575 students under the Free SHS programme between January and June this year. We have paid about 12 billion Ghana Cedis to bondholders under our Domestic Debt Exchange programme, since February, to demonstrate our commitment to the programme, he concluded.





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister of Energy, Hon. Herbert Krapa has paid a working visit to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and the Sentuo Oil Refinery to get acquainted with the organizations operations.



At TOR, the Minister, who was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), regulators of the petroleum downstream sector, met with the Managing Director, Mr. Kofi Mocumbi Tagoe and his management team and was briefed on the companys situation and also discussed governments plans.



In his remarks, he noted during a meeting that his visit to TOR tells the important interest that the President have in the company and the need for the refinery to work again, hence disclosed governments plans ahead of an extensive tour of the facility.



TOR is a strategic national asset and urgently needs a strategic partner to get back on its feet, he said.



Hon. Krapa announced a three-month timeline to revive the plant and an immediate resuscitation of TOR by government.



At Sentuo Oil Refinery, also in Tema, the Minister held a brief meeting with companys Chairman, Mr. Xu Ningquan and the management.



He also received a briefing on the company and further went on a tour of the facilities.



He welcomed the companys decision to invest in Ghana and charged both TOR and Sentuo to work in partnership for the growth of both refineries.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) celebrated its 33rd congregation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history.



A total of 1,103 graduates received their degrees, including 12 PhDs, 110 and 10 dedicated scholars who have successfully earned their master's degrees under Coventry and Anhalt universities respectively, and 971 undergraduate degrees.



The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony, extended his warm congratulations to the graduating class of 2022-2023. He acknowledged the dedication and hard work that had brought them to this milestone.



Dr. Adutwum emphasized the significance of ICT in empowering students and bridging the digital divide. He highlighted the government's efforts to provide equal access to technology and digital tools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.



The minister also showcased the governments initiatives to upgrade junior high schools and provide modern education infrastructure, stressing the importance of 21st-century education being held in 21st-century buildings.



Addressing the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on the job market, Dr. Adutwum acknowledged the potential loss of 85 million jobs but emphasized the creation of 97 million new jobs. He encouraged the graduates to develop the skills and innovation needed to thrive in this new era.



Become innovators, creators, and critical thinkers, he urged, using your knowledge and skills to drive economic growth and development in Ghana.



Vice-Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa also congratulated the graduates on their achievements, urging them to embrace the opportunities that come their way. "Embrace the honorable opportunities that come your way, illuminate the path with your acquired skills and knowledge, and remember to uphold the image of your alma mater," he advised.



Professor Afoakwa highlighted GCTU's achievements, including the recent approval of new postgraduate programs and the establishment of a technology hub. He emphasized the universitys commitment to providing diverse and robust education in technology and engineering, reflecting GCTU's mission to be a cornerstone of technological and engineering education in Ghana.



The Vice-Chancellor praised the graduates for their hard work and dedication, noting that their presence at the ceremony was a testament to their perseverance and determination. He encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence, to be innovative and creative, and to make a positive impact in their respective fields. Professor Afoakwa also acknowledged the contributions of the university's faculty and staff, expressing his appreciation for their dedication and commitment to excellence, which have helped shape the academic landscape of the university.



Mr. Nana Kwasi Kufour a graduating Business Administration student delivered the valedictory address on behalf of the graduates. He noted that many of them had experienced various challenges in the course of their studies, and was grateful that despite the the obstacles, they had been able to sail through and were graduating successfully. On behalf of the graduating class, he thanked all who contributed in various ways to their success.



He urged his fellow graduating students to make it their aim to influence the world positively, wherever they may find themselves.



As part of the ceremony, academic awards were presented to outstanding graduating students.

Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom









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The ongoing impasse between the members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has taken a downward turn as the leadership of CETAG directs all members to withdraw all their services following governments decision to freeze their July salary.



In a statement sighted by Peacefmonline.com, the leadership of CETAG urges members not to attend meetings and congregation programme as well as cease all academic related activities including provision of academic counselling and supervision of students at their various halls of residence.



The call from the leadership of CETAG is stemmed from a directive issued by the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei-Adutwum to the Controller and Accountant General not to validate salaries for July 2024 of the teaching staff of the colleges of education due to their ongoing strike.



Excerpts of a letter dated July 23, 2024, of CETAG stated, "Leadership has referred the illegal directive to freeze our July salaries to our lawyers to take the necessary action on it immediately."



It is recalled that, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission called on the ministry to withhold salaries of the members of CETAG; a call greatly supported by the National labour Commission.



Meanwhile, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has backed the decision by Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to freeze the salaries of the teachers.



In an interview with JoyNews, Ofosu Asamoah, the Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission said, "This is like two elephants fighting and I feel so sad about it. The court has injuncted the strike, yet they are continuing with the strike. With that, it makes the strike illegal because the court says 'this strike is not right, so stop'.



"When it becomes an illegal strike, the law provides that they should not be paid for the period they engaged in the illegal strike."



.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has urged young people not to join nationwide cost-of-living protests planned for next week, saying they are the work of sinister people capitalising on the countrys economic woes.



Organisers are said to have drawn inspiration from events in Kenya.



Protesters in the East African nation are now calling on President William Ruto to resign after winning key demands - including the scrapping of planned tax rises and the dismissal of almost the entire cabinet.



Nigerias last mass demonstration was three years ago, against a reviled police unit accused of extra-judicial killings.



The #EndSARS movement achieved its aim of disbanding the force but was met with a violent crackdown in which dozens of protesters were killed.



As demonstrations planned for 1 August in Nigeria draw nearer, President Tinubu has urged organisers to drop their plans.



Capitalising on the economic hardship in the country, some men and women with sinister motives have been reported to have been mobilising citizens, particularly youths, to stage a protest, he said.



The speech was delivered on the president's behalf to a gathering of traditional leaders on Monday by the secretary to the government, George Akume.



Referring to India, which has been hit by religious clashes, and Sudan, which has been destroyed by a civil war, he added: Lets learn from India and Sudans experiences. We are a country with more than 200 million people. Therefore, we cant afford to have this kind of situation.



Trade union bosses are urging Mr Tinubu to sit down with the protest organisers, and not to dismiss their concerns as sponsored political dissent.



A situation where most Nigerian families are forced to eat one miserable meal a day and eating from the dustbin beckons for serious intervention by the government, said the Nigeria Labour Congress.

But Mr Tinubus camp has accused supporters of defeated presidential candidate Peter Obi of planning the protests, and galvanising support on social media with hashtags such as #TinubuMUSTGo and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.



Obi should be held responsible for anarchy, said presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga in an online post.



Mr Obis Labour Party has issued a statement denying this, calling the allegations a figment of the author's imagination and branding the government puerile.



Labour Party, Peter Obi and our supporters are not planning any protests, the statement continued, but pointedly added: The people have the right to protest and it is within their constitutional right.



Mr Obi rallied young people, mostly in southern Nigeria, in the 2023 election, but came third. He alleged that the result was rigged in Mr Tinubu's favour, but a court dismissed his case.



Local media say there is also opposition to the planned protests from a group of small-scale retailers, called the Self Reliance for Physically Challenged Traders of Nigeria, who say they do not want to experience the turmoil and violence that occurred during the #EndSARS protests, which left deep scars on our nation.



Across the continent in Uganda, there are similar fears from President Yoweri Museveni who warned protesters against "playing with fire and accused them of undermining his government while we are busy producing wealth for the country.



A number of demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday trying to make their way to parliament to protest against what they say are high levels of corruption in government.



On the same day in neighbouring Kenya, police tear-gassed hundreds of protesters in the capital city, Nairobi. Many were attempting to reach the main airport and shut down operations.

Source: BBC









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Richard Jakpa, the 3rd accused person in the ongoing ambulance trail, suffered a significant blow to his case in court on Thursday, July 18, 2024, after a witness he had subpoenaed to support his case by leading evidence of his professional conduct in the Armed Forced, ended up doing the exact opposite based on his testimony in court.



It would be recalled that during Jakpas cross examination by the prosecution, specifically on 27th June, Japkas credibility was significantly impeached particularly with the tendering into evidence his damming military records which spoke about Jakpas fraudulent conduct, abrasiveness and general indiscipline, which are incompatible with decent and gentlemanly composure required of officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.



On Thursday, July 18, Jakpa had sought to repair the damage that had been done to his case by subpoenaing the Military Secretary to testify in the case. However, the testimony of the Military Secretary did no good to Richard Japkas case at all. Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi, the Military Secretary, testified that Jakpas dismissal letter was prepared after many reports, discussions and interviews had been conducted with Richard Jakpa.



Strangely, Jakpas lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, who subpoenaed the Military Secretary and requested for specific documents to be produced by the witness, failed to ask a single question about the documents he had requested for, or to ask the witness to tender those documents. Lawyer for the first accused, Dr. Ato Forson, indicated that he did not have a single question for the subpoenaed witness.



When it got to the turn of the Republic to cross-examine, the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame leading the prosecution, asked the Military Secretary whether he had brought to court the documents Mr Jakpas lawyer had subpoenaed him to produce, to which the witness answered in the positive. The Prosecution asked the witness to tender the documents in evidence.



The first document tendered and accepted by the court in evidence was a Special Report on Richard Jakpa dated 20th May, 2004 and entitled "SPECIAL REPORT ON LIEUTENANT RA JAKPA". The Attorney-General asked the Military Secretary to read the whole document to the hearing of the court, which the witness did.

The report elaborated on Jakpas misconduct in the Ghana Armed Forces and noted that Richard Jakpas conduct was "not only unacceptable but smacks of indiscipline" and is "lackadaisical and unprofessional".



The report prepared by Richard Jakpas own Commanding Officer, indicated that the Commanding Officer had on numerous occasions interviewed the 3rd accused about many incidents of misconduct but the situation persisted. And that, Japka had failed many times to write his examinations, and also failed to report to barracks after attending courses.



In addition, he was sent on a mission to Lebanon and became indebted to a local Lebanese businessman in Lebanon, Tarek Ezziddine.

Further, he was nominated to attend a One Month orientation course at RHQ Recce Regiment. He attended classes for only 3 days in Week One, 1 day in Week Two and Week Three. The Special Report concluded that Japkas conduct in the Regiment had "reached its climax" since both formal and informal interviews were not yielding any results.



Mr. Dame asked the witness whether Mr. Jakpa was given a copy of the Special Report on him. The witness answered "Yes", and indicated that it is even stated on the document that Jakpa is one of those who were given copies of the Special Report.



The Attorney-General asked the witness to tender the document in evidence. This was admitted by the court. Mr. Dame asked Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi whether he was aware that the documents the prosecution had already tendered at the trial regarding Jakpas military records were given to the Attorney-General officially by the Minister for Defence. The witness stated that, yes, he was aware.



The A-G then asked the witness whether, from the evidence he had given in court, he would say that Richard Jakpa was honourably released from the service. Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi stated that from what he had tendered, Richard Jakpa was not honourably released from the service. Also, if one is honourably released from the Military, it would be expressly stated in one's release letter that one is being honourably released. However, no such thing was done in Richard Jakpas situation.













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News / National

by Mandl Ndlovu

The Association of Mining Journalists in Zimbabwe (AMJZ) has appointed Munyaradzi Hwengwere as its new Patron. Hwengwere, a seasoned media and publications relations executive and a notable entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the association.Hwengwere is the founder of Ray of Hope, the company that owns and operates the Midlands regional radio station Ya FM. His extensive career includes serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and as the General Manager of Buy Zimbabwe, a campaign aimed at promoting local products and services. Most recently, he was appointed as a Board Member of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).As Patron of AMJZ, Hwengwere will provide honorary leadership and strategic guidance, advocating for ethical journalism and excellence in reporting within the mining sector. His role will also involve enhancing the association's visibility, networking with key industry stakeholders, and promoting high standards of journalistic integrity.Tafadzwa Dube, President of the Association of Mining Journalists in Zimbabwe (AMJZ), expressed his enthusiasm about Munyaradzi Hwengwere's appointment as Patron of the association:"We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Munyaradzi Hwengwere as our Patron. His remarkable journey and achievements in the media and mining sectors are a true inspiration to all of us. His wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to ethical standards will undoubtedly elevate the quality of our work. Mr. Hwengwere's appointment marks a transformative moment for AMJZ, as we strive to set new benchmarks in journalism. His guidance will not only empower our members but also foster a culture of integrity and excellence in mining reporting across Zimbabwe."In a statement, Khumbulani Malinga, the Secretary General of AMJZ, expressed the association's excitement over Hwengwere's appointment: "Mr. Hwengwere's extensive experience in both the media and mining industries makes him an ideal Patron for our association. His leadership and expertise will be invaluable in driving our mission to improve the quality of journalism in Zimbabwe's mining sector."Hwengwere's appointment is seen as a significant milestone for AMJZ, signaling a commitment to fostering a more informed and engaged community of mining journalists. His involvement is expected to inspire and motivate members, setting a benchmark for journalistic excellence and ethical reporting.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina Constituency of the Greater Accra Region, Honourable Amadu Bukari Sorogho, has been sentenced to pay a fine of GHe 30,000 for contempt.



The former legislator was fined to pay GH30,000 by July 31, 2024 and in default, will serve a one week prison sentence.



This follows Honourable Sorogho's disobedience of an interlocutory injunction order granted by the Accra High Court in suit No: GJ/0340/22, for flauting a court order restraining the former MP from building illegally on the land situated at Madina Estate, opposite the Magistrate Court.



This was involved in the case between the plaintiffsMr Musa Suleiman Rami and Mr Umar Suleman verses the 1st defendant, Amadu Sorogho, 2nd defendant: state housing company and 3rd defendant: La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly.



The presiding judge, His Lordship Justice Richard Apietu has found the former MP guilty of contempt of court but his lawyer, Mr Jah Josiah pleaded with that court that Honourable Sorogho should be given a minimal sentence because he [Amadu Sorogho] has serious health issues.



Lawyer Jah Josiah told the Court that the former MP should not be given a custodial sentence. That the court should give him a stern warning for him to stop building until the final determination of the case in the law court.



Mr Jah Josiah told the Court that being the lawyer for Honourable Sorogho, he would make sure that he advises him not to engage any unlawful activity on the land because his client was a former

legislator and law abiding citizen.



However, Mr. Charles Habiah, lawyer for the plaintiffs-Mr Musa Suleiman Rami and Mr Umar Suleman stated that Honourable Sorogho used his position as the former MP to deliberately disobey court orders and went ahead to order his workers

to continue to put up the structure which the court had restrained him from developing.



In this regard, the lawyer for the plaintiffs told the court to give Honourable Sorogho a custodial sentence. The judge in his ruling, sentenced Honourable Sorogho to pay a fine of GHe 30,000 by July 31 for contempt and in default, he will serve a one week prison sentence.



Brief Background of the matter



Honourable Sorogho is erecting an illegal building on land situated at Madina Estate, opposite the Magistrate Court and that the plaintiffs-Mr Musa Suleiman Rami and Mr Umar Suleman had took him to an Accra High Court complex General Jurisdiction 11, with suit Number GJ/0340/22.



The plaintiffs took him to court and prayed the court to stop Honourable Sorogho from constructing the building because he was encroaching on a common space and also violating State Housing rules and regulations which was enshrined in the offer of sale letter given to occupants of the house.



Following this development, the court referred the case to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and asked all parties involving in the case to stop work on the said land Honourable Sorogho disobeyed the court order and went to continue to build on the land, hence the judge has slapped him with a fine of Ghe30, 000.00 to pay.















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Authorities in Illinois have released shocking footage of a White Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy killing a black woman who called 911 fearing an intruder was in her home.



Illinois State Police said Sonya Massey, who is Black, called 911 in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 6, to report a suspected intruder outside her house in Springfield, Illinois, with two officers showing up at the property.



Body cam video shows Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two sitting on her couch, volunteering to give the deputies some paperwork and looking for her ID.



Deputy Sean Grayson then notices a pot on the stove, asks Massey to check on it, and gives her Massey permission to move it. He says they don't need a fire in the house.



The video then shows Massey turning off the flame on the stove and picking up the pot.



"Where are you going?" Massey is heard saying. "Away from your hot, steaming water," Grayson says.



"Away from my hot steaming water?" Massey seems to say in the video. "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."





"What?" Grayson says.



"I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey says.



"You'd better f***ing not. I swear to God, I'll f***ing shoot you right in your f***ing face," Grayson says.



He then raises his gun, a 9mm pistol, and yells at Massey to "drop the f***ing pot!"



Massey is seen apologizing and ducking for cover, at which point Grayson shoots her. Three shots are heard in the video.



Grayson did not activate his body camera until after firing the shots, Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser said. But his partner had his on and captured shots.



After the shooting, Grayson allegedly advised his partner not to give medical aid to Massey because of the severity of her injuries. When the other deputy says he is going to get his med kit just after the shooting, Grayson is heard saying: "She's done. You can go get it, but that's a headshot."



Soon after that, Grayson is heard saying to the other deputy: "What else can we do? I'm not taking a pot of boiling water to the f***ing face, and it already reached us."



Grayson then leaves to get his med kit, as the other officer says they can at least try to stop Massey's bleeding.

It was also gathered that Grayson claimed that Massey had boiling water and came at him with boiling water.

Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail while he awaits trial.



"(The video) is going to shock the conscience of America. It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional," civil rights attorney Ben Crump said. "This sheriff's deputy was twice as large as Sonya. Why would you have to use a gun to shoot her in the head?"



Watch the video below

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The Ellis Mothers Hope Foundation, a dedicated non-profit organization, has made a significant donation to underprivileged and expectant mothers at Mamprobi Hospital. The donation, which includes a complete set of essential baby items and an undisclosed amount of money, aims to support mothers during and after pregnancy.



Speaking to the media, Victoria Otoo-Aidoo, the founder of Ellis Mothers Hope Foundation, highlighted the organizations commitment to assisting vulnerable mothers. She explained that there is an assessment process conducted by the hospital once pregnant and underprivileged mothers begin antenatal care. These mothers are then referred to the Ellis Mothers Hope Foundation for further support.



Our objective is to take care of mothers before birth and up to one year after birth. We also look into ways to help them survive and invest in their future, Otoo-Aidoo stated. She emphasized the foundations goal to ensure that mothers are not only supported during pregnancy but also equipped with resources and guidance to thrive post-birth.



Several mothers who have previously received donations shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the continuous support provided by the foundation. They testified that the assistance extended beyond childbirth, with ongoing care and attention from the foundation.



Founded in June 2020, during the challenging times of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Ellis Mothers Hope Foundation was established to address the increased economic hardships faced by expectant mothers. Initially based at Saltpond Hospital in the Central Region, the foundation has now expanded its operations to Accra.



The mission of the foundation is to improve the lives of vulnerable expectant mothers and underprivileged mothers within the communities it serves. Their vision is to extend their reach across Ghana, ensuring more regions benefit from their support. The foundations aims include improving healthy birth outcomes, educating on family planning and childcare, reducing mortality rates, and empowering young girls to achieve independence before starting families.



The success of the Ellis Mothers Hope Foundation is attributed to the collective efforts of midwives, district nurses, health visitors, doctors, and social workers at Saltpond Hospital and Mamprobi Hospital. This collaboration ensures that the foundations ethos of providing comprehensive care and support is effectively fulfilled.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has inaugurated the Salaga Slave Market and heritage site in the Savannah Region as part of efforts to boost tourism in the area.



The site consists of an information office, slave wells and statues of slaves, showing how they were chained and handled in the 18th century at the market for sale.



Located in Salaga, the East Gonja Municipal capital, it served as a market where slaves were brought and transported to the coast for export to European countries during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, as well as an outpost for the movement of slaves along the Trans-Saharan routes.



The inauguration of the facility formed part of activities to commemorate this years Emancipation Day celebration. The occasion was witnessed by the Lepowura, Abdul Karim, who represented the Kpembewura, Banbangne Nndefoso IV; the Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Seth Adjei Baah; Members of Parliament (MPs) for the area, and directors of various agencies in the region, among others.



Relevance



Mr Mercer described the market as a key centre where slaves were exchanged for kola nuts, cowries and gold, underscoring the grim reality of human commodification during the dark period of history.





He said the facility would boost the local economy and also foster cross-cultural understanding between different communities, both locally and internationally.



"Salaga's dual role as both a local trade centre and a major outpost for the trans-Saharan slave routes highlights its strategic importance in the broader network of the slave trade.



Let us come together to promote tourism in the region and across the country by fighting against discrimination and oppression that persist in our society, the minister added.



He reiterated the ministrys commitment to develop tourist sites in the country to boost the sector. Mr Mercer charged local authorities and other stakeholders to take proper care of the facility to attract more tourists to the area.



Commendation

For his part, the Municipal Chief Executive of East Gonja, Richard Broni, commended the ministry for developing the site, saying it would generate revenue for the assembly. He expressed his outfits commitment to collaborate with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to market the facility to attract more patrons.

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The Minority in Parliament has rescheduled the date for its second protest demanding the removal of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, and his two deputies.



Originally set for July 30, the protest has now been moved to August 13. In a letter to the police on Tuesday, July 23, the Minority explained that the change was due to the launch of the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) 2024 campaign in Tamale, scheduled for July 27.



The Minority indicated that many of its members would be attending this campaign launch, which would leave them with insufficient time to prepare for the protest.



"Following our discussion and conclusion of the date with your office, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced the 27th of July 2024 as the date of the launch of our national campaign in Tamale."



"Given that this date is so close to our planned demonstration in Accra, the 27th July date has become inconvenient."



"Pursuant to sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Public Order Act 1994 (Act 491), I hereby write to request for the rescheduling of the demonstration from its original date of Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Tuesday 13th August 2024, between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. The route remains the same."

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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed to the electorate, particularly those from the northern part of the country to help him make history by electing him as the next President of Ghana.



He said if elected, he would become the first Muslim President and northerner from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to do that. He said history beckons the party in the December general election and asked the electorate to help him and the party to make that history.



Rally

Dr Bawumia made the appeal last Monday, when he addressed party faithful during a rally in Wa as part of his constituency-focused nationwide campaign tour. During the tours, Dr Bawumia engages traditional authorities, religious and opinion leaders, the youth and all facets of society to shed more light on his vision for Ghana's future.



He said the presidency was coming to the north next as both candidates of the leading political parties were from the north.



But if you vote for Dr Bawumia, Ghana has a chance to make history that Christians and Muslims together will make the first Muslim President of the Republic of Ghana, he said.



He said the next election was a choice about the country's future and urged the electorate to make a choice that would guarantee their future.



Digital skills

He said one million youth would be empowered with digital skills to enable them to work remotely and be self-employed. We are going to change Ghana and need your help on December 7 to vote for Dr Bawumia.



We are thinking about the future and the future is about the youth, he reiterated.



Parliamentary candidate

For her part, the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Wa Central, Hajia Humu Awudu, said it was time to bring change to the constituency by voting for her. She, therefore, called on the electorate to vote massively for her and the presidential candidate to bring more development to Wa Central.



Dr Bawumia had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Wechiau, Naa Imoru Nandon Gomah II at the chiefs palace. Naa Gomah assured Dr Bawumia that the chiefs and people of Wa West would vote for the candidates of the NPP due to the party's sustained commitment to the development of the area over the years.



He said the NPP government since 2004 had given the district a lot of developmental projects, citing the creation of the Wa West District by the NPP government in 2004, a facelift in road projects; the free senior high school programme, as well as the school feeding programme..



He said the district was also benefitting from the governments Agenda 111 hospital project.



Vote NPP

Dr Bawumia said voting for him and the NPP on December 7, 2024, would allow him to build upon the gains made so far under the government.



"My vision for Ghana's future will see us, among other things, train our children for the future and equip our youth with the requisite skills to create jobs and compete favourably with their contemporaries across the world," he stated.

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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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Former President John Dramani Mahama was enskinned as Chief of Peace with the title Chief of Suhudoorana by the Chief of Walewale in the North-East Region of Ghana last Monday.



The brief enskinment ceremony took place at Duuraanas Palace in Walewale, where Chief Duuraana Abudu recognized Mahama's efforts in maintaining peace throughout Ghana.



Chief Abudu lauded Mahamas peaceful demeanor and his commitment to unity since his political career began as a Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, eventually becoming a deputy minister, then the Minister of Communications, and finally the President of Ghana.



Chief Abudu highlighted Mahama's reputation as a peaceful leader, a recognition that has extended beyond Ghana's borders. He also praised the former president for his honesty and truthfulness, urging him to maintain these qualities to make Ghana a better place if he is elected in the 2024 elections.



The chief made a request for a police station, a tertiary institution, and a ministerial position for the region.



In his response, former President Mahama expressed gratitude to the chief and the people of Walewale for the honor and promised to work hard to ensure peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections. He pledged a peaceful campaign while cautioning the NPP-led administration against undermining the will of the people in the upcoming elections.



Mr. Mahama was in the region to support the fundraising dinner of the North-East Regional National Democratic Congress in preparation for the 2024 general elections. He was accompanied by Mr. Julius Debrah, a former Chief of Staff, and the NDC Regional Chairman, Tanko Ibrahim.















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Interior Minister, Henry Quartey says the Nana Akufo-Addo-led NPP government has reshaped the country with developmental projects despite some hardship alone his tenure.



According to him, Ghana can now boast of many infrastructures and policies that have helped solve major problems in the country.



Henry Quartey told NEAT FM's 'Ghana Montie' that the recent commissioning of police housing must be commended.



He, however, pleaded with Ghanaians to help the continuation of the national developments by voting for the NPP and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 7 election.



We brought Free SHS and have built housing units for Police Officers so we hope Ghanaians vote for us, he said.



Adding that; if Ghanaians decide otherwise there will be a smooth transition."



Listen to the interview below







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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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Xi sends congratulatory message to sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum

Xinhua) 08:00, July 24, 2024

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum on Tuesday.

Xi said this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties. With the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has been moving forward full of vigor, and bilateral energy cooperation has become increasingly mature, stable and resilient, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he said.

At the new historical starting point, China stands ready to work with Russia to continuously push forward the mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, safeguard the steadiness and resilience of the energy industrial chain and supply chain, so as to contribute to a more robust, green and healthy development of global energy industry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to the forum on Tuesday.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Experts expressed optimism about China's long-term social and economic policies outlined in the resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively, saying the modernization drive of the world's second-largest economy is of global significance. The resolution was adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held last week in Beijing. The communique from the plenum announced the adoption of the resolution. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, president of the Pak-China Corridor of Knowledge and executive director of the Center for South Asia and International Studies, said, "The communique of the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee shows a holistic and comprehensive policy agenda, covering all aspects of robust economic development, along with further support for new quality productive forces, which is a good omen for (China's) economic stability, sustainability, diversification and modernization." "The communique stands for further liberalization of the economy and policy guidance, which will ultimately foster more development and social productivity. It also guarantees social justice and equality by supporting people-centric policies. All of these convey the message of constructive policies, further opening-up and international cooperation," he said. He pointed out that regional and global enterprises' keen interest in further investing in China shows that regional and global communities welcome the outcome of the third plenum. "The long-term stability and vast growth potential of the world's second-largest economy disseminate the message of reliability, productivity and positivity. China's institutional opening-up and the development of new quality productive forces will definitely create more opportunities for the entire world, benefiting not only the Global South, but also the Global North," he said. Jasna Plevnik, president of the Geoeconomic Forum, a think tank in Croatia, said: "The communique is also about better understanding each other globally. It observes relations among countries in a profound way. That is why the communique attracted a lot of attention in Europe, and globally." "China, as the world's second-largest economy, has the power to significantly affect the future course and stability of the world order. Though faced with an international situation full of chaos, noncooperation and underdevelopment trends, China's commitment to building an equal and orderly multipolar world emphasizes that it will not retreat from universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and will enhance regional opening," said Plevnik. She added that the third plenum has given people the hope that the world can be better. Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China, commended the resolution, saying the document highlights China's willingness to leverage its enormous market to bolster capacity for openness, expand collaborations with others, and refine mechanisms for high-quality cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. In China, reform and opening-up have unlocked the potential of its people, resulting in notable economic and social transformations, he said. "China's modernization endeavors align with the UAE's agenda for 2030, both of which are focused on advancing sustainable development. I hold an optimistic outlook on China's economic future, expecting continued robust growth, which will pave the way for more cooperation that will benefit both our nations and the global economy," he said. James Chin, professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania in Australia, said that China's quest to promote new quality productive forces, apart from its drive for Chinese modernization, can also serve as a countermeasure to negative moves by some that aim to suppress China's growth. Chen Weihua in Brussels and Yang Ran in Beijing contributed to this story.


Keir Starmer bids to reset Britain on world stage with talks in Germany, India and G20

Sir Keir Starmers government is pressing ahead with plans to reset Britains global relations and repair the harms of Brexit, announcing a landmark security pact with Germany and the reopening of trade and defence talks with India.

Foreign secretary David Lammy is in Delhi to revive negotiations that foundered under the Tories, while Rachel Reeves is heading to Brazil for her first G20 summit as chancellor, and on Wednesday, defence secretary John Healey signed a joint defence declaration in Berlin, hailing it as a step towards a deep new relationship between Britain and Germany.

But critics have warned that the prime minister needs to go much further and use the deal with Germany as a springboard for the UK to integrate its military with EU forces.

Mr Healey said the agreement shows that the government is getting on with the job and resetting our relationships with Britains European allies.

John Healey hailed the signing of a new security pact between Britain and Germany as the first step towards a deep new defence relationship between the two countries (PA)

Defence ministers agreed on a number of priorities for tighter cooperation as part of the new accord, recognising the need to collaborate more closely to defend our shared values, according to the Ministry of Defence.

These include strengthening UK and German defence industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, improving the efficiency of joint operations, confronting evolving security challenges such as the cyber domain and supporting Ukraine.

It comes as Britain pushes towards renegotiating its Brexit deal with the EU on trade and cooperation, while European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has been tasked with agreeing a new security pact with the whole of the European Union. Talks on the latter began at the Nato conference in Washington DC, with the support of US president Joe Biden.

Sir Keir has insisted that, while the UK is open to integrating further with the EUs joint military structure, his intention is that Britains armed forces will remain separate from those of the bloc.

But with concerns over the impact of a potential Donald Trump presidency on Nato, former Liberal Democrat armed forces minister Sir Nick Harvey  now chief executive of all-party pro-EU pressure group the European Movement  urged the prime minister to go further.

Nato states in Europe are rearming, he said. If the UK is a bystander to this, Europe will miss a historic opportunity to connect its soft power with hard power in a world where one is nothing without the other. Europe-wide scale is the realistic way for countries both to achieve Nato financial goals and to improve military efficiency and effectiveness in Europe.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has insisted that Britains military will remain a standalone entity (PA)

He pointed out that successive governments have cut Britains military footprint, and that the army is at its smallest since the Napoleonic wars. Sharing costs with EU allies is the best way to make up for these shortfalls, Sir Nick said.

At the start of his two-day visit to India, Mr Lammy said: Our free trade agreement negotiations are the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security.

I am travelling to India in my first month as foreign secretary because resetting our relationship with the global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.

Mr Lammy will seek to rally support for stronger action on the climate crisis, and will discuss Indian-led global initiatives to build access to clean power and climate resilience in the global South and in small island states.

He will also meet business leaders during a visit to Indias third-largest technology company.

A trade deal with India could grant more favourable access for British companies to a market of 1.4 billion people.

But it comes with some question marks over the treatment of Muslims by Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government, and his decision to maintain close ties with Russia despite the invasion of Ukraine, including a public embrace with Vladimir Putin during a trip to Moscow earlier this month.
The 2024 East Coast Winemakers Summit brought together personnel from some of the best wineries on the East Coast (and Ohio).

Held at Boordy Vineyards on June 25, it welcomed winemakers and owners from six states: Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina and Ohio.

All except one have been operating for at least 10 years, and two go back decades: Linganore Winecellars opened in 1976 and Boordy Vineyards goes back even further, to 1945. The current owners, the Defords, bought the place in 1980.

With that much experience in the room, and with the future of the industry challenged by changing trends and new competition, it made sense to send the following basic questions to all who participated:

1, What makes you optimistic about the future of the business?

2, What is the biggest challenge or challenges moving forward?

I heard back from a majority of the participants. Heres how they answered the questions:

Julianne Donnini, co-owner and winemaker, Auburn Road Vineyards, Pilesgrove, New Jersey

1, Optimistic  Im optimistic about the newer/younger wine drinkers. They are more adventurous and curious. They will take a chance on wines from any region as long as its interesting and well-made. I am also optimistic that we are inventing and making equipment that could reduce synthetic pesticide use and make more sustainable grape growing everywhere. See Clean Works, a combination of ultraviolet light, ozone and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide mist provides more than 99% protection against powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot and other pathogens.

Autumn Road Vineyards in Pilesgrove, New Jersey, features a European-style vineyard wine bar, patio and courtyard surrounded by the vines. It opens at noon seven days a week.Autumn Road Vineyards

2, Challenge  Even though the younger wine drinker might be more curious, the economy has to improve to continue to grow that market. As a result, we need to still build credibility with the more traditional wine drinkers (older with disposable income) and get those people to take our wine region seriously. And of course to get the requisite funding to make that happen from our state. N.J. has no money to support grape growers and wineries.

Justin Taylor, winemaker, Parker Binns Vineyards, Mill Spring, North Carolina

1, Optimism for me in the future of the business lies in the hands of colleagues my age or younger who are showing trend-setting techniques on different varietals that could be redefining sustainability and quality. We have one shot each year to take our lessons from the previous, and show off our site and what it is capable of. When you taste examples of a wine that has been grown with intention and made into a high-quality product, it creates a bigger podium for all of us to stand on.

2, Challenge  I believe the biggest challenge in vintages to come will be showcasing grapes and wines that might not hold a position of worldwide fame, yet they exhibit characteristics in the vineyard and winery that deserve a new approach. My example is the work that I have done with French American hybrids like Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc that I think are just barely scratching the surface in terms of market presence, but in the East we can make fantastic examples of these wines. Being market leaders is a very tough proposal.

Joe Juniper, co-founder, winemaker, and viticulturist of Ohio Vineyard Management and co-owner/winemaker at Vermilion Valley Vineyards Wakeman, Ohio:

1, Optimistic  There has been no greater time in history for quality wine than now. We quite literally have a world of information at our fingertips. Who would have thought dairy farmers in southern Pa. could grow and produce an exceptional Carmine, of all things? Or an inner-city kid like myself to have the knowledge and ability to produce world-class Pinot Noir? Technology generally gets a bad rap but I like to focus on the positive side. The beauty of connecting like-minded people and the resource that it is, to elevate quality and communicate with patrons. You cant listen to the news more than 5 minutes today without hearing the phrase inflection point. Though I think there is much hyperbole wrapped into such a phrase, I think it also applies to the wine industry as a whole. The wine industry is looking at tough times ahead but I believe staying connected to one another and the public at large through technology will be the thing that helps us pull through.

2, Challenge  Ill answer this in two parts, one relating to the vineyard and the other to wine/sales.

Vineyard: Historically I would have said climate change. Note, I said climate change and not global warming. A phrase though true, has been easily picked on and refuted by ignorant naysayers for years. Rather climate change and the short-term events that create extreme peaks and valleys in typical weather patterns. Things like polar vortex freezes, drought, monsoo- like rains, excessive heat, etc. However, though Mother Nature will always reign supreme, we have gotten wise and adaptive to her forces. The largest challenge we face in the vineyard today is herbicide drift of 2,4D and Dicamba products. With no protection available and oftentimes little to no recourse in the event of severe damage, it leaves specialty crop growers incredibly vulnerable. Since 2018, weve lost literally millions in retail value due to herbicide drift and there is literally nothing we can do but watch it happen.

Also, I have attached a piece I wrote in Sevenfifty Daily some years back about herbicide drift for a better frame of reference.

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/why-winemakers-should-be-fighting-against-herbicide-drift/

Vermilion Valley Vineyards, in Wakeman, Ohio, is open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and noon to 10 on Friday and Saturday.Vermilion Valley Vineyards

Wine/sales: We are now in a world of brand consolidation and surplus fruit diluting regional authenticity. Furthermore, with the neo-prohibitionist movement afoot and a growing hyperhealth-focused society, we must remain proactive and thoughtful. The negative connotation that these four items bring can only be overcome through communication and proper messaging. We must continue to circle back to what wine IS instead of focusing on what wine isnt and allowing others to write the narrative. Wine IS food, Wine IS agriculture, Wine IS family/friends, Wine IS culture, Wine IS society, Wine IS history, Wine IS a sense of place, Wine IS jobs, and for some of us .... Wine IS LIFE!!!!

Zack Wilson, co-owner, Wayvine winery & vineyard, Nottingham, Pennsylvania:

1, Optimistic  I think we are just getting started. I am very optimistic about the region as a whole. The next generation is getting involved in the industry and we have decades of knowledge and experience at this point. I believe that the days of hearing Pa. wine or other neighboring states wine is poor quality, is over. Many wineries are focusing on quality and have the ability to make quality wine out of their grapes. The customers are starting to understand we have our own flavor and terroir like every other wine region and appreciate it.

2, Challenge  The biggest challenges moving forward are making sure the wine from our region is being represented clearly and that the grapes being used are expressed in the wine and label. It can be misleading in our industry to use grapes from another region and not express it on the labels. We need to make sure we are all collaboratively working towards creating a consistent quality wine that best represents our region.

Melissa Aellen, winemaker, Linganore Winecellars, Mt Airy, Maryland, along with comments from Ray Mitchum, head winemaker, and her dad Anthony Aellen, winery president:

Melissa Aellen

1, Optimism  Im most optimistic about having more expansion opportunities and flowing with the market trends. People are willing to be more adventurous in their wine choices and we are in a great position to educate those wishing to learn more about wine.

2, Challenge  I think the biggest challenge is going to be becoming accessible to a younger audience. Wine hasnt always been the most friendly and easy-to-purchase beverage which makes the barrier to entry incredibly high for some demographics.

Ray Mitchum

1, Optimism  How quickly wine quality has improved over the last 10 years across the whole mid-Atlantic region, and the number of educated vintners and winemakers, optimistic about the warmer/drier changing climate with more good vintages than poor ones

2, Challenge  Acceptance of mid-Atlantic wine and the wine industry as a whole, the fear of Pierces Disease and invasive pest challenges.

Anthony Aellen

1, Optimism  People are still drinking, and climate change is also allowing us to grow a wider variety of grapes.

2, Challenge  Figuring out where he will retire to! (hahaha) But in all seriousness, he is also concerned about climate change on an overarching scale and tries to do everything possible to mitigate our input at Linganore.

Jeremy Ligon, winemaker, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, Delaplane, Virginia:

1, Optimism  I am optimistic that our grape growing area is getting better and better each year. Our area is experiencing warmer, dryer, longer growing seasons with cool nights that are ideal for premium grape growing. I am optimistic about getting the chance to produce high-quality premium wines from my home state of Virginia for the foreseeable future.

2, Challenge  One of our biggest challenges moving forward is selling wine and appealing to the new generation of wine drinkers. Now more than ever there is an abundance of alcohol-related options including wine, beer, liquor, seltzers, spritzers, hard kombucha, cider etc. ... as well as new nonalcoholic drinks that have gained in popularity such as hop water, seltzers, energy drinks, non-alc beer, non-alc wine etc. There is also a rise in the legalization of recreational drugs that has shifted the amount of young people drinking alcohol as a percentage fill that need with recreational drugs. For wineries to gain success and stay successful we need to adapt and appeal to meet our new and returning customers needs.

Larry Shrawder, owner, Stony Run Winery, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania:

2, Challenge  Im afraid I am not optimistic at all about the future of our business. We have been pulling out vineyards, reducing our acreage from 70 down to about 45 at this time. We are still unable to sell our current production, either as fruit, juice or wine. Competition from out-of-state and foreign wines in our local sales channel as well as the proliferation of WINOs (wineries in name only) has spread the customer base too thin to maintain sufficient sales to support an economically sustainable estate winery. Add to that the nonenforcement by the PLCB of state laws and the fact that daily cannabis use now exceeds daily alcohol use and it leaves me very concerned about the future. Its a shame because global warming has given SE PA Bordeauxs climate and we are producing world-class wines. [A current proposal] would open the state to every winery in the world to sell wine in PA provided it went through the right hands. This would be the final death blow to the viticultural industry in PA. So no, I am not optimistic about the future of viticulture in PA. We, of course, will continue ... to grow grapes as long as there is the possibility of turning the situation around. To that end, a new vineyard and estate winery association has been formed and will promote the viticultural industry in PA. I wish I could be more optimistic but we will see.

Editors note: Schrawder is the former president of the Pa. Wine Association (PWA)

Robert Butz, owner, Windridge Vineyards, Darnestown, Maryland:

1, Optimism  We believe that the buy local movement remains strong and is a driver of customers to our winery. It is important to note however that while customers may be interested in giving us a try because we are local, they are not as inclined to give us much grace or exceptions to providing excellent wine and service at a price they perceive a value to. We feel this dynamic is healthy and an indication of a maturing local wine industry. We are an estate winery so our business depends on the quality of grapes produced by our vineyards. As our vines mature we are pleased with the fruit and resulting wine they are producing and are hopeful our grapevines will provide the backbone of our wine for many years to come.

2, Challenge  While the buy local phenomenon is real, we are not immune to the macro national trends of declining wine consumption and winery tasting room traffic. It will be important for us to continue to provide a reason for customers to come visit us recognizing that they have a wide range of other options.

Rob Cox, winemaker, Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton, Virginia:

1, Optimism  The main thing that leads to my optimism on the future of our business is the continued investment not only financially, but also in time education, experimentation and effort by the people in our industry that genuinely care about making the best wines we possibly can.

2, Challenge  Two of the biggest challenges that I think we have moving forward are first, QPR (quality to price ratio) perception of our consumers. I feel a lot dont a lot of skeptical customers think the better quality wines are necessarily worth it. Second, getting our wines recognized more outside of our region will help with the legitimacy of our wines on a larger scale.

Randy Phillips, owner and winemaker at Cave Ridge Vineyard in Mt. Jackson, Virginia:

1, Optimism  The innovation and experimentation taking place in viticulture and winemaking will improve wine quality and introduce new wine styles to upcoming wine drinkers.

2, Challenge  Adapting to changes in consumer preferences for wines that are produced more naturally, have lower alcohol, and have a sense of place.

Boordy Vineyards, in Hydes, Maryland, is open seven days a week.Boordy Vineyards

Phin Deford, vice president, Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, Maryland:

1, Optimism  For the last 20 years, Boordy has been implementing changes in the vineyard and at the winery with two goals in mind: to grow the best grapes and make the best wine that we possibly can, year after year; and, to provide a top-notch destination and visitor experience for customers who choose to spend their limited time visiting us. This began with a complete re-planting of our vineyards to new varieties, clones and rootstocks, followed by the construction of our winery building in 2013, and culminating with the renovation of our barn last year. Our work is never done, but I feel immense pride every morning when I show up to work, and, most importantly, the feedback were hearing from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. I believe Boordy is well-positioned to capitalize on the changes weve implemented, and Im optimistic about the direct-to-consumer side of the business.

2, Challenge  There are several concerning trends affecting the craft beverage industry. To elaborate, Im inserting an excerpt from my dad, taken from a recent email exchange between him and Carlo DeVito following the Summit:

The internet, cannabis, the changes in small retail stores from a customer service model to a self-service model (favoring large well-advertised brands), the negative shift in dietary guidance from FDA, and oversaturation of the market with concept products (basically just flashy graphic design) which I believe has confused consumers and caused them to retreat to the familiar. Another disturbing trend is the oversaturation of events & festivals. The two large festivals that used to generate a lot of cash and goodwill for strapped Maryland wineries have all but collapsed. When we started the Maryland Wine Festival in 1984 it was so novel that we had to get legislation passed to hold it, and it was a huge success from the outset. Now it seems that every community, shopping mall, church, etc. has a festival and there are hundreds of farmers markets to compete with. Again, consumer distraction.
A Pennsylvania bill which would replace child pornography with a new term has lapsed into law.

Gov. Josh Shapiro allowed this bill to pass without his signature due to the fact it was incomplete.

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports how Senate Bill 187  which amends the 2004 Children Internet Protection Act by replacing the term child pornography with child sexual abuse material (or CSAM) was unanimously passed in the Pennsylvania House on July 3 and was presented to Shapiro a little under a week later.

You can listen to this story  along with other important news related to Pennsylvania  on the Today in Pa. podcast below:

However, The Center Square continues to report how Shapiro  although he claims he fully supports the bills initiative  chose not to ink the legislation, as it lacked clarity on defining what constitutes child sexual abuse material, leaving it up to schools and libraries to make this distinction when crafting internet use policies.

The same Capital-Star article explains that the state Constitution allows for a bill approved by the General Assembly to become law within 10 days with or without the governors signature. As such, this bill will go into affect Sept 17, during which time public institutions are expected to change the language for their internal policies.

The Center Square explains how this update in terminology was made on the suggestion of the Child Pornography Task Force, who claimed how child pornography was not only outdated, but also failed to fully encompass the gravity behind the crime.

The phrase, child pornography fails to adequately capture what is contained int he images or film, whereas child sexual abuse material specifically identifies the child as a victim of sexual abuse that has been captured in still photographs or videos, elaborated the bills prime sponsor, Sen. Judy Ward.

Shapiro has directed the General Assembly to correct this omission when they return to session this coming fall.
The trial regarding the murder of rapper and Philadelphia, Pa., native, PnB Rock, has begun.

However, the lawyer of one of the defendants is claiming how the trial has started off primarily with guesswork.

PnB Rock  whose real name was Rakim Hasheem Allen  was shot and killed at the age of 30 while eating at Rosecoes Chicken & Waffles in Los Angeles, Calif., with his girlfriend in September 2022, then-reported TMZ.

The Los Angeles Times reported the following October how Tremont Jones and Freddie Trone were later arrested. Jones was charged with two counts of robbery, conspiracy to rob, and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Trone was charged with one count of murder as well as two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.

Trones murder charge was due to the fact that he was later accused of sending his 17-year-old son into the restaurant with a loaded gun in order to rob PnB Rock, Rolling Stone is now report. He was additionally seen speaking with Jones and another unidentified man outside the restaurant just moments before the shooting, and attempted to cover up the crime by setting the getaway car on fire a few blocks away from their home.

However, Trones lawyer, Winston McKesson, has argued that Trone had no part in the murder, and that his son acted alone.

My client, Freddie Trone, did not pull the trigger, stated McKesson. He was not inside the restaurant at the time.

This charge of murder is the most serious charge. We have to have evidence to support it.

The teenager is being prosecuted separately due to being a minor, confirmed Rolling Stone.
Thanks to TikTok and other forms of social media, many here in North America can see what 7-Eleven stores look like in Japan, and it puts American 7-Eleven stores to great shame.

The onigiri, fried chicken, sushi, egg sandwiches, fresh cakes and pastries, mochi and an array of hot bar items youll find overseas is a far cry from the Slurpees and greasy hot dogs most U.S. locations offer.

Now, however, that 7-Eleven has become a Japanese-owned company (the franchise was founded in Texas in 1927) a change could be coming to U.S. stores.

According to a Wall Street Journal piece on The Economics of 7-Eleven, the company aims to make one-third of its sales from food, a jump from its current level of 24 percent.

We believe that we need to change our business model from one that relies on gasoline and cigarettes to one in which customers choose us based on our products, CEO of Seven & I Holdings Ryuichi Isaka told Bloomberg. The key to this change is fresh food.

When 7-Eleven opened its first shop in Japan in the 1970s, the formula proved to be a super successful one and the operation eclipsed its United States counterpart. In 2005, 7-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd., owned by Seven & I Holdings, acquired full ownership of the brand.

The company is, according to Food & Wine, building out a supply chain that can deliver fresh food daily its convenience stores, as well as items that cater to regional tastes.

Part of the reason for the upscale change is that cigarette sales are declining and electric vehicles could put a dent in gas sales as well. The company believes that improving overall food quality will help make up for those losses.








By Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News (TNS)

NEW YORK  The CrowdStrike computer program outage that crippled private businesses and municipal governments across the globe on Friday has left dozens of 9/11 retired first responders without their workers compensation checks, union officials said Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, workers compensation payments for EMS members that were supposed to be directly deposited have still not gone through, leaving the first responders without a much-needed financial boost that can range from $700 to $900, said Gary Smiley, a former city paramedic and World Trade Center liaison for Local 2507, the citys EMS union.

A lot of these people live paycheck to paycheck, Smiley said. They cant work because theyre not allowed to work. This is their money. What are you supposed to tell these people?

The city has assured Smiley that the payments will be sent out soon, but so far, none of his members has received anything, he said.

The comptrollers office has been fielding scores of phone calls about the Workmans Compensation Divisions failure to make the payments, Smiley was told.

An email to the Workmans Compensation Division, the comptrollers office and the city Law Department were not immediately returned.

The division receives about 17,500 new claims a year from employees injured on the job, according to its website.

While the CrowdStrike breakdown grounded flights, disrupted businesses and knocked banks offline around the world Friday, emergency services were not affected but some city offices did suffer disruptions, officials said.

2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
By Hannah Fingerhut, The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa  An Iowa judge has ruled the states strict abortion law will take effect Monday, preventing most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant.

The law passed last year, but a judge had blocked it from being enforced. The Iowa Supreme Court reiterated in June that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the state and ordered the hold to be lifted. That translated into Mondays district court judges decision ordering the law to into effect July 29 at 8:00 a.m. Central time.

Lawyers representing abortion providers asked Judge Jeffrey Farrell for notice before allowing the law to take hold, saying a buffer period was needed to provide continuity of services. Iowa requires pregnant women to wait 24 hours for an abortion after getting an initial consultation. Abortion had been legal in the state up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

FILE - Abortion-rights protesters attend a rally, June 24, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Iowas strict abortion law will take effect Monday, July 29, 2024, banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)AP

The high courts order gave a decisive win to Iowas Republican leaders after years of legislative and legal battles.

Iowa will join more than a dozen states where abortion access has been sharply curbed in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Currently, 14 states have near-total bans at all stages of pregnancy and three states  Iowa will make four  ban abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion access stands to be a major issue in the 2024 election, especially as Vice President Kamala Harris aims to lead the Democratic Party. Harris has said everything is at stake with reproductive health in Novembers election and has traveled across the country to draw attention to the issue, including in Des Moines roughly a year ago after the stricter law initially passed.

Iowas Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law in a special session last July, and a legal challenge was immediately filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Emma Goldman Clinic. The law was in effect for just a few days before a district court judge temporarily blocked it.

Today is a victory for life, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Tuesday.

There are limited circumstances under the Iowa law that would allow for abortion after six weeks of pregnancy: rape, if reported to law enforcement or a health provider within 45 days; incest, if reported within 145 days; if the fetus has an abnormality incompatible with life; or if the pregnancy endangers the mothers life.

The states medical board defined standards of practice earlier this year, though the rules do not outline how the board would determine noncompliance or what the appropriate disciplinary action might be.

Representatives from Planned Parenthood and the Emma Goldman Clinic have indicated they will continue to provide abortion services in Iowa in compliance with the law when it takes effect.

Before that point, Planned Parenthood said Tuesday it will continue to operate under current protocols, and take as many appointments as possible.

In June, Ruth Richardson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, also said the organization has spent the last year making long-term regional investments in preparation for this outcome, including expanding facilities in Mankato, Minnesota, and in Omaha, Nebraska,  both cities near Iowa.

Planned Parenthood in Iowa has ceased abortion services in two Iowa cities in the last year, including in Des Moines. Two of the states five Planned Parenthood clinics offer in-person abortion services, and three offer abortion through medication.

People in and around Des Moines seeking an abortion have been traveling about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north to Ames.

Alex Sharp, who manages the Ames facility, said conversations with patients will be difficult once the ban lifts and staff will be empathetic. There is the sensitivity of being told youre too far along and its too late now: You have to, you know, leave and go somewhere else and you have to travel and youre going to have to miss work again.

A lot of people dont know this happened, Sharp said of the stricter law.

Sarah Traxler, the Planned Parenthood regions medical director, said a law prohibiting abortions after cardiac activity can be detected is tricky.

Since six weeks is approximate, Traxler said, we dont necessarily have plans to cut people off at a certain gestational age.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 44% of the 3,761 total abortions in Iowa in 2021 occurred at or before six weeks gestational age. Only six abortions were at the 21-week mark or later.

In other states with bans that kick in around six weeks into pregnancy, the number of abortions has fallen by about half.

In its 4-3 opinion last month, Iowa Supreme Courts majority determined that abortion laws in Iowa are to be judged by whether the government has a legitimate interest in restricting the procedure, rather than whether there is too heavy a burden for people seeking abortion access.

The decision was celebrated by Iowas conservative leaders who have advocated for decades against access to abortion. Chuck Hurley, vice president of the conservative Christian organization, The Family Leader, said bad judges for over 51 years allowed access to abortion in Iowa.

While Hurley celebrated the victory and the great strides in protecting the most innocent among us, he alluded to the work still to be done.

Fourteen states now protect babies from the moment of conception, he said, and Iowa should be the 15th.

Associated Press reporter Geoff Mulvihill contributed from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Oregon has nearly as many wildfires burning as three neighboring states combined.

As of Tuesday, Oregon had 38 active wildfires that ranged in size from 0.01 acres, near the Umpqua National Forest in Clearwater, to over 223,800 acres, in Baker Countys Durkee area, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates fire response for Oregon and Washington.

California, Idaho and Washington combined have 45 fires, with California at 24, Idaho at 12 and Washington at nine, according to Cal Fire, the Idaho Department of Land Management and Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Over 767,600 acres are burning in Oregon, compared with 105,800 acres in California, 71,200 in Washington and 7,700 in Idaho.

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Dist. 2, who represents all of eastern Oregon and parts of southern Oregon in Congress, called the situation horrible and placed the blame on unthinned timber throughout the state. He said combating the blazes was an almost herculean task.

The federal folks are doing their best to do the impossible, Bentz told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Four of the largest fires in Oregon, three over 100,000 acres and one over 200,000, are in the central and eastern parts of the state.

Carol Connolly, spokesperson for the coordination center, said recent thunderstorms and lightning explain why Oregon has the highest number of active wildfires and why they are concentrated in the central and eastern parts of the state.

From Sunday to Monday, Oregon recorded around 1,300 lightning strikes, while neighboring Washinton had only 128, Connolly said.

Lightning sparked the Durkee fire Wednesday in Baker County. The fire is 0% contained, the center reports.

Northwest of Burns, the Falls fire  which started on July 10  has grown to 139,500 acres and is 40% contained, the Northwest Incident Management Team 8 reported. The fire growth is due to a series of thunderstorms and winds up to 25 mph.

The management team reported they conducted a successful tactical burnout operation Sunday night near Coral Creek to secure a line near private properties.

The Cow Valley fire, located north of Vale, is at 133,400 acres. The fire has burned more than 128,000 acres of grazing range since starting on July 11 and is 78% contained, according to Oregon Department of Forestry.

Lone Rock fire, 10 miles southeast of Condon, has grown to just over 131,400 acres since starting on July 13, Central Oregon Fire reported.

More than half of the fires are concentrated just 12 miles north of Crater Lake, where a cluster of 25 fires rest within a 30-mile radius. Most of the fires are relatively small, with the largest fire being a little over 1,100 acres.

On Monday, state officials ordered a Level 3 (go now) evacuation order to the south of Hood River and east of Mosier for the Microwave Tower fire.

Naturally caused fires are not preventable but preventing any human-caused wildfires is crucial for aiding firefighters battling the ongoing ones, Connolly said.

Any new human-caused fires will take critical resources to put out, she said.

 David Nunez covers breaking news and public safety for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-294-7607 or dnunez@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
Protesters glue themselves to road near Montreal airport in action to 'end oil'

Montreal police were working to unstick the third protester on Wednesday afternoon. (Marie Isabelle Rochon/Radio-Canada - image credit)

A group of protesters blocked the ramp to the departures area at Trudeau International Airport for several hours on Wednesday, causing a traffic backlog in the area.

Three of the protesters, who were carrying a sign that said "oil kills," glued themselves to the ground and refused to move.

The group Last Generation Canada said in an Instagram post that the protest was one of several undertaken simultaneously at airports in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Austria and Finland.

"We are part of an international uprising to end oil by 2030," the group's post said. "We are demanding our government endorse the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty proposal and implement a national firefighting agency."

Three protesters glued themselves to the ramp leading to the airport's departures terminal.

Three protesters glued themselves to the ramp leading to the airport's departures terminal. (Radio-Canada)

Montreal police said the airport requested assistance around 10:30 a.m. When officers arrived on the scene, they found six protesters shouting environmental slogans. Three of them left, but the other three glued themselves to the ground.

Long lines of traffic extended away from the airport for several kilometres.

By 2 p.m., the protesters had been unglued.

A spokesperson for the airport said "a concerted action by a group of individuals is causing delays in accessing the YUL airport site," but added that the site was still accessible and there was no impact on flight operations.

Images from the scene showed travellers exiting their cars and walking past the traffic to get to the terminal.
By David Koenig and Matt Ott, The Associated Press

U.S. regulators are investigating why Delta Air Lines failed to recover as quickly as other airlines from a global technology breakdown and whether Deltas treatment of passengers stranded by canceled and delayed flights violated federal rules.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Tuesday announced the investigation into Deltas response to the outage, which he said has affected more than half a million of the airlines passengers.

FILE - A Delta Air Lines plane leaves the gate on July 12, 2021, at Logan International Airport in Boston. U.S. airline regulators have opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines, which is still struggling to restore operations on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, more than four full days after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and disrupted global air travel. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)AP

A Delta official said the airline expects to return to normal operations by the end of the week.

Delta and its Delta Connection partners canceled more than 500 flights Tuesday. That was down by more than half from Monday but still accounted for nearly two-thirds of all canceled flights in the United States, according to tracking platform FlightAware.

Many airlines were affected when cybersecurity company CrowdStrike sent a faulty update to more than 8 million Microsoft computers around the world late last week. Most of them reduced cancellations to roughly normal levels by the end of the weekend.

Atlanta-based Delta and its partners have canceled more than 6,500 flights since Friday, far more than any other airline, according to figures from FlightAware and travel-data provider Cirium.

Buttigieg said his department will investigate how it could be that days after the other airlines are back to normal, Delta is still canceling hundreds of flights.

At a news conference, Buttigieg said the Transportation Department will also examine Deltas customer service, including unacceptable lines for customer service and reports that unaccompanied minors were stranded at airports. He said the department has received more than 3,000 complaints about the airlines breakdown.

Delta said it was cooperating with the investigation.

We remain entirely focused on restoring our operation after cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrikes faulty Windows update rendered IT systems across the globe inoperable, an airline spokesperson said in a statement. Across our operation, Delta teams are working tirelessly to care for and make it right for customers affected by the disruptions.

John Laughter, Deltas chief of operations, said the airline was moving planes, pilots and flight attendants to where they need to be so we can return to normal operations by the end of the week.

The collapse at Delta has been stunning for an outfit that was widely viewed as the best big U.S. airline  the most profitable before and after the pandemic, and the best-run. In recent years, Delta has almost always ranked near the top among all U.S. carriers for on-time performance.

Delta appears to rely more than other airlines on systems that run on Microsoft Windows. The airline said upward of half its technology systems are Windows-based, including a key tool used to schedule pilots and flight attendants. That system could not keep up with the high number of changes triggered by the outage.

Delta said late Tuesday that a backlog of issues in the crew-scheduling system was reduced by 75% over the last 36 hours, and the airline was also making progress in returning lost bags to their owners.

In addition to probing the cause of Deltas collapse, investigators are likely to focus on whether Delta is complying with federal requirements such as offering prompt refunds to passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed. The refunds are supposed to be in the form the customer used to pay for their ticket  typically a credit card  and not just a voucher.

In a text provided to The Associated Press, a Delta passenger whose flight was canceled Saturday was told, If you prefer not to rebook your trip, your ticket value will automatically be available as an eCredit that can be used towards a future Delta ticket.

In Washington, lawmakers are beginning to weigh in. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chair of the Senate committee that oversees airlines, said in a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian that she is concerned that Delta is not complying with passenger rights contained in a law that Congress passed in May.

While the technology outage was clearly not caused by Delta or any airline, I am nevertheless concerned that Delta is failing to meet the moment and adequately protect the needs of passengers, Cantwell wrote.

Deltas meltdown mirrors that of Southwest Airlines, which canceled nearly 17,000 flights over 15 days in December 2022. A Transportation Department investigation ended with Southwest agreeing to pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement.

Southwest blamed its breakdown on a winter storm, but other airlines recovered in a couple days while Southwest did not. Consumer advocates see the same pattern with Delta this month  the airline continues to blame the CrowdStrike outage while rivals such as American recovered quickly. Even United Airlines, the second-worst at cancellations, was back on track Monday.

Its not about the thing that caused the problem, its about how you recover from the problem. Thats the test of an airline, said William McGee, a former aircraft dispatcher who is a consumer advocate at the American Economic Liberties Project, a group critical of large corporations.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP)  Multiple wildfires in the Canadian Rockies largest national park sent up to 25,000 visitors and residents fleeing west over the last open mountain road Tuesday, navigating through darkness and soot following a government alert during the areas busiest tourist time of the year.

Its wall-to-wall traffic, Carolyn Campbell, an Edmonton resident, said by phone from her vehicle. [The smoke] is pretty thick. Weve got masks in the car. She said it took hours to move just seven kilometers [about 4 miles], and worried about others who fled with little gas in their tanks.

Hundreds of wildfires are burning in western Canada, and those fleeing Jasper National Park and Jasper town  home to 4,700 full-time residents  in Alberta province were given the unusual order later Tuesday to make a vast U-turn east if they needed a place to stay. To the west, British Columbia province already had more than 300 wildfires of its own.

Stephen Lacroix with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency said Jasper town estimated about 10,000 people, including seasonal workers, were there when the evacuation call went out. Lacroix said police were going door to door to make sure everyone has left. He also said Parks Canada estimated about 15,000 people had been in the park.

Photos and videos shared on social media overnight into Tuesday showed long lines of vehicles, their headlights glowing, inching through swirling tendrils of smoke.

Fires threatening from the northeast cut off highway access east to Albertas capital, Edmonton. Another fire roaring up from the south forced the closure of the north-south Icefields Parkway. That left one route open west to British Columbia.

But Alberta fire officials said British Columbia had its hands full with its own evacuations. Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said reception centers were instead being set up in Grande Prairie and Calgary in Alberta, requiring long detours through parts of British Columbia by the drivers fleeing the Jasper area.

Alberta has been baking under scorching temperatures that have forced another 7,500 people out of a string of remote communities. About 170 wildfires were burning across the province.

The Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park said the evacuation was progressing well, and park and town officials scrambled to clear traffic gridlock, find fuel for vehicles and help vulnerable people to safety while marshaling resources to battle the fires.

Everyone in Jasper must evacuate now, the Alberta government said in an emergency alert late Monday. Parks Canada noted an evolving and dynamic situation.

Evacuees were told they had five hours to clear out  by 3 a.m. Tuesday  and carry with them key documents, pets, medication and any other emergency supplies.

Parks Canada said evacuations had been carried out at numerous campgrounds as well as the Athabasca Hostel and the Palisades Stewardship and Education Centre.

Katie Ellsworth, fire management officer with Parks Canada, said helicopters were dousing targets with water and looking to evacuate hikers who might be trapped in the backcountry.

Jasper National Park said reservations from July 23 to Aug. 6 were being canceled and would be fully refunded.

Many evacuees at first sought refuge in Valemount, British Columbia, a town of 1,000 people about 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of Jasper.

The communitys pretty full, town administrator Anne Yanciw said. Every parking lot, boulevard, side of the road, field  anything that looks like it could fit a vehicle is full.

A reception centre is readied for wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

Some evacuees spent the night on the floor of the local arena. A church served a pancake breakfast while drinks, snacks and information were on offer at Valemounts community hall and visitor center.

A lot of the fires that were fighting right now were [caused by] lightning, and theres expected to be more coming in the near future, Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen said.

A record number of wildfires in 2023 forced more than 235,000 people across Canada to evacuate and sent thick smoke into parts of the U.S., leading to hazy skies and health advisories in multiple U.S. cities, including the greater Harrisburg region.
A 66-year-old woman died Tuesday afternoon when the car in which she was a passenger rear-ended another vehicle while changing lanes on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, police said.

Jennifer L. Perez-Wolfkeil and a 69-year-old male driver, both of Niceville, Florida, were traveling in a Kia Sportage when the crash happened around 4 p.m. on I-81 north at mile marker 98.3 in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania State Police said.

The Kia rear-ended a Nissan while switching from the right to the left lane. After the crash, a Hyundai  unable to stop or get out of the way  crashed into the back of the Kia, according to state police.
The remnants of a gruesome shark attack washed ashore on an Australian beach.

Now doctors are racing to see if the limb can be reattached, according to the BBC.

The scary ordeal happened as the victim, 23-year-old Kai McKenzie, was surfing North Shore Beach around 11 a.m. on Tuesday when he came across a massive great white shark that was fast approaching, according to 10 News First and Surfer.

The shark, which measured 15 feet, latched onto McKenzies right leg before there was enough time to react. Even though he was able to fight it off, it severed his leg in the process.

As he bled and was barely able to maintain consciousness, the surfer, fortunately, was able to catch a wave into shore, where an off-duty police officer used a makeshift tourniquet for McKenzies amputated limb.

He used the lead off his dog as a tourniquet... and essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there, NSW Ambulances Kirran Mowbray told BBC of the police officers rapid, heroic efforts.

The surfers leg washed up a short time later and was placed on ice by locals before being taken to the hospital, and a medical team is currently going over surgery options, according to BBC.

As for McKenzie, he remains in critical, but stable condition at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Australia.

Mowbray described McKenzie as calm and able to talk after the attack Hes just a really brave and courageous young man, she added.

Officials have used a drumline and drones to assist in locating the shark that attacked the surfer, but two separate species were located near the area where McKenzie was attacked later that Tuesday.

We will be working  to try and locate that shark and identify what type of shark that was, Chief Inspector Stuart Campbell told 7News.

A GoFundMe page to help McKenzies family with his medical and rehabilitation costs has been created, garnering over $77,111.56 USD as of Wednesday.

A team rider for the surf grip and hardware brand Rage, McKenzie had just returned to the water after fracturing his neck, which forced him to take time off from surfing.
Editors Note: This story was updated to note State Sen. Kim Ward briefly served as lieutenant governor in 2023.

Pennsylvania soon could have its first Black governor. Thats what Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-191, told PennLives listeners this week on Battleground PA. Of course, there are a few ifs, ands, and buts involved. But its not a far-fetched scenario.
For the first time since dropping out of the presidential race, Joe Biden will address the nation at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Bidens speech tonight hopes to make a case for his legacy  and for Vice President Kamala Harris to continue it. The president will deliver an Oval Office address about his decision to bow out of the race and what lies ahead.

Even though the president wont be on the ballot this November, voters still will be weighing his legacy. As Harris moves to take his place as the Democratic standard-bearer, Bidens accomplishments remain very much at risk should Republican Donald Trump prevail.

How Bidens single term  and his decision to step aside  are remembered will be intertwined with Harris electoral success in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

And no matter how frustrated Biden is at being pushed aside by his party  and hes plenty upset  he has too much at stake simply to wash his hands of this election.

Heres how to watch the speech tonight:

Also Wednesday, Harris will head to the Republican state of Indiana, and Trump is holding his first public campaign rally since Bidens exit from the 2024 race.

Multiple protests are planned outside the Capitol, with some condemning the Israeli military campaign overall, and others expressing support for Israel but pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home hostages.
WASHINGTON  The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies Wednesday before a House committee about the July 13 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)AP

The revelation to the House Judiciary Committee was part of a collection of new details offered by Wray about the July 13 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBIs investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

The FBI has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks movements and online activity, but the precise motive  or why Trump was singled out  remains elusive, Wray said.

A lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded, anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, Wray said. He did note that Crooks had grown interested in public officials  besides Trump, Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent figures  and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump, the Republicans White House nominee.

Wray also said that Crooks, about two hours before the shooting, had flown a drone about 200 yards from the rally stage where Trump would later stand and that Crooks used the device to livestream and watch footage. The use of the drone so close the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage for the rally add to the questions about the security lapses preceding the event.

This June 3, 2022, still image taken from video provided by the Bethel Park School District shows student Thomas Matthew Crooks during commencement.(The Bethel Park School District via AP)

Wray pledged to lawmakers that the FBI would leave no stone unturned in its investigation.

I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example  a particularly heinous and public one  of what Ive been talking about, Wray said.

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting, as part of the committees routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session.

Despite being appointed by Trump, Wray typically faces antagonistic questions from the Republican-led panel, a reflection of lingering discontent over the FBIs investigation into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 campaign, when Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray: Im sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBIs ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.

The FBI so far has avoided the same level of scrutiny over the shooting directed at the Secret Service over security failures that preceded the shooting and led to the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Super Senior Navy Vet Uses WSOP Cash to Help Friend in Need of Double Lung Transplant

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was filled with plenty of heart-warming stories, one being that of 79-year-old Navy Veteran David Lower out of Gilbert, Arizona.

He played in Event #59: $1,000 Super Seniors and cashed his first-ever WSOP tournament finishing 42nd out of 3,362 runners for $9,709. Whats more, he donated $5,000 of that to help in the efforts for his friends son to receive a double lung transplant.

Lower is also hoping other poker players may be willing to donate to HelpHopeLive.org for Shannon Zane King, who is currently in a hospital in Oklahoma City. Donations can be made to the above 501(c)(3) organization or the South-Central Transplant Fund in honor of Shannon.

Shannon is the son of one of my high school classmates back in Oklahoma, Lower told PokerNews. She and I have been friends since high school. When I found out about Shannon's illness, I told her that I would donate half of any winnings. Not having cashed in six previous Senior Event, this was my first Super Seniors and my only cash.

For a Good Cause

According to HelpHopeLive.org:

Shannon is 56 years old and lives in Oklahoma City. Born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he has lived in Oklahoma all his life except for a period of 23 years when he worked in Dallas, Texas. When he was 18 years old, he tried to join the Army but learned he had juvenile onset macular degeneration. By the time he was 21 he was legally blind. He didnt let this stop him though and quickly set out on a new path. He got into body building, nutrition, weightlifting and martial arts. Then, in his mid-30s he was diagnosed with Alpha-1. It has progressed to the point of severe COPD and he is now in need of a double lung transplant. Through all of his hardships Shannon has maintained a positive, loving attitude, always there for anyone who needs a friend  or even just a friendly smile. Please take a minute to view his Family Album and meet a few of the people who have been so important in his life.

The fund has a goal of $30,000 with it being nearly a third of the way there.

Click here to learn more or make a donation!

Making a Run at the WSOP

Lowers son, Todd, introduced him to poker back in 2013 and hes been playing ever since.

It took me a while, but I started winning on a semi-consistent basis, Lower admitted. I have made the final table numerous times, but my real run was making the final table on five consecutive Fridays at Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale. With my winnings, I took my two daughters to the Rose Bowl between Oklahoma and Georgia!

PokerNews actually reported on Lowers run in the Super Seniors Event. For instance, on Day 2 in Level 22 (10,000/25,000/25,000), reporter Jeff McMillan came across a board of 52427 with Keith Williams, who got his chips all in on the flop with the 33, departing the table after failing to overcome the 1010 of Lower. That hand put Lower up to 1,275,000 in chips and helped propel him to his deep run.

During the tournament, I had the pleasure of playing next to Barry Greenstein, Lower also shared. I have a photo of me and Barry that my son captured!

Lower got to play with Poker Hall of Famer Barry Greenstein.

While Lower had an amazing time at the 2024 WSOP, he is hoping his kind gesture might inspire other poker players to help donate to the cause. Those interested can click here to donate.

Find out who won the 2024 WSOP Super Seniors here!

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Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) introduced articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Rep. Ogles wants to impeach Harris for not visiting the southern border. Kamala Devi Harris has demonstrated extraordinary incompetence in the execution of her duties and responsibilities, a stark refusal to uphold the existing immigration laws, and a palpable indifference to the people of the United States suffering as a result of the ongoing southern border crisis in the United States. Vice President Harris has consistently refused to visit the southern border to evaluate this ongoing national cri9 sis, aside from a single trip hundreds of miles away from the epicenter of the migrant crisis.

Ogless articles of impeachment claim that Harris has not upheld the nations immigration laws, so she has committed a high crime and misdemeanor.

If all of this rings a bell, it should.

This is the same stunt that House Republicans tried to pull when they attempted to impeach Secretary Mayorkas. The Mayorkas impeachment was tossed in the Senate dumpster after the Senate found that the House had sent over articles of impeachment that did not contain an impeachable offense.

The articles of impeachment against Vice President Harris are a shameless abuse of power, but if Republicans are desperate enough in the House, dont be surprised if they make a serious effort to impeach Harris.

The VP is unknown to much of the nation, so there is a race between the two parties to define her.

Donald Trump has nothing to work with against Kamala Harris , and House Republicans are desperate to help give him some talking points.
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) called on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign after his speech to Congress, which left many cold.

Rep. Gomez said:

Netanyahus speech to Congress falls short, as have his actions since taking office, and Im calling on him to resign immediately. I met with families of hostages today and they overwhelmingly were critical of Netanyahu and believe hes not doing enough in service to their families and families across the regionI stand with them.

As Ive said before, his approach to this war and his rejection of a two-state solution has led to unimaginable pain in the region, failed to keep his own people secure and made us all less safe. Its past time for all parties to agree to a ceasefire to stop the civilian suffering in Gaza, bring the hostages home, end this terrible war and hold those responsible for October 7th accountable.

We wont be giving Netanyahu a platform on PoliticusUSA for his false statements, but Ben Rhodes posted:

Bibi speech described a reality that doesnt exist. Lying about cutting off access to food. Lying about civilian casualties. Avoiding responsibility for 10/7 security failure and diplomatic failure to bring hostages home. Seeking applause for unachievable military objectives.

Just imagine what this speech looks like to the rest of the world  a leader who could never even get this kind of reception in Israel given a platform to gaslight in Congress.

Hamas attacked Israel. The Israelis have a right to defend themselves. What they dont have a right to do is what Netanyahu has done in the name of the people of Israel. There have been atrocities committed, not against Hamas, but against the civilians of Gaza. Netanyahu, like Trump, is an accused criminal who is trying to evade prosecution through elected office.

Netanyahu should resign and have never been given a platform to address Congress.
The influential young people gun reform organization March For Our Lives has made its first-ever presidential endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris.

March For Our Lives released a statement:

March For Our Lives is pleased to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. This is the first endorsement weve ever made, and the stakes couldnt be higher. As one of the largest youth-led movements in the nation, we are clear-eyed about the challenge ahead and we believe that Kamala Harris is uniquely suited to meet this moment.

The country that young people will soon inherit stands at the precipiceon one side, authoritarianism that threatens our fundamental rights, including our right to live freely without fear of gun violence; on the other, a world where we can keep fighting to build the future that young people know we deserve. We need an ardent defender of democracy, a gun violence prevention champion, and a leader who will listen to young people, give us a seat at the table, and fight for our future. We believe that Kamala Harris is that candidate, and the right person to stand up for us and fight for the country we deserve.

Young people are inheriting an increasingly precarious world as gun violence remains the leading cause of death for young people for the third year in a row, the war in Gaza continues to rage on, the climate crisis escalates, and far-right politicians are pushing one of the most extremist agendas in our countrys history. We have been struggling to feel excited about voting in this election, and are increasingly pessimistic that change is possible. But we know that another Trump Presidency is simply not an option that young people can affordour lives are literally at stake. Kamala Harris task is a tall oneto run a campaign that boldly paints a future that we can believe in. We call on her to run a campaign that fights for the policy solutions that young people want, like an assault weapons ban, action on climate change, a vigorous defense of abortion, court reform, and an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Young people are savvy voters, who will see through empty promises and cynical horsetrading. We believe that Kamala will step above that and fight for a bold, progressive futureand we will hold her accountable to that.

Throughout her time in DC, first as a Senator and then as Vice President, she has been a forceful champion for gun safety and for young people. At the 2020 Presidential Gun Safety Forum we hosted with our friends at Giffords, Vice President Harris outlined a bold plan to tackle gun violence from every angledemanding action from Congress, and using the power of the presidency to fight for our lives. Since becoming Vice President, she has met regularly with advocates and survivors of gun violence, and weve had the pleasure of working with her as shes led the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Importantly, Vice President Harris has put gun violence survivors at the center of policymaking, demonstrating her commitment to empowering those most impacted by the issue to implement the right solutions. As she begins her campaign for president, we look forward to working with her to develop a comprehensive plan to combat gun violence, focused on a holistic and preventive approach.

The nation is witnessing the large and successful Democratic coalition coming together to mobilize behind Vice President Harris. If all of these allies stand together, they are bigger and more powerful than Trump and MAGA.

The majority of America is letting it be known that they dont want Project 2025. They dont want an authoritarian regime with a rapist convicted felon in charge. The tyranny of the minority that Trump is attempting to implement by overthrowing democracy is facing rejection.

Young people understand this moment, and now they have a candidate that they feel excited about and a future that they can believe in.
Gov. Josh Shapiro was at Shippensburg University Tuesday touting the states investment in higher education in the latest budget passed this month.

Shapiro had the ceremonial signing of the bill at the university as administration officials talked about what they see as the first significant progress on higher education in three decades.

Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed  and thats exactly what this budget delivers, Shapiro said. My administration has made higher education a priority again, and this budget represents the first significant progress on higher education in 30 years. It delivers real opportunity for our students and ensures that higher education will serve as an economic driver in this commonwealth for generations to come.

Among the higher education aspects of this years budget is the creation of a new State Board of Higher Education. According to the Shapiro administration, the board will, for the first time, coordinate every sector of higher education and use data to determine whats working. The board is designed to support critical workforce needs, serve as an economic driver and create a funding council that will look at a formula to drive funds to state-related institutions.

The budget also increases funding to public institutions by $15.7 million for community colleges and $35.1 million for PASSHE schools, both a 6% increase in funding. It also increased funding for scholarships and grants by $120 million, which includes $28 million for students pursuing a high-demand field, $54 million for PHEAA student grants and $5 million for disadvantaged students.

The Shapiro administration also doubled funding for student teacher stipends for a total of $20 million.

We are grateful for the work of Gov. Shapiro and the General Assembly in passing a budget that supports and advances the mission of higher education in Pennsylvania, said Charles Patterson, president of Shippensburg University. All Pennsylvanians will benefit from the initiatives prioritized in this budget, and we are honored to continue forward with the charge of educating the commonwealths workforce in a variety of ways.

Shapiro was joined Tuesday by other school officials, including Shippensburg Area School District Superintendent Bill August.

Public schools like mine absolutely depend on the pipeline of new teachers that distinguished schools like Shippensburg University provide to us, August said. Shippensburg Area School District certainly benefits from our proximity to and relationships with Shippensburg University and the other PASSHE schools. But even with these advantages, we and many other districts are still struggling to meet our hiring needs. Gov. Shapiros prioritization of funding for higher education is exactly what needed to happen to help with this problem, and its impact goes beyond just the institutions themselves. The governors budget opens the door of opportunity wider by providing significant increases in available resources to make college more obtainable for all students in Pennsylvania.
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KIAMBU, KENYA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / AjKenyaSafari.com Ltd, a Nairobi based safari operator, is pleased to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated Masai Mara wildebeest migration. The event, which started during the 2nd week of July, has seen thousands of international tourists arrive at theMasai Mara Game Reserve,eagerly awaiting to witness the spectacle. Speaking from the company offices in Nairobi, James Gatheru, the CEO of AjKenyaSafaris.com ltd, noted that a quick availability check in some of the top lodges and camps in Masai Mara revealed high booking rates, with many visitors planning on staying between July and October to witness the migration.Explaining this annual event that was voted one of the eight wonders of the world in 2007, Mr Gatheru added, "The Great Migration represents the largest terrestrial mammal migration on the planet. It sees over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, topis, and other herbivores move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing grounds. The migratory herds are trailed by thousands of lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, and other predators looking to capitalize on the abundance of prey." James Gatheru, CEO of AjKenyaSafaris.com ltd added, "Those who book their safari this year to come and witness the event will get a rare chance to see young calves get snatched by prowling predators, the weak brought down by hungry lions, the stragglers slip into the crocodile's jaws, and the lucky ones make it across the Mara River's treacherous currents unscathed.This odyssey tests the limits of survival for millions of animals in a rare spectacle that is now popularly known as the "eighth wonder of the world. The Great Migration goes beyond being about the numbers. It's about the intricate dance of life in one of the world's greatest wildernesses," said James Gatheru, CEO of AJKenyaSafaris.com ltd.As the Masai Mara Game Reserve gears up to host this extraordinary event, the first batch of about 20,000 wildebeest has already crossed the Sand River Gate crossing point last week heralding the onset of this year's Great Migration.Over one million others are expected to follow suit even as the arrival of tourists gathers pace.The Chief Warden at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Stephen Minis, said that the current international demand for travel to Kenya to witness the wildebeest migration is exceptionally high and will likely surpass the bed capacity.Speaking at the Sand River Gate, Minis said most hotels at the Mara were fully booked ahead of the Great Migration that will kick off anytime now, with tourists from UK, US, Australia, India, and Russia constituting the majority of early arrivers.However, as with last year,this year's Great Migrationwill be taking place under the new Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) Management Plan. This means that effective and sustainable tourism, including reducing overcrowding, will be prioritized to preserve the delicate ecosystem.According to Mr. Minis, more than 400 rangers have been deployed to patrol all the wildebeest crossing points to ensure that tourists, tourists' guides and drivers do not flout park rules by overcrowding."We have the new management plans now in place and we are glad all the stakeholders have complied with it," said Mr Minis. "We are committed to balancing the need of delivering authentic experiences to those whobook Kenya holidayswith the conservation of our wildlife ecosystem during the Great Migration." Over the next three months, herds of wildebeest will be making their journey through the Serengeti up and around in a clockwise direction towards Masai Mara, before returning to Serengeti once again near the end of October, completing their annual cycle.Media ContactOrganization: AjKenyaSafaris.com LtdContact Person: james mainaWebsite: https://ajkenyasafaris.com/ Email: James@ ajkenyasafaris.com Contact Number: +25471922243Address: Kenya, Kiambu County, Ruiru Town, Greec Towers, 3rd FlrCity: KiambuState: Ruiru TownCountry: KenyaSOURCE: AjKenyaSafaris.com Ltd
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. ("CenterPoint" or "the Company") (NYSE:CNP). Investors who purchased CenterPoint securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/CNP Investigation DetailsOn July 8, 2024, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm. The impact of the storm left roughly 2.2 million CenterPoint customers without power. Six days after the storm, some 270,000 homes and businesses in the Houston area were still without power. At a press conference on July 14, 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that he was demanding an investigation into CenterPoint's response to Hurricane Beryl. Among other comments, Governor Abbott said that CenterPoint did not have "an adequate number of workers pre-staged" before the storm hit. On this news, CenterPoint's stock price fell $2.02 per share, or 6.67%, to close at $28.28 per share on July 15, 2024.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased CenterPoint securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/CNP . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller 332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Today,Community Solutionsannounced it has secured $135 million to close out the CS Large Cities Housing Fund, a first-of-its-kind social impact private equity fund that provides crucial housing resources to individuals exiting homelessness and middle-income individuals. The Fund represents an important advance in the work to secure more affordable housing and address the challenge of homelessness in the United States. It has attracted some of the largest social impact investors in the nation, ranging from health systems to banks to private foundations."This Fund will fundamentally change how cities address homelessness and the affordable housing crisis," said Dave Foster, President of BDP Impact Real Estate, a partner of Community Solutions that manages the Fund and its properties. "By leveraging private capital, this model will diversify how affordable housing is developed, which will be quicker and more efficient than traditional financing mechanisms." Since launching in 2022, the Fund has acquired 1,155 apartment homes in six cities that are part of theBuilt for Zeromovement to solve homelessness and housed over 270 individuals exiting homelessness. The Fund aims to acquire more than 2,500 housing units; half of the units will be permanently dedicated to people transitioning out of homelessness, including veterans and people experiencing chronic homelessness.Innovative fund to more quickly create housing for people exiting homelessnessThe Fund's innovative design allows for investors to generate a responsible return on their investment while providing a tangible social benefit. Units acquired by the Fund are leased in direct partnership with the local homelessness response system in each community. Ultimately, half of the units in the Fund portfolio will be reserved for individuals exiting homelessness and half will be preserved as workforce affordable housing.The Fund's unique financing model bypasses the many shortfalls associated with constructing new affordable housing, including excessive costs and slow delivery that are responsible for a severe lack of affordable rental housing in the United States. By relying on private capital, this approach provides units in a fraction of the time and at a much lower cost. This model is unique because it brings housing directly to the system that serves people experiencing homelessness. It can be used as an effective tool by communities to measurably reduce homelessness, while at the same time preserving existing units of affordable housing.Unlike many other housing funds, this model is designed to create permanently affordable housing. Once investors' capital is returned, the properties will transition to nonprofit ownership to ensure they continue to serve the mission of addressing homelessness and preserving affordable housing."We need fresh ideas for providing and preserving the homes required to make homelessness rare and brief. The Fund demonstrates the role that social impact investors can play as part of an organized housing system aimed at results," said Rosanne Haggerty, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Solutions. "These targeted investments are measurably reducing homelessness." The Fund is backed by a wide range of investors including Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealth Group, The Leon Levine Foundation, Truist, Ford Foundation, Wells Fargo, IWP Family Office, The Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation, and Woodforest National Bank, as well as a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant awarded to Community Solutions.Housing linked directly to homeless response systemsThe Large Cities Housing Fund's innovative model makes its apartments available directly to local homelessness response teams. In most cases, people experiencing homelessness can move in within 90 days after the Fund acquires a property, rather than waiting years for developers to create new housing.Built for Zero trains homeless response teams how to gather real-time, by-name data on everyone experiencing homelessness in their communities. Close partnerships with these teams ensure that after the Fund acquires a property, half of the units are leased to individuals experiencing homelessness as natural vacancies occur. The remaining 50% of homes are kept "workforce affordable," holding rent accessible to low and middle-income workers. By increasing direct access to units, communities can quickly connect prospective tenants to new homes and provide them with the necessary resources and assistance to remain stably housed."Two of the biggest challenges communities face in solving homelessness are the lack of affordable housing dedicated to people exiting homelessness and the complexity of housing systems that delay the placement of people into available homes. This Fund, coupled with our Housing Systems support that streamlines the housing matching process, solves for both these issues, enabling communities to convert existing properties into permanently affordable housing in a way that is faster and more adaptable than many traditional approaches allow," said Nadine Maleh, the Principal of Housing Systems at Community Solutions.Cities are already using the model to accelerate their response to homelessness. In Jacksonville, Fla., properties acquired by the Fund were responsible for 27% of housing placements for veterans exiting homelessness last year. The Fund's properties, coupled with housing systems' support, are already having an impact on Jacksonville's housing system overall. In the first quarter of 2024, Jacksonville had nearly the highest housing placement rate in the past four years.In addition, the Fund has raised more than $30 million from several groups that have made or pledged targeted investments in specific communities, including Amazon Housing Equity Fund, Northern Trust, Trinity Health, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, BQuest Foundation, Baltimore Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, The Home Depot Foundation, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.The Fund currently owns properties in Baltimore, Charlotte, Denver, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Phoenix.INVESTOR QUOTES:"Kaiser Permanente knows that without a safe, stable place to live, it is nearly impossible to be or stay healthy. We are proud to continue to partner with Community Solutions to help create better health outcomes for more people, including military veterans, by going beyond the limits of traditional health care with programs and practices," said John Vu, Vice President of Strategy, Community Health at Kaiser Permanente. "By bringing together the unique strengths of the health and housing sectors, we can stren
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 /Coppernico Metals Inc. ("Coppernico" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, through its Peruvian subsidiary, Sombrero Minerales SAC, it has commenced an inaugural core drilling program at the Ccascabamba Target Area within its Sombrero copper-gold Project located in Ayacucho, Peru (Figure 1). The 2024 drilling program ("Phase 1") is expected to consist of approximately 6,500 metres using one drill rig (Figure 2). The Company is also pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval to list its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"), further details will follow in the near term.Drilling Approach OverviewPhase 1 is planned to consist of 16 diamond drill holes (Figure 1) for approximately 6,500 metres of drilling in 2024 - the average depth is anticipated to be 400 metres per hole, however, it will vary based on the results of each hole.Phase 2 is planned to commence in 2025 to test additional prospective target areas and follow up on Phase 1 results.Drill Program ObjectivesThe inaugural drill program is discovery-based and aims to identify sub surface zones of copper-rich skarn mineralization identified in surface mapping and channel sampling. The program will further target new copper skarn mineralization along the southern margin of the Ccascabamba intrusive complex both at depth and along strike by:Targeting Ferrobamba limestone contact skarn mineralization along ~2.5 km of 7 km around the southern margin of the Ccascabamba Target Area. This zone is supported by extensive surface work where copper mineralization is exposed through erosional windows at Corrales and Hojota as well as historical drilling that revealed significant copper mineralization notably at the Fierrazo target within the Ccascabamba Target Area (Figure 1).Testing vertical continuity of mineralization underneath high-grade outcrops and channel samples.Transecting structures controlling retrograde fluids (N-S and E-W) and their intersections.Testing elevated chargeability (15-25 Mv) features and a variety of resistivity and magnetic features.Tim Kingsley, Vice President of Exploration, stated, "We are excited to begin testing key target areas of this very large, mineralized skarn system. With such a large target area, our Phase 1 program will cover only a portion of the system. We expect this initial program to evolve considerably as we learn about the main factors that control the location, extent and geometry of mineralization." Drill Program DetailsThe Ccascabamba target area, similar to other skarn-porphyry systems in the Andahualas-Yauri belt, features a large (~5 km 2 ) zone of intense garnet skarn alteration associated with a multi-phase intrusive complex. Zones of high-grade copper mineralization, typically associated with iron rich retrograde fluids, are found within and around this skarn system. The drill program aims to test high-priority target areas where the Company believes these copper-rich fluids have concentrated, resulting in potentially substantial copper accumulations as seen in other skarn deposits in this region of Peru.The drill program has been planned on the basis of taking a methodical approach with each phase looking to test new prospective areas and each subsequent phase will be guided by results returned from previous phases. The Company's permit, held by its subsidiary, Sombrero Minerales SAC, allows for 49 holes from 38 drill pads and all planned Phase 1 and 2 drilling are within this permitted area.Each target area hosts copper-rich retrograde skarn mineralization over broad intervals with select surface and historical drill highlights as follows[1]:Corrales Channel Sample, 18SRT-18 : 109 m @ 0.67% Cu and 0.05 g/t AuHojota Channel Sample, 18SRT-09 : 105 m @ 0.25% Cu and 0.13 g/t AuFierrazo Historical Drill Hole, FE-DDH-03A : 116 m @ 0.42% Cu and 0.24 g/t Au.A key focus is the contact zone between the Ccascabamba intrusive complex and Ferrobamba limestone. Mapping and sampling in the Corrales, Hojota, and Fierrazo target areas have shown extensive surface mineralization that appears to extend beneath post-mineralization cover (Figure 1). The drill program aims to target an initial ~2.5 km section of this 7 km contact zone, along the southern margin of the intrusive complex, beneath the post-mineral cover (Figure 1).This drill program will be dynamic as drill holes are completed and their data interpreted to ensure that the best technical merit is evaluated per hole drilled.Review of Greater Land PackageConcurrent with the commencement of drilling, the Company is also in the process of reviewing its extensive land package, collecting samples in areas that have not yet been explored. This reconnaissance work is aimed at identifying targets and helping to refine the Company's holdings for future exploration.Ivan Bebek, CEO and Chair, added, "The inaugural drill program is a significant milestone for Coppernico, presenting the potential for a major new copper discovery. The commencement of this drill program is the culmination of years of dedicated work by our team in collaboration with the nearby communities, Peruvian government agencies, and the Company's shareholders and stakeholders, who have shown their unwavering support and patience over the years.With a strong technical team in place, both at the management and Board levels, this milestone marks a key step in unlocking the potential value of this highly prospective project, which coincides with a strong outlook on the long-term price of copper.Receiving conditional approval to list the Company's shares on the TSX is another meaningful milestone achieved. Being listed on the TSX, one of the world's leading exchanges in the resource sector, will enhance the Company's profile, visibility, and increase access to liquidity for both local and international investors.Coppernico is well-financed, in the final stages of listing its shares on the TSX, and offers investors steady catalysts from continuous drilling for a potential major new copper discovery over the next 12 months." Figure 1: Simplified geologic map of Ccascabamba target area, highlighting retrograde alteration with Cu mineralization.Figure 2: Drill rig at first drill pad - Corrales Target ZoneConditional Approval to List on the TSXCoppernico has obtained conditional approval to list its common shares on the TSX. Final approval is subject to the Company providing customary final documentation which the Company expects to complete in the coming weeks, and once listed, the Company's shares will trade under the trading symbol "COPR".Technical Disclosure and Qualified PersonThe scientific and technical
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / MNGI Digestive Health ("MNGI") has disclosed a data breach affecting the personal information of its patients. The breach impacted more than 765,000 individuals who entrusted their sensitive personal information to MNGI.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT? Compensation may be available for MNGI patients who received notice that their personal information was breached.WHY AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION? Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers break into networks to steal your personal information to sell it on the dark web or commit identity theft, financial theft, or other frauds. The company may be liable for failing to secure your privacy.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED? If you received a data breach notification letter from MNGI, you are affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected customers are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKYLevi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Gratomic Inc. ("Gratomic", "GRAT", or the "Company") (TSXV:GRAT)(FSE:CB82) is pleased to provide an update to shareholders on matters pertaining to the strategic path of the Company.Bruno Baillavoine, Executive Chair of the Company, stated "Gratomic continues to work towards advancing its strategic path. Though progress is never as fast as one wishes, Gratomic continues to make significant steps forward and key decisions have taken place. We remain fully confident that we will complete the journey along the strategic path we set out for the Company.The following are some key improvements, changes and progress made over last three months:Gratomic has taken steps to significantly reduced expenses in Namibia, Canada and Brazil by a total of $115,000 per month..The Company is in the process of selling certain non-core assets. This includes a house the Company owns in Windhoek. Proceeds will be used for working capital and to complete a technical report on the Aukam Property.This will bring in some additional short-term cash, better used at the Aukam site.It will reduce on-going running costs.It is consistent with the Company focusing its resources towards achieving commercial goals.Gratomic is also focused on reducing its current debt level.The Board thanks the contribution made by several key individuals no longer with the Company. In particular, Armando Farhate, Director and COO, Karl Trudeau also a Director and Stephen Woodhead CFO.The responsibilities of Mr. Farhate as COO will be assumed by Arno Brand, CEO.The reduction in management fees and overhead expenses is consistent with the go forward financial strategy of the Company.Mr. Woodhead is being replaced by interim CFO Daniel Baard, a current board member and CPA.We now have a simpler, smaller, less costly and thus, more effective new Board structure. It leaves room for changes that will be required for the proposed admission of the Company's securities to the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange as announced by Press Release dated October 26th, 2023.To compensate Bruno Baillavoine, Executive Chair of the Company, for his increased responsibilities in the management of the Company in these difficult market conditions, the Board has granted Mr. Baillavoine 750,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.20 and a further 750,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.30, both exercisable for a period of three years after July 1, 2025 to aligned his interests more directly with the interest of Shareholders.Our CEO, Arno Brand, is providing further short-term financial support to demonstrate his continued confidence in the Company's future prospects. He will be focused on two key areas:Fund raising, a key task for a junior exploration company, until it becomes a producing mining company, generating revenues and cash flows.Taking the Aukam site to production.Danie Baard, known by many Shareholders as a Non-executive Director has been appointed as our Interim CFO.Danie is highly qualified to assume this additional responsibility. He has been actively involved in the financial affairs of the Company, is well respected internationally and in the financial community and is a registered CPA.He will be assuming all of the functions of a CFO formally handled by Mr. Woodhead.Helao Shivolo, well known in Namibia, joined Gratomic as Government Liaison Officer, (Press Release dated April 30th, 2024).Amongst others, Helao holds a Bachelor of Science Honor in Geology and a postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration.For over a decade, he worked within the Namibia Ministry of Mines.We are progressing with a Royalty deal with Tri Stream Capital (see Press Release dated June 17th 2024).Bruno Baillavoine commented "On behalf of the Board let me say that we appreciate the continued support from our loyal Shareholders, which we never take it for granted." Gratomic will continue its geological development to complete a Technical Report for Aukam in accordance with the provisions of NI 43-101. This will be achieved by continuing the benching program executed in 2023, when we were able to extract 12 months' worth of plant feed to the feed bin, and by an additional drilling program to be performed.Gratomic wishes to emphasize that no Preliminary Economic Analysis, Preliminary Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study has been completed to support any level of production. In fact, no mineral resources let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam property.The Company is working towards completing a Feasibility Study (FS) on the Aukam Property. The study, its recommendations, and their subsequent implementation, will provide conclusions and recommendations at a FS level of comfort about scaling up the existing processing plant at Aukam to a commercial scale processing facility capable of producing the desired concentrate grades and production rates.Gratomic wishes to emphasize that the supply of graphite is conditional on Gratomic being able to bring the Aukam project into a production phase, and for any graphite being produced to meet certain technical and mineralization requirements.Risk FactorsNo mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant until a FS is completed.The Company advises that it has not based its production decision on even the existence of mineral resources let alone on a Preliminary Feasibility Study or FS of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company's cash flow and future profitability.About GratomicGratomic is a multinational company with projects in Namibia, Brazil, and Canada. The Company aims to become a leading graphite supplier an
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 16:47:59

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LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Star Alliance International Corp. (OTC PINK:STAL), ("STAR or the Company"). STAR is pleased to confirm that HRaspirin is testing its new and exciting HRADocs program that offers electronic signatures plus a document management system.Originally prepared to be part of their exclusive software system offered to clients, the program has been developed into a robust platform that will be offered directly to businesses and individuals at prices that are more economical than its competition. We anticipate introducing the final product in September.The global digital signature market was valued at approximately $5.3 Billion in 2023, having grown by more than 50% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With HRA Docs, HRaspirin aims to build the most robust digital signature platform. The platform includes features such as unlimited users and data points, document tracking and archived progression, a customizable dashboard, and attachment integration.Shawn Stephens, President of HRaspirin stated: "the introduction of https://www.hradocs.net is a big step to not only introduce this program to our current and future clients but to also offer it to the public. We feel confident that we will quickly gain customers for this exciting new product. Our product offers unique advantages at the most competitive prices in the current digital signature space." Richard Carey, President and Chairman of Star Alliance International Corp., commented, "we continue to work on all our divisions but this new product which will be offered directly to the public is a big step for our Fintech division. Much more news coming. Keep watching this space." About Star Alliance International Corp.Star Alliance International Corp. ("the Company" or "STAL") was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 17, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada.Star Alliance International Corp. is a Worldwide Holding Company with a mine in California and other assets ready to be acquired. In addition, Star searches out innovative technologies that are eco-friendly including "Genesis," our environmentally safe gold and other mineral extraction system.The Genesis extraction system extracts minerals from oxide and complex ores much faster than other processes in an environmentally safe manner. We plan to close this transaction as soon as possible.We have also agreed terms to acquire controlling interests in two entities for our Fintech division and we are negotiating final terms for the acquisition of an interest in AIEnglishGPT, the artificial intelligence platform.Our work on our digital asset, backed by gold, continues, as we prepare paperwork for regulatory approvals.The Company anticipates continued expansion of our efforts domestically and abroad, with a particularly keen focus on mining technologies for precious metals and rare earth minerals, as well as other innovative technologies.It is Star Alliance International Corp.'s goal to become an exciting well-rounded many-faceted company with a sophisticated corporate structure that allows for more transparency to our shareholders. Our planned diversification, paired with a sensible approach, will result in the absolute best possible outcomes and the highest possible value for our shareholders.Safe Harbor and Informational StatementThis press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statement of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company's financial conditions or results of operations; (iii): the company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends.The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the company's statements and reports filed with the OTC Markets. The Company claims the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act for all forward-looking statements.For more information, contact:Anthony Anish, CFO, Star Alliance International Corp.Telephone: 833-443-7827E Mail: info@ staralliancemines.com Web Site: staralliancemines.comFacebook , Linkedin, Twitter @StarAllianceIn1SOURCE: Star Alliance International Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 19:00:49

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/ABR Contact An Attorney Now: ABR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (ABR) Investigation:Arbor Realty Trust faces mounting pressure as federal authorities reportedly investigate its lending practices and loan book performance, according to sources cited by Bloomberg on July 12, 2024. This news sent Arbor's stock price tumbling over 20% during intraday trading.The investigation follows a series of critical reports published by Viceroy Research, a forensic financial research group. Since November 16, 2023, Viceroy has issued 22 reports on Arbor, raising concerns about the company's financial health and the value of its loan portfolio.Viceroy's initial report, "Arbor Realty - Slumlord Millionaires," labeled Arbor's stock "uninvestable" due to its allegedly poor loan quality and overvalued collateral. The report further claimed that Arbor's entire loan book is distressed and unlikely to be refinanced elsewhere.More recently, Viceroy's May 9, 2024 report, titled "Arbor Realty Trust - Fraud," alleged that Arbor has engaged in a "con" by financing purchases of its foreclosed assets through off-balance sheet entities controlled by former Arbor associates. These purchases were reportedly financed with Arbor's own equity capital and loans originated by Arbor itself.Viceroy has also directed its criticism towards Arbor's auditor, Ernst & Young (EY). In a July 11, 2024 email to EY, Viceroy reportedly highlighted "overwhelming evidence" suggesting Arbor's loan book is significantly impaired. The email further accuses Arbor of manipulating delinquency rates through loan modifications and financing structures that appear to be self-serving.Arbor has not yet responded publicly to the latest federal investigation or Viceroy's specific allegations. The company previously maintained the accuracy of its financial statements and declined to comment on short seller reports. Over the past year, Arbor's stock is down over 18 percent.These developments have prompted shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman to commence an investigation into potential violations of the securities laws."We are investigating whether Arbor may have concealed distressed deals and other assets," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Arbor and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Arbor investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Arbor should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email ABR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 15:04:36

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TAG's Security Quarterly - Available Now for Free DownloadNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / While the public wonders what we can do about the cyberattacks we see every day, professionals often point to the cyber skills gap. There are millions of job openings in cybersecurity, they point out, and not nearly enough qualified candidates to fill them.We Do Not Have a Skills Gap in Cybersecurity But Dr. Edward Amoroso, who runs a research and advisory firm that specializes in cybersecurity, argued in an online publication his company just released that the problem the country ought to focus on is the U.S. immigration system."How can we possibly claim a gap," he asked, "when graduate students with computer science degrees from U.S. schools are being sent from Brooklyn and San Jose either back to India or to some other country that is happy to welcome them?" The fact that they're forced to leave does not reflect a deficiency in their qualifications. The reason, Amoroso explained, is that they don't get a visa in the H-1B lottery - a totally random selection process.The latest issue of the Security Annual, published by TAG Infosphere, devotes four articles to this subject. In addition to the one by Amoroso, two discuss a case that literally brought the issue home to his company. One of its own employees who sought an H-1B visa had an unlucky streak and finally decided to move to Portugal, which granted him a digital nomad visa.Both articles tell the saga of Sourajyoti Bose, 32, who was born in India. He moved to New York City with an F-1 student visa to earn a master's degree in computer science at NYU. While there, he met a classmate who happened to be Ed Amoroso's son Matt, who was already working at his father's company.One story follows Bose from India to New York and describes the challenges he encountered, which were complicated exponentially by his visa problem. The other article was written by Matt Amoroso, who became Bose's friend and boss. His take discusses the difficulty of hiring qualified foreign nationals with the uncertainty of their immigration status hanging over the transaction.A third article written by a business immigration lawyer explains the legal and political background behind business visas. And it also explores the recent political debates on immigration that have entered the presidential campaign. All three articles, along with Ed Amoroso's piece, raise a question found at the end of the one about Bose:"Who wins when U.S. immigration makes it exceedingly difficult for trained workers to take skilled jobs that companies - and the country - desperately need to fill? That's what Sourajyoti would like to know." Available Now forFree DownloadContact InformationLester GoodmanDirector of Content, TAGlgoodman@ tag-cyber.com 914.588.1369SOURCE: TAG Infosphere, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 14:00:42

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Magna Terra Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "Magna Terra") (TSXV:MTT) is pleased to announce that it has acquired via staking the Humber Copper-Cobalt Project (the "Humber Project" or the "Project") located in western Newfoundland. The Humber Project is an exploration project focused on critical minerals and metals and comprises 1,325 claims in 10 mineral licences covering a total area of 33,125 hectares (Figure 1).The Project is underlain by rocks of the sedimentary Humber Arm Allochthon, which are host to coincident anomalous copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) lake sediment values (Figures 2 to 6). This metal signature and geological environment is supportive of the area being host to Sediment-hosted Stratiform Copper (SSC) Deposits. SSC Deposits host 60% of global Cobalt production^ and 20% of global Copper production* in deposits such as the Central African Copper Belt, which is thought to be analogous to the geological setting of the Humber Copper-Cobalt Project. The exploration potential is also underscored by the presence of base metal deposits nearby including the York Harbour and Daniels Harbour Deposits located at lower stratigraphic levels of the region.Humber Project HighlightsPotential for discovery of Cu-Co deposits;Host to regionally anomalous Cu, Co, Ag, Pb +/- Au, Mo, As, and Sb lake sediments;Analogous to the Kalahari Copper Belt, Namibia and Botswana; Central African Copper Belt, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); and the Kupferschiefer Belt, Poland;Globally, these SCC deposit types represent 20% of Cu production* and 60% of Co production^;Land package comprising 33,125 hectares;Located within the top-tier mining jurisdiction of Newfoundland and Labrador;Year-round accessibility with road access to the majority of the Project;First mover advantage in a previously unrecognized area of exploration potential; andAcquired through staking - cost effective acquisition and no royalties or option payments."We are very excited to acquire this early-stage project focused on critical metals on Newfoundland. This previously unrecognized environment for polymetallic copper-cobalt deposits provides Magna Terra shareholders with exposure to multiple commodities and the upside of a discovery-stage project. These deposit types are significant global producers of copper (20%) and cobalt (60%) with significant by-products including rare and precious metals (e.g. Mo, Ag, Au, U, REE, PGE). The Humber Project was acquired at very little cost through staking and will continue to leverage Magna Terra's expertise in Atlantic Canada and provide exposure to a top-tier exploration and mining jurisdiction in Newfoundland and Labrador. What is most gratifying about this acquisition is that it provides a low risk, and thus high potential return for Magna Terra and its shareholders. Through the great work of our geological team, this opportunity was identified and prioritized for acquisition. We have put together a significant land package covering the highest priority areas identified from our research, creating a rare, first mover, district-scale project opportunity.With the recent option of our Great Northern Project to Gold Hunter Resources Inc., the Company maintains significant upside exposure to the precious metals discovery potential of the expanded Great Northern Project, and continues to find creative avenues to generate shareholder value while managing dilution during difficult equity markets for junior exploration companies. The Humber Project gives us low risk exposure to momentous upside for critical minerals discovery, and participation in the very bullish macro-economic outlook for critical minerals that are integral to the long cycle energy transition that is ongoing in the global economy." ~ Lew Lawrick, President and CEO, Magna Terra Minerals Inc.Humber Project GeologyThe Project is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Humber Zone of the Newfoundland Appalachians, more particularly the Ordovician-aged Humber Arm Allochthon; a section of shelf sediments that have been accreted (thrust) onto Precambrian Grenville basement (Long Range Massif) and associated Late Cambrian to Middle Ordovician carbonate (and related rocks) sediments of the St. George, Port au Port and Table Head groups (Williams et al., 1983; Knight, 1994). The Humber Project is specifically underlain by rocks of the Bonne Bay Group or equivalents. The rocks of the Humber Arm Allochthon have been variably deformed and metamorphosed which are known to create favourable deposition environments for these deposit types.Lake Sediment Geochemistry and Global AnaloguesThe Project is centred on a series of anomalous lake sediment samples (Davenport et al., 1996) that show regionally elevated levels of Co (up to 160 ppm), Ag (up to 0.6 ppm), Pb (up to 84 ppm), Cu (up to 99 ppm), As (up to 142 ppm), Mo (up to 15 ppm), and Au (up to 10 ppb) (Figures 2 to 6). An analysis of the lake geochemical data via Principal Component Analysis has indicated that the metal suite present within the Project area is likely related to a black shale source, as many of the anomalous lake sediments have low-Ni values which precludes association with the nearby ophiolite complexes to the immediate west.This geochemical signature (Cu, Co, Ag, Pb +/- Au, Mo, As, Sb), and spatially associated geology of the Bonne Bay Group and equivalent, is supportive of the area hosting SSC Deposits similar to other Sedimentary Hosted Cu-Co Deposits globally. SSC Deposits have long been an important, but often overlooked, source of copper representing 20% of global Cu Production*; 2nd most behind Porphyry Cu Deposits, 60% of global Co production^ and the fourth largest source of Ag*. SSC Deposits are often laterally continuous along bedding and contain consistent grades (1.2 to 5% Cu)* and large resources of by-product Au, U, platinum-group, and rare-earth elements.Figure 1: Location of Magna Terra's Humber Project in western Newfoundland with simplified geological map. Figure 2: A map showing the Humber Project with underlying geology of the Humber Arm Allochthon and coincident anomalous Co lake sediment samples. Figure 3: A map showing the Humber Project with gridded Co lake sediment samples. Figure 4: A map showing the Humber Project with gridded Cu lake sediment samples. Figure 5: A map showing the Humber Project with gridded Pb lake sediment samples. Figure 6: A map showing the Humber Project with gridded Ag lake sediment samples.Humber Project Location and AcquisitionThe Humber Project covers three separate licence blocks
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-Denial of Samsung's Post-Trial Motions Concludes Trial Process-IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Netlist, Inc. (OTCQB:NLST) today announced the denial of Samsung's post-trial motions in the case of Netlist v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. et al. (EDTX Case No. 2:21-cv-00463-JRG) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas ("the Court").The Court's Memorandum Opinion and Order, denying post-trial motions, combined with the Final Judgment, entered in August 2023 bring this case to a close in the District Court. The Court has upheld the jury's verdict and damages award in the April 2023 trial and confirmed that Samsung willfully infringed Netlist's patented technologies and that none of the asserted claims are invalid. Netlist's patents in the April trial cover both high bandwidth memory or HBM and DDR5 memory that are foundational to generative artificial intelligence ("AI") computing. The $303,150,000 award was granted as a reasonable royalty for Samsung's infringement of Netlist's patents for a limited past damages period.C.K. Hong, Netlist's Chief Executive Officer, said, "This court order reaffirms Samsung's willful infringement, the jury's finding of validity and the reasonableness of the jury's damages award. We believe the value of Netlist's technology will continue to grow due to its importance to the enablement of AI." Additional information about Netlist, Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. et al. EDTX Case No. 2:21-cv-00463-JRG is available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service.About Netlist Netlist is a leading innovator in memory and storage solutions, pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. With a rich portfolio of patented technologies, Netlist has consistently driven innovation in the field of cutting-edge enterprise memory and storage, empowering businesses and industries to thrive in the digital age. To learn more about Netlist, please visit www.netlist.com Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and often address future events or Netlist's future performance. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements about Netlist's ability to execute on its strategic initiatives. All forward-looking statements reflect management's present expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: risks that Samsung will appeal the final judgment by the District Court which could cause a lengthy delay in Netlist's ability to collect the damage award or overturn the verdict or reduce the damages award; risks that Netlist will suffer adverse outcomes in its pending litigation with Samsung, Micron or Google or in its various other active proceedings to defend the validity of its patents; risks related to Netlist's plans for its intellectual property, including its strategies for monetizing, licensing, expanding, and defending its patent portfolio; risks associated with patent infringement litigation initiated by Netlist, or by others against Netlist, as well as the costs and unpredictability of any such litigation; risks associated with Netlist's product sales, including the market and demand for products sold by Netlist and its ability to successfully develop and launch new products that are attractive to the market; the success of product, joint development and licensing partnerships; the competitive landscape of Netlist's industry; and general economic, political and market conditions, including quarantines, factory slowdowns and/or shutdowns. The military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may increase the likelihood of supply interruptions. All forward-looking statements reflect management's present assumptions, expectations and beliefs regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Netlist's annual report on Form 10-K for its most recently completed fiscal year filed on February 23, 2024, and the other filings it makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including any subsequently filed quarterly and current reports. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, these forward-looking statements should not be relied on as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements represent Netlist's assumptions, expectations and beliefs only as of the date they are made, and except as required by law, Netlist undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.For more information, please contact:Investors/MediaThe Plunkett GroupMike Smargiassi NLST@ theplunkettgroup.com (212) 739-6729SOURCE: Netlist, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 15:03:54

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Premium homeowners insurance provider also receives Comparably's Best Leadership Team AwardBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Openly , the premium homeowners insurance provider, announced the company's dual recognition on the 2024 Inc. Best Workplaces ListandComparably's Best Leadership Teams Award . This marks the second consecutive year that Openly has been included on the Inc. Best Workplaces list, a testament to the company's industry-leading culture and positive work environment."We are honored to be recognized with two of the most prestigious workplace culture awards, as we place great emphasis on creating a work environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed," said Ty Harris, CEO and Co-Founder at Openly. "As a remote-first company, we've long valued collaboration, communication, and work-life balance. These principles define who we are and are integral to our success in creating a successful culture where every team member can thrive. We are immensely proud of our team and their dedication to excellence." The Inc. Best Workplaces award recognizes companies that excel in workplace culture, employee growth, and enrichment in physical and virtual environments. Openly stood out among thousands of applicants demonstrating outstanding employee satisfaction and engagement. Partnering with Quantum Workplace, Inc. evaluates companies based on rigorous employee engagement surveys and benefits offerings.The Comparably Awards, based on anonymous feedback, recognized Openly's leadership teams for their exemplary performance in guiding and supporting employees. The Best Leadership Teams award was based on employee sentiment feedback that rated leadership teams and direct managers. Comparably gathers data from diverse workplace environments and organizations annually to present awards, as judged by the individuals who understand their companies best-their employees. Comparably surveyed employees via structured questions covering different workplace topics. Answers were given a numerical score and then compared to companies of similar size. The final data was compiled from 20 million ratings across 70,000 companies.Openly was included on the Inc. Best Workplaces list in 2023, and has since been recognized by Comparably for various achievements, including Best Company Outlook, Best Workplaces for Women, Best Company Culture and more. Earlier this year, Openly was also named a Forbes America's Best Startup Employer. These awards are a testament to Openly's commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace culture.For more information, please visitOpenly's website .About OpenlyOpenlyis a remote-first premium homeowners insurance provider. Its centralized platform offers comprehensive coverage, market-leading technology, and exceptional service. Founded by industry veterans in 2017, Openly is dedicated to delivering modern and transparent homeowners insurance and empowering independent agents across America. In 2024, Openly was named a Forbes America's Best Startup Employer , 2024 Inc. Best Workplaces, and earned recognition across three Comparably awards;Best Company Outlookfor small/medium-sized businesses,Best HR Team , and Best Leadership Teams. For more information, visitOpenly.comorlinkedin.com/openlyllc ContactRoss StevensCaliber Corporate Advisers for Openlyross@ calibercorporateadvisers.com SOURCE: Openly
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 13:30:24

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 /(TSXV:OGN)(OTCQX:OGNRF) Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen" or the "Company") is pleased to announce updates for its partner funded exploration stage projects and royalties.HighlightsEstimated 30,000 metres of drilling in seven planned or completed programs in Nevada, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Western Kenya where Orogen holds project or royalty interests.Several targeting and regional exploration programs for gold and copper projects planned in British Columbia and Nevada.Eight active option agreements and a portfolio of projects available for option and sale generated by Orogen's project generation team.Exploration Asset Portfolio UpdateSpring Peak gold project, Nevada, USA - Headwater Gold Inc (CSE: HWG) ("Headwater") recently announced a 7,000 metre drill program in partnership with Newmont Corporation. The 20 to 25 hole program will focus on extensions of the Disco Zone, a low-sulphidation epithermal gold discovery made in 2022. District-scale exploration, including gravity and Controlled-source Audio-frequency-Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) geophysics, airborne magnetics and radiometrics, and soil sampling utilizing Newmont's Deep Sensing Geochemistry methodology are also planned1. Orogen retains the rights to a cash payment and up to a 1% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty interest on the Spring Peak project.MPD South (formerly Axe) copper-gold porphyry, British Columbia, Canada - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSX.V KDK) ("Kodiak") announced a 10,000 metre drilling program on the MPD (North and South) project designed to test six exploration targets. Four of the targets, including the 1516, South, Adit and Celeste2,3 areas are within the MPD South where Orogen holds a royalty area of interest. Orogen holds an equity interest in Kodiak and a 2% NSR royalty subject to a 0.5% buydown on the MPD South claims.Ghost Ranch gold project, Nevada, USA - Ivy Minerals Inc. (Private) recently completed a five-hole 2,130 metre diamond drill program. The program targeted an anticlinal axis interpreted from a 2023 Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric ("AMT") geophysical survey. All drill holes intersected oxidized carbonate bearing rocks with variable decalcification and silicification. Assay results are pending. Orogen holds the right to a 1% NSR royalty on the Ghost Ranch project.Maggie Creek gold project, Nevada, USA - Nevada Gold Mines ("NGM") is following-up on the three-hole 1,282 metre drill program completed in 2023 with exploration across various areas of the project, including a core tail to test the deeper prospective Lower-Plate beneath the 2023 holes. The core tail, which was started in early July, intersected Lower Plate rocks of the Rodeo Creek formation at 442 metres. The drilling is ongoing and planned to approximately 1100 metres. Orogen holds the right to cash payments and a 2% NSR royalty on the Maggie Creek property.Figure 1: Location of select Orogen royalties and project interests in Western North AmericanHWY 37 (Ball Creek East and Hank claims) copper-gold porphyry project, British Columbia, Cananda - Kingfisher Metals Inc. (TSX.V. KFR) ("Kingfisher") is planning a Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetic ("ZTEM") airborne geophysical survey, mapping and Induced Polarization ("IP") surveys on the HWY 37 and Hank properties4,5. Orogen holds an equity position in Kingfisher, rights to share payments, and to acquire a 1% NSR royalty for C$1 million on the Ball Creek East claims. Orogen also holds a 3% NSR royalty on the Hank claims subject to a 1% buydown.Astro gold project, Northwest Territories, Canada - Rackla Metals Inc. ( TSX.V: RAK) ("Rackla") recently announced exploration plans for the Astro Plutonic Complex (APC) intrusion related gold target in the NWT/Yukon including 4,000 metres of diamond drilling6. Orogen holds an equity interest in Rackla and a 1% NSR royalty on the Northwest Territories portion of the APC with the right to acquire an additional 0.5%.Cuprite gold project, Nevada, USA - Strikepoint Gold Inc ( TSX.V: SKP) ("Strikepoint") released results from a 3,100 metre reverse-circulation drill program on the Cuprite epithermal property7. The encouraging results confirmed gold bearing mineralization below the mercury bearing residual silica cap at surface. Alteration mineralogy will be used to vector into targets for a future phase of drilling. Cuprite was generated from the exploration alliance between Orogen and Altius Minerals Corporation ("Altius") using similar analyses and techniques that identified the Expanded Silicon gold deposit. Orogen and Altius each hold an equity interest in Strikepoint and a 1.5% NSR royalty interest on the Cuprite project subject to a 0.25% buydown.Si2 gold project, Nevada, USA - K2 Gold Corporation ( TSX.V: KTO) ("K2") is conducting hyperspectral analysis on drill core from their 2023 exploration program that identified weakly anomalous gold beneath the mercury rich steam cap. The results will be used to vector into future drill targets8. Orogen holds the right to cash payments and a 2% NSR royalty on the Si2 project.Rosterman gold project, Kenya - Shanta Gold Limited (Private) ("Shanta") is planning up to two drill holes on the Rosterman orogenic gold exploration target in Kakamega county, western Kenya. Rosterman lies north of the Isulu and Bushiangala deposits9 which contain a combined global gold resource of 1.285 million ounces grading 10.6 g/t gold including indicated resources of 722,000 ounces grading 11.45 g/t10. In May, Shanta was acquired by Saturn Resources, a private company wholly owned by ETC Holdings (Mauritius) Limited. Orogen holds a 3% net smelter royalty on the Rosterman claims.Save the Date - Orogen's Project Generation ShowcaseDate & Time:Wednesday September 18, 2024, at 10:00AM PST / 1:00PM ESTZoom Webinar Registration: https://orogenroyalties.com/pgday/ Join Orogen's exploration team to learn more about our portfolio of drill ready precious and base metal projects in western North America that are available for option and sale. The free event is open to anyone including interested companies, geologists and other technical professionals, shareholders and interested investors.Our inaugural event will be dedicated to "Expanded Silicon Analogues", projects sharing geological similarities to the Expanded Silicon project (Merlin gold deposit: 9.05 million ounces inferred and Silicon gold deposit: 3.4 million ounces indicated, and 800,000 ounces inferred). Don't miss this opportunity to interact with the technical team responsible for the creation of these projects and for the identification of the Expanded Silicon project.Qualified Person State
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Q Precious and Battery Metals Corp. ("QMET" or the "Company") (CSE:QMET)(OTC PINK:BTKRF)(FRA:0NB) is pleased to announce that the company continues to intersect disseminated, semi-massive and massive sulphide mineralization in drilling on the La Corne South project located north of Val d'Or, Quebec.The company has now completed three drill holes for a total of 426 metres. All three holes were designed to test a coincident TDEM conductor and magnetic high discovered previously by QMET geophysical surveys.QMET drill hole 24LCS-01 was completed at a depth of 145.6 metres. Several significant mineralized bands were visible, each ranging from 2 to 5 metre width consisting mainly of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite, interpreted as possible Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposition.Hole 24LCS-02 was drilled to 145 metres from the same pad as hole one with a shift in azimuth of 15 degrees to test the mineralization further to the south. Hole 02 intercepted basalt with intervals of granitic rock including thin pegmatitic segments, with komatiite and granitic rock at depth. The hole contains mostly disseminated sulphide mineralization with some semi-massive sulphide up to 2 metres width.Hole 24LCS-03 was drilled from a pad located 70 metres to the northwest of holes 01 and 02, testing the volcanic hosted mineralization a further 50 metres to the north. This hole intersected basaltic rock with granodiorite intersects. Disseminated pyrrhotite with other sulphide minerals were noted, with semi-massive pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite over a 5 metre interval (107-112 metres downhole).The three drill holes completed to date all intercepted disseminated to massive sulphide mineralization including copper and zinc minerals, and confirm the TDEM survey conductive bodies as sulphide mineralized targets.The core is currently being logged and sampled at a facility in Val d'Or. Explo-Logik Inc is managing the drill program. QMET warns the reader that the information provided at this time in regards to drill holes 24LCS-01, 02, and 03 are preliminary in nature with characterization based upon initial visual observations undertaken by a Qualified Professional at the site. Samples of the core will be analyzed to verify the metals contained within the sulphide mineralization (including possible Cu-Zn-Ag-Au). More details regarding core logging and sampling will be available in the coming week.The next drill holes are designed to test other TDEM anomalies further to the south of the current drilling. The drill program will continue to test TDEM conductors and magnetic anomalies along the strike of the host volcanic rocks. A corridor length of approximately 2 kilometres is to be tested with a total of 7-9 drill holes of average 120-150 metres depth. The drill hole planning will advance depending upon the geology observed in each drill hole, and upon the laboratory results from core sampling.The QMET geologic team is very pleased with the mineralization intercepted to date in holes 24LCS-01, 02 and 03 as it supports the exploration model for volcanic hosted sulphides at La Corne South.The geologic team, including QP and Project Manager Gilles Carrier of Explo-Logik Inc, will continue to monitor the drilling and sample mineralized intercepts, and to continue interpretation for targeting of future drill holes. Drill core logging and sampling will take place at the Explo-Logik facility in Val d'Or.Q PRECIOUS & BATTERY METALS CORP Q Precious & Battery Metals exploration programs undertaken in Quebec are supervised by Dr. Mathieu Piche, OGQ, with office located north of Val d'Or. He is also a Q Battery Metals company director. The company has 100% interest in mineral claims within Quebec, targeting critical and precious metals. Projects include the La Corne South VMS + Pegmatite Lithium Project, McKenzie East Gold property, and the recently acquired Pontax Lithium and Versant rare earth elements (REE) properties.Cautionary StatementThis press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com . Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsRichard PennCEO(778) 384-8923SOURCE: Q Battery Metals Corp
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 19:25:21

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Rover Critical Minerals Corp. (TSXV:ROVR)(OTCQB:ROVMF)(FSE:4XO) ("Rover" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire a 100% interest in the Silicon Valley Silica Project, near Golden, British Columbia (the "Transaction") Orichalcum Holdings Inc. (the "Vendor").The 1,760-hectare (4,349-acre) Silicon Valley Silica Project, located adjacent to the town of Golden, B.C. and the Sinova Quartz silica quarry, hosts approximately 12 kilometers of regionally mapped strike length of the high-purity quartzite beds of the Ordovician Mount Wilson Formation. Sampling in 2017 encountered up to 99.9% SiO2 and an average of 99.6% SiO2 along a traverse of approximately 190 metres, along strike with the adjacent Sinova Quartz silica quarry. Deleterious elements were found to be very low, with an average of 0.03% Fe2O3, 0.02% CaO, 0.02% MgO, 0.01% P2O5, and 0.10% Al2O3. Details of the Project are outlined below.As the demand for renewable energy sources like solar power grows, driven by global initiatives to combat climate change, the market for high-purity silica (also known as high-purity quartz, or HPQ) is poised to expand significantly. With the acquisition of Silicon Valley Silica Project, Rover is poised to gain a strategic position in the rapidly expanding critical minerals market.Judson Culter, CEO of Rover states, "On June 10th, the Government of Canada announced that silicon metal had been added to Canada's Critical Minerals List, in addition to announcing additional funding for the semiconductor and chip manufacturing industry. The U.S. Government also has silicon on its critical minerals list, therefore making the project potentially eligible for DoD or DoE funding through the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) program. Through this Transaction, Rover is gaining a strategic and timely position in what is becoming one of the most sought-after high-purity silica districts in Canada with a project located adjacent to one of the largest high-purity silica producers in the country. Silica, despite being the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust, is rare in its purest form, and is in increasingly high demand as a crucial element in the production of photovoltaics (PV) and semiconductors. Management closely follows industry trends, evident from companies like Intel, which is on track to build the world's largest chip-making complex in Ohio, with $20 billion invested by the company to date. Factoring in macro-economic demand for chips in AI applications, along with the geopolitical risks of Taiwan holding current market share of the chip industry, this deal has a bright future." Paddy J. Moylan, Rover's President and Director, comments, "Silicon Valley is a deal we have been working on for some time. Silicon Valley is special. It is transformational for our company and investors. This project has huge potential. We already have boots on the ground within a short walk to a world-class asset, which is exciting! I will be on site as work progresses. Importantly, from an ESG point of view, it ticks many boxes. I look forward to finalising the definitive agreement imminently. Rover has formed a terrific working relationship in the area, and I am thrilled that Case Lewis, will join us as our exploration manager. I have come to know Case well and he will be a strong advocate for Rover and Silicon Valley. We will keep investors informed of progress at all material times as we advance towards positive news flow." About High Purity SilicaSilicon, which is derived from high-purity silica, is the primary material in the majority of solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) cells. Silicon metal is essential to the manufacture of computer chips and semiconductors, used in almost any and everything electronic. It is also used in aluminum production for aerospace applications, as well as anodes in emergent next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Although silica is abundant in the Earth's crust, silica deposits with a high degree of purity and volume - those which are in economic demand - particularly in excess of 99% SiO2, are a relatively rare occurrence, especially in Canada and the U.S.About Canada's Critical Minerals List June 10 UpdateThe Critical Minerals List was first released in 2021 and consisted of 31 minerals which were deemed essential to Canada's green and digital economies. On June 10, 2024, the Government of Canada released an updated Critical Minerals List which increased the number of critical minerals to 34, now including silicon metal.To be included in the Critical Minerals List, the Government of Canada must consider that: (1) the supply chain of the material is threatened; (2) there is a reasonable chance of the mineral being produced by Canada and; (3) the mineral is considered to be one of the following:essential to Canada's economic or national security; orrequired for the national transition to a sustainable low-carbon and digital economy; orpositions Canada as a sustainable and strategic partner within global supply chains.Project Highlights - Silicon Valley Project, Golden, B.C.1,760 hectares (4,349 acres) adjacent to the town of Golden, B.C., and less than 1km from the Canadian Pacific Railway Golden Rail Yard with easy year-round access. (Figure 1)High-purity quartzite of the Ordovician Mount Wilson Formation with up to 12 km of regionally mapped strike length on the property and up to 300 metres apparent width at surface. Bedding strikes 120 to 140 and dips from 60 to 75.On the same lithological unit and close to both Sinova Global's Sinova Quartz quarry pit (500m to south) and the Moberly Silica Mine (9.0 km to north). Sinova Quartz has been permitted for over 1,000,000 tonnes of annual silica production. (1)The HCJ MINFILE occurrence on the Project was first reported in 1972 by Dr. L.B. Halferdahl, who characterized the quartzite unit as containing sequences with thicknesses of 30 metres or more of very white to grey high grade silica material, with no impurities being visible with examination even with a 20x hand lens and thus having the potential for ferrosilicon-grade material. The quartzite silica bed at the Silicon Valley Project was mapped to extend at least from the HCJ MINFILE occurrence at the north end of the current Property, to the Sinova Quartz quarry at the south end of the Property. (2)2018 sampling extending from 50 metres from the boundary of the adjacent Sinova Quartz quarry tenure encountered up to 99.9%2
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SIMPSONVILLE, SC / ACCESSWIRE / July 23, 2024 / The City of Simpsonville is excited to announce its partnership with Ghost Brands, a leading digital strategy and design agency, to revamp the city's website. This collaboration aims to enhance the website's user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), ensure compliance with modern standards, and provide a refreshed look and feel and improved navigability. The updated website will enable Simpsonville citizens to easily access, locate, and find information related to municipal communications.Photo Courtesy: Municipal Association of South CarolinaJustin Campbell, Community Relations Specialist for the City of Simpsonville, expressed his enthusiasm about the project: "We are thrilled to partner with Ghost Brands to deliver a website that truly meets the needs of our community. This redevelopment will make it easier for our citizens to find the information they need quickly and efficiently. The current website does the job, but that's neither Simpsonville's nor Ghost's standard. We want a website that is engaging and fun in addition to being informative and a resource." Dianna Gracely, City Administrator, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Our goal is to create a digital platform that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. With Ghost Brands, we are confident that we will achieve a website that serves our community better than ever before." Paul Shewmaker, Mayor of Simpsonville, highlighted the community impact: "This website redesign is a great move for Simpsonville. It shows we're serious about being open, easy to reach, and better at keeping in touch with our residents. We're excited to roll out this new website that makes things better for everyone using it. We look forward to unveiling a site that enhances the overall experience for everyone who interacts with it." Britton Briley, Owner and Founder of Ghost Brands, shared his vision for the project: "At Ghost Brands, we are dedicated to creating digital experiences that are intuitive and engaging. We are honored to work with the City of Simpsonville to deliver a website that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its citizens. Our team is excited to bring this vision to life and contribute to the community's digital transformation." The website redevelopment project is set to commence immediately, with the new site expected to launch in early 2025. The City of Simpsonville and Ghost Brands are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and delivering a platform that enhances the accessibility and usability of municipal information.About the City of Simpsonville:Simpsonville is a vibrant city located in Greenville County, South Carolina. Known for its friendly community and high quality of life, Simpsonville is dedicated to providing exceptional services and fostering a welcoming environment for all residents.About Ghost Brands:Ghost Brands is a premier digital strategy and design agency specializing in UI/UX design, web development, and digital marketing. With a passion for creating user-centric digital experiences, Ghost Brands partners with organizations to deliver innovative solutions that drive engagement and success.Country: United StatesMedia Contact Name: Britton BrileyCompany: Ghost BrandsEmail: britton@ ghostbrands.com Phone Number: 864-704-3229Website: www.ghostbrands.com SOURCE: Ghost Brands
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / IC CAPITALIGHT CORP. (the "Company" or "Capitalight") (CSE:IC), is pleased to announce final results from a late May 2024 site visit to our Blue Lake Cu Ni Pt Pd property, located 65km northeast of Schefferville, Quebec. The purpose of the visit, conducted by two IC Directors and two consulting geologists, was to complete necessary claims assessment work.ASSAY RESULTSMike Muggridge. P.Geo (NL), based on the assay results from 72 grab samples of rusty boulders, outcrop, massive sulfide mineralization from multiple widespread showings, and from the Blue Lake Adit stockpile, noted the following:A random grab of semi-massive sulfides found at the Blue Lake adit stockpile graded 7.67% Cu, 0.11% Ni, 1,890 ppb Pd, 237 ppb Pt (2.13 g/t Pt+Pd), 8.4% S, 74 ppb Au.Pt-Pd values are strongly correlated with Cu-Ni-S and often Au. Of the 72 samples, 48 exceeded 100 ppb Pt+Pd (combined) indicating widespread anomalous PGE values.16 of these 48 were from outcrops on various showings / deposits around the property (see Figure 1 below). The Nancy Lake South showing yielded the best sample result at 292 ppb Pt+Pd (238 Pd, 54 Pt), 13 ppb Au, 0.21% Cu, 0.18% Ni, 6.4% S. Mineralized ultramafic sill' outcrops were easily traced over > 200m strike lengths.Sample results from showings at Berry Lake and NW Syncline Nose were close 2nd and 3rd ranked: 229 and 212 ppb Pt+Pd respectively.Average results for various metals in 27 grab samples of outcropping non-sediments', were 94 ppb Pd, 35 ppb Pt, (129 ppb Pt+Pd), 756 ppm Cu, 1397 ppm Ni, 4.0% S, 7.9 ppb Au.On average, the results for various metals in 34 samples of non-sediment' rusty' boulders were marginally higher than in the outcrop samples, as follows: 115 ppb Pd, 35 ppb Pt, (150 ppb Pt+Pd), 991 ppm Cu, 1198 ppm Ni, 4.3% S, and 7.1 ppb Au. Bedrock sources of most of the sampled boulders are considered to be close to the sample site.OUTREACHPrior to departing for the project, the company reached out to local communities of the Schefferville region. An initial meeting occurred between the company and the Mining Liaison Officer for the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach. This meeting is first of many to be held as the community consultation, community outreach, project planning, and work programs move forward. The initial meeting focused on each party's desire for a long term, broad and mutually advantageous relationship.NEXT_STEPS The company has expanded the property by 702 claims to 993, covering 488 sq. km. A much-enlarged exploration program is being planned, commencing immediately. Please see our news release July 22, 2024, for further details LINKED HERE. Capitalight will host a Q&A for the Blue Lake Copper project on Thursday July 25 at 2pmEST. Register to join the discussion with Douglas MacQuarrie and Brian Bosse. EVENT LINK HERE.SITE ACCESS_&_INFRASTRUCTRE The Blue Lake project has historically been serviced by winter road access from Schefferville. Schefferville hosts rail head to the major iron ore shipping port at Sept-Iles, Quebec. A future source of potentially low-cost hydro electric power exists at the nearby Menihek hydroelectric generating facility. The historical Blue Lake underground workings had been supported by equipment brought overland from Schefferville. The company was able to trace from the air most of the ice road route used.Surface travel from Schefferville's operating railway infrastructure to the project area during winter is via approximately 20 kilometres of existing gravel road followed by 45 kilometers of ice road and then 19 kilometers of tote road. This represents a seasonal financial advantage over helicopter supported exploration, and for eventual, if then warranted, economic development.GEOLOGY COMMENT Capitalight Director Douglas MacQuarrie remarked; "Before this site visit our Blue Lake project was technically interesting and required further exploration but was limited by our available funding. Now having seen the widespread mineralization in the context of a surrounding +800 sq km copper in lake sediments anomaly and the increased worldwide demand for copper, it has become exciting and has focused management on rapidly ramping up land acquisition, funding and exploration. Though the exploration area is very large, in fact a major company sized project, the targeted regionally mineralized ultramafic intrusions (sills) are outcropping, easily traced with airborne and ground geophysics, and where producing significant massive sulfides such as at the Blue Lake 1 to 5 adit area, easily outlined with low cost electromagnetic and gravimetric techniques. Going forward our challenge is to discover +30MT of high-grade Cu Ni Pt Pd deposits of similar type to those already noted, while keeping an eye out for potential large scale open cut low grade opportunities." HISTORICAL_DEPOSIT The former LaFosse Special Mining Lease, had been previously bulk sampled and estimated to contain a Historical resource estimate of 4.8 million tons at 0.85% Cu, 0.52% Ni, 0.84g/t Pt+Pd. Locally grades up to 4.03g/t Pt, 16.5g/t Pd, 2.94% Cu, and 0.12% Ni have been noted. Sufficient work has not been done to classify the historical resource estimate (as reported by La Fosse Platinum Group and T. Clark, 1991) as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and the Company is not treating the historical resource estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The economic viability of deposits such as these has not been established. In general, these historical estimates are included herein only as an example of the type and grade potential of Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization occurring in our newly expanded Blue Lake Project area.Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Douglas R. MacQuarrie, P.Geo. (B.C.) Geology & Geophysics, MAusIMM, Director of IC Capitalight Corp., who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. Assessment sampling and reporting was overviewed by Mike Muggridge, P.Geo. (NL), and supported by Pierre-Luc Lalonde, P.Geo. (QC).ABOUT IC CAPITALIGHT CORP.The Company provides shareholders with long-term capital growth by investing in a portfolio of private company investments and mineral exploration properties that are expected to generate positive cash flows. The company is listed on the CSE under the symbol " IC." 1.416.844.5712 or brian@ capitalight.co Figure 1 - Blue Lake Mineral Showings, claims, copper in lake sediments anomaly on Satellite image Figure 2 - Ultramafic/Massive Cu Ni Pt Pd sulfides contact in boulder, Blue Lake North SOURCE: IC Capitalight C
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 18:38:56

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The company's Post Effective Amendment Form S-1 goes Effective with the SECSAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / TPT Global Tech, Inc. (OTC PINK:TPTW) ( www.tptglobaltech.com , the "Company"), a leading innovator in the telecommunications and technology industries, is pleased to announce the effectiveness of its Post Effectibe Amendment Form S-1 related to a $3,000,000 Standby Equity Commitment Agreement with MACRAB, LLC (the "Standby Equity Commitment Agreement") with the SEC. This agreement, along with the related Registration Rights Agreement, grants the Company access to weekly financing tranches. More details on the Standby Equity Commitment Agreement are available in the Company's SEC filings.This financing arrangement, extending for up to 24 months, provides TPT Global Tech with capital to support its growth initiatives and the launch of the innovative VuMe Super App. The VuMe Super App aims to integrate digital services such as social media, multimedia streaming, and mobile payment options into a single, seamless user experience. Additionally, it is expected to help reduce the Company's debt burden.Stephen Thomas, CEO of TPT Global Tech, commented, "We believe this Standby Equity Commitment Agreement reflects our partners' confidence in TPT Global Tech's vision and strategic direction. With access to weekly financing tranches, we have the financial flexibility to accelerate the development and launch of our VuMe Super App, a platform we believe will redefine user engagement across multiple digital services.The Standby Equity Commitment Agreement helps TPT Global Tech manage its cash flows while pursuing its strategic objectives. This financing underscores TPT Global Tech's dedication to innovation and excellence in the telecommunications and technology sectors.About TPT Global TechTPT Global Tech, Inc. is a technology holding company based in San Diego, California. It was formed as the successor of two U.S. corporations, Ally Pharma US and TPT Global, Inc. The Company operates in various sectors including media, telecommunications, Smart City Real Estate Development, and the launch of the first super App, VuMe Live technology platform.As a media content delivery hub, TPT Global Tech utilizes its own proprietary global digital media TV and telecommunications infrastructure platform. They offer software as a service (SaaS), technology platform as a service (PAAS), and cloud-based unified communication as a service (UCaaS) solutions to businesses worldwide. Their UCaaS services enable businesses of all sizes to access the latest voice, data, media, and collaboration features.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as "believes," "looking ahead," "anticipates," "estimates" and other terms with similar meaning. Specifically, statements about the Company's plans for accelerated growth, improved profitability, future business partners, M&A activity, new service offerings, and pursuit of new markets are forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases, the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.For more information about TPT Global Tech and its subsidiaries, please visit www.tptgloabltech.com For media or Investment inquiries, please contact: Rick@ tptglobaltech.com SOURCE: TPT Global Tech, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 19:00:25

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Brand experience company joins an elite group of organizations that have met the highest standards for data security.ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 /Truelio, a leading brand experience company specializing in creative, branding, digital marketing and technology development solutions, announced today that it has successfully achieved SOC 2 Type 1 compliance. The SOC 2 is a rigorous compliance and auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for service providers. The certification is designed to ensure that organizations manage customer data based on five "trust service principles"-security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. The conclusion of the 12-month project represents a significant milestone for Truelio underscoring its steadfast dedication to information security and data privacy for its partners.Truelio Logo "Achieving SOC 2 Type 1 compliance highlights our commitment to ensuring the highest level of data security for our partners. It assures them that we take data seriously and have established rigorous policies and procedures to safeguard it," stated Brian Benavides, Truelio's Chief Technology Officer. "We aren't stopping here. With SOC 2 Type 1 completed, we're even more excited to have already embarked on our SOC 2 Type 2 audit journey. SOC 2 Type 2 takes it a step further by evaluating the operational effectiveness of our controls over a period of time." "We believe that trust is built through transparency and consistent performance. Achieving SOC 2 Type 1 compliance and pursuing SOC 2 Type 2 certification are important steps in our mission to deliver the most secure and reliable services possible," added John Kauffman, Truelio's Chief Executive Officer. "We are committed to ongoing improvement and will continue to invest in our security with a goal of exceeding industry standards and delivering peace of mind to our partners." Visit Truelio.com to learn more about the company's broad range of brand experience solutions.About Truelio Truelio is a premier brand experience company specializing in creative, branding, digital marketing and technology development solutions. Based in Atlanta, GA, with a growing footprint across the U.S., we are a collective group of creative strategists, brand specialists and digital experts. For over two decades, our partnership-based culture and strategic services have helped many of the world's leading brands deliver extraordinary experiences that inspire growth and make a difference in the lives of their employees and customers. Visit Truelio.com to learn more about our experience, expertise and broad range of marketing and technology solutions.Contact InformationRandy DawsonChief Marketing Officerrandy.dawson@truelio.com 770-407-6300SOURCE: TruelioView the original press release on newswire.com
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CLEARWATER, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Cleartronic, Inc.'s (OTC PINK:CLRI) ($CLRI) ("Company") CEO, Marc Moore, provides an update on its ReadyOp platform and how its customers bypassed the Crowdstrike cyber software outage.Marc Moore, the Company's CEO, commented, "July 19, 2024, began like any other summer day, but it quickly became a major challenge for many due to a significant software upgrade issue with Crowdstrike, a leading cyber software provider. This outage affected computer systems globally, impacting major businesses, airlines, and government agencies. Employees found themselves unable to access their networks, emails, and other essential work-related programs"."In contrast, ReadyOp users experienced no such disruptions. Our platform, developed internally and independent of Microsoft, Crowdstrike, and other vulnerable software programs, operated flawlessly. ReadyOp clients were able to send text messages and emails to their employees, providing communications and guidelines for updating their computers once the Crowdstrike issues were resolved," said Mr. Moore."This incident underscores the importance of including ReadyOp in every organization's Continuity of Operations Program (COOP). While many other mass notification and emergency software platforms were offline, ReadyOp maintained uninterrupted service, exemplifying reliability and resilience in times of crisis," commented John Ohl, CTO of Cleartronic.About Cleartronic, Inc. (OTCPINK:CLRI) ($CLRI)Cleartronic, Inc. (OTCPINK:CLRI), through its primary operating subsidiary, ReadyOp Communications, offers ReadyOp as a Software as a Solution (SAAS) that integrates planning, operations, communications, visual displays, reporting forms, and more in a single web-based platform now in use nationwide and internationally. ReadyOp is used by government agencies, hospitals, ports, airports, first responders, schools and universities, companies, and unified commands for daily operations, alert and response actions, special event planning, incident management, and emergency response and recovery. ReadyOp is simple to use and designed for fast, efficient access to information and the ability to plan, coordinate, direct, and communicate with multiple persons, groups, agencies, and locations. www.cleartronic.com Safe Harbor StatementThis new release contains statements that involve expectations, plans, or intentions (such as those relating to future business or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," and other similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of certain factors not within the control of the Company. The Company cautions readers not to rely on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.Contact and Inquiries for Investor Relations:Larry Reid(954) 826-2508 lreid@ cleartronic.com SOURCE: Cleartronic, Inc
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-24 18:38:46

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As Africa's first onchain Domain, .ubu provides users of Africa's premier mixed reality platform with custom digital identities and seamless transactions across the Africarare ecosystem and beyond.SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / In a move set to enhance digital identity in Africa's growing Web3 ecosystem,Unstoppable Domains , the leading provider of onchain domains with over 3.9M registered domains, in collaboration withAfricarare , Africa's premier mixed reality platform, today announces the launch of the .ubu top-level onchain domain. This partnership makes a significant step toward integrating African cultural values into the blockchain-powered digital economy.The .ubu domain draws inspiration from Ubuntu, an African philosophy centered on community and interconnectedness. This concept, often expressed as "I am because we are," forms the foundation of a digital identity that is both uniquely individual and connected to the broader African and global Web3 community.By combining Unstoppable Domains' technology and Africarare's understanding of the African digital landscape, .ubu domains will provide users with a unified way to send and receive cryptocurrencies and NFTs, simplifying transactions and reducing errors associated with traditional crypto wallet addresses. By integrating with over 865 applications, .ubu domains lower the barrier to entry for blockchain use, allowing for a cohesive identity across various platforms."Our partnership with Africarare goes beyond technology. It embodies our joint vision of breaking barriers and leveraging the power of technology to bring next-level experiences to communities worldwide," said Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains. "The launch of .ubu domains simplifies digital interactions and celebrates Africa's rich cultural heritage in the global digital landscape. Together, we're empowering users to step confidently into Web3, creating a more accessible digital future that spans across continents." Africarare is an AI-powered mixed-reality environment set in Ubuntuland, a vibrant virtual world on the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains. The platform allows users to create, experience, and monetize content ranging from retail, to education, brand activation, art exhibits to concerts, film festivals, meetings, and games.The new .ubu domains will serve as unique digital identifiers within Ubuntuland, allowing for seamless interactions in the platform's social experiences and play-to-earn games. The domains will also facilitate easier transactions using the UBU token, Africarare's native cryptocurrency, established as a symbol of unity, empowerment, and collective progress."Integrating .ubu domains into Africarare brings the next level of mixed reality to our users, offering easier utility for our UBU token and excellent interoperability with other Web3 environments," said Mic Mann CEO and Co-founder at Africarare. "We're thrilled to partner with Unstoppable Domains on this endeavor, as it not only aligns with our vision of celebrating African creativity but also helps onboard even more users into Web3. Together, we're creating the inclusive internet of the future, a place of financial empowerment and expressive freedom." Like other Unstoppable-issued addresses, .ubu onchain domains will be available as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) minted on the Polygon blockchain, ensuring full ownership and control by users. These domains will enhance users' interactions within Africarare and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, serving as gateways to unique digital profiles and identities.As new partners of Unstoppable Domains, Africarare will join the ranks of other web3 companies, including leading crypto finance house Blockchain.com , in strategizing and applying to the upcoming Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) general Top Level Domains (gTLD) application round.The goal is to create Web2-Web3 domain "twins," allowing users, brands, and companies to take the best from both worlds and fully leverage the power of Web3 domains within the traditional Internet space. If successful, the .ubu domain will join the ranks of iconic ICANN-registered generic top-level domains like .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, and more.Press Contact:press@ unstoppabledomains.com About Unstoppable DomainsLaunched in 2018, Unstoppable Domains is a onchain domain name provider and digital identity platform working to onboard the world onchain. Unstoppable Domains offers onchain domains minted on the blockchain that give people full ownership and control of their digital identity, with no renewal fees. With Unstoppable Domains, people can replace lengthy alphanumeric crypto wallet addresses with a human-readable name and log into and transact with more than 720 apps, wallets, exchanges and marketplaces. The company was named by Forbes as one of America's Best Startup Employers in 2022.For more information, please visit: https://unstoppabledomains.com/ About AfricarareAfricarare is Africa's first metaverse, celebrating creativity and innovation across the continent. Built on blockchain technology, Africarare offers an immersive virtual experience where users can create, interact, and transact in Ubuntuland, a digital reflection of Africa's vibrant culture and potential.For more information, please visit: https://www.africarare.io/ SOURCE: Unstoppable Domains
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Adrian del Rio receives $2,500 in financial support.OKEMOS, MI / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / The personal injury lawyers with White Law PLLC want to congratulate Adrian del Rio on receiving the 2023"Pay it Forward" Scholarship . This scholarship awards del Rio $2,500, which he can dedicate toward his continued education at Florida International University College of Law.In his scholarship essay, del Rio describes the events that have driven him to explore the relationship between small businesses and the law. A field trip in his youth showed him how the courts treat Miami's small businesses and how "powerless" some business owners are in the face of legalese.Del Rio could easily picture his father in the shoes of many business owners. His essay says that this image drove him to pursue a career in business law.Del Rio will graduate from Florida International University College of Law in 2026. Upon graduating, he wants to use his experience to help Miami's small businesses defend themselves in civil court, offering pro bono services in addition to his billed hours.However, he has to pass the Florida Bar before he can go to work. In his scholarship essay, del Rio elaborates on the difficulty of the Bar Exam, discussing how he plans to independently study the exam's 23 topics to supplement his legal education.White Law PLLC and its scholarship selection committee applaud del Rio's dedication to his academic career and his community. Reading about his personal experiences, it's hard not to appreciate del Rio's compassion for small businesses. That empathy drove the firm to award del Rio the "Pay it Forward" scholarship.About White Law PLLCWhite Law PLLCoffers individualized representation to Michigan residents in the wake of devastating accidents. The team's experience within the civil system allows it to tackle complex cases without sacrificing a client's right to maximized accident compensation.The team is based in Okemos, MI, but provides legal representation to clients throughout the state. Clients can trust the team's expert use of the latest legal technology to advance their cases with as few complications as possible.White Law PLLC offers free case consultations to Michigan residents in need of legal support.Get in touch todayto learn more about the tailored solution the team can cultivate for you.Future applicants can follow in del Rio's footsteps by applying for the "Pay It Forward" scholarship in 2024.Company Name: White Law PLLCCity: OkemosState/Province: MichiganCountry: United StatesContact person's name: Jamie WhiteEmail: scholarship@ whitelawpllc.com Telephone: (517) 316-1195SOURCE: White Law PLLC
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AKRON, OH / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / WillCo Tech, a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the defense sector, today announced that its CyberSTAR software platform has achieved IL5 FedRAMP Authorization to Operate (ATO) and is now listed as "In Process" in the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Marketplace.FedRAMP is a government-wide program with a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. Achieving "In Process" status is a testament to WillCo Tech's commitment to providing secure, reliable, and compliant cybersecurity solutions."Achieving this 'In Process' milestone is a crucial step in our efforts to deliver the highest standards of cybersecurity readiness and compliance," said Marling Engle, CEO of WillCo Tech. "The IL5 ATO indicates that our security controls have been reviewed by both an approved Third Party Assessor (3PAO) and a DoD agency, showing our readiness for final review with FedRAMP PMO. Our CyberSTAR platform meets FedRAMP's rigorous requirements, ensuring our government partners can prepare their personnel effectively." Cybersecurity Workforce Readiness with CyberSTARCyberSTAR automates DoDD 8140.03 training and compliance tracking, reducing manual efforts by over 90%. This allows Cyber and IT leadership to focus on improving the workforce rather than tracking compliance with the regulation. The platform provides government agencies and contractors with a comprehensive cyber workforce solution that implements the DoD CIO's Cyber Workforce Qualifications Program for an agency. It also addresses key areas such as cyber and IT workforce skills baselining, skill gap closure, and continuous development in the career field.Looking AheadWith its anticipated FedRAMP authorization, CyberSTAR is set to enhance its support for federal agencies and the defense industrial base. This authorization will enable comprehensive cybersecurity workforce management, ensuring personnel meet necessary qualifications and readiness standards. CyberSTAR will streamline compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and boost the effectiveness of the federal cyber workforce.About WillCo TechWillCo Tech is a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the defense sector. Our flagship product, CyberSTAR, is an advanced cybersecurity compliance and readiness solution. Willco Tech cyber and IT, workforce management products, are used by several million users in the DoD across large military commands, small Fourth Estate DoD agencies, contractors, and commercial organizations to assign, attain, and maintain 8140 qualifications for their cyber workforce. Focusing on cybersecurity, talent management, and advanced R&D, WillCo Tech delivers cutting-edge products and services that enhance the operational capabilities of DoD agencies and contractors. For more information about WillCo Tech and its team, please visit www.willcotech.com Contact InformationScott WolfPrincipalswolf@ willcotech.com 216-408-6651SOURCE: WillCo TechView the original press release on newswire.com
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Local mental health professionals and residents are invited to engage with experts at the Motion Impacts Emotions Conference in Hartland, WI on September 7th.DELAFIELD, WI / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / Wisconsin will host the first international conference on the role of physical activities in mental health this September. The Motion Impacts Emotions Conference, hosted by The Adel B. Korkor Foundation offers a unique opportunity for local mental health professionals, students, and residents to engage with experts. This one-day international conference at University Lake School will showcase the latest advancements in research regarding the intersection of movement, brain biology, brain health, and psychological wellness.The conference presentations will showcase clinical and scientific research demonstrating how physical activities enhance brain resilience against stress. Attendees will also receive practical guidance on implementing systemic changes to incorporate these findings into patient care.Dr. Adel Korkor, founder of the Adel B. Korkor Foundation, emphasizes the local impact: "This conference brings world-class expertise to Wisconsin. It's an unprecedented opportunity for our local mental health community to gain valuable insights into innovative approaches for integrating physical activities into mental health care practices." Korkor continues, "After establishing the foundation in 2016 and its flagship event, the Five Fifty Fifty Run/Walk Series, the role of physical activity in mental health awareness has become even more apparent." Dr. Korkor hopes that by attending this conference, "...attendees will access valuable insights into new innovative approaches for integrating physical activities into mental health care practices." The conference will be particularly beneficial for:Mental health professionalsHealthcare providers in physical and occupational therapyPublic health officialsUniversity students and interested members of the general public"We're excited to welcome speakers and attendees from around the world to Wisconsin," says Foundation Executive Director Zayna Salloum. "This conference aligns perfectly with our mission to expand mental health awareness and strategies to improve the lives of individuals through movement." The conference will be held in person at University Lake School, with a virtual live stream option available. Early bird registration is now open. To register and view more information including speaker bios and accommodation options, visit motionimpactsemotion.org for more information.Local media are invited to cover this landmark event. For press inquiries, please contact Zayna Salloum at zayna@ adelbkorkorfoundation.org About Adel B. Korkor M.D. FoundationThe Adel B. Korkor M.D. Foundation ( abkf.org) is a non-profit organization established in 2016 by Dr Adel B. Korkor to raise awareness regarding mental health, remove the stigma associated with it, and bring awareness to the importance of physical activities in mental health.Dr Korkor's personal journey with anxiety and panic disorders and how running has helped him was one of the main drivers behind the establishment of the foundation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPz0l8-pZP4 In addition, the foundation provides scholarships to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and social workers to become certified in mental health to improve access to it. Support programs engage in the early detection and treatment of behavioral health in children and support others engaged in the incorporation of physical activities for children.For More Information:Adel Korkor414-899-7819 adel.korkor@gmail.com # # #SOURCE: AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health
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DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2024 / XHYPE is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Telefonica, a global telecommunications leader, marking a significant milestone for Xtraveler and the future of travel services. This collaboration aims to utilize technological capabilities of Telefonica's NFT marketplace to bring innovative travel solutions to a broader audience, fundamentally transforming the travel industry.Meet Telefonica: A Global GiantTelefonica, known for its expansive telecommunications network and technological expertise, is a powerhouse in the global market. This partnership will allow XHYPE to offer its innovative travel services through mintable Xtraveler passports on Telefonica's NFT marketplace, the portal where to buy, sell and discover the most exclusive digital assets based on Blockchain. The xPassport by XHYPE collection, available on the marketplace, gives travelers access to benefits such as discounts on hotels, activities and car rentals.The Impact Ahead: Say Hello to Xtraveler PassportsThe collaboration aims to redefine how people perceive and utilize travel services. This partnership will focus on integrating top-notch technology to provide unparalleled ease and efficiency to travelers worldwide.Xtraveler passports, which will be available on Telefonica's marketplace, are set to become a game-changer in the travel industry. The integration of blockchain technology ensures that these passports are secure, immutable, and easily verifiable, providing travelers with peace of mind.Boosting Global Traveler ExperienceThe primary goal of this partnership is to enhance the overall travel experience. Through Telefonica's NFTs marketplace, XHYPE will be able to offer personalized travel solutions that cater to the unique needs of each traveler. Whether it's simplifying the booking process, providing real-time travel updates, or offering exclusive travel deals, the Xtraveler passports will be at the forefront of this transformation.A Vision for the FutureThis milestone is a testament of XHYPE's commitment to innovation and excellence in the travel industry. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for advanced travel solutions is more critical than ever.For media inquiries and further information, please contact:XHYPE - Communications Team info@ xhype.io Telefonica - Communications Team prensatelefonica@ telefonica.com +34 91 482 38 00About XHYPEXHYPE is at the forefront of innovation with its development of the first zero data decentralized marketplaces. Designed to ensure that personal information remains absolutely private, XHYPE represents a significant improvement over traditional e-commerce models. By utilizing advanced blockchain technology, XHYPE creates secure, transparent, and user-centric marketplaces that prioritize data privacy and user control.About TelefonicaTelefonica is one of the largest telecommunications service providers in the world. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity as well as a wide range of digital services for residential and business customers.With 383 million customers, the company operates in Europe and Latin America.Telefonica is a 100% listed company and its shares are traded on the Spanish Stock Market and on those in New York and Lima.Media ContactOrganization: XHYPEContact Person: Farhana MWebsite: https://xhype.io/ Email: info@ xhype.io City: DubaiCountry: United Arab EmiratesSOURCE: XHYPE
The novel shows the trajectory of women and the normative system of patriarchy, and how it fashions womens lives. Its the story of a woman  importantly, we can say a woman in her prime  who against the odds tries to build a future in a patriarchal society, where women are seen as commodities to be exchanged for a few favours for the sake of the family.

EM Forster begins his book, Aspects of the Novel, with an illustration of what a novel means to different people. He chose the last person whom he acknowledges as himself and for him: Yes  oh dear yes  the novel tells a story. That is the fundamental aspect without which it could not exist. This definition pattern might seem simple, but telling a story is not often as simple as we think. Telling a story is about coherence, a journey into different minds and souls, and the movement of events. I like to think of Dr Prince Nduka Alums Behind the Doors of Fate as the movement of a story and, importantly, into a terrain that I believe to be still evolving in Nigerian literature  and that is male authors handling female protagonists, whom they often show to be down on one knee.

The novel shows the trajectory of women and the normative system of patriarchy, and how it fashions womens lives. Its the story of a woman  importantly, we can say a woman in her prime  who against the odds tries to build a future in a patriarchal society, where women are seen as commodities to be exchanged for a few favours for the sake of the family. Adaeze, a fifteen-year-old, is to be given out in marriage against her wish and her mothers. But as things are in a phallocentric system where power rests with the man, nobody could object to the fathers decision, Papa was that man whom you must obey (2). Adaezes mother, and so was her mother before her, was married off early, and a similar pattern falls on Adaeze, whose father would not budge despite the pleas from the young girl. When her mother, called Mamao, sat her down, the narrator notes that:

The vicious circle of giving out girls in marriage because of poverty seemed to have become a family curse about to hit its third generation. She recalled the tale of her mother, who could not go to school, and how her father believed the missionaries had come to their village to defile the land. More so, they built the mission school on a land crookedly carved out from the evil forest against the will of the then Chief Priest, who had cursed anyone who stepped on that forest. She recounted how her mother ended up betrothed in marriage at twelve to a man who already had three wives and grown-up kids older than her.

Three generations passed through the ache of being married off at early age because of poverty, but what is interesting about the perspective taken in Behind the Doors of Fate is that it does not follow the poverty porn of Western gender pedagogy, which lacks the dialectics of gender and class, thereby making third-world culture the base of patriarchy. Our protagonist notes, I used to hear people say poverty is a curse, but I didnt know it could trickle down to this level. The novel includes the question of class binary and how it affects and influences gender. The three generations of women mentioned are of the lower class, and this offers a proper perspective on how class is a main driver of gender bias. Adaeze remembers Promise, her mothers friend who works in the city and is married to a big man because she went to school while Mamao, from a poor background, could not achieve any of the things her friend achieved. So Adaeze tells us: If her parents had allowed her to attend school, my mother believed she, too, could have attained the same standard Auntie Promise achieved and would never have ended up in my fathers house (2).

The novel is a bildungsroman that shows the progress of Adaeze after she marries Eddy in what she calls this horse-trading tagged marriage, and set out even in the unknown street of Lagos to become the kind of woman she always wanted to be. Its a journey with obstacles because she was leaving for a world of uncertainties. To compound issues, she has not resolved the pain and conflict of marrying against her wish, yet the first thing that introduces her to Eddy is that he is a playboy  with women in both Onitsha and Lagos. Adaeze is welcomed to Onitsha with a fight from someone older than her. When they get to the hotel where they are to pass the night, a lady from nowhere rushed him and snatched it (the key) from his hands. Is this the bush meat you went to the village to buy? Eddy, you are a shameless idiot. Is she not underage? Just look at her (22). This is followed by another call from someone in Lagos who claims to be pregnant for Eddy.

Despite these challenges, Adaeze knows she cannot return to her village. She is determined to find a way around her life but encounters another shocker to know that Eddy is not as wealthy as he was made to seem to her father. The boys quarter apartment and cockroaches roaming the room on their arrival send a signal, but she places her mind on the future. What makes the story more interesting is that, as Adaeze learns, when destiny speaks in the void of uncertainty, a path evolves. Eddy becomes the rhythm in the voice of destiny. He offers Adaeze the kind of life she always wanted, and the novel advances this philosophy  a humans life journey ultimately relies on destiny. Alums novel is a testament to winning, and how in the face of life challenges, laughter and light find us at the end.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Oko Owoicho is a critic and award-winning poet. He is the founder of Benue Poetry Troupe and Team Lead for Afrika-Writes.

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Leaders of Hamas, Fatah and other Palestinian factions have agreed, after three days of talks in Beijing, to form a national unity government at an unspecified point in the future, the Guardian newspaper reports.

This move, experts say, bolsters Chinas status as a global mediator, particularly in the Middle East.

The Beijing Declaration, signed by 14 Palestinian factions, also represents a significant step forward in negotiations between the groups, although it didnt detail how to actually achieve Palestinian unification.

In a speech on Tuesday, Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, said the declaration represented an important historical moment in the cause of Palestinian liberation.

Analysts from the West also said the agreement would prove hard to implement, with complications including the deep enmity between Palestinian factions and Western opposition to Hamas having any role in governance.

No timetable was declared for implementation, according to Reuters News Agency.

The agreement states that the factions should work together on uniting Palestinian institutions in the West Bank and Gaza, and prepare for national elections.

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It is hard to imagine that elections could be held in Gaza anytime soon given the state of the humanitarian crisis there, Raphael Angieri, an independent foreign policy analyst told the Guardian, adding that the agreement was significant nonetheless.

China has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The coastal strip of land has been under siege since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

Nearly 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of the Israeli offensive, with little sign of a peace settlement in sight.

The idea of Hamas being involved in any kind of postwar governance in Gaza is not a consideration in Israel and the US.

On Tuesday, Israels foreign minister, Israel Katz, reacted angrily to the inclusion of Hamas in the Beijing declaration. In a post on X, Mr Katz said the agreement for joint control of Gaza after the war wont happen because Hamass rule will be crushed.

In recent years, China has sought to portray itself as a global mediator, particularly in the Middle East, where it is seen as having less historical baggage than the US.

Last year, Beijing brokered a detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran, leading to concerns in Washington about the USs waning influence in the region.

Chinas mediation involvement here is less to do with the crisis itself and more to do with Beijings effort to present itself as an alternative global leader to the US, an analyst told the Guardian.

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The Senate, on Tuesday, passed the Finnace Act (amendment) Bill, 2024.

This followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance presented by its Chairman, Sani Musa.

Presenting the report, Mr Musa said the Senate at the plenary session on Wednesday, 17 July, read the letter of President Bola Tinubu presenting the Finance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The bill, he said, sought to amend the Finance Act 2023 to provide for the imposition of Windfall Tax, assessment and review of profit declarations.

He added that the bill sought to amend the Finance Act 2023 to impose and charge windfall tax on banks foreign exchange gains, but with an amendment from 50 to 70 per cent as the levy charge.

Mr Musa said the additional N6.2 trillion contained in the Appropriation Amendment Bill would be financed by the one-time windfall tax on banks foreign exchange profits.

This is as approved by the National Assembly and other independent sources of revenue.

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Last week, President Bola Tinubu requested that the Finance Act 2023 be amended to impose and charge windfall tax on banks and provide for tax administration and related matters.

(NAN)

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Thirty-three high-achieving Nigerian students have received full scholarships totalling $2.92 million to attend American universities and colleges for the 2024/2025 academic session. This feat was made possible through the Opportunity Funds Program of the United States Consulate General Lagos that is designed to increase access to US higher education institutions for highly qualified international students who have limited resources to cover upfront costs of attending a university in the United States.

Delivering remarks at a reception in Lagos in honour of the US-bound students, Consul General Will Stevens congratulated the scholars on their admission to several outstanding US universities to pursue studies in a diverse range of disciplines. He urged them to take advantage of the opportunities American universities have to offer and become actively involved in the many organizations and clubs that will enrich their experience as international students.

This Fall, you will join the over 17,000 Nigerian students studying in the United States. You have successfully navigated the daunting U.S. college and university admissions process and we are so excited for your future. You have excelled in Nigeria, and I have no doubt that you will continue that path of academic excellence, Consul General Stevens told the departing students.

Chigozie Odo, one of the 2023 Opportunity Fund Program scholars, received full funding for a PhD in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. His doctoral research will focus on immuno-therapy with the goal of contributing to lasting solutions to the treatment of cancer. Mr Odo, who lost his father and sole breadwinner for his family during his second year at university, expressed appreciation to the US government for covering the upfront costs of applying to US universities through the Opportunity Funds Program. My dream of studying in the United States which seemed impossible is now a reality, he added.

The 33 departing students  10 undergraduate and 23 graduate students  will be studying a variety of subjects including biomedical engineering; computer science; mechanical engineering; earth and planetary sciences; organic and medicinal chemistry; civil, construction, & environmental engineering; among others.

Following a competitive selection process, the successful students received financial aid that covered expenses involved in the college application process such as standardised tests, application fees, US visa and SEVIS fees as well as air travel to the United States. EducationUSA advisers worked closely with the students through regularly scheduled meetings, seminars and bootcamps, to assist them throughout the application process.

READ ALSO: Nigerian university offers scholarships to celebrate 20th anniversary

Through the Opportunity Funds Program, the U.S. Mission is making a commitment to helping talented and determined, economically disadvantaged students have the best possible chance to experience higher education in the United States. Now in its 20th year, the Opportunity Funds Program underscores the importance of educational exchange and the positive impact it has on fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the United States and Nigeria.

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According to the latest Institute of International Education Open Doors Report, Nigeria sends more students to American colleges and universities than any other country in Africa and is the seventh largest source worldwide of international students studying in the United States. Over 17,000 Nigerians study at more than 1,000 US colleges and universities.

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One person was shot dead at a local bar on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a gang attack.

The incident happened around 9 a.m. at a popular bar in Ifa Ikot Okpon, by the new ring road, Uyo, residents told PREMIUM TIMES.

A resident who did not want his name mentioned in the report said the incident was a clash between two rival cult groups.

He said some seven armed men belonging to a cult group had visited the bar to attack a man said to be a cousin to the bar owner.

When the bar owner saw them, he ran inside and told his cousin that they were coming to attack him. He (the bar owner) called the police on the phone.

When the police team arrived, he informed them that the gang were hiding inside a nearby estate. While the police team drove to the estate, the gang members came from another direction and moved towards the bar.

The shop owner went into a room, brought out a gun and shot dead one of the gang members. Others ran away, the resident narrated.

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The bar looked deserted when our reporter visited it in the afternoon.

Later in the afternoon, some young men were seen on motorcycles, brandishing guns and other weapons, riding towards Urua Udofia Street, still in Ifa Ikot Okpon Community, where they reportedly shot someone dead.

The second killing appears to be related to the incident at the bar, another resident said.

When contacted, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, Timfon John, confirmed the killing at the bar but said the incident was a robbery attack.

It was a robbery case where the gang went into a bar to rob people. In the course of the shooting, they shot one of their members, said Ms John, an assistant superintendent of police.

She said the police were investigating the incident when asked if there was any arrest.

Our reporter also asked the spokesperson about the second killing. For now, that is the information at our disposal, she denied it.

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Students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State have petitioned the state government and other security agencies on the recurring violent attacks by criminals within the institution.

The call came on the heels of the murder of a student during the week by unknown persons.

President of the Student Union of the institution, Oyindamola Boladale, described the situation as an alarming security situation, which put the lives of the students at great risk due to violent crimes.

The urgent need for more security personnel during these trying times cannot be overstated or understated, he said in a letter addressed to the Ondo State Government.

The student body also copied the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ondo State Commissioner of Police, the Commander of Amotekun Corps, and the leadership of the anti-cultism unit of the Nigeria Police, urging them to intensify efforts at safeguarding the community and providing the necessary support to ensure students safety.

Mr Boladale said recent events had turned the Akungba community into dangerous terrain, a place where armed thieves have had their field day and resorted to butchering students with knives and broken bottles after robbing them.

This level of violence is unprecedented and has created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among students.

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Many of us can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed; we are left to constantly worry about our safety. It is imperative that immediate measures are taken to restore safety and security in our community, he added.

According to him, the current situation requires a robust and coordinated response from all relevant authorities.

We are urging the Inspector General of Police, Ondo State Government and Police Commissioner to take decisive but immediate action by deploying additional security personnel to the Akungba community and our university.

The presence of more security officers will serve as a deterrent to criminals and provide a sense of safety and reassurance to students. We need the governments support to ensure our community is safe for all residents, the student leader said.

He suggested that the host community of Akungba Akoko be involved in a fruitful security dialogue of stakeholders in addressing the problem.

The challenges we face require a united and proactive approach. We have urged all AAUAITES to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and prioritise their safety at all times.

This is with the hope that the government is going to address this issue with the utmost attention it deserves. The Union is committed to addressing these issues and working towards a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

READ ALSO: Ondo university unions protest over sack of members

We appreciate your anticipated reactions and support towards helping us navigate these difficult times, Mr Boladale said.

Yet-to-identified gunmen on Monday murdered a 300-level student of the Linguistics department in one of the private students hostels in the town.

The Vice Chairman, the National Association of Universities Students, Oladele Emmanuel, also called on security agents and the management to help find a solution to the situation as well as uncover the killers.

In February, a female student of the institution, Ifeoluwa Adekunle, was also gruesomely murdered inside her room.

The police later paraded one Olubodun Sanni, a final-year student in the Geology department of the institution, as being involved in the murder.

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The police in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, said they have arrested two suspects with 55 iPhones, 33 Android phones, one HP laptop and two Android tabs.

Bright Edafe, the police spokesperson in Delta, disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Wednesday.

He said the arrest was made on 14 July following a credible intelligence.

Mr Edafe identified the suspects as Abibu Haruna, 37, and Sanusi Huruna, 22, both residents at Hausa Quarters in Warri, Delta State.

The suspects, according to Mr Edafe, confessed that they bought the phones and laptop from suspected armed robbers and that they usually transport the phones to the Niger Republic using a trailer conveying scraps.

Further investigation revealed that some of the phones were part of those stolen during the armed robbery attack on Niger Delta University students. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing, the spokesperson said.

Arrest of suspected gunrunners, armed robbers, kidnappers

The police also announced the arrest of three suspected gunrunners who allegedly bought guns from Plateau State and transported them to Delta State before selling them to armed robbers.

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Mr Edafe, a police superintendent, identified the suspects as Tega Dierunaba, 44, Chibiuke Anuforo, 42, and Moses Pam, 36.

They were arrested on 16 July following an intensive intelligence-led investigation after police operatives earlier caught their accomplice, Goodluck Sakutu, with a fabricated AK-47 Revolver rifle in June, Mr Edafe said.

All suspects have admitted to the crime, the spokesperson said.

Mr Edafe said police operatives shot dead a suspected kidnapper during a shootout and arrested three others between 1 and 7 July.

On 18 July 2024, at about 0930hrs in a covert operation, (police operatives) raided three different syndicates of cultist/suspected armed robbers at various locations of Oghara Town in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State and arrested five suspects, namely Ochuko Joel Ofoye, 35, of Jedo Community in Okpe LGA Delta State, a member of Juris Confraternity, and Michael Anwul, 29, of Alisimie Community Agbor, in Ika South LGA Delta State, of Juris Confraternity, Great Ojareri, 35, of Oghareki Community in Ethiope West Delta, Member of Eiye Confraternity and Innocent Esefeta, 31, of Efisere Community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State a resident of behind Ibori Road Oghara Delta State, Ogaga Ebuke, 27, of Okpe Community in Orerokpe LGA Delta State, a resident of Western Delta Road in Oghara, Delta State.

READ ALSO: Police arrest suspect who masterminded murder of retired army general

Exhibits recovered include one Beretta pistol, two AK-47 magazines, one locally made cut-to-size gun, and twenty-nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The suspects are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing, Mr Edafe said.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a popular drug cartel lord, Sulaiman Jimoh, popularly known as Temo.

The 57-year-old was apprehended on Monday, 22 July, after a standoff with NDLEA operatives at his Lagos residence in Mushin.

According to a statement by the Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, 50 operatives were dispatched to his area when he tried to flee in a Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 350 marked 01G-300G.

His men engaged NDLEA operatives in a gunfight but were overpowered and arrested.

In the last two years, the NDLEA had intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs worth billions of naira owned by Temo, but he has remained largely evasive while a few encounters with him and his armed gangs in his Mushin enclave had resulted in a gunfight, the statement said.

Several items were seized from his possession, including 14 524.8 kilograms of Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis sativa smuggled into Lagos from Ghana in two trucks and a J5 bus intercepted at the Ojuelegba area of Lagos in the early hours of Sunday, 28 January 2024.

The agency noted that on 4 May 2023, two truck-loads of cannabis sativa, weighing 8,852kg, were intercepted at Eleko beach, Lekki, while on Wednesday, 26 July 2023, 252kg of Loud was seized from his hideout at Mushin.

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The Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), while speaking on the arrest, commended the officers of the Lagos State Command, the Special Monitoring Task Force and other formations for arresting Temo and halting his drug cartel.

Mr Marwa expressed delight that no casualty was recorded as members of the task force were engaged in a gunfight with Temos men.

This is, therefore, a clear message to others still involved in this criminal trade of illicit drugs that if they dont opt out now, we will get them because we are just steps away from their doorsteps, and more importantly, they can only run, they cant hide forever, he said.

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The Nigeria Navy has apprehended two suspected oil thieves operating an illegal bunkering site concealed in their private residence in Rivers, an official has said.

The Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, Desmond Igbo, said this on Wednesday, when he took reporters to the site in the Okwuzi community of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers on Wednesday.

Mr Igbo, a commodore, said that during a raid on the building, the naval operatives discovered 200,000 litres of illegally refined diesel stored in the compound.

The operation was conducted based on credible intelligence, leading us to a private compound used solely for illegal refining of petroleum products.

About 200,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, bagged in sacks, are suspected to be a product of crude oil siphoned from pipelines in the area, he said.

Mr Igbo described the operation as timely, adding that the product was already packaged for sale.

We arrested the owner of the property and one of his workers, while efforts are ongoing to arrest others involved in the criminal act.

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Recall that a few weeks ago, the Nigerian Navy relaunched phase three of Operation Delta Sanity aimed at curbing crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta.

The stealing of crude oil is bad for the economy, and so, NNS Pathfinder is determined to apprehend those undermining the nations economy, whether on land or water, Mr Igbo said.

He further said the suspects would be handed over to the prosecuting agencies.

According to him, the illegal bunkering site has been sealed while investigation has commenced.

He said that the navy had been challenged to increase the countrys crude oil output to meet the OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for this year.

Mr Igbo said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanual Ogalla, has charged naval forces to enhance surveillance around the oil installations to meet the target.

Therefore, youths are cautioned to avoid being used as tools for sabotaging the nations economy through oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and other illegal activities, he said.

(NAN)

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved the payment of a Medical Residency Training Fund of N1 million to each resident doctor in the state civil service.

Ekerete Udoh, the spokesperson to the governor, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday.

According to Mr Udoh, the fund is designed to provide financial support to cover various expenses associated with medical residency training, including costs for the multi-stages of examinations, course fees, research projects, personal equipment and accoutrements.

Mr Udoh said Governor Enos approval for the fund would facilitate the doctors postgraduate training in specialist skills and qualifications while supporting their careers.

This would also help produce specialists who will bridge the existing manpower gap, especially at the consultant cadre, across the secondary healthcare facilities and mitigate brain drain in the state, he said.

He said producing qualified specialists in the different fields of medicine remains a top priority of Mr Enos administration.

As the state gets ready to start the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital, these specialists will provide the needed brain trust to the teaching hospital.

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Quality healthcare service delivery, especially at the primary level, is a key component of the Arise Agenda.

The Governor has followed through on this, with the construction of and commissioning of model primary healthcare centres in some Local Government Areas, including others that will soon be commissioned.

The inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Board with a clear mandate to start the journey towards ending out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare is another bold move by the Governor in the fulfilment of his campaign promise, Mr Udoh said, adding that the governor has directed the recruitment of healthcare professionals to help drive his vision in healthcare delivery service.

The Governor appreciates the robust collaboration between (the state) government and the leadership of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, he said.

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The federal government has released over N438 billion in reimbursement to 34 states and the FCT under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

The Information and Communication Officer, Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU), Suleiman Odapu, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Odapu quoted the National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Programme, Abdulkarim Obaje, as explaining that the funds were disbursed based on the results achieved by the states and FCT during the third Independent Verification Agency (IVA) assessment carried out in January 2024.

He stated that from the earned results, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Plateau states emerged as the first three earners with N49.2 billion, N27.2 billion and N26.3 billion, respectively.

Mr Obaje, however, said that Kaduna and Anambra States did not present results for verification during the exercise.

The national coordinator expressed the hope that all 36 states and FCT would participate in the fourth IVA exercise scheduled for September 2024.

This huge reimbursement is aimed at supporting the state governments and the FCT in addressing the pressing challenges of multidimensional poverty.

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It will also enable them to deepen efforts at improving the livelihoods and resilience of the poor and vulnerable segment of the population, he said.

Mr Obaje further stated that the resources were targeted at social intervention programmes in the states and FCT.

He expressed confidence that the resources would be deployed generously to bring succour and meaningful improvement to the lives of many poor and underserved Nigerians.

Obaje thanked the federal government, particularly the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, for the initiative and sterling leadership the programme received.

This, according to him, enabled state governors and the Minister of FCT to invest heavily in NG-CARES.

He specially commended the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, governors and staff of NG-CARES nationwide for the successes recorded so far under the programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NG-CARES programme is designed to mitigate the negative impact of the socioeconomic shocks occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also aimed to address other shocks by providing grants and basic social infrastructure services in poor communities.

The funds are channelled towards various projects, including social safety nets, food security, and small business support. The statement added that efforts were being made to ensure that the assistance reaches the most indigent and vulnerable Nigerians.

The programme, which started in 2021, will close by December 2024.

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Nigerias Supreme Court affirmed on 11 July the financial autonomy of the nations 774 local governments.

In the unanimous judgement of its seven-member panel, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the suit brought by the federal government to strengthen the independence of local governments in the country.

The landmark judgement included a decision overturning the longstanding practice where state governments received federal allocations on behalf of local government areas and withheld the funds.

It also stopped the release of federal allocations to local governments without elected executives.

You can read the full judgement, which provides the full context of the issues, the courts reasoning and its full decisions here.

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The President of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, has invited the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to invest in cement and fertiliser production in the country.

The invitation comes amid Mr Dangotes recent decision to halt investment in Nigerias steel industry to avoid the accusations of being considered monopolistic.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the President urged Mr Dangote to explore potential investment opportunities in the countrys cement and fertiliser sectors, specifically urea and phosphate production.

During the visit, according to the statement, Mr Dangote engaged in discussions with Mr Nguema and other top government officials.

The talks focused on how Dangote Industries could contribute to Gabons economic growth by establishing cement and fertiliser plants, which are vital for the countrys infrastructure development and agricultural productivity, the statement said.

It said President Nguema expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, highlighting Gabons commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investments while noting that the collaboration with Dangote Industries would bring significant benefits, including job creation, technology transfer, and enhanced industrial capacity.

On his part, Mr Dangote underscored his companys dedication to fostering economic development across the continent.

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He emphasised that investing in Gabons cement and fertiliser sectors aligns with Dangote Industries strategic vision of expanding its footprint and supporting sustainable development across Africa.

We are excited about the opportunity to invest in Gabon. Our goal is to contribute to the countrys economic diversification and industrialisation efforts. By leveraging our expertise in cement and fertiliser production, we aim to support Gabons infrastructure and agricultural sectors, Mr Dangote was quoted as saying in the statement.

According to the statement, the visit marks a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Gabon.

As Dangote Industries continues to explore and finalise investment opportunities, both nations anticipate mutual benefits that will drive economic progress and regional integration.

The potential investment by Dangote Industries in Gabon is expected to bolster the countrys industrial landscape, ensuring a steady supply of essential materials for construction and agriculture. This development aligns with President Nguemas vision of transforming Gabon into a diversified and self-sustaining economy, the statement said.

In the coming months, it said further discussions and assessments will be conducted to finalise the investment plans.

The collaboration between Dangote Industries and the Gabonese government holds promise for a robust partnership that will significantly impact Gabons economic landscape, it said.

The Dangote Group and the petroleum regulators in Nigeria have been at loggerheads over the control of the petroleum downstream market in the past couple of months.

Last month, the vice president oil and gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) of doing everything to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.

READ ALSO: Otedola rallies support for Dangote amid faceoff with authorities

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.

On Sunday, Mr Dangote told PREMIUM TIMES in an exclusive interview that he is willing to give up ownership of his multibillion-dollar oil refinery to Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

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The House of Representatives has asked the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to revert to the old electricity tariff.

The resolution was contained in a report by the ad hoc committee to investigate the recent electricity tariff hike for customers in the Band A category.

The report, presented by the Chairman of the joint committee, Victor Nwokolo, made three recommendations to the House, which the Committee of the Whole adopted.

Hike in electricity tariff

In April, the Nigerian government announced a hike in the electricity tariff, affecting customers in the Band A category, who represent 17 per cent of the customers and consume 40 per cent of the electricity output.

The policy allowed DISCOs to raise electricity prices to 225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from 68 in return for guaranteeing 20 hours of electricity supply per day.

The government explained that the decision to implement the tariff increase was to improve liquidity in the downstream power sector, as it had become difficult to sustain the subsidy in the sector.

Now, if you add the 2 trillion legacy debt owed to gas companies and the 1.3 trillion owed to GenCos, we have an inherited debt of over 3 trillion in this sector. How will the sector move forward? Nigerians deserve the right to know this, the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, said in February.

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The hike was condemned by customers and organised labour groups, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which called for the reversal of the policy.

However, the government proceeded with the hike and even upgraded more customers into the Band A category.

On 30 April, the House urged NERC to suspend the tariff hike pending the conclusion of its investigation but the government went ahead with the implementation.

Recommendations

Presenting the reports synopsis, Mr Nwokolo said the committee made three recommendations, one of which was to revert to the status quo and implement the hike in phases.

The committee also asked the House for the mandate to hire independent contractors to investigate and determine the ideal tariff.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission should revert to the status quo as was earlier contained in the original motion, and within 60 days, they should comply with section 116 (2b and 3b) of the Electricity Act.

The joint committee should contract independent experts to carry out a forensic investigation into what should be the actual cost of electricity tariffs.

All electricity distribution companies should revert to the old tariff pending the resolution of the matter by the House.

The conclusion of the House is that the implementation of the increment should be done in phases over some time, not as they have just done, he said.

The Committee of the Whole adopted the three recommendations without any objection.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the nationwide protest scheduled for 1 August, alleging that it is politically- motivated.

Speaking after an inspection of the Apo-Karshi Road project on Tuesday, Mr Wike urged patience from the public, stating that the current administration is tackling substantial challenges inherited from the previous ones.

Lets tell ourselves the simple truth. If we are playing politics, lets say we are playing politics; if we want to be sincere to ourselves, lets be sincere to ourselves and help our country.

The country is rotten. You know that the country is rotten, and a government has just come to see what it can do to at least move it from where we are to a certain level, and you say that miracle must be performed within one year.

You are here now; we are talking about a project that was awarded 13 good years ago; what has happened? Nothing.

Now a government has come to see how it can fix all these things, and we are in too much of a hurry demanding that it must be done now.

It is not possible. The protest is a political protest, he said.

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The minister acknowledged that people were not happy due to hunger and unemployment, adding, however, that the current administration was not responsible for the current level of unemployment in the country.

According to him, the Tinubu administration is working hard to put things together, which of course, will take some time.

So, lets not listen to political protesters and political jobbers who just want to be popular. You know there are some people who believe that if they dont criticise, they will not be popular.

We are going to elections very soon; these are political gimmicks.

Just know that the government is a serious government and working to solve the problem.

We believe that things will turn around, but we should be patient with the government, he said.

Some Nigerian youth have planned to embark on a week-long protest over hunger and insecurity.

While some groups and individuals have distanced themselves from the planned protest, others insisted it must hold to draw the attention of the government and the international community to the sufferings of Nigerians.

Last Saturday, the presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had accused the supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, of being behind the planned 1 August protest.

On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the police would respond to the protest in the most professional manner.

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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 show that China's gross domestic product expanded 5 percent year-on-year in the first half. 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, Wu Yibing, head of China unit for Singapore's state investment company Temasek, said. 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, 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 showed 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 sector posted strong growth, with its output up 8.7 percent in the first half. 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 recent report 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 show 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 point 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, an economist 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 are needed in the face of challenges such as insufficient effective demand and a complex external environment, multiple experts from the overseas financial institutions said.


President Bola Tinubu has signed into law bills creating two new regional development commissions.

The bills are the North West Development Commission (NWDC), sponsored by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and the South East Development Commission (SEDC), sponsored by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu.

The two bills were passed by both chambers in June and transmitted to the president for assent.

President Tinubu signed the bills on Tuesday, according to Mr Kalu, who announced this in a post on social media.

The NWDC is mandated to develop the seven North-west states of Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna.

The SEDC is responsible for the five South-east states of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra.

The signing of these two bills into law comes amid calls for reducing government agencies to cut down the cost of governance in the country.

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Mr Tinubu had earlier announced a plan to implement the Oransaye Report on the review of ministries, departments, and agencies.

In February, the president set up an eight-member committee to review the report and present a position to the government for consideration.

The committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was given a 12-week deadline to ensure that necessary legislative amendments and administrative restructuring were efficiently implemented. However, five months later, there has been no update on the implementation of the report.

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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the federal government to engage with the leaders of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to take place between 1 and 10 August.

The lawyer, who appeared on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Tuesday, also called for a constructive approach from the government to addressing the demands of young Nigerians mobilising for the protest.

Mr Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, spoke against the backdrop of the violence that characterised the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

This time around, the government should try to identify the leaders of the movement and then engage them, and then the questions be raised, said Mr Falana, renowned for his participation in major national protests and provision of pro bono legal services to unlawfully detained protesters and victims of diverse human rights abuses.

There are demands that are being made, and the government should address these demands, he added on Tuesday.

The lawyer, who blamed the #EndSARS violence on the government, warned against deploying threats or force against protesters.

He said this would be counterproductive, noting that threats do not work, adding, In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularising such protests.

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Mr Falanas warning was inspired by the ugly developments during the #EndSARS protest by the Nigerian youths who trooped to the streets in different parts of the country to call for police reforms and an end to police brutality.

The protesters also specifically called for the dissolution of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was notorious for the cruelty of its officers towards citizens.

The protest, without clear, central leadership, went on peacefully in different parts of the country for days until it turned violent when hoodlums began to loot stores, attack security operatives and innocent citizens, police stations and other public infrastructure under the cover of the protest.

A memorable highlight of the protest was when the soldiers deployed to quell the demonstration shot at peaceful protesters gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, killing some and injuring others.

On 10 July, the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja held the Nigerian government liable for violating the rights of three Nigerians, who gave different accounts of deadly shooting at the peaceful gathering at the toll gate by Nigerian security operatives.

After the #EndSARS protests, there was a major protest on 12 June 2021.

Protesters trooped to the streets during the demonstrations, mainly in South-west states, to express their grievances against the poor state of governance and the worsening insecurity in the country during the then President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

10 days of rage protest, Falanas counsel

Similarly, the upcoming protest is inspired by the worsening state of the economy and societal ills blamed on bad governance and the profligacy of government officials.

The President Bola Tinubu administration has seen pockets of protests against tariff and fuel pump price hikes, as well as insecurity and hardships associated with the governments economic policies.

But it appears the upcoming one would be the biggest yet to be seen by the Tinubu administration, given the fiery mobilisation it is receiving across social media platforms.

The protest, themed 10 days of rage, is scheduled between 1 and 10 August.

The protest aims to draw governments attention to its perceived inaction in addressing economic issues and to demand urgent action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Drawing a parallel with the #EndSARS protests of 2020, Mr Falana spoke on Tuesday about the negative consequences of the governments failure to engage constructively with protesters.

He blamed the violence of the #EndSARS on the government.

The violence that characterised the end of the #EndSARS protest was instigated, fuelled and sponsored by the government, he said.

The government decided to unleash hoodlums and thugs on the young people. When that did not work, the government sent troops and soldiers to engage in the killing of young people. In one week, about 99 people were killed in Lagos. I dont want to talk about Ogbomoso, Port Harcourt, Benin, and other places where young people were shot at and killed.

Many public commentaries have maintained that without clear leadership, the movement is vulnerable to infiltration by violent elements, leading to widespread destruction of property and loss of lives.

Mr Falana urged both the federal and state governments to communicate their efforts to mitigate economic hardship and engage transparently with the public.

Between now and 1 August is still a long way to go, and I understand the government will address the nation. It is also important for governors to really come out and let the people know what they are doing to address hardship in the country, which nobody is denying, he said.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has said the Nigeria Police would respond to the planned protest in a most professional manner.

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The federal government has resumed the mass trial of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State.

This is contained in a statement by Michael Abu, Head of Strategic Communication, National Counter Terrorism Centre  Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Abu said the resumption of the trial was in pursuance of the governments commitment to promoting social justice.

He said the ongoing trial was in line with the International Criminal Justice system and was being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

He added the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other critical stakeholders were also involved.

According to him, it is being done under the coordination and supervision of the NCTC-ONSA.

Mr Abu said that more than 300 suspects were on trial, and five reputable judges manned the five courts and chambers set up for speedy justice administration.

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He said that the trial involved multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).

Before now, more than 800 case files had been reviewed, and charges were drafted for efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.

Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges and 5 acquittals.

Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.

The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and to boosting efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society, he said.

(NAN)

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The management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed concerns over perceived scepticism by students from the Southern region of the country on the genuineness of the student loan scheme.

This is as NELFUNDs Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, has revealed that data already revealed that more applicants for the loan are from the Northern region of the country, describing the development as a reflection of the scepticism in the Southern region.

Mr Sawyerr said this recently while responding to a question by a journalist during a media chat.

The application for the pilot of the loan scheme was rolled out in two phases. The first phase involves applications from students of federal government-owned tertiary institutions, while the second phase accommodates applications from students of state-owned tertiary institutions- universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and mono-technics.

Statistics

Though the management of NELFUND is yet to make available to PREMIUM TIMES the statistics of the applications received so far, this newspaper is aware that more than 100,000 students have so far applied for the loan.

However, Mr Sawyerr noted that the Fund received more applications from Northern students than their Southern counterparts.

Institutions in the north of the country have been very proactive at supporting and helping their students and providing that data to us, he said.

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He noted more scepticism about the scheme from students in the south, adding that the scepticism would reduce as soon as the Fund commences disbursements.

Mr Sawyerr, however, noted that theres a growing awareness and growing interest across the country.

He said: I think the most sceptical part of the country is in the south, you know, they question everything. Is it true? Is it real? Is it a scam? And I think you know, what you witnessed today with us actually just starting this disbursement programme is to say that this is no fun. This is no fun. Right? And were trying to ensure that people know that this is not a trick. Its not a game.

He added that NELFUND has the Fund to disburse for the successful applicants.

The scepticism that you find mainly in the southern parts begins to disappear when we start paying out in terms of the three levels of institutions, he added.

Mr Sawyer said the universities had the most applicants, followed by the polytechnics and colleges of education.

He also explained that the applicants can choose to apply for a loan to pay their school fees in addition to an upkeep loan or simply apply for the school fees loan.

So you cant get a stipend unless your fees are being paid and youre going to an institution, but you can get the fees paid and decline the loan for the stipend, he said.

About Scheme

The implementation of the student loan scheme is President Bola Tinubus flagship project in the education sector.

Barely a month after his inauguration as president, Mr Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, which creates a legal framework for granting loans to indigent or low-income Nigerians to facilitate the payment of their fees in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The law, reenacted earlier this year, created the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). NELFUND is saddled with the responsibility of handling all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

The Fund, according to the Act, is to be funded from multiple streams and will engage in other productive activities.

It will also be funded through donations, gifts, grants, endowments, and revenue accruing to the fund from any other source, according to the Act.

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The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has criticised the park and pay scheme implemented by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The committee raised concerns about the scheme on Thursday during an interactive session with the Mandate Secretary in charge of the Tansportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi.

During the session, the Committees Chairperson, Muktar Betara, questioned the operation of the park and pay policy in the capital territory, insisting that the FCTA provide details of the scheme.

He requested information on how the reintroduced park and pay arrangement was established, who authorised it, and how the revenues are remitted to the coffers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

In response, Mr Elechi stated that the policy is regulated and supported by a legal framework, with only designated areas serving as parking zones.

The park and pay scheme is regulated. We have a legal framework. It is one of the ways of controlling traffic. Under the park and pay system, designated areas are designated as parking zones, so it is legal, Mr Elechi explained.

He added that the revenue is collected through concessionaires contracted by the FCTA.

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The revenue is collected through concessionaires. There is a revenue-sharing ratio between the concessionaires and the FCT. For areas managed by the concessionaires, 60 per cent of the revenue goes to the concessionaires, while 40 per cent goes to the FCT. The infrastructure for the work is provided by the concessionaire, and the revenue goes directly to the FCTs revenue account, not the transportation department, he said.

Dissatisfied with the explanation, Mr Betara sought further clarification on the revenue-sharing formula and the contract process that led to the selection of the concessionaires.

How was the contract established? What procedure did you follow in appointing your concessionaires? How much has been remitted to the FCDA from January to date? Who gave you the approval? Mr Betara asked.

Hussaina Olayemi, the director of legal services for the transport secretariat, explained that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Abuja Investment Company (AIC), the FCT organisation responsible for public-private partnerships, were involved.

After their involvement, the concession was submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. So, we have the FECs approval, Mr Olayemi stated.

In his ruling, Mr Betara criticised the entire park and pay policy, arguing that the FCTA should have given the concession to the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) instead of private entities.

The way the concessionaires operate in Abujathey harass people on the streets. I would have advised you to give the VIO this concession. Let them take over this responsibility so that all the revenue would go to the FCT. Why are you personalising this for an individual? Mr Betara said.

The chairman subsequently directed the FCTA to provide copies of the agreement with the concessionaires and details of the remittances received from January to date.

Concerns about motor parks

During the interaction, the lawmakers also expressed concerns about the operation of parks in the FCT, noting that some motor parks have been abandoned.

A committee member, Paschal Agbodike, questioned the administrators about the state of major parks in the territory, mentioning that the Nyanya motor park and others have been neglected.

When motorists dont have parks, they operate chaotically. We noticed that the Nyanya park has been abandoned. When will you address this issue, and what caused its abandonment? Mr Agbodike asked.

In response, Mr Elechi denied that the park had been abandoned, stating that the government is focusing on one project at a time, with an initial emphasis on rail infrastructure.

He explained that the governments current priority is developing bus terminals across the FCT.

Nyanya park is not abandoned. We cannot do everything at the same time. When we came on board, the rail was a priority, but now our focus has shifted to the development of parks. We are currently focusing fully on the bus terminal, he said.

However, Mr Elechi could not provide details of the funds spent on some of the projects, including street marking and road construction. His inability to provide answers frustrated many of the lawmakers present.

It is quite unfortunate that everyone keeps saying they cant remember the figures. You are the CEO. This is not good for us, the committee, or your agency.

We are talking about Nyanya park here, and a lot of money has been spent, but there is nothing to show for it. This does not reflect well. If you dont know the figures, how can you manage the whole of Abuja? Its impossible, Kama Nkemkanma, a member of the committee, said.

The committee demanded a comprehensive report detailing the total budget and expenditures for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 to facilitate proper scrutiny and oversight.

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday received former Senate President, Pius Anyim, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to State House correspondents after his presentation to Mr Tinubu by the Chairperson of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Mr Anyim said he defected because the country was facing challenges, which required collaboration.

The country is passing through turbulent times and it is the duty of all patriots to ensure a peaceful atmosphere, he said.

Mr Anyim defected from PDP to APC in Abakaliki, Ebonyi during the grand finale of the APC Local Government Election Campaign on Saturday.

The National Chairperson of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Minister of Works, David Umahi, Ebonyi State Chairman of the APC, Stanley Meghan, and other party chieftains were on hand to receive him.

Mr Umahi commended Mr Anyim for all the support he gave to APC during the 2023 elections, adding that it was only right he formally joined the party.

The minister thanked President Tinubu for all the support given to him when he faced legal battles after joining the party.

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He said, President Tinubu called me to come and see him, and when I came, he carried me in his car personally to meet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who handled our case.

Mr Anyim, who served as the 9th president of the Senate from 2000 to 2003, was Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) during Goodluck Jonathans presidency.

He was elected senator on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999 for the Ebonyi South Senatorial District and was elected President of the Senate in August 2000.

(NAN)

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The family of the late Nigerian Head of State, Sani Abacha, has appealed a judgement that dismissed their lawsuit to reclaim a revoked piece of highly valued land belonging to the military leader in the Maitama District of Abuja.

The late dictator acquired the property on 25 June 1993 while serving as the Minister of Defence. He would become Nigerias Head of State five months later, on 17 November 1993.

The Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the land in February 2006, eight years after Mr Abachas sudden death in November 1998 while serving as Head of State.

The family subsequently initiated a prolonged legal battle to reclaim the land but was unsuccessful.

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Abachas were too late to contest the revocation, as their suit filed in 2015 was deemed untimely. The suit was filed in May 2015, following the Court of Appeals dismissal of an earlier case they had brought.

Displeased with Mondays judgement, Mr Abachas widow, Maryam Abacha, and her eldest surviving son, Mohammed Abacha, who have been prosecuting the legal battle, filed a notice of appeal against the judgement on Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES saw a copy of the notice of appeal on Wednesday.

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The respondents to the appeal are the FCT minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Nigerian president, and Salamed Ventures Limited, who later acquired the property.

Through their lawyer, Reuben Atabo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the appellants filed 11 grounds of appeal.

They argued that the trial judge, Peter Lifu, erred in his judgement, causing a miscarriage of justice in his findings and conclusions.

The plaintiffs argued that the judge misapplied Section 39 of the Land Use Act, erroneously holding that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit, contrary to a Court of Appeal decision.

The appellants also maintained that Mr Lifu violated their rights to a fair hearing, as stipulated in section 36 of the Nigerian constitution, by determining their lack of locus standi without allowing them to address the issue in court.

They maintained that they, as widow and son of the late Mr Abacha, were qualified to initiate the action with or without letters of administration.

They also argued that the judge wrongly deemed their case statute-barred, overlooking exceptions to the Public Officers Protection Act.

The family also faulted the judges decision recognising Salamed Ventures Limited as a respondent who acquired the property during the pendency of the case in an affront to the judicial authority.

According to them, the judge ought to bear in mind that they filed their suit on 25 May 2015, shortly after the Court of Appeal decision on 15 May 2015.

Therefore, they urged the court to assume jurisdiction on the case and invoke the relevant law that permits it to hear the case on merit and issue appropriate orders like the court of first instance.

The appellants urged the Court of Appeal to overturn the Federal High Court judgement and restore the disputed land to them.

Back story

They alleged that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) marked FCT/ABUKN 2478, covering their mansion at Plot 3119 and issued on 25 June 1993, was unlawfully revoked by the defendants.

The revocation occurred in February 2006 during the time of Nasir el-Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and almost eight years after the dictators demise.

In their suit, the family sought the return of the property at Osara Close in Maitama, Abuja and N500 million compensation for the alleged illegal revocation.

Those they sued as defendants in the suit were the FCT minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Nigerian president, and Salamed Ventures Limited, who later acquired the property.

The late Mr Abacha, who ruled Nigeria with an iron fist from 1993 until he died in 1998, was a military dictator often remembered for the feverish kleptocracy and brutal human rights violations of his regime.

His family has instituted a series of legal battles to recover various assets, including the Maitama property, seized from them at home and abroad after his death.

Statement of claim

In the statement of claims they filed at the trial court, the Abacha family members said that the then Minister of FCT and would-be governor of Kaduna State, Mr El-Rufai, had instructed them to submit the C of O in their possession for re-certification.

They claimed that Mohammed Sani Abacha, the second plaintiff, promptly complied with the directive by delivering the C of O to the FCDA, and an acknowledgement copy was issued to him.

While waiting for a new C of O to be issued to them, Mohammed Abacha said he received a letter on 3 February 2006 notifying them that the C of O had been revoked without any reason adduced in the letter.

Besides failing to give any reason for the revocation, the government Abacha family alleged that adequate compensation was not paid as required by law.

The family, through their lawyer, said the C of O issued to the late Head of State in June 1993 was revoked without explanation in February 2006, violating the Nigerian constitution and the Land Use Act.

They sought an order from the court to set aside the purported revocation and hold that their C of O remains valid because its revocation was done without adequate compensation.

The plaintiffs asked the court for an order of injunction prohibiting the defendants from taking further steps on the disputed revocation.

Similarly, they prayed for an award of N500 million as damages.

Government, companys defence

However, in their separate counter-affidavits and preliminary objections, the defendants asked for an outright dismissal of the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/463/2016.

The defendants claimed that the suit had become statute-barred when the plaintiffs filed it, having not been filed within the time allowed by law, among other arguments.

Salamed Venturess lawyer, James Onoja, a SAN, argued that the suit was a mere academic exercise, lacking merit. He noted that Salamed Ventures acquired the property from the government for $1.3 million and held a valid C of O issued in May 2011.

Although some of the defendants were not in court in May proceedings, the judge, Mr Lifu, invoked the rule of the court in adopting their processes already filed.

The court upheld the Nigerian governments and other defendants objections in its judgement on Monday.

It was the fourth major legal defeat the Abacha family had suffered in their bid to reclaim the property.

They lost twice at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and once at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, all on jurisdictional grounds.

The late Abacha seized power on 17 November 1993 after he dislodged the Ernest Shonekan-led interim government installed by the regime of Ibrahim Babangida.

He led a brutal regime for five years and was planning to transition to a civilian ruler when he suddenly died in office in 1998.

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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu on the signing of the North-west Development Commission (NWDC) Bill into law. He described the action as a decisive step to pull the North-west back from the brink.

Governor Sani extended his commendation and well wishes through a statement by his spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu on Wednesday.

I wish to express my profound gratitude to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for signing the North-west Development Bill into law.

This is no doubt the most significant piece of news I have received in decades. It clearly demonstrates President Tinubus deep concern for the North-west and commitment to addressing its multifaceted developmental and security challenges.

The governor further lauded Mr Tinubu for what he described as uncommon support to State Governments in the North to effectively tackle their myriad challenges and set the region on the path to sustainable growth and development.

Mr Sani urged leaders and people of the North-west to see the signing of the North-west Development Commission Bill into law as a call to action.

We must come together and fashion a Marshall Plan for the development of the North-west. Our plan must be people  driven and all inclusive. The people that will be saddled with the responsibility of running the North-west Development Commission must be men and women of transparent honesty, knowledgeable, creative and innovative. There must be no room for incompetence and lethargy.

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The North-west Development Commission was established to address the challenges facing the seven states in the North-west geopolitical zone with the aim of bringing the Federal Government closer to people in the zone.

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The Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2023 election, Ahmed Buhari, has offered a contrary opinion to the widely hailed Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.

He says President Bola Tinubu is implementing the autonomy for the third tier of government to garner political support at the grassroots during the 2027 election.

Nigerias highest court recently ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local government areas in their states.

The amount standing to the credit of local government councils must be paid by the federation to the local government councils and not by any other person or body, the Supreme Court ruled.

The court stripped governors of the power to dissolve elected local government councils and replace them with caretaker committees.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, instituted the case in May on behalf of the federal government.

It is a political move

Giving his perspective on the landmark judgment, Mr Buhari said even though he supports local government autonomy the judgment is Mr Tinubus political move to capture the grassroots ahead of the 2027 election.

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Mr Buhari stated this on Wednesday while appearing as a guest on Focus Nigeria, aired on AIT.

It is a political move. So, if I want to come back to office in 2027, I might not necessarily win the loyalty of the governors because most of them might also want to contest against me.

But if I can win the loyalty of the people at the grassroots where the real votes are, they know that the money comes directly from me to them. They have access to me. We are leaving the governors hanging and we can even remove the governors if we want, Mr Buhari said.

From the political perspective, I am seeing President Tinubu trying to take the powers away from the governors and win the grassroots directly by making sure that the funds from the federal (government) move directly to the (local government) councils so that if that is done they (local government councils) listen to him, he added.

Mr Buhari said the local government chairpersons would face the same problem that state governors are facing with misappropriation of funds  prosecution by the anti-graft agency, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Now the federal government will know there is a misappropriation  they (council chairpersons) are messing up. Look, we gave you this (amount), and you only used two per cent for this project. Where is the 98 per cent?

The federal government will now say we need something from you. Give us XYZ amount of support and votes for the next election  done, he said.

On how to tackle misappropriation of funds by public officers, Mr Buhari recommended adopting a technological-driven system to help in accountability, transparency and efficiency that will guarantee good governance.

President Tinubus spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale did not respond to calls and a text message seeking his comments on Mr Buharis remark.

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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the South-east Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law.

President Tinubu signed the SEDC and the North-west Development Commission (NWDC) into law on Wednesday.

Mr Kalu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, commended the president for assenting to the bill, stating that the South-east region should support the president.

The deputy speaker, who is the main sponsor of the bill, said the commission would help rebuild the region devastated by the civil war 54 years ago.

The commission will be charged with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effects of the civil war, 54 years after it ended.

The commission will also tackle ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South-east states, which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi, the statement reads in part.

Four commissions

With the establishment of the commissions, there are now four such agencies aimed at developing the geo-political zones.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North-east Development Commission (NEDC) have since been created to develop the states in the zones.

The bills for the establishment of the South-west Development Commission and the North-central Development Commission are before the National Assembly.

However, the signing of these two bills into law comes amid calls for reducing government agencies to cut down the cost of governance in the country.

Mr Tinubu had earlier announced plans to implement the Oransaye Report on the review of ministries, departments, and agencies.

In February, the president set up an eight-member committee to review the report and present a position to the government for consideration.

The committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was given a 12-week deadline to ensure that necessary legislative amendments and administrative restructuring were efficiently implemented. However, five months later, there has been no update on the implementation of the report.

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday received former Senate President, Pius Anyim, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to State House correspondents after his presentation to Mr Tinubu by Governor Hope Uzodinma, chairperson of the Progressives Governors Forum, Mr Anyim said he defected because the country was facing challenges which required collaboration.

The country is passing through turbulent times, and it is the duty of all patriots to ensure a peaceful atmosphere, he said.

Mr Anyim defected from PDP to APC in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, during the grand finale of the APC Local Government Election Campaign on Saturday.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC national chairperson; Governor Uzodinma; Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State; and David Umahi, minister of Works; Stanley Meghan, state chairperson of the APC, and other party chieftains were on hand to receive him.

Mr Umahi commended Mr Anyim for all the support he gave to the APC during the 2023 elections, adding that it was only right he formally joined the party.

Mr Umahi thanked President Tinubu for all the support given to him when he faced legal battles after joining the party.

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He said, President Tinubu called me to come and see him, and when I came, he carried me in his car personally to meet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who handled our case.

Mr Anyim, who served as the 9th president of the Senate from 2000 to 2003, was Secretary to the Government of the Federation when Goodluck Jonathan was president.

He was elected senator on the platform of the PDP in 1999 for the Ebonyi South District and was elected president of the Senate in August 2000.

(NAN)

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has suspended an officer, Michael Akomolafe, after he was charged with drug trafficking and arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Kenneth Udo, NIS Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Udo said that the attention of the service was drawn to a publication linking the officer, who was serving at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, to drug trafficking.

He said that the service supported the legal proceedings to determine Mr Akomolafes culpability in the matter.

The officer in question has since been subjected to internal processes and placed under suspension following his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

The NIS awaits the court judgement before making further comments on this matter, he said.

Mr Udo said that NIS remained committed to excellent service delivery, discipline, and zero tolerance for criminality.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He said the service would not hesitate to sanction any officer whose conduct was contrary to the ideals governing its operations.

(NAN)

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MILAN, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The A2A Group, one of Italy's largest players in the energy transition, and Enfinity Global Inc, a leader in renewable energy, announced the signing of new 10-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in Italy for 134 MW of solar energy.

The electricity provided  equivalent to the annual consumption of about 86,000 Italian homes and avoiding over 104,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year  will be produced from six of Enfinity's solar power plants in the Lazio and Emilia Romagna regions.

"Thanks to this new partnership with Enfinity Global, we continue to contribute to the sustainable development of the territories by expanding the green energy supply available to our customers," said Lorenzo Spadoni, Head of Generation and Trading at A2A. "This is further evidence of the Group's concrete commitment to promoting the country's decarbonization process in line with our strategy."

"We are honored to expand our relationship with A2A. This agreement is a meaningful milestone for the market and marks a path to provide stable, clean, and affordable energy to Italy while contributing to its 2030 energy transition plan, and serving its emerging needs," commented Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity Global.

The first PPAs signed in October 2023 involved the purchase by A2A Group of energy produced from three of Enfinity's solar power plants in Lazio, totaling 97 MW. This new agreement demonstrates the growing relationship between the two companies and their shared commitment to accelerate the energy transition.

About Enfinity Global

Enfinity Global Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is a US-based leading renewable energy and sustainability services company established in 2019. The company owns a portfolio of 25.1 GW of renewable energy and storage projects, including operational assets, under construction, and in different stages of development. With offices across US, Europe, Japan, and India, the company aims to be an energy transition leader and make a significant contribution to a sustainable net zero carbon economy. Enfinity's leadership team is one of the most experienced global teams in renewables and brings over $37 billion of financing experience in the renewable energy sector with over 15 GW of developed and acquired solar and wind assets.
SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, N.L., Mexico, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ALFA, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ALFAA) ("ALFA") announced today its unaudited results for the second quarter of 2024 ("2Q24"). All figures have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

2Q24 HIGHLIGHTS

ALFA  Accumulated EBITDA of US $870 million, up 18% year-over-year driven mainly by Sigma. ALFA's 2024 EBITDA Guidance increased 5% to US $1.590 billion to incorporate upward revision from Sigma  ALFA actively pursuing debt reduction initiatives to complete transformation; various non-core asset sale processes advanced further  Consolidated Net Leverage ratio of 3.3 times; Alpek 3.3x and Sigma 2.0x Sigma  Thirteenth consecutive quarter of year-on-year sales growth supported by record volume of 462 ktons, up 3% versus 2Q23  Accumulated EBITDA of US $542 million, up 33% year-on-year driven by strong growth across all regions  Upward Guidance revision: Sigma's 2024 EBITDA expected to reach historic milestone of US $1.0 billion, 9% higher than original estimate  Net Leverage ratio of 2.0 times represents lowest level in nearly 11 years Alpek  Accumulated Comparable EBITDA of US $312 million is on track to reach full-year guidance of US $600 million. The global petrochemical industry continued to face certain headwinds such as low reference margins  Completed structural cost reduction initiatives which are expected to deliver US $75 million in annualized cost savings  Net Debt decreased 5% quarter on quarter driven by solid cash flow

Message from ALFA's Chairman & CEO

"ALFA's consolidated results exceeded our initial estimations as both business units continued to successfully capitalize on resilient demand and better-than-expected dynamics in the food sector. EBITDA grew at double-digit rates year-on-year in 2Q24 and the first half of 2024 (1H24) driven by Sigma, which is key to completing ALFA's transformational process.

Alpek's Comparable EBITDA of US $312 million during the first half of 2024 is on track to meet our petrochemical business' expectations for the full year. In addition, Alpek completed its structural cost reduction initiatives which are expected to deliver US $75 million in annualized cost savings to mitigate the impact of sustained global industry headwinds.

Sigma maintained its growth momentum, reporting the thirteenth consecutive quarter of year-on-year increase in Revenues. Moreover, EBITDA reached a new quarterly record-high of US $279 million. Importantly, all regions contributed to these strong results, including outstanding performance in Mexico and the U.S.

Looking ahead, Sigma expects its 2024 EBITDA to reach the historic milestone of US $1.0 billion, 9% higher than its original guidance of US $920 million. Accordingly, ALFA's consolidated, full-year EBITDA guidance was raised to US $1.590 billion, up from US $1.510 billion.

During the second quarter, Sigma announced an organizational update to its European operations. The company appointed Juan Ignacio Amat as CEO of Sigma Europe, effective on June 1st. Juan Ignacio brings over 20 years of experience in large consumer goods companies across Europe, holding various leadership positions where he was responsible for the successful implementation of transformational plans. We welcome Juan Ignacio and support Sigma's commitment to raise profitability in its second largest region.

Sigma was also active on the financial front, successfully tapping the local debt capital markets for a second time this year. The latest issuance includes the only tranche from a Mexican corporate that has a twelve-year term, with a bullet amortization and a fixed rate. The proceeds were used mainly to complete the full redemption of the remaining principal of Senior Notes due 2026, extending Sigma's average debt maturity to 5.7 years.

Sigma's solid financial position and extraordinary operating performance provide essential support in the final phase of ALFA's transformation process. On the other hand, Alpek is fully capable of operating as an independent business unit. However, the aggregate debt outside of Alpek, which totaled US $3.251 billion at the close of 2Q24, must be reduced to ensure an adequate leverage post-separation.

To achieve the desired financial conditions, our near-term efforts remain focused on obtaining funds to pay down debt. Various formal sale processes involving non-core assets advanced further during the second quarter.

We are confident that the strategic initiatives to accelerate debt reduction, as well as the better-than-expected operating results from Sigma and Alpek put ALFA on the right path to complete the transformation process and realize its unique value potential in the near term. Thank you for your support and trust".

All the best,

Alvaro Fernandez

Important note on changes to ALFA's

Consolidated Financial Statements

ALFA's shareholders approved to spin-off ALFA's share ownership of Axtel into a new, listed entity called "Controladora Axtel" on July 12, 2022. The shares of "Controladora Axtel" were distributed to ALFA shareholders and began trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange on May 29, 2023. In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Axtel meets the definition of a "Discontinued Operation" for purposes of ALFA's Consolidated Financial Statements. "Discontinued Operations" are the net results of an entity that is either being held for disposal or which has already been disposed of.

The changes in ALFA's Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows:

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position no longer presents Axtel's assets as "Current assets from discontinued operations" nor its liabilities as "Current liabilities from discontinued operations" at the close of 2Q23.

The Consolidated Statement of Income presents Axtel's net revenues and expenses as a single line item "Profit (loss) from discontinued operations" as follows: 2Q23: accumulated figures for the one month and 29 days ended May 29, 2023 1Q24: no figures presented related to Axtel 2Q24: no figures presented related to Axtel 2023: accumulated figures for the four months and 29 days ended May 29, 2023 2024: no figures presented related to Axtel

The Change in Net Debt no longer presents Axtel's net inflows and outflows in "Net Debt from discontinued operations"

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (US $ MILLION)









(%) 2Q24 vs.







2Q24 1Q24 2Q23 1Q24 2Q23 2024 2023 Ch. % ALFA & Subs





ALFA Revenues 4,197 4,106 4,221 2 (1) 8,303 8,306 - Alpek 1,921 1,903 2,050 1 (6) 3,825 4,112 (7) Sigma 2,246 2,170 2,143 3 5 4,416 4,134 7 ALFA EBITDA1 445 425 360 5 23 870 736 18 Alpek 170 168 148 1 15 338 335 1 Sigma 279 264 217 6 28 542 409 33 ALFA Comparable EBITDA2 433 411 425 5 2 844 821 3 Alpek 158 154 201 3 (21) 312 408 (23) Sigma 279 264 229 6 21 542 421 29 Majority Net Income3 52 60 4 (14) - 112 (10) - CAPEX & Acquisitions4 67 75 196 10 66 142 282 50 ALFA Net Debt 4,977 5,094 4,994 (2) - 4,977 4,994 - Alpek 1,726 1,807 1,879 5 8 1,726 1,879 8 Sigma 2,019 2,084 2,012 3 - 2,019 2,012 - ALFA Net Debt/EBITDA5 3.3 3.5 3.3









ALFA Interest Coverage6 3.6 3.6 4.1













1 EBITDA = Operating Income + depreciation and amortization + impairment of assets 2 Comparable EBITDA = Operating Income + depreciation and amortization + impairment of assets + extraordinary items 3 Majority Net Income includes Majority Net Income from Discontinued Operations (Axtel) for 2Q23 4 Includes divestments 5 Times. LTM= Last 12 months. Ratio calculated with Discontinued Operations for all periods 6 Times. LTM= Last 12 months. Interest Coverage= EBITDA/Net Financial Expenses with Discontinued Operations for all periods

2Q24 EARNINGS CALL INFORMATION

Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024

Time: 1:30 p.m. EDT (NY) / 11:30 a.m. CST (CDMX)

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dxVDIKZLSb68HL9KGBdXMQ

Replay: https://www.alfa.com.mx/en/events/

About ALFA

ALFA is comprised mainly of two businesses with global operations: Sigma, a leading multinational food company, focuses on the production, marketing, and distribution of quality foods through recognized brands in Mexico, Europe, the United States, and Latin America. Alpek is one of the world's top producers of Polyester (PTA, PET, PET sheet and rPET), and the leader in the Mexican market for Polypropylene (PP) and Expandable Polystyrene (EPS). In 2023, ALFA reported revenues of Ps $291,207 million (US $16.4 billion), and EBITDA of Ps $24,783 million (US $1.4 billion). ALFA's shares are quoted on the Mexican Stock Exchange and on Latibex, the market for Latin American shares of the Madrid Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.alfa.com.mx

Disclaimer

This release may contain forward-looking information based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain. They involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and financial market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately. Accordingly, future results could vary from those set forth in this release. The report presents unaudited financial information. Figures are presented in Mexican pesos or U.S. dollars, as indicated. Where applicable, peso amounts were translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate of the months during which the operations were recorded. Financial ratios are calculated in U.S. dollars. Due to the rounding up of figures, small differences may occur

SOURCE ALFA, S.A.B. de C.V.
Notable fires since 2020

Priceboro Fire put Linn County residents on notice, preparing residences for evacuation in 2023 as it grew to about 310 acres east of Harrisburg.

Firefighters contained Wiley Creek Fire to 245 acres the same year near Sweet Home, and Bruler Fire burned about 200 acres in 2021.

Knoll Fire was kept to fewer than 600 acres that year as it crossed from Lane into Linn County.

A storm and downed power lines sparked fires that spread quickly to burn down cities in 2020, including Detroit and Gates in Linn County. Beachie Creek, Lionshead and P-515 fires merged before burning more than 400,000 acres at the countys northern edge.

Holiday Farm Fire burned another 173,00 acres at the southern edge of Linn County.
NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive aftermarket e-retailing market size is estimated to grow by USD 74.38 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.94% during the forecast period. Increasing vehicle lifespan leading to vehicle parts growth is driving market growth, with a trend towards aftermarket e-retailing gaining popularity in automotive aftermarket. However, high price sensitivity leading to margin pressure on e-retailers poses a challenge. Key market players include 1A Auto Inc., Advance Auto Parts Inc., Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Amazon.com Inc., AutoZone Inc., Buy Auto Parts, CarParts.com Inc., Cummins Inc., Delticom AG, DENSO Corp., eBay Inc., Genuine Parts Co., HELLA GmbH and Co. KGaA, Icahn Automotive Group LLC, LKQ Corp., PARTS iD Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH, RockAuto LLC, The Reinalt Thomas Corp., and Walmart Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global automotive aftermarket e-retailing market 2024-2028

Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Click for the snapshot of this report

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Product (Wheels and tires, Brakes and brake pads, and Others), Customer Type (DIY customers and Professional customers), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 1A Auto Inc., Advance Auto Parts Inc., Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Amazon.com Inc., AutoZone Inc., Buy Auto Parts, CarParts.com Inc., Cummins Inc., Delticom AG, DENSO Corp., eBay Inc., Genuine Parts Co., HELLA GmbH and Co. KGaA, Icahn Automotive Group LLC, LKQ Corp., PARTS iD Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH, RockAuto LLC, The Reinalt Thomas Corp., and Walmart Inc.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The automotive aftermarket is experiencing a significant shift towards e-retailing, with online sales outpacing traditional brick-and-mortar sales. E-commerce platforms have become essential for revenue growth in this sector, offering a wide range of automotive products, including replacement parts, oils, and accessories. Advance Auto Parts is an example of a company that has seen faster growth in online sales compared to traditional channels, appealing to both DIY and professional customers. Detailed product specifications provided online facilitate informed purchasing decisions. Popular online purchases include brake parts, filters (oil and air), lighting parts, tires, lubricants, and batteries. The market also features specialized e-retailers like Allopneus, a French online tire retailer. The convenience and benefits offered by e-commerce platforms will continue to fuel the expansion of the global automotive aftermarket e-retailing market.

The automotive aftermarket is undergoing a digital makeover with the rise of e-retailing. Mobile commerce is a major trend, as more customers use smartphones to shop for vehicle parts and accessories online. Internet penetration is increasing, allowing more consumers to access online platforms for purchasing aftermarket components. Customer service is key, with personalised designs for interiors and exteriors, as well as delivery speed, being important factors. Tires and wheels, electrical products, engine components, and security are popular categories. The age of the vehicle also matters, with maintenance and repairs being common needs. DIY culture is driving demand for aftermarket parts. Digital marketing is essential for reaching customers, making the internet retail of automobile aftermarket a growing industry. Online sales of vehicle parts, accessories, and e-commerce platforms are transforming the automobile aftermarket landscape.

Discover 360 analysis of this market. For complete information, schedule your consultation- Book Here!

Market Challenges

The automotive aftermarket e-retailing market faces significant challenges due to high price sensitivity among customers. The increasing average age of vehicles and rising repair costs, driven by labor rates, parts complexity, and material price increases, negatively impact the cost-benefit equation for consumers. Aftermarket e-retailers must adopt value-based pricing strategies and offer discounts to maintain profitability. The market's fragmentation intensifies competition, making a well-thought-out pricing approach essential for long-term success. Despite these challenges, e-retailers must also manage parts pricing carefully to balance discounts and revenue growth. This delicate balance may limit the revenue growth of the global automotive aftermarket e-retailing market in the forecast period.

The Automotive Aftermarket E-Retailing Market is experiencing significant growth as more consumers turn to online platforms for vehicle parts and accessories. However, this shift brings challenges. Internet retail in the automobile aftermarket requires a digital makeover, including digital marketing strategies to reach customers. Age of vehicle and DIY culture influence buying patterns for aftermarket components, with performance components, personalization choices, and specialized parts driving demand. Online marketplaces offer price transparency and customer reviews, but returns and exchanges can impact customer trust. OEMs and aftermarket parts suppliers must innovate to meet the needs of Passenger Cars, Off-Road Vehicles, and Commercial Vehicles. Logistics firms play a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of automotive parts, including brakes, filters, spark plugs, engine parts, floor mats, seat covers, tools, diagnostic tools, wrenches, jacks, tires, wheels, and aftermarket accessories. The market is diverse, with offerings ranging from interior accessories and infotainment-multimedia to powertrain and performance parts.

For more insights on driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

This automotive aftermarket e-retailing market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Product

1.1 Wheels and tires

1.2 Brakes and brake pads

1.3 Others

Customer Type

2.1 DIY customers

2.2 Professional customers

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Wheels and tires- The automotive aftermarket e-retailing industry continues to grow, with more consumers preferring the convenience of shopping online for auto parts. E-retailers offer a wide selection of products, competitive pricing, and quick shipping. They also provide detailed product information and customer reviews, helping consumers make informed decisions. E-commerce platforms have streamlined the buying process, making it easy for customers to find and purchase the right parts for their vehicles. This trend is expected to continue, as more consumers turn to online shopping for their automotive needs.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Learn and explore more about Technavio's in-depth research reports

The US Automotive Parts Aftermarket is poised for significant growth, driven by rising vehicle age and increasing demand for replacement parts. The global automotive tire market is experiencing a surge due to advancements in tire technology and increasing vehicle production. Meanwhile, the global Automotive E-Commerce Market is expanding rapidly, fueled by the convenience of online shopping and the availability of a wide range of auto parts. These trends underscore the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and highlight opportunities for market players.

Research Analysis

The Automotive Aftermarket E-Retailing Market refers to the sale of vehicle parts, accessories, and services through online platforms in the automobile industry. With the increasing popularity of e-commerce and the Age of Vehicle requiring more frequent maintenance and repairs, the market for automotive aftermarket products has seen significant growth. Online sales of aftermarket parts, including engine components, electrical products, interior accessories, infotainment-multimedia, powertrain, tires and wheels, and aftermarket accessories, have surged due to the convenience, wide selection, and competitive pricing offered by internet retail. Logistics firms play a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of these products. Mobile commerce and internet penetration have further expanded the reach of automotive aftermarket e-retailing. Customer service, personalising and designing interiors and exteriors, and delivery speed are key factors driving customer satisfaction in this market.

Market Research Overview

The Automotive Aftermarket E-Retailing Market refers to the sale of vehicle parts, accessories, tools, and services through online platforms in the automobile aftermarket sector. With the Age of Vehicle increasing, the demand for aftermarket components for maintenance and repairs is on the rise. The market is witnessing a Digital Makeover with the increasing use of Internet Retail and e-commerce in the automotive industry. Customers, driven by the DIY culture and personalization choices, are turning to online marketplaces for aftermarket parts, performance components, specialized parts, and accessories. Product Innovation is a key trend, with offerings ranging from brakes and filters to engine parts, floor mats, seat covers, and tools. Online marketplaces offer competitive prices, customer reviews, and returns and exchanges, building Customer Trust. The market includes Tires and Wheels, Electrical Products, and a wide range of Aftermarket Accessories. Logistics firms and Mobile Commerce are playing a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery. The increasing penetration of the Internet and the widespread use of Smartphones are fueling the growth of this market. Customer service is being personalized and designed to cater to interiors and exteriors of automobiles, with delivery speed and transport being key considerations.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Wheels And Tires



Brakes And Brake Pads



Others

Customer Type

DIY Customers



Professional Customers

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on Bank of America common stock of $0.26 per share, up $0.02 from the prior quarter. The dividend is payable on September 27, 2024 to shareholders of record as of September 6, 2024.

The Board also authorized a new $25 billion common stock repurchase program, effective August 1, 2024, to replace the company's current program, which will expire on that date. As of June 30, 2024, the current program had approximately $6.7 billion in common stock repurchases remaining. Today's authorization will continue to provide additional capital return flexibility going forward, in line with the company's commitment to return to shareholders excess capital that is not needed to support economic growth, deliver for customers and communities, invest in the future and sustain strength and stability through the economic cycle.

Bank of America's ability to make capital distributions depends, in part, on its ability to maintain regulatory capital levels above minimum capital requirements.

The timing and amount of common stock repurchases made pursuant to the Bank of America common stock repurchase program are subject to various factors, including the company's capital position, liquidity, financial performance and alternative uses of capital, stock trading price, regulatory requirements and general market conditions and may be suspended at any time. Such repurchases may be effected through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including repurchase plans that satisfy the conditions of Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Board also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.75 per share on the 7% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B. The dividend is payable on October 25, 2024 to shareholders of record as of October 11, 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the current expectations, plans or forecasts of Bank of America based on available information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words like "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "intends," "plans," "predict," "goal" and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "might," "should," "would" and "could." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Bank of America undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made.

Forward-looking statements represent Bank of America's current expectations, plans or forecasts of its future results, revenues, expenses, dividends, efficiency ratio, capital measures, and future business and economic conditions more generally, and other future matters. These statements are not guarantees of its future results or performance and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond Bank of America's control. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider all of the precautionary statements, uncertainties and risks discussed in Bank of America's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of Bank of America's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in any of Bank of America's other subsequent SEC filings.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.388.6780

[email protected]

Jonathan Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)

Phone: 1.212.449.3112

[email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Jocelyn Seidenfeld, Bank of America

Phone: 1.646.743.3356

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
CEO Dave Fellows named non-Executive Chairman of the Board

Executive appointments follow $170 million Series B fundraise

LONDON and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Therapeutics Holdings Limited ('Beacon' or 'the Company'), a leading ophthalmic gene therapy company with a mission to save and restore the vision of patients with blinding retinal diseases, today announced the appointment of Lance Baldo, MD as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 12, 2024, and Thomas Biancardi as Chief Financial Officer, effective August 1, 2024.

Dr. Baldo brings more than 20 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals including the successful launch of two new indications and a new formulation for Lucentis while at Genentech. Most recently, he served as Chief Medical Officer at Freenome, an early cancer detection company, where he led the design and execution of the Company's medical strategy to support its pipeline, from clinical trials through registration and commercialization. Prior to Freenome, Dr. Baldo was the Chief Medical Officer at Adaptive Biotechnologies, serving as a member of the senior leadership team through the transition from a private to publicly traded company. He has also held numerous roles within the Roche Group and its affiliates, including Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Medical Affairs of Genentech and Franchise Head for Ophthalmology.

Dr. Baldo succeeds David Fellows, who has served as CEO since Syncona Limited's acquisition of AGTC in November 2022. Mr. Fellows will assist during the transition and assume the role of non-Executive Chairman of the Board in January 2025. During his tenure, Mr. Fellows oversaw the launch of Beacon Therapeutics in June 2023, initiation of the Phase II DAWN trial and registrational VISTA trial for AGTC-501 for the treatment of X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP), and the recent closing of Beacon's $170 million Series B.

"I am honored and incredibly excited to join Beacon at this important juncture for the Company. Dave and the team have guided Beacon to the forefront of ophthalmic gene therapy with a robust clinical pipeline of candidates poised to meaningfully improve the treatment paradigms for patients with both rare and prevalent blinding diseases," said Dr. Baldo. "With AGTC-501 in a registrational study, world class science and incredible financial backing, we are poised to make a run at a devastating inherited retinal disease."

Beacon also appointed Thomas Biancardi as the Chief Financial Officer, who assumes the role from interim CFO Andrew Prosser, effective August 1, 2024. Mr. Biancardi is a biopharmaceutical industry veteran with over 25 years of financial and operational leadership experience, predominantly within ophthalmology. During his career, he has assisted numerous companies in raising capital, and establishing clinical and commercial operations. As one of the first employees of Ophthotech Corporation, he helped the Company evolve from a pre-clinical venture-backed startup to a publicly traded biotech company. He also played a crucial role in the successful launch of the first pharmacologic treatment for macular degeneration at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals.

"I am excited to serve as Beacon's CFO and collaborate with Lance, the Board and Beacon's experienced team to support the Company's mission to fight blinding diseases," shared Mr. Biancardi. "Beacon has a strong operational foundation and the partnership of a global investor syndicate; I am looking forward to supporting the Company's growth and development through market entry."

"We are fortunate to bring in two experienced executives who share our passion to develop treatments for sight-threatening diseases. The addition of Lance and Tom will accelerate Beacon's growth as a leading ocular gene therapy company focused on bringing transformative gene therapies to patients," said Mr. Fellows.

Beacon has raised approximately $290 million in funding to date. In July, Beacon announced a $170 million Series B fundraise following several clinical milestones, including the first patient dosed in the VISTA registrational trial for AGTC-501, the initiation of the Phase II DAWN trial and the presentation of positive 12-month interim results of the Phase 2 SKYLINE trial at the 47th Annual Macula Society Meeting demonstrating the precision, effectiveness and safety of Beacon's lead development candidate, AGTC-501.

About Beacon Therapeutics

Beacon Therapeutics is an ophthalmic gene therapy company founded in 2023 to save and restore the vision of patients with a range of prevalent and rare retinal diseases that result in blindness.

The Company has an established scientific foundation that combines a late-stage development candidate to treat X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), as well as two preclinical programs, one targeting dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and another targeting an inherited cone-rod dystrophy (CRD).

Lead development candidate AGTC-501, is a gene therapy program currently being investigated for the treatment of XLRP, an inherited monogenic recessive disorder that causes progressive vision loss in boys and young men. XLRP is predominantly caused by mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. AGTC-501 expresses the full length RPGR protein, thereby addressing the full complement of photoreceptor damage caused by XLRP, including both rod and cone loss.

Beacon Therapeutics also has access to a target generation technology platform that will identify, screen, and search secreted proteins in the ophthalmology space.

The Company is supported by funds from Syncona Limited, Forbion, Oxford Science Enterprises, TCGX, Advent Life Sciences, and additional investors.

Find out more about Beacon Therapeutics at beacontx.com.

Contact:

[email protected]

Media:

[email protected]

SOURCE Beacon Therapeutics
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadmium successfully wrapped up the first day of its user conference, inspiring attendees and generating excitement for the future of event management and continuing education technology. The sessions highlighted Cadmium's commitment to innovation, customer success, and the transformative power of technology.

The day began with an inspiring keynote from Cadmium's CEO, John Pierson, showcasing the company's progress in revolutionizing event management and continuing education. Following this, Jennifer Livingston, Product Manager of Learning, led roadmap sessions for Elevate and EthosCE, Cadmium's learning management systems, offering attendees insights into upcoming enhancements and innovations.

Traci King, Sales VP at Cadmium, hosted a panel featuring experts from various associations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Consumer Technology Association. The panelists shared strategies for leveraging event technology for successful meetings, providing practical tips and best practices for optimizing event management processes.

The first day of Spark offered attendees the chance to experience the knowledge, experience, and expertise of Spark sponsors firsthand. Various aspects of the event were powered by Cadmium's partners, including:

SB Expos & Events, which provided a cohesive and smooth registration process.

Cogent Global Solutions, which handled the audiovisual needs for every keynote and session.

Choose2Rent, which supplied registration equipment that seamlessly integrated with the Cadmium's check-in and badging system.

"Spark is not just a chance for us to inform our customers about the latest product enhancements and releases; it also lets them see our partners in action," said Vicky Thompson, CRO. "Our sponsors are essential to the success of this event, and we are thrilled to give them the platform to showcase their offerings."

An interactive workshop on Cadmium's soon-to-be-released updated Speaker Ready System provided participants with hands-on experience in preparing speakers for their presentations.

The day concluded with a keynote from Tracy King, MA, CAE, Chief Learning Strategist & CEO of InspirEd. She led an insightful session on the opportunities and challenges of Generative AI in professional development.

About Cadmium

Cadmium empowers associations to harness the power of learning experiences by providing an integrated suite of solutions that streamline event management and continuing education. We understand that learning is about transformative moments, and we're here to help associations share those moments, create community, and drive meaningful change. For more information, visit gocadmium.com.

Contact:

Jessie Reyes | Cadmium

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE Cadmium
Award-Winning Cheese Steaks, Sandwiches and Subs Coming Soon to Murrieta and Ontario

LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheese steaks, turkey subs and more, announces the opening two new locations coming soon to the Golden State. The new Murrietta location is slated open at 40469 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. on July 31, while the new Ontario location will open at 920 N Haven Ave., Ste. 150 on Aug. 8. Capriotti's introduces local communities across the U.S. to the brand's 40-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house, and other one-of-a-kind sandwiches made using the freshest ingredients.

Capriotti's is known for its wide array of sandwiches including The Bobbie, made with fresh oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo and the Capastrami, made with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and homemade coleslaw. Capriotti's cheese steaks are made with premium steak, chicken, or Impossible plant-based meat and melted cheese, plus hot or sweet peppers. In addition to its handcrafted sandwiches, the two new Capriotti's shops will bring a multitude of new jobs to the greater Los Angeles market.

The new Capriotti's in Murrietta is a family-owned business operated by Laili Malikyar and her son. The Malikyar family is excited to open the new store in honor of Malikyar's daughter, who dreamt of one-day opening a Capriotti's location of her own, before her early passing.

"Words cannot describe what the opening of our new Murrietta Capriotti's location means to our family," said Malikyar. "We're beyond excited to open our doors for the first time and begin building relationships with local guests."

Capriotti's in Ontario is owned and operated by local entrepreneur, Tim Robison. Robison currently owns a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop in Eastville, CA and looks forward to making his new shop in Ontario a role model small business for the local community.

"We're thrilled to bring Capriotti's delicious subs to Ontario for the first time," said Robison. "We want local residents to know that we're serving the highest quality sandwiches around, as we strive to that turn our new Ontario shop into a convenient, family-friendly destination.

Capriotti's fans can download the CAPAddicts Rewards app on iOS and Android to earn, redeem rewards and score free food at Capriotti's shops. Both Capriotti's locations in Ontario and Murrietta will offer convenient order-ahead options, online ordering, and third-party delivery services. Capriotti's also offers catering for any event, from corporate events to birthday parties, with catered items including cold sub party trays, box lunches, or a hot homemade meatball bar.

For more information, please visit www.capriottis.com.

About Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

Founded in 1976, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is an award-winning national franchised restaurant chain that remains true to its 40-year tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house every day. Capriotti's cold, grilled, and vegetarian subs, cheesesteaks and salads are available at more than 175 locations across the United States. Capriotti's signature sub, The Bobbie, was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" by thousands of readers across the country, as reported by AOL.com. Capriotti's fans can also download the CAPAddicts Rewards app for iOS and Android, where they can earn and redeem rewards. Capriotti's plans to grow to over 750 locations by 2032 and was ranked on Fast Casual's Top Movers & Shakers List each of the last four years (2020-23). For more information, visit capriottis.com. Like Capriotti's on Facebook, follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Media Contact: Emily Otter | Fishman PR | [email protected] | (440) 623-6532

SOURCE Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Flagship Brand from Schuman Cheese Celebrates Multiple Wins, Highlighting Craftsmanship & Quality

FAIRFIELD, N.J., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Schuman Cheese, world-class, fourth-generation cheesemaker, is proud to announce multiple award wins for its flagship brand, Cello, at the recent American Cheese Society (ACS) Annual Judging & Competition. These accolades underscore Cello's longstanding presence at the forefront of the category, with a legacy of award-winning varietals, and are a testament to a deep-rooted commitment to excellence and craftsmanship in cheesemaking.

Cellos Extra Aged Copper Kettle Parmesan.

The outstanding cheeses were expertly crafted at Lake Country Dairy, a facility that has been consistently recognized for its eminence in cheesemaking. Located in the heart of America's dairy land, Wisconsin, Lake Country Dairy's skilled cheesemakers follow traditional Old-World practices to produce authentic cheeses of the highest caliber; they are the only American cheesemakers currently crafting hard Italian cheese in traditional copper vats, a method that has set apart Cello's award-winning Extra Aged Copper Kettle Parmesan.

In a highly competitive field, Cello distinguished itself once again with remarkable achievements:

1st Place, Italian Type Cheeses Category  Extra Aged Copper Kettle: A special edition, 36-month aged version of the brand's flagship Parmesan, Cello's Extra Aged Copper Kettle cheese received the top honor, showcasing its rich, robust flavor and exquisite texture. This recognition affirms the meticulous aging process and dedication to quality that defines Cello's approach to cheesemaking.

A special edition, 36-month aged version of the brand's flagship Parmesan, Cello's Extra Aged Copper Kettle cheese received the top honor, showcasing its rich, robust flavor and exquisite texture. This recognition affirms the meticulous aging process and dedication to quality that defines Cello's approach to cheesemaking. 2nd Place, Italian Type Cheeses Category 

Fontal : Renowned for its creamy texture, delicate flavor, and ultimate melting ability, Cello's Fontal cheese earned a prestigious second place, highlighting its perfect balance of taste and consistency.

: Renowned for its creamy texture, delicate flavor, and ultimate melting ability, Cello's Fontal cheese earned a prestigious second place, highlighting its perfect balance of taste and consistency.

Romano : Celebrated for its sharp, tangy profile, Cello's Romano cheese impressed the judges, securing a second-place finish.

: Celebrated for its sharp, tangy profile, Cello's Romano cheese impressed the judges, securing a second-place finish.

Asiago : Achieving a distinct nutty flavor and smooth finish through a recipe crafted without lipase, unlike its competitors, Cello's Asiago cheese stood out in the competition to earn a well-deserved second place.

: Achieving a distinct nutty flavor and smooth finish through a recipe crafted without lipase, unlike its competitors, Cello's Asiago cheese stood out in the competition to earn a well-deserved second place. 2nd Place , Fresh Unripened Cheeses Category 

, Mascarpone: Known for its creamy, luxurious texture, Cello's Mascarpone cheese was recognized with a second-place award, reflecting its superior quality and craftsmanship.

"We are incredibly honored to receive these awards from the American Cheese Society," said Allison Schuman, Chief Revenue Officer at Schuman Cheese. "Passion, dedication, and generational expertise are at the forefront of everything we do at Schuman. The Cello brand embodies our constant pursuit of not only meeting, but exceeding the expectations of our customers, and we couldn't be prouder to see that work recognized."

The ACS Annual Judging & Competition is a respected event in the cheese industry that prides itself in bringing together the finest cheese makers from across North America. This year's competition featured a diverse array of entries, and Cello's success reflects its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.

As Schuman Cheese continues to maintain its trajectory as an industry leader, these awards serve as a reminder of the company's rich heritage and unparalleled enthusiasm for producing world-class cheeses. With a strong track record of innovation and an eye towards the future, Schuman Cheese leverages its deep understanding of traditional cheesemaking techniques to anticipate and meet the evolving tastes of cheese lovers. Cello's award-winning products are available nationwide, bringing the exceptional taste and quality of Schuman Cheese to shoppers everywhere.

About Schuman Cheese

Founded in New York in 1945, Schuman Cheese has grown into a highly lauded leader in the cheese industry worldwide. The family has set the standard for integrity, excellence, and loyalty for four generations, exemplified by their premium cheeses and lasting partnerships. Today, decades since their first import, Schuman's team of skilled cheesemakers craft their world-class cheeses in Wisconsin, adding to their robust import business. At Schuman Cheese, they take pride in the products offered and remain committed to the mission and values established by Arthur Schuman. Discover their distinctive cheeses and latest innovations Schuman Cheese delights in sharing at SchumanCheese.com

For more information about Schuman Cheese, visit https://www.schumancheese.com/our-cheeses.

About Cello

Maker of the signature Copper Kettle Parmesan cheese, Cello is a handcrafted, specialty cheese brand breathing new life into Old World cheese-making. The brand produces everything from traditional favorites like Asiago and Romano to flavored hand-rubbed Fontina and specialty cheese flights. Beyond the diverse product portfolio, Cello aims to make the process of learning about cheese as easy and enjoyable as eating it. With over 75 years of cheese making experience, Cello's cheese connoisseurs are taking generations of knowledge and offering it to cheese lovers everywhere through accessible resources that offer insight into pairings, recipes, and more. For more information about Cello, visit https://www.cellocheese.com/.

For more information:

5W Public Relations

Tel: (212) 999-5585

[email protected]

SOURCE Schuman Cheese
HOUSTON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, CITGO Petroleum Corp. achieved a substantial judicial award in a multi-year effort to expose a corrupt contracting conspiracy that defrauded CITGO and its parent companies through a complex international bribery scheme. The award of more than $340 million in damages and interest, entered by the District Court for the Southern District of Texas, granted judgment in full to CITGO against its former contractor, Petroleum Logistics Service Corp. (PLS), and PLS's founder, Jose Manuel Gonzalez Testino.

Since the new Board of Directors assumed control of CITGO in 2019, CITGO has worked tirelessly to adopt the best standards of corporate governance, internal controls and transparency, and to seek compensation from those who had previously defrauded CITGO. As part of that effort, CITGO launched this litigation in 2020 to hold PLS and Testino accountable for engineering a pervasive scheme of bribery and fraud. As uncovered in documents obtained in the litigation and detailed in full in CITGO's filings in the case, Testino, PLS, and others participated in a conspiracy lasting from approximately 2012 to 2018 (prior to the new Board of Directors), through which CITGO was defrauded out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Testino and PLS paid millions of dollars in bribes to then-CITGO employees to induce those employees to award PLS (and a number of suitcase companies affiliated with PLS) highly lucrative contracts for the sale and transportation of various goods and equipment, all purportedly for the benefit of CITGO's ultimate shareholder in Venezuela. PLS and the affiliated companies then charged CITGO grossly inflated prices, fees, and expenses for those goods and services, and concealed that conduct through bribing a number of CITGO's former employees.

Accountability against PLS and Testino has taken years to achieve, in large part because they refused to participate in the litigation, and several entities and individuals associated with Testino and PLS resisted subpoenas and court orders to provide documents and depositions. CITGO ultimately prevailed against those delays, revealing a vast network of corruption and fraud detailed at length in CITGO's Motion for Default Judgment filed in February 2024. In May 2020, CITGO sued PLS and Testino to recover the damages inflicted by the bribery scheme.

On July 11, 2024, the District Court for the Southern District of Texas granted CITGO's Motion for Default Judgment, holding PLS and Testino's estate liable for fraud, breach of contract, and civil violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. On July 16, 2024, the Court awarded CITGO over $254 million in trebled damages, and over $89 million in prejudgment interest. It is unclear what funds may be accessible from the Defendants to enforce this judgment, but CITGO intends to pursue enforcement of the Default Judgment, as appropriate, and to hold accountable any entities or individuals who participated in this now documented conspiracy.

Links to copies of CITGO's Motion for Default Judgment and the Order awarding damages are below.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation
This partnership reaffirms Classic Vacations as the premier platform for Travel Advisors to deliver complete, curated itineraries from luxury accommodations to excursions and activities

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Classic Vacations , the #1 rated global luxury travel company, announces its new partnership with Project Expedition , the leading portal for Travel Advisors to discover and book excursions and tours. The first integrated partnership within Classic Vacations' new booking engine, this collaboration pairs the expertise and resources of two renowned global travel companies by bolstering Classic's attractive portfolio of highly curated hotels, air travel, and transportation, with exceptional tours and activities.

Project Expedition brings an extensive network of experiences, with new options added weekly from top-rated in-destination partners. Travel Advisors can now integrate world-class excursions, tours, day passes, multi-day trips, private and group attractions, and ticketed events into their client's itineraries, directly through Classic Vacations.

Classic Vacations Announces Partnership with Project Expedition to Help Travel Advisors Grow Their Businesses. Post this

"For nearly 50 years, Classic Vacations has been dedicated to a customer-driven strategy, and we remain steadfast in our goal to exceed Travel Advisors' expectations," said Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations. "This collaboration represents a significant leap in our commitment to Travel Advisors by putting modern technology at their fingertips. Every phase of the Classic Vacations digital transformation is guided by Advisors. In fact, it was our Advisors who suggested that we partner with Project Expedition. Now they can book thousands of amazing experiences using our upgraded booking platform."

By integrating Project Expedition into the Classic Vacations booking engine, Classic provides the Advisor community with a streamlined experience to earn commission while offering their clients frictionless itineraries, marking a significant step forward in Travel Advisor technology. Project Expedition's thoughtfully selected portfolio includes exclusive experiences and activities from the highest-rated tour operators across the globe, including thousands in preferred Classic Vacations destinations like Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico. Kreuger emphasized this, pointing out that the Classic Vacations booking platform already includes over 1,400 Project Expedition tour and activity options in Europe alone with more to come.

In Rome, for example, Advisors now have the option to package private sightseeing tours of the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican. In Paris, options include walking tours where travelers can take in the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, pausing for wine tasting along the way. In St. Lucia, options include island tours, rum tastings, mud baths, and catamaran charters. In Maui, travelers can venture on a guided sunrise bike tour of the Haleakala Volcano, or in Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, travelers can enjoy a personally guided once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Chichen Itza and its surrounding cenotes. Project Expedition's unique offerings, combined with Classic Vacations' best-in-class luxury portfolio of award-winning hotels, affiliate products, and vacation rentals, ensure exceptional quality, service, and memories for savvy travelers.

"Our partnership with Classic Vacations opens up a world of possibilities for Travel Advisors," said Rob Keen, co-founder of Project Expedition. "By integrating our extensive inventory of curated experiences with Classic Vacations' renowned booking platform, we're collectively empowering Advisors to create more robust itineraries that truly elevate the luxury travel experience," said Keen.

Classic Vacations recently announced a significant technology investment to empower Travel Advisors, including enhancements to push itineraries through an elevated AXUS integration, a new Classic VIP Connect program that informs 5-star hotels of an Advisor's preferred clients' arrival, and the enhanced booking platform that allows the curation of multiple destinations in one itinerary. Classic Vacations continues to build an exceptional online experience for luxury Travel Advisors while also offering advantageous commissions and access to the industry's leading Advisor incentive program, Royalty Rewards.

Classic Vacations, which is owned by The Najafi Companies, takes pride in continually enhancing its online booking features and benefits, always driven to lead the industry and serve the modern-day Travel Advisor.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Quinn PR

[email protected]

ABOUT CLASSIC VACATIONS

Founded in 1978, Classic Vacations, the #1 rated luxury vacation platform owned by The Najafi Companies, has supported travel advisors in creating millions of exceptional travel experiences for their clients. In doing so, Classic helps create incredible vacation memories and broadens travelers' horizons beyond their immediate communities. Representing over a hundred destinations worldwide, Classic offers a full range of accommodations, from premium to luxury (including suites, villas, and residences), competitive pricing, first-class and private transportation options, and unique tours and excursions globally, including in Abu Dhabi, Africa, Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Dubai, Europe, Fiji, Hawaii, the Mainland USA, the Maldives, Mexico, Oman, the Seychelles, and Tahiti. Visit classicvacations.com or call 1-800-221-3949 for more information about Classic Vacations and its enhanced technology for Travel Advisors.

ABOUT THE NAJAFI COMPANIES

The Najafi Companies is an entrepreneurially driven private investment firm which makes highly selective investments across industries with significant holdings in consumer, hospitality, sports, media, ecommerce, and technology. By funding its investments with internally generated capital and utilizing a strategy of concentration, not diversification, Najafi is empowered to think long-term, remain highly flexible and operate in true alignment with management. The team's passion is to create value in areas that are underserved or undergoing rapid transformation. The Najafi Companies continues its mission to "do well and do good" and partner with world-class, entrepreneurial teams. Headquartered in Phoenix with offices in Los Angeles and New York City.

SOURCE Classic Vacations
Settlement Paves Way for ZHI to Complete Court-Supervised Restructuring Process

SAN ANTONIO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zachry Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "ZHI") today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas has approved its settlement agreement with Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC ("Golden Pass") and joint venture partners CB&I LLC and Chiyoda International Corporation.

The comprehensive settlement agreement fully resolves all financial and legal disputes among the parties related to the Golden Pass export terminal project in Sabine Pass, Texas. The settlement allows Golden Pass to resume construction on an expedited basis while Zachry will exit the project in an efficient and cooperative manner. The settlement, which has been approved by the Court on an interim basis, creates a path for ZHI to complete its Court-supervised restructuring process on an expedited basis.

John B. Zachry, Chairman and CEO of ZHI said, "We'd like to thank our employees, customers, and suppliers for their incredible support. The settlement resolves all of the issues we set out to address regarding the Golden Pass LNG project when we initiated our restructuring process earlier this year. This important milestone paves the way for us to move forward as a stronger company, better positioned for long-term growth and success. Zachry has a 100-year record of serving customers and helping them build, maintain and turnaround their critical facilities, and this commitment has never wavered. As we turn our focus to completing and exiting from our Court-supervised process this fall, we continue to operate all other projects without interruption at the highest safety and quality standards."

Additional Information

Additional information regarding the Company's Court-supervised process is available at www.ZHIrestructuring.com.

Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available on a separate website administered by the Company's claims and noticing agent Kurtzman Carson Consultants, LLC, dba Verita Global ("Verita"), at www.veritaglobal.net/zhi, by calling Verita toll-free at (866) 479-8211 (U.S./Canada) or (781) 575-2037 (International), or by submitting an inquiry at www.veritaglobal.net/ZHI/inquiry.

White & Case LLP is serving as legal advisor to ZHI and M3 Advisory Partners, LP is serving as financial and restructuring advisor.

About Zachry Group

Zachry Group is North America's pacesetter in turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services to the energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing and industrial sectors. We work with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Since 1924, we have been a purpose-driven organization, united by a shared set of values and the desire to deliver the very best outcome for our customers. Visit zachrygroup.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could impact the Company's objectives and plans or cause the actual results of the Company to differ significantly from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the Chapter 11 process, competition in the industry, general domestic or international economic conditions, and changes in laws or regulations. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms "believes," "belief," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," or similar terms to be uncertain and forward-looking.

Media Contacts

[email protected]

Michael Freitag / Aaron Palash / Carly King

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

SOURCE Zachry Holdings, Inc.
EL PASO, Texas, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Sierra Court in El Paso, Texas on August 3rd. "We are thrilled to open our store at Sierra Court," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant El Paso community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at Sierra Court encompasses 10,308 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Texas based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 141 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2024".

On both Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th, the first 100 customers to shop at the Sierra Court location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Sierra Court Daiso, at 7410 Remcon Circle, Suite A, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global data center market size is estimated to grow by USD 434.8 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.52% during the forecast period. Rise in adoption of multi-cloud and network upgrades to support 5G is driving market growth, with a trend towards implementation of ai in data centers. However, cybersecurity issues poses a challenge. Key market players include 365 Data Centers, Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., China Telecom Corp. Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., CyrusOne LLC, Cyxtera Technologies Inc., Digital Realty Trust Inc., Equinix Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., KDDI Corp., Microsoft Corp., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., Oracle Corp., Salesforce Inc., SAP SE, and Verizon Communications Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global data center market 2024-2028

Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies - Click for the snapshot of this report

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Component (IT infrastructure, Power management, Mechanical construction, General construction, and Security solutions), End-user (BFSI, Energy, IT, and Others), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 365 Data Centers, Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., China Telecom Corp. Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., CyrusOne LLC, Cyxtera Technologies Inc., Digital Realty Trust Inc., Equinix Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., KDDI Corp., Microsoft Corp., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., Oracle Corp., Salesforce Inc., SAP SE, and Verizon Communications Inc.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

Data centers are enhancing energy efficiency through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI technology enables faster decision-making and optimization of server, power, and cooling systems. Data center service providers use AI in automation software to eliminate human intervention, facilitating energy-efficient operations. AI also optimizes cooling processes, allowing effective power usage and reducing downtime and human errors. AI monitors device performance in data centers, predicting potential failures and adjusting processes accordingly. Benefits of AI-based data center automation software include reduced infrastructure costs, operating costs, and deployment time. By 2028, advanced robots with AI and machine learning capabilities will increase cloud data center operating efficiency by over 30%. This trend will significantly contribute to the growth of the global data center market.

Data centers play a crucial role in storing and analyzing data for businesses, e-commerce companies, and individuals. With the rise of personalized data and application performance, data center workloads continue to grow. Mobile data use and internet usage have surged, leading to increased storage requirements. Cloud data storage solutions like Amazon Web Services offer scalability and flexibility. Data security, backups, and internet bandwidth are top priorities. Managed hosting and colocation offer customized solutions for businesses. Big data and data analytics are driving innovation, with intelligent buildings, public cloud, and hyper-scale platforms leading the way. The Department of Energy focuses on green data centers. AI, ML, IoT, and IT infrastructure are key trends. Software testing solutions ensure application performance. Customers demand digitalization, and businesses respond with innovative data center solutions.

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Market Challenges

Data is a valuable asset for businesses, fueling revenue opportunities through trend analysis and informed decision-making. However, securing sensitive data, including customer information, is a significant concern. Cyberattacks, particularly those targeting cloud services and IoT solutions, pose a growing threat. Non-compliance with data protection regulations can lead to hefty penalties. The increase in DDoS attacks, which disrupt business continuity, is a major challenge. These factors may hinder the expansion of the global data center market. Enterprise server estates are at risk of being hacked, potentially compromising data and shutting down businesses. Strict government regulations on citizen data security add to the complexity for cloud service providers.

Data Centers face numerous challenges in today's digital world. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning require massive computing power, driving the need for advanced IT infrastructure. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing increase the demand for real-time data processing and scalability. Green Data Centers are essential for businesses seeking cost savings and sustainability. The Department of Energy and Enterprise Engineering Solutions focus on energy efficiency. Software Testing Help ensures data security and reliability. Customers, including individuals and B2B enterprises, demand faster response times and flexibility. Digitalization and the Digital Economy drive the exponential trend towards more data creation and usage. Challenges include latency, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and decentralized Data Centers. Local special circumstances, data sovereignty regulations, and macroeconomic factors also impact Data Center strategies. Businesses must adapt to the S-curve function of digital transformation, balancing hardware-related expenses with the benefits of cloud technology and data center systems. Macroeconomic factors like exchange rates, business leaders, and competitors influence decisions. Data loss and speed are critical concerns for end-users. Online retail and other industries require customized solutions. National statistical offices track the level of digitization, providing valuable insights. In summary, Data Centers must address these challenges to meet the evolving needs of the digital age.

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Segment Overview

This data center market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Component

1.1 IT infrastructure

1.2 Power management

1.3 Mechanical construction

1.4 General construction

1.5 Security solutions

End-user

2.1 BFSI

2.2 Energy

2.3 IT

2.4 Others

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 APAC

3.3 Europe

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 IT infrastructure- The data center market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for digital transformation and cloud services. Companies are investing heavily in building and expanding their data centers to support their growing digital operations. Data centers provide businesses with the necessary infrastructure to store, manage, and process large amounts of data efficiently and securely. This investment in data centers is essential for businesses to remain competitive in today's digital economy.

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The global Data Center Colocation and Managed Hosting Services Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increased demand for scalable and secure infrastructure solutions. Meanwhile, the global Containerized and Modular Data Center Market is expanding rapidly, offering flexibility and cost-efficiency for enterprises. Additionally, the global Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Solutions Market is flourishing as organizations seek advanced tools for optimizing data center performance and energy efficiency. These markets collectively address the evolving needs of modern businesses, ensuring robust, efficient, and adaptive data center operations.

Research Analysis

The Data Center market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud computing, and Edge computing. These technologies are driving the demand for IT infrastructure to support real-time data processing, scalability, and flexibility. Digitalization is also playing a key role in the growth of the market, as businesses and individuals rely more on online retail, e-commerce, and personalized data for storing and analyzing data center workloads. Cloud technology and data center systems are becoming essential for cost savings and efficient management of data. However, the risk of lost data and the need for speed remain critical challenges for the market. Data Centers are essential for businesses to keep up with the demands of their customers and stay competitive. On-premises infrastructure continues to be a popular choice for some businesses due to its control and security benefits. Overall, the Data Center market is poised for continued growth as businesses and individuals increasingly rely on technology for their operations and personal lives.

Market Research Overview

The Data Center market is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for IT infrastructure to support Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, and Cloud Computing. Green Data Centers are gaining popularity as businesses strive for cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. The Department of Energy is investing in energy-efficient data centers to reduce carbon emissions. Digitalization is transforming industries, from manufacturing to finance, with businesses and individuals relying on real-time data processing for decision-making. Decentralized Data Centers are emerging to address local special circumstances and data sovereignty regulations. Macroeconomic factors, such as the digital economy, internet penetration, and B2B enterprises' hardware-related expenses, are driving the market's exponential trend. Data center systems must provide application performance, storage requirements, and data security for mobile data use, internet usage, and cloud data storage. Data analytics and intelligent buildings are also key areas of focus, with public cloud, colocation, and hyper-scale platforms leading the way. Autonomous vehicles, IoT devices, and smart cities require low latency for optimal performance. Backups and data security are critical concerns for end-users, with managed hosting and colocation offering solutions for businesses. Big data and data analytics are essential for online retail and e-commerce, with personalized data storing and analyzing data center workloads becoming increasingly important. Cloud technology is revolutionizing the industry, with Amazon Web Services leading the charge. However, lost data and data security breaches remain significant challenges. The level of digitization, exchange rates, business leaders, and competitors are also influencing the market's direction.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Component

IT Infrastructure



Power Management



Mechanical Construction



General Construction



Security Solutions

End-user

BFSI



Energy



IT



Others

Geography

North America



APAC



Europe



South America



Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global data center rack market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.07 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.66% during the forecast period. Increasing investments in data centers is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing need for edge computing. However, increasing focus on data center consolidation poses a challenge. Key market players include Belden Inc., Black Box Ltd., Chatsworth Products Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., CONTEG spol sro, Databricks Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Delta Electronics Inc., Eaton Corp. Plc, Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., International Business Machines Corp., Legrand, nVent Electric Plc, Oracle Corp., Panduit Corp., RackSolutions Inc., Rittal GmbH and Co. KG, Schneider Electric SE, and Vertiv Holdings Co..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global data center rack market 2024-2028

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Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Server rack and Network rack), Product Specification (Medium, Large, and Small), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Belden Inc., Black Box Ltd., Chatsworth Products Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., CONTEG spol sro, Databricks Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Delta Electronics Inc., Eaton Corp. Plc, Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., International Business Machines Corp., Legrand, nVent Electric Plc, Oracle Corp., Panduit Corp., RackSolutions Inc., Rittal GmbH and Co. KG, Schneider Electric SE, and Vertiv Holdings Co.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The global data center rack market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of edge computing. Edge computing, a model that processes IoT device-generated data at the network edge, is gaining popularity with the proliferation of Internet-connected devices. By 2024, IDC projects that 157 zettabytes of data will be generated globally, with 20% originating at the edge. Real-time processing needs for emerging applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and smart city solutions demand ultra-low latency data processing, which edge computing facilitates by processing data closer to the source. Additionally, edge computing mitigates bandwidth and cost challenges by reducing the necessity to send all data to the cloud, optimizing bandwidth usage, and reducing costs. Furthermore, edge computing addresses sustainability and efficiency concerns by locally processing data, minimizing the need for cloud data transmission, and diminishing overall energy footprints. Industries such as manufacturing, utilities, retail, automotive, and healthcare are rapidly adopting edge computing solutions to unlock new use cases, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate customer experiences. With the commercial deployment of 5G technology, the market for data center racks is expected to continue growing during the forecast period.

The Data Center Rack market is witnessing significant trends in 2023. Damage and risks to data are top concerns, leading to increased demand for modular racks from NetRack and others. Online payment systems in digital banking require robust data center solutions, driving investments. Containerization, microservices, and blockchain technologies are transforming computing space. Mobile broadband and cloud services are expanding the market, requiring optimization and network services. Integrated power and cooling solutions are essential for high-density data centers. Mega facilities projects in the dataintensive sector continue to drive demand for specialized enclosures, server brands, and hardware. Ventilation and cable management are crucial for server density. Data center optimization and networking devices are key focus areas for businesses.

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Market Challenges

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing concept where companies utilize virtualized computing resources over the Internet. Notable IaaS providers include DigitalOcean, Linode, Rackspace, Amazon Web Services, Cisco Metapod, Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine. The expanding IaaS market is leading to data center consolidation. This involves merging or reducing the scale of data center facilities to decrease operating costs and control emissions. Software companies like Box, Salesforce, Tableau, and SAP are moving towards common cloud platforms, reducing the need for individual data centers. Storage virtualization is essential for storing and processing information, reducing the need for additional storage infrastructure and offering high-availability services. Virtualization increases input and output streams through resource pooling from multiple storage devices, managed via a data management console. However, the efficiency of storage components decreases due to increased IO operations per second. Enterprises must plan for storage efficiency and capacity before implementing virtualization features. Data center consolidation results in fewer investments in new data center establishments due to the growing number of tier-3 and tier-4 data centers globally. This trend decreases demand for data center components, negatively impacting sales and reducing the data center footprint worldwide. Despite the challenges, data center consolidation requires expertise, time, and carries risks. The shrinking data center market may hinder the growth of the global data center rack market during the forecast period.

Data Centers are essential for businesses to store, manage, and access their digital assets. Colocation services allow companies to rent computing space in a Data Center, but challenges arise due to data center whitespace limitations. Server density is increasing with the adoption of high-density servers, specialized enclosures, and hyperscale data centers. Data center investments require optimization through network services, cooling systems, and cable management. Server brands, ventilation, and cooling systems are crucial for high-performance computing, mission-critical applications, and cloud technologies. Geographic regions, IT budgets, and IT infrastructure demand data center racks, servers, switches, and cables that support high-density servers and efficient power consumption. Data-intensive sectors like online shopping, cloud computing, big data analytics, digital stores, social networks, and hyperscale data centers require specialized solutions. Business continuity and edge computing add to the complexity. Power consumption, efficiency, and data traffic are key concerns. Data Center Racks play a vital role in managing these challenges, ensuring a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure.

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Segment Overview

This data center rack market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Server rack

1.2 Network rack

Product Specification

2.1 Medium

2.2 Large

2.3 Small

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Server rack- The server rack market is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for servers and storage devices from enterprises to support business trends such as Big Data analytics. Big Data analytics involves analyzing large and varied data sets to identify patterns and trends, necessitating the development of efficient server systems for fast processing and extensive data management. This, in turn, increases investments in Big Data analytics and creates a need for integrating High Performance Computing (HPC) with Big Data analytics. The demand for server infrastructure has grown significantly in the past five years and is expected to continue at a steady pace. This growth is driven by the expansion of data centers, colocation data centers, and HDCs, as well as technology upgrade cycles. The evolution of HPC architecture has led to the management of large amounts of unstructured and structured data, which requires high-throughput and high-availability storage devices and servers. Additionally, the increasing adoption of cloud-based services has resulted in a significant increase in the number of server units required for cloud infrastructure. Server virtualization, which transforms one server into multiple isolated services, is a trend among large enterprises to increase productivity, centralize management, and cut costs. Virtualization eliminates server sprawl and makes better use of server resources, but it also increases the need for switches and routers to connect multiple users to a single server. In summary, the server rack market is growing due to the increasing demand for servers and storage devices for Big Data analytics, the expansion of data centers, technology upgrade cycles, the adoption of cloud services, and server virtualization. The need for efficient and high-capacity server systems, as well as the increasing number of server units required for cloud infrastructure, will drive the growth of the server rack market.

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The global Data Center Rack PDU Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient power distribution solutions in data centers. Concurrently, the Data Center Rack Market in Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly, fueled by the nation's digital transformation initiatives and investments in IT infrastructure. Additionally, the global Data Center Server Market is witnessing robust growth due to the surge in data generation, cloud computing adoption, and the need for enhanced server performance and scalability. These trends underscore the critical role of data center infrastructure in the evolving digital landscape.

Research Analysis

The Data Center Rack market encompasses the demand for rack solutions in data centers, colocation facilities, and other IT infrastructure environments. Data center whitespace is a critical consideration in the market, as server density continues to increase due to data center optimization and the adoption of high-density data center designs. Data center investments are driving growth in the market, with a focus on network services, ventilation, cable management, and cooling systems to ensure efficient and reliable IT infrastructure. Cloud technologies are also fueling demand for data center racks, as more companies move their IT operations to the cloud. The market includes data centers, servers, switches, cables, storage, and cooling systems, among other components. Data center rack solutions provide computing space for servers, switches, and other IT equipment, and are essential for managing the complex IT infrastructure required in today's digital economy.

Market Research Overview

The Data Center Rack Market encompasses the demand for rack infrastructure in data centers, colocation facilities, and other IT environments. Data center whitespace is a significant driver, with increasing server density leading to higher demand for efficient rack solutions. Data center investments continue to grow, fueled by the dataintensive sector, including online shopping, cloud computing, big data analytics, digital stores, social networks, and hyperscale data centers. Network services, cooling, and power consumption are key considerations, with specialized enclosures, ventilation, and cable management essential for optimizing computing space. High-density servers and modular racks, such as NetRack, are popular solutions for maximizing IT infrastructure efficiency. Geographic regions, IT budgets, and business continuity plans also impact market trends. Additionally, emerging technologies like edge computing, high-performance computing, and cloud technologies require specialized rack infrastructure. Power consumption and cooling efficiency are critical factors, with integrated power and cooling systems gaining popularity. Data traffic, mission-critical applications, and risks, such as damage and business disruption, further emphasize the importance of reliable rack infrastructure. Other factors include server brands, storage, switches, cables, and hardware, as well as emerging trends like containerization, microservices, blockchain, mobile broadband, and mega facilities projects.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Server Rack



Network Rack

Product Specification

Medium



Large



Small

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
ECW has provided approximately US$18 million in total funding in Ecuador. The new investment will be delivered by a consortium of partners led by RET International in coordination with the Government of Ecuador and local partners, reaching nearly 43,000 refugee, migrant and host community children.

NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2014, close to 8 million Venezuelans have left their home, making this the largest displacement crisis in Latin America. In Ecuador, the large influx of refugees and migrants  combined with the compounding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, economic, political and social upheaval, and a concerning increase in violence and forced displacement  has disrupted the education for a large number of refugee, migrant and host community children.

More than 20% of school-aged Venezuelan refugee and migrant children are out of school. About 5% of Ecuadorian children are out of primary school, with the number rising to 10% for secondary school.

In response to these challenges, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its global strategic partners announced today a new US$8 million catalytic Multi-Year Resilience Programme grant that will be delivered by a consortium of partners, led by RET International in coordination with Ecuador's Ministry of Education and local partners, to reach a total of 42,700 children and adolescents. Consortium partners include Plan International, Child Fund, and the Ibero-American Institute of Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Andres Bello Convention Organization (IPANC-CAB).

The grant builds on the impact of ECW's investments in Ecuador, which have reached a total of 300,000 children to date. Total ECW funding in Ecuador now tops US$17.8 million, with two previous rounds of First Emergency Response funding at the total of US$2.45 million, and the first Multi-Year Resilience Programme financing (2021-2024) at US$7.4 million.

"Education is a lifeline for children living in Ecuador. In all, two out of ten refugee and migrant children are out of school. And violence, economic uncertainty and insecurity continue to plague the nation and the region as a whole. We are calling on world leaders to urgently step-up funding. Our investment in education is our investment in the vast potential of Latin America's children and youth," said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait, the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations.

"In the Ministry of Education, we promote inclusive education as a fundamental pillar to guarantee the right to education of children and adolescents, regardless of their nationality. In this way, Ecuador has become a regional benchmark for its inclusive regulations. The Multi-Year Resilience Programme has been a key programme for joining efforts and articulating actions at the national and territorial levels, under the principle of 'leaving no one behind,'" said Alegria Crespo, Minister of Education in Ecuador. "Beyond access to the educational system, we are currently working on retention, and prevention of school dropouts, which affect particularly displaced and refugee children. We thank ECW and the organizations that share our vision and collaborate with us to face these challenges under an approach of co-responsibility and respect for human rights."

While the Government of Ecuador has taken notable steps to include refugees in the national education system  notably the Quito Process starting in 2018 and Regularization of the Status of the Venezuelan Refugees in 2022  the needs are far-outstripping the resources available.

More than 20% of school-aged Venezuelan refugee and migrant children are out of school. About 5% of Ecuadorian children are out of primary school, with the number rising to 10% for secondary school.

Even when they are in school, the quality of education is lagging behind. Recent assessments indicate that around 70% of children are not meeting minimum proficiency levels for language, literature and math.

Lack of safety in and around schools, high rates of gender-based violence, xenophobia and discrimination, and a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy remain concerns.

The programme will ensure access to safe and inclusive education, support retention and strengthen holistic learning outcomes. It also aims to strengthen existing public policies with the aim of improving the resilience of the Ecuadorian education system and guaranteeing the right to education of children, including refugees, migrants and those from host communities in vulnerable situations. These strategies include efforts to support the enrollment of all out-of-school children and strengthen holistic education opportunities, including improved access to mental health and psychosocial support.

SOURCE Education Cannot Wait
GUIYANG, China, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by Huanqiu.com

On July 14, the "Unity of Knowledge and Action: Exploring the Origins of Chinese Neo-Confucianism" Guizhou Study Tour - the International Confucian Association 2024 Sinology Youth Scholars Study Camp concluded at the Confucius Academy in Guiyang, wrapping off an 8-day exploration journey of Chinese Neo-Confucianism.

22 young scholars of sinology from 15 countries across 5 continents participated the "Unity of Knowledge and Action: Exploring the Origins of Chinese Neo-Confucianism" Guizhou Study Tour - the International Confucian Association 2024 Sinology Youth Scholars Study Camp.

Since July 7, 22 young scholars of sinology from 15 countries across 5 continents started off from Longchang, the very place where Wang Yangming first realized his enlightenment, to trace the footsteps of the sage among the mountains and rivers. They not only retraced the psychological journey of the sage, but also deeply understood the essence of Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism.

Guiyang is a city where natural scenery and splendid culture complement each other. The participants can appreciate the beauty of its ecology and feel the vigorous vitality of Guizhou in the process of modernization.

French scholar Lin Sanzhe was infatuated with the natural beauty of Guiyang, while Australian scholar Tommy Tan expressed his sincere admiration for sage Yangming's spirit of seeking truth in adversity. Anil Paudel from Nepal was deeply moved by Wang Yangming's perseverance in propagating his doctrines in difficult environments...

The successful hosting of the sinology camp is a specific example of Guiyang Confucius Academy in transforming and utilizing the Guizhou Yangming Culture, and also a vivid practice of promoting fine traditional Chinese culture to the world and facilitating mutual learning among global civilizations.

Li Jingjing, director of the office of Guiyang Confucius Academy, talked about the original intention of planning the activity: Yangming's enlightenment at Longchang represents a peak in Chinese Neo-Confucianism. It is hoped that the sinology camp could help young scholars of sinology gain a deeper understanding of how Chinese Neo-Confucianism originated, and even reached its peak from here.

In terms of curriculum design, the sinology camp has carefully designed a series of high-quality courses that connect Yangming culture with the history and culture of Guizhou province and the capital city Guiyang. All participants of the activity have experienced the charm of Chinese Neo-Confucianism and Guizhou from different perspectives through a wide array of courses, including the core curriculum of "Enlightenment at Longchang: Exploring the Origins of Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism" to the feature supplementary courses of "Colorful Guizhou, Cool Guiyang", to the experiential courses of "Unity of Knowledge and Action: Applying What We Learn" and the exchange courses of "Thought Provocation: Learning from Each Other".

The study routes have also been carefully planned. One main line leads the participants to fully understand Yangming's wisdom and realm, while three auxiliary lines respectively showcase the ecological beauty, cultural charm, and contemporary development of Guizhou. Through the study tour, the participants received both knowledge and emotional rewards.

At the closing of the sinology camp, Dai Jianwei, Director of the Cultural Communication Center of Guiyang Confucius Academy, expressed his hope that the participants can internalize the essence of Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism in their hearts and externalize it in their actions, so as to become knowledgeable sinologists, and present the world with a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China.

SOURCE Huanqiu.com
NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Steak House is delighted to announce its feature in the latest Netflix series, "Owning Manhattan." This much-anticipated show, set against the backdrop of Manhattan's vibrant cityscape, will highlight Empire Steak House in Episode 7, showcasing it as an iconic and premier dining destination.

Empire Steak House: A Culinary Landmark in Manhattan Situated in the heart of New York City, Empire Steak House stands as a beacon of fine dining with locations in Midtown East, Midtown West, and Times Square. Known for its opulent atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, Empire Steak House offers a unique dining experience that combines the finest USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection.

The restaurant's menu boasts signature dishes such as the Porterhouse for Two, American Wagyu Tomahawk Steak, and Chilean Sea Bass, which have all contributed to its stellar reputation. The luxurious setting, complete with plush seating and sophisticated decor, provides the perfect ambiance for both intimate dinners and grand celebrations that have catered to Presidents, Governors, Speakers of the House and many celebrities since 2005.

Featured in "Owning Manhattan" Episode 7 of "Owning Manhattan" showcases Empire Steak House's Times Square location, underscoring its status as a quintessential New York dining experience. Viewers will get a glimpse of the restaurant's elegant interior and delectable offerings, highlighting why it is a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Join Us in Celebration To celebrate this exciting feature, Empire Steak House invites fans of the show and all food lovers to experience its world-class dining. Visit us to enjoy the dishes and ambiance that have made Empire Steak House a Manhattan landmark. For reservations and more details, please visit Empire Steak House https://www.empiresteakhousenyc.com/

About Empire Steak House Founded by the Sinanaj brothers, Empire Steak House brings together a passion for fine dining and a commitment to quality and service. With its exceptional cuisine and luxurious ambiance, Empire Steak House continues to be a top dining destination in Manhattan. Contact Empire Steak House for reservations today at one of our three locations.

Empire Steak House East

151 East 50th Street NY, NY 10022

212-582-6900

233 W. 49th Street NY, NY 10019

212-355-5542

237 West 54th Street NY, NY 10019

212-586-9700

Email: [email protected] Website: www.empiresteakhousenyc.com

For private events contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Empire Steak House
Internova Travel Group initiative assists individuals and communities struggling with financial hardship both inside and outside the travel industry

NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Family Bonds Foundation, a charitable initiative of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies, has raised $461,000 to assist people in need in the travel industry, easily exceeding its 2024 goal of $150,000.

Founded in 2015 by John Lovell, President of Travel Leaders Group, part of Internova Travel Group, the Family Bonds Foundation supports those in the travel industry  along with their families, their children and their communities  who are experiencing financial hardships.

(PRNewsfoto/Internova Travel Group)

"The love and support that comes from Family Bonds is immeasurable," said travel advisor Brenda Blacker, whose family received help paying her young grandson's medical bills. "We are blessed to be part of such a generous and caring community of advisors."

The fundraising effort received a big boost at Travel Leaders Network's annual EDGE conference, held in June in National Harbor, Maryland, where Family Bonds conducted a silent auction and online raffle. A record number of prizes were donated by supplier partners, including ocean and river cruises, land packages, hotel stays and premium airline tickets. Travel Leaders Network, an Internova Travel Group company, is the largest network of professional travel agents in North America.

This year, Family Bonds also launched a corporate donor program, allowing travel agencies and preferred partners to sign on as sponsors. Sponsorship levels are Diamond, $25,000+; Platinum, $10,000-$24,999; Gold, $5,000-$9,999; Silver, $2,500-$4,999; and Bronze, $1,000-$2,499. Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and Globus family of brands have committed to Diamond sponsorships, and Cruise Holidays of Kansas City and Nexion Travel Group have joined as Platinum sponsors. Family Bonds has received commitments at other sponsorship levels as well.

"I am truly humbled by the generosity of our travel advisors, employees and supplier partners in embracing this charitable endeavor that does so much for people in our industry," said Jackie Friedman, Family Bonds Foundation President. Friedman oversees the Foundation's Board of Directors and provides strategic direction. "The need is so great and every donation can help change someone's life."

Friedman is also President of Nexion Travel Group, an Internova Travel Group company. Nexion Travel Group will hold its Family Bonds fundraiser  including an online raffle and silent auction  at the CoNexion conference in New Orleans in September.

Each year, nominations for assistance from the Family Bonds Foundation are taken from Internova Travel Group's network of advisors and preferred partners. The Foundation Board, made up of travel industry leaders, agency owners and supplier partner and Internova Travel Group executives, reviews the nominations and awards grants. So far, more than 200 grants have been distributed to travel advisors, supplier partners and their local communities, helping with such expenses as college tuition, medical bills, daycare or after-school care, school supplies and other basic necessities.

Everyone in the travel industry is encouraged to help the foundation identify potential recipients. The next deadline for nominations is Oct. 15, with the decision communicated to recipients on Nov. 1. To nominate someone or to make a donation, go to familybondsfoundation.com.

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Gaerlan

[email protected]

1-212-944-1125

SOURCE Travel Leaders Group
Easy, Free, and Essential: Every Florida Pet Owner Should Sign Up to Ensure Pet Safety in Disaster-Prone Areas

MIAMI, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant move to enhance pet safety during disasters, Flew The Coop, the non-profit animal rescue arm of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), has teamed up with FidoAlertTM, the leading FREE national pet alert network, to launch a first-of-its-kind disaster relief plan for pets called Pet Disaster Alert, (P.D.A.). This FREE pet preparedness plan is set to revolutionize how pet owners prepare for emergencies.

Flew The Coop founder Christopher Harding and his dog Coop. Register now for the FREE Pet Disaster Alert (P.D.A.) program from Flew The Coop and FidoAlert to keep your pet safe this hurricane season: www.fidoalert.com/pda Minnie (Nicky Hilton Rothschild's dog) wearing her Pet Disaster Alert tag, from Flew The Coop and FidoAlert. Register for FREE to protect your dog during hurricane season at www.fidoalert.com/pda

Flew The Coop and FidoAlert debut their groundbreaking P.D.A. pilot in Florida as hurricane season begins. By registering for FidoAlert through the P.D.A. plan at no cost, pet owners will receive exclusive value; preemptive guidance before storms, including locations of pet-friendly shelters and a detailed 'Pet Prep Playbook', as well as vital real-time SMS text message alerts during storms providing pet owners life-saving resources such as nearby shelters that welcome people and pets. Additionally, participants will receive a complimentary Flew The Coop special edition FidoAlert pet tag that is custom engraved with the pet's name and a unique pet ID number. The ID number links the pet to FidoAlert's national database with millions of other registered pets that assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners as quickly as possible.

If a pet is lost but not yet found, a text alert can be sent to every member of the alert network within a few miles. This SMS text message will distribute your pet's information near instantaneously to spread the news that a pet is lost. If a pet is found, the pet finder can use a mobile phone to scan the tag's QR code which contacts the rightful pet parent and all of his/her emergency contacts that the lost pet has been found.

"We are thrilled to partner with FidoAlert to launch P.D.A (Pet Disaster Alert)," says Christopher N. Harding, founder of Flew The Coop. "P.D.A. is more than just a collaboration between 2 partners  it's a commitment to the safety and well-being of our pets, who are undeniably part of our families. What we've learned from being a part of Global Empowerment Mission's disaster relief efforts is that the majority of pet owners do NOT have a plan for their pets when unexpected disasters strike, leaving them scrambling to find a safe place to shelter with their families as well as their furry friends. People are always shocked to learn that most shelters will not accommodate people with pets due to health codes. Our collaboration with FidoAlert aims to provide pet owners with safety solutions for when life hits with stressful and unexpected situations."

Why P.D.A. Matters:

With this year's hurricane season projected to be more active than usual, P.D.A. provides Florida's pet owners with a 'FidoAlert plus version' that includes essential tools and information to safeguard their pets during disasters.

Enrolling in FidoAlert: Free & Easy

Florida residents with pets can register for the free P.D.A. at https://fidoalert.com/pda. In addition to being free, it takes less than two minutes, a small investment of time that could be life-saving for your pet.

"We are proud to partner with Flew The Coop to launch the Pet Disaster Alert, also known as P.D.A., which serves to strengthen FidoAlert. This marks a significant step forward in pet disaster preparedness," said John Bradford, founder of FidoAlert. "Our mission has always been to "Help Every Lost Pet Find Its Way Home" and this collaboration is helping expand our reach to bring that mission to life. We truly believe that every pet in America is safest when it has been registered with FidoAlert. The launch of P.D.A. helps our mission become even more realistic, and most importantly, does it at no cost whatsoever to pet owners. Every registered pet in FidoAlert is one step closer to reuniting the 10M lost pets a year with their loving families."

Preparing for disasters means protecting all members of your family, including your pets. Don't wait until it's too late  register today at https://fidoalert.com/pda and ensure your pets are safe and secure. When disaster strikes, every second counts.

About Flew The Coop

Founded in 2022, by entrepreneur and philanthropist Christopher N. Harding, Flew The Coop is a charitable campaign that works in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to rescue animals in need and provide emergency assistance to pets in crisis. Through the power of partnership, Flew The Coop has built a diverse, global network of partners and supporters, who share its mission to mobilize in real-time to support animals, and empowers pet owners and communities to prepare in advance for emergencies and disasters. Flew The Coop proudly supports Animal Haven, Dogs & Cats of Antigua, SATO Project and Kentucky Humane Society, among others, and its impactful programs have been featured in CNN, Forbes, NY Magazine and People Magazine, to name a few. For more information, visit FlewTheCoop.org and follow Instagram @FlewtheCoop_. To donate, click here.

About FidoAlert

FidoTabbyAlert, also known as FidoAlert (for dogs) and TabbyAlert (for cats), is often referred to as an 'Amber Alert' system for pets. A FREE nationwide pet alert network, FidoAlert's innovative lost-and-found pet platform is designed to reunite lost pets with their families using technology and SMS texting. This service is fully funded by PetScreening, and serves as the company's social mission. To date, FidoAlert has a network of 1.3 million pets across 50-states and has helped more than 36,000 lost pets find their way home. To learn more, go to FidoAlert.com and follow Instagram @getfidotabbyalert.

Media Contacts:

SOURCE Flew The Coop
Connecting guests with Maui's vibrant culture through an array of added complimentary activities, the oceanfront luxury Resort's Getaway experiences are available September 1 through November 22, 2024

WAILEA, Hawaii, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As travelers look ahead to the upcoming fall season, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea invites Resort guests to immerse themselves in the magic of Maui with a variety of seasonal "Getaway" experiences from September 1 through November 22, 2024. The complimentary activities are thoughtfully curated for travelers seeking meaningful ways to connect with the extraordinary destination and its exceptional culture.

Four Seasons Resort Maui invites fall travelers to "Getaway" to the luxury oceanfront Resort this fall, with an array of added experiences available from September 1 through November 22, 2024.

"We look forward to welcoming guests to experience all the extras we have planned this fall. The team has put together a thoughtful calendar that offers something for everyone," says Four Seasons Resort Maui General Manager Ben Shank. "Whether you're seeking a deeper connection to the culture, culinary or wine experiences, or a light-hearted game of pickleball, our Getaway experiences provide opportunities for our guests to create lifelong memories, all with the backdrop of world-class Wailea Beach."

The robust Getaway schedule, which includes complimentary experiences from cultural to culinary to wellness to environmental, is offered in addition to the Resort's always full calendar. Guests will enjoy signature experiences such as Maui Undersea Adventures ocean activities, outrigger canoe paddling, complimentary cabanas and poolside amenities, oceanside yoga, and moreall with no Resort fee, allowing travelers of all interests a personalized island getaway at Maui's premier luxury oceanfront resort.

Additionally, for guests seeking incredible wine experiences, the Resort announces two wine dinners this fall. On Monday, September 30, 2024, the recently reopened Ferraro's Restaurant & Bar welcomes Champagne Laurent-Perrier for an enchanted evening, including a rare tasting of three consecutive releases of Grand Siecle, ending with the acclaimed Iteration #26. On Monday, October 14, 2024, DUO Steak and Seafood welcomes Darioush and will highlight the 2014 signature cabernet sauvignon, among others, offering a unique opportunity to compare the decade-aged vintage with the current release.

Four Seasons Resort Maui's 2024 Getaway line-up of weekly complimentary experiences include:

Sunrise Photo Walk

Join award-winning fine art landscape photographer Scott Reither for an interactive 90-minute photo workshop along the picturesque Wailea Beach path.

Poke Pop-Up

Sample different variations of one of Hawaii's most beloved dishes: poke. Paired with Maui Brewing Co.'s handcrafted beer, this not-to-be-missed pop-up features the Resort's talented culinary team.

Hawaiian Star Stories

"Talk story" with famed navigator Kala Babayan Tanaka as she recounts the history of Polynesian wayfinders who used the stars, wind, and currents to journey to the Hawaiian Islands.

Art of Botanical Block Printing

Drawing inspiration from the island's natural beauty, design a botanical stamp and print stationery with fine art block artist Susanna Cromwell.

Coral Reefs 101

Learn how to restore and protect the delicate ocean ecosystem through an onshore class and a hands-on snorkel experience led by experts from Maui Undersea Adventures.

MoonShine

Dive into an evening of delicious drinks and live beats, under the enchanting glow of Maui's full moon at the Resort's iconic Adult Pool.

*Event is held monthly

Puka Perri Pop-Up Jewelry Bar

Meet one of Maui's favorite jewelry designers, Puka Perri, who will handcraft a design that is uniquely for you with ocean treasures like Maui-picked puka shells and hand-selected pearls.

*Priced per piece.

Tropical Pickleball Showdown

Join a pickleball round-robin tournament on the Resort's newly unveiled pickleball courts. Meet other guests and go head-to-head in this friendly and competition.

Poi Pounders Workshop

Make and sample Hawaii's famous staple food, poi, in an interactive poi pounding demonstration using kalo (taro), which was first brought to Hawaii by Polynesian wayfinders.

Wine Tasting

Learn how the palate works and discover new wines in a weekly tasting experience led by a Resort sommelier.

Boot Camp

Start the day with a freestyle cardio and strength class that incorporates intervals, circuits, drills, weights, core, and functional moves.

To make reservations to experience a Getaway at Four Seasons Resort Maui, guests can reserve fourseasons.com/maui or call (808) 874-8000.

About Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Maui's iconic Forbes Five-Star resort is nestled on 15 acres of the breathtaking Wailea Coast. The 383-room oceanfront property is world-renowned for its comfortable opulence, impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and for living in harmony with its environment and community. The resort in Maui is also home to one of the nation's top-rated spas committed to wellness and three of Hawai'i's most acclaimed restaurantsFerraro's Restaurant & Bar, Spago Maui, and DUO Steak and Seafood. This sophisticated home away from home caters to the needs and interests of all generationsoffering world-class activities and one-of-a-kind Unforgettable Experiences, a museum quality art collection, three pools overlooking the azure-blue Pacific Ocean including an adults-only Serenity Pool with exclusive Missoni-designed cabanas, and more. Four Seasons Resort Maui, a Hawaiian vacation destination geared to action adventurers, those guests wishing to practice the fine art of doing nothing at all, and everyone in between. For more information, please visit https://www.fourseasons.com/maui/

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Resort Maui
Robust performance of both financial and commercial businesses generates a 9% increase in consolidated revenue, to Ps.48,183 million

Operating profit increases 23% in the period, to Ps.3,996 million

Increasing quality of Banco Azteca Mexico's credit portfolio; delinquency rate drops to 3.2%, from 5.2% a year ago

MEXICO CITY, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ELEKTRA* Latibex: XEKT), Latin America's leading specialty retailer and financial services company, and the largest non-bank provider of cash advance services in the United States, today announced second quarter 2024 results.

Second quarter results

Consolidated revenue increased 9% to Ps.48,183 million in the period, compared to Ps.44,274 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Costs and operating expenses rose 8% to Ps.41,857 million, up from Ps.38,638 million in the same quarter of 2023.

As a result, EBITDA was Ps.6,326 million, reflecting a 12% increase from Ps.5,636 million a year ago. Operating income rose to Ps.3,996 million, marking a 23% increase from Ps.3,237 million in the same period of 2023.

The company reported a net loss of Ps.644 million, compared to a profit of Ps.4,944 million a year ago.



2Q 2023 2Q 2024 Change





Ps. %









Consolidated revenue $44,274 $48,183 $3,909 9 %









EBITDA $5,636 $6,326 $690 12 %









Operating profit $3,237 $3,996 $759 23 %









Net result $4,944 $(644) $(5,588) ----









Net result per share $22.36 $(2.92) $(25.28) ----









Figures in millions of pesos. EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. As of June 30, 2024, Elektra* outstanding shares were 220.3 million and as of June 30, 2023, were 221.1 million.

Revenue

Consolidated revenue increased 9% in the period, driven by a 9% growth in financial income and an 8% rise in commercial sales.

The increase in financial income  to Ps.29,242 million, from Ps.26,806 million in the previous year  largely reflects an 8% growth in Banco Azteca Mexico's income. This growth aligns with the ongoing expansion of the gross credit portfolio, contributing to the wellbeing of millions of families and fostering business development.

The increase in the commercial business revenue to Ps.18,941 million from Ps.17,469 million a year ago is largely driven by growth in motorcycle sales, which enhance business productivity and mobility for millions; telephony, which facilitates efficient connectivity for a growing number of users; and white goods, which improve the quality of life of an increasing number of families."

Costs and expenses

Consolidated costs for the quarter increased 4% to Ps.22,923 million from Ps.22,081 million in the previous year. This increase is driven by a 5% rise in commercial costs, reflecting higher merchandise sales, partially offset by lower costs in imported merchandise, and a 3% increase in financial costs due to higher interest payments. These increased financial costs were partially offset by a lower allowance for credit risks, in the context of improved quality in the consolidated credit portfolio.

Consolidated costs for the period increased at a lower rate than revenues, resulting in a 14% increase in the company's gross profit to Ps.25,260 million from Ps.22,193 million a year ago. The gross margin increased by two percentage points to 52% this quarter.

Selling, administration and promotion expenses increased 14% to Ps.18,934 million from Ps.16,557 million a year ago, largely as a result of higher operating expenses, advertising and personnel expenses in the period.

EBITDA and net result

EBITDA grew 12% to Ps.6,326 million from Ps.5,636 million in the previous year. The company reported operating income of Ps.3,996 million, compared to Ps.3,237 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Below EBITDA, there was a foreign exchange loss of Ps.664 million this quarter, compared to a gain of Ps.72 million a year ago. This loss resulted from the effect of exchange rate depreciation on the companys net monetary position this period, compared to appreciation in the previous year.

Negative variation of Ps.7,268 million in other financial results, which reflects an 8% loss this quarter in the market value of the underlying financial instruments owned by the company  and which does not imply cash flow  compared to a 13% gain in the previous year.

Consistent with the quarterly results, the tax provision for the period decreased by Ps.2,352 million.

Grupo Elektra reported a net loss of Ps.644 million, compared to a profit of Ps.4,944 million a year ago.

Unconsolidated balance sheet

A proforma balance sheet exercise of Grupo Elektra is presented, which allows knowing the non-consolidated financial situation, excluding the net assets of the financial business, whose investment is valued in this case under the participation method.

This presentation shows the debt of the company without considering Banco Azteca's immediate and term deposits, which do not constitute debt with cost for Grupo Elektra. Also, the pro forma balance sheet does not include the bank's gross loan portfolio.

This provides greater clarity about the different businesses that make up the company and allows financial market participants to make estimates of the value of the company, considering only the relevant debt for said calculations.

Consistent with this, debt with cost as of June 30, 2024, was Ps.38,707 million, compared to Ps.38,277 million of the previous year.

Cash and cash equivalents were Ps.12,109 million, from Ps.11,357 million a year ago, and net debt was Ps.26,598 million, compared to Ps.26,920 million a year ago.

As of June 30, 2024, the Company's shareholders' equity was Ps.92,131 million, and the ratio of shareholders' equity to total liabilities was 1.06 times.





















As of June 30

2023 As of June 30

2024 Change Ps. %



















Cash and cash equivalents $11,357 $12,109 751 7 % Marketable financial instruments 26,995 26,832 (163) (1 %) Inventories 16,688 17,089 401 2 % Accounts receivables 47,356 49,616 2,261 5 % Other current assets 3,845 3,620 (225) (6 %) Investments in shares 40,704 42,890 2,186 5 % Fixed assets 10,074 8,542 (1,532) (15 %) Right of use assets 12,824 12,080 (744) (6 %) Other assets 2,454 5,933 3,479 142 %









Total assets $172,297 $178,711 $6,414 4 %









Short-term debt $8,580 $10,022 1,441 17 % Suppliers 7,509 9,971 2,462 33 % Other short-term liabilities 18,506 21,460 2,954 16 % Long-term debt 29,697 28,685 (1,013) (3 %) Other long-term debt 16,805 16,443 (362) (2 %)









Total liabilities $81,098 $86,580 $5,482 7 %









Stakeholders equity $91,199 $92,131 $932 1 %









Liabilities and equity $172,297 $178,711 $6,414 4 % Figures in millions of pesos









Consolidated Balance Sheet

Loan Portfolio and Deposits

The consolidated gross portfolio of Banco Azteca Mexico, Purpose Financial and Banco Azteca Latinoamerica as of June 30, 2024, grew 7% to Ps.180,327 million, from Ps.168,443 million in the previous year. The consolidated non-performing loan ratio was 3.8% at the end of the period, compared to 5.6% in the previous year.

Banco Azteca Mexico's gross loan portfolio balance increased 6% to Ps.173,266 million, from Ps.163,398 million a year ago. The Bank's non-performing loan ratio at the end of the period decreased two percentage points to 3.2%, compared to 5.2% a year ago, in the context of robust credit origination processes and increasing collection efficiency.

Grupo Elektra's consolidated deposits were Ps.228,782 million, 2% higher than Ps.224,588 million a year ago. Banco Azteca Mexico's traditional deposits were Ps.224,808 million, compared to Ps.224,264 million a year ago.

Banco Azteca Mexico's traditional deposit ratio to gross portfolio was 1.3 times, which allows for solid growth for the Bank, with optimal funding costs.

The Bank's liquidity coverage ratio at the end of the quarter  countable liquid assets / total net cash outflow  was 928%, an outstanding figure in the Mexican banking sector.

Banco Azteca Mexico's capitalization ratio was 14.85%.

Infrastructure

Grupo Elektra currently operates 6,123 points of contact from 6,260 units from the previous year. This decrease is due to strategies aimed at maximizing the profitability of the company's points of contact.

At the end of the period, Grupo Elektra had 4,887 contact points in Mexico, 827 in the US, and 409 in Central America. This extensive distribution network ensures proximity to customers and fosters close attention, contributing to the company's superior market positioning in the countries it operates in.

Consolidated six-month results

Consolidated revenue for the first six months of the year grew by 7% to Ps. 92,745 million, up from Ps. 86,494 million in the same period of 2023. This increase was driven by a 9% growth in sales of the commercial business and a 6% rise in revenues of the financial business.

EBITDA was Ps.12,689 million, compared to Ps.11,794 million a year ago. The company reported operating income of Ps.8,063 million, from Ps.7,004 million a year ago.

In the first six months of 2024, net income of Ps.1,077 million was recorded, compared to Ps.5,403 million a year ago. The change reflects a loss in the market value of the underlying financial instruments owned by the company which does not imply cash flow compared to the gain of the previous year.



6M 2023 6M 2024 Change





Ps. %









Consolidated revenue $86,494 $92,745 $6,252 7 %









EBITDA $11,794 $12,689 $895 8 %









Operating profit $7,004 $8,063 $1,059 15 %









Net result $5,403 $1,077 $(4,326) ----









Net result per share $24.43 $4.89 $(19.55) ----









Figures in millions of pesos. EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. As of June 30, 2024, Elektra* outstanding shares were 220.3 million and as of June 30, 2023, were 221.1 million.

Company Profile:

Grupo Elektra is Latin America's leading financial services company and specialty retailer and the largest non-bank provider of cash advance services in the United States. The group operates more than 6,000 points of contact in Mexico, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.

Grupo Elektra is a Grupo Salinas company (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating economic value through market innovation and goods and services that improve standards of living; social value to improve community well-being; and environmental value by reducing the negative impact of its business activities. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. These companies include TV Azteca (www.TVazteca.com; www.irtvazteca.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Purpose Financial (havepurpose.com), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), Punto Casa de Bolsa (www.puntocasadebolsa.mx), Total Play (irtotalplay.mx; www.totalplay.com.mx) and Total Play Empresarial (totalplayempresarial.com.mx). TV Azteca and Grupo Elektra trade shares on the Mexican Stock Market and in Spain's' Latibex market. Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. The group of companies shares a common vision, values, and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results, and world-class performance.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are concepts about the future that involve risks and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Other risks that may affect Grupo Elektra and its subsidiaries are presented in documents sent to the securities authorities.



Investor Relations:

Bruno Rangel Grupo Salinas Tel. +52 (55) 1720-9167 [email protected]

Rolando Villarreal Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V. Tel. +52 (55) 1720-9167 [email protected]



Press Relations:



Luciano Pascoe

Tel. +52 (55) 1720 1313 ext. 36553

[email protected]



GRUPO ELEKTRA, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS MILLIONS OF MEXICAN PESOS















































2Q23

2Q24

Change

























Financial income 26,806 61 %

29,242 61 %

2,436 9 %



Commercial income 17,469 39 %

18,941 39 %

1,473 8 %



Income 44,274 100 %

48,183 100 %

3,909 9 %

























Financial cost 9,190 21 %

9,425 20 %

235 3 %



Commercial cost 12,891 29 %

13,497 28 %

607 5 %



Costs 22,081 50 %

22,923 48 %

842 4 %

























Gross income 22,193 50 %

25,260 52 %

3,067 14 %

























Sales, administration and promotion expenses 16,557 37 %

18,934 39 %

2,376 14 %

























EBITDA 5,636 13 %

6,326 13 %

690 12 %

























Depreciation and amortization 2,394 5 %

2,333 5 %

(61) -3 %

























Other expense (income), net 5 0 %

(3) 0 %

(8) ----

























Operating income 3,237 7 %

3,996 8 %

759 23 %

























Comprehensive financial result:



















Interest income 514 1 %

479 1 %

(35) -7 %



Interest expense (1,443) -3 %

(1,442) -3 %

1 0 %



Foreign exchange gain (loss), net 72 0 %

(664) -1 %

(736) ----



Other financial results, net 4,303 10 %

(2,966) -6 %

(7,268) ----





3,446 8 %

(4,593) -10 %

(8,038) ----

























Participation in the net income of



















CASA and other associated companies 348 1 %

(306) -1 %

(654) ----

























Income (loss) before income tax 7,031 16 %

(902) -2 %

(7,933) ----

























Income tax (2,092) -5 %

259 1 %

2,352 ----

























Income (loss) before discontinued operations 4,939 11 %

(642) -1 %

(5,581) ----

























Result from discontinued operations 5 0 %

(1) 0 %

(7) ----

























Consolidated net income (loss) 4,944 11 %

(644) -1 %

(5,588) ----



GRUPO ELEKTRA, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS MILLIONS OF MEXICAN PESOS















































6M23

6M24

Change

























Financial income 53,505 62 %

56,768 61 %

3,263 6 %



Commercial income 32,988 38 %

35,977 39 %

2,989 9 %



Income 86,494 100 %

92,745 100 %

6,252 7 %

























Financial cost 17,999 21 %

18,805 20 %

807 4 %



Commercial cost 23,986 28 %

25,652 28 %

1,666 7 %



Costs 41,985 49 %

44,457 48 %

2,473 6 %

























Gross income 44,509 51 %

48,288 52 %

3,779 8 %

























Sales, administration and promotion expenses 32,715 38 %

35,599 38 %

2,884 9 %

























EBITDA 11,794 14 %

12,689 14 %

895 8 %

























Depreciation and amortization 4,784 6 %

4,641 5 %

(143) -3 %

























Other expense (income), net 5 0 %

(15) 0 %

(20) ----

























Operating income 7,004 8 %

8,063 9 %

1,059 15 %

























Comprehensive financial result:



















Interest income 891 1 %

925 1 %

34 4 %



Interest expense (2,913) -3 %

(2,903) -3 %

11 0 %



Foreign exchange gain (loss), net 508 1 %

(634) -1 %

(1,142) ----



Other financial results, net 1,765 2 %

(3,637) -4 %

(5,402) ----





250 0 %

(6,249) -7 %

(6,499) ----

























Participation in the net income of



















CASA and other associated companies 404 0 %

(226) 0 %

(630) ----

























Income before income tax 7,659 9 %

1,589 2 %

(6,070) -79 %

























Income tax (2,261) -3 %

(510) -1 %

1,751 77 %

























Income before discontinued operations 5,398 6 %

1,079 1 %

(4,319) -80 %

























Result from discontinued operations 5 0 %

(2) 0 %

(7) ----

























Consolidated net income 5,403 6 %

1,077 1 %

(4,326) -80 %



GRUPO ELEKTRA, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET MILLIONS OF MEXICAN PESOS

Commercial

Business Financial

Business Grupo

Elektra

Commercial

Business Financial

Business Grupo

Elektra

Change



























At June 30, 2023

At June 30, 2024

























Cash and cash equivalents 11,357 29,331 40,688

12,109 30,499 42,608

1,920 5 %





















Marketable financial instruments 4,916 90,812 95,728

3,613 97,458 101,071

5,343 6 %





















Performing loan portfolio - 86,217 86,217

- 96,204 96,204

9,987 12 % Total past-due loans - 7,237 7,237

- 4,985 4,985

(2,252) -31 % Gross loan portfolio - 93,454 93,454

- 101,189 101,189

7,735 8 %





















Allowance for credit risks - 14,748 14,748

- 15,147 15,147

399 3 %





















Loan portfolio, net - 78,706 78,706

- 86,042 86,042

7,336 9 %





















Inventories 16,688 - 16,688

17,089 - 17,089

401 2 %





















Other current assets 18,238 14,067 32,305

22,362 12,294 34,656

2,351 7 %





















Total current assets 51,200 212,916 264,115

55,173 226,294 281,467

17,352 7 %





















Financial instruments 22,078 3 22,081

23,219 2 23,221

1,140 5 %





















Performing loan portfolio - 72,779 72,779

- 77,283 77,283

4,504 6 % Total past-due loans - 2,210 2,210

- 1,855 1,855

(355) -16 % Gross loan portfolio - 74,989 74,989

- 79,138 79,138

4,149 6 %





















Allowance for credit risks - 5,534 5,534

- 5,335 5,335

(199) -4 %





















Loan portfolio - 69,455 69,455

- 73,803 73,803

4,348 6 %





















Other non-current assets 21,352 471 21,824

18,619 281 18,900

(2,924) -13 % Investment in shares 2,395 - 2,395

2,126 12 2,138

(257) -11 % Property, furniture, equipment and



















investment in stores, net 10,074 10,802 20,876

8,542 10,379 18,921

(1,955) -9 % Intangible assets 779 7,979 8,759

699 7,833 8,532

(227) -3 % Right of use asset 12,655 2,052 14,707

11,924 2,001 13,925

(781) -5 % Other assets 1,675 7,786 9,461

5,233 9,477 14,710

5,249 ---- TOTAL ASSETS 122,208 311,464 433,672

125,537 330,080 455,617

21,945 5 %











































Demand and term deposits - 224,588 224,588

- 228,782 228,782

4,194 2 % Creditors from repurchase agreements - 15,412 15,412

- 28,253 28,253

12,841 83 % Short-term debt 8,475 138 8,613

9,460 37 9,497

884 10 % Leasing 2,315 840 3,155

2,055 811 2,866

(289) -9 % Short-term liabilities with cost 10,789 240,978 251,768

11,515 257,883 269,398

17,630 7 %





















Suppliers and other short-term liabilities 23,479 20,992 44,470

29,163 19,956 49,119

4,649 10 % Short-term liabilities without cost 23,479 20,992 44,470

29,163 19,956 49,119

4,649 10 %





















Total short-term liabilities 34,268 261,970 296,238

40,678 277,839 318,517

22,279 8 %





















Long-term debt 27,027 0 27,027

25,813 0 25,813

(1,214) -4 % Leasing 11,470 1,302 12,772

11,259 1,235 12,494

(278) -2 % Long-term liabilities with cost 38,497 1,302 39,799

37,072 1,235 38,307

(1,492) -4 %





















Long-term liabilities without cost 5,335 1,101 6,436

5,184 1,478 6,662

226 4 %





















Total long-term liabilities 43,832 2,403 46,235

42,256 2,713 44,969

(1,266) -3 %





















TOTAL LIABILITIES 78,100 264,373 342,473

82,934 280,552 363,486

21,013 6 %





















TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 44,108 47,091 91,199

42,603 49,529 92,131

932 1 %











































LIABILITIES + EQUITY 122,208 311,464 433,672

125,537 330,080 455,617

21,945 5 %





















INFRASTRUCTURE

























2Q23

2Q24

Change

















Points of sale in Mexico















Elektra 1,225 20 %

1,227 20 %

2 0 % Salinas y Rocha 33 1 %

32 1 %

(1) -3 % Banco Azteca 1,926 31 %

1,921 31 %

(5) 0 % Freestanding branches 1,762 28 %

1,707 28 %

(55) -3 % Total 4,946 79 %

4,887 80 %

(59) -1 %

















Points of sale in Central America















Elektra 120 2 %

120 2 %

- 0 % Banco Azteca 228 4 %

225 4 %

(3) -1 % Freestanding branches 64 1 %

64 1 %

- 0 % Total 412 7 %

409 7 %

(3) -1 %

















Points of sale in North America















Purpose Financial 902 14 %

827 14 %

(75) -8 % Total 902 14 %

827 14 %

(75) -8 %

















TOTAL 6,260 100 %

6,123 100 %

(137) -2 %







































































Floor space (m) 1,530 100 %

1,740 100 %

210 14 %





















































Employees















Mexico 62,600 88 %

61,334 88 %

(1,266) -2 % Central and South America 5,972 8 %

6,129 9 %

157 3 % North America 2,681 4 %

2,493 4 %

(188) -7 % Total employees 71,253 100 %

69,956 100 %

(1,297) -2 %

SOURCE Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V.
CHICAGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Third-generation Chicago bakery, Eli's Cheesecake and fourth-generation J.P. Graziano Grocery will debut their sweet collaboration, Cannoli Cheesecake, in honor of National Cheesecake Day, Tuesday July 30th. The pastry chefs at Eli's put their spin on J.P. Graziano's perfect cannoli by adding creamy ricotta, candied orange peel and bittersweet chocolate chips to Eli's famous Chicago-style cheesecake recipe. Baked on a cannoli crumb crust, the delicious dessert is finished with mascarpone mousse and a wild Amarena cherry imported from Italy. Want to try it? Cannoli live once! Eli's and Graziano's will be passing out free slices in front of Graziano's (901 W. Randolph Street, Chicago) from 11AM-12PM, while supplies last. The Cannoli Cheesecake will also be available for sale inside J.P. Graziano, at Eli's Cheesecake Cafe (6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago) and at EliCheesecake.com.

Photo by Neil John Burger. An Eli's Cannoli Cheesecake on a plate surrounded by sandwiches and condiments from J.P. Graziano Grocery.

In addition, on Tuesday, Eli's will be passing out free cheesecake all over the City: Seneca Park, Lurie Children's Hospital, Taste for the Homeless at Englewood and Riverdale locations, the Chicago History Museum, and the North Austin branch of the Chicago Public Library. Follow us on Instagram @ElisCheesecake for times.

Saturday, July 27th - Tuesday, July 30th (Bakery is closed on Sunday) at the Eli's Cheesecake Cafe, (6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago): Cheesecake slices will be 44 cents (in honor of Eli's 44th birthday) on Saturday and Tuesday. Also, on Saturday enjoy Cheesecake Bingo, cheesecake tasting and photos with Eli's Mascot "Slice" and on Tuesday play the Spin and Win Wheel and try our new Cannoli cheesecake.

About J.P. Graziano Grocery:

J.P. Graziano Grocery, founded by Sicilian immigrant Vincenzo Graziano, began as a street-vending operation with a horse-drawn wagon. With the help of his sons, Alfredo and Paul, it evolved into Chicago's leading wholesaler of imported and domestic grocery products. By the 1950s, J.P. Graziano delivery trucks were supplying numerous restaurants and independent grocers throughout the Chicago area. In 2007, fourth-generation owner Jim Graziano opened a sub shop inside the then 70-year-old store, which has since become one of Chicago's best sandwich shops, as evidenced by the long lines of hungry and happy customers.

About Eli's Cheesecake:

It all started in 1940, when Eli Schulman found a foreclosure sign on the door of his favorite coffee shop. On a whim (he never ran a restaurant before) and armed with his mother's recipes, he bought the place and the rest is history! Forty years and a few restaurants later, Eli declared cheesecake to be the signature dessert at the legendary Eli's The Place For Steak. It was there that he created Chicago-style Cheesecake, known for its caramelization, creamy texture and shortbread cookie crust. What began as a local favorite has become a Chicago food icon!

For high res images: https://photos.app.goo.gl/htDuCHzrCg8aWJis9

SOURCE Eli's Cheesecake
Family-owned company brings joy to pediatric patients as part of its 100th anniversary celebration

DALLAS, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huffines Auto Dealerships , one of North Texas' largest automotive groups, will celebrate "Christmas in July" in support of Children's Health, the leading pediatric health system in North Texas, with a donation of around 600 toys and $100,000 presented during a festive celebration at Children's Health Dallas in recognition of Huffines' 100th year in business.

Ray and Ann Huffines present $100,000 donation to Childrens Medical Center Foundation Vice President of Development Paulette Mulry.

Huffines held a monthlong "Christmas in July" toy drive at all 10 of its dealerships through July 22, inviting the community to join the celebration to help restock playrooms at Children's Health mid-year, when the need is the greatest. The toys were delivered to Children's Health Dallas in a parade led by their patient ambassadors, Kadence, Amelia and Serenity, along with a Santa-hat-wearing pet therapy dog, in remote-controlled cars pulling wagons filled with blocks, dolls, stuffed animals, coloring books and more.

"For our 100th anniversary, we wanted to invite our communities to come together to bring happiness to kids who are in the hospital this summer," said Huffines Auto Dealerships President and CEO Ray Huffines. "Huffines was founded on the principle of supporting our communities, and I couldn't think of a better way to honor the Huffines legacy than by giving back to North Texas kids."

Alongside the toy donation, Huffines Auto Dealerships and the Huffines family provided a monetary gift of $100,000 to the Children's Health Indigent Family Assistance Fund. The Indigent Family Assistance Fund provides support to families experiencing financial strain due to unexpected medical journeys and displacement while their child is receiving care.

"We are always happy to collaborate with local businesses who support our patients at any time of the year and love the idea of Huffines Auto Dealerships creating 'Christmas in July' to bring happiness to kids who are in our care at Children's Health," said Children's Medical Center Foundation Vice President of Development Paulette Mulry. "Seeing the smiles on our patient ambassadors as they delivered the toys was a special moment they will never forget. Toys brighten the days of our patients by providing comfort, help celebrate treatment milestones, or make birthdays and holidays during their visit more pleasant. We are grateful for donations like these that help us further our mission to make life better for children."

Follow Huffines on Instagram throughout its 100th-anniversary year for additional community give-back opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.huffines.net/ .

About Huffines Auto Dealerships

Founded in Denton, Texas, in 1924 by J.L. Huffines Sr. as the Huffines Motor Company, family-owned and -operated Huffines Auto Dealerships is one of North Texas' largest automotive dealership groups, with 10 locations across Corinth, Lewisville, McKinney and Plano. The award-winning Huffines Auto Dealerships has been recognized as a Texas Treasure Business by the Texas Historic Commission. It has also been voted one of The Dallas Morning News Top Places to Work 11 times, won multiple J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Awards and been consecutively named Dallas' Best Automobile Group Dealer by Consumers Choice. For 100 years, Huffines has embodied the founder's belief that "when you sell someone a vehicle, you make a friend for life." For more information, visit www.huffines.net or connect on social media on Instagram or Facebook .

Media contact:

Eryn Gill

[email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE Huffines Auto Dealerships
CHICAGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031), the leading national provider of 1031 Exchange services, has released their yearly Top Misconceptions about 1031 Exchanges.

The rules and regulations governing 1031 tax-deferred transactions sometimes give rise to myths and misunderstandings. By addressing these misconceptions, IPX1031 aims to educate both new and experienced investors about the nuances of using a 1031 Exchange effectively.

"We are excited to announce the Top Misconceptions for 2024," said Scott Nathanson, Executive Vice President at IPX1031. "Our priority is to offer current insights into 1031 Exchanges so that investors and their advisors can make well-informed strategic choices all while adhering to IRC 1031 regulations. Our objective is for every exchanger to have the information needed to achieve complete tax deferral using a 1031 Exchange."

The top 10 misconceptions for 2024 are:

Reinvesting Rules Replacing Debt Vacation Home Qualification Partnerships Related Parties Exchange Funds Tax Deferral Holding Periods ID Deadlines & Timing Rules Reverse Exchanges

For a thorough examination of these common misunderstandings, read the full article at www.ipx1031.com/top-1031-misconceptions-2024/

To create its annual list, IPX1031 gathers information from surveys sent to CPAs, attorneys, and real estate brokers, in addition to inquiries received from investors throughout the year.

About IPX1031: Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031) is the largest and one of the oldest Qualified Intermediaries in the United States. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF), a Fortune 500 company, IPX1031 provides industry leading security for exchange funds as well as expertise and experience in facilitating all types of 1031 Exchanges. IPX1031's nationwide staff, which includes industry experts, veteran attorneys and accountants, is available to provide answers and guidance to clients and their legal and tax advisors. For more information about IPX1031 visit www.ipx1031.com.

Contact:

Cindi Marinez, VP, Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE IPX1031
The Button Law Firm lawyers Russell Button and Ashley Knarr admitted pro hac vice in Missouri case to seek justice for autistic boy and his little sister

ST. LOUIS, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas-based daycare injury lawyers Russell Button and Ashley Knarr of The Button Law Firm have joined Missouri personal injury firm Finney Injury Law in the pursuit of justice for a 4-year-old nonverbal autistic boy and his 3-year-old sister. A daycare abuse lawsuit filed against A Brighter Future Childcare and Development Center in St. Louis claims caregivers at the facility were captured on surveillance cameras injuring the children in March of this year. The incident left the boy with facial scratches and a bump on his forehead, according to the complaint.

It also raised concerns with local parents and attracted the public's attention through media coverage from FOX 2 Now, 5 On Your Side, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and The Kansas City Star.

"Enlisting The Button Law Firm in this daycare abuse lawsuit allows us to present the strongest front while seeking justice for vulnerable children who were unable to communicate the trauma they experienced," says Chris Finney of Finney Injury Law.

Button and Knarr have dedicated their practice to advocating for families and holding negligent daycare centers accountable for harming innocent children. As a result, both have earned repeated recognition on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers List for their impressive track record and commitment to justice.

"Taking on this daycare abuse case with Chris and his team underscores our dedication to ensuring that the family's path to recovery and justice is as smooth and quick as possible," says Button.

Knarr adds: "A Brighter Future Childcare and Development Center failed these two young children and their mother. We're fully committed to amplifying their voices and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing child safety in daycare centers everywhere."

The case is D.H.P., Individually and as parent and next friend of K.H. and L.S., minor children, vs. A Brighter Future Childcare and Development Center, Inc., Case No. 24SL-CC02710, Circuit Court of St. Louis County, State of Missouri. A copy of the complaint can be accessed here.

About The Button Law Firm

The Button Law Firm (buttonlawfirm.com) is a Texas-based personal injury law firm that advocates for children and their families in meaningful litigation to make local communities safer. The firm focuses on daycare and child-related injuries such as abuse and neglect cases, bottle warmer burns, traumatic brain injuries, and catastrophic injuries. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm helps families move forward across the Lone Star State.

SOURCE The Button Law Firm
DALLAS, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Loopback Analytics, a leading provider of data analytics and market access services for health systems' specialty pharmacy programs, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Loma Linda University Health, a comprehensive academic healthcare system, to enhance their specialty pharmacy services.

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, specialty pharmacies are integral in utilizing resources that improve patient access and overall patient care. By taking a data-driven approach, pharmacy leaders are uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare access, enhancing the positive impact on patients.

"Loopback is thrilled to be providing cutting-edge technology to a nationally regarded academic health system like Loma Linda University Health," said Neil Smiley, Loopback Analytics CEO. "This collaboration represents a significant step in advancing our commitment to supporting and empowering health system specialty pharmacies to deliver exceptional patient outcomes and access to life-saving medications."

SOURCE Loopback Analytics
The prototype is set to fuel Marco's continued nationwide growth and performance, while enhancing the guest experience. Post this

The Meridian corporate-owned store opened on July 23, with a formal grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. In attendance were key members of the Marco's leadership team. Earlier this year, Marco's announced its development plan to bring four new locations to the Boise market, using it as a test bed for forward-thinking innovations.

With aim to further enhance the Marco's guest experience, the new store design features:

Alignment with new brand platform, But Wait, There's Marco's  , with a fresh, contemporary Marco's brand aesthetic designed for the long term.

, with a fresh, contemporary Marco's brand aesthetic designed for the long term. Design updates include a creative refresh that delivers a brighter, more modern look and feel across all touch points.

Pick-up door and pick-up window options for a frictionless customer experience.

QR code/mobile access in-store on a designated wall for customer engagement.

Strategic placement of beverage coolers for employees and customers, as add-on purchases.

A warm and welcoming dedicated guest waiting area.

Integration of new equipment, including the testing of warming racks and pizza lockers that hold multiple orders of hot pizza with quick and secure access, designed specifically for pick-up and third-party delivery needs.

"Our new store design marks a pivotal moment in our brand's evolution, serving as a cornerstone for our growth and the next chapter of our journey," said Tony Libardi, Co-CEO & President of Marco's Pizza. "This redesign is not just about aesthetics; it's about enhancing the customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and creating a welcoming environment that reflects our commitment to quality and innovation. As we continue to expand, these new stores will set the standard for our brand, showcasing our dedication to excellence and our vision for the future."

Whether guests are looking for a contactless ordering process, a quick option while on the go, a face-to-face encounter, a Marco's delivery, or a third-party delivery option, this new store design features a more seamless and efficient process for all.

"The new store design was meticulously crafted to cater to all audiences, ensuring both ergonomic and aesthetic enhancements," said Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer of Marco's Pizza. "Every decision was made with cost-consciousness and effectiveness in mind, optimizing performance and support for our franchisees while delivering an exceptional experience for our customers. The prototype is also designed for varied real estate footprints including both end-cap and in-line, creating flexibility as we expand."

As franchise development continues to grow, Marco's leadership prioritizes a development support system, including technology and tools to help identify territories for expansion, plus support in real estate, construction management, field operations, and information related to financing. Nearly half of Marco's current franchise network is comprised of multi-unit operators.

Franchisee prospects are taking note of the business opportunity. Marco's Franchising Franchise Disclosure Document reports the Top 50% of Marco's franchised stores generated average net royalty sales of AUV $1,208,653 during the 2023 fiscal year*.

For more information Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or contact Jamie Cecil at [email protected] or 866-731-8209.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,200 stores in 35 states with locations in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 48 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2024 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, and being featured on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

*Based on the Average Sales Volume of the top 50% of U.S. Franchised Stores for our fiscal year 2023. Based on our fiscal year 2023, 185 of 447 Franchised Stores in the category (or 41%) met or exceeded this average. This information appears in Item 19 of Marco's Franchising's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document ("FDD") - please refer to our FDD for complete information on financial performance. Individual results may differ. There is no assurance that any franchisee will perform as well.

SOURCE Marco's Pizza
CORONA, Calif., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster Energy Up & Up Festival, the largest and longest-running college music tour, has announced Matroda as its Fall 2024 headliner. As always, this tour has no pre-determined dates or route  the fans decide. More than 80 college student ambassador teams from across the U.S. will rally their schools through guerilla marketing and influencer campaigns to try becoming one of the stops on the Fall tour  and earn the chance to co-produce the ultimate college gig.

Monster Energy Up & Up Festival Announces Matroda as the Fall 2024 Headliner for Crowdfunded College Tour

"I've always loved the energy and enthusiasm of college crowds, and that's why I've teamed up with the Monster Energy Up & Up Festival," says Matroda. "They will be allowing five lucky colleges to promote a proper house festival with me as a headliner  super excited for this one and cannot wait to party with you. See you soon."

The Up & Up is like the Final Four of College Music Festivals. Each campus team, using their own Instagram handles, engages in a 48-hour campaign to sell the most pre-sale tickets for the festival. The top 5 schools with the most pre-sales in 48 hours will win a stop on tour. The winning colleges then collaborate with Up & Up producers to bring the festival to a nearby venue with their own DJ openers, content team, and parties revolving around the most hype event of the semester.

Credit cards are only charged to the winning campus teams. This savvy ticketing model has led to many sold-out hard-ticket college tours in premium venues.

"Up & Up is such a unique way to not only bring more live music to college students but also to involve them in the experience of selling tickets, producing a show, and working in a team of people with a love for music," says Kailey Dodson, who is entering her senior year at Cal Poly and was part of the first-place winning campus team from the Spring 2024 Disco Lines campaign. She adds: "There's nothing else quite like Up & Up, and every college student should take this opportunity to be a part of it."

The benefits of this model are threefold: first, it ensures artists play only gigs where they are most desired; second, it provides invaluable industry experience to those hoping to pursue careers in music business and event management; and third, it guarantees an epic show for students without gouging them on ticket prices.

Since its inception in the Fall of 2016, the Monster Energy Up & Up Festival has redefined the college concert experience by breaking free from conventional programming boards and middle buyers. Through this approach, Up & Up empowers college students to curate events with top artists, imparting valuable lessons in sales and the rewards of earning an unforgettable experience.

Most recently, Cal Poly, Clemson, Miami- Ohio, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, San Diego State, the University of Arizona, and the University of Oregon earned themselves the opportunity to host Up & Up's Spring 2024 headliner, Disco Lines. Other previous winning campuses include University of Alabama, ASU (2x), CU Boulder (3x), Bryant, University of Dayton (3x), Lehigh, JMU, Florida State, Indiana University, LSU, Penn State (3x), Oklahoma State, Oregon St University, UC Davis (2x), University of Virginia (2x), UT Austin, Washington State University (5x), UNCW (3x), Virginia Tech (2x) and Wake Forest.

The Up & Up will offer more ways to win live events this summer and an exciting extension of collegiate programming: Club 100. This virtual event via Zoom attracts attendees from over 200 universities and features surprise performances by renowned music artists, thought-provoking industry guest speakers, valuable educational opportunities, and exciting giveaways.

The Up & Up Fall 2024 national competition kicks off on September 17th at 4 p.m. EST, and the winning festivals will be held from October through November.

College students seeking music industry experience & internship credit can apply at www.upandupfestival.com/

ABOUT MONSTER ENERGY:

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the hip hop lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and artists represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, artists, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.

ABOUT THE MONSTER ENERGY UP & UP FESTIVAL:

Monster Energy Up & Up is the largest national college festival promoter in the US, powered by a community of campus ambassador teams across the country. Up & Up's innovative guerrilla ticketing system is simple: students crowdsource demand on their campuses leading up to a 48-hour competition period; colleges with the most pre-sales earn the chance to work with our team to craft a music experience of-a-lifetime, while also gaining valuable industry experience. Past live headliners include Cash Cash (2016), Alan Walker (2017), GRYFFIN (2018), Two Friends (2018), Slushii (2019), Lost Kings (2019) Elephante (2019), Troyboi (2020), Loud Luxury (2021), San Holo (2022) Dom Dolla (2022) , Chris Lorenzo (Spring 2023) Dr. Fresch (Fall 2023) and Disco Lines (Spring 2024)

FOLLOW MONSTER ENERGY UP & UP:

https://upandupfestival.com/

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

FOLLOW MONSTER ENERGY:

www.monsterenergy.com

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

FOLLOW MONSTER ENERGY MUSIC:

www.monsterenergy.com/music

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

ABOUT MATRODA

Croatian-raised producer Matroda is the epitome of electronic music's fleeting existence. Welcoming house music in his own unique way, with the aptly named 'matrodasound' coined by his true fans, the studio sets no limits for this unique but incredibly celebrated artist. Taking early influences from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles while introducing classical training across the violin, drums and keyboard, the Matroda sound has proven its highly desirable accomplishment around the world over recent years.

From shows at EDC Las Vegas and Orlando to Nocturnal Wonderland, Matroda has solidified his presence, both on and off the stage. The natural born DJ and producer has dotted the map with top tier global festivals and sold out shows from Ibiza and Sydney all the way to Los Angeles and more.

His first career remix of SNBRN's 'California' with Chris Lake, proved an electric festival vibe-chaser gaining support from Diplo, Calvin Harris and Major Lazer, leading to further releases on Mad Decent, Confession and UKF. 2019 saw Matroda dropping one of the album's of the year and his biggest project to date- 'THE RED TAPE', with features from Kaleena Zanders, Dances With White Girls, taking out runner up for best album following AC Slater's Hi8 at #1. Later in the year his collaboration with Wax Motif on 'Lose Control' garnered much support as well as 'Walk In The Spot'- a true 2019 house anthem. In 2020 Matroda released 'Forget It' via Insomniac Records, hitting over 10 million streams to date. Topping the list 'Disco Tool' longside Bleu Clair went right to the #1 spot on the Beatport tech house chart, leaving lasting impressions on the industry and dancefloors alike.

Fast forward to 2021 when he attained the 25th best producer spot on Tracklist1001's renowned chart, following a string of Beatport #1's and over one million monthly listeners on Spotify. A new decade opened up and Matroda's label Terminal Underground was born, releasing the first EP from himself titled Jack The House EP. 'La Pasion' reached top 10 chart status on Beatport's Tech House Chart, in line with the release of the single 'Lifting' with 2022 welcoming 'Gotta Let You Go', both on Insomniac Records.

The Matrodasound is making a solid mark on electronic music enthusiasts around the world, proving the road is only just beginning for this young producer with a promising future ahead.

www.instagram.com/matrodamusic

www.twitter.com/matrodamusic

www.facebook.com/matrodamusic

www.soundcloud.com/matrodamusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/45lcbTsX07JWzmTIjcdyBz?si=O5KCMs1hT2WByY4jqCCilw

[email protected]

SOURCE Monster Energy
TORONTO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - New Gold Inc. ("New Gold" or the "Company") (TSX: NGD) (NYSE American: NGD) deeply regrets that early this morning, July 24th, 2024, an employee operating a piece of equipment in the open pit was fatally injured at the Rainy River Mine in northwestern Ontario.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. The Company is working closely with local authorities and an investigation is underway. Operations have been voluntarily suspended. The thoughts of management are with the family, friends and colleagues who have been impacted by this tragic incident.

The Company will provide additional information as appropriate.

About New Gold

New Gold is a Canadian-focused intermediate mining company with a portfolio of two core producing assets in Canada, the Rainy River gold mine and the New Afton copper-gold mine. The Company also holds other Canadian-focused investments. New Gold's vision is to build a leading diversified intermediate gold company based in Canada that is committed to the environment and social responsibility. For further information on the Company, visit www.newgold.com .

SOURCE New Gold Inc.
Projects will provide electricity savings to more than 1,100 residents and support local workforce development programs

BOSTON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexamp, the largest community solar provider in the country, announced today a partnership with Starbucks. By committing as a long-term renewable electricity purchaser, Starbucks will anchor the deployment of more than 40 Megawatts of solar energy in Illinois communities. The six new community solar projects being added to Nexamp's growing Illinois portfolio will provide significant electricity savings to more than 1,100 local residents who subscribe within the ComEd and Ameren utility territories.

The long-term agreement between Starbucks and Nexamp improves sustainability and enhances energy equity. Post this The community solar agreement between Nexamp and Starbucks enables the addition of more solar farms in Illinois, such as this Nexamp project already operating in Kingston.

In addition to the clean energy and savings benefits for communities, these solar farms also represent impactful employment opportunities and will accelerate Nexamp's workforce development initiatives in the state. Construction and operation on these six projects will help create several hundred new jobs, including roles for participants in Nexamp's new fellowship programs. Through partnerships with organizations such as City Colleges of Chicago, the Chicago Urban League, Uplift Community High School, 22C, and other Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) job training organizations, Nexamp is leading workforce development programs aimed at a wider range of communities.

"Starbucks is committed to our environmental promise to give more than we take, and we have a long history of renewable energy projects that bring clean energy to more communities," said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. "We're proud to support Nexamp's efforts to bring community solar into areas where it can have the most impact and make savings opportunities available to community members."

Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai explains, "Community solar is a perfect way for retailers to make progress on their own sustainability goals while also playing a role in the build-out of renewable energy resources that have the ability to directly benefit their own customers. That was the case with Starbucks, which shares our vision of equitable access to community members. Climate change is one of the most important issues of the day and we can only make meaningful progress on decarbonization when companies come together to develop impactful, inclusive solutions."

Starbucks will only receive a portion of the renewable electricity credits for its support of Nexamp's Illinois operations. The remaining capacity on each project will be allocated to area residents and businesses through the Nexamp community solar program. Nexamp and Starbucks hope to expand this program to additional locations nationwide in the future.

Construction has begun on Nexamp's solar projects, and they are expected to come online beginning in 2025.

About Nexamp

Nexamp is transforming the new energy economy with proven solar and storage solutions, and inviting individuals, communities, and businesses to take part in the benefits. Our end-to-end capabilitiesincluding project development and acquisition, design, construction, and operationsposition Nexamp as a just and equitable market leader. By building integrated clean energy products, we ensure that both savings and job opportunities reach everyday Americans. With more than 1 GW of renewable energy-generating assets currently in operation or under construction, we're building a cleaner and more resilient future. Visit us at www.nexamp.com.

SOURCE Nexamp
Acquisition of Dublin-based business will strengthen the specialised insurance solutions and services NFP offers in Ireland

DUBLIN, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NFP, an Aon company and a leading international insurance brokerage and consulting firm, today announced its acquisition of Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances Ltd. (trading name, Barrett Private Insurances), an independent specialist insurance broker. John Barrett, director of Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances Ltd., will join NFP as a managing director with a focus on growing the company's Private Client Group in Ireland and the UK, which focuses on providing customized risk solutions for high net worth individuals and families.

"We've established a strong presence in the Irish market through organic growth and acquisition, and the expertise of the team at Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurances will undoubtedly strengthen it further," said JP Allcock, group managing director, NFP in Europe. "Their commitment to delivering excellent service to their clients with a personalized touch aligns with our approach, and we look forward to their active involvement in expanding our private client offerings in the Irish market and into the UK."

Barrett Private Insurances has been in the Irish market for 37 years. The brokerage uses its experience and intricate knowledge of the home, collections, travel, auto, yachts and bloodstock insurance markets to solve the complex risk management needs of its private clients.

"We're excited to be joining NFP and be part of a growing company," said Barrett. "With extensive global resources, a strong management team and an excellent talent base, NFP will enable us to make significant contributions that ultimately grow the business. This is a great opportunity for us to bring additional value to the clients we serve."

About NFP

NFP, an Aon company, is an organisation of consultative advisors and problem solvers helping companies and individuals address their most significant risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement challenges. We are more than 7,700 colleagues in the UK, Ireland, US, Puerto Rico and Canada serving a diversity of clients, industries and communities. Our global capabilities, specialised expertise and customised solutions span commercial business insurance, employee benefits, people consultancy, health and safety, and individual financial planning. Together, we put people first, prioritise partnerships and continuously advance a culture we're proud of. Visit NFPIreland.ie to learn more.

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TORONTO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - OpsGuru announced today that it has achieved the Amazon Web Services Generative AI Competency. This specialization recognizes OpsGuru as an AWS Partner that helps customers, and the AWS Partner Network drive the advancement of services, tools, and infrastructure pivotal for implementing generative AI technologies.

Achieving the AWS Generative AI Competency differentiates OpsGuru as an AWS Partner that has demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success, supporting the organization's technical knowledge, dedication to innovation, and infrastructure, which are pivotal for implementing generative AI technologies for customers. OpsGuru possesses the experience and expertise shown from successful projects for addressing customer challenges using generative AI solutions as an enabler of their digital transformation strategies for augmenting the customer experience, delivering hyper-personalized and engaging content, streamlining workflows, and delivering actionable results powered by generative AI technology from AWS.

"We are proud to receive this competency, demonstrating OpsGuru's expertise in leveraging AWS Generative AI tools to craft innovative solutions for our valued customers," said Ryan Smyth, President & CEO of OpsGuru. "Our team is dedicated to leveraging AWS to implement generative AI solutions that drive business growth and ensure success in a competitive market."

The AWS Competency Program aims to assist customers in connecting with AWS Partners who possess extensive knowledge and technical expertise in using AWS technologies and best practices to adopt Generative AI. These partners facilitate the seamless integration and deployment of AWS-based solutions to meet the unique needs of both startups and global enterprises.

About OpsGuru

OpsGuru is North America's leading AWS Premier Partner specializing in Managed Cloud Operations, Cloud Native Development, Migration and Modernizations, Data and Generative AI. The company holds the AWS Migration Competency, AWS DevOps Competency, AWS Networking Competency, AWS SaaS Competency, and AWS Generative AI Competency. OpsGuru provides customers with guidance in solutions like Networking, Big Data, DevOps, Migration, and IoT in markets such as Financial Services, Energy, Media, Entertainment and Gaming, Energy and Utilities, Manufacturing and Industrial, Sports and more.

SOURCE Opsguru Canada Inc.
Cyber Pros Focusing More on AI and Machine Learning to Thwart Attacks

DENVER, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Optiv, the cyber advisory and solutions leader, has published its 2024 Threat and Risk Management Report, which examines how organizations' cybersecurity investments and governance priorities are keeping up with the evolving threat landscape.

Based on an independent Ponemon Institute survey, the report reveals that 59% of respondents increased their cyber budgets year-over-year. Additionally, 63% of organizations with more than 5,000 employees had an average of $26 million allocated to cybersecurity investments in 2024.

While organizations are investing in more technologies, 40% of respondents believe they have too many, hindering overall effectiveness. By contrast, only 29% feel that they have the right number of tools. This underscores the need for a strategic approach to cybersecurity investment, focusing on streamlining existing tools and ensuring a seamless technology stack integration. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities are another growing focal area for cybersecurity organizations looking for ways to accelerate their threat detection, prevention and process automation capabilities to keep up with threat actors who are also using these tools.

The report shows a significant rise in data breaches and security incidents, with 61% of respondents experiencing a data breach or cybersecurity incident in the past two years, and 55% of respondents experiencing four or more incidents in that timeframe. These numbers highlight the urgent need for organizations to further prioritize cybersecurity investments and strategies.

Download the full report: https://www.optiv.com/insights/discover/downloads/2024-cybersecurity-threat-and-risk-management-report

"Cyber incidents are not slowing down, which means organizations must work at a speed above those of the threat actors attacking their environments. As we see security budgets increasing, many organizations are also recognizing the need to make smart investments in process and governance assessments to ensure compliance," says Jason Lewkowicz, executive vice president and chief services officer at Optiv. "Establishing a more consistent, strategic approach to security technology, process and people management will be essential for organizational risk management and resilience."

Additional key findings include:

Security Tool Overload  While organizations are investing in more technologies, 40% of respondents believe they have too many, hindering overall effectiveness. By contrast, only 29% feel that they have the right number of tools. This underscores the need for a strategic approach to cybersecurity investment, focusing on streamlining existing tools and ensuring a seamless technology stack integration.

 While organizations are investing in more technologies, 40% of respondents believe they have too many, hindering overall effectiveness. By contrast, only 29% feel that they have the right number of tools. This underscores the need for a strategic approach to cybersecurity investment, focusing on streamlining existing tools and ensuring a seamless technology stack integration. Top Investment Areas  The top three areas of investment for 2024 cybersecurity budgets are internal security assessments (60%), identity and access management (IAM) programs (58%) and the acquisition of additional cybersecurity tools (51%).

 The top three areas of investment for 2024 cybersecurity budgets are internal security assessments (60%), identity and access management (IAM) programs (58%) and the acquisition of additional cybersecurity tools (51%). Lack of Formal Budgeting Practices  Despite increasing budgets, only 36% of respondents have a formal approach to determining cybersecurity budgets. This lack of formal budgeting practices can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities to address critical security gaps.

 Despite increasing budgets, only 36% of respondents have a formal approach to determining cybersecurity budgets. This lack of formal budgeting practices can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities to address critical security gaps. Rising SOAR Adoption  The use of security orchestration automation and response (SOAR) technology is increasing, with 73% of respondents leveraging SOAR to automate incident response activities. This automation can help security teams respond more efficiently to threats.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities are another growing focal area for cybersecurity organizations looking for ways to accelerate their threat detection, prevention and process automation capabilities to keep up with threat actors who are also using these tools.

More companies are leveraging AI in the form of use and prevention:

44% of respondents use AI/ML to prevent cyberattacks

35% purchased use-case specific tools

31% use existing tools

34% use automated processes and audits

Optiv's report delves deeper into best practices employed by high-performing organizations, offering valuable insights for those seeking to strengthen their cyber defenses. It also explores additional challenges, such as the inconsistency of cybersecurity incident response plans (CSIRPs), navigating cyber insurance/governance requirements and the need for improved communication of cybersecurity risks to senior management.

"Our independent research for Optiv reveals the positive steps organizations are taking to reduce risk, while also addressing the challenges they face in the evolving cyber threat landscape," said Dr. Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute. "Part of the complexity organizations continue to face in dealing with threats is due to the number of ineffective technology tools. Recognizing this, IT professionals and senior leadership are becoming more cognizant of the importance in strengthening their security posture, resulting in the increase of cybersecurity budgets and allocating funds based on proven effectiveness in reducing security incidents."

Findings from Optiv's report are based on responses from 650 IT and cybersecurity professionals.

*This information has been updated from the June 25 release to correctly state that "nearly 60% of respondents surveyed increased security budgets."

For the latest news and updates from Optiv, visit https://www.optiv.com/newsroom.

Follow Optiv

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optiv-inc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/optivinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OptivInc

Blog: https://www.optiv.com/explore-optiv-insights/blog

Optiv Security: Secure greatness.

Optiv is the cyber advisory and solutions leader, delivering strategic and technical expertise to nearly 6,000 companies across every major industry. We partner with organizations to advise, deploy and operate complete cybersecurity programs from strategy and managed security services to risk, integration and technology solutions. With clients at the center of our unmatched ecosystem of people, products, partners and programs, we accelerate business progress like no other company can. At Optiv, we manage cyber risk so you can secure your full potential. For more information, visit www.optiv.com.

About Ponemon Institute:

Ponemon Institute is dedicated to independent research and education that advances responsible information and privacy management practices within business and government. Our mission is to conduct high quality, empirical studies on critical issues affecting the management and security of sensitive information about people and organizations.

We uphold strict data confidentiality, privacy and ethical research standards. We do not collect any personally identifiable information from individuals (or company identifiable information in our business research). Furthermore, we have strict quality standards to ensure that subjects are not asked extraneous, irrelevant or improper questions.

SOURCE Optiv Security Inc.
NEW YORK, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global orthopedic implants market size is estimated to grow by USD 12.54 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.72% during the forecast period. High prevalence of osteoporosis is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising number of strategic alliances. However, high costs associated with orthopedic implants and procedures poses a challenge. Key market players include Amplitude SAS, Arthrex Inc., Auxein Medical Inc., B.Braun SE, Conmed Corp., Corin Group Plc, Enovis Corp., Globus Medical Inc., icotec AG, Johnson and Johnson Services Inc., Medtronic Plc, Narang Medical Ltd., Naton Medical Group, Orthofix Medical Inc., OrthoPediatrics Corp., Pega Medical Inc., RTI Surgical Inc., Smith and Nephew plc, Stryker Corp., and Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global orthopedic implants market 2024-2028

Get a detailed analysis on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- View the snapshot of this report

Orthopedic Implants Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.72% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 12548 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.32 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 37% Key countries US, Germany, China, UK, and Canada Key companies profiled Amplitude SAS, Arthrex Inc., Auxein Medical Inc., B.Braun SE, Conmed Corp., Corin Group Plc, Enovis Corp., Globus Medical Inc., icotec AG, Johnson and Johnson Services Inc., Medtronic Plc, Narang Medical Ltd., Naton Medical Group, Orthofix Medical Inc., OrthoPediatrics Corp., Pega Medical Inc., RTI Surgical Inc., Smith and Nephew plc, Stryker Corp., and Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

Market Driver

Strategic alliances play a significant role in the growth of the orthopedic implants market. By collaborating with other companies, manufacturers can expand their product lines and reach wider geographical markets without incurring substantial costs. For instance, Stryker's acquisition of SERF SAS in March 2024 strengthened its presence in Europe and broadened its implant offerings. Similarly, THINK Surgical's partnerships with b-ONE Ortho Corporation and Maxx Orthopedics in February 2024 enabled the integration of their knee implants into THINK's robotic system. In September 2023, Envois' acquisition of LimaCorporate expanded its product line and increased its clientele. The increasing trend of collaborations and partnerships among vendors and distribution channel partners is anticipated to boost the global orthopedic implants market during the forecast period.

The Orthopedic implants market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing patient attendance for joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and fracture repairs. The market caters to various diseases and orthopedic disorders such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal disorders. Both metal and plastic implants are in high demand for joint replacements. Orthopedic surgeries for the geriatric population, arthritic conditions, and dentists' procedures are driving market growth. Advanced implants made of metallic biomaterials, ceramic biomaterials, and polymers biomaterials are being launched to improve patient outcomes. Health-conscious consumers and physicians are seeking preventive services like screening and monitoring through digital technology. The COVID-19 outbreak has affected workflows, leading to a temporary slowdown in surgeries. However, the opportunity for manufacturing and innovation remains high. Orthopedic doctors play a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment. The market includes entities like bone healing solutions, orthobiologics, and advanced implant manufacturers.

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Market Challenges

The orthopedic implants market faces a significant challenge due to the high cost of implants and related procedures. Orthopedic implants are essential for treating conditions related to joints, spine, and maxillofacial injuries. The cost of these implants varies depending on their type and features. For instance, pedicle screw implants cost between USD900 and USD1,000 per screw, while absorbable implants are more expensive than metallic implants. Orthopedic procedures, including surgery, consultation, medications, consumables, and diagnostic tests, add to the overall cost. Inpatient orthopedic procedures cost between USD25,000 and USD30,000 , while outpatient surgeries range from USD15,000 to USD20,000 . Consultation fees for orthopedic surgeons range from USD100 to USD500 . Post-surgery diagnostic tests, such as CT scans, can further increase the cost burden. The cost of a CT scan ranges from USD750 to USD1,300 per orthopedic procedure. Repeated tests and the need for implant removal, especially in the case of metallic implants, add to the cost. Healthcare infrastructure also affects the cost of orthopedic treatment. These factors may limit the growth of the orthopedic implants market during the forecast period.

and per screw, while absorbable implants are more expensive than metallic implants. Orthopedic procedures, including surgery, consultation, medications, consumables, and diagnostic tests, add to the overall cost. Inpatient orthopedic procedures cost between and , while outpatient surgeries range from to . Consultation fees for orthopedic surgeons range from to . Post-surgery diagnostic tests, such as CT scans, can further increase the cost burden. The cost of a CT scan ranges from to per orthopedic procedure. Repeated tests and the need for implant removal, especially in the case of metallic implants, add to the cost. Healthcare infrastructure also affects the cost of orthopedic treatment. These factors may limit the growth of the orthopedic implants market during the forecast period. The Orthopedic implants market faces challenges from the COVID-19 outbreak, leading to disrupted workflows and delayed surgeries for patients with arthritic conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, and orthopedic diseases like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the launch of advanced implants made from metallic biomaterials, ceramic biomaterials, and polymers offers opportunities for growth. Health-conscious consumers and an aging geriatric population with arthritis and osteoarthritis drive demand for knee replacement surgeries. Dentists and orthopedic doctors use orthopedic implants for diagnosis and monitoring. Digital technology plays a crucial role in treatment and diagnosis. Entities like Arthrex provide innovative solutions for bone healing and orthopedic trauma implants, including bone plates for fractures. The adoption of materials like advanced orthobiologics continues to grow, offering opportunities for entities in the market. Sport-related injuries and spinal disorders also contribute to market growth.

For more insights on driver and challenges - Request a sample report!

Segment Overview

This orthopedic implants market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Product

1.1 Joint reconstruction implants

1.2 Spinal implants

1.3 Craniomaxillofacial implants

End-user

2.1 Hospitals

2.2 Orthopedic clinics

2.3 Others

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Joint reconstruction implants- The Orthopedic Implants Market's largest segment is Joint Reconstruction Implants, which are utilized for repairing, replacing, and reconstructing injured or diseased joints. This segment encompasses implants designed for the treatment of knee, hip, trauma, and extremities-related orthopedic conditions. The segment's growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing number of orthopedic conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, hip and knee injuries, and bone deformities. In the US, for instance, approximately 50-55 million adults are diagnosed with arthritis annually. Osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder, affects around 10% of men and 13% of women aged 60 years or older. The aging population and the rising prevalence of these conditions result in a significant number of knee and hip replacement surgeries, with around 1 million procedures performed each year. Vendors in this market are launching innovative products to maintain a competitive edge. Regulatory approvals for such innovative devices streamline surgical procedures and increase the success rate of joint reconstruction surgeries. For example, the approval of joint reconstruction implants and related instruments eases the joint reconstruction process, driving segment growth. Cost reduction initiatives by vendors and improved patient care are also contributing factors. Affordable knee and hip implant treatments will increase demand for these implants, driving market growth. Moreover, the emergence of robotic-guided surgeries for knee and hip replacement is a significant trend. Key players are adopting acquisition strategies to integrate robotic-guided surgery technologies into their offerings, enhancing their knee replacement portfolios and accelerating growth in this area. This, in turn, will boost sales revenue for vendors in the global Orthopedic Implants Market during the forecast period.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2017-2021) - Download a Sample Report

Learn and explore more about Technavio's in-depth research reports

The global Orthopedic Device Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and an aging population. The global Medical Implant Market is also expanding, with innovations in materials and surgical techniques enhancing patient outcomes. Additionally, the global Orthopedic 3D Printed Devices Market is on the rise, revolutionizing personalized healthcare by offering customized implants and prosthetics. These markets are characterized by key players focusing on R&D and strategic partnerships to cater to the increasing demand for advanced orthopedic solutions.

Research Analysis

The Orthopedic Implants Market encompasses a wide range of medical devices used in various orthopedic procedures, including joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and fracture repairs. The market is driven by the increasing patient attendance due to the growing geriatric population and the rising prevalence of conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The launch of advanced implants made from plastic, metallic biomaterials, and orthobiologics continues to fuel innovation in the market. Health-conscious consumers and physicians are increasingly turning to orthopedic implants for effective treatment of joint-related issues. Digital technology plays a significant role in streamlining workflows and improving patient outcomes. However, the market faces challenges such as the risk of implant failures and outbreaks of infections. Despite these challenges, the opportunity for growth remains immense, particularly in the areas of knee replacement surgeries and advanced spinal implants.

Market Research Overview

The Orthopedic Implants Market encompasses a range of medical devices used in the treatment of various orthopedic conditions. These implants can be made of Metal, Plastic, or other materials like Bone, and are utilized in Joint replacements, Spinal surgeries, Fracture repairs, and other Orthopedic procedures. Patient attendance for these treatments is driven by preventive services, screening for diseases, and the increasing prevalence of Orthopedic disorders such as Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid arthritis. The market is also influenced by the launch of advanced implants and the adoption of digital technology for diagnosis, monitoring, and workflows. The COVID-19 outbreak has led to a shift in healthcare delivery, with telemedicine and remote patient monitoring gaining popularity. The geriatric population and those with arthritic conditions or musculoskeletal disorders are key patient groups. Entities involved include Orthopedic doctors, Physicians, Patients, Dentists, and Manufacturers of Metallic biomaterials, Ceramic biomaterials, and Polymers biomaterials. Opportunities exist in the treatment of diseases like Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Orthobiologics. The market also caters to the needs of those undergoing Knee replacement surgeries, Spinal disorders, Arthritis, and Sport-related injuries.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Joint Reconstruction Implants



Spinal Implants



Craniomaxillofacial Implants

End-user

Hospitals



Orthopedic Clinics



Others

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



Rest Of World (ROW)

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
LAFAYETTE, La., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PHI MRO Services, an industry leader in helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), is pleased to announce a new lease agreement for one Bell 407 with tour and charter company New York Helicopter.

As part of this lease agreement, PHI MRO Services outfit the Bell 407 helicopter with floats and air conditioning, as well as a unique paint scheme tailored to meet the operational needs of New York Helicopter. In conjunction with the lease, PHI will provide component support to the operation from its MRO division.

"We look forward to a long and continued relationship with PHI MRO Services and adding to our fleet in the future." Post this

"This lease agreement marks a significant milestone for both PHI MRO Services and New York Helicopter, and we are delighted to supply one of our Bell 407 helicopters to their fleet," said Cory Clark, Director of Business Development for PHI MRO Services.

Michael Roth, owner of New York Helicopter, shared his enthusiasm: "We are very happy to have taken delivery on our new 407. This new helicopter will allow us to expand our capabilities and continue to provide world-class tours and charters to the New York area. The entire team at PHI MRO Services has been amazing to work with from start to finish, from finding the right ship to making sure it was completed on time. We look forward to a long and continued relationship with them and adding to our fleet in the future."

PHI's tenured aircraft mechanics and maintenance technicians expertly maintain a fleet of more than 200 helicopters, including a selection of lease-ready helicopters available for delivery to global operators. With 75 years of industry experience, PHI MRO Services is equipped to handle a wide range of custom modifications and aircraft services to meet the operational and regulatory needs of its customers.

"Adding the 407 was the next step in growth for our company," said Jason Costello, Director of Operations for New York Helicopter. "Working with PHI MRO Services has been phenomenal. They have gone out of their way to make sure the helicopter was configured the way we needed, and the support we have received since delivery has been exceptional. I am very pleased with how the helicopter has performed already and has continued to meet and exceed all our needs."

PHI MRO Services is committed to supporting the growth and operational success of its maintenance and leasing customers. Its state-of-the-art MRO facility offers more than 170,000 square feet for major inspections, complex modifications, custom upgrades, in-house painting, upholstery and more to support helicopter operators worldwide. PHI MRO Services works closely with customers like New York Helicopter to tailor unique helicopter solutions that meet their operational needs.

For more information about PHI MRO Services' leasing offerings and other aviation solutions, please visit www.phimro.com.

About PHI MRO Services

From routine maintenance and inspections to complex modifications, PHI MRO Services offers a comprehensive suite of MRO services and capabilities to meet customer needs. PHI's skilled team of experienced engineers, mechanics, and maintenance technicians have the training and certification to service a wide variety of helicopter models and engine types. PHI MRO Services is a certified AS9110, FAA and EASA Part 145 repair station.

Located in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, PHI's state-of-the-art maintenance and repair facility is recognized as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Repair Station with DAR/DER authorization. It has service center certification from major OEMs, including Leonardo and Sikorsky, and is an Authorized Maintenance Center for Rolls-Royce. Having a full-service MRO facility and a network of resources strategically positioned worldwide allows PHI to swiftly meet the requirements of multiple international regulators to support customer operations globally. PHI MRO Services is a division of PHI Group.

About New York Helicopter

New York Helicopter charter is a leading tour operator in the New York metro area. Operating out of two locations, one in the downtown heliport in Manhattan and another in Kearny, New Jersey, New York Helicopter charter provides a world-class sightseeing operation for tourists in the New York area.

Additionally, New York Helicopter provides charter services to/from all areas of the New York metro area, including luxury transportation to the Hamptons; Boston, Mass.; and Washington, DC; and airport transfers between the three major airports and Manhattan.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Cory Clark

PHI MRO Services

337-272-4977

[email protected]

SOURCE PHI MRO Services
Deep Bench of Talent Empowers Systematic Growth, Delivering New Levels of Agility, Creativity, and Precision for Visionary Infrastructure Results in Breakthrough Markets

MCLEAN, Va., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PowerHouse Data Centers , a leading real estate partner for next-generation hyperscale data centers and a division of American Real Estate Partners (AREP), is proud to announce the strategic additions of Matthew (Matt) Monaco as Senior Vice President of Asset Management & Development and William McCausland as Director of Data Center Utilities to its industry-leading team of experts.

PowerHouse Data Centers Exceeds Pace of Hyperscale Demand With New Hires in Development and Power Utility Disciplines. Post this Matt Monaco serves as Senior Vice President of Asset Management & Development for PowerHouse Data Centers. William McCausland serves as Director of Data Center Utilities for PowerHouse Data Centers.

As a trusted provider of data center development strategy and pioneer in powered core and shell solutions, PowerHouse has continuously scaled its operations and expertise. This growth not only surpasses the pace of execution and the standard of technical excellence required by the world's most discerning clients but also underscores PowerHouse's ability to anticipate tomorrow's market requirements  and outpace its rate of change, delivering powerful competitive advantages for advanced deployments.

"When this industry calls on you to provide the best, you provide the best, which is why our hyperscale tenants trust us with their critical infrastructure," comments Doug Fleit, CEO and Founder of PowerHouse and AREP. "Matt and William bring exceptionally rich acquisition, development, asset management, and power procurement experience to the fore. Mirroring our customers' visionary natures with Powerhouse's superior technical talent and strategy is our priority. Meeting sophisticated hyperscaler demands requires deftness and creativity, mastered by those who have seen it all, accomplished it all, and speak the industry's language better than anyone. That's the value our team continues to deliver."

Monaco, responsible for data center development strategy, from site procurement and acquisitions to data center operator partnerships, brings over 20 years of strategic management expertise across telecom and digital infrastructure verticals, including 10+ years in data center asset management, to the PowerHouse team. Throughout his career, Monaco has worked in critical international and domestic markets, most recently serving as global head of asset management at Equinix, where he oversaw rapid growth in an $8 billion portfolio while maintaining ROIC (Return on Invested Capital) of +26%. His development acumen offers critical prescience, enabling efficient deployments with immediate power and connectivity with the capacity to grow unimpeded to gigawatt scale. By leveraging this experience, Monaco supports PowerHouse's extraordinary growth strategy, identifying and developing the most advantageous sites to help define the future of hyperscalers' and large operators' most advanced use cases.

McCausland drives PowerHouse's power utility strategy, leveraging over 15 years of experience, including leadership positions at Virginia's Dominion Energy, where he led electricity infrastructure design and business partnerships on the company's Innovation Team and oversaw the strategy, mobilization, and execution of its major Virginia-based data center projects. Having developed his skills directly with a primary utility provider offers PowerHouse customers access to strategic insider insights and efficiencies for optimized power acquisition processes. McCausland's understanding of power utilities and his power procurement experience across key markets further amplifies PowerHouse's ability to reliably source seamless power availability capable of supporting aggressive new demands from operators and hyperscale customers. McCausland's role is instrumental in PowerHouse's ability to continue rapidly deploying new facilities in key markets.

Monaco and McCausland exemplify the expanding bench of talent driving the company's growth continuum. These new additions strengthen carefully cultivated partnerships within PowerHouse's robust ecosystem of partners (alongside hyperscale developers, economic development leaders, architects, technical contractors, and essential utility providers), continuing its dedication to building advanced infrastructure with a new level of performance.

Follow the latest news about PowerHouse Data Centers' new hires on Linkedin here .

About PowerHouse Data Centers

PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of American Real Estate Partners (AREP), is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers nationwide. Starting in Northern Virginia's Data Center Alley, the world's largest data center market, before strategically expanding to key markets across the United States, PowerHouse owns its land sites, offering unparalleled fast-track approvals and zoning approvals in its full suite of development services.

As an industry disruptor, PowerHouse provides flexible next-generation data center models with the quickest speed to market of any data center while meeting hyperscalers' growing market, data, utility, and space demands. The company has 30 buildings currently in planning or underway, representing over 2.3 GW of power in six major US markets. Operating as the data center division of AREP, PowerHouse is uniquely positioned as a leader in world-class data center development. With some of the industry's deepest real estate relationships, PowerHouse leverages its strategic joint venture partnerships, proven leadership, and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions nationwide. Visit our newsroom for more information, and follow us on LinkedIn , YouTube, and X .

SOURCE PowerHouse Data Centers
1,600 Nurses Return to Work After Successful Two-Day Strike

SAN DIEGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Katie Langenstrass, Executive Director of United Nurses of Children's Hospital (UNOCH) Teamsters Local 1699, on the end of the unfair labor practice strike at Rady Children's Hospital:

"Today, we completed our historic 48-hour unfair labor practice strike at Rady Children's Hospital, where hundreds of nurses took to the streets to demand fair wages, affordable benefits, and the right to have one job to live. Our members sent a clear and unwavering message that we are united and will not be budged or bullied.

"Throughout the strike, we were in full contact with the hospital and security on the ground to ensure everything ran smoothly. At 7 a.m. this morning, our nurses returned to the hospital, ready to continue providing exceptional care.

"We are incredibly proud of our brave nurses for their solidarity and determination. We thank Senate President Pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) for joining us on the picket line, as well as the community members who supported us. We'd like to especially thank all the parents of our patients who showed their support throughout the process.

"Now, we look forward to getting back to what we do best caring for our patients. Teamsters are ready to get back to the table to bargain a deal that meets the needs of our members. Together, we stand strong and united in our fight for a fair contract, but hospital leadership needs to get serious, or we will be back out on the picket line."

UNOCH Teamsters Local 1699 represents professional nurses, therapists and technicians dedicated to promoting excellence in the care of infants, children and their families and is devoted to creating a working environment that enables our members to perform the high-quality patient care that Rady Children's Hospital is known for.

Contact:

Christian Castro, (310) 857-9817

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 1699
The robotic mower manufacturer sees this growth as proof the technology is necessary to address industry labor shortages and business challenges seen worldwide

GREEN BAY, Wis., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RC Mowers, a leading manufacturer of robotic mowers, has expanded its Autonomous Mowing Robot (AMR) dealer network outside of the United States. RC Mowers is bringing autonomy to Australia through a partnership with Colbrook Industries, an industrial vegetation management machinery dealership near Melbourne.

RC Mowers sees the expansion of its Autonomous Mowing Robot (AMR) dealer network as proof the technology is necessary to address industry labor shortages and business challenges worldwide.

"We're thrilled to expand the footprint of our autonomous business outside the country. Like the US, Australian landscape companies are experiencing a severe ongoing labor shortage  and our AMRs solve that problem," said Tim Kubista, vice president of sales and marketing for RC Mowers. "It's a testament to our business-enhancing technology that a well-established dealership like Colbrook Industries believes our AMRs are a great solution for the Australian market. RC Mowers truly is addressing the global issue of labor shortages."

Colbrook Industries began its professional association with RC Mowers by selling the company's Remote-Operated Robotic Mowers prior to the development of the AMR. When Colbrook saw the potential of AMRs helping landscapers address labor shortages and profit challenges, they were eager to add the RC Mowers autonomous product to their offerings.

"Colbrook Industries prides itself on service and support to the Australian and New Zealand markets," said Rob Plageman, the managing director of Colbrook industries. "We feel it is our responsibility to offer world-class and industry-leading products where we can, and the RC Mowers AMR does exactly this."

Plageman said that in addition to providing a solution for the labor shortage the landscaping industry is facing worldwide, the robotic machines provide landscaping professionals with the vital data they want to help them make critical business decisions.

"The commercial land care sector is thirsty for data," Plageman said. "The data provides much wanted visibility into the inefficiencies of a landscaping business and allows these land care professionals to design changes and implement them. When it comes to providing data, the RC Mowers AMR solution is unparalleled and a key reason every large scale land care company in our market is currently speaking with us about the AMR solution for their business."

RC Mowers has been extending its network of AMR dealerships since the robotic mowers hit the market in 2023. Kubista said that a combination of ongoing labor challenges, desire for improved ROI, and RC Mowers' excellent customer support system have been the driving forces behind this expansion.

"AMRs allow landscapers to scale their businesses for growth because they allow one operator to generate the same revenue as a crew of three," Kubista said. "Our technology gives landscapers the opportunity to turn typically low-profit or no-profit mowing services into actual money-makers. RC Mowers will continue to address the real problems in the landscaping industry through industry-leading innovation, in-depth partnering, and unparalleled customer support."

Dealers are carefully selected, provided with extensive sales and product training, and supported by the RC Mowers team during the entire sales and post-sale cycle.

About RC Mowers

Founded in 2018 and based near Green Bay, Wisconsin, closely held RC Mowers manufactures autonomous and remote-operated robotic mowers that solve the biggest challenges and improve opportunities for profitability and growth for landscaping contractors, public works departments, city, county, state and federal parks systems and roads departments, and many more. All of our robotic mowers are designed and manufactured in the United States, have a 30-day buy-back guarantee and come with a 72-hour parts shipping guarantee. We are redefining the business of mowing. For more information, visit https://www.rcmowersusa.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE RC Mowers
NEW YORK, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against CVS Health Corporation ("CVS" or the "Company") (NYSE: CVS) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 24-cv-05303, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired CVS securities between May 3, 2023 and April 30, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired CVS securities during the Class Period, you have until September 10, 2024 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

CVS is a healthcare company that operates through three primary segments: Health Care Benefits, Health Services, and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness. The Health Care Benefits segment purportedly offers "a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, medical management capabilities, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, [prescription drug plans] and Medicaid health care management services." The Health Care Benefits segment's revenues consist almost entirely of insurance premiums paid by customers.

The pricing and other terms of the Company's private health insurance plans are typically determined in advance of a plan's policy period, which is typically one year. CVS determines premiums for these plans based on internal forecasts that consider historical data and the profitability of which are dependent on the Company's ability to accurately model, among other things, medical cost trends and health care utilization patterns. Generally, a fixed premium rate is determined at the beginning of the policy period. To the extent that unmodeled-for increases in the costs of health care and other benefits arise during a given policy period, CVS is ultimately responsible for the payment of those costs. Accordingly, the profitability of the Health Care Benefits segment is particularly sensitive to the accuracy of its cost forecasts.

The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the forecasts CVS used to determine plan premiums were ineffective at accounting for medical cost trends and health care utilization patterns; (ii) as a result, CVS was likely to incur significant expenses to cover cost increases that were not accounted for in the Company's forecasts and thus not covered by plan premiums; (iii) accordingly, CVS had overstated the profitability of its Health Care Benefits segment; (iv) contrary to Defendants' assurances, the revenues generated from the Company's other primary segments were insufficient to offset the negative financial impact of the increasing expenditures within the Health Care Benefits segment; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On August 2, 2023, CVS issued a press release announcing the Company's results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, which revealed that the Company was revising its diluted earnings-per-share ("EPS") guidance range to $6.53 to $6.75 from $6.90 to $7.12. In a Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that same day, CVS stated that operating income, which has a direct impact on EPS, "decreased $1.4 billion, or 30.7%, in the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the prior year primarily due to declines in the Health Care Benefits segment[.]"

On this news, CVS's stock price fell $2.04 per share, or 2.73%, to close at $72.32 per share on August 3, 2023.

Then, on November 1, 2023, CVS issued a press release announcing the Company's results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, which revealed that the Company was again reducing its diluted EPS guidance range to $6.37 to $6.61 from $6.53 to $6.75. In a Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q with the SEC that same day, CVS stated that while operating income increased "in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year [. . .] [t]hese increases in operating income were partially offset by declines in the Health Care Benefits segment."

Then, on February 7, 2024, CVS issued a press release announcing the Company's results for the year ended December 31, 2023 which revealed that the Company was revising its diluted EPS guidance range to at least $7.06 from at least $7.26, its adjusted EPS guidance range to at least $8.30 from at least $8.50, and its cash flow from operations guidance to at least $12.0 billion from at least $12.5 billion. In an Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC that same day reporting the Company's financial and operational results for the year ended December 31, 2023, CVS stated that, while operating income increased in 2023 compared to 2022, "[t]hese increases in operating income were partially offset by declines in the Health Care Benefits segment." Moreover, in a conference call held with investors and analysts that same day to discuss the Company's 2023 results, CVS's Chief Financial Officer Defendant Thomas F. Cowhey stated, in relevant part, "we now expect adjusted operating income for the Healthcare Benefit segment to be at least $5.4 billion, a decrease of $370 million from our prior estimates."

On this news, CVS's stock price fell $0.96 per share, or 1.27%, to close at $74.36 per share on February 8, 2024.

Finally, on May 1, 2024, CVS issued a press release reporting its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and revising its full-year 2024 guidance. Among other items, CVS reported $88.4 billion in revenue, missing expectations of $89 billion. The Company stated that higher utilization of healthcare services, meaning more insurance dollars spent, weighed on its results in addition to Medicare reimbursement rate cuts that will continue to pressure CVS for the remainder of the year. Accordingly, CVS issued revised full-year 2024 guidance, including "[r]evised GAAP diluted EPS guidance to at least $5.64 from at least $7.06"; "[r]evised Adjusted EPS guidance to at least $7.00 from at least $8.30"; and "[r]evised cash flow from operations guidance to at least $10.5 billion from at least $12.0 billion". Further, in a Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q with the SEC that same day, CVS stated that operating income decreased $1.2 billion, or 34.1% "in in the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to increased Medicare utilization, the unfavorable impact of the previously disclosed decline in the Company's 2024 Medicare Advantage star ratings and a year-over-year unfavorable impact from development of prior-years' health care cost estimates in the Health Care Benefits segment."

On this news, CVS's stock price fell $11.40 per share, or 16.84%, to close at $56.31 per share on May 1, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Local 916 Calls Out Employer for Violating Contract, Withholding Wages from 500 Workers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 916 is demanding that the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) pay workers at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) the negotiated wage increases in the collective bargaining agreement. As of July 1, 2024, more than 500 IDOT Teamsters have not received the wages they are legally owed.

"IDOT Teamsters are essential public servants who deserve to not only be paid what they are contractually owed but should be treated with dignity and respect by their employer," said JP Fyans III, President of Local 916. "It's abhorrent that CMS would allow hundreds of workers to go without the pay increases agreed upon in the contract. We are demanding that the State of Illinois honor their legally binding commitments to these members and pay them now."

"CMS promised us these wage increases and now they are refusing to pay us. We deserve better," said Dawn Vock, an engineering technician at IDOT.

The contract was ratified in March 2024, after Local 916 spent more than 10 months in negotiations. The legally binding collective bargaining agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2023, and requires that IDOT pay workers the agreed upon salary increases.

To date, Local 916 has filed nine grievances on behalf of 500 IDOT Teamsters who have been impacted by state's illegal behaviors to withhold wage increases, and we will continue to fight until these workers get every single penny they are owed.

Teamsters Local 916 represents more than 4,000 hard-working men and women throughout the state of Illinois from Chicago to Carbondale and East Saint Louis to Champaign. For more information, visit teamsters916.org.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 916
Bipartisan Legislation Includes Several Teamsters Priorities to Strengthen Rail Safety

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters are proud to endorse the bipartisan Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 (H.R.8996) led by Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Seth Moulton (D-MA). This legislation includes several Teamsters priorities, such as requiring a qualified engineer and conductor on most freight trains and providing essential equipment to roadway workers to ensure protections from being struck by trains and other railroad vehicles while working on track.

"The Teamsters Union proudly support the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act, and the essential requirements it includes," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Our rail members come to work every day to face employers who not only don't care about their safety but are actively taking steps to put them and the public at higher risk. Particularly following East Palestine, we are done waiting for the railroads to fix their own problemsthe only path forward is strong, bipartisan Congressional action."

For years, the Teamsters and its affiliated railroad unions, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED), have demanded rail safety legislation to address degrading conditions in the industry. The Teamsters consistently must fight against the railroads' persistent prioritization of profits over safety for members and the communities that freight trains operate through. Following the East Palestine disaster, the need for comprehensive legislation has only become more evident.

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:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Fortune's inaugural Brainstorm AI conference in Asia to address the transformative impact of AI on business and society

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortune is proud to announce the inaugural Fortune Brainstorm AI Singapore conference, a must-attend event offering exclusive insights and networking opportunities for senior executives in the Asia Pacific region.

Held at the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore on July 30-31, the conference will gather influential business leaders, policymakers, investors, and startups to explore the artificial intelligence-related issues and forces redefining the business landscape. Curated by Fortunes award-winning journalists, the agenda tackles business-critical topics such as AIs impact on business operations, its rollout in Asian markets, new applications, investment opportunities, and the implications of new regulations.

Notable speakers include Josephine Teo, Singapore's Minister for Digital Develpment and Information; Vivek Luthra, Senior Managing Director and Data and AI Lead, Growth Markets, Accenture; Joon-Seong Lee, Senior Managing Director, Center for Advanced AI, Growth Markets, Accenture; Suthen Thomas Paradatheth, Grab's Chief Technology Officer; Caroline Yap, Managing Director of Google's Global AI Business; Ahmed Mazhari, President of Microsoft Asia, and Ewa Szymanska, Global Head of Rakuten Institute of Technology (RIT) and Executive Officer at Rakuten Group.

"Brainstorm AI is one of our most popular new event franchises, and we're thrilled to bring it to Asia for the first time," said Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Asia, Fortune, and Co-chair of Fortune Brainstorm AI Singapore. "We'll learn from industry experts how AI is transforming the business landscape for Fortune 500 giants and contemplate how life for all of usas consumers, employees, and citizensmay be different in the AI Age."

Accenture is the founding sponsorship partner of Brainstorm AI Singapore and the new global Fortune event series that includes the kickoff event in London (April 2024) and upcoming event in San Francisco (December 2024). PayPal is a sponsoring partner of Fortune Brainstorm AI Singapore 2024.

About Brainstorm AI Singapore:

Brainstorm AI Singapore is a premier event dedicated to exploring AI's profound impacts on business, society, and the global order. Hosted by Fortune magazine, the conference gathers top executives, investors, policymakers, and academics to discuss the latest AI advancements and their implications. To learn more about Brainstorm AI Singapore and to register, please go here.

About Fortune:

Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World's Most Admired Companies. Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum and Brainstorm Tech. For more information, visit fortune.com.

Media Contacts:

Fortune Asia

Ashleigh Nghiem

[email protected]

Agency

Fizah Hatman

[email protected]

Accenture

Garima Misra Punia

[email protected]

SOURCE Fortune Media
MONTREAL, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual Artifacts Inc. (VA), a pioneer in information technology, today introduced the Hibe Digital Framework, a comprehensive solution designed to tackle the pressing challenges facing the global media ecosystem, such as declining advertising revenue, the spread of misinformation, and shrinking public trust in traditional media outlets.

Logo

A newly released white paper titled "Information Media. From Paradigm Shift to a New Digital Framework" explores the roots of the media crisis and presents the Hibe Digital Framework as an innovative approach to bridge the media gap.

Over the past year, VA has refined the Hibe Digital Framework through a robust beta platform (www.hibe.com) that has garnered marked interest from government regulators, media organizations, and content consumers. This platform has been instrumental in testing and validating key features that empower various stakeholders in the digital media landscape by allowing them to:

Publishers: Regain control over content distribution, monetization, and user insights, allowing them to build stronger audience relationships.

Regain control over content distribution, monetization, and user insights, allowing them to build stronger audience relationships. Content Consumers: Take control over their digital identity and privacy, while also having the freedom to choose news sources, freely interact around authentic content, and avoid online harassment.

Take control over their digital identity and privacy, while also having the freedom to choose news sources, freely interact around authentic content, and avoid online harassment. Governments: Develop and enforce adapted laws for copyright protection, data privacy, digital sovereignty, and online safety.

Develop and enforce adapted laws for copyright protection, data privacy, digital sovereignty, and online safety. Tech Innovators: Access media content through a simple, predictable cost model, to support AI learning, search engines, and social sharing while ensuring fairness for content creators.

"In today's digital age, information is a double-edged sword: a powerful tool for learning and informed decision-making, yet also a potential vector of mass manipulation", says Jean Dobey, CEO at VA. "Recognizing this duality, we've crafted the Hibe Digital Framework and its online platform to empower stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, coexist and contribute to a better world."

VA is actively seeking to increase its partnerships with media organizations, governments, and tech innovators to scale the platform and maximize its impact. Download the white paper to learn more and join us in building a more sustainable media ecosystem.

About Virtual Artifacts Inc.

Based in Montreal (Quebec), Virtual Artifacts builds unique and innovative privacy protection, identity management and systems interoperability technologies to tackle the challenges faced by consumers and businesses in today's digital age. VA is guided by the beliefs that technologies should be aligned with people's choices and values, be used to bring communities closer together and make societies more open, while helping businesses grow and compete fairly. In its mission of giving people the power to connect and interact on their own terms, VA provides pioneering technology tools that ensure a right balance between businesses and consumers' interests.

For more information, please visit www.virtualartifacts.com or contact us at [email protected].

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2467650/Virtual_Artifacts_inc__Virtual_Artifacts_Inc__Unveils_Innovative.jpg
WESTERLY, R.I., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Trust ("the Bank") today announced Anthony A. Botelho, Executive Vice President, has been appointed Chief Lending Officer and assumed responsibility for the Bank's Commercial and Industrial Lending, Commercial Real Estate Lending, Business Banking and Cash Management groups.

Anthony A. Botelho, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

Botelho has more than 35 years of banking experience, having joined Washington Trust in 2021 from Freedom National Bank, where he served as President and CEO before that financial institution was acquired. Botelho holds an MBA from Bryant University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at the United Way of Rhode Island, where he also chairs the Governance Committee, and formerly served as President of the Rhode Island Bankers Association and on the Board of Directors at the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. Washington Trust is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-owned holding company which trades onNASDAQ: WASH. For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.washtrust.com or the Corporation's website at ir.washtrust.com.

SOURCE The Washington Trust Company
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is intensifying its campaign to urge Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, unveiling a new social media effort and highlighting medically retired veterans who are currently being denied their full retirement benefits.

Danielle Green, a U.S. Army veteran from Tampa, Fla., who lost her left arm in Iraq, speaks at a press conference in Washington, DC, with other wounded warriors to urge the Senate to pass the Major Richard Star Act.

When Service members retire from the military, they are entitled to both retired pay from the Department of Defense (DoD) and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if they were injured while in service. Unfortunately, only military retirees with at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of at least 50% can collect both benefits at the same time.

For all other retirees, current law requires a dollar-for-dollar offset of these two benefits, meaning roughly 53,000 veterans must forfeit a portion of the benefits they earned in service. The Major Richard Star Act would allow these combat-wounded veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation without a dollar-for-dollar reduction. The bill is currently being considered in the Senate.

Wounded warriors from across the country have agreed to share their stories and images on social media, discussing how the Major Richard Star Act would help them and future veterans. Warriors from Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Texas, Virginia, and other states recently gathered at a press conference in Washington, DC, with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), the chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, to highlight their stories of service and sacrifice.

Mike Owens, a Marine Corps veteran from San Antonio who lost his right arm in Iraq, emphasized the bill's importance: "Injured service members earned this. It's not something they're asking for that they didn't already fight for and sacrifice immensely to earn. They served their time. They couldn't continue their time due to injury. They have absolutely earned this."

In Tampa, Florida, Army veteran Danielle Green, who lost her left arm in Baghdad, advocates tirelessly for her fellow veterans. "This bill would provide crucial financial support to veterans who face significant challenges transitioning to civilian life due to their combat injuries," Green said.

Alex Nicoll, a Marine Corps veteran from Kentucky who lost his left leg in Iraq: "I didn't join the military for the benefits or to get rich. I wanted to be a hero, kick down doors, and take down bad guys. I didn't worry about benefits, but even then, I knew that America had promised to take care of its veterans. Our country has a responsibility not only to guys like me, but the new generation of veterans coming in. We need to show them that if something does happen to them in the line of duty, our country will be there to support them and treat them fairly."

Patrick Nugent was medically retired from the Marine Corps and now lives in New York City: "On July 12, 2017, during a nighttime training mission, a single bullet paralyzed my right leg, abruptly ending my military career. I wanted to be a lifetime Marine. In search of a new path, I refused to give up and found a new career. There are thousands of veterans with stories like mine, and Congress must pass this bill to honor their sacrifices and resilience."

These warriors, and others, will be available throughout the summer to discuss their stories as WWP calls on all Senators to support the inclusion of the Major Richard Star Act in this year's National Defense Authorization Act.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers  helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
Fixed line broadband internet connectivity in Bangladesh has been partially restored in select areas and for certain business sectors after a five-day blackout that has reportedly wreaked havoc on almost every aspect of life in the country.

Bangladeshs internet went dark on Thursday after student protests against a new jobs quota system turned violent. Netblocks reported a partial restoration of broadband connectivity for fixed-line services on Tuesday night. Mobile internet and access to social media sites remained restricted as we went to post.

According to the Daily Star, state minister for Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmad Palak said the restoration will be on a trial basis, with priorities given to the banking, commercial, technology, exports, outsourcing and media sectors.

Speaking during a briefing at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Tuesday, Palak said restoration of internet service to the rest of the country will soon follow, but didnt say if users would be able to access social media. He also said he would address restoration of mobile internet on Wednesday, the report said.

According to AFP, the decision to restore internet services reportedly came after Nahid Islam, leader of Students Against Discrimination, one of the organisers of the demonstrations, announced on Monday that protests would be suspended for 48 hours in hopes of avoiding further bloodshed. At least 173 people have been killed during the violence, and over 2,580 people arrested.

The ministry and the BTRC continue to claim that the five-day blackout was not by order of the government, but was caused by demonstrators attacking data centres in the Dhaka neighbourhood of Mohakhali and vandalising broadband equipment. Anonymous sources at service providers have told media outlets the government ordered them to shut down services.

Officials at the data centre facility in Mohakhali told the Daily Star that the fire broke out in the building of the Department of Disaster Management next to the data centres. While the fire damaged several overhead cables connected to the data centres, the data centres themselves were fine.

Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association, told the newspaper that even if those data centres had been completely destroyed, no more than 25% of internet users would have been affected, as major ISPs dont keep servers there and connection redundancy is designed into the system.

Similarly, any damage to broadband equipment would only affect the immediate service area, not the entire country, he said.

At the time of the data centre fire, the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) said the damage may reduce bandwidth capacity by 30% to 40%, which would result in some users being cut off and others experiencing slow data speeds, the report said.

Meanwhile, various sectors are counting the cost of being offline for five days. The Daily Star reports that telecom operators say they are losing around BDT350 million (US$2.9 million) to BDT400 million in revenue per day due to the mobile internet outage.

Fahim Ahmed, CEO of ride-hailing company Pathao, told the paper that the digital commerce sector  includes e-commerce, logistics and ride-hailing services  is losing US$5 million per day.

A separate Daily Star report said that the Chattogram port was experiencing severe container congestion due to having to process operations manually. Almost 79% of the ports storage capacity was occupied, making unloading and loading of containers difficult and boosting storage costs for importers.

According to a report from AFP, Bangladeshs business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has been losing US$7 million a day since the start of the blackout, and BPO companies are afraid their clients will switch to regional BPO rivals in India, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The internet blackout also brought mobile financial services to a halt, leaving many people with no money, the Star said.
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Bamako, July 24 : At least 26 people were killed late last week in an attack by armed terrorist groups at the village of Dembo in central Mali, according to local officials.

"These innocent people were killed by armed men who spread terror and violence in the fields where villagers were engaged in agricultural activities," a local official who requested anonymity told Xinhua news agency via telephone on Tuesday morning.

"It is yet another massacre that deepens our sorrow and reinforces the feeling that our populations are under constant threat from these armed terrorist groups," he added.

In recent months, attacks on civilians have increased in central Mali.

Armed terrorist groups attacked the villages of Djiguibombo and Sokorokanda on July 1, resulting in 23 deaths, according to the Bandiagara governorate.

Since 2012, Mali has been engulfed in a deep, multifaceted crisis affecting security, politics, and the economy.

Independence insurgencies, jihadist incursions, and intercommunal violence have left thousands of people dead and hundreds of thousands more displaced in the West African country.
Colombo, July 24 : The Sri Lanka Cabinet has approved the implementation of a national social protection policy, the government's Information Department said.

The department said on Tuesday that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, submitted the proposal as reported by Xinhua news agency.

It said that unrelated programs, schemes of proposals, institutions and outputs in the present social protection policy have less efficiency.

The National Policy Ministry has identified the necessity to have a new policy for the country and it has been formulated to provide strategical guidance to develop a properly co-ordinated and coherent social protection policy with the participation of all relevant parties, the department added.
Kiev, July 24 : Ukraine's Parliament has extended martial law in the country until November 9, said Parliament member Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

The prolongation of the restrictive measure was approved by 339 lawmakers in the 450-seat Assembly, Zheleznyak said on Tuesday in a post on Telegram.

The lawmakers also approved a separate Bill on extending the general military mobilisation of the population, which expires on August 11, for another 90 days, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Ukrainian Parliament imposed martial law and declared mobilisation in February 2022 in the wake of the war with Russia.
London, July 24 : The contract for the Bibby Stockholm barge, which has been used by the previous Conservative-led government to house asylum seekers off the coast of Dorset in southwestern England, will not be renewed from the end of January 2025 as part of the Labour government's overhaul of the asylum system.

"The Home Secretary has set out plans to start clearing the asylum backlog and making savings on accommodation which is running up vast bills for the taxpayer," said the Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle on Tuesday.

"We are determined to restore order to the asylum system, so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly; and ensures the rules are properly enforced," she added.

Ending the use of the Bibby Stockholm forms part of the expected 7.7 billion pounds ($9.94 billion) of savings in asylum costs over the next 10 years, the Home Office claimed.

The three-storey barge to house asylum seekers began to be put into use in August 2023, despite opposition from lawmakers and human rights groups. Subsequent tests on the barge confirmed the presence of a deadly strain of legionella bacteria in its water system, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Labour government has vowed to overhaul the asylum system.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the Tory government's controversial Rwanda Scheme of deporting asylum-seekers to Rwanda immediately after he assumed office. He is also working on setting up a new Border Security Command to "smash the gangs" that have been fueling the illegal crossings of the English Channel.
Moscow, July 24 : A Ukrainian drone attack on a ferry ship in Russia's Krasnodar region has left one dead and several injured, said local governor Veniamin Kondratyev.

The ferry ship was in the port of Kavkaz when it was attacked by Ukrainian drones on Tuesday morning, which left several crew members and port employees injured, and one dead, he added as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The attack resulted in a fire, which is currently localised and poses no threat, said the governor, adding that emergency services are working at the site.
The Hague, July 24 : Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has announced the nomination of former Deputy Prime Minister Wopke Hoekstra to continue as a commissioner in the new European Commission.

In a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, the President-elect of the European Commission, Schoof expressed the Dutch government's strong support for Hoekstra's continuation in the role, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Looking ahead at the composition of the new Commission, the Dutch government would like to propose to maintain Wopke Hoekstra as Commissioner for the mandate 2024-2029," he wrote on Tuesday.

Hoekstra succeeded Frans Timmermans as European Commissioner for Climate Action last year after Timmermans returned to the Netherlands to lead the Green-Left-Labour alliance.

Last week, von der Leyen received approval from the European Parliament for a new term and is now in the process of forming the new European Commission.

According to Dutch media reports, it remains unclear which portfolio Hoekstra will receive in the new European Commission, though the Netherlands has shown a strong preference for a financial-economic post.

Hoekstra's experience as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2022 aligns well with this preference. Additionally, he has also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister.

The specific portfolio for Hoekstra will be determined in August.
Nairobi, July 24 : Business in Kenya's capital city of Nairobi came to a standstill as protesters returned to the streets in a month-long defiance to push President William Ruto to carry out reforms.

Blocked roads, tear gas fumes, and burning tyres characterised different parts of the city as police engaged in running battles with protesters, Xinhua news agency reported.

In the city centre, protesters marched along various streets chanting anti-government songs.

Unlike the past protests which turned violent, with some protesters getting killed and others sustaining gunshot injuries, Tuesday's protests saw police restraint themselves.

"Today we have not witnessed any killings because the police chose to maintain peace. This is what we want to happen every time we protest until our grievances are met," said Hanifa Farsafi, an activist.

The protesters had threatened to march to Kenya's main entry point, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the outskirts of the central business district.

The government deployed a heavy contingent of police officers, backed by the military, to man the establishment, ensuring that it was not breached.

The airport is Kenya's main international gateway, located nearly 15 km from Nairobi's city centre. It is the busiest airport in the Eastern African region and a key hub for travellers connecting to other parts of Africa, Europe, Asia, and America.

Besides fortifying security on the ground, the Kenyan government also intensified aerial surveillance to keep protestors at bay, as they had threatened to shut down the airport.

The security threat saw various airlines issue travel advisories to their customers to avoid inconvenience.

Kenya Airways, the East African nation's national carrier, informed travellers to arrive at the facility four hours earlier before their scheduled flights due to anticipated disruption.

"Customers are advised to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled flight departure time. Customers are also encouraged to plan extra time to avoid potential delays en route to the airport," Kenya Airways said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

However, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned protesters against trespassing in protected areas such as the JKIA.

"Protected areas are out of bounds. They include LPG plants and petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi aviation depot that is JKIA. All unauthorised persons are hereby warned not to trespass on the protected areas," he said, adding that any person who breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Kanja noted that the country had witnessed unprecedented loss and a disturbing state of disorder due to the street demonstrations.

"The magnitude of the loss that the country has suffered is evident in the lives that have been lost, the people (both civilians and police officers) that have been injured, property including police vehicles and businesses that have been destroyed, and people that have lost their livelihoods," he said.

While there were attempts by protesters to march to the airport, they were thwarted by police officers.

Protests were also witnessed on the outskirts of Nairobi, including in Githurai on the west and Kitengela in the south, but security officers curbed them.

Outside Nairobi, protests were recorded in Karatina, central Kenya, Migori, and Kisii in the western part of the country as other places remained peaceful.

President Ruto had on July 20 vowed that he would not allow protests to happen in Kenya again due to the security threat.

"I want to promise it is going to stop. Enough is enough. We will protect life, we will protect property, we will stop the looters, we will stop the killers, we will stop the mayhem, we will stop anarchy because Kenya is a democracy," Ruto said.

Ruto has conceded to a number of the protesters' demands, including dismissing his entire cabinet and dropping the controversial new taxes that triggered the crisis.

However, the defiance continues.

More than 50 people have been killed, and 400 others injured since the protests began on June 18, according to the State-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
AI is being touted as the most transformative technology since personal computers and the internet. The technology also shows promise to transform lives on the African continent which has struggled with multiple challenges that developed markets have made a distant memory.

The GSMA recently announced in its latest AI for Africa: Use Cases Delivering Impact report that emerging AI applications could grow the African economy by US$2.9 trillion by 2030 - equivalent to growing GDP of the continent by 3%.

At present, Africa only represents 2.5% of the US$16.5 trillion global AI market, showing plenty of space to grow and potentially lift millions of people out of poverty.

The industry body found that there are 90 use cases tapping into the technology that could drive socio-economic and climate impact. The majority of these use cases relate to agriculture (49%), energy (26%) and climate action (24%).

Developed markets are scrambling to utilise Gen AI to deliver growth. Meanwhile in Africa, 98% of use cases are leveraging Predictive AI, a part of the AI branch that uses historical data to spot patterns and forecast future events.

For agriculture specifically, Predictive AI can be used to detect anomalies such as weather patterns, optimise crop yield, and predict food supply and demand.

There has been an increasing availability of data generated from remote sensing technologies, such as on-the-ground sensors, drones with high-resolution cameras, and satellites - all enabling the development of use cases on the continent.

Just the beginning

But Africas AI journey is still in the early stages said Max Giacomelli, GSMA Head of Mobile for Development. Speaking to Developing Telecoms, Giacomelli highlighted many unique challenges the continent must overcome to tap into the hyped technology and change African economies for the better.

A key hurdle to the development of AI in Africa is the lack of infrastructure such as supercomputers and data centres.

It's behind in terms of the availability of hardware and computing, even though a lot of people are investing and building plans around that. There are two supercomputers in Africa - one in Morocco and one in South Africa, said Giacomelli.

I hate to compare with India because it's very different as Africa has 54 markets, but in terms of size of population and size of GDP they are rather comparable. In India, there were 18 supercomputers in mid-2023 with nine more being built.

Vodafone Group CTO Scott Petty recently revealed the operator will be partnering with hyperscalers such as Microsoft and leveraging their infrastructure and software to deliver use cases that bring value to customers.

This partnership model can prove attractive to governments and companies that do not have the cash to invest in the necessary technologies, or possess the talent required to build effective AI models.

Petty also highlighted how latency was key to making AI use cases viable, and this can only be achieved with the local infrastructure in place.

Giacomelli agreed, and warned that relying on infrastructure located outside of the African continent could hinder the development of AI.

The importance of building local data centres cannot be underestimated, because if you rely on data centres based outside of your country, or even worse on another continent, it means that everything will be slower, warned Giacomelli.

We know latency is particularly important otherwise everything is going to be less efficient and more expensive. There might be also issues in terms of governance and so on, so its important to build local data centres - we're seeing a lot of that happening, not just in key markets such as Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. Senegal is building data centres and I do feel local authorities have understood the need for them.

An age-old problem in Africa is energy availability, which has blighted the African continent with constant blackouts bringing local infrastructure to a standstill. Adding energy intensive supercomputers and data centres to the mix poses a problem that must be tackled.

Energy is going to be a problem because without reliable energy you won't be able to run those advanced AI applications, but they can work the other way around - AI can help you model consumption needs for better efficiency, noted Giacomelli.

The increased burden on the power sector, driven by the energy demands of AI infrastructure, calls for national strategies and roadmaps that account for the energy demands of the infrastructure underlying AI; ideally those should be green approaches.

Another key challenge is the availability of smartphones on the continent. According to analyst house Canalys, smartphone shipments in Africa grew 6% year-on-year to 68.7 million units in 2023. Shipments surged 24% year-on-year in Q1 2024, to 18.2 million units. Canalys predicted 4G smartphone penetration in Africa will reach 75% of the population in 2025.

The GSMA stated in its own forecast that smartphone penetration will reach 88% by 2030; in 2022 just over half of Africans (51%) had a smartphone. Smartphones drive digital transformation and socioeconomic advancements, and for AI it creates new opportunities in AI-developed services.

Giacomelli noted that smartphones are vital because they can help take some load off massive infrastructures such as data centres, by way of edge computing.

Instead of having AI applications run by supercomputers and GPUs centrally a lot of computing is happening on the device. But the issue there is the requirement for higher end smartphones with the right chipsets. But then you're hitting a new hurdle in Africa, there are more smartphone users today but this base might not have devices that have the ability to provide this kind of additional power, said Giacomelli.

Despite the massive challenges that lie ahead for the African AI market, Giacomelli called for trust in African talent to innovate, using AI to potentially grow the continents GDP by almost US$3 trillion.

He highlighted a startup based in Nigeria called Crop2Cash as an example of a successful use case of AI in Africa. Crop2Cash specilaises in bringing small scale farmers into the digital world through solutions that enable them to sell crops and be paid more efficiently. Most vital of all, its platform builds a credit profile for farmers, enabling them to take out loans for equipment to boost productivity. The startup is lowering the barriers to its platform by using AI to enable farmers with no smartphone and low literacy to tap into their services more easily.

You have to trust Africans to seek solutions around these issues, said Giacomelli. AI applications will help with food security and build more sustainable income for farmers small entrepreneurs. I see AI as a great tool that will strengthen areas such as agriculture and energy that have been developing for quite a few years.

I'm personally very excited that Africa will leverage this technology in its own way, not just to create purely commercial solutions, but commercially sustainable solutions that have a strong social economic impact, concluded Giacomelli.
Ramallah, July 24 : The Israeli military and police have killed seven Palestinians in two clashes in the West Bank, said Palestinian sources.

Four men, including Palestinian militants affiliated with Hamas and the Fatah movement, were killed in an Israeli drone attack in the Tulkarm camp in the northern West Bank, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua news agency on Tuesday.

The sources accused the Israeli military of seizing bodies and barred Palestinian medics from taking them and the injured to hospitals, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, a hospital in Tulkarm received the body of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli gunfire and at least three injuries.

The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the army and police raided the Tulkarm area overnight in a "counterterrorism operation," exchanging fire with armed Palestinian militants and having dismantled "numerous explosives" that had been planted underneath the roads.

The statement said Ashraf Nafa, head of the Hamas branch in Tulkarm, was killed in the raid for masterminding and carrying out several attacks against Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, as well as recruiting new operatives into the faction.

Israeli state-owned Kan TV news said during the raid, the Israeli army targeted a group of armed men by drone.

In a separate clash, two young men were killed by Israeli army gunfire in the southern West Bank town of Sa'ir, the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a press statement.

The West Bank has witnessed escalating tension and armed confrontations in various cities, villages and camps since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on October 7, which, according to Palestinian sources, resulted in the killing of more than 500 Palestinians.
New Delhi, July 24 : Opposition INDIA bloc MPs will stage a protest in Parliament on Wednesday against the Union Budget.

The bloc has termed the Union Budget as "discriminatory" against the opposition-ruled states.

The decision to protest was taken at a meeting of the bloc on Tuesday after the Budget was tabled by the Union Finance Minister.

The meeting was attended by leaders of the bloc allies leaders, including the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress' deputy leaders in both houses Pramod Tiwari and Gaurav Gogoi, NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, TMC's Derek O'Brien and Kalyan Banerjee, DMK's T.R. Baalu, JMM's Mahua Maji, AAP's Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh, and CPI(M)'s John Brittas. Congress general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh were also present.

As part of the protest, Congress Chief Ministers will also boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also has said that he would not attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting.

"This government's attitude is completely antithetical to Constitutional principles. We will not participate if it is solely designed to hide the discriminatory colours of this regime," Venugopal alleged.

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Budget for 2024-25, marking her seventh consecutive budget presentation and surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record. This budget is the first under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term in office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later posted on social media: "The '#BudgetForViksitBharat' ensures inclusive growth, benefiting every segment of society and paving the way for a developed India."
Patna, July 24 : With the Opposition deciding to corner the Nitish-led NDA government on the special status issue, the third day of the Monsoon Session of the Bihar Assembly is likely to be stormy.

Apart from the special status issue, the opposition members will also target the government on bridge collapses, and the law and order situations among others.

The opposition INDIA bloc leaders protested in the Assembly on Tuesday, accusing the Central government of neglecting the state. The protests led to the House proceedings being adjourned twice.

On Wednesday, the proceedings of the Assembly will begin at 11 a.m. with the question hour. As per the business advisory list, questions related to various departments, such as the Rural Works Department, Rural Development Department, Panchayati Raj Department, Water Resources Department, Minor Water Resources Department, Road Construction Department, Building Construction Department, and Labor Resources Department, will be addressed. Ministers or ministers-in-charge of the respective departments will provide answers.

Following the question hour, members will raise immediate issues during the Zero Hour, and the government will provide detailed answers during the attention-seeking segment.

In the second half, the government plans to introduce three bills in the Assembly. The most discussed bill aims to prevent question paper leaks, proposing penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to one crore.

Additionally, the Bihar Lift and Escalator Bill and the Bihar Mall and Service Tax Amendment Bill 2024 will be introduced.

On Tuesday, the government successfully passed three important bills -- the Bihar State University Service Commission Amendment Bill 2024, the Bihar Nagar Palika Amendment Bill 2024, and the Bihar School Examination Committee Amendment Bill 2024.

Attention will also be on whether Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, will participate in the proceedings, as he has been absent for the first two days of the session.
New Delhi, July 24 : UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy landed in New Delhi on Wednesday for his first official visit since he assumed office.

The dignitary's visit is believed to be a significant event in light of impending discussions pertaining to the strategic partnership between India and the UK.

Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, took to X and announced: "The visit will strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and will make the 'living bridge' between (India) & (UK)."

Talks on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be the highlight of Lammy's flying visit to New Delhi.

Lammy will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday evening. He is also expected to hold discussions with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and NSA Ajit Doval besides calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This will be the first high-profile visit from London after the formation of the Labour Party government under the leadership of British PM Keir Starmer.

The 51-year-old Labour Party politician had spoken to EAM Jaishankar after assuming office earlier this month, hailing deep connections and "unique friendship" between people, business, and culture of India and the UK.

Lammy is scheduled to depart on Thursday morning as the key ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting kicks off in Laos, which will also be attended by Jaishankar.

David Lammy had previously visited India this February as Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Srinagar, July 24 : The soldier injured in an encounter with the terrorists on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

Officials identified the soldier as Dilawar Singh of 28 Rashtriya Rifles. He was injured in the gunfight with the terrorists in the Kowut Trumkhan forests of the district.

One terrorist has been killed in this ongoing gunfight so far although the body is yet to be recovered.

Security forces had started a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) in Kowut, Trumkhan forests of Kupwara district on Tuesday evening after getting information about the presence of terrorists there.

Officials said as the security forces closed on the hiding terrorists, they fired triggering the encounter.

Army's Srinagar-headquartered Chinar Corps posted on X, "OP KOWUT-Kupwara Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on days leading upto 23 July 24."

"On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing fire fight one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO injured. Operation is in progress," the Army further said in the post.

Security forces have launched aggressive operations against the terrorists after a group of foreign mercenaries carried out ambushes against the Army in the densely forested areas of the Jammu division.

To eradicate terrorism from these otherwise peaceful areas, over 4,000 Army personnel drawn from elite Commando forces and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed in the Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda and Kathua districts of Jammu division.
New Delhi, July 24 : The Union Budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi 3.0 contains some big bang tax reforms and the government is sticking to its path of simplifying and streamlining the entire tax regime, experts said on Wednesday.

Allaying the fears of investors on long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, they said the whole idea of the government is to simplify the capital gains framework.

There are multiple holding periods and tax rates which are there in the current LTCG framework that have been reduced and streamlined, so now, it's very simple.

"There are only two holding periods which you have to look out for -- 12 months for listed securities and 24 months for non-listed securities, including real estate. So even debt instruments which had a holding period of 36 months have been reduced to 24 months," Harsh Bhuta, Partner, Bhuta Shah and Co, told IANS.

For listed securities, the LTCG tax rate has increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent which is a marginal hike.

"For assets which are not listed in the markets, which include immovable property, the tax rate has been reduced from 20 per cent with indexation to 12.5 per cent without indexation," explained Bhutan.

According to him, this may not have a significant impact because the "idea of the government is not to complicate things with the taxation. So, if you have purchased a property in the 1970s, you can take the fair market value of the property as of 2001. You will not get indexation from 2001 till 2024 so this is the only thing you are losing on."

It means if you bought a property before 2001, you can still use the property valuation from April 2001 to calculate the indexed price.

The tax rates on these gains will be lower at 12.5 per cent instead of 20 per cent.

The LTCG tax rate is now lower and around 95 per cent of sellers will not be negatively affected.

Ridhima Bhatia, DGM of Taxmann, told IANS that there will now be only two classifications for holding periods in LTCG tax -- 12 months for listed securities and 24 months for unlisted securities.

"The Budget removed indexation for LTCG and also reduced the tax rate from 20 per cent to 12.5 per cent," she said.
Kathmandu, July 24 : Four people were killed after a plane with 19 people on board crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.

Four bodies have been recovered.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Firefighters and security personnel, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, are carrying out the rescue operation.

Plane's Captain Manish Shakya was rescued from the wreckage and taken to KMC Hospital, Sinamangal for treatment, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported.

Further details are awaited.
Seoul, July 24 : The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) of South Korea on Wednesday urged the newly elected ruling party leader to show his commitment to the public by endorsing a controversial bill mandating a special counsel probe into the military's response to a Marine's death last year.

"Leader Han (Dong-hoon) said he will stand with the public at a press briefing after he was elected," DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said during a Supreme Council meeting, stressing that the public "overwhelmingly wants to pass the special counsel probe bill."

He called on Han, elected leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Tuesday, to choose to vote in favor of the bill as the party's official stance, Yonhap news agency reported.

The DP has been seeking to pass a bill that calls for a special counsel to look into allegations that the presidential office and the defence ministry inappropriately interfered in the Marines' investigation into Cpl. Chae, who was killed during a search mission for victims of heavy downpours in July 2023.

Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, Han reaffirmed his position on the bill "remains unchanged."

"We are a party that respects the democratic process, and we will explain (our stance) through such democratic process of our party," he said.

Declaring his bid for the PPP chief last month, Han said he will push for a new bill that calls for a special counsel chosen by a "third party" to investigate the case to ensure more fairness.

The DP-led bill had initially passed through the previous National Assembly but was scrapped in a revote after President Yoon Suk Yeol vetoed it. The DP proposed a similar bill after the new National Assembly came into office in late May.
New Delhi, July 24 : The proposal to remove indexation benefit in the long-term capital gain calculation in the Union Budget 2024-25 will ultimately be beneficial to investors, the Centre has said New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) The proposal to remove indexation benefit in the long-term capital gain calculation in the Union Budget 2024-25 will ultimately be beneficial to investors, the Centre has said

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamanas proposal sparks debate, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra during a media interaction explained how it is beneficial to investors.

Malhotra said, "If a person had purchased a property for Rs 20 lakh in 2005 and that property is sold for Rs 2 crore today and if indexation is included, then the capital gain on it would be around Rs 1.40 crore. If a 20 per cent long-term capital gains tax is imposed on this, the tax would be around Rs 28 lakh. As per the new proposal, the total capital gain on this transaction will be around Rs 1.80 crore. Now long-term capital gains tax is imposed at 12.5 per cent, and a total tax of Rs 22.5 lakh will have to be paid."

He further said that the government has removed indexation, and long-term capital gain on the property has been reduced from 20 per cent to 12.5 per cent. Most people will benefit from this, he said.

The government has given big relief in personal income tax in the Budget that was presented in Parliament on Tuesday. The tax has been reduced to 10 per cent on income of up to Rs 10 lakh. The standard deduction has been increased to Rs 75,000, which was earlier Rs 50,000.
Hyderabad, July 24 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has come forward to provide financial assistance for a tribal girl, who was herding goats due to financial problems despite securing a seat in IIT, Patna.

Badavath Madhulatha from Rajanna Sircilla district had scored 824th rank in this yearas JEE under the scheduled tribe (ST) category and had also secured a seat in IIT, Patna.

However, due to financial constraints, the family could not arrange Rs 2.5 lakh towards fees and other expenses to help her pursue a B. Tech in engineering physics.

Madhulatha, the daughter of agricultural labourers, could pay only Rs 17,500 last month to confirm her admission. However, the poor family had no means to arrange another Rs 2.51 lakh towards tuition fees and other expenses.

She was forced to graze goats in her village to support the family as her father was unwell.

The faculty of Tribal Welfare Junior College, where she had passed 12th class, had appealed to the authorities to help the girl as she had to pay the fee by July 27.

The state government took note of the tribal girlas plight and issued orders for financial assistance to help her continue her education.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy congratulated Madhulatha for securing a seat in the prestigious institution despite facing financial difficulties. He posted on aXa on Wednesday that the tribal welfare department has released the amount required to continue her education.

The Chief Minister wished that she continues to excel academically and bring laurels to Telangana.

As per the orders issued by the Commissioner, Tribal Welfare, the student sought financial assistance of Rs 2,51,831. The state government waived Rs 1 lakh tuition fee and released Rs 1,51,831 towards academic fees, hostel fees, gymkhana, transport, mess fees, laptop and other charges.
On last Thursday the National Assembly of Popular Power approved the Public Transparency and Information Access Law, which, according to independent analysts "does not comply with the most minimum international and regional standards" and evidences how the regime "rejects any influence or proposal aimed at the promotion of and respect for human rights."

According to the government portal Cubadebate, the law facilitates, for the first time, compliance by State bodies with their obligations and by other subjects responsible for providing public information, and supports the guarantees for citizens set down in the Constitution.

When presenting the bill to the representatives gathered at the Convention Palace, the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), Eduardo Martinez Diaz, quoted General Raul Castro back in 2010: "it is necessary to place on the table all the information and arguments on which each decision is based and, incidentally, to avoid the excessive secrecy to which we have become accustomed after more than 50 years of being besieged by the enemy."

Since 2010, the paucity of information disclosed has not changed much, and official data continues to be characterized by its opacity.

"A State will always have to observe a logical secrecy in some matters, this being something that no one questions, but not regarding the issues that define the political and economic course of the nation. It is vital to explain, justify and convince the people of the fairness, necessity and urgency of a measure, no matter how harsh it may seem," said Martinez Diaz, quoting Castro.

Martinez Diaz said that these ideas inspired the drafting process of the bill, conducted by CITMA, closely followed by Miguel Diaz-Canel and which, according to the minister, involved a broad specialized consultation mechanism and participation by institutions and experts from all over the country. She added that 307 opinions were collected on the bill, with 196 of them being fully or partially accepted.

Former Cuban judge Edel Gonzalez Jimenez, a lawyer for DIARIO DE CUBA, recently warned that dissidents, activists and independent journalists may be denied access to information, something tacitly provided for in the bill.

"Article 4, paragraph j), which refers to the principles upon which the law is based, intentionally omits discrimination for reasons of thought, conscience, ideology and/or politics, one of the most pernicious discrimination practices in Cuba," said Gonzalez Jimenez.

According to Gonzalez, the law "has a serious problem in that it does not provide for the creation of an autonomous body to guarantee and supervise access to public information."

This function is assigned to the CITMA (Article 6 of the bill). Gonzalez Jimenez pointed out that the entity "does not enjoy autonomy, since it is part of the public administration and is subordinate to the Executive branch, without criteria for debate."

Among the final provisions of the law approved on Thursday, the Minister of the CITMA is empowered to "within 60 days after its entry into force, prepare the procedures for its implementation."

"All people have the right to access and view public information, when it is not transparent, which includes the right to receive and disclose it, as long as it is not included among the exceptions stipulated in this law," states Article 13.

Among the exceptions it establishes to the right to access public information, the law includes "classified or limited information and those circumstances, facts or characteristics that, if disclosed, would do damage to, endanger, or violate national sovereignty, defense or security, personal data, a judicial or administrative proceeding in progress, intellectual property rights, the confidentiality of commercial data, or the environment."

"Applicants are responsible for their use of the information they access (...) Doing so improperly may give rise to administrative, civil or criminal liability, in accordance with current legislation," it adds in its Article 14.

In Cuba, where a person can be convicted of a crime such as "enemy propaganda" and where freedom of expression is restricted by norms such as Decree-Law 370, known as the Ley Azote (Punishment Law), a warning such as the one contained in the bill can only be calculated to establish "undue and unjustified restrictions on the use of information that has been declared and recognized as public by the State itself" and to encourage people, out of fear, to censor themselves, argued the Regional Alliance for Freedom of Expression and Association, which in 2023 stated that the bill published at the time did not comply with international standards on the matter, along with the +Voces collective and the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH).

In November of last year, the Cuban Legislative Observatory stated that the criminalization of the independent media prevented real access to transparent information and that the Social Communication Law, approved six months prior, impeded the exercise of that right on the island. This bill will enter into force 180 working days after its publication in the Official Gazette, after being postponed twice.
Kathmandu, July 24 : Eighteen people were killed after a plane crashed during take-off at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Of the 19 on board the plane, 18 bodies have been recovered, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said.

Plane's Captain Manish Shakya was rescued and rushed to hospital, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported.

Eyewitnesses said shortly after take-off, the plane plunged to the ground and exploded in a ball of fire.

Firefighters, Nepal Police, and Nepali Army are conducting the rescue operation.

Details are awaited.
New Delhi, July 24 : Manchester United are actively exploring potential right-back signing with Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui being considered to bolster the club's defense, says a report.

United have already secured the signing of 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro from Lille. However, they remain open to further defensive acquisitions during the transfer window.

According to ESPN report, Mazraoui, a 26-year-old Morocco international, is among the candidates being considered to bolster United's defense.

The report further claimed that Bayern Munich are reportedly open to letting Mazraoui leave the Allianz Arena, provided their valuation is met.

Alongside Mazraoui, United have previously shown interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, as they look to add depth and quality to their squad.

Interest also persists in Bayern Munich's center-back Matthijs de Ligt, although the German club demands a fee exceeding A42 million for the Dutch international, it added.
New Delhi, July 24 : India has been ranked at 82nd spot on a global passport index, allowing Indians visa-free entry to 58 countries, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

According to the latest ranking by the UK-based Henley Passport Index, India's passport now ranks at an improved 82nd spot. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom allowed by those countries' ordinary passports for their citizens.

Singapore was ranked the leader on the passport index, reclaiming its title as the world's most powerful passport in the latest ranking.

"The city-state also sets a new record score, with its citizens now enjoying access to 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain drop to joint-2nd place, each with visa-free access to 192 destinations," according to the Index.

An unprecedented seven-nation cohort, each with access to 191 destinations without a prior visa -- Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden -- now sit in 3rd place on the ranking.

The UK was in fourth place along with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland, despite its visa-free destination score falling to 190.

"The US, on the other hand, continues its now decade-long slide down the index, dropping down to 8th spot, with access to just 186 destinations visa-free," said the Index.

According to IATA, airlines will connect nearly 5 billion people over 22,000 routes on 39 million flights in 2024, and the air cargo transported will reach 62 million tonnes, facilitating an $8.3 trillion in trade.

"Our industry expects to record revenues of almost $1 trillion this year. Expenses, however, will also be at a record high of $936 billion. Net profit will be $30.5 billion," said IATA Director General, Willie Walsh.

The UAE made it into the Top 10 for the first time, having added an impressive 152 destinations since the index's inception in 2006 to achieve its current visa-free score of 185.
Mumbai, July 24 : The Grevin Museum in the French capital has honoured Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan with its set of customised gold coins.

The Grevin Museum at Paris is a wax museum located on the Grands Boulevards on the right bank of the Seine river.

A paparazzi shared the update on Instagram with a photo of the coin featuring SRK's likeness. This makes SRK the first Bollywood actor to have gold coins in his name at the museum.

Meanwhile, SRK has been earlier immortalised in wax statues in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Thailand, India, Singapore and Australia.

Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK bailed out the struggling Hindi film industry in 2023 with his consecutive blockbusters like aPathaana, and aJawana. While in aPathaana he played the role of the titular spy, he played a cop who doubles up as a vigilante in aJawana.

aJawana marked the Hindi debuts of director Atlee and superstar Nayanthara. The film grossed Rs 1,100 crore worldwide as per the industry tracker Sacnilk.

The megastar is currently busy with the upcoming film aKinga in which he will be sharing the screen with his daughter Suhana who made her debut with the streaming movie aThe Archiesa. SRK also made an exit from Farhan Akhtaras aDona franchise, and passed the baton to Ranveer Singh for the titular role.
Seoul, July 24 : Hospitals with more than 300 beds will be required to establish at least one room for patients near death to stay and prepare for the end of their life with dignity, the South Korean Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Under the enforcement regulation of the Medical Act, major general and care hospitals with more than 300 beds must set up at least one separate room in which patients close to dying stay with their family members and friends, and spend their last moments of life more peacefully, according to the ministry.

It stated that the new regulation will take effect in August, and existing institutions will have a one-year grace period.

"More than three out of every four people have their inevitable hour at medical institutions, and such a space would help them die with dignity. The government will continue consultations with regional governments and hospitals regarding the issue," ministry official Kim Guk-il said.

According to data from Statistics Korea, 75.4 per cent of South Koreans died at hospitals or medical institutions last year. But most inpatient rooms are multi-person ones, making dignified dying difficult.

The government will provide health insurance coverage to individuals using the facility to reduce their financial burdens, the ministry stated.
Bengaluru, July 24 : Jailed Kannada superstar Darshan's wife, Vijayalaxmi, met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday at his residence here.

Speaking to reporters later, Shivakumar clarified that the meeting was not about Darshan's case and he would not interfere in the police matter.

"Darshan's family had come to meet me at an event, and I had asked them to come to my residence. Their 15-year-old child was studying at my school, but they had shifted him to some other school. Now, they want the child to again study in the school I run. So they contacted the school management, but it seems the management did not agree to readmit him. She has asked me to provide a seat for her child. I asked her to meet the Principal," he explained.

"She (Darshan's wife Vijayalaxmi) did not speak to me about the case. If any woman asks for help citing injustice, generally we will do what we can. I have told her that we will not interfere with the police. The matter is in court, and Darshan is in judicial custody," Shivakumar stated.

"We should not interfere with matters handled by the police. It is not good. If anyone faces injustice, there is the law. The issue can be addressed within the framework of the law," he said.

"The youths, who are fans of Darshan, demanded that I give time to his family and did not allow me to deliver my speech yesterday. Then I stated that justice should be given to her. They are youths from my constituency; had to listen to them?" he stated.

"I don't want to intervene with the police in this matter. If I can help the child, I will do it," he said.

When asked whether actor Darshan is facing injustice, he said, "The media is carrying many stories. We can't come to conclusions based on media reports. I am not the Home Minister. I don't want to intervene in that matter."

When asked whether he would consider helping if Darshan's wife specifically asked in the future, he said, "We can't intervene with the police investigation. How can I refuse to meet her when she asks for an appointment? I am happy that she is concerned about her child's education," he stated.
Bhubaneswar, July 24 : Odisha Assembly continues to witness repeated adjournments on Wednesday again following a ruckus on the third day of the budget session.

The opposition BJD staged a walkout over the state government's inaction in the case related to the alleged assault on an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) by Governor Raghubar Das's son.

The Congress members also disrupted the house over the neglect of Odisha in the Union Budget presented in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Speaker Surama Padhy first adjourned the Assembly for about an hour following the pandemonium in the house. But when the House reassembled again at 11.30 pm, the disruption continued so Padhy adjourned the house till 12 pm again.

The all-party meeting called by the Speaker to discuss with the ruling and opposition members to end the impasse also did not yield any result. So, the house was later adjourned till 4 pm by the Speaker as the ruckus continued to rock the House.

The BJD also announced that the party will boycott the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on Governor's Address. However, it will take part in the proceedings of the House later in the day for the election of the Deputy Speaker.

Speaking to media persons, BJD leader Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said that the state government seems disinterested in running the house by ending the impasse.

"The government is not calling a meeting of the business advisory committee to resolve the impasse in the house. This shows that the government is neither interested in running the House nor in addressing the issue related to the Governor so we staged a walkout," the BJD leader said.

He further stated that the party will carry out the constitutional duty by participating in the election of the Deputy Speaker scheduled to be held this afternoon.

The opposition Congress also protested in the assembly on Wednesday alleging that Odisha was neglected in the Union Budget. The party also targeted the ruling party raising the Union government's stand on the Polavaram dam project in Andhra Pradesh which will affect large parts of the Malkangiri district of the state.
Colombo, July 24 : Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved a new Bill that will provide for investigation into fixed assets of 1,600 government institutions, a state minister said on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the media that the assets of all government institutions in Sri Lanka are ready to be investigated and put under proper management under the State Assets Management Bill, Xinhua news agency reported.

Siyambalapitiya said there are more than 1,600 government-owned institutions and their assets are not properly managed.

There are about 91,000 vehicles in those institutions. The government is ready to pay more attention to the fixed assets, manage them properly, and provide more effective service to the people, the minister said.

The Bill was presented before the Cabinet by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also holds the Finance portfolio.
Hyderabad, July 24 : A Congress MLA in Telangana, who is also a surgeon, performed emergency caesarean sections on two pregnant women in flood-hit Bhadradri Kothagudem District.

Tellam Venkatarao, who represents Bhadrachalam (ST) constituency, conducted emergency surgeries at the government-run hospital at Bhadrachalam on Tuesday.

The legislator, a qualified surgeon, came forward to do his duty when he was approached by hospital authorities as two women had gone into labour and no doctor was available to attend to them.

As heavy rains and floods had made it impossible for authorities to shift the women to medical facilities in other towns, the hospital authorities contacted the Congress MLA.

Normal life in the district has come to a halt for the last few days due to rains and floods in Godavari River, which has been in spate at Bhadrachalam.

The road link was also snapped to several villages in the district.

Anticipating problems due to the flood situation, the two pregnant women were shifted to Bhadrachalam hospital from two different villages in the district a few days ago.

They began having labour pains on Tuesday.

As four of the five surgeons were transferred from the hospital and the fifth was not available, the hospital authorities had to approach the MLA, who was busy in flood relief works in his constituency.

Venkatrao, who has worked as a civil surgeon, rushed to the hospital and successfully performed caesarean sections on both the women.

While one woman identified as Bhimanaboina Swapna delivered a baby boy, Pilli Pushpaleela welcomed a girl child. Both the women and their family members thanked the MLA for coming to their rescue in an emergency.

Venkatrao said he would always be available to serve the people of the agency areas.

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha on Wednesday thanked the MLA for coming to perform the surgeries.

Venkatrao obtained Master of Surgery (MS) in 2011 and had worked at Bhadrachalam hospital for a few years.

He was elected to the Assembly on a BRS ticket in the elections held in November 2023. He was the only BRS MLA from united Khammam District. However, in April 2024, he joined the ruling Congress party.
Patna, July 24 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday sparked a fresh controversy when he made a disparaging comment on a woman MLA amid aggressive protests by the opposition members in the Assembly.

His outburst came as the opposition legislators were protesting on the issues of reservation and the special status of Bihar, and were not letting him speak. A visibly upset CM then bust out at RJD's Rekha Devi, saying, aYou are a woman, you do not know anything."

Soon pandemonium broke out and the opposition legislators, particularly those from the RJD, Congress, and Left parties raised slogans, like "Nitish Kumar Hai Hai".

Earlier, as the House assembled at 11 a.m., the opposition members started protesting in the House, demanding the state's amended reservation laws be put in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, to safeguard it from legal challenges.

CM Nitish Kumar attempted to address the issue, but could not as the opposition continued to protest aggressively.

He urged the opposition to sit and listen to the government's stance, suggesting that the opposition would appreciate the efforts of the government if they understood the reasoning behind them.

The opposition leaders continued to chant slogans, specifically targeting him, saying, "Chief Minister Hai Hai". In response, the CM said, "You are saying Hai Hai to me, then Hai Hai to you too."

This remark elicited laughter from the Assembly members. Despite the brief moment of humour, the opposition remained resolute and moved to the well of the House and continued their protest, demanding special state status and the reinstatement of the 65 per cent reservation policy.

Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav expressed his displeasure over the aggressive protests by the opposition members. He even ordered the removal of Congress MLA Munna Tiwari, which resulted in a physical altercation between the marshal and the MLA. The marshal, acting on the Speaker's instructions, then forcibly removed a poster from Munna Tiwari's hand.

As a result of the aggressive protests, Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav adjourned the House until 2 p.m.

Following these events, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Chaudhary criticized the opposition, stating that their disruption over the reservation issue was baseless.

Vijay Chaudhary addressed the ongoing protests by the opposition in the Assembly, stating that the government has taken steps to challenge the Patna High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. He emphasized the government's commitment to defending its reservation policy and presenting a strong case in the higher court. However, he criticized the opposition for causing unnecessary disruptions within the Assembly, implying that their protests were not constructive.
Srinagar/New Delhi, July 24 : Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, said on Wednesday that terrorists in J&K will either land in jail or be sent to hell.

While replying to a supplementary question asked by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari in the Rajya Sabha, Nityanand Rai said that the terrorists in J&K will either land in jail or be sent to 'Jahanum' (Hell) while asserting that the government led by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has a zero tolerance towards terrorists.

The minister said that the terror activities seen recently in J&K would soon end.

"They will not succeed in their design. In the past few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in J&K. Some security personnel have also lost their lives, which is very unfortunate," he said.

Rai said the security forces have killed about 900 terrorists in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The minister also said that between 2004 and 2014 when the UPA was ruling at the Centre, there were 7,217 incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, which came down to 2,259 after the BJP was voted to power.

In 2019, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

"2,829 citizens and security personnel lost their lives between 2004 and 2014. This number has come down by 67 per cent since 2014. There is also a reduction of 69 per cent in terror incidents. People in Jammu and Kashmir are now living in a peaceful environment and there is a full guarantee of security," the minister asserted in his reply.

Earlier, the minister said that after the abrogation of article 370, tourism had boomed in J&K and during the first six months of the current year, over one crore tourists visited the union territory.
New Delhi, July 24 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday mulled the formation of an expert panel to find a solution to the grievances of protesting farmers.

During the hearing of a plea moved by the Haryana government against the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordering the removal of barricades at the Shambhu border, a bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, told the government to take some steps to reach out to the farmers and suggested sending a neutral umpire.

Observing that there exists a trust deficit between the stakeholders and adjourning the hearing for next week, the top court asked the Centre and state governments of Haryana and Punjab to suggest individuals who can be included in the expert panel. In the meantime, it ordered the state governments to maintain a status quo at the site of protests.

On July 10, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed to "at least" open the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana within a week. In its order, a division bench of Justices G.S. Sandhawalia and Vikas Bahl asked the Punjab as well as Haryana government to ensure that the highway is restored to its original glory and open to one and all for the convenience of the public.

"The State of Punjab shall also ensure that the demonstrators gathered in their territory are also duly controlled as and when the situation so requires," ordered the high court, asking all the Kisan Unions to maintain law and order. It noted that the diversion which has been made to avoid the blockage was causing great inconvenience to the general public.

The decision came on a public interest litigation (PIL) against the barricading amid increasing concerns over the disruption of traffic and its impact on daily commuters and the transportation of goods. The interstate border was sealed to prevent protesting farmers from entering Haryana.
Ahmedabad, July 24 : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay on Wednesday said their visit will further strengthen the friendship ties between Bhutan and Bharat, as they wrapped up the three-day visit to Gujarat where they also visited the Adani Group-operated world's largest Renewable Energy (RE) site at Khavda and Mundra Port.

The delegation also visited the GIFT City, an upcoming global financial and IT services hub, near Gandhinagar.

"We are inspired by what has been achieved in such a short time in this Smart City. Our visit here will further strengthen strong ties of friendship between Bhutan and Bharat. On behalf of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, I would like to thank the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, for the wonderful arrangements," Tobgay told the media.

The Bhutanese delegation also visited the Statue of Unity which was like a "pilgrimage" for them.

The Bhutanese PM also called for a partnership between India and Bhutan for the development of the aMindfulness City', planned at Gelephu town in southern Bhutan near the border with India.

The state government said the visiting delegation was impressed after seeing "world-class infrastructure and other high-tech systems such as the district cooling system and utility tunnel".

On Tuesday, Wangchuck and Tobgay visited the world's largest Renewable Energy (RE) site at Khavda which is operated by the Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the country's largest and one of the world's leading RE companies. Later, they also visited the mega port at Mundra, the largest commercial port in India with state-of-the-art infrastructure run by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) -- the biggest commercial ports operator in India accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, said he was "immensely grateful" for their visit to Adani's 30 GW Renewable Energy site at Khavda and Mundra Port. Last month, the Adani Group announced the signing of an agreement with Bhutan for a 570 MW green hydro plant, along with collaboration on several transformative infrastructure initiatives in the neighbouring country. The announcement was made following Gautam Adani's meeting with the Bhutanese PM in Thimphu.

India and Bhutan continue to intensify bilateral cooperation, including development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance.

--IANS

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Tokyo, July 24 : The population of Japanese nationals fell by 861,000, or 0.70 per cent, in 2023 from a year earlier to 121,561,801, dropping for the 15th year in a row and marking the steepest decline since the survey began in 1968, government data showed on Wednesday.

As of January 1, 2024, Japan's population, including foreign residents, stood at 124,885,175, down by roughly 532,000, or 0.42 per cent, according to the demographics survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Xinhua news agency reported.

The foreign population in the country rose by 329,535, or 11.01 per cent, to 3,323,374 in the reporting year, as the end of the country's Covid-linked border control measures in April 2023 facilitated the return of international students and technical interns.

While foreign residents increased in all of the country's 47 prefectures, surpassing 3 million for the first time, only Tokyo saw a slight increase in its Japanese population, rising by 3,933, or 0.03 per cent, due to the high influx of people to the capital.

The overall population, including foreign residents, grew year-on-year in the three prefectures of Tokyo, Chiba, and Okinawa, while it declined in the 44 other prefectures.

A record low of 730,000 births in Japan, significantly exceeded by a record high 1.58 million deaths, contributed largely to the population decline, according to the Ministry.
Jerusalem, July 24 : Israel's military said on Wednesday that its fighter jets shot down two drones that approached Israel from the east overnight.

In a statement, the military said the drones were intercepted before crossing into Israeli airspace.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it launched the drones at "a vital target" near Eilat, an Israeli resort city on the Red Sea shore, Xinhua news agency reported.

The group said the attack was conducted "in solidarity with the people of Gaza" and vowed to continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds".

Since the Israel-Palestine conflict began on October 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has launched multiple attacks on Israeli targets and US bases in the region.
New Delhi, July 24 : Stressing that India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday said they have shared interests on topics like green transition, new technologies, economic security, and global security.

During a visit to the global technology company HCLTechas headquarters in Noida, Lammy met the companyas Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra and visited one of the innovation labs on the campus.

"I am travelling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home," said Lammy, who was accompanied by Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, and Harjinder Kang, the British Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India.

Lammy said that India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. "Our Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth -- from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security," he mentioned.

Malhotra said HCLTech takes immense pride in being a digital transformation enabler for the UKas businesses and the economy at large.

"We are confident that the visit will further strengthen the economic collaboration between the two nations," she added.

According to Cameron, "our tech partnership is boosting the efficiency of UK services and businesses while delivering mutual benefits across the two countries".

HCLTech started its business operations in the UK in 1998 and has established a robust presence in the country with its advanced innovation labs. The company ranks among the top 10 software and IT services companies in the UK, employing more than 3,300 professionals.
New Delhi, July 24 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to Delhi Police on the bail plea filed by 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.

Agreeing to examine the matter, a bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpaliya asked the Delhi Police to file its reply to Khalid's bail plea.

On Monday, Justice Amit Sharma recused himself from hearing Khalid's plea. After this, a bench presided over by Justice Prathiba M. Singh directed the matter to be listed before a different combination on July 24.

A Delhi court on May 28 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 the Delhi High Court also rejected his appeal.

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, who has been in custody since September 2020, has been booked under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA and several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The matter will be heard next on August 29.
Beijing, July 23 : Ukraine is ready to hold talks with Russia to end their conflict and achieve a "just and lasting peace", Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as per Chinese officials.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning shared details on the agenda of the top Ukrainian diplomat's visit to China  the first since the start of the conflict in February 2022  as well as his discussions with Wang, RT reported.

Mao said that the ongoing Moscow-Kiev conflict was high on the agenda, and Kuleba said that "Ukraine is ready and willing to engage in dialogue and negotiations with Russia."

"Of course, the negotiations should be rational and substantive, aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace," he added, as quoted by Mao.

Mao said Wang had warned that there was a "risk of escalation and spillover" of the conflict, adding that "China believes that the resolution of all conflicts must eventually return to the negotiation table". "Recently, both Ukraine and Russia have sent signals of willingness to negotiate to varying degrees," the Chinese Minister said.

Kuleba's trip to China comes after Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said earlier this week told visiting Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, that he wanted to end the conflict "as soon as possible" and signalled readiness to engage with Russia. His stand was in contrast to his 2022 presidential decree, ruling out all talks with the current leadership in Moscow and then, his peace formula which the Russian leadership has dismissed as "delusional".

In June, Ukraine attended the 'peace summit' in Switzerland, which focused on several points of Zelensky's formula. However, Moscow was not invited, and Beijing also kept away from the event, arguing that Russia needed to be part of the process. Several participants also later withdrew their signatures from the final document.
Kolkata, July 24 : A motion moved by the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal Assembly demanding scrapping of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and restoration of the previous system of individual state governments conducting such examinations, was passed in the House on Wednesday.

With this, West Bengal became the second state after Tamil Nadu to pass a motion demanding scrapping of NEET.

The development came in the wake of the recent NEET paper leaks that took place in the country.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the same demand.

Now, after passing the motion in the House, the Treasury Bench officially recorded its reservations about NEET.

According to West Bengal Education Minister, Bratya Basu, his party has always been against NEET with its all-India nature.

He said that his party had been resisting the move since it was against the federal structure of the country.

However, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly pointed out that the ruling party in a state whose leaders were neck-deep in the cash-for-school job case were not raising questions and moving on the issue.
Patna, July 24 : The Bihar government passed the Anti-Paper Leak Bill 2024 in the Assembly on Wednesday which has stringent penalties for exam-related offences.

Offenders can now face up to 10 years in jail and fines up to 1 crore. The new law applies to all exams in the state.

Individuals caught taking exams for someone else will face three to five years in jail and a fine of 10 lakhs.

If an institution is involved in exam irregularities, it will bear the cost of the examination, and its property may be confiscated.

The Bill's passage saw significant opposition as the opposition leaders caused a ruckus and walked out of the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Chaudhary accused the opposition of defending offenders, emphasising that the government is serious about tackling paper leaks.

"The new law is stricter than the previous one which was enacted in 1981. The previous law only imposed a six-month sentence for such offences," he said.
Mumbai, July 24 : Bollywood superstar Actor Akshay Kumar, who can be seen in the recently released theatrical film 'Sarfira', has spoken up on the criticism of him churning out movies one after the other.

The actor has been questioned time and again for doing four films a year and his passion for work has often been misunderstood as a greedy motive to make money.

During a conversation with Mamaearth founder Gazhal Alagh, Akshay said: "I have been told why I do four films a year, and that I should do only one film. If I just do one film, what should I do on other days?"

"Many people tell others they work too much, lucky are those people who get work. In this day and age, so many people don't get work, they are unemployed, but at least let the ones who are getting work, work."

The superstar also shared that he has been professionally cheated by a few producers.

"I detach from a person if someone cheats me. I go quiet and take a side path. I have been cheated professionally, a couple of producers have not paid me, that is cheating only," the actor said.
Panaji, July 24 : Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed the House on Wednesday that 222 tourists have been fined for drinking on three popular beaches of North Goa in the last 15 months.

Khaunte was replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira during the Question Hour of the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly.

According to Khaunte, 222 tourists were fined for drinking on three popular beaches -- Calangute, Baga, and Tito's Beach.

Each lawbreaker was imposed a fine of Rs 2,000, and Rs 4.44 lakh were collected through it, the Minister said.

To a question on whether the government has any plans to prevent excessive drinking on the state's beaches at night, especially on New Year's Eve, Khaunte said a proposal for the deployment of additional IRB personnel is under consideration.

"This would help keep a check on the illegalities on the beaches round the year," Khaunte said.

Khaunte also informed the House that in the past year, around 331 touts were booked across Goa.

"Action against touts is being taken. We have fined 316 touts in North Goa and 15 in South Goa in the last one year," Khaunte said, adding that the fines range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000.

"The Tourism Department has been putting its best efforts to stop touts and hawkers from harassing the tourists," the Minister said.

Locals from North Goa frequently complain about touts and the harassment they cause to the tourists.
Goma, July 24 : At least 35 people were killed overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday by rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu, a province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), local sources told Xinhua news agency.

The attack took place in the village of Ombele of the Lubero territory, according to the sources, who said the toll might go up as many civilians were taken hostage or missing.

The search for victims in burned-down houses has been ongoing since Wednesday morning, the sources said.

The ADF was founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda. Defeated by the Ugandan army, ADF rebels remain active in the eastern DRC, where the DRC and Ugandan military have since late 2021 been conducting joint operations to track down the group, now affiliated with the Islamic State.
New Delhi, July 24 : The Banaras Lit Fest has called for nominations for the First BLF Book Awards 2025, an initiative which aims to celebrate and recognise literary excellence in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and translation across Hindi, English, and other Indian languages.

To be judged by juries comprising literary figures, critics, and scholars, the winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 51000 in each category along with a trophy and promotional support.

Different awards for excellence in Hindi have been announced, including Kabir Award for Poetry, Premchand Award for Fiction, Mahadevi Verma Award for Translation, and Rahul Sankrityayan Award for Non-Fiction.

The English category will consist of Sarojini Naidu Award for Poetry, Ruskin Bond Award for Fiction, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Award for Non-Fiction, and Rabindranath Tagore Award for Translation.

Besides these, the Banaras Lit Fest Kalidas Award for Scheduled Indian Language amounting to Rs 51,000, and Bhartendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award of Rs 1 Lakh have also been announced.

Submissions for the BLF Book Awards 2025 will be accepted in both Hindi and English, for which books published between January 2023 and December 2024 are eligible.

The submission dates are from August 1 to December 31.

The shortlisted books will be announced in January 2025, while the final winners will be declared in February 2025 at the Banaras Lit Fest.

Not just publishers, authors can also send individual entries of their works.

Deepak Madhok, President of Banaras Lit Fest, said, "Recognising and strengthening languages is one of the key aims of the BLF Book Awards. We hope to identify and celebrate authors with exceptional bodies of work, enabling readers across India to experience the best of Indian literature. By showcasing these literary gems, we strive to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of our nation."

Brijesh Singh, Secretary, Banaras Lit Fest, added, "Inviting self-nominations is an excellent idea. It makes the award process democratic, transparent, and inclusive. By allowing authors to submit their own work, we ensure that all voices have an equal opportunity to be heard and celebrated."
Bengaluru, July 24 : Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka on Wednesday said that the party members will hold an overnight dharna in both Houses regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case, which allegedly involves the family of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"We will hold an overnight dharna in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. We will not allow injustice to Dalits. The site given to the CM's family must be taken back," the LoP said.

He said that around 5,000 sites have been distributed arbitrarily by the officers in the MUDA land case, which must be taken back.

The decision to hold a dharna was announced following BJP members staging a protest in the well of the Assembly. After being refused to raise the issue in the House by Speaker U.T.M Khader, the BJP members demanded a probe by the CBI in the case.

Following the commotion, the House was adjourned for 10 minutes due to the ruckus.

"The overnight dharna will start from today," the LoP said.
Ankara, July 24 : The Turkish police on Wednesday detained 10 suspects across Turkey over their alleged links to a network accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016.

The chief public prosecutor's office of western Izmir province issued a detention warrant for 15 suspects who were allegedly members of the Gulen Movement, which the Turkish government accuses of attempting a coup on July 15, 2016.

The police carried out raids in five provinces, and 10 suspects were detained in simultaneous operations, Xinhua news agency reported. The suspects were military school students who were discharged after the coup attempt, according to the statement.

The evidence included communications through fixed-line contact with payphones, said the prosecutor's office.

The Turkish government has long accused the Gulen Movement of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, which resulted in at least 250 deaths. Following the coup, Ankara launched a widespread crackdown targeting individuals suspected of having ties to the Gulen movement.
New Delhi, July 24 : Union Minister for Petroleum and Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday came down heavily on the Congress for levelling 'plagiarism' charges on the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

He also lashed out at the grand old party for indulging in 'fakery' and leaving behind a 'legacy of laggardness and backwardness', that is still being 'cleaned up' after seven decades of Independence.

The Union Minister said this while responding to Congress' claims that the employment schemes proposed in the Union Budget 2024-25 was copied from employment-linked incentive programme, as proposed in its poll manifesto.

"Some Congress members latched on phrase 'employment-linked incentive', claiming that it has been borrowed from party's Nyay Patra. They must know that its proposal was a vaguely worded statement of employment linked incentives for corporates to avail tax credits against additional employment," the Union Minister said on X.

However, the NDA government's proposal is carefully carved and driven by delivery, he added.

Notably, top Congress leadership including former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, soon after Budget presentation, claimed that the employee-linked incentive scheme was inspired from party's poll manifesto (Nyay Patra) and that it was not a progressive but 'sarkar bachaao' Budget.

To buttress his claims, the Union Minister also cited example of Congress' popular 'Garibi Hatao' slogans and said the real poverty alleviation was taking place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

"The Congress can only claim credit for creating and perpetuating the problems we are now trying to solve, i.e. keeping our citizens poor and without access to basic employment and skills for over 65 years," the Union Minister said in a pointed jibe.

Shedding light on the nitty-gritty of employment schemes in Budget 2024-25, Hardeep Puri said: "The NDA government has proposed an extensive incentive framework funded a government outlay and linked to enrollment and continued contribution to the EPFO, from first-time employees (Scheme 1) to the labour-intensive manufacturing industry (Scheme 2) to additional employment in all sectors (Scheme 3).

"Just the scope of Scheme 3 alone dwarfs what the Congress had proposed in its so-called Nyay Patra. More pertinently, these three schemes are backed by a comprehensive skilling programme where 20 lakh youth will be provided outcome-oriented skill training over five years, in alignment with industry needs. Over 4.1 crore jobs will be generated over the next 5 years & Rs 2 lakh crore will be spent on employment, education & skilling," he further pointed out.

Further, drawing a comparison between Congress' 'dispirited' and NDA's 'delivery driven' approach, he said that the Congress is known for the trifecta of corruption, dynastic politics, and failing to deliver on its promises while the BJP-led government maintains an enviable track record of delivery, as demonstrated in the slew of welfare delivery schemes.
Kochi, July 24 : The Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed, for a week, the release of the Justice K. Hema Committee Report on women's working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.

The report, which, according to some, is a "ticking time bomb" was all set to be made public at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, but a petition was filed against its release by film producer Sajimon Parayil in the High Court, claiming its release would badly affect the money-spinning Malayalam film industry.

The Pinarayi Vijayan government, in 2017, appointed retired judge, Justice Hema, to study the problems of women in the industry after the 'Women in Cinema Collective' approached the Chief Minister seeking the study.

Justice Hema submitted her report two years later after the state government spent Rs 1.50 crore on the committee, but the state government, for some undisclosed reasons, decided not to publish the report.

Following this, despite repeated questions submitted through the Right to Information route, there were no answers on the fate of the report. However, a group of journalists continued to persevere for the publication of the report and were finally able to prevail upon the State Information Commission, which directed the disclosure of the report after deleting certain portions. It was fixed to be released on Wednesday at 4 p.m. when the fresh petition surfaced.

Hearing the arguments on Wednesday, the High Court decided that it would hear the petition in more detail and issued an interim stay for a week.
New Delhi, July 24 : A delegation of twelve farm leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Parliament complex on Wednesday and shared their concerns over the need for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for crops.

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha assured them that a legal guarantee for MSP was their right.

Later, speaking to the press, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress and the INDIA bloc allies will raise the issue of MSP in the Parliament, and also put pressure on the government on the same.

"We have mentioned in our manifesto about a legal guarantee for MSP, which can be implemented without any hassles," he told mediapersons.

"During the meeting, we decided that we will discuss the matter with the INDIA bloc partners and then start putting pressure on the government to frame a law on MSP," he said.

Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the farm leaders was also attended by senior Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal, former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, Raja Brar, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jai Prakash.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the farmer leaders were not allowed entry to the Parliament complex. It was only after he walked out of the House that the farmers were let in.

The farmer leaders said that Rahul Gandhi has also expressed solidarity with them against the 'atrocities' of the Haryana government.

Notably, farm bodies Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha recently announced to launch a fresh stir to push for a legalisation on MSP guarantee.

As part of the protest, they will take out a 'long march' to support the Opposition's private Bills. They will also take out a tractor rally on August 15.

At a recent press conference, the leaders of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) said that the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march will complete 200 days on August 31, as they appealed to the people to reach Khanauri, Shambhu, etc., on the Punjab and Haryana border on that day.
Hyderabad, July 24 : Telangana Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, on Wednesday said he was ready to sit on a fast-unto-death in Delhi to demand Central funds for the state if Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President and former Chief Minister, KC Rao (KCR) joins him in the protest.

Accepting the challenge thrown by BRS leaders KT Rama Rao and Harish Rao in the Assembly during the debate on the discrimination meted out to Telangana by the Centre in the Union Budget, CM Revanth Reddy announced that he was ready for a fast-unto-death with KCR.

"Let KCR, as Leader of Opposition, come forward. I, as the leader of the House, am ready to sit on a fast-unto-death dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Let us get the funds or sacrifice our lives," he said and dared BRS leaders to finalise the date for the fast.

The House witnessed heated debate on the resolution moved by the Congress government over the discrimination by the Centre.

Earlier, CM Revanth Reddy and Rama Rao had a sharp exchange of words over the continued absence of KCR in the Assembly.

The Chief Minister questioned KCR's absence even during the debate on the discrimination meted out to Telangana by the Centre in the Union Budget, triggering a war of words.

CM Revanth Reddy sought to know as to why KCR, who claims to have vast experience, failed to attend the session when the members were discussing the crucial issue to protect the interests of Telangana.

He remarked that KCR might be scared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would see him attending the session.

Rama Rao, who is KCR's son, responded by saying that BRS MLAs would be sufficient to reply to the ruling party members.

He also said that the state government must inform the Opposition well in advance on the subjects to be discussed in the House.

"We have not come here in the management quota or by telling the names of father or grandfather. We rose to this level with hard work and commitment," said the Chief Minister and alleged that the BRS leaders made dark deals in New Delhi and as a result the Centre did grave injustice to Telangana in the Union Budget.

KTR took exception to the Chief Minister's remark that he had become a minister in 'management quota'.

"We can also say that you became CM in payment quota," said the BRS leader.

The BRS leader also asked if Revanth Reddy was referring to Rahul Gandhi when he mentioned 'father's quota'.

He asserted that whether ruling or in Opposition, BRS always speaks for Telangana.

"We will give full support to the government on the issue of the state's interests," he said and added that there was no need for BRS to seal dark deals or merge with any other party.

Revanth Reddy said that KCR had made a statement that he "does not require any funds from the Centre but PM Modi's affection is enough." He said that the people were witnesses of KCR's comments.

He recalled that the BRS staged a walk out in the Lok Sabha when the Opposition moved a 'no confidence motion' against the Modi government in Parliament in 2018.

"Isn't it true, that BRS Rajya Sabha member, Santosh flew on a special flight and participated in voting in support of the RTI Amendment Act introduced by the Modi government in 2019," he asked.

The Chief Minister said KCR welcomed the Modi government's demonetisation policy and his government's stance was also announced in the Assembly and KCR extolled the Modi government for bringing such a policy.

"Is it not BRS that supported BJP in the election of President and Vice President? The BRS leadership is boasting that the party fought against the Modi government. The fact is that BRS supported BJP's every decision which included the Triple Talaq Bill, election of Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the farm laws," Revanth Reddy said.

CM Revanth Reddy said that the previous BRS government was responsible for the present economic crisis in Telangana as the BRS government kept bills in every department pending before the party lost power in the Assembly election.

"People gave their verdict after witnessing the BRS' failures. It is not good on part of BRS to make cheap comments with arrogance. Why have the BRS leaders not changed even after the party drew a blank in Lok Sabha elections. My appeal to the BRS leaders is to change their mindset and come forward to help the state develop," the CM said.

KTR said that in the united Andhra Pradesh Assembly, the use of the word Telangana was prohibited and now it has been banned in Lok Sabha.

He said that Telangana became a prohibited word in Lok Sabha because of the absence of BRS.

"People are now concerned that 8+8 have brought a big zero situation," he remarked while targeting both Congress and the BJP.

On Revanth Reddy's remark of KCR's friendship with PM Modi, KTR recalled that it was CM Revanth Reddy who had called him 'bade bhai'.

KTR claimed that despite lack of cooperation from the Centre, the BRS achieved a lot in 10 years.
New Delhi, July 24 : The government on Wednesday informed that more than 18.56 lakh candidates have signed-up on the 'FutureSkills PRIME Portal' and out of which, over 3.37 lakh have completed their course.

'FutureSkills PRIME' is a programme by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for re-skilling and upskilling of IT manpower for employability in 10 emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In a reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, said that the government considers the next decade as 'India Techade'.

Under the scheme of Centers of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence implemented by MeitY in partnership with Nasscom, startups are supported for developing AI-based tools and applications that are of use for manufacturing companies.

Several such solutions have been deployed by companies in the manufacturing sector.

The 'Stanford AI Index 2024' highlights that India tops global AI skill penetration rates and AI talent concentration.

India's AI skill penetration is rated at 2.8, surpassing the US (2.2) and Germany (1.9).

Additionally, India's AI talent concentration has seen significant growth, with a 263 per cent increase from 2016 onwards.

"AI may result in automating some routine jobs but will also result in job creation in various data science, data curation, etc. This will require reskilling and upskilling," said the minister.

In addition, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), MeitY in collaboration with its partners, has implemented 'YUVAi: Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI' programme for school students with the objective of enabling them with AI tech and social skills.
Chandigarh, July 24 : The Haryana government is taking a significant step to enhance road safety across the state by extending the CCTV-based City Surveillance System to all 19 remaining districts, Chief Secretary T.V.S.N. Prasad said on Wednesday.

Currently, the system is operational in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Karnal.

Presiding over the seventh meeting of the Fund Management Committee established under the Haryana Road Safety Fund Rules, 2018, Prasad said Rs 19 crore has been approved for the purchase of equipment, including cameras, servers, and software, as well as for installation and maintenance in the districts.

The government has also allocated funds for road safety initiatives. The Secondary Education Department will receive Rs 1.06 crore to promote road safety awareness among students through poster-making competitions and teacher training.

The Transport Department has been allotted Rs 30 lakh for the procurement of e-challan machines.

The Chief Secretary said District Road Safety Committees will be allocated Rs 11.46 crore to ensure effective implementation of road safety measures.

These funds will support various critical safety measures, including the installation of infrastructure such as signboards and cat-eyes, comprehensive awareness campaigns in schools and communities, and improvements to emergency response systems.
Tokyo, July 24 : The local government of Japan's Tokyo metropolitan area was not informed of at least three cases of sexual crime committed by individuals associated with the US military between 2021 and 2023, Japanese daily Mainichi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

The revelation came after the Mainichi Shimbun queried Tokyo's metropolitan police department and government.

The three cases were each exposed in 2021, 2022 and 2023, with one individual in each case accused of sexual intercourse without consent or other charges. The suspects were individuals connected with the US military, which could include service members and civilian employees of US forces and their families, the report said, citing police sources.

Meanwhile, the central government did not inform the Tokyo Metropolitan Government of the three sex crimes between 2021 and 2023, it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Normally, if the Defence Ministry notifies the metropolitan government of cases where associates of US forces are accused of crimes, the metropolitan government will announce on its website that it has requested the US military and other parties concerned to prevent a recurrence, the report said.

Between 2021 and 2023, the metropolitan government made such announcements on five cases, but they were property damage caused by drunken driving and other incidents, and did not include sex crimes, it added.

In June, it came to light that Okinawa Prefectural Police had not announced the arrests of US military personnel over sexual assault cases that occurred in Okinawa prefecture in December 2023 and May 2024, and that the Japanese government, which was aware of those cases, had not shared the information with the Okinawa Prefectural Government.

In the wake of the revelation of these sex crimes involving US military personnel, the Japanese government earlier this month reviewed information-sharing arrangements with local governments, vowing to notify municipalities any crimes allegedly committed by US military members "without exception."
Addis Ababa, July 24 : United Nations officials, experts and decision-makers attending an ongoing high-level meeting on sustainable development have called for urgent reforms to the international financial system to boost efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

This came during the first preparatory committee meeting for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which is held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, on July 22-26.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the meeting in a video message, highlighted the persistent challenges developing nations face and the imperative for ambitious global financial reforms, Xinhua news agency reported.

The UN chief said the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held in Spain next year, provides a unique opportunity to tackle these challenges head on.

"Together, we can deliver not only a financial system, but a world that is more just, equitable and sustainable," said Guterres.

Calling on world leaders to adopt ambitious reforms to deliver affordable long-term financing at scale and deliver the SDG stimulus, Guterres said the upcoming conference is an opportunity to reform an international financial system that is "outdated, dysfunctional and unfair."

He called for "maximum political will" to act and rescue the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the meeting the "disheartening reality" that only 17 percent of SDGs targets are on track, pointing to severe financial constraints facing developing countries.

"Many developing countries cannot invest in their future as they struggle to meet their immediate needs - paying salaries and meeting debt service," Mohammed said. "The economic outlook for developing countries remains bleak. While the global economy has been described as resilient, there is a soft landing in the North but there is a crash landing in the South."

She highlighted that the need for reform was evident in 2015, and the shocks since 2020 underline the urgency of delivering on commitments and creating an international financial architecture that can overcome global financial divisions.

"If we are to rescue the SDGs, we need much greater urgency, and much higher ambition," Mohammed stressed, outlining six key areas for action -- tackling the debt and development crisis, enhancing access to long-term, affordable financing, closing gaps in the global financial safety net, establishing a fair and effective international tax system, harnessing international capital markets, and responding to calls for global economic governance reform.

Ethiopia's Finance Minister Ahmed Shide called on all stakeholders to exert concerted efforts in undertaking a comprehensive reform of the global financing system.

The preparatory committee meeting starts the process culminating with the FfD4 in Spain in June-July 2025. More preparatory committee sessions are scheduled to be held in New York in December and Mexico City in February next year.
New Delhi, July 24 : Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Wednesday assured Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of the Central government's support on projects related to the power sector and urban development schemes.

"Had a fruitful discussion on various issues related to Assam's power sector and housing development projects. Noted the progress of smart metering and loss reduction works under RDSS in Assam and appreciated the state's efforts," the Union Minister said after the meeting.

Sarma took up the issue of the smart distribution project for the city of Guwahati and also sought consideration of the state's request of the state on the pending issue of the Re-structured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP).

The Union Minister assured him of all the support and cooperation, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.

Sarma also discussed the issue of Central grants for setting up the School of Planning and Architecture in Assam.

He also sought the release of funds under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme to provide basic civic amenities to urban areas.

The Assam Chief Minister also mentioned the AMRUT schemes for 100 per cent saturation in 43 Urban Local Bodies as well as Sewage Treatment Plants in three AMRUT cities.
New Delhi, July 24 : In a bid to promote skilling, the Union Budget 2024-25 has launched a comprehensive scheme for providing internship and apprentice opportunities to 1 crore youth in five years in the top 500 companies.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, announced that the internship scheme, under the Prime Ministeras package, will provide opportunities to one crore youths over the next five years, and each intern will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000.

It will provide 12 months of real-life business exposure, while participating companies can cover training costs and 10 per cent of the internship costs from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

"This scheme bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, empowering young individuals with practical experience and financial support," said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) on Wednesday.

"It aligns with broader goals of improving employability, stimulating economic growth, and promoting sustainable development," he added.

The Finance Minister also proposed the creation of employment for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, and Rs 2 lakh crore has been allocated towards it.

In addition, 1,000 industrial training institutes (ITIs) will be upgraded.

Several experts have hailed the initiatives noting that it underscores the government's commitment to nurturing India's workforce and will help create a more skilled and job-ready workforce.

"The internship programme for Indian students in the top 500 companies, providing tax input for their CSR funds, is a welcome step for industry-academia participation," said Prof. (Dr.) Sanjiv Marwah, Director, Maharaja Agrasen Business School.

"We look forward to the comprehensive internship scheme designed to provide opportunities for one crore youth in 500 top companies over the next five years," Prabhakar Azad, Chief People and Process Officer, Ashwin Sheth Group.

He added that the "initiative is poised to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience, creating a more skilled and job-ready workforce. Such a workforce is crucial for sectors like real estate, where practical skills and experience are highly valued".

Meanwhile, the government also plans to incentivise 30 lakh youth entering the job market by offering a one-month PF contribution.

"This initiative is a welcome move, and will ease the transition from education to employment, supplemented by the internship allowance of Rs 5,000 per month and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000," Azad said.
Gadchiroli : , July 24 (IANS) Ahead of the "Naxal (Maoist) Week" from July 28, a wanted ultra surrendered before the security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, officials said on Wednesday.

Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), July 24 (IANS) Ahead of the "Naxal (Maoist) Week" from July 28, a wanted ultra surrendered before the security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, officials said on Wednesday.

He has been identified as Lachchu Kariya Tado, 45, a party member of the Bhamragad Dalam, and carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh for his capture.

Active in the Maoist movement since 2012, Tado started as a Jan Militia member and provided support to the extremists by way of supplying rations, ferrying or concealing their arms and ammunition, conducting recce prior to attacks and keeping tabs on the movements of police and security forces in the region, identifying potential informers and recruits, etc.

Two years ago (2022) he was elevated as a party member with the Bhamragad Dalam and then was involved in a major arson incident in which 19 big and small vehicles were torched in Irapnar village where a road infrastructure project was being implemented. He was also involved in planting explosives near the Nelgunda village in 2023.

Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said that with this a total of 22 dreaded Maoists have laid down arms before the police from 2022 till date, and appealed afresh to the ultras to give up violence and join the national mainstream.

The development came barely days before the Naxal Week starting from Sunday in which the Maoist groups intensify their subversive activities against the security forces and the local people in the region, the officials said.
Washington, July 24 : Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the post of US President, has a 19 percentage point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump in favourability ratings among Indian Americans, according to internal polling by the Harris campaign.

The findings were released on Wednesday in a memo from Harris campaign chair Jen Q'Malley Dillon on the overall state of the presidential race at this juncture.

It included polls on a whole range of issues. The outcome on Indian Americans was part of the polling among Asian Americans, which also include those of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino descent.

The poll was released internally on July 10, 11 days before President Joe Biden ended his campaign under pressure from Democrats and endorsed Harris to take the top spot on the ticket. She is not the de facto nominee of the party.

The poll measured the favourability ratings of Biden, Trump, Harris, and Nikki Haley, the former US Ambassador to the UN who is also of Indian descent like Harris, among Asian Americans.

A combined total of 54 per cent Indian Americans said they have a "very favourable" to "somewhat favourable" impression of Vice President Harris, which was 19 percentage points more than Trump's 35 per cent.

She also beat Haley by 21 percentage points but came a shade behind her boss, Biden, who at 55 per cent surpassed her by a solitary percentage point.

The head-to-head match between Biden and Trump showed a remarkable decline in support for the former among the community.

Only 46 per cent of them said they would vote for President Biden if elections were held at the time of the survey, while 29 per cent said they would vote for Trump. As many as 20 per cent either refused to answer, or were not decided yet.

That is a precipitous fall from 2020, when 72 per cent of Indian Americans surveyed by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think-tank, said they will vote for Biden in a pre-poll survey, while 22 per cent said they will go with Trump.

This fall is likely a reflection of the general lack of enthusiasm for a second term for Biden even though he is liked and seen favourably.

The Harris campaign internal poll showed that 55 per cent of Indian Americans said they planned to vote for Democratic candidates in the US Senate race and 52 per cent for Democratic candidates running for the House of Representatives.

The Republican party has made some headway in the community with 29 per cent of them planning to vote for Republicans running for the Senate, and 31 per cent for Republicans in the race for the House.

The population of Indian Americans in the US is between 4.16 million and 4.4 million, accounting for roughly 1.4 per cent of the US population of more than 333 million.

Only 2.62 million Indian Americans are US citizens of which 1.9 million are registered voters, which is 0.82 per cent registered voters in all of the country. These numbers may seem to make the community look inconsequential numerically, but that is not accurate.

Virginia, a once solidly Republican state, is now reliably Democratic because of its sizable population of Indian Americans and others of foreign descent living and working along the state's northern region abutting Washington.

The community says it plays a critical role in the swing states that decide presidential elections by hair-thin majorities -- Biden won Wisconsin by 0.63 per cent vote margin last time.

O'Malley Dillon said in the memo that the 2024 race between Harris and Trump will be "tight".

And in tight races, every vote counts.
Nairobi, July 24 : Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday directed the country's justice system to release all protesters who were wrongfully arrested during the month-long anti-government protests across the country.

The president also ordered that all charges against the Gen-Z protesters who had been demanding accountability in his government be dropped.

"I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have innocently caught up on the wrong side of things and those not implicated in crime be released and charges against them withdrawn," Ruto told a news conference in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

He said the release of the protesters will enable the agencies to focus their resources, efforts and time on investigating and prosecuting serious criminal elements who took advantage of peaceful demonstrations to advance a dangerous agenda.

"It is important that these suspects are brought to book, and that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," the president said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ruto stressed that it is imperative that the nation operates within the confines of the law and innocent protesters should not remain apprehended. He also criticised police officers' use of vicious force against protesters, calling for an immediate investigation into those responsible for the witnessed killings.

"All breaches and violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process, with a view to giving Kenyans a police service that upholds the highest standards of integrity," he said.

The police have been accused of killing more than 50 people during the month-long demonstrations, with rights groups accusing officers of using excessive force on unarmed Gen-Z protesters who had been demanding accountability in government, saying there is a lot of opulence and wastage in government spending.

Ruto said police were under firm instructions to expedite investigations into the killings and bring those responsible to book, adding that it's the responsibility of security agencies to protect the lives of Kenyans and their property.

The president also said that he will amend the evidence and witness protection acts to accelerate efforts to combat corruption.

"I will be proposing amendments to the evidence act and the criminal procedure code, among other necessary legislative amendments, to all statutes relating to corruption to expedite investigations and prosecution of corruption cases and provide for their conclusion within six months," Ruto said.

He said that measures will also be taken to provide an open and transparent public procurement platform which gives open, real-time and end-to-end public visibility of public procurement, from advertisement to award of contract.

Also on Wednesday, journalists marched across the country to protest a surge of violence against the media.

"We demand immediate action on accountability for illegal shootings, beatings, abductions and harassment of journalists in the last few weeks and the prosecution of rogue police officers including the one who shot our journalist in Nakuru," said Seth Olale, a Nairobi journalist, referring to K24 reporter Catherine Wanjeri.

Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu said they want action taken against police officers who have injured journalists.
New Delhi, July 24 : UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as both countries continue to unlock the full potential of their growing partnership in diverse fields.

"A pleasure to meet UK FS David Lammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM Keir Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

Visiting India in his very first month as Foreign Secretary, Lammy called India as the "emerging superpower of the 21st century", the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

"An honour to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UK and India share a unique living bridge that enriches both our countries. We are working together to accelerate climate action while creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses," he wrote in his reply to PM Modi's post on the social media platform Wednesday evening.

Lammy also called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as both held bilateral discussion on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

This is the first high-profile visit from London after the formation of Labour Party government under the leadership of British PM Keir Starmer, earlier this month.

"Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security," the UK Foreign Secretary said before his arrival in the Indian capital.

He also underscored the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India, highlighting that it represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life.

Earlier in the day, the UK Foreign Secretary met business leaders to emphasise how both countries are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.

The government led by Keir Starmer remains keen on harnessing and unlocking the true potential of the UK-India partnership, asserting that it will not only deliver prosperity for the people of India and the UK but also for the rest of the world.

Lammy will travel to the ASEAN Foreign Ministersa meeting in Laos on Thursday, which will also see participation of EAM Jaishankar.
Australian businesses can now reach customers directly on their phones with the launch of Mailchimps SMS marketing solution. This integration promises to boost ROI and strengthen customer loyalty through synchronized email and SMS campaigns.

Australian businesses are constantly looking for new ways to gain a competitive edge and build stronger relationships with customers and prospects, said Anthony Capano, Regional Director for ANZ at Intuit Mailchimp. The integration of email and SMS into one platform equips our Australian customers with a more complete view of their audiences during a time when customer loyalty is at a premium. Meanwhile, our expanded partnership with Canva will simplify the way Mailchimp users approach their design workflow, ensuring consistent branding across all channels.

Mailchimp SMS

Mailchimps SMS marketing solution brings together email and SMS channels on a single platform, providing Australian marketers with an invaluable 360-degree view of customer engagement. By integrating email and SMS channels into a single platform, marketers can better coordinate high-converting subscriber campaigns, while keeping track of their ROI from a centralised dashboard.

By merging separate data sources into comprehensive customer profiles, Mailchimp SMS takes channel consolidation to a new level, powering automated cross-channel nurture pathways and redefining the audience connection matrix. Bringing SMS to Australian Mailchimp customers facilitates streamlined analytics, enhances loyalty, and bolsters ROI through synchronised campaigns.

Mailchimps U.S. SMS customers have seen up to 16x ROI in the first 3 months after launching their first SMS campaign*. The rollout of SMS marketing in Australia paves the way for local businesses to drive forward with robust omnichannel marketing strategies that perform.

Expanded Canva Integration

Building upon its partnership with Canva, Mailchimps new integration functionality will soon enable users to automatically synchronise image folders and files with the platform  eliminating the need for manual updates and providing a more efficient workflow across all channels.

When working on email campaigns in Mailchimp, users will have shortcuts and actions to Edit with Canva embedded in Mailchimps email builder, which takes them to Canva. After editing, users can access the updates made to the image in Mailchimps context, simplifying the editing workflow, allowing for seamless integration and collaboration.

Were excited to expand our global partnership with Australias own Canva, and make it easier for our users to launch beautiful and effective email marketing campaigns, said Ken Chestnut, Global Head of Ecosystem at Mailchimp. Marketers and business leaders here in Australia have so much on their plates right now. Our refreshed Canva integration makes it easier for companies to leverage best in class design tools to delight and engage their customers.

Were incredibly excited that Mailchimp is deepening its integration with Canva, underscoring our shared focus on providing intuitive and powerful tools for marketers. With access to a more seamless design workflow, users can create engaging emails to help businesses achieve their goals with ease and creativity, said Anwar Haneef, Head of Ecosystem at Canva.

These latest innovations follow the June preview of Mailchimps upcoming revenue intelligence technology, a system of always-on predictive and generative artificial intelligence models designed to proactively give marketers opportunities to win more revenue. Together with the recent appointment of Anthony Capano as the Regional Director for ANZ at Intuit Mailchimp, Mailchimp is building upon its momentum in Australia and New Zealand as it further commits to supporting marketers with innovative, AI-driven technologies and providing tools that drive revenue growth businesses across ANZ.

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Hyderabad, July 24 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a walkout from Telangana Assembly to protest the passing of a resolution to demand the Centre to do justice to Telangana by amending the proposals of the Union Budget 2024-25.

BJP floor leader A. Maheshwar Reddy demanded that the government withdraw the resolution, saying it was against the federal spirit.

The BJP, which has eight members in the 119-member Assembly, opposed the resolution and claimed that the Centre had been extending support to Telangana since the formation of the state.

Participating in the debate, Maheshwar Reddy slammed both the ruling Congress and the main opposition BRS.

He argued that the Centre did not accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh to save Telangana from becoming a desert. He said the Centre gave Rs 15,000 crore to Andhra Pradesh without according it special category status. If the Centre had given special category status, Telangana would have turned into a desert. People of Telangana should hail Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

He made allegations of corruption against the Congress government.

The BJP leader alleged that by inflating the cost of Musi Riverfront development project to Rs 1.50 lakh crore, the Congress government was trying to turn it into an ATM.

The Congress government is trying to loot public money in the name of Musi River project like the previous BRS government looted the public money in the name of Kaleshwaram.

He alleged that Rs 3,500 crore given by the Centre for drinking water under the 'Amrit' scheme was misused.

Maheshwar Reddy said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has no money for Rythu Bandhu scheme, but he has given Rs 5,000 crore to his constituency, Kodangal.

Congress members took strong exception to the allegations made by the BJP leader and asked him to clarify if his party wants justice for Telangana or not.

The House passed the resolution after a day-long debate and in the absence of BJP members, who staged a walkout while demanding that the Congress government withdraw the resolution.

Main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) supported the resolution.

The Assembly witnessed heated debate on the resolution alleging discrimination by the Centre towards Telangana in the union budget presented in the Parliament on Tuesday.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also announced that the state government will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled to be held on July 27.

He alleged that the Centre undermined Telangana's rights and did injustice to the state in the allocation of funds.
Bhopal, July 24 : Prompt action by a doctor and an Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker saved the lives of a woman and her two newborns as they provided necessary guidance for delivery in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni.

Due to heavy rain in Seoni district, the connectivity to several villages from the district headquarters has been cut off for the last two days.

Jorabadi is one such village in the district lacking proper road connectivity where a tribal woman named Raveena Uikey was in labour pain on Tuesday. However, her family members could not rush her to the nearby hospital due to a flood-like situation in the village.

At this point, someone suggested they contact a local Asha worker, who was present at the Seoni district hospital.

The Asha worker named Kamta Maravi, who knew about Raveena's health condition, immediately reached out to Dr. Manisha Sisram and informed her about the situation.

However, due to the poor connectivity caused by heavy rain, they could not reach the patient.

Manisha then contacted District Collector Sanskriti Jain and narrated the situation.

With prompt support from the district administration, Manisha along with other nursing staff left for Jorabadi but could not reach the patient because of the flood-like situation in the village.

Manisha then guided a woman ('Dai') who was present at Raveena's home over the phone to carry out the delivery. Their efforts bore fruit as Raveena delivered twins.

After the rain stopped on Wednesday, Raveena and the newborns were taken to the district hospital where they were said to be healthy.

Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has appreciated Manisha and Asha worker Kamta Maravi for their prompt efforts.
Bengaluru, July 24 : Karnataka BJP legislators on Wednesday evening launched overnight dharna in both houses over the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case, allegedly involving the family of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

BJP MLAs and MLCs sat inside the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council and began the protest. In the council, BJP members sat at the entrance, holding placards and raising slogans against the Karnataka government.

The MLCs also raised slogans against the government for involvement in alleged cases through 'bhajans' in the council led by MLC C.T. Ravi. The opposition leader in the Council Chalavadi Narayaswany was also present.

The placards had pictures of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The placards also labelled Siddaramaiah as "utterly corrupt" and accused the government of being involved in a "series of scams."

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said that in the MUDA land case, sites worth Rs 4,000 crore were allotted to Siddaramaiah's family and his supporters, calling it an open loot. He claimed that the land belonged to Dalits, and the conversion and transfer of the land were done fraudulently.

"After these sites were distributed, Siddaramaiah's family allegedly got the land registered. The loot is clear, and the protest is launched," he said.

He said that the resources of the state should belong to the people of the state and should not go to the Siddaramaiah's family or supporters.

"The Speaker has committed an unpardonable crime. Throughout the night, the legislators of BJP and JD-S will protest to get the looted money back," he said.

He said that Speaker Khader offered to arrange dinner and other facilities in the House but we have rejected the offer because they have looted Rs 187 crore belonging to Dalits.

"We don't want dinner or breakfast from that money. We will make our own arrangements. We don't want to receive anything from the looted money by this government," he said.
Imphal, July 24 : Women tribal organisations in Manipur on Wednesday organised a protest rally and submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of the state's Churachandpur district demanding a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team-led probe into the "extra judicial action of Assam Police against three Hmar tribal youths".

Assam Police recently claimed that at least 'three suspected militants', belonging to Assam and Manipur, were killed while three police personnel were injured during an encounter in Cachar district on July 17.

Many tribal organisations in Manipur have also been separately condemning the "brutal custodial deaths" of Lallungawi Hmar (21), Lalbiekkung Hmar (33), both residents of southern Assam, and K. Joshua Lalrinsang (35), a resident of Manipur's Pherzawl district "by Assam Police".

Hmar Women Association President Rebecca Hmar and Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights President Ngaineikim Haokip in their jointly signed memorandum to the Home Minister, demanded an impartial investigation.

The memorandum, sent to the Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur district, said that the three individuals succumbed to death while they were under the custody of police as a result of their arrest and at a place outside the police station, with a purported video showing the three detainees blindfolded, hands tied and forced to kneel down, surrounded by "aggressive" police personnel.

However, contradictory to the video clip, the Assam Police claimed that they died during a cross-fire exchange between militants and the police.

"Presenting the detainees before the Magistrate should have been the priority, and protection of the suspects under their arrest is their duty," the memorandum said.

It is "therefore, justified to conclude that the three detainees lost their lives due to extra-judicial killings by the Assam Police, organising a fake encounter", the memorandum added.

Several other tribal organisations in Manipur, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribals, Hmar Inpui, the apex body of the Hmar tribe, and the Hmar Students' Association, among others, have also separately condemned the "brutal custodial deaths of three Hmar tribal youths".

The tribal bodies demanded an impartial probe into the incident besides urging the National Human Rights Commission to take suo motu cognizance of the deaths.

Cachar's Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta had said on July 17 that the three 'militants', belonging to Hmar extremist outfit, were part of a larger group, which was reportedly planning to carry out "subversive activities" along the Assam-Manipur border areas.

The police officer had said that acting on a tip-off, a police team was rushed to the Krishnapur road area which arrested the three "militants" along with sophisticated weapons while they were going towards the Bhuban Hills in an autorickshaw.

An AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel rifle, and a pistol along with live ammunition were recovered from the trio, Mahatta told the media on Wednesday.

He also said that during questioning, the "militants" disclosed that some of their cadres were hiding in a nearby forest in Bhuban Hills, planning to undertake subversive activities along the Assam-Manipur border.

Subsequently, a special operation was launched along with the commandos on the Bhuban Hills side to apprehend the hiding militants based on the inputs provided by the three arrested extremists, who were also taken along, the officer said.

"When the security forces reached the hills, 6-7 extremists opened fire at them. The security personnel retaliated, leading to a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides," Mahatta had said.
Hyderabad, July 24 : The Telangana Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution appealing to the Centre to render justice to the state by amending the proposals of the Union Budget 2024-25.

The house passed the resolution after a day-long debate and in the absence of BJP members, who staged a walk-out while demanding that the Congress government withdraw the resolution.

Main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and the Communist Party of India (CPI) supported the resolution.

The Assembly witnessed a heated debate on the resolution alleging discrimination by the Centre towards Telangana in the Budget presented in the Parliament on Tuesday.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also announced that the state government will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled to be held on July 27. He alleged that the Centre undermined Telanganaas rights and did injustice to the state in the allocation of funds.

"India is a union of states as per the Constitution written by Dr B.R. Ambedkar. It is the responsibility of the Union Government for the integrated and holistic development of all the states in the country. The Central government has forsaken the federal spirit. Telangana state was meted out injustice in the union budget presented by the Central government. The Centre adopted indifference towards Telangana from the day of the formation of the state," reads the resolution.

"The Union Government owed the responsibility of taking all necessary steps for the sustainable development of the two states as per the AP Reorganisation Act. The Centre failed to fulfil the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act. The unfulfilled promises in the Reorganisation Act had a negative impact on the development of the Telangana state," it said.

"After the peopleas government assumed power in the state, the Chief Minister and ministers delegations met Prime Minister and Union Ministers several times and made appeals to them. The CM and ministers requested the Union government for financial assistance for the projects, release of funds as per the act, and resolving the long-pending state issues. The Union government completely neglected the state governmentas pleas and discriminated in the budget allocations to Telangana. The state Assembly registered a strong protest and expressed unhappiness over the Centreas neglect of Telangana," the resolution added.

The Chief Minister also announced in the Assembly that he is ready to sit on fast-unto-death in Delhi to demand justice for Telangana if BRS President and Leader of Opposition K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) also joins the protest.

He made the announcement when BRS MLA K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) challenged Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet to sit on fast-unto-death to demand Central funds for the state. There was a heated exchange between Revanth Reddy and him over KCRas absence in the house during the debate on the resolution.

KTR's remark that BRS MLAs are enough to reply to the ruling party triggered a war of words between the two leaders.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and D. Sridhar Babu, BRS members KTR and Harish Rao, BJPas A. Maheshwar Reddy, AIMIMas Majid Hussain and other members participated in the debate.
Kolkata, July 24 : The Income Tax Department has initiated the process of identifying the properties indirectly owned by two key accused in the multi-crore cash-for-school jobs case in West Bengal for confiscation.

These properties, sources said, are being identified following an investigation by the Income Tax Department under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition Act), 1988, which prohibits certain financial transactions in which property is transferred to one person for consideration paid by another person.

Income Tax officials have so far conducted probe under this Act against former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and his close aide Arpita Mukherjee, from whose twin residences the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized cash amounting to crores and gold during a raid in July 2022.

Both of them are currently in judicial custody as the prime accused in the cash-for-school jobs case.

Sources said the Income Tax officials have tracked 16 properties that deserve confiscation under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition Act), 1988.

Recently, the Income Tax officials interrogated Arpita Mukherjee in prison.

Two other central agencies -- the ED and the CBI, which are conducting parallel probes into the school jobs case -- have so far confiscated several crores in cash along with gold and landed property.

In January this year, Income Tax officials got clues about Partha Chatterjee purchasing properties in different parts of West Bengal in the name of his close aide and son-in-law Kalyan Bhattacharya.

Bhattacharya, who is currently settled abroad, had told the Income Tax officials then that the property registered in his name was funded by his father-in-law using his identity proofs such as PAN card.
Kedarnath, July 24 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Baba Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday to seek blessings and oversee the ongoing reconstruction work in Kedarpuri.

He received a warm welcome from Commissioner Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey, IG Police Garhwal Karan Singh Nagnyal, District Magistrate Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar, and SP Dr. Vishakha, who greeted him upon arrival via a VIP helicopter.

At the temple, the Chief Minister met with local priests, performed special prayers, and participated in a Rudrabhishek ceremony. He conveyed his hopes for the prosperity of the state and global well-being during this spiritual visit.

During his one-day tour, Chief Minister Dhami also sought blessings from head priest Shiv Shankar Ling and held discussions with officials regarding ongoing construction projects.

He stressed the importance of expediting reconstruction efforts in Kedarpuri, emphasising both quality and timely completion.

Following a 20-minute prayer session, he engaged with devotees and locals, extending his best wishes for the auspicious month of Shravan.

Key administrative figures present included BKTC's Yogendra Singh, Executive Officer R.C. Tiwari, former BJP district president Dinesh Uniyal, Anoop Semwal, and Kedar Sabha President Rajkumar Tiwari, among others.

Discussions centred on strategies to accelerate the pace and enhance the quality of ongoing construction and reconstruction activities in Kedarpuri, with clear directives issued to ensure projects are completed on schedule.

Chief Minister Dhami's visit underscored his commitment to the continuous development of Uttarakhand and his dedication to the welfare of humanity, epitomised by his spiritual pilgrimage to the Baba Kedarnath shrine.
Amaravati, July 24 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said the state government would soon order a probe by the CID into the large-scale irregularities in the Excise Department during the YSR Congress Party rule.

Releasing a White Paper in the Assembly on the excise policy of the previous government, he said that the support of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would be sought too as liquor was sold accepting only cash payments.

The Chief Minister alleged that the state suffered a loss of Rs 18,860.51 crore with the change in liquor policy after the YSRCP came to power in 2019. Action will certainly be taken for causing such a huge loss to the exchequer, he said, adding that the details will be sought from the Health Department on how many people suffered from serious health problems due to consumption of spurious liquor.

Asserting that the economic condition of the state is alarming, Naidu said a detailed study is yet to be conducted on this. "Because of the poor financial condition of the state, we are now not in a position to present a full-fledged budget," he added.

"This white paper is being released only to explain to the people what exactly had happened to the state in the past five years, the loss that the state had suffered and what kind of serious damage caused to the state," Chandrababu Naidu contended.

White Papers have already been released on Polavaram, Amaravati, energy and how the natural resources were looted.

Stressing the need to create wealth by maintaining a balance of welfare and development, Naidu regretted that the state, however, had suffered so heavily in the past five years that it would take a minimum of 25 years to recover.

The past five-year rule is a case study on how governance should not be undertaken and former Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy, too is a case study on what the head of the state should not be, he observed. He stated that if all the seven White Papers are thoroughly gone through, one can easily understand how the previous rulers betrayed the state.

Recalling that the YSRCP came to power by making a promise to impose prohibition in the state and also bring down the sale of liquor besides confining the liquor supply to only five-star hotels, the Chief Minister said that after it assumed power, 4,380 shops that were existing at that time were brought down to only to 2,934 as just an eye-wash. Within one year, the number was increased to 3,392 while continuing the number of bars which were existing in 2019. The per capita consumption of liquor increased to 6.23 litres in 2023-24 from 5.55 litres in 2019-20. Ganja smuggling went up by 27 per cent, while the non-duty paid liquor percentage increased to 66 and the number of arrests too went up to a whopping 161 per cent, he said.

The popular brands of beers too were brought down completely while the sale of local brands, which were never found anywhere in the country, had increased from zero to 12 lakh. In the name of liquor, loans were raised for a period of 10 to 25 years, Naidu said, terming it a big defrauding of the state in the country's history.

Making it clear that an operation cleansing will soon be taken up in the Excise Department, he said that keeping in view the health condition of the people all the cheap brands of liquor will be banned.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 24 : The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday slammed the Union Budget presented on Tuesday, accusing the Modi government of discriminatory practices.

Congress President Kharge also termed it a Budget aimed at self-preservation, alleging that Andhra Pradesh and Bihar received undue favouritism at the expense of other states.

Participating in the discussion on Budget in the Upper House, Kharge termed it a 'kursi bachao' (saving one's chair) Budget where Andhra Pradesh and Bihar received 'disproportionate' benefits.

"Only two states have 'Pakora' and 'Jalebi' on their plates; the rest got nothing," the Congress veteran said.

"This Budget is just to satisfy their allies The rest of the states are not even named in the Budget. From Maharashtra to Karnataka, the plates are empty. I was expecting Karnataka to get more as the Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman) represents the state. But from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra to Haryana, no state got anything," he added.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha also saw moments of levity amid the heated debate over the Budget, as Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar corrected Kharge for addressing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as 'Mataji' (mother).

During the discussion, Kharge said, "I have never seen a Budget like this. This Budget was meant for appeasement and to save their chair. We condemn this."

Dhankhar then urged Kharge to let Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman respond.

"Main bol leta hun. Mataji bolne mein toh expert hain mujhe maloom hai (Let me finish. I know 'mataji' is an expert at speaking)," Kharge said.

"Not Mataji, she's like a daughter to you," Dhankhar remarked, evoking laughter from the MPs on the treasury as well as opposition benches.

Kharge continued his criticism of the government, alleging that states where the electorate did not support Prime Minister Narendra Modi were neglected.

"Those who are with you today will be with others tomorrow. The government has not given anything to those states where people rejected the BJP," he claimed, referring to states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra where the ruling party saw a major drop in seats.

On Tuesday, the Modi government unveiled substantial financial packages for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar in the Union Budget.

An allocation of Rs 15,000 crore was earmarked for the development of Andhra Pradesh in the current fiscal with promises of additional funds in the coming years.

Similarly, Bihar received an infrastructure bonanza exceeding Rs 58,000 crore from the Modi government.
Jaipur, July 24 : The free electricity scheme introduced in Rajasthan during the tenure of the previous Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot is now closed for fresh applicants.

Replying to a query put forward by Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully during the Question Hour in the Assembly, state Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said that new applicants will not get the benefits of the Gehlot government's 100-unit free electricity scheme.

Earlier, BSP MLA Manoj Nyangli asked if the government plans to get new consumers registered for the 100-unit free electricity scheme, and if so, when, and if not, why?

The Energy Minister said there are no such provisions as being asked in the question.

Stating that the Congress introduced the populist scheme for electoral gains, Nagar said, "Had everyone got the benefits, registration wouldn't have been made compulsory."

Last year, then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced waiving charges for the first 100 units of electricity for all households, irrespective of their total consumption per month
Japanese flour producer Nippn plans to invest in a factory near Ho Chi Minh City, its third facility in Southeast Asia.

The facility, to be completed by 2027, will be capable of making 4,300 annual tons of premix used to make batter for fried foods and baked goods, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

Nippn will establish a local subsidiary in August. The company did not reveal the size of the investment.

Before Vietnam it has invested in Thailand and Indonesia. Nippn will import products from these two countries to sell in Vietnam until the factory is operational.

The Japanese company sees strong demand in Southeast Asia in upcoming years. It targets to double overseas revenues by fiscal 2026.
Bhopal, July 24 : To promote investment and create employment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday visited Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu for an interactive session with the investors and entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister will hold one-to-one meetings with the investors besides addressing the inaugural session of a business event titled 'Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh' on Thursday.

The event is part of the 'Invest Madhya Pradesh: Global Investors Summit' to be held in February 2025, for which the state government is organising interactive sessions with investors and entrepreneurs to convince them to invest in the state.

The first interactive session with the investors and industrialists was organised in Mumbai last month.

Upon reaching Coimbatore, CM Yadav said he has come with hope and possibilities for the growth of Madhya Pradesh.

"Coimbatore is a city where people from different parts of the country have invested their money in different sectors. I am here to convince the entrepreneurs to set up their units in Madhya Pradesh also," he said.

The meetings on Thursday will give special emphasis on Madhya Pradesh's skilled workforce, abundant resources, and favourable industrial environment.

"The objective of this programme is to make investors aware of the investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh and motivate them to partner in the progress of the state," the Madhya Pradesh government said in an official statement.
Ranchi, July 24 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand has claimed that an increase in the number of Muslim voters in the state's Santhal Pargana division and other areas has been noticed, apparently due to infiltration from Bangladesh -- a reason the party attributed to the "change in demography" of the state.

In this connection, a delegation of Jharkhand BJP led by state unit chief and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi on Wednesday met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Delhi and submitted a survey report highlighting the massive spike in the number of Muslim voters, seeking an inquiry into the matter.

The Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Amar Kumar Bauri, and Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu were among the delegation members who met the CEC.

Stating that a 500-page survey report has been submitted to the CEC, Marandi said, "The survey suggests an unprecedented increase in the number of Muslim voters which needs to be probed."

The BJP leader also said it is being suspected that fake documents were used to generate voter ID cards.

"An average of 15-20 per cent increase in the number voters is generally noticed in five years, but this time a rise of up to 136 per cent in certain polling booths has been observed," he added.

The BJP leader said that according to the survey findings, a significant increase in the number of voters has been noticed in the Assembly segments of Rajmahal, Berhait, Pakur, Maheshpur, Jamtara, Madhupur, Majhgaon, Hatia, Bishunpur, and Lohardaga.

The memorandum submitted to the Election Commission said that an inquiry into the matter could reveal a conspiracy to change the demography of Jharkhand.
Hyderabad, July 25 : Prohibitory orders have been imposed for a week in Moinabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad given the tension after a centuries-old Qutb Shahi-era mosque was demolished, the police said.

Cyberabad police on Wednesday imposed the orders within the limits of Moinabad police station, prohibiting a gathering of five or more persons. The entry of outsiders in the area has also been prohibited.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty issued the orders under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

He said the orders would remain in place till 11 p.m. on July 30.

The Police Commissioner made it clear that persons violating the prohibitory orders would be liable for prosecution.

Tension gripped Chilkur village in Moinabad since the demolition of the mosque by real estate developers late on Monday.

The centuries-old mosque spread across four guntas was part of a 14-acre private land which was sold to a private company.

The police said as per the revenue records, it was identified as Waqf land and immediate action was initiated for the reconstruction of the mosque.

The police have booked three individuals, including a JCB driver and a realtor, for demolishing the mosque.

The case has been booked under Sections 329 (3) (criminal trespass), 324 (4 and 5) (mischief causing loss), 298 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class), 196 (promoting enmity between different groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 300 (disturbing religious assembly) r/w Section 3 (Mischief causing damage to public property) of Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.

Telangana Waqf Board Chairman Azmathullah Hussaini, AIMIM MLC Mirza Rahmat Baig and officials of the Minority Welfare Department visited the spot and in their presence, the foundation stone was laid for the reconstruction of the mosque.

However, some people opposed the reconstruction of the mosque. They raised slogans and threatened to demolish the mosque if it was reconstructed.

As the protest sparked tension, police deployed additional personnel in the area and beefed up security to prevent any untoward incident.
New Delhi, July 25 : The indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system Kavach has so far been deployed on 1,465 route km and 144 locomotives on South Central Railway, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Parliament on Wednesday.

A sum of Rs 1,216.77 crore has been utilised on the Kavach system so far and the allocation of funds during the year 2024-25 stands at Rs 1,112.57 crore, he told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

Kavach is a high-technology anti-collision system. It aids the loco pilot in running the train within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case the loco pilot fails to do so and also helps the train run safely during inclement weather. In case of an impending collision, it automatically brings the train to a halt.

Kavach has been certified for the highest level of Safety Integrity Level - SIL4 by the Independent Safety Assessor and reduces the probability of train collisions in block sections and on running lines at stations.

The minister also stated that presently, the progress of main items related to Kavach on the Delhi-Mumbai and the Delhi-Howrah corridors (approximately 3,000 route km) is as under: optical fibre cable has been laid on 4,275 km, 364 telecom rowers installed, 285 units of Kavach equipment provided at stations, 319 units Kavach equipment provided in locos, and Kavach trackside equipment installed at 1,384 route km.

Further, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Detailed Estimate on another 6, 000 route km has been approved by Railways. To increase capacity and scale up implementation, trials of more OEMs are at different stages, the minister added.
Bhubaneswar, July 25 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of two students who drowned in Damani Dam in Cuttack district on Wednesday.

CM Majhi also expressed grief and condoled the bereaved family members of the victims.

The deceased have been identified as Swayam Sanket Das and Srutik Satpathy from Cuttack district. Both were 12th-standard students of science stream at a private college in Cuttack.

"Five students of the private college had gone there to visit the temple of Dam Damani, a local tourist spot, on Wednesday afternoon. Two of them drowned while taking a bath in the reservoir there," said a local police officer.

One of the students who rushed to help the duo also drowned in the reservoir but was rescued by the locals.
Washington, July 25 : Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, has an 18 percentage point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump in favourability ratings among Indian Americans, according to a poll by Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVOTE).

The APIAVOTE findings were cited on Wednesday in a memo from Harris campaign Chair Jen Q'Malley Dillon on the overall state of the US Presidential race at this time.

It included polls on a whole range of issues. The outcome on Indian Americans was part of the polling among Asian Americans, which also included those of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino descent.

The poll was released internally on July 10, 11 days before President Joe Biden ended his campaign under pressure from Democrats and endorsed Harris to take the top spot on the ticket. She is not the de facto nominee of the party.

The poll measured the favourability ratings of Biden, Trump, Harris, and Nikki Haley, the former US Ambassador to the UN who is also of Indian descent like Harris, among Asian Americans.

A combined total of 54 per cent Indian Americans said they have a "very favourable" to "somewhat favourable" impression of Vice President Harris, which was 19 percentage points more than Trump's 35 per cent.

She also beat Haley by 21 percentage points but came a shade behind her boss, Biden, who at 55 per cent surpassed her by a solitary percentage point.

The head-to-head match between Biden and Trump showed a remarkable decline in support for the former among the community.

Only 46 per cent of them said they would vote for President Biden if elections were held at the time of the survey, while 29 per cent said they would vote for Trump. As many as 20 per cent either refused to answer, or were not decided yet.

That is a precipitous fall from 2020, when 72 per cent of Indian Americans surveyed by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think-tank, said they will vote for Biden in a pre-poll survey, while 22 per cent said they will go with Trump.

This fall is likely a reflection of the general lack of enthusiasm for a second term for Biden even though he is liked and seen favourably.

The APIAVOTE poll showed that 55 per cent of Indian Americans said they planned to vote for Democratic candidates in the US Senate races, and 52 per cent for Democratic candidates running for the House of Representatives.

The Republican party has made some headway in the community with 29 per cent of them planning to vote for Republicans running for the Senate, and 31 per cent for Republicans in the race for the House.

The population of Indian Americans in the US is between 4.16 million and 4.4 million, accounting for roughly 1.4 per cent of the US population of more than 333 million.

Only 2.62 million Indian Americans are US citizens of which 1.9 million are registered voters, which is 0.82 per cent registered voters in all of the country. These numbers may seem to make the community look inconsequential numerically, but that is not accurate.

Virginia, a once solidly Republican state, is now reliably Democratic because of its sizable population of Indian Americans and others of foreign descent living and working along the state's northern region abutting Washington.

The community says it plays a critical role in the swing states that decide presidential elections by hair-thin majorities -- Biden won Wisconsin by a 0.63 per cent vote margin last time.

O'Malley Dillon said in the memo that the 2024 race between Harris and Trump will be "tight".

And in tight races, every vote counts.

(An earlier version of this article attributed the findings to an internal poll of the Harris campaign. It was a poll conducted by APIAVOTE independently of the Harris campaign, which merely cited its findings)
Bengaluru, July 25 : Karnataka unit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has done injustice to the state by taking the decision to boycott the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Siddaramaiah is the CM of the state of Karnataka. He is the CM representing 6.5 crore Kannadigas. He is not the CM of the Congress. Instead of boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, he should have attended the meeting and protected the interests of the state. We want to remind him that he is the Chief Minister of the state," he said.

Vijayendra said that politics should be set aside in the matter of the NITI Aayog meeting and participation should be ensured.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, taking to X, said: "It is a disgrace that CM Siddaramaiah has chosen to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27.

"Governance and development should have remained above expedient party politics and by boycotting the meeting of the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, CM Siddaramiah has insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas and the mandate given to the Congress-led government"
Kolkata, July 25 : Two women were apprehended by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) from the busy Howrah station with 65 kg ganja (marijuana).

The women were trying to take the narcotics to Hajipur in Bihar.

"RPF personnel noticed two women with multiple trolley bags entering the station premises from the subway end. The security personnel immediately stopped the duo and inquired about the contents of the luggage.

"Initially hesitant, the women finally broke down and confessed that they were carrying ganja. The bags were opened and the contents were weighed at 65 kg. The women, along with the seized marijuana, were handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for necessary legal action," a senior RPF official said.

One of the women has been identified as Sarita Devi (45) from Vaishali in Bihar. The other - who is probably a minor - is a resident of Hajipur.

The women claimed that they were couriers and had received the bags from an unidentified man at the bus stand outside the Howrah station.

Further investigation revealed that the seized ganja had arrived from Ganjam district in Odisha by bus.
Bengaluru, July 25 : The BJP legislators in both the Assembly and Council in Karnataka on Wednesday danced, sloganeered, and sang bhajans during their night-long agitation in the Vidhana Soudha, protesting the denial of an opportunity to debate the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The BJP legislators first displayed placards, followed by sloganeering, and later gathered together singing songs, targeting the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

The BJP leaders gathered before the recently installed display board containing the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, under the leadership of Opposition leader R. Ashoka, and accused the Congress government of acting against the Constitution by gagging the opposition regarding the MUDA scam.

State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, former Minister Prabhu Chauhan, and Leader of the Opposition in the Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, present inside the Vidhana Soudha began singing, dancing, and playing traditional musical instruments, targeting the Congress government for looting money reserved for Dalits and common man.

R. Ashoka objected to the restrictions imposed by the police on the movement of BJP MLAs and MLCs for holding the protest.

"This government (Congress) will not be permanent; it is going to collapse in a year or two. No one knows when it will fall, so be careful and don't dare to stop us," he said.

Some of the BJP legislators took to singing superhit Kannada songs inside the Vidhana Soudha, accompanied by karaoke music.

Another group, joined by State BJP President Vijayendra and Opposition leader Ashoka, sang patriotic songs.

A dinner was also arranged at the Vidhana Soudha for the BJP legislators, who later changed into night attire and slept on its floor, sofas, and tables.

Karnataka Law Minister H.K. Patil and officials of the Vidhana Soudha spoke to several BJP legislators.
Washington, July 24 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday told US lawmakers in a joint meeting of Congress that he was confident of securing the release of all hostages from Hamas's captivity and said "give us the tools and we will finish the job".

Netanyahu spoke, to repeated applause, reached out to both Republicans and Democrats and thanked US President Joe Biden for his steadfast support and former President Donald Trump for brokering the Abrahamic Accords between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain in 2020.

He spoke to repeated applause, especially from Republican lawmakers.

Many Democrats skipped the meeting in protest and thousands of people protested against his visit outside the US Congress.

"As we speak, we're actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release," Netanyahu said, referring to talks on," the Prime Minister said of the efforts underway to release the hostages.

One hostage who was recently freed from her captors in an operation by Israeli forces was in the visitors' gallery with the Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Netanyahu. Other guests of Prime Minister Netanyahu in the gallery were Israeli military personnel who fought the Hamas terrorists in the October 7 attack.

This was Prime Minister Netanyahu's fourth address to the US Congress and he is a keen observer of US politics.

"I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel," Netanyahu said.

"And 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 America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East."

Netanyahu sought to explain to the lawmakers that Israel's war with Hamas is not just Israel's war.

"My friends, if you remember one thing, one thing from this speech, remember this," Netanyahu said.

"Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory."

He defended the war in Gaza and said: "If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren't getting enough food, it's not because Israel is blocking it, it's because Hamas is stealing it."
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"The Myanmar regime has taken deliberate steps in Rakhine State to use internally displaced persons, many of whom are Rohingya, as human shields amid the conflict," said Ambassador Wood.
Bengaluru, July 25 : Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not in a position to defend himself in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

Bengaluru, July 25 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not in a position to defend himself in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

Speaking on the sidelines of the night-long protest by BJP legislators inside the Assembly on Wednesday, the State BJP President claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had expressed outrage against his party MLAs and Ministers for not coming to his defence in connection with the MUDA scam.

"There is a situation where ruling party MLAs are not coming to help CM Siddaramaiah. If CM Siddaramaiah is honest, we are urging that a CBI probe be conducted into the MUDA scam. The state government wanted to rein in the ED but got rebuked by the High Court," he said.

"I appeal to CM Siddaramaiah that his government has committed numerous sins. The countdown has begun, and we don't know when he will submit his resignation. We will also protest in this regard and discuss it further," he added.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who proudly claims to be the leader of Backward Classes, Dalits and minorities, has shown little concern for them after coming to power in the state.

The Congress government, led by CM Siddaramaiah, is involved in looting Rs 187 crore in connection with the Tribal Welfare Board scam.

"In Mysuru, land valued at thousands of crores, nearly 4,000 sites, were allotted to his supporters, stooges, relatives, and his wife by violating all rules. By this, CM Siddaramaiah has done injustice to the poor and middle class" said State BJP President Vijayendra.

The Congress government prevented the protest march by the BJP and JD(S) legislators from Bengaluru to Mysuru condemning the MUDA scam.

"You don't even allow us to discuss the MUDA scam in both Houses of the Assembly. State Law Minister H.K. Patil asks us to submit our grievances to the Inquiry Commission. At that point, CM Siddaramaiah was present in the House. He should have agreed to the debate and challenged us," he added.

"However, CM Siddaramaiah remained silent on the MUDA scam. The CM seems to be under pressure because of his involvement in scams. The Tribal Welfare Board scam would not have happened without the collusion of the CM since he is in charge of the State Finance Ministry," said State BJP President Vijayendra.
Bhopal, July 25 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed his gratitude to the Union government for allocating Rs 14,738 crore to enhance railway facilities in the state.

The Chief Minister on Wednesday said that more than 80 railway stations in Western Central Railway (Zone) are currently underway, for which, the Union government has already sanctioned an amount of Rs 81,000 crore.

These railway stations are being developed under the Centre's scheme 'Amrit station'. Besides these, around 1,062 flyovers and roads under bridges have been constructed in the past 10 years.

"The recent budget includes a provision of Rs 14,738 crore specifically for the enhancement of railway facilities in the state. This substantial investment will benefit the citizens by providing new railway amenities and improved railway stations. It is the commitment of PM Modi for the people of Madhya Pradesh," CM Yadav said.

The Chief Minister also added that Madhya Pradesh used to receive around Rs 632 crore between 2009 and 2014, which has been increased to Rs 14,738 crore in the Union Budget 2024-25.

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed growth in the development of railway infrastructure, including new railway stations and train connectivity, in the past 10 years, CM Yadav said.

Madhya Pradesh has so far got four Vande Bharat Express trains, operating between the major cities -- Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa and also from Bhopal to New Delhi.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament on Tuesday.

For the Financial Year 2024-25, the Union government has allocated a record capital expenditure of Rs 2,62,200 crore for the Railways sector, with gross budgetary support amounting to Rs 2,52,200 crore.
At the recent NATO Summit, the 32 NATO countries labelled the PRCs deepening strategic partnership with Russia a cause for profound concern. In the Washington Declaration, the NATO countries with one voice called on the PRC, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with a particular responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, to cease all material and political support to Russias war effort.

But as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan observed recently at the Aspen Security Forum, China continues to be a major supplier of dual-use items to Russias war machine.

And dual-use items is kind of an abstract term; its a good Washington term. What it means: Its the implements, its the instruments that go into the weapons that are killing Ukrainians and oppressing Ukraine, he said. And we think China should stop because we think it is profoundly outside of the bounds of decent conduct by nation-states.

National Security Advisor Sullivan said the PRC responds in a piece-meal way to concerns over its provision of dual-use items which help build Russias war machine.

We have seen them respond when we go to them to say, Heres a bank thats facilitating a transaction. That is of concern to us. We have seen them respond to that, he said. So there are targeted ways in which they are responsive. But the larger picture continues to travel in the wrong direction from my perspective, and we have made no bones about that; weve been quite public and transparent about it. And, we of course say that directly to them in dialogue as well.

The United States has sanctioned over a dozen Chinese companies over the dual-use issue. In terms of next steps, said National Security Advisor Sullivan, we have been prepared to tighten the screws, to apply sanctions against specific entities and individuals, including in China, as well as in other countries. And that pattern will continue as we go forward.

The European Union and the United Kingdom have also sanctioned Chinese companies for aiding Russias war against Ukraine. As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said, China cant have it both ways.  It cant say that it wants better relations with Europe when it is actually helping to fuel the greatest threat to Europes security since the end of the Cold War.
'Just think about it. She's a prosecutor, he's a convicted felon. I love that juxtaposition.'

'She's a woman, and she's black and South Asian. He's a white guy who grew up with enormous [wealth].'

'She grew up in a very average, lower middle class/middle class kind of setting with a single mother.'

IMAGE: US Vice President Kamala Harris walks on stage at her first campaign event as a candidate for president at the West Allis High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, July 23, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

When United States President Joe Biden stepped aside to make way for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presidential race substantially changed.

Many Democrats were concerned about a sharp cognitive decline in President Biden, as seen in his first debate with former president and current Republican candidate Donald Trump.

But the anointing of Harris saw a sharp but quick infusion of funds into the Democratic party, suggesting that funders saw some new hope.

One of the party's leading backers is Shekar Narasimhan, co-chair of the Democratic National Committee's Indo American Council, and chair of AAPI Victory Fund, a PAC (political action committee) that aims to increase the representation of Asian Americans and Pacific islanders in elected offices.

Narasimhan, who has been active in presidential elections since 2004, and influenced some of President Biden's early agenda, spoke to Rediff.com US Senior Contributor P Rajendran about what a Harris nomination means, and what it augurs for the future.

The first of a two-part must-read interview:

IMAGE: Kamala Harris at the campaign event at the West Allis Central High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, July 23, 2024. Photograph: Vincent Alban/Reuters

Women in general, whenever they stood for president, have been blocked or had a high hill to climb.

The only example we have is Hillary Clinton. That is literally the only example we have of another woman in the United States who has run for president and lost.

But I don't know that the level of concern about having a woman as president [is justified]. Look, they had years and years and years to vilify Hillary Clinton, tie her to her husband, and all of those things.

This is a very different situation. We have a short, compressed campaign. They will attack her [Kamala Harris]. The right wing attacks have already begun.

You know, saying, she's South Asian, she, her mother came from a different country, was she even eligible, because both her parents were not [citizens].

We don't have statesmen left in the Republican party. So no one will refute it. They will foster it.

My view is, first of all, she's tough. She's been through the mill. She's been the vice president. She already understands what she's getting into. And at the end of the day, those [attacks] will just brush off her shoulders.

People will want to see her vis-a-vis Trump and say, who is this stronger person? Who is the person who knows the issues? Who is the person with the right, with the compassion?

He [Trump], unfortunately for him, cannot help himself. He can speak for five minutes with some empathy, and then 95 minutes it's got to be about him and other things -- hatred and danger.

So, that's who he is and he's going to keep showing it.

The contrast is somebody who's tough, come up to the grassroots, has this incredible immigrant background, who can really bring people together.

I think she needs to really work on broadening the tent, you know. How do we have the largest mandate that we can get so that she wins the House and holds the Senate at the same time.

IMAGE: Kamala Harris' supporters cheer at the campaign event at West Allis High School in Wisconsin, July 23, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

So what are you and AAPI Victory doing to make that possible?

I'll tell you what we are already doing -- and we are just going to double down. We are already active in Michigan. We have already spent time and money, actively started to build networks, and work with the local groups.

In fact, we were going to begin the ground work, knocking on doors with our partners in the middle of August. We were going to do it for the Biden-Harris ticket.

What about now?

Obviously this [Biden's withdrawal] is like a jolt. Somebody asked, what does it feel like? I said, somebody took an injection of adrenaline and put it in my head. That's how I feel this morning.

I may not have slept, but I feel pumped up. I feel energized. That is what I'm sensing from a lot of people. It's like a jolt of adrenaline there.

We needed it to feel, hey, this not only is a windfall, but we can pull together a coalition so broad that we can actually win this country and win the hearts and minds of people.

So we're going to keep working in Michigan. We are already working in House races. The second place that we are is Nevada. We think it's eminently winnable with Asian American votes.

Then we want to help our partners. We have an alliance with black and Latino groups as well. We have an alliance that is broader than just Asian Americans because we believe that a lot of these issues are cross-cutting.

We need to talk to each other and build a pro-democracy coalition.

We will at least add one more state to the map, in terms of where we are going to work. I can't tell you which one it is yet, but we're going to add one more state and go to work there immediately.

What about places like, uh, you know, Florida and Illinois, where there are, there's a huge South Asian population, right? Which can at least change some local races.

Realistically we do not believe that Florida is within reach in the presidential race. But we believe that Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who's a Latina woman running there, who's got a fantastic resume, has got a shot at defeating [Republican Senator] Rick Scott. We are going to spend some time there.

What we like to do is not just about the election. We like to mobilize the community so that the next time around there's more leadership, there's more receptivity.

Our concentration in Florida right now is in central Florida-Orlando and those counties surrounding it. That is where we are going to spend time.

And we are promoting Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and her senate bid. It's a small effort, but it's still a real effort.

We're not going to pretend that we think that we can win the state. But we are going to say she's got a chance to win and we need to help her and support her.

We're building leadership and capacity [in Florida], but without having our eyes closed and pretending that everything we work on is going to be won.

IMAGE: Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two as she leaves the Pope Army Airfield after campaigning in Fayetteville, North Carolina, July 18, 2024, three days before President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 US presidential race. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

What do you think are the biggest drawbacks that Harris has to contend with, and what will she seek in a vice-presidential candidate?

I think she will pick a VP that complements her. One that is going to add to the coalition and to build the base. I think it's a combination. Um, but it's always a partnership.

So whatever [the drawbacks], I honestly think that against Trump, she's formidable, because she's such a contrast.

I mean, just think about it. She's a prosecutor, he's a convicted felon. I love that juxtaposition.

She's vice president of the United States, he's a former president. He's from New York, she's from California.

She's a woman, and she's black and South Asian. He's a white guy who grew up with enormous [wealth], She grew up in a very average, lower middle class/middle class kind of setting with a single mother.

He grew up with a hundred million dollars in his pocket.

The contrast is just so obvious, right? And it's just physically and visually but also that her history, while progressive and from California, is not elitist at all.

So they try to paint her so she doesn't have those glaring weaknesses.

IMAGE: Kamala Harris' supporters cheer after her motorcade arrives for the campaign event at the West Allis High School in Wisconsin, July 23, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Pool/Reuters

So what lies ahead?

I think the main thing is that she's got to step up, build a team that's much more ruthless about expecting the best of everybody, and build an agenda that is forward looking and forward thinking.

There's a lot of work to be done but I don't see a flaw or anything that I would consider to be a weakness that makes her more vulnerable than we already were. It's always better to prepare for the worst.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Bangladesh has communicated to India through diplomatic channels its displeasure over West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent remarks on offering shelter to people in distress from the neighbouring country, saying her comments could create "confusion" and "mislead" the people.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses TMC's Dharmatala rally amid rainfall on party's annual 'Shahid Diwas', at Esplanade in Kolkata on July 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In an address at a public event in Kolkata recently, Banerjee, referring to violence-hit Bangladesh, said she would keep the doors of West Bengal open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter. She also posted similar comments from her account on platform X.

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry has communicated with the Indian government through diplomatic channels, noting that Banerjee's remarks on social media could create confusion among people, digitalised wire service United News of Bangladesh reported on Tuesday.

"With due respect to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, I would like to say, we have excellent relations with her. We have deep relations. But her remarks created confusion to some extent, and there is scope to be misled. We have given a note to the Govt of India on this issue, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said.

BJP leader Amit Malviya has also posted a video of Hasan's remarks from his handle on X, saying "Mamata Banerjee is a constant source of embarrassment, not just for West Bengal but also for India, now".

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mahmud has taken objection to West Bengal CM's recent statement on providing "shelter to helpless people (from Bangladesh), he wrote on X.

Malviya wrote that "foreign policy is not in the domain of States and Mamata Banerjee should know where to draw the line".

Bangladesh crawled back to normalcy on Wednesday after a five-day nationwide violent student protest over quotas in government jobs with rush hour traffic returning to streets in the capital, and limited reopening of banks, garment factories and internet services.

A nationwide internet blackout since last Thursday has restricted the flow of information in the country. Limited connectivity was restored on Tuesday night, with priority given to companies such as banks, technology firms and media outlets.

Mobile phones have started working, but users say the internet is slow, while mobile internet and sites such as Facebook remain suspended.

The curfew was relaxed for seven hours in the capital and in other districts too but the authorities said a strict vigil by army troops and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) would continue alongside riot police and elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The violence claimed dozens of lives, including that of students, with some media tally suggesting the toll to be as high as 184. Earlier this week, the government set up a judicial investigation into the violence with a high court judge in the chair.
The government has decided to reserve 10 per cent of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers, the Rajya Sabha was informed Wednesday.

IMAGE: Agniveer women personnel march at the Corps of Military Police ground in Bengaluru. Photograph: PTI Photo

A provision has been made for relaxation in the upper age limit and exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test in the recruitment to the post of constable (general duty) and rifleman in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in response to a written question.

"The number of vacancies as of July 1, 2024, in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) is 84,106 against a total sanctioned strength of 10,45,751," he said.

Rai said the ministry has been taking and will continue to take earnest steps to fill up the vacancies expeditiously through the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission and the forces concerned.

"Time taken in the medical examination has been reduced to expedite the recruitment. Cut-off marks for shortlisting candidates for constable/GD has been lowered to get sufficient candidates (especially in categories where shortfalls have been observed)," he said.

The minister said 67,345 people have been recruited between April 2023 and February 2024.

"Further, 64,091 vacancies have been notified and are at different stages of recruitment. It is clear from the above, with insignificant effective vacancies compared to the size of the forces, the question of overtime doesn't arise," he said.

The minister said a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the SSC for the early recruitment for the post of constable. Besides, a nodal force each for recruitment in the rank of constable, sub-inspector, and assistant commandant (all general duties) has been nominated on a long-term basis for coordinating recruitment to general duty posts.

To fill vacancies, the minister said, directions have been issued to all CAPFs and AR to undertake recruitment against vacant posts in non-general duty cadres in a "time-bound manner", and timely conduct of Departmental Promotion Committee meetings for filling up of promotional vacancies.

In June 2022, the government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme to bring down the age profile of the three services.

The scheme provides for recruiting youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years.

The chiefs of the CISF, BSF and CRPF said last Thursday that 10 per cent of the posts of soldiers will be reserved in their respective forces for ex-Agniveers in line with a decision of the Union home ministry.

"The Union home ministry has taken an important decision regarding the recruitment of ex-Agniveers. Accordingly, the CISF is also preparing the process of the recruitment of ex-Agniveers," CISF DG Nina Singh had said.

The chief of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said 10 per cent of jobs will be reserved for ex-Agniveers in all future appointments of constables.

"In physical tests also, they will be given exemption along with the relaxation on the age. In the first year the age relaxation is for five five years and in the subsequent year, the age relaxation will be three years," she had told DD News.

"Ex-Agniveers will be able to take advantage of this and the CISF will ensure that. This will be beneficial for the CISF too as the force will get trained and disciplined personnel," Singh had said.

CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh had said all arrangements have been made in his force to recruit former Agniveers.

"The recruitment rules have been accordingly amended. A reservation of 10 per cent has been made for ex-Agniveers. They will also get relaxation in age. The first batch will get five years of relaxation while it will be three years afterwards," he had said.

Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Daljit Singh Chaudhary said a quota has been fixed for ex-Agniveers in his force.

"We have amended the recruitment rules accordingly. The first batch will be given an age relaxation of five years. And, there will be no physical efficiency test for them," he had said.
Fire shots in such a manner that it scares Bollywood superstar Salman Khan -- this was the blunt, one line message given by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother Anmol to one of the gunmen involved in the shooting outside the actor's Mumbai home, police said in a chargesheet filed in the case.

IMAGE: Bollywood actor Salman Khan attends the sangeet ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, at Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Mumbai police's crime branch, probing the sensational firing case, earlier this month filed a 1,735-page chargesheet before the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court.

Conspiracy of firing at the actor's house was hatched with the intention of establishing a stronghold and supremacy in the country's financial capital with the aim of getting pecuniary and other advantages for the Bishnoi gang, according to the chargesheet.

The chargesheet included various investigation papers incorporated in three volumes. One such document is the transcript of an audio chat between Anmol Bishnoi and arrested shooter Vickykumar Gupta.

In one of the conversations, Anmol Bishnoi is heard instructing Gupta to carry out the firing thoughtfully and everywhere, even if it takes more than a minute and should be done in such a manner that it scares 'Bhai' (Salman), the chargesheet said.

Further, he asks Gupta if he smokes. When the latter replies in the affirmative, Anmol Bishnoi tells him to smoke while firing so that he comes across as a fearless individual in CCTV cameras installed in the area, according to the voluminous police document.

"You will create history by doing this job and your name will be there in all newspapers and other media," it said, citing their conversation.

Two motorbike-borne individuals, Gupta and Sagar Pal, had fired multiple shots outside Khan's home in Galaxy Apartment in Bandra on the morning of April 14.

The two, along with three others -- Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohammad Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh -- are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case.

Lawrence Bishnoi, Anmol and one Rawtaran Bishnoi have been shown as wanted accused in the chargesheet.
As many as eight persons were killed in rain-related incidents and more than 800 people evacuated after swollen rivers and overflowing dams cut off several villages and inundated low-lying areas in large parts of Gujarat amid torrential downpour on Wednesday, officials said.

IMAGE: Commuters wade through an inundated road during heavy rainfall in Surat. Photograph: ANI Photo

Normal life was thrown out of gear as heavy rains pounded south and Gujarat districts like Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch and Anand since the morning, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in some places for the day, they said.

Train services were also affected in some areas.

"Eight persons have died due to heavy rains which lashed several parts of Gujarat during the last 24 hours. We have also shifted 826 persons to safer places during that period. In view of the present situation, we have deployed 20 teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 11 teams of NDRF in affected districts" said state Commissioner of Relief, Alok Kumar Pandey.

In view of the widespread rains and 'red alert' for extremely heavy showers issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several districts, control rooms are working round the clock to monitor the situation and help stranded people, he said.

Pandey said all the 206 major dams in the state are receiving fresh inflow of water and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the biggest in Gujarat, is now 54 per cent full.

The administration in rain-battered districts of Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch and Anand deployed personnel from the NDRF and SDRF and local fire brigade teams to rescue people from flooded areas and relocate them to safe places.

Borsad taluka in Anand district received 354 mm of rainfall in a 12-hour period (between 6 am and 6pm, State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) data showed.

Many people were shifted to safer places after low-lying areas were flooded, officials said.

Borsad was followed by Tilakwada of Narmada district (213 mm), Padra of Vadodara (199 mm), Vadodara taluka (198 mm), Bharuch taluka (185 mm), Nasvadi of Chhotaudepur (156 mm) and Nandod of Narmada district (143 mm).

Anand Collector Praveen Chaudhary said an NDRF team was pressed into service and the administration was working to rescue stranded people.

Heavy rains that hit Surat on Tuesday flooded the city and cut off several villages, necessitating relocation of around 200 persons, the officials said.

The administration in Bharuch and Navsari announced a holiday for educational institutes due to incessant showers.

A team of NDRF personnel rushed to Limbada under Mangrol taluka of Surat district to rescue stranded people, an official said.

As many as 132 roads in the district were blocked as a precautionary measure.

Due to heavy rains, the Bharuch district administration declared a holiday for educational institutions.

As many as 11 long-distance express trains were "regulated" due to the rise in water level under a railway bridge in the Vadodara division, while four local passenger trains were cancelled, Western Railway officials said.

The train movement was later restored in the down line, they said.
Going by this Budget's estimate of government spending of Rs 48.2 trillion, the government has allocated a significantly lower percentage to defence -- 12.9 per cent.

IMAGE: The light tank Zorawar developed jointly by DRDO and Larsen and Toubro. Photograph: ANI Photo

The new government's defence allocation for 2024-2025 is almost the same amount that it allocated in the Interim Budget presented in February.

As against Rs 621,541 crore that the central government had set aside for defence spending in February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the allocation of Rs 6.21 trillion for national defence on Tuesday -- up by just Rs 400 crore.

It remains to be seen how the current allocation fares as a percentage of government defence spending during the year.

The Interim Budget had allocated 13.2 per cent of an estimated government spending of Rs 45.03 trillion to defence.

Going by this Budget's estimate of government spending of Rs 48.2 trillion, the government has allocated a significantly lower percentage to defence -- 12.9 per cent.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh thanked Sitharaman for giving the 'highest allocation' to defence.

"The capital outlay of Rs 1.72 trillion will further strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces. The earmarking of Rs 1.05 trillion for domestic capital procurement will provide further impetus to Atmanibharta," Rajnath Singh said.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives at Parliament before the Budget is presented to the House, July 23, 2024. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

A notable rise in the Budget has been given to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) -- an increase of 30 per cent over the last Budget, under the capital head.

"This allocation of Rs 6,500 crore to BRO will further accelerate our border infrastructure. To boost the startup ecosystem in defence industries, Rs 518 crore has been allocated to the iDEX scheme (Innovations for Defence Excellence) to fund radical technological solutions given by startups, micro, small and medium enterprises, and innovators," the defence minister added.

A significant feature of the Budget is the increased funding for the Agniveer scheme.

The Indian Army had been given a hike to Rs 2,836 crore in the Interim Budget and another hike to Rs 5,207 crore in the Budget for 2024-2025.

Capital allocations remain static at current levels, with the Army getting Rs 33,411 crore, the Navy getting Rs 51,052 crore, and the Air Force getting the largest hike of Rs 58,112 crore.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
A prominent Canadian MP of Indian origin on Wednesday said the country was being "polluted" by Khalistani extremists who were "abusing" the freedoms guaranteed under the Charter of Rights, days after a Hindu temple was vandalised in Edmonton.

IMAGE: Canadian MP of Indian origin Chandra Arya. Photograph: @AryaCanada/X

Amidst rising Hinduphobia in Canada, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalised with alleged hateful and anti-India graffiti on Monday morning in Edmonton in Alberta state, about 3,400 km west-northwest of Ottawa.

Chandra Arya, a Member of Parliament from Nepean in the House of Commons, said in a post on his X account that separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice released a video demanding that Arya and his Hindu-Canadian friends go back to India after he (Arya) condemned the vandalism of the Hindu temple and other acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters in Canada.

"We Hindus have come to our wonderful country Canada from all parts of the world. From every country in South Asia, many countries in Africa and Caribbean, and many other parts of the world, we have come here and Canada is our land," Arya, a member of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, wrote.

"We have made and continue to make immense positive and productive contributions to the socio-economic development of Canada. With our long history of Hindu culture and heritage, we have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada," he said.

"Our land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists abusing our freedoms guaranteed by our Canadian Charter of Rights," Arya added.

Arya's statement comes against the backdrop of severe strain in India-Canada ties over the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, in June last year.

The relations between the two countries came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing.

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements.

Meanwhile, the vandalism at the BAPS temple was criticised by other local elected representatives too.

The Consulate General of India in Vancouver had said in a post on X on Tuesday: We condemn the defacing of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in #Edmonton with anti-India graffiti. We have requested the Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators.

However, there has been no reaction as yet from the BAPS  the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organisation that runs the temple.
Activist Manoj Jarange on Wednesday suspended his five-day-old fast stating his community wants him to be alive to fight for the cause of Maratha reservation, and railed against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, heating up the quota politics ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls.

IMAGE: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BJP hit back at Jarange over his statement asking the Maratha community to defeat the saffron party candidates in the upcoming polls, and accused him of working as a "proxy" for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

He announced the decision to suspend his indefinite fast while addressing media persons at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district of central Maharashtra.

Jarange had launched his latest hunger strike at the village on July 20 in support of his demands, including implementation of the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as 'sage soyare' (kin by blood and marriage) of Maratha community members and granting reservation to the latter under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

The 41-year-old activist, who had been refusing intravenous fluids, agreed to receive them from Tuesday night.

Talking to reporters in the morning, he said, "My community says they want me alive. There is tremendous pressure from the community (to end fast). If I die, it would cause a division within the community. Therefore, I have decided to suspend my fast."

In Mumbai, Shamburaj Desai, Maharashtra excise minister and a member of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, said he held a review meeting of the assurances given to Jarange by the state government in the past.

He maintained 60 per cent of the objections raised in the draft notifications on 'sage soyare' have been scrutinised and directions given to expedite the remaining ones.

The Marathi term 'sage soyare' means through birth ties and relations by marriage, and if Jarange's demand on the issue is accepted, it would mean a significant number of Maratha community members will get access to quota benefits as Kunbis, who are listed as OBCs in the state.

Speaking on the police cases against pro-Maratha quota protesters which were to be taken back, Desai said advice of the law and judiciary department is being taken on it.

However, no recommendation to withdraw cases has been given in offences where serious injuries were caused or where damage to property was of significant amount, Desai clarified.

"The government will not backtrack on whatever assurances it has given to Jarange," he said, adding while doing so the existing reservation of the OBCs will not be touched.

Soon after suspending his fast, the activist criticised BJP MLC Pravin Darekar and NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader, alleging they were opposed to reservation for the Maratha community.

This opposition could drive Maratha community members, who constitute more than 30 per cent of the state's population, away from the BJP, he warned while hinting at potential electoral consequences in the assembly elections due in October.

The activist went to the extent of appealing to the Maratha community to defeat the saffron outfit in the polls.

Jarange accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, of trying to implicate him in a false case.

This allegation comes in the wake of a Pune court issuing a fresh non-bailable warrant in a 2013 cheating case against Jarange. Dhananjay Ghorpade, producer-director of Marathi play 'Shambhuraje' (based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj), has alleged Jarange and his associates failed to pay him Rs 13.21 lakh after organising six shows of the play in Jalna.

The activist asserted he was ready to go to jail for presenting before people the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"I am ready to die for the Maratha community...," he declared.

Jarange accused Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, of playing low-level politics to bring his party in power by using government machinery against opponents.

He criticised the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government over its "discriminatory funding practices", and claimed "substantial" funds were given to veteran social worker Appasaheb Dharamadhikari, while financial help to the Maratha youth was denied.

Jarange announced holding meetings of the Maratha community across various districts between August 7 and 13. After that, a crucial gathering will be held on August 29 to decide the future course of action and how to take the quota movement further.

State Industries Minister Uday Samant advised Jarange to avoid "misunderstandings" regarding Fadnavis.

Samant stated that the deputy CM was supportive of the Maratha reservation demand and rejected suggestions he was adopting a negative stance on the emotive issue.

The Shiv Sena minister challenged opposition parties to clarify their position within two days on whether they support granting reservation to Marathas from the OBC category.

The BJP accused Jarange of working as a "proxy" for the opposition bloc MVA comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP (SP), and the Congress. Angry party leaders declared they are picking up the gauntlet thrown by Jarange for the electoral contest.

"We have accepted Jarange's challenge and will face him on the election battlefield," BJP leader Darekar said.

Accusing the activist of adopting "double standards", Darekar argued on "odd days he distances himself from politics, and on even days, he asks Maratha community to vote BJP out of power".
Observing that there is a trust deficit between farmers and the central government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed the constitution of an independent committee comprising eminent persons to reach out to the protesters at Shambhu border and address their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP.

IMAGE: Farmers stage a sit-in demonstration during their ongoing Delhi Chalo protest over various demands, at the Shambhu border in Patiala. Photograph: ANI Photo

The top court directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to suggest the names of suitable individuals for the committee and submit a proposal for removal of barricades on the national highway while ordering a status quo on the border for a week.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Surya Kant said there is a need for a "neutral umpire" who can inspire confidence between farmers and the government.

"You have to take some steps to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi? You are sending Ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is trust deficit," the bench also comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan said.

"Let appropriate instructions be taken within a week. Till then let parties maintain status quo at the site to prevent flaring up of the situation at the Shambhu border," the bench said while posting the matter after a week.

The top court was hearing the Haryana government's plea challenging the high court order asking it to remove within a week the barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala where protesting farmers have been camping since February 13.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that earlier the roads were blocked against the three agricultural laws and now they have new demands.

The top court said the Centre has to examine the demands of the farmers as a welfare state.

"Some demands may be genuine, others may not be acceptable," the bench said.

The apex court remarked that the state cannot keep the highway blocked all round the year.

Mehta submitted that over 500-600 tanks, which have been modified as "armoured tanks" are positioned at the protest site.

He said if they are permitted to travel to the national capital, law and order situation may arise.

Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh submitted that while Haryana can regulate the movement but the blockade of national highway was resulting in huge ramifications for the economy of Punjab.

The state government in its appeal has cited the law and order situation for the blockade.

On July 12, while hearing a related matter, the top court had asked the Haryana government to remove the barricades and questioned its authority to block the highway.

The Haryana government had set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in February after the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced that farmers would march to Delhi in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

"How can a state block a highway? It has a duty to regulate traffic. We are saying open it but regulate," a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan had said on July 12 after the Haryana government counsel informed the bench about the state's intention of filing an appeal in the apex court.

Justice Kant had told the state's counsel, "Why do you want to challenge the high court's order? Farmers are also citizens of this country. Give them food and good medical care. They will come, raise slogans and go back. I think you don't commute by road."

The top court had made the observations while hearing a plea of the Haryana government challenging a March 7 decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to set up a committee headed by a former high court judge to probe farmer Shubhkaran Singh's death during a clash between the protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel in February.

Singh, 21, a native of Bathinda, was killed and several police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21.

The incident occurred when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards the barricades erected at the border and were stopped by the security personnel from marching to Delhi.

In its order, the high court had also said if any law and order situation arises, the state government can take preventive action according to law.

It had issued a similar direction to the Punjab government for maintaining law and order while stating that the barricades on its side should also be removed.
A Muslim head constable of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Uttarakhand's Haridwar is being extolled for his heroic acts of saving five Kanwariyas, including two minors, from drowning in the Ganga River in separate incidents.

Photograph: @uttarakhandcops/X

Almost everyone in the pilgrimage town is talking about SDRF head constable Ashiq Ali, who is deployed at Kangra ghat near Har Ki Pairi in Haridwar.

When 21-year-old Shiv devotee Monu from Faridabad in Haryana started drifting along the swift currents of the Ganga at Kangra Ghat on Tuesday, Ali, along with his fellow SDRF personnel, wasted no time in jumping into the river and rescuing him.

He saved another Kanwariya -- 21-year-old Govind Singh from the state's Udham Singh Nagar district -- the same day in a separate incident.

On Monday, Ali saved 21-year-old Sandeep Singh of Gorakhpur, 17-year-old Karan of Delhi, and 15-year-old Ankit of Panipat in Haryana.

The SDRF personnel was assisted by SDRF constables Anil Singh Kothiyal, Pradeep Rawat, Shivam Singh and fire service constable Laxman Chauhan.

Talking to PTI, Ali said saving people's lives is his religion and he is not bothered by the caste or religion of someone who is drowning.

"For me, he is a human being and saving his life is my religion," an emotional Ali said.

Ali said whenever he saves someone, he gets immense spiritual satisfaction.

Haridwar SSP Parmendra Doval has honoured Ali with the 'Man of the Day' title for his "excellent" work.
An unidentified terrorist and a soldier were killed in an overnight encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said on Wednesday.

The Army and the police had launched an anti-terrorist operation in the Lolab area of Kupwara a few days ago following information about possible terrorist movements, the officials said.

The security forces established contact with the hiding terrorists on Tuesday, leading to an encounter, they added.

"Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice on days leading up to 23 July 24," the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X.

It said suspicious movements were noticed on Tuesday and the suspects were challenged by vigilant troops. In response, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, leading to a gunbattle.

"In the ensuing fire fight one terrorist has been eliminated and an NCO injured. Operation is in progress," the Army added on the microblogging platform.

The officials said the injured soldier later succumbed to his injuries.
From the word go, Bihar growled its needs out when an MP from the state said aloud: "Give something for Bihar also, Madam."

Every time the Budget mentioned cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh, "Kursi Bachao" was the call from Congress MPs.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2024-2025 in the Lok Sabha, July 23, 2024. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

The new political context was the underlay of the final Budget 2024-2025. And it was quite a change.

Unlike the 2019 interim and final Budgets (where the change in the two versions was negligible), this Budget -- and the reactions to it -- reflected the new Lok Sabha, with reduced numbers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, its dependence on alliance partners, the Telugu Desam Party and the Janata Dal-United, and the number of times Andhra Pradesh and Bihar cropped up in the Budget speech.

"What about Kerala?" asked Congress MP from Ernakulam Hibi Eden when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned assistance to states like Bihar struck by flooding, leading to loud jeers.

"What about Tamil Nadu?" questioned Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Dayanidhi Maran when allocations were announced to projects to support development of tourism in Bihar like Nalanda and Rajgir.

"This is an Andhra Pradesh-Bihar Budget," said NCP leader Supriya Sule.

However, speaking to Business Standard immediately after the Budget, Sitharaman said the deviation from the interim Budget was minor, and only one of accent.

"I have not deviated from the spirit of the interim Budget," she insisted. She said the creation of the capital city of Amaravati was an imperative the Union Budget needed to support.

She was referring to the 'special' assistance to Andhra, within the norms set by the Finance Commission.

But it was in the accent that the story lay.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and MPs during the presentation of the Budget. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

Possibly for the first time in Lok Sabha's history, Speaker Om Birla, as he entered, was greeted not just with cries of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' but also with 'Assalam Waleikum'.

Chants of 'Modi' were absent and 'Jai Shri Ram' was subdued. From the Opposition, there were some jeers of '400 Paar'.

From the word go, Bihar growled its needs out when an MP from the state said aloud: "Give something for Bihar also, Madam."

Every time the Budget mentioned cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh, "Kursi Bachao" was the call from Congress MPs, directed towards the rows where TDP lawmakers were sitting. They just grinned and gestured to the Opposition to pipe down.

Support to Assam -- where the Brahmaputra, "which originates in another country", routinely causes flooding -- Sikkim, and Bihar, where talks with "Nepal on flood control are progressing", saw External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar applaud.

Sitting next to him, Minister for Commerce Piyush Goyal listened carefully to the customs duty proposals, smiling at the announcement of the abolition of the angel tax.

There was bipartisan applause too: For exemption of customs duty on some cancer detection equipment. The treasury benches strongly endorsed higher allocations for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, reflecting new priorities after the electoral setback.

IMAGE: Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Budget. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

But it was not just the past election that appeared to worry ruling party MPs.

Dhairyasheel Mane, the Shiv Sena MP from Hatkanangale, Maharashtra, regretfully said: "Not even a mention of Maharashtra."

The state is set for assembly election later this year, which promises to be bitterly contested. Shrikant Shinde, the Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan constituency in Maharashtra, said Andhra Pradesh could have its Rs 15,000 crore for new cities.

"We (Maharashtra) are a state that gives: Our infrastructure creation alone amounts to Rs 15 lakh crore," he said.

There was assertion from the BJP as well. Opposition MPs who tried to interrupt the Budget speech were shouted down.

The colours in the House -- red caps of the Samajwadi Party, sky-blue jackets of some Trinamool Congress MPs, and turmeric yellow of the TDP -- reflected the new political reality.

But equally visible was saffron: Not just on the floor of the House. Possibly for the first time, there were many guests in the visitors' gallery clad entirely in saffron.

As she left the House, Sitharaman waved to her daughter Vangmayee and members of her extended family.

The colours she wore were subdued but regal: White sari, with a broad purple zari-embellished border.

The sari was a salute to the state she comes to Parliament from: Mysore crepe silk, fabric that no state in India other than Karnataka can weave.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations, while hers is a people powered campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris said on Tuesday addressing her first election rally, a day after she became the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.

IMAGE: US Vice President Kamala Harris addresses a crowd of supporters during her first campaign event as a candidate for president at West Allis High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

"Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations. He is trading access in exchange for campaign contributions. A couple months ago, you all saw that, at Mar-a-Lago, he literally promised big oil companies, big oil lobbyists, he would do their bidding for $1 billion in campaign donations," Harris, 59, said in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"On the other hand, we are running a people-powered campaign. We just had some breaking news. We just had the best 24 hours of grassroots fundraising in presidential campaign history. Because we are a people-powered campaign, that is how you know we will be a people-first presidency," Harris said addressing her maiden campaign rally, less than 50 hours after she entered the race after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

"This campaign is also about two different visions for our nation. One, where we are focused on the future. focused on the past. We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead," she said amidst cheers from the audience.

"A future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every worker has the freedom to join a union, where every person has affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid family leave. We believe in a future where every senior can retire with dignity. So, all of this is to say building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. Because here's the thing: we are all here. When our middle class is strong, America is strong," she said.

Harris alleged that Trump wants to take the country backward.

"He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. Like we know we got to take this seriously.

"Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare. He intends to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations and make working families foot the bill," Harris said.

"They intend to end the Affordable Care Act and take us back then to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with pre-existing conditions. Remember what that was like? Children with asthma, women who survived breast cancer, grandparents with diabetes. America has tried these failed economic policies before, but we are not going back.. And I'll tell you why we're not going back," she said.

"Because ours is a fight for the future. It is fight for freedom. Generations of Americans before us led the fight for freedom. And now, Wisconsin, the baton is in our hands. We, who believe in the sacred freedom to vote. We'll make sure every American has the ability to cast their ballot and have it counted," Harris said.

"We, who believe that every person in our nation should have the freedom to live safe from the terror of gun violence, will finally pass red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban. We, who believe in reproductive freedom, will stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans because we trust women to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do," she said.
Tim Stevenson is a community organizer with Post Oil Solutions from Athens (bereal@vermontel.net), and is the author of Resilience and Resistance: Building Sustainable Communities for a Post Oil Age (Green Writers Press), and the recently published, Transformative Activism: A Values Revolution in Everyday Life in a Time of Societal Collapse (Apocryphile Press). The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Occasional light rain tapering to a few showers late. Low 42F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Occasional light rain tapering to a few showers late. Low 42F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
In May of this year, the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum was held in Beijing. During his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, President Xi Jinping proposed the joint construction of five major cooperation frameworks to accelerate the development of a China-Arab community with a shared future. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the 20th year since the Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) entered the Middle Eastern market. Over these two decades, PowerChina has made significant contributions to the construction and development of Arab countries, establishing irreplaceable advantages in the region.

The Middle East and North Africa face severe water scarcity, making seawater desalination a critical sustainable development path that has garnered widespread attention. PowerChina has employed the world's most advanced reverse osmosis seawater desalination technology for the Rabigh Phase III seawater desalination plant in Saudi Arabia. With a daily water output of 600,000 tons, a Guinness World Record, the plant provides water for 2.4 million residents. The project marks the first entry of a Chinese enterprise into the large-scale seawater desalination EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) general contracting market in the Middle East.

Rabigh Phase III seawater desalination plant in Saudi Arabia(Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Rabigh Phase III seawater desalination plant in Saudi Arabia Building on its success, PowerChina has further explored seawater desalination by establishing research centers, training professionals, and creating an EPCO (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operation) industrial chain. Today, it has become the world's largest EPC general contractor in seawater desalination.

PowerChina has also integrated seawater desalination technology with new energy sources in its seawater desalination projects, replacing part of the traditional power supply with photovoltaic energy to reduce costs and improve efficiency. For example, in projects implemented in the UAE and other locations, PowerChina adopted models such as "seawater desalination + photovoltaics" and "seawater desalination + photovoltaics + water storage," aligning with the green development trend.

Since entering the Middle Eastern market in 2004, PowerChina has been committed to supporting the region's transition to clean, low-carbon energy. It has undertaken several landmark new energy projects, including the 800 MW Al Kharsaah photovoltaic project in Qatar and the 500 MW Ibri photovoltaic project in Oman. In Saudi Arabia, PowerChina has undertaken the construction of the Red Sea New City project, which aims to create a "new energy city" involving multiple modules, including photovoltaics, energy storage, power grids, seawater desalination, water supply networks, and wastewater treatment. This large-scale use of "photovoltaic + energy storage" to supply energy to a city of millions is unprecedented globally and significantly promotes local industrial transformation.

To meet the high standards of the Middle Eastern Arab market, PowerChina continuously strengthens its business capabilities, advances environmental protection, and achieves diversified development. Today, PowerChina offers a full range of its services to 20 of the 22 Middle Eastern countries. Its power projects in the Middle East and North Africa have benefited approximately 415 million Arab people, solidifying PowerChina as the largest engineering contractor in the Middle East market.

PowerChina's development journey in the Middle East reflects how Chinese enterprises, embracing reform and opening up, have steadfastly "gone global," integrating into local contexts with an open mindset. It also demonstrates the Chinese economy's strong resilience, as it continues to achieve growth while boosting regional development. Against the backdrop of continued deepening reform and opening up, PowerChina will adhere to the principles of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. Leveraging its integrated industrial chain advantages, it will participate in the high-quality China-Arab Belt and Road cooperation, bringing more benefits of "Chinese wisdom," "Chinese solutions," and "Chinese strength" to the Arab people.

(Author: Faye)

Editor: WRX
Xi Jinping urges authorities to 'gradually raise the statutory retirement age in a prudent and orderly manner.'

An elderly man carries a bag of recyclable materials on his back in Ruili, west Yunnan Province, January 13, 2023.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party has announced plans to raise the retirement age as part of its response to falling births and a rapidly aging population.

Party leader Xi Jinping called on party and government at a recent top-level meeting in Beijing to "advance reform to gradually raise the statutory retirement age in a prudent and orderly manner in line with the principle of promoting voluntary participation while allowing appropriate flexibility."

Xi also called for moves to "improve the systems for supporting population development and providing related services, refine the policy system and incentive mechanisms for boosting the birth rate, and refine the policies and mechanisms for developing elderly care programs and industries."

China has one of the lowest statutory retirement ages in the world, currently set at 60 for men, at 55 for female officials and at 50 for female workers.

Retired teacher Gu Guoping, who currently lives in Shanghai, said the authorities are likely to change the mandatory retirement age to 65 for men and 55 for women, which is likely to be unpopular.

An elderly woman plays gateball at a university in Rudong, in eastern Chinais Jiangsu province, April 27, 2023. (Jade Gao/AFP)

"The vast majority of people in China don't want a later retirement age," he said. "Some men want to retire at 58 or 55."

"If you start to receive [your pension] too late, you'll only have a short time left to enjoy it," Gu said.

He added: "Women live longer on average than men, so having them retire at 50 is too soon," Gu said. "Extending their retirement age to 55 is reasonable and acceptable to most people."

"But it makes no sense to stop men from retiring at 60 given that they don't live as long as women."

Rising life expectancy

In the meantime, the authorities are getting people used to the idea of a later retirement by promoting "flexibility" and voluntary approaches, he said.

International medical journal The Lancet reported last year that average life expectancy in China will likely rise to 81.3 years old by 2035, 85.1 years for women and 78 years for men, with the gap widening from 5.2 years in 2019 to 7 years by that time.

However, the disadvantage of later retirement is that older people continue to occupy jobs at a time of widespread youth unemployment, according to Gu.

A Beijing resident who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals said part of the issue is that people currently in work are paying for the pensions of people who are currently retired, making the social security system increasingly top-heavy and unsustainable as the population ages and births plummet.

An elderly man opens a door in a residential area in Rudong, in eastern Chinais Jiangsu province, April 27, 2023. (Jade Gao/AFP)

Raising the pension age to 65 could plunge a lot of people into economic hardship, she said.

"Delaying retirement should be part of a system-wide approach," she said, saying more jobs for older people would be needed if they can't collect their pensions until that age.

"Not many people in today's China stay with the same employer their whole life," the woman said. "Once they delay the pensionable retirement age, people will be forced to do odd jobs, change employers and jobs."

"Measures need to be in place to support this kind of situation, especially when it comes to [preventing rampant] age discrimination," she said. "Those attitudes are entrenched, and aren't going to change overnight."

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Meager pension resources

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences estimated recently that there will be nothing left in the national pension fund for city-based employees by 2035, while the International Monetary Fund has predicted that a sluggish economy will also impact the pension system.

Some 300 million people are expected to retire in China over the next decade, putting huge pressure on pension funding.

While 10 working-age people supported 1 retiree in 2002, the ratio had fallen to 5 to 1 by 2021. It will likely fall further to 4 in 2030 and 2 in 2050, Larry Hu, chief economist at Macquarie, told Reuters in January.

China's pension system consists of three elements: basic pension, corporate and occupational annuities, and personal pension plans.

The economic downturn has reduced people's ability to pay into the optional elements of that package.

Participants practice a dance at a kindergarten-turned-elderly center in Taiyuan, in China's northern Shanxi province, July 2, 2024. (Adek Berry/AFP)

At the end of 2023, only 20% of the 50 million people who have personal pensions had paid anything into them, with the average value of personal pension pots standing at a meager 2,000 yuan (US$275).

China's population aged 60 and over reached 296.97 million in 2023, about 21.1% of its total population, up from 280.04 million in 2022, Reuters reported on Jan. 18.

China created a special fund in 2018 to shift pension funds from richer coastal provinces like Guangdong to places like Heilongjiang and Liaoning, to tackle cross-country disparities, yet about a third of China's provincial-level jurisdictions are running pension deficits, the agency reported.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and co-chairs the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee, in Moscow, Russia, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

MOSCOW, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Russia to build a high-level energy cooperation partnership, so as to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said here Tuesday.

Ding was holding talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and co-chairing the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said under the strategic guidance and cordial care of the two heads of state, China-Russia energy cooperation has formed an all-round, cross-sector, in-depth and high-level pattern.

Since the 20th meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee, energy cooperation between the two countries has maintained a sound development momentum and achieved a series of new achievements, Ding said.

He said China is willing to work with Russia to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and build a high-level energy cooperation partnership, so as to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

Ding proposed that the two sides should deepen the integrated cooperation among upstream, midstream and downstream, and lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of energy cooperation.

He also called for optimizing the policy environment for energy cooperation to create favorable conditions for the construction and operation of major energy projects.

It is hoped that the two sides will actively expand new space for energy cooperation, strengthen cooperation in renewable energy and energy technology innovation, and promote green and low-carbon energy transformation, Ding said, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic coordination on global energy governance and make greater contribution to the long-term, sound, stable and sustainable development of the world energy market.

Novak said in recent years, Russia-China energy cooperation has made continuous progress and achieved remarkable results, which fully demonstrates the mutual respect, equality and high-level mutual trust between the two countries.

Russia is willing to work with China to give full play to the platform and coordination role of the Russia-China Energy Cooperation Committee, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, expand energy cooperation at a deeper level and in a wider field, and contribute to the growth of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, Novak said.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and co-chairs the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee, in Moscow, Russia, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Editor: WXL
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
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

Welcome To The New Eurasia

In the heart of Eurasia, a new trade route made up of thousands of kilometers of roads, railroads, and ports is emerging to better connect China to Europe and redraw the lines of global trade.

Take a deeper look through this new interactive map done by myself and my colleagues Wojtek Grojec and Ivan Gutterman.

Finding Perspective: The so-called Middle Corridor is a 6,500-kilometer trade route connecting China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus. Since 2022, it's been growing steadily, with trade volumes skyrocketing and new investments into things like ports and highways from investors in Europe, China, and the Middle East.

According to a World Bank study released in late 2023, trade volumes along the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, reaching 11 million tons.

That's a big turnaround for a route that has existed in some form for years but was largely avoided by shipping companies due to rising costs, unpredictable border crossings, and a lack of high-quality infrastructure.

Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the majority of overland trade between China and the EU traveled north through Russia and used its well-developed rail network to carry goods between the two massive markets.

But the outbreak of war changed all of that. With new sanctions in place on Russia's economy, Western governments and major shipping companies were left searching for alternatives as they looked to bypass Russia and plan for the reality of a long war in Ukraine.

What Comes Next? While its use is growing, the uptake in traffic along the Middle Corridor has laid many of these limitations bare and raised questions about whether it can live up to its potential.

Despite being a shorter distance, there are huge issues with wait times and customs procedures that currently make the Middle Corridor a longer journey than going north through Russia.

On top of that, the economic opportunity opened up along the route has also exposed new geopolitical battlegrounds that could determine if the Middle Corridor gets bogged down or not.

Central to this is China. Without its demand and interest for using the route, the Middle Corridor doesn't make much sense.

But while Beijing has generally been hesitant about the route, it appears to be warming up to it.

In May, a Chinese consortium was awarded a contract to build and manage a deep-sea port in Anaklia on Georgia's Black Sea coast.

Georgian officials -- who have increasingly turned to China for large infrastructure projects in recent years -- have also begun to call for Beijing to join the official Middle Corridor body, which could open up new cooperation and investment opportunities.

Why It Matters: While the Middle Corridor is often sold as a route connecting Europe and China, its biggest value could be in creating internal trade between Central Asia and the Caucasus around the Caspian Sea.

World Bank projections say that trade between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan could increase 37 percent by 2030 and 28 percent between those countries and the European Union.

While that may not be much on a global scale, it's a big deal for one of the world's least-connected regions that has long struggled with being plugged into the flows of international trade.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. New Investigation Into China's Gold Mining In Tajikistan

My colleagues at RFE/RL's Tajik Service spent the last year investigating a collection of Chinese-run mining projects in Tajikistan, where the government is turning a blind eye to environmental degradation in order to not jeopardize a vital stream of foreign investment.

The Details: One high-level official from the Environmental Protection Committee, Tajikistan's main environmental agency, told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that the state body had been ordered to turn a blind eye to any environmental or health issues stemming from a Chinese-run gold mine in Zarafshon.

"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 somonis ($201 million) worth of [gold] in six months of 2023."

Further reporting from my Tajik colleagues shows how this pattern is replicating itself at other Chinese-owned mining sites across the country, with air pollution, health problems, and a mass die-off of fish plaguing nearby communities.

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.

But autocratic President Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled Tajikistan with an iron fist since 1994, has moved the country closer to Beijing and is an enthusiastic member of the 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.

This translates into growing political influence from Beijing and an economic dependence on China that has Tajik officials looking the other way to poor mining practices that are harming local communities.

Read the full investigation by RFE/RL's Tajik Service here.

2. Where Does Harris Stand On China?

Last week, I looked at past and current statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, to read the tea leaves on what their China policy could be.

Following President Joe Biden's decision to not seek reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement to run, let's look at her record.

What You Need To Know: Most analysts say it's safe to assume Harris would have a similar line as Biden on major issues like the war in Ukraine, China's geopolitical rise, and tensions in the Middle East.

As vice president, she worked as a surrogate for Biden at world gatherings such as the 2023 ASEAN summit, the Munich Security Conference in 2022, and in Switzerland this June at Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's peace summit.

While serving in the Senate, Harris was outspoken on China issues and worked on bipartisan legislation promoting human rights in Hong Kong. She also co-sponsored the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act in 2020, which allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions against "foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses" in Xinjiang.

If elected, she'd also likely continue unofficial backing for Taiwan. In September 2022, she said, "We will continue to support Taiwan's self-defense, consistent with our long-standing policy."

In May, Philip Gordon, her national security adviser, spoke with the Council on Foreign Relations in a wide-ranging conversation and had some interesting comments on the China-Russia relationship and what he sees as the U.S. advantage in maintaining stronger alliances.

"We're in a favorable position to win this geopolitical competition, to the degree it's Russia and China and other autocracies aligning against us. We feel pretty good about that. It's a core part of our strategy. It's why the president and the vice president have invested so much time in those alliances."

3. Ukraine's Top Diplomat Goes To China

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is currently in Beijing as part of his first visit to China since Russia's full-scale invasion.

What It Means: The three-day visit began on July 23, with Ukraine's top diplomat traveling at the invitation of Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart.

After landing, Kuleba said in an Instagram post that he would use his trip to develop contacts between Chinese and Ukrainian leaders and that he would be having "extensive, detailed, [and] substantive negotiations" with Wang over how to reach a peace settlement for the grinding war that is now in its third year.

"We must avoid competing peace plans. It is very important that Kyiv and Beijing conduct a direct dialogue and exchange positions," Kuleba said.

The trip comes as various peace initiatives have emerged in recent months against the backdrop of prolonged fighting and uncertainty ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November that could see the return of former President Trump, who has threatened to limit aid flows to Ukraine and push for talks between Kyiv and Moscow that could quickly end the war.

Across The Supercontinent

China's Palestine Diplomacy: Palestinian factions including rivals Hamas and Fatah have signed an agreement on "ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity" in Beijing.

Supply Chains: Amid competition between China and the West for rare-earth minerals and the supply chains of the future, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will head to Belgrade to discuss a new partnership with Serbia on lithium mining, RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports.

The Economic Engine: As Western companies quake at the latest onslaught of cheap Chinese goods, a similar drama is playing out in China, where manufacturers are struggling as Beijing boosts industrial capacity without stimulating new demand, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Up North: A Newsweek investigation looks at China's growing ambitions in the Arctic and finds that scientific research teams are blurring the lines between Beijing's security and economic goals for the region.

One Thing To Watch

Normally, I write something here about China, but this week it's about my colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, a veteran journalist who holds dual U.S.-Russian citizenship, sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison by a Russian court on baseless charges.

While news broke on July 22 about her sentencing, her verdict was delivered in secret on July 19, the same day Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was found guilty of espionage charges -- which he, his employer, and the U.S. government have rejected as politically motivated -- by a court in the city of Yekaterinberg.

Alsu is a 47-year-old mother of two and was arrested in Kazan in October 2023 and first charged with failing to register as a "foreign agent" under a punitive Russian law that targets journalists, civil society activists, and others. She was later charged with spreading falsehoods about the Russian military.

Thats all from me for now. Dont forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Wednesday.
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.
On the dusty outskirts of Tbilisi in 1880, Aleksandre Roinashvili pulled his carriage to a stop and turned to his young wife. "From today you are no longer my wife, and I am no longer your husband," he told her. After the shocked woman dismounted, Roinashvili continued east towards today's Azerbaijan, his carriage jingling with photography equipment.

After his unhappy marriage ended, Roinashvili never again attempted to build a family, instead the photographer devoted his energies to documenting the cultures and landscapes of the Caucasus, and his beloved homeland of Georgia.

Roinashvili was born in Dusheti, central Georgia, in 1846. After losing his father at a young age, the boy migrated to Tbilisi with no clear prospects.

Roinashvili was able to find his way in Tbilisi and learned the new craft of photography as an assistant to a Russian studio photographer.

Soon Roinashvili established his own business, becoming the first-ever professional photographer of Georgian origin.

Roinashvili's portrait studio was a success, but he soon yearned to use the new technology of photography to document the culture of his occupied homeland.

One hundred and fifty years on from the most productive era of his career, Georgia's National Parliamentary Library permitted RFE/RL to access several of Roinashvili's finest photographs from its archive.

The high-resolution photographs offer a fascinating, often surprising insight into the Caucasus under Russian rule.

Georgian historian Giorgi Javakhishvili told RFE/RL that Roinashvili was exceptional in part because of because of what he achieved amid a highly class-conscious society.

"Roinashvili, who had a peasant background, was able to achieve success with his own talents," Javakhishvili said.

The historian says there is relatively little information about Roinashvilis life in the aftermath of his 1880 roadside separation from his wife, but it is known he photographed and wandered throughout Daghestan for several years.

One 19th-century Georgian press report states that Daghestan was a place that held a personal fascination for Roinashvili, who "searched the Caucasus Mountains for lost and forgotten artifacts and stories."

The photographer's Daghestan expedition was also likely to have been financially profitable.

Russian society was fascinated with Daghestan in the wake of the Kremlin's 1864 conquest of the territory after decades of bitter conflict with mountain tribes.

"In general, the Caucasus for Russia in the 19th century was a place of exoticism, beauty, and horror at the same time," Javakhishvili told RFE/RL.

At the time of Roinashvili's roaming through the region with his camera, "Russian society knew Caucasians only from literature and painting," Javakashvili said.

The Georgian photographer also traveled throughout today's Armenia and Azerbaijan.

During his roaming, Roinashvili began to collect various artifacts, and formed the idea of creating a national museum of Georgian culture.

"There is almost no nation within the Russian Empire that does not have its own house, or museum," Roinashvili wrote. "And we [Georgians] who have the advantage of past glory, art, and literacy, do not even think of establishing such a national house so that the future generation can see its past glory."

"I bought about 500 things from enemies of ours and brought them to our mother city with the intention to give them to our nation, to establish a Georgian national museum," Roinashvili wrote near the end of his life. "It's been six years since I brought these items and, unfortunately for us, I have not been able to find any institution in our country that can store, even temporarily, these wonderful and rare items."

In May 1898, Aleksandre Roinashvili died unexpectedly, aged 52 . His will passed all of his possessions, including the cultural treasures he had acquired throughout his travels, to Georgia's Society for Georgian Literacy.
BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum on Tuesday.

Xi said this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties. With the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has been moving forward full of vigor, and bilateral energy cooperation has become increasingly mature, stable and resilient, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he said.

At the new historical starting point, China stands ready to work with Russia to continuously push forward the mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, safeguard the steadiness and resilience of the energy industrial chain and supply chain, so as to contribute to a more robust, green and healthy development of global energy industry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to the forum on Tuesday.

Editor: WXL
Vladimir Putin, 71, has been president or prime minister of Russia since August 1999, clamping down ever harder on dissent while building up a personalized authoritarian system that has proven durable through political upheaval, economic crises, wars, and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In January, when Putin was preparing to run for a fifth presidential term in a strictly managed election, a BBC correspondent asked a pensioner in the central Russian town of Rzhev if there was anyone who could replace Putin.



"Not right now," the woman responded, echoing a narrative that has been carefully cultivated by the Kremlin throughout Putin's rule. "Maybe Putin will find someone later. But I think he'll be in power for a long time to come."



Despite the difficulty of thinking "beyond Putin," Systema -- RFE/RL's Russian investigative unit -- posed this question to more than 150 leading Russia experts, including political scientists, sociologists, and journalists from Russia, the United States, and Europe. Over 40 agreed to respond and were asked what the most likely scenarios for a transition away from Putin are and who might end up succeeding him.



Many respondents stressed such speculation really belongs to the realm of fantasy, adding that choosing a successor with any accuracy is impossible. Several added that there are no indications Putin himself has any clear ideas on these matters or is grooming an heir.



"The weakening and crisis of the Putin regime will correspond with and be a result of Putin's natural aging," Ukrainian political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko said.



'Til Death Us Do Part



The majority of the experts said that the most likely scenario for a change of power in Russia would be Putin's death. In fact, almost all respondents listed this among the most probable paths for Russia, while eight listed it as the only possible route.

Meanwhile, 23 said a coup or intra-elite uprising could trigger a change of power. Several of them named only this possible scenario.



Only five respondents listed a "civil war" or "revolution" as a possibility for Russia, slightly fewer than the number who said the end of Putin's Russia could be triggered by a Russian military defeat. One expert supposed the end could be triggered by a major catastrophe such as a nuclear power plant disaster or a global economic meltdown. Another noted that Putin could be shunted aside in a "soft coup" in the event of a serious illness.



None of the respondents mentioned the end of Putin's reign through a competitive election as a possibility for Russia. But journalist Andrei Zakharov commented, "Russia will someday be free."



The Usual Suspects



The experts were also asked to name possible successors to Putin in two different transition scenarios: first, one in which Putin himself participates in the selection process -- such as by appointing a favored successor, as President Boris Yeltsin did with Putin -- and second, one in which Putin has died or is otherwise not a participant.

In the first scenario, 19 experts mentioned Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, while 18 mentioned State Council Secretary and former Putin bodyguard Aleksei Dyumin. Others named repeatedly were Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.



Two experts said Putin might name his youngest daughter from his marriage to Lyudmila Putina, Katerina Tikhonova, while one mentioned his eldest daughter, Maria Vorontsova.

In the second scenario, in which Putin is not involved in the selection process, a majority of respondents also named Mishustin, with Sobyanin polling second. Seven respondents mentioned presidential aide and former Federal Security Service and Security Council head Nikolai Patrushev. Five mentioned Patrushev's son, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.



In all, the experts mentioned 34 possible successors, ranging in age from 75-year-old Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko to the 37-year-old Tikhonova. One expert named Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov, despite persistent reports of serious health problems.



Another expert mentioned exiled dissident businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, 61, as a dark-horse possibility to succeed Putin. Khodorkovsky was the only genuine opposition figure named by any of the respondents.



Aleksei Navalny, Putin's most prominent opponent over the last decade, died suddenly in an Arctic prison in February after three years behind bars.



Several experts noted that predicting a possible successor is impossible because much depends on the circumstances of the transition.



"In the event of a sudden change, whoever occupies the post of prime minister has the strongest chances of succeeding," one analyst, who asked that his name not be used, wrote. "Other than that, it is pure guesswork, and it could be someone whose name we would not even think to mention.



"It is simply unknowable in advance," he added, mentioning that few people would have named Nikita Khrushchev as Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's heir.



Russian political analyst Fyodor Krasheninnikov emphasized the opacity of Putin's governing system: "We don't even know who is actually in Putin's closest circle."



Sergei Sanovich, a Hoover fellow at Stanford University, said he thinks it likely that a political transition in Russia will not happen until 2036, the end of Putin's potential sixth and, under current legislation, last term as president.



"If it happened now, I'd put my money on the younger Patrushev," he commented. "But I don't think it will happen earlier than 2036, at which point Dmitry Patrushev will be about 60. That means it would be someone younger."

Robert Coalson contributed to this report.
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan recently arrested the last opposition politician in the country who dared to openly criticize the authoritarian governments policies.

In a move described by the opposition as catastrophic for Tajik society, authorities detained Shokirjon Hakimov, the deputy head of the Social Democratic Party on July 12, although officials have not publicly announced or commented on the politicians arrest.



Hakimovs relatives have since avoided talking to the media, sparking fears the family was warned against speaking out.



The Tajik government has brutally cracked down on its political opponents over the years, jailing opposition politicians or forcing them into self-exile. Dozens of independent journalists, activists, and government critics languish in prisons. Some of them were hunted down abroad and forcibly brought back home. Others were killed.



The Europe-based National Alliance of Tajikistan that brings together several exiled Tajik opposition groups, expressed concern about the impact of Hakimovs arrest on civil society, which has increasingly witnessed alternative voices silenced one after another.



The arrest of freethinking and courageous politicians like Hakimov and their removal from the political scene will have catastrophic consequences for the future of the Tajik nation, the group said.



Its not clear what charges Hakimov, 58, is facing. A source close to Tajik law enforcement agencies told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that Hakimovs detention is linked to a criminal case against Saidjafar Usmonzoda, a lawmaker and the former head of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan who was detained in June for allegedly seeking to overthrow the government.

Tajik Prosecutor-General Yusuf Rahmon told parliament following the lawmakers arrest that Usmonzoda and others had been plotting to illegally seize the government. The prosecutor didnt say who the others were.



But there have been rumors that several prominent figures -- including former Foreign Minister Hamrohkhon Zarifi, 75, and former parliament chairman Akbarshoh Iskandarov, 73 -- were detained on unknown charges in June.



Sources close to the government confirmed to RFE/RL that Hakimov was arrested but were not able to provide details.



Climate Of Fear



Nearly a decade ago, Dushanbe banned its major political opponent, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan and Group 24 -- an organization that had been gaining popularity among younger Tajiks.



Both parties were branded as terrorist, and the government of autocratic President Emomali Rahmon continues to target their members and supporters both at home and outside the country.



Although the Social Democratic Party has been officially registered in Tajikistan, it has been under constant political and financial pressure. Controlled elections have made it impossible for the party to ever win a seat in parliament.

Hakimov twice ran for parliament in 2010 and 2015 in his native Konibodom district in the countrys north. But both times pro-government candidates were declared winners amid reports of irregularities and violations by election officials.



Despite having a doctorate in law, Hakimov said that he was unable to get a lecturers job at any Tajik university because of his political views.



But he refused to remain silent and continued to voice his opinion at public gatherings and in comments to foreign media. For several years it seemed the authorities tolerated his criticism.



But now, apparently, the regime is so unsure of its own stability that it even sees [a lone critic such as] Hakimov as a serious threat, said U.S.-based Tajik political observer Aziz Nasrulloev.



Political activist Farhod Khudoyorov predicts that Hakimovs arrest will further erode ordinary Tajiks trust in the government and might even push some people toward extremism.



It will add to [the existing] climate of fear. Self-censorship in media will increase further and people will hesitate about voicing their opinion openly, Khudoyorov said. As a result, people will become more radical [toward the government.]
Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk has confirmed to the Roscommon Herald that the 1.55m purchase of eleven acres of council lands will allow for future expansion plans at its site in Monksland.

At Monday's meeting of Roscommon County Council, the sale of the lands to the multinational was confirmed by the local authority's executive. Last December, the Danish firm purchased Alkermes Monksland facility for $92.5m.

Responding to queries, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which employs about 400 people, confirmed that the transaction would allow for expansion plans. "The land purchased would support services at our newly acquired Athlone plant. The facility in Monksland, Athlone has given Novo Nordisk access to a fully-equipped facility with additional development and manufacturing capacity for current and future oral products."

At Mondays council meeting, members welcomed the sale of the lands to the pharmaceutical company, and its ambition to expand to allow for further job creation.

Pointing out that the land sale was a wise move for the local authority, council chief executive Shane Tiernan said Novo Nordisk was a major player in Monksland in terms of creating development and jobs.

Mr Tiernan assured members the 1.55m would be prudently used for the development of a district centre in Monksland.

While there was a broad welcome for the news, several councillors highlighted the pressing need for a new link road onto the motorway given any expansion would lead to increased traffic in the Monksland area.

Councillors John Naughten (FG) and John Keogh (FF) emphasised the importance of developing such an access point, and for the council to liaise with the relevant agencies to ensure a link road was delivered.

Independent councillor Laurence Fallon said a new link road had taken on a new significance. Whatever the best options are, it needs to happen quickly, he said.

Independent councillor Tony Ward also called for the upgrade of a local roundabout to help alleviate traffic while Fianna Fail councillor Sean Moylan re-emphasised the need to upgrade the N61 to ensure other parts of the county could benefit from such developments.

Assistant director of services Greg ODonnell said that a planning application should be expected from the company in due course, and would allow for the consideration of all related issues.

Mr O'Donnell said that everyone welcomed the development while also highlighting the need to ensure that any traffic concerns would be addressed.
Several Roscommon born doctors are featured in a new book Irish Doctors in the Second World War, the sequel to Irish Doctors in the First World War.

The book charts the vital contributions of Irish doctors in the Second World War, a conflict that demonstrated to the world how military warfare had changed utterly since the Great War.

While advancements in medical care during the interwar years made field medicine almost unrecognisable compared to 1918, this was tempered by vast innovations in the destructive power of the machines of war. From the Maginot Line to the Far East, Irish doctors risked their lives in a terrifying new landscape. This richly illustrated book tells the stories of Irish medical personnel who served, and includes excerpts from first-hand accounts, such as that of Aidan MacCarthy, a Japanese POW who was present when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, as well as heartrending reports from Irish doctors arriving in liberated concentration camps. Combined with its meticulously compiled Roll of Honour commemorating those who served, it is a powerful tribute to their humanity and indomitable spirit.

Among those featured are three Roscommon doctors. Gerard Joseph Hanly was born on July 21st, 1900 at Elphin. He was the eleventh child of John Hanly, a farmer and Winifred Breslin his wife. He was educated at Summerhill College in Sligo and UCG achieving an MB, BCh, BAO. (NUI 1923). FRCS Edin. 1931. MRCS and FRCS. Dec. 1940. He was commissioned to the RAF Medical Service in 1924. Flt Lt 1926. Sq. Ldr 1934. Wing Comdr 1938. Group Capt. 1942. He served in India, Iraq, Aden, and Egypt. He married Miriam Duff on July 24th, 1937, who survived him with two daughters. Sadly he died on active service in the Middle East in August 1942.

James Michael (John) McNamara, Roscommon achieved an MB, BCh, BAO (NUI 1923). He was a Surgeon Commander RN. He first enlisted on the 19th Dec. 1928 but was killed in action in April 1942 on the HMS Hermes at just 42 years of age.

The final entry is for James Joseph Murray which simply states Address: Co. Roscommon (RCSI 1941). RAMC Mar. 1941.

The book is written by Patrick J. Casey, Kevin T. Cullen and Joe P. Duignan.

Patrick J. Casey is a founding member of the Medal Society of Ireland. He is a life-long military medal collector with a keen interest in the profiles of those awarded military honours. He has written numerous articles on the history of Irish Regiments, their insignia, uniforms and awards.

Kevin T. Cullen is a retired geologist and past President of the Institute of Geologists of Ireland. He compiled and self-published the World War One Roll of Honour for County Monaghan, his native county, in 2010.

Joe P. Duignan is a retired surgeon and former Council Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has lectured on the nature and treatment of wounds and diseases of past military campaigns from the Crimea to World War Two, and on the medical advances during this period.
A library assistant at Roscommon County Library Service has won a major award recognising excellence in a two-year Library and Information Management Postgraduate Diploma at Ulster University.

Clare Doyle has been awarded the A&O Shearman award for the best overall performance in the field of librarianship and information management. A&O Shearman is a global law firm with almost 4,000 lawyers. It Belfast office, which opened in 2011, is the third largest A&O Shearman office by headcount, employing nearly 800 people.

Clare said she was delighted to receive the A&O Sherman award and thanked the firm for continuing to recognise the importance of library and information management.

It has played a crucial role in my professional development equipping me with advanced knowledge, increasing both my competence and confidence in my professional abilities. The online nature of the course allowed for flexibility and self-paced learning so that I could study while working full-time.

Alongside valuable professional and personal skills I benefited from access to lecturers, guest speakers and fellow students who shared their time and expertise freely.

Id like to dedicate this award to my grandmother, Kathleen Lowery who died in December 2023 aged 107. Granny worked hard throughout her life, and as an employee of the court service, understood the value and importance of information, most especially in terms of access, education, and transparency, she said.

The Diploma, now in its 17th year, aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of information professionals. It is supported by global law firm A&O Shearman through an annual award for best overall performance and accredited by professional body CILIP: the library and information association.

The course is hugely popular locally and internationally and is delivered completely online, providing students with greater flexibility in their studies and a positive work/life balance.

Sarah Fahy, global head of research & library at A&O Shearman, commented on this years award: Congratulations to Clare, who is a very worthy winner. She demonstrated exceptional talent, produced consistently excellent work, and gained distinction across all her work. Its not always easy to juggle work and study but I applaud her achievements and I wish her every success in her future career.

We have partnered with Ulster University for twelve years because we are committed to supporting rising talent. We have a strong library and information team in Belfast, who provide a vital service for our offices across the globe, a number of whom have completed this course. We recognise the role that skilled library and information managers bring to an organisation and the value of professional development to build long term careers. The online delivery programme develops strong library, research and information skills techniques that are all designed to increase career prospects in this specialist sector.

Professor David Barr, head of the school of education at Ulster University said: The Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Management at Ulster University continues to go from strength to strength. It is the only course of its kind in Ireland as it offers professionally accredited study to individuals working within the library and information sector regardless of their geographic location through an innovative e-learning environment.

Thanks to our well-established relationships with professional bodies and the wider industry in this field, our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed and meet the needs of this important sector.

On behalf of the School of Education at Ulster University, I would like to offer my congratulations to this years recipient, Clare Doyle. We are delighted that our students benefit from this on-going partnership with A&O Shearman, both in terms of their professional development as well as the achievement of personal success that this award imbues. The A&O Shearman award is recognised as a very prestigious accolade by the University.
Karanbir Singh makes Punjabis proud, secures 2nd position in Italy College

He has bagged a degree in Information Technology obtaining the second position

Punjabi Diaspora News: In a major development, the Punjabi youth Karanbir Singh made his parents and his family besides whole of Punjab proud as he secured 2nd position in college in Italy.

He has bagged a degree in Information Technology obtaining the second position. Punjabis who arrived in Italy in large numbers have achieved great success due to hard work. The new generation is creating a good identity in the field of education.

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Karanbir Singh, a Punjabi youth belonging to the city of Gedi in the district of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy, obtained second place from the Milan Polytechnic University in Information Technology. As Karanbir obtained the degree, the Sikh community felt immensely proud of him.

Jasveer Singh Sandha and Mata Surinder Kaur, parents of Karanbir Singh, belonging to village Saidpur (Sultanpur Lodhi) district Kapurthala of Punjab, expressed happiness and said that their 21-year-old son has always been ahead in studies and has done information technology.

He said that his eldest son Manpreet Singh also completed his Master's degree in Information Technology in 2019. Yesterday, relatives and friends living all over Italy congratulated Karanbir Singh and his family and wished them well for the future.

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It should also be mentioned here that Karanbir Singh's father Jasvir Singh Sandha has been serving in the management committee of Gurdwara Baba Buddha Sahib Ji Sikh Center Kastenedlo for a long time.



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In Italy, Punjabi youth Karanbir Singh organized a community bat along with his parents

A degree in Information Technology (Information Technology) obtained as a second runner-up

Milan (Daljit Makkar) Punjabis who have arrived in Italy in large numbers have achieved great success due to hard work. There, the new generation born and educated here is creating a good identity in education

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Karanbir Singh, a Punjabi youth from the city of Gedi in the district of Brescia, born in the state of Lombardy, Italy, has made the name of the country, the Sikh community and his parents brighter by obtaining a degree in information technology from the Milan Polytechnic University, Milan.

Jasveer Singh Sandha and Mata Surinder Kaur, parents of Karanbir Singh belonging to village Saidpur (Sultanpur Lodhi) district Kapurthala of Punjab, expressed happiness and said that their 21-year-old son has always been ahead in studies and he has done information technology. He said that his eldest son Manpreet Singh has completed his Master's degree in Information Technology in 2019.

Yesterday, relatives and friends living all over Italy congratulated Karanbir Singh and his family and wished them well for the future. It should also be mentioned here that Karanbir Singh's father Jasveer Singh Sandha has been serving in the management committee of Gurdwara Baba Buddha Sahib Ji Sikh Center Kastenedlo for a long time.

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(For more news apart from Punjabi youth Karanbir Singh organized a community bat- Italy , stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
July 24, 2024 UPDATE

Click here for the latest news from RRI

Newsflash

Newsroom, 24.07.2024, 20:00

Diplomacy  Romania is a credible, involved and respected regional, European and international actor, a provider of security and stability, said the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, in the opening of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy, which takes place in Bucharest. He pleaded for the consolidation of the role and influence in the European Union and NATO and for the deepening of the strategic partnership with the US. About the partnership with the US, Iohannis said that it is an essential pillar of Romanias foreign policy, that it has become more robust and acquired more substance. Regarding the relationship with the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Romanias President showed that this represented a strategic priority, and bilateral cooperation reached the highest level in history. Also, Iohannis stated, Bucharest also promoted a constructive relationship with the Kyiv administration. Last but not least, the Romanian president stated that the accession to the Schengen Area also with the land borders, as well as the accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development remain priority objectives of the Romanian diplomacy.

Odobescu  The Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminita Odobescu, reiterated, on Wednesday, that Romania remains a firm supporter of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine at the European level and emphasized that the two countries must continue the reforms necessary for European integration. She condemned the war waged by Russia in Ukraine and stated that the Republic of Moldova remains the state most affected by this war after Ukraine. I reiterate that Romania firmly and steadfastly supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova within their internationally recognized borders, Odobescu also said.

Venice Commission  Romania should complete the process initiated in view of taking into account the recommendations of the Venice Commission on the justice laws and of accelerating its efforts to ensure effective public consultations before the adoption of the legislation, the European Commission recommends in the annual report on the rule of law, published on Wednesday. Although some progress has been made in this area, the EC recommends Bucharest to continue its efforts to ensure adequate human resources for the justice system, taking into account European standards. Another recommendation is to take measures to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of crimes in the judicial system, including acts of corruption. The EC recognizes, however, that Romania has made some progress in this regard. The Romanian Justice Minister, Alina Gorghiu, states that the report on the rule of law in Romania is the best so far. The main conclusion of the fifth edition of the Commissions annual report on the rule of law in member countries is that they and the Union as a whole are much better prepared to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges, which contributes to the resilience of European democracies and supports mutual trust in the EU as well as the smooth functioning of the single market.

Alert  The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations issued, last night, a RO-ALERT message for the north of Tulcea county (south-east), informing the population about the possibility of objects falling from the sky on the territory near the border with Ukraine. The message was issued after the structures with the role of defense and border surveillance noticed several Russian drones, involved in attacks on the Ukrainian infrastructure, which were approaching the Romanian border. The Defense Ministry reported that, currently, its teams are continuing the search for possible remains of drones that have fallen on the national territory. The same source stated that two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force flew in the area to monitor the situation.

Meeting  The Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel on Wednesday expressed his conviction, in a joint press statement held together with the Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminita Odobescu, on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy, that Romanias place is in Schengen and that controls must stop at the border. Xavier Bettel mentioned, on the other hand, that he visited the Cincu military base (center), after a similar visit in September, to show the support and solidarity of the government towards the young people of Luxembourg. Minister Luminita Odobescu said, in turn, that Romania wants more substantial cooperation with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, including in the field of the defense industry. She thanked for the presence of troops from Luxembourg on Romanian territory as part of strengthening NATOs deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank and the Black Sea. (LS)
Romania and the transition to green energy

The development of the energy of the future, which is safe, accessible and above all non-polluting is the main topic discussed in Bucharest these days.

photo: pixabay.com

Daniela Budu, 24.07.2024, 14:00

Only with energy security, accessible energy for the economy and population and economic competitiveness can the decisive step be taken towards the next vital objective  obtaining clean, green energy. The statement was made by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on the occasion of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) Business Forum held in Bucharest, which was attended by representatives of the public and private sector from all over Europe and from the United States. Our energy systems must be able to supply energy at any time and in conditions of internal or external stress to all consumers, anywhere , the Romanian prime minister said. According to him, the diversification of energy sources and means of production is needed, and, in the context of the war in the neighboring Ukraine and the upcoming winter, immediate action is needed to support the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, all countries in the region with vulnerabilities. That is why, says the prime minister, Romania is improving its interconnection capacities with all countries in its vicinity, with Bulgaria and Greece, but also with Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The prime minister has also said that Bucharest invests in new capacities to obtain energy from renewable sources and aims to double its nuclear capacity. The goal, says Marcel Ciolacu, is to modernize the energy sector, to become more resistant to regional or global shocks.

The Prime Minister also referred to the Neptun Deep gas exploration project in the Black Sea, which will double Romanias gas production capacity and turn the country into the largest producer in the EU starting in 2027. He highlighted the support given to Romania by the US in strategic energy projects in the nuclear field, mentioning the construction of reactors 3 and 4 at the Cernavoda power plant, in the southeast. Moreover, during the Forum in Bucharest, a partnership was also signed between Nuclearelectrica and two American companies, a project through which a former coal-fueled power plant is transformed into a modern nuclear-electric power plant that will produce zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Romania is very committed to making the green transition in a pragmatic and feasible way, an example for the region and the world, and this means the use of gas in the short and medium term, but also of nuclear energy, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said in turn. The mines and coal-fired power plants in Romania will continue to operate, the minister says, for at least a year and a half, because the country still needs conventional power plants, which have proven their importance especially in the context of the recent heat wave.

The discussions in Bucharest these days focus on the future of energy throughout the world, but also on the development of the energy of the future, which should be safe, accessible and above all non-polluting, on the implementation of new sources of energy production, either thermal or electric and also on the cooperation between the European states and the US. (EE)
While reporting financial results for the second quarter on Wednesday, telecom giant AT&T, Inc. (T) reiterated its adjusted earnings guidance for the full-year 2024.

For fiscal 2024, the company continues to project adjusted earnings in a range of $2.15 to $2.25 per share on wireless service revenue growth of 3 percent and broadband revenue growth of 7 percent.

On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $2.22 per share on revenue growth of 0.4 percent to $122.89 billion for the year. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, the company said it expects to deliver adjusted earnings per share growth.

For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Health officials in Ohio are strongly urging parents to prioritize vaccinating their children due to a concerning rise in preventable diseases, coupled with a declining rate of childhood vaccinations. Bruce Vanderhoff, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, stressed the importance of ensuring that children receive all recommended vaccines. He highlighted the persistent risks posed by COVID-19, influenza, as well as the resurgence of serious cases of measles, whooping cough, and mumps.

During a recent press conference, Vanderhoff, alongside Paul Offit, a vaccinology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, underscored the critical role of vaccines in effectively reducing the threat of diseases such as polio and measles. Dr. Offit expressed concern over the diminishing fear of once-feared diseases like measles, emphasizing the need for the public to recognize the serious consequences of underestimating these illnesses. He cautioned that choosing not to vaccinate children doesn't eliminate risk; rather, it simply shifts the risk.

Vanderhoff also noted the legal requirements in Ohio, whereby students are mandated to have the necessary vaccinations or an approved exemption (medical, religious, or personal) to attend school. Vanderhoff expressed alarm over the emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Ohio, revealing that the state had reported seven cases of measles this year. In 2022, Ohio recorded 90 measles cases, with 85 arising from a central Ohio outbreak.

The state department's data revealed a record number of kindergarteners exempted from vaccinations for nonmedical reasons, with 4% in the 2023-2024 school year, compared to 2.6% in 2019-2020. This significant increase raises concerns about the current trend of declining vaccination rates among children.

On a global scale, the World Health Organization and UNICEF reported that approximately 21 million children missed one or more vaccines in 2023, signifying an increase of around 2.7 million compared to 2019. This data underscores the importance of addressing vaccination disparities and advocating for improved vaccination coverage worldwide.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Reckitt is under pressure from top shareholders to revisit a sale of its nutrition business, following litigation and a series of other setbacks at the division that have sent the companys share price to decade lows. The FTSE 100 consumer giant acquired the Mead Johnson infant formula business in 2017 for $17bn  its largest-ever acquisition  and it has been plagued by mishaps ever since. Meanwhile, the wider group, which makes Lysol detergent and Durex condoms, has underwhelmed investors as it struggles to build back sales volumes following a period of high inflation and suppressed consumer demand.  Financial Times

Earnings at Tesla almost halved as discounts and price cuts pile pressure on the electric carmakers profit margins. Elon Musk, the companys CEO, blamed a bit of a hangover after rivals cut prices very substantially, which has made it a bit more difficult for Tesla. Tesla has sought to drum up interest in its plans for robotaxis, artificial intelligence and genuinely useful humanoid robots as deliveries slipped amid cooling demand.  The Guardian

Virgin Atlantic is to charge passengers a green levy on every flight as it seeks to cover the costs of using sustainable aviation fuel (Saf). Shai Weiss, the chief executive of the UK airline, confirmed plans for the environmental surcharge, which he said will come into force over the next 18 months. It comes as airlines gear up for the mandated use of Saf, which costs three times as much as kerosene.  The Telegraph

Informa is in advanced discussions to acquire Ascential, its rival events specialist, for 1.16 billion, providing a further boost to deal activity in the City. Ascentials board said it is minded to accept the 568p-per-share offer from the FTSE 100 owner of the Miami Boat Showand World of Concrete.  The Times

Sir Keir Starmers plans for a housebuilding revolution risk breaching human rights laws, lawyers have said. They say the Government will face a string of legal battles over its proposal to reduce compensation to landowners forced to hand over their assets under compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers. As outlined in the Kings Speech, the Government wants to reduce how much money is paid to owners and developers for use in housebuilding, saying it wanted to make the payouts fair but not excessive.  The Telegraph
Half of U.K. adults do not regularly read and 24% of young people 16 to 24 say they have never been readers, according to a new Reading Agency survey, the Bookseller reported. The State of the Nation's Adult Reading, conducted with 2,003 U.K. "nationally representative consumers," also noted that more than 27 million U.K. adults are missing out on the benefits of reading more, including reduced stress levels and improved focus.

The survey found that 15% of U.K. adults have never read regularly for pleasure, and 35% used to read but have stopped, with young adults facing the most barriers to reading. Lack of time (33%) and social media distraction (20%) were cited as two of the primary obstacles to reading. In addition, 11% of adults report finding reading difficult--a figure that doubles among young people aged 16 to 24--and 30% of U.K. adults say that they struggle to finish what they are reading. Attention is an issue overall, with 28% of U.K. adults saying they have difficulty focusing on reading for more than a few minutes.

Despite these findings, 59% of respondents said that there are things they want to read. Karen Napier, CEO of the Reading Agency, said, "Lack of time is the biggest barrier to U.K. adults reading more, which makes the summer holidays the perfect opportunity to take time out and read. We would encourage anyone who hasn't picked up a book or audiobook in a while, or who may have lost their confidence, to use this summer break to kickstart their reading habit."

Lorraine Kelly, broadcaster and ambassador for the Reading Agency, commented: "The Reading Agency's new research shows a worrying trend: fewer and fewer adults are reading for pleasure. As an author, I've seen firsthand how stories can change lives, spark imaginations and create connections. The Reading Agency is dedicated to helping every adult access these benefits to create a society where everyone can thrive."

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Fernand Ernster, who has run the Luxembourg bookshop chain Librairie Ernster since 1989, is stepping down as the CEO of the company and handing the reins to one of his sons, 30-year-old Paul Ernster, who will become the fifth generation to head the family business, the Luxembourg Times reported.

"I'll be 65 next March. It seems like a good time to take a step back. The idea is to retire within a year," said Fernand Ernster, who took over the company from his own father.

The transition to handing over the day-to-day running of the company to Paul Ernster was implemented over the past few months. He has been active in the Ernster group for six years, becoming increasingly independent, the Luxembourg Times noted.

Fernand Ernster recalled that his great-grandfather Pierre opened the first bookshop in 1889: "He was a teacher who wrote books for his pupils. He opened the shop in order to sell these as well as other books."

The company operates nine bookstores and a stationery shop. "We regularly receive offers to open new locations. We're always on the lookout for the right opportunity," Fernand Ernster said. "But our ambition is not to open 100 stores, or to stifle the competition as some people have tried to do in the past.... The business has changed a lot over the years."

Paul Ernster noted that the business also runs a wholesale bookshop, an e-commerce site, a distributor for certain publishers, and a publisher of other works, particularly children's books in Luxembourgish. The family has just bought Domino, the only toy shop in Luxembourg city center.

---

A bookseller dog haiku from Patch at the Bookshop at Queenscliff in Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia:

I'll be bookshop dog!

I'll never be bookshop dog.

I can't help yapping.

--Robert Gray
Fintech lenders are going to gain from the slew of measures that Budget 2024 has outlined to help micro, small, and medium enterprises get better access to credit. Government measures that make it easier for more credit flow to MSMEs could be a godsend for digital lending startups looking to grow.

In a major policy turnaround, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the loan limit under the Mudra scheme for micro-units will be doubled to Rs 20 lakh. This would apply to those entrepreneurs who have serviced the earlier 'Tarun' loans without any dues. This could provide the wherewithal to banks to sanction higher loans to creditworthy MSME borrowers.

Alok Mittal, Co-Founder of digital lending startup Indifi Capital, said that he welcomed the budgetary measures. "The enhancement in the MSME credit guarantee cover up to Rs 100 crore is a huge booster for the industry. This, coupled with the enhanced Mudra loan limits, can enable banks to provide far more meaningful credit to trustworthy borrowers", he said.

Additionally, in the budget, an allocation was made for the public sector banking system to develop a new model for credit assessment that involves evaluation on the basis of digital footprints, with a view to facilitating small businesses which lack adequate documentation to avail loan facilities, but have developed an ability to pay their dues through the digital record.

"The new assessment model, based on digital footprint, shall open the door for easier credit availability to small businesses that otherwise struggle with meeting the many documentation requirements", noted Jatinder Handoo, CEO of the Digital Lenders Association of India.

However, not all fintech experts feel that the budget addresses every need within the MSME sector. Sanjay Sharma, Managing Director of Aye Finance, said that though the announcement of the Rs 100 crore credit guarantee fund was a welcome measure, microscale enterprises were left untouched, which are significant contributors to non-farm job creation. "More simplification of micro-loan schemes could have further supported these critical businesses", Sharma said.

The budget has also made provisions for a push to the Trade Receivable Discounting System (Treds) and increase its role. The Reserve Bank of India-backed Treds platform helps companies finance their invoices. With the recent inclusion of NBFCs into the Treds platform, it is likely to reach more firms, including smaller companies and public sector enterprises.

Speaking on the development, Ramaswamy Iyer, chief executive of supply chain financing startup Vayana, said, "Allowing NBFCs to participate in the Treds platform is a very positive extension of policy. Smaller companies will get greater access to invoice financing".

Notwithstanding these developments, experts in the sector believe that more focus needs to be placed on the implementation stage. The fintech lending community has reportedly expressed optimism that greater activity on the part of private banks and NBFCs will lend impetus to the meaningful expansion of the platform.
In a significant move to involve the private sector in the nuclear power industry, the Indian government has announced partnerships with private players to establish small reactors, develop small modular reactors (SMRs), and advance new nuclear energy technologies.

Presenting her seventh Union budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated, "Nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat". She emphasized the government's commitment to collaborate with the private sector for setting up Bharat Small Reactors and for the research and development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors and new nuclear technologies. Funding for R&D, as announced in the interim budget, will be allocated to this sector.

The US and Russia have expressed interest in developing SMRs in India. These reactors are factory-made, compact units with capacities under 300 MW, offering a more flexible and potentially safer approach to nuclear energy.

India and the US are actively working together to develop next-generation SMR technologies for both domestic use and export markets. A joint statement issued by the White House highlighted the collaboration between President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders noted "the ongoing discussion on developing next-generation small modular reactor technologies in a collaborative mode for the domestic market as well as for export".
The civil rights of two gym owners who defied COVID-19 lockdown orders were not violated when a New Jersey borough pulled their business license and refused to give it back, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday.

Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti, co-owners of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, filed an appeal in state court in September 2023 in an attempt to reinstate their mercantile license, which was revoked by the boroughs mayor and council during the coronavirus pandemic.

The license was taken away after the business owners failed to comply with Gov. Phil Murphys executive orders imposing COVID-19 restrictions on the operation of their gym, along with judicial orders enforcing the executive order. The standoff made national headlines and Smith later ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for Congress.

Murphy issued an executive order on March 9, 2020, declaring a public health emergency under the states Emergency Health Powers Act, and a state of emergency under the New Jerseys Disaster Control Act. The order and state of emergency required businesses to close and for people to stay home.

Atilis Gym opened for workouts anyway. Smith and Trumbetti faced more than 80 summonses charging them with violating a governors orders, operating without a mercantile license, creating a public nuisance and disturbing the peace.

At one point, the state Attorney Generals office recommended fines of up to $10,000 a day and imprisonment for the owners of Atilis if they did not shutter their business. Many of the charges also carried up to six months in jail.

On April 24, a judge in Winslow Township dismissed the state charges.

But in a decision on Thursday, a state appellate court affirmed the revocation of Atilis Gyms business license.

In court papers, attorneys for Smith and Trumbetti argued that officials took away their mercantile license in retaliation for exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.

But the appeals court decided the license was revoked because the business violated Murphys lockdown orders.

Contrary to plaintiffs assertions, the record contains no evidence that (borough) revoked their license as retaliation for the exercise of their First Amendment rights, the appeals court ruled.

An attorney for Smith did not immediately return a call on Wednesday seeking comment on the ruling.
WASHINGTON  The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before a House committee about the July 13 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, on Capitol Hill. Wray said that the FBI will "leave no stone unturned" in its investigation of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)AP

The revelation to the House Judiciary Committee was part of a collection of new details offered by Wray about the July 13 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBIs investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

The FBI has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks movements and online activity, but the precise motive  or why Trump was singled out  remains elusive, Wray said.

A lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded, anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, Wray said. He did note that Crooks had grown interested in public officials  besides Trump, Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent figures  and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump, the Republicans White House nominee.

Wray also said that Crooks, about two hours before the shooting, had flown a drone about 200 yards (180 meters) from the rally stage where Trump would later stand and that Crooks used the device to livestream and watch footage. The use of the drone so close the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage for the rally add to the questions about the security lapses preceding the event.

This June 3, 2022 still image taken from video provided by the Bethel Park School District shows student Thomas Matthew Crooks in the 2022 Bethel Park High School Commencement in Bethel Park, Pa.(The Bethel Park School District via AP)

Wray pledged to lawmakers that the FBI would leave no stone unturned in its investigation.

I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example  a particularly heinous and public one  of what Ive been talking about, Wray said.

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting, as part of the committees routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session.

Despite being appointed by Trump, Wray typically faces antagonistic questions from the Republican-led panel, a reflection of lingering discontent over the FBIs investigation into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 campaign, when Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray: Im sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBIs ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.

The FBI so far has avoided the same level of scrutiny over the shooting directed at the Secret Service over security failures that preceded the shooting and has led to the the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle,

The FBI has said it is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism and an attempted assassination. Trumps campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing fine after the shooting, which Trump said pierced the upper part of his right ear.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Several additional lawsuits have been filed against a Staten Island gynecologist by women who allege they were touched inappropriately during exams and suffered emotional distress following visits to the physicians Ocean Breeze office.

Two new plaintiffs are being represented by attorney Robert E. Brown.

According to a civil complaint filed April 30 in state Supreme Court, St. George, the plaintiff, identified in court documents only as Jane Doe II, claims that during an annual exam around November 2023, Dr. Paul Heltzer, her doctor of approximately 10 years, tactlessly and inappropriately pinched and pulled on her nipples during a breast examination.

The suit goes on to allege that while conducting a pelvic examination during the same visit, Heltzer wrongly and unprofessionally caressed and rubbed the patients genitals, buttocks and thighs.

Heltzers actions were for his own sexual gratification and to satisfy his prurient interests, the lawsuit alleges.

According to the complaint, due to Heltzers conduct, the plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress including, but not limited to, fear for her safety, persistent anxiety, paranoia, anger and mental anguish.

The acts of the Heltzer were so egregious and reprehensible and were performed in a manner that was so indecent, offensive and outrageous that it constitutes conduct that no civilized society should be required to tolerate, the complaint goes on to say.

Heltzers employer, which is identified in the filing only as XYZ Corporation, is also listed as a co-defendant.

XYZs failure to properly protect their patients, and adequately supervise Heltzer, especially after they knew or should have known of complaints regarding Heltzers nonconsensual sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, inappropriate touching and assaults during medical examinations, was so reckless as to demonstrate a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury would result to the patient, the complaint says.

In 2019, New York extended the statute of limitations to 20 years for adults filing civil lawsuits alleging a select number of sex crimes. That legislation only affected new cases and was not retroactive.

Jane Doe III

As per a second civil complaint filed May 7 in state Supreme Court, St. George, the plaintiff, identified in court documents only as Jane Doe III, alleges that during a September 2022 exam, Heltzer, her doctor of approximately four years, made inappropriate comments about her and her husbands marital relations.

During a subsequent visit shortly thereafter, Heltzer allegedly took it upon himself to recreate intercourse action with his hand on the plaintiffs genital area while examining her for pain.

Heltzers conduct was willful, demeaning, vile, contemptible and egregious and was calculated and intended to cause plaintiff humiliation, trauma, anxiety and emotional grief which therefore constituted extreme, egregious, indecent and outrageous conduct, the complaint alleges.

The two filings come after a separate lawsuit filed by a woman in November claimed that during an annual exam, Heltzer tactlessly made a comment regarding the placement of the longtime patients genital piercing.

That lawsuit also alleged that Heltzer then inappropriately flicked and touched the plaintiffs genital area twice in a way that was not medically necessary.

Ive been having conversations with several other patients of Dr. Heltzer and were evaluating their claims, Brown told the Advance/SILive.com

According to court records, there are currently other lawsuits that have been filed against Heltzer, but not all of them appear to fall within the statute of limitations, making them ineligible to be filed under the Adult Survivors Act.

Dr. Heltzer has served Staten Island for many years and has delivered thousands of babies here. These allegations are without merit, Heltzers attorney Anthony Lenza said. As with most OBGYN practices, patients are seen with medical assistants in the exam rooms so there is an independent account of what transpires. We look forward to defending Dr. Heltzers good reputation in court from these allegations most of which were made by Jane Does who have sued without using their real names.

PRACTICE CLOSED

In a letter dated July 12 and sent to patients, Heltzer announced he closed his practice effective July 1, citing health reasons.

I was recently hospitalized with medical issues that will require further work-up and treatment, the letter said. After consulting with my physicians, we have decided that I can no longer practice in the capacity that I have done for the last 22 years and have closed the practice effective July 1, 2024.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday that he disagrees with Vice President Kamala Harris on her handling of the border, but also had a finger to point elsewhere.

Like most Democratic officials around the country, Adams has thrown his support behind Harris presidential campaign after President Joseph Biden announced Sunday that he would not be seeking re-election.

Adams support came despite spending most of the past two years criticizing the federal governments handling of the migrant crisis under the leadership of Biden and Harris, who was tasked with addressing the root causes of mass migration to the U.S. through its southern border.

You can disagree with a person on an issue. It doesnt mean you disagree with a person in totality of their experiences, Adams said. (Harris) is a successful prosecutor, shes a dedicated public servant, and I disagree on an issue.

Adams has called repeatedly for more action from the federal government to address the issues at the southern border, and has asked specifically for new arrivals to be allowed to work so they can support themselves.

The mayor has also pointed to Republican members of Congress who blocked what would have been a bipartisan border deal to help address the issue, and did so again on Tuesday. Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, advanced their own bill that did not pass the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Adams didnt answer whether he thought Harris would be politically vulnerable to attacks from former President Donald Trumps campaign about the administrations handling of the border.

He and Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom did credit the Biden administration for a series of recent executive orders they connected to a decrease in the influx of migrants to the city.

Williams-Isom said the city had seen fewer than 1,000 new arrivals to the five boroughs for the last three weeks  some of the lowest numbers seen since the start of the crisis in spring 2022.

Despite the improvement and credit from the Adams administration, Rep. Nicole Mallitoakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) made clear her party intends to make the border a main issue in the 2024 presidential election.

The congresswoman pointed to a series of high-profile incidents of migrants committing crimes, including the shooting of two police officers during a traffic stop and the brutal rape of a 13-year-old girl. Both incidents happened in June in Queens.

Its shameful that Mayor Adams is covering up for the Biden-Harris Administration thats issued more than 60 policy changes via executive order to open our border and create the mass illegal immigration crisis thats allowed more than 10 million people - including murderers, rapists, drug dealers and gang members - into our country to wreak havoc in New York City and drain billions from taxpayers, she said. To date, House republicans are the only ones who passed legislation to secure our border and deport criminals, measures that Senator Schumer has refused to bring for votes. When President Trump is reelected in November, he will restore his commonsense policies that put American citizens first and end this madness once and for all.
A political battle took a fatal turn in Michigan when a 22-year-old man apparently killed himself after allegedly running over an 80-year-old supporter of former President Donald Trump with an ATV, according to reports.

The suspect was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home in Quincy on Monday, the New York Post reported. The suspect, whose name has not been released, had called police to confess to the hit-and-run.

Send somebody to pick me up, the suspect told police. Officers responded and found the suspect dead.

The suspect was sought in series of vandalism episodes that took place on Sunday, one of which left an 80-year-old man in critical condition.

The suspect had come upon the older man as the victim was putting up Trump signs in his yard. The suspect ripped the signs up while riding by on the ATV.

When the 80-year-old tried to put the signs back, the suspect returned, ran the victim down with his ATV, and fled the scene.

The suspect had been seen previously smashing car windows and slashing tires in what police said was politically motivated, anti-Trump vandalism. The suspect also targeted those who had pro-law enforcement signs.

The 80-year-old victim, who has also not been identified, is in critical condition.

Were not sure what could happen, Hancock Police Chief Tami Sleeman told TV station WLUC. Could he die from these injuries? Possible.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Think youre safe from the recent AT&T data hackers because youre not an AT&T customer? Think again.

The fact is, the recently disclosed breach can potentially impact any cell phone user, regardless of your service provider.

Call and text-message data from nearly all AT&T wireless customers have been accessed by a hacker, the company disclosed in a securities filing last Friday.

The hackers unlawfully acquired call and text data on a third-party cloud platform and, between April 14 and April 25, 2024, acquired records of customer call and text interactions that occurred between approximately May 1 and Oct. 31, 2022, as well as on Jan. 2, 2023.

AT&T has said that the names associated with accounts, Social Security numbers and credit card numbers werent stolen. And while the hackers did not acquire the content of texts, they did get records of calls and texts, frequency of calls and duration.

And that stolen data does create risks and vulnerabilities to anyone who communicated with an AT&T customer between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2022, and on Jan. 2, 2023.

Scammers could use the stolen data to send you texts that look like they are from someone you know or other legitimate sources.

In the text, they may ask for you to click a link, call a number, or provide personal or financial information. This could lead to identity theft, fraud, or malware infection, cybersecurity experts warned.

AT&T has taken additional cybersecurity measures in response to this incident including closing off the point of unlawful access, the company said in the filing.

Here are few tips to protect yourself, and even your company, from these threats, according cybersecurity professionals.

Tips to avoid being scammed

 Even if the call or text is from a recognized number, ask yourself if the request is unusual or suspicious.

 Never provide personal or financial information in response to a text.

 Verify by calling the number on any bill sent by text.

 Dont trust the link or number from the text. Find the number or contact information on the company website.

 Delete any texts you are suspicious of or any from senders you dont recognize.

This breach comes on the heels of a recent report of a phishing scam targeting Apple iPhone and MacBook users, coercing them to inadvertently give away their Apple ID.
Queen B has spoken: Shes letting Vice President Kamala Harris use one of her popular, Grammy-nominated songs at her presidential campaign rallies.

Beyonce, who is known for maintaining strict clearance guidelines around her music, gave quick approval to Harris campaign when they sought permission to use Freedom on Monday  just hours before she walked out to the song, CNN reported.

Though Beyonce has yet to give a certified thumbs up on Harris bid for the presidency, her mother Tina Knowles readily approved of her just hours after President Joe Biden pulled out of the race, CNN said.

Beyonce is one of a line of celebrities showing favor to the vice president, including George Clooney, Charli XCX, Cardi B, Barbra Streisand, Viola Davis, Bridgerton and Greys Anatomy producer and writer Shonda Rhimes, and many, many, more, according to Rolling Stone.

Harris officially filed to run for president on Sunday after Biden announced on X that he would step back from the 2024 presidential race. Though she is not the official nominee of the Democratic Party, she is the only Democrat as of now looking for the honor.

She is presently searching for a vice president to add to her ticket, with popular names being Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Since Harris has entered the presidential race, she has raised over a staggering $100 million,according to CBS News. That figure is made up of more than 1.1 million unique donors, including 62% first-time donors, according to the campaign, CBS News reported.

Memes of the vice president have flooded social media platforms, garnering hundreds of thousands of likes and shares, from the coconut tree to Hamilton, and Chappell Roans Femininomenon.
As former President Donald Trump prepares to take on Vice President Kamala Harris for the White House this November, one must ask if he would be able to complete his international duties due to his status as a convicted felon.

According to People, Trumps criminal record bans him from entering 37 countries  including some of our closest allies.

People reported that former President George W. Bush had to deal with the consequences of an arrest, as well: Bush, who was arrested for drunk driving in the 1970s, ran into issues with Canadian travel restrictions during his presidency while planning an official state visit and, after applying for a special waiver, he was ultimately allowed to enter.

That special waiver is the only way that Trump would be able to enter some of these countries, if they decide to let him in.

Keep in mind that Bushs charges were considered a misdemeanor, and that the arrest happened years before he ever took the Oval Office. Trump was convicted of 34 felony charges in May of 2024.

This issue will present itself to Trump early into his second term if he is re-elected, as Canada is set to host the 2025 G7 meeting. That meeting will include world leaders from Canada, the European Council, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States,according to Group of Nations.

Heres the list of countries, both friend and foe, that Trump is banned from, as seen on People:

Argentina Australia Brazil Cambodia Canada Chile China Cuba Dominican Republic Egypt Ethiopia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Japan Kenya Macau Malaysia Mexico Morocco Nepal New Zealand Peru Philippines Singapore South Africa South Korea Taiwan Tanzania Tunisia Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom

Additionally, had Trump not been from America, he would be banned here as well.
Nikki Haley said it herself  it would either be her or Vice President Kamala Harris sitting in the Oval Office in 2025.

In February of 2024, then-presidential hopeful Nikki Haley said this of the November election to ABC, according to Axios: [The female president] will either be me or it will be [Vice President] Kamala Harris. And if Donald Trump is the nominee for the Republican Party, he will not win.

Prior to that, in a January 2024 TV interview, Haley had this to say of Donald Trumps chances against Harris: 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.

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

That particular X account, Republican Voters Against Trump, was actively posting Haleys personal views about Trump and his 2024 election hopes from her time on the campaign trail, according to Advance/SILive.com sister site NJ.com.

In fact, it was her opinion that The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the party that wins this election. She also said this in January 2024 while at a rally for her failed presidential bid.

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

Despite her harsh criticism of Trumps likelihood to return to the White House, she ultimately threw her hat in his favor at the Republican National Convention earlier this month.

She even encouraged her followers to side with the former president, to which one of her PACs responded with a resounding No.

The Haley Voters for Biden PAC will be siding with Harris, Newsweek reported, and will switch their name to feature the vice presidents.

Keep in mind that this particular PAC is not affiliated with the Stand For America or Nikki Haley for President PACs.

Of course, it remains to be seen if Harris will be selected to be the Democratic nominee, and who will take the presidency in November.
Shakespearean drama Few media stories have been watched as closely as the succession battle over the Murdoch empire, both because of the irresistibly Shakespearean nature of the drama, and because of the empires outsize political influence. Murdochs decision in 2018 to formally designate Lachlan as his heir put to rest years of speculation over his wishes for the company. What it did not do, though, was ensure that Murdochs wishes would survive him: The existing trust gives all four of his oldest children an equal voice in the companys future. The Murdoch family has been divided before. James and Elisabeth at one point competed with each other and Lachlan to eventually take over the company, and at various times they have clashed with one another and their father. James, who once helped run the company with Lachlan, left it in 2019 and now oversees an investment fund. Elisabeth runs a successful movie studio, Sister, and has for years sought to position herself as the Switzerland of the family, maintaining good relations with all. Prudence, Murdochs oldest child and the only one from his first marriage, has been the least involved in the family business and has remained the most private of the children. But given Murdochs advanced age, this battle has all the makings of a final fight for control of his sprawling media conglomerates, which own Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and major newspapers and television outlets in Australia and Britain. It has already driven a new wedge into the famously fractured family.

Murdoch children furious Politics and power are at the root of the struggle. Since Murdoch designed the trust nearly 25 years ago, the familys political views have diverged sharply. During Donald Trumps rise, Murdoch and Lachlan became more closely aligned, pushing the companys most influential outlet, Fox News, further to the right, making the other three children increasingly uncomfortable. Murdoch has called his effort to change the trust Project Harmony because he hoped that it might head off a looming family struggle when he dies, according to a person with knowledge of the family. But it has had the opposite effect. James Murdoch was once seen as the most likely successor to the family empire. Credit: Getty After filing his petition to amend the trust, Murdoch met Elisabeth and Prudence separately in London, hoping to win their support, this person said. Instead, they were furious. Elisabeth responded to the possibility with a string of expletives.

Days later, on December 6, Murdochs representatives went ahead with the motion to make the changes at a hastily called special meeting of the trust in Reno, Nevada. The representatives for the three children sought to adjourn the meeting and block the proposed changes but failed, according to the court decision. The fight has left Murdoch estranged from three of his children in his twilight years. None of them attended his wedding to Elena Zhukova, his fifth wife, in California last month. (Lachlan did.) Ruperts concerns Though the trust is irrevocable, it contains a narrow provision allowing for changes done in good faith and with the sole purpose of benefiting all of its members. Murdochs lawyers have argued that he is trying to protect James, Elisabeth and Prudence by ensuring that they wont be able to moderate Foxs politics or disrupt its operations with constant fights over leadership. Loading

According to the courts decision, Murdoch was concerned that the lack of consensus among his children would impact the strategic direction at both companies, including a potential reorientation of editorial policy and content. It states that his intention was to consolidate decision-making power in Lachlans hands and give him permanent, exclusive control over the company. The document makes it clear that Murdochs actions have pushed Elisabeth, Prudence and James into a joint posture against him. The siblings share a single legal counsel and are fighting to retain their voice in the companys future, arguing that their father is trying to disenfranchise them. They say that Murdochs move violates the spirit of the initial trust, enshrined in its equal governance provision, and that it was not done in good faith. This will be one of the main issues in the trial. As the Nevada probate commissioner, Edmund Gorman jnr, wrote in his decision: A rational fact finder could find that the determination that the Amendment was in the best interests of the beneficiaries was made with [d]ishonesty of belief, purpose, or motive, ie. in bad faith. The action is taking place in a Reno probate court, which is devoted to dealing with family trusts and estates. Nevada is a popular state for dynastic family trusts because of its favourable probate laws and privacy protections. The decision obtained by The New York Times contains a review of the facts by a probate commissioner whose role is to adjudicate cases before sending any unresolved issues to a judge for trial, as he did here.

The trust holds the familys shares in Murdochs empire, which is now mainly divided between two companies: Fox, which includes Fox News and the Fox broadcast network, and News Corp, which holds his major newspapers. All six of Murdochs children have an equal share of the trusts equity. That includes Chloe and Grace, the two younger children he had with his third wife, Wendi Deng. But those two have no voting rights. As of now, the voting rights are shared among Murdoch and his four oldest children through their own hand-picked representatives on the trusts board. But Murdoch has the ultimate control and cannot be outvoted. After he dies, Lachlan, James, Elisabeth and Prudence each get a single vote. As Murdoch put it in an interview with Charlie Rose in 2006: If I go under a bus tomorrow, it will be the four of them who will have to decide which of the ones should lead them. The probate commissioners review of the facts shows that Murdoch is moving to expand Lachlans voting power to secure a majority and ensure that he cannot be challenged. The changes would not affect anyones ownership stake in the company. To bolster his argument that hes making the change in order to benefit all of his heirs, Murdoch has moved to replace two of his longtime executives as his personal representatives on the trust with two people with more independence. One is Bill Barr, an attorney-general under presidents George Bush snr and Donald Trump, who was also a guest at Murdochs most recent wedding.

The court document shows that Barr is leading Murdochs effort to rewrite the trust. It quotes Barrs statement to the court when he introduced Murdochs move at the special meeting of the trust on December 6. Murdoch, he said, knew the companies and the environment better than anyone else and believed that Lachlan was in the best position to carry on that successful strategy. Eldest child Prudence is the lowest-profile of the Murdoch siblings. Credit: David Mariuz The basic contours of the trust date back to Murdochs divorce from his second wife, Anna Torv, mother to James, Elisabeth and Lachlan. Murdoch divorced Torv before marrying Deng in 1999. Concerned about the destructive potential of a dynastic succession fight, Torv insisted that the divorce settlement give the four children equal control over the empire, people close to the family have said. As part of their agreement, Murdoch locked this provision in place permanently through an irrevocable trust. But Murdoch came to see that provision as untenable after he placed Lachlan in charge of Fox and News Corp in 2019. A primary source of the problem was his younger son, James, who had been passed over in favour of Lachlan. In recent years, people close to James and his wife, Kathryn, have said that after Murdochs death they would consider joining with Elisabeth and Prudence to wrest control from Lachlan and tame the companies wilder right-wing instincts.

James and Lachlan shared operating responsibility for the companies from 2015 to 2019, a relationship that frayed during the Trump administration, as the two split over Foxs fawning treatment of Trump. Lachlan and his father dismissed James concerns, pointing to the networks record ratings. James left the business following Lachlans ascent to chair and chief executive in 2019, and stepped down from the News Corp board in 2020, citing disagreements over certain editorial content published by the companys news outlets. James and Kathryn, a longtime climate change activist, remain occasional and cautious public critics of the family empire. After wildfires ravaged Australia in early 2020, they shared their frustration with some of the News Corp and Fox coverage of climate change in a statement to The Daily Beast, noting the ongoing denial among the news outlets in Australia. After the January 6 riots at the Capitol in Washington, James indirectly criticised Fox News, saying that unnamed outlets that propagate lies to their audience had unleashed insidious and uncontrollable forces that will be with us for years. In the spring of 2019, Murdochs children  including the two children he had with Deng  received payouts of roughly $US2 billion ($3.04 billion) each from Murdochs sale of his movie studios and other assets to Disney. James and Kathryn announced at the time that they would devote part of that fortune to causes such as climate change and combating high-tech illiberalism. According to several of his associates, Murdoch has come to resent James criticisms and complaints, given that the family empire, which Murdoch built almost single-handedly, has made James and his siblings multibillionaires. The court document indicates that Murdochs representatives have referred to James in their own communications as the troublesome beneficiary. James had differed with his father and brother over Fox News, arguing its play to Trump for short-term ratings gains would undercut its parent companys long-term prospects, a fight he lost before parting ways with them.

Loading Since leaving the company, James has been managing his own portfolio of investments, with a controlling interest in the company that runs Art Basel and major stakes in media companies in India. It has always been unclear how serious James was about trying to make any move against Lachlan or if he would have the backing of his sisters for such an effort. The fact that they have come together to preserve the trust suggests that he and his sisters are now solidly aligned against Lachlan and that they may well try to oust him, or at least try to influence the direction of the company, after their fathers death. Whether they will have the legal power to do so will soon be determined in a courtroom in Reno. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Cardboard king rich-lister Anthony Pratt does not do things by halves. Why hire one ex-leader when you can have two? The global chairman of Visy Industries and Pratt Industries has signed up not just former prime minister Scott Morrison as a consultant but former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews as well.

The Pratt pack Credit: Sydney Morning Herald

Pratts admirably bipartisan hiring policy means he now has a Liberal ex-PM and Labor ex-premier on his books. All bases covered. But definitely not a two-for-one deal, judging by the fees, which one source said was in the region of $100,000. Each.

The Melbourne box billionaire  with his family worth $24.30 billion thanks to the Visy global packaging business and US-based Pratt Industries  has always cultivated the powerful and influential to get ahead in business. This mastheads recent investigation showed Pratt hired former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Paul Keating as consultants, with Keatings monthly fee of $25,000 eclipsing Abbotts $8000.

The Dan and Scomo deals were done a few weeks ago when the pair came looking for work. Separately looking, of course!
It is not true of every role, but some roles, when they are shaken hard and the sound stage lights are turned upon them, reveal artistic ghosts hidden within. For Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, who ruled England and Ireland until her death in 1603, there are many such ghosts lurking in the shadows.

They include some of the greatest actresses of all time: Glenda Jackson, who played her in Elizabeth R (1971) and Mary, Queen of Scots (1971); Judi Dench, who played her in Shakespeare In Love (1998); Helen Mirren, who played her in Elizabeth I (2005); and Cate Blanchett, who played her in Elizabeth (1998) and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007).

Minnie Driver as Elizabeth I in The Serpent Queen. Credit: Starz

Queen Elizabeth comes to meet you very, very specifically. Its not about going and finding her; its very much about her approaching you, says Minnie Driver, who takes on the role of Elizabeth I in the new season of The Serpent Queen, as she and the French Queen, Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton), establish themselves as political rivals.

I know it all sounds a bit mad and woo-woo, but essentially acting is. You are making all this stuff up in your head, and youre playing make-believe that feels very real. I think its an enormous honour to play her, and [to understand that] Glenda Jackson and Judi Dench and Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett met her in the same way.
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Eating outSandwich watch This banh mi-pho hybrid is inspired by The Bears Chicago beef sandwich Is this juicy, limited-edition sanger a smart union or a flawed creation? Sandwich watch hands down its verdict. Sarah Norris July 25, 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

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This is very messy to eat, says a Lit Canteen server as she hands over a tray with the Alexandria eaterys new winter special, the pho-mi. The banh mi-pho hybrid caught the attention of sandwich watch because it cleverly combines two Vietnamese food icons: banh mi and pho. Sandwich watch  a column dedicated to the Sydney sangers you need to know about  endorses breaded ingenuity, and we needed to know if this limited-edition sanger was a smart uniting or a flawed food creation. Inspired by The Bears Chicago beef sandwich, Lit Canteens banh mi is dipped in a beautifully delicate star anise-laced pho. Dion Georgopoulos But before that, lets talk about The Bear Lit Canteens co-owner, David Phan, says the inspiration for his pho-mi is The Bears Chicago beef sandwich that was, at least for a moment, the worlds most-talked-about sanger. The first season of the popular Disney+ show is centred around a shop selling the meaty sandwich, which is made with thinly sliced beef thats been soaked in the juices it was cooked in, then stuffed in a length of French bread along with peppers. The sandwich is either served dunked in the juices, dry, or with a side of meat juice. We have this poster up in the shop, Phan says, showing me The Bear poster, but with a cut-out photo of his face over the main character Carmy Berzatto.

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Lit Canteens juicy pho-mi sandwich with slow-cooked brisket. Dion Georgopoulos Traditionally, a banh mi comes with pork, but the pho-mi is made with beef. Phan channels Carmy by slowly simmering the brisket for 12 hours in pho broth so it absorbs the aromatic flavours of cinnamon, coriander, ginger, cardamom, star anise and cloves. The sandwich is then served with a cup of the beautifully delicate pho broth.



Also gone is the traditionally crunchy  but often flimsy  banh mi roll. The bread we use is either an artisan French baguette or a sourdough baguette, Phan says. Only a dense baguette allows for dipping to absorb the broth while keeping its texture and integrity. Lit Canteens pho-mi. Dion Georgopoulos So, is it a smart uniting or a flawed food creation? Yes, it is a coming together of two greats to create something memorable, warming and comforting. Everything is in proportion too, and it wont put you to sleep. The Lit Canteen team is right: its messy, and theres a knack to making sure the broth runs into the bread for added juicy flavour, not down the front of your shirt. The star anise-laced pho is a highlight, and when the roll is finished, I pick up the cup and slam down the remaining broth.

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Banh mi enthusiasts may not love the dense bread  and I admit I wouldnt want to permanently transition to a dense banh mi world  but it makes sense here. That said, if you dread being covered in crunchy bread shards, which is inevitable when eating the mighty Vietnamese sandwich, this could be for you. Traditionalists may also throw shade at the inclusion of pickled onions alongside the usual fresh herbs and chilli. It also comes with chimichurri mayonnaise rather than pate, but the meat-friendly condiment of parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and chilli flakes works well, and, as Phan says, helps contrast the taste and textures of the herbs, and lifts the hunk of brisket. David Phan, co-owner of Lit Canteen. Dion Georgopoulos Where to get one The Lit Canteen pho-mi will set you back $19 and is available for winter. You can get one at 11 Mitchell Road, Alexandria. instagram.com/Lit_Canteen This is the latest instalment of Sandwich watch, a column dedicated to the Sydney sandwiches you need to know about.

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Victorian Labor ministers have been forced to defend themselves over what they knew and when. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny admitted on Tuesday that she had previously received an emailed complaint about the CFMEU as the local member for Carrum. She said she referred it internally and that it was then referred to Fair Work. But she was forced to backtrack on Wednesday. The matter was never referred to Fair Work, but the parties were already in front of the Federal Court with a dispute under the Fair Work Act. I received an email dated 28 March 2020 from a concrete business located in my electorate that said it was having issues with the CFMEU. This email was sent to a number of members of parliament, Kilkenny said. This matter was referred to the Minister for Industrial Relations [Tim Pallas].

Pallas replied to the business in early May that year. Loading Kilkenny also admitted that, at an event in her electorate in October 2022, the principal of a local Indigenous construction company complained to her about the behaviour of some CFMEU members. The Age revealed the allegations, which were also put to the premier in 2022, last week. At the same event I verbally relayed this to Major Road Projects Victoria, who were hosting the event, Kilkenny said. Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto this week called on Premier Jacinta Allan to make public all allegations of CFMEU misconduct that had previously been referred to government ministers.

He also called for union members to be banned from the building industry consultative council and for the government to support the oppositions proposal to effectively ban construction companies whose employees have links to organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs from winning lucrative government contracts. These are very reasonable but necessary steps that the premier can take, Pesutto said on Wednesday. Labor figures have been keen to point out that construction is a deadly and dangerous industry and that the unions work has improved conditions. Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas was the former state secretary of the National Union of Workers, before it became the United Workers Union. He is not factionally aligned to the CFMEU but told The Age he believed the narrative was no longer about criminality in the CFMEU but now more about dismantling the union movement more broadly.

Smith, the CFMEU national secretary, said in his update to members on Wednesday that union members were not fools. Loading Most of those decrying the union as a monster have no idea what its like to work in this industry, and they certainly havent bothered to ask any CFMEU members, he wrote. Theyve never thought about what its like to see a mate killed or injured onsite. Theyve never thought about what its like to arrive at work at 5am and find out the boss who owes you thousands has mysteriously gone into liquidation. He said that those arguing the CFMEU had increased construction costs were, in effect, saying members should be earning less.
I strangled a shriek, but to my own surprise came back to myself and understood that although the wound was deep, it had been cut in at a shaving angle, downwards not inwards. The flesh could be held closed. I managed to recall that in my pocket I had a handkerchief, which I grabbed and pressed to my heel with all the strength I could summon.

The lighting over the stairs guttered and blinked and was blacked out in parts. Alarms wailed.

Blood was pouring over Caitlins left temple and down her cheek. She seemed not to feel it, for she was looking me up and down, then she grabbed me, as I grabbed her, and ran her hands quickly over my shoulders and arms, as I then did over hers, finding nothing broken. As my mind began rushing back to me, something bit into my right heel. Pain bolted up my right side and my whole right leg recoiled from touching the floor. Still holding Caitlin by the shoulders, I staggered and lurched on my left foot, which shuffled over shards of broken glass. Caitlin led me the few steps to the kitchen counter  it was suddenly sheeted with thick dust that caked onto my palms  and before I could speak she reached down and began to prise loose from my heel something hard and flat that had buried itself in the flesh like an escaped saw blade, dug in but still protruding. Caitlin pulled the whole object out hard, threw it away. Blood ran.

Next thing, the rush of air stopped pressing on us and there was a shock the other way, followed by the sounds of solid objects cracking, a force I felt right through the walls and floor and my own chest, like cannon shots.

A shadow, like a bird crossing the sun, came rushing at our windows. At one blow, with a surge of thunder, the tall windows crashed in and a wall of air punched its way through the middle of the apartment, like an express train howling down a tunnel. I never completed my final stride into the kitchen. As the blast tore through the apartment, it sent a piece of glass or metal flying into the last part of me that had not crossed the kitchen threshold: my exposed right heel. I was barefoot. The gash spat blood in all directions. I was blown into the kitchen and up against the pantry cupboard, its doors flailing.

Caitlin needed to find out what such an event could mean. She did not have her phone on her: she had left it in the kitchen. She walked quickly through the apartment to fetch it. I followed. Our paths took us past the floor-to-ceiling windows, which looked out towards the sea. Caitlin reached the kitchen and picked up her phone. I was crossing the threshold out of the dining area when the entire building rocked. The floor bounced beneath us. Caitlin shouted: Get down! Get out!

M y wife Caitlin came in one evening just after six, bringing with her that weeks mail, which we opened in the kitchen. Chatting, we wandered into our bedroom on the other side of the apartment, where our cat Jazzy lavished attention on Caitlin and ignored me, as usual. In the middle of our conversation, in the middle of a sentence, there came a strange howl and an immense, shuddering crash from somewhere not too distant. We felt tremors beneath our feet. From our bedroom window we could see nothing unusual. We looked at each other. That, we knew, must have been an explosion.

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I motioned to the spare bedroom, where our survival kits and safe were, and Caitlin nodded. The door to that room was off its hinges, barring the way. Wooden framing and cupboard doors had fallen, crossed, in front of it. I threw the framing aside and leaned all my weight against the loosened door. It fell straight, head down, onto the bed in the middle of the room and sent glass shards flying. I forced open a cupboard door that hung from a single hinge and, again in disbelief at my own deliberateness, jabbed the combination code into the panel of numbers on the safe door. The safe still worked. I retrieved our passports. Pulling open another cupboard, I lifted out the two emergency backpacks we had assembled, those survival bags stocked with small first-aid kits, sterilising wipes, toiletries, medication and small packets of biscuits and sweets, all of which we had kept replenished even as we assured ourselves they would never be needed.

Words were useless. Caitlin held up her phone to me. She meant to start her emergency contact procedure  even now, she meant to do her job.

We kept a small first-aid kit in the drawer of the hall table that had been picked up and thrown, upside down, against the opposite wall. I wrenched the drawer out, emptying its contents. From the kit, Caitlin took a roll of tape with which she strapped the handkerchief to my heel. She waved away my offer to stick something over the gash on her forehead. What  what do we 

Having staunched our injuries, we staggered from the kitchen into the entrance hall to find the top half of the heavy front door blown outwards. Pieces of that timber slab were propped against the lift, which had been vomited out of its shaft and into the stairwell. The lighting over the stairs guttered and blinked and was blacked out in parts. Alarms wailed. A siren in the echoing stairwell. Our smoke alarm was at screaming pitch somewhere still near the ceiling, among cables that swung.

Recovering some breath, I gasped out something to Caitlin about the stream of blood down her face, barely hearing the words I spoke. Caitlin raised a trembling hand to her temple and brought it away, staring at the blood on her fingertips. A tea towel or dishcloth had been blown onto the bench near us. She took it and wiped some of the blood off herself, only to smear onto her face the sickly, reddish dust that was swimming through the air and sticking to every surface, carrying a fetid smell. Caitlin recoiled from dabbing a wound from an opened existing scar, but the bleeding was already slowing.

On the other side of the wreckage, Caitlin was at last speaking to someone. She ended the call as I began clambering back over the wreckage to her.

I did not stay to look further at the damage but thought of our cat Jazzy. I left the study and tried to climb over the heap of fallen sections of ceiling to get into our bedroom, where I last remembered seeing her. The doorway was impassable. I had no way of knowing if Jazzy was still inside or if she had been picked up and hurled six storeys down. I retreated from that doorway.

I had to put something on my feet. From beneath the wreckage I dug out a pair of sandals, pathetic protection against glass and wreckage, but at least they would reinforce the strapping on the handkerchief over my heel.

Caitlin was on her phone again, her other hand to her face, kneading her brow. Suddenly, a voice called in to us. Are you all right? From the flickering near-darkness of the stairwell, a young man with a bloodied bald patch shone a torch across the room into my face. Im from upstairs.

I promised my parents  my father by now awake, too, and in the background  that I would keep in touch, tell them what was happening. I do not know how I found the nerve to end the call.

I realised that my phone was in my other pocket. I dialled my parents home. When my mother answered, I had first to tell her  alarms ever screeching  that we were alive. I described what I could of the event, panting and halting as my gorge rose  I was nearly sick as my surroundings forced themselves into words in my own mouth  and explained that we had a plan (what plan?), that the embassy would come and get us, that we were going to get out. I begged her not to turn on the television, not to look at the news. Something told me already that, whatever had happened, it would be heard about.

OK. Im with the German embassy. You getting help? We can help each other. Later. But if you dont need help now, I have to go.

Theyre calling me out, my embassy. I have to help. Someone isnt replying  If youre all right 

I promised my parents that I would keep in touch, tell them what was happening. I do not know how I found the nerve to end the call.

Caitlin paused her phone call to her parents and called over her shoulder to him: Im the deputy. The deputy ambassador. Well call you.

OK. Well. Im consular. We will help each other later. But I have to go now, if youre OK.

Yes! You go! Caitlin shouted. Well call you when we can!

Ja, OK, good luck!

The torch beam lifted off me as the young man vanished behind the halved front door and down the stairs.

Hundreds died, 7000 were wounded and 300,000 left homeless after the 2020 explosion in Beiruts port. Credit: AFP

Other voices began to reach me. Screams from down in the street or from high up, somewhere in the condominiums, from which hung innards of cabling, steel ducts, great scabs of walls and floors.

Something was rising over me, over all of it, darkening even this strange, storming murk. Mushrooming, scowling. A red cloud. Rolling, fuming into the sky like a giant enraged creature, poised to stamp its other foot. Equalling the mountain ranges in height but rooted to the ground. Tied to somewhere on the seafront. Behind the concrete silos that were sagging and bowed, creased as paper.

The port  it was at the port, I began to call to Caitlin.

Delta four! Delta four! shouted another voice  to my left, outside, out of the ash-filled air, somehow level with me. Delta four!

I stood paralysed in the face of the screaming city, unable to fix the source of the words, this womans voice, nearby  then on the small balcony directly opposite there emerged the silhouette of our friend Rani, struggling with one hand at something in the doorway, while crying Delta four! into a walkie-talkie in her other hand. I called her name.

She wheeled around. Are you all right? she yelled.

I nodded and pointed behind me, to where Caitlin stood inside. You?

I cant reach Mark [her partner]!

I cupped both hands around my ears.

I cant reach Mark! I dont know where he is.

It took me several long moments to take in what she had said.

I replied, What, what  is he inside?

Can you call him? Call him! Rani cried. I dont have my phone. Im trapped.

Beyond her, I could see stacked, leaning, malformed shapes. The balcony, that tiny exposed ledge, must have saved her from an interior collapse. She began attacking a board or a plank that lay across the doorway, trying to pull it free.

My phone was still in my hand. I looked up Marks number and tried to call him. There came the muffled, faraway sound of Marks voice, asking me to leave a message. I shouted to Rani, Where did he go? Do you know where he went?

The gym. Hes at the gym.

Where?

Mar Mikhael.

The rooftops of Mar Mikhael (St Michael), even closer to the port, were scarcely visible in the smoke. Coldness came over me. Ill  Ill keep trying.

We need to go, said a voice beside me. Caitlin had picked her way around the wreckage and was touching my elbow. She called out across the gap: Do you need us to come for you?

Im radioing, Rani answered, her free hand tugging out a thick white board by inches. Please keep trying Mark.

Can we come for you? Caitlin called again. Can we throw you something?

At that moment, somewhere down among the lanes, or perhaps from a rooftop or a window that we could not see, over the coalescing sounds of crashing masonry and human screams came a series of dry, studding bangs from a machine gun being fired into the air.

We retreated from the edge of the window, breath racing. There might be another, Caitlin told me.

Another?

Explosion. We have to get out.

Rani! I called, straining even to hear myself. Ill keep trying Mark and tell him where you are 

No! No! Its all right! she answered. She was standing back from the doorway. The shadows of the fallen woodwork inside were being pushed and thrown apart. Then Mark stood on the balcony, bleeding from cuts to his legs and face, sweating and staring. He and Rani held each other for a moment.

Then he called across to us: Are you all right?

What happened? Do you know what happened?

Something  at the port.

We stood, all four staring.

I  I was on my bike. Then  I just ran, was all Mark could say.

More gunfire erupted, somewhere further out, the sound coming at us down the howling walls of Gemmayzeh Street. Caitlin tightened her grip on my elbow. She called to Mark and Rani: Go back in if you can. Will someone come for you?

Mark nodded. That whole rooms come down  but we can go through it now.

Well keep radioing, Rani replied. Well call you.

Go in. Go in and keep down.

I was conscious that faith in procedure was all we had. Call Delta four into a walkie-talkie and someone in the UN building downtown will understand and send help. Make emergency phone calls according to a rehearsed pattern on an embassy phone and someone will come. Yet as we withdrew and I looked one more time at Rani and Mark ducking into their doorway and beginning to negotiate the debris inside, the nature of what was happening came home to me. From the size and frenzy of the red cloud rising over the shore, from the thousands of voices rising in wails, from the force that could have broken my body as it slammed me up against the kitchen wall, from the bursts of gunfire, it was possible no one would come. The city was probably dead, or soon to die.

I took one more look around in case Jazzy might emerge from a corner or from under the looser debris, but nothing stirred. We collected our survival-kit backpacks and pulled open the surviving lower half of the front door.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, the couples cat Jazzy went missing. Credit: Courtesy of Theodore Ell

The stairwell was choked with material  foam insulation, lengths of wire, lumps of marble and concrete and everywhere the covering of glass  but we inched past the lift, which sat canted over on the landing, and began picking our way downwards. Caitlin walked in front, supporting me when I had to put weight on my right foot. More than once I slipped on the dust and fine glass but grabbed at the railing and kept upright. As we went down, the carpet of wreckage and rubbish deepened around our ankles. We called in at each ruined entry but found no one.

At last, we reached the ground. Outside in the lane, a multitude of people had appeared from nowhere, more than there had been during the [2005] revolution. They were rushing in all directions. Some were yelling directions or pleading for help. I caught sight of a man and a woman staggering along, the womans right arm slung across the mans shoulders, a dripping stump where her left arm had been. Men on motorbikes and scooters, some with other men or women riding pillion, pushed and wove among the people. The headlights of cars inched and butted their way through.

Screams and drawn-out despairing cries in Arabic rang out. Appeals to God I could make out, and names of the dead, perhaps. Other words escaped me, but the sheer terror in the voices was enough to understand. One mans voice rose to a screeching falsetto: Al-nawawi! Al-nawawi!

Caitlin shook her head. No. It cant have been nuclear.

Screams and drawn-out despairing cries in Arabic rang out. Appeals to God I could make out, and names of the dead, perhaps.

We stepped back, out of sight of the street, onto the landing where the stairwell reached the ground and another flight of stairs continued down into the car park and the basement.

Is it worth going down? To bring out the car? I asked.

Well never get anywhere. Im making calls. Theyll come and get us.

We looked around at the ruined foyer and surveyed the stairwell, taking in the black steel plating, unbroken, which under-girded the marble stairs. Here we might stand a chance of being protected or of fleeing outside if the rest of the building fell, and of staying out of sight of whoever, for all we knew, might be taking control of the streets, firing at survivors, preparing to detonate another blast or launch another missile.

I took my backpack off and Caitlin helped me lower myself onto the basement stairs. Pain sang up from my heel.

Caitlin sat down next to me and took out her phone again. Messages had reached her. She began reading, replying, tapping at the screen, for a length of time I did not perceive.

I opened my kit, rummaged for a water bottle and found none.

Do you have water?

No.

Of all the  How did we 

Its all right. Theyre coming.

Ill go up and 

No. They are coming. Roy is out with the armoured car.

Hes all right?

Were finding out whos hurt, who needs help. Hell go to them. And hell come to us.

Do we know what did it?

Not yet.

Her phone rang. Its Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv?

The embassy there. Its all right.

Caitlin stood up and climbed a few steps to answer the call.

I drew out my own phone. Messages had come from the strangest assortment of friends, far from Lebanon, in Canberra, Sydney, Dubai, London, some of whom had not contacted me for years. All reported learning of a cataclysm and asking where we were, if we were safe. As I began to answer I was drawn to mentions of footage, of eyewitnesses talking to the world.

I looked at news websites. Only when a single dull fact made itself clear was I able to stop looking. A warehouse had been burning  out of sight for hours, even as I sat working beside the study window. Nothing had struck it. The explosion, the volcano of rust-red that erupted into the sky, had come from inside.

Caitlin was sitting beside me again. Did you see? she asked.

Yes.

It wasnt the Israelis.

Witnesses later said the catastrophic blast had been sparked by a fire in a warehouse near silos containing hundreds of tonnes of explosive ammonium nitrate that had been incautiously stored for many years.

Caitlins hand was on my shoulder, gently shaking me. She helped me up. My hips and back ached severely from sitting motionless on the steps and my right heel was in extreme pain, but I managed to stand. We shouldered our kits, slowly crossed the foyer with fragments of material crunching and grinding under every step, and went out into the lane.

To the right.

We mingled among people weaving their way between cars. Every street lamp was dark. Out of the monastery driveway, monks in brown habits were trooping one by one, carrying luggage, to join a column of people moving up the hill towards Achrafieh, out of this low-lying place, away from the sea. I struggled to look for faces I knew. As we stumbled into the junction and cars came nosing close to our legs from two directions, our friend Michaela stepped into the crowd, calling our names.

An aid team amid the wreckage. Credit: NurPhoto via AFP

In the armoured four-wheel-drive, a steel-reinforced and high-riding car reserved for official travel, were six of us whom Roy, a fellow Australian diplomat, had managed to reach. The cars clock showed the time was nearing midnight.

Caitlin and Roy conferred. The way they spoke, it might have been a routine diplomatic visit. They discussed routes and timing, possible obstacles, the arrangements that would await us when we got there. As Roy manoeuvred the car into the traffic, Caitlin explained to the rest of us that we would head west, through Hamra, to the ambassadors residence, which was undamaged  and not to the embassy. All our planning had always cast the embassy as the refuge, but it was too heavily damaged.

Not one piece of our neighbourhood had escaped being mutilated. The entire structure of the old city had been altered, whole buildings rocked and shifted off their feet, their weight still swaying. Further on, the hulks of the downtown buildings burnt out during the revolution and the civil war looked no different, but there was a glimpse of al-Amin Mosque, its four minarets still standing, but its dome apparently dented and misshapen, the crescent moon at the summit knocked sideways on its pediment.

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As the lift began to rise, it crossed my mind that the ambassadors apartment might not be the safest place for us, perched as it was at the top of a building more than 20 storeys high that could snap like a matchstick in a second blast. But being hoisted up, out of the streets and into the quiet of a still-furnished home, the greater need was to rest. Those of our embassy group who lived in Hamra had gathered there, and with the ambassador and her husband they helped us to chairs and sofas. From the kitchen came a smell of cooking. Roy, untiring, came around to each of us with his field medicine kit to dress wounds. He pulled the larger pieces of glass out of my feet.

One after another, the stories of bare survival stammered to a close and there was silence in those large, lamplit rooms. We drifted. Some of those rescued lay down. Others sat, looking at nothing. I withdrew to the far end of the enclosed balcony, switched the lights out and sat still, trying to think beyond rooms and walls. Gold and white lights glittered in gatherings and chains along distant mountainsides. Closer in, where the slopes came down out of the night towards the sea, among the crowding, blocked-in shapes of lower intervening buildings, fragments of East Beirut came and went behind tatters of rising smoke. Where the port should have been, there was a shrouded firepit.

I could not go to sleep.

Postscript: Jazzy was found healthy and alive in the ruins of Theodore and Caitlins apartment building the next afternoon. The couple are now based in Canberra, where Theodore is an honorary lecturer in literature at Australian National University. This is an edited extract from Theodore Ells Lebanon Days, out July 30 (Atlantic Books Australia, $35).

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.
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 Never-built and never-before-seen designs by Australias most celebrated architect, Glenn Murcutt, have been brought to life in a new book using CGI technology. The architectural renders of 10 unbuilt projects, which include a 1969 Seaforth home for his mother crafted around a giant rock, were realistic enough to fool Murcutts oldest friend, well-known Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa, a critic of fake digital renders. He thought they were real  and extraordinary, Murcutt said. Glenn Murcutt: Unbuilt Works, by Nick Sissons, will be launched at the State Library of NSW on Thursday, Murcutts 88th birthday. A one-bedroom, elevated house in Woodburn near Burrill Lake on NSWs South Coast designed by Glenn Murcutt in 1987. Never built because one of the owners died, the house has strong similarities with Magney House, built in 1983, and one of the projects cited when the Australian architect won the Pritzker Prize for architecture. Credit: Nick Sissons Murcutt told NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon this week that the library holds every drawing he [has] ever done, and he often returns to look at designs contained in its archive of 100,000 drawings and plans going back to the 1960s. The library elicits joy and grief from Murcutt. The book is dedicated to his late sons: Daniel, a much-loved employee of the library for decades until his death aged 57 last December, and Nick, an architect who died at 46 in 2011. Losing my two boys has been the worst thing that has happened to me by far, Murcutt said.

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Ive been very lucky and blessed with good health. Ive had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, he said, his arm pointing up and swooping down. The highs have been extraordinary. Glenn Murcutt at the State Library of NSW, which holds an archive of his images and drawings. A book by Nick Sissons on Murcutts unbuilt works will be launched at the library on Thursday. Credit: Louie Douvis Murcutt said he never expected to be honoured with so many global architecture awards: the Alvar Aalto Medal in 1992, the Pritzker Prize in 2002, the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2009, and the Japanese award for the arts, Praemium Imperiale, in 2021. Loading But when they came, I was very excited, it was wonderful. To bring the 10 unbuilt works to life, Sissons said he dug like an archaeologist into the librarys architectural archives. He traced how the unbuilt projects foreshadowed future designs, leading to projects like Magney House at Bingie Point, on the NSW South Coast. It was cited by judges when Murcutt became the only Australian architect to win the Pritzker. His is an architecture of place, architecture that responds to the landscape and to the climate, the Pritzker judges said.

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Some people who saw the renders  created through computer modelling by Ria Chaney with CGI imagery by David Duloy  thought they looked so real they must have been built, while others asked if Murcutt could build the same designs for them. Theres no way, because they were designed for that specific place, Sissons said. You couldnt possibly just build them somewhere [else]. The unbuilt home for his mother had been designed around a giant rock, another was elevated to keep it clear of the water table, another to minimise the bushfire risk, and others to take advantage of the northern light. The render of a four-bedroom house in Seaforth designed by Glenn Murcutt in 1969 for his mother which was designed around a large rock. Credit: Nick Sissons Going through the drawings, Sissons said he could sometimes see ideas emerging over several sketches. Other ideas were abandoned or reappeared later. Never be afraid of losing a good idea, said Murcutt, adding it had been a joy to see the drawings brought to life. I was very excited seeing the actual thing come into, what appeared to be, reality. But I didnt get any shocks. I didnt get any big, huge surprises.

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Murcutt said he had always been able to see the three-dimensional design in his head, thanks to being taught to draw by hand, without the computers used by todays architects. His drawings were accurate within millimetres of the real thing, Murcutt said, so there were no surprises. When the thing is built, thats basically it, he said. A 2002 home designed by Glenn Murcutt at Foxground near Kangaroo Valley that was never built. An L-shape, Murcutt said it allowed him to orient the daytime living areas to the north, and the sleeping areas east-west. Credit: Nick Sissons Sissons was a 19-year-old student when he first heard Murcutt speak. For the first time, I actually understood what architecture was. It wasnt about -isms or style design or wearing black or going to the right kind of galleries. It was actually the process of designing and procuring buildings, he recalled. Laura Harding, an architect with Hill Thalis, said Murcutt asked his students about the -ings of things. They were encouraged to imagine what it would be like to be sleeping, eating, reading or working in the home they were designing. Butler-Bowdon said Murcutt was one of the real greats of his profession. We are deeply honoured to hold his extensive collection.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size As the new metro line opens under the heart of Sydney, we take a look at how it became a reality. See all 19 stories . No sooner had workers pumped water out of a vast hole for a metro train station at Crows Nest on Sydneys north shore in 2021 than thunderstorms dumped more. The unrelenting rain repeatedly delayed the pouring of concrete and other construction, causing headaches for project bosses who had to ensure a tight schedule was met for the opening this year of a mega rail line. We were getting 50mm [and] 100mm rainfall events  really intense thunderstorms. We had no time to recover, Sydney Metro City and Southwest project director Hugh Lawson recalls. You were never fully able to dry the station out. Within a fortnight, commuters are due to start filing into the new Crows Nest station, which forms part of the city-section of the $21.6 billion line between Chatswood and Sydenham. Yet, many will be unaware of the challenges that construction workers had to overcome to build it. A render shows a side-on view of the underground Crows Nest station. Credit: Sydney Metro Wedged next to the busy Pacific Highway, the stations location was difficult for trucks to access to offload building materials. Eventually, transport officials closed a lane to create a layby for trucks. In fact, Lawson says Crows Nest was one of the most challenging to build because of the narrow, constrained site. Theyre all difficult children, he says of the six new metro stations along the line. From an engineering perspective, this was probably one of the most challenging. The structural design was really hard here. Its design meant a massive crane, which extended deep into the bowels of the station, had to remain in place for much longer than at other sites along the mostly underground line between Chatswood and Sydenham. It left the station exposed to the weather until it was removed.

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Until you have taken [the crane] out youve basically got a hole at every level, Lawson says. Water could get all the way down to platform level. It was a constant effort distracting [contractors] from actually building. About 10 minutes walk from St Leonards station, the new metro stations red-brick exterior at Crows Nest is eye-catching. About 126,000 bricks were laid by hand, creating a patchwork which took a year to complete. Artwork on walls at the two entrances featuring ceramic tiles by international exhibitor Esther Stewart will greet commuters before they descend on escalators or lifts to the main underground concourse. A large brick wall in the concourse and massive pre-cast beams in the ceiling are striking. Commuters will then take another two banks of escalators or lifts down to the train platforms, which are about 35 metres below the surface. While they will traverse two underground levels, the station is much bigger: rooms for giant fans, communications, electrical switches and signalling equipment are hidden from view. Heavily reinforced concrete walls are more than a metre thick. Structural beams and steel trusses above channel the load from the building above into the walls, creating a large open space absent of columns. In comparison, Sydneys existing stations at Town Hall and Martin Place are dotted with columns on their platforms to support the buildings above.

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There are loads of super heavy engineering to create this, Lawson explains, pointing at the large underground concourse. This is a huge open space 20-odd metres wide. Youre not going to come down in here and feel like youre in some cramped underground space. Its light and airy. The 120-tonne steel trusses were prefabricated in Newcastle, and had to be trucked to the site. If you went to build them on the site, you wouldnt have had the room, says Rauiri McAllister, construction manager for station builder AW Edwards. This is a large, long skinny project. While the six new stations on the metro line have the same platform screen doors, help points, toilets and information displays, Lawson says they wanted each one to stand apart from the others. These are not cookie cutter stations. Youre not turning up at the station and kind of wondering, which one am I at? he says. The aim is that you get off the train, and you know immediately youre at Crows Nest because its quite different to Victoria Cross [at North Sydney]. Thats deliberate  they are meant to look different. Lawson says there is a wide range of architecture and artwork installed in the six new stations. Not everyone is going to like everything. People have different opinions and views. Some will like this [at Crows Nest] more than others. Some will like whats at Barangaroo or Victoria Cross more, he says.

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Crows Nest station delivery director Matt Deeks, who was involved in building Londons 19 billion Elizabeth line, says brick was chosen as a key feature because architects wanted it to blend into the surrounding area, which has many heritage-listed buildings with brickwork facades. In a further nod to the areas history, rusted panels above screen doors on the platforms are among the stations unique features. Transport Minister Jo Haylen says Crows Nest is not just a beautiful station that will help passengers travel under the harbour to the CBD in less than five minutes. The housing and commercial space it delivers will provide a big boost to the surrounding community, too, she says. Artwork adorns the walls of entrances to Crows Nest metro station. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone An over-station development will consist of an eight-storey commercial building overseen by Sydney Metro, as well as a 21-storey office tower and 17-storey apartment building. The initial eight-storey building was part of the station-build contract with AW Edwards because it would not have been able to have been constructed later without closing the new station. The station is effectively the foundations for those buildings. Its all been designed and built already ... to take all those loads, Lawson explains.
Paris: An alleged Russian spy who spent time as a contestant on TV cooking shows has been arrested in France on suspicion of plotting to destabilise the country just days before the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris.

The 40-year-old man was detained on Tuesday after police raided his house at the request of French intelligence agencies, the prosecutors office said in a statement. It was reported they had been following him for several months.

French police raided the mans house. Credit: Thomas Padilla

The man is now being investigated over sharing intelligence with a foreign power in an attempt to provoke hostilities in France and has been placed in pre-trial detention. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

French media quoted sources close to the inquiry as saying the man had been involved in a large-scale pro-Russian operation, believed to be linked with Moscows special forces, which are a part of the security agency FSB.
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a political boycott, public protests, and the absence of Vice President Kamala Harris as he addressed a joint sitting of the US Congress amid ongoing outrage over the war in Gaza.

In Washington to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel, Netanyahu was forced to confront an allied country bitterly divided over his leadership and his handling of the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol in Washington. Credit: AP

But the prime minister remained defiant, portraying the war as a clash between barbarism and civilisation, labelling anti-Israel protesters as Irans useful idiots and calling on the US to fast-track military weapons so his defence force could finish the job faster.

For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together, he said as he issued a full-throated defence of a war that has so far killed tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza.
Washington: The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said on Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to shoot Donald Trump. Credit: AP

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

That is a search that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears he registered for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

The FBI is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service countersniper. The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
~No more public meetings by Political Parties will be allowed~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced at the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday that the Council of Ministers held an emergency meeting on Tuesday in which several decisions were taken as the Parliamentary Election nears.

Mercelina said that on August 19th, 2024, when the polls open, supporters or persons supporting political parties will not be allowed near any of the polling stations. He explained that in the past, measures were put in place to keep the party supporters a distance away, but due to the shooting incident that took place last Wednesday night, the decision was taken to remove all gatherings in order to ensure public safety.

Mercelina also said that the COM has decided to remove persons who may want to sway voters as they approach the polling stations. He said it is a snap election, and there is no need for these gatherings.

In preparation for the snap elections called by Mercelina, he said that he had taken extra measures to safeguard the country's people in light of the shooting incident.

Mercelina said St. Maarten will receive 25 extra men in blue that came for the sister island. Curacao contributed 10, Aruba 10, St. Eustatius 3, and Saba 2.

Curacao also dispatched ten men from its Swat Team (A), who are currently on the island, and 25 men from the RST. To ensure that the country is safe for election day, the Prime Minister said he is also in discussion with the marechaussee (KMAR), while the Voluntary Korps will also assist on August 19th. Besides all of the additional security, Mercelina said he also requested military assistance from the Kingdom.

The Prime Minister made clear that as Prime Minister, he will not succumb to threats or violence. He said that he committed to the people of St. Maarten that their Prime Minister will not tolerate violence, especially if the violence threatens the democratic system of the country. There was one regretful moment, and I intend to show the people that I am standing in for the safety of St. Maarten.

The Prime Minister further announced that as of now there will not be any public meetings allowed, he said the aim is to ensure there is no gathering of people anywhere since the latest shooting.

The sale of alcohol will be prohibited on election day.

No groups or fans of the various political parties will be allowed anywhere close to the polling stations. He said he does not want any citizens to be threatened or intimidated or influence the voters' minds heading to the polling stations.

Mercelina said all of the privileges he removed are peoples rights, but because its a snap election. There is tension in the community, he has decided to make some radical decisions to protect the community. Mercelina said that he hoped that with his decisions, the people would see that they had a serious prime minister in office.

The Prime Minister also condemned the shooting that took place in Cupe Coy Wednesday night and said St. Maarten has never experienced such incidents during the election period. He said losing one life is one life too much that has been lost.

Asked by reporters if he has declared a state of emergency based on the level of security measures taken, Mercelina said permits are needed for public meetings, but parties having gatherings at private locations will be tolerated since we are in a democratic society.
PHILIPSBURG:--- USM signed a memorandum of understanding with the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) on Tuesday aimed at expanding opportunities for students on both islands. The five-year MOU allows the institutions to collaborate in course and program design, research, and academic exchanges. The MOU will allow students to transfer credits for compatible programs between both institutions of higher education.

USM and COSTAATT will cooperate in research initiatives, seminars, and staff training and will share resources to strengthen their academic offerings, according to the MOU. USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona-Baez said this collaboration between the USM and COSTAATT helps management ensure that they can maximize the opportunity afforded by both HEIs. One of the most compelling reasons for fostering such a partnership is the ability to overcome limitations that individual institutions may face, said Dr. Carmona-Baez in remarks during the ceremony. By pooling our resources, we can mitigate these limitations and create a more robust educational and research environment.

COSTAATT is one of the premier research and scientific institutions in Trinidad and Tobago, serving more than eight thousand (8,000) students nationwide. It offers degrees and certificates in communication, advertising, film production, nursing, healthcare, and others. COSTAATT president Dr. Keith Nurse said he hoped the collaboration would provide long-term and sustainable benefits to students and faculty of these higher education institutions (HEIs), asserting that USM and COSTAAT would not succumb to what he called the implementation deficit. He said,

Far too often we are not able to collaborate and coordinate efforts across boundaries. He was adamant that We are committed to ensuring we dont fall prey to that. We will implement.

As USM celebrates its 35th anniversary, the institution continues to build strategic relationships with local, regional and international schools and non-profit organizations to enhance its offerings to students. In May, USM announced a partnership with St. Maartens National Institute of Arts (NIA) to provide introductory performing arts and dance courses with the intention of crafting a bachelors degree program in performing arts, in the near future.

USM Dean of Academics Dr. Gale Rigobert praised the collaboration as beneficial to all members of the educational and professional communities of both tertiary institutions.

This MOU between USM and COSTAATT is indicative of our commitment to excellence, expanding opportunities for our students and staff, widening the range of academic offerings to both USM and COSTAATT students and our fervent desire to broaden our reach and sphere of influence, she said.

USM provides bachelors degrees in Elementary Education, Hospitality and Tourism Management and newly introduced, Social Work, and associate degrees in General Liberal Arts. USM is also introducing an associate degree in Networking and Digital Communication.

USM provides instruction for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED), which allows students who did not complete high school or who graduated with vocational diplomas to earn the equivalent of a U.S. grade-12 diploma. USM also offers English as a Second Language (ESL).to students who are not native English speakers.

For more information about enrollment into USMs programs along with financing opportunities, visit www.usm.sx or contact USM at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 542-5171.
PHILIPSBURG:--- CIBC Caribbean recently hosted a successful Ignite Innovation" Data Science & AI client presentation at the Warrens Great House in Barbados. Spearheaded by CIBC Caribbean's technology team, the hybrid event delved into the significant role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing banking operations and business. The presentation drew a diverse audience of physical and online participants, ensuring broad accessibility and interaction.



The event was attended by corporate clients, IT stakeholders, and government officials, providing an excellent networking opportunity and fostering collaboration among key players in the industry. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the presenters, and participate in interactive question and answer session, and gain practical knowledge on how AI can be integrated into their overall business strategies.



The event highlighted the rapid growth of AI with key initiatives such as personalized customer service, content creation, data extraction, and competitor monitoring.



The webinar, themed "How You Can Make Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science Work for You and Your Enterprise," provided a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role AI plays in modern business. The session underscored AI's significance in enhancing convenience and efficiency for customers and illustrated how businesses can leverage AI to streamline operations, reduce costs, and drive innovation.



Stephan Barrow, Senior Data Scientist at CIBC, spoke to the banking benefits, highlighting that since 2019 the bank has been using predictive analytics and software development to create a successful Digital Lending Channel bolstered by data science and automation that provides clients with loans within 15 minutes of application.



A key focus of the seminar was the accelerated adoption of online banking, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic highlighted the necessity of digital solutions and paved the way for a more seamless and user-friendly banking experience. CIBC Caribbean has embraced this shift, leveraging AI to offer innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.



Main presenter Quinn Weekes, Senior Manager of Client Product Profitability Strategy, shared his valuable perspective on AI's role in banking and business transformation. Weekes emphasized that contrary to popular belief, AI is best utilized in synergy with human input and knowledge application, reducing staff workload and increasing efficiency.



In addressing concerns about AI replacing human jobs, Weekes assured attendees that AI is intended to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He highlighted that AI could take over repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work. Additionally, he emphasized the bank's commitment to data protection, ensuring that AI technologies are implemented with robust security measures to safeguard customer information.



Trevor Wood, Director of Data and Innovation at CIBC, illustrated how to protect the integrity of data by using the correct AI tools, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks and being conversant with the technology to make the correct choices.



The "Ignite Innovation" webinar gave attendees a deeper understanding of how AI can drive business efficiency and innovation. CIBC Caribbean remains dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and leveraging the latest technological advancements to better serve its clients.



This webinar was the first in a planned series of presentations that will examine how Caribbean businesses and society can drive positive change through the application of AI technologies. The bank looks forward to future opportunities to engage with stakeholders and share insights on the evolving landscape of AI and data science.
By Mata Press Service

International students spent around $37.3 billion on tuition, accommodation, and discretionary items and contributed $7.4 billion in tax revenue in 2022, according to recently released data from the Government of Canada.

Despite these significant contributions, Canada is reassessing the number of long-term visas granted to foreign students, reflecting the government's intention to moderate immigration and population growth.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that although Canada has for years used universities and colleges to bring in educated, working-age immigrants, study visas shouldnt imply a guarantee of future residency or citizenship.

That should never be the promise. People should be coming here to educate themselves and perhaps go home and bring those skills back to their country, he said.

That hasnt always been the recent case.

Canada is now being seen as less welcoming as it has been before for students, Miller said. But the update of that, he said, is that a study visa is less and less being seen as a cheap way to attain permanent residency or entry into Canada, and more of a qualitative proposition  which is where we want to see it go back, to its original intent.

His statements reflect a shift in Canada's approach to international education, as the government seeks to refine its immigration policies.

Miller suggested that the focus should be on attracting high-quality talent and providing a clearer understanding of what studying in Canada entails, rather than viewing it as an easy route to permanent residency

According to the new government report, the analysis clearly indicates that the contributions that international students make to Canadas economy are continuing to grow.

In line with an increasing number of international students, overall spending more than doubled between 2016 and 2022, from $15.5 billion to $37.3 billion, representing an increase of 15.7% per year, the report stated.

However, starting in 2024, Canada has imposed a temporary two-year limit on the number of new study permits issued and will only issue 364,000 such permits for the year.

The governments rationale for these changes is that the rising number of international students has put significant pressure on Canadas infrastructure, including housing and healthcare.

There have also been concerns about the quality of education at some institutions, particularly private colleges. These changes aim to slow the growth rate of international student admissions, allowing for improvements in infrastructure and ensuring educational offerings remain high-quality.

"Over the past two decades, the number of study permit holders in Canada increased more than sixfold, with every province and territory recording positive gains," notes the report.

"Although Ontario attracted the greatest number of international students, it is worth noting that Prince Edward Island recorded the highest percentage increase in the number of study permit holders  from 2000 to 2022, the percentage increase has been over 1,800%."

Ontario hosted just over half of all international students in the country (51%) in 2022. British Columbia accounted for nearly a quarter (22%), and Quebec another 12%.

The analysis attributes roughly 97% of that economic impact to long-term students  that is, students enrolled in programmes of six months or more. The following table breaks that long-term-student spending down into per-student averages for various levels of study.

Not surprisingly, the report finds that India has been the big driver of international student growth: Detailed data indicates that of the top source countries for long-term students, the biggest increase was from India (+47%, with 319,130 study permit holders in 2022). Other top source countries for long-term international students that experienced strong increase between 2021 and 2022 include:

Philippines (+112% to 32,455)

Hong Kong (+73% to 13,100)

Nigeria (+60% to 21,660)

Colombia (+54% to 12,440)"

Here are some of the key highlights of the governments recent study on international students;
CrowdStrike says 'bug' caused worldwide outage



Washington, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity company that caused a global computer outage last week, on Wednesday said that the breakdown stemmed from a flaw in its test software.

In an incident report, the company said the glitch was pushed out to millions of Windows computers and that the company will change the way it handles such updates in the future.

"Due to a bug in the content validator, one of two (updates) passed validation despite containing problematic content data," said CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike's Falcon software is used by businesses around the world to better identify and handle malware and security breaches.

The type of update that caused the crash, which is frequently deployed by the company, will from now on be sent out gradually, so that problems can be detected before they are released at scale.

"A full-blown rollout from a security vendor to every customer within minutes is very dangerous," Dave DeWalt, the former chief executive of cybersecurity company McAfee, told the Wall Street Journal.

CrowdStrike said on Monday that about 8.5 million devices were impacted by the outage, and warned customers that malicious actors were trying to take advantage of the situation.

A wide range of industries were hit by the outage, with users confronted with "blue screens of death" that made rebooting impossible.

The airline industry was hit most visibly by the crash, with US carrier Delta Airlines particularly affected.

The company said on Tuesday that it only expected a full return to normal on Thursday.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz has been summoned by the US Congress to explain the incident.
US lawmakers urge Meta to delay shutting down transparency tool



Washington, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



US lawmakers voiced "concern" Wednesday over Meta's decision to shut down CrowdTangle -- a digital tool considered vital in monitoring falsehoods -- in a major election year, urging the tech giant to delay the move by six months.

The Palo Alto company has said CrowdTangle will be unavailable after August 14 -- less than three months before the US election.

Meta plans to replace it with a new tool that researchers say lacks the same functionality, and which many news organizations will not have access to.

"We write with concern about Meta's announced plan to end access" to the "powerful transparency tool," a group of bipartisan lawmakers wrote in a letter to Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.

"We urge Meta to, at a minimum, postpone this plan for six months and provide further information about its plans and commitment to ensure sufficient transparency for independent research going forward."

The letter seen by AFP was signed by 17 lawmakers -- on both sides of the political aisle -- including senators Chris Coons (Democrat) and Bill Cassidy (Republican) as well as representatives Lori Trahan (Democrat) and Neal Dunn (Republican).

CrowdTangle has been a game-changer for years, offering researchers and journalists crucial real-time transparency into the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on influential Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Meta is set to replace CrowdTangle with a new Content Library, a technology still under development.

It's a tool that some in the tech industry, including former CrowdTangle chief executive Brandon Silverman, say is currently not an effective replacement, especially in elections likely to see a proliferation of falsehoods enabled by artificial intelligence.

"We are deeply concerned that Meta Content Library has significant limitations that make it an inadequate replacement for CrowdTangle at the current time," the lawmakers wrote.

"There are also questions of how many organizations will have access to and the practical ability to use Meta Content Library if CrowdTangle access is ended."

There was no immediate comment from Meta.

Organizations that debunk misinformation as part of Meta's third-party fact-checking program, including AFP, will have access to the Content Library.

But the tech giant, which has been moving away from news across its platforms, will not make the new tool accessible to for-profit media.

Journalists have used CrowdTangle in the past to investigate public health crises as well as human rights abuses and natural disasters.

Killing off the tool is seen as a major blow in a year when dozens of countries are holding elections -- a period when bad actors typically spread false narratives more than ever.

Earlier this year, global nonprofit Mozilla Foundation voiced alarm in an open letter to Meta that was signed by dozens of tech watchdogs and researchers.

Decommissioning CrowdTangle would be a "direct threat" to the integrity of elections, the letter warned, calling on Meta to retain CrowdTangle at least until January 2025.
Venezuela's military: election protector or repressor?



Caracas, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Venezuela's military, a pillar of 25 years of socialist government, is expected to play a key role after a presidential election Sunday in which incumbent Nicolas Maduro is seeking a third six-year term.

What is not clear, is which side it will back.

Maduro's government, described as increasingly authoritarian, and an opposition convinced of victory, are both leaning on the armed forces to guarantee the outcome.

Accused of a crackdown on opponents in the run-up to Sunday's vote, Maduro frequently claims to have the military as an ally in his bid to remain in power.

Addressing an Independence Day military parade on July 5, the commander-in-chief vowed that "this baton of command will never fall into the hands of an oligarch, a puppet, a traitor," in an apparent reference to opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

Gonzalez Urrutia, for his part, urged the armed forces in a social media message to respect and enforce the election result, and vowing his government would be one of reconciliation.

Opinion polls show Gonzalez Urrutia -- a little-known ex-diplomat propelled unexpectedly to the top of the opposition ticket -- winning the election by a large margin.

But there are widespread fears that Maduro will never let that happen.

The military, said analyst Renata Segura of the Crisis Group think-tank, will be "a decisive actor" in case of a stolen opposition win: "either to pressure the government into accepting the result, or to go out and repress protests."



- 'Long live Chavez' -



The Venezuelan military counted 343,000 members in 2020, according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies -- a similar size to that of Mexico which has four times the population, and second only to Colombia and Brazil, also much larger countries.

As part of its official salute, the institution still proclaims "Long live Chavez!" in honor of Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez -- father of the populist "Chavismo" movement on whose watch the country went from being one of Latin America's richest to one of its most troubled.

For decades, the United States had been Venezuela's main weapons supplier.

But with a shift to the left under Chavez's presidency from 1999 to 2013, the friendship switched to Russia, which today supplies Venezuela's armed forces with Sukhoi aircraft and Kalashnikov rifles.

Just weeks before Sunday's vote, two Russian military vessels visited the South American country battling crippling US sanctions imposed after Maduro's 2018 reelection was rejected by dozens of Western and Latin American country for alleged fraud.

Himself a military man, president Chavez had led a constitutional reform that in 1999 gave soldiers the right to vote and the military a key role in state institutions, including the vital oil industry.

For Venezuela expert Rebecca Hanson of the University of Florida's Center for Latin American Studies, a military coup in case of opposition victory was "not out of the question," though unlikely.

"High ranking military officers have become incredibly powerful during Maduro's administrations... This means they have a lot to lose if Maduro steps down," she told AFP.

This did not necessarily mean, however, "that lower ranking officers will go along with it. Lower ranking officers have not benefited from Maduro's presidency in the same way that their superiors have. They have also been greatly impacted by the (economic) crisis" that has seen some seven million people flee in recent years.

The military largely controls mining companies, oil production and food distribution in Venezuela, as well as the customs service and 12 out of 34 ministries.

"The armed forces are won with privileges, promotions and the creation of new positions", retired general Antonio Rivero, an exiled critic of Chavismo, told AFP.



- 'Political prisoners' -



Nearly 50 high-ranking military officials, active and retired, are on the US sanctions list on accusations that include drug trafficking and rights violations.

Activists say soldiers have been used in a campaign to clamp down ruthlessly on protests against Maduro's harsh rule and economic misery.

They also denounce the captivity of more than 200 "political prisoners" that include dozens of dissident soldiers held on vague accusations of conspiracy or treason.

Maduro insists he is merely defending himself from attacks and US-led plots to unseat him.

In 25 years of Chavismo, the opposition has won only two national votes: in a 2007 referendum on constitutional reform, which was rejected, and a 2015 parliamentary election.

After that vote, whose outcome came as a shock to the regime, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a message to the nation describing the process as "impeccable" -- a move credited by observers with keeping the calm.

"It is an important precedent," said Segura.
Foreign aircraft crashes in Australia military exercise, pilot safe



Sydney, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



A foreign aircraft crashed Wednesday during a large multinational military exercise in northern Australia, according to a defence official, who said the pilot ejected and was "safe and well".

Emergency responders and defence officials said the aircraft crashed near the northern city of Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24.

An Italian official said the aircraft was believed to be part of his country's contingent, but had no further details.

"Defence can confirm an international participant in Exercise Pitch Black 24 is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft this morning during flying operations," an Australian defence department official said in a statement.

"All flying for the remainder of the day has been cancelled."

The Australian defence department said the crash occurred around 10.45am local time (0115 GMT).

The pilot "made immediate contact with aircrew in the area via radio following their ejection".

Police said the plane crashed about 18 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the rural township of Daly River, a cattle farming and fishing hub with a population of less than 500.

"The pilot has been conveyed to hospital for precautionary checks but is otherwise safe and well," Northern Territory Police said in a statement.



- War games debut -



Exercise Pitch Black, held every two years, prepares for complicated missions involving large numbers of international aircraft, according to the Australian Air Force.

The Italian Air Force was participating in the exercises for the first time.

"We are looking forward to the chance to collaborate and work with so many international partners from this area of the globe, far from our homeland," Brigadier General Filippo Nannelli said late last week.

The Italian Air Force has provided 21 aircraft for the exercises.

Northern Australia is seen as an increasingly important staging ground for war drills, offering a gateway to potential flashpoints in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

But recent multinational exercises have been plagued by deadly mishaps.

Three US Marines were killed in August last year when their Osprey aircraft crashed on a tropical island during exercises north of Darwin.

A month earlier, four Australians died when their Taipan helicopter plunged into the sea during night drills off the coast of Queensland.

The United States Marine Corps, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the German Air Force were among the 20 militaries involved -- billed as the "largest iteration of the exercise in its 43-year history".
Italian fighter jet crashes in Australia military drill, pilot safe



Sydney, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



An Italian fighter jet crashed Wednesday during a large multinational military exercise in northern Australia, according to defence officials who said the pilot was safe after ejecting from the plane.

It was not known what caused the Eurofighter Typhoon warplane to crash in the middle of a training flight, Italy's defence ministry said in a brief statement.

"The pilot quickly ejected. He is in good health and is completing medical tests at a hospital" the Italian military said.

Australian emergency responders and defence officials said the aircraft crashed near the northern city of Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24.

"Defence can confirm an international participant in Exercise Pitch Black 24 is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft this morning during flying operations," an Australian defence department official said in a statement.

"All flying for the remainder of the day has been cancelled."

The Australian defence department said the crash occurred around 10.45 am local time (0115 GMT).

The pilot "made immediate contact with aircrew in the area via radio following their ejection".

Police said the plane crashed about 18 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the rural township of Daly River, a cattle farming and fishing hub with a population of less than 500.

"The pilot has been conveyed to hospital for precautionary checks but is otherwise safe and well," Northern Territory Police said in a statement.



- War games debut -



Exercise Pitch Black, held every two years, prepares for complicated missions involving large numbers of international aircraft, according to the Australian Air Force.

The Italian Air Force was participating in the exercises for the first time.

"We are looking forward to the chance to collaborate and work with so many international partners from this area of the globe, far from our homeland," Brigadier General Filippo Nannelli said late last week.

The Italian Air Force has provided 21 aircraft for the exercises.

Northern Australia is seen as an increasingly important staging ground for war drills, offering a gateway to potential flashpoints in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

However, recent multinational exercises have been plagued by deadly mishaps.

Three US Marines were killed in August last year when their Osprey aircraft crashed on a tropical island during exercises north of Darwin.

Four Australians died a month earlier when their Taipan helicopter plunged into the sea during night drills off the coast of Queensland.

The United States Marine Corps, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the German Air Force were among the 20 militaries involved -- billed as the "largest iteration of the exercise in its 43-year history".
Suspect held after soldier stabbed near UK army barracks



London, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



A 24-year-old man was in police custody on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder, after a soldier was stabbed near an army barracks in Kent, southeast England.

The victim, a man in his 40s, was airlifted to hospital on Tuesday evening, with his condition described as serious following the attack in the town of Gillingham, southeast of London.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled" by the incident. "All our thoughts are with the soldier and our Armed Forces community, who serve to keep us all safe," he added.

"I wish him a swift recovery."

Kent Police said a 24-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder within half an hour of officers being called to the scene, near the British Army's Brompton Barracks.

"Enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing," the force said in a brief statement.

The attack has echoes of the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, who was hacked to death by two Islamist extremists on a southeast London street.

Earlier on Tuesday, Anjem Choudary, the radical preacher whose proscribed Islamist group inspired that pair, was found guilty by a UK jury of directing a terrorist organisation.

Officials are yet to indicate any motive in the latest attack.

UK media said the victim was wearing his military uniform at the time of the attack, but police and the army have declined to confirm the reports.

A British Army spokesman said: "We're very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack.

"We will continue to work closely with Kent Police to understand what happened and support the investigation."

A witness who rushed to aid the victim told The Sun tabloid that the attacker had been on a moped before running at the soldier and stabbing him repeatedly.

The victim had "wounds all over his body", according to the witness.

"Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived," the witness added.

"When the guy's (soldier's) wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn't even try to hurt her."

Defence Secretary John Healey called the attack "shocking" and said his thoughts were with the soldier and his family.
UK police probe mental health of suspect held over soldier stabbing



London, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Police probing the stabbing of a soldier near an army barracks in southeast England said Wednesday that officers were investigating whether "mental health-related" issues motivated a suspect in custody.

Kent Police arrested a 24-year-old man late Tuesday on suspicion of attempting to murder the soldier, a man in his 40s, on the street in the town of Gillingham, southeast of London.

Emergency responders airlifted the victim to hospital, with his condition described Wednesday as serious but stable.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled" by the incident.

"All our thoughts are with the soldier and our Armed Forces community, who serve to keep us all safe," he added. "I wish him a swift recovery."

In an update, Kent Police said officers had arrested the local man in nearby Rochester within half an hour of being called to the scene of the attack, near the British Army's Brompton Barracks.

He was reported to have left the scene on a motorcycle, and "a number of knives" have been seized, the force added.

"The motivation for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of our ongoing enquiries, although we are exploring the possibility that it may be mental health-related," Acting Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley said in a statement.

"We are also investigating any possible links between the location and the suspect," he added, noting investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.

"There is no further information at this time to suggest there are any wider threats to the local community including members of the armed forces," Woolley said.

The attack has echoes of the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, who was hacked to death by two Islamist extremists on a southeast London street.

Earlier on Tuesday, Anjem Choudary, the radical preacher whose proscribed Islamist group inspired that pair, was found guilty by a UK jury of directing a terrorist organisation.

A British Army spokesman said: "We're very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack.

A witness who rushed to aid the wounded soldier told The Sun tabloid that the attacker had been on a moped before running at the victim and stabbing him repeatedly.

The soldier had "wounds all over his body", according to the witness.

"Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived," the witness added.

"When the guy's (soldier's) wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn't even try to hurt her."

Defence Secretary John Healey called the attack "shocking" and said his thoughts were with the soldier and his family.
Family of murdered Kenyan woman urges new UK govt probe



Nairobi, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



The family of a young Kenyan mother found dead in 2012 after last being seen alive with a British soldier urged the UK's new government on Wednesday to open a "proper investigation" into her death.

The body of Agnes Wanjiru, 21, was found in a septic tank after she reportedly went out partying with British soldiers at a hotel in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki, where the UK has a permanent army garrison.

The high-profile case has left the victim's family in limbo. Kenyan investigations have struggled while the former UK government stonewalled media allegations that the army knew about the incident and did nothing.

On Wednesday, following the Labour Party victory over the Conservatives in Britain's July 4 election, Wanjiru's family said it was pressing for progress on the case.

"Our client has been waiting for justice for her sister for over 12 years and cannot continue to wait indefinitely," said lawyer Carolin Ott who represents Wanjiru's family.

Britain's new Defence Secretary John Healey said in April, when he was still in opposition, that ministers were "sitting on their hands" over the case.

"The details of this young Kenyan woman's death remain shocking to this day," he told British newspaper The Sunday Times.

"But 12 years on, there's still no MoD-led investigation into the grave failings exposed in this case," he said, referring to Britain's Ministry of Defence.

At the time, a Labour spokesman told the newspaper the party would "of course" begin an inquiry if it took power.



- 'Words into actions' -



In a statement from legal firm Leigh Day, Ott said: "It is now time for Mr Healey to make good on his commitments to expose the grave failings in this case and put his strong words into actions."

The statement said the family had "not had any meaningful update on the investigation".

It urged a "proper investigation to ensure that any potential cover up is investigated and what happened to Agnes is never repeated... is commenced by the new Labour government as soon as possible."

In October 2021, The Sunday Times reported that a soldier had confessed to his comrades to killing Wanjiru and showed them her body.

The report alleged that the murder was taken to military superiors, but no further action followed.

A Kenyan investigation was opened in 2019 but no results have been disclosed, and public hearings due in July were postponed after anti-government protests in the capital.

London and Nairobi have been at odds over the question of jurisdiction for British soldiers who break the law in Kenya. The UK has said it does not accept the jurisdiction of the Kenyan court investigation Wanjiru's death.

Since Kenya gained independence in 1963, Britain has kept a permanent army base near Nanyuki around 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of the capital Nairobi.

The British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) is an economic lifeline for many in Nanyuki but has proved a lightning rod for criticism.
Dutch court tosses out submarine deal lawsuit



The Hague, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Dutch judges on Wednesday turned down a lawsuit calling for a submarine deal between the Netherlands and France to be revised, saying there was "no reason" to further investigate the multi-billion-euro agreement.

The Netherlands in March picked French defence company Naval Group and its Dutch partner Royal IHC to build four new submarines for its navy, choosing the bid over one from Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Swedish defence group Saab AB.

TKMS then filed an objection before The Hague District Court, saying it believed that the Dutch state "has wrongly judged that its offer is invalid."

The Kiel-based ship and submarine builder wanted judges to order a repeat of the procurement process "in an adapted form" or that "at least various further investigations would be carried out and that a new award decision would then be made."

Dutch judges however said the state's decision to declare TKMS's bid invalid was "on good grounds."

"Contrary to what TKMS argued, there is no reason for further investigations into Naval's submission," it added.

"The judge therefore dismisses TKMS's claims in the summary proceedings."

The vessels are set to replace the Netherland's four Walrus class subs which entered service in the early 1990s. One of the Walrus class subs was decommissioned last year so that its spare parts could be used to keep the other three in operation.

An outgoing Dutch parliament in June approved the deal, ahead of the new government led by Dutch MP Geert Wilders' far-right PVV party.

The decision is a boon for Naval Group, coming three years after it abruptly lost a major contract to build 12 Barracuda submarines for Australia.

It also comes as European countries have stepped up military spending in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The submarines will be built in Naval Group's shipyards, but there will also be an industrial cooperation accord to "reinforce the technological and industrial base of the Dutch defence industry", the French defence ministry has said.

The first two subs are to enter service within 10 years of the contract being signed.

jhe/dl
US says will complete troop pull-out from Niger early August



Abidjan, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



The US troop withdrawal from Niger, as demanded by the West African country's military regime, will be completed in early August, a US general said Wednesday.

"The withdrawal is going well," General Kenneth Ekman, US commander for Africa, told reporters in Abidjan.

"It is ahead of schedule and this is because of the excellent coordination that we have had with our Nigerien military counterparts," said Ekman, who heads up the US Africa Command Africom.

"I expect that we will be complete with the withdrawal by early August, well ahead of the 15 September mutually agreed deadline,"

The United States pulled out of a base in the Niger capital Niamey in early July, but another 200 US soldiers remain at the Agadez drone base in the north of the country.

US troops were part of an international effort to suppress jihadists forces that regularly strike across the region.

But the Niger military leaders who seized power in a coup a year ago in March told US and French forces to quit the country.

"The consequences for regional security are very concerning," Ekman said.

"I've been here speaking to your military and government leaders -- we share the same concerns about the violent extremist threat that is growing and increasingly threatening the countries around the Sahel."

He said the United States would continue to work with Ivory Coast security forces, but he denied media reports that the US military was looking to build a base in Odienne, in the north of the country.

US forces recently took part in the "Flintlock" military exercises in Ivory Coast that involved hundreds of soldiers from Western and African countries.
Italian defence firm Leonardo seeking 'critical mass' to compete with US, China



Farnborough, United Kingdom, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



The head of Italian defence group Leonardo called on European firms to boost collaboration to reach "critical mass" and compete with the United States and China.

"What we need in Europe is to create alliances, joint-ventures, synergies. There are many different opportunities," Roberto Cingolani told AFP in an interview at the UK's Farnborough air show.

"We are all rather small compared to the competitors in the US and China. So we need to reinforce and get critical mass," said the boss of continental Europe's leading defence group.

Since his arrival in 2023 at the head of the Italian aeronautics and defence group, the physicist and former government minister under former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi has strived to create collaborations with his European peers.

He says he finds people increasingly attentive to his message "because I think the Ukraine war has given a clear indication that no one can make it on its own", he said.

States remain concerned about their sovereignty and maintaining control of technologies but they also realise the need for manufacturers to come together to be more efficient, he said. "It's a long journey."

With Italy seeking to acquire new combat tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, Leonardo began discussions with the Franco-German KNDS to develop an Italian version derived from the Leopard 2 tank.



- Early days -



The negotiations with KNDS ultimately failed, but Cingolani has now joined forces with German arms group Rheinmetall to create a joint venture based in Italy, where 60 percent of the work will be carried out.

In the space sector, Leonardo has a long-standing alliance with the French company Thales through Thales Alenia Space (TAS) -- two-thirds controlled by the French company, the remainder by Leonardo -- and Telespazio.

TAS's French activities in geostationary communications satellites are suffering, however, pushing TAS to cut 1,300 jobs, although it does not make Cingolani doubt the necessity of this "space alliance".

"It's a marriage, if one of you has a little problem, the other has to help. And to be honest, it's happened in the past the other way around and Thales has been very supportive."

As certain Airbus space activities are also in difficulty, Airbus and Thales have initiated informal discussions on working together, with the talks still at an early stage.

"We're also discussing with them on how we can make our space strategy as a continent much bigger and much stronger.

"I don't think there has been such a collaborative approach among these companies in the past."

Leonardo is part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for future combat aircraft with the United Kingdom and Japan, but Cingolani does not rule out a possible future collaboration with the competing French-Spanish-German SCAF air combat system initiative.

Competition between the two projects is "not logical" given the billions of euros of investments to be made, according to Mike Schoellhorn, the general director of Airbus Defence and Space.

"I'm not saying merging, maybe this is too much, but for sure some collaboration. It's too early to say, we're just at the beginning," Cingolani added.

mra/har/phz/gv

RHEINMETALL

THALES

Airbus Group
US sanctions China-based network over N. Korea support



Washington, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



The United States unveiled sanctions Wednesday against a network of half a dozen people and five firms in China it accuses of supporting North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

The network is alleged to have helped North Korea with procuring items for its ballistic missile programs, which the US Treasury Department said were being operated in "flagrant violation" of UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea's continued development of its ballistic missile technologies "is both irresponsible and destabilizing for both the region and the international community," Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement.

"The United States remains committed to using our tools to enforce these international sanctions, including disrupting the illicit procurement networks that provide key inputs for these technologies," he added.

The US Treasury said North Korea's space and ballistic missile programs made use of an "extensive network" of overseas agents to procure the foreign-sourced materials needed, which included personnel at its diplomatic missions and trade offices, "as well as third-country nationals."

It also makes use of foreign firms to purchase the items it needs, the Treasury added.

Among those sanctioned by the Treasury on Wednesday was Shi Qianpei, a Chinese national, whom the Treasury Department accused of working with a previously-designated individual based in Beijing to procure metal sheets used in the production of North Korean missiles.

Other individuals sanctioned include Chen Tianxin, Shi Qianpei's business partner and wife, and two of his employees, all of whom helped with the procurement efforts, the Treasury said.
France and Djibouti renew defence partnership



Paris, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



French President Emmanuel Macron and his Djibouti counterpart Ismail Omar Guelleh agreed Wednesday to renew the defence partnership between the two countries, following two years of negotiations.

According to a statement from the French presidency, they signed an agreement on "the ambitious reform of the Defence Cooperation Treaty which unites France and Djibouti."

The accord, signed at Macron's office, governs the 1,500 French troops based in the small but strategically located East African country.

French troops have recently closed military bases in Mali and Niger following military coups in both countries, but there has never been any question of abandoning Djibouti, France's largest permanent overseas base.

The country is located opposite Yemen, near an opening to the Red Sea, where a large part of the global trade between Asia and the West passes.

The discussions had been held up by Djibouti's demands that France greatly increase the rent it pays, according to a source close to the negotiations.

The defence agreement was first signed in 1977 when the former French colony won independence, and was renewed in 2011.

But France only began to pay rent in 2003, following the opening of a US base in the country.
UK, Germany to boost defence ties in relations 'reset'



Berlin, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Germany and Britain pledged Wednesday to cooperate more closely on defence and security issues as part of the new Labour government's post-Brexit "reset" in relations with European allies.

On his inaugural visit to Berlin, UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a joint declaration with German counterpart Boris Pistorius that was hailed as the first of its kind between the NATO allies.

It includes pledges to strengthen the defence industries in both countries, cooperate more closely on the development and procurement of weapons, and coordinate "even better" on support for Ukraine, Pistorius said.

The pact would "strengthen the European pillar within NATO and thus NATO as a whole", Pistorius said at a joint press conference.

Healey, welcomed to the German capital with military honours, said the deeper cooperation in the defence sector would bolster both nations' security as well as "our national economies".

The pact comes as Britain's Labour government, after a landslide election win this month, is "determined to reset relations with Europe", Healey said.

"Britain's essential relationships with many European allies has been strained at best" in recent years, he said, in a nod to ties soured by Brexit.

The defence declaration "signals the start of a developing and deepening relationship between our two countries" that "have an important contribution to make to the collective security of Europe", Healey added.

Healey's trip to Berlin is part of a lightning tour of Europe this week including stops in France and Poland and a coming visit to Estonia.

"Yes, breakfast in Paris, lunch in Berlin, dinner in Warsaw and perhaps a beer after this is over," Healey told reporters after meeting with his Polish counterpart on Wednesday evening.

He added that he came to Poland to "state very clearly the new UK government's unshakeable commitment to NATO, to Poland and to the alliance's eastern flank".

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked Healey for what he said was the UK's plan to deploy "four to six Eurofighter jets to the (NATO) air policing mission over Poland next year".
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We know that there are workers who are organising from within, calling for an arms embargo. We know that they are unhappy with the way their advice is being interpreted. They know that the UK government is complicit in war crimes.
There was a strong theme there on Ukraine  discussed with all of our allies  and part of my message was to urge all of our allies to provide further support where they can to the Ukrainian people, and that was well received.
Regional director Catherine Bates said: We appreciate the footage which was shared on social media has attracted widespread shock and concern. It is vitally important we investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the incident. We are independent of the police and our investigation will be thorough and robust.
Last year William received about 6 million from the Duchy because he became the Duke of Cornwall on the death of the late Queen half way through the financial year, and the Duchy also asked to retain an extra proportion for the day-to-day running of the estate.
Catherine Martin has delivered for public service broadcasting because she becomes the minister that settles the question, that has overseen reforms, but also now has crucially secured multi-annual funding and I guarantee you, you could bring any minister out today and if you told them you could offer them multi-annual certainty for the next three years theyd take your right arm off.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Long-term OSCE observers will arrive in Azerbaijan at the end of July in connection with the snap parliamentary election scheduled for September 1, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, Mazahir Panahov told reporters, Trend reports.

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 Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan has sent invitations to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), GUAM, the Youth Organization of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to observe the parliamentary election.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani Parliament has sent invitations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, CIS Parliamentary Assembly, TURKPA, Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), GUAM Parliamentary Assembly, Asian Parliamentary Assembly, Pan-African Parliament, Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO), ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Arab Parliament, International Congress of Parliamentarians (ICP), and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Russia is ready to keep providing its platform for bilateral negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said during a weekly briefing in Moscow today, Trend reports.

She noted that Moscow pledged to assist in every possible way in achieving peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, adding that the volumes and forms of such assistance should be acceptable to all parties.

We consider the conclusion of a balanced agreement between our two allies as the basis of the architecture of peace, Zakharova also said.

Besides, she pointed out that the fate and future of the South Caucasus should be determined exclusively by the countries of the region and neighboring partners.

No one from outside will bring prosperity there; this has already been proven for centuries, the official added.

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Home Affairs Minister Catalin Predoiu told the Border Police on Wednesday, on their 160th anniversary, that Romania is a safer country due to the activity carried out at the borders, including with Ukraine.

"Thanks to your service, the country is safer. And we have a safe country. I would like to emphasise it, including in terms of border protection. I say it fully knowledgeable about facts, I say it based on the information I have at the ministerial level, based on discussions that my colleagues have had, on statistics, on what we know from the field. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but I do not hesitate to say it: the result of the work of the Border Police is excellent," Predoiu said.

He added that the result could not be achieved without the professionalism, integrity and patriotism of the employees of the Border Police.

"These three values are the basis of our activity and of your branch and will continue to be! And I am asking you all to continue to respect them: professionalism, integrity, patriotism! There are serious challenges ahead of us. Of course, we have a good result on migration, but it must be maintained as such, amidst geopolitical events in the neighbourhood or further away that can generate migratory flows increasing pressure on the country's borders. We have successfully entered the Schengen area with two borders and you have fulfilled your new tasks, the new challenges, from the way border guarding and border controls are carried out in under the new visa processing regulations."

He commended the Border Police for their results, namely a 73% plunge in illegal migration and of 83% on the flow of entry, in the first six months of 2024.

"There is a concern and an action at the same time at the level of the ministry, through its branches, first of all the Romanian Police, in terms of combating drug trafficking. But here you also have a very important role, because, indeed, you are the first line of defence, along with the other lines."

Predoiu added that Romania does not have significant problems with arms, drugs or human trafficking its border with Ukraine.

"There is a concern at European level, from what I have seen, at the JHA councils, in relation to this subject. And I do not miss any opportunity to emphasise that we have no problems, we manage the situation without difficulty. But at the same time, I also want to assure you that we will keep up a high level of attention. Another important priority for us will be to maintain cooperation, internal cooperation with the other branches, I have already mentioned that, and also cooperation with the border police, first of all from the neighbouring countries, as well as with European agencies FRONTEX and EUROPOL, where appropriate," Predoiu said.
The Competition Council authorised the transaction by which Premier Energy PLC, Cyprus, intends to take over the wind energy producer Eolica Dobrogea One SA, the competition authority informs on Wednesday.

Premier Energy is a holding company, active, mainly, in the field of production, commercialization and supply of electricity, in the field of commercialization of green certificates, distribution and supply of natural gas.

Premier Renewable Invest Co, part of the Premier Energy group, is a company established for the purpose of acquiring Eolica and its subsequent operation.

Eolica Dobrogea One is a wind power producer and operates a park with an installed capacity of 80 MW, in Mihai Viteazu rural town, Constanta county.

Following the analysis, the Competition Council found that this operation does not raise significant obstacles to effective competition on the Romanian market and that there are no serious doubts regarding its compatibility with a normal competitive environment.

The decision will be published on the website of the national competition authority, after the removal of confidential information, the same source mentions.
The National Integrity Agency (ANI) maintained its results in the management of asset declarations and cases of conflicts of interest, according to the European Commission's 2024 Report on the rule of law, published on Wednesday.

The Commission's experts stress the fact that ''ANI manages to maintain its results of the last years.The number of finalised cases has remained relatively constant. ANI identified a record amount of unjustified wealth of over EUR 6 million. The low salaries are considered an obstacle to attract

competent staff and ANI continues to advocate for a rise in the salaries of inspectors."

Moreover, the European Commission appreciates that the number of integrity warnings issued by the PREVENT System has continued to remain stable over the last four years. In this sense, the report recalls the fact that, in October 2023, the PREVENT System identified a potential conflict of interest in a public procurement procedure worth approximately EUR 1.4 billion.

The document also notes that the Agency fulfills the role of an external reporting channel - competent authority to receive reports in the public interest.

At the same time, during 2023, ANI provided advice and established and maintained relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Next, the report states that, starting from January 2024, ANI no longer accepts declarations signed by hand, an aspect that reduces the risk of errors. However, despite the awareness measures carried out in previous years, there are still public institutions that have not ensured electronic signatures.

The report emphasizes that the Agency is responsible for verifying and publishing the declarations, and with the amendment of Law no. 176/2010 of December 2023, the income of public officials can no longer be anonymized. These provisions do not apply to persons who do not have the obligation to submit asset declarations, such as the spouse of a public official who works in the private sector.

European experts underline the fact that National Integrity Council (CNI) guarantees the Agency's independence and monitors its performance. In this sense, the report recalls ANI's appeal to the Senate regarding the prevention of the indirect formation of a majority of the same political affiliation within the National Integrity Council. Furthermore, the report highlights the fact that, in 2023, a member of the National Integrity Council was evaluated by the ANI, and then revoked by the Senate. This was followed by accusations in the media against ANI.

The Commission's report notes that the proposal to update and codify the legal integrity framework was submitted to the Ministry of Justice and, according to the commitments assumed by Romania through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, it should enter into force by the end of 2024. However, European Commission experts reiterate that the proposal is limited to conflicts of interest, incompatibilities and unjustified wealth and does not cover other aspects of integrity.
Diplomatic action must be efficient, rapid and pragmatic in a world facing multiple crises and challenges with a direct impact on us, Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu said on Wednesday, in the context of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy (RADR), told Agerpres.

Minister Odobescu attended, at the Victoria Palace, together with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the event dedicated to the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy.

"We are honored to welcome you on the occasion of this year's edition of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy. Every year, our meeting is an opportunity for reflection and prioritisation of the Romanian diplomacy activities and, at the same time, an occasion to ensure a close coordination with the relevant institutions for the implementation of Romania's foreign policy objectives. In a world facing multiple crises - and we saw them again last night at our border -, with challenges with a direct impact on us, diplomatic action must be efficient, rapid and pragmatic," Luminita Odobescu said.

She highlighted the importance of Romanian diplomacy's objectives in ensuring security and prosperity for Romanian citizens.

"As diplomats, we are part of today's complex processes aimed at ensuring peace, stability and cooperation at international level, and our objectives are to ensure security and prosperity for Romanian citizens. In this regard, we have benefited from the consistent support of the Prime Minister and colleagues in the Government, whom I would like to thank on this occasion. Prime Minister, we continue to count on your support, as well as on the support of our colleagues in the Government. We assure you that our efforts will continue to be sustained, in order to respond as effectively and efficiently as possible to the current challenges and to promote the interests of Romania and Romanian citizens," she pointed out.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, reiterated, on Wednesday, that Romania remains a firm supporter of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine at the European level and emphasized that the two countries must continue the necessary reforms for European integration.

"I reiterated that Romania remains a firm supporter of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine at the European level. The continuation of the process of expanding the European Union through the integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine is a priority foreign policy objective for Romania. Romania actively supports, politically, diplomatically and practically the integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine into the European Union", stated Odobescu at the joint conference with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov.

Luminita Odobescu noted the progress made by the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in terms of reforms and pointed out the importance of their continuation.

"The authorities in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine must further apply with the same determination and consistency the reforms necessary for European integration. The period that follows after the decision to open accession negotiations will be an extremely complex one for both countries. The accession process in itself puts additional pressure on the administrative structures of the two states. On the one hand, there is a need for a strong commitment both in Kyiv and Chisinau, but also at the European level, and on the other hand, political support and practice from the member states of the European Union. Romania remains committed to providing its full support for the European integration process of the two states," said the Romanian foreign minister.

She condemned the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.

"The Russian Federation continues its illegal aggression against Ukraine. We are talking about the unacceptable use of force in violation of international law and the UN Charter to promote a revisionist agenda and deny the right of a state to decide sovereignly on its future. This war of aggression has also produced continues to produce victims, many of them civilians, including children, suffering for millions of Ukrainians, as well as incalculable destruction throughout Ukraine. We saw it tonight in the brutal Russian attacks on the port of Ismail, very close to the border with us. We are impressed by Ukraine's resistance, by its heroic fight for the defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, for the right of its citizens to live freely. We must remember every day how important this resistance is for our security and the stability of Europe," Odobescu said.

Odobescu stated that the Republic of Moldova remains the state most affected by this war after Ukraine.

"The authorities in Chisinau are faced with a wide spectrum of hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns carried out by the Russian Federation, as well as with the economic and social repercussions caused by the war. On a broader level, the destabilizing effects of the war are deeply felt at the regional level and at the European level", the foreign minister also said.

Luminita Odobescu specified that "our response to Russia's aggression and the problems we face as a result of this illegal aggression must be to deepen cooperation and solidarity in support of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova".

"I reiterate that Romania firmly and unwaveringly supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova within their internationally recognized borders. Romania wants a just, lasting peace, based on respect for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", Minister Odobescu pointed out.

She emphasized that the cooperation projects with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine must also be seen from the perspective of the integration of the two countries, including in the European Single Market, giving as an example the interconnection projects in the field of energy and transport and cooperation for the operation of solidarity corridors.

"I conclude by reaffirming our full, permanent and multidimensional support both for the Republic of Moldova and for Ukraine", concluded Odobescu.
Romania was and remains interested in promoting openness based on cooperation that would allow full capitalisation on the potential of the relationship with Hungary, Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu said on Wednesday at a meeting with her Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto.

The latter participated in a meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) hosted by Bucharest and co-organised by the Romanian Ministry of Energy.

According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE), the two ministers discussed the latest developments in and prospects for the Romanian-Hungarian bilateral dialogue, as well as European security issues. Odobescu underlined the desire to identify new opportunities for cooperation and development of joint projects in areas such as infrastructure, transport, energy, and home affairs.

Providing added substance to the bilateral strategic partnership, a fundamental element of bilateral cooperation, is being envisaged. The Romanian official mentioned the complex European context, marked by transition between two European electoral cycles, in which Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Odobescu reiterated the objective of completing Romania's accession process to the Schengen area, recalling the positive results of lifting air and sea border controls in March 2024, and the Hungarian counterpart offered assurances regarding his country's firm support for completing the process by having controls at land borders lifted as well.

At the same time, she highlighted the concerns regarding the security challenges generated by the Russian Federation's aggression in Ukraine, as well as their implications in multiple other areas, presenting the consistent positions of the Romanian side.

Odobescu also reiterated the interest in advancing the process of enlarging the European Union to include both Eastern candidates, Ukraine and Moldova, as well as Western Balkan countries, and Turkey.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will announce in August whether he will attend the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Trend reports.

According to the information, Pashinyan will hold a press conference in August, where he will touch upon the issue of Azerbaijan's invitation of Armenia to COP29.

To note, recently, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev stated at the II Shusha Global Media Forum that Azerbaijan has invited Armenia to COP29.

Hikmet Hajiyev mentioned that COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev had sent an official invitation to the Armenian Foreign Minister.

We have officially invited Armenia to COP29. This invitation demonstrates Azerbaijan's goodwill and inclusive approach in the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Now it is time for the Armenian authorities to make a decision, Hajiyev emphasized.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

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Energy supply is based on physical reality, and infrastructure determines with whom you can cooperate and where you can purchase, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Wednesday in Bucharest at a ministerial meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC).

"I think when we speak about the safe supply of energy, we should not forget about the fact that the energy supply is being based on physical reality. So, in order to deliver gas, in order to deliver oil, you need pipelines. So, pipelines, the infrastructure, definitely does determine with whom you can cooperate, from where you can purchase. Look at the situation of Hungary, for example, when it comes to oil. We have a certain amount, what we need, to supply the country. Slovakia does need a certain amount. I put these two countries together because we are on the same line. The pipeline leading from Russia through Ukraine supplies us basically entirely. Why? Because there is no other alternative route. We would be very happy to put into consideration the diversification, but the precondition of diversification is alternative routes of supply. Now, a pipeline from Croatia is leading to the countries of ours, but the problem is that it has a very limited capacity. Two years ago, when the [Russian] oil ban was first put on the agenda of the European Union, both of us Slovaks and Hungarians we have turned to the European Commission to make it sure that Croatia increases the capacity of this pipeline so we can diversify the sources. What happened? The European Union reached out to the Croats, but it was not the capacity that was increased, because it is still the same, but the transit fee was increased five times. So, here's the problem," Szijjarto said.

He added that a second problem concerns gas supply, given that the pipeline network in the South-East European region is very limited and the European Commission will not invest in infrastructure, because that in 15 years' time natural gas will no longer be part of the energy mix.

"We are the first country which is not neighbouring Turkey, but is buying Turkish gas. And this year, first time ever, we started deliveries from Azerbaijan. Now, why we can do it in a very limited way, in a very limited quantity - which does not allow us for entire diversification - is because the pipeline network in the South-East European region, which connects us to Azerbaijan, Turkey, Qatar, is very limited. So, we have turned to the European Commission together with Slovakia, with Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece, asking the European Union to finance the increase of the capacity of the south-eastern European pipeline network in order to enable Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania to buy more gas from diversified sources. What was the answer of the European Commission? Sorry, guys, gas is not being sexy anymore. Gas is not going to be part of the national energy mix in 15 years, so the EU is not ready to invest into that infrastructure. So, here we are without the physical chance of diversification. And that's a problem, because it's not a political issue. If you want to buy gas or oil from different sources, you need the pipelines, you need the network, " the Hungarian official explained.

He added that nuclear energy is very important for Hungary, which can thus produce to cover consumption. At the same time, Szijjarto said that the nuclear project in Hungary is a very international one, and, although the main contractor is the Russian company Rosatom, based on a contract signed in 2014, the major subcontractors are German, French, American, Swiss and even Austrian.

High-ranking representatives of the public and private energy sectors met on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Parliament House for the fifth meeting of the P-TECC, organised by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Romanian Ministry of Energy and the Atlantic Council. Wednesday's ministerial meeting focused on the role of industrial policy in achieving transatlantic energy security and climate goals.
Romania and Hungary signed, on Wednesday, a Memorandum for the restoration of the railway connection between Timisoara and Szeged, the Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu, informs in a post published on his Facebook page.

"Together with the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Peter Szijjarto, we signed today a memorandum for the restoration of the railway connection between Timisoara and Szeged. We also discussed the provision of road connections at the Romanian-Hungarian border: the status of the new border crossing point between Beba Veche and Kubekhaza, the establishment of a connecting road between the localities of Cenad and Magyarcsanad through the bridge over the Mures River," said Grindeanu.

Discussions also concerned the current stage of tenders for the construction of the Express Roads Oar - Satu Mare and Arad - Oradea, which will connect with the road infrastructure on the territory of Hungary.

For his part, the Hungarian minister reaffirmed Hungary's determination to support Romania's accession to the Schengen Area and land borders during the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which he holds for six months.
Nuclearelectrica and RoPower Nuclear, the project company dedicated to the small modular reactors (SMR) at Doicesti, signed on Wednesday with Fluor Corporation the Front-End Engineering and Design Phase 2 (FEED 2) contract, during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) summit.

According to a Nuclearelectrica press release sent to Bucharest Stock Exchange, The SMR Doicesti project aims to develop Europe's first nuclear power plant with SMR NuScale Power technology.

"This investment has the potential to put our country on the map of the most important global centers of energy innovation. Romania aims to become an example for other countries in the region, where there are dozens of similar coal-fired power plants that could be transformed more quickly into nuclear power generation capacity - zero CO2 band production - using SMR technology. Safe, clean and competitively priced energy. Moreover, this objective will also play a crucial role in balancing the national energy system, being much more flexible in terms of adjusting energy production to large nuclear reactors. Romania must have courage and take on big projects because history shows us that we can do extraordinary things. Our country, by tradition, has achieved firsts in the field of energy, from having the third largest natural gas market in the world to becoming the first natural gas exporter in Europe," Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja is quoted in the release as saying.

Attending the event, head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu said that Romania will double its nuclear energy production and will be among the first countries in the world to implement the small modular nuclear reactor technology.

"Also, with a historical volume of investments in green, nuclear and geothermal energy, the modernization of the national system and the improvement of interconnection capacity with all surrounding countries, Romania has all the arguments to become a regional leader in the energy sector," Ghigiu also said.

Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita says the project aligns with the strategy to improve Romania's energy mix and support the transition to clean energy.

"We are thrilled to continue our progress with the Doicesti SMR project. The continued development of this advanced nuclear project is a testament to the strong partnership between Romania and the United States, reflecting our shared goals of energy security and environmental stewardship. The project aligns with our strategy to improve Romania's energy mix and support the transition to clean energy," said Cosmin Ghita.

RoPower Nuclear CEO Melania Amuza said the signing of FEED 2 marks the beginning of a strong partnership with the American company Fluor, with its rich and global experience in the development of large industrial energy projects.

At the same time, Pierre Bechelany, president of Fluor's LNG & Power division, said: "We are pleased to continue our role in supporting this important project to deploy the next generation of nuclear power to produce clean and reliable baseload electricity for Romania and Europe," adding that "When completed, the plant will be the first of its kind in Europe."

Teofil Muresan, CEO and Chairman of E-INFRA Group which NOVA Power & Gas is part of, said "Romania remains a leader among countries aiming to deploy SMR power plants, an essential technology as Europe transitions to a stable and carbon-free energy mix. Thus, our country confirms its place as a major player in the nuclear industry."

The Doicesti project has received substantial support from both the Romanian government and international partners, including a significant grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

"NuScale Power Modules was the technology chosen by RoPower for their Doicesti plant in support of Romania's clean energy needs. Advanced nuclear power will play a crucial role in the global energy transition," said John Hopkins, President and CEO of NuScale.

The collaboration between Nuclearelectrica, RoPower Nuclear, Nova Power & Gas (part of the E-INFRA group), Fluor, Samsung C&T Corporation and Sargent & Lundy will facilitate the development and deployment of NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) power plants in Romania, capitalising on the expertise of these companies in the field of nuclear energy.

Under the FEED Phase 2 contract, Fluor is committed to provide RoPower Nuclear with the design and engineering services required for the implementation of the Doicesti SMR nuclear project.

The provision of these services will be in accordance with best practice in the nuclear industry, as well as the technical and commercial conditions and specifications set by RoPower Nuclear, including safety, non-proliferation, cyber and information security standards.

At the end of the FEED 2 phase we will have an updated cost estimate for the project, an updated project schedule, as well as the design and all related nuclear safety and security analyses necessary for the final investment decision. The SMR plant using NuScale technology will generate almost 200 permanent jobs in the plant, 1,500 jobs in the construction phase and 2,300 jobs in production. The Doicesti SMR plant will help Romania avoid 4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The signing event was attended by Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja, Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, and U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.
The Ministry of National Defense (MApN) informed that two F-16 aircraft monitored the situation in eastern Tulcea county, on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, in the context of drone attacks carried out by Russian forces on some targets in Ukraine, near the border with Romania.

"The Ministry of National Defense has strengthened the monitoring and surveillance measures of the national airspace with the forces and means in the Air Police Combat Service. At 2:19, two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force took off from Borcea Air Base 86 for monitoring the air situation. The two aircraft returned to the base around 4:20 a.m.," stated MApN, in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

The National Military Command Center (core) notified the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations regarding the establishment of measures to alert the population of Tulcea county.

At the same time, MApN ordered measures to carry out investigations in the field in the vicinity of the Plauru locality, for the search of possible objects fallen on the national territory, searches that will continue during this day.
So far we have about 500 megawatts of distributed generation projects under implementation, but many more are to come and here we are exploring different financing, purchase and donation options, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak told the ministerial meeting organised within the framework of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) meeting on Wednesday.

Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak said Ukraine focused on several directions, explaining that the first concerned physical protection and air defence. The second direction mentioned is infrastructure repair, which according to calculations, an investment of 180 million would reintroduce more than 3 GW of production into the system.

Andarak also pointed out that they are also trying to make the system more flexible, more resilient, through distributed generation. So far, around 500 megawatts of different distributed generation projects are being implemented.

He underlined that an important area of the ministry's work is to ensure reserve generation for the most critical facilities.

Ukraine has received from international partners 16,000 generators for all the country's needs, but the basic needs for next winter are much lower, only 10% of that number.

The Ukrainian official mentioned that his country's government has implemented policies not to disconnect companies that purchase 80% of their electricity from abroad.

Last but not least, Roman Andarak pointed out that, despite the war, projects are being developed in various fields, including photovoltaic energy and wind farms.

The deputy minister explained that due to the massive missile attacks, over 9 GW of generating capacity has been destroyed in Ukraine, which is why there is a significant deficit in the system, amounting to 30% of the necessary energy consumption.
The technology works and the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) business model will work in Romania, Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, told AGERPRES on Wednesday.

The next phase of site-specific engineering studies for the Doicesti Small Modular Reactors project was launched on Wednesday, as this carbon-free energy source will help phase out Romania's coal-fired assets and position it as a potential hub of the SMR supply chain.

According to the U.S. official, the costs of the project will be determined by these studies, which are expected to last 13 months.

"So costs are still a question mark. But we want to be helpful. The U.S. does. We feel very strongly about this partnership and very grateful that Romania is leading in. It will take a little bit of time to complete that study. You guys have a goal of 13 months for the study," said Jennifer Granholm, who attended on Tuesday and Wednesday the fifth meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Cooperation in Energy and Climate in Bucharest.

As for the fact that the SMR project in Idaho was abandoned, the American official explained that in that case it was not a question of technology problems, but of the fact that there were not enough concentrated customers.

"So the business model didn't work for that site. And so it's a totally different situation here. The technology works. We're very confident in that. It's just a question... And here the business model will work," Granholm said.

Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said that SMR technology promises something beyond the project itself.

"Romania will have the first SMRs in Europe, maybe the world, and will be able to develop the entire supply chain that will fuel additional projects in the entire region. It's normal for the first six modules to cost more than the next six modules, which will cost, you know, more than the next six modules and so on and so forth. That's the principle of first of a kind system. So there's economies of scale. And then and the fact that in Doicesti we don't have a greenfield project, we have a former coal-based plant, very much similar to at least 30 other coal-based plants in the entire region, gives us hope that, the project will be multiplied and all these other sites and of course, the world in particular, will benefit from such projects," the Romanian minister pointed out.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have an installed capacity of up to 300 Mwe/reactor, which is about one third of a reactor's capacity, in the order of gigawatts. A NuScale small modular reactor has an installed capacity of 77 Mwe and can be used in 4, 6 or 12 module power plants, depending on the needs, according to Nuclearelectrica.

Based on the agreement between SNN and NuScale, NuScale will support Nuclearelectrica in the evaluation of this technology and, together, the two companies will adopt measures for the development of small modular reactors in Romania.

In June last year, Nuclearelectrica, NuScale Power, E-INFRA, Nova Power & Gas, Fluor Enterprises and Samsung C&T Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the deployment of NuScale VOYGR plants to Central and Eastern Europe and Romania.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. A total of 1,162 candidates have been nominated for deputies in connection with the extraordinary parliamentary election in Azerbaijan to date, Chairman of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said, Trend reports.

"Among the nominated candidates are 449 representatives of 24 political parties. Of the 999 approved candidates, 395 are representatives of political parties. To date, 31 candidates have been registered," he stated.

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.
WENTZVILLE  Nearly 500 workers at the Lear Corp.s plant in Wentzville walked off the job this week to protest the companys handling of employees health and safety concerns for the second time in two years.

The strike, which officially started Sunday at midnight, has halted production at Wentzvilles nearby GM assembly plant since early Monday when it became clear there were no more Lear-made seats available to install into vehicles, said Bill Hugeback, president of the UAWs Local 282, the union representing approximately 460 Lear employees.

The Lear plant makes seats for several models of Chevrolet vehicles.

Some of the bigger health and safety reasons that we went on strike back then were sort of fixed, but also not fixed, Hugeback told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday. He said workers at the plant have developed severe back pain, knee pain, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome thanks to the repetitive nature of their work on the assembly line.

This kind of work is very labor intensive, and its working long hours with a lot of small screws and torque guns, he said. It takes a toll on your body.

Lear employees marched along the street in front of the Lear plant on Tuesday, carrying signs in protest of the company and support of the United Autoworkers Union.

Vehicles blocked entrances into the Lear employee parking lot, which sat empty on Tuesday morning. Protesting workers danced to music, played cornhole, and celebrated as a steady stream of motorists leaving other nearby auto part manufacturing plants honked or waved to them.

In a statement, Lear said its representatives have negotiated in good faith with the UAW for some time to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

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 company said in its statement.

Lears statement was panned by UAW officials, including UAW Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell.

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 half a billion dollars on stock buybacks and dividends last year. Now Wentzville Assembly is down thanks to Lears refusal to bargain a fair deal.

The GM plant in Wentzville employs about 4,100 people, and about 3,700 are union employees represented by UAW Local 2250. The plant is one of GMs largest U.S. production sites.

GM released a statement Tuesday urging both sides to resolve their differences quickly.

We can confirm that GM Wentzville Assembly Plant was impacted by part shortages resulting from a labor dispute at one of our suppliers, the statement said. We hope both sides work quickly to resolve their issues so we can resume our regular production schedule to support our customers.

Hugeback said GM workers  fresh from their recent

 have visited the Lear picket lines, offering food and bottles of water to the striking workers. Others have driven by honking their vehicles horns, raising fists in solidarity with the workers. Each passing motorist that showed support for the striking workers raised the spirits of Kevin Hummel, of rural Jonesburg, who has worked for Lear since December 2020.

That tells me that they are with us. They are another reason why labor unions are still relevant today. When workers stand together, good things happen, Hummel said.

Lear workers went on strike 15 months ago for about two days to protest other worker safety concerns. This time, UAW officials had been negotiating a new collective bargaining contract for the past 45 days, pushing for higher pay and improved health benefits for Lear workers. However, it became clear by Sunday that talks had stalled and workers moved to strike as the previous contract expired, union representatives said.

Among the workers picketing on Tuesday was Timothy Walston, of Wentzville, who said he was proud of the UAW for standing up for workers.

I was feeling anxious when I first heard that the strike was coming, but when I heard what the final offer was that the company offered us, I was ready to strike, Walston said.

He said the company has boasted to employees at the Wentzville plant about their work specifically helping the company post record profits. The company then offered a 45-cent per hour pay raise to employees, he said.

I think that tells you exactly how they think of us as workers, Walston said. This company needs to wake up. The days of them treating employees like crap are over. We are barely making our bills, barely able to put food on our table to feed our families. They need to pay us more.
WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed total victory against Hamas and condemned American opponents of the war in Gaza on Wednesday in a scathing speech to Congress boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers and protested by thousands seeking an end to the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

Netanyahus combative speech offered no sign that his visit to the United States  his first trip abroad since the war started  could bring some progress in months of U.S.-led mediation for a cease-fire and hostage-release, as the Biden administration has hoped.

Speaking for nearly an hour to frequent applause from U.S. lawmakers, as well as stony silence from many leading Democrats in the chamber, Netanyahu said the U.S. has a shared interest in his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose, said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

But the Israeli leader soon pivoted to a darker tone as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the U.S., gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol. He called protesters useful idiots for Israels adversaries.

RAW: DC:GOP SENATORS REACT TO NETANYAHU SPEECH GOP Senators Lindsey Graham and James Lankford react to Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech to Congress.

Some hostages freed from Gaza and families of those still in captivity listened in the House chamber. Security removed protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding an end to the war and the freeing of remaining hostages.

One member, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American serving Congress, took it a step further, holding up a sign that said WAR CRIMINAL on one side and GUILTY OF GENOCIDE. Tlaib has been one of Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year against the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza.

She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a district in Michigan with many Palestinian Americans.

Netanyahu made little or no mention of efforts by the United States and Arab allies to negotiate an end to the fighting and a release of surviving hostages seized by Hamas-led militants in the Oct. 7 attack that started the war. He accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the militants who he said killed babies in Hamas attack on Oct. 7.

These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said.

Netanyahu  who is frequently accused of wading into U.S. politics in favor of conservative and Republican causes  started his remarks with praise of President Joe Biden. But he turned to lavishing praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump for all hes done for Israel.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, said Netanyahus speech was made for Trumps GOP.

We didnt hear anything about meaningful progress towards a bilateral cease-fire in return for hostages. We didnt hear anything about peace. We didnt hear anything about a two-state solution, which has been U.S. foreign policy for decades, he said.

Delivering the speech during Israels evening prime time, Netanyahu also had an eye on the audience back home. Netanyahu, whose popularity has plummeted from its pre-war levels, aimed to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally and welcomed in the corridors of Washington. That task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the U.S. presidential election.

The appearance made Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

House Speaker Mike Johnson gave Netanyahu a warm welcome. More than 60 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahus speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahus speech, citing the need to campaign.

Support for Israel has long carried political weight in U.S. politics. But the usual warm welcome for Netanyahus visits has been diminished this time around by political turmoil, including the assassination attempt against Trump and Bidens decision not to seek another term.

Many Democrats who support Israel but have been critical of Netanyahu saw the address as a Republican effort to cast itself as the party most loyal.

Many Democrats attended the address despite their criticism of Netanyahu, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a March floor speech. Schumer, of New York, said then that Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid. The Biden administration had said it wants to see Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage-release. Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Netanyahus visit came under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

Some visitors to Israel have a new stop on their tours: Hamas' destruction in the south
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Yaakov Blitshtein met on July 24, Trend reports.

According to the information, during the meeting, the sides discussed various aspects of bilateral and multilateral relations between the countries, including the current state and prospects of cooperation in the spheres of economy, security, high technologies, education, tourism, energy, transportation, etc., as well as the situation in Gaza.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed about the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period and the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Furthermore, it was noted that there is an additional opportunity for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel within the framework of Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The sides also exchanged views on other international and regional issues.
Then-Air Force Lt. Col. Jeremiah Hammill is pictured in August 2018 relinquishing command of the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron during a ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Hammill, now a colonel, was fired July 15, 2024, as commander of the 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Javier Alvarez/U.S. Air Force)

An Air Force colonel was fired from his command at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., days before he was slated to hand off his duties, according to service officials.

Col. Jeremiah Hammill was relieved July 15 as commander of the 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group due to a loss in confidence in his ability to lead the unit, an Eglin Air Force Base spokeswoman said.

Information came to the commanders attention that caused him to lose confidence in Col. Hammills ability to lead and raised concerns about good order and discipline within 96 [Civil Engineer Group], said Kayla Prather, spokeswoman for the base.

The U.S. military routinely cites only a vague loss of confidence when removing commanders and other leaders from authority positions.

Col. Michelle Sterling, who was already slated to take over Hammills post on July 18, assumed the command as scheduled.

Prather would not say whether charges would be filed against Hammill, adding it would be inappropriate to speculate. According to Air Force regulations, relief of command can be used to support subsequent administrative action. Administrative action can include administrative counseling, admonishments and reprimands.

Prather declined to provide further comment on the circumstances leading to Hammills firing.

Hammill took command of the civil engineer group in June 2022.

The 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group is a test and evaluation center for Air Force air-delivered weapons, navigation and guidance systems, command and control systems, and the services Special Operations Command systems. The group manages more than 3,000 facilities, 1,200 miles of roads, 465,000 acres, and the Air Forces largest fire protection program.
Pfc. Arturo Alejandro Gomez was an infantryman from Provo, Utah, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division. (U.S. Army)

A Fort Wainwright soldier was killed Monday by a woman believed to be driving drunk after she crashed her vehicle into the security gate at the base and struck him, local law enforcement said.

Pfc. Arturo Alejandro Gomez, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at the Gaffney Road entrance to Fort Wainwright, according to the Fairbanks Police Department, the city in Alaska where the base is located. Fort Wainwright is the Armys northernmost major installation.

Gomez was an infantryman from Provo, Utah, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division, nicknamed Arctic Wolves. He enlisted in the Army a year ago and trained at Fort Moore, Ga., before reporting to Alaska in February.

Pfc. Gomez showed great promise in his short time in the Arctic Wolves, said Col. Christopher Brawley, commander of the divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team. The loss of Pfc. Gomez has had a devastating impact on the unit. We are doing our best to support his family, friends and fellow soldiers in the aftermath of this tragic and senseless incident.

When police arrived at the scene at about 5:10 p.m., they found several military personnel pointing rifles at a Toyota 4-Runner that had significant damage with its drivers side against a traffic barricade.

Gomezs body lay on the ground behind the vehicle.

Police observed the vehicles driver, Brianna Lapp, 31, had poor mobility, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol. A breath sample taken at about 7:30 p.m. measured a blood alcohol content of .299, more than 3 times above the legal limit to drive, according to police.

Lapp told police that she did not remember hitting anyone.

However, witnesses told police that Lapp was driving at a high rate of speed, going over medians and through ditches. She struck two vehicles and a traffic control sign before driving toward a construction site near Fort Wainwrights visitor center. There, she drove through a portion of a fence, crossed into road and struck Gomez at his post at the gate.

Gomez attempted to get out of the way, police said.

Lapp was arraigned Tuesday on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, manslaughter and murder in the second degree. Her bail was set at $1 million. Police did not believe she had any affiliation with the base.

The death of this soldier was senseless and preventable, Fairbanks Police Chief Ron Dupee said in a statement. I find it incredibly tragic that this young man who joined the military service was senselessly run down right here in the country that he signed up to protect. His life was taken away, and this deeply impacts the entire Fort Wainwright and Fairbanks community.
Soldiers carry a tank roadwheel to simulate the necessities of emergency maintenance during training at Drawsko Combat Training Center in Poland on July 2, 2024. (Kimberly Blair/U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON  Three Army brigades will deploy to Europe, South Korea and the Middle East in the fall as part of regular troop rotations, the Army announced.

The 1st Armored Divisions 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team from Fort Bliss, Texas, will deploy to Europe to replace the 4th Infantry Divisions 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to train alongside NATO forces.

The U.S. launched Operation Atlantic Resolve in 2014 after Russias initial invasion of Ukraine when it annexed the Crimean Peninsula. The operation  meant to bolster NATOs eastern flank and dissuade Russian forces from entering the alliances territory  grew larger after Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The 2nd Infantry Divisions 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., will deploy to South Korea to replace the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. The 3rd Cavalry Regiment from Fort Cavazos, Texas, has been stationed there since February.

The 10th Mountain Divisions 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Drum, N.Y., will deploy to U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, to replace soldiers from the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat of the New Jersey National Guard. More than 1,800 soldiers deployed earlier this year to support Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led mission to defeat the Islamic State.
The U.S. Army's Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, South Korea, is pictured on April 2, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Balloons carrying trash from North Korea fell Wednesday on the South Korean presidential compound and Yongsan Garrison in Seoul.

The Yongsan Fire Station responded to a 7:33 a.m. report of trash-laden balloons on the U.S. Army base, a firefighter told Stars and Stripes that day by phone. A Presidential Security Service officer said similar balloons fell in the presidential compound, but none landed on the Presidential Office Building.

None of the trash at the presidential compound contained hazardous waste or contaminants, according to a news release from the security service. The waste was collected by 9 a.m., said a spokesman for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Government officials in South Korea customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

U.S. Forces Korea did not respond Wednesday to requests by phone and email for further information.

A spokesman for the crime prevention and response section at the Yongsan Police Station said sentries prevented local police and firemen from entering Yongsan Garrison, much of which is vacant following the Armys relocation to Camp Humphreys farther south.

Troops at Yongsan later said they would clean up the trash balloons on their own, the police spokesman said by phone Wednesday.

The contents of several balloons were also discovered in Itaewon, a city district near Yongsan and the South Korean government offices, according to a report Wednesday by News 1, a South Korean news agency.

Since May 28, North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying bags of trash and manure across its southern border.

On June 3, a balloon carrying black plastic bags filled with trash and cloth landed near the elementary school on Osan Air Base. The trash was deemed not a threat.

Pyongyang says the balloon campaigns are retaliation against South Korean human rights activists who sent their own balloons containing money, rice, radios and anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.

The balloon campaigns resulted in South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol suspending a military deconfliction agreement with the North on June 4.

The balloons discovered Wednesday arrived days after South Korea announced it will expand loudspeaker broadcasts at the border with North Korea, according to The Associated Press that day. The loudspeakers blare propaganda, world news and K-Pop, according to an NBC News report Sunday.

North Korea has not officially responded to the broadcasts, but Kim Yo Jung, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned that South Korean scum must be ready to pay a gruesome and dear price for their actions, according to AP.

North Korea has taken advantage of the wind direction to fly the balloons to South Korea, and some balloons in past launches had timers that may be used to pop the bags of trash midair, according to the report.

The balloons have caused no major damage, but they have raised concerns that North Korea could use them to drop chemical and biological agents, the AP reported.
Members of All Okinawa, a political party that opposes the island's U.S. military presence, protest outside a government office in Naha, Jan. 30, 2023. (All Okinawa)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Three groups opposed to the U.S. military presence on Okinawa plan a gathering next month to protest Osprey flights over the island and recent sexual assault charges against U.S. service members.

The event, scheduled for 4 p.m. Aug. 10, was co-organized by All Okinawa, a political party that opposes the U.S. military presence, and two civic groups fighting in the courts to eliminate aircraft noise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Kadena Air Base.

Organizers hope to attract 1,600 protesters, All Okinawa spokesman Yuji Fukumoto said by phone Tuesday.

The hourlong protest at Union Desukara Dome Ginowan in Ginowan city was originally organized to mark the 20th anniversary of a helicopter crash at the citys Okinawa International University, Fukumoto said. A CH-53D Sea Stallion from nearby MCAS Futenma crashed on the campus Aug. 13, 2004, resulting in no casualties but damaging the colleges administration building.

More recent events have shifted the events focus.

The main focus of the protest will be the Ospreys and MCAS Futenma, Fukumoto said. Additionally, following recent indictments, the protest will also address crimes committed by U.S. service members.

The U.S. military grounded its fleet of about 400 Ospreys Dec. 6 through March 8 as it investigated the Nov. 29 crash of an Air Force Osprey from Yokota Air Base off the southern coast of Japan that killed eight service members.

Two Osprey squadrons at MCAS Futenma resumed flights on March 14.

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki in March filed protests with Japans prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign affairs minister and defense minister against the resumption of tiltrotor flights in Japan, requesting the relocation of the Ospreys outside the prefecture.

Japanese media reported Tuesday that Tamaki plans to attend next months protest, but he has not confirmed his plans with the event organizers, Fukumoto said.

In June, Japanese media reported that prosecutors in Naha city indicted Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington in March on charges of kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor and in June indicted Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton of attempted sexual assault.

Washington at his first court appearance on July 12 said he is not guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor.

Tamaki on July 3 visited Cabinet officials in Tokyo to register strong resentment over the criminal cases. Members of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly on July 19 delivered formal protests to the U.S. Embassy and Japanese government.

Following official complaints, the Marine Corps imposed sobriety checks at its base gates in Japan and patrols of off-base hotspots on Okinawa.

U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp in a statement posted online Monday announced a new forum of cooperation with the Japanese and Okinawan governments and community members to address alleged misconduct.

Further changes to the off-duty liberty policy for all service members in Japan are in the works, according to Rupp and an earlier statement from U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are scheduled to arrive this weekend in Tokyo for the 2024 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, or 2+2, meeting.

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Yoko Kamikawa said Tuesday she plans to bring up those indictments when she and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara meet Sunday with their U.S. counterparts.

I think that the most important thing is that the measures announced by the U.S. side are steadily implemented, and lead to preventing recurrences, Kamikawa said at a news conference. At the bilateral 2+2 meeting that is planned at the end of this month, we will ask the U.S. side to ensure the steady implementation.
This undated photo shows the dead being buried in a common grave at Wounded Knee, S.D., in the aftermath of the Dec. 29, 1890, Battle of Wounded Knee. (Library of Congress)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a review of 20 Medals of Honor given to U.S. soldiers for their actions during the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee, which later became known as a massacre of Native Americans, to make certain the awards were warranted.

The reassessment  requested by Congress in 2022  will be completed by a five-person panel of experts charged with examining each individual recipients actions during the incident at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, Austin wrote in a July 19 memorandum. He ordered the panel to provide a recommendation to retain or rescind each individual Medal of Honor by Oct. 15.

The scope of the [panels] review is limited to reviewing each [Wounded Knee Creek Medal of Honor] awardees individual actions during this specific engagement on or about Dec. 29, 1890, Austin wrote in the memo made public Wednesday. The panel may consider the context of the overall engagement as appropriate, including as necessary to understand each  recipients individual actions.

Austin issued the memo after consulting with the White House and Interior Department. Only the president can order a Medal of Honor rescinded.

The Wounded Knee massacre saw soldiers from the Armys 7th Cavalry kill or injure some 350 to 375 Lakota  mostly unarmed men, women and children, according to federal government estimates.

Manny Iron Hawk of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe speaks at a Capitol Hill news conference about the Remove the Stain Act in 2019. Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., left, and Oliver OJ Semans, a Navy veteran and member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, are behind him. Marcella LeBeau, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is also pictured. The bill called for the Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers involved in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre to be rescinded. (Stars and Stripes)

In the incident, the 7th Cavalry surrounded a group of Lakota led by Chief Big Foot to confiscate firearms after the chief had agreed to surrender them peacefully, according to the Britannica historians. When a Lakota tribesman declined to give up a weapon, a soldier attempted to grab it, and it fired. After the weapon went off, U.S. soldiers opened fire on the Lakota. Almost half those killed were women and children. Some 25 U.S. soldiers also died in the incident, many likely fallen to friendly fire, the historians wrote.

In the months after the massacre, the Army awarded 18 Medals of Honor to soldiers in the ranks of private to captain, according to service records. The citations justifying the medals ranged greatly.

One included just a single word: Bravery. Another went into more detail: Went to rescue of the commanding officer who had fallen severely wounded, picked him up and carried him out of range of the hostile guns.

Two more Medals of Honor for the incident were issued years later, one in 1893, and another in 1897, records show.

The review is not the first look at rescinding Medals of Honor, according to the Defense Department. A 1916 review led to the rescinding of more than 900 Medals of Honor, according to the department.

The review will consider the lower standards for the Medal of Honor prescribed at the time of the incident, decades before other top valor medals  including the Bronze Star, Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross  were established, according to defense officials.

The review also comes after the South Dakota Senate earlier this year passed a resolution seeking an official inquiry into those Medals of Honor from the Wounded Knee massacre.

Its never too late to do whats right, an unnamed senior defense official said of the review in a DOD statement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. The Head of Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the COP29 Organizing Committee Samir Nuriyev met with the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Simon Stiell, Trend reports.

According to the information, Samir Nuriyev briefed on the process of preparation for COP29, conducted under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, informed that the initiatives of Azerbaijan were recently publicized for the general public. The COP29 president sent a detailed letter to all parties to the Framework Convention outlining plans and expectations in connection with this important event.

The head of the Presidential Administration brought to attention that the COP29 chairmanship is exploring the position of all states and other stakeholders, participating in important international meetings, working actively, and emphasizing that Azerbaijan will make every effort to reach a consensus between developed and developing countries on the amount of new climate finance.

Samir Nuriyev also talked of upcoming events in Azerbaijan within the COP29 preparation process, conditions to be created for delegations and other participants of the conference, support for civil society participation in COP29, and work carried out in the field of communication.

Simon Stiell expressed satisfaction with the work carried out by Azerbaijan for the success of COP29, the inclusion of the issue of support for small island states in Azerbaijan's agenda, and stated that the UN is ready to provide Azerbaijan with all possible assistance in the organization of COP29.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
US President Joe Biden walks to the White House in Washington on July 7, 2024. (Chris Kleponis, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential contest is becoming, in the sense of complimentary to him, reflecting well on him. That is a term rarely, if ever, used in todays extraordinarily cruel and ugly political rhetoric.

True to form, former President Donald Trump reacted with a series of crude personal insults, including the statement that Biden never should have run. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, now the Republican vice-presidential nominee following last weeks national convention, has chimed in that the president should resign immediately.

The first statement is low-grade invective typical of the source, the second is bizarre. Joe Biden along with our other presidents took a formal oath to serve, and has a professional if not legal obligation to continue the work of the office until the completion of his term.

Presidential resignation does have precedent. President Richard M. Nixon resigned on Aug. 8, 1974, culminating the Watergate Crisis. The Watergate building complex was the site of a burglary effort by White House operatives.

Whether Nixon knew about this criminal action in advance is unclear. Clearly captured on his then-secret office taping system are his comments about covering up the crime. Other acts included illegal campaign contributions, dirty tricks against political opponents, and a separate break-in of the office of the psychiatrist of Daniel Ellsberg, who had made public the secret Pentagon Papers documenting the history of the Vietnam War.

News of the Watergate break-in during the 1972 presidential campaign did not have any significant impact. Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew were reelected in an historic landslide. Agnew was later forced to resign because of corruption.

Nixons second term was plagued by Watergate from the start. When his impeachment by the House of Representatives  and conviction in the Senate trial to follow  became certain, senior Republican senators including conservative icon Barry Goldwater, R-Ark., told Nixon he lacked the votes to survive in office. Nixon resigned, saving the nation and his family an extraordinarily painful ordeal.

Nothing like this confronts our nation today.

Watergate is in a sense a capstone of the tremendous chaos, violence and fear that gripped the United States and our politics through the 1960s and into the 1970s. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, opened a decade of turbulence. The remarkable stability of the Eisenhower 1950s ended.

One result was the unexpected announcement by President Lyndon B. Johnson not to seek reelection to the White House. This is a precedent for Bidens decision, contrary to some comments that his action is unprecedented. Johnson made the announcement on March 31, 1968, at the conclusion of a speech about de-escalation in the Vietnam War.

In early 1968, the Viet Cong launched attacks across South Vietnam during a truce. The Tet Offensive resulted in a military victory for South Vietnam and the United States, but Hanoi nonetheless achieved a political victory in the U.S.

Anti-war Sen. Eugene McCarthy, D-Minn., came close to defeating Johnson in the New Hampshire primary. Johnson enemy Sen. Robert Kennedy, D-N.Y., entered the race. Johnson also faced health concerns. Kennedy was assassinated in early June. Vice President Hubert Humphrey secured the nomination and narrowly lost to Nixon in November.

Humphrey entered no primaries, but dealt directly with state party leaders and organizations. In consequence, both political parties made primaries the primary means of presidential nomination.

Our nation confronts today nothing comparable to the violence and instability of that earlier time.

The Vietnam War and had significant impacts on our military, in particular the Army. Along with changing strategy to move away from the large search-and-destroy operations of the Johnson years, Nixon made the historic policy decision to move to all-volunteer forces.

Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War.
Itamar Ben Gvir at his office in Jerusalem. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg)  Israeli far-right cabinet member Itamar Ben Gvir took the unusual step of endorsing Donald Trump as the next US president, saying a return of the ex-leader would bolster the chances of victory against Irans allied militant groups and the Islamic Republic itself.

I believe that with Trump, Israel will receive the backing to act against Iran, the minister for national security told Bloomberg in an interview. With Trump it will be clearer that enemies must be defeated.

The head of Jewish Power - a nationalist party thats key to the survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition - Ben Gvir has been an outspoken critic of cease-fire talks that could stop the fighting in Gaza, at least temporarily, and see some of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas freed in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

His opposition to a truce has the ability to undermine internationally mediated attempts to reach a deal, which the US has pushed for months. That said, he opposed a cease-fire agreement in late November  the only one to date - but did not go as far as quitting government.

Ben Gvirs comments underscore how the Israel-Hamas war has strained relations with the US and come ahead of Netanyahus address to the US Congress in Washington on Wednesday. The prime minister, on his first trip abroad since the war against Hamas started in October, is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, before traveling to Florida to see Trump on Friday. Netanyahu himself has remained neutral and said its essential for Israel to work with whatever government runs its most important ally.

Trump will likely face off against Harris in Novembers presidential election. The decision by Biden not to run is no great loss to Israel, Ben Gvir, 48, said in his Jerusalem office. The US leader has failed to support the country fully in its campaign against Hamas, the minister said, citing delayed supplies of weapons. The US has always stood behind Israel in terms of armaments and weapons, yet this time the sense was that we were being reckoned with  that we were trying to be prevented from winning, Ben Gvir said. That happened on Bidens watch and fed Hamas with lots of energy.

While Biden and his top officials repeatedly urged Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza and engage in truce negotiations, the president visited Israel after the Hamas invasion on Oct. 7 that triggered the war.

His administration has supplied Israel with hundreds of ammunition shipments and a $14 billion military aid package.

More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war started, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, much of which has been reduced to rubble.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, killed about 1,200 people on Oct. 7 and took about 250 hostage.

A spokesman for the Palestinian Authority said Wednesday that the US should use Netanyahus vist as an opportunity to urge him to stop the conflict.

Ben Gvir appreciates endorsing Trump may go down badly with other Israeli officials. A cabinet minister is supposed to maintain neutrality, but thats impossible to do after Biden, he said. Iran Fire

Israels brief exchange of direct fire with Iran in April, following an attack on Tehrans diplomatic buildings in Syria, has been a source of frustration for Ben Gvir and other far-right cabinet members such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who see it as a missed opportunity to assert military dominance.

Israel should respond to attacks on it in a determined, pain-inflicting manner, the minister said, bemoaning Netanyahus muted reaction to Irans unprecedented attack with missiles and drones, almost all of which were intercepted with the help of the US, UK, France and Jordan. At the time, Ben Gvir described Israels counter strike on a military site near the city of Isfahan as weak.

Trump maintains a hard line against Iran and has said the Islamic Republic wouldnt have attacked Israel had he been in office. During his term as president that began in 2017, he walked away from a deal between Iran and world powers over its nuclear-development program, which hasnt been reinstated under Biden.

Trump has also said Israel must end the war in Gaza and laid the blame for the Oct. 7 attack on Netanyahu. Ben Gvir didnt address Harris policies directly but implied they would be a continuation of Bidens. The US attitude toward Israel needs to change, he said, suggesting that will only happen with Trump.

The minister warned he would quit Netanyahus government  potentially collapsing the whole coalition - if a cease-fire deal is reached that he cant support.

That would include one that prevents Israel from being able to resume fighting against Hamas and leads to a mass release of Palestinian prisoners involved in lethal attacks on Israelis.

Ben Gvirs preference would be to escalate pressure against Hamas - both with military force and by depriving Gaza of humanitarian aid. Hes also in favor of a full-blown war with Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based militant group supported by Iran.

The sooner, the better, he says of Hezbollah.

Such talk unnerves many in Israel and the countrys allies. Hezbollah is the most powerful militant group in the Middle East, with far more missiles and fighters than Hamas.

Yet he says Israelis back him. Jewish Power is the only party in Israels coalition government thats gaining support in the polls.

Many Israelis realize that I was right all along, he said. Their sympathy doesnt come from nowhere.

With assistance from Julius Domoney.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A rescue helicopter in flight. (Jan Kranendonk/Dreamstime/TNS)

MINNEAPOLIS (Tribune News Service)  Grace Zellers cell phone rang in her Brainerd home at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, and she could see on the caller ID that her boss Jake Willis was ringing her up.

Zeller, 35, is a helicopter pilot with the Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division. She knew Willis wouldnt phone on a weekend just to chat.

Whats up, Jake? she said, picking up the phone.

Willis, chief pilot of the division, oversees seven pilots. Typically their assignments include moose surveys, invasive plant eradication and other conservation work, as well as assisting conservation officers.

Occasionally, they also fly the search part of search-and-rescue missions. But usually they leave the rescuing to Minnesota State Patrol pilots and their specialized aircraft.

This night would be different.

I was at my deer hunting shack doing some work when I got a call from St. Louis County about canoeists who had gone over a falls in the Boundary Waters, Willis recalled. It was too late to send a float plane in there to do a rescue  float planes cant land on water after dark  and no other helicopters were available, not State Patrol, not Forest Service and not Coast Guard. So I called Grace to see if she was available, stressing that if the she wasnt comfortable with the mission, Id support her however she handled it.

Though fairly young, Zeller  the only full-time woman helicopter pilot the DNR employs  has logged a lot of flight time.

As a kid growing up in Wyoming, she always wanted to fly and was particularly enamored with helicopters. She earned her pilots license and a college degree in Oregon, flew helicopters commercially in that state and in California, and also ferried gawking tourists over and into the Grand Canyon.

After the first couple of weeks, the Grand Canyon flying was like taxi driving, she said.

In January 2022, the DNR hired her.

I was told the Boundary Waters incident was at Curtain Falls, Zeller said. I quickly looked it up on Google Earth, and the question I had was, Where would I land? I also didnt know the extent of the canoeists injuries, and at that point I figured the best I might be able to do is drop off a medic to stabilize any injured people until the next morning.

Thirty-five minutes passed between the time Zeller hung up her phone, pulled on her flight suit, drove to the Brainerd airport, and, with the help of another DNR pilot, completed her preflight check and lifted into the now-dark night.

Also known as Little Bird, the MD500 helicopter Zeller was flying is a relatively small four-seater that has a shorter main rotor radius than larger DNR helicopters. This would be important if she had to land in a heavily wooded portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

A North Memorial air ambulance was at the Ely airport when I landed, Zeller said. But their aircraft wasnt suited for landing in the Boundary Waters. So I loaded up three medics, two from North Memorial and one from the Iron Range, along with their gear, and headed for Curtain Falls.

Already, a State Patrol airplane was circling above Curtain Falls, and its pilot was using the aircrafts infrared camera to pinpoint the island below the falls where four canoeists  two injured after going over the falls, along with two good Samaritan paddlers who had happened upon them  were located.

It was the good Samaritans who earlier that evening had alerted St. Louis County sheriffs authorities about the accident, using a cell phone and a handheld satellite communication device.

Two other canoeists who had also gone over the falls in the accident were missing, and as the State Patrol pilot canvassed the area, attempting to locate them with his heat-seeking camera, he radioed the islands GPS coordinates to Zeller.

Both pilots, and the canoeists on the island, caught a break with the weather. The moon was about three-quarters full in a largely cloudless sky, rendering the nights visibility about as good as it could be.

This was important, because although Zeller is an instrument-rated pilot, her helicopter was not outfitted with the navigation equipment necessary to fly blind through low clouds, thick fog and storms. So Zeller flew by sight to Curtain Falls, a distance of about 15 air miles from Ely.

En route, she caught a second break.

One of the medics had a pair of night-vision goggles, and he was also familiar with helicopters, and both were helpful as we flew toward the falls, Zeller aid. The people on the island had started a fire, probably to keep warm but also to guide us, and with the night vision googles the medic could see the fire from far away.

As Zeller approached the island, she lost radio contact with the State Patrol pilot. Gone with the broken connection were recommendations the pilot might have had about where she could attempt to land.

The medic using the night-vision goggles located a rock a short distance from the island and thats where I landed first, Zeller said. The rock was small, and I could get both skids down, but I couldnt fully settle the helicopter.

As the medics exited the aircraft and waded through the water to the island, Zeller held the aircrafts cyclic, or control stick, in her right hand, making minute adjustments to keep the skids on the rock. In her left hand she held the collective, which was mostly set in half hover. Her feet, meanwhile, kept the anti-torque pedals balanced, adjusting them only when the wind gusted and the collective changed.

Most important in tight LZs (landing zones) like that is not to make any quick movements, she said. To stay relaxed.

Assessing the situation on the island, the medics determined one canoeist had what appeared to be a broken leg and also was borderline hypothermic. The second canoeist also had a leg injury  it would be learned later he had fractured his pelvis.

Neither paddler, the medics believed, would be able to cross the water that separated the island from the helicopter.

I was on the west side of the island, and the medics told me there was what looked like a better rock for landing on the east side, Zeller said. So I lifted off, hovered around the island and found a smooth rock that was sloped a little bit toward the water. I was able to land there and idle the helicopter, keeping both the main and rear rotors turning.

By now, midnight had come and gone, and while Zeller waited in the helicopter, the medics devised a plan. The canoeist with the leg injury who was shivering and possibly going into shock would fly back to Ely first with two of the medics, while the Iron Range medic remained on the island with the other injured canoeist.

The medics got the first guy into a seat, and I imagine it was painful, having to sit up with a broken leg, Zeller said. Then the medics climbed in, and we took off.

In Ely, the injured paddler was strapped into a gurney and flown by the North Memorial crew to a Duluth hospital.

Soon Zeller took off again, this time flying alone back to Curtain Falls. Approaching the island without the help of the medics night vision goggles, she lit up the smooth rock with her landing lights, set the helicopter down and waited while the second injured canoeist and the remaining medic clambered aboard.

Buckled in? she said when the doors were shut.

Yes, came one answer.

And, Yes.

Then she lifted off.

Epilogue

The accident occurred when the four canoeists in two canoes were fishing above the falls. One canoe capsized, sweeping that canoe and one paddler over the falls. When the paddlers in the second canoe attempted to rescue the capsized paddler, that canoe and all three canoeists went over the falls.

Kyle Sellers, 47, of Ham Lake, was one of the two canoeists who survived. He was evacuated first by Zeller.

Erik Grams, 43, of Ham Lake, also survived. He was flown out second.

A third paddler, Reis Grams, 40, of Lino Lakes, brother of Erik Grams, died. His body was found by the St. Louis County Rescue Squad on June 3.

The accident also claimed Jesse Haugen, 41, of Cambridge. His body was located May 31. Funerals for both have been held.

A fifth canoeist in the group, Jared Lohse, 33, of Cambridge, had stayed at the partys campsite the day of the accident and was uninjured.

Zeller, meanwhile, landed the MD500 back in Brainerd about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19  eight hours after receiving the phone call from Willis.

For her work that night, Zeller will receive a DNR Enforcement Division commendation for life-saving action.

2024 StarTribune.

Visit startribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
President Joe Biden clears his throat as he speaks on economics during an event in Las Vegas, on July 16, 2024. (Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  In a typical presidential election year, voters might wonder how the candidates views stack up on issues such as abortion, tax cuts, gun rights and immigration policy.

But this year, as a 78-year-old Republican Party nominee campaigned to replace an 81-year-old Democratic incumbent, a different question rose to the forefront of many voters minds: Whats in their medical files?

That issue eclipsed all others after President Joe Bidens blundering performance in last months debate against Donald Trump, triggering widespread concern about Bidens physical and cognitive health. It became even more salient after Trump sustained a gunshot wound to his ear and Biden came down with COVID-19.

When Biden withdrew from the presidential race Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) kept the health question alive by calling on the commander in chief to resign.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President, Johnson wrote on the social media platform X.

Bidens doctors have denied speculation that the president is being treated for Parkinsons disease or another neurological disorder. Meanwhile, Trumps campaign has released limited information about the former presidents condition after he was grazed by a rifle round.

Is the public entitled to know more than either man has willingly disclosed?

In the ideal world, it would be great if there were full transparency, said Dr. Robert Klitzman, a psychiatrist and bioethicist at Columbia University. But no patient  not even a president  should be forced to share medical information theyd rather keep between themselves and their doctor, he and other experts said.

The reason is simple: A successful relationship between a doctor and patient relies on trust, and that includes trusting a doctor to not share information that might be considered embarrassing, unflattering or stigmatizing.

To be able to help a patient as much as possible, we need the whole story, Klitzman said. We need to know if the patient is depressed, if the patient cant pee, if the patients in pain, if the patient is forgetting things. We need that information to make an accurate diagnosis and figure out the best treatment to help.

Without the assurance of confidentiality, a president might well decide hes better off steering clear of doctors altogether, said George Annas, a professor of health law, bioethics and human rights at Boston University.

You want him to have access to whatever treatment there is, and he aint going to get it if hes not going to get tested, Annas said. Thats why we keep this stuff confidential, and why it makes perfect sense to do it even though everything in you screams, I want to know whats the matter with him.

The principle of doctor-patient confidentiality goes back to ancient Greece and is enshrined in the Hippocratic oath: Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private.

About 2,400 years later, the notion that a patients medical information should remain private was codified into federal law as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, better known as HIPAA.

There are limited circumstances where doctors have a duty to disclose a certain amount of information about their patients.

For example, if a patient presents a danger to himself or others, a doctor has a duty to warn law enforcement or potential victims of the threat, said Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and educator in Harvard Medical Schools program on psychiatry and the law.

If a patient has a reportable sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or HIV, that diagnosis must be shared with a public health department, along with the names of the patients past partners so they can be informed and get tested, Klitzman said.

And if doctors notice a spike in cancer cases among people clustered in a geographic area, that too is passed along for public health officials to investigate.

Beyond cases such as these, the consensus fades, Annas said.

Congress could try to carve out an exception to HIPAA and require presidents and presidential candidates to release their medical records to the public. But in the unlikely event that the law were to change, its unclear whether it would survive a challenge in court, said Bert A. Rockman, a professor emeritus of political science at Purdue University who specializes in the American presidency.

It raises a lot of questions to which we dont know the answers, he said.

Besides, forcing sitting and would-be presidents to waive their right to doctor-patient confidentiality wouldnt guarantee that voters learn the truth, Rockman said. A president could simply shop around for a doctor willing to obfuscate in a medical report, for instance.

There are always going to be ways to get a work-around, he said.

Even if a president is forthcoming, knowing their diagnosis wouldnt necessarily tell you much about their ability to function. A White House occupant could have a mild case of Parkinsons but be able to carry out the job just fine with proper treatment, Klitzman said.

Voters should also keep in mind that theres a difference between the president and the presidency, Rockman said.

The presidency can work even if the president is diminished, he said. In all likelihood, unless the president is completely out to lunch for some reason or another, either physically or mentally, the office itself functions.

Indeed, U.S. history is rife with examples of presidents concealing serious medical problems from the public.

John F. Kennedy was taking narcotic painkillers, amphetamines and steroids to treat his Addisons disease and other ailments while trying to avert a nuclear crisis with the Soviet Union in the early 1960s.

Grover Cleveland said he was going on a four-day fishing trip when he boarded a yacht in 1893 to have a malignant tumor  along with part of his jaw and five teeth  surgically removed from the roof of his mouth.

Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919 that left him partially paralyzed, bedridden and unable to feed himself for the remainder of his presidency. When pressed for details about Wilsons condition, his doctor said the Presidents mind is not only clear but very active.

Its not OK to lie to preserve a patients privacy, Klitzman said, but that doesnt necessarily mean a doctor must reveal the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

You can say, The Presidents not feeling well today, or you can say, The President has COVID, he said. You want people to trust the government, and if people feel the government is lying all the time and we cant trust anything they say, thats not good.

2024 Los Angeles Times.

Visit at latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The case of McDaid, with an address in Alcudia, Majorca, Spain, came before Letterkenny District Court today

An Irish man living in Spain is to stand trial for allegedly conning a Co Donegal travel agency out of almost 5,000 worth of stays in upmarket hotels.

A book of evidence is to be prepared in the case of barman Alan McDaid, aged 48.

The case of McDaid, with an address in Alcudia, Majorca, Spain, came before Letterkenny District Court today.

He is charged with duping Liberty Travel from Letterkenny out of a total cost of 4,637 for four different hotel bookings.

The independent travel agency was left out of pocket after debit and credit cards belonging to two individuals were dishonestly used to pay for accommodation in Santorini, Majorca and London.

The transactions were later subject to chargeback which left Liberty Travel, of Riverside Retail Park, Letterkenny, at loss of 4,637.

The transaction included 1,254 for four nights at a five-star hotel in Santorini, Greece and 693 for one night at a five-star hotel in London.

Other charges were for a 1,556 four-night stay at a hotel in Majorca and a three-night visit to another hotel in Majorca valued at 1,134.

The charges, which relate to four separate dates in July and August 2017, are contrary to section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Sergeant Jim Collins had previously told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed that the matters could be dealt with summarily in the District Court on a guilty plea only.

However, solicitor for the accused, Mr Donough Cleary, said the case is being contested.

Sergeant Collins asked the court to adjourn the case until October 14th to allow for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Mr Cleary asked if Gardai could notify his client if the book of evidence was ready by this date as his client lived abroad.

Legal aid was also granted to the accused.
The house at Ferriskill, Co Longford has since been badly damaged in an arson attack linked to feud violence

The estranged wife of gang boss Edward Sonny Stokes has lost a burned-out country cottage and almost 10,000 to the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Lena Stokes claim the 45,000 used to buy the house came from money left to her by her father was rejected at the High Court this week.

Judge Alex Owens said the money used for the 2019 purchase was organised by her husband and there was no evidence to back up her claim.

The house at Ferriskill, Co Longford has since been badly damaged in an arson attack linked to feud violence.

Judge Owens declared the property as being the proceeds of crime along with 9,886 in a credit union account.

He said it was extraordinary that she wasnt aware of the criminal activity involving members of her family.

Lena Stokes

The bureaus evidence was that her husband Sonny Stokes was a leading member of the Stokes Organised Crime Group.

The gang are described as being involved in serious criminality including theft, deception and the sale of stolen vehicles, machinery and parts.

They bought written-off cars in the UK and cloned those vehicles identities onto stolen cars of the same make.

Counsel for CAB said Lena Stokes was directly involved in money laundering by making financial transactions and allowing assets to be registered in her name.

The family pooled their financial resources and there was a pattern of no legitimate income or employment.

During an application for free legal aid, which was denied, it was heard Ms Stokes lives in a caravan in Chipton in the UK and lives on st534 a month social welfare.

Edward Sonny Stokes

Her counsel said that the cottage was her home and that she intended to move back into it when the threat of feud violence had died down.

The money in the credit union account was to be used to make the house habitable again which had been bought to allow her to live apart from her husband.

It was also stated in court that she claimed she had received 50,000 as a bequest from her father which she had used to lend to her children.

Later transactions between various family members accounts were those loans being paid back.

She had no idea of the origin of the money used to repay the loans and she herself has no criminal convictions of any kind, it was heard.

Judge Owens said however, no real explanation for the money was put forward by her and the belief evidence of CAB Chief Officer Michael Gubbins was well and truly supported.

In May, Lena Stokes nephew Edward Blondie Stokes also lost a Proceeds of Crime case in which his house was seized by CAB.

Blondie and his wife Sharon were targeted in the case in which 72,000 in credit union accounts, their house and a Ford Focus were declared the proceeds of crime.

As part of that case Sonny Stokes was also named as the leader of the organised crime gang involved in running chop shops handling vehicles stolen in the UK.
Charles Johnston is one of growing number of so-called auditors who share videos on YouTube

This is the self-proclaimed citizen journalist who the PSNI want to ban from filming outside police stations.

Charles Johnston regularly films outside public buildings, including PSNI stations, and uploads the videos to a YouTube channel called Cj Audits Auditing Northern Ireland.

The videos often include interactions with police officers who question what Johnston, who wears a mask when filming, is doing.

The identity of the officers is not blurred out in the videos.

The footage shared on YouTube by 49-year-old Johnston, who comes from Larne, also includes the number plates of vehicles entering and leaving police stations.

Security concerns have been raised around the information being shared on the YouTube channel.

As a result, the PSNI is applying for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against Johnston.

The case is due to come before Ballymena Magistrates Court next week.

Since launching his YouTube channel in March 2022, Johnston has posted 128 videos.

When asked by the Sunday World why they were taking the case against Johnston, a PSNI spokesperson said they do not comment on named individuals.

Johnston is one of growing number of so-called auditors who share videos on YouTube.

The phenomenon started in the US and has now spread to the UK.

One of Johnstons videos at Downpatrick PSNI station

It is legal to film on public land outside any building in the UK, including police stations and other security facilities.

The auditors, who do not use their real names on their YouTube channels, visit such buildings to film outside in the hope of provoking a reaction from security staff.

Often when a police or security officer sees someone filming outside a building, they approach them and asked why they are filming.

The auditor then tells them they are legally entitled to film whatever they want.

In many cases, an argument ensues and the auditors aim of provoking a reaction is successful, making for good content for their YouTube channel.

The more views a video gets, the better the chance the producer of the YouTube channel has of securing advertising revenue.

While the auditors correctly state to anyone who challenges them that they are entitled to film on public land, opponents of the practice have described the YouTubers as attention-seekers.

In a description on his YouTube channel of what he does, Johnston writes: I am a content creator, photography is my passion and its legal to film in public places.

I will stand up for my rights as a photographer and I film anything I can see with my eyes  if u dont like it dont approach me. Please dont interfere with my passion or rights  citizen journalism is a big thing now and growing fast and is your right to film anything form public.

As well as filming in Northern Ireland, Johnston has teamed up with other auditors to film outside buildings in other parts of the UK.

Last month while filming in Belfast city centre, Johnston came across a group of DUP politicians and party members outside the office of the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland (EONI).

In the subsequent video posted online, he approaches Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and asks her, in a situation which doesnt really back up his claims to be a journalist, what her name is.

My name is Emma, replies the Deputy First Minister.

Emma? asks Johnston, in an apparent attempt to find out her surname.

No, I will just give you my first name, replies Mrs Little-Pengelly. See if you can work it out, see how good a journalist you are.

In another video posted online last month, Johnston is again walking through Belfast city centre when he sees a group of journalists standing outside the EONI headquarters.

Johnston is told the journalists are waiting to interview Alliance Party leader Naomi Long after she handed in documents to the electoral office.

As Ms Long later speaks to the media, Johnston tries to ask the Justice Minister a question about the abuse I take on the streets for using a camera.

When Ms Long ignores his question, Johnston follows her to her car.

In response to the growing number of auditors filming outside police stations, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has issued guidance to police forces, including the PSNI, on how to handle the YouTubers.

Police officers are advised to ignore the auditors and not to try to prevent them filming.

The PSNIs application for an ASBO against Charles Johnston is believed to be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland in relation to YouTube auditors.

The application states that between November 16 and December 14 2022, Johnston acted in an anti-social manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to people.

This was in relation to him recording staff and comings and goings from PSNI stations and other locations.
The driver of the motorcycle was uninjured and did not require medical treatment.

The family of a Galway woman who died after being struck by a motorcycle in Dublin city centre two years ago have appealed a decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that no criminal prosecution should arise out of the fatal incident.

Marie Farragher Pollard (62) from Bruckey, Castlegar, Co Galway, suffered fatal injuries in the collision with the motorcycle which occurred at around 10.40am at the junction of Eden Quay and Beresford Place, Dublin 1, on November 11, 2022.

The retired nurse and married mother of three, who came originally from The Neale, Co Mayo, died two days later at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin where she had been rushed by ambulance for treatment for her injuries.

The driver of the motorcycle was uninjured and did not require medical treatment.

A senior garda investigator told a brief sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Wednesday that a file on the case had been forwarded to the DPPs office since the previous sitting of the inquest into Ms Farragher Pollards death last December.

Detective Inspector Ken Hoare told the coroner, Clare Keane, that he understood that the family of Ms Farragher Pollard were appealing the DPPs decision in relation to the garda file on the fatal incident.

Det Insp Hoare said the familys appeal meant the decision was now being reviewed by the DPP.

For that reason, he applied for a further six-month adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings were still under consideration.

Dr Keane granted the application and adjourned the case for an update to a date in January 2025.

Ms Farragher Pollard, who previously worked as a staff nurse in University Hospital Galway for many years, had travelled to Dublin to attend an exhibition.

At the opening of her inquest in June 2023, the deceaseds husband, Tom Pollard, gave evidence of formally identifying his wifes body.

The coroner also revealed that the results of a post-mortem showed Ms Farragher Pollard had died as a result of a traumatic head injury.

Ms Farragher Pollard had worked as a theatre nurse at University Hospital Galway until her retirement in 2020.

Tributes paid to the deceased following her death described her as a bright light who was known for her charity work with Concern in Thailand and Bangladesh in the 1980s.

Dominic McSorley, the then chief executive of the international humanitarian organisation, Concern, said Ms Farragher Pollard was a compassionate, caring and professional charity worker who was loved by all including the refugees and communities she worked with.

Marie fitted in easily and effortlessly everywhere she worked, said Mr McSorley.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency Samir Poladov has met with representatives of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Trend reports.

According to information, the main purpose of the meeting, which was also attended by the UNDP advisor on the project of establishing the Center of International Excellence in Mine Action in Azerbaijan, Ian Mansfield, was a discussion of the establishment of this center and the increase of resources, as well as the expansion of the exchange of knowledge and skills in this direction.

The sides also exchanged views on the existing mine problem in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation, increasing opportunities for cooperation on its elimination and other issues of mutual interest.
Judge Gabbett said: I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with significant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with so I am going to refuse jurisdiction.

Former All-Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler Niall Gilligan allegedly repeatedly struck a 12 year boy with a stick causing a series of injuries, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court today, State Solicitor for County Clare, Aisling Casey told the court that one of the injuries the boy was treated for in the aftermath of the alleged stick assault by Mr Gilligan (47) was a fractured left hand.

Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Daragh Hassett told the court that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted by his client and there is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here.

Ms Casey said that the DPP had directed that the prosecution against Mr Gilligan be heard in the district court.

However, after hearing an outline of the State case against Mr Gilligan from Ms Casey to determine which court the case will be heard in, Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction.

Former Clare Hurler Niall Gilligan at Ennis court.

Judge Gabbett has directed that the case against Mr Gilligan of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge, now go forward to the circuit court where more serious penalties apply on conviction for assault causing harm.

As part of the State case, a medical report and photos of the boys injuries were handed into court and J udge Gabbett said: I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with significant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with so I am going to refuse jurisdiction.

Farmer and auctioneer, Mr Gilligan is charged with the assault causing harm of a 12-year old boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmilebridge contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act on October 5th last.

Mr Gilligan is also charged with producing a wooden stick during the course of a dispute contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act at the same location on the same date. Mr Gilligan denies both charges.

Outlining the background to the charges against Mr Gilligan, Ms Casey said the charges relate to a matter alleged to have happened on October 5, 2023, at 5.30pm.

Niall Gilligan played for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary in the 1997 All-Ireland final.

She said that the alleged injured party, who was aged 12 at the time was with a friend also aged 12 and they were on a disused property, the the Jamaica Inn in Sixmilebridge owned by the accused.

Ms Casey said: When the boys were on the property, it will be alleged that the accused confronted the two boys and produced a wooden stick and the boys attempted to flee."

She said that it will be alleged that the alleged injured party slipped on muddy ground and while lying on the ground, it will be alleged that the accused struck him several times with the wooden stick he had in his possession.

Ms Casey stated the boy returned home on foot and was brought first to the VHI clinic and subsequently transferred to University Hospital Limerick that evening.

Ms Casey said that the injuries reported was a loss of consciousness by the boy on the occasion along with significant bruising at the top right shoulder, the buttocks and lower back.

Ms Casey said that injuries also included a 2cm long wound was on the boys forearm and a 2cm long wound to the right shin which both required suturing.

She stated that following orthopaedic intervention, a fracture was identified on the boys left hand and he made a full, uneventful recovery concerning the hand injury.

Asked for his observations by Judge Gabbett, Mr Gilligans solicitor, Daragh Hassett said: "My role is limited here, save to say that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted."

Mr Hassett said that Niall Gilligan "volunteered a full account to gardai some time back".

He said: "There is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here. That is for a different day and perhaps for a different court."

Mr Hassett said that he had no role on the issue of jurisdiction "so I will hold my fire.

After declining jurisdiction, Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 18 to allow a Book of Evidence to be served on Mr Gilligan.

Ms Casey said that as juveniles are involved in the case, she was anxious that matters be expedited as soon as possible.

She confirmed that both juvenile witnesses will give evidence by video link in the circuit court.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Gilligan on bail to re-appear before court on September 18.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999.

The Sixmilebridge clubman also won two Munster titles with Clare and multiple honours with his club over a long, distinguished hurling career.
Gary Brazil (44) is charged with assaulting the woman who was allegedly set upon by a group of men at a Dublin flats complex

The case against a man charged over an attack on a woman who was stabbed in the groin could be struck out if progress is not made by the prosecution.

Gary Brazil (44) is charged with assaulting the woman who was allegedly set upon by a group of men at a Dublin flats complex and suffered four stab wounds to her vaginal area.

A judge granted the State one last adjournment in the case and remanded the accused on continuing bail, for DPP directions.

Mr Brazil, of Upper Gardiner Street in the north inner city, is charged with assault causing harm to a woman at Thomas Court Bawn, Dublin 8, last March 6.

The case has been before Dublin District Court for more than four months and at the latest hearing, gardai sought more time for DPP directions.

Defence solicitor John Quinn objected.

Judge Treasa Kelly granted an adjournment to September 11, but made it peremptory against the State, meaning that the charge could be struck out if DPP directions are not available.

Its gone on for a long time, she said.

Bobby Griffin

A co-accused, Bobby Griffin (20) of Captains Avenue, Crumlin, is also charged with assaulting the woman, but a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear on a previous court date.

At an earlier, contested bail hearing, the court was told gardai saw a commotion on the third floor balcony of the flats complex.

They stopped four men who were fleeing down the stairs.

Gardai also met the alleged victim who had severe bleeding to her leg and vaginal area and she told them she had been attacked by a number of males, one of whom had stabbed her with a knife.

A bloodstained knife was recovered from the top of the stairs down which the accused was fleeing. Mr Brazil later denied all involvement.

Gardai said the evidence suggested the woman had been an intended target of a premeditated attack.

It was a complex case involving a lengthy investigation file, a garda said.
"A man was removed from the scene by ambulance and taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment

A man is being treated in hospital this morning following a robbery on Dublins Talbot Street.

Emergency services responded to the incident including gardai and paramedics from Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB).

A man, aged in his 40s, suffered a number of injuries after being assaulted during the robbery.

Gardai arrived at the scene which was sealed off following the incident.

He was taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital where he is being treated for what have been described as non-life threatening injuries.

The scene was cordoned off this morning by gardai with investigators seen speaking to people where the attack happened.

No arrests have yet been made and gardai at Store Street Garda Station are investigating the incident.

Man rushed to hospital following suspected attack on Talbot Street

According to witnesses, there was evidence of blood on the street following the suspected attack.

One witness said: "He has just been taken away by the ambulance, it looked really serious. I hope he survives."

Gardai said they attended the scene of a robbery from a person that occurred on Talbot Street, Dublin 1 this morning at approximately 11.20am.

"A man, aged in his mid-40s was removed from the scene by ambulance and taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment of injuries he received during the incident, a garda spokesperson said. His injuries are non-life threatening.

The scene was preserved and has been examined.

Investigations are ongoing.
Three of the accused were granted bail at Dublin District Court.

A MAN was in a group who surrounded and assaulted gardai in a face-off before he boarded and damaged a bus during last November's riot in Dublin city centre, it is alleged.

A court was told Thomas Fox (21) also looted a shop, posed for pictures wearing a garda hat and later said his attitude to migrants was: get them out, theyre smell bags.

The father-of-one was among five men in court today charged with a range of offences on November 23, 2023.

They are the latest to be arrested as an investigation continues into the street violence that followed the alleged stabbing of three children and a woman near a school.

Millions of euros worth of damage was caused amid some of the worst scenes of public disorder in the history of the state.

At Dublin District Court today, Judge Monika Leech refused bail to Mr Fox, while granting bail to three other co-accused.

A fifth man made no application for bail.

Mr Fox, with an address at a hostel at Lord Edward Street; Corey Gaynor (23) of Margaret Kennedy Road, Donore Avenue; Gavin Murphy (44) of Oriel Hall, Gavin Hudson (27) of Summerhill Place, Dublin 1 and Jamie Robinson (24) of Windmill Avenue, Crumlin all had their cases adjourned for DPP directions.

Mr Fox is charged with violent disorder at Burgh Quay, criminal damage to a Dublin bus at OConnell Bridge and burgling Foot Locker, OConnell Street Lower.

He is further charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at his hostel address when he was arrested yesterday.

Mr Gaynor is charged with committing riot as well as burglary at Spar and Guud Day cafe, OConnell Street Upper.

He is also charged with burglary at Arnotts on Abbey Street and possession of a stolen fire extinguisher at Guud Day cafe.

Mr Murphy allegedly burgled Foot Locker, OConnell Street Lower.

Mr Robinson is accused of burglary at Gala, Lower Abbey Street and possession of stolen cigarettes, a hoodie and socks at Parnell Street

Mr Hudson is charged with burglary at Foot Locker and Lifestyle Sports, Mary Street on November 23.

He is further charged with possession of a stolen backpack, headphones, a kettle, cosmetics and an electric bike battery at North William Street on January 18 this year.

Gardai gave evidence of the five accuseds arrest, charge and caution at stations in the city yesterday. Most of the men made no replies, but Mr Hudson responded: Im sorry to one of his charges.

Objecting to Mr Foxs bail, Garda Kelly McKiernan said the offences allegedly took place during a large scale public order incident that became known as the Dublin city riots, with OConnell Street as the epicentre.

Thousands of hours of CCTV footage were harvested and hundreds of witness statements taken, she said.

Mr Foxs movements were tracked and he was allegedly seen in a large group of people who had a face-off with gardai and actively participated in surrounding and assaulting them.

The accused was also seen boarding a bus and causing damage to it, and entering Foot Locker where he went to an upstairs store room and stole items.

Jamie Robinson

He was allegedly one of a large number of people who looted the shop, which suffered losses of 435,201, Gda McKiernan said.

It was also alleged the accused was seen on CCTV posing for pictures and taking photos of himself wearing a garda hat he had acquired while making his way around Dublin city centre.

The garda said when he was asked his attitude to migrants during interview, he said: get them out, theyre smell bags.

It was further alleged that when he was arrested yesterday, Mr Fox had cannabis, cocaine, weighing scales, plastic baggies and a tick list of customers.

Applying for bail, defence solicitor Yvonne Bambury said the case would almost certainly be sent to the circuit court and Mr Fox, who was presumed innocent, could be awaiting trial for 18 months.

He would abide by bail conditions, but Gda McKiernan said there were none that would satisfy her. The judge remanded Mr Fox in custody to tomorrow.

Gavin Murphy

Mr Murphy and Mr Robinson were granted bail with no garda objections on condition that they stay away from OConnell Street and sign on three times weekly at a garda station.

They are also to provide phone numbers at which they are contactable at all times. Mr Robinson, a father-of-one is also to stay away from Parnell Street and keep a nighttime curfew.

Gardai objected to bail for Mr Hudson but the judge granted it due to compelling circumstances regarding his health.

Under strict conditions, he is to stay away from Henry and Mary Streets, provides a contact number and signs on daily at a garda station.

The three were remanded on bail to appear in court again on October 16, for DPP directions.

Gardai objected to Mr Gaynors bail, but his solicitor Philip Hannon said he was reserving his position and did not make an application.
Her life was in complete disorder afterwards. It ruined her life and it continues to cause her stress and fear.

A postmistress who was the victim of a tiger kidnapping and told she would be shot has sued An Post in the High Court.

Susan Lawlor from Malahide, Co Dublin who was the postmistress at Bayside Post Office, Dublin, her daughter and an Italian student, were abducted from her home at gunpoint and driven around by her captors until the 80,000 contents of the post office safe were stolen in September 2014.

Ms Lawlors counsel Richard Kean SC, instructed by solicitor Daniel OConnell, told the court it was a truly extraordinary case where Ms Lawlor, when she heard armed robbers in her home, followed An Post protocol by phoning a hostage helpline which was meant to activate a covert response.

However, counsel said, as Ms Lawlor and the other two women were being driven by car around north Co Dublin by the robbers, an An Post security officer rang her back and the robbers went utterly ballistic.

Counsel said there was a massive escalation in violence and Ms Lawlor was told by one robber: I am going to shoot you in the f**king head.

Ms Lawlor later thought they may be burned alive in the car as an accelerant was poured over it, and she pulled out some of her hair and spit on the car floor so she would leave her DNA sample, he said.

Tiger kidnappings were rampant in the country at the time, and Ms Lawlor, when she heard the gang in her home, rang the hostage hotline, counsel said.

She was loyally following protocol but her alleged negligent treatment by An Post has caused her lifelong stress and anxiety, he said.

Her life was in complete disorder afterwards. It ruined her life and it continues to cause her stress and fear.

He said an expert on their side will say that Ms Lawlors condition is attributable to the tiger kidnapping and the phone call from an An Post worker which escalated aggression from the robbers.

Ms Lawlor will also say that An Post would not initially pay for a hotel for her and the other two women caught up in the kidnapping when they could not return to their home because it was a crime scene.

Mr Kean said she will also say she felt under huge pressure and will allege she was bullied to go back to work  two or three weeks after the event.

An An Post investigation report exonerated An Post for adhering to protocol, and said that the money was recovered and arrests made, but there was no mention of the phone call to Ms Lawlor.

Ms Lawlor claims there was a failure to have regard to previous incidences of tiger kidnappings and a failure to follow the appropriate An Post protocols.

It is further claimed there was a failure to take any adequate precautions for the safety of Ms Lawlor and she had allegedly been phoned on her mobile in order to ascertain whether the alarm that she had called in was valid.

All of the claims are denied and An Post contends that the postmistress was not an employee but an independent contractor.

Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, when she heard there are three similar actions against An Post arising out the same set of events, said the four actions should be heard together.

She adjourned Ms Lawlors case until that can be done.
The head of HR admitted there was frustration among some senior midwifery managers that the man had been kept on

The Rotunda Hospital continued to employ a porter after a finding that he sexually harassed a 19-year-old female care assistant, leaving her in reasonable fear of further harassment, a tribunal has heard.

The Rotundas head of human resources admitted there was frustration among some senior midwifery managers that the man had been kept on - but added that she had no power to alter the decision of a senior hospital executive at the final stage of a disciplinary process to issue only a final written warning to the man.

A barrister acting for the porters victim said the maternity hospital was meant to be arguably the safest place in Dublin for a woman to be or work  but that his client was told nothing about what sanctions or restrictions the porter had received and was left in reasonable fear of further harassment because of his presence in the building.

The details were made public as lawyers acting for the victim, Kaitlyn Winston, opened complaints of constructive dismissal and gender discrimination against the Rotunda at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) yesterday. The statutory complaints are denied by hospital management.

Ms Winstons line manager, clinical nurse manager Jane Hickey, said the complainant told her that the porter, Mr G  whose name is subject to a reporting restriction by direction of the WRC -- had come up against her or touched her, touched off her while she was folding scrubs.

There were discussions on handling the matter as an informal process or via mediation, the WRC heard. Ms Winston said she wanted a formal process instead because she had been informed by Mr Gs line manager that the porter was denying it to the ground.

An investigation convened under the hospitals dignity at work procedures on foot of a complaint by Ms Winston concluded that Mr G made physical contact on 3 May 2022, as alleged in the complaint, the hearing was told.

This was unwelcome and uninvited and had a significant negative impact on Ms Winston and the complaint of sexual harassment was on the balance of probabilities, well founded and therefore upheld, the outcome report read.

The hearing was told the Rotunda defined sexual harassment as any form of wanted unwanted physical or verbal conduct which created a hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for an individual.

In discussions about going back to work, Ms Winston said that hospital management eventually agreed that Mr G would not be in her workspace, but would be present in the hospital.

The complainant said she came back to work early in 2023 knowing this was the position, but said she believed it just wasnt enough and that she thought the man ought to have been dismissed.

The tribunal heard that Ms Winston returned to work from sick leave on a date in the spring of 2023, but that after taking a break on her second shift back she encountered Mr G in a stairwell laughing as he was coming down, and he looked at me.

I feel it was intimidation towards me. I feel it was done purposefully. The reason, I felt, he was laughing at me was because he was still there; because I [saw] him after that long time of being off. I got a fright to be honest, she said.

She said she went directly to her line managers office and told Ms Hickey she felt Mr G was laughing at her.

Ms Hickey said she told him a joke and she would vouch for him. Vouch for him stuck in my head, she said, adding later that she believed her line manager was biased and didnt believe her.

In her own direct evidence, Ms Hickey said: I wasnt defending him, I was more trying to tell Kaitlyn I had just met him; I wasnt vouching for anyone, I can absolutely say I was with him; we shared a funny moment, a funny joke, and he left me within seconds. The door must literally have just shut. Maybe he was smiling because we had shared a funny moment, I dont know, she said.

Ms Hickey said she was not informed that the complaint against Mr G was upheld and that no-one ever said it was unsafe to keep that porter working in my department.

The complainants barrister, Cillian McGovern BL, put it to her: Because nobody said it was unsafe, a man who has sexually harassed an employee working in a maternity hospital is perfectly fine to keep there?

I was informed the investigations were ongoing and when they were concluded there was no founded reason for him not to be there. Im not going to let someone work in a department thats not safe, she said. Youre implying I knew this is the first time Ive seen it.

When you were laughing and joking [after the encounter on the stairs], did you know then? Mr McGovern asked.

No, the witness said.

The hospitals head of human resources, Joanne Connolly, said: We dont go around telling people things they dont need to know.

She said Mr G was served with a final written warning at the conclusion of a disciplinary process chaired by the hospitals general secretary, Jim Hussey. Mr G also lost a specialised allowance-paying post in the portering department and was transferred to general portering duties, but had restrictions imposed, she said.

These were that he was to work only with four specific colleagues and was permanently removed from any duties which could expose women in vulnerable positions to him, Ms Connolly said. This meant he could work around general areas, general wards, but could not be in clinical areas or where women were giving birth, she added.

The tribunal was told that Mr G no longer works at the Rotunda for unconnected reasons.

Under questioning from Mr McGovern, Ms Connolly said that nobody came to management and reported that Mr G was not compliant.

She said there was "frustration" that Mr G "wasn't dismissed" among a number of managers in nursing and midwifery. The hospitals disciplinary procedures made no provision for her to review the outcome, she added.

Questioned on the disciplinary report, she said there had been mitigation and "extenuating remorse" from Mr G.

"Did it extend as far as an apology," Mr McGovern asked.

"I don't recall an apology," the witness said.

The difficulty for us was engaging with Ms Winston to put supports in, Ms Connolly said. It was very difficult to engage with her. Typically a family member would attend; it would get obstructive and heated, she added.

Mr McGovern, who was instructed by Crushell & Co Solicitors in the case, said the hospital was meant to be arguably the safest place in Dublin for women to be  but that after encountering the man again on the premises after his brazen behaviour the year before, his client had a reasonable fear that she would suffer further harassment.

It pains me to say it, having had two children there, but it appears the Rotunda was happy to have a sexual harasser continue to work in it in an environment that is meant to be a materially safe place, he added.

Mark Comerford of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), for the hospital, said it acted in line with its dignity at work policy and that the complainant had not met the standard to establish a case of constructive dismissal.

He said it was hospital policy and common policy that disciplinary outcomes were confidential and wouldnt be disclosed to a third party.

The adjudicator, Catherine Byrne, closed the hearing and is expected to issue her decision in writing to the parties in due course.
Judge said custodial sentences had to be imposed in such cases

A 42 year old man involved in drug dealing for the Barry Young organised crime gang has been jailed for one and a half years, his sentence beginning on July 31st when he presents himself at Sligo Garda Station for transportation to prison.

Keith Harris of Meadowvale, Sligo had been involved in serious offending said Judge Keenan Johnson at a sentencing hearing at Sligo Circuit Court last Friday but it was not only at the behest of Barry Young but it was also to generate income for himself.

Harris used money from the sale of drugs to fund holidays the court heard in evidence gleaned through text messages from a mobile phone seized from Young as he was arrested as he sat on board a Ryanair flight to Alicante at Dublin Airport on January 11th 2022.

The evidence from the phone ultimately led to the arrest of Harris who had been storing and selling drugs for Young in his home town. Young is currently serving eleven years in prison for directing a criminal organisation.

Harris had pleaded guilty to commission of an offence for the benefit of a criminal organisation and also to money laundering. He also admitted to possession of cocaine for sale and supply.

Judge Johnson outlined how Detective Inspector Ray Mulderrig had outlined at the sentencing hearing how he had been investigating the Barry Young organised crime group for a number of years and was able to point to at least 30 separate investigations into plans and conspiracies by identified members and participants of the Young gang which resulted in the seizure of 1.3m of controlled drugs.

Det Inspector Mulderrig said the gang had a hierarchal structure with its main purpose or activity being the commission of and facilitation of serious drug trafficking on a national and international scale.

Arising out of the analysis of Youngs phone, a search warrant was obtained for home of Harris which was executed on January 22nd 2022. Harris handed over cocaine worth 1,684 to Gardai who also found mixing agent, two weighing scales and two sums of cash, 5,000 and 800.

Harris admitted he was holding the cash and drugs for Young and that he had also handed over 16,000 in cash for the gang boss to another person in the car park of the Riverside Hotel.

The father of three, who lost his job in AbbVie as a result of the case, confirmed he had been buying drugs from Young and had been selling them around town.

He told Gardai that he ran up a 7,000 drug debt with Young. Harris said Young was controlling him and it seemed clear, said Judge Johnson that the defendant was out of his depth when he became involved in the criminal activity.

An analysis of the phone traffic between the accused and Barry Young indicated that the accused was an operator within the criminal organisation of Barry Young who worked on the directions of Barry Young in relation to the distribution of drugs in the Sligo area.

The text messages also disclosed that some of the transactions were undertaken by the accused in order to gain funds to pay for his holidays and other expenses, clearly indicating that while the accused may have been undertaking the illicit activity to pay a drug debt, he was also undertaking it for financial reward which is a hugely aggravating factor.

It is clear the accused was involved in very serious offending not only at the behest of Barry Young but also to generate income for himself. The sanctions for the offences which the accused has committed are significant and this is to reflect the damage that the proliferation of illicit drugs is causing society.

The proliferation of illicit drug use in the country over the last ten years has been dramatic with the result not a single town or village is immune or has been spared from the devastating and destructive effects of them.

It is fair to say that illicit drug use is now one of the greatest challenges facing society. It laces and inordinate burden on the health services, social services, communities and the prison services.

In addition, it causes untold damage to families and the cohesion of society. It is for this reason that the Oireachtas has imposed heavy sanctions for anybody who engages in the sale or supply or importation of illicit drugs, said Judge Johnson.

He said illicit drug use devastates lives and drives addicts into criminality to feed their addictions. It creates criminal of people who heretofore would never have engaged in offending behaviour and the accused was a prime example of this, said Judge Johnson.

Keith Harris

The defendant had no previous convictions and had a good work record and Gardai indicated that the accused and people in similar positions who start to take illicit drugs and become indebted to their suppliers are easy targets to be manipulated by the major drug barons.

The Judge said Harris was clearly involved in the collection of funds for Barry Young and also in the sale and distribution of drugs. He was an active participant and he was engaged in preparing drugs for sale by using a mixing agent. The damaging impact that this activity has on society is something that the court must take into account, said Judge Johnson.

He added that the fact the defendant was able to cease taking drugs once he was apprehended indicated he did not have serious addiction issues. Harris told the previous sentencing hearing that he took cocaine on nights out.

The Judge noted that the probation service assessed the defendant as being at low risk of reoffending.

Judge Johnson said the defendant had a good job and it beggared belief why he began dabbling with drugs.

He had none of the usual factors associated with drug users such as a dysfunctional family, mental health issues, a history of abuse and a history of parental drug addiction.

It is frightening to think that somebody like Mr Harris felt it was acceptable to imbue cocaine and illicit drugs. It is hard to understand hat motivated him to take such a catastrophic decision, said Judge Johnson.

He noted that the jailing of the defendant would mean that his wife would be left as the primary carer of their three children and this was a source of much distress to her. The probation officer also noted that the defendant was very fearful of the unknown with regard to the sentencing in the case.

While he had lost his job with AbbVie he had commenced a plumbing apprenticeship and his employer was aware of the case.

The court accepted the accuseds regret and remorse as sincere and genuine. He could not explain to the court why he started taking drugs and why he allowed his life spiral out of control. It is clear that if the accused is to remain out of trouble he has to remain drug free.

It is clear that the accused has suffered a very significant and public fall from grace. There has been extensive front page reporting of his offending which has clearly negatively impacted on him in the court of public opinion and again that is something the court can take into account when structuring sentence, said Judge Johnson.

The court was furnished with a number of testimonials from neighbours and friends of the defendant. There was also a letter from his mother Maria in which she spoke how dependent she and her husband were on the defendant and he was a great help to her and that he was a great husband to his wife and a great father to his children.

She asked the court to be as lenient as possible and pleaded that the defendant be allowed home to his family.

The judge also outlined that the court was also furnished with references from Margaret Heffernan, HR Consultant, Michelle Fox, proprietor of Little Angels Preschool, Councillor Gino OBoyle, Caroline Carty, Keith OSullivan, Larry Cadden and Shane Neary.

The Judge said all these spoke in glowing terms about the defendant. Th court accepts that all of the referees furnished their references in good faith and that they are all aware that there are serious issues of culpability behind the accuseds appearance before the circuit criminal court, said the Judge.

He said the court accepted the defendant was at the lower end of the chain of criminality and that his part of offending arose from duress and his obligation to discharge his drug debt. The judge added that it was also fair to say that he provided Gardai with material assistance by confirming that the drugs were provided by Barry Young and that he was receiving monies on his behalf.

Judge Johnson sentenced Harris to concurrent terms of three years and six months, one year and six months, four years and six months and four years and six months.

The Judge suspended the final three years for seven years meaning the defendant will serve one year and six months in prison.

Harris also entered a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for seven years post release and to refrain from taking any illicit substances for the duration of the suspended sentence.

The Judge told Harris that it was with great regret and reluctance that the court had been compelled to imposed a custodial sentence.

However, the damage that drugs are causing to society means that people like the accused who engage in activity that enables the distribution of drugs have to expect a custodial element to their sentence in order to deter others from engaging in such activity.

Furthermore, the jurisprudence in this area clearly indicates that a custodial sentence has to be imposed in cases like this, said the Judge.

Mr Leo Mulrooney BL (prosecuting), instructed by Ms Elisa McHugh State Solicitor was granted a destruction order in respect of the drugs seized while he stated CAB would be seeking orders at a later date in respect of the cash.

Harris undertook to present himself at Sligo Garda Station on July 31st.

I get no pleasure in sending you to jail and I accept this was an aberration but because of the damage being done to society by illicit drugs I have to send out a clear message to deter people from getting involved, Judge Johnson told Harris.

Michael Duffy

Also up for sentencing last Friday was father of three, Michael Duffy (42) from Orchard Grove, Carney who 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 which was seized on January 15th 2022 and also to having cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply on the same occasion.

He too was nabbed after Gardai found text messages between him and Young on the latters mobile phone which had been seized.

His home was searched on January 15th 2022 when the cash was found along with 5,857 worth of cannabis herb.

At his sentencing hearing last Friday, Judge Johnson recalled how Duffy accepted responsibility for the cannabis and told Gardai that the money was being held for collection by Young.

Duffy said he did not work for Young but that he owed him money and by acting in his capacity as a collector for money due to Young he was reducing the debt. Every time he collected cash for Young he got some portion of his debt reduced.

An analysis of the phone traffic between the accused and Young indicated that the accused was centrally involved in the possession of controlled drugs for onward distribution.

This evidence, together with the presence of drugs and cash when the search was undertaken provided sufficient evidence to the Gardai to be satisfied that Michael Duffy carried out the offences for the benefit of the Barry Young criminal organisation group.

It is clear that the accused was involved in very serious offending at the behest of Barry Young.

The sanctions for the offences which the accused has committed are significant and this is to reflect the damage that the proliferation of illicit drugs is causing society, said Judge Johnson. The Judge noted that the defendant had no previous convictions and had a good work record.

The Judge noted that Gardai indicated that Duffy and people in similar positions who start to take illicit drugs and become indebted to their suppliers are easy targets to be manipulated by the major drug barons.

Judge Johnson said the defendant was clearly involved in the collection and onward transmission of drugs and cash on behalf of the Young organisation.

Duffy told his probation officer that he knew what he was doing was wrong and told the court that each time he made a collection for Young he got 2,000 taken off his debt which was between 35,000 and 40,000.

He also stated that the debt was now paid so this would indicate that the accused did a minimum of 17 and up to 20 collections.

That level of activity is an aggravating factor, said Judge Johnson. The probation report put the defendant at a moderate risk of reoffending. The factors he needed to address were his negative/poor peer associations, his addictions and his mental health issues.

The Judge said that in mitigation the defendant had pleaded guilty, was cooperative with Gardai on his arrest and had expressed remorse for his actions.

The probation service report indicates that he has insight into the nature of the offences that he has committed and the effect that they have on society, said Judge Johnson.

Duffy was a qualified carer with a supportive partner and was the father of three young children

It appears that following his descent into cocaine addiction his partner separated from him. Since then they have been reunited and are working at supporting their family.

The accused has ceased taking drugs save for occasional cannabis. It is also clear that the accused has serious medical issues.

There is a letter from his doctor to indicate that he is suffering severe cervical canal spinal stenosis. This has affected his mobility and he can only move with the use of a rollator.

The doctor has specified that certain accommodations will have to be made for the accused if he is sent to prison because of the seriousness of his medical conditions.

It appears that he is awaiting surgery for the condition and will hopefully have same within the next 18 months, said Judge Johnson.

The Judge also outlined that the probation report noted the accused had serious mental health issues and has been diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar and drug induced psychosis.

Obviously the fact that he has now stopped taking drugs will aid and assist his rehabilitation, said Judge Johnson.

He said the accused had lost his sister three years ago and this had a hugely negative impact on him and was one of the catalysts behind his decision to recommence taking illicit drugs.

He had acted as a carer to his sister after she suffered serious injuries in the road traffic accident and the two of them were very close. It appears he became severely addicted to cocaine and that negatively impacted on his behaviour and resulted in his becoming a stooge to the Barry Young criminal crime group.

The Judge said that the incarceration of the accused will separate him fom his family and children who are totally innocent and that this is a significant punishment in and of itself.

The conviction of the accused, said the Judge, for these offences will have resulted in a degree of isolation with in his local community. There is a huge amount of shame, disgrace and humiliation attaching to these types of offences, he added.

"It is clear that the accused committed these offences as a result of his drug addiction and that he was the lowest hanging fruit in the criminal hierarchy behind the offending. It is also worth bearing in mind that the accused appears to have been involved in the money laundering activity for a relatively short period of time during 2022, said Judge Johnson.

The accused had stated he first took cocaine on February 20th 2020 following the death of his best friend, Steve. He stated that he was on an 18 month binge of cocaine and this was how he accumulated his drug debt.

He described how cocaine caused him to lose his partner and children during that period but thankfully following his return to sobriety they have come back into his life and they are now residing as a unified family.

The accused admitted to consuming cannabis about once a month because of panic attacks that he suffers causing him to lose bowel movement. He described how his mental health was adversely impacted by departure of his father at a young age.

I appears that he has great support from his mother and stepfather. He assured the court that he would never be in court again and that he has apparently learned a salutory lesson. He described the period of offending as 18 months of madness, said the Judge.

Judge Johnson imposed three four year jail terms to run concurrently but suspended three years of each term meaning that Duffy will spend one year in prison. The defendant was also ordered to enter a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for severn years post release.

He must also submit himself to supervision by the probation service for 12 months post release and refrain from consumption of all illicit substances for the duration of the suspended sentence. The Judge also ordered the defendant to find alternative means of managing his pain and discomfort due to medical issues and does not under any circumstances medicate with illicit drugs.

The court very much regrets having to impose a custodial element to the sentence in this case but felt duty bound to do so in order to deter others from engaging in similar activity.

Let this sentence be a warning to anybody who becomes involved in the illicit consumption of drugs and builds up a drug debt whereby they can be manipulated by their suppliers to engage in criminal conduct that ultimately such activity will result in a custodial sentence, said Judge Johnson.

Mr Smyth SC with Mr Keith OGrady BL, instructed by Mr Damien Martyn, Solicitor appeared for Duffy.

Mr Mulrooney was granted a destruction order in relation to the drugs and said CAB would be taking proceedings with regard to the cash.

Judge Johnson said he felt very strongly that cash seized in this way should go to victims of crime.

Barry Young

The final case with links to the Young gang to be dealt with was that of Sinead McCormack (36) of Bruach na hAbhainn, Coolaney whom Gardai discovered had sent 725 via Western Union at Ballisodare Post Office on August 1st 2020 to a person in China to pay for the cocaine mixing agent, Benzocaine which had been sent to her from a company there on behalf of a John Kennedy who was part of the Barry Young gang.

Again, Kennedys name was found on text messages on Youngs phone after the latters arrest in Dublin Airport.

McCormack pleaded guilty to arranging for the purchase and delivery of the mixing agent between August 1st 2020 and July 29th 2021.

In passing sentence, Judge Johnson said it appears that John Kennedy was a significant figure in the Young organised crime group. Kennedys phone was also seized and it revealed communication and text messages between him and McCormack.

These messages revealed that the defendant was allowing her address to be used fof the delivery of suspected controlled drugs and mixing agents via courier. McCormack was arrested on January 23rd this year and had spent a week on remand in custody subsequently.

She told a probation officer that this time in her life was the worst and that she was not thinking straight. At the time of the offences she was caring for her mother who was terminally ill and her dad was also diagnosed with MS.

She stated that she was not working at the time and she was struggling financially. She told the probation officer that a friend of a friend asked her to take in a delivery at her address and that she would get paid for this.

She acknowledged to the probation officer that her decision to engage in the activity was reckless and she should never have agreed to it.

By her actions the accused was assisting and enabling the distribution of illicit drugs. This is a serious offence, said Judge Johnson.

He added that it was clear the accused engaged in this activity knowing that it was suspicious and illegal but nevertheless determined to proceed with in order to obtain financial gain.

It is noted that the accused had previous convictions going back to 2013 and these relate to theft, possession of drugs and the passing of counterfeit currency. There is also a charge for intoxication

All of the offences occurred in 2013 and it would appear that the accused, who was 24 years of age at the time was going through a bad patch, said the Judge who noted that McCormack had engaged well with the probation service and acknowledged her behaviour as stupid and reckless.

She was deemed at low risk of reoffending due to her stable accommodation, supportive family along with her educational and employment background.

The risk factors relate to her mental health, her previous drug use, her previous convictions and the current offences.

A native of Wales, McCormack moved to Ireland when she was 14 completing her secondary education here. She had a good work history having completed a computer course and having worked in a bank. She was now working full-time with a business in Sligo.

She has struggled with her mental health since the death of her mum and has been linking with her GP for support. She has been deemed unsuitable for community service because she is working full time and is acting as a carer for her father.

The Judge noted that in evidence, McCormack offered no excuses for her behaviour stating that she engaged in criminal activity on her own accord and held her hands up.

She stated that she was now enjoying life and working as a diagnostic assistant. She accepted the offence was extremely serious and had asked the court to be as lenient as possible. Her daughter was aged 18 and she had a very good relationship with her.

She also stated that her father was in a wheelchair and that if she were jailed it would create great hardship for him and her daughter. She said she continued to engage with Merchants Quay Ireland so as to maintain her sobriety.

The Judge said Gardai accepted that the defendant was targeted by the criminal gang as she was seen as vulnerable and easily manipulated.

Judge Johnson imposed a sentence of three years and six months, suspending same for five years.

The defendant was ordered to pay by way of restorative justice 4,000 to Merchants Quay Ireland by annual instalments of 1,000, the first to be paid on or before September 1st 2024 and the remainder on the same date for each following year.

McCormack was also ordered to enter a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for five years, refrain from consumption of illicit substances for the five years and when requested, provide urine analysis to the probation service or Gardai.

Mr Colm Smyth SC with Mr Eoin McGovern BL, instructed by McGovern Walsh Solicitors, appeared for McCormack.
Conor OBrien (27) and Mark McCourt (33) were arrested and brought before Dublin District Court this evening following the weapons haul

Two men have been charged with firearms offences after gardai seized enough gun parts to make six semi-automatic rifles and 12 pistols, a court heard.

Conor OBrien (27) and Mark McCourt (33) were arrested and brought before Dublin District Court this evening following the weapons haul in Co Louth on Friday.

Judge John Hughes remanded them in custody after no bail applications were made on their behalf.

Mr OBrien from Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth and Mr McCourt of Edencrieve, Newry, Co Down are charged with unlawful possession of various gun components and ammunition.

They include barrels, receivers, frames, slides and magazines. The charges are under the Firearms Act and the offences are alleged to have happened at John Street, Blackstick, Ardee on July 19.

Today, detectives from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau gave evidence of the accuseds arrest, charge and caution at Drogheda station.

Detective Garda Michael Ormond said he arrested Mr McCourt at 1.30pm for the purpose of charging him. He made no reply to any of his 23 charges after caution at 3.06pm and was handed copies of the charge sheets, the garda said.

Detective Garda Lyons Suzanne Lyons gave similar evidence in relation to Mr OBrien.

Neither accuseds solicitor made bail applications on their behalf, with both saying they would put the gardai on notice of any intention to seek bail.

Both lawyers also reserved their position on whether to apply for free legal aid.

Judge Hughes asked about the nature of the charges and Det Gda Ormond said all the various parts when built would build six semi-automatic assault weapons and 12 semi-automatic pistols.

Neither accused was required to address the court during the brief hearing and they have not yet entered pleas to the charges. Judge Hughes remanded them in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on July 31.
The two organised crime gangs are suspected of working together with other crime gangs to organise the murder of north Dublin hitman Lawlor.

Twelve properties linked to two different crime organisations were raided by gardai early today who are assisting the PSNI in their investigation into the murder of gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor.

At least six of the raids happened in counties Meath, Co Louth and Dublin while two were conducted in Co Sligo.

The targets of what gardai called a Cross Border Joint Action Task Force (JATF) investigation were multiple properties linked to the Mr Big organised crime gang and two houses whose occupants who are linked to jailed Sligo crime lord Barry Young (39).

The two organised crime gangs are suspected of working together with other crime gangs to organise the murder of north Dublin hitman Lawlor in Belfast in April, 2020.

The Sunday World can reveal that over 20,000 in cash was seized from relatives of Mr Big in one of the searches in north Dublin yesterday.

Items of furniture were seized in a separate raid on a close female associate of Mr Big in another residential search in north Co Dublin.

Robbie Lawlor

The home of a close female associate of Mr Bigs number two in command was also raided  the male individual is currently before the courts on money laundering charges.

Another property that was targeted by detectives is close to where violent disorder broke out in Coolock last week.

There were no arrests in the cross border policing operation.

The chief suspect for shooting Lawlor is an enforcer from Sligo who is a key member of Barry Youngs gang.

Sources say that neither of the occupants of the two Sligo houses targeted by gardai yesterday have any link to the murder suspect.

Instead it is believed that information obtained from mobile phone evidence linked to the murder led to the relatively off-the-radar individuals being targeted.

While no mobile phones were seized in the Sligo phase of the operation, sources said multiple phones had been seized in the Mr Big phase of the massive operation which spanned three Leinster counties.

In May, the PSNI arrested a man in the Lawlor case and he was released on police bail after being held for a number of days.

There is an expectation that he could be charged with the high profile murder and sources previously revealed that the PSNI also want to question Barry Young about his suspected logistical involvement in the gangland shooting.

Barry Young

The murder suspect is currently based in England and is said to be deeply concerned that he will be arrested by gardai investigating the Barry Young organised crime gang if he was to return home.

Young is currently 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 with another six before the courts.

Young was in serious debt to north Dublin gang boss Mr Big who is aged in his mid 40s and was a was a sworn enemy of gangland serial killer Robbie Lawlor.

The involvement of his organisation in that murder has been probed by police and is considered one of the main motives.

This is because Lawlor was the chief suspect for murdering Mr Bigs right-hand man and best pal Kenneth Finn (36) in Coolock in February, 2018.

Robbie Lawlor was shot dead in Belfast in April, 2020, less than three months after he was suspected of an active involvement in the murder of Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready Woods.

Finn is believed to have been shot by Lawlor

Two men have been charged in Northern Ireland in relation to Lawlors murder.

Gardai announced details of their search operation today.

As part of the Cross Border Joint Action Task Force (JATF), An Garda Siochana have conducted searches at 12 premises in Dublin and Sligo this morning Tuesday 23rd July, 2024 with the support of colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), a garda spokeswoman said.

The searches are part of an ongoing, joint investigation into the murder of Robbie Lawlor which occurred in Belfast, Northern Ireland on the 4th April, 2020. This joint investigation is led by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the PSNI Major Investigation Team with the support of Eurojust - the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Co-Operation. During the course of todays searches, Gardai seized a number of mobile phones for further examination. No persons were arrested during these searches. An Garda Siochana and the PSNI continue to investigate all of the circumstances of this murder, she explained.
This was a significant period of dangerous driving. I have no doubt that you have long standing and significant psychological issues

A biker called Lucifer has been jailed for 18 months after drove into oncoming traffic on a busy motorway in a bid to evade police.

During the near hour-long chase, Lucifer O'Malia clocked up speeds of up to 170kmh over 20 miles before he was eventually stopped and arrested in a park.

The dangerous case ensued after an unmarked patrol car spotted the 21-year-old speeding on Foul Lane in Southport shortly before 8.30pm on May 27.

The motorcyclist appeared to slow down slightly when the officer attempted to pull him over, before he accelerated to over 80kmh.

Callum Ross, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court how a pursuit involving a police helicopter then commenced and lasted for some 50 minutes in total.

O'Malia, who has a tattoo on his neck depicting a devil-like figure with a pentagram on its head according to a description by the Daily Mail, then sped off at more than 112kmh before hitting around 160kmh on the 50mph (80kmh) Southport New Road.

Driving on the wrong side of the road, he also ran two red lights during the pursuit that at its most serious saw him entering the M6 contraflow on a slip road and driving into oncoming traffic.

The rider was ultimately detained after coming to a stop in Alexandra Park in Wigan.

Described as a young man who has potential by his defence lawyers, O'Malia admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to comply with a community .

He now fears he will not see his child being born, his lawyers added.

He was jailed for 18 months as well as being banned from the roads for three years and 11 months and being ordered to complete an extended retest after appearing via video link from HMP Altcourse.

The court also heard that O'Malia, of Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, Greater Manchester, has three previous convictions for 11 offences, including driving without a licence and insurance in 2020, and being disqualified and handed a suspended prison sentence in September 2022 for dangerous driving.

O'Malia was also handed a 12-month community order at Bolton Crown Court in December last year for engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and two counts of battery

O'Malia locked his then partner inside her flat on two occasions, and in one incident she attempted to climb out of a window in order to escape.

However, he managed to push her into the windowsill before dragging her onto a sofa and placing his hand over her mouth.

The relationship revolved around him telling her who she could see and what she could wear as well as penalising her for eating food.

O'Malia later failed to attend appointments under a mental health treatment requirement as part of his community order on two occasions in April 2024.

Ben Berkson, defending, told the court O'Malia had ruined what was a rather merciful sentence in respect of the community order.

This was an order which the defendant remains of the belief would be incredibly helpful to him, Berkson said, according to the Mail.

This is someone who has never had the opportunity to properly explore and deal with potentially very entrenched mental health difficulties, borne out of his difficult upbringing.

It is his fault that he committed this appalling offence during the currency of the order. It is an offence which is clearly marked by the period that this took place.

It was a loss of head when it dawned on him that he was going to be arrested and he decided to act in this way. He bitterly regrets that.

However, Berkson insisted that O'Malia was still a young man who has potential.

This is someone who is desperate to reconnect with a positive and loving relationship with his new partner, who is expecting a child in December this year, Berkson added.

He fears he will not see his child being born. He is desperate to resume working as a groundworker, which he was doing before making the stupid decision to drive dangerously while disqualified and without insurance.

Judge David Potter told O'Malia he had been pursued for approximately 50 minutes, during which time you drove vastly in excess of speed limits

You drove on the wrong side of the carriageway, you contravened red traffic signals and, most significantly, for what must have been a significant period of time, on the M6, you drove the wrong way through a contraflow.

You abandoned your motorbike some significant distance away from where you were first noticed.

This was a significant period of dangerous driving. I have no doubt that you have long standing and significant psychological issues.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. The memorandum of understanding signed in Baku between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Slovenia's Geoplin, the largest gas supply company, is a framework document and marks the first significant step towards gas cooperation between the countries, an informed source told Trend.

"This document does not specify gas volumes and is not binding for the parties. The parties agreed that if Azerbaijan has surplus gas, they will coordinate potential supplies to Slovenia as needed," the source said.

Slovenia's domestic gas needs are less than 1 billion cubic meters per year, mostly met by imports from various sources.

Geoplin supplies about 50 percent of Slovenia's retail gas market.

Slovenia maintains a network of 1,121 kilometers of main gas pipelines, facilitating gas imports from Italy, Austria, and Algeria. This network is managed by Plinovodi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geoplin.

In May 2024, Geoplin signed an addendum to a contract with Algeria's Sonatrach to increase natural gas supply through Italy.

"Azerbaijani gas could also reach Slovenia via Italy, with a modest increase in capacity needed for the cross-border pipeline between Italy and Slovenia, a task achievable within a year," the source noted.

Slovenia anticipates that Azerbaijani gas could meet approximately 30 percent of its needs, contingent upon Azerbaijan's available gas volumes.
The court issued a warrant for Kovacik's arrest after he flew to Dublin through Germany on the day that he was supposed to report to prison in Chicago

A Wisconsin man who fled to Ireland in the wake of the US Capitol riots three years ago but returned because he felt homesick is facing fresh charges.

Paul Kovacik (56) was arrested after he voluntarily returned to the US from Ireland last month.

He had been charged with defying a court order to surrender and serve three months behind bars for participating in the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol.

However, a court issued a warrant for Kovacik's arrest after he flew to Dublin through Germany on the day that he was supposed to report to prison in Chicago.

Police body camera footage shows Paul Kovacik inside the Capitol, according to federal court documents. (Metropolitan Police Department)

He is currently back behind bars, serving his sentence at a federal prison in Chicago and is scheduled to be released on September 8.

But a conviction on the new misdemeanor charge could lead to more time behind bars, ABC News reports

According to prosecutors, Kovacik took videos of the rioting at the Capitol that he later uploaded his onto his YouTube channel, with titles such as Treason Against the United States is about to be committed.

Kovacik, whose criminal record included 24 prior convictions, was initially arrested by the FBI in June 2022.

A year later, Kovacik was sentenced by US District Judge Reggie Walton after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

Walton initially ordered Kovacik to report to prison on August 22, 2023, but agreed to extend that deadline to November 1, 2023, after Kovacik requested more time for his seasonal employment at a theme park in Georgia.

However the court issued a warrant for Kovacik's arrest after he flew to Dublin through Germany on the day that he was supposed to report to prison in Chicago.

Kovacik referred to himself as a "political prisoner" when investigators questioned him following his arrest last month at an arrival gate at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport, according to the deputy's affidavit.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier during the January 6 riots in 2021

Authorities found documents related to his asylum request in his luggage, which cited a fear of political persecution, the deputy wrote. The affidavit doesn't say whether the Irish government acted on Kovacik's request.

An attorney who represented Kovacik in his Capitol riot case declined to comment on the new charge.

More than 1,400 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the January attack. Several other Capitol riot defendants have become fugitives at different stages of their prosecutions.
The attackers were so determined that they didn't stop stabbing Romo until guards doused them with pepper spray four times

A notorious Los Angeles drug lord known as 'Wicked Romo' has been stabbed to death in jail

Ezequiel 'Wicked' Romo (47) who had been serving life for the murders of at least eight rivals, informants, and members of his own gang died in the brutal jailhouse attack.

Cristian Moreno, Johnny Garcia, and Christian Hernandez allegedly jumped him in the day room of the 3,000-man Centinela State Prison at about 8pm on Sunday.

The attackers were so determined that they didn't stop stabbing Romo until guards doused them with pepper spray four times, officials have said.

Romo who ran the Blythe Street gang in Panorama City, northwest Los Angeles, with an iron fist had been in jail for all but a year of his reign of terror.

In various 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 Im too hands on.

Drug dealer Felipe Delgado

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 neighbourhood of Panorama City intent on bringing his gang into line, witnesses testified at his trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

While he was in jail he had become an associate of the Mexican Mafia, which essentially ran the California jail system and in bid to prove he was worthy of the syndicate's membership he began transforming the Blythe Street gang into a feared unit.

Blythe Street, a gang that takes its name from a few blocks between Van Nuys Boulevard and Brimfield Avenue, was in Romos view plagued with dirty homeboys, according to a former associate who testified against him.

Isidro Alba was killed in his Dodge Avenger

Romo had first been jailed when he was just 18 after shooting another teenager, Manuel Avila (19), to death at a hamburger stand on Roscoe Boulevard in 1995.

Jailed for 10 years, and with years added on for assaults behind bars, he finally got out of prison in late 2014 after an 18-year stint.

Witnesses told his trial how Romo would ruthlessly dispatch informants, addicts and dissenters.

Romo's first murder while he was out of jail, in November 2015, was just to make a few thousand dollars.

According to witness testimony, Romo bought a kilo 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.

Even though he got away with that murder, just two months later Romo was caught driving around with a bag of meth.

He pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years.

While still behind bars he ordered the killing of Isidro 'Topo' Alba (38) who was lured to a fake drug deal on August 27, 2017 after series of clashes with Romo.

Gang members Juan 'Flaco' Ramirez and Yordin 'Little Goofy' Enere riddled him with bullets while his girlfriend tried the flag down a passing car for help, only to realise it was the killers.

She survived by diving back in Albas car, lying down, and playing dead.

Romo's right hand man, Oscar Molina, who carried out his bosss instructions on the outside extorted marijuana dispensaries, bought drugs in Mexico and had them smuggled to LA, collected protection money, and bought weapons at gun shows using fake IDs.

Romo told Molina to take care of a 21-year-old wannabe gangster called Carlos Rios, who was targeted because he got the letter B tattooed on his left cheek without being a full member of the gang.

Carlos Rios was murdered for getting a 'B' tattoo on his face

Nobody can have a 'B' on his face without earning it. This is not a game, the court heard Romo said.

Molina organised for Rios to be shot in the back while he sprayed graffiti in rival territory. He gave Rios the coup de grace after two shooters emptied their magazines into his body but failed to kill him.

There were another three murders, members of the rival Columbus gang, who were shot dead in the streets on Romo's orders in 2017.

But after he began missing messages and calls from his boss while strung out on drugs, Romo told the rest of the gang Molina owed money to the wrong people, had been caught lying, and was getting way, way too high.

Molina was shot dead when he opened his door for his close friend Eder Mendoza at 4am on February 10, 2018.

Karen Tobar (23) was then killed because Romo believed she was talking to police about Molina's murder.

Two men picked her up in an unlicensed 'bandit cab' and she was found dumped in a park the next day, where she had been stabbed 60 times

A jury convicted him after prosecutors charged Romo with eight murders and a long list of other crimes.

Why would you kill your own gang members?' Deputy District Attorney Eric Siddall asked the jury in his closing argument.

Because in Romo's world, if you don't fit the mould, if you don't do what he wants, you get killed.
The new-born sadly died within a few hours in the hospital

Doctors in India have revealed details of a tragic baby born with four legs, four arms and two faces.

The new-born sadly died within a few hours in the hospital in the city of Sitapur located in Uttar Pradesh state.

It has been reported that doctors said that the child's body was attached to another body in what has been described as a one-of-a-kind phenomenon.

Hospital staff were shocked to find that the child was born conjoined with another body that had not fully developed.

This had caused the child to be born with two sets of faces, legs, and arms.

It appears that the underdeveloped legs and arms were protruding from the child's chest.

According to the Free Press Journal, the mother has been identified as Rama Devi (40) who hails from Koreanpurwa, Kiratapur village.

She started experiencing labour pain late on Sunday night after which she was rushed to a rural hospital.

The woman gave birth to this extraordinary baby at around 5am in the morning after which villagers turned up in large numbers to the hospital to see the miraculous child, the Free Press Journal reports.

However, the child was not able to survive as the baby died in few hours.

The child, who died five hours after birth, could not properly breastfeed or drink milk on its own, though the birth itself was standard.

It has been reported that hospital staff reacted with fear after viewing the baby and quickly moved the infant outside, sparking a chaos within the hospital.

However, Ramphal, Ms Devi's husband, expressed amazement at the birth of their unique child.

Though the delivery did not have complications, it occurred in a rural region where women do not usually undergo prenatal screening.

This, it is understood, could explain why the child's condition was a surprise.

The condition is so rare that doctors do not have a name for it.

According to the Daily Mail, several other incredibly rare forms of conjoined twins have been reported in India and surrounding countries.

Last November, a 30-year-old woman in India gave birth to a baby boy with four hands and four legs.

In Indonesia, twin toddlers dubbed spider twins were born joined at the pelvis, leaving them with three legs, four arms, and one penis.

Two out of every one million children worldwide are born with diprosopus, a rare form of conjoined twins in which all or parts of a face are duplicated

In these cases, the faces and brains are connected only with one brain stem, the Daily Mail reports.

Conjoined twins account for one in 50,000 to 200,000 live births in general, and occur when a single fertilised egg splits and develops into two individuals.

About eight to 12 days after being conceived, the layers that split to form identical twins develop into specific organs and structures, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It is believed that the process ends prematurely, resulting in conjoined twins.

However, another theory suggests that two separate embryos fuse together early in development.
The incident was completely unexpected and I was extremely concerned for my mother who was in tears in the passenger seat, she told her counsel Grainne Berkery.

A health care worker, whose car was hit at speed by an unmarked garda car, has been awarded 37,000 damages against the Minister for Expenditure and Reform.

Celine Kavanagh told Judge Jennifer OBrien in the Circuit Civil Court that In July 2020 she had been driving near Plunkett Green, Finglas, Dublin, when the garda car, while carrying out a sudden manoeuvre, reversed into the front of hers.

The incident was completely unexpected and I was extremely concerned for my mother who was in tears in the passenger seat, she told her counsel Grainne Berkery.

She herself had been very shocked and shaken and became traumatised when she discovered the vehicle that struck her was an unmarked garda car.

Ms Berkery, who appeared with Stuart Gilhooley of H J Ward Solicitors, told the court Ms Kavanagh, (55) of Cappagh Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin, had injured her left shoulder and buttock and had been so upset she had suffered psychological injuries requiring counselling.

Kavanagh claimed she had become a nervous wreck, easily upset and constantly expecting something bad to happen.

She had to drive as part of her work duties as a home carer and suffered flashbacks. She had become excessively vigilant for danger.

She became depressed, irritable and less patient, suffering broken sleep and insomnia.

Her appetite declined and she lost 2.5 stones in weight. Her consultant psychiatrist was of the opinion she had developed post-traumatic stress disorder and depression as a result of the incident.

Judge OBrien accepted she had suffered significant injuries as a result of the incident.
The man who had been diving in the Downings area at the time of the tragic incident got into difficultly in the water and was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital on Monday afternoon

A man in his 50s who died while diving off the coast of Co Donegal was an experienced diver from the Belgian city of Antwerp, it has been reported.

The man who had been diving in the Downings area at the time of the tragic incident got into difficultly in the water and was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital on Monday afternoon.

However, he was later pronounced dead.

A file on the incident is now being prepared for the Coroner's Court.

The man's identity has not yet been released. However, it has been reported in the Gazet van Antwerpen, a Belgian newspaper, that the victim, from Antwerp, was diving on a shipwreck that lay 80 metres deep on the seabed.

He had set out on a boat towards the Atlantic Ocean on Monday morning together with a group of other Flemish people, the news site reports.

The destination was a site located 35 kilometres out to sea where the group would dive 80 metres to the sunken shipwreck.

Ahead of the dive, they had specialised training at Nelos Duiksport, the Flemish diving federation, it has been revealed.

A technical dive like this requires a long training, the chairman of Nelos, Ronny Margodt, told Gazet van Antwerpen.

It is a specialisation reserved for experienced and practiced divers. The man in question, a diver from Antwerp, is an experienced member. He has numerous technical certificates.

Margodt explained that the dive would have involved a rebreather, a device that allows divers to descend to great depths.

First you learn to dive to 40 metres, Margodt said. Then to 60 metres, then 80 metres and finally 100 metres. You breathe in a special gas mixture with helium.

A consequence is that these divers can only come back up very slowly. Someone who has spent some time at 80 metres depth sometimes needs one to two hours to come back up, to prevent decompression sickness. A computer calculates this for the diver.

According to Gazet van Antwerpen the captain of the boat alerted the Irish coastguard in the afternoon after the Belgian diver got into difficulties.

He was pulled from the water and taken by helicopter to Letterkenny University Hospital where doctors pronounced his death.

I dont want to speculate about the cause, Margodt added. Nelos has set up a Belgian investigation committee, with two doctors and two experts, who will investigate the incident. They may go to Ireland.

They are conducting their investigation together with the Irish authorities. I am waiting for their report.

We have also appointed psychologists who will assist the family of the deceased diver.

Gazet van Antwerpen reports that the village of Downings has become very popular with European deep-sea divers. While herring fishing was the main economic activity in the past, in recent years it has become tourism.

The area is particularly popular at this time of year because the water is so clear and the sea is easy to navigate, Margodt added

It has been reported that an Irishman, aged 49, also died while diving off the coast of the county last month while a man in his sixties who was diving with him was rescued

A Garda spokesperson said gardai were alerted to an incident in the water North West of Donegal on Monday afternoon, July 22.

A male (50s) got into difficulty in the water, gardai said.

"He was removed from the water by Malin Coastguard and brought to Letterkenny University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

"A file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court."
In an interview on RTE Radio, Ms McDonald rejected the suggestion that her party's policy document on reforming the international protection system was similar to the Government's approach.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has defended her party's new migration policy and said "I'm not the minister" when probed on details of how it would be resourced.

In an interview on RTE Radio, Ms McDonald rejected the suggestion that her party's policy document on reforming the international protection system was similar to the Government's approach.

She also disagreed that consultation with communities about planned accommodation for asylum seekers was already taking place.

Asked about the cost of the partys pledge to staff numbers at the International Protection Office, from 400 to 1,000, Ms McDonald said the cost was "not enormous".

"There is a costing for it, I don't have it to hand, it is not enormous, she said.

When presenter Philip Boucher Hayes asked how "1,000 new civil servants is not an enormous cost", Ms McDonald replied: "Are you actually interested in hearing the policy or simply nit-picking with me?"

Mary Lou McDonald says asylum seeker accommodation in Ireland should not be in the most deprived areas

The Sinn Fein leader said the Government has proposed increasing capacity to process asylum applications but this was being done "far too slowly".

Asked whether the party's policy to move away from a reliance on the private sector to provide accommodation for asylum seekers was similar to the Government's stance, Ms McDonald said the Coalitions actions had not matched its words.

"First of all, I have to say your tone with me in this interview is extremely rude. But be that as it may, the Government may claim that this is their approach. It is something that they have failed to do.

"This was signposted five years ago by Catherine Day [chair of the Expert Group on Direct Provision] and they still haven't done it.

"I'm less interested - and I would have thought that as a journalist and a broadcaster, you would be far more inquisitive - around what the Government is saying which you're very happy to repeat ad nauseam, but actually what the Government is doing, or in this case has failed to do."

Asked about the emphasis on enforcement of deportation orders, and how the party would resource that, Ms McDonald said: "This is a policy document. I lead the opposition. I'm not the minister. I'm not the responsible party in government at this point.

"We have set out, I think very clearly, a very balanced, a very clear methodology and approach and value system for dealing with this issue. Year on year, of course the resource requirement will vary and it will have to be met and that will be a matter for successive budgets."

She added: "I will listen with interest, Philip, (to you) and to your colleagues, when you have others setting out policy proposals, a similar demand for exact costings, line by line. That's not what policy documents and position papers do, and you really should know that."

The party also wants to amend the International Protection Act to allow for the partial designation of some countries as safe.

Asked to name the countries that would be deemed partially safe, Ms McDonald said it would not be her decision.

"It's not for me arbitrarily to name countries. We're proposing here a policy approach that recognises those variations, which can be in geographic," she said.

"They can also be determined by other factors, so, for example, certain territories or countries may not be safe for women or for gay people and we think it's important that the system has the capacity and is sophisticated enough to recognise those differentials."

The party launched a new policy on Ireland's international protection system on Tuesday, which proposes carrying out an audit of public services in an area and consulting with locals before deciding where a centre to house asylum seekers should be located.

The party raised concerns about locations where food banks are under pressure and GP lists are closed, and said a deprivation index by the State-sponsored agency Pobal could be used as a determining factor for locating new centres.

In the wake of the local elections, where the party performed more poorly than it had expected, the party has admitted that it needed to be clearer on what its policies are, including on migration.
Paramedics and forensic teams have been pictured at the scene close to the Grand Central Hotel on James Street South.

Police and forensic officers attend a scene on James Street South in Belfast city centre. Picture by Matt Mackey/PressEye

Police are currently at the scene of a sudden death in Belfast city centre.

Paramedics and forensic teams have been pictured at the scene close to the Grand Central Hotel on James Street South.

Its understood the street will be closed for some time as police deal with the incident.

A police spokesperson said: Police are currently at the scene following a sudden death in the James Street South area of Belfast city centre.

Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. There are no further details at present.
I dont know anyone who has been offered one of the amazing deals hes talking about, so Ill wait and see how artist- friendly they are before I pass judgement.

Superstar fighter Conor McGregors bid to become a major player in the music business has received a lukewarm reaction in the Irish showbiz industry.

The former UFC champ, who has been spotted hanging out with major league artists such as Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown and Justin Bieber in the last couple of years, this week announced that hes set to launch a Dublin-based label called Greenback Records.

McGregor, who is reported to be worth around 185 million, promises that this is good news for songwriters and performers as he will give them a fair share of profits for their work, with splits that are currently unheard of in the industry.

The Notorious says he has already signed up a number of artists, whose names will be announced in the coming weeks.

But, as he gets set to add the new title music mogul to his business empire that has raked in cash from his Proper No. Twelve whiskey and includes his Forged Irish Stout, pubs and apartment complexes, news that hes about to launch a record label here hasnt been greeted with fanfare.

Conor McGregors label

Key people in the Irish music industry, all of whom asked not to be named, expressed mixed views about McGregors new venture.

Its always great to see a new player in the Irish market, particularly if its someone who is going to pump money into it and sign up artists, but the jury is out on Conor McGregor until we see what hes actually doing, one insider told the Sunday World.

Another said: I dont know anyone who has been offered one of the amazing deals hes talking about, so Ill wait and see how artist- friendly they are before I pass judgement.

However, one music agent said McGregors record label is a welcome addition to the business. I think it could be a good thing because the one thing thats lacking in independent labels in Ireland is financial resources, he said.

If someone like McGregor is willing to take a punt on an act and put the proper resources behind them... Im all for it if its going to be done the right way.

McGregor with Snoop Dogg

Hes not short of money and look what hes done with the whiskey. Hes a huge brand in America and his social media alone would give any artist great exposure. But it all depends on the label set up and who theyre going to partner up with in the distribution. Its going to have to be one of the majors.

McGregor has co-founded Greenback Records, a multi-genre record label, alongside music industry business partners Richard Buck and Julian OBrien to offer partnership deals for artists in a way that hasnt been done before.

Songwriters today complain that they get very little return from their music being streamed on platforms such as Spotify. Irish rap star Malaki reveals to us that he gets an income of 800-900 a month despite having 30 million streams for his music.

McGregor said this week in a statement: I am excited to create Irelands first major record label in an industry that I have had great interest in for some timeto be able to come in and offer music artists a fair deal and properly reward them for their talent.

Richard Buck, CEO at Greenback Records, is former head of Global Touring at TEG and founder of the MJR Group. He was responsible for more than 2,000 concerts each year worldwide.

Julian OBrien, creative director and head of A&R at Greenback, has a background in artist representation.
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.
One of Aotearoa's most accomplished musicians hopes to recruit 10,000 people to reclaim the haka world record.

France holds the current Guiness World Record for the largest haka, which it claimed in 2014 with a group of 4028 people.

Dame Hinewehi Mohi will host a new record attempt at Auckland's Eden Park on September 29.

"We didn't realise the French still held the Guiness World Record for the largest haka, so we felt it would be a wonderful opportunity to bring people together in the spirit of kotahitanga," she told RNZ at the campaign's launch event in Auckland.

"We will form on the pitch here at Eden Park to do the haka, Ka Mate, and perform our hearts out."

The record attempt would also raise money for Mohi's Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.

"It has gotten huger and huger... We've just been overwhelmed by the donations and support," she says.

Mohi isn't impressed by France's take on the haka.

"If you go onto the Guiness World Record website and see the haka performed in 2014... You see the importance of bringing back the cultural integrity of the haka," she says.

"I don't want to be controversial... But it is going to be a wonderful thing to bring it home."

She says the haka, and particularly Ka Mate, is a cultural icon for New Zealand.

"I think it's really important to bring the mana of the world record back to Aotearoa, because it is undeniably us," she says.

"We need 4,029 to break the current record... [But] we're aiming to have 10,000 people. We want to pack out the pitch of Eden Park."

The event is sponsored by Auckland Council through its economic and cultural development agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited.

Tataki's Director for Maori Outcomes, Helen Te Hira, says anyone can take part in the record attempt - for a small fee.

"There is a fee to participate but that fee is being kept very low and it goes towards [the music therapy centre]," she says.

Kapa haka experience is not a prerequisite and beginners are welcome.

"The whole intent is based on accessibility. There'll be resources on the website, [or] you just need to watch an All Blacks game," she says.

"You don't have to be on the pitch, you'll be able to participate online. Everyone is welcome, you don't have to have the perfect haka stance."

-RNZ.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. SOCAR Midstream Operations, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), is marking its 10th anniversary, Trend reports via SOCAR Midstream Operations.

Its responsibilities include representing SOCAR's interests in export oil and gas pipelines, primarily within Azerbaijan.

"Since May 1, 2015, SOCAR Midstream has been performing the functions of the commercial operator of the South Caucasus Pipeline Company (SCPC), and since August 1, 2021, it has officially taken on the role of technical operator (previously performed by bp Exploration (Shah Deniz) Ltd)," the SOCAR subsidiary noted.

Since the end of 2023, SOCAR Midstream Operations has been headed by Farhad Guliyev, who previously worked as a manager at the Sangachal oil and gas terminal, a strategic facility in Azerbaijan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
New research has revealed an unlikely source for the unique volcanic activity in the Taupo region, one of the most volatile volcanic fields on the planet.

The enormous magma chamber under Ahi Tupua, a volcanic region stretching from Tokaanu to Kawerau, has fuelled some of the largest prehistoric caldera volcano eruptions, so scientists are keen to understand what is fuelling the rumbling grounds.

Research funded by Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Toka Tu Ake has now disclosed that ocean water 200km deep underneath the Hikurangi Subduction Zone is pushed into the Earths mantle by the Pacific tectonic plate, which causes the mantle to melt and produce enormous amounts of magma.

Lead researcher Olivia Mark says that previous research by fellow Victoria University of Wellington scientist Dr Simon Barker found traces of fluid in volcanic rock from Taupo and her Masters project focused on finding the source.

My area is in geophysics, so we tried to explain the where and why of those previous discoveries, using earthquake data from the GeoNet network, says Olivia.

She took advantage of the expansive GeoNet network of seismic stations across the North Island to analyse existing earthquake data, but found additional data of smaller earthquakes deep beneath the North Island to locate where the tremors originate.

Some of the smaller earthquakes are not always picked up by the GeoNet network, but we could detect traces of many smaller shakes, so we manually extracted that data and added that to our software programmes to find earthquakes deep inside the Subduction Zone, says Olivia , who also used data from a temporary seismometer network installed by another Victoria University project team.

By using data from seismic stations around the North Island, Mark pinpointed 397 intermediate-depth earthquakes over 29 months, within the Pacific tectonic plate that dives under the Australian plate, and coinciding with fluids being released the into the Earths mantle.

NHCs Head of Research, Dr Natalie Balfour, is excited to see how the investment in Olivias project and the GeoNet network is paying off in multiple areas.

NHC provides funding for GeoNet to monitor current seismic activity, but it is wonderful to see how the accumulated data is also used by Olivia and scientists around the world to better understand earthquakes, but also our volcanoes, says Balfour.

Marks findings and the wider research project by Professor John Townend and Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp, also funded by NHCs University Research Programme, has been recently published in the prestigious global Journal for Geophysical Research.

Supervisor Dr Illsley-Kemp says Olivias work is a terrific example of collaboration across different geosciences.

It is a great example of geophysics, which tell us what is happening right now, using earlier findings from geochemistry, that tell us what has happened in the past.

Olivia says her research have given scientists vital explanations to why Ahi Tupua is the most active volcanic area in the world.

But this is also important for the community to build better understanding and awareness around the fact that many people in the North Island are living on top or near a very active volcanic field.

The last major eruption of Taupo volcano around 1800 years ago was one of the most violent eruptions in the past 5000 years, spreading 1cm of ash across New Zealand.

Olivia says unlike earthquake sequences, volcanic eruptions do not follow patterns and are difficult to predict.

NHCs Balfour acknowledges that new information may make some people anxious about living with volcanoes, but says it is always better to understand and be prepared.

It is important to be aware of our natural hazards and know what to do, but not to worry too much about it. The chance of a major eruption in our lifetime is low and they usually have a lot of earthquake activity beforehand, so the community can take some actions.

- SunLive
Damin Peter Cook is currently behind bars after a Christchurch jury rejected he was asleep or unconscious at the time of the 2019 offending.

A man who continues to claim sexsomnia made him rape a woman who was passed out after a night of drinking and partying has been given the green light to have his case heard by the Supreme Court .

WARNING: This story discusses rape and may be distressing for some readers.

Cook, who is in his mid-40s, argued at trial that he has no memory of the incident and that he suffers sexsomnia, a type of parasomnia or movement disorder that occurs during sleep.

In September 2022, he was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court to eight years in prison on one charge of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and one charge of sexual violation by rape.

Both convictions relate to the sexual assault of a woman three years prior. Cook had been partying with the victim one evening in September 2019 at a house in Christchurch. She had passed out in a bedroom and around 7am, she was woken by Cook who was having sex with her.

The woman was afraid and pretended to be asleep but, shortly after, she left the bedroom and told a friend what happened, and the police were alerted.

Last year, Cook took his case to the Court of Appeal, challenging his convictions and sentence.

While his appeal against conviction was dismissed, his sentence was quashed and replaced with a jail term of seven years after the appeal court found the sentencing judges starting point was too high.

Cook has now turned to the Supreme Court to have another go at having his convictions overturned.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court - the court of last resort - released a judgment granting his application for leave to appeal the Court of Appeals ruling.

The judgment stated the Supreme Court would consider whether the Court of Appeal was correct to treat Cooks defence as insane automatism.

The case will now be heard by the Supreme Court. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

According to the Court of Appeal decision, the trial judges directions to the jury applied the law as held by the Court of Appeal from the earlier, relevant case of Tony Paraire Cameron, from Rotorua.

In that case, the court held Camerons sexsomnia was a form of insane automatism.

As a result, the defendant had the burden of showing that he suffered from a disease of the mind to the extent that he did not understand the nature and quality of his act.

But the court did not hold that sexsomnia generally is insane automatism and stated the classification depends on the evidence in the particular case.

Cook submitted to the trial judge that the Cameron case was wrongly decided and that he should not follow it.

He wanted the judge to rule that sexsomnia is a form of sane automatism.

That would mean that, where there is an evidential foundation for the defence, it would be for the Crown to exclude the reasonable possibility that a defendant acted without conscious volition.

But the trial judge followed the Cameron case, as he was bound to do, the Court of Appeal decision stated.

The court was ordinarily bound by its earlier decisions and would only depart from them in rare cases where there was cogent reason to do so.

At the appeal, Cooks counsel repeated submissions that the Cameron case was wrongly decided and that Cooks convictions should be quashed accordingly.

But the Court of Appeal said it had no reason to depart from the Cameron case and dismissed the appeal against conviction.

The issue of whether sexsomnia can be a form of sane automatism or insanity was central to the Courts decision, the decision stated.

The Court conducted a review of the common law history of the defences of sane automatism and insanity. The Courts analysis was orthodox and did not result in a radical or striking change to the law.

A date is yet to be set for Cooks appeal before the Supreme Court.

SEXUAL HARM
A renewed nationwide push is underway to get at-risk people tested for hepatitis C, because it has never been easier to be tested, treated and cured.

More than 100 New Zealanders die every year from hepatitis C, all of whom could have been saved by earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Health New Zealand is working with a range of local providers to set up pop-up testing clinics across the motu to coincide with the week leading up to World Hepatitis Day (Sunday 28 July).

These innovative approaches are an integral part of the National Hepatitis C National Action Plan 2020 - 2030 which began four years ago and has already achieved excellent results. But with up to 25,000 kiwis still living with hepatitis C, there is still much work to do, says Dr Ed Gane  the countrys leading expert in hepatitis C.

We have been successful in reducing new hepatitis C infections with regionally led services testing and treating priority groups as part of the first phase of implementation of the National Hepatitis C Action Plan.

Between February 2019 and June 2024, around 6400 New Zealanders with hepatitis C had received a course of the hepatitis C treatment Maviret through the public health system.

You can access a free rapid finger-prick test for hepatitis C at many community sites and will get the result within minutes (see stickittohepc.co.nz). If you do have hepatitis C then there is an easy cure - Maviret tablets once a day eight weeks.

If you dont have a GP, then in a world-first, the medicine that treats hepatitis C can now be prescribed through specially trained nurses and pharmacists without the need for a doctors prescription. Maviret is safe and has a success rate of over 98 per cent.

I strongly urge anyone who thinks they may be in at-risk for hepatitis C infection (outlined below) to make every effort to attend a pop-clinic over the awareness week. This disease is easy test, easy cure, says Dr Ed Gane.

Each year there are around 500 new infections of hepatitis C in Aotearoa New Zealand.

While some people with the disease experience unusual tiredness, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain, many people dont notice any symptoms until irreparable liver damage has occurred.

If left untreated, up to a third of people with hepatitis C will develop a condition known as cirrhosis, which can progress to life-threatening liver cancer or liver failure.

If you cant make it to a pop-up or mobile clinic, there are lots of places you can get a hepatitis C finger-prick test including some pharmacies, Kaupapa Maori health providers and needle exchanges  or you can ask your GP.

You can find out where to get a hepatitis C test by visiting stickittohepc.co.nz.

You are at risk of hepatitis C if you:

have ever injected drugs or shared equipment

have ever received a tattoo or body piercing using unsterile equipment

had a blood product transfusion before 1992

have ever lived in a high-risk country or received medical treatment there

have ever been in prison

were born to a mother with hepatitis C.

World Hepatitis Day is not just about hepatitis C. In New Zealand almost 94,000 people are estimated to have hepatitis B.

The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand provides a free, lifelong, national monitoring programme for people living with hepatitis B to help improve health outcomes.

Pop up clinics are happening at health providers across the country.

Find an event in your local area:

Northern region:

Date/Time Location Monday 22nd - Friday 26 July All day Body Positive Poynton Tce Auckland Tuesday 23 July 10am-midday Merge Cafe, KRd, Auckland CBD Wednesday 24th July 9.00am - midday Auckland City Mission Hobson St, Auckland CBD Thursday 25 July 9.00pm-5.00pm NZPC | Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers' Collective Canada St, Auckland CBD Monday 22nd - Friday 26 July All day ADIO Needle Exchange East St Auckland CBD

Central region:

Date/Time Location Thurs 25 July 11.30am-3.30pm Fri 26 July 10.30am  3.30pm Wellington Regional Hospital 49 Riddiford Street, Wellington 6021 Thurs 25 & Fri 26 July 11.30am  3.30pm Kenepuru Community Hospital 16 Hospital Drive, Porirua 5022 Friday 26 July 11:30am  3:30pm Hutt Hospital 638 High Street, Lower Hutt 5010 Thursday 25 July 11:30 am -3:30 pm Wairarapa Hospital Te Ore Ore Road, Masterton 5810 Thursday 25 July 11:30 am  3.30 pm Palmerston North Regional Hospital 50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North 4442

Te Manawa Taki (Midland) Region:

Date/Time Location Friday 26 July 10:00 am  2:00pm NEWS Needle Exchange 16 Vialou Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204 Friday 26 July 10:00 am  2:00pm NETS Needle Exchange 19 Devon Street East, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310 Friday 26 July 10:00am  2:00pm Mai Uenuku ki te whenua Marae 319 Ohautira Road Raglan 3297 Friday 26 July 10:00am  2:00pm RANE Needle Exchange 1478 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010 Monday 29 July 10:00am  2:00pm NEMMS Needle Exchange 21b Totara Street. Off Phoenix Lane, Mount Maunganui 3116

Te Waipounamu (South Island) Region:
Nuria Triguero Malaga Wednesday, 24 July 2024, 17:50 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Google yesterday (23 July) inaugurated a new business service in Malaga city called Cloud Space at its offices in Paseo de la Farola. This branch of service provision is dedicated to hosting meetings with Google's big customers - both companies and government bodies - in which the provider will share the latest innovations of its cloud security division and address specific customer needs and problems. It is the seventh Cloud Space to be opened by Google in the world, the fourth in Europe, but it is the first and only one dedicated 100% to cybersecurity - a major coup for Malaga.

As a result, this Cloud Space now operates alongside the Security Engineering Centre (known by its acronym GSEC), which has been operating for a year now and was officially inaugurated in November. Both are located at Google's Malaga headquarters. Malaga is now not only a hub for the development of cybersecurity technology, but also the company's main customer meeting-point in this area of tech support.

Yesterday and today more than one hundred customers and managers of the multinational itself have descended on Malaga from different parts of the world to attend this launch event. The director of Google Cloud Security in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Cristina Pitarch, views the choice of Malaga for this new Cloud Space as "a triumph worth celebrating", because it is "something that is very limited edition: in the last three or four years Google has not given any permissions to open a centre of this type and practically all of Google's European offices were clamouring for it, but the only one that has been approved is the one in Malaga." It is a new milestone, she stresses, to move towards the goal of Malaga becoming "the place people think of when they want to learn about the latest trends in cybersecurity."

A select club with only seven members

Google's other Cloud Spaces are in New York, Silicon Valley, London, Singapore, Munich and Paris. Pitarch gives more details: "It's a space where we can bring companies and public sector representatives to what we call Enterprise Business Meetings: we sit down together, analyse the problems they have and what they want to do and show them the latest in cybersecurity and threats. It's very important for customers because they get a chance to see and try out first-hand the new things that Google is doing, and it's very important for us because it's good for us to listen to them."

Malaga has played its cards right to get this Cloud Space. The first ace is the attractiveness of the city itself: "Nobody says no to coming to Malaga", says Cristina Pitarch. The second ace is having the GSEC itself already in Malaga. The GSEC team has played a leading role in the innovations that Google has launched this year in cybersecurity, such as Google Threat Intelligence, its new platform for defence and prevention against cyber-attacks.

Now one year after starting up, Google's Malaga office already employs 70 people with space for 30 more. This 100 staff capacity is a ceiling that Pitarch believes will be reached in two years, and after that: "If things continue to work so well, we'll have to keep betting on Malaga."
Ignacio Lillo Wednesday, 24 July 2024, 13:45 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The Spanish and Catalan governments reached an agreement on Monday to transfer no less than 1.52 billion euros to the Catalan administration, spread over the next three years, for the transfer of Rodalies (commuter trains). This will be more than a billion euros for the first phase of implementation, as well as a fund for research and university grants. In the coming months, the cancellation of 15 billion euros of Catalonia's debt with the rest of Spain will also be formalised. The agreement was signed by the central government and the Catalan government at a meeting of the joint commission on economic and fiscal affairs in Barcelona.

At the other end of the country, in Malaga, the second fastest-growing province in the country in terms of population growth, and with a severe lack of public transport infrastructure, the ministry of transport has little more than studies. In fact, 53 million is being invested to continue improving the mainly freight Bobadilla-Algeciras line through Ronda (as well as other sections in the province of Cadiz); and 1.3 million to design the doubling of the current Cercanias Malaga-Fuengirola C1 single track section in the Campamento Benitez area. In addition, there has recently been a commitment to carry out feasibility and informative studies on the future coastal train, and to evaluate possible discounts for workers and students on the AP-7 toll motorway.

In any case, these are minor amounts compared to the enormous amount of state funds that will be allocated during the legislature to pay for the commitments made for the investiture of Pedro Sanchez as president, to which is now added the interest in smoothing out the agreement between the PSC and ERC for the investiture of Salvador Illa as head of the Generalitat.

Malaga is the second fastest-growing province in the country in terms of population growth, and yet has a severe lack of public transport infrastructure

To serve as a reference, the latest study of the coastal train in Malaga, carried out by the consultancy firm ARCS and Analistas Economicos de Andalucia on behalf of Malaga city hall, the Diputacion and Unicaja, has proposed a route with 88 per cent underground, close to the axis of the A-7, which would cost about 2.7 billion euros without IVA (Spain's sales tax), with an approximate term of eight years and which would serve about 44 million passengers a year.

Therefore, the 1.5 billion to be allocated basically to modernise the railway mobility in the metropolitan area of Barcelona would be half of the investment needed to bring the train to Marbella, something that, moreover, could be phased over at least a decade of projects and work, so its budgetary impact would be considerably lower.

Investiture pacts

Back to the situation in Catalonia, yesterday's agreement means the fulfilment of three commitments made between the PSOE and ERC for the investiture of Pedro Sanchez. Esquerra demanded the fulfilment of these commitments as a prerequisite for a possible pre-agreement for the investiture of Salvador Illa.

Both the minister for economy, Natalia Mas, and the minister for territory, Ester Capella, assured after the meeting that this agreement between the government and the Generalitat was "essential" in order to continue negotiating the election of Illa, but it is not enough to close an agreement. In this sense, the two republican councillors insisted that the key lies in the financing model. Catalonia must have the key to the coffers, it must come out of the common system of the autonomous regions.

Esquerra Republicana is not giving in to negotiations with the Socialists and on Monday, in an article in La Vanguardia, issued an ultimatum to the PSOE: either fiscal sovereignty for Catalonia or a repeat of the elections. The Republicans, through the five members of the negotiating team (Marta Rovira, Josep Maria Jove, Marta Vilalta, Juli Fernandez and Oriol Lopez), threatened the Socialists with leaving the table if there is no generous agreement on this matter.

The deadline for Illa's investiture is 26 August. If he does not succeed before then, elections will automatically be called for 13 October.
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A former executive at a health clinic in Cooperstown, Otsego County, pocketed more than $150,000 in checks that were meant to reimburse the cost of medical devices, federal prosecutors said Tuesday

Kevin Harrington, 50, of Oneonta, pleaded guilty this week to two counts of mail fraud, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release.

From December 2021 to February 2023, Harrington submitted expense reports for devices like C-PAP machines that were supposedly purchased for First Community Care of Bassett, but were never really bought, according to his plea agreement.

Harrington was the clinics executive director, prosecutors said

The checks totaled more than $150,000, prosecutors said.

He faces up a maximum 20 years in prison and a fine up to $150,000 at his sentencing in November.

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at falba@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church kicks off its 83rd Syracuse Ukrainian Festival this weekend with at least 18,000 pyrohy, thousands of holubsti and ways to donate to those impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the free two-day event, which starts Friday.

This year attendees can expect the same memorable celebration as years past. There will be dance performances by Syracuse Ukrainian Cultural Centers ODESA dance group, craft vendors from around the country, and special guests for everyone to enjoy.

As always were going to put our best foot forward and show local communities what Ukrainians are all about, said Nick Fruscello, who has been the festivals director for the last 10 years.

The festival is bringing back a beer that was created in collaboration with Meiers Creek, a local brewery based in Cazenovia. The beers name, Heros Glory, is a nod to the war. A QR code is printed on the can and can be scanned to donate directly to charities for Ukraine.

26 1 / 26 Syracuse Ukrainian Festival

Fruscello said food prices will be the same as they were the last few years.

Some examples:

Kozak Platters have 4 pyrohy (pierogies), 1 holubtsi (cabbage rolls), 1 kobasa (sausage), 1 kapusta (cabbage) and a slice of bread for $20.

A platter of four pierogies will cost $5.

Other favorites like borscht (soup), kielbasa (sausage), hamburgers and hotdogs will be available for purchase.

What started as a fundraiser for their parish to help local communities around Syracuse has grown into a network of support for Ukrainians living abroad.

Were still doing a lot of things locally, he said. Were also providing funds to Ukraine when we raise them and well do drives for clothing and medical resources and were shipping those things over to the front lines.

Fruscello said his Syracuse church, which has been a staple in Tipp Hill for 125 years, is able to address the needs of those living in Ukraine because of the network they have with the diocese there.

They can always tell us what the need is most, he said. And we can help the best way possible.

Fuscello said he has family in Western Ukraine who have gone without power due the war, and knows of other families whose towns have been destroyed.

Its a very trying time for everyone, he said. It doesnt matter if youre Ukrainian or not, that just shouldnt happen in this world.

The festival has come up with more ways for attendees to donate. In addition the custom QR code on the beer cans, every food purchase made at the festival will go toward helping communities here and abroad. Charities will also have tables for guests to visit and give money.

We really want folks to always remember that Ukrainians are standing strong during this time, he said. This festival shows them even here in Syracuse, New York, Ukrainians have stood together strong and brought this festival to the community.

The festival begins at 4 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday. It ends at 10 p.m. both days.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 24. Turkmenistan and Dragon Oil, owned by the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), discussed the current state and prospects for further cooperation, Trend reports.

According to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Dubai, these issues were discussed at Dubai International Airport during a meeting between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Executive Director of Exploration and New Ventures of Dragon Oil Abdulkarim Ahmed AlMaazmi.

During the meeting, the parties stressed the intensive cooperation that is the result of the joint efforts of the leadership of the two countries and confirmed their readiness to further develop an effective partnership between Turkmenistan and Dragon Oil.

The participants in the talks expressed confidence that the common interest will become the basis for continuing successful cooperation in the oil and gas industry.

Meanwhile, in January of this year, the Turkmenistan State Concern and Dragon Oil signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which the Dubai oil business will begin developing three prospective fields near Turkmenistan.

Dragon Oil has been carrying out oil and gas cooperation with Turkmenistan on the basis of a Production Sharing Agreement since 2000, and its main activity is the extraction of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea, in particular in the Cheleken contract zone.
horseblood Newbie

Join Date: Jun 2024 Location: RJ14 Posts: 16 Thanked: 54 Times

Re: Can "Made in India" replace "Made in China"? Economic Survey 2024 Any Chinese FDI comes with the following realities:



1) Chinese companies are basically the alter-egos of the Chinese security state. Ample examples where Chinese cos establish some unit close to an important strategic asset for espionage, eg military base/ space launchpad/ Nuclear plant/ research lab etc. Every country of decent strategic stakes engages in espionage but Chinese tactics are on another level (read civil military fusion).



2) India is China's #1 adversary/roadblock in Asia from their POV, in the medium to long term. So they would not like to extend any 'help' to India in any way be it in terms of FDI, even if it entails their own economic benefit.

In other words, they are happy to go down in damages if it denies benefits to their enemy.

Eg: China did galwan without deriving any direct 'benefit' while sustaining serious economic damages to its companies operating in India like tiktok & many others along with loosing the trust of Indians.



3) Assuming that some of the products of these relocating companies would be sold in India as well, enforcing 100% data localization would be crucial to ensure that they don't run away with intelligence on Indian consumer, only to be used for nefarious purposes. This might be challenging.



4) If one goes by the recent income tax department investigations into Chinese phone makers, It becomes clear that these companies would try to go even the illegal route just to ensure maximum economic repatriation to China. This reduces the tax revenue benefit aspect for India.



5) In my opinion, any FDI from China may prove to be fruitful only in the short term, but may entail serious ramifications in the longer term like environmental damage (eg: read about Chinese built highway in Montenegro). Chinese are not the most considerate as far as environment is concerned.



Although one can argue that allowing Chinese FDI would definitely benefit India, but the above aspects have to be thought through so that the short term benefit of such FDI extends into the longer term and without compromising India's strategic interests.



Cheers!
psmenon BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 130 Thanked: 276 Times

Quote: sudeepg Originally Posted by Not entirely, there are judicial measures available. The impacted just need to work through the system.



There were couple of options open for me

1. Goto the police station that issued the fine -I did that, but they were keen on sending me out from the station rather than helping me. I asked them to take a complaint - but nothing was done.

2. Raise grievance with the Vahan portal - raised two tickets with them, tickets are assigned to Krishnagiri police station. No updates

3. Raise the complaint with higher authority - Done, no response even though they have opened the mail (read receipt)

4. Pay the fine and keep going - I would have paid if any of the offence mentioned in the challan was true. I have not committed the offences that are mentioned on the challan, I am not ready to agree to some offence that I have not committed.



If there is something I am missing out - please do help me, I would be glad to try all options.



Quote: SideSwipe Originally Posted by Few months back i did receive a challan for jumping the signal but was accompanied with the photograph. Ironically vehicle in the photograph did not match mine. I wrote a mail to the support desk and they promptly reverted back to share the RC book copy and picture of the vehicle. I reverted and the challan was nullified in a week's time and got a confirmation message as well. So please do write back to their grievance desk and hopefully you should get a revert. I am trying my best to get this rectified, but someone in the force should be willing to take ownership and attend to my issue, right?There were couple of options open for me1. Goto the police station that issued the fine -I did that, but they were keen on sending me out from the station rather than helping me. I asked them to take a complaint -2. Raise grievance with the Vahan portal - raised two tickets with them, tickets are assigned to Krishnagiri police station.3. Raise the complaint with higher authority - Done, no response even though they have opened the mail (read receipt)4. Pay the fine and keep going - I would have paid if any of the offence mentioned in the challan was true. I have not committed the offences that are mentioned on the challan, I am not ready to agree to some offence that I have not committed.If there is something I am missing out - please do help me, I would be glad to try all options.If the challan had a photo, it could have been easier. The support desk is for Chennai area of is it from vahan? Last edited by Sheel : 18th August 2024 at 12:24 . Reason: Please edit or multi-quote (QUOTE+) your replies instead of back to back posts. Thanks.
Rumor mill: Android manufacturers like Samsung have been launching folding phones for years now, and other handset makers, such as OnePlus and Motorola, have entered the sector with their own offerings. A new report claims that Apple is also set to throw its hat into the foldable ring with a folding iPhone that could be released as early as 2026.

According to The Information, Apple's folding device will have a clamshell design, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series. This will make it different from Google's first folding smartphone  the Pixel Fold  that was launched with a Galaxy Z Fold-like design last year. The report doesn't reveal too many details about the rumored phone but claims that it could have dimensions similar to current iPhones when unfolded.

Earlier this year, the same publication wrote that Apple was developing two folding iPhone prototypes as part of its plans to enter the foldable race in the next few years. The company is now said to have zeroed in on the final design, and it's reportedly being developed under the codename "V68." The report adds that Apple has already contacted suppliers in Asia about producing components for the new device.

Taiwanese tech blog DigiTimes seems to confirm the report, adding that Apple has already signed up Samsung Display as a supplier for its foldable debut. It further claims that the company is halting development of the rumored folding iPad due to unspecified problems with the Chinese market.

Multiple publications in recent months have reported on Apple's plans to launch folding devices in the near future. Earlier this year, The Information claimed that Cupertino was working on both flip-style and book-style foldable devices, while DigiTimes reported that the company is developing a MacBook-like foldable device.

Apple has been working with a lot of new technology of late, including a new self-healing display that is reportedly able to repair minor damages to the screen without any interaction from the user. The company recently received a patent for the new technology, which will allow folding displays to fix dents and scratches on the screen automatically. It's not immediately known whether this technology will be ready in time for the company's first folding iPhone.

Masthead: iOS Beta News // Image: Ran Avni/Behance
Rumor mill: Will Nvidia resurrect the mighty Titan brand with its next-generation Blackwell GPUs? It's been years since we last saw a new model, but according to several rumors, including one from what is a typically reliable source, there will be a new Titan graphics card, but you might never be able to buy one.

A video from RedGamingTech claims there will be a "Titan AI" graphics card. It's said to be based on the GB202 GPU, which is supposedly also heading for the RTX 5090. According to rumors in March, the GPU will use the same TSMC 4N foundry node as the GB100 designed for AI acceleration and computing applications. TSMC still considers 4N a derivative of the 5nm EUV node.

The YouTube channel believes that the Titan AI will have a wider bus and more memory than the RTX 5090, 50% more Cuda cores, and Nvidia will enable more Streaming MultiProcessors. All of which will push its performance 15% higher than the RTX 5090 and a massive 63% higher than the RTX 4090.

When asked by VideoCardz if there are plans for a new Titan, prolific and usually accurate leaker Kopite7kimi said "The big thing exists."

Nvidia released the first Titan card, based on the Kepler architecture, in 2013. Others followed  Titan Black, Z, X, Xp, V  with the last official release being the Turing-based Titan RTX in 2018.

There were rumors that Nvidia planned to release a Titan as part of the RTX 3000-series Ampere line, but the RTX 3090 Ti became the top card. With the current Lovelace generation, there were reports of a Titan Ada that was allegedly canceled due to it tripping breakers, melting PSUs, and occasionally dissolving.

We even saw what were claimed to be images of a four-slot, 800W Titan RTX Ada featuring a vertical port layout. Nvidia could have considered factors like the price  it was a time of economic uncertainty  the lack of competition, and the restrictions on Chinese exports as other reasons not to release Titan RTX Ada, or whatever it might have been called.

In a separate post, kopite7kimi wrote "The biggest problem is whether it will actually be used for sale. Titan based on Ada Lovelace also exists, but it has never been sold."

The biggest problem is whether it will actually be used for sale.

Titan based on Ada Lovelace also exists, but it has never been sold.  kopite7kimi (@kopite7kimi) July 23, 2024

It is interesting that the Blackwell Titan is rumored to carry the AI moniker. The industry is still obsessed with slapping the initialism on everything. But does it mean that the Titan will be more like a successor to the Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada Generation, which is designed for Gen AI, LLM development, content creation, and data science?
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 24. Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed the current state of implementation of TAPI and TAP energy projects, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, these topics were discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, acting as chairmen of their countries in the Turkmen-Pakistani and Pakistani-Turkmen joint intergovernmental commissions on trade and economic cooperation, respectively.

During the talks, the sides exchanged views on the expansion of trade and the economic partnership between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.

A separate topic between the diplomats was the discussion of the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline project, as well as the laying of power transmission lines and fiber-optic communication along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) route.

It is expected that the TAPI gas pipeline will annually transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas along an 1800-kilometer route from Turkmen Galkynysh, the second largest gas field in the world, to the Indian city of Fazilka, located near the border of India with Pakistan.

The TAP project is a large-scale infrastructural and economic initiative aimed at establishing links between the participating countries of the project in order to ensure energy and communication integration, as well as stimulate economic growth and development in the region.
In a nutshell: Musk's ambitious plan for the Optimus drone is starting to come together. The humanoid robots will begin their commercial journey inside Tesla factories, assembling electric vehicles. With a price tag in the tens of thousands, it will be a while before they move from industrial labor to more domestic chores in customer homes.

Tesla will begin using a small amount of Optimus robots for its internal operations next year, while "high production" for third-party companies will hopefully start in 2026. Elon Musk shared the new timeline via X, and he is already behind the previously announced schedule for using Optimus at Tesla.

Optimus will be helpful on the company's manufacturing floor. Musk did not specify the robots' duties. The new timeline is a slight setback, as he had previously said that the bots would be ready for Tesla factories by the end of this 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  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 22, 2024

Despite pushing for AI, robotics, and everything in between, like most of today's tech moguls, Musk's ambition is now burdened by more pressing issues. Tesla electric vehicle sales are down, and profits have dropped by almost half, from $2.7 billion to $1.5 billion in the quarter that ended in June.

Tesla's focus is now on company-wide cost reduction efforts, and Optimus bots could excel in that regard. A robot doesn't need to eat, sleep, or rest. Optimus was built to excel in performing the unsafe, repetitive, or tedious tasks that humans still do on the production line.

Musk previously projected that Tesla would soon start mass-producing robots costing less than $20,000 each for end customers. He also predicted that the company could one day swell to an unprecedented $25 trillion valuation thanks to its robotic tech. The ongoing vision is to improve Optimus bots to the point where they would fit nicely into domestic situations as companions, housekeepers, or babysitters.

Tesla isn't the only company currently working to embed robotics and drones into its manufacturing process. Honda and Boston Dynamics have come a long way with their early prototypes. They are now actively working to build a commercial venture based on all these robotic experiments over the years.

Traditional carmakers around the world are working on robotic tech as well. Recently, BMW partnered with robotics firm Figure to automate factories, using neural network algorithms to help with object recognition and manipulation. Several big tech AI players, including Nvidia and OpenAI, helped fund Figure. Jeff Bezos is interested in the machine learning-driven bots as well.
Recent developments in the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) have raised concerns regarding the regulatory body's approach to enforcement. An increasing number of companies are opting to settle significant fines rather than engage in protracted legal disputes. While settling allows firms to control the outcome better and avoid potentially harsher penalties, it does not guarantee the issuance of a comfort letter, which would typically be provided in a settlement.

This trend has left companies in a precarious position, feeling pressured into settlements without assurance of fair treatment. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in CySEC's decision-making process has raised questions about the integrity of the regulatory process.

The Scale and Impact of CySEC's Fines

In 2023, CySEC imposed a staggering 2.2 million in fines through more than 700 on-site and remote inspections of supervised entities (Finance Magnates) (Finance Magnates). This aggressive enforcement approach underscores CySEC's commitment to regulatory integrity and investor protection. However, the methods and transparency of these inspections are now under scrutiny.

Regulatory Challenges and Corporate Pressure

Despite these settlements, there is growing concern about the pressure companies face to settle quickly. This pressure can come from the uncertainty of legal outcomes, the potential damage to reputation, and the financial burden of ongoing legal fees. Moreover, companies that settle are not guaranteed a comfort letter, a formal statement from CySEC affirming their compliance. Without this letter, firms remain in a state of regulatory limbo, potentially affecting their business operations and market confidence.

The Dilemma of Innocent Companies

One of the most controversial aspects of CySEC's enforcement strategy is the dilemma faced by companies that believe in their innocence. These firms are often torn between contesting the allegations, which can lead to significant brand damage and uncertain outcomes in the Cypriot legal system, or settling to mitigate higher reputational risks. This situation arises even when there might be no real wrongdoing but rather differing interpretations by regulatory officers. The pressure to avoid a drawn-out legal battle and the potential negative publicity can force a company into a settlement despite having substantial evidence of compliance.

A recent case involving IC Markets (EU) Ltd has sparked particular controversy. CySEC imposed a 200,000 fine on the company, citing questionable testimony from a former employee. However, IC Markets claims that this decision disregards substantial audited evidence provided by the company. This incident has highlighted concerns about the adequacy of evidence used in regulatory enforcement and the potential for regulators to rely on assumptions rather than concrete facts.

Investor Protection and Market Integrity

CySEC's rigorous enforcement aims to protect investors and maintain market integrity. The commission's efforts include thematic audits, warnings about fraudulent entities, and participation in financial literacy initiatives (Finance Magnates) (Finance Magnates). However, the trend towards settlements raises questions about the efficacy of these measures. Are they truly deterring misconduct or simply shifting the burden onto companies without addressing underlying issues?

The Broader Implications

This trend has significant implications for the financial landscape in Cyprus. It challenges the balance between strict regulatory enforcement and fair treatment of companies. For the market to thrive, there must be confidence in the regulatory framework's transparency and fairness. Companies need assurance that compliance efforts will be recognized and that they will not be unduly penalized without recourse.

Moving Forward

Addressing this issue requires a nuanced approach. CySEC must continue its robust enforcement to safeguard the market while ensuring that the settlement process is transparent and fair. Companies, on their part, must enhance their compliance frameworks to meet regulatory standards proactively.

In conclusion, the alarming trend of settling fines to avoid appeals reflects broader challenges within CySEC's regulatory environment.

IC Markets is contesting the fine through legal channels, seeking justice and fair play in the financial industry. As this case unfolds, it is essential to monitor the developments and assess the implications for the regulatory landscape in Cyprus. Stay tuned as we uncover more about the dynamics at play and what this means for regulatory practices and corporate accountability.
Tree species migration is not new as some trees can move, but new research is suggesting that forests in Brazil are moving to escape the increasingly hot environment.

According to Interesting Engineering, a new study released this month indicates that heat-sensitive tree species in Brazil are moving to higher altitudes in an attempt to avoid the worsening effects of climate change.

This phenomenon will exacerbate the effects of climate change on local ecosystems and represent an adaptive response to rising temperatures.





This uphill migration has been noticed by researchers from the University of Birmingham and other institutions; their findings have been published in the Journal of Vegetation Science.

The researchers have noted that the migration resembles historical patterns seen during prior climate transitions. According to research, different tree species are migrating to higher, colder locations in search of the best environments for development and survival.

To determine a community temperature score and get insight into the overall climate patterns of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the study examines 627 different types of trees at 96 different locations.

The results have significant ramifications for conservation and forest management plans. The composition of forests shifts due to tree relocation, which may have an impact on biodiversity and the health of the forest.

Tree Migration Consequences

Trees have historically changed where they are found in response to changes in the climate. But because of how quickly things are changing now, there are questions about how quickly ecosystems can adapt. This quick movement might upend long-standing ecological interactions and have unanticipated effects.

Additionally drawing attention to the wider effects of global warming on flora and fauna is the shift of trees uphill. Scientists warn that if temperature increases continue as predicted, additional species will probably follow suit and relocate to higher latitudes or altitudes.

The study emphasizes the need for adaptable forest management techniques that can take into account the shifting geographic distributions of different tree species. To slow down these migrations and maintain ecological equilibrium, it also advocates for greater efforts to prevent climate change.

Flowery Desert

More and more somewhat bizarre occurrences continue to happen due to the ever-changing and worsening climate as alongside tree migration, the driest desert on earth now has flowers thanks to climate change.

It's amazing to see the driest desert decorated with a dizzying diversity of flowers. Part of the Atacama desert has transformed into an unexpected painting of white and purple blossoms, thanks to the unusual occurrence of rainfall in North Chile.

An interesting connection between these blossoming plants and climate change has been discovered by researchers. The mystery is increased by the sight of vibrantly blooming plants in the middle of winter, which is uncommon in the Atacama Desert.

Some suggest that rain in North Chile during the Southern Hemisphere's fall season is the cause of the remarkable bloom.

In mid-April, 0.4 inches of rain and a local word for morning fog, "camanchaca," ignited plants that can stay dormant for up to 15 years. The species that brought the landscape to life were the bright fuchsia-colored "pata de guanaco" blooms and the white "sighs of the field".
There may be a significant move from Netflix Games coming soon, as it recently hired new talent in the form of an ex-Epic Games executive vice president for game development to lead the renowned division of the company. Under Netflix Games, this new member of the team would head the division as its president, speculated as a move for its future expansion.

Earlier this year, Netflix Games announced its roadmap for 2024, and this includes as many as 14 new titles that will be accessible via the streaming platform.

Netflix Games is Expanding: Hiring Former Epic Games Executive VP

Netflix Games is expanding its team by hiring former Epic Games executive vice president of game development, Alain Tascan, as the new president of the division, according to a report by Variety. It is believed that Tascan would help bolster more of what Netflix Games can offer in the future, especially with his colorful experience at one of the world's top gaming companies.

Tascan is credited with his hand in overseeing Epic Games' successful first-party title developments including the likes of Fortnite, Fall Guys, LEGO Fortnite, and Rocket League.

With this massive experience over at Epic, Tascan would help expand more of what Netflix Games has to offer for its future in game development.

What to Expect from Netflix Games and its New President?

It is known that Netflix Games currently offers 100 titles available in its library for subscribers to access using their streaming platform accounts, but there is a lot more in store for users in the future. Netflix Games previously revealed that it is currently developing over 80 titles that will be offered by the company soon, alongside its upcoming expansion to other platforms via the cloud.

Netflix Games and What It Has to Offer

What started as a list of several titles accessible via one's streaming subscription, Netflix Games has evolved into a game developer and publisher that offers a massive list of titles available to download. However, the caveat is that these games are only accessible on the mobile platform's dedicated app stores for Android and iOS, with the Netflix subscription guaranteeing free access.

Despite this being Netflix Games' current setup, there were plans revealed last year that would expand more of its gaming experiences to users, centering on setting up cloud gaming in the future. First off, Netflix's cloud gaming offers would be made accessible to computers and smart TVs, and next, it would expand more on offering games from other platforms, beyond mobile gaming.

Midway through 2024, Netflix Games announced that it is adding 14 more titles for subscribers to enjoy starting last June and more for later this year, already boasting of 100 games in its library.

The latest from Netflix Games may not be new developments or announcements, but onboarding a veteran from Epic Games will help bolster more of the division towards its plans of expanding more of the experience for all.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan, with the assistance of the International Labor Organization (ILO), plans to prepare a document on Azerbaijan's position on the labor market and gender equality within the framework of the fight against climate change in the run-up to COP29, Trend reports.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection informs from the seminar Promoting gender-sensitive and equitable transition to environmental sustainability in the Republic of Azerbaijan within the framework of the country's 2024 29 Climate Talks: The Road to COP29 events.

Addressing the first day of the two-day seminar today, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev noted that the negative effects of climate change are currently one of the biggest global problems.

Along with addressing climate change issues concerning all segments of society, a fair approach to gender principles and involvement of all segments of the population in processes to achieve environmental sustainability is also important, he emphasized.

The seminar was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva, Deputy Chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan Javanshir Alkhasov, Head of the Entrepreneurship Development Department, and Green Jobs Specialist of the ILO Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Cristina Martinez.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year, which will play an important role in mobilizing the international community to make progress in the fight against climate change.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Russia 'killing' climate, say activists awaiting top rights court ruling



Geneva, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Activists are asking Europe's top rights court to fault Russia for creating a "climate catastrophe", saying Moscow's war on Ukraine is contributing to a spike in its greenhouse gas emissions.

Russian environmental group Ecodefense and 18 individuals filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) last year, saying Moscow's actions were worsening the global climate crisis, in violation of human rights.

"Russia is killing the climate," Ecodefense co-chair Vladimir Slivyak told AFP in a recent interview in Geneva.

He highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed the 2015 Paris Climate accord, which set the target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But he charged that Russia was failing to limit greenhouse gas emissions or reduce the extraction of fossil fuels.

Instead, he said internal policy documents show that Russia is planning "only growing extraction of coal, oil and gas" for the next decade at least.

"In some scenarios it is up 50 percent."



- War fuelling emissions -



Slivyak, who left Russia in 2021 amid a crackdown on civil society ahead of legislative elections, said Russia's growing emissions were closely linked to its war in Ukraine.

While official statistics are unavailable, he said "there must be a big increase in greenhouse gas emissions during the war", with additional production lines for tanks and weapons as well as emissions when the arms are used.

At the same time, "Russia can continue the war only if it sells enough" of its fossil fuels, he said, urging more sanctions.

"If the world right now stopped buying fossil fuel from Russia, that would likely lead to the end of this war this year."

The plaintiffs filed their case last August, after first attempting to take it to Russia's Supreme Court, which refused to hear the claim.

"We want the court to decide that the Russian policy... is dangerous for climate and the world," Slivyak said.



- 'Undermining international efforts' -



The idea is not so far-fetched.

In a historic ruling in April, the Strasbourg-based ECHR deemed that Switzerland was not doing enough to tackle climate change.

And the situation with Russia is far worse, said Slivyak, a 2021 winner of the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, which is often characterised as an alternative Nobel Prize.

"It's not about not doing enough, but about actually killing the climate," he said, slamming Russia for "undermining the international efforts".

While other countries were investing in innovations and technologies, "there is the largest-by-territory country on Earth that thinks it can ignore everybody else".

Ecodefense had asked the court to fast-track the case, as it did with the Swiss case and two other climate-linked cases heard in parallel.

But the court rejected that request last week, meaning the process could take a long time.

Last time Ecodefense helped bring a case to the court was in 2013, when it was among organisations asking for a ruling against Russia's foreign agent law, which requires anyone receiving backing from abroad to be listed as a foreign agent.

The court took nearly a decade to issue its ruling, and while the 2022 decision was in the organisations' favour, Slivyak said "it was too late", pointing out that the groups had already fled the country.

An earlier verdict, back when Russia still appeared amenable to being swayed by international opinion, might have altered the course of history, he suggested.

He acknowledged it was trickier this time.



- 'Precedent' -



Russia was expelled from the pan-European rights body the Council of Europe, of which the ECHR is part, after it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

But complaints concerning violations allegedly committed by Russia before its September 16, 2022 exclusion from the body remain admissible at the court.

While Russia is likely to dismiss any ECHR decision, Slivyak insisted that getting a ruling in the case could be useful for shaping policy when Russia's "fascist dictatorship" one day falls.

Internationally too, he said, it could set a "precedent", pushing governments to adopt more ambitious climate policies.

"It could change the whole field."
'Truly frightening': Pesticides increasingly laced with forever chemicals



Washington, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Toxic "forever chemicals" are increasingly being used in US pesticides, threatening human health as they contaminate waterways and are sprayed on staple foods, a study said Wednesday.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, but environmental regulations against them have mainly paid attention to sources such as industrial facilities, landfills and consumer products like certain cookware and paints.

New research published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives says that pesticides used on crops including corn, wheat, spinach, apples and strawberries -- and other sources such as insect sprays and pet flea treatment -- can now be added to the list.

"The more we look, the more we find it," co-author Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told AFP.

"And it just emphasizes the importance of cutting down on sources and really regulating these chemicals."

Research suggests that high levels of exposure to forever chemicals weakens human immune systems, making them less responsive to vaccines and more susceptible to infections.

There is also emerging evidence they may reduce fertility, lead to growth delays in children, and interfere in the body's natural hormones.

For the new paper, the authors trawled public databases and carried out freedom of information requests to obtain information on both "active" and "inert" ingredients in pesticides.

Active ingredients are those that target pests, while those that are called inert are everything else. The latter are not required to be disclosed on the label even though they can increase the efficacy and persistence of the toxic active ingredient, and can be toxic themselves.

The researchers uncovered a concerning trend: 14 percent of all US pesticide active ingredients are PFAS, including nearly one-third of active ingredients approved in the past decade.

Eight approved inert ingredients in pesticides were PFAS, including the non-stick chemical known by the brand name Teflon.

The Teflon company that made nonstick pans with this chemical ended its use in 2013, and its elimination was tied in research to fewer low birth weight babies. In February, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to ban its use in pesticides.

Study co-author David Andrews, a scientist at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told AFP that part of the problem stemmed from a narrower definition of PFAS molecules by the EPA compared to that adopted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Adding PFAS to pesticides makes them more powerful and longer lasting, Andrews told AFP, which could be another driving factor.

Forever chemicals were first developed in the 1940s and have now accumulated in the environment globally, entering the air, soil, groundwater, lakes and rivers.

More than 15,000 synthetic chemicals qualify as PFAS, and their indestructibility arises from their carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest types of bonds in organic chemistry.



- 'Ineffective regulation' -



Another critical issue identified by the study was the plastic containers used to store pesticides and fertilizers, 20-30 percent of which are "fluorinated" to improve their strength, but can leach PFAS back into the container's contents.

Such unintentional addition of extra PFAS back into the pesticide has been found during testing, and although the EPA moved to ban fluoridation of these containers, its decision was overturned by a US court.

"This is truly frightening news, because pesticides are some of the most widely dispersed pollutants in the world," co-author Nathan Donley, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said about the findings.

"Lacing pesticides with forever chemicals is likely burdening the next generation with more chronic diseases and impossible cleanup responsibilities."

The authors recommended measures including a ban on fluorinated plastic containers, mandating disclosure of all "inert" ingredients on product labels, comprehensive study of what happens to pesticide compounds in the environment, and more research on their effects on humans.

"The regulations surrounding pesticides are currently outdated and ineffective," scientists at Emory University wrote in a related commentary, calling on the EPA to get a better grasp on the rising threat.
North China authorities warn heavy rains could spark floods, landslides



Beijing, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Authorities in northern China warned heavy rains could bring floods and landslides Wednesday, issuing the country's second-highest flood response.

China is enduring a summer of extreme weather, with heavy rains across the east and south coming as much of the north has sweltered under successive heatwaves.

And after days of scorching temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in Beijing, city authorities Wednesday triggered the second-highest flood prevention response.

Up to 150 millimetres (six inches) of rain could drench parts of the capital -- home to around 22 million people -- in a 24-hour period between Wednesday and Thursday evening, a statement on the city's official Wechat said.

The downpours could "trigger mountain torrents, mudslides, landslips and other secondary disasters," it said.

City authorities have ordered the temporary closure of some tourist spots as well as mountain and riverside hostels out of safety concerns, the statement said.

Beijing residents received text messages urging them to reduce outdoor activity, stay away from hilly or riverside areas, and take note of places of shelter.

Authorities in neighbouring Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing and is home to more than 70 million people, also warned of flooding, state news agency Xinhua said.

China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters warned there was a "high risk" that the heavy rains would cause natural disasters.

In eastern Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, Typhoon Gaemi was expected to make landfall on Thursday.

Authorities issued a red storm alert for the typhoon and Fujian has suspended all train services for Thursday.

Local media, citing officials, reported that coastal areas could see four-to six-metre-high (13-20 foot) waves.

Gaemi has already prompted officials in self-governing Taiwan to close schools and declare a typhoon holiday.

Flash floods in northern and southwest China killed at least 20 people over the weekend.

And in May, a highway in southern China collapsed after days of rain, leaving 48 dead.

China is by far the world's emitter of the greenhouse gases that scientists say drive climate change and make extreme weather more frequent and intense.

Long addicted to polluting energy sources like coal, China has pledged to bring emissions of planet-heating carbon dioxide to a peak by 2030 and to net zero by 2060.

But it is already the world's largest producer of renewable energy, with research this month showing Beijing is building almost twice as much solar and wind power capacity as every other country combined.
Russia, Kyrgyzstan sign radioactive decontamination deal



Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Kyrgyzstan ratified an agreement with Russia on Wednesday for the mass decontamination of radioactive areas that pose a threat to the local population.

The mountainous central Asian country, a former Soviet republic, is still suffering the environment consequences of uranium and other heavy metals mining during the Soviet era.

Ninety-two sites contain more than 300 million cubic metres (10.5 billion cubic feet) of toxic and radioactive waste.

"The agreement between the Kyrgyz and Russian governments to cooperate in the rehabilitation of territories in Kyrgyzstan affected by uranium extraction and the mining industry has been ratified," President Sadyr Japarov's office said in a statement.

The agreement aims to "ensure the safety of the population living in areas where there is waste from former uranium mines."

Without decontamination, natural disasters like landslides -- which are frequent in the region -- could send the waste spilling into rivers that traverse the entire Central Asian region, potentially contaminating millions.

Russian state-run nuclear giant Rosatom is also running nuclear waste decontamination efforts in neighbouring ex-Soviet countries Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while the EU and World Bank have allocated funds to help restoration efforts.
July 22 sets new record for hottest day globally: EU climate monitor



Paris, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Earth withered through a second-straight day of record-breaking heat on July 22, the EU's climate monitor said Wednesday, as large parts of Europe, Asia and North America suffer blistering temperatures.

Preliminary data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) showed the daily global average temperature was 17.15 degrees Celsius (62.9 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, the warmest day in records going back to 1940.

This was 0.06C hotter than the day before on July 21, which itself broke by a small margin the all-time high temperature set a year earlier.

Copernicus, which uses satellite data to update global air and sea temperatures close to real time, said its figures were provisional and final values may differ very slightly.

The monitor had anticipated daily records would be exceeded as summer peaks in the northern hemisphere, and the planet endures a particularly long streak of extreme global heat driven by human-caused climate change.

"This is exactly what climate science told us would happen if the world continued burning coal, oil and gas," said Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist from Imperial College London, on Wednesday.

"And it will continue getting hotter until we stop burning fossil fuels and reach net zero emissions."

Every month since June 2023 has eclipsed its own temperature record compared to the same month in previous years, an unprecedented 13-month streak C3S director Carlo Buontempo on Tuesday called "truly staggering".

Climate change is causing longer, stronger and more frequent extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods, and this year has been marked by major disasters across the globe.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. COP28, COP29, and COP30 Presidencies 'Troika' (UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil) have sent a second letter to Parties (i.e., countries party to the UN Convention), entitled Mission 1.5C, calling to boost countries' climate ambitions by speeding up the preparation and submission of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Trend reports via the document.

"With only six years remaining until 2030, the urgency of the climate crisis demands accelerated action," the document said.

According to the document, following the 'Troika's' initial letter in March 2024 outlining the vision of the Roadmap to the 'Troika', Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Brazil have engaged in a series of initiatives across the realization of the Paris Agreement pillars.

"Our shared success requires tangible progress on mitigation, adaptation, and the means of implementation and support, along with scaling up financial flows to support just and equitable transitions towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

We will only be successful if we are faithful to our collective commitment to multilateralism as enshrined in the UAE Consensus and the outcome of the first Global Stocktake (GST) at COP28 and remain united in the pursuit of efforts to achieve the purpose and long-term goals of the Paris Agreement," the second letter to the UN countries noted.

The document also pointed out that the course correction to keep 1.5C within reach in a nationally determined manner and build global resilience requires transforming the worlds current development model, which encompasses different pathways and approaches.

"This transformation must respond to the latest science and be guided by equity, ensuring climate ambition can also drive social inclusion and economic prosperity," the document indicated.

Besides, according to the letter published on the official COP29 website, the design and communication of the next generation of NDCs, which must be truly transformational, mainstream climate action into broader development planning, catalyze investment for effective climate action, and support the UN sustainable development goals, are due by February 2025.

"Discussions at the recent session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) evidenced the clear challenges to delivering ambition without the necessary means of implementation in place. In this context, the work of the Troika seeks to strike a balance between ambition and implementation that is not a trade-off but a mutually reinforcing collaborative approach based on consensus and trust for the achievement of our collective climate," the document pointed out.

The 'Troika' reminded its call on the UN Secretary-General to mobilize the entire UN System to support Parties, especially developing countries, in designing, delivering, and implementing NDCs.

"We deeply appreciate the constructive feedback from Parties, which has reinforced our belief that the Troika can serve as a key vehicle to build continuity and political ambition in support of the next round of NDCs," the letter said.

As the letter said, the next round of actions on NDCs must recognize the special needs of vulnerable countries.

"In this context, there is an opportunity to make investment a driving design feature of NDCs and to put in place policies and regulations that will further incentivize investment in climate action," the 'Troika' emphasized.

According to the 'Troika' financial systems, international financial institution reforms, and development agendas to support enhanced climate action.

"With the deadline to submit the new NDCs between COP29 and February 2025 rapidly approaching, we call upon Parties to step forward with the ambition of keeping 1.5C within reach in a nationally determined manner at this critical moment," the document noted.

According to the document, significant steps should be taken before the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York (to be held in September 2024).

"The UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, in our national capacities, will be among those countries who will provide corresponding signals at UNGA," the letter 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.

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Japan says arrest of anti-whaling activist long sought



Tokyo, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Japan said on Wednesday that it had long been pushing countries to arrest anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, who is in custody in Greenland facing possible extradition.

Police in the autonomous Danish territory arrested Watson, the American-Canadian founder of activist group Sea Shepherd, on Sunday under an Interpol "red notice" issued by Japan.

The 73-year-old is to remain in custody until August 15, while the Danish justice ministry must decide on whether he should be extradited to Japan.

"Japan has long been making the necessary efforts to the relevant countries' authorities," spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters in the government's first comments on Watson's arrest.

"In any case, we understand that the Japan Coast Guard, which continues to investigate this matter, will take appropriate action in consultation with the relevant ministries," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron's office said on Tuesday he was pressing authorities in Denmark, a fellow member of the European Union, not to extradite Watson.

An online petition in France for Macron to call for Watson's release has gathered almost 475,000 signatures, including celebrities such as film star and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot.

The red notice was issued in 2012, with an Interpol statement at the time saying Watson was wanted by Japan on charges of causing damage and injury against a Japanese whaling ship in the Antarctic Ocean two years earlier.

At the time Japanese ships, pursued aggressively by activists, hunted whales in the Antarctic and North Pacific for "scientific" purposes.

Japan now conducts whaling only inside its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, going after Bryde's, minke and sei whales.

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF) said on Monday that the arrest was a "surprise since the Foundation's lawyers had reported that the Red Notice had been withdrawn".

CPWF said the ship John Paul DeJoria was en route to the Northwest Passage on its way to intercept Japan's newly built factory ship, the Kangei Maru, in the North Pacific when Watson was arrested.

The Kangei Maru, a 9,300-tonne "mothership" that set off from Japan in May, processes whales caught by smaller vessels and stores their meat for later consumption in Japan.

However, the CPWF said it suspects Japan will use its new ship to resume high-seas whaling in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific by 2025.

tmo-nf-kaf-stu/pbt
Denmark awaits Japan's extradition request for anti-whaling activist



Copenhagen, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Denmark is waiting for Japan's extradition for the veteran anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, arrested this weekend in Greenland, before ruling on the case, the justice ministry said Wednesday.

Watson, the 73-year-old American-Canadian founder of activist group Sea Shepherd, was arrested on Sunday in Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, under an international arrest warrant issued by Japan.

He will remain in custody until August 15, while the Danish justice ministry decides whether he should be extradited.

But a justice ministry statement said Wednesday: "Extradition from Greenland for prosecution in other countries can only occur following an extradition request from the country that issued the arrest warrant."

Only when such a request was received would the ministry decide whether there were grounds to extradite, the statement added. And for the moment, they are still waiting to hear from Japan.

"Such an extradition request must be submitted no later than 30 days after the arrest."

But Japan's government, in its first comments on Watson's arrest, said Wednesday it had long been pressing countries to detain him.

Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters in Tokyo the Coast Guard authority would "take the appropriate action" in the case, in consultation with other ministries.



- 'Appropriate action' -



French President Emmanuel Macron's office said Tuesday that he had already asked the Danish authorities not to extradite Watson, who has lived in France for the past year.

French screen legend Brigitte Bardot is among the campaigners who have rallied to his cause, calling for his release.

Watson was arrested after arriving in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, when the ship John Paul DeJoria docked to refuel.

The vessel was on its way to "intercept" Japan's new whaling factory vessel in the North Pacific, said a statement from the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF).

Watson was arrested on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued in 2012, when Japan has accused him of causing damage and injury to one of its Japanese whaling ships in the Antarctic two years earlier.

At the time Japanese ships, pursued aggressively by activists, hunted whales in the Antarctic and North Pacific for "scientific" purposes.

The CPWF said the arrest had come as a "surprise since the Foundation's lawyers had reported that the Red Notice had been withdrawn".

Japan, Norway and Iceland are the last three countries in the world to practice commercial whale hunting.
Climate activists stage protests at European airports



London, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



A number of climate protesters were arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, police and Just Stop Oil said on Wednesday, as similar action took place across Europe.

The pressure group, which wants an end to oil and gas extraction and use, said seven of its supporters were detained at two locations on the airport perimeter road at about 9:00 am (0800 GMT).

London's Metropolitan Police said nine activists were held for "conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport" and were taken into custody.

A Heathrow spokesperson said operations were not affected.

"We are in full agreement that the aviation industry needs to decarbonise, but unlawful and irresponsible protest activity will not be tolerated," the spokesperson said.

Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, obtained a court injunction earlier this month barring anyone from entering on its grounds "in connection with Just Stop Oil" or any other environmental campaign.

Anyone breaching the injunction faces being imprisoned for up to two years.

Lawyers for Heathrow told the court that the site was a "clear and obvious target for planned disruptive action" by climate protesters.

Injunctions were also issued for three other UK airports, as Just Stop Oil threatened to engage in action "at airports across the country" unless their demands were met.

Just Stop Oil wants the UK to halt new oil and gas licensing and to work on a fossil fuel treaty with other countries to end all oil, gas and coal extraction and burning by 2030.

UK's newly elected Labour government has said it will not issue new licences for exploring oil and gas -- a major Just Stop Oil demand for the previous Conservative government.

At Germany's Cologne Bonn airport, climate activists glued themselves on the runway on Wednesday morning, with flights grounded briefly before resuming.

"Disruptions in the form of delays and flight cancellations are to be expected during the course of the day," the airport said.

In Norway, around 12 activists blocked the runway at Oslo airport, while Just Stop Oil said other groups took similar action in Spain and Finland.

The protests are part of the A22 Network of activist groups committed to non-violent protest, which said it was planning to disrupt airports in a number of countries in the coming months.

Protests were planned in the UK, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, United States and Norway, UK-based activists from the alliance told AFP earlier in July.

Global aviation is responsible for around 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions, more than the annual carbon footprint of Brazil and France combined.
Russia and Kyrgyzstan sign radioactive decontamination deal



Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Kyrgyzstan ratified an agreement with Russia on Wednesday for the mass decontamination of radioactive areas that pose a threat to the local population.

The mountainous central Asian country, a former Soviet republic, is still suffering the environmental consequences of uranium and other heavy metals for mining during the Soviet era.

Ninety-two sites contain more than 300 million cubic metres (10.5 billion cubic feet) of toxic and radioactive waste.

"The agreement between the Kyrgyz and Russian governments to cooperate in the rehabilitation of territories in Kyrgyzstan affected by uranium extraction and the mining industry has been ratified," President Sadyr Japarov's office said in a statement.

The agreement aims to "ensure the safety of the population living in areas where there is waste from former uranium mines."

Without decontamination, natural disasters like landslides -- which are frequent in the region -- could send the waste spilling into rivers that traverse the entire Central Asian region, potentially contaminating millions.

Kyrgyzstan held a separate ceremony on Wednesday marking the removal of the final 55 tonnes of Samin, a toxic rocket fuel component, from a village near the capital Bishkek -- another chemical waste hangover from the Soviet Union.

"The disposal of the rocket fuel component 'Samin' will significantly reduce the risk of an environmental emergency and enhance the safety of the local population," Deputy Defence Minister Emil Osmonov said.

The fuel will be transported to Germany to be destroyed next month, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which supported the work, said in a statement.

Russian state-run nuclear giant Rosatom is also running nuclear waste decontamination efforts in neighbouring ex-Soviet countries Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The EU and World Bank have both allocated funds to help restoration efforts.
Over 100,000 schools in Pakistan remain closed due to the heat



Karachi, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



School summer holidays will be extended by two weeks in southern Pakistan because of high temperatures, affecting more than 100,000 schools, an education official said Tuesday.

Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change, including heatwaves that are hotter and more frequent and monsoons that are heavier and longer.

"We decided to close schools for an additional 14 days for the children's well-being," Atif Vighio, a spokesperson at the education department in Sindh province, told AFP.

Planned power cuts, also known as load-shedding, happen frequently in Pakistan due to an ongoing power supply crisis.

The load-shedding varies from city to city, but in rural areas of Sindh they can last for more than 12 hours a day, leaving schools without fans.

"As a teacher, I am worried about how I will complete the curriculum, but as a mother, I am concerned about kids going to school in this heat," a public school teacher told AFP, asking for her name not to be used.

"It is the load-shedding we are worried about, not just the heat."

The government has said more than 26 million children are out of school due to poverty.

Pakistan struggled through a series of heatwaves in May and June, with temperatures peaking at more than 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of rural Sindh.

Authorities in Punjab province, the country's most populous, started summer vacations in May one week early to protect children from the searing heat.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said more than three-quarters of children in South Asia -- or 460 million -- are exposed to temperatures above 35C (95F) for at least 83 days per year.

Despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan has experienced severe weather-related disasters in recent years due to changing weather patterns.
Deforestation endangers rare gorillas in DRCongo park: campaigners



Bukavu, DR Congo, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Massive deforestation, caused in part by the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is threatening a national park there that is the last sanctuary for eastern lowland gorillas.

Demographic pressure is the main reason for the deforestation, but the situation has worsened as the armed conflict in region has once again flared up, they said.

Some 1,500 trees a month are being cut down in the Kahuzi-Biega (PNKB) park, either to be turned into planks or charcoal, said a recent report by local environmental group SYDHE and the Institute for Electoral Governance and Education (IGE).

"Many parts of the territory are occupied (by fighters of the M23 group) and to get wood, the population has no alternative besides the Kahuzi-Biega park", Patrice Lwabaguma, one of the report's authors, told AFP.

Transported in private vehicles, motorbikes or foot, the planks and bags are transported to Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, but also by boat across Lake Kivu to Goma, in the neighbouring province of North Kivu.

Local officials insist they are doing what they can to protect the park.

Innocent Bayubasire, head of the provincial environmental office, said forest guards had been deployed in the areas bordering the park.

The most affected areas are controlled by armed groups or those under their protection who practise logging and large-scale illegal mining" the PNKB park said in a statement signed by its director Arthur Kalonji Mulamayi.

The park is running campaigns to convince locals of the importance of "preserving this natural wealth", he added.

The 6,000 square kilometre (2,300 square mile) park, home to the last critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas, was placed in 1997 on a list of World Heritage sites in danger.
Climate activists stage protests at European airports



London, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Several climate protesters were arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, police and the activist group Just Stop Oil said Wednesday, as similar actions took place across Europe.

The pressure group, which wants an end to oil and gas extraction and use, said seven of its supporters were detained at two locations on Heathrow's perimeter road at about 9:00 am (0800 GMT).

London's Metropolitan Police said 10 activists were held for "conspiracy to interfere with key national infrastructure" and taken into custody.

Seven were arrested at Heathrow and three more at "other locations", the force said, adding that they recovered cutting gear and glue during the operation.

The activists were believed to be trying to get through the airport's perimeter fence, the Met added.

"Doing so would have led to the suspension of flight operations causing a major impact to international aviation," a statement said.

A Heathrow spokesperson said operations were not affected because of "swift action from the police and airport colleagues".

Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers, obtained a court injunction this month barring anyone from entering on its grounds "in connection with Just Stop Oil" or any other environmental campaign.

People breaching the injunction face up to two years in jail.

Injunctions were also issued for three other UK airports, as Just Stop Oil threatened to engage in action "at airports across the country" unless their demands were met.

Just Stop Oil wants the UK to halt new oil and gas licensing -- which the new Labour government has said it will do -- and to work on a fossil fuel treaty with other countries to end all oil, gas and coal extraction and burning by 2030.



- 'Oil kills' coalition -



JSO was one of seven groups that planned to or caused disruption at airports across Europe on Wednesday as part of "Oil Kills", a coalition of groups from 10 countries in Europe and North America demanding an end to oil and gas use.

The countries which saw protests included Germany, Norway, Finland, Spain, Switzerland and Austria.

At Germany's Cologne-Bonn airport, activists glued themselves on the runway on Wednesday morning, with flights grounded briefly before resuming.

At Vienna airport, four activists poured an orange substance in one of the airport's halls, holding signs that read "Oil kills".

Two other activists inside a Rome-bound plane refused to sit down before take-off and made a speech against climate change, delaying take-off, according to Last Generation Austria.

One of them was dragged out of the plane, the group said.

In Norway, around 12 activists blocked the runway at Oslo airport.

The protest organisers are part of the A22 Network of groups committed to non-violent climate protests, which said it was planning to disrupt airports in several countries in the coming months.

Protests were planned in Britain, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, United States and Norway, UK-based activists from the alliance told AFP earlier in July.

Global aviation is responsible for around 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions, more than the annual carbon footprint of Brazil and France combined.
Taiwan shuts down as deadly Typhoon Gaemi makes landfall



Yilan, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Typhoon Gaemi made landfall on Taiwan's eastern coast in the early hours of Thursday, after unleashing torrential rainfall and whipping winds across the island that left two people dead.

On its path to Taiwan, Gaemi had also exacerbated seasonal rains in nearby Philippines, triggering flooding and landslides that killed six.

The superstorm hit Taiwan's eastern Yilan County at around 12:00 am local time Thursday (1600 GMT Wednesday), said the Central Weather Administration.

"Wind and rain continue to intensify, posing a threat to various parts of Taiwan, (and its outlying islands of) Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu," it said, calling on the public to "be on high alert".

The first typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan this year, Gaemi was "expected to be the strongest" one in eight years, a government forecaster told AFP.

It had caused downpours and strong gusts across Taiwan before its arrival, killing one motorist in southern Kaohsiung city who was crushed by a falling tree, and a woman in eastern Hualien, authorities said.

More than 200 people were injured by Wednesday evening, while more than 290,000 homes were plunged into darkness due to power outages, disaster officials said.

The weather also forced the self-ruled island to cancel some of its annual Han Kuang war games -- which test preparedness for a Chinese invasion -- though an anti-landing drill went ahead as scheduled on Wednesday morning on Penghu, west of Taiwan's main island.

By 8:00 pm (1200 GMT) on Wednesday, authorities had evacuated more than 8,000 people living in precarious conditions across Taiwan, particularly in Hualien -- a mountainous area with a high risk of landslides.

Trains and ferry services were suspended and hundreds of international and domestic flights were cancelled on Wednesday.

"We expect that the impact of the typhoon will be extended to four days (until Friday)," said Taiwan's Central Weather Administration chief Cheng Jia-ping.

Schools and offices will remain closed for the second day in a row in several cities -- including Taipei -- with authorities expecting adverse weather to continue across the island.

Gaemi is expected to make its way across the strait later today and hit China's eastern Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, where authorities have issued a red storm alert.



- 'Exercise strong vigilance' -



Gaemi swept past the Philippines, intensifying monsoons that were typical this time of the year and triggering widespread flooding in Manila that turned streets into rivers.

Landslides killed six in provinces surrounding Manila, police and disaster officials said.

Weather authorities in Japan's southern island region of Okinawa urged residents to "exercise strong vigilance" against storms, high waves and floods.

Massive waves crashed ashore in Taiwan's northeastern Yilan county, while strong gusts whipped the rain sideways and sent signs flying.

A fisher surnamed Hsu tied down his boat at a typhoon shelter in a harbour crowded with docked vessels.

"I am worried about the typhoon -- the boats are my tool for making money," he told AFP.

Government offices were closed and streets emptied in the capital Taipei, while some stores had their entrances sandbagged to prevent potential floodwater.

Taiwanese chip giant TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, said it would maintain normal production and that it had "activated routine typhoon alert preparation procedures" at all fabrication plants.

Taiwan is accustomed to frequent tropical storms from July to October but experts say climate change has increased their intensity, leading to heavy rains, flash floods and strong gusts.

burs-dhc/aha
Tearful locals search in mud for Ethiopia landslide victims



Kencho Shacha Gozdi, July 24 (AFP) Jul 24, 2024



Tearful crowds gathered around a mud pit containing dead bodies Wednesday as volunteers dug for survivors of landslides that have killed 229 people and displaced thousands more in southern Ethiopia.

Humanitarian agencies scrambled to rush emergency relief aid to the stricken community after the deadliest such incident recorded in Ethiopia, a country highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

Around 14,000 affected people, including children and pregnant women, need to be evacuated urgently because of the risk of further landslides in the remote and mountainous area, a UN source told AFP.

"Search and rescue operations are still ongoing and are being beefed up," the source said.

Images broadcast on regional state television from the site in Kencho Shacha Gozdi, in the state of South Ethiopia, showed residents using shovels and bare hands to dig through vast mounds of reddish mud.

In one graphic scene, dozens of men surrounded a pit where human limbs were exposed in the mud, while others carried bodies on makeshift stretchers.

In a nearby tent, women wailed as they sat near a row of bodies wrapped in mainly white shrouds.

Ethiopian Red Cross workers in red vests were distributing aid.

So far, 148 men and 81 women are confirmed to have died, the Gofa Zone Communications Affairs Department that covers the locality said Tuesday, but there are fears the toll could rise.

Senait Solomon, head of communications for the South Ethiopia regional government, said eight survivors had been rescued and taken to medical facilities for treatment.

The number of people still missing from Monday's disaster is not known, but Senait told AFP that updated tolls might be issued later Wednesday.

She said the landslide site was sloped and "prone to disasters", adding that conservation work to protect the area, including tree planting, had been underway at the time of the landslides.



- Drones aid search -



Firaol Bekele, early warning director at the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC), told AFP the search was being aided by drones operated by the country's intelligence and cybersecurity agency.

"The government is addressing urgent needs for food, water, medicine and shelter," he added.

Officials have said that most of the victims were buried after they rushed to help after the first landslide, which followed heavy rains Sunday in the area roughly 450 kilometres (270 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa -- about a 10-hour drive.

The UN source told AFP that about 125 people had been displaced and that 14,000 needed to be evacuated fast because of the risk of further landslides, including 5,000 pregnant or lactating women and 1,300 children.

More than 21 million people or about 18 percent of the population rely on humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, as a result of conflict and natural disasters such as flooding and drought.



- 'Deeply saddened' -



Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on X on Tuesday he was "deeply saddened by this terrible loss".

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is Ethiopian, sent a message of condolence on X and said a WHO team was being deployed to support immediate health needs.

Condolences were also sent from the African Union and the US embassy in Addis Ababa, as well as neighbouring Djibouti.

Firaol of the EDRMC had told AFP on Tuesday that residents had tried to save lives after four households were initially affected by a mudslide.

"But they too perished when the landslide engulfed them," he said.

The UN's humanitarian response agency OCHA said Tuesday that a similar but lower-scale landslide struck in May in the same area, killing more than 50 people.

Seasonal rains in South Ethiopia state between April and early May had caused flooding, mass displacement and damage to livelihoods and infrastructure, it had said in May.

In 2017, at least 113 people died when a mountain of garbage collapsed in a dump in the outskirts of Addis Ababa.

The deadliest landslide in Africa was in Sierra Leone's capital in Freetown in August 2017, when 1,141 people perished.

Mudslides in the Mount Elgon region of eastern Uganda killed more than 350 people in February 2010.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. The COP29 Presidency team participated in a multilateral conference on carbon markets, Trend reports.

"The discussions focused on the operationalization of Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement (2015) on the development of carbon trading (credits). The needs and challenges of Africa concerning carbon market development and climate solutions are at the center of the activities and efforts of the COP29 chairmanship," the information notes.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Global climate change has become one of the most discussed topics in the international arena in recent years. These alterations have a huge impact on all spheres of life, including business, industry, and agriculture. But what specific threats do they pose, and how can they be tackled?

According to the European Commission, rising temperatures are increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts are becoming more common, damaging agriculture and water resources. Agriculture, in turn, is facing problems in food production, leading to rising prices and threatening food security.

Deputy Chairperson of Azerbaijan's Agrarian Credit and Development Agency, Leyla Jabbarli, told Trend that global climate change poses various risks to business, industry, and agriculture in Azerbaijan as well as the rest of the world.

One of such risks is a reduction in productivity in agriculture. Due to climatic heating, there is an uneven distribution of precipitation, an expansion of the impact of drought, and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions (floods, storms), which can negatively affect agricultural production and significantly reduce its productivity. This leads not only to a decrease in farmers' incomes but also to a deterioration in the quality of products, as well as a decrease in competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets, she said.

According to her, global climate change requires efficient use of water resources, as their shrinking and uneven distribution pose serious risks.

Lack of irrigation is considered one of the major factors weakening agricultural production worldwide. Rising average annual temperatures and related other climatic changes increase risks in the agricultural sector, leading to higher insurance and production costs and lower investment attractiveness for the sector, she said.

Jabbarli noted that continuous state support is needed to manage risks in agriculture.

In Azerbaijan, one of the key directions of state policy in the agricultural sector is adaptation and measures to adjust to the risks caused by global climate change. One of such measures is to promote the introduction of modern irrigation systems. Providing water requirements with modern methods allows not only efficient use of water resources but also protects land resources. The application of various subsidy mechanisms is aimed at eliminating the negative effects of global climate change on agriculture in the medium and long term. For instance, providing a one-time subsidy for sowing in orchards on land of poor quality allows for more efficient use of land resources and stimulates the return of eroded and saline lands to turnover, she emphasized.

The state support aimed at stimulating the efficient use of land and water resources also serves as an example of managing the risks posed by climate change at the global level, concluded the agency's Deputy Chairperson.

Speaking about business solutions, it should be noted that they include developing sustainable supply chains, investing in local production and warehousing facilities, using digital technologies to monitor and manage risks, increasing insurance coverage, as well as implementing eco-innovation and complying with environmental standards.

The solutions for industry, on the other hand, include investing in renewable energy, upgrading infrastructure to make it more sustainable, and optimizing production processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reuse waste.

On the other hand, solutions for agriculture include adaptive agriculture using drought- and disease-resistant crops, drip irrigation systems and water-saving technologies, land management through agroforestry and soil health monitoring, and precision farming technologies such as the use of drones and satellites to monitor fields.

Global climate change is having a significant impact on business, industry, and agriculture, creating serious challenges for all these areas. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, water instability, and changes in temperature patterns require businesses to be flexible and ready to adapt.

An essential step to managing these risks is to develop and implement adaptive strategies to increase resilience to climate change. For business, this may mean investing in sustainable supply chains and clean technologies; for industry, in infrastructure modernization and renewable energy; and for agriculture, in water-saving technologies and climate-resilient crops.

Government support and regulation play a key role in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, providing conditions for efficient resource management, and stimulating innovation. The joint efforts of business, industry, and agriculture, as well as support from government agencies, will help to meet climate challenges and create a more sustainable future.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29 can contribute to the achievement of climate finance targets, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Simon Stiell said in Baku, Trend reports.

During COP28 in Dubai, new financial targets were announced in the fight against climate change. We would like to see a certain part of our climate finance expectations met by 2030. We need to make progress at COP29, which will be held in Baku. Finance is a key topic this year, and Azerbaijan's chairmanship should support and contribute to a solution, Stiell said at a meeting with young people in Baku.

According to him, new climate plans are being developed before COP29.

What will be developed this year and what will be presented in Brazil next year is a new phase of climate plans. These plans include Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Their implementation aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Troika of the COP Presidency - the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil - are helping the UN achieve these ambitious but necessary goals. Each of the COP Presidency parties is accountable for implementation, just like the UNFCCC, Stiell noted.
Importantly for Macarthur, if a decision by Gold Valley to unlock the deposit and start expanded mining is made  possibly on the back of winning port and rail capacity  a $10 million payday and a $1 per dry metric tonne royalty awaits the company once 2 million dry tonnes have been shipped. It could reap a massive windfall of more than $70 million during the life of the mine.

The project, 50km west of Menzies, has previously been the subject of a feasibility study over its hematite and magnetite operations and now has all the mining grants and heritage clearances in place to start digging the dirt.

Macarthur, which retains ownership of its Ularring tenements, now also plans to channel funds into its Lake Giles Moonshine magnetite project. The project boasts 1.3 billion tonnes of resources, reflecting not only the of the regions burgeoning potential, but also the possible making of the company.

Meanwhile, Gina Rineharts Hancock Prospecting is contemplating a $5 billion investment into a magnetite iron ore project, 120km north of Kalgoorlie, after increasing its stake to 51 per cent of the Mt Bevan play in a joint venture (JV) with Legacy Iron Ore and Hawthorn Resources. By funding further studies, Hancock can boost its holding to 70 per cent.

The Mt Bevan project promises a 25-year mine life producing 12 million tonnes annually, with exports likely to be routed through Esperance.

Legacys biggest shareholder, with 91.38 per cent, is the Indian Government-owned National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)  that nations biggest iron ore producer. The NMDC made the headlines last year after a much-publicised meeting in Australia was revealed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rinehart, to discuss, among other things, the future of the project.

And not to be left out, Juno Minerals  which was originally spun out of manganese miner Jupiter Mines in 2021 and whose senior shareholders include American private giant AMCI Holdings  holds sway over the permit-ready Mt Mason hematite deposit and the Mt Ida magnetite deposit that hosts 1.85 billion tonnes, 30km west of Menzies.

The Port of Esperance, with its master plan to reach 50 million tonnes per annum through a dual-circuit loading system, is no doubt poised for growth. In the interim, reconfiguring its conveyor belt system can boost shipments to 20 million tonnes annually.

Gold Valleys interest in the Lake Giles Ularring hematite deposit is not just about rail and port access. The private company also previously bought the Wiluna West iron ore project for $30 million, plus royalties, to capitalise on its high-grade reserves.

The mine, with 130 million tonnes at 60 per cent iron content, is already operational, with stockpiling and shipments underway from Geraldton.

Should Gold Valley be able to secure port and rail capacity to Esperance, it is expected to look to blend the high-grade Wiluna West ore with Lake Giles Ularrings output, creating a premium product for select steel manufacturers. The blend would be transported to Kalgoorlie and then railed to Esperance by Australias biggest rail freight operator, Aurizon.

Macarthur chairman Cameron McCall is particularly effusive in his thoughts on the Yilgarn region, which he sees as something mirroring the Pilbara from some 30 years ago. He is adamant the region will evolve into a new Pilbara-like hub, with Esperance potentially becoming the next Port Hedland.

As the dust settles on MinRes headline-making exit from the port, the industry watches keenly. And with heavyweights such as Hancock, Glencore, Gold Valley, AMCI and Indias NMDC in the fray, the battle for Esperances newfound capacity is well-and-truly on.

Will Hancocks long-term vision for Mt Bevan secure it, or will Gold Valley, backed by Glencores offtake agreement, seize the moment with its ready-to-go Ularring project? Or will Juno, though its access to the deep pockets of American giant AMCI, steal the lead?

It seems the race to capitalise on Esperances potentially lucrative iron ore future is just beginning.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Australias major banks were warned they risked breaching the intellectual property rights of Australias $800 billion electronic property settlements giant PEXA, a move that proved decisive in delaying the launch of its rival Sympli.

The banks were sent a letter by PEXA in December last year as they prepared to cooperate with requests from the conveyancing sectors regulator, the Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC), to introduce competition in the property settlements market.

PEXA has a virtual monopoly on settling property transactions and mortgages in Australia with more than 88 per cent of the market. Credit: Louie Douvis

ARNECC had requested specific information on functions provided by the $2.5 billion PEXA - the only provider of econveyancing transactions - which now account for 88 per cent of property transfers in Australia and 99 per cent of mortgages refinanced.

PEXAs letter referred to a meeting between the regulator and the banks representative body - the Australian Banking Association (ABA) - where the banks had stressed the need to ensure there was no loss of functionality or increased risk of transaction failure.
Lady in the Lake 

Apple TV+

If theres a sweet spot situated between overwhelming ambition, theatrical execution and questionable excess, thats where this period mystery is precariously balanced. Headlined by Natalie Portman, with a performance whose brittle mayhem eventually reveals self-awareness, Lady in the Lake pushes at every boundary it can find: storytelling, Americas racial history, dramatic realism, and directorial convention are just a few. It is, in short, a lot, but it allows you to be equally infuriated and intrigued.

Natalie Portman plays a housewife turned crime reporter in Lady in the Lake. Credit: Apple TV+

In 1966, Baltimore barriers are coming down, and the citys Jewish and black communities are dealing with new dynamics and long-standing privilege. When Maddie Schwartz (Portman) decides to leave the starched homemaker life that has left her skittish and unfulfilled, she finds an apartment and pursues a belated career as a newspaper reporter. But for Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram), a wife and mother who works as a bookkeeper for a black crime boss, theres less leeway. Shes first seen being surreptitiously carried to her resting place.

You came at the end of my story and turned it into your beginning, says Cleo in voiceover, and without knowing each other, the two women become intertwined. The shows seven episodes are genuine in exploring both their lives, although Maddies has more momentum once she becomes central to the horrific murder of a young girl and ingratiates herself with the accused killer. Cleo sees the walls closing in; Maddie wants to smash them. The detail that surrounds them is vast: flashbacks and youthful mistakes underpin a sizeable supporting cast.
Despite reopening after extensive renovations as recently as 2018, the Carlton landmark is about to be shuttered for another overhaul.

Is one of Australias oldest licensed grocers about to slice its last prosciutto? The grand old building on Carltons most prominent corner has been a food store since 1871, became King & Godfree in 1884, and has been owned by the Valmorbida family since 1955. On July 28, it will close its doors to renovate.

Owners Jamie Valmorbida and Luca Sbardella are yet to reveal what will come next but say the entire ground floor building on the corner of Lygon and Faraday streets will be shuttered until 2025. As well as the iconic deli, this includes the adjoining wine store, cafe and restaurant Agostino. Rooftop pizza and cocktail restaurant Johnnys Green Room is accessible via a side laneway and will remain open.

Luca Sbardella and Jamie Valmorbida inside historic King & Godfree. Wayne Taylor

The whole building was closed for three years and extensively renovated, opening renewed in 2018. But the dining and retail landscape along the street has changed again markedly in the last five years. Since our grandfather Carlo took over the business in 1955, our family has always been fuelled by creativity and truthfully, we feel its time for us to evolve, just as our Nonno had to adapt to meet consumer demands, says Sbardella. Were ready for whats next for this beautiful and historic space.

The family, which also owns the freehold, isnt ready to reveal specifics. What I can say is that the offerings will keep in line with what weve been providing for the last 150 years to our community, he says. The King & Godfree story will continue.
Drug kingpin Vaso Ulic, last week picked up by European police in a large-scale organised crime sting in the Balkans, was allegedly behind Australias most high-profile drug import in recent years  two shipments of cocaine totalling 2.5 tonnes.

The imports set into motion a chain of events which sparked a global manhunt.

Vaso Ulic, 65, was arrested in a dramatic sting codenamed General in Montenegros capital, Podgorica, last week (left and bottom right); Ulic was arrested in 2017 (top right). Credit: Libertas Press/Savo Prelevic; NSW Police; Supplied

The second of the two imports that Ulic allegedly masterminded from his base in Montenegro  900 kilograms of Colombian cocaine sent into Port Botany in June 2021  was to be sent to a man multiple sources say was his employee, Sydneysider Mostafa Baluch.

The son of Newport restaurateurs, Baluch was picked up by investigators and charged with a slew of offences in relation to the shipment, of which he was allegedly a primary shareholder.
A confidential and free pill testing service will be available at this years Schoolies at Surfers Paradise.

Queensland is the first Australian state to legalise drug checking, and a fixed-site service at Bowen Hills that opened in April revealed risky synthetic stimulants in samples people thought were ecstasy and cocaine.

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After getting their results, one in five people discarded the substance.

The Schoolies site will be near the entertainment precinct in Surfers Paradise and co-located with other health services.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said thousands of people died from drug-related deaths in Australia every year.

One death is one too many, she said.

This additional service is all about empowering Schoolies with the information they need to make informed decisions that we hope will keep them safe.
The milestone first test of a train travelling 27 metres under Brisbane as part of Queenslands biggest infrastructure project has been cancelled amid industrial action.

CPB, the major contractor on Brisbanes $6.3 billion Cross River Rail project, planned this weekend to test a train on the underground rail line.

The train was due to enter the northern portal, near the RNA Exhibition Grounds, and travel to the underground Roma Street station platform.

The first train to run under the new Roma Street Station has been delayed due to recent interruptions to work flow. Credit: Tony Moore

It would have been the first live test of a train entering the underground section of the Cross River Rail section on the SEQ Rail network.
Australia needs a national strategy to ensure the live music industry survives, a parliamentary inquiry has been told.

The industry is facing an existential crisis, with smaller venues needing immediate help to ensure their survival, according to Kris Stewart from QMusic, the peak body for Queenslands music sector.

Problems include reduced audience spending, huge increases in insurance costs and a weak Australian dollar  but there are still some opportunities.

Ballpark Music at The Zoo in Brisbane. After 32 years, the venue hosted its last show on July 7. Credit: Sue Yek

This is Halleys Comet, not the end of the dinosaurs. I think this is an extraordinary moment in front of our eyes, Stewart said.
A builder has died in hospital from catastrophic injuries he sustained during an arrest by two police officers outside a Hoppers Crossing convenience store last week.

The tragic death will be the subject of a coronial inquiry, while the circumstances surrounding the arrest on July 15 are still being investigated by the homicide squad and Professional Standards Command.

Luke Briggs, pictured with sister Catherine, died from injuries sustained during a police arrest on July 15.

Luke Briggs, 35, died on Tuesday afternoon after being taken off life support.

The two officers had been fitted with body-worn cameras, but Victoria Police has not released the footage or revealed what happened during the arrest.
Twenty-two cows were killed or suffered injuries that led to them being euthanised after a cattle truck crashed into a bridge in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Police said the truck crashed into the rail bridge in Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra, about 8.25pm. Photos show the trailers top deck crushed under the bridge and cattle hanging from its sides.

Agriculture Victoria said there were about 75 cattle on board.Some of the animals had escaped from the truck, and critically injured animals were euthanised at the scene.

The surviving animals were assessed by Agriculture Victoria and moved from the crash site. They were to be reassessed on Wednesday, a government spokesperson said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan explored cooperation prospects in the field of cybersecurity, Trend reports.

According to the Azerbaijani Electronic Security Service (ESS), a meeting was held with a Kyrgyz delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Digital Development Klim Omelchenko.

The meeting discussed Azerbaijan's experience in creating a national CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) and establishing cooperation with international organizations, as well as possibilities for cooperation between cybersecurity institutions, information exchange, and increasing human resource capacity.

Representatives from the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union also participated in the discussions.

The parties agreed to establish international cooperation and hold regular meetings in this direction.

From January through June 2024, information and communication enterprises in Azerbaijan provided services worth 1.6 billion manat or $940 million (an increase of 12.2 percent year-on-year), with 74.5 percent of these services provided to the population.

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Warning: This story carries the name and image of a deceased Indigenous person, with his familys permission.

A former Childrens Court judge said he predicted there would be a death at Unit 18 a year before 16-year-old Cleveland Dodd was found unresponsive in his cell, later dying from his self-inflicted injuries.

Denis Reynolds, who was Childrens Court president from 2004-2018 before he retired, gave evidence on day three of a protracted inquest into the Indigenous teenagers death last October.

Former WA Childrens Court president Denis Reynolds. Credit: ABC

Dodd was being held at the notorious Unit 18, a section of Casuarinas adult prison created specifically for difficult-to-handle children and youths overflowing from the main childrens prison Banksia Hill.
City of South Perth councillors have voted to reject their draft tree retention policy, aimed at slowing the loss of large shade trees in the area  much to the dismay of local activists.

At a meeting on Tuesday night, councillors instead voted to refer the matter of tree retention in the area to the state government.

One of the streets in South Perth, famous for its canopy of Jacaranda trees. Credit: iStock

The City planning scheme provisions and draft tree retention policy both sought to regulate tree removal so that large trees, over 8 metres in height, would not be removed or pruned in a way that would kill them, without council approval.

South Perth Tree Canopy Advocates group co-founder Bronwyn David said the City had been attempting to introduce tree protections for a number of years.

I hate to think of the hundreds of hours of work that has gone into researching and drafting this, only for councillors to disregard the advice of the City and the clear preferences of its residents, she said.

The councillors arguments about the cost of implementation suggested they believed that hundreds of people want to remove their trees, when in reality most trees are lost when land is purchased by developers.

Another group co-founder Kathy Lees said trees were already suffering from polyphagous shot hole borer attacks, and an increasingly hot and dry climate.

We urgently need to try to protect our remaining large healthy trees if we want our suburbs to remain livable, she said.

A City spokesman said they had undertaken a range of measures to improve the Citys tree canopy cover, including underground power, tree giveaways from a dedicated tree nursery and increased tree plantings on public land.

After considering community feedback, both for and against, and advice from the City officers about the practical application, likelihood of enforcement and opportunity cost of the draft policy, council decided to not proceed, he said.
In Western Australia on Tuesday, US admiral and member of the joint chiefs of staff Lisa Franchetti made comforting noises when asked about the future of the AUKUS agreement should Donald Trump be restored to power. Trumps positions on international agreements are erratic but for the most part he doesnt like them, and his political movement is essentially isolationist. Franchettis message was that we shouldnt worry about politics because America would always be there for its allies and partners.

She had to say that, of course, but she wont get to decide: her job is to follow orders from her commander in chief, so if a freshly elected Trump wanted to renegotiate or tear up AUKUS, shed have to go along with it. In any event, lets reflect on the simple fact that she even had to offer the reassurance.

The Labor government would be concerned by the prospect of Donald Trump returning to power. Credit: Illustration: Dionne Gain

Few countries are more deeply enmeshed with the United States than Australia. As the years go by, the relationship gets ever closer, at least among the major parties. If you doubt that, take your mind back to 2003 when John Howard was gung-ho on the ill-fated invasion of Iraq and signed us up to the Coalition of the Willing with the US and Britain. The Labor Party, led by the late Simon Crean, opposed Australias involvement.

Its hard to imagine the contemporary Labor Party, which almost tripped over itself in its rush to embrace Scott Morrisons AUKUS, first in opposition and then in power, saying no to an American administration should it have a future rush of blood to the head. As for the Liberal-National coalition under Peter Dutton, it would say yes without bothering to wait for the question.
The federal government and its $23 billion Future Made in Australia policy have been put on notice by the Productivity Commission, which has urged caution spending so much money on a program that may not play to Australias traditional economic advantages.

In its annual review of handouts to businesses and industries, the commission also revealed a 300 per cent blowout in a COVID-era policy that contributed to some of the cost pressures across the building sector.

The Future Made in Australia policy is aimed at supporting new industries in areas such as lithium processing. Credit: The New York Times

Every year, the commission reports on the amount of assistance paid to industry  either directly or through tax concessions  by the government. The programs stretch from research and development allowances to the Farm Management Deposit Scheme available to primary producers.

Total assistance to business and industry edged down in 2022-23 to $15 billion from $15.2 billion the previous year. The drop was largely due to the discontinuation of COVID-era programs.
US President Joe Bidens decision against running for president again upended a race that was already reeling after the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.

The gunman in the attempted assassination is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?

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FBI Director Christopher Wray said this on Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed president John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

That is a search that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears he registered for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

Crooks was killed by a Secret Service countersniper.

The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

Full story here.

Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to shoot Donald Trump. Credit: AP

AP
Aussie reality TV kween Abbie Chatfield took a quick trip across the ditch to celebrate 'FBoy Island' season 2 and it's safe to say she was impressed by the way we do things here in New Zealand.

Abbie took to her Insta last night to express her love for every Kiwi she interacted with.

"Hi New Zealand I have a f*cking bone to pick with you," she began. "I'm here right now and I'm just wondering. why are you the nicest people on the planet?"

"Are you guys my people?" She asked. "I love you guys so f*cking much!"

Abbie's experience here was so "joyous", she's dead keen to move here.

In the highest form of a compliment Abbie added: "Aotearoa. you F**K!"

Many commenters agreed with Abbie, with one writing: "I discovered this so long ago. They're so pleasant. "

Another Kiwi agreed: "We sooo are. Then we move to Aussie and we struggle as we don't know why everyone is "off". I struggle here .. I miss being where everyone is so bloody nice."

Abbie replied: "I love Australia and Australians BUT I feel like you guys are the 2.0 version of us?"

Abbie's boyfriend, Adam Hyde, one half of Aussie DJ duo Peking Duck, joined the fun by simply commenting "chur" - he gets us!

After her fab experience here in NZ, Abbie is keen to bring her live show our ways, and you know what? We are soooo here for it!

This was Abbie's first time on our shores, and we don't think it will be her last!

You can catch 'FBoy Island' Season 1 now, and Season 2 streaming from August 6th, on Hayu.
25 Yearsof Kargil Victory A Recall Courage Under Fire: A Mi-17 pilots account of Kargil war





(LEFT) Wg Cdr Arvind Pande (Retd) (RIGHT) The then Squadron Leader Arvind Pande (Retd) (extreme right) along with his team-mates at the Hindon Air Force Station.

By Kshitij Udar :

FLYING is an exciting career. Some do it for pleasure. Some pursue it as passion. But, for some, it is a call of duty. Paramount among them all is the one who gets the opportunity to fly for motherland, says Wg Cdr Arvind Pande (retd), a hale and hearty quinquagenarian, while sharing with The Hitavada wonderful anecdotes about his participation in various skirmishes with neighboring countries, particularly in Kargil War of 1999. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1988 as a pilot officer after completing his training, his first posting was in 19 Air Wing, Guwahati. Starting his career with the Chetak helicopter, he also flew the Cheetah, Mi-8, and Mi-17 during his service tenure. But, he excelled at flying the Mi-17. In 1999, when Kargil War was forced upon India by Pakistan, he was with the 129 Helicopter Unit, Hindon near Delhi. Recalling memories of the time, Wg Cdr Pande told The Hitavada that he was in his 40s at that time and used to fly the Mi-17.

Around May, things started heating up, and there was a lot of mobilisation. Our unit, the Nubra Warriors, was given the task of operating from Srinagar Air Base, and six helicopters were positioned at the station. We were deployed for detachment from Srinagar along with another unit from Sarsawa, he adds. In such circumstances, one cannot take things casually and has to remain alert and active. All the teams were busy in their regular drills at the base. It was not easy for them as the situation in the war zone was growing more tense with each passing day. In mid-May 1999, we were ordered to be ready. Our team was there basically for detachment with Mi-17 helicopters. It is a misconception among many that helicopters cannot attack, but the Mi-17 can fire tremendously in any situation. This helicopter, which we were using at that time, had a capacity of six rocket pods, in which 192 rockets could be taken in a single sortie. The pilots of Hindon and Sarsawa were given the responsibility of attacks in Kargil and Tololing, the then Squadron Leader Pande tells The Hitavada.

On May 25, the then Chief of Air Staff Anil Y Tipnis (retd) ordered the Indian Air Force to start their attacks on enemy-held positions the next day. As per the orders, on May 26, me and my team carried out two attacks with five helicopters. Three of the helicopters attacked Tiger Hill, while the other two went to Tololing Peak. During the attack, fighter jets also were there. But, the Line of Control was just 7 km from the target. As the turning radius of fighter jets is more, there were chances of the jets crossing the Line of Control. So, they were forced to attack east-west, which was not so helpful because all the targets were on the north side. Hence, only helicopters were used, recalls Wg Cdr Pande. The first attack was very successful, during which the helicopters went 17,000 feet above ground level, and from there saw enemy hidden in between rocks towards the north direction. After confirming, all three helicopters attacked them. At the same time, the other two launched missiles on Tololing. Within the next 48 hours, two more successful attacks were carried out.

The first one was on May 27 on Tololing Pt 4950 just above Drass. The another was on May 28 on Pt 5140, which was a dominating feature. The Army told us that this could be a dangerous area and we needed to attack it so that we could capture it. For this attack on Pt 5140, we were supposed to take six aircraft, but unfortunately, two of them became unserviceable, he says. As his CO sat into his helicopter, his chopper became Number 1, and now he was supposed to lead the attack! This was an opportunity to capture that peak, but another problem cropped up. Of the four choppers on attack mission, only Numbers 1, 2 and 4 had a Counter Missile Dispensing System (CMDS). Number 3 did not have it, and the pilot was aware that if something went wrong, he might get shot down. Still, we flew. When we found the target, which was held by Pakistan, suddenly the Pakistan forces fired 32 missiles. Our aircraft Numbers 1 and 2, fired and left the spot as they had CMDS, but when Number 3 fired, which was supported by Number 4, a rocket fired by the enemy hit the starboard engine of the aircraft. Unfortunately, the aircraft was shot down, taking the lives of all four of our bravehearts.

After that incident, all helicopter attacks were stopped immediately, says Wg Cdr Pande. Wg Cdr Pande, who joined the Indian Air Force with an NCC C certificate and was one of the most experienced chopper pilots, was once again sent to the war zone on June 27 and was ordered to execute a night attack with a single aircraft. Recalling that experience, he says, It is never easy to fly in the dark. It gets more difficult in the war zone. But, as it is said, practice makes a man perfect. I started practicing and got used to it within hours of flying. But, there was a twist again. When I went for the night attack, there was continuous firing and missiles were launched by the enemies. The glow of those missiles was so intense that it became very difficult to handle.

We still tried it the next day, but a missile hit my chopper. Thankfully, by Gods grace, nothing happened to me. After that, our team got to know that helicopters could be easy targets and the results also were not as per our expectations. Again, the helicopter attacks were stopped, and I was sent to Drass, he elaborates. Asked about the best and the worst moments during the Kargil War, the 59-year- old veteran replies with a sad tone, The most difficult and the worst moment was carrying the bodies of our soldiers and putting them into coffins. Tears roll down my cheeks when I recall this moment. What we have seen is something I will never forget in my entire life. As far as the best moment for him is concerned, it was obviously when the news came that India had captured all the points and registered victory. I must say the Indian Air Force did its work superbly. I feel where the Air Force stops, the Armys work starts. Hats off to the Indian Army. Their contribution was a major part of this Kargil victory. I feel proud that I got an opportunity to serve the nation, and that too in a war-like situation, concludes Wg Cdr Pande with unmistakable pride.
Annual crime review meeting Ensure conviction of accused in sensitive crimes: DIG to officers





Staff Reporter :

DIG (Jabalpur Range), Tushar Kant Vidyarthi chaired the annual crime review meeting and directed the officers for ensuring conviction of accused in sensitive crime cases. He said for taking preventive action against listed criminals on the basis of their crime record. DIG, Vidyarthi sought information about every single pending crime cases and sought information about reason behind pendency of cases. He gave necessary directions to concerned officers for bringing pace in investigation and disposal of pending cases. He instructed for paying special attention on sensitive crime cases right from FIR, arresting, challan and regular follow-ups of witnesses before presenting case before the court. Reviewing the cases of 173(8) and 299 of Cr.P.C., DIG Vidyarthi said that police should obtain pending warrants from the court for ensuring apprehension of absconding criminals and providing relief amount to victims in pending SC/ST cases.

Officers were strictly directed for taking stern action against accused involved in stabbing cases and booking them under Section 122 of CrPC and also ensure apprehension of accused in 376 of IPC and 420 of IPC cases. DIG Vidyarthi directed officers for timely disposal of complaints received through CM Helpline. He also directed the officers for identifying water logging areas in their jurisdictions and making necessary safety arrangemtns near river-bridges, culverts and nullah for avoiding any kind of untoward incident in monsoon. Police should coordinate with JMC officers, SDERF and Panchayat Offices in different areas to take prompt action in case of water-logging and similar incident.
Attack on businessman 3 more accused brought to Raipur





Staff Reporter :

RAIPUR,

The Raipur Polices cyber team brought the three suspects to Raipur from Jharkhand after arresting them in connection with the recent shootout involving a businessman in Telibandha. Among those apprehended is the primary mastermind, Amandeep Balmiki, also known as Ammu. Along with Amandeep, two other suspects, Laxman Das Bajigar and Ravi Kumar Sen, have been brought to Raipur on transit remand for further interrogation. This brings the total number of arrests to six, with three of the accused previously apprehended in Jharkhand now serving jail time. The police have registered an FIR at the Telibandha police station, citing charges of attempted murder and violations of Arms Act. The incident dates back to July 13, 2024, when two masked assailants on a Pulsar motorcycle approached PRA India Pvt Ltd, situated near Udyog Bhawan Telibandha on Ring Road No 01.

The suspects opened fire on a person sitting in a car parked outside the company premises. In response to the attack, a crime report numbered 494/24 was filed under Section 109, 3(5) BNS 25, 27 of the Arms Act against unidentified perpetrators at the Telibandha police station. A specialised investigation team was assigned to uncover the details of the crime. Leveraging intelligence from various sources, law enforcement launched an extensive interstate operation that spanned multiple locations, including Gumla, Lohardaga, and Ranchi in Jharkhand, as well as Sirsa in Haryana. This coordinated effort led to the arrest of six individuals linked to the gang responsible for the crime, with additional suspects identified. Amandeep Balmiki is linked to the Aman Sahu gang in Jharkhand and a gang in Punjab, and he provided the shooter, vehicle, and money for the crime.

The arrested suspects are Sandeep Yadav, 23, of village Sehalater Toli, Ghaghra police station, Gumla district, Jharkhand; Shahid Ansari, 22, of New Azad Basti, Lohardaga, Jharkhand; Shahid Ansari, 25, of Azad Basti, Pathalkurwa, Lower Bazar police station, Ranchi district, Jharkhand; Ravi Kumar Sen, 22, of Mangala police station, Sadar district, Sirsa, Haryana; Laxman Das Bajigar, 23, of Salarpur police station, Sadar district, Sirsa, Haryana; and Amandeep Balmiki alias Ammu, of Dhotar bus stand, Rania police station, Sirsa district, Haryana. The investigation is ongoing, with police teams actively interrogating the suspects to gather further intelligence and pursue additional leads. Authorities remain committed to dismantling the criminal networks involved and ensuring justice is served for the victims of the Telibandha shootout.
Mobile Phones To blame or not to blame?





By Kunal Badge :

Experts, teachers call for safe, responsible use of gadgets

Recent tragic accidents such as a young girl falling off her terrace to death while talking on cellphone in Nagpur; a social media influencer falling down a gorge near Raigad, and another girl driving off a cliff while filming a video near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; highlight a concerning trend. These accidents share a common factor: the mobile phones! In the debate triggered by these incidents, many are blaming the misuse of technology. Against this backdrop, The Hitavada spoke to a few experts and educationists. Everyone said that technology was good but there should not be its overuse or misuse. The need of the hour is to educate younger generations about responsible use of devices like the mobile phones, so that they do not pose risk to life.

Rita Aggarwal, Consulting Psychologist, refused to put entire blame on technology. She said, the technology and devices are not bad and should not be condemned for these accidents. According to her, the careless attitude and indiscipline of users are major reasons for these incidents. Talking to The Hitavada, she said, Life is governed by rules and use of technology and devices also has to have certain rules, regulations, and caution. Highlighting that technology has become an integral part of peoples lives and cannot be avoided, Aggarwal added, People have to discipline their behaviour and mind to use the technology for their benefit. Otherwise, it will only cause distraction. Aruna Rao, Principal, Central India Public School, believes that over-exposure to gadgets has a hypnotising effect on children. She said, It seems that children are not into themselves.

They seem to be driven by something else. Students fail to think on their own and have no scope to think, innovate, and create because destructive ideas are easily accessible through digital media. She also advocated parents assuming the lead role in protecting children from adverse effects of digital devices. The first step is awareness about handling digital devices. Parents should spend time with children and have good conversations with them. Parents should also take children out and let them meet their friends as they used to do previously, instead of letting them spend time on social media. For, off-line interactions build relations, she suggested.

While its duty of parents to look after their children, the latter also share part of the blame. They should be made accountable for their actions. Emphasising the need for the students to be more responsible, Aruna Rao added, Students should exercise discretion as to what is good, what is bad, and where to stop. Having a digital device has become a necessity of todays youth. Even the government is encouraging use of digital tools for students as can be seen in the New Education Policy that is being implemented.

Students must be educated about disadvantages of excessive use of mobile devices in their lives. Schools are doing their part and there is a lesson on misuse of mobile phones in their syllabus, Prerna Mehta, teacher at Mundle English Medium School, told The Hitavada. Acknowledging the fact that attention span of students has decreased and they have become hyper in nature, Mehta stressed upon the importance of digital devices. According to her, when digital resources are made available to students in controlled environments like schools, they deliver positive results and do not tend to misuse. The key takeaway from the opinion of the experts is the need for imbibing the values of safe and responsible use of gadgets among youngsters so that they do not lose out on their ability to discern between a shortlived trend and a long-lasting virtue.
Modi Govt 3.0 Poor, Women, Youth, Farmers





NEW DELHI :

FINANCE Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a marginal income tax relief for the middle class, a Rs 2 lakh crore outlay for job creation schemes over the next five years and a spending splurge for states run by parties that are needed to keep BJP in power as she unveiled Modi 3.0 Governments first Budget after the general elections. With rural distress and unemployment being blamed for BJP losing its majority in Lok Sabha, forcing it to rely on partners to form Government, Sitharaman in her seventh straight budget provided Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural development and maintained spending on long-term infrastructure projects at Rs 11.11 lakh crore to boost economic growth. She scrapped the angel tax that was imposed on investors pumping money into startups, cut import duty on mobile phones and key parts to benefit firms like Apple, slashed customs duty on gold and silver to curb smuggling, and made significant changes in capital gains tax. She, however, raised the securities transaction tax (STT) on futures and options of securities, which disappointed the markets.





Indias economic growth continues to be the shining exception (in a world that is gripped by policy uncertainties) and will remain so in the years ahead, she said. In this Budget, we particularly focus on employment, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class. The centrepiece of the over Rs 48 lakh crore budget are employment, internship and skilling schemes, aimed at creating job avenues for the largest youth population in the world. Besides Rs 2 lakh crore provided over a five year period for schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth, I have made a provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skilling, she said. For Bihar, where Assembly elections are due next year, the finance minister announced spending of Rs 60,000 crore on infrastructure projects like expressways, power plant, heritage corridors and new airports. The support to Bihar, whose ruling party and BJPs partner JD-U has been demanding an economic package and Special Category Status for the State, is in the form of capital projects but not subsidy or cash dole. Similarly, for Andhra Pradesh, whose ruling TDP recently joined BJP-led NDA, she allocated Rs 15,000 crore in financial aid through multilateral agencies.

A similar request for support to Bihar will be expedited, she said. For the middle class, she raised standard deduction -- a flat deduction from total salary earned by an employee in a year before calculating applicable income tax rate -- by 50 per cent to Rs 75,000 and tweaked tax slabs for taxpayers opting for the new Income Tax regime. This will lead to taxpayers under the new tax regime -- which offers lower rates of taxes but permits limited deductions and exemptions -- saving up to Rs 17,500 in tax annually, she said. In its comments on the Budget, the party called two-tax system for individual tax payers as well as the changes in the long-term capital gains tax have created confusion. Moodys Ratings said the budget for fiscal 2024-25 maintains the fiscal consolidation path announced in the interim Budget. To spur employment, the budget provided for incentives for companies, including paying for one-month salary for first-time employees, incentive at specified sale to both employee and employer with respect to their retirement fund contributions in the first four years of employment, and reimbursing employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years towards EPFO contribution of each additional employee. Also, a programme to improve skills as well as internship for students and subsidised loans for higher education will be provided, she said.

Indias official unemployment rate in urban areas is pegged at 6.7 per cent but private agencies put it at much higher levels. The increase in benefit for employers contribution towards NPS under new tax regime from 10 per cent to 14 per cent for non-government employees provides an avenue for tax saving for salaried employees. Buoyed by robust tax collections and a higher-than-expected dividend receipt from the Reserve Bank, Sitharaman said the Governments fiscal deficit -- the difference between the total revenue earned and total expenditure -- will be trimmed to 4.9 per cent of the GDP in 2024-25, below the 5.1 per cent figure estimated in the interim Budget she presented in February. She reduced gross market borrowing marginally to Rs 14.01 lakh crore. The Budget for 2024-25 fiscal (April 2024 to March 2025) allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors, aid for building 3 crore affordable housing units in urban and rural areas, provided credit support to small and medium businesses, raised small loans to Rs 20 lakh for small business, proposed setting up 12 industrial parks, and provided for setting up a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund for space sector.

Cut in tax rate for foreign companies from 40 per cent to 35 per cent, increase in the capital gains tax on listed securities, abolition of Angel tax, taxation of buybacks in the hands of the recipient and withdrawal of 2 per cent Equalisation Levy are other big big-ticket items announced. Tax rate for listed equity share and equity oriented mutual funds has been increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent while the exemption limit being raised from 1 lakh to 1.25 lakh. Other long term capital assets like gold, property which were taxed at 20 per cent with indexation, the tax rate has been reduced to 12.5 per cent but indexation benefit has been removed. So far as short-term capital gain for STT on paid equity shares and equity oriented mutual funds is concerned, tax rate has been increased from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. It is proposed to allow credit of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) while computing the amount of tax to be deducted on salary income.
Rs 500 cr for Naag River Project









Staff Reporter :

Budget-2024

Nagpur Metro 2nd phase gets Rs 683 cr boost

Finally it seems decks are cleared for the Naag River Pollution Abatement Project as Rs 500 crore were earmarked in the Union Budget that was tabled in the Parliament on Tuesday. Another important announcement from the view of city was that of Nagpur Metro whose second phase construction has started here but only Rs 683 crore were set aside whereas substantial projects were awarded by the Board. Another major initiative in the budget was about a special package for Irrigation Projects that is primarilymeant to resolve the agrarian distress in backward districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. For the same, Rs 600 crore are mentioned in the budget book. During the last financial year for the same project, Union Government had disbursed Rs 700 crore as per revised estimates of budget that was presented in the Parliament on Tuesday.

It means that almost Rs 1,183 crore have been clearly allocated for the Nagpur in the Union Budget on Tuesday. The allocation of Rs 500 crore would play a crucial role in starting the work on controlling the Naag river pollution. The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) has reportedly approved the revised plan recently. The delay is costing dearly as the project cost has already shot up further by Rs 200 crore as now figure of Rs 2,702 crore is being quoted from earlier Rs 2,500 crore. The Abatement Project was approved at a cost of Rs 2,117.54 crore about two years back. But delay in finalising the contours of draft plan from Japanese Government, they suggested major changes on project, pushed the approval further ahead. The river which flows through Nagpur city, thus giving its name to the city, is now a highly polluted water channel of sewage and industrial waste.

It is also main drainage channel of city and hence carries away all the waste that is generated from households and other establishments. The project is being piloted by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and he has been pursuing the same at New Delhi end with Ministry of Jal Shakti. Recently he held a meeting of World Bank officials, DG NMCG and Municipal Commissioner to give final shape to the project. Now, the allocation paves way for finalisation of Project Management Consultant (PMC) as the agency will oversee implementation of pollution abatement plan. The Naag River project is approved under the National River Conservation Plan and will be implemented by the National River Conservation Directorate, NRCD. The plan is to reduce the pollution level in terms of untreated sewage, flowing solid waste and other impurities flowing into the Naag river and its tributaries. For the same, sewage treatment plants (STPs) would be constructed on the banks of river that would be connected with the drainage system of respective areas.

The water would be released in river post treatment only thereby maintaining its scantily that was prevalent before rise in urbanisation. Metro Project: The second phase of Nagpur Metro is quite crucial as it envisages laying 43.8 km of new track to connect the metropolitan region with the city. The project cost was pegged at Rs 6,708 crores for which this year only Rs 683 crore are provided while in the last financial year Rs 472.88 crore were given. At present many of the tenders for the second phase have been opened and also awarded. The project is being executed jointly with Maharashtra Government with loan component from German Government. Irrigation: Similarly the continuity in allocation for irrigation projects in Central budget is crucial to strengthen the agricultural base in backward Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. Several small and medium projects are at various stages and infusion of funds would help in taking them to completion. For example the biggest project is that of Gosikhurd where many lift irrigation schemes have been commissioned by Maharashtra Government to complete the final leg for distribution of water from the dam.

Focus on continuity, Rlys get substantial funds for expansion projects

Railway Budget kept focus on continuity along side gradually introducing modern changes with an eye on future wherein it contemplates increasing the throughput to 3000 metric tonnes while planning for high speed movement of long distance trains. As to region, the ongoing works including 3rd and 4th line on Nagpur-Sevagram-Wardha, new line from Wardha to Nanded via Pusad (Yavatmal), Wardha-Ballarshah 3rd line, Itarsi-Nagpur 3rd line got significant allocation for the financial year 2024-25.

At South East Central Railway, the Nagpur Division has only one important work that is Rajnandgaon-Nagpur 3rd line, a section of 228 km, where capacity addition is on. The thinking at Rail Bhavan since last few years remains on ending the bottlenecks at 56 divisions of Indian Railways for which new lines programme was introduced and budget provisions are aligned on the same vision. Also, additional lines were sanctioned and gauge conversion project undertaken to provide for connecting network that comes handy whenever there is disruption on any line.

The wider view is that these projects needs to be commissioned at faster rate as then only its benefit would accrue to economy. As to region for the Wardha-Nanded new line, a 270-km stretch, Rs 750 crore are allocated which is quite significant. The higher allocation comes as Railways have completed land acquisition and pace of construction needs to be increased. For the same, allocation of Rs 450 crore is made from Capital Fund and Rs 300 crore from Safety Fund. Another important project is Nagpur-Sevagram 3rd line and 4th line that is aimed at decongesting two important routes of Railways, the Grand Trunk as well as Mumbai-Howrah. For 76.3 km 3rd line, Rs 134 crore are allocated and for 78.70 km 4th line, Rs 120 crore are earmarked in the budget. The current focus of Construction Division of Central Railway remains on Contd on page 2
Special offer at Cardin Mens Wear





CARDIN Mens Wear is offering a special discount on wide range of garmets. The company Director Malsi Gala said that Nagpur residents should take advantage of the offer. The showroom is at Wagadwala, Swami Arcade, Near Batukbhai Sons Jewellers, WHC Road, Dharampeth, (Phone: 2525817).
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 24. Kyrgyzstan imported 322,175 tons of oil products from January through May 2024, valued at $371.467 million, Trend reports.

Data from Kyrgyzstans State Statistical Committee shows that the volume of oil product imports increased by 84.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023 (174,760 tons). The value of these imports rose by 2.7 times, up from $133.892 million in JanuaryMay 2023.

During the period under review, the main exporters of oil products to Kyrgyzstan were:

Country Volume Value Russia 270,948 tons $321.441 million Kazakhstan 42,953 tons $33.675 million Uzbekistan 2,565 tons $1.705 million Belarus 1,592 tons $1.55 million

To note, Kyrgyzstan foreign trade turnover reached $6.488 billion in the first five months of 2024, which is an 18.6 percent increase compared to JanuaryMay 2023.

Exports totaled $1.046 billion, a 4.8 percent rise from JanuaryMay 2023. Imports increased by 21.7 percent year-on-year, reaching $5.442 billion.
Union Budget is a reflection of vision and resolve: CM Sai





Staff Reporter :

RAIPUR,

Reacting to the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the Budget as a reflection of vision and resolve. He characterised it as a comprehensive budget aimed at holistic development. The Chief Minister highlighted the significant focus on agriculture and employment, deeming the Budget historic. A key feature for Chhattisgarh is the allocation of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture, which is anticipated to drive a new green revolution and enhance farmers prosperity. Besides, the Chief Minister mentioned about the launch of the Tribal Development Village Scheme, which will benefit 63,000 tribal villages and 5 crore people, significantly aiding Chhattisgarhs tribal regions. The Budget also includes provisions for internships for one crore youths, offering a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month.

Furthermore, a new Rs 2 lakh crore scheme for employment skills has been introduced, and the Mudra loan limit has been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh to support start-ups. These measures are expected to generate new employment opportunities for Chhattisgarhs youth. The Budget provides for education loans up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions, aiming to improve educational and skill levels. The Chief Minister emphasised that the Budgets allocation of Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural development highlights the governments commitment to the welfare of villages, the poor, farmers and youth under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. He described the Budget as a crucial step towards achieving Modis vision of a developed India by 2047, representing a model of a welfare state and marking a milestone in Indias development.

The allocation of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and related sectors is expected to ensure financial stability and necessary resources for farmers in Chhattisgarh. Besides, information about six crore farmers will be integrated into land registries to expedite land dispute resolutions. The Chief Minister also emphasised that advancements in agricultural research, expert oversight and the promotion of climate-adapted varieties will provide Chhattisgarhs farmers with advanced technologies and resources. Furthermore, the Budgets employment incentives include Rs 15,000 aid in three installments for individuals with salaries below Rs 1 lakh who register with EPFO for the first time. New employees will receive a months salary, and there is support for job creation in the manufacturing sector and for employers. Sai also commended the Budget for providing relief to salaried individuals through tax slab adjustments, which will result in savings for taxpayers. He highlighted that the Budget includes policies for urban redevelopment and the completion of the Polavaram irrigation project, with a special focus on innovation, research and development.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 24. Russia will assist Kyrgyzstan in the rehabilitation of areas affected by uranium mining and ore processing, Trend reports.

President Sadyr Zhaparov signed the law ratifying the corresponding agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and the Government of Russia. The agreement was originally signed on March 26, 2024, during the ATOMEXPO-2024 forum in Sochi. The Kyrgyz Parliament approved the law on June 26, 2024.

The agreement aims to ensure the safety of residents living near former uranium mining and ore processing sites in Kyrgyzstan. It also focuses on measures to reduce the risk of emergencies at these sites.

It was previously reported that Russia will allocate 2.141 billion rubles ($24.369 million) to Kyrgyzstan for the rehabilitation of five former uranium mining sites.

To note, Zhaparov signed a law authorizing the exploration and development of uranium and thorium deposits in the territory of the country in June this year. Kyrgyzstan had a moratorium on uranium development since 2019.
In this file photo, members of the media speak with President of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Kyle Wilson.
The President Bola Tinubu-led government has announced a slash of 12.7% in allowances for Nigerians on scholarship abroad who are currently stranded in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, among other countries.

The slash was announced through the Federal Ministry of Education, and it was attributed to the adjustment to current economic crises in Nigeria.

The students who are beneficiaries of the Nigerian governments Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship aimed at fostering educational exchange, have reportedly been experiencing unpaid stipends for the past eight months.

The scholarship is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Education's Federal Scholarship Board.

The reduction in the scholars allowance was announced in a memo signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A., on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

The memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars' association, explained that monthly allowances were reduced from $500 to $220, graduation allowances from $2500 to $2000, and PG research allowances from $1,000 to $500, among other reductions.

Previously totaling $5,650 per student, these payments will now amount to $4,370.

"The Scholars Association is hereby informed that, due to the current economic circumstances, the payment structure for BEA scholars allowances will adhere to these new adjustments," the memo stated.

The ministry assured that outstanding balances for the years 2023 and 2024 will be settled as soon as funding becomes available.

Ayuba Anas, President of the Union of Nigerian Students under the scholarship, previously expressed concerns about the delays, noting that scholars have endured financial strain, with some not receiving stipends since arriving in China in April and May 2023.
Manipur High Court orders withdrawal of pending criminal case against Mizo National Front members

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IMPHAL, Jul 24 : The Manipur High Court on Tuesday (July 23) directed the Union and State Govt to withdraw the pending criminal case against the Mizo National Front (MNF) personnel against whom summons were issued in a 1984 case despite an assurance made by the Union Government that no new cases would be registered against the MNF personnel's and pending cases would be withdrawn.

A Memorandum of Settlement was made on 30-06-1986 involving the Govt of India, the Govt of Mizoram, and the MNF, wherein the assurance was made to the MNF that the State Govt would abstain from prosecuting MNF personnel for committing a crime during the underground activities if they abjured from violence and give up their arms, ammunition, and equipment to restore normalcy and peace in the area. Also, it was assured that the pending criminal cases would be withdrawn against the members.

However, in the year 2000, a summon was issued to the petitioners in a 1984-year case when the petitioners were involved in underground activities. The Petitioner contended that the Government ought to withdraw the pending criminal case against them based on the Settlement reached in 1986.

However, the Govt contended that the settlement bars it from withdrawing cases for offences committed outside the State of Mizoram. Since the offence was committed in Manipur, therefore, the settlement would not have any effect.

Rejecting the Govt's contention, Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh said that there was no record to indicate that such a decision would confine to or in respect of offences committed by the personnel of MNF within the State of Mizoram, and directed it to withdraw prosecution of the petitioners within 3 months. Live Law
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 24. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov will pay a working visit to France on July 25-27 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Kyrgyz Presidential Administration Muratbek Azymbakiev said, Trend reports.

Within the framework of the visit, on July 25, President Zhaparov will take part in the Paris Summit "Sport for Sustainable Development. Faster, higher, stronger - together for a better future".

"During this event, the head of state will reaffirm the commitment of the Kyrgyz Republic to the health and education of children, the future, and the next generations of athletes," Azymbakiev said.

He also noted that on July 26, Sadyr Zhaparov will take part in the official opening ceremony of the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games.
Four newly-elected MLAs, Mukut Mani Adhikari, Krishna Kalyani, Supti Pandey and Madhuparna Thakur, took their oath in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in the presence of chief minister Mamata Banerjee today.

The BJP members were absent during the oath-taking ceremony, claiming that the oath was not being conducted according to the constitution. However, chief minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed these claims, stating that the oath was being conducted in accordance with the constitution and would be a landmark in the history of India and Bengal.

She even read out the relevant provisions from the Constitution in the Assembly. The MLAs arrived at the Assembly chamber on the Speakers instructions for the ceremony. Krishna Kalyani from Raiganj was the first to take his oath, followed by Mukut Mani Adhikari from Ranaghat South, who took his oath in the names of Harichand and Guruchand Thakur. Madhuparna Thakur from Bagdah also took her oath in their names. After the oath, she touched the feet of the chief minister as a mark of respect. Supti Pandey from Maniktala was the last to take oath.

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There had been tension between the Legislative Assembly and the Raj Bhavan regarding the oath-taking of these MLAs, similar to the previous cases of Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Hossain Sarkar. On Monday, the Speaker announced that the four new MLAs would take their oath on Tuesday as per tradition.

The Assembly had not received any positive response from the Raj Bhavan by Monday, leading to this arrangement. The BJP claimed that the oath ceremony was not as per the Constitution, which was refuted by the chief minister. She mentioned that the Speaker had administered the oath following five provisions. Mamata emphasized that both the constitution and conventions should be upheld to preserve democracy, citing Indias historical precedents.

The chief minister also mentioned the letter from the Governor to Sayantika and Reyat, stating their oath was unconstitutional and might result in a fine of Rs 500 each. Addressing the Governor indirectly, Mamata criticized him for not being present to administer the oath and wasting a month of the new MLAs time. She emphasized that the Speaker has the authority to administer the oath and that the Assembly followed proper procedures. She thanked the Speaker and noted that the Assembly comprises 50 per cent women 50% men. The Trinamul Congress parliamentary party also submitted a condemnation proposal under Section 169 regarding NEET, presented by Sovandeb Chattopadhyay.
In a bid to enhance aviation safety and efficiency, a sensitization session on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Frequency Interference was conducted for air traffic controllers of the Eastern Region and Kolkata Airport today.

The session, coordinated by Mahua B Adhikary, general manager (Air Traffic Management)-Eastern Region, aimed to educate controllers on the potential risks of GNSS jamming and spoofing, which can compromise aircraft navigation and ATC operations. A senior official said that spoofing, in the context of aviation, refers to the deliberate manipulation of signals or data to deceive aircraft navigation systems. Unlike traditional hacking methods that aim to gain unauthorized access or disrupt operations, spoofing involves the creation of false signals that mimic legitimate navigation data.

With India increasingly relying on GNSS for performance-based navigation and automatic dependent surveillance, the need for vigilance against interference has become crucial. Spoofing, which can trick aircraft into transmitting incorrect positions, poses a significant threat to flight safety. By sensitizing controllers to these risks, the session empowered them to identify and manage situations arising from GNSS interference, ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of air traffic operations in the region. Yesterday Kolkata airport hosted a crucial meeting on Air Traffic Control coordination. The significant meeting was held at the regional headquarter  eastern region, Kolkata, to finalize a letter of agreement between six major airports, including Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Shamsabad, Jagdalpur, and Jepore.

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The meeting, led by regional executive director Nivedita Dubey and coordinated by Mahua B Adhikary, general manager (Air Traffic Management)-eastern region, aimed to enhance air traffic control coordination procedures in the airspace around Jagdalpur airport. The meeting brought together delegates from concerned stations across three regions, who engaged in discussions and finalized the letter of agreement. This milestone marked a crucial step towards establishing an Approach Control Unit at Jagdalpur airport, enabling flights to operate safely during low visibility conditions and reducing disruptions. The agreement is expected to enhance air traffic management efficiency and safety in the region, with Kolkata playing a key role in facilitating this development. The establishment of the Approach Control Unit at Jagdalpur Airport will be a significant achievement, benefiting air travellers and the aviation industry as a whole.
An unidentified body of a woman, packed in a gunny bag, was recovered from a canal at Shantinagar at Regent Park today causing considerable commotion in the area.

Police sources said the body of the woman in the age group of 25-30 years had been recovered from a canal in the Regent Park area. Disaster response team of Kolkata Police, along with cops from Regent Park police station rushed to the spot and recovered the body.

Police are trying to ascertain whether anybody had been missing in the last four-five days in the area and trying to fix the puzzle on whether the body had been dumped in the canal allegedly after killing her somewhere else.

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A team of high-level government officials along with top cops on Monday evening allegedly carried out a raid at the office of West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC), an autonomous body in BBD Bag, looking after grievances of patients in connection with alleged negligence in their treatment and exorbitant charges in private healthcare facilities, keeping its chairman Justice Asim Banerjee and other senior officials, completely in dark.

Aggrieved and humiliated Justice Banerjee, a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court, has informed the matter reportedly to the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee.

Trinamul Congress, after coming to power in Bengal in 2011 had formed the WBCERC so that people can lodge complaints against private hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centres in the state with the regulatory commission seeking justice if their patients cry negligence. They can also lodge complaints against these private healthcare units if they charge exorbitant hospital bills.

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Justice Banerjee didnt respond to both phone calls and WhatsApp messages made by this correspondent to his mobile phone today seeking his reactions. Blue ticks suggested he had read the messages.

Sources in the WBCERC said that Justice Banerjee on Tuesday shared an audio message among the employees of the commission describing details of the raid conducted by the high-level team at his office.

Expressing deep concern with the police movement, he said, according to the audio, that he was hurt and humiliated. The Statesman has not verified the audio.

Our office does not have any security personnel and our stenographer Sadikul, a resident of Murshidabad district, stays in one small room where arrangements for tea are kept for four days from Monday to Thursday and goes to his residence every Friday after office hours by train. He comes back every Monday because Saturday and Sunday are off days. I saw many policemen hanging around in front of our office building around 4.50 pm on Monday when I left for the day to visit a private hospital in north Kolkata, according to Justice Banerjees audio message.

After visiting the hospital, I spent quality time at Maayer Bari (Sarada Ma) at Bagbazar. In the meantime, I forgot to carry my mobile phone with me as I left it in my car. I came back and saw many missed calls made by one of my senior officers. I called up the officer and got details about the incident on Monday evening. After coming back home, I called up the stenographer Sadikul because he was there during the raid, the commission chairman said in his audio message.

I am humiliated to some extent because they raided my office without informing me. I have conveyed it to the right person at the right place, Justice Banerjee said through his audio message.
Due to unrest in Bangladesh, cross-border trade through Indias largest land port Petrapole remained virtually halted today. This marks the fourth consecutive day of inactivity at the port, causing financial losses to traders.

Individuals involved in border trade reported that more than 800 Indian trucks are waiting at Petrapole to enter Benapole in Bangladesh. Sources from the Petrapole port stated that trucks entering Benapole with goods from India are registered online. However, due to the Internet shutdown in Bangladesh, this process is disrupted, preventing the trucks from crossing the border. Nonetheless, Bangladesh is accepting perishable goods through a manual system. A senior manager of the Land Port Authority of India at Petrapole, mentioned that some trucks carrying perishable items like fish, onions, chillies and garlic crossed the border on Tuesday.

On Monday, representatives from both countries involved in trade met at the Zero Point of the Petrapole-Benapole border. The meeting was called by Kartik Chakraborty, the secretary of the Clearing Agent Staff Welfare Association, an organization involved in border trade. Kartik urged Shamsur Rahman, the president of the Benapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, to implement a manual system for general goods, similar to the system used for perishable items. He also demanded the prompt unloading of goods from nearly 300 Indian trucks stranded in Benapole and their return to India. Kartik stated, Shamsur has assured us that steps will be taken to resolve the issue. Indian truck drivers and handlers stranded in Benapole are facing difficulties, especially non-Bengali drivers who are struggling with food. He added, We have lost several hundred crores in foreign exchange earnings over these four days.

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Port sources revealed that under normal circumstances, over 350 trucks carrying goods cross into Benapole daily, while more than 200 trucks with goods come from Bangladesh to Petrapole. Monthly exports through the Petrapole port to Bangladesh amount to Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 2,500 crore, which have come to a standstill. When trucks are parked at the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) parking lot, traders have to pay a daily detention charge to the government. Prolonged delays will increase these charges, causing further financial strain on traders. Another source added that India is facing a daily loss of approximately Rs 18 crore, primarily due to the disruption at the Mahadipur land port in Malda.

The Bangladesh government has already halted imports and exports at this port. While other land ports were closed a few days earlier, the movement of goods-laden trucks at Mahadipur stopped from 21 July. The Bangladesh government has issued a directive to suspend imports and exports until 22 July. Consequently, all import and export activities at Mahadipur land port have been halted. Numerous trucks loaded with goods, including perishable vegetables and fruits, are stranded at Mahadipur. If imports and exports do not resume promptly, these perishable items may spoil, leading to further losses for Indian exporters. One exporter stated, Exports have been halted due to the situation in Bangladesh. We are incurring losses as goods, including perishable items like onions, are getting spoiled in the trucks.
Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said a total investment of Rs 92,000 crore is being made for the development of railways in Uttar Pradesh.

He said during the tenure of the UPA, from 2004 to 2014, Rs 1,109 crore was allocated for the development of railways in UP, which has been increased to Rs 19,848 crore during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is much higher compared to the previous government.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, while giving information about the budgetary provisions to local journalists in the presence of senior officials of North, North-Central, and North-Eastern Railways through video conferencing on Wednesday, said that in the last 10 years, 4,900 kilometers of railway tracks were laid in UP, which is more than the size of Switzerland. He said that the railway tracks/routes of UP have been 100% electrified.

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The railway minister said 1,490 flyovers/underpasses have been constructed in the state in the last 10 years, which has eased the lives of people in rural areas and reduced the number of accidents.

He said that Rs 92,000 crore would be spent on laying new tracks of 5,874 km in ongoing 68 new projects in the state. Besides, 157 railway stations will be developed as Amrit stations in UP.

Ashwini Vaishnaw said that more than 40 projects have been identified to ensure that the Kumbh runs smoothly and the devotees do not face any problems. He said that the railway station of Prayagraj will be redeveloped in different phases. He said that the Chief Minister himself is reviewing the preparations for Kumbh, and feedback is being taken from public representatives to ensure that there are no shortcomings.
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay on Tuesday visited the worlds largest Renewable Energy (RE) site at Khavda in Gujarat which is operated by the Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), the countrys largest and one of the worlds leading RE companies.

Later, they also visited the mega port at Mundra, the largest commercial port in India with state-of-the-art infrastructure run by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)  the biggest commercial ports operator in India accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country.

Immensely grateful to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Hon. @PMBhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay for visiting Adanis 30 GW Renewable Energy site at Khavda and Mundra Port, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, posted on X.

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Deeply inspired by Bhutans vibrant spirit and steadfast commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. We are excited about doing our part to foster collaboration with the Land of the Thunder Dragon for a sustainable and greener future, he added.

Last month, the Adani Group announced the signing of an agreement with Bhutan for a 570 MW green hydro plant, along with collaboration on several transformative infrastructure initiatives in the neighbouring country.

The announcement was made following Gautam Adanis meeting with the Bhutanese PM in Thimphu.

Absolutely fascinating meeting with Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Hon. Prime Minister of Bhutan. Signed an MoU with Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) for a 570 MW green hydro plant in Chukha province. Admirable to see @PMBhutan advancing the vision of His Majesty The King and pursuing broad-ranging infrastructure initiatives across the kingdom. Looking forward to working closely on hydro & other infra in Bhutan, the Adani Group Chairman posted on X on June 16.

During his visit, Gautam Adani also met Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Honoured to meet His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. Inspired by his vision for Bhutan and the ambitious eco-friendly masterplan for Gelephu Mindfulness City, including large computing centres and data facilities. Excited to collaborate on these transformative initiatives as also on green energy management for a carbon negative nation! he said.

Last November, Gautam Adani said he was excited to explore opportunities for the Adani Group to contribute to green infrastructure development for one of our happy and warm neighbours.

India and Bhutan continue to intensify bilateral cooperation  including development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance.

Last week, during an official visit, his first as Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri co-chaired the 3rd India Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for the 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) of Bhutan along with his Bhutanese counterpart Pema Choden in Thimphu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bhutan in March this year, had also announced the Indian governments development support of Nu. 100 billion (Rs 10,000 crore) for Bhutans 13th Five-Year Plan period.
Industry body CII has termed the Union Budget 2024-25 as growth-oriented budget, and commended the government for prioritizing MSMEs.

It said that the initiatives highlighted in the budget will fortify the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth.

The industry body also hailed the government for formulation of a plan for all-round development of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

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Abolition of Angel tax and major rationalisation proposals for taxation of charitable organisations, TDS, Reassessment and Search cases and Capital Gains Tax Regime has been a strong call from CII.

SK Behera, Chairman CII Eastern Region, hailed the governments initiative for formulation of plan for Purvodaya for all round development of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

He further mentioned that the allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skill development will significantly enhance opportunities for the youth, improve workforce capabilities and support Eastern and Northeastern States to provide skilled workforce to the entire country.

Shashwat Goenka, Deputy Chairman CII, Eastern Region, opined that the budget is an inclusive one that builds on Indias strong economic foundation, with nine key pillars outlined, acting on which will help us move closer to a Viksit Bharat.
The Indian realty sector has largely given a thumbs up to the Union Budget 2024-2025 presented in the Parliament on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, terming it visionary and vibrant which will sustain Indias growth story over the next five years.

The President of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Boman Irani, said that with the PM Awas Yojana-Urban, the housing needs of one crore poor and middle-class families will be addressed with an outlay of Rs 10 lakh crore, including central assistance of Rs 2.2 lakh crore in five years.

The Chairman of the National Association of Realtors-India (NAR), Sumanth Reddy, lauded the move to slash capital gains tax from 20 to 12.5 per cent which will attract greater investment into the realty sector, but said that reducing GST on real estate brokerage services to 5 per cent remains pending.

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Giving a score of 8/10 to FM Sitharaman, Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), said that a monumental allocation of Rs 10 lakh crore for PMAY-Urban for three crore houses, 12 new industrial parks, and focus on rental housing through dormitories in industrial parks would boost affordable rental homes for industrial workers, and underscore a robust vision for urban development.

Maharashtra NAREDCO President Prashant Sharma said the comprehensive approach to job creation and boosting consumption are positive signs for the realty sector, while the other initiatives will create a ripple effect enhancing the economic landscape and boosting demands for residential and commercial properties.

Significant infrastructure investments continuing over the next five years, including a provision of Rs 11,11,111 crore for capex, will have a multiplier effect that will drive private investment in infrastructure. The introduction of a market-based financing framework and simplified rules for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) will further facilitate economic growth and stability, Sharma said.

The President of CREDAI-Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry, Domnic Romell, said the proposal to reduce stamp duty for women house buyers is a progressive step, especially in places like Mumbai where realty prices are among the highest, besides promoting gender equity through lower duties for women purchasers is a socially responsible move, which we have been advocating for long.

CREDAI-MCHI Vice President Pritam Chivukula said that keeping in mind the Viksit Bharat initiative, the Budget will give a significant boost to housing both in rural and urban areas, and help the people get a roof over their heads, particularly the one crore poor and middle-class sections.

Similarly, the Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural infra development will help the people in Mofussil India become self-reliant and uplift their living standards while discouraging the rural migration to urban centres, thus ensuring overall development, Chivukula said.

Other top realtors and industry experts like Tribhuwan Adhikari, MD & CEO, LIC Housing Finance; Amit Sinha, MD & CEO, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd; Sandeep Runwal, MD, Runwal Group; Kamal Singal, MD & CEO, Arvind SmartSpaces Ltd; Dhaval Ajmera, Director, Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd; Atul Bohra, Group CEO, Kolte-Patil Developers Limited; Shashank Paranjape, MD, Paranjape Schemes Construction Ltd; Ramesh Nair, CEO, Mindspace Business Parks REIT; and Nagaraju Routhu, CEO, Experion Developers, also hailed various other facets of the Budget.

These include the proposed industrial corridor that will spur employment, industrial growth and economic progress, the digitalisation of urban land records with GIS mapping and an IT-based system that will enhance transparency and efficiency while reducing risks linked with unclear titles or property disputes, the capital gains tax adjustments proposals, the tax incentives under Section 80EEA, GST reliefs, etc., which herald a progressive future for the industry and the country.
The Indian healthcare sector is buzzing with optimism following the comprehensive reforms announced in the Interim Union Budget 2024-25. The first full-fledged Budget of the Modi 3.0 government presented on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman demonstrated a commitment to Nine Priorities (9Ps) to benefit the healthcare sector directly and indirectly.

Healthcare leaders and experts hailed the governments effort to make oncology treatment affordable by exempting custom duties on three cancer medicines and ratonalising import duties on med tech such as x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors.

However, the healthcare industry was a little disappointed as its expectation of higher budgetary allocations for the sector that figured in the interim budget were not fulfilled. The unfulfilled demand for infrastructure status for the hospital sector also disappointed the industry. Nevertheless, the healthcare industry welcomed the push for innovations, research, and development under the 9 Ps with healthcare leaders looking at the next-gen reforms as transformative and progressive.

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Ms. Sandhya J, Group CFO, Narayana Health, said the Union Interim Budget allocated Rs 89,287 crore to healthcare. There is no major change in the allocation to the healthcare sector. The Finance Ministry has made commendable efforts to address long-term capacity building through nine broad priorities with a clear roadmap. She welcomed the budgets focus on exempting key cancer medicines and reducing import duties on med tech technologies such as x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors to make them more affordable, saying these measures would give the industry the ability to pass the benefits to patients.

While we appreciate these initiatives, certain expectations remained unmet. The healthcare sector is a long-term industry that requires long-term affordable credit facilities. Similar to infrastructure projects that have access to 20-30-year bonds, hospitals should receive the same status and have access to extended credit term facilities. As an essential service, lack of Input credit increases the cost of service, which could have been addressed, added Ms Sandhya J.

Since customs duty is a burden, along with 80% of medical equipment imported in the country, we will definitely await some positive action in that space. The aim is to bring down the landed cost of health care. We will look forward to seeing how the thrust on research helps innovation in health care. As these issues are addressed in the future, it will greatly benefit the healthcare industry and contribute to sustainable growth, said The Narayana Health Group CFO.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has outlined the governments Nine Priorities and some of them would have trickle-down effects on the healthcare sector too. However, the budgetary fund allocations remain the same as mentioned in the interim budget.

The operationalisation of the National Research Fund and the establishment of a financing pool of one lakh crore rupees for private sector-driven research and innovation are pivotal steps towards fostering a culture of innovation. This initiative will enable the development of advanced healthcare solutions, ensuring that the sector keeps pace with global technological advancements. Furthermore, the exemption of customs duties on three cancer medicines is a significant move to strengthen domestic capabilities in the healthcare sector, said Mr. Joseph Pasangha, COO, SPARSH Group of Hospitals.

Effective collaboration between the government and the private sector will be essential to fully realizing the potential of these initiatives. The increased focus on infrastructure investment, coupled with the robust support for research and innovation, marks a transformative approach to strengthening the healthcare sector, added Mr Joseph.

The Union Budget 2024-25s strategic priorities, particularly Employment and Skilling, and Innovation, are poised to have a transformative impact on the healthcare sector.

The abolition of the Angel Tax is a landmark decision aimed at invigorating Indias startup ecosystem. Healthcare startups have been revolutionizing the way India deals with its challenges. This move eliminates a major hurdle that has stifled growth and deterred investment in startups. Coupled with procedural simplifications and an emphasis on digitalization, this policy change is poised to drive economic growth, attract global investment, and create new job opportunities, marking a significant step towards a vibrant and dynamic startup landscape in India, said Mr. Baldev Raj, Chief of Prius Brands and Partners.

Enhanced support for medical research and healthcare startups will drive advancements in medical technology and treatment, improving patient outcomes and healthcare accessibility. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure further supports the efficient functioning of healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, leading to a more resilient and responsive healthcare system, added Baldev Raj.

Overall, while the budget has made significant strides in enhancing healthcare access and infrastructure, the healthcare leaders and experts hope that the government will consider the unfulfilled demands of the sector during the post-discussions and while finalising the Union Budget even as they believe that the government has taken some positive measures to create a new healthcare economy in the country.
Television actress Shivangi Joshi on Tuesday shared a sneak peek of her new project, which she is currently shooting in Chandigarh.

The 26-year-old actress, who has 9.6 million followers on Instagram, posted a monochrome behind-the-scenes (BTS) picture from the set of her upcoming project in the stories section.

The image shows a location surrounded by trees and a busy crew working.

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The actress tagged the location as Chandigarh and noted the time as 10.04 a.m.

However, Shivangi did not disclose any details about the project or provide a caption for the picture, leaving her fans excited and curious about her upcoming work.

On the professional front, Shivangi made her acting debut in 2013 with Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi, where she played the role of Trisha.

She then portrayed Aayat Haider in Beintehaa.

The actress also starred as Poonam Thakur in Begusarai alongside Vishal Aditya Singh, Shweta Tiwari, and Sartaj Gill.

Shivangi is best known for her role as Naira Singhania in one of the longest-running shows, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. She has also appeared in Yeh Hai Aashiqui and Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya.

Most recently, the actress starred in Barsatein-Mausam Pyaar Ka alongside Kushal Tandon.

Additionally, Shivangi has been part of the web series Jab We Matched and participated in the stunt-based reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 12.

On the personal front, she is rumoured to be dating Kushal Tandon.
A non commissioned officer (NCO) of the Indian Army laid down his life on Wednesday in a gunfight with terrorists in the Kowut area of North Kashmirs Kupwara.

A heavily armed Pakistani terrorist was also killed in the gunfight.

Paying tributes to the martyred soldier Dilwar Khan, the Srinagar based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army wrote on X; All Ranks of the ChinarCorps salute the supreme sacrifice of our Braveheart Nk (Gnr) Dilwar Khan who laid down his life in the line of duty. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.

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The soldier was critically injured during exchange of fire with terrorists and later succumbed.

Dilwar Khan was injured during indiscriminate firing at the troops by the hiding terrorists, said an official.

This is the second casualty of a soldier in J&K in the past 24 hours. Lance Naik, Subhash Chander, died yesterday while fighting infiltrating terrorists in the Poonch district of Jammu.

The Chinar Corps in a statement earlier said; Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by Indian Army & J&K Police on days leading upto 23 July 24. On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing firefight one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO injured. Operation is in progress.

Meanwhile, in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, GOC White Knight Corps Lt. General Naveen Sachdeva laid a wreath at Jammu to pay homage to Braveheart L/Nk Subhash Chander who laid down his life in the line of duty while undertaking counter terrorist

Operation Battal to ensure peace in the region.

On the other hand, 49 rounds of .303 rifle were recovered by the police from a pond near the Hanuman Mandir in Village Glar, under Pangdour Police Station, in the Samba district of Jammu.

It is worth mentioning that a soldier was injured a day earlier in the Rajouri district when terrorists attacked the house of a Shaurya Chakra awardee Village Defence Guard (VDG).
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said here on Wednesday that the state government has successfully reclaimed more than 167 square kilometres of land from encroachers over the past three years.

This reclaimed area is larger than the entire city of Chandigarh, marking a significant milestone in Assams ongoing efforts to address illegal land occupation.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted this achievement in a press conference, stating, In the last three years, with consistent government efforts and the cooperation of a large section of society, we have been able to free up 167 square kilometres of land from encroachers. This area is larger than the size of Chandigarh city.

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He emphasised the governments commitment to ensuring that every inch of encroached land in Assam is reclaimed and restored to its rightful status.

The Assam governments land reclamation drive involved coordinated efforts between various state departments and local communities, aiming to tackle the widespread issue of illegal land encroachment that has persisted for years.

The reclaimed land is expected to be repurposed for development projects, including agriculture, housing, and infrastructure, thereby contributing to the states overall growth and prosperity.

In addition to the land reclamation efforts, Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the governments dedication to maintaining the momentum of this initiative. We are committed to making every inch of land free from encroachers, he affirmed.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 24. Turkmenistan has approved the composition of the intergovernmental commission with Kyrgyzstan for its part, Trend reports.

According to an official source, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree approving the composition of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Kyrgyz Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Humanitarian Cooperation from the Turkmen side.

In general, the document was signed to further develop the partnership between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Meanwhile, the cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan has significantly developed over recent years, driven by mutual interests in economic, cultural, and political spheres.

Both countries have actively engaged in enhancing trade relations, focusing on energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors, with high-level visits and bilateral agreements strengthening their partnership and promoting regional stability and growth.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested two activists of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terror outfit under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) on the charges of their involvement in narco-terrorism.

The arrested narco-terror accused have been identified as Arshad Ahmed Allie and Fayaz Ahmed Dar.

The two have been arrested in connection with a case involving narco-terrorism, linked to funding of subversive activities of the terrorist group Hijbul Mujahideen, said a spokesman of ED.

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They were produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Jammu and the Court has granted ED custody for 5 days.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with a delegation of 12 farmer leaders under the aegis of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukt Kisan Morcha inside the Parliament premises on Wednesday, a day after the Union Budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

During the meeting, the farmers discussed the issue of MSP (minimum suport price) and urged the Gandhi scion to raise the matter in the House.

In our manifesto, we have mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment and it can be implemented. We had a meeting right now where we decided that we will talk to other leaders of the INDIA alliance to put pressure on the government that MSP legal guarantee should be given to the farmers of the country, Rahul said after the meeting with farmer leaders.

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Congress MPs K C Venugopal, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jai Prakash were also present at the meeting.

Earlier, reports indicated that the farmers invited by Gandhi were denied entry into the Parliament complex.

Speaking inside Parliament, Gandhi noted, We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them here (in Parliament) because they are farmers

He further expressed his frustration, alleging that the authorities were preventing the farmers from entering, saying, This is the issueWhat should we do?It could be a technical issue also.

Eventually, the farmer leaders were allowed in.

The meeting between Rahul Gandhi and the farmer leaders came a day after the government presented the Union Budget 2024-25.

The Congress has alleged that the farmers have received a raw deal in the Union Budget 2024-25 and that their MSP demand was met with stony silence.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh commented, The Agriculture and Allied Budget  which affects a majority of the countrys population  is only 3.15% of the total budget, down from 5.44% in 2019-2020. This is after a year of bad monsoons dragged down agricultural growth from 4.7% in 2022-23 to 1.4% in 2023-24, necessitating greater government support for the sector.

The demand for legal status for MSP has also been met with stony silence  as has the demand for a farm loan waiver, he added.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central and Uttarakhand governments to come out with a scheme to rehabilitate the people who have been asked to vacate the encroachments from the railway land near Haldwani railway station.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan asked the railways authorities and governments to identify the land required for the expansion of railway tracks and the families likely to be affected.

As the first initiative, let the land which is required immediately be identified with full description. Similarly, the families who are likely to be affected in the event of taking possession of that land also be immediately identified, the bench said.

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Posting the matter for hearing on September 11, the bench asked the authorities to complete the exercise within four weeks.

In the course of the heating, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati requested the bench to vacate the stay saying that several expansion plans of the railways have been thwarted due to the non-availability of the land. ASG Bhati, appearing for the Centre, said that Haldwani is the gateway to the hills State and the last station before entering the Kumaon region.

The bench noted that approximately 30.04 hectares of land owned by the railways have been encroached upon and 4,365 houses constructed on it with over 50,000 people living on the encroached land.

`As Bhati requested to vacate the stay, the bench also observed Assuming they are encroachers, still the ultimate question is whether they are all human beings. They have been residing for decades. These are all pucca houses. Courts cant be ruthless, but at the same time, courts cannot encourage people to encroach. You as the State, when everything has been happening before your eyes, you also had to do something. The fact remains that people have been living there for 3-5 decades, perhaps even before independence. What have you been doing all these years?

The top court was hearing an application of Railways for vacation stay on the eviction of the encroachers on the railway land to safeguard the railway tracks and the Haldwani railway station.

In 2023, the residents, sought to be evicted, had approached the top court against the Uttarakhand High Courts order to evict the unauthorised occupants near the Haldwani railway station.

The Uttarakhand High Court had on December 20, 2023, had ordered removal of encroachments from railway land in Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani after giving a notice to the residents one week in advance.

Residents had protested against the removal of encroachments from railway land in compliance with a High Court order.

The residents, sought to be evicted, in their petition have stated that they are poor people who have been lawful residents of Mohalla Nai Basti, Haldwani district for more than 70 years.

The petitioners have stated that the names of local residents are entered in the municipal records relating to house tax and that they have been paying house tax regularly for years.

There are five government schools, one hospital and two overhead water tanks in the area, says the petition. The plea has further stated that the long settled physical possession of the petitioners and their ancestors, some even prior to the date of Indian independence, has been recognised by State and its agencies and they have been given gas and water connections and even Aadhaar card numbers accepting their residential addresses.
The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM), a prominent non-governmental organization in Meghalaya, has announced its renewed efforts to advocate for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state.

The ILP, a travel document required by outsiders to enter certain areas, is seen by many local organizations as crucial for protecting the indigenous communities of Meghalaya.

A delegation from HANM is set to visit New Delhi in the near future to present their comprehensive charter of demands to the Central government.

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Among the key issues on their agenda is the inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This inclusion would grant these languages official recognition and support, aiding in the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Khasi and Garo people.

In addition to language recognition, HANM intends to address the long-standing border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam. This border issue has been a source of tension and conflict for years, impacting the lives and security of people living in the border areas.

The decision to intensify the push for ILP comes in the wake of recent actions by the Khasi Students Union (KSU).

The KSUs crackdown on migrant workers without proper documentation led to the expulsion of over 2,500 individuals from the state. This campaign reflects the growing concern among local groups about the influx of outsiders and its potential impact on the indigenous populations cultural identity and economic opportunities.

KSU has vowed to continue its campaign to pressure the government into implementing the ILP, highlighting the widespread support for this measure among the local population.

HANM and KSU argue that the ILP is essential to protect the indigenous communities of Meghalaya from external pressures and to ensure the preservation of their unique cultural identity.
The leaders of Oppositions INDIA bloc parties on Wednesday launched a fierce protest in Parliament against what they called the discriminatory Union Budget 2024, claiming that several states have been unjustly ignored.

Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, voiced his discontent, stating, Many didnt get justice (in Union Budget). We are fighting for justice.

Echoing Kharges sentiments, Congress MP and Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, remarked, The entire country is upset with the budget. People from all the states are upset because the BJP has failed to solve their basic issues. The compulsion of the government is clearly visible in this budget. INDIA bloc is protesting against the injustice done in the budget

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Further highlighting regional grievances, Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, We are protesting for justice to Punjab today. Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have been allocated everything Flood assistance was also not given to Punjab. Punjab did not give even one seat to BJP and this is the reason the state has been ignored.

RSP MP NK Premachandran criticized the selective allocation of projects, stating, There has been total discrimination against some states. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have been allocated so many projects. In a parliamentary democracy, giving a boost to some states which are giving support to govt is against the spirit of the Constitution.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav expressed his frustration over Uttar Pradesh being sidelined, Forget about giving anything to Uttar Pradesh, it was not even named (in the Budget) To save the government, they are giving funds to some and ignoring the others.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, who held a placard that read neglecting Maharashtra will not be tolerated, sarcastically dubbed the budget as favoring certain states, This budget is for Ladla Bihar, Ladla Andhra Pradesh, and Ladla Odisha. Andhra Pradesh had asked for a special package but their mouth was shut by giving Rs 15,000 crore to the state

Highlighting the widespread spread disappointment, AAP MP Raghav Chadha stated, Almost everyone is disappointed with this budget except two persons, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu All the economic reports conclude that income is not rising but the prices are rising in the country. The government has paralysed the investors of the nation This budget has angered all sections of society The penalising provisions brought in this budget should be ended.

Meanwhile, INDIA bloc chief ministers from Telangana, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have decided to skip the upcoming NITI Ayog meeting in protest against the alleged discrimination to their respective states in the Union Budget 2024.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday evening that he will not take part in the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on July 27.

Calling the Union Budget 2024-25 discriminatory and dangerous, the Congress had also said on Tuesday evening that the partys Chief Ministers  Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Sukhvinder Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh)  will not attend the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi on July 27.

Taking to X, Siddaramaiah said, Despite my earnest efforts in calling for an all-party meeting of MPs in New Delhi to discuss Karnatakas essential needs, the Union Budget neglected our states demands.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who also attended the meeting, has ignored the concerns of the people of Karnataka. We dont feel Kannadigas are being heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting, he said, adding, We have decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 as a mark of protest.

The Chief Minister said that even the farmers demands to approve the Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects have been ignored.

There was no attempt to rectify their sin of reducing funds to our state under various categories. Funds for Metro and other infra projects are still a distant dream, he said.

The Prime Minister is unable to look at states other than Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. We hope the people of our state stand with us in our fight for justice, the CHief Minister added.
Proceedings of the Odisha assembly were disrupted for the third day in a row on Wednesday as ruckus continued over the Oppositions demand for action against Governor Raghubar Dass son for allegedly assaulting a government official earlier this month.

Amid the outbreak of pandemonium, Speaker Surama Padhy first adjourned the House till 11.30 am, then till 12 noon, and subsequently till 4 pm. To broker a truce for the resumption of normal proceedings of the House, Padhy has convened an all-party meeting.

The BJD members questioned the BJPs commitment to Odia Asmita once again calling it hollow as the party failed to protect and render justice to the victim government employee who had been assaulted by the son of the governor. The Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Baikuntha Pradhan was allegedly assaulted by the governors son Lalit Kumar inside the Puri Raj Bhavan on 7 July.

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Noisy scenes were witnessed as soon as the House assembled for the Question Hour as the BJD leaders staged a walkout in protest against police inaction over the issue.

The ruckus intensified with the Congress lawmakers trooping in the well of the House in protest against the willful neglect towards Odisha in the Union Budget.

The alleged assault case and the purported involvement of the Governors son Lalit Kumar (a native of neighbouring Jharkhand) has provided the Opposition mainly BJD shot in the arm for the regional party to hit out at the maiden BJP Government in the State.

The Opposition stepped up its demand for the arrest of Kumat (the Governors son) from the first day of the budget session while leveling accusations against the new government for shielding the high-profile accused. They demanded a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is also in charge of the Home Department. However, Majhi has yet to come out with a statement on the contentious issue.

Both the BJD and Congress had earlier boycotted the governors address to the House on the first day of the assembly session on Monday.

Meanwhile, the police are sitting over the police complaint doing precious little to book the accused at the behest of the State Government.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandans statement on Tuesday that Puri Collector is conducting a probe and would submit a report within a fortnight has added a further twist to the incident as the BJD questioned the propriety of inquiry by the collector into a criminal case. Its the polices duty to render justice to the victim officer. The collector has nothing to do with it, the BJD contended.
A Pakistani terrorist was killed and a non commissioned officer (NCO) of the Indian Army injured on Wednesday in the ongoing gunfight between security forces and terrorists in the Kowut area of North Kashmirs Kupwara.

The NCO was injured during indiscriminate firing at the troops by the hiding terrorists.

The Srinagar based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army in a statement on X said; Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by Indian Army & J&K Police on days leading upto 23 July 24.

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On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing fire fight one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO injured. Operation is in progress.

Meanwhile, 49 rounds of .303 rifle were recovered by the police from a pond near the Hanuman Mandir in Village Glar, under Pangdour Police Station, in the Samba district of Jammu.

It is worth mentioning that Lance Naik of the Army, Subhash Chander, was killed yesterday in an encounter with infiltrating terrorists in the Poonch district.

A soldier was injured a day earlier in the Rajouri district when terrorists attacked the house of a Shaurya Chakra awardee Village Defence Guard (VDG).
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived here on Wednesday morning on a two-day visit to India in the first high-level discussion between the two countries after the formation of the Keir Starmer-led Labour government in London.

Warm welcome to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit since the assumption of office. The visit will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will make the living bridge between India and the UK stronger, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post on X.

Economic, domestic, and global security will be at the heart of the UK Foreign Secretarys first visit to India, the British High Commission said.

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Mr Lammy is expected to push for a reset of the UK-India partnership including through reinforcing the UKs commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement that will benefit both economies.

He will tell his Indian counterpart that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries.

India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Mr Lammy said in a statement. He said the FTA negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham.

The Foreign Secretary will underscore the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage who have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life.

On his visit to Indias third largest technology company, he will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.

The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on a range of bilateral issues as well as global developments.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 24. Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed a wide range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation within the framework of political consultations, Trend reports.

According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, the delegations of both countries were headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

During the consultations, the parties touched upon a wide range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The delegations stressed the importance of joint efforts in combating global challenges and threats, including terrorism and cybercrime.

At the same time, they stated that Turkmenistan and Pakistan are constructively cooperating within the framework of international and regional structures, in particular, the countries mutually support the initiatives and proposals put forward by the two states.

Furthermore, at the meeting, the parties considered ways to increase the volume of trade and economic partnership, improve the contractual and legal framework, implement promising joint projects in the fields of energy and transport, and also noted the priority nature of humanitarian partnership in such areas as culture and education.

Meanwhile, on July 23, 2024, the visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Rashid Meredov to Pakistan began, within the framework of which the delegation met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari.

At the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.
Smarting from the neglect of Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget 2024, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday cautioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, Running the government to suit political likes and dislikes instead of being above board will result in your isolation.

As the INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest against the discrimination meted out to opposition-ruled states in the budget, Stalin took to X (formerly Twitter) to send a strong message to the Prime Minister. Dont remain vindictive and bent upon taking revenge on those who have defeated your party. Run the government evenly, ensuring that it is for all, he said in a post.

Charging the Prime Minister with belying his own words that election is over and henceforth we have to think only about the country, Stalin said, The budget presented on Tuesday will only help protect your government and the nation.

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Earlier on Tuesday, he had announced his decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meet, chaired by the Prime Minister, to register his protest. Other chief ministers of neighbouring Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh have followed suit.

The budget has been a huge disappointment for political parties in the state, except for the BJP. Tamil Nadus wish list included Rs 63,000 crore for Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, approval for Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai, and Rs 37,000 crore for flood relief. Since none of these were granted, Stalin termed the budget as a betrayal of Tamil Nadu and a grave injustice.

The opposition AIADMK too has condemned the budget with party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami saying, it showed a deep-rooted grudge against the state.

Countering Stalin and the criticism of the budget, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, in a lengthy post on X, listed the central assistance to the state by successive Modi governments, which he claimed was significantly higher than during the Congress-led UPA regime, in which the DMK was a constituent.
President Joe Bidens decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race is a seismic shift in American politics, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable elections in recent history. Mr Bidens withdrawal, prompted by a faltering debate performance and mounting concerns over his age, underscores the increasing pressures faced by ageing political leaders in an era that demands both physical stamina and mental acuity. Mr Bidens exit has left the Democratic Party in a scramble, but it has also opened the door for a historic opportunity.

Vice President Kamala Harris, now endorsed by Mr Biden, stands poised to become the first woman and the first person of African-American and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Her candidacy signifies a potential turning point for the country, reflecting its evolving demographics and the growing influence of women and minorities in American politics. Ms Harriss journey to secure the nomination and defeat former President Donald Trump will be fraught with challenges. She must quickly unify the Democratic Party, secure the support of delegates, and pivot a campaign apparatus that was initially built to re-elect Mr Biden. This rapid shift will test her leadership and political acumen, but it also presents a unique chance to galvanise a diverse coalition of voters who are eager for change.

Mr Bidens decision to endorse Ms Harris demonstrates recognition of the critical need for fresh leadership that can energise the party and the nation. His departure is a strategic move aimed at ensuring the Democratic Party remains competitive against Mr Trumps relentless campaign. Mr Bidens legacy, though now marked by this unexpected exit, includes significant accomplishments such as steering the nation through pandemic recovery and passing major bipartisan legislation. The political landscape is now rife with uncertainties. While Ms Harris gains momentum, other potential contenders may emerge, adding to the complexity of the Democratic nomination process. Figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have already shown their support for Ms Harris, signalling an early consolidation of power within the party.

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However, the possibility of new challengers cannot be discounted, especially as the party seeks a leader who can effectively counter Mr Trumps polarising rhetoric and divisive policies. Mr Trump, for his part, must recalibrate his strategy to address a new opponent. His campaign has been predominantly focused on Mr Biden, and the shift to targeting Ms Harris will require a different approach. Ms Harris, known for her sharp debating skills and progressive stance, presents a formidable challenge to Mr Trumps re-election bid. Mr Bidens departure is a profound reminder of the importance of adaptability in politics. As the oldest president in American history, his decision to step aside reflects the inevitable reality that leaders must sometimes make way for new voices and perspectives. It is a testament to his commitment to his party that he recognised the need to pass the torch.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 24. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is currently implementing projects focusing on advancing economic competitiveness and safeguarding the environment in Uzbekistan, a spokesperson for the organization told Trend.

According to the spokesperson from UNIDO, the organization is also targeting such sectors as textiles and garments, and is contributing to the environmental sustainability of these industries through the introduction of resource efficient practices.

"Within the framework of our project on sustainable upgrading of the textile and garment industries in Uzbekistan, UNIDO is supporting economic diversification and improved access to both regional and broader international markets," the representative of UNIDO said.

The UNIDO representative said that earlier on May 31, the project launch event took place in Uzbekistans Tashkent, bringing together key project partners including representatives from the Uztextileprom (association of textile and garment knitwear enterprises of Uzbekistan), the Russian Embassy in Uzbekistan, as well as various further representatives from the private sector.

"The project will support strengthening the productivity, competitiveness, and collective export capacities of manufacturing companies, as well as the application of new innovative approaches for branding and marketing, product design. All of this will strengthen national human and technical capacities in business networking, enhancing institutional partnerships among producers and with global value chain operators," the spokesperson emphasized.

The representative from UNIDO stressed that the organization officially launched the Technical Support for the Transformation of Two Industrial Zones of Uzbekistan into Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) project this year, including a launch webinar conducted with government representatives in March 2024.

"This project will contribute to improving the environmental, economic, and social performance of industries in Uzbekistan and strengthen the role of business service providers there through the implementation of EIP approaches in selected pilot industrial parks, also aiming for an increased role of EIP in environmental and industrial policies at the national level," the spokesperson at UNIDO said.

According to the source, the project will also analyze potential candidate industrial parks that are best situated to be developed into EIPs and aim to help industrial parks and the tenants of small and medium-sized enterprises meet international EIP standards to improve their environmental, social, and economic performance.

Meanwhile, as per data from UNIDO's open data platform, the organization's total budget for projects in Uzbekistan reaches $3 million, while the budget for 2024 amounts to $872,564.
YouTuber and Malayalam 'movie critic' Santhosh Varkey, popularly known as Aratt Annan, was summoned by Kerala Police following a complaint filed by South Indian actor Bala, accusing the former of making obscene remarks against actors under the guise of movie reviews.



Bala had recently filed a complaint with the Mollywood actors' association AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) and the Ernakulam Police, alleging that Aratt Annan used vulgar language to insult actors and their families on social media.



AMMA general secretary actor Siddique took the complaint seriously and initiated further action. Following this, Aratt Annan was summoned to the police station, where he signed a written statement in the presence of senior police officials, promising not to repeat such behavior.



The police warned him that legal action would be initiated against him if he were to make such remarks again.



Besides, AMMA has also decided to take strict action against YouTubers who personally insult film industry professionals under the guise of movie reviews and criticism.



Earlier, Aratt Annan's involvement in a controversy between YouTuber 'Chekuthan' and Bala had also garnered significant attention. Aratt Annan had then alleged that Bala forcefully detained him at the house.
The Centre has demanded to know if the parents of controversial IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, Manorama and Dilip Khedkar, are divorced.

According to media reports, the Centre asked the Pune Police to confirm the marital status of Puja Khedkar's parents amid allegations that she fraudulently availed of the OBC non-creamy layer benefit in the UPSC exam by claiming that they were separated, according to an official.

A senior official of the Pune police confirmed to news agency PTI that the Union government has asked them to apprise it of the marital status of her parents.

"We have been asked to find out and inform to the central government about whether Puja Khedkar's parents were divorced. In a nutshell, it has asked us to verify the actual status of their marriage/divorce," the official has been quoted as saying.

Khedkar is accused of misusing power and privileges by demanding perks and facilities she was not eligible for during her training in Pune district collectorate in Maharashtra recently. She was also accused of bullying people and of placing a red-blue beacon atop a private Audi car used by her that also had 'Maharashtra Government' written on it during her stint.

Meanwhile, Khedkar, who was supposed to report for duty in Mussoorie's Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) by Tuesday, failed to meet the deadline.

She has been reportedly unreachable after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) registered a police case against her.
In her budget speech on Tuesday, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared financial assistance for Sikkim, along with Bihar, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, due to the damage caused by floods and landslides. The minister, however, missed out on extending similar assistance to West Bengal which also suffers from similar issues.

Recently, Sikkim witnessed devastating flash floods and landslides that wreaked havoc across the state. Our government will provide assistance to the state, the minister said.

On October 4, 2023, the northern districts of West BengalJalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpongbordering Sikkim, experienced significant impact from a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).

The flood, triggered by the breach of South Lhonak Lakes banks, engulfed the entire Teesta river basin, leaving behind extensive devastation from which the affected areas are still struggling to recover.

Reportedly, more than 100 people died in the GLOF and over 70 went missing. More than 4,000 were evacuated and 2,000 houses were damaged. Over 88,000 people were directly impacted by the GLOF in Sikkim and West Bengal.

Teesta primarily flows through mountains and hilly terrains of Sikkim before descending to the floodplains in West Bengal. As a result, when a significant natural disaster hits the river, it is West Bengal that bears the brunt of damage to both lives and livelihoods.

The Union government thinks that the Teesta stops flowing after Rangpo [in Sikkim from where the river enters West Bengal]. Majority of the low-lying areas on the Teesta river basin lies in West Bengal, Praful Rao of Save The Hills, an NGO working in disaster management in North Bengal and Sikkim, told THE WEEK over phone.

These areas are densely populated and agriculturally rich. But these places are yet to recover from the damage caused by the GLOF. Even now the Teesta is flowing above the danger level in low-lying areas of West Bengal.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the semi-autonomous governing body for administrative affairs in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, reportedly assessed the damage exceeding Rs 230 crore due to the flood in areas within its jurisdiction.

This years monsoon has also wreaked havoc in the West Bengal side of the Teesta basin. NH-10, the lifeline of Sikkim which connects the northeastern state to mainland India, has mostly remained shut in West Bengal for the last one month after multiple landslides and flood damaged the highway.

Visuals have appeared from the region showing the Teesta flowing above the danger level. As a result, West Bengal continues to incur flood-related damage.

The Union governments alleged neglect was not taken well by residents along the Teesta river basin in West Bengal. They think it was politically motivated as Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamangs party Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is part of the NDA.

Our homes and lands, too, were washed away by the GLOF. People say the low-lying areas suffered heavy damage due to faulty construction [the Teesta 3 hydropower project in Sikkims Chungthang] by Sikkim Urja Limited [formerly owned by the Sikkim government], Yogita Chhetri, a BJP member of the Teesta gram panchayat in Kalimpong, told THE WEEK over phone.

Rao said it was a political stunt by the BJP-led Centre whose tussle with Mamata Banerjees West Bengal is known to all. The political leaders of both the Centre and the state have made a mockery of disaster management, he said.

Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts are part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency which is represented by BJP MP Raju Bista. He told THE WEEK, The West Bengal government under CM Mamata Banerjee has refused to declare Teesta floods as a "disaster" officially, which would have enabled the WB government to spend up to 10 per cent of the annual allocation under the State Disaster Response Fund [SDRF] to provide support.

For West Bengal, the SDRF allocation for the financial year 2023-24 is Rs 1189.60 crores. Out of which, Rs 892 crores is central contribution, and Rs 297.60 is the state contribution. Ten per cent of Rs 1189.60 crores is Rs 118.96 crores, which the West Bengal government can use to help the Teesta flood victims.

Meanwhile, the Union governments decision to allocate funds for flood relief to Sikkim comes after CM Tamang submitted an extensive report for post-disaster need assessment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his report, the Sikkim CM estimated that Rs 3,673.25 crore would be necessary for recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The West Bengal government has not even sent a single bureaucrat to examine the damage, let alone send a report detailing the sufferings of the people from our region to the central government, Bista said.

Our people are suffering due to the indifference, and discriminatory policy adopted by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government towards our region, he added.

Interestingly, similar controversy had erupted last year when the Centre allocated Rs 44.8 crore as advance amount for Sikkim, following the GLOF.
The Delhi Police is likely to send a notice to IAS probationer Puja Khedkar for joining the probe early in a case of cheating and forgery registered against her last week, official sources said on Wednesday.

The Delhi Police has started gathering documents and other evidences for the case.

Khedkar was allegedly booked by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on July 19 for misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) quotas to secure her candidature in the civil services exam.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has filed a police case against Khedkar for allegedly fraudulently availing the civil services examination by faking her identity to take the exam beyond the permissible number of attempts.

According to an official source, a dedicated team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) level of the Crime Branch has been tasked to collect the documents from various government departments.

The team, after compiling the documents, may send a notice to Khedkar for joining the probe, the source said, adding they will confront her with the alleged forged documents.

A case under section 420 (cheating), 464 (making a document in the name of a fictitious person), 465 (forgery) and 471 (passing off a forged document as genuine) of IPC and under sections 89 and 91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and 66D of the Information Technology Act was registered against Khedkar.

The 2023-batch IAS officer, who was a probationary assistant collector at the Pune district collectorate, was transferred to Washim from Pune earlier this month amid allegations that she misrepresented herself under the physical disabilities category.

During her stint in Pune, she allegedly misused power and privileges by demanding perks and facilities she was not entitled to. She is also accused of availing the OBC and non-creamy layer quota in the UPSC.

Following the allegations against her, her probation period was put on hold and she was recalled to Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie.
In the run-up to the Union budget, the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress Party took their fight to the streets of Delhi. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the second time after the elections, followed by his internal meetings with the TDP's 16 Lok Sabha MPs. On July 22, a day before the budget, the MPs once again met in Delhi and mulled over the wish list that could propel the state's economic engine.

"The focus was on Amaravati and the Polavaram and Rayalaseema irrigation projects and the new educational institutions," said Nandyal TDP MP Byreddy Shabari. Naidu wanted immediate results in the form of development activities to strengthen the argument that Andhra Pradesh suffered under the Jagan Mohan Reddy regime and was now in repair mode.



The YSRCP was trying to undermine the TDPs efforts. It pitched for special category status for Andhra Pradesh, a demand that led to the TDP walking out of the National Democratic Alliance in 2018. Naidu is no longer keen on the issue. On July 24, Jagan sat on a dharna in Delhi demanding president's rule in the state, alleging a breakdown of law and order. He was also trying to send a message that without the special category status, everything else that was given in the budget was just optics.

On budget day, however, the Narendra Modi government, which relies on the TDP's support, gave prime consideration to Andhra Pradesh. Our government has made concerted efforts to fulfil the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the budget. She has promised to facilitate special financial support to the tune of Rs 15,000 crore through multilateral development agencies for Amaravati, Naidu's pet project. The Union government also committed to the early completion of the Polavaram irrigation project, offering financial support. Also mentioned in the budget was support for the Visakhapatnam-Chennai and the Hyderabad-Bengaluru industrial corridors. Naidu and the TDP also managed to secure grants for backward regions in the state, such as Rayalaseema, Prakasham and north coastal Andhra.



Though the Andhra Pradesh government expected an announcement regarding a Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) refinery with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore, there was no mention of the project in the budget. A BPCL delegation had visited the state and held discussions with Naidu. The TDP later clarified that the refinery announcement did not find a place in the budget because the BPCL was a corporation. It said a separate announcement about the project would be made soon.

Notwithstanding the favoured treatment from Sitharaman, the TDPs wish list remains long. It wants assistance to develop road infrastructure, including a highway linking Amaravati and Anantapur, a hike in the Reserve Banks FRBM (fiscal responsibility and budget management) limit to avail more loans and a railway zone for Visakhapatnam.



"We will need the help of the Central government to give a fillip to the economy," said TDP spokesperson N. Vijay Kumar. Amaravati is a revenue-generating project. The indicators of economic activity are steel and cement, and they will be widely used," he said. "The state government has already allotted land for 48 Central government institutions. If the state government is able to spend Rs 30,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore in four years, Amaravati will become self-driven. The private players in Amaravati will spend their money and will not entirely depend on the government."



Kumar said the debt accumulated over the years was a major problem. Andhra Pradesh has debt amounting to more than Rs 4.85 lakh crore, and the TDP blamed the YSRCP government for taking additional loans to fund its welfare programmes. It said the previous government spent more than Rs 1.75 lakh crore on various welfare schemes.



In a white paper, Naidu assailed the YSRCP government for accumulating huge losses and alleged that it was responsible for the loss of Rs 19,137 crore to the exchequer. On the Amaravati capital project, he said the YSRCP government blocked a Central government grant of Rs 1,000 crore. On Polavaram, he said Rs 3,300 crore of Central money was diverted. G. Srikanth Reddy, a former MLA from the YSRCP, refuted the charges and blamed Naidu for emptying the state coffers during his term and failing to provide welfare to people or bring any development.



The new government, meanwhile, is struggling to finance the welfare schemes it promised in its election manifesto, which include a pension of Rs 4,000 for the elderly, an annual grant of Rs 15,000 for school-going children and free bus rides for women.



Revenue Minister A. Satya Prasad said Naidu was a wealth creator and would improve the growth rate. We have to spend Rs 33,000 crore for pensions and we need to give free bus rides. Though there are problems like the huge debt, we can see that more investors are coming to the state, and this will change everything."



Economists and experts are, however, sceptical and warn that the fiscal deficit remains a concern. Chittedi Krishna Reddy of the University of Hyderabad said Andhra Pradesh's growth was steady, but it fell behind neighbouring states with more diverse and innovative economies.



"Telangana's growth rates were slightly higher, owing to its robust IT sector and Hyderabad's economic dynamism," said Reddy. "Andhra Pradesh's fiscal deficit remains a concern because of excessive public spending on welfare programmes and subsidies."



Reddy said projects like Amaravati and the ongoing welfare programmes would require immediate funding up to Rs 1,00,000 crore. The new administration will have to effectively mobilise resources by combining state revenues, Central assistance, public-private partnerships, borrowing, and also by attracting foreign investment. The difficulty will be in finding a balance between these expenses and sustainable fiscal management to prevent too much debt."


Barring West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, all the INDIA bloc chief ministers will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. This is in protest against the Union Budget, which the opposition parties claimed was "discriminatory" as it did not allocate enough funds for the state ruled by non-NDA parties.

It was Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin who first announced the boycott in Chennai. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telangana's Revanth Reddy will skip the meeting. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan are also expected to give the meeting a miss.

Mamata and TMC's Derek O'Brien will attend the meeting and "strongly use the platform to hold the Union government responsible" for Bengal's legitimate dues.

"They have not given us our money. What was the point of GST then? We cant impose taxes because they impose cess. More than Rs 1.7 lakh crore is pending but nothing is being given to us, not even a single paisa. They have asked for our statement before the meeting. So we are submitting a draft of pending due. They have asked for a written speech but whatever I will say, I will say spontaneously at the meeting," Mamata said.

This comes on the heels of Congress-led opposition's protest in and outside the Parliament complex on Wednesday.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan told the police that he believed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's men targeted his Mumbai residence in April intending to kill him and his family. Salman Khan's statement is part of the charge sheet filed by Mumbai Police in connection with the incident.



The Bollywood star told the police that he heard a firecracker-like sound while being asleep at his residence in Galaxy Apartments in the early hours of April 14. His police bodyguard told him around 4.55 am that two people on motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony, he said. He later learnt that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi had claimed responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post, the statement said.

According to news agency PTI, Salman Khan said that attempts to hurt him and his family had happened earlier as well, adding that his bodyguard lodged a complaint regarding the firing at Bandra police station.

"...I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members, carried out the firing incident when my family members were sleeping and (they were) planning to kill me and my family members," PTI quoted Khan's statement as saying.

He and his family had received several other threats in recent years, the actor told police. In 2022, a threat letter was found on a bench opposite his building, while in March 2023, they received an email threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, he said.

Two unidentified persons tried to trespass into his farmhouse near Panvel using fake identities in January 2024, the actor noted. P

The police filed the 1,735-page charge sheet in the firing case before the special court for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act cases earlier this month. The court recently took cognizance of the charge sheet, saying that prima facie there was enough material to proceed against the six arrested accused.

Those arrested in the case were Vickykumar Gupta, Sagarkumar Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Anujkumar Thapan (now deceased), Mohd Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh. Thapan allegedly committed suicide in police custody after his arrest. The other five are now in judicial custody.
The Congress-led opposition parties will protest in and outside the Parliament complex on Wednesday for "discrimination" against the non-NDA-ruled states in the Union Budget.

This comes after the leaders of the INDIA bloc parties on Tuesday met at the 10 Rajaji Marg residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari, Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Congress general secretaries K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh attended the meeting. From allied parties, NCP (SCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, TMC's Derek O'Brien and Kalyan Banerjee, DMK's T R Baalu, JMM's Mahua Maji, AAP's Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh, and CPI(M)'s John Brittas were present.

"The concept of a budget has already been destroyed by this year's Union Budget. They have completely discriminated against most of the states. So general sentiment of the INDIA bloc meeting was we have to protest against this," Venugopal told reporters.

In a post on X, Venugopal later said, "The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow."

"This government's attitude is completely antithetical to Constitutional principles. We will not participate in an event that is solely designed to hide the true, discriminatory colours of this regime," he added.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleged that the budget had "blacked out" states where there are non-BJP governments. "We will hold a protest tomorrow in the Parliament regarding this. We will raise our voice inside Parliament and outside also...This is not the budget of the BJP, it is the budget of the whole country, but they have presented it as if it is BJP's budget...This budget is againt the federal structure of the country," he alleged.

On Tuesday, AAP MPs had protested outside the Parliament complex against the alleged conspiracy to arrest Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan, in his statement given to the police, has claimed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had targeted his home in April this year in an attempt to kill him and his family members.

The investigators have included his statements in their 1,735-page charge sheet filed in a Mumbai court earlier this month.

The actor said he was asleep when he heard a firecracker-like sound in the early hours of April 14. His police bodyguard later informed Salman that two people on a motorbike had fired at the first-floor balcony.

The actor told the cops that Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members, who later confessed and took responsibility of the attack, had talked about killing him and his relatives earlier, too.

"So, I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members, carried out the firing incident when my family members were sleeping and (they were) planning to kill me and my family members, he said.

In his statement, Salman also mentioned the instances of threat messages he had received in the past. In 2022, a threat letter was found on a bench opposite his building, while in March 2023, they received an email threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In January 2024, two unidentified persons tries to trespass into his farmhouse near Panvel using fake ID cards.

The chargesheet was filed before the special court for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act cases earlier this month.

Police also recorded the statement of the actors brother Arbaaz Khan though he was not present at the flat at the time of the attack.

On April 14, two motorbike-borne people opened fire outside Salman's residence in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, the alleged shooters, were subsequently arrested from Gujarat. Police so far have arrested six persons in connection with the case. However, one of the accused, Anuj Thapan, allegedly hanged himself in a police lock-up on May 1.

Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in the Sabarmati central prison in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi, who is believed to be in the US or Canada, have been named in the firing case.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday lashed out at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the Union Budget tabled a day ago.

He claimed that plates of all states except Bihar and Andhra Pradesh empty in budget allocation. Kharge said barring states ruled by NDA allies, several major states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Kharge said he expected Karnataka to get the most but the state received nothing. He reiterated his Budget day claims that the Centre is trying to please BJP's allies in the NDA, inclduing Nitish Kumar-led JDU and Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh, to "protect the chair".

When Jagdeep Dhankar told Kharge to let Sitharaman respond, Congress chief took a swipe at the finance minister, saying, "Mataji is an expert in speaking. I am aware of that".

In her response, Sitharaman called the allegations "outrageous". "You don't get an opportunity to name a state in evey budget. For example, let me take Maharashtra, which was not named at all between interim and full budget. The Cabinet passes a very important decision to set up a major port in the state. Did Maharashtra get ignored because I didn't name it? Rs 76,000 crore has been allocated for that project."

She went on to say that the opposition parties are deliberately trying to give the people a wrong impression that their states haven't received anything.
The INDIA bloc MPs gathered in the Parliament premises on Wednesday to protest the Centre's Union Budget, which they called "anti-people" and was aimed at satisfying the allies.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi attended the protest. Besides Congress MPs, several MPs of the TMC, Samajwadi Party, DMK and the Left joined the protest held on the steps leading up to the Makar Dwar of Parliament.



"This budget is just to satisfy their allies. They have given nothing to anyone," Kharge told reporters, calling the Budget as "anti-people."



"No one has got justice. They have talked about a special package but special status has not been given. This is a deceptive budget and injustice to the people," he added. The MPs raised placards such as 'We want India budget not NDA budget' and 'NDA betrays India in Budget'.



#WATCH | Delhi: On the Union Budget, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says, "The entire country is upset with the budget. People from all the states are upset because the BJP has failed to solve their basic issues. The compulsion of the government is clearly visible in this budget. INDIA pic.twitter.com/3b2TmweQtG  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

The Congress also accused the Centre of violating all principles to protect the government. "Giving so many sops to just two states. We are not against giving funds to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar but other states should also get justice. That is why we are agitating today. Even the people are agitated with this," Congress general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal, said.



Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said Nirmala Sitharaman did not even mention Uttar Pradesh in the Budget. "Forget about giving anything to Uttar Pradesh, it was not even named (in the Budget)...To save the government, they are giving funds to some and ignoring the others," Yadav added. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said his state Uttar Pradesh has been discriminated against." They snatched away jobs and are now talking of apprenticeships, he said.



DMK MP T Siva, who attended the protest, alleged that the Budget deprived the opposition-ruled states. "They denied whatever is due to Tamil Nadu. The Union budget is not the nation's budget, it is the alliance budget," he added.



Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant too accused the Centre of pandering to its allies. "This budget is for 'Ladla Bihar, Ladla Andhra Pradesh and Ladla Odisha'. Andhra Pradesh had asked for a special package but their mouth was shut by giving Rs 15,000 crore to the state," he accused.


Controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of misusing power and privileges during her training, failed to meet the deadline to report for duty in Mussoorie's Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).

She was scheduled to be at the academy by Tuesday.

According to media reports, Puja Khedkar is out of reach after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) registered a police case against her for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking identity. The commission had also issued a show cause notice for cancellation of her candidature of the civil services examination-2022 and debarment from future examinations/selections.

UPSC had said its investigation has revealed that Khedkar fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the examination rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's and mother's name, her photograph/signature, her email ID, mobile number, and address.

The probationary IAS officer is under scrutiny for her claims regarding disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates in her Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) candidature and conduct during her posting at the Pune collector's office.

Meanwhile, a few days ago, a Pune court remanded Puja Khedkar's mother to 14-day judicial custody in a criminal case linked to a land dispute and rejected her bail plea.

Manorama Khedkar was arrested for brandishing a gun and threatening a few farmers over a land dispute in Pune district last year.
An aircraft with 19 people on board crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu in Nepal on Wednesday. Eighteen people have been reportedly killed in the crash, say media reports.

Quoting a spokesperson for the airport, NDTV reported that the aircraft skidded off the runway minutes after the take-off.

According to eyewitnesses, the Pokhara-bound flight suddenly flipped after taking off, and the wing tip hit the ground. Soon, the aircraft caught fire, The Kathmandu Post reported.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu



Details awaited pic.twitter.com/DNXHSvZxCz  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Footage from the spot showed the plane speeding down the runway before a fire broke out with high flames and thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

According to a security official at the airport, the fire that broke out from the aircraft has been put off.

The Himalayan Times newspaper reported that the plane was only carrying technical staff of the airline.There were no passengers on board but the plane was carrying few technical staff, Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at the TIA, said.

The pilot of the aircraft, belonging to Saurya Airlines, has been taken to a hospital, reported PTI.

Authorities have shut down the TIA following the plane crash, the MyRepublica news portal reported.

With agency inputs
With a new opponent in the fray, the Donald Trump camp has altered the tactics of the presidential race, with Kamala Harris facing attacks not only for her policies but also for her race and gender. Republican nominee Trump has reworked the entire campaign now to face not an 81-year-old white man but a 59-year-old black woman.

Trump already broke the norm on Tuesday, speaking to reporters on a conference call to underscore his campaign's line of attack on the border, saying Harris was partially responsible for a record flow of migrants. "As a result of her dangerously extreme immigration policies, the largest invasion in history is now taking place at our southern border, and its getting worse, not better," he said.



"Lyin Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches!" Trump said during a series of jabs Tuesday on his Truth Social account.



However, his allies are going after everything, from Harris's gender to skin colour to even "cackle", reminiscent of the Trump-Hillary Clinton battle in 2016, where everything from Clinton's qualifications, look, and voice were scrutinised.



Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennesse, took to X to call Harris a 'DEI vice president', a jibe on workplace policies that promote 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion'. "When you go down that route, you take mediocrity, and thats what they have right now," Burchett told CNN.



Pro-GOP media persons too lashed out at Harris as Sebastian Gorka, a host on the conservative network Newsmax, stating Harris was going to be the nominee "because shes female and her skin colour is the correct DEI colour." Gorka, who served in the Trump administration, said Harris "cackles like an insane woman."



Fox News host Jesse Watters said Harris secured Hillary Clintons endorsement, "obviously, because shes a woman."



Richard Grenell, U.S. ambassador to Germany in the Trump administration, too called Harris a part of the "revolving door of DEI appointments from the straight white male governor, who hands out appointments to keep different groups happy and at bay." He was referring to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat. "Kamala Harris is a product of this whole system. Shes very far left, unvetted and untested."

Also read: The wonder that is Kamala

A clip that showed Trump's running mate J D Vance questioning Harris leadership in 2021 because she did not have biological children has also resurfaced.



Vance made the statement during his bid for the Senate in Ohio. In a Fox News interview, Vance referred to Democrats as "a bunch of 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." "How does it make any sense that we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?" asked Vance.



The clip went viral after Harris announced her bid for the nomination. Hillary Clinton too shared it in a Tuesday post on X: "What a normal, relatable guy who certainly doesnt hate women having freedoms," she added.


Martina Marquez, a juror in Alec Baldwin's case of the unintentional murder of Ukrainian cameraman Halyna Hutchins, called the trial "ridiculous." The woman admitted that she had doubts whether what happened was really the actor's fault.

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Marquez, a 36-year-old New Mexico resident and oncologist, is listed in court documents as Juror No. 1. Martina told People magazine that she was "open to hearing the facts" from the beginning of the trial. However, when the prosecutors and defense presented evidence and demanded comments from witnesses during the first two days of the trial, she became convinced that "the case was mishandled from the beginning."

Baldwin, 66, was holding a prop gun on the set of the 2021 western Rust and suddenly fired the weapon, killing cameraman Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter. The star claimed that he had not pulled the trigger and did not know why the gun had live ammunition.

During the trial, special prosecutor Erlinda Johnson portrayed Alec as a "reckless" person who ignored standard safety protocol, which she said contributed to Hutchins' death. But Marquez was confident that the case would be treated as an "accident." "The charge in the indictment seemed a little harsh," the doctor said.

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In one of the videos shown, courtesy of Timoteo Benavidez, a lieutenant with the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, the jury saw gunman Hannah Gutierrez-Reed handing a gun to a police officer. She was convicted in March of involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving 18 months in prison.

"It didn't make sense," Marquez continues, "You're not supposed to really touch the evidence and move it from place to place. So it made me question the situation because [the gun] could have been in the hands of many people before the lieutenant actually confiscated it."

Martina says she puts the blame on Gutierrez-Reed: "I felt that she was responsible for what happened." Asked if she thought the prosecutors were going after Baldwin because he was a celebrity, Marquez agreed: "I think that was the case. I feel like they needed to attribute [the death] to someone."

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Kolkata, Jul 23 (PTI) Hailing the Union Budget as a "big boon" for West Bengal, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday said the state government should utilise the funds allocated by the Centre effectively without diverting it for "unauthorised purposes".

Bose claimed the Budget was a "lifeboat" sent by the Centre, realising that the "financial ship of Bengal is sinking".

"The Union budget has come as a big boon to Bengal which is facing a financial breakdown or meltdown. This is a pro-people and pro-poor budget that Nirmala Sitharaman presented in Parliament... (Where) Bengal is concerned, it is a woman-friendly, youth and startup-friendly budget," the governor said in a video clip released by his office.

"Bengal should utilise the funds given by the Government of India through this budget effectively without diverting it for unauthorised purposes. This is a point (that) should be considered by the West Bengal government. The Bengal government must ensure that money reaches the targeted poor. Financial irregularities pointed out by the CAG should be stopped forthwith by the Bengal government," he said.

Bose, who is at present in New Delhi, said the state government must act with prudence and wisdom.
Kolkata, Jul 24 (PTI) Trade between India and Bangladesh, which was stalled for the last two days due to the violence in the neighbouring country, resumed on Wednesday.

Trade to all major land ports in West Bengal, including Petrapole, Gojadanga, Fulbari, and Mahadipur, resumed after Bangladeshi Customs resumed work and the restoration of the internet link, an export body official said.

Trade has resumed from the Petrapole border since this morning after the Benapole side reopened to receive cargo," Kamlesh Saini, manager of the Land Port Authority of India (Petrapole), told PTI.

Petrapole, located in Bongaon in the North 24 Parganas district, serves as South Asias largest land port and plays a crucial role in facilitating trade between India and Bangladesh..

Benapole border has resumed functioning. Altogether 220 trucks entered Bangladesh from Petrapole while 27 trucks reached Bangladesh today," said Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Staff Association.

Trade has resumed after the Bangladesh customs department began functioning and internet services were restored. Though the flow is slow due to congestion, it will get normalised over the next few days as there is a huge backlog, West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee Secretary Ujjal Saha said.

Bilateral trade had stalled after Bangladesh customs went on a two-day nationwide holiday due to student protests over the job quota issue and general unrest in the neighbouring country.

On average, 400-450 trucks with goods cross the Petrapole land port from India, while 150-200 trucks come to India from Bangladesh every day, officials said. Till Monday, 800 trucks were stranded.

Officials said it would take some more time for cargo flow to return to normal. They said priority was given to perishable cargo as the shutdown in Bangladesh has resulted in a spike in the price of essential commodities.

Saini said passenger flow continues from the Bangladesh side, with a significant number being students.
BENGALURU, India, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stress, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety have become ubiquitous, affecting individuals of all age groups in the society from school children and college students to corporate professionals and the elderly. Ideally, childhood and youth should be vibrant with energy and zeal, while old age should bring peaceful solitude or companionship. Yet, every one of these stages of life is increasingly overshadowed by mental health struggles.



The Psycho-social Correlation between Sleep and Depression



Stress, sleeplessness, and depression are interconnected. Stress and anxiety often lead to sleeplessness, which can, in turn, cause depression. As per the statistics of the Sleep Foundation, alarmingly, approximately 40% of people with insomnia suffer from clinical depression, and up to 80% of those with depression experience bouts of insomnia. While medications like Restyl or Prozac may provide short-term relief, they come with prolonged side effects and can cause anxiety as a withdrawal syndrome.



A thought-provoking narrative by HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlights the profound impact of internal struggles. He recounts a story of a gentleman who visited a doctor, complaining of widespread pain and sadness despite normal test results. The doctor suggested he watch a clown at the circus to lift his spirits, only for the gentleman to reveal, "Doctor, I am that clown." This story, reminiscent of the actor and comedian Robin Williams' life, underscores the reality that happiness does not stem from external sources or talents but from understanding one's true nature through self-enquiry and meditation.



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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday met former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda in Parliament House and discussed agriculture issues facing Karnataka.

Chouhan said "meaningful discussions were held on various topics related to agriculture," on a social media post.

After the meeting, JD(S) Supremo Gowda also tweeted that he had a "fruitful discussion on several pressing matters related to agriculture in Karnataka."

JD(S) is one of the important allies in the BJP-led NDA government.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) Union minister Manohar Lal on Wednesday hailed the 2024-25 Budget as people-centric, saying the central government has taken care of every section of society, especially women and farmers.

Talking to reporters, the Union housing and urban affairs minister said in the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman a day earlier, there is also a provision to fund one crore houses in cities.

"In the Union Budget, several schemes have been announced for the welfare of every section of society. The Budget has also focused on infrastructure. Allocation has been made for construction of one crore houses," Manohar said.

On Tuesday, the government announced central assistance of Rs 2.2 lakh crore over the next five years to meet the housing requirement of one crore urban poor and middle-class families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban and proposed interest subsidy to provide loans at affordable rates.

According to the government, under the PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0, housing needs of one crore urban poor and middle-class families will be addressed with an investment of Rs 10 lakh crore.

Talking about budgetary allocation for cities, the minister said in the Budget, the government has made provision for several projects for holistic development of urban areas.

He said the government has also announced a transit-oriented development plan for 14 large cities with a population of over 30 lakh in its Budget for 2024-25.
San Francisco, Jul 24 (AP) Google's corporate parent Alphabet Inc. delivered another quarter of steady growth amid an AI-driven shift in the ubiquitous search engine that is the, foundation of its internet empire.

The second-quarter report released Tuesday indicated Google is still reeling in advertisers on the heels of the May introduction of an artificial intelligence feature that produces conversational responses to people's search queries while downplaying its traditional display of related links to other websites.

Although the change sparked fear and outrage among online publishers worried their traffic will plummet, Google is still thriving and propelling Alphabet's success.

Alphabet's revenue for the April-June period climbed 14 per cent from the same time last year to USD 84.74 billion. The Mountain View, California, earned USD 23.62 billion, or USD 1.89 per share, a 29 per cent increase from the same time last year. It marked fourth-consecutive quarter that Alphabet's year-over-year revenue growth has surpassed 10 per cent, although the pace during the April-June period slowed slightly from the January-March span.

The performance for the most-recent quarter exceeded the analyst projections that steer investors, according to FactSet Research.

Alphabet's stock price rose slightly in extended trading after the report came out. The shares have surged by 30 per cent so far this year, largely riding the excitement surrounding the money-making opportunities afforded by the rise of AI  a field that Google is trying to mine through its DeepMind division and Gemini technology. (AP) GRS

GRS
Chennai, Jul 24 (PTI) Tamil Nadu is keen on exploring ties in various sectors including space technology, drones, quantum computing, Minister for Industries T R B Rajaa said here on Wednesday.

The state was also expected to become the largest exporter of electronics, accounting USD 12 billion this year, he said at an event here.



"We are looking at space technology, drones  since we have large drone makers and we are also looking at quantum computing.. There are a lot of possibilities to strengthen the ties between the United Arab Emirates and Tamil Nadu," Rajaa told reporters at the sidelines of an event.



He observed that a team led by him to take part in the World Economic Forum in Davos, had invited the delegation from the United Arab Emirates led by Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei to visit Chennai and based on their request the team had come to the city.

"They have come to India for the third time after visiting Delhi, Mumbai and now here in Chennai. Tomorrow, the UAE Minister and his team are scheduled to meet Chief Minister M K Stalin (for possible collaboration between UAE and Tamil Nadu)," Rajaa said.

To a query, he said Tamil Nadu ranked third on the electronic exports made from India last year accounting USD 10 billion and it was projected to reach USD 12 billion this year.

Earlier delivering his address at the Investopia organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Tamil Nadu, he said Tamil Nadu is the most powerful state powering the Indian train.

"This is because you all would agree that we have 40,000 factories, nearly 43 per cent of the employee base in manufacturing account for women, and we have a large number of MSMEs. We also deliver over 1.50 lakh engineers every year from engineering colleges, he said.

Rajaa stressed that his government is keen on continuing the dialogue that takes place between potential investors either from the United Arab Emirates or from Tamil Nadu at the event.

"So in today's meeting there are potential entrepreneurs here who can meet their counterparts from the UAE or from Tamil Nadu. And after this meeting, we will make sure that there is an outcome from every single meeting that happens today. We have formed a Working Group comprising representatives from Guidance Tamil Nadu, CII, 'Investopia' and from the UAE government since we are focused more on generating the outcome based on the dialogue that takes place here," he said.

"We are not focusing only on the UAE, or the Middle East, we are also concentrating on the African market and it is going to be a huge benefit for both the countries." he said.

Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, the United Arab Emirates in her speech highlighted the collaboration and connection between the two countries.



She said the UAE with strong finances and a strategic geographical location is a land of opportunities, emphasising how the SME sector is being recognised, Mazrouei said.

CII International Council Chairman and Executive Chairman TVS Supply Chain Solutions R Dinesh said the "Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (between UAE and India) has catalysed our economic relations after deliberating over two years."

"We have had several high level exchanges and explored many avenues of collaboration. TN is the choice of State as it has many strengths in entrepreneurship, IT and mobility and is backed by the dynamic government of TN," he said.

CII Southern Region Chairperson R Nandini said, "The UAE is home to 3.5 million Indians or close to 30 per cent of the Emirates population. We can proudly state we are today the largest expatriate community in the UAE. In the coming five years, the value of non-oil trade between the two countries is expected to exceed USD 100 billion and USD 250 billion by 2030.

"Even as this strong economic partnership continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the FDI inflows from UAE to India has crossed USD 16 billion last year, making UAE the fourth largest investor in India," Nandini added.
Bengaluru, Jul 24 (PTI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday defended the Congress government's decision to boycott the July 27 meeting of the NITI Aayog, saying the State has got a raw deal in the Union Budget and its interests have not been protected, as BJP leaders slammed the move.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday the decision was taken as a mark of protest against the "neglect" of the states demands in the Budget.

What is the point of attending NITI Aayog meeting when it doesnt have neeti? Karnataka has got a raw deal in the Union Budget. The State has not got any projects and its interests have not been protected. We have decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting and stage a protest instead, Shivakumar told reporters here.

Siddaramaiah had said that despite his earnest efforts in calling for an all party meeting of MPs in New Delhi to discuss Karnataka's essential needs, the Union Budget has neglected the State's demands.

"Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who attended the meeting, has ignored the concerns of the people of Karnataka. We don't feel Kannadigas are heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting," the Chief Minister had said.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka said it is disgrace that the Chief Minister has chosen to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Governance and development should have remained above expedient party politics and by boycotting the meeting of the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India CM Siddaramiah has insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas and the mandate given by them to @INCKarnataka," the BJP leader said in a post on "X".

"CM Siddaramaiah, people of Karnataka expected you to show (a) little spine and statesmanship and put the interest of the state above your @INCIndia high command's petty politics," Ashoka said.

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra said the Chief Minister himself has done injustice to the state by deciding to boycott the meeting.

"Instead of boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, the Chief Minister should attend the meeting and safeguard the interest of the state. He should participate in the meeting instead of playing politics as he represents six-and-a-half crore Kannadigas," he added.

Meanwhile, when asked about the BJP's opposition to the proposed Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBA) Bill, Shivakumar said: They are trying to politicise this. I dont do anything in a hurry, I have only tabled it. Let them debate on it in detail and then take a decision. Bengaluru is growing in an uncontrolled way and it needs good governance.

The Karnataka government on Tuesday tabled in the Assembly the proposed Bill which aims at establishing a maximum of ten city corporations in order to decentralise municipal administration.

The Bill moots the founding of the GBA with Chief Minister as the ex-officio chairperson, the minister in charge of Bengaluru as vice-chairperson and the chief commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority as member secretary.
Washington, Jul 24 (PTI) There is unlikely to be any shift in India-US policy and strategy under a Harris administration, the head of a top India-centric American trade and strategic advocacy group said Tuesday, noting that Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party has energized the base.

I don't think there will be a shift in policy or there will be a shift in strategy itself, especially with India. We see the process continuing, Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) told PTI in an interview.

By raising over USD100 million in less than 50 hours of her becoming the presidential candidate is reflective of the groundswell of support in favour.

President Biden withdrawing has basically energized the Democratic base of the party itself. You look at the last 24 hours, over USD100 million worth of contribution has come in, which is a record breaker itself. Big time donors are now again supporting the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris as the candidate itself, he said.

What we see is a momentum which is building in favour of Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party. She will definitely attract women to vote on the issues of abortion. She will attract the African American vote. Depending on what kind of vice president candidate she gets, she will also attract the independent white male voters of America. Today we see an accelerated momentum. We still have 100 days left in the election, he said.

What is the impact on US-India if Kamala Harris becomes the President? I see no impact. Because it is not a political party initiative which India comes into the play. It is a geopolitical initiative in which India plays a pivotal role. The rise of China, the aggressive posture of China threatens the world itself. It threatens America's interest. And India basically plays a pivotal role trying to balance that, Aghi said.

The other aspect is for the US companies to de-risk supply chains from China. This becomes very critical that India plays a pivotal role. What's most interesting is the budget and the US relationship has an impact because, for example, critical minerals have been put a priority by the government of India. The US is trying to basically de-risk its dependence on critical minerals from China itself, he said.

So, we see an accelerated partnership taking place between India and the US on critical mineral resourcing and processing itself. So, we don't see an impact taking place in the policy change between India and the US if Kamala Harris comes in as the president, Aghi said.

He did not agree with the fears in some sections that India US relationship would not be very good under a Harris administration.

Yes, there has been criticism of Kamala Harris. But I think she's a smart woman. She's an intelligent woman. She has the experience. She will have a good team which will guide things. So, I don't think there will be a shift in policy or there will be a shift in strategy itself, especially with India. So we see the process continuing, Aghi said.

You have to understand there is an emotional attachment to India because she kind of spent summers both in Chennai and Chandigarh itself. But she also has to be careful not to show extra attachment to India because she will be judged from a perspective of being African American or American Indians itself. So, she'll have to have a very balanced approach dealing with India, he said.

But I think it is in the interest of the United States that the relationship continues. As President Biden said, it's one of the most consequential relationships. We don't see a shift. Yes, she may play a role of maintaining a certain amount of distance. But at the end of the day, the policies will not shift, he said.

Last year, Harris hosted a high-profile lunch for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic State Visit.

I was at the lunch sitting on the head table with her husband and also with the prime minister and with the vice president Kamala Harris. The sense of chemistry, camaraderie was very, very vibrant. It felt like it was not a state lunch. It felt more like a marriage ceremony taking place, he said.

There was a lot of energy between the prime minister and Kamala Harris, and they talked about a lot of issues. I think the chemistry is there. Now we have to see that once she becomes the president, that the policy does not change and I feel that there will not be a change in policy there, Aghi said.

In her remarks on June 23 at the luncheon she hosted for Modi, Harris said India is part of her life.

The history and teachings in India and of India have not only influenced me, they, of course, have shaped the entire globe, as Secretary (of State, Tony) Blinken just described. Throughout history, India has inspired millions of people around the world, whether through philosophy and theology, the power of civil disobedience, or the commitment to democracy, she said.

Indeed, as I travel the world as vice president, I have seen Indias global impact firsthand. In Southeast Asia, Indian-made vaccines have saved lives and livelihoods. On the continent of Africa, Indias long standing partnerships support prosperity and security. And throughout the Indo-Pacific, India helps promote a free and open region, she then said.

Indias global engagement, she said, has not only been to the benefit of the people of India but also to the benefit of the people of the United States and people around the world.
Washington, July 24 (PTI): Observing the future ready budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman aims to realize the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by raising spending to generate more jobs and spur economic growth, USA India Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday said it sets the economy on a long-term growth path through upskilling and easing unemployment.

This bold, future-ready budget aims to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by raising spending to generate more jobs and spur economic growth. The finance minister has maintained fiscal discipline, with a commendable reduction in the fiscal deficit target to 4.9% of GDP for FY25, down from the 5.1% target in the interim budget. Fiscal discipline is crucial for sustainable economic growth and maintaining investor confidence, Karun Rishi, president of USA India Chamber of Commerce, told PTI.

The budget focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive growth through job creation. For a country like India with a large population. MSMEs can be an engine of growth. This approach is expected to enhance the contribution of MSMEs to the economy and employment generation, he said.

According to Rishi, the budget sets the economy on a long-term growth path through upskilling and easing unemployment. Skilled and employable manpower is essential for industrialization, and the government aims to leverage the power of both the private and public sectors to achieve this, he said.

The abolition of the angel tax is a landmark decision for the start-up ecosystem in India. This was a much-needed course correction. This bold step will foster a more vibrant start-up ecosystem in India, leading to increased innovation, employment generation and competitiveness, he said in response to a question.

Rishi said the government signaled policy continuity and focus on the infrastructure sector by continuing to allocate 3.4% of GDP. The spending plan was unchanged from the interim budget presented in February before the national elections. The government has doubled spending on infrastructure over the past three years as a way to boost the economy.

As a percentage of GDP, capital expenditure has risen from 1.7% in 2019-20 to 3.4% in the current year. This investment is expected to generate demand across various sectors and create much needed jobs, providing a strong multiplier effect on the economy, he noted.

Announcement of the Annusandhan National Research Fund shows Indias continued steadfast commitment towards supporting innovation. Its aim to support basic research and prototype development will positively impact innovation. There is a distinct opportunity for India to become a leading partner in the global BioPharma innovation. USAIC strongly encourages the Indian government for significant allocation and prioritization for BioPharma research and development, Rishi said.

Proposal to fully exempt Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab from custom duties is indeed a positive development, especially for patients in need of these critical treatments. We encourage the government to extend this to other lifesaving imported drugs to help patients. This would further enhance accessibility and affordability, he said.

The Union Health Ministry has been allocated Rs 90,658.63 crore in the interim Budget for 2024-2025. The ministry has witnessed a hike of 12.59 per cent over 80,517.62 crore in the Budget (revised estimates) for 2023-2024. Investing more in healthcare is crucial for building a healthier population, which in turn supports economic growth and social stability. Aligning healthcare spending with that of developed nations can accelerate progress towards achieving a Viksit Bharat, as robust healthcare systems are foundational to national development and prosperity, he said.

The budget's balanced approach of maintaining fiscal discipline while making strategic investments in critical areas is aimed at setting Bharat on a path of sustained and inclusive growth. By focusing on MSMEs, infrastructure, innovation, and healthcare, the Indian government is paving the way for a stronger and more prosperous India, Rishi said.
Russians are trying hard to lure tourists to the illegally occupied Crimea for a summer vacation by the warm Azov Sea, but people are facing the reality and refuse to go on vacation to the peninsula. And the reason is not the constant explosions, air raid alerts or missiles (although it partially affects it, as demand has decreased by 20%), but the lack of basic preparation for the beach season, which the Russians decided to open in April with discounts of up to 50%.

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Recreation centers are empty, people are walking around the cities unhappy, and it is impossible to find a place on the beaches because of the scattered garbage - all this will befall a potential Russian who has decided to spend their vacation in Crimea but does not yet realize what horror awaits them there. The place where tourists from different countries used to come to rest by the sea before 2014 has turned into chaos, where even the occupiers are afraid to set foot. Russian travelers shared their impressions of the 'best services' of the occupied Crimea on social media.

It is interesting that propagandists claim that so many people visit the peninsula that there is no room to swing a cat, but at the same time, tourists themselves say that prices are significantly overstated. This may indicate a low demand and the need to pay salaries and utilities.

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Donuzlav Lake, which flows into the Black Sea and is located in the west of Crimea, has become a cesspool where even fish cannot survive.

"They destroyed such a beautiful beach! Fish jump up on the shore, it stinks of sewage, there is a lot of clay at the bottom, the water is muddy, the color of the lake looks like copper sulfate has been diluted in it. We used to come there every year from Yevpatoriia because it is shallow, quiet, the water is always clear, and there are very few people. Unfortunately, on July 1, I saw a completely different state of the beach," the Russian woman complained.

In the south of the peninsula, the Delfin (Dolphin) beach in Yalta faces the same problem - all the sewage gets into the sea, and poor Russians have to swim in it. But it seems that some people are not afraid of this state of the coast and the presence of bacteria dangerous to health. It is like they paid money for the vouchers, so they have to endure the horror to recoup every ruble they spent.

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"There are a lot of people sunbathing, but there is even more garbage in the bins - it's overflowing, like a real mountain of garbage. They need to put bigger bins or empty the small ones more often. Shame!" a Russian man was outraged by the state of Massandra Beach in Yalta.

The peninsula's residents are trying to empty Russians' wallets and force them to pay huge sums for travel and, moreover, for a shower on the beach. For a 3.5 minute taxi ride, a tourist paid 300 rubles (140 hryvnias) and was treated rudely by locals because of her allegedly wet clothes, Russian media reports. But those who do not want to walk around the city and crunch sand between their teeth have to pay 20 rubles (10 hryvnias) for a 30-second shower on the beach.

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"We vacation in Yalta every year. But it was in 2024 that we realized how much they don't like visitors to the city! A saleswoman at the clothing market wouldn't let us into the store until she was sure we could pay for the 3,500 rubles (1,660 UAH) item. The woman shouted that the category of goods was too high and even blocked our entrance with a mop," another Russian woman complained.

The food is also overpriced. Tourists complained about expensive lunches of boiled potatoes, beets, and cabbage, which cost almost 1000 rubles (470 UAH). The same applies to living conditions, where "rooms in 0-star hotels with outdated renovations and low levels of service" require all savings.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Washington, Jul 24 (PTI) Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that everything will be good.

Looking forward to seeing Bibi Netanyahu on Friday, and even more forward to achieving Peace in the Middle East! Trump said on Truth Social his social media platform as he attached a letter written to him by Abbas, a day after a failed assassination bid in Philadelphia on July 13.

It is with grave concern that I have received news and later on watched footage of your attempted assassination, Abbas wrote in his letter dated July 14. Trump posted a screenshot of the letter which also had his response in a typical Trump handwritten note.

Mahmoud, so nice. Thank You. Everything will be Good, Trump said.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that he would be meeting Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday.

During my first term, we had Peace and Stability in the Region, even signing the historic Abraham Accords - And we will have it again. Just as I have said in discussions with President Zelensky and other World Leaders in recent weeks, my PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH Agenda will demonstrate to the World that these horrible, deadly Wars, and violent Conflicts must end. Millions are dying, and Kamala Harris is in no way capable of stopping it, he said.

Abbas wrote in his letter that acts of violence must not have a place in a world of law and order. Respect for the other with tolerance and valuing of human life is what must prevail, he wrote.

Despicable acts of attempted or successful assassinations are acts of weakness with failed understanding of peaceful measures to resolve conflicts. Differences must be resolved through communications with freedom of expression, Abbas wrote.
Washington, Jul 24 (PTI) US President Joe Biden will address the nation on Wednesday to explain to fellow Americans his decision to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse his deputy Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for the November general elections.

Biden, 81, returned to the White House on Tuesday afternoon after spending nearly a week at his Delaware residence, where he had self-isolated after he tested positive for COVID-19 while campaigning in Las Vegas.

Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET (early Thursday morning local India time), I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people, Biden said on Tuesday.

During his quarantine period, Biden sent political shockwaves around the country on Sunday with a post on social media announcing that he was not accepting the Democratic presidential nomination. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, as the Democratic Party's new nominee.

The announcement came after mounting pressure about Biden's age and ability to challenge Republican rival and former president Donald Trump.

This afternoon, I arrived back at the Oval Office and sat down with my national security team for my daily intelligence briefing. Serving as your Commander-in-Chief continues to be the greatest honour of my life, he said in a post on X.

Biden also posted a picture of him entering the White House residence on his arrival.

It's great to be back at the White House, he said.

This would be the second time this month that Biden would address the nation. He addressed the country on July 14, a day after the failed assassination bid on the former president and Republican presidential nominee Trump.
Charlotte, Jul 24 (AP) Donald Trump is holding his first public campaign rally since President Joe Biden dropped out of a 2024 matchup that both major parties had spent months preparing for, leaving the former president to direct his ire toward his likely new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump is expected to turn his full focus on Harris as he stops Wednesday in North Carolina, a swing state that Trump has carried in the past, but Democrats have seen as pivotal. The former president's trip to the state shows he's still concerned about keeping it in his column this November, even as his team reaches for wins in traditionally Democratic-leaning states like Minnesota, where Trump is set to visit Saturday.

With Biden's abrupt departure from the presidential race and Harris edging closer and closer to officially being the Democrats' general election pick, Trump has ramped up his criticism of the vice president, whom he's characterised as the same as Biden but much more radical.

He has blamed her for what he portrays as the Biden administration's failures, particularly on security along the US-Mexico border.

Trump has also hedged on plans for an expected debate with Harris, first saying that he wanted Fox News, not ABC, to host the matchup he had originally scheduled for September with Biden. On Tuesday, Trump appeared to tweak that message again, saying on a call with reporters that he'd like to debate Harris more than once but not committing to appearing at the debate currently on the books and saying he'd only agreed to debate Biden twice, not Harris.

Quietly, Republicans have spoken about how subbing Harris in for Biden nullifies a portion of their party's argument in favour of Trump's vitality and vigour.

At 81, Biden had been the oldest nominee heading into a general election. Now, the 78-year-old Trump occupies that slot. Harris, 59, has launched a campaign that at least in some corners appears to be stoking interest among the younger voters who could be key in deciding an anticipated close general election.

North Carolina is a state Trump carried in both his previous campaigns but by less than 1.5 percentage points over Biden in 2020, the closest margin of any state Trump won. Trump stumped heavily in North Carolina even as the COVID-19 pandemic wore on, while Biden largely kept off the physical campaign trail and did not personally visit the state in the last 16 days of the election.

Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte  the state's biggest city  was also the scene of Trump's narrowest margin of victory in North Carolina's GOP primary, edging out Nikki Haley by fewer than 8 percentage points.

This year, Trump had planned to hold his first rally since the start of his hush money trial in Fayetteville, but that event was called off due to inclement weather. Trump called in from his private plane instead.

Democrats also have been working to win North Carolina, where the party's most recent presidential win was Barack Obama's 2008 victory, despite recent GOP dominance.

Biden held a campaign event in Raleigh the day after his disastrous June debate with Trump. While he was much more forceful in that appearance than he was on the debate stage, it did not help much to quell the growing concern from members of his party about his ability to win the White House again.

With Harris now poised to take his spot, she may again be turning to North Carolina for some political help: the state's Gov. Roy Cooper is among the Democrats that Harris' campaign is vetting for a possible pick as her vice presidential running mate.

Cooper is term limited and cannot seek reelection. The highly competitive race to replace him pits Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a staunch Trump supporter who is North Carolina's first Black major party nominee for governor.

Trump's Charlotte event is his second campaign rally since a July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Days later, Trump accepted the GOP presidential nomination and gave a speech at the Republican National Convention, where his ear  injured in the shooting  was bandaged.

Wednesday's rally also is the first since the resignation of Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle, who said she took full responsibility for the security lapse that led to a gunman being able to get so close to Trump at the outdoor event in Pennsylvania.

The Charlotte rally, like the one over the weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will be held in an indoor arena. (AP) GSP
Kathmandu, Jul 24 (PTI) A private Nepalese airline plane crashed during takeoff and caught fire at the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, including a foreigner, while the pilot survived with major injuries.

The Nepalese domestic plane N9AME, belonging to Saurya Airlines, was bound for Pokhra for regular maintenance service when the accident occurred at 11.11 am.

The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft "suffered a runway excursion and burst into massive flames immediately", the Search and Rescue Centre of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a statement.

Videos posted online showed the plane being enveloped in fire and smoke. Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the spot after the incident.

The deceased were identified as co-pilot S Katuwal and 17 employees of the Saurya Airlines, including a Nepali female and a Yemeni national. Pilot captain Manish Shakya, 37, is undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Model Hospital.

Of the deceased, 15 died on the spot while three died during treatment at a local hospital, authorities said.

Following the accident, services at the Kathmandu airport were halted briefly before being resumed, the airport authorities said.

Saruya Airlines operates flights to five tourist destinations within Nepal, with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, according to the companys website.

Nepal has been criticised for its poor air safety record in recent years but the reasons also include partly sudden weather changes and partly airstrips located in hard-to-access rocky terrains apart from human error.

According to Nepals civil aviation body, 914 people have died in air crashes in the country since the first disaster was recorded in August 1955.

In January last year, all 72 people on board, including five Indians, were killed when a Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed in the resort city of Pokhara. The crash was attributed to a human error.

Yeti Airlines' 9N-ANC ATR-72 aircraft crashed on the bank of the Seti River between the old airport and the new airport minutes before landing on January 15, 2023, which was the 104th crash in Nepali skies and third biggest in terms of casualties.

The only incidents in which more people were killed took place in July and September 1992. Those crashes involved aircraft of Thai Airways and Pakistan International Airlines and left 113 and 167 people dead, respectively.

On May 29, 2022, all 22 people on board, including four members of an Indian family, were killed as a Tara Air plane crashed in Nepals mountainous Mustang district.

In 2016, all 23 people aboard were killed when a plane of the same airline flying the same route crashed after takeoff.

In March 2018, a US-Bangla Air crash occurred at the Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 51 people on board. PTI SBP GSP GRS MIN NPK AKJ NPK

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Geneva, Jul 24 (AP) Sudan's paramilitary leader has announced plans to attend cease-fire talks in Switzerland next month arranged by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the Rapid Support Forces fighting Sudan's army, expressed hope on social media late Tuesday that the talks would become a major step toward peace and stability in Sudan and create a new state based on "justice, equality and federal rule.

We share with the international community the goal of achieving a full cease-fire across the country and facilitating humanitarian access to everyone in need, he said on X, formerly called Twitter,

The talks are expected to begin August 14 at an as-yet unspecified location in Switzerland.

There was no immediate public indication whether Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the head of the Sudanese armed forces, or another top envoy from the military would also attend.

The US State Department said the talks will aim to build on discussions between the two sides that broke down late last year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It said the African Union, Sudan's neighbour Egypt, the United Arab Emirates  which has supported Dagalo's forces  and the United Nations would act as observers.

The talks in Switzerland aim to reach a nationwide cessation of violence, enabling humanitarian access to all those in need, and develop a robust monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure implementation of any agreement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Tuesday announcing the talks.

These talks do not aim to address broader political issues, he added.

Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions including Darfur. The UN says over 14,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured. Rights activists say the toll could be much higher.

The war has also created the world's largest displacement crisis with over 11 million people forced to flee their homes, as well as allegations of rampant sexual violence and possible crimes against humanity. International experts recently warned that 755,000 people are facing famine in the coming months.

Valentin Clivaz, a spokesperson for the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs, said in an email that Switzerland would co-host the talks and hails all efforts aiming to resolve the conflict through negotiation.

Last week, the UN secretary-general's envoy for Sudan hosted a series of indirect talks in Geneva between the two sides centring on issues of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians across Sudan. (AP)



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Jerusalem, Jul 24 (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in Washington to address Congress, has signalled that a cease-fire deal could be taking shape.

Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military's latest order to leave parts of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis say they are sleeping in the streets. The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the nine-month war.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar will meet in Doha with the aim of resuming talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire to end the war between Israel and Hamas and free the remaining hostages.



Here's the latest:

Dozens die in Gaza, raising the death toll over 39,100

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The Gaza Health Ministry says the bodies of 55 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours.

Hospitals also received 110 wounded, the ministry said Wednesday. The ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count.

The overall Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war rose to at least 39,145, the ministry said, and another 90,257 have been wounded.

Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250.



Israeli delegation heads to Cairo ahead of planned cease-fire talks in Doha

BEIRUT  An Israeli delegation will head to Cairo on Wednesday for negations with Egyptian officials, according to Lebanon's daily Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group. According to Egyptian sources, the negotiations will focus on the Rafah border crossing and Philadelphi corridor.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar will meet in Doha with the aim of resuming talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire to end the war between Israel and Hamas, Al-Akhbar said. It added that Egyptian and Qatari mediators see that the first phase of the deal is close but they are concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might destroy a possible deal in the final hours.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu's office confirmed that a delegation is expected in Cairo.



The Islamic Resistance in Iraq sends drones to attack a vital target' in Eilat

BEIRUT  An umbrella group of Iran-backed factions in Iraq says it has carried out an attack with drones on a vital target in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said the early Wednesday attack comes in retaliation for what it called Israel's massacres in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said its air force shot down two drones that were flying toward Israel from the east. It added that the drones did not enter Israel's air space.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for scores of attacks against Israel in recent months, but most of the drones were shot down before reaching their targets. A drone attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi last week rebels killed one person in the center of Tel Aviv and wounded at least 10 others near the United States Embassy. (AP)



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Kathmandu, Jul 24 (PTI) Three members of a family, including a child, were among 18 people killed when a Nepalese plane crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday.

The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, including two crew members and technical staff of the airline, was bound for Pokhara International Airport for regular maintenance service when the accident occurred at 11.11 am (local time).

Manu Raj Sharma, a technician of the airline, his wife Priza Khatiwada and their four-year-old son Adhi Raj Sharma, died in the crash, My Republica newspaper reported.

Priza worked as an assistant computer operator at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.

A statement issued by Saurya Airlines said that Priza and her son were initially identified as employees of the company, but it was later revealed that they were passengers.

Videos posted online showed the plane being enveloped in fire and smoke. Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the spot after the incident.

Of the deceased, 15 died on the spot while three died during treatment at a local hospital, authorities said. A Yemeni national, who was an airline staff, also died in the crash.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said he was deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in the crash and was at the site to inquire about the cause of the air crash with the Civil Aviation Authority's officials. He urged all for patience at this hour of grief.
Taipei (Taiwan), Jul 24 (AP) Taiwan shuttered offices, schools and tourist sites across the island on Wednesday ahead of a powerful typhoon that already worsened seasonal rains in the Philippines, killed at least 13 people and displaced 6,00,000.

Typhoon Gaemi's outer skirt was bringing heavy rain to much of Taiwan, where a direct landfall was expected later on Wednesday in the northern county of Ylan. Fishing boats were recalled to port amid turbulent seas, while air travelers were rushing to board overseas flights before the storm arrives, amid numerous cancellations.

One person was reported killed and dozens injured by trees that were toppled by the storm, while shelters were opened in vulnerable areas, particularly in Taiwan's mountainous center and east where heavy rainfall is prone to cause landslides and flooding.

Streets were inundated in numerous towns and cities and high winds knocked down pedestrians and riders of the island's ubiquitous motor scooters.

On Wednesday morning, the typhoon was east of Taiwan moving at 18 kilometers (11 miles) per hour with maximum sustained wind speeds of 183 kilometers (113 miles) per hour, the Central Weather Administration said. In the capital Taipei, heavy rain was falling, but high winds had not yet arrived.

Gaemi, which was called Carina in the Philippines, did not make landfall in the archipelago but enhanced its seasonal monsoon rains. The rains set off at least a dozen landslides and floods over five days, killing at least eight and displacing 6,00,000 people, including 35,000 who went to emergency shelters, the Philippines' disaster risk mitigation agency said.

A landslide buried a rural shanty Tuesday in the mountainside town of Agoncillo in Batangas province, and the bodies of a pregnant woman and three children, aged 9 to 15, were dug out Wednesday morning. A rice porridge vendor was hit by a falling tree in another Batangas town Tuesday night, raising the toll in the country to 13 dead.

In the densely populated region around the Philippine capital, government work and school classes were suspended after nonstop rains flooded many areas overnight, trapping cars in rising floodwater and stranding people in their homes. Residents who ventured out of their homes waded into knee- and chest-high floodwaters with some using improvised dinghies and paddling their way alongside cars, trucks and SUVs.

In Marikina city in the eastern fringes of the Manila region, the continuing downpour swelled a major river, prompting many residents to flee to safety. The strong currents swept away a steel cargo container, refrigerators, pieces of home furniture and tree trunks, according to Associated Press journalists at the scene.

Some residents called radio stations and asked to be rescued by authorities from rooftops or upper floors of their low-slung houses amid rising floodwaters. Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon, a flood-prone city in the northern section of the capital region, assured one alarmed mother that rescue boats and trucks have been scrambling all day to help trapped residents like her.

"Stay calm. We're doing everything we can. The local government won't leave you behind, Sandoval told the DZRH radio network.

Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the Philippine coast guard, where he serves as a spokesperson, has been overwhelmed with pleas from floodwater-trapped residents in the capital to be rescued, including those who were waiting for help from rooftops.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered authorities to speed up efforts to deliver food and other aid to isolated rural villages. People there may not have eaten for days, Marcos said in a televised emergency meeting.

The Philippine coast guard said more than 350 passengers and cargo truck drivers and workers were stranded in seaports after ferries and cargo ships were prohibited from venturing into rough seas. It added that coast guard personnel helped more than 200 residents evacuate a coastal village in Batangas province south of Manila where storm-tossed waves have hit coastal houses.

The storm prompted the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan's east coast and ferry services Tuesday.

Despite occasional flooding, Taiwan has substantially improved its resiliency through early warnings and preparations. The effects of the storm were expected to continue into Friday as it moved in a northwestern direction toward mainland China.

In Fujian province on China's east coast, ferry routes were suspended on Wednesday and all train service will be halted on Thursday, China's official Xinhua News Agency said. (AP) NPK

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Nairobi (Kenya), Jul 24 (AP) Kenya's president on Wednesday incorporated the opposition in his new Cabinet, appointing four ministers from the main opposition party in a bid to form a broad-based government that would address governance issues raised in deadly protests.

President William Ruto on Wednesday appointed the minority leader in parliament and opposition leader Raila Odinga's party chairman in his new Cabinet despite a split in the opposition coalition that saw other parties distance themselves from government talks.

The weeks of turmoil in East Africa's economic hub have led to dozens of deaths, the firing of most Cabinet members and calls for Ruto's resignation. Protests began with Kenyans' rejecting a proposed bill to impose more taxes as millions in the country barely get by amid rising prices.

The president on Wednesday lauded political parties for their willingness to set aside partisan positions and interests in order to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya is a historic gesture of their patriotism.

Odinga, who earlier called for talks to calm the unrest, on Tuesday denied allegations that he had been bribed to join Ruto in forming a broad-based government. He expressed his support to protesters adding that there would only be dialogue after the president adheres to the demands from demonstrators.

His party's secretary general in a statement on Tuesday said there was no ongoing negotiations to join the Ruto administration and that any member seeking minister position should know they were in contravention to the party's position.

The opposition coalition do not lead the protests, which are led by young people who use social media to mobilize. But it has been in support of demonstrators, stating that the bad governance issues being raised were in line with the opposition's proposals to the government during previous opposition-led protests.

Ruto has promised to make changes in his government that would include cracking down on corrupt officials and those displaying opulence amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

An activist Hanifa Aden wrote on X after the Cabinet appointments, we are the new opposition.

At least 50 people have died and 413 others have been injured in the protests since June 18, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. (AP) NPK

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Islamabad, Jul 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday denounced the alleged propaganda unleashed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party against the army and its leadership, saying such actions will "not be tolerated at all."

His remarks came two days after Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif said a massive illegal, political mafia rose to sabotage a planned new counter-terrorism operation, Azm-e-Istehkam, and the first move of that mafia was to make the operations controversial through false and fake arguments.

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Sharif said the propaganda campaign was intolerable and heart-wrenching.

He emphasized the need to unite against such malicious campaigns, stressing that our armed forces have made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism to ensure peace and stability in the country.

The premier also condemned the groups responsible for the May 9 riots last year, accusing them of using new tactics to disrupt the country.

"The May 9 group left no stone unturned in shaking the foundations of the country. Today, they are committing new offences with new tactics," he said.

The prime minister also talked about the recent attacks on the Pakistani consulate in Germany and London and termed them as deeply unfortunate. He said the foreign minister took immediate action after the attacks.

Voicing serious concerns over the recent surge in terror acts especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Prime Minister said this is being done under an organised conspiracy.

Referring to the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in terror attacks, he said the terror emanating from a neighbouring country is not acceptable at all. He, however, did not name any country.

He said Pakistan is ready to protect its citizens but added that the country wants to address this issue through negotiations and peaceful means. He said contacts in this regard are being made directly and indirectly.

Talking about Afghanistan's role in the recent incidents of terrorism, he complained that the country had not paid back the generosity shown towards Afghan refugees.

"How is it that we hosted millions of their people without complaints, treating them like brothers and never seeing them as a burden? Yet, we are repaid with TTP attacks on our citizens, disrupting peace and business in the country. This is unacceptable," he said.

He said the government decided to eliminate visa fees for 126 countries, describing it as a significant step to facilitate business and attract investors, tourists, and travellers.

Meanwhile, sources privy to the meeting said the cabinet deferred the decision on the banning of PTI and launching treason cases against former President Arif Alvi, ex-premier Imran Khan, and former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri.

The government postponed the decision pending consultation with coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party.
EU ambassadors have agreed to allocate 4.2 billion in budgetary aid to Ukraine. In the near future, this decision will be approved by the EU Council under a written procedure that does not require additional discussions.

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This is stated in a statement by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. "The EU ambassadors have approved the disbursement of a tranche of approximately 4.2 billion from the Ukraine Support Fund," the statement reads.

The next step will be approval by the EU Council under the written procedure. Under the written procedure, the EU Council approves decisions that do not involve discussion.

This financial support is part of the Ukraine Facility program, which provides for the allocation of 50 billion euros to Ukraine over the next four years. The funds will be divided into direct financing(33 billion) and grant payments(17 billion), which will include technical support for reforms, loan interest coverage, and risk financing in priority areas.

Earlier, the European Union had preliminarily approved the disbursement of these funds to Ukraine after certain conditions were met, as reported by the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. The main conditions that Ukraine fulfilled were

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approval of the Budget Declaration for 2025-2027 ;

; Approval of the action plan for the implementation of the Roadmap for Public Investment Management Reform;

the Roadmap for Public Investment Management Reform; approval of the Long-Term National Strategic Plan for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization of the State Customs Service.

The European Commissionpositively assessed the indicators fulfilled by Ukraine as part of the Ukraine Facility Plan for the second quarter of 2024. This paved the way for the disbursement of 4.2 billion in budget support to Ukraine. "Ukraine has fulfilled nine indicators," the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

The Ukraine Facility program stipulates that Ukraine must implement 69 reforms in 15 sections to receive full financial support. In particular, the following areas require changes:

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reform of public administration and public money management ;

; judicial system, fight against corruption and money laundering

financial markets;

management of state assets ;

; human capital and business environment ;

; regional policy and decentralization;

energy sector, green transition and environmental protection ;

; transportation

agri-food sector;

digital transformation.

The European Commission will check progress every three months. If Ukraine fulfills its plans, the EU will transfer a tranche of aid. If not, no funding will be provided.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Ukraine will receive the first 1.5 billion euros from the European Special Fund for Ukraine next week, by the end of July. The tranche will be secured by the proceeds from Russia's seized assets in the EU. The funds will be used to finance the country's defense.

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Jerusalem, Jul 24 (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington to address Congress on Wednesday. He has signaled that a cease-fire deal could be taking shape after nine months of war.

Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military's latest order to leave parts of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis say they are sleeping in the streets. The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the war.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar will meet in Doha with the aim of resuming talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire to end the war between Israel and Hamas and free the remaining hostages.



Here's the latest:



Mourners attend the funeral of 2 killed in Israeli raid in the West Bank

TULKAREM, West Bank  Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of two people killed during an Israeli raid in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem that killed six people, at least three of them known militants. The bodies of Iman Juma'a, a 50-year-old woman, and Yazan Abdo, a 30-year-old man, were carried through the streets.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military released footage of a person dressed as a woman wearing a paramedic vest and holding a gun, but did not show the person's face. The video could not be independently verified by the AP, and the military did not provide any further evidence.

At the funeral, the body of Juma'a was covered with a paramedic jacket.

Tulkarem and its two refugee camps have become a flashpoint in the West Bank and are regularly raided by Israeli forces. Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are active in the city.



Netanyahu's office rejects far-right minister's comment on prayers at the Temple Mount

JERUSALEM  Israel's far-right national security minister says Jews are allowed to pray at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, threatening to stoke tensions that are already soaring over the war in Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir has said before it's his policy that Jews should be able to pray at the hilltop compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. But his statement on Wednesday comes at a politically sensitive time, hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to a joint session of Congress in Washington.

Netanyahu's office quickly released a statement saying nothing had changed in the decades-old arrangement that prohibits Jewish prayer at the site.

I am the political echelon and the political echelon permits Jewish prayer there, Ben Gvir said during a conference focused on Jewish access to the compound.

Since Israel captured the site in the 1967 Mideast war, Jews have been allowed to visit but not pray there. Perceived encroachments have set off widespread violence on a number of occasions going back decades.



Musk says Starlink is active at a Gaza hospital, with Israel's OK

JERUSALEM  Billionaire Elon Musk in a statement on X says his satellite internet service Starlink is active for a hospital in Gaza, as the besieged territory has faced months of communication issues.

Israel's Communication Ministry said the service has been in use at the Emirati-run field hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza for the past six months, and they were unclear why Musk mentioned it Wednesday.

During a visit to Israel in November, Musk met with Israel's Communications Minister Shlomi Karhi and agreed that Starlink would operate in Gaza only with approval from the Israeli government. In February, the ministry announced that Starlink would be available at certain hospitals in Gaza for videoconferencing.

Gaza has experienced frequent communications blackouts as the infrastructure crumbles with months of fighting and a lack of fuel.



Dozens die in Gaza, raising the death toll over 39,100

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The Gaza Health Ministry says the bodies of 55 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours.

Hospitals also received 110 wounded, the ministry said Wednesday. The ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count.

The overall Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war rose to at least 39,145, the ministry said, and another 90,257 have been wounded.

Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas' October 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250.



Israeli delegation heads to Cairo ahead of planned cease-fire talks in Doha

BEIRUT  An Israeli delegation will head to Cairo on Wednesday for negations with Egyptian officials, according to Lebanon's daily Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group. According to Egyptian sources, the negotiations will focus on the Rafah border crossing and Philadelphi corridor.

On Thursday, officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States and Qatar will meet in Doha with the aim of resuming talks for a proposed three-phase cease-fire to end the war between Israel and Hamas, Al-Akhbar said. It added that Egyptian and Qatari mediators see that the first phase of the deal is close but they are concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might destroy a possible deal in the final hours.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu's office confirmed that a delegation is expected in Cairo.



The Islamic Resistance in Iraq sends drones to attack a vital target' in Eilat

BEIRUT  An umbrella group of Iran-backed factions in Iraq says it has carried out an attack with drones on a vital target in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said the early Wednesday attack comes in retaliation for what it called Israel's massacres in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said its air force shot down two drones that were flying toward Israel from the east. It added that the drones did not enter Israel's air space.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for scores of attacks against Israel in recent months, but most of the drones were shot down before reaching their targets.

A drone attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi last week rebels killed one person in the center of Tel Aviv and wounded at least 10 others near the United States Embassy. (AP) NPK

NPK
Dhaka, Jul 24 (PTI) Bangladesh crawled back to normalcy on Wednesday after a five-day nationwide violent student protest over quotas in government jobs with rush hour traffic returning to streets in the capital, and limited reopening of banks, garment factories and internet services.

A nationwide internet blackout since last Thursday has restricted the flow of information in the country. Limited connectivity was restored on Tuesday night, with priority given to companies such as banks, technology firms and media outlets.

Mobile phones have started working, but users say the internet is slow, while mobile internet and sites such as Facebook remain suspended.

The curfew was relaxed for seven hours in the capital and in other districts too but the authorities said a strict vigil by army troops and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) would continue alongside riot police and elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The city and inter-district bus and ferry services were restored coinciding with the relaxed curfew hours.

However, schools and other educational institutions remained shut.

The violence claimed dozens of lives, including that of students, with some media tally suggesting the toll to be as high as 184. Earlier this week, the government set up a judicial investigation into the violence with a High Court judge in the chair.

The government attributed the unrest to fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Chhatra Shibir, backed by former prime minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and allegedly taking advantage of the students movement.

The main opposition BNP rejected the charges and instead, blamed the government.

A manhunt for culprits who damaged major government installations and property like the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) is underway, law enforcement agencies said.

The anti-liberation Jamaat-BNP and militants carried out the unprecedented mayhem one after another joining their hands. Never did we see attacks on police stations and jails . . . this is new to us, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told a press briefing at his office.

Mobilising all our strength, we will track down every one of them and expose them to justice. We will not deviate even an inch from this mission, he said.

Local media reports suggested that police have so far arrested over 2,500 suspected anarchists.

The apex Appellate Division of Bangladeshs Supreme Court earlier on Sunday ordered a massive quota reform, keeping only seven per cent reserve posts instead of the existing 56 per cent.

The 1971 war veterans' quota will be cut down to 5 per cent and 2 per cent will be reserved for ethnic minorities as well as transgender and disabled people leaving 93 per cent jobs to be merit-based. The government has issued a Gazette notification in line with the order.

The student group leading the demonstrations suspended the protests with one of their leaders saying they had not wanted the reform at the expense of so much blood.

Meanwhile, junior minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, told another media briefing for foreign media: We never wanted the casualties, it was very, very unfortunate and unwanted . . . every incident, and casualty will be independently investigated.

He added the judicial committee will investigate thoroughly every single thing regardless of who is involved.

Students were furious because quotas left fewer than half of government jobs open on merit amid an unemployment crisis, particularly in the private sector, making government sector jobs with their regular wage hikes and perks especially prized.

Bangladesh's major export-earning garment and textiles industries, which supply to major Western brands reopened after days of closure due to the unrest and curfew.

All our factories are open today. Everything is going smoothly, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president SM Mannan said in a statement.

Officials said the southeastern Chattagram port that was forced to suspend handling of cargoes has resumed operations as the highways were reopened to carry the containers.
Ottawa, Jul 24 (PTI) A prominent Canadian MP of Indian origin on Wednesday said the country was being "polluted" by Khalistani extremists who were "abusing" the freedoms guaranteed under the Charter of Rights, days after a Hindu temple was vandalised in Edmonton.

Amidst rising Hinduphobia in Canada, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalised with alleged hateful and anti-India graffiti on Monday morning in Edmonton in Alberta state, about 3,400 km west-northwest of here.

Chandra Arya, a Member of Parliament from Nepean in the House of Commons, said in a post on his X account that separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice released a video demanding that Arya and his Hindu-Canadian friends go back to India after he (Arya) condemned the vandalism of the Hindu temple and other acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters in Canada.

We Hindus have come to our wonderful country Canada from all parts of the world. From every country in South Asia, many countries in Africa and Caribbean, and many other parts of the world, we have come here and Canada is our land," Arya, a member of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, wrote.

"We have made and continue to make immense positive and productive contributions to the socio-economic development of Canada. With our long history of Hindu culture and heritage, we have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada, he said.

Our land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists abusing our freedoms guaranteed by our Canadian Charter of Rights, Arya added.

Arya's statement comes against the backdrop of severe strain in India-Canada ties over the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, in June last year.

The relations between the two countries came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing.

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements.

Meanwhile, the vandalism at the BAPS temple was criticised by other local elected representatives too.

The Consulate General of India in Vancouver had said in a post on X on Tuesday: We condemn the defacing of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in #Edmonton with anti-India graffiti. We have requested the Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators.

However, there has been no reaction as yet from the BAPS  the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organisation that runs the temple.
Washington, Jul 24 (PTI) The US has asked its nationals not to travel to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and parts of central and eastern parts of the country where Naxalites are active.

In a revised travel advisory for India, the State Department said it has updated to reflect information on the northeastern states.

"Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk, it said.

Overall India has been placed at Level 2. But several parts of the country have been placed on Level 4: Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pak border, Manipur and parts of Central and East India.

"Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest; within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict; portions of Central and East India due to terrorism and Manipur due to violence and crime, said the State Department.

In addition, it recommended Americans to reconsider travel to the northeastern states due to terrorism and violence.

"Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities, the travel advisory said.

The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The US government employees must get special authorization to travel to these areas, it said.

Placing Manipur at "Level 4: Do Not Travel", the State Department said: "Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement. Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis. US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur."

Similarly, terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. "Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC, it said.

"India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but check its current status before you travel. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa. Only US citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India, it said.

Maoist extremist groups, or "Naxalites", are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, the advisory said.

Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, it said.

"Due to the fluid nature of the threat, US government employees are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states. US government employees also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh, the advisory said.

In addition, Northeastern States has been given - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast. These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura, it said.

"US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura, it said.
London, Jul 24 (PTI) British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday announced a new UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his first visit to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders in New Delhi.

According to the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the security initiative has been agreed by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) following negotiations between both countries to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies across priority sectors. It will set out a bold new approach for how the UK and India work together on defining technologies across telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/biotech, advanced materials and semiconductors.

The FCDO said the tech initiative is part of a wider package of announcements the UK Foreign Secretary agreed following bilateral meetings in New Delhi, including with his counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, to "refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This government will put growth at the heart of our foreign policy. Thats why three weeks into the job, I am in Delhi announcing a new Technology Security Initiative to deliver on the promise of the UK-India relationship, said Lammy.

This will mean real action together on the challenges of the future from AI to critical minerals. Together we can unlock mutual growth, boost innovation, jobs and investment. We are also accelerating our joint work on the climate crisis  ensuring brighter, safer futures for Brits and Indians. This government is reconnecting Britain for our security and prosperity at home, he said.

A new GBP 7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was also announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Indias Department of Science and Technology, under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership.

Secretary of State for Science, Peter Kyle, said: "The UK and India are recognised the world over as powerhouses for science, innovation and technology - and this new agreement will deliver growth and untold benefits for citizens across both nations.

From telecoms and semiconductors to biotechnology and AI, these generation-defining technologies will unlock countless new opportunities and innovations, so we can deliver for working people here and in India as we deepen our long-standing partnership.

Lammy and Jaishankar are said to have agreed to deepen partnership on climate, including to mobilise finance and unlock new clean growth opportunities. This includes strengthening the bilateral investment partnership, to unlock the potential of pioneering Indian enterprises working on climate and technology. These initiatives are specifically focussed on delivering green development while empowering women, the FCDO said.

As well as work on off-shore wind and green hydrogen, the UK and India have agreed to "deepen" partnership on forests and on building resilient cities of the future.
Mumbai, July 24 (PTI) A 50-year-old man was killed inside a spa in Worli area by two unidentified persons who attacked him with a sharp weapon, Mumbai Police said on Wednesday.

The victim, Hari Waghmare, was attacked on Tuesday late at night after he returned from a party.

"Waghmare and five others went out for a party and returned late at night. In the late hours, two persons knocked on the door of the spa and after it was opened, they killed Waghmare with a sharp weapon," an official said.

The exact motive behind the crime will be known once the attackers are identified and arrested.
Gwalior, Jul 24 (PTI) A man allegedly killed his wife and buried her in an agricultural field with the help of his family members in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh, while misleading police with a missing person report, an officer said on Wednesday.

Police have registered a case against four individuals and arrested the prime accused and his brother.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shiyaz KM said Janved Kirar, a resident of Jorasi village under Bilaua police station jurisdiction, had filed a missing complaint for his wife, Pragati Kirar (33), on July 11.

Police suspected something was amiss when the woman's relatives claimed Pragati Kirar had faced harassment from her in-laws, the ASP stated.

Janved initially misled investigators but later admitted to an altercation with his wife on July 8, after overhearing her converse with someone on the phone.

"The accused told police that he assaulted his wife, resulting in her death. He, in collaboration with his brother Narottam, father Laxminarayan, and uncle Ghanshyam, buried her body in a nearby agricultural field," the ASP said.

Janved and his brother have been arrested, whereas his father and uncle remain at large, he added.

The body has been exhumed and further investigative measures are currently underway.
Mumbai, Jul 24 (PTI) Four people, including a senior citizen, suffered from suffocation due to smoke inhalation after a fire erupted in a 20-storey residential building in suburban Mumbai on Wednesday morning, civic officials said.

The blaze was reported at around 9 am in the building, E High Tower, on SV Road in the western suburb of Jogeshwari. It was confined to electric cables from 15th to 20th floor of the high-rise, an official said.

Two fire engines and other firefighting vehicles were rushed to the spot on receiving a call and the blaze was doused within two hours, he said.

The cause of the fire was not yet known.

Four people, including a 71-year-old man, suffered from suffocation after smoke engulfed the affected floors, and they were immediately rushed to SBS Hospital and KJ Care Hospital in the area, said the official.

The elderly man was discharged after treatment, while the other three were still under medical care and their condition was stated to be stable, he added.
Mumbai, Jul 24 (PTI) Fire shots in such a manner that it scares Bollywood superstar Salman Khan -- this was the blunt, one line message given by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother Anmol to one of the gunmen involved in the shooting outside the actor's Mumbai home, police said in a chargesheet filed in the case.

The Mumbai police's crime branch, probing the sensational firing case, earlier this month filed a 1,735-page chargesheet before the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court.

Conspiracy of firing at the actor's house was hatched with the intention of establishing a stronghold and supremacy in the country's financial capital with the aim of getting pecuniary and other advantages for the Bishnoi gang, according to the chargesheet.

The chargesheet included various investigation papers incorporated in three volumes. One such document is the transcript of an audio chat between Anmol Bishnoi and arrested shooter Vickykumar Gupta.

In one of the conversations, Anmol Bishnoi is heard instructing Gupta to carry out the firing thoughtfully and everywhere, even if it takes more than a minute and should be done in such a manner that it scares 'Bhai' (Salman), the chargesheet said.

Further, he asks Gupta if he smokes. When the latter replies in the affirmative, Anmol Bishnoi tells him to smoke while firing so that he comes across as a fearless individual in CCTV cameras installed in the area, according to the voluminous police document.

"You will create history by doing this job and your name will be there in all newspapers and other media," it said, citing their conversation.

Two motorbike-borne individuals, Gupta and Sagar Pal, had fired multiple shots outside Khan's home in Galaxy Apartment in Bandra on the morning of April 14.

The two, along with three others -- Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohammad Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh -- are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case.

Lawrence Bishnoi, Anmol and one Rawtaran Bishnoi have been shown as wanted accused in the chargesheet.
Kolkata, Jul 24 (PTI) The Jadavpur University authorities will write to the West Bengal government's higher education department urging it to convene a tripartite meeting for early election of student unions, an official said on Wednesday.

Student union elections have not taken place in any of the state-run universities in the past few years. Various student bodies have been demanding that the polls be held as soon as possible.

Tamalina, a member of the JU SFI unit, said the students union representatives met the Vice Chancellor, and other senior officials on July 23 demanding that the university authorities take up the issue urgently.

She told PTI: "The university authorities have promised to send the mail to the higher education department by today. How long will the students be deprived of electing their own representatives?

Pointing out that the university cannot unilaterally take any decision about holding students union polls, Officiating Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta said, "We are writing to the higher education department very soon. The students had raised the same issue in the past. Different student bodies including SFI had voiced the same demand. But only the state government can take a call on the issue."

All stakeholders of the university want the democratic rights of the students to be safeguarded, Gupta told PTI.

Head of the Department of English, Manojit Mondal, said, "I think the government is also in favour of holding student union polls at JU and taking measures to facilitate this at the earliest."

Students union elections to all state-run, state-aided higher educational institutions could not be held for past five years which was preceded by clashes at college and university campuses and the government said elections will again be held after the general elections. However, the student union polls have been deferred ever since.

State Education Minister Bratya Basu recently said the process of starting students union elections will commence after the Durga Puja festival.

Listing another key demand, the SFI and Arts Faculty Student's Union regretted that despite the decision of the Executive Council, the process of issuing show-cause notices to 25 inmates of the boys' hostel, accused of ragging and torturing a student, is getting delayed.

Minutes after the alleged ragging, the student fell from a top-floor balcony of the hostel and died hours later at a hospital on August 10 last morning..

"We have told the VC the delay in issuing show cause is delaying the process of delivering justice to the kin of the deceased. As per standard procedure, the showcaused person has to reply to the letter and the authorities take resultant follow-up action later on. The authorities said the letter is in the process of being drafted and will be mailed to the accused soon. But we need a time frame," she said.

The Officiating VC said, "We are drafting the letter seeking opinions of legal experts to make it foolproof. We also want justice for the bereaved family."

The last EC meeting of the university accepted the anti-ragging committee's report recommending that 25 hostel residents be expelled from hostels permanently and barred from one semester.

The meeting had also decided to allow the 25 students the right to defend themselves.
From the very beginning of the Soviet Union, the country used the term 'comrade,' which was intended to equalize people among themselves and make them feel related to each other. However, over time, it acquired a tinge of passive aggression, leaving room for another dismissive reference, 'citizen.'

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OBOZ.UA tells you who was called this way and why, and what legacy this tradition left after the collapse of the USSR.

The emergence of tovarisch (comrade) dates back to the XIV century. Back then, merchants began to call each other by a word derived from the Turkic tavar, meaning goods, cattle, property, and s (s), meaning friend. In this way they distinguished themselves by their profession. People who addressed each other in this way required a special attitude. They wanted to help each other, assist in their work, and so on.

This feeling of a friendly shoulder was what the Soviet government was trying to convey to its citizens when it made this address official. At the same time, it was impersonal: both men and women were treated equally. However, due to the terror of the authorities and the encouragement of people's surveillance of each other in the early decades of the Soviet Union, the address acquired an unpleasant tinge of contempt.

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Meanwhile, there were people in the USSR who did not want to recognize themselves as comrades to the rest of the country. These were the so-called criminal cells. They preferred to call each other grazhdanin (citizen). Moreover, criminals began to call law enforcement officials grazhdanin nachalnik (dear chief). The latter, in turn, adopted this address and began to call everyone they encountered in their work.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, attempts were made in various newly formed countries to revive the older forms of addressing people to each other. Thus, in Ukraine, at least at the official level, the words pan and pani (Mr. and Mrs.) have taken root. In Russia, however, people have not learned to call each other respectfully. It happens in certain circles, but a single form of address has not emerged till today.

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New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday took a swipe at TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, saying he quit the NDA in 2018 due to the Centre's failure to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh and six years later when the government is reliant on his MPs, all he has managed to get is a "special financial support" for Amaravati.

The government on Tuesday announced a series of measures for Andhra Pradesh, including arranging Rs 15,000 crore this fiscal and in future years for the development of the capital city of the state.

Presenting Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will also facilitate special financial support for the development of the capital city.

Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "In 2018, Chandrababu Naidu garu quit the NDA because of the non-biological PM's failure to grant Andhra Pradesh Special Category Status.

"Six years after the drama, at a time when the Government is reliant on his MPs for support, all he has managed to get is 'special financial support' for Amravati."

In another post, Ramesh said, "Why has it taken 10 years to announce that what was already committed to in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 will be implemented?"

Ramesh later also said that every year since 1947, the Union Government has allocated funds in the budget.

"This Budget of the non-biological PM for the very time says that 'Rs. 15,000 crore will be arranged' for developing Amravati. Arranged, not allocated. And what is Rs 15,000 crores? Just three gala weddings," he said.

"As Mahatma Gandhi said of the Cripps Mission in 1942 -- this is 'a post dated cheque on a crashing bank'. Clearly Chandrababu Naidu garu has been taken for a right royal ride!" Ramesh said.

In the Union Budget, the Centre also allocated over Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls and stated that it is fully committed to the completion and financing of the Polavaram irrigation project.

The minister also announced a backward region grant for three districts of the state.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key ally of the BJP in the Centre. Naidu is the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Political parties from Andhra Pradesh have protested time and again since 2014 demanding special category status for the state.

Special category status is a classification of regions or states by the central government to provide special assistance in the form of tax benefits and financial support for the development of the region.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) Over Rs 2,400 crore has been saved in more than 7.6 lakh cyber crime cases through 'Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System' set up for immediate reporting of financial frauds and stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

In response to a written question, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the 'Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System' was launched in 2021 under Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre I4C to immediately report and prevent siphoning of funds through financial frauds.

"So far, financial amount of more than Rs 2,400 crore has been saved in more than 7.6 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number '1930' has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints," he said.

Till date more than 5.8 lakh SIM cards and 1,08,000 IMEIs as reported by police authorities have been blocked by the government, the minister said.

In response to a separate question, Kumar said, the 'National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)' has also been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children.

"Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law. Around 6.56 lakh incidents have been reported on this portal in the first four month of current year," he said.

The minister said a new feature 'Report Suspect' has been added on NCRP with effect from January 31 for quick reporting of attempts made to commit cybercrime, using suspicious website URLs.

"5,252 suspect URLs have been reported so far. I4C analyses and issues necessary advisories to concerned stakeholders from time to time. Facility has been added on NCRP for public to check the authenticity of any website under 'Suspect Data' category," he said.

Kumar said that I4C has collaborated with National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) to prevent abuse of 'dot in' domains.

"Between October 2023 and May 2024, 310 'malicious/phishing' domains have been made non functional with the help of NIXI. I4C has also collaborated with Industry for proactive detection of phishing websites on internet through technology-based solution. Further, 91 phishing/ fake websites and 379 illegal loan/scam apps hosting websites have been made non functional by I4C with the help of stakeholders concerned," he said.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday began a two-day visit to India to galvanise negotiations for the long-pending Free Trade Agreement and explore ways to shore up bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including clean energy, new technologies and security.

It is the first high-level engagement between India and the UK after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government came to power on July 5.

"India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world," Lammy said.

"Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham," he said.

A British government readout said, Lammy will push for a "reset" of the UK-India partnership, including through reinforcing London's commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), that will benefit both economies.

It said the foreign secretary will also galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis with India as an "indispensable partner", driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses.

It said he will discuss partnering on Indian-led global initiatives to build clean power access, climate resilience in the global south and small island states.

"We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security," Lammy was quoted as saying in the readout.

"I am travelling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home," he said.

Lammy and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold wide-ranging talks this evening that is expected to focus on the FTA and New Delhi's concerns over activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Britain, people familiar with the matter said.

The British readout said the foreign secretary will highlight the importance of new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security.

Economic, domestic and global security will be at the heart the foreign secretary's first visit to India as he travels to New Delhi to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership.

He will tell his Indian counterpart that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries, it said.

The foreign secretary will underscore the importance of the "Living Bridge" between the UK and India.

It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life, the readout released by the UK High Commission in New Delhi said.

"In a visit to India's third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries," it said.

The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with members from the Indian government, including Jaishankar, it said.

Lammy will reiterate the extraordinary contribution of British Indians, saying that they enrich the UK's social and economic landscape and are the epitome of modern Britain, it added.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) More than 200 Indian pilgrims died during the Haj pilgrimage 2024, with a majority of the deaths being attributed to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government of India has placed significant emphasis on the successful conduct of Haj operations and on ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian pilgrims.

"As of 21st July 2024, 201 Indian pilgrims have died during Haj pilgrimage 2024 with a majority of them attributed to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests," he said.

It is to further state that more than 70 per cent of the total fatalities have occurred among pilgrims aged 60 and above, Rijiju added.

He said the government is committed to improving the overall Haj experience of Indian Haj pilgrims.

"In pursuit of this objective, a number of progressive reforms have been introduced in the last few years, which has led to qualitative improvement in Haj experience," he said.

In Haj 2024, the number of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KuH) deployed by the Haj Committee of India sent to assist the pilgrims has increased to 641, which is more than double the previous year's number, Rijiju said.

"Even the number of temporary deputationists (administrative and medical) deployed by Government of India for Haj management and administration was increased to 620 in Haj 2024 from 461 during Haj-2023," he said.

Special provisions were made for the 4,558 women who travelled to Saudi Arabia by providing them with dedicated buildings for accommodation as well as dedicated medical services, Rijiju said.

To cope with the inclement and adverse climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia, specific interventions have been introduced, he said.

At Mecca, three medical centres with a capacity of 100 beds were operationalised, along with 14 medical dispensaries, a command control centre, 20 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances and a 24-hour helpline were made available 24X7 during the entire Haj period, he said.

At Madinah, a 20-bed medical centre was established along with two dispensaries, supported by a control command centre, four BLS ambulances and a 24-hour helpline, he said.

A medical dispensary and helpline were also operationalised at the Jeddah Haj Terminal to cater to the pilgrims' healthcare requirements at the time of arrival or departure, Rijiju said.

"For the first time, emergency teams were deployed at Haramain High-Speed Railway stations, providing on-ground medical assistance. A dedicated task force consisting of six teams provided medical aid during Friday prayers at the Holy Mosque," he said.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) The body of Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who went missing following a major fire onboard India's frontline warship INS Brahmaputra at the naval dockyard in Mumbai was found on Wednesday, officials said.

The warship was severely damaged and tilted heavily to one side following the fire on Sunday evening.

"The body of Sitendra Singh, Leading Seaman, has been found today after intensive diving operations," Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and all personnel of the Indian Navy extend their deepest condolences to the family of Singh, he said.

Madhwal said the Navy Chief issued directions to make INS Brahmaputra seaworthy and combat ready.

Admiral Tripathi exhorted the crew of INS Brahmaputra to work towards early operationalisation of the ship, he said.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) There are no specific inputs available with the Union home ministry regarding any threat of biological attacks at present, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

In response to a written question, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the government is fully prepared to respond to any biological attacks on the country.

"In order to effectively respond to any such crises or disasters, Standard Operating Procedures have been formulated. In addition, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has published guidelines on biological disasters, including bio-warfare and bio-terrorism," he said.

The minister said the guidelines have identified the bio-warfare and bio-terrorism agents, characteristics of these agents, epidemiological clues to identify outbreak

of disease caused by them, laboratory identification and their management, including prevention and treatment.

"The battalions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been trained to deal with such crises," he said.

The minister said as health is a State subject, the primary responsibility of detecting and responding to biological events of national concerns vests with the state government.

The minister said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), being the nodal ministry for biological disasters, has a crisis management plan for such disasters which was last updated on October 2023 and shared with the stakeholders concerned.

The ministry has also shared Model Crisis Management Plans for biological disasters to all states and Union territories to serve as a template for the preparation of their respective crisis management plans, he said.

"MoHFW supports the State with guidance, outbreak investigation, laboratory diagnosis, advising on appropriate public health measures and providing logistics

support in terms of human and material resources, wherever required," Rai said.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Wednesday countered Delhi minister Atishi's charge that the Union Budget has "betrayed" Delhi, and accused the AAP of "misleading" the people of the city.

Addressing a press conference here, Sachdeva said the Kejriwal government has alleged that there was a deduction in Delhi's health budget, but in reality, the allocation has increased by 12.59 per cent.

"To give relief to the people of Delhi from traffic issues, the Union government has already spent Rs 30,000 crore on various projects... more projects worth Rs 35,000 crore are underway. The AAP, however, is doing cheap politics and misleading the people of Delhi," he said.

He charged that the AAP government never said a word on the Pradhan Mantri AWAS Yojana that was stalled by it. Had it been implemented in Delhi, more than 5 lakh people from the economically weaker section would have got a permanent house till now, he added.

All the developmental work done by the Union government in the city, like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhumi, and Pragati Maidan Tunnel among others are benefitting the people of Delhi, but Atishi will not talk about it, the Delhi BJP president said.

"Their (AAP) habit is to lie all the time, but the people of Delhi know the truth," he said.

Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi are state-of-the-art convention-cum-exhibition centres in Delhi.

Reacting to the Union Budget tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Atishi said it had "betrayed" the people of the national capital who paid more than Rs 2 lakh crore in taxes to the BJP-led central government.
Chandigarh, Jul 24 (PTI) The Haryana government is taking a significant step to enhance road safety across the state by extending the CCTV-based City Surveillance System to all 19 remaining districts, Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad said on Wednesday.

Currently, the system is operational in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Karnal districts, Prasad said while presiding over a meeting of the Fund Management Committee established under the Haryana Road Safety Fund Rules, 2018.

A total of Rs 19 crore has been approved for the purchase of equipment, including cameras, servers, and software, as well as for installation and maintenance in the districts, an official statement said.

It was informed during the meeting by the officials that the state government has allocated funds for road safety initiatives.

The Secondary Education Department will receive Rs 1.06 crore to promote road safety awareness among students through poster-making competitions and teacher training. The Transport Department has been allotted Rs 30 lakh for the procurement of e-challan machines.

The chief secretary also said that District Road Safety Committees will be allocated Rs 11.46 crore to ensure effective implementation of road safety measures.

These funds will support various critical safety measures, he said.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) A massive fire broke out at a plastic granules factory in Narela industrial area here on Wednesday, officials of the Delhi Fire Services said.

No one was injured in the blaze.

"We received a call regarding fire at 6.34 am at a factory in Narela. We have rushed 25 fire vehicles to the spot. Process of dousing flames is still going on," they said.
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) A Congress MP from Maharashtra on Wednesday made a demand in Lok Sabha that the government should start negotiations with Manoj Jarange-Patil to find a solution to the Maratha-Dhangar reservation issue at the earliest.

Raising the issue of reservation for Maratha and Dhangar communities in Lok Sabha, Congress' Praniti Shinde also made a strong demand for conducting a caste census to ensure reservation to women.

Shinde, the Lok Sabha member from Solapur, said Jarange-Patil is sitting on a fast and the Dhangar community also wants to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.

"The government is adding to the existing tensions in Maharashtra. The BJP is in the government in Maharashtra and at the Centre.

"Why can't there be a negotiation to find a solution to it? Why is there a delay? It is my demand that the government enter into talks on the Maratha-Dhangar reservation issue and find a solution to the problem," Shinde said.

Shinde also demanded that a caste census be conducted at the earliest so that women and Maratha and Dhangar communities get reservation due to them.

BJP MP from Palghar, Hemant Savara, demanded setting up of a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Thane district of Maharashtra.

Savara said he was educated in a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Palghar, which was a part of Thane district.

He said Thane district ceased to have a JNV after Palghar district was carved out of it in 2014.

Congress member from Idukki, Dean Kuriakose, wanted the government to reintroduce the vermin list under the Wildlife Protection Act to allow culling of "cruel animals" entering farm land and destroying the crop.

Kuriakose said there have been growing instances of human-animal conflict in Kerala and several people have lost their lives due to it.

"We should have the right to kill the cruel animals that are entering the farmers' land. There is no other remedy. People are not getting any protection," he said.

Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi raised the issue of over 12 lakh elementary teachers who lost their jobs after the Supreme Court scrapped the 18-month diploma course in elementary education.

He said the Centre should issue a gazette notification recognising the 18-month diploma course. Gogoi said such a move would do justice to the diploma holders who lost their jobs after the Supreme Court ruling.

SP member Mohibullah demanded that the Centre set up an AIIMS-like hospital in his Rampur Lok Sabha constituency in western Uttar Pradesh.

BJP member Anil Firojiya wanted the government to make Right to Education mandatory till graduation.

Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa wanted the government to turn Ladakh into a Union Territory with legislature and also bring it under the sixth schedule of the Constitution to safeguard the interests of the local population.
Bill No. 8371, the so-called "law banning the UOC-MP," is needed in Ukraine as the world once needed laws banning slavery. The parishioners of the UOC-MP are affected by Stockholm syndrome, and they need to be treated in the only way possible in such a situation  when the victim is unable to free himself from the perpetrator, he must be released.

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This is the opinion of the Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine. He argues that only a ban on the UOC-MP can protect freedom of religion in the country.

"The law, the need for which has been discussed for several years, is vital. It is like a law prohibiting slavery. It is like a law prohibiting domestic violence. This law is the only way to protect freedom of religion for those who cannot and do not want to protect it by voluntarily serving Moscow," said the head of the OCU.

According to him, not only the leaders but also supporters of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine, due to the Stockholm syndrome and as victims of domestic violence, "continue to believe that Moscow really loves them so much and thus cares for their welfare."

"Both phenomena tell us what to do in such a situation. When the victim is unable to free himself from the perpetrator, he should be freed, even if he is powerless or even resists. When the structure of the so-called UOC proved incapable of its own actions, as all other religious organizations in Ukraine have proved capable, the state and society are obliged to help and protect themselves on the spiritual front from the aggression of the "Russian world," Epifaniy emphasized.

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And the point here is not in the personalities of Russian dictator Putin and the head of the MP Gundyaev. The UOC and the OCU are "institutionally different" and, having a common faith, "very well embody Christian teaching in practical everyday life."

"Even the brightest figures in Russian church history, such as Patriarch Tikhon, were affected by the imperial idea. Therefore, despite everything, even he could not recognize and accept the reality of the independent existence of the Churches of Georgia and Ukraine, once conquered by the empire. What can we say about others," Epifaniy recalls.

He emphasizes that the Moscow model of Orthodoxy "is deeply affected by the cult of empire, servility (servitude to the throne), Caesaropapism."

"Just as the Russian people have never actually known a democratic way of existence and governance, so the Moscow church has never actually had freedom and did not know what it is like to serve God and people, not the 'king and the state. Instead, the Church in Ukraine, having lived for centuries under foreign and non-Orthodox domination, has gained real experience of the 'people's church', which it still lives by today," said the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

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In his opinion, the issue of banning the UOC "is not only ripe but also long overdue." That is why the OCU appeals to Ukrainian lawmakers with a request not to delay the adoption of this law.

"We ask you to do everything possible so that the gap in the defense, through which the 'Russian world' pours poison into the souls of Ukrainians, is finally closed. This, by the way, is expected, strange as it may sound, among the MPs in Ukraine. Because the clergy and faithful see that they cannot convince Metropolitan Onufriy and other leaders and cannot influence them in any way. Therefore, they hope that at least the state law will free them from the slavery of Moscow," the Metropolitan added.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy supported the aforementioned draft law No. 8371 in the spring. MPs were recommended to support the law in the second reading and in general.

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It is unclear why the "servants" hesitate. It is known that 66% of Ukrainians support a complete ban on the activities of the UOC-MP in Ukraine. Another 19% support an approach that does not imply a complete ban, but even they support the idea of establishing state control over this denomination.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Thane, Jul 24 (PTI) Police have registered a case against two constables in Maharashtra's Thane district for demanding Rs 50,000 bribe from a scrap dealer in exchange of releasing a truck loaded with goods, an official said on Wednesday.

The case was filed at the Shivaji Nagar police station in Ambarnath based on a complaint lodged by the Thane unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), he said.

The case against them was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The police constable duo, Chandrakant Baban Shinde (44) and Sachin Sadashiv Mane (43), are attached to the Shivaji Nagar police station.

"They demanded Rs 1 lakh from the scrap dealer, whose scrap-loaded truck they had detained. Later, they agreed to bring down the amount to Rs 50,000," inspector Vijay Kawle of the Thane ACB said in a release.

The complainant approached the ACB and filed a complaint against them, based on which further action was taken, he said.
Vice President Kamala Harris flew to her first battleground state Tuesday after locking up nomination support from Democratic delegates, determined to prosecute the Democrats political case against Republican former President Donald Trump.

Just two days after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid, Harris arrived in Milwaukee, where she was to hold her first campaign rally since she launched her campaign on Sunday with Bidens endorsement. Harris has raised more than $100 million since Sunday afternoon.

The vice president has also scored the backing of Democratic officials and political groups, including congressional leaders Charles Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries in a sign of her partys focus on beating Trump.

Harris planned to lean into her resume as a former district attorney and California attorney general, seeking to draw a contrast with Trump who is the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes.

Shes prepared to meet this moment because she was professionally trained to prosecute a criminal, and unfortunately thats who the Republicans have put forward, said Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif.

Tuesdays visit was scheduled before Biden ended his campaign, but it took on new resonance as Harris looked to project calm and confidence after weeks of Democratic Party turmoil o ver Bidens political future.

The visit comes a week after the Republican National Convention wrapped up in the city and as Harris works to sharpen her message against the GOP nominee with just over 100 days until Election Day. Wisconsin is part of the Democrats blue wall of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania that is critical for their hopes to win in Novembers election.

The vice president previewed the themes that will be prominent in her campaign against Trump on Monday during a stop at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, contrasting her time as a prosecutor with Trumps convictions  I know Donald Trumps type, she said  and casting herself as a defender of economic opportunity and abortion access.

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, she said in a statement responding to the AP delegate tally. 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.

I am grateful to President Biden and everyone in the Democratic Party who has already put their faith in me, and I look forward to taking our case directly to the American people, she added.

By Monday night, Harris, who also ran for president in 2020, had the support of well more than the 1,976 delegates shell need to win on a first ballot, according to the AP tally of delegates. No other candidate was named by a delegate contacted by the AP.

Still, 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 go through with a virtual roll call ahead of that gathering in Chicago.

The AP tally is based on interviews with individual delegates, public statements from state parties, many of which have announced that their delegations are supporting Harris en masse, and public statements and endorsements from individual delegates.

Trump and his campaign have quickly turned most of their focus on Harris and have asserted that they were prepared for the change and it did not alter their plans.

The former president has nicknamed the vice president Lyin Kamala Harris, accused her of not being tough enough on crime as a prosecutor and sought to bind her to the administrations policies on the border as he seeks to make immigration a focus of his campaign.

But there are signs that Trump seems to be unhappy about facing the younger vice president rather than making his case against the aging president. Twice since Biden dropped out, Trump has said the planned second presidential debate should not be hosted by ABC News and suggested it be moved to Fox News, which has a perception of being friendlier to him.

Harris husband, Doug Emhoff, said he was unimpressed by Trumps attacks, telling reporters Tuesday, Thats all hes got?

Harris was to be joined by major elected officials in Wisconsin, including Gov. Tony Evers, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, as well as state labor leaders.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Republican leaders are branding Harris as an extreme liberal who is out of step with most voters in the swing state.

Kamala Harris favorables are as bad as Joe Bidens, said Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming at a news conference ahead of the Harris event at a high school outside of Milwaukee. So they are exchanging one bad candidate for another bad candidate in the hope that the people of this state and this country dont notice where she actually stands on the issues.

(AP)
The Philadelphia school district has failed to protect Jewish students from a virulent wave of antisemitism that swept through classrooms after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, according to a federal complaint filed Tuesday.

The district, among the largest public school systems in the U.S., has ignored persistent harassment and bullying of Jewish students, some of whom have been forced to drop out, lawyers wrote in the complaint. Some teachers and administrators have spread inflammatory anti-Jewish and anti-Israel messages on social media and even in the classroom without repercussion, the complaint said.

The Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Jewish advocacy group, asked the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights to order the district to issue a statement denouncing antisemitism and to take disciplinary action against teachers and students who engage in discrimination and harassment. The ADL also wants training for faculty, staff and students and the removal of antisemitic posters, flags and other material on school property.

A school district spokesperson declined to comment on an active investigation.

Colleges, universities and high schools nationwide have seen a wave of pro-Palestinian student protests in response to Israels war against Hamas in Gaza. Most of the focus has been on protests that rocked college campuses this spring, leading to thousands of arrests. But a recent congressional hearing spotlighted antisemitism in K-12 education, with the leaders of New York City Public Schools, the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, and the Berkeley Unified School District in California all vigorously denying they had failed to address hostility toward Jewish people.

Like Philadelphia, New York City and Montgomery County are facing Education Department civil rights investigations into allegations of antisemitism. The ADL filed a complaint against Berkeley in California state court.

In Philadelphia, schools leaders allowed hostility toward Jewish students to spread and intensify over the past nine months, and failed to address a rampant culture of retaliation and fear that prevented Jewish students and parents from even coming forward, James Pasch, ADLs senior director of national litigation, said in an interview Tuesday.

Theres an environment here that really needs to change, and it really needs to change now, he said.

A group of pro-Palestinian teachers called Philly Educators for Palestine, which was cited in the complaint, responded Tuesday by accusing the ADL of multiple inaccuracies. The group added in a statement to The Associated Press that criticism of Zionism or the Israeli government is not antisemitism, and attempts to label it as such is not only antisemitic itself but troubling as it will shut down any opportunity for critical thought and discussion.

In May, a group called the School District of Philadelphia Jewish Family Association made similar allegations against Philadelphia schools in a complaint to the education department under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry.

(AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman  yair nissan ben sarah

Klal Yisroel is compared to the moon. Although at times we fall, we should not lose hope  because bEzras Hashem, we shall come back.

Usually, historians use the terms the Rise and Fall when discussing the history of a nation. In this essay, the terms are reversed. This is to address an embarrassing part of Jewish history, but one that was eventually rectified by a remarkable group of individuals.

This group not only saved the nation of Klal Yisroel, but the groups actions eventually rectified the entire world somewhat. Interestingly enough, the group received very little credit for both actions. There are, of course, many questions that can be asked.

1] Who was this group?

2] What was the fall?

3] How did they rectify things?

4] From where did they receive their inspiration? And the fifth question  why did they receive so little credit for their work?

What follows is a theory that is presented by the author. The reader may agree with it or disagree with it. It does, however, answer a number of questions, particularly, how we were brought back from the brink, from the abyss  and toward a full appreciation of Hashem.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WORLD AND JEWISH HISTORY

Hashem created mankind. Adam HaRishon knew and understood that Hashem was One and that Hashem is the Ultimate Giver  the source of all good  and that Tov is also one of the Names of Hashem. Eventually, however, this knowledge among mankind declined. We will call this, the first fall.

The world was destroyed on account of the decline. Noach and his sons were to rebuild it anew. Knowledge of Hashem and His nature was restored among mankind. This, however, was temporary. In a short amount of time, knowledge of Hashem and His nature was forgotten again. We will call this the second fall.

The knowledge of Hashem and His Nature was rediscovered by Avrohom Avinu. Rav Chaim Kanievsky ztl explains in his siddur that Avrohom Avinu rediscovered it, initially, without parental guidance and without guidance of a Rebbe. Rather, it was his two kidneys, his inner sense of discernment, that guided him back to the right path.

Avrohom Avinu fathered a nation, Klal Yisroel. The nation went down to Mitzrayim and was taken out by Hashem through Moshe Rabbeinu. After the 49 days between the exodus from Mitzrayim, the nation was able to purify itself and receive the Torah. During those days, we managed to rise and become the Dor Deah  the greatest generation.

After receiving the Torah, and after entering Eretz Yisroel  we eventually declined and began to serve other deities, rl. We will call this the third fall  the difference being that the first two were the fall of mankind and this was the first fall of Klal Yisroel. The word devolvement is particularly instructive  but more on this later. It is possible that this third fall was as a result of the seeds of the chait HaEgel  the sin of the Golden Calf.

The archaeological record shows that we were serving a multiplicity of deities, and that we were doing so in combination with other aspects of Torah observance. How strange. Thus far, we have identified the answer to our second question. This was the third fall or the first fall of Klal Yisroel. But it seems an insurmountable problem. How did things rectify? How was Avodah Zarah eliminated from Klal Yisroel?

Lets now answer the first question. The group that rectified things was the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah  those who formulated the words of Shmoneh Esreh, and those who initiated the concept of the Bracha Rishona.

How did they rectify things and overcome this seemingly insurmountable problem? Lets go back to that word  devolvement. The different names of Hashem have always connoted different aspects of Hashem. There is the Name that connotes the Midas Harachamim. There is the Name that connotes the Midas haDin. The use of these Names on the part of some members of Klal Yisroel devolved and, eventually, there were those in Klal Yisroel that worshipped a physical, corporeal deity and named that deity with one of Hashems Names.

THE FORMULATIONS

I would like to suggest that the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah purposefully formulated the wordings of the Shmoneh Esreh and of the brachos that they had instituted with this in mind  to rectify the fall.

Thus, the words of Shmoneh Esreh begin, Boruch attah Hashem, Elokainu  both Names are combined  and then vElokai avosainu  the wording is an appeal to those who fell  they were always who our ancestors had worshipped, Avrohom Yitzchok and Yaakov. There was a devolvement.. The Name Kel  was also once part of the One True Hashem that we all worshipped..

The Anshei Knesses HaGedolah also used this in the formation of the brachos  mentioning the Name Hashem and Elokim together to undo the devolvement. Ultimately, the efforts of the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah worked. We left the AVodah Zarah and were put on the right track once again.

But from where did the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah get this inspiration? I would like to suggest that it was from the Shma itself. The Torah perhaps alluded to this dark period that was to come in our history  this period of the devolvement of the Names. Shma Yisroel, Hashem, Elokeinu, Hashem  echad not only addressed the idea, the Mitzvah of accepting the Oneness of Malchus Shamayim  but perhaps also alluded to what needed to be done. Lets now take a deeper look at the Shma.

THE SHMA

The Rambam, in his Sefer haMitzvos (#2 and #10), enumerates two separate Mitzvos that one fulfills in the recitation of the Shma. One fulfills the Mitzvah of reciting the Shma in the night and day, as it states VeDibarta Bam bshivtecha bevaisecha, uvelechtecha vaderech uveshabecha uvekumecha (#10). One also fulfills a second Mitzvah of accepting the yoke of malchus shamayim  the kingship of Heaven(#2).

ACCEPTING THE YOKE

The Gemorah in Brachos (13a) cites Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Karcha as saying that the first paragraph of Shma precedes the second paragraph so that the person first accepts upon himself the yoke of Heaven and then the yoke of the Mitzvos. On the next amud (13b), the Gemorah tells us of the obligation of fully directing ones heart. The Gemorah records a debate as to whether this obligation applies to the entire first paragraph or just to the first sentence of Shma Yisroel.

The Shulchan Aruch seems to rule (OC 61:9) that it is the first sentence  Shma Yisroel Hashem Elokainu Hashem Echad. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 61:14) also points out something else. He points out that there is an obligation to pause between the worlds lolam voed and vahavta. This is so that one makes a distinction between the acceptance of the yoke of Malchus Shmayayim and the yoke of the Mitzvos.

The Baalei haTosfos (Al Levavcha 13b) point out that there is a special level of intent that is necessary in the acceptance of Malchus Shamayim  to the point that one must actually come to a standstill when fulfilling this Mitzvah. It is not just a reading where some intent and concentration is required. Rather, he must fully accept it and contemplate the content of the words.

There are other repercussions of the special quality of this Mitzvah. We see further (Brachos 21a) that when the whole tzibbur is accepting upon themselves the yoke of shamayim  you cannot set yourself apart from the community and ignore it. You must also recite that first pasuk of shma along with them. It is the first pasuk of Shma that is the key to accepting Ol Malchus Shamayim properly.

WHAT THE ANSHEI KNESSES HAGEDOLAH MIGHT HAVE SEEN IN THIS POSUK

It is possible that the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah saw in this pasuk a hint to what needed to be done  to reach out to Klal Yisroel and to attempt by all means to get them to accept Malchus Shamayim  the Oneness of Hashem. Perhaps they saw that the devolvement that Klal Yisroel was experiencing needed to be rectified  that the worshipping of the different Names of Hashem as separate corporeal deities needed to be changed. The acceptance of Malchus Shamayim may thus have been included in the formulation of each bracha recited in the words of Melech haOlam. This needed to be inculcated within all of Klal Yisroel again in a different way or manner. That way was the three times formula in the Shmoneh Esreh and in the wording of the brachos.

THE FIFTH QUESTION

This leaves us with only the fifth question to be answered: Why did they received little or no credit? The answer is that this was an embarrassing aspect of our history, and a blow to kavod shamayim. Our fall was downright embarrassing. We worshipped Avodah Zara and we did so using the very Names of Hashem. This needed to be rectified and perhaps also be swept under the carpet because of the sensitivities involved.

The Anshei Knesses HaGedolah did what needed to be done. They did so in a humble and unassuming way. They saved Klal Yisroel, restored Kavod Shamayim, and put the world on the right track.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
Antisemitic media personality Candace Owens has been removed from an event featuring Donald Trump Jr. after facing intense criticism for her recent comments casting doubt on key facts related to the Holocaust.

Owens was announced as a panelist for the MAGAA-sponsored event, billed as a fireside chat about Bitcoin, alongside Trump Jr. and former Trump White House official Camryn Kinsey. However, her image was removed from promotional materials on Tuesday following a fierce backlash from conservative critics and Jewish allies of the former president.

The event, promoted with the Trump 2024 campaign logo, aimed to hype a new Bitcoin token. Trump Jr. had shared a promotional flyer on X, saying Make America Great Again, AGAIN has a nice ring to it!

Owens removal comes after she faced widespread condemnation for her anti-Semitic statements, including publicly feuding with Ben Shapiro and authoring claims widely seen as anti-Semitic. She has also courted controversy by defending avowed neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes and praising him for criticizing the number of Jews serving in the Biden administration. And just to prove she is retarded, Owens said she would stake her professional reputation on her assertion that Frances first lady is actually a biological male.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The German government on Wednesday banned an organization accused of being an outpost of Irans theocracy, promoting the ideology of its leadership and supporting Lebanons Hezbollah militant group. Police raided 53 properties around the country, including a prominent mosque in Hamburg.

The ban on the Islamic Center Hamburg, or IZH, and five suborganizations around Germany followed searches in November. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said evidence gathered in the investigation confirmed the serious suspicions to such a degree that we ordered the ban today.

The IZH promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany, while it and its suborganizations also support the terrorists of Hezbollah and spread aggressive antisemitism, Faeser said in a statement.

Her ministry said that as the direct representative of Irans Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the IZH disseminates the ideology of the Islamic Revolution in an aggressive and militant way and seeks to bring about such a revolution in the Federal Republic of Germany.

The distinctive blue-tiled Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg, the groups most prominent facility, was among the properties raided by police early Wednesday. There were also raids in Berlin and six other German states.

The IZH has long been under observation by Germanys domestic intelligence agency, which said in its annual report for 2023 that it is Irans most important representative in Germany beside the countrys embassy.

It said there were no reliable figures for members or supporters of the group, founded in 1962. There have been calls for it to be banned for years.

Irans Foreign Ministry responded to the closure by summoning Germanys ambassador to Tehran, Hans-Udo Muzel, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The ministrys director for western European nations, Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, strongly objected to the ban and called it a hostile act that contradicts basic principles of human rights, the report said.

Germanys Interior Ministry said that, because of the ban, four Shiite mosques in the country will be closed. The IZHs assets are also being confiscated. There are an estimated 150 to 200 Shiite congregations in Germany, according to the ministry, which stressed that it wasnt acting against a religion.

The IZH said last fall that it condemns every form of violence and extremism and has always advocated peace, tolerance and interreligious dialogue.

The Interior Ministry said that, while the group tries to present itself as a tolerant and purely religious organization without political ties or a political agenda, investigations have confirmed without a doubt that the IZHs activities are not simply religious in nature. It said the groups purpose and activities are opposed to Germanys constitutional order.

The top regional security official in Hamburg, Andy Grote, declared that the group is now history. He said that the closure of this outpost of the inhuman Iranian regime is a really effective hit against Islamic extremism.

Germanys main Jewish organization welcomed the ban. Irans mullah regime and its proxies are in position worldwide  their aim is the destruction of democracy and our way of living, Josef Schuster, the president of the Central Council of Jews, said in a statement.

Hezbollah is banned in Germany. The Iranian-backed group and Israel have been trading near-daily exchanges of fire across the Lebanon-Israel border since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out in October.

(AP)
Axios reports that a secret trilateral meeting was held in Abu Dhabi last Thursday, attended by representatives from the US, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to discuss plans for Gazas governance after the Israel-Hamas war. The meeting suggests Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is beginning to recognize the need for a realistic plan for Gazas future.

The UAEs Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed hosted the meeting, which was attended by President Bidens top Middle East adviser Brett McGurk, State Department counselor Tom Sullivan, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and two senior Israeli defense officials.

The UAE has proposed deploying a temporary international mission to Gaza, led by the Palestinian Authority, to address the humanitarian crisis, establish law and order, and lay the groundwork for governance. However, this proposal comes with conditions, including the Palestinian Authority conducting meaningful reforms and agreeing to a political process based on the two-state solution.

The US has been pressing Netanyahu to seriously discuss a day-after plan, and President Biden is expected to discuss this with Netanyahu during their meeting in Washington this week. The Biden administration wants to ensure a plan is in place to prevent a power vacuum in Gaza that could be filled by Hamas or lawlessness.

Netanyahu has previously rejected proposals for a day-after plan, but Israeli officials say he is now showing more willingness to support a plan similar to the Emirati proposal. However, friction points remain, including Netanyahus reluctance to end the war and his rejection of an official role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The suicide drones fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen at Tel Aviv last week were manufactured primarily with US components, highlighting violations of US sanctions on Tehran, Republican Sen. Ted Curz says, as reported by the Washington Free Beacon.

Not only was the drone manufactured with US parts, it was funded by over $100 billion in sanctions relief granted by the Biden administration, Cruz wrote in a letter sent to the White House on Monday.

The construction of the drones is enabled by the regimes access to American components, and indeed the drones are built almost entirely from components produced by U.S. companies, Cruz wrote.

Military production of the drones is financed by funds available to the Iranian regime, including roughly 100 billion dollars that the Biden administration has allowed to flow to the Ayatollah.

Cruzs letter was written only days after the Biden administration renewed a sanctions waiver for the Islamic Republic, releasing over $10 billion which Tehran uses to produce drones exported to Israels enemies as well as to Russia for its war against Ukraine.

These drones are made almost entirely of American components, including ones cannibalized from other machines or transferred through third or fourth-party distributors using convoluted routes to move tiny electronics, Cruz wrote. U.S. export and trade restrictions are aimed in part to prevent the acquisition of such components by rogue regimes such as Iran; their failure suggests either a lack of will or ability by the Biden administration.

The Iranian regime has engaged in the use and mass proliferation of loitering munitionsso-called suicide dronesby its own forces, Russia, and its terrorist proxies across the Middle East for decades. Those munitions are being used to attack U.S. service members and our allies, including Israel and Ukraine, and more broadly to undermine American national security interests.

The White House is aware of the issue and in 2022, formed an expansive task force to explore how Iran is obtaining US-made components and using them to manufacture drones.

However, two years later, there has not been a single published update, report, or announcement, Cruz wrote.

Cruz requested that the Biden administration detail the task forces activities to date and disclose whether it has engaged American companies whose components have been found in Iranian-made drones.

Read the full letter here.

The drone used in the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv was identified by the IDF as an Iranian-manufactured Samad-3 drone that was revamped to have a further range.

On Tuesday, the Houthis released a video of what it claims is the launch of the drone at Tel Aviv:

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Education Minister Yoav Kisch attended a meeting at the Mateh Asher Regional Council in the western Galil in northern Israel on Tuesday amid another day of Hezbollah rocket fire at the area.

In his remarks to the heads of the local councils, Kisch admitted that the security situation in the north will not allow the reopening of schools in the area on September 1, meaning that over 16,000 children evacuated from their homes will continue to attend schools at various locations around Israel.

This is an unfortunate decision forced on us and made with a heavy heart, Kisch said. I reiterate and call on the prime minister and heads of the defense echelon to act now and forcefully against Lebanon. There is escaping the decision to launch a massive war against Lebanon in order to restore quiet and stability to the residents of northern Israel and for the future of the State of Israel.

Hezbollah has launched over 6,800 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israel since October 8, 2023.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The successful strike on the ammunition depot in the Voronezh region revealed Russia's inability to protect its logistics facilities close to the front. This was a serious loss for the Russian army, as the depot occupied about 9 square kilometers.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense intelligence. The attack on the ammunition depot in Serheyevka, Voronezh region, took place on July 7.

Analysts noted that the drone attack resulted in the almost complete destruction of the depot and everything stored there.

Intelligence believes that this is a significant loss for the Russian military, as the warehouse was an important storage point for surface-to-surface ammunition and small arms for the front line.

"This warehouse was very likely a place to store surface-to-surface munitions and small arms for use at the front. This will further complicate Russia's already problematic logistics chains and encourage it to further disperse such facilities due to the constant threat of Ukrainian strikes," the intelligence noted.

The analysts also noted that this underscores Russia's difficulties in protecting important facilities even in areas with dense air defense, as the warehouse was located just 80 km from the border with Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Russia cannot easily afford such losses, given its chosen strategy of 'war of attrition'... This approach requires huge amounts of ammunition. Russia is currently relying on its few foreign partners for supplies as its defense industry has difficulty meeting the demands at the front," the British intelligence service summarized.

As a reminder, a video of the aftermath of a drone attack on an ammunition depot in the Voronezh region of Russia has been posted online. After the attack, a fire broke out there, and the powerful detonation lasted more than 6 hours.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
In a scathing statement, senior Jewish Democratic lawmaker Jerrold Nadler denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king (Aristobulus) who invited the Romans into Yerushalayim over 2100 years ago. In his statement, Nadler listed a whole list of grievances he has against Netanyahu.

The Prime Minister is putting the security of Israel, the lives of the hostages, the stability of the region, and longstanding Israeli democratic norms in perilous jeopardy, simply to maintain the stability of his far-right coalition and absolve him of his own legal troubles, Nadler wrote on X. Tomorrows address is the next step in a long line of manipulative bad-faith efforts by Republicans to further politicize the U.S.-Israel relationship for partisan gain and is a cynical stunt by Netanyahu aimed at aiding his own desperate political standing at home. There is no question in my mind it should not be happening. Still, I have not given up on the dream of an Israel that can live in peace with its neighbors, including with Palestinians, through a negotiated two-state solution.

Despite his harsh words, Nadler announced that he will still attend Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress, saying, I feel my voice is more impactful in the room, holding the Prime Minister accountable.

Despite his Jewishness, Nadler supported the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, drawing the ire of many in the US and Israel, including some who accused him of stabbing the Jewish State in the back.

Nadler also defended Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after she compared the detention of illegal migrants crossing into the US to Nazi concentration camps.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump assured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that everything will be good ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled for Friday.

Trump shared the message on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Tuesday. He posted a letter from Abbas dated July 14, which expressed concern over a failed assassination attempt on Trump in Philadelphia on July 13. In response, Trump wrote, Mahmoud, so nice. Thank You. Everything will be Good.

Trump is set to meet with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday. In his post, he expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions, stating, Looking forward to seeing Bibi Netanyahu on Friday, and even more forward to achieving Peace in the Middle East!

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israels ongoing war in Gaza and condemned American protesters in a scathing speech to Congress Wednesday that triggered boycotts by many top Democratic lawmakers and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol to condemn the war in Gaza.

Nine months into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory. He also sought bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups, and bitterly condemned widespread opposition in the United States to the war.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: we win, they lose. said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahus speech quickly took on a darker tone as he defended his country but also derided those protesting the war, gesturing to demonstrations happening as he spoke on the streets outside the U.S. Capitol, as useful idiots for Israels adversaries.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened in the House chamber as Netanyahu spoke. Lawmakers of both parties rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rep. Rashida Tlaib held a sign in the House chamber that said war criminal.

Netanyahu accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the terrorists who killed babies in Hamas attack on Oct. 7. These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahus speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Republicans said the absence of Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, was a sign of disloyalty to an ally. Former President Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahus speech, citing the need to campaign.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday sharply condemned Vice President Kamala Harris for refusing to preside over Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.

Harris is blaming her absence on scheduling difficulties due to a previously scheduled event in Indianapolis.

Its never been more important than it is right now for us to stand with our closest ally in the Middle East, Johnson said. Its outrageous to me and inexcusable that Kamala Harris is boycotting this joint session. This is a historic moment, its an important moment for the country. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated and yet, Kamala Harris will abandon her seat.

She is beyond accountable for that. She needs to be asked very serious questions about why.

Harris slammed Democrats in general for boycotting the Israeli prime ministers speech due to political considerations while Israel is fighting for its survival, saying that Sen. Patty Murray (WA), who was next on the roster [as she serves as the president pro tempore of the Senate) also refused to preside over the event.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF on Wednesday recovered the bodies of five hostages from Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip.

They were identified as:

Sgt.-Maj. (res) Ravid Aryeh Katz, hyd, 51, was a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, an educator, a father of three children, and a member of the kibbutzs emergency response squad. He was killed battling the terrorists on the kibbutz on October 7 and his body was abducted to Gaza.

Maya Goren hyd, 56, was abducted into Gaza by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The IDF had previously confirmed in December that Goren was no longer alive, but it wasnt clear whether she was killed in captivity or murdered during the massacre and her body brought to Gaza.

Oren Goldin hyd, 33, was a member of Kibbutz Nir Yitzchaks emergency response squad. He fell in battle against Hamas terrorists on October 7th, and his body was abducted into Gaza.

Staff Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas hyd, 20, has also been recovered from Gaza and returned to Israel, according to the head of the local council in his hometown of Lehavim. Ahimas, an IDF soldier, was killed in action on October 7, along with other members of the forward command team led by Col. Asaf Hamami, commander of the Gaza Divisions Southern Brigade. The team was engaged in combat with Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Nirim when Ahimas and two other soldiers were fatally wounded. Their remains were then taken into Gaza by Hamas forces.

Sgt. Kiril Brodski, 19, was confirmed to have been killed on October 7 and his body abducted to Gaza. He was murdered alongside the aforementioned Ahimas during the battle at Kibbutz Nirim.

Were it not for their bravery, the kibbutz would have suffered an even greater tragedy that day.

According to YWN sources, Hamas terrorists arrested in recent weeks provided Israeli intelligence with information that led them to relaunch an operation in Khan Younis, which resulted now in the recovery of the hostages bodies.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore into Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus address to Congress on Wednesday afternoon.

Benjamin Netanyahus presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States, Pelosi wrote on X.

Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home  and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal.

Pelosi was not at Netanyahus speech, joining other Democrats who boycotted it, so how she can make such an assertion without having been there is difficult to imagine.

In his speech Netanyahu defended Israels ongoing war in Gaza and condemned American protesters.

Nine months into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory. He also sought bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups, and bitterly condemned widespread opposition in the United States to the war.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: we win, they lose. said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahus speech quickly took on a darker tone as he defended his country but also derided those protesting the war, gesturing to demonstrations happening as he spoke on the streets outside the U.S. Capitol, as useful idiots for Israels adversaries.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened in the House chamber as Netanyahu spoke. Lawmakers of both parties rose repeatedly to applaud the Israeli leader, while security escorted out protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages.

A weeping Rep. Rashida Tlaib held a sign in the House chamber that said war criminal.

Netanyahu accused the numerous protesters of the war in the United States of standing with the terrorists who killed babies in Hamas attack on Oct. 7. These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said.

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahus speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Republicans said the absence of Harris, the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency, was a sign of disloyalty to an ally. Former President Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahus speech, citing the need to campaign.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
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Tomorrow, July 24th, is the day we unite to save the future of Klal Yisroel.





Gedolei Eretz Yisroel traveled to the United States recently and raised $84,000,000 to replace the budgets which the Israeli government took away from the yeshivos.





Those numbers are staggering, but we still need to raise $23,000,000 to complete the shortfall.





The emergency campaign initiated by the gedolim, Keren Olam HaTorah, has marked tomorrow as the day to launch the unprecedented fundraising mission of raising this deficit.





Together with askanim from around the world, were inviting you to come and join us for a historic raisers event in Bell Works NJ, where we will join together to raise the funds needed to reach our goal.

The Historic Raisers Event

When: Tomorrow, July 24 from 5:00-10:00pm

Where: Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ





During the event, you will enjoy a lavish buffet, hear from guest speakers, and above all  hear from Gedolei Yisroel who are giving brachos to all involved.

CLICK HERE

You Can Join

By donating/raising $2,736 to sponsor an avreich (or committing to $228/month), youre invited to join in this event.

Just email [email protected] or call 732.941.1000 to become a raiser. OR click here

If There Was Ever A Time, Its Now

The Olam HaTorah is in danger. We cant save it without you.

Our gedolim have implored all of Klal Yisroel to give beyond their usual contributions. This is a request to go above and beyond your normal giving, Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch urged.

Because this is not just another fundraising campaign; it is the very survival of Klal Yisroel.

In recognition of the generosity, Rav Landau benched anyone who helps with good health, nachas, parnassah, and all the brochos one could wish for.



Tomorrow, We Will Make History



Every donation counts now, more than ever. We need your support to ensure that the doors of Torah learning remain open.





Although the numbers are unprecedented, your support today can turn the tide.





Join thousands for an unprecedented gathering to raise $23,000,000 to save the Yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel.





Become a raiser today and save the future of Klal Yisroel.



KerenOlamHaTorah.org



[email protected]

732.941.1000.
Russia is planning to launch production of a new Qasef kamikaze drone, the patent for which has already been obtained from Iran. However, mass production will not be possible in the near future.

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In addition, the Qasef drone will be inferior to the already known Shaheds in terms of characteristics. Oleh Katkov, editor-in-chief of the military analytical portal Defence Express, told this in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA.

"In Russia, they were simply patented. There is no sensation in this. But it is impossible to say that in the near future they will replace the Shaheds with such drones. Absolutely not. The point is that this company has patented the development. It takes a long time from patent to production. For example, a lot of time has passed since they started talking about the fact that Russia plans to assemble Shaheds," the expert said.

Katkov noted that without a large number of imported components, Russia will not be able to establish drone production. Thus, the supply of Shaheds was suspended because Iran used all the drones to strike Israel and did not supply them to Russia, which became immediately noticeable.

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"So, the fact that someone has patented something does not mean that these drones will be mass-produced immediately. This is a very long process. This is the first thing. Secondly, it is to some extent inferior to the Shahed," Katkov added.

According to him, the Qasef drone was developed on the basis of the Ababil kamikaze drone. Its starting weight is 85 kilograms, of which the warhead weighs 30 kilograms, and the declared flight range reaches 100 kilometers. Compared to the Shahed, the Qasef has worse characteristics, and the enemy has the ability to increase the weight of the warhead. Therefore, it is unlikely that the occupiers will start mass production of new drones.

Earlier it was reported that the aggressor country Russia may start production of a new kamikaze drone. Zavod Signal has already patented its drone, which visually resembles the Iranian-designed Qasef kamikaze drone.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of July 20, during the attack on Ukraine, the Russian occupation forces used not only Shahed-136 missiles and kamikaze drones, but also a new type of drone that has not yet been identified. In particular, the enemy tried to hit Kyiv with it.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said that the Defense Forces would do everything possible to return to the 1991 borders. Kyiv had a realistic plan for the de-occupation of Crimea, but it was a military secret.

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Syrskyi made the statement in an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian published on July 24. In particular, he noted that naval drones resembling speedboats had sunk about a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

"It really has become a trap for them, and for some [ships] a grave," Syrskyi said.

He added: The Kremlin was forced to "completely withdraw" from the Crimean port of Sevastopol after a series of Ukrainian attacks. UAV and missile strikes also destroyed radars and missile launchers.

The key goal of Ukraine's defenders is to destroy the Kerch Bridge, the road and railroad crossing that connects the occupied peninsula with Russia.

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Syrskyi refused to say when this might happen. Two previous attempts included a truck bombing and a drone strike.

Kyiv had a plan to return Crimea, more than a decade after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin illegally annexed it, the Armed Forces chief said.

"This is realistic. Of course, this is a big military secret. We will do everything possible to achieve the internationally recognized borders of 1991. We have to win... to free our citizens who are in the occupied territories, who are suffering," the general said.

Like many soldiers at war, he rarely sees his family, the newspaper reports.

"They are suffering without me, so maybe this is a problem for me as well. But I know we will win. I know how to do it. And I am sure we will do it," Syrskyi said.

He says he has been awake for many hours, and in his rare moments of rest, he has been reading books on Ukrainian history to understand past processes.

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"We have brave people and a difficult history," he says.

"It is very important for us that all citizens of Ukraine fulfill their constitutional duty," he said, urging Ukrainians living outside their country to participate as well. "I hope that after the victory they will be able to tell their children where they were. Where were you when all Ukrainian citizens were fighting in such fierce battles? That is the question."

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the other day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the hot stage of the war could be over by the end of 2024. According to him, this is possible if we are united and follow the format of the Peace Summit.

The President says that no one will agree to a long war that will rage for many years to come.

According to the DIU, the key goal for Russian troops is the complete capture of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The enemy does not have the resources to attack in new areas.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
After the talks between Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Dmytro Kuleba, China said that Ukraine supports Beijing's position on Taiwan. Kyiv will adhere to the "one China" principle.

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This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. The ministry also expressed hope for further strengthening of political mutual trust and intensification of cooperation in various fields, including economics, trade, and agriculture.

It should be noted that Ukraine does not recognize Taiwan's independence, considers the island an integral part of China, and has no diplomatic relations with it. Official Taipei, on the other hand, has not declared its independence and claims to return its government to Beijing.

At the same time, our country maintains informal ties with Taiwan in the framework of trade, economic and cultural cooperation. The PRC considers Taiwan to be its retreating province, which should eventually be united with the Chinese mainland and does not rule out a forceful scenario to achieve this goal.

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As a reminder, Dmytro Kuleba, who arrived on an official visit to China the day before, held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Their goal was to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as ending the war and accelerating Ukraine's recovery.

The talks between Kuleba and Wang Yi lasted more than three hours, longer than planned.

"It was a very deep and concrete conversation," a Ukrainian source in the delegation told the agency.

Also, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi again spoke about "the crisis in Ukraine, which has been going on for three years," and China, in return, "has always been firmly committed to promoting a political solution to the crisis."

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 The Center for Strategic and International Studies believes that Beijing can annex Taiwan even without fighting. The Chinese authorities continue to openly declare their intention to take control of Taiwan. In recent years, Beijing has significantly increased pressure on the island.

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 In May 2024, Taiwan launched jets and put missile, naval, and ground units on alert. This was Taipei's response to China's military exercises around the self-governing island nation.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who arrived on an official visit to China the day before, held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The diplomat said that Russia's aggression hinders not only the development of our country but also good neighborly relations, including trade between China and Europe.

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Therefore, it is necessary to end the war unleashed by Russia as soon as possible, restore peace and accelerate Ukraine's recovery. Kuleba spoke about the threats facing the world due to the actions of the terrorist state in his speech before the talks. The diplomat emphasized that the Russian Federation has destroyed peace and slowed down development with its aggression.

"Russian aggression is not only an obstacle to Ukraine's development. It also hinders international stability, the development of good neighborly relations, in particular the development of trade between China and Europe," the Foreign Minister emphasized.

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He reminded that Ukraine has recently started negotiations on joining the European Union, a decision that is irreversible for both Ukraine and the EU.

"I propose today to discuss our bilateral relations, in particular, through the prism of Ukraine's future membership in the EU and China's relations with the European Union," Kuleba addressed Wang Yi.

The diplomat noted that the last time he met with his Chinese counterpart was in Munich, and each of their meetings is becoming more and more substantive, which is a positive trend.

"Today we will hold thorough and substantive talks on bilateral relations, the international agenda and, most importantly, the path to peace. I am convinced that a just peace in Ukraine is in China's strategic interests, and China's role as a global force for peace is important," the minister said.

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According to Reuters, the talks between Kuleba and Wang Yi lasted more than three hours - longer than planned.

"It was a very deep and concrete conversation," a Ukrainian source in the delegation told the agency.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry's website noted that Beijing and Kyiv should consider and plan bilateral relations from a long-term perspective. During the meeting, Wang Yi said that the two countries should keep in touch, the ministry added.

Also, according to the report, Wang Yi again spoke about "the crisis in Ukraine, which has been going on for three years," and China "has always been firmly committed to promoting a political solution to the crisis."

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- On July 23, Kuleba arrived in China to discuss with the Chinese Foreign Minister "ways to a just peace" and "avoiding competition between peace plans. This is the first visit of a Ukrainian foreign minister to the DPRK since 2012.

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- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian commented on the attack by Russian troops on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv on July 8. He cynically stated that both sides of the "conflict" should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to escalation.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Ukrainian government foresees difficult times if Donald Trump is elected president of the United States. It is believed that Trump may reduce military aid to Ukraine and push Kyiv to a peace deal in favor of Russia.

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However, Kyiv is growing confident that Trump will eventually realize the error of his attempts to please Russia. This is reported by Time, citing confidential interviews with Ukrainian officials.

According to the publication, officials in Kyiv have spent months thinking about the possible consequences of Donald Trump's victory for Ukraine's war with Russia. Many have concluded that his favoring of autocrats such as Vladimir Putin and his "transactional" approach to foreign policy could be a disaster for Ukraine. However, as TIME notes, "not all the predictions are as dire as one might expect."

One Ukrainian official told the publication on condition of anonymity that if the Republican candidate wins, "the first eight or ten months, that is, the whole of 2025, will be very difficult."

"Trump is likely to cut aid to Ukraine and push Zelenskyy to sign a peace deal that will be heavily skewed in favor of Russia. Like previous US presidents, Trump may also seek to reset relations with Vladimir Putin at the beginning of his term. However, over time, he will see that Putin cannot be trusted," the official suggested.

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The source also suggested that the new US president will eventually realize "that Putin doesn't care about him and his agenda" and "that's when we can start to see some benefits from Trump because he won't want Putin to play with him."

TIME notes that in trying to convince Trump and his future Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainians are also counting on the help of European allies and the American military-industrial complex, which can make significant profits from the continued production of weapons for the Ukrainian armed forces.

"They can explain to Trump why this is beneficial to many people in America, especially in the red states. It creates jobs and supports the economy," the Ukrainian official said.

In recent months, as Trump's poll ratings have risen, Zelenskyy and his team have been actively strengthening ties with their allies in Congress and others close to the Trump campaign.

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However, given the uncertainty of the US presidential race, some of Zelenskyy's close associates prefer to avoid direct contact with both campaigns, as the risks of supporting the wrong candidate are too high.

Earlier, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that US presidential candidate Donald Trump could help end the war in Ukraine. Because he realizes that defeat could have consequences for America and the world.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in late June, Donald Trump's national security advisers suggested that if he won the presidential election, he should "force Ukraine to negotiate peace" with Russia. Later, Russian dictator Putin announced his "peace plan," and in response, the former US leader called it unacceptable and promised to end the war, probably "through negotiations between the parties."

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Greg Abbott has a major weapon at his disposal and never hesitates to use it: the U.S.-Mexico border. His crusade against the federal government is based on tactics that instrumentalize immigration. If something happens in Washington that displeases the Republican governor of Texas, he directs his frustration to the border. He has now done so following the all-but-certain nomination of Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate for president. Joe Biden has now endorsed and fully supports his Borders Czar Kamala Harris to be the Democrat candidate for president. I think I will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border, he tweeted on X on Sunday. Not 24 hours later, Abbott posted a tweet with two images showing National Guard soldiers installing triple-stranded barbed wire along the border between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.

Texas holds the line against illegal crossings, the governor added in the post. Abbott is one of a long list of Republicans allied with former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump who since Sunday have attacked Bidens decision to withdraw from the campaign and anoint Harris as his successor. The barrage of criticism has focused mainly on the role Harris has played in the immigration policies of the Biden administration. Republicans have labeled her a border czar, a position the vice president has never held.

Harris has never overseen border or immigration policy for the Democratic administration. She did have an immigration-related assignment, but she has not been involved in border oversight, as Abbott and other Republicans claim, and she has never been designated as border czar. Early in Bidens term, the president tasked the vice president with coordinating diplomatic relations with the so-called Northern Triangle of Central America  El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras  to address the root causes of migration from these three countries. The idea of the strategy was to improve economic and security conditions by creating jobs, fighting corruption, improving human and labor rights, and reducing violence to curb northward migration.

Thus, Harris work around migration has taken place thousands of miles south of the Mexican border, for which responsibility rests primarily with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and his department, which oversees the countrys three main immigration agencies.

However, the facts seem to matter little to Abbott. In another post on his social media last weekend, he stated: Border Czar Kamala Harris had one job: secure the border. On her watch, more illegal immigrants have crossed the border than EVER before  including known terrorists and criminals.

The governor has been blaming the federal government for the increased arrival of immigrants at the southern border for three years. In 2021, he launched his signature policy, Operation Lone Star, under which the state has spent more than $11 billion installing barbed wire along the border and sent more than 100,000 migrants to Democratic cities such as New York and Chicago. In January, the Supreme Court authorized cutting a portion of this barbed wire barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande after three migrants drowned in the area. However, the court order only applied to about 30 miles of barbed wire of a total of over 100 miles installed.

The Operation Lone Star strategy has also led to the apprehension of more than 516,300 migrants who entered the country irregularly and more than 45,300 arrests, according to the latest state government data released last week. While crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border did spike between 2021 and 2023, they have since plummeted. In June they fell to their lowest level in three years, with some 83,000 apprehensions, after Biden implemented a new measure in June that restricts asylum eligibility and facilitates rapid deportations.

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Xi congratulates Kagame on reelection as Rwandan president

Xinhua) 08:01, July 24, 2024

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a message to Paul Kagame, congratulating him on reelection as president of the Republic of Rwanda.

In the message, Xi pointed out that Rwanda is a traditional friendly country of China, and that in recent years, China-Rwanda relations have developed rapidly, with fruitful results achieved in cooperation in various sectors and traditional friendship continuously deepening.

He said he stands ready to work with Kagame to further enhance mutual political trust, expand and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, so as to promote bilateral relations to a new level.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Kamala Harris spoke again on Tuesday about Donald Trump. She did so in Milwaukee (Wisconsin), during her first formal rally after Joe Biden decided to withdraw from the race, clearing the way for her to become the Democratic presidential candidate: I was a prosecutor; I know Donald Trumps type, she said, repeating a phrase she had already used on Monday at an event at the headquarters of her newly launched campaign. It sounded like more than just a phrase; it is the weapon that Harris is ready to use against Trump, a strategy that consists of presenting the dispute between the two as the fight between the prosecutor and the convicted felon.

A day earlier Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, widely considered one of the top candidates to become Harris vice-presidential pick, expanded on that idea during an interview with CNN. Beshear alluded to J. D. Vance, chosen by Trump to be his running mate. Not so long ago, Vance had defined Trump as Americas Hitler. The Kentucky governor played with words: J.D. Vance has no conviction. But I guess his running mate has 34.

The Harris campaign extracted that clip and posted it on its account, @KamalaHQ, which has doubled the number of followers since Sunday. Meanwhile, millions of dollars in donations have poured in ($100 million in less than 48 hours, a new record) and the candidate has secured the support of hundreds of delegates, enough to clinch the nomination at the Chicago convention in August. The last heavyweights to join her cause were the House minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, and the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, early Tuesday afternoon.

The partys strategy to stand up to Trump has been reminding the world of the Republican nominees pending issues with the justice system for months; he still has two ongoing cases; another one, involving the classified documents he took from the White House, was thrown out last week by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, in a decision that is being appealed. The Harris campaign is contrasting that criminal record with the vice presidents own professional past. Between 2004 and 2011, she was district attorney in San Francisco, and between 2011 and 2017, she was the attorney general of California. After that, she served in the Senate.

At the rally in Milwaukee, she repeated almost word for word another message that she delivered on Monday to the Biden campaign workers who came to work for her that day. She told them that in her capacity as prosecutor she 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.

Studied strategy

It is not an improvised strategy. The vice president and her team worked on it at her official residence on the grounds of the Naval Observatory, northwest of Washington, in recent weeks, as clamor grew for Biden to give up his efforts to run and it gradually became clear that she would have to step forward.

On Monday, Harris also said: As attorney general of California, I took on one of our countrys largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students. As a prosecutor, I specialized in cases involving sexual abuse. Well, Trump was found liable for committing sexual abuse. As attorney general in California, I took on the big Wall Street banks and held them accountable for fraud. Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud on 34 counts.

These comparisons were already used by Harris in an ad for her 2020 presidential run, when she launched her race for the White House with a campaign full of failures that never took off. The motto then was Kamala Harris for the people, and the ad in question has gone viral again these days.

Harris record as a prosecutor has earned her criticism in the past from those among her own party who consider her to be too tough on crime. Curiously, that could help her win over undecided and independent voters. One of the main arguments of the Republicans these past few years has been that wherever the Democrats are in charge, with their calls to defund the police following the murder of George Floyd, safety suffers due to woke laxity in dealing with criminals.

Americans today rate crime and violence among their top concerns in the country, with 61 percent of registered voters saying that they believe that the criminal justice system is not tough enough on criminals, in 2020, just 48 percent of respondents said that was the case, writes Ankush Khardori in Politico. Suddenly, Kamala the cop [the label they attached to her at the time to attack her] doesnt sound so bad in 2024, writes Khardori. Its a sign of how dramatically the politics of crime have shifted in the last few years  even within her own party.

Her campaign also trusts that her age (59 years old, while Trump is almost 20 years older) and her prosecutorial skills for questioning and arguing, forged in court, will help her succeed in the presidential debate scheduled for September 10, organized by ABC News.

His sentencing over the hush-money case is expected eight days later. It is highly unlikely that any of the other trials will begin before the November 5 elections, especially after the Supreme Court decided late last month to increase the immunity of presidents in the performance of their duties.

This week it also emerged that Trump donated $6,000 to Harris campaigns for state attorney general between 2011 and 2013. The magnate had not yet gotten into politics, and at that time he boasted of giving money to people from both parties.

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This tragic crime scene continues to unfold this morning as police investigate a deadly shooting.

Here's the first report and the latest info . . .



Homicide 500 block of Booth Ave

Tonight just after 9:30pm officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Booth on a shooting call.



On arrival officers contacted a caller in front of the house who advised there was a female inside the residence who had been shot.



The caller told officers there was possibly a subject of interest inside the residence who was possibly involved with the shooting.



Upon approaching the house officers could see inside there was an adult female shooting victim, unresponsive, on the floor.



Officers made entry into the house to rescue the shooting victim and get her outside the residence.



Upon securing and removing the victim, they evacuated her to a safe distance while simultaneously surrounding the residence to prevent any escape of any potential subject that may be involved.



From nearby Officers called for EMS for treatment of the shooting victim. EMS transported her to the hospital where she was subsequently declared deceased a short time later.



Officers ultimately called for an operation 100 to bring additional tactical officers to the scene to safely clear the residence to continue the investigation.



Homicide detectives are at the command post along with the tactical response officers and they are coordinating their efforts to both safely bring a peaceful resolution to the events and conduct a thorough investigation of this homicide.



I will provide updates to the efforts to clear the residence as they are available. There are not believed to be any additional people inside the residence other than the subject of interest.



Once the scene is secure Crime Scene Investigators will process the scene for evidence to hopefully give detectives an idea of what led up to the shooting.



If anyone heard or saw anything in this area or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

##############

Update:

"Officers have cleared the residence



"At about 6am, They located one adult male subject of interest who was place into custody



"The investigation into the homicide remains ongoing."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Woman killed in overnight homicide Kansas City Police called an Operation 100 to safely clear the home and continue their investigation.

Police in standoff with person who may be involved in deadly shooting Officers have surrounded a house near Booth Avenue and Thompson Avenue after finding a dead woman inside.

Developing . . .
When we first read that term . . . It sounded like a threat.

However . . .

The Kansas GOP seems to be doing a bit of soul searching and upcoming contests might help them figure out where the party is headed.

Credit where it's due . . . This is some great political reporting from the JoCo post, here's the crux of their piece in this quote . . .



"Outgoing Kansas GOP chairman Mike Kuckelman acknowledged that primaries can be damaging, but they are not always bad, he said. And he doesnt envision disaffected Republicans ever joining forces with Democrats in Johnson County.

" 'Primaries can also be cleansing. Its an opportunity for the Republican Party in this case to demonstrate to voters in Johnson County the party does cleanse itself of some of these bad actors. And that will happen,' he said.



"This Augusts contests include much-watched challenges to two long-serving stalwarts of the local GOP and the top law enforcement officials in the county: Sheriff Hayden and District Attorney Steve Howe."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link (paywall) . . .

Johnson County Republicans prepare for 'cleansing' primaries A bitter, sometimes ugly and personal feud among leading Johnson County Republicans could play out at the ballot box this year and beyond.

Also . . .

We don't usually do this because we want local publications to turn a buck and if you're constantly using this kind of thing every day, just go ahead & buy a subscription.

However, there's an ARCHIVED version that readers can check out. Close denizens of our blog community should remember this method taught to us by BEST & BRIGHTEST TKC READERS and keep it in mind going forward.

Developing . . .
Okay . . .

Of course, the "appropriate" reaction here might be feigned outrage or self-righteous indignation but there's simply no denying that the latest advert from Missouri state senator Bill Eigel is campy, hysterically funny and possibly iconic.

Eigel's advert is right up there with that old-school "I learned it by watching you" anti-drug commercial, that 40-something stoners still recite to one another whilst getting high.

Yes, the anti-immigration marching order is NEARLY that good and Mr. Eigel's satisfied cheeser-smile makes us wonder if he knows he's being ridiculous and having a great time of it as well.

The basics . . .



"Missouri gubernatorial candidate Bill Eigel released a campaign ad featuring a Spanish translator telling illegal immigrants that they will be deported if he is elected."

A few more things to note . . .

- Good for him for getting a shorter guy as the translator to highlight the comedic effect.

- The American flag in the background uses that same motif as the 1970 classic Patton. What Mr. Eigel might not realize is that budding screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola was also putting on a bit when he helped to write that scene and it's really a cinematic double entendre that also spoke to anti-war activists.

- Finally . . . It may not seem like it . . . But these kind of dramatic gestures typically signal that the fight is already lost. We hope that's not the case because Missouri culture has charms all its own even as rising fear that Ozarks are becoming Northern Guatemala are PROBABLY overwrought.

Postscript . . . Maybe this kind of thing wont' be as funny if/when TKC gets deported. Even if Tony's Torreon kinda has a ring to it.



Anyhoo . . . Here's the mission statement for the advert and more reporting . . .



My latest TV ad is a simple message to illegal immigrants: The partys over, he said in a post on X. Pack your bags. Youre getting the hell outta here.



In the ad, a Spanish translator flanks his left, paraphrasing what he says.



No more illegals, the translator says in Spanish. No more money. The partys over.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Don't forget to check the masterpiece . . .

Developing . . .
By Hiroki Sugita, KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 11:50 | All, Japan

Senior leaders of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have explained recent scandals in which 218 people were punished as having been caused by the SDF's "organizational culture."

Ryo Sakai, the chief of staff of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the service at the center of the scandals with revelations of fraud on an unprecedented scale, has resigned from his post, explaining that the organization was "structured in a way that it turned a blind eye to the fraud."

The roots of the problems with the SDF's organizational culture run deep. Simply punishing a large number of people, or replacing the top leadership, may not be enough to improve the situation.

One can think of insufficient diversity and deep-seated group thinking which excludes critical inputs, but lurking at the bottom is a lack of an appropriate level of alertness in the SDF.

The SDF has not fought a war in the 70 years since it was established. Japanese people tend to think the SDF's main task is not war, but relief for disaster victims.

As threats such as China and North Korea increase, the SDF is transforming itself into a military. Will the culture of the SDF improve from inertia to tension?

The current scandals are wide-ranging. Classified information on warship movements was available to SDF members who were not authorized to handle such secrets. There were also incidents of harassment of junior ranks and payments for duties that were not performed.

Four MSDF divers were arrested on charges of fraud. Illegal provision of money and goods to MSDF personnel on a daily basis by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., a major defense contractor, was also uncovered.

Of all the revelations, the most damaging were the unauthorized viewing of classified secrets and the relationship with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The classified secret system was introduced in 2014 at the request of the United States. The Japanese media reported information on Chinese submarines provided by the United States, and the United States, concerned about the leakage of the information and other secrets, requested Japan to establish the system as a condition for further defense cooperation.

Japan, which until then had no rigid system for handling classified information, enacted the Act on the Protection of Specified Secrets, which stipulates that only those who have passed a seven-point screening process, including criminal record and character checks, can handle classified secrets.

According to Japan's Defense Ministry, the personnel who had access to secrets without authorization were in the Combat Information Center, which handles such secrets, participating in conversations that included the secret information.

So far, there is no evidence that specified secrets have been leaked to China or other countries. The MSDF explains that the reason for the presence of the unauthorized personnel was that there were few qualified personnel available due to a shortage of manpower.

It has been 10 years since the specified secret system was launched. However, the operation of the system, in which even unauthorized personnel have been regularly in a position to view the secrets, shows that core members of the SDF did not understand the significance of the system and specified secrets.

Although the specified secret system is limited to military issues and defense, Japan will soon introduce a security clearance system that will be significantly expanded to include private-sector technicians from the economic security perspective.

If the same sloppy approach to managing secrets is extended to the private sector, the possibility of violations will increase.

The revelations that Kawasaki Heavy Industries provided money and goods to the MSDF submarine crew members stunned Japanese security circles.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which is contracted to build and repair ships for the MSDF, provided money and goods. Spending for this purpose totaled about 200 million yen a year, and over the past six years, it is said to have amounted to more than 1 billion yen.

These incidents could have a major impact on Japan's defense policy, under which the Japanese government has decided to beef up defense spending from 1 percent of gross domestic product to 2 percent and spend 43 trillion yen over a five-year period through fiscal 2027.

The government has been considering the timing of implementing tax hikes to achieve this goal, but after the SDF scandals were revealed, former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera stated that he "strongly resents the state of the Self-Defense Forces in the midst of asking for an increased burden on the people."

If the public turns against the tax hike proposals, the defense spending increase will end up being a pipe dream.

With the war in Ukraine and the growing threat from China, Japan has strengthened defense cooperation not only with the United States but also with Australia, the Philippines and North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries to a degree that was once unthinkable.

The liberal democratic camp, led by the United States, is promoting the concept of creating a global supply chain in terms of development, manufacturing, and maintenance of weapons. Japan's defense industry, with its high technological capabilities, will play a major role in this process.

Japan has just established a Defense Industry Cooperation, Acquisition, and Sustenance Scheduling Agreement (DICAS) with the United States.

However, the revelations about the SDF and the Japanese defense industry could overshadow the future of such international cooperation.

Expectations for the SDF have continued to rise: a public opinion poll conducted by the Cabinet Office in 2022 showed that 91 percent hold a favorable impression of the SDF. Only 5 percent of respondents had a negative impression. Forty-two percent, meanwhile, called for an increase in the size of the SDF.

Public sentiment toward the SDF, which used to be an unwelcome presence in Japan, where anti-war sentiment is high, has changed dramatically.

However, when asked what the public expects the SDF to do, disaster relief tops the list and homeland defense comes second. When the SDF is mentioned, the first thing that comes to Japanese people's minds is relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, not military organizations aimed at countering foreign threats.

If the public sees the SDF's main role as responding to natural disasters, it is understandable that the SDF has an "organizational culture" that does not rigidly control designated secrets with an eye on China with a sense of urgency.

The SDF will gradually change its organizational culture to one geared toward war. But in line with this, the Japanese public's expectations may also need to change.

The MSDF's way of announcing such grave scandals simultaneously has also been slammed, with critics saying it prevents them from individually receiving the level of attention they deserve.

A security policy maker and former senior member of the Ground Self-Defense Force said, "The simultaneous announcement of multiple incidents is a deliberate attempt to avoid prolonging the public's pursuit of the scandals."

This observation suggests that while a drastic change in the SDF's organizational culture looks difficult, given the security environment surrounding Japan, it is urgent.

(Hiroki Sugita is a visiting editorial writer at Kyodo News.)
| By Communications Staff

Monique Dixon, JD, a veteran civil rights attorney and former Biden-Harris administration official, has been named the inaugural executive director of the Gibson-Banks Center for Race and the Law at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

Monique Dixon is the executive director of the Gibson-Banks Center for Race and the Law

Dixon, a 1996 graduate of Maryland Carey Law, comes to the role with an impressive record as a civil rights leader in Baltimore, the state, and on the national stage. A former White House appointee, she most recently served as deputy assistant secretary for policy in the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights.

She returns to Maryland Carey Law with a sense of urgency fired by the current political and cultural climate in the United States.

Our law school launched this center at a time when there are efforts afoot nationwide to ignore the long history of racial discrimination in this country, Dixon said. I learned how to use the law to address this and other forms of discrimination as a student at Maryland Carey Law and look forward to returning to the school to advance racial equity and justice.

Launched in fall 2023, the Gibson-Banks Center is a space for education and engagement, advocacy, and research and is a burgeoning resource for students, lawyers, and community members who are working to advance racial justice. It is named after professors Larry Gibson, LLB, and Taunya Lovell Banks, JD, the first Black man and Black woman to become tenured full professors at the law school.

Michael Pinard, JD, the Francis & Harriet Iglehart Professor of Law and founding faculty director of the center, stated, Moniques leadership will be instrumental in realizing the vision of the Gibson-Banks Center, which is to work collaboratively to reimagine and transform institutions and systems of racial and intersectional inequality, marginalization, and oppression."

We are delighted and fortunate to welcome Monique back to the law school to lead the Gibson-Banks Center for Race and the Law, said Maryland Carey Law Dean Renee Hutchins Laurent, JD. Her professional experience and relentless dedication to the struggle for racial justice position her to propel the young center to great heights.

Dixon's career has centered on addressing systemic inequalities. Before serving in the Biden-Harris administration, she was deputy director of policy and director of state advocacy at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), Inc., where she implemented federal policy and legislative reform priorities with a focus on criminal justice and education. She also was the lead architect of LDFs state and local legislative and policy activities, including the Justice in Public Safety Project.

Previously, Dixon was director of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Program of Open Society Institute-Baltimore and senior staff attorney at the Advancement Project in Washington, D.C. After law school, she clerked for the Hon. Mabel Hubbard of the Circuit Court for the City of Baltimore.

She is a 2017 recipient of the The Daily Record Leadership in Law Award, a 2011 recipient of the Maryland Carey Law Benjamin L. Cardin 67 Public Service Award, and a 2009 recipient of the Racial Justice Award from the Young Womens Christian Association.

Dixon took up the post at Maryland Carey Law on July 16.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 20:21 | All, Japan

A high-speed jet ferry carrying more than 100 passengers lost control of its rudder on Wednesday in waters south of Tokyo and has been towed to an Oshima Island port, the Japan Coast Guard said.

The 280-ton jetfoil vessel operated by Tokai Kisen Co. reported at around 10 a.m. that it had "lost control of steering due to an oil leak." There have been no reports of injuries among the 116 passengers and five crew members.

Three passengers so far reported they were not feeling well, and food and water were delivered to the ship by a coast guard helicopter.

The coast guard faced difficulties in towing the ferry due to relatively rough wind and wave conditions.

The ship, named "Seven Islands Ai," had left Tokyo Bay and was headed to Shikine Island of the Izu island chain. It was adrift about 17 kilometers southwest of Nojimasaki Lighthouse, a historic landmark on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, the coast guard said.

Jetfoils are a type of hydrofoil vessel, operated by Tokai Kisen as high-speed ferries capable of reaching a top speed of 80 km per hour, according to the company's website.

Related coverage:

Missing woman rescued near Tokyo after 36 hours adrift at sea

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Taiwan, Japan coast guards conduct joint rescue drill
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 12:55 | All, Japan

Almost all of McDonald's outlets across Japan resumed operations on Wednesday, five days after a cash register glitch led to the temporary closure of about 900 stores, according to McDonald's Co. (Japan).

The company said the disruption was caused by a system failure and was not due to a cyberattack. It followed a large-scale service outage that affected McDonald's outlets in Japan and other countries in March.

The cash register problem, first detected Friday morning, affected up to 30 percent of the company's roughly 3,000 outlets nationwide. Some stores were also unable to process orders via the official smartphone app.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused," the fast-food chain operator said in a statement.

The disruptions began on the same day many companies in Japan reported system problems in a global technology outage linked to Microsoft computers that has affected a wide range of industries.

Related coverage:

McDonald's shuts 30% of outlets in Japan over cash register glitch

Japanese airline, theme park, railway firms hit in global tech outage
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 07:47 | World, All

The defense chiefs of Japan, Britain and Italy on Tuesday agreed to move forward their joint fighter jet development program, a Japanese minister said, after local media reported last week that the new British government might review the trilateral project.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters in London after talks with his British and Italian counterparts, John Healey and Guido Crosetto, that they also affirmed their countries' establishment of a coordinating body to oversee the program by year-end.

The Global Combat Air Program fighter project aims to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft and start deploying it by 2035.

The gathering came after The Times reported last Friday that the plan "is feared to be at risk of being axed as part of a major defense review" by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government due to concerns over the eventual costs.

Starmer took office on July 5 after his Labour Party won a general election the previous day, ending 14 years of rule by the Conservative Party, whose government agreed on the GCAP in 2022.

On Monday, Starmer said at an airshow in southern England that the GCAP is "an important program" and that the three-way defense ministerial talks would be held "because of the significant benefit here in this country."

Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Starmer agreed to continue promoting collaboration in various fields, including the warplane project, during their talks in Washington on the fringes of a NATO summit, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

The three nations last held defense ministers talks in December in Tokyo, where the defense chiefs signed a treaty to set up the coordinating body to proceed with the joint fighter development, a key step in implementing the plan.

On Tuesday, Kihara also held separate bilateral meetings with Crosetto and Healey. At the Japan-Britain talks, the two ministers agreed on enabling Japan's Self-Defense Forces to protect British military assets in noncombat situations, Kihara said.

Britain will be the third nation to receive such military asset protection from the SDF, following the United States and Australia.

Japan and European countries have been boosting their ties in recent years, mainly in the security field, amid China's increasing military and economic clout in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.

During his five-day trip to Europe from Monday, Kihara is also set to visit Sweden, where he has said he will discuss with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson about the Scandinavian country's entry into NATO last March after its longtime policy of neutrality.

Related coverage:

Britain may review joint fighter jet program with Japan, Italy: media

Weapon export rules eased to allow Japan to sell fighter jets
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon included scathing remarks to people participating in anti-Israel protests.

"I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots," he said to a roar of applause.

As Israel's 10-month conflict with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza continues, pro-Palestine protests and encampments have emerged on college and university campuses across the country. Faculty and students have been arrested for participating in the gatherings, and some institutions have canceled graduation ceremonies in response.

Many activists and students have called for a cease-fire in Gaza, which has been heavily bombed by Israel in response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 people. With an estimated 39,000 people killed in Gaza since the conflict began, protesters argue there is a dire need for an immediate halt to the violence.

In his comments Wednesday, Netanyahu denounced these demonstrations, saying that Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America.

"Clarity begins by knowing the difference between good and evil," he said. "Yet incredibly, many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists and murderers."

He also praised fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina, who protected the American flag during a protest on the Chapel Hill campus in May.

Notably absent from Netanyahu's address were Vice President Kamala Harris, who is campaigning in Indiana, and Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, also claimed that Congress was filled with non-members for Netanyahu's speech due to the large amount of Democrats who refused to attend.

President Joe Biden intends to meet with the prime minister later this week.
July 24 2024

Rapid progress at the University of Glasgow's new western campus will be capped off by a whole-life net zero-carbon building designed to address the climate and biodiversity crises.

The Keystone Building is a learning, teaching and research space, that will occupy the heart of the former Western Infirmary site, now established as an important new public space and extension of campus life.

Touted as more than just a building the development is heralded as the start of a new era of interdisciplinary collaboration. Planning documents prepared by HOK show how Keystone will anchor a network of new public routes from Byres Road to Kelvingrove Park at St Mungo Square, a new hub of university life.

Maintaining the height and form factor of the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) Keystone will intersect the public realm with a collonade with large format glazing inviting views within in an active ground floor extends to New Moy Street.

Detailing the relationship between both buildings HOK wrote: "Due to their locations facing each other on St Mungo Square, at the heart of the new part of the University Campus, the ARC and the Keystone Building will be in architectural dialogue with each other.

"The concept for the ARC consisted of a rational block of laboratories, wrapped in a ribbon of activity. The Keystone building contains the same fundamental DNA in its constituent elements - rational blocks tailored to their program and a ribbon of activity. As a result, the two share a deep similarity at a fundamental organisational level.

"The Parti, or concept diagram, of the Keystone Building however evolves this common architectural genetics by inverting the ribbon into the glazed streets of the building, resulting in a unique form reflective of but inescapably unique to the ARC."

The bulk of the building will be sliced through by two 'glazed lanes' that serve to improve circulation while punching natural light deep into the plan. This leaves three wings of teaching, laboratory and research space sheathed by a Passivhaus performance 'architectural veil' that facilitates natural ventilation.
Small-business owners and researchers will have the opportunity to submit Phase 1 proposals during the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab Thursday, Aug. 8.

The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the Montana Innovation Partnership and the New Mexico Federal and State Technology partnership program will participate in the online training event from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Proposal Lab will cover all components of a full proposal package, and each state will provide one-on-one, follow-up sessions for proposal review for its respective clients. Small businesses will be evaluated based on state residency, technology/team fit for NSF and project pitch status.

Attendees also will learn about changes to NSF requirements that were released with the new SBIR/STTR solicitation. Ben Schrag, SBIR/STTR program director and policy liaison at NSF, will provide insight on navigating the new changes and the NSF review process to kick off the event.

To join the Wyoming SBDC Network cohort, those interested should email copies of their NSF project pitches, along with confirmation of their invitations from NSF, to Kelly Haigler-Cornish at haigler@uwyo.edu.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 09:07 | All, World

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday officially kicked off her campaign for president, vowing to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump by focusing on a better future for the United States as opposed to his emphasis on past glory.

After securing endorsements from top Democrats in Congress, as well as backing from a majority of party delegates ahead of its nominating convention next month, Harris appeared at the first rally of her presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a key swing state.

"I'm told, as of this morning, that we have earned the support of enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination," she said to a crowd that responded with loud cheers. "I pledge to you I will spend the coming weeks continuing to unite our party, so that we are ready to win in November."

A number of U.S. political analysts noted a greater renewal of enthusiasm among Democrats than expected following U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to exit the presidential race on Sunday and endorse Harris as his successor.

As Harris raised $81 million in the 24 hours after Biden's announcement, the largest single-day sum in U.S. presidential history, pundits expect the release of pent-up Democratic energy to continue.

Biden returned to the White House on Tuesday after being treated for COVID-19 in Delaware. He is scheduled to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night regarding his decision to abandon his reelection bid.

In his X post about the upcoming speech, Biden said he will touch on "what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people."

Framing the race as a contest between herself as a former prosecutor and Trump as a convicted felon, with the candidates representing "two different visions for our nation," Harris said at the event that she believes "in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead."

A former senator and state attorney general from California, Harris, 59, is the country's first female, first Black and first Asian American vice president. She took aim at Trump, Biden's predecessor, by warning that he intends to "take our country backward" with plans including tax breaks for billionaires and cuts to social welfare benefits.

Before walking off the stage to Beyonce's "Freedom," her campaign song, Harris said that in the next 105 days until the election, "We have work to do. We have doors to knock on, we have phone calls to make, we have voters to register and we have an election to win."

Related coverage:

Harris secures enough delegates to replace Biden in presidential race

Biden exits presidential race, endorses Harris as Democratic nominee

Trump says he plans to "get along" with North Korean leader
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 08:56 | All, Podcast

What prize would you play a crane game for?

Three Kyodo News journalists -- Yamaguchi-san, Eduardo and Donican -- talk about Donican's recent feature about the crane game market in Japan, which has continued to remain popular amid demand for physical prizes. Listen as they discuss how the machines operate, including how the grip of the claw strengthens after a certain number of plays, and Donican's experience with gaining a crane game certification.

Article mentioned in the podcast:

Crane games keep grip on cultural relevance despite digital disruption

Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents.

Recent episodes:

Podcast [English World] Episode 54: Microaggressions

Podcast [English World] Episode 53: Gacha capsule toys

Podcast [English World] Episode 52: Imperial visit to Britain
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Asia on Saturday to reaffirm ties with strategic allies, following his attendance at a highly anticipated White House meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The secretary will now depart tomorrow for Asia, instead of tonight, as we had originally planned, so he can attend the meeting between the president and Prime Minister Netanyahu tomorrow here in Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during Wednesday's briefing.

Washington said it is committed to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, despite the Middle East crisis.

"This is the secretary's 18th trip to the region," Miller added. "He will still travel to Laos, to Vietnam, to Japan, to Singapore, to the Philippines and to Mongolia."

Blinken will hold talks with senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, Laos, before traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam. Although a schedule change will prevent him from attending the funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the head of Vietnams ruling Communist Party, he will still visit Vietnam to pay his respects and meet with senior officials.

In Tokyo and Manila, Blinken will join Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for 2+2 security talks with their counterparts.

Blinken will also travel to Singapore and Mongolia to hold talks with senior officials there.
Protesters against the Gaza war staged a sit-in at a U.S. congressional office building on Tuesday, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. Capitol Police made multiple arrests.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday for a visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices of members of the U.Sl House of Representatives.

Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters  wearing red T-shirts that read "Not In Our Name"  took over the building's rotunda by sitting on the floor, unfurling signs and chanting "Let Gaza Live!"

After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters  binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one-by-one.

"I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like," said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest along with her two daughters  both of whom were arrested. "When we say 'Never again,' we mean never for anybody."

Anger aimed at US president

The demonstrators focused much of their ire on the Biden administration, demanding the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel.

"We're not focusing on Netanyahu. He's just a symptom," Hirschmann said. "But how can (Biden) be calling for a cease-fire when he's sending them bombs and planes?"

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Capitol Police said they did not have a final tally of the number of people arrested. But JVP said in a statement that 400 people, "including over a dozen rabbis," had been arrested.

Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan, said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators "became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office."

Kildee later told The Associated Press that he was confused why his office was targeted, saying he had voted against a massive supplemental military aid package to Israel earlier this year.

Netanyahu's U.S. visit has touched off a wave of protest activity, with some demonstrations condemning Israel and others expressing support but pressuring Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas.

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.

About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read "Seal the Deal NOW!" chanted "Bring Them Home" and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages. The demonstrators applauded when Biden's name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu  known by his nickname "Bibi"  on the belief that he was dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.

"I'm begging Bibi. There's a deal on the table and you have to take it," said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband, Keith, remains a hostage. "I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home."

Anticipating protests, security boosted

Multiple protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for most of the week.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris also will meet with Netanyahu separately that day.

Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she'll be away Wednesday on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.
Who will she pick? That's the big political question in America after U.S. President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has quickly collected a critical mass of Democratic Party support and funding.

The selection in question is Harris' running mate, the person who would step into the role she will shed if the Democrats are victorious in November's presidential election against Republicans Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and his law firm are vetting Harris' potential vice presidential candidates, according to media reports.

The campaign has requested vetting materials from five Democratic governors  Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tim Walz of Minnesota and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois  and one U.S. senator, Democrat Mark Kelly of Arizona, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Those who pass the vetting "will probably have a one-on-one conversation with Harris and then she'll make a choice, probably in the week or so before the convention," William Galston, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told VOA. "The danger of an accelerated process is that you know things will be overlooked. Mistakes will be made that a more leisurely process would have prevented. But she has no choice. She has to do it fast and get it right."

Quest to balance ticket

It "is most likely" that Harris, as the daughter of a Black father and a mother who emigrated from India, will choose a white man to be her number two, according to Joel K. Goldstein, a scholar of U.S. vice presidents and the Vincent C. Immel professor of law emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law.

Geographical balance is another factor. Harris, who is from California, a solidly Democratic state, likely desires someone who can boost the party's chance in one of the critical swing states  territory that spans westward from Pennsylvania to Michigan, as well as the southern state of Georgia.

"Someone from the Midwest or even from the South would be a good choice," said Jay Chen, Democratic National Committee delegate from California and co-chair of Taiwanese Americans for Progress.

"Andy Beshear, he's a governor from Kentucky. I think he would make a good choice. We want to make sure that we're balancing out the ticket, because we have someone [Harris] from California," said Chen. "I think we do have to make sure that folks in the Midwest on the East Coast from the South, that they don't feel like they're going to be ignored by this administration and this is an excellent opportunity to try to try to balance out the ticket."

Historically, geographic balance "was perhaps the most common type of balance that you would see on tickets," according to Goldstein. Nowadays, "the idea of geographic balance is not really as important a calculation as some other things."

The governors of both Pennsylvania and Michigan, who are Democrats, endorsed Harris on Monday. That quashed any speculation that Shapiro or Whitmer might challenge Harris for delegates ahead of the party's national nominating convention next month. It also appeared to automatically place them into consideration to be the vice presidential nominee.

Pennsylvania in play

Pennsylvania is practically a must-win for either party. The Keystone State offers 19 electoral votes  the most of any 2024 battleground state  of the 270 required to reach the threshold for victory in a U.S. presidential election.

In an on-air conversation about Shapiro, CNN chief national correspondent John King said the governor is a contender, but "he's Jewish. There could be some risks with putting him on the ticket."

Commentators on social media quickly responded that Harris may be hesitant to select Shapiro, who is a strong supporter of Israel, as he could jeopardize her chances in Michigan, where there has been a primary election backlash against the Biden-Harris ticket from Arab American voters because of the president's support for Israel's war against Hamas.

"It says a lot about the state of American politics, and perhaps especially in progressive circles that one of the 'cons' of Kamala Harris selecting" Shapiro as her vice president, is that he is Jewish and the pushback this might receive, Arsen Ostrovsky, CEO of the International Legal Forum, a global network of lawyers supporting Israel, wrote on X on Sunday.

Harris' husband, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, is Jewish.

There has never been a Jewish president or vice president in the United States. Democrat Al Gore in 2000 selected a Jewish U.S. senator, Joe Lieberman, as his running mate on the ticket that lost to Republicans George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Jews comprise less than 3% of the American population but play an outsized role in academia, business, law, the U.S. Congress, popular culture and, as has been the case with other minorities, traditionally faced institutional discrimination. Antisemitism has resurged in recent years on both the far left and far right.

The Illinois governor is also Jewish. Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, runs a state that has a large bounty of 19 electoral votes and is considered reliably blue (Democratic).

Pritzker denied in an MSNBC interview on Tuesday that he had received a request for vetting materials from the Harris campaign. Asked if he is interested in running with her, he avoided giving a direct answer.

"I love being the governor of the state of Illinois, and I've been out on the campaign trail fighting hard for Democrats to win," he responded.

A possible first

The governor of Michigan (15 electoral votes) on the ticket with Harris would present an unprecedented combination  female candidates for both president and vice president.

Whitmer on Monday dampened such speculation.

"No, I am not planning to go anywhere," she told a reporter from WLNS TV on Monday, who asked Whitmer if she would be willing to accept an offer to join Harris on the party ticket. "I am not leaving Michigan."

No other woman is known to be under consideration by the Harris campaign.

The Republicans once nominated a woman as their vice presidential candidate. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was selected by Senator John McCain in the 2008 election that saw Barack Obama, a Democrat, elected as the country's first African American president.

The Democrats are also the only major party to have nominated a woman for president. Hillary Clinton, who was secretary of state and the wife of former President Bill Clinton, won the popular vote in 2016, but Trump captured the most electoral votes, thus becoming president.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, was elected in 2016 and again in 2020, despite Trump winning the state on the same ballot both times. Cooper is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in the Tar Hill State, which holds 16 electoral votes.

Cooper was asked repeatedly during a Monday appearance on MSNBC whether he would consider the Number 2 spot if offered by Harris.

"I appreciate people talking about me," he said, "But I think the focus right now needs to be on her this week."

Then there is Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky (eight electoral votes), whose state some decades ago turned reliably Republican red in presidential contests. The last time a majority of Kentuckians chose a Democrat for president was in 1996, when Bill Clinton, successfully running for reelection, bested former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole in the Bluegrass State.

Some suggest a nonpolitician

Senator Mark Kelly is the sole non-governor known to be under consideration. Arizona is a Southwestern swing state with 11 electoral votes. A former Navy combat pilot and retired astronaut, Kelly is married to former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who resigned in 2012 due to severe brain injury caused by an assassination attempt.

There are suggestions Harris should think outside the box and choose a nonpolitician, such as a retired general, to bolster her chances with conservative-leaning independent voters concerned about Trump returning as commander-in-chief.

Law professor Goldstein, author of two books about the evolution of the role of the American vice presidency, does not expect that will happen.

"Every first-time vice presidential pick since 1940 has been either a current or former United States senator, governor, member of the House of Representative or a person who held high federal executive office," he said. "So, it would be surprising if the choice was somebody who came from the military."

These days, Goldstein told VOA, the primary consideration for selecting a vice presidential candidate is whether they have "the caliber that they are plausible as president, at least in the eyes of people who might support the ticket, or they have the stature and the ability [that] they can take on the sort of assignments that Vice President Harris has the last three and a half years."

Stella Hsu and Kim Lewis contributed to this report.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris assailed Donald Trump on Tuesday at her first campaign rally since replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate.

In a 17-minute speech, Harris went after Trump's vulnerabilities, comparing her background as a former prosecutor to his record as a convicted felon.

Harris ticked through a list of liberal priorities, saying that if elected she would act to expand abortion access, make it easier for workers to join unions, and address gun violence, drawing a sharp contrast with Trump, the Republican nominee for president in the November 5 election.

"Donald Trump wants to take our country backward," she told a cheering crowd of several thousand at West Allis Central High School in a Milwaukee suburb in Wisconsin, a battleground state with a pivotal role in deciding the election outcome.

"Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?"

The raucous rally was a notable contrast to the smaller, more subdued events Biden held, underscoring Democrats' hope that Harris, 59, can revive what had been a flagging campaign under Biden, 81. The audience danced and waved Harris signs, while chants of "Ka-ma-la!" broke out when she took the stage.

She emphasized her commitment to reproductive rights, an issue that has plagued Republicans since the U.S. Supreme Court  powered by three Trump-appointed justices  eliminated a nationwide right to abortion in 2022.

Trump and his allies have tried to tether Harris to some of Biden's more unpopular policies, including his administration's handling of the surge of migrants at the southern border with Mexico.

In a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Harris, noting that her previous presidential run in 2020 did not even survive until the first statewide nominating contest.

Trump offered to debate Harris multiple times. Trump and Biden had one more debate scheduled on September 10 after their encounter on June 27. Biden's poor performance that night led to Democratic calls for him to step aside.

"I want to debate her, and she'll be no different because they have the same policies," Trump said.

Harris swiftly consolidated her party's support after Biden abandoned his reelection campaign under pressure from members of his party who worried about his ability to beat 78-year-old Trump, or to serve another four-year term.

Harris has received pledges from enough delegates to win the nominations, the campaign said. But nothing is certain until next month's Democratic National Convention, when the delegates will vote to determine the nominee.

Her campaign said it had raised $100 million since Sunday.

Most Democratic lawmakers have lined up behind her candidacy, including the party's leaders in the Senate and House, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, who endorsed Harris on Tuesday at a joint press conference.

Harris' rise dramatically reshapes an election in which many voters were unhappy with their options. As the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, she would make further history as the first woman elected U.S. president.

Wisconsin is among a trio of Rust Belt states, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, that are critical to Democrats' chances of defeating Trump.

Alyssa Wahlborg, 19, vice chair of the Whitewater College Democrats, said Harris had reenergized young voters, particularly women who want Harris to break the ultimate U.S. glass ceiling.

"I talked to my grandmom. We are both excited that she may live to see the first woman president," said Wahlborg while attending Tuesday's rally. "It's taken too long."

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling and title of Alyssa Wahlborg.
After President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee, Republicans quickly focused on Harris and her work on immigration issues, calling her a border czar.

Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, a Republican from Pennsylvania, said at a House Rules Committee hearing Tuesday that Biden appointed Harris as the border czar 64 days into his administration. The hearing focused on an emergency resolution addressing the "failures of the border czar position and its negative impact on our fellow citizens across the country."

With Harris at the helm, the Biden-Harris administration made good on their promise to systematically dismantle President [Donald] Trumps secure border [policies], Reschenthaler said.

But was Harris appointed as border czar?

Immigration experts say no.

Theresa Cardinal Brown, senior adviser on immigration and border policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said that early in the Biden administration, Harris was assigned the task of reducing migration to the U.S. southern border and collaborating with Central American nations to address the root causes of migration through diplomacy, development and investment.

She was never named a border czar. In fact, the border was not her priority issue at all. The border was the responsibility of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. She was never in charge of the border per se, Brown said.

Brown said "czar" is not a recognized term under the U.S. legal system.

But it has been adopted into American political discourse as, Id say, a shorthand title for somebody who is given within a White House administration  within the executive branch  broad responsibility and authority to direct the administration across different Cabinet departments on a particular issue or policy, Brown said.

Border politics

During the pandemic, the Trump administration virtually closed the border to migration, as officials implemented a health order that allowed for the rapid expulsion of migrants, effectively turning away most migrants without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

When President Biden took office in January 2021, expulsions continued, except for unaccompanied minors. Both Biden and Harris openly urged migrants not to come, but they did, presenting a political crisis for Biden at the beginning of his administration.

Biden soon asked Harris to spearhead a "root causes" strategy, banking heavily on using American investments to improve living conditions and discourage migrants from leaving three Central American nations where a significant number of migrants come from: Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

The Biden administration also reunited families separated under the Trump administration and expanded legal immigration pathways, including increasing refugee admissions and creating a humanitarian program for migrants from Central America, Venezuela and Haiti.

Although it is not known what Harris immigration policy will look like, immigration attorney Hector Quiroga said he thinks Harris will continue Bidens policies, but he noted that Harris immigration message has changed.

Her record is rather interesting because in the beginning, she was very much in the diplomatic kind of way.  With experience [in the vice president office], she has said, Please dont come to migrants, he said, referring to Harris evolution to a stricter tone and tougher message.

Quiroga is referring to Harris 2021 trip to Guatemala to meet with former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei and address the root causes of illegal migration. During her visit, she emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to helping Guatemalans find "hope at home."

And she issued a stern warning to potential migrants.

I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border, Harris said. Do not come. Do not come.

The Biden administration has been highlighting progress at the border, noting that arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico dropped by 29% in June, marking the lowest number during Joe Biden's presidency.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech to a historically Black sorority in Indianapolis on Wednesday, marking one of her first public appearances since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed her for the Democratic Party nomination on Sunday.

Speaking at the biennial gathering of the Zeta Phi Beta (ZPB) sorority, Harris delivered a speech that closely echoed remarks made on the campaign trail, though the event was part of her official duties as vice president.

Founded in 1920 at Harris' alma mater, Howard University, ZPB is one of the nation's largest historically Black sororities  social organizations with female-only memberships at colleges and universities whose purpose is to foster community, academic achievement and career development, among other things.

In remarks during the visit, announced as an official White House stop before Biden dropped out, Harris lauded the president, saying that we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.

He cares about the future, he thinks about the future, Harris said. He has extraordinary determination and profound compassion for the people of our country.

Earlier this month in Dallas, Texas, Harris spoke to more than 20,000 members and alumnae of her own sorority at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., at its national convention.

Sorority figures play key roles in the group Win With Black Women, which organized a Zoom call with 44,000 attendees just hours after Biden endorsed Harris. The group said it raised more than $1.5 million for her campaign in just a few hours.

A similar effort by Win With Black Men raised more than $1 million, adding to the $100 million raised by the Harris campaign in less than 48 hours. This is in addition to money raised by political action committees separate from the campaign. The largest one, the Future Forward PAC, reported $150 million in commitments in the first 24 hours.

Sororities and fraternities

There are nine historically Black sororities  and fraternities, their male equivalent  known as the "Divine Nine."

Sororities and fraternities are among the most important networks in the African American community, said Steve Phillips, founder of the political media organization Democracy in Color, and author of several books on demographic shifts in the American electorate.

"Members are passionate, energetic and engaged throughout their entire lives," he told VOA, so these pre-existing and highly involved groups can swiftly emerge as formidable campaign resources.

"We saw some of this with [Barack] Obama in 2007 and 2008, and I expect it to be another order of magnitude fundraising and volunteering with Harris," he said.

Sororities are pathways to another key resource  Black female celebrities.

These groups are actively recruiting notable figures and celebrities as honorary members, said Samantha N. Sheppard, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Performing and Media Arts at Cornell University.

With Hollywood big names including Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jenifer Lewis and others pledging support for Harris, the "groundswell of Black women celebrity activism" has already begun, she told VOA.

Harris' run for the nation's top job has energized African American voters, a key Democratic constituency whose enthusiasm waned when Biden was on top of the ticket. However, amid the rampant racist and sexist attacks on Harris online, they are also bracing themselves.

"It's critical for Black women with platforms to work together to rise above the misogynoir that Harris will face," Sheppard said, using a term that combines racism and sexism to describe the oppression of Black women.

Attacks are already being launched at Harris for traveling to Indianapolis and declining to preside over Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, also happening Wednesday.

From Indianapolis, Harris heads to Houston, Texas, to speak in front of the American Federation of Teachers on Friday. After landing in Houston, Harris is scheduled to meet with local emergency response officials for a briefing on the Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts, where she will reiterate the administrations commitment to delivering resources to affected communities.

Dylan Ebs contributed to this report.
Israeli forces carried out new raids in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.S. Congress.

The latest Israeli attacks destroyed homes in towns east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and thousands of people were forced to head west to seek shelter, residents said.

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said it had received distress calls from residents trapped in their homes in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, but were unable to reach the town.

Medics later said two Palestinians had been killed in an airstrike on Bani Suhaila, where the armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said fighters had detonated a bomb against an Israeli army personnel carrier.

The Israeli military, which has been trying to eradicate Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel, said it had been operating in areas from which fighters had been able to fire rockets into Israel and attack Israeli troops.

Gaza health officials said Israeli military strikes in the past 24 hours had killed at least 55 people, the latest casualties in a war that health authorities in the enclave say has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians.

"Where should we go? Shall we cross into the sea?" said Ghada, who has been displaced with her family six times during the war, via a chat app from Hamad City in northwestern Khan Younis.

"We are exhausted, starved, and want the war to end now, now not an hour later," she said.

Residents said they had been ordered to head west toward a designated humanitarian area but that the area was now unsafe. The Israeli military issued the evacuation orders on social media, and some residents received orders to leave by phone.

Israeli forces also mounted airstrikes on several areas of central and northern Gaza, including one on al-Bureij camp in central Gaza that health officials said killed nine people.

In the southern area of Rafah, the military said it engaged in close-quarter combat with militants.

"During scans in the area, the troops located a tunnel shaft, a large number of weapons, and night vision equipment inside a children's bedroom in a civilian building," the military said.

One soldier was seriously injured during combat on Wednesday, the military said. It has so far lost 326 troops in the war in Gaza.

The Palestinian Health Ministry does not distinguish between combatant and non-combatants in its fatality reports, but local health officials say most of the Palestinians killed have been civilians. Israel says at least a third are fighters.

Hamas-led fighters triggered the war on October 7 by storming into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies. About 120 hostages are being held though Israel believes a third of them are dead.

Some Palestinians who gathered at a hospital in Khan Younis before funerals criticized the United States, Israel's most important international ally, for welcoming Netanyahu.

He addressed Congress later Wednesday and is to meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would meet Netanyahu in Florida on Friday.

"The United States is a main partner in what is happening in Gaza. We are being killed because of the United States. We are being slaughtered by American planes, American ships, American tanks and American troops," said Kazem Abu Taha, a displaced resident from Rafah.
Palestinian civilians in the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza strip, evacuated their homes on Tuesday as Israeli tanks moved into the area following an evacuation directive from Israel.

Israeli tanks advanced into the town of Bani Suhaila in Khan Younis, and surrounding districts endured airstrikes for a second consecutive day, compelling tens of thousands of civilians to flee for safety.

Israel stated that its recent military operation, part of a series of offensives across Gaza in recent weeks, aimed to prevent the militant group Hamas from reorganizing.

According to Gaza health authorities, Israeli military airstrikes since Monday have resulted in the deaths of at least 80 Palestinians in the Khan Younis region, contributing to a total death toll of over 39,000 in nearly 10 months of conflict, based on Gazas official reports.

According to Palestinian medics, one person was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the area on Tuesday. They also said that most of the 39,000 total have been civilians.

The Israeli military stated that Hamas and other groups had utilized those areas to launch renewed attacks, including rocket fire.

Many of the newly displaced families reported spending the night on the streets, unable to find shelter due to overcrowding in western Khan Younis and central Gaza areas.

We left without [taking] any water, food or mattress, one displaced woman, Tamam al-Qarra, told The Associated Press.

Her relative, Hamda al-Qarra, said they are sleeping on the ground outside the Nasser hospital, the largest hospital in southern Gaza. Take us back to our homes. We have had enough of war, she said.

The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, described the situation as impossible on X and said, People are exhausted from the continuous displacement and unlivable conditions and they are trapped in increasingly small and overcrowded areas.

The Israeli military said many militants were killed in Khan Younis by tanks and in combat.

Residents of Khan Younis reported that tanks remained positioned deep within Bani Suhaila, east of downtown Khan Younis. Witnesses observed soldiers conducting searches in the main cemetery of the town, while others took control of rooftops of tall buildings, intermittently firing their weapons toward western areas, according to residents.

In the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, where an Israeli airstrike on a house resulted in the deaths of six Palestinians, some residents said they received evacuation orders from Israeli security personnel. Several families chose to relocate to the Nuseirat camp to the west.

On Tuesday, residents reported that Israeli forces had demolished several homes in Rafah. Israel stated its operation since May aimed to dismantle the remaining Hamas units in the area.

Israeli military forces conducted a raid in a Palestinian city in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, according to statements Tuesday from the Israeli military, Hamas and the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry reported that among the deceased were three militants and two women.

According to the Israeli military, a drone hit militants in the West Bank city of Tulkarem overnight, killing Ashraf Nafa, a local senior Hamas operative. Mohammed Awad, another alleged militant, also was killed. The military said that both had taken part in attacks on Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli military subsequently declared the conclusion of its operation in Tulkarem.

For years, the Israeli military has conducted frequent nighttime operations in the West Bank, which have escalated during the Gaza conflict. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 500 Palestinians have died in the resulting violence.

The militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon attacked Monday night with drones and rockets two military posts in Israel after a drone strike killed a member of the groups force.

Hezbollah said it initiated attacks on Mount Meron using explosive drones and a Burkan rocket at a post near the village of Margliot.

They explained that they attacked in retaliation for an Israeli drone strike last week on the southern village of Shaqra where a member of Hezbollahs Radwan Force was killed.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since early October have led to the deaths of 450 people, including 90 civilians and combat medics. The airstrikes have also led to the death of 21 Israeli soldiers and 13 civilians, according to AP.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he will be introducing a cease-fire deal that would free hostages in Gaza.

Hes currently in Washington, where he plans to address Congress on Wednesday as well as meet with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump later this week.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States are in support of Israel and Hamas making a deal that would free remaining hostages.

Unfortunately, it will not take place all at once; there will be stages. However, I believe that we can advance the deal, Netanyahu said.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Venezuelans are set to vote for their next president on July 28. Under the current leadership of President Nicolas Maduro, the country has gone through years of economic mismanagement and political turmoil, the United Nations-linked International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported.

Some 6.1 million people left Venezuela driven by poverty and instability, many crossing the borders on foot with no idea of their destination and leaving families behind, the IOM report said.

The U.S. Congressional Research in April reported that at least 7.7 million Venezuelans fled the country amid what it described as a humanitarian crisis.

Maduro, who is seeking a third six-year term in office and is trailing in the polls, has attempted to paint the opposition as extremist.

Speaking at a campaign event in El Vigia, a town in the state of Merida, Madurocalled the opposition a force of violence.

"We are going to win in Merida and throughout Venezuela because a wave of national dignity has risen to stop fascism and the extreme right that threatens our country's peace," he said.

Days earlier, during a rally in Caracas, Maduro warned the "fascists" would plunge Venezuela into "bloodbath" and "fratricidal civil war" if he lost.

Top Maduro allies have similarly framed the opposition as "fascist far-right."

Those claims are false.

Fascism and extremism generally entail anti-democratic characteristics, including the abandonment of civil liberties, dictatorial rule, authoritarianism, far-right nationalism, forceful oppression of the opposition, hostility to political and cultural liberalism, and the pursuit of redemptive violence.

None of Maduro's relevant political opposition have reported ties with or expressed support for fascist or extremist ideologies or called for violence.

The rhetoric undermines the agreement to facilitate a competitive presidential election, Maduro's self-described socialist government and the opposition Unitary Platform coalition reached last October.

At the time, the U.S. State Department called that election roadmap a "concrete step toward resolution of Venezuela's political, economic, and humanitarian crisis."

However, analysts question whether Maduro will allow for, or accept the results of, genuinely free and fair elections. This suspicion is based on his reported misuse of administrative sources to ensure victory in the previous 2018 presidential poll, which Venezuelan neighbors, Western democracies, and rights organizations broadly viewed as illegitimate.

Ahead of the July 28 voting, the Madura-controlled Supreme Court barred popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from running, and authorities have arrested at least eight people connected to the opposition.

Machado describes herself as a "liberal," while her policies align with the center-right or right wing in Western democracies.

The Spanish newspaper El Pais likened her "vision of government" to that of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Machado supports a reduction of the social safety net, promotion of the free market as a generator of wealth, and a reduction of the state's control over public life.

She has advocated for reforms that would allow for the use of private health insurance, albeit with universal coverage; a social security system with the option of paying into individual accounts; and privatizing Venezuela's deeply corrupt and poorly managed state-run oil sector.

El Pais described Machado as having "a tolerant and flexible stance" on issues such as abortion, which is criminalized in Venezuela, gay marriage, and legalized marijuana.

Machado seeks for Venezuela to become a "reliable ally of Western liberal democracies," in contrast to Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, who developed strong ties with China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia.

Machado has also expressed support for Israel and called for Jews, whom she said were "forced to leave our country" due to economic instability to return.

Venezuelan authorities also prevented a Machado stand-in for the Vente Venezuela party, Corina Yoris, from registering her candidacy.

Maduro's leading challenger, former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez, took up the mantle to run for the Democratic Unitary Platform after the court banned Machado and Yoris.

In an interview with El Pais, Gonzalez described himself as a "democrat, a moderate person, far from extreme positions" who is seeking the "democratic reconstruction of Venezuela."

Gonzalez suggested he would give amnesty to Maduro allies and supporters to "reconcile the country" and "mitigate the spirit of conflict."

Gonzalez also indicated he would follow Machado's platform. He said millions of Venezuelans voted for her in an opposition-organized primary last October, giving Machado a "mandate."

Maduro's predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, also called Machado's Vente Venezuela Party "a far-right fascist party."

Vente Venezuela says it seeks to build up civil society and pursue free-market reforms that will end the country's "totalitarian cycles" and better citizens' lives.
A trainload of diesel fuel has arrived in Malawi for the first time in 21 years, signaling the end of fuel shortages.

Malawian authorities said the arrival Tuesday marked the beginning of regular fuel transport to the country on a newly refurbished rail line from the Indian Ocean port of Nacala in Mozambique.

The change is also a cost-cutting measure for Malawi, which has long transported fuel by road.

Clement Kanyama, chief executive officer of the National Oil Company of Malawi, spoke as local television broadcast images of the train, carrying 580,000 liters of fuel, as it was arriving in Lilongwe, Malawis capital.

This is an organized form of transport with fixed routes and schedules contributing to the speedy delivery," Kanyama said. "Once the train departs, there is nothing that delays the train until it stops" in Malawi.

This was the first arrival of fuel by train in Lilongwe since 2003, following repairs to Malawis rail system by Central East Africa Railways early this year.

"We are even going to have more than this," said Chandra Mohan Singh, general manager for Nacala Logistics, a company that operates the countrys railway infrastructure. "In fact, next week we are expecting to bring a much longer train transporting approximately 2 million liters at this very same place. At Nacala Logistics, we have the capacity to transport 4 million tons of goods.

Economist Adam Chikapa Guys told VOA that the restoration of railway services from Mozambique to Malawi was probably the best news for Malawis transport sector, which he said has been spending a lot of money to move fuel by road.

And this means that the money that was used for transportation for the fuel is now going to be used for other things that are equally important in this country as far as development is concerned, he said.

Chikapa said he doubted public expectations that the move would also lead to the reduction of fuel pump prices in Malawi.

Malawis minister of trade and industry, Sosten Gwengwe, said the move would help lower the cost of production of various goods, saying manufacturing industries would be able to work in a more affordable manner than before.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 18:41 | All, Japan

The population of Japanese nationals fell by 861,000 in 2023 from a year earlier to 121,561,801, marking the 15th consecutive year of decline and the largest drop since the survey began in 1968, government data showed Wednesday.

The trend underscores the seriousness of the declining birthrate and highlights the urgent need for the government to implement measures to revitalize regional areas.

As of Jan. 1, 2024, Japan's population, including foreign residents, stood at 124,885,175, down by roughly 532,000, according to a demographics survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

While foreign residents increased in all of the country's 47 prefectures, surpassing 3 million for the first time, only Tokyo saw a slight increase in its Japanese population, rising 0.03 percent due to the high influx of people to the capital.

A record low of 730,000 births in Japan, which was significantly exceeded by a record high 1.58 million deaths, contributed largely to the population decline.

By prefecture, Akita, Aomori and Iwate prefectures, all in northeastern Japan, experienced the largest population decreases at 1.83 percent, 1.72 percent and 1.61 percent, respectively.

The foreign population rose by 329,535 to 3,323,374 in the reporting year as the relaxation of strict COVID-19 border controls continued to facilitate the return of international students and technical interns.

Kumamoto Prefecture, where the world's largest contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. opened its first factory in Japan, saw the largest rate of foreign population growth at 24.18 percent.

Around 85 percent of foreign residents are of working age, providing support to Japan's labor market.

The overall population, including foreign residents, increased in the three prefectures of Tokyo, Chiba and Okinawa. The absence of cases where the number of births exceeded deaths indicates that the rise was largely due to immigration.

People aged 65 accounted for 29.38 percent of the Japanese population, up 0.23 percentage point, while the working population, or people between 15 and 64, declined slightly to 59.02 percent.
Namibia is one of Africa's top five diamond exporters, right behind Angola, Botswana, and South Africa. In 2022, the country exported more than $940 million worth of diamonds.

The world's demand for natural diamonds has bounced back from a slump during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Namibia's largest marine dining company, Debmarine, reporting a sales increase of 83% in 2022 from the previous year.

Still, Debmarine CEO Willy Mertens is worried about competition from synthetic diamonds, sector of the business that could cost many Namibians their jobs.

Though trained jewelers can tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, there's nothing obvious to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from natural ones.

The Modern Mining publication recently said that in 2022, lab-grown diamond jewelry surpassed 10% of the market of global jewelry sales for the first time. The publication said artificial diamond sales are forecast to continue growing at an annual double-digit percentage rate in coming years.

Namibia, where workers extracted 2.1 million carats in diamonds in 2022, is embarking on a campaign to tout natural diamonds as environmentally sound and holding greater value for the money.

"We've seen in the past couple of years that lab-grown diamonds, or synthetics as you call them, have sort of infiltrated the natural diamond market," said Mertens. " ... people were first marketing them as real diamonds and we've done a lot of work around trying to differentiate them."

One of the challenges of marketing Namibian natural diamonds is the environmental impact that diamonds have on the landscape.

Mertens said Debmarine invests a significant amount of its profits into environmental rehabilitation and restoration of landscapes and the seabed damaged by mining.

"The restoration of the seabed actually happens naturally as the waves move," Mertens said. "So what we are doing is that we are monitoring that, and what we do is we mine out a specific area and we leave an area next to it vacant, and over time we monitor how the area where we have recovered diamonds looks like compared to the one that was not touched and we've seen that it takes about three to 10 years maximum for that to completely restore. By completely restoring, mean about 70% of the organisms have returned to that place. On the land, it is sand that we are moving and what we do now is that we are using that same sand to keep the sea walls in tact."

Mertens recently paid a courtesy call on Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, to introduce the De Beers global ambassador for natural diamonds, Hollywood actor Lupita Nyong'o, and talk to the president about challenges facing Namibia's diamond industry.

President Mbumba lamented a proposal for the Kimberley process  the process meant to screen out so-called "conflict diamonds" from entering the international market  to begin certifying all diamonds in Antwerp, Belgium.

The Group of Seven largest economies said that is an effort to prevent Russian diamonds from being sold abroad.

Mbumba said the measure would hurt African diamond producers.

"Recently, the decision was made by the G7 countries to route all rough and polished diamonds destined for G7 countries via Belgium," said Mbumba. "This decision poses a serious risk and threat to our economies, especially the economies of Angola, Botswana and Namibia by increasing the cost as well as curtailing freedom of trade for our countries' products."

Namibia's president said he and his counterparts from Angola and Botswana have written a letter to the G7 to ask them to halt their plans.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defiantly defended his countrys war against Hamas on Wednesday in an address to the U.S. Congress, vowing to pursue the fight against Palestinian militants until total victory and the return of the remaining hostages they are holding.

With thousands of pro-Palestinian, anti-war protesters in the streets outside the U.S. Capitol and more than 50 Democratic lawmakers boycotting his speech, Netanyahu said he was confident that negotiations for a cease-fire would eventually succeed. But he gave no hint of a breakthrough in the stalemated, monthslong talks.

Instead, he blamed Hamas for the continuation of the war, now in its 10th month. He attacked Iran for its funding of Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen, while assailing the nearby protesters and those at U.S. college campuses in recent months as Irans useful idiots helping Israels enemies.

Iran is behind all the chaos, all the terror, all the killing, he said to rousing cheers from most of the lawmakers in the House of Representatives chamber. Some of the Democrats who did attend the speech did not stand, applaud and cheer as often as many Republican lawmakers did.

Nonetheless, Netanyahu pointedly praised both Democratic President Joe Biden for his steadfast support in sending vast munitions to Israel for the fight against Hamas, and Republican former President Donald Trump for moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and other assistance during his presidency.

Netanyahu is meeting Biden on Thursday at the White House for an update on the war, and then flying to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday.

Netanyahu compared the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel to Japans 1941 Pearl Harbor attack on a U.S. naval base that drew the United States into World War II, and the 2001 al-Qaida terrorist attack that killed nearly 3,000 people in the U.S.

He said that in fighting Hamas, Were not only protecting ourselves, were protecting you. Our enemies are your enemies.

Our victory will be your victory, he declared. We keep American boots off the ground. Give us the tools faster and well finish the job faster.

The U.S. has been Israels biggest arms supplier during the conflict.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something really simple happens: We win, they lose," Netanyahu said. It was his fourth speech before Congress during his long tenure as the Israeli leader.

He said that when fighting ends, he hopes for a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza where a new generation of Palestinians can live in peace with us. But in the meantime, he said, Israel must retain overriding security control.

Netanyahu introduced freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages watching the speech in the House chamber and lawmakers applauded. Meanwhile, security officers escorted out protesters in the gallery who stood up to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders reach a deal to end the fighting and free the estimated 70 living hostages still being held by Hamas.

Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson first invited the Israeli leader, and he eventually was joined by the three other top-rung congressional officials, including two Democrats, in asking Netanyahu to update lawmakers on the state of the war.

Democrats who boycotted the Netanyahu speech said they were protesting Netanyahus conduct of the war and inability to reach a cease-fire.

One of them, Senator Dick Durbin, the No.2 Democrat in the Senate, said in a statement that Israels execution of the war in Gaza is a brutal strategy beyond any acceptable level of self-defense.

Netanyahus refusal to consider any peace plan that gives both Israelis and Palestinians a guarantee of security is inconsistent with a peaceful conclusion to this age-old conflict, Durbin said. I will stand by Israel, but I will not stand and cheer its current prime minister.

The likely Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, also skipped the speech in favor of a previously scheduled political speech to a Black sorority in Indianapolis, although she plans to meet with Netanyahu while he is in Washington.

Tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol Wednesday, and police deployed pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied near the Capitol. Several protesters erected a large effigy of Netanyahu with devil horns and fake blood dripping from its mouth.

Some of the protesters carried signs that read arrest Netanyahu and end all U.S. aid to Israel, while shouting, Free, Free Palestine. Police lining Pennsylvania Avenue leading to the Capitol led away several protesters who were sitting in the street hoping to block Netanyahus arrival for his speech.

One protest organizer, Kaleem Hawa, told VOA, The point of our mobilization today is that Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. And we want to send a message that he is not welcome in D.C. Hes not welcome in the U.S., and that Israel has become a pariah state because of the way theyve conducted the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

Another protester, LouJane Lamasri, said, He has the comfort of being invited to the U.S. He should be in handcuffs. He should be in jail. And he should be charged with his crimes and have to pay for his crimes against the Palestinians.

Among the street demonstrators were a few supporting Netanyahu, including one who identified himself only as Jeremy from Canada.

I am on the pro-Israel side, the pro-American side and the pro-Canada side, he said. The pro-Western values side, and I am against terrorists who hide beneath their civilians and start wars they cannot finish.

The Israeli-Hamas war started with the October 7 Hamas terror attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israels subsequent counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people, most of them women and children, according to Gaza health authorities, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Israels military says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters.
The Nigerian military has rescued Ehi Abdul, one of the Chibok girls whose kidnapping by Boko Haram militants in 2014 generated worldwide attention. Authorities say the rescue operation late last month rescued 330 other captives and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat insurgents and rehabilitate victims in northeastern Borno state.

Ehi Abdul, a Chibok schoolgirl kidnapped along with 275 others nearly a decade ago, is finally free. She spent about 10 years in the Sambisa Forest, where she says she was forced to marry eight Boko Haram fighters and bear them two children.

Abdul and other former captives were handed over to the Borno state government on Monday after a month of health care and reintegration.

Now 27, Abdul explains how she was discovered, and suggests some of the remaining Chibok girls may not want to return.

She says, Soldiers stopped us and asked where we were going. We told them we were visiting, and that's how we were rescued... She says, I haven't met some of my Chibok colleagues, while others don't want to leave...

Now that I am out, I can continue with my Islamic education, she adds.

Though now overrun by security forces, Boko Haram's presence in Nigeria's northeast inflicted years of terror. Girls were kidnapped, forced into marriages, and lived in constant fear.

Another woman rescued, Fatima Abdul, recounted her harrowing experience living in the Sambisa Forest.

She says, Life there is suffocating. Theres no food, no water. Even Boko Haram fighters are suffering.

And they beat us for no reason. Abdul says she has four children by different men.

The Nigerian militarys continuous efforts, including this rescue, Operation Hadin Kai, aim to destroy Boko Haram's hideouts in the Sambisa Forest and restore normalcy in the northeast. Over the past two weeks, over 600 victims have been rescued.

Muhammad Abdullahi, a Nigerian Navy captain, says the military is taking care of the former captives.

"For those that are rescued, the responsibility from the military is that we carry out documentation as we call it, on receiving them; we clothe them as you can see. And of course, for the children, we also administer through our military medical team, we administer vaccination and immunization," he said.

Wahidi Shuaibu, a major general in the Nigerian military, and commandant of Operation Hadin Kai, says the country remains dedicated to rescuing those still in captivity.

"The theater will continue to do its best to rescue the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity in line with the strategic ideas of the chief of defense staff and the chief of army staff," he said.

More than a decade of Boko Haram brutality ravaged Nigeria's Northeast, leaving tens of thousands dead and many kidnapped, including the Chibok girls taken in 2014.

Although not completely eradicated, counterterrorism efforts have weakened Boko Haram and reduced attacks.
North Koreas broadening ties with Russia make a possible re-engagement with the U.S. less appealing for Pyongyang despite an apparent overture from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, analysts said.

A delegation from the Russian prosecutors office wrapped up a three-day visit to Pyongyang and headed home Wednesday, North Koreas state-run KCNA said.

Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, the head of the delegation, and Kim Chol Won, director of North Koreas Central Public Prosecutors Office, signed an agreement on Monday to cooperate on law enforcement countering foreign influence.

Krasnov said the two countries are actively developing their comprehensive partnership in openly and successfully fighting off attempts to impose alien development models and values on us, according to the Russian news agency Tass.

Krasnov said Moscow and Pyongyang seek to consolidate their efforts in countering crimes in the area of information and communications technologies, among other areas.

The ties between the two have been expanding rapidly in multiple areas since Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang in June and signed a mutual defense treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promising closer military cooperation.

Russia-North Korea ties

Kim Jong Un may see less need to engage with the U.S. than in 2018 because the regime is now getting economic and possibly military benefits from Russia, said Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation.

North Korea said, We do not care that any administration takes office in the U.S. or that Trump has lingering desire for the prospects of the DPRK-U.S. relations, according to state-run KCNA on Tuesday.

The statement was released after Trump said last week in his presidential nomination acceptance speech at the Republic National Convention that he got along very well with Kim and thought Kim wanted him to win the presidential election in November.

During his term, Trumps personal diplomacy with Kim resulted in their first 2018 summit in Singapore, a failed 2019 summit in Hanoi, and a last meeting at the inter-Korean border in 2019.

But that engagement came before Kim had Putin by his side, according to Andrew Yeo, the SK-Korea Foundation chair in Korea studies at the Brookings Institution. Theres less incentive for Kim to engage with the U.S. now that Russia and China are backing him, Yeo said.

That said, Kim is an opportunist, so I wouldnt rule out the possibility of Kim reaching out to Trump at some point if Trump is reelected, Yeo added.

Little incentive for talks

In its KCNA statement, North Korea also said, It is true that Trump, when he was president, tried to reflect the special personal relations between the heads of states in the relations between states, but he did not bring about any substantial positive change.

Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centers Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy Program, said the KCNA statement "reflected that Kim felt humiliated when Trump walked out of the Hanoi summit rather than continuing negotiations, and the strategic choices Kim has made since 2019  that he has abandoned long-standing North Korean interest in normalizing relations with the U.S.

If Trump wins, he may be tempted to try to revive nuclear talks with Kim, but Pyongyang has taken denuclearization off the table. The political space for a more limited, credible U.S.-North Korea deal has shrunk immensely.

Trump walked out of the summit in Hanoi, rejecting Kims offer to dismantle the Yongbyon nuclear facility in return for sanctions relief.

Nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea have remained stalled since 2019 despite the Biden administration's call for Pyongyang to return to dialogue.

In the same KCNA statement that rebuffed Trumps outreach, North Korea expressed its dissatisfaction with the deployment of U.S. FA-18 Super Hornets to the Suwon Air Force Base for joint drills with South Korea that began Tuesday and will run through this summer.

Washingtons continued call for dialogue in this context is a sinister attempt and an extension of confrontation, North Korea said.

The Heritage Foundation's Klingner said North Korea's message "hinted that the price for it reengaging with Washington would be the cancellation of bilateral military exercises, rotational deployment of U.S. strategic assets and reduction of the U.S. extended deterrence guarantee.

If Washington capitulated to those demands, Pyongyang could seek to further divide the U.S.-ROK alliance and degrade deterrence by proposing a peace declaration or treaty which could then lead to advocacy for a premature decrease of U.S. troops in South Korea.
The Philippines has reached an agreement with Beijing on its resupply missions to soldiers aboard a grounded naval vessel in the South China Sea, but will not submit to inspections from China, a top security official said on Wednesday.

The Philippines and China, which have sparred repeatedly at sea this past year, have reached a "provisional arrangement" on resupply missions to the ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, as both sides agreed to ease tensions and manage differences.

Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano said, however, the arrangement does not include agreeing to Chinese vessels conducting "on-site" inspections.

China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China has long been irked by the Philippine missions to its small contingent of troops aboard the rusty ship Sierra Madre, which was intentionally run aground in 1999 to try to reinforce Manila's territorial claim to the remote shoal.

"There's no such kind of on-site inspection. What the two sides agreed are really a common understanding," Ano told a forum.

Details of the arrangement would be kept confidential unless both parties consent to make them public, Ano added.

"Both sides agreed the tension will be reduced ... to prevent skirmishes, anything that may lead to injury, harm to soldiers or to anyone," Ano said.

"We did not agree on anything that will undermine our position," he added.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including territory in the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. In 2016, a Hague-based tribunal said China's sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision Beijing has rejected.

With the backing of defense treaty ally the United States, the Philippines has been bolder in its asserting itself in the South China Sea, engaging in joint patrols and training exercises and deploying vessels to areas of its EEZ where China has long maintained a heavy coast guard presence.

Rival vessels have clashed in the past year and heated diplomatic rows have ensued with growing frequency, prompting regional concern that an incident could escalate and trigger conflict in the important trade route.

The Philippines and United States have accused China of unlawful aggression, while Beijing has been outraged over what it sees as deliberate provocations, territorial encroachments and U.S. interference.
Deaths from road accidents in Africa have increased in the past decade, with 250,000 lives lost in 2021 alone, according to the World Health Organization.

The deaths and injuries on African roads are blamed on poor road safety standards, as few African countries enforce laws against speeding and drunken driving, or laws that mandate the use of motorcycle helmets, seat belts and child restraints.

The WHO says road deaths in Africa are becoming a bigger problem compared to other regions of the world. Between 2010 and 2021, road deaths across the continent increased by 20,000. The report released last week conversely shows global road deaths fell by 5% during the same period.

Binta Sako, a WHO technical officer, said the increased deaths are due to a lack of infrastructure and to road users' behavior.

"First of all, we are a growing population. Urbanization without the infrastructure that follows is one of the reasons. The increased number of unregulated vehicles, we are the first importers of used vehicles. Most of the time they are not road worthy, Sako said. And then we also have to talk about behavioral risk factors, such as speeding and drunken driving.

Road users like motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians are most vulnerable and are at high risk of death and injuries. The WHO says the Africa region has the highest proportion of pedestrian deaths.

Researchers say no African country has national laws that meet best road practices.

Sam Clark, the head officer at Transaid, which advocates for road safety, told VOA that training drivers to the required standard helps keep the driver and the other users safe. Transaid, an international NGO, promotes driver training and government and training programs.

"You are improving access to training which meets the standard of many of the transporters in the industry and, therefore, opening the possibility of improved employment or access to new jobs, Clark said, adding, but also by giving them better access to training, we are equipping drivers with a better ability to come home safe at the end of every day."

Experts say the under-reporting of road injuries and deaths in Africa is another challenge. Police records are a primary source of data collection, but not all road accidents are reported to police.

Sako said accurate data on road crashes can help develop targeted responses and prevention efforts.

"When we don't have quality data, we don't understand what is going on, we don't understand why people are dying in the roads, what caused those crashes. Is it poor infrastructure, is it poor lighting, is it the use of alcohol? Sake said. Collecting data helps in understanding who the victims really are so that we tailor our interventions to make sure that we respond to their needs," she added.

Seventeen countries in Africa have reported reductions in road fatalities, with other countries remaining stagnant or increasing.

The U.N. aims to cut road accident deaths in half by 2030, but road safety workers and activists lack the funding and knowledge to make that goal a reality.
As part of Frances preparations for the Summer Games, a journalist for the French news agency AFP on Sunday carried the Olympic torch in honor of media workers harmed on the front lines.

But France this week also came under criticism from Russia over the number of journalists accredited for the sporting event.

The Kremlin on Monday described Frances decision to not accredit several Russian journalists as unacceptable.

France however, said it is responding to concerns over cyberattacks and espionage. The French acting interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, announced that more than 4,000 accreditation requests have been turned down.

Of those, nearly 100 were related to espionage concerns, according to Darmanin.

The minister said that as well as Russia, some of the other rejected applicants came from Belarus, a close ally of Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov at a news briefing said such decisions are "unacceptable.

We believe such decisions undermine the freedom of the media. And they certainly violate all of France's commitments to the OSCE and other organizations," Peskov said, referring to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

"We would like to see a reaction to such decisions from relevant human rights organizations, he added.

The spokespersons comments came just days after Russia convicted two American journalists in separate trials widely condemned as being politically motivated.

A court on Friday sentenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison for espionage. The same day a court in the city of Kazan sentenced Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva to six and a half years in prison for what the Kremlin says is distributing false information about the military.

Both journalists deny the accusations made against them.

Since Russias full invasion of Ukraine, its media freedom record has declined, say watchdogs.

Olympic torch

With the Summer Games due to start Friday, the traditional torch relay is nearing the French capital.

Among those taking part in the relay is Christina Assi of Agence France-Presse, or AFP, who was injured on assignment.

Assi carried the torch to honor her colleagues wounded and killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on October 13 that injured Assi and five of her colleagues and killed Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah.

"I wish Issam were here to see this. And I wish what happened today was not because we were struck by two rockets, Assi told reporters at the torch relay.

Her AFP colleague Dylan Collins, who was injured in the same attack, pushed Assis wheelchair as the relay went through Vincennes, east of Paris.

This is a chance to continue talking about justice, and the targeted attack on October 13 needs to be investigated as a war crime, said Collins.

Reuters and AFP both independently concluded that their teams were hit by Israeli tank fire. They say the teams were clearly visible as press.

Israel has repeatedly denied targeting journalists, but it says it cannot guarantee the safety of media.

The October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel killed 1,200 people, and terrorists seized 250 hostages.

Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 38,200 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. In May, Israel estimated the death toll at around 30,000 and said most of the dead are combatants.

Among the civilian casualties are 108 journalists and media workers, most of them Palestinian, according to the watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists.

Some information is this article came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
As Taiwan hosts annual military exercises this week, it is also holding air raid drills to raise public awareness about how to respond to an attack from China and where to seek shelter. Officials want this years exercises to be as realistic as possible. VOAs William Yang has more from Taipei. (Camera: William Yang)
Dozens of people who joined scattered anti-corruption rallies in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on Tuesday in defiance of an official ban have been charged and held behind bars, their lawyers said.

About 60 people, including a prominent TV and radio presenter and three young protest leaders, were hurriedly brought before the courts and remanded into custody on charges including being a "common nuisance," they said.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African country with an iron fist for almost four decades, had warned over the weekend that the demonstrators were "playing with fire."

Riot police were out in force across Kampala, manning roadblocks especially near the business district, while officers sealed off roads to parliament.

Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke had said the authorities would not allow any demonstration that threatened Uganda's "peace and security."

The call to action over corruption was organized by young Ugandans online, with colorful posters urging people to march on parliament, drawing inspiration from neighboring Kenya's mostly Gen-Z-led anti-government protests.

Graft is a major concern in Uganda, with several high-profile scandals involving public officials, and the country is ranked a lowly 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency International's corruption index.

"We are tired of corruption," protester Samson Kiriya shouted from between the bars of a police van as he was arrested.

About 60 people who were detained during the rallies were brought before the courts in separate hearings, their lawyers said.

They included well-known television and radio presenter Faiza Salima as well as a social media influencer and a doctor, lawyer Ashraf Kwezi told AFP.

"The three were charged with a flimsy offense of being a common nuisance ... and disorderly after they participated in the protest today, but they denied the charges," he said.

Three protest organizers identified as George Victor Otieno, Kennedy Ndyamuhaki and Aloikin Praise Opoloje were arrested as they marched to parliament and have also been charged.

Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society, told AFP that 50 people were charged at one hearing in a Kampala court and are to reappear between July 30 and Aug. 8.

Another five were charged in a separate hearing at another court, their lawyer, Patience Muwanguzi, said.

"This was a rushed trial. They were arrested and taken to court in a very short time and remanded to prison without securing them bail," she told AFP. "We will ensure these people receive justice."

Human Rights Watch Uganda researcher Oryem Nyeko condemned the multiple arrests and said they were "a reflection of where Uganda is at the moment as far as respect for those rights is concerned."

On the eve of the rally, Ugandan authorities besieged the headquarters of the opposition National Unity Platform of former presidential candidate Bobi Wine and arrested three of his party's MPs.

A heavy police presence remained in place around the offices in a Kampala suburb on Tuesday, an AFP journalist said.

"Salutations to all who have courageously marched and are still marching against corruption and misrule  even in the face of very brutal actions by the military and police!" Wine posted on X. His real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.

Ugandan authorities have frequently cracked down on the NUP and Wine, a popstar turned politician who challenged Museveni unsuccessfully in the last elections in 2021.

Corruption is endemic in Uganda, where several high-profile figures have recently come under the spotlight in graft scandals.

Earlier this year, the United States and Britain sanctioned several Ugandan officials including parliament speaker Anita Among and three former or current ministers for alleged involvement in corruption.

The ministers are on trial accused of stealing iron sheets destined for the poor under a government-funded project and redirecting them to politicians and their families, but no charges have been laid against the speaker.

Four legislators from Uganda's ruling party and two senior civil servants are also in custody for allegedly embezzling large sums of money meant to compensate farmers who lost property during the 1980s bush war that brought Museveni to power.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks Wednesday with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in the southern economic hub of Guangzhou.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Kuleba and Wang agreed that negotiations are necessary to end Russias two-and-a-half-year-old invasion of Ukraine.

Mao said although the conditions are not evident, China supports all efforts that contribute to peace and is willing to continue to play a constructive role for a cease-fire and the resumption of peace talks.

Kuleba is the most senior Ukrainian official to visit China since the invasion began in February of 2022. The talks are being held amid tensions between Kyiv and Beijing over Chinas close diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, despite Beijings claim it is a neutral party in the conflict.

Ukraine has signaled it would like China to attend a second international summit to be held later this year focusing on a potential peace plan offered by Kyiv. Neither China nor Russia was invited to the initial gathering in Switzerland back in June, after China and Brazil published a separate six-point peace plan.

Kuleba has said the parties must avoid competition between peace plans.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 24, 2024 - 12:12 | All, World

Russia said Tuesday it will ban the entry of Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda and 12 other Japanese citizens, mainly business leaders, for an indefinite period in response to Japan's sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, prompting Tokyo to lodge a protest.

The entry ban targets individuals such as Rakuten Group Inc. Chairman and President Hiroshi Mikitani and Toray Industries Inc. President Mitsuo Ohya, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry.

The list also includes Akihiko Tanaka, president of the government-backed Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The ministry has not made clear why it chose to add the 13 Japanese nationals to its entry ban list after imposing a similar measure on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Cabinet ministers and other lawmakers, as well as people belonging to media organizations and academics.

In Tokyo on Wednesday, Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said the step announced by Russia was "totally unacceptable" as it could restrict the legitimate activities of domestic companies.

The chief Cabinet secretary told a regular news conference that the government protested Russia's move, adding that Japan will continue to take all possible measures to ensure its nationals and Japanese firms can continue their activities.

Toyota began auto production in St. Petersburg, the birthplace of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in 2007, but has ended operations in the country since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Regarding Russia's attack, Toyoda said, "I feel strong resentment. War and conflict do not make anybody happy," according to the company in March 2022.

Related coverage:

Japan arranging to shoulder $3.3 billion in G7 loans for Ukraine

Japan, U.S., South Korea top uniformed officers vow to boost cooperation

Japan, Britain, Italy agree to advance fighter jet co-development
The United Nations' cultural agency rejected recommendations Wednesday to place Stonehenge on the list of world heritage sites in danger over concerns that Britain's plans to build a nearby highway tunnel threaten the landscape around the prehistoric monument.

Stonehenge was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in southern England in stages, starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C.

It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986  an honor bestowed upon sites that have special cultural or physical significance.

UNESCO experts had recommended listing Stonehenge as "in danger" over the plans for highway development.

But at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, which maintains the list and oversees the conservation of the sites, members led by Kenya and Qatar said Britain's plans to mitigate the effect on the site were sufficient and that it should not be added to the "in danger" list.

The highway project, which has been touted for decades and mired in legal challenges, is aimed at trying to ease traffic along a stretch of road prone to gridlock by moving the main highway underground and slightly farther away from the famous stone circle.

It has faced fierce opposition from local residents and archaeologists, as well as concern from UNESCO, over potential damage to the environment, wildlife and possible new archaeological finds.

Kenya, in amending the recommendation to list the site as in danger, focused on the fact that the main stone circle would be farther away from the road with the new construction, and not the experts' assessment that the road project would significantly impact the greater site. It also noted that Britain had considered more than 50 proposals for the highway plan.

"What needs to be protected is not just the henge but the overall landscape of which the henge is a central focus," the UNESCO experts had argued in their draft proposal, which was rejected.

"The main henge is a highly visible and well-known monument and the proposed tunnel would improve its immediate setting, but this monument has to be considered in its context, surrounded by and inextricably linked to a large number of prehistoric features, which together form an ancient landscape."

After rejecting the proposal to list Stonehenge as in danger, the committee agreed to ask Britain for an updated report on the state of conservation of the property by December 2025.

UNESCO says a site's inclusion on its List of World Heritage Sites in Danger is not punitive, but rather meant to draw international attention to the urgent need for conservation measures and "encourage corrective action."

If issues are not rectified, sites face the possibility of being de-listed by UNESCO, though that is rare.
The leader of one of Sudans two warring factions has accepted an invitation by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to participate in peace talks aimed at ending the countrys devastating 15-month-old conflict.

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, released a statement late Tuesday accepting Blinkens invitation to participate in talks to be held next month in Switzerland.

So far, there has been no word from the Sudanese Armed Forces, the other warring faction, on whether it will attend the peace talks.

Blinken said in a statement issued Tuesday that Saudi Arabia will co-host the talks when they begin August 14, with representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the African Union and the United Nations attending as observers.

Sudan has been mired in civil war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces after months of rising tensions over the countrys political future and plans to integrate the RSF into the national army.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict and more than 10 million Sudanese have been displaced from their homes. Many have fled into Chad and other neighboring countries.

The scale of death, suffering, and destruction in Sudan is devastating. This senseless conflict must end, Blinken said in the statement.

The clashes are part of a power struggle between Army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who also heads Sudans governing transitional council, and Dagalo, the deputy head of the transitional council. The two generals joined forces in October 2021 to overthrow the transitional government formed after the 2019 ouster of longtime autocratic leader Omar al-Bashir.

The restructuring of the military was part of an effort to restore the country to civilian rule and end the political crisis.

The two sides engaged in indirect talks in Geneva last week mediated by Ramtane Lamamra, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gueterress personal envoy for Sudan. Lamamra described the talks, which were focused on measures to protect civilians and ensure the distribution of humanitarian aid, as encouraging.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed for peace ahead of the Southern African Development Summit scheduled for next month in Zimbabwe. Police have already arrested some opponents of the government ahead of the summit. (Video: VOA)
The race for the U.S. presidency got a jolt of new energy Tuesday, with former President Donald Trump and his newly minted Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, showing no hesitation in disparaging each other as they hurtle toward the November poll.

Meanwhile in Washington, President Joe Biden quietly returned to the White House, after his recovery from COVID-19, to heightened expectations that hed use his remaining time in office to achieve foreign policy goals.

Trump shifted quickly to attacking Harris after Biden, 81, dropped his reelection bid on Sunday under pressure from Democratic colleagues concerned about his frailty, mental acuity and falling poll numbers.

"Lyin' Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches! Trump, 78, said on his Truth Social platform Tuesday. Earlier, he accused her of helping cover up Bidens condition.

The Democrats lied and misled the public about Crooked Joe Biden, and now we find he is a complete and total Cognitive and Physical MESS, Trump said. They also mislead [sic] the Republican Party, causing it to waste a great deal of time and money on political advertising targeting a candidate, Biden, who is no longer Trumps opponent.

Harris, a former courtroom prosecutor in California, the countrys most populous state, told a rally Tuesday that she knew the likes of Trump.

In late May, Trump was convicted of 34 felonies linked to a 2016 hush money payment he made just ahead of the election he won eight years ago. The money was paid to an adult film star to silence her claim  denied by Trump  that she had a one-night tryst with him a decade earlier.

Biden, who will finish the last six months of his term, wholeheartedly endorsed Harris, his second-in-command for the past 3 years.

On Monday, he told Harris campaign workers, The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasnt changed at all. And by the way, Im not going anywhere. Im going to be out there on the campaign with her, with Kamala.

Ive been honored and humbled  I mean this from the bottom of my heart, my word as a Biden  for all youve done for me and my family, he said, while adding that now, Im hoping youll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala, he said.

Biden said he would address the nation from the White House on Wednesday evening about his decision to withdraw from the presidential race and how he plans to govern during his remaining time in office. He is the first president since Lyndon Johnson in 1968 to withdraw from a reelection campaign.

While some Democratic officials initially thought Bidens withdrawal might lead to a contested race among several contenders for the partys presidential nomination, the most likely presidential aspirants quickly supported Harris candidacy.

By late Monday, Harris had amassed more than enough delegates to the partys national convention, to be held August 19-22 in Chicago, to unofficially claim the nomination, although the party is holding a virtual ballot that will decide the contest even earlier, by August 7.

Former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, still an influential Democratic strategist, endorsed Harris, as did actor George Clooney, a major Democratic fundraiser in Hollywood who two weeks ago wrote an opinion article in The New York Times calling for Biden to end his candidacy, even though Clooney in June helped stage a glitzy fundraiser for him.

The top two Democratic congressional leaders, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, endorsed Harris on Tuesday.

Boy, are we enthusiastic. Its a happy day. Democrats are moving forward more united than ever before to support Harris, Schumer said.

The Harris campaign said it had raised more than $100 million from Sunday afternoon, when Biden ended his candidacy, through Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Harris is mulling whom to select as her running mate, with former Attorney General Eric Holder and Washington lawyer Dana Remus beginning to vet the backgrounds of several possible choices.

Among the names surfacing in news accounts were Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former U.S. astronaut; and six state governors, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Roy Cooper of North Carolina.

Harris headed Tuesday to Milwaukee, in the political battleground state of Wisconsin, for her first campaign rally as the likely Democratic nominee.

Trump, after securing the Republican presidential nomination last week, is resuming his campaign on Wednesday with a rally in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, another contested state. Trump won the state four years ago against Biden, even as he lost the national election.

In Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken extolled Harris for being a leading voice for American foreign policy and for our diplomacy.

But he emphasized that Biden has a lot of work ahead of him even as Harris campaigns to take the reins.

What hes intensely focused on is the work that remains over these next six months to continue the efforts, the work that weve been doing, particularly trying to bring peace to the Middle East, ending the war in Gaza, putting that region on a better trajectory; continuing to deal as effectively as he has been with the ongoing aggression by Russia against Ukraine and making sure we continue to do everything we can to strengthen Ukraine; our engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific, where we have been building relationships and partnerships that are stronger than theyve ever been, whether its with our allies  Japan, Korea, Australia, or New Zealand  whether its with countries like the Philippines and India, or whether its with emerging countries like Vietnam or Indonesia, Blinken said.

Analysts agreed

It's actually a fair percentage of his presidency still left, an eighth of this presidency is still left, and there continue to be real challenges, both at home in terms of lowering costs, in terms of protecting consumers from junk fees and protecting workers from terrible rules that benefit corporations and overseas, said Navin Nayak, president and executive director of the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

So trying to bring a cease-fire and peace in the Middle East, trying to continue to push back against Russia's war in Ukraine, I think the president is now squarely focused on those challenges and unburdened from the real rigors of having to also run a presidential campaign, Nayak said.

And this situation also leaves foreign leaders in an interesting position, as Israels prime minister is learning this week as he prepares to meet with Biden, Harris and Trump.

Jeremi Suri, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said, I do think Biden has one problem internationally, which is that foreign leaders know he's not going to be around after a few more months, and so they're going to be hesitant to make deals with him because they know that whoever comes next  and even if it is Harris, she is likely to have her own foreign policy team and her own set of aims.

On the other hand, I think foreign leaders will want to accomplish things they can get accomplished quickly with Biden because they're not sure what will happen next, Suri said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct former President Donald Trump's age.
Batman: Caped Crusader Photo: Prime

Batman cartoons rarely feel locked into a specific era of Batmans comic-book life  or the characters history in general. The Batman took place in an anime-inspired millennial techno dream where even the Penguin was a fierce martial artist, and The Brave and the Bold took glee at bouncing across Batmans wide mythology. Even the famed Batman: The Animated Series picked favorable spots from Batmans legend to meld into quality TV.

But the upcoming Prime show Batman: Caped Crusader, at the behest of Bruce Timm (who co-created BTAS) and his collaborators, opted to stick Batman firmly in the setting of his origin  a post-Depression period where the noirish mood ran thick and the villains lacked many of the whimsical flourishes that theyd be saddled with in the decades to come. Its a time when Batman is just starting out, and hes so bitterly consumed by his obsession that the line where he ends and where Bruce Wayne begins is nearly nonexistent.

But while prior cartoons have mixed and matched Batman scenarios, the comics, ranging from the actual early years to modern dives into the Dark Knights past, have been eager to make their claim on how Batman began. So, if youre trying to get into the mood of what is sure to be one of 2024s biggest animation events, or if youre curious about how Batmans early tales have evolved in the past eight-plus decades, read these 12 comic-book stories.

Note: To make the specific issues easier to find in the massive backlog of DC Comics, the cover dates have been listed rather than the actual publication dates.

Detective Comics #27  May 1939

The first appearance of Batman (or, as hes referred to here, The Bat-Man) is one of the most fabled comic books in history. Its influence on Caped Crusader is evident from the onset, especially when it comes to the look of Batman, with his shroudlike cape and elongated ears. But this Batman is also famous for his ferocity, which, in retrospect, is mostly a case of creators Bill Finger and Bob Kane still working through exactly what they want the character to be. Later incarnations of Batman would seek to prevent the demise of his foes, lest the act of murder turn Batman into the very villain hes fighting against. This Batman dumps a corrupt businessman into a vat of acid and coldly remarks, A fitting end for his kind.

Reading the full issue of Detective Comics #27 might be surprising for new comic readers  Batmans The Case of the Chemical Syndicate is just part of an anthology of stories. The heroes from the other stories, like Speed Saunders and Bart Regan, have mostly been lost to time. This wasnt an outlier; even Spider-Man had to share his 1962 Amazing Fantasy debut with a gaggle of forgettable weirdos. But it shows that, despite his bare-bones inauguration, something about The Bat-Man stood out. And eventually, the Detective Comics line would become entirely devoted to his adventures.

Detective Comics #33  November 1939

Bare bones might sound like an exaggeration for Batman. He didnt have to go through a transformation like Superman, who would spend his first few years in a superhero metamorphosis of gaining powers. But so many of the attributes that we consider key features of Batman didnt show up until later. His stalwart butler Alfred wasnt around until Batman #16, and he didnt have a real Batcave until the 1943 movie serial. It would also take months after his debut for readers to find out Batmans origin story.

Detective Comics #33 does so in the span of two pages (a quarter of which is devoted to just a big picture of Batman looking glumly at his own tragic beginnings). The Legend of the Batman  Who He Is and How He Came to Be! is rather beautiful in its lack of complication. Batman, after physically training and becoming a master scientist, figures that the crooks hell be tackling are a superstitious, cowardly lot, and that to strike fear, hell need to be a terrible  creature of the night. It is after these pages that we find the Batman of Caped Crusader, obsessively driven and single-minded in his mission.

Batman #1  Spring 1940

When Batman got a comic book solely devoted to him, he had already been joined by Robin (The Boy Wonder had shown up in Detective Comics #38), a character that would come to represent the humanity and escapism in Batmans crusade. But it wasnt devoid of the criminal macabre and science-fiction-infused madness that Batman had accrued, either. Batman #1 not only features the arrival (and momentary death) of the Joker but the first appearance of Catwoman and the return of Hugo Strange, the mad doctor whos now resorted to experimenting on asylum patients and turning them into hulking monsters.

A frequent misconception of Batman is that his early stories are bereft of the fantastical. This is mainly because we tend to associate the fantasy elements with the more lighthearted stories to come. But as this comic and Caped Crusader show us, Batman has always dabbled in nightmares and flights of pure imagination. Instead of working against his noirish trappings, he instead filters them through it. Impossible horrors, like the ghoulish Joker surviving a brutal, self-inflicted stabbing or Stranges medical abominations, coincide with the relatively grounded underbelly of Gotham City. And so the best Batman stories often come not from rearranging and deleting pieces until he works, but rather in distilling various, seemingly disparate elements.

Detective Comics #40  June 1940

Taking place very early in Batmans career, Caped Crusader presents takes on supervillains that are distinctly golden age. Notably, it will feature Clayface, a character who in modern times is known for his shape-shifting feats. Batman: The Animated Series, by far the most famous and well-regarded of Batmans cartoon efforts, showcased him in all of his gooey glory. But Clayface (or Clayfaces, as there have been a few) wasnt always a pile of mud. His original version was Basil Karlo (named after Frankenstein actor Boris Karloff), a horror-movie performer who operated under the scary guise of his former character.

Caped Crusader pays homage to this creepy appearance, fitting him into a collection of foes that straddle the line between colorful costumes and psychopathy. Similarly, the Catwoman design also takes its cues from the splashy 1940s, which was a go-to comic-book look for Catwoman until skintight leather became the norm for the burglar/romantic interest. Again, Batmans early years arent one unified entity. Rather, theyre a growing amalgamation of things that provide a rich resource for an adaptation.

Batman: Strange Apparitions  May 1977 to October 1978

When the 1960s Batman series starring Adam West ended, the character went through a much-needed comic-book overhaul. Many of the campier aspects that had defined the previous two decades were dropped, but Batman returning to his roots was a gigantic process. His mythology was far bigger than it was in 1939, so it can be hard to know where to start if you want to dive into Batmans new beginning. For a sort of greatest-hits collection of the era, look no further than the Strange Apparitions collection.

By assembling Detective Comics #469-479, Strange Apparitions blends a return to Batmans gritty urban genesis with a revitalization of some of his most famous (and previously exhausted) foes. It also tries to dive into Batmans psychology in a way that was utterly missing in decades past, and it never lets us forget the tortured man behind the mass merchandised mask. The 1970s was big on this. How is Batman both a haunted avenger and a centerpiece of superhero derring-do? Its a question that also plagues Caped Crusader, where Batman is an exciting crime fighter and a grim, damaged orphan. Every adaptation of Batman has an answer for this balance, and Strange Apparitions provides one of the most memorable ones.

Batman: Year One  February to May 1987

Frank Millers The Dark Knight Returns was widely praised for aging the Dark Knight and showing readers a Batman that had tried to escape his own obsession, only to be inevitably pulled back into his sacred war. So it was fitting that Miller would then pen Batmans beginnings, and he did so with the almost-as-famous-but-not-quite Batman: Year One. In it, we find a Gotham City thats pretty much given itself up to be swallowed alive by corruption. The dual arrival of Batman and Captain James Gordon (who also stars in Caped Crusader as a beleaguered champion of hope in a failing system) proves there is some good to be found amid the moral detritus, however complicated it may be.

This focus on Gordon, an integral supporting character in the DC universe, does a lot for him. Mainly, it establishes that Gordon is a fascinating character in his own right, even without his growing connection to Batman. Hes anxious, strong-willed, and capable of personal failures  a fleshed-out role that could have easily been realized as Batmans little mustached cop buddy. Overall, Batman: Year One ends up doing more for Gothams less-costumed citizens than it does for the guy in the title, establishing and filling out his world for future adventures.

Catwoman: Her Sisters Keeper  February to May 1989

Batman: Year One also reintroduced Catwomans alter ego, Selina Kyle, into Batmans world, taking on a young Bruce Wayne in a pre-costumed (and what now seems like a predestined) fight. The biggest problem is that Sin City creator Frank Miller also made her a dominatrix/prostitute, which wouldnt necessarily be an issue until you remember that Millers ability to empathetically write female characters in general is  uneven. Catwoman: Her Sisters Keeper tries to do for Catwoman what Year One did for Batman, but luckily Mindy Newell is the writer on this one. She manages to keep Catwomans origin as hard-boiled as Batmans while also making her a more dynamic character.

Catwoman has always been one of Batmans A-list rogues, but the late 80s and early 90s put her into overdrive. Comics like this, her movie role in Batman Returns, and her heavy inclusion in Batman: The Animated Series gave her a standing that was only second to the Joker. Caped Crusader places her at the forefront as well, as she presents not just an interesting villain but a chance for the deeply reserved Batman to experience the very human feeling of longing. Catwoman does the same at the end of Her Sisters Keeper, planting a kiss on his lips and leaving him wondering about her (and his own emotions) for years to come.

Batman: Gothic  April to August 1990

In the wake of the megasuccess of the 1989 Batman film, another comic title was launched into stores: Legends of the Dark Knight. It was free of the pressing continuity issues that would envelop the other series. Thus, Legends allowed writers to tackle stories from Batmans past, with a major one being Batman: Gothic. Written by comic-book wunderkind Grant Morrison, its a wonderful look into the domino effect Batman had on Gotham City after Year One. Now a playground for all manner of man and monster, the Gotham mob seeks out Batmans help to stop a serial killer.

Set pretty firmly in a postYear One world, Gothic is filled with the noir creepiness and bizarre turns of fantasy that permeated early Batman comics. And while Morrison would eventually pen a fantastic run with Batman that delighted in the many intricacies, otherworldly or otherwise, of his mythology, Gothic is stripped down to an emotional rawness. Like Caped Crusader, it captures a Batman that is new and lonely, facing a foe that counters him personally and scrapes at a wound thats still bleeding.

Batman: Prey  September 1990 to February 1991

One key villain that the Caped Crusader team has focused on is Harley Quinn, a character that began her existence as the Jokers former psychiatrist/current wacky gun moll and evolved into a franchise superstar. Shes had her personality flip-flopped for Crusader. As Bruce Waynes psychiatrist, shes affable and kind, but when the costume goes on, she becomes a monster to match anything that her former clown boyfriend has accomplished. Its an exciting turn, one that recalls the renewal of longtime Batman foe Hugo Strange in Batman: Prey.

Another Legends of the Dark Knight story line (this comic was good), Prey homed in on Stranges particular ability for menace. As a demented psychiatrist with a keen interest in the inner workings (and dismantling) of the human mind, Strange attacks Batman at his core. It also helped push an idea that would become commonplace now: Each of Batmans foes has a kind of psychological relationship to Batman, and each represents a piece of Batmans own traumatized mind. And as well see in the next recommendation, this extends beyond the household names.

Batman: Blades  June to July 1992

Batman: Caped Crusader doesnt just dabble in reinventing Batmans A- and B-list foes (though the show does include Harley Quinn, Clayface, Catwoman, Two-Face, and even the Penguin). It also runs down the list into guys like Onomatopoeia, Gentleman Ghost, and Firebug, characters that are easy to forget in DC Comics sprawling pantheon. Its reminiscent of Batman: Blades, another Legends of the Dark Knight installment that saw Batman taking on Cavalier, a swashbuckling foe with his own brand of moral gallantry.

While someone like Cavalier might seem impenetrably locked in his 1940s debut, Blades is a crash course in taking a seemingly dated character and proving that theyre more than relevant in a new (old) age. Hes gone from being a weirdo in a Musketeer outfit to a disillusioned wannabe hero who, like Batman, must confront his own internal battles and face the risk of spiraling out of control. Of course, because its an adventure comic, Batman gets to have a sword fight with him as well (Batman sword-fights a surprising foe in the Caped Crusader series, too. Of course, its common knowledge that if you have the chance to stick a sword in the hands of a bat-themed ninja, you take that chance.)

Batman: The Long Halloween/Dark Victory  December 1996 to December 1997 & December 1999 to December 2000

The world of Caped Crusader has many narrative threads, ranging from Batmans life, to the trials faced by the Gotham City Police Department, to the evolution of his ridiculous foes and the mobster-laden streets that they pour into. Its much more than a revolving-door system of crimes and crooks. Rather, its an ecosystem where courses meet and diverge. For example, Two-Face typically begins his story as the campaigning, Batman-befriending, gangster-wrangling district attorney Harvey Dent, and then crosses over into the realm of chaotic villainy when he becomes Two-Face (providing another visual metaphor to Batmans own theme of duality).

The Long Halloween and Dark Victory tell Two-Faces story in a way that makes him seem like a support beam for Gothams entire infrastructure. Its probably the most devoted origin tale a Batman character has ever gotten, and it makes it clear that one thing cant happen in a part of Batmans world without it having a ripple effect across everything else. Featuring a menagerie of Batmans antagonists and side characters (Dark Victory even finds room to give Robin an effective new debut in Batmans chronicle), its not just a great starting point for fans new to his comics, but a powerful depiction of how tragic change doesnt leave anyone unscathed.

Batman: The Man Who Laughs  April 2005

There have been many attempts to adapt early Batman comics; even Caped Crusader tries to funnel its 1940s trappings for a 2024 audience. But few have been as successful as Batman: The Man Who Laughs. Written by Ed Brubaker (who is also the head writer on Caped Crusader), it essentially retells the Joker story from Batman #1 and dumps many of the flourishes that have been added to the Joker since. Hes cruel, methodical, and ghastly, a noirish nightmare clad in a corpselike grin.

Its a short comic, but it thrives on tapping into the whodunit potential of Batmans detective work and the stunning force that is the Joker, a character no one is quite prepared for. It serves as a sequel to Year One (the Joker is teased at the end of that comic, a reference that moviegoers see replicated at the end of Batman Begins) and also as an omen for Batmans future. As weve seen, Batmans origin wasnt just an endless line of thugs and neer-do-well industrialists. It didnt take long for the freaks to come stomping through. Batman: Caped Crusader wont have an easy task in trying to balance superheroism with early-40s crime drama and pulpy, outsized horror, but if it pulls it off, it might be the first animated series to properly capture a time in Batmans life that the comic books have aspired to illustrating for 85 years.
The Disney Dilemma The latest season of Land of the Giants from Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network. No direct-to-video sequel gets left behind. Photo: Disney

Its no secret that after the incredible run of award-winning films known as the Disney renaissance, the animation studio sank into a rut again. Treasure Planet, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and The Emperors New Groove still have their cult followings, but none of them measured up to the success of the studios 80s and 90s hits. One film did: 2002s Lilo & Stitch. The story of a young girl and her unlikely companion  a mischievous, puplike blue alien gone rogue  almost brought hand-drawn animation back, and Stitch was spun off repeatedly in the years that followed, mostly in direct-to-video sequel films (the old mans streaming service) that Disney churned out at a rapid rate. The character  along with Lilo; his scientist creator, Jumba; and Jumbas partner, Pleakley  led a slew of films, a television series, a ride attraction, and more as Disney expanded Stitchs lore. Lilo & Stitch may be streaming on Disney+, but theres far more to love in this loosely knit universe. Below, weve rounded up the most notable titles to watch and where you can find them.

Stitch! The Movie

Coming just a year after Stitchs first adventure with Lilo, Stitch! The Movie served as the bridge to the Disney Channel series that would premiere in 2003. This spinoff introduces audiences to Jumbas other experiments teased in Lilo & Stitch, but, more important, we meet Experiment 625, a.k.a. Reuben, the sandwich-eating alien who later becomes Stitchs antagonist.

Streaming on Disney+

Lilo & Stitch: The Series

This bad boy premiered on the Disney Channel the same year as Thats So Raven. Lilo & Stitch: The Series picked up right where Stitch! The Movie left off, following Lilo and Stitch after they are tasked with finding the other alien experiments before Gantu (the big whale-shark villain from the movies) and Reuben do. It also debuted Angel, a.k.a. Experiment 624, Stitchs love interest. Shes just the pink girl version of Stitch and appeared in only three episodes but has become almost as popular as Stitch himself.

Streaming on Disney+

Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (and The Origin of Stitch)

Canonically, Stitch Has a Glitch is the direct sequel to the Lilo & Stitch series despite being released two years after Stitch! The Movie. (And the bonus short, The Origin of Stitch, connects Stitch Has a Glitch to Stitch! The Movie.) In Glitch, gone are the 600-plus experiments running amok, and instead Lilo and Stitch team up for a hula competition. It seems cutesy until you get to the harrowingly emotional third act, in which Stitchs glitch manifests as a panic attack. Aliens get existential, too.

Streaming on Disney+

Leroy & Stitch

Even in cuddly-alien form, men will gladly push out a woman. Leroy is a fake Stitch. Well, hes a red carbon copy of him made by Jumba after the scientist, Pleakley, and Stitch are tasked with going back into space, leaving Lilo behind on Earth. Of course, creating a villainous Stitch goes poorly and chaos ensues, but Leroy & Stitch marks the last sequel in the Lilo & Stitch franchise (until the live-action remake comes out and inevitably spawns even more).

Streaming on Disney+

Stitch! and Stitch & Ai

While Lilo & Stitch made a significant impact on U.S. audiences, Stitch became especially popular overseas, specifically in Japan and China  so much so that the property was spun off into two different series: A Stitch! anime aired in Japan, and Stitch & Ai aired in China. The former aged up Lilo, set her off to college, and changed the location from Hawaii to a fictional island off the coast of Okinawa. Without Lilo, Stitch wreaks havoc again as Jumba and Pleakley stick around as main characters along with other experiments like Angel. In Stitch & Ai, Lilo is replaced entirely with a new young girl, Wang Ai Ling. Both of these series have callbacks to the Lilo & Stitch canon, but more as winky nods than anything substantive. You also cant even watch them! There are clips scattered across the internet, but if youre looking for a traditional television binge, youre out of luck.

Unavailable to stream in the U.S.

Stitchs Great Escape! (a Ride)

This was one of the most terrifying rides Walt Disney World has ever had. (As someone who rode this attraction as a child, I can confirm.) In 2004, Stitchs Great Escape! replaced another terrifying ride in Magic Kingdom: ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. You were strapped into a chair in a dark circular room as Stitch escapes his containment and runs around in the dark, sniffing, belching, and harassing the guests. Its a wonder that the ride lasted so long. It closed in 2018, so you cant ride it firsthand anymore, but if you are at all interested, ride-through videos are all over YouTube.

Relive it vicariously through YouTube.

The Brother Bear Outtakes

Stitch has been deployed in numerous cameos across Disney projects throughout the years, but in Brother Bear, Stitch made one of his first postLilo & Stitch appearances in the films outtakes. RIP, animated blooper reels.
Photo: Getty

On July 11, the musicians of the New York Philharmonic received an unexpected invitation to a video call. They had just returned from China, where the orchestra gave five concerts in three cities, and the performers had been looking forward to some downtime before they traveled to Colorado for the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, as they do every year.

The surprise meeting was called by the co-chairs of the organizations board, investors Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang, who told the group that Gary Ginstling, the Philharmonics president since July 2023, had resigned, effective immediately. Until a new president could be named, Deborah Borda, the orchestras two-time former president and Ginstlings immediate predecessor, would return as executive adviser to run day-to-day operations. The call lasted 18 minutes, and the musicians werent given a chance to ask questions.

Later that day, the Philharmonic sent out a press release with the news, including a statement from Ginstling, who wrote that the New York Philharmonic is an extraordinary institution, and it has been an honor to be a part of it. However, it has become clear to me that the institution needs a different type of leadership, and I have tendered my resignation. (Ginstling declined to comment for this article.)

Ginstling had spent the past three months dealing with the fallout from the publication, in this magazine, of details regarding an investigation into separate sexual-misconduct allegations against Matthew Muckey, a trumpet player in the orchestra, and Liang Wang, the orchestras principal oboe. (Through their attorneys, both men deny all allegations of wrongdoing. Wang has since filed a $100 million lawsuit accusing New York of defamation.)

On April 18, nearly a week after the article appeared, the Philharmonic released a statement saying that Muckey and Wang were suspended with pay and that a decision about their future with the New York Philharmonic will be made in due course. The orchestra also announced that it was opening an investigation, led by attorney Katya Jestin, into the culture of the New York Philharmonic in recent years. Ginstling committed to sharing recommendations from the investigation with the public.

According to an email sent to musicians, interviews for the investigation were completed on June 14. Ginstling was apparently closely involved  he was briefed on the materials gathered by Jestin, and individuals speaking with her were told that Ginstling would have access to information they provided. According to Adam Crane, a spokesperson for the Philharmonic, May and Tang have now assumed oversight of the investigation. They are reviewing everything and will make final decisions in consultation with board leadership, Crane said.

Before Ginstling left, the orchestra had also launched a second investigation, led by another attorney, Tracey Levy, investigating new allegations of sexual harassment, violence, and/or abuse alleged to have been committed by any musicians employed by the Philharmonic, according to Crane. Emails obtained by New York show that at least three women have come forward with new allegations since that investigation began.

Last week, the Philharmonic played its final concert under music director Jaap van Zweden. His replacement, Gustavo Dudamel, doesnt begin his duties until 2025. The twin departures of van Zweden and Ginstling leaves the two most powerful positions in the orchestra vacant at a fraught moment.

The Philharmonic will have to respond to the findings of Levys investigation. It will also have to determine the fate of Muckey and Wang, who remain suspended with pay. Finally, it has committed to an overhaul of its culture to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all those who work for the Philharmonic. These are formidable challenges  and as today, the orchestra has no president and no music director to help the institution navigate them.

This spring, while Ginstling was launching the two investigations that will determine the orchestras future, he took a trip to Kansas City to meet with Cara Kizer, a former French-horn player for the orchestra who, in 2010, accused Muckey of sexual assault. She reported the alleged assault to the police and eventually got an order of protection against Muckey, actions that, she felt, led to her being forced out of the Philharmonic. (Prosecutors never brought charges against Muckey.) Ginstling, Kizer said, was the first Philharmonic executive who wanted to hear about her experiences firsthand.

Shortly after Kizers story appeared in this magazine, Ginstling had emailed her to say that he recognized the vital importance of addressing past and present culture issues within the New York Philharmonic, telling her that he had directed the orchestras lawyers to release Kizer from the non-disparagement portion of a separation agreement that she signed in 2012. (Kizer was formally released a few days later.) If you were ever open to speaking by phone, Ginstling wrote at the end of his email, please know that I would welcome the opportunity.

After the two set up the meeting in Kansas City, Kizer asked Ginstling what he wanted to discuss. Ginstling said he didnt have a specific agenda. Being new to the NY Phil, he wrote, one hope I had was to simply learn more about the culture of the past in order to help inform changes we make and choices we make going forward.

On May 17, they met at a coffee shop near the Kansas City Symphony, where Kizer was set to perform. Ginstling went to the meeting alone; Kizer asked a family member to attend with her. They didnt talk about the alleged assault itself. Instead, they focused on what Kizer felt was the retaliation she experienced afterward, culminating in the orchestra denying her tenure in 2012. In speaking to him, I wanted to describe what happened at the hands of the brass section over the next two years in the orchestra, Kizer said.

Ginstling seemed open to her suggestions about how the organization could improve. He talked about reforming the tenure process to make it more equitable, Kizer said. But mostly, he was giving me the space to talk.

In an email a few weeks later, Ginstling wrote to Kizer to say that the orchestra would release her from the clause in her agreement that prevented her from ever seeking employment again in the orchestra. It would be incredibly strange for me to put myself back in that situation, Kizer said, but I do feel like I earned that job. I feel like, in a complicated way, I would still want it if the right circumstances were in place.

Kizer said that she was encouraged by the conversation, and she was shocked when Ginstling resigned. Now that Borda has returned as the orchestras de facto leader, Kizer hopes that she will be willing to continue what he started. (Borda did not respond to multiple emails requesting her comment for this article.) No one there has ever apologized to me, she said. That would be a start.

Ginstling, who before coming to the Philharmonic had spent five years as the head of the National Symphony Orchestra, was known mainly as an effective fundraiser and ticket seller, not as an artistic visionary. Borda, on the other hand, is widely respected for her musical savvy; as president, she helped the orchestra commission new works, brought in big-name artists, and is credited with convincing Dudamel to sign with the orchestra. She was also the president who finally renovated the orchestras concert hall after years of delays. The musicians I spoke to were excited for her return.

Kizer shares their enthusiasm and agrees Borda may be the best person to guide the Philharmonic through this difficult period. She also notes, however, that Ginstling remains the only executive who has spoken with her directly. In the years and years since this happened, no one else in the administration has ever reached out to me, she said. The only people that Ive ever spoken to were the attorneys.

Kizer was relatively new to the Philharmonic when she came forward with her accusations. Unlike Muckey, she had not yet been granted tenure; she was a probationary member of the orchestra, meaning her performance was subject to review by her fellow musicians, who would determine whether she would be offered a tenured position. Able to speak freely about that process for the first time, Kizer sketched out a portrait of a place with skewed power dynamics and institutional indifference to her claims of assault.

Tenure committees are usually made up of about ten people. Muckey was supposed to be on Kizers original committee, but he resigned before its first meeting. The tenure decision stretched out over nearly two years, during which, according to Kizer, the reception she got from some of the remaining members of the committee quickly turned hostile.

Several current and former musicians and staff told me that the orchestras former principal horn, Philip Myers, was an important player in Kizers tenure decision, with one describing him as the most powerful musician in the orchestra before his 2017 departure. Erik Ralske, currently the principal horn of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra and a former horn in the Philharmonic, described Myers as someone who would often get his way just through intimidation and who made it clear, when you were in conflict with him, that he was going to win at all costs.

Kizer said that when she first joined the orchestra, before she reported the alleged assault, she felt that Myers admired her playing. She also knew that her success in the section would be dependent, in a large part, on her relationship with him. (Myers did not respond to multiple emails requesting comment for this article.)

When Kizer came forward with her allegation against Muckey, Myers was initially supportive. Very sorry to hear about things, he wrote her in an email. Do whatever you need to do for yourself. You are special, valued, everyone wants the best for you.

Kizer said she had not received the same support from other members of the brass section. Philip Smith, then the principal trumpet, had emailed Kizer to express concerns about the effect her allegation would have on the orchestra. (Smith did not respond to multiple emails requesting comment for this article.) While I do not know facts, and am aware that there is a police investigation taking place, I am greatly distressed by this event and disturbed by the damage this has done to all of us individually, as well as the institution, Smith wrote. I am not interested in accusations; that will be determined. But I need to share with you my feelings on this matter. We have been entrusted with the privilege of being caretakers of the heritage of this institution.

Though Kizer was worried when she read Smiths email, she thought she could continue in the orchestra if Myers supported her. But she says she felt his support waver after an incident in the fall of 2010. After Muckey allegedly got too close to her during a rehearsal, Kizer contacted the district attorneys office to accuse him of violating the protective order. (Muckey was arrested, according to a police report, but charges were later dropped. The district attorney dismissed the case, a lawyer for Muckey wrote, because there was no basis to the charge alleged.) By the following May, Kizer felt that Myers was routinely targeting her in front of her colleagues.

In one incident described in a text message sent at the time, Kizer wrote to a colleague that Myers made a snide comment down the section about her playing. At the end of the rehearsal, Kizer heard Myers approach Alan Gilbert, then the orchestras music director, and tell him that she didnt know the music. (Gilbert did not respond to multiple emails requesting comment for this article.)

A little while later, according to the text message, Kizer spoke to Gilbert in his office. She told him about what had happened over the past seven months. He agreed that it did seem personal, she wrote, and told me hed keep an eye out.

Kizer was surprised to see Myers standing outside Gilberts door as she left Gilberts office. She recalled making eye contact with Myers as she walked down the hall. It made me realize that Im not supposed to go over his head, she said. She was denied tenure on November 3, 2011.

Ralske said that he views Kizers story as a much-needed opportunity for the orchestral world to examine outdated institutional practices. Caras story is more than a story of alleged sexual assault, Ralske said. Its systems that failed her, seemingly, both criminally and in the workplace.

Ralske called for orchestras to change the tenure process, pointing to the fact that they have already adopted blind, behind-the-screen audition process to improve equity in hiring. Without anonymous, objective, quantitative feedback, this process can be so politically charged just because of the power of a few key players.

Adam Crane said that both the musicians union and the orchestras management will discuss changes to audition and tenure processes in upcoming negotiations. The outcome of the two investigations will offer the orchestra another opportunity for reform, and the chance to be transparent as it does so. For some, that moment cant come soon enough. Theres a desperation for things to be different and a fear that change wont happen anytime soon, one current musician said. So the question is, how do we do that? And how quickly can that happen?
Cash Cobain and Veeze, two of raps recent breakout stars. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Joseph Okpako/WireImage, Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

On A Tribe Called Quests 1991 song Show Business, Lord Jamar offers a wise music-industry primer, and warning, for aspiring rappers: Time pass and your ass say, Wheres my loot? / The reply is a kick in the ass from a leg in a boot. Through his lyrics, Jamar paints a portrait of the treacherous, cynical, often bureaucratic terrain that rappers must navigate to obtain lasting success. Its a nearly impossible challenge to face for a young and inexperienced rapper, so having a seasoned team to turn to is crucial.

Enter the rap manager. Its a role that requires many hats: getting an artist paid, booking their tours, navigating their emotional ups and downs, and granting them the space and freedom to produce greatness (and, on occasion, roll a blunt). If theyre skilled at the job, they serve as both best friend and drill sergeant, coddling their clients one moment, then hectoring them into making a scheduled event (relatively) on time the next. Thirty-one-year-old fashion-industry vet Glyn Brown, who manages New York rapper and producer Cash Cobain, describes those who hold the gig as often the last people you think of but the first people you blame. Terrence Snake Hawkins, a 48-year-old battle-tested manager who helped Detroit native Veeze secure an unprecedented label deal with Warner Records, notes that all rappers who want to survive need a guide who can rock with you every day, 24 hours a day. Shit, you need a Moses  somebody to lead you out and plant the seeds.

To get a fuller sense of the high-stakes and unpredictable job of a rap manager, Brown and Hawkins drew from their experiences handling two of raps most recent breakout stars in Cash and Veeze.

Remember, you have 50 jobs in one.

Terrence Snake Hawkins: Manager is a broad term. If youre smart, you do whatever needs to be done. If they got luggage, you say, Go to the car, Ill get your bag. You cant have an ego: Oh, Im not your assistant. If you want them to get on that tour bus, put them bags under the bus. Ive also had to go to the dope house and get artists so they can get on a plane.

Never forget the money 

T.H.: Play whatever role you got to play to get the money to flow. You meet a lot of arrogant people who say, Im a manager. This is my artist. Okay, well, how much revenue did you make last quarter? How about last year? You didnt make no money? So what are you managing?

 But remember the moneys not about you.

T.H.: Some managers will book an artist somewhere they dont need to go because the manager needs to pay off their rent or car. Thats when you put yourself in a hole. Its terrible management. Dont make a decision for your client because youre broke.

Never overpromise.

T.H.: All I knew was the streets. Then I started managing a clothing store, and athletes would come through, like Kevin Garnett. Then I started promoting shows, which led to running promotion for Mike Tysons record label. And that led to managing Gucci Mane. I met Veeze around then. Gucci wanted to sign him. I never got in the way of that, but I told Veeze, I cant buy you a chain, I cant buy you a car, but I can guarantee youll be your own boss and own your masters. When youre ready, just let me know. A few years later, he called and said, Yo, big bro, Im ready.

Dont leak the music 

T.H.: I cant monetize if music gets leaked; its all over. Its impossible to plug all the leaks. If you look on YouTube, Im sure theyre monetizing it. I dont care if they made six bucks  I want it. Because if you add up all those six dollars over a plethora of different sites, that shit might add up to $200,000. I want my artists money.

 Well, actually, maybe leak the music.

Glyn Brown: We did that with Grippy. We tricked your minds. People thought it was a new song with Cash and J. Cole. We didnt put Dunk Contest (Remix) on it. We just named it something different. Some people got fooled. I feel like leaks is good. Im not going to lie  sometimes, it can push the song. Cash leaks his own fucking music, basically. [Laughs]

Sell them on touring.

T.H.: I had to convince an agent who knew nothing about Veeze  and Veeze, who knew nothing about having an agent  to sit down together, because I knew we needed to tour. Thats what a lot of young artists dont understand. Its about putting the building blocks around the artist for them to be successful. Those were components that made Ganger what it was. If youve ever been with the chairman of a record label, the first thing they tell a manager is, They need to be touring. Why? Because when an artist is moving, awareness goes up, streams go up, sales go up.

Be protective of your artists well-being 

T.H.: Ive been in situations where doing drugs has been the barrier to the success of the artist  whether its Percs, Xanax, lean, any of that stuff. Also money: When you get artists and theyre on the come-up, theyre willing to run through a brick wall. Then, when they get money in their pockets, they dont want to keep doing the work, and it becomes challenging.

 Especially their ears.

T.H.: I tell Veeze all the time, We need to get more into using TV tracks versus you screaming over your vocals, because youre going to become hoarse. We didnt get in-ear monitors for the first tour, so I took Veeze to the ear doctor. They made a mold of his ears. Without them, youll eventually become deaf. Also, it makes for a better show. I know I get on his nerves with it sometimes, but Im like, Hey, go look at Jay-Z when he performs, because he loves Jay. Listen to the clarity.

Know where they are 24/7.

G.B.: Cash might be in New Jersey, and then suddenly I have to be in Harlem with him because he has some obligation, but no one can get him on the phone. And then we gotta look at his location, which he shares with us. Sometimes we gotta pull up on him. Its hectic, but you just gotta think ahead.

Understand your artists worth.

T.H.: Everybody was into Veeze, but a lot of the offers we were getting didnt reflect the work he put in. I remember telling my attorney, Were not taking more visits. Lets get with a PR company and just put Ganger out on our own, independently.

Never be afraid to disagree 

G.B.: Its all schedules and deadlines with Cash. Hes an artist, and he moves on his own time. When he hits on something and he wants to drop, its next week. And then well have deadlines. Cash is very unorthodox about when he turns shit in. And you got to know how to really reverse his brain. I say, Were trying to 48 Cash. [Laughs]

T.H.: An artist will say, Hey, I want to release this record. Well, sometimes thats not a great idea. If theres a sample in it, I need to clear the sample, which can be complicated. Im not trying to infringe on your art, Im only giving my opinion. But Im also giving you the reality of the decision that you want to make and how this may cost us. That can be a push and pull.

 Or admit when youve fucked up.

T.H.: When making mistakes, be honest. If I fuck up, I let them know. That builds trust between you and your artist. You just got to honor it: Hey, thats my bad. I missed that. I apologize. And if its a situation where it was something that cost us money, then I have to eat it.

Always keep the fans fed 

G.B.: People wanted an album from Cash, but we didnt want to rush anything. But we also didnt want to leave the supporters without music. Cash was like, We got to capitalize on this motion. Thats why we went on that run where we were dropping a single every week. Thats a big, big, big part of why I feel like right now hes blowing the fuck up.

 But tease them, too.

T.H.: When I was Glyns age and younger, you had to do promo tours. Thats when you get in the van and go city to city doing radio shows. Then you stop at record stores to do CD signings. Now you can be lazy. You got to get your artist to understand, Hey, your project is about to drop. You need to start teasing it on socials. You have to convince them to get off their ass. When the shit dont perform well, they look for people to blame. Well, guess what? You didnt promote it on your Twitter or your Instagram. As a rap artist, you have to make up the attention deficit.

Dont do too much too soon.

T.H.: I wish I could do Veezes international tour over. I was so hell-bent on making him global. We did three phases of the Ganger tour. We were successful with phases one and two. The revenue stream went up by 60 percent. I knew I was going to lose on international; I told Veeze, Were not going to make money. But it wasnt so much about the money, it was about building for the following year. But I also hadnt done an international run in years, since I worked with Thug in 2015 and 2016. I should have been better prepared. We needed to carve out a budget for festivals. If we cant book anything between these dates, we cant do the festival. I dont mind breaking even, I just dont want to come out of my pocket. Im still bleeding from this run.

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CANBERRA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Research, development and demonstration (RD&D) and international collaborations are key for Australia to become a leader in the global energy transition, according to the national science agency.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on Wednesday published its first comprehensive assessment of innovations in the refining of critical minerals that would allow Australia to build a mid-stream processing industry.

It found that, in order for Australia to become a global leader in processing critical minerals, investment in RD&D and international collaboration must be prioritized.

Critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium and manganese are essential for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, rare earth magnets for EVs and wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Australia's recoverable deposits of critical minerals are among the largest in the world. The federal government in May committed seven billion Australian dollars (4.6 billion USD) in funding to support the processing and refining of 31 critical minerals between 2027-28 and 2039-40.

According to the CSIRO report, which was commissioned by the government, global demand for critical minerals has doubled in the past five years to 320 billion U.S. dollars as a result of exponential growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and ongoing deployment of solar and wind energy.

Max Temminghoff, Minerals lead at CSIRO Futures, said that the report would contribute to Australia's efforts to develop processing and manufacturing industries using critical minerals.

"To become competitive in mid-stream processing, promoting innovation, coordinating efforts across industry, research and government and international collaboration are essential," he said in a media release.

"By fostering innovation and collaboration, Australia can also capitalise on the international demand for minerals needed to support the energy transition and strengthen its global leadership in critical mineral processing."

The findings of the report will help inform the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, a government initiative composed of experts from the CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). 
For the last season and a half, I have been genuinely curious about what happened to the Caroline Stanbury I met nearly a decade ago on Ladies of London: the British queen of girlboss, gaslight, gatekeep, with the unyielding silver tongue to match. In Dubai, we see glimpses of that. She has had moments where her sarcastic nature has come out, only to cheekily chalk it up to British humor as tensions cool. This week, however, Stanbury finally unleashes what made her an early cult favorite on Bravo in a Machiavellian stroke of genius that showcased her as a capital-H Housewife.

The episode starts in the chaotic aftermath of last nights dinner. Emotions are clearly still raw for everyone  Brooke is venting to Sara about her anger and frustration, and Taleen is publicly working out her remorse over how the situation escalated with her husband. Generally speaking, I think both are at fault  Brooke absolutely seemed to escalate the conflict by being antagonistic at the event, while Taleen admits to being intoxicated and taking low blows, leading to her husband intervening. As Lesa pointed out, it is in extremely poor form and almost dangerous to be engaging in that level of a ruckus as expats  not out of some form of respect for women, as she speculates, but merely as an extension of enforcing social order that reflects a posh, well-groomed society. With a trip to Bali two days away and tensions remaining high, the women are naturally gossiping about how to logistically navigate women who cannot help but get into it with each other the second a Champagne flute touches her lips, with voice messages and FaceTime calls abound. More on this later.

Caroline, however, is mainly stressed about her white sofa. She is certainly angry at how her housewarming went to shit in front of her guests, but the prime issue is that her massive alabaster sofa is so expensive that it is more art than a functional piece of furniture. If any further proof was needed that Stanbury was not to introduce a baby into her household anytime soon, her affinity for elaborate furnishings that cannot withstand even the smallest wear and tear would be it. In that case, I certainly dont expect her to put plastic on the couch like my parents did, but I also feel that Scotchgard has never been a word that has come out of her mouth, either. Despite her misgivings, off to Bali she goes with the eat, pray, party mantra in tow.

The women slowly trickle into the Dubai airport for their early-morning flight to Indonesia  Ayan in a wedding dress, of course  and quickly realize Brooks is nowhere to be found, which causes a mild panic among the group. I understand how the anxiety could have possibly felt in real time  its not impossibly far-fetched that she may have been arrested without access to her phone, which is why I found the stunt immature. As a viewer, however, I could not feed into the worry; I am too seasoned and jaded by reality TV. If she were truly in danger or inaccessible, a field producer would have broken the fourth wall and shared it immediately. I am almost certain that the producer assigned to her already knew that Brooks was not intending to show up.

Worries aside, it is wheels up for the crew first-class to Bali, but not until after Sergio pretends to go along, to the fury of the entire cast. He is ultimately going to Spain because he apparently cannot bear to be alone with his thoughts, which mainly consist of tiki tiki and saving his-and-her bathroom ideas on Pinterest. After working through his separation anxiety, he leaves Stanbury with a full-size poster of him to keep her company that must have been taken years ago, sporting bleached-blond hair and ridiculous shorts.

Bali is a delightful change of scenery for the group, who indulge in every luxury to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Immediate points for the massive Intercontinental Suite, private chef, and elimination of room-assignment antics. All the women are relaxed and ready to enjoy a girls trip. The worry of Brooks remains at a low hum, but as Stanbury says rather sharply, I have no concerns for Brooksz life; that bitch can survive anywhere.

Despite the running narrative that Brooks is the agent of chaos sowing discord among the group, Stanbury has the most opaque relationships with the other women. She discarded Brooks and Sara over relatively minor slights. She put the duo in a tough position when she made swift amends with Ayan after making a point of having them back her up in the reunion and try to shut her out. Stanbury and Lesa are barely more than cordial to each other depending on the day, and Taleen is the newbie fighting to claim a space in the group after being insulted by her. At any moment, the group could look up and realize that Stanbury is just as guilty for the fractured relationships as Brookss penchant for chaos.

This is where a Housewife gets to work. In their initial entry, Stanbury agrees to their commitment to good vibes but discreetly begins planting seeds of her issues among the group. After Brooks makes her surprise appearance at the hotel after a nap, which takes the sting out of some of her rage, Caroline takes Brooks aside during a ride on a catamaran and prods her: What is the deal with your spiritual journey? Its interfering in our relationship. When she uses the phrase spiritual healing, what she really means is Sara and how their newfound bond has created static between the two of them. Her irritation with Sara is palpable. She can barely keep her eyes in her head at the thought of engaging in spiritual activities in Bali despite it being 65 percent of the appeal to expats in the country.

What is starting to become clear is that Brooks and Saras bond is not as random as it seems. If I were to speculate, I would guess that the main building block would likely be them venting to each other about how Stanbury backed them into a corner in the first-season reunion. A bond that has formed out of mutual frustration has turned into a legitimate friendship where they both say empty statements to each other about girlbossing in Dubai. Still, I do believe that Brooks activates Saras savior complex in a way that Stanbury resents and seeks to stop. As quickly as Stanbury sows tension between Brooks and Sara, she is eagerly anticipating her big Joker moment at dinner: sharing a voice message of Sara venting about Taleen and Brooks and saying, I am not the biggest fan of Brooks.

Ayan shared the voice message during lunch with Stanbury and Taleen, but the original source of the voice note was Lesa. Ayan and Sara barely get along and are just starting to make inroads in their relationship. Lesa is rightfully irritated that Ayan didnt think through the optics of spreading a voice note around, which Ayan immediately apologizes for, but she quickly realizes that Carolines manipulations are the real issue. In one fell swoop, Caroline (1) created confusion between Sara and Brooks, (2) put Ayan in the hot seat, (3) put Ayan and Lesa in Saras crosshairs, and (4) diverted attention from the simmering issues between Taleen and Brooks, which would have no doubt been explosive. It is a master class in deviously producing reality-TV drama while on-camera. The real Caroline Stanbury has finally arrived.

Golden Nuggets

 Acknowledging the midday wig changes between Ayan and Brooks was hilarious  more silly moments like this!

 Ayan being afraid to go too far into the ocean because of Jinns is very real. Any Muslim household would grow up sharing Jinn stories and legends  I have several of my own  and it is fascinating to watch her guilelessly explain it instead of making it an opportunity for didactic instruction as Sara does.

 As much as I find some of Ayans fashion choices ridiculous, I respect her intention to live out loud. She said, If I am going to meet God, I will do it in couture. My mom only ever advised me to wear nice underwear.

 Ive only touched on this story line, but I think it is genuinely great to watch Lesas husband try to step up in the household as she juggles multiple things on her plate. That is what partnership should look like, and I hope one day she can calm down and feel secure in that.
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Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

MOSCOW, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying.

"In connection with the incident on Sinyavinskaya Street in Moscow, which resulted in vehicle damage and injuries to the car owner and a passenger, a criminal case has been initiated," said the Investigative Committee of Russia's Main Investigative Department for Moscow.

Investigators and forensic experts are currently examining the scene. A series of investigations, including medical and explosive examinations, will be conducted. 

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Security personnel gather near the scene of a car explosion in Moscow, Russian, July 24, 2024. Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
A dodgy car dealer who copped a fine two years ago for selling cars from his Stirling home without a license almost immediately went back to the same offending, this time winding back odometers so he could on-sell the cars at a profit.

Jacob Hamilton, 53, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday over 10 new charges relating to a secondhand car business Consumer Protection had already shut down in 2022.

Jacob Hamilton leaving Perth Magistrates Court on Friday. Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt

The court heard Hamilton used aliases to buy cheap cars, then wound back the odometers before selling them on for a profit, sometimes hours after the initial purchase.

Consumer Protection prosecutors said Hamilton sold or exchanged 44 vehicles between November 2021 and February 2023, with the offending occurring within weeks of him copping a $40,000 fine for previously operating a similar business without a license.
Bosch: Legacy 

Legacy is a curious word to add to the title of a successful series. It sounds as if youre honouring a shows past instead of furthering its future. It sounds as if youve come to the end of something. In the case of Bosch, which aired for seven seasons on Amazon as one of the sturdiest and most rewarding crime dramas of the last decade, the pivot made sense.

Season 2 of Bosch Legacy sees Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) moving from LAPD detective to private investigator. Credit: Tyler Golden

As in the beloved novels of author Michael Connelly, the shows title character, Titus Wellivers hard-nosed homicide detective Harry Bosch, was angrily resigning from the Los Angeles Police Department to work as a private investigator. New rules, newish show. Still, you dont have to squint very hard to see Bosch: Legacy as the eighth season of Bosch  Welliver himself has said as much.

With hindsight, and the shows first season from 2022 making its debut on a free-to-air streaming platform, it certainly wasnt a hard reboot. Bosch: Legacy was put together by Connelly, who continues to write episodes, Bosch creator Eric Overmyer, and Bosch writer Tom Bernardo. Their institutional memory is as strong as the LAPDs, which continues to hang over Harry even after he took his pension.
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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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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 Wendy, a country girl from a Narrogin farming family, was 21 years old when she met Kenneth Sym at church in 1981. Four days later he asked her to marry him, and within five months they had tied the knot. They spent 39 happy years together and had three children. Wendy, now 63, devoted her life to her family and her work as a paediatric nurse. She described their marriage as lovely and said she loved her husband to bits. Then she was arrested and found guilty of trying to murder him. This week she was sentenced to nine years behind bars for the crime. On Monday, looking thin, frail and nervous as she stood in the dock of a Perth courtroom, she collapsed before the judge while learning of her punishment. Wendy maintains her innocence but police  and later a jury  say she deliberately injected Kenneth with insulin while he was at Joondalup Health Campus in 2021, in an attempt to end his life. He survived after medical intervention, but died a few months later of natural causes.

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He had dementia and had been rapidly deteriorating in the ten years prior, to the point where all he could do was watch television and talk incoherently and incessantly about the Beatles and the Eagles. He would be awake in the night, and sleep through the day; or sometimes not sleep at all. Wendy looked after him full-time and until a year before his death was also still working full-time as a nurse at Perth Childrens Hospital. Kenneth Sym was found to have dangerously high levels of insulin in his system during a stay at Joondalup Health Campus in January 2021. Credit: Nine News Ken also suffered multiple strokes before his death, the last causing him to be hospitalised in Joondalup in January 2021, when he also suffered a near-catastrophic blood sugar episode. He had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes prior, but had not needed insulin to manage the condition. Despite that, nurses who went to Kens aid on January 14 said they could smell insulin on him and a blood test later showed extremely high levels of the drug in his system.

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One of those nurses also described Wendy asking where the bathroom was when Ken was being treated by emergency staff. The nurse told the court something about the way Wendy was holding herself made her suspicious and so after she left, she went to the bathroom to look around. In a bin underneath some paper towel she found a 10-millilitre vial of Actrapid insulin in a paper cup. This type of insulin was not used at Joondalup Health Campus but was at Princess Margaret Hospital (now Perth Childrens Hospital) and was used on the infant respiratory and endocrinology ward where Wendy had previously worked. The hospital bathroom where a used vial of insulin was found. Credit: Nine News The vial had a handwritten note, which stated it had been opened on April 9, 2018. Wendy was found to have been working at the hospital that day. The nurse placed the insulin vial in a sealed bag and provided it to her supervisor, who later gave it to the police. The same nurse found a capped syringe in the sharps container in Kens room, although Joondalup Health Campus staff are taught not to cap their syringes.

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This too was submitted to police. Further analysis found both the vial and the syringe contained insulin, and the vial bore DNA matching Wendys. This was not a mercy killing While Wendy was ultimately found guilty of attempting to kill her husband, her reasons for doing so are not so clear. She has staunchly denied any wrongdoing and therefore no explanation has ever been given for her offending. The vial of insulin used on Kenneth Sym. It has left psychologists, the police, her defence team and ultimately the Supreme Court judge who sentenced her to come to their own conclusions about why she did it. This was not a mercy killing, Justice Amanda Forrester firmly told the court on Monday.

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Wendy also told police during interviews around the time of her arrest that she had not been finding it hard to care for Ken, and insisted that she did not need sympathy when it was put to her that her carers role must have been incredibly difficult. Instead, she told police she found it sad and at times tiring and overwhelming but said her experience as a nurse made it easier for her to care for him. But text messages shown to the court during the trial painted a different picture. Wendy Sym leaving WAs Supreme Court after an earlier court appearance. Credit: Nine News Two days before Ken was admitted to hospital and the insulin incident occurred, Wendy sent a series of text messages describing having been awoken by Kenneth talking nonsense, refusing to get into bed, and having emptied the contents of the refrigerator. He has pulled out a box under the bed and stuff is everywhere, she wrote. I honestly could kill him. I wont, of course.

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CANBERRA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Australian research has found that invasive snail species can be repelled by garlic and attracted by the color red.

The study, which was published by national science agency the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on Wednesday, revealed unexpected insights into pest snails that researchers said could be used to reduce the threat they pose to crops.

The research team conducted laboratory and field tests on four species of invasive snails and found that they prefer the color red but dislike garlic, and to a lesser extent coffee.

Valerie Caron, a Senior Research Scientist from the CSIRO, said the snails' attraction to the color red was a surprise because the general scientific consensus is that gastropods cannot see color.

She said the team is ultimately working towards using red as an attractant for trapping and removing invasive snails and repellents, such as garlic, as barriers to protect crops.

"Garlic was most effective at preventing snails from reaching food sources under laboratory conditions. Coffee barriers offered only limited protection, especially after 24 hours, with some snails even eating the coffee grounds," Caron said in a media release.

The study was part of a 4.6 million Australian dollar (3.04 million U.S. dollar) Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) national research program designed to provide Australian farmers with new tools and techniques to control pest snails and reduce impact on grain crops.

According to the GRDC, invasive snails and slugs contaminate cereal and legume crops, causing damage worth 170 million AUD (112.4 million USD) every year. 
SUVA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Drowning continues to be a critical issue for the Pacific island nation of Fiji, according to Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations First Secretary Vueti May.

May made the remarks at a high-level forum side event focused on the impact of climate change on drowning risks, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Wednesday.

May emphasized the urgent need for increased global attention on drowning, which is the third leading cause of unintentional death in Fiji.

The diplomat highlighted the persistent rise in drowning incidents, calling for dedicated national, regional and international efforts to combat the growing threat.

"We have confirmed that 40 people in a particular year will die as a result of drowning if we're not able to resolve this," May said.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 90 percent of child drowning incidents occur in middle-income countries. 
BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's chief justice on Wednesday called on people's courts nationwide to meticulously implement reform measures outlined at the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee and deliver concrete results.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court, made the remarks at the opening session of a seminar for higher court judiciaries.

The session urged efforts to redouble the provision of judicial policies and inject judicial momentum into the country's drive to comprehensively deepen reform.

Judicial-related reform measures adopted at the plenum should be implemented item by item, in-depth investigations and research should be carried out, and detailed reform plans should be formulated to yield concrete results, according to the session. 
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An Bord Pleanala has overturned a decision by Mayo County Council to refuse planning permission for the installation of an ATM outside a Castlebar bank.

The local authority had previously rejected the planning application submitted by Bank of Ireland regarding the outside of its branch on Ellison Street.

The proposed development would see the new ATM installed along with alterations to the existing window opening, the removal of a section of the existing stonework plinth and minor internal alterations.

The refusal was made on the grounds that the building was a protected structure and the proposed development would contravene the Castlebar local area plan.

An appeal was made to An Bord Pleanala regarding this decision. As part of this appeal, a revised proposal was made regarding the location of the planned ATM so that it would not disturb any of the buildings original features.

An Bord Pleanala inspector Darragh Ryan said the applicant had addressed the primary reason for the initial refusal. Therefore, he recommended planning permission be granted for the development as it would not injure the amenities of the area or adversely affect the built-up heritage of the area.

He recommended a conservation expert be employed to manage and monitor the works on site and that all repair works be carried out in accordance with best industry conservation practice. An Bord Pleanala, in keeping with its inspectors recommendations, granted planning permission for the new ATM.
More than 900 schoolchildren in Mayo are still awaiting an assessment under the HSE School Dental Scheme, according to new figures provided by the HSE in the West.

The scheme provides a dental screening service for primary school children at HSE clinics, offering dental check-ups and treatment to the children in certain, targeted classes.

Last week's meeting of the Regional Health Forum West was told that Mayo Dental Service mainly targeted sixth-class pupils in 2023 and 2024 with some clinics in a position to see fourth-class pupils also. Around 34% of fourth-class pupils in Mayo were targeted as a result. Second-class pupils were not targeted in 2023 and 2024.

According to figures presented to members of the forum, a total of 3,162 sixth and fourth-class pupils in Mayo were targeted under the scheme in Mayo in 2023 and 2024. Some 2,038 pupils have had assessment and treatment completed while 213 have been assessed but are awaiting the completion of treatment. Some 911 children, or 29% of the targeted classes in Mayo, are still waiting to be seen for an assessment.

Castlebar-based Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, who raised this matter with the forum, asked if pupils who graduate from sixth class before their assessment is complete are still eligible to be examined and treated under the School Dental Scheme.

John Fitzmaurice, Chief Officer with Community Healthcare West, said it was his understanding that the Scheme was targeting sixth-class pupils.
A Ballyhaunis-based councillor has said she expects to see a timeline for delivery of the towns stalled primary care centre by the time the next meeting of the Regional Health Forum West is held in September.

Fine Gael Cllr Alma Gallagher asked last week's meeting of the forum when the developer is expected on site and when the HSE is expected to occupy the building. She also sought details of the services to be delivered in the building and the staff roles. Work on the centre has been stalled for almost three years.

Cllr Gallagher was told that a detailed programme for commencement through to completion is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.

Thats been the theme for the past three and a half years that there is no schedules or confirmation to elected representatives and we cant respond back to our constituents, said Cllr Gallagher. There is a growing frustration locally."

The HSE could not confirm when it would occupy the building but said the facility should be finished within 10 months of work commencing on site with at least two months to fit out the building. Therefore, the HSE might occupy the building by late 2025.

Regional Executive Officer with HSE West and North West Tony Canavan said he expects to have a more comprehensive update at the next meeting of the forum in September.

By September, I would ask we have a definite timeframe on the table and we can go back to the people of Ballyhaunis with some clear deadlines. Three and a half years is a long time to be waiting for some feedback from the HSE regarding commencement onsite."

Cllr Gallagher said there were further concerns that the existing Ballyhaunis Health Centre is no longer fit for todays standards and poses health and safety risks.

Im inundated with healthcare workers contacting me. When you have young children being cared for in one room, older people have to go and gain entry through an outside secondary door.

Storage of medical equipment in a shed outside, it is just not fit for purpose in todays standards.
Mellett, headquartered in Claremorris, has announced the appointment of Alf Smiddy to the board of the company and as chairman. Mellett is a company with 180 employees and is expanding its operations in Ireland and into more countries in Europe, where the company is currently involved in supporting leading-edge projects. The company was founded in 2010 by Brendan Mellett.

Alf Smiddys appointment as Chairman marks a significant milestone for the company. Under his leadership and with his support, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of success and innovation across the data centre sector.

Brendan Mellett, Managing Director, Mellett said: We are thrilled with Alf Smiddys appointment to our board as we look to bring our company to the next phase of growth. We share a vision for the future of the company and are determined to achieve the optimum outcome for Mellett in as sustainable a manner as possible.

Alf Smiddy, Chairman, Mellett, said: I am delighted to join the Mellett organisation as chairman at such an exciting time for the business as it continues to accelerate in Ireland and Continental Europe, including Sweden and Denmark. Brendan and his team have done an incredible job in so successfully taking this business to where it is today, and I look forward to working with him. I see a huge opportunity ahead to double the size of the company in the short term as we unlock the opportunities in our sector across several markets.

The company specialises in providing top-tier electrical contracting services, primarily for data centres, operating in Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden. Mellett has completed projects for several leading clients, delivering for the world's leading hyperscale and colocation data centre companies.

ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT

Alf Smiddy is a chartered accountant by profession, who trained with PwC. He is the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of the ESB, and previously served as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director at The Dalata Hotel Group Plc.

He is Chairman and Director of various independent companies including Granite Digital (Digital Marketing), Fohntech Ltd, Carrigaline Court Hotel Ltd, and EHS International Ltd.

He served as Finance Director and subsequently as Chairman and Managing Director of Beamish & Crawford plc, and served on the Board of its parent company, Scottish & Newcastle (UK) Ltd.

He was also a Member of the National Executive Council of IBEC, Director of the Cork Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Cork Local Government Committee, and served on the Board of Cork Airport Authority.

He is on the Board of Oxfam Ireland and also served as a Director of the Government-backed Rethink Ireland (Social Innovation).

A Commerce graduate from UCC, with a Masters in Executive Leadership from Boston College and the University of Ulster. A Fellow of the Irish Marketing Institute. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the College of Business & Law, University College Cork.
SYDNEY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Local media reported on Wednesday that a mass killing spree left at least 26 people, including women and children, dead in Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s East Sepik Province.

According to the National, a spate of killings, rape and burning down of properties took place across the Sepik River villages of Tamara, Tambari and Agrumara in Angoram region of the province.

Over 30 local youths have allegedly been blamed for the incidents, with the first killings in Tamara from July 17 to July 18, followed by Tambari the next day and later, the National reported.

Angoram Member of Parliament Salio Waipo told media that the mass killing and property destruction were related to a land dispute.

"The Angoram District Development Authority will await police investigations to clear the killing zones before help can be dispatched," he was quoted as saying.

Waipo also revealed that the 33 suspects have been identified and a police team was also deployed.

He called on families of victims to stay calm and peaceful, and asked for cooperation with police officers assigned to assist.

Located on the northeast coast of PNG, the East Sepik Province spans over 43,000 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 433,481 people. 
Few events in Irish history have been as crucial as the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which, forged in the fires of conflict, promised a new dawn for a long-divided nation. Now, a quarter of a century later, we find ourselves at another crossroads, beckoning us to ponder the hitherto unthinkable: a united Ireland.

The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has released a report that effectively calls for immediate preparations for a united Ireland. This clarion voice ringing through the corridors of the Oireachtas serves as a reminder of how far we've gone while also forecasting the challenging trip ahead.

To understand the depth of the problem, consider Northern Ireland's history. This province is a location where street names may be battle cries, paintings can be both art and weaponry, and ghosts from the past haunt future generations. The Troubles, the euphemistically termed period of sectarian strife, may be in the past, but its spirit lingers in Belfast's little alleys and Tyrone's sweeping hills.

The Good Friday Agreement aimed to exorcise these demons. At its foundation, it was a contract that promised peace through power-sharing and the concept of consent. It was a masterclass in political ambiguity, with both Unionists and Nationalists seeing their goals reflected in the carefully chosen phrases. However, its most revolutionary aspect was the provision for a hypothetical united Ireland, if the people of Northern Ireland so wished.

For years, this provision lay dormant, a sleeping monster in Irish politics. With Brexit having altered the economic and political landscape of these islands, and demographic dynamics gradually but steadily shifting the balance of power, the giant stirs.

The Committee's report goes beyond a formal economic study or a political rallying cry. In many ways, it acts as a mirror for the Irish mind, reflecting our deepest ambitions and concerns. At its root, the call for preparation acknowledges that the vision of a United Ireland has moved from republican fantasy to political reality.

But what would a United Ireland look like? The study wisely avoids painting a too detailed picture, probably because it anticipates that the future canvas would be filled in by many hands. Instead, it advocates for a Green Paper that outlines a vision and encourages widespread public participation on both sides of the border.

This method is both practical and hazardous. Ireland's past is rife with lofty dreams that perished on the rocks of reality. The goal is to create a new Ireland that is more than just a continuation of the Republic, but rather a true synthesis of North and South, of Unionist and Nationalist traditions.

The economic implications of unification are, of course, central to the issue. The study emphasises the performance of the all-island economy, with cross-border trade expanding from 2 billion in 1998 to 12 billion in 2022. This progress underlines the power of peace, but it also emphasises the potential that remains untapped.

However, economics alone cannot build a nation. The report's recommendations for increased coordination in education, energy, and civil service are more than just administrative tweaks; they are the first tentative steps towards knitting together the fabric of a common society. For example, the proposal for a North-South exchange programme for government professionals addresses both cultural contact and bureaucratic efficiency.

The elephant in the room is, without a doubt, Unionism. The report's call for tolerance and respect for all traditions is admirable, but one wonders how it will be received in loyalist strongholds like East Belfast and North Antrim. The Good Friday Agreement establishes the concept of consent, which requires both communities to support any efforts towards unity. The aim will be to create a vision of a United Ireland that does not endanger Unionist identity, but rather provides an opportunity to express it in a new setting.

The true effort begins with the creation of this structure. The report's recommendation for a forum open to all political parties, North and South, recognises the importance of compromise and mutual understanding in achieving unity. It will entail redefining what it means to be Irish, a definition broad enough to include those who have long identified as something other than Irish.

The cultural implications of this process are substantial. Northern Ireland's unique character, forged in the embers of struggle and determined by its position as a border between Britain and Ireland, cannot be easily absorbed into a greater Irish whole. The goal will be to create a new cultural synthesis that recognises the varied traditions of the North and South while also fostering a shared identity for the future.

This reassessment encompasses more than just flags and anthems, though those will undoubtedly be central themes. It involves harmonising multiple approaches to education, healthcare, and social welfare. It is about bridging the gap between a society shaped by decades of conflict and one that has seen unprecedented peace and prosperity. It is about creating a new social contract for the new Ireland.

The report's political implications are, if anything, more widespread. The necessity for speedy preparation challenges the Irish government to move beyond rhetoric and begin planning for future union. This mission will require not simply administrative skills, but also extraordinary political guts.

Sinn Fein, Ireland's long-standing republican party, sees the report as both an opportunity and a problem. Their dream of a United Ireland is now closer to reality than it has ever been, but with that proximity comes the responsibility to explain a vision that can win over not only their committed adherents but also a large segment of Northern Irish society.

The findings pose an existential challenge to Unionist parties. Their old stance of simply opposing any move towards unity may no longer be viable. Instead, they may need to participate in the process to ensure that any plans take into account their concerns and interests.

The British government, for its part, finds itself in an increasingly uncomfortable position. The Good Friday Agreement commits to respecting the will of the people of Northern Ireland, but the prospect of overseeing the disintegration of the United Kingdom is not one that many British MPs would relish. The change in government at Westminster adds uncertainty to an already complex situation.

As we ponder this probable seismic shift in the political landscape of these islands, we should recall the words of John Hume, as quoted in the report: "Ireland is not a romantic dream; it is not a flag; it is 4.5 million people divided into two powerful traditions."

Hume's concept of reconciliation and collaboration between different traditions remains as relevant today as it was during the darkest days of the Troubles.

If it is pursued, the road to a United Ireland will be long and tough. It will require not only political and economic talents but also a fundamental rethinking of what it means to be Irish in the 21st century. The Joint Committee's report is not an endpoint, but rather a call to begin the difficult but necessary process of preparing for a future that, although still unclear, is looming larger on the horizon.

As we continue on this road, we must remember that the actual test of our success will not be redrawing borders or rewriting constitutions, but rather our capacity to establish a society that appreciates and includes all of its members, regardless of background or views. The idea of a United Ireland has long been a driving force in Irish politics and culture. Today's responsibility is to translate that ambition into a vision that will inspire all who reside on this island, not just Nationalists.
A drone photo shows railway workers conducting inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi on Nanxi River bridge of Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

FUZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang in east China upgraded their alerts for typhoons on Wednesday, as Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of this year, is projected to hit Fujian's coast on Thursday.

Fujian raised the emergency response level for typhoons from Level III to Level II, the second-highest level, on Wednesday. It also announced that it would halt all passenger train services on Thursday, with some services also being suspended on Friday. Meanwhile, Zhejiang upgraded its alert to Level III on Wednesday noon.

Around 9 a.m. Wednesday, the center of Gaemi was located approximately 195 km southeast of Taiwan's Yilan County, packing winds of up to 201.6 km per hour near its center. The typhoon is forecast to move northwest at an estimated speed of 15 km per hour and gain force.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall along the coast of central or northern Taiwan on Wednesday night. After crossing the island, it is projected to make landfall between Thursday afternoon and midnight along the coast between Fujian's Fuding and Jinjiang, according to the meteorological authorities in Fujian.

Fujian provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters also activated a level IV emergency response for rainstorms on Wednesday.

Influenced by the typhoon, rainstorms are expected to lash many parts of Fujian in the coming three days, and the province's central and northern coastal areas are likely to record accumulated rainfall of up to 350 millimeters, with some areas even exceeding 600 millimeters.

Starting from Wednesday, coastal areas in Zhejiang are expected to see gales and rainstorms. Winds of up to 149.04 km per hour are likely to sweep nearby waters of cities including Wenzhou and Taizhou. Heavy downpours are estimated to batter some parts of Wenzhou, Taizhou, Lishui, Quzhou, as well as other cities.

Zhejiang's maritime safety administration has required ships navigating along its coast to make proper voyage plans and move away from the typhoon-affected areas as soon as possible.

Currently, the landing of the typhoon coincides with the peak tourist season on Zhejiang's islands. To avoid tourists being stranded on these islands, local authorities in Wenzhou have initiated emergency plans and organized the orderly evacuation of tourists on the islands.

So far, Fuzhou Changle International Airport in Fujian has canceled 13 flights, and the departure of multiple flights has been delayed.

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, a total of 66 passenger ferry routes and 180 passenger ferry vessels along the coast of Fujian have been suspended. The passenger ferry services in the cities of Ningde, Fuzhou, Pingtan and Quanzhou have all been halted, and some ferry routes in Xiamen, Zhangzhou and Putian are also being gradually suspended.

The Fujian Maritime Safety Administration has dispatched four rescue helicopters and three professional rescue vessels on standby along the province's coast, and 49 patrol boats and 104 tugs are also ready for emergency response. 

Railway workers conduct inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi on Nanxi River bridge of Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Railway workers conduct inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi along Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

A drone photo shows railway workers conducting inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi on the main tower of Nanxi River bridge of Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

A railway worker conducts inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi on Nanxi River bridge of Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

A drone photo shows railway workers conducting inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi on the main tower of Nanxi River bridge of Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024.(Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Railway workers take a break during inspections against the upcoming Typhoon Gaemi along Hangzhou-Wenzhou high-speed railway in east China's Zhejiang Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows fishing boats taking shelter from the approaching Typhoon Gaemi at a harbor of Lianjiang County in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

This photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows fishing boats taking shelter from the approaching Typhoon Gaemi at a harbor of Lianjiang County in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows fishing boats taking shelter from the approaching Typhoon Gaemi at a harbor of Lianjiang County in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows fishing boats taking shelter from the approaching Typhoon Gaemi at a harbor of Lianjiang County in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has issued two new documents to help procuratorates across the country fully and faithfully enforce judicial accountability.

One document details the powers and responsibilities of prosecutors, their assistants and clerks, SPP official Shi Weizhong told a press conference on Wednesday.

It also specifies procuratorial personnel's responsibilities in legal performance, as well as responsibilities in relevant supervision and administration, with a dedicated chapter on internal restraint and oversight of procuratorial power.

The document calls for further improvements to the online platform for case information disclosure to enhance the transparency of procuratorial work.

The other document, revised from a 2020 version, addresses the implementation of judicial accountability. It specifies the scope of accountability, updates scenarios in which judicial responsibilities are examined, and optimizes the procedures for determining and enforcing judicial liability.

It reiterates that prosecutors shall be held accountable for the performance of their prosecutorial duties for their entire lifetime. 
by Bian Zhuodan

BRASILIA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The revelation that the U.S. government and military agencies have been monitoring Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the current Brazilian president, since more than half a century ago, has caused an uproar in Latin American public opinion.

The mainstream view in Brazilian academic and media circles is that this incident fully proves that the U.S. imperial hegemonic thinking of Latin America as its "backyard" has not changed over the past 200 years since the birth of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823.

"In recent years, the U.S. control over its so-called 'backyard' seems to have been relaxed on the surface, but this is based on strengthening another kind of control, namely the surveillance of key figures in various fields, which has now reached an unscrupulous level in Latin America," Marcos Pires, director of the Institute of Economics and International Studies at Sao Paulo State University, told Xinhua.

In mid-July, Lula's biographer Fernando Morais revealed that his writing team had recently obtained 819 documents totaling 3,300 pages of records about Lula from 1966 to 2019 from different U.S. agencies.

According to the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, most of the documents were produced by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which holds 613 documents on Lula, totaling 2,000 pages. U.S. agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA) and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network have not yet responded to requests for information from Lula's biographers.

At the same time, the documents applied by the biographers are only records about Lula's activities before 2019. The number of such documents over the past five years, especially during Lula's third term starting from 2023, is unknown. Brazilian political analysts believe that the real number of documents related to Lula may far exceed expectations.

The U.S. government's surveillance of leaders of other countries is nothing new. As early as 2013, Brazilian media reported the NSA's surveillance activities against Brazil's then-President Dilma Rousseff and many senior officials in her government. However, the time span and the breadth of surveillance content on Lula are more than staggering.

Ever since Lula joined the metalworkers union in 1966, "the United States has always been there, keeping an eye on him," Gleisi Hoffmann, president of Brazil's ruling Workers' Party, said on X last week.

"In addition to the notorious CIA and NSA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Southern Command are also on the watcher list," Hoffmann said. "They monitor our national defense, foreign relations, and who knows what others!"

As for why Lula fell victim to surveillance, Reinaldo Azevedo, a columnist for the mainstream portal UOL, refers to Brazil's importance as an emerging economy with great potential and its geographical proximity to the United States, and Lula as a progressive politician with global influence. "But he is not the kind of person who is reverent to the United States," Azevedo said.

Brazilian international relations expert Vladimir Feijo believes that the surveillance incident may heighten tensions between Brazil and the United States.

"What is the extent of the investigation of countries that claim to be partners, respectful, that have good relations and why would it be necessary to use a secret service, so to speak, if there are open channels of communication?" he asked.

In this regard, some Brazilian politicians and academics are of one mind -- the U.S. government does not actually respect the sovereignty of other countries that it claims to respect. The U.S. government's surveillance behavior is "not only an unacceptable act of violence against Brazilian citizens, but also an insult to Brazil's national sovereignty," according to Hoffmann.

Azevedo pointed out that the United States believes that Brazil, located in its so-called "backyard," should be a country that is subject to its interests and is "part of the American group." However, Brazil hopes to maintain its diplomatic independence.

Brazil regards its relationship with the United States as a cooperative and commercial partnership, which makes the United States "unhappy."

"Brazil is also a key country in the Global South and BRICS that the U.S. is fighting," said Azevedo.

According to the columnist, the United States is spying on the entire world, which is what an empire does when it thinks it is an empire. Though the world is showing a multi-polar trend, the increasingly decadent America is still monitoring its so-called "backyard."

Worryingly still, the United States has the power to intervene all over the world. If it intervenes too much in some places, it may destroy the world, Azevedo warned. 
Lessons from the inquest judgment of the Life Esidimeni tragedy

Holding two public officials responsible for the Life Esidimeni tragedy is a legal milestone. It also highlights the consequences of putting costs over care.

A South African high court ruling marks an important milestone in holding public officials to account for their decisions.

As a result of the ruling, Qedani Mahlangu, who was the health minister for Gauteng province, and Makgabo Manamela, who was the provinces mental health director, can now be prosecuted for nine of the 144 deaths that occurred following the transfer of people with mental disability out of Life Healthcare Esidimeni hospitals in 2015 and 2016.

In October 2015 Mahlangu announced the health department was terminating its contract with Life Esidimeni in line with the Mental Health Care Act, which encourages mental health care practitioners to treat mental health care users in the least restrictive environment, and to save costs.

What followed was one of the most shameful episodes of the past 30 years.

In her oral judgment on 10 July 2024, judge Mmonoa Teffo said Mahlangu, through the decision to terminate the contract, and Manamela, through implementation of the project, were responsible for the catastrophe.

They can both now be criminally charged.

As a psychiatrist with many years experience in academia and working in communities, this is, to my knowledge, the first time in democratic South Africa that government health officials have been held personally responsible for the consequences of a political decision.

It also highlights the devastating consequences of not looking after the countrys most vulnerable citizens, and putting perceived cost before outcomes.

Most helpless

Its worth remembering just how vulnerable the people staying at the Life Esidimeni hospitals were. They lived with chronic neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and dementia, often more than one of these conditions.

The impact of these was such that living in their communities had been difficult. One person with chronic schizophrenia had reportedly lived at an Esidimeni hospital for 40 years.

Most people staying at Life Esidimeni facilities were admitted under the Mental Health Care Act as assisted mental health care users by trained medical professionals, meaning that they were assisted in the decision regarding their care by a family member or custodian and two mental health practitioners.

Essentially, terminating the contract overruled decisions made by families and trained professionals, ostensibly to save money.

How the tragedy unfolded

In October 2015, Mahlangu announced the Gauteng health department would end its decades-long contract with Life Esidimeni, a cluster of privately run mental healthcare facilities.

The contract had ensured the provision of medium- to long-stay hospital care for people with severe mental disabilities.

Mahlangu justified the decision as a project to deinstitutionalise patients in line with national policy, but said the reason for the decision was that the contract was unaffordable.

Ending the contract meant about 1,700 mental health patients had to be relocated out of the Life Esidimeni hospitals to alternative care.

By the end of June 2016, some users were sent home to their families, just over 200 were transferred to provincial tertiary academic psychiatric hospitals, and over 1,200 were moved to either a state-run care centre or one of 27 residential homes run by non-governmental organsations (NGOs).

The process was chaotic. The lack of planning meant that many of the non-governmental homes were unsuitable, understaffed, and lacking experience in providing the type of care required.

It was later revealed many NGOs were fraudulently licensed and inadequately subsidised by the health department.

Gautengs former head of health, Tiego Selebano, later admitted under oath to signing and backdating NGO licences  even after patients had died.

Some mental healthcare users with different diagnoses and medical needs were transported to the various NGOs in open pickup trucks.

Some had their hands and feet tied.

Families were not informed of the whereabouts of their loved ones, confidential patient records were lost or damaged, and people were at times bounced between multiple NGOs.

As early as September 2016 it was clear that things had gone tragically wrong. Mahlangu announced in the Gauteng legislature that 36 people had died as a result of the policy.

By the time the inquest presided over by Teffo began its work in July 2021 the death toll had risen to 144.

Last in line

I was a member of the Sedibeng district mental health team during the Life Esidimeni tragedy. We received 63 mental healthcare users, who were placed in five different non-governmental organisations.

At Life Esidimeni, users were allocated R320 or just under $18 per day. Now, apart from the NGO subsidy of R112 or just over $6 per user per day, no additional resources were allocated to our (or any other) district.

However, the care we provided required intensive collaboration between the mental health team, the family medicine and primary healthcare practitioners, and the non-governmental organisations.

Already short staffed, routine clinical services gave way to the immediate needs of highly distressed, fragile people coming from Life Esidimeni.

The process was such that it seemed decision-makers and government officials did not have to uphold the eight Batho Pele  or People First  principles for public service: consultation, service standards, access, courtesy, information, openness and transparency, redress, and value for money. Or perhaps that the Batho Pele principles did not apply to people with mental disability.

Will it make a difference?

The Mental Health Care Act promotes care in the least restrictive environment possible. Wherever possible, people with mental illness who require long-term care should be discharged for follow-up at primary care or community mental health services.

However, 20 years since promulgation of the act, government funding continues to prioritise stand-alone psychiatric hospitals. Primary care and community mental health services remain underresourced, despite the hard lessons learnt during the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

South African society is not safe, secure, or supportive of people with mental disability. It is riddled with violence, poverty and psychological stress, factors to which people with mental disabilities are most vulnerable. They often have to fend for themselves if they cannot access long-term hospital care.

Holding public officials accountable for their callousness and incompetence is a significant step forward.

But, while the Life Esidimeni judgment brings some dignity to people with mental disability, it lays bare the catastrophic consequences of policies which arent backed up by appropriate funding.

Lesley Robertson, Adjunct professor of psychiatry., University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
OSLO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Norway has aligned with the European Union (EU) in imposing sanctions against Israeli extremist settlers in the West Bank, a government statement said Wednesday.

Last week, the EU decided to impose sanctions on five individuals and three organizations due to "serious human rights abuses." The sanctions add to those already in force.

The aforementioned individuals and organizations are accused of severe abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The individuals will face frozen financial assets and travel restrictions, while the organizations will also have their financial assets frozen.

"The Israeli settlements on occupied land are illegal. The organizations and individuals now listed are behind serious human rights abuses against Palestinians," said Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The foreign minister condemned Israel's decisions to expand settlements in the West Bank.

"Recently, we have witnessed several unacceptable expansions of Israeli settlements. The increasing transfer of control over the West Bank from military to civilian Israeli authorities, and the displacement of Palestinians from large areas of the West Bank due to settlement violence and house demolitions are deeply worrying," he said.

Palestinians are increasingly exposed to threats and violent attacks from settlers. Nearly 1,400 people have been displaced since October 2023 due to settlement violence and movement restrictions. 
SYDNEY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- An Italian air force aircraft crashed on Wednesday in an international military exercise in Australia's Northern Territory (NT) and the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft, the NT News newspaper reported.

All Exercise Pitch Black flight operations have been canceled after the international participant crashed in the Douglas Daly region, south of Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory.

The incident took place about 11:25 a.m. (01:55 GMT) on Wednesday, and the NT Police have confirmed the aircraft was taking part in Exercise Pitch Black, the report said.

An unconfirmed social media report said it was an aircraft from the Italian air force, according to NT News. 
PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Ministry of Health on Wednesday appealed to people not to consume unknown mushrooms after 17 people have been hospitalized in northeastern Ratanakiri province.

The patients, who live in Ou Ya Dav district's Loum village, were admitted to a local health center and a hospital on Sunday after eating a locally foraged wild mushroom.

"The patients, including four women, have the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting," the ministry said in a news release. "They have been receiving intensive care from our medical team."

Health authorities have looked into the incident and educated the villagers to avoid eating unidentified mushrooms, the ministry said.

"Among thousands of the species of mushrooms, there are about 100 species, most of them are poisonous, when being eaten," the ministry said.

The ministry called on people to avoid eating unfamiliar mushrooms, saying that "mushroom poisoning can cost lives".

The symptoms that occur from two to six hours after eating poisonous mushrooms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated iris and dyspnea, the ministry said, adding that poisonous levels depend on kinds of mushrooms.

People should seek medical care at their nearest health centers if they have mushroom poisoning, the ministry said. 
NAIROBI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday directed the country's justice system to release all protesters who were wrongfully arrested during the month-long anti-government protests across the country.

The president also ordered that all charges against the Gen-Z protesters who had been demanding accountability in his government be dropped.

"I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have innocently caught up on the wrong side of things and those not implicated in crime be released and charges against them withdrawn," Ruto told a news conference in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

He said the release of the protesters will enable the agencies to focus their resources, efforts and time on investigating and prosecuting serious criminal elements who took advantage of peaceful demonstrations to advance a dangerous agenda.

"It is important that these suspects are brought to book, and that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," the president said.

Ruto stressed that it is imperative that the nation operates within the confines of the law and innocent protesters should not remain apprehended. He also criticised police officers' use of vicious force against protesters, calling for an immediate investigation into those responsible for the witnessed killings.

"All breaches and violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process, with a view to giving Kenyans a police service that upholds the highest standards of integrity," he said.

The police have been accused of killing more than 50 people during the month-long demonstrations, with rights groups accusing officers of using excessive force on unarmed Gen-Z protesters who had been demanding accountability in government, saying there is a lot of opulence and wastage in government spending.

Ruto said police were under firm instructions to expedite investigations into the killings and bring those responsible to book, adding that it's the responsibility of security agencies to protect the lives of Kenyans and their property.

The president also said that he will amend the evidence and witness protection acts to accelerate efforts to combat corruption.

"I will be proposing amendments to the evidence act and the criminal procedure code, among other necessary legislative amendments, to all statutes relating to corruption to expedite investigations and prosecution of corruption cases and provide for their conclusion within six months," Ruto said.

He said that measures will also be taken to provide an open and transparent public procurement platform which gives open, real-time and end-to-end public visibility of public procurement, from advertisement to award of contract.

Also on Wednesday, journalists marched across the country to protest a surge of violence against the media.

"We demand immediate action on accountability for illegal shootings, beatings, abductions and harassment of journalists in the last few weeks and the prosecution of rogue police officers including the one who shot our journalist in Nakuru," said Seth Olale, a Nairobi journalist, referring to K24 reporter Catherine Wanjeri.

Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu said they want action taken against police officers who have injured journalists. 
Tourists visit the trial preview of an exhibition at the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 22, 2024. An exhibition named "Craftsmanship and Ingenuity  Showcase of Preservation and Restoration Achievements of Newly Excavated Cultural Relics from the Sangxingdui Site" opened here on Tuesday.

More than 50 pieces of newly restored bronze ware, golden ware, jadeware, ivory and other artifacts are displayed at the exhibition, which will last until the end of 2024.

Discovered in the late 1920s in the city of Guanghan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, the Sanxingdui Ruins have been dubbed as one of the world's greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

The provincial cultural relics and archaeology research institute said on Tuesday that, since 2022, over 400 sites have been identified, including high-level building foundations, ash pits, ash ditches, and stone artifacts production and processing sites at Sanxingdui. More than 4,000 artifacts, including pottery, jadeware and stoneware, have been unearthed. [Xinhua/Tang Wenhao]
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). Combining the functions of production, administration and defense, XPCC has made indelible contributions to the development of Xinjiang. Despite a harsh natural environment, XPCC workers have reclaimed ecological oases from the desolate Gobi Desert, initiated Xinjiang's modernization, established large-scale agriculture, built industrial and mining enterprises, and established new cities and towns  all by joining hands with local people of all ethnic groups.

Women artists, from across the country, were recently invited to visit XPCC and create works of art that highlighted women's contributions to the development of XPCC. In addition, a fine arts exhibition, with the theme "Salute Mothers in Gobi Desert," was held in Urumqi Art Museum, in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. More than 124 works, created by women artists, and including Chinese paintings, oil paintings and prints, were displayed. The exhibition and other events were organized by the Federation of Literary and Art Circles of XPCC, China Female Artists Association, and Women's Federation of XPCC. In this edition, Women of China highlights some of the works, to share the beautiful creations with our readers.

Gobi Mother Jin Maofang [Painted by Kong Zi]

Inheriting [Painted by Gao Hong]

Women on Pamir Plateau [Painted by Chu Xiaoli]

Beautiful Ili [Painted by Gong Lihui]

Harvest Season [Painted by Song Huan]

Mother's Memories [Painted by Chen Xinrong]

Meilian: A Doctor on Horseback [Painted by Chen Yannong]

Pictures from China Female Artists Association

(Women of China English Monthly July 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha
XINING, July 23 (Xinhua)  Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has urged efforts to study and implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, to improve the employment-first policy, and to effectively boost people's wellbeing.

Shen made the remarks during an investigation and research tour on employment and other matters related to people's livelihoods in northwest China's Qinghai Province from Sunday to Tuesday.

During the tour, Shen called for efforts to fully tap into the potential of local industries to boost employment, encourage and support college graduates to start up their businesses in the countryside, and raise the income of flexibly employed people.

Shen also urged efforts to refine the social security system, improve the mechanism to promote high-quality and full employment, and faithfully implement various measures to ensure stable employment.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha


In Kuiwen District, in Weifang, a city in East China's Shandong Province, many women like "going to the fair." However, they are not going to the fair to buy daily necessities, but to find jobs and/or providers of services.

To meet residents' needs for various domestic services, Kuiwen Women's Federation has strengthened the building of women's domestic-service stations and organized domestic-service fairs in communities.

In fact, women's federations, at all levels in Shandong, have strengthened domestic services throughout the province, meeting people's various needs, such as cooking, cleaning and the care of infants, young children, and the elderly. That, in turn, has enhanced the sense of fulfillment and happiness of families.

Since 2022, when Shandong Women's Federation launched its action to deliver women's domestic services to urban and rural communities, more than 6,000 activities, including publicity activities, skills training, recruitment fairs and volunteer-service activities, have been held throughout the province. Those activities have benefited approximately 240,000 women and their families.



The vigorous development of the domestic-service industry in Shandong has created employment opportunities for rural women. In turn, women have increased their incomes, by providing domestic services, and residents have been able to enjoy convenient domestic services without having to leave their communities.

A women's domestic-service matrix has evolved in Shandong, guided by the Shandong Sisters brand and supported by more than 300 domestic-service providers, such as Sunshine Sisters and Yimeng Sisters.

More than 2 million women now work in the province's domestic-service sector, and they provide services to more than 3 million households. The domestic-service matrix has helped expand employment, promote consumption, improve people's livelihoods, and boost rural revitalization.

To enable more women to achieve their dreams in the domestic-service sector, women's federations have explored ways of improving and expanding women's domestic services. The federations have also guided domestic-service institutions to provide diverse and specialized services in communities.



For example, Dezhou Love Home Community Service Center has been offering home-based care of children and the elderly, care of people with disabilities, and various other volunteer-based services.

Jinan Huixin Huizuo Domestic Service Company has helped develop various products, such as pastries, clean vegetables, and handicrafts, to meet the needs of residents. It has also been providing more than 10 kinds of thoughtful community services, including matchmaking and accompanying patients when they see a doctor.

Women's federations have created comprehensive domestic-service complexes, which have integrated women's domestic-service parks, domestic-service enterprises, and community-service stations to provide integrated services, such as domestic services, domestic training, domestic employment, and entrepreneurship incubation. Weifang is a prime example. A 7,640-square-meter domestic-service complex, which houses 24 domestic-service enterprises and institutions, has been established.

Shandong Women's Federation has encouraged domestic-service providers to develop apps, mini programs and other online-docking services based on community-service requirements, and relying on community-network-information-service platforms.

The federation has also encouraged the development of stores in communities, to provide services, evaluation of services, and a one-stop, information-tracking system of orders.

Photos from Shandong Women's Federation and VCG

(Women of China English Monthly July 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha


Tianjin Women's Federation has built the brand, Jin Sisters Domestic Service, promoted integration of domestic services and community-level women's work, and served women and families in urban and rural communities.

Women's federations, at all levels in North China's Tianjin Municipality, have leveraged the roles of property-management enterprises (under the leadership of grassroots Party organizations) and women's micro homes (grassroots women's organizations) in serving and connecting with women.

The federations have made good use of both domestic-service industry resources and women's volunteer teams, and they have made "going to women's micro home service stations" an option for residents who require domestic services.

To offer reliable, high-quality domestic services, the federations have been focusing on strengthening the bonds between residents, communities and domestic-service providers, matching the demands of residents with domestic services, and providing diverse service options, so residents can receive services, provided by considerate individuals, without leaving the community.

The utilized work mechanism  "residents making orders, communities dispatching orders, domestic-service providers receiving orders, and users evaluating services"  enables a precise, efficient matching of high-quality, domestic-service resources with residents' needs.



Domestic-service providers are known for providing cleaning and child- and elder-care services. However, they provide many other services, such as home maintenance, repairing bicycles, bathing seniors in their homes, and accompanying elderly people to hospitals.

To foster women's employment and entrepreneurship potential, and to unlock market vitality, Tianjin Women's Federation has provided public-welfare-skills training and guidance on entrepreneurship to various groups waiting for employment, such as full-time mothers, migrant workers, college students and registered-unemployed individuals.

Tianjin Women's Federation has also encouraged domestic-service providers to join community volunteer service teams, and to offer free in-home services to low-income families and families with elderly people and/or people with disabilities.



The women's federation of Tianjin's Dongli District has supported domestic-service providers by offering domestic-skills training in cleaning, cooking and caring for children and the elderly.

It has also encouraged domestic-service providers to join volunteer-service teams, provide high-quality home services below market price for ordinary families, and provide free in-home services to disadvantaged groups.

The women's federation of Tianjin's Jinnan District attaches importance to the integration of the domestic-service industry and vocational education. It has guided vocational institutions in the district, including Tianjin Vocational Institute and Tianjin Binhai Vocational Institute of Automotive Engineering, to offer domestic-service courses.

Such courses have helped students better understand the domestic-service industry, and in turn broaden their employment perspectives. Some students have opened community domestic-service shops after they have graduated.

The women's federation of Tianjin's Wuqing District has organized 110 domestic-service training sessions, and has helped more than 1,000 rural women change their traditional view of domestic services and find jobs in the industry. It has trained about 19,000 domestic-service professionals, and it has helped more than 10,000 women find employment.

Photos from Tianjin Women's Federation

(Women of China English Monthly July 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha
UNITED NATIONS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the declaration on ending division and strengthening unity signed by 14 Palestinian factions in Beijing, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Guterres "very much welcomes the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the Palestinian factions," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, in response to questions at a regular daily briefing.

Terming the deal as "an important step towards furthering Palestinian unity," Dujarric said the secretary-general "encourages all factions to overcome their differences through dialogue and urges them to follow up on the commitments that were made in Beijing and the declaration they signed on to."

"We've seen this before, we've talked about it before, and I think all steps towards unity are to be welcomed and encouraged," he said.

"Palestinian unity, as we've said many a time, is crucial for peace and security and for advancing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and for a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he added.

Guterres also expressed his appreciation for the diplomatic efforts being made by China as well as efforts of other countries involved in facilitating the process, said the spokesman.

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity. 
Wrexham employees raise over 1,000 for Nightingale House Hospice

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jul 24th, 2024

A team of financial planners have raised over 1,000 for charity after taking on a ramble along the Sandstone Trail.

Hadlow Edwards, on Central Retail Park, recently presented Wrexham-based Nightingale House Hospice with a cheque following their fundraising achievements.

Almost 50 staff, family members, and clients took part in the loop that included part of the Sandstone Trail in Cheshire, raising a combined total of 1004.71.

Hadlow Edwards marketing manager, Fiona Clarke recently handed over the collecting buckets and a cheque, following the companys event, which took place in May 2024.

Fiona said the team had been blown away by the level of support for its latest fundraiser.

So many people took part in what turned out to be a fun and entertaining day  and we were delighted by everyones generosity too, said Fiona.

Following the walk, which was led by our director, Warren Hadlow, we had the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned drink and social at the Bickerton Poacher, which really rounded the day off well.

The ramble was the latest fundraiser undertaken by the Hadlow Edwards team for Nightingale House, with previous fundraising including a 383 km cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia and a Spinathon in Wrexham city centre.

Nightingale House Hospice provides specialist palliative care services for those with life-limiting illnesses. Its services are free-of-charge, to patients and their families across its catchment area, stretching from Wrexham, Flintshire and East Denbighshire to Barmouth and the border towns including Oswestry and Whitchurch.

Sarah Povey, corporate partnership lead at Nightingale House added: We cant thank the team at Hadlow Edwards enough for this fantastic donation.

The ongoing support of companies like Hadlow Edwards is paramount to our ability to continue to offer our beneficiaries specialist palliative care they need.

This is always delivered by a multi-disciplinary team trained and competent to meet the needs of all patients, including those with complex, specialist needs.
UNITED NATIONS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) -- the world's target of zero hunger -- "is off track."

In a video message to the launch of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024, Guterres said the report contains two important messages.

"The first is that hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition remain a global crisis," meaning that SDG 2 -- the world's target of zero hunger -- "is off track," the UN chief said.

Around 733 million people, or some 9 percent of the world population, faced hunger in 2023, and some 582 million people will be chronically undernourished by 2030, more than half of them in Africa alone, according to the report.

The report's second message is that "we can solve this crisis," Guterres stressed, adding that finance is "the key."

Finance is just one piece of the "puzzle" in transforming food systems, but is an essential piece, critical to helping countries build and upgrade food systems at the pace and scale required, he pointed out.

Noting that only about one-third of all low- and middle-income countries have adequate financing options for food and nutrition, the UN chief said all low- and middle-income countries are also vulnerable to economic shocks, conflicts and extreme weather events.

He called for justice to help hard-hit countries invest in resilient, innovative and sustainable food systems, to ensure access to short and long-term concessional finance, investments, budget support and debt relief, and to reform the global financial architecture, so developing countries are better represented and can access adequate financing to achieve their goals.

"Hunger has no place in the 21st century," he emphasized, noting that the world of zero hunger envisioned by SDG 2 is not only necessary, but also achievable.

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024: Financing to End Hunger, Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in All Its Forms, published by five UN agencies -- the Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN Children's Fund, the World Food Program, the World Health Organization, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development -- was launched on Wednesday. 
Mass protests continued for a sixth week yesterday calling on Kenyan President William Ruto to resign. Demonstrations have been mobilised using hashtags such as #TotalShutdown, #OccupyJKIA, and #RutoMustGo, opposing soaring costs of living and taxes. Protests have also spread to neighbouring Uganda.

Demonstrators sought to block the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of the busiest in Africa, after reports of its privatisation. Scenes at the airport indicated little to no activity, as the military deployed to Pipeline, a working-class neighborhood near the airport.

Across the country, protestors blocked major highways.

In Nairobi, all roads leading to State House were barricaded by heavily armed police. Nairobis Central Business District remained a ghost town during the morning, until state-paid goons on motorbikes were allowed in carrying signs stating Give Ruto time.

In the afternoon, tens of thousands marched into Nairobi from Mombasa Road, linking port-city Mombasa to the capital, chanting Ruto must go.

On the outskirts of Nairobi, in Kitengela, at least 10 protesters were arrested after attempting to organise a protest and block the Nairobi- Namanga Road, the main highway between Nairobi and neighboring Tanzania.

In Mombasa, police teargassed hundreds on the main street Moi Avenue, injuring a deaf trader selling sweats. He was hit in the forehead with a tear gas canister. Protests were also reported in Kisumu.

In Migori, police used teargas to disperse youths who had blocked the Migori-Rongo highway. Businesses in the town remain closed and transport is paralysed.

The protests are a rejection of Rutos announcement last Friday of the first batch of Cabinet Secretaries, replacing those dismissed on July 11 after weeks of mass anti-austerity demonstrations. In a provocative move, Ruto reinstated half of the officials he had fired just two weeks ago, including the blood-soaked Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki.

Kindiki is infamous for overseeing the violent crackdown of protests, resulting in at least 53 deaths, over 600 injuries, and scores of abductions.

The new appointments also included Aden Duale for Environment, the former defence minister known for deploying the military against unarmed protestersan unprecedented move in Kenyas history. Duale also dispatched 1,000 police officers as US-funded mercenaries to Haiti to suppress the local population. He has close ties with Washington, holding frequent meetings with US military-defence officials. This resulted in the signing of a five-year defense cooperation framework, enhancing military interoperability and designating Kenya as a Non-NATO ally. This enables Kenya to acquire modern US weaponry and receive training to deploy troops as proxies across Africa.

French imperialism has also backed Ruto. President Emannuel Macron, who has his own experience crushing anti-austerity and anti-war protests, said yesterday, I really hope these demonstrations will end soon. You have a great country and a great President, Ruto.

On Sunday Ruto, mentored by the brutal Western-backed dictator Daniel arap Moi, cynically proclaimed, Kenya is a democracy and a peaceful country. We must never, as a country, agree to replace our democracy with a dictatorship and tyranny of faceless, anonymous people who want to use violence and destruction of property and loss of life in place of democracy.

The threat to dictatorship stems not from the protestors, but from the Kenyan ruling class and its US and European backers, which are fully aware that these class tensions are rooted not in exclusively Kenyan but global conditions of social inequality incompatible with democratic rule.

Ruto has the backing of the main leader of the opposition, millionaire Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja coalition. Odinga, 79, first announced that Azimio would join Rutos government, only to backtrack amid a torrent of opposition on social media. He then stated Azimio would only do so if Ruto paid lip service to addressing issues such as police brutality, healthcare, and education.

On Friday, Kenyans again opposed Odingas move under the hashtag Ruto and Raila must go now.

Odinga is opposed by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, which works within the Azimio opposition. Musyoka has called Railas move a betrayal of the Kenyan people. Musyoka, however, represents the same filth, having been Mois Foreign Affairs Minister, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and National Organising Secretary of KANUthe only legal party under Moi.

Odinga, however, appears to be a spent force for the ruling class, as his ability to control protests is now in question. The Standard acknowledged, Until last year, he was the big boy in opposition who could call protests on and off at will. He enjoyed the monopoly of pushing the government to a corner. But times have changed, and Raila is now faced with a huge monster that will either mark the end of his dominance in the countrys politics or propel him to greater power.

The huge monster that terrifies the ruling class is the working class. The first signs of workers threatening to enter into struggle were seen last week. Hundreds of thousands of teachers are threatening to strike after Ruto refused to increase their wages as promised and provide 20,000 permanent positions to intern teachers.

Fearful that opposition will escalate outside the union bureaucrats control, Aggrey Namisi, vice chairman of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), warned Ruto: If they do not pay by the end of the month, we will have a serious industrial problem which will result in a nationwide strike.

Anger among civil servants is also mounting after Rutos government announced a wage freeze. The National Treasury also failed to release more than $230 million to the county governments, in charge of essential services like education, healthcare and infrastructure. It is part of austerity measures being imposed by Ruto to compensate the withdrawing of the savage tax hikes on basic goods last month.

Over the weekend, privately owned minibuses used as share taxis, which transport millions of workers and students across Kenya, issued a seven-day strike notice over an increased Road Maintenance Levy from Ksh.18 per liter to Ksh.25 per litre, despite Rutos assurances he would not raise it following the mass anti-austerity protests.

Tens of thousands of ride-hailing drivers went on a one-day strike last week to demand higher fares per mile. They are threatening to strike again on Wednesday. Kenyan truckers are also considering striking.

Coffee farmers last week blocked major highways over poor pay rates. Kenya is home to approximately 800,000 coffee farmers, primarily smallholders. The sector employs over 6 million people directly and indirectly, with coffee workers possessing immense power.

Yesterday protests spread to neighboring Uganda. They were violently crushed by US-backed Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1986.

The expansion of protests globally testifies to the tendency of the movement of the working class to sweep over national borders. However, everywhere, the struggles of workers are being strangled by the pro-imperialist and nationalist trade union apparatus. Controlled by an upper-middle class stratum, the unions everywhere are hostile to the interests of the workers.

Workers need to develop new forms of militant rank-and-file organisation in factories, neighborhoods, and plantations to organise independently of all capitalist parties and their trade unions. Democratically elected workers action committees will develop the means for a common struggle against the Ruto government and its escalating austerity and police state attacks. They will reach out to workers internationally now coming into struggles against austerity, rising costs of living, jobs and wage cuts and the suppression of basic democratic rights.
As Canada is swept by a summer wave of COVID-19, an arbitrators decision rejecting a case accusing meatpacking giant Cargill of failing to prevent the spread of the virus at its High River, Alberta, facility has shown once again the ruling elites hostility to any measures to safeguard workers health during the pandemic.

Arbitrator James Casey, a mediator on the Alberta governments Grievance Arbitration Roster, ruled in favour of the multi-national conglomerate, whose Alberta facility witnessed the largest outbreak in North America during the early stages of the pandemic, with over 900 workers infected and two losing their lives.

The ruling came as COVID levels are on the rise across Canada, as well as in the United States and many European countries. According to the bi-weekly forecast released by Dr. Tara Moriarty on X/Twitter July 6, infections were 10 times higher, Long Covid cases five times higher, hospitalizations 17 times higher, and deaths 10 times higher than the lowest point in the pandemic. Her figures, which are the most reliable data source following the systematic dismantling of virtually all government data collection, revealed that approximately one in 73 Canadians are currently infected with COVID.

The major dispute between employees at the companys main beef slaughterhouse facility in High River and Cargill management revolved around the companys initial refusal to shutter the plant as the virus ran rampant and its opposition to any serious public health measures to prevent the ongoing spread.

As infections rose steadily during April 2020, Cargill refused to shutter the plant. Many workers were hospitalized, some in intensive care. Within weeks, virtually half the plant951 workershad contracted COVID. Over 600 close family members of Cargill workers were also infected. Along with the two workers who lost their lives, a family member of another infected worker also died. It was only after the first worker death was confirmed on April 19, 2020, that Cargill reluctantly agreed to shut the plant for two weeks. Alberta Health Services green-lighted the restart of production in early May, lying to workers with the claim that the facility was safe.

Across North America, 30 workers who were members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union had already lost their lives by this point. The UFCW was instrumental in organizing the return to work at High River, refusing point blank to lead a collective struggle by the workers to defend their health and safety rights.

Although the UFCW admitted the plant was not safe, the unions local president, Thomas Hesse, bowed to the diktats of the company and the government who declared the plant safe and ordered the meatpackers back to work in early May 2020. With workers terrified of re-entering the facility and clamouring for union protection, Hesse announced that no industrial action would be taken to oppose the unsafe re-opening. Instead, he said, We are looking at legal options. We are not asking for a work stoppage. A work stoppage would not be legal.

The legal option, the filing of a health and safety grievance, was finally adjudicated last monthsome four years after the deadly spread of the virus inside the plant, far too late for the workers who died or suffered long-term debilitation due to their COVID infections.

In his ruling, arbitrator Casey sided with the company. The UFCW was asking for a total of $20 million in damages against Cargill due to the companys actions (and inactions) during the first few months of the pandemic. In their grievance, the union demanded that Cargill be required to compensate each employee $10,000 and pay the union $100,000. However, Casey ruled that the company was largely blameless due to the limited and rapidly changing information concerning COVID-19 during the first months of the pandemic. Cargill, claimed Casey, largely met its health and safety obligations and cannot be held liable for the damages pursued by the union.

From the outset, it was clear to workers that initial precautions taken in the High River plant against infection were dubious. As the virus thrived in the hot, moist factory environment and workers laboured in close proximity to each other, the inadequate masks provided by the company offered no serious protection from infection.

Even public health inspectors, fearful of certain areas of the facility, made their observations from outside the plant using electronic surveillance.

On April 15, 2020, such an inspection pronounced the plant safe, ordering workers to keep at it in spite of hundreds of infections. Just four days later, the first fatality among the workforce was announced, prompting the two-week shutdown. When this period was over, company management and the UFCW bureaucracy ensured that no time was lost in herding workers back into the facility.

Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said that Alberta Health Services officials conducted on-site inspections and were assured that the facility was safe. The unions attempt to get a stop-work order from Alberta Occupational Health and Safety failed. An audio recording of a town hall meeting with Cargill workers and other documents obtained by CBC News in 2021 showed Conservative provincial Labour Minister Jason Copping, Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshan and public health officials, including Hinshaw, deliberately concealing the ongoing danger.

If you look at this evidence in its totality Occupational Health and Safety professor Sean Tucker told CBC, it is clear that keeping the plant open is more important than worker safety. I think there is enough evidence to show that there was a regulatory breakdown in the case of Cargills High River, Alberta plant, that people knew about problems but were not empowered to share them with workers.

The release of the damning documents served as the occasion for trade union bureaucrats to denounce the provincial government in sharp terms. UFCW Local 401 president Hesse described the governments handling of the outbreak as not just negligence, it is worse than negligence.

This is no doubt true, but the fact is that these same union bureaucrats were telling workers throughout the crisis to rely on the very same negligent government and its legal institutions to protect their health and safety. During the Cargill outbreak, UFCW officials repeatedly insisted that the pro-employer labour, and health and safety boards of Alberta, overseen by the pro-big business, hard-right United Conservative Party government, would protect workers health and well-being on the job. Hesse summed this up when he categorically ruled out any job action by workers who were opposed to a precipitous return to the plant in May 2020 by invoking the legalities of the situation.

Hesses statement exemplified the outlook and role of the union bureaucracies across Canada and internationally. They prioritize the upholding of the pro-corporate collective bargaining and labour relations legal framework, which exists to protect the interests of the bosses at the expense of workers. Union officials are bitterly opposed to challenging it because it is this system that underpins their perks and privileges, including six-figure salaries for top officials and prestigious positions on various tripartite corporate-government-union committees.

The argument that workers must abide by legality was used by the unions in every province to sabotage worker opposition to the reopening of schools and workplaces, and their continued operation even as infections skyrocketed. Even after the blatant indifference of the ruling elite and its state structures towards the lives of workers was spelled out in flesh and blood, as in the case of Cargill, bureaucrats like Hesse seek to cover their tracks with radical bluster and feigned shock at government negligence.

The loyalty of the UFCW apparatus to these corporatist structures, rather than the workers they claim to represent, was underscored yet again earlier this month with the sellout of a strike by Cargill workers in Guelph, Ontario. The overwhelmingly low-paid workforce, many of whom had to rely on food banks during the more than one-month strike, were forced to accept a rotten deal that met none of their demands.

Arbitrator Casey avoided discussing in his ruling the corporatist partnership involving company management, the union bureaucracy, and government officials against the workers. Instead, he sought to hang his hat on initial public health information that attributed COVID infection to dropletsand not airborne (aerosol) transmission. Many epidemiologists and other principled scientists argued from the outset that Covidwith clear similarities to SARSwas an airborne phenomenon that could not be properly mitigated by the basic surgical masks that were being distributed in factory and office settings. Despite strong evidence to back up this understanding, governments around the world and international institutions refused to recognize the airborne transmission of COVID in the pandemics early stages, resulting in millions of infections and deaths.

The federal Trudeau government treated aerosol transmission of COVID-19 as little more than an afterthought. Not until the autumn of 2020, long after scientific investigations had demonstrated the centrality of airborne spread, did public health authorities even admit that aerosol transmission was possible. Moreover, as the CBC noted at the time, this change to the COVID-19 guidance was done quietly. It was not accompanied by any campaign to warn the public of the danger of aerosol transmission, including explaining the necessity of wearing high-quality N95 masks, let alone any changes in government policy or regulatory requirements for employers.

The federal governments insistence that droplets were the main mode of transmission, a claim followed by provincial governments and corporations across the country, was driven by political and financial motives. The ruling elites profits before life pandemic policy, based on forcing workers back into unsafe workplaces so they could churn out profits for corporate Canada, required that airborne transmission be denied or at least downplayed. This enabled governments to avoid imposing any responsibilities on employers for taking adequate precautions to stop the airborne spread of COVID-19, while at the same time removing any obligation from governments and corporations to fund basic upgrades to improve ventilation and air quality in both public and commercial facilities.
Four Just Stop Oil climate protesters Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu and Cressida Gethinwere sentenced to four years in prison last Thursday for plans to blockade Londons M25 orbital motorway. A fifthRoger Hallam, the co-founder of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oilwas sentenced to five years.

A milestone in the UKs descent into authoritarianism, the trial was the outcome of a conspiracy between the right-wing media, successive Conservative and Labour governments and an increasingly complicit judiciary.

Police charged the five campaigners after a Sun journalist infiltrated and recorded a Zoom call on which plans for the protest were discussed. The Crown Prosecution Service then levelled charges under section 78 of the repressive Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (PCSCA), which treats protest movements as a criminal enterprise and provides for sentences of up to 10 years in prison for intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance, including by causing serious annoyance, serious inconvenience or serious loss of amenity.

Handing down the record sentences for peaceful protest, Judge Christopher Hehir was vitriolic, declaring that each of the five had crossed the line from concerned campaigner to fanatic.

Michel Forst, UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders, outside Southwark crown court with the defendants. [Photo: Just Stop Oil]

Being sure to comment that, had the protest succeeded, he would likely have applied the maximum sentence of a decade in prison, Hehir went on, Your fanaticism makes you entirely heedless of the rights of your fellow citizens. You have taken it upon yourselves to decide that your fellow citizens must suffer disruption and harm, and how much disruption and harm they must suffer, simply so that you may parade your views.

What strike or protest would not fall foul of this denunciation? And what is the legal distinction between a concerned campaigner and a fanatic? The verdict is part of a rapid evisceration of the right to protest in Britain that has taken place in recent years, with climate protesters bearing the brunt.

Between them, the PCSCA (2022) and the Public Order Act (2023) criminalise swathes of legitimate protest activity. The latter was used to arrest over 200 Just Stop Oil campaigners on a single day last December for taking part in go-slow marches on London roads. Fifty-seven-year-old father of three Stephen Gingell, arrested in November, became the first to be jailed under the new law in December, for six of a potential 12 months.

This April, Morgan Trowland and Marcus Decker were sentenced to three-and two-year sentences under the PCSCA for a protest at the Dartford Crossing. Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr acknowledged the jail terms were well beyond previous sentences imposed for this type of offending, but countered that the judges were following Parliaments will.

Hehir invoked the will of parliament, referencing the Trowland and Decker case in his sentencing remarks to justify the comment, I do not regard your status as non-violent direct action protesters as affording you any particular mitigation.

In trying the case, Hehir made use of a further series of reactionary court decisions in the last years to deny the defendants an opportunity to explain and justify their actions before the jury. In September 2022, then attorney general Suella Braverman secured a ruling from the Court of Appeal to remove the defence of proportionality for significant criminal damageallowing defendants to argue conviction would be a disproportionate infringement of their right to protest.

This March, then attorney general Victoria Prentis succeeded in having the Court of Appeal remove the consent defence, allowing defendants to argue that the owners of property would have consented to its damagefor example, by being sprayed with paint in a protestif they had known the circumstances.

The two decisions added to the Court of Appeals ruling in 2021 which quashed the convictions of the Stansted 15 anti-deportation protesters but effectively removed the necessity defencethat the protest action was undertaken to prevent a greater harm.

Combined, these rulings shut down the legal avenues by which protesters charged under the new laws can justify their actions in court. In a case in London last year, for example, Judge Silas Reid banned any mention of climate change, fuel poverty or the civil rights movement in the US.

Under Hehir, four of the five Just Stop Oil defendants were rearrested in court and dragged from the dock down to the cells by police, in some cases repeatedly, for seeking to explain their motivations after the judge ordered them to stop. The climate crisis, said the judge, is entirely irrelevant to the question of whether or not each is guilty or not guilty.

Another 11 people were arrested outside the building for contempt of court, simply for carrying signs protesting this abuse of democratic rights. The placards read, Jurors deserve to hear the whole truth and Jurors have an absolute right to acquit a defendant according to their conscience. Trials of the arrested will take place this September with those found guilty of contempt of court facing a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine, or both.

Michel Forst, the United Nations special rapporteur for environmental defenders, responded to the punitive and repressive sentences by warning, This sentence should shock the conscience of any member of the public. It should also put all of us on high alert on the state of civic rights and freedoms in the United Kingdom.

Rulings like todays set a very dangerous precedent, not just for environmental protest but any form of peaceful protest that may, at one point or another, not align with the interests of the government of the day.

Forst had sought to intervene with British authorities over Daniel Shaw, whose treatment had really shocked the UN officials team. Shaw spent more than 100 days on remand, during which time he was forced to wear an ankle tag, subjected to a strict curfew and banned from either meeting his co-defendants or attending protests over the environment.

Though the bulk of these proceedings took place under Rishi Sunaks Conservative government, they have been signed off by Sir Keir Starmers new Labour government. After a handful of Labour MPs criticised the ruling, a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street made clear the prime minister backed the verdict. Judgements and sentencing were rightly a matter for independent judges. They have all the facts and evidence before them, and its not for politicians to interfere in such decisions.

There were no updates on whether Labour would look at repealing or reforming the Tories draconian protest laws.

Starmers armed forces minister Luke Pollard was more direct about the pathetic and highly dangerous activity of climate protestors. He told LBC Radio the strong penalties were welcome, adding he was glad that theres now been a strong message sent to them, and anyone thinking about that type of disruptive protest in the future, that therell be serious consequences if they go down that path.

The Guardian, generally critical of the brutal treatment of climate protesters, commissioned columnist Sonia Sodha to begin the papers adaptation to the right-wing Labour government on even this point. Writing under the headline, Yes, five years in jail is too harsh, but the Just Stop Oil Five shouldnt have done it, Sodha denounces the overwrought handwringing which posits that stopping people from self-indulgently crippling important national infrastructure is somehow an authoritarian abuse of democracy.

Concerned that overflowing prisons might not be the best punishment, she suggests cheerily, Why not deprive non-violent offenders of their liberty through restrictive curfews monitored through electronic tagging instead?

The increasingly vicious reaction against protest by the government, the courts and the media exposes the fear in the ruling class of deep social anger erupting into mass protests and strikesnot least over the climate crisis, which mobilised 1.6 million people worldwide in March 2019 and 6 million in September 2019. Starmer is in office following an election with the lowest voter turnout since universal suffrage, tasked with carrying out a deeply unpopular programme of continued austerity and escalating militarism.

The ruling class is particularly sensitive to any action targeting transport and logistics, the chokepoints of a fragile global economy. They know that were these pressure points to be targeted by an organised working-class movement, breaking out of the restrictions imposed by the trade union bureaucracy, the governments right-wing agenda could be shaken to its roots.
On Tuesday morning, it was announced that Kimberly Cheatle, director of the United States Secret Service, was resigning her post. Cheatle, appointed by President Biden in September 2022, had spent 29 years at the agency.

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is sworn in before testifying about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Pennsylvania before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, at the Capitol, Monday, July 22, 2024 in Washington. [AP Photo/John McDonnell]

Cheatle resigned amidst demands by both Republicans and Democrats that she step down following the near-assassination of former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Those demands increased following her testimony Monday at a contentious four-hour hearing of the House Oversight Committee, during which she refused to answer questions about massive security lapses that allowed the 20-year-old shooter, Matthew Crooks, to graze Trumps ear with a bullet fired from a rooftop little more than 100 yards from the rally platform.

Crooks was able to fire off at least eight bullets, wounding Trump and two attendees and killing one attendee, before he was killed by a Secret Service sniper.

At the hearing, Cheatle acknowledged colossal problems with the security at the rally but rebuffed demands for her resignation, saying, I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time. But in her resignation letter the following morning, she said the agency fell short of its mission to protect the nations leaders at the July 13 rally, and that she did not want escalating calls for her resignation to distract Secret Service agents from their mission. This was an implicit allusion to the highly tense and potentially explosive and violent political situation in the US four months before the November elections.

Cheatles resignation is the latest in a series of events in the space of less than two weeks that reflect the historic scale and depth of the political crisis in the US. Trumps near-assassination was followed by a four-day spectacle of fascistic reaction, backwardness and cultural depravity at the Republican National Convention, which marked the full takeover of the Republican Party by Trumps MAGA movement. This was followed three days later by the withdrawal of President Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate and the subsequent overnight coronation of Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, with not even a pretense of democratic process in her selection.

Just a week ago, Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, of which the Secret Service is a part, were defending Cheatle and rebuffing Republican demands that she resign or be fired. But in a statement Tuesday, Biden thanked Cheatle and praised her decision to step down, while promising to appoint a permanent successor soon. Later that afternoon, Mayorkas designated current Deputy Director Ronald Rowe as the agencys acting director.

Later on Tuesday it was reported that the Secret Service had asked the Trump campaign to stop holding campaign rallies outdoors and to hold them indoors instead.

At Mondays House Oversight Committee hearing, Cheatle stonewalled and deflected specific questions about the timeline of events leading up to the shooting of Trump at 6:11 p.m. on July 13. Im not going to get into specifics of the day, Cheatle testified, citing an ongoing investigation. She repeatedly parried questions with responses such as, There was a plan in place to provide overwatch, and we are still looking into responsibilities. That internal review, she said, would take 60 days, and until then she would not speak about specifics.

Questions she refused to answer included:

Why was the building from which the gunman fired, which offered an unobstructed view of the rally platform, not included in the Secret Services security perimeter, and why was no law enforcement officer placed on the buildings roof?

Why was Trump allowed to take the stage of the rally when law enforcement had identified someone with a rangefinder who was milling around the outskirts of the rally site, when they had labeled that person suspicious, and when state and local police had alerted the Secret Service that they were looking for him as the event began?

Several congressional members cited reports from NBC and other major news outlets confirming that local police photographed the would-be assassin over an hour before the shooting took place.

Video was played during the hearing showing rally-goers warning police two minutes before the shooting that there was a person on the roof with a gun.

Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury laid out a timeline that the FBI previously discussed with lawmakers behind closed doors. Stansbury noted that, according to the FBI, Thomas Crooks conducted online searches for Trump and the Democratic National Convention on July 6, and on July 7 he visited the Butler rally site.

On July 13, the day of the rally, Crooks conducted another reconnaissance mission with a drone and then proceeded to purchase 50 rounds of ammunition. He then grabbed his fathers AR-15 and returned to the venue.

By 5:00 p.m., Crooks had already been identified by local police as suspicious, and at 5:20 p.m. local police confirmed he was using a rangefinder to scope out the stage and the building he would use as a sniper perch. According to the FBI report, at 5:45 p.m., the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit noticed Crooks on the roof and photographed him.

Rep. Stansbury said that by 5:51 p.m., 20 minutes before Trump was shot, local police notified the Secret Service of the same suspicious person.

At 6:03 p.m. Trump took the stage. A social media video posted at 6:09 p.m. shows multiple rally goers pointing to the roof, where Crooks was crawling on his belly, while shouting, Hes got a gun. Two minutes later, Trump and three other people were shot.

At the hearing, virtually every Republican representative demanded Cheatles resignation. They were joined by leading Democrats, including Ro Khanna of California, a top figure in the Biden campaign, and the ranking Democrat on the committee, Jamie Raskin of Maryland. Hours after the hearing, Raskin and committee chair James Comer (Republican of Kentucky) sent a joint letter to Cheatle demanding that she resign.

Multiple Republicans used the hearing as a platform to incite Trump supporters by placing the blame for the shooting directly at the feet of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene bluntly asked Cheatle if there was a deliberate security stand-down. Was there a stand-down? Was there a conspiracy to kill President Trump? she demanded.

The Democrats, in typical fashion, seized on the hearing to proclaim their horror over the shooting of Trump and deep concern for his health, to denounce all violence, to declare their patriotic concern for national security and commitment to uphold the state police agencies and to insist on bipartisan unity.

New York Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, said, 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. She warned that violence could break out in this political moment regardless of party in the event of someone getting hurt, which constituted a national security threat to the entire country.

California Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, a member of both the House Oversight Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, was interviewed on MSNBC Tuesday after news broke of Cheatles resignation. What I want to make very clear, he stressed, is that this is bipartisan, both Republicans and Democrats have united.

The moderator then cited Trumps response to the news of Cheatles resignation on his Truth Social platform: The Biden-Harris administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for democracy. It was my great honor to do so.

To which Garcia replied, That is shameful. It is not helpful.  Donald Trump and his allies should not be politicizing this and trying to put blame on the president or the vice president.

He went on to say, No question that many of our law enforcement agencies need more support.

Also on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority leader, announced an agreement to form a bipartisan task force to head up congressional investigations into the assassination attempt. The task force will be nearly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.

It should be recalled that the entire Republican leadership boycotted the committee set up by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to investigate Trumps attempted coup of January 6, 2021 and denounced it as a witch-hunt. They thereby signaled their support for Trumps stolen election lie and the attempted coup itself, in which fascist insurrectionists who invaded the Capitol in an attempt to block the certification of Bidens election victory made Pelosi their top target for mob violence.
Army head General Sir Roland Walker used his first speech in the role to call for a UK military force of devastating lethality. His plan was to double Britains fighting power in three years and triple it by the end of the decade to confront an increasingly aligned axis of upheaval.

If we can double and then triple our fighting power, any British land force will be able to destroy an enemy force at least three times its size and keep on doing that.

Speaking to reporters at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Land Warfare Conference, Walker explained his view that the UK and its NATO allies had to be able to deter or fight a war in three years. This was justified with reference to Russias war in Ukraine, Chinas plans regarding Taiwan and Irans development of nuclear weapons.

Russia, said Walker, would at the present rate take 1.5 million casualties and five years to grind their way through to capturing the eastern Donbas, but would emerge from the war with a sense of wanting retribution for the support that was given to Ukraine. He estimated it would be three to five years before the Russian Army could fully reconstitute itself following any end to the Ukraine war.

In China, President Xi Jinping has stated he wants a military option for Taiwan by 2027-28, Walker said. This is combined with the alleged threat of Iranian nuclear weapons.

His warning to act now, before it is too late, centred on the assertion that China, Russia, Iran and North Korea were already acting in concert in Ukraine. Their collusion would, by 2027-2028, have reached some sort of mutual singularity and your ability to deal with them in isolationa specific crisis that can be managed by the rules-based systemI think is significantly diminished. A problem in one area is likely to trigger a sympathetic detonation in another and therefore it is a global problem looked at from different perspectives around the world.

Winning such a global struggle means building fighting power and lethality and being prepared to fight devastating wars.

Walkers military pedigree includes a decade in the Special Air Service (SAS) regiment, as a captain and a major, with multiple tours of Iraq. Made a lieutenant-colonel in 2008, he led the Grenadier Guards in Afghanistan. He was later made Director Special Forces.

Having played his part on the front lines of British imperialisms criminal wars, Walker is inclined to speak more bluntly about its aims.

General Sir Roland Walker (left) on a visit to the United States in 2023 [Photo: Christopher Kaufmann]

While politicians in the NATO countries seek to present their increasing involvement in a war with Russia as a contained and measured affair, Walker has spelled out the reality. The imperialist powers are engaged in a multi-front conflict threatening direct war between major powers within three years.

By openly and repeatedly placing Russia, China and Iran in the firing line, and building its forces against them, NATO is pushing its targets into a corner, willing them to act first and provide a pretext, as in Ukraine. When Walker writes of China wanting a military option for Taiwan this is not so much a concern as part of NATOs strategy.

References to an enemy axis are a deliberate and threatening allusion to George W. Bushs January 2002 speech identifying Iraq, Iran and North Korea as an axis of evil. Then Undersecretary of State John Bolton gave a beyond the axis of evil speech a few months later adding Cuba, Libya and Syria.

Every one of these countries has been subjected to crippling economic blockades and sanctions and three have been destroyedone (Iraq) by a direct US invasion and two (Libya and Syria) by US-sponsored civil wars.

Today, the targets are much bigger, and the consequences terrifyingly so. They would involve not only the type of mass slaughter of opposing armies cited by Walker but raise the risk of a resort to nuclear weapons.

Walker was preceded at the RUSI conference by Ukraines ambassador to the UK Valery Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed forces for the first two years of the war with Russia.

Zaluzhny did not mince words either, asking the audience, Is humanity ready to calmly accept the next war in terms of the scale of suffering? This time the Third World War? Free and democratic countries and their governments need to wake up and think about how to protect your citizens and their countries.

He continued, Perhaps the most difficult and the most important component is the societys readiness, arguing, Society must agree to temporarily give up a range of freedoms for the sake of survival. Modern wars, unfortunately, are total. They require the efforts not only of the army, but also of society as a whole.

The RUSI Land Warfare Conference has been a key forum for a steadily escalating drumbeat of war for the last several years. In 2018, head of the British Armed Forces General Sir Nick Carter spoke about the need for the UK to project land capability over distances of up to some 2,000 km towards Russia, or what the Germans did very well in 1940. In 2022, as a land war broke out in Ukraine, then head of the army General Sir Patrick Sanders declared that The British Army must be prepared to engage in warfare at its most violent.

These discussions are now far advanced. At this weeks conference, Walker concluded with the need for absolute urgency to restore credible hard power in order to underwrite deterrence.

Labours Defence Secretary John Healey was on hand to oblige. Having warned that Russia is far from a spent force; and if Putin wins, he will not stop at Ukraine and that we face rapidly increasing global threats, he agreed with Walker: We must urgently re-establish credible deterrence to keep these threats in check.

That means looking at firepower, it means looking at enablement, it means looking at readiness, it means looking at resilience It means the things that matter in getting results, in being more ready to fight, in being stronger.

Healey went on to tout Labours Defence Review launched last week as the first of its kind for the UK, because it is externally led, and led by the former Secretary General of NATO George Robertson.

At a press briefing to launch the review, Robertson made clear the agenda behind it was that set out in detail by Walker. Were confronted by a deadly quartet of nations increasingly working together, said Robertson, meaning Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which NATO powers have got to be able to confront.

The RUSI conference is a sharp warning to the working class in Britain and around the world. War on a scale unseen for decades is on the agenda of the ruling classan agenda counted in handfuls of years.

The debate increasingly involves unaccountable military officers who have spent their lives obsessing over how to fight and win a war against their enemies, whatever the cost. Talk of deterrence is a thin smokescreen designed to hide the real consequences; as they acknowledge, planning for deterrence is in practical terms the same as planning for global war.
The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) strongly condemns the banning of Palestine Solidarity Duisburg (PSDU) by the North Rhine-Westphalia state Interior Minister Herbert Reul on May 16, 2024. The extremely far-reaching ban criminalises any criticism of the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the German governments pro-war policy. It is the blueprint for a police state and harks back to the repressive methods of the Kaisers Empire and the Nazi dictatorship.

Participants in the DGB union demonstration on May 1 in Duisburg, including members of the now banned group Palestine Solidarity Duisburg

The ban is supported by a broad coalition: while Reul belongs to the Christian Democrats (CDU), Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is just as ruthless in her crackdown on dissent. And the SPD parliamentary group spokesperson on domestic policy in the Dusseldorf state parliament, Christina Kampmann, has praised the ban in the highest terms.

Palestine Solidarity Duisburg has been banned despite not being accused of any criminal offences. It was criminalised because it would not submit to German state policy in its stance on Israel and protestedpeacefully and verballyagainst the murder of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The North Rhine-Westphalia interior ministry even cites positions that are shared by the majority of UN members and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as grounds for a ban, even though Germany officially recognises the jurisdiction of the highest UN court. The interior ministry could not show more clearly that the ban is an act of arbitrary state actions, censorship and repression.

When the Verfassungsschutz (Germanys domestic intelligence service) included the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei in its 2019 annual report as an allegedly left-wing extremist party, opening up the party for state surveillance, the SGP warned that this would prepare the ground for criminalising booksellers who distributed Marxist literature, workers who strike for higher wages or peace activists with the stroke of a pen. This is now confirmed by the banning of Palestine Solidarity Duisburg.

The false accusation of antisemitism

The state interior ministrys ban is based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which categorises criticism of the Israeli state and its ideological basis, Zionism, as antisemitism. The ruling states: The term Zionist can be understood here as a cipher for the Jews. The disrespectful and hostile use of the term Zionism/Zionist by PSDU and its functionaries constitutes an antisemitic narrative. The narrative that unilaterally assigns responsibility for the Middle East conflict to the state of Israel is also antisemitic.

The IHRA definition is rejected by numerous experts and academics. In 2021, 200 well-known Holocaust researchers from Israel, the United States and Europe proposed a different definition in a Jerusalem Declaration, which explicitly excludes criticism of Zionism and calls for a boycott of Israel from the accusation of antisemitism. In December last year, 14 prominent German lawyers criticised the IHRA definition in a statement to the Bundestag (federal parliament) because it would lead to far-reaching constitutional distortions, completely unforeseeable consequences for the practice of the authorities and foreseeable violations of the right to freedom of expression.

However, state Interior Minister Reul is not impressed by such scientifically and legally sound expert opinions. The prohibition order is teeming with untenable and sometimes absurd accusations. For example, it claims that calling Israel an apartheid state puts it on a par with historically proven unjust states/regimes in which individual population groups have been oppressed and disenfranchised. This was an unsubstantiated and generalised assertion that also fulfills the IHRAs definition of antisemitism.

In the meantime, in a legal finding, the ICJ has expressly confirmed that Israel is illegally occupying the Palestinian territories and pursuing a policy of apartheid there. According to the courts finding, Israel is not only violating the Palestinians right to self-determination, but also the prohibition of violence and Article 3 of the Racial Discrimination Convention, which prohibits racial segregation and apartheid.

However, apartheid is now also the legal norm within Israel itself. The Nation-State Law passed in 2018, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regards as a key moment in the history of Zionism and the State of Israel, demotes Arab Israelis to second-class citizens and enshrines human rights violations in constitutional law. Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, states the first of eleven articles. The right to national self-determination is reserved solely for people of the Jewish faith.

Amnesty International and Oxfam openly accuse Israel of apartheid. Will Reul and Faeser therefore also ban these human rights organisations in the near future?

Israels right to exist as a matter of German state policy

The German government declared the defence of Israels right to exist to be a matter of German state policy in 2008 at the latest. It understands this to mean the defence of the state of Israel in its current form, as a military bastion armed to the teeth, which intimidates its neighbours, oppresses andas has been the case in Gaza since October 7 seeks to exterminate the Palestinians. Anyone who opposes this position and stands up for a more democratic, secular and peaceful state in Palestine, including many Jews, is defamed as an antisemite.

This attitude has nothing to do with the protection of Jewish life and reparations for the Holocaust. Like the US and other European states, Germany uses Israel as a bridgehead for its own imperialist interests in the Middle East, which it uses to threaten and intimidate the entire region. This is why Washington and Berlin are financing Israel with billions, arming it and supporting the genocide of the Palestinians. If Berlin were to find a more reliable ally in the region, the state policy would be forgotten overnight.

This attitude is also reflected in the prohibition order. The Interior Ministry has summarily labeled Palestine Solidarity Duisburgs advocacy of a state that grants equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, etc. as not very credible. Rather, the one-state solution under the slogan From The River To The Sea is evidence of the organisations anti-Israeli stance.

The unproven genocide

It is remarkable how brazenly the Interior Ministry lies. The prohibition order speaks of unproven genocide, although the Israeli army has since destroyed large parts of the Gaza Strip and, according to an estimate by the medical journal the Lancet, killed 186,000 people.

The ICJ considers South Africas complaint accusing Israel of genocide to be plausible, and the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has requested an arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. But in Germany, the mere utterance of these charges leads to the banning and confiscation of assets.

The history of the Palestine conflict is also completely ignored by the censors in the North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Ministry. This did not begin on October 7, 2023, but with the violent expulsion of over 700,000 Palestinians on the occasion of the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Since then, Israel has been at direct or indirect war with the Arab population and its neighbouring states.

It was clear within a few days that Israel would use the attack by Hamas on October 7, which it deliberately allowed to happen by withdrawing all security forces, to commit genocide.

After just three weeks, the head of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Craig Mokhiber, resigned from his post in protest at the total failure of the United Nations to protect the Palestinian civilian population. In an open letter to the UN, he wrote: This is a textbook case of genocide. This has since been confirmed week after week, month after month.

The Palestinian resistance

The ban equates protest against the crimes of Israel and its army and the labeling of Palestinian resistance against them as legitimate with support for Hamas and therefore with support for terrorism.

The following quote shows just how far the Interior Ministry goes in this regard: On October 19, 2023, the association published a post on its Facebook page In it, the Palestinian resistance is described as legitimate. Due to the temporal proximity to Hamas terrorist attack on the state of Israel, this refers in particular to violent resistance.

The equation put forward by the authors of the ban is simple: anyone who resists Israeliand imperialistviolence in general is engaging in terrorist resistance. Anyone who describes the resistance of the oppressed as legitimate is a supporter of terrorism.

Offence against the idea of international understanding

Obviously realising the weak factual basis of the ban, the Interior Ministry also uses the alleged violation of the idea of international understanding on the part of the PSDU. In Article 9 of the German constitution, which proclaims the right to form associations and societies, this is added as a reason to revoke this right.

This justification had already been used in the past to ban the Kurdish PKK and, most recently, Hamas and the Samidoun organisation. In the case of the PSDU, the Interior Ministry was not in a position to assume an actual connection to Hamas or another resistance group labelled as terrorist. The ban is based solely on the alleged moral support of Hamas: In particular, the moral support of Hamas impairs the peaceful coexistence of peoples.

The Interior Ministry is deliberately not being so precise. This is because the PSDU has never explicitly defended Hamasand even less so terrorist attackseither in substance or policy. It defends resistance in all its forms, including the armed struggle against the Israeli army.

The PSDU regarded itself as a solidarity network, the banning order attests. However, it was irrelevant whether the organisation understood its actions to be contrary to international understanding or believed that it was acting for higher legal, political, religious or moral reasons. Such convictions did not exonerate, but are merely an expression of a way of thinking that deviates from the constitutional requirements.

Finally, the ban is justified with the danger that words can quickly turn into deeds. Individuals could use the PSDUs statements as an opportunity to commit acts of violence against Jews and/or Israeli citizens. This has been shown by the radicalisation biographies of recent years, for example the rampage at a synagogue in Halle in 2019.

The PSDU, which has always taken a clear and explicit stance against antisemitism, is being held responsible for future acts of violence by right-wing extremist Jew-haters.

Consequences of the ban

The ban on Palestine Solidarity Duisburg shows once again how thin the democratic facade is over the authoritarian core of the German state apparatus. The ban is only the last link in a whole chain of intimidation, repression and prohibition measures against all those who do not conform to official German state policy.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are banned, harassed and subjected to Kafkaesque censorship regulations; artists who express critical views are sanctioned. Even academics have to fear for their funding if they express their opinions too openly.

The Verfassungsschutz, (literally: defence of the constitution) a state agency with no democratic legitimacy, which was headed for eight years by right-wing extremist Hans-Georg Maassen and increasingly resembles the Stasi in the former East Germany, spies on members of the opposition and rises to the level of a political inquisition.

According to Interior Minister Reul, the Verfassungsschutz is said to have initiated the ban on the PSDU, and those affected suspect it also formulated the ban order. Simply being named in the Verfassungsschutz report is enough to make it difficult for an organisation to gain access to public spaces, supporters or bank accounts.

Support for Israel and its genocide in Gaza is only the superficial reason for this growing repression. The deeper reasons are decades of social polarisation, the growth of poverty on the one hand and immeasurable wealth on the other, the return to militarism and war and the growing opposition to it.

Those in power fear a social explosion. The more they lose supportthe European elections were a disaster for all three parties forming the German governmentthe more openly they rely on state repression. The SPD, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats (FDP), who used to claim to be defenders of democracy, have become the most vicious agitators.

Every now and then they ban a right-wing extremist organisation such as Compact magazine. But this will not stop the right-wing extremists, on the contrary. The establishment parties have long since adopted the programme of the extreme right in terms of refugee policy, internal rearmament and militarisation. Such bans create legal precedents for taking even tougher action against left-wing organisations.

The shift to the right in bourgeois politics, the transition to ever more open forms of repression, is an international phenomenon. Trump in the US, Meloni in Italy, Le Pen in France are an expression of this. And everywhere, all other establishment parties are reacting by moving further to the right themselves.

The reason for this is the advanced crisis of the capitalist profit system, to which the rulers have no other answer than war, intensified exploitation and dictatorship. Only an independent movement of the working class and youth that combines the struggle against social inequality, war and dictatorship with the struggle against their cause, capitalism, can stop this spiral into barbarism.
Bodycam footage was released Monday showing the police execution of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old black woman, in her Springfield, Illinois home in the early morning hours of July 6. The brutal murder has sparked widespread shock and anger, with demands being raised once again for the end of police terror in the United States.

Massey had called the police to report a suspected prowler outside her home, hoping they would show up to help her and secure the area. Instead, as the video shows, two deputies entered her home and, in the course of a brief interaction, Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson murdered her in cold blood.

Unarmed and calm throughout her interactions with the officers as she moved a pot of boiling water from her stove at their instruction, Massey quipped, Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus, in response to what she thought was a joke from Grayson about the water supposedly being a threat. Instead, Grayson responded aggressively, declaring he would shoot Massey in your f**kin face.

Within a matter of seconds, as an apologetic Massey cowered behind her kitchen counter, the deputy did just that, shooting the woman three times, once in the face. As she lay dying on the kitchen floor, Grayson instructed his partner not to bother with first aid, as he had delivered a head shot. The still unidentified deputy eventually provided aid and Massey was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Masseys former partner and father of one of her children reports that police initially told him that a neighbor had killed her and that at the hospital they told nurses she had killed herself. Police audio obtained by the Guardian confirms that someone who is likely one of the deputies at the scene falsely told a dispatcher Masseys wounds were self-inflicted.

Grayson has been fired by the Sheriffs Department and was indicted by a grand jury on July 17 on five criminal charges: Three counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, and one count of official misconduct. He is currently being held in the Sangamon County jail without bond pending a trial. It has yet to be seen if charges will be pursued against his partner.

In this image taken from body camera video released by Illinois State Police on Monday, July 22, 2024, former Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson, left, points his gun at Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help, before shooting and killing her inside her home in Springfield, Ill., July 6, 2024 [AP Photo/Illinois State Police]

A move by prosecutors to charge a killer cop is exceedingly rare, with approximately 98 percent never facing criminal charges and many getting away without even a hint of internal departmental discipline. There is extreme nervousness within the ruling class that, four years after the nationwide protests triggered by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, and amid an intense political crisis, Masseys murder could be the spark for a renewed outpouring of mass anger against police violence and social inequality less than four months before the November elections.

Despite nearly four years of an administration run by the Democrats, who promoted illusions among protesters in the election of President Joe Biden and Kamala Harrishailed as the first black, Asian American and woman vice presidentthere has been no easing of police violence and funding for the militarization of the police has only increased.

According to Mapping Police Violence, there have been at least 722 people killed in the US so far this year, through July 9, close to four every day. While every year over the last decade has seen more than 1,000 people killed, the total annual number of victims has been rising, and this year is on track to be the deadliest on record.

Responding to the release of the video of Masseys killing, Harris, now the Democrats presumptive nominee for president following Bidens decision Sunday to step aside, feigned sympathy for Masseys family, while hailing prosecutors for bringing charges against Grayson. The Democrats are now promoting her record as the top cop in California, where she was a Bay Area prosecutor and then attorney general for six years, as one of her leading qualifications to take on Donald Trump, who was convicted of 34 felony charges in May.

Harris declared:

Our thoughts are also with the communities across our nation whose calls for help are often met with suspicion, distrust, and even violence. The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so manywe have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name.

For his part, Biden 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.

Such statements are entirely hollow and hypocritical. Bidens proposed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a tepid reform package co-authored by Harris when she was in the Senate, has stalled in Congress, while billions in funds originally earmarked for COVID-19 pandemic relief have been funneled to police forces across the country. The Biden administration has coordinated with local police forces to oversee the violent crackdown on student protests against Israels genocide in Gaza. More than 3,100 students and other protesters have been arrested or detained in the crackdown on campuses across the US since April.

Noting Bidens absurd statement after the attempted assassination of Trump that there is no place in America for this kind of violence or for any violence, Socialist Equality Party candidate for president Joe Kishore remarked in a statement on X/Twitter:

In fact, as the police murder of Sonya Massey in Illinois once again demonstrates, the American state is permeated with violence. Every year, the police kill well over 1,000 people, on one pretext or another. The United States is alone among advanced capitalist countries in maintaining the barbaric institution of the death penalty. The violence of the state at home is inextricably connected to the role of American imperialism as the principal instigator of violence in the world. The number of people killed by US-led and US-backed wars over the past 30 years, from the invasions of Iraq through the genocide in Gaza, number in the tens of millions.

Later this week, Biden and Harris will meet with the mass murderer and war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with his address Wednesday to a joint session of Congress. Their crocodile tears for Sonya Massey notwithstanding, they will reassure the Israeli fascist leader of the Democratic administrations continued support for genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. US ruling class complicity in the slaughter of defenseless civilians on a massive scale must find its internal reflection in ever more savage levels of state violence against the working class at home.

The reign of police terror is also bound up with the completely oligarchic character of US capitalist society, with more billionaires by far than any other country alongside mass poverty and levels of inequality that have not been seen for more than a century.

Despite the efforts of Biden and the Democrats to present police violence as primarily a racial issue and promote identity politics to divide the working class, the reality is that it is a social phenomenon that overwhelmingly affects the working class, the poor and the most vulnerable in society, regardless of their skin color or ethnicity. While African Americans are killed at a disproportionate rate, the largest number of victims each year are white.

The question of police violence and how to end it is a class question. While the Democrats and Republicans promote the myth that the police exist to protect and serve the entire population, with a few wrinkles that can be ironed out with more training and funding, in reality, they are armed forces created to enforce inequality and protect the property interests of the ruling class. The police operate as roving gangs and death squads on behalf of the capitalist state whose target is the internal enemy: the working class.

The solution to this unending wave of murder and mayhem lies not in nonexistent reforms but in the abolition of the police through the united political mobilization of the working class to overturn the capitalist system and end social inequality through the establishment of socialism.
KATHMANDU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A domestic plane carrying 23 people crashed on Wednesday at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, an official said.

A witness said the plane nosedived into the ground and an explosion could be heard inside the airport.

The plane belonged to Nepal's Saurya Airlines, an airport spokesperson told Xinhua.

Twenty-three people including crew members were on board of the plane, Hansa Raj Pandey, spokesman at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, told Xinhua. Media reports said at least five people were killed in the accident. 
As the outcome of Frances July 7 elections remains unclear, with the parties of the New Popular Front (NFP) engaged in bitter internal factional struggles and the ruling elite manoeuvring to form a far-right government, the crisis enveloping the French Pacific colony of New Caledonia continues to mount.

The snap election was a debacle for President Emmanuel Macron, whose Ensemble coalition came in second place behind Jean-Luc Melenchons NFP. Voters mobilised against both Macron, the president of the rich, and the far-right National Rally (RN), testifying to broad left-wing sentiment and a rejection of neo-fascism among workers and youth.

In New Caledonia, the election produced a surge in support for pro-independence candidates against Macrons move to push through the French parliament a change to eligibility rules for the territorys local elections which the independence movement claimed would further marginalise indigenous votes.

In the territorys poll, Emmanuel Tjibaou of the Union Caledonienne won the predominantly Kanak Northern constituency, becoming only the second pro-independence Kanak, and the first since 1986, to enter the French Assembly. In the second constituency, sitting pro-France MP Nicolas Metzdorf retained his seat against a strong performance by pro-independent Omayra Naisseline.

After more than two months of violent unrest amid a police-state operation by over 3,700 French forces, the rebellion, largely by impoverished Kanak youth, has not been suppressed. Last week a fresh batch of armoured vehicles and firetrucks was delivered to security forces. Meanwhile, five pro-independence leaders who were arrested on June 22 and deported to jails in mainland France remain there pending trial.

Anti-riot policeman in Noumea, New Caledonia [AP Photo/Ludovic Marin]

The crackdown claimed its 10th victim on July 10 in an exchange of gunfire in the village of Saint Louis, near the capital Noumea between Kanaks and French gendarmes. The authorities immediately placed the blame on the victim, a nephew of prominent pro-independence politician and local Congress chairman Roch Wamytan, saying he had shot at the gendarmes, who then returned fire.

Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas claimed a group of armed snipers, including the victim, entered the Church of Saint Louis, from where they opened fire. Gunfire exchanges had also been reported the previous day, when security forces launched an operation attempting to dismantle roadblocks and barricades in the pro-independence stronghold.

Islands Business correspondent Nic Maclellan told RNZ Pacific the area had a long colonial history. In 1878 there was a revolt in the north and centre of the country. As the French military moved in, attacking villages, people fled to the outskirts of the capital. St Louis is one of the areas where survivors from the past conflicts had fled to. It is a strong community, largely Kanak, Maclellan said.

The Saint Louis church was last week burnt down, along with the Catholic Missions presbytery and residence. In the village of Vao on the Isle of Pines, another landmark Catholic mission was destroyed by arson. New Caledonias pro-independence President Louis Mapou condemned them as criminal irresponsible acts, saying they undermined the values of fraternity and sharing on which New Caledonias society is based.

In fact, the rioting erupted outside the control of the official pro-independence leadership and reflected widespread anger over poverty, inequality and social exclusion. The rebellion continues to defy both the security crackdown and pressure by Macron on New Caledonias political establishment to bring it to heel. The four-party Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) admitted last month that it had failed to persuade protesters to remove roadblocks because the rebels were not convinced Macron would drop the electoral reform.

Calls to divide the territory into pro-and anti-independence provinces are now being pushed by Sonia Backes, the pro-France president of the Provincial Assembly of the Southern Province, which includes the affluent suburbs of Noumea. She said the project of a New Caledonia institutionally united and based on living together is over. Backes insisted that when two opposing forces are convinced they are legitimately defending their values, they face a choice of fighting each other to the death or separating so they can live.

Such a program could only be implemented through massive state repression and openly racist policies of an apartheid character.

French imperialisms determination to enforce its grip on the Pacific colony is escalating tensions across the region. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) wants to send a delegation to New Caledonia to investigate the crisis before a PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga in August. Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said a request for such a mission had been received from the New Caledonia government, a PIF member, but emphasised that it will require the support of the Government of France for the mission to proceed.

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), formed in 1986 by Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands to back decolonisation, has bluntly blamed France for the riots and demanded it drop the electoral reform. MSG leaders who met on the sidelines of a Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo last week called on France to allow a United Nations-MSG mission to assess the political situation and propose solutions.

The MSG leaders expressed strong opposition to the apparent militarisation of the French territory and said the National Assemblys passing of the constitutional bill to unfreeze the electoral roll for the provincial elections precipitated the carnage that followed. Supported by Brown, they called on France to undertake another referendum on independence due to their dissatisfaction with the third referendum in 2021, which they deemed a forceful and unilateral decision by the French State. That poll saw a 96 percent vote to remain with France after it was boycotted by the independence movement.

Speaking at the PALM meeting, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also questioned the legitimacy of the third referendum, saying it may have been technically within the 1998 Noumea Accord, but not the spirit. Peters sharply criticised France for pushing through the voting law, saying it had compounded the sense of democratic injury for pro-independence forces. In New Caledonia, he declared, we hope to see more diplomacy, more engagement, more compromise.

Peters, whose political career is based on nationalism, anti-immigrant chauvinism and populist dog-whistling, has no concern for ordinary people in New Caledonia or anywhere else. His principal mission is to fully integrate New Zealand into the expanding US-led military alliance in the Indo-Pacific and prepare for war against China. To that end, he has conducted four tours of the Pacific since December to pull tiny Pacific nations into line.

There are also long-standing tensions between New Zealand and France, who have competing imperialist interests in the Pacific. In an act of state terrorism, in 1985 French secret service agents bombed and sank the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior which was moored in Auckland Harbour, killing a crew member. The ship was preparing to protest a French nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll near Tahiti.

Peters, and no doubt all the local political elites are, above all, alarmed that Pariss provocative handling of the crisis will exacerbate popular discontent across the region. The New Caledonia riots, which follow similar deadly outbreaks in Papua New Guinea in January and the Solomon Islands in 2021, have deeper roots than frustrations over independence.

Escalating economic and social tensions are fuelling the crisis. As global nickel prices tumble, the territorys crucial nickel mining and smelting industry is in turmoil, faced with increasing competition from emerging world producers such as Indonesia and China. Hundreds of jobs have already been axed with thousands more at risk. Clashes have previously erupted between security forces and workers opposed to a far-reaching restructuring of the industry being imposed from Paris.

The entire region is becoming a social tinderbox. Peters predecessor, Labours Nanaia Mahuta, in a July 2022 interview sounded alarm about unrest in the Pacific amid geo-strategic tensions. Pointing to the explosive movement of the working class and rural poor amid Sri Lankas social and economic breakdown, Mahuta urged that the lessons about the consequences of economic vulnerability had to be learned, and warned of the need to prepare for future military interventions.

New Caledonia is on the agenda of the PIF summit next month with the local powers, Australia and New Zealand, likely playing a key role in deliberations. In Paris, the pro-independence lobby will be seeking the support of the rightward-moving NFP for a negotiated solution to the crisis. Whatever the outcome, nothing will be done to alleviate the underlying social crisis that is fuelling the ongoing rebellion.
The recent limited release on vinyl of Allan Holdsworths remastered solo album collection provides an opportunity to review and appreciate the career of one of his generations most influential and gifted guitarists and musicians. Holdsworth died at age 70 on April 15, 2017.

The remastered LP set, entitled The Allan Holdsworth Solo Album Collection, includes all 11 of his studio recordings from 1982 to 2001, and one live recording from Tokyo in 2003. The collection was previously released as a CD box set called The Man Who Changed Guitar Forever! just eight days before the artists tragic death in Vista, California (near San Diego) from heart disease.

Holdsworth was internationally recognized as a guitar virtuoso in the jazz fusion and progressive rock genres. He had a unique melodic sensibility and idiosyncratic solo technique and was renowned for his legato playing stylewith smooth and sometimes rapid transitions between notesthat produced an unusually fluid guitar sound.

Holdsworths compositions and improvisations also featured highly complex chord progressions and scales. Although he was self-taught, Holdsworths understanding of harmony and music theory was advanced, and he often used unconventional chord shapes. Some of his unorthodox voicings were derived from his physical stature: Holdsworth was very tall, had large hands and could stretch his fingers across the fret board in ways that many guitar players could not.

The Allan Holdsworth Solo Album Collection

Holdsworths solo recordings are mostly instrumental, although there are some songs that include vocals, most of which were written and performed by his long-time collaborator Paul Williams. Due to the unusual asymmetry of the harmonics that he uses, many of the songs have an ethereal or mysterious quality to them.

In addition to his solo recordings and performances, Holdsworth worked with a wide range of musicians and groups in the US and Europe and performed on nearly 60 other recordings. In the early to mid 1970s, he played with the jazz rock band Nucleus, the jazz fusion bands Pierre Moerlens Gong and the Tony Williams Lifetime, and the British rock band Soft Machine.

In 1976, Holdsworth had the first of many confrontations with the official music business when CTI Records released a recording of what he thought was a rehearsal session as an official album, Velvet Darkness. He was very angry about the dishonesty involved and loathed the record for the rest of his career. It is not included in the present collection.

In 1977, he performed on violinist Jean-Luc Pontys Enigmatic Ocean which reached Number 1 on the Billboard Jazz album chart. Also in 1977, Holdsworth joined with former King Crimson and Yes drummer Bill Bruford and played on his solo record Feels Good to Me.

U.K. (1978)

In 1978, Holdsworth teamed up with Bruford, keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson and bassist/vocalist John Wetton to create the progressive rock supergroup U.K. Although U.K. experienced a limited degree of popularity, it was during this time that Holdsworth began to clash with other band members who wanted him to play his guitar solos night after night exactly as they were recorded in the studio. He later said this experience was miserable.

Once he began recording and releasing his solo studio albums, Holdsworth came to the attention of some well-known guitarists who lauded his virtuosity and recognized him as among the greatest, if not the greatest, guitar players of all time. Among the guitarists to appreciate Holdsworths genius were Eddie Van Halen, who said, Holdsworth is the best, in my book, and Frank Zappa, who said, One of the most interesting guys on guitar on the planet is Allan Holdsworth.

At the time of Holdsworths death, guitarist Steve Vai wrote that his

unique contribution to the electric guitar is unquantifiable. I remember him saying to me once that his goal was to create a catalog of music that was undiluted. Well, that he did.  Dear Allan, you were extraordinary and from all of us who you've touched so deeply with your brilliance, we are grateful. Rest in deep peace my friend.

Shortly after the release of his first solo album, I.O.U., Eddie Van Halen brought Holdsworth to the attention of Warner Brothers Records. This resulted in a record deal and Holdsworths second studio release, Road Games, an EP, in 1983, which included two songs sung by Jack Bruce (Cream). However, the experience did not improve Holdsworths relationship with the record business, since he clashed sharply with the Warner Brothers producer over personnel and creative decisions.

Allan Holdsworth, Secrets (1989)

Holdsworth was an innovator and was not afraid to try new things. He broke new ground when he became an early adopter of the SynthAxe, an electronic instrument that resembles a guitar. The SynthAxe is a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device in which its strings trigger different synthesizer sounds. The SynthAxe also has methods for controlling sound quality parameters that mimic the expressive elements of guitar playing such as note bending and vibrato.

The beauty and expressive potential of the SynthAxe is evident, for example, in the track Distance vs Desire on the fifth album in the collection entitled Sand from 1987. In this song, like so many others, Holdsworths melodic genius truly shines.

This writer first became aware of Allan Holdsworth when he appeared on the self-titled debut album of the progressive rock band U.K. in 1978. The opening track from that album, In the Dead of Night, features a short guitar solo by Holdsworth in which his unique approach is instantly evident. Here is another sample from a later period.

In writing about the legacy of Allan Holdsworth, one is tempted to drift off into the esoterica of scale form and tonal center theory. Holdsworth developed his own symbology for the variants of the Western musical scales that he used most often. He published several books about these scales, including one called Reaching the Uncommon Chord in 1987.

Allan Holdsworth with his SynthAxe in 1986

However, as Holdsworth was careful to explain, his goal was not the exploration of obtuse musical forms, but to make music and create melodies that could be related to and appreciated.

Even though he became known as a musicians musician, Holdsworth most of all wanted his work to be heard by the broader listening public. In an instructional video he made on his techniques in 1992, Holdsworth said that, although his complex chord-scales have names,

a name is only to transmit the information or communicate it to someone else. And really the communication that we are speaking about is music [in] which you dont shout [out] the changes to the people. They only hear the music and thats the only thing that matters.

Allan Holdsworth was born in a working class community in Bradford, England on August 6, 1946. He was raised by his maternal grandparents and his grandfather, Sam Holdsworth, was a jazz pianist. In his youth, Allan was exposed to classical and jazz music, and he had said that his early influences included Debussy, Ravel, Chopin, Bartok and Stravinsky and, later, John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

Allan Holdsworth in 2012 [Photo by Chrisparks / CC BY 4.0

He had wanted to play the saxophone, but his grandfather could only afford to buy him a guitar. In an interview, Allan explained,

An instrument by the nature of its name just means that its a tool like a spanner, a wrench or a screwdriver. Its something that you can use to get a job done. Because I love music, I ended up trying to do it with this [picking up his guitar]. So, I suppose Im going to try to spend the rest of my life trying to make the guitar sound like its not a guitar and thats where the legato thing came in because I just wanted it to be a lot more fluid than it was natural for this particular percussive instrument to be.

Throughout his solo career, Holdsworth maintained a very high level of creative independence, and this was supported by the musicians around him. Meanwhile, he was willing to share his musical discoveries with anyone who wanted to learn them.

However, even though he was celebrated as legendary by fellow artists, Holdsworth never achieved a mass popular following and he was excluded from the fame and fortune of the corporate music and recording industry. While this perhaps speaks to his unwillingness to compromise, it is a fact that the guitarist died in relative poverty and obscurity.
Michigan Medicine campus in Ann Arbor [Photo: uofmhealth.org]

More than 7,100 Michigan Medicine workers are in a fight against hospital administration for a new contract. Workers in the Union of Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), United Physician Assistants of Michigan Medicine (UPAMM), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in Ann Arbor cover a wide range of occupations essential for the hospital to function.

Workers in all three unions are demanding an increase in pay, benefits, an end to wage compressions and safe staffing. While these negotiations are taking place, no strike authorization vote has been called by the union, and members are working without a contract. Instead, the only action being organized by the unions is a joint informational picket by UMMAP and the SEIU scheduled for two hours on the morning of Monday, July 29 at the Taubman Center.

UMMAP and SEIU workers are in the first contract negotiations since joining the respective unions, and UPAMMs second contract has been in negotiations since 2020. Both UMAPP and UPAMM are affiliates of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

A Michigan Medicine worker spoke to the World Socialist Web Site Health Care Workers Newsletter on the current contract negotiations. Were demanding an increase in salary and end to pay compression. The U of M administration is playing hardball, usually staying for a few minutes. I know [Labor Director] Hakim Berry told SEIU workers they should be happy they have jobs.

An email was sent to all workers by Berry claiming that the hospital system supported employees, right to organize and freedom of expression, that actions taken by bargained-for employees must not interfere with patient care or hospital operations.

The worker continued:

Ono or Runge [University of Michigan President and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs respectively] are making money and employees are not. Some people at the bottom had an $8 increase but we get pennies annually for seniority. It might be a good raise for them initially, but we tell them they will be like us in a few years. Were overworked and working overtime. While I like my position, by the next day I feel exhausted. Next week we are holding an informational picket with both unions. We know that the university will try to hold us off, but we have a lot of employees. UM will lose this time!

When asked for his thoughts on a call for joint strike action across all Michigan Medicine employees, the worker said:

Some workers raised in a meeting that we could go out for one day and bring this hospital to its knees. We were told it was illegal and if we did, we had to give a months notice and the hospital would scab on us. But were already short-staffed and people are leaving, who would they find? Who says one months notice? Why not wildcat then? At the same time the nurses havent struck since I think the 80s. Not everyone is able to go to these bargaining meetings since we have to switch our shifts. Were already slaves as workers to management, we dont need bureaucrats putting us down too.

The current struggle at Michigan Medicine takes place two years after the last nurses struggle was betrayed by the MNA-UMPNC bureaucracy. The MNA bureaucracy blocked nurses from striking in spite of wide support from the rank and file to mobilize other sections of the hospital in a joint fight.

Instead, the MNA conducted political stunts, such as inviting congresswoman Debbie Dingell and other officials to falsely claim they supported workers. Instead of resolving the staffing ratios that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, they rammed through a sellout contract that provided no solution to the central demand of staffing issues.

The role of UMAPP and UPAMM and the SEIU local are no different. As has been commonplace in contracts across the US for decades, the previous deal for UPAMM contract document and the current tentative agreement at UMAPP contain no-strike pledges. The power that workers have is withholding their labor from management, which the union chose to contractually remove.

Another section of the UMAPP contract, entitled Reduction in Force, details the procedure to implement layoff and mandatory reduction of hours, which openly paves the way for management to dictate mass layoffs at a whim. Like the tactics of the MNA-UMPNC, UMMAP did nothing to address working conditions, but rather called on workers to give statements and testimonies on the terrible conditions they face in the hospital, presenting them to the administration.

Bob King, former UAW President and stooge for the employers, is now the executive director for UPAMM. King was a notable figure amid the Big Three bailouts and job losses for thousands of autoworkers. King held the office of UAW president from 2010 to 2014, in the immediate aftermath of the Obama administrations bailout of the auto industry, which eliminated cost-of-living adjustments and slashed the wages of new hires by 50 percent.

King is now being brought in at Michigan Medicine to help contain the growing struggle of hospital employees and divert workers into harmless channels that serve the interests of hospital management and the university administration.

Workers at Michigan Medicine are among a growing movement of healthcare workers internationally, in an ongoing struggle against unsafe staffing and miserable workloads. Last month 800 New Jersey nurses fought against the HPAE historic contract that did not address the exhausting staffing ratios nurses face.

At nearby Ascension Genesys hospital outside Detroit, the Teamsters rammed through a sellout deal for Ascension Genesys nurses despite 100 nurses abstaining from the vote. The Teamsters officials gave nurses empty promises that the contract would be honored by Henry Ford Health, which is set to take over the hospital this month.

The contract did not address any of the nurses main demands including the elimination of mandatory overtime or enforceable staffing ratios. The ratification took place weeks after a Massachusetts nurse, who had been forced to work overtime, accidentally drove off a parking lot roof due to exhaustion.

The opposition among healthcare workers is aimed at the corporate and financial interests that subordinate the health of patients to the drive for profits. Dr. Marschall Runge, the CEO of Michigan Medicine who announced his plan to retire in June 2025, was the highest paid individual at the university, earning $1.64 million in 2023.

Meanwhile, the response of the entire capitalist ruling establishment during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven that nothing will be allowed to impede the flow of profits.

To fight the attacks of hospital administrations, the struggle must also be taken up against the pro-corporate union bureaucracies. Workers must raise the demand for strike action against the conspiracy of the union bureaucracy and management.

Michigan Medicine workers must take the lessons of the nurses struggle and form independent rank-and-file strike committees, to democratically discuss their demands and prepare for strike action.
The newly-founded Western Sydney University Rank-and-File Committee (WSU-RFC) has called an online public meeting at 7pm on Wednesday July 31 as part of its campaign to stop the destruction of jobs and the pro-business restructuring at WSUs The College, the universitys wholly-owned feeder college. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ydrd3eu4

The Western Sydney University (WSU) Rank-and-File Committee, whose members include staff and students, is calling on staff, students and the wider community to join its campaign to defeat the restructuring and job cuts at WSUs College.

The WSU management is marketing its planned pro-business and cost-cutting restructuring of The College, the universitys wholly-owned feeder institution, to students and their families as an educational advance.

Western Sydney University [Photo: eminentedu.com]

WSUs online advertising states: Launching in 2025: Modular Learning. Weve re-imagined the way our courses are delivered, using research on the best ways for students to learn. It adds: Learn by immersing yourself in small interactive workshop-style classes. Our modular learning model will help you reach your potential, no matter your starting point or ATAR [high school assessment score].

Study one course-specific subject at a time, delivered in 4-week modulesgiving you more time to focus without slowing down Life-friendly timetable: The average timetable includes three hours of classes, three times a week, meaning you can fit study around your other commitments.

This marketing covers up the job and course cuts at The College, which management has blamed on falling enrolments.

The reality is that WSU management is demanding the elimination of the equivalent of 17 full-time learning and teaching positions at The Collegeor more than 10 percentand a divisive spill and fill regime to force staff members to compete against each other for the remaining posts.

The heaviest course cuts are planned for English, arts, literature and humanities, thus depriving more students of access to critical, broad-based courses, rather than just the narrow vocational ones demanded by employers.

As of 1 January 2025, all subjects would be taught as four-week intensive blocks, rather than as semester-length courses. This modular learning regime means extremely onerous workloads for teachers and coordinators, with all assessment and marking to be completed in just one month.

This is not just an attack on educators jobs and conditions.

It would also further erode the quality of the courses for students, making effective feedback almost impossible. Each marked assessment during the four-week block is supposed to be returned to students, and their marks recorded, within two days of the submission date.

So compressed is the proposed schedule that in the final fourth week of each block, no classes are scheduled on the third day. Instead, teachers would have to finalise marking and ensure that all results are recorded, ready to be approved and released to students later the same week.

Moreover, in block mode there is no leeway to deviate from the schedule if students miss a class or are slower than expected in completing the work or grasping a concept.

Yet, as college and WSU educators knowand many former students can attestThe College has played a vital part in helping to prepare students, often from disadvantaged working-class and immigrant backgrounds, for university study.

Research has shown that block mode teaching, first introduced in some US universities in the 1970s, intensifies educators workloads and creates student concerns about the workload and difficulty in covering 12- or 13-weeks worth of content in 4 weeks.

According to one recently published peer-reviewed study, identified challenges of the Block Model included decrease in time students spent studying outside of class time, students needing to juggle caring responsibilities struggling to complete the tight assessment requirements and inadequate time for students to revise papers or for instructors to provide feedback on assessments.

Additional challenges included reduction in marked assessments and inadequate time for instructors to prepare new materials and adapt to the new teaching and learning environments.

Other studies have raised concerns about educators fatigueimpacting preparation and deliveryand superficial learning at the expense of deep learning.

This is a broader danger, not confined to pathway colleges like WSUs. In recent years several Australian universities have joined others in the UK and elsewhere in imposing the block mode throughout their courses, likewise marketing it as particularly suitable for working-class students. This includes Victoria University, Southern Cross University and Murdoch University.

Unless the carve-up of WSU College is defeated it will set a precedent throughout the tertiary education sector. Up to 22,000 jobs are threatened by next year as a result of the Labor governments moves to slash international student enrolments, making these students scapegoats for the worsening cost-of-living and housing crisis.

These pressures are mounting because the federal Labor government is continuing to starve the public universities of adequate funding. This is forcing them all to scramble against each other for enrolments, including by offering students vocational micro courses and alternative pathways into degree programs.

At the same time, the government is proposing to tie future funding to increased enrolments of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, essentially for the purpose of churning out job ready graduates to meet the needs of the corporate elite.

This is part of Labors pro-business Universities Accord. It demands the systemic restructuring of universities to satisfy the vocational and research requirements of big business, as well as military preparations, such as the AUKUS pact, for a US-led war against China.

Members of the WSU Rank-and-File Committee have faced repeated moves by representatives of the main campus trade union, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), to block a unified campaign across WSU and more broadly against managements job cuts and restructuring at The College.

As a result, virtually no staff members or students at WSU even know about the pro-business restructuring of the college, except for the campaigns conducted at various WSU campuses by the rank-and-file committee over recent weeks.

The NTEU is actively trying to help impose the job losses and stifle resistance by encouraging staff members to apply for redundancy packages. It is also pitting people against one another by urging its members to lodge individual cases with the NTEU and by refusing to defend the jobs and conditions of non-union members.

The majority of educators at The College are not NTEU members because they have no confidence in the union apparatus as a result of its previous betrayals, including at The College, WSU as a whole and throughout the tertiary education sector.

In fact, the NTEU is partnering in The College restructuring as per its current enterprise agreement (EA) with WSU management, which was pushed through a poorly-attended meeting in 2022. In that EA, the NTEU pledged to assist The College to remain competitive in the market, which meant The College may need to change its structure, operations, and priorities to meet business requirements.

At the July 31 online public meeting, the WSU-Rank-and-File Committee will outline its initial demands and propose a campaign of action. These demands include:

the scrapping of WSUs restructuring

the retention of all jobs, with no loss of pay or conditions

no imposition of block teaching

secure employment for all casualised and contract staff who want it

free first-class education for all students instead of channelling billions of dollars into AUKUS and other preparations for US-led wars.

We appeal to all WSU students and staff, whether union members or not, who agree with us to attend the July 31 meeting, join our campaign and participate in the work of the committee. To do so, register at the link below or contact the rank-and-file committee at: rfc.wsu@gmail.com

Online public meeting

WSU Rank-and-File Committee

STOP THE WSU COLLEGE CUTS!

Wednesday July 31, 7pm

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ydrd3eu4
On Tuesday, as Samsung Electronics workers in South Korea continued their more than two-week long strike, the union and management resumed negotiations for the first time since the beginning of the walkout. The strike is a significant expression of workers anger more broadly and their desire to fight back against attacks on their economic and social conditions. However, the union is preparing a sellout agreement that will not address any of the workers concerns.

Striking Samsung workers rally in Giheung, South Korea, July 22, 2024. [AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon]

The workers are represented by the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), the largest of five unions at the company. It is affiliated with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. Samsung Electronics is the flagship company of the Samsung Group, one of South Koreas massive family-controlled conglomerates known as chaebol. The NSEU is requesting a 5.6 percent pay increase and the implementation of promised paid leave.

In addition, the union is also asking for clear guidelines that explain the companys bonus system, which is tied to operating profits. When workers struck on July 8the first official strike in Samsung Electronics 55-year historythe majority of those walking off the job belonged to the semiconductor division called Device Solutions (DS). DS workers were denied bonuses last year, with the company claiming the division had not produced any profits despite being a cash cow for Samsung in the past.

Bonuses at South Korean companies are considered major parts of a workers salary, meaning that withholding them amounts to a significant wage cut. As a result, DS workers flooded into the NSEU in the hopes of fighting back. Instead, the union is working as the companys police force to block workers struggles and prevent them from launching a greater struggle against Samsung and big business in South Korea as a whole.

The NSEU is carrying this out by isolating Samsung workers, even from those within the company itself. The union has a membership of 30,657, but only 6,540 members are taking part in the strike, most from the DS division. No genuine effort is being made to appeal to other workers at the company, which employs 124,804 people. Instead, the NSEU is wearing the strikers down before attempting to impose a sellout agreement.

The union in fact repeatedly acceded to company demands since the start of negotiations in January. Their wage increase request of 5.6 percent is down from 8.1 percent when negotiations started at the beginning of the year. Recognizing that workers anger was growing, the NSEU called the strike to let off steam. At the same time, the union is conducting the walkout line by line, attempting to limit the impact on the company as much as possible.

The NSEU first targeted Samsungs 8-inch semiconductor wafer production line at the companys Giheung campus in Yongin, just south of Seoul. The 8-inch (200mm) wafers are important for third generation semiconductor production for cars and home appliances. As of Tuesday, Samsung claimed it had minimal disruptions, but the 8-inch line has reportedly undergone production cuts. The union claimed that if this pressure campaign did not work, it would target the high-bandwidth memory line.

The union held a rally at the Giheung facility on Monday to give the false appearance of militancy before the resumption of talks the next day. This is a tactic South Korean unions often use. The rally is meant to give the impression the that the union leadership fought as hard as it could before presenting the members with a pro-company deal. Approximately 1,200 workers took part, or about a quarter of the number who demonstrated in the rain at the beginning of the strike on July 8.

NSEU leaders Chairman Son U-mok and Vice Chairman Lee Hyeon-guk also attempted to tone down workers expectations. Son stated on Monday that Samsung will not change all at once, but lets work to change it bit by bit. Lets not be impatient.... In other words, Son told workers not to expect any serious results from the strike and to be happy with whatever the company offers, claiming it would be a first step. For union bureaucrats and their allies, struggles are always put off to a distant, unforeseen future that never arrives in order to accommodate themselves to big business and capitalism.

Lee was perhaps even clearer in what the NSEU intends to do. He stated If the number of our union members increases only slightly, it will be possible to negotiate with management even if we do not strike. It is only a matter of time before we surpass the Hyundai Motors union, the largest union in the country with about 47,000 members.

First, Lee is claiming that the NSEU does not have enough members to wage a struggle. This is a complete fraud. It is meant to demoralize workers and convince them they are isolated from other sections of the working class while paving the way for the unions sellout.

The reference to the Hyundai Motors union is also highly revealing. In the middle of the Samsung strike on July 15, the Hyundai union, a branch of the Korean Metal Workers Union (KMWU), reached a deal with the auto company to prevent a strike for the sixth year in a row. The contract faced widespread opposition from workers with more than 40 percent voting to reject the agreement.

The union, which belongs to the supposedly militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, claimed that each worker would receive on average an additional 50.12 million won ($US36,178) annually when bonuses and other benefits were calculated. In response, a Hyundai official told the JoongAng Ilbo that The average annual wage increase for each worker is estimated at an amount in the 10 million won ($US7,218) range.

Neither amount is to be believed, but it demonstrates how wages are promised to workers when they sign contracts only to have these figures reduced at the end of the year when performance-based bonuses are calculated and withheld. Despite media claims and portrayals of Hyundai workers as labor aristocrats, the average worker at Hyundai made only 40.39 million won ($US29,162) last year, according to Job Korea, an online recruiting company.

Like the KMWU, the NSEU is selling itself as a means to prevent workers struggles, not lead them. This is precisely why Samsung lifted its no union policy in 2020 as the class struggle began to intensify around the world. Rather than being a detriment to profits, management recognised that the union would seek to prevent a wider outbreak of workers struggles while limiting the impact of workers who did attempt to fight back against attacks on their economic conditions, just as the unions have done at companies like Hyundai.

That underscores the need for workers to take matters into their own hands, including through the establishment of strike committees, independent of the union bureaucracy, to break the isolation of their struggle and develop a fight involving workers throughout Samsung and more broadly.
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Lear Wentzville workers on strike in July 2024 [Photo: UAW Region 4]

Nearly 500 workers at the Lear auto seating manufacturing plant in Wentzville, Missouri, initiated a strike early Monday morning. Workers had voted in favor of a strike by 99.3 percent on July 15.

The walkout is the second at the plant in less than two years, with the last strike in September 2022 lasting less than 48 hours before being shut down by the United Auto Workers.

Workers at the Wentzville Lear plant, located in the St. Louis metro area, are fighting for far higher wages, along with major improvements to retirement and health benefits, hours and working conditions. Workers currently top out at approximately $24 an hour, far below the $42.96-an-hour wage needed to live comfortably in St. Louis, according to SmartAsset.

A recently retired worker from the plant told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter:

Ive heard its not that great to work there anymore. And I used to love my job. I had to have my shoulder replaced because of the constant repetitive work that I did there, and their doctors denied it. But I had to have it done because I couldnt work or use it. It was bone on bone. But there were people there that got both shoulders done.

The nearby General Motors Wentzville Assembly plant quickly had to suspend some of its production on Monday morning due to the strike, with disruptions continuing Tuesday. Like other major automakers, GM relies on a just-in-time model of delivery for certain parts in an effort to reduce costs, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

We are still going into work, but production is not running, a GM worker told the WSWS Tuesday. They give us the option to leave after four hours.

On Tuesday, Lear reportedly presented UAW negotiators with a letter from GM demanding that production of seats resume.

The Southfield, Michigan-based Lear Corporation is one of the worlds largest auto parts suppliers, ranking No. 10 on Automotive News 2024 list of top-selling parts makers and 148 on the Fortune 500 list. It produces seats and electrical systems for Ford, General Motors and other automakers.

Lear management has taken a hard line against workers demands, despite the company reporting six consecutive quarters of increased sales and core earnings. Lear reported a record first-quarter revenue of $6 billion this year.

Theyre always making huge profits, but they dont want to trickle any of it down to the autoworkers, the people who make them the money, the retired Lear worker said. They make million-dollar bonuses, while the people, who work for them struggle to live day to day, live over an hour away from the plant. Theres no way I could afford our salary to drive back and forth to work, or buy a new car.

UAW Local 282 officials told local media that health and safety issues pose daily risks in the plant, and workers suffer from repetitive stress injuries.

In a statement, UAW Regional 4 Director Brad Campbell said, 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. The company has had plenty of time to make things right, but instead spent a billion dollars on stock buybacks and dividends last year.

There can be no doubt, however, that the UAW bureaucracy did not want the strike and will seek to isolate and shut it down as swiftly as possible, as it did in 2022. As of this writing, no announcement of the strike has been posted on the UAWs national website, keeping the wider UAW membership in the dark about the struggle.

On the other side of Missouri, the UAW has kept workers at the Forvia (formerly Faurecia) auto parts plant in Blue Springs on the job for nearly a month following the expiration of their contract on June 28, despite a unanimous strike authorization vote in May.

The Lear strike is among the first major battles by autoworkers since the UAWs betrayal of the 2023 Big Three autoworkers struggle. It also emerges amid an intensifying crisis in the administration of UAW President Shawn Fain.

In the wake of the 2023 UAW contracts at the Big Three, thousands of workers at Ford, GM and Stellantis have been laid off. Thousands of temporary workers have been fired outright, after Fain and UAW officials lied that they would all be converted to full-time employment under the new contracts.

The UAW bureaucracy has a well-documented record of selling out the struggles of Lear workers as well. At the Lear plant in Hammond, Indiana, the UAW refused to call out workers throughout the entirety of the Big Three stand-up strikes last year, despite an overwhelming strike authorization vote by Lear workers. In a remarkable show of courage and defiance, Lear Hammond workers voted to reject three UAW-endorsed contracts, before the union bureaucracy finally rammed through a fourth, virtually identical agreement.

Lear workers are kept fragmented in plant-by-plant contracts with different expiration dates, with no national agreement, in one of the clearest signs of the divide-and-conquer tactics used by the company and the UAW apparatus against workers.

They dont help everyone, and thats about all I can say, the Lear retiree in Wentzville said. I had no confidence in them at all.

In recent weeks, Fains administration has been staggered by a series of revelations that it is under investigation by a court-appointed federal monitor, with both Fain and Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock facing competing claims of misconduct. An unnamed regional director is also under investigation by the monitor for embezzlement.

Fains administration is undoubtedly particularly concerned to prevent the Lear strike from expanding and galvanizing broader working class anger in the run-up to the US presidential elections, amid the intense political crisis in the US and in the Democratic Party, for whom Fain has emerged as a leading shill.

A federal court ruled against the Biden administrations Department of Labor last month, rebuking it for refusing to properly investigate evidence of voter suppression in the 2022-23 UAW national officers elections which brought Fain and his reform caucus into office. The complaint was brought by Will Lehman, a worker at a Mack Trucks plant in Pennsylvania, who ran for UAW president on a platform of rank-and-file power in the same elections.

Lehman and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) have called for new elections in the UAW, to be overseen and controlled by workers themselves.

To prevent any sellout of their strike and imposition of concessions, Lear workers should take matters into their own hands and organize rank-and-file strike committees. These committees would provide a means for workers to draw up a list of their own demands based on what workers actually need, such as a 50 percent wage increase, an end to mandatory weekend overtime, and workers oversight of health and safety issues.

At the same time, an appeal should be made to workers at GM Wentzville, Forvia and other plants for a coordinated struggle against job cuts and for higher wages.
BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Just days after the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, a delegation from the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) visited China.

The visit came as China stands at a critical juncture of comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization. The message from China to the U.S. guests is clear: despite external pressures and internal challenges, China remains committed to deepening its reforms and opening its doors wider to foreign companies.

Despite the bad-mouthing of some U.S. politicians and their allies in the media about an "economic collapse," China's economic momentum is steadily solidifying. Recently, several international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have concurrently raised their forecasts for China's economic growth.

Domestic economic data corroborates this optimism. In the first half of the year, China's economy grew by 5 percent year-on-year, showcasing a stable economic foundation.

The quality of economic development is also improving, with investments in both high-tech manufacturing and high-tech services experiencing double-digit growth. On a global scale, China is also among the fastest growing economies.

The key CPC session has emphasized leveraging China's vast market advantages to enhance its openness through expanded international cooperation. This signifies that China aims to enhance the investment and operational opportunities of global enterprises by delivering a more optimized business environment and high-standard opening-up.

The U.S. business community stands to gain significantly from China's commitment to reform and opening-up. A new survey by American Chamber of Commerce in China has shown that around 50 percent of the surveyed companies have identified China as a top three investment target, signifying a strategic shift in their investment priorities. This was a 5-percentage-point improvement from the previous year's survey.

In fact, it is not just U.S. companies that are eyeing the Chinese market. With China's continued stable economic growth as well as deepening reform and opening-up, more multinational corporations are turning their attention to China.

In the first half of this year, China established 26,870 new foreign-invested enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 14.2 percent, official data showed.

The visit of the USCBC delegation also highlights a critical reality: despite the clamor among some U.S. politicians for a "decoupling" from China, the U.S. business community remains resolutely focused on fostering ties with the world's second-largest economy.

In their meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the U.S. delegation said the U.S. business community is confident in continuing to deepen its cooperation with China and looks forward to further deepening bilateral cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, investment, green development, health, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The past 45 years since the establishment of bilateral ties have demonstrated the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. cooperation. The notion of "decoupling from China" is neither feasible nor desirable for the business community.

Consider the pledge made by U.S. politicians to bring back manufacturing and jobs. The tariffs imposed by the White House on foreign metals, washing machines, and a range of goods from China starting in 2018 have neither increased nor decreased the overall number of jobs in the affected industries, said a recent working paper by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Zurich, Harvard University, and the World Bank.

Despite Washington's political rhetoric, a rupture in the China-U.S. economic relationship would result in mutual losses, disrupt global supply chains, and stall economic recovery at a time when the world can least afford it.

Therefore, the world's two largest economies share a responsibility to manage their differences responsibly, and ensure that economic competition stays healthy. At stake is not just bilateral trade, but global economic stability and peace.

During their stay in Beijing, members of the USCBC delegation said that the plenum is expected to stimulate a new round of economic reform, further opening up in China, and attract more sustainable foreign investment.

It is hoped that as the American business executives return home, they will not only bring back insights into China's future economic policies but also contribute to the mutually-beneficial economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. 
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China's role in the Middle East peace process is commendable and important to achieving Palestinian solidarity, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday.

The uniting of various Palestinian factions under the Beijing Declaration is a crucial step toward realizing the rights of the Palestinian people, he said in a statement.

"I commend the government of the People's Republic of China for facilitating talks between Fatah, Hamas and twelve other Palestinian political factions. It is my sincere hope that this declaration of unity will translate into tangible results on the ground and withstand future challenges," he said.

The declaration was signed on Tuesday by 14 Palestinian factions at the end of their reconciliation dialogue held in Beijing from July 21 to 23 at the invitation of the Chinese side. 
The moon is pictured with the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, July 23, 2024, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

Children display a paper-cutting work at Yinchuan West Road Community of Shinan District, Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 22, 2024. During the summer vacation, the community organized activities of learning intangible cultural heritage to enrich children's holiday experience. (Photo by Wang Haibin/Xinhua)

This panoramic photo shows people visiting the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 23, 2024. The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Nearly half of the exhibitors are companies from South and Southeast Asia. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

This photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows a sunset view of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Liang Yu/Xinhua)

A child pats a dog in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

A China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft is pictured at a flight test base in Pucheng County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft has entered the phase of certification flight tests, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Airworthiness Certification Center of the Aviation Administration of China issued the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) to the first model of the AG600 large amphibious aircraft family, said the AVIC, China's leading aircraft manufacturer. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 23, 2024 shows a view of the North Curl Curl Rockpool in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Liang Yu/Xinhua)

Tourists visit the trial preview of an exhibition at the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 22, 2024. An exhibition named "Craftsmanship and Ingenuity - Showcase of Preservation and Restoration Achievements of Newly Excavated Cultural Relics from the Sangxingdui Site" opened here on Tuesday.

More than 50 pieces of newly restored bronze ware, golden ware, jadeware, ivory and other artifacts are displayed at the exhibition, which will last until the end of 2024.

Discovered in the late 1920s in the city of Guanghan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, the Sanxingdui Ruins have been dubbed as one of the world's greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

The provincial cultural relics and archaeology research institute said on Tuesday that, since 2022, over 400 sites have been identified, including high-level building foundations, ash pits, ash ditches, and stone artifacts production and processing sites at Sanxingdui. More than 4,000 artifacts, including pottery, jadeware and stoneware, have been unearthed. (Xinhua/Tang Wenhao)
My Tiny, Tiny, Tiny Brain Just Got Blown After Seeing These 22 Absolutely Fascinating Pictures For The Very First Time Last Week

1.In 2018, NASA captured an unreal-looking rectangular iceberg:

Looks like PS2 graphics. / Alamy Stock Photo

2.This is the last photograph ever taken of the Titanic:

It sunk three days later. Alamy Stock Photo

3.This is what a report card from 1926 looks like:

Knock off all that whispering! u/wtfimscreaming / Via reddit.com

4.This camouflage, known as "dazzle camouflage," was extremely popular during World War I:

It wasn't used to blend in, but because its "patterns would make it more difficult to figure out the ships size, speed, distance and direction." Neat! / Alamy Stock Photo

5.Dirt doesn't stick to scars:

So, that's one way to stay clean. u/dumbwhip / Via reddit.com

6.This is what a lighthouse lens from the 1700s looks like:

I want to put one in my kitchen. u/nowyouknowhim / Via reddit.com

7.You're probably familiar with the front of King Tut's iconic death mask:

Hannes Magerstaedt / Stringer

8.Well, this is what the back looks like:

Michael Ventura / Alamy Stock Phot

9.Blue lobsters exist:

They say it's a "one in two million" chance to catch one of these gorgeous young 'sters. Portland Press Herald / Getty Images

10.And grasshoppers? Well, some grasshoppers can be pink:

I see you, nature. u/xmintyx / Via reddit.com

11.But back to lobsters: This is what a whole bunch of three week old lobsters look like:

I must protect them. u/minniemoose1336 / Via reddit.com

12.Somewhere out in the world there's a Red Cross van donated by Britney Spears:

She donated the van after devastating floods hit Louisiana in 2016. u/landylindo / Via reddit.com

13.This is how big a baby kangaroo is when it's born:

It's about the size of a quarter. It then spends the next four months or so in its mother's pouch. babbyfarms.net

14.For some reason unbeknownst to me, in 1920 a policeman did this off a building in New York:

Me, personally? I like doing the crossword to have fun. But go off. / Alamy Stock Photo

15.This is 455 pound Piet van der Zwaard AKA the "fattest man in Europe" in 1955:

Folks, do we stan Piet van der Zwaard? Arie Van Vliet / Getty Images

16.This is what brain fluid looks like:

Should you ever have it drained. I think I'll pass on a cup of brain juice, personally. u/friendlybabyfrog / Via reddit.com

17.This is why a bee dies after it stings you:

RIP, bee. We hardly knew thee. Dimas Ardian / Getty Images

18.This is one of the earliest designs for roller skates. They didn't catch on for some reason:

Probably because everyone who rode them was bustin' their dang head open like a dang coconut. Dang! / Alamy Stock Photo

19.You never know what you might find underneath the floorboards:

This is the finest archeological discovery since Nefertari's tomb, IMO. u/usedtohaveatail / Via reddit.com

20.This is what a traffic light looked like in New York City in 1929:

Even traffic lights were art back in the day, back in the day being 1929, of course. / Alamy Stock Photo

21.In the early 1900s, one way to transport tons of materials and train parts was to suspend it hundreds of feet in the air and tow it across a canyon:

I'm just happy that train is having fun. / Alamy Stock Photo

22.And, finally, some people have abnormally huge veins:

Apparently, it's totally fine. Shout out to all my huge-vein-havers out there. This one's for you. u/plaidjammies / Via reddit.com
Even politicians want to have a 'brat' summer

Kamala Harris appears to be embracing Charli XCX's "brat" summer.

The British pop star has backed the Vice President, declaring: "Kamala IS brat."

Harris is not the first politician to use the album for political purposes.

Even Kamala Harris wants to be a "brat" this summer.

The Vice President and probable Democratic presidential nominee has decided to embrace a flood of Charli XCX-related memes, even adopting the pop star's "brat" album branding for an official campaign social media page.

The British performer has shared the enthusiasm, endorsing Harris in an X post with the declaration: "Kamala IS brat."

Harris is not the first politician to embrace the viral "brat summer" for political gain.

Across the pond, the former leader of the UK's left-leaning Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, used the album's typeface and signature color for several social media ads in his recent successful campaign to be re-elected as an independent candidate.

The UK's Greens, an environmentally focused political party, also co-opted Charli's "brat" branding to encourage voters to go to the polls.

But what does a pop album that celebrates partying have to do with politics? Apparently, quite a lot.

So what exactly is a 'brat' summer?

Charli XCX has defined "brat" as a form of rejection of the "clean girl" aesthetic.

According to the artist herself, the concept is about authenticity, having fun, and being a bit trashy.

"It can go that way, like, quite luxury, but it can also be so, like, trashy," the pop star said in a recent interview. "Just, like, a pack of cigs, and, like, a Bic lighter, and, like, a strappy white top. With no bra. That's, like, kind of all you need."

Charli XCX performing at a festival in Denmark. Joseph Okpako/WireImage/Getty Images

The album itself is a celebration of club culture tinged with a touch of existential dread. Its cover art  an iconic burst of lime green with a blurry typeface  is another example of the imperfect nature of being "brat."

Social media has run with the idea of the "brat" summer, and the album's aesthetics have taken on a life of their own. With a little help from a viral TikTok dance, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200  the best US chart placing of Charli's career. (Pitchfork called "Brat" "imperious and cool, nuanced and vulnerable, and one of the best pop albums of the year.")

"Brat" has captured the summer zeitgeist, and the ripple effects are hitting everything from the fashion industry to political campaigns. Having a "brat" summer has become less about the album  and more about a state of mind.

The memification of Kamala Harris

In terms of Harris' shot at the Oval Office, the "brat" approach could be exactly what the Democrats need.

The social media strategy is fun, memey, and resonating with Gen Z. It's tapped into a youthful energy that Joe Biden and Donald Trump have both struggled to access.

It's also spreading like wildfire.

Old videos of Harris dancing, laughing, and celebrating LGBT rights backed by Charli XCX club anthems were going viral even before Biden dropped his reelection bid. One viral clip shows a group of men on Fire Island sporting "brat" Harris crop tops.

The viral nature of the social media support marks Harris out as a different kind of candidate than Trump and Biden. It's a burst of energy for the Democrats and may also force Trump's campaign team into an online world they weren't expecting to have to navigate.

However, Harris's social media team may want to tread lightly when it comes to embracing the Vice President's memification. As BI's Katie Notopoulos points out, it can kill the vibe whenever a politician or brand leans too hard into organic memes.

But for now, Harris is still riding the "brat" wave  and it appears to be working.

Read the original article on Business Insider
When is a going not really a going? When it turns out to just be a precursor to a coming back. And that seems to be the case where not one or two but three General Hospital actors exits are concerned.

The week of July 15, Hudson West bowed out as Jake, as Jason and Lizs son accepted Dads offer to pay for him to attend art school in Spain. But the character isnt gone for good, nor will the teen be returning to the canvas with a new, older actor after being dealt a case of SORAS (soap-opera rapid-aging syndrome), Soap Opera Digest reports. (Its a good thing, too, because Jake has some seriously unfinished business in Port Charles.)

GENERAL HOSPITAL - Episode 15511 - General Hospital" airs Monday - Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (Disney/Bahareh Ritter) STEVE BURTON, LAURA WRIGHT

Last week also marked the departures of James Patrick Stuart and Scarlett Fernandez as smooth operator Valentin and chip off the ol block Charlotte. If the Cassadine conniver were smart, he might stay away, lest he face charges stemming from his involvement with Pikeman. But the heart wants what the heart wants  and his wants Anna (even though it was she who busted him!). So we can expect his ticket out of Port Charles to be a roundtrip one, the website says. (Plus, no way could the show wake up Lulu after all those years in a coma without her daughter Charlotte being there to greet her!)

Text reads, Subscribe to Soaps' General Hospital Newsletter. Get breaking news alerts, daily recaps, exclusive interviews and spoilers sent straight to your inbox https://cloud.email.soaps.com/signup/

Check out our newly updated photo gallery to catch up on all of the latest General Hospital exits  the permanent, the temporary and everything in between.
Hailey Bieber, nee Baldwin, explained why she's not "super close" with the Baldwins anymore.

Gotham / GC Images

The model and Rhode founder was born to parents Stephen and Kennya Baldwin  making her uncles Alec, Daniel, and Billy Baldwin. Stephen made headlines earlier this year when he shared a post asking for "prayers" for Hailey and husband Justin Bieber, leading to further speculation about the state of their marriage.

Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

In a new interview with W magazine, Hailey said of her early years in Nyack, New York, "I had a fairly normal childhood. Obviously, I come from the family that I come from, and I always recognized that that was different."

Duffy-marie Arnoult / WireImage

"Im not super close with my family at this point in my life because I feel like Im very independent. Im my own individual now, and Ive built my own family," she continued. "But when I look back on my childhood and how I grew up, I have very fond, beautiful memories."

Hailey is currently pregnant with her first child. Paul Archuleta / FilmMagic

Hailey then pointed to the fact that she first signed with a modeling agency at age 17 and moved to New York, where she was surrounded by a lot of grown people doing very grown things. She continued, I started traveling the world, making my own money. I got my own apartment and had to learn how to live on my own and pay bills. That pushed me into adulthood kind of quickly, when most of my friends were just leaving for college.

Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images

A diplomatic answer given how much of a nightmare the Baldwins sound! You can read the full interview here.
Inside John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy's relationship, from their courtship to his assassination

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier cutting their wedding cake after their marriage in Newport, Rhode Island. Bettmann/Getty Images

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy met at a dinner party in Washington, DC, in 1952.

A year later, they married in Newport, Rhode Island, in front of 600 guests.

Jackie was by her husband's side when he was assassinated in 1963.

Few political power couples are as iconic as John F. Kennedy and "Jackie O."

On September 12, 1953, John Fitzgerald Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in Newport, Rhode Island.

The classic New England affair went down as the social event of the decade and a marked key moment in the making of the Kennedy political dynasty.

However, throughout their relationship, the couple struggled with infertility and rumors of John's infidelity before he was assassinated on November 22, 1963.

Here's a timeline of their relationship, from humble beginnings to living in the White House.

1947: Before meeting his future wife, John F. Kennedy was climbing the political ranks. He was elected to the House of Representatives for Massachusetts in 1947.

John F. Kennedy at one of his campaign headquarters in 1946. AP

Following the death of his older brother, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., in World War II, John F. Kennedy was seen as the new political figure in the Kennedy family, according to History.

1952: After graduating from George Washington University, Jacqueline Lee Bouvier won a 12-month junior editorship with Vogue.

Jackie Kennedy in the 1950s. AP

However, an editor apparently made "condescending remarks" to her when she arrived, and she left on her first day, The New York Times reported.

1952: Bouvier got a receptionist job at The Washington Times-Herald.

Jackie Kennedy holding a vintage camera. AP

According to "Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life," Bouvier asked for more challenging work and was tasked with doing man-on-the-street interviews. She notably spoke with 6-year-old Tricia Nixon before and after her father, Richard Nixon, was elected to the vice presidency.

In January that same year, Bouvier got engaged to stockbroker John G. W. Husted Jr. However, Bouvier called off the wedding soon after reportedly learning Husted wasn't as wealthy as she thought, People reported.

May 1952: Bouvier was introduced to Congressman John F. Kennedy, and the pair immediately hit it off.

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy on a small sailboat. AP

The pair were introduced by a mutual friend, journalist Charles Bartlett, at a dinner party in Washington, DC. John was apparently instantly interested in pursuing Bouvier.

"My brother really was smitten with her right from the very beginning when he first met her at dinner," John's younger brother Ted Kennedy told author Sarah Bradford in "America's Queen," People reported.

"I've never met anyone like her," Kennedy said at the time, The Washington Post later reported.

November 1952: JFK won a seat in the Senate representing Massachusetts and proposed to Jackie.

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy pose for a portrait. AP

According to Vogue, he proposed with a Van Cleef & Arpels ring set with a 2.88-carat diamond and 2.84-carat emerald.

Their engagement was the talk of the town.

September 12, 1953: Jacqueline and John Fitzgerald Kennedy married in Newport, Rhode Island.

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier cutting their wedding cake after their marriage in Newport, Rhode Island. Bettmann/Getty Images

The wedding was one of the most high-profile celebrations of the decade, largely due to Kennedy's rising political star and the fact that both Kennedy and Bouvier came from influential families, Life Magazine reported.

They were married in front of 600 guests, while 2,000 "society fans" gathered outside to cheer on the newlyweds after they had left the church.

1956: Jackie gave birth to a stillborn daughter they called Arabella.

Jackie and John F. Kennedy attend an event. National Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The couple had struggled conceiving, and Jackie had already had a miscarriage in 1955, the Huffington Post reported.

People reported Jackie later told her family she was considering divorce because John did not return from a cruise to be by her side after the death of their daughter.

The idea of divorce would come up again in their marriage, reportedly because of his affairs with other women.

"She wasn't naive to it. They did have many conversations about it, and she did tell him that she was sick of it and she didn't like it," Jackie Kennedy biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli told People.

November 27, 1957: Their next child, Caroline Kennedy, was born.

John F. Kennedy with his daughter, Caroline. AP

Kennedy had recently won reelection and was serving as a junior Democratic senator, according to Biography.

January 2, 1960: Kennedy announced his plans to run for president.

Jackie and John F. Kennedy after voting in the 1960 presidential election. Marion S Trikosko/US News and World Report Magazine Collection/PhotoQuest/Getty Images

The decision would mean 11 months of traveling across the country campaigning, according to the Kennedy Library.

However, a few weeks into the campaign, Jackie became pregnant, meaning she would have to stay home in Massachusetts while her husband hit the campaign trail. Jackie's pregnancy prevented her from joining him often, but she supported him by doing TV spots and magazine stories.

November 8, 1960: Kennedy won the election and became the 35th president of the United States, with Jackie by his side.

Frank Sinatra and Jackie Kennedy attended a gala at the National Guard Armory, Washington DC, on January 19, 1961. GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty Images

Upon his election, President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jackie Kennedy became a powerhouse political couple.

"We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom  symbolizing an end as well as a beginning  signifying renewal as well as change," Kennedy said in a speech at his inauguration, according to the Kennedy Library. "Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans."

Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, who helped stage a gala the night before to pay off the campaign's debts, performed over inauguration weekend.

November 25, 1960: Their son John F. Kennedy Jr. was born.

John F. Kennedy wheels his wife Jacqueline out of Georgetown Hospital after the birth of their son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

A mere two weeks after Kennedy was named president-elect, Jackie gave birth to their first son, John F. Kennedy Jr.

1961: Jackie restored and renovated the White House, making a lasting mark on America's most famous residence.

She wanted to incorporate history. AP/William J Smith

It was said that while taking a tour of the White House as a child, Jackie wasn't impressed by the home.

"From the outside, I remember the feeling of the place," she told Life Magazine, according to the Kennedy Library. "But inside, all I remember is shuffling through. There wasn't even a booklet you could buy. Mount Vernon and the National Gallery and the FBI made a far greater impression."

When she and her husband moved in 20 years later, she made it her mission to re-do the furnishings. According to the Kennedy Library, she focused on collecting antiques and incorporated heirloom pieces to emphasize the home's history and restore the White House  not just "decorate" it.

According to the Kennedy Library, Kennedy had already spent the entire $50,000 budget allotted to the project just on furnishing the family's private quarters. However, she was able to finish the project by sourcing antiques on a loan.

"It was really the happiest time of my life," she once said of living in the White House, according to the Kennedy Library. "It was when we were the closest  I didn't realize the physical closeness of having his office ... in the same building and seeing him so many times a day."

May 19, 1962: Marilyn Monroe famously sang "Happy Birthday" to Kennedy, sparking a rumor they were having an affair.

It's now iconic. AP Photo

Actor Marilyn Monroe performed a now-iconic rendition of "Happy Birthday" to him while she wore a glittering, skintight dress during a Democratic fundraiser in New York City. Jackie did not attend the event.

Taraborrelli, Jackie Kennedy's biographer, claims that in April 1962, roughly a month before Monroe performed for Kennedy and a month after the pair had engaged in a weekend-long affair, Monroe called Jackie asking for the president, but only to say hello.

"There was something about that phone call," Taraborelli told Fox News in 2023. "She later told family members that there was a haunting quality to Marilyn's voice that really stuck with her. And it's not like they even had any kind of deep conversation. But it was 10 years of wondering, was it really Marilyn Monroe? And that buzz stayed with the family."

August 1963: Their son Patrick Bouvier was born prematurely.

Jackie and John F. Kennedy. AP

He suffered from a lung condition and died two days later on August 9, 1963, according to the Kennedy Library.

November 22, 1963: John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

John F. Kennedy and Jackie ride in the motorcade moments before he was assassinated. Public Domain / wikimedia

The president was fatally shot while riding in a motorcade in downtown Dallas with Jackie, Texas Gov. John Connally, and his wife, Nellie, when shots suddenly rang out.

Kennedy was shot in the neck and the back, and doctors were unable to treat his injuries. Both raised Catholic, Jackie ensured that John received his last rites from Father Oscar Huber before being officially pronounced dead at 1 p.m. He was 46 years old.

November 25, 1963: President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest.

She was comforting her children. AP

Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on his son John's third birthday.

After his death, Jackie worked diligently to carry on his legacy and preserve his memory. She created and oversaw the building of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum as a memorial to her husband, and carried on raising her young family.

According to Time, she remarried Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968, though their marriage was more for security than a great love story.

"The first time you marry for love, the second for money, and the third for companionship," Kennedy was once quoted as saying, according to Forbes.

When Onassis died in 1975, she said, "Aristotle Onassis rescued me at a moment when my life was engulfed with shadowsWe lived through many beautiful experiences togetherfor which I will be eternally grateful."

May 19, 1994: Kennedy died in her sleep from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 64.

Bill Clinton and the Kennedys at JFK Library in 1993. Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images

She was buried beside her husband a few days later in Arlington Cemetery.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Guy Ritchies last spy caper, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, was delayed a year because of sheer bad timing  it picked Ukrainians as baddies. Hes not making the same mistake with The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Nazis are a safe bet in the action-flick pantheon: theyre pure cannon fodder here as vengeful glee lights up the faces of a misfiring British cast. The film has zero finesse even by Ritchies standards, but if star ratings were calculated on body count alone, give it hundreds.

The story is loosely  very, very loosely  based on the 1942 mission known as Operation Postmaster, a top-secret endeavour backed by Churchill to sabotage a Nazi U-boat base on the island then known as Fernardo Po (now Bioko), off Cameroon.

Most of the film involves carnage raining down on the African harbour-fronts so any actual plot is confined to shrugged mutterings in war rooms. Henry Cavill, all hulking smarm with his handlebar moustache, heads the black-ops squad as Gus March-Phillips, one of Ian Flemings main inspirations for James Bond. Freddie Fox has a dapper cameo as Fleming, just as Johnny Flynn played him in Operation Mincemeat (2021).

The screenplay cant help referring to Brigadier Gubbins (Cary Elwes) as M, and Ritchie even casts Bond stalwart Rory Kinnear  swamped in prosthetic flab  as a helplessly lacklustre Churchill. Playing the sadistic chief Nazi, Heinrich Luhr, Til Schweiger has what you might call Christoph Waltz energy. Indeed, the whole film amounts to a mash-up of Inglourious Basterds, The Expendables and Darkest Hour, slurrying the worst aspects of all three into an unsavoury Bondian mulch.

Shabby as theyve been, Ritchies recent outings have at least relied on the comic timing of well-cast actors (eg. Jason Statham and Hugh Grant in Operation Fortune). One of his more ill-fated tics here is to drop all ambient sound for a couple of dialogue scenes, which only accentuates the utterly cardboard screenwriting. Few escape unscathed (Elwes manages) and some players (an all-wrong Eiza Gonzalez as actress/spy Marjorie Stewart) need to run away screaming from every future call-up into the Ritchie-verse. Ungentlemanly, you say? This film must bring out the worst in everybody.

Meanwhile, the essentially colour-blind casting produces odd vibrations whenever any Nazis are on screen: they dont seem to notice racial differences, which makes them pretty unconvincing Nazis. The tension in tricking, catching or killing agents of the Third Reich surely hinges on them being plausibly real. Slaughtering these clueless cut-outs in their multitudes, who seem to have no idea what theyre doing, isnt exciting, or even much thuggish fun. Its as if Ritchie got halfway to making Carry On Churchill, but replaced all the jokes with kill-shots.

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Barbie is turning 65, and this milestone needs to be celebrated. For this grand anniversary, Mattel and the popular Turkey Hill brand teamed up to bring us all a special treat before summer ends: two Barbie-inspired ice cream flavors to cool us off and give us a little Barbie joy.

For many, Barbie was (and still is) an icon. She's been everything from an astronaut to a mermaid to a chef and even a pioneer woman. With Barbie, you really could do it all. From playing with various outfits and decorating her Dreamhouse to cruising around in her corvette, the possibilities within the realm of imagination were endless. In 2023, a new wave of Barbie fans entered the chat with the release of the epic "Barbie" movie that, if you haven't seen it yet, was true cinematic perfection.

I had the chance to try the new Frosted Cupcake and Strawberry Marshmallow flavors to see if they're equally as iconic. Does the Barbie name shine through these epic creations? Let's find out.

Some recommendations are based on first-hand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer/distributor/etc.

Read more: 21 Top Ice Cream Brands, Ranked By Flavor And Quality

Where Can I Get The New Turkey Hill Barbie Ice Creams And How Much Do They Cost?

Barbie Frosted Cupcake ice cream - Mattel

If you're looking to get the new Turkey Hill Barbie flavors, you can find them at an array of retailers. Seek them out at your local ShopRite, ACME, Giant Eagle, Giant Carlisle, Turkey Hill Minit Markets, Weis, Wegmans, Hannaford, Food Lion, or Market Basket starting this August.

In stores, you'll find these flavors in family-size containers for only $4.22. We're not sure how long these flavors will last, so we suggest enjoying them ASAP to close out the summer.

What Does Turkey Hill's Barbie Frosted Cupcake Ice Cream Taste Like?

Barbie Frosted Cupcake ice cream - Jenn Carnevale/Daily Meal & Mattel

The first Barbie flavor I tried was Frosted Cupcake, featuring cupcake-flavored ice cream with swirled frosting. However, the container description didn't exactly match what I saw inside.

Upon first glance, I wasn't impressed. TTurkey Hill's Barbie Frosted Cupcake ice creamhere wasn't much to see, except for a white ice cream base and some random pink pieces embedded within. I guessed these were the swirls they were talking about, but those swirls weren't really swirls at all. They were tube-like chunks of candy that resembled something like frosting, but the sugary taste from the ice cream overtook every other flavor. The ice cream base was overpowering, tasting more like cake batter ice cream than anything else -- and I don't mean that as a complement. It was tough to swallow after a few bites.

Overall, I didn't think the Frosted Cupcake option was bad, but I didn't really like it. The ice cream was okay, but between its sweetness and the frosting pieces failing in texture and taste, there weren't many redeeming qualities. For me, this one was a no. For kids and sweet tooths, this might be a huge win.

What Does Turkey Hill's Barbie Strawberry Marshmallow Ice Cream Taste Like?

Barbie Strawberry Marshmallow ice cream - Jenn Carnevale/Daily Meal & Mattel

The second flavor option I tried from the Barbie x Turkey Hill mashup was Strawberry Marshmallow. I had high hopes looking at the packaging, but the disappointment continued.

This one featured a strawberry ice cream swirled with marshmallow. It definitely tasted like strawberry and marshmallow, but the flavors weren't cohesive. I normally like a store-bought or homemade strawberry ice cream, but this one was a little too tart, and it was missing the real chunks of strawberry I seek out in this flavor. The mix of the marshmallow wasn't really what I was expecting either. I did find the texture of sticky marshmallow, which I normally like, and the marshmallow flavor was great, but it didn't sit well with the cold, hard ice cream.

Something about this one just didn't mesh, even down to the strawberry ice cream base. It was a little disappointing, especially for the Turkey Hill brand. I think there is a place in the ice cream scene for Strawberry Marshmallow, but it won't be in my freezer.

Final Thoughts On Turkey Hill's Barbie Ice Creams

Turkey Hill Barbie ice cream - Mattel

Overall, these new flavors from Turkey Hill weren't great in my opinion. The Frosted Cupcake option was the better of the two, but it was too sweet and reminiscent of uncooked cake batter. I couldn't get down more than a few bites before the flavor started to turn my palate. And when I want strawberry ice cream, I want real chunks of strawberry in there -- not just more sugar added into the mix. Something about the missing fruit and the marshmallow additive just didn't do it for me. I'm not sure if it was the actual flavors or the fact that these options aren't technically ice cream, as they are listed as a Frozen Dairy Dessert.

I'm not saying don't give these a try, but the Barbie ice cream wasn't anything to write home about. I love Barbie, and I've enjoyed some Turkey Hill in my day, but I think these options missed the mark.

However, this mediocre ice cream doesn't take away from Barbie's big day. Find a way to celebrate on your own, and if that includes a trial of this creative ice cream combo, then you're on your way to a cooler summer, for sure!

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
Rotterdam, Cannes Winner Paz Encina Preps The Unique Time, About What Happens to Someone When They Face an Absence (EXCLUSIVE)

A Rotterdam Tiger Award winner for Eami, and Cannes Un Certain Regard Fipresci laureate for Paraguayan Hammock, Paz Encina is prepping her fourth feature, The Unique Time (El Tiempo Unico), set to be brought to market at Locarnos Open Doors.

In development, and written by Encina, the film begins  though Encina suggests she will conflate pasts and present, suggesting one continuum  in Paso de la Patria, in Argentina, Paraguay across the confluence of two rivers. A family  Lorenza (70) and Pedro (73),their children  await news of Maximo, their youngest son who was 22 when he disappeared, and of Paraguay. One morning, Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner is overthrown. Exile has come to an end, but how does one return after twenty five years? What is ones homeland? How does one face something one has waited so long for? And Maximo? the synopsis asks.

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This family must decide what to do next, now that freedom has arrived. From an emptiness that lives relentlessly inside them, each of them will take a different path, it ends.

The Unique Time is set up as a production of Gabriela Sabates Sabate Films, behind Hugo Gimenezs Killing the Dead, Paraguays 2020 Oscar submission, Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schembori 2017 The Gold Seekers, and Encinas The Paraguayan Hammock.

Julio Chavezmontes Piano will produce out of Mexico. Founded in 2011, the production-distribution house has a sustained history of co-producing major festival titles such as Ruben Ostlunds Triangle of Sadness. Further production credits take in Leos Caraxs Annette, Apichatpong Weerasethakuls Memoria and Mia Hansen-Lves Bergman Island.

Also producing are Encinas own label Silencio Cine and Germanys Black Forest Films, which backed Eami.

Encinas father was an opposition lawyer. Born 1971, she was almost 18 when Stroessner was toppled. Being Paraguayan and a woman, having lived a childhood and adolescence during a dictatorship with a father in the opposition, who was imprisoned, exiled and controlled for many years, are facts that have deeply marked my life, Encina told Variety.

And her cinema too. Exile, loss, absence and the battle for memory, run through her first features: 2006s Paraguayan Hammock has a couple waiting the return of their son, who left for his military service in the 1932-35 Chaco War.

Sparked by her reading of the so-called Archives of Terror, record by Strossners own police of their surveillance and torture of dissidents, Memory Exercises creates memories, most particularly of Agustin Goiboru, a doctor who disappeared, as his wife and children recall his life. Eami is set against the forced displacement of the Ayoreo Totobiegosode, who lived in the Northern Paraguayan Chaco, by one of the most rampant deforestations in the world. Eami commits to memory the sights and sounds of the forest  caught in a shot of a dazzling thicket of foliage and a flock of bird in a lagoon  knowing she will have to leave her homeplace.

The Unique Time also has more immediate origins, Encina told Variety.

In 2022, my brother passed away. Pain returned to my chest. Out of all the absences, this became the strongest, deepest and saddest one. He was 10 years younger than me, she said.

I started writing this film with something I can only describe as an animal pain. During those months I asked myself again: How do I look at the world? What do I have to say? These are recurrent questions in my life. What I have to say is what happens to someone when they face an absence. And how?

With what cinema offers me. Using times, using lights and shadows, using words, minimal gestures, with silence, always silence, with what has stopped but yet goes on, with what makes me be me. With meaning and sweetness.

Hopefully, with meaning and sweetness.

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The 'America's Got Talent' judge shared a series of casual photos from her summer vacation in Italy on Instagram

Sofia Vergara/Instagram Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara is keeping her makeup routine minimal while enjoying a vacation in Italy!

On Tuesday, July 23, the Griselda star posted a carousel of photos from her trip on Instagram captioned, "Im staying." The first snap is a fresh-faced selfie featuring the actress, 52, as she shows off the view behind her while wearing minimal makeup.

In the photo, Vergara's sunkissed strands are split down the middle, framing her face on both sides. She gives the camera a soft smile, displaying her natural beauty with what appears to be just a touch of mascara and a neutral lip.

The second photo, which looks to have been taken on the same day, finds the America's Got Talent judge posing in a doorframe just behind a candelabra. In addition to her minimalist makeup, she's also keeping things casual with a loose, gray and black tie-dyed dress with spaghetti straps and a red, heart-shaped necklace.

Vergara followed up her first two photos with a third snap of her sitting next to a sculpture while wearing a blue sundress, sunglasses and white sneakers. The normally ultra glam star let her windswept hair fall naturally around her shoulders as she took in the scenery.

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Sofia Vergara/Instagram Sofia Vergara

Related: Sofia Vergara Shares Rare Snap of Boyfriend Justin Saliman on Italy Vacation: Im Staying

The actress, who just recently earned her fifth Emmy nomination, is joined in Italy by her orthopedic surgeon boyfriend Justin Saliman. The surgeon appeared in a post on Vergara's Instagram grid that same day, also looking casual as he lounged on an outdoor sofa bed.

Vergara began dating Saliman after her 2023 divorce from ex-husband Joe Manganiello after seven years of marriage. She was first linked with Saliman in October 2023 when they were spotted at the Funke restaurant in Beverly Hills for Kim Kardashian's birthday celebration. They've continued to be seen out and about together since then.

Sofia Vergara/Instagram Sofia Vergara

Related: Sofia Vergara's Sexy Yellow Birthday Dress Perfectly Matched Her Cake

On Wednesday, July 24, Vergara kept the vacation content coming as she posed with her son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara as they headed to a lunch hosted by the Brunello Cucinelli company. This time, the Modern Family alum dressed things up in a fitted, sleeveless floral dress, simple makeup and a white Chanel purse.

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"Gracias to the @brunellocucinelli_brand family for the perfect lunch!," she captioned the carousel.

It seems Europe has a special effect on Vergara. In 2023, she posted a makeup-free selfie from a bathtub in Paris, writing at the time, "2am jetlag planning how to get this bathtub to LA #paris."



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Travis Scott is looking to shake up the world every time he hits the stage. La Flames European leg of the Circus Maximus Tour rumbled through Milan on Tuesday, and the 80,000 in attendance sparked worries of a possible earthquake in Italy.

Scott rocked the Ippodromo Snai La Maura open-field venue in Milan, and citizens thought tectonic plates were shaking after he performed his FE!N anthem eight times in a row, per Il Messaggero.

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While the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology didnt report any earthquakes in Milan, X users complained about vibrations. Am I the only one who heard the #terremoto in Milan, one asked in Italian, while another person added: Did I alone feel three good tremors of #Terremoto in Milan?

La Flame posted aerial footage of the wild scene featuring a sea of people, phone lights and pockets of mosh pits from above as he sent his ragers into a frenzy.

LAST NIGHT WAS A DREAM. NO THIS ISNT FESTIVAL. THIS A SHOW ON THE TOUR IN THE WORDS OF STROMBERG, Scott wrote to Instagram. MILAN YALL OWE ME NOTHING. YALL GAVE YALL ALL 80k OF YALL HAD THE BEST TIME EVER. CIRCUS MAXIMUS. @whitetrashtyler WAS ACTUALLY TURNT ABOUT THIS.

Its not the first time a Travis performance has been mistaken for an earthquake in Italy. Reports emerged last year of rumored tremors during a June 2023 Scott show at the same venue.

The Circus Maximus Tour continues its European run the rest of July with a pair of shows in Germany and then another two in Spain to close out the month.

Scotts world tour has only just begun, with the SICKO MODE rapper heading to South America for a string of shows in September. Hell return to the U.S. for a singular show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Oct. 9 before heading down under to Australia/New Zealand to wrap the trek up.

Theres music on the way from the Houston native, as Scott is set to appear on Ice Spices Y2K! debut album on Friday (July 26). Trav and the Deli rapper teamed up on a track titled Oh Shhh

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The screenshot taken from the streaming of CNN shows U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle (R) being grilled at a congressional hearing by lawmakers on July 22, 2024. (Xinhua)

At the hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Kimberly acknowledged that it was "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades."

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday after widespread outrage over the agency's failure to prevent the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

Cheatle's resignation came one day after she was grilled at a congressional hearing by lawmakers, who said she failed to answer basic questions and demanded that she step down immediately.

At the hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Cheatle acknowledged that it was "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades."

The committee issued a statement following the hearing. "Republican and Democrat members pressed U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for answers on the egregious security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of (former) President Trump, the murder of an innocent victim, and harm to others in the crowd at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania," it said.

"Director Cheatle could not or refused to answer basic questions from Committee members, leading Republican and Democrat members to call for Director Cheatle's immediate resignation," the committee said.

At the hearing, Cheatle frequently stated that it's only 9 days after the shooting, and she was still waiting for reports of the ongoing investigations, emphasizing her effort to ensure the information she provided was accurate.

When asked why the Secret Service failed to secure a rooftop in proximity to the rally site and with a clear view of Trump's podium, Cheatle suggested that the Secret Service had intentionally left the rooftop unattended, as the agency preferred "sterile" rooftops, meaning empty ones.

She explained that the warehouse rooftop was meant to have "overwatch," with law enforcement officers monitoring it from a higher vantage point. "There was a plan in place to provide overwatch and we are still looking into responsibilities and who was going to provide overwatch."

When asked whether the Trump detail requested additional resources before the event, Cheatle said that "for the event on July 13th, the assets that were requested for that day, were given."

A recorded footage clearly showed the gunman, who was getting into position to assassinate Trump, caught the attention of some people around. When asked why the rally wasn't paused at that point when people alarmed officers, Cheatle said "we are currently still combing through communications and when communications were passed."

The U.S. Secret Service has been facing scrutiny after a 20-year-old man, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, was able to get close enough to shoot and injure the former president. 
US invites Sudan's warring parties to cease-fire talks in Switzerland, as fighting rages on

The United States has announced it has invited Sudan's warring parties to talks in Geneva, Switzerland, as international and regional efforts intensify for a cease-fire in the northeast African nation's civil war.

The U.S.-mediated talks are set to be co-hosted by Switzerland and Saudi Arabia, a senior U.S. official told ABC News, building off the unsuccessful Jeddah negotiations process with additional observation from the African Union, Egypt, the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates.

"A few things have changed: One is the acuteness of the horrors, and two is the greater alignment across the region among our African and Gulf counterparts that this is an unacceptable situation, and that nobody wins from the continued destabilization," the senior U.S. official told ABC News.

PHOTO: A child who fled Singa, the capital of Sudan's southeastern Sennar state, arrives in a makeshift camp for displaced people in Kassala in eastern Sudan on July 6, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Civilians in Sudan endure 15 months of 'indiscriminate and widespread' violence: Humanitarian report

"We have to listen to the Sudanese people and deliver a process on a cease-fire and humanitarian aid access," the official said.

The talks are set to begin in about three weeks, on August 14, in Switzerland. The U.S. official said the U.S. is also looking into civilian participation at the talks. The talks are expected to be attended by representatives of the warring parties, who met separately with a U.N. envoy.

It comes as talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, broke down at the end of last year, with the warring parties refusing to budge or honor their commitments under the Jeddah declaration. However, recently concluded talks in Geneva were described by The U.N. Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra as an "encouraging initial step" in the complex process.

In a statement posted on X, Rapid Support Forces Paramilitary Group (RSF) chief Mohamed Daglo -- commonly known as Hemedti -- said the RSF is "ready to deal with these talks constructively." He said he welcomed the invitation by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

PHOTO: People set up tents at a camp for internally displaced Sudanese from Sennar state, in the al-Huri district of Gedaref city in the east of war-torn Sudan on July 14, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

Sudanese Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was yet to make a public statement on the invitation.

The scheduled negotiations arrive as the war in Sudan approaches its 16th month, U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a briefing on Tuesday, adding that the U.N. "continues to be extremely alarmed" by the situation.

"Almost 26 million men, women and children are acutely hungry," said Dujarric. "The equivalent to the entire population of Australia. 750,000 people are just one step away from famine."

On April 15, 2023, war broke out in Sudan's capital Khartoum following months of tensions between the SAF and RSF paramilitary group linked to a planned transition to civilian rule. Fighting has since spread across the northeast African nation and intensified with allied militias joining the fight.

PHOTO: People walk along the road out of the Tiamushro camp for internally displaced persons in Kadugli, South Kordofan state, on June 18, 2024. (Guy Peterson/AFP via Getty Images)

The conflict has precipitated the world's "largest internal displacement crisis," driving over 10 million people -- about 20% of Sudan's population -- from their homes according to the U.N.'s International Office of Migration. At least 16,000 people have been killed according to the U.N.

A new report by Doctors Without Borders this week revealed civilians are enduring "horrific levels of violence," with thousands across the country being treated for war-related injuries caused by explosions, gunshots and stabbings amid "shocking" reports of sexual and gender-based violence.

"The scale of death, suffering, and destruction in Sudan is devastating. This senseless conflict must end," said the U.S. State Department in a statement. "The United States calls upon the SAF and the RSF to attend the talks and approach them constructively, with the imperative to save lives, stop the fighting, and create a path to a negotiated political solution to the conflict."

US invites Sudan's warring parties to cease-fire talks in Switzerland, as fighting rages on originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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Living in a deregulated market has its benefits, including your choice of energy plans. Fort Worths electricity market has no shortage of retail energy providers (REPs) to choose from, giving residents and businesses a variety of options. But how do you decide which provider and plan to pick?

Before signing up for an energy plan, here are a few things you should know.

Know your energy usage

When shopping for an energy plan, you should know how much electricity your home or business normally uses every month. Energy rates for the same plan may fluctuate based on usage tiers. There are three usage tiers: 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh, and 2,000 kWh. Some plans charge lower rates for the 1,000 kWh usage tier but significantly higher prices for customers only using 500 kWh per month. On the flip side, other plans favor customers who fall into the lower usage tier.

You can estimate your energy usage by reading your past electricity bills. Your previous consumption will be listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh)

Before shopping for a new plan, estimate your monthly consumption so you can search for plans that work for your usage tier. On marketplace sites like SaveOnEnergy.com, you can filter for plans based on your consumption to find the cheapest electricity rate for your usage tier.

Know when to buy

The energy market can be unpredictable, and electricity rates often fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including increased demand, changes in supply, and, most frequently, the weather. Prices tend to change over the course of the year. In Fort Worth, hot summer temperatures normally lead to increased energy demand as residents turn on their air conditioning. When demand goes up, electricity rates normally follow suit.

Knowing when to buy an energy plan can help you avoid paying higher rates. While prices often spike during hot summer months, REPs have historically charged lower rates when the weather is milder, like during the fall and spring.

The winter season is perhaps the most unpredictable time for energy rates in Fort Worth and the rest of Texas due to intense winter storms in recent years. While Fort Worth typically experiences mild winter temperatures, many residents remember the impact of Winter Storm Uri, which caused electricity prices to rise to $9 per kWh. The extreme energy prices are far from the norm in Fort Worth, however, its worth remembering that Texas winters can create volatility in the energy market.

Know your EFL

Every energy plan includes an Electricity Facts Label (EFL) that highlights every detail in a given plan. Its important to review the EFL before signing up for a plan to ensure you understand the terms. The EFL includes information like the plans contract length, additional fees such as distribution charges, rate type, renewable energy content, and more.

Every plan has a unique EFL, including plans from the same REP. If you have questions about information found on an EFL, contact the provider directly to get clarification before signing a contract.

How to pick an energy plan

Choosing an electricity plan in Fort Worth can mean sorting through dozens of options from available energy providers. Knowing your usage, when to shop, and where to find detailed information about a plan can help you find one that works well for your needs.

SaveOnEnergy.com is a free energy marketplace where you can enter your ZIP code and immediately compare available energy plans from multiple providers in your area. If you have questions about a plans details, SaveOnEnergy has a team of experts standing by to help.
"Queso" technically just means "cheese" in Spanish but, in the world of Tex-Mex cuisine, it means so much more. While it's full name is "chile con queso", the dip is colloquially known simply as queso and has almost as many variations as there are cattle in Texas. Queso purists will say that typical chile con queso isn't much more than Velveeta cheese melted down with canned green chiles and diced tomatoes. However, queso can take on white, yellow, or even orange hues depending on the type of cheese that gets melted down, not to mention the different add-ins and toppings that can dot queso like confetti.

While there are plenty of tips you need for perfect homemade queso, sometimes it's best to leave it to the professionals and lean on store-bought queso dip. Doing this allows you to focus on the extras, like what to serve alongside it and, even more so, what to add to the queso to make it really stand out from the crowd. One of the easiest ways to bulk up your store-bought queso is to top it with a hearty protein, and we've rounded up the best options.

Read more: 25 Most Popular Snacks In America Ranked Worst To Best

Bet On Bacon For A Queso Bonus

tortilla chip in bacon queso - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Bacon makes everything better. Whether you fry it on the stovetop or bake until crispy in the oven, bacon is one of those special ingredients whose smell announces itself to your guests as soon as they walk in the door. While there are 21 types of bacon you should know about, when topping queso, simple is best. Select a thick-cut, uncured bacon with more meat than fat or, if you're feeling fancy, seek out bacon lardons. Applewood-smoked bacon has a lightly sweet, smoked flavor that would add a hint of smokiness to your store-bought queso.

Cook the bacon until crispy, pat off any excess grease with a paper towel, then let it cool slightly. From there, cut it into thin strips, or go old-school and crumble it all up with your hands. Scallions would complement the bacon, adding a bit more texture and crisp freshness to the store-bought queso. Simply slice them thinly and sprinkle on top of the bacon, letting them mix into the queso as people dip their chips into the bowl.

Andouille Sausage Brings A Cajun Twist

Andouille sausage in display case - Fertnig/Getty Images

Andouille sausage has origins in France, but if you were to ask to someone from Louisiana, they'd proudly claim it at their own Cajun creation since southern andouille sausage is different from the French original. Made from pork, andouille is a spicy sausage that gets its heat from cayenne pepper and is typically also seasoned with onion and garlic. Although it's frequently used in New Orleans dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, andouille would make an excellent topping to store-bought queso dip with its smokey, spicy, porky goodness.

Andouille is largely sold pre-cooked, making it a quick and delicious option to give your store-bought queso a hearty, protein-filled pop of flavor. You can sear it off in a skillet, simmer it in water for about 10 minutes, cook it in the oven, or even heat it up in a microwave. We recommend slicing it in half lengthwise, then slicing those halves into half-moon shapes to make them easier to eat when dipping into the queso.

Add Chorizo To Chile Con Queso, Por Favor

cured Spanish chorizo sliced on wooden board - Piotr Krzeslak/Getty Images

Chorizo, another branch of the sausage family tree, would make a fantastic addition to chile con queso as it's packed with both protein and flavor. There are differences between Spanish and Mexican chorizo, but we think either option would make a great topping for store-bought queso. Spanish chorizo is a fully-cooked, cured pork sausage loaded with paprika and garlic, which contribute to its signature bright-red hue. Spanish chorizo has the texture of a hard salami, so it's easy to dice up into small pieces and add at room temperature directly into the queso dip.

While it still contains a bit of paprika, Mexican chorizo gets most of its red coloring from chili peppers, so it is a decidedly spicier route to take when topping store-bought queso. Other than its spiciness, Mexican chorizo differs from Spanish chorizo in that it is a fresh sausage rather than a cured meat, meaning that it's usually sold raw and needs to be cooked before eating. It often includes other flavorings like vinegar and oregano, making it an ideal enhancement for queso. If you can find it, Mexican green chorizo gets its vibrant coloring from fresh cilantro, tomatillos, and green chilis and would add a striking color contrast to the yellow hue of store-bought queso. Whether you're using traditional or green Mexican chorizo, remove the meat from its casing, sear it in a hot skillet, and drain the fat off before spooning it on top of a golden bowl of queso.

Rotisserie Chicken Is A Low-Effort, High-Reward Topping

rotisserie chicken over flames - Lauripatterson/Getty Images

Since you're already making a trip to the market for your store-bought queso, go ahead and throw a rotisserie chicken into your cart while you're there. As easy as it can be to cook chicken on your own at home, there's not much you can do to replicate that juicy, perfectly-seasoned tenderness that comes from a grocery store rotisserie version (bonus points if you're able to get your hands on Costco's rotisserie chicken).

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic source of protein, packing up to 24 grams of protein in just a 3-ounce serving. While the skin is one of the best parts of a rotisserie chicken, we don't recommend including it in the queso, so go ahead and snack on it while you shred the rest of the meat. Make quick work of the job by shredding the meat with your hands while it's still warm, which is easier to do than when the chicken is cold. When adding to queso, we recommend shredding the chicken as finely as you can so it's easier to scoop up with chips. If you're in the mood for extra heat, include a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce on top of the chicken after you top the queso with it for an added kick.

Steak Makes A Stellar Addition To Spicy Queso

sliced medium steak on wooden board - Karandaev/Getty Images

We've already told you that you can give queso a major upgrade by topping it with smoked brisket, but not everyone has access to a smoker, nor the time and skill it takes to properly trim, season, wrap, smoke and rest brisket. Thankfully, brisket isn't the only type of red meat we recommend for topping store-bought queso. Options for different cuts of steak are plentiful, but this isn't a situation where you need to blow your budget on a high-end ribeye or fancy filet mignon. Queso is a laid-back dish that doesn't need anything lavish, so we suggest opting for a leaner, less expensive cut like hanger, flat iron, or skirt steak.

Whichever cut of steak you choose, feel free to skip any marinade to let the spicy store-bought queso be the real star of the show. All you need to do is let the steak come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes, season it well with salt and pepper, then grill or sear it over high heat to medium rare (or to whatever doneness you prefer). Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing into small cubes, as the smaller dice will make it easier to scoop up with tortilla chips in manageable, bite-sized pieces.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
"Honestly, I dont think anyone would advise to paint EVERYTHING pink, and definitely everyone that I talked to about this was surprised and maybe a little in shock," begins Rian about the 785-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment she totally transformed. Credit: Rian Westdorp

"My couch is my favorite place to be," Rian admits. "Its super comfortable and from there I can oversee the living room/kitchen, which is my favorite room in the house." Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"I really love 'Rose Glory' by Histor, as used on my living room and kitchen walls," Rian explains. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"The color has so many shades in it itself, throughout the day as the light changes the color changes with it and its gorgeous every time!" Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"When you work with one of those big color swatches for paint that can fan out, use the colors on the same swatch for a cohesive look (thats what I did!)," Rian advises. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"Or, if you want to try another color, move horizontally across the swatches to find a complementing color for the original color you chose." Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"I installed a completely new kitchen with a bar, and new flooring," Rian begins of the kitchen's remodel. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"The kitchen needed to be redone to bring up to modern standards, so I outfitted it with a dishwasher, fridge and freezer, Quooker (the boiling water tap), and a ceramic cooker." Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp



Credit: "Because I dont use dining tables a lot, I chose to include a bar with the kitchen so that Id have extra storage space (there are four big drawers in the bar) and still have room for four people to sit together in a more formal setting."Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp



Credit: "I also changed the flooring to parquet laminate for a more modern and grounded feel."Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"In terms of timeline: for the kitchen and flooring I depended on the companies where I bought these, so the floor was installed first and the kitchen second," she continues. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"The kitchen happened only once I had already moved in so I had to camp in my own home for a while, but it was worth it!" Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"Figure out for yourself what brings you joy and then dont be afraid to experiment  you can always go back or change things up again!" Rian advises. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"My favorite view is the view from the bathroom into the hallway, where I can see parts of the two bedrooms and the living room/kitchen, which means I see all the pink colors of my home at a glance," Rian describes. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"I didnt know how to paint when I started this project! Luckily my partner is well-versed in painting so he helped me paint the first room," Rian admits of the biggest challenge in designing her home. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"Then he had to leave for work for a while and so I started painting by myself. The hardest room to paint was the hallway, which has eight doors (!) in total and only small surfaces to paint. So I spent forever with painters tape and then painting all the nooks and crannies," Rian continues. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

Rian's proudest DIY is in the bedroom. "I hacked an IKEA Hemnes chest of drawers! I got the idea from Pinterest to make it look more chic. I used slats to put on the drawers to give them texture, painted everything pink, and added new brass handles," Rian describes. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"The slats were small in width and I had to saw them into the right length; I mustve sawn 120 if not more of them. I did the project while also working on a few other things, but in terms of how long it took me just working on this it was probably about four days." Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"While I love pink and green, Ive recently come to appreciate pink and black as a color combination," Rian admits. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"Its that mix of feminine and fun with cool and mysterious. Im dressing in this color combination more often these days!" Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"Even though the hallway is the darkest room in my apartment, I chose the darkest shade of pink from the color swatch and used it on both the walls and the ceiling," Rian admits. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

"I wanted the entrance to make a statement and feel a bit moody and therefore I wanted to go darker rather than lighter, which is the most common advice." Thanks, Rian! Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

ABOUT THIS TOUR

HOME TYPE: Apartment

LOCATION: Noord-Holland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

STYLE: Colorful, Modern

BEDROOMS: 2

SQUARE FEET: 785

When Rian was on the hunt for an apartment to purchase two years ago, she specifically wanted a new-build for the comfort it provides. But she says the choices were slim and she found herself with only a few options to choose from. It took me a couple of months to find this, with my real estate agent, and what caught my eye was the southern-facing rooms with all the natural light, the combined living room/kitchen ,and the two bedrooms. Plus, theres an outside space that overlooks a large part of Amsterdam  Im a sucker for views!

The living room and kitchen are painted with "Rose Glory" by Histor. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

The other biggest positive about this 785-square-foot, two-bedroom unit was that it was just one plain white shell  and totally ready for Rian to put her own stamp on it. All the walls were white, whether painted or tiled, Rian describes of the pre-move-in vibes. The kitchen was only a few cabinets with a removable stove and fridge, and there was simple, dark brown laminate flooring.

The bar not only has room for four stools but also hides four big drawers of storage. Credit: Rian Westdorp Credit: Rian Westdorp

It was important to Rian that this home be a place she could enjoy and that would feel like her  and not like what was popular or trendy right now. I thought to myself: Whats my favorite color? And the answer is pink! My aim was to create an all-pink apartment thats also modern  a place that I would enjoy more than my 6-year-old niece (whos favorite color is also pink) would.

And when Rian says all pink, she means it. Every room except the bathroom is painted a shade of pink on the walls and the ceilings. To achieve that modern and non-whimsical look, I combined the pink with green, gold, and black accents, she describes. The idea I had in my mind was to make a 1920s boutique pink hotel kind of vibe, and while it might not be perfect, I think I got quite close!

Rian, who grew up on an island in the north of the Netherlands (named Texel) and moved to Amsterdam to study English at the University of Amsterdam, is quite the world traveler (I did the Trans Mongolia Express from Moscow to Beijing, road tripped through Australia and Morocco, recently visited Armenia) and soon will be emigrating to London for a new job. Will her next apartment be all-pink, too? Stay tuned to her Instagram account to find out!

Resources

PAINT & COLORS

Living room / kitchen wall  Histor Rose Glory

Living room / kitchen ceiling  Histor Fluffy Slipper

Bedroom  Histor Rambunctious Rhubarb

Study  Histor Rambunctious Rhubarb

Custom-made wardrobe  Histor Paris Pink

Hallway  Histor Panama Rose

LIVING ROOM

Belaggio sofa (color: maison roze)  Xooon

Green pillow  Kaat Amsterdam

Travertine coffee table  Reliving.nl

Rug  Etsy

Mirror  BGA

Green cabinet  Made.com

Bar cart  Sprinkel + Hop

Curtains  Veneta

DINING ROOM

Bar stools  Zuiver Amsterdam

Industrial lamp  QAZQA

KITCHEN

Pinkstony Equipe Costa Nova tiles  Tile.expert

Chef Elite  Kenwood

Barista Express Impress  Sage

Quooker

BEDROOM

Emma metal bed  Emma Sleep

Headboard  Sklum

Bed lamps Lucide Fungo  Fonq

Waffle bedspread  Etsy

2 Clea pillows  Fest Amsterdam

Black/white pillow  Self-made

Hemnes cabinet  IKEA (but hacked!)

Thanks, Rian!

This tours responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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Check out Lake Normans mansion of glass, which sold for millions

Ted and Beverly Corriher have sold their glass Lake Norman mansion after two years on the market.

Ted and Beverly Corrihers three-story, all-glass Lake Norman mansion is for sale for nearly $5.5 million.

Marty Lee, a longtime real estate investor in North Carolina and Texas, bought the three-story, 6,500-square-foot home for $4.2 million on May 29, Catawba County property tax records show.

The mansion graces the tip of a Lake Norman peninsula on Harbor Circle, off Kiser Island Road and N.C. 150 in Terrell, about 35 miles northwest of Charlotte.

The home is a Lake Norman landmark, an oasis and architectural marvel known for its 153 panes of glass, Lee told The Charlotte Observer this week.

The mansion is the only one on the lake that offers views of the sunrise and sunset each day, because of the homes northeast position on a peninsula, Corriher previously told the Observer.

Lee also noted its six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and rooftop deck with a covered hot tub. The home has heated floors, an elevator and a chefs kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, he said, along with an enclosed boathouse with a wet bar on the grounds.

This home is a true masterpiece, and I am honored to be its new owner, Lee said.

Lee said he and his family look forward to staying regularly at the home, which he envisions as a potential future business use: an exclusive, high-end Lake Norman destination for events and corporate functions.

The Corrihers originally listed the home for $5.5 million.

Lee thanked broker-agent Mike Toste with Southern Carolina Homes and Anthony Faulkner of Faulkner Law Firm in Mooresville for their work through the lengthy sales transaction.

Ted and Beverly Corrihers 6,483-square-foot home graces the tip of a Lake Norman peninsula on Harbor Circle, off Kiser Island Road and N.C. 150 in Terrell

96 tons of steel

In a 2022 interview, Ted Corriher told the Observer that he started building the home in 2016. His parents, Charles and Lillian Corriher, had a much smaller, more modest lake house on the same lot in the 1970s.

Corriher said he spent three years envisioning the design of the mansion.

Ted and Beverly Corrihers Lake Norman mansion includes this 2,400-square-foot dock with palm trees.

Corriher, who served as general contractor on the home, built the mansion with 96 tons of steel and 240 yards of concrete, and added a million pounds of Miami limestone Rip Rap coral on the shoreline.

Yes, all hauled from Miami, he said about the Rip Rap coral. 20 trucks.

The home also has a 2,400-square-foot dock with palm trees.

Because of its million pounds of window glass, the mansion has 24 air-conditioning systems, Ted Corriher said.

Curious boaters cant peep in, because the windows are a special glass, tinted instead of glazed, he said. You get a blue mirror effect looking in from the outside. The home also has 156 HunterDouglas custom blinds the couple controlled with their phones.

A kitchen is shown in Ted and Beverly Corrihers Lake Norman glass mansion.

Ted Corriher, who turns 60 in September, said he and his wife decided to sell the home because he was nearing retirement. He owns a Conover tractor-attachments company called Everything Attachments. And the couple planned to build a similar but larger glass home on their longtime property in Jamaica.

A jacuzzi in the mansion is shown.

The primary bathroom of the mansion is shown.

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Dr. Tiara Moore has created a community for Black marine scientists.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA, and at 18 months, she and her grandmother moved to South Carolina after her mother was sent to spend time behind bars.

She moved us to get us basically out of harms way, Dr. Moore explained to AFROTECH.

Dr. Moore grew up with her grandmothers children in a modest household. She spent some of her days reading various books, nurturing her interest in education. She also credits The Cosby Show with inspiring her to become a doctor.

Interest In Marine Biology And Environmental Science

Dr. Moore attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, on a full-ride scholarship and majored in biology with the goal of becoming a pre-med student. However, the reality of being a doctor working in a standard practice settled in, and she decided to pivot to marine and environmental science.

I realized, probably not even a year or two in, that I didnt like it at all. I didnt really like the sad part of working with kids and them being sick, and they have to die. It got real quick, Dr. Moore recalled. So it was like, What do I do? Im in college. I cant let my family down. I told everybody, Im gonna be this doctor and start. So, I started exploring other facets of biology. And thats how I found marine and environmental science.

A spring break school trip to Costa Rica sealed Dr. Moores interest in marine and environmental science. There, the students collected water samples and conducted experiments alongside senior scientists.

I was like, Wait, are yall getting paid for this? What is this job? I want to do this job. And that was life-changing for me, she said. I came back from that experience undergrad, and thats what Ive been doing ever since.

After completing her bachelor of science in biology, Dr. Moore wanted to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with marine or environmental science programs. She attended Hampton University, where she conducted her own research in the Chesapeake Bay.

Her time at the school gave her mixed feelings. She said the school employed largely white professors, and she did not always feel that her presence was valued there.

My masters advisor is a white man, Dr. Benjamin. So, it was this weird space of where, like, Okay, I was at an HBCU, but the people that I was being taught by were white but Benjamin did make me feel and included me enough that I was like, Okay, I can do this now.' Dr. Moore told AFROTECH. At that time, it was a safe enough space for me to feel like, I can go and get my Ph.D. I can go and do this. And I think as you move up in this field, even with the diversity scholarships that I had, it was almost as if they didnt want me there That was really mind-boggling. It really, really confused me, caused me to go into depression, and caused me to have really hard times.

After she earned a masters degree in biology with a concentration in environmental science, she went to the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her Ph.D. in biology.

Black in Marine Science (BIMS)

That feeling of isolation and depression motivated Dr. Moore to create a safe space for other Black individuals within the field. In 2020, she launched the nonprofit Black in Marine Science (BIMS) following an incident involving Christian Cooper, a birdwatcher in Central Park in New York City, NY. Cooper was falsely reported to the police by a white woman after he asked her to leash her dog.

The beauty of that experience was the response of Black birders, which I honestly was surprised to see. On Twitter, all these Black birders just started posting pictures Then, there was an outcry of these Black in STEM movements. I saw Black in chemistry. Black in astronomy. Black in physics. Black in geoscience I literally tweeted, Wait, wheres Black in Marine Science Week? Were here, too. We gotta have something.'

Today, BIMS has its own community and a presence in areas like South Africa, Belize, and the Bahamas.

In April 2023, Dr. Moore left her job to focus on BIMS full-time, she told AFROTECH. Today, her team has grown to seven staff members who are aligned with the mission to empower Black marine scientists and promote environmental awareness, as mentioned on the nonprofits website.

We really wanted to harness the power of just the Black marine scientists, but also the community, Dr. Moore explained.

BIMS Programs

BIMS offers several programs available for a $120 annual membership or $12 monthly membership, among other membership tiers. Programs include Tidal Wave, a scientific conference travel program; BIMS TV, a YouTube channel that makes ocean science information readily available; and BIMS Swims, a swimming program that includes ocean literacy.

There are a lot of folks who dont know how to swim. So, instead of just making that a negative and keeping that against us, why not just teach us? So, thats the program where we teach folks how to swim. Its open to our members, and that means we cover all of the expenses, Dr. Moore said.

Another offering is the BIMS Immersion Program. For a week, members experience hands-on learning, conservation activities like coral restoration or shark tagging, research opportunities, and a chance to obtain a scuba diving certification. The nonprofit recently hosted the program in Miami, FL.

BIMS

We have a whole week of being together. We bring in Black scuba instructors. We bring in Black scientists, and you get your actual scuba certification Get folks involved with our ongoing research projects on biodiversity. So we really try to make it immersive so people can see, Oh, I have this skill. This is how I can use it in science,' Dr. Moore expressed. Because scuba diving is a huge skill to have for marine scientists, but its very expensive. You take a course online first, thats about $500. Then, you have to do four open-water scuba dives. So thats actually going out, getting the boat, and getting a dive shop, and that right there can be about $1,000. We take on all of those expenses for our members.

Looking ahead, Dr. Moore hopes to integrate the BIMS Institute, which will serve as a research, innovation, and technology hub.

Now that I have all of these amazing marine scientists that are doing epic work, how can we harness this to really change these and solve climate change, sea level rise, nutrient pollution issues that were seeing thats impacting our communities, Black communities, she told AFROTECH. Imagine a whole lab dedicated to that, or recreating tools using AI, using the latest technology. Thats what gets me so excited.
This photo provided by Mazda shows the 2023 CX-50. The CX-50 is fun to drive and stylish inside and out. (Courtesy of Mazda North American Operations via AP)

Whether youre a busy professional seeking comfortable transportation, a parent seeking reliability and low cost in a family vehicle, or an outdoor enthusiast needing off-road capability, the used SUV market offers a spectrum of options for less than $35,000. The hard part is figuring out which SUV will be best for you.

Edmunds experts are here to help with what they consider are the five best-value used SUVs in this price range. Each has an appealing mix of functionality and style plus a proven ability to meet drivers needs without breaking the bank. The following SUVs are organized by category; their estimated price ranges are what you can typically expect to pay at a nationwide no-haggle dealership such as CarMax or Carvana.

Small SUV: Mazda CX-50

Mazdas CX-50 stands out in this crowded and competitive category by being fun to drive and having an interior that rivals luxury models in materials and design. Every CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive too. Mazda released the CX-50 for 2023. If you are struggling to find one that you like, know that the Mazda CX-5 is pretty similar and is more widely available as a used vehicle.

Look for: Two engines are available for the CX-50: a base four-cylinder engine or an available turbocharged version. The CX-50 Turbo is powerful but pricey. Youll be fine sticking with the base engine.

2023 CX-50 pricing: about $28,000-$38,000

Midsize SUV: Honda Passport

The two-row Passport is smaller than Hondas three-row Pilot but bigger than the Honda CR-V. Its a tweener that matches what many buyers want thanks to its strong V6 engine and roomy, usable interior. Passports were available for the first few years with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; all-wheel drive became standard for 2023. Underfloor storage in the cargo area and many cubbies, bins and cupholders throughout the cabin help the Passport be an ideal family SUV.

Look for: Get an all-wheel-drive Passport if you can. Besides helping to maximize available traction in wet weather conditions, the Passports all-wheel-drive system also subtly adjusts power going to the rear wheels to make the vehicle a little more nimble when cornering.

2019-2022 Passport pricing: about $23,000-$35,000

Three Row: Kia Telluride

Kia stunned consumers and reviewers alike in 2020 with the release of this attractive and comfortable SUV. The Telluride offers easy-to-use controls and an abundance of driver assist tech as standard equipment. We also like that its third-row seat is roomy enough for adults. The more expensive Telluride trim levels have features and interior finishes that rival some luxury SUVs. The Tellurides long basic and powertrain warranties are transferable with some limitations.

Look for: For 2023, Hyundai updated the Tellurides interior and exterior styling, adding larger infotainment screens and two new trims.

2020-2023 Telluride pricing: about $21,000-$35,000

Large: Ford Expedition

Fords Expedition might be the answer for big families. Though most Expeditions in this price range will have more than 60,000 miles, youre getting a lot of SUV for your money. Literally. The Expedition has standard seating for eight with optional captains chairs in the second row, which reduce occupancy to seven passengers. And its third row handles adults comfortably. A strong turbocharged V6 engine helps give the Expedition plenty of power for towing a good-size trailer or boat.

Look for: The Expedition was redesigned for 2018; get a 2018 or newer model to benefit from more horsepower and a more modern interior. Also, the Expedition comes in two lengths. The larger version, called either EL or Max, has more cargo space.

2015-2021 Expedition pricing: about $24,000-$35,000

Compact Luxury: Mercedes-Benz GLB

With a traditional shape that produces highly usable space, the GLB offers more utility than many small luxury SUVs. Introduced for the 2020 model year, the GLB is still relatively new and benefits accordingly. It offers a helpful infotainment system, called MBUX, which offers one of the most helpful voice command systems on offer today. The GLB is also pleasing to drive. Its quick to accelerate and has a smooth ride quality.

Look for: Mercedes offers an optional third-row seat for the GLB. The seat is quite small and not suited for adults but can still come in handy in a pinch.

2020-2022 GLB pricing: about $25,000-$35,000

____

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.

Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
Everything you need to know for going back to school in St. Augustine

Although it seems like just yesterday we were singing Alice Coopers schools out for the summer, parents and students have begun to set their sights on the upcoming year.

Here's a primer on what to know.

When does school start in St. Augustine?

The first day of school will be Monday, Aug. 12.

When do teachers report back to school in St. Augustine?

Aug. 5 is an optional pre-planning day, and all teachers report Aug. 6 for pre-planning.

Where can I find school supply lists?

Each school posts school supply lists on their website or during meet the teacher events.

Where can I find bus route information?

For safety reasons, routes are not posted on the St. Johns County School District website. Parents can access their childs bus information via the St. Johns County School District Home Access Center.

What are the school start times elementary, middle and high school?

All school start times can be found at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/hours.

Are there any school supply giveaways?

The St. Johns County School district is not sponsoring giveaways, but businesses and INK!, the countys direct support organization, may be coordinating giveaways. Contact INK! directly at 904-547-7120.

2024-25 holiday schedule

Mon. Sept. 2, Labor Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

Fri. Sept. 20, Teacher In-service Day - Student Holiday

Mon. Oct.14, Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday

Mon. Nov. 11, Veterans Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

Mon.  Fri. Nov. 25-29, Thanksgiving Break - Student/Teacher Holiday

Mon.  Thurs. Dec. 23 - Jan. 2, 2025, Winter Break - Student/Teacher Holiday

Fri. Jan. 3, Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday

Mon. Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

Fri. Feb. 14, Teacher In-service Day - Student Holiday

Mon. Feb. 17, Presidents' Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

Fri. March 14, Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday

Mon.  Fri. March 17 - 21, Spring Break - Student/Teacher Holiday

Fri. April 18, Student/Teacher Holiday

Mon. May 26, Memorial Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

Fri. May 30, Last Day for of school for students

Click here for a Master School Calendar.

Floridas back-to-school sales tax holiday

Florida's two-week Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on Monday, July 29, and runs through Friday, Aug. 11. For more information, including a complete list of tax-exempt items, go to FloridaRevenue.com/backtoschool.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: School's back in session mid-August. Here's what you need to know
Friends and coworkers reunite at McDonalds nearly 40 years later

Friends and coworkers reunite at McDonalds nearly 40 years later

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  After almost 40 years, some friends in Queens went back in time to their first jobs at a McDonalds to celebrate their anniversary.

They were 14 years old when they started at a McDonalds on Jamaica Ave. They returned to reflect on their lifelong journey and where it all began.

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Detective Tanya Duhaney credits a Facebook post for the reunion. Duhaney was just 14 when she got her first job at McDonalds. Fast forward and Duhaney now works as a detective for the NYPD.

Monica Thomas, says her first job was as a hostess at McDonalds. Now in her lab coat, she is a healthcare executive.

Solange Kanhai was also 14 when she started. She helped clean and was a hostess for birthday parties. Today, Kanhai is employed as an administrator.

Al Brown, who worked the register is a mental health clinician.

More Monica Makes It Happen

Each one says their first job gave them the foundation to become huge successes in their fields.

It was back in 1988 when they all learned important life lessons at the golden arches on Jamaica Avenue and Parsons Boulevard. Now, looking back at years of hard work and determination, they have created a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Summertime is ripe for enjoying Georgias rivers. Whether its the Chattahoochee, Altamaha, Ocmulgee, or any of the more than 70,000 river miles flowing through the states vast network of waterways, residents and visitors alike love fishing, floating, and paddling on them. So much so that according to a 2021 U.S. Bureau of Economics report, recreation on the states rivers accounts for at least $763 million of revenue each year.

Through a series of Facebook livestreams, Athens-based Georgia River Network explores the benefits of paddling and fishing on some of the Peach States beloved streams. Each installment is archived at the organizations YouTube channel for streaming anytime.

Freedom to Float began the first Monday in July and continues each Monday until the end of August. So far, GRN has highlighted the whitewater section of the Chattahoochee River in Columbus as well as the Cartecay in the North Georgia mountains.

On Monday, July 29, the series features Ebenezer Creek with Brian Cohen of Backwater Expeditions along with representatives from Visit Savannah. The episode emphasizes recreation and tourism on the iconic 13-mile creek flowing into the Savannah River and home to the areas oldest cypress trees.

All of this has risen to the fore because of two legislative pieces the Georgia General Assembly ended with in March. The first bill, H.B. 1172, restricts boating, fishing, and hunting to navigable waterways only, while the second bill, H.R. 1554, sets up a House study committee to determine which streams and rivers are navigable.

If a waterway is deemed non-navigable, then private property owners along a stream can assert their rights and effectively shut it down to the public.

Josephine Johnson paddles Ebenezer Creek in March 2023 with guide Joe Cook.

Although a paddler's paradise, Ebenezer Creek is not listed as navigable by state

And thats what has Brian Cohen of Backwater Expeditions concerned. An entrepreneur and outdoorsman, Cohen has been an outfitter on Ebenezer Creek since 1996, and under the new legislation, his livelihood is potentially at risk.

As of right now, Ebenezer Creek currently isnt listed as navigable, and that means if a property owner has land on both sides of the creek, they could block people from being on the water. I run kayak tours and lead people from all over the country and world to paddle Ebenezer Creek for its beauty and large cypress and tupelo trees. This bill could limit or shutdown my business.

In Georgia, anyone is free to fish or float on a river deemed navigable, a state-level legal determination dating back to 1863 when barge traffic and commodity shippingcommercial navigationdictated waterway usage. But in the 160 years since that designation, a lot has changed in river usage. Currently, none of Georgias inland rivers support commercial navigation while only 18-and-a-half miles on the Savannah River from the Port to the Atlantic Ocean host viable commercial navigation.

Georgias streams and rivers are now revered more for the solitude and recreation opportunities they offer. Joe Cook, Paddle Georgia coordinator with Georgia River Network, points out that commercial activity today has much more to do with leisure than shipping.

We have hundreds of thousands of people boating and fishing each year, and that translates into real economic impacts on communities along rivers, said Cook. Ebenezer Creek supports multiple outfitters, and though they arent transporting commodities, each of these small businesses depend on consistent, continued river access.

The blackwater of Ebenezer Creek creating stunning reflections.

Cook explains that under Georgia law, riparian landowners living along non-navigable rivers have property rights to the middle of the streambed, allowing them to determine who can access the waterway. Officially designating waterways non-navigablepaired with Georgias private property lawswould potentially grant landowners unprecedented power over small businesses and longtime entrepreneurs.

He is also quick to point out that with GRN, the organization hosts events and annual fundraisers in which hundreds of people paddle on what would be considered non-navigable streams, yet since the organization's founding in 1998, theyve never had a problem. The goodwill of property owners has so far been in their favor.

As educational efforts to ensure as many rivers and streams as possible are designated navigable, GRNs livestream series features waterways that have a history of being well-loved for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities but that are not currently listed as navigable.

If any stream can float a boat of any size, then the public should have a right to float on the water and use that stream, said cook. I dont have the right to get out of my boat and touch the streambed or venture to property on either side. Floating in a boat is not touching a streambed, and by allowing the public to float that wouldnt deny the property rights of the owner. The freedom to float means no rights are being taken away.

What: Freedom to Float Livestream Series with Georgia River Network

When: 6 p.m., Mondays, July 29August 26

Where: Georgia River Network Facebook Page facebook.com/georgiarivernetwork

Archived on YouTube: youtube.com/@GARiverNetwork

Learn more about ways to get involved: garivers.org/protect-our-freedom-to-float-georgia-rivers/

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia River Networks Freedom to Float series features Ebenezer Creek
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group Rodolphe Saade in Marseille, France, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

MARSEILLE, France, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China will further expand high-level opening-up and continue to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said Wednesday in France's port city of Marseille.

When meeting with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group Rodolphe Saade, Han noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his successful state visit to France in May, conducted in-depth exchanges with French President Emmanuel Macron, and the two heads of state reached broad consensus that provided strategic guidance for the development of China-France and China-EU relations.

Han said that the CMA CGM Group, as a supporter, promoter and beneficiary of economic globalization and free trade, has been deeply involved in the Chinese market over the years, carrying out good cooperation with Chinese companies and making important contributions to deepening China-France economic and trade cooperation.

For more than 40 years, China has adhered to the basic national policy of reform and opening-up, and has developed itself and benefited the world through opening-up, Han said. He welcomed companies from all over the world, including CMA CGM Group, to invest and seek development in China.

Warmly welcoming Han's visit to the CMA CGM Group, Saade said his group attaches great importance to cooperation with China.

China's development offers massive opportunities, Saade said, adding that the CMA CGM Group looks forward to forging closer cooperation with Chinese partners in various areas including energy transformation, artificial intelligence and the development of robots, achieving win-win cooperation and promoting the development of France-China relations.

Benoit Payan, mayor of Marseille, said he was honored that Han chose to pay a visit to the city. As a sister city of China's Shanghai, Marseille is willing to play a bridging role in sister city cooperation and subnational exchanges to help further expand and deepen France-China relations in the new era, Payan added.

Headquartered in Marseille, the CMA CGM Group is France's largest and the world's third-largest container shipping group.

CMA CGM (China) Shipping Co. Ltd. was set up in Shanghai in 1992. It currently has more than 20,000 employees and is the first wholly French-owned shipping company in China.

During his stay in Marseille, Han also visited industrial projects of local features. 

This combo photo shows Chinese Vice President Han Zheng paying a visit to the headquarters of the CMA CGM Group in Marseille, France, July 24, 2024. Han met with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group Rodolphe Saade here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
The Webb Military Museum exemplifies the idiom, Dont judge a book by its cover.

Take one look at the small storefront at 411 E. York St. and you may not realize the interior is packed door-to-door with several thousands of artifacts from eight different American conflicts.

As wars rage on around the world, its worth taking a stroll into the Webb Military Museum to learn about the history of past wars and see the artifacts that tell their stories.

Gary Webb, owner of the Webb Military Museum.

Where does Gary Webbs interest in History come from?

Equally as eclectic as the museum collection is the private museum's owner, Gary Webb, whose fascination with military memorabilia stems from an admiration for his parents and an interest in their lives.

Webbs father was born and raised in North Georgia and served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and in the Vietnam War. Growing up with a brother and two sisters, Webb lived in 15 cities and four countries.

It was my Mothers life that got me interested in History [sic], a letter on a wall at the Webb Military Museum reads, underneath a photograph of his parents. She was born in downtown London, England in 1927. She was 13 when WWII started. While we were growing up my Mother had no problem telling her wartime stories and experiences to us. I thought everyones Mother lived in a bomb shelter and carried a gas mask to school until I was 11 years old. It was at that time I realized my Mother had a special childhood, as horrible as it was.

Webbs hobby turned into an obsession in earnest. At 10 years old, Webb started collecting small items and military relics in the German woods and flea markets.

Webb moved to Savannah in 1978 and ran an advertising and printing business for 20 years in Thunderbolt. Webb opened the museum nine years ago because he noticed that Savannah has never had a military museum. He started renting the storefront at 411 E. York St., gutted it, and outfitted a museum that now includes eight different American conflicts, including the American Civil War, American Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Cold War.

A soldier's helmet is displayed at the Webb Military Museum.

What artifacts are in the Webb Military Museum?

Artifacts range from a letter written by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, expressing his love of Savannah, two of Adolf Hitlers napkins that were removed from Hitlers Bavarian Home, the Berghof, by an officer in the 101st Airborne Division, and a shirt for a man and woman who were imprisoned at Dachau Concentration Camp, the first and longest-running Nazi concentration camp located about 10 miles from Munich, Germany.

Ive never had anyone upset about that, said Webb. This is a museum. Its about history.

If he has a favorite artifact, it might be his mothers gas mask, which she used as a child growing up in London during The Blitz, the Nazi bombing campaign of Great Britain between Sept. 7, 1940 and May 10, 1941.

Many of his artifacts have a personal tie of some sort. Hanging on one of the walls is his Vietnam Draft Card, which was stamped in 1974. Born in 1956, he narrowly missed the cutoff date.

Webb said he keeps a two-inch binder cataloging each item to verify their authenticity. I dont B.S. anybody, said Webb. I mean, people offer me $75,000...But I never sell that stuff. Because if I sell it, theyll have it.

However, Webb does sell small items, such as cannonball shrapnel for $10 each and patches for $1 each.

Webb noted that his collection stops after the Cold War, because he cant keep up with all the wars, though he still collects other items, such as his brothers Army uniform from the Persian Gulf War and the uniform for Pfc. James Markwell, a friend of his who was an Army Ranger medic and was the first killed in action (KIA) in the airborne drop in the 1989 Invasion of Panama.

At least 75% of the items at the museum are named to somebody, said Webb, meaning he could match the item to a particular person during a certain conflict.

Sometimes he procures items through auctions or by purchasing items from war veterans. Keep in mind, most of this stuff I had years ago, said Webb, who added that he also bought artifacts at military and gun shows. Webb said he welcomes all donations.

During the interview, a man walked up to Webb. Sorry to interrupt, he said. He showed Webb his phone. It was a telegram from United States Navy Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz to his great grandmother, saying his grandfather was wounded in the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Nimitz! replied Webb. No kidding. Thats great.

People come through my museum, and they relate to it one way or the other, said Webb. Their father was in the Eighth Air Force. They're in Vietnam and they're in the Cold War period. I mean, you can get some of the toughest people in here, the Marines. Tears go down their faces when they get to that Vietnam section, because they see that I honor these people. I don't forget.

A variety of photos and other items displayed at the Webb Military Museum.

If You Go >>

The Webb Military Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission runs $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (62 years old and over), $8 for veterans, and $6 for children ages 8-17. Children under 8 years old and active-duty military are both free.

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: Webb Military Museum has an eclectic collection from American conflicts
Historic Biltmore tiles were headed to landfill in 1974 until a student saved them







This story is about tiles. Beautiful, historic tiles rescued when a hard-working teen helped renovate the shuttered 1920s-era ballroom at the Biltmore Hotel.

His class wanted to celebrate senior prom there in 1974.

Its also a story about connection, as reunion stories often are.

In June, the Coral Gables High School Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion. In 1994, my mom, Bea Moss, wrote a story about the schools 20th reunion for this column.

But to start at the beginning, the Miami Biltmore Hotel was constructed in 1926 by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick as part of the Biltmore hotel chain. The architectural firm Schultze & Weaver designed it.

By 1974, the hotel was left unloved and unmaintained.

As my mom wrote in the Miami Herald, Socially conscious Gables students of the 70s helped restore the Biltmore Country Club building after it was left in disrepair when the Veterans Administration Hospital moved out in 1968.

It was during that space renovation for the prom that volunteer Bob Dallas saw piles of treasure amongst the trash, said Karelia Martinez Carbonell, president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables, who worked to bring the historic tiles home to the Biltmore in time for the Gables High 50th reunion.

Rescued in 1974 and protected for 50 years, the historic tiles from the Biltmore Hotel were stashed in Borden milk crates.

At the time, Dallas said he thought the tiles appeared to be destined for the landfill.

It only takes a glance at the tiles to see their beauty and a few minutes of thought to understand their provenance connected to the stately Biltmore Hotel.

With the tiles fate looming, I secured Borden milk crates and loaded them up for some unknown future. My hope was to display them in an indoor or outdoor setting. But like many ideas, they were set aside as more pressing events entered life.

For over 50 years the tiles have been carted to garages basements, and occasional outdoor locations. The tiles temporary homes have included the cities of Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. For the past 20 years and innumerable trips back home to Coral Gables, it has been my hope to reunite the tiles with the Biltmore Hotel, said Dallas. His main challenges were their weight and bulk.

Key Club president Chris Moore and the late Tom Pepper, who was Student Government president, were successful in getting the City of Coral Gables and Rotary Club leaders to allow students to spend time renovating the ballroom, all with student-led weekend volunteer help, said Dallas.

The Biltmore ballroom had been converted into small offices that had a ceiling height about half that of the ballroom itself. The job entailed knocking down the ceiling, walls and fixtures and carting them outside to be hauled away. Then came painting the walls and making the ballroom wood floor usable. Thankfully for the looming prom date, the work was timely completed.

Their prom theme was The Great Gatsby, based on the 1974 film that had just been released. Almost everyone dressed the part.

We hoped that if we could save this one part of the Biltmore then more people could see the unique character of this magnificent building, and new energy would be placed in the effort to same the whole property, said alum Moore.

My mom, who died in 2010, was so proud to write about the teens and their quest to save history.

They cleaned up the old building from floor to ceiling, breathing dirt for a whole year, she wrote in 1994. More than 200 students spent almost 16,000 hours over nearly a year. Some students had grandparents that were founding members of the Biltmore Country Club. Some help came from professionals, but the students did most of the demolition work, the plastering and the painting.

Victoria Strauss Nunez, Class of 74, who helped with the renovations, said that soon after the prom, her mother, who was a founding member of the citys Historic Preservation Board, and others promoted the renovation and reopening of the Biltmore.

And Moore, the 1974 Key Club president, said It was Tom Peppers vision that started the project and it was his ability to carry through on that vision with the many parties that were necessary to complete the renovation on time. However, it was up to the members of the four CGHS service clubs to make this project happen.

I cant say enough good things about my fellow students and friends that were willing to give up their free time in order to put in hard labor in an un-air conditioned relic for no compensation.

The Coral Gables Commission Minutes, dated July 1973, officially gave the students the opportunity to work on the renovations at the Biltmore. I believe this approval predates any other effort to save the Biltmore, said Moore. Cost concerns and Highest and Best Use issues were leaning toward demolition. Movements to save historic properties were in their early stages.

Modeled after a Spanish castle, the sprawling Biltmore was the first building that went up in Coral Gables and, at that time, the tallest one in Florida. Its distinct tower was modeled after the Giralda in Seville. Its ceilings and walls bore Moorish frescoes and Spanish tiles lined the terraces.

The tiles, salvaged from the Biltmore ballroom, were patterned from the 16th century tiles of the outer structural panels of the Arbor of Charles V, in the Alcazar of Seville. They were crafted using a technique known as Mudejar art, said Martinez Carbonell.

Dallas was wise beyond his years. He rescued the tiles and kept them safe for 50 years, she said.

The precocious teen, who saw the historical significance of the Biltmore tiles, took the initiative to save them, keep them, steward them, and today, return them. If not for him and his appreciation for beauty, there would be no story to tell.

In 1986, the Miami Biltmore Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis suburb, was ranked high as one of the top 100 places to live in a survey conducted by Livability.

The annual survey from Livability explores and researches small-to-medium-sized city data to curate a list of 100 cities it ranks as best places to live in the U.S.

Noted for affordable housing, great schools and a family-friendly atmosphere, Livability ranked OFallon, Missouri as a top 100 city.

The survey gave OFallon an 812 livscore, making it the 16th highest-ranked city on the list.

The suburb also ranked highly for its housing, health, and economy, noting that it was a premiere location for startup businesses and large corporations.

The survey went even further to define OFallon weather, activities, major industries and health care providers in the area.

OFallon was given a higher livscore than places such as Virginia Beach, Virginia and Boise City, Idaho.

Carmel, Indiana, only a few hours drive from St. Louis, topped the list with the highest score of 875 for its art scene and top-rated schools.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Summer colds and flu are more common than you think. Here's how to tell if you have one  and how to treat it.

Just as youre getting ready to hit the beach or embark on that long-awaited vacation, you may be blindsided by those telltale achy, sneezy symptoms. But its summer  can you really get sick?

Unfortunately, yes. Experts say that while its true that respiratory viruses survive better in low temperatures and low humidity, colds, influenza and COVID-19 dont just disappear when the days get longer and the weather warms up.

There's a whole group of viruses called enteroviruses that very commonly cause summer colds that many people mistake for allergies, Dr. Jim Conway, medical director of the University of Wisconsin Health Immunization Programs, tells Yahoo Life.

Whats behind summer colds and flu?

Experts say there are several reasons why summer can actually enhance the spread of respiratory viruses.

People are traveling. The Transportation Security Administration has anticipated that this year will be its busiest summer travel season ever. That means millions of people are packing into close quarters on airplanes and other public transportation with little ventilation and minimal masking.

Its cold and flu season in the Southern Hemisphere. A lot of people may be traveling to the Southern Hemisphere: Australia, New Zealand, South America, South Africa, Dr. David Weber, an epidemiology professor at the University of North Carolina, tells Yahoo Life. And keep in mind it's their winter, when flu and RSV are peaking. So you're certainly at risk for picking up one of those viruses if you're traveling in that locale, and you can certainly bring it back and potentially transmit it to people here.

Heat drives people indoors. Extreme heat can drive people to congregate inside for the comforts of air conditioning. But those indoor conditions  with poor ventilation and chillier temperatures  replicate the same environment that enables respiratory viruses to spread so easily in the winter.

Immunity from vaccines has waned. While the annual flu shot thats available each fall can offer some protection, Conway says that by the time April rolls around, the strain of influenza that those shots protect against has likely changed  so that immunity doesn't quite hold up as well, and you start to see these little outbreaks that happen even in people that have been vaccinated, he says. In fact, the rapidly-changing nature of SARS-CoV-2 could be one reason we keep seeing summer peaks of COVID-19. The major factor driving COVID is not the weather and the humidity and the temperature," Weber says, "but the evolution of new variants.

Is it a cold, the flu, COVID or allergies?

A summer cold or flu feels pretty similar to what youd experience during the fall or winter. Heres a refresher on how to differentiate them from one another.

Cold: Dr. Aashish Didwania, professor of medicine at Northwestern University, tells Yahoo Life that cold symptoms usually develop gradually. Classic cold symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and mild cough. Fever can happen, but it tends to be less common. And muscle aches and fatigue can happen, but they're typically mild, Didwania says.

Flu: Influenza can also involve nasal symptoms and sore throat or cough; but unlike a cold, Didwania says flu symptoms will usually come on abruptly. If I wake up one day and I've got a wicked headache, I feel like a truck ran over me, I'm spiking a fever, that's more likely flu than a cold, he says.

COVID: Some symptoms that set COVID apart include loss of taste or smell and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Jennifer Walsh, an assistant professor at the George Washington University School of Nursing, tells Yahoo Life that both influenza and COVID tend to affect the whole body, with significant fevers, body aches and headaches. But she also cautions that a mild case of COVID or flu can appear similar to a common cold. It can be a little tricky to parse out, she says, so the safest way to be sure is to take a COVID test.

Seasonal allergies: Itchy eyes are a lot more common with allergies, and not with a cold and not with flu, Didwania says. While you may experience some sneezing, runny nose and congestion, you shouldnt encounter a fever or muscle aches. And while youre at it, be on the lookout for air con flu; mold and dust spores in dirty air conditioning units can cause respiratory problems, including allergy and asthma symptoms.

What should you do if you get sick this summer?

Experts say that recuperating from a summer respiratory virus is similar to recovery from a cold or flu during any other time of year. In addition to staying home and resting, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with headaches or body aches; nasal saline sprays can help with upper respiratory congestion; and antivirals such as Paxlovid and Tamiflu, if used right away, can make a huge difference if youre diagnosed with COVID-19 or the flu.

Experts also say you should still get your annual influenza shot this fall, even if you get the flu this summer. There are lots and lots of different flu strains that are out there, so by no means should people think that if they get the flu now during the summer that they're good to go" for autumn and winter, Conway says. Each year the flu shot is repurposed to protect against several of the strains expected to be most prevalent that flu season, so getting a shot every fall gives you the best chance at staying protected.
Woman gives away over $100,000 after scratching off $1 million lottery prize: 'Pay it forward'

An Illinois woman became a millionaire from a scratch-off ticket. Now, shes using her blessing as an opportunity to give back.

Antoinette "Toni" Green, an Aurora resident, about 41 miles west of Chicago, recently won the $1 million top prize after purchasing a $10 Monopoly 50X scratch-off ticket from Rubys Liquor located on 1535 Butterfield Road in Aurora, the Illinois Lottery said in a press release.

Toni has won a few smaller prizes here and (claimed) our store as her lucky store - (she has) been coming regularly ever since, Rubys Liquor owner, Anup Singh, told lottery officials. My son, Jas, was working the day she won the million-dollar prize. He said she scratched the ticket and started screaming Oh my gosh! She then had him scan the ticket multiple times, and sure enough  the $1 million prize was real.

Rubys Liquor received a $10,000 bonus for selling the lucky $1 million scratch-off ticket.

Singhs son, Jas, and Green were shocked about the lottery win.

The clerk couldnt believe it and I couldnt believe it, Green told lottery officials. He said Toni, sign your ticket and go straight home  you won a million dollars! I sat in my car in front of Rubys in total shock, and then I had an epiphany  I can help others, I can make a difference in somebodys life with this money.

Rubys Liquor received a bonus of 1%, which paid the store $10,000 for selling the ticket, the lottery said.

Lottery: Tennessee gas station clerk charged, accused of stealing man's $1 million lottery ticket

A $10 MONOPOLY 50X scratch-off ticket from Rubys Liquor made Antoinette Toni Green a millionaire.

A long-time caregiver gives back after million-dollar win

This nurturing side to Green did not come unexpectedly.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Green told lottery officials that she worked as a school bus driver. Now, Green works as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Antoinette Toni Green won $1 million after purchasing a $10 MONOPOLY 50X scratch-off ticket.

You could say that helping others in need is in her DNA, because prior to the lottery win Green would often lend her hand to strangers.

I get joy out of seeing other peoples happiness  and wondering how I can help be a part of that. The other day I overheard a young woman who could only afford a gallon of gas, and I paid the clerk to fill up her tank, she said. Its not about what you can do for yourself, but what you can do for others.

It is no surprise that after her $1 million lottery win Green decided to, pay it forward.

Ive given away over $100,000 already, she said. When I was blessed with this prize, I knew I was finally in a position to give back, to help my friends and family, and to pay it forward.

What are the odds of winning Monopoly 5X?

The overall chances of winning a prize are 1 in 3.39, the Illinois Lottery said.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Illinois Lottery winner: Woman pays it forward after scratch-off prize
Man shot, killed trying to stop suspects from breaking into neighbors cars

A man shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon was standing up for his neighbors, according to police.

Officers say they were called to a home on Coleman St. SW in the Pittsburgh neighborhood just after 2 p.m.

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Investigators say a man in his late-thirties was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police said a group of people were trying to break into cars in the area when the victim confronted them.

During the confrontation, the man was shot.

The victim also had a gun, but wasnt able to use it before being shot.

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Detectives say the cars being broken into didnt belong to the victim, but he did live in the area.

Police said the incident began when a woman saw the group breaking into cars and shouted to alert her neighbors.

The thieves then flashed a gun at her to get her to be quiet and thats when the victim intervened and was shot.

A neighbor tried to use their belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding where the victim was shot in the leg before he was taken to the hospital.

They are still working to identify and arrest the suspects.

The victims name has not been released.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
DENVER (KDVR)  The matriarch of the endangered African wild dog pack at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance was euthanized this week.

Tilly, the 11-year-old wild dog, was showing signs of increasing discomfort, loss of appetite and difficulty walking, according to the Denver Zoo. The zoo said the animal health and care team made the difficult yet compassionate decision to relieve Tilly of her suffering.

Tilly was known for her joyful and energetic personality. She greeted her caretakers with excitement, actively participated in daily routines, and quickly learned new behaviors, said the Denver Zoo.

Denver Zoo unveils new name and conservation focus

According to the zoo, Tilly was one of the only African wild dogs to be trained for abdominal ultrasounds. She provided information about utero puppy growth, helping support the growth of her species.

Her playful nature and unique behavior have left a lasting impact on her care team who are comforted knowing these special traits live on in her sons, Nigel, Livingstone and Theodore, said the zoo.

Denver Zoo caretakers remember Tilly

On Facebook, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance shared some memories of Tilly from those who knew her best.

Tilly, the African wild dog, passed away at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance was humanely euthanized. (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance)

Tilly, the African wild dog, passed away at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance was humanely euthanized. (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance)

Tilly, the African wild dog, passed away at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance was humanely euthanized. (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance)

Tilly was such a fun animal to work with. Tillys energy and spunky personality will be greatly missed, Karli N., animal care specialist.

Tilly was an incredible African wild dog. Tilly has held a large place in our hearts and was truly one in a million, said Jordan S., animal care specialist.

Tilly was playful and bold, and that is something we now get to see in her three sons, each taking on some part of her behavior. She is the dog that made me love African wild dogs so much, Katelyn S., assistant curator of carnivores.

You are the father: Maury Povich announces paternity results of Denver Zoo orangutan

The Denver Zoo invites everyone to share their favorite moment or memory of Tilly on Facebook.

African wild dogs can live up to 11 years in the wild, per the National Geographic. The animals scientific name is Lycaon pictus, meaning painted wolf, which refers to their irregular, mottled coat that features patches of red, black, brown, white and yellow fur.

National Geographic said African wild dogs are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their livestock and have benefited from wildlife conservation programs like the Denver Zoo.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Looking back at stories that appeared in the OFallon Progress 125, 100, 75 and 50 years ago:

125 years ago, July 28, 1899

Tuesday evening a party of pleasure seekers with a keg broke into the Turner Hall and proceeded to hold high carnival.

Marshal Evans and a few deputies attempted to restore order and arrest some of the lawbreakers.

The party resisted arrest and Wm. Alexander, who was assisting the Marshal, was struck. Wm. Ahring was brought before Esq. Dunn Wednesday evening and fined $20 and costs for his share of the fun.

Other arrests may follow as the Turner Society have a charge of burglary against the party which, if properly prosecuted, might send some of them to the penitentiary.

While we have no personal feeling against any individual connected with this case, yet we do wish to assert that we are uncompromisingly opposed to the growing spirit of lawlessness in our village. Law-abiding citizens will agree that it is time for something to be done.

100 years ago, July 24, 1924

Miss Alice Schlinger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schlinger, has the distinction of being the first OFallon citizen to receive a letter via the air mail route between Chicago and San Francisco.

The letter is from an uncle, Henry Schlinger, and was mailed at San Francisco on Tuesday night at 10 oclock, arriving here last night.

The time was about 44 hours and the postage was 16 cents. The average mail time between these two points via railroad is about 90 hours.

While the air mail service is still in its infancy, it is making rapid strides and the time is not far off when large quantities of mail will be transported via airplane.

75 years ago, July 28, 1949

There is not telling what, when and where a volunteer firemans duties extend. This was experienced Sunday night by Elton Dressel, chief of the fire department.

The chief had gone to the engine house at 8 oclock on one of his routine checkups of equipment. He had just entered the door when a woman with an unclothed 3-year-old boy in her arms, rushed in, breathlessly remarking, Hurry, or it will be too late.

A hurried examination by the chief revealed that the boy was deathly sick, in a coma and breathing practically extinct. Quickly applying the departments ever-ready resuscitator, faint gasps for breath became visible and within a comparatively short time, breathing had been restored to normal.

A physician, who was summoned by Dressel, pronounced the little patient out of danger.

With the child wrapped in a department blanket, the mother departed for home. She is said to have told the physician that the child had a high fever and went into a coma.

The boy is Jimmy OBrien, son of Mr. and Mrs. William OBrien, of Capitol Oaks, four miles west of this city. The mother is the former Marjorie Walker.

50 years ago, July 25, 1974

The OFallon Downtown Merchants Association is sponsoring an essay contest in conjunction with the citys Homecoming festivities. The contest is open to four age groups and contestants will write an essay of 500 words or less entitled What Living in OFallon Means to Me.

Winners of the essay contest will receive a $25 savings bond.

The four age groups for the contest are seven to 10-year-olds, 11 to 14-year-olds, 15 to 18-year olds and 65-years-old and over. The winners in the four age groups will be announced during the Homecoming weekend. There will be one winner from each group. Judging will be done by the Merchants Association.

The deadline for submitting entries to the contest is Aug. 17. The essays may be submitted to any downtown merchant. More details are available from the merchants also.
UPDATE (9:30 p.m.): The sheriffs office said the 13-year-old reported missing Tuesday afternoon has been found.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Sheriffs deputies are asking for help to find a missing 13-year-old boy who was last seen Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said Samuel Jamie Osuna was last seen at around 2:30 p.m. in the area of Castlemaine Avenue and Longreach Drive.

Osuna is described as being 4 feet, 6 inches tall weighing 110 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black shirt with a Hawaii DI decal, gray Under Armour shorts, and brown slippers.

Anyone with information on Osunas whereabouts is asked to call the Kern County Sheriffs Office at 661-861-3110 or the Kern Secret Witness hotline at 661-322-4040.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
BUENOS AIRES, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Eight people have died after a fishing boat capsized on Monday near the Malvinas Islands, known to English speakers as the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims as its own but is governed by Britain, Argentine and Spanish media reported.

On Monday, the fishing boat was sailing near the Malvinas Islands in search of toothfish when it suffered a break in the hull and sank, said the Argentine daily La Nacion.

Authorities reported Tuesday morning the death of three crew members who were on the boat. In the past few hours, rescue operations were undertaken to find the remaining 27 people who were shipwrecked -- 10 of whom are Spanish nationals and dispersed in life rafts, the daily added.

Later, the number of fatal victims climbed to eight, and 14 people were rescued, according to local media.

The fishing vessel, flying the flag of Saint Helena Island, an Overseas British Territory in the South Atlantic, launched a distress signal when it was located about 200 nautical miles (370 km) southeast of Puerto Argentino, in the Malvinas Islands.

Argentina's Navy issued a statement on Tuesday saying the fishing vessel "reported damage caused by inclement weather that caused water to enter, which is why it was abandoned in life rafts."

There were winds of up to 70 knots (about 130 km) per hour and eight-meter-high waves at the time of the accident.

According to the Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo, there were 25 crew members and two scientific observers on board the vessel, including eight Russians, two Uruguayans, two Peruvians and five Indonesians. 
SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11)  At least 13 people, including two firefighters, were injured in a fire at a Brooklyn building Tuesday night, according to the FDNY.

The fire broke out at 881 5th Ave. in Sunset Park around 8:45 p.m. At least 106 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the scene, fire officials said.

More Local News

A video posted to Citizen App showed firefighters climbing a ladder to the top story of the building to rescue someone trapped inside.

The fire was under control around 9:30 p.m. Its believed 14 people, including two children, were displaced, according to the Red Cross.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
18 people killed, pilot sole survivor after plane skids off runway and crashes in Nepal

Eighteen people were killed after a small plane veered off the runway and crashed while taking off from Kathmandu, Nepal on Wednesday, officials said.

The pilot of the Saurya Airlines aircraft was "seriously injured" and taken to the hospital and is the only known survivor of the crash, officials said.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the plane took off from Kathmandu Airport around 11:11 local time bound for Pokhara. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft "veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway."

Emergency personnel work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal, July 24, 2024. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar

The aviation authority said rescue operations were initiated immediately and, after getting the fire under control, 18 people were found dead.

Saurya Airlines 9N-AME crash@TIACAO2 Press Release - 2 pic.twitter.com/5LzBHpqhZI  Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (@hello_CAANepal) July 24, 2024

The plane was headed to Pokhara for maintenance, police said on social media, and all 19 passengers were airline employees. Eighteen of those on board were Nepali citizens while one engineer was from Yemen, Reuters reported.

"The plane was scheduled to undergo maintenance for a month beginning Thursday ... It is unclear why it crashed," said Mukesh Khanal, marketing head of Saurya Airlines, according to Reuters.

Emergency personnel work at the accident site of a Saurya Airlines plane that caught fire after skidding off the runway while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal, July 24, 2024. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar

2023 Nepal plane crash: At least 4 US residents among 72 people killed in Nepal plane crash

72 people killed in plane crash in Nepal last year

In January 2023, 72 people were killed in a plane crash in Nepal, including at least two U.S. citizens and two permanent residents.

All 68 passengers and a crew of four died after Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crashed just minutes before landing.

The ATR 72-500 plane was completing a 27-minute flight from Kathmandu. It crashed at about 10:50 a.m. local time as it approached the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, according to the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority.

The incident was tragic," Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said at the time. "The full force of the Nepali army police has been deployed for rescue."

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: Nepal plane crash kills 18 people, pilot sole survivor
ARDMORE, Okla. (KFOR)  State and local law enforcement served a search warrant at a large marijuana growing operation in Ardmore on Tuesday.

Smokey Ridge marijuana farm.

According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the warrant was served as part of an ongoing investigation into out-of-state black market marijuana trafficking. Authorities responded to the area of Smokey Ridge Road in Ardmore, a location that has been under investigation since November 2023.

LOCAL NEWS: OBN seizes 5,212 marijuana plants at Kingston grow

During the investigation, OBN Agents identified people going to the farm and illegally purchasing more than 50 pounds of marijuana per visit. Additionally, we determined the operators of this marijuana farm were loading as much as 1,000 pounds of marijuana at a time into refrigerated semi-trucks that would transport the product to the black market in places such as New York City, Chicago, and parts of Florida. said OBN Spokesman Mark Woodward.

Smokey Ridge marijuana farm. Image courtesy Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

Smokey Ridge marijuana farm. Image courtesy Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

Smokey Ridge marijuana farm. Image courtesy Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

OBN, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office and the Carter County Sheriffs Office were involved in the bust. The search led to 106,063 marijuana plants, 1,120 pounds of processed marijuana and two arrests.

Officials say 34-year-old Wen Bin Haung and 37-year-old Wen Zhang Huang were taken into custody and are facing multiple charges, including Aggravated Trafficking of Marijuana.

Coordinated efforts with OBN, the Attorney General and local law enforcement are instrumental in removing illicit operators from the states medical marijuana program. This case reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, well-regulated market where consumers can trust the products they purchase and where the only businesses that thrive are the ones that follow state law. added OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry

LOCAL NEWS: OKC police arrest motel employees accused of stealing from guest

Partnerships between state and local agencies have led to a dramatic reduction of criminal organizations operating illegal farms in Oklahoma. OBN Registrations for growers dropped from 9,400 in 2021, to 6,400 in 2022, and now that number is down to about 3,000, OBN says.

The Ardmore seizure is extremely significant, and it is indicative of the tremendous job that OBN has done combating Oklahomas proliferation of illegal drugs. I am proud that agents from my office assisted in this effort, and I am committed to continuing the valuable partnership with OBN that targets Chinese crime syndicates and Mexican drug cartels largely responsible for these illegal grow operations. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  At least 31 horses are dead as a gather by the federal government has entered its third week during summer temperatures reaching an estimated 95 degrees.

At least eight horses died as a direct result of the operation while the remaining 23 were euthanized due to what government workers deemed as pre-existing conditions, according to the Bureau of Land Management.



Two horses died of a broken neck, including a one-year-old mare while two others died during transport on a truck and trailer after their capture, the BLM reported.



The gathering began at the Blue Wing Complex, located 65 miles northeast of Reno in Pershing County, on July 8 and is expected to last approximately 30 days, according to BLM. The agency plans to gather 1,373 wild horses and 365 burros because it claims the land, estimated to be 2,283,300 acres, only has room for 333 to 555 horses and 55 to 90 burros.



The area is also utilized by domestic livestock and numerous wildlife species, the agency stated on its website.



Critics have argued that the government is appeasing ranchers for their cattle and that the gathers are inhumane.



Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Rep. Steven Cohen (D-TN) asked BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning to pause the East Pershing Complex gather operation in January after 20 deaths were reported in less than a month.



In a letter, they stated it has further demonstrated persisting faults in BLMs wild horse strategy.



Titus and Cohen also expressed concerns about BLMs Tentative Wild Horse and Burro Gather and Fertility Control Schedule which includes gathering nearly 21,000 horses compared to the nearly 7,000 scheduled for roundups in 2023.

The plan for the new fiscal year included roundups throughout New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming, California, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.



Titus and Cohen also criticized the use of helicopters.



Some wild horse advocates have pushed for fertility control, including with the use of darts. The BLMs website made no reference to fertility control being used for the Blue Wing complex gather.



Wild horses captured during the gather are brought to a corral where they can then be adopted or sold, according to the BLM.



Titus introduced a bill in 2022 to ban the use of helicopters. In May of 2023, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act was introduced into Congress marking the first step of the legislative process. The following month, it was referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.



Nevada has the largest population of wild horses.



Video from the Nevada-based group Wild Horse Education which advocates for better treatment of the animals showed helicopters being used during the Blue Wing Complex gather.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
2 L.A. County beaches closed after sewage leaked into ocean; ocean water use warnings impact other locations

Parts of Dockweiler State Beach and Venice Beach are closed after about 15,000 gallons of untreated sewage leaked into the ocean, the Los Angeles Public Health Department announced.

Beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the ocean water, one mile north and one mile south of Ballona Creek.

The affected beaches will remain closed for at least 48 hours and until two water quality tests indicate that bacterial levels meet health standards, a news release said. Public Health began water sampling testing on Monday.

Californias dirtiest beaches ranked in latest Heal the Bay report

On Saturday, a broken water main pushed sand into the city sewer line, which caused a backup, and the sewage was discharged into the water. The sewage had been flowing for two hours by the time L.A. Sanitation and Environment alerted the county health department of the issue, officials told the L.A. Times.

High bacterial levels have also impacted the following locations:

The entire swim area at Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area at Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area at Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps from the Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area at Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier at Ramirez Creek

The entire swim area at Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area at Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon at Topanga Canyon Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms at Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica.

4 California beaches named among best in America, according to Travel & Leisure

However, its not all bad news. A bacterial warning for Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey has been lifted.

Residents can get more information on beach conditions by calling the countys beach hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or visiting the L.A. County Public Health website.

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Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the Short North mass shooting in June that injured 10, though neither were charged with actually shooting during the incident.

Rondell Sharif Mallory, 22, of Columbus, and Gabriel David Michael Hunter, 19, of Lancaster, each face separate charges following the overnight shooting that rocked the Short North Arts District, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records. Each is being held on a $200,000 cash bond, arraignment records show.

The shooting happened about 2:30 a.m., June 23 in the 1100 block of North High Street near East 3rd Avenue, according to police. Ten victims of the late June shooting, including two juveniles, were all expected to survive, police said at the time.

Read More: Columbus mass shooting wounds 10 in Short North; police seek suspect vehicle

Mallory was charged with one count of tampering with evidence, court records show.

Mallory suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, according to a Columbus police affidavit. After further investigation of the shooting, Columbus police determined that Mallory could be seen on video pointing a firearm at others who were involved, a police affidavit shows.

By the time police located Mallory, he had gotten rid of the gun he was seen holding on video during the shooting to prevent police from discovering it.

Hunter was also injured during the June 23 Short North shooting. He has been charged with felonious assault for an incident from two days prior to the Short North mass shooting, according to court records.

That prior shooting occurred around 10:57 a.m. June 21 in the 200 block of South Eureka Avenue.

Upon arrival on South Eureka, officers found Victor McGarity Jr., who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his lower extremities. He was transported to a local area hospital in stable condition, according to police.

A witness to the June 21 shooting told police that she was sitting in the front room of the home on South Eureka Avenue when she heard gunshots and saw a man holding a firearm run through the house and out the front door. She identified that man as Hunter, according to police.

After the June 21 shooting, Hunter jumped into a black, four-door Chevy Cruz that was caught on a license plate reading camera as it fled the scene.

After Hunter was injured in the June 23 Short North shooting, police showed McGarity a lineup of photos and he identified Hunter.

smeighan@dispatch.com

@ShahidMeighan

@MaxFilby

mfilby@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Short North mass shooting: Police arrest, charge 2 men
Two men were charged in connection to multiple misdemeanors after a confrontation at a Gilbert political meeting earlier this month.

Stephen Hunsaker, 51, and Nathan Hunsaker, 50, were charged with three misdemeanors after a Gilbert police investigation into an altercation at a meeting in mid-July.

Stephen Hunsaker was charged with two charges of disorderly conduct and one charge of third-degree criminal trespass. Nathan Hunsaker was charged with one assault charge, two disorderly conduct charges and one third-degree criminal trespass.

The dispute developed during a meeting of the Legislative District 14 Republicans after comments by Rep. Laurin Hendrix, R-Gilbert, about information he received that suggested he could tie one of his opponents to the Gilbert Goons, the teenage gang that has terrorized other teens in the southeast Valley. Members recorded their blitz-style attacks on teens in parks and parking garages, outside fast-food restaurants and at house parties. Seven of those affiliated with the group face charges in the killing of 16-year-old Preston Lord in October.

Hendrix said he told a meeting of the Legislative District 14 Republicans that he rejected the overture, never used the information, and held up the tip as an example of how nasty and negative campaigns have become.

But the comments angered Nathan Hunsaker, husband of the legislative candidate in question, Lalani Hunsaker. Nathan Hunsaker, along with his brother, tried to shout down Hendrix.

After the situation escalated Andrew Adams, the chairman of the East Valley district, intervened. He said he moved the two protesters out of the meeting room and told them they could not reenter because they were trespassing and violating the district rules to maintain decorum.

At this point, Adams told The Arizona Republic, "Nathan Hunsaker gets on his tiptoes and headbutts me."

A video provided by Adams from the church where the meeting was held showed people milling in the lobby of Redeemer Bible Church. There was a moment where a man was seen lunging toward a man identified as Adams, but head-to-head contact was not captured on the video.

In a written statement on Tuesday afternoon, Lalani Hunsaker lamented the outcome of the investigation and defended the two men.

We are wasting taxpayer resources over two grown adults telling each other to shut up. The real story here is a dad defending his son and family versus a few old men using the media to try to shore up a victory next Tuesday, Hunsaker said in the statement.

But for Adams, this incident was more than just a simple shouting match.

I think the video speaks for itself and I think the charges are very clear, I appreciate the professionalism of the Gilbert Police Department, Adams said. Everyone will have their day in court.

Republic reporter Mary Jo Pitzl contributed to this article.

Reach reporter Fernando Cervantes Jr. at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2 charged by police after dispute at Gilbert Republican meeting.
2 more state troopers who were part of the Karen Read case are under investigation, police say

FILE - Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Brian Tully holds up a piece of evidence on the witness stand in Karen Read's murder trial, June 12, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool, File)

BOSTON (AP)  Two more state troopers, who testified in the Karen Read murder trial over the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, are now facing an internal affairs investigation, the Massachusetts State Police said Wednesday.

Detective Lt. Brian Tully and Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik are being investigated along with lead investigator in the case, State Trooper Michael Proctor. It was also determined that there was insufficient evidence against a fourth state trooper, Lt. John Fanning, to prove allegations he violated state police rules by failing to uphold the responsibilities of a supervisor.

A spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police refused to comment further in fairness to the integrity of the pending investigative outcomes.

A spokesperson for the State Police Association of Massachusetts had no comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Most of the focus has been on Proctor, who was relieved of duty after the trial revealed hed sent vulgar texts to colleagues and family, calling Read a whack job and telling his sister he wished Read would kill herself. He said that was a figure of speech and that his emotions had gotten the better of him.

The defense also suggested he shouldve stepped aside from the investigation because he had personal relationships with several of the people involved in the case. Reads lawyers also questioned the sloppiness of the police work: The crime scene was left unsecured for hours; the house, owned by Boston Police Detective Brian Albert, wasnt searched; bloodstained snow was scooped up with red plastic drinking cups; and a leaf blower was used to clear snow.

Proctor was paid until earlier this month, when a state police hearing board changed that suspension to without pay, effective immediately. Meanwhile, an internal affairs investigation could result in charges against him, and theres a federal probe into state law enforcements handling of the case. The U.S. attorneys office said it neither confirmed nor denied investigations.

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 announced Monday she 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.
2 pipe bombs safely detonated in Stallion Springs, no current threat to surrounding area: police

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Officers with the Stallion Springs Police Department and the sheriffs office said they safely detonated two explosive devices and two other suspicious devices near Comanche Point Road Saturday.

Officials said there is no threat to the area.

A Stallion Springs resident discovered two suspicious devices in the roadway of Comanche Point Road and Jacks Springs Road on Saturday around 8:45 a.m., officials said.

Fatal knife fight between clerk and shoplifter raises questions about poverty, hunger and frustration with petty crime

The devices appeared to be burnt but not destroyed, according to police. Officials arrived and determined the devices to be two pipe bombs.

At the time of the incident, officers contacted the Kern County Sheriffs Office Bomb Squad and set up a perimeter. The devices were detonated and rendered safe.

Two other suspicious devices were found near the area and determined to be safe.

CA Dept. of Justice critical of Bakersfield PDs bodycam policy

Community members are advised to be aware of suspicious objects and not to approach or touch them but to call 911.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kern County Sherriffs Office Communication Center at 661-861-3110 or the Stallion Springs Police Department, at 661-822-3268.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
PARIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The French Alps has been awarded as the host of the 2030 Winter Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday, but under the condition that French government provides financial and organizational guarantees before the dates set by the IOC.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his commitment to the IOC members prior to the vote.

"I confirm the full commitment of the French nation, and assure you that I will ask the next prime minister to include not only this guarantee, but also an Olympic Law in the priorities of the new government," he said.

"Seven years ago we made the same commitment (for the Paris 2024 Summer Games), and we delivered. We will do the same."

France last hosted a Winter Olympics in Albertville in 1992. 
2024 Election Latest: Biden says democracy lies in the hands of voters during solemn address

President Joe Biden made his first address since his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump is holding a rally in Charlotte and Vice President Kamala Harris asked for support from women of color during an address at a historically Black sorority.

Earlier today, thousands of protesters rallied to denounce Israels war in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a scathing speech to Congress to defend Israels conduct in the war and vowed total victory against Hamas.

He condemned American opponents while thousands of protesters rallied within sight of the Capitol building.

Follow the APs Election-2024 coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.

Here's the Latest:

Bidens Oval Office address was a family affair

Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office surrounded by family and close advisers.

As he spoke, seated off to the side and along the curved wall, were mostly relatives. They included the presidents son, Hunter Biden, and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden, as well as his daughter Ashley Biden.

First lady Jill Biden was also there, as were other family members and the presidents longtime adviser, Mike Donilon.

Bidens voice was very soft and sometimes barely audible, though he got a bit louder occasionally. Toward the end of remarks, Ashley Biden reached for the hand of her mother, the first lady, who was seated next to her.

Standing in the back were White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and other staff.

When Biden concluded, those assembled applauded. Jill Biden then walked to the Resolute Desk and stood next to her husband. This has been the honor of a lifetime, the president said.

In 1968, Lyndon Johnson turned down a second term of his own

No American incumbent president has dropped out of the race so late in the process. The last president to do so was Lyndon Johnson in March of 1968. When Johnson addressed the nation from the Oval Office, he spent the majority of his remarks talking about the Vietnam War, and his duty to focus on it.

He tried to make the case that American forces were making great progress in the war, and said, One day, my fellow citizens, there will be peace in Southeast Asia. That portrait was at odds with the politics in the Democratic Party, riven by division over the war, prompting several prominent Democrats, including Eugene McCarthy and Robert F. Kennedy.

Johnson also acknowledged how the war was tearing the country apart. In these times as in times before, it is true that a house divided against itself by the spirit of faction, of party, of region, of religion, of race, is a house that cannot stand. There is division in the American house now.

He then made the stunning announcement that he would not seek reelection.

I shall not be a candidate for reelection. I have served my country long, and I think efficiently and honestly. I shall not accept a renomination. I do not feel that it is my duty to spend another 4 years in the White House.

Trump calls Bidens Oval Office address sooo bad

Trump posted on his social media website that the president was barely understandable, and sooo bad!

During the speech, Biden called Vice President Harris tough and capable.

In a separate post, Trump slammed Biden and Harris as embarrassments, noting, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME LIKE THIS!"

The view from Trumps campaign plane

As President Biden addressed the nation, his former opponent was among those watching.

Trump watched Bidens 10-minute address from his campaign plane as he flew out of North Carolina following a rally.

Photographs showed Trump watching Biden speak intently, his head tilted sideways.

Trump adviser Chris LaCivita subsequently posted on X a different picture showing the former president turned sideways and frowning, intently not watching as Biden spoke.

On Trump Force One Hey Joe Youre Fired! LaCivita wrote over the picture.

Love, Jill

First lady Jill Biden posted a hand-written note after the presidents speech thanking those who never wavered, who refused to doubt. She thanked supporters for putting their trust in the president. Now its time to put that trust in Kamala.

She signed it: Love, Jill.

9 arrested during DC protests over the war in Gaza

Police in the nations capital say they have arrested nine people after thousands of protesters against the war in Gaza descended on Washington to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit.

The Metropolitan Police Department said the arrests included five people taken into custody Wednesday morning on charges of crowding or incommoding. Later in the day, a 15-year-old was arrested for assaulting a police officer in front of Union Station.

Outside Washingtons Union Station, protesters removed American flags, lit one ablaze and hoisted Palestinian flags in their place to massive cheers in the crowd.

Three men were also arrested for assaulting a police officer and crossing a police line in Columbus Circle, outside Union Station, police said.

Biden says he put party unity over a merited second term

Defending his tenure, Biden said his record as president, our leadership in the world, my vision for Americas future all merited a second term. But, he said, I needed to unite my party.

Contrasting himself with Trump, he added, Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.

Biden never mentioned Trump, but his allusions were clear

Though Biden never mentioned his political rival, it was clear the Democratic incumbent was talking about the possibility of former President Trump returning for a second presidency.

I revere this office, but I love my country more. Its been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it is more important than any title, Biden said in the opening minutes of his speech.

Biden called this election year one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come. Americans are going to have to choose moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.

And, he asked, Does character in public life still matter?

Those are many of the same critiques Biden leveled against Trump in the 2020 campaign.

Biden uses address to shape his legacy and the upcoming election

The address gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.

It gave the public a chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on former President Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to the nations democracy.

Both Biden and Harris have framed the election as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Trump by name.

The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule, Biden said. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America  lies in your hands.

Biden wraps 10-minute address

Biden says hes grateful to have served as president  in no other country could a kid with a stutter grow up to sit in the Oval Office.

My fellow Americans, its been the privilege of my life, he says.

He told Americans to keep the faith, and the idea of America lies in your hands.

Bidens has a busy 6 months planned

Biden says he has a busy to-do list for his final six months in office.

He says hes going to work to end the war in Gaza.

Biden also mentioned that hell work to defend personal freedoms and lower costs for hardworking families. He says hell continue to push for Supreme Court reform and will keep seeking to protect children from gun violence. He says hell keep up his initiative seeking to end cancer as we know it.

Biden says its time for fresh voices, yes, younger voices in politics

President Biden is explaining why he is stepping away from the 2024 election. He says, I revere this office, but I love my country more.

Ive decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. Its the best way to unite our nation, said Biden.

He said he thought it best to unite his party. Some Democrats had been calling for him to step down.

Biden supporters gather outside the White House

Supporters of President Biden have gathered outside the White House in a show of support as the president gives an Oval Office to explain why hes stepping away from the 2024 race.

Some held signs that read: We love Joe, and a brass band played.

Biden addresses the nation in Oval Office Address

President Joe Biden is addressing the nation from the Oval Office after his decision to step down from the 2024 race.

Dozens of his staff members filed into the White House to watch the address together.

Biden bowed to pressure from his own party to step aside following his disastrous debate performance on June 27. He posted a letter on Sunday telling the public about his decision but was sick with COVID-19 at the time and said hed address the nation later.

Trump lays in to lyin Kamala Harris

Trump opened his remarks at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, saying he defeated Biden, adding the Democrats had a very undemocratic move and forced him out.

Now, we have a new victim to defeat: lyin Kamala Harris, he said, mispronouncing her name, and proceeding to attack her record on the border.

Biden to tell nation that the defense of democracy is more important than any title as he explains dropping 2024 bid

President Joe Biden is giving an Oval Office address this evening where hes expected to say that he will spend the next six months doing his job as president, but that he decided the best way forward was to pass the torch to a new generation.

The president bowed to pressure from his own party to step aside following his disastrous debate performance on June 27. He posted a letter on Sunday telling the public about his decision but was sick with COVID-19 at the time and said hed address the nation later.

Biden says in excerpts of his remarks that the great thing about America is kings and dictators do not rule. The people do.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Families of American hostages in Gaza are profoundly disappointed in Netanyahu

The families of the eight American hostages being held in Gaza say theyre profoundly disappointed that Prime Minister Netanyahu did not guarantee in his speech to Congress that the hostages would be coming home.

In a joint statement, the families said that Netanyahu failed to present any new solutions or a new path forward and failed to commit to the hostage deal that is now on the table even though Israels senior defense and intelligence officials have called on him to do so.

They called on him to get the deal done before it is too late.

Eight Americans are believed to be held by Hamas, including three who were killed.

Trump rally attendees are still feeling out JD Vance

Fans and supporters awaiting Trump in Charlotte say they are amped to meet their nominee. But his running mate? Theyre still waiting to learn more about him.

A handful of voters interviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press ahead of Trumps late afternoon campaign rally said they had watched the Netflix biopic about JD Vances life, based on his bestselling book, but aside from that, they didnt know much about the freshman Ohio senator.

Trump unveiled Vance as his veep pick last week as the Republican National Convention got underway in Milwaukee. The two campaigned together over the weekend and plan to do so again this coming weekend in Minnesota.

Trump rally attendees suffer heat stress

Paramedics received eight calls about people suffering from heat stress at the arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, where attendees waited outside for hours in the sweltering heat before being allowed inside to hear the former president speak Wednesday.

At least two people were taken to a hospital, according to the Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency.

Temperatures in Charlotte were near 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) and high humidity made it feel several degrees warmer on the pavement surrounding the 8,600-seat Bojangles Coliseum.

Police remove Palestinian flags at Union Station

Police have taken down Palestinian flags that protesters hoisted outside Washingtons Union Station. Protesters removed three American flags from the poles and replaced them with Palestinian flags. At least one of the American flags was burned. Police took down the Palestinian flags once the crowd began to dissipate.

Access to Union Station locked down

Amtrak Police locked down access to Union Station around 3:30 p.m. ET, closing all but one entrance to the major transportation hub.

In a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Virginia Railway Express notified passengers they would be required to show their tickets to get into the station, via the First Street Metrorail entrance.

Tempers flare outside Union Station as police officers take people into custody

An Associated Press reporter saw at least four people taken into custody by police during the confrontation outside Union Station. Protesters repeatedly shouted, Let them go! at officers.

One person grabbed at a police officers riot shield and then raised his fists in a fighting stance. An officer grabbed a Palestinian flag from a woman and tossed it aside. At least one protester appeared to be overcome by the effects of pepper spray.

Sen. Kelly: Every Palestinian in Gaza is not a member of Hamas

Sen. Mark Kelly said that Netanyahu expressed a lot of things that many Americans are feeling, but also wished the prime minister had acknowledged the loss of life during the war. Every Palestinian in Gaza is not a member of Hamas.

Netanyahu mentioned notifying civilians, Kelly said, but there have been a lot of civilian casualties, and there are always ways to improve. Its important to recognize that, he said.

Over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and another 89,800 have been wounded during Israels offensive, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Hostage supporters gathered in Tel Aviv to watch Netanyahu speech, demand deal now

In Tel Aviv, hundreds of relatives of Israeli hostages and other supporters gathered in the citys Hostages Square to watch the speech on a large screen.

Many chanted Deal now as he spoke.

I want to tell my Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, my grandfather could have been alive today with us. He was waiting for someone to come and save him. He was waiting for you to seal the deal, said Talya Dancyg, whose grandfather, Alex Dancyg, was pronounced dead in captivity this week by Israeli authorities.

Seal the deal. Bring them home now, she said.

If he didnt open with the words, we have a deal, I dont care what he has to say, added Sharon Kalderon, sister-in-law of hostage Ofer Kalderon.

Protesters graffiti monument, disperse

Protesters have spray painted graffiti on a monument to Christopher Columbus outside Union Station, including the words, Hamas is coming in large red letters. At the base, the words Free Gaza are painted in green.

With the announcement over a megaphone that the police are coming many protestors appeared to disperse.

... But Democrats have had a more mixed response

Republicans have widely praised Netanyahus speech ...

US Rep. Jamie Raskin criticizes Netanyahus speech as one made for Trumps GOP

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, said Netanyahus speech was made for Trumps GOP

Its too bad he couldnt have come earlier in the summer. He could have given it at the Republican National Convention because the speech was really pitched to right-wing Americans, for a right-wing approach to the war and thats been rejected.

Raskin, who met with families of hostages earlier in the day, said he heard no plan from Netanyahu for their safe return and an end to the war.

We didnt hear anything about meaningful progress towards a bilateral cease-fire in return for hostages. We didnt hear anything about peace. We didnt hear anything about a two-state solution, which has been U.S. foreign policy for decades, he said.You had one narcissistic, indicted right-wing autocrat coming over here to speak to the followers of another narcissistic, right-wing, autocrat.

Palestine will be free

Protesters cheered as a fire burned what appeared to be a paper-mache likeness of Netanyahu.

The replica of the Liberty Bell outside the station has been covered in graffiti reading Free Palestine and in Arabic Palestine will be free.

Officers wearing helmets and carrying riot shields are walking in a line down a street outside Union Station.

All 3 US flags at Union Station replaced with Palestinian flags

Protesters have climbed the flagpole outside Washingtons Union Station and replaced the American flags outside with Palestinian flags. Dozens of law enforcement officers remain outside Union Station, which is one of the nations busiest railroad terminals.

Cheers rang out as the final flag was raised.

Police deploy che mical agent at protestors

After being turned away by police near the Capitol, protesters wound through the Capitol Hill neighborhood for several blocks before gathering in front of Union Station.

When protestors took down one of the giant U.S. flags outside, police moved in. At least one person was arrested and police deployed chemical agents.

Protesters chanted shame on you as police dragged somebody away. At least two people were seen being treated for chemical agent effects on the eyes.

I came here to thank you, America, Netanyahu says as he wraps speech

On behalf of the people of Israel, I came here to say thank you, America, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday as he finished his address to Congress.

Democrats subsequently filed out of the chamber while Republicans were still giving the prime minister enthusiastic applause.

Netanyahu praises Trump

The Israeli leader, frequently accused of wading into American politics in favor of Republicans, lavished praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump for all hes done for Israel.

Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas military capabilities

Netanyahu says he is ready to press forward with Israels war against Hamas until he achieves total victory.

Netanyahu told Congress that he would agree to a cease-fire if Hamas surrenders, disarms and releases all hostages it is holding.

Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home, he said. Thats what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.

But he said Israel would continue to fight indefinitely until it destroys the groups military capabilities and brings home all hostages.

Critics have said Netanyahus vow of total victory is unrealistic, as Hamas has repeatedly regrouped in areas that the Israeli military has withdrawn from.

U.S.-led cease-fire talks have dragged on for months without a breakthrough.

A tense scene between dueling protestors

At one point, late in the march, a brief scuffle broke out between different protest groups. At the corner of D Street and Delaware, a small group waving Israeli flags had set up a demonstration, claiming to be pro-Israel but anti-Netanyahu.

As the main rally passed them, one man tried to grab the megaphone held by one of the pro-Israeli protesters.

The pair separated after a brief struggle and the situation devolved into multiple tense, but nonviolent, debates.

People wearing yellow Seal the deal now T-shirts removed

Earlier in the speech, five people wearing yellow T-shirts that read seal the deal now were removed from the House gallery. The phrase is a rallying cry for those urging Netanyahu to reach a deal to return the hostages.

The individuals stood to prominently display the message on their shirts during moments when others were applauding but had done nothing to disrupt the speech itself.

Arrests made in House Gallery, per Capitol Police

U.S. Capitol Police say they have arrested five people who disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech before Congress. Police said in a post on X that the people were in the House Gallery and were immediately removed and arrested.

Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is against the law, police said.

The affiliation of those arrested is not immediately clear.

Netanyahus sp eech takes on more combative tone

Netanyahus speech took on a more combative tone as he defended his country but also derided those protesting the war in Gaza, gesturing to demonstrations happening as he spoke on the streets outside the U.S. Capitol, as useful idiots for Israels adversaries.

The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled, he said.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

A common thread of Netanyahus speech is painting Israels fight against Hamas and the region as a whole as synonymous with American interests and values.

RNC chairman says the partys electoral strategy has not changed following Harris ascension

The head of the RNC says his partys general election calculus has not changed now that Democrats may be led by Harris and not President Biden.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley told The Associated Press ahead of Trumps rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, later today that he feels fantastic about his candidates chances in the state, which was the scene of Trumps slimmest electoral victory in 2020.

Whatley also said that he felt Vances addition to the ticket would resonate with voters in North Carolina.

Asked about running a campaign against Harris instead of Biden, Whatley expressed confidence in his notion that Trump has more energy and is doing more events than any presidential candidate, ever. Nobody is going to outwork Donald Trump.

Whatley was serving as chairman of the North Carolina GOP when Trump put him forth as his pick to lead national Republicans.

US Rep. Tlaib h olds up sign that says war criminal and guilty of genocide

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held up a sign in the House chamber Wednesday that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other.

Tlaib has been one of Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year about the latest Israel-Hamas war.

She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a district in Michigan with many Palestinians.

Netanyahu thanks Biden for his efforts and hearfelt support for Israel

Netanyahu on Wednesday said Biden stood with Israel in his darkest hour and it will never be forgotten.

I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel, he said.

Many had expected Netanyahu to use his address before Congress to once again criticize the Democratic president but the prime ministers remarks so far have been complimentary and gracious to President Joe Biden, who stepped down days ago as the Democratic nominee for president, for half a century of friendship to Israel.

Police deployed pepper spray on protesters near US Capitol

Police deployed pepper spray Wednesday as a large crowd protesting Israels war in Gaza marched toward the U.S. Capitol, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to Congress.

Thousands of protesters descended on Washington, chanting Free, Free Palestine as some tried to block streets ahead of Netanyahus speech. Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol.

U.S. Capitol Police said in a post on X that some members of the crowd had become violent and had failed to obey orders to move back from the police line.

We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line, Capitol Police said.

Netanyahu begins speech to Congress

For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together, Netanyahu said. When we stand together something really great happens: we win, they lose.

He wore a pin with Israeli and U.S. flags on one side, and a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

More than 50 congressional Dems absent from Netanyahus address

By the time Netanyahu was set to begin his address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, more than fifty congressional Democrats were noticeably absent after announcing publicly that they would not be attending the speech in protest of the prime ministers handling of the war.

Protesters gather outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv ah ead of Netanyahus speech

Protests were also taking place in Israel ahead of Netanyahus speech, with demonstrators demanding a cease-fire in exchange for the release of the roughly 120 hostages still held by Hamas. About 200 protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, some holding signs reading Bibi, enemy of Israel, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

US Rep. Tlaib among those attending Netanyahus address

While many Democrats declined to attend the prime ministers speech as a way to protest how Netanyahu has led the war against Hamas, one outspoken critic of his conduct is attending.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, took a seat in the House chamber with a keffiyeh, which she often wears, wrapped over her shoulders. Tlaib was censured last year for her strident criticism of Israels conduct in the war.

Netanyahu arrives on Capitol Hill, greets House Speaker Johnson

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived on Capitol Hill and has greeted House Speaker Mike Johnson.

We are certainly happy to welcome our friend, Johnson said.

Today and every day America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, Johnson said.

Speaker Johnson, you have shown great leadership, Netanyahu said.

The two men spoke briefly, podiums side by side, at the Capitol.

We are not play ing around, Harris tells gathering of historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta members

Vice President Kamala Harris told a gathering of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis on Wednesday that we are not playing around, in the 2024 presidential election.

And she asked them for their support in helping to elect her.

Harris said: In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation  one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.

And with your support, I am fighting for our nations future.

Voters in Indiana havent backed a Democratic presidential candidate in nearly 16 years. But the biennial meeting of roughly 6,000 people, mostly women, is part of a constituency Harris hopes will turn out for her in massive numbers: women of color.

President Joe Biden stepped away from the race on Sunday.

Family members of Israeli hostages criticize Netanyahus trip to the US

At an event with dozens of Democrats ahead of Netanyahus speech, several family members of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas last year unleashed criticism at the prime minister for coming to the U.S. when he could be focused on securing a deal to free those taken captive.

The hostage family forum back home urged Netanyahu not to come here and give this speech now at a time when a deal is so close, said Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage. Because by coming here, he risks making himself the issue, turning the humanitarian issue of the hostages into a political one.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, called the event a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching a cease-fire deal and returning the hostages.

Its painful for them to have Netanyahu here in Washington kind of promoting himself when their loved ones are still being held hostage, he said.

Vance labels Harris an out-of-touch career politician

Trumps VP pick is characterizing Harris, his running mates possible November opponent, as an out-of-touch career politician.

What has she ever done for this country? Vance asked conservative activist and host Charlie Kirk in a podcast interview Wednesday.

The 39-year-old Vance, who has begun hitting the campaign trail both solo and with Trump in recent days, also argued that his addition to the GOP ticket can help appeal to young voters.

If youre a young voter in this economy with interest rates skyrocketing how can you possibly afford to buy a house? Vance said. If you want to turn the page on that  youve got to vote for President Trump.

Vance said he sees the two top issues as the economy and U.S.-Mexico border, on both of which he argued that Biden  and now Harris  are not succeeding.

I think we have to make a substantive argument that the Kamala Harris-Joe Biden agenda has failed for this country, Vance said. Do we want four years even worse than the last four years?

Senate Republicans criticize Harris over absence from Netanyahus address before Congress

Senate Republicans are criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address today before a joint session of Congress.

Harris is in Indianapolis where shes speaking to the historically Black Zeta Phi Beta sororitys biennial convention. She is set to hold private talks with Netanyahu at the White House later this week.

The vice president is the presiding officer of the Senate and would typically co-preside over such an event with the House speaker. But there have been other instances in recent history when the vice president has skipped such addresses by foreign leaders because of scheduling conflicts.

She should be here whether she likes the prime minister of Israel or not, whether she respects him or not, she should be here, said Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who organized a press conference with fellow Senate Republicans that largely focused on Harris absence from the speech.It is a disgrace.

Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice president nominee, is also skipping the speech to campaign.

Hes not the sitting vice president of the United States, Ernst said.

2 Senate committees will hold a hearing next week on the assassination attempt on Trump

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin announced the hearing on the Senate floor Wednesday, saying that the Judiciary panel will hold the joint hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

He said the committees will conduct a bipartisan investigation into the shooting.

The panels will hear from the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI, Durbin said, and they will also have a closed-door classified briefing. Witnesses have not yet been announced.

Mother of Israeli hostage slams delaying of negotiating team to cease-fire talks

The mother of an Israeli held hostage by Hamas in Gaza has slammed the delay of the Israeli negotiating team to cease-fire talks.

Instead of announcing in Congress that he agrees to the deal on the table, Netanyahu is preventing the deals fruition because of personal considerations. Even if we hear of more hostages who died in the tunnels, he will continue his PR mission in the U.S. and will continue to drag his feet,

Cease-fire negotiating team that was meant to depart has been delayed, Israeli official says

An Israeli official said Wednesday that a negotiating team meant to depart to continue cease-fire talks was delayed.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss developments in the sensitive talks, did not give a reason for the delay, saying the team would likely be dispatched next week.

More than 60 congressional Dems gather at the Capitol with families of Israeli hostages

In the bowels of the U.S. Capitol, a group of more than 60 congressional Democrats gathered with the families of Israeli hostages to bring light to their months of captivity and increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to abide by the terms of the cease-fire agreement that the U.S. is helping broker.

The event was marketed as alternative planning for Democrats who didnt want to attend Netanyahus address to Congress later Wednesday afternoon.

It is my hope that the Prime Minister will listen to you, will listen to the families and to the countless Americans who love and who support Israel and want to see a negotiated end to the fighting that makes an enduring peace possible, said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, a senior Democrat who is boycotting the address.

Protestors demand Netanyahus arrest

Zeina Hutchinson, director of development for the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, on Wednesday read off the names of several Palestinian journalists killed by the Israeli military.

We protest this homicidal maniac, his supporters and his enablers, she shouted from the stage, referencing Netanyahu. And we demand his arrest.

She was among hundreds who gathered to protest near the U.S. Capitol.

More than 1,000 protestors line Pennsylvania Avenue

More than 1,000 people gathered Wednesday morning on Pennsylvania Avenue within sight of the U.S. Capitol building, with more streaming in from multiple directions.

Protesters carried signs branding Netanyahu a war criminal and several erected a large effigy of Biden with blood dripping from its mouth and devil horns.

The crowd chanted: Biden Biden, you cant hide/We charge you with genocide.

___

This report has been corrected to show that the effigy was of Biden, not Netanyahu.

Netanyahu focuses on Iran in remarks at memorial for Joe Lieberman

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday pointed to Iran as the force behind an entire axis of terror threatening the United States and Israel.

Netanyahu used brief remarks at a memorial for the late lawmaker Joe Lieberman to focus on what the Israeli leader portrayed as danger from Iran and its nuclear program.

Netanyahu long has sought to rally support for more aggressive U.S. and Israeli action against Iran, its militia allies around the Middle East and its nuclear program. His comments at the memorial are likely to foreshadow the theme of the Israeli leaders remarks to a joint meeting of Congress later Wednesday.

Lieberman, who died in March, knew how dangerous our world would become if Iran were ever to develop and acquire nuclear weapons, Netanyahu said. The two men often discussed how Iran was behind the entire axis of terror that threatened both our countries.

Protestors: As American Jews, we dont support this war'

Across the street from Union Station in Washington, D.C., Jewish Americans gathered Wednesday morning for a prayer service led by Truah, an organization of rabbis calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Rabbi Bill Plevan, of New York, said he believed prayer could be a catalyst for peace.

Were here to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech in Congress, he said. Were here to say we dont stand by his policies. As American Jews, we dont support this war.

Still, many Jewish Americans view the war in Gaza as just because it came as a response to the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attack, even if they dont outright support Netanyahu and his policies. The families of hostages taken by Hamas are also protesting, demanding Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire deal that would free their loved ones.

The scene near the Capitol

Workers erected a black metal fence around the White House as Washington braced for protests ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech before a joint session of Congress.

Multiple protests were planned for Wednesday over Israels war in Gaza.

There was a heavy police presence, but the streets were relatively quiet in Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning. A small group of protesters walked down a street carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as anti-Israel is not anti-semitism.

Within view of the Capitol, orthodox Jews lined the streets protesting Netanyahu and the war.

As police sirens sounded in the distance, protesters carried signs that included Jews Worldwide Condemn Israeli Bloody Brutality and Free Palestine. Another called for Netanyahus arrest.

Despite some of the people and groups who were protesting, many Jewish Americans view the war in Gaza as just because it came as a response to the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attack, even if they dont outright support Netanyahu and his policies. The families of hostages taken by Hamas are also protesting, demanding Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire deal that would free their loved ones.

Senators re-up calls for Biden and US negotiators to close cease-fire deal

Hours before Netanyahu was set to arrive, the Senate chairmen of the national security committees sent a letter to President Joe Biden, reupping calls for him and U.S. negotiators to quickly close the cease-fire deal that would end the conflict in Gaza and force the release of the hostages.

We are under no illusion that this will be easy and we fully understand that diplomacy requires compromise. But the pre-October 7 status quo is not sustainable, Sens. Ben Cardin, Jack Reed and Mark Warner wrote Wednesday.

Marianne Williamson seeks Democratic delegate support for open convention

Author Marianne Williamson has sent a letter to Democratic delegates seeking their support ahead of their formal presidential nominating process.

Williamson asks delegates to sign her petition and consider taking a stand for an open convention, according to a copy of the missive shared with The Associated Press. The note also includes a link for anyone wishing to submit Williamsons name for nomination.

Democrats have indicated that they will hold a virtual roll call vote by Aug. 7 to name their chosen nominee, ahead of the convention that begins 12 days later in Chicago.

That process will be open to any candidate who musters 300 signatures from delegates elected to the convention.

An AP survey of Democratic delegates indicates that Harris has secured commitments from enough of them to become her partys nominee.

Williamson challenged Biden for the nomination and suspended her campaign, but reversed herself earlier this year.

Bidens speech tonight hopes to make a case for his legacy  and for Harris to continue it

Biden will have an opportunity to make a case for his legacy  sweeping domestic legislation, renewal of alliances abroad, defense of democracy  tonight at 8 p.m. ET. when he delivers an Oval Office address about his decision to bow out of the race and what lies ahead.

Even though the president wont be on the ballot this November, voters still will be weighing his legacy. As Vice President Kamala Harris moves to take his place as the Democratic standard-bearer, Bidens accomplishments remain very much at risk should Republican Donald Trump prevail.

How Bidens single term  and his decision to step aside  are remembered will be intertwined with Harris electoral success in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

And no matter how frustrated Biden is at being pushed aside by his party  and hes plenty upset  he has too much at stake simply to wash his hands of this election.

 Read more on what to expect ahead of the address

Protests planned around Capitol Hill

Multiple protests are planned outside the Capitol, with some condemning the Israeli military campaign overall, and others expressing support for Israel but pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home hostages.

The largest protest is set for this morning, with organizers planning to march around the Capitol building demanding Netanyahus arrest on war crimes charges. A permit application submitted to the National Park Service estimated at least 5,000 participants.

 What to know about Netanyahus visit

GOP leaders urge colleagues to steer clear of racist and sexist attacks on Harris

Republican leaders are warning party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, as they and former President Donald Trump s campaign scramble to adjust to the reality of a new Democratic rival less than four months before Election Day.

At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Tuesday, National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson, R-N.C., urged lawmakers to stick to criticizing Harris for her role in Biden-Harris administration policies.

This election will be about policies and not personalities, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters after the meeting.

This is not personal with regard to Kamala Harris, he added, and her ethnicity or her gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Trump expected to turn his full focus on Harris at first rally since Bidens exit

Donald Trump is holding his first public campaign rally since President Joe Biden dropped out of a 2024 matchup that both major parties had spent months preparing for, leaving the former president to direct his ire toward his likely new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris spoke to a roaring crowd of battleground state voters in Wisconsin yesterday

A roaring crowd of battleground state voters greeted Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday as she opened her public case against Republican former President Donald Trump by declaring Novembers election will be a choice between freedom and chaos.

Harris arrived in the Milwaukee area having locked up nomination support from Democratic delegates after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid on Sunday. It was her first campaign rally since she jumped into the race just two days ago with Bidens endorsement.

The event reflected a vibrancy that had been lacking among Democrats in recent weeks, and Harris was intent on projecting a sense of steady confidence about the November election.

 Read more about why the event in Wisconsin matters for Harris campaign

Harris campaign sees multiple ways for her to win, ahead of vice president speaking in Indiana

Just three full days since entering the race after President Joe Bidens departure, Kamala Harris will address the annual gathering of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.

Its a moment for Harris, a woman of Black and South Asian descent, to speak to a group already excited by her historic status as the likely Democratic nominee and one that her campaign believes can help to expand its coalition.

Harris, Trump are on the campaign trail as Biden prepares to address the nation

Vice President Kamala Harris goes to the solidly Republican state of Indiana later today, but she plans to speak there to a key Democratic constituency as her campaign sees advantages with women, Black, Latino, Asian and younger voters.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office tonight on his decision to drop his 2024 Democratic reelection bid.

Democrats release more proposals for how they will formally choose a presidential nominee

The Democratic National Committee has released proposed rules that would give candidates until next week to vie for the partys nomination. But the process will almost certainly end with Vice President Harris replacing President Biden at the top of the partys ticket.

Candidates will have to qualify by the evening of July 30, according to draft rules released Tuesday.

The party previously announced proposed rules requiring that candidates submit electronic signatures of support from at least 300 delegates to its national convention, no more than 50 of which can be from a single state.

If multiple candidates qualify, it could spark multiple rounds of voting over several days. But, if Harris is the only candidate, voting would be set to begin Aug. 1. The party said last week that it would not hold voting prior to the start of next month and that the process would be completed by Aug. 7.

Biden endorsed Harris when he left the race Sunday and no other major Democrat has announced plans to challenge her. An AP survey of delegates from states across the country found that she had already exceeded the threshold of support needed to secure the nomination.

Families of Israeli hostages gather for a vigil on the National Mall

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.

About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read Seal the Deal NOW! chanted Bring Them Home and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages. The demonstrators applauded when Bidens name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu  known by his nickname Bibi  on the belief that he has been dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.

Im begging Bibi. Theres a deal on the table and you have to take it, said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband Keith remains a hostage. I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.
WASHINGTON  It took less than 24 hours since she all but locked up the Democratic presidential nomination for Republicans to start bringing up Vice President Kamala Harris race and gender, a signal of how potentially nasty the last four months of the 2024 race against Donald Trump is shaping up to be.

Upon returning to Washington this week from recess, several House Republicans quickly dismissed Harris, the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president, as a DEI hire, a pejorative term conservatives have used to refer to programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Unsurprisingly, the attack has often been launched against minorities, including the mayor of Baltimore earlier this year.

One hundred percent, she was a DEI hire, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told CNN on Monday of Harris, adding, When you go down that route, you get mediocrity.

When several of his colleagues echoed Burchett, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged his conference to focus on their policy differences and the vice presidents record. Her ethnicity and her gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever, Johnson said at a press conference on Tuesday.

But Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) didnt appear to get the message, calling Harris, a former district attorney, attorney general and senator, intellectually just really kind of the bottom of the barrel.

I think she was a DEI hire. And I think that thats what were seeing, and I just dont think that they have anybody else, Hageman told Gray TVs Josh Rultenburg.

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race over the weekend and endorsed Harris, passing the torch to a younger standard bearer to the relief of many Democrats who worried about his physical fitness and ability to beat Trump in November. He praised Harris in a statement on Sunday, calling his decision to pick her as his running mate after winning the 2020 Democratic primary the best decision Ive made.

At the time, Biden was considering a group of diverse potential running mates, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Harris and three other Black women, after vowing during the campaign to pick a woman as his vice president. That pledge was separate from his vow to specifically appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court, which he later did.

The president ultimately chose Harris for several reasons, according to an August 2020 report from The New York Times, including her ability to help Mr. Biden win in November, her strength as a debater, her qualifications for governing and the racial diversity she would bring to the ticket.

Harris, as the likely Democratic nominee, may be facing similar considerations. Already, her vice presidential shortlist includes at least seven prominent Democratic rising stars with strong resumes who also happen to be white men.

Still, its often only people of color who face such attacks over their background, as one Republican lawmaker acknowledged on Tuesday on Capitol Hill.

Of course its not appropriate, for heavens sakes, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told HuffPost about the DEI hire attack. What, are they just going to say if youre not a white male, its a DEI candidate?

Im sorry. No, the senator added.

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), who is one of only four Black senators in the upper chamber, also slammed the GOP attacks on Harris.

Heres a woman whos an accomplished lawyer, an attorney general, an incredible prosecutor, United States senator, vice president for the last four years, and theyre talking about DEI hire?

Thats beneath the rhetoric the American people deserve at this time, and it hasnt taken 48 hours for them to show us who they are, Warnock added.

Harris isnt the first presidential candidate to face racist attacks, of course. Former President Barack Obama, the first Black president, and his wife Michelle were forced to contend with a racist backlash for much of his presidency, including the insidious and false birther conspiracy theory fueled by conservatives and Trump, its most prominent peddler.

What may be different this time is the gendered attacks being hurled at Harris at the same time. Some on the right have gone after her for having no biological children, even though she has two stepchildren with her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Other MAGA commentators have suggested that its somehow not manly to vote for Harris.

This is the kind of weak cry-for-help misogynist shitstorm that is coming. Be ready, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) wrote in response on X, formerly Twitter.

Democratic lawmakers arent the only ones bracing for an ugly campaign.

After Harris met with civil rights activist Al Sharpton on Sunday, according to the Times, he told her, You cannot get ready for a prize fight. This is a street fight.

To which Harris replied, Im prepared for that.
3 arrested following fights at Old Home Days in Williamsville

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Three people were arrested following fights that reportedly broke out during the Old Home Days festival in Williamsville, the Amherst Police Department announced Tuesday.

Officials said just after 9:50 p.m. on July 17, numerous fights broke out between juveniles in different areas of Island Park. The fights were broken up before police intervened and no arrests were made.

The park was closed at 10 p.m. and the teenage crowd left the area, officials said.

Around 11:15 p.m. on July 17, a female punched a Niagara Falls man in the head several times, according to police. Officials said the male initially declined to file charges and the incident is under investigation. Their ages were not disclosed in the report.

Officials said just after 9:40 p.m. on July 19, several fights broke out among teenagers in different areas of Island Park. Amherst police broke up the fights and after leaving the island, teenagers continued to fight in areas nearby, according to police.

Officials said a fight broke out on South Cayuga Road where police broke up the fight and made several arrests:

A 19-year-old male, of Cheektowaga, was arrested for disorderly conduct (for fighting in public). He was released with an appearance ticket.

A 17-year-old male, of Buffalo, was arrested for disorderly conduct (for fighting in public). As he was being arrested, he punched an officer in the head and was also charged with obstructing governmental administration and second-degree harassment. He was released on an appearance ticket to family court.

An 18-year-old male, of Buffalo, was arrested for disorderly conduct (for fighting in public). He was released with an appearance ticket.

The Amherst Police Department said no further information is available at this time.

Latest Local News

Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view 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 News 4 Buffalo.
We interrupt the Mark Kelly watch  will he or wont he be Kamala Harris running mate?  to remind Arizonans theres an important election coming up next week.

One that could tell us just how dominant the MAGA movement really is in GOP circles  and whether Democrats have a shot of repeating 2022 and making further inroads on power long held by Republicans.

Any registered Republican or independent can vote in Tuesdays Republican primary. To find a polling place in Maricopa County, go to the countys website.

Here are three storylines worth watching:

Will the hard-right lose the Legislature?

Watch Legislative District 1, where Sen. Ken Bennett is being challenged by former Rep. Mark Finchem.

Bennett, a traditional conservative who has served both as Senate president and secretary of state, has singlehandedly stopped the Arizona Freedom Caucus from imposing several extreme ideas on the state, primarily dealing with immigration and elections.

Thats made him a prime target of the hard right, which is backing one of the states most fervent MAGA warriors, Mark Finchem. Fresh off his 2022 loss for secretary of state, Finchem has carpetbagged his way from southern Arizona to ruby-red Yavapai County, where he hopes he can spin fantastical tales of stolen elections into a seat in the Senate.

Bennett should have the edge, having lived and worked in Prescott for decades. He also has a secret weapon: Steve Zipperman.

Zipperman lost a close race to Bennett in 2022. This year, hes running again and will have to share the hard-core conspiracy vote with Finchem.

Advantage: Bennett.

Watch Legislative District 7, where Sen. Wendy Rogers faces Rep. David Cook.

Rogers was that perennial politician who never won anything until 2020, when she moved from her Tempe home into a Flagstaff trailer and spent buckets of money to knock off then-Sen. Sylvia Allen.

Since then she has become a rock star on the right, never mind her seeming affinity for people who spout white nationalist and antisemitic nonsense. Shes a master of hyping election conspiracy theories to raise a mountain of campaign cash, mostly from people out of state.

This year, shes being challenged by Cook, a Globe cattle rancher who has deep roots in this rural Arizona district and is term limited in the House.

Rogers could be vulnerable. Her unwavering support of Steve Slaton  the state House candidate accused of falsely claiming to be a Vietnam War combat pilot and using racial slurs to refer to his Black opponents  is an eyebrow raiser.

So is the fact that her travel reimbursement checks are mailed to her home in Tempe, raising the question once again of whether she even lives in the district.

Meanwhile, a group tied to organized labor has spent $330,000 to oppose Rogers reelection.

Advantage: Rogers. Two years ago, the Senate censured her for inciting violence at a white nationalist conference and conduct unbecoming a senator. She glided to reelection anyway. Hard to argue that much has changed.

Watch Legislative District 17, where Sen. Justine Wadsack hopes to fend off former Sen. Vince Leach.

In 2022, Wadsack moved out of her midtown Tucson home, renting a room in this safe Republican district 20 miles north, where she proceeded to knock off Leach.

This year, Leach hopes to return the favor. Hes a traditional conservative backed by much of the business and law enforcement community. Shes a member of the Freedom Caucus, one of a bumper crop of culture warriors waging war on all things woke.

Leach has waged a bruising ad campaign featuring Wadsacks belief that 9/11 was an inside job, that the May 2022 massacre of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, was a false flag operation and most recently, that Wadsack is trying to duck a criminal speeding ticket for doing 71 mph in a 35 zone.

Democrats are watching this one closely. After defeating Leach in the 2022 primary, Wadsack beat her Democratic opponent with just 51.2% of the vote in the district that favors Republicans by 10%.

Advantage: Leach. In 2022, Leach split the traditional conservative vote with a third candidate in the race. This year, its a head-to-head race, with the possibility of Republican control of the Senate on the line.

Will MAGA seize control of Maricopa County?

The conspiracy wing of the GOP, still seething over election loses, is taking aim at the Republicans who run the county, apparently believing that they are part of a plot to turn over control of the state to Democrats.

Public Enemy No. 1 is Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who in MAGA circles is considered the devil who singlehandedly denied Kari Lake her due, with backup from his dark angels on the Board of Supervisors.

Never mind that theyve provided no credible evidence or explanation for why a Republican recorder would want to rig an election for a Democrat to become governor.

Richer is facing two MAGA challengers, Don Hiatt and Rep. Justin Heap, the Arizona Freedom Caucus pick who may  or may not  actually be MAGA.

Just a year ago, Heap posted on social media that he wasnt part of the MAGA movement and, in fact, wasnt a Trump supporter. Now, of course, hes all in.

Other county races to watch include:

Maricopa County board of supervisors.

The hard right is coming hard after Supervisor Tom Galvin with Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a former state legislator who finished fourth in the four-way GOP race for secretary of state in 2022. Ugenti-Rita has a trunk full baggage  most recently an allegation of mortgage fraud  but shes got the backing of MAGA activists.

Meanwhile, Supervisor Chairman Jack Sellers faces a primary challenge from Chandler City Councilman Mark Stewart, who curiously wont say whether Joe Biden and Katie Hobbs won their elections. Stewart is the MAGA pick.

A victory by Stewart could open the way for Democrats to snag this Chandler-based district. In 2020, Sellers defeated Democrat Jevon Hodge by just 403 votes, 45.12% to 45.04%.

Maricopa County attorney.

Incumbent Rachel Mitchell once again faces Gina Godbehere, a former prosecutor who lost to Mitchell in 2022. No less than the MAGA queen herself, Kari Lake, is supporting Godbehere after Mitchell had the nerve to defend the county against Lakes claims of a rigged 2022 election. Meanwhile, Mitchell has the support of police associations across the Valley.

Can Trump deliver for Abe Hamadeh?

Hamadeh, who lost a tight attorney generals race in 2022, has a golden ticket in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko: a Trump endorsement. But the latest polling shows Blake Masters with a slight lead.

Masters, who in 2022 ran alongside Hamadeh on the losing America First ticket, has run a bare-knuckle campaign against Hamadeh, including insinuations about his personal life, campaign signs showing Hamadeh in traditional Muslim garb and a leaked text exchange from last year in which Hamadeh mocked the crazies who believe the election was stolen.

House Speaker Ben Toma, a traditional Republican who actually lives in the district and has a record of conservative accomplishment, is running third but with just days to go, its looking like this northwest Valley district will be represented either by the MAGA guy from Scottsdale (Hamadeh) or the MAGA guy from Tucson (Masters).

Whomever wins on Tuesday likely has a job for life.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona primary election will show us how powerful MAGA really is
DENVER (KDVR)  Three cities in the Denver metro area are on a new list of the top 100 places to live in the U.S. created by Livability.

The list looked at data points in eight different categories to find the top 100, but it did not give them a formal ranking.

Study names Colorado town among the best in the nation for families

The categories Livability looked at for the list included economy, housing, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health. Data from several federal agencies was considered, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The list does not include any cities with a population under 75,000 or over 500,000  meaning Denver was not eligible for the list  or a median home value of over $500,000.

In all, 2,000 cities were considered and 100 were chosen for the list.

The six Colorado cities on the list are:

Broomfield

Fort Collins

Castle Rock

Loveland

Aurora

Colorado Springs

Broomfield had the highest LivScore or livability score among the Colorado cities at 853. This was not too far off from the city with the highest score overall, which was Carmel, Indiana, with 875.

While the creators of the list intentionally did not rank the cities, going by the LivScore, Broomfield would have ranked No. 6 nationwide.

All seven cities had a median home value of over $400,000, with Castle Rock having the highest of the six at $493,792, according to the list. Broomfield is not far behind with a home value of $491,262.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is spending $163 million on work to expand Interstate 35 between Ankeny and Huxley from four lanes to six lanes.

With summer being underway, so is peak construction time in Iowa.

Over the last few years, commuting north of Des Moines on Interstate 35 to and from the city has been littered with construction. Sections of I-35 and Interstate 80 have closed multiple times for overnight construction work.

Some of the Iowa Department of Transportation's projects around the Des Moines metro area are nearing the final stages of construction and others are just getting started.

Here's a construction update on current and future projects happening around Des Moines.

What are the major Iowa DOT road construction projects in central Iowa?

Widening I-35 to six lanes from Ankeny to Huxley is expected to be done in 2028.

Reconstructing the northeast mixmaster, where interstates 35, 80 and 235 meet, is expected to be done by 2028.

In 2026, work will begin on replacing the southwest mixmaster with completion expected for 2029.

What's the status of the I-35 lane expansion?

I-35 from Huxley to Ankeny is expanding from a four-lane to a six-lane road for nine miles. There will also be five new bridges constructed including two rebuilt interchanges.

The project runs from the 36th Street interchange in Ankeny to the 315th Street bridge near Huxley. The entire project is expected to cost $163 million, according to the Iowa DOT.

The bridges had reached the end of their useful life, the DOT said. The extra lane will also make more room for drivers as the Des Moines metro grows.

Construction started with the bridge at the Elkhart exit over I-35. The ramps on the NE 126th Avenue/Elkhart interchange on I-35 reopened at the end of June.

The entire project is expected to be done by 2028.

What's the status of the northeast mixmaster project?

The Iowa DOT started work in 2008 to rebuild the northeast mixmaster. The interchange connects drivers with interstates 35, 80 and 235 between Des Moines and Ankeny.

The entire project is made up of two phases: bridges and paving projects.

The DOT has already completed the replacement of two bridges over the interstates to make room for other improvements. That includes the NE 54th Avenue bridge over I-35 and the Deleware Avenue bridge over I-35/80.

The bridge project is well on its way to completion around mid-to-early-November, said Frank Leong, a construction engineer for the Iowa DOT's Grimes office. It is on schedule with one-third of the bridge work being done.

The following connections will be rebuilt by the time the project is done:

Eastbound I-80 to westbound I-235

Eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35

Westbound I-80 to northbound I-35 ramp

Eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35

The final part will start in a couple of weeks with the Ankeny connector, which brings traffic from I-80 eastbound to I-35 northbound. It will move the exit from the left side of the road to the right side, Leong said.

The paving project consists of hooking up the connectors and new ramps to the interstates.

The entire budget for the project is $76 million.

"Most of the construction for the northeast mixmaster will be finished before winter of this year," Leong said.

When does construction on the southwest mixmaster start?

The reconstruction of the southwest mixmaster is expected to start in 2026, with completion planned for 2029, according to the Iowa DOT. The project will start north of University Avenue and continue south to Ashworth Road.

A new flyover bridge will be built from southbound I-35/80 to eastbound I-235 and to westbound I-80.

A new bridge will also be built for westbound I-235 to allow for realignment of I-235, according to the Iowa DOT. An additional lane will be constructed on eastbound I-235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive. Ramps at 50th and Valley West Drive will also see improvements.

The entire budget for the project is $114.5 million

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 3 Iowa DOT construction projects will remake interstates in Des Moines
Two more Massachusetts state troopers with ties to the case of Karen Read, a Mansfield woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, are facing internal affairs investigations. A third trooper was investigated, but allegations of wrongdoing were "unfounded," the agency said in a statement.

Detective Lt. Brian Tully and Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik remain on full duty during the investigations, according to a statement issued by the State Police. Tully and Bukhenik both testified in the first murder trial, which ended in a mistrial earlier this month.

"The department respectfully declines further comment in fairness to the integrity of the process and pending investigative outcomes," the statement reads.

The agency said Lt. John Fanning was also investigated and the agency "determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that Lieutenant Fanning violated rules and regulations by failing to uphold the responsibilities of a supervisory member." The allegation was categorized as "unfounded."

In total, four state troopers and one Canton police officer have been placed under investigation stemming from the Read case.

Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Brian Tully testifies during Karen Read's trial on murder charges in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Canton police officer Kevin Albert has been on leave since June after his text messages with Michael Proctor, the lead State Police investigator in the case, were scrutinized during her trial.

Kevin Albert is a brother of Canton Select Board member Chris Albert and retired Boston police officer Brian Albert, who then owned the house where O'Keefe was found dead outside in January 2022.

While testifying in the case, Proctor acknowledged that he and Kevin Albert texted about coordinating part of the OKeefe investigation even though the Canton Police Department recused itself.

The texts also revealed that Proctor and Kevin Albert worked on a cold case together and went out drinking together after. Albert later sent Proctor a text asking if he had left his badge and gun in Proctor's police cruiser.

Proctor has been suspended without pay following a duty status hearing. During the trial, he was questioned about inappropriate texts he had sent regarding Read during the investigation. He apologized to the jury for his "unprofessional" comments.

The case has drawn widespread national attention. Read's defense claims that the charges against her are a result of a cover-up by law enforcement and that others involved framed Read for O'Keefe's death.

Prosecutors say Read and OKeefe had been drinking at a local bar with friends and acquaintances before they got into an argument. They say she hit him with her SUV outside the former home of Brian Albert, who was hosting an after-party, shortly before 12:30 a.m.

But Read's lawyers say she dropped O'Keefe off at Brian Albert's home and that O'Keefe was fatally beaten inside before his body was placed on the front lawn. They say she was then framed for his death.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Karen Read case: State troopers face internal affairs investigation
Police are still searching for the suspects in the July 21 shooting

NBC/WTVJ Image from birthday party where Rylo Yancy was shot

A toddler has been killed in a drive-by shooting in Florida.

The victim, who has been identified as 3-year-old Rylo Yancy, was shot and killed at Riverland Park in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at around 4:32 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 21, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department confirmed in a news release.

The incident occurred during a child's birthday party in the park, according to police. In a video taken by NBC News, the aftermath of the shooting showed deserted plates of food and decorations left behind in a picnic area.

The 3-year-old boy was taken to Broward Health Medical Center with "life-threatening injuries." He later died at the hospital.

Family members were seen gathering in mourning at the medical center on Sunday, per NBC News.

On Tuesday, July 23, Rylo's mother said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that her son was shot on a slide at the party. REPOST THIS! MY KID WAS SHOT WHILE AT A PARTY ON A SLIDE BEING A KID!!!!!!!! WHOEVER KNOW ANYTHING PLEASE SAY SOMETHING!!!!! MY BABY IS GONE, she wrote.

A bullet hole was also discovered in a red slide at the park, news outlet WPLG Local 10 reported.

The suspects fled the scene following the incident, police said. Authorities however were able to recover one of the vehicles involved in the shooting.

Local resident Millie Charles shared her reaction to the shooting to NBC News, saying, Its just terrible.



My heart has been broken to see this and to hear about a child, an innocent child, who knows nothing about nothing, hes out there enjoying the birthday party and then all the sudden this happens," she added.

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.

No arrests have been made at this time and an investigation is ongoing.

Authorities have urged anyone with further knowledge about the incident or of the suspects to contact Detective Juan Rodriguez at 954-828-6673, the Homicide Tipline at 954-828-6677 or Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.



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Read the original article on People.
4 Calif. Men Charged with Committing Armed Robberies After Allegedly Boasting on Instagram: 'Loading Up'

Violent gun crime leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars for victims, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement

Department of Justice Instagram posts obtained by PEOPLE allegedly capture the Los Angeles County crimes.

The four men allegedly had the Los Angeles robbery routine down pat: Drive up to a 7-Eleven or CVS pharmacy in their blue BMW, their faces disguised with ski masks, pull out a gun on the cashier and demand cash from the register or drugs from the store  and then post their loot on Instagram.

Love my bros we go hit every time, one of the men allegedly captioned a post with stacks of cash, per an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court of Central California and obtained by PEOPLE.

Charles Christopher, 24, Jordan Leonard, 25, Tazjar Rouse, 22, and DAngelo Spencer, 26, were arrested Tuesday, July 23 on a nine-count federal indictment charging them with committing armed robberies at several businesses in Los Angeles County.

Violent gun crime leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars for victims, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. Anyone thinking that violent robberies are a good way to make money should take note that there will be consequences for your actions.

Department of Justice This Instagram post allegedly documents the first in a series of 7-Eleven robberies by the foursome.

Unsealed Tuesday, the indictment charges the four men with one count of conspiracy of interference with commerce by robbery and the same charge under the Hobbs Act, which criminalizes robbery or extortion affecting interstate commerce.

The four men have also been charged with additional counts that fall under Hobbs Act robbery, as well as with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. (The targeted 7-Eleven stores and CVS pharmacy sold products from outside California, enabling the additional charges.)

Over a seven-week period from early November until Christmas Eve 2023, the foursome  along with other unnamed alleged co-conspirators"  allegedly committed a slew of Los Angeles County robberies, targeting 7-Eleven stores and netting about $7,617 in cash, along with thousands in CVS pharmaceuticals, which they would later sell, prosecutors claim.

The men would allegedly pull up to the targeted business in a distinct blue 2011 BMW 328i four-door car, the indictment alleges.

With one man as look-out, Christopher and Leonard would allegedly sometimes brandish a firearm to frighten and control employees and customers inside the business, the indictment claims.

On Nov. 4 Spencer made a series of posts to Instagram before and after an alleged robbery of a Los Angeles 7-Eleven with Christopher and others. One post allegedly showed wads of cash after the robbery, while another allegedly showed Spencer in black clothing, with his ski mask pulled up to expose his face, per the indictment, which claims his all-black outfit matched what the robbery suspects were wearing.

In one post, obtained by PEOPLE, one of the men published a picture of $100 bills, time-stamped 1:24 p.m. Nov. 4, 2023. Loading up, he wrote in purple font, preceded by a sunglasses-wearing smiley face and a green check mark.

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.

Christopher and Spencer allegedly returned to the same 7-Eleven on Nov. 28. There, Christopher and Spencer jumped over the sales counter, took money from three cash registers, and placed the money in a black Nike bag, per the indictment.

Later that day, prosecutors allege in the indictment that Spencer dashed off multiple Instagram posts, posting stacks of cash.

Leonard also posted to Instagram following the robbery, professing his love for my bros in the picture of piled cash, tagging Christopher and Spencer, the indictment alleges.

And, after Christopher, Leonard and Rouse allegedly stole about $2,130 worth of pharmaceuticals from a Los Angeles CVS on Dec. 11, Rouse allegedly advertised the stolen CVS medication for sale on Instagram, per the indictment.

I got syrup, he allegedly wrote in an Instagram message, referring to the stolen medication.

Christopher and Leonard were arraigned Tuesday in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges and were ordered jailed without bond, according to prosecutors. They are scheduled for trial Sept. 17.

Rouse made his initial appearance Tuesday in federal court in Kansas City, Mo. Online filings do not indicate if he entered a plea.

Spencer is slated for arraignment in federal court in Los Angeles Wednesday, July 24.

As of early Wednesday afternoon, no lawyers were listed for the men in online court records.



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Pennsylvanias police commissioner revealed new details surrounding the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump in a Tuesday hearing in front of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Col. Christopher Paris, head of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), testified the day after now-former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle appeared before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. She drew bipartisan ire for stonewalling almost every line of questioning, citing ongoing investigations.

Paris also said many questions would be tackled in his agencys after-action report. But he did offer bits of new information throughout the hearing, as lawmakers seek to understand how 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks made his way onto a roof and opened fire on Trump during the rally in Butler, Pa.

Here are five new details from Pariss testimony:

Crooks was identified using informal channels

Crooks was first identified as a suspicious person by members of local law enforcement when he failed to enter the secure area ahead of the rally, according to Paris.

The officers, members of Butlers Emergency Services Unit (ESU), became concerned when they saw him make use of a range finder, and decided to reach out to the command center, which was overseen by the Secret Service

A member of Pennsylvania State Police inside of the command post received that information telephonically and by text, relayed it to the Secret Service, and then was given a number to follow up on, Paris said.

When lawmakers pressed if Paris knew what the Secret Service contact did with the photo once it was sent to that number, he said he didnt know.

The informal mode of communication raised questions among committee members as to why threat assessments were not communicated via formal channels, like digital radio, and whether or not that text thread may have been a source of the communication breakdown.

Eight shots were fired into the rally

Crooks fired eight shots into the rally before he was neutralized by Secret Service agents, Paris said in response to a question from Rep. Eric Swalwell (R-Calif.).

I believe that the number is eight, Paris said. Eight casings have been recovered.

He further specified that law enforcement uncovered eight bullet casings next to Crookss body.

Cheatle refused to give a number of shots fired into the rally during her hearing Monday.

Previously, law enforcement officers only said the shooter fired multiple times into the rally.

Officers overlooking roof left their post

After identifying Crooks as a suspicious person, the two Butler ESU officers stationed on the second story of the AGR building left their post to tail Crooks, according to Paris.

In a video presented during the hearing, lawmakers showed that the officers original post had a clear view of the position Crooks eventually assumed.

Are you then saying from your knowledge that those ESU officers left the location where they could look out the window in search of this person? Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) asked Paris.

Yes, that is my understanding, Paris responded.

The roof Crooks fired rounds from was just approximately 147 yards from the former presidents podium and offered a clear shot, yet it fell outside of the Secret Services security perimeter.

Shooter spent about 3 minutes on the roof

Paris said the shooter spent about three minutes on the roof before firing the shots at Trump, but cautioned he didnt have a definite timeline.

A local police officer approached Crooks on the roof, after being hoisted up by another officer  but then dropped back onto the ground after Crooks leveled a rifle at him, according to Paris and other officials.

Paris clarified earlier remarks suggesting it was 2 to 3 minutes from when the officer confronted Crooks to when the shots were fired.

Thats probably a total number of time, amount of time, that he was on the roof  when the one local officer hoisted the other one up and subsequently falls, he said.

Paris said only seconds passed between when the officer fell down and Crooks fired shots.

Videos have emerged showing members of the crowd at the rally trying to warn law enforcement about Crooks once he crawls onto the roof, though it was unclear how long he had been there.

Secret Service assigned local officers to their posts

While local and state law enforcement assisted in the security operation for the former presidents rally, they had no say in its design  even outside of the rallys secure perimeter. And that extended to how they covered the building Crooks fired from.

The members of the Butler ESU who left their post to find Crooks on the ground were assigned to their posts inside the AGR building by the Secret Service, said Paris.

One of the main questions from lawmakers at this weeks hearing has been why no agents or officers were stationed on the roof, given its proximity to the stage.

I would say that again the primary responsibility of making these calls, making these decisions and making the operation plans is going to be the Secret Service, said Patrick Yoes, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, who testified alongside Paris.

A PSP area commander who joined the walk-through on July 11, two days before the rally, reported to Paris that he flagged the rooftop Crooks used as a potential issue. Secret Service agents assured the commander that the area would be covered by Butlers ESU.

I think you have both stated that the ultimate responsibility for what occurred that day falls upon the Secret Service, Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) concluded.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GAZA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The signing of a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity by 14 Palestinian factions in Beijing is "an additional positive step" toward achieving Palestinian national unity, Hamas said on Tuesday.

The declaration's importance comes from the host country, said Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, in a statement.

"We are talking about the People's Republic of China with its international weight and its firm position in support of the Palestinian cause," Badran said.

He expressed his "high appreciation for the great efforts made by China to reach this declaration," noting that this announcement came at an important time as Palestinians are facing an ongoing conflict, especially in the Gaza Strip.

The solution represents "the ideal and most appropriate national solution" for the Palestinian situation after the conflict, he said.

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23. 
If Madison and Venice want to merge school districts, they must take these 5 steps

Two school districts in the metro-east are currently considering whether they want to move forward with a proposal to consolidate.

In mid-July, board members of Madison District 12 and Venice District 3 began discussing the proposal during special meetings.

Ed Hightower, former longtime superintendent at Edwardsville District 7 and a consultant on the construction of a new elementary school in Venice, laid out the case in favor of a merger. He said a consolidation would improve the financial stability of the districts as well as the academic and co-curricular opportunities for students, among other things.

In consolidation, two or more school districts combine to create a new district with a newly-elected board and new tax rate. Illinois also provides some financial incentives.

The school boards of Districts 3 and 12 are still deciding whether they want to move forward with the proposal. Four of the seven members on each board must be interested for discussions to continue. If either board decides not to pursue a merger, the proposal is dead.

If both decide to go forward, these are the five steps that would have to happen for the two districts to consolidate as outlined in state law:

1. Petition

The consolidation process would begin when each school board files a petition to consolidate with Madison County Regional Superintendent Rob Werden.

At the July meetings, officials said that if both districts want to move forward, each board would need to approve a resolution at its August meeting to file a petition to Werden.

In addition to requesting to put the proposition to form a new school district on the ballot in a regular scheduled election, the petitions must also:

Describe the territory of the proposed district

Set the maximum tax rates the district would be authorized to levy

Designate a committee of ten to represent all petitioners

Request that a school board for the district be elected in the same election as the consolidation proposition

2. Local public hearings

Once Regional Superintendent Werden receives the petitions from Madison 12 and Venice 3, he would then publish notice of the petitions and a hearing at least once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper.

The hearing on the petitions would then have to be held within 15 days after the last notice was published. At the hearing, residents from each district would be able to provide their input verbally or in writing.

3. Regional superintendent decision

Within 14 days after the hearing, Werden would have to either approve or deny the petitions and then forward them to State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders.

Among the things the regional superintendent has to consider are the school needs and conditions of the two districts and in the adjacent area, the division of funds and assets that will result from the consolidation, the best interests of the schools of the area and the educational welfare of students.

4. State superintendent decision

State Superintendent Tony Sanders would have to review the record of the hearing and then approve or deny the petitions within 21 days, taking into account the same factors the regional superintendent did.

The state superintendents decision would be an administrative decision per state law, meaning any resident who attended the hearing or either school board could file a complaint for judicial review within 35 days of the decision being served.

5. Referendum

The proposition for consolidation would then be placed on a regular election ballot. At the July meetings, officials said this would be the April 2025 election.

To pass, a majority of those voting in each school district would have to vote in favor of consolidation.

If the referendum passes, the Madison and Venice school districts would continue to operate independently in the 2025-26 school year and then officially merge for the 2026-27 school year, officials said in July.
Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

1. Biden speech

President Joe Biden will deliver a rare Oval Office speech at 8 p.m. ET today on his decision to drop out of the 2024 race. It will be the first time the country hears from the president extensively since his abrupt decision to exit the presidential race on Sunday. Biden, who had been isolating at his home in Delaware since testing positive for Covid-19 nearly a week ago, tested negative on Tuesday, according to his physician, and is expected to return to the White House later in the day. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the first rally of her 2024 presidential campaign, told supporters in Wisconsin Tuesday that she will spend the coming weeks continuing to unite our party ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

2. Secret Service

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday amid scrutiny of security lapses related to the recent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. She acknowledged that on July 13, the day of the shooting at Trumps Pennsylvania rally, the agency fell short of its mission to protect our nations leaders. There have been bipartisan calls in Congress for Cheatles resignation and a push by some Republicans to impeach her. Lawmakers were particularly incensed after her appearance in front of the House Oversight Committee on Monday, where she was unwilling to answer many of the committees questions. An extensive investigation is underway as authorities try to piece together details to uncover the shooters motive.

3. Nepal plane crash

At least 18 people were killed after a small plane skidded off the runway in Nepals capital Kathmandu today, local officials said. The pilot, who has been hospitalized, is the sole survivor of the Saurya Airlines crash. All of the passengers on board 18 Nepalis and a Yemeni citizen  were employees of the carrier, according to police. The aircraft crashed during takeoff from Kathmandu to the city of Pokhara and was en route for technical maintenance, an airline spokesperson said. The crash once again highlights the dangers of air travel in Nepal, a country often referred to as one of the riskiest places to fly due to multiple factors, including its mountainous terrain.

Smoke rises from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. State television says a plane slipped off the runway and crashed while trying to take off from the airport. - Agniia Galdanova/AP

4. Russian troops

Russia is offering Moscow residents a record $22,000 to fight in Ukraine as President Vladimir Putin scrambles to boost his troop numbers. The one-time signing bonus comes as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds on in its third year. While Russias casualty figures remain shrouded in secrecy, estimates say the death toll among troops is high. More than 70,000 soldiers were likely killed or wounded in May and June alone, the UK Defense Ministry said. It is estimated that Russia has lost around 87% of the active-duty ground troops it had prior to launching its invasion of Ukraine and two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks, a source familiar with a declassified US intelligence assessment told CNN in December.

5. Climate change

Sunday was the hottest day in recorded history, according to a climate tracking agency that has monitored temperatures since the mid-1900s. Around a hundred cities across the US are experiencing their hottest start to summer on record and swaths of southern Europe have been grappling with triple-digit temperatures. Global average temperatures typically peak during the Northern Hemisphere summer, between late June and early August. They also fluctuate based on natural factors: seasons, large-scale climate patterns and solar activity  and on unnatural factors: the pollution from human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels, which is chiefly driving the planets temperature steadily upward.

HAPPENING LATER

Netanyahu to address Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress today as a rift deepens between Israel and the Biden administration over the war in Gaza. Some members of Congress have said they will not attend Netanyahus speech, either as a protest of the war or due to previously scheduled events.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Hollywood is energized by Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris has received the support of some major Hollywood stars as she moves to secure the Democratic nomination. Read about the nature of celebrity influence on this years historic election.

How this off-putting color shaded the internet and beyond

Barbie pink was the hot color of 2023. Now, slime green  also known as Brat green  has become the defining color of summer 2024.

Are cold showers good for you?

Cold showers are a popular wellness practice alongside cold plunges or ice baths, but do they work? Experts weigh in on what the research shows.

What you should know about toxic forever chemicals

Some toxic forever chemicals found in pesticides are being used on food, in homes, and even in pet flea treatments, according to a new study. Learn how you can limit your possible exposure.

Snoop Dogg will be one of the final torchbearers at the Paris Olympics

The torch relay is on its way to Paris! American rapper Snoop Dogg will be one of the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame.

In todays One Thing podcast, CNN contributor Bob Costas tells us what to watch for at the Paris Olympics ahead of Fridays opening ceremony. Listen to the episode here.

IN MEMORIAM

Influential Blues musician John Mayall passed away peacefully at his home this week, according to a post on his verified Facebook page. He was 90 years old. The two-time Grammy-nominated artist was a pioneer of Blues music in England during the 1960s. He was appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 and inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.

TODAYS NUMBER

3,000

Thats roughly how many North Korean balloons, often filled with garbage and even manure have fallen in South Korea since May, according to officials. Some of the latest trash-laden balloons fell near South Koreas presidential office, further raising tensions and rhetoric on the Korean Peninsula.

TODAYS QUOTE

Effective policing comes down to good judgment in highly stressful situations.

 Josh Campbell, CNN security correspondent and former federal agent, analyzing new body-camera footage showing the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 for help. The disturbing video released Monday shows several clues suggesting Massey may have been experiencing a mental health issue during her interaction with police. The deputy has been fired from his role and charged with murder in the case.

TODAYS WEATHER

Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY 

Olympic uniforms go viral

CNN met the Mongolian design team whose national Opening and Closing Ceremony Olympic uniforms have captivated people on social media. Watch the video here.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Buttons and T-shirts promote the CROWN Act at a press conference in Houston on Feb. 6, 2020. Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

The ACLU of Texas said Wednesday it found 51 school districts in violation of the Texas CROWN Act, which bans race-based hair discrimination, and urged them to update their dress codes.

The Texas CROWN Act prohibits schools, workplaces and housing authorities from discriminating against hairstyles historically associated with race such as dreadlocks, cornrows or afros.

All Texas school districts  including those that we have identified  must immediately comply with the Texas CROWN Act, said Chloe Kempf, an attorney at the ACLU of Texas. Not only is it the law  but its essential for ensuring that students of color are free to be themselves and to express their racial and cultural identity at school.

The ACLU said it reviewed the dress code policies of every school district in Texas and sent letters to the 51 they found werent complying with the law. The ACLU said officials at one school district, Tolar ISD in North Texas, immediately responded to the letter Wednesday and said they intend to update their policies to comply with the CROWN Act ahead of the upcoming school year. It was not immediately known how other schools responded.

The CROWN Act was signed into law last year after receiving overwhelming support from the Texas Legislature. Social justice advocate Adjoa B. Asamoah first pitched the legislation in 2018.

In February, a Texas judge ruled that Barbers Hill ISD did not violate the CROWN Act when district officials punished a Black student for wearing his hair in long locs.

Darryl George, a junior at Barbers Hill High School, had been in-school suspension since August of last year because of his hairstyle. The monthslong dispute came to a head when Judge Chap B. Cain  ruled that Barber Hill ISD can enforce its dress code policy, which prohibits male students from wearing hair that exceeds a certain length.

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!
Russia attacked Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv five times on July 24, with at least six people injured following the latest strike, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

The most recent attack targeted the city's industrial area, Terekhov said without providing details on the resulting damage.

Ukraine's second-largest city, lying around 30 kilometers (less than 20 miles) south of the Russian border, has come under heavy Russian attacks throughout the full-scale war.

Early in the morning on July 24, a Russian missile attack damaged the office of Swiss (Foundation) for Mine Action, a Switzerland-based NGO focused on demining.

Later the same day, another Russian missile strike targeted an infrastructure facility, starting a fire.

Also on July 24, a Russian missile attack against the town of Lozova killed one person, injured four, and damaged an infrastructure facility. Search for two more people who may be trapped underneath the rubble is ongoing, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Two men aged 41 and 18 were also reportedly injured in a Russian drone attack against the Lisne village in the morning.

Attacks against population centers in Kharkiv Oblast inteinsified after Russian forces launched a new cross-border offensive in the northern part of the region in May. While the push has been halted by Ukrainian troops, Russia continues to hold a handful of settlements just across the border.

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Several people were taken to the hospital after an escalator caught fire at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told ABC News.

The small fire in Concourse C sent smoke billowing through the airport's Terminal 8 at about 7 a.m.

Nine people received minor injuries due to smoke inhalation, four of whom were hospitalized, according to New York ABC station WABC. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

MORE: American Airlines passenger recounts evacuation from smoke on plane in San Francisco

About 960 people were evacuated on buses to another area of the terminal, officials said.

One traveler, Nate Peckinpaugh, told ABC News he had been about to board a flight from New York to Washington, D.C., when the fire broke out.

"I was catching a flight at the exact terminal we evacuated from. The alarm was going off for a long time and no one was paying attention," Peckinpaugh told ABC News.

PHOTO: First responders at JFK International airport after an escalator fire, July 24, 2024. (WABC)

"Eventually this woman started running around and yelling for someone to help," he added.

Peckinpaugh recorded the incident on his phone, from the alarm going off at the terminal to passengers being escorted outside, some covering their faces from the smoke. Firefighters were then seen arriving at the scene, with a few people being rescued from the jet bridge while others were being put on stretchers to receive assistance.

Operations had resumed in the terminal by about 8:15 a.m., officials said, and the cause of the fire is now under investigation.

9 injured, hundreds evacuated in JFK airport escalator fire originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
After 9-Month-Old Was Found Dead, Her Mother Allegedly Told Cops, 'Everyone Come in, the Baby's Dead'

Megan Stack Sattizahn, 39, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of her infant daughter, Samantha Sattizahn

Catawba County Sheriff's Office Megan Stack Sattizahn in mugshot.

When North Carolina law enforcement officers came upon the allegedly disoriented woman, they followed her to her residence and found her deceased baby inside.

Megan Stack Sattizahn, 39, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with her infant daughters death, the Catawba County Sheriff's Office said in a press release Friday, July 19.

Sattizahn is being held at the Catawba County Detention Facility without bond, according to the sheriffs office.

Deputies were responding to a report of a suspicious person just before 5 a.m. when they say they came upon Sattizahn near Section House Rd. in Hickory, N.C. They followed the adult female who appeared disoriented the distance of about 0.7 miles to her own residence on Tanglewood Dr., the press release alleges.

Questioned near her residence, Sattizahn allegedly interrupted deputies, telling them: "Everyone come in, the baby is dead," according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by PEOPLE.

"What?" one of the investigators asked.

"The baby looks dead," she allegedly responded.

Going inside, deputies found her 9-month old daughter, Samantha Sattizahn, dead inside.

Suspecting foul play, the sheriffs offices Criminal Investigations Division began investigating Samanthas death and coordinating with the local district attorneys office and medical examiner.

Sattizahn was admitted to a hospital, according to the sheriffs office.

Per the affidavit of probable cause, Sattizahn allegedly told deputies that she had performed a mercy killing, on her daughter, telling them she did it because "God told her to."

It was allegedly not the first time she had tried to kill Samantha, according to the affidavit, which alleges that Sattizahn also allegedly tried to poison the infant with "crushed up anti-psychotic prescription pills" that she added to the baby's bottle in December 2023.

The baby was "doped up" and "lethargic" for a day after, per the court documents, which note that the alleged attempt on her daughters life was not reported to authorities. Similarly, the mother said "God told her to" hurt her child that time, too.

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Sattizahn had previously come to the attention of law enforcement for a previous incident involving her older daughter, WSOC-TV reported at the time.

In December 2017, Sattizahn  who then went by the name Megan Stack  disappeared with her 8-year-old daughter after picking her up from her elementary school in Mint Hill, a suburb of Charlotte, NC. Law enforcement feared for the safety of both mother and daughter, the outlet reported.

Two days later, the mother and child were found safe near St. Louis, Mo., after the mother dropped by an emergency medical services substation there.

Whitney Carroll, Assistant Catawba County Clerk of Court told PEOPLE in an email Tuesday, July 23 that: "This current case is the only one Ms. Sattizahn has ever had in Catawba County under that name or Megan Stack."

Search warrants have now been executed for all of the mothers medical records, writings and phone records, WSOC-TV reports.

Neighbor Brent Hefner said in a recent interview with WSOC-TV that he had seen the mother pulling her infant daughter in a wagon.

I saw them playing in the yard acting like a happy family, added neighbor Kalen Bolick.

Sattizahn made her first appearance in Catawba County District Court Monday, July 22. She has not entered a plea to the charges.

Her lawyer, Sean Devereux, could not be immediately reached for comment.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) On July 23, nine years ago, three people were killed, including the shooter, and several were injured as a result of a mass shooting that happened at the Grand 16 movie theater in Lafayette.

The deadly tragedy occurred during a showing of the movie Trainwreck in 2015, where the shooter, identified as 59-year-old John Russell Houser, fired a handgun 13 times inside the theater, killing two people and wounding nine others before fatally shooting himself after he attempted to leave the scene.

The Latest: Jindal says not time to discuss gun control

The two victims who died as a result of the shooting were identified as 33-year-old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette, who was a visual and musical artist with her own gift shop, and 21-year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin, who was a student at LSUE.

Authorities mentioned the gunman previously lived in Alabama but had been in the Lafayette area since early July. Police and court records revealed the gunman had been arrested and ticketed for several offenses in the past, ranging from arson to speeding.

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After the devastating shooting that frightened Lafayette, people around the city started making efforts towards healing and providing support, thus birthing the rally cry Lafayette Strong.

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Abbie Grove, the 11th elementary school in the Ankeny school district, is open

Abbie Grove principal Andrew Burg, Ankeny schools superintendent Erick Pruitt and president of the Ankeny Board of Education Katie Claeys assisted incoming first-grader Henry Huth in cutting the ribbon to open Abbie Grove elementary school on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported the number of elementary schools in Ankeny. Abbie Grove is the district's 11th elementary school.

Ankeny Community School District celebrated the opening of Abbie Grove Elementary, the 11th elementary school in the Ankeny system, which will be open for the 2024-2025 school year.

The ceremony featured a ribbon cutting by first-grader Henry Huth, and according to a news release, had an attendance of about 200, including students, teachers, parents and staff.

The new building is located at 5001 N.W. 18th St. and has capacity for 800 students from grades kindergarten through fifth. It has 100,000 square feet and was built in 18 months in response to the rapidly growing student population in the district.

Terrace Learning Center once served as an elementary school for the district but has been converted into a preschool.

The construction was funded by the Iowa SAVE Act, meaning Ankeny residents didn't need to vote on a general obligation bond that would otherwise be used to finance the project. Instead, the funding came from sales tax revenue.

This building is designed to feel smaller and more manageable for young learners. Every classroom, hallway, and common area has been designed with the needs of our students in mind including integrated special education areas, and individual spaces for art, vocal, and instrumental rooms, Abbie Grove Principal Andrew Burg said in the news release.

More information about Abbie Grove, including important dates, can be found at abbiegrove.ankenyschools.org.

The Ankeny Community School District currently has a student body of about 12,600, making it the seventh-largest district in the state.

Ryan Magalhaes is a reporter for the Register. Reach them at rmagalhaes@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ankeny school district opens Abbie Grove, its 11th elementary school
Democrats for the last month have been too busy fighting over whether President Joe Biden should lead the ticket to keep voters attention on abortion. Vice President Kamala Harris is trying to bring the focus back.

On Monday, Harris told campaign staff in Wilmington, Delaware, that she would prevent Republicans from enacting a national ban because the government should not be telling a woman what to do with her body. On Tuesday, she concluded a rally in a Milwaukee suburb by promising to sign legislation that would restore reproductive freedoms. And on Wednesday, the Harris campaign said it plans to counter former President Donald Trumps rally in Charlotte with an abortion-focused event in North Carolina featuring Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky woman who was raped by her stepfather when she was 12.

Democrats have made abortion rights a cornerstone of the 2024 campaign, but Bidens disastrous debate and a months worth of questions over whether his campaign could continue sidelined the issue that the party has used to boost their electoral prospects since Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago.

As Harris begins to delineate herself as a presumptive presidential nominee rather than Bidens running mate, she is leaning into abortion to mobilize voters as she builds out the rest of her policy platform.

"We who believe in reproductive freedom will stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans, because we trust women to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do, Harris said at the Tuesday rally. And when Congress passes a law to restore reproductive freedoms, as president of the United States I will sign it into law."



Trump has said abortion rights should be left to the states, attempting to neutralize Democrats attacks. Abortion was barely mentioned at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week, and the GOP recently removed calls for a national ban from its party platform. Harris, even before becoming the presumptive nominee, argued that Trump is responsible for every state abortion ban and owns the suffering of patients unable to access the procedure. And she has long been more comfortable than Biden talking about the issue, from using the word abortion when campaigning to becoming the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic in March.

Having her at the top of the ticket, with her proven record, with her authenticity on this issue, with her passion and with her prosecutorial skills, going after the guy  the criminal  who's responsible for this crisis, it's already so energizing, said Mini Timmaraju, the president of Reproductive Freedom for All, which endorsed Harris on Sunday. It's going to make sure this issue is front and center for the election, as it should be, because it's the top persuasion issue of this election.

Reproductive Freedom For All launched its first TV and digital ad in support of Harris this week, which features a clip of the candidate talking about voters power to push back against abortion bans. The six-figure ad buy, shared exclusively with POLITICO, is part of the groups planned $2 million campaign targeting voters under 35 and people of color.

Both abortion-rights and anti-abortion groups say they are eager to have Harris bring the topic back into the spotlight and force GOP candidates to respond.

While abortion-rights groups expect Harris to pursue more progressive policies on abortion than Biden, she so far only pledged to sign legislation protecting reproductive freedoms, without providing further detail. Her campaign did not respond to a request for comment seeking clarification.

Anti-abortion groups that have long been frustrated at Republicans post-Roe position on abortion are equally enthused by Harris elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket. They believe they can use her record of aggressive action on reproductive rights  as an attorney general, senator and vice president  to paint her as extreme in a way that they couldnt with Biden.

We find Kamala to be a larger threat to the life cause than Joe Biden, said John Mize, president of Americans United for Life. In a perverse way, it gives the pro-life movement a bit more juice, or a bit more energy, to combat the radical agenda.

Kelsey Pritchard, director of state public affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the organization plans to highlight Harris role as Bidens abortion czar  including her nationwide reproductive rights tour  as part of its $92 million campaign across battleground states and those with abortion-rights measures on their ballots.



Some anti-abortion activists frustrated by many Republicans avoidance of the issue after the fall of Roe v. Wade, and particularly with the issues near-total absence at the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, said they expected Harris candidacy to pressure Republican candidates to more directly articulate where they stand.

There's going to be hundreds of millions of dollars spent on abortion advertising. So does the GOP intend to say nothing? said Kristi Hamrick, the chief policy strategist for Students for Life of America. The Republicans are going to need to answer. They're going to need to be fearless. They're going to need to be ready.

But abortion-rights proponents in states where protections for the procedure are or could be on the ballot believe they will see the opposite effect. Voters who were unimpressed by Biden, they hope, will be energized and excited by Harris candidacy and buoy ballot measures in states like Nebraska.

Shes a better messenger than Biden on abortion. When you hear Biden talk about abortion you get the impression that he is not actually a supporter of abortion rights, said Nebraska state Sen. Megan Hunt, an independent. We need a candidate who can speak soberly and seriously and just say like, What the fuck are we doing, what the hell are we doing in this country that this has become so normalized?'

Some strategists, however, are unconvinced that Harris candidacy will change the underlying dynamics of the race, arguing that Biden had already made abortion rights a pillar of his reelection campaign and most voters who care about the issue have made up their minds.

Abortion politics is already baked into the 2024 presidential sweepstakes, and that does not change because Kamala Harris may lead the ticket, said Stan Barnes, a political consultant and former GOP state representative from Arizona. Those who care most ardently about that topic and want to vote their conscience already know what they're doing. It's not going to move the needle.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

There was a time when I felt defensive on behalf of Republicans when liberals accused them of furtive (and not so furtive) racial resentment toward Americas first black president.

My days of giving the right the benefit of the doubt about its good intentions are over. Watching a supposedly principled small-government movement like the Tea Party transform overnight into an authoritarian personality cult intoxicated with populist cultural revanchism will do that to a fellow.

But in case youre more generously inclined, note that it took less than 48 hours from the start of Kamala Harris candidacy for House GOP leaders to have to warn members to stop making racially tinged cracks about her.

The insult of choice is DEI hire, which happens to contain a grain of truth. Certainly, Harris race and gender were enormous advantages for her in 2020 when the old white man leading the Democratic ticket decided he needed some balance.

But balance is always a priority when making political appointments in modern America, and not just for the left. Sens. Tim Scott and Marco Rubio ended up on Donald Trumps vice presidential shortlist because of their special potential to attract black and Hispanic voters, respectively. After Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in September 2020, even before he nominated Amy Coney Barrett to succeed her, Trump declared frankly that his nominee for the vacancy would be a woman.

Insofar as DEI is shorthand for pandering to specific demographics by choosing a nominee based on his or her cultural identity, the guy who was nominated last week to be Trumps running mate is himself a DEI hire of sorts.

We can debate whether it helps or hurts Republicans to attack Harris as an affirmative action charity case (you know where I stand on that), but I dont believe the jabs about her being a DEI hire are part of a strategic calculus. I think theyre a matter of the populist id flaring at the thought of being governed by a black woman whos not part of the ideological tribe.

Its a preview of the next four years if Kamala Harris figures out a way to beat Trump this fall, I suspect. Unlike any presidency in my lifetime, her term would be wracked by obstruction, paralysis, and public disillusionment.

If you thought congressional Republicans were reluctant to compromise with Barack Obama, you aint seen nothing yet.

President by default.

Harris would begin her term burdened by two liabilities that none of her recent predecessors have shared. And I dont mean her race or gender.

First, to a greater extent than any modern president, she would lack a policy mandate.

Americans have gotten used to general elections devolving into lesser of two evils contests. Biden was the lesser evil in 2020, they believed, and Trump the lesser evil in 2016. If Harris wins in November, itll be because she too was judged (correctly) to be the lesser of the two evils being offered to American voters, not because theyre jazzed about her platform.

But Trump and Biden could at least say that they had won competitive primaries. In neither case was their agenda the core reason whyTrump prevailed in 2016 by dint of his persona, Biden in 2020 by virtue of his electabilitybut each could credibly claim that policy was an important factor in their victory. For Trump, it was his ardent hawkishness on immigration that made his opponents seem milquetoast by comparison. For Biden, it was his center-left moderation relative to Bernie Sanders that helped him to sweeping victories in South Carolina and the Super Tuesday states.

Harris didnt win a competitive primary. Nothing about her policy stances contributed to her coronation this week. The burst of enthusiasm playing out for her in Democratic circles right now is due entirely to the fact that, as between her and Joe Biden, she was the lesser of two electoral evils for left-wing voters who were desperate for a viable candidate in November.

In fact, unlike Biden and Trump, no one seems to have any idea what Harris true, heartfelt policy stances are on virtually anything. No doubt shes about to position herself as a staunch moderate on everything from immigration to foreign policy, but is that the real Harris? Or is this?

No one knows, but it probably doesnt matter. Winning the Democratic nomination by default and then defeating Trump by a different sort of defaultbecause Americans preferred not to gamble the constitutional order on the civic conscience of a convicted criminalwould make her the closest thing since Gerald Ford to an accidental president.

And an accidental president wont get far in convincing Congress to move her agenda.

The other unique liability Harris would face by modern standards is that shell almost surely begin her presidency with the opposing party in control of at least one chamber of Congress.

Each of the last five men to win the office started their terms with their party holding majorities in the House and Senate, giving them at least two years to put some legislative points on the scoreboard. Well, almost: The Republican Senate majority under George W. Bush was short-lived thanks to Jim Jeffords 2001 switcheroo, but Bush finished his first term with a majority in both houses after the GOP gained Senate seats in 2002.

The Senate map this year all but guarantees that President Harris wont have the same advantage. Democrats are unlikely to flip any Republican-held seats, whereas Republicans are assured of flipping Joe Manchins in West Virginia. All theyll need to secure a majority is one more pick-up and they have numerous plum opportunities in Montana, Ohio, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Michigan. To a near-certainty, the GOP will control the upper chamber in 2025.

The map doesnt get better in 2026 either. Georgias Jon Ossoff, Michigans Gary Peters, New Hampshires Jeanne Shaheen, and Virginias Mark Warner will be in Republicans sights; for Democrats the only plausible pick-up will be Susan Collins, and that ones not very plausible given how comfortably she won reelection in Maine in 2020. If America reverts to form in 2026 by granting the out-party sweeping victories in the midterms, President Harris would be looking at a Republican House and a firmly Republican Senate in the last two years of her term.

In all likelihood, then, shell spend not a single day in office with congressional Democrats in a position to help her accomplish something meaningful. Not since the elder George Bush in 1989 has a president faced a challenge like that, and Bushs challenge was mild given how much more willing the parties were to compromise in his era.

To achieve anything legislatively, Harris will need the cooperation of a Republican Party thats made liberal tears its highest political priority. Think shell get it?

Obstruction on steroids.

Consider the circumstances under which she would take office on January 20.

Assuredly, shell have won fewer Electoral Votes in defeating Trump than Joe Biden did in 2020. That alone will undermine her argument that she has a mandate to govern.

The smaller margin of victory combined with the circumstances in which she won the Democratic nomination will galvanize Republican claims that she and her party cheated. At a minimum, right-wingers will insist that the bait-and-switch that landed her on the ballot amounted to dirty pool. (Trump is already whining about it.) At worst, narrow Harris victories in swing states with significant black populations like Michigan and Pennsylvania will reignite the same suspicions about chicanery taking place in, ahem, urban areas that we heard four years ago.

Scorched by the indignity of losing to a black woman from San Francisco, Trump would ringlead the allegations about fraud and demand that congressional Republicans protest the new presidents illegitimacy by refusing to work with her on anything. Despite his second national defeat, hed continue to command enough loyalty among the right-wing base that GOPers in the House and Senate would tremble at the thought of defying him.

Meanwhile, with the Justice Department still under Democratic control, Trumps criminal trials for concealing classified documents and trying to overturn the 2020 election will continue. The suddenly real prospect of prison time would give him and his acolytes even more reason to bitterly demagogue and obstruct Harris. And as much as she might quietly prefer to pardon him and make all of that go away, its unthinkable that she would. The left would never forgive her for denying them a chance to see Trump in an orange jumpsuit.

It would undermine the ethos of her candidacy. Shes asking the defund the police party to unite behind her as she runs on being a tough-on-crime prosecutor. (Against a law and order party thats united behind a convicted felon.) If liberals are going to put aside their misgivings about law enforcement to elect her, she sure as hell had better enforce the law as president against an authoritarian miscreant.

If all of that isnt enough, congressional Republicans will have the same electoral reasons to deny Harris any policy wins that they had in refusing to compromise with Obama. The fewer accomplishments the president has, the more disenchanted with him or her the electorate should be. And the more disenchanted the electorate becomes, the more willing they should be to prefer the out-party in the midterm elections. Harris failure, like Obamas, will be seen as essential to the GOPs success.

The most recent midterm is the exception that proves the rule. Senate Republicans were willing to compromise with Joe Biden on big-ticket legislation, like an infrastructure package, during the first two years of his termand they ended up with the weakest midterm performance for an opposition party in decades. Bidens achievements probably werent the secret ingredient in that debacle, but the lesson will be learned regardless that nothing good can come from giving the governing party something to run on.

Amid all of these strategic incentives not to work with Harris, congressional Republicans will also be boxed in by the wounded pride of real Americans at having been denied their right to rule by a progressive black woman. This party runs largely on spite now, and spiting the new president to salve that tribal wound will become something like a moral imperative for its representatives.

One might go so far as to say that Kamala Harris is the antithesis of Trumps movement. If MAGA is a nostalgia trip bent on making America as great as it was when white Christian men dominated it, Harris base of support is bent on extinguishing that nostalgia. Women and nonwhite Democrats are not going back to a past in which they were shut out of power by the other tribe. And they couldnt be any more explicit about it:

In arguing to the Associated Press this week that Harris is too left-wing to be president, Sen. Steve Daines of Montana underlined the point with an interesting comparison. Shes not an Irish Catholic kid who grew up in Scranton, he said, referring to Joe Biden. Shes a San Francisco liberal. There was no need to mention the presidents faith or ethnicity to emphasize Harris relative radicalism, but Daines understands the populist id. Joe Biden is recognizably American to the right so Republicans could work with him as president. Harris is not, so they cant.

On which of Americas major challenges, then, should we expect any progress during a Harris presidency?

Be careful what you wish for.

Should we expect progress on entitlement reform?

Of course not. Neither party has any interest in reducing the national debt and averting the fiscal crisis thats coming.

Should we expect progress on immigration enforcement?

I think Harris will try to work with Republicans. Shell have no choice, as public exasperation with Americas open border has reached toxic levels.

But Republicans wont work with her. It was only a few months ago that they blocked a border security bill because they feared that easing the crisis might benefit Democrats at the polls. The GOP will do the same thing to Harris that it did to Biden, making a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum in which the president either accepts a list of immigration demands in full or Congress refuses to act.

Harris will be forced to leave it, knowing that capitulating to Republicans on immigration would cause her base to revolt. Realistically, as with all recent presidents in our polarized country, her job approval is likely to settle in the low to mid-40s. She wont risk infuriating progressives and having it collapse into the 30s by surrendering unconditionally on the border, ruining her reelection chances.

Should we expect progress on containing China?

No one knows what Kamala Harris would do on foreign policy, possibly including Kamala Harris herself. As the American right embraces a policy of pure contrarianism, though, its fair to say that whatever she does with respect to China will be bitterly opposed by populists.

If Beijing moves on Taiwan and she begs off a confrontation, shell be vilified by Trump and other nationalists as the epitome of a weak liberal woman. Never again can America risk having a female commander-in-chief from the left, theyll say. And if instead Harris proves to be surprisingly resolute toward China?

Republicans will attack her for that too. American nationalists China hawkery has always been cynical and opportunistic. If forced to choose between taking sides with Xi Jinping or with Kamala Harris, theres not a shadow of a doubt whose side theyll take.

Opposing and undermining her will become the raison detre of the Republican Party for four years. Id go so far as to predict that if a vacancy opens on the Supreme Court, the Senate GOP majority will choose to keep that seat openpossibly for yearsrather than give her the satisfaction of filling it. Itll be Mitch McConnells playbook on the Antonin Scalia vacancy from 2016, except this time minus any excuse that theres an election mere months away in which voters will have their say on whom they prefer to fill the seat.

Obstruction, paralysis, and mass disillusionment with the governments ability to solve problems: Thats the Republican strategy for Harris presidency. They have many incentives to execute it and will probably have the numbers as well.

All of which, I realize, sounds like an argument not to vote for her this fall, a be careful what you wish for admonition to those energized by her ascendance.

I dont mean it to be. Ill be voting for her for the same reason many other reluctant Harris voters will: because I prefer a cynical and dysfunctional federal government to one in which proto-fascists are in charge and starting to get their sea legs.

But none of us should have illusions about whats to come. Harris can defeat Trump, but she wont defeat Trumpism if her presidency proves to be as dismal as I expect. Her failures will strengthen the post-liberal Flight 93 argument that leadership by the other tribe can only mean sclerosis and disaster and therefore extraordinary measures must be taken to prevent it going forward.

If Donald Trump was partly a reaction to America being governed by a black man, who knows what the reaction will be to America being governed by a black woman?

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NEW YORK, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's reforms will further unleash market vitality, better allocate resources and boost the innovation and competitiveness of the Chinese economy, President of Pfizer China Jean-Christophe Pointeau has said.

Speaking of the recently-concluded third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Pointeau told Xinhua that it took place as China entered a new stage of in-depth reform in all respects, marking a new chapter in China's reform and opening-up endeavors.

The session emphasized building a modern economic system and made it clear that high-quality development is key to achieving Chinese modernization, he noted.

"It is a milestone not only for summarizing and deepening the achievements of the past decade's reform, but also for drawing a blueprint for future development," said Pointeau, also chairman of the R&D-Based Pharmaceutical Association Committee under the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment.

As the China president of the global biopharmaceutical giant, Pointeau has been working in China for more than 10 years and witnessed how China's economy has shifted from rapid growth to high-quality development.

"I've also seen how China's opening-up has expanded, with the pharmaceutical market thriving day by day and Chinese innovative pharmaceutical companies gradually stepping into the international market," he said.

The plenum focused on high-quality development, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation and industrial upgrading, which are closely related to the pharmaceutical industry, he said.

"This will provide a favorable environment for pharmaceutical companies and drive the industry towards higher quality and more sustainable growth," he said.

Pointeau said that China's commitment to high-level openness and expanded market access provides international pharmaceutical companies with more opportunities to enter the Chinese market and promote the optimal allocation of global pharmaceutical resources.

He noted that the updates to China's national reimbursement drug list and the national medical insurance negotiations have allowed many innovative drugs from multinational pharmaceutical companies to be included in the list the same year they receive market approval, significantly improving people's access to new drugs.

"Pfizer's introduction of certain innovative drugs in China is even faster than in the EU and Japan," he told Xinhua.

China's world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized will further enhance foreign investors' confidence, he said, adding that multinational companies including Pfizer will be more willing to invest and expand their business in China.

The deepening of reforms proposed by the plenum, particularly the emphasis on scientific and technological innovation, will promote the innovation of China's pharmaceutical industry, he said. "This provides international pharmaceutical companies with opportunities to cooperate and jointly develop new drugs."

He added that Pfizer will strive to strengthen partnerships with local enterprises and research institutions in China, promote the integration of the global pharmaceutical industry chain, reduce costs, and accelerate the research and development as well as market launch of new drugs. 
Accused robber tries to shoot cannabis dispensary worker but gun malfunctions, cops say

A gun malfunctioned when a man tried to shoot a marijuana dispensary worker during a robbery in Oregon, police said.

Police responded to the robbery at 4:38 p.m. July 23 at Top Shelf Medicine, the Bend Police Department said in a news release.

A 41-year-old identified as Russell Ian Boggess struck a female worker in the face and threatened her with his gun, police said.

Boggess then took a bag of marijuana from the store and tried to shoot the worker twice, but his handgun didnt work, police said.

He was put into a headlock by other workers until police got to the scene, authorities said.

Police said Boggess injured the two people who held him.

He was arrested on multiple charges:

Attempted murder

First-degree Robbery

Unlawful use of a weapon

Two counts of fourth-degree assault

Second-degree assault

Harassment

Three counts of menacing

Interference with a 911 call

Felon in possession of firearm

Bend is in central Oregon, about a 130-mile drive east from Eugene.

Goofy burglary involved 3 siblings tunneling into a grocery store, Florida cops say

Four men rob California stores  then show off stolen cash on Instagram, feds say

Accused burglars pose as construction workers to steal from wealthy homes, CA cops say
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Right now in North Carolina, hundreds of people are being detained for months on end before theyve ever been convicted of a crime, as they await a mental health evaluation. Now, the ACLU of North Carolina and Disability Rights North Carolina are suing the Department of Health and Human Services, saying whats happening is unconstitutional.

Jama Hinsons 38-year-old son Jake is one of those people sitting in a county jail waiting for treatment.

Jake was arrested May of 2023, Mothers Day weekend, and has been being held, detained in the Watauga County Detention Center since that time, Hinson said.

His story isnt unfamiliar to Michele Delgado, a staff attorney with the ACLU of North Carolina.

They dont really understand what the criminal proceeding is, they just know they need psychiatric help, thats really all they want, Delgado said of detainees like Jake.

The whole process starts when a person is accused of a crime, and then a lawyer, a judge, or even the defendant themself can request a mental evaluation to see if the person is able to stand trial.

In North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of facilitating those evaluations at one of the facilities they operate across the state. If a defendant is deemed ITP, or incapable of proceeding, its then up to DHHS to place them in a treatment center rather than a jail.

What were seeing is that ITP detainees are waiting on average 68 days just to be assessed, and on average, 145 days just to be admitted to the state psychiatric hospital, Delgado said.

Now the ACLU and Disability Rights North Carolina are suing over those delays. No statute exists in North Carolina mandating a time frame for the evaluations to be done, but Delgado points to the landmark Jackson court decision, saying detainees cant be held for unreasonably long periods of time in situations like these.

People are in these jails decompensating, so waiting 30-plus days is egregious and harmful to them, she said.

When asked for an interview, a DHHS representative said they dont comment on pending litigation. But in a 23-page motion to dismiss, the agency says the delays are simply out of their control. In another motion, the agency said rushing the evaluations would have what they call catastrophic effects on ITP detainees, and the behavioral health system statewide because of staffing shortages.

Delgado, though, says neighboring states like Virginia are facing the same staffing shortages and not facing these same delays.

If our neighboring state, who has a comparable size of state as us, can be ordered to do it in seven days, why cant we do that here? she said.

Delgado says perhaps most concerning is that when detainees are waiting for an evaluation, they often arent given any medication or therapy.

Hinson says that was the case for Jake, who has a history of mental health struggles and paranoid delusions. When arrested, he waited about three months for his evaluation. In October of 2023, Hinson says a judge said Jake is not mentally able to stand trial, and instead him to inpatient treatment. As of July 2024, Jake is still in county jail.

He has been waiting 266 days to be admitted into Broughton Regional Hospital to receive psychiatric services, Hinson said. Theres an unknown, and that unknown, its just like one long continuous day for him.

Its that unknown that Hinson and Delgado say DHHS has to answer to.

The waiting game for someone with any kind of illness, but particularly someone battling a mental illness, its excruciatingly torturous, Hinson said.

DHHS has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit saying in part that the ACLU doesnt have standing to bring it. The ACLU responded to that motion and filed a separate motion for preliminary injunction.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kris Mayes gives Phoenix property management company by Friday to fix AC units

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sent a demand letter Tuesday to a Phoenix apartment complex to address up to 400 broken or ineffective air conditioning units.

The demand letter sent by the Attorney General's office said Buenas Communities LLC needed to start immediate action to address air conditioning issues at the Buenas on 32nd apartment complex, located at 32nd Avenue and Indian School Road.

The extreme heat poses a serious health risk, and its unacceptable for tenants to be without proper air conditioning, wrote Mayes in a news release.

The Attorney General's Office expected Buenas Communities to fix any affected air conditioning unit by July 26 at 5 p.m. and provide written confirmation of the repair by July 29 at 5 p.m., the news release read.

The release cited potential violations of the Arizona Landlord Tenant Act, Phoenix City Code and the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act, should the broken air conditioners remain out-of-order.

Mayes' office said an investigation into Buenas Communities was ongoing and legal action would be considered against the landlord.

Every Arizona resident should feel safe and comfortable in their home  regardless of their income bracket... When I said I would be a lawyer for the people, I meant it," wrote Mayes.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Apartment complex ordered by attorney general to fix broken AC units
PROVIDENCE  Rhode Island's delegates to the Democratic National Convention have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Their votes will not count until the official roll call, now slated for the first week in August. But a majority endorsed Harris as the party's nominee for president during a virtual meeting on Wednesday night, according to Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairwoman Elizabeth Beretta-Perik, who is among those publicly backing Harris.

"Kamala Harris already embodies the hopes of many Americans who have been bewildered by the efforts of some to turn back the clock in America,'' she said in a statement issued shortly after the vote.

"For women who have worried about the erosion of their rights, or our working families who have worried about their economic future, or our young people who have not seen leaders who are reflections of themselves  Harris is now their voice," she said.

The vote was no surprise. In the days following Biden's exit from the race, all four members of Rhode Island's all-Democratic congressional delegation, plus Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and a substantial number of the elected convention delegates endorsed Harris in news releases and/or social media posts.

Perik said the vote for Harris was overwhelming, with 25 out of 26 first-round voting members of the delegation and all nine 'automatic' delegates voting YES' for her, along with an affirmative voice vote from the non-voting members of our delegation."

Stepping back from the numbers, she said: The American presidency is at its best when it becomes a vehicle for generational renewal. When we think of John Kennedy or Barack Obama it is not just about the accession of one person, it is about the empowerment of a new generation.

"In the last 72 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated that for our generation she has the power and strength to offer the renewal our country so desperately needs at this point in our history," she said.

What do we know?

In an email exchange with The Journal, Perik answered questions about what happens now:

Q: What are the pledged Biden delegates free to do in the wake of his withdrawal from the race?

A. "President Bidens withdrawal does free them to vote for whomever they choose."

Q: What was the import of the vote during Wednesday night's Zoom call?

"Tonight is an endorsement and the [anticipated] commitment of our delegation to make Vice President Harris the first woman president of the United States. However, it is not the actual vote. We are including all 35 delegates in our vote tonight, while the official vote will occur during the conventions virtual roll call."

Q: Is that a lock for Harris in Rhode Island?

"Although Vice President Harris is presumably the only candidate vying for the Democratic nomination, the rules do allow for other candidates to run for the Democratic nomination. In the case of multiple candidates, all of the candidates will be given a period of time to approach our delegation to ask for their votes. As of now, VP Harris is the only candidate."

More: Do Rhode Island's Democratic delegates have to vote for Biden? Here's what comes next.

Q: What is the number of Rhode Island delegates who will vote during the official roll call?

A. "For the first round of voting at the convention, 26 of our delegates will vote," including party leaders, elected officials, at large and district-level delegates.

"The 9 automatic delegates (previously known as superdelegates) that make up the remainder of our 35-member delegation will vote only if there is a second round of voting at the convention." Others including Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, the "delegation chair," will not vote to endorse or nominate.)

Q: When will the roll call be?

A. "We expect that the virtual roll call will be held between August 1 and 7, although we do not know the specific date as of yet." (The rules committee of the Democratic National Committee officially adopted a procedure Wednesday that will enable a virtual roll call to determine the partys presidential nominee more than two weeks ahead of the DNC in Chicago in an effort to strengthen the party against any legal challenge.)

Q: Are you voting for VP Harris as the nominee? Why?

A: "I will vote for her at our convention in August in Chicago and will focus my energy in the next four months to elect her the 47th president of the United States," Perik said.

"I supported Vice President Harris when she ran in the 2020 presidential primary, and am proud to endorse her to be the first woman elected president of the United States."

Q: Exceptions?

A: Uncommitted delegate June Rose, the chief of staff to the Providence City Council president, does not intend to vote for Harris during Wednesday's Zoom call. Their reason?

"Between now and the roll call vote, I will closely follow Vice President Harriss statements," Rose said. "It is absolutely critical that we defeat Donald Trump, and I am hoping to support her. But in order to win the votes of uncommitted delegates, VP Harris needs to meaningfully differentiate her policy toward the war in Gaza and clearly oppose the genocide of Palestinians. If VP Harris supports a permanent ceasefire and [a halt to] providing offensive weapons to Israel, she will have my support. Until then, I remain uncommitted."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's delegates endorse Kamala Harris in a vote on Wednesday
A lieutenant colonel arrested for sexual abuse of a minor will no longer face a court-martial after the Air Force decided not to proceed with his case.

The Air Force withdrew charges against Lt. Col. Kevin J. DiFalco and dismissed the case without prejudice June 7, 2024, according to a spokesperson for Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

This case has been removed from the Air Forces trial docket. The convening authority decided to move forward with administrative procedures, as opposed to court-martial proceedings, said a base spokesperson.

DiFalco was arrested Sept. 8, 2022, by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for allegedly sexually abusing a child. The seven charges he was arrested for included lewdness in the presence of a child and one charge of abuse or neglect, court records show.

Air Force squadron commander arrested for alleged child sexual abuse

At the time of his arrest, he was commander of the 57th Operations Support Squadron, which manages Nellis Air Force Bases airfield, airspace and flight scheduling operations, according to its website.

DiFalco, who was relieved as squadron commander after his arrest, is currently an active-duty member stationed at Nellis.

These decisions are taken seriously and only after consulting with legal counsel, including the Office of Special Trial Counsel, examining the strength of the evidence collected by the USAF Office of Special Investigations, and considering the availability and admissibility of evidence at court-martial proceedings, said a base spokesperson.

The case remains under investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Military Times reported in September 2022 that the alleged victim told school counselors shed been sexually assaulted by DiFalco from December 2021 to June 2022, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report.

The alleged victim detailed in the same report how DiFalco groomed her, sending her lewd Snapchat messages and asking her to wear lingerie he gifted her.

The counselor informed the police the same day and DiFalco was arrested soon after.

The victim also identified a tattoo in DiFalcos groin area, which the police later corroborated.

In 2020, DiFalco was assigned as operations officer for the Thunderbirds, the Air Forces elite aerial demonstration squad based at Nellis.
Manu Tupouniua fans Diana and Teza Tupouniua while they camp out in Washington Square in advance of the live watch party for the Salt Lake City-Utah Committees 2034 Winter Olympics bid and Pioneer Day Parade at the Salt Lake City and County Building on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in downtown Salt Lake City. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Brace yourself. If you think it has been hot. Mother Nature is turning up the temperature even more. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a heat advisory, with the high expected to reach 103 degrees on Wednesday as the state celebrates Pioneer Day.

The night wont bring any relief either, with the lows expected to only dip to 77 degrees.

This weather is not atypical for July, traditionally the hottest month of the year in Utah and the driest. But the last time Salt Lake City saw any measurable precipitation was June 21, more than a month ago. And that was only a smidgen  .31 inches of rain.

So far this summer, the capital city has seen 12 days of triple digit temperatures and if Wednesday behaves as forecasters predict, it will put us at 13.

Meteorologist David Church said this year puts Salt Lake City in the No. 12 spot based on records dating back to 1874. Two summers ago was much more miserable if you dont like the excessive heat, he added. 2002 saw 34 days above 100 degrees. And in 2021 there were 21 days that hit the triple digit mark, which is tied for the second most in history for a single year, tied with 1994 and 1960.

Such a heat index puts people at risk, hence the advisory.

When we get that combination, and we have something called heat risk that really quantifies that actually looks at our temperatures against like CDC  instances of heat related illnesses and deaths  it correlates pretty high. So if we get to this kind of level, this kind of gets into that major risk group, and thats when we really start to see those instances of heat illnesses increase. Thats part of the reason we have the heat advisory out there for tomorrow.

Hailey Hanks gets out of the sun and the heat in the Salt Lake Valley as she looks at her phone on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Uini Spencer and Alabelle Hoko talk as Tupou Hoko watches the cars drive past as they save a parade spot in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Cynthia Wyatt talks with her kids Steven and Sylvia as they try to stay cool in the heat of the day as they save a spot for the parade in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

People enjoy themselves at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

People set up an awning in preparation for the heat in the Salt Lake Valley on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

These temperatures that are five to 10 degrees above normal mean that people should take precautions and avoid outdoor activity in the heat of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Church said.

There also seems to be no relief in sight as Utah awaits the monsoon season. Northern Utah is on the periphery of the monsoons impact, so sometimes it is a matter of the roll of the dice as to if it hits along the Wasatch Front.

Church says residents can expect some relief  as temperatures gradually dip to 95 degrees by Thursday  but that still seems rather hot.

Additionally, the stagnant heat-infused weather is doing nothing to abate abysmal air quality conditions that are aggravated by wildfires in Utah and around the West.

The Utah Division of Air Quality logged PM2.5 levels in Salt Lake City on Tuesday in the mid-level range with ozone far exceeding federal standards.

Utah County is in the same spot, as well as Weber and Davis counties. Both forms of pollution are harmful to the lungs and, again, people at risk are advised to avoid any prolonged exposure to the outdoors and take precautions. Even Box Elder County has dangerously high levels of the pollution.

While ozone is a persistent problem in the summer, it is the wildfire smoke that drives up fine particulate pollution, or PM2.5 pollution that easily seeps into the lungs because it is so small.

So, it is best to pamper yourself  if you can call it that  and be cautious outside, even on a state holiday.
Air-raid warning issued on Romanian side of Danube due to Russian attack on Ukrainian ports

An air-raid warning has been issued in Romanian towns on the Danube due to a large-scale Shahed drone attack on Ukrainian ports in the early hours of 24 July.

Source: Romanian TV channel Digi24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Residents of Tulcea, located across the Danube from the Ukrainian city of Izmail, received an RO-alert notification at around 02:20.

The emergency services warned that there might be falling wreckage due to the Russian drone attack on Ukrainian territory.

Ten people, frightened by the explosions, called emergency services at 112.

The all-clear was given approximately an hour and a half later, at 03:46.

There are no official or unofficial reports from Romania about the possible falling of downed Shahed drones on Romanian territory.

Previously: Izmail authorities reported damage to port infrastructure, a residential building and injuries to three people as a result of the attack.

Background:

Drone wreckage has fallen on Romanian territory several times since the beginning of the full-scale war. Following these initial incidents, air-raid warnings were introduced for towns along the Danube.

Some local officials have considered these air-raid warnings to be unnecessary.

Following the investigations, Romania concluded that the falling of Russian drones on the countrys territory was accidental.

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This Airline Is Launching a New Route Between New York City and Mexico City

The daily route is scheduled to launch in October.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

It's been a bad week for Delta flyers, but here's a little good news amid the chaos: The airline's major partner Aeromexico is launching a new nonstop flight between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) near New York City and Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juarez (MEX) in Mexico City. The daily service, a codeshare with Delta, is scheduled to begin on October 27.

From Newark, the Aeromexico flight will depart at 7:05 a.m. and land in Mexico City at 11:30 a.m. The reverse flight will depart Mexico City at 3:45 p.m. and land in Newark at 9:30 p.m.

Aeromexico will fly the route on its Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, which has a capacity of 166 passengers across 16 business class seats, 18 AM Plus seats, and 132 economy seats. The new plane features high-speed WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, and fast charging plugs.

Currently, only United flies nonstop from Newark to Mexico City, so if you wanted to make that nonstop journey on another airline, you'd have to trek over to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. From there, Aeromexico, Delta, American Airlines, and VivaAerobus all operate nonstop flights to Mexico City.

But with the upcoming launch of the Aeromexico route, SkyTeam flyers will now have a second airport option. Newark will be Aeromexico's 24th destination in the U.S., following new route launches to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

All in, Aeromexico's new Newark flight brings the SkyTeam connectivity between the New York metropolitan area and Mexico City to five daily flights. The Delta-Aeromexico alliance serves 60 routes between the U.S. and Mexico with more than 200 flights carrying more than 200,000 passengers per week.



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Airport tech outage: Were you stuck in a NY airport? You may be eligible for a refund

After a technology outage disrupted the operations of major airlines Friday, you may be wondering if you'll be able to get any refunds for a canceled or heavily delayed flight.

The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport saw 33% of their flights delayed or canceled by 10 a.m. Friday and varying cancellations and delays rippled throughout the state's airports, including the closure of LaGuardia from midnight to around 6 a.m.

After a technology outage disrupted the operations of major airlines Friday, you may be wondering if you'll be able to get any refunds for a canceled or heavily delayed flight.

Here's what to know about any flight-related refunds you may be eligible for.

What does travel insurance cover?

Canceled flights delaying your trip for at least 3-12 hours are typically covered by comprehensive travel insurance, Progressive said. And if your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, you may qualify for trip cancellation coverage, depending on your plan.

If your flight is delayed or canceled for a covered reason and not rebooked in a certain amount of time, you can file a claim through your insurer.

I am hearing reports of some airlines only offering flight credits to passengers for cancelled flights. Let me be clear  you are entitled to get your money back promptly if your flight is cancelled and you don't take a rebooking.  Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) July 20, 2024

You also may qualify for reimbursements for some or all of these costs caused by your delayed flight, including:

Extra accommodation and food costs

Missed pre-paid trip events

Added costs for meeting up with your cruise or travel group

And, according to Progressive, federal law requires airlines to reimburse you if they cancel a flight or delay it for a certain amount of time and you choose not to travel. If the delay or cancellation qualifies, file a refund request through the airline.

What we know: Two men killed in Long Island plane crash at MacArthur Airport identified

Which airlines are offering refunds?

Many airlines are back up and running after Friday's difficulties but most haven't given clear answers when it comes to if or how they're working to alleviate customers' troubles.

Delta Airlines

Delta issued a travel waiver for all customers who booked flights departing Friday, allowing them to manage their travel changes via delta.com and the FlyDelta app.

The fare difference will be waived if your rebooked travel occurs on or before Wednesday, July 24 in the same cabin of service as you had originally booked.

American Airlines

Customers whose travel plans were affected by the outage were offered a chance to rebook without fees, cancel or receive a refund, according to the airline, but American Airlines hasn't confirmed whether the offer still exists or has since been ended.

JetBlue

JetBlue did not respond to a request for the airline's reimbursement options offered in the wake of Friday's outage.

United Airlines

When asked whether any type of refund was available for their affected customers, United did not provide an answer, only that the airline is working to return customers' bags to them, which includes help from FedEx.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Crowdstrike tech outage: Eligible for airline refund in NY? What to know
Which airports have the most delays in U.S.? Florida airport has the highest flight delay average

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for travel, especially in Florida. And the last few months have been filled with waves of flight delays and cancellations across the country, due to both weather and IT complications for several major airlines.

American Airlines, Delta, United and Spirit all had more than 20 flight cancellations on Wednesday alone, with American Airlines topping the list at 69 cancellations, according to USA TODAYs flight cancellations guide.

Essendex, a business text messaging platform, recently released a study that analyzed over 500 of the most common flight routes across the 25 largest airports in the U.S. to find the best and worst routes for flight delays nationwide.

And the Orlando Airport (MCO) showed up more than any other airport on the list of the flight routes with the most frequent delays.

Heres which airlines and airports have the most canceled and delayed flights on average and this week.

How busy is MCO? Which airports have the most delays in U.S.?

The Orlando International Airport has faced many issues in recent months due to storms canceling flights, on top of already busy conditions due to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios crowds coming in and out of the airport, the study said.

The data revealed planes arrived at their destinations on average four minutes late from Orlando, with 14 out of the top 100 most delayed flights arriving into or leaving Orlando.

Interestingly, the most delayed flight route on the whole list was from Orlando International to Philadelphia International Airport, arriving an average of 35 minutes late. But the same flight path taken the other way, from Philadelphia to Orlando, typically arrives an average of 22 minutes early in Orlando.

"With over 100 domestic and 50 international destinations, Orlando welcomed more than 57.7 million passengers in 2023 as the busiest airport in the state of Florida, the study said.

Here is the list of the top 10 airports with the most frequent departure delays, according to Essendexs study:

Orlando International Airport Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Miami International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport John F. Kennedy International Airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport SeattleTacoma International Airport San Diego International Airport Los Angeles International Airport

Which airline has the most delays?

Last weekend, thousands of Delta, United and Spirit Airlines flights were canceled or delayed, following a global tech outage.

That tipped the scale for which airlines currently have the most delayed and canceled flights. The Essendex study pre-dates this outage, and according to that data, JetBlue is the airline with the most flights that arrive late.

JetBlue Airways stands out as the only U.S. carrier with flights arriving, on average, delayed. Despite the data finding a minimal average delay of one minute, the study said.

This coincides with JetBlue being crowned as the worst airline in the U.S. for the second consecutive year by the Wall Street Journal, due to extreme delays, frequent cancellations, and two-hour tarmac waits.

Ironically, Delta was ranked as the airline with the most flights that arrive early or on-time in this study.

Delta Air Lines frequently outperforms its scheduled arrival times across the board, with flights arriving, on average, 25 minutes ahead of schedule, the study said.

Delta is now the airline with the most flight cancellations and the second-most flight delays this week (not on average, just for the week of July 22).

Which airports have the most cancellations and delays this week?

Although the study found that Orlando International sees the most delayed flights overall, it isnt among airports experiencing the most delayed and canceled flights this week.

According to USA TODAYs daily flight cancellations and delays guide, these are the airports with the most flight delays this week:

Hartsfield-Jackson International Dallas-Fort Worth International Charlotte/Douglas International Denver International Chicago O'Hare International Houston Bush Intercontinental Harry Reid International Los Angeles International Seattle-Tacoma International

According to USA TODAYs daily flight cancellations and delays guide, these are the airports with the most flight cancellations this week:

Hartsfield-Jackson International Minneapolis/St Paul International Detroit Metro Wayne Co LaGuardia Charlotte/Douglas International Salt Lake City International Chicago O'Hare International Los Angeles International Newark Liberty International John F. Kennedy International

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida airport tops this list of U.S. airports with the most delays
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the healthy and steady development of China-Ukraine relations on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with visiting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou.

POLITICAL SETTLEMENT OF UKRAINE CRISIS

Noting that the Ukraine crisis has entered its third year and the conflict is still ongoing with risks of escalation and spillover, Wang said China is firmly committed to promoting a political settlement of the crisis, and the four principles laid out by President Xi Jinping form China's fundamental approach to solving the crisis.

On this basis, Wang said, China and Brazil have jointly issued six common understandings for a political resolution to the crisis, including three principles for managing the conflict, three elements for a peace plan, three humanitarian concerns, as well as important measures to prevent nuclear risks and ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains.

This consensus has garnered widespread support and response from the international community, Wang added.

China believes that all conflicts have to end at the negotiating table, and all disputes must be resolved through political means, Wang said, adding that recently both Ukraine and Russia have shown willingness for negotiations.

"Although the conditions and timing are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and stand ready to continue to play a constructive role for a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks," he said, adding that China is closely following the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.

Kuleba said Ukraine highly appreciates China's positive and constructive role in promoting peace and maintaining international order.

The Ukrainian side attaches importance to China's opinions and has carefully studied the six common understandings jointly outlined by China and Brazil for a political resolution of the crisis, he said.

The Ukrainian side is willing and ready to conduct dialogue and negotiation with Russia, Kuleba said, adding that negotiations should be rational, substantive and aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

SOUND, STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF TIES

China and Ukraine are friendly countries, with their strategic partnership established more than a decade ago, said Wang, adding that the two countries have treated each other with mutual respect and equality, and steadily advanced mutually beneficial cooperation.

He said the two heads of state have stressed the need to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term perspective and push forward China-Ukraine relations and bilateral cooperation.

Wang called on the two countries to maintain communication and exchanges, enhance mutual trust, carry forward the traditional friendship, promote people-to-people relations and advance the sound and steady development of relations.

Noting that China is a great country, Kuleba said Ukraine and China are not only strategic partners but also important economic and trade partners. The Ukrainian side supports China's position on the Taiwan question and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

STRENGTHENING PRACTICAL COOPERATION

Noting that the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has started a new round of deepening reform comprehensively, Wang said China's comprehensive promotion of Chinese modernization will bring new opportunities to people of all countries.

Ukraine was one of the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, and China has been Ukraine's largest trading partner and the biggest export destination for Ukrainian agricultural products in recent years, Wang said. In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade recorded a momentum of rapid growth, showing the space and potential of bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should leverage the role of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, he said, adding that China will continue to expand grain imports from Ukraine and jointly maintain smooth logistics channels and international food security.

Wang thanked the Ukrainian side for assisting with the evacuation of Chinese citizens, especially students, in the early stage of the conflict in Ukraine, and expressed the hope that Ukraine will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Ukraine.

Kuleba said Ukraine hopes to work with China to implement the important consensus reached between their heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, activate cooperation in various fields including economy, trade and agriculture, and strengthen exchanges between the two countries' sister cities. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)
On TikToks, users can send gifts to creators while theyre livestreaming, which then can quickly be turned into cash.

On TikToks, users can send gifts to creators while theyre livestreaming, which then can quickly be turned into cash. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

A former employee at an Alabama church has pleaded guilty to stealing $300,000 from the church to purchase gifts for content creators on TikTok.

Between April and October 2023, Kristen Marie Battocletti stole approximately $300,000 from St Francis of Assisi University Parish church in Tuscaloosa, according to a release from the US attorneys office in the northern district of Alabama.

Battocletti, a 35-year-old former administrative assistant at the parish, spent more than $220,000 in personal expenses and TikTok Coins. She then used the TikTok Coins to send digital gifts to TikTok content creators.

Battocletti initiated more than 600 unauthorized transactions, AL.com reports.

She then pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom on Tuesday to one count of wire fraud. The FBI investigated her case.

The Alabama DAs office noted in their release that the maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

Battoclettis sentencing date is set for 26 November, according to AL.com, and shes received a $5,000 bond pending sentencing.

On TikTok, a user can send a creator who is livestreaming a gift by tapping on the gift button at the bottom of their screen. Once a gift has been offered, it can quickly be turned into cash.

The gift sent to a creator is automatically exchanged for diamonds, and diamonds are transferred back into cash. Once a creator makes enough diamonds, they can cash them out for real money using PayPal, transferring the actual worth into their account, explains a 2022 post by the Cornell Social Media Lab, which also added that manipulation through gifting happens in a myriad of ways.
Police in Seal Beach are asking for the publics help in identifying and locating an alleged antiques thief, authorities announced Tuesday.

The July 20 incident, according to the Seal Beach Police Department, occurred at Alamitos Antiques, located at 211 Main Street, and was captured on the stores surveillance cameras.

The female suspect reportedly stole an $800 version of a neoclassical statue entitled The Three Graces.

Someone may want to let our suspect know that shes featured on this page and after I post this, shell be featured on our Instagram page, Seal Beach PD said in a post to Facebook.

A woman accused of stealing an $800 sculpture from an antiques store in Seal Beach on July 20, 2024. (Seal Beach PD)

A woman accused of stealing an $800 sculpture from an antiques store in Seal Beach on July 20, 2024. (Seal Beach PD)

A woman accused of stealing an $800 sculpture from an antiques store in Seal Beach on July 20, 2024. (Seal Beach PD)

A photograph of Antonio Canovas sculpture The Three Graces posted to Seal Beach PDs social media on July, 23, 2024.

In that Facebook post, police also pointed out that their social media accounts have some 50,000 followers and that if the woman lives in the area, someone is likely to recognize her and contact authorities.

I dont know about you, but I wouldnt want to be featured on a page like this, the post continued. Posts like this get shared, re-shared and re-shared some more. Gotta love social media, right?

Man wanted for filming woman in dressing room of Southern California Target

Anyone who recognizes the suspect was encouraged to contact Seal Beach PD Det. Jacob Otto at 562-799-4100 ext. 1109.

The departments post to Facebook did not stop there, however.

If you know this person and dont want to call us  tell her to return the sculpture to Alamitos Antiques. An apology may also be a good idea, the post reads. If you have her phone number, send her a screenshot of herself with the caption, OMG! Is that you on Seal Beach PDs page?

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This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court case Milliken v. Bradley, which is regarded by many academics and observers as one of the most consequential judicial decisions in our nations history. The 1974 decision overturned a desegregation plan in Detroit that would have encompassed both the Detroit Public Schools and 53 nearby suburban districts, transporting kids across district lines in order to achieve racial balance in the schools.

Milliken has been called one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in the Washington Post, which decried its awful legacy. According to the New York Times, in the view of those who had fought for the end of segregation, it killed any hope of integrating the public schools. And, in 2014, the Harvard Graduate School of Education published a series of essays calling the decision dreadful because it betrayed the promise of Brown v. Board of Ed, the historic ruling that outlawed racial segregation in the public schools.

Related

Brown v. Board, 70 Years Later: Cheryl Brown Henderson Shares Little-Known Facts

Our organization, Available to All, fights educational redlining, and we often make the case that assigning children to schools based on where they live (using exclusionary maps) is morally wrong.

District boundaries are one of our primary targets, as they often keep low-income kids trapped in failing schools, even while coveted public schools in nearby districts are allowed to turn those kids away. So you might think that we would join in the chorus denouncing the Milliken decision for these same reasons.

But thats not quite right. In our view, Milliken was an unexpected but important decision by the Supreme Court. It was right on the law. Just as importantly, it put the brakes on a potentially disastrous social experiment. Hundreds of thousands of children, living in an area of over 800 square miles, would have been put on buses taking them far from their families and their homes every day. While many in the establishment supported bussing, its easy to see that the cost would have been born by the children, who would spend hundreds of hours on buses every year, robbing them of precious time with their family and friends. Those who designed the plan ignored this very real cost.

Whats more, such a plan likely would have had deleterious effects on public education in the Detroit area. A parent  of any race  would have been very eager to avoid such a fate for their children. You can imagine that many families would have moved to places like Utica, Trenton, and Northville, cities just out of reach of the social engineers. Others would have put their kids into private schools.

Of course, the poorest of the poor would have been unable to afford either of these options, leaving them to bear the brunt of the reassignment plan.

Related

Poll: Voters Oppose Boundaries Between Students & Schools They Hope to Attend

Thats the key word in this whole saga: reassignment. Everyone involved in the case  and most commentators today  just assume that the government needs to assign children to public schools. Governor Milliken and his allies argued that kids should be assigned to schools based on race, while their opponents argued that kids should be assigned to schools based on their address.

Here is the huge moral problem with both of those positions: Whenever the government takes on the role of assigning children to specific public schools, then it also takes on the role of enforcing their exclusion from other public schools. This is why parents, in the 21st century, can be put in jail for using someone elses address to get their kids into a high-quality school. This is why school districts hire private eyes to spy on kids and to conduct residency checks.

The answer to this conundrum is so simple: We need to move away from school assignments. Parents, not bureaucrats, should be allowed to ignore the arbitrary school district lines that divide our communities.

Public schools should be required to be open to the public.

In practice, this means we need more and better Open Enrollment policies. In many states, public schools are not required to consider applications from students who live outside the district boundary. We have also argued that every public school should be required to reserve 15% of its seats for children who live outside of the attendance zone or the school district. But no child should be forced to attend a school outside his or her neighborhood.

The creators of the Detroit plan were right about one thing: Educational boundaries have indeed been used to separate Americans, and they have indeed contributed to the racial divisions in our schools. But the way to fix the problem is not to give bureaucrats the ability to ignore the school district lines as they determine the fate of hundreds of thousands of children.

It is American families who ought to be allowed to cross the lines.

Disclosure: Stand Together Trust provides financial support to Available to All and The 74.
(George Frey/Getty Images)

When Amazon announced this month that it had achieved 100% renewable energy seven years ahead of schedule, that sounded like really good news for Virginia. Amazon owns more data centers here than anyone else, and data center energy demand is driving Dominion Energy Virginias plan to renege on its climate commitments, keep dirty coal plants online and build expensive new gas plants and transmission lines.

Unfortunately, Amazons announcement is so full of asterisks it looks like a starry night.

Lets start with the good news. Amazons claim that it has purchased enough renewable energy to match its energy use is likely true, though its sustainability report doesnt reveal essential details like how much energy the company uses. Amazon also says it is the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world, an impressive achievement.

Some of that renewable energy is in Virginia, so it is reasonable to say it serves the companys data centers here. A map on Amazons website shows the company has invested in 19 solar farms in Virginia, with a capacity that totals around 1,386 MW  about a quarter of all solar installed in Virginia to date. Thats terrific. If every company operating in Virginia did as much, wed be rolling in solar, figuratively speaking.

So what am I complaining about?

One problem is that the energy appetite of Amazons data centers in Virginia far outstrips the output of all of its solar farms here. The other problem is that producing renewable energy in the middle of the day can only very loosely be said to match energy used at other times of the day and night. Meeting energy demand on a 24/7 basis is harder, and Amazon isnt even trying.

Lets start with the numbers. Because the sun doesnt shine all the time, a large solar array produces, on average, 22-25% of what it produces on a cloudless day at noon. (That percentage is known as the facilitys capacity factor.) At a 25% capacity factor, Amazons 1,386 MW worth of solar panels produce enough electricity to match about 347 MW of demand.

Amazon keeps its energy demand in Virginia a secret, but we can be pretty sure its 110 data centers here use way more than that. A 2019 Greenpeace report estimated Amazons Virginia data center demand at 1,700 MW in operation or under construction, an amount that would call for 6,800 MW of solar. Amazon rejected Greenpeaces estimate at the time, but it didnt supply a better one. More recent estimates suggest Amazons energy appetite in Virginia is on its way to 2,700 MW, enough to require the output of around 11,000 MW of solar.

Luckily for us, Virginia is part of PJM, a regional transmission grid that covers all or parts of 13 states plus Washington, D.C. Generation sources located anywhere in the region can serve a Virginia customer, and Amazons map shows it has utility solar and wind projects in several PJM states. By my count, these add up to as much as 4,000 MW of additional renewable energy that could be allocated to Virginia data centers, if Amazon had no other operations in those states that it wanted to power. (Which, however, it does.)

Adding together its solar in Virginia and elsewhere in PJM still leaves Amazon short of what it likely needs. So, if the company is correct that it has secured enough renewable energy to match all of its demand, a lot of those facilities must be in other regions or other countries. Yet the climate benefit of Amazons solar farms in (for example) Spain, which gets more than 50% of its electricity from renewable energy, is significantly less than the climate benefit of solar in PJM, where the percentage of wind and solar combined still hangs in the single digits.

I will  almost  give Amazon a pass on this point. PJM has been so appallingly slow to approve new generation that Amazon could well have as many projects in the queue as online. PJM claims it will catch up in the next year and a half, and when that happens, perhaps Amazon wont feel the need to obfuscate.

Even if Amazon were matching all its energy needs with wind and solar in PJM, though, its the second problem that troubles me more. Building solar and wind is cheap; Amazon very likely makes a profit on it. Actually ensuring renewable energy provides all the juice for the companys operations every hour of every day, on the other hand, would require a heck of a lot of expensive energy storage. And Amazon is not doing that.

Without energy storage, solar delivers electricity only while the sun is shining. The rest of the time, Amazons data centers run on whatever resource mix the local utility uses. In both Virginia and PJMs territory, fossil fuels make up the great majority of the mix. Building more Amazon data centers in Virginia increases the burning of fossil fuels, causing more pollution and raising costs that are borne by the rest of us.

The self-styled climate hero turns out to be a climate parasite, harming people to make itself look good.

Combining renewable energy with storage to achieve true carbon neutrality isnt prohibitively expensive. Other leading tech companies seem to be making that extra effort, with Google notable for its commitment to meeting its energy demand with renewable energy and storage on a 24/7 basis.

Amazons failure to rise to this challenge explains why, in spite of its massive investments in wind and solar, the companys carbon footprint actually rose by 34% since the launch of its Climate Pledge in 2019, when it set a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

That explains why, a year ago, the Science Based Targets initiative, a U.N.-backed organization that monitors corporate net-zero plans, removed Amazon from a list of companies taking action on climate goals. According to press reports, Amazon failed to implement its commitment to set a credible target for reducing carbon emissions.

Among those least impressed with the companys efforts are its own workers. Last year, Amazon Employees for Climate Justice accused the company of failing in its climate commitments, and the group released its own report this month alleging multiple climate failures, including using creative accounting to inflate its achievements.

If Virginia is serious about meeting the climate challenge, we cant blindly accept rosy claims from corporations whose central goal is not sustainability, but growth. Data centers whose energy demand isnt met on a 24/7 basis from zero-carbon sources located on the same grid are not part of the climate solution, they are part of the problem. And currently, Amazons data centers are making the problem worse.

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Electric car charging station. (Getty Images)

President Joe Biden has taken important action to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum shipped from Mexico but made elsewhere. The threat of these materials streaming into the United States made it necessary to take the step in order to check Chinas predatory trade practices.

Were likely going to need the same action on automobiles. Low-cost Chinese electric cars that could be assembled in Mexico for export across the border pose a dire threat to Americas automobile industry.

But efforts to keep Chinese EVs out of the United States wont be enough to ensure the survival  or even the competitiveness  of Americas auto industry. American automakers need to be able to compete and sell cars globally. GM, for example, sold more cars in China between 2010 and 2022 than in the United States. And trade policy wont be enough to give U.S. automakers a level playing field in important emerging international markets like those in Indonesia, India and Thailand. China now has a larger EV market than the United States and Europe combined.

The problem is Chinas global dominance of battery production. It goes all the way down to the materials that are the essential building blocks of the batteries that power EVs. China dominates the mineral supply chains that are the foundation of electric car production.

According to the International Energy Agency, a typical electric car requires six times the mineral inputs of a conventional gasoline car. Think about it: A shortage of battery metals such as lithium, copper and cobalt could shut down electric car production in the United States, resulting in the loss of large numbers of jobs and revenue, and shocks to consumer and business confidence.

Whats odd about this potential crisis is that the United States has vast mineral wealth  an estimated $6.2 trillion in mineral resources, ranging from commodity metals to rare earth minerals. Yet because of a painfully slow permitting process it takes on average more than a decade to open a new mine. As a result, many critically important metals must be imported from overseas, largely from China.

What would it mean if China were to impose an embargo on the export of critical metals  that is, refuse to ship lithium or rare earths to the United States?

It would be hugely destructive. In fact, several months ago China stopped shipments to the United States of graphite, a key battery metal, to the peril of our auto industry.

So what can be done? Impose a tariff on imports of EVs made in China but assembled in another country like Mexico, while doing whatever it takes to bolster the supply of minerals and metals mined in the U.S., bypassing an import dependency that shouldnt exist in the first place. The guiding rule should be to protect our auto industry and scale up domestic mining  and stem the erosion of Americas pre-eminence in manufacturing brought on in the face of foreign competition and our own complacency.
On March 31, 1968, at 9:00 p.m., Lyndon B. Johnson sat behind the large wooden desk he had used since his days in the Senate and addressed the American people from the Oval Office.

His speech concerned the increasingly unpopular war in Vietnam, which had come to cripple his 52 months in the White House, focusing on "peace in Vietnam and Southeast Asia."The president spoke for 40 minutes, then came to a passage he had added at the last minute:

"With American sons in the fields far away, with America's future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world's hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office ... the presidency of your country."

"Accordingly, I shall not seek, and will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president."

PHOTO: President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House, Jan. 21, 1965. (Bettmann Archive via Getty Images)

The announcement sent shock waves across the world. Johnson, a paragon of power, was relinquishing the ultimate political prize for the betterment of the nation.

It came at the front end of what he called "the nightmare year," a divisive and turbulent year that had already endured the seizure of a United States naval ship and capture of 83 sailors by North Korea, the Tet Offensive that would turn the tide of the Vietnam War, the year that would later see the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy; urban unrest and upheaval; violent anti-war protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago; and the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet troops to quash liberal reform.

A popular notion, attributed without proof to Mark Twain, asserts, "History doesn't repeat itself but it rhymes." To be sure, we hear rhymes of 1968 in 2024, as we find ourselves caught up in the rapid currents of history flowing toward an uncertain and perhaps unsettling outcomethe dominance of Donald Trump within the GOP despite the disgraceful stain of Jan. 6, 2021, and his recent conviction on 34 felony counts; a politicized Supreme Court voting to grant broad presidential immunity expanding the office of the presidency and offsetting the balance of power; a disastrous presidential debate performance sealing the political fate of President Joe Biden; and the assassination attempt on Trump's life.

MORE: Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race

More analogously, we heard it in Biden's announcement on social media on Sunday stating that he will decline to accept the Democratic Party's presidential nomination next month in which he stated, "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."

The similarities between our 36th and 46th presidents abound. Both became creatures of Washington, D.C., gaining election to Congress at age 29 -- LBJ to the House, Biden to the Senate. Both thrived and developed a keen understanding of the nuances of power in the Senate, where LBJ ascended after 11 years in the lower chamber. Both became vice presidents for charismatic, elegant presidents who elicited inspiration and hope and cast long shadows. And both earned the presidency in their own right, forging consequential tenures around outsize legislative advances.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House, July 14, 2024. President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks to the nation on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 29, 1963. (Getty Images)

Now, of course, another common denominator will be that both boldly stepped asideperhaps against their instincts to cling to the presidencyfor the good of the country and their party.

It also bears mentioning that both did so for the betterment of their legacies. Had LBJ remained in power, he would have created further divisions and bound himself more inexorably to the Vietnam War. As Lady Bird Johnson said later, "I saluted him for being clearheaded enough to see that he wasn't the man at that particular juncture of time to unite the country." Moreover, Vietnam would have threatened to diminish the mammoth accomplishments of his Great Society, especially those around civil rights, his most enduring legislative triumphs. While it would take over two generations for the dark cloud of Vietnam to recede as passions around the war cooled over time, LBJ today is generally remembered more for his leadership on civil rights than as commander-in-chief of a failed war.

The main pillar of Biden's legacy will be the protection and preservation of democracy, and the revitalization and strengthening of America's alliances around the world, which he included in the list of presidential accomplishments he enumerated in his letter. Biden achieved those ends by wresting the White House from Trump, returning the nation to democratic values and norms, and reviving a weakened NATO around Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But he risked the undoing of those attainments with another Trump presidency as he played an increasingly weak hand in his reelection bid. By folding and advocating the candidacy of Kamala Harris, his vice president and heir apparent, who stands a greater chance of staving off another Trump Administration, he better ensures the protection of his most important contribution to the nation and the worldand ultimately his principal legacy.

Next Monday, the president will visit the LBJ Library to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act that LBJ signed as president. The historical parallels will be hard to ignore. Though neither man may have remained in office as long as he might have wished, both left a greater mark as a result.

Mark Updegrove is a presidential historian, ABC News contributor and the author of four books, including "The Last Republicans: Inside the Extraordinary Relationship Between George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush" and "Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency." He is also the CEO of the LBJ Foundation. The opinions expressed in this story are not those of ABC News.

Is American history repeating itself? The parallels between Biden and Lyndon B. Johnson: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
KANSAS (KSNT)  Kansas Election Director Bryan Caskey shared concerns over the U.S. Postal Service being able to handle the upcoming crush of mail-in ballots.

According to a report from The Associated Press, election directors from across the country voiced concerns over the possibility of ballots not being delivered in time to be counted in November.

Earlier this month a Kansas City Processing and Distribution Center audit found issues with operations and procedures. Delivery problems grabbed the attention of lawmakers and, as a result, the USPS Office of Inspector General launched an audit on the efficiency and delivery operations and property conditions at the Kansas City Processing and Distribution centers.

According to the audit, most of the issues stem from employee shortages, like people not showing up to work and general oversight from supervisors and managers.

My understanding is it [Shawnee County ballots] goes to Kansas City and then comes back, Shawnee County Election Commissioner Andrew Howell said. Again, Im not a mail expert, I dont know exactly how the mail gets handled. I just know that we seem to have pretty good response and pretty consistent service from our local post office in Topeka, but again its something worth watching.

Howell said theres always a risk with mailing in your ballot the mail service wont properly deliver the ballot. Additionally, Howell said voters can visit VoterView to make sure their ballot was delivered.

I would say 1% of the time a ballot doesnt get in, Howell said. So it is important for people to pay attention when you mail a ballot back to us.

Topeka city manager skips Boise trip to workshop $15m budget deficit

27 News reached out to the Kansas Secretary of States Office (SOS) regarding the concerns. Secretary of State Scott Schwab said to deliver ballots directly to your county election office instead of putting your ballot in the hands of the federal government.

Caskey, the elections director for Kansas whos also the associations incoming president asked Steven Carter, manager of election and government programs for the postal service, to consider a hypothetical jurisdiction that has a 95% on-time rate for mail deliveries, which he said is better than what almost all states are getting.

That still means that in the state that sends out 100,000 ballots, thats 5,000 pissed-off, angry voters that are mad about the mail service, Caskey told The Associated Press. Actual elections are being determined by these delays, and I just want to make sure that youre hearing why were so upset.

According to The Associated Press, Oregon, Virginia, Texas and Missouri have been blamed for degraded service.

Emergency motion filed in Kobach-led lawsuit against EPA

Secretary Schwab has consistently advised Kansas voters to handle their ballots with the same care as cash, suggesting that mailing your ballot should be a last resort, the SOS said in a statement to 27 News. The most reliable way to ensure your mail ballot is counted on time is by dropping it off at your county election office or by using a county drop box.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston helped rescue a nine-week-old kitten that was found inside a car engine.

The kitten, now named Mavis was discovered by a mechanic at a Mavis Tire and Brakes. Once Mavis was found, Dedham Animal Control was called, and the officer was able to safely capture him.

Mavis was not injured or burned while the car was in motion.

After being cleaned up to remove motor oil from his fur, Mavis underwent a veterinary exam to get ready to be placed under foster care.

According to the ARL, Mavis is a sweet and friendly kitten, who is sure to be a wonderful companion animal and will now be an indoor-only cat to avoid future car adventures.

It is not known how Mavis ended up in the car engine compartment but according to the ARL, it is likely that he was spooked by something and was seeking a seemingly safe place to hide.

During the winter its common to come across an animal in an engine compartment as outdoor cats are drawn to the warmth, ARL said in a statement. However, it is very uncommon to find an animal in this precarious position during the summer months, and ARL would like to thank Dedham Animal Control and Mavis Tire and Brakes for finding and rescuing this animal who will soon begin the next chapter of his life.

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BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for clinging to the United States, seeking secession by banking on external forces and building up military capabilities.

This has led to tensions across the Taiwan Strait and posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the people on the island, said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Zhu made the remarks in response to a media query about the DPP authorities creating panic by issuing missile alerts during their military drills and asking temples to consent to the use of their facilities for weapon storage.

The DPP authorities are splashing out the hard-earned money of the Taiwan people on U.S. arms, tying Taiwan onto their war chariot, and turning people on the island into victims of their secessionist agenda, said the spokesperson.

An increasing number of people on the island have expressed strong opposition and discontent, noted Zhu, urging the DPP authorities to abandon their attempts and stop leading Taiwan toward conflict and war. 
Another book ban battle emerges in Florida, with high stakes for the First Amendment

Another legal battle has begun over Florida's book bans, with significant stakes, as the sued school district is launching a controversial defense that could shake First Amendment law nationwide.

This case emerges in Florida's northeasternmost county, Nassau, wedged between Jacksonville and Georgia.

Facing a federal lawsuit over its removal and restriction of school library books, county school district officials say such decisions are actually protected by the First Amendment, which they are accused of violating.

"(Our) actions constitute government speech for which no First Amendment protections attach," they wrote in a Friday court filing.

That argument has also been used multiple times in the courts by Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration and other school districts, who maintain that governments can remove any school library book regardless of reason.

It's set off alarm bells for many First Amendment advocates, some labeling it as authoritarianism. Its appearance in another case creates another chance that a judge agrees with the argument, potentially elevating it to higher courts where far-reaching precedent could be set.

Assigned to the case is U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

What's happening in Nassau County?

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida by authors of one of the removed books as well as school district students and their parents.

Written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, that book, "And Tango Makes Three," details the true story of a same-sex penguin pair at a New York City zoo. The children's picture book and 35 other titles were either removed or restricted by school district officials following the "informal requests" of a local chapter of Citizens Defending Freedom, according to the lawsuit.

"We look forward to working together to protect the innocence of children in our schools," wrote Jack Knocke, the group's county executive director, in an email to some of the officials. It was provided in court records.

On its website, the chapter writes that one of its missions is to "equip and empower American citizens to stand for and preserve freedom for themselves and future generations." But the plaintiffs call it "an anti-LGBTQIA+ advocacy group."

"There are groups that are going to try to vilify us for trying to protect children," Knocke said in a phone interview. "Our goal is to keep the children in the schools so they can learn and develop appropriately."

The CDF chapter accused the books of being inappropriate and in violation of state law. The school district didn't find that was the case with "And Tango Makes Three," but removed it anyway citing "lack of circulation."

"The Districts public school library collection contains thousands of books that predate Tango, but which Defendants did not remove for weeding or lack of circulation (because they were not challenged by CDF and do not espouse the positive LGBTQIA+ message that Defendants disfavor)," write the plaintiffs, who are represented by law firms Selendy Gay PLLC and Kenny Nachwalter P.A.

"They made that decision for a single, unconstitutional reason: their disagreement with the books content and viewpoint in violation of the Plaintiffs First Amendment rights," they said.

Of the 36 titles affected, according to plaintiff's court records, only two others were weeded out due to "lack of circulation:" "Almost Perfect," which has a LGBTQ theme and character, and "Ghost Boys," which discusses racism.

Those suing also say the school district violated the state Constitution, making the book decisions behind doors then attempting "to justify and conceal their unlawful conduct by creating a legally insufficient library material challenge policy and pointing to it as the basis for their removal and restriction of the 36 books."

Nassau County school officials, represented by law firm Steger Law Firm PLLC, denied all those allegations and said the plaintiffs didn't have standing to sue.

"There is no constitutional right to have ones book remain on the shelves of a public school library, and the removal of said book likewise does not implicate any such constitutional rights," they wrote in the Friday filing. "Furthermore, there is no recognized right to receive information in public school libraries under the First Amendment. Because no such rights exist, Plaintiffs have suffered no injury-in-fact and cannot demonstrate standing."

In the meantime, Knocke said his group has sent the school district another list of books it's concerned about.

More on the government speech argument: Florida says governments can ban school library books just because they disagree with them

School board wants to depose kid: Florida school board, sued for book bans, wants to take testimony of 7-year-old student

Other 'government speech' lawsuits

Parnell and Richardson have also filed a lawsuit against school officials in Escambia County, on Florida's westernmost tip, where "And Tango Makes Three" was also removed.

Another lawsuit was filed against those same officials by national free expression group PEN America, publisher Penguin Random House, book authors and the parents of students who were denied access to school library books.

The "government speech" argument has appeared in both of those suits, as well as in another filed by a trio of public school student mothers who accuse Florida's top education officials of discriminating against them and others opposed to the surge of book removals seen across the state.

Unrelated to school libraries, an attorney representing DeSantis' education officials recently argued in a federal appeals court that what public university professors say in classrooms is government speech and therefore can be censored by the state.

Government speech doctrine is relatively new, and U.S. Supreme Court has not always ruled in favor of it.

But justices said in 2015 that Texas could refuse to allow Confederate flag specialty license plates because they represented government speech. Justices said six years before that a city could refuse to put a monument in a public park for the same reason.

"By all accounts, school officials enjoy substantial discretion in determining which books should be available in school libraries," wrote Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor in an opinion earlier in the year, as previously reported by the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida. He hasn't yet issued a ruling on it.

"But the issue of how and to what extent the First Amendment limits that discretion is surprisingly unsettled."

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Another free speech battle emerges in Florida over book bans
Another detainee found dead at Richland County jail. Second death in a week

A second detainee has died this week at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, according to a news release from Richland County.

Lamont Powell, a 54-year-old Columbia resident, died at the jail on Tuesday afternoon, Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Wednesday.

At around 2 p.m. Tuesday, jail staff discovered the detainee unresponsive in one of the facilitys open housing units, according to the release. The last time staff saw him alive was at 11 a.m.

The jails on-site medical team were unsuccessful with life-saving measures, according to the release.

The jail immediately went on lock down and contacted the Richland County Sheriffs Department and Coroners Office, according to the release.

The jail is also conducting an internal investigation to determine any potential sources contributing to the recent incidents.

This is the second detainee death at Alvin S. Glenn this week. Marty J. Brown, a 25-year-old Columbia resident, was found dead in his cell at Alvin S. Glenn Monday morning around 11:15 a.m.
CHICAGO  Supporters of Palestine gathered Wednesday afternoon at Federal Plaza to rally and march in solidarity with a protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu happening in the nations capitol.

According to police, one person was taken into custody. Charges are pending.

In fiery speech to Congress, Netanyahu seeks support for war in Gaza, sparking large protests

Members and supporters of the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine gathered at 4:30 p.m. in the 200 block of S. Dearborn Street, according to a statement from the U.S. Palestinian Community Network-Chicago

This will be the 44th CJP-led mass mobilization of Palestinians and supporters in Chicagoland since October 8th, the statement said.

The alert did not specify the route of the march.

Pro-Palestine protesters have been demonstrating for the last two days in protest of Netanyahus invitation to Washington and his address to Congress, WGNs Nexstar sister station in Washington reported.

Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky was among several Democrats who planned to skip Netanyahus remarks. Vice President Kamala Harris was also absent, as she was campaigning in Indiana. While he said he did not agree with the Israeli prime ministers policies, Rep. Danny Davis said he was attending out of respect for the country of Israel and the Israeli people. Reps. Brad Schneider and Darin LaHood also attended.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Antioch police search for man who stole nearly $500K of jewelry from JCPenney

Antioch police search for man who stole nearly $500K of jewelry from JCPenney

(KRON)  The Antioch Police Department is searching for a man who stole nearly $500,000 of jewelry in June.

Surveillance video (above) shows the man smashing glass cases with a hammer in the citys JCPenney before reaching inside to snag the goods.

VIDEO: Thieves attack store owners in San Joses Japantown

The theft happened at 10 p.m. on June 15. JCPenney is located at 4951 Slatten Ranch Road in the Empire Crossing Shopping Center.

The store appeared to be empty at the time of the crime. Police said the suspect entered the store at 8:25 p.m. and hid out for more than an hour and a half before striking.

Anyone with information about the suspects identity is asked to call (925) 481-8604 or email cshaffer@antiochca.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department identified the victim from a homicide in southeast Austin last week, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.

Around 2 a.m., July 18, officers responded to an urgent call on Burton Drive with the caller saying someone tried to kill his friend, according to police. Officers arrived at a home to find Jose Ramon Lizarraga Boca Negra, 39, with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police investigating homicide in southeast Austin Thursday morning

According to police, the man was shot inside the home, and the suspect ran from the area.

Anyone with any information can contact APD at 512-974-TIPS. Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program website or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward up to $1,000 may be available for any information that could lead to an arrest, according to police.

MAP: Where have Austins homicides occurred in 2024?

This is being investigated as Austins 34th homicide of 2024, according to 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 KXAN Austin.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An apparent road rage incident has led to shots fired in a southwest Abilene neighborhood.

The incident happened on the 4200 block of Bob-o-link Drive just after 10:00 a.m.

A man involved in the incident told KTAB and KRBC he had just arrived home in his truck and was attempting to back into his driveway when another driver in a silver SUV passed between him and the driveway, cutting him off.

This man says he went to talk to the SUV driver to tell him that was dangerous, and when he was walking toward his house following that conversation, the man says the SUV driver said something to him.

When he turned around to see what the driver said, this man claims he saw the SUV driver had a gun pointed out the window of his vehicle, so the man who was walking toward his house pulled out his own gun and fired a single shot, hitting the silver SUV.

Police confiscated the mans gun and the SUV driver fled the scene.

No arrests have been made and 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.

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Apple Valley paying for plenty of road projects through new budget. See the list.

The Town of Apple Valleys recent budget adoption includes a summary of proposed and ongoing improvement projects, with details on how they will be funded, how they are progressing and what the estimated costs are.

Through the annual Capital Improvement Program, the town department manages the planning, design, and construction of projects, including streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, storm drains, stormwater infiltration systems, and traffic management-related signage and markings.

One of the Town of Apple Valley's capital improvement projects is the Dale Evans Parkway at Waalew Road Realignment project. Once completed, commuters driving north or south on Dale Evans Parkway will avoid making a left or right on Waalew Road to reconnect with Dale Evans Parkway.

Additionally, the department plays a key role in processing, reviewing, approving, permitting, and inspecting development-related infrastructure construction and on-site grading within town limits.

Read on to learn about 11 projects planned in Apple Valley.

Dale Evans Parkway at Waalew realignment

Highlights of capital improvement projects include the Dale Evans Parkway at Waalew Realignment project at the cost of nearly $2.7 million.

The project will allow commuters driving north or south on Dale Evans Parkway to avoid making a left or right on Waalew Road to reconnect with Dale Evans Parkway.

During the previous fiscal year, the town completed the initial design, began coordinating with Southern California Edison for power line relocation, and worked with the property owner to obtain the right of way.

Yucca Loma Road widening

The project includes the not-yet-begun widening of Yucca Loma Road from Apple Valley Road to Rincon Road. The project includes the addition of bicycle lanes, sidewalks and an equestrian trail.

The nearly $7.4 million project will be constructed in two phases.

The first is from Apple Valley Road to 1,200 feet east, allowing better traffic flow. The second phase will be constructing the remaining portion of Yucca Loma Road to Rincon Road

Previous fiscal year actions include the beginning of phase one, and acquiring temporary construction easements from property owners for phase two.

One of the Town of Apple Valley capital improvement projects is the of Bear Valley Road Bridge over the Mojave River

State Route 18 corridor study

The Highway 18 corridor study would include the inspection and review of the roadway between Apple Valley Road and Bass Hill Road.

The town received a Sustainable Communities Planning Grant from the California Department of Transportation to prepare a comprehensive study of a portion of Highway 18.

The planning process will address access barriers by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the corridor and recommending potential countermeasures.

The final Apple Valley State Route 18 Corridor Enhancement Plan Phase II will serve as a blueprint for guiding future improvements on Highway 18, along the studied corridor.

Previous fiscal year actions have included collecting community feedback through online surveys and at multiple town-sponsored events. Additionally, identifying potential projects and preparation for the final plan.

One of the Town of Apple Valley's capital improvement projects includes improvements to the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Kiowa Road.

Powhatan Road Complete Streets

This proposed project includes the revitalization of Powhatan Road from Navajo Road to Central Road in the Apple Valley Village for an estimated cost of $1.8 million.

While sidewalks exist in some areas of Powhatan Road, they are separated by large gaps. The project will fill the gaps, add new ADA-compliant curb ramps, install crosswalks, and provide a Class III Bikeway. Once complete, the project will provide unobstructed mobility to jobs, parks, and services for pedestrians and bicyclists, staff stated.

Rancherias Plaza frontage road conversion

The project will eliminate Outer Highway 18 North from Rancherias Road to Bass Hill Road. The first stage of the project will be a feasibility study to determine the best alternatives followed by full design.

Reata Road intersection improvements

The project at the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Reata, one of the busiest in town, includes improvements based on the results of the Bear Valley Commercial Corridor Signal Study.

Central Road widening

The project includes the design and reconstruction of Central Road from Bear Valley Road to Hwy. 18, with the addition of a continuous left turn lane, bike lanes, and bus turnouts.

Previous fiscal year actions have included finalizing an initial topographic and boundary survey, and alternative design options. Also, coordinating with utility companies.

One of the Town of Apple Valley capital improvement project includes the not-yet-begun widening of Yucca Loma Road from Apple Valley Road to Rincon Road. The project includes the addition of bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and an equestrian trail.

Bear Valley Bridge rehabilitation

The project includes rehabilitation of the Bear Valley Road Mojave River bridge west of Apple Valley Road.

The Engineering Department retained a consultant for structural engineering services to analyze and rehabilitate the existing bridge.

The consultant will also prepare an engineering design to widen the bridge to address the deficient deck geometry.

The ultimate bridge section will include six east-west travel lanes, a center median, shoulders, sidewalks, and a class 1 bikeway.

The Engineering Department successfully secured federal funds under the Highway Bridge Program.

Tasks still to be completed for this multi-year project include utility relocation, right-of-way certification, bridge rehabilitation, and widening design plans and construction.

Previous fiscal year actions include the completion of preliminary design, obtaining environmental permits and clearance, and right-of-way certification.

The cost of the project is nearly $58 million.

Bear Valley Road and Kiowa Road

The improvement project at the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Kiowa Road includes improvements to traffic signals and ADA access and a new Victor Valley Transit Authority bus turnout constructed on Bear Valley Road east of Navajo.

Previous fiscal year actions include the completed design and bid package, and coordinating with utility agencies.

The project cost is nearly $1.5 million.

Yucca Loma Elementary School Safe Routes to School

The project area is Powhatan Road from west of Mohawk Road to Navajo Road and Rancherias Road from Powhatan Road to the school boundary

The project will add accessible pathways from the residential neighborhood adjacent to Yucca Loma Elementary School where students and their families live.

Sidewalks will be constructed along Powhatan Road to Navajo Road and on Rancherias Road from Powhatan Road to the schools southerly driveway approach. The grant-funded project was identified as a priority in the Safe Routes to School Master Plan

Safe Routes to School Implementation

The town will continue to identify new opportunities to implement recommendations outlined in the ongoing Safe Routes to School Master Plan.

The goal of this project is to reduce traffic dangers that prevent children from walking or biking to school safely, and expand the safe environment at our schools out onto the surrounding roads, Apple Valley Unified School District officials told the Daily Press in a previous interview.

Improvements have been previously made at Mariana Academy, Sandia Academy, Rio Vista Elementary, Rancho Verde Elementary, Sycamore Rocks Elementary, and Yucca Loma Elementary.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Apple Valley paying for 11 road projects through new budget
A toppled 4,000-year-old monolith was found at a sacred site on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

Experts believe the new discovery at the Erimi archeological site offers the oldest sacred place on the island.

The 7.5-foot-tall monolith, completely smooth save for a motif, likely originated in the Bronze Age.

At some point in the last 4,000 years, an ancient 7.5-foot-tall monolith on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus could no longer stand on its own, and toppled to the floor. Experts that have studied the aftermath have declared the site the oldest sacred location ever found on the island.

While crews scoured the remains of the archaeological site of Erimi, a prehistoric settlement atop a limestone terrace near the south coast of the island, they discovered the remains of a large room featuring a monolith more than 7.5 feet tall. The tower is completely smooth and has a motif in the center consisting of a circular pattern of cups.

The roomand monolithare dated to the Middle Bronze Age, roughly 4,000 years ago.

But the tall artifact couldnt fully stand the test of time. The monolith, which originally stood in the center of the room, collapsed onto the floor and destroyed a large amphora placed at its feet in front of a small circular hearth, Luca Bombardieri, scientific director of the Erimi Italian Archaeological Project from the University of Siena, Italy, said in a translated statement.

During the Middle Bronze age [around 2000-1600 BC] a community of artisans chose to settle on the Erimi hill and build a community living space with very particular characteristics, Bombardieri said in the statement.

The new discovery, found in the western wing of the artisan complex, opens new views on what the area was used for.

The internal space of this room was thus free to circulate around the monolith, the amphora, and the hearth, which occupied the central part, Bombardieri said. The peculiarities of this space, especially when compared to the spaces surrounding [it], indicate that it is a small sacred space, the oldest attested on this island, with an interesting cultural function precisely because it is located within the complex.

Bombardieri believes the site has ritual function and ideological values that offer particular significance.

The activity that supported the community economically also involved its members ideologically and symbolically, he said.

Cyprus is a former British colony, independent since 1960 but considered a key connection point between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its ancient origins include a mix of communities living in various locations on the 3,500-square-mile island. The site at Erimi provided more than just a unique discovery, Bombardieri told Italian site ANSA, according to a translation, potentially linking Erimi to a violent tradition found elsewhere on Cyprus.

The team discovered an example of a young woman, likely no older than 20 years of age, being buried inside her own home, walled inside and with a large stone on the corpse likely to help stop her spirit from tormenting those in town. This woman also had a smashed skull. While its the first example in the Erimi area, Bombardieri said at least 15 other cases of the remains of young women from this period have been found buried in this way across the island, meaning Erimi may be linked to other cases recorded in the past in other parts of Cyprus.

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The Arizona Democratic Party Executive Board endorsed Sen. Mark Kelly to be Kamala Harris vice presidential pick on Wednesday, hours after the party chair stopped short of endorsing him and said the decision should be up to Harris.

Democrats from Kelly's home state are lining up behind him as Harris vets contenders for the vice presidential slot.. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Raquel Teran, a congressional candidate running to fill his seat, publicly boosted Kelly on Wednesday. The state party's executive board followed suit.

"Senator Kelly has been a champion for Arizonans, engaging them in the path towards building a better Arizona and creating a strong and diverse coalition along the way. Senator Kelly is exactly the type of leader Arizonans want, and America needs. The path to the White House runs through Arizona, and we are confident that with Kamala Harris and Mark Kelly at the top of the ticket, Democrats will win in November," Democratic Party chair Yolanda Bejarano said in a statement.

'This is not about me': What Sen. Mark Kelly is saying about VP speculation

It was a shift for Bejarano, who said Wednesday morning that the decision should be left to Harris. After Bejarano finished the news conference and returned to the party's headquarters, members of the executive board expressed that they wanted to move ahead with a Kelly endorsement. The group made its decision to endorse via email correspondence, party spokesperson Patricia Socarras said.

Kelly isn't the only vice-presidential prospect getting a boost from his home state. The Philadelphia Democratic Party voted to endorse Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to run alongside Harris this week. Kelly did not speak with state party leaders Wednesday, according to his spokesperson.

Democrats had gathered at the UFCW Local 99 building in Phoenix to show their support for Harris to serve as their partys presidential nominee. President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign and endorsed Harris on Sunday. Within a day, Harris garnered enough support from Democratic National Convention delegates to clinch the nomination.

There is only one candidate who will support our rights and freedoms and thats Vice President Harris, state Rep. Quanta Crews, D-Phoenix, said.

Arizonas 85 DNC delegates and six alternates unanimously support Harris. She also has the backing of many Arizona elected officials including Kelly, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Rep. Ruben Gallego.

After Democratic support consolidated behind Harris, speculation swung to who she may choose as a running mate. Harris is said to be considering a number of Democrats including Kelly, Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

In a sign that Kelly is taking his vice presidential chances seriously, the senator said Wednesday he would vote for the pro-union Protecting the Right to Organize Act during an interview with HuffPost. Kelly is not a co-sponsor of the PRO Act, and union leaders this week have said that could pose issues for Democrats in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin where labor is a major part of the partys coalition.

Unions loom large in our life, and Im supportive of the PRO Act, Kelly said. I would vote for it today. I am, like a lot of legislation, working to make it better. But if it came to the floor today or any day going back to the day I was sworn in, I would vote for it.

Bejarano said at her Phoenix press conference that she and labor leaders had urged Kelly to sign on to the PRO Act, but said she did not recall specifics from their conversation. Bejarano said she supports Kelly either way and noted he has union support around the state.

A look back: Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly once said he never aspired to politics, but 'I do get asked a lot'

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ Dems endorse Mark Kelly for VP after deferring to Kamala Harris
"We're very proud of that. We trust them (the Chinese) and want to support them in all their projects." A village in Cameroon has undergone revitalization thanks to China-Africa cooperation. #GLOBALink
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Arkansans for Limited Government filed documents on July 22 asking the states Supreme Court not to drop the lawsuit against Secretary of State John Thurston.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a motion on July 19 asking the Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by AFLG, who is working to put an abortion access amendment on the November 2024 ballot.

The group filed suit July 16 asking the Arkansas Supreme Court to override Secretary of State John Thurstons decision to reject the signatures submitted by it to place the issue before voters on the November 2024 ballot.

The group turned in more than 101,000 signatures to Thurstons office on the July 5 deadline. On July 10, Thurston rejected more than 14,000 of those signatures that he said came from paid canvassers, stating that AFLG had not turned in the legally required paperwork alongside the signature submissions.

Throwing out those 14,000 signatures puts the number of accepted signatures below the 90,704 threshold it had to meet.

In a letter AFLG sent to Thurstons office on July 11, it said it did turn in that paperwork on June 27th. It said it added more canvassers between June 27 and the deadline of July 5 who collected more signatures.

Arkansas attorney general files motion with Supreme Court to dismiss abortion ballot question case

AFLG released a statement after asking the Arkansas Supreme Court not to dismiss its case.

We continue to assert, strongly, that the facts of this case require the Secretary of State to count our signatures. Our response to the Attorney Generals motion reemphasizes our belief that the attempt to disqualify the Arkansas Abortion Amendment was illegitimate and undemocratic. We remain hopeful that the Court will rule in a manner that honors our state Constitution and prevents the government from weaponizing paperwork to skirt the will of the people. Arkansans for Limited Government

The group says it feels confident that its arguments are strong and that a reasonable, lawful, neutral court could only rule in AFLGs favor based on the facts and the statutory language.

AFLG accuses Thurston of continuously changing his reasoning for disqualification and disparaging the will of the people.

The Secretary continues to search for a rationale in support of his decision, AFLG said in its response. The Secretarys actions have thwarted the will of the people. AFLG is a grassroots group, with hundreds of volunteers collecting the vast majority of the 101,525 signatures submitted for the Amendment. Petitioners, and the people they represent, exemplify the very spirit of the initiative process the Constitution protects.

The AFLG expects that the Arkansas Supreme Court will decide on the matter this week. The group does not expect there to be arguments in front of the court at this point in the process.

AFLG says if the Court rules in favor of Thurston, there will not be an appeal process.

The proposed amendment aims to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution and would stop any laws from being passed to restrict abortion in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly or to protect the life or well-being of the mother within the first 18 weeks after conception.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A fleet of Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicles are seen connected to electric chargers during a launch event between Amazon and Rivian at an Amazon facility on July 21, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois (Mustafa Hussain/Getty Images).

Approximately half of Arkansas population is expected to feel the effects of a $100 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce climate pollution.

A coalition including Metroplan, Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the city of Fort Smith is one of 25 recipients of the nationally funded grants, according to a press release. The funding is available through President Joe Bidens Investing in America Agenda.

Metroplan led the application process, and the grant is the largest the organization has ever received, Executive Director Casey Covington said.

Of the $100 million available, half will be used in Central Arkansas for projects like LED streetlights, electric vehicle charging stations, an expansion of trail systems and land acquisition, maintenance and restoration, Covington said.

$100 million is really a lot of money that can achieve a lot of things, but it cant achieve everything, Covington said. And thats the benefit of this, is the ability to demonstrate.  That often is what opens up additional grant opportunities.

In addition to the environmental benefits like decreased emissions, Covington said the projects will improve residents health with better air quality and more opportunities for physical activities. Covington said the projects will also boost the states economy and outdoor tourism.

Metroplan is working on five major trail corridors in Central Arkansas, Covington said. The most well-known project, the Southwest Trail, will connect Little Rock to Hot Springs. Other projects include forging connections to Pinnacle Mountain, and paving a way from North Little Rock to Cabot, Conway to Mayflower and Lonoke to Wrightsville.

The coalition is also involved in a state-level Energy and Environment Innovation Plan to increase access and competitiveness for federal funding related to energy infrastructure in Arkansas. The plan, which the coalition is funding, is expected to be completed in early 2025, Covington said.

In Northwest Arkansas, the EPA grant will provide $36 million for a bicycle and open space program, as well as 18 identified projects to restore and protect land along the 40-mile Razorback Greenway, said Tim Conklin, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Planning Commission.

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As the population in Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, Conklin said the grant money will help prioritize projects that keep the natural areas at the front of mind.

We are the Natural State, so its critical that we protect and preserve our natural areas, and we have access to those areas in this very fast-growing metro area thats becoming urbanized every day, he said.

Working in collaboration with Trailblazers, the grant will fund a $7 million bicycle program to offer incentives to primarily low-income applicants for the purchase of an electric bike. Conklin said the program will emphasize alternative, energy-efficient transportation methods.

The program will be available to residents in all three metropolitan areas of Northwest Arkansas, Central Arkansas and Fort Smith.

The rebate opportunity will benefit Fort Smith residents who may want to be more environmentally conscious but cant afford an electric vehicle, said Joshua D. Robertson, the citys director of sustainability and citizen services.

Other Fort Smith projects include the rehabilitation of an alleyway to increase pedestrian and cyclist access to nearby schools and grocery stores. Robertson said the paved path will give children a safe route to school, thus removing some of the idling cars from parents in the pick-up line.

The city also plans to implement 13 electric vehicle charging stations in its downtown and at its public libraries, Robertson said.

The project Robertson said he was most excited about was the construction of solar panels for one public housing structure, Nelson Hall Homes. With 288 units expected to have access to solar energy, Robertson said the tenants utility bills will dramatically decrease.

Because the EPA grant covers the metropolitan areas of the coalitions organizations, some of Fort Smiths oversight will include two Oklahoma counties.

The city plans to invest $2 million into workforce development training related to the environmental projects, and Robertson said he expects this to be particularly beneficial to the rural Oklahoma residents who travel into the city for work.

We want to make sure that individuals that could potentially be in jobs that may become obsolete or change quite a bit, very rapidly  we want to make sure the city has programs to provide training so they [can] keep jobs or even [get] new jobs, Robertson said.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy is gearing up for its second year of school.

Lt. Col. Jason Smedley, commandant of the AMFRA, said theyre expanding this upcoming school year, going from 70 student cadets to now 250.

Last year we had 9 to 10th grade and this year we will have 9th, 10th, and 11th grade so we will continue to grow our school, Smedley.

Arkansas Military & First Responders Academy has first day of school

He said the growth is also reflected in other parts of the school beyond the classroom.

Our school is unique in a few ways, one that always stands out is that we are the first full JROTC program in the state. Lt. Col. Smedley goes on to say, we have a new brand new gym, brand new weight room and brand new marksmanship range.

Smedley said the academy recently partnered with Arkansas Tech University to be able to provide more courses.

Regarding our emergency medical services, we are partnering with them to allow our cadets to get dual credit not only for high school but college, Smedley said.

A look inside Arkansas Military & First Responders Academy as classes begin

On top of an academic curriculum, military education and first responder classes, cadets also have college preparatory courses.

So, they will also get classes on cyber security, coding and pre-engineering, Smedley said.

He said tuition will remain free and the cadets uniforms and laptops are also free. He also said cadets are not required to join the military after they graduate from the academy and the school is not a bootcamp.

This is about giving them exposure to as many opportunities as possible, Smedley said. Here at AMFRA we care about you, we care about your future, what you want to pursue in life and we want to encourage you and make sure youre prepared for life.

Arkansas Tech University adds degree for social media content creators, influencers

He said he looks forward to seeing all the new student cadets and how much they will grow next year.

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Arkansas secretary of agriculture asks attorney general to investigate possible Chinese ownership of Sebastian County business

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward is asking Attorney General Tim Griffin to investigate a Sebastian County business for Chinese government ties.

A letter from Ward sent to the AG on Wednesday states that reasonable suspicion exists that 4811 S Zero Street, LLC may have ownership ties to China and the Chinese Communist Party.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders warns two Arkansas companies may be violating China-land-owning ban

Wards letter asks for the investigation in accordance with Act 636, passed by the legislature in 2023, which requires the agriculture department to collect and analyze information about possible foreign ownership.

As of the date of this letter, China continues to be a country subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and is subject to the prohibitions of Act 636, Ward said in the letter.

Neither Wards letter nor corporate records indicate the kind of business conducted by 4811 S Zero Street.

Arkansas sues Chinese online retailer Temu, claims site illegally accessing user information

Ward said in the letter that the businesss proximity to the Ebbing National Guard Base in Fort Smith was a national security concern.

A search of 4811 S Zero Street LLC on the secretary of states website shows the business is owned by Pei-Te Lin, who is listed as the firms incorporator, organizer and manager. The agent for the business registration resolves to a Little Rock address for a national corporation service company.

The corporations principal address record resolves to a warehouse-type building in a Fort Smith industrial park.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Attorney General Griffin act to force Chinese seed company to divest Arkansas land holdings, issues fine

Act 636 was used in October 2023 to require the China National Chemical Company to divest its land holdings in Craighead County for the Northrop King Seed Company.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Arkansas Supreme Court (Courtesy Photo)

The Arkansas Supreme Court Tuesday night ordered Secretary of State John Thurston to count signatures collected by volunteer canvassers for a proposed ballot initiative to expand abortion access. The states high court ordered the count to be completed by 9 a.m. Monday.

After Arkansans for Limited Government submitted more than 101,000 signatures in support of the proposed constitutional amendment by the July 5 deadline, Thurston rejected the submission because he said the group did not submit legally required accompanying paperwork with the petitions, therefore rendering invalid signatures collected by paid canvassers.

AFLG filed a lawsuit last week asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the rejection. The groups attorneys also filed a motion to expedite the case, asking the high court for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction overruling Thurstons decision not to count the signatures.

In response to the Supreme Court granting emergency relief, AFLG said the will of the people won in a statement issued late Tuesday night. The ballot question committee also thanked the court for upholding democracy in Arkansas.

We are heartened by this outcome, which honors the constitutional rights of Arkansans to participate in direct democracy, the voices of 101,000 Arkansas voters who signed the petition, and the work of hundreds of volunteers across the state who poured themselves into this effort, the statement said. Todays decision is reflective of our state motto: The People Rule, and we look forward to that principle guiding the rest of the signature verification process.

AFLG v Thurston AR Supreme Court Order

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a motion to dismiss AFLGs lawsuit on Friday. He argued that Thurston correctly rejected AFLGs submission because they failed to submit the proper paperwork. Griffin also argued the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction over AFLGs original action because the group didnt comply with requirements.

AFLGs attorney, Peter Shults, filed a response to the motion Monday in which he argued that the Supreme Court does have original jurisdiction because Thurston made a sufficiency determination.

Shults also argued that noncompliance with  7-9-111(f)(2), the state law that Thurston cited as the reason for rejecting AFLGs petition, alone does not invalidate an entire petition or any part of it. A separate section of state code provides the exclusive list of reasons for not counting petition signatures, not the statute cited by Thurston, he said.

Additionally, AFLG asked the secretary of states office what paperwork needed to be signed and submitted, and Thurstons attorneys and representatives assured AFLG Executive Director Lauren Cowles on July 5 that she had filed the necessary paperwork with her submission, Shults said.

Petitioners continually tried to follow the correct procedures and the Secretarys office repeatedly told them they were doing so, before the Secretary abruptly rejected their petition, he wrote. This bait and switch was unfair, and the Secretary should be estopped from rejecting petitioners submission.

Let us know what you think...

If the proposed Arkansas Abortion Amendment of 2024 makes it to the ballot and is approved by voters in November, it would not allow government entities to prohibit, penalize, delay or restrict abortion services within 18 weeks of fertilization.

The proposal would also permit abortion services in cases of rape, incest, a fatal fetal anomaly or to protect the pregnant females life or physical health, and it would nullify any of the states existing provisions of the Constitution, statutes and common law that conflict with it.

Abortion has been illegal in Arkansas, except to save the pregnant persons life, since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Constitutional amendments need 90,704 signatures to qualify for the ballot. AFLG said it submitted a total of 101,525 signatures and met the qualifying minimum of 3% of voters in 53 counties. A 2023 state law being challenged in court requires signatures be collected from at least 50 counties, an increase from 15.

Sponsors of proposed ballot measures can be allowed more time  the cure period  to submit additional signatures if the initial submission contains valid signatures from registered voters equal to at least 75% of the overall required number of signatures and 75% of the required number from at least 50 counties.

Griffins motion to dismiss said AFLG is not entitled to a cure period.

In Tuesday nights order, Chief Justice Dan Kemp and Justices Karen Baker and Courtney Hudson said they would have ordered Thurston to perform an initial count of signatures and a verification analysis in accordance with state law and provide the finding to the state Supreme Court by 3 p.m. Monday.

Kemp, Baker and Hudson said they also would have granted in part the motion for emergency relief and granted the petitioner a 30-day provisional cure period to commence on the date of the order (July 23). Additionally, they said a briefing schedule, decision on motion to dismiss and appointment of a special master for fact-finding, if necessary, would have followed the courts receipt of the findings Thurstons review.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A lawsuit filed against the Arkansas Secretary of States office regarding signatures gathered for a ballot initiative looking to enshrine abortion access in the state has reached a new stage.

In a Tuesday night filing, the Arkansas Supreme Court has ordered the office of Secretary of State John Thurston to count the signatures gathered by volunteers for the proposed abortion amendment ballot initiative.

Arkansans for Limited Government sues Secretary of State Thurston over abortion amendment petition rejection

According to the filing, the secretary of states office must perform the initial count of the signatures submitted by 9 a.m. on Monday, July 29.

The group said they turned in over 101,000 signatures to Thurstons office on the July 5 deadline. On July 10, Thurston rejected more than 14,000 of those signatures that he said came from paid canvassers, stating that AFLG had not turned in the legally required paperwork alongside the signature submissions.

Today, the will of the people won. The Arkansas Supreme Court ordered the Secretary of State to count the signatures collected by volunteers in support of the Arkansas Abortion Amendment. On behalf of 101,000 Arkansas voters, 800 volunteers, and the AFLG team, we thank the Court for upholding democracy in Arkansas. We are heartened by this outcome, which honors the constitutional rights of Arkansans to participate in direct democracy, the voices of 101,000 Arkansas voters who signed the petition, and the work of hundreds of volunteers across the state who poured themselves into this effort. Todays decision is reflective of our state motto: The People Rule, and we look forward to that principle guiding the rest of the signature verification process. AFLGs statement on the Arkansas Supreme Court ruling

Arkansas Secretary of State rejects abortion amendment ballot petitions

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin also released the following statement on the the courts order:

I am pleased with the Arkansas Supreme Courts narrow order directing the Secretary of State to perform an initial count only of signatures collected by volunteer canvassers on behalf of Arkansans For Limited Government, Griffin said. AFLG failed to meet all legal requirements to have the signatures collected by paid canvassers counted, a failure for which they only have themselves to blame.

AFLG later filed a suit last Tuesday asking the state Supreme Court to override Secretary of State John Thurstons decision to reject the signatures.

The proposed amendment looked to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution and would stop any laws from being passed to restrict abortion in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly or to protect the life or well-being of the mother within the first 18 weeks after conception.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An army officer was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing and selling over $2 million in military guns and equipment, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced Wednesday.

Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Hammond, 38, pleaded guilty to six charges of theft of government property, wire fraud, money laundering and more.

In addition to his prison term, Hammond was ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution and forfeit $250,000, according to a news release.

While stationed at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, Hammond used his position to acquire equipment meant for his unit, the release stated.

The property wasnt logged in inventory, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Instead, Hammond sold it, earning at least $1.8 million in wire payments, as well as other payments for the sales that he deposited into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife.

Firearms and spotting scopes

In searching Hammonds home, investigators found at least 98 firearms, 90 military-issued spotting scopes and other accessories, including night vision goggles. They also seized $100,000 in cash.

We will not tolerate military members stealing from our armed services to line their own pockets, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said in the news release.

Hammond stole and then sold military scopes, weapons parts, tools, night vision goggles and ATVs meant to support our troops in the fight for freedom, Easley said Through his scheme, he had hoped to retire in style. Instead, he will be spending the next three years in prison.

Court documents indicting Hammond for the theft do not disclose the identities of his buyers. An Associated Press investigation from 2021 found that at least 1,900 military firearms were lost or stolen in the 2010s. Some have been used to commit violent crimes.

Hammonds lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Sean Grayson, an Army veteran 14 months into his career as a sheriffs deputy for Sangamon County in the center of the state, is charged with murder in the death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who called 911 for assistance.

Body camera footage released this week shows Grayson fatally shooting Massey in her Illinois home, the latest example of law enforcement officers shooting Black people in their homes across the country.

Heres what The Associated Press knows about the shooting and the former deputy now facing years in prison if convicted.

What happened that day?

At 12:50 a.m. on July 6, Massey called 911 with her fears about a prowler around her home in an unincorporated neighborhood of Springfield, 200 miles southeast of Chicago.

Video from body cameras worn by Grayson and another deputy show a search around Massey's house and in surrounding yards. They found a black SUV with broken windows in an adjacent driveway before Massey came to the front door. When Massey opened the door, she said, Don't hurt me, seemed confused and repeated, Please God" and said, "I don't know what to do."

It isn't clear why Massey and Grayson went inside the house, followed by the other deputy.

Grayson asked for her name to include on a report as the deputies prepared to leave. Massey was searching her purse for ID when Grayson pointed out a pot over a flame on the stove.

Massey quickly went to the stove, moved the pan toward a sink and asked Grayson, Where are you going? He had stepped back and remained in the living room of the small home, separated from her by a cluttered counter.

Grayson and Massey chuckled as he replied, Away from your hot, steaming water. Massey then unexpectedly said, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, prompting Grayson to pull his 9 mm pistol and tell her, You better (expletive) not or I swear to God Ill (expletive) shoot you in your (expletive) face.

He repeatedly yelled at Massey to put down the pot. She apologized and ducked before Grayson fired three times, striking Massey once in the head.

Who was Sonya Massey?

The mother of two  17-year-old Malachi Hill Massey and 15-year-old Jeannette Summer Massey  was from a large family with many cousins who thought of her as a sister.

She was loving, caring. Her cousins  she loved her cousins, Malachi said. She was just a ball of energy. Wed go anywhere; if she wanted to talk to someone, shed go talk to them. She was just a loving person. She always helped people, too.

Massey, who was unemployed, had struggled with mental illness and undergone treatment. That might explain her puzzling statement to Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, according to the familys lawyer, Ben Crump. But it also speaks to her strong religious faith, he said.

What is Sean Graysons background?

Grayson, 30, graduated from North Mac High School in Virden, 27 miles south of Springfield, in 2013, according to defense attorney Daniel Fultz at last weeks hearing. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2014 until a general discharge in 2016.

According to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Grayson joined the police ranks in August 2020 with the first of six jobs in four years, three part-time and three full-time. The Associated Press has requested his employment records from the central Illinois agencies in public records requests.

In a July 2020 employment application to the Pawnee Police Department, he said he was a mechanic and performed vehicle maintenance and recovery in the Army.

I am a very hard worker and fast learner, Grayson wrote in the employment application. I am looking for a department to give me a chance to show what I can do. I am a team player and great communicator.

He also wrote that he also worked as a security guard at a hospital, as a landscaper and spent three years working at a fitness center.

He joined the sheriffs department in Sangamon County, population 196,300, in May 2023. He was fired last Wednesday, the day he was indicted.

What charges were filed?

A grand jury indicted Grayson on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. If convicted, he faces prison sentences of 45 years to life for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct.

He is being held in the Menard County Jail without bond. He pleaded not guilty and his defense attorney has declined to comment on the case.

What have prosecutors said?

In last week's court hearing, First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers said the distance between Grayson and Massey negated any perceived threat and he had a lot of options aside from firing his weapon if he believed he was in danger.

At no point did this defendant show anything but callousness toward human life, said Rodgers, adding that Grayson clearly dismissed his training as a law enforcement officer.

Masseys home in the Cabbage Patch neighborhood, named for a huge cabbage farm there more than a century ago, has an open floor plan with the living room divided from the kitchen by a counter. The video shows Grayson in the living room with Massey on the other side of the counter, several feet away.

On the video, Grayson is heard justifying his actions by saying, What else do we do? Im not taking hot (expletive) boiling water to the (expletive) face. He's also heard telling arriving officers that Massey came at me" and called her crazy.

Associated Press writer Corey Williams contributed from Detroit.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that left another man dead in the Seventh Ward on July 17.

The New Orleans Police Department reported officers responded to the 1400 block of North Claiborne Avenue around 2:19 a.m., where they found an unresponsive man inside a home with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

New Orleans police searching for car in fatal I-610 crash

The Orleans Parish coroner later identified the victim as 50-year-old Eric Gary.

(WGNO/Pat Thomas)

(WGNO/Pat Thomas)

Following an investigation, NOPD officers and the Louisiana State Police arrested 32-year-old Alton Whittey in connection with the shooting on Monday, July 22.

Man arrested in connection with Ponchatoula fatal shooting investigation

Whittey faces a charge of second-degree murder.

Anyone with information about the fatal shooting can call NOPD Homicide Section detective Donald Willyard at 504-658-5300.

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.
By Stanley Widianto and Martin Petty

(Reuters) -The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN met in Laos on Wednesday as it seeks to advance a stalled bid to resolve a crisis in Myanmar and cool tensions in the South China Sea, days ahead of a gathering of top diplomats from the world's biggest powers.

The meeting of the foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be followed by two summits in Laos on Saturday set to address key global issues that will be attended by officials from the United States, European Union, Japan, China, Russia and more.

ASEAN's foreign ministers will discuss so far fruitless efforts to end a crippling conflict that has morphed into a civil war in military-run Myanmar that the United Nations says has displaced 2.6 million people.

ASEAN's biggest members, including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, are frustrated by the junta's unwillingness to honour its commitment to dialogue, which has tested the bloc's credibility and the viability of a peace plan agreed months after a 2021 coup.

It is unclear what progress, if any, Laos has made as chair of the bloc in furthering previous chair Indonesia's outreach to Myanmar's generals and its armed opposition.

A troika of Indonesia, Laos and next year's ASEAN chair Malaysia discussed on Wednesday ways to implement the bloc's five-point peace plan, but it was unclear if any new approach was agreed.

Malaysia's foreign ministry said views were exchanged on moving it forward, without elaborating, while Indonesian diplomat Ngurah Swajaya, who attended the meeting, told Reuters the troika agreed to ensure the continuity of the plan, particularly on delivering humanitarian aid and "pushing for inclusive national dialogue".

The Indonesian official said, however, the three countries would not object if other nations pursued initiatives on the Myanmar crisis in support of the ASEAN effort.

TENSIONS AT SEA

ASEAN is expected to push for the finalisation of a protracted code of conduct with Beijing on the South China Sea, an idea hatched in 2002 and in motion since 2017, with years spent agreeing on conditions for negotiating its contents.

There is renewed urgency amid persistent confrontations between Beijing and the U.S.-backed Philippines around disputed reefs inside Manila's exclusive economic zone, with Manila and Washington accusing China's coastguard of hostile actions.

China has insisted Philippine vessels are encroaching on its sovereign territory and has accused Manila of deliberate provocations. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Seas, including parts claimed by ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

The Philippines will in Laos propose the creation of an ASEAN Coast Guard Forum between its members to enable dialogue and law enforcement, according to its senior diplomat Theresa Lazaro, a plan likely to rile China.

Indonesia is hopeful a code can be concluded by 2026. Some security analysts doubt a binding or enforceable text can be achieved, however, with some ASEAN states insisting it be based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China says it backs a code, but does not recognise a 2016 arbitral ruling that said its claim to most of the South China Sea had no basis under UNCLOS, to which Beijing is a signatory.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will, according to a statement, press for international law to be adhered to in the South China Sea, a conduit for $3 trillion in annual trade, during summits at the weekend that will include Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

They will be joined by counterparts from Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and Russia, among others, at Saturday's East Asia Summit and the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum.

The summits are expected to discuss issues such as the war in Gaza, the conflict in Ukraine, food security, climate change, trade protectionism and North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

(Reporting by Stanley Widianto in Jakarta, Rozanna Latiff in Kuala Lumpur and Karen Lema in Manila; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Alex Richardson)
by Nurul Fitri Ramadhani

JAKARTA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is intensifying efforts to curb illegal imports and dumping practices to protect its domestic industrial sectors.

This move follows a flood of imported goods from neighboring countries that have threatened local manufacturers and caused a slump in domestic industries.

On Monday, Indonesia's Trade Ministry launched the Illegal Import Task Force. This task force is responsible for inventorying problems related to goods subject to import procedures, examining business licenses for specific imported goods, and monitoring products to ensure there are no legal violations.

On Wednesday, the task force began supervising importers and distributors of allegedly illegally imported products and inspecting warehouses where these goods are stored. The operation primarily targets textiles, electronics, footwear, beauty products, fisheries and ceramics.

"We are focusing on supervising importers and distributors, including how they bring goods into Indonesia and the mechanisms at the ports," said Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan on Wednesday.

The push to eradicate illegal imports emerged after Indonesian authorities discovered discrepancies in data on imported goods from Indonesia Statistics (BPS) and the countries of origin. For instance, BPS data showed apparel imports from a country valued at 116 million USD, while the country of origin reported 356 million USD.

"This means that the incoming goods are two to three times larger than recorded. We have also found goods not officially recorded as imported, which we categorize as illegal. This has led to uncontrolled underground transactions," Hasan explained.

He added that illegal imported products are often hard to detect because most sellers and traders do not know the goods they sell are illegally imported. In Tanah Abang market, Southeast Asia's largest textile wholesale center located in central Jakarta, around 90 percent of the products traded are imported, according to the Tanah Abang Market Traders Association.

Dahler Syamsir, chairman of the association, said that there are no less than 8,500 shops in one block and 6,500 stalls in another. Although Minister Hasan assured that authorities would not target retailers or traders and that sellers should not worry, Syamsir said the sellers in the market were still panicked and confused.

"They are confused because they did not know if their products were illegal. One thing for sure, they buy the products legally. We do not even know what is considered illegal goods. Consequently, many shops have closed for fear of raids by the task force," Syamsir said.

Indonesian Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized that the flood of illegal imported products is alarming and that if the government delays action, the local industry will struggle to restart and revive. 
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  After seating a jury late Monday evening, opening statements began first thing Tuesday in the murder trial of Ashley Benefield. The 32-year-old mother and former ballerina is on trial for the shooting death of her estranged husband, 58-year-old Doug Benefield.

During opening statements, attorneys from each side shared a very different story.

Assistant State Attorney Suzanne ODonnell detailed the couples love story which began in 2016. They met at a political event and got married 13 days later.

Mystery teen who showed up at Bradenton fire station identified, safely returned to family

In less than a year, Ashley was pregnant with Dougs child. The couple was also in the process of launching a dance company, a business venture that ODonnell said was Ashleys dream.

All within a year of being married, they have done a vasectomy reversal, gotten pregnant, started a ballet and the ballet has crumbled, ODonnell said.

However, around the time Benefield became pregnant, ODonnell told the jury the relationship took a turn. Benefield moved from South Carolina to Bradenton, Florida to live with her mother due to her morning sickness. From that point, she and Doug never lived together again.

They continued a long distance relationship when she first moved to Florida and continued trying to keep together and communication, but about the same time as the ballet collapses, Ashley Benefield starts complaints against the victim, ODonnell said.

The assistant state attorney said Benefield claimed her husband was poisoning her with heavy metals. She also made other complaints about non-physical domestic violence. Then, ODonnell said the custody battle began.

Residents evacuated after large ground depression opens up under Florida home

This is a long story with a lot of information, but you will see that this was a custody battle, that this mother was going to win at all costs and the cost was the life of Doug Benefield, ODonnell said to the jury.

Ashley Benefields defense attorney Neil Taylor shared with the jury the story of a young woman who was abused and manipulated by Doug Benefield.

Thirty years older than Ashley, he was obsessed with her and he successfully portrayed himself as he was not in an effort to win her hand in marriage, Taylor said. Despite promoting himself as a religious, honorable, and decent human being, Benefield was a manipulative, cunning, and abusive man who insisted, absolutely insisted on control.

Taylor told the jury Doug fired a handgun into a kitchen ceiling in an attempt to get Ashley to stop talking, threw a loaded gun at her, punched their dog in the face, knocking it unconscious, and regularly carried a concealed firearm that was ready to fire.

On September 27, 2020, as Doug was helping Ashley pack up for a move to Maryland, Taylor told the jury threats and intimidation turned to violence.

Must-see video: Breaching whale lands on boat, nearly capsizes vessel

The only thing that is going to have been established here beyond a reasonable doubt is that Douglas Benefield was a violent abuser, Ashley Benefields efforts to placate him was absolutely consistent with what abused women do, especially when a child is involved, and that Ashleys result and resource to deadly force was justified under the circumstances, Taylor said.

The court also heard from Benefields next-door neighbor, John Sant, who she ran to moments after she fired multiple shots at her estranged husband.

As soon as I opened the door, before I could say anything.. she said, He attacked me,' Sant said. At that point, I said, Who? She said, DougHe attacked me and I shot him, he continued.

Sants 911 call was played for the jury. Throughout the call, you can hear the neighbor trying to calm Benefield. As the audio played in court, Benefield looked visibly upset.

Over $96M in illegal drugs offloaded in Florida by Coast Guard

We also heard from Dougs cousin and his now 23-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. Both described the couples seemingly happy relationship while living in South Carolina.

They were just with each other all the time. It was very lovey-dovey. They were very touchy-feely PDAs. Any event with school or extra curricular that I was in, they were together, Eva Benefield said. They never left each other side, she continued.

The state is expected to call forward several more witnesses on Tuesday, including Ashley Benefields mother, who she was living with at the time of the shooting in 2020.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Benefield, if found guilty, could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Its still a win: Even though China lost its sixth consecutive IMO, one of its members, 16-year-old Shi Haojia, won a gold medal in the individual rankings after receiving a perfect score on all six problems in the competition. Shi, a second-year student from Zhejiang province, was reportedly the only student to achieve a perfect score out of the 609 high school students from 108 countries who participated. He is the fourth Chinese competitor to achieve this record, following math genius Wei Dongyi. Meanwhile, the U.S. team's Alexander Wang, 16, from New Jersey, and Jessica Wan, 18, from Florida, placed third and fifth, respectively, in the individual rankings.
ASP: Tennessee men arrested in West Memphis after police chase in stolen car, guns and drugs found

ASP: Tennessee men arrested in West Memphis after police chase in stolen car, guns and drugs found

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.  Two Tennessee men are facing felony charges after Arkansas State Police said they were arrested in West Memphis following a police chase in a stolen car.

According to ASP troopers, a pursuit began Saturday night after witnesses reported that a vehicle was recklessly driving at the Broadway Boulevard and Martin Luther King Drive intersection. Special agents said that the driver was speeding over 100 mph.

Arrest made after North Little Rock pursuit kills 2, injures 2

ASP officials said the chase continued on Interstate 55 South Service Road onto the North Service Road before attempting to flee into an area of the interstate with heavy traffic.

State troopers said they were able to conduct a tactical vehicle intervention to end the pursuit, leading the suspects to run through a nearby field.

State troopers said 23-year-olds Kylan Cunningham and TreVon Burnett were arrested and taken to the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Arkansas State Police arrest truck driver after 45-mile chase on I-40

ASP officials said they found a stolen gun, illegal marijuana and other items inside the car, which was also reported as stolen.

Cunningham is facing several charges, including possession of firearms by a certain person, fleeing, theft by receiving, and criminal conspiracy. Burnett is also facing a theft by receiving and criminal conspiracy charge and several others.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Assault rifle used in robbery of San Fernando Valley 7-Eleven

Armed robbers used an AK-47 to rob a convenience store in Los Angeles San Fernando Valley Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when a red car parked in front of a 7-Eleven store in the 22800 block of Saticoy Street in the Canoga Park area and three masked suspects got out.

Surveillance video shared with KTLA showed the suspects dressed in black inside the store. One suspect could be seen holding the assault rifle and then pointing it at the clerk.

Surveillance video shows a robbery at a 7-Eleven in the Canoga Park area.

The armed robber demanded cash as the other two suspects took snacks, alcohol, cigarettes and water from the store.

A fourth suspect was waiting in the car outside, which fled the location with the robbers after the incident.

The clerk, who did not want to be identified, said he felt lucky to be alive.

Police are searching for the robbers; no suspect descriptions were immediately released.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
ABJM photo

A group of Black judges gathered this past weekend in Lake County in tribute to a pair of pioneers of their profession.

Members of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan (ABJM) gathered at Idlewild from July 19 through July 21 for the Straker/Langster Judicial Education Retreat. Named in honor of D. Augustus Straker, Michigans first Black judge, and Percy J. Langster, Michigans and Americas first Black elected prosecutor, whose elected jurisdiction was Lake County, where the historic African-American community of Idlewild is located.

As early as 1915, Idlewild became a popular vacation place for Black Chicagoans and Detroiters, as well as African Americans from other parts of Michigan, and continues to attract visitors today. It has featured American jazz icons Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie through the years, as well as Motowns own Four Tops.

The theme of the retreat was Honoring Our Trailblazers and Educating Our Future, according to 34th District Court Judge Lisa M. Martin, who also serves as the president of the ABJM, which was founded in 1979.

This theme is a reminder to pay homage to the visionaries who came together to found ABJM and to renew our commitment to prepare the way for those on the path to the bench, said Martin.

The retreat was the first educational program offered by the ABJM since the Michigan Continuing Judicial Education Board approved the group earlier this year as an accredited provider of mandatory continuing judicial education. Those judges who fully attended the retreat received six credits towards those requirements.

The retreat began Friday afternoon with an informal town hall meeting featuring Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement and State Court Administrator Tom Boyd.

The retreat ended with a worship service on Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Idlewild.

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An Au Pair Shot A Man In Her Employers Home. The Twists In The Case Keep Coming.

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A murder trial in a baffling case involving an au pair, her two employers, a visiting stranger and a fetish website has been pushed back to this fall as questions continue to swirl about whether it was self-defense or a premeditated plot.

Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 23, was indicted in April on charges of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Joseph Nathan Ryan, 39, at the Fairfax County home where she lived with married couple Brendan and Christine Banfield, providing child care for their 4-year-old daughter.

When police arrived at the house in the affluent suburb of Washington, D.C., just after 8 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2023, they found Ryans body in the Banfields upstairs bedroom. Ryan had allegedly been shot twice, by different guns, and died at the scene.

But Ryan wasnt the only victim.

Not far from his body, Christine Banfield lay dying. The 37-year-old pediatric nurse had been stabbed numerous times in her upper body, investigators said, and died at the hospital.

She was nude, and Ryan, a stranger to the family, was fully clothed, authorities said.

The Banfields daughter was at home when the killings took place but was physically unharmed, authorities said.

Peres Magalhaes mother, Marina Peres Souza, told the Brazilian news outlet Folha in October that her daughter had acted in self-defense to protect herself and the family. She was shocked by her daughters arrest, she said, because Peres Magalhaes told her the case had been closed several months prior.

They are saying horrible things about my daughter  but its not true. She wouldnt hurt a fly, Peres Souza said.

A July trial was pushed to November as questions remain whether any charges will be filed against Brendan Banfield, a 39-year-old IRS criminal special agent who authorities said also fired at Ryan and initially told a 911 dispatcher he was responsible for the shooting. Authorities have also hinted that he may face charges, and theyve said that he and Peres Magalhaes were having an affair before and after the killings. At one point, they allegedly visited a gun range together.

Prosecutors and the defense are expected to argue before a jury about Brendan Banfields role in the killings and whether the gunshot fired by Peres Magalhaes was self-defense or murder. Also at issue is an account created with Christine Banfields laptop on a website catering to people with fetishes, including BDSM. Both sides agree that the account sent messages to Ryan, arranging a date at the house. But did Christine Banfield write them? Or were they a ruse to lure the man to the house?

Christine Banfield was fatally stabbed in her Virginia home on Feb. 24, 2023, where police also found the body of Joseph Ryan, who had been shot to death. Banfields au pair was indicted in April on charges of second-degree murder in the shooting, but charges have not yet been brought in relation to Banfields death. Christine Banfield / Facebook

The Killings

Authorities said that Peres Magalhaes told police that on the morning of the killings, she was taking the couples daughter to the National Zoo  with tickets purchased by Christine Banfield  when she realized shed forgotten their packed lunches. When she returned to the house, she saw a car outside that she didnt recognize and a man going inside with a bag. She called Christine Banfield, who didnt answer. Next, she called Brendan Banfield, who said he was having breakfast at a McDonalds. He returned to the house,and they went inside together.

Authorities said that Brendan Banfield and Peres Magalhaes told police that they discovered Ryan, whom they did not know, stabbing Christine Banfield. In response, Brendan Banfield told a 911 dispatcher in a call that Peres Magalhaes placed that he had shot Ryan after seeing him stab his wife multiple times, The Washington Post reported.

This was Peres Magalhaes third 911 call that morning, authorities said. She allegedly called twice about 13 minutes beforehand, hanging up both times.

Peres Magalhaess account to investigators differed slightly from Brendan Banfields, a Fairfax County detective testified in the April 1 hearing, according to WTOP.

The detective said she told him she saw Ryan holding a knife to Christine Banfields throat. But she also noted that Christine Banfield was nude.

Authorities said Brendan Banfield used his IRS service weapon to shoot Ryan, striking him near his right eyebrow.

Then he instructed Peres Magalhaes to get another gun, a Glock pistol, from a safe in the bathroom closet and shoot Ryan again, authorities said.

Ryan was on the ground when Peres Magalhaes allegedly told police she shot him in the chest. That shot was fatal, the medical examiner testified.

The Alleged Affair

Prosecutors said Brendon Banfield and Peres Magalhaes, a Brazilian national, were having an affair before the killings, The Washington Post reported.

In a hearing on April 1 to determine whether Peres Magalhaes would stand trial, prosecutors said that photos of her and Brendon on the au pairs cellphone showed that the affair had been going on for several months before Christine Banfield was killed and that the pair had even taken a trip to New York City together.

So this was not a mild thing that was going on in the home, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Kelsey Gill argued.

When investigators returned to the home on Oct. 13, 2023, before arresting Peres Magalhaes, they found evidence that she was Brendan Banfields girlfriend and live-in lover, NBC4 Washington reported.

Inside the bedroom Brendan Banfield had shared with his wife  and where she and Ryan were killed  police found framed photographs of Brendan Banfield and Peres Magalhaes.

Lingerie was scattered around the bedroom, said prosecutors, who submitted as evidence photos of the bedroom that the police had taken during the search.

Prosecutors added that Brendan Banfield and Peres Magalhaes visited a gun range together two months before Ryans fatal shooting, WTOP reported. Brendan Banfield then returned to the range on Jan. 28, four weeks before the shooting, and bought a Glock pistol. A receipt showed it was the same weapon that Peres Magalhaes allegedly used to kill Ryan.

Days before the killings, prosecutors said, Brendan Banfield and Peres Magalhaes had both replaced their phones with new ones, NBC4 reported.

Role Of Au Pairs

Christine Banfield talked about the special relationship between au pairs and children in a September 2021 Instagram post, in which she called her daughters previous au pair her best friend, her sister, her third parent, her everything.

A lot of people dont understand the aupair program, but this is it right here, she captioned a photo of the former au pair holding her daughter.

It is opening your home and your heart up to someone with big dreams of changing their life while in America, and in the process they changed your life more than you could measure, Christine Banfield wrote.

Peres Souza told Folha that her daughter came to the U.S. from Brazil as part of an au pair exchange program. She said she had applied to extend her visa and lived in the U.S. for two years.

The BDSM Website

Ryan, a virtual stranger, came to the house expecting on the day of the killings to have sex with Christine Banfield, authorities said.

He had been invited there in messages exchanged on a website catering to people involved in sexual fetishes, including BDSM, authorities said.

Prosecutors suggested that he had been lured there by someone using Christine Banfields laptop to create an account on the website.

Ryan came to the Banfields house after making arrangements via that account, said prosecutors, who claimed it was created as a ruse to kill Christine Banfield.

The messages Ryan received from the Christine Banfield account were not written in a way her friends and family would recognize, NBC4 Washington reported.

But Peres Magalhaes attorney, Ryan Campbell, argued in the December bond hearing that it was much more likely that Christine Banfield had arranged the date.

It seems like the easiest to accept  that Joe Ryan communicated with Christine Banfield through a BDSM website, he said, according to WTOP.

The inference that [prosecutors were] trying to make was that it wasnt Christine Banfield who was on the website, he said, according to The Washington Post. It just seems like a difficult thing for me to accept that somebody other than Christine would be going on her computer.

Premeditated Murder?

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis previously called the killings a double murder and hinted that Peres Magalhaes was not investigators sole suspect.

I suspected from the very beginning  and I went to the scene of that double murder  that there was going to be a lot of twists and turns to this investigation. And the twists and turns are still ongoing, he told NBC4 Washington at the beginning of the investigation.

Its my expectation that we will eventually be able to hold more than just one person accountable for this crime, Davis said.

Brendan Banfield was called as a witness in the April hearing but repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, NBC4 reported.

His attorney did not respond to a request for comment from HuffPost.

Referring to Banfield as an adverse witness, Judge Michael J. Lindner observed in the hearing that prosecutors may be playing two prospective defendants against each other, NBC4 reported.

Peres Magalhaess attorney said in court that its been clear from the beginning that Brendan Banfield is the target of the investigations, NBC4 reported.

He has not been charged with Ryans killing. No one has been charged in Christine Banfields death.

Ryans mother, Deirdre Fisher, told WUSA that her son was a kind person with no history of violence.

Joe never, at 39, had ever struck a woman or been violent with a woman. So, this is ridiculous. Its so beyond ridiculous, I cant even tell you, she said.

Like you dont just all of a sudden wake up and decide youre gonna be a killer, Fisher added.

Christine Banfields online obituary guestbook page was flooded with tributes from fellow nurses, relatives and friends praising her dedication to her daughter, her patients and her profession.

I dont think Ive ever met someone more passionate about being a nurse, or a fiercer patient advocate, Rachel Brandstaedter wrote on March 6, 2023. She mentored new nurses and took on every challenge and man was she something to watch in the way she could connect with families. And above all that, my god did she love [her daughter]. This loss is immense. She was such a gift to us all.

HuffPost reached out to the Fairfax County Commonwealths Attorneys Office and Peres Magalhaes defense attorney. A spokesperson for the Fairfax County Police Department pointed HuffPost to the agencys October 2023 press release and said it would not be sharing additional information at this time.

Peres Magalhaes is also charged with the use of a firearm while committing a felony. The trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 12 at Fairfax County Circuit Court.

Related...
DES MOINES, Iowa  In April of 2023, the state of Iowa agreed to a contract with the company Odyssey to administer the educational savings accounts to students and families.

State Auditor Rob Sand and his office released an annual report on Tuesday of recommendations for the Iowa Department of Education. In the audit, the office found that the original contract with Odyssey had been amended in July of 2023. It was also found that the amended contract did not follow its own protocol to approve the amended contract.

The Department of Education has their own specific policies for approving any contract amendments. Its supposed to go to their accounting department. Theres approvals that are supposed to happen, those approvals did not happen, said Auditor Sand, (D). In fact, they only happened just a couple of weeks ago after we had been asking for this documentation for seven months, eight months. We finally got it and they finally went through the approval process close to a year after the amendment was signed. And again, still today, not providing justification for it.

Sand estimated that the amended contract doubled the amount that the state had to pay to Odyssey, around $2.7 million. The ESA legislation also required Odyssey to have an office in the state, and the company used the State Capitol buildings address for that in the report.

Dr. Pickle and Hot Cheeto Float among new drinks at Iowa State Fair in 2024

WHO 13 news reached out to the Department of Education for an explanation to the amended contract not following its own procedure.

Processes can always be improved upon and the Department of Education notified the Office of the Auditor of State that it will have documentation of all relevant approvals at the time of execution moving forward, which was also accepted by the Auditor of State. Heather Doe, Communications Director for the Department of Education

The department further elaborated on why the contract had been amended.

Transaction fees are a common and necessary cost of transferring money through an e-commerce platform. The Department of Education amended its contract with Odyssey to account for transactional fees that would be incurred through the ESA process. Instead of deducting fees from each participating students education savings account, and noting that ESA student funding amounts are defined in statute, the department assumed the cost of the fees on behalf of the state. Heather Doe, Communications Director for the Department of Education

The department explained that the amended contract is still competitive, while adding on the transaction fee clause in the contract that was left out originally. If the amendment had not been added the transaction fees would have fallen on the families using those dollars for private school tuition; but the law was written to have the state eat those costs.

Doe cited that the contract annually for Odyssey would cost $985,000. She compared it to what she said was the only other viable bidder for the ESA contract, Merit, at $3,600,00 annual cost.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Chief of the Milwaukee Police and finalist candidate for Chief of Police position in Austin, Jeffrey Norman, answers questions from host Judy Maggio during a Q&A session and meet-and-greet put on by the City of Austin at the Palmer Events Center, July 23, 2024 to facilitate community engagement in the selection process of Austin's next police chief.

Jeffrey Norman, one of the two finalists to be Austin's next chief of police, said community engagement is at his "core," and if made chief, he would use this strength to build trust and improve relationships with the public.

Norman, the chief of the Milwaukee Police Department, fielded questions from members of the media on Tuesday afternoon. The other finalist, Lisa Davis, an assistant chief from the Cincinnati Police Department, also addressed local media earlier in the day.

Watch the full press conference here or by visiting the ATXN YouTube channel.

More: Lisa Davis, hopeful to be next Austin police chief, aims to boost recruitment, morale

City Manager T.C. Broadnax will select the next chief, although that selection has to be confirmed by the Austin City Council.

The person selected to lead the department will inherit a force with more than 340 vacancies, a continued morale crisis among the officers and a strained relationship with the public.

Whoever is selected will be the Austin Police Department's 11th permanent chief since the department's establishment in 1924.

This will also be the first time since Art Acevedo was made chief in 2007 that someone from outside the organization will be chosen to lead the Austin Police Department.

"You want to have someone who knows what it means to be a change agent, to work on challenges and have positive outcomes," Norman said. "This particular challenge is not new to me."

Recruitment and retention

Norman noted that police departments across the country are facing staffing issues. He stressed a need for the Austin Police Department and local leaders to send a "unified" and supportive message to officers as a way to improve recruitment and retention.

He added that he's an optimist and his "unified message" would be to ensure officers know they're appreciated.

Jeffrey Norman, chief of police for the Milwaukee Police Department, is one of two finalists in the search for Austin's next full-time chief of police.

Decreasing response times

Answering a question about increasing response times in the department, Norman said he would assess whether there are certain types of calls that don't require dispatching an officer as a way to keep more officers ready to respond.

When asked specifically what types of calls he would have officers not respond to, Norman said he would have to explore it further if he were made chief.

"The new crime strategy is collaboration, working together and being meaningful partners," Norman said.

Police oversight

When asked about the Austin Police Oversight Act, and if he would commit to ensuring provisions of the voter-approved initiative would be implemented, Norman said he comes from an "oversight situation."

Last year, voters approved increasing civilian oversight of the Austin Police Department. Since then, activists have said the city and department leaders have not implemented key provisions of the act, leading to a lawsuit that was filed in December.

Norman said that he would have to get "more understanding" as to what the challenges are, but added that "there's always a solution."

"Transparency is hand in hand with me," Norman said. "Where there are opportunities to share and to be able to enlighten our public, it helps us out when we are able to give a little background about what we have to deal with and what we have to do."

Changes to the police academy

Four years ago, the city hired the New York-based consultant firm Kroll to put together a series of reports on how to revamp the Austin police academy. A report from March said more work needs to be done, noting that police leadership would play a key role in implementing those changes.

Norman did not specifically state how he would sustain or implement those changes, but said they are important to changing the culture of the department.

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Who is Jeffrey Norman?

Norman joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 1996 and worked as a patrol officer for more than six years before becoming a detective, according to his resume.

He was made a lieutenant in 2010. In that role he worked for the property crimes and later the metropolitan divisions, before serving as a lieutenant over one of the Milwaukee Police Department's patrol districts.

Norman became a captain of police in 2017, first overseeing the department's inspections division before commanding a district of more than 100,000 citizens where he helped reduce crime, according to his resume.

Three years later, he was promoted to assistant chief, overseeing the criminal investigations bureau and "significantly improved" felony investigations, his resume said. Just months after this promotion, Norman was made interim chief of the Milwaukee Police Department before becoming the permanent chief in November 2021.

As chief, he oversees a department with about 2,200 personnel, a size on par with that of Austin's, and a budget of $330 million. The Austin Police Department's budget for this year was about $477 million.

While the departments are similar in size, Milwaukee's population is smaller than that of Austin, at about 577,000 compared to 980,000.

Broadnax could select the sole finalist by Friday, with the City Council possibly calling a special meeting on July 30 to confirm the city manager's pick, according to a post by Mayor Kirk Watson on the City Council's message board.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Meet Jeffrey Norman, finalist to be Austin's next police chief
Platypus are released back into Sydneys Royal National Park for the first time in over fifty years

By James Redmayne and Jill Gralow

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The world's largest platypus conservation centre has welcomed its first residents as part of a project to protect the semi-aquatic mammal found only in Australia amid threats to its habitat from extreme weather and humans.

The four platypuses - two females and two males - were released over the last two weeks into a custom-built research facility at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, about 400 km (250 miles), northwest of Sydney.

Featuring multi-tiered streams, waterfalls, pools and earth banks for burrowing, the facility will help researchers understand more about the species, Taronga Conservation Society Australia official Phoebe Meagher told Reuters.

"This facility will allow us to not only save the species from the immediate threats of climate change, but also in the long term, be able to repopulate those populations," she said.

"We would love to see some puggles or baby platypus in the facility and understand what led to that reproductive success."

The facility was formed as a partnership between the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the University of New South Wales, the New South Wales state government and wildlife rescue organisation WIRES.

Boasting the bill of a duck, webbed feet and a beaver-like tail, platypus are unique to Australia. The nocturnal mammals lay eggs and live mostly across the eastern seaboard, from the far north of Queensland to the island state of Tasmania, close to rivers and streams whose beds and banks they forage for food.

Platypus numbers may have more than halved over several decades, research models show, but figures are hard to pinpoint. Environment groups estimate the total population between 30,000 and 300,000.

"Sadly, we're not leaving many places left in the wild for platypus," Meagher said.

"So these platypus that we have here ... will really fill those knowledge gaps and allow us to help save this species."

(Reporting by James Redmayne and Jill Gralow in Sydney; Writing by Renju Jose; Editing by Miral Fahmy)
File photo of U.S. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez. (Photo credit: menendez.senate.gov)

Menendez could face a lengthy prison sentence when a judge of the Federal District Court sentences him on Oct. 29.

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who was recently found guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial, said on Tuesday that he would resign from Congress in late August, yielding to intense pressure from Democratic colleagues who urged him to step down.

Menendez officially announced his intention to resign in a letter to New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, who is expected to promptly appoint a replacement who will serve until January.

Menendez, a New Jersey senator and formerly head of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had vowed to appeal the guilty verdict handed down by a federal jury in Manhattan, New York, last week.

However, as his own party quickly moved to expel him, Menendez eventually chose to avoid an ugly fight and resigned with months remaining in his term.

Federal prosecutors in New York previously alleged the Democratic senator accepted bribes in exchange for helping foreign governments. On July 16, a jury convicted Menendez of 16 federal charges including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent and obstruction.

Prosecutors said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered gold bars and over 400,000 U.S. dollars in cash hidden in various locations such as jackets and shoes within his residence.

Prosecutors alleged that in return for the bribes, Menendez assisted in securing millions of dollars in U.S. aid for Egypt.

"This wasn't politics as usual; this was politics for profit," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, whose office prosecuted the case, said in a statement earlier, citing "shocking levels of corruption."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the upper chamber, immediately called on Menendez to resign from the Senate after the conviction.

"In light of this guilty verdict, Sen. Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer said in a statement.

Menendez could face a lengthy prison sentence when a judge of the Federal District Court sentences him on Oct. 29.

"Mr. Menendez's continued presence in Washington would have been a distraction for a party now trying to refocus all its energy on retaining the White House and Senate," The New York Times reported. Enditem.
A search for a missing 83-year-old Victor man is ongoing in Ontario County.

Reginald Vardon was last seen at State Route 96 in the village of Victor on July 15, according to Ontario County Sherriff's Office.

Vardon was seen wearing an orange long-sleeve shirt, black pants, a white baseball cap and a teal backpack, the release stated.

Missing 83-year-old man, Reginald Vardon, last seen on State Route 96 in the Village of Victor, according to police.

On July 19, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Fishers, Victor and Farmington Fire Departments to search the Auburn Trail, where Vardon is known to frequent. Police said the search was met with negative results.

According to police, Vardon is Asian, 5-foot-1,110 pounds, has brown eyes and grey hair.

Anyone who has had contact with Vardon or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call the Ontario County Sheriff's Office at 585-394-4560.

 Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Search continues for missing Victor NY man Reginald Vardon
Authorities in Wisconsin searching for suspect who robbed same bank twice in two-month span

KENOSHA, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in southeastern Wisconsin are searching for a bank robbery suspect who allegedly was involved in two separate robberies of the same financial institution.

According to a release, officers from the Kenosha Police Department are seeking assistance from the community in attempting to identify a bank robbery suspect who robbed U.S. Bank at 1800 22nd Avenue twice.

The first robbery occurred on April 13, 2024, shortly before 10:00 a.m., and the second robbery occurred on July 13, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. During both robberies, the suspect displayed a firearm and demanded cash from the teller.





The Kenosha Police Department says it is committed to public safety and is actively seeking assistance in identifying the suspect.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Brietchaft, Ciskowkski, or Kukowski by calling (262) 605-5203.

No additional details were 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Avelo Airlines announced its largest expansion in history on Wednesday with the addition of seven all-new nonstop routes from Lakeland Linder International Airport.

The new stops will take flight starting on Oct. 24 to the following destinations:

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

Atlanta (ATL)

Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)

Charlotte / Concord (USA)

Hartford, Conn. (BDL)

Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)

Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)

Beginning in late October, well establish a base of operations here at the Lakeland Linder International Airport, Head of Commercial for Avelo, Trevor Yealy, said. The creation of this base means we will have dedicated aircraft living here at Lakeland, there will be local job growth, and well bring even more affordable, reliable air service options.

Avelo is currently the only airline offering nonstop service to these eight popular destinations.

The flights will operate twice a week using the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

Avelo Airlines officials said the success rate after the first flight to New Haven, Connecticut has been great.

Weve carried over 3,300 customers on the 24 flights weve accomplished so far. Which means an average load factor of 95% on every flight, Yealy said.

Credit: Avelo Airlines

Its so exciting that Avelo Airlines has experienced great success with its inaugural flights to and from Lakeland. Whats even more exciting is that our commercial flight partners are already offering additional flight destinations, City of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz added. We have confidence the greater Polk community will continue to support commercial air carriers and Avelo has recognized this desire with the announcement of new non-stop routes from Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said they will be doing a Terminal Area Development Plan to keep up with the growth of their operation.

Its going to identify our terminal needs and its also going to identify our parking needs, she said.

With more places to go, Hallstrand said they are still hunting for a restaurant to put in the airport. Currently, travelers can get snacks and drinks through a vendor.

Were still in the process of soliciting to find the right partner, its just like with Avelo, we needed to find the right partner for our community, we havent found that partner with a restaurant yet, she said.

While they search for a restaurant replacement, everyone at the Airport is buckling up for the new flights to begin in late October and early November.

Hallstrand said around 150 to 200 jobs will be created as they add airplanes overtime.

Visit here to book your next trip or 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 WFLA.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A panel of Nashville judges has called two bail bonding companies to testify before the Court over the matter of an accused murderers bond amount.

The panel called both Brookes Bail Bonding and On Time Bonding to come before the Court on August 15.

The two companies posted the bond for Bricen Rivers, who was indicted in December for especially aggravated kidnapping, one count of stalking and one count of coercion of a witness for the domestic assault of his girlfriend Lauren Johansen.

RELATED: More questions than answers in case of man accused of murdering girlfriend days after bonding out

Rivers was initially held in the Metro Jail in lieu of his $250,000 bond. In April, his bond amount was lowered from $250,000 to $150,000, according to the hearing order. In June, the two bonding companies posted bond worth $75,000 each on his behalf, allowing him pretrial release.

Part of the conditions of his release included electronic monitoring, geographic restriction and no contact with Johansen.

However, days after he was released from jail, Johansen was found murdered and stuffed in the trunk of a car.

SEE ALSO: Court documents outline timeline for accused murderers release

The Court is now looking into the circumstances of his pretrial release, stating there may have been certain irregularities accompanying the bond posting. In order to ensure the reliability of these companies, the Court said, the judges want the companies to come in and answer questions about the bond.

They have made the evidentiary hearing public give the public interest implicated in the case, the panel 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 WKRN News 2.
Sanjida, left, consoles her mother as she breaks into tears after receiving the dead body of her son, who was shot during a clash between the police and anti-quota protesters, at a morgue in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, July 22, 2024. Internet and mobile data services are still down despite apparent calm in Bangladesh following a verdict that scaled back a controversial quota system for government jobs after weeks of relentless protests that turned deadly. (AP Photo/Anik Rahman)

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Bangladesh was crawling back to normalcy with limited internet and office hours Wednesday after more than a week of chaos triggered by student protests over government job quotas. Nearly 200 deaths were reported in just over a week of violence.

Most of the country remained without internet access, but thousands of cars were on the streets of the capital Dhaka after authorities relaxed a curfew for seven hours.

Offices and banks opened for a few hours Wednesday, while authorities restored broadband internet in some areas in Dhaka and the second-largest city of Chattogram. Authorities said the curfew would continue in Dhaka and elsewhere until the situation improves.

Since July 16, at least 197 people have been killed in violence, the leading Bengali-language Prothom Alo daily reported Wednesday. The Associated Press could not confirm the death toll from any official sources.

Mohammad Ali Arafat, the country's junior minister for information and broadcasting, told a news conference on Wednesday that official casualty figures would be announced after a judicial inquiry. He said a committee had been formed with a Supreme Court judge as its head to look into it.

He made the remarks to reporters as they visited the site of arson and destruction at the state-run Bangladesh Television headquarters in Dhaka.

While the government has pledged student protesters would not face legal action or harassment, media reports said that nearly 2,700 people had been arrested in recent days across the country. Many of the detainees, including opposition supporters, were sent to prison pending further legal procedures as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged that perpetrators would face justice.

Schools and other educational institutions have remained closed until further notice.

Clashes have taken place since July 15 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 chaos became deadly after the countrys main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and right wing Jamaat-e-Islami party extended their support to the protests. While violence spread across the country, many government establishments were also under attack in Dhaka.

On Sunday, the Supreme Court ordered that the 1971 war veterans quota be cut to 5%. Thus, 93% of civil service jobs will be merit-based while the remaining 2% are reserved for members of ethnic minorities as well as transgender and disabled people.

On Tuesday, the government issued a letter accepting and widening a Supreme Court ruling that reformed the quota system for government jobs. Hasina's government welcomed the ruling and said it was ready to implement it.

The protesters took time to respond to Sundays decision, and on Tuesday they said the Supreme Court decision and the subsequent government circular were in favor of the protesters, but the government should answer for the bloodshed and deaths involving the protests.

The protests have posed the most serious challenge to Bangladeshs government since 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 who fought, who died and the women who were raped and tortured in 1971 deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation.

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.

On Wednesday, the government relaxed the curfew from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and opened offices and banks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. while garment factories that export mainly to Western countries also opened. Some major roads in Dhaka were clogged with traffic.

Law Minister Anisul Huq has repeatedly said that the violence became grave as the armed cadres of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and right wing Jamaat-e-Islami joined the protests and attacked many government installations including the headquarters of the state-run Bangladesh Television, two toll plazas of a flyover and an expressway, two stations of metro rail in Dhaka. Hundreds government-owned vehicles were also torched.

The headquarters of the main opposition party was raided and sealed off. Police said they recovered sticks and iron rods and locally made weapons from the opposition partys headquarters in Dhaka.

Bu Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition, rejected the allegations and blamed the government for the huge number of deaths.

On Tuesday night, authorities restored only broadband internet service partially in Dhaka and Chattogram after six days, said Zunaid Ahmed Palak, junior minister for Information Communication Technology.

He blamed the protesters, calling them miscreants, for the days of internet outage as a main data center was set on fire and fiber optic connections were cut. He said the internet would gradually be restored across the country, but for now corporate businesses, banks, diplomatic zones and some other areas would get internet access.

On Wednesday, Palak said internet users would have broadband access at home by nighttime but that social media sites including Facebook and Instagram would not likely be back online for days. Palak had earlier asked people to trust mainstream media rather than social media, and not to believe rumors.

This comes after a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order was installed days earlier and military personnel could be seen patrolling the capital and other areas. Authorities said about 27,000 soldiers were deployed across the country to assist in the civil administration maintain law and order.
(Bloomberg) -- Bangladesh relaxed a nationwide curfew after deadly protests last week, allowing the key garment export sector and banks to reopen as the government tries to get the economy back on track and stem the declines in foreign exchange reserves.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan announced the new measures after assuring garment factory owners of the security situation in a meeting in Dhaka Tuesday night. The authorities lifted the curfew from 10am to 5pm local time for Wednesday and Thursday and soldiers were still on the streets, diverting traffic from key government buildings.

Banks reopened and the Dhaka stocks fell the most in three months over the unrest. Broadband internet was restored in parts of Dhaka including diplomatic enclaves and commercial zones. Monitoring service Netblocks said social media and mobile data restrictions remained in place after the protests left more than 170 people dead.

The economic damage from the protests and the curfew over the past week has hit 100 billion taka ($850 million), according to initial industry estimates compiled by Bloomberg News. Its a significant setback for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government is negotiating with the creditors and the International Monetary Fund to bolster foreign-exchange reserves that have fallen to $21.8 billion last month.

The unrest, which stemmed from a controversial government jobs quota system, has affected the garments sector the most. It accounts for more than 80% of Bangladeshs exports and contributes about a tenth of Bangladeshs gross domestic product.

While the nations top court ruled to roll back much of the jobs quota system to placate the student protesters, the heavy-handed response from the government to quell the demonstrations has drawn criticism from the US, the biggest buyer of Bangladesh-made garments.

The government should refrain from acts of violence against peaceful protesters, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, told reporters in Washington. We also remain deeply concerned by reports of ongoing telecommunications disruptions across the country.

Security forces arrested about 3,000 people in the past week for their alleged roles in arson attacks and vandalism on property, including the state-run television building, a metro station, and countless government-owned cars, according to a count by the Prothom Alo newspaper.

Hasina blamed the opposition for capitalizing on the student protests and carrying out militant-like attacks after the court ruling. The unrest is the deadliest since Hasina extended her grip in power for a fourth term in elections in January.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, said his group had nothing to do with the violence.

While Hasina has overseen one of the fastest growing economies in the world and helped to lift millions out of poverty, critics argue that those achievements are overshadowed by her authoritarianism. They say the 76-year-old leader has used state institutions to stamp out dissent and stifle the media, something she denies.

Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, who faces time in prison and is seen as Hasinas rival, had called on world leaders and the United Nations to help end the violence against those who are exercising the right to protest.

Hasinas government hit back against Yunus a couple of days later.

He has nowhere in the statement condemned the attack on the property of the state and people, but rather sought the intervention of foreigners in whats going on in Bangladesh, which is an act of treason, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said.

--With assistance from Karl Lester M. Yap.

(Updates throughout)

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Insights from Al Jazeera, Rest of World, The Diplomat, and BBC

The News

Limited internet connectivity appeared to be restored in Bangladesh as of Wednesday, after several days of a blackout that business leaders had criticized as hurting the countrys already struggling economy and human rights advocates said was stifling information getting in or out the country. Some offices and banks also opened for a few hours during the day as a government-imposed curfew was partially lifted.

The government had imposed the measures after weeks of student-led protests against job quotas that demonstrators said unfairly privileged allies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Most of these have since been scrapped by the countrys Supreme Court. Nearly 200 people have been killed and thousands detained during the unrest, The Associated Press reported. Protest leaders have called a hiatus in the demonstrations, calling on the government to lift all the restrictions and free protesters.

But experts cautioned that while the quotas sparked the unrest, the protests are part of a broader movement that could determine the countrys political future  and pose a major challenge for Hasina.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Bangladeshs already-struggling economy has suffered significant losses

Sources: Al Jazeera, Rest of World

Bangladeshi business leaders estimated that the protests and the subsequent government crackdown have caused losses worth $1.2 billion in five days, a cost felt particularly in its garment exports sector, Al Jazeera reported. Vandalism and arson attacks have also caused significant damage, including to the capital Dhakas metro system and the state broadcaster headquarters. The nationwide internet shutdown has been devastating for the Bangladeshi tech sector, Rest of World wrote, which generates $1.4 billion yearly in exports to about 80 countries. Tech workers were left feeling helpless, the outlet added. The internet is a basic human right now and we are deprived of that, one worker said.

Hasinas government rests on a foundation of intimidation

Sources: BBC, The Diplomat, Reuters

Sheikh Hasinas administration has taken an increasingly authoritarian turn, alienating vast portions of society, an expert who studies authoritarianism in Asia told the BBC. In her 15 years in power, Hasina has projected an image of stability and growth that has largely been achieved by quashing dissent, but cracks are starting to show, an economist argued in The Diplomat. Hasinas fourth election victory in January this year was marred by allegations of vote rigging, and shes become known for her fierce intimidation of her political opponents. Indeed, she has blamed the protests and ensuing violence on the opposition, saying that she was forced to impose a curfew. Some student protesters have reported being detained and tortured, but officials have denied knowledge, the BBC reported.

Protests could shape the future of the country

Sources: The Diplomat, Scroll.in

The recent protests are a symptom of a broader political shift in Bangladesh, and have plunged the country into its most severe political crisis in years, an economist wrote in The Diplomat. The governments crackdown triggered an almost immediate backlash, including from groups who have no clear interest in scrapping the jobs quota. That broad participation shows the movement is a reflection of deep-seated societal discontent, and not a single issue  and that more people feel emboldened to speak out now. That willingness might be a sign for Sheikh Hasina that even authoritarian regimes have an inherent expiry date, Indian independent news outlet Scroll wrote.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with the President of the Central American Parliament Silvia Garcia in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator, Zhao Leji, held talks with the President of the Central American Parliament, Silvia Garcia, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that in August last year, the Central American Parliament made a historic decision to revoke the permanent observer status of Taiwan's legislative body and accept the NPC as a permanent observer. This again shows that the one-China principle is the universally recognized norm of the international community, the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times.

Over the past year, the exchanges and cooperation between China's NPC and the Central American Parliament have been solid and effective, with good development momentum. Zhao said the visit of the Central American Parliamentary delegation to China will further enhance the level of exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

China is ready to work with the Central American Parliament to map out the direction of cooperation and lay a solid foundation for the steady growth of bilateral relations, he said.

Zhao urged the two sides to consolidate political mutual trust continuously. He added that China highly appreciates the Central American Parliament's adherence to the one-China principle and will continue to firmly support the Central American Parliament's efforts in strengthening dialogue among member states, promoting common development, upholding multilateralism and advancing regional integration.

The two sides need to step up exchanges at multiple levels and through multiple channels, promote friendly exchanges and cooperation, strengthen policy communication and experience sharing on high-quality development, poverty reduction and poverty alleviation, ecological and environmental protection, carry out cooperation in political parties, humanities and local governments, and jointly promote the development of relations between China and regional countries, Zhao said.

He added that both sides must also strengthen coordination in multilateral organizations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Latin-American Parliament to jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and is the core of China's interests, Zhao stressed. He called on the Central American Parliament to continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle, oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence," and support the Chinese government's efforts to achieve national reunification.

Zhao also provided relevant information on the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He added that China is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with the Central American Parliament on issues such as reform, opening up, and modernization and contribute to the development of respective countries and regions.

Garcia and members of the delegation said that establishing friendly relations between the Central American parliament and China's NPC in August last year is the aspiration of the people and is of historic significance. Strengthening solidarity and cooperation between Central American countries and China is conducive to seizing opportunities and achieving development and prosperity.

The Central American Parliament adheres to the one-China principle and supports China's efforts to achieve national reunification. It is willing to learn from China's development experience, deepen exchanges with China's NPC, and help regional countries and China cooperate in politics, economy, culture, education, renewable energy and other fields, and promote South-South cooperation, they said. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with the President of the Central American Parliament Silvia Garcia in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
A new DOJ Inspector General report on a bizarre 2020 episode in which the Trump DOJ retracted its sentencing recommendation for Trump impresario Roger Stone reveals in part how much senior officials from that era dont want to discuss it.

In February 2020, federal prosecutors asked a judge to sentence the longtime Trump ally to between seven and nine years in prison for obstruction, false statements, and witness tampering charges in the Mueller investigation. But after Trump tweeted angry complaints, prosecutors took the virtually unprecedented step of criticizing themselves and backtracking on what they had asked for: the earlier sentence recommendation was excessive and unwarranted, prosecutors said, and they would defer to the judge without making a recommendation.

The episode was seen as potentially one of the clearest instances of political interference and overreach by the Trump DOJ, with senior department leadership overruling the recommendation put forth by the line prosecutors who worked on the case. The main beneficiary of the change was Stone, a veteran Republican political operative who worked closely with Trump to help him win the 2016 presidential election.

Per the OIG report released on Wednesday, the watchdog concluded that the involvement of Attorney General Bill Barr and other senior DOJ leader in the case was highly unusual. Then-interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy Shea exhibited ineffectual leadership, the report found, fighting words from the inspector general.

But the report fell short of substantiating the allegation that Trump asked for Barr to intervene. It found that Barr had articulated his position about what the sentencing recommendation should be before Trump tweeted and before the initial recommendation was filed.

Its not entirely clear how far the inspector general was able to go outside of certain DOJ officials and whatever records were preserved and identified by the investigation. Barr, the watchdog said, refused to sit for an an interview. Other senior DOJ officials, including then-Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, the then-DOJ public affairs director, and one of the line prosecutors also refused interviews. The report does not say if any effort was made to contact Trump.

With all of that in mind, the OIG said that the investigation found no documentary or testimonial evidence of improper political considerations or influence in the sentencing recommendations.

Whats left is a story of miscommunication that at least partly elides the still-lingering questions of corrupt political influence and encroachment on DOJ independence.

Shea, the report found, met with Barr before the initial sentencing recommendation was filed on the day that it was due before the court. The two spoke about the filing  already out of the ordinary for an attorney general  and Barr said that he thought the result dictated by the sentencing guidelines was high, disproportionate, and inflated.

From there, Shea purportedly told Barr that line prosecutors on the Stone case could resign depending on what sentence they were instructed to make to the court by their superiors.

It was going to be a publicity thing, Shea told Barr, per the report.

At that point, the report says, Shea had a gap in his memory: He recalled saying that line prosecutors might resign, but did not remember how Barr reacted to that possibility.

Instead, Shea recalled, Barr said that they should defer to the court. In essence, that would mean prosecutors would not make a sentencing recommendation to the judge.

Shea then told investigators a few illuminating things about what he believed Barr had said. Per the report, Shea walked away from the conversation thinking both that Barr had merely expressed his own belief and had not given him a direction; at the same time, Shea told investigators, he was sure that Barr believed that Shea would nevertheless defer to the court.

Per another witness, Barrs then-Chief of Staff Brian Rabbit, Shea in fact told Barr that he would ask line prosecutors if they could ask for a shorter sentence and defer to the court  an offer that Barr purportedly accepted. Barr himself later told the House Judiciary Committee that he believed he decided at the meeting to defer to the judge.

Regardless of the specifics of what took place, the diverging accounts point to the same reality: Senior political leadership at DOJ was, the report says, doing something highly unusual. The attorney general had chosen to personally participate in a decision typically left to line prosecutors, in this case involving the sentencing of a close ally of the President.

After prosecutors filed a sentencing recommendation that went against Barrs request in favor of what the sentencing guidelines dictated, Trump began to tweet. He called the sentence disgraceful! and a horrible and very unfair situation.

The next day, Barr held a meeting with senior leadership at which he expressed surprise and frustration. At one point, someone brought up Trumps tweets, and the air almost went out of the room.

Officials discussed whether asking for a lower sentence would be seen as coming in response to Trumps tweets, but any attempt at moderation was flatly rejected, per the report.

Its a bizarre situation: Barr, handpicked by Trump to be attorney general largely because of his opposition to the Mueller investigation, had pushed for a lower sentence for a close ally of Trumps out of a belief that the underlying charges were not as serious as prosecutors believed. When Barr moved to override prosecutors decision, that was ignored, prompting angry, public statements from Trump, thereby making it more difficult for Barr to accomplish what he initially intended: asking a judge to give a Trump ally a lighter sentence.

Weeks later, Barr told ABC that Trump needed to stop tweeting.

I cannot do my job here at the department with a constant background commentary that undercuts me, he said.
BARTON COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW)  The Barton County Health Department is searching for more ways to help its residents access mental health resources.

The county is encouraging all residents to fill out a quick survey with questions designed to help health professionals better understand who is in need and how to better address those needs.

The survey consists of 12 personal questions all related to mental health. The survey can be filled out anonymously.

Barton County Health Department Director Karen Winkelman believes that learning more about the needs of Barton County residents will go a long way.

Watering too much? Wichita puts out call to action

Just looking at the answers to those questions and looking at the age group or the occupation or looking at what their barriers are can maybe help identify some ways to remove those barriers for them, said Winkelman.

Health professionals in the county are preparing to take action based on the results they receive. The department is already taking measures to help some residents in need, particularly those working in the agriculture industry.

The agricultural community is a big part of our rural community here, and there are a lot of suicides, unfortunately, in that population. At this point, we are looking at identifying farmers, maybe agricultural workers who can help us to reach out to those individuals and to provide them with trainings and the ability to have conversations with others, said Winkelman.

To access Barton County health resources, visit their website here.

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On Tuesday, the BBC annual report was published and, inevitably, questions followed about employee salaries, and what the director general Tim Davie was going to do about all those tawdry Strictly Come Dancing allegations. Yet my interest was piqued by the reports lack of any real mention of the arts. The BBC Proms in Gateshead was held up as a shining example of the corporations commitment to provide value for audiences across the UK. A documentary about the Northern Irish poet Michael Longley was highlighted as a sign that the BBC is serving the regions. But nothing in the report convinced me that the BBC, once the home of the best arts programming in the world, was honouring its Reithian principles.

Then a post on social media by the art historian Bendor Grosvenor drew my attention to something I never realised  and it is shocking. Last year, Ofcom (the regulatory body for broadcasting) reformed the BBCs operating licence and one of those reforms was that the corporation no longer has to fulfil a quota of arts and music broadcasting. Previous reports proved that the BBC was falling short of providing enough culture content, but now that it is not obliged to provide any (on TV), it feels like arts programmes could be quietly put out to pasture.

Ofcom does say that the BBCs online and TV services must provide a broad range of output covering different genres and content types, including music, arts, religion, ethics and other specialist factual content, but gosh, there is so much to unpick here. Referring to the arts as specialist is, for one thing, horrifically ignorant. In addition, nowhere is the onus on the corporation to provide anything new. Certainly, if you look at iPlayer, you can wallow in the BBCs extensive archive, but the arts are not something to be preserved in aspic. They are living and ever-evolving, and in fact contribute 10.8 billion a year to our economy.

Certainly, culture vultures like me have been feeling the pinch this year. The only major new TV arts commission (as far as I am aware) is Rob and Rylans Grand Tour which, to my mind, is a bit like watching an episode of Kenneth Clarks Civilisation had it been produced by Aaron Spelling.

Perhaps the problem is that the corporation is terrified of elitism, and as a result is reluctant to commission anything that smacks of erudition. Ofcom also stated: The BBCs strategy is designed to help it deliver this type of content [arts and music] to a broader audience. Our research has consistently shown that the BBC struggles to meet the needs of some audiences, including those in lower socio-economic groups, and this is a priority area for improvement. Which is another way of saying, we dont think working-class people really understand culture, so lets get Roman Kemp to do a show on why Beethoven is so hot right now.

Anyone from any background could watch a documentary: Kenneth Clark filming for Civilisation - BBC

Assumptions that anyone who eats their peas with a knife isnt interested in the arts is a patronising, very English fallacy. Yet the BBC used to fulfil their arts remit so that anyone from any background could watch a documentary on Stevie Smith. TV was the great social leveller, that could make us all equal in our interests.

By cutting its arts programming, you could conclude that the BBC is denying a cultural education to those who havent been to a smart school, or who cant afford to attend opera houses or theatres regularly. There is also the problem of geography. We know that certain areas of the UK do not have enough access to live cultural events and so the BBC should be made to provide a quota of live broadcasts. We have the Proms, which feel like the last bastion of true public service broadcasting, but the remit should be expanded to other art forms.

The BBC remains committed to broadcasting every one of the Proms on Radio 3 - BBC / Chris Christodoulou

Talking of the Proms, the corporation does remain committed to broadcasting every one on Radio 3, and for that we should be thankful. But I worry more about the future of radio arts programming, as the spoken word stuff migrates from Radio 3 to Radio 4. Will those sinuous, brilliantly argued documentaries that once illuminated the classical music channel really find a home on its sister station?

In an interview with The Telegraph last week, Lord Bragg, Britains most influential advocate for the arts  whose Art Matters aired on Sky last night  said that no one at the BBC has the guts to fight back when arts programmes are cut. I hope that those who can wield power at New Broadcasting House were listening because now is the time to fight back as the situation has become critical.

A new study by the University of Warwick, The State of the Arts, was released this week and gave sobering statistics for arts provision and education in this country. Regarding real-term culture spending per person in the UK, we are ranked 25th in Europe (just behind Slovakia). The BBC, and indeed Ofcom, must realise that they have a serious duty. The arts arent some kind of frippery, they are not a palate cleanser for lifes more serious issues. Culture is the essence of who we are as human beings, and a life without it is unthinkable.

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Beijing and Manila made a deal in the South China Sea. But theyre already at odds over what was agreed

An interim deal to smooth deliveries to Philippine marines marooned on a ship at a hotly disputed reef in the South China Sea appears to be in doubt after Manila and Beijing gave opposing accounts over what they had agreed to.

Fears of a conflict with global implications have risen in recent months following a series of increasingly violent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine ships at Second Thomas Shoal in the contested Spratly Islands, where Manila grounded a navy ship in 1999 to press its claims.

Following de-escalation talks, Manila and Beijing both said they had reached a provisional arrangement on the resupply of necessities to Philippine marines stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre  without either side conceding their maritime claims.

But analysts were skeptical about whether the temporary deal would hold after the two sides provided conflicting details of what their agreement entails.

Heres what you need to know.

Whats in the deal?

Neither Manila nor Beijing has released the text of the temporary agreement reached on Sunday to cool tensions at the reef, known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines and Renai Jiao in China, which is located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday that Beijing had agreed to allow Manila to resupply its personnel on the Sierra Madre with living necessities in a humanitarian spirit.

Those resupply missions could only take place if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted, spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news briefing.

China will monitor the entire resupply process, she added.

Those remarks met pushback in Manila.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement on X that the country would continue to assert its rights in the South China Sea, noting the provisional agreement with Beijing had been reached without compromising national positions.

Therefore, the Chinese statement regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate, the DFA said.

The Philippines made the deal in good faith, was ready to implement it, and urged China to do the same, the statement added.

The dilapidated BRP Sierra Madre ship of the Philippine Navy is anchored near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea. - Ritchie A. Tongo/Pool/Reuters/File

How did we get here?

Beijing claims indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea, and most of the islands and sandbars within it, including many features that are hundreds of miles from mainland China. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also hold competing claims.

In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a landmark maritime dispute, which concluded that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea.

China has ignored the ruling: Manila says Beijing continues to send its maritime militia and coastguard vessels to Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoal in the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

Under President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr, the Philippines has taken increasingly assertive steps to protect its claim to shoals in the South China Sea, leading to several confrontations off the Philippine islands.

They include standoffs between Chinese boats and tiny wooden Philippine fishing vessels; Chinese attempts to block the resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre with water cannons; and a bold move by a lone Filipino diver armed with a knife to sever a massive floating Chinese barrier.

In a major escalation on June 17, the Philippines and China blamed each other for a clash near Second Thomas Shoal in which a Philippine serviceman lost a thumb.

Footage released by the Philippine military showed Chinese coast guard officers brandishing an axe and other bladed or pointed tools at the Filipino soldiers and slashing their rubber boat, in what Manila called a brazen act of aggression.

The clash took place just weeks after President Marcos warned that the death of any Filipino citizen at the hands of another country in the South China Sea would be very close to an act of war.

Whats at stake?

The resource-rich South China Sea is widely seen as a potential flashpoint for global conflict, and Western observers say tensions could erupt if China, a global power, decides to act more forcefully against the Philippines, a US treaty ally.

Washington and Manila are bound by a mutual defense treaty signed in 1951 that remains in force, stipulating that both sides would help defend each other if either were attacked by a third party.

The US is not a claimant to the South China Sea, but says the waters are crucial to its national interest of guaranteeing free passage through seas worldwide.

The US Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, saying the US is defending every nations right to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.

Beijing denounces such operations as illegal.

In remarks at the Aspen Security Forum on July 19, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States would continue to support the Philippines and stand behind them as they take steps to resupply the Sierra Madre.

The most important thing right now is to see de-escalation and to see the ability of the Philippines to do resupplies. We believe that is achievable, and were going to drive to make that happen, Sullivan said.

A close up view taken on March 29, 2014 of the BRP Sierra Madre beached near the Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. - Erik de Castro/Reuters/File

What happens next?

Analysts have cast doubt on whether the temporary deal between Manila and Beijing will ever be implemented.

Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said both sides may have withheld the written details to allow them to save face  and their differing interpretations could undermine the agreement.

Well only know for sure when we see how China reacts to the next Philippine resupply mission, he said.

If the resupply gets through unmolested despite the fact that the Philippines certainly wont tell China in advance or allow any inspection of the cargo, then that will be a victory for Manilas strategy over the last two years. And it will certainly be a relief to the United States.

Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at the US-based RAND Corporation think tank, said the deal did not address the underlying territorial disputes and appeared to have failed before it had even started.

The China-Philippines deal is already falling apart, probably because Beijing wishes to keep the appearance of diplomatic engagement while continuing to uphold its bottom line interests  a low-risk and highly effective strategy, he said.

CNNs Isaac Yee contributed to this report.

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Bella Vista, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A new 40-unit apartment complex is about to be built in Bella Vista thanks to Community Development of NWA, a nonprofit organization. Some units will be steeply discounted for people making less than half of the median income in Northwest Arkansas.

The Cottage Lane Village Apartments will have five apartment buildings with eight units. A news release states that all the units will be 873 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms and have a patio. The complex is located on Highway 279 and Lancashire near the Boys and Girls Club and the new Bella Vista District Court.

Eleven units will have steeply discounted rents according to a news release. The 11 units will be reserved for households earning less than half the Northwest Arkansas median income, which was reported in 2022 as more than $73,000. And a workforce rate will offer moderate discounts from the market rents, that most households will qualify for. These discounts are financed by The Walton Foundation and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

Walton brothers buy Bentonville apartments for $34 million

The Cottage Lane Village Apartments project demonstrates our dedication to expanding affordable housing solutions in Northwest Arkansas, said Casey Kleinhenz, executive director of CD NWA. We are proud to contribute to the Bella Vista community and provide more residents with accessible and secure housing options.

The units will be on the south side of The Cottages at Highlands Crossing, senior living duplexes.

The project team includes CORE Architects, CEI Engineering, Krein Development LLC, and CD-NWA. Arvest, Arkansas Development Finance Authority, and The Walton Family Foundation are funding partners.

Walton-owned real-estate business buys 2,700 acres in Bella Vista

Were excited to have included them in this project, Kleinhenz said.

Gyla Waggoner has lived in the neighborhood for seven years.

In the evening we can sit outside and you can see the deer running through the fields and stuff. And its just really quiet, peaceful, Waggoner said.

She says there is a need for housing so she understands why the apartments are being built.

She also says it could bring in more businesses in the area but thinks that the peaceful environment in her neighborhood could change.

The construction is going to be loud, noisy, so thats going to be different too, Waggoner said.

Waggoner says together, they asked the developers to put up a privacy fence to keep the housing separate.

Were older people, [in our] 70s, 80s even some in our 90s, and were not maybe the safest drivers. So I said them getting in our parking lot or anything, its kind of dangerous because kids will run in the parking lot and stuff, Waggoner said.

Bella Vista sees push for formation of school district

She is also concerned about the possible crime that may take place because they are living by themselves.

Breaking into cars or stuff like that and it is because were out here by ourselves and elderly people. And you have kind of a concern, Waggoner said. Im a Christian and I want to be welcoming to everybody and love everybody. But you want to protect yourself, too, Waggoner said.

She says she loves children but they have to think of themselves too.

Kleinhenz says they hear theres a need for more multifamily-type housing and theyre excited to provide more.

Theres a lot of single-family homes in Bella Vista, and not all households are able to do the upkeep for a single-family home, Kleinhenz said.

Kleinhenz says the apartments are really close to the back 40 Trailheads.

Its a really great part of Bella Vista to be in and I would say summer 2025, start reaching out about pre-leasing information, Kleinhenz said.

The groundbreaking for the Cottage Lane Village apartments is on July 30th at 9 am and construction will be finished in 2026 according to Kleinhenz.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Bellingham police were forced to break open a door this week and use a Taser on a man who was attempting to assault a woman with a crowbar at her workplace.

Jeff Orlando Enriquez, 35, broke into the womans office building with the crowbar and swung it at her head around 7:54 a.m. Tuesday, according to Megan Peters with the Bellingham Police Department.

The woman was able to get her hands up to protect her head, and the crowbar hit her palms. She was then able to pull the crowbar away from Enriquez, Peters said.

Using a rope, Enriquez tied the doors closed, preventing the woman from escaping, and police from entering. When police arrived, officers broke the handle the rope was tied to and forced open the door, Peters said. Officers used a Taser to incapacitate Enriquez when he failed to listen to their commands, and he was taken into custody.

The woman had told police about Enriquez earlier that morning when she called 911 at 7:15 a.m. to report he was following and harassing her. When an officer arrived, Enriquez refused to speak with him and drove off, Peters said.

The woman told the officer Enriquez was a former coworker who separated from the company a month earlier. Since then, he had been sending her unwanted texts, phone calls and emails. He had also been following her during her work rounds since he separated from the job, according to Peters.

The woman was in the process of applying for a court-issued no-contact order. She told Enriquez not to contact her and blocked him on all devices.

After speaking with police in the morning, she left the scene and headed to work, where the assault later occurred.

Enriquez was arrested on suspicion of stalking, second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, unlawful imprisonment, third-degree malicious mischief and harassment. He was still in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of Wednesday afternoon.

Resource

Legal Voice (legalvoice.org) offers information and advice for stalking victims in Washington.
A couple from Ben Avon is facing charges after one of them allegedly drowned a baby raccoon.

Ohio Township police were dispatched to Forest Avenue on June 15 for a report of a dead raccoon that needed to be picked up.

The resident said a baby raccoon, that appeared to be rabid, came through the fence.

The call came in that the couple was worried the raccoon would bite one of their children, so the husband, Daniel Gallagher, scooped it up in a shovel and drowned it in a bin, according to the criminal complaint.

Christina Gallagher told police at the scene that the raccoon appeared to have an arched back, couldnt walk and it wasnt scared of them. It was also allegedly lethargic, the complaint said.

Neither Christina nor her husband called the police when the raccoon was initially found, court documents said.

Christina told police the raccoon was trying to leave the yard back to the fence, but they did not want it to leave, so they scooped it into a bin.

According to court documents, police at the scene asked Chirstina about the call coming in reporting the drowning. She said, Well, we put the water in there because we wanted to make sure it was done. Police asked if they drowned the raccoon, to which she said Well, I guess, it seemed already dead.

Drowning is considered inhume, regardless of the nature of the animal, the complaint said. Both Daniel and Christina Gallagher are facing an aggravated cruelty to animal charge.

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Students from Nanchang Yuxin School visit the Nanchang Uprising Memorial Hall in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

NANCHANG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 100 years ago, an uprising in Nanchang, the capital city of east China's Jiangxi Province, marked the birth of the first army under the command of the Communist Party of China, earning Nanchang the title "hero city."

Boasting its old-time glory, Nanchang is undergoing a new era of rejuvenation, emerging as a hub of innovation and land trade. The city's commitment to opening up has breathed new life into its population of over 6.5 million, positioning it as a key player in China's modernization while earnestly preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Staff work at a factory of Lattice Power in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BREAKTHROUGH IN INNOVATION

Innovation is at the heart of Nanchang's development strategy. The LED industry here exemplifies this innovation-driven economic growth, as the local government fully understands that innovation is crucial for unlocking the city's medium and long-term growth potential.

The high-powered silicon substrate-based LED chips, used for display screens, saw China become the third country after Japan and the United States to secure intellectual property rights for blue LEDs, said Wang Qiong, vice director of the strategic development department of Lattice Power, which produces the LED chips.

Lattice Power's LED products boast luminous efficiency on par with the cutting-edge LEDs developed by Japanese and U.S. firms, while having a pricing advantage due to their use of cheaper materials, Wang said.

This technology won the first prize in China's State Technological Invention Award in 2015.

The Nanchang-based company has developed an industrial cluster to produce LED screens for illumination solutions in areas such as aircraft, automobiles and smartphones, and realized an output value growth of about 40 percent in the first half of this year.

Wang said that Lattice Power invests around 10 percent of its annual revenues in research and development, pursuing a high-quality development path with research and talent as its core focus.

An aerial drone photo shows the Nanchang International Land Port in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

OPENING UP TO WORLD

At the forefront of Nanchang's economic opening up is a major land port for international trade. This ambitious project, covering an area of 33.82 square km, has become a crucial link in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The port's success is evident in its rapid expansion of international trade routes. As of 2024, it has launched 23 international freight train routes, connecting Nanchang with over 50 countries and regions.

On July 20, a significant milestone was achieved as the inaugural "Nanchang-Tashkent" freight train set off from the port. The train carried 938 tonnes of goods worth 26.05 million yuan (about 3.65 million U.S. dollars) to Central Asia.

This new route will not only explore new markets for domestic products but also significantly reduce transportation costs for foreign trade businesses, said Chen Wei, a business manager at the port.

More remarkable developments have been made in Nanchang's logistics sector. On July 11, the province's first sea-rail inter-modal train loaded with imported durian from Thailand arrived at the land port. This breakthrough in the cold chain has opened new possibilities for the import of fresh produce and export of local specialties, further integrating Nanchang into the global trade networks, Chen said.

The city's commitment to modern logistics is also demonstrated by the JD Asia No. 1 project in the port area. This comprehensive logistics park, spanning 400 mu (26.7 hectares), with an investment of 2 billion yuan serves as e-commerce giant JD.com's core logistics node. The facility uses advanced technologies, including an AGV intelligent warehouse system, that has increased work efficiency by 70 percent while reducing labor costs by over 60 percent.

Tourists visit the Wanshou Palace cultural block in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

CULTURAL TOURISM

Ahead of China's Army Day, which falls on Aug. 1, a group of eighth-grade students from Nanchang Yuxin School visited the Nanchang Uprising Memorial Hall to learn about the history of the People's Liberation Army.

"After reading the stories of the martyrs, I was deeply moved by their spirit and contribution. They gave me the courage to face the challenges of life head-on," said Xing Renmei, one of the students who hails from Nanchang.

This month, the memorial hall has attracted nearly 10,000 visitors daily, predominantly young people and tourists from other provinces and regions.

As more Chinese tourist attractions seek long-term development by leveraging their cultural and historical resources, Nanchang's future trajectory is thoughtfully aligned with its rich history spanning over 2,200 years.

In the first half of this year, over 32,000 tourists earned free tickets to Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang by successfully reciting the famous verse "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion" by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Bo. This initiative is part of a new campaign launched by Jiangxi, which allows students worldwide to gain free or discounted access to local tourist attractions by reciting designated poems or classics.

Over 190 million trips were made to Nanchang in 2023, up 16.9 percent year on year, which increased tourism revenues by 41.3 percent to 197.78 billion yuan, according to official data.

The booming local tourism extends beyond impressive numbers; it has garnered praise for its role in preserving history and intangible cultural heritage. 
UPDATE: He has been found safe.

Bethel Park police are searching for a missing and endangered 86-year-old man.

Charles Shildel, 86, was last seen wearing a striped shirt, gray pants and black shoes leaving the Lowes in Bethel Park at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Shildel is 6 feet tall and thin with gray hair.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 412-833-2000.

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Open water can look tempting on hot days but swimmers must take care, the Met Office has warned - Andy Soloman/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Met Office has told swimmers to be careful in cold open water when 27C temperatures hit parts of the UK next week.

Temperatures are forecast to climb from Sunday, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has reminded people they should head to beaches overseen by lifeguards if they wish to swim.

The warnings were issued after two boys died this week in open water. Eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead was pulled from the River Arrow, in Alcester, Warwickshire, and a 16-year-old was found in Lodge Farm Reservoir, Netherton, Dudley.

Temperatures peaked at 31.9C in London last Friday, making it the hottest day of the year so far, with much of the country remaining warm as the summer holidays began.

Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office forecaster, said: There are signs that as we get to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will start coming up a bit again.

Early next week maybe around 26C, 27C across central and southern England.

High pressure moves in on Sunday, then pushing eastwards and drawing in warmer air.

Its not like the Mediterranean

He added: At this time of year people head to the beach when the weathers warm or off to local lakes and rivers.

Be mindful that at this time of year the waters still pretty cold, around 16C-18C. Its not like in the Mediterranean where its much warmer.

Mr Dewhurst said there would be outbreaks of rain across the country over the next few days. However, it is set to turn brighter on Friday, with temperatures in parts of southern England possibly hitting 24C, he said.

Sam Hughes, the RNLI water safety manager, said: With the weather looking unsettled, were still expecting people during the school summer holidays to head to coastal locations.

Were reminding people to head for a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you do find yourself in difficulty, remember float to live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing.

Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

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.
Human remains of a person who went missing last year were found in Monroe County Wednesday, according to the Bibb County Sheriffs Office.

The remains of the person, believed to be named Gabriella Dixon, were found near Highway 87 in Monroe County, Bibb deputies said in a press release.

Dixon was reported missing on Oct. 31, 2023.

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office initially responded to a 911 call around 11 a.m. from a construction worker on Highway 87 and Bowdoin Road, according to Anna Watkins, Monroe sheriffs public information officer.

Construction workers who were working in the area led them to a wooden area where human remains were discovered, Monroe deputies said in a media release.

Jatarvius Deangelo Price, 19, was arrested Wednesday as a person of interest and faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. He was taken to the Bibb County Sheriffs Office just before 2:30 p.m., Bibb deputies told The Telegraph.

Bibb and Monroe deputies are working together on the case.

He was also arrested Nov. 17, 2023, and charged with making false statements and tampering with evidence. He made bond on these charges the next day.

Additionally, warrants for Reginald Harris were served today at the Bibb County Jail for the murder of Dixon.

The remains were taken to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to be positively identified, a press release said.
Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was met with both rousing applause and snubs as he addressed Congress on Wednesday for the first time since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Outside the building, thousands of anti-Israel protesters gathered, some of whom became unruly and were pepper sprayed by police.

Netanyahu heckled the protesters right back, suggesting the largely left-leaning demonstrators who have disrupted college campuses and other venues nationwide, are funded by Iran and ignorant about the history of the Jewish state.

You have officially become Irans useful idiots, Netanyahu said in a fiery speech that drew round after round of standing ovations from lawmakers and guests gathered in the gallery of the House of Representatives.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), a Muslim of Palestinian descent, sat in the chamber holding a sign that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other.

More notable than who attended the prime ministers fourth speech before Congress was the paucity of lawmakers, mostly Democrats. Many of them boycotted the controversial leaders speech.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who under the Constitution serves as president of the Senate, declined to preside over the meeting, or even attend, citing a previously scheduled event in Indiana. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray declined in protest, leaving retiring Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) to do the job.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also skipped in protest, along with Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC). Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Steve Cohen (D-TN) also boycotted the speech.

Cohen told the Daily Beast he felt the invitation extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, rather than from a bipartisan group of leaders, was political rather than diplomatic. It was when I read that he was going to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump that I decided I could not go, Cohen said.

Also notably missing from the joint session was Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Donald Trumps vice presidential running mate, who, like Harris, was campaigning.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has called on Netanyahu to resign over his handling of the war in Gaza, where countless numbers of innocent civilians, including children, have been killed, attended. However, Schumer conspicuously avoided shaking Netanyahus hand as he walked past, instead giving only a half nod.

Elon Musk was also there as a guest of the Israeli prime minister, sitting in the upper gallery with Netanyahus wife, Sara Netanyahu, and other invited guests, who included Matt Brooks, the executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, whose late founder, GOP mega donor Sheldon Adelson and his widow, Miriam Adelson, are close personal friends of the controversial prime minister.

Pro-Palestine protesters outside the Capitol building. Umit Bektas/Reuters

A handful of Pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested and taken out of the Capitol, while outside, U.S. Capitol Police reported the crowd became violent and failed to obey our order to move back from our police line, adding, We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.

Netanyahu shouted throughout much of the speech, rallying members of both parties to their feet.

These monsters raped women, they beheaded men, they burnt babies alive, he said. They killed parents in front of their children and children in front of their parents.

Numerous other Democrats said they would be skipping out to send a message. Squad members were among the foremost objectors, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) saying she would not attend because Netanyahu is a war criminal.

Other notable absences included Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Judy Chu (D-CA).

After the address, Rep. Jerrod Nadler (D-NY) called Netanyahus speech fundamentally dishonest.

His interest is to keep the war going as long as possible, Nadler, who is Jewish, told MSNBC after the speech, adding, I dont believe he has any interest in releasing the hostages because that would hasten the end of war.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), a Jewish House member who identifies as a Zionist and represents a heavily Jewish district, told the Daily Beast following the prime ministers speech that she was offended by Tlaibs sign.

I thought it was absolutely inappropriate and unbecoming of a member of Congress, Wasserman Schultz said, and unfortunately par for the course with her. But she described Netanyahus speech as relatively unifying and said she was grateful to hear the Israeli leader thank President Joe Biden.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Utilities install and repair utility poles in tornado-struck Hopkins County in May 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster declaration for Kentucky counties hit by a deadly tornado outbreak and other severe weather in May, opening up applications for individual Kentuckians to apply for federal aid.

A release Wednesday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that federal funding, including money for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, is available to individuals in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren and Whitley counties.

Business owners and residents in disaster-impacted areas can apply for federal assistance through FEMAs website, through FEMAs mobile app or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and local officials in Western Kentucky had pushed disaster survivors to document their damage to increase the chances of FEMA granting individual disaster relief, which isnt guaranteed after a natural disaster. The May tornado outbreak included one EF-3 tornado that tore a similar path to an EF-4 tornado that devastated Western Kentucky communities in December 2021, destroying some homes that were newly rebuilt after the first tornado.

We are once again thankful to President Biden and his administration for approving this funding. This support will be a big help for our families as they recover and rebuild from yet another terrible storm, Beshear said in a statement. As always, we saw our first responders and everyday Kentuckians rally to help each other in those toughest of moments, and that is why I am so proud to be Governor of this great commonwealth.

FEMA also stated local governments and some nonprofits in 55 counties across the state are eligible for assistance to repair damaged facilities.
Biden to explain decision to bow out of race in national address

US President Joe Biden arrives for a welcome ceremony at the G7 leaders' summit at the Borgo Egnazia resort. 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 will deliver a speech from the White House on Wednesday to explain why he bowed out of the race with just over three months until election day.

It will be Biden's first address to the nation since his announcement via social media on Sunday that he had ended his bid for a second term and was handing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden has kept a low profile since last week, when he came down with a Covid-19 infection and went into isolation at his private residence in the state of Delaware.

He called into his campaign headquarters on Monday to urge staffers and volunteers to give "every bit of your heart and soul" to Harris.

During the four-minute phone call, Biden said that while he won't be on the ballot, he will still be "fully engaged" in the last six months of his presidency.

Biden returned to Washington on Tuesday night, after testing negative for Covid-19.

He will speak to the nation from the Oval Office at 8 pm (0000 GMT Thursday).

The president's stunning decision threw the contest into chaos, but also offered Biden's Democrats a chance to change the narrative in the fight against Republican nominee Donald Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House after leaving it in 2021.

In his speech, Biden is expected to tout his accomplishments over the past three-and-a-half years, make the case for a Harris presidency, and warn of the risks posed by a second Trump term.
Biden to explain decision to bow out of race in national address

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 will deliver a speech from the White House on Wednesday to explain why he bowed out of the race to win another term, with a little over three months to go until election day.

It will be Biden's first address to the nation since his announcement via social media on Sunday that he had ended his bid for a second term and was handing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden has kept a low profile since last week, when he came down with a Covid-19 infection and went into isolation at his private residence in the state of Delaware.

He called into his campaign headquarters on Monday to urge staffers and volunteers to give "every bit of your heart and soul" to Harris.

During the four-minute phone call, Biden said that while he won't be on the ballot, he will still be "fully engaged" in the last six months of his presidency.

Biden returned to Washington on Tuesday night, after testing negative for Covid-19.

He will speak to the nation from the Oval Office at 8 pm (0000 GMT Thursday).

The president's stunning decision threw the contest into chaos, but also offered Biden's Democrats a chance to change the narrative in the fight against Republican nominee Donald Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House after leaving it in 2021.

In his speech, Biden is expected to tout his accomplishments over the past three-and-a-half years, make the case for a Harris presidency, and warn of the risks posed by a second Trump term.

This year's race for the presidency has been like none other.

In May, Trump became the first current or former president to be criminally indicted, in a case involving the falsification of business records to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn star who said the two had sex.

In June, Biden's train-wreck debate performance against Trump sent Democrats into a panic over his viability as a candidate, even though voter surveys had been signalling to the party for months that the public had major concerns about 81-year-old Biden's fitness for office.

Eleven days ago, Trump, 78, survived an assassination attempt as he held a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. He narrowly avoided being hit by a bullet, but the attack injured an ear and left his face streaked with blood as he was hauled off the stage.

On Sunday, with poll numbers falling, major party donors fleeing and high-profile Democrats demanding his exit, Biden succumbed to weeks of pressure and withdrew from the race. He immediately endorsed Harris as his replacement.

Harris, who would be the first female president in US history if elected, is already holding rallies, and her campaign team said that it has raised over $100 million since Sunday afternoon.
An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows stilted buildings in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao, Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villagers are pictured at a stilted building in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Lu Shengxiu (1st R) smiles as she attends a social gathering in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Lu Feng distributes popsicles to her grandchildren in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows a view of Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Lu Guoshi rests at a stilted building in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Wang Shihong walks downstairs from a stilted building in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 17, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows stilted buildings in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

A child pats a dog in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Wang Hualong prepares to harvest grapes in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Children pass a stone slate paved road in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villagers Wang Gangliang (C) and Wang Shixi (R) make embroidery works under a tree in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2024 shows a view of Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This photo taken on July 16, 2024 shows stilted buildings made of wood shingles in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Lu Fenglin (2nd L) makes embroidery works under a tree in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 17, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villagers Lu Dazhen (L) and Wang Xingzhen make embroidery works at a stilted building in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows a view of Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Villager Lu Fengxuan releases himself from farm work as he unloads by his stilted building in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village.

Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon.

Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major feature for the village, which are also the focus of cultural protection and tourism promotion. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)
Biden's address to the nation: 'I revere this office, but I love my country more'

President Biden delivers an address to the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

Saying, I revere this office, but I love my country more, President Biden formally announced the end of his bid for a second term in office with a nationally televised address from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening.

Biden said that while his record was strong, he felt compelled to unite the Democratic Party and to throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

I believe my record as president  my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future  all merited a second term, Biden said. But nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.

"So I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It's the best way to unite our nation.

Placing himself at the end of a long chain of American leaders, Biden mentioned presidents from George Washington to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Twice he noted that he was speaking from behind the Resolute Desk  a gift of Britain's Queen Victoria that has been used by nearly every president since the 1880s.

Read more: 'Lawyerly, sharp mind' or 'dumb as a rock'? The ugly race to recast Harris is underway

Biden's family watched from just off camera, while hundreds of administration staff members attended a White House viewing party. Harris watched the address in Houston, where she was staying overnight after visiting the city's emergency operations center for a briefing on recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl.

Although the 11-minute speech did not mention Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, implicit throughout was the threat that Biden contends his opponent poses. (That claim stems largely from Trump's attempt to reverse the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Biden.)

The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than a title, he said. It's not about me, it's about you  your families, your futures. It's about we the people. We can never forget that and I never have.

Biden gave a long list of his accomplishments, saying he had pulled the country out of "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression"  caused by the COVID-19 pandemic  and signed laws that strengthened gun regulations and capped the price of prescription drugs for senior citizens.

He pledged to keep working hard in his final six months in office, saying he hoped to end the war in Gaza and bring home hostages held by Hamas; to strengthen the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in support of Ukraine and other nations; and to bring reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Toward the end of his remarks, he endorsed Harris. Shes experienced. Shes tough. She's capable, Biden said. She's been an incredible partner to me and the leader for our country.

At one point he struck a highly personal note.

Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter, from modest beginnings  one day sit behind the Resolute Desk, in the Oval Office, as president of the United States. Here I am," he said. "That's whats so special about America. We're a nation of promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things."

Only last week, Biden had scoffed at the notion he would leave the race. Speaking at the NAACPs national convention in Las Vegas, he called out to the audience: So let me ask you, are you all in? The loud response: All in! To which Biden retorted: Because Im all in!

But just a day later, on July 17, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) joined those calling on Biden to step aside, saying it is time to pass the torch to new leaders in the Democratic Party. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) also reportedly informed Biden that she thought he could not win the Nov. 5 election.

Political observers said the views of the two Californians were crucial to Bidens decision, announced Sunday, to drop out of his rematch with Trump. Biden had been in Rehoboth Beach, Del., recovering from COVID-19 since last Thursday when he made the decision to withdraw.

He quickly threw his support behind Harris, saying that picking her as his running mate in 2020 was the best decision Ive made. He added: Its time to come together and beat Trump.

Democratic officials and rank-and-file members quickly coalesced around the vice president, making her the all-but-certain presidential nominee when the party holds its convention in Chicago, starting Aug. 19.

Harris also got good news from her campaign treasurer: She raised $81 million in the 24 hours after Biden announced that he would not seek another term  the largest campaign haul over that period in history.

The closest parallel to Bidens speech in modern times came more than half a century ago, when President Lyndon B. Johnson used a televised address from the White House to say that he would not seek a second full term in the White House.

Read more: Coconuts, 'brat summer' and that laugh: The memeing of Kamala Harris

Johnson spent all but the waning moments of a nearly 41-minute address, given in March 1968, to discuss Americas struggles in the Vietnam War, reiterating his offer to the North Vietnamese to begin peace talks.

He said that the nation had become too divided over the war in Southeast Asia. Given the momentous decisions he faced overseeing the war and peace talks, Johnson said, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office  the presidency of your country.

Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president, Johnson concluded.

By stepping back, Johnson opened the door to a hard-fought contest for the Democratic presidential nomination. Robert F. Kennedy appeared in a strong position to be the nominee after winning the California primary in June.

But Kennedy was assassinated at the end of his victory party in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. Hubert Humphrey, Johnsons vice president, went on to win the nomination. But in the fall, he lost a close election to the Republican nominee, Richard M. Nixon.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Michigan Democratic Party delegates who had been committed to President Joe Biden voted Tuesday night to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement on this year's presidential ticket, according to the state Party officials.

While no exact breakdown was given as to the count for Harris or how many delegates took part in the online meeting, the state Democratic Party put out a statement Tuesday night saying those committed to Biden "overwhelmingly" endorsed Harris.

Our party and our delegation are built on values of hard work, community, and building a brighter future  and that is exactly what Kamala Harris represents, said Michigan Democratic Party Chairwoman Lavora Barnes. She has been a tireless fighter for reproductive rights, workers rights and growing the middle class.

After Biden announced he was stepping aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee on Sunday and endorsed Harris in the race against former President Donald Trump, Harris moved quickly to nail down support. By Monday, informal counts in the media indicated she had enough delegates lined up to secure the nomination, even before Michigan's delegates met.

Strictly speaking, all of Biden's delegates became free to vote for any nominee they chose when the president formally left the race, though the barriers to being nominated  the signed support of 300 delegates, no more than 50 of whom could be from any state and none of whom could sign for another nominee  are high. Democrats are expected to hold a virtual roll call sometime before Aug. 7 to formally nominate Harris ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later that month.

That virtual roll call will ensure that Harris' name appears on the ballot in all 50 states and elsewhere, the Party has said, noting some state laws, including in Ohio, that set an earlier deadline than that which have been possible to meet by waiting until the Democratic convention to call the roll.

Michigan has 138 delegates to help decide the nomination, including 21 unpledged delegates or "superdelegates," a group that includes Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Barnes and the state's Democratic members of Congress. Most of that group has already formally endorsed Harris as the nominee.

Party officials said in the online meeting Tuesday night most of the other 115 pledged delegates Biden won in the state's Feb. primary also committed to voting for Harris. Two other delegates were considered uncommitted, according to the primary vote. And while most of the Democratic delegates moved to Harris, it was clear not all have: While many prominent unions have endorsed the vice president as Biden's replacement, the UAW  several top members of whom are Michigan delegates  has not as yet.

On Tuesday, a UAW spokesman told the New York Times in a statement that the unions executive board would meet to talk about endorsements "and is excited to talk with Vice President Harris about the issues that matter to our members and the whole working class. The UAW is likely to endorse Harris, however, given the union's long association with the Democratic Party and the fact that Biden last year became the first sitting president to walk a picket line as part of the UAW's strike of the Detroit Three automakers.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Biden's Michigan delegates vote 'overwhelmingly' to endorse VP Harris
SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT)  The final hours of the auction for Heartland Motorsports Park are here with bids on the race track now reaching into the millions of dollars.

Heartland Motorsports Park is currently up for auction in Topeka from the owner Chris Payne with Shelby Development LLC. The property went up for auction this summer. The auction was initially set to end on July 17 but was extended to July 24.

Information listed on the online-only auctions website shows larger bids are being put down for the park along with several other vacant lots being sold at no reserve. While public bids on the undeveloped properties range from $6,000 to $80,000, bids on Heartland Motorsports Park have now reached nearly $3.5 million with a total of 27 bids placed for the race track.

Former Topeka Regal Hollywood movie theater drops $1 million in appraisal value

A spokesperson for Shawnee County told 27 News last week Payne currently owes more than $3.3 million in taxes as of July 18. This amount increases daily and includes taxes owed for the race track and its surrounding properties.

Payne told 27 News in a written statement in April he intends to use the auction to produce enough revenue to pay all outstanding property taxes. In 2023, Shawnee County commissioners said Payne hadnt paid any taxes since 2017.

People can place bids for individual tracts of land surrounding Heartland Motorsports Park, all of which is vacant land with no structures or development, or bid for the park itself until the new auction deadline of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 arrives. Tracts 1-12 and 23-29 are on no reserve while tracts 13-22, consisting of the park itself, will be sold upon seller confirmation.

Tracts 1-12 (No reserve) Vacant land for sale individually.

Tracts 13-22 (Seller confirmation) Heartland Motorsports Park including buildings, the race track and facilities. Being sold as one piece of land.

Tracts 23-29 (No reserve) Vacant land for sale individually.



Is it too late to take President Joe Bidens name off the ballot in Kansas?

27 News has reached out to Payne and United Country | Heritage Brokers & Auctioneers for updates on the auction along with Shawnee County with questions on how the tax debt will be paid. To learn more about the auction and its progress, click here.

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

Story continues

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In this and other Texas prisons, fees inmates pay for phone calls will be reduced. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune

Fees Texas inmates pay to make calls will be slashed under new federal regulations approved this month. High rates that had averaged 23 cents a minute for Texas jail inmates have long been a target of prisoners, their families, and advocates.

The FCC voted last Thursday to approve regulations, to take effect next year, that cap the price of inmate phone and video calls at prices as low as 5 cents per minute.

The prices and caps differ throughout the state, and depend on prison size as well as differences between state and local rules. While Texas had lowered the price of phone calls in state correctional facilities  prisons and jails run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the state level  to 6 cents a minute in 2018, rates in county jails run by local jurisdictions are often much higher. And the price of video calls was uncapped across the state. The Prison Policy Initiative found that the average price of an in-state call from a Texas jail was 23 cents per minute in 2021.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel called these rates unconscionable in a statement, noting that sometimes a single phone call cost the equivalent to an unlimited monthly cell plan.

The new regulations will be implemented in stages. It will be in effect for all correctional facilities around the country by April 1, 2026, at the latest.

Drew Willey, a Houston attorney who has been a long-time advocate for free phone calls for inmates in Harris County Jail, praised the new rules requiring lower rates. It stops really egregious violations in places where they've not paid any attention to this and let these private corporations just run up the bills on everybody, Willey said.

The new caps are based on jail size, with lower ceilings at larger jails and prisons. The new national per-minute ceilings range from 6 to 12 cents for phone calls and 11 to 25 cents for video calls. Texas law means that the fees charged at state correctional facilities will be capped at 5 cents per minute.

Texas law mandates that all revenue from phone and video calls made from Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities  including prisons, private prisons, and state jails  must be divided between the provider and the state. The law states that 40% of the revenue must go to the state and the remaining 60% goes to the contractor. The majority of the money the state collects is allocated to the Texas Crime Victims Fund, with the remaining portion going to the general revenue fund.

One aspect of the new FCC regulations will be a cap on commissions paid to government agencies of 2 cents per minute. Since the 40% of revenue paid to the government cannot exceed 2 cents per minute, the cost of phone and video calls in all Texas prisons and jails is effectively limited to 5 cents per minute, 16% below a current cap for state inmates that has been 6 cents a minute. This change does not affect county jails.

Willey said that when he started his advocacy in 2017, in Harris County the price for a 20 minute phone call was $14.99. Harris County now has a contract that gives detainees up to four free calls per week and sets the cost of phone calls beyond that at 2 cents per minute. Many correctional facilities in the state still maintain a higher rate.

Advocates say their goal is free calls for Texas inmates, matching what some states already provide. Wiley says that free calls would decrease recidivism rates, prevent wrongful convictions by providing proper access to representation, improve inmate mental health, and increase public safety by not completely isolating detainees before they reintegrate into society.

The new rules also prevent telecom providers from tacking on fees for ancillary services. Previously, companies often charged for things like making a one-time call without an account or for depositing funds into an account in order to pay for future calls.

Additionally, the regulation ensures that money left over in a released inmates account isn't seized by the telecom companies. These companies now have to try to return the money if they know someone has been released or if the money hasn't been used for 180 days. If they can't return it, they must give it to state programs that keep unclaimed money safe  which in Texas will likely be the unclaimed property division of the state comptroller's office. One company, Global Tel*Link, pocketed an average of more than $1.2 million a month from unused funds for over eight years according to a Georgia lawsuit.

For all prisons and jails with an average daily population of 1,000 or more, compliance is required by Jan. 1, 2025. Smaller jails, with fewer than 1,000 inmates, must comply by April 1, 2025. If correctional facilities have existing contracts with telecom companies as of June 27, 2024, compliance is required by the earlier of the contract expiration date or Jan. 1, 2026, for larger facilities, and April 1, 2026, for smaller facilities.

The FCCs order is a massive victory for incarcerated people, their families, and their allies who have spent decades fighting the exploitative prison telecom industry, the Prison Policy Initiative wrote in a statement. Of course, it does not mean the long fight for communications justice is over.

Lioness Justice Impacted Womens Alliance  an advocacy group for incarcerated women in Texas  echoed other advocates, saying they will continue working toward comprehensive reforms that ensure all incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to stay connected with their loved ones without financial barriers.

Along with monetary changes, the FCC also decided that telecom companies must ensure their communication devices and services  such as phone calls, video chats, and messaging  are accessible to incarcerated people with disabilities. This will improve communication options for incarcerated individuals who have hearing or speech disabilities. If it's not possible to make these devices and services accessible for specific disabilities, companies must ensure their systems can work with devices that people with disabilities commonly use.

The federal changes come after some sparring in the courts, where the FCCs authority to limit these rates was challenged. In 2022, the FCC was granted full authority to regulate inmate calls by Congress with the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act  named after a grandmother who filed a petition with the FCC about the rates more than two decades ago.

Today, using this new law, we fix what has been wrong for too long, Rosenworcel said.

The FCC released the final order on inmate calls this Monday, officially cementing the regulation.

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!
Democratic officials and alumni from historically Black college fraternities and sororities are fuming over a clip of a Fox News host they argue includes him saying colored sorority ahead of Vice President Kamala Harriss remarks to the organization.

Fox News and other network personalities have argued that Fox & Friends panelist Brian Kilmeade said college sorority on Wednesdays program. A reporter for Politico who initially flagged the clip on social media later deleted his post.

In Wednesdays broadcast, Kilmeade had criticized the presumptive Democratic nominee for president for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress to instead deliver remarks to historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.

The problem with Kamala Harris, number one, she has not had her record exploited heavily  and number two is she hasnt sat down for an interview. When she sits down for an interview and says, Do you want to fund ICE? Where do you stand on Medicare for All? Why didnt you show up?  the most recent decision, you already gotta question. She will not show up for the prime ministers joint session of Congress today, Kilmeade said.

She would rather address, in the summer, a sorority  a [colored] sorority  like she cant get out of that. So thats her decision, and thats her decision to back up the protesters, he said.

A statement from Fox News Media to The Independent said that the Politico reporters now-deleted tweet completely misquoted and unnecessarily maligned Brian Kilmeade who clearly said college sorority.

Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two in Maryland to head to a sorority event in Indiana on July 24. A Fox News host is under fire for a comment made about the trip. (AP)

Kilmeade addressed the clip and viral reactions on his radio show after Fox & Friends aired.

Ive never use that word in my life, if youre listening to what Im saying, if you know where shes speaking, why would I even say that? he said. This is an example of how everybody is looking to jump on other people for no reason ... People, use your heads. Dont look for something trending on Twitter and just assume its true. I hope were smarter than that by now.

The segment on Fox & Friends followed several days of coverage from right-wing media and statements from Republican lawmakers suggesting that Harris only made her way to the top of the Democratic ticket because of her gender and race, or that she is merely a DEI hire.

Earlier this month, former Donald Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka called Harris herself colored in a segment on Newsmax.

Black Greek life alumni rushed to the defense of Harris, who is poised to become the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket, and who is also an Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna.

I belong to the 1st Black fraternity  and led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, but I have NO idea what colored sorority Fox News is talking about in 2024, said Harvard Kennedy School professor Cornell William Brooks.

Fox News is ignorant. Dont ever call my Sorority or any other #D9 organization colored. Keep it out of your mouth, said California congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, referencing the so-called Divine 9 historically Black Greek organizations.

This clown thought it was correct and appropriate to use the term colored to describe a distinguished and historic African American sorority, said Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison. But what is even worse a Black man sat a few feet away on that couch and didnt correct him. He was as quiet as a church mouse.

That panelist, Lawrence Jones III, called Harrison so damn dishonest.

He said college, Jones replied. But thats all you have. You know the bulls*** that you advocate for only brings death, poverty, and destruction to our black communities. You are welcome on the show anytime to debate it. Me and you.
WASHINGTON  On Sunday afternoon, Glynda Carr's cellphone started buzzing and didn't stop. There was text after text heralding the growing likelihood that Kamala Harris would be the Democratic nominee for president.

Carr, whose organization she co-founded to support Black female candidates, wasn't surprised people would reach out as they heard the news.

But when she signed in to a Zoom call that evening to mobilize support for Harris, she was excited to learn there were tens of thousands of other Black women there as energized as she was.

More than 44,000 people, most of them women, joined Sundays video call, which lasted well past midnight and netted more than $1.5 million for the Harris campaign, organizers said. Some signed up to work in their communities and pledged to ramp up get-out-the-vote efforts in the wake of President Joe Bidens decision to step down from his reelection bid and endorse Harris.

But theyre also bracing for attacks against the vice president, who would make history as the first woman of color to become a major party nominee.

We celebrated (last night)," Carr said Monday, "but today were going to protect defend, fight, organize and mobilize."

A few social media sites already were brimming by Monday afternoon with criticisms about Harris' policies, her intelligence, her laugh and her accomplishments.

Carr and others also believe it was intentional that several speakers at the National Republican Convention earlier this month mispronounced Harris' first name. That had coded undertones, she said.

Freda Player, an elected Metro Nashville school board member and Tennessee Democratic delegate, expects Harris will face a barrage of criticism and skepticism because of her race and gender.

Its going to be a rocky road, especially where we are in this country, Player said. But we can appeal to our better angels and show the world that this is what democracy looks like."

The audacity of hope

Still, Harris' candidacy seemed to inspire the kind of hope not seen since Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, activists said. Obama was the nations first African American president, and his 2008 run for the presidency led to record Black voter turnout in many places.

On Monday, Tennessee state Sen. London Lamar choked up when reflecting on her own political path and the effect a Harris nomination, and a potential presidency, could have on other young Black women.

Lamar, chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, recalled how she felt when she watched Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, take the stage after his nomination.

Tennessee State Senator London Lamar, D-Memphis, held her then-7-month-old son Nylinn in February 2024, while walking through the halls of the Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville.

I didnt really think an African-American girl could pursue politics until I saw them on that stage, Lamar said.

Shes now the youngest senator and youngest Black lawmaker to serve in Tennessees Senate, and last year she became the youngest senator in state history to give birth while in office.

When I see Kamala on stage, I want to go hard for her, because I hope another young woman, whether shes Black or any woman who cares about this country, feels the way I did in 2008, Lamar said.

Black female activists and allies said Harris bid is reinvigorating the Democratic Party and particularly younger voters.

Theres a new shot of energy, said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, which has launched get-out-the-vote efforts across the country. I think she brings a fresh new level of hope.

Weve not seen that level of excitement since Obama.

Melanie Campbell, chair of the Power of the Ballot Action Fund, called this campaign a seminal moment.

Campbell believes that the bid could boost Black voter turnout, particularly among women, and that the support may come beyond the fact that Harris is a woman of color. The country has had a Black president, but never a woman, Campbell said.

You have an opportunity for a woman to become president, she said. Thats a big deal. Its unchartered waters.

Black women have been at this for a long time

For years, Black women led groups have been ramping up get-out-the-vote campaigns and building infrastructure to support Black female candidates.

Black female voters helped Doug Jones pull off an upset in Alabama in 2017, making him the states first Democratic senator in 25 years.

The magic of Black women organizing is that it is done organically, said Carr, noting Sundays Zoom call. Thats what you saw last night.''

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, was one of the guest speakers on that call. Shes a regular on the calls, organized by #WinWithBlackWomen, a collective of intergenerational, intersectional Black female leaders. She calls them truth-to-power conversations.

There are usually a couple of hundred attendees. She described Sundays turnout as amazing.

It says to me not only is this the right moment in history (but) that people were there to learn what role they could play, Beatty told USA TODAY. It was a good sign. It was about showing that women are more than 50% of our voting base. Black women have certainly led the way. And it also said that were ready because its go time and we have the receipts to prove it.

Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, said Black women have helped pave the path to the White House for a long time and are ready to hold the top job.

In addition to Beatty, speakers on the off-the-record call included heads of national civic engagement organizations, faith leaders, congressional lawmakers and well-known community activists.

Carr's group, Higher Heights of America, which supports Black female candidates and more Black political involvement, hosted its own call Monday night.

Another call, this time for Black men, also took place Monday evening. They have not had a call of this nature as Black men, and they have organized one in less than 24 hours, said Stefanie Brown James, founder and senior adviser at Collective PAC, which aims to build Black political power. That just goes to show you that folks are ready."

Some Black sororities and fraternities also have pledged to help. Harris is scheduled to speak Wednesday in Indianapolis at a conference of Zeta Phi Beta, a Black sorority and one of the nine elite Black Greek organizations.

Beatty said people want to be engaged and support Harris not just because she's a Black woman, but because she's a Black woman who has the experience, skills and knowledge to be a great president.

"People are all in because she is battle-tested.

Hesitations and fears of backlash

But not everyone is optimistic about a Harris run.

Oneika Tinsley of Pleasant Hill, California, said she plans to vote for Harris by default and disgust. Tinsley is a mother of five who doesn't think the Biden-Harris administration has done enough to improve the economy.

Harris "is a beautiful woman with style and flair and I see everyone is aligned with her, but what about a mother who already knows she likely cant afford to send her youngest daughter to college? Tinsley said. When is she going to speak to me and others like me?

Tinsley said Harris has played it too safe addressing topics for the past four years.

Im not voting for Kamala because shes a Black woman like me, said Tinsley, a registered Democrat. Im just voting for Kamala because shes the lesser of two evils.

Some Black women worried that a Black woman wouldn't make the best candidate against Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has long been known for politically incorrect, racially charged stances.

While I personally would love to see a Black female president in my lifetime, I dont think we should have a woman of color against Trump, said Olivia Jones, 22, a senior at Central Michigan University from Lansing, Michigan. Its unsafe territory. Of course Im going to support her, but its not the smart pick. This is such an important election. This is not the time to chance it.

Female activists said that while racist and sexist attacks arent new, theyre alarmed at how overt they are even in the first 24 hours of Harris' candidacy.

Trump himself posted to his social media website Truth Social on Monday afternoon and evening accusing Harris of being a terrible vice president, imcompetent, a liar, dumb, and way behind him in polls, which isn't accurate, according to the most recent surveys.

Carr said Black women expect that Trump and his fellow Republican leaders will aggressively target Harris on social media and in advertising campaigns.

We expect not only that he will go after her  its going to be rooted in misinformation and disinformation and negativity, Carr said.

They plan to counter Trump attacks with information campaigns, including on social media, about Harris and her record.

Black women will push back against unfair attacks, Campbell said.

Ange-Marie Hancock, executive director of the Kirwan Institute at The Ohio State University and curator of the Kamala Harris Project, a consortium of scholars from the country studying the vice president, said Harris' historic bid will be challenging.

This will still be a test for the United States, Hancock said. Even though she's had these almost four years and even though she's clearly capable, women elected officials are much less popular when theyre running for office than when theyre in office.

The campaign would also have to figure out how to counteract attacks against her as a woman of color.

They can't just pretend like that doesn't exist, Hancock said.

Freda Player, vice chai of the Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education, said she sees Kamala Harris' bid for the U.S. presidency as validating the work of Black activists.

With less than four months until Election Day, some activists vow to double down on get-out-the-vote efforts and share information about Harris policies and plans.

Player, the Nashville school board member and executive director of Emerge Tennessee, which helps recruit and train Democratic women for office, called Harris nomination validating for Black women, who have been the backbone of the Democratic Party for decades."

Its refreshing. Its motivating. Its inspiring that we finally have our fair chance, she said. I think thats what her nomination does for a lot of women of color. Were not overlooked, were not invisible, and our support is not taken for granted or in vain.

Contributing: Trevor Hughes and Rebecca Morin

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Black women answer call for Harris' presidential campaign
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Lawmakers representing Northeast Tennesseans have reached out to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help bring attention to the search for the suspect in a fatal 2017 collision in Washington County.

The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) issued a news release on Tuesday, stating that both U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger wrote letters to Patrick Lechleitner, the director of the ICE.

PREVIOUS: WCSO asking for help to find man charged in deadly crash

Blackburn and Harshbarger reached out to the ICE on the WCSOs behalf to ask for aid in finding Mexican national Alan Jacob Mogollon-Anaya.

Mogollon-Anaya faces the following charges:

Vehicular homicide

3 counts of aggravated child abuse and neglect

Aggravated assault

Driving under the influence

Driving left of center

Violation of probation

Mogollon-Anayas charges stem from an April 2017 head-on collision that claimed the life of 37-year-old Shirra Branum.

The WCSO reports Mogollon-Anaya had two prior DUI convictions when he entered the U.S. without inspection in 2003. He was reportedly ordered removed in October 2017 and is an ICE immigration fugitive.

PREVIOUS: ICE adds vehicular homicide suspect to most wanted list

According to the WCSO, Mogollon-Anaya was dropped from the ICEs Most Wanted list in 2021. The WCSO had been in communication with the U.S. Marshals, who were assisting with the search for Mogollon-Anaya, but the last communication from the Marshals came in December 2022.

Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton said while the lack of assistance from federal agencies is frustrating for his investigators, it is much worse for Branums family.

Sometimes you need an extra push to get the ball rolling again, Sexton stated in the news release. Weve worked with our fellow law enforcement officers, but the ball was dropped at the federal level. It is our hope that Sen. Blackburn and Rep. Harshbarger together can bring this issue to the forefront, get Mogollon-Anaya back on a fugitive list and ultimately back in our jurisdiction to answer to these charges.

The letters from Blackburn and Harshbarger asked Lechleitner why Mogollon-Anaya was removed from the list. Additionally, the WCSO reports that Harshbarger asked questions related to collaboration between agencies. Blackburn asked what could be done in terms of assisting the Marshals in efforts to extradite criminals who flee from the U.S.

We havent forgotten about Mogollon-Anaya. Ms. Branums family certainly hasnt forgotten. We just want ICE to not forget, Sexton said.

Anyone with information regarding Mogollon-Anaya is asked to call the WCSO at 423-788-1414.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, who was set to be sentenced for manslaughter in the death of her husband, a University of Connecticut professor, was found dead in her home Wednesday, state police said.

Preliminary information indicates that on (Thursday), at approximately 10:37 a.m., Troop L in Litchfield was contacted by an individual reporting that they were at a residence on Smith Lane in Burlington, and they were unable to make contact with the resident, according to state police.

The person who died has been identified as Bigazzi, 76, of 70 Smith Lane, state police said. Records show she owns the house at the address.

Attempts by responding Troopers to initiate contact with anyone inside of the residence were unsuccessful and with the assistance of the local fire department, Troopers made entry into the residence, state police said. An unresponsive individual was located within the residence, who was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

Kosuda-Bigazzi, 76, appeared in court in Hartford earlier this year and pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree larceny, after she allegedly killed her husband, Pierluigi Bigazzi, and continued to collect his checks from UConn as his body was hidden in their home for several months, according the state Division of Criminal Justice.

Wife of slain UConn prof pleads guilty to manslaughter. His body was found months after he died.

The incident is currently categorized as an untimely death, per police: The scene remains active and Smith Lane has been shut down for the investigation.

Connecticut State Police will not be providing interviews as all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation, the agency said.

UConn Health wasnt made aware of Pierluigi Bigazzis death until February 2018. Before then, the school paid over 11 weeks of pay into a joint account held by the Bigazzis, all after he was reportedly killed.

Records also show that Kosuda-Bigazzi allegedly wrote in a journal that she killed her husband with a hammer in self defense. In the note, she describes striking her husband with a hammer during a brawl, after he came at her with the hammer while they were fighting about work she wanted him to do on their deck.

Police discovered Bigazzis remains during a welfare check requested by the professors employers.

Bigazzi was working from home at the time and was not expected on campus to teach any in-person courses, but records show that officials at UConn Health asked police to check on Bigazzis well-being after they went multiple months without hearing from him.

State police found blood spatter on the kitchen floor, ceiling and cabinets, records show.

Kosuda-Bigazzis case was expected to go to trial, but the guilty plea in March meant Kosuda-Bigazzi would need to appear in court next for her sentencing, which was slated for Thursday in Hartford.

This case has been pending for six years so we are thankful we were able to reach a resolution today, Hartford Judicial District States Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott said in a statement in March.
Bomb threat sent to Modesto Congressman John Duarte and his family. Heres what we know

An email sent to Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, earlier this month contained a death threat to him and his family, according to the congressmans office.

The threat  a copy of which was provided to The Bee  stated that a bomb was placed at the Duarte family ranch, the address of which was listed in the email.

You are an anti-American traitor, you voted against the constitution and your constituents interests, by supporting (U.S. Attorney General Merrick) Garland you are just another swamp monster.

Duarte was among four Republicans who voted with Democrats on July 11 against a measure to hold Garland in contempt, according to ABC News.

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Lunas resolution to hold the attorney general in inherent contempt for refusing to turn over audio tapes of special counsel Robert Hurs interview with President Joe Biden was rejected in a 204-to-210 vote. A number of Republicans were absent from the vote.

The email, sent July 11, threatened to kill Duarte and his family members, who were each listed by name. Duarte told KXTV-10 that he was angry when the email came in and immediately notified the U.S. Capitol Police of the threat.

We started going to security protocols and checking and checking the property that (threat) was made against, Duarte told KXTV-10, adding that no one in his family was in danger.

The letters author was listed as a person going by the name of Rebecca Kunster, who used a Russian email service, mail.ru, to send the message.

Duartes office sent a newsletter stating he wanted constituents to know about the threat following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13 in western Pennsylvania, according to the Turlock Journal.

Public appearances will continue, he told KXTV-10, with the security detail that typically accompanies him.
AMMAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 3,162 Syrian refugees left Jordan in the first six months of this year to return to their homeland, marking a 63-percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, the state-owned Al Mamlaka TV reported Wednesday.

Citing figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the report said 19,729 Syrian refugees returned from Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkiye, and Iraq to Syria in the first half of 2024.

In 2023, the number of Syrian refugees returning to Syria from other countries was 37,552, compared to 50,966 in 2022.

According to official figures, Jordan has hosted over 1.3 million Syrians since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011, with more than 628,000 registered with the UNHCR.

A survey conducted by the UN last year showed that 97 percent of Syrian refugees in Jordan do not intend to return to their homeland within the next 12 months. 
VILLA PARK, Ill.  A 15-year-old boy has been charged after setting a fire at a recreation facility in Villa Park, according to the DuPage County states attorney.

The teenager faces one count of Arson (Class 2 Felony), one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony), one count of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Obstructing a Peace Officer.

DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced Wednesday that the teen, of Villa Park, is accused of breaking into Jefferson Pool, located at 341 North Harvard Avenue, and setting fire to a desk located inside the recreation facility.

The teen appeared at a detention hearing Wednesday where a judge ordered that he be detained until at least his next court appearance.

According to the states attorney, police went to the facility around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday after a surveillance camera captured the teen allegedly swinging an object at the window.

CPD release video of 3 hammer-wielding suspects wanted for North Side break-ins

Upon arrival, officers observed the light of a fire and the teen, who was wearing a black hoodie, a face covering and black paint on his face, inside the building.

Officers found the teen allegedly hiding inside a locked bathroom stall and allegedly in possession of a lighter, as well as a backpack that contained a hammer, hatchet, pry bar, three pairs of scissors, tin snips, and a small dumbbell with rope tied to it.

An investigation of the incident found that the teen allegedly used the dumbbell with the rope to break a window, then was able to gain access to the building. Once inside, he then allegedly set fire to a desk, damaging the desk, a computer keyboard, paper, and the carpet.

Police placed the teen in custody, and it is further alleged that he attempted to pull and run away from officers but was unsuccessful, according to the states attorney.

The allegations that a 15-year-old boy disguised himself and broke into a popular government-owned facility and set fire to a desk and office equipment are extremely disturbing, Berlin said. Thankfully, Villa Park authorities were alerted to the situation very early before the fire had a chance to spread and possibly cause extensive damage to the facility. I thank the Villa Park Police and Fire Departments for their quick response to this matter. I also thank Assistant States Attorneys Katharine Walker and Michael Paup for their efforts on this case.

The teens next court appearance is scheduled for July 29.

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Brazil's President Lula attends task force meeting with Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's President Lula attends task force meeting with Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in Rio de Janeiro

By Marcela Ayres

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva kicked off a global effort on Wednesday to end hunger and extreme poverty, aiming to make it a hallmark of Brazil's G20 presidency as he seeks to restore the country's soft power on the world stage.

Alongside foreign officials in Rio de Janeiro, where finance and development ministers from the world's largest economies are meeting this week, Lula hailed the nascent Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

"Nothing is as absurd and unacceptable in the 21st century as the persistence of hunger and poverty, when we have so much abundance and so many scientific and technological resources at our disposal," Lula said.

"No issue is more current and more challenging for humanity. We cannot normalize such disparities - hunger is the most degrading of human deprivations, an attack on life, an assault on freedom."

Brazil will officially launch the initiative in November, when heads of state gather for the G20 Summit in the South American city.

In practice, the event on Wednesday paved the way for countries and institutions to join the proposal, which aims to pool knowledge, resources and partnerships to combat malnutrition.

The Brazilian government estimates it could attract participation from more than 100 countries.

Before the announcement, World Bank President Ajay Banga declared his support for the initiative during a bilateral meeting with Lula, the presidential office said.

Inter-American Development Bank head Ilan Goldfajn said at the event that along with the African Development Bank, the IDB would support the alliance with loans against International Monetary Fund Special Drawing Rights monetary reserves (SDRs).

The IMF approved the channeling of SDRs to multilateral development banks to boost their lending capacity in May.

Replicating the strategy adopted earlier this week for the G20 development ministerial meetings, the Brazilian G20 presidency released a chair statement stating some diplomatic members wanted to speak on conflicts impacting the global economy like Russia, Ukraine and the war in Gaza.

The Brazilian G20 Presidency will conduct the discussion on these issues with diplomats in the coming months in preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Leaders Summit, said the statement.

'ON THE PATH' TO ELIMINATE HUNGER

Lula, a former factory worker in his third non-consecutive term, created a national program in 2003 to eradicate hunger in Latin America's largest economy.

In 2014, Brazil exited the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) "hunger map," with an undernourishment rate below 2.5% for three years.

However, the country has been unable to maintain these levels since 2021, when its three-year average rose to 3.4%, before worsening to 4.2% in 2022, as per revised data.

Earlier on Wednesday, FAO's annual report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World showed that Brazil's rate fell to 3.9% in 2023, the first year of Lula's new administration.

"Today, I can confidently say that on the path we are on, it is possible for us to eliminate hunger in Brazil under President Lula's government by 2026," said Social Development Minister, Wellington Dias.

The report found global levels of moderate or severe food insecurity have been stable for three years, indicating little progress toward the goal of eliminating extreme hunger worldwide by the United Nations' 2030 deadline.

The report estimated that more than 700 million people may have faced hunger in 2023, one out of 11 people globally, and one out of every five in Africa.

(Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by William Maclean and Aurora Ellis)
"A good samaritan [sic] recovered both individuals from the water. No injuries were reported," the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed of the July 23 incident

Getty Humpback whale breaching

Two people are safe after a breaching whale capsized their fishing boat off the coast of New Hampshire.

On Tuesday, July 23, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that they'd received a mayday call that day after the mammal overturned a 23-foot center console boat near Odiorne Point State Park.

"The occupants were ejected from the vessel as the boat capsized. Sector issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB); they directed Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor to launch," the post read.

"A good samaritan [sic] recovered both individuals from the water. No injuries were reported," the Coast Guard's post added.

The whale also appeared to be uninjured, the boat crew from Station Portsmouth confirmed, per the message.

Related: Gray Whale Extinct in the Atlantic for 200 Years Seen Near Nantucket: An Incredibly Rare Event

The post continued, "Sector contacted the Center of Coastal Studies Marine Animal Hotline and [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] NOAA to report the incident," adding, "The vessel has also been salvaged."

"We are grateful to the good samaritans for taking such quick action to rescue these two individuals. Bravo Zulu!" the message read.

NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to PEOPLE when approached for comment on Wednesday, July 24.

Per Seacoastonline, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, the fishermen who were thrown into the water were Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney.

The outlet stated teenage brothers Wyatt Yager, 19, and Colin Yager, 16, of Eliot, Maine, rescued the men around 8 a.m. local time. They were said to have been in the water for less than two minutes before the brothers helped them out.

Related: 2 Beluga Whales Moved from Ukraine to Spain in 'High-Risk, Complex' Rescue Operation amid War

I heard a big crackle, said Dover, New Hampshire, resident Kenney, per the outlet. When that happened  the bow tipped up and I went to the left and as (the boat) was rolling over I kind of jumped off horizontally to avoid the whale and the boat.

"Were glad they took such quick action," Paquette, of Groveland, Massachusetts, said of the two brothers who rescued them. "They didnt even think about it. Were really grateful to both of them."

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.

Recalling how the whale's head hit the boat's engine, Kenney said, Then I saw the whole stern become inundated with water and I thought, Oh no. Were going down. Were going to sink now. 

Its been an emotional day, Paquette said, per the outlet. At first there was a lot of energy and adrenaline. After that, once the adrenaline went through, we just became very tired.

"I was just in shock. Everyone else had the same reaction and tried to get over to those people," Wyatt Yager said of the incident. "It was like, 'Oh shoot,' and then, 'Weve got to go help these people.' All the boats dropped what they were doing to go over to help them."

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Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces his first House of Commons grilling from lawmakers

LONDON (AP)  Newly elected British leader Keir Starmer faced a House of Commons milestone on Wednesday, fielding lawmakers queries at the boisterous weekly Prime Ministers Questions session.

It was the first such session since Starmers Labour Party won a landslide election victory on July 4, returning to power after 14 years. The center-left party won 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons.

Starmer is more accustomed to asking the questions after spending four years as leader of the opposition to a Conservative government. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak now fills that role as leader of the defeated Conservative Party.

Starmer was greeted with a loud cheer by Labour lawmakers packed onto the green benches in the Commons. The often rambunctious spectacle of PMQs struck an unusually cordial note, as Sunak and Starmer stressed their mutual commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion.

The prime minister told the opposition leader he "wholeheartedly agree" on the need to arm Ukraine and set it on the path to NATO membership  words not often heard between them.

The two politicians also sent best wishes to British athletes at the Paris Olympics, although, Sunak added, Im probably not the first person they want to hear advice from on how to win."

Labour won a landslide election victory over the Conservatives on July 4 on a promise to get the U.K.s sluggish economy growing, unleash a wave of housebuilding and green energy projects and patch the countrys frayed public services.

Labours large majority means Starmer should easily be able to pass legislation. But he has already had to quell a rebellion, suspending seven Labour lawmakers for voting against the party over social welfare.

The government is under pressure from anti-poverty groups and many Labour lawmakers to scrap a policy introduced by the Conservatives that limits a widely paid welfare benefit and tax credit to a familys first two children. The new government says it cant afford to immediately abolish the two-child cap.

On Tuesday night, seven Labour lawmakers on the left of the party sided with an opposition call to scrap the limit. The party said the seven, who include former deputy leader John McDonnell, had been suspended from Labours parliamentary caucus for at least six months. They will remain lawmakers, but will sit as independents.

Zarah Sultana, one of the suspended legislators, said she had slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country."

"It is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it, she told broadcaster ITV.
Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom John Healey leaving Downing Street, after a Cabinet meeting. Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Britain's new Defence Secretary John Healey is coming to Berlin on Wednesday for his inaugural visit.

His German counterpart Boris Pistorius will welcome Healey with military honours in the German capital on Wednesday. After talks, both politicians intend to make public statements.

Germany and the UK are close NATO allies and say they want to further expand their military cooperation. Some steps have already been taken - regardless of the fact that the UK left the European Union in 2020.

Healey is a member of the new Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on which Germany is pinning its hopes for a new start in relations.

Starmer is aiming to conclude a broad security pact with the EU. It aims to also cover areas such as energy and climate as well as closer cooperation in the defence industry.
[Source]

Justin Brannan faces an ethics complaint for allegedly mocking fellow Brooklyn City Councilmember Susan Zhuang, who was arrested during a protest against a mens shelter and faces charges including assault and resisting arrest for allegedly biting an NYPD chief.

Brannan reportedly referred to Zhuang as Susan Fang and brought mock teeth to City Hall, which Asian American activist Tim Law condemned as an offensive anti-Asian slur in a letter obtained by the New York Post. Through a spokesperson, Brannan defended his actions, suggesting the criticism is a distraction from Zhuangs legal troubles: Sadly, Mrs. Zhuang has shown zero remorse for biting a cop. She should take responsibility for her own actions, stop deflecting and start by apologizing to the NYPD instead of organizing a parade in her own honor.

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Bryan Samain, who has died aged 99, was a Royal Marines officer who chronicled the deeds of 45 (Royal Marines) Commando from its landings on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 to the Baltic coast and Germanys surrender in May 1945.

On D-Day, June 6 1944, Samain was the intelligence officer of his commando when it landed on Queen Red, the sector of Sword beach opposite Hermanville-sur-Mer and the most easterly of the allied landings on Normandy.

Landing craft scraped ominously over treacherous underwater obstacles of wire and concrete as we covered the last 50 yards, he wrote in Commando Men, a classic of war literature that has scarcely been out of print since it was first published in 1948.

Suddenly a German battery of anti-tank guns opened upon us from the flank. Through the haze of thick smoke and the deafening roar of the battery firing at almost point-blank range, someone was trying to shout orders. Men were scrambling furiously to obey, but no sooner had they leapt to their feet than they seemed to crumple visibly, fumbling with dazed, frightened hands for tender wounds.

Samain (centre), B Troop Section Officer, on attachment (temporary) to 46 Commando, April 1945, in the Aller Woods during the final push across northern Germany. The picture was taken after the Battle of Aller Woods

There was a treacherous splash as the craft beached on the edge of the wreckage-filled water, in most cases still with four or five feet of water forward. Everyone began to pile out now, a furious, desperate collection of men in green berets, white teeth grinning viciously across blackened faces.

Holding their precious weapons high above their heads they waded ashore, the cold salt water coming up to their chests, enveloping their heavy rucksacks, the soft silky sand giving little support to their struggling feet. The time was 9:10 in the morning. 45 Commando had landed.

Samain's book has rarely been out of print since it was first published in 1948

Samain goes on to describe how the commandos raced over the beach, rallying to the call of a hunting horn calling Gone Away, and crossed the bridges over the River Orne to the music of Lord Lovats bagpiper, to be welcomed by 6 Airborne Brigade, and the fierce night-time street fighting in Le Mesnil, Salanelles and Franceville-Plage to silence the German gun batteries at Merville.

That day, 45 Commando took heavy casualties: three officers and 17 men killed or wounded, and 28 missing, out of a strength of 450.

Subsequently Samain recorded 45 Commandos advance across Europe, the crossings under fire of the rivers Rhine, Aller, and Elbe, the tumultuous three-day battle of Aller Woods, and the fall of the town of Lauenburg.

Finally, when the German army was all but finished as a fighting force, the marines buried one of their own sergeants, Jock Wilson, alongside a German pilot, Kohler. Both died almost as the last shots of the war were fired: To us it symbolised the stupidity of the whole business.

Samain: after the war he became a journalist and corporate PR specialist

Bryan Charles William Samain was born in Chelmsford on January 14 1925. His father died when Bryan was five and he was brought up by his stepfather, 2nd Lt Archie Sprangle, RFC, DFC.

He was educated at the Royal Masonic School, Bushey, where he was recruited into the Admiraltys Y scheme for attracting suitable schoolboys, and he volunteered for service with the Royal Marines, joining 45 Commando as a second lieutenant on November 5 1943.

Postwar, he was a journalist with the Daily Sketch and Sydney Daily Mirror before becoming a PR man in the 1950s, holding senior roles in communications with the steel company Richard Thomas & Baldwins, the construction firms Cementation and Costain, Ford, and EMI.

In 1948 he married Helen Maddison, who had had her own distinguished wartime career, serving as a WRNS officer on the staff of Lord Mountbattens Combined Operations, then as personal assistant to Commander Harold Goulding at HMS Northney (in Langstone harbour where clandestine coastal landings and surveys were practised), and later at Petworth House as PA to Major-General Robert Sturges, General Officer Commanding Commando Group.

His wife died in 2016 and he is survived by their two sons.

Bryan Samain, born January 14 1925, died June 26 2024

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The Buffalo Common Council announced Tuesday that it has adopted a resolution to implement a series of measures designed to ensure the fiscal stability of the city.

The resolution calls for several key actions and was introduced in response to a $40 million budget shortfall, with even larger deficits anticipated in future budgets.

Buffalo Common Councilmember Bryan Bollman has been a member of the Buffalo Financial Committee since 2020. He said he has worked on budgets with larger deficits before, but they had ARP funding from the COVID-19 pandemic to help fill the gap.

Now, the city is in a position where it relies on $40 million that is no longer available.

It really hit me at the start of this budget year, Bollman said. I think we really need to scrutinize everything coming before us, so I felt it was important to come out, myself and some members of our leadership team, saying were going to be watching the decisions we make.

The resolution has been in the works for a few months. Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope said she views the citys budget the same way she views a household budget.

Every week, every month, you have to live by a budget. Thats how we live, Halton-Pope said. How many bills do I need to pay? How much income am I taking in? What do I have leftover to spend on the fun things? If you budget properly, then I think as a city well be rightsized.

Bollman said he has been receiving calls from Buffalo residents who say they have been feeling the effects of the tax increase that was included in the last budget.

He said one of his goals is to do everything he can moving forward to alleviate the financial burdens some residents have had to face.

Thats dollars that could be going to their bills or food on the table, Bollman said. I do not take it lightly which is why Im saying we need to get in front of this, we need to collaborate.

Bollman said he is currently unsure if the resolution will cut the $40 million deficit completely. He also said Buffalo could benefit from financial help from New York State in the form of grants to get back on track.

The key actions, according to the Buffalo Common Council, are as follows:

Council appointment to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority : The resolution requests that a member of the Buffalo Common Council, selected by the council president, be appointed to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority by New York State, the appointing authority.

Detailed monthly vacancy reports : The Administration and Finance Department is being requested to provide detailed monthly vacancy reports to the Common Council. These reports will include civil service, exempt, and union employee vacancies, along with budget line details and the contractual status of vacant positions.

Comprehensive review of non-revenue generating activities : The Department of Administration and Finance, in collaboration with the Comptrollers Office, the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, and department heads, are being requesting to conduct a thorough review of all non-revenue generating programs, non-contractually obligated costs, and other expenditures that can be suspended to reduce future budget deficits.

Strategies for revenue generation : The resolution requests the departments to explore strategies to enhance revenue generation, including proactively collecting adjudicated funds owed to the City of Buffalo, reviewing and updating fee schedules, pursuing grant opportunities, and leveraging public and private partnerships.

Monthly budget status meetings: The resolution requests the city comptroller and the Department of Administration and Finance to meet with the Common Council monthly to discuss the budget status. These meetings will include detailed accounts of expenditure reductions, gap reports, revenue enhancements, and the impact of the four-year plan.

Watch WIVB News 4s July 24 interview with Bollman in the video player below:

Latest Local News

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. 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 News 4 Buffalo.
Joanne Myers and Lindsay Merritt stood together under a tree near the entrance to the Bojangles Coliseum in anticipation of former President Donald Trumps rally in Charlotte.

They didnt come to the rally together, but started chatting while trying to find shade from the sunshine and 90-degree heat. Myers and Merritt, like many rally attendees, told The Charlotte Observer Vice President Kamala Harris is no match for Donald Trump in November.

Harris has become the likely Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday. Enough Democratic delegates endorsed Harris to win the nomination during the Democratic National Convention next month.

Harris is only running her campaign on negativity and putting Trump down, Myers said. Without tons of money and a creative campaign, the win will easily be Trumps, she said.

Shes never done anything, Myers said. (Trumps) built corporations, hes built skylines.

Myers and Merritt were two of thousands of people outside the arena anticipating remarks from the former president. Nearly every attendee was wearing some form of Trump merchandise: from stickers on their clothes to faux hair resembling the former presidents. Even with the heat and sun glaring down, the energy circling the arena was palpable.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump gather outside Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC in preparation for the former presidents rally on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

By early afternoon, the line to enter the arena stretched far into the parking lot. Some attendees told the Observer they arrived before 9 a.m. Some people drove just down the road to the rally, while others traveled from another country. For some, it was their first Trump rally. Others have been longtime attendees.

The parking lots around the coliseum filled to capacity shortly after 2 p.m., Bojangles Coliseum announced. The venue also announced that attendees filled the arena to capacity  nearly 11,000 people

The Observer spoke with over a dozen attendees as they waited in line. Most were not threatened by Harris new status as the likely nominee, and many feel a connection to Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance.

Heres what they said.

Harris entrance, Bidens exit

Supporters of former President Donald Trump wait to get inside the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte for the rally on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Jeremy Bottoms, a rally attendee from Charlotte, spoke with the Observer around 1:30 p.m, as he waited near the back of the line. He said Trump should invite Harris into this race.

He said one of Harris strengths is her tight grip on policy issues that the Democrats care about, including abortion. But shes radical and to the left of Biden, Bottoms said.

Tadgh Ormond, who lives in London, traveled to Charlotte to see Trump speak at the rally. He said Harris is more articulate than Biden, but Trump will still win easily.

Harris biggest weaknesses come from her time as attorney general, Bottoms said, specifically bragging about giving out drug charges, Bottoms said, referencing an oft-repeated criticism that she was too harsh on people for drug charges. Scott Maser, from Matthews, said more people need to consider Harris disgraceful record as attorney general.

He also said President Biden should have dropped out three years ago, and he thinks Biden has lived a privileged life  not one of the average American.

He has no idea what its like to punch a clock or change a tire, Maser said. He lives in a fantasy land.

J.D. Vance and Roy Cooper

Supporters of former President Donald Trump wait to get inside the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte for the rally on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.







Merritt, a first-generation college graduate who worked her way up to a doctoral degree and now works as a principal in Stanly County, said she can relate to J.D. Vances story. Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and joined the Marines before graduating from Ohio State University and Yale Law School. He wrote about his upbringing as well as life in Appalachia in the popular book Hillbilly Elegy.

For Myers, Vance is a likable VP pick who meshes well with Trump.

Hes just so pleasant, it seems like he just wears a smile, she said.

Vances background, accomplishments, Catholic religion and connection to the Rust Belt all make him a great addition to Trumps ticket, Bottoms said. Instead of making himself a victim after enduring a tough childhood, Vance joined the military and had a successful career in business, he said.

Maser said some people are concerned about Vances relatively limited political inexperience, but he thinks Vances time in the Marines proves he has a personal investment in the country.

Hes a young guy, he came from nothing, Maser said. Id take a bullet for him.

When asked about the speculation that Gov. Roy Cooper may be Harris vice presidential pick, Merritt said she doesnt think Cooper is VP quality, partially because of low teacher pay and the state of public education in North Carolina.

I could not imagine him on a national level, she said.

Assassination attempt on Trump

Former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd inside the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

The attempted assassination of Trump earlier this month in Pennsylvania brought more awareness and security around whos coming to rallies, Ormond said. He said God will protect Trump until the election.

Merritt said watching the assassination attempt on TV with her children was one of the scariest things shes ever experienced. But, she said her kids wanted to come to the rally, and she felt protected by event security.

The attempt also built unity in the Republican party because of Trumps resilience, she said.

Randy Setzer, a Hickory resident who arrived at the rally at 10 a.m. said he wasnt too concerned with event security.

Its in the back of your mind, but its worth the risk to support him, because he supports us, he said.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Two men and a woman were detained for alleged housebreaking in a village in Tutong district of Brunei, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to the Royal Brunei Police Force, police patrol was alerted by a member of Kampong Keriam neighborhood watch, and found a suspicious vehicle at the site. All suspects were believed to have carried out break-ins to houses without any occupants.

The police force will continue to patrol in the district to maintain security and the well-being of its residents, the report said. 
Building a large military transport aircraft from scratch is no easy feat. The complexity of conceiving, designing, manufacturing, and then bringing together over a million individual parts to create such a flying machine is challenging, to say the least. Yet turning that process into a 70-year success story is another thing entirely. Such a rare, winning formula is embodied in the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.

Lockheed started building C-130s in Marietta, Georgia, in 1954, and production of the C-130J Super Hercules variant continues to this day, making the Hercules the longest-running military aircraft production line in history. With its four turboprop engines, long straight wings, and capacious fuselage, seeing the huge main sections of these airlifters coming together in the companys vast Marietta plant is truly a sight to behold. Its here, at the birthplace of all but two of the over 2,700 C-130s ever built, that we got a view into how each C-130 is born and how its iconic past is influencing its bright future.

Origins of the Hercules

The Hercules was designed by a team led by Willis Hawkins to meet a specification issued by the U.S. Air Forces Tactical Air Command in 1951. The first two YC-130 prototypes were built in Burbank, California, from where the first flight was conducted on August 23, 1954. Serial production of the C-130A commenced in Marietta the same year, with the first examples entering USAF service two years later in December 1956. The pace at which this project progressed was remarkable.

The second prototype YC-130 was the first Hercules to fly, taking to the air for the first time on August 23, 1954. Lockheed Martin

At the height of the production program, over 100 C-130s were being built in Marietta every year, with a record 140 Herks built there in 1957. Aside from the two prototypes, the 3.4 million square feet Hercules production line is the only place in the world where Hercules have been built.

Lockheed Martins Marietta plant in Cobb County, Georgia, is co-located with Dobbins Air Reserve Base. The facility started out as the Bell Bomber Plant, originally known as Government Aircraft Plant 6, and later changed to Air Force Plant 6, and it commenced operations under the Bell Aircraft name in April 1943 specifically to produce the B-29 Superfortress under license to Boeing. In January 1951, it became the Lockheed Aircraft Corporations Georgia Division, which was initially occupied refurbishing B-29s for the Korean War. The plant went on to manufacture classic Lockheed aircraft such as the C-141 StarLifter, the C-5 Galaxy, the F-22 Raptor, and of course, the C-130 Hercules.

Built during World War II, the Marietta plant was designed with the rigors of war in mind. It combined a large blacked-out production plant (that was the first in the South to be air-conditioned) with an extensive bomb shelter that enabled some employees to work almost entirely underground. A huge network of tunnels connected various departments of the site and workers could move about the plant without ever needing to venture outside.

A C-130J in production at Marietta. Lockheed Martin/Thinh D. Nguyen

Today, the underground tunnels still exist, and some of these are still used as office and training spaces. The plant now contributes over $4.4 billion in terms of annual economic impact in Georgia, with approximately 5,700 Lockheed Martin employees working here on programs including building F-35 center wing sections, and coating F-35 horizontal and vertical stabilizers. There is also an expanding presence from Lockheed Martins secretive advanced development organization known as the Skunk Works, which has spurred an increase in the employee base that is supporting multiple classified efforts.

70 years of building Herks

Lockheed Martin now exclusively manufactures the C-130J variant, which began production in 1994. Production of the original models of the C-130 ran from 1954 to 1997, with 2,271 legacy Herks built in four major variants, culminating in the C-130H. The final H-model Hercules was delivered to Japan in September 1997, as production concentrated on the new-generation C-130J Super Hercules.

Comparing the original 1954-vintage C-130A to the current C-130J reveals massive evolution, with major improvements including the four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines and composite, six-bladed, GE-Dowty Aerospace R391 propellers with significantly improved fuel economy and hot-and-high performance, a glass cockpit, and advanced avionics. These features resulted in higher levels of onboard automation and a move from a four-person cockpit crew to a two-crew cockpit, with optional capacity for a flight engineer/navigator.

As a pilot, what struck me most wasnt just the increased performance of the C-130J, it was the situational awareness that comes with this plane, says Bill Morrison, a C-130 production test and training pilot at Lockheed Martin. Morrison has extensive experience across the various Hercules models, having flown both the now-retired MC-130P Combat Shadow and the latest MC-130J Commando II in U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command service. As a pilot, to have all of this information that the C-130J provides is enormously important  its all about situational awareness.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J. Jamie Hunter

We get a lot more thrust for every revolution of that propeller, Morrison adds. We feel that in our takeoff and landing performance. In the legacy C-130 we can always operate in short-field austere environments. Now [with the J-model] we can get in and out of even more restricted fields with a big increase in payload.

The strong, robust, airframe was a winner from the very first early model C-130s. Much is made of this inherent strength and durability of the Hercules airframe  which finds its origin in the C-130s engineering and comes to life on the production line in Marietta.

A C-130J operating from an austere airstrip. Lockheed Martin

A lot of the airframe is made from extruded aluminum, which is like using a pasta press for metal, says Kevin Mather, director of C-130J Production Operations at Lockheed Martin. It extrudes at a rate of a couple of inches per minute and its very strong. We use titanium for the engine mounts and the only composite materials [in the C-130J] are the flaps and on the fairings around the wings.

This isnt like building a fighter aircraft, which is hole-to-hole assembly, with the Hercules the engineers have to clamp, tack, and drill the major subassemblies to bring them together.

This is a moving production line that starts with [the] manufacture of the outer wings. Its a six-month process that incorporates things like ballistic protection for the fuel tanks. The wings are built in three main parts, including the Center Wing Box, which is where the wings are attached to the fuselage, says Mather.

C-130J forward-fuselage and cockpit sections on the production line. Lockheed Martin/Thinh D. Nguyen

While C-130 final assembly is conducted in Marietta, many of the major components are built at other Lockheed Martin sites or by sub-contractors. The fuselage sides and floor are built at the companys sub-assembly plant in Meridian, Mississippi. Other major components are fabricated at plants in Clarksburg in West Virginia, Johnstown in Pennsylvania, and at Pinellas Park in Florida.

Tata in India makes the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, Quikstep in Australia manufactures the wing flaps, and Greeces Hellenic Aerospace Industries produces the fuselage plug for the stretched C-130-30 variant that features 55 feet of cargo compartment length  an additional 15 feet over the short aircraft.

Separately we build the nose and cockpit section from scratch, explains Mather. The next major phase is to mate the nose, middle fuselage, and tail together. We also make here all of the six miles of wiring that goes into every single Hercules. Mather says: It takes about a year to build a Hercules, and we can have up to 36 in production at a time.

Current market

As we mark 70 years of Hercules production this year, that success really comes down to the C-130s multi-mission value proposition, says Nicholas Smythe, director of international air mobility business development at Lockheed Martin. The Hercules covers 18-plus missions around the world, and that really allows it to meet market and operator demand. Lockheed Martin has delivered over 540 C-130Js to date, with overall deliveries to 26 operators in 22 different countries, and the C-130J fleet has accumulated nearly three million flight hours.

A U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J. Jamie Hunter

Lockheed Martin has had up to nine different versions of the Hercules in production at one time. Right now on the line you can see a combination of C-130Js, stretched C-130J-30s, KC-130J tankers, and various special mission HC-130J and MC-130J aircraft, says Smythe. Being able to meet market demand from our customers in terms of the variant of aircraft that best meets their mission needs is really the secret to the resiliency and longevity of this production line.

In my time on the C-130 program, Ive seen production rates at 12-per-year and Ive seen rates as high as 36-per-year, and were tooled to achieve 36-per-year. As of right now in 2024 the line is at a 20 aircraft [per year] production rate, but its not just the production line, its the entire supply chain that sits behind it in our ability to work with our key suppliers across many U.S. states, and many countries around the world, that feed the global supply chain that then comes to Marietta to be assembled on this line.

From when a customer orders an aircraft to when they can expect to receive their aircraft is on average a 36-month delivery timespan. The flexibility we have in place to meet that operator demand as it goes up and down is very, very important. When it comes to the resiliency of this production line, its really about the scalability and the longevity that ensures that when we produce this aircraft, its not just the capability that comes across the line, but its meeting all of the correct price points and meeting the expectations of these different customers.

Lockheed Martin delivered the first of five C-130J-30s to the Indonesian Air Force on Feb. 21, 2023. Lockheed Martin/Thinh D. Nguyen

Theres a number of aircraft for international customers [including Indonesia and New Zealand] that are on the line right now, and we have U.S. government customers that are on the line right now  thats HC-130Js, MC-130Js, KC-130Js, C-130Js, and in the past, weve had our FAA-certified LM-100J on this line.

Of the different variants that are produced, some of the various C-130 mission modifications are now incorporated on the production line such as a satellite communications antenna for the New Zealand aircraft, while some are added post-production, as is the case with the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. This variant is based on the MC-130J airframe, and it receives mission modifications and weapons systems from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Crestview, Florida.

Ultimately, it comes down to the business case in terms of when we should incorporate different mission modules. As an example, we have HC-130Js and MC-130Js being produced for U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command respectively. Those are produced off this line as highly similar aircraft that then receive post-production modifications for their particular mission variants.

There are also things that well just do entirely on this production line. A KC-130J for the U.S. Marine Corps, for example, comes off this line ready to go into operations immediately. The KC-130J is a tanker/transport variant of the Hercules. It features twin Cobham Series 48 AR refueling pods on the wings for the tanker mission that are installed during production at Marietta.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J in the armed Harvest Hawk configuration with wing-mounted AGM-114 Hellfire missile. Jamie Hunter

Immaculate new C-130Js are passed to the production test team at Marietta as they roll off the line. A rigorous set of ground and flight tests are mandated before the aircraft are ferried to their respective customers. New C-130s off the production line come here to the south side of the airfield to us at flight operations, says Bill Morrison. For that first flight were basically getting airborne and making sure the plane performs and behaves the way we expect it to before we ever turn it over to the customer. If everything goes well then we can do it all in a day, but sometimes it may turn into two, maybe three flights.

Lockheed Martin also prepares C-130 customers for operating the aircraft, and it has a large Hercules Training Center at Marietta. This is used to train aircrews and maintainers in the specifics of the C-130. We have a full motion simulator and other training devices. We can train here or off-site, says Morrison, noting a brand new European C-130 training center at Evreux-Fauville Air Base in northern France. The Franco-German C-130 air transport squadron has taken delivery of 10 KC/C-130J tanker and transport aircraft, which has been a major new program for Lockheed Martin, and adds a new customer for the Hercules in the shape of the Luftwaffe.

The strongest demand we currently see internationally is for the C-130J-30, the stretched variant, which meets a lot of mission requirements in terms of the extended [fuselage] size, while still having all the great capability in the aircraft, comments Nicolas Smythe. We have 10-plus active campaigns around the world with customers who are looking to buy either additional C-130Js or get into the C-130J family [for the first time]. Whether its ski-birds for the Antarctic, or whether its an enhanced version of [the] C-130J built around resilient mobility and non-permissive environments. We see a growing demand for that type of configuration.

U.S. paratroopers conduct an airborne jump from a C-130J. U.S. Army/Miriam Schraml

Other C-130 variants that have been touted could also attract sales, such as the Special Operations Forces (SOF) international configuration that was unveiled in 2017. The civilian LM-100J commercial freighter is the Super Hercules variant of the L-100 and it received its FAA certification in 2019. Five examples have been delivered to launch customer Pallas Aviation in Fort Worth, Texas. The LM-100J Fire Herc has also been offered since 2018 as a civil-certified air tanker.

The future path for Hercules

Lockheed Martins Nicholas Smythe says C-130 connectivity will be an important consideration for the type of operations the Hercules may need to face in the future. Maybe the C-130 can be a communications node inside of Joint All Domain Operations, handling Command and Control [C2] roles. I think the interconnectedness, the overall concept of connectivity, is going to be very important to the evolving mission of the C-130J in that contested space.

Gen. Mike Minihan, the head of Air Mobility Command, which controls many active duty C-130Js, has stressed the importance of improving connectivity between U.S. Air Force mobility air and ground crews in large, dispersed, operating areas such as the Pacific. The current reliance on line-of-sight radios will need to be enhanced with beyond line-of-sight systems that are able to relay classified information. Minihan wants to connect 25 percent of the Hercules fleet by 2025.

The cockpit of a KC-130J flown by the U.S. Marine Corps. Jamie Hunter

Single pilot C-130 operation is also definitely on the table for the Hercules in the future, says Smythe. Its a possible evolution that The War Zone has previously examined in detail. Thats the first step in a journey towards greater autonomy. Its something that weve been studying for a while now, potentially how the co-pilot role could be achieved through some Artificial Intelligence techniques. Crew workload is going to be a determinant factor in looking at single pilot operations.

The U.S. Air Force is looking at a variety of options and concepts for Next-Generation Airlifters to replace types such as the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and the C-130, that would be suited to operations in a high-end contested battlespace. While these new cargo-haulers of the future may ultimately replace some traditional types for contested missions, the C-130 will remain in demand for a wide variety of missions for a significant period ahead.

Were going to listen to those operators and were going to continuously modernize this product, says Smythe. Our intent is to be producing C-130s at least to the year 2040 at this point based upon what operators are telling us about what they need in terms of tactical transport.

If C-130s keep rolling off the production line until that target date and potentially well beyond, the iconic Hercules will without a doubt be serving en masse well past the century mark from when the first YC-130 took to the skies over Burbank so long ago.

Contact the author: jamie.hunter@teamrecurrent.io
A California wildfire that has burned more than 500 acres was caused by illegal fireworks, officials have determined.

The Hawarden Fire, which was ignited on Sunday, has destroyed six homes, damaged seven and burned 527 acres. The numbers were accurate as of Monday morning, according to SFGate.

While giving a news conference on Monday, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said the fire has resulted in $10m in damages to homes and $1m in response costs.

Let me make this clear: In just over 24 hours, a moment of fireworks has an estimated cost of over $11m, Lock Dawson said. And the losses are not just financial. Families have lost their homes. Cherished memories and personal belongings.

The damage extends beyond property, impacting the emotional and mental well-being of the affected residents and the community at large.

The Hawarden Fire, which was ignited on Sunday, has destroyed six homes, damaged seven and burned 527 acres ( 2024, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Lock Dawson used the news conference to emphasize why fireworks are prohibited in the area.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of why fireworks are illegal, she said. We live in an area with dry brush, varied terrain and high temperatures, making it ideal for such disasters. Fireworks are illegal because they pose a severe fire hazard, cause injuries and create unnecessary risks for our community and first responders.

According to the outlet, the Riverside Fire Department was alerted of the blaze around 1pm on Sunday. Extreme heat and dry conditions caused it to spread. Temperatures in Riverside reached 100 degrees on Sunday.

The flames are contained in the Hawarden Hills area, about 55 miles from Los Angeles. The area is known to become extremely dry during summer months.

Officials said that evacuation orders have been lifted for more than 1,500 residents and the fire has been fully contained.

Police are searching for the individuals responsible for the blaze. Lock Dawson said authorities have obtained camera footage showing people leaving the area where and when the fire started.

This kind of reckless behavior is unacceptable, and well take every measure to prevent such incidents in the future, the mayor said. Our investigators will continue relentlessly until we are assured that the suspects have been caught  and let me be clear, we will ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
California man still on the run after allegedly killing Richland father of his ex

Investigators are still searching for a man accused of killing the Richland father of his ex-girlfriend.

Omar Ambriz-Lorenzano, 35, of Porterville, Calif., disappeared after shooting Mariano Garcia-Yanez, 45, of Richland on July 3 at a Grandview home, the Yakima County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

Deputies were called to 100 block of Bridgeview Road about 2:30 a.m. by a woman who reported that her father had been shot during an argument with her ex-boyfriend, according to a sheriffs office release.

Omar Ambriz-Lozano

When deputies and Grandview police officers arrived, they discovered Garcia-Yanez had been shot and couldnt be revived.

Investigators searched the area, but couldnt find Ambriz-Lorenzano.

Its unclear if charges have been filed yet in Yakima County.

Anyone with information is asked to email Detective Kevin Beehler at kevin.beehler@co.yakima.wa.us or they can provide a tip at Crime Stoppers Yakima County at www.crimestoppersyakco.org.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 41-year-old California woman was killed when the motorcycle she was riding was struck by a car from behind, according to Nevada State Police.

The crash happened on July 16 around 2:40 a.m. on IR 15 southbound near the Arizona/Nevada border. Troopers said the victim, identified as Rebecca Lynn Taylor from San Diego, was traveling southbound on a Harley Davidson motorcycle and was struck from behind by a Hyundai which failed to slow down.

Taylor was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at a local hospital. The driver of the Hyundai was not injured and is cooperating with authorities, troopers said. The crash is under investigation.

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California's long-awaited indoor heat standard has gone into effect. Here's what to know

More than a million workers laboring in warehouses, kitchens, laundry rooms and other hot indoor settings across California are now protected by new safety measures that went into effect on Tuesday.

The indoor heat illness prevention rule, adopted by the standards board at the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health last month, regulates indoor workplaces that reach or surpass 82 degrees.

After years of delays, labor leaders celebrated the implementation of the rule. They had pressed in recent weeks for a mandated legal review of the rule to be expedited in order to get the protections in place as early on in the summer as possible.

[W]e are relieved that the indoor heat protections are now finally in effect in California, said Lorena Gonzalez, head of the California Labor Federation, in a statement Wednesday. This long-overdue victory for workers cannot be overstated; these protections from extreme heat will save countless lives."

Heres what you should know about the new rule:

What are the new protections?

The new safety measures require employers to provide water, cooling areas and monitoring of workers for signs of heat illness whenever indoor workplace temperatures reach or surpass 82 degrees.

If temperatures climb to 87 degrees, or workers are required to work near hot equipment, employers must cool the work site. If doing so is not feasible, they must allow for more breaks, rotate workers out of hot environments and make other adjustments.

Designated cool-down areas are supposed to be as close as possible to where employees are working, and large enough that workers can sit normally without touching each other. They must be blocked from direct sunlight and shielded from heat sources, with adequate ventilation and cooling.

Drinking water must be available in multiple locations and should be "fresh, pure, suitably cool, and provided to workers free of charge," the new rule says.

In guidance Cal/OSHA officials issued to employers, supervisors are advised to taste the water and pour it on their skin to check that it is adequate.

Employers should remind and encourage workers to drink water frequently in training sessions as well as throughout the work day, as workers "may not feel how urgently their bodies need water," according to Cal/OSHA guidance.

Under the new rule, employers are required to allow workers to take cool-down rests if they feel they need to protect themselves from overheating.

"Waiting until symptoms appear before taking a cool-down rest may be too late," Cal/OSHA guidance says.

More details about the indoor heat standard are available on Cal/OSHA's website. The safeguards are similar to an existing rule establishing regulations for workers in outdoor settings.

Which workers are covered by the new rule?

The indoor heat standard applies to most workplaces. The state estimates the new rule will apply to about 1.4 million people who work indoors in conditions that can easily become exposed to extreme heat. Industries anticipated to be most affected include warehouses, manufacturing and restaurants.

The indoor heat rule does not apply to correctional staff or inmate workers in prisons, local detention facilities, and juvenile facilities.

The Department of Corrections and Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration are in the process of consulting with worker advocates to create a separate indoor heat rule for these facilities. It is unclear how long it will take to develop and implement those protections.

The newly implemented rule also does not apply to employees who are working remotely from places not under the control of their employer.

Read more: State board approves protections for hot workplaces

What happens if an employer doesn't follow the heat rule?

Workers who believe their workplaces are not adequately protecting them from extreme heat conditions can file a complaint with Cal/OSHA online or by calling (833) 579-0927.

It's possible, however, that enforcement will be slow. California agencies responsible for enforcing labor laws have also been beset by inadequate staffing and claims of ineffectiveness.

Cal/OSHA is grappling with a 38% job vacancy rate and faced sharp criticism at a February hearing of the Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment, where farm workers testified that theyd been exposed to extreme heat and pesticides on the job.

"We will continue pushing Cal/OSHA to prioritize enforcement so that bad employers can't get away with subjecting workers to life-threatening working conditions from indoor heat exposure, said Gonzalez, the California Labor Federation president, in her Wednesday statement.

Read more: Editorial: California workers shouldn't have to face another broiling summer without indoor heat protections

Are there similar protections at the federal level?

California in 2006 became the first state in the nation to establish permanent heat protections for outdoor workers and is among just a handful of states that have adopted indoor heat regulations.

There is no similar standard at the federal level, although the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration this month released details of its proposed rule to protect indoor and outdoor workers from high temperatures. The move is a major step forward, though the rule must receive feedback, among other steps, and likely will not be finalized for a while.

Louis Blumberg, a senior climate policy advisor at Climate Resolve, said California's move to finally adopt the indoor heat standard means that it "automatically becomes a model, or at least a floor for federal agencies to consider and adopt."

"This is very important as a labor issue. But it's bigger than that. It's an important step toward building climate resilience on a society-wide basis," Blumberg said.

A federal standard would be particularly significant in states such as Florida and Texas  which have passed laws blocking cities or employers from establishing heat rules.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
California's news industry is shrinking while misinformation spreads. Here's what the numbers tell us

As the world turned digital, people were quick to drop their Sunday papers and pick up their smartphones for news. Advertisers followed suit as digital platforms became more valuable real estate than print newspapers, leaving California news outlets desperate to find ways to stay profitable and relevant.

Supporters  including the California News Publishers Assn. and the Media Guild of the West which represents journalists at the Los Angeles Times  believe Assembly Bill 886, will give the industry a greatly needed boost by requiring online platforms like Google to pay news outlets when linking to their content. News outlets must spend at least 70% of the received funds on their staff.

A second bill being considered by California lawmakers, Senate Bill 1327, would charge Amazon, Meta and Google a "data extraction mitigation fee" for data they collect from users. The funds would go toward supporting local newsrooms.

California has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005, according to a 2023 Northwestern Medill School of Journalism report. The number of journalists in the state has dropped 68% since then, and despite shifting efforts to digital, news outlets are struggling to attract readers and subscribers.

The Los Angeles Times cut more than 20% of its newsroom in January, representing one of the largest staff cuts in the newspapers 142-year history. Since L.A. Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong sold the San Diego Union-Tribune to an investment firm in July 2023, its staff has been cut by an estimated 30%. LAist is also facing "a significant budget shortfall" over the next two years and has offered voluntary buyouts to journalists ahead of a potential round of layoffs.

Americans are turning to social media for news, citing its convenience and speed. The share of Americans using social media for news increased from 27% in 2013 to 48% in 2024, according to the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism's Digital News Report 2024.

But concerns about unreliable sources and misinformation have been growing. Four in 10 Americans who get news from social media say they dislike the inaccuracy, up from three in 10 in 2018, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey. After the 2016 presidential election, about a quarter of Americans said they shared fabricated news stories, knowingly or unknowingly.

As conspiracies and misinformation spread and exacerbate polarization, local newsrooms meant to hold officials accountable and keep community members well-informed are becoming fewer and farther between.

As the two bills make their way through the state Legislature, here's what you need to know about California's shrinking news industry and evolving media advertising scene.

Sunday circulation for some of the largest newspapers in California, including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register and San Diego Union-Tribune, has dropped at least 30% since 2015. The Fresno Bee has seen the largest percentage decrease in Sunday newspaper circulation, down 79% in just eight years. Its daily average of 110,400 papers in 2015 plummeted to 23,000 in 2023.

Theres no mistaking that this is a brutal moment for journalistic employment," Gabriel Kahn, USC professor of professional practice of journalism, said. "Jobs are shrinking, and local coverage is disappearing."

The San Francisco Bay area saw the largest drop in journalism employment per 1,000 jobs in the state since 2009, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In 2009, one out of 1,000 employed people worked as a journalist. In 2023, only a half of those jobs remain.

While the Bay Area saw a sharp decline in the number of journalists in the early 2010s, journalism employment has been inching back upward since 2015.

Kahn said the number of journalists in the Bay Area is dependent on the national relevance of Silicon Valley, which in recent years has consistently found headlines with topics like social media and artificial intelligence and tech figures like Elon Musk.

Coverage about glitzy topics, whether it's celebrities in L.A., tech or politics  can gain national audiences, so there will always be demand for people to produce that kind of journalistic content," he said. "Silicon Valley has always had ways to grow, and as they grow, journalists are added on to cover that surge.

Journalism jobs continue to be concentrated in metropolitan hubs such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and San Jose. The number of journalists in Los Angeles and Orange County increased 34% in the past decade while the number in San Jose and San Diego remained roughly unchanged.

The number of journalists in the state's capital, however, notably plummeted 57% in the last decade. The Sacramento area saw the largest drop in total journalism employment since 2013.

McClatchy, the publisher of the Sacramento Bee and dozens of other news outlets across the country, filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and was acquired by a New Jersey hedge fund later that year. TV stations have also consolidated news coverage in Sacramento by doing the same with less, Kahn said.

The truth is, this is still the place where a $300-billion budget gets approved [and] lots of business [gets] transacted," he said. "Im surprised theres not more [coverage].

As social media and search engines dominate the advertising business that once fueled the journalism industry, many California news outlets that have stuck to old business models are watching money go down the drain, Kahn said.

National digital advertising expenditures in California increased 54% since 2018 while print media advertising decreased 27%, according to Borrell Associates.

The most popular social media for California registered voters for election-related news is YouTube, followed by Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. And as more Americans experience news fatigue and turn to social media for news and comedic relief, news outlets continue to lose digital readership.

Ten major California news websites, including latimes.com, sfchronicle.com and ocregister.com, have seen at least a 35% drop in total unique visitors since January 2021.

The OC Register's website saw one of the largest percentage decreases in the past three years at 72%.

Kahn attributed some of the digital readership loss to difficulties optimizing journalism content for search engines.

One of the major woes that journalism is feeling is that their audience is dependent on Silicon Valley giants and their algorithms," Kahn said.

A poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies conducted from May 29 to June 4 found that California registered voters rely on Google and other search engines almost as much as newspapers and magazines to get news about election-related issues.

Digital advertising has become a major business for Google's parent company, Alphabet, with revenue nearly quadrupling in the past decade. Google advertising, which includes Google search, YouTube ads and other networks, racked in an unprecedented $237.8 billion in 2023.

The U.S. Justice Department and eight states, including California, brought a landmark antitrust case against Google in 2023, accusing it of abusing its power to monopolize the digital advertising market.

Any money falling into these [journalism] institutions is going to be positive, because they have basically been watching the water drain out of the bathtub for the past decade and a half," Kahn said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
While a pivotal labor battle among Canadian rail workers and their employers hangs in the balance, the countrys labor minister is stepping aside.

Effective Friday, Seamus ORegan, stepped down from the role that he has held since October 2021. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Steven MacKinnon in the role in his place. ORegan said the decision was a personal one.

More from Sourcing Journal

Ultimately, my family comes first, ORegan said in a post on X. I need to be a better husband, son, uncle and friend, and this job means, and deserves, a lot of time in order to do it well.

ORegan has already played a significant role in the standoff between the union workers and Canadas two largest railroad operators, Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

He temporarily put a possible strike on hold when he requested that the countrys labor relations board review whether the countrys railroads must continue to transport certain essential goods. ORegan sent the request among concerns from a coalition of agricultural groups, who wrote him in May saying that even a short-term disruption could lead to weeks of production delays.

The review pushed back potential strike action that could have occurred as early as May 22. The 9,300 rail workers represented by Teamsters Canada could not legally strike until the board finishes the review and makes a decision.

Both CN and CPKC have said they have received guidance from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) indicating a decision could be delivered by Aug. 9. From there, the union would have to wait 72 hours before taking strike action.

With ORegan out as minister, it will be McKinnons job now to try to navigate through labor disputes like these, needing to balance the act of keeping businesses operating throughout Canada.

The primary job of Canadas Minister of Labour is to promote safe, healthy, fair and inclusive work conditions and cooperative workplace relations in federal private-sector industries and crown corporationswhich are hybrid entities that are regulated by the government but function similarly to private businesses.

The outgoing labor minister has been in the thick of a multitude of logistics-related labor quarrels in the past year alone.

Last July, West Coast port dockworkers went on strike for two weeks before a four-year contract was reached. That work stoppage posed major economic impacts on the Canadian economy, reducing Canadas gross domestic product by between $530 million and $712 million, and affected $7.3 billion in merchandise shipments.

A second strike took place at Canadas St. Lawrence Seaway in October, where union workers who operated the lock systems and bridges walked off the job for a week, stalling nearly 100 ships at ports and docks between Lake Erie and Montreal.

In June, Canadas border agents were threatening a strike, posing a threat to the movement of freight entering the U.S. That strike was averted when a deal was struck and ratified earlier this month.

A group of 730 union foremen at the West Coast ports represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) sought to strike earlier this month, but the CIRB found that the union locals 72-hour strike notice was in violation of Canadas labor code.

ORegan said he intends to remain in the countrys legislature as a Liberal Party lawmaker, but doesnt intend to run for reelection once his tenure is up.
This report was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

As Canada deals with the same wildfire problems plaguing the western U.S.  fires of increasing intensity burning larger areas as the climate and forests change  Canadian governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on more and better firefighting equipment, increased personnel, fire-tracking satellites and improving community readiness.

But some experts believe part of the solution to reducing catastrophic megafires involves practices that go back thousands of years, to the land's first inhabitants: fighting fire with fire.

New growth is seen in a forest as it starts to come back to life following a prescribed burn which helps burn off fuel like twigs, logs and dried pine needles to help prevent wildfires in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada on Friday, May 31, 2024.

The indigenous people of Canada for centuries intentionally set fires on the landscape for a variety of cultural needs.

"They burned for medicinal plants, for food plants, to produce firewood, to produce teepee poles, other technological uses  warmth, cooking, everything else. It was how you survived on this landscape," said Robert Gray, a wildland fire ecologist who runs his own company, RW Gray Consulting based in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

The fires set long ago by tribal members would be ignited in the early days of spring, just after snow melt; or in the late fall or winter, when they were easier to contain. Through generations of practice, the oral traditions of cultural burning were passed down among First Nations people. Firekeepers knew what plants, bushes and trees to burn, when, for particular benefits.

The lower-intensity fires used up accumulated dried, dead trees, branches and leaves on the forest floor, and better spaced and diversified the forest and its mix with wetlands and grasslands.

"The result of all that burning was you didn't have 30,000 or 100,000 hectare fires," Gray said.

Banned for more than a century by European settlers, cultural burning is now making a tentative comeback in Canada, spurred by an urgency to find solutions to megafires costing into the billions of dollars that are coming with increasing frequency  a problem punctuated by Canada's record-shattering wildfire season last year. Nearly 58,000 square miles of the nation burned  an area about the size of Illinois  in more than 6,500 wildfires coast-to-coast from April to October, according to revised numbers from the Canadian Forest Service.

Wildfire firefighters do controlled burns in Alberta during Canada's record wildfire season in the summer of 2023.

That more than doubled Canada's previous wildfire record and was more than seven times the nation's historical average. The smoke from those fires caused unhealthy air quality in American cities in the Northeast, Midwest and Plains throughout the spring and summer of 2023.

Canadian provinces and Parks Canada are also increasingly looking to prescribed burning, the nonnative practice of strategic fires to reduce wildfire risk, though it is still used far less in Canada than in the United States, despite Canada having more forestland.

Indigenous communities know how to use fire to reduce risk

Cultural burning goes back many thousands of years, to almost all continents of the Earth, said Joe Gilchrist, a member of the Skeetchestn Indian Band, part of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation in British Columbia. He's a traditional firekeeper and chairman of the Salish Fire Keepers Society, a group of indigenous and nonindigenous members working to restore cultural burning as a more widely used practice to keep forests healthier and wildfires more in control.

In what's now British Columbia, First Nations people long ago burned every four years for berry patches or birthing places for wildlife, Gilchrist said. Some forests were burned every seven to 15 years.

"So there was a mosaic of different age groups, different field types, tree types," he said. "It wasn't just one monoculture of trees across the landscape, which it is now. Everything now is dry and dying and diseased. And these huge fires now have all the fuel they need and are pretty much unstoppable."

The evidence of cultural burning over centuries has been recorded by the forest itself. Jill Harvey is a fire ecologist and assistant professor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, who specializes in the study of tree rings. The rings show the annual growth pattern of trees and stresses such as fire.

At one research site in north-central British Columbia, tree-ring research shows a pattern of fires going back 400 years at sites known to have been inhabited by indigenous people. At a second site, the fire record goes back nearly 800 years, she said.

"The wildfire histories that we are developing are really human-driven wildfire histories, at least in some areas," she said.

Harvey is an enthusiastic supporter of the restoration of cultural burning.

"The indigenous communities have an intimate and intricate knowledge of how fire can be used to reduce risk, and this knowledge needs to be brought to the forefront of wildfire management and planning in British Columbia and elsewhere throughout Canada and throughout the world," she said.

When European settlement came to Canada, intentional wildland burning became a crime. In British Columbia, the Bush Fire Act of 1874 made indigenous cultural burning practices punishable by fines or even imprisonment.

The loss of cultural burning as a component of forest ecology was compounded by more than a century of working to put out wildfires to protect communities and business interests. With natural patterns of forest-burning lost, tree stands thickened, wetlands and grasslands became overgrown, and forest floors became loaded with dead, dry fuels. And climate change has contributed to years of drought in central and western Canada, less snow to melt over winters, earlier springs and more intense weather events.

"It's only been more recently, in the last decade really, that cultural burning has become more acceptable and decriminalized by the government," said Kiah Allen, knowledge and research lead for the Cultural and Prescribed Fire Program for BC Wildfire Service, the province's wildland firefighting agency.

Kiah Allen, a cultural and prescribed fire research and capacity lead for the BC Wildfire Service stands inside a forest that recently went thorough a prescribed burn in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada on May, 30, 2024.

What changed? Terrible, destructive, costly wildfire after terrible, destructive, costly wildfire.

"Absolutely, the fire seasons that we've seen in 2017, 2018, '21, and now '23 have catapulted the use of cultural and prescribed fire into the limelight, and its social acceptance throughout the province for our general public, but also for the legislature, for Parliament," Allen said.

Allen and her team's job, she said, is to identify and remove red tape preventing First Nations people from using cultural burning, "for them to be sovereign."

Strong connection to land enables art of cultural burning

Gilchrist explained the cultural burning cycle.

"In late fall and into winter, you can prune the trees, put it into piles and when the snow is on the ground then you can burn those piles," he said. "You start to bring the forest back to the way it was."

Spring burning comes just after the snows melt, when "it just starts to warm up and then the grass gets crunchy," Gilchrist said.

"It's a low-intensity burn and it's really easy to control. You use existing breaks like deer trails, cow trails, horse trails and roadways, existing rivers and lakes and things like that that kind of curl the fire in.

Joe Gilchrist, a member of the Skeetchestn Indian Band of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation, conducts a cultural burn on Skeetchestn tribal land in British Columbia, Canada in this April 2024 photo. Indigenous people of North America used fire on the landscape for a variety of societal goals for centuries, and Gilchrist hopes to restore the practice to wider use now to combat catastrophic, large wildfires.

"Some days you just burn for one day and there is very little smoke. You mind the wind so that smoke doesnt go into a community or roadway  and if it does, you are able to put it out and wait for another day."

When, where and what is burned is the art to cultural burning, the practices passed down in oral traditions over generations, Gilchrist said.

"That's where people make the decisions on whether it's going to mule deer or winter range for moose or elk or whether you're going to pick herbs in a meadow, or in a riparian area or wetlands  different kinds of things and their different burn cycles," he said. "And when you have as strong a connection to the land as your ancestors did, you have a good sense of where you want to do the different things."

Gilchrist said Salish Fire Keepers conducted five cultural burns this past spring on territorial lands within First Nations territories, over about 250 hectares  about a square mile  of land.

"We are hoping to continue doing bigger and more burns in the future," he said. "And, hopefully, it becomes legal to burn off the reserve. We could make the forest so much better."

Not all fire is bad; Canada moves toward prescribed burns

Prescribed burning  the planned, strategic use of fire in the forest to lessen wildfire danger to communities or other interests  is a far more utilized practice in the United States than in Canada.

A report on the nationwide use of prescribed burning in the U.S. from the National Association of State Foresters and the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils showed 9.4 million acres treated in 2020, the second-highest number reported in survey history. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, meanwhile, reported just under 327,000 acres of prescribed burning in Canada in 2023.

"Within our area, historical practices have been focused on timber management," said Kenny Forbes, a wildfire prevention officer with BC Wildfire Service.

Kenny Forbes, a wildfire rehab specialist, sits on a charred log inside a forest in Kimberly, British Columbia, Canada on Friday, May 31, 2024. He and others concerned about wildfires took part in a prescribed burn to help burn off fuel like twigs, logs and dried pine needles to help prevent wildfires here.

Colonial governments, Gilchrist said, "made a decision that fires were bad  kind of a Smokey the Bear attitude. Get every fire under control within a day."

That's changing.

"As part of wildfire prevention and fire management, we have to do controlled burns at the right time of year to burn out that type of (accumulated forest) fuel. And that work has already started," said Harjit Sajjan, Canada's minister of emergency preparedness.

A sign about wildfire prevention is seen over a roadway in Cranbrook, British Columbia, on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Sajjan cited work he has seen accomplished in the Yukon, where fire managers studied wind patterns, determined the most likely path of a catastrophic wildfire to population centers, and created a fire break in the surrounding forest to mitigate potential impacts on the province's capital city of Whitehorse.

"Different provinces and territories are at different levels" of putting prescribed burning and forest fuels reduction into practice, Sajjan said.

How a prescribed burn saved a critical airport

Prescribed burning has true believers in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Officials there credit it with saving their airport.

Gray has worked with the community over the last two years to do tree thinning and prescribed fire to the area surrounding the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook  on the west side of airport property two years ago; on the south and east sides in April 2023. The work last year was done in conjunction with 1,200 hectares  about 3,000 acres  of prescribed and cultural burning at the nearby Aq'am First Nation community.

That work was tested by the St. Mary's River wildfire less than three months later, in July 2023. Started by downed power lines and boosted by strong winds, the fire grew to nearly 10,000 acres, destroying homes in the Aq'am community and prompting evacuations. But in the treated areas of Aq'am and around the airport, the fire was held back.

"That (tree thinning and prescribed burning) proved to be really critical," said Michelle Shortridge, an Aq'am First Nations member and director of operations for the community at the time of the wildfire.

Michelle Shortridge of the Aq'am First Nations community stands at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, stands in an area that was part of a prescribed burn at the airport to help rid the forest area of fuel that would feed a potential fire from dried leaves to twigs and dried pine needles in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

"That prescribed fire protected the critical assets at the Canadian Rockies International Airport as well as allowed for crews to focus their efforts elsewhere, including on the protection of homes and lives when the wildfire blew through our community."

Airport manager Tristen Chernove showed photos he took with his phone one of the early nights of the wildfire, as a wall of flames headed toward the airport's fence line.

"It was a pretty out-of-control fire for a period of time," he said. "It was very close by, heading this way, and when it butted up against the prescribed burn from the spring of that year, it diminished to the point where we were fine to keep the air tanker base," the airplanes dropping water and fire suppressants on the blaze, "operating from this airport."

Scott Driver, the director of Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, stands in an area that was part of a prescribed burn at the airport to help rid the forest area of fuel that would feed a potential fire from dried leaves to twigs and dried pine needles in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Cranbrook Fire Chief Scott Driver, a member of the department for more than 20 years, said he remembered early in his career addressing almost nothing except structure fires in the city. Now firefighting requires an additional set of skills.

"The wildfire risk to communities is moving out of the backcountry and into the front country," he said. "Now it's a whole other job that's added to our portfolio in terms of wildfire suppression and response capabilities  having to understand what wildfire is and how it's different than structural fire. It's a very different job but now we have to do both at the same time."

Fear is a motivator

Less than 20 miles to the northwest of Cranbrook, in Kimberley, British Columbia, the community of about 8,400 residents is working to protect itself from wildfires by conducting tree thinning, fuels reduction and prescribed burning in areas that wind patterns, and wildfire history, show could bring a large wildfire to the city center.

Fire mitigation practices have been conducted since the early 2000s, and weren't well received at first by residents, Mayor Don McCormick said.

"People love the area we live in; they love the trees," he said. "And the thought of taking any of this down and doing things like prescribed burns was just not part of the psyche."

A 2018 wildfire that threatened the community and had residents on evacuation standby for three weeks helped change that, he said.

"That completely changed the support in the community for the work that we're doing," McCormick said. "There's nothing like fear that causes people to step back and say, OK, what's really important to us? "

Alberta wildfire fighters at work fighting wildfires in Alberta, Canada during the heavy wildfire season in the summer of 2023.

The community gets its water supply from nearby mountain streams  water so clear and pure, the city needs no filtration plant, McCormick said. A wildfire reaching those water sources could be devastating, he said.

"There is no Plan B; if that watershed goes down, we are in big trouble," he said.

In strategically mapped portions of forests near town, hand and mechanical tree clearing and branch pruning was conducted over the past few years, with a prescribed burn this spring. At another nearby location, piles of branches and vegetation are left in place on the forest floor, waiting for late fall or winter, when conditions will be better to burn them in place. The goal is to open up the thickened tree stand and remove some so-called ladder fuels, small trees and bushes that can take a wildfire off the forest floor and elevate it to the treetops, where wind-whipped crown fires can spark a megafire.

Tree and vegetation types, topography, weather, community goals  a complex mix of factors goes into a prescribed burn that require careful consideration and planning, Gray said.

Officials from the city of Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada show off areas of a vast forest where they have an ongoing fuel management project in use to reduce the risk of wildfires in the area on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Slipups happen, and they can cause significant loss of public support. A prescribed burn in Banff National Park in Alberta in May 2023 went out of control when winds unexpectedly shifted and increased, temporarily causing alerts in the nearby city. A 1,000-acre prescribed burn by U.S. Forest Service near Los Alamos, New Mexico, in May 2000 got out of control and sparked the 47,000-acre Cerro Grande Fire, spreading into the city, destroying 280 homes and causing total damages topping $1 billion, including to facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory, a nuclear facility.

"While I firmly believe in good fire, there is no such thing as good smoke," said Michael Flannigan, a professor specializing in wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University. "Also, there are liability concerns with any prescribed fires. ... I don't see things changing much in the near term."

But McCormick, the mayor in Kimberley, said his residents now get it.

"It's counterintuitive to light fires to prevent fires," he said. "And so people fear prescribed burns.

"If there's one thing that the St. Mary's Fire proved last year, it's that prescribed burns work, and we have a whole lot more support in the community right now as a result of that. Because if that prescribed burn had not happened a couple of years ago, we would have lost our airport. And that's a fact."

The problem isn't going away, Cranbrook Fire Chief Driver said.

"We are in decades of this now, and more is coming," he said. "We are going to have to deal with this every summer for a long time. And with that recognition, I think there is more willingness to accept what needs to be done on the prevention side of things, because that's where our investments are going to make the most impact."

Detroit Free Press reporter Keith Matheny and photographer Eric Seals are the Pulitzer Center's 2024 Richard C. Longworth Media Fellows. Contact Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Indigenous 'cultural burning' prevented huge wildfires in Canada's past
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Cantonment man was arrested Tuesday after he made social media threats toward a Florida general magistrate ahead of his custody case scheduled for July 24, according to an Escambia County Affidavit.

Mobile County sheriff responds to man with four-page-long rap sheet being taken off the streets

42-year-old Jason Lee Sherman was arrested on July 23 and charged with second-degree felony intimidation.

According to the affidavit, Sherman threatened General Magistrate Keith McIver through multiple posts on X, previously known as Twitter.

One post read, I will say, lord guide my knife into that man because you stand between me and my son and the lord tells me. I must be with him, the affidavit said.

Sherman also posted statements saying he was prepared to die on Wednesday and that he was willing to kill people because he has been unable to see his son, according to the affidavit.

Sherman also claimed that McIver had previously told Sherman he was not sane enough to see his son, the affidavit said.

In a video posted to X, Sherman allegedly said, I have zero money. The only thing thats going to make me happy now is thoughts of manslaughter while I run around with swords and s*** and think about killing people in a couple of days.

UPDATE: Verbal threat led to Coastal Alabama Community College lockdown, officials say

The affidavit also said Sherman told a Social Security employee he was going to come down to the office and teach knife fights in the parking lot, after the staff allegedly told him that he did not exist and they were not paying him.

Sherman was still in jail Wednesday 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 WKRG News 5.
In Capitol address, Israeli leader calls for U.S. backing to defeat Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Netanyahus visit occurs as the Israel-Hamas war reaches nearly ten months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israels war on Hamas. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised victory over Hamas militants and said he knows America has our back during a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday that drew thousands of protesters and sparked a boycott from some Democrats who oppose the Israeli governments monthslong offensive in Gaza.

Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory, Netanyahu told lawmakers. Ladies and gentlemen, that victory is in sight.

The Israeli leader visited Washington as his militarys airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis added dozens of deaths to a mounting toll of 39,000, according to Gaza health authorities in the Hamas-controlled territory.

Additionally, news on Monday of the deaths of two captives held by Hamas charged the already roaring calls for their release.

Israels offensive, approaching its tenth month, has been ongoing since Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, terrorizing music festival attendees and numerous communal settlements. In one day, the militants killed more than 1,100 and escaped with upwards of 200 hostages.

Netanyahu recounted the sheer evil during his nearly one-hour speech to lawmakers Wednesday and thanked President Joe Biden for standing with Israel during our darkest hour that will never be forgotten.

This is not a clash of civilizations. Its a clash between barbarism and civilization, Netanyahu said. Its a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.

He introduced a rescued hostage sitting beside his wife, Sara, in the House chambers gallery and told families of American hostages in attendance that he will not rest until all their loved ones are home. Netanyahu also asked a handful of Israeli service members to rise from where they were seated behind lawmakers on the Republican side of the House floor.

GOP lawmakers briefly chanted USA after Netanyahu decried Irans threats to Israel and warned that Irans real war is with America.

Yet at the heart of the Middle East, standing in Irans way, is one proud democracy, my country, the state of Israel, Netanyahu said.

Partisan cracks

Applause was not unanimous throughout the lengthy speech.

When Netanyahu sharply criticized anti-Israel protesters who stand with Hamas and should be ashamed of themselves, many Democratic lawmakers remained seated, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the bodys highest-ranking Jewish member.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan raised a small sign that read Guilty of genocide as Netanyahu called the International Criminal Courts accusations against him utter, complete nonsense.

Netanyahu defended his countrys treatment of Palestinians.

He rejected the position of the ICC, which issued arrest warrant applications in May for both Hamas and Israeli government officials, including Netanyahu.

The ICC shamefully accused Israel of starving the people of Gaza and deliberately targeting civilians, he said.

Netanyahu accused Hamas of stealing the half-million tons of food his country has sent into Gaza.

The Israeli military has dropped millions of flyers, sent millions of text messages to warn civilians prior to airstrikes, but Netanyahu said Hamas militants use their civilians as human shields.

For Hamas, its a strategy, Netanyahu said. They actually want Palestinian civilians to die so that Israel will be smeared in the international media.

Prior to Netanyahus speech, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Israel is a victim of an information wars.

The Louisiana Republican shook hands with the prime minister and his wife against the backdrop of American and Israeli flags upon their arrival just after 1 p.m.

The threats Israel faces are not only kinetic. Jerusalem is also combatting lawfare and information wars and double standards from the U.N. and the media, Johnson said.

Harris campaigns during Netanyahu visit

Vice President Kamala Harris did not preside over Netanyahus joint address, as is tradition for the officeholder who is also the president of the U.S. Senate.

Rather, the likely Democratic presidential nominee departed Washington Wednesday morning for a speech in Indianapolis, followed by travel to Houston.

Harriss office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Both Biden and Harris are expected to meet Netanyahu separately on Thursday, followed by a joint meeting with the families of American hostages still held by Hamas.

The leaders will discuss developments in Gaza and progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal and the United States ironclad commitment to Israels security, including countering Irans threats to Israel and the broader region, according to a statement released Wednesday by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The Republican National Committee pounced on Harriss absence in a statement, calling it disgraceful snub and accusing the vice president of being weak on Israel.

The Senates president pro tempore, Patty Murray of Washington, also did not preside, citing opposition to the war in a statement reported in the Spokesman-Review, a Spokane newspaper.

Instead, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, took the seat behind Netanyahu.

The United States relationship with the State of Israel transcends politics and partisanship, and it transcends any one Israeli government or any one U.S. administration. Its foundation is cemented in the ties between our people, Cardin said in a statement.

Schumer said he attended Netanyahus address because the leaders visit presented the latest opportunity to draw attention to hostages, including some of his New York constituents, who remain in Hamas captivity.

Even though I disagree with many of Bibi Netanyahus policies, I will attend the speech because the United States relationship with Israel remains ironclad and transcends any prime minister or president. And we must do all we can to get our hostages home, Schumer said on the Senate floor Wednesday morning.

Schumer, a Democrat, delivered sharp criticism of Netanyahu on the Senate floor in March when he called for a complete overhaul of Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership. Schumer said on March 14 that Netanyahu had lost his way and proposed the country hold new elections.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell met with Netanyahu Wednesday and affirmed the U.S. commitment to the Middle East nation.

The American people can take pride in the resilience of our friends fighting Iran-backed terror. But Israels fight is Americas fight, too. Like our friends on the front lines of Russian and Chinese aggression, Israels defiance of the worlds most active state sponsor of terror deserves Americas utmost support, McConnell said in a statement.

Democrats boycott

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahus address to protest the tens of thousands of civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip and the continued delay of a cease-fire agreement while hostages taken on Oct. 7 remain in Hamas captivity.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Netanyahus speech was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.

Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home  and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal, she wrote on social media following the prime ministers visit.

Rep. Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat, called Congresss invitation to Netanyahu wildly inappropriate because the Israeli leader has violated international human rights law so severely that an arrest warrant for war crimes has been recommended by the International Criminal Court.

I regret that one has not been issued yet, as I would have gladly served it to him on the House floor, Pocan said in a statement Wednesday.

Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania said on the House floor that Israel has decimated the Gaza Strip using U.S.-provided weapons.

When Putin commits war crimes, we condemn him. When Netanyahu commits war crimes, we give him excuses and bombs, the freshman Democrat said, referring to U.S. support of Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his attack on the neighboring country.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top House Democratic appropriator, did not attend the speech, citing anger that Republicans have used this address to score political points and stoke division.

And I am shocked by the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, spearheaded by Prime Minister Netanyahu, that has been indifferent to the loss of Palestinian lives and settler violence. For these reasons, I will not attend the joint address, the Connecticut Democrat said in a statement.

DeLauro joined Democrats Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Jamie Raskin of Maryland to meet with hostages families earlier in the day.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the rare Republican absence during Netanyahus address, dismissing it as political theater on behalf of the State Department.

The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell (international) opposition to his war, Massie wrote on social media.

Protests

U.S. Capitol Police said they deployed pepper spray on protesters marching toward the Capitol just before 2 p.m., when Netanyahus speech got underway.

Inside the Capitol, police reported arresting six people in the House gallery for unlawful conduct during the Israeli leaders address.

Later, demonstrators marched on Washingtons Union Station and raised Palestinian flags that Washington Metropolitan Police eventually removed, according to local reports. It was unclear how many protesters were arrested.

Thousands demonstrated on the National Mall and surrounding avenues leading to the Capitol beginning early Wednesday. Numerous coalitions of advocacy groups converged on Washington carrying signs that read Free Palestine and attempting to burn an effigy of Netanyahu, according to reporters who were present.

The A.N.S.W.E.R. coalition  short for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism  held court before a large crowd on Pennsylvania Avenue for nearly three hours of rotating speakers including actress Susan Sarandon.

A sit-in Tuesday night in the Cannon House Office Building ended with roughly 200 arrests, according to Capitol law enforcement.

Tall, black security fencing surrounded the Capitol complex, and U.S. Capitol Police increased its presence along with federal law enforcement and other partners.

Netanyahus visit came almost exactly one year after Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed a joint meeting of Congress to mark the 75th anniversary of Israels independence. At the time of Herzogs visit, Netanyahu was facing massive protests in his own country for a law that would shift the judiciary in his favor.

Negotiations over a U.S. and internationally-backed cease-fire proposal are limping along in Cairo as parties struggle to finalize a path forward for the Palestinian territories following the war, according to numerous reports. Israels parliament last week rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting the Biden administrations advocacy for a two-state solution.

Netanyahu met separately Tuesday with several families of hostages and evangelical Christian leaders in Washington, according to a statements released by his office.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump said on his online platform Truth Social that he will welcome Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Friday.
by Xinhua writers Hong Zehua, Ye Ting

GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- It is now possible for Chinese painting enthusiast Lin Yali to go on a joyful trip to various museums and exhibitions at will, as the new walk-in policies have exempted her from prior reservation rules.

Since July 6, the Guangzhou Museum of Art has allowed entry without any reservations, provided the visitors pass the security checks. Additionally, the museum has extended its hours until the end of August, offering a cool, art-filled summer experience.

Lin, from central China's Hunan Province, took a vacation to south China's Guangdong Province to visit the 14th National Exhibition of Fine Arts upon hearing the favorable policy.

"I was worried I wouldn't get a spot in advance because of the large crowd in summer. Now everything gets easier and I can take my time to enjoy these amazing Chinese paintings," said Lin.

Likewise, the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen announced on Monday the full elimination of its reservation policies for 133 sites in the city, including 17 tourist attractions, 61 museums, 33 art galleries, 12 libraries, and 10 cultural centers.

Museums and historical sites have recently become popular tourism choices in China. Data from the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) showed that museums in China hosted over 40,000 exhibitions and more than 380,000 educational activities in 2023, attracting a record-breaking 1.29 billion visitors.

To better serve visitors, the NCHA recently recommended that museums extend their opening hours and eliminate their reservation policies.

In response, numerous museums, including the Capital Museum, Sanxingdui Museum, Shanghai Museum and Guangzhou Museum of Art, have extended their hours and introduced various visitor-friendly programs, such as nighttime visits and immersive experiences, to enhance the accessibility and appeal of Chinese cultural heritage.

Li Cheng, a high school graduate who has a strong infatuation with China's history and traditional culture, has set local museums as his top destination to visit. The new policy has enabled him to visit more historic sites.

This summer, Li paid a visit to Chengdu with his mother after the college entrance exam. Their first stop was Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum, where the famous gold ornament called Sun and Immortal Birds was exhibited. The Sanxingdui Museum and Chengdu Museum are now added to his itinerary.

Data shows a significant increase in tourists after the elimination of the reservation policies across multiple tourist cities. According to the big-data research institute of online travel service provider Qunar, the search volume for tickets to visit Beijing scenic spots has nearly tripled since Beijing eliminated its reservation policies for all tourist attractions, except for the Palace Museum and the National Museum of China.

Several attractions and museums in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, also experienced a peak in visitor flow after the elimination of the reservation policies, receiving 5.32 million visitors during this year's Dragon Boat Festival, up one-third year-on-year.

China has 57 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 39 cultural heritage sites and 4 mixed natural and cultural heritage sites currently. In 2023, the nation had 6,833 museums, attracting over 1.2 billion visitors annually.

The lifting of the reservation policies has offered foreign visitors interested in Chinese culture new choices besides natural scenery and food tours, particularly following the 144-hour visa-free transit policy that facilitates entry into China.

According to the online travel service provider Ctrip, domestic inbound travel orders in the first half of the year increased by more than 1.6 times year-on-year.

According to a survey conducted by the China Tourism Academy on inbound tourist satisfaction, over 60 percent of respondents cited experiencing the Chinese culture as the primary reason for their travel to China.

Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy, stated that the integration of culture and tourism has become a trend as people's living standards improve and their travel experiences increase. Cultural and historical landmarks, such as museums and historical cities, have become "must-visit" destinations for many tourists. 
In the blink of an eye on Sunday last, the 2024 presidential race was totally transformed by Joe Bidens historic withdrawal, followed by his immediate full support and endorsement of running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris. Oddsmakers, insiders, and cable news pundits were suddenly confronted with a tantalizing new political calculus.

No longer a contest between two aging nomineesa current and a former POTUSnow Democrats changed their lineup, leaving open only the question of who would be Harris vice presidential candidate.

Swiftly, Democrats around the countrydelegates, superdelegates, donors, and Congressional leadersunified in support of Vice President Harris. Overnight, it seemed, nearly $100 million dollars rushed into her campaign coffers. Now, Democrats gather around the cooler for one thingher decision on a Vice President.

Read More: Who Could Be Kamala Harris Running Mate? Heres the Shortlist

Having a strong bench from which to choose, early speculation centered on the Partys outstanding governorsMichigans Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro, Kentuckys Andy Beshear, North Carolinas Roy Cooper, Colorados Jared Polisall from states crucial in Electoral College competition. California governor, Gavin Newsom, has dealt himself out of the deck, in recognition of the Constitutional prohibition against both members of the ticket being from the same state.

Some have thought Harris might look to a current Biden cabinet officermost prominently mentioned are Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

But informed speculation on Capitol Hill and at Washington think tanks , spiked by a new burst of energy and excitement in the Democratic Party, has focused on Arizonas junior Senator, Mark Kelly, whose credentials and compelling life story have made him a most appealing possibility. To some extent, Harris has been considering Kelly. Shortly after Biden endorsed Harris, she telephoned a number of vice presidential possibilities. Kelly was one of them. Shortly thereafter, he was being officially vetted.

The case for Kelly is shiny, authentic, and persuasive. Kelly comes with extensive military experience, helping Harris, who has none. Kelly is a decorated Navy pilot with combat experience. He is a seasoned astronaut who commanded the Space Shuttle Endeavor. He campaigned as a political moderate favoring stricter gun control and won a Senate seat from Arizona. After four years on Capitol Hill, a tough place for making friends, Kelly is highly regarded by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Since 2011, when his wife, former Congress woman Gabby Giffords, was almost killed in an assassination attempt, Kelly has never left her side, organizing her recovery effort, and gaining a reputation for loyalty and kindness, sharing the unbearable and gruesome experience with her. BothGifford and Kellyare seen as American heroes.

That he almost certainly puts Arizonas 11 electoral votes in the Democratic column is a clincher for Harris-Kelly and a coup de grace for Trump-Vance.

In a recent conversation with Kellys identical twin brother, Scott, another retired Navy captain and astronaut, the Senator was described as a person skilled in crisis management and scientific exploration, tough on border security and gun control (though he himself owns guns and supports the Second Amendment). During his Senate career, Kelly has been instrumental in several important public policy initiatives, including landmark legislation to reduce prescription drug prices and lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors; the $52 billion bipartisan package to increase domestic microchip manufacturing, and select proposals to ban stock trading by members of Congress, and eliminate corporate PACs.

Given the clear determination of Democrats to arrive at and depart from their Chicago convention next month in an animated, energetic, unified posture, Kellys story and stature, if attached to the Harris ticket, would strengthen the Democratic quest for an election victory on November 5, ushering in a new generation of political leadership.

Welcome aboard, Commander Kelly.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
CBP officers in Seattle seize illegal drugs twice in 1 week from same traveler at same airport

July 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Wednesday said it had seized illicit drugs from the same traveler twice in one week at a Seattle airport.

CBP officials seized pounds of ketamine, codeine and gamma hydroxybutyrate, known as "GHB," from a traveler who entered the United States from Europe then tried to return not long after getting released from jail -- only to be caught again with drugs at the same airport, according to a news release.

He was arrested and turned over to the Port of Seattle Police Department and now faces possession charges with the intent to distribute ketamine under Washington state law.

The CBP officers at Seattle Tacoma International's arrivals facility "work diligently to keep dangerous drugs from the streets of our community," Brian Humphrey, field operations director at Seattle CBP's field office, said.

The federal agency says the unidentified 43-year-old male first arrived on July 19 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, when the first seizure took place after he was referred for a secondary inspection.

At his luggage inspection, CBP officers discovered more than 12 pounds of ketamine in both liquid and powder form, about two pounds of codeine and nearly three ounces of GHB.

However, not long after posting bail, the male passenger, who was not identified as a U.S. citizen, was again seen at the airport trying to board a flight to London when CBP officers found more than a half pound of ketamine.

The effort was led by Seattle Area Port Director Rene Ortega.

"CBP officers also utilize their unique border search authority to prevent persons from taking dangerous drugs out of the United States, thus stopping a threat to other countries," said Humphrey.
Candace Smith did everything right.

During the May 2024 state primary in Georgia, the Atlanta attorney voted early, giving herself time to sort out any issues that might occur and ensure that her vote would be counted.

But on Election Day, when she went to check her ballot status online, a warning popped up. Someone had submitted a challenge to her voter registration status.

I found it shocking, Smith said, adding that she has been an active voter in Fulton County for decades, and that the challenge did not include any reason or evidence. Nothing about it made any sense.

Smith, an attorney and longtime proponent of voting rights efforts in Georgia, was well positioned to advocate for her rights. She quickly contacted the Fulton County Elections Office, raising the issue to a supervisor to make doubly sure that her ballot had counted. But for the average person, she said, encountering a voter challenge could pose an insurmountable barrier. Had she less time or knowledge about the complex web of election infrastructure, she said, that might be an issue that prevented me from voting, and it also might be something that would deter me from bothering in the fall.

Citizen voter challenges, once an obscure practice, have transformed into a mass movement in Georgia, with conservative activists challenging hundreds of thousands of voter registrations in the last several years. Often, the waves of voter challenges coincide with competitive, high-profile elections, with election conspiracy theorists using complaints of rampant voter fraud to cast doubt on election results. Voters of color  and Black voters in particular  have been disproportionately impacted by these vast disenfranchisement campaigns.

And voting rights experts say a newly-passed election law, known as SB 189, is likely to make the problem worse.

Fulton County residents vote during the Georgia primary on Election Day at the Metropolitan Library in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer

The evolution of voter challenge laws

Challenging a voters registration is nothing new. Almost every state in the country has laws allowing residents to notify local election boards if a resident is found to be voting improperly. In Georgia, citizen campaigns to challenge election registration date back to the 1940s, when white supremacists mobilized to prevent Black voters from accessing the polls. In modern times, however, these laws had not posed any widespread barriers to voters until recently.

Voter challenge laws were originally intended for a bit of a different era, said Andrew Garber, a lawyer at the Brennan Center for Justice who has been tracking mass voter challenges since 2021. It was a way for one person to be able to say, I have personal knowledge that someone is presenting to vote who is no longer eligible.

But in recent years, state legislators have passed sweeping election law changes, giving election conspiracy theorists greater power to challenge their fellow voters. SB 202, a 2021 election bill, codified the ability for any one person to challenge an unlimited number of voter registrations. Voting rights organizations have largely considered mass challenges to be voter intimidation tactic.

It can be scary as a voter to learn that your name is on some list claiming you're not eligible to vote, Garber said, adding that being challenged can "make it more likely that people will ultimately not be able to vote or choose not to vote.

In the years since SB 202 took effect, a few conservative activists have filed sweeping challenges, accusing hundreds of thousands of Georgia residents of being improperly registered to vote. The emergence of technology like EagleAI allows activists to comb through massive datasets like the National Change of Address Database, identifying people whose registration may contain errors and submitting those discrepancies to local election officials as evidence of malfeasance.

More: A Georgia man created a tool to challenge voter registrations. Trump's allies may use it.

The people being challenged are people who have been accepted onto the rolls as registered voters, said Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, which has vowed to sue Gov. Brian Kemp over SB 189. These are not people who are ineligible to vote.

Oftentimes, she added, administrative errors interfere with a voters ability to cast a ballot. If the county fails to include a residents apartment number in their voter registration, for instance, they may be targeted by activists who accuse the resident of having duplicate voter registrations.

This whole idea of challenges takes what may have been a government mistake and puts the burden back on the citizen who has done their duty and registered to vote, Young said.

Though only a small number of people are routinely filing voter challenges, the open-ended nature of voter challenge laws has allowed these activists to cast a wide net. A 2023 ProPublica investigation found that nearly 90% of voter challenges filed since the passage of SB 202  encompassing 89,000 voters  were submitted by just six people.

Voting stickers are displayed during the Georgia primary on Election Day at the Metropolitan Library in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer

The genesis of SB 189

Many experts point to the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, in which former President Donald Trump blamed his loss to President Joe Biden on false claims of election fraud as the impetus for the rise in mass voter challenges.

There's some who seem to sincerely believe that elections are being stolen and that kicking people have the voter rolls is going to limit opportunity for fraud, said Brendan Fischer, deputy executive director of the watchdog organization Documented, which has been tracking the rise in mass voter challenges. But I think the sophisticated national organizations that are backing many of these software projects recognize that there is a partisan advantage to making it harder to vote and to throwing up new hurdles for eligible voters to cast ballots.

While SB 202 can be credited with expanding protections for those filing mass voter challenges, SB 189 has served as a critical counterpart, morphing Georgias mass challenge landscape even further.

More: A step back for voters rights: Civil, voting rights groups react to Georgia election law SB 189

During the 2024 legislative session, members of the Georgia General Assembly were beginning to realize that the large volume of voter challenges were taking their toll on local election boards, who were the recipients of voter challenges.

Many local election officials had no previous experience dealing with voter challenges before receiving hundreds or even thousands at once, and were not given any additional aid to help accommodate the deluge. The mass voter challenge clause in SB 189 was created to implement a procedure for local election officials to follow.

There seems to be some inconsistencies with how challenges are sustained or denied, and we want to codify the fact that there are only a very limited number of reasons to sustain a challenge, said state Sen. Max Burns, a Republican who authored both SB 202 and SB 189, at a March committee meeting where the voter challenge language was workshopped.

The resulting legislation, however, did the exact opposite. It listed some criteria that election board members may consider when receiving a challenge, such as knowledge that a voter had passed away. But it also failed to place any restrictions on what evidence activists may submit when questioning fellow voters, how many challenges one person can submit at once, or even mandate that they be residents of the state, prompting outcry from Democrats.

I think if youre going to challenge someones legal right to vote, that you have to have some type of substance to why you are challenging that voter," said state Sen. Derek Mallow (DSavannah) during the committee meeting where the voter challenge language was reviewed.

But Republican lawmakers, who hold a majority in both chambers of the Georgia legislature argued that the benefits of improving public confidence in election security outweighed the risks.

I dont see a problem with someone challenging the residency, because were really trying to make sure that people arent voting illegally, said state Sen. Steve Gooch (RDahlonega), who also sits on the Senate Ethics Committee. Its not going to be abused, I dont think. If we think its going to be abused, we can always repeal it later.

The bill received final passage on the final day of Georgia's legislative session, passing out of the House with a 101-73 vote, and the Senate with a 33-22 vote, both along strict party lines. Sen. Burns did not respond to a request to comment on the legislation.

Additionally, while federal law prohibits states from systematically removing voters from the rolls within 90 days of an election, voter registrations can be canceled on a case-by-case basis within that window. SB 189 authorizes county election boards to continue removing voters until 45 days before an election. All these factors create chaos for local election boards.

Challenges, even when they don't succeed, have a lot of downstream effects, Garber said. Certainly voter intimidation, voter confusion, are among those effects, as is wasting a ton of election officials time.

Voters cast their ballots at Fellowship of Love Community Church on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

The new face of voter suppression

The technology that election conspiracy theorists are using is undoubtedly modern; Election conspiracy theorists are launching networks of grassroots activists using apps and software platforms to challenge voter registrations, holding cross-country trainings by Zoom. But civil rights groups say the tactics these groups have been employing are just new facets of an ongoing effort to curb minority voter access.

More: Voter ID and absentee-ballot limits: the South tightens key voting laws ahead of election

Conservatives have pushed election fraud conspiracy theory for decades in order to call into question their electoral losses, Documented's Brendan Fischer said.

Even the name of voter challenge software will  intentionally or otherwise  nod at past voter suppression tactics. EagleAI (pronounced Eagle Eye) by its founder Dr. John W. Rick Richards, shares its name with Operation Eagle Eye, a 1960s-era effort in Arizona aimed at suppressing voter access among people of color.

There's not only a through line in terms of the motivations and the tactics used, there's even a through line in terms of the terminology used to describe these projects, Fischer said.

There's sort of a baked in suspicion of communities that election deniers think are more predisposed towards fraud, added Emma Steiner, a researcher at Documented. They're very suspicious of college campuses, college dorms. They're very suspicious of minority neighborhoods. They're very suspicious of things that are baked into election denialism, these conspiracy myths about who is going to commit voter fraud, who is going to attempt to subvert elections.

For voters of color in particular, advocates say, being on the receiving end of a challenge can also bring up painful reminders of generations worth of violence and discrimination.

You can imagine for people who have been voters since they were 18, they've been voting for 30, 40 years, said Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia NAACP. For another citizen to challenge them  and whether or not they are legally entitled to vote  challenges their very citizenship. And for many African Americans, that harkens back to Jim Crow. It harkens back to slavery itself.

Even when restrictive election laws do not target people of color explicitly, marginalized communities have historically borne the brunt of laws that make it harder to vote said Lauren Groh-Wargo, the CEO of the nonprofit voting rights group Fair Fight.

You can look back and see how often there was race-neutral language around the practices and statutes at the time to 'clean the voter rolls, and then racially targeted efforts to remove Black folks, Groh-Wargo said of historical voter suppression tactics.

Ultimately, Groh-Wargo hopes that the rise in mass voter challenges will serve as a mobilizing force for Georgia voters in the upcoming election year.

They wouldn't be changing the rules every two years, they wouldn't be trying to erect barriers if your vote didn't matter, she said. Your vote matters.

Maya Homan is a fellow at USA TODAY based in Atlanta, where she covers Georgia politics and elections. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @MayaHoman.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: New Georgia law paves way for mass voter intimidation, critics say
As Vice President Kamala Harris ramps up her presidential campaign, the media will turn to controversial and unexpected voices. For Black people, one of those voices is The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God. While we cant question his influence and popularity, we dont always agree with his takes. However, while appearing alongside Angela Rye with CNNs Jake Tapper on Tuesday, he took the journalist to task for a weird question about Harris experience as a prosecutor.



Tapper asked Rye about the vice presidents possible campaign strategy of focusing on her past as a prosecutor, while also highlighting Donald Trumps criminal convictions. Rye explained that America needs a prosecutor to make the case against Trump. Meanwhile, Charlamagne had some thoughts on Tappers question.

Jake, I dont even know if thats the right question, asking if America is ready for a prosecutor, Charlamagne said. I mean, is America ready for somebody with all of the criminal charges that Donald Trump has? Most convicted felons cant even get those kind of jobs that Donald Trump is currently campaigning for. They barely can get jobs at McDonalds and Wal-Mart. Its weird to have to say, Is America ready for a prosecutor? No, is America ready to elect a criminal?

Though he was extremely reluctant to endorse President Joe Biden, Charlamagne said that he would be ready to endorse Harris, noting his support for her in 2020.

According to Deadline, as the segment continued, Jake wasnt the only one the media personality had words for. Tapper read a quote from Charlamagnes new book, Get Honest or Die Lying, wondering how honesty fits in the current election. The radio host replied that he thought the media lied to themselves for a week following the attempted assassination of Trump. He also explained that the Republican presidential nominee has a long history of dangerous rhetoric that needs to be addressed.

You cant talk about Trump without telling the truth, he said. He absolutely led an attempted coup of this country. His followers were chanting, Hang Mike Pence. [Trump] did suggest that Second Amendment supporters do something about Hillary Clinton. You cant even begin to have conversations about dangerous rhetoric that leads to political violence without talking about Trump.

Charlamagne went on to explain that Trump created an environment thats not safe for any politician, including him.

I think media is lying to themselves all last week by not addressing that issue in its whole totality, he said.

In this instance, the host/author makes some solid points about the medias responsibility and its ability to ask more meaningful questions. However, its also important that we open up this discussion beyond the usual voices, because theyre not going to be the best choices for every situation. We need to expand the conversation beyond the predictable list of pundits.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On Wednesday, Senator Thom Tillis announced that Charlotte Douglas International Airport has received a $27 million grant for improvements.

The funds will go towards replacing up to 16 passenger boarding bridges at the airport.

ALSO READ: Delays, cancellations continue to frustrate passengers at Charlotte Douglas

According to Tillis, all funding for the project will be coming directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and this award to replace aging passenger boarding bridges is a much-needed upgrade to continuing improving this important transportation hub, said Senator Tillis. This was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that Im proud to have helped author and pass into law. Its already provided more than $10 billion to rebuild North Carolinas infrastructure, and this award to CLT is the latest project that will benefit our great state.

VIDEO: Delays, cancellations continue to frustrate passengers at Charlotte Douglas
CHICAGO  The citys deputy mayor of immigration said Tuesday that officials are anticipating and preparing for the possibility of a large influx of migrants from the southern border to coincide with the citys hosting of the Democratic National Convention.

We have anticipated through discussions with people at the border also what we see happening at the border and comments made by the Texas governor that we would need upwards of 25,000 beds, Deputy Mayor of Immigration Beatriz Ponce de Leon told aldermen at a meeting of the city councils Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at last weeks Republican National Convention told attendees the bussing of people who crossed the southern border to other cities would continue until we finally secure our border.

Texas governor vows to continue sending migrants to Chicago, other cities

Full Coverage: Migrants in Chicago

An additional 25,000 people sent to the city would be a large escalation in Abbots program. As of Monday, Chicago has welcomed more than 45,000 migrants aboard nearly 950 buses to the city since August 2022. The City Council in April approved $70 million in funding for shelter and food.

There were 5,667 residents in 17 active shelters run by the city and state on Monday, according to a statement from the city.

Ponce de Leon said the concern is all speculation. Asylum restrictions rolled out by President Biden in June have reduced the number of border crossings, but that number would likely increase if the policy is amended or rescinded by a judge, she warned.

In a statement to WGN, a mayors office spokesperson said the city, in partnership with the county and state, has developed a strategic plan to accommodate new arrivals.

The city is maintaining sufficient bed capacity in our existing temporary shelters and preparing sites in the event that new temporary emergency shelters need to be activated on short notice, the statement said.

The Democratic National Convention begins Aug. 19.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
China confirmed that it will not provide Russia with weapons, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on July 24.

His statement came after Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou. This is Kuleba's first trip to China since the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war.

"There is a clear signal that China supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. It was also confirmed what Chinese leader Xi Jinping told me  that China will not supply weapons to Russia," Zelensky said.

Beijing has positioned itself as neutral country but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and backed Russia against Western sanctions. It has also shaped up to be Russia's leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

China denied it was supplying Russia with arms to use against Ukraine, while the U.S. said that Beijing gave Russia "every support behind the scenes," threatening to impose more sanctions against the country.

Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to Beijing 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.

Zelensky blasted China over supposedly trying to sabotage the summit efforts, drawing a rebuke from Beijing.

China proposed its own alternative peace plan, which would include a conference recognized by both Kyiv and Moscow.

During the visit, Kuleba said that Kyiv is ready to engage Russia in the negotiation process at a certain stage, when Moscow is ready to held talks "in good faith," adding that no such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side.

Read also: Illegal chip flows from China to Russia slowing down, Reuters reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft is pictured at a flight test base in Pucheng County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft has entered the phase of certification flight tests, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Airworthiness Certification Center of the Aviation Administration of China issued the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) to the first model of the AG600 large amphibious aircraft family, said the AVIC, China's leading aircraft manufacturer.

A China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft is pictured at a flight test base in Pucheng County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft are pictured at a flight test base in Pucheng County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

The AG600 large amphibious aircraft family is being developed as vital advanced aeronautical equipment to strengthen the country's emergency-rescue capabilities.

The AG600 series amphibious aircraft features a unique configuration consisting of an integrated aircraft-shaped upper body and a ship-bottom-shaped lower body.

According to the AVIC, this amphibious aircraft family is China's first independently-developed large-sized special purpose civil aircraft. It is tailored to meet the needs of forest firefighting, maritime rescue and other emergency rescue missions across the country.

In this file photo, a China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft conducts a flight test above water in Jinmen City of central China's Hubei Province, April 26, 2023. (Xinhua)

In this file photo, a China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft conducts a flight test for firefighting in Xichang City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 23, 2023. (Xinhua)

In this file photo, a China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft conducts a emergency rescue in a drill in Jingmen City of central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 27, 2023. (Xinhua)

In this file photo, a China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft conducts a flight test for firefighting in Xichang City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 23, 2023. (Xinhua)

A China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft conducts a flight test in Pucheng County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

A China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft is pictured at a flight test base in Pucheng County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)
Moon Water

Scientists have discovered traces of water while analyzing lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 rover.

While NASA already announced the discovery of water on the Moon's sunlit areas back in 2020, the new research suggests that water can take on even more forms than previously thought on the lunar surface.

As detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the samples "revealed the presence of trace water," tantalizing evidence that "water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the moon in the form of hydrated salts."

On Tap

China's Chang'e 5 rover, which touched down on the Moon in 2020, marked the first sample return mission to the Moon since the Apollo era decades ago.

It landed on the northern edge of the Oceanus Procellarum, a massive basin on the western edge of the near side of the Moon. The samples it took are from a "much higher latitude" than those collected by NASA in the 60s and 70s.

In 2020, NASA announced it had detected water molecules in a crater found in the Moon's southern hemisphere, using data collected by its Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a modified Boeing 747 jumbo jet turned airborne astronomy lab.

The revelation was followed up by China announcing in 2022 that its Chang'e 5 probe had found the first on-site evidence of water on the Moon.

The mission was followed up by China's Chang'e 6 mission, which saw a rover touch down and successfully return samples from the far side of the Moon, which permanently faces away from Earth, earlier this year.

As we continue to find fresh evidence of water on the surface of the Moon, world powers including China, the US, and Russia, are gearing up to establish a more permanent presence there.

While NASA is planning to return the first human astronauts to the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission over half a century ago, China is making major strides as well, setting the stage for a lunar space race.

More on Moon water: Chinese Spacecraft Lands on Earth With First Samples in Human History from Far Side of Moon
China should hear about war directly from Ukraine  US State Department spokesman

The US Department of State has commented on the visit of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to China and said it is important to communicate directly with Beijing to tell them about the losses and damage caused by the war waged by Russia.

Source: Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the US Department of State, at a briefing, as quoted by Ukrinform

Quote: "Its important that China hear directly from Ukraine about the toll that Ukraine has suffered through Russias war of aggression."

Details: Miller reiterated that China is helping to fuel the fighting by supporting Russia's defence industry.

Quote: "We have always made clear that it is important that every country in the world recognize that in this conflict theres an aggressor and theres a victim.

And we shouldnt treat the two parties as if they bear equal responsibility."

Details: Miller also stressed that the United States clearly emphasised this when talking to the Chinese side.

Quote: "I know that other members of NATO and European countries have also made that clear to Russia. And we think its important anytime that any country  and of course that includes China  hear directly from Ukraine."

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China expressed its readiness to mediate in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in the southern city of Guangzhou on Wednesday.

The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, said that China supported all efforts that are condusive to peace and was willing to "play a constructive role" in ending the conflict and resuming peace talks, according to Chinese sources.

China believes that all conflicts must ultimately be resolved at the negotiating table, Wang reportedly said. Recently, both Ukraine and Russia have signalled to varying degrees that they are willing to enter into negotiations.

According to Chinese sources, Kuleba told Wang that Ukraine was ready to enter into negotiations with Russia with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace.

Kuleba also reportedly said that Ukraine had "carefully studied" a peace plan proposed by China and Brazil.

China maintains close economic and political ties with Moscow, and is therefore considered to have a great deal of influence over Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The country likes to present itself as neutral to the outside world. However, Western countries repeatedly accuse China of supporting Moscow's defence industry and thus the war by exporting important technology and equipment.

Beijing did not attend the recent peace conference on the Ukraine war in Switzerland.

In May, China and Brazil jointly proposed a plan that included organizing a peace conference, which would be recognized by both Ukraine and Russia.

The proposal also called for the discussion of all relevant plans to address the conflict.
Insights from Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Diplomat, and the South China Morning Post

The News

China pursued a series of high-profile diplomatic efforts over conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East this week.

The countrys foreign minister hosted his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday for two days of talks, a day after Beijing trumpeted its mediation of a reconciliation deal between Palestinian factions including rivals Hamas and Fatah.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Chinas Middle East mediation might not translate to reality

Sources: Discourse Power, Foreign Policy, The Washington Post

Chinas role in brokering consensus among Palestinian factions shows it is not waiting but leading on Middle East diplomacy, an analyst at Shanghai International Studies University argued. But experts are unconvinced about the agreements impact: It lacks an implementation mechanism, one told Foreign Policy, so its pledges are unlikely to turn into reality. And Israel doesnt consider Beijing a viable mediator, a Chatham House expert added. The agreement could also break down if Palestinian Authority President Mahmood Abbas decides to abandon reconciliation with Hamas under pressure from Israel and the US, or out of fear of being personally cast aside, his former advisor told The Washington Post.

China uses anti-Israel rhetoric to woo the Global South

Sources: The Diplomat, Foreign Affairs

China speaks loudly but carries a small stick in the Middle East, taking advantage of low-risk opportunities to undermine the US without harming relations with countries like Iran, or embroiling itself in the regions conflicts, The Diplomat argued. But China has more explicitly engaged in anti-Israel rhetoric as part of its efforts to win over the Global South, a Foreign Affairs column argued. By leveraging that sentiment in countries like Indonesia and South Africa, China can present itself as an alternative to what it sees as warmongering, hegemonic, and hypocritical America.

Ukraine likely needs China for any peace deal

Sources: Politico, Associated Press, South China Morning Post

The Ukrainian foreign ministers trip to Beijing comes weeks after President Volodymyrr Zelensky criticized China for helping Moscow derail a peace summit in Switzerland, Politico noted. His visit reflects a calculation that any peace deal favorable to Ukraine would likely be a non-starter without China on board, the Associated Press wrote. But the gap between Ukraine and Chinas peace initiatives wont budge without radical change in Beijings position, which still looks unlikely, an Kyiv-based expert told the South China Morning Post.
Authors Note: Ive tried to get this piece out a couple of times, but the extraordinary events of the past few weeks have brought other news to the top of the heap. This report from NatCon4 covers events that happened a few weeks ago, but, as current affairs keep demonstrating, it is far from old news.

Earlier in the month, I attended NatCon4, the fourth annual meeting of the so-called national conservatives, a right-wing faction aligned with Donald Trump at home and with figures such as Viktor Orban and Giorgia Meloni abroad. (Meloni would not enjoy being lumped in with Orban, but I dont draw the lines.) These would-be radicals and rightists would very much like the Republican Party to be something more like Marine Le Pens Rassemblement National or Geert Wilders Partij voor de Vrijheid, focused on questions of national identity. The worse sort identify strongly with Vladimir Putin, which you might assume would put you out of contention for high office as a Republican, but youd be wrong if you did.

Unlike their British exemplar, Nigel Faragewho at least understands his own national traditionsthe xenophobia of the so-called national conservatives in the United States is not limited to immigrants but extends also to economic contact with foreigners in the form of international trade and investment. For all their raging against the Left, this puts their economic views on free exchange and what we call, for lack of a better word, globalization roughly in line with those of the average Guardian columnist. They talk themselves into the preposterous belief that buying timber from Canada to build houses in the United States, for example, is evidence that the scheming transnational elites love money more than they love their countries, and that there is insufficient patriotism among the American nomenklatura, as tribune of the American plebs Sir Niall Ferguson calls theminstead of, you know, there being a lot of trees in Canada and a lot of demand for houses in the United States.

More than a few of these NatCons are profoundly stupid or willfully ignorantdont try explaining the difference between a trade deficit and a fiscal deficit to this crowd, or the fact that the Social Security trust fund is a figure of speechbut mostly what they are is angry and insecure. The people in the audience are angry and insecure, at least. The ones up on the stage are, in no small part, what they accuse the hated American elites of being: canny and amoral entrepreneurs willing to sell the authentic long-term interests of their country and their countrymen for prices that are surprisingly low. You see a lot of retreads from the old conservative circuit at NatCon, talking about how Republicans and conservatives have been doing it wrong for all these years, which makes you wonder what they were doing when they were running conservative institutions or serving in government.

Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Lee, and Ron Johnson shared a stage in which they whined, essentially with a single voice, that somebody ought to do  something! As though they were not senators and, in Scotts case, a former governor and contender for Senate leadership in the post-Mitch McConnell era. (Youre going to miss Cocaine Mitch when he is gone.) That panel was especially annoying, as one of the things youll hear if you are a conservative critic of Trump is that you are just one of those elites hoping for invitations to Washington dinner parties, doing nothing while Congress spends us into penury. The senators on that stage spoke very proudly of attending a series of dinner parties during which they discussed plans to achieve something they all wantedraising the debt ceiling so that Congress has more headroom to spend us into penury. I hope the canapes were good.

(I get a lot of that inside the Beltway talk directed at me. In reality, I live safely distant from Washington, and the only Georgetown cocktail party I have attended in the past decade was Jonah Goldbergs birthday party, which was a lot of fun, as I blurrily recall.)

The weird thing is that if you ask these knuckleheads what the hell it is they think they are doing, theyll tell youmany of them willthat theyre doing all this because they are Christians.

About that, I have some thoughts.

As any halfway serious religiously minded person would have predicted, the combination of Christianity and nationalism has profoundly corrupting and trivializing effects on Christianity. The human being being human, he lives in a small world in the here and now, and whatever spheres of profundity he may meditate upon when the spiritual mood is upon him, most of his time and attention is taken up by the essential human things: competition for material necessities, sexual partners, andof highest importance once the physical requirements have been satisfiedstatus.

Eternity feels really far awayalthough it isnt, it is already herewhereas the coming election in November feels immediate and urgent. The need to make such contests feel even more immediate and more urgent is why we have all of these amoral entrepreneurs trying to convince your grandfather that this is the most important election in American history, that the choice is between restoration and ruination, etc. If your grandfather has a minute to stop and think and turns his eyes toward the eternal things, it is going to be a lot harder for the Heritage Foundation to take $500 from him with one of its gross, dumb, dishonest direct-mail surveys. Whatever you hear from the pious ladies and gentlemen on the NatCon stageor at the RNCthe last thing they want is for these rubes to actually turn their eyes toward Heaven, lest they notice that God is not watching Fox News, but is watching them.

As it stands, it is inevitable that among these professing Christians and avowed nationalists, the Christianity is subordinated to the nationalism.

Yoram Hazony, who is a big deal in this circle (but not such a big deal that they didnt misspell his name on at least one sign), is, in my view, not much of a political writer, but he is even less of a theologian. (One might not expect an Israeli-American Jew to be entirely up to speed on the finest points of Reformed doctrine.) He hectored the assembled believers, telling the gathered representatives of however many of the 6,000-odd (some of them very odd) flavors of Protestantism that they should just get over their religious differencesand, indeed, that Catholics and Protestants should just get over their differences, in order to more efficiently serve the cause of nationalism. Ah, yes: Just get over it! Where was Yoram Hazony 500 years ago, when he might have done some good? Poor Martin Luther did not have anybody like Yoram Hazony to advise him.

Hazony is one of those great anti-elitist American nationalists who went to Princeton and is a dual citizen who lives in a different country when he is not lecturing Americans about their need for a stronger sense of national identity, so I suppose that his simpleminded abrasion of the differences between different Christian communions is of a piece with the rest of his output. Just get over it. Papacy or presbytery? Magisterium or sola scriptura? Augustine or Osteen?* Just get over it. Who cares?

Well, all of the schism and debate in the Christian world is predicated on the notion that Somebody cares, and that this matters. Not only does it matter, it matters a great deal. From the point of view of historyand from the point of view of a serious believerthe religious differences between Catholics and Protestants surely are of more consequence than the national differences between the Flemish and the Walloons or even between the French and the Belgians or the Germans and the Austrians. These questions involve not only the first things but also the final things. It doesnt matter to Hazony et al. because, for them, Trump is the thingthis is pure idolatry.

But best for the rubes not to think too carefully about these things. Because there isnt a lot of obvious support for such formulations as: I take my Christianity very seriously; ergo, I must be an enthusiastic and uncritical supporter of Donald J. Trump. Or: I take my Christianity very seriously; ergo, fk those immigrants.

Set aside the obvious questions of what we might very charitably call inconsistency, as much fun as it is to meditate on the fact that the people who dream of prohibiting pornography are lined up behind the man who has literally appeared in pornographic films. Set aside even the character of Trump himself, a man who never has had a wife or a business partner he didnt betray, whose troubles in New York originate in his having been obliged to pay hush money to a pornographic actress with whom he had a sad little hotel-room tryst while his third wife (an immigrant who very likely worked illegally) was at home nursing a baby. What morality asks of Donald Trump is one question, but the relevant one here is what Donald Trump demands of his adherents. The thou-shalt-not that should be top of mind here is not Trumps adultery (or his idolatry, or his coveting, or his lying) but the Trump movements demand that its adherents bear false witness as a test of loyalty and condition for good standing.

That Trump recently was nicked by martyrdom makes it that much easier to sanctify the lies and the fraud and the adultery and the cruelty and the bullst.

Is there a single honest Trump apologist in America? I cannot think of one. There certainly werent any to be seen at the RNC. All of them bear false witness: about the 2020 election, about the origin of Trumps legal troubles, about his business and political record, about his character, about his religious convictions, about Joe Biden, about the Democrats, about the state of the country, about Ukraine, about Russia. Trump is dishonest himself and a spur to dishonesty in others. Read Steve Hayes recent conversation with born-again bullst artist Mike Lee to get a taste of it.

Yoram Hazony can stand up there and declare that you cannot call yourself a conservative if you have any hesitation about public displays of the Ten Commandments. But can you call yourself a Christianor, in Hazonys case, an observant religious Jewif you stand in front of those commandments and systematically violate them in the cause of political expedience?

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him.

I am all for a more prominent role for religion and religious figuresespecially clergymen and religious intellectualsin public life. But I expect that to yield results rather different from the ones desired by the NatCon gang.

Correction, July 28, 2024: Updated to correctly spell Joel Osteens surname.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio voters will decide on a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment looking to change redistricting laws for the state this November.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Tuesday that the Citizens Not Politicians-led redistricting initiative aiming to remove politicians from the redistricting process will be on the ballot this election. Instead, the amendment proposes a redistricting commission to create a fair, transparent and impartial redistricting process that genuinely reflects the will of Ohios citizens, Citizens Not Politicians said.

The proposed commission would be made of Republican, Democratic and independent Ohio citizens from around the state. Current and former politicians, part officials and lobbyists would not be eligible to serve on the commission.

Former Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty to felony charges

Citizens Not Politicians calls itself a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to ending gerrymandering, or the process of drawing biased political boundaries, in the state of Ohio. They have received support from over 100 Ohio businesses, thousands of Ohio voters and even Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses the Terminate Gerrymandering event during The Arnold Sports Festival on Sunday, March 3, 2024. (NBC4)

In order to get on the ballot, a measure must get at least 413,487 signatures, which equals 10% of the total vote cast for governor in the last relevant election, according to LaRose. These signatures must also come from at least half  or 44 of 88  of the counties in Ohio, and there must be signatures equal to at least 5% of the total vote cast for governor in those counties.

According to LaRose, the redistricting proposal petition reached 535,005 signatures in 58 counties.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen OConnor helped draft the amendment. She is a lifelong Republican, according to Citizens Not Politicians, and she said the amendment will restore equity to Ohio voters.

With this amendment on the ballot, Ohioans have the chance to reclaim their power from the self-serving politicians who want to stay in power long past their expirations date while ignoring the needs of voters, OConnor said.

The amendment will now be sent to the Ohio Ballot Board, which has until Aug. 22 to generate the language that will appear on the ballot Nov. 5, according to a news release from Citizens Not Politicians. The Ballot Board is required to hold a public hearing to adopt the language.

When are Columbus police trained to use lethal force?

LaRose is one of five members of the Ballot Board, which also includes two Ohio Senators, one citizen and a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. OConnor said she is confident the board will produce simple and accurate language for voters.

In a previous interview with NBC4, Citizens Not Politicians spokesperson Chris Davey said Ohioans are fed up with a long history of gerrymandering.

Ohio Senate and House district maps approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission on Sept. 26, 2023.

Previous redistricting maps drawn by Ohio legislators have been heavily criticized, and rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court. In July 2022, the Court declared a congressional district map unduly favors the Republican Party, violating gerrymandering prohibitions. New maps drawn up in November 2023 faced similar criticisms, which appeared to give Republicans 23 likely Senate seats, out of 33, and 61 likely House seats, out of 99.

Literally in the dark of night, Democrats and Republicans got together and forced gerrymandered maps on the people of Ohio, Davey said. And the citizens are done with 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The City of Gadsden is dipping into its rainy day fund to help settle two legal matters: one involving a refund of sales taxes to a local hospital and the other a lawsuit by firefighters over the calculation of overtime pay.

The City Council on Tuesday authorized the transfer of $862,500 from the undesignated general fund balance into the legal claims account.

That money, plus $416,000 already budgeted, will be used to pay $1,016,000 to Riverview Regional Medical Center for a refund of sales taxes paid on durable medical equipment, plus interest; and $262,500 to settle the firefighters' suit.

Council members also approved both actual settlements.

Firefighters battle a blaze at the 13th Place building on South 12th Street in this 2020 file photo. Greg Bailey/The Gadsden Times

The items were passed as new business following unanimous consent to suspend the rules (and discussion during a lengthy executive session in the pre-council meeting).

The city in 2023 had to pay $1,507,356.08 to Gadsden Regional Medical Center on a similar sales tax claim.

Etowah County also had to issue refunds: $411,332.34 to GRMC and $176,536.32 to Riverview.

The claims were filed because of a quirk in a 2014 state law that exempts durable medical equipment and items like catheters and supplies, ostomy bags and supplies, oxygen and related supplies, prosthetic and orthotic devices and specialized wound care products from state, county and municipal sales, use and rental and leasing taxes, if they are covered by and billed to a health insurer or Medicaid or Medicare.

Medical providers must seek an exemption certificate to take advantage of the tax break. However, the law as originally written gave them a three-year window to do so, plus consulting and legal firms citing ambiguity and confusion about billing, coverage and documentation requirements have helped providers bring claims against Alabama municipalities and counties in these situations.

The quirk in the law was closed in this year's legislative session, as a bill sponsored by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Gadsden, was passed that will require providers to obtain exemption certificates before purchasing the items.

That's not retroactive, however, meaning past claims had to be addressed, and Gadsden officials are incensed that Riverview and its parent company, Prime Healthcare Services, insisted on receiving interest on the city's bill while waiving it on Etowah County's.

Forcing the city to tap our rainy-day fund makes it more difficult to build next year's budget, Mayor Craig Ford said in a statement. While the CEOs of private corporations like Prime Healthcare and Riverview Regional Medical Center rake in record profits, everyday people like our employees struggle to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of basic needs like health care and medicine.

I appreciate Gadsden Regional Medical Center's leadership for working cooperatively with the city in processing their claim last year, Ford said. Gadsden Regional's corporate citizenship cushioned the blow so we could still provide much-deserved raises for our first responders and city employees."

The firefighters' lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in May 2022, alleged that personnel above the rank of basic firefighter had scheduled overtime pay calculated at time-and-a-half of the basic firefighter pay rate, rather the pay rates of the rank they actually held, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The settlement agreement was reached last week following mediation, according to the ordinance submitted by the city's legal department. It is subject to federal court approval.

"It is good to put another outstanding lawsuit to bed, Ford said in his statement. This situation began before we took office, so I am happy we were able to reach an agreement.

Council President Kent Back descibed the situation as an oversight, an honest mistake by the payroll department and noted that the attitude from the beginning has been, If we owe the money, we certainly need to pay. If someone works and is underpaid, by all means we need to make that right.

Ford in his statement said, As long as I am mayor, the City of Gadsden will always do what's right for anyone willing to put their life on the line for the people of Gadsden. In the fire department, we just celebrated reaching full staffing for the first time in more than a decade, and now have a waitlist for recruits. I think that is the proof in the pudding that things have changed since we took office 20 months ago."

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden dips into 'rainy day fund' to settle sales tax claim, lawsuit
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The community is invited to the City of El Pasos remembrance ceremony for the fifth anniversary of the Aug. 3 shooting.

The City of El Paso will be hosting a special remembrance ceremony and public art memorial unveiling at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 at Jim Crouch Park, located at 7500 W.H. Burges.

Speaking at the ceremony will be El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, the consulate general of Mexico in El Paso and a special recognition by Fort Bliss, according to the City in a news release.

The City will also unveil a granite installation that is a public art piece dedicated to the 23 victims who died in the Walmart shooting back in 2019, the City said.

The art installation is done by El Paso-based artist Albert Tino Ortega and will be located near the intersection of Viscount and Sunmount, according to the City.

August 3rd Memorial is a granite memorial consisting of seven pillars laid out in a circle with the names of the victims. The pillars sit on a mandala, a symbol used to evoke harmony, unity and interconnectivity. Surrounding the art installation are palo verde and other foliage with 23 lights that will shine in honor of the victims, the City said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
All clear given after bomb threat at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Norfolk Naval Shipyard received a bomb threat on Wednesday afternoon.

A shipyard spokesperson says the threat was in written form, and found around 12:20 p.m. on a pier inside the shipyard.

As a precaution, some employees were asked to shelter in place, while others were evacuated from buildings.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), which was still on scene as of 2:27 p.m. is investigating. The shipyard though eventually gave the all clear for normal operations, they announced at 3:13 p.m.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard takes these threats very seriously and will work with NCIS to fully investigate, NNSY Public Affairs Officer Chessie Bray said in a statement.

This is a breaking article. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A staff member checks life jacket readiness at the cabin of an airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A staff member checks an airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A staff member communicates with the pilot after an airplane landed at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A staff member checks the cockpit of an airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A staff member checks an airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Staff members wave good-bye to an outbound airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Staff members check an airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A staff member checks the cockpit of an airplane at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2024. The Meilan International Airport has seen a constant increase in its passenger flow since the beginning of this summer. Staff members of HNA (Hainan Airline) Technic manage to ensure flight safety with thorough maintenance checkups during the peak season. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
(Bloomberg) -- Former Home Secretary James Cleverly launched his bid to lead the UK Conservatives, urging his party to consign its divisions to the past in order to overturn Prime Minister Keir Starmers loveless landslide.

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Over the next Parliament, we must not descend into infighting, navel-gazing and the internecine maneuverings at Westminster that plagued us in government, Cleverly wrote in Wednesdays Telegraph newspaper. In opposition we must be unified and disciplined.

Cleverly  who also served as foreign secretary in government  is the first candidate to declare theyre running in a Tory leadership race that will run until early November. The bookmakers favorite to win the contest to succeed former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Other potential contenders include former Home Secretaries Priti Patel and Suella Braverman and former Home Office minister Robert Jenrick from the right of the party, and former security minister Tom Tugendhat from the center-right.

At stake is the political direction of a party thats led UK governments for about two thirds of the past century. Some  such as Braverman  want the party to move rightwards to appeal to voters of Nigel Farages anti-immigrant Reform UK party. Others, including Cleverly, see a more centrist approach as being the key to electoral success.

Sacrificing pragmatic government in the national interest on the altar of ideological purity is not Conservative, Cleverly wrote  in what could be seen as a swipe against one-time favorite Braverman, who earlier this week told the same newspaper her party can do better than being a collection of fanatical, irrelevant, centrist cranks.

While Braverman said her party needed to pivot to win back support from Reform, which took 14% of the votes in the July 4 general election, Cleverly has in the past said his party should be a broad church.

We are the natural home of the Reform voters who want tough action to control our borders, he wrote. We are the natural home of Liberal Democrat voters who care about their rural communities. And we are the natural home of the Labour voter who wants to see real economic growth, public services improve and their pay go further.

Nominations for the leadership close mid-afternoon on July 29. Conservative Members of Parliament will then narrow the field down to four candidates in time for the partys annual conference at the end of September, after which they will shortlist two politicians who will then be put to a vote of party members. The new leader is set to be announced on Nov. 2.

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Police officers stand next to a hole in the fence at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Five climate activists have glued themselves to the apron at Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport, causing air traffic to be suspended. Uncredited/dpa

Five climate activists have glued themselves to the apron at Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport, causing air traffic to be suspended, a police spokeswoman said on Wednesday morning.

"We are trying to free them - but that could take a while," the spokeswoman said.

Criminal charges have been filed for offences against the Assembly Act, dangerous interference with air traffic and trespassing, she added. It is still being investigated how the activists got onto the site.

The protest group Last Generation wrote on social media platform X that several of its activists had cut through a fence and glued themselves to the tarmac near the runways.

Last Generation said that the action was part of an international protest campaign calling for a phase-out of fossil fuels by 2030.

The protest had been planned to take place simultaneously at airports in more than 10 countries worldwide, it said.

A view of a taxiway at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Five climate activists have glued themselves to the apron at Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport, causing air traffic to be suspended. Uncredited/dpa
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 06: Bakari Sellers attends the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture Presented By Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

This is an amazing moment for our country. Lets protect Kamala. Lets be with her like she was there for us, Sellers told an online audience of 53,000 during a Black Men for Harris fundraiser.

During Monday nights Black Men for Harris streaming fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris, more than 45,000 people gathered to be part of a growing movement to support her presidential campaign.

But it was CNN commenter Bakari Sellers emotional story of VP Harris coming to his aid in a time of need, that made the political personal for so many attendees who watched and was shared widely on X.

Im not sure people understand the pain and suffering that goes along with being a Black man in this country, Sellers told the massive audience, wiping tears from his eyes. Im not sure people understand what it means to stay strong.

But Im [gonna] stand with her because she stood with me, added the author. In my darkest moment when I almost lost my daughter, when I had to protect my wife, when I had to fight for a Black woman in the hospital  and so now its my turn.

The call, organized by Win with Black Men, was hosted by journalist Roland Martin of the Black Star Network, which was a co-sponsoring partner, along with The Collective PAC and Kairos Democracy Project. Attendees raised a whopping $1.3 million for VP Kamala Harris campaign, defying any notions that Black men in America are not politically open to supporting women candidates.

We are not a marching narrative or stereotype. It takes work, but were willing to do that work, Sellers told theGrio.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA  JULY 06: Bakari Sellers attends the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture Presented By Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for ESSENCE) 

Sellers is an attorney who, at 22, became the youngest Black American elected to public office in 2006 as a South Carolina state House representative. Later, he served as national co-chair of Harris then-2020 presidential campaign. A familiar face on CNN, Sellers publicly shared the story of how his wife, Dr. Ellen Ruckers Sellers, nearly lost her life during childbirth to the couples twin babies in his New York Times-bestselling book, My Vanishing Country. The Sellers youngest daughter, Sadie, was born with biliary atresia, a rare liver condition that required a transplant.

We were getting ready to go to the hospitalI think it was a one-month biopsy, and she called me and Ellen and just told us everything was going to be OK, Sellers shared with theGrio. Sometimes you just need a Black womans touch.

Sellers said he got emotional recounting the story on the Monday call because of the importance of his role as a father and husband.

Being a protector, being a provider, being all those things that we are in our communities  when that is cracked for any reason, particularly when you dont have control, you look for people to be there during that moment and that time, in that space, he shared. She filled that void with her laugh and her wise, calm demeanor and words.

Just two days ago, the Sellers family posted photos of them with Vice President Harris hugging and smiling with the twins, who are now in pre-K. Black children and families are one of the reasons Sellers cited for Black men needing to mobilize around the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee during his stirring remarks on the Black Men for Harris call.

Photo courtesy: Bakari Sellers (@BakariSellers/Instagram) 

Every day, Im going to work damn hard to make sure that tomorrow is better than yesterday, said Sellers. Donate. Stand up. Activate. Because if we do not change the country were living in, our daughters, our sons, are gonna have hell to pay.

This is an amazing moment for our country. Lets protect Kamala. Lets be with her like she was there for us, he added. And at the end of the day, were gonna disagree along this road. But lets put all that petty bickering aside  Lets be the Black men that change this country.

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Scientists are blown away after finding significant traces of cocaine in a small sample of sharks from the waters off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

In a study published online last week, researchers reported the presence of the unfiltered drug in the liver and muscle tissues of all 13 Brazilian sharpnose sharks they tested.

Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, a co-author of the study and a biologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, said her team was actually dumbfounded by the discovery.

We were excited in a bad way, but its a novel report, she told The New York Times. Its the first time this data has ever been found for any top predator.

Though past research has detected cocaine in an array of smaller ocean species, like mollusks and crustaceans, the amount seen in the sharks was 100 times higher than that found in previous studies of marine wildlife, suggesting chronic exposure to the substance.

(Sharpnose sharks are relatively small themselves. While some of their more fearsome relatives, like great whites, can weigh tons, one study of Brazilian sharpnoses found that they weighed up to 6 or 7 pounds.)

A researcher holds a young male Atlantic sharpnose shark, a close relative of Brazilian sharpnoses, near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Raleigh News & Observer via Getty Images

According to Hauser-Davis, some think the cocaine could have made its way into the water via illegal drug labs near the coast or traffickers dumping the illicit substance into the ocean. But the biggest contributor is perhaps less lurid.

We feel that the major source would be excretion through urine and feces from people using cocaine, Hauser-Davis told the Times.

And while the discovery of cocaine in sharks is making headlines, researchers say the presence of the drug points to larger questions about all kinds of waste contaminating Earths waters.

Cocaine gets people interested, environmental engineer Tracy Fanara told the Times. But we have antibiotics, antidepressants, pharmaceuticals, sunscreen, insecticides, fertilizers. All of these chemicals are entering our ecosystem.

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College athlete wanted in murder of 7-year-old girl arrested in New Hampshire, feds say

A local college athlete wanted in connection with the murder of a 7-year-old girl in Washington state earlier this year has been captured in New Hampshire, federal law enforcement officials announced Wednesday.

Demiko A. Fox, a 22-year-old native of the Seattle area and a current student-athlete at a local college, was arrested Wednesday morning at an establishment near Bow Junction by members of the Joint Fugitive Task Force and the Bow Police Department, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The U.S. Marshals Service says a Kirkland, Washington, police investigation connects Fox to the death of a child in his care who was brought to the hospital with no pulse and obvious signs of abuse on April 11, 2024. The girl, suffering from an acute traumatic brain injury, was later placed on a ventilator at a Seattle trauma center.

She ultimately died from her injuries on April 17 and the King County Medical Examiner only recently determined her cause of death to be homicide.

Kirkland police tracked Fox to a temporary residence in Bow and arrested him with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force and Bow police.

We are grateful for the outstanding collaboration that led to the successful arrest, which would not have been possible without the exceptional teamwork and coordination between the U.S. Marshals and the Kirkland Washington Police detectives, Bow Police Chief Ken Miller said in a statement. Their collective efforts ensured a smooth and incident-free operation, and we appreciate their dedication to upholding justice.

In Kirkland Wednesday night, police outlined what they called a tragedy explaining that Fox reportedly brought the girl to the hospital with no pulse, obvious signs of abuse and traumatic brain injuries.

Police said Fox was tasked with being the caregiver by the childs mother and that there is no biological connection.

Fox, who is said to have a history of violent behavior, was processed at the Bow Public Safety Center. He is currently being held without bail at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections pending his extradition to Washington state.

It wasnt immediately clear where in the area Fox went to school, other than the feds describing him as a student-athlete at a local college.

He is slated to be arraigned Thursday morning in a Concord courtroom on a fugitive from justice charge.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  The New York Public Library is helping college students navigate the world of financial aid.

The library is teaming up with the City University of New Yorks Financial Aid Support Team to offer information sessions throughout July and August. College students and families can get one-on-one guidance with navigating applications for FAFSA, TAP, and the DREAM Act, as well as advice on how to apply for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

More Local News

Drop-ins are welcome, and help is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for FAFSA, TAP, and the DREAM Act have already opened for the 2024-2025 academic year and will close on June 30, 2025.

New York Public Library Financial Aid Sessions and Locations:

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  An overwhelming 95% of the Colorado Democratic Partys Central Committee voted in support of Vice President Kamala Harris for presidential nominee, the party announced Tuesday.

Of Colorados 87 delegates to the Democratic National Convention, 95% pledged to support her nomination.

Over 300 delegates and State Central Committee members gathered Monday evening to discuss Harris and the partys goals for the future, according to a Colorado Democratic Party release.

Kamala Harris is the best and she is very, well , well qualified. A VP that can be President and I think she is ready to take the reigns. So, its just important that Democrats go in united as we into the convention, Rep. Naquetta Ricks, DNC Standing Committee Member, told FOX31 political reporter Gabrielle Franklin.

Secret Service director steps down

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib said the party is united, fired up for the Harris campaign.

Already, Vice President Harris has won endorsements from our entire federal delegation and statewide Democrats, as well as elected Democrats at all levels, including grassroots leaders and activists across the state, Murib said in a release. Theres no one better prepared to prosecute the case against convicted felon Donald Trump than Vice President Harris, and our endorsement makes it clear that Colorado Democrats are ready to elect her this fall.

On Monday night, The Associated Press reported that Harris had 2,214 delegates who had either told reporters or announced publicly that they planned to support Harris at the convention  far exceeding the 1,976 benchmark set by Democratic National Committee rules. On Monday, 37 of Colorados delegates to the Democratic National Convention told The AP that they were backing Harris.

Shes also asked for this pledged support which basically means that when the delegates go in to this virtual roll call, which we are planning for here shortly, that they have actually pledged their support now to then give their delegate support to the Vice President to then secure the nomination, FOX31 political analyst Andy Boian said.

That virtual roll call will take place before Aug. 7 to avoid legal challenges.

The way its been in the past is, Hey, we know who your nominee is, we understand, well bypass this and secure your nominee at your convention. This time around, because of the way this has happened with the Democratic Party and President Biden. Weve been told that we will be sued if we dont do this. So, we need to do a virtual roll call and have a nominee by the 7th of August, Boian said.

On July 15, Colorados Republican National Convention delegation cast all 37 of its votes for former President Donald Trump. Just before the delegate roll call, Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance was announced to be Trumps running mate. Trumps nomination also followed an attempt on his life at a rally in Pennsylvania, resulting in the former president wearing an ear bandage to the Republican National Convention  which spurred supporters to sport the same.

Harris campaign follows repeated calls for President Joe Biden to step back and not run for a second term as president. He said he would not accept the Democratic Partys nomination on Sunday, later endorsing Harris for president.

Harris has not announced a running mate but only announced her campaign Sunday. That hasnt stopped speculation, including some speculation that the vice president candidate could be Gov. Jared Polis. The Democratic governor told CNN on Monday that if polling supports it, hed be interested.

If they do the polling and it turns out that they need a 49-year-old, balding, gay Jew from Boulder, Colorado, theyve got my number, Polis said.

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug. 22 in Chicago.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
(COLORADO)  The computer outage caused by an update from CrowdStrike on Friday, July 19, impacted the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles offices closing them while staff worked to fix the error.

As of Wednesday, July 24, the Colorado DMV said its offices have reopened and are fully operational. The State DMV and county DMV offices are different so those needing services will want to check with their local county DMV offices to see if there are any impacts to wait times or services.

Pueblo County said its DMV offices are fully operational. FOX21 has reached out to El Paso County DMV for the status of its offices but has not heard back at the time of writing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  It was a busy night for Columbus City Council on Tuesday  as more than 100 citizens gathered at the meeting. A number of topics were discussed.

The first order of business was the vote to rename Carver Park in East Columbus after the former mayor pro tem. Members of the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., most dressed in red, attended the meeting in honor of one of their very own, Evelyn Turner Pugh.

Carver Park to be renamed in honor of Former Mayor Pro Tem, Evelyn Turner Pugh

Pugh was posthumously honored at the meeting after the council unanimously voted in favor of renaming Carver Park after her.

Pugh was a Columbus native who served on city council for more than 30 years and committed her career to her community. She served long past her diagnosis of Parkinsons disease, passing away in July 2021.

Another renaming is in the works, as the city council also unanimously voted in favor of renaming a Columbus city pool.

Residents left high and dry this summer as pool renovations further delayed

The Double Churches Pool will be renamed after Joni Ressmeyer, a former swim instructor known across the city for teaching thousands of children how to swim over a 50-year career. Her son, Miracle Rider Founder and Countrys Barbeque owner, Scott Ressmeyer, was at the city council meeting. He told WRBL the renaming is a perfect way to honor his mothers legacy.

It touches my heart to know that theres enough people in this community to care about what she did and the service that she gave her kids and our community. Scott Ressmeyer, Joni Ressmeyers Son

Scott says his neighbor, Frank Brown, petitioned the council for the renaming. Frank told Scott it would be a remarkable way to rename the pool where his mother spent so much of her time giving back to the community.

Tuesday was also District 10 At-Large Councilor Travis Chambers first meeting. Chambers was sworn in earlier this month at the Government Center. He replaced John House, who resigned last year.

Travis Chambers sworn in as newest Columbus City Councilor

Chambers defeated businessman John Anker in a runoff in June. Chambers was elected to fill Houses unexpired term and to also serve a full four-year term that starts in January.

Heres what he told WRBL going into his first city council meeting.

Ive spoken with many of my constituents, and we have a lot of concerns in regards to Animal Care and Control, blighted community areas and a lot of zoning things. So, my phone has been ringing. Im ready to get up there and make the sound decisions to represent my constituents. Travis Chambers, Columbus City Councilor, District 10 At-Large

Chambers says he looks forward to working with his colleagues to better the community.

Concerns surrounding the treatment of animals at Columbus Animal Care and Control were also discussed in Tuesdays city council meeting. WRBL is working to investigate this story. Stay with us on-air and online as we learn more details.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reads out a congratulatory message of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and delivers a speech while attending the opening ceremony of the sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum, in Moscow, Russia, July 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

MOSCOW, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday attended the opening ceremony of the 6th China-Russia Energy Business Forum in Moscow, pledging to further promote strategic cooperation in the energy field between the two countries.

He read a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping and delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noted that President Xi's letter demonstrates the great importance he attaches to the forum.

Under the strategic guidance of President Xi and President Vladimir Putin, China-Russia energy cooperation has developed into a comprehensive, wide-ranging, deep, and high-level partnership, he said.

Back in May, the two heads of state held talks in Beijing and issued a joint statement on consolidating China-Russia strategic energy cooperation and achieving high-level development to ensure the economic and energy security of both countries, said Ding.

Both sides should further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders and build a closer energy cooperation partnership to better benefit both countries and their people, he added.

In his speech, Ding made three proposals on deepening China-Russia energy cooperation:

Firstly, the two sides should advance energy trade and investment cooperation, jointly promote the implementation of major energy projects, deepen cooperation in emerging areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen energy, and carbon markets, and cultivate more growth drivers for cooperation.

Secondly, the two countries should pragmatically expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy industry chain, strengthen the integrated cooperation of the energy industry's upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, and elevate the level of collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions in the energy sector.

Thirdly, China and Russia should strengthen coordination on multilateral platforms to promote the establishment of a fair, just, and balanced global energy governance system.

Ding noted that the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was successfully convened and made systematic arrangements for further deepening reforms comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.

He stressed that China will open itself ever wider to the outside world, and will offer more development opportunities to the world through its high-quality development.

Ding welcomed Russian enterprises to actively participate in China's modernization drive and achieve better development through shared opportunities.

Igor Sechin, executive secretary of the Russian presidential commission for the strategic development of the fuel and energy sector and environmental security, and chief of Russian oil company Rosneft, addressed the opening ceremony and read a congratulatory letter from President Putin. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also delivered a speech.

The theme of this year's forum is "Deepening China-Russia Energy Cooperation, Promoting Energy Security and High-Quality Development."

The opening ceremony was attended by over 400 representatives from relevant departments and energy companies, financial institutions, research institutes, and industry associations from both China and Russia. 
ComEd issuing months of renewable energy credits after computer snafu, but thousands of customers still facing sticker shock from solar providers

Nearly a half year after a bungled ComEd computer billing system upgrade all but shut down the Illinois community solar program, thousands of impacted customers began receiving long-delayed renewable energy credits on their July bills.

In some cases, the credits totaled $600 or more worth of solar energy generated since February.

But another bill may not be so welcome, after solar energy providers begin seeking payment from subscribers for up to six months of solar power generated on their behalf. Even at a discounted rate, a lump sum $500 due may cause sticker shock for some participants in the community solar program.

I can write the check  but if somebody of limited means gets a surprise $500 bill thats due in 30 days, that could be an issue for some people, said John, 66, a retired Chicago financial executive and community solar subscriber who received a $650 ComEd credit this week.

The customer, who lives in the East Lakeview neighborhood, declined to use his last name for fear that ComEd or his solar provider might pull the plug in response.

Created nearly a decade ago and boosted by the states 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Illinois community solar program allows customers who might not be able to install their own rooftop panels to subscribe to a shared installation connected to the electric grid. The customer pays the solar provider, and receives credits for their share of the power generated on their monthly bills.

The solar company bills the subscriber at a discount to standard electric delivery rates to provide an incentive for clean energy generation in the state.

When ComEd implemented a new computer billing system in February, it left its 4 million customers unable to see their balances or pay online for more than a week before it was ostensibly resolved. But for a third of ComEds 25,000 community solar subscribers at 96 installations across northern Illinois, the billing issues lasted for months.

Appropriate solar credits are appearing on the July bills of our subscribed customers, the utility said in an email.

While ComEd customers are getting large credits to offset future utility bills, the nearly as large community solar bills will soon be due upon arrival, creating potential cash flow problems for some subscribers.

ComEd customers can convert the credit into a refund check, if they successfully navigate the utilitys billing system to request it. Likewise, solar subscribers can request a payment plan equal to the number of months accumulated in the deferred renewable energy credits.

Like any customer service quest, getting that done may be challenging.

Nexamp, which has about 3,300 current subscribers in ComEd territory, has generated about $1.5 million in energy for them at its Illinois community solar farms since February, without receiving any payment.

Customers are starting to see all those multi-cycle credits showing up at once, said Nick Bihun, director of utility relationships at Nexamp. And we are going to start sending bills to customers this week that correspond to those credits.

To prepare subscribers for their forthcoming big lump sum bills, Nexamp is also doing a communications blitz this week, explaining the process, Bihun said.

By law, Nexamp is required to provide payment plans stretching out the amount due over the same number of months as the accumulated debt. Subscribers need to reach out to Nexamp to extend the payments, Bihum said.

Of greater concern to Nexamp is that some customers will simply take the ComEd credits and run, canceling the solar agreement and refusing to pay the bills.

Were in a very precarious position, Bihum said. Were expecting a big spike in cancellations.

Bihun said the ideal solution would be for ComEd to issue full refund checks for the energy credits, which customers could then turn around and use to pay the solar provider.

John, the retired Chicago finance executive, signed up two years ago with Solar Provider Group, which owns the Brush Creek solar farm in Freeport. After receiving the $650 credit on his July ComEd bill this week, he spent more than an hour navigating customer service at the utility before wrangling a commitment to issue a refund check within 30 business days.

I was just dogged, he said. A lot of people wont take the time.

ComEd said solar customers will be given more information on how to request a refund.

Customer service representatives are able to process the refund request, and we are issuing another communication to customers to further help them determine if they are eligible for a refund and the process to make that request, the utility said Wednesday.

While the billing snafu was a blow, the states ambitious community solar program is still at the center of expansion plans for Nexamp.

Founded in 2007, Nexamp develops and operates community solar projects in 10 states, including about two dozen in Illinois. In January, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Nexamp announced the companys Loop office on North Wacker Drive would serve as a second national headquarters, bringing 50 new jobs as it pursues more than $2 billion in planned investments in Illinois.

The company got a boost Wednesday when Starbucks announced it was partnering with Nexamp on developing six new community solar projects in Illinois. The new solar farms, which are expected to come online next year, will provide savings to over 1,100 subscribers and electricity for 170 Illinois stores, a Starbucks spokesperson said.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
The companies that posted Bricen Rivers' bond have been ordered to appear in Nashville court in August.

Rivers violated several of his bond conditions after his June 24 release from a Nashville jail where he had been held on aggravated kidnapping charges related to what police said was a bloody attack against his girlfriend Lauren Johansen while the two were on vacation in Nashville.

Police apprehended Rivers after a nine-hour manhunt on July 3 after police found Johansen's dead body in the trunk of a car left in a Mississippi cemetery.

Brooke's Bail Bonding and On Time Bonding were ordered to appear before a panel of all six of Nashville's criminal court judges on Aug. 15 "because it appears to the court that certain irregularities may have accompanied the posting of bond and release of the defendant in this matter," the order setting the hearing states.

More: How Mississippi man's release from Nashville jail ended in Lauren Johansen's death. Someone in our office made a mistake

The order states that all involved agents of Brooke's Bail Bonding and On Time Bonding should appear and be prepared to give testimony at the hearing. They were ordered to produce any records or communications related to the bond, bond conditions or Rivers' release to the court by Aug. 14.

Brooke Harlan, owner of Brooke's Bail Bonding, welcomed the hearing. She said in a text that she was "looking forward to the truth" being presented in the courtroom, adding that "a lot of misinformation in conjunction with flat out lies have been put out there."

Blackburn in early April lowered Rivers' bond from $250,000 to $150,000.

The two bonding companies posted Rivers' bond on June 24, and he was released later that day. However, the clerk's office failed to send information to the sheriff's office about how Rivers should be released, Chief Deputy Clerk Julius Sloss said. Rivers was released later than ordered by Blackburn and directly to the street rather than to an agent of his bonding company, which Blackburn also ordered.

Harlan said that Brooke's Bail Bonding, too, didn't know the full conditions of his release because the clerk did not provide them. The clerk, however, said it is the full responsibility of the bonding company to know the conditions and understand what's being signed beforehand.

Rivers called Brooke's Bail Bonding after his release. Blackburn had ordered Rivers to be fitted with electronic monitoring to ensure he did not leave Davidson County.

But by the time the bonding agent picked up Rivers, it was too late to take him to the monitoring company Blackburn specified and that is typically used by the court, which closed at 5 p.m., Harlan said. Instead, the bonding agent from Brooke's Bail Bonding took him to a newly formed company called Freedom Monitoring Services. Because this company was not involved in Rivers' case until he showed up at its place of business, it did not have a copy of the order that laid out his bond conditions, either.

The tracking company said in court records it did not get a copy of the bond conditions that specified Rivers could not leave Davidson County until June 28. Freedom Monitoring ordered Rivers to return to Nashville from Mississippi on June 29 because of an issue with his ankle monitor  after allegedly violating his bond conditions for days  but he left shortly after.

By July 2, the day he was supposed to show up in a Davidson County courtroom, the battery on Rivers' ankle monitor had started to die, last tracking him in Biloxi, Mississippi. The tracking company and bond agents tried to contact him, but no one could get in touch.

Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at emealins@gannett.com or follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EvanMealins.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Companies that posted Bricen Rivers' bond ordered to appear in court
Complaint against Lets Go Washington could end up sent to AGs office

Brian Heywood, founder of Let's Go Washington, the political committee behind initiatives on the ballot in Washington state in November 2024. (Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard)

Its been a year since the filing of allegations that a political committee led by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood violated campaign finance laws last year in the course of gathering signatures for six initiatives, including three on the ballot in November.

In the ensuing months, staff of the Public Disclosure Commission conducted interviews, gathered documents and held initial hearings but reached no conclusions on whether wrongdoing occurred.

An alliance of progressive groups opposed to the ballot measures say thats long enough and want the commission to hand the complaint over to Washingtons attorney general. Commissioners will consider the request Thursday.

Lawyers representing SEIU 775, Washington Conservation Action, Planned Parenthood and Civic Ventures argue in a July 17 letter that the move is needed because the alleged violations by Lets Go Washington have a significant ongoing impact on the public.

The attorneys contend commission staff has been effectively stymied in its investigative efforts because they are dealing with the filing of hundreds of low-level complaints of campaign finance misdeeds by Conner Edwards and Glen Morgan, both of whom have ties to the committee. Morgan founded the group We the Governed, which touts on its website that it has filed 830 complaints filed with the Public Disclosure Commission or state Ethics Board.

With the rapidly approaching election, referral to the attorney general is necessary to ensure that the investigation is given the urgency and attention that it deserves, wrote attorneys Dmitri Iglitzin and Abby Lawlor.

Heywood said hell fight the move.

We will be defending ourselves, he said Tuesday. Our argument is that the PDC staff should come to a conclusion. Weve disclosed everything theyve asked of us. We expect them to act in a fair way.

Opponents, he said, are looking to weaponize the commission to persecute their political enemies. Ive got nothing to hide.

How it began

Last year, Heywood bankrolled Lets Go Washingtons successful signature-gathering drives for six initiatives to the Legislature. Lawmakers adopted three  dealing with guidelines for police pursuits, parental rights and taxes.

Voters will decide the fate of three others that seek to repeal the capital gains tax and the cap-and-trade system, and make the states new longterm care services program voluntary. The four progressive groups behind the complaint are helping fund the campaign to defeat these measures.

On July 19, the Public Disclosure Commission received a complaint alleging Lets Go Washington repeatedly failed to disclose details about the flow of money in and out of the committee coffers for each of the six initiatives

They allege that by using Heywoods deep pockets as its near exclusive source of cash, the committee circumvented the need for filing of regular reports of contributions. They also argue he failed to report pledges intended to cover in-kind expenditures.

Three months later, the quartet of organizations collectively filed a related complaint making new allegations about the lack of disclosures by Heywood in what the groups lawyer deemed the costliest effort by an individual to rewrite Washington law.

Those allegations are not the issue in front of the Public Disclosure Commission on Thursday. Commissioners will only be considering if the investigation should remain in their hands, or not.

Blame game

State law lays out a process for the commission to refer cases to the attorney general. They can do so if they conclude it is necessary to ensure compliance with state campaign finance laws, that an apparent violation warrants a greater penalty they can legally impose or if the maximum penalty is not sufficient to address the severity of an apparent violation.

Attorneys for the progressive groups argue the severity of the allegations merit referral. They also blame Edwards, a former treasurer of Lets Go Washington, and Morgan, who supported the signature-gathering effort with campaign videos, for impeding the investigation with their serial filings that require the attention of Public Disclosure Commission staff.

Edwards said that the insinuation that he files many complaints to prevent the agency from investigating and resolving the case is inaccurate.

The goal of my complaint crusade was essentially to force the agency to adopt the technology-assisted proactive enforcement methods that have been successfully utilized in other states, he wrote in an email.

The complainants insinuation doesnt really make any sense to me, he wrote. Clogging up the system with complaints would make it more likely that the commission would refer a case to the attorney general, he said.

Morgan said there are unresolved complaints he filed that pre-date those levied against Heywoods committee.

They want special treatment. They just want to cut in line, Morgan said.
A man who fleeced a concert promoter out of more than $1 million by promising that Justin Bieber and other pop stars would appear in a bogus music festival is headed to federal prison.

Terronce Morris, 42, was sentenced last week to more than four years in prison by U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz. In February, he pleaded guilty to wire-fraud conspiracy and identity theft charges in Miami federal court.

READ MORE: Concert con men lied about Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish. Now theyll face the music

The saga began in late 2019 when Morris, who posed as a Texas music producer, and partner Blake Kelly met a concert promoter who specialized in producing music festivals in large venues, according to court documents filed as part of the plea agreement.

Kelly, a 37-year-old who worked in the music business in Los Angeles, also pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced in March to spend 13 months behind bars.

In a slew of emails, texts and phone calls, Morris claimed he had extensive experience signing up big-time musical performers for stadium concerts, including Bieber. In those exchanges, Kelly also claimed he was intimate friends with Bieber.

Kelly assured the promoter that he and Morris could secure Bieber to headline and perform at a live musical concert series in 2020. Morris emailed the promoter a fake contract, which detailed that $800,000 was set to go to Bieber and $500,000 to both Billie Eilish and Post Malone.

Swayed by the con men, the promoter turned over the money for the purported music festival in San Antonio, Texas, according to the indictment. The pair was charged in Miami federal court because the duped concert promoter was visiting South Florida at the time of their communications.

But the scheme didnt end there, feds say.

Through 2023, at least three other people in the music industry fell prey to Morris scam  and collectively lost more than $1.3 million. While out on bond awaiting trial, Morris met with one of the victims and vowed to have Bieber perform someday in the near future.

At one point, Morris even opened a bank account in Texas using the personal identifying information of someone who shares the same name as Bieber, according to prosecutors. He used the money to finance a lavish lifestyle, including traveling, purchasing luxury goods, paying for luxurious services, and dining at high-priced restaurants.

Morris, who prosecutors say used the same modus operandi to steal millions from other victims, raked in close to $3 million in his bogus concerts scheme.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Members of Congress are mourning the death of one of their own, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas.).

Jackson Lee passed away Friday after announcing that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.

Flags at the U.S. Capitol flew at half-staff in her honor while inside, Democrats and Republicans paid tribute to the longtime lawmaker.

Please rise and join me in observing a moment of silence to honor Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lees memory, said Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.).

Green started Tuesdays House Homeland Security Committee hearing on a somber note, holding back tears as he remembered the 74-year-old Democrat who represented her Houston-based district for nearly 30 years.

The loss of a friend to all of us on this committee, Green said. Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a longtime member of this committee who always fought passionately for her constituents and causes that she believed would better the homeland.

Her committee seat mate, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), also remembered Jackson Lee for her tireless work for her district, noting how she secured more resources for first responders and victims of natural disasters.

There was no more fierce an advocate than Congresswoman Jackson Lee, Thompson said. Her absence will be felt just as much as her presence, and we will miss her dearly.

Jackson Lee cultivated quite the reputation across Capitol Hill for her relentless spirit. Her colleagues marveled at how it often seemed like she could be in multiple places at the same time.

The passion that she brought to each and every event that she participated in just meant a lot to all of us, said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.).

Aguilar and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) helped lead a celebration of life for Jackson Lee with the entire Democratic Caucus.

Every day she came into Congress and fought for justice and equality, Lieu said. She gave a voice to those who did not have a voice.

Jackson Lee also helped lead efforts to protect victims of domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Many lawmakers plan to attend services in Texas for Jackson Lee next week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
DENVER (KDVR)  Another retail chain has filed for bankruptcy and is closing locations in Colorado.

Conns HomePlus, the 134-year-old home goods retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, according to FOX Business. Conns has been in business since 1890 and operates over 170 stores in 15 states with its headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas near Houston, per its website.

Now, the company said 70 of its stores will close for good, and six of those will be in Colorado.

List: These Colorado Big Lots stores will permanently close

Conns has listed every store that will close in the U.S. and said they are having an everything must go event in-store only.

According to the companys website, all of the Conns locations in Colorado will close.

Arvada  7360 W. 52nd Ave.

Aurora  60 S. Abilene St.

Colorado Springs  345 N. Academy Blvd.

Fort Collins  120 Bockman Dr.

Sheridan-Englewood  3950 River Point Parkway

Thornton-Denver  550 E. 102nd Ave.

The only Colorado location that will remain open is a distribution center in Denver at 2470 Airport Blvd.

In April, Conns reported its total revenue declined 7.8% to $1.2 billion, due to a 9.1% decline in total net sales, and a 3.6% reduction in finance charges and other revenues.

Parents sue school district over contract, threat to kick disabled daughter off pom team

This follows the recent announcement that another retail chain will close local stores. Big Lots will close four Colorado stores this year due to a decrease in sales.

In April it was announced 95 Express stores nationwide would close, including three in the Denver area. In June, Walgreens said changes to its business could result in hundreds of store closures. Finally, Albertsons Companies released a list in early July of 89 Colorado stores that could be sold in a planned merger between the company and Kroger if approved, most of the closing stores operate under the Safeway brand.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Construction for Broadway Curve Improvement Project continues in Phoenix. What to know

For the past several months, motorists have had to navigate their way around seemingly endless roadwork and construction zones throughout metro Phoenix freeways.

Of these construction projects, the Broadway Curve Improvement Project, which has been spearheaded by the Arizona Department of Transportation, has sought to improve freeway conditions on both Interstate 10 and Interstate 17.

Earlier this year, ADOT announced several "major" improvements to Valley roadways throughout the year, with the Broadway Curve Improvement Project cited to be "the largest urban freeway reconstruction project in ADOTs history," the agency stated.

Here's the latest on what Phoenix metro drivers can expect while construction is underway.

What is the Broadway Curve?

According to ADOT, the Broadway Curve is a section on the I-10 between Baseline Road and 40th Street in Phoenix. Specifically, it refers to a portion of the highway that "curves" beneath Broadway Road.

The Broadway Curve is cited to be one of the busiest roadways in the state, with more than 300,000 vehicles per weekday, ADOT said.

Where is construction taking place?

While several different sections of various Phoenix-area freeways will be affected by roadwork, much of the construction will take place on the Broadway Curve area, ADOT said.

Additionally, a stretch of 11 miles on the I-10 between the Loop 202 and the I-17 fall within the boundaries of the project, which lies near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Additional work will take place one mile east of the US 60 between I-10 and Hardy Drive, as well as one mile north of State Route 143 between I-10 and the southern end of the SR 143 bridge over the Salt River. Lanes going in both directions for both freeways will be affected, ADOT said.

A worker smooths concrete on wall coping overlooking westbound I-10 near Broadway Road in May of this year.

What is being improved?

The Broadway Curve Project involves several "major components," ADOT explained. This includes improvements in the following areas:

Widening lanes on the I-10, which will create 6 "general purpose" lanes and 2 HOV lanes in each direction between the US 60 and the I-17. A 4th lane will also be included in each direction on the section between Ray Road and the US 60.

Adding Collector-Distributor roads parallel to I-10 between Baseline Road and 40th Street to separate through traffic from local traffic entering or exiting the highway.

Rebuilding the I-10 interchange with SR 143 to improve traffic flow and "create direct connections" to and from SR 143 for drivers on the I-10 HOV lane.

Replacing the Broadway Road Bridge over I-10.

Replacing the 48th Street Bridge over I-10.

Widening the I-10 bridges over the Salt River.

Building two bridges for pedestrians and bicyclists over I-10 between Baseline and Broadway Roads near Alameda Drive and the Western Canal, as well as improving the Sun Circle Trail crossing at Guadalupe Road.

Building sound and retaining walls "where warranted."

In addition to freeways, some local streets in the region are also anticipated for reconstruction in conjunction with the project, ADOT said.

Some surface street improvements include new asphalt pavement on the crossroads of 40th Street and Broadway Road, installing LED lighting on Sun Circle Trail and widening the westbound I-10 off-ramp at Warner Road, among other projects, ADOT said.

Traffic: This major Tempe intersection will be closed for 5 days

How much will it cost?

According to ADOT, the contract amount with the project's partnership team is set at $615 million, while the total amount authorized for construction is nearly $730 million.

For developments covering intelligent transportation system signal upgrades, right-of-way acquisition and paid advertising, the total cost is a little over $830 million, ADOT added.

In 2004, a half-cent sales tax was approved by Maricopa County voters, which partially covers the funding required for the project, ADOT explained.

The Federal Highway Administration provides additional funding, ADOT said.

When did it start?

Preconstruction activity for the project, such as conducting environmental assessments, began in early 2019.

Actual construction on freeways began in the fall of 2021.

How will it impact drivers?

ADOT warns all Phoenix commuters to be prepared for "many" closures, delays and restrictions on highways during the ongoing project, as full- and partial closures on the US 60, I-10 and SR 143 are necessary during construction, the agency stated.

While ADOT ensures to quickly announce planned closures in advance and provide detour information, the agency recommends that drivers "schedule their commute accordingly," such as allowing extra time for travel and opting for alternate times for departure.

As improvements are underway, ADOT also advises that metro Phoenix drivers use designated freeway detours over local streets during their commute.

Collected data revealed commuters save time this way, as local streets are not "designed or built to handle interstate traffic," ADOT explained.

What's been completed so far?

As of December of last year, construction on the Broadway Curve passed its halfway mark, completing its second segment of a four-phase arc that was designed for the improvement project.

During phase two, projects that were completed by ADOT include inducing construction of collector-distributor roads, reconstruction of 40th Street ramps, and construction of the US 60 to I-10 bridge, among other various improvements.

Rolling into phase three, which is estimated to last through the end of summer this year, crews are expected to finish construction of several of the roads and bridges that began in phase two, ADOT stated.

When will the Broadway Curve Improvement Project be finished?

ADOT anticipates the completion of the Broadway Curve Improvement Project by early 2025.

However, the agency wants to remind Valley motorists that schedules are subject to change due to "unexpected delays and unforeseen circumstances."

Why is the project important?

According to ADOT, the Broadway Curve project seeks to benefit the entirety of the metro Phoenix area, as it creates "a safer, more-efficient freeway system" for drivers throughout the region, the agency stated.

Additionally, based on an economic evaluation by the Maricopa Association of Governments, or MAG, the improvements are projected to save motorists around 2.5 million hours annually that are otherwise spent in traffic. This totals to around $130 million a year in time savings, MAG added.

Additional benefits of the project outlined by ADOT include:

Reduced travel time during peak hours.

Improved access to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Improved access to over 4,600 businesses located along the corridor, ranging from the region's largest employers to retail centers to colleges.

Improved safety by reducing lane changes and "weaving" on I-10 in the Broadway Curve and on SR 143 at University Drive.

Support for ridesharing and transit.

Installation of wrong-way driver detection system in various locations.

Addition of Collector-Distributor roads, which help eliminate lane changes where the two freeways converge.

New overhead message signs, which helps improve travel-time reliability and communication between ADOT and commuters about changing traffic conditions.

Better preparations for MAG for future growth projections, which has indicated a 25% increase in traffic by 2040.

The project also forecasts to generate around 1,400 new construction jobs and 250 new "long-term" jobs in the region, MAG stated.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news, information, and traffic alerts on the Broadway Curve project, along with other freeway improvements, Valley drivers are encouraged to subscribe on ADOT's website.

More information about the Broadway Curve Improvement Project, including maps and monthly newsletters, can be found on their website or by downloading their free mobile app.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Broadway Curve project continues on Phoenix freeways
Two Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners clashed in a heated argument Tuesday with one accusing the other of being dishonest in a debate over whether state laws regarding audits were followed in the aftermath of harsh winter storms of 2021 when electricity and natural gas companies requested rate assistance.

Commissioner Bob Anthony submitted a request for a 10-minute presentation by David Greenwell, a certified accountant and member of the Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame. Greenwell said he wasnt focusing on any particular case, but just looking at the Securitization Act that was passed after Winter Storm Uri gripped the state in subzero temperatures.

Greenwell's report has been filed by Anthony under a case for OG&E's proposed rate increases. OG&E plans to implement the increases before the commission hears the request, which is allowed by state law and is currently under review by an administrative law judge.

However,commission Chairman Todd Heitt did not allow the presentation, saying it would violate the commissions rules and throw members into a quandary. He said it is common to receive comments after a case is closed, but they bear no weight in the record and cant be used as evidence.

Attorneys from OG&E, the commission's Public Utility Division and the Office of the Attorney General agreed with Heitt, with some citing closed cases, deadlines, rules of practice requiring a motion to reopen the case and said if the presentation was allowed, it would not count as evidence.

An OG&E attorney told the commissioners he opposed hearing Greenwell's report, arguing it could taint the current rate case even though a summary of the report appeared on the commissioners' agenda. He declined further comment after the meeting.

Anthony said the comments of those opposing the presentation were truly astonishing and said the real issues were integrity, confidence, competence, open government, legitimacy, openness, transparency, honest audits and lawful conduct.

In March, Anthony had called for a full audit of fuel and bond costs for the storm, arguing that the one-page audit submitted at the time was insufficient.

That one page audit is absurd, and every one of you that is involved in these cases ought to know it, he said.

Heitt accused Anthony of dishonesty and patterns of deception. He said Anthony and Greenwell missed their opportunity to question the audit process during the June public comment hearing on the pending OG&E rate case.

He waits until the record is closed, at which time he can no longer legally have any impact on the case, and he cries foul. Why does he do that? He does that to trick the public into believing that he's on their side, Heitt said. After the meeting, Heitt said he had a good relationship with Anthony until recently.

Commissioner Kim David suggested setting up a session in the future to talk about Greenwells presentation and inviting legislators, who could offer input on the way the law was written. She said they needed to follow the rules on public comment and evidence being submitted.

Anthony countered both and said he wasnt trying to trick anyone. He said he planned another filing, which would include communications from the state auditor and inspector in 2016 that cautioned the commission on using the word audit.

In the commissioner's words, the Corporation Commission has been conducting fake audits of the billions in 2021 winter storm fuel and bond costs, Anthony said.

When it came to the 2021 Winter Storm  and some of the most expensive cases this Commission has ever considered  this agency chose not to follow the law. Even when the cost of the 2021 Winter Storm bonds came in a billion dollars higher than the OCC had estimated, he said.

What Greenwells report said

In his report, Greenwell said his research found the audit activities overseen by the Corporation Commission did not appear to comply with the auditing requirements specified in the law that established the 2021 Winter Storm bond program.

Using the internal audits from utility companies (even if from licensed CPAs) does not meet the Oklahoma Accountancy Acts definition of an audit, Greenwells opinion said. Generally accepted auditing standards require the auditors to be independent, he added.

Greenwell said the documents that the Commission refers to as audits would not be considered sufficient according to the guidelines by the Oklahoma Accountancy Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Hiett responded that most parties in rate cases hire their own auditors and submit their findings to the commission as part of their arguments.

2021 Winter Storm Uri caused havoc on utilities

In 2022, the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority issued roughly $3 billion of Winter Storm Uri ratepayer-backed bonds on behalf of Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., Oklahoma Natural Gas, Public Service Co. of Oklahoma and Summit.

On Sept.15, 2023, Hiett released a one-page audit of more than $1.3 billion of ONGs February 2021 Winter Storm ratepayer-backed bond financing to the governor, legislative leaders and the finance authority.

Anthony said that the one-page audit of ONG was ludicrous, pitiful, farcically inadequate and another attempt at whitewash and cover-up. He said the audit "did not remotely meet the criteria for an audit as defined by state statute.

In March, Anthony said he was told by both the state treasurer's office and the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority that neither agency has an audit from the storm.

Certified Public Accountant David Greenwell, an Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame member, speaks at a Corporation Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 23.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Corporation Commission didn't allow presentation on audit performance
Could fracking have contributed to recent Scurry county earthquakes, including one of largest in Texas history?

SCURRY COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)- A series of at least 5 earthquakes hit the eastern Scurry County Line on Monday night and into Tuesday morning, the largest of which rated at a magnitude 4.9 by the U.S. Geological survey(USGS). That organization claims minor to major property damage can result at magnitudes of 5.0 and above. While this was one of the most powerful quakes in Texas history, no major damage was reported. Hardin Simmons University Adjunct Professor of Geology Moira Plantier says that falls in line with current research suggestions.

Did you feel it? Series of earthquakes strike Scurry County

So a little bit of shaking. . . it may have knocked some things off of shelves or walls perhapsIt was nothing terribly destructive, but it may have woken a few people up, Plantier told KTAB/KRBC.

Some waking from their sleep and many others yet to get to bed feeling those rumbles from Lubbock all the way to just east of Abilene. Snyder Resident Gus Vasquez says he had just gotten home from work when the first and largest quake could be felt.

I was eating crackers at my kitchen table, saw the cat was running to me and the whole house just started shaking. . .after the first one I went in my room and started playing my game and then I felt the second one, Vasquez said.

Map of Monday-Tuesday earthquakes by magnitude in Scurry(left) and Fisher(right) counties. Data collected from USGS.gov

Getting closer to the quakes epicenter, those tremors become more powerful. Hermleigh residents like Naomi Meador were just 10 miles from the earthquake cluster. Meador says shes experienced these events before having once lived in California comparing Monday nights quake to a train passing right by her front porch.

[I was thinking] What do I do? Do I stay? Do I get in the doorway? Theres too many factors running through your mindIt really feels like youre on a boatRattling in the cabinets. . . your picture frames are kinda like jostling on the walls, Meador said.

Quakes of such magnitude are uncommon across Texas and while no direct link has been found, some Geo-Science experts are looking to the impact of fracking and other human geological interference, which are prevalent in the Scurry County-Midland area, as a possible contributing factor.

I believe 100% the earthquakes that are happening out here have every bit to do with fracking, said Meador.

With the area from Snyder west toward Midland and Pecos one of the largest fracking and oil harvesting areas in the state, Plantier says that current research does not definitively prove a correlation, though some of the data does line up.

Over the past few years especially the USGS notes that there has been an increase in human induced earthquake activity throughout west Texas if you look throughout the Midland basin. Plantier said.

Those recorded quakes rarely rating above a magnitude 3.0 but the correlation with heavy drilling suggests that the activity could be contributing to the frequency or at least severity of the quakes.

INTERACTIVE MAP OF ACTIVE DRILLING SITES IN TEXAS

While the exact cause isnt certain, Meador says the potential aftermath is reason enough to be educated and prepared no matter where you live.

Ive moved 58 times all over the U.S.It doesnt matter where you are God can still come to your front door and meet ya. Said Meador.

Plantier encourages anyone who felt tremors from the Monday night-Tuesday morning earthquakes to log their experience and location on the USGS Did you feel it database. That information helping researchers better understand the impact, reach, and potentially origin of the events.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Wednesday, saying that both sides should strengthen practical cooperation in various fields.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has started a new round of deepening reform comprehensively. China's comprehensive promotion of Chinese modernization will bring new opportunities to people of all countries, Wang added.

Noting that Ukraine was one of the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said China has been Ukraine's largest trading partner and the biggest export destination for Ukrainian agricultural products in recent years. In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade volume recorded a momentum of rapid growth, showing the space and potential of bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should capitalize on the role of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, he said, adding that China will continue to expand grain imports from Ukraine and jointly maintain smooth logistics channels and international food security.

Wang thanked the Ukrainian side for its assistance in the evacuation of Chinese citizens, especially international students, in the early stage of the conflict in Ukraine, and expressed the hope that Ukraine will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Ukraine. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)
On the heels of the Chicago City Council approving a record $50 million settlement to a group of men once known as the Marquette Park Four, the Cook County Board will consider a $7.25 million settlement for one of those men who accused county prosecutors of wrongful incarceration and detention.

The Charles Johnson deal is one of several costly settlements the countys Finance Committee approved unanimously Wednesday, the others related to county-run Stroger Hospital. All of them, totaling $24 million, will be considered by the full board Thursday.

In 1995, Johnson was one of the group of teenagers convicted of a double murder at a used car dealership, Elegant Auto. Johnson was identified by a witness as one of the shooters and was sentenced to life in prison.

But Johnson was exonerated along with Lashawn Ezell, Troshawn McCoy and Larod Styles and certified as innocent after new fingerprinting technology implicated a different person.

In a recent federal suit, the four alleged police threatened them and that an assistant states attorney tricked Johnson into signing a false confession related to the shooting and robbery of the two men at the dealership, Khaled Ibrahim and Yousef Ali.

Johnson believed he was signing routine paperwork attesting that certain photos matched the prosecutors description, the suit claimed. The attorneys hand was covering the writing on the pages, which Johnson did not know contained a confession attributed to him, the suit said. Johnson also claimed police questioned him for more than ten hours and prosecutors denied his requests for a lawyer.

The four sued both the city and county. The Chicago City Council approved a $50 million settlement earlier this month, a record sum. Johnson is represented by Illinois office of the MacArthur Justice Center, a nonprofit focused on civil rights.

No amount of money can ever return the years we lost due to Chicago Police misconduct that caused our collective 73 years of wrongful imprisonment, the group said in a statement following the City Council approval of their settlement.

Several other settlements are also up for a full board vote Thursday, including $3.4 million to the family of Rocio Santa Maria, who died from complications from a pelvic surgery roughly six months after surgeons severed arteries during a pelvic surgery at Stroger Hospital in 2017.

Also on the agenda: a $4.5 million settlement to the family of Jose Lopez for his wrongful death. Lopez was performing repairs on staff elevators at Stroger Hospital when the elevator car dropped, pulling Lopez down with it, according to a suit. The suit claims he was not warned the elevator car was not locked.

The committee is also expected to consider an $8.1 million settlement to the family of Christian Garcia Salas for medical malpractice. Salas reported to Stroger a couple days after a car crash and complained about shoulder and abdominal pain in the fall of 2022, according to the suit his family filed. Doctors determined he had an injured spleen, but the lawsuit claimed staff failed to check whether he was bleeding into his abdomen, to closely monitor him, or remove his spleen. He died the day after he checked into the emergency room.

aquig@chicagotribune.com
By Dan Peleschuk

MYKOLAIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - For the mayor of the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, wartime crises like water and power outages and a crumbling local economy are short-term obstacles to a long-term plan.

Oleksandr Sienkevych believes that reforms and accountability, including overhauling how public firms are run, are critical to the Black Sea port's future as Ukraine begins its long and potentially difficult path to the European Union.

"We're doing this for our reputation ... to make it transparent," two-term mayor Sienkevych told Reuters in a recent interview in Mykolaiv, a regional capital of around 400,000 people.

Just 40 miles from the front line, the city is in a dire situation. It has been without clean tap water for more than two years after Russian forces destroyed important infrastructure.

Authorities have set up distribution stations throughout the city providing filtered drinking water and have also managed to pump non-potable water into pipes, though its uses are limited.

"You shouldn't even wash your dishes with it," said 75-year-old Liubov Ivanovna, as she moved around water containers in her courtyard one recent morning.

Beyond the water crisis, local schools have been in online-only mode for four years. The city budget lost around half of its revenue because of the war, and the port has been closed since February 2022.

The streets, like others across Ukraine, are plunged into darkness daily after Russian airstrikes that wrought havoc on Ukraine's energy system.

Last Friday, three people including a child were killed in a Russian missile strike on an apartment building.

Sienkevych, a 42-year-old former entrepreneur first elected in 2015, describes efforts to overhaul the administration of the city as part of a "fantasy" of a brighter future.

His team is conducting internationally supervised "integrity assessments" of municipal utilities firms, with the goal of introducing corporate-style governance to boost accountability, said Yuliia Mincheva, an adviser to Sienkevych.

The water company was first in line.

Officials have also developed a system to publicly catalogue international financial aid to the city, and Mykolaiv recently became the first Ukrainian city to publish procurement data in a machine-readable format, making it easier to analyse.

'EXTRA MILE'

Ukraine's bid for membership of the EU, which formally launched talks with Kyiv last month, means it must streamline a clunky bureaucracy and show progress in reforms.

Mincheva said officials were seizing the opportunity to lay early foundations for responsible governance.

She added that Mykolaiv's vulnerability means it must work harder to earn the trust of donors and investors who will be crucial to its future.

"You need to do more, to go the extra mile, to become not the first place to invest, but at least the second or third," Mincheva said.

Sienkevych acknowledged that such reforms receive little attention from disgruntled residents as the 29-month-old war grinds on.

The water crisis in particular has focused residents' anger on city hall, even though it can only be fully fixed by the central government in Kyiv, he said.

He blamed a deep-seated Soviet mentality of suspicion of authorities that had been exacerbated by what he said was Russian propaganda casting Ukrainian authorities as corrupt.

"They think that everyone forgot about them," Sienkevych said.

The discontent was apparent at water stations around Mykolaiv, where young and old lined up in scorching sunshine to haul away their daily supplies.

"I just don't believe that it's impossible to fix," said pensioner Valeriy, 68, while filling up several of the 30 or so bottles he keeps at home to collect water.

Cities across Ukraine are struggling with the prospect of rebuilding while war is raging, with Russia bearing down on multiple parts of the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line and also attacking the energy system before winter.

As a result, said Josh Rudolph of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Kyiv's international partners should begin shifting some of their focus from reconstruction to helping build Ukraine's resilience.

But local leaders must still strike a balance of addressing both, he added.

"A mayor like Sienkevych needs to do it all at once," he said. "He does not have the luxury of focusing on one (problem) now, and then the other later."

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Timothy Heritage)
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said while officers were investigating a domestic disturbance incident a man ran from his vehicle with a rifle in his hands in the overnight hours of Tuesday, July 23.

According to CSPD, on Tuesday at around 11:24 p.m., officers were called to report of a domestic disturbance in the area of South Murray Boulevard near Airport Road. When officers walked down an alley to check the rear of the address they found an occupied vehicle.

When officers approached the vehicle, the man ran from the vehicle with what CSPD said was a rifle in his hands. Police later learned the man had a warrant for his arrest, and were unable to find the suspect.

FOX21 reached out to CSPD for more information and will update this article as we learn 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
Three days after a Secret Service-initiated indefinite road closure took effect on South Ocean Boulevard next to former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach officials have asked the agency for an explanation.

In a letter sent Monday, July 22, to Thomas F. Huse, chief counsel for the U.S. Secret Service, the town asked the agency to confirm that it had ordered the closure of South Ocean Boulevard from the Southern Boulevard traffic circle north to South County Road.

The town also requested that the Secret Service "provide the legal authority authorizing it to implement the road closure for the specified duration and even when protectee(s) are not in residence in the Town."

More: Trump assassination attempt: Town officials want changes to road closure near Mar-a-Lago

The latter "represents a significant departure from prior actions by the USSS," according to the letter, which was signed by Town Attorney Joanne OConnor. Town officials and residents have expressed frustration with the road closure, which is aimed at improving security for Trump in the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt.

A gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of suburban Pittsburgh, shot at Trump as the Republican nominee for president spoke at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. Trump's right ear was grazed, and three other people were shot, one fatally. Crooks was shot and killed by the Secret Service.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday, one day after she was heavily criticized by bipartisan lawmakers at a House Oversight Committee hearing at which she admitted the July 13 incident was the biggest security failure in decades for the protective agency, according to USA Today.

"I certainly understand why the Secret Service has reacted that way after the tragedy," Mayor Danielle Moore told the Daily News Friday after the road closure was announced. "That being said, just speaking of logistics, I have some questions about what the purpose is of closing South Ocean Boulevard when there's nothing out there but water. I have more concerns coming from the west side of Mar-a-Lago. The chief of police has obviously been working very closely with the Secret Service, and I think the plan may change. There may be an alternative down the line. But at the moment, it would be considered, in my mind, making an already bad traffic situation a thousand times worse."

The Palm Beach County Sheriff Os Office have a checkpoint at South Ocean Boulevard and South County Road July 23, 2024 in Palm Beach.

The closure will continue through at least Nov. 5, regardless of whether Trump or other "protected person(s)" are in residence, the Secret Service said.

It applies to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Those who live between South County and Woodbridge roads are only be able to access their properties from the north. Law enforcement and fire rescue vehicles will be able to access from both the south and north.

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."

In its letter to the Secret Service, the town said the closure "effectively cuts the Town in two."

"The Town of Palm Beach is a barrier island with limited ingress and egress points (four bridges and one causeway to the south)," the letter read. "South Ocean Boulevard/SR A1A is a two-lane, two-way, undivided major collector that runs north to south through a significant portion of the Town."

Town Manager Kirk Blouin told the Daily News on Monday that the town is awaiting the Secret Service's response.

Palm Beach Police spokesman Capt. Will Rothrock told the Daily News that essential services are getting through the road closure with no issues, while the department is working with Public Works on making signal adjustments.

Town Police also have noted an increase in eastbound traffic on the Royal Park Bridge, Rothrock said.

Trump announced later Tuesday that he planned to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Friday at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting follows Netanyahus address to Congress on Wednesday; he will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach to Secret Service explain road closed
Prague is preparing to launch a new initiative to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine in 2025, Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said in an interview with the Denik N newspaper on July 24.

Czechia unveiled the international ammunition initiative earlier this year amid Ukraine's shell shortages, largely caused by delays in U.S. assistance. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky noted that sufficient funds have been secured to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells by the end of 2024.

"This is a natural extension of the mechanism that is already working... The sooner donors allocate funds, the sooner our companies will sign long-term contracts," Cernochova said.

Five Czech companies  Czechoslovak Group, STV Group, Omnipol, Colt CZ Group SE  DSS  will participate in another project called "Initiative 2025," the media outlet reported.

Prague will act as a mediator between arms manufacturers purchasing artillery ammunition for Kyiv and European countries providing funds for it, the minister explained.

Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands support the initiative, according to Tomas Kopecny, the Czech envoy for Ukraine's reconstruction, according to Radio Prague International. Negotiations on financing the project may begin at the end of this summer.

Lipavsky also mentioned that Prague plans to send another 100,000 rounds to Ukraine in July and August, in addition to the roughly 45,000 shells shipped in June.

Eighteen countries have pledged support to the initial initiative, with 15 having fulfilled their promises and provided the funds, according to the minister.

Read also: Bulgaria may send surplus ammunition to Ukraine, minister says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A seminar for the First International Youth Poetry Festival's Special Session for BRICS Countries is held in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2024. During the event, over 70 young poets from 10 countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and China, discussed topics such as the value, inheritance and innovation of poetry. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A seminar for the First International Youth Poetry Festival's Special Session for BRICS Countries was held in Beijing on Wednesday.

During the event, over 70 young poets from 10 countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and China, discussed topics such as the value, inheritance and innovation of poetry.

The poets showed recognition of the long history of cultural exchanges among BRICS countries, and shared the common view that poetry is a bridge of communication and exchange for different countries and peoples.

They also expected that more cultural exchange activities among BRICS countries will be held to boost cross-cultural learning and people-to-people ties.

The First International Youth Poetry Festival's Special Session for BRICS Countries was held in Hangzhou and Beijing between July 18 and 24. The event featured literary activities such as academic discussions and poetry recitals. 
DA: Man sentenced for girlfriends murder after robbery in Fresno in 2021

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A man has been sentenced after killing his girlfriend following a robbery and carjacking in Fresno in 2021, the Fresno County Districts Attorney said on Tuesday.

The DA says David Hernandez was sentenced to 40 years to life for second-degree murder, and 27 additional years for carjacking, attempted carjacking, and robbery.

In Aug. 2021, the Fresno Police Department said they found a woman, 41-year-old Sarah Hamm, dead at an apartment complex in Fresno. She suffered from a gunshot wound and died from her injuries on the scene.

Upon investigation, detectives say they learned Hamm was in a relationship with David Hernandez, then 42, who was the focus of a commercial robbery and carjacking that happened a few hours before Hamms death. He was then arrested in connection with both incidents.

The DAs office says he was convicted of these charges in June.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A San Francisco man is accused of using a Muni bus to carry out a drive-by shooting and murder.

Jose Adrian Flores Garcia, 28, is being held in a San Francisco jail without bail, inmate records show.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, The cold-blooded killing and use of public transportation to flee the scene in this case is chilling.

Just after 11 p.m. on June 18, Garcia was sitting in the rear of a Muni bus when the victim boarded the bus with two friends, prosecutors said.

When the victim and his friends got off the bus at Mission Street and Silver Avenue, Garcia allegedly opened the bus window, stuck his arm out, and shot the victim, according to the DAs office. The victim was unarmed.

Muni buses are parked at a San Francisco Municipal Railway yard. (File / Photo by Justin Sullivan/ Getty Images)

Garcia then used the Muni bus as a getaway vehicle by yelling at the bus driver to drive away from the murder scene, the DAs office said. San Francisco Police Department officers found the victim who died from gunshot wounds.

E-bike, e-scooter injuries are on the rise: UCSF study

SFPD launched an investigation and later took Garcia into custody on July 18. Prosecutors charged Garcia with murder, committing a drive-by murder, and discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle.

Jenkins said, I would like to offer my condolences to the victims family and friends. Although nothing we do can bring the victim back, my office will do everything in our power to fight for justice in this case.

Investigators did not release a motive in the case. The accused killer is scheduled to be arraigned on July 30 at the Hall of Justice courthouse.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An Arizona State University student slipped and fell to her death after she and her father got caught in a sudden storm while hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Grace Rohloff, 20, lost her footing on July 13 while she and her father, Jonathan Rohloff, were hiking the parks Half Dome cables, her father told SFGate.

Grace was such a beautiful soul, Rohloff told the outlet. She deserves to have her story told.

The Arizona-based father-daughter duo were experienced climbers, and were thrilled when they learned on July 11 that they had obtained a permit to hike Half Dome. Grace was especially excited, telling her dad that climbing the famous slope was on her bucket list.

The next day, the Rohloffs drove from Phoenix to Yosemite before making the 400-foot trek up the cables on their assigned date. When they set out, a ranger had warned of a chance of storms later in the day.

But when they reached the starting point of the cables, they were met with clear skies, the outlet reported. The Rohloffs ascended to the top of Half Dome, allowing Grace to check the adventure off her bucket list.

ASU student Grace Rohloff tragically slipped to her death while climbing Yosemites Half Dome on July 13 (Jonathan Rohloff)

But the clap of thunder interrupted the impressive feat.

A black cloud was rolling in like gangbusters, Rohloff told SFGate. I was like, We have got to get down now, because we dont want to be up here with any rain. It rolled in literally out of nowhere.

The hikers ahead of them on their descent down the cables were moving slowly, he said. Though he and his daughter were experienced climbers who could have passed the others, Rohloff explained they opted against it to avoid coming across as rude.

So, they were stuck on the cables as rain pelted them and the mountain, making it slippery.

Grace quickly learned that her new pair of hiking boots werent offering the traction they had promised.

Dad, my shoes are so slippery, Rohloff recalled his daughter telling him. Trying to keep them both calm, he replied: OK, lets do one step at a time.

The father-daughter duo had nearly reached the end of the cables when tragedy struck.

She just slid off to the side, right by me, down the mountain, Rohloff said. It happened so fast. I tried to reach my hand up, but she was already gone.

The shocked father then moved down the cables as quickly as possible, looking down in hope that Grace had survived the drop some 200 feet. I just wanted to get my daughter, he told the outlet.

Man climbs up Yosemites Half Dome cables (National Park Service)

He called 911 before calling for his daughter: Grace, Im here. Im not going to leave you. If you can hear my voice, give me a sign. I love you. But no voice returned.

Rohloff then fell to his knees and started to pray  and was joined by others who asked to pray with him.

A fellow hiker recounted the devastating moment.

It was one of the most heartbreaking things Ive ever seen, Erin McGlynn, 22, told the outlet. But it was also one of the bravest things Ive ever seen. He was able to compose himself, just in case he could provide any comfort to her. He did everything he possibly could have.

For three hours, a park ranger stayed with Rohloff waiting for a helicopter to rescue Grace. As they waited, the weather worsened.

The wind whipped as rain turned into hail, he told the outlet.

The ranger stayed with him when he learned that his daughter didnt survive the fall and accompanied him on the hike down the mountain.

I know thats her job, but [the ranger] went way above and beyond to make a human connection with me, he said.

Rohloff later learned that Grace had suffered a severe head fracture and probably died during the fall.

That was at least comforting, the grieving father said. If she was gone, that she didnt have to suffer.

A celebration of life for Grace will be held on July 27, according to a Facebook post.

She was fearless. She was an adventurer. We did hikes all throughout Arizona. Grace and I put on thousands of miles hiking, Rohloff told KARE11.

He told the outlet that he hopes her death will prompt park officials to make the cables safer. The Independent has emailed park officials for comment.

If we can make the cabling system at Yosemite a lot safer for people to see that beautiful piece of Gods earth and not be put in danger then that would be something that she would have wanted, Rohloff said.
GOP nominee Donald Trumps fantasizing to Fox News Sean Hannity last year about acting like a dictator only on day one of a potential second administration provided the inspiration for street artist and illustrator Jacob Thomas new protest art project.

Thomas earlier this month wheat-pasted prints of his image of Trump as former Chinese Communist Chair Mao Zedong  underneath the word Dictator  in Brooklyn, New York City, in the first activist art protest hes conducting against Trump before the 2024 presidential election in November.

The message is simple: we cannot live in a country led by a dictator, Thomas told HuffPost via email, explaining his mission as not to change the minds of hardcore Trump supporters but to motivate Democrats to vote because if we dont, we risk losing this critical election.

Jacob Thomas' protest street art in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Jacob Thomas

When a sexist, racist, xenophobic, bully represents our country, I not only lose that pride [for America] but also fear for our future, Thomas explained. I believe people when they show me who they are, and Trump has made it clear: hell be a dictator from day one. He will stop at nothing to win.

Thomas expressed particular concern over Project 2025. The right-wing Heritage Foundation think tanks lengthy playbook is widely expected to form the basis of policy in a possible second Trump White House.

Increased scrutiny of the document has, however, prompted the former president to try to distance himself from it and its more extremist, potentially vote-losing strategies. Trumps dismissal, though, has been slammed by MSNBCs Ali Velshi and others as complete and utter B.S.

Project 2025 will turn America into a Hitler-like regime where our freedoms are stripped away, feared Thomas. Trump has lied to America so much that were numb to it, but he cant hide his true nature  which is a complete tyrant.

Thomas' art of Trump as Soviet Unions Josef Stalin and Italys Benito Mussolini. Jacob Thomas

Thomas wants to distribute his artwork to activists nationwide and has launched a crowd-fundraising initiative on GoFundMe to do so.

With support, we can print and distribute more pieces on the streets, especially in areas like construction sites with temporary walls and heavily graffitied neighborhoods where this kind of art thrives. The more support we have, the more cities we can hit, he told HuffPost.

More comparisons to dictators  such as those above of Trump as the Soviet Unions Josef Stalin and Italys Benito Mussolini  will be printed alongside more humorous pop art takes, such as Trump as Donald Duck (seen below), he said.

And with the end of President Joe Bidens reelection campaign, described by Thomas as the best thing he couldve done for our country, the artist teased future images boosting Vice President Kamala Harris assuming she is our candidate or whomever the candidate will be to rally our base.

Thomas' depiction of Trump as Donald Duck. Jacob Thomas

Have you seen or created any protest art or street art? Email your images and information to lee.moran@huffpost.com or send a direct message via Instagram.

Related...
Researchers have discovered bundles of "dark oxygen" being formed on the ocean floor.

In a new study, over a dozen scientists from across Europe and the United States studied "polymetallic nodules," or chunks of metal, that cover large swaths of the sea floor. Those nodules and other items found on the ocean floor in the deep sea between Hawaii and Mexico were subjected to a range of experiments, including injection with other chemicals or cold seawater.

The experiments showed that more oxygen  which is necessary for all life on Earth  was being created by the nodules than was being consumed. Scientists dubbed this output "dark oxygen."

About half of the world's oxygen comes from the ocean, but scientists previously believed it was entirely made by marine plants using sunlight for photosynthesis. Plants on land use the same process, where they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. But scientists for this study examined nodules about three miles underwater, where no sunlight can reach.

This isn't the first time attention has been drawn to the nodules. The chunks of metal are made of minerals like cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper that are necessary to make batteries. Those materials may be what causes the production of dark oxygen.

"If you put a battery into seawater, it starts fizzing," lead researcher Andrew Sweetman, a professor from the Scottish Association for Marine Science, told CBS News partner BBC News. "That's because the electric current is actually splitting seawater into oxygen and hydrogen [which are the bubbles]. We think that's happening with these nodules in their natural state."

The metals on the nodules are valued in the trillions of dollars, setting of a race to pull the nodules up from the ocean's depths in a process known as deep sea or seabed mining. Environmental activists have decried the practice.

Sweetman and other marine scientists worry that the deep sea mining could disrupt the production of dark oxygen and pose a threat to marine life that may depend on it.

"I don't see this study as something that will put an end to mining," Sweetman told the BBC. "[But] we need to explore it in greater detail and we need to use this information and the data we gather in future if we are going to go into the deep ocean and mine it in the most environmentally friendly way possible."

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Meg Bryce (Courtesy of Meg for School Board)

Meg Bryce, a daughter of the late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, has been appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve as the newest member of the Virginia Board of Education. The governor has yet to fill the second seat on the nine-member board after two seats became available earlier this month.

We are excited to have Dr. Bryce as a part of the team now, said Board President Grace Creasey, who Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed. Thank you so much, and we look forward to all that you have to offer and bring it as far as your expertise, to add to our team here.

Bryce, a mother and college psychology teacher, has been criticized for taking her children out of Virginias public schools following the pandemic. Bryce told the Daily Progress that she took them out of Murray Elementary School in Albemarle County after losing faith in the schools leadership during the pandemic.

Last year, Bryce unsuccessfully ran for the at-large seat on the Albemarle County School Board, saying she wanted to help improve the system. Shes also written commentary in opposition of decisions made by Albemarle County Schools regarding lowering the standards and ignoring parents.

In the same year, she told CBS 19 that being Scalias daughter made it, very easy for people to dismiss me as partisan because of my maiden name. The late justice opposed abortion, affirmative action and gay rights.

In the same interview for her school board run, she said she hoped people would look at policies and issues instead.

Bryce joined the board for the first time during Wednesdays work session. After she was introduced, Bryce did not directly comment on her appointment. She is expected to speak during Thursdays business meeting.

Christian Martinez, a spokesman for Gov. Youngkin, said in a statement that the governor wished to thank Bryce for agreeing to serve on the board.

Her extensive background in education, her advocacy for student-centered policies, and her commitment to restoring common sense in education for all Virginia students will be instrumental in ensuring that every parent, student, and teacher receives the essential resources and support needed to thrive, Martinez said in a statement.

Editors note: This brief was updated with a response from the governors office.

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Pararescueman Lt. Clancy Hatleberg closes the Apollo 11 spacecraft hatch as astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin, Jr. await a helicopter pickup from their life raft after they splashed down 900 miles southwest of Hawaii on July 24, 1969. File Photo courtesy NASA

July 24 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1679, New Hampshire became a royal colony of the British crown.

In 1847, after 17 months and many miles of travel, Brigham Young led 148 Mormon pioneers into Utah's Valley of the Great Salt Lake.

In 1956, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed together for the last time on stage at the Copacabana in New York City. In his 2005 memoir, Lewis described his former partner as one of the greatest comedic talents of all time.

In 1969, Apollo 11 returned to Earth, ending its historic moon-landing mission. After the spacecraft's splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were flown by helicopter to the recovery ship USS Hornet.

On July 24, 2009, 1998, a gunman opened fire at the Capitol in Washington, killing two police officers and wounding a tourist. Police shot the gunman, Russell Eugene Weston Jr., who survived. He was later charged with murder and has been confined to a psychiatric institution. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

In 1974, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Richard Nixon should surrender White House tapes for the criminal trials of his former associates.

In 1983, George Brett of the Kansas City Royals had a home run nullified in the "Pine Tar Incident" after New York Yankees Manager Billy Martin had Brett's bat examined by umpires. The Royals filed a protest and the home run was later reinstated.

Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio, speaks to a House Ethics subcommittee July 18, 2002, after the panel found him guilty of violating congressional ethics rules by taking kickbacks and bribes and evading taxes. On July 24, 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives expelled Traficant by a vote of 420-1. File Photo by Chris Corder/UPI

Newly elected Baseball Hall of Fame inductees pitcher Nolan Ryan and outfielder George Brett pose with their respective baseball cards January 6, 1999. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

In 1998, a gunman opened fire at the Capitol in Washington, killing two police officers and wounding a tourist. Police shot the gunman, Russell Eugene Weston Jr., who survived. He was later charged with murder and has been confined to a psychiatric institution.

Phyllis Siegel, 76, (R) kisses her wife Connie Kopelov, 84, after exchanging vows at the Manhattan City Clerk's office on the first day New York State's Marriage Equality Act went into effect July 24, 2011. File Photo by Michael Appleton/Pool

In 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives expelled Rep. James Traficant, an Ohio Democrat, by a vote of 420-1. Traficant, who had been convicted of racketeering, bribery and corruption, served seven years in prison.

In 2005, Lance Armstrong won a record seventh consecutive Tour de France. All seven wins were voided in 2012 after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency concluded he had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career.

On July 24, 1974, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Richard Nixon should surrender White House tapes for the criminal trials of his former associates. File Photo by Darryl Heikes/UPI

File Photo by David Silpa/UPI

In 2009, an increase in the federal minimum wage, from $6.55 to $7.25 an hour, went into effect. Representatives of small businesses said the increase would threaten their survival.

In 2011, hundreds of gay couples in formal suits and gowns, and T-shirts recited vows after New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex weddings.

In 2014, an Air Algerie plane carrying 118 people dropped from radar en route to Algiers from Ouagadougou, the capital of the West African country of Burkina Faso, and crashed in Mali. There were no survivors.

In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission charged Facebook a record-breaking $5 billion penalty for violating a 2012 order related to fooling users about their ability to control the privacy of their personal information.

File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI
Dancers march with the Liahona Alumni Marching Band in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Thousands set up camping chairs, canopies and air mattresses along the Days of 47 parade route Tuesday night and Wednesday to watch one of the oldest parades in the U.S.  a spectacle of pioneer heritage thats been going strong since 1947.

For many people, including Joan Geppelt, the parade is all about family memories and tradition. Geppelt and her family found a corner of turf on South Temple to watch the parade for the first time in years.

"I used to come every year with my family growing up," Geppelt said. "Pioneer Day is my mom's birthday. She always made sure we came out every year and watched her parade."

Geppelt's husband, Eric Geppelt, was attending the parade for the first time. "I'm just excited to celebrate Utah's history," he said. "It's not only a celebration of past pioneers, but also future pioneers."

Katherine Buell cheers during the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The parade began at 9 a.m. with Elder David A. Bednar, an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the parade's grand marshal, riding in the backseat of a lime green Jeep Gladiator with his wife, Susan Bednar.

"We don't really know who we are, or where we are unless we know something about where we came from," Elder Bednar said in a recent interview with KSL TV. So, to participate in that commemoration, for us, is a thrill."

Elder David Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, appears in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

From there, it was a steady stream of floats, marching bands, horses and classic cars. Forty floats traveled the parade route this year, many sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others created by government or business entities.

The parade was an opportunity for some to reflect on their pioneer heritage. Bret Biddulph's ancestors originally settled Farmington; Nicole Vanderwerff claims ancestors in St. George and Salt Lake City. Paul Vanderwerff is "one of the many" descendants of Brigham Young.

Days of 47 Royalty Tiffany Gunnell, Elizabeth Rampton and Korissa Behunin ride on The Days of 47 Royalty Float in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Younger parade goers, like Fehi Kinikini, loved staying up late the night before the parade. But he also loves the history: "I love it because it shows pride for our state  we wouldn't be here without the pioneers."

He and his sister Lulu Kinikini have been going to the parade for 12 years and were excited to see the Liahona Band return for the first time in two years. Their great-uncle started the band, they said.

"I'm excited to see the different cultures," Almadean Kinikini said. "There's a lot of diversity in Utah."

The parade isn't just for Utahns  Marshall Almarode drove all the way from Kennewick, Washington, to see the parade for the first time since 1988.

"I had so much fun a long time ago, I've always wanted to come back," Almarode said.

This year's theme was "Stout pioneer hearts  lift others!"  floats featured hot air balloons, bees, plenty of pioneer handcarts and even the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Here are Wednesday's award-winning floats:

Days of '47 Sweepstakes Award: Riverside Central Stake

Theme Award: The Children of the West Jordan Copper Hills Stake

Outstanding Animation Award: Granite View Stake

People's Choice Award: Riverside Central Stake

Children's Choice Award: Draper Eastridge Stake

President's Award: Alsco Uniforms

Queen's Award: KSL 5 TV

Mayor's Award: Brigham Young University

Community Award: Murray West Stake

Brigham Young Award: Wilford Stake

Governor Award: West Valley City

Spirit of Faith Award: South Jordan Country Park Stake

Legacy Award: Sandy Central Stake

Utah Award: West Jordan Sycamores Stake

Pioneers Award: Herriman Utah Stake

The Days of '47 Parade moves across 200 East in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Scoob the clown pretends to throw a bucket of water on the crowd during the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Days of 47 Royalty wave to attendees of the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Riverton Utah Central Stake float depicts members of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The float earned two awards; the Days of 47 Sweepstakes award and the Peoples Choice award. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Farmington High School Marching Band marches in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Missionaries cheer while watching he Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Albert Newmeyer talks with his mother Angelina Newmeyer while watching the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Sandy Utah Granite View Stake float turns onto 200 East during the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Members of the Sons of Utah Pioneers march in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

A member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers marches in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Members of the Castle Valley Marching Band color guard march in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

People attend the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Dancers march with the Liahona Alumni Marching Band in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Murray City float moves down 200 East in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

People sleep during the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Karen Warren, Sue Lamb and Natasha Tyers hold signs up for participants in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Sandy Utah Granite View Stake float is pictured in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The float was awarded the Outstanding Animation award. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown rides in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Members of the Mormon Battalion march in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Thomas Strobel and his daughter Samara Strobel watch the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Viewpoint High School Marching Band is pictured in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Evelyn Daugirda watches the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Sikh community member Surinder Singh hands out free bottles of water to attendees of the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

People attend the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

A member of Nuestra Senora participates in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The West Jordan Utah Copper Hills Stake float is on display in the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Tyler Andersen and his son Grant Andersen watch the Days of 47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
LJUBLJANA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Renault's Slovenian unit Revoz will start producing electric Twingos in 2026, under a deal signed by the carmaker and the Slovenian government on Wednesday.

The factory, which currently produces Clio 5 models, will make 150,000 vehicles in 2026, officials said.

A memorandum of understanding to produce the electric Twingos was signed by Prime Minister Robert Golob, vice-president of Renault Herbert Steiner, and head of Revoz Joze Bele.

The factory, one of the largest in Slovenia had been at risk of being closed. Now with the deal, it will be able to keep its current 1,400 employees and even create new jobs in producing electric cars.

According to Slovenian TV channel Pop, Renault plans to invest at least half a billion euros and create 800 new jobs, representing the biggest foreign investment in Slovenia to date.

The new Twingo will be a small urban model, and is likely to cost about 20,000 euros, officials said.

"Electric cars are the future," said Economy Minister Matjaz Han, adding that the government plans to financially support the investment to the tune of up to 30 million euros.

According to local media, the factory made about 68,000 cars in 2022. 
A typhoon moving into China on Thursday unleashed severe flooding this week, killing more than a 20 people in the Philippines and Taiwan. According to Reuters, the typhoon, named Gaemi by Japan's Meteorological Agency and Carina by the Philippines weather service, was the strongest to hit Taiwan in eight years.

Rain from the typhoon in Taiwan was extreme, with feet of rain falling in the mountains. As of Thursday evening, 66.16 inches of rain (5.51 feet) had fallen in the last three days at Duonalindao, with 58.05 inches at Weiliaoshan.

Taiwan's financial markets, government offices and schools remained closed on Thursday. A cargo ship carrying nine people sank 20 miles off the coast of Taiwan on Thursday in rough seas, the fire agency reported.

Although it did not directly impact the Philippines, moisture from the Typhoon caused extreme flooding in the archipelago. The Philippine Coast Guard reported being overwhelmed with flood rescue requests for residents in the capital city of Manila. Footage from Quezon City, Philippines, Wednesday showed barges hitting a bridge on a flooded river.

The Philippine Coast Guard said an oil tanker carrying over 1,000,000 liters of oil capsized off the coast of Bataan earlier in the day. The Coast Guard was monitoring a 2.3-mile-long oil spill associated with the accident.

Severe Tropical Storm Gaemi was the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale when it pushed into the Fujian province of China Thursday evening, then moved inland, continuing to spread flooding rain.

Earlier this week, Typhoon Gaemi was a Category 4 equivalent on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale. On Wednesday, the typhoon performed a loop in its track, approaching the coast of Taiwan before grazing the coast and moving east, then turning around and making landfall just before midnight as a Category 3. The looping phenomenon is caused by interaction with the mountains in Taiwan and is not unusual for storms in the area, AccuWeather Lead International Expert Jason Nichols says.

"The loop in Gaemi's track is due to being deflected off the mountainous coast of Taiwan due to orographic blocking, causing an asymmetric flow over the center of the typhoon," Nichols explained. Eventually, the storm resumes something similar to its previous trajectory.

Taiwan weather radar loop showing Typhoon Gaemi 7 a.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday local time. (Central Weather Administration) Taiwan weather radar loop showing Typhoon Gaemi 7 a.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday local time. (Central Weather Administration)
Death toll of Russian attack on Lozova rises to three

The death toll from a Russian missile strike on a factory in Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast, has risen from one to three.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Telegram

Quote: "Sadly, two people who were being searched for on the premises of the plant in Lozova have been found dead."

Details: This brought the death toll of the missile attack up to three, the prosecutor's office stated.

Four people were injured.

Background: On 24 July, the Russian military carried out a missile strike targeting infrastructure in Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast. A man's body was recovered from beneath the rubble, and two other people are being searched for.

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Death Valley heat melts skin off a man's feet after he lost his flip-flops in the dunes

A man hikes out onto the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, where temperatures were as high as 125 degrees this month, on July 8. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

How hot was it in Death Valley over the weekend?

It was so hot that a European tourist melted the skin off his feet when he lost his flip-flops in the sand dunes, park officials said.

To make matters worse, the temperatures made the air too thin for a helicopter to fly in and help him.

The experience of the tourist, whose name was not released, is a painful reminder that extreme dangers can emerge in unexpected ways at one of the hottest places on earth in the summertime.

According to a National Park Service news release, the 42-year-old Belgian tourist was taking a short walk Saturday in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in 123-degree heat when he either broke or lost his flip-flops, putting his feet into direct contact with the desert ground. The result: third-degree burns.

"The skin was melted off his foot," said Death Valley National Park Service Ranger Gia Ponce. "The ground can be much hotter  170, 180 [degrees]. Sometimes up into the 200 range."

Unable to get out on his own and in extreme pain, the man and his family recruited other park visitors to help; together, the group carried him to the sand dunes parking lot, where park rangers assessed his injuries.

Though they wanted a helicopter to fly him out, helicopters can't generate enough lift to fly in the heat-thinned air over the hottest parts of Death Valley, officials said. So park rangers summoned an ambulance that took him to higher ground, where it was a cooler 109 degrees and he could then be flown out.

Conditions in the park can be deadly in the summer, and park officials recommend walking in the park and its soft sand dunes only in closed-toe shoes.

"People think it's going to be like the beach where you can get out there with flip-flops or sandals, but because of the extreme temperatures, those dunes heat up just as much as the pavement does," Ponce said.

Even the rangers who work in the park regularly are extra careful with the heat and tend to wear gloves when touching anything exposed to the sun, she said.

"We gingerly touch surfaces if we're outside, like doorknobs."

Park officials have a list of suggestions for Death Valley visitors to stay safe during summer trips, including applying plenty of sunscreen, wearing a hat, staying hydrated, carrying snacks, not venturing more than 10 minutes from an air-conditioned car and not going out hiking after 10 a.m.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A tourist in Death Valley was hospitalized over the weekend after briefly making contact with blistering sand dunes that scalded his bare feet and caused third-degree burns, the National Park Service said.

Park rangers believe the 42-year-old man from Belgium lost his shoes while taking a short walk Saturday on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, a section of Death Valley where visitors hike routes of their own choosing because there are no marked trails. The man's name hasn't been released.

The tourist was apparently wearing flip-flops when he started his walk over the dune field, but the shoes either broke or came loose in the sand and got lost along the way, the National Park Service said. Rangers couldn't communicate well with the man and were unsure of exactly what had happened to him before they arrived, at which point his family and other visitors had already carried him to a nearby parking lot.

A man suffered third-degree burns on his feet while walking barefoot on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, which are pictured here. / Credit: National Park Service

Regions across the southwestern United States have grappled with searing heat waves this summer that drove up temperatures well into the triple digits. In southeastern California's Death Valley  famously the hottest place on Earth  one person died and another was hospitalized earlier this month, on a day where temperatures soared to 128 degrees Fahrenheit, officials said at the time. It was around then that temperatures in Death Valley reached 129 degrees, tying the area's daily heat record set in 2007. That reading was just shy of the hottest temperature ever recorded in Death Valley, 134 degrees, which is also the hottest air temperature ever recorded on the planet, according to the park service.

Temperatures were around 123 degrees on Saturday, the park service said, and ground temperatures along the dunes would have been even hotter than the air.

The park service said rangers responded quickly to the tourist's burns because of their severity. They first transported him in an ambulance to higher elevation to meet a medical helicopter, which could not land at the original spot on the Mesquite Flat dunes because of the extreme heat. (High temperatures can seriously impact a helicopter's ability to fly or prevent the machinery from functioning altogether, especially when they rise above 120 degrees.)

The National Park Service ambulance and Mercy Air's air ambulance at the landing zone where the tourist was transported on Saturday, June 20, 2024. / Credit: National Park Service

Once they'd arrived at the elevated area, where the park service said temperatures dipped to 109 degrees, a Mercy Air helicopter was able to pick up the tourist and transport him to University Medical Center in Las Vegas.

"Park rangers recommend that summer travelers to Death Valley National Park stay within a 10-minute walk of an air conditioned vehicle, not hike after 10 a.m., drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks and wear a hat and sunscreen," the park service said.

Hydrothermal explosion sends water, rocks flying at Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin

What polls say about a Trump-Harris matchup

Sneak peek: Stephen Smith: A Death in Murdaugh Country
WASHINGTON  Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Wednesday threw her support behind Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, praising her record of advocacy for Indigenous people and other marginalized communities.

I wholeheartedly endorse Kamala Harris as our next President of the United States, Haaland told HuffPost in an exclusive statement, which she emphasized she was saying in her personal capacity, not as a cabinet secretary.

Kamala has been a staunch advocate for Tribal people, for women, and for marginalized communities, Haaland continued. She has the strength to win and lead, and I will do everything I can to ensure her success.

President Joe Biden made history in 2020 when he said he planned to choose Haaland to lead the Interior Department. She is the first Indigenous person to ever serve as a Cabinet secretary, and the significance of having a Native American woman atop the Interior Department  the agency tasked with upholding the governments trust and treaty obligations to tribal nations, in addition to managing 500 million acres of land stolen from tribes  is particularly profound.

A voice like mine has never been a Cabinet secretary or at the head of the Department of Interior, Haaland said in December 2020, when Biden first announced he would nominate her to the post. Growing up in my mothers Pueblo household made me fierce. Ill be fierce for all of us, our planet, and all of our protected land. I am honored and ready to serve.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is "wholeheartedly" endorsing Kamala Harris to be the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee. STEFANI REYNOLDS via Getty Images

While its not particularly surprising that a longtime Democrat and key member of the Biden administration is endorsing Harris for president, it certainly sends a message to tribes and Native Americans nationwide that Harris has Haalands public blessing, just months away from the November election  one that could be decided in the margins.

Native American voters were crucial to Bidens victory in 2020.

In her Wednesday statement, Haaland said shes been humbled by working under Biden and that the best way to build on his successes is to rally behind Harris.

Serving under President Biden has been a dream that not even my ancestors could have imagined, she said. His mentorship to me  the first Indigenous member of any Presidents cabinet  is beyond measure. I can think of no greater priority than to ensure that the historic progress he has made on behalf of all Americans endures.
Ahead of a hearing next month, attorneys for Idaho student homicides suspect Bryan Kohberger have labeled his prospects at a fair trial in Moscow both an extreme case and utterly corrupted in seeking a venue change to Boise for his upcoming trial.

In a court filing made public Tuesday afternoon, Kohbergers public defenders argued that their clients constitutional right to an impartial jury will be infringed upon without moving the trial out of Latah County, where the crime occurred. In their legal brief, which runs 300-plus pages long, they cited as further justification the extensive publicity that is ongoing and inflammatory, including the dissemination of inaccurate information in the news and on social media that would also be inadmissible at trial.

The publicity has been extremely pervasive in the small community of Latah County, wrote Anne Taylor, Kohbergers lead public defender. Remediations, such as enlarging the jury pool, will not cure the problem.

Ada County, the states largest county with more than 500,000 residents and home to the capital, Boise, has more than 10 times as many potential jurors than Latah County, and gives Kohberger the best chance at an impartial jury, the filing read.

Latah County is, in all regards, a nice, quaint close-knit community that sticks together, Taylor wrote. While a small, close-knit community is what is hoped for in a small town, constitutional rights must still be carefully protected. Mr. Kohberger has the right of a presumption of innocence; he is guaranteed the protection of a fair jury and due process of law.

Kohberger, 29, is charged in the November 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, which have drawn considerable attention from across the nation and world. The victims were seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, each 21, junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, each 20.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in the case. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Kohberger if a jury convicts him.

Prosecution, victims family oppose moving trial

Judge John Judge, of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, will ultimately determine whether to grant the requested venue change elsewhere in Idaho. He had set a Monday deadline for Kohbergers defense to file its arguments ahead of a scheduled Aug. 29 hearing on the matter.

At that hearing, the defense said it planned to call four witnesses. They include a trial consultant the defense hired to survey prospective jurors to justify the change of venue, a survey researcher, a social psychologist who studies bias and a media analyst.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, who is leading the case against Kohberger, has said he opposes moving the trial out of Moscow. The defenses claims about publicity of the high-profile case dont support sending it elsewhere in the state, he previously said.

I dont think that a change of venue is going to solve any of these problems, Thompson told the court at a hearing earlier this year. The states position on venue is that the case should be held here. Its a Latah County case. We believe that we can select an appropriate panel of jurors from Latah County.

His formal reply to the defenses latest filing is due by Aug. 12. Kohbergers defense team may submit a rebuttal a week later.

If Judge were to grant the venue change for Kohbergers trial  to Ada County or elsewhere  he also has the choice on whether he keeps the assignment and stays with the case, under Idaho criminal rules. If, however, he decided to withdraw, the Idaho Supreme Court would pick the judge to replace him.

Judge John Judge, of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, set the trial of University of Idaho student homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger for June 2025. He will also decide whether to move the capital murder case outside of Moscow, where the homicides took place.

Last month, Judge set a start date for Kohbergers capital murder trial of June 2025. The trial would be held in Latah County, where the crime took place, if Judge does not grant the defenses request for a venue change over concerns about local juror bias against their client.

Through their attorney, the family of Kaylee Goncalves said last month in a statement to the Idaho Statesman that they approved of setting a trial date after 13 months of waiting since Kohbergers May 2023 arraignment. But they also noted their desire for Kohbergers trial to stay in Moscow, where he has remained jailed since January 2023.

We are hopeful the trial stays in Latah County so as not to disrupt the scheduling order, and we are praying for no more delays, the statement read.

In their filing, Kohbergers attorneys also argued that logistics also warranted moving the high-profile case to the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, where separate murder trials for Lori Vallow Daybell and husband Chad Daybell were held. Compared to Latah County, the size of the courtroom in Ada County offers adequate space and an overflow area for the large amount of the public who are expected to want to watch the trial, they wrote.

In addition, the Ada County Courthouse offers appropriate security for all parties, including jurors, Kohbergers defense wrote. And access to the states largest airport will be important for the likely extensive lists of witnesses traveling in and out of town for what is scheduled to be a 14-week trial with possible sentencing, running from June 2 to Aug. 29, 2025.
(Dusan Stankovic via Getty Images)

This commentary originally appeared in the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

One of the most disheartening things I saw following the failed attempt to assassinate Donald Trump was a concentrated, days-long social media flogging of a female U.S. Secret Service agent.

Social media users clipped shots of her from video, spread them and commented on her hair, height, weight and nerves.

It was a pile-on like I have rarely seen.

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But the biggest comment in the posts has been about DEI, which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. Commenters wrote that the agent got her job only through efforts to diversify the Secret Service.

I dont know her name or any of her qualifications. And neither does anyone else. The assumption that she isnt qualified simply because she is a woman is wrong and upsetting.

She ran up on that stage amid gunfire to protect Trump with her life. She did her job and she  not the shooter  has become a target for hurtful rhetoric.

Yes, she fumbled while holstering her gun as the motorcade pulled away. But I cant even imagine the adrenaline coursing through her veins moments after protecting a presidential candidate from violence that claimed the life of another.

And its just the latest example of pushback on DEI.

Blowback

Take a stroll through social media, columns and other commentator quips. Essentially if you arent white or a man, the first response is to throw DEI around.

Its a hurtful assumption that these people havent earned their positions through qualifications and hard work.

I, for one, am heartened to see women in leadership positions. Its easy to tell someone anything is possible. But it is far more realistic if a child can see a person that looks like them doing just that.

For instance, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush recently announced she will seek another term leading Indianas court system and I couldnt be happier.

No one better say DEI about her.

Rush has led with distinction, serving the cause of justice for more than 40 years as both an attorney and jurist.

When she was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana was one of only two states without a woman on the court. That is despite being half the population. Additionally, she is only the second woman to ever hold a position on the states top court.

Rushs position means something to women  that they can reach the top of their chosen fields despite challenges that men dont face.

The National Center for State Courts reports that this year, 21 states have female chief justices; in 2019, 16 did. The number of states with over 40% female justices increased from 34 in 2023 to 35 in 2024, and those with over 50% increased from 13 in 2023 to 15 in 2024.

Women have served as governor in 32 states but not here in Indiana. So far, the position of lieutenant governor seems to be the ceiling.

Diversity isnt a bad thing, and it doesnt mean a person isnt qualified. And, heres a crazy thought, often the person is even better. Not because of their sex or race but because of their skills. We are giving them an opening and they are seizing it. They arent DEI hires. They are hires. Period.

Of course, standards should not be lowered to make that happen. But reaching out to encourage people of all genders, race, religion and age to apply for positions is simply giving more people a chance.

Expanding the pool of candidates is the best way to get to diversity. And once there let a persons work ethic, talent and credentials win the day.

Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.

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What is DEI? Republicans are using the term to attack Kamala Harris, but experts say its widely misunderstood

The ongoing controversy surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion has spilled over into the 2024 presidential race with Vice President Kamala Harris on the path to becoming the Democratic nominee.

Earlier this week, Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett suggested in an interview with CNNs Manu Raju that President Joe Biden chose Harris as a running mate because she was a Black woman.

100% she is a DEI hire, Burchett said.

Supporters have defended Harris, who, if elected, would become the nations first female president.

In an interview with CNNs Wolf Blitzer, UN ambassador Susan Rice called the attacks from Republicans extremely offensive and dehumanizing.

Rice said the attacks insinuate that people from marginalized groups who achieve success or rise to leadership roles didnt earn it.

That is incredibly insulting, Rice said.

But Harris isnt the first target in Republicans efforts to discredit people of color and the programs that help promote diversity.

Since 2023, 85 anti-DEI bills that target programs at colleges have been introduced in 28 states and in Congress, according to a tally by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Fourteen have been signed into law, in states like Texas and Florida.

A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 52% of employed US adults said they have DEI trainings or meetings at work, and 33% said they have a designated staff member who promotes DEI.

But recently, some companies have slashed teams dedicated to DEI. And wealthy corporate leaders such as Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have made posts on social media that decried diversity programs.

Critics say DEI programs are discriminatory and attempt to solve racial discrimination by disadvantaging other groups, particularly White Americans. But supporters and industry experts insist the decades-old practice has been politicized and is widely misunderstood.

What is DEI?

CNN interviewed seven DEI experts and industry leaders and asked each to define diversity, equity and inclusion. Although their responses varied slightly, most had a shared vision for what constitutes DEI:

 Diversity is embracing the differences everyone brings to the table, whether its someones race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability or other aspects of social identity.

 Equity is treating everyone fairly and providing equal opportunities.

 Inclusion is respecting everyones voice and creating a culture where people from all backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives.

Daniel Oppong, founder of The Courage Collective, a consultancy that advises companies on DEI, said DEI was created because marginalized communities have not always had equal opportunities for jobs or felt a sense of belonging in majority-White corporate settings.

That is the genesis of why some of these programs exist, he said. It was an attempt to try to create workplaces where more or all people can thrive.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964. The law made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and barred unequal application of voter registration requirements. It also banned segregation in public places, like public schools and libraries.

When did workplaces start embracing DEI?

The backlash against DEI may feel like a pendulum swing from 2020, when the nation faced a racial reckoning following George Floyds death. But the DEI practice has been around for decades.

Dominique Hollins, founder of the DEI consulting firm WE360, said the origins of DEI programs date back to the civil rights movement, which played a pivotal role in accelerating efforts to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which works to eliminate employment discrimination.

In the 1960s and 70s, employees began filing discrimination lawsuits with the EEOC, and many companies began incorporating diversity into their business strategies by providing diversity training, according to a 2008 report published in the Academy of Management Learning & Education.

These diversity training efforts emerged around the time that affirmative action began by executive order from President John F. Kennedy. Although the two concepts may seem similar, affirmative action is different from DEI because it required federal contractors to treat all applicants and employees equally, regardless of race, color, religion and sex.

Colleges and universities also used affirmative action to boost enrollment of students of color at majority-White schools. But last year, the Supreme Court gutted affirmative action, ruling that race-conscious college admissions were unconstitutional.

After President Ronald Reagan backed corporate deregulation policies that said companies should be addressing discrimination internally in the 1980s, Hollins said some of the diversity efforts lost momentum.

In the decades that followed, Hollins said, many companies kept pushing for DEI-focused jobs and training in a piecemeal fashion, instead of creating ongoing programs and dedicated teams.

Hollins said many companies didnt have the staffing or resources to sustain DEI efforts.

But Floyds murder by Minneapolis police in May 2020 sparked a racial reckoning and a renewed push for creating DEI leadership roles and initiatives at major corporations.

Between 2019 and 2022, chief diversity and inclusion officer roles grew by 168.9%, according to a LinkedIn analysis.

Today, some of those efforts have been rolled back, and people have left DEI roles because they didnt feel fully supported, Hollins said.

Companies were giving the appearance of commitment without actually doing the right work for that commitment to be sustainable, Hollins said.

Despite the backlash against DEI programs and initiatives, many companies are standing firm in their support for DEI.

A survey published in January by the polling firm Ipsos found 67% of people surveyed said their employers require or offer trainings, lectures, webinars, or resources on DEI. And 71% of people surveyed said they think DEI training is important to creating a positive workplace culture.

What does DEI look like at work?

Today, studies show that many companies are prioritizing some form of DEI. According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, 61% of U.S. adults say their workplace has policies that focus on fairness in hiring, promotions or pay. And 56% of U.S. adults say focusing on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion at work is mainly a good thing.

Kelly Baker, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Thrivent, an organization that provides financial advice, said DEI in the workplace can be a mix of employee training, resource networks and recruiting practices.

Her company, for example, has resource groups for women in leadership, young professionals, Black employees, Hispanic employees and military veterans, among others.

Thrivents DEI training teaches employees how to understand and bridge cultural differences in the workplace, Baker said.

Thrivent also seeks job candidates with diversity in their race, geography, gender and industry background, Baker said.

Experts say many corporations tie DEI to their business strategies.

Diversity is related to our business growth strategy, Baker said. Its pragmatic and essential and critical for us to ensure that our client base reflects the world that we are in and the world that we are going to be in.

What does DEI look like in higher education?

College campuses have become ground zero for the DEI debate as state lawmakers across the country launch efforts to halt or limit DEI programs in public schools and universities.

Earlier this year, the University of Florida eliminated the office of its chief diversity officer to comply with regulations from the Florida Board of Governors that prohibit spending state funds on DEI programs.

Ella Washington, professor of practice at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business, said she is concerned that efforts to ban DEI on college campuses will prevent students from being prepared for the real world.

I think a lot of it is short-sighted and politically motivated, Washington said. Its hard for me to believe that all of these lawmakers want exclusion be taught and to erase all of history.

Washington said while DEI looks different on every college campus, many schools focus efforts on recruitment and admissions, curriculum and special programs for underrepresented students.

Georgetowns Office of Student Equity & Inclusion oversees several DEI-centered programs including the Disability Cultural Center, Womens Center, LGBTQ Resource Center and the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access, according to its website.

Washington said there is also a program for first-generation college students where they have a chance to build community.

Prioritizing and embracing a diverse student body allows students to interact with peers from different walks of life and learn new perspectives even outside of the classroom, Washington said.

Colleges are certainly a microcosm of the world, Washington said. So, having an experience where equity is centered, equality is considered, inclusion is at the forefront of peoples minds, those are things we are teaching the next generation about how they should be running the world.

What are critics saying?

In recent years, DEI has become a social and political lightning rod for lawmakers, corporate leaders and conservative activists, who have sought to cast the initiatives as unfair and even racist.

Some were emboldened by the Supreme Courts decision to gut affirmative action last June.

Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and an outspoken critic of DEI, wrote in a New York Times op-ed last year that these are not neutral programs to increase demographic diversity; they are political programs that use taxpayer resources to advance a specific partisan orthodoxy.

The Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank, holds a similar position. Ryan P. Williams, president of the institute, previously told CNN he believes the ideology behind DEI is fundamentally anti-American.

The words that the acronym DEI represent sound nice, but it is nothing more than affirmative action and racial preferences by a different name, a system that features racial headcounts and arbitrarily assigned roles of oppressor and oppressed groups in America, Williams said in an emailed statement. If we continue to do democracy this way, it will only end in acrimony, strife, resentment, and American collapse.

Earlier this year, billionaire investor Bill Ackman posted a 4,000-word opus on X that criticized DEI as inherently a racist and illegal movement in its implementation even if it purports to work on behalf of the so-called oppressed. Ackmans lengthy thesis was later reposted by billionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who now owns the social media platform.

DEI is just another word for racism. Shame on anyone who uses it, Musk wrote in his post.

In a follow-up post, Musk doubled down, adding: DEI, because it discriminates on the basis of race, gender and many other factors, is not merely immoral, it is also illegal.

Tesla, which is owned by Musk, has since omitted all language regarding minority workers and outreach to minority communities in its 10-K filing with the SEC made January 29, CNN previously reported.

But not every business leader agrees. Mark Cuban, billionaire businessman and minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, pushed back on Musks posts in a thread defending DEI as good for businesses and their workers.

The loss of DEI-Phobic companies is my gain, Cuban wrote. Having a workforce that is diverse and representative of your stakeholders is good for business.

Whats next in the fight over DEI?

In April 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 7, known as the Stop WOKE bill into law.

Texas, North Dakota, North Carolina, Tennessee and Utah also have at least one anti-DEI bill that has been signed into law, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

In Nebraska, Republican State Sen. Dave Murman proposed a bill in January that would prohibit state colleges and universities from dedicating public money and staff time to DEI efforts.

The bill is currently with the Nebraska legislatures education committee, which will decide whether to move it to the full legislature.

Murmans office did not respond to a request for an interview.

Nebraska Democratic state Sen. Danielle Conrad told CNN she opposes the bill, in part because the broader effort to ban DEI has become divisive. She said it also distracts from the real issues colleges are facing, such as families who cant afford tuition.

DEI, she said, is valuable to colleges and universities.

We absolutely know from common sense and research that when we have more diverse perspectives in discussion or as part of our education, it helps us to have more thoughtful results, Conrad said. It helps us to be more well-rounded, active and engaged citizens.

CNNs Athena Jones contributed to this report.

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DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The DeKalb County Sheriffs Office is asking for help locating a missing/runaway teenager.

DCSO posted on July 24 at 1:22 p.m. that Alissa McKenzie Couch had been reported as missing/runaway.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

The sheriffs office said she is about 411 and reportedly has green eyes and brown hair that sometimes has highlights.

A key identifying feature for Couch is she has a tattoo on her right arm that says NOVA.

Officers say she ran away but kept in contact with her mom. Couchs mom has since lost contact with her. She was reportedly last seen near the Section, Alabama area.

If anyone has any information about Couchs location, you can contact the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office at (256) 845-3801 or call 911.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reads a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, and delivers a speech while attending the opening ceremony of the 6th China-Russia Energy Business Forum, in Moscow, Russia, July 23, 2024. Ding, who visited Russia from Sunday to Tuesday, also co-chaired the 11th meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

MOSCOW, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia have agreed to further expand investment and energy cooperation to promote bilateral ties.

The pledges came out of the 11th meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who visited Russia from Sunday to Tuesday, and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee co-chaired by Ding and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, and the 6th China-Russia Energy Business Forum, which Ding also attended.

When co-chairing the meetings, Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted the two heads of state have conducted many strategic exchanges and reached a series of important consensus, drawing a new blueprint for the development of China-Russia relations and cooperation in various fields.

China is willing to work with Russia to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously upgrade the level of investment and energy cooperation between the two countries, and better realize mutual benefit, win-win results and common development, Ding said.

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia investment and energy cooperation has maintained a sound momentum of development, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries and the two peoples, Ding said.

The two sides should formulate better plans to provide guidance for bilateral investment cooperation, steadily advance cooperation on major projects, deeply tap the potential of sub-national cooperation, and actively create a favorable investment environment, he said.

He also called for deepening integrated cooperation among upstream, midstream and downstream of the energy sector, enhancing cooperation in fields such as energy technology innovation, strengthening strategic coordination on global energy governance, so as to jointly promote their high-quality energy cooperation.

The Russian side spoke highly of the development of Russia-China relations and the achievements in practical cooperation, congratulated the successful convening of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and said that the key reform resolution adopted at the session will not only strongly promote China's prosperity and development, but will also provide new opportunities for the development of Russia-China relations.

They expressed Russia's willingness to join hands with China to fully implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, give full play to the platform and coordinating role of investment and energy cooperation mechanisms, expand the scope and depth of their cooperation, and contribute to the growth of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.

When attending the opening ceremony of the 6th China-Russia Energy Business Forum, Ding read a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping and delivered a speech.

Ding noted that back in May, the two heads of state held talks in Beijing and issued a joint statement on consolidating China-Russia strategic energy cooperation and achieving high-level development to ensure the economic and energy security of both countries.

Both sides should consolidate the good momentum of energy trade cooperation, jointly promote the construction of large-scale energy projects, pragmatically expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy industry chain, and build a closer energy cooperation partnership, Ding said.

Noting China is opening its door even wider to the outside world and will provide more development opportunities for the world through its high-quality development, Ding said Russian enterprises are welcome to actively participate in China's modernization drive and achieve better development while sharing China's opportunities.

Igor Sechin, executive secretary of the Russian presidential commission for the strategic development of the fuel and energy sector and environmental security, and chief of Russian oil company Rosneft, addressed the opening ceremony and read a congratulatory letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Novak also delivered a speech. 
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Delta passengers continue to deal with massive cancellations and flight delays after the global Microsoft outage on Friday.

Federal officials are investigating the Atlanta-based airline. As of Tuesday, passengers were still unable to return home or go on their dream vacation.

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Deltas CEO said the issue would be resolved in a few more days.

Carlos and his family were walking out of LaGuardia Airport Tuesday evening instead of flying back home to Atlanta as they had planned.

Got delayed three times, and it finally got canceled, he said.

They are among the Delta customers experiencing a travel nightmare. The airline has canceled and delayed hundreds of flights after the CrowdStrike software update that crashed Windows systems for a fifth straight day.

They booked us on a flight tomorrow to Chicago and then from there to Atlanta, added Carlos.

While most airlines affected by the software glitch went back to normal operations by the end of the weekend, Delta is facing problems with the crew tracking system needed to staff flights.

Diane and her family arrived in New York from Orlando, Florida. She said waiting at the airport for more than five hours was not how they wanted to end their vacation.

It is just difficult when you have a little one because we were in the airport three hours before check-in, Diane said.

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At least 62 flights were canceled and 141 flights had been delayed at the three major New York area airports on Tuesday evening, according to FlightAware.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Airlines, Secretary Pete Buttigieg saying it is specifically into the companys breakdown of operations and customer service.

Im hearing a lot of things. I am very concerned about people being on hold for hours trying to get a new flight, people having to sleep on airport floors, even unaccompanied minors stranded on airports not being able to get on a flight, stated Buttigieg.

Delta Airlines told PIX11 News that it fully cooperates with the investigation and covers eligible expenses resulting from flight disruptions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Delta Air Lines customers who faced massive delays and cancellations at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and elsewhere after a July 19 global tech outage triggered all sorts of havoc for days must do one thing after their nightmare ends. File a complaint  and get some money back.

Maybe, you think you can't do anything about it. Maybe, you think submitting a complaint is a waste of even more time. A friend shared one comment on social media where a frustrated traveler stated: "Glad we have zero consumer protection laws on the books to help everyone being psychologically abused by @Delta."

But it's not true. Actually, consumers do have many air travel rights now. Unfortunately, consumers are going to need to file for reimbursements to get what they are owed. And if they're not satisfied, they're going to need to go a step further and file complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Travelers crowd the check-in area of the Evans Terminal early in the morning at Detroit Metro Airport on Friday, July 19, 2024. A Microsoft computer update affected several airlines, including delaying flights at Metro Detroit Airport.

On Wednesday morning, Delta CEO Ed Bastian posted a letter to customers on the airline's website as the company continued to recover from the impact of last week's CrowdStrike outage. Delta upgraded its reimbursement efforts, too.

Bastian apologized but also noted Wednesday that "the worst impacts of the CrowdStrike-caused outage are clearly behind us." Thursday, he said, is expected to be a normal day.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, 16% of Delta flights were delayed and 1% were canceled, according to FlightAware data.

Delta, he said, remains "committed to taking care of those whose flights may still be impacted, with meals, hotel accommodations and ground transportation offered through vouchers and reimbursements. Were also providing impacted customers with Delta SkyMiles and travel vouchers as a further gesture of apology."

Delta also noted online Wednesday that it is taking steps to reimburse out of pocket expenses. "We know many customers have incurred unplanned travel expenses, including purchasing tickets on other airlines, rental cars, train tickets and more," the airline said on its site.

"Delta will cover reasonable costs for additional categories of expenses incurred during the duration of the travel waiver (which currently applies for flights between July 19 and July 28)."

Another key point: "Delta is permitting customers with Delta travel booked from July 19-28 who no longer wish to travel to cancel and request a refund of the unflown portion of their trip  regardless of whether their flight has been canceled or significantly delayed."

Delta has been offering waivers, which according to Delta, allow customers hurt by the troubles to make a one-time change to their itinerary, or to cancel and receive a refund for the unused portion of their ticket upon request. The waiver applies for customers with travel scheduled for July 19-28. The fare difference for customers will be waived when rebooked travel occurs on or before Aug. 4, in the same cabin of service as originally booked.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced an investigation into Delta Air Lines. He noted that the Transportation Department is making sure "the law is followed and that Delta is 'taking care of its passengers' as the disruptions continue."

In this case, experts say DOT rules require Delta to refund unused flights for those who choose not to travel on alternate flights if their original itinerary was canceled for any reason, even if the original tickets were nonrefundable. That's true as long as you didnt get on a rebooked flight at no cost to you, experts say. Some people think they can do both  fly and get a refund  but that's not the case.

More: Stuck at the airport after Microsoft outage? What to know about airline refunds, policies

More: Flight delayed for hours? How to figure out when you get can a refund or rebooked.

The CrowdStrike software glitch Friday led to headaches for all sorts of businesses in Michigan and across the globe  airlines, banks, hospitals, community colleges and more.

We've seen plenty of travel horror stories, and some of the worst involving travelers dealing with Delta, on social media lately. Delta's crew scheduling software apparently made the situation even worse for that airline.

Jane McNamara, of Royal Oak, was to fly out of Detroit on Delta on Friday heading to Newark to see her sons in New Jersey. She had heard of the CrowdStrike software incident that impacted Microsoft's Windows Operating System earlier on Friday. But she had no alerts from Delta via the app or email to tell her the Friday flight was canceled.

"I drove to the airport hoping I might have a flight," she said. "Once there, after parking in the out lot and making my way to McNamara terminal, I learned it was canceled."

She was shocked by the massive lines and chaos. "You couldn't get near the (Delta) counter, it was just slammed."

She ended up acting quickly and booked a flight on United Airlines on Saturday. She paid $306 and she had no trouble getting out of Detroit on United the next day.

She kept the return ticket for Tuesday on Delta. "I thought by Tuesday, everything should be fine."

For a while, it seemed like it would be. She checked in Monday and had a boarding pass, the whole thing.

Then, about 6 a.m. Tuesday she got an alert that her Delta flight out of Newark that day was now canceled.

She spotted one seat on another Delta flight, but it was quickly gone. Other flights on other airlines that day had fares that were $800 and higher. Some of those flights had layovers from three hours to five hours. Nothing seemed to be doable.

Oh, she could sit in New Jersey until Thursday since Delta had rebooked her on another flight on Thursday morning. "I couldn't hang out there" that long, she said. "My only option was to rent a car."

McNamara, who owns Jazzercise Royal Oak, needed to get back to work and ended up renting a car for $152.

"I literally just had to do a car," she said. Driving alone, she left the area about 11 a.m. and got home after 10 p.m. Most of the driving was fine, she said, until she hit the intense storm in metro Detroit. She's now reviewing how to get reimbursed for her expenses.

The July 19 CrowdStrike outage triggered extra cost for Jane McNamara, of Royal Oak. She still was able to visit her sons over the weekend in Bradley Beach, New Jersey. From left to right, Michael McNamara, Patrick McNamara, Charlotte Parker and Jane McNamara.

Even as travel gets back to normal, the shakeout for Delta could be intense in the weeks ahead.

"There will be hell to pay," predicted Teresa Murray, who directs the Consumer Watchdog office for U.S. PIRG, a nonprofit advocacy group that has advocated for more passenger protections.

The major IT-systems outage disrupted the operations of several major airlines, triggering extensive delays and cancellations at U.S. airports.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it has determined that the delays and cancellations resulting from the CrowdStrike-related system outage are controllable"  which means the flight cancellation or delay is one that is attributable to the airline.

Murray said Delta's response in individual situations seems to have been all over the map. Some consumers, she said, complained about only being offered frequent flier miles when they needed more help getting where they needed to go in a timely manner. One young man she knows, who happens to be a magician from Michigan, had to rent a car to drive to Philadelphia to be on time for his show. Her advice: Make sure to send the bill to Delta.

Daniel Martin, a global touring magician who lives in Jackson, told me his horrific tale that involved two Delta flights vanishing.

One flight ended up being canceled on Friday when he was trying to leave Hartford, Connecticut, to fly to Detroit to do a show in Michigan; and a second flight was canceled when he needed to fly from Detroit to Philadelphia on Monday to do another show.

He said the Delta employees he encountered were really trying to help but it was out of their control.

Martin, who has a summer tour as a magician, had a show last week in New Hampshire and he had planned on driving to the Bradley International Airport in Hartford to catch that flight to Detroit. He travels a great deal but all the regular steps, like going on Delta.com, didn't work Friday for rebooking a flight. "You couldn't even get on their site to figure out options."

Trying to call, even as a preferred customer meant a six-hour wait. He quickly booked a Friday night flight on Southwest Airlines as a hedge. Then, he headed to the airport and got in line at Delta. After turning down many bad options, he ultimately was able to get on another Delta flight, which sat on the tarmac. That flight faced so many delays that he figured he should hop on Southwest. Ultimately, he was able to get off that flight with help of Delta employees to rush to grab the backup Southwest flight.

As for his luggage? Well, it was on the Delta flight. He faced a four-hour delay in Detroit at baggage claim to get his magic equipment. "It was like the zombie apocalypse," Martin said.

Ultimately, he got home to Jackson at 5 a.m. Saturday, but he had missed his magic show in Michigan on Friday.

Monday morning, another Delta flight delay, this time out of Detroit to Philadelphia. He made that show but only by spending $250 to rent a car.

Overall, Martin estimates he lost more than 35 hours in delays and some $600 or so in expenses. That's not including the thousands of dollars lost when he missed the show in Michigan.

Daniel Martin, the magician who lives in Jackson, saw one flight ended up being cancelled Friday when he was trying to leave Hartford, Conn., to fly to Detroit; and a second flight was cancelled when he needed to fly from Detroit to Philadelphia Monday.

One headache after another, and, frankly, travelers will need to take their time figuring out what to do next to recoup some of their extra costs.

In general, PIRG's Murray said, she would not recommend that people accept vouchers or credits or miles as compensation for their hotel, meal, ground transportation, and other expenses.

But the amount might matter. "If someone is looking at a refund of $200, but Delta is offering miles or vouchers worth $1,000 to the traveler, then the voucher or credit might make sense, as long as there arent restrictions on how or when or where it can be used," she said.

Because the IT debacle is being viewed by the Transportation Department as a controllable cancellation or delay, Murray said, consumers should try to get a hotel and meal and ground transportation accommodations taken care of by the airline. "They cant just go out and book a hotel at a 5-star hotel or something."

But in many cases, travelers couldn't even get Delta on the phone. In those circumstances, Murray said her advice would be to "spend what is reasonable, to take care of yourself and your family, and submit those expenses for reimbursement later."

How do you submit a claim?

Check with your airline, but typically you'd submit claims online, not by mail.

Where to go: Delta has an online process. See Delta.com/reimbursement for the form and some instructions.

What to do: Before you do submit a claim, take time gathering your paperwork and records. Make sure when you file for reimbursement with Delta or another airline that you have receipts, records and all you need to back up a claim. File everything at once, Murray said. Take screen shots off your phone, if that can help document how long you were on hold with the airline. Find the names of people you talked with at the airline. Recall what was said during a conversation. Give details about how lines were backed up and you couldn't get to an airline representative.

Think about what expenses you faced: Did you need to rent a car to get where you were going? Back up the cost with receipts, make sure to add receipts for the gas you bought to get home or elsewhere.

Delta states online that it "does not reimburse prepaid expenses, including but not limited to hotel reservations at the customers destination, vacation experiences, lost wages, concerts or other tickets."

But Murray said she would suggest that some consumers consider submitting even such legitimate claims, given the extreme circumstances surrounding the lengthy tech upheaval. It might not hurt to ask.

File a complaint and a claim: Murray recommends that people file a complaint with Delta, as well as filing for reimbursement. See the Help Center on Delta.com to file complaints. You want some details to be fresh in your mind, like how long you waited online for help.

If you're not satisfied: First go through the airline when you have any issues. But if the problem isn't resolved, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. See transportation.gov/airconsumers for the "File a Consumer Complaint" option. Complaints can be related to things like flight delays and cancellations, overbooking, disability, tarmac delays, baggage, discrimination, refunds, ticketing practices, family seating, frequent flyer programs, charter flights, privacy and air ambulance service.

Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) @tompor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Delta passengers lost time, money after IT outage. How to file claims
"Delta will cover reasonable costs for additional categories of expenses incurred during the duration of the travel waiver."

Getty Images

Delta Air Lines has offered its most substantial assistance to passengers yet following the IT outage that canceled thousands of flights last week.

On Wednesday, the airline announced it will reimburse travelers who booked a flight on a different airline amid the chaos of last week's CrowdStrike meltdown. The airline had already promised to reimburse travelers for rental car or hotel expenses, but previously stopped short of paying for another airline fare.



"We know many customers have incurred unplanned travel expenses, including purchasing tickets on other airlines, rental cars, train tickets and more," the airline said in its latest update. "Delta will cover reasonable costs for additional categories of expenses incurred during the duration of the travel waiver."

Although the airline didn't disclose what "reasonable" expenses are, they directed passengers to submit a request though a refund page on their website.



Delta will also extend its rebooking window and travel waiver through August 4. This means that if a traveler had a ticket booked between July 19 through July 28, they will have the ability to make a one-time change to the itinerary and the fare difference will be waived if it is in the same cabin of service originally booked.



"To our customers who were impacted, I want to thank you for your patience and apologize again for the disruption to your travel," Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a published letter to customers. Bastian also noted that the airline has "made good progress" in stabilizing operations and that Thursday is expected to be "a normal day."



The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has published reminders to passengers of their rights through the FlightRights.gov website, and the opportunity to file a complaint. Passengers are encouraged to first contact their airline to resolve the issue promptly, before filing a complaint.



Before you contact DOT for help with an air travel problem, you should give the airline a chance to resolve it, the DOT shares on the complaint site. Airlines have trouble-shooters at the airports, usually called Customer Service Representatives, who can take care of many problems on the spot."



If the airline is unable to process the refund or adjust the booking, travelers can file a complaint on the Department of Transportation website.



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said the carrier is making progress restoring operations, noting he expects "minimal" flight cancellations on Wednesday after five days of disruptions caused by the CrowdStrike software outage.

As of 2:10 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Delta had cancelled 48 flights, or roughly 1% its scheduled daily trips, according to tracking service FlightAware. Roughly 500 Delta flights were delayed.

Those numbers are down sharply from the preceding five days, when a botched technology update last week by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company whose software is widely used in Microsoft Windows computers, forced Delta to scrap thousands of flights.

Bastian said in an update posted on Delta's website that service should be fully restored as of Thursday. "Thursday is expected to be a normal day, with the airline fully recovered and operating at a traditional level of reliability," he said.

Meantime, Delta said it will reimburse passengers for unplanned travel expenses that include purchasing tickets on other airlines, renting cars, traveling by train and other costs.



Beyond angering frustrated travelers during the busy summer travel season, the chaos has spurred an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection over what the agency referred to as "concerning customer service failures."

Bastian acknowledged the airline's slow pace of recovery following the CrowdStrike outage, with other impacted airlines getting back on track more quickly.

"While our initial efforts to stabilize the operations were difficult and frustratingly slow and complex, we have made good progress this week, and the worst impacts of the CrowdStrike-caused outage are clearly behind us," he said in Wednesday's memo.

Delta previously blamed its inability to swiftly restore operations on a crew scheduling tool that ran on Microsoft Windows and that was affected by the software outage. But some aviation industry experts, as well as federal regulators, say that Delta was insufficiently prepared for the business disruption and failed to adequately serve customers in its aftermath.

The unprecedented tech crash, which shut down banks, hospitals, government agencies and other organizations around the world, has already cost large U.S. companies more than $5 billion, according to Parametrix, provider of internet cloud monitoring and insurance services.

Bastian is now in Paris for the start of the 2024 Olympics, which opens on Friday. Delta is the official airline of the U.S. team.

"Ed delayed this long-planned business trip until he was confident the airline was firmly on the path to recovery," Delta said in a statement. "As of Wednesday morning, Delta's operations were returning to normal. Ed remains fully engaged with senior operations leaders."

Bastian's trip to France drew a rebuke from Delta's flight attendants.

"While Ed was flying to Paris last night, crew were sleeping in airports across the country," the Delta Association of Flight Attendants-CWA organizing committee said in a statement. "Flight Attendants expect an apology and accountability. We provided a roadmap to recovery and care for the affected crew members. Instead of taking ownership, Ed took a first class seat."

CBS News' Kathryn Krupnik contributed to this report.

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The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday that due to the increased risk of accidental or illicit discharges of sewage from hundreds of boats gathering off Prudence Island that is expected this weekend, DEM is once again preemptively closing 700 acres of shellfish grounds on the north end of the island. The precautionary closure is from sunrise on July 27 until sunrise on August 3 and extends from the shoreline and all waters south and west of a line from Providence Point to the northwest extension of Warner Avenue on Prudence Island.

"The Aquapalooza gathering  an unaffiliated, social media-driven event  is necessitating the precautionary closure. The annual event typically draws more than 1,000 boats and personal watercraft. With so many boats concentrated in such a small area for hours, federal and state public health guidance requires that the shellfish harvest area, which includes Potters Cove and adjacent waters, be closed to protect public health," DEM said in a release.

DEM said that although most recreational boaters follow Rhode Islands No Discharge law, a high concentration of vessels increases the chances of accidental or illicit discharge of sewage into shellfish waters. The precautionary closure will provide a sufficient volume of water and time for the dilution of inadvertently discharged sewage before the area is reopened to shellfishing. There are currently 15 pump-out boats and 59 facilities located across Narragansett Bay and RI coastal waters. However, these facilities are not routinely in operation along the undeveloped north shore of Prudence Island. Some 40,000 boats are registered in Rhode Island, and the state welcomes many thousands more visiting boats each year. Last year, a total volume of over 600,000 gallons of sewage was pumped out at these facilities and diverted from directly entering Rhode Islands coastal waters. Visit DEMs website for a map of marine pumpout facilities in Rhode Island.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: DEM plans Aquapalooza-related shellfishing closure off Prudence Island
A comment by Donald Trumps running mate JD Vance that Kamala Harris is a childless cat lady has triggered an angry backlash from Democrats.

Mr Vance, 39, who last week accepted the Republican Partys nomination at its convention in Milwaukee, appeared to have made the comments on at least two occasions three years ago, once during a speech to a conservative think tank and then in an interview with broadcaster Tucker Carlson, when he was still a prime time anchor for Fox News.

The thing is that were effectively run in this country via the Democrats, be it via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of 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, Vance told Carlson in the recently resurfaced interview from 2021.

Its just a basic fact that if you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC [Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez], the entire future of the Democrats, is controlled by people without children. And how does it make any sense that weve turned our country over to people who dont really have a direct stake in it?

The comments from Mr Vance, who has four children, did not appear to have been challenged by Carlson, who left Fox News in April 2023 after he apparently angered Rupert Murdoch, who at the time was still the chair of Fox News.

Democrats have now seized on the discovery of the video to criticise Mr Vance, and claim he is not suitable to be Americas vice-president.

What a normal, relatable guy who certainly doesnt hate women having freedoms, Hillary Clinton, who lost the presidential election to Trump in 2016, wrote sarcastically on X.

Senator J.D. Vance speaks at a campaign rally at Radford University in Virginia this week - Alex Wong/Getty Images

Mr Vance, a social conservative who was elected to the Senate from Ohio in 2022, has supported a national ban on abortion and positioned himself to the right of Mr Trump.

As the resurfaced video of Mr Vance emerged, commentators pointed out Ms Harris has two step-children with her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Meanwhile Mr Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, and his husband, Chasten, announced in the summer of 2021 they had adopted twins.

When Senator Vance first made his comments, Ms Ocasio-Cortez attacked him, and referred to him having previously worked in venture capital with billionaire Republican Peter Thiel.

She said: When you accidentally let your billionaire funder-talk slip out on TV, you say things like a healthy ruling class.

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A major Democratic super PAC is launching a $20 million ad campaign in battleground states hitting former President Trump over the events of Jan. 6, 2021, following the Republican convention and the change atop the Democratic ticket.

American Bridge 21st Century, which is also the partys main opposition research outfit, will begin airing ads on Friday as part of the campaign. It marks a significant investment in the blue wall states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan as Democrats have been jolted by President Bidens decision not to seek reelection, with Vice President Harris becoming the likely nominee.

American Bridges program to defeat Donald Trump has always been about three things: abortion, democracy, and freedom. Today, voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are remembering that Trump is responsible for the violent attack on our Capitol that bloodied law enforcement officers, that hes a convicted felon, and that even his own cabinet and staff think hes unfit to be president, Bradley Beychok, co-founder of American Bridge 21st Century, said in a statement.

Trump spreads chaos and destruction everywhere he goes, and voters are fed up. They want to stop being terrified of what could possibly come next with another four years of him in charge, he added. The fact that hes now running against a dedicated former attorney general and prosecutor with years of experience putting criminals like him behind bars makes these ads even more powerful.

The first ad features a man named Joe from Northumberland County in Pennsylvania speaking over footage of the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6. He argued the Jan. 6 riots would not have happened if not for Trump inciting violence and describes himself as a former Republican.

He has no sense of right and wrong, Joe says in the ad.

The $20 million ad buy is part of a broader $200 million investment by American Bridge in the 2024 cycle.

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 has quickly consolidated support among Democrats, already securing the backing of enough delegates to be the likely Democratic nominee.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
North Carolina's state Supreme Court (Photo: Clayton Henkel)

Democrats running for North Carolinas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals outraised and outspent Republicans by a significant margin in the most recent quarter, reflecting their partys vow earlier this year to prioritize investment in judicial races. However, Republicans still hold a substantial cash advantage heading into July, with a combined war chest of $1,351,757 compared to Democrats $688,575.

In the North Carolina Supreme Court race, pivotal to Democrats strategy of reclaiming the court before the critical 2030 redistricting, Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs has narrowly outpaced Republican appellate court Judge Jefferson Griffin in recent fundraising.

However, Griffin still maintains an overall fundraising advantage over Riggs, who holds one of the Democrats two Supreme Court seats, the only seat up for election this year.

Even if Riggs wins, Democrats cannot retake control of the state Supreme Court this year, as Republicans will still hold a 5-2 majority.

Riggs outraised Griffin by $186,222 in fundraising during the second quarter, pulling in $650,109 compared to Griffins $463,887. Riggs campaign also outspent her opponent in recent months, more than tripling Griffins spending at $245,215 to Griffins $75,990.

As the campaign enters its final four months, Griffin, who was elected in 2020 to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, reports having $1,134,750 on hand, while Riggs campaign reported a total of $583,007.

Riggs ascended to the high court in 2023 when Gov. Roy Cooper appointed her to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Associate Justice Mike Morgan. The appointment came just nine months after Cooper appointed her to the Court of Appeals. Cooper appointed Judge Carolyn Thompson to fill Riggs seat on the appeals court.

Republicans currently control a majority of seats on both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

In the appeals court, where Republicans hold an 11-4 majority, three seats are currently open.

Thompson, a Democrat, is running against Republican Thomas Murry to retain her seat. This quarter, she raised $62,885 and spent $43,610, outpacing Murry, who raised $51,080 and spent $33,242.

Heading into July, Murry, an Army veteran and former state representative known for sponsoring the states controversial voter ID law in 2013, has a campaign account of $143,478 compared to Thompsons $28,496.

Republican incumbent Judge Valerie J. Zachary, appointed to the appeals court in 2015 by former governor Pat McCrory, faces a challenge from Democrat Edward Eldred, a veteran appellate attorney from Orange County. Zachary, elected to an eight-year term in 2016, trailed Eldred this quarter, raising $36,980 compared to the challengers $53,434. Eldred also significantly outspent Zachary this quarter, spending $23,325 in the past three months, compared to Zacharys $5,410.

Buncombe County Commissioner Martin Moore, a Democrat, has also outraised and outspent his opponent, Republican District Court Judge Christopher Freeman from Rockingham and Caswell Counties, in the race for Appeals Court Seat 15 this quarter. Moore raised $33,174 and spent $23,308, compared to Freemans $19,450 raised and $16,919 spent. Moore also has a slight advantage in available funds, with $20,339 compared to Freemans $18,715.

North Carolina Democratic Party leaders have said they believe the key to Republican success in recent statewide judicial races is that Republicans have had a judicial coordinating campaign director for years.

They had someone that was in the Republican GOP headquarters every year that was maintaining their judicial races and focusing on them, Anderson Clayton, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said in January. And we need to make sure we have that in the party this year, too,

The party created the position of judicial coordinating campaign director for the first time earlier this year and hired Becca Zerkin to fill it as part of the strategy to win judicial races. Zerkins role will include focusing on the statewide races and ensuring candidates travel across North Carolina before Election Day.
TOKYO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The population of Japanese nationals fell by 861,000, or 0.70 pct, in 2023 from a year earlier to 121,561,801, dropping for the 15th year in a row and marking the steepest decline since the survey began in 1968, government data showed Wednesday.

As of Jan. 1, 2024, Japan's population, including foreign residents, stood at 124,885,175, down by roughly 532,000, or 0.42 percent, according to a demographics survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The foreign population in the country rose by 329,535, or 11.01 percent, to 3,323,374 in the reporting year, as the end of the country's COVID-19-linked border control measures in April 2023 facilitated the return of international students and technical interns.

While foreign residents increased in all of the country's 47 prefectures, surpassing 3 million for the first time, only Tokyo saw a slight increase in its Japanese population, rising by 3,933, or 0.03 percent, due to the high influx of people to the capital.

The overall population, including foreign residents, grew year-on-year in the three prefectures of Tokyo, Chiba and Okinawa, while it declined in the 44 other prefectures.

A record low of 730,000 births in Japan, which was significantly exceeded by a record high 1.58 million deaths, contributed largely to the population decline, according to the ministry. 
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Democratic Party of Arkansas says voters are energized following their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

The Arkansas delegation to the Democratic National Convention voted unanimously to back the VP last night at a virtual meeting of delegates. Arkansas party chair Grant Tennille said Monday night, voting took place almost immediately as the focus of delegates was clear right from the start.

Harris gains more party support for nomination

He said Democratic delegates are pledged, not bound like the Republican National Convention, but everyone was excited and ready to support Harris. That excitement stretched to Arkansans in general, according to Tennille, as voters have been reaching out to DPA headquarters asking how they can help. He credits the new, likely nominee as the cause.

I think the fact that she is a woman and that she is a woman of color has caused an explosion in excitement in this race, Tennille said. I think you see it online, I think we see it in the people who are calling us.

Tennille went so far as to say Harris candidacy could change the calculus in a few key areas and races, bringing new volunteers and donations to the Democratic Party that could turn the tide.

Who could be Harriss running mate?

Tennille also addressed concerns that Harris has not been vetted by Americans following Biden bowing out. He reminded voters that they chose Biden / Harris in the primaries, and shes still our current vice president. So, he says, Americans already know her and know shes ready for the race.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yesterday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and tomorrow is scheduled to attend an event in Texas. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

IVice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yesterday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and tomorrow is scheduled to attend an event in Texas. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana

Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Harris spoke Tuesday to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and is scheduled to attend an event Thursday in Texas. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting that the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness, and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose, and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice-presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yesterday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and Thursday is scheduled to attend an event in Texas. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been planning to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party, we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yesterday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and tomorrow is scheduled to attend an event in Texas. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yesterday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and tomorrow is scheduled to attend an event in Texas (Scott Olson/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. On Tuesday, Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and Thursday is scheduled to attend an event in Texas. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. On Tuesday, Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and Friday is scheduled to attend an event in Texas. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open the party up to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100 percent clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou on Wednesday, calling for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, and the conflict is still ongoing with risks of escalation and spillover.

Noting that China remains firmly committed to a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Wang said the four principles laid out by President Xi Jinping form China's fundamental approach to finding a solution to the crisis.

On this basis, Wang said that China and Brazil have jointly outlined six common understandings for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, including three principles for managing the conflict, three elements for a peace plan, three humanitarian concerns, as well as important measures to prevent nuclear risks and ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains.

This consensus has garnered widespread support and response from the international community, Wang added.

China believes that all conflicts have to end at the negotiating table, and all disputes must be resolved through political means, Wang said, adding that recently both Ukraine and Russia have shown willingness for negotiations.

"Although the conditions and timing are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and stand ready to continue to play a constructive role for a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks," he said, adding that China is closely following the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the country. 
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has gained the support of enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule at the Indiana Convention Center on July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. On Tuesday Harris spoke to potential voters during a stop in Wisconsin and is scheduled to attend an event Thursday in Texas. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with a virtual nomination vote for its presidential candidate as soon as Aug. 1, after its Rules Committee approved the process on Wednesday.

The DNC has been moving forward with plans to hold a virtual nomination roll call since well before President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place.

The pre-convention vote is necessary to avoid potential legal pitfalls that could arise if the DNC waits to formally nominate its candidate until during its convention in late August, since some states have deadlines to place candidates on their ballots before or during that week.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said at the beginning of the Rules Committees meeting the party is striving to execute this nomination with transparency, with fairness and efficiency.

Many of you have probably seen the reporting that Vice President Harris has received the expressed support from the majority of pledged delegates and might wonder what that means for this process, Harrison said.

Delegates are free to support who they choose and we are glad that they are engaging in this important moment in history, Harrison said. As a party we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination process for delegates to officially express their preferences through a vote resulting in eventually an official nominee of the Democratic Party who will go on to the top ballot in November.

Multi-step process

Under the process adopted during the panels meeting, Harris as well as other presidential hopefuls have from July 25 through July 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern to register their intent to seek the nomination with the DNC Convention secretary.

Candidates then have until July 30 at 6 p.m. to meet the requirements, including collecting at least 300 signatures from DNC delegates with a maximum of 50 of those people representing any one state.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair Leah D. Daughtry said during the live-streamed meeting that if only one presidential candidate qualifies, she expects the virtual roll call would take place on Aug. 1.

If more than one candidate qualifies, Daughtry anticipates the virtual roll call would take place on or around Aug. 3.

Democrats will still hold a ceremonial roll call of the states from the floor of the United Center in Chicago during their convention week, but have argued for months they must certify their nominee beforehand.

Consistent with our values

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said the party has the guideposts and the expertise in place to ensure that we will do this right and in a manner that is consistent with our values as Democrats.

We understand that this is an unprecedented situation but Im confident that we will find a path forward together, Moore said.

DNC outside counsel Pat Moore said the virtual roll call will provide an avenue for all 4,699 delegates to cast a vote for the presidential nominee.

The DNC waiting until the in-person convention to officially certify its presidential nominee, he said, would open up the party to lawsuits.

Make no mistake, we have strong legal arguments in response to any such claims and were prepared to make them, Pat Moore said. But we also have opponents who are willing to make specious arguments and drag out the process in an effort to confuse voters and muddy the waters. And in some states, we will face an unfriendly judiciary.

Pat Moore said that ensuring the DNC formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates ahead of any state deadlines is about ensuring voters in every state have their ballots counted in November.

Past is precedent: Trump and Republicans have already made it 100% clear that they will challenge the validity of the results if they lose on Election Day, Pat Moore said.

If we take chances with state processes and deadlines, Republican groups could make the same argument to challenge Democratic votes in the post-election setting, arguing that our nominee should never have been on the ballot in the first place, Pat Moore added. We should not and must not give them that opportunity.
(Bloomberg) -- Democrats moved quickly to project Kamala Harris as a foreign-policy heavyweight, looking to neutralize a Republican attack line and address voter concerns about her ability to tackle the worlds thorniest challenges.

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised her as a leading voice who asks penetrating questions in Situation Room deliberations. A chorus of former senior officials agreed, signing a letter that said she would require no on-the-job training.

Over the past three and a half years, Vice President Harris has played an integral role in restoring US global leadership around the world, the group said.

The moves seek to boost Harriss image before she gets her biggest diplomatic test yet, when shes set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. While hewing closely to President Joe Bidens policy, Harris has been slightly more critical of Israel than her boss, whose support has been unwavering.

That meeting may give voters their first hint of whether Harris, 59, will run her campaign entirely in line with Bidens or seek to differentiate herself from the president. It will also mark the start of her efforts to emerge from Bidens shadow on foreign policy, an area where she has far less experience and has not been a decision-maker.

Bidens handling of the war in Gaza has deeply divided Americans and failed to appease anger from voters sympathetic to either Israel or the Palestinians. Registered voters in seven swing states trust Donald Trump more than Biden on matters ranging from China to Ukraine to Israel, according to a Bloomberg News-Morning Consult poll conducted before Biden announced he would drop his bid for a second term.

Before Biden stepped aside, it looked to me like Trump had an advantage in voter perception of effectiveness dealing with global challenges, said Stephen Wertheim, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Harris could benefit from having some space to show independence of mind on foreign policy.

Under Biden, she was put in charge of addressing the so-called root causes of migration in Central America. She also traveled to Singapore and Vietnam in 2021, hosted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at her official residence at the Naval Observatory in 2022, and spoke for the Biden administration at the Munich Security Conference this year.

Thats more experience dealing with global leaders than Bidens predecessors dating back to Bill Clinton. Even so, Biden has set administration strategy, relying on his decades of experience and the advice of an inner-circle including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Blinken.

Biden arrived to the presidency with years-long relationships with many world leaders such as Netanyahu. Without that same history, Harris has shown a willingness to hear from the experts around her, according to a person familiar with the internal deliberations of both, who asked not be named without permission to speak publicly.

Harris will often begin preparation sessions for meetings with world leaders by asking advisers for the one or two top objectives for the meeting, and end them by asking if anyone has dissenting views or if everyone feels comfortable with the plan discussed and agreed upon, the person said.

While Biden is also open to input, he has more concretely formed views on Europe and the Middle East from his work in the 1990s and the years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Biden first won election to the Senate during the throes of the Vietnam War, while Harris didnt arrive to Congress until 2017.

You dont have to know anything about what her specific beliefs are, but her career experiences are different, and that cant but affect her view of the world, said Samuel Charap, a foreign policy expert at Rand Corp.

Republican critics cast Harris as a radical leftist who failed to secure the border or stop illegal immigration. But Biden asked her to deal with developments in Central America, not border enforcement. Her early career, as well as a presidential run in 2020, show her slotted well within the mainstream of her party on most major world issues  from Russia and Iran to China and trade.

Harris has been more critical of Israels conduct in Gaza, using stronger language earlier than Biden to denounce civilian deaths and condemn violence perpetrated by extremist settlers in the West Bank.

In March, Harris called for an immediate cease-fire for six weeks to facilitate a hostage deal while speaking at a commemorative event held at a civil-rights landmark in Selma, Alabama. Although the policy was standard, the word choice marked a notable shift in the administrations rhetoric on the war.

Only time will tell with respect to exactly the voice that Vice President Harris brings to the campaign trail, Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, told reporters on Tuesday. She has expressed very, very serious concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

--With assistance from Akayla Gardner.

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U.S. Capitol Police officers arrive at the Capitol on Tuesday, a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)

At a time when Democrats are attempting to unify around a new presidential candidate, a foreign leader who divides them  and many Americans  has arrived in the nation's capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the world's most polarizing leaders, addressed Congress on Wednesday. He came to Washington at the invitation of Republican legislators, circumventing the White House, much as he did in 2015 to illustrate his scorn for then-President Obama.

If Netanyahu meant for this trip to heap similar ignominy on President Biden, whom the Israeli leader has falsely accused of holding up shipments of weapons, then he was upstaged by Biden's momentous decision Sunday to leave the presidential race. How that changes Netanyahu's game plan, and how the administration chooses to deal with his intrusion into U.S. politics, remains to be seen.

Read more: Israel and Hamas at odds over cease-fire pact details as international pressure builds

More than 50 Democrats were absent from the address, the Associated Press reported.

In liberal California, home to large and influential Jewish and Arab American communities, the Netanyahu visit sowed division in the congressional delegation. Reps. Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano), Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) were among the Californians in the audience.

California Sen. Alex Padilla also attended. Asked about his reasoning, he said: Im hoping there will be good news to report on progress toward a cease-fire.

Carbajal issued a scathing statement afterward condemning Netanyahu's "reckless rhetoric" that lacked acknowledgment of the thousands of civilian deaths in Gaza and saying his "bravado threatens to plunge his country and the region into larger and longer conflict.

Many of the state's Democrats, however, joined colleagues from around the country in boycotting the speech. Californians who skipped Netanyahu's address included Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove), Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) and Mark Takano (D-Riverside).

Vice President Kamala Harris, the all-but-certain Democratic presidential candidate, did not attend the speech but will hold a private meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shown at a Cabinet meeting in December, has faced criticism at home and internationally for his handling of the war in Gaza. (Ohad Zwigenberg / Associated Press)

Netanyahu has come under blistering criticism for his handling of the war in the Gaza Strip, which began after the militant Palestinian group Hamas attacked southern Israel Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages.

Since then, the Palestinian death toll in Israeli airstrikes, bombings and a ground invasion has surpassed 39,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not specify how many of those are combatants and how many are civilians. There is widespread international agreement that large numbers are women and children.

Biden quickly offered unqualified support for Israel and Netanyahu in October, though as the war has dragged on he has publicly urged the right-wing Israeli government to take better care to avoid civilian casualties and to agree to a cease-fire deal that would also see the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.

Still, Biden's support for Israel cost him politically at home among key voter constituencies and abroad, where the U.S. is seen as complicit in what some governments argue is genocide in Gaza.

Washington annually gives Israel more than $3 billion in aid, ratcheting that figure up threefold since Oct. 7 with massive weapons supplies.

Netanyahu used the speech Wednesday to demand more aid and more weapons, without delay or holdups. Biden stopped a single shipment of 2,000-pound bombs this year as Israel was threatening to attack the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where about a million Palestinians were sheltering.

President Biden meets with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv days after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

The issue has proved problematic for many Democratic members of Congress. Many draw a clear distinction between support for Israel and support for Netanyahu.

Ahead of Netanyahu's speech, dozens of lawmakers met with Israeli citizens whose family members were kidnapped Oct. 7.

The Israeli visitors asked lawmakers not to let Netanyahu turn the humanitarian issue of the hostages into a political issue, and to focus on the Israeli and Palestinian families who are suffering.

Read more: U.S. punishes Israeli extremists accused of blocking, ransacking humanitarian aid for Gaza

"Focusing on image rather than essence, Netanyahu believes it is more important to speak to the American Congress than to answer Israeli questions, which he avoids for months," said Zahiro Shahar Mor, nephew of Avraham Munder, who was abducted on Oct. 7. "Rather than confronting the shocked and devastated citizens and press, he orchestrated a standing ovation speech thousands of miles away from where his responsibility actually lies."

Takano, who participated in the event with Israeli families, said in a statement that he grappled for weeks with whether to attend the address before deciding not to.

He said he believes Republicans gave Netanyahu the platform to further sow division among members of Congress and accused the Israeli leader of prolonging the conflict, ignoring the pleas of his own citizens to focus on bringing home the remaining hostages and rebuffing concerns from the U.S. and other allies about the toll of the war on Palestinian civilians.

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Watergate hotel in Washington a day before Netanyahu's speech to Congress. (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

In recent months, Ive grown increasingly troubled by Mr. Netanyahus actions, which have sought to further his own political survival rather than securing the return of hostages and a much-needed ceasefire, he wrote.

Levin has called for a change in Israeli leadership but nonetheless attended Netanyahus speech.

Levin is endorsed by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, an influential group that has launched campaigns across the U.S. to unseat candidates who are critical of Israel's actions in the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel is an important ally  I think its important that members of Congress attend, Levin said. Not necessarily in support of that leader of that nation, but rather in support of the people of that nation and of the important relationship that the Jewish Democratic state of Israel has with the United States.

Netanyahu last spoke to Congress in 2015 amid a tense relationship with Obama. Vice presidents typically preside over joint addresses, but then-Vice President Joe Biden was traveling and didnt attend.

Netanyahu spoke to Congress in 2015 at the invitation of Republican legislators, circumventing the White House, much as he did this year. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

That time, the White House wasnt alerted in advance that Congress had invited Netanyahu to speak, which the administration said was destructive to the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. It was part of Netanyahu's long campaign to undermine decades of bipartisan U.S. support for Israel and make his policy aims an overtly Republican cause.

Soon after President Trump took office, he reversed decades of American policy by moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem. He also recognized Israel's claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights, fertile land Israel seized from Syria, and said he approved of Jewish settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians in the West Bank. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal.

Schiff said before the 2015 event that it was unseemly to invite a foreign head of state to speak against White House policy, but that he would be a gracious host.

Schiff's office confirmed he would also attend Netanyahu's address Wednesday, but did not make the congressman available for an interview.

Lee, who has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, also attended the morning event with Israeli families.

She said she has been to the region at least a dozen times since the 1990s and knows the dynamics of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and violence by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israelis. She said that personal history informed her decision not to attend Netanyahus address  just as in 2015  which she views as a thinly veiled GOP political event while people continue dying in Gaza.

Its not like Im seeing this in a way thats naive, Lee said. I know what Ive seen and I know that Netanyahyu has been counterproductive to the peace and security of the region.

Bera said in a statement Tuesday that he decided "after listening to the family members of American hostages held captive by Hamas"  most of whom are bitterly angry at the prime minister  not to attend Netanyahu's address. Bera urged Netanyahu to accept the cease-fire deal brokered by Biden.

Khanna told NBC last month that he wouldn't attend .

I said that if he wants to come to speak to members of Congress about how to end the war and release hostages, I would be fine doing that," he said. "But Im not going to sit in a one-way lecture.

In 2015, dozens of members chose not to attend Netanyahu's address in protest of how the speech had been politicized.

Read more: Netanyahu's speech elicits praise, frustration from Congress members

The protests this week over Netanyahu's presence extend far beyond Congress. Thousands of Jewish and Arab Americans converged on the nation's capital to make their voices heard  protesting Israel's war in Gaza, challenging U.S. policy in the region and expressing anger over the welcoming of a prime minister who prosecutors at the International Criminal Court would like to arrest and charge with war crimes.

Across the nations capital at rallies big and small, most attendees had a unified message  stop the war in Gaza and free the hostages held by Hamas  punctuated by scorn for the guest of honor over in the Capitol Rotunda.

"We are running out of time!" Rabbi Josh Weinberg of New York, who represents the Union for Reform Judaism, said to several hundred people in a park a few blocks from the Capitol. He referred to the plight of the hostages, several of whose relatives were at the demonstration.

The crowd chanted: "The world has got to know, Netanyahu has got to go.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
U.S. President Joe Biden salutes as he boards Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, in Dover, Delaware, U.S., July 23, 2024.

Vice President Kamala Harris likely heading the top of the Democratic ticket has prompted condemnation and speculation among many local Republicans.

Democrats in the Cincinnati Region praised President Joe Biden for stepping aside, calling it a "selfless act." Republicans were skeptical.

Several Cincinnati-area Republicans on social media since Sunday have speculated where Biden is. Biden posted a letter Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter, announcing he would drop out of the presidential race but was not seen publicly until Tuesday when he boarded Air Force One from his home in Delaware back to the White House.

"Im feeling well, Biden said when asked by White House press pool reporters how he was feeling.

He is scheduled to address the nation for the first time since dropping out in an address at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Republicans ask, 'Where's Joe?'

Biden's six day absence from public appearances as he recovered from COVID-19 led Republicans to wonder why.

"Where' s Joe?" Rep. Warren Davidson posted on X on Monday. The Republican from Troy who represents the western suburbs in Hamilton County and all of Butler County earlier that day he retweeted a post from the account named End Wokeness. That post questioned whether Biden actually wrote the letter that he would drop out of the race and even specuated whether Biden knew he dropped out.

"When @JoeBiden finds out, this could really get messy," Davidson posted on X.

When @JoeBiden finds out, this could really get messy. https://t.co/Ku81VyMdrj  Warren Davidson  (@WarrenDavidson) July 22, 2024

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou, who lives in Green Township outside Cincinnati, retweeted a post on X from Texas Rep. Chip Roy asking where Biden was.

"Good question," Triantafilou posted. "He posted on X. Thats it. Biden is nowhere. Is the country safe with this man at the helm? Will ANY press ask tough questions?!"

Some see a 'coup' or a 'coronation'

Republicans also accused the Democrats of subverting democracy by not acknowledging the primary votes already cast for Biden. Biden, as the sitting president, faced minimal opposition during the state primaries. He won enough delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination in March.

Rep. Thomas Massie, the Republican from Garrison who represents Northern Kentucky, called Biden ending his campaign a "coup."

"If a coup happened in your own country would you recognize it?" Massie posted on X. "This is a coup of a puppet regime. Why is he even in the White House now?"

If a coup happened in your own country would you recognize it?



This is a coup of a puppet regime.



Why is he even in the White House now?  Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 22, 2024

Massie joined a chorus of Republicans who said if he can't run a campaign, he shouldn't be in the White House.

"Question for the Democratic party elites who are engaged in a coup against their democratically elected nominee," Massie posted on X. "How do you argue hes not fit to be a candidate, while maintaining hes still competent enough to have his finger on the nuclear button?"

Triantafilou also posted on X that the selection process for the Democratic candidate is "aberrant."

"Millions of Democrat voters are being ignored," Triantafilou posted. "VP Harris became the nominee in one day by getting less than 10 key endorsements. Its a coronation. Un-American."

Vance sees plot by George Soros, Obama

Sen. JD Vance, who a week earlier accepted the nomination to be Donald Trump's runningmate, tied Biden's decision to Democratic billionaire megadonor George Soros in a speech he gave Monday in Middletown.

"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. "That is a threat to democracy, not the Republican Party, which is fighting for democracy every single day."

No. It. Is. Not. I watched @NBCNightlyNews. Not even a single mention about how aberrant this is. Millions of Democrat voters are being ignored. VP Harris became the nominee in one day by getting less than 10 key endorsements. Its a coronation. Un-American. https://t.co/ShG6fJCDkB  Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) July 23, 2024

DeWine wishes Biden well

At least one high-ranking Republican wished Biden well and got roasted by posters on X, calling him a Democrat.

"I have known President Biden since 1995, when I entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine posted on X. "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."

Responses on X included "Rino says what" and "You have been in politics too long and are no longer relevant. Retire."

He did get some praise for his response, including from former Cincinnati City Councilman Christopher Smitherman, who posted on X, "Way to show the world total class."

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.  Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) July 21, 2024

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Biden drops out: Warren Davidson, JD Vance, Mike DeWine respond
(MONTEZUMA COUNTY, Colo.)  Deputies with the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) and investigators with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are looking for the 5-year-old son of a woman who was murdered on July 2, and law enforcement believes the boy is with his father.

According to the CBI, an Endangered Missing Alert was issued on July 18 for 5-year-old Helliono Martinez, a Hispanic boy who was last seen with his father, 43-year-old Charles Martinez, on July 16. The CBI said the father and son were seen in a gold 2011 Dodge Ram heading to Charles home on Highway 160 in Cortez.

The CBI said investigators have since located the truck but have not been able to find Charles or Helliono Martinez.

Hellionos mother, 39-year-old Chrystal Snow, was found dead of gunshot wounds in her home on the morning of July 2, soon after a 911 call was placed from her house in Pagosa Springs. Hours later, investigators were able to locate Helliono safely with an aunt in Cortez. No persons of interest have been named in the homicide of Chrystal Snow, the CBI said.

On July 16, the Department of Human Services (DHS) obtained a court order granting the state of Colorado emergency custody of Helliono. According to the CBI, that same day is when investigators learned Helliono was last seen with his father around 1:30 in the afternoon.

There is growing concern for the boys well-being and law enforcement is seeking the publics help in finding Helliono Martinez, said the CBI in a press release.

Helliono Martinez is is a Hispanic boy, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 35 tall and weighs 75 pounds. Charles Martinez is a Hispanic man, 511 tall, 215 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Courtesy: Colorado Bureau of Investigation

If you see Helliono or Charles Martinez, the CBI urges that you do not approach them, and instead contact 911 immediately, or call MCSO at (970) 565-8452.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Youngsters from Sweden visit Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in north China's Tianjin, July 24, 2024. More than 200 youngsters participating in the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival visited the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the art festival commenced on Monday evening in Tianjin, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Children from Uzbekistan visit Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in north China's Tianjin, July 24, 2024. More than 200 youngsters participating in the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival visited the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the art festival commenced on Monday evening in Tianjin, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Youngsters visit Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in north China's Tianjin, July 24, 2024. More than 200 youngsters participating in the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival visited the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the art festival commenced on Monday evening in Tianjin, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Youngsters from Egypt visit Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in north China's Tianjin, July 24, 2024. More than 200 youngsters participating in the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival visited the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the art festival commenced on Monday evening in Tianjin, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Children from south China's Macao visit Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in north China's Tianjin, July 24, 2024. More than 200 youngsters participating in the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival visited the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the art festival commenced on Monday evening in Tianjin, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A child from Uzbekistan visits Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in north China's Tianjin, July 24, 2024. More than 200 youngsters participating in the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival visited the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall on Wednesday.

Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the art festival commenced on Monday evening in Tianjin, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that Democrats have to virtue signal to the Hamas caucus regarding Kamala Harris potential vice presidential pick, referencing talk that picking a Jewish running mate could fracture a diverse coalition of voters that has been torn over Israels war in Gaza.

You have this governor in Pennsylvania, DeSantis said in St. Petersburg, referring to potential Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Josh Shapiro. People are saying in the media and on the left, Well, she cant pick him because hes Jewish.

DeSantis continued: If you have to virtue signal to the Hamas caucus to win an election, you should not win that election.

Hamas, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997 by the U.S. State Department, is the Palestinian militant group governing the Gaza Strip that is at war with Israel.

Harris, whose husband is Jewish, has said Israel should be able to defend itself from Hamas, which kicked off the ongoing war in Gaza when it carried out a surprise, bloody attack on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 and took scores of hostages. Harris has also called for a cease-fire amid concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza and a lack of humanitarian aid.

DeSantis broadside came on a day when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is in Washington, where he delivered an afternoon address to Congress, without Harris in attendance. The vice president, who was on a swing through Indianapolis and Texas on Wednesday, received criticism for not attending the address, but is reportedly planning to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday.

The governor acknowledged during his press conference that Republicans would have rather run against President Joe Biden, saying he wouldnt have appointed him to a mosquito control board. But he said he wasnt worried about Harris, regardless of who she picked for vice president.

Her tenure as VP has been disastrous, DeSantis said about Harris. I like our chances better.

Harris has swiftly amassed support since Biden exited the race on Sunday and quickly endorsed her. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that she had already secured enough support from delegates to the Democratic National Convention to secure the partys nomination. But Bidens delegates are free to support whomever they want and nothing will be officially settled until the convention, which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 19.

If Harris falls on her face over the next few weeks, I think its absolutely possible that they go a different direction at the convention, DeSantis said. So, I think its going to be a very interesting three or four weeks in the political scene.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday said that Kamala Harriss tenure as Vice President was disastrous and accused the Democratic Party of virtue signaling to the Hamas Caucus while speaking in St. Petersburg.

DeSantis acknowledged that he would have preferred to run against Biden, but added that if he had to pick someone other than Biden, he would have chosen Harris.

He said he likes the Republicans chances of winning in November, regardless of who the Democratic nominee is. He thinks that if Harris falls on her face in the next few weeks, theyll pick someone else at the Democratic National Convention.

I think its going to be an interesting three or four weeks in the political scene, DeSantis said.

DeSantis: Democrats rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic

DeSantis also commented about speculation on who Harris could pick as her running mate. Several names have been floated, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

The governor then accused Democrats of virtue signaling to the Hamas Caucus.

You have this governor in Pennsylvania  I dont know much about him, DeSantis said. I mean, I saw that he was saying that he was supporting gender ideology and a lot of things I know I wouldnt go for. But people are saying in the media and on the left that she cant pick him because hes Jewish.

DeSantis is referencing comments by CNNs John King that putting Shapiro on the ticket could be risky due to him being Jewish.

Hes certainly under consideration, I know that from key Harris allies, King said. Hes a first-term governor. Hes Jewish. There could be some risk in putting him on the ticket. But certainly, some of our voters here in Pennsylvania said, Hey, we like Gov. Shapiro, give him a look.'

What has this country  or what has the Democrat Party  come to that in order to win an election, they have to virtue signal to the Hamas Caucus? That is unacceptable, DeSantis said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is once again cementing his stance against recreational marijuana.

The governor spoke about Amendment 3 during a visit with law enforcement in Orlando on Tuesday.

DeSantis says the amendment language is not clear.

Watch: Famed Pot daddy John Morgan becomes face of Florida marijuana legalization effort

The proposed amendment would allow anyone 21 or older to use marijuana products and accessories recreationally.

Why would we want a bigger black market for illegal drugs in this state? That is not going to end well for anybody, DeSantis said.

Watch: Is it too easy to get medical marijuana? The shared concerns from professionals, former addicts

The governor has not specifically said why he believes recreational marijuana would stimulate the illegal drug market, as sales would have to be from authorized dispensaries.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
New details revealed in Charlotte triple homicide in which suspect fled to California

Recently returned search warrants show that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police seized evidence from triple murder suspect Benjamin Joseph Taylor last month.

Taylor is charged with killing Markayla Johnson and her two children, 4-year-old Miracle and 7-month-old Messiah, earlier this year.

He fled to Californias Slab City, a notoriously off-the-grid desert community, where he camped out, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Sheriffs deputies and the FBI there arrested him. A Mecklenburg County grand jury indicted him in April.

CMPDs investigation started in March, when police asked to search a Charlotte apartment after reports that Johnson and the children were missing, the records show.

Family members hadnt been able to reach her, a search warrant says. They went to the apartment in an attempt to make contact with anyone (there), with no answer.

The heavily-redacted search warrant says that someone  seemingly Johnson  had moved to Charlotte to be with a man she met online.

Someone working at the apartment complex went inside to do a wellness check and told police that he didnt see any necessary items to care for a child or baby, to include no food, bedding, clothing, diapers, toys, or anything else related to child care.

Police found a victim in a storage container and two others in the trunk of a car parked outside. Those victims names were also redacted by Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn-Garys office.

Police collected cell phones, video cameras and laptops from the apartment. They asked for permission to search information posted to Apples iCloud.

Taylors attorney, Mike Kabakoff, declined to comment on the case. An administrative hearing is scheduled for August.
In a motion filed Tuesday, the lawyer for Deamonte Kendrick  a defendant in rapper Young Thugs gang and racketeering case  accused Fani Willis team of Fulton County prosecutors of causing a mistrial on purpose to win a losing case. The trial has been going on for 19 months.



Losing its case, apparently unconcerned about the need for public justice, the State clearly sought an opportunity to restart the trial by triggering an event in such egregious violation of the Constitutional rights of Kendrick that he would have no choice but to request a mistrial, Kendricks attorney Doug Weinstein stated, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams, has been in jail since being arrested in May 2022. Fulton County prosecutors believe the Grammy winner is the leader of Young Slime Life (YSL), an Atlanta-based street gang. He and more than two dozen others are accused of violating Georgias anti-racketeering law.

However, Williams attorneys say that YSL is merely a record label. In the motion, Weinstein referenced a secret meeting on June 10 that Chief Judge Ural Glanville held in his chambers with prosecutors and one of the cases key witnesses, Kenneth Copeland. The meeting was led by prosecutors who said they would jail Copeland if he decided not to testify.

Weinstein said that jurors heard four days of tainted testimony. Judge Glanville was recused from the trial over how he handled the session.

Kendricks Constitutional rights were violated when neither he nor his attorneys were present at a critical stage of the proceedings  the secret, ex parte meeting among the State, Chief Judge Glanville, Copeland, state investigators, court staff, and deputies, Weinstein wrote in his motion.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has since taken over the case, but now its on hold. Whitaker has scheduled a motions hearing for July 30 and jurors will return Aug. 5.

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Police said the suspect was charged with murder, rape, kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 by force

Cloverdale Police Department/Facebook James Unick

Police in Northern California have arrested a man after making a breakthrough in a 1982 cold case killing.

The Cloverdale Police Department announced on social media that officers apprehended James Unick, 62, from Willows, Calif., in connection with the 1982 killing of 13-year-old Sarah Ann Geer.

Police said Unick was charged with murder, rape, kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 by force, and he was booked into the Sonoma County Jail. Police shared a photo of officers arresting the 62-year-old, who was handcuffed and being led to the back of a police car.

It's not immediately clear if Unick has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

The investigation into Geers death was reopened in July 2021, according to a press release from police. After meticulously reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, investigators eventually identified a strain of male DNA in the evidence, which they put through genetic genealogy technology to identify Unick as the alleged killer.



You get a pool of people and chip away at the folks who are there, Cloverdale Police Chief Chris Parker told The Press Democrat. Then you investigate and see if they were alive, if they had the ability to commit the crime, if they were of age.

He did not provide additional information about how the crime may have unfolded, but told the outlet that he expected the evidence to hold up at trial.

In a separate statement shared on the police departments social media, Parker said that Unicks arrest represents a bittersweet victory for justice.



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.

While nothing can undo the pain inflicted upon the Geer family and our community, we can finally offer some solace in knowing that the perpetrator will be held accountable, he continued. This arrest is a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement agencies and the unwavering resolve of Cloverdale's citizens.

Parker told the Press Democrat that Geers uncle was notified about the arrest and he, along with the rest of her family, is very appreciative."

Cloverdale Mayor Todd Lands shared in a separate statement provided by police: "Today, we stand united in solidarity with the Geer family as we witness the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance by our law enforcement officials. This arrest signifies not only a step towards closure but also a reiteration of our commitment to ensuring safety and justice for all in Cloverdale."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



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Read the original article on People.
Digital banking startup Mercury said it's no longer serving U.S.-domiciled customers with business and residential addresses from certain countries, including Ukraine, the company confirmed to TechCrunch. The company later revised the terms, saying the information in its help pages that said its banning founders with Ukrainian passports was an error.

"The accounts being offboarded were identified based on business and residential addresses given to us during onboarding and regular KYC/KYB refreshes, as well as frequent location of account activity (via IP addresses)," a Mercury spokesperson told TechCrunch.

Mercury made headlines earlier this year when it was caught up in federal scrutiny through one of its partners, Choice Bank, around the practice of allowing foreign companies to open accounts.

The FDIC was concerned that Choice had opened Mercury accounts in legally risky countries, the Information reported. Officials also reportedly chastised Choice for letting overseas Mercury customers open thousands of accounts using questionable methods to prove they had a presence in the U.S.

Mercury told TechCrunch in April that it was investing in its risk and compliance teams. In an apparent response to that federal scrutiny and as part of the companys ongoing commitment to compliance, the spokesperson said Monday that it recently updated its eligibility requirements and notified certain customers that it could no longer support them due to either the address(es) they provided or the locations where we recorded frequent account activity.

Some of those countries on the will-not-support list are not surprising: North Korea, Iran, Libya, Russia. (A full list can be found here.) But Ukraine is also now on the list, a country that was known for its robust-and-growing startup community, particularly before Russia invaded.

Mercury said its change in policy only applies to founders living in the country, not founders living in the U.S. with a Ukrainian passport, responding to an earlier report by Ukrainian founder Alyona Mysko, CEO and founder of Fuelfinance. Mysko posted on LinkedIn on Monday that Mercury closed her companys bank account because I hold a Ukrainian passport!

A Mercury spokesperson said that it does, and continues to, support founders with Ukrainian passports located in the United States but changed its policy to no longer support companies with founders located in Ukraine.

But the spokesperson also admitted to TechCrunch that it did, initially, say that it was banning founders with Ukrainian passports and later revised that, calling it an error.

We made an error in our help center article which incorrectly said we could not support founders with a Ukrainian passport, the spokesperson told TechCrunch.

Mysko told TechCrunch that she wrote to Mercury CEO Immad Akhund via LinkedIn and email, asking him to explain the situation. Mysko said shes now concerned that this situation is not restricted to just Mercury and is worried that it's emblematic of a problem in the whole banking system where banks dont differentiate Ukraine from Russia.

The FDIC told TechCrunch that fintechs like Mercury are not under its direct jurisdiction but did not answer our questions on whether its guidance on Ukraine had changed.

Mercury explains why it banned Ukraine

Mercury explained its decision to include Ukraine in its list of banned countries by saying it has become too complex to support the country, given current U.S. sanctions programs.

While Ukraine is not comprehensively sanctioned, several regions of Ukraine are sanctioned. We previously applied a region-based model to support as many customers in Ukraine as possible; however supporting this policy while also upholding our rigorous standards on compliance has become increasingly complex, a Mercury spokesperson said, and promised to revisit the policy in the future.

When asked what Fuelfinance was doing for a bank account, Mysko said the company secured a second bank account at Chase following the decline of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023.

She also referred to a similar X post by Ukraine-based Lemon.io CEO Aleksandr Volodarsky from Monday that referenced Mercury, saying, As a founder, you are going to eat s*** all the time, he wrote. Today on my menu is @mercury throwing customers under the bus. As a founder to founder, @immad, thanks, dude, that's some tasty s***.

Mysko said she received a response from Mercury, but the startup is not going to reinstate her company as a customer. Mercury co-founder Jason Zhang also responded to her via email, which she posted on LinkedIn, and said he agreed how unfair this situation is to founders in Ukraine; however, its an unfortunate reality that we cant support founders located in Ukraine right now.

He went on to say that the company doesnt put Ukraine in the same category as Russia. He also said that in managing Mercurys compliance and risk, and the U.S. sanctions against regions of Ukraine, there are commonalities in the controls and systems we have to put in place.

Nigerian founders in the U.S. were also impacted

Ukraine is not the only country impacted. Mercury has also included Croatia and Nigeria on its list.

Two Nigerian founders living in the U.S. narrated similar experiences to TechCrunch. According to the founders, who asked not to be named, Mercury will close their accounts in the next 30 days despite their startups being domiciled in the U.S.

It was initially unclear if Mercury is using passports, rather than local addresses, in making such decisions, however, the company has since provided comment that "Passports were not considered in these offboarding decisions."

In an updated policy, Mercury said, If you are domiciled outside of one of these countries, please reach out to support@mercury.com for assistance in opening your account.

For the founders in Nigeria, this isnt their first rodeo with Mercury. In 2022, Mercury restricted almost 30 accounts linked to tech startups in Nigeria and other African countries, most of which had already gone through U.S.-based accelerators, including Y Combinator and Techstars.

Nigeria and some affected countries on Mercurys list, including Croatia, are on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "grey list," which means theyre subject to additional scrutiny because of deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Regarding the recent development, Benjamin Dada, a fintech partnerships expert from Nigeria, told TechCrunch: But a customer from Nigeria is not on the same level as a customer from Iran or North Korea, risk-wise. Because theyve failed to put in place the right compliance infrastructure which gets their banking partners, and the partner banks regulators comfortable, they are having to do a bulk pruning of their customer base to show that they are now more conservative in customer onboarding.

African fintechs, including Raenest, Verto and Leatherback, that provide U.S. accounts to businesses will look to seize this opportunity and take in some of the affected customers.

This isnt the first time African businesses have been threatened with service disruption by the likes of Mercury, Wise. For us, Africa was on the table from the get-go from partnership to compliance, and not slotted in at the end of the conversation, Raenest co-founder Richard Oyome told TechCrunch.

Geek Ventures managing partner Ihar Mahaniok also posted on X, advising founders with Mercury accounts to open another account just in case. And to founders in general, We do not recommend opening an account in Mercury; they have proven they are not a reliable bank. Thankfully, there are plenty of better options around.

Mercury responded to Mahanioks post with the same statement it sent TechCrunch about why it has changed its policy regarding Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Mercury competitor Brex is helping venture-backed Ukrainian founders who lost their accounts. Account holders get a 50,000-point sign-up bonus after depositing $500,000 into a Brex business account and an additional 25,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $10,000 via their Brex card.

Additional reporting by Rebecca Szkutak.

Want more fintech news in your inbox? Sign up for TechCrunch Fintech here.

Want to reach out with a tip? Send an email to maryann@techcrunch.com or a message on Signal at 408.204.3036. You can also send a note to the whole TechCrunch crew at tips@techcrunch.com. For more secure communications, click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop (instructions here) and links to encrypted messaging apps.

Updated to include information on Brex and additional comment from Mercury.
By early 2024, 40-year-old Pavlo Kovtoniuk had begun to understand that Russias two-year-long full-scale war against his country would require him to serve in the army sooner or later.

But it wasnt until two months ago that he updated his personal information with enlistment authorities  after the government launched the online application Reserv+. This new app made the process quick and easy.

It took him 10 minutes to fulfill his constitutional duty online instead of the weeks he feared the classic process would take with the queues and bureaucracy at the Soviet-styled draft offices.

"The app really helped, because it simplified everything significantly, Kovtoniuk told the Kyiv Independent, referring to Reserv+, which allows a user to check whether their information is up-to-date  and updating at least some of it online if it's not.

Making the process of joining the reserve simple and convenient will make (more) people do it willingly, he added.

Kovtoniuk is one of the 3 million people who used the new government app during the 60 days given to military-aged men, female medical professionals, and pharmacists to update their personal data after a new mobilization law came into effect in Ukraine two months earlier.

The number of individuals renewing data in Reserve+, Territorial Recruitment Centres, and Administrative Service Centres.

For civilians and conscripts, the enlistment centers were previously the only way to update their information, but many were reluctant to show up due to numerous allegations of abuse, corruption, and Soviet-rooted bureaucracy at the centers.

Some of those problems have been reported again, after over half a million people had to show up at the centers anyway for their case to be processed manually due to the limited functionality of the Reserv+ app.

By July 17, when the designated term to update personal information expired, the government boasted success, claiming it now had a refreshed database of almost 4.7 million people from which it could select more troops to beef up forces and give a rest to those exhausted by more than two years of battles against Russias full-scale invasion.

The Defense Ministry added in its statement that a whopping 1 million had updated their data over the final week.

Military experts, citing government sources, said this effort has already more than doubled the monthly recruitment rate to at least 30,000 people. However, Ukraines draft numbers have never been officially published since the Russian full-scale invasion because it is considered a state secret.

Offline it would have been impossible in (the designated term of 60 days), Kateryna Chernohorenko, deputy defense minister on digital development said in a recent interview with Ukrainian media outlet Liga.net. If 2 million people went to the enlistment centers, it would take over 200 days (to process everyone).

But these results do not immediately resolve the shortage of troops on the frontline.

The adopted law mostly deals with the registration (of potential reserves), Ihor Romanenko, Ukrainian military expert and ex-deputy chief of the Ukrainian armys general staff, told the Kyiv Independent.

In this photo illustration, a mobile phone shows Information about a male of conscription age in the 'Oberih' register after updating the data in the 'Reserv+' application in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 20, 2024. (Dmytro Larin/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Ukrainian cadets look into their phones after a ceremony for taking the military oath at The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, in Kyiv, on Sep. 8, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Roman Pilirey /AFP via Getty Images)

In these very difficult circumstances, we are trying to catch up with the number (of men needed to be mobilized). There has been progress, but at the moment everything is not as we would like it to be, he said.

The effort to ramp up the draft shifted into higher gear after Ukraines parliament this April adopted new mobilization legislation proposed by the government. It lowered the minimum age of conscripts from 27 to 25 and established an online register for military-aged men  two critical adjustments in legislative changes to address the chronic troops shortage on the frontline as Russia continues its war of attrition.

The new law aims to give Ukrainian authorities an expanded pool of more physically able conscripts and make it easier to find them. But lingering bureaucratic issues and evasion continue to complicate mobilization.

Nagging bureaucracy

At one army draft center visited by the Kyiv Independent, it didnt look like a newly introduced online appointment service was as successful as the app.

Instead, men in the queue wrote their names on a piece of paper for a makeshift queue, retreating to the shadows of the nearby trees until a draft officer called for a few more to enter the building. Inside, they would join over a hundred people already waiting in other queues for a chance to update their information and present their case for an exemption.

As soon as you come to the draft center, they start the (draft) process with you. They are treating you like a soldier, said one 40-year-old man originally from occupied Luhansk. Like other men interviewed, he asked to speak anonymously, citing the matter's sensitivity.

Since his personal information wasnt in the government database that Reserv+ depends on, he was forced to come to the draft center in person, like many people from the occupied territories where databases were lost or destroyed.

However, with hundreds of people in queues amid constant interruptions from air raid alarms and electricity blackouts, it had already taken him two weeks to get through the medical commission in another building, which often involves only a handful of formal questions to speed up the process. Though the man from Luhansk has the right to a draft exemption by being a father to three underage children, the commission is obligatory for any military-aged person.

Civilian Oleksii, 34, (L) talks to a recruitment agent in a military recruitment center in Dnipro, Ukraine on May 24 2024. (Ed Ram/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Almost all people interviewed by the Kyiv Independent at the enlistment center on July 18, after the end of the government-designated term, were either receiving proof of their temporary draft exemption or applying for it based on reasons defined in the law, such as having three or more children, caring for a disabled relative, or having a proven history of illness.

Each case requires a list of supporting documents for a manual review by the enlistment office workers or medical commission.

As always, some paper is missing, said Oleksiy, 39, who also withheld his surname due to the sensitivity of the matter, as he found that he needed to bring another document to submit his draft exemption request after queuing for several hours.

Many men who dont have grounds to legally avoid the draft are staying away from the enlistment centers, even at risk of fines. In my circle, only people who are ready to go fight or have (exemption rights) have updated their info,  said a draft-aged man in his 20s from Kyiv who declined to register his data through any platform for fear of getting mobilized.

Evaders face hefty fines

Estimates suggest that millions of military-aged men continue to evade the wartime responsibility of updating their army draft personal information. Starting from July 17, they face fines in the 17,000-25,000 hryvnia range, or around $400-600. Its a sizable sum considering that the average Ukrainian monthly salary is around $530.

An accurate assessment of how many military-aged men reside in Ukraine currently is hard to come by, not least because the last government census was conducted way back in 2001.

Two recent estimates, one published by the Financial Times newspaper and another by Ukrainian publication Texty, put the number of military-aged men at 10 million or more.

A graph illustrating an estimated breakdown of Ukraine's adult male population in millions.

Officials say evaders wont be fined automatically. Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin told Radio Svoboda that imposing a fine requires a court decision.

Citing unclear legislation on the matter, lawyers predict that the process could become bogged down in legal disputes. According to publicly available judicial records, hundreds of court decisions have already been made as men challenged fines imposed on them for failing to show up to the draft centers after getting the written summons for updating their data.

Are current efforts sufficient to beef up Ukraines forces?

According to KI Insights (KII), the Kyiv Independents in-house research and advisory unit, just under 5 million of the total 10 million military-aged men living in Ukraine are estimated to be eligible for mobilization to the army, excluding disabled people, students, residents of occupied territories, and other groups unable to serve.

While there is no official data on what share of the newly registered 4.7 million qualify as candidates to be mobilized into the armed forces, experts estimate the amount to be between 1-2 million, with KII estimating it at somewhere around a third, or around 1.5 million.

That far exceeds the biggest figure of 450,000-500,000 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing military command requests, said could be mobilized this year.

Moreover, soon after his appointment in winter, commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces Oleksandr Syrsky told state news agency Ukrinform this March that this figure had been significantly reduced.

A graph illustrating social and political tensions regarding the mobilization in Ukraine.

Experts said that authorities currently aim to bring at least 150,000 new recruits into the one-million-strong armed forces this year. Even after the draft rate doubled to better match Ukraines outnumbered forces against larger Russian battlefield troop levels, it could take months before the effect reaches the frontline.

The typical lag time when looking at basic training is four weeks, plus training done by the brigade, said Michael Kofman, a military expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. Specialized training could last from weeks to two months, he told the Kyiv Independent.

But the picture should steadily improve starting this month, Kofman added.

Read also: Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Disability Pride Month: programs for individuals with disabilities at Goodwill Southern Nevada

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Goodwill of Southern Nevada recognized Disability Pride Month this July by highlighting its programs for individuals with disabilities.

Partnering with Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation and Clark County School District, Goodwill offers various programs to support participants and caregivers.

These programs include Student Work Experience, where special education students volunteer weekly at designated stores for two hours, gaining valuable exposure to real work settings. Another initiative is the Community Based Training program which will evaluate participants current skills and provide additional training to enhance their employability.

July is Disability Pride Month. (Goodwill of Southern Nevada)

July is Disability Pride Month. (Goodwill of Southern Nevada)

July is Disability Pride Month. (Goodwill of Southern Nevada)

July is Disability Pride Month. (Goodwill of Southern Nevada)

July is Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community, Goodwill wrote in a press release Tuesday.

This year marks the 34th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which aims to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

For more information about programs and opportunities visit Goodwill of Southern Nevada

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
SHUANGYASHAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The wetland scenery is breathtakingly beautiful during the midsummer season, with flocks of migratory birds gathering here in the Naoli River national natural reserve, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.




Disneyland and its employees said they had reached a tentative contract deal, averting what could have been the first major work stoppage at the Anaheim theme park in 40 years.

Members of the Master Services Council  an alliance of unions representing custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks and other Disneyland employees  on Friday voted 99% in support of a walkout.

On Wednesday, the unions' bargaining committee said it had reached an agreement with Walt Disney Co.

Read more: Disneyland workers cast ballots in strike authorization vote

"We achieved our goals  a three-year contract that contains significant wage increases for all cast members, seniority increases and the retention of premiums," the committee said in a notice posted on union UFCW324's website. "We also addressed issues that will make the attendance policy work better for cast members."

Disneyland employees havent staged a major walkout since 1984. That work stoppage lasted 22 days. The Disneyland employee contract terminated on June 16, while the California Adventure and Downtown Disney agreements are set to expire Sept. 30.

We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation," Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said in a statement.

Read more: Disneyland workers vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike

The strike vote was connected to unfair labor practice charges the Master Services Council filed with the National Labor Relations Board last month, accusing Disneyland of threatening to discipline hundreds of employees for wearing union buttons to work.

The Master Services Council maintains that wearing the buttons  which depict Mickey Mouse's raised fist  is a protected form of union activity. The company has argued that the pins violate the staff dress code and that only "a handful" of repeat incidents have led to disciplinary action, starting with a verbal warning.

Disneyland workers were seeking wage increases to keep up with inflation and reward longtime employees, as well as enhanced safety measures and changes to the company's attendance policy.

Read more: The mouse gloves are off: Disney workers to vote on strike amid contract talks

During their contract campaign, workers engaged with resort guests by passing out the forbidden union buttons and encouraging them to sign a petition in solidarity. As of Friday, the petition had amassed more than 10,000 signatures, the union said.

Last week, hundreds of Disneyland Resort employees rallied outside the entrance to the main park in Anaheim. They carried picket signs bearing messages such as "Disney, don't be the villain" and "Mickey would want fair pay!"

A ratification vote for the new Disneyland contract will be held Monday on resort property. About 9,500 Disneyland employees will have the opportunity to cast their ballots from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Disneyland union employees and Disney negotiators have reached a tentative contract agreement on a new three-year contract.

Master Service Council, representing 14,000 workers across the theme park resort, said the new contract contains significant wage increases, security increases and additional premiums.

We have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed this past week with our rally and Unfair Labor Practice vote, Disneyland Workers Rising said in a statement.

Marvels Deadpool to make his Disneyland debut

We stood up to the companys unfair labor practices and showed them that we were willing to do whatever it took to get the contract we deserved. Our solidarity and victory today sends a message to workers everywhere  when we fight, we win.

The news comes four days after union members approved a strike authorization vote after holding a protest outside the theme park resort two days before.

Disneyland cast members represented by the Master Service Council will vote on the tentative agreement on July 29.

What does the future hold for Disneylands Tomorrowland?

We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation, Disneyland officials said in a statement.

Should the cast members have held a strike, it would have been the first time workers had walked off the job since 1984.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATED: Late today unions representing 14,000 cast members at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels announced their members had voted to ratify new three-year contracts with Disney.

Todays vote is a historic win for cast members, who stood strong against corporate power and remained united in the face of unlawful actions by the company, said Ellie Gonzalez, a custodian at Disney California Adventure and Disney Workers Rising bargaining committee member. We secured historic wage increases that will allow me to build a better future for the family I am building. For the first time, we won longevity pay that recognizes our years of service to Disney and the critical role we play in making it one of the most profitable companies in the world. These victories wouldnt be possible without the strength every cast member demonstrated throughout our bargaining process.

More from Deadline

Key provisions of the agreements include:

A three-year contract;

The biggest wage increases ever. Most cast members will be receiving $6.10 over three years,

Minimum base wage rate of $24 in 2024 (or more for some classifications);

Historic longevity increases for senior cast members;

Attendance policy and sick leave improvements that give cast members more opportunities to attend to personal issues without fearing discipline;

New premiums for cast members.

The contracts go into effect immediately upon ratification.

Per a Disney statement, the agreements include a starting rate of $24/hour increasing to $26/hour over the three years of the contract. All cast members with a current rate of $19.90 per hour will receive a nearly 21% initial increase to $24.00 per hour, which will increase to at least a nearly 31% increase over the life of the contract, the company reported.

We are pleased that our cast members approved the new agreements, which, along with all we offer as part of our employment experience, demonstrate how much we value them and our profound commitment to their overall well-being.

Unions involved include the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), Teamsters Local 495, and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324.

PREVIOUSLY on July 24: Disney Workers Rising, the Disneyland unions bargaining group, said it has reached a tentative agreement with the company on a new three-year contract covering 14,000 workers at Disneyland parks and resorts.

Members of a coalition of unions repped by the Master Services Council will vote on the new deal Monday. Last week, they authorized leaders to call a strike if no agreement was reached, threatening a labor stoppage at any time. The deal announced today averts that for now.

We achieved our goals  a 3-year contract that contains significant wage increases for all cast members, seniority increases and additional premiums as well as the retention of premiums. We also addressed issues that will make the attendance policy work better for cast members, the group posted on X today. It said concerted action from big rallies to wearing union buttons to worldwide news coverage drove the bargaining.

We have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park, Disney Workers Rising said. We stood up to the companys unfair labor practices and showed them that we were willing to do whatever it took to get the contract we deserved. Our solidarity and victory today sends a message to workers everywhere  when we fight, we win.

The unions represent a wide swath of workers from ride operators, store clerks and custodians to ticket takers, parking attendants, tram drivers and others. The Disneyland contract covering about 9,000 workers expired last month. The Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney contracts for some 5,000 employees were set to expire in September.

Disney had noted that Disneyland Resort employs over 35,000 cast members, so a strike would affect only a portion of workers. The Disneyland Resort parks and hotels will remain open and ready to welcome guests if any number of our Disney cast members strike.

In a statement today, the company said, We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation.

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Workers at Disneyland reached a tentative contract agreement Tuesday, averting the immediate possibility of a strike for 14,000 workers.

The workers, who are part of the Master Services Council and include custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks and more at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels in Anaheim, had earlier voted to authorize their bargaining unit, Disney Workers Rising, to call for a strike if a contract agreement was not reached. The tentative agreement was reached after two more days of bargaining were set on Monday and Tuesday.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

We are proud to announce we have reached a tentative agreement with Disney that we will recommend to our fellow cast members. Cast members have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we all showed throughout this process and the unwavering support from guests and community members, the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement.

We have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park and today proves that when workers stand together for what they deserve, we win. We look forward to making our voices heard during the voting process to ratify this contract, the committee continued.

We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation, said Jessica Good, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort.

Members are set to vote on the contract July 29. Details of the new contract will be shared publicly after the vote.

The bargaining unit entered into negotiations with Disney on April 24, 2024, with the goal of achieving higher wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safe parks for cast members and guests.

The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired June 16, 2024. The contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members expires Sept. 30, 2024.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
A union coalition representing 14,000 Disneyland workers said it reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year deal, heading off  for the time being  the possibility of a disruptive strike at the Southern California theme park properties.

We have reached a tentative agreement with Disney, the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a July 24 statement. We have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed this past week with our rally and Unfair Labor Practice vote.

More from Variety

According to the committee, the three-year contract includes significant wage increases for all covered employees, seniority increases and the retention of premiums. The contract also addresses issues that will make the attendance policy work better for cast members, it said.

The union committee noted that the tentative agreement is not final until union members vote to accept it. We believe this three-year agreement meets our needs and delivers us the wages, seniority increases, premiums, and protections we deserve, but nothing is final until we all have a chance to review the offer and vote on it, the committee said. The union said it will vote on the tentative agreement on Monday, July 29, from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on-site at Disneyland.

Reached for comment, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said in an emailed statement, We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation.

The union coalition is comprised of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83; the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW); the Teamsters Local 495; and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324. They together represent 14,000 employees at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels in the area.

The union bargaining committee thats repping the Disneyland workers  who range from custodians and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks  entered into negotiations with the company on April 24, 2024. In May, the union announced that it filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney with the National Labor Relations Board on behalf of workers at the resort for unlawful discipline, intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union buttons at work.

On July 9, the union coalition announced that it had scheduled a strike authorization vote for Disneyland cast members. While Disneyland brands itself as The Happiest Place on Earth, the reality for park employees is largely one of economic hardship, the union said in a statement at the time. According to a survey, 73% of the cast members at the resort said they do not earn enough money to cover basic monthly expenses.

The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired June 16. The contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members expires Sept. 30, 2024.

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Nearly three years after most kids returned to in-person classes, new federal data reveals troublesome student behavior  from threatening other students in class and online to lack of attentiveness  continues to make learning recovery challenging.

Top challenges in more than half of the countrys schools were students being unprepared or disruptive in the classroom, according to the Department of Educations research arm in its 2023-24 School Pulse data release.

For 40-45% of schools, student learning and staff morale was also limited by students trouble working with partners or in groups and use of cell phones, laptops, or other tech when not permitted. In 75% of schools, students lack of focus moderately or severely negatively impacted learning and staff morale.

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Fighting and bullying were also pervasive: In about one in five schools, physical fights occurred about once a month, while weapons were confiscated at 45% of schools. Thirty percent report cyberbullying is a weekly occurrence; for 11%, it is daily.

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Researchers say while overall, key adverse student behaviors have been on a downswing compared to prior generations, such as illicit drug use, violent crime and teen birth rates, several forces are compounding for students and impacting their wellbeing: High rates of trauma, a fraught political climate, and feeling they are being left behind, unsafe or unseen in school.

Look what these students have gone through  not only the pandemic, through wars. Through a tumultuous, divisive political environment in the last six or seven years thats only intensifying between right and left, between Black and white, between immigrant and non-immigrant. [Those separations] are filtering into schools and classes, perhaps with an awareness that we have not had before, said Ron Astor, UCLA professor of social welfare and expert on bullying, school violence and culture.

Students are also witnessing state legislatures and local school boards limit what classrooms can and cannot teach, leading them to question whether they belong in their school, he said. The atmosphere is impacting families across the political divide: If parents and society see the school as teaching the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, if youre not reflected in that school  thats going to impact your attention, too.

From coast to coast, districts are weighing phone bans amid rising concerns about bullying and distractions. But some researchers say solely nixing phones without boosting mental health supports or addressing overall school culture wouldnt curb the negative attitudes students may be forming about school and the purpose of their education.

Astor said some young people are experiencing conditions like ADHD, depression and PTSD, which can manifest in dissociation. Lack of focus can also stem from feeling irrelevance, either that the subject matter is not important to their future or that some part of who they are is not represented at school.

Framing students inability to focus as the cause for delay in learning recovery, ignores the fact of why theyre maybe not motivated, why theyre not connected as they should be, why they dont see themselves in the curriculum, he added. Why, when they did see themselves, theyre being taken out or not allowed to say or do things because theyre part of an oppressed group, referencing book bans, history challenges, and restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion curricula and positions.

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Astor and Johanna Lacoe, research director with the California Policy Lab, point to several ways school leaders can address these behavioral concerns: stronger classroom management training for teachers and keeping counselor, nurse, psychologist and social worker roles filled.

Young people who are in the classroom and who are behind, frustrated and struggling are just so much more likely to check out, said Lacoe, a commissioner on San Franciscos Juvenile Probation Commission. For a teacher with 33 kids, who has maybe not that much experience managing a classroom, to teach to the range of abilities that present themselves with no support, is what were currently asking teachers to do.

How schools handle disciplinary action after cyberbullying, violent behavior, and disruptions can greatly impact student perceptions of school. Lacoe pointed to several models that help students feel belonging after an incident such as restorative justice in lieu of suspensions for low-level infractions, particularly as school leaders concerns about chronic absenteeism grow.

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More New Mexico Schools Pursuing Restorative Justice to Keep Kids in Schools

In the community school model, schools provide services such as healthcare, behavioral and housing support to children and families.

There are models at work where, youre always telling a student that they belong here even in the time of this [adverse] behavior  that they can make right what happened through a process, inclusive of the people involved, Lacoe said. You can figure out a way to resolve it that works for everyone and if possible, keeps the young person engaged at school.

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Astonishing Absenteeism, Trauma Rates Root of Academic Crisis

The vast majority of school leaders surveyed in late May by the National Center for Education Statistics  over 80%  agree the pandemics impacts are still lingering, negatively impacting the behavioral and socioemotional development of their students. At least 90% of public schools reported increasing social, emotional support offerings for students since 2021.

Students, including Astors own undergraduates, are asking, Where do I fit in this world? How do I fit in society?  I think all of this impacts your ability to focus and your attention, including your motivation.
Florida School district grades from the 2023-24 year are in and the Department of Education said schools statewide saw improvements. Duval County is holding steady with another B grade.

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There were several standout schools in Duval though, including Stanton College Preparatory, Samuel W. Wolfson High School, and River City Science Academy.

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Everyone has been working so hard throughout the school year and this is kind of our reward, Dr. Dogan Tozoglu, RCSAs founder, said.

The school started with a C grade in its first year and quickly jumped to an A and now has that grade across all six of its campuses and has maintained the score for several years. Dr. Tozoglu credits his staff.

They are not doing this work for us. They are not doing it for anyone else. They are doing it for the kids, he said.

ORIGINAL STORY: Florida Department of Education announces 2024 school grades under new school grading scale

The state said more than two-thirds of all Florida Charter Schools got an A or B. River City Science Academy said thats due to their ability to adapt to the quickly changing education field.

Duval received a B as it has for the past decade. St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties all received an A.

VIEW: Grades for all Florida Counties

VIEW: Grades for all Florida Schools

The districts only failing school this year is Annie R. Morgan Elementary. That compares to four failing schools last year. Wayman Academy of the Arts and Jacksonville Classical Academy East both failed last year, but improved to a D this time around.

Action News Jax reached out to Duval County Public Schools for a statement on this years school grades, but it was not able to provide a statement by the time this story was published.

Click here to view the Florida School Accountability Reports.

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Sheriffs deputies are investigating after they say a fetus was found in a dumpster outside a central Georgia Walmart.

The body was recovered Tuesday night at the Walmart store in the Grovetown area.

Deputies told WJBF-TV that they were contacted by Wellstar MCG Health about the fetus and thats when they discovered it in the dumpster.

The fetus did not survive, the August Chronicle reported.

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Investigators said they know who the mother is and will be conducting interviews with her, but so far, no one has been charged in this incident.

The body has been taken to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for an autopsy.

The Columbia County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate this incident.

IN OTHER NEWS:
The wreck of a 130-foot ship has been found off the coast of Wisconsin more than 130 years after it plunged to the bottom of Lake Michigan with the captain's beloved dog on board, marking yet another discovery of a vessel that went down in the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes over a century ago.

The historic Margaret A. Muir schooner was found on May 12 by a group of shipwreck hunters using historical records and high-resolution sonar, the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association said in a news release.

The team, which included Wisconsin Maritime Museum executive director Kevin Cullen, noticed something on sonar "that didn't look natural," just before they were about to call off the day's search effort, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. After a closer look, Cullen recalled thinking: "This is it! This is really it!"

A diver from the Wisconsin Historical Society collects photos for a 3D photogrammetry model of the Muir. / Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society

The Muir was lost on the morning of Sept. 30, 1893, as it headed from Bay City, Michigan, to Chicago with a crew of six men and a cargo of salt. Helmed by Captain David Clow, the schooner encountered a fierce storm and the hold eventually flooded, so Clow ordered the crew to abandon ship.

"No sooner than the order was given, the ship lurched violently and plunged for the bottom, taking Captain Clow's faithful dog and ship's mascot with it," the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association said.

The crew barely kept their lifeboat afloat by bailing water out as it drifted through 15-foot seas. Led by the expertise of their 71-year-old captain, the "freezing and soaked" crew finally made it ashore, having lost all their possessions in the shipwreck, the association said.

But the most precious lost cargo was Clow's dog, who was described as "an intelligent and faithful animal, and a great favorite with the captain and crew."

Said the captain: "I would rather lose any sum of money than to have the brute perish as he did."

The Muir was ultimately found about 50 feet underwater, just a few miles off the shore of Algoma, Wisconsin.

"It had lay undetected for over a century, despite hundreds of fishing boats passing over each season," the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association said.

Shown here is a rare internal view of the Muir's unusual stepped sternpost construction. / Credit: Tamara Thomsen, State Historical Society of Wisconsin

The three-masted ship is no longer intact. Its deck has collapsed, but all the deck gear remains at the wreck site, including two giant anchors, hand pumps and its bow windlass, the association said.

The shipwreck hunters collected thousands of high-resolution images which were used to create a 3D photogrammetry model of the site, which was posted on YouTube.

The Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association said it plans to work with state officials to nominate the site to the National Register of Historic Places  a designation that was granted to the Trinidad, a schooner that sank 12 years before the Muir and was discovered intact in the same waters in 2023.

The discovery of the Muir came just weeks after the 1886 wreck of the steamship Milwaukee was found more than 350 below the surface in Lake Michigan. Just a few months before that, a man and his daughter on a fishing trip found the remains of a ship that sank in Lake Michigan in 1871.

Experts estimate that more than 6,000 ships have gone down in the Great Lakes since the late 1600s.

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People visit the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A visitor talks with an exhibitor at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A visitor smells the aroma of coffee at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

An exhibitor promotes coffee products via livestreaming at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

A visitor learns to stir-fry coffee beans at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

An Ethiopian exhibitor makes coffee at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Visitors watch as a robot makes coffee at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A contestant brews coffee during a coffee brewing competition at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Visitors taste coffee at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A contestant brews coffee during a coffee brewing competition at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

An exhibitor talks with an expert at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

Visitors look at filter cups at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A visitor talks with an exhibitor at the pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 24, 2024.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
As an organization The National Pan-Hellenic Council announced its support of Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic nominee ahead of the Nov. 4 election. The NPHC, which is also referred to as the Divine 9, includes several historically Black Greek-letter organizations. Among them are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

We, the Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine 9), have met and agreed to meet this critical moment in history with an unprecedented voter registration, education and mobilization coordinated campaign, a statement reads. This campaign will activate the thousands of chapters and members in our respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve. This nonpartisan coordinated voter mobilization effort builds on our shared legacies of social action and service to our communities. The Divine 9 stands in unity to Get Out The Vote. We are stronger together.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by National Pan-Hellenic Council (@nphchq)

The news comes as President Joe Biden stepped down from his bid for reelection on July 21 and advocated for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the 2024 Democratic candidate. Harris invited representatives for the Divine 9 to the White House in April 2023 and earlier this year in May.

The Divine 9 will always be my family. I was grateful for the chance to meet with their leadership today.@POTUS and I commend D9 organizations for their commitment to service and excellence, and we will continue to work together to prepare and support generations of leaders. pic.twitter.com/wY6c7TZ7RO  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 6, 2023

Proud to welcome my Divine 9 family to the White House again. @POTUS and I are grateful for their leadership, commitment to service, and continued work to prepare the next generation of leaders. pic.twitter.com/zpzTdQlHkC  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 18, 2024

Harris has a personal connection to the Divine 9. In 1986, she became an AKA member while studying at Howard University. Earlier this month, she delivered the keynote address at AKAs biennial national convention in Dallas.

Throughout our history, the leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha have stood up, spoken out, and done the work to build a brighter future for our nation, including, of course, in 2020, when, during the height of a pandemic, you helped elect Joe Biden president of the United States and me as the first woman elected vice president of the United States, she said, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Harris added, In this moment, once again, our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward; to energize, organize, and mobilize; to register folks to vote and to get them to the polls in November. Because we know, when we organize, mountains move. When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history.

Since President Biden endorsed Harris as the new 2024 Democratic candidate, her campaign has raised a record-breaking $81 million in 24 hours, according to Axios. AKA helped spearhead some of the donation efforts. Several members are part of the Win With Black Women collective, which raised over $1 million just three hours after Bidens withdrawal

Divine 9 organizations typically do not endorse political candidates. Therefore, choosing to support Harris in her candidacy is a significant move for Greek letter organizations, who are now using their influence over both young voters and the Black community. These two demographics are seen as instrumental and are highly coveted by candidates in presidential elections.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) expects to start a virtual roll-call vote for Vice President Harris, if she is the only Democrat running for the nomination, on Aug. 1, and, if she wins the nomination, for her to select a running mate in advance of Aug. 7.

Harris, or any other candidate who wants to throw their hat in the ring, would have to declare their intent to pursue the nomination between this Thursday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Candidates then have to qualify, which requires 300 delegates to sign a petition of support with no more than 50 delegates from any one state, by Tuesday.

If more than one person qualifies, chairs can decide on a several-day period for candidates to make their case to delegates and the public, and voting would then begin on or around Aug. 3.

The timeline moves up to Aug. 1, next Thursday, if only one candidate qualifies, the DNC said.

The Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Harris has support from well over the 1,976 delegates needed to win the nomination, according to an Associated Press survey. No other Democrat has said they will seek the nomination after President Biden bowed out of the race.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison quickly acknowledged at the beginning of the rules committee meeting on Wednesday that Harris has received enough support from delegates, but stressed the importance of following procedure.



As a party, we have an obligation to design and implement a fair nomination for delegates to express their preferences through a vote, Harrison said.

The DNC announced Monday, the day after Biden stepped aside and endorsed Harris, that it would move forward with the virtual roll call and plans to have the presidential nominee by Aug. 7.

The DNC had previously planned to nominate Biden with a virtual roll call after Aug. 1 and ahead of the convention, which starts on Aug. 19.

The plans were initially made to ensure Biden appeared on the ballot in Ohio, but Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has since extended a key deadline there.

DNC officials, in their rules committee meeting on Wednesday, also said they have strong legal arguments and are prepared to make them to defend their virtual roll call, predicting legal challenges to their rules and procedures before and after the election.

Before Biden dropped out, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) predicted that there could be legal challenges in some states if he was not the Democrats presidential nominee.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Should doctor-patient confidentiality still apply when the patient is the president?

In a typical presidential election year, voters might wonder how the candidates views stack up on issues such as abortion, tax cuts, gun rights and immigration policy.

But this year, as a 78-year-old Republican Party nominee campaigned to replace an 81-year-old Democratic incumbent, a different question rose to the forefront of many voters' minds: What's in their medical files?

That issue eclipsed all others after President Biden's blundering performance in last month's debate against Donald Trump, triggering widespread concern about Biden's physical and cognitive health. It became even more salient after Trump sustained a gunshot wound to his ear and Biden came down with COVID-19.

Members of the Secret Service tend to former President Trump's bloody ear after he was shot at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on July 13. (Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)

When Biden withdrew from the presidential race Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) kept the health question alive by calling on the commander in chief to resign.

"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President," Johnson wrote on the social media platform X.

Biden's doctors have denied speculation that the president is being treated for Parkinson's disease or another neurological disorder. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign has released limited information about the former president's condition after he was grazed by a rifle round.

Is the public entitled to know more than either man has willingly disclosed?

In the ideal world, it would be great if there were full transparency, said Dr. Robert Klitzman, a psychiatrist and bioethicist at Columbia University. But no patient  not even a president  should be forced to share medical information they'd rather keep between themselves and their doctor, he and other experts said.

The reason is simple: A successful relationship between a doctor and patient relies on trust, and that includes trusting a doctor to not share information that might be considered embarrassing, unflattering or stigmatizing.

To be able to help a patient as much as possible, we need the whole story, Klitzman said. We need to know if the patient is depressed, if the patient cant pee, if the patients in pain, if the patient is forgetting things. We need that information to make an accurate diagnosis and figure out the best treatment to help.

Without the assurance of confidentiality, a president might well decide he's better off steering clear of doctors altogether, said George Annas, a professor of health law, bioethics and human rights at Boston University.

"You want him to have access to whatever treatment there is, and he aint going to get it if hes not going to get tested, Annas said. Thats why we keep this stuff confidential, and why it makes perfect sense to do it even though everything in you screams, I want to know whats the matter with him.

Read more: Should Biden take a cognitive test? Here's what it would  and wouldn't  tell us

The principle of doctor-patient confidentiality goes back to ancient Greece and is enshrined in the Hippocratic oath : Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private.

About 2,400 years later , the notion that a patients medical information should remain private was codified into federal law as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 , better known as HIPAA.

There are limited circumstances where doctors have a duty to disclose a certain amount of information about their patients.

For example, if a patient presents a danger to himself or others, a doctor has a duty to warn law enforcement or potential victims of the threat, said Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and educator in Harvard Medical School's program on psychiatry and the law.

If a patient has a reportable sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or HIV, that diagnosis must be shared with a public health department, along with the names of the patients past partners so they can be informed and get tested, Klitzman said.

And if doctors notice a spike in cancer cases among people clustered in a geographic area, that too is passed along for public health officials to investigate.

Read more: Column: These doctors believe Biden has a neurological disorder. So what now?

Beyond cases such as these, the consensus fades, Annas said.

Congress could try to carve out an exception to HIPAA and require presidents and presidential candidates to release their medical records to the public. But in the unlikely event that the law were to change, its unclear whether it would survive a challenge in court, said Bert A. Rockman, a professor emeritus of political science at Purdue University who specializes in the American presidency.

It raises a lot of questions to which we dont know the answers, he said.

Besides, forcing sitting and would-be presidents to waive their right to doctor-patient confidentiality wouldnt guarantee that voters learn the truth, Rockman said. A president could simply shop around for a doctor willing to obfuscate in a medical report, for instance.

There are always going to be ways to get a work-around, he said.

Even if a president is forthcoming, knowing their diagnosis wouldn't necessarily tell you much about their ability to function. A White House occupant could have a mild case of Parkinson's but be able to carry out the job just fine with proper treatment, Klitzman said.

Voters should also keep in mind that theres a difference between the president and the presidency, Rockman said.

The presidency can work even if the president is diminished, he said. In all likelihood, unless the president is completely out to lunch for some reason or another, either physically or mentally, the office itself functions.

Read more: Trump describes assassination attempt during RNC speech

Indeed, U.S. history is rife with examples of presidents concealing serious medical problems from the public.

John F. Kennedy was taking narcotic painkillers, amphetamines and steroids to treat his Addisons disease and other ailments while trying to avert a nuclear crisis with the Soviet Union in the early 1960s.

Grover Cleveland said he was going on a four-day fishing trip when he boarded a yacht in 1893 to have a malignant tumor  along with part of his jaw and five teeth  surgically removed from the roof of his mouth.

Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919 that left him partially paralyzed, bedridden and unable to feed himself for the remainder of his presidency. When pressed for details about Wilsons condition, his doctor said the Presidents mind is not only clear but very active.

It's not OK to lie to preserve a patient's privacy, Klitzman said, but that doesnt necessarily mean a doctor must reveal the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

You can say, The Presidents not feeling well today, or you can say, The President has COVID," he said. You want people to trust the government, and if people feel the government is lying all the time and we cant trust anything they say, thats not good.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Aisvarya Panakam (left) and Dr. Suchitra Chandrasekaran are sworn in Tuesday at a Senate subcommittee field hearing at Decatur City Hall. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder

Georgia native Dr. Aisvarya Panakam says she was eager to return home to finish her medical training after spending about a decade away from her home state.

But then came the U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2022 that overturned federal abortion protections, upending the nations health care landscape and her own plans.

A month after the seismic ruling, Georgias 2019 abortion law took effect, banning most abortions after about six weeks into a pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant.

Panakam, who is a graduate of Harvard Medical School, said when it came time to apply for residency programs, she prioritized opportunities that offered training in the full spectrum of reproductive care, including abortion and miscarriage management.

She said it was a bitter day when the Cumming native said she realized she was not going to find that in Georgia. Panakam is doing her medical residency at a medical center in Pennsylvania.

Personally, I feel very guilty for not coming back. This is my community, and I always wanted to come back, and I feel like I failed a lot of people as a result, Panakam said. I hope to come back one day, but I think that its difficult without changes to existing laws here.

Panakam shared her perspective as a young medical doctor at a field hearing held Tuesday at Decatur City Hall. The hearing was convened by Georgia U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committees subcommittee on human rights and is part of a series of meetings Ossoff said he plans to hold to examine the impact of Georgias six-week abortion ban.

It is vital that the public hear directly from physicians and medical experts how Georgias extreme abortion ban puts womens health and lives at risk, Ossoff told reporters after Tuesdays hearing. And I intend to continue to convene proceedings that inform the public about how the decisions politicians have made put their health at risk.

Georgias law has now been in effect for two years this month. The state Supreme Court upheld the law last year based on a narrow issue, but the question of whether the law violates the state Constitution is still pending in Fulton County Superior Court.

Tuesdays hearing focused on the impact of the six-week ban and the medical emergency exception, which is one of a few allowed under Georgias law.

Under state law, a medical emergency is defined as a condition in which an abortion is necessary in order to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or the substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.

The procedure would also be allowed when a fetus is deemed medically futile.

But practicing Georgia physicians said the wording is unclear, tying the hands of doctors and threatening the health of patients with high-risk pregnancies in a state already wrestling with higher rates of maternal deaths.

Oftentimes by the time you hit irreversible and futile, moms life is already at significant risk, said Dr. Suchitra Chandrasakeran, a maternal fetal medicine specialist who provides care for high-risk pregnancies. Youve taken away her choice and capacity to make a decision to potentially avoid hitting irreversible and futile.

This ultimately means physicians are waiting until a patients condition worsens, or they are being referred elsewhere for care. The doctors who testified Tuesday shared harrowing stories of near-misses that they attributed to the states restrictive abortion law.

Theres not a line in the sand where someone goes from totally fine to acutely dying. A lot of time it is a continuum, and doctors, because of this law in Georgia, are forced to question when can I intervene? How sick is sick enough? How much bleeding is too much bleeding? said Dr. Nisha Verma, an OB-GYN practicing in Georgia.

That delays care. That forces patients to get sicker, she said.

Chandrasakeran argued that it may take time for Georgias health care landscape to feel the full effect of the six-week abortion ban. Young doctors like Panakam are making choices now that could have a long-term impact.

I think the hard part about this is you may not see that effect two years, three years, five years, Chandrasakeran said. But then comes that pipeline: who is coming behind us? Who can we bring, who can we train, how do we build up? That impact may not be seen tomorrow or in a year, but in five to 10 years, I think this is going to be a huge impact for a state that is already struggling.

Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said she views the council chamber as a good setting for tough and important conversations like this one.

If we dont have doctors properly trained or doctors even in prenatal care, OB care wanting to practice in the state of Georgia, what is that telling us about how we value human life and women in the state of Georgia? Garrett said afterwards.

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What does censure mean in Congress? Here's what could happen if members criticize Burchett

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives could vote to censure U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett of Knoxville over his comments degrading Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

It wouldn't be the first, second or even 10th time a member of Congress has been censured. The House had censured more than two dozen representatives for reasons ranging from supporting the Confederacy during the Civil War to sexual misconduct with House pages.

Burchett has received criticism from House members before, including from those of his own party when he supported the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

He did not face a censure attempt for that, and it's unclear if Democrats will get the support they need for a censure now.

Why do some Democrats want to censure Rep. Tim Burchett?

Burchett, a Knoxville Republican, called Harris a "DEI hire," a new report says. His GOP colleagues are joining the chorus by repudiating his comments as racist and sexist.

Politico reported Democratic Reps. Tony Cardenas of California and Jasmine Crockett of Texas plan to introduce a censure resolution.

What does censure mean in Congress?

It's essentially a condemnation of a member's behavior or speech.

Thirty years before the House's first expulsion, representatives began censuring their colleagues as a way to document their disapproval.

Censures do not for a member's removal from office. Rather, they require the censured member to stand in the "well" of the House while the House speaker reads the censure resolution, start to finish. There's no real material consequence, but the side punishment could include the House speaker stripping the member's committee positions or launching an investigation.

What happens after a member of Congress is censured?

Because a censure does not remove a member of Congress from office, they may immediately return to their duties.

However, the U.S. Senate, which can also censure its members, says on its website that censuring "can have a powerful psychological effect on a member and his/her relationships in the Senate."

The same is true in the House, as members and constituents may lose trust in someone who has been censured.

How many House members have been censured?

The House has censured 27 members in its history, starting in 1832. Four of those have been since 2021.

Have any members of Congress from Tennessee been censured?

Burchett would be only the second member of Congress from Tennessee to be censured.

Rep. Roderick Butler, a Republican, was censured in 1870 for selling an appointment to the West Point Military Academy.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What is a censure in Congress and what is the punishment?
(COLORADO)  The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) announced on Tuesday, July 23 that another round of rental assistance will open on Monday, July 29.

Pre-applications will launch on July 29 at 11 a.m. and remain open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. DOLAs top priority is to serve as many Coloradans as possible equitably and efficiently.

Emergency rental assistance is available for those who have fallen behind on their rent, meet income limits and other qualifying factors, and are at risk of eviction or displacement. Those facing eviction will be prioritized.

All applicants will be entered into a random selection once the pre-application window closes. Selected applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a full application on the online portal within seven days. To be considered for assistance, applicants must be eligible for assistance and submit the completed application and all required documentation before the deadline.

The timing of submission does not impact an applicants chances of receiving rental assistance. Submitting a pre-application earlier in the application window does not increase the likelihood of receiving rental assistance.

Coloradans who are facing eviction can also call or text the CARE Center at 1 (303) 838-1200 or 1 (888) 480-0066, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to access rental assistance outside of the application window. The CARE Center assists callers as they are able.

Individuals who are homeless or facing eviction can also call 2-1-1 who can provide emergency shelter, food, rental assistance, healthcare, and more.

For more information and to find the application, click the link above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Peanut butter and jelly. Hot dogs and buns. Beer and fishing. If you thought these were all things that go well together, Carlsberg would like to kindly explain that you are wrong.

Yes, you read that right. The Carlsberg beer company today launched a safety campaign asking you not to drink and fish. And my world just imploded. Did a beer company really just call out the biggest elephant on the fishing boat?

Before we get into this much more, I need to jump back about 10 steps and share the back story.

I was scanning my email this morning when I came across a note from GearJunkies founder Stephen Regenold. His note was short and simply said, Very odd The subject certainly was: Carlsberg Launches Fishing Lure to Prevent Alcohol-Related Drownings, it said.

Wait, I thought. Carlsberg? The massive beer company that owns 140 brands doesnt want me to drink and fish?

What?

WHAT?

I did a double-take. I did a triple-take. Checked my eyes, blinked, and read on.

I wanted to share a news tip about a special fishing gear  as part of an effort from Carlsberg to warn against the dangers of drinking alcohol while fishing, read the press release.

OK, Ill concede that alcohol can be dangerous. Thats fair. And Carlsberg goes on to point out some interesting statistics. Ill drop the press release verbatim below.

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and alcohol use is a common risk factor, particularly in fatal boating and fishing-related accidents. But the dangers of mixing alcohol with fishing are not fully acknowledged. In Sweden, which boasts one of the worlds longest coastlines, over 10,000 lakes, and nearly 20% of the population engaging in sport fishing annually, a new survey by Verian, commissioned by Carlsberg Sweden, reveals concerning attitudes towards alcohol consumption while fishing. The survey indicates that 41% of Swedes are open to drinking alcohol while fishing, and 20% have done so. The attitude among men is particularly concerning, with a majority (55%) open to drinking while fishing, and 31% having already done so.  Carlsberg Beer Press Release

Is it just me, or are these numbers not even a little bit shocking? If anything, they seem low.

The idea that fish can be caught sober is one I hadnt ever considered until now, said GearJunkie hunting and fishing editor Rachelle Schrute.

Enter the Drunken Bait Fishing Lure

It would be easy to dismiss this as a head-scratching PSA, but Carlsberg didnt stop there. No, it went for the whole hog on this one. I could not have made this up if I tried:

Meet the DrunkenBait  a drunken fisherman as a fishing lure, as the brand puts it.

Before you read on, no, it is not April 1. From everything I can ascertain, this is not a joke.

Carlsberg Sweden actually teamed up with internationally renowned lure builder Claes Svartzonker Claesson to create the DrunkenBait, according to the press release.

The lure resembles a drunk person who has ended up at the bottom of the lake.

It serves as a visual warning against the dangers of drunk fishing and a reminder to anglers to choose non-alcoholic beverages when on the water, notes Carlsberg.

It has realistic drunken movement in the water thanks to the jointed waist. Meant for pike but certainly capable of catching everything from bass to barracuda, each lure is hand-painted and individually weighted by Svartzonker himself.

Fishing and alcohol do not mix well. I hope the DrunkenBait can encourage more anglers to choose non-alcoholic options while fishing. And who knows, maybe someone will catch a big pike with it too, said Claesson.

DrunkenBaits have been distributed to selected resellers, such as Sportfish Tackle. A few of the exclusive lures will be raffled off on Carlsberg Sweden and Svartzonkers social media. The proceeds will be donated to fish conservation and the Swedish Red Crosss water projects around the world. With a 500 price tag, it certainly meant more to make a statement than anything else.

Svartzonker working on the lure; (photo/Carlsberg)

As one of Swedens leading breweries, we must advocate for and contribute to responsible consumption. We have a passion for beer, not alcohol, and the risks associated with alcohol are particularly high when fishing. We are now launching an initiative together with the fishing community to encourage and remind people to choose alcohol-free alternatives on their fishing trips, says Casper Danielsson, Corporate Affairs Director at Carlsberg Sweden.

Carlsbergs Healthy, Unexpected Message

So, there you have it. One of the worlds largest beer companies just said not to drink and fish. I cannot help but feel like this guy from Star Wars.

But hey, Carlsberg seems quite earnest in its message. And in a time where more and more people are reconsidering their relationship with alcohol, its a very relevant, if unexpected, conversation.

So, if youre one of the many anglers who see drinking and fishing as intrinsically intertwined, its possibly time to consider the idea that, maybe, a fish could be caught sober.

And if not, at least wear a life jacket. Because regardless of how folks feel about alcohol and fishing, we all know booze makes people do stupid things. Nobody wants to end up as Drunken Bait.

The post Dont Drink & Fish, Says Beer Brand Selling $540 Drunk, Drowning Fisherman Lure appeared first on GearJunkie.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

TRUMP HITS HARRIS OVER CALIFORNIA RECORD

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday wasted no time attacking Vice President Kamala Harris, California and her record in the Golden State.

As the two appear to be headed toward a presidential face-off, Trump said during a press call on border security Harris failed badly in her 2020 primary campaign.

The former president said that when Harris started off, she had a little name value and came from a large place, as you know, in California before dropping like a rock as soon as people got to know her.

If she campaigns the way she campaigned then, I suspect she wont be too tough, Trump said.

He also came after Harris on criminal justice issues, painting her as weak on crime during her time as San Francisco District Attorney from 2004 to 2011.

When she was the DA she started it, shes destroyed San Francisco, which is a hell of a thing to do, Trump said.

Its unclear exactly what Trump meant by destroyed San Francisco. The city has been a target for conservative politicians due to its struggles with homelessness and drugs. The former president claimed Harris voted in favor of deadly sanctuary cities and refused to seek the death penalty against anyone.

In reality, her record on both issues is mixed.

Harris backed a 2008 policy from Gov. Gavin Newsom, then mayor of San Francisco, requiring police to report juvenile immigrants accused of committing certain crimes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a controversial issue at the time.

Her campaign later told CNN the policy could have been applied more fairly. Harris eventually changed her stance, telling CBS Los Angeles in 2015 an undocumented immigrant is not a criminal. During her presidential campaign, she pushed a path to citizenship for those benefiting from Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

As district attorney in 2004, Harris did decline to seek the death penalty in the case of a man accused of fatally shooting an on-duty San Francisco police officer. In 2014, as attorney general, Harris appealed a U.S. Circuit Court decision declaring Californias death penalty unconstitutional.

A Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with Harris office and kept capital punishment in place. However, she later agreed with Newsoms decision to place a moratorium on the death penalty during his time in office.

CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS HEAD TO PARIS

California will be well-represented at the Paris Olympics, which kicks off on Friday and runs through Aug. 11. The state is next in line to host the Summer Games, which will come to Los Angeles in 2028.

Interestingly, President Joe Bidens delegation seems to include members of Congress who supported him before his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and are also close to Vice President Harris, who hes endorsed to become the new Democratic nominee.

First Lady Jill Biden will lead the United States opening ceremony delegation, which includes Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Sen. Alex Padilla. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Harris husband, will lead the closing ceremony delegation. He will be joined by California Sen. Laphonza Butler and Rep. Robert Garcia.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Staying hydrated.

- California Rep. Eric Swalwell to reporters who spotted him emerging from votes carrying a coconut, which has become an online symbol of Vice President Harris presidential campaign.

Best of The Bee:

 Former Los Angeles mayor joins growing California governor race to succeed Gavin Newsom in 2026, via Lindsey Holden

 Does Kamala Harris run for president throw a wrench in Gavin Newsoms plans for 2028? via Nicole Nixon

 What comes next for Diablo Canyon after a budget debacle and over $1B loaned to PG&E? via Ari Plachta
Democrats preempted former President Donald Trumps visit to Charlotte Wednesday with a news conference featuring local leaders and billboards encouraging people to look up Project 2025, the infamous playbook outlining a potential conservative administration should he win the presidency in November.





Bojangles Coliseum visitors and Charlotte residents alike can see the Democratic National Committee billboards at two interstate interchanges that urge people to search Trumpsproject2025.com, a website created by the Democratic Party. Democrats frequently have pointed voters to the project because of Trumps ties to the effort, and they highlighted it again during Wednesdays news conference with Mecklenburg Democratic leaders and residents.

North Carolina Republicans call the focus on Project 2025 grasping at straws.

The billboards can be seen by north and southbound traffic on the east side of Interstate 485 at Wilkinson Boulevard. There are also billboards facing north and south on the east side of the interchange for Interstate 77 and Interstate 85.

Were empowering voters with the truth about Donald Trump so voters can get to the polls and reject Team Trump-Vances attacks on their rights, wallets, and democracy, DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman told The Charlotte Observer in an email.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 was spearheaded by conservative think tank Heritage Foundation and includes four policy objectives: restoring the family as the centerpiece of American life and protecting children, dismantling the administrative state, defending the countrys borders and securing God-given rights to live freely.

Although Trump has distanced himself from the project, saying he doesnt know who is behind it, more than 100 of his former employees were involved in writing it, according to a CNN study. The over 900-page document calls to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, place the federal bureaucracy under presidential control, add more political appointees who are aligned ideologically with the president and restrict abortion pill access.

This toxic agenda gives voters all of the proof they need that Trump and Vance arent looking out for North Carolinians, theyre looking out for themselves and the billionaires bankrolling their campaign, Rahman said.

Mecklenburg leaders speak out

Project 2025 would do irreparable damage to the country, Mecklenburg commissioners Vice Chair Mark Jerrell said during Tuesdays conference. Jerrell warned about the project restructuring the government by making changes to the Department of Education and the Department of Justice.

When we talk about making America great again  where are they trying to take us back to? Jerrell said. We are clear where were going, and were clear where theyre trying to take us.

Braxton Winston, former Charlotte mayor pro tem and current labor commissioner candidate, told voters to focus on how Project 2025 would throw working families directly under the bus. It outlines changes to overtime pay that could have a detrimental effect on North Carolina workers, he said.

Some of its overtime rule changes include: suggesting different overtime thresholds depending on the region, allowing employers to calculate overtime over two or four weeks instead of one, 40-hour week and that time to set up a home office does not qualify as overtime pay.

This is just part of Donald Trumps pattern of cozying up to large corporations and billionaires at the expense of working American families, Winston said. American workers and their families deserve much better. We have a choice this November, and honestly, it couldnt be much more clear.

Jerrell, Winston and other speakers encouraged voters to look toward Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.

Harris announced she would be running for president in November after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday. Since then, Harris has been endorsed by enough Democrats to secure the party nomination.

Both Jerrell and Winston said Democrats across North Carolina communities are united behind Vice President Kamala Harriss bid for president.

The enthusiasm weve seen so far for Vice President Harris is undeniable, Jerrell said And North Carolina Democrats are strongly united behind her. We all know that the road to the White House runs through North Carolina, and we are ready to deliver a win for Kamala Harris this fall.

Republican response to Project 2025

Former President Donald Trump is returning to Charlotte Wednesday for a rally at Bojangles Coliseum. He was last in the Charlotte area when he went to the Coca-Cola 600 this year in Concord.

Asked generally about the Democrats focus on Project 2025, NCGOP Communications Director Matt Mercer told The Observer in an email that Democrats are fear mongering because they dont have anything else to offer voters.

The Trump-Vance Administrations policies are laid out in Agenda 47, the collection of Trumps policy plans laid out on his campaign website, and the 2024 Republican party platform, Mercer said.

The radical Democrats are grasping at straws and attempting to cover up how they misled the American people about Joe Bidens mental decline and are now handing their presidential nomination to Kamala Harris, who did not earn a single vote throughout the 2024 primaries, he said in a statement. We are confident North Carolina will deliver for President Trump a third time in November.
GUANGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba here Wednesday, urging healthy and steady development of bilateral ties.

China and Ukraine are friendly countries, with their strategic partnership established more than a decade ago, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The two countries have treated each other with mutual respect and equality, and steadily advanced mutually beneficial cooperation, he said. 
Donald Trump is seen here at a campaign rally on July 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Credit - Bill PuglianoGetty Images

Donald Trump agreed to a second scheduled debate with Joe Biden for Sep. 10 on ABC News. However, now that Biden has withdrawn from the race, much speculation has risen around whether Trump will agree to debate Kamala Harriswho has announced she intends to run for Presidentinstead.

The confusion kickstarted on Monday, July 22, when author and Democrat Stephen King posted on X (formerly Twitter): Trump has announced he won't debate Kamala Harris. At the time of publication, the post has received over 18 million views. King, who has over seven million followers, was sharply criticized by the Trump team. "Stephen King is a dumba**, Trump 2024 campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung is quoted as telling Newsweek.

Kings post came after Trump had spoken out on Truth Social, his own social media platform, about being dissatisfied with the September debate being hosted by ABC. On Sunday, July 21, he wrote: 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. 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.

U.S. Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at West Allis Central High School during her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2024. Kamil KrzaczynskiGetty Images

Trump again emphasized this view on Tuesday, again misspelling Stephanopoulos' surname. ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, is not worthy of holding a Debate, of which I hope there will be many! MAGA2024, he said in another Truth Social post.

But later on Tuesday, during a conference call with the press, Trump told reporters that he would be willing to do more than one debate actually, according to Politico. He is also quoted as saying: If youre the Democrat[ic] nominee or the Republican nominee, you really have an obligation to debate.

TIME has reached out to the Trump campaign for further information and comment.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Former President Donald Trump reportedly told his nephew that he should let his disabled son just die and move down to Florida after he needed help paying for medical bills.

Fred Trump III wrote in an op-ed published by Time that his son was 19-years-old when his uncle made the comment.

Im usually pretty good at getting my head around things that other people say, even when I dont agree with them. But this was a tough one. This was my son, he wrote.

Trump III also revealed that his uncle regularly used the N-word and made more insensitive comments about using money to help disabled people with medical expenses.

In another incident, Trump III reportedly went to the White House with disability advocates in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to garner national support for caregivers. After the meeting, his uncle pulled him aside and expressed concern about money.

Maybe those kinds of people should just die, Trump III claimed the former president said, given the shape theyre in, all the expenses.

I truly did not know what to say. He was talking about expenses. We were talking about human lives, wrote Trump III. For Donald, I think it really was about the expenses, even though we were there to talk about efficiencies, smarter investments, and human dignity.

Trump III is set to publish a memoir and tell-all about his famous familys dynamics called, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got to Be This Way, on July 30.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Fred C. Trump III, the nephew of former President Donald Trump, claims in an excerpt from his upcoming memoir that his uncle told him that disabled Americans, like his own son, should just die.

The book All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, set for release on July 30, is anticipated to feature a scathing portrayal of the former president, including claims of his use of racial slurs, as seen in excerpts published by TIME magazine and The Guardian on Wednesday.

In the excerpt, Trumps nephew reveals his son, William, was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare disorder impacting his physical and cognitive development. This diagnosis inspired him and his wife to push for better education, investment, and research to understand how best to help people with disabilities.

During his uncles tenure in the White House, he said he contacted his cousin Ivanka, an advisor to her father at the time, who helped him get a meeting with members of the Trump administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump sits in front of a picture of his father Fred Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. on December 11, 2018.

Trumps nephew said he spent 45 minutes in the Oval Office with his uncle, health care advocates, and doctors, who discussed the challenges faced by their family members and patients with disabilities. After the meeting, the now-Republican nominee requested to speak with him privately.

Those people, he alleges his uncle said, The shape theyre in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die.

More: Donald Trump 3.0: Kinder and gentler, yes, but with signature warnings of apocalypse, too

I truly did not know what to say. He was talking about expenses. We were talking about human lives. For Donald, I think it really was about the expenses, even though we were there to talk about efficiencies, smarter investments, and human dignity, Fred Trumps grandson writes in his memoir.

TIME magazine and USA TODAY contacted the former president for a response to his nephews description of events but did not receive a reply.

This is not the first time the Republican nominee has been called out for making insensitive statements about people with disabilities.

During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump made fun of New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has a physical disability that affects joint movements. After facing backlash for imitating the reporters physical shaking, the former president said he was actually criticizing the reporters journalism, not his disability.

A spokesperson for the news organization expressed outrage at the time, stating that it was unacceptable for Trump to mock the physical appearance of one of its reporters.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @rachelbarber_

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nephew alleges Trump said disabled people 'should just die'
DENVER (KDVR)  Police officers, sheriffs deputies and firefighters across the state have had their fair share of wildlife encounters on the job. Sometimes its helping wrangle bears from unusual places, other days its helping a blind horse out of a canal.

On Tuesday, it was a falcon in a barbed wire fence.

CPW allows ranchers to use deadly force if wolves endanger working dogs lives

The Douglas Couty Sheriffs Office posted about the rescue mission on Facebook.

The sheriffs office said they responded to a call of an eagle stuck in a fence near Highway 85 and Daniels Park Road.

One deputy, along with animal services, was able to free the falcon and take him to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance in Sedalia. The alliance later updated the sheriffs office on the little guys condition.

deputy rescues falcon from fence

He had an initial procedure today to remove the barbed wire and will have a wound treatment tomorrow to hopefully close up the wound, the alliance told the sheriffs office.

This isnt the first time Colorado authorities have helped out wildlife.

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

In June, Douglas County Sheriffs Office deputies were called to the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur after an 80-pound black bear joined in on the festivities. Meanwhile, a blind horse was rescued from a canal by the Poudre Fire Authority in July.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dozens of congressional staffers walked out of their offices Tuesday afternoon in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress.

The informal group, part of Congressional Staff for Ceasefire, calling for an end to the war in Gaza, said the Israeli leaders presence in the Capitol disgraces the U.S. Capitol and dishonors the American values Congress has sworn to uphold.

For months, people in districts across the country have been demanding that their representatives work to bring this war to an end, the group said in a statement.

Their demands are our demands: Stop funding this war against civilians. Send meals, not missiles. Secure the release of Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians. And use the leverage the American people have paid for to establish a lasting ceasefire that will bring an end to this brutal war.

The staffers, who held red carnations to represent the civilian lives lost over the course of the war, left their offices at 1:25 pm to convene in front of the National Museum of the American Indian.

This War on Gaza is not a case of self defense, but a criminal campaign of vengeance against women and children he has forced from their homes and driven to starvation, spokesperson for the group told The Hill.

Various groups of staffers from the House and Senate met for speeches on the National Mall, facing the south of the Capitol building. Some carried a banner that read, Staff say kick the war criminal out of our Capitol.

Approximately 230 staff signed a letter last week condemning the Israeli Prime Ministers visit, saying it was an issue of mortality, not politics.

Organizers noted difficulties in turning out more staffers to join the walk out, citing concerns from their ranks over retribution from their offices. Those who were able to make the walk out said that participating in the boycott was an extension of their civil service duties.

Congressional staffers are the very people most in-touch with the communities our bosses claim to represent. As such, we have a responsibility to make ourselves heard when the words of their constituents are being ignored or derided both openly and behind closed doors, the Congressional Staff for Ceasefire spokesperson added.

The coalition, which is made up of primarily Democratic staffers, joined dozens of their members in boycotting Netanyahu.

The staff will be continuing their march to join the larger group of protesters on Pennsylvania Ave.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Last Sunday, President Joe Biden stunned the political world by announcing he would no longer seek nor accept his Partys nomination for the presidency. To put plainly, he dropped out of the race and his term will end at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

In the wake of this announcement, the persistent question seeking to be answered is why? The answer is a bit more transparent than one might think. The president was convinced by members of his Party, especially those in the Senate seeking reelection in a vulnerable seat in states like Ohio, Montana, and Pennsylvania, by big Democratic donors and supporters, and by inside polling that he cannot win in November and needs to step aside.

This decision was made roughly three months before most Americans begin early voting and the post-convention bounce presidential candidates usually enjoy in polling data. In other words, President Biden never saw the recovery from Junes debate that he expected. As you may remember, that was something argued by yours truly a few weeks.

While the June debate certainly did him no favors, the kneejerk freakout that followed from his Party along with leaks to national media, which fanned the flame, morphed into real concern. All of these negative reactions happened despite President Biden and former President Donald Trump polling closely in battleground/swing states and despite next to no data suggesting Democrats receive a boost from having someone else on the ballot.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned data, it could be argued the presidents approval rating was a large concern. Upon examination, the presidents approval rating hovers around 39%. Just to remind you, approval rating is the opinion of the people on how well the president does his job. A good rule of thumb to remember in measuring an approval rating is if its higher than 50%, the president is in good shape. If it is in the 40% range, he needs some help from Congress to pass something or a foreign policy victory to boost it, but if it is below 40%, that is not good. Based on current information and compared to past presidents, President Biden is on par with former Presidents Trump, H.W. Bush, Carter, Ford, Johnson, and Truman. All of those  at this moment in their presidencies  had approval ratings below 40% and either lost reelection or did not seek it. That may have weighed heavily on his and his inner circles mind along with understanding the historical implication of it when the president announced he would not run.

With the president out of the race, now what? That is a fair question because the primaries are over and the winner of the Democratic primaries abdicated his victory. Such a move leaves President Bidens convention delegates without obligation to nominate and support him. This means that they can support and nominate whomever they desire. Almost as soon as the president announced his was not running, he endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Partys standard bearer in the upcoming election. His and her hope was Democrats would coalesce around the vice-president in hopes of avoiding a messy floor fight at the convention. So far, the strategy worked as several Democratic candidates and officeholders announced their support for Vice President Harris to be their nominee.

One other issue to address is the timing of this announcement. Why did the president wait until this past week to say he was not running? There is much to speculate and until we get a clear

picture after it is all said and done, we will never know. With that in mind, we must remember President Biden has been in national politics for over 50 years. He knows a thing or two about national trends and so with that in mind, it must be considered that he wanted to do all of this after the Republican National Convention. Such a move would take media attention away from former President Trump, President Biden and his age, and place it squarely on Vice President Harris and her candidacy. That is exactly what happened.

The ones who are disappointed the most by President Bidens announcement were not his family or even Democrats but rather Republicans and the former president. It is, as if, they wanted to enact revenge on the current president for defeating Trump in 2020 and their long awaited, desired rematch will not happen. Their deflation over the announcement led them to refocus and call for the president to resign. Make no mistake, the Trump campaign will roll out attacks against the Vice-President but the GOPs disappointment remains.

Regardless of the aforementioned, the race for the White House continues. Democrats will meet in Chicago for their convention and  unless a dark horse candidate emerges to swoon delegates  that is where Vice President Harris will become the Democratic nominee for president. Former President Trump will continue his campaign and come mid-September polling data in battleground/swing states will begin to matter. It looks like  barring any more surprises  the race for 2024 is set.

Drew Landry is an assistant professor of government at South Plains College.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Drew Landry commentary on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris transition
Witnesses and nearby home owners reported hearing explosions and seeing "multiple fireballs"

A New Jersey tractor-trailer driver died in a fiery explosion in New Jersey on Monday, July 22, according to authorities.

The 55-year-old man from Linden, N.J., who has not been publicly identified, was found dead inside of the truck, per a Passaic County Prosecutors Office news release. He was driving a commercial tractor-trailer on Route 3 in Clifton when it crashed into a barrier and burst into flames.

Officials at the scene said that before the truck was rear-ended by a bus before it crashed into the barrier, according to WCBS-TV and WNBC.

None of the 29 riders on the bus were injured, Clifton City Manager Dominick Villano told NJ.com.

The crash ultimately led to lane closures and heavy traffic delays for the remainder of the day. Route 3 reopened on Tuesday, July 23, following overnight repairs paving the damaged Route 3, as well as repairing its guardrail and installing fencing and construction barrier, per local station KABC-TV.

Due to close proximity of the explosion to homes on nearby Normandy Road, vinyl siding melted while flames engulfed backyards and storm drains, per the outlet. However, no structural damage has been reported.

Related: EMT Dies After Being Struck by Car While Helping Crash Victims on Her Way Home from Shift

Victor J. Blue/getty Vehicles travel along Route 3 in Clifton, N.J. on Thursday June 17, 2021.

Witnesses and nearby home owners reported hearing explosions and seeing "multiple fireballs," per WCBS-TV.

"There were actually multiple fireballs, Clifton resident Anup Patel told the outlet. It wasn't just one big one.

"I felt three explosions in my house. I thought it might have been an earthquake again," fellow resident Mary Ann Zimmerman told KABV-TV.

Added NJ Transit passenger Tom Ostendorp, "I kind of just thank God that the bus kept going forward. Because if we hadn't, and we were adjacent to the truck, could be a different story."

Related: Woman Dies After Fiery Car Crash That Caused Fireworks in Trunk to Go Off: 'Catastrophic Scene'

Getty Stock image of blue flash light of police car against red fire truck

Although it remains unknown what exactly was on the truck, officials said it had placards on it that stated it was carrying an explosive chemical, per WNBC.

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 Passaic County Prosecutors Office, which did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, is investigating the crash.

Anyone with additional information about this incident to contact their office's tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org



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Read the original article on People.
TEL AVIV, IsraelJust past 3 a.m. on Friday morning, the buzz of an engine followed by a massive explosion woke Israelis across the countrys second largest city of Tel Aviv. Near the site of the blastcaused by the detonation of an explosive droneshrapnel punctured nearby structures and the shockwave shattered windows, including those in some units of my apartment building 250 feet away.

Ten people were treated for injuries and one man, 50-year-old Yevgeny Perder, died in his home when the Iranian-made drone struck near a residential building. The air raid sirens, which typically alert Israelis to incoming attacks, failed to sound.

By sunrise, the HouthisIranian-backed rebels in charge of parts of Yemenhad taken credit for the lethal strike, which hit a block from the U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv. The terror group has been behind a series of disruptive attacks on commercial vessels in international waterways since November, ostensibly in response to Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, and continues to threaten global shipping despite multiple U.S. air campaigns against Houthi sites. The Yemeni militants have also targeted Israeli cities repeatedly, though Friday marked its first deadly breach of the countrys sophisticated air defenses.

In response, Jerusalem launched its first-ever strikes against the militants in Yemen on Saturday, sending warplanes to hit Houthi facilities some 1,120 miles from Israeli territory. The campaign targeted the Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says is used by Iran to transfer weapons to the group. At least six people reportedly died as a result of the attack, local officials said.

The fire currently burning in Hudaydah is seen across the Middle East and the significance is clear. 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, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Saturday. The blood of Israeli citizens has a price. This has been made clear in Lebanon, in Gaza, in Yemen, and in other placesif they dare to attack us, the result will be identical.

A residential building in central Tel Aviv shows blown-out windows and other damage from the blast caused by a Houthi drone attack on July 19, 2024. (Photo by Charlotte Lawson/The Dispatch)

Yet the Houthis efforts to hit Israelis at home have persisted, after its spokesman declared open war with Israel on Sunday. That same day, the IDF said it had intercepted a ballistic missile shot from Yemen toward Israels southernmost city of Eilat. The group also launched attacks on ships traversing the Red Sea over the weekend and, thanks to Iran, it is well-equipped to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

The rebels now boast a formidable arsenal of long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, including Iranian-made unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that have been used by Russia to devastate Ukrainian cities and by Iranian proxies in Syria and Iraq to attack U.S. forces. In January, one such drone successfully struck Tower 22 in Jordan, killing three American reservists in the first deadly aerial assault on U.S. ground troops since the Korean War.

According to an IDF investigation, the Tel Aviv attack was also likely carried out using an Iranian-made dronea modified Samad-3 modelwhich used a GPS system to travel over the Red Sea to Eritrea before flying over Sudan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea to attack Tel Aviv from the west. The military said it was tracking a drone coming from an Iranian-backed group in Iraq around the time of the attack, pointing to likely collaboration between the proxies. Despite detecting and tracking the Houthi projectile for at least six minutes, air traffic controllers didnt classify it as a threat, allowing the UAS to break through due to what the IDF said was human error.

The Israeli air force has since doubled the number of operators assigned to monitoring radar systems and increased its aerial patrols, but the breach demonstrated the complex challenge posed by Iranian attack drones, particularly when used in concert with other projectiles or launched simultaneously by multiple militants. The systems fly slow and low, and often along indirect routes, making their detection and interception more difficult than other aerial weapons like rockets. In northern Israel, Hezbollah has used the unmanned systems to target Israeli troops stationed along the border with Lebanon with deadly effect.

You have to remember that Israelis are facing a multifront war. Theyre concentrated on whats happening in Gaza, on whats happening in Lebanon. The West Bank is inflamed and of course, we have threats from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. So theyre stretched thin, Joe Truzman, an analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told The Dispatch. He called the fact that Friday marked the Yemeni groups first deadly attack after months of thwarted attempts a real testament to Israels aerial defense system and its air force.

Yet the Houthis are unlikely to be easily deterred. Like Hamas, the terrorist army is willing to bring down an asymmetrical war on its people if it means furthering its ideological goals. The Shiite group grew its influence in Yemen throughout the 2010s before seizing control of swaths of territory, including the countrys capital, Saana, in 2014. Like Iran, which saw in the group an opportunity to expand its own regional influence, the Houthis espouses a deeply anti-West, anti-Israel worldview. Their flag bears the Arabic slogan: God is great, death to America, death to Israel, a curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam.

The fighters war on global shipping has persisted despite U.S. air campaigns and is unlikely to slow with Israels latest attack on Hudaydah.

Even though it was a blow against the Houthis, its absolutely not going to deter them. I wouldnt be surprised if it actually encourages them to continue this campaign of firing at commercial shipping vessels, Truzman said. And they will absolutely try to hit Tel Aviv again.

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.
YINCHUAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Ningxia, a northwestern Chinese region encircled by deserts, has long been at the forefront of the battle against desertification.

China's desert management has evolved dramatically from the inception of a wheat straw grid sand fixation method in the 1950s to the modern straw checkerboard sand barrier laid with brush net rope.

Shapotou, located at the southeast edge of the Tengger Desert, is named for its once towering dunes, each over a hundred meters high. It is also where the desert and the Yellow River meet, with the river rushing on one side and the yellow sand lying high on the other.

Not far away, wheat straw grids crawl on the dunes, building a grass wall that imprisons the flowing sand and prevents the desert from invading the Yellow River.

In 2019, a team led by researcher Qu Jianjun from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed the updated version -- straw checkerboard sand barriers laid with brush net rope. This breakthrough involves using machinery to weave wheat straw into brush-like straw ropes, achieving mechanized production in key processes, saving manpower, and facilitating large-area sand prevention and control.

The new straw checkerboard's production efficiency is over 60 percent higher than that of the manually tied grass grid, effectively reducing the engineering costs of sand prevention and control. Its durability is also higher than that of the manually tied one, with a service life extended from three to six years, and it can be reused.

Nowadays, in the Tengger Desert to the northwest of Ningxia's Zhongwei City, workers are pushing grass-tying vehicles to lay such sand barriers. As two round grass-pressing blades roll over, the wheat straw laid on the sand is precisely planted into the sand, weaving into a golden sand barrier.

Tying the grass grid is the first step in sand fixation. Seedlings and grass are then planted in the grid to form a permanent barrier against moving sand dunes.

Tang Ximing, who has been engaged in sand control for 34 years, invented an iron seedling tool that can plant a tree in a few seconds without the need for additional watering.

This invention has increased the survival rate of seedlings by 25 percentage points compared to the traditional method, and greatly improved the efficiency of afforestation.

In 2017, this innovation was promoted to other regions, including Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi and Gansu.

Starting in 2023, Tang upgraded the tool to an electric seedling planter, further increasing the efficiency of tree planting.

"In the past, a skilled worker could dig a tree hole in three or four minutes, but now, with the electric seedling planter, a tree can be easily planted in less than 10 seconds," Tang added.

Over the past half century, the increasing array of homegrown technologies has enabled Ningxia to achieve remarkable results in combating desertification.

According to the sixth national survey of desertification and land degradation conducted in 2022, the desertified and sandy land areas in Ningxia decreased by some 154,000 hectares and 121,400 hectares respectively compared to the figures recorded in 2015, indicating a significant improvement in the local ecological environment. 
Durkee Fire in Oregon becomes largest active wildfire in the U.S.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Durkee Fire burning in Eastern Oregon is currently the largest active wildfire in the United States, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center.

National data show Oregon firefighters are battling the four largest wildfires in the country as of Wednesday morningincluding the Durkee, Cow Valley, Falls, and Lone Rock fires.

Oregon is currently the top wildfire priority in the U.S.

All four fires qualify as megafires, meaning they have reached a size of at least 100,000 acres.

1. Durkee Fire

Location: Baker County

Size: 239,255 acres

Containment: 0%

2. Falls Fire

Location: Harney County

Size: 139,507 acres

Containment: 40%

3. Cow Valley Fire

Location: Malheur County

Size: 133,490 acres

Containment: 91%

4. Lone Rock

Location: Gilliam County

Size: 131,407 acres

Containment: 40%

The Durkee Fire doubled in size earlier this week after a lighting strike sparked the first flame on Thursday, July 18. Fire officials expect extreme fire behavior and growth on Wednesday as the area continues to be under a Red Flag Warning and Flash Flood Watch due to the potential for severe thunderstorms and wind gusts of 70-75 mph.

Portlanders protest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahus address to Congress

Last week, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a wildfire state of emergency to free 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, adding that this summer could be a long wildfire season.

Daily reports released by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which helps coordinate the deployment of firefighting resources in Oregon and Washington, show the federal government has given the region the highest level of priority for receiving additional firefighters.

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.
Eagle Road may soon have a lower speed limit  sometimes. But Meridians mayor wants more

Eagle Road in Meridian has experienced an average of 398 crashes every year since 2019, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

ITD is proposing a two-year pilot project that would introduce variable speed limits on four miles of the highly trafficked road during peak travel times.

The proposal includes additional safety signs, the prohibition of left turns that have no traffic signals, and the variable speed limits, ITD Public Information Officer Sophia Miraglio told the Idaho Statesman in an email.

The pilot project area would stretch from State Highway 44 south to Interstate 84, a 6-mile stretch with 18 traffic signals, Miraglio said. The variable speed limits would be installed on the four-mile stretch from Franklin Road to Chinden Boulevard at least every mile, she said.

About 60,000 vehicles travel on Eagle Road, which is a segment of State Highway 55, each day, twice as many as in 2000, according to ITD.

A roadside memorial on North Eagle Road in Meridian urges that the 55 mph speed limit along the congested corridor be reduced by the Idaho Transportation Department.

How variable limits would work

The variable speed limit signs would have an embedded LED number panel that would allow ITD to set daily times for cautionary reduced speed limit of 45 mph, Miraglio said. At nonpeak times, the signs would revert to 55 mph, the current limit.

Such signs have been used in temporary construction zones on Interstate 84 in Canyon County and the Magic Valley, Miraglio said.

This would be the first variable speed limit corridor on a six-mile long, signalized urban highway corridor in the United States, according to ITD.

Miraglio said ITD does not expect that the variable speed limits would have a big impact on driving times, because traffic is already slower during congested hours. Instead, it would provide drivers safety information to increase their awareness to help reduce crashes, she said.

ITD, mayor still differ over speed limits

Meridian Mayor Robert Simison has pushed ITD to lower the speed limits.

While it has taken a year to get here, I appreciate ITD bringing an innovative solution to safety concerns on Eagle Road to their board for consideration, Simison said in his 2024 State of the City address on June 5.

Simison said this is a much-needed change to improve safety and allow enforcement by our officers when necessary. He said the city hopes to lower the speed limit on Eagle road to 45 mph full time in the near future.

But ITD and Simison are still not on the same page.

City spokesperson Stephany Galbreaith told the Idaho Statesman that most people who have contacted the city about Eagle Road have been in favor of slower speeds. Lower speed limits would lessen the risk and impact of accidents, Galbreaith said by email.

Miraglio said lower speed limits alone dont necessarily increase safety, which is a challenging misperception. She said maintaining smooth traffic flow increases safety.

Distracted drivers on State Highway 55 are a factor in the high number of crashes every year, Miraglio said.

There are significant portions of the day and night which are not congested, Miraglio said. The speed limits will not be revised.

What happens next

ITD said it plans to hold two public meetings on the proposed pilot project to gather feedback from residents and businesses in August. Dates and times are still to be determined.

If the plan moves ahead, the additional safety signage and removal of unsignalized left turns would be implemented this fall and winter, while the variable speed limit system would be installed in the spring or early summer 2025, according to Miraglio.

The results from the pilot project and the publics suggestions will determine whats next for Eagle Road, Miraglio said.

ITD has not decided how the success of the pilot project would be measured, but it has a robust data collection system to keep track of the results, she said.

Is Eagle Road unsafe? Meridian mayor, council want lower speed limit. State wont budge

It is too fast: Meridian officials slam Idaho Transportation Department over Eagle Road

Oregon wildfire closed I-84 on Sunday. More closures could happen this week as it grows

Records reveal info on how Ada County detective crashed rushing to aid shot deputy
EAST BRUNSWICK - The Township Council has awarded two contracts totaling $30 million to build a municipal ice arena.

But Mayor Brad Cohen said the bids came in less than what the Township Council approved a bond for.

Last summer, the Township Council approved a $40.3 million bond to fund the project at the old Wonder Bread site at 110 Tices Lane. The total project cost is approximately $53 million, but that figure is reduced by $10 million for site improvements and the cost of the land (compliments of Garden Homes Development, the developer of Legacy Place) and another$3 million received from a state grant.

A groundbreaking is expected in the fall.

The Township Council unanimously approved on Monday a contract to build the 83,900-square-foot arena to Terminal Construction Corp., of Wood-Ridge, in an amount not to exceed $26,535,000.

A rendering of the East Brunswick Ice Arena.

Get ready for the Middlesex County Fair: Everything you need to know

Eight bids were received that ranged from $26,535,000 to $29,975,000.

According to its website, Terminal Construction Corp. has a diverse portfolio of work in New Jersey and the New York Metropolitan area, including Perth Amboy High School, Piscataway Community Center and Rutgers Stadium, now known as SHI Stadium.

The Township Council awarded a contract not to exceed $3,950,000 to Ice Builders Inc., of Liverpool, N.Y., for the two indoor ice rinks which includes refrigeration, mechanical systems, concrete slabs beneath the ice and required features.

According to its website, Ice Builders Inc. has more than a century of combined experience and is one of the most experienced ice rink engineering, construction and renovation companies worldwide.

Cohen also said it was an "extraordinary long" process to award the contracts because the government requirements for public bidding of a large project are extensive.

A rendering of the East Brunswick Ice Arena

More: East Brunswick Police Department hiring certified, non-certified officers  how to apply

In January, the Township Council approved a resolution authorizing a $58,355 contract to Wisconsin-based B32 Engineering Group for the design of ice-related systems at the arena, which will feature two NHL-sized rinks.

Design plans for the facility were created by DMR Architects. Design of the ice rink systems will be based on the conceptual design produced by MacLaughlin Management.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: East Brunswick will spend $30 million to build ice arena
East Ramapo has a new fiscal monitor, Shawn Farr, the New York State Department of Education announced Tuesday. The district has been under the watch of a monitor team for several years to address East Ramapo's ongoing financial struggles and educational challenges.

In announcing the appointment, state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa made clear her disappointment with leadership of the district serving the greater Spring Valley area.

East Ramapos Board of Education continues to ignore the needs of the districts children and families," Rosa said in a statement. "The district consistently fails to meet its most basic and necessary fiscal and operational tasks, like developing and implementing a balanced budget, transporting students, and maintaining an educational environment that is safe and welcoming for all students and staff."

Like current East Ramapo education monitor Shelley Jallow, Farr's roots are in Rochester. Farr is retiring as CFO of Rochester City School District. Jallow joined East Ramapo's monitor team in 2023, after serving as a monitor for Rochester city schools. The two worked together there.

Rosa said of Farr: "I am confident he will help get the district back on track for the sake of the students and their families.

The previous fiscal monitor, Bruce Singer, left in June.

"I'm delighted that he's coming," said Oscar Cohen, co-chair of the NAACP Spring Valley Chapter's Education Committee. "We're looking forward to working with him." Cohen noted that the district has many open senior administration positions, and Farr's experience as a district CFO could help.

Students held signs letting the school board members what they want during the budget meeting at the East Ramapo Central School Administration Building in Spring Valley on Tuesday, Jun 4, 2024.

What does it mean to be a fiscal monitor in a NY school?

Farr, like Jallow, will serve as an ex-officio member of the board of education. In New York, four districts are under state monitorship, with duties that include:

Annually updating the districts long-term strategic, academic and fiscal improvement plan, in collaboration with the board of education, and reporting to the state education commissioner any violations of those plans.

Reviewing proposed budgets and recommended to the commissioner any needed changes.

Recommending cost-saving measures.

East Ramapo's monitors have stronger powers; district monitors can:

Override proposed or adopted resolutions and submit their resolutions for adoption if the district is in violation of law or not following the approved long-term strategic academic and fiscal improvement plan.

Reject the appointment of a superintendent; the district currently has an interim superintendent, Anthony DiCarlo, appointed after the school board failed to renew the contract of the former superintendent, Clarence Ellis.

Require training for board members and school district officers.

Strains on East Ramapo

Myriad factors have strained district finances. The last fiscal monitor repeatedly warned that East Ramapo faces a looming deficit as costs for universal busing and other expenses grow. Meanwhile, East Ramapo's bond rating, one step above junk, has essentially cut off the kind of short-term borrowing that is standard in most governments and school districts.

While costs have grown, including universal busing for some 40,000 kids who live in the district, the local tax share has been stagnant. District voters for the first time in about a decade voted to increase the tax levy this year, after a string or rejected or 0% tax-levy increase budget plans.

Parents of students showed up with signs for the budget meeting at the East Ramapo Central School Administration Building in Spring Valley on Tuesday, Jun 4, 2024.

Meanwhile, infrastructure in the district is strained; even with a massive building project paid for with $90 million in federal COVID-era funding, district officials have said at least $200 million more would be needed to make repairs to its 14 school buildings.

Conditions were so bad for so long that water fountains have been turned off for eight years, left unrepaired after high levels of lead were detected. District officials have said the repairs should be done by fall 2024.

The district serves more than 10,000 public school kids, more than half of whom are English language learners, and more than 30,000 private school children, most of whom attend yeshivas. Both student populations are growing fast.

With limited resources, a majority of school board members are often seen by the public school community as favoring the yeshiva community. Meanwhile, the public schools have the highest student homelessness rate in the state and lowest graduation rate in the Lower Hudson Valley.

DiCarlo, the interim superintendent, welcomed Farr to the district in a statement Wednesday. "Working closely with Dr. Jallow and our administrative team, Mr. Farr's deep expertise in school finances will help to place ERCSD on a path to academic and fiscal health."

Rochester city schools, where Farr served as CFO since August 2022, has around 20,700 public school students. About 16% of its student population are English language learners; 51% are Black or African American; 34% are Latino or Hispanic; and 9% are white. The district has a 67% four-year graduation rate.

About 75% of East Ramapo's public school students are Latino or Hispanic, 18% are Black and 4% are white. East Ramapo's four-year graduation rate is 63%.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New East Ramapo NY schools monitor appointed as Betty Rosa slams board
JOHNSON CITY, (WJHL)  A nonprofit organization dedicated to filling the housing needs of people in Northeast Tennessee welcomed people to an open house at its new location in Jonesborough.

For more than 20 years, Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation provides housing services to people in Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Washington and Unicoi counties.

Man lands record cutthroat trout near Boone Dam

On Wednesday, Eastern Eight welcomed people to its recently completed townhome units on Kirk Lane in Jonesborough.

We finished six townhome units, and theyre all ownership units, Sherry Trent, the Executive Director of Eastern Eight, said. So were just here to showcase what weve done. And weve sold four of the units. We still have two available. Were just kind of showing off what we do and showing people what affordable housing can look like in our area.

Trent said the nonprofit keeps the cost of living in the townhomes flexible for those who apply to live there.

Each one is individual, Trent said. So we look at their income, what their needs are and try to put the pieces together to fit a product for them. So if they can afford $800 or $900 a month, then we usually can make something work in a new construction like this.

Trent said providing affordable housing is critical to the success of the region.

Our workforce is getting priced out of homeownership, she said. I mean, theres very few rentals, much less being able to buy a home today. So a market right home is probably going to be $2,500 for this caliber, where we can piece it together and make it work for $800-$900.

The nonprofit helps families and individuals with homeownership, affordable rental housing, homebuyer education and financial counseling.

To learn more about Eastern Eight, its mission and how to apply for assistance, 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
A barbed-wire fence surrounds a section of the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix in Collegeville, Pa. Pennsylvania state legislators have considered at least six second look bills this session, but none of them advanced. Jacqueline Larma/The Associated Press

Lawmakers across the country have considered legislation this year that would allow courts or parole boards to reevaluate a persons long prison sentence and decide whether they can be safely released into society.

The bills, known as second look legislation, often focus on older populations, people sentenced as minors, or those whose crimes might have had a mitigating factor such as self-defense against domestic violence.

As Americas prison population both ages and increases, the second look movement has gained interest as a way to reduce overcrowding and potentially save money. Both Republicans and Democrats have sponsored the bills, but some advocates and prosecutors say the laws could retraumatize crime victims and further burden a strained court system.

Still, at least one second look bill, in Oklahoma, was signed into law this year. The new law, which is set to go into effect soon, requires judges to consider whether domestic violence was a mitigating factor in a crime. If so, a defendant would be eligible for a lighter sentence compared with the usual mandatory ranges.

We showed that you can pass significant criminal justice reform inside a conservative state, Republican state Rep. Jon Echols, one of the bills sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline. I think we did a lot of good with the legislation we did, and Im hoping more states follow.

The Oklahoma law has a retroactive clause for current inmates. People who are now serving time can file a resentencing request once the law goes into effect.

Some sentencing experts and criminal justice advocates think second look legislation could draw bipartisan support because the measures aim to address prison overcrowding and overspending by releasing people who are least likely to reoffend.

It can be a way to address excess spending, said Liz Komar, sentencing reform counsel with The Sentencing Project, a nonprofit criminal justice research and advocacy group. We can reinvest scarce public safety dollars from being uselessly employed to keep people who are zero risk in prison to instead prevent crime in the community.

At least 12 states already have second look measures in place, according to the groups legislative tracker. The existing second look laws vary, with some allowing courts to reconsider sentences based on conditions such as an offenders age at the time of the offense and amount of time served, and others allowing prosecutors to request the court reconsider a sentence.

Some prison sentences currently include parole, which allows early release after serving part of a sentence. Those eligible for parole typically must be interviewed by a parole board and, if approved, meet certain conditions while serving the remainder of their time in the community.

But at least 17 states have abolished discretionary parole for all or most offenses, according to Campaign Zero, a nonprofit social justice organization. This means people convicted of an offense in those states will not receive a parole-eligible sentence. Some of those states, however, have enacted second look measures that could allow people to be released.

Momentum and pushback

Avenues for early release, such as clemency or compassionate release, have been around for hundreds of years. But interest in second look legislation has grown over the past five years, according to Maria Goellner, the director of state policy at Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a nonpartisan criminal justice advocacy organization known as FAMM.

Debate over second look policies has been intense. Some prosecutors, victim rights groups and family members of crime victims have voiced concerns that victims and their families could be retraumatized by the resentencing process.

Why have a justice system if were going to circumvent these decisions, and try to come back and let these people get out of jail?

 Michael Grey, whose son was killed selling a phone

Some fear that these policies could be abused. Others worry about overburdened prosecutors having to handle an influx of resentencing cases.

In Virginia, a Senate bill proposed a new resentencing mechanism that would allow inmates convicted of crimes such as arson, rape and some types of murder, to petition for reduced sentences. Those convicted of aggravated murder would not be eligible.

Crime victims and prosecutors would have to support an inmates petition before a hearing could be granted, and a judge would make the final decision.

In emotional hearings earlier this year, some crime victims pleaded for Virginia lawmakers to reject the bill.

To allow criminals to have an ability to petition to come back out, and to put victims back in the same courtroom that we were in 10 years ago, 15 years ago, 20 years ago  Im not a proponent. You just dont understand, Michael Grey, whose son, Joshua, was murdered, said during a hearing in early February.

Joshua Grey was killed in 2018 while trying to sell an iPhone.

The impact  its with us every day. That was over five years ago, Michael Grey said. Why have a justice system if were going to circumvent these decisions, and try to come back and let these people get out of jail?

The bill passed the Virginia Senate on a 21-19 party-line vote and was approved to carry over to next year in the House.

Supporting crime victims and families

Another family member, Nancy Leichter, supports second look laws, though she didnt always feel that way. Her father, Leonard, was the victim of a carjacking in 1980 in Pennsylvania. The perpetrators dropped Leonard off at a phone booth upon discovering he had a heart condition, allowing him to call for help, but he died of a heart attack about three hours later.

My mother lost the love of her life, Leichter recalled. She was never the same, so it was like we lost two parents, and we were just sort of trying to put the pieces of our lives together. We were just happy that they were away  that they were in prison.

More than 35 years later, one of the perpetrators was set to be released; the two other men involved, Pennsylvania brothers Reid and Wyatt Evans, remained in prison to serve the rest of their sentences of life in prison without parole. When Leichter reflected on the compassion theyd shown her father by dropping him off and thought about them dying in prison for a crime theyd committed in their teens, she stepped in to help. The brothers were released in 2021.

I can be both heartbroken at this profound and enormous loss, but I can also be heartbroken by the unfairness of the harsh sentences that [the Evans brothers] received, said Leichter, who testified in support of a bill last year that would have changed how Pennsylvania handled pardons.

Some state legislators have incorporated language into their bills to address concerns about supporting crime victims.

A House bill in Washington state, for example, would have created a victim fund to support survivors, in addition to allowing judges to review and shorten long prison sentences, including life sentences. The bill passed the House but did not receive a Senate committee hearing.

Its really just an opportunity to be heard  for a judge to look at all of the facts of the case and consider whether that person should be resentenced in the interest of justice, Democratic state Rep. Tarra Simmons, the bills sponsor and the first formerly incarcerated lawmaker in the state, said in an interview. My goal in life is to bring healing and justice to all communities.

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Organized religion loves a martyr, and if politics is the new religion, the stronger the martyr narrative, the more compelling the candidate. Thats how weve ended up with so many cringey political moments where Ivy League graduates take turns arguing over whose country club and cul-de-sac upbringing was more hardscrabble. (As somebody who actually grew up lower middle class, I consider this a form of stealing valor.)



The Trump The Martyr narrative has only grown since his entrance to public life via escalator in 2015. The fact that Trump had a documented rap sheet of screwing people over and abusing the tax and bankruptcy code prior to his candidacy didnt matter; during his first two presidential campaigns, Trump and his surrogates told tall tales of his financial sacrifices, the idea that he could be making a lot more money if he just stuck to slapping his name on vodka and for-profit universities. Trump wasnt in it for himself; no, he was drawn to public service at great personal expense because he loves America that much.

The mid-July assassination attempt on Trump gave that narrative a dose of European Sudafednow, Trump was not only risking his wealth to save America, he was risking his life, Jesus-like. As if MAGA world needed to feel more culty, with Trumps wounded ear, it got its own gauzy crucifix just in time for the Republican National Convention. His followers are now wearing bandages on their ears, since he has one, too.

At the RNC, as a parade of MAGA stars showed off the work of their overzealous aestheticians, arranging their frozen faces the best they could into expressions that approximated sincerity, a narrative emerged: Not even an assassins bullet could keep Trump from running for president. Not even a couple square inches of bandage on his ear could keep him from a stadium full of worshippers and a chance to be on television. What a patriot. For Trump so loved the world that he gave two centimeters of his ear. He was willing to shed several drops of blood for his country, finally, at age 78. The crowd of people a few tax brackets below those who could afford Juvederm and enormous veneers, worshiped with pentecostal fervor.

But then!

President Joe Biden announced on July 21st, out of the public eye and away from TV cameras, that he would not be seeking reelection. Many professional political opinionators have pointed out that Bidens decision to choose his country over his political career was an act of patriotism like LBJ without the mean streak. I can't say if it was patriotism or finally running out of energy to fend off accusations that he was too old and too scattered to be a viable candidate for president, but of this Im certain: his decision to step aside was an act of selflessness that highlights a life of self-sacrifice that the other guy just cant compete with.

Democratic voters know better than to look for a savior in politicians. Millennials politically came of age right around when Barack Obamas hopey-changey progressive rhetoric smashed head on into Mitch McConnells nopey-stoppy nihilism. They watched Hillary Clinton all but take a First Woman President victory lap before losing the electoral college vote to Donald Grab Em By The Pussy Trump.

Democratic voters have eaten shit enough in very recent years to know that projecting perfection onto a political candidate can only lead to disappointment. For once, they are not looking for a perfect yes daddy girlboss politician of their dreams; they just want somebody who can beat Donald Trump and not be a fucking prick about it. If it takes ironic reappropriation of a cunty British hyerpop dance masterpiece to get there, then so be it. It beats Pokemon Go-ing to the polls.

Attend the funeral or retirement party of a political figure that was in any way adjacent to Christianity and youll likely hear this verse from book of 2nd Timothy I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. It is to funerals what Love is patient, love is kind is to weddingsa bit of a cliche, but a cliche for a reason. Those verses objectively slap.

President Joe Biden, whose Catholic faith has guided his career in politics, must be a fan of that verse. Keep the faith was a recurring theme during his successful 2020 presidential campaign. He used keep the faith again in a video he made after his COVID-19 diagnosis, before he stood aside. At least one prominent Biden staffer used that phrase to shrug off rumors that his boss would be rejecting the nomination for president about a day before Biden confirmed that he would be rejecting the nomination for president. I wouldnt be surprised if he used it during his farewell speech.

Ive been thinking of another Bible verse since Biden and Trumps dueling martyrdom narratives have come to a head in the last couple of weeks. Its from the book of Matthew, and its one of the few that this lapsed Catholic thinks of fondly. One version goes like this: When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men  but when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father who is unseen.

Americans dont need a savior. They dont need a candidate who can walk on water; they need leaders who are rational, intelligent adults capable of setting ego aside to do whats best for the country. A candidate who can subjugate their vanity in the service of doing the right thing, quietly.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress on Wednesday.

Dozens of Democrats skipped the address  including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Progressives hope that she'll chart a new path on Israel as the Democratic nominee.

Speaking to a crowd of roughly 100 people just a stone's throw from the US Capitol complex on Wednesday morning, Linda Sarsour argued that pro-Palestinian activists were responsible for President Joe Biden's decision to forfeit a second term in the White House.

"They'll never give us that credit," said Sarsour, a Palestinian-American activist and former Women's March leader. "But they better know that I will never believe that one dismal performance at a debate was the reason why Joe Biden is no longer the Democratic nominee."

Roughly 20 New York police officers streamed by on bikes. Security had been beefed up. In just a few hours, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would address a joint session of Congress, and Vice President Kamala Harris would not be there in her usual presiding role, traveling instead to Indianapolis to speak at the historically Black Zeta Phi Beta sorority's convention.

"That's not by accident, my friends," Sarsour said. "That's just not because she happens to be in Indianapolis. That is a strategic political calculation, because she knew  and her people knew  that you will not reach the White House if you frolic with war criminals."

Sarsour's argument about Biden doesn't exactly hold water. It was, without question, Biden's disastrous debate performance that forced him from the race after three painful weeks of Democratic hand-wringing about the issue. Until the debate made questions about his age unavoidable, it was Biden's staunch support for Israel that seemed to pose the greatest threat to his candidacy. But it was also progressive lawmakers, who've generally been the most outspoken about the destruction in Gaza, who chose to remain behind Biden.

But Sarsour's observation about Harris's absence, whatever the White House may say about scheduling, was shared by progressive Democratic lawmakers who would like to see the United States take a different approach toward Israel  and who are openly pining for Harris to break with Biden.

"It's a pretty big symbolic statement," Rep. Ro Khanna told me, referring to Harris's absence. "I think she has an opportunity to have a clean break from the administration."

With Harris absent, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland took her place. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

The California Democrat argued that Harris should look toward the example of Vice President Hubert Humphrey. After President Lyndon B. Johnson withdrew from the 1968 presidential race amid critics of his handling of the Vietnam War, Humphrey entered the race, eventually calling for peace talks. "When Humphrey did that, his poll numbers skyrocketed," Khanna said. "And he almost won."

'A very tenuous feeling'

If Netanyahu's speech on Wednesday was any indication, there's plenty of wiggle room for Harris to pursue a less deferential approach to Israel than Biden. Only about half of House and Senate Democrats even showed up for the speech. Dozens of progressives issued statements affirming that they were boycotting the speech, engaged in other events, or like Harris, simply came up with convenient scheduling conflicts.

Part of the issue is Netanyahu himself. He's long been a polarizing figure in American politics, generally enjoying closer relationships with Republicans than Democrats. The last time he addressed Congress in 2015  where he railed against then-President Barack Obama's nuclear deal with Iran  dozens of Democrats also skipped the event.

"We just don't agree with his policies and who he is. He's literally the Trump of Israel," Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida told me. "He wants Trump to win. He wants to undermine the President and the Vice President. [Boycotting] makes a lot of sense to me."

Netanyahu is also a controversial figure at home, facing criticism for failing to stop the October 7 Hamas attacks and widespread protests last summer over his attempted judicial reform. Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont, a progressive Jewish Democrat, told me she would be boycotting the speech in part because her friends in Israel felt "let down by Netanyahu."

"I feel like giving him this platform right now is the absolute wrong thing," Balint said. "He should be spending every waking moment trying to secure the release of the hostages and bringing an end to this war. This feels like just a way for him to further his own political future."

Though much of the Prime Minister's speech was about topics that garner bipartisan sympathy  particularly the threat posed by Iran and the ongoing efforts to rescue Israeli hostages in Gaza  there were also aspects of the speech that were clearly aimed at ginning up the majority-Republican audience that showed up for him.

"Some of these protestors hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza,'" Netanyahu said. "They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC.'"

Overall, the speech proceeded without any vocal disturbances. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian American member of Congress, held up a sign that blared "War Criminal." Afterward, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the speech was "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary" invited to Congress.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan holds up a "War Criminal" sign during Netanyahu's address. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

As of now, it remains unclear whether Harris's approach to the conflict would differ from Biden's. After all, she's his vice president and thus shares some degree of responsibility for the actions that progressives and "uncommitted" voters have been protesting for nearly a year. Her meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday may provide some early indications of any potential policy differences.

At the very least, her rhetoric on the issue appears to be tougher than Biden's. In March, she became the first member of the Biden administration to call for a cease-fire, though she was referring to a temporary one that was part of a broader framework proposed by the White House. She has generally been more willing to publicly criticize Israel. And she has expressed more sympathy for pro-Palestinian protesters than Biden often has, telling The Nation that those demonstrators are "showing exactly what the human emotion should be."

"I think it's incredibly important right now that she distinguishes herself on this issue," Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania told me. "There are a lot of people who are experiencing an energy, a hopefulness that we haven't seen in a really long time in politics. And it's obviously also a very tenuous feeling."

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Its been 11 days since the assassination attempt against Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Investigations by law enforcement and journalists so far have produced few details about the apparent shooters motivations  while revealing major security failures.

The Trump rally shooting, from a nearby rooftop, was the first near-assassination attempt on a current or former president in 40 years  and the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades, the agencys director, Kimberly Cheatle, told lawmakers at a House hearing on Monday. One attendee was killed in the attack, and two attendees were seriously injured. Cheatle resigned on Tuesday.

Heres what we know about the shooter and the assassination attempt at Trumps rally:

What We Know About The Shooter

The shooter has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. What information has been gleaned from Crooks minimal online footprint and the ensuing drips of information from law enforcement and public records shows either a complex political mindset or a young man who was still forming his political views.

A registered Republican who had given $15 to a liberal anti-Trump group, Crooks household appears to have been politically divided: His father was registered as a Libertarian, his mother as a Democrat, and his sister as a Republican. Classmates have given conflicting remembrances of Crooks political leanings, ranging from outright conservatism to general apathy. Nothing in the deluge of coverage stemming from a sprawling law enforcement investigation has revealed any evidence of left-wing extremism.

While publicly available records and law enforcement havent provided an easy political answer for Crooks motive, what is known paints a picture of Crooks and his family as a microcosm of Pennsylvania, a swing state where Trump eked out a victory against Hillary Clinton in 2016 but lost by a slim margin to Joe Biden in 2020.

In an era when politics pervades nearly every aspect of life  and in which many Americans wear their political affiliations on their sleeves  the Crooks family home showed no outside signals of their political beliefs. Neighbors told CNN that no political signs or flags were seen at the home.

Crooks classmates have given conflicting accounts of his political beliefs. While one described him as conservative, another former classmate, Vincent Taormina, said Crooks confronted him over Taorminas support for Trump, something he apparently told the FBI after Crooks attempt on Trumps life. However, the agency also asked about Crooks apparent disdain for other politicians, like Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, Taormina told Fox News.

Other classmates and teachers have described Crooks as a loner who kept to himself  and preferred to do so. Crooks solitude was apparently in line with that of his father. I called [my brother], but he didnt answer the phone, and I know he saw my name on the caller ID, Mark Crooks, the shooters uncle, told NBC News. I called to see how he was doing, but he didnt call back, and thats typical of him.

A registered Republican, Crooks made a small donation to the Progressive Turnout Project  an anti-Trump group  on the day Biden was inaugurated, when the shooter was 17. Its unclear when he registered as a Republican.

Still, much work remains to be done. On one of two phones Crooks apparently used were some 14,000 images, including stock images of firearms and articles related to government officials, lawmakers briefed by law enforcement told reporters. Other information gleaned from Crooks devices suggests he could have been looking to target a wide variety of political figures. In recent months, he had searched for information about President Joe Bidens events.

Photos of House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies were found on Crooks devices, as was a photo of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump and his allies for their role in efforts to overturn 2020 election results in Georgia.

Among the data discovered by law enforcement were searches for the dates of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Trump rally dates, and searches related to explosives and major depressive disorder, a diagnosis given to a school shooter in Michigan whom Crooks also made a subject of his online searches. Further, email accounts associated with Crooks father were tied to purchase of gold bars, coins, and firearm equipment on eBay, The New York Times found. Advertisements for gold and precious metals are a staple of right-wing media. Rolling Stones emails to those addresses went unanswered, as did calls to Crooks neighbors and family.

Unlike other high-profile American shooters, Crooks did not leave a manifesto or other obvious explanation of his motive for trying to kill a former president. In Crooks wake  like that of mass killer Stephen Paddock in Las Vegas and others  questions, speculation, unfounded allegations of political motivation, and, of course, conspiracies have abounded about why Crooks tried to kill perhaps the most famous person in the world.

Timeline of the Attack

Ahead of the July 13 rally, Crooks had asked for the day off work at his job at a nearby nursing home. At some point that day, Crooks father, Matthew, called 911 to report his son missing, law enforcement told Fox News. Reports vary on whether Matthew called before or after the shooting, and whether he knew the weapon used in the assassination attempt was also missing.

On the morning of the rally, Crooks was able to fly a drone over the Trump rally site, according to law enforcement. He returned around 5 p.m. and raised the suspicions of rally-goers who spotted him carrying a duffel bag and a range-finder. Several Trump supporters said they tried to warn law enforcement, to no avail.

More than an hour passed between the time when Crooks was identified as a person of interest by law enforcement at 5:10 p.m., and when he began firing at 6:12 p.m. In that crucial hour, rally goers warned police of a suspicious person on the roof of a building near the rally site. A local police officer briefly tried to confront Crooks and retreated after Crooks trained his gun on him; the officer wasnt able to unholster his weapon, while being raised up to the roof by another officer. Trump took the stage to begin his remarks. This all happened before Crooks fired his first shots, and was taken down by a Secret Service sniper.

Trump was struck in the ear, an injury that was finally detailed on Saturday by House Rep. Ronny Jackson  a controversial figure who is not Trumps official doctor. Two rally-goers were injured in Crooks attack and a third died.

Trump wore a large white bandage over his ear during the Republican National Convention last week. Over the weekend, Trump wore a smaller flesh-colored bandage while speaking at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Investigation

The massive investigation into Crooks began shortly after the shooting, with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms combing through paper records  a handicap required by laws pushed by the gun lobby to prevent the creation of an easily-searchable database of American firearms and their owners  to identify Crooks, who was not carrying identification.

Sale records for the AR-15-style rifle Crooks used that day led investigators back to the family home. There, law enforcement confiscated 14 firearms, an explosive device, Crooks second phone, a hard drive, and three USBs.

The apparent failure of local law enforcement and especially the Secret Service to adequately protect Trump has drawn the ire of Republicans, who grilled director Kimberly Cheatle at a House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday. She resigned on Tuesday.

Republicans are incensed that the Secret Service reportedly rebuked requests from the Trump campaign for increased security for the candidate. Meanwhile, local law enforcement have said they warned the Secret Service ahead of the rally that area police didnt have the manpower to properly patrol the outer perimeter of the rally site.

The officer was in a defenseless position and there was no way he could engage the actor while holding onto the roof edge, Tom Knights, the Butler Township manager, said in a statement, adding that the officer immediately communicated the individuals location and that he was in possession of a weapon. Moments later, the individual commenced firing.

In the ensuing fallout over the assassination attempt, local law enforcement  which numbered about 100 officers from several different agencies  have said the Secret Service did not assign any agency responsibility for the area outside the inner security perimeter that contained the building from which Crooks fired.

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Elon Musk insists he is not spending $45m a month to get Donald Trump elected

Elon Musk insists he is not spending $45m a month to get Donald Trump elected

Elon Musk denied reports that he plans to spend $45m per month on a super political action committee backing Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Whats been reported in the media is simply not true, Musk told conservative commentator Jordan Peterson in an interview aired on Monday. I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Musk, who endorsed Trump in July, would funnel the donations via an organization called America PAC.

Musks denial came the day before Tesla announced that its second-quarter profits had dropped 45 percent to $1.48bn amid a drop in sales of its electric vehicles.

In the interview with Peterson, Musk said he created America PAC, which he said would support Trump but is not supposed to be a sort of hyperpartisan.

The X owner said he was drawn to the Republican candidate because he believed the GOP was more in line with his thinking around issues like meritocracy and freedom.

One of those values being meritocracy, as much meritocracy as possible, so you get ahead as a function of your skill, and nothing else, Musk told Peterson, adding that he hoped Trump would bring as much freedom from government intervention as possible.

Musk also said his political thinking is not the same as Donald Trumps Make America Great Again, but rather MAG, Make America Greater.

The Tesla co-founder added that he doesnt follow any cult of personality around Trump, but feels the former president showed great courage after surviving an assassination attempt.
Press Release

July 24, 2024 Senate OKs discontinuation of mother tongue as medium of instruction from kinder to grade 3 The Senate of the Philippines on Tuesday approved on final reading Senate Bill No. 2457 which seeks to discontinue the use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3. The bill also provides for its optional implementation in monolingual classes, reverting the medium of instruction to Filipino and English. "This bill complements EDCOM 2's initiatives to assess and evaluate the curriculum and instruction in basic education. We identified that a key challenge in implementing the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) lies in the centralized structure of education governance within the Department of Education (DepEd), which struggles to accommodate the linguistic diversity of the country," says EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee. The bill is championed by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Co-Chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian. This comes after the approval of House Bill No. 6717 of the House of Representatives last February 2023, which also seeks to suspend the use of the mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction in early-grade education. EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson and co-author of HB 6717 Rep. Roman Romulo emphasizes the significance of this legislative measure. "The removal of the mandatory use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction is not only practical but inclusive as well, especially in a multilingual and diverse nation like ours. The classrooms cannot mandate a mother tongue to a learner because that defeats the philosophy. Let us be unified and use Filipino and English as mediums of instruction in accordance with the Constitution." The implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education or MTB-MLE Program of the Department of Education (DepEd) began during the 2012-2013 school year under DepEd DO No. 16, series of 2012. RA 10533 subsequently formalized the shift to mother tongue-based multilingual education, requiring children in kindergarten and Grades 1 to 3 to be taught in their respective regional or native tongue languages. By theory, children in the initial years of schooling can comprehend the curriculum if they are taught in the language they already know and understand. However, difficulties were observed in its implementation in the last decade, especially in linguistically diverse areas of the country. In a privilege speech delivered last March 31, 2023, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Gatchalian explained, "Again, we must remember that one of the strongest theoretical selling points of the mother tongue policy is that it is better to teach learners in the language they already know and understand. However, as we can see, this theory does not hold in practice among linguistically diverse learner populations - and in the Philippines, this is a common circumstance. Instead, we are left with situations in which large proportions of learners are forced to study materials and participate in class discussions using languages with which they are not familiar. These are learners being left behind." In the sponsorship speech Senator Gatchalian delivered last November 29, 2023, he further elaborated the significance of the issue as the Philippines is classified as a highly multilingual society by various mapping language data. The 2020 Population and Housing Census revealed that around 245 reported languages in the country. Despite this, DepEd only covers 19 languages in the MTB-MLE program, which represents just 8% of all languages listed in the census. Consultations conducted in different regions of the country revealed problems in bridging between Key Stage 1 (kindergarten to Grade 2) where the mother tongue is the medium of instruction for math and science, and abrupt switch to English as medium of instruction used in Key Stage 2 (Grade 4 to Grade 5). Teachers also take extra time explaining the same lesson twice in 2 different languages, which could have been spent in other lessons for the day. Another significant issue observed in the implementation of the MTB-MLE is the scarcity of materials and textbooks in the mother tongue. The disconnect between the language learners are familiar with and the language in which their textbooks are printed causes difficulties not only for learners but also for parents and teachers. "More than a decade has passed since we implemented MTB-MLE, but a vast majority of our schools are not prepared to roll it out because of issues such as inadequate teacher training and lack of materials. Discontinuing the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3 is consistent with the evidence: that mother tongue-based learning is effective only in monolingual classrooms," Senator Gatchalian said. Senate Bill 2457 is the first bill approved on the third and final reading under the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress.
TEHRAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib said on Wednesday his forces have recently arrested 20 foreign "terrorists," including two Islamic State (IS) ringleaders, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in the Iranian capita Tehran while elaborating on his ministry's anti-terror operations and achievements during the past few weeks.

Khatib said the captured individuals, the majority of whom had "illegally" entered the country, were arrested in 12 operations, adding out of those arrested, 12 had infiltrated Iran to carry out "terrorist operations."

He noted that the two IS ringleaders were affiliated with countries that were not among Iran's neighbors, calling on Iranian people to be more cautious when employing undocumented foreign nationals.

On July 13, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry said in a statement that its anti-terror forces had arrested, in 79 direct confrontations, tens of "terrorists," including those of the IS, as well as their backup elements and arms and ammunition suppliers during May 21-July 5.

It listed the items seized from the "terrorists" in that period as 560 firearms, 41,895 bullets, nine bombs as well as a significant amount of materials to make explosives.

The ministry said among its forces' most important achievements was the detention of one of the main "elements" plotting and directing the deadly "terrorist" twin bombing attacks in the southeastern city of Kerman on Jan. 3, for which the IS claimed responsibility.

It identified the arrested "terrorist" as "Abdullah Quetta," stressing that he was detained after being transferred to Iran. 
Elon Musk Says He Never Pledged to Donate $45 Million Per Month to Trump

On Monday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk denied a report that he is donating $45 million per month to a Super PAC to boost Donald Trump, while taking credit for starting the group.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Musk has said he plans to commit around $45 million a month to the pro-Trump Super PAC, citing people familiar with the matter. Musk, the worlds richest man, rejected the WSJ report in an interview on Monday with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.

Whats been reported in the media is simply not true, Musk said. Im not donating $45 million a month to Trump. What I have done is I have created a PAC, or Super PAC, whatever you want to call it. I simply call it the America PAC.

At the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Musk again denied the original report: At no point did I say I was donating $45 million a month to Trump, he told a reporter. That was a fiction made up by The Wall Street Journal.

Over the weekend, Trump bragged about Musks reported donations at a campaign rally in Michigan.

I love Elon Musk, Trump said, telling the crowd: Elon endorsed me the other day. I read  I didnt even know this. He did not tell me about it. He gives me $45 million a month. Not $45 million  he gives me $45 million a month. I talked to him just a little while ago to say I was coming here, how you doing. He did not even mention it.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that America PAC is being led by several consultants involved with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis failed Republican presidential bid against Trump this election cycle.

Musk, who is worth an estimated $250 billion, said Monday hes chosen to fund a pro-Trump Super PAC because he can give more money that way. You can donate money directly to candidates  that amount is fairly small, he said. You can donate a lot more money to  a Super PAC. There are various rules that govern the operation of PACs and Super PACs, but it certainly allows for a lot more money in the system than would otherwise be possible.

He said that America PAC is not meant to be sort of a hyper-partisan PAC, and that his intent is to promote the principles that made America great in the first place. He continued: I wouldnt say that Im, for example, MAGA, or Make America Great Again. I think America is great. Im more M-A-G, Make America Greater.

While Trump called Musk brilliant over the weekend and praised him for his ingenuity, he previously panned the billionaire and his businesses.

When Elon Musk came to the White House asking me for help on all his many subsidized projects, Trump wrote in 2022, whether its electric cars that dont drive long enough, driverless cars that crash, or rocketships to nowhere, without which subsidies hed be worthless, and telling me how he was a big Trump fan and Republican, I could have said, drop to your knees and beg, and he would have done it.

This story has been updated to include additional comments Musk made on Wednesday.

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Billionaire Elon Musk said Tuesday he will not, in fact, be giving $45 million a month to a pro-Trump super PAC, a major hit to the former presidents campaign coffers.

The Wall Street Journal first reported earlier his month that Musk planned to commit the mammoth monthly figure to see former President Donald Trump reinstalled in the White House. The donations, the Journal said, would flow through a new political action committee called America PAC that is focused on registering voters and driving support in swing states.

Musk told conservative commentator Jordan Peterson on Tuesday that those reports were simply not true.

Yeah, its ridiculous, he added on X, the social media site he owns. I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom. Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom.

Yeah, its ridiculous.



I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom.



Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2024

He went on to say the core principles of the America PAC were to promote the principles that made America great in the first place. He added he wasnt MAGA, referring to Trumps Make American Great Again mentality.

I think America is great, Musk said in his interview with Peterson, saying his PAC would not be hyperpartisan.

Im more MAG: Make America Greater.

Trump has already bragged about the reports of Musks now-moot donations, although he has continued his attacks on electric vehicles.

Elon endorsed me the other day, and I read  I didnt even know this  he didnt even tell me about it, but he gives me $45 million a month, Trump said at a rally in Michigan last week. A month! Not 45 million  gives me 45 million a month!

Musk could very well change his mind. Five months ago, he said he wasnt giving anything to either candidate for president.

Related...
Elon Musk is denying reports that he plans to donate $45 million per month to support Trumps candidacy, in more terrible news for the former president.

The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that Musk planned to make the staggering contributions to the pro-Trump political action committee America PAC. In an interview with right-wing influencer Jordan Peterson broadcast on X Tuesday, Musk told Peterson that the report is simply not true. Im not donating $45 million a month to Trump.

Now, what I have done is I have created [the America PAC], he continued. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that the nascent super PAC, meant to support Trumps election bid, could be an avenue for Mr. Musk and his $250 billion fortune to potentially play a significant role in the 2024 presidential race and has already raked in millions from a tight-knit network of wealthy tech entrepreneurs, including those close to Musk.

Later Tuesday evening, Musk further clarified, I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level, without providing a specific figure.

Musk, who endorsed Trump following the assassination attempt against him this month, told Peterson he does not subscribe to the cult of personality around Trump, but expressed his opinion that the country would be better off with a Republican administration due to his concerns about Democratic censorship and DEI.



Someone ought to break the news to Trump, who earlier this month bragged that he had read Musk gives me $45 million a month, adding, We have to make life good for our smart people.
EmberHope Connections is taking steps to improve foster care metrics in the Wichita area. The nonprofit took over a state contract on July 1 that was previously held by Saint Francis Ministries. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)

EmberHope Connections has increased its staff and initiated partnerships with local agencies to fill its role as the new foster care contractor in Sedgwick County.

The faith-based nonprofit, which took over the state contact previously held by Saint Francis Ministries on July 1, believes these measures will help improve historically below-average foster care metrics in the region.

Brenda Watkins, the president of EmberHope Connections in Wichita

Brenda Watkins, the president of EmberHope Connections in Wichita, said she has had a busy past couple of months, digging through paper files from the previous contractor and figuring out how to bring the region into compliance.

Were very pleased with how things have transitioned, Watkins said, despite the company only having four months to prepare.

EmberHope held the Sedgwick County contract from 1997, when Kansas first privatized its foster care program, until 2013, when Saint Francis Ministries outbid the Newton-based company.

We did the work, Watkins said. We have stepped away from it for a few years, and now were back to handling all of the youth that are in foster care in Sedgwick County.  I think were able to just kind of pick up with where we left off.

The state declined to renew its contract with Saint Francis Ministries for the Wichita area two years after its former CEO was indicted on attempts to defraud the company of at least $4.7 million.

Teresa Woody, the litigation director at Kansas Appleseed, which sued the state in 2018 over instability in the foster care system, said Sedgwick County has been a particularly troublesome place for foster care in recent years.

Nearly 20% of the states foster kids live in the greater Wichita area.

Woody said while Saint Francis Ministries held the contract for the area, youths were frequently sleeping in offices and being bused to day centers.

Hopefully EmberHope will have the personnel they need, the records they need  all those things to help this transition go smoothly, Woody said. But its going to be challenging.

A spokesperson from Saint Francis said in an email statement that under new leadership the company has undergone significant, positive changes in recent years and has been committed to supporting EmberHope through the transition.

Both of our organizations have been dedicated to the successful transition and look forward to continued collaboration on behalf of children and families in our community, the statement said.

In 2020, Kansas Appleseed reached a settlement with the Kansas Department for Children and Families to transform an overburdened, mismanaged and dangerous foster care system. Some of the settlement agreements include ending night-to-night placement of children, ending the practice of foster kids sleeping overnight in offices or other unfit locations, and creating greater accountability within the system.

So far, the state has failed to live up to many of those goals.

Mike Fonkert, the deputy director at Kansas Appleseed, said the number of children in the foster care system has declined, but there is still a need for those improvements to the system.

Theres a long way to go yet to achieve a system that I think we can all feel comfortable that if a kid enters foster care, they are going to get what they need, when they need it, Fonkert said.

According to a report on the Kansas foster care system by Center for the Study of Social Policy, Saint Francis Ministries had a significant number of its approximately 120 caseworkers carrying more than 30 cases each month in 2022.

Watkins said it is a priority to lower the caseload amounts to 15-25, which is compliant with the DCF settlement agreement. EmberHope Connections is about 94% staffed with 141 caseworkers in the Wichita region, serving around 1,350 foster children.

EmberHope Connections plans to work with local partners, like the University of Kansas Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program and the mental health provider Comcare, among others.

Watkins said the strongest partnership so far is with Pyxis, a day-service center for youths who need additional structure and supervision.

Fonkert said wraparound support from the community is vital to supporting the foster care population. However, he said he has seen organizations abuse day centers and use them as a long-term warehousing solution for children who are difficult to place.

The ultimate goal of foster care is to put kids in stable, loving, supportive placements, Fonkert said. We just know from research and past experiences here in Kansas that those group settings dont deliver that.

Woody added that the concern with a group setting is that it doesnt address individual needs.

We have hopes that EmberHope will be in a position to really provide what these kids need, she said. And there are a lot of needs out there for these kids.

EmberHope staff worked to digitize the paper case files passed over from Saint Francis Ministries as part of its effort to keep better track of individual cases.

Watkins said EmberHope is in the process of opening a youth residential center in Goddard, and its affiliate EmberHope Youthville, received a grant from DCF to develop 12 therapeutic family foster homes by June 30, 2025.

This is very challenging work with very challenging kids, and very challenging circumstances, Watkins said, emphasizing the ultimate goal of finding long-term placement. Theres a lot of exciting initiatives, and a lot of system improvement projects, and just a lot of different things that were collaborating or engaging at the community level.

Fonkert is hopeful that EmberHopes initiatives can achieve better results in the Wichita area.

Every new contract, really every day, we have an opportunity to commit ourselves to doing right by our foster kids, Fonkert said.
KANSAS (KSNT)  A challenge formed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and 26 other attorneys general to the Biden administrations updated climate standards for power plants is landing in the Supreme Court. The attorneys general are urging the Supreme Court to stop the plan with an emergency motion.

On May 9, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a petition against the EPAs new suite of rules. All of the remaining Republican state attorneys general sued alleging the final rules exceed the EPAs authority, and are otherwise arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law.

Topekans give feedback on Huntoon Street road project

Last week a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit sided with the Biden administration on the EPA standards rule suite. Included in the suite, a requirement to cut coal and gas-fired power plant emissions by 90% has Kansas energy producers concerned.

The effort is perhaps subtler than EPAs last try; it hasnt given the Rule a special name or coined any new terms. But its no less problematic, setting impossible-to-meet standards for regulated facilities, stripping away the States discretion to patch up the damage, and ultimately pushing regulated sources into early retirements, the states wrote.

EPA does not expect this rule to affect the current operations of power plants, and therefore anticipates no impacts to electricity generation or grid reliability, the White House said. This rule reflects the Administrations commitment to reduce pollution from the power sector while providing long-term regulatory certainty and operational flexibility.

According to The Hill, the fossil fuel industry and the two other Republican-led states could still file appeals separately.

Supreme Court docket jam-packed despite summer recess

It seems like were heading towards a perfect storm: the EPAs final rule is going to eliminate (or drastically increase the cost to produce) essential, always-available baseload generation, while at the same time electricity demand is increasing, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative Senior Vice President Susan B. Cunningham told 27 News.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
When Donald Trump began his third run for president back in 2022, he said very explicitly that his campaign was organized around vengeance for his 2020 humiliation. "I am your retribution!" he proclaimed, assuring his devoted cult following that their belief in the Big Lie would be rewarded when he exacted punishment on the political enemies who had denied their Dear Leader his second term. It was a speech you might expect from any demagogue. But in Trump's case, it also spoke to the deep psychic wound he suffered as a malignant narcissist unable to accept that he had lost so it was hard to know if he had any other goals beyond the need to prove that he was a winner after all. As the campaign has gone on it's become clear that Trump has actually evolved into a true authoritarian. Yes, he's still simple-minded and juvenile in many ways, and it will always be all about him, but it's become clear that his attraction to strongmen has developed into a yearning to be a member of their club in a new and different way  and he's becoming more and more open about it.

We always knew that Donald Trump admired Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. His bromance with the tyrannical North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and affection for various Middle Eastern leaders was no secret. He's always bragged about his ability to "get along with" dictators. He talked about it in his soporific acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention:

I got along very well, North Korea, Kim Jung Un. I got along very well with him. The press hated when I said that. How could you get along with him? Well, you know, its nice to get along with someone who has a lot of nuclear weapons or otherwise. See, in the old days, youd say thats a wonderful thing. Now they say, How can you possibly do that? But no, I got along with him and we stopped the missile launches from North Korea. Now, North Korea is acting up again. But when we get back, I get along with him. Hed like to see me back too. I think he misses me, if you want to know the truth.

He spoke similarly about how the Taliban really thought highly of him. In the same speech, he said that when snipers were killing American soldiers in Afghanistan he spoke with the Taliban leader:

I spoke to the head of the Taliban. Youve heard this story. Abdul, still there. Still the head of the Taliban. The press got on me, Why would you speak to him? I said, Because thats where the killing is. I dont have to speak to somebody that has nothing to do with it. And I told him: Dont ever do that. Dont ever do that again. Dont ever, ever do that again, youre going to stop. Because during the Obama administration, many great people and soldiers, a lot of soldiers, were being killed from long distance. I said, If you keep doing that, youre going to be hit harder than anybody has ever been hit by a country before. And he said, I understand, Your Excellency. He called me Your Excellency. I wonder if he calls the other guy Your Excellency. I doubt it.

(That's complete nonsense, of course.) We're all familiar with his embarrassing encounters with Putin and Xi. They saw him coming a mile away.

But for all of his shameful fawning sycophancy over murderous tyrants, Trump has mostly confined his strongman adulation to matters of foreign policy and national security. His domestic authoritarianism has generally been cloaked in demagogic ranting about crime and such things as the use of executive power to exact revenge on his enemies and abuse the presidential pardon power to excuse his accomplices' crimes. The plan to round up tens of millions of people and force them into detention camps for deportation is about as authoritarian as you can get. (In fact, the proper word is "fascist.")

But he's going even further now, drawing a direct line between the foreign tyrants he admires so much and his own domestic agenda. He recently remarked on the campaign trail that China's Xi is a brilliant man who controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist.. He acknowledged his new best friend, Hungary's Viktor Orban, by saying "This is the way it's going to be." And that's the end of it, right? He's the boss and  he's a great leader, fantastic leader. In Europe and around the world, they respect him. (They don't, actually.)

Now he's making it clear that we need that here in the U.S.

A fundamental thing that gets lost in the coverage is that Trump isnt just promising to govern like an authoritarian, hes *campaigning like an authoritarian*. Lies, fear, sweeping false promisesTrumps following the dictator playbook on fooling people into giving up democracy. https://t.co/WokcG8T6km  Jesse Lee (@JesseCharlesLee) July 21, 2024

His reference to Orban was about a visit that took place just a few days ago at Mar-a-Lago when the Hungarian president flew in to brief him on his recent meetings with Putin and Xi during the NATO summit in Washington. An axis (if you will) of mutual interest is forming among the world's authoritarian leaders and Trump wants to be a part of it. As historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a scholar on fascism and authoritarian leaders observed he is "immersed" in it.

Trump is immersed in the new autocratic international order and role of US if he wins will be to stand down and allow Xi and Putin to expand. The talk of "peace" and non-intervention by Vance & Co is about creating conditions for autocrats to succeed. https://t.co/2NRl6GRXG4  Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) July 21, 2024

Greg Sargent of The New Republic hosted Never Trumper Rick Wilson on his podcast this week to talk about this and it was, frankly, chilling. Wilson spent years in the right-wing fever swamps and knows all about their tactics and strategies. He says we must take this very seriously and that even if the media cynically dismisses all this as a "schtick" or old news, Trump and his henchmen are deadly serious.

Media analyst Jamison Foser noticed the same thing:

Here is a New York Times journalist recognizing a pretty important thing about this speech, and about Trump in general.



Do you think it will be the central theme of the Times' speech coverage? If not, what does that say about the Times? pic.twitter.com/3yGXge5gVk  Jamison Foser (@jamisonfoser) July 19, 2024

Trump sees himself as part of this emerging "autocratic international order" and is openly campaigning on that issue. His followers are being programmed through his usual mind-numbing repetition to accept this as normal politics. It may be normal in some countries but up until now, it's never been normal in America. In fact, it's what normal people used to call un-American.

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MANSFIELD, Conn. (WTNH)  A restaurant employee was arrested this week after the business owner caught them stealing cash from the restaurant over the course of three weeks, according to Connecticut State Police.

28-year-old Jennifer Spencer of Coventry was charged with third-degree burglary, fifth-degree larceny, and risk of injury to a minor.

Woman killed in shooting following dispute in Meriden

State police apprehended her at the restaurant around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, as she exited the restaurant with cash taken from within the business. Troopers said her juvenile child was left in her vehicle at the time of the alleged crime.

The child was picked up by a family member when Spencer was taken into custody, state police said.

The restaurant owner had staked out their own business that night after noticing Spencer had gone into the restaurant two nights in a row after hours, when no one was supposed to be there.

North Haven PD: 75-year-olds purse snatched in lot

He watched the business during the same time period the employee had visited the nights before and called 911 to report the burglary when her vehicle pulled up, according to state police.

The owner had become suspicious after noticing cash was being stolen for about three weeks prior. She also had abnormal logins to their register system.

Spencer was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court on Aug. 7.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 plane is seen at the Asmara International Airport in Asmara

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Eritrean authorities have suspended all flights by Ethiopian Airlines to the East African nation effective Sept. 30, the airline said on Wednesday.

Flights from Ethiopia to Eritrea had resumed in 2018 after two decades, following a peace deal between the two neighbours that earned Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel peace prize a year later.

"Ethiopian Airlines has received a notice from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority through a letter... indicating the suspension of all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea, effective September 30, 2024," the airline said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.

"The specific reasons for this suspension have not been disclosed to us," it said.

Eritrea Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hanna Atnafu, a spokesperson for the airline, told Reuters the flight suspension came as a surprise.

"What is shocking and saddening to our airlines was just 15 days ago, on July 8, there was a letter sent to (us) requesting, to increase our weekly flight frequency from 10 flights to 15," Hanna said.

State-owned Ethiopian Airlines is ranked the largest in Africa by revenue and profit by the global industry body International Air Transport Association.

(Reporting by Dawit Endeshaw, Editing by Bhargav Acharya and Bill Berkrot)
THE HAGUE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A Dutch court on Wednesday ruled in favor of the Dutch government's decision to order four new submarines from France's Naval Group, rejecting a lawsuit filed by a German contender.

"The (Dutch) State's decision to award the construction of four submarines for the Ministry of Defense to (French shipbuilder) Naval Group can remain in place," the District Court of The Hague said in its ruling.

The Netherlands is set to replace and upgrade its current submarine fleet. The Ministry of Defense initiated a procurement process, inviting bids for the construction of four new submarines in a deal worth 5.6 billion euros (about 6.1 billion U.S. dollars). After evaluating the proposals, the contract was awarded to France's Naval Group.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German contender, was dissatisfied with the outcome and took the matter to court. However, the court deemed TKMS's objections invalid, ruling that the government had not unfairly dismissed the German company's bid.

According to Dutch media reports, some members of the Dutch House of Representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to purchase submarines from a foreign supplier. Parties such as the Party for Freedom (PVV) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) advocate for a larger role for the Dutch shipbuilding industry in the country's defense projects. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar) 
EU ambassadors supported on July 24 the transfer of 4.2 billion euros ($4.55 billion) to Kyiv as the first regular payment under the Ukraine Facility.

The funds will be directed toward "Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction, and modernization."

The four-year Ukraine Facility allocates 33 billion euros ($36 billion) in loans and 17 billion euros ($18 billion) in grants, conditional on certain reforms that the Ukrainian government is obliged to carry out.

The European Commission sanctioned the disbursement earlier this month. After all EU members voiced their support, the matter must be finalized in writing by the Council of the EU.

The EU approved the Ukraine Facility in February, and the EU Council approved the framework agreement in mid-May, setting out the Ukrainian government's tasks for recovery, reconstruction, and modernization.

Kyiv already received several pre-financing "bridge" tranches under the assistance plan earlier this year and expects to receive more than $17 billion within 2024.

Read also: Our peace efforts have to engage Russia, but not on Putins terms, EUs top diplomat says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EU ambassadors approve allocation of 4.2 billion to Ukraine under Ukraine Facility programme

The European Union ambassadors have approved the allocation of macro-financial aid to Ukraine in the amount of about 4.2 billion under the Ukraine Facility programme. The money will support Ukraine's financial stability and the functioning of its public administration.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the official website of the Hungarian Presidency

Details: The next step in approving the decision is the EU Council.

On 17 July, the European Commission gave its positive assessment of the possibility of disbursing this tranche. The EU Council concluded that Kyiv had successfully fulfilled nine reform indicators.

Background:

These are funds under the macro-financial aid programme for Ukraine worth up to 50 billion.

Ukraine received the first tranches without any conditions, and the next tranches are conditional on implementing a specific reform plan in several areas.

The EU also sets up a body to monitor funding under the Ukraine Facility.

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The EU member states have discussed the options of extending the term of freezing the assets of the Russian Central Bank in order to secure a US$50 billion loan for Ukraine from G7 countries.

Source: Reuters with reference to the draft document discussed in the EU and statements of unnamed diplomats; European Pravda

Details: Unnamed EU diplomats stated that some G7 members, including the US, fear that a time may come when there will be no unanimity among the 27 EU member states, which would jeopardise the entire loan for Ukraine.

Reuters reports that on 24 July, the EU ambassadors discussed two options aimed at alleviating the concerns of G7 members. One of them is extending the sanctions regime that has frozen the assets of the Central Bank of Russia for an indefinite term.

"This shall be reviewed by the Council at regular intervals (e.g. 12 months) on the basis of clear predefined criteria (i.e. the end of the war of aggression and assurances of non-repetition, the payment of compensation by Russia, etc.)," said the document.

The other option is to extend the sanctions regarding the freezing of Russian assets for three years.

Unanimity between the EU member states will still be required, and renewing the sanctions will only concern the assets of the Central Bank of Russia.

The EU diplomats told Reuters that the discussions are at an early stage. However, the Baltic countries and the countries of Eastern Europe are in favour of indefinite freezing, while France and Germany support a longer but still period of renewed asset freezes.

The diplomats say the European Commission will present the official proposal concerning this issue in late August or early September.

Background:

At the summit in June, the Group of Seven leaders gave their political consent to the use of excess profits from frozen Russian assets in their jurisdictions, which is approximately US$50 billion a year.

The EU is expected to provide the most of the loan to Ukraine from the Russian assets. The first 1.4 billion of Russian assets is expected to be allocated to Ukraine for weapons in early August.

In June, the EU reached an agreement concerning using a part of the excess profit from frozen Russian assets for military aid for Ukraine. The decision was adopted despite Hungarys veto.

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Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban speaks to the media as he arrives to attend the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, Thursday July 18, 2024. (Jacob King/Pool Photo via AP)

BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union's executive commission Wednesday criticized rule of law developments in Hungary, Italy and Slovakia, but welcomed reforms in Poland and Spain in its latest democracy health check across the 27-nation bloc.

Across the board, EU countries had fully or partly addressed about two thirds of recommendations made by the commission in 2023, the EU executive said in its latest annual report on the state of the judiciary, anti-corruption efforts, press freedom and civil society.

Protecting the rule of law is a continuous work, European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova told journalists in Brussels. We see that further action is still needed, especially where systemic issues and backsliding occur in some countries.

Hungary had made no progress implementing any of the seven reform recommendations set out by the commission last year. They covered issues such as the prosecution of high-level corruption, the independence of public media and the health of civil society.

Hungary is a real systemic issue for the commission about the rule of law, European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said.

The conclusion comes at a time of heightened tensions between Brussels and Budapest. Last week, the commission said that top officials will boycott informal meetings hosted by Hungary while the country holds the EUs rotating presidency, after Hungarys pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held a series of rogue meetings with foreign leaders about Ukraine that angered his European partners.

The commission has long been engaged in a protracted struggle with Budapests nationalist government in an effort to force it to comply with EU rule of law standards, withholding EU funds and hauling it to the blocs top courts.

Late last year, the commission released 10 billion euros ($10.9 billion) of frozen funds to Budapest following reforms, infuriating the European Parliament. But another 20 billion or so remains on hold, Reynders noted Wednesday.

There was no immediate response Wednesday from Hungary.

Jourova expressed concern about the independence and funding of public service media in Italy.

In May, journalists at Italys state-run broadcaster RAI went on strike to protest budget streamlining and what they saw as an increasingly repressive atmosphere for the media under the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

We have been expressing the need for safeguards for years now but with new incidents reported by stakeholders and budget cuts, this is becoming very urgent, Jourova said.

Slovakia, under the government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, also got a poor report card on Wednesday. There was no progress on seven of the recommendations set out in last years report, and only some progress on one. Fico, long a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond, survived an assassination attempt in May.

By contrast, the top EU officials praised progress in Warsaw and Madrid.

In May, in the wake of a change of government, the commission ended a six-year dispute with Poland, saying it had initiated the necessary changes to reverse what the bloc called the previous governments backsliding on democratic principles.

Spain, meanwhile, had ended a years-long deadlock in renewing its General Council of the Judiciary, which supervises the country's judges, due to disagreement between the government and the opposition. The breakthrough was in line with the urgings of the EU, Jourova noted.
Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova speaks on Day 1 of the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in Bletchley, Britain

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission has warned Slovakia that it will take immediate legal action if the government pushes ahead with a proposed law requiring NGOs that receive funding from abroad to label themselves "organisations with foreign support".

"I was in Bratislava and I was very clear," European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said ahead of the release on Wednesday of the EU's annual rule of law report.

"If you follow the Hungarian example on the NGOs law, we will launch an infringement procedure (for violation of EU law) immediately, because already we have the decision of the court on the table."

Hungary passed a similar law on foreign-funded NGOs in 2017, but repealed it in 2021 after the European Court of Justice ruled it illegal.

The European Commission has been battling Hungary over rule of law issues and held back EU funds. Budapest also upset its EU partners at the start of its six-month rotating EU presidency with Prime Minister Viktor Orban's "peace mission" that included talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Similar legal battles with Poland ended after a change in government last year.

Slovakia's government under Prime Minister Robert Fico took power last year and has faced criticism from the opposition for criminal code changes, revamping the public broadcaster, ending state military aid to Ukraine, and leaning foreign policy closer to Russia.

Fico said in a statement after the EU's annual rule of law report that he took note of its recommendations and relevant ministries would hold dialogue with the Commission.

But he added the criticism was coming due to disagreements on foreign policy issues where the Commission seeks "obedience".

The rule of law report covers the judicial system, corruption, media freedom and various checks and balances such as civil society. It offers non-binding recommendations to all 27 EU members.

($1 = 0.9230 euros)

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, additional reporting by Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Andrew Gray)
MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Evacuation warnings issued in Madera County on Tuesday afternoon have been lifted following a fire in the ONeals area, officials confirmed Tuesday evening.

The Sheriffs Office previously issued an evacuation warning for those living in the areas of Road 200 in ONeals, Circle J Ranch Road, Flying O Ranch Road, MAD-E1029, and MAD-E1035. That warning has since been lifted.

According to officials, one home was burned  but no one was inside it at the time.

A live interactive map of evacuation zones and road closures can be found here.

Evacuation orders issued in areas of Madera County due to fire

Deputies say the fire started in the area around the 48000 block of Road 200 in ONeals. The incident has been named the Circle Fire.

According to Cal Fire, as of Tuesday afternoon, the Circle Fire is 46 acres and 30% contained. Forward progress has also been stopped.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
A wildfire in Ventura County that has burned some 250 acres that was threatening structures prompted evacuation, authorities announced Tuesday evening.

Officials with the Ventura County Fire Department first reported the Apache Fire in Los Padres National Forest around 8:30 p.m.

The blaze, which was about 30-40 acres then, was burning about a half mile east of Highway 33 on Apache Canyon Road where no structures were threatened.

Just an hour later, crews with the United States Forest Service reported the wildfire had grown to an estimated 200 acres.

Smoke seen billowing from the Apache Fire in Ventura County on July 23, 2024. (VCFD)

Flames and smoke seen from the Apache Fire in Ventura County on July 23, 2024. (VCFD)

Flames and smoke seen from the Apache Fire in Ventura County on July 23, 2024. (VCFD)

(USFS)

The structures in Apache Canyon are threatened, VCFD said in a post to X, formerly Twitter. Apache Canyon is under evacuation warnings.

In an update at 10:30 p.m., VCFD officials confirmed the fire had grown to 250 acres and said Apache Canyon has been evacuated.

Firefighters in Ventura County were assisting USFS, which is the lead agency, with a helicopter, three fire engines, a water tender and two hand crews, officials added.

USFS said that four large air tankers and one very large air tanker were ordered to help fight the blaze.

Crews were expected to work through the night in an attempt to contain the blaze to Apache Canyon, authorities added.

So far, no injuries have been reported. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
An old joke frames Washington, D.C. as Hollywood for ugly people. But it's more accurate to say it's Hollywood for horrible people who make you want to back away slowly in search of an exit. To notice the unattractiveness of members of America's political class, you need to be dangerously close to their sociopathy and hunger for power, and who wants to enter that orbit? And that brings us to Kamala Harris, vice president of the United States and savior (they hope) of Democrats' dreams of retaining the White House against a challenge by famously flawed former President Donald Trump.

Past-Due Departure

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," read, in part, a letter published over President Joe Biden's signature and released on X Sunday morning. "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."

And so ends, kind of, the drama that began when Biden's disastrous presidential debate performance on June 27 put to rest any pretense that the octogenarian is up to the demands of campaigning for another term in office, let alone serving four more years. The situation also raised plenty of questions about who has been performing the duties of the head of the executive branch, since Biden doesn't seem up to the job. And it left unfilled the position of Democratic nominee.

In a subsequent message Biden offered "my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year." But the separate endorsement raised eyebrows. In truth, the president, even in his decayed state, is not known for confidence in his number two.

A Candidate With a Bad History

"President Biden hesitated to drop his re-election campaign in part because he and his senior advisers worried that Vice President Kamala Harris wasn't up to taking on Donald Trump, according to three Biden aides familiar with recent talks about his plans," Axios's Alex Thompson reported. Among concerns are Harris's inability to retain staffthey quit in drovesand her reluctance to take on responsibility.

Under Harris, the office of the vice presidency has had "an extraordinarily high 91.5-percent staff turnover rate," according to a report by OpenTheBooks, a watchdog group.

"People are thrown under the bus from the very top, there are short fuses and it's an abusive environment," one official told Politico in 2021 about the environment in Harris's office.

Former staffers describe being subject to prosecutorial-style grillingsordeals with special meaning given Harris's background as San Francisco District Attorney and then California Attorney General. In San Francisco, she was chastised by a judge for failing to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence to defendants about misdeeds at a scandal-ridden crime lab. Over 1,000 cases were dismissed.

"A review of her career shows a distinct penchant for power seeking and an illiberal disposition in which no offense is small or harmless enough to warrant lenience from the state," Reason's Elizabeth Nolan Brown noted in 2019 during Harris's crash-and-burn try for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Harris defended herself during the crime lab mess by apologizing for taking years to establish a policy for sharing evidence. But the impression that she wasn't on the ball carries over into her vice presidency, where she often seems to have neglected her homework. That was on display during Harris's infamous 2021 interview with NBC's Lester Holt regarding her nominal role overseeing border policy.

"This wholethis whole thing about the border. We've been to the border. We've been to the border," Harris insisted.

"You haven't been to the border," Holt responded.

"And I haven't been to Europe," Harris snapped. "I don't understand the point that you're making."

Even in the aftermath of that fiasco, Harris remains famous for word-salad comments that leave the impression she's trying to kill time with noise rather than address issues she simply doesn't understand.

Two Unsatisfying Contenders

But as bad as her record is, and as poor a candidate as she's been in the past, Harris has the advantage of running against Donald Trump, the abrasive Republican nominee with a loyal following but equally dedicated detractors. When Biden was still the presumptive Democratic pick, roughly half of Americans polled by Pew Research said they wanted to trade both Biden and Trump for other choices.

Famously thin-skinned as a boss, turnover among Trump's staff during his administration was almost identical to that of Harris's staff at 92 percent. (Biden administration turnover is 71 percentit's almost as if these are all really unpleasant people to be around.)

If Harris turns sentences into ransom notes of randomly joined words, Trump uses the English language to paint a Jackson Pollock painting of overlapping truth, lies, and exaggerations.

And even as Biden's disability has become more obvious, and after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the former president's favorability rating has remained underwater at 42.1 percent (53.3 percent unfavorable). But that's better than Joe Biden's 38.5 percent approval (56.3 percent disapproval) andimportantlyit compares strongly to Kamala Harris's 38.3 percent approval (51.4 percent disapproval).

While Harris just stepped into the role of heir apparent to the Democratic nomination, pollsters anticipating the move tested her against Donald Trump. It's early days yet, but she doesn't look like a shot to the arm of Democrats' hopes and dreams.

It's Still Trump's Race To Lose

"She has been polling the same as Bidenor just slightly betteragainst Republican nominee Donald Trump, according to multiple surveys taken before Biden withdrew from the 2024 contest," NBC News noted this week of a comparison of polls for a then-hypothetical Harris-Trump race. "And Biden was running behind Trump in many national and battleground-state polls."

The Hill's polling averages have Trump up by 2.5 percent over Harris, compared to the 2.7 percent advantage he enjoyed over Biden.

Which is to say, not much has changed in this presidential campaign. It's still a close race between terrible, and terribly unpopular, major party candidates.

The post Even After the Harris-Biden Substitution, the Presidential Race Still Sucks appeared first on Reason.com.
Poverty affects too many people, writes Rebecca Lyn Phillips. And it will take everyone working together to help eradicate poverty. (Getty Images)

Poverty. Crime. Anger. Despair. Confusion.

Theyre everywhere. The pain is deep and far and wide these days in Kansas and beyond. When I am near downtown Topeka, I shop at a store where there are people who exhibit great needs. I often see homeless people with stolen grocery carts, using them as places to keep their belongings.

A local nonprofit called Lets Help is opening a location nearby, and I can just see ahead to the people who will seek assistance there. I truly care, however, and my compassion gives me strength in a time when despair and lack threaten to overtake us all.

Last month, I was given a tour of the Lois Curtis campus on Indiana Street in southeast Topeka. They have renovated an old grade school to provide services to people in need, especially those who have a disability. They have a food bank section, a room with durable medical equipment along with other resource rooms. The people who work there are lovely.

Thats just how it is for folks. Poverty affects too many people, but it especially affects those who have an extra struggle, such as a physical or mental disability. It also affects people of color and those who struggle with addictions.

There are people who say that Jesus is the answer for the poverty issue  that churches are the answer, not the government. While my faith is vital to my life and very, very important, I think Jesus would ask us all to lend a helping hand. That includes local nonprofits, homeless shelters, and federal, state and local government.

It definitely takes all of us  everyone  working together to help eradicate poverty.

One of the issues I think a lot about is food insecurity. When we see someone in front of us in the grocery store checkout using a food benefit card, I would say thats the time to offer a smile and a kind word, or even a prayer. We dont know that persons story.

I just completed another gift card drive for the housing specialist at a local mental health nonprofit, and my friends gave $300 in gift cards for vulnerable clients. The housing specialist emailed me and shared her joy that she and also the case managers experience when they drive their clients to the store to use the gift cards to purchase food and other necessities. This made me happy.

My grandpa was a minister for 60 years. I often wonder: What would grandpa do? My grandpa gave to people in need. He and my grandma lived in a huge home in Americus, Georgia, yet they werent snobs or prideful. They always helped people.

I want to make a difference like my grandparents did. I have volunteered at Doorstep, a Topeka nonprofit that gives food, clothes and rent and utility assistance. I have also helped provide food for a friend in need. I drop off sandwiches for lunch at her doorstep.

We can all work together to face the poverty we see. We can work together to address the needs creatively and bravely. We will need the courage of people like Barry Feaker, who has been helping folks experiencing homelessness for years. He and LaManda Broyles and their team at the Topeka Rescue Mission truly provide hope and health.

Sgt. Matt Rose at the Topeka Police Department and the officers there truly care about homelessness. Rose has been given a huge job to help deal with complex needs in individuals and he and the officers on his team really reach out to help people in crisis. I have the honor of speaking each year to law enforcement in the Crisis Intervention Team training. Its very important.

Yes, its time to gather our courage and our strength and to work together to address these huge issues in our communities and our state. There isnt just one easy answer, and we need to congratulate ourselves when we find even part of an answer and when we help even just one individual in need.

Lets run into the future with hope and heart and embrace the needs with strength.

Rebecca Lyn Phillips is a published author, speaker and mental health advocate. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
NAIROBI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Experts began a three-day meeting in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Wednesday to discuss ways of boosting the dairy sector in Africa.

The Dairy Tech Africa conference gathered more than 100 exhibitors and 500 delegates composed of officials from United Nations agencies, senior government officials from across Africa, and dairy industry experts to exchange views on the latest technological advancements in the dairy sector.

Jonathan Mueke, principal secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said that the country produced about 5.2 billion liters of milk in 2023, of which only 40 percent was consumed after value addition.

"We want to increase access to machinery so that at least 60 percent of the milk is processed so that the sector can expand," Mueke said.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate that the dairy sector supports about 1.8 million smallholder farmers and contributes to about 4.5 percent of the economy.

The Kenyan official noted that value addition to generate products such as butter and yoghurt will also help reduce the level of post-harvest losses of milk.

Tipo Tito Nyabenyi, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) acting representative in Kenya, said that the conference will provide a platform for Africa's dairy sector to interact with the latest technology that can help expand the continent's milk sector.

Nyabenyi urged Africa to tap into the continent's huge land and livestock sector to reduce imports of dairy products into Africa.

Margaret Kibogy, chief executive officer of the Kenya Dairy Board, said that the country has rolled out a number of incentives including tax holidays in order to attract more investment into the dairy sector. 
Lawyers for the former AT&T Illinois boss accused of trying to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan argue in a new filing that the prosecutions case has been significantly undermined by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling walking back a federal bribery statute.

Paul La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiring to pay former state Rep. Edward Acevedo $2,500 a month in consulting fees as part of a plan to win Madigans backing of several pending pieces of legislation in Springfield. His trial is scheduled to kick off in September.

In a flurry of motions filed late Tuesday, however, La Schiazzas attorneys asked the judge to toss key bribery and conspiracy counts in the indictment, order the government to turn over grand jury minutes, and limit the statements of alleged co-conspirators that can be introduced at trial.

The motions were the latest fallout from the high courts ruling last month in the case of former Portage, Indiana, Mayor James Snyder that held the federal bribery statute commonly known as 666 applies only to bribes, not gratuities, and that there must be a quid pro quo agreement to accept something of value in exchange for an official act.

In their filings, La Schiazzas legal team repeatedly argued that the indictment fails to allege any direct connection between the payments to Acevedo, a longtime acolyte of the Democratic speaker, and Madigans efforts in 2017 to help pass legislation allowing AT&T to end mandatory landline service, which stood to save the company millions.

The indictment does not allege facts establishing a causal connection between the legislative actions undertaken by Madigan and the benefits he allegedly received from AT&T, much less an express agreement by Madigan to undertake these acts in exchange for Mr. La Schiazza having AT&T offer Acevedo a consulting job, the defense argued.

The motions argued that what prosecutors have charged was innocent, everyday conduct in politics, where business leaders hire lobbyists to push their positions on important policy matters and often respond to hiring requests from legislators.

These kinds of requests are commonplace, and they persist to this day, La Schiazzas lawyers stated.  Moreover, it is not unlawful for a constituent to generally seek to generate goodwill.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman told prosecutors to respond by July 30.

La Schiazzas requests come on the heels of similar motions by Madigan himself, who along with his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, is charged in a separate racketeering indictment that includes the alleged AT&T bribery scheme.

Earlier this month, Madigan attorneys argued that 14 counts of his indictment are fatally infirm due to the Snyder ruling and should be dismissed, in part because there is no proof that the once-powerful Democratic leader agreed to use his official position for personal gain.

The impact of Snyder on this case cannot be questioned, the Madigan filing stated. The Supreme Court clearly and definitively held that the statute applies only to bribes, not gratuities, and that bribery requires that the official have a corrupt state of mind and accept (or agree to accept) the payment intending to be influenced in the official act. In other words, the government must establish a quid pro quo.

The U.S. attorneys office is expected to file a response to the Madigan motion next week.

In reaching their decision last month, the Supreme Court justices sided 6-3 with Snyder, who argued to the nations highest court that the anti-corruption law under which he was convicted is vague and could potentially criminalize innocent, everyday conduct. The decision vacated Snyders conviction for taking a $13,000 consulting fee from a garbage truck dealer that had recently won two lucrative contracts with the town.

The Snyder decision was the latest in a string of Supreme Court cases curtailing what the court has seen as overly broad federal anti-corruption statutes. The ruling drew criticism from proponents of good government, who worried the sweeping ruling would loosen the guardrails in a city and state where corrupt public officials have marched steadily to federal prison.

Jury selection in La Schiazzas case is scheduled to start Sept. 9, just a month before Madigan and McClain are set to go on trial at the same Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on sweeping racketeering conspiracy charges that include the AT&T scheme as well as similar allegations regarding utility giant Commonwealth Edison.

Madigan had originally been scheduled to go on trial well before La Schiazza, but his case was postponed after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up Snyders case.

According to the charges against La Schiazza, the scheme to reward Acevedo began in February 2017, after the company learned through McClain that the speaker was looking to kick Acevedo some money. In an email exchange that March, AT&T Illinois director of legislative affairs asked two of the companys executives if they were 100% certain they would get credit from the powers that be if the payments were made to Madigans associate.

I would hope that as long as we explain the approach to McClain and (the associate) gets the money then the ultimate objective is reached, one of the executives allegedly wrote back.

The legislative affairs director responded, I dont think (La Schiazza) wants this based on hope. We need to confirm prior to executing this strategy, according to copies of the emails included in court filings.

At McClains direction, AT&T employees then met with Acevedo to discuss a pretextual reason for the payments: to prepare a report on the political dynamics of the General Assemblys and Chicago City Councils Latino Caucuses, according to prosecutors.

Acevedo never did any real work for AT&T Illinois, however. Prosecutors alleged he balked at first at the payments, saying they were too low. But Acevedo agreed to the deal after McClain stepped in and said the amount was sufficient.

After a protracted fight, the landline bill passed during the final hours of the spring 2017 legislative session  with Madigans direct assistance, according to legislative records and a statement of facts agreed to in court by AT&T, which has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorneys office.

On June 29, 2017, Madigan permitted the bill to be brought to a vote and cast his ballot in favor of the legislation, records show. Two days later, after Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the legislation, Madigan and the Democratic-led General Assembly overrode him, with Madigan again voting for the override.

Less than two weeks later, La Schiazza allegedly received a request from a Madigan relative to sponsor a nonprofit event.

The unidentified relative said the idea came at the suggestion of our good friend, Mike McClain, according to prosecutors. La Schiazza forwarded the request to a colleague in the legislative affairs department on July 12, 2017, writing this will be endless.

I suspect the thank you opportunities will be plentiful, the colleague allegedly emailed back, referring to the landline legislation.

Yep, La Schiazza allegedly responded. We are on the friends and family plan now.

Acevedo was convicted in 2021 on separate tax charges and sentenced to six months in prison.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
After nearly 37 years of professing his innocence from prison, losing appeals three times in a row, Paul Clark officially left court Tuesday a free man.

The tether was removed. There would be no retrial.

The persistent Clark could finally begin a new life with his children, who grew up without him, after convincing the courts on his fourth try that he was wrongfully convicted of murdering a man in 1987 because a crucial piece of evidence was withheld from him: a mug shot of a man with a deep gash on his face.

The mug shot  buried deep in the abyss of old criminal files  was not discovered until 2020.

It would ultimately help exonerate Clark, who long argued another man, the man with the scar, was responsible for the crime he was blamed for.

"There is a significant possibility the defendant may actually be innocent," Wayne County Circuit Judge Mark Slavens wrote in an April opinion, concluding Clark was "denied favorable evidence" that may have produced a different result at trial.

In addition to the mug shot, Slavens also took into consideration two affidavits signed by an inmate who alleged the man with the scar had confessed to him years ago in prison that he had killed the man in Clark's case.

But like the mug shot, Clark's jury didn't hear about any alleged jailhouse confession, either.

Paul Clark, of Highland Park, hugs his son and daughter at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice after being exonerated of a 1987 murder that he served 37 years in prison for. After decades of professing his innocence, he won on his fourth appeal.

'I have waited for this day my entire life'

While the judge initially ruled that Clark was entitled to a new trial, and released him on a tether in May, it wasn't until Tuesday that Clark was officially granted his freedom after the prosecutor's office decided not to retry the case. Without explaining why, the prosecution announced it was dismissing the charges.

"I am so amazed right now. I just can't believe it. I have waited for this day my entire life," said Clark's daughter, 36-year-old DeAngelic Clark, who was born shortly after her father was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a 1987 Highland Park murder.

"I feel like a little girl in a candy store all over again," she said after hugging her father in a hallway at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in downtown Detroit. "Like  it's beautiful. And every day I'm crying because I just really can't believe it's really real."

Clark's son, who turned 2 on the same day his father was sent to prison, also was overcome with emotion.

"He was taken away from me that very day, so to have him 36 years later is amazing," Deshawn Clark said Tuesday as he joined his father in a group family hug, later exclaiming: "Now we can go fishing!"

Integrity unit discovers crucial mug shot

According to court records, here is how Clark's criminal case came about:

In 1987, two men were murdered while out soliciting prostitutes in Highland Park. They were shot and killed after leaving the same bar, during what police described as robberies gone wrong: When the victims put up a fight, they were shot dead.

The murders occurred within two blocks of each other, but roughly three months apart.

Weeks after the first murder, a man named Alex Scott was found with a gun near the scene of that crime. He was arrested and had his mug shot taken. It featured a long scar on his face. According to police, the first victim was found with a knife in his hand.

Scott, though, was not charged in that crime. Rather, he was charged in the second man's murder and eventually pleaded guilty. In his guilty plea, he also admitted to conspiring with a prostitute to identify other potential victims in the same Highland Park neighborhood.

Another three decades would pass before Clark learned anything about that conviction, or the man named Alex Scott and his incriminating gash on his face.

Clark, who was charged and convicted in the murder of the first man, long argued that he was innocent. But it wasn't until 2020 that his appeal would gain any traction. That's when the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office Conviction Integrity Unit discovered Scott's mug shot.

A scar on his face

According to court record's, Scott's mug shot, "showed he had a fresh and deep wound to the left side of his face, as if he had been recently slashed with a knife."

Clark, in his appeal, noted the man he was charged with murdering was found with a hook knife in his right hand.

But his jury never heard anything about another potential suspect with a gash on his face.

"The Highland Park police were aware of, or should have been aware of, the similarities between (Clark's) case and Alex Scott's," Judge Slavens wrote in his opinion, adding the police "had a duty to notify (Clark) that a similar crime was committed in the same area."

The judge also held that the prosecution's failure to disclose this mug shot "undermines the confidence in the outcome of his trial."

Witness accounts helped the prosecution build its case against Clark, who was charged with fatally shooting a man who was seen leaving a bar with a woman who had been offering men sex acts in exchange for money. According to an eyewitness, as described in court records, the man was shot while walking with the alleged prostitute outside, though when the shooter approached, the woman kept walking away from the scene.

Clark maintains he was never at the bar that night, and that the witnesses identified the wrong man.

As noted by Judge Slavens in his opinion, Clark and Scott look different on a number of fronts: Clark is 20 pounds heavier, lighter skinned, and walks with a distinctive limp.

Clark received the stiffest punishment possible in his case: a life sentence, without the possibility of parole.

Scott also received a life sentence and remains behind bars.

Inmate breaks silence: there was a jailhouse confession

Clark's freedom was ultimately secured by the Michigan Innocence Clinic, which unlike most such clinics, focuses on cases where there is no DNA to be tested. Specifically, it was MIC attorney Elizabeth Cole who fought for years to prove what Clark had long been arguing  that he was wrongfully convicted for another person's crime because the jury lacked two key pieces of evidence.

Paul Clark poses in this June photo after being released, on a tether, from prison, where he served 37 years for a Highland Park murder he maintains he did not commit. He was exonerated July 23, 2024, after the prosecutor's office decided not to retry the case.

In addition to the mug shot, Clark revived his appeal with the help of a friend and fellow inmate named Dwight Hill, who signed affidavits alleging that Scott confessed to him that he was responsible for both Highland Park murders. Hill, though, didn't share this information until 29 years after Clark was convicted. As for why he took so long, Hill said he kept quiet because he feared Scott, and waited until after his release in 2016 to share this information.

Hill signed two affidavits supporting Clark. The judge noted that while these affidavits are potentially biased as Hill and Clark are friends, the possibility that they are true "further corroborates the plethora of evidence submitted by (Clark) to prove he may not have committed this crime."

Clark, meanwhile, isn't done fighting. He has a civil suit in the works over what his lawyer called a wrongful incarceration.

"Today we witnessed justice," civil rights attorney Shereef Akeel said after Clark had the tether officially removed. "Unfortunately, there are many other innocent men and women fighting to prove their innocence."

But, he added: "Today is Paul Clark's day."

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit man freed after 37 years in prison
Expect heightened security at Trump rally in Charlotte. Heres what you need to know.

Kimberly Reynolds, a Republican mother of three from Huntersville, is on the fence about attending former President Donald Trumps rally at Bojangles Coliseum on Wednesday.

She has tickets and second thoughts after an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, just two weeks ago, where Trump was shot in the ear and three others were injured, one fatally. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday for the security failures in Pennsylvania.

Ive supported Trump from the beginning, but now Im not sure if its worth the risk, she told The Charlotte Observer. With everything thats been happening, I worry about the safety of my kids and myself.

Reynolds could be among thousands of attendees at Wednesdays rally  Trumps first since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Security experts, including a former Secret Service agent and law enforcement officials from North and South Carolina, all expect heightened security Wednesday. And the venue is publicizing a list of prohibited items during the event.

Whos in charge of security during Trump visit?

Responsibility for security at the coliseum rests with the Secret Service, which collaborates with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office and state police to secure the perimeter outside.

The Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny for failures that allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to open fire at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.

Despite the failures, former Secret Service agent Anthony Cangelosi, who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, is confident in the agency. Cangelosi worked for the agency under president George W. Bush and for The Department of Homeland Security for 10 years.

Secret Service made a terrible mistake, but this is the first time weve had an attack of this nature in over 40 years, Cangelosi told the Observer. They learn from mistakes and I dont expect this to happen again.

Federal officials have pledged to enhance security for candidates, too. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced last week that Trump will receive expanded protection from the Secret Service.

When asked specifically about the rally on Wednesday, the Secret Service was tight-lipped.

The safety and security of our protectees is the U.S. Secret Services top priority, spokesperson Nate Herring wrote in an email to the Observer. Out of concern for operational security, the Secret Service does not discuss the means and methods used for our protective operations.

Cangelosi said that indoor events typically have fewer risks, but they also present unique challenges.

With outdoor events you have risks from buildings, rooftops and windows, he said.

Past rallies

When Trump spoke to more than 5,000 rally-goers at the Winthrop Coliseum in Rock Hill on Feb. 23 there was a huge law enforcement presence both inside and outside the building.

Winthrop Police Department Chief Charles Yearta said Tuesday planning for the event started months ahead of time as he coordinated with outside agencies, including Rock Hill police and the York County Sheriffs Office deputies to supply the manpower needed to provide safety and security. Thats in addition to what the Secret Service handles and asks from local law enforcement.

More than 40 off-duty Rock Hill Police Department officers worked the February Trump event.

Yeartas department isnt involved with the Trump rally Wednesday, but because of the recent assassination attempt, he expects the level of security in Charlotte at the arena and around it to be even higher.

What to know about security

Cangelosi expects more security, too.

This includes expanded security around the coliseum, with more street closures, metal detector wands and bomb-sniffing dogs, Cangelosi said. Also, dump trucks and emergency vehicles are expected to obstruct the view of bystanders on street blocks around the coliseum.

More security wont dampen the festival-like atmosphere of Trump rallies, says Gaston native Kevin Brendel, who has attended four rallies since 2019. Brendel predicts there will be lively tailgating, blasting music and merchants selling shirts, hats, buttons and more plastered with Make America Great Again or attacks against Harris.

I think theres going to be more stuff with with the picture of Trump from Butler (Pennsylvania) with his fist raised high after he got shot, Brendel said. By the time Trump gets here lots of us will have been lined up for hours.

 Event organizers recommend arriving early and using public transportation or ride-shares when possible. Parking is accessible via Paul Buck Boulevard and Arena Boulevard, as well as the Briar Creek exit off Independence Boulevard for the main Park Expo lot. For ride-share users, the designated drop-off and pickup point is situated near Ovens Auditorium on Paul Buck Blvd. and Arena Blvd.

 The following are prohibited: vapes, video recorders, cameras, laser pointers, large electronics, outside food or beverages, large bags/backpacks and weapons.

 Attendees can bring non-clear handbags smaller than 4.5 x 6.5 inches, about the size of a small clutch purse. Clear bags smaller than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are also allowed.

Get here as early as possible. Theres tons of people coming to support our guy [Trump] especially after he got shot, Brendel said. Its July. Its going to be hot and youre waiting a long time so bring food too. Honestly though, just enjoy your time.

Rock Hill Herald reporter Andrew Dys contributed to this story.
Experts weigh in on the role of Lt. Gov. Robinson if Gov. Cooper tapped as Harris running mate

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  With Gov. Roy Cooper on a short list of Democrats who could potentially run alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, experts are weighing in on what that means for Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson when Cooper would leave the state to campaign.

Cooper addressed the reports about being considered as a possible vice president on Tuesday.

I appreciate people thinking of me that way. But, like I say, this is the time for us to be supporting Kamala Harris, he said. The thing is she has extraordinary people to pick from. And, I trust shes going to make the right decision.

Lt. Gov. Robinson is currently running for governor against Atty. Gen. Josh Stein (D).

The state Constitution reads, During the absence of the Governor from the State, or during the physical or mental incapacity of the Governor to perform the duties of his office, the Lieutenant Governor shall be Acting Governor.

While some Democrats have raised concerns about potential actions Lt. Gov. Robinson could take, state political experts say theres important context.

Cooper has left the state multiple times since Robinson was elected, including to travel out of the country.

Last October, Gov. Cooper went to Japan on an economic development trip.

While he was gone, Lt. Gov. Robinson took action as acting governor, declaring a week of solidarity with Israel soon after the attack by Hamas.

We honor and mourn the victims of the terrorist attacks by Hamas and their ally Israel, Robinson said at the time.

Earlier this year, Cooper left the country again on an economic development trip to Europe. His office said at the time that he would remain in regular contact throughout the day with his Cabinet Secretaries and staff in North Carolina and continue to direct state business.

Chris Cooper, an expert on state politics at Western Carolina University, responded to various posts on X claiming the selection of Gov. Cooper as a running mate would be an issue for Democrats.

He said its hard to imagine what of substance an acting governor could do.

He also pointed out the governor could reverse any executive orders he doesnt agree with when he returns to North Carolina. Additionally, he noted Republicans already have a veto-proof supermajority capable of enacting legislation regardless of whether Gov. Cooper agrees with it.

Duke University political scientist Mac McCorkle said, If he tried to assert something, I think people would consider that a stunt and could hurt Robinson.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pictures of cans damaged by heat are circulating in Facebook groups dedicated to Southwest employees. (Image: Facebook)

Southwest Airlines has reported a series of soda can explosions aboard airplanes, attributed to the extreme temperatures sweeping across the Western United States. The airline has confirmed approximately 20 injuries among staff due to the incidents, with one flight attendant requiring stitches.

Heat can turn soda cans into tiny bombs. Hot air causes carbon dioxide molecules to move rapidly, increasing pressure inside the can. This pressure can become five to six times greater than the atmospheric pressure, leading to the cans warping and potentially bursting open.

The phenomenon, which has been more frequent this summer, has been particularly prevalent at airports in the West and Southwest, where temperatures have shattered long-standing records. Las Vegas, for instance, recently hit a scorching 120 degrees, marking the city's highest temperature on record. It was followed up by a five-day stretch with a high at or above 115 degrees.

Southwest Airlines spokesperson Chris Perry emphasized the severity of the situation to the Washington Post, noting that cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and several in Texas have been experiencing earlier and more persistent severe heat due to climate change. The airline said soda cans are bursting, especially on flights departing from those cities where triple-digit temperatures are becoming the norm.

A Southwest Airlines jet arrives at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix on Dec. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

An internal Southwest Airlines memo dated July 12, directed at the airline's flight attendants, underscored the urgency of the situation, according to CBS. It indicated that the company is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its employees and customers in the face of the fizzy fiasco.

The email details changes Southwest has made to address the problem, including stocking fewer cans on provisioning trucks to limit the amount of time the cans spend in the heat, placing carbonated drinks in coolers on trucks in hot weather locations, monitoring truck and can temperature with thermometers during shifts and "not boarding product when the outside temperature reaches levels known to elevate the risk of bursting cans."

The low-cost airline, known for not serving perishable food and thus not utilizing refrigerated trucks, is also exploring alternative methods to keep beverages cool. including the use of air-conditioned trucks at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Additionally, ground crews check the temperature of soda cans before loading them onto the aircraft, and flight attendants are advised against opening deformed or hot cans.
The Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone National Park is now closed after a hydrothermal explosion took place Tuesday.

The explosion near Sapphire Pool damaged a boardwalk while park guests ran away to safety. No injuries were immediately reported. Several guests videoed the explosion and posted the videos to social media.

BREAKING: A hydrothermal explosion occurred in the Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/VpjL7njKT0  The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) July 23, 2024

Biscuit Basin as well as its boardwalks and parking lots are closed for visitor safety as park geologists investigate what occurred, USA Today reported.

The explosion erupted in the Biscuit Basin thermal area, which is about 2 miles away from Old Faithful, and it appears to have originated near Black Diamond Pool, per a release.

In this aerial photo released by the National Park Service, shows the damaged Biscuit Basin boardwalks after a hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., Tuesday, July 23, 2024. | AP

What is a hydrothermal explosion?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Hydrothermal explosions are violent and dramatic events resulting in the rapid ejection of boiling water, steam, mud, and rock fragments.

The scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory explained, These things can happen somewhat randomly, Mike Poland told Jackson Hole News. They are episodes of water flashing to steam underground. Sometimes they can be triggered by earthquakes. Often they are just the plumbing system underground. Its the randomness of the hydrothermal system.

Hydrothermal explosions are typically rare events on a human time scale... per the release. Based on the occurrence of large hydrothermal explosion events over the past 16,000 years, an explosion large enough to create a 100-(meter)- (328-ft-) wide crater might be expected every few hundred years, it added.

Here are other hydrothermal explosions that have taken place in the park in recent years, according to a release.

Porkchop Geyser  experienced an explosion in 1989.

Norris Geyser Basin  a small event in North Geyser Basin was recorded by monitoring equipment on April 15, 2024.

Biscuit Basin  An explosion similar to that of today also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.
Fact checked by Nick BlackmerFact checked by Nick Blackmer





Key Takeaways

New bird flu cases were recently detected in poultry workers in Colorado.

Public health officials said that extreme heat may indirectly have played a role in the spread.

As of now, bird flu has not spread between humans.







Extreme heat is a health hazard for several reasons, ranging from dehydration to its impact on medication. Now, public health officials are adding bird flu to the list as they investigate whether high temperatures might be exacerbating the spread of the virus.

At least six poultry workers in Colorado contracted bird flu after culling a flock of chickens that had tested positive for H5N1 this month. Temperatures reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit outside and were even hotter in the chicken houses, according to a press briefing.

Workers had difficulty keeping goggles and masks sealed onto their faces due to sweat and industrial fans. Those fans also spread feathers and debris, which can carry the virus.

Extreme heat makes it very uncomfortable to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and necessitates the use of fans that blow possible infectious debris around, infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Verywell.

Adalja said the H5N1 influenza strain thats causing bird flu isnt getting more transmissible as temperatures climb. Rather, the issue is that the workers were doing their job in a high-risk environment without full PPE.

Since April 2024, health officials have detected 10 human cases of bird flu in the U.S. Each case has occurred in people with close exposure to cows or chickens, and no cases have been spread from human to human.

Related: Is There a Vaccine for Bird Flu?

How Bird Flu Spreads

Bird flu can spread from infected animals to humans in a few different ways, such as by touching something thats contaminated with the live virus and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. You can also contract bird flu if a liquid thats contaminated with the virus, like milk from an infected cow, splashes into your eyes.

Eating, drinking, or inhaling droplets that are contaminated with the live virus can also make you sick. In the case of chickens and other poultry, the feathers can carry the virus, William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told Verywell.

Related: How Does Bird Flu Spread to Humans?

What This Means for Other Viruses

Summer is traditionally not thought of as a time when viruses thrive, but other pathogens can spread in the same way bird flu is spreading in the heat, Schaffner said.

Its less about the heat and more about the distribution of the virus through fans and the lack of PPE, he said.

Schaffner said that COVID could also spread through the use of industrial fans.

If a worker happened to be infected, there is a potential for infecting a larger group of people because the fans can spread the virus farther distances, he said.

What Happens Next?

The people infected with bird flu have experienced only mild symptoms and have been offered treatment, according to the CDC.

Both Schaffner and Adalja said there is a risk that this virus will eventually spread between people.

The current H5N1 bird flu outbreak should be thought of as a trial run, as this virus is constrained in its ability to infect humans, Adalja said. But there will be strains in the future that are not so constrained. So, it is important to put in place appropriate countermeasures and to get it right.

Schaffner said the public health community will continue to monitor the bird flu situation closely.

So far, so good with bird flu, but we all have our fingers crossed, he said.







What This Means For You

Since the spring, several cases of bird flu have been reported in humans in the U.S., but all have been limited to people who have been in close contact with infected animals. High temperatures make it difficult to wear personal protective equipment, raising the risk of illness.







Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Death row inmate Taberon Honie leaves for a recess during the Utah Board of Pardons commutation hearing Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City. (Pool photo by Rick Bowmer/AP)

For 26 years, Benita Yracheta has been waiting for Taberon Honie to die.

Honie murdered and sexually assaulted Yrachetas mother, Claudia Benn, in 1998 while her three grandchildren were inside the home. During court proceedings, Honie also admitted to sexually assaulting one of the children. On Aug. 8, hes scheduled to be executed by lethal injection.

Every time I think of my mom, I think of the aftermath of the crime scene, said Yracheta on Tuesday, the second day of Honies commutation hearing, where the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole heard arguments for and against going through with the execution.

Ive waited for this day to come for the last 26 years, she said.

Just after midnight on Aug. 8, the Utah Department of Corrections plans to execute Honie using a single dose of pentobarbital, which has been used in federal executions and is authorized in at least 10 states. Honie has tried, and failed, to appeal his sentence multiple times over the years, and this weeks commutation hearing is one of his final attempts to avoid the death penalty.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole does have the ability to grant clemency, which means Honie would spend the rest of his life in prison rather than face execution. Similar to a trial, attorneys representing both the state of Utah and Honie argued their case on Tuesday  the board is now deliberating, though it may be another week before a decision is announced.

While Monday was mostly reserved for testimony against executing Honie, including a plea from the death row inmate himself, the witnesses Tuesday, who included Benns family, struck a much different tone, recalling the gruesome, decadesold crime that changed their lives.

That includes Yracheta, who lamented the fact that she cant pick up phone to call her mother; Benns cousin, who told the board that the murder impacted the entire Paiute tribe, which Benn was a member of; Benns niece, who was so devastated by the murder that she became the worst alcoholic in the years following; and another niece, who accused Honie of sowing division in their family.

Where could we have been if she had survived? asked Betsy China, Benns cousin. We could have accelerated as a tribe, individuals and family, but it was torn apart that dreadful day.

China, like the rest of Benns family members who spoke on Tuesday, urged the board to deny Honies request for clemency.

You have been provided 25 years of incarceration. And you want more. But personally, I think we should just close the book. Taberon, you admitted you were wrong. And Im proud that you did that. Im glad that you got knowledge while youre here, China said, before telling the board: The best thing for me, my choice, would be the death penalty. Lets get this over.

An eye for an eye, added Sarah China, Benns niece, who asked the board to make the right decision, please.

Death row inmate Taberon Honie looks on following the Utah Board of Pardons commutation hearing Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City. (Pool photo by Rick Bowmer/AP)

Benns relatives on Tuesday tried to dissect Honies testimony from the day before, where he stressed accountability and claimed, several times, that he wasnt there to make excuses  yet often he would follow by telling the board the crime wouldnt have happened if he werent so intoxicated.

I know what a blackout is, said Sarah China. You do black out, but you know what youre doing at the same time. You know what crime youre doing  you cant give that excuse that you didnt know what you did.

You are the only one in this room who knows what fully happened. Youre the only one that knows exactly what you did. Youre the only one who knows whether my auntie was still alive when she was brutally sexually assaulted, said Trevia Wall, also Benns niece.

The gruesome nature of the crime was also a focus during the hearing Monday, with Sarah China describing the moment almost 26 years ago when she busted through the door to find blood stains throughout Benns home.

(It was) all over the damn house, China said. She fought for her life. She saved her grandkids, too. Thats a strong Paiute woman right there.

Though it was described in detail during witness testimony, Daniel Boyer with the Utah Attorney Generals Office said the pictures from the crime scene were too horrific to show.

That speaks volumes about the viciousness of this murder, Boyer said. The absence of those photos today may very well speak louder than the photos themselves.

Mercy or justice?

The hearing ended on Tuesday much like a trial, with both sides arguing their case. For more than an hour, Boyer described the lasting impact the murder had on not only Benns family, but the broader Paiute community, while pushing back on some of the witness testimony from the day before.

Most of the evidence presented Monday, meant to underscore the trauma and life circumstances that may have led to Honies violent behavior  poverty, lack of resources and addiction  is not new, Boyer said, and have been considered by courts for years.

Hes had 24 years of litigation challenging his death sentence. His challenges have been reviewed and rejected by both the state and federal courts, Boyer said.

He pushed back on Honies claim that the crime was a result of intoxication, pointing to the fact that he was lucid enough to take a taxi to Benns home; he refuted the argument that intergenerational trauma (Honie is a member of the Hopi tribe) played a role, reading a letter from the Paiute tribal government that accused him of opening historic wounds that cannot heal; and he said there are no new or compelling facts that would warrant clemency.

Honie deserved death then and nothing has changed, Boyer said.

Meanwhile, Honies attorney Therese Day told the board her client has spent the last two decades rehabilitating, reiterating much of the testimony from Monday  that alcoholism, addiction, poverty, neglect, brain injuries and a lack of positive role models molded Honie.

Her client believes he deserves some kind of punishment for the murder, she said, just not the death penalty.

This request is something he has struggled with because he believes he is deserving of nothing, she said. Hes not asking to be let out of prison, nor does he think he deserves it.

Instead, Honie wants to avoid execution so he can continue to better himself and others in prison, where she described him as a positive and trusted role model among other inmates  and so he can support his daughter and granddaughter, who have suffered enough because of his crimes. Honies death would only make that burden worse, she said.

Even those who commit terrible crimes are worthy of mercy and grace if they are truly remorseful for their acts, accept responsibility and accept punishment. Mr. Honie has always expressed genuine remorse and sadness for his crimes against Ms. Benn and her grandchildren, Day said.

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Death row inmate Taberon Honie leaves for break during the Utah Board of Pardons commutation hearing Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Utah State Correctional Facility, in Salt Lake City. (Pool photo by Rick Bowmer/AP)
FILE - Air traffic controllers watch for traffic from the control tower at the Tucson International Airport, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Tucson, Ariz. The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday, July 24, 2024, that it reached an agreement the union that allow air traffic controllers to get more rest between shifts. (Ron Medvescek/Arizona Daily Star via AP, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it will increase minimum rest time between shifts for air traffic controllers after highly publicized close calls between planes that were following orders from controllers.

The FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the union representing the workers, agreed to a number of changes that will apply as schedules are negotiated for next year.

"The science is clear that controller fatigue is a public safety issue, and it must be addressed," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. He promised more measures to address tired controllers.

Rich Santa, president of the controllers' union, said the group has been raising concern about fatigue for years. He said the agreement "will begin to provide relief to this understaffed workforce.

A report by experts to the FAA recommended 10 to 12 hours of rest before all shifts as one way to reduce the risk that tired controllers might make mistakes. The panel also said additional time off might be needed before midnight shifts, which don't allow workers to follow normal sleep patterns.

The agreement between the FAA and the union will give controllers 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift. They also agreed to limit consecutive overtime assignments.

The FAA has limited the number of flights in New York and Florida because of a shortage of air traffic controllers. Whitaker said the FAA will hire 1,800 controllers this year and is expanding its ability to hire and train controllers.

Controllers have been in the center of some close calls. The National Transportation Safety Board said in January that a controller made faulty assumptions that led him to clear a FedEx plane to land in Austin, Texas, while a Southwest Airlines jet was taking off from the same runway. Fatigue was not cited as a factor.

In other cases, controllers have stepped in to stop runway conflicts that could have been disastrous, including when an American Airlines jet mistakenly crossed an active runway at JFK Airport in New York.
Facebook and Instagram have removed tens of thousands of Nigerian accounts carrying out sextortion scams that targeted teenagers and were linked to suicides.

Meta, the social networks parent company, said it had taken down 63,000 accounts in Nigeria that were attempting to blackmail young men and boys after tricking them into sending nude images.

A group of scammers known as the Yahoo Boys have been linked to the schemes. Meta described the group as a loosely organised set of criminals and said it had removed a series of pages and groups giving users in Nigeria tips on how to scam users.

The scammers are believed to target young men and boys largely in the US by posing as teenage girls, sending stolen or AI-generated nude images and asking the male victims to send images back.

At that point they seek to extort cash. The FBI says it has recorded at least 12,600 cases of online sextortion and that the crime has been linked to 20 suicides.

Meta said that included in the 63,000 accounts was a network of 2,500 accounts linked to a group of 20 individuals. It said that while the majority of victims were adults, some scammers attempted to contact under-18s.

Instagram changed its settings to protect users from scammers earlier this year, blocking strangers from messaging underage users by default and blurring nudity in direct messages.

Under-18s will now be warned about potential negative consequences of sending nude images on Instagram

However many sextortion scammers typically befriend users before messaging them, a Bloomberg investigation found earlier this year.

The Internet Watch Foundation, a British online safety organisation, recorded an eightfold surge in sextortion scams containing child abuse material last year. Nine out of ten cases targeted boys.

Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20, were extradited to the US last year and have pleaded guilty to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys. They are awaiting sentencing on the charges.

Messages from Samuel Ogoshi were linked to the suicide of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old who was blackmailed after sharing an intimate picture with someone he believed was a teenage girl in 2022.

Meta said it had banned the Yahoo Boys gang and that it was developing new techniques to identify and stop sextortion scams before they happen.

The scammers often share scripts and tips in order to make themselves sound more like local teenage girls. They send friend requests to dozens of people at once to appear more authentic to victims because the accounts have friends in common.

Financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences, Meta said. Our teams have deep experience in fighting this crime and work closely with experts to recognise the tactics scammers use, understand how they evolve and develop effective ways to help stop them.

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PRAGUE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday that his country might take retaliatory measures against Ukraine for its recent decision to cut off oil supplies from the Russian company Lukoil to Slovakia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, the president said Ukraine's decision to halt Lukoil oil transit to Slovakia and Hungary undermines good neighborly relations between the countries.

"I firmly believe that Ukraine will manage to set things right as soon as possible, because Slovakia, as a sovereign country, will eventually have to resort to some retaliatory measures, and this would not be to the benefit of Ukraine, its people or any of us in the region," said Pellegrini.

Slovakia is one of the key suppliers of electricity to Ukraine.

Slovakia's economy ministry said last week that oil deliveries from Lukoil have stopped flowing to Slovakia via Ukraine following the company's inclusion on a Ukrainian sanctions list. The move also affected Bratislava-based refiner Slovnaft.

On Monday, Slovakia's Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar, together with Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, submitted an urgent call to the European Commission for action on the matter. 
The University System of New Hampshire's colleges include the University of New Hampshire (pictured), Plymouth State University, and Keene State College. (Dennis Tangney Jr. | Getty Images)

Even after the exams and papers are done, students at New Hampshires community colleges have sometimes faced another headache: credit transfers.

Across the states public higher education systems, not all completed courses at a community college are helpful for a given degree at a public four-year college or university. A student pursuing an engineering degree, for instance, might learn too late that the algebra-based physics course they took in community college is less useful toward their four-year degree than a calculus-based course.

It can be a vexing problem, requiring a student to pay for credits they didnt think they needed.

The large private online college in Manchester will take everything, said Stephen Appleby, director of educator support and higher education at the New Hampshire Department of Education, referring to Southern New Hampshire University. So how do our public colleges compete when theyre turning away credits and one of their competitors is accepting every credit?

College administrators have been working in recent years to strengthen those course pathways and eliminate confusion. But its one of several processes state officials say need to be improved to take on a growing problem for state-run colleges: Costs are too high and not enough students are attending.

New Hampshire colleges continue to face major demographic challenges. High school graduating classes continue to shrink on average. And annual enrollment across New Hampshire state-run colleges and universities has fallen from 31,307 students in 2019 to 27,056 in 2023.

This year, public colleges and universities are being pressed into action. Gov. Chris Sununu signed a law July 12, House Bill 1450, requiring the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire to follow a series of recommendations from a task force convened by the governor last year.

The main objective: increasing consolidation.

The task force had 90 days to try to increase enrollment and decrease costs, and it came away with a clear conclusion. New Hampshires public colleges and universities and its community colleges will need to combine resources and scale back in the coming years.

The school systems are not merging  lawmakers abandoned that idea, proposed by Sununu in 2021, after pushback from faculty of the community college system who feared layoffs. But they are coordinating, officials say.

A push toward alignment

Enrollment challenges are not unique to the Granite State. Nationwide, colleges are closing at a rate of one per week, according to Appleby. We think thats going to continue to accelerate the next few years, he said.

But while areas of the country such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona are growing, enrollment problems are particularly acute in the Northeast and Midwest. Were not high-growth areas of the country, and our populations are aging, Appleby said.

Some states are already choosing to consolidate. Alaska, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are among the states that have tried a similar approach with their state-run community colleges and higher education institutions.

Those states have gone down this road of saying, Okay, we cant sustain cost and enrollments, Appleby said.

Now its New Hampshires turn, Appleby and others say. Working with a Boulder, Colorado-based organization known as the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, the New Hampshire task force came up with a number of recommendations to carry out the idea  some that would require funding and legislative approval and others that could be done more quickly.

In the short-term category, the committee recommended that the two systems align their credits so community college students can transfer more of their coursework into the four-year colleges and universities. They suggested a fast-tracked admissions process where community college students with a certain GPA could automatically enroll in a USNH college. They also proposed a similar process where a high school student with a certain GPA could easily enter a community college.

Other ideas included recruiting employers who agree to help graduates with loan repayments if they are hired, and consolidating the entire community college system into one entity with one accreditation.

Among the longer-term ideas: further merging the community college and public higher education system under one chancellor and one governing board; eliminating duplicate courses between the two systems to reduce competition; and expanding online instruction.

Different challenges, advantages

Though aligned on the goal of boosting enrollment, the problems for the university system and community college system are different.

For the University System of New Hampshire, whose colleges include the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College, the problem is existential: Fewer students are going to high school in New Hampshire, and fewer high school graduates are going into college.

Beyond the basic demographic challenges accompanying more than 20 years of dropping K-12 enrollment, young adults are concerned about cost and debt, and are gravitating toward online options or alternative career paths, noted Catherine Provencher, chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, in an interview.

The result is that colleges  both public and private  are not only competing against each other for students but also attempting to sell students on the concept of college itself. Provencher said USNH is largely working to stabilize its student population now, about 50 percent of whom are from out of state.

Increasing enrollment in this environment? That might not be realistic, she said.

In contrast, the community college system may be better poised to adapt to toughening economic conditions, noted Mark Rubinstein, the chancellor of the CCSNH and a member of the task force, in an interview.

Community colleges are less dependent on high school graduates and cater more to working adults, who may be more likely to seek higher education training during downturns. And community colleges, which are less residential-based, can meet students needs geographically, allowing them to maintain families and jobs outside of classes.

Part of the way that were envisioning the future is that with technology changing, with industries changing, with the circumstances in individual peoples lives causing them to want to alter directions, we anticipate that although the number of 18-year-olds can only grow as fast as as the number of newborns arise, that the number of adults who will need education and will want to pursue new pathways is likely to grow significantly, Rubinstein said.

Many of the consolidation moves are centered around defensive actions to stop state-run colleges and universities from losing more money, Appleby says. While the University System of New Hampshire has frozen tuition for in-state students for the past six years, administrative costs have continued to climb. Finding savings will allow USNH to hold off on future tuition hikes and maintain financial aid options even as expenses grow.

Clear pathways

Administrators arent just trying to stanch the financial bleeding. Theyre also trying to build enthusiasm.

One approach is by increasing industry involvement with the colleges. If Im a high schooler, a young adult, and I know that if I go through this program at Manchester Community College or at Keene State (College) and then on the other end is a job waiting for me it makes it a lot more likely Im going to go through the program, said Appleby.

Clear roadmaps for community college students thinking about four-year college could help too, officials say. Following a law passed in 2022, USNH and CCSNH have coordinated to develop 50 different transfer pathways for community college students, according to a report to lawmakers this month.

Those pathways delineate exactly which community college courses they should sign up for in order to have the smoothest transition to their intended bachelors degree if they choose to transfer to a four-year college. A student interested in working in the biotechnology industry, for instance, could follow one of the pathways to enroll in the exact community college chemistry, microbiology, and physics courses they need to finish the degree seamlessly at the University of New Hampshire.

Another tactic is to streamline the college-going experience for students  even before they reach adulthood. Thats where the Early College At Your High School program comes in. Previously known as Running Start, the program allows high school students to take college courses in high school, allowing them to obtain credits and cut down on costs later on. For students, two courses are free; subsequent courses are $150 each.

There may be a whole cohort of students in high school right now that havent thought about going to college, said Provencher. But if we can have clear pathways for students and joint communication  there are opportunities for those students to get some credits in high school, maybe get a lot of credits in high school, go on to the community college system, and then go on to the university system.
Claim:

Former U.S. President Gerald Ford once said he believed the U.S. would have its first female president after her predecessor  a male president  dies and she moves into the position via the vice presidency.

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

In July 2024, as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris began campaigning for the presidency, an alleged quote by former President Gerald Ford with his prediction for the country's first female president spread across social media platforms. For instance, on July 23, 2024, a TikTok user shared a video of Ford making the statement:

That clip widely spread across platforms like Facebook, X and Reddit. It showed Ford saying:

Well, I hope we do have a young lady become president of the United States. I can tell you how I think it will happen, because it won't happen in the normal course of events. Either the Republican or Democrat political party will nominate a man for president and a woman for vice president, and the woman and man will win. So we'll end up with a president, a male, and a vice president, a female. And in that term of office of the president, the president will die, and the woman will become president.

The clip was genuine; It was real footage of Ford, who died in 2006, saying he believed the U.S. would have its first female president after her predecessor  a male president  dies and she moves into the position via the vice presidency. He made the comment in a 1989 speech in front of about 100 schoolchildren in Iowa, at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. PBS covered the event:

As the PBS footage shows (about 52 seconds in), Ford made the statement in response to a young girl's question, "Mr. Ford, what advice would you give a young lady wanting to become president of the United States?"

Snopes first confirmed the quote's legitimacy in 2022. It circulated again, roughly two years later, after U.S. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Harris, the first female vice president in U.S. history, as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee. Harris announced the start of her presidential campaign shortly after:

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

Sources:

Iowa PBS. 1989 Ford Interview on a Female President | IPTV 50th Anniversary. 2019. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epWYJ_SY8uU.

Log in or Sign up to View. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=gerald%20ford%20female%20president. Accessed 23 July 2024.

Palma, Bethania. "Did Gerald Ford Say This About the First Woman President?" Snopes, 8 Sept. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/gerald-ford-first-woman-president/.

TikTok - Make Your Day. https://www.tiktok.com/@viralnewswatch/video/7394169289982348586?_r=1&_t=8oE88euVmrD. Accessed 23 July 2024.
In the first rally of her presidential campaign on Tuesday, presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris wrongly described parts of the conservative Project 2025 blueprint for a potential second Donald Trump presidency.

The 920-page Project 2025 blueprint was organized by The Heritage Foundation think tank and developed in significant part by people who served in Trumps administration; Trump has publicly distanced himself from the initiative, calling unspecified Project 2025 ideas seriously extreme. Project 2025s proposals for right-wing policies and a radical reshaping of the executive branch have become frequent targets of Democratic criticism.

At Harris Tuesday rally in Wisconsin, she criticized Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda, then said: Can you believe they put that thing in writing? Read it. Its 900 pages. But heres the thing. When you read it, you will see Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare. He intends to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations and make working families foot the bill. They intend to end the Affordable Care Act. And take us back, then, to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with pre-existing conditions.

Facts First: One of Harris claims about Project 2025 is false, while another is at least misleading. The Project 2025 document does not show that Trump intends to cut Social Security; the document barely discusses Social Security at all and does not propose cuts to the program. In addition, contrary to Harris suggestion, Project 2025 does not call to end the Affordable Care Act or eliminate its protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The document does criticize the Affordable Care Act, especially the laws expansion of Medicaid, but makes clear it is advocating changes to the law rather than terminating the law entirely.

A Harris campaign official said the campaign has made a deliberate decision to brand all of Trumps policies as Project 2025, since they believe it has stuck with voters. After the initial publication of this article, a Harris campaign spokesperson, Joseph Costello, added, Project 2025 is a blueprint for many of the dangerous policies we know that a second Trump term would include, and it is indisputable that in his first term, Donald Trump repeatedly tried to cut Social Security and end the Affordable Care Act.

Mary Vought, a spokesperson for Project 2025 and the Heritage Foundation, said, Harris should follow her own advice and read the book instead of promoting lies and misinformation.

No Project 2025 call to cut Social Security

We wont render a verdict on Harris claim about Project 2025 calling for cuts to Medicare, though Trump himself has vowed he will not cut even a cent from the health insurance program for seniors and people with disabilities. The Project 2025 document proposes multiple significant changes to Medicare, and its not clear what their overall impact would be.

And there is a reasonable basis for Harris claim about Project 2025 wanting to give tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations. The projects proposals to significantly restructure the tax code include a reduction in the corporate income tax rate and ideas that would disproportionately benefit high earners. Trumps own proposal to extend the expiring provisions of his 2017 tax cut law also favors wealthy people.

But contrary to Harris claim that when you read the Project 2025 document you will see that Trump intends to cut Social Security, the lengthy document includes no call to cut Social Security. In fact, the document uses the words Social Security just 10 times, mostly in passing. Vought said the document calls for no changes to Social Security.

Harris could fairly have noted that Trump himself has expressed openness, both in decades past and earlier this year, to cutting Social Security. When he was asked in a March interview about how he would handle Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, he said, There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements. (He has since vowed not to cut one penny from Social Security or Medicare.)

But what Harris actually said is that the proof of a supposed Trump intention to cut Social Security in a second term is found in the Project 2025 document. It is not.

No Project 2025 call to end the Affordable Care Act

Harris at least suggested at the rally, though did not explicitly say, that the Project 2025 document includes a call to end the Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with pre-existing conditions. But thats not correct, either.

The document criticizes the budget impact of the Affordable Care Acts expansion of the Medicaid health insurance program for lower-income people. It also explicitly calls for some changes to the Affordable Care Act  popularly known as Obamacare  or its implementation. Those suggested changes include removing restrictions on physician-owned and specialty hospitals, better enforcing a provision of the law related to how insurers must handle money related to abortion, and coming up with a plan to separate the non-subsidized insurance market from the subsidized market.

But the document makes no mention of changes to Affordable Care Act protections for people with pre-existing conditions. And its suggestions for changes to the law are clearly not suggestions to get rid of the law entirely. It does not end the Affordable Care Act, Vought said.

Trump himself repeatedly promised during his 2016 election campaign to terminate Obamacare and replace it with an unspecified superior plan, but failed to achieve his goal as president. In a social media post during this campaign, in November 2023, he said he was seriously looking at alternatives to Obamacare, criticized Republican senators who had voted not to terminate the law, and added that we should never give up!

Then, four days later, he wrote, I dont want to terminate Obamacare, I want to REPLACE IT with MUCH BETTER HEALTHCARE. Obamacare Sucks!!!

This story has been updated with a response from the Harris campaign.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Fact Check: President and VP Can Be from the Same State  But It Has Never Happened

Claim:

The U.S. Constitution does not allow a president and vice president to be from the same state.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

While the Constitution does not prohibit a single-state ticket, a provision in the 12th Amendment incentivizes presidential and vice presidential candidates from two different states.

In the aftermath of U.S. President Joe Biden withdrawing from the 2024 U.S. presidential election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in his place, users across social media began theorizing who would join her on the Democratic ticket. Among the many names thrown out was California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

However, some users raised concerns about whether a Harris-Newsom ticket would be allowed under the U.S. Constitution, since both Harris and Newsom are residents of the same state, California.

(X user @RonSupportsYou)

A potential Harris-Newsom ticket would be constitutional, contrary to what people expressed on social media. In other words, nothing in the U.S. Constitution prohibits a political party from nominating presidential and vice presidential candidates from the same state.

However, such a single-state ticket would be unprecedented. By examining records of past elections in the National Archives, we found that no major party in the history of the United States has ever nominated a presidential and vice presidential candidate from the same state.

And that's likely for good reason. There are many political benefits to offering a ticket with two candidates from different states, including the higher likelihood of catering to a wider voting demographic.

In addition to that, a provision in the 12th Amendment incentivizes presidential and vice presidential candidates from two different states, and a ticket with two candidates from the same state could create a strange scenario in a close election.

Under the Constitution's guidelines, the "true" presidential election is held by the 538 electors of the Electoral College. Each state (and Washington, D.C.) appoints a number of electors equal to their number of Congressional members. For example, New York currently has 26 House representatives and two senators, giving the state a total of 28 Electoral College votes.

Per the National Archives, political parties in each state choose a slate of electors to represent their tickets. Then, during the November general election, in most states, the popular vote decides which party sends its electors to vote in the Electoral College. Or, in Maine and Nebraska's case, electors are allocated based on both the popular vote and voting outcomes in each Congressional district.

Every four years after a November general election, the 538 electors gather and cast votes for president and vice president according to rules outlined in the 12th Amendment, which was added to the Constitution in 1804. Each elector casts one vote for president and one vote for vice president on separate ballots.

If a presidential or vice presidential candidate receives a majority in the Electoral College, that person is elected to that office. If no candidate receives a majority, the House of Representatives holds votes to decide the presidency, while the Senate votes on the vice president.

But the 12th Amendment does place one restriction on how the electors are allowed to vote: They must vote for at least one candidate from a state other than their own. For instance, an elector from New York could successfully vote for a hypothetical, all-Virginia ticket of George Washington for president and Thomas Jefferson for vice president. However, an elector from Virginia could not cast the same ballot: That person could vote for either Washington or Jefferson, but would have to cast their other vote for a non-Virginian.

This brings us back to a potential Harris-Newsom ticket.

Since they are both officially registered as candidates from the state of California, California's 54 electors would not be able to vote for the full ticket. They would have to vote for either Harris as president or Newsom as vice president  but not both. Since votes for president and vice president are tabulated separately, this could lead to a situation where a presidential nominee from one party and a vice presidential nominee from another party win.

So, while there's no explicit ban in the Constitution preventing a party from running a single-state ticket, the 12th Amendment lowers such a ticket's chance at success. In order to successfully run a single-state ticket, the political party in question would need to either win the election in a landslide, giving it an Electoral College majority vote despite effectively forfeiting the candidates' home state's Electoral College votes, or risk the Senate deciding on vice president.

These complications are likely why a major party has never attempted to run a single-state ticket in a presidential election, especially given close presidential races in recent years.

According to History.com, the 2000 presidential election won by Republican George W. Bush had a chance at ending differently due to this provision in the 12th Amendment. Shortly before the election, Bush and his vice presidential candidate, D*ck Cheney, were both residents of Texas, worth 32 Electoral College votes. But, to avoid any issues due to the 12th Amendment's ban on electors voting for more than one candidate from their home states, Cheney moved his residency back to Wyoming. He formerly represented that state in Congress.

If Cheney would have kept his home registration in Texas  thus, preventing 32 electors from voting for both Bush and Cheney  Bush's vice president could have theoretically ended up being Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman. The election was decided by just five electoral votes.

Sources:

Baltimore, University of Maryland. "Answers to Your Questions." University of Maryland, Baltimore, https://www.umaryland.edu/lifelong-learning/constitution/answers/response/?queid=398&expertid=&assignid=1&uuid=59134E80-5056-A164-33243C0D77DD88CE. Accessed 23 July 2024.

"Can the President and Vice President Be From the Same State?" HISTORY, 22 Jan. 2024, https://www.history.com/news/can-the-president-and-vice-president-be-from-the-same-state.

"Constitutional Amendments  Amendment 12  'Electing the President and Vice President.'" Ronald Reagan, https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/constitutional-amendments-amendment-12-electing-president-and-vice-president. Accessed 23 July 2024.

"Distribution of Electoral Votes." National Archives, 19 Sept. 2019, https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/allocation.

United States Presidential Election of 1800 | Candidates, Significance, & Results | Britannica. 12 June 2024, https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1800.

U.S. Senate: Constitution of the United States. https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/constitution.htm#a1_sec10. Accessed 23 July 2024.
Fact Check: Vladimir Lenin Didn't Say, 'There Are Decades Where Nothing Happens' and 'Weeks Where Decades Happen'

Claim:

Russian revolutionary and politician Vladimir Lenin said, "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen"?

Rating:

Rating: Misattributed

Vladimir Lenin, the Russian revolutionary and founding leader of the USSR, has long been rumored to have said, "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen."

The quote has been the subject of numerous posts on social media sites including X, LinkedIn, Medium and Goodreads. On Reddit, it has made frequent appearances on quote-focused subreddits including r/quotes and r/QuotesPorn. It has also appeared in a range of print publications including Billy Idol's memoir "Dancing with Myself" and an editorial published in a 2013 issue of the Journal of Hepatology.

However, there is no evidence that Lenin ever spoke or wrote these words.

As the blog Quote Investigator pointed out in a 2020 article, the quote appears to have been first attributed to Lenin in 2001, 77 years after the Russian revolutionary's death, in a Guardian op-ed by British politician George Galloway.

Quote Investigator speculated that the misattribution may have come about due to confusion with a similar  but much wordier and less aphoristic  sentiment expressed in a 1918 pamphlet titled "The Chief Task of Our Day," which is securely attributable to Lenin. In the translation printed in "V. I. Lenin: Collected Works," a multivolume work published by Moscow's Progress Publishers in 1965, that quote reads,

In the space of a few days we destroyed one of the oldest, most powerful, barbarous and brutal of monarchies. In the space of a few months we passed through a number of stages of collaboration with the bourgeoisie and of shaking off petty-bourgeois illusions, for which other countries have required decades.

But where did the version that circulates today come from? The earliest appearance of a very similar version of the quote that Quote Investigator was able to find was a 1991 Christian Science Monitor article about Mexican poet Homero Aridjis, who is quoted as saying,

There are centuries in which nothing happens and years in which centuries pass.

That quote is a direct translation from the Spanish of two lines of Aridjis' poem "Sefarad, 1492," which was written in 1990 and included in Aridjis' 1991 poetry collection "Obra Poetica: 19601990." In the original Spanish, the lines read:

Hay siglos en los que no pasa nada / y anos en los que pasan siglos

Aridjis was not the first to use this turn of phrase or a close variant, however. By searching variations on phrases used in the quote (for example, "in which nothing happens" instead of "where nothing happens"), Snopes was able to track down earlier versions not included among Quote Investigator's findings.

In 1982, for example, fantasy author David Eddings included a close variant in his novel "Pawn of Prophecy." That version reads:

Centuries pass when nothing happens, and then in a few short years events of such importance take place that the world is never the same again.

An even earlier version  and one that more closely resembles the version in the claim  was published in 1908, during Lenin's lifetime, although there is still no evidence to link it to Lenin himself. This version was published in "The Devil," a novel by Dutch-American author Adriaan Schade van Westrum:

There are years, centuries, in which nothing happens, and there are days, like yesterday, into which a whole lifetime is compressed.

Van Westrum's novel was based on the Hungarian playwright Ferenc Molnar's 1907 play of the same name (in the original Hungarian, "Az Ordog"). However, we've been unable to locate any variation on the phrase in Molnar's original Hungarian text, so it seems likely that its inclusion in the 1908 novel adaptation was a bit of artistic license on van Westrum's part.

Regardless of whether van Westrum invented the quote or read it elsewhere, there is no evidence that Lenin originated the version that has widely circulated under his name since 2001. For this reason, we rate this claim as "Misattributed."

Sources:

Aridjis, Homero. Obra poetica, 1960-1990. [Mexico], D.F. : Joaquin Mortiz, 1991. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/obrapoetica196010000arid.

Eddings, David. Pawn of Prophecy. Del Rey, 1982. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/pawnofprophecybe00davi.

Friedman, Scott L. ""There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen"Vladimir Ilyich Lenin." Journal of Hepatology 60.3 (2014): 471-472.

Galloway, George. "We Will Not Be Silenced." The Guardian, 20 Oct. 2001. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2001/oct/20/britainand911.afghanistan.

Lenin, Vladimir Ilich. Collected Works. Moscow : Foreign Languages Pub. House, 1963. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/collectedworks0027leni.

"Mexican Novelist Sees 1492 As 'A Year of Centuries.'" Christian Science Monitor. Christian Science Monitor, https://www.csmonitor.com/1991/1011/11101.html. Accessed 23 July 2024.

Molnar, Ferenc. Az ordog, vigjatek harom felvonasban. Budapest, Franklin-Tarsulat, 1907. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/azrdgvigjt00moln.

Quote Origin: Days Into Which 20 Years Are Compressed  Quote Investigator. 13 July 2020, https://quoteinvestigator.com/2020/07/13/decades-weeks/.

Idol, Billy. Dancing with Myself. Simon and Schuster, 2014. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/isbn_9781471157295.

Van Westrum, Adriaan Schade. The Devil. Chicago : M.A. Donohue, c1908. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/thedevil00vanwiala.


(Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised and promised reforms on Wednesday after a public inquiry found some 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the last 70 years.

Evidence of similar scandals has emerged in other countries in recent years.

AUSTRALIA

Like New Zealand, Australia has uncovered widespread abuse of children in state and religious care. A Royal Commission investigated the issue, reporting in 2017 that there had been tens of thousands of child victims, saying their abusers were "not a case of a few rotten apples".

The inquiry spanned religious, government, educational and professional organisations. Of survivors who reported abuse in religious institutions, more than 60% cited the Catholic Church.

UNITED STATES

The Catholic Church in the U.S. has been shaken to its core by myriad sexual abuse scandals since the Boston Globe newspaper revealed in 2002 that church officials in that city systematically covered up sexual misconduct by its clergy for decades.

That case prompted a flood of investigations nationwide, showing that the abuse of minors was not isolated to Boston but was a widespread phenomena across many dioceses in the U.S.

The scandals are not limited to the Catholic Church.

Complaints of sex abuse by pastors and staff in the largest U.S. Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, were either ignored or covered up by top clergy for decades, according to an internal report released in 2022.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for bankruptcy in 2020 after several U.S. states enacted laws letting accusers sue over decades-old abuse allegations.

CANADA

On a trip to Canada in 2022, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness for sexual abuse at schools for indigenous children run by Catholic orders, addressing a deep wound that many survivors wanted him to acknowledge.

More than 150,000 children were taken from their homes and many were subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition in what Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 called "cultural genocide".

FRANCE

French clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children over the past 70 years, a major investigation released in 2021 found, and its authors said the Catholic Church had turned a blind eye to the 'scourge' for too long.

The head of the French conference of bishops, Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, said the church was shamed. Calling the report a "bombshell", he asked for forgiveness and promised to act.

IRELAND

Thousands of infants died in Irish homes for unmarried mothers and their offspring mostly run by the Catholic Church from the 1920s to the 1990s, an inquiry found in 2021, calling it an appalling mortality rate.

The inquiry further tarnished the reputation of the Church in Ireland after scandals over paedophile priests, abuse at workhouses and forced adoptions of babies.

Pope Francis begged forgiveness for the scandals during the first papal visit to the country in almost four decades in 2018.

SPAIN

Spain announced in April it would set up a fund, to be financed largely by the Catholic Church, to compensate an estimated 440,000 victims of decades of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, staff or teachers.

Last year, an ombudsman report on child sexual abuse committed by members of the Church estimated more than one in 200 Spaniards may have been sexually abused by Catholic priests.

The report said child abuses in the Church reached its peak during the decades of General Francisco Franco's fascist dictatorship that ended in 1975, and began to decline in the 1980s as the society began to secularise.

PORTUGAL

A Church-funded Portuguese commission found last year that at least 4,815 minors had been sexually abused by clergy over seven decades, but the report's authors said their findings were just the "tip of the iceberg".

Portugal's Catholic Church pledged in April to financially compensate victims of child sexual abuse within the Church.

GERMANY

Some 2,225 people suffered sexual violence in Germany's Protestant Church at the hands of 1,259 suspected perpetrators over the last eight decades, said a study released in January, warning that the scandal was probably far deeper.

However, as elsewhere, the main focus has been on the Catholic Church in Germany. A report released in 2018 found thousands of children had been sexually abused by its clergy.

ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE

Pretty much every country in Europe has uncovered sex scandals within the Roman Church hierarchy.

CHILE

The entire Chilean bishops' conference offered to resign in 2018 after a Vatican investigation exposed widespread sexual abuse by priests and systematic cover-ups by church officials.

After initially defending a bishop accused of covering up abuse, Pope Francis admitted to making "grave mistakes" in handling the situation, and apologised to the victims.

MEXICO

Church investigations belatedly revealed appalling abuse within the Legionaries of Christ priestly order, with its Mexican founder Marcial Maciel shown to be one of the Church's most notorious paedophiles, even abusing children he had fathered secretly with different women.

(Writing by Keith Weir and Crispian Balmer)
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Fairhope man found possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony has been sentenced to prison, according to the United States Department of Justice.

UPDATE: Man dies after Crestview crash on I-10 (FHP)

The USDOJ said in a press release that 30-year-old Christopher Caleb Thomas was sentenced on July 18, 2024.

According to court documents, Thomass sentencing comes after he pled guilty to having a gun as a convicted felon in March of 2023, stemming from an incident when Baldwin County deputies saw he was wearing an empty holster and found a gun in his car.

U.S. District Attorney Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock sentenced Thomas to serve a 24-month prison sentence and a three-year term of supervised release.

He will also have to pay $100 in special mandatory assessments in addition to being subject to testing and treatment for substance abuse and searches of his premises and person, documents said.

Pensacola man critically injured in motorcycle crash: FHP

The release said, U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Baldwin County Sheriffs Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Families of Gaza hostages say they have low expectations for Netanyahu address to Congress

The families of several hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza expressed little enthusiasm for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to lawmakers, saying they met with him this week and did not receive any encouraging news.

Netanyahu, who is set to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, met with Israeli hostage families at his hotel earlier this week and told them he was trying to balance the objectives of getting the hostages out while protecting the citizens of Israel, according to Jon Polin, the father of Hamas hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

On a potential cease-fire and hostage release deal, Netanyahu said that the deal is getting closer but were not there yet, according to Polin.

We went back and suggested that at this point, it should not be one or the other, but that protecting the citizens of Israel, by the counts of the Minister of Defense, the head of the military, the head of Mossad [and] the head of Shin Bet, is at a point where they all feel like we have accomplished what we need to accomplish, he said at a press conference. Now militarily, they feel like they can live with the price of any deal.

Other family members of hostages said they walked away with the understanding that a deal would not be signed right now and anything the Israeli prime minister says in his speech before Congress would be meaningless.

The frustration was evident among the families, who held gatherings this week and are slated to hold more Wednesday demanding the Israeli government and Palestinian militant group Hamas seal the deal to establish a cease-fire and free the hostages. Around 116 hostages still remain in Gaza, 44 of whom the Israeli military has said are dead.

Yehuda Cohen, the father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, said Netanyahu and the Israeli government were doing nothing to release my son.

The government is only thinking of its own survival, he said. Our government is responsible and our government is abandoning and keeps on abandoning those hostages, they keep on abandoning my son.

Hamas took roughly 250 hostages in a surprise invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, when Palestinian fighters also killed more than 1,100 people. Israels retaliatory war in Gaza has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians.

A truce has not been reached since November, when dozens of hostages were freed, as Israel seeks the total destruction of Hamas and the Palestinian militant group pushes for an end to the war.

President Bidens latest proposal appears to have pushed both sides closer to a deal, with the U.S. indicating one is near the finish line. The proposal includes exchanging the most vulnerable hostages for a temporary cease-fire, a withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated and Palestinian prisoners, while a second phase would see a lasting cease-fire while negotiations continue to release the remaining hostages and end the war.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday that an agreement is in sight.

We think its achievable, it doesnt mean well get there, but we have made progress in the talks, he told reporters.

But for the families, they keep getting signs that a deal is close without a finalized agreement, an aggravating process. The families feel the clock is ticking as more hostages are found dead in captivity, including two announced this week, Alex Dancyg, 75, and Yagev Buchshtav, 35.

Polin said he doesnt want to hear any more that were getting closer.

I dont want to hear any more goalposts. I dont want to hear any more excuses, he said. Our loved ones paid the price. They need to come home now.

All we need is a deal. And it is already on the table right now, said Michael Levy, the brother of hostage Or Levy. Every week we hear about more hostages being murdered.

Efrat Moshkoviz, the aunt of 20-year-old hostage Naama Levy, said she will be attending the speech and still remains optimistic that a deal can be reached, saying she has no other choice but to keep up her hopes. She wants Netanyahu in his address, which many Democrats have threatened to boycott, to make a concrete announcement on a cease-fire and hostage release deal.

What weve heard so far  has been either vague or even combative at times, she said. What we are looking for is, We can make this work, we know how to make this work.

Rachel Goldberg, the mother of Goldberg-Polin, said she hopes that Biden can seal a deal now that he has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, giving him more time to focus on issues like the war in Gaza.

I am heartened and thankful that the president will now be able to be laser focused during the end of his term in office to returning these beloved hostages home and to bring more calm to our battered and complicated region, she said. What a glorious and powerful legacy that will be. Godspeed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Farmers in Africa say their soil is dying and chemical fertilizers are in part to blame

Benson Wanjala talks about the health of his soil at his farm in Machakos, Kenya, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  When Benson Wanjala started farming in his western Kenya village two and a half decades ago, his 10-acre farm could produce a bountiful harvest of 200 bags of maize. That has dwindled to 30. He says his once fertile soil has become a nearly lifeless field that no longer earns him a living.

Like many other farmers, he blames acidifying fertilizers pushed in Kenya and other African countries in recent years. He said he started using the fertilizers to boost his yield and it worked  until it didn't. Kenya's government first introduced a fertilizer subsidy in 2008, making chemical fertilizers more accessible for smaller-scale farmers.

About 63% of arable land in Kenya is now acidic, according to the agriculture ministry, which has been recording a decline in production of staples such as maize and leading exports of horticulture and tea. The production of maize declined by 4% to 44 million tons in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, which didn't say why.

The agriculture ministry didn't respond to questions, especially after a scandal over fake fertilizer in April. The fertilizer was found to be quarry dirt in misleadingly labelled bags that were distributed to farmers through a national subsidy program. President William Ruto said about 7,000 farmers bought the fake fertilizer and would be compensated with the correct product.

Problems with soil health are growing as the African continent struggles to feed itself. Africa has 65% of the worlds remaining uncultivated arable land but has spent about $60 billion annually to import food, according to the African Development Bank. The spending is estimated to jump to $110 billion by 2025 due to increased demand and changing consumption habits.

In May, Kenya hosted an Africa-wide soil health summit to discuss declining production, climate change and other issues that have increased food security concerns. Agriculture is a key part of the economy in Kenya, making up more than a quarter of the GDP.

At the summit, Stephen Muchiri, executive director of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, advocated for a return to traditional farming practices to replenish lifeless soils, including planting a variety of crops and doing as little as possible to disturb the land.

Inorganic fertilizers were never meant to be the foundation of crop production," he said, later adding that because of "commercially inclined farming, our soils are now poor, acidic, and low in biomass resources, and without life!

He said farmers should rotate crops on their land and source compost material from livestock such as goats: There must be some kind of transition and adaptation for our soils to revert back to fertility."

Experts say soil acidity causes land degradation by decreasing the availability of plant and essential nutrients, making soil more vulnerable to structure decline and erosion.

The program coordinator for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, Bridget Mugambe, advised the phasing out of chemical fertilizers.

Soil health goes beyond the quick fixes provided by chemical fertilizers. In fact, chemical fertilizers have extensively damaged our soils in Africa. We need to think of our soils in a more holistic way," she said.

The soil health summit by the African Union  which in 2006 recommended that members use more chemical fertilizers  adopted a 10-year plan that calls for increased investment to produce both organic and chemical fertilizers locally and triple their use for increased production.

During the summit, AU commissioner for agriculture Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko asserted that the continent was losing over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients each year."

Kenya heavily relies on imported fertilizer due to low local production. The main supplier is the European Union, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa's Kenya manager, John Macharia, said Kenya's recent fertilizer scandal should not discourage farmers.

Its still imperative that we are able to work with the government to actually ensure that we have the right fertilizers coming to our stores, Macharia said. He recommended both chemical and organic ones as long as they address the specific issue in the soil, and said soil analysis would guide farmers.

Declining soil quality is a food security concern across Africa.

In Zimbabwe, once a regional breadbasket, about 70% of soils are acidic, according to the government. The government in the past introduced chemical fertilizers in an attempt to strengthen soils, but wrong usage caused a decline in organic matter.

Before the introduction of mineral fertilizers, our forefathers had the knowledge and understanding that if you add organic manure, the soil becomes fertile, and crops perform better," said Wonder Ngezimana, a crop science associate professor at Zimbabwes Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. That has been a traditional norm in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa where people scavenge for any kind of organic matter to add to the soil.

That includes animal manure, grass, leaves and twigs, crop residue, ash and compost. But many farmers in Zimbabwe no longer have cattle because of recent drought, Ngezimana said: Farmers are struggling to maintain soil health because they cant generate enough quantities of organic matter.

AGRA recommended that farmers test their soil's acidity and apply lime to reverse high acidity.

But farmers say both are limited and costly. Soil testing services are available in government agricultural agencies, public universities and private organizations at prices ranging from $20 to $40.

Wanjala, the farmer, said he cannot even find the money cattle for manure, and barely for seeds.

I cannot afford more expenses, he said.

___

Farai Mutsaka in Harare, Zimbabwe contributed to this report.

___

For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
A relative mourns Palestinian Abdel Nasser Muhannad Sarhan, killed by Israeli special forces in Tubas, during his funeral in Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. The Israeli special forces stormed the vicinity of the Palestinian Customs Police headquarters in Tubas city, north of the West Bank, Tubas Governor Ahmed Al-Asaad told Xinhua. He added that the soldiers fired bullets directly toward customs officers, killing one and wounding two others. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp in East Jerusalem, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday.

The Israeli special forces stormed the vicinity of the Palestinian Customs Police headquarters in Tubas city, north of the West Bank, Tubas Governor Ahmed Al-Asaad told Xinhua.

He added that the soldiers fired bullets directly toward customs officers, killing one and wounding two others.

Al-Asaad noted that targeting Palestinian security personnel in the West Bank is part of the Israeli "aggression" against the Palestinian people.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detained two wanted Palestinians over their suspected involvement during a raid in Tubas overnight, and an armed Palestinian who served as a customs officer of the Palestinian Authority was killed during the clashes, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.

The IDF said "the circumstances of the incident are being investigated," Israeli media reported.

In a separate incident, a 30-year-old man was killed because of serious wounds sustained by Israeli army bullets in the Tulkarm refugee camp in a 15-hour military operation, according to official Palestinian sources.

Meanwhile, the Ramallah-based Health Ministry said in a statement that Ahmed Aslan, a 20-year-old Palestinian man, was killed and six others wounded by Israeli army gunfire during the storming of Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem.

Israeli forces stormed the camp and began demolishing the house of young man Mohammed Manasra, who was killed after carrying out a shooting attack several months ago on the Nablus-Ramallah road, Palestinian security sources said.

Confrontations broke out between young men and the Israeli army, during which Aslan was shot in the chest with live bullets, and his death was later announced, the sources told Xinhua.

The Israeli army has not yet commented on these two incidents.

With the death of the three, the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank in the past 24 hours by Israeli bombing and bullets has risen to 10.

The West Bank has witnessed escalating tension and armed confrontations in various cities, villages and camps since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, which, according to the Palestinian health authorities, has resulted in the killing of 589 Palestinians. 

Relatives mourn Palestinian Abdel Nasser Muhannad Sarhan, killed by Israeli special forces in Tubas, during his funeral in Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. The Israeli special forces stormed the vicinity of the Palestinian Customs Police headquarters in Tubas city, north of the West Bank, Tubas Governor Ahmed Al-Asaad told Xinhua. He added that the soldiers fired bullets directly toward customs officers, killing one and wounding two others. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Relatives mourn over the body of Palestinian Abdel Nasser Muhannad Sarhan, killed by Israeli special forces in Tubas, during his funeral in Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. The Israeli special forces stormed the vicinity of the Palestinian Customs Police headquarters in Tubas city, north of the West Bank, Tubas Governor Ahmed Al-Asaad told Xinhua. He added that the soldiers fired bullets directly toward customs officers, killing one and wounding two others. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

People attend the funeral of Palestinian Abdel Nasser Muhannad Sarhan, killed by Israeli special forces in Tubas, in Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. The Israeli special forces stormed the vicinity of the Palestinian Customs Police headquarters in Tubas city, north of the West Bank, Tubas Governor Ahmed Al-Asaad told Xinhua. He added that the soldiers fired bullets directly toward customs officers, killing one and wounding two others. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

A house is seen demolished after an Israeli raid in the Qalandia refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

People inspect a demolished house after an Israeli raid in the Qalandia refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

A house is seen demolished after an Israeli raid in the Qalandia refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on July 24, 2024. Three Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, two of whom in the northern West Bank cities of Tubas and Tulkarm, and the third in the Qalandia refugee camp, Palestinian sources said on Wednesday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
A two-decade old murder case involving a three-year-old Atlanta boy has finally been solved.

On Wednesday, Atlanta police announced the arrest and charges against the childs father.

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Channel 2s Michael Seiden was at Atlanta police headquarters Monday, where detectives delivered the news of the arrest to Christopher Houston Jr.s mother right after the arrest of 40-year-old Christopher Houston Sr.

The child was found dead at the familys apartment on Neal Street in April 2004. Houston told police that his son had been playing outside and that when he came inside, he passed out.

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The Medical Examiners Office eventually ruled his death a homicide with the cause of death being blunt force trauma to the head.

Still, there wasnt enough evidence to arrest Houston until now, two decades later.

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Houston was already in jail on unrelated charges.

We just got lucky, homicide detective Summer R. Benton said. We were able to get some people to come forward in the last couple of weeks that actually had information on this case and we were actually able to close this case and I was able to call his mom and say, You know what? I know its been 20 years but we got him!

Benton wanted the public, as well as other families of cold case victims, to know that the Atlanta police dont forget those cases, and that they will remain open until detectives can solve them.
Left to Right: Nimrod, his brother Yotam and his father Yehuda Cohen. Nimrod was captured by Hamas and has been held hostage in Gaza for nearly a year (Yehuda Cohen)

Hamas has been holding his son Nimrod captive in Gaza for nearly a year. But Yehuda Cohen wants Americans to know that he holds Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for it.

Cohen, who has been protesting against Netanyahu since his Likud-led government failed to prevent the October 7 terror attacks in which his son and hundreds of others were taken by the Palestinian militant group, has travelled to Washington DC to be present as the Israeli leader receives a heros welcome before the Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Netanyahus visit comes as Biden administration officials are continuing efforts to encourage the Israeli government and Hamas to reach a deal that would bring home the estimated 116 hostages thought to be still in captivity.

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Netanyahus government has been a significant obstacle to a deal that would have brought hostages home, with the prime minster reportedly intervening to repeatedly torpedo the talks because a deal would lead to his governments collapse.

In an interview with The Independent ahead of the Israeli leaders address to Congress, Cohen said Netanyahu has no regard for the lives of hostages like his son, an Israeli soldier who was captured  on video  after his tanks brakes failed during the October 7 attack.

Cohen said that the prime minister, in his view, is responsible for both the attack itself and the failure to end the war and bring the hostages home. Netanyahus aim has been to remain in power regardless of the impact on the country, Cohen believes.

Cohen blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his sons continued captivity at the hands of Hamas (Getty Images)

He was responsible for the events. And he is now responsible for not ending it or not going for a deal for total release of all the hostages along with the ceasefire, the only way to release all the hostages in ceasefire, he said.

While the prime minister has denied allegations that he and his government were aware of Hamas planning for the attack and has placed blame on Israeli Defense Forces leadership for Hamas being able to breach the massive security wall separating Israel from Gaza, Cohen doesnt see the IDF as responsible.

Instead, he has placed blame on Netanyahu for the specific circumstances leading to his sons capture, crediting the Likud-led government with short-changing the Israeli Defense Forces units responsible for guarding the Gaza border in favor of sending more resources to protect extremist settlers in the West Bank.

He said the quality of equipment that his sons mechanized unit had to work with in the weeks before the attack was very low in part because Netanyahus government transferred resources to aid extremists who were rioting in the West Bank.

And he further accused the Israeli government of ignoring intelligence suggesting that the attacks were imminent, telling The Independent that Netanyahus right-wing allies had been lusting after an opportunity to reverse the Israeli pullback from Gaza and reestablish efforts to displace Palestinian residents in favor of Jewish Israeli settlements.

Its Netanyahus right-wing allies that are driving the bus on prolonging the war and escalating fighting in Gaza, he said, but its the prime minister himself who benefits because Netanyahu wants to remain out of prison.

For years, Netanyahu has been fighting corruption and bribery charges brought against him in the Israeli courts.

Cohen said he thinks its those charges that have dominated the prime ministers actions, leading Netanyahu to be driven only by a drive for survival.

Its his only agenda  no ideological agenda, no national agenda, just a personal agenda for his personal survival, he said.

Continuing, Cohen added that Netanyahus single-minded obsession with remaining free is a change from the majority of his time since returning to the prime ministers office in 2009.

Then, he said, Netanyahu embarked on a project that was focused on keeping himself at the head of Israeli politics as a sort of king of Israel  using what he described as a poisoning machine that has split Israeli society.

And while the Israeli leader may have had the national interest in mind at one point, Cohen said Netanyahu lost any interest in the nation when he was brought up on criminal charges four years ago.

Instead, hes re-tooled his governing style to keep himself in office using smaller and smaller groups of extreme lawmakers, such as his Interior Minister, Itmar Ben-Gvir, and others like him.

Hell do anything  hell ruin everything  as long as hes prime minister, he said.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed new information on how the shooter prepared for the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trumps life.

On July 6th, he did a Google search for, quote, how far away was Oswald from Kennedy, Wray said.

Wray told lawmakers this search was on the same day he registered for the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Thats a search that obviously is significant in terms of his state of mind, Wray said.

Rep. Jim Jordan (D-Ohio.) pressed for answers around a drone Thomas Crooks used.

Two hours before, hes flying a drone in the in the vicinity of the rally? Jordan asked.

About 200 yards away, Wray replied.

Wray said the shooter purchased a ladder but did not use it at the scene. He confirmed Crooks fired eight shots during the rally, as eight cartridges were found on the roof.

Why was Crooks allowed to get off eight shots? Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) asked.

Well, that, I think, is something were still digging into, Wray told Bishop.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) fears violence like this is born from political rhetoric getting out of hand.

Could you describe how the FBI looks at this relationship between rhetoric and action, and what you are seeing around the country? Nadler asked.

There is a right way and a wrong way under the First amendment to express your views, Wray said. And violence and threats of violence is not the right way.

Wray promises the FBI will continue to investigate to discover a motive, and if anyone else was involved in this attack on the former president.

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WASHINGTON  FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed Wednesday that the gunman who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump searched for the distance between President John F. Kennedy and his assassin when he was shot.

Wray also said the shooter at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, this month flew a drone over the area two hours before the campaign speech and had two relatively crude explosives in his car.

Wray revealed to the House Judiciary Committee for the first time that on July 6 the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, did a Google search for how far assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was from Kennedy in 1963. That same day, he registered for the July 13 rally.

That is a search that obviously is significant for his state of mind," Wray said.

Crooks first visited the rally grounds a week before the shooting for about 20 minutes, Wray said. The shooter visited the grounds again the morning of the rally about 70 minutes and then went back for good in the afternoon, Wray said.

Another revelation was that the AR-style rifle the shooter used had a collapsible stock, which Wray said may help explain how no one saw the man carrying the gun.

We havent yet found anybody with firsthand observation of him with the weapon walking around beforehand," Wray said. The collapsible stock could be a very significant feature that could be relevant to that."

Wray said the drone and controller were found in the gunman's car. The drone flew at about 3:50 p.m. for about 11 minutes, apparently livestreaming over an area about 200 yards from the stage where Trump spoke, Wray said.

The FBI is studying two explosives in the shooter's car and one in his residence, Wray said. The devices were connected to receivers, and Crooks had a receiver with him when he was killed by a Secret Service sniper, but the equipment didnt appear capable of setting off what he called "relatively crude devices," Wray said.

Wray said investigators now believe the gunman climbed onto the roof with the help of mechanical equipment on the ground and piping on the side of the building rather than a ladder.

We do not believe he used a ladder to get up there, Wray said.

The FBI recovered eight cartridges where the gunman was slain, Wray said, suggesting he fired that many shots. The gunman sent encrypted messages before the attack, which Wray said had "unfortunately become very commonplace" to thwart law enforcement.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on President Biden's proposed budget request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 2024.

The chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said lawmakers want to know more about why Trumps campaign team was denied extra security in the weeks before the rally, why buildings werent secured at the rally, and why Trump was allowed on stage despite the presence of a suspicious person seen by the crowd with a range finder.

Jordan focused on the five minutes that started at 6:09 p.m., when the gunman was identified, and 6:14 p.m., when Trump was led wounded from the stage.

We need to know what happened play by play, moment by moment, second by second  communications that took place  during that critical five minutes, Jordan said.

Gunman's pictures of Trump, Biden not necessarily from specific searches: FBI

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., asked whether pictures of political figures such as Trump, President Joe Biden and others were found on the gunmans phone.

Wray said investigators havent found a manifesto or obvious motive for the shooting. He said pictures were saved in the cache of Crooks' electronics from news searches, rather than necessarily because of a specific search for a public official.

There is a whole lot of work underway and still a lot of work left to do, Wray said. Were going to leave no stone unturned. The shooter may be deceased, but the FBIs investigation is very much ongoing.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on President Bidens proposed budget request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 2024.

Wray testimony follows resignation of Secret Service chief

Wrays testimony came a day after Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned over what she acknowledged was a colossal failure to protect Trump at the Pennsylvania rally.

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee excoriated Cheatle at a hearing Monday for having no explanation for how a gunman was able to climb onto the roof of a building within 150 yards of the former president and fire eight shots, one of which struck Trump in the ear. One rallygoer was killed.

Wray, a Trump appointee, has been criticized by some Republicans angered over the arrest of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress certified President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump shooter searched JFK assassin, flew drone over rally area: FBI
FCC lowers cost of calls for inmates. What are the Fayette Co. Detention Center prices?

The Federal Communications Commission voted last week to end what it called exorbitant phone and video call rates that have hindered incarcerated people from communicating with their families for decades.

The new rules cap the costs of phone calls and video calls in prisons, allowing easier access for people in custody to contact people on the outside.

For the first time, the new rules address the high cost of video visitation calls, dropping those prices to less than a quarter of current prices and requiring per-minute rate options based on consumers actual usage.The rules also prohibit site commission payments and bar added fees to incarcerated peoples communications services services.

A 15-minute phone call will drop to $0.90 from as much as $11.35 in large jails and, in small jails, to $1.35 from $12.10, according to the FCC.

The Fayette County Detention Center took the opportunity to improve inmate phone systems earlier this year, prior to the FCC ruling, according to Colonel Scott Colvin.

The FCDC, which is categorized as a large jail, has even lower costs to inmates with their new prices. Matt LeMonds, the jails public information officer, said the prices are:

Tablets are free to all inmates

Phone calls are $0.06 per minute

Voicemails are $1

Video visits are $2 (two free per month for indigent detainees)

Electronic messages, similar to email or text messaging, are $0.50 (eight free per month for indigent detainees)

The new system provides better access and better services for inmates and their families, Colvin said. I remain highly appreciative of the support and resources Mayor (Linda) Gorton and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Council provided to make this service transition a reality.

In 2021, Kentucky jails had an average cost of around $0.20 for both in and out-of-state phone calls per minute, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.

The service providers listed in the data report included Securus, CPC, and ViaPath. Rates were previously ordered by the FCC to be lowered in 2021, but only applied to out-of-state calls.

After the announcement to cap call prices was made on Thursday, the Prison Policy Initiative praised the decision and said the move lowers the existing caps by more than half, a tremendous step forward that will save the families of incarcerated people many millions of dollars every year.

The group said the FCCs new rule on ancillary fees also effectively blocks a practice that they have been campaigning against for years: companies charging fees to consumers who choose to make single calls rather than fund a calling account, and deliberately steering new consumers to this higher-cost option in order to increase fee revenue.
FILE - The marquee at a gun shop in Los Ranchos, N.M, flashes in protest of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's order to suspend the carrying of firearms in the state's largest metro area, Sept. 11, 2023. On Monday, July 22, 2024, a federal judge ruled that New Mexico can continue to enforce a new, seven-day waiting period on gun sales while a court challenge backed by the National Rifle Association moves forward. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File)

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  A federal judge has ruled that New Mexico can continue to enforce a new, seven-day waiting period on gun sales while a court challenge backed by the National Rifle Association moves forward.

In a ruling Monday, Albuquerque-based U.S. District Court Judge James Browning denied the NRA's request for a restraining order or injunction that would block the extended waiting period.

Democratic state lawmakers enacted the restrictions earlier this year in hopes of ensuring more time for the completion of federal background checks on gun buyers.

Only three states have longer waiting periods  California, Hawaii and Washington, along with the District of Columbia  that range up to 14 days, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Rhode Island also has a seven-day wait.

The defendants adduce significant evidence that waiting period laws may help reduce this tidal wave of gun violence, Browning said in a ruling of more than 100 pages.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday applauded the ruling as an indication that the waiting period is constitutional and will be able to remain in effect.

This 7-day cooling-off period makes our community safer by providing a critical buffer against impulsive firearms purchases and ensuring comprehensive background checks are completed," the Democrat said in a statement.

The NRA and Mountain States Legal Foundation, an advocacy group for gun rights, filed the lawsuit on behalf of two New Mexico residents, citing concerns about delayed access to weapons for victims of domestic violence and others. The Supreme Court in June upheld a federal gun control law that is intended to protect victims of domestic violence.

Robert Welsh, an associate attorney for the foundation's Center to Keep and Bear Arms, said the judge's order allows the case to proceed and include additional evidence.

He described state waiting periods for gun purchases as increasingly prevalent."

The Supreme Court is eventually going to be asked to weigh in on these arbitrary waiting periods," he said.

New Mexico's new waiting period holds an exception for concealed permit holders and went into effect in May.
Voters walk into cast their ballots. (File photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

A federal judge this week blocked part of a sweeping 2022 Ohio elections law that placed sharp restrictions on who may return an absentee ballot. Under that law, only certain close relatives can assist someone with absentee ballots. Anyone outside that narrow list would face a fourth-degree felony if they were caught with someone elses ballot.

The challenge, brought by disabled Ohio resident and activist Jennifer Kucera and the League of Women Voters, argued federal law allows a disabled voter to seek assistance from whoever they want  so long as that person isnt their employer or union leader.

In her order, U.S. District Court judge Bridget Meehan Brennan determined the Voting Rights Act grants disabled voters that broad discretion, and permanently enjoined enforcement of Ohios absentee ballot assistance provisions for disabled voters.

But she cautioned her order is narrow in scope.

The limited injunction relates only to: (a) disabled voters; (b) who want to utilize absentee voting; and (c) who do not want or cannot obtain assistance from one of states specified assistors. Brennan wrote.

The Ohio laws strict photo strict photo ID requirements, for instance, are not affected by the order.

Nature of the case

At the heart of the challenge is Kucera, a woman living a form of muscular dystrophy that leaves her wheelchair bound with limited motor function. She relies on the help of in-home caregivers for many daily tasks like bathing, dressing and cooking.

Under Ohios law, the only eligible family member who could return Kuceras ballot is her mother who is elderly, lives half an hour away and faces her own health and mobility issues. Kucera argued her caregivers should be able to assist her with absentee voting under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Attorney General Dave Yost argued those provisions only applied to assistance at the ballot box  not for absentee voting. Judge Brennan rejected that narrow interpretation.

As written, the statutory language encapsulates absentee voting since it refers to all action necessary to make a vote effective, Brennan wrote, adding later, The broad language chosen by Congress is determinative. Section 208 applies in equal force to absentee voting.

State officials also argued Ohio law doesnt conflict the VRA because the state can define who qualifies as a person under the law. Because section 208 refers to a person rather than any or the person, they argued, the statute presumes some undetermined or unspecific particular that state lawmakers may define. But Brennan said Ohios leaders are focusing on the wrong part of the phrase.

Congress has already defined for the states  and the courts  who the unspecified person is: a person of the voters choice, Brennan wrote.

The judge added that because Congress included exceptions (a voter cant look to their boss or an agent of their union) in the legislative text, the appropriate supposition is that those carve outs are the only ones lawmakers wanted  not that state officials are free to add more.

Looking around the country, Brennan added, courts have reached similar conclusions. In Arkansas, a law criminalizing people from assisting more than six voters essentially added a clause to Section 208 that is not there. In Wisconsin, a court rejected a legal interpretation prohibiting any third party from returning ballots, and in Texas a judge invalidated a law limiting who could serve as an interpreter.

Use of an indefinite article is not an invitation for states to act in contravention of Congress clear intent: allowing disabled voters to choose for themselves a person to assist them with voting, Brennan insisted.

If Congress wanted to allow states to modify or this right, it would have said so, she added.

It did not.

Relief & Response

In addition to Ohio officials defending the states restrictions, the Republican National Committee and the Ohio Republican Party intervened in the case. They argued enjoining the state law would erode Republican voters confidence, and could threaten GOP turnout.

Intervenors cite no evidence that Republican voters would be dissuaded from voting if disabled voters are able to choose who assists them in submitting an absentee ballot, Brennan wrote. In any event, the clear violation of a federally guaranteed voting right in this case outweighs any harm.

The parties and state officials also argued its too close to an election to make any changes. Judge Brennan applied a multi-factor test from an earlier case known as Purcell  timing, potential confusion, and burdens. Brennan determined with months to go until early voting begins timing isnt a problem, and doing nothing would create confusion for disabled voters because of the disagreement between state and federal law. As for burdens following from her order, Brennan emphasized that protecting disabled voters who need assistance amounts to a subset of a subset of voters.

In a flurry of statements, leaders from the organizations challenging the state law praised the ruling. Jen Miller who heads up the League of Women Voter of Ohio, hailed it as a victory for voters.

We applaud the court for upholding the Voting Rights Act because grandkids, roommates, and other common-sense helpers should be able to assist their loved ones without fear of a felony sentence, she said. Many Ohio voters with disabilities cannot easily travel to the one -county drop box while others may struggle to reach their mailbox or seal the ballot envelope.

ACLU of Ohios legal director Freda Levinson said, We are thrilled that the court ordered the state to stop denying Ohioans with disabilities the opportunity to cast their ballots via assistance from a trusted person of their choice. This is the correct reading of the Voting Rights Act and a validating decision for Ohio voters.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose did not respond to a request for comment.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A New Mexico federal judge on Monday upheld the states law which requires a seven-day waiting period for gun purchases.

The Waiting Period Act went into effect on May 15 and was immediately met with a lawsuit. The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) in coordination with the Mountain States Legal Foundation filed the lawsuit against New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Attorney General Raul Torrez on behalf of two New Mexico residents. The lawsuit claims the waiting period law puts an unconstitutional burden on those looking to legally purchase firearms and violates the Second Amendment.

Cookies dispensary to pay $350K as part of settlement with New Mexico Cannabis Control Division

U.S. District Judge James Browning rejected the plaintiffs motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that sought to block enforcement of the law while the case is litigated.

In the 104-page ruling, Browning provided multiple reasons for denying the motion, two of those reasons were as follows: the Waiting Period Act is presumptively Constitutional, because it is a condition or qualification on the commercial sale of firearms; and (iii) the Waiting Period Act is consistent with the Nations historical tradition of commercial firearms regulations, which licensed and prohibited the sale of firearms to sections of the populace out of a concern that a purchaser might use the firearm to harm the public.

Lujan Grisham on Tuesday issued the following statement on Brownings decision:

The judges decision confirms that New Mexicos waiting period is likely constitutional and allows it to remain in effect, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a news release. This 7-day cooling-off period makes our community safer by providing a critical buffer against impulsive firearms purchases and ensuring comprehensive background checks are completed. This law is a commonsense measure designed to reduce impulsive gun violence and address a federal background check gap.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EVANSVILLE  Federal prosecutor Zachary Myers said he forwarded a lengthy, citizen-prepared dossier to the FBI alleging former Evansville mayoral candidate Gabe Whitley committed a slew of campaign finance violations months before federal agents searched Whitley's Indianapolis home last week.

That's according to emails and documents obtained by the Courier & Press, which detail a long-running effort by attorney and Republican political activist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and others to see Whitley, a self-described "MAGA" conservative who has since moved to Indianapolis, run out of state politics.

More: FBI searches home of man who once declared candidacy for Evansville mayor

Gabrielle Kendall, wife of WIBC radio host Rob Kendall, prepared the 58-page report in November that compiles Whitley's political history, finances, donor activity and civil litigation  including a since-dismissed lawsuit against the Evansville Courier & Press  in an apparent effort to prove that Whitley skirted disclosure requirements.

In 2022, Rob Kendall sued Whitley for defamation after Whitley allegedly called the Indianapolis talk show host a pedophile, a claim Whitley has denied. A Vanderburgh County judge later dismissed the suit, a decision Kendall has challenged, court records show.

The Courier & Press reviewed a copy of the Kendall-prepared document, which draws from a bevy of sources such as legal filings, Federal Election Commission filings and public records obtained from databases.

On Dec. 1, Shabazz sent an email to Myers, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Indiana regarding Whitley: I wanted to float something by you that may be of interest," Shabazz wrote, according to a copy of the email reviewed by the Courier & Press.

The Southern District of Indiana includes Evansville and Indianapolis.

"I believe Indiana may have a 'George Santos'-related issue," Shabazz continued.

In October, a grand jury indicted then-congressman Santos (R-New York) on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy and other federal offenses for an alleged scheme to commit identity theft and charge donors' credit cards without their knowledge, attracting a storm of media coverage and calls for Santos to resign.

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"I believe Gabriel Whitley, a candidate for Congress in the 7th Congressional District, may have filed fraudulent campaign finance reports, specifically listing contributions to donors who do not exist," Shabazz wrote to Myers. "I've attached a packet of information for your office to review."

That email included a digital copy of the 58-page dossier compiled by Gabrielle Kendall, one of at least two detailed reports she has crafted regarding Whitley and his political work, the Courier & Press found.

"Thanks for reaching out," Myers wrote to Shabazz in a Dec. 8 email, records show. "I've shared this information with the FBI. I hope all is well."

A U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson, Kelsie Clayton, declined to answer questions Tuesday about the email exchange or the "packet" Shabazz sent to Myers, writing in a statement that, "The United States Attorneys Office does not confirm or deny the existence of any investigation."

In a statement to the Courier & Press, Whitley claimed federal law enforcement was "interested" and "looking into" multiple people other than himself, but he declined to elaborate further.

"My legal counsel has advised me not to comment anything at this time," Whitley wrote in an email Wednesday morning. He vowed to keep reporters "updated" when he gets "a confirmation from (his) team."

During an interview this week, Shabazz claimed he forwarded the Whitley report to Myers in part because he felt "there's something wrong here."

Shabazz, an attorney, radio show host and political commentator, also sought public office  he was a Republican candidate for Indianapolis mayor in 2023, but didn't win the primary.

Like Kendall, Shabazz filed a defamation lawsuit against Whitley, though this one was in Marion County Circuit Court and is ongoing.

Report utilized open-source info and public records

The document Shabazz sent to Myers includes an account of Whitleys entanglements with various credit collection agencies, alleged campaign finance violations and a detailed breakdown of his political fundraising activities, information gleaned from dozens of public sources.

Gabrielle Kendall wrote in one of the Whitley reports that she utilizes open-source intelligence methods, which refer to a set of practices whereby a person, organization or government leverages public information  such as social media posts, court records and image repositories  to conduct an investigation or assess information.

As of last year, Gabrielle Kendall found that only three donors named in Whitley's FEC filings listed Indiana addresses while 66 were reported as out-of-state donors, comprising more than 95% of all donors listed, according to one of the report's findings.

Gabrielle Kendall went a step further by cross-checking the names and personal information associated with donors whose listed occupations would require professional licenses with public licensing databases. She found few matches.

There are six donors who are reported to have occupations which require professional licensing to practice their profession in the state where their mailing address is listed as being located, the report states on page 12, before going on to state that none of the six donors appeared to have the kinds of licenses their professions would require.

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Federal agents searched Whitley's home in Indianapolis on July 17, more than half a year after Shabazz forwarded the report to Myers in an email exchange. According to an IndyStar account, an occupant of Whitley's home said agents confiscated Whitley's electronic devices.

The FBI declined to comment on the subject of its investigation.

After initially praising law enforcement in a Facebook post the day of the search, Whitley appeared to make an about-face on Monday and excoriated the U.S. Department of Justice, Shabazz and the news media for what he said were efforts to "frame" him for unspecified "crimes." He also solicited funds through an online donation website.

Whitley's rhetoric turned threatening by Tuesday afternoon when his official "Honest Gabe" account posted to X that "the FEC and the national law enforcement" should "gn them (WIBC radio employees) down like the pigs they are."

In a post to the social media site X on Monday, July 22, 2024, Whitley claimed the "crooked media" and a "crooked" U.S. Department of Justice were attempting to frame him for crimes days after federal agents searched his Indianapolis home.

A July 23 post to the social media site X (formerly Twitter) from Gabe Whitley's account.

A July 23 post to the social media site X (formerly Twitter) from Gabe Whitley's account.

Report echoes concerns raised during long-running campaign finance debacle

Accusations that Whitley, who promoted himself as "Honest Gabe," had mismanaged, misrepresented or lied about financial contributions to his political campaigns have dogged the young, conservative crusader in recent years.

When the Courier & Press investigated Whitley's campaign finances last year, the newspaper found that in early 2022, he filed an annual report with the Indiana Division of Elections showing that he raised more than $15,000 for an exploratory committee, with some donors giving him hundreds  and in one case, thousands  of dollars at a time.

But several of the donors listed told the Courier & Press they had no memory of ever giving Whitley money. Some said they didn't even know who he was. In January 2023, Whitley denied any wrongdoing in a statement to the Courier & Press, but scrutiny followed him to Indianapolis.

Whitley unsuccessfully ran to be the GOPs nominee for Indiana's 7th Congressional District, which incorporates all of Marion County, a decision that sent reporters and watchdogs scouring the records and documents Whitley and his campaign filed with the FEC.

FEC orders Whitley to provide campaign finance records

In February, Gabrielle Kendall turned her sights on Whitley again, this time filing complaints to the Indiana Division of Elections and the FEC, as reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

The complaints accused Whitleys Honest Gabe for Congress committee of accepting individual contributions greater than the $3,300 limit, among other claims, and featured some information that was previously included in the report Shabazz forwarded to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

A report the committee filed with the FEC earlier this month claimed the organization had just more than $329,597 in cash on hand between the reporting period covering January through the end of March, which included a $100,000 loan Whitley listed as having made to himself, in addition to an earlier $20,000 loan.

That Whitley may have loaned money to himself or purported to have done so in FEC filings became the subject of a letter the agency addressed to Whitley and his Honest Gabe for Congress committee on July 4, public records show.

This notice requests information essential to a full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances, the letter states, in part.

Senior Campaign Finance Analyst Denise Stilla went on to write in the letter that the agency seeks to clarify whether or not the candidate used personal funds or borrowed the money from a lending institution or some other source.

Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action, the letter states.

Update: This story was re-published Wednesday afternoon to include comments from Gabriel Whitley.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: U.S. Attorney's Office reportedly sent Gabe Whitley dossier to FBI
ANKARA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A Russian terrorist who organized a bomb attack in Russia was captured on Wednesday in Turkiye's southwestern port city of Bodrum, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced.

The Russian Interpol unit made a call with the Turkish Interpol/Europol department of Turkish police on Wednesday, and informed them that the Russian national, Evgenii Serebriakov, who organized a terrorist attack with a car bomb in Moscow at which two people were injured, arrived in Turkiye, Yerlikaya said on social media platform X.

As a result of the investigations, the Turkish police determined that the person entered Bodrum airport at 09:40 a.m. local time (0640 GMT), the Turkish minister said.

The suspect's identity matched the information and photographs specified in the letter received from Russia's Interpol unit and he was finally arrested by local police in Bodrum on Wednesday, he added. 
Feds are `assessing the circumstances in death of Sangamon County woman shot by deputy

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed Tuesday that it is assessing the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black woman by a Sangamon County Sheriffs deputy.

Benjamin Crump, renowned civil rights attorney who represents the family of the woman, said at a news conference on Tuesday that the DOJ had opened an investigation into the shooting death of Sonya Massey, 36.

This is the worst police shooting video ever, Crump said.

Massey called 911 to report a prowler outside her home in the early morning hours of July 6. About 30 minutes later, the deputies who responded to the call reported shots fired and Massey had been struck by gunfire.

Former sheriffs deputy Sean Grayson, 30, was indicted for first-degree murder last week. He is being detained until trial. After his arrest, Grayson was fired. The body camera video of the incident was released on Monday.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice issued a statement to Capitol News late Tuesday: The Department of Justice is aware of and assessing the circumstances surrounding the tragic officer-involved death of Ms. Sonya Massey and extends condolences to her family and loved ones.

The video shows that after checking the house for intruders, police went inside. Massey, wearing nightclothes, asked if she could remove a pot from the stove that was heating an unknown liquid. When the unidentified officer who responded with Grayson moves away, Massey says I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson, who is standing in the living room, threatens to shoot her in the face and draws his weapon.

Massey drops below a kitchen counter that separates them, puts her hands up and apologizes. She rises back up and appears to be holding the upended pot. Grayson fires three shots, including a fatal shot to Masseys head.

Grayson first became a police officer in 2020  less than a year after his drivers license was reinstated for driving under the influence, according to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

In his personnel file from his first employer, the Pawnee Police Department, Police Chief Barclay Harris represented to ILETSB that Grayson had no convictions for felonies, qualifying misdemeanors, or crimes of moral turpitude.

Harris and Pawnee leaders declined to comment through their attorney.

Grayson also revealed on his application that he received a general discharge from the military in 2016. He bounced around jobs, working in a gym, as a landscaper and finally as security at HSHS St. Johns Hospital in Springfield  the same hospital where Massey would die four years later.

The village of Pawnee hired Grayson as a part-time patrol officer in 2020.

Then he was sent to training.

In the part-time basic law enforcement course, officers attend training four days a month, usually over two weekends, according to Anthony Cobb, deputy director of ILETSB. Half the course is taught online, and it usually takes nine months.

Grayson began moonlighting at Kincaid Police Department but left three months later when he was hired by Virden Police Department in May 2021.

He worked part-time at Virden for seven months.

In 2022, after seven months outside of law enforcement, the Auburn Police Department hired Grayson for a full-time slot. He did the transition course, but only stayed at Auburn for two months. ILETSB records showed Grayson resigned.

Grayson then went to work at the Logan County Sheriffs Department beginning in May 2022. He stayed there 11 months before taking the job at Sangamon County Sheriffs Office in May 2023.

Capitol News Illinois requested personnel records from the Logan County Sheriffs Department and the Auburn and Kincaid police departments, but none had been provided as of Tuesday.

Although driving under the influence is not a disqualifying misdemeanor under ILETSB rules, Macoupin County court records showed that Grayson was also charged in 2015 and 2016 with DUI.

A 2015 report by the Virden Police Department showed that he had a firearm and marijuana in the vehicle at the time of his DUI arrest.

In the 2015 case, he pleaded guilty, was fined $750 and placed on seven days of court supervision. His firearm was returned in 2017, according to a court record.

Virden hired Grayson as a part-time police officer six years after that arrest.

In 2016, two months after he pleaded guilty on the first charge, Grayson was stopped by Macoupin County Sheriffs deputies and refused a breathalyzer. During the arrest, he told the deputy to hurry up because he needed to urinate. He threatened to urinate in a trash can or his pants, according to the report. At one point, he told the arresting officer that he was too small to make him mad, according to the police report.

Grayson again pleaded guilty in 2017. His license was revoked for more than two years before being reinstated on Aug. 30, 2019  less than a year before he first joined the Pawnee Police Department.

Masseys shooting has gained national attention, garnering comments from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Massey family met with Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Tuesday, Crump said.

At Tuesdays news conference, Crump appeared with Masseys family members who said they found out from the media that Massey died in an officer-involved shooting. One family member said hospital personnel overheard police telling nurses that Massey died from a self-inflicted wound. Other family members said they were told Massey was shot by an intruder.

Crump said the family, including her two teenaged children, deserves to know what happened to Massey.

It is trying to put yourself in their shoes and their neighbors shoes, Crump said. I know its hard for some people to even fathom it, but its a reality for most people of color, especially black people in America. We think about this every day that but by the grace of God, it could be your mama next or your daughter or your son.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  A Spartanburg teenager was one of a group of people who repeatedly logged into virtual public meetings to shout racial slurs and make threats to public officials, according to a federal indictment.

In May, federal investigators filed a criminal complaint against Mohammad Amr Alashemi, aka Inseeno, an Albanian man living in England.

Alashemi has been charged with engaging in repeated harassing communication, engaging in anonymous telecommunications harassment, transmitting threatening communications and conspiracy.

According to federal investigators, Alhashemi orchestrated a series of Zoom bombs during multiple meetings of the Fresno City Council and a virtual Jewish religious service in New Mexico.

Disruptions often came in the form of repeatedly using racial slurs or making threats against officials.

Investigators were able to identify Alashemi, along with multiple others who participated in the disruptive behavior, through their IP addresses.

One of those IP addresses brought them to Spartanburg, where investigators interviewed R.B., an unnamed juvenile with a history of making threats.

According to the indictment, the teenager logged into meetings under names of characters from the video games Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2. They also used the name Calvin Lee Vail, the real name of former content creator LeafyIsHere, who was banned from YouTube after allegations of cyber bullying arose, and Juliet Capulet, titular character of the play Romeo and Juliet.

According to the indictment, in 2020, investigators executed a search warrant of R.B.s computer and found messages on Discord regarding the Fresno City Council meetings, including a link to join the meeting and urging others to join in disrupting the meeting.

R.B. was not the only minor involved in the Zoom raids. According to the indictment, Alashemi, through communications platforms like Guilded and Discord, recruited teens from Mint Hill, North Carolina, Caldwell, New Jersey and other states to disrupt virtual meetings.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A former Council Bluffs police officer is suing the city, alleging discrimination and retaliation. (Main photo by Getty Images; city logo courtesy the City of Council Bluffs)

A former Council Bluffs police officer is suing the city in federal court, alleging gender discrimination and retaliation.

Miranda Adams, 36, who began working for the Council Bluffs Police Department in 2012, alleges she was fired in 2023 after she filed a complaint of discrimination and harassment with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The lawsuit claims that on Sept. 11, 2023, the Civil Service Commission for the City of Council Bluffs overturned the citys decision to fire Adams, but the city has refused to reinstate Adams. Her lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for alleged violations of state and federal civil rights laws.

Adams alleges her problems began in March 2020 when, after several months of alleged harassment from a male coworker, she filed a formal internal complaint of gender harassment discrimination. In her lawsuit, she says she was not made aware of the ultimate findings of the complaint investigation, but that her direct superior, Sgt. Robert Radford, was given a written reprimand as a result of the complaint.

Subsequently, Radford and Lt. Chad Meyers, both of whom were named in Adams complaint, allegedly handled Adams performance evaluation. While her past reviews had been excellent, Adams claims, her 2020 evaluation was decidedly negative and made specific reference to her harassment complaint.

Adams appealed the evaluation, which according to her lawsuit led to an amended evaluation that resulted in higher scores for job performance and omitted any reference to her complaint.

On Aug. 26, 2021, the last day of her 2021 evaluation period, Radford allegedly issued Adams a disciplinary action notice following an interaction of some kind between the two surrounding a controlled-substance purchase by a police informant. Radford allegedly felt that Adams showing him a page from her training manual concerning informants was discourteous and disrespectful.

Adams then filed a formal grievance on the matter, arguing the notice was retaliation for her prior complaint and that she feared further retaliation and slander by the police department.

According to the lawsuit, the city rejected Adams appeal and in August 2022, she was the target of an internal affairs investigation concerning her interrupting fellow officers during their interview of a suspect.

Adams alleges she was never made aware of the outcome of the internal affairs probe, and that in October 2022 she was the subject of another internal affairs investigation, this time stemming from concerns that she was rude to Radford.

Adams then filed charges of retaliation, discrimination, failure to promote and harassment with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the EEOC. The city subsequently fired Adams, alleging she had made untrue statements in her complaint to the commissions.

On April 13, 2023, Adams filed an appeal of her termination with the citys civil service commission, which later issued a unanimous judgment overturning the City of Council Bluffs decision to fire Adams. The city refused to reinstate Adams.

As part her lawsuit, Adams says she is now unemployed and that its unlikely she will ever be afforded the opportunity to work in law enforcement again due to the citys efforts to destroy her reputation.

The city has yet to file a response to the lawsuit, and the city attorney could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
The Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse in Cincinnati is home to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether a case involving former University of Louisville professor Dr. Allan M. Josephsons comments about how to treat gender dysphoria should go to a jury trial.

Judges heard oral arguments Tuesday morning, the latest in a roughly five-year legal battle to reinstate Josephson as chief of the UofL medical schools Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology and reimburse him for legal fees.

Its unclear when the court could rule. Should it side with Josephson, the case will return to district court and undergo a jury trial, Travis C. Barham, one of Josephsons lawyers, told the Lantern. Should it rule against Josephson, Barham said, he can request a review from the full 6th Circuit.

Josephson is represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law firm. He argues that university officials punished and then fired him in 2019 because of what he said during a panel discussion about children experiencing gender dysphoria.

Jeremy Rogers, who argued opposite Barham, has not responded to a Lantern email seeking an interview.

During oral arguments Rogers said actions by the individual UofL officials who are being sued by Josephson were not a violation of his constitutional rights.

But Barham argued that as an employee of an institution that gets public dollars, Josephson should enjoy free speech protections. A victory for Dr. Josephson is a victory for everybody, Barham said. The irony here is that the university is advancing a legal position that would nuke the free speech rights of all professors, of all persuasions, of all viewpoints.

But, he added: Whether you agree with Dr. Josephson, whether you disagree with Dr. Josephson on the issue, we should all be in favor of the idea that professors should be able to express (their views) freely, without censorship and without punishment.

The case

The 2017 comments in question were met with criticism from Josephsons colleagues, who saw them as anti-LGBTQ and demanded that the University take disciplinary action against him, court documents allege.

Before this, Josephson was chief of the UofL medical schools Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology for more than a decade.

The Courier Journal reported in 2019 that the professor made the comments while on a panel before The Heritage Foundation, a D.C.-based conservative think tank. Those comments included:

The notion that gender identity should trump chromosomes, hormones, internal reproductive organs, external genitalia, and secondary sex characteristics when classifying individuals is counter to medical science.

Transgender ideology neglects the childs need for developing coping and problem-solving skills necessary to meet developmental challenges.

Parents should use their collective wisdom in guiding their child to align with his or her biological sex.

Court documents say that within seven weeks of the comments, defendants demanded that he resign his position as division chief and effectively become a junior faculty member.

Barham was feeling hopeful after Tuesdays arguments, which he said went very well.

It is  frustrating to attorneys, but its even more frustrating to clients with the way that these cases sometimes unfold in a very slow motion fashion, he said. This case really should be in front of a jury.So I hope that the judges will make a decision quickly.
One of the firefighters who responded to the horrific 2022 Bronx apartment blaze  the deadliest fire in New York City in more than three decades  was among 75 FDNY members promoted in a rousing ceremony Tuesday.

Jeffrey Facinelli, 47, was promoted from battalion chief to deputy chief as more than 800 friends and family members of the FDNY gathered in the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island.

I grew up a few blocks from the firehouse and from the age of 3, all I wanted was to be a firefighter, Facinelli told The Post.

Jeffrey Facinelli, 47, was promoted to deputy chief from battalion chief during the ceremony on Tuesday morning. Gregory P. Mango

He was one of the first two officials to respond to the 19-story Twin Parks apartment building in Fordham Heights on January 9 two years ago, arriving just minutes after the first frantic call was made to 911.

The tragic inferno became one of the darkest days in the citys history, taking the lives of 17 people  including eight children and an entire family of five  and injuring scores more.

The death toll could have been even worse had it not been for the heroic work of Facinelli and his fellow smoke-eaters who risked their lives to save others.

At the touching ceremony Tuesday, Facinelli recalled receiving advice from now-retired FDNY deputy chief Jay Jonas, who survived the collapse of the World Trade Center North Tower on September 11.

The newly minted deputy chief said he used that guidance while responding to Twin Parks.

Jay Jonas came up and put his hand on my shoulder and was talking into my ear, sharing his experience with me. So In 2022, when I was acting deputy at Twin Parks, I was able to apply what he taught me, Facinelli said.

Jeffery Facinelli with his family. He was one of the first responders to the deadly 2022 Twin Parks fire in the Bronx. Gregory P. Mango

His 17-year-old son, Ray, said he wanted to follow in his fathers footsteps and join the FDNY himself.

Im proud of him. He studied very hard. I plan on being a firefighter, Ray said.

The father then chimed in, quipping: After college, I told you!

Facinelli was one of 14 FDNY battalion chiefs promoted to deputy chief Tuesday. An additional 25 fire lieutenants became captains, 33 firefighters were made lieutenants, and two firefighters were made marine wipers and another a marine pilot.

Members of the FDNY were promoted at a ceremony on Tuesday. They had a collective 1,000 years of experience. Gregory P. Mango

Navy veteran Darren Grant was promoted to lieutenant and said his mother inspired him to become a firefighter. Gregory P. Mango

There was a collective 1,000 years of firefighting experience in the whole group.

Navy veteran Darren Grant  who served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq  was promoted to lieutenant and said his mother inspired him to become a firefighter.

Watching her, the service she committed herself to, in the churches and civic leads, seeing her commitment to being a part of the community, that made me want to be a part of the community, Grant, 37, said.

More than 800 guests, friends, and family members, turned out to support the 75 FDNY members who were promoted. Gregory P. Mango

First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer (right) addressed the crowd with Acting Chief of Department John Esposito. Gregory P. Mango

Being part of the city, growing up here, being able to live here. Its important that people know that this is an opportunity available to all. To everybody, he added.

The FDNYs acting head, Joe Pfeifer, addressed attendees and discussed the vital characteristics needed in department leaders during his speech.

Leaders need to be competent. No one is going to follow you into danger if you are not good at your job, Pfeifer said, and was met with explosive applause when he concluded.

Zeyar Tun, who was promoted from lieutenant to captain, was joined by his wife and two children.

Members were promoted to the ranks of battalion chief, captain, lieutenant, and marine pilot and wipers. Gregory P. Mango

Zeyar Tun, who has been with the FDNY for 17 years, was joined by friends and family for his promotion to captain. Gregory P. Mango

From a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter and I worked hard. This job is about working hard. Nobody gives you anything, said Tun, a Myanmar native who lives on Staten Island, and has served with the FDNY for 17 years.

His wife, Lisa, was ecstatic over her husbands promotion.

Im absolutely proud of him. Hes so hard-working. And yet hes so giving. We are all very proud of him today, she said.
Modern Kazakhstan is built upon a foundation of different cultures, khanates, and empires across history.

A routine fire patrol, operating some 200 miles northwest of the country's capital, Astana, discovered a nearly foot-long face carving in a granite boulder.

Although experts have analyzed the carving, it's possible that its origins could rest in the ancient Bronze Age or even Turkish cultures dated to the medieval period.

The land known today as Kazakhstan was formed and founded by the crucible of history.

Home to a variety of cultures in the Bronze Age, including the Srubna, Afanasevo, and Andronovo, this country of the Eurasian Steppes hosted the Dark Age Huns, medieval Turks, and a variety of Khans. And thats all before becoming subjects of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union until eventually gaining independence after the latters dissolution in the 1990s. Because Kazakhstan sits at such a crossroad of history, its also one of the most archaeologically rich places on Earthand a new discovery by unsuspecting fire crews once again proves this fact.

While patrolling the Sandyktau region, an area located some 200 miles northwest of Kazakhstans capital, Astana, Nursultan Ashkenov and Akhmet Zaripov, both employees of the district fire service, stumbled upon an austere face carved into the side of a granite boulder. According to local news sources, the department immediately contacted the countrys Ministry for Emergency Situations as well as the local museum.

The face is around 10.5 inches long and roughly 8 inches wide, and some archeologists hypothesize that the carving was likely part of some ritual complex.

The face is clearly visible, Sergey Yarygin, a scientist at the Alkey Margulan Institute of Archaeology, said to Archaeology Magazine , with large eyes, a long straight nose, and protruding lips. Kazakh archaeology not only enriches the scientific world with its remarkable discoveries but also reveals the main stages of the ancient and medieval development of Kazakhstan society.

However, figuring out when this face was used for such ritualistic purposes is a bit more complicated. According to Yarygin, similar carvings have been found at Bronze Age sites across Central Asia and Western Europe, but the carving also holds a striking resemblance to other types of iconography found in Iron Age sites in southern Siberia or even medieval Turkish cultures.

The mysteries of Kazakhstans historical melange strike again.

Teams investigating the carving will likely need more time to determine its age and what culture mightve created the stunningly somber carving.

This discovery is only one of several made across the county in recent months, as reported by the Astana Times. Archaeologists uncovered a number of artifacts from the northwestern Pavlodar region, including pottery fragments, kitchen utensils, and an arrowhead dated to around the mid-13th to 8th century BCE. Other discoveries in the central Karaganda region also point to a variety of artifacts likely belonging to the Alakul culture, a subculture of the Andronovo culture, that thrived in this region around 2000 to 1700 BCE.

All of these discoveries uncover the fascinating fabric of history that pervades the largest country within the Eurasian Steppe.

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First day of school for students in Greenwood Co.

GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Thousands of students in Greenwood County returned to the classrooms Wednesday morning.

Greenwood School District 50 adopted a modified schedule in 2019 and after a seven-and-a-half-week break school is back in session for District 50.

Hodges Elementary is one of 16 schools in the district.

This school is on the far north end of our district, and it is a great little school, Hodges and they have a lot of school pride here, said Steve Glenn, superintendent of District 50.

The hallways at Hodges were proudly decorated with school colors for students first day back.

Back-to-school dates for the Upstate and Western NC

Oh man, its all got to be right; the buses are going to run; the bells are going to ring so we have to be ready for when they get here. Its exciting, its a lot of preparation, Glenn said.

Debbie Babb, a physical education teacher, has been teaching at Hodges since 1989. She said the excitement on the first day of her 40th year is no different from her first year.

The first day is always exciting for the students and its exciting for me. It doesnt matter how many times I have done this, there is always anticipation, a few butterflies and when there is not that anticipation is when you need to stop teaching, Babb said.

Babb added that she gets to teach some of her former students children.

We had orientation yesterday and I hugged and spoke to as many grownups as I did children, Babb said. My former students, I call them my grand-students and I have some great-grand students now.

Babb said every year she strives to make her students time at Hodges have a lasting impact on their future.

I love doing this because it contributes to my community, you know I live here, and they are the future and so what I pour into them, they will pour back into this community, said Babb. I hope that all comes into fruition that they pour back in a positive way, and they leave here knowing that they were loved.

School officials said this year close to 350 students are attending Hodges Elementary.

Wednesday was also the first day for Ware Shoals School District 51 and Greenwood School District 52.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 first official campaign stop, Second Gentleman discusses reproductive rights in Portland

Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff (right) speaks with Maine Sen. Stacey Brenner (D-Cumberland) as part of his first stop for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign in Portland on July 24. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

At his first official campaign stop for Kamala Harris presidential bid, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff visited Portland on Wednesday to participate in a discussion about the threats to reproductive healthcare he foresees under another Donald Trump presidency.

Its not just an issue for women, Emhoff said. This is an issue for all of us.

At Planned Parenthood on Congress Street, Emhoff joined a roundtable on reproductive rights with state Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland) and reproductive health patients.

Emhoff recalled the moments after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the legal recognition of the right to abortion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision a little over two years ago. He heard from Harris first, who called him from Air Force 2. I could feel and hear the rage and anger, Emhoff said, recounting how minutes after that initial call he heard that same anger in his daughter Ellas voice and then in a text from his mother, imploring him to do something about it.

Of course the person responsible for this is Donald Trump, Emhoff said, pointing to the justices the former president appointed to the high court as well as his public statements that women should be punished for getting abortions.

Emhoff also focused on Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance. Hes an extremist and an opportunist, Emhoff said. He wants a full abortion ban, no exceptions.

Maine was one of the few states to expand access to abortion after the Dobbs decision. Maine also passed a law, set to take effect Aug. 9, to protect healthcare providers from other states bans, which Brenner pointed out during the discussion. However, Brenner said, it will not be enough to protect Mainers from Donald Trump and J.D. Vances extreme agenda to ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to contraception and defund Planned Parenthood.

Wednesdays discussion zeroed in on the proposals in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025. This month, Maine Democrats have started to focus more on this conservative transition plan  which Trump has tried to distance himself from despite having longstanding ties with its authors  including its proposals for the Justice Department to enforce the Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion pills and to rescind no-cost coverage for birth control.

Emhoff called Project 2025 a blueprint to destroy our democracy.

If thats not enough, Emhoff added, refer back to the concurring Dobbs opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas, in which the conservative wrote the justices should reconsider all of this Courts substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell  which, respectively, deal with fundamental privacy, due process and same-sex marriage rights.

Its all on the table, Emhoff said.

Amid calls from Republicans to tone down the doomsday rhetoric around another Trump presidency, Maine Democrats, including Gov. Janet Mills, have doubled down on their belief that democracy is on the ballot.

Since Biden announced hed be ending his re-election bid on Sunday, prominent Maine Democrats have lined up behind the vice president. Maines delegates to the Democratic National Convention unanimously voted Monday night to endorse Harris as the party nominee, following several other state delegations also throwing their support behind her.

Harris now has secured enough endorsements from Democratic delegates to make her the partys presidential nominee, according to unofficial delegate trackers. In the first 24 hours after announcing she would seek the Democratic presidential nomination, Harris campaign received $81 million in donations.

The Democratic National Committee is scheduled to meet later Wednesday to set up a nomination framework and virtual roll call to select a presidential candidate ahead of the partys national convention from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago.

As part of his visit to Maine, Emhoff is also attending a kickoff rally at Three of Strong Spirits in Portland and a Democratic Party fundraiser in Falmouth Wednesday evening.

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On first official campaign stop, second gentleman discusses reproductive rights in Portland

Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff (right) speaks with Maine Sen. Stacey Brenner (D-Cumberland) as part of his first stop for Kamala Harris presidential campaign in Portland on July 24. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

PORTLAND, Maine  At his first official campaign stop for Kamala Harris presidential bid, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff visited Maines most populated city Wednesday to participate in a discussion about the threats to reproductive health care he foresees under another Donald Trump presidency.

Its not just an issue for women, Emhoff said. This is an issue for all of us.

At Planned Parenthood on Congress Street, Emhoff joined a roundtable on reproductive rights with state Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland) and reproductive health patients.

Emhoff recalled the moments after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the legal recognition of the right to abortion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision a little over two years ago. He heard from Harris first, who called him from Air Force 2. I could feel and hear the rage and anger, Emhoff said, recounting how minutes after that initial call he heard that same anger in his daughter Ellas voice and then in a text from his mother, imploring him to do something about it.

Of course the person responsible for this is Donald Trump, Emhoff said, pointing to the justices the former president appointed to the high court as well as his public statements that women should be punished for getting abortions.

Emhoff also focused on Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance. Hes an extremist and an opportunist, Emhoff said. He wants a full abortion ban, no exceptions.

Maine was one of the few states to expand access to abortion after the Dobbs decision. Maine also passed a law, set to take effect Aug. 9, to protect healthcare providers from other states bans, which Brenner pointed out during the discussion. However, Brenner said, it will not be enough to protect Mainers from Donald Trump and J.D. Vances extreme agenda to ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to contraception and defund Planned Parenthood.

Wednesdays discussion zeroed in on the proposals in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025. This month, Maine Democrats have started to focus more on this conservative transition plan  which Trump has tried to distance himself from despite having longstanding ties with its authors  including its proposals for the Justice Department to enforce the Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion pills and to rescind no-cost coverage for birth control.

Emhoff called Project 2025 a blueprint to destroy our democracy.

If thats not enough, Emhoff added, refer back to the concurring Dobbs opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas, in which the conservative wrote the justices should reconsider all of this Courts substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell  which, respectively, deal with fundamental privacy, due process and same-sex marriage rights.

Its all on the table, Emhoff said.

Amid calls from Republicans to tone down the doomsday rhetoric around another Trump presidency, Maine Democrats, including Gov. Janet Mills, have doubled down on their belief that democracy is on the ballot.

Since Biden announced hed be ending his re-election bid on Sunday, prominent Maine Democrats have lined up behind the vice president. Maines delegates to the Democratic National Convention unanimously voted Monday night to endorse Harris as the party nominee, following several other state delegations also throwing their support behind her.

Harris now has secured enough endorsements from Democratic delegates to make her the partys presidential nominee, according to unofficial delegate trackers. In the first 24 hours after announcing she would seek the Democratic presidential nomination, Harris campaign received $81 million in donations.

The Democratic National Committee is scheduled to meet later Wednesday to set up a nomination framework and virtual roll call to select a presidential candidate ahead of the partys national convention from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago.

As part of his visit to Maine, Emhoff is also attending a kickoff rally at Three of Strong Spirits in Portland and a Democratic Party fundraiser in Falmouth Wednesday evening.

Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maine Morning Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lauren McCauley for questions: info@mainemorningstar.com. Follow Maine Morning Star on Facebook and X.

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UNITED NATIONS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and its partners have launched a flash appeal seeking more than 136 million U.S. dollars to assist people impacted by Malawi's devastating drought.

The funds will be used to provide life-saving assistance to 3.8 million people who have been impacted by the devastating drought, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the daily briefing on Wednesday.

Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, declared a drought disaster in March due to prolonged dry spells that have damaged crops and hampered food production.

An estimated 5.7 million people, more than a quarter of Malawi's population, are expected to face food insecurity during the upcoming lean season, from October through March.

Malawi is one of the six countries in southern Africa that have declared a state of disaster due to drought. Since December 2023, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated nearly 37 million dollars to UN agencies responding to El Nino-induced drought in several countries in the region, with 2 million dollars going to Malawi. 
HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP)  The murder trial of a man accused of killing a High Point University student now goes to the jury.

Closing arguments wrapped up in the trial of Michael Louis Cadogan, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Gianna Delgado back in 2021.

The closing arguments from the defense and the prosecution are not about whether or not Cadogan killed Delgado, but whether or not her death was premeditated and deliberate. If the homicide is found to be premeditated and deliberate, Cadogan will be convicted of first-degree murder as opposed to second-degree murder.

Chilling testimony alleges murder suspect asked others for help disposing of High Point University students body

The defense argues that Cadogan acted out of jealous rage, because he believed Delgado had cheated on him, and had not prepared or planned to kill her. They argued that the prosecutor did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Delgados killing was premeditated and deliberate and that it was clear that Cadogan was wholly unprepared for killing. In a recording shown earlier in the trial, Cadogan said he didnt know he could get that angry.

Gianna Rose Delgado

The prosecution argued that the fact that Cadogan strangled Delgado to death, which experts said would take at least a minute to kill her, showed deliberation and intent. They also cited messages and communication he sent to others after Delgados death, including a message to the young woman who reported him in which he allegedly said he had planned to cause Delgado to overdose but decided it would take too long; the defense, however, argued that there was no evidence of that comment.

If her story is able to save one life, I think she will be proud of me; father of murdered High Point University student heads to suspects extradition hearing

The prosecutor ended his arguments with a 60-second pause, showing just how long it took to kill the 19-year-old girl. The defense claimed this was the prosecution playing on the jurys sympathy, not making a point based on evidence.

After two hours of deliberation, the jury asked to review more of the evidence presented in the trial, including an interview recorded by the Carter County Sheriffs Office. They have to come to a unanimous decision in order to convict. After three hours of deliberation, they did not return a verdict on Tuesday.

Delgados father, Ricardo Delgado, was nervous about the jurys deliberation but told FOX8 that he trusts the justice system and hopes justice for his daughter will be served.

Man accused of killing 19-year-old High Point University student; taking her body to Tennessee

Its nerve-wracking having to go through this all over again. Its hard, he said.

These arguments are what the jurys deliberations hinge upon. Deliberations resumed at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Background

Authorities say they were called to Pallas Way in High Point on June 21, 2021, to check on Delgado after a report that she had been assaulted. She was not found in her apartment, and Cadogan was identified as a suspect. Investigators with the High Point Police Department said they found blood in their shared apartment.

A former co-worker with whom Cadogan had an on and off relationship testified that Cadogan called her that day and asked for help moving something, but she declined. He called her repeatedly despite her refusal.

I am scared for my own life: 911 call offers new details after man accused of killing 19-year-old High Point University student

After that, Cadogan reportedly contacted another woman he knew, telling her that he had strangled Delgado to death during an argument about her cheating on him and needed help disposing of her car and body in Tennessee. She testified that Cadogan showed Delgados body on Facetime, and she stayed on the call with him while he bought cleaning supplies.

She said her cousin helped her record her conversations with Cadogan and then brought the videos and recordings to the police. Cadogan repeatedly called her while she was in the room with police, where she tried to get Cadogan to incriminate himself, asking if he intended to throw Delgados body in the lake or drive her car into it. He hung up but called back and said he never thought he would get that mad.

Father remembers slain 19-year-old High Point University student after man accused of killing her

Local police found Cadogan with Delgados body stuffed in a plastic tote in the car.

He was extradited to High Point from Carter County and remained in Guilford County jail awaiting trial.

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EMPORIA (KSNT)  Health officials are investigating a fish kill near the City of Emporia which has left hundreds of fish dead in a local river.

KSNT 27 News reached out to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for information on a reported large number of fish deaths in Lyon Countys Cottonwood River. A KDHE spokeswoman sent back a report dated July 18 of the fish kill investigation.

This report shows the area investigated was a section of the Cottonwood River about three miles east of Emporia following initial observations by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). The fish appeared to have been dead for several days but displayed no outward signs of deformities or illness.

Blue catfish harvest regulations change in Kansas

No cause for the fish kill was found by investigators at the scene though an oily sheen on the water was noted in the KDHE report. No signs of any contaminants to the river or any signs of potential dumping or herbicide use were noted by investigators.

(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)

(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)

(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)

(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)

(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)

(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)

Fish species impacted by this event include carp, buffalo, drum and channel cat with the majority of the dead fish being smallmouth buffalo or bigmouth buffalo, according to the release. Other species, like shortnose gar, were seen in the water swimming freely.

This species is extinct in Kansas  for now

For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Screenshot of Aaron Gimmick recently appearing on Fox News.

Aaron Dimmock, the underdog Republican challenging Matt Gaetz in Floridas First Congressional District GOP primary in the Panhandle next month, is running what can only be described as an unusual race.

Dimmock is a retired Navy officer who heads the Missouri Leadership Academy in St. Louis, some 700 miles away from Pensacola, the heart of the congressional district. It is legal for him to do so, as a Missouri state law was changed in 2020, according to an official with the Missouri Office of Administration.

I actually hopped in because no one else did, Dimmock told the Phoenix in a phone interview conducted earlier this week. Its not easy to go up against someone whos been in politics for 15 years as a first-time candidate. It was a chance I couldnt let him go unchallenged. So, I kept an eye [on the race] through April and saw that no one else locally had opted in at the state or local level, so I felt compelled.

Dimmock filed to run for congress against Gaetz on April 26, the very last day to qualify for federal office in Florida. He lists a Pensacola address in his filing, but he used his Missouri drivers license as his identification. The primary is set for Aug. 20.

He says that there are some times since he entered the race when he returns to Missouri when its warranted and has been able to work a full-time schedule remotely.

Thats been the way that Ive been able to operate and will continue to do so, he said. And were hopeful for the primary and continue to be able to divide my schedule as needed to be able to do what I need to do to meet my obligations there.

State records show that while Dimmock may be campaigning in the district while he can, he continues to be paid as a full-time employee as a special assistant. He was last paid $4,86.46 on July 15 and has made $57,023.98 so far during 2024.

According to his LinkedIn page, Dimmock began working as the director of the Missouri Leadership Academy in January 2021, and still lists that as his employer. A web page for SHRM of Greater St. Louis, an organization for human resource professionals, shows that he was scheduled to speak at an event last month.

The Phoenix reached out to Missouri Governor Mike Parsons office, to ask if hes okay with a state employee campaigning for a congressional seat in a different state. He did not respond to requests for comment this week, but he did tell KMOV-TV last week that we want to make sure people are doing their jobs. Im not a big fan of remote work. I never have been.

I cant tell that hes doing a lot of active campaigning except running very expensive ads that are very harsh on attacking his opponent, says Escambia County Republican Executive Committee Chair John Roberts. Hes not known in the district at all.

McCarthys revenge

Dimmocks campaign appears largely to be based on expensive and aggressive ads attacking Gaetz that have been paid for by Florida Patriots PAC, whose senior advisor is Brian O. Walsh, a close ally to former Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.

McCarthy and Gaetz have a combative relationship. Gaetz is one of the eight House Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy from his House speakership a year ago, and McCarthy has not been shy about saying that he would spend resources this year to do his best to oust those eight Republicans from office.

Their enmity was illuminated last week at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, when Gaetz confronted McCarthy at the Fiserv Forum.

A poll released last week showed Gaetz leading Dimmock in the race, 67% to 20%.
Floods and climate change blamed for surge in dengue in the Emirates as WHO warns of global spike

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Since the United Arab Emirates witnessed its heaviest recorded rainfall ever three months ago, the desert nation has issued a multitude of warnings about dengue which, activists say, has surged and struck hardest among the vast populations of laborers.

The tropical disease, spread by mosquitos, has witnessed a worldwide spike. The World Health Organization declared it an emergency in December as cases have globally increased tenfold over the last generation.

Many people infected by the virus are asymptomatic, but some experience headaches, fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can lead to serious bleeding, shock and death.

In the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, the disease has usually spread due to travel on long-haul carriers into the country. However, on April 25, the Department of Health alerted that locally transmitted cases without travel history have been documented since 2023 "as a result of climate change and an environment conducive to mosquito breeding."

Changes in weather patterns turn countries previously inhospitable to Dengue-carrying mosquitos into possible habitats.

The April deluges, which flooded portions of major highways and Dubais international airport, only amplified the risk in the Gulf country. While major thoroughfares quickly saw vacuum pumps arrive, others remained saddled for weeks with stagnant pools of water, where virus-carrying mosquitos lay their eggs and spread the disease.

No official figures have been shared in the Emirates where broad laws severely restrict freedom of speech and almost all major local media are either state-owned or state-affiliated outlets. Queries sent to various governmental organizations about the exact number of confirmed dengue cases went unanswered.

The WHO also declined to discuss the situation in the UAE when reached by The Associated Press. However, the U.N. health agency noted in its May 30 report that there have been continued dengue outbreaks in Mideast countries with stronger health-care systems that have been affected by unusual rains due to climate change. It also said: Timely data sharing also remains a challenge for other countries in the region for reasons such as the potential impact in the tourism, economy and other sectors.

Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns across the sheikdom on the importance of cleaning stagnant water and warnings about dengue, also known as breakbone fever, have been widely aired on state media.

Still, activists stressed that communities of laborers are bearing the brunt of the disease.

The slow cleanup of flooded areas in industrial sites has worsened the spread of the disease among laborers, some of whom have left their home countries already affected by climate change for a chance to earn money in the UAE, according to a report issued by FairSquare, a London-based group focused on labor rights in the Gulf Arab states.

The July 4 report detailed a surge in dengue cases among migrant worker communities across the Emirates, citing three healthcare workers, a government official, and migrant workers. The group attributed the rise in cases to a lagging government response to the spread of the viral infection in areas where migrant laborers live and work.

James Lynch, a FairSquare co-director once banned from entering the UAE while at Amnesty International, told the AP that the important thing here is the disproportionate impact of how the virus seems to mainly spread among laborers. What you would want to see is an even-handed approach to dealing with clean up and it doesnt seem to be the case here.

No specific figures were shared in the report which quoted a nurse, who works at a private clinic in the city of Sharjah, as saying they receive over 30 cases every four or five days, describing the rise in cases as alarming.

The UAEs overall population of more than 9.2 million is only 10% Emirati, with millions of low-paid workers from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

I call it a double whammy of climate change on this very vulnerable population, said Barrak Alahmad, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. I see that these migrant workers are on the front line facing the effects of climate change and health.

The effect of the virus also resonated in Iran.

The Islamic Republic relies on Dubai as a major transit point to the rest of the world due to the international sanctions it faces over its nuclear program and tensions with the West.

On July 9, Shahnam Arshi, an Iranian health ministry official said of 149 people infected with dengue, 130 had been infected in the UAE while Hossein Farshidi, deputy health minister, said the first known infected person entered Iran on May 15, after the flooding in the Emirates.

Farshidi, in his latest remarks on July 23, said the number of infected people in the country, rose to 152, without giving further details.

This year, Iran also reported its first locally transmitted cases of dengue, saying the number rose to 12 in July, all of them located in the Bandar Lengeh port, south of Iran.

Earlier this year, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro declared a public health emergenc y because of mosquito-borne dengue fever, while in July, U.S. officials warned doctors to stay on alert as the tropical disease broke international records.

Each year, we are going to see new places and different local governments struggling with either dengue or other issues from climate change, said Alahmad, the research fellow. It is an ever-expanding issue. I dont know if we have an easy fix to this.

___

Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT)  A Florence man is facing additional charges for attempted murder after police said he sexually assaulted and robbed two elderly women in June.

Court documents show that Michael Kirkland, 34, now faces two attempted murder charges and three charges of fraudulent use of a credit card in addition to the burglary, sodomy, robbery and theft of property charges that were brought against him at the time of his arrest.

16-year-old girl killed after shooting in Sheffield

The Florence Police Department arrested Kirkland on June 22 after they said he sodomized and robbed two elderly women.

FPD said two elderly women were found inside the home with injuries. One of the women, a 79-year-old, was flown to UAB while the other woman, a 76-year-old, was taken to North Alabama Medical Center.

According to the criminal complaint, Kirkland entered the home after asking for water before pushing the 79-year-old woman to the ground. He then forced the woman into a bedroom, throwing her on the bed, causing her to hit her head. Court records state that the woman suffered a fractured spine during the assault.

At this time, court records show Kirkland used a cloth belt from a bathrobe and tied the womans hands and feet up. Authorities believe he then sexually assaulted her and stomped on her face as well, worsening her injuries.

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The second woman who was assaulted, the 79-year-olds caregiver, entered the house using a hidden key and found the woman in a closet. According to court records, Kirkland then began assaulting her.

Court documents say he punched her in the face, used a lamp and other glass objects to hit her over the head and told her he would have to kill her because she had seen his face. Kirkland began looking for a knife before dumping out the womans purse and taking her car keys.

The woman told Kirkland where her vehicle was parked and he then began hitting her until she purposefully laid still.

Florence Police were able to identify Kirkland through doorbell video and said they recovered evidence that connected him to the crime.

He is being held at the Lauderdale County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Florida House Democrats Michele Rayner, Fentrice Driskell, Dianne Hart, Lindsay Cross and Susan Valdes (photo credit: Mitch Perry)

A group of state House Democrats held the first of three scheduled field hearings on Monday night in Tampa to give constituents a chance to explain what theyd like to see when the Legislature reconvenes following the November elections.

In a pointed rebuke to the Republicans who run the Legislature, the Democrats put no time limit on the public speaking time. Republican committee chairs routinely limit each member of the public to as little as 30 seconds to make their points, even on far ranging and controversial legislation.

The folks in charge in Tallahassee have made it increasingly difficult for Floridians to make their voices heard, said Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell in kicking off the event, which lasted for nearly three hours.

Weve witnessed not only just a passing of restrictive laws and regulations, but also the weaponizing of procedures, the packing of committee agendas, and the limiting of public testimony. All of this was designed to suppress the voices of constituents impacted by dangerous political decisions.

Activists opposed to the agenda of the GOP-controlled Legislature have long lamented the lack of time allotted to them to speak to lawmakers.

Theres so many times when we had a contentious issue and it is very personal to people, said St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross. They may have driven eight hours to come to Tallahassee and be told that you have three minutes, now were cutting it back, now you have 30 seconds to tell something that is deeply personal thats going to affect your life, your livelihood, your family, and its just not right. So, we want this opportunity for the people in this region come and talk to us.

Rounding out the session were Tampa Bay area lawmakers Michele Rayner, Dianne Hart, and Susan Valdes.

Among the issues raised were Medicaid expansion, guns, school vouchers, the six-week abortion ban, voting rights, and the 2023 DeSantis administration purge at New College of Florida in Sarasota, converting it from a progressive liberal-arts campus to one modeled on conservative Hillsdale College in Michigan.

The trouble is that unless the unexpected happens and the Republicans lose their majority in either the House of Senate in November, the Democrats will be essentially powerless to grant the wishes expressed.

New College

Amy Reid was the first of four public speakers who discussed New College.

A professor of French language, chair of the faculty, and the still named director of the now-abolished gender studies program, Reid said that a third of the faculty left the university last year and the pace of the faculty departures at NCF continues.

I call on you to stand up against this, she told the five House Democrats. To push back on legislative initiatives that curb academic freedom and chill free speech on our campuses. To stand up for our faculty and our students, which is to say, for Floridas future.  You came here to listen, and I hope you can move your colleagues to act.

Betsy Braden with the gun safety group Moms Demand Action expressed concerns about how vending machines selling ammunition are coming to Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. She doesnt want them in Florida.

We will definitely not stand for that, said Cross.

Norin Dollar is a senior analyst with the progressive Florida Policy Institute. She complained that the DeSantis administration opted out of a new federal program known as the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children, or Summer BET, designed to help low-income people pay for groceries. The deadline to apply for the money for next summer is Aug. 15, she said.

Weve already given up the opportunity for this summer, she said. Anything that can be done to ask that the application be made  and when the budget amendments come from the Department of Children and Families [DCF] if they do get made, that you look upon them favorably in your legislative duties. We know DCF can administer these programs because they did it during the pandemic.

Andrea Dumala (recently profiled by the Phoenix) made the case for lawmakers to expand Medicaid, but she essentially was speaking to the choir, as Democrats have made the case for years for Medicaid expansion against overwhelming indifference in the Republican-led Legislature.

Hillsborough County resident Tracy Davis (not to be confused with the state House member from Jacksonville) spoke about how the Florida prison system is overcrowded and said that there is a need for an ombudsman for the Department of Corrections to address concerns about living conditions and health care within the prison system.

Heat safety

Alexis Tsoukalas with the Florida Policy Institute called on the panel to support legislation to protect outdoor workers from excessive heat, spread public awareness about how to deal with intense heat, and asked for repeal HB 433, passed into law earlier this year to prohibit local governments from enacting ordinances to provide heat protections for outdoor workers.

A new report from her organization says Florida leads the state in heat-related illnesses.

The federal government does not have a heat exposure standard, she said. OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] just started a process to put a rule in place, but this can take years. Plus, OSHA still doesnt cover all workers. So, state intervention is paramount to protect working Floridians and keep businesses running smoothly.

That prompted Rep. Michele Rayner to say that the bill sponsors lied during committee meetings and on the floor when they said that OSHA has such active standards. The bill was sponsored by Fort Myers Republican Tiffany Esposito in the House and Panhandle Republican Jay Trumbull in the Senate.

Were seeing a majority party that is willfully lying to people in order to benefit corporate interests and to benefit other people that are not every-day Floridians, because literally [Esposito] said in committee, when asked by myself and Rep. [Ashley] Gantt, well, Yes, theres uniform heat standard exposures and well leave it to the federal government. Well, baby, how do we leave it to the federal government if they have no uniform standard? But this is what were dealing with.

Jonathan Webber is Florida policy director with the Southern Poverty Law Center and a frequent speaker in legislative committee meetings. He applauded the Democrats for holding the field hearings.

House and Senate committee chairs often overpack agendas, leaving little to no time for public testimony on critical bills, he said. This poor planning is not only annoying but its inappropriate, especially when regular Floridians  who travel to Tally to speak to their lawmakers on how their bill will impact their lives.

Additional Democratic field hearings were scheduled to take place Tuesday night in Orlando and Wednesday night in Broward County.
Florida voters to decide whether school board races should become partisan

While marijuana and abortion rights may be getting a lot of attention, theres another constitutional amendment Florida voters will get to weigh in on this November that could also have some major ramifications.

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Currently, when you vote for school board theres no R, D or I next to a candidates name, but that could soon change if Florida voters give the green light to Amendment 1.

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It was back in 2023 when the Florida Legislature gave the nod to putting the question of making school board races partisan before voters this November.

State Representative Dean Black (R-Yulee) co-sponsored the effort.

He argued voters deserve to know where candidates stand.

Because it tells you a lot about the values that a candidate has and whether they share your values, said Black.

Between hotly debated education laws and political figures like Governor Ron DeSantis endorsing school board candidates in recent years, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar argued politics are already making their way into the classroom.

I find it interesting that the party that has said we should not have politics in schools is the one proposing having politically charged school board elections, said Spar.

READ: Opposition campaign headed by DeSantis allies seeks to defeat recreational marijuana amendment

Spar argued partisan school board races would just make the problem worse, and get us further away from a time when parties rarely paid much attention to school board issues.

And so thats the biggest concern. If you infuse partisan politics into school board races, now its who is the Republican and who is the Democrat on the school board and you have partisan politics leading decisions instead of whats best for kids, said Spar.

But Black argued theres always been a political undertone to school board decisions, and the amendment would simply bring those leanings into the light.

The left has already made school board races very political and this just acknowledges that fact, said Black.

The amendment needs 60 percent support to pass.

If it does, voters could expect to see party affiliations next to school board candidates names starting in 2026.

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KINSHASA, July 24 (Xinhua) - A military court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) opened on Wednesday the trial against Corneille Nangaa, political leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a politico-military group allied to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.

Nangaa, former president of DRC's Independent National Electoral Commission, an agency responsible for election affairs, and 25 others are prosecuted for war crimes, participation in a criminal group, and treason.

Corneille Nangaa's wife, Yvette Lubanda Nazinda, in exile in Europe, is also prosecuted for "treason, war crimes and participation in an insurrectional movement".

Sultani Makenga, leader of the M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, M23's political leader, Willy Ngoma and Lawrence Kanyuka, M23's spokespersons are also on the list of the defendants.

In December 2023, several days before the DRC general elections, Nangaa formed a political-military alliance AFC, with M23 rebels and other armed groups, to "save the country."

Uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis loom in the eastern DRC, despite an extended truce until Aug. 3 between the DRC military and the M23 rebellion, which controls nearly 100 villages in the eastern North Kivu province after resurfacing in late 2021.

More than 900,000 newly displaced people were reported between January and April 2024, bringing the total number of the displaced to around 7.3 million in the country, including more than 5.6 million in the three eastern provinces, namely North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 
Florida's 2024 primary election is less than a month out. What to know for Escambia County

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Florida Primary Election has passed. Now it's time to look forward to the election on Aug. 20.

Florida is one of 10 states with closed primaries. That means voters can only vote for candidates who represent their registered party; Republicans must vote for Republicans, Democrats for Democrats, and non-party-affiliated voters must wait to cast their vote in the general election in November.

Here's what Escambia County voters need to know ahead of the Florida primary election on Aug. 20.

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 does President Biden's dropping out of the race affect the Florida ballot?

Democrats were thrown a curve ball Sunday after President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his reelection bid. Less than 24 hours after his announcement, his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, procured enough of Florida's Democratic delegation to secure her place on Florida's ballot.

Harris will likely win enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee when the Democratic National Convention convenes next month.

How to see who is on your ballot?

Seeing who will be on your ballot couldn't be easier. Head over to Escambia County's sample ballots web tool website. Provide your first name, last name, date of birth and check the two verification boxes.

From here, you'll be shown all of the information you need to know to vote during the 2024 Florida primary election, including important dates, where your polling location is, request a mail ballot, request a registration update (the deadline for the primary election has passed) and a look at a sample ballot.

Clicking "view Sample Ballot" will bring up a PDF file of a sample ballot where you can see who you are eligible to vote for.

How to change your voter registration

The deadline to change your voter registration passed on Monday. Changes in party affiliation must be submitted 29 days before a primary election. You can still update other pieces of information, such as your address on file.

It's also recommended that you update your signature on file periodically, as it can change over time and potentially lead to ballot issues.

What type of ID can you bring to vote?

Florida allows 12 methods of ID that can be used to vote. To vote in person, you must bring a current and valid photo ID with a signature.

Florida driver's 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.

Three ways to vote in Florida

There are three ways to vote in Escambia County.

Early voting: All eligible voters can vote early at multiple locations throughout the county. Early voting begins at least 10 days prior to election day.

Vote-by-mail: You can request a mail-in ballot by visiting EscambiaVotes.gov. Vote-by-mail ballots must be requested 12 days prior to election day and must be received by 7 p.m. on election day. If you don't think your ballot will arrive by mail in time, you can hand deliver it.

Vote in person: You can always vote at your polling location, which can be found on your voter information card, sample ballot or EscambiaVotes.gov.

How to find your precinct and polling site to vote

You can find your precinct and polling site by heading over to EscambiaVotes.gov. Click on the "Find my precinct" button. You'll be taken to a new page where you'll enter your house number and street name.

This information can also be found on your voter information card.

When does early voting start in Escambia County?

Early voting for the 2024 Florida primary election starts on Aug. 10 and ends on Aug. 17. Each location will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting for the 2024 presidential election will run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.

Escambia County early voting locations

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola

Main Library, 239 Spring St., Pensacola

Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino

Asbury Place at Cokesbury Church, 750 College Blvd., Pensacola

Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola

Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola

Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment

Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola

UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Pkwy, Bldg. 82, Pensacola

Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Blvd., Century

What time do polls open during the 2024 Florida primary election?

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. If you're still in line to vote at 7 p.m., you will still be allowed to cast your vote.

What to expect when voting in person?

Never voted in person? No problem, here's what to expect in Escambia County:

You'll enter the polling location.

Present your identification using one of the options above. The election worker will use this to find your information.

Once your identification has been confirmed, your signature will be verified against the ID provided using the signature pad.

You'll then receive a ballot and a secrecy sleeve.

Take both of those into the privacy booth or a ballot-marking device.

Mark and review your selections before taking your ballot to the tabulator.

Enter your ballot into the tabulator. This is the part where you get your "I Voted" sticker.

If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask any of the election workers on site.

Primary election key dates

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act 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

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: 2024 primary election: Escambia County voters guide
Florida's 2024 primary election is less than a month out. What to know in Santa Rosa County

The 2024 Florida Primary Election is less than a month out. On Aug. 20, Floridians will have the opportunity to choose who will represent them in the general election in November.

Florida is one of several states that have closed primary elections. That means voters can only cast their vote for the candidate they wish to represent their registered party.

Here's what Santa Rosa County voters need to know ahead of the Florida primary election on Aug. 20.

How does President Biden's dropping out of the race affect the Florida ballot?

Democrats were thrown a curve ball Sunday after President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his reelection bid. Less than 24 hours after his announcement, his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, procured enough of Florida's Democratic delegation to secure her place on Florida's ballot.

Harris will likely win enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee when the Democratic National Convention convenes next month.

How to see who is on your ballot?

Seeing who will be on your ballot couldn't be easier. Head over to Santa Rosa County's sample ballots web tool website. Provide your first name, last name, date of birth and check the two verification boxes.

From here, you'll be shown all of the information you need to know to vote during the 2024 Florida primary election, including important dates, where your polling location is, request a mail ballot, request a registration update (the deadline for the primary election has passed) and a look at a sample ballot.

Clicking "view Sample Ballot" will bring up a PDF file of a sample ballot where you can see who you are eligible to vote for.

How to change your voter registration

The deadline to change your voter registration passed on Monday. Changes in party affiliation must be submitted 29 days before a primary election. You can still update other pieces of information, such as your address on file.

It's also recommended that you update your signature on file periodically, as it can change over time and potentially lead to ballot issues.

What type of ID can you bring to vote?

Florida allows 12 methods of ID that can be used to vote. To vote in person, you must bring a current and valid photo ID with a signature.

Florida driver's 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.

Three ways to vote in Florida

There are three ways to vote in Santa Rosa County.

Early voting: All eligible voters can vote early at multiple locations throughout the county. Early voting begins at least 10 days prior to election day.

Vote-by-mail: You can request a mail-in ballot by visiting VoteSantaRosa.gov. Vote-by-mail ballots must be requested 12 days prior to election day and must be received by 7 p.m. on election day. If you don't think your ballot will arrive by mail in time, you can hand deliver it.

Vote in person: You can always vote at your polling location, which can be found on your voter information card, sample ballot or VoteSantaRosa.gov.

How to find your precinct and polling site to vote

You can find your precinct and polling site by heading over to VoteSantaRosa.gov. Click on the "Find my precinct" button. You'll be taken to a new page where you'll enter your house number and street name.

This information can also be found on your voter information card.

When does early voting start in Santa Rosa County?

Early voting for the 2024 Florida primary election starts on Aug. 5 and ends on Aug. 17. Each location will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Early voting for the 2024 presidential election will run from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2. Locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Santa Rosa County early voting locations

Main Elections Office , 6495 Caroline St., Suite F, Milton

South Service Center, 5841 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze

Pace Community Center, 5976 Chumuckla Highway, Pace

Santa Rosa County Auditorium, 4530 Spikes Way, Milton

Navarre Community Gym, 8840 High School Blvd., Navarre

What time do polls open during the 2024 Florida primary election?

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. If you're still in line to vote at 7 p.m., you will still be allowed to cast your vote.

What to expect when voting in person?

Never voted in person? No problem, here's what to expect in Santa Rosa County:

You'll enter the polling location.

Present your identification using one of the options above. The election worker will use this to find your information.

Once your identification has been confirmed, your signature will be verified against the ID provided using the signature pad.

You'll then receive a ballot and a secrecy sleeve.

Take both of those into the privacy booth or a ballot-marking device.

Mark and review your selections before taking your ballot to the tabulator.

Enter your ballot into the tabulator. This is the part where you get your "I Voted" sticker.

If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask any of the election workers on site.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: 2024 primary election: Santa Rosa County voters guide
Following the attempt on former President Donald Trumps life, Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she wants legislation drafted to prevent Trump from getting a Secret Service detail if found guilty in the election interference trial against him withdrawn.

Bennie Thompson has still not withdrawn his bill that would strip Pres Trump of his Secret Service protection if Democrats are able to lock him up from one of their sham trials, Greene said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Democrats dont just want President Trump in jail, they want him dead.

Democrats dont just want President Trump in jail, they want him dead.



Even after the assassination attempt on President Trumps life, the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson, has still not withdrawn his bill that would strip Pres Trump of his pic.twitter.com/zkl14ifRd6  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) July 23, 2024

She also posted a video of her calling for Thompson to withdraw the legislation.

This legislation was introduced while the politically weaponized government was prosecuting former President Donald Trump. This would leave him at risk, Greene said during a recent committee. This legislation is reckless and the minority ranking member needs to withdraw this legislation that would lead to the murder of President Trump.

On Monday, the director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, went before a Congressional committee, which Greene was a part of, where she was taken to task by Republicans and Democrats over the assassination attempt on Trump on July 13.

Cheatle then resigned on Tuesday.

RELATED STORIES:

I take full responsibility for the security lapse, she said in an email to staff. In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.

Deputy Director Ronald Rowe was named as acting director. He has worked for the agency for 23 years.

Cheatles departure was unlikely to end the scrutiny of the long-troubled agency. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have promised more investigations.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

RELATED NEWS:
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A major food bank in New Mexico signed a deal on Tuesday morning with fellow food banks across the border in Mexico. The International Food Exchange Project is an agreement between Roadrunner Food Bank and a coalition of 58 Mexican food banks.

We are ready: Ruidoso Municipal Schools prepares for school year amid flash flooding

With this deal, they hope to get food out to people who need it most while cutting down on food waste. What weve been doing has been very informal for the last several years. Forming this partnership, number one we want to bring a lot of attention to the issues of food insecurity on both sides of the border and also food waste, said President Dana Yost, Roadrunner Food Bank.

Food sharing is already a common practice between food banks in the state. This is the first time an official agreement has been reached between international partners.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A view of the main entrance to the Tesla Gigafactory. Another World War II bomb has been found near the factory which, according to the municipality, will not be removed but will have to be detonated on site. Soeren Stache/dpa

Environmental activists moved back into their forest camp near the Tesla factory at Grunheide outside Berlin after the controlled detonation of a World War II bomb.

The exclusion zone was lifted at around 1 pm (1100 GMT) on Wednesday, a spokesman for Grunheide municipality said.

This meant that the protesters were also allowed to return to their camp, which is in the area of exclusion zone. It's the second such detonation to be carried out on the site of the planned expansion of the Tesla factory in just a few weeks.

Police asked the protesters to temporarily leave their camp for safety reasons on Tuesday morning. The activists complained about the short notice of the measure, and described the manner of the police action as "harassment."

The police threatened to carry the occupiers out of the camp and clear the area. The activists then complied with the police's demands and left their encampment voluntarily.

Some of the Tesla opponents spent the night at the Werlsee lake in Grunheide before returning to the camp on Wednesday.

Part of the Tesla premises was also affected by the protection zone, but according to the company, this had no impact on production.

Buses and trains from Fangschleuse station were cancelled for several hours. After the blast, however, traffic was expected to resume as planned, the municipality spokesman said.

The bomb, which weighed around 250 kilograms, was found on an area where the e-car factory is to be expanded. According to the municipality, the bomb could not be transported and therefore had to be detonated on site.

A view of the main entrance to the Tesla Gigafactory. Another World War II bomb has been found near the factory which, according to the municipality, will not be removed but will have to be detonated on site. Soeren Stache/dpa
A former Columbus Zoo CEO has entered a plea ahead of his trial date.

>>RELATED: Former Columbus Zoo employee pleads guilty in years-long fraud investigation

Tom Stalf pleaded guilty Tuesday in Delaware County Common Pleas Court to 15 felonies.

He is one of four former zoo executives charged as part of the states fraud investigation.

Stalf pleaded guilty to one count each of aggravated theft, conspiracy, telecommunications fraud, and 12 counts of tampering with records, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts office.

Stalf agreed to pay over $315,000 in criminal damages to the Columbus Zoo, the state of Ohio, and the IRS. It is in addition to the $400,000 he made to the zoo.

>>RELATED: Former Ohio zoo executive accused of misusing over $2 million of public funds pleads guilty

>>RELATED: Former Ohio zoo executives indicted, accused of misusing over $2M of public funds

As News Center 7 previously reported, Greg Bell, Pete Fingerhut, Tracy Murnane, and Grant Bell were also charged in the investigation.

In September 2023, former Stalf, former Chief Financial Officer Greg Bell, and former Director of Marketing Fungerhut were indicted on charges in connection to allegedly stealing more than $2.29 million in public funds for their benefit.

Since then, Bell, Fingerhut, and Murnane have pleaded guilty to their charges.

They will be sentenced in September.
Former computer programmer finds success at Verus Research as engineer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Verus Research has a team of carefully selected scientists and engineers working on high-powered microwave technology, among other projects, and they will go to great lengths to cultivate and keep that talent within the borders of New Mexico.

Over the past year, Artem Kuskov has found a promising career path within the walls of Verus Research. The 32-year-old engineer originally set out to become a computer programmer. It was just not a, not a pleasant experience, says Kuskov. So I wanted to do something with my hands. I wanted to not search for little bugs in the code. If something didnt work, I wanted to see it. Why? It didnt work. And, you know, snap it in half if, if I could, if to make it work. I decided to go into engineering.

Kuskov first came to the United States as a foreign exchange student in high school. A native of Kyrgyzstan, he had little knowledge of the Land of Enchantment before coming to study.

Whenever I found out that I was going to New Mexico, I looked up from what is New Mexico, and I just saw pictures of just desert and nothing. Just one big city, I didnt know I was going to Albuquerque. First, I thought, oh, Im like, oh my God, Im going to be living somewhere on the onion field. You know, just like in the desert with nothing, says Kuskov.

Story continues below

His tune changed when he arrived, quickly falling in love with his host family and the southwest. He came to America through a J-1, or student, Visa after graduating high school, he began his undergraduate career at UNM where he met a man who would change his life forever; distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering, Edl Schamiloglu.

Artem was, immediately recognized as having a lot of talent, being super useful, and beneficial in the lab, says Kuskov. His undergraduate career in the classroom and the lab developed one of two pivotal relationships for his life in America, the first with Edl.

Whenever I was in graduate school, there was a masters program. I was doing swing dancing for a while. This was my way to discharge and unload and, you know, essentially just like, turn off my brain and just go dance my shoes off and essentially just have fun and in 2014, I met my now wife. There we kind of hit it off, he says.

The two were married a few short years later, but the honeymoon period was soon met with uncertainty. This is the first time when I got reminded of the two-year rule that I would have to go back because I said it was if it was not even on my mind, says Kuskov.

The J-1 student visa has a mandatory caveat, the student must return to their home country for at least two years before they can seek citizenship in America. Facing the looming requirement to return to Kyrgyzstan, Artem and his new bride sought legal advice, but were told there was nothing he could do.

I was devastated, to say the least. My wife was devastated. I was trying to work out a plan of maybe I can work here still, but remotely, from just go on home, he says.

So, he went to the only other person he knew could help; his longtime mentor, Edl Schamiloglu. So, I arranged, to get five letters of support that, attested to the fact that Artem is a person of unusual ability, extraordinary skills, and would be beneficial to the United States, says Schamiloglu.

The five letters came from prestigious sources including the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, a top scientist with AFRL, and Tony Byers, founding CEO of Verus Research. Hes strong in that theoretical background needed. Hes strong in the virtual prototyping. And hes also exceptionally strong when it comes to experimental work. And thats the package youre looking for. Thats the dream package, Schamiloglu says.

Artem is one of many brilliant minds Verus has championed throughout the years, according to the company. They take recruitment and retention of talent very seriously. They knew they had a home for Artem if they could secure his immigration status. After submitting the letters and applying for the waiver, they waited nearly two years before they had their answer.

I finally got the waiver and after this, finally got the green card through the marriage, which was just very, very wonderful and a happiest day that I had, said Kuskov.

I cannot even express my gratitude to the people that were advocating for me, the people who stood in support. I am [a] very, very lucky person, he says.

Artem and his wife welcomed their first child, Adler, a year ago. Adler is a city in Russia and it also means eagle in German.

About New Mexico Frontiers

New Mexico is the doorway to the new frontier  leading the way into the future of Aerospace, Bio-science, Renewable Energy, Digital Media and Film, Advanced Manufacturing, and so much more. Join us as Chad Brummett and New Mexico Frontiers profile the movers and shakers from our state who are changing the world.

New Mexico Frontiers celebrates the enterprising spirit of the states businesses, scientists, creators, and entrepreneurs.

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The former sheriffs deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Illinois home while responding to her call for help has held six different police jobs since 2020, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board confirmed to ABC News.

Body camera footage released Monday shows former deputy Sean Grayson yelling at Massey, an unarmed 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two, to put down a pot of boiling hot water.

The footage, reviewed by ABC News, shows that Massey told the deputy, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," and then she apologized after the officer threatened to shoot her. She poured the water into the sink and ducked down behind a counter, covering her face with what appears to be a red oven mitt. She briefly rose, and Grayson shot her three times in the face.

MORE: Body camera footage released by Illinois State Police of woman killed by former sheriffs deputy

A review by Illinois State Police found that Grayson was not justified in his use of deadly force.

Grayson, who is white, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct in Masseys death.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) records show that Grayson, 30, worked three full-time and three part-time jobs in four police departments and two sheriffs offices over the past four years, all within the state of Illinois.

PHOTO: Sean Grayson was charged with first degree murder after fatally shooting Sonya Massey while responding to her call for help. (Sangamon County Sheriff's Office)

Grayson was employed at three different police departments in 2021 alone, the records show. His shortest term of employment was with the Kincaid Police Department, where he was employed for just over three months. Records list his reason for leaving as other.

His longest term of employment was with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office, where he worked for a year and two months. Grayson was fired from Sangamon County last week, following Masseys death.

Grayson worked part time at the Pawnee Police Department from August 2020 to July 2021; his reason for leaving is listed as other. He also worked part time at the Kincaid Police Department from February to May of 2021.

The Kincaid Police Department told ABC News that Grayson was "let go by the Village of Kincaid board when he refused to live within the 10-mile radius of the village." They also said they have no complaints against Grayson and no disciplinary actions were taken against him while he worked with the Kincaid police.

The Virden Police Department hired him part time from May to December 2021, and he also worked full time at the Auburn Police Department from July 2021 to May 2022. Both departments list his reason for leaving as resigned.

Grayson then worked at the Logan County Sheriffs Office full time from May 2022 until he resigned in April 2023. He was hired at the Sangamon Sheriffs Office in May 2023 where he remained until he was fired last week.

MORE: Illinois deputy charged in fatal shooting of woman who reported intruder

ABC News is seeking further details on Graysons employment history.

It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. Therefore, Sean Graysons employment with the Sheriff's Office has been terminated, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell wrote in a statement last week announcing Graysons termination.

PHOTO: Sonya Massey died at 36 years old. (Courtesy Ben Crump)

Masseys father, James Wilburn, questioned Graysons employment history.

The biggest question is: How did this man ever get hired in law enforcement? Wilburn told ABC News. When a Black man has just a little blemish in his credit, he cant get hired in the police department. But heres a man who, in four years, hes been in six different departments.

Wilburn has also criticized Sheriff Campbell for his role in Graysons employment and called for Campbell to resign at a press conference on Tuesday.

The sheriff here is an embarrassment, Wilburn said. [Grayson] should have never had a badge. And he should have never had a gun. He should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.

Campbell told ABC News he will not be resigning.

MORE: Illinois woman dies after being shot in deputy-involved incident

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Masseys family, says that Grayson must be held accountable for his actions.

Sonya Massey needed a helping hand. She did not need a bullet to the face. We cannot continue to shoot first and ask questions later when it's Black people, Crump said to ABC News.

ABC News Davi Merchan and Emily Chang Contributed to this report.

Former sheriff's deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey held 6 police jobs over past 4 years originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Former UK prime minister and Conservative party leader Rishi Sunak has spoken of the need to continue supporting Ukraine and keep up sanctions pressure on Russia at Keir Starmers first Prime Minister's Questions.

Source: European Pravda; Prime Minister's Questions with Keir Starmer

Details: Sunak expressed his gratitude to Starmer for maintaining a "cross-party consensus on important matters of foreign policy", focusing on support for Ukraine.

"The UK has consistently been the first country to provide new capabilities to Ukraine, such as the long-range weapons that have been used so effectively in the Black Sea. Now those decisions arent easy, and I was grateful to the Prime Minister for his support as I made those decisions in government. And in opposition, I offer that same support to him," Sunak said.

Sunak then stressed the UKs key role as the country that encourages other allies to "follow our lead in providing new military capabilities", recalling a recent meeting between Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany.

"Im sure he thanked him [Scholz  ed.] for the considerable air defence that the Germans are providing the Ukrainians. But did he also raise the issue of the Germans perhaps providing long-range missiles, just as the UK, America and France have now done?" Sunak asked.

Starmer replied that he had raised the question of increasing aid for Ukraine with all the allies at the NATO Summit.

"Part of my message was to urge all of our allies to provide further support where they can. That was well-received. There was unity coming out of the NATO Council, and thats what we must all do," Starmer summed up.

As is known, the UK and France were the first to provide long-range Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine. After that, the US unblocked the supply of long-range ATACMS missiles.

Germany still opposes supplying Ukraine with German Taurus long-range missiles, fearing escalation from Moscow.

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Ukraine's Security Service and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau have gathered a huge evidence base in the Samara-West Direction pipeline case, serving notice of suspicion on Viktor Medvedchuk, a former Ukrainian businessman and pro-Russian politician who is also known for his connections to Putin, and his accomplices for seizing the pipeline.

Source: press service of the Security Service of Ukraine; Office of the Prosecutor General on Telegram

Details: According to the case file, the organiser of the unlawful privatisation project was former Ukrainian MP Viktor Medvedchuk, who is suspected of high treason by Ukraines Security Service. He began implementing this programme in 2015, working with Ukraine and Russia's political leaders at the time.

Medvedchuk involved third parties in the scheme, who subsequently took up senior positions at the company that "privatised" the oil pipeline.

According to the procedures, after the collapse of the USSR, Russia retained ownership of the pipeline, but in 2014-2015, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Economic Court confirmed Ukraine's rights to it.

However, Medvedchuk, with the help of Ukraine's then-leadership, was able to reverse this ruling through the Rivne Economic Court and arrange for the sale of the oil pipeline to a Swiss corporation controlled by the scheme's participants.

After seizing the pipeline, Medvedchuk and his accomplices ensured its operation through the company Prykarpatzakhidtrans, and the revenues were transferred to the accounts of affiliated overseas companies and distributed among them.

This information is supported by evidence accessible to the Ukraine's Security Service and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, as well as Viktor Medvedchuk's own testimony, which he voluntarily provided prior to the exchange with the Russian Federation.

In May 2019, diesel pumping through the pipeline was halted in order to ensure its return to state ownership. In January 2024, the Supreme Court of Ukraine formally recognised the Ukrainian portion of the pipeline as state property.

The pre-trial investigation is still ongoing. Law enforcement agencies implement a series of procedures to bring suspects who are overseas to justice and to create a circle of all individuals involved in this unlawful transaction.

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CAIRO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League (AL) on Wednesday welcomed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

In a statement, AL assistant secretary-general for Palestine and occupied Arab territories affairs, Saeed Abu Ali, appreciated China's historical position in support of the Palestinian cause, which embodies the depth and strength of relations between Arab countries and China.

He said the AL commended the efforts and initiatives of the Chinese leadership, and its continued keenness to support the rights of the Palestinian people.

Abu Ali also praised China's efforts to strengthen the Palestinian peoples' just and legitimate struggle for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant decisions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

At the invitation of the Chinese side, high-level representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and inked a declaration on ending division and strengthening unity.

It is the first time that 14 Palestinian factions have gathered in Beijing for a reconciliation dialogue, bringing precious hope to the suffering Palestinian people.

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China has proposed a three-step approach to solving the Palestinian issue.

Noting that the Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East issue, Wang said China harbors no self-interest concerning the Palestinian issue, and has always firmly supported the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. 
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After China announced broad measures to rescue its economy, Chinese stocks surged, our Chart of the Week shows. It's not the first time the country has attempted to get out of the recent doldrums, but the market's reaction says this time might be different.
The Fort Worth Zoo announced the hatching of two gharial crocodiles on July 24, 2024. This is the second year in a row that eggs from this critically endangered species have hatched at the zoo.

The Fort Worth Zoo announced the hatching of two gharial crocodiles on July 24, 2024. This is the second year in a row that eggs from this critically endangered species have hatched at the zoo.

A critically endangered species has hatched at the Fort Worth Zoo for the second year in a row in a massive conservation achievement, zoo officials said in a news release Wednesday.

The hatching of two gharial crocodiles in June following the birth of four during the summer of 2023 makes the Fort Worth Zoo the only institution in North America to have successfully repeated the gharial breeding process, the release states.

The public can see the hatchlings this coming Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Fort Worth Zoos Museum of Living Art.

The zoo has been involved in efforts to breed gharials for more than a decade. The two hatchlings came from eggs laid by two different females in the Fort Worth Zoos gharial population, according to the release.

Having two additional hatchlings is a big win for growing the gharial population in zoos and expanding knowledge to help this critically endangered species survive, said Vicky Poole, the associate curator of ectotherms at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Gharials, which can grow up to 20 feet long, are one of the largest croc species in the world. They are also one of the most endangered. Historically, the gharials range spanned rivers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan, according to the Smithsonians National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.

The species remains only in Nepal and northern India and is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List. The biggest threat to the gharial is habitat loss, unsustainable fishing practices and hunting, according to the Smithsonian.

Gharials arrived at the Fort Worth Zoo in 1995. When the zoos herpetarium, known as the Museum of Living Art, opened in 2010, the gharial exhibit was built for the specific purpose of reproducing the species. Since then, the zoo staff have constantly manipulated conditions to facilitate successful breeding.

Poole said in 2023 that the females initially dumped their eggs in the water instead of building a nest in the sand. Heat coils were added to the sand to keep it the right temperature for nesting. Then the staff realized the eggs werent being properly fertilized, so they started modifying water temperature to help with that.

Its usually trying to solve one little piece at a time, Poole told the Star-Telegram at that time. So incubation is one thing, nesting is another thing. So weve got all these different layers weve got to provide to them.

Zoo staff are closely monitoring the growth and development of the new gharial hatchlings, the release said. Except for a few hours this coming Saturday and Sunday, they will continue to remain behind the scenes at the zoo.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Fort Worth ISD board votes down 5-year strategic plan

 Security firm owner arrested on child sex assault

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UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty, staff and alumni will not have the chance to offer input this fall on the ongoing search for the universitys 13th chancellor  marking a clear reversal from a previous promise.

Original plans for a second round of public listening sessions were nixed, chancellor search committee chair Cristy Page told reporters last week after a committee meeting. The committee received enough public input from the forums it held in the spring and its online survey, she said.

Based on the number of people who participated in the survey and the listening sessions, and the quality of the information that we got from those sessions, and then the quality of what we got from this last round of surveys, we dont think theres necessarily added value to do that again, Page said.

The switch comes a few months after UNC System President Peter Hans chief of staff Norma Houston said during the committees first meeting on March 21 that plans were in the works to hold more listening session during the fall semester.

What Anita and I have discussed is setting up a second round of listening sessions in the fall semester that the search firm would facilitate so that we really get input in two phases, Houston said in that meeting, referring to Anita Brown-Graham, who serves as a special adviser to the committee.

In addition to gathering input via survey, the committee held five listening sessions in the spring, one for each stakeholder group: faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and alumni. Most were held in April, with the alumni forum taking place in June. The committees website with information about the open forums states, additional sessions will be scheduled in the future.

Page said the committee was surprised by how much guidance the UNC community provided the committee. The responses to the survey were hundreds of pages long and were used when the committee created the candidate profile describing qualities the group would like to see in the next chancellor.

Whats happening behind closed doors

Alexander Denza, a senior at UNC and organizer with student groups Southern Student Action Coalition and TransparUNCy, said he thinks the decision is an excuse to avoid rising tensions in the fall after a spring semester marked by protests.

He also thinks theres a deeper reason the committee cut the second round of public feedback sessions.

To Denza, the committee has already selected interim Chancellor Lee Roberts to remain in the post permanently. He is confident the resources and time allocated for the search for UNCs next chancellor are to make it look fair.

They selected the chancellor the day that he was appointed interim chancellor, Denza said.

More than 500 students signed a letter published in The Daily Tar Heel, UNCs independent student newspaper, that expressed outrage that there were only one or two committee members present at the forums for undergraduate and graduate students. The student authors, including Denza, called the listening sessions a gross disregard to our right to voice our considerations to the search advisory committee in the spring.

My biggest concerns are about whats happening behind closed doors, he said.

At a meeting of the Faculty Executive Committee this month, Sue Estroff, a social medicine professor at UNC, expressed a similar concern.

I fear that the chancellor search is already over, and I dont have a lot of confidence in the process, she said.

A six- to nine-month timeline

At its July 17 meeting, the search committee spent the majority of its time in closed session. As the ambitious goal of naming a chancellor by the end of 2024 nears, Laurie Wilder, president of Parker Executive Search, the firm leading the search effort, said the timing between identifying and naming a candidate must be quick to ensure complete confidentiality.

More than 2,500 members of the UNC community responded to the online survey launched by the chancellor, providing feedback about characteristics they want to see in the universitys next leader. In a meeting in June, the committee reviewed the survey results. Responses included that the university should improve in recruiting and supporting faculty and staff and creating a sense of belonging for all.

Hans told reporters after the meeting that chancellor searches usually take six to nine months, though everything is more complicated in Chapel Hill.

Thanks to Dr. Pages leadership and wonderful engagement from the campus community, we were able to wrap up a little bit earlier than expected in terms of engagements in the listening sessions, Hans said.

The search committee must recruit and interview candidates for the position and present a list of finalists to the UNC Board of Trustees. Based on that information, the Board of Trustees will select at least three finalists to submit to Hans. Hans can interview the finalists and then choose one nominee to submit to the UNC System Board of Governors for a vote, or return the list to the Board of Trustees.

The Board of Governors then votes on Hans nominee, including details like salary.

While chancellor searches are confidential in the UNC System, the final vote to hire the chancellor will occur in a public meeting. The identities of candidates may not be released publicly, according to system policy, meaning the public wont know who is recruited for the position until the Board of Governors votes on the nominee.

The search committee did not announce a date for its next meeting. Updates on future meetings will be available at chancellorsearch.unc.edu.

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
A Fox Business Network guest has sparked outrage after he referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as the original Hawk Tuah girl.

Alec Lace made the comments on a July 5 appearance after President Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance but before Harris became the presumptive nominee at the top of the Democratic ticket.

The podcaster was comparing Harris to a 22-year-old who garnered viral fame after describing spitting during a sex act as she was interviewed on the street.

Kamala Harris, she is the original Hawk Tuah girlthats the way she got where she is, and the party is going downhill if its in her hands, Lace said.

Did I go too far on FOX News calling Kamala Harris the OG Hawk Tuah girl or am I right over the target?



pic.twitter.com/injGz2VOr4  Alec Lace (@AlecLace) July 23, 2024

Laces comments were even too much for Fox Business host Dagen McDowell, who told him, That was harsh.

Rather than apologize for the comments, Lace then took to X, where he wrote, Did I go too far on FOX News calling Kamala Harris the OG Hawk Tuah girl or am I right over the target?

Less than a week into her candidacy, Harris is already the subject of right-wing attacks, with Tucker Carlson criticizing female leaders as being nasty, stupid, and bloodthirsty, and comparing Harris to Cambodias genocidal dictator Pol Pot.

Tucker Carlson Says Female Leaders Are Nasty, Stupid, Bloodthirsty

Republicans are also attempting to attack her over her relationship with former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, 90, who is 31 years Harris senior and whom she dated in the 1990s.

Donald Trump has also labeled her Laughing Kamala in an attempt to give her one of the disparaging nicknames he is famous for.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Fox News cut from Kamala Harris first campaign speech after she started bashing Trump

Fox News cut short its broadcast of Vice President Kamala Harris first campaign speech after she went after Donald Trump in front of cheering crowd of supporters in Wisconsin

Harris made her campaign trail debut in Milwaukee on Tuesday, redefining Novembers election as a choice between two different visions for our nation, The Washington Post reported.

In her remarks, Harris noted she had experience prosecuting fraudsters and predators. "So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump's type," Harris told the crowd. As Attorney General of California, I took on one of our country's largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students."

"As a prosecutor, I specialized in cases involving sexual abuse. Well, Trump was found liable for committing sexual abuse," the vice president added.

Just minutes after the speech began, Fox News cut the broadcast and returned to its anchors in-studio. Other networks including CNN and MSNBC broadcast the entire speech.

"Very little mention, John, of her accomplishments while vice president, while in the White House," Fox News host Sandra Smith said to her co-anchor John Roberts.

"Yeah, critics would say if she was to base a speech on her accomplishments in the White House, it would be a very short speech," he replied, adding that Harris is going to use the prosecutor vs. felon tactic as he rolled his eyes.

On Tuesday, Harris officially received enough support to clinch the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden announced he was stepping aside from the campaign on Sunday. In a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, Harris now leads Trump by 2 points, which is within the margin of error.
Fox News has invited newly minted presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to a Sept. 17 debate.

The network sent out invitations to both campaigns on Wednesday to participate in the debate. It is tentatively scheduled to take place just a week after a proposed debate on Sept. 10 from ABC News, which both President Joe Biden and Trump committed to participating in before the incumbent bowed out of the race. Fox News is proposing to hold the debate in Pennsylvania, but left the door open to discussions with each campaign about the date, format, location, and whether or not there is an audience.

The invitation comes after Trump pushed for the conservative network to host a debate during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday afternoon, though he committed to debating Harris regardless of the host network. The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the invitation.

The letters sent to the Harris and Trump campaigns were penned by Fox News Media President Jay Wallace and Vice President of Politics Jessica Loker. The network described its invitation as an amendment of its proposal for a debate during the 2024 campaign and suggested that hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum would be the best choices to moderate.



A Harris-Trump face-off would be closely watched, after Bidens disastrous performance at his June debate against Trump caused a Democratic revolt against his campaign that culminated in the presidents stunning withdrawal from the campaign on Sunday.

Trump previously sought a vice presidential debate on Fox News between Harris and his then-unidentified running mate, now announced as Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. Harris had previously agreed to a vice presidential debate on CBS News on either July 23 or Aug. 13. Now that shes the all-but-certain Democratic nominee for president, the status of the vice presidential debate is unclear.
(Getty Images)

In invitations to the campaign managers for Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Fox News has proposed that it host a presidential debate on Sept. 17 in Pennsylvania.



The news was first reported by Politico. The Capital-Star obtained copies of the invitations from Fox News Media President Jay Wallace and its vice president of politics Jessica Loker, sent to Harris campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon, and to Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, Trump senior campaign advisers.

The invitations propose Fox News hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum as moderators, but do not offer details on where in Pennsylvania the debate might take place.

Harris won pledges from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the Democratic nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris. Trump officially became the GOPs nominee during the Republican National Convention last week.

The Trump and Harris campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

During a Tuesday call with reporters, Trump committed to a debate with Harris, adding he would be willing to do more than one.

Bidens withdrawal came after weeks of pressure from within the Democratic Party following a poor June 27 debate performance against Trump.

The Democratic National Convention is less than a month away, and the choice of Harris running mate has dominated news coverage, with national press following Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to events around the state this week. Shapiro is one of the people speculated to be on Harris short list, but said Tuesday during an event in Shippensburg that he had not been asked for and had not submitted vetting paperwork for consideration as vice president.

At an event in Pittsburgh on Monday, Shapiro said Harris was making a deeply personal decision  that should be made really free from any political pressure.
FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a news conference at Miraflores Palace in Caracas

FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a news conference at Miraflores Palace in Caracas

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelans will vote in a presidential election on Sunday, with 61-year-old President Nicolas Maduro seeking his third term. His challenger, opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, 74, has attracted significant support.

Here is a timeline of the events leading up to the closely watched vote.

2013

Nicolas Maduro, a former bus driver and the protege of President Hugo Chavez, takes power after Chavez dies from cancer. Maduro narrowly wins an election in which the opposition alleges irregularities.

2018

Maduro is elected to a second term in a vote boycotted by the mainstream opposition and considered fraudulent by the U.S. and others.

2019

Opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido invokes constitution to assume an interim presidency, winning international backing but little control over institutions.

2020

The U.S. offers to begin lifting sanctions if the opposition and members of Maduro's Socialist Party form an interim government without Maduro.

2021

Talks open between Maduro's government and the opposition led by Guaido, but make little progress.

2022

The government and opposition resume talks after more than a year, where they discuss presidential elections, the status of hundreds of political prisoners and U.S. sanctions on Venezuela.

Venezuela's opposition national assembly dissolves Guaido's interim government.

2023

June 23: Maria Corina Machado, a 56-year-old engineer and former lawmaker, registers to run in a primary contest as the candidate for Venezuela's opposition coalition. She is considered one of the favorites.

June 30: Maduro's government bars Machado from holding public office for 15 years, drawing international condemnation. It cites her support of U.S. sanctions and accuses her of being involved in corruption, which she denies.

Oct. 17: In Barbados, Maduro's government and the opposition agree to guarantees for a 2024 election in exchange for limited U.S. sanctions relief. The deal does not lift bans on opposition candidates barred from public office.

Oct. 18: The U.S. eases some sanctions on Venezuela's oil and gas industry and lifts restrictions on bond trading, giving Maduro until the end of November to begin rescinding bans on candidates and start releasing political prisoners and "wrongfully detained" Americans.

Oct. 19: Five people, including well-known opposition figures, are released from jail in Venezuela.

Oct. 22 - Machado wins opposition primary with over 90% of the more than 2.3 million votes cast.

Dec. 15 - Machado appeals her ban on holding office.

Dec. 20 - Ten Americans and 24 Venezuelans are freed in exchange for the U.S. release of a Maduro ally.

2024

Jan. 23 - The U.S. State Department expresses concern over the arrests of at least 33 Venezuelans, including opposition members.

Jan. 26 - Venezuela's top court upholds Machado's public office ban.

Jan. 29 - The U.S. begins reinstating sanctions and warns it could reverse its roll-back of restrictions on the oil industry.

March 16 - Maduro announces his candidacy for reelection.

March 22 - Machado names academic Corina Yoris as her successor, but Yoris is unable to register on the electoral council's online system, leaving the coalition without a candidate.

March 26 - Gonzalez is registered as a placeholder candidate.

April 5 - Six Machado campaign staff members are given political asylum by Argentina, after warrants were issued for their arrest. They remain at Argentina's embassy in Caracas.

April 17 - Washington reimposes broad oil sanctions, citing Maduro's failure to comply with the electoral deal.

April 19 - Venezuela's major opposition coalition backs Gonzalez.

May - Campaigning for her replacement, Machado draws large crowds across Venezuela.

May 28 - Maduro's government revokes invitation to the EU to send election observers, citing continued EU sanctions.

July 17 - Machado's security chief is arrested and released a day later. Overall, several dozen of Machado's allies have been detained.

(Reporting by Caracas newsroom; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
KHARTOUM, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Fatima, a Sudanese patient with blood cancer, had traveled on a dangerous journey nationwide searching for life-saving treatment despite the country's ongoing war and bloodshed.

Fatima, 43, told Xinhua from an oncology center in Port Sudan how she had embarked on an odyssey from the southern inland state of West Kordofan all the way up to the Red Sea city and secured a place in a medical center already in great shortage of supplies and overwhelmed by patients.

"It was a frightening and arduous journey. We were exposed to stress, hunger, security risks, and repeated inspections from the army and rapid support points," she said.

Due to prolonged clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, all health facilities in West Kordofan stopped working. Many patients died due to the lack of treatment, she noted.

Seeking medical help, she took the rugged roads from Kailik city in her home state to Wad Madani, the capital city of the Gezira State in central Sudan, where she was lucky enough to be enrolled in a treatment program at these state-run Wad Madani Oncology Center, right away.

Unfortunately, the treatment went on for merely a couple of months until last December, when the clashes spreading there disrupted everything.

She was forced to flee once again. She decided to try Port Sudan, the capital city of the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan.

"In this oncology center, I receive chemotherapy, but I still lack radiotherapy," she said.

At the center, every cancer patient has a different story, but all of them agree that the war has exacerbated their suffering.

Maimuna, a breast cancer patient, said an arduous trek from the South Kordofan state took her here, but she immediately found the facility was lack of radiotherapy, and she had to opt for much more expensive alternatives.

Due to the war, Sudan has lost five radiotherapy devices that were in Khartoum and Gezira State, according to Dafalla Omer Abuidris, director of Sudan's National Centers for Oncology Treatment.

"There is no radiotherapy available now in Sudan. We have one machine in Merowe Hospital in northern Sudan, providing only about 5 percent of needed radiotherapy treatment," Abuidris told Xinhua.

He further noted that there is about a 40 percent shortage in Sudan's real need of chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients, appealing to world countries and organizations to provide chemotherapy drugs.

Sudanese doctors warned as early as in October in the open-access medical journal Ecancermedicalscience that "the limited access to oncology services during the current war endangers the lives of more than 40,000 Sudanese cancer patients."

The WHO said in a report published on June 18 that nearly 15 million people are estimated to need urgent lifesaving healthcare services in the country, for which health cluster partners are aiming to reach 4.9 million people, requiring 178 million U.S. dollars to do so, but which is only 26 percent funded.

The ongoing war has wreaked havoc on the country's health sector, with an estimated loss of nearly 11 billion dollars on hospitals, health centers, and medical supplies, according to Sudan's Acting Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim.

Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has so far claimed at least 16,650 lives, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in an update last month.

Over 7.7 million people have been displaced internally within Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict, while about 2.2 million others have crossed borders into neighboring countries, according to the figures released on June 25 by the UN International Organization for Migration. 
The House Freedom Caucus urged House leadership to keep Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) off the forthcoming task force to investigate the assassination attempt on former President Trump due to a bill he introduced that would have threatened Trumps Secret Service protection.

In the official position released Wednesday, the hard-line conservative group also said Thompson should lose his status as ranking member on the panel.

The Freedom Caucus pointed to a bill Thompson led that would have stripped Secret Service protection detail for protectees who were sentenced for a felony conviction. It was an apparent nod to Trump, who was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May and faces other felony charges relating to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results

In April, Rep. Bennie Thompson launched an effort with other radical progressive Democrats to deny Secret Service protection to President Trump  legislation that he continues to defend even after the attempted assassination on July 13, the Freedom Caucus said in a statement.

We therefore urge the removal of Rep. Thompson as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the group continued. Similarly, his actions should invalidate Rep. Thompson from serving on the task force to investigate the attempted assassination of President Trump. Americans cannot trust that he will be an unbiased arbiter of the facts in the effort to get to the bottom of the greatest failure of the Secret Service in more than three decades.

A spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) defended Thompson, saying he has served the Congress and the country admirably, including as Chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol and the Homeland Security Committee.

Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Democrats will not be lectured by election denying, conspiracy peddling, anti-freedom extreme MAGA Republicans about any matter concerning the American people, Jeffries spokesperson Christie Stephenson said. Pipe down.

Asked if he even wanted to be on the task force, Thompson told The Hill: No.

I dont even want to be on it, Thompson said. Ive never expressed an interest.

Updated at 11:38 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.
Crew members inspect a France's Rafale fighter jets during visiting Indonesia on the Pegase 2024 mission at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  France's air force made a stopover in Indonesias capital on Wednesday, part of a visit to Southeast Asia that's meant to display French commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing Chinese maritime activity there.

The French mission, named Pegase, visited Jakartas Halim Perdanakusuma air force base on a weeks-long trip that also included stops in countries including Malaysia and Singapore. It showcased two Rafale fighter jets, a tanker transport plane and one A400M Airbus military transport plane.

The mission aimed to boost military cooperation between France and Indonesia, Brig. Gen. Guillaume Thomas, Chief of the 2024 Pagase mission, told a news conference after showing the aircrafts to journalists.

We want to assert our position as a proactive regional power in the Indo-Pacific completely, dedicated to the security of the area and defending the freedom of navigation when necessary, Thomas said.

He said Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron will conduct a long awaited bilateral meeting in Paris this week to strengthen our ties even more, diplomatically and militarily.

The French Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement ahead of the July 20-27 stopover that the mission shows Frances commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its close ties with the country partners in the region.

Indonesia has embarked on a drive to upgrade and modernize its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defense industry. The country completed an order for 42 French Rafale fighter jets in January, and the first delivery is expected in early 2026, defense ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha said in a statement.

Subianto, who is also currently Indonesias defense minister, has crisscrossed the globe since he was appointed in 2019, traveling to China, France, Russia, Turkey and the United States in a bid to acquire new military weapon systems as well as surveillance and territorial defense capabilities.

The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and Britain. However, some of those aircraft had reached or would soon reach their end-of-life phase, and needed to be replaced or upgraded, Sumantha said.

The purchase of the French jets came amid rising tensions in the region, especially in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its expansive claims over the disputed waters. Indonesia is not a claimant state in the South China Sea, but it has clashed with China over the fishing rights around the Natuna Islands, which lie within Indonesias exclusive economic zone but in waters also claimed by China.

The South China Sea is home to vital shipping lanes, plentiful fish stocks and undersea mineral resources. China and Association of Southeast Asia Nations have made little headway in finalizing a code of conduct to avoid conflicts in the area.

Indonesia last year signed a contract to buy 13 Thales Ground Control Interception radars from the French. Five of them are expected to be installed in the countrys new capital, Nusantara.
FILE - A woman pulls her luggage along fences of the security perimeter, with Notre Dame cathedral in background, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Paris, France. French prosecutors are investigating an alleged rape of an Australian woman visiting Paris, just two days before the start of the 2024 Olympics. A 25-year-old Australian woman has reported to Paris authorities that she was gang raped last week, a statement from the public prosecutors office in the French capital said on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

PARIS (AP)  French prosecutors are investigating an alleged gang rape of an Australian woman on a visit to Paris where preparations to host the 2024 Olympics are in the final stretch, according to judicial authorities Wednesday.

The Paris public prosecutors office said in a statement a 25-year-old Australian woman told authorities in the French capital that she was raped, adding they are investigating the incident as a gang rape. French media reported five men raped the woman.

The statement did not name the victim but said the alleged assault occurred overnight Friday, July 19, and that the woman then sought refuge in a Paris restaurant where firefighters provided emergency assistance and later took the victim to a hospital.

Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement Wednesday that the Australian Embassy in Paris has sought to offer consular assistance to a citizen, who had been assaulted in the French capital.

We understand that this is a very traumatic experience and stand ready to provide assistance, the statement said. It did not provide any other information to protect the victim's privacy.

Reports in Australian media said the victim had initially planned to immediately return to Australia but later decided to stay in France. It did not provide any other information due to privacy obligations.

Paris security authorities have been on high alert in the lead-up to the Olympic Games that kick off on Friday with an open-air ceremony on the River Seine. The city is deploying 35,000 police officers daily for the Olympics, which run until Aug. 11, with a peak of 45,000 for the opening ceremony. In addition, 10,000 soldiers are taking part in security operations in the Paris region.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  With the extreme heat many, are concerned about the cost of keeping cool.

Manny Perales, owner of Yosemite Falls Cafe, says he was hit with a $21,000 PG&E bill just last month.

I have an accounting specialist thats assigned to Yosemite Falls and I was reviewing the bill and asked her how can it go from $0.14 per kilowatt to 50 some-odd dollars per kilowatt? he said. She goes, No, no, no. Youre reading that wrong its got to be $0.53 during peak, and I said, No, can you pull up the bill, please, and she was blown away.

To save money Perales has had to take measures to conserve electricity.

Just this week he decided to close his dining area for several days a week.

Perales isnt the only one feeling the pinch of energy costs.

At the start of the year, PG&Es rates went up 12.8% for its 16 million customers in the state after the California Public Utilities Commission approved the rate increase request in 2023.

Jeff Smith with PG&E says the utility company cant comment on individual clients bills but says they are always working with small businesses to manage costs.

A solution is to look at the balanced payment program. And what that does is balance your payment all across all 12 months. So you dont have those spikes in the summer months when energy usage here in the Central Valley tends to spike said Smith.

For now, Perales says he will find a way to pay that $21,000 tab without drastically increasing his prices.

What am I supposed to do charge $35 for a hamburger or a sandwich just to make up? You just cant do that, said Perales.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The search is on for the family and friends of a 99-year-old Grandview, Missouri woman who died more than a month ago.

One Kansas City metro funeral home is doing all they can to give her a proper home going celebration. But with no family the task has become challenging, and the clock is ticking.

For nearly 30 years, 99-year-old Katherine Shirley called the Life Care Center of Grandview home.

Her social worker describes her as a kind, woman of God, who took care of herself, and it was that place where the workers over the years became her family, as the ones who were blood related faded away for one reason or another.

Northland apartment residents concerned after two fires in less than a month

So, for the final stage of Ms. Shirleys journey, it lies in the hands of the Marcom-Harvey team.

We were elated and more than happy to take Ms. Shirley and honor her wishes, Aesha Humphrey the co-owner of Marcom-Harvey Funeral Care said.

It started in May when Katherine Shirley passed away. With no family, she became a ward of the state.

She was set to be cremated when it was discovered she had wished for and already paid for a proper burial, but the funeral home agreement had been closed.

There was also one other small catch.

We couldnt find anyone that knew her, no next of kin, no one so we really want to honor what she wants to do and her legacy, Humphrey said.

Shirley knew the casket and the flowers she wanted and Marcom-Harvey funeral home will accommodate that request.

Theyre just hopeful that someone here in Kansas City knows who this former secretary, who battled through the civil rights era, times where she couldnt vote and, in the end, seeing what progress looked like.

Who she is and will step forward as they prepare to give her the star treatment and a heros goodbye.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

We just have to do this. I just feel this is something that we must do, that were honored to do and that we will do, Humphrey said.

As for the plans moving forward, there will be a community home going celebration within the next two weeks for Shirley. For updates you can check the Marcom-Harvey social media pages as they will be making regular post 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The future of the former Little Milligan Elementary School property still hangs in the balance. The Carter County Board of Education (BOE) met for a special-called meeting Tuesday to decide what to do with the now-closed school.

The board voted to close the school earlier this year despite pushback from the community.

Members cited operating costs for that particular school as the reason, when looking at their budget.

Little Milligan Care and Share Program Inc., a local food bank, proposed using the building as a community center. Carmen Campbell is the organizations secretary and treasurer. She told News Channel 11 that the school used to be a place that the Little Milligan communitys kids came together to learn and play, and they want to keep that spirit alive.

LIST: Local Tenn. school districts providing free breakfast, lunch this year

We will have a youth club for sports, basketball programs where the kids will be able to have a place closer to home where they can practice for their sports instead of having to travel 10 or 15 miles to participate in something like that, Campbell said.

Also, we have several civic groups in our location that will be able to use the building, Boy Scouts. They use it for clogging lessons, music lessons, church groups use it for activities and its just going to be open for the community to use.

(WJHL)







Carter County Director of Schools Brandon Carpenter declined an interview with News Channel 11 without direction of their attorney, because he said theyre still working out logistical details.

During Tuesdays public board meeting, he said a price has not yet been set for the former school building and property.

It is my understanding that the board would wish to possibly put a few restrictions on the property, Carpenter stated during the public meeting. That there couldnt be a school there; theres some things that will affect that price.

The board did unanimously vote to have a negotiated sale of the building. They did not vote with who yet.

Campbell said her group would like to be able to use the building as soon as possible, and she said its a vital place for the Little Milligan community.

When they closed the school on us, everybody kind of felt lost because that was our meeting point, Campbell said. That was where we gathered and did activities and discussed things. And it kept us all together. And when they closed the school, everybody felt like they had just dissolved us, that we had no nowhere to go. So this is very important to this community that we we [are] able to establish this, that we have a home base for our community and that we will be able to initiate all the programs that were going on before and that we can continue and maybe grow and have new programs added.

Campbell said fundraising is ongoing for the potential sale.

The school building might also still be used for a voting precinct.

Nothing is finalized yet. Carpenter said the board still has to advertise for others to submit proposals. Those have to be submitted by the Aug. 8 board workshop meeting.

Also at the meeting, the board voted for all school employees to have a 2% raise. They will revisit a percentage for paraprofessionals.

The next Carter County BOE regularly-scheduled meeting takes place August 15 at their Central Office in Elizabethton, 139 Keenburg Road.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Venezuela's need for gas development persists regardless of election outcome

Venezuela's need for gas development persists regardless of election outcome

By Marianna Parraga, Deisy Buitrago and Mircely Guanipa

CARACAS/MARACAY (Reuters) -Griselda Ascanio keeps an improvised wood-burning stove ready in her backyard in Maracay, 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Venezuela's capital, for the frequent gas-supply interruptions that make it difficult to cook.

"We cannot just cry about it," said the 44-year-old administrator, who collects branches that fall from trees. "So we have learned to solve problems ourselves."

While it sits atop the world's eighth-largest natural gas reserves and the biggest in Latin America, Venezuela ranked last year as the 25th-largest global producer, according to the Energy Institute's Statistical Review of World Energy.

The South American country's output fell to 4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) this year from almost 8 bcfd in 2016, data from consultancy Gas Energy Latin America shows.

A production revival is urgent not only because it would assure more reliable domestic supply, but also because it could ease shortages emerging in neighboring countries while bringing Venezuela much-needed hard-currency revenue.

The gas problem is a key issue as a presidential election approaches on July 28. Whoever wins faces the daunting task of securing investment in the OPEC member's gas industry.

President Nicolas Maduro's administration has doubled down on offering gas projects to foreign companies since last year, but longstanding unpaid debts to many of the companies, U.S. sanctions and the enormous investments required have limited progress.

The main opposition coalition, represented by Edmundo Gonzalez in the voting, has proposed radically expanding the private sector's role, while restructuring the country's $150-billion debt, something analysts say would take years.

"Nobody is going to massively produce gas in Venezuela in these conditions, but where there is immediate interest is in small-scale midstream projects," said Antero Alvarado, managing partner of Gas Energy Latin America, referring to pipelines and systems to better capture and distribute gas.

Venezuela's problems have hampered development, leading to frequent scarcity of the fuel essential for cooking, generating power and feeding petrochemical plants and factories.

The gas Ascanio intermittently receives at her home arrives in cylinders whose distribution is controlled by government-supported groups. That subsidized propane is among the most expensive fuels PDVSA's refineries produce. Sometimes, the state-owned company even resorts to importing that gas.

Neighbors from Colombia to Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago, and many European nations, are hopeful that Venezuela's production could eventually ease their own gas shortfalls. They have pressured the Biden administration to grant gas projects exemptions from sanctions, company executives and government officials have said.

PDVSA and its gas subsidiary did not reply to requests for comment.

FLARING THE GAS AWAY

Venezuela's almost 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas reserves are mostly untapped.

"Venezuela's natural-gas production has historically been limited in comparison to its potential," the U.S. Energy Information Administration said in a February report, attributing the situation to a poor investment climate, lack of infrastructure and inability to develop projects.

Some 80% of Venezuela's gas output is associated with crude production.

In the last five years, unprocessed gas flared into the atmosphere during oil production has surpassed volumes sold commercially, turning the country into one of the world's largest natural-gas flarers, according to the EIA.

Maduro's socialist government has held inconclusive talks with European companies including Repsol, Eni and Shell, about a capital-intensive project to recapture up to 1.5 tcf of flared gas for the domestic market and exports.

Offshore, large gas exploration and production projects remain mostly stalled, especially the massive 12-tcf Mariscal Sucre. Only one of its four fields is in active negotiation between the government and energy firms Shell and Trinidad and Tobago's NGC for a joint development that could see first output late next year.

Helped by a flexible law that requires less red tape for gas projects than for oil projects, Venezuela's government has begun internal talks to offer a second field, Rio Caribe, for foreign investment, according to sources familiar with the plan.

A 20-year Venezuelan license to develop a 1-tcf gas field that extends into Trinidad's waters, involving BP and Trinidad's NGC, was granted on Wednesday following a U.S. authorization for the project in May.

"We are making a monumental step in the right direction," said President Nicolas Maduro during the signing ceremony, broadcast by state television station VTV.

Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea has said doors are open to foreign investors following individual licenses Washington recently resumed issuing for specific developments in Venezuela.

But many gas producers in Venezuela no longer have the means to ramp up production unless PDVSA first repays debts, company executives said.

ANOTHER WAY

In what would be a policy U-turn, the opposition wants to reopen the energy industry to foreign investment through privatization while limiting PDVSA's role and restructuring debts, including paying some creditors with oil.

The strategy would break with two decades of nationalization that has concentrated almost all production, transportation, processing and sales in the state's hands, creating a long chain of debts among state-owned companies.

"The country will need more electricity, hence, more gas," Alvarado said. "If a privatization in the power sector happens, there will be economic incentives to produce gas for domestic sales, while larger offshore projects could focus on exports even through LNG (liquefied natural gas)."

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Houston, Deisy Buitrago in Caracas and Mircely Guanipa in Maracay, Venezuela; Editing by Christian Plumb and Rod Nickel)
One of the installed turbines at the Vineyard Wind wind farm. (Photo courtesy of Avangrid)

Top officials at GE Vernova said they believe a manufacturing deviation at a facility in Canada is the likely cause of a turbine blade breakdown at Vineyard Wind 1 that resulted in foam and fiberglass washing up on Nantucket.

Scott Reese, the CEO of GE Vernova, said there is no indication of an engineering design flaw with the turbine blade. He said the company is re-inspecting all of the 150 blades that have been manufactured at a plant in Gaspe, Canada, to see if the problem occurred with other blades.

Reese said the deviation should have been identified through the companys quality assurance process. He said the re-inspection process will rely on ultrasound and other techniques to identify any problems. The Vineyard Wind 1 project will remain on pause while the investigation of what went wrong with the blade is conducted.

I have a high degree of confidence we can do this, Reese said in a call with financial analysts in connection with the companys second quarter earnings release. Were not going to talk about the timeline today. We have work to do.

Reese added: We are going to be thorough instead of rushed.

Reese said the Cambridge-based company is continuing to install turbines at the Dogger Bank wind farm in the United Kingdom, which is using the same 13-megawatt Haliade-X turbines as Vineyard Wind 1.

The Nantucket Select Board met in executive session on Tuesday to discuss a legal strategy going forward with GE Vernova, the manufacturer of the turbines, and the wind farm developers, Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. The board is expected to hold a public meeting where the situation will be discussed Wednesday evening.

This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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The Tbilisi City Court has ruled that the Ministry of Internal Affairs must compensate a victim of the 2019 'Gavrilov's Night' protest, as reported by the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA).During the June 20-21, 2019 rally near the Parliament, the plaintiff, who was peacefully protesting, was hit in the right eye by a rubber bullet while trying to help another protester surrounded by tear gas. This resulted in partial vision loss and numerous medical procedures.The court found that law enforcement used excessive force. The plaintiff, now recognized as a victim in the criminal case, experienced a 15% to 25% reduction in overall working capacity.After a four-year review, the court ordered the Ministry to pay the plaintiff 50,000 GEL for moral damages and 1,440 GEL monthly from June 21, 2019, for life.GYLA emphasized the importance of this ruling, noting it not only confirmed the state's use of illegal and excessive force but also marked a rare instance of significant moral damages being awarded in Georgian courts. They hope for a swift enforcement of the decision, considering the plaintiff's health and the details of the case.Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, has concluded final meetings with leading British airlines to discuss initiating direct flights between Georgia and the UK.The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development stated, "Our priority is to establish direct flights with Great Britain. We are actively negotiating with airlines to start these flights. Diversifying markets is key to our aviation and tourism strategy. Direct flights will attract high-spending tourists from Britain."If successful, Kvrivishvili noted, mass marketing campaigns will be launched in the UK to boost awareness of Georgia's tourism offerings, enhancing tourism results swiftly. She emphasized the positive impact on the local tourism sector, which can cater to affluent British travelers.Representatives from the Association of Georgian Airports and the Georgian Embassy in Great Britain also participated in these discussions.
JUBA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan People's Defense Force (SSPDF) said the heavy gunfire on Tuesday night that shook residents of the capital, Juba, were isolated security hiccups that were not politically motivated.

Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson of the SSPDF said the two shooting incidents stemmed from two unrelated individuals who refused to be searched by security forces at various security checkpoints, prompting the security officers to open fire on the vehicles.

"We would like to tell members of the public to cooperate with security forces, that are carrying out regular vehicle searches because what they are looking for at night are harmful instruments such as unlicensed guns, crude weapons like knives, machetes and forbidden drugs," Koang told journalists in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

He disclosed that two separate incidents involved a lawyer who had given a ride to two underage girls and another individual who drove a vehicle belonging to the SSPDF.

The army chief said in both incidents the duo evaded being searched at the various checkpoints, prompting the soldiers on duty to open fire on them.

"The other important thing is that the shootings occurred at intervals, and the shootings are not related because they were not connected, and there is no underlying security or political motives, they were purely individual related incidents," Koang said.

He added that the suspects will be subjected to further probes by the police criminal investigation department and military intelligence.

Koang disclosed that following the two shooting incidents, some trigger-happy armed people went on a shooting spree that further scared the population.

"The other thing that you also need to know is that after those genuine incidents were registered, some irresponsible armed men whether they are in the armed forces or in possession of guns illegally went on random shooting," he said.

Both shooting incidents came in the wake of heavy deployment of presidential guards on July 20, along some of the key roads in the capital. 
JUNCTION CITY (KSNT)  Several inches of sewage water flooded the administration offices at the Geary County Sheriffs Office.

Employees arrived to work on Monday, July 22, to find water at their feet. Many employees are now having to work from different areas.

The part of the building that flooded sits right beneath some jail cells. One person from the Sheriffs Office said that inmates flushing materials they shouldnt be is what caused the flooding.

Longtime Topeka hobby store to move locations

This is an issue inside our facility that has to do with inmates stuffing materials down the toilets and are piping that was used back in those days is not big enough to handle large amounts of solid waste. said Jeanette DeMars, Public Information Officer for the Sheriffs Office.

The Sheriffs Office told 27 News the floors are now contaminated and its impacting people that work in different departments.

The people that deal with the warrants, the civil process. I do financial. The other individual works with offender registration. So all of our records are down in our work office area and its not like we can just go to another computer. We have terminals that are necessary for NCIC and things like that. DeMars said.

Workers say that no computers were damaged during the flooding, but they are having to work away from their computer at times.

KS advance mail-in ballots drop by half since 2022

The office said it does not have a timeline at the moment when operations will return to normal. They say several administrative staff have been displaced and will be for several weeks.

The process got delayed today, Demars said. We found out ServiceMaster, who is contracted by our insurance carrier, came in. They removed all the carpet. Theyve been instructed to take samples of the carpet, the tile and the drywall for asbestos testing. And that will take at least a week to get that back. And so were at a standstill for right now.

Since everyone in the office is currently moved around, some of the phone lines are not being answered. They are encouraging people to call their general line to speak with an operator who will get you connected with who you want to speak with.

The general line phone number is (785) 238-2261.

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.
A Georgia Power contractor has been hospitalized after the worker was shocked working on power lines.

Atlanta Fire and Rescue received a call Wednesday morning about a possible electrocution on Boulevard NE. When firefighters arrived, they found someone injured in a Georgia Power bucket truck.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Crews pulled the worker down from the bucket and paramedics took the worker to Grady Memorial Hospital. The workers name and condition have not been released.

Georgia Power said the worker is a contractor from BBH Electric.

We can confirm that a contract employee was injured while working and we understand they are receiving medical care. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and their families at this time. The safety and health of the public and our workforce is always a top priority, a company spokesman said.

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A police officer stands in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

German authorities on Wednesday banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), an organization that German intelligence considers to be controlled by Iran.

To enforce the ban, which was published in the Federal Gazette and also affects affiliated organizations, officers searched the IZH as well as premises in other states early in the morning for the second time in a few months.

Dozens of police officers were seen cordoning off the Blue Mosque in Hamburg, a Shiite mosque located in an upmarket area on the shore of the northern German city's Outer Alster Lake that is run by the IZH.

According to a dpa reporter, several police officers stormed the building of a Shiite organization in the Tempelhof district of Berlin at around the same time.

Germany's domestic intelligence service has classified the IZH as extremist.

The organization is considered an important propaganda centre for Tehran in Europe. The state-level branch of the domestic intelligence service in Hamburg has been monitoring the organization since the 1990s.

The large-scale operation, which also saw authorities target organizations affiliated with the IZH in other states, comes after officials searched 54 properties across Germany in November, including the Blue Mosque and dozens of other premises in Hamburg.

Extensive material was confiscated at the time.

Police officers stand in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

Police officers stand in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa
Police officers stand in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

German authorities on Wednesday banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), an organization that domestic intelligence considers to be controlled by Iran.

To enforce the ban, which was published in the Federal Gazette and also affects five affiliated organizations, officers searched the IZH inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg as well as premises in eight other states early in the morning.

Dozens of police officers were seen cordoning off the Imam Ali Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Hamburg, a Shiite mosque run by the IZH that is located in an upmarket area on the shore of the northern German city's Outer Alster Lake.

According to a dpa reporter, several police officers stormed the building of a Shiite organization in Berlin's Tempelhof district at around the same time.

Germany's domestic intelligence service has classified the IZH as extremist.

The IZH aggressively and militantly spread the ideology of the Iranian "Revolutionary Leader" and the so-called "Islamic Revolution" in Germany, according to a statement by the German Interior Ministry.

"It is very important to me to make a clear distinction here: we are not acting against a religion," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, assuring that the peaceful practice of the Shiite faith is explicitly unaffected by the ban.

In total, four Shiite mosques have been shut down as part of the ban, according to the statement.

Germany is home to some 150 to 200 Shiite communities.

The IZH is considered an important propaganda centre for Tehran in Europe. The state-level branch of the domestic intelligence service in Hamburg has been monitoring the organization since the 1990s.

A total of 53 properties in the states of Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria were searched in connection with the ban, according to the statement.

The large-scale operation comes after officials searched some 50 properties across Germany in November, including the Blue Mosque and dozens of other premises in Hamburg.

Serious suspicions had been substantiated following the extensive search measures directed against the IZH last November, the interior minister said.

Extensive material was confiscated at the time.

The IZH is an extremist Islamist organization that pursues unconstitutional goals, the Interior Ministry said in its statement.

The ideology promoted by the organization was aimed at undermining women's rights, an independent judiciary and the democratic German state, Faeser said.

"In addition, the Islamic Centre Hamburg and its affiliated organizations support the terrorists of (Hezbollah) and spread aggressive anti-Semitism," the minister said.

Calls have been mounting for years for the IZH to be shut down. The German parliament has urged the federal government to assess "whether and how" the IZH, "a hub of the Iranian regime's operations in Germany" can be closed permanently.

According to the Hamburg State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, a state-level intelligence agency that monitors potential threats to Germany's democratic values and institutions, the IZH advocates the goals of the Islamic revolution, which are opposed to the free democratic basic order of the German constitution.

According to the agency, in recent years the IZH has built up a nationwide network of contacts through which it exerts influence on Shiites of different nationalities as well as Shiite mosques and associations - having complete control in some cases.

Police officers stand in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

A police officer stands in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa
Masked police officers stand in front of a house. Police in Brandenburg have searched premises associated with the "Compact" magazine, which has been classified as right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has banned the magazine Compact which has been classified by intelligence services as far-right extremist. Sven Kaeuler/dpa/tnn/dpa

German authorities on Wednesday banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), an organization that domestic intelligence considers to be controlled by Iran.

To enforce the ban, which was published in the Federal Gazette and also affects five affiliated organizations, officers searched the IZH inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg as well as premises in eight other states early in the morning.

Dozens of police officers were seen cordoning off the Imam Ali Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Hamburg, a Shiite mosque run by the IZH that is located in an upmarket area on the shore of the northern German city's Outer Alster Lake.

Several police officers stormed the building of a Shiite organization in Berlin's Tempelhof district at around the same time.

Germany's domestic intelligence service has classified the IZH as extremist.

Interior Nancy Faeser said that IZH "promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany."

"This Islamist ideology is opposed to human dignity. womens rights, an independent judiciary and our democratic government," she said in a statement.

Her ministry said that the IZH acts a "representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution'" and spread this ideology in an "aggressive and militant way."

The ministry said that around 670 police officers were deployed in the early morning to enforce the prohibition order against the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) and five sub-organisations.

"It is very important to me to make a clear distinction here: we are not acting against a religion," Faeser said, assuring that the peaceful practice of the Shiite faith is explicitly unaffected by the ban.

In total, four Shiite mosques have been shut down as part of the ban, according to the statement.

Germany is home to some 150 to 200 Shiite communities.

The IZH is considered an important propaganda centre for Tehran in Europe. The state-level branch of the domestic intelligence service in Hamburg has been monitoring the organization since the 1990s.

A total of 53 properties in the states of Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hesse, North Rhine Westphalia and Bavaria were searched in connection with the ban, according to the statement.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador in Tehran in protest against the ban on the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), the German Foreign Office confirmed in Berlin on Wednesday.

"We can confirm that our ambassador in Tehran was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry today," the Foreign Office said. According to Iran's IRNA news agency, the Iranian ministry justified the summons by stating that the German government's decision to ban the Islamic Centre was unacceptable.

The Foreign Office in Berlin said that an urgent meeting with the Iranian ambassador had also taken place at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin.

Wednesday's large-scale operation came after officials searched some 50 properties across Germany in November, including the Blue Mosque and dozens of other premises in Hamburg.

Serious suspicions had been substantiated following the extensive search measures directed against the IZH last November, the interior minister said.

Extensive material was confiscated at the time.

Calls have been mounting for years for the IZH to be shut down. The German parliament has urged the federal government to assess "whether and how" the IZH, "a hub of the Iranian regime's operations in Germany" can be closed permanently.

According to the Hamburg State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, a state-level intelligence agency that monitors potential threats to Germany's democratic values and institutions, in recent years the IZH has built up a nationwide network of contacts through which it exerts influence on Shiites of different nationalities as well as Shiite mosques and associations - having complete control in some cases.

Several state interior ministers welcomed the ban. "The ban on the IZH and its sub-organisations is a sensitive blow against Islamist aspirations in Germany," said Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann.

Berlin's Senator of the Interior Iris Spranger emphasized: "Today's measures show that ongoing attacks on our central basic principles such as democracy and the rule of law will not be tolerated."

Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher said: "Our security authorities have been monitoring the IZH intensively for many years, have consistently taken action against the IZH and have effectively supported the federal government's ban proceedings with their findings."

Police officers stand in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

Police officers stand in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

A police officer stands in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

German Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser takes part in a press conference on the completion of the testing of critical components in 5G communication networks. Michael Kappeler/dpa
A police officer stands in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

Dozens of officers began raiding the Blue Mosque in Hamburg early on Wednesday morning, according to a dpa reporter on the ground.

The mosque, located in a central upmarket area on the shore of the northern German city's Outer Alster Lake, is run by the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) which Germany's domestic intelligence service considers to be controlled by Iran.

The agency has also classified the IZH as extremist.

Back in April, a spokesman for the federal Interior Ministry said that in investigation into the IZH into association law was being conducted "without any set expectations regarding the result."

Police officers enter the premises of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa
A police officer stands in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser says the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), which was banned in Germany on Wednesday, propagated authoritarian Islamic rule, according to a statement from her ministry.

The IZH aggressively and militantly spread the ideology of the Iranian "Revolutionary Leader" and the so-called "Islamic Revolution" in Germany, according to the statement.

"It is very important to me to make a clear distinction here: we are not acting against a religion," Faeser said, assuring that the peaceful practice of the Shiite faith and religion is explicitly unaffected by the ban.

In connection with the ban, which also includes five affiliated organizations, raids were carried out across Germany on Wednesday morning, including at the Blue Mosque in Hamburg.

A total of 53 properties in the states of Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria have been searched on the basis of court orders, the ministry said.

The IZH is an extremist Islamist organization that pursues unconstitutional goals, the statement continued.

The ideology promoted by the organization was aimed at undermining women's rights, an independent judiciary and the democratic German state, Faeser said.

"In addition, the Islamic Centre Hamburg and its affiliated organizations support the terrorists of Hizb Allah and spread aggressive anti-Semitism," the minister said.

The American Jewish Committee Berlin welcomed the ban.

A police officer stands in front of the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque (Blue Mosque) on the Outer Alster during a raid. Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

German Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser takes part in a press conference on the completion of the testing of critical components in 5G communication networks. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Germany carries out raids and bans a group accused of links to Iran and support for Hezbollah

A police officer stands outside the Islamic Center Hamburg with the Imam Ali Mosque during a raid Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Hamburg, Germany. (Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa via AP)

BERLIN (AP)  The German government on Wednesday banned an organization accused of being an outpost of Iran's theocracy, promoting the ideology of its leadership and supporting Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group. Police raided 53 properties around the country, including a prominent mosque in Hamburg.

The ban on the Islamic Center Hamburg, or IZH, and five suborganizations around Germany followed searches in November. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said evidence gathered in the investigation confirmed the serious suspicions to such a degree that we ordered the ban today.

The IZH promotes an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany, while it and its suborganizations also support the terrorists of Hezbollah and spread aggressive antisemitism, Faeser said in a statement.

Her ministry said that as the direct representative of Irans Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution,' the IZH disseminates the ideology of the Islamic Revolution in an aggressive and militant way and seeks to bring about such a revolution in the Federal Republic of Germany.

The distinctive blue-tiled Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg, the group's most prominent facility, was among the properties raided by police early Wednesday. There were also raids in Berlin and six other German states.

The IZH has long been under observation by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which said in its annual report for 2023 that it is Iran's most important representative in Germany beside the country's embassy.

It said there were no reliable figures for members or supporters of the group, founded in 1962. There have been calls for it to be banned for years.

Iran's Foreign Ministry responded to the closure by summoning Germany's ambassador to Tehran, Hans-Udo Muzel, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The ministry's director for western European nations, Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, strongly objected to the ban and called it a hostile act" that contradicts "basic principles of human rights, the report said.

Germany's Interior Ministry said that, because of the ban, four Shiite mosques in the country will be closed. The IZHs assets are also being confiscated. There are an estimated 150 to 200 Shiite congregations in Germany, according to the ministry, which stressed that it wasnt acting against a religion.

The IZH said last fall that it condemns every form of violence and extremism and has always advocated peace, tolerance and interreligious dialogue.

The Interior Ministry said that, while the group tries to present itself as a tolerant and purely religious organization without political ties or a political agenda, investigations have confirmed without a doubt that the IZHs activities are not simply religious in nature. It said the group's purpose and activities are opposed to Germany's constitutional order.

The top regional security official in Hamburg, Andy Grote, declared that the group is now history. He said that the closure of this outpost of the inhuman Iranian regime is a really effective hit against Islamic extremism.

Germany's main Jewish organization welcomed the ban. Iran's mullah regime and its proxies are in position worldwide  their aim is the destruction of democracy and our way of living, Josef Schuster, the president of the Central Council of Jews, said in a statement.

Hezbollah is banned in Germany. The Iranian-backed group and Israel have been trading near-daily exchanges of fire across the Lebanon-Israel border since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out in October.

___

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.
Germany goes to the polls in the German federal elections

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Germany plans to hold the next general elections for its lower house of parliament on Sept. 28 next year, the government said on Wednesday, in line with the nation's constitutional four-year interval.

The cabinet has agreed to recommend the date to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who has to decide, the government press office said on its website. Newswire DPA had earlier reported the date.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Kirsti Knolle)
CHANGSHA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 foreign guests from over 50 African countries attended a briefing on the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, which was held in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, on Wednesday.

The International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Hunan Provincial Committee of the CPC jointly held the briefing to introduce the major measures adopted by the plenum to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.

The African representatives listened carefully to the introduction by the heads of the International Department and relevant experts, saying that the plenary session, a new milestone in China's deepening reform, drew a new blueprint for China's economic and social development, and is of great significance to China and the world.

They also said that the continuous advancement of Chinese modernization will surely bring more development opportunities and provide more references for African countries.

African countries look forward to further enhancing exchanges of governance experience with the CPC, jointly advancing the cause of modernization, and building a high level China-Africa community with a shared future, they said. 
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to seek a second term in national elections next year despite fading support for his coalition and persistent economic woes.

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Poor polls are motivation to do better, the Social Democrat told reporters on Wednesday, rejecting suggestions that he might follow US President Joe Bidens lead and refrain from running for a new term.

Scholz said he expects his record including raising the minimum wage, avoiding energy shortages and supporting Ukraines efforts to fend off Russia to support his reelection campaign.

Weve made the right decisions in uncertain and dangerous times, the 66-year-old said in Berlin, speaking at a press conference that German chancellors traditionally hold before the summer break. We must continue on the path of cohesion, and I hope that we will succeed in convincing everyone.

Scholzs three-party coalition has been mired in conflict almost since assuming power in December 2021. A budget crisis  triggered by Germanys top court striking down key funding tools last year  dealt another blow to public perception and tightened spending constraints just as Europes largest economy struggles to resume growth.

The strains have eroded support for the coalition, with less than one in three voters backing the ruling parties. The SPD slumped to a record low in last months European Parliament elections, sowing doubts within Scholzs own party about whether hes the right candidate to lead the 2025 election. Only a third of SPD party members still support his candidacy, according to a Forsa poll.

Scholz pushed back and said that his party is united behind him. We are all determined to go into the next general election and determined to win, he said.

The alliance avoided the threat of collapse over the 2025 budget earlier this month. A last-minute deal deal was reached only after drawn-out negotiations between Scholz, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck from the Greens and Finance Minister Christian Lindner from the FDP.

The agreement includes measures intended to boost growth and investment. Companies will be allowed additional tax write-offs, while the government will create incentives for people to work longer. The package was approved by cabinet on Wednesday. Habeck has said the measures could add 0.5 percentage points to Germanys rate of expansion.

Hopes of a pickup in the second half of this year were undermined as Germanys private sector unexpectedly contracted in July and the manufacturing malaise worsened. S&P Globals Purchasing Manager Index fell to 48.7 from 50.4 in the previous month, worse than any of the estimates in a Bloomberg survey.

The next test for the coalition will come in September, when three states in former communist eastern Germany vote for regional governments, including SPD-led Brandenburg. The far-right Alternative for Germany is leading in all three states, and another poor performance by the ruling parties could further weaken the coalition a year before federal elections.

Scholz had repeatedly voiced support for Biden and expressed optimism that he would beat Donald Trump. On Wednesday, he said it is very possible that Kamala Harris, the presumed candidate from the Democrats, will win the election in November, but said that maintaining good relations with the US would be important no matter what the outcome is.

It is clear to me that we must maintain the transatlantic course, as we have done in the past, he said. This cannot depend on who is president of the United States.

--With assistance from Alexander Weber and Zoe Schneeweiss.

(Adds additional comments from third paragraph. A previous version of this story corrected a reference to timing of state elections.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Boris Pistorius (R), German Minister of Defence, and his British counterpart John Healey shake hands after signing a joint declaration during Healey's visit to Berlin. Joerg Carstensen/dpa

Germany and the United Kingdom have agreed on closer military cooperation.

Meeting in Berlin on Wednesday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Britain's new Defence Secretary John Healey signed a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Defence Cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom.

Pistorius said he is "confident that we will refresh and intensify our German-British relationship."

"We want to put our relations on a new footing," Pistorius said, and this was why the two countries signed the declaration on Wednesday.

This involves strengthening the defence industry in both countries and closer cooperation in the development, production and procurement of weapons and ammunition as well as the same standards for weapons systems and ammunition, the German official said.

He said this was one of the lessons that needs to be learned from the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. Pistorius also noted that the European pillar within NATO ought to be strengthened.

Healey called the declaration "a major step as we forge a new, deeper defence relationship between the UK and Germany."

"Our military cultures are similar," Healey added. "We fight together, we train together and we drink beer together," he explained.

The minister from London praised Germany's leading role in supporting Ukraine. Germany had done a lot and sometimes received little recognition for it, he said.

Pistorius received Healey with military honours for his inaugural visit.

The new defence secretary has only been in office for two and a half weeks.

He is part of the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on which Germany is pinning its hopes for a new start in relations. Germany and the Britain are close NATO allies.

Starmer aims to conclude a broad security pact with the EU. It aims to also cover areas such as energy and climate as well as closer cooperation in the defence industry.

Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom John Healey leaving Downing Street, after a Cabinet meeting. Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
By Ludwig Burger, Klaus Lauer

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Germany's Cologne-Bonn airport suspended flights for several hours on Wednesday after climate activists glued themselves to a runway, while similar actions at other European airports were foiled by authorities.

Cologne-Bonn airport, Germany's sixth-largest, said it had resumed operations during the morning after halting all flights shortly before 6 a.m. (0400 GMT).

The campaign group Last Generation said on X that it had blocked air traffic at the airport, and published pictures of several activists with their hands glued to the runway.

The group, which wants the German government to pursue a global agreement to exit oil, gas and coal by 2030, listed several countries across Europe and North America where similar airport disruptions were planned on Wednesday.

Authorities said separately that activists' attempts to disrupt airports in London, Vienna, Oslo and Zurich had been foiled, and no major air traffic delays were reported there.

However, Last Generation activist Ronja Kuenkler told media after the Cologne protest: "Today was just the beginning. Over the next few weeks we'll repeat this in Germany, Europe and around the world."

She declined to say whether the Paris Olympics, starting on Friday, could be targeted.

British police said in a post on X they had arrested nine members of the climate action group Just Stop Oil for conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest.

In Switzerland, three anti-oil demonstrators were detained after blocking a road to Zurich airport, police said. Footage broadcast on Swiss media showed a man gluing his hand to the road, sitting beside two other protesters holding banners.

Vienna airport said four protesters had spilled paint in a check-in area but police had intervened quickly to prevent further disruption.

In Norway, three activists were apprehended after cutting a hole in a fence and briefly making it onto a runway at Oslo Airport, police said.

Helsinki's Vantaa airport said a demonstration by climate activists had had no impact on passengers or operations.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Klaus Lauer; Additional reporting by Terje Solsvik in Oslo, Sachin Ravikumar in London and Dave Graham in Zurich, Francois Murphy in Vienna, Louise Breusch Rasmussen in Copenhagen; Editing by Miranda Murray, Alex Richardson, Bernadette Baum and Kevin Liffey)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) meets with US Vice President Kamala Harris on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Sven Hoppe/dpa

Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that potential Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris could win the US elections in November.

"I think it is very possible that Kamala Harris will win the election. But the American voters will decide," Scholz said on Wednesday at the Chancellor's traditional summer press conference in Berlin.

He added that the election campaign in the US would certainly be exciting, "now with a slightly new line-up."

However, Scholz said that it would probably be too much of a challenge for anyone in Germany to predict the outcome of the election.

The chancellor reaffirmed Germany's commitment to transatlantic cooperation and pointed out that the country regularly and permanently spends 2% of its economic output on defence in line with NATO criteria.

German defence spending had significantly increased over recent years, Scholz said.

In 2017, before he became finance minister, the defence budget stood at 37 billion.

If you look at the funds from the federal budget and the Bundeswehr Special Fund together today, "we now have 76 billion, which is a remarkable achievement in a very short space of time."
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Ninety high schoolers graduated Wednesday from a Calvin University summer program that helps introduce minority students to college life.

The Entrada Scholars Program has been around for decades. For four weeks, high school juniors and seniors live on campus together and take a college course, guided by an academic mentor.

Entrada is a space that invites students who are at the point where they are considering college and going into college and giving them a space to prepare and also to have a support system, Martin Austin, program director of the College Access Programs Office, said. Its a holistic approach to getting them ready to thrive as people  not just students, but as a whole person.

Calvin University program prepares minority students for college success

Entrada graduate Sophia Taylor-Smit, a rising high school senior who came to Calvin University from Seattle, told News 8 she was walking away from the program with an eagerness for college.

Im going to be ready to rock the world when I go on to college, she said. Im going to be super excited, knowing what to expect and how to prepare for that.

The graduation ceremony for Calvin Universitys Entrada Program on July 24, 2024.

This year, participants came to Calvin from 15 different states and six different countries, according to the university.

Community was definitely the biggest aspect of this program. There were about 90 scholars, and all of us got to know each other by name, which was super important. All of us coming from different backgrounds  some from Ghana, South Korea, some from the other side of the state here in Michigan too, all these different nationalities and different diversities and ethnic backgrounds, Taylor-Smit said. It brought us all together. It showed us how we can impact each other while also impacting the region were from.

Within a month, they can really become lifelong friends, Austin told News 8.

Entrada graduates also get a $4,000 scholarship for each year they attend Calvin 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 WOODTV.com.
ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a six-decade-old law criminalising gay sex as the west African country awaits another court decision on whether to introduce even harsher penalties in a new bill.

The seven-member panel dismissed a lawsuit challenging the law, with presiding Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie saying reasons for the decision will be given later.

The Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 prohibits same-sex sexual acts, calling them "unnatural carnal knowledge." Offenders face up to three years in jail.

The sentence will be lengthened if the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill passed in February takes effect, and the government would intensify a crackdown on those accused of promoting lesbian, gay or other minority sexual or gender identities.

The court earlier this month postponed ruling on whether the bill should be transmitted to President Nana Akufo-Addo for approval, saying it should first be determined if the bill is constitutional.

Law lecturer, Prince Obiri-Korang, had asked the apex court in 2021 to annul aspects of the 1960 code criminalising same sex sexual acts, saying it breached the constitutional right to privacy.

(Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Editing by Anait Miridzhanian and Richard Chang)
Angel Vause, the girlfriend of convicted killer Raymond Moody, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of making false statements to the FBI about what happened the night Brittanee Drexel was murdered, court records show.

The New York teenager disappeared in 2009 while on a trip to Myrtle Beach. The case went unsolved until 2022 when Moody admitted to the crime. Her case gained national attention and became the subject of TV documentaries and numerous stories.

Moody said he and Vause kidnapped the 17-year-old off the Myrtle Beach strip, brought her to a campground in Georgetown where he raped and strangled her. Moody is serving a life sentence for the crime.

Vause lied to FBI agents during the 2022 investigation of Moody, telling them while Moody was raping and murdering Drexel, she was going to her house to grab her keys. She was actually driving a different direction for a different purpose.

She also said Drexel willfully got into Moodys car and ingested marijuana when Drexel was abducted, according to court records.

Raymond Moody, 62, pled guilty in a Georgetown, S.C. court of the kidnapping, rape and murder of Brittanee Drexel in 2009. He was sentence to life in prison plus an additional sixty years for his crimes. Drexel went missing while on vacation to Myrtle Beach, S.C. in 2009 and her family and law enforcement have looked for answers since. Today Moody called himself a monster during the pleadings. October 19, 2022.

The United States also charged her with a third count of making false statements, alleging Vause told agents that Drexel was in possession of her cell phone when actually Vause had the phone. This charge was dropped in the plea deal.

Vause was charged on March 26 and arrested shortly after. She pled guilty on July 24. Vause faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, court records state.

What happened to Drexel?

Drexel was last seen alone leaving the Blue Water Resort on Ocean Boulevard the night of April 25, 2009, according to previous reporting. Investigators relied on advancements to technology to pinpoint the location of Drexels phone as it traveled around Georgetown County.

Brittanee Drexel was murdered after being abducted from Myrtle Beach in 2009.

Officials said during a court hearing that agencies were able to determine when Drexel was no longer walking but traveling by vehicle because her phone was moving about 60 mph. Officials were able to identify the vehicle Drexel had been in and the vehicle was linked to Moody.

Moody told investigators that he and his girlfriend at the time, Angel Vause, had went to Myrtle Beach to a party when they saw Drexel walking by herself down the street. Moody alleges Drexel willingly got in the car with them to smoke marijuana, and thats when they headed to Moodys campground in Georgetown.

Moody said he had hoped under the influence of marijuana, Drexel would have consensual sex with him. But, when that didnt happen, he forced her to take off her clothes and proceeded to rape her before strangling her and wrapping up her body in a blanket.

Vause wasnt around when the crimes were committed, officials said. Moody later came back to the site, where he disposed of her body, and buried it in a wooded area.

Moody has seven prior convictions from 1983 for kidnapping and raping a minor. He served a little over 20 years, but he was sentenced to 40 years.

In previous reporting, Drexels mother Dawn Pleckan pointed out how her daughter had to pay for the justice systems mistake of allowing Moody to get out early for his past crimes. If Moody served his full time, he wouldve been locked up until 2023.
Gabrielle Fox, a GOP candidate for a state House seat in the central and western part of Palm Beach County, has been called out for making alleged anti-Semitic comments that also have resulted in a veterans group withdrawing its endorsement of her.

The comments, made on social media, were first reported this month by Florida Jolt News, a conservative and Republican-leaning website operated by long-time activist Jack Furnari. The article, written by Furnari and Tracy Caruso, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Delay Beach four years ago, contains multiple Fox posts that both Furnari and Caruso claim are clearly anti-Semitic, a charge Fox denied.

In one Facebook post, Fox, 41, of Palm Beach Gardens, replies to someone who says Israel "was founded by the Rockefeller family to further enslave Jewish people." It goes on to say that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, is a "figurehead working for the Mafia to the detriment of not only all Jews, but all people."

The Fox reply never takes issue with anything said in the post about the Rockefeller family enslaving the Jewish people. She then responds by saying Israel allowed the October attack to occur that resulted in the deaths of nearly 400 civilians at an open-air music festival. The motive, she said, was to help Hamas justify ethnic cleansing.

In a Facebook post dated Oct. 4, 2023, Fox wrote: Jews killed Jesus, and that their descendants are alive and well. This is not rocket science.

Fox called the Florida Jolt article "a hit piece" designed to boost the candidacy of Meg Weinberger, who along with Fox and three other candidates are seeking the GOP nomination to represent House District 94 in the general election against Democrat Rachel Litt, a former mayor of Palm Beach Gardens. Weinberger is Jewish.

Gabrielle Fox, a candidate seeking the House 94 District GOP nomination, has been called out for making anti-Semitic comments.

Fox also claims that the article was written after the Weinberger campaign made contributions to the campaign of state Rep. Mike Caruso, R-West Palm Beach, Tracy Caruso's husband. Fox said other Weinberger endorsements also took place after she made campaign contributions to the endorser.

Former President Donald Trump is among those who have endorsed Weinberger.

Fox acknowledged that some of posts were authentic but claims that they are not anti-Semitic, and are truthful. "They are factual statements that can be verified," she said in an interview with The Palm Beach Post. There were other posts cited that Fox claimed were fabricated. The Post is only referring to posts she acknowledged making.

More: Palm Beach County commission moves to rein in hate speech following anti-Semitic rant

Rabbi: We're more divided than ever. So I'm uniting with other interfaith religious leaders

On her website, Fox calls herself "a family first Conservative." She says she is a member of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, in addition to the Florida Republican Assembly, the Palm Beach Republican Club and the Palm Beach Young Republicans.

She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology "but due to the governmental constraints that obtaining a license required," she never obtained a license to practice. She says she currently operates a boutique bookkeeping firm for small businesses in Palm Beach County.

In the past year, Furnari has also been critical of a Palm Beach County teacher because the teacher had sent a letter to School Board officials asking them to "publicly recognize the Palestinian community" in their communications about the Israel-Hamas war. The teacher also posted a photo that featured the slogan "from the river to the sea" on her personal Facebook page.

The intensity of that issue rose on Nov. 15 when state Rep, Mike Caruso called for the teacher's suspension at a November school board meeting, where Caruso said her letter and social-media posts amounted to "disgusting antisemitic genocidal rhetoric."

The teacher was given a written directive by her principal to "be mindful of how the public may see and/or misconstrue your message if you post it on a public-facing forum." The School Board did not issue any discipline.

As for the Fox posts, Furnari said they were revolting, arguing they show that Fox has no idea what anti-Semitism is.

"You be the judge whether those comments are anti-Semitic. She is saying that the Israeli government deliberately allowed its citizens to be killed and that Jews are responsible for the death of Jesus. The Catholic Church has disavowed that belief a long time ago. And then she responded to the post sent to her claiming the Rockefeller family enslaved Jewish people as if that was true. If those are not anti-Semitic, then I don't know what is," Funari said.

Gabrielle Fox, a candidate for a House seat in western Palm Beach County, has acknowledged to The Post that she posted the above comments on social media. Provided by Florida Jolt

Fox was responding to a post that claimed Israel was founded by the Rockefeller family to enslave Jewish people and that is prime minister is a figurehead for the Mafia. Provided by Florida Jolt

Who is running in the House District 94 primary in August?

The House District 94 seat stretches from Lake Worth Beach west to Belle Glade. The incumbent, Rick Roth, is term-limited. Fox is competing against Weinberger, Anthony Aguirre, Christian Acosta and Jon Carter to be the GOP nominee. The seat has long been held by a Republican. According to the latest campaign filings, Weinberger has raised $280,000; Aguirre, $262,000; Acosta, $48,00; Carter, $28,000 and Fox, $10,000.

Veterans for Trump issued a news release explaining why it withdrew its endorsement of Fox.

"This organization will not tolerate Anti-Israel statements that do not reflect our values and beliefs. Therefore the endorsement of Ms. Fox is officially rescinded," the organization wrote.

In withdrawing its endorsement, Veterans for Trump cited a Fox post that it was upset with: The STATE of Israel and the Elitist Depopulation Zionists are EVIL. They were at the head of the snake with Covid, and they are war-mongering ethnic supremacists.

Reaction of Republican leaders over comments

Palm Beach County Republican Chairman Kevin Neal declined to comment on the posts, noting that several candidates are vying for the primary nomination and it would not be proper to become involved in the controversy.

But Roth, the party's vice chairman, said he was disappointed over the comments, noting: "I'm not happy over what has been reported that she has said. It is not right to pit one group of people against another. It is not acceptable, especially when we are living in such unstable times."

Tracy Caruso defended the right of Fox to say what she wants but noted that Palm Beach County Republican voters need to know her beliefs. Caruso also said Fox should be removed from the county Republican Executive Committee, where she serves on REC's Election Integrity Committee.

The beliefs she (Fox) expresses are abhorrent and one who holds them should not be serving on the REC, Caruso said. I dont feel the county REC has done a good job of standing up to anti-Semitism. We cannot have a few bad apples spoil the cart. They need to be called out.

Fox recently appeared before the county commission to criticize the operation of the Supervisor of Elections Office. She said she had concerns about the integrity of the machines being used to count ballots, claiming they could be hacked.

Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: GOP House candidate Gabrielle Fox called out for alleged anti-Semitic comments
GOPs Identity-Based Attacks on Kamala Harris Will Be Its Downfall, Van Jones Says: Black Men Are Not Going to Put Up With That | Video

Black men will unite to protect Vice President Kamala Harris from race or identity-based attacks in her freshly launched presidential campaign, Van Jones said on CNN Tuesday.

You start insulting Black women, youre going to see something you havent seen before, he explained. Black men are not going to put up with that.

I was on a phone call with 20,000 Black men. The word protect came up about a thousand times. Protect this sister, protect this sister. Were going to protect her, he continued.

Jones added that Black men sat out 2016 attacks against former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, something that wont be repeated this year. I dont think that the Republican Party understands that all the work that they did trying to get us [Black men] over there  two more days of this, its going to be a problem, he added.

Watch a segment of the panel discussion in the video below:

Racist attacks against Harris began within hours of President Joe Bidens historic resignation and subsequent endorsement of his VP on Sunday; those attacks only intensified in the days that followed.

GOP party leaders countered by warning their colleagues against labeling Harris a DEI hire, a line parroted by both Rep. Tim Burchett and Rep. Glenn Grothman in interviews with local news. On Monday, Grothman told CBS58 in Milwaukee many Democrats apparently feel they have to stick with [Harris] because of her ethnic background.

Seemingly in response, Speaker Mike Johnson said at a press conference on Tuesday that the 2024 election is going to be about policies, not personalities. This isnt personal with regard to Kamala Harris. Her ethnicity, her gender, has nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Similarly, Whitley Yates, director of diversity and engagement for the Indiana Republican Party, told The Hill, These terrible detrimental things, it will drive people away  I think we need to get completely off of race and gender, and they need to focus on what policies are [they] going to have.

Elsewhere in the segment with Wolf Blitzer, Jones praised Harris ability to amass both volunteers and significant donations 24-48 hours following her announcement. He added that we are collectively witnessing the birth of a cultural phenomenon and you need a cultural phenomenon to stop a cultural phenomenon.

Donald Trump is a cultural phenomenon. So now youve got two superpowers colliding, but this one just came out of nowhere, Jones said.

The political analyst later shared some of his comments on CNN to his personal social media page, posting on X, I said what I said.

I said what I said. pic.twitter.com/67ZeRTPeJJ  Van Jones (@VanJones68) July 23, 2024

The post GOPs Identity-Based Attacks on Kamala Harris Will Be Its Downfall, Van Jones Says: Black Men Are Not Going to Put Up With That | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
PANAMA CITY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 undocumented migrants drowned when a sudden rush of river water swept them away as they were attempting to cross Panama's Darien Gap on foot, the National Border Service said Wednesday.

According to the National Border Service, the Public Ministry was informed of the incident in the event that the victims' bodies were buried to cover up any connection to migrant traffickers.

The region in eastern Panama's Darien province, which borders on Colombia, is notoriously risky due to its swamplike jungle and muddy paths.

Panamanian authorities have tried to channel migration through an alternative humanitarian corridor established to offer migrants greater protection but some choose the more dangerous route, the National Border Service said in a statement.

More than 216,000 migrants made the dangerous journey between January and July 22 this year in a bid to reach the United States by crossing Central America and Mexico, according to data from the National Migration Service. 
Another day, another dusty attempt from a conservative to question Vice President Kamala Harris track record. This time, it was Rep. Tim Burchett, (R-Tenn.), who went on social media Monday to label Harris a DEI vice president.

Though the acronym stands for diversity, equity and inclusion, conservatives have weaponized it against people of color by implying they are handed opportunities they didnt earn because of their race.

The media propped up this president, lied to the American people for three years, and then dumped him for our DEI vice president, Burchett stated on X. In addition, he also called the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee a DEI hire in an interview with CNN Monday.

Burchett told the news network that when President Joe Biden was campaigning in 2020, he stated he was going to hire a Black female for vice president. Burchett then asked, What about white females? What about any other group?

He is overlooking the fact that diverse tickets have proven more successful for the Democratic party, but the Tennessee rep isnt worried about preserving fairness  he cares about preserving whiteness. At this point, Harris achievements arent up for debate.

Yes, Harris is the first female and Black vice president. She was also elected district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California and U.S. senator prior to becoming vice president. Donald Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, is literally only a first term senator. Why isnt Burchett up in arms about that?

Last month in an interview with Newsmax this month, Burchett remarked: When I hear [Harris] talk, I just scratch my head and think this is what DEI is really about. It clearly is. She checks all the boxes. Shell say shes of Indian descent one day, then shell say shes of Black descent. Its just box-checking.

Burchett isnt trying to hide his racism, but he needs to get a new script. Calling Harris a DEI isnt just factually inaccurate, but its a desperate  and ineffective  way to discredit her.

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It's official. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is connected, linking the U.S. and Canada.

Officials gathered on the Canadian side of the bridge spanning the Detroit River on Wednesday to commemorate the completion of its bridge deck.

Construction of the bridge is moving into its next phase. Workers connected the bridge deck in June and have since installed the final steel beams and precast concrete panels, officials said.

Dozens of people gather on top of the Gordie Howe International Bridge during a press conference in Windsor on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

"Beyond further strengthening the deep connection between our two nations, this bridge will drive economic growth for both countries while creating more jobs and increasing border security," said Sean Fraser, Canadian minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

Construction of the bridge began in fall 2018 and construction on the bridge deck began in December 2022, with the opening timeline delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The bridge deck was simultaneously built out from both sides of the river to meet in the middle.

"The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a symbol of the friendship between Michigan and Canada and a testament to whats possible when we work together," said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "As we celebrate the completion of the bridge deck, lets thank the ironworkers, operating engineers, and countless other Michiganders and Canadians who are working hard to get it done."

More: Gordie Howe International Bridge deck connects in key milestone; work to continue

More: Transit in metro Detroit isn't just about transportation, it's about jobs | Opinion

The historic development will change the Detroit skyline for generations, with the bridge's 125-year lifespan complementing traffic on the nearby Ambassador Bridge. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will serve as a key trade point on the U.S.-Canadian border, with about $13 million in investments made in Detroit and Windsor initiatives since 2019. The project includes a contract valued at about $4.8 billion ($6.4 billion Canadian).

The bridge is named for beloved Detroit Red Wing Gordie Howe, who died in 2016.

"The Howe family would like to congratulate the great people of Canada and of the United States, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, its countless team supporters and key players, and all the workers who have sacrificed to construct the Gordie Howe International Bridge, on their historic milestone of the completion of the bridge deck connection between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan," the Howe family said in a statement.

Work continues on bridge construction, as well as on buildings and structures at the U.S. and Canada entry points and the Michigan interchange, officials said. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to be complete in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gordie Howe Bridge deck complete; work moves to next phase
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Gov. Roy Cooper remains in the spotlight across the country. By all accounts, he is on the shortlist to be Kamala Harris vice president. What would that mean for Democrats in a state that Donald Trump has carried twice?

On the North Carolina ballot this year, there are several candidates running for statewide office who are considered MAGA Republicans. Lt. Governor Mark Robinson for governor, Rep. Dan Bishop for attorney general, and Michelle Morrow for state school superintendent.

NC Gov. Cooper tied for 2nd in betting odds for Harris VP pick

Rep. Wiley Nickel believes if Harris picks Cooper as her running mate, it will make the path to victory easier for Democrats in North Carolina.

If youre Dan Bishop or youre Mark Robinson, you are quaking in your boots right now at the prospect of having Roy Cooper on the ballot in this election cycle, Nickel said. It would be a huge help for all of our candidates in North Carolina to be running with Gov. Roy Cooper.

Mac McCorkle, a professor of the practice at Dukes Sanford School of Public Policy, said, If Coopers on the ballot in North Carolina, theres going to be way more consciousness of Mark Robinson. Theres going to be more consciousness for Michelle Morrow. Right now, as far as I can tell, that [superintendent] race between Michelle Morrow and Moe Green is tight.

Democrats urge Harris to look to battleground states for VP pick

Part of McCorkles reasoning is that Cooper remains popular. Since first running for the state legislature in the mid 1980s, Cooper has never lost a race, including statewide races where Republican presidential candidates carried North Carolina.

The boost if Cooper is on the Democratic presidential ticket may be incremental, but significant due to the projected closeness of these races. Were talking increments [of] one to three points, but in North Carolina that matters, McCorkle said.

Some incumbents, like Republican agriculture commissioner Steve Troxler have managed to get votes from not only Republicans, but enough independents and Democrats to win. McCorkle said these types of candidates may not be impacted as much as others.

It really helps Josh Stein [in the governors race], he said. As you go down the ticket, that influence might diminish because people just might revert to voting for R&D generically, but it should help the Democratic ticket almost all the way down the line at least a little bit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
University of Florida President Ben Sasse via screenshot from Florida Channel.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference Wednesday morning that he wont get involved with the University of Floridas quest for a new president, but he said he wants the next leader to continue on a strong path.

The university is in search of a new president following the announcement last week that Ben Sasse would leave the job at the end of the month, citing his wife Melissas deteriorating health.

During the press conference at St. Petersburg College, the governor said he would let the universitys board lead the effort to find a new president and reiterated that he was not involved in Sasses appointment. However, DeSantis didnt mention the former Nebraska senator in his response about the future of UF.

Sasses 18-month presidency faced controversy from the start because he was the only publicly known finalist for the job and because of his anti-LGBTQ stances.

We want somebody thats going to lead. We want to be very clear that were dedicated to the pursuit of truth in higher education. Were dedicated to academic rigor and high standards, and were dedicated to these institutions playing an important role in preparing our students to be citizens of this republic, DeSantis said.

The governor also turned his attention to criticizing Columbia University over its leaders handling of pro-Palestine protests, calling the New York institution a propaganda machine.

We dont want to have a situation where all these demonstrators take over the university where they harassed Jewish students. So weve seen higher education go off the rails in other parts of the country, DeSantis said. I think that has done incalculable damage to those institutions brands and reputations. I think its hurt their academic quality. We have an opportunity to continue on a strong path, but weve got a lot more to do that says, you know, thats not what higher education is all about.

At the beginning of the month, UF leaders suspended for up to four years six students arrested during pro-Palestine demonstrations on campus, according to the independent student newspaper The Alligator.

UF already has an interim president: Kent Fuchs, Sasses predecessor. Florida A&M and Florida Atlantic University are also undergoing presidential searches. DeSantis said the up-for-grabs positions would be an opportunity to attract high-quality talent.

The governor held the press conference to award St. Petersburg College $7.2 million to establish a semiconductor lab.
For a student who is going through puberty or thinking about their gender identity, school may be the only outlet they have to discuss their thoughts and questions.

Thats why California needs legislation like Assembly Bill 1955, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law on July 15. Authored by Democrat Christopher Ward of San Diego, AB 1955 prohibits schools from mandating teachers inform parents about their childs use of gender non-conforming pronouns or name changes.

Opinion

School should be a safe place to explore who you are and who you want to be, and Im proud to live in the first state to legally recognize that. How horrible would it be to grow up in a world where parents are informed of every single thing their child does, says or thinks? Your child may feel safe expressing themselves at home, but many others are not.

Parental rights activists opposed to AB 1955 reek of fear and control  never mind of transphobia.

This new law will override the damaging and cruel mandates at schools, such as those in the Chino Valley Unified School District and in nearby Placer County that attempted to forcibly out transgender children to not only their parents but the entire school.

Chino approved a policy last year that required teachers and school staff to inform parents if their student requested to use different pronouns or a different name than what was on official records, or if the student used bathrooms or joined programs that did not align with their sex assigned at birth. Any student who so much as chose to use a nickname could be outed to their parents with such a rule.

Despite misinformation spread by conservatives about the new law, AB 1955 does not allow a students name or gender identity to be changed on an official school record without parental consent, nor does it limit a students ability to discuss their gender identity with their own family or take away or undermine parents rights.

So lets be honest about why these so-called parental rights activists are mad: Its not because they think schools should be forced to report everything a child does, its because they hate the idea of anyone  much less a child  questioning their assigned gender. They are transphobic and proudly so, and they should be forced to deal with the consequences of their choices  not enforce their beliefs on children in our public school system.

Schools should stay out of those conversations and provide a safe place for children to explore, learn and grow. Thats what AB 1955 does, by allowing children to express themselves freely while at school.

Its important to have a free space for children to explore their identities. Transgender people often understand very early in life that their assigned gender at birth does not align with their internal perception of themselves. Some transgender people report knowing as early as three years old, but for many, the social stigma, a lack of knowledge and the fear of rejection by their family and peers can often keep transgender people from coming out in their childhood or teens, according to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ political lobbying organization within the U.S.

Trying to change your childs gender identity  either by denial, punishment, reparative therapy or any other tactic  is not only ineffective; it is dangerous and can do permanent damage to your childs mental health, the campaigns website states. The most recent survey of high school students by the Centers for Disease Control finds that roughly 3% of adolescents and teens identify as transgender or non-binary.

AB 1955 simply allows this small percentage of non-binary or transgender children to express their gender in non-conforming ways while at school  which may be the only safe outlet that child has.

This new law keeps California students safe from judgment and possible harm at home, and if even one child is given that comfort, then its well worth it.

If you are  or sympathize with  parental rights activists, I beg you to consider this: If your child doesnt feel safe coming out to you or giving you information about their thoughts and actions, could that not be your fault? Its not the state or schools responsibility to mandate the forcible outing of anyone, much less children to their parents.

Nothing stops a child from sharing information with their family faster than family members who dont support or love them. AB 1955 makes California schools a safe place for queer and gender non-conforming kids who need a space away from home to express and explore themselves. This new law does not prevent families from having these conversations, it simply takes schools and school boards out of the equation.

If passing such a law in our state means we lose the shady business of, for example, a big balding baby of a CEO who has more money than sense, then I say thats an overall net good for the people of California.

Laws like this are meant to create a California that is welcoming, safe, inclusive and loving. If you  or your business  do not wish to abide by those governing principles, then by all means, move to another state.

Children deserve safety and love no matter who they choose to be. If even one child is allowed to be themselves because of AB 1955, then it is a great law, and Im proud to live in California.
Democrats across the country will cast virtual votes to select the party's nominee for president in the first week of August, according to a plan adopted Wednesday by the Democratic National Convention's rules committee.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is co-chair of that committee, said the convention process "will bring our country and our party together" as it grapples with President Joe Biden's sudden exit this weekend from the presidential race.

Biden quickly threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who says she has the backing of enough delegates to win the nomination. No other Democratic candidate has yet announced plans to challenge her for the nomination.

DNC Chair Jamie Harrison said the party was dealing with an "unprecedented moment in history."

Before Biden dropped out of the race, Democrats had planned to do a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention to avoid a potential legal challenge that could have kept him off the ballot in Ohio.

Following Biden's disastrous debate performance in June, there was contention over whether or not the party should still hold the vote before delegates convened their convention in Chicago on Aug. 19.

But there were no fireworks in a meeting Wednesday of the DNC's rules committee, where members adopted a plan to allow challengers to Harris to declare their intention to run for the party's nomination starting Thursday.

Candidates interested in running for the nomination must get the support of at least 300 delegates, with a limit on how many they can get from a single state. Candidates who meet those requirements will be eligible for the virtual roll call vote for the nomination on Aug. 1.

The candidate who receives a majority of the votes  or support from at least 1,976 delegates  will be the party's nominee, who will have to select a running mate ahead of the Aug. 7 deadline to ensure ballot access in Ohio.

Walz is among the potential candidates possibly being vetted by Harris to run for vice president. Other names reported to be in consideration include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.
Governor Justice releases statement on the death of a coal miner in Raleigh County

RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice released a statement about the death of a coal miner in Raleigh County.

33-year-old Ashley Cogar, of Erbacon, was injured at the Wyco Surface Mine in Raleigh County last week, and died from her injuries on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

We are heartbroken by the passing of Ashley Cogar, a brave miner lost too soon. Im told she was incredibly hardworking and loved her family. Our miners are true heroes, providing the essential work needed to energize and power steel-making in our country and worldwide. Without them, we wouldnt be able to live as we do, and their efforts deserve our utmost respect. Unfortunately, this tragic loss highlights the daily risks our fearless miners face. Cathy and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Ashleys family and friends during this difficult time. We ask you to please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Governor Justice

Cogars death marks the second West Virginia mining fatality in 2024.

The West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident.

Stick with 59News for updates as they become available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The Grand Rivers Humane Society recently got some financial support from the Western Colorado Community Foundation.

A $2,500 grant is being used for life-saving treatment and care that dogs and cats are given, when taken to the facility.

The Grand Rivers Humane Society has been operating since 2005  providing spay and neuter surgeries, immunizations, medical treatment and finding pets a forever home.

President of Grand Rivers Humane Society Nan Mcnees says the grant money will help them do even more.

We have so many needs. Generally medical and foster care. So, thats what it will be used for.

If youd like to donate or learn more about the Grand Rivers Humane Society and the services it offers, you can call 970-257-0070 or click here to visit their website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Wednesday welcomed the declaration of unity between various Palestinian groups and their stated intention to constitute an interim national unity reconciliation government.

"Palestinian unity has the capacity to bring Palestinians closer to achieving the core objectives of the Palestinian cause: self-determination, freedom, justice, peace and the establishment of an independent, sovereign and prosperous Palestinian state," said the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation in a statement.

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23, and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

"It is through unity and solidarity that the Palestinian people can effectively confront the challenges of occupation and oppression, and work towards the realization of their national aspirations," the statement said, noting that the declaration signals a commitment to overcoming past divisions and advancing toward a shared vision and future.

"South Africa commends the various Palestinian groups, their leaders and representatives who have chosen the path of dialogue, national reconciliation and common action in pursuit of the undoubtedly just Palestinian cause," read the statement.

South Africa remains committed to the two-state solution and a free Palestine, the statement said. "As we express our continued solidarity and unwavering support, we look forward to the positive impact that Palestinian unity and national reconciliation will bring, fostering hope and driving meaningful change." 
Will there be more wildfires in Greece? Heres what you need to know

Firefighters try to put out wildfires in the forest at Keratea, southeast of Athens, Greece in June this year (Xinhua via Getty Images)

Every summer, British tourists flock to the Greek mainland and the countrys sun-baked islands, with 4.5 million British people having visited in 2022.

But in recent summers, wildfires have ravaged large areas of the southern European country, leading to mass evacuations. Last summer tourists described being left in a living nightmare after 19,000 people on the island of Rhodes were forced to flee

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in July warned that this summer could be particularly dangerous, due to a prolonged and early drought, combined with unusually strong winds.

Skip ahead to read 

 Are there likely to be wildfires this August? |  Which islands were affected last year? |  How could it affect my holiday?

 Are there likely to be wildfires this August?

Wildfires have long been common in Greece, but hotter, drier and windier weather that scientists link to the effects of climate change has increased their frequency and intensity in recent years.

"It is a summer which is expected to be particularly dangerous ... The most difficult times are still ahead of us," PM Mitsotakis warned earlier this month.

Firefighters try to extinguish a wildfire in Stamata region near Athens in June. (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Dozens of wildfires have already broken out this year, including on the islands of Kos and Chios, with the official wildfire season having begun on 1 May and expected to continue until 31 October.

The UK Foreign Office says there is a high risk of wildfires and says these are highly dangerous and unpredictable, although it does not advise against travel to Greece.

Greece has scaled up its preparations for this years wildfires by hiring more staff and increasing training, after forest fires last year killed 20 people in the north of the country and injured dozens more.

The country has already been using technology, including drones and data transmitters, to locate blazes early this year, civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias said.

 Which islands were affected last year?

There were major fires on popular destinations including Rhodes and Corfu, both of which saw evacuations last year.

But many popular tourist islands  there are 200 inhabited islands in Greece  were unaffected by the fires. Destinations including Mykonos, Kynthos, Naxos, Delos, and Alonissos were not affected at all.

Many of the affected areas last year were far from tourist destinations, with fires particularly affecting Dadia Forest near the border with Turkey, where migrants died in a blaze.

 How could it affect my holiday?

The UK Foreign Office does not advise against travelling to Greece, so requests to cancel holidays would normally be ineligible for a refund.

It may be possible to change dates or even destination if youre dealing with a travel agent or tour operator. If wildfires affect a particular destination, operators may cancel tours in which case tourists will be refunded.

But holidaymakers shouldnt rely on insurance paying up, says Alice Lawson, associate director insurance at Holiday Extras.

There aren't really any circumstances where insurance would help in the instance of wildfires," she said. "If wildfires break out at your destination and your provider therefore can't fulfil your contract, for example because it's too dangerous to travel, they'd be expected to refund or rebook your trip.

If there are wildfires at your destination but holidays are still considered safe to continue, there's no recourse to insurance. If your holiday is going ahead but you decide not to travel just in case there's a fire, insurance wouldn't normally reimburse you for deciding not to fly.

And if fires break out once you're there, it's once again a matter for your provider to evacuate you, not your insurance. If for some reason your provider can't fulfil their duty you may be able to claim against your insurance, but it's not usual for that to come up  in overseas emergencies in the past either the airline, holiday provider or in extreme cases the UK government have stepped in to get people home.

Read more
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  A popular Greenville bourbon bar is opening a location in Greer.

NEAT Bourbon Bar said that the new location is expected to open in Fall 2024, at 108 E. Poinsett Street.

Bar owner Howard Dozier said hes excited to be part of Greers downtown energy.

Greer already has such a thriving and sophisticated downtown scene, and we are excited to be part of that energy, said Dozier. We envision NEAT being the perfect complement to the existing businesses and a great gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

In addition to bourbon and other liquors, the bar will serve charcuterie boards and desserts.

The bar is also expanding to Myrtle Beach.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Greenville Co. man arrested for 25 counts of animal cruelty

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  A man charged with 25 counts off mistreating animals awaits extradition back to Greenville from Georgia.

According to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, the investigation began April 1, after deputies were made aware of the potential mistreatment.

The sheriffs office said that dogs were found in deplorable conditions at the Lazydays Court residence. Some dogs were malnourished, living in crates and covered in their own waste.

The suspect, 37-year-old Joevaughn Leon Meredith, is currently lodged at the McDuffie County Detention Center. Officials did not share how Meredith was apprehended.

Meredith has been arrested for animal cruelty before in 2022, after more than 40 dogs were taken to Greenville County Animal Care.

The Greenville County Sheriffs office added that the investigation is ongoing at this time, as officials are still working to identify more suspects and areas where the mistreatment occurred.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN)  A district court judge for Hays County dismissed a lawsuit over a marijuana ordinance in San Marcos, according to a news release from Ground Game Texas.

Back in 2022, voters in San Marcos voted to decriminalize marijuana. Local advocacy group Mano Amiga collected enough petition signatures to get the issue to the San Marcos City Council.

Furthermore, in 2022 Ground Game Texas partnered with Manos Amiga to collect more than 11,000 signatures to support decriminalizing marijuana in San Marcos, the release said.

This decision, along with the recent verification of our petition in Dallas, is a welcome reminder that this is a winning movement, and one we look forward to continuing to build across the state this November with the collaboration of partners like Mano Amiga, Catina Voellinger, Executive Director of Ground Game Texas, said in the release.

San Marcos votes to decriminalize low-level marijuana possession

Just last month, a Travis County judge dismissed a lawsuit from Paxton over an Austin marijuana ordinance.

In 2022, voters in the City of Austin passed Proposition A, which effectively decriminalized low-level possession of marijuana. Ground Game Texas led that effort.

Travis County judge dismisses AG Paxton lawsuit over Austin marijuana ordinance

San Marcos was one of five Texas cities Paxton targeted, along with Austin, Killeen, Elgin and Denton.

Sarah Al-Shaikh and Grace Reader contributed to this report

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
While many seats were empty during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech Wednesday, as about half of congressional Democrats boycotted his address, tech billionaire Elon Musk was in attendance.

Musk attended Netanyahus address to Congress as his personal guest, he told reporters. The X (formerly Twitter) owner sat in the Senate gallery among rescued Israeli hostages and behind the prime ministers wife, according to CNN.

Musk and Netanyahu have spoken several times over the past year, including before the war, discussing artificial intelligence and antisemitism. More recently, during a visit to Israel in November, Musk toured a kibbutz with Netanyahu.

This comes as Musk has continued to boost antisemitism on his platform, even explicitly agreeing with claims that Jewish people push diabolical hatred against whites.
Gunman researched JFK assassination before trying to kill Trump, says FBI

John F Kennedy and his wife Jackie smile at the crowds in Dallas minutes before the US president was shot. The would-be assassin of Donald Trump researched the Kennedy killing online - Bettmann

The gunman who tried to kill Donald Trump researched John F Kennedys assassination online one week before shooting the former president.

Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, told Congress that Thomas Crooks, 20, had searched how far away was Oswald from Kennedy? in the days before he opened fire at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania.

Thats a search that obviously is significant in terms of his state of mind, Mr Wray told the House judiciary committee.

Thomas Crooks began avidly looking into the Pennsylvania rally a week before it took place - Bethel Park School District

Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas Schoolbook Depository in Dallas in 1963.

On July 6, a week before Crooks carried out the attack on Trump, he also appeared to register to attend the campaign event in Butler, Mr Wray said.

Mr Wray added that Crookss search history around that time became very focused on former president Trump and this rally.

The FBI director said investigators had gained access to some of the gunmans devices but they had not yielded anything notable in terms of motive or ideology.

Were hoping to learn more, Mr Wray said. Its fair to say we do not yet have a clear picture of his motive.

Lee Harvey Oswald killed Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas Schoolbook Depository in Dallas in 1963 - STRINGER/AFP

Mr Wray also revealed Crooks had visited the site of the rally the day after researching JFKs assassination, spending about 20 minutes at the scene. He then returned to the location twice on the day of the shooting.

Crooks had also flown a drone around the area of the rally approximately 200 yards from the stage for about 11 minutes at about 4pm on the day of the shooting, Mr Wray said.

Crooks was positioned on a roof roughly 400ft from Trump when he fired eight shots at the former president.

One grazed Trumps ear, while another killed Corey Comperatore, 50, a spectator. Two other attendees were critically injured.

Mr Wray said Crooks was a fairly avid shooting hobbyist who had visited a range the day before the assassination attempt.

He said the gunman had bought a ladder ahead of the shooting, but it was not found at the scene and it is unclear how Crooks got on to the roof.

The FBI director said there is no evidence so far that Crooks had any accomplices or co-conspirators.

The revelation comes the day after the director of the US Secret Service resigned after admitting responsibility for the security lapse that led to the attempt on Trumps life.

Kimberly Cheatle, who led the agency for almost two years, emailed staff on Tuesday to announce she was resigning over the incident.

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Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is calling out a group supporting Vice President Harris for use of the former United Nations ambassadors name.

Haley Voters for Harris, a project paid for by the pro-Harris PivotPAC, purports to encourage voters across the political spectrum, and Haley voters in particular, to vote for Kamala Harris in November, according to the projects site. It was previously known as Haley Voters for Biden but switched after President Biden announced he was stepping back from his reelection bid.

Haley, who has encouraged the delegates she won during the GOP primary to side with former President Trump, pushed back against the group in a statement.

Kamala Harris and I are total opposites on every issue. Any attempt to use my name to support her or her agenda is deceptive and wrong, Haley said. I support Donald Trump because he understands we need to make America strong, safe, and prosperous.

Lawyers for Nikki Haley for President Inc. penned a letter, first reported by Fox News and shared with The Hill, demanding the group cease and desist from any unlawful use of Ambassador Haleys name in your political action committee name, and from any use of her name, image or likeness that implies her support for the election of Kamala Harris as President of the United States.

Moreover, any use by you of Ambassador Haleys name, image, or likeness is without her permission. Ambassador Haley has been clear in her support of Harris opponent. Any intimation that Ambassador Haley supports Harris is intentionally false and misleading, the letter alleged, pushing back against the name change.

Haley Voters for Harris argued in a release that we will not be suppressed. The group gained more than 3,000 followers on the social platform X in the wake of the letter, crossing 10,000 followers total.

We will review the letter with counsel once we receive it and provide further comment in the next few days, the group said. We enthusiastically supported Ambassador Haley over former President Trump in the primaries and our mission is to encourage like-minded voters to vote for Vice President Harris in November.

The group had clarified in an earlier post that we also do not and never claimed to speak for Nikki Haley. We are reaching out to a subset of Haley voters who will vote their consciences.

Haley lodged a challenge against Trump in this cycles Republican primary and was a vocal critic of him before dropping out, but has offered her strong endorsement as the former president heads into a competitive general election.

Some Republicans continued to cast protest votes for Haley even after she suspended her campaign, prompting questions about where those supporters will go on Election Day.

Trump looked set to square off in a rematch against Biden, but the incumbents unprecedented move to exit the race and endorse Harris has thrown 2024 into uncharted waters.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Haley Voters for Harris vow to fight on after Nikki sends them cease-and-desist letter

Action group Haley Voters for Harris has vowed to continue with its cause, despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the former UN Ambassador herself.

The political action committee (PAC), which describes itself as a broad coalition, claims to represent supporters of Nikki Haley and is urging people to vote for Kamala Harris, rather than Donald Trump in November.

The group has revealed that it was waiting on a letter, sent by a law firm representing Haley, but said that its rights would not be suppressed. We will review the letter with counsel once we receive it and provide further comment in the next few days, an online statement on Tuesday from the group read.

We enthusiastically supported Ambassador Haley over former President Trump in the primaries and our mission is to encourage like-minded voters to vote for Vice President Harris in November.

We do not claim to represent Ambassador Haley or her views. There are many other like-minded Haley voters who also do not plan to support former President Trump in November.

We enthusiastically supported @NikkiHaley over former President Trump in the primaries.



Our rights to engage with likeminded voters and encourage them to vote for @KamalaHarris - the clear better choice for the country - will not be suppressed.



Statement below: https://t.co/o6gHlFkmyZ pic.twitter.com/EhW8FAipiv  Haley Voters for Harris (@HaleyVte4Harris) July 23, 2024

Our rights to engage with voters and encourage them to vote for Vice President Harris - who in our view is the clear better choice for the country - will not be suppressed.

The group was previously known as Haley Voters for Biden, though changed its name on Sunday after the president announced he was ending his reelection campaign  endorsing Harris as his replacement.

A statement from Haleys campaign, shared with Fox News on Tuesday, said: "Kamala Harris and I are total opposites on every issue.

Any attempt to use my name to support her or her agenda is deceptive and wrong. I support Donald Trump because he understands we need to make America strong, safe, and prosperous."

The political action committee Haley Voters for Harris claims to represent supporters of Nikki Haley and is urging people to vote for Kamala Harris, rather than Donald Trump (Getty)

Haley was the last rival to Trumps GOP presidential candidacy standing before she dropped out of the race in early March. However, even after ending her campaign, the former governor of South Carolina continued to take up to 20 percent of the vote in later Republican primaries.

Despite previously being a vocal critic of Trump, Haley appeared at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last week, where she urged supporters to coalesce around the former president.

On Wednesday, Haley Voters for Harris doubled down, writing that their actions were always about what was best for our country.

We stress that we proudly supported @NikkiHaley over Trump. We have no regrets. We wish her well, the group wrote on X. While we respect her personal decision to support the Republican nominee, we believe @KamalaHarris is better for the country.
ADDIS ABABA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- United Nations officials, experts and decision-makers attending an ongoing high-level meeting on sustainable development have called for urgent reforms to the international financial system to boost efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

This came during the first preparatory committee meeting for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which is held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, on July 22-26.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the meeting in a video message, highlighted the persistent challenges developing nations face and the imperative for ambitious global financial reforms.

The UN chief said the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held in Spain next year, provides a unique opportunity to tackle these challenges head on.

"Together, we can deliver not only a financial system, but a world that is more just, equitable and sustainable," said Guterres.

Calling on world leaders to adopt ambitious reforms to deliver affordable long-term financing at scale and deliver the SDG stimulus, Guterres said the upcoming conference is an opportunity to reform an international financial system that is "outdated, dysfunctional and unfair."

He called for "maximum political will" to act and rescue the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the meeting the "disheartening reality" that only 17 percent of SDGs targets are on track, pointing to severe financial constraints facing developing countries.

"Many developing countries cannot invest in their future as they struggle to meet their immediate needs - paying salaries and meeting debt service," Mohammed said. "The economic outlook for developing countries remains bleak. While the global economy has been described as resilient, there is a soft landing in the North but there is a crash landing in the South."

She highlighted that the need for reform was evident in 2015, and the shocks since 2020 underline the urgency of delivering on commitments and creating an international financial architecture that can overcome global financial divisions.

"If we are to rescue the SDGs, we need much greater urgency, and much higher ambition," Mohammed stressed, outlining six key areas for action -- tackling the debt and development crisis, enhancing access to long-term, affordable financing, closing gaps in the global financial safety net, establishing a fair and effective international tax system, harnessing international capital markets, and responding to calls for global economic governance reform.

Ethiopia's Finance Minister Ahmed Shide called on all stakeholders to exert concerted efforts in undertaking a comprehensive reform of the global financing system.

The preparatory committee meeting starts the process culminating with the FfD4 in Spain in June-July 2025. More preparatory committee sessions are scheduled to be held in New York in December and Mexico City in February next year. 
Recently, a letter purportedly from the Office of Jimmy Carter claimed that the former U.S. President had passed away. The letter quickly went viral, causing widespread concern and prompting many to question the truth about Carters health. People are anxiously seeking confirmation on whether ex-President Jimmy Carter is still alive.

Here is everything to know about whether Jimmy Carter is alive and the veracity of the circulating letter.

Is former US President Jimmy Carter still alive?

Yes, the former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is still alive.

Jimmy Carter has been dealing with a series of health challenges and began hospice care at his home in Georgia in February 2023. Despite his condition, he made a rare public appearance in November 2023 to attend a memorial service for his wife, who had passed away.

Is Jimmy Carters death announcement real or fake?

Jimmy Carters death announcement is fake.

On Tuesday morning, rumors about the death of former President Jimmy Carter spread like wildfire on social media. The speculation was fueled by a fake letter that claimed Carter had passed away on July 23, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. The letter, which appeared authentic at first glance, was quickly debunked by its creator. Reuters has confirmed that it was a hoax.

The fake letter was initially shared on X (formerly Twitter). With an ALT text, the post revealed that the former president was, in fact, still alive and that the letter was intended as an experiment to test peoples gullibility.

?BREAKING?  Former President Jimmy Carter has passed away. He was 99 years old. pic.twitter.com/nHuaf17uPG  Boccaccio  (@Bocc_accio) July 23, 2024

Despite its seemingly professional appearance, the letter contained numerous errors, jokes, and insults aimed at Carter. One part of the letter absurdly referred to Carters late wife as the original Brat, a recent meme related to Vice President Kamala Harriss 2024 campaign. As the letter continued, it mockingly listed Carters foreign policy achievements such as selling the United States out to Panama.

The Carter Center also swiftly addressed the rumors and stated, This is false. There has been no announcement or change.

The post What Happened to Jimmy Carter? Former US Presidents Death Rumors Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Vice President Kamala Harris  and likely Democratic nominee for president  address thousands of Zeta Phi Beta sorors on Wednesday in Indianapolis. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Vice President Kamala Harris  and likely presidential nominee for the Democratic party  appealed to over 6,000 sorority sisters assembled in Indianapolis Wednesday, urging them to help rally Americans before the November election.

We know when we organize, mountains move. When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history, Harris said. So let us continue to fight with optimism, with faith and with hope. Because when we fight, we win.

Harris framed her candidacy as one that is future oriented, as opposed to Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump  whom she never named. She did specifically reference Project 2025, a policy platform proposed by the ultraconservative Heritage Foundation. Trump has denied an association with the initiative  which CNN reports 140 former Trump administration officials contributed to  that calls for eliminating free preschooling and slashing poverty alleviation programs.

As we work to build a brighter future and move our nation forward, we must also recognize there are those who are trying to take us backwards, Harris said. You may have seen their agenda. Part of it is called Project 2025  a plan to return America to a dark past.

The Grand Boule event is a biannual gathering hosted by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a Black Greek-letter organization founded by Black women at Howard University in 1920. Harris, however, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  another one of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities whose members have lined up to support Harris in droves.

The crowd was enthusiastic, often standing in applause and to take photos. With Harris presidential candidacy, more than 75 reporters from around the nation attended the speech.

Black voters, especially women, are one of the most active and reliable voter blocs within the Democratic party. In the hours after President Joe Biden announced he would end his presidential reelection campaign on Sunday, 44,000 Black women rallied together on Zoom and collectively raised $1.6 million to support her campaign.

While we as an organization do not endorse any political candidate or party over the other, we have stayed firm in ensuring exposure to crucial education about our political process and information needed for them to make informed decisions come election day, organization president and CEO Stacie NC Grant said in a release.   This moment puts a focal point on our collective influence of our communities and the many distinguished members across our respective organizations who have united together to distill information this election season and get the nation to stroll to the polls with us.

More from Harris speech

Harris started her 15-minute speech by acknowledging Bidens scheduled national address Wednesday evening about his decision not to pursue a second term. Since his Sunday announcement on X, state delegates have lined up behind Harris  including Indianas 88 delegates set to attend the August Democratic National Conference in Chicago.

Harris focused on social justice issues, including abortion access and voting rights, throughout the speech, noting Zeta Phi Betas historic contributions to the civil rights movement and the support of Black women that propelled her and Biden to the White House.

With your support, I am fighting for our nations future. And let us be clear about what that future looks like  we here believe in a future where, for example, everyone has affordable health care, Harris said.  Where no child has to grow up in poverty.

Two efforts from the Biden administration on those fronts include capping insulin for seniors at $35 per month and passing a child tax credit expansion  the latter of which wasnt renewed by Congress but triggered a steep drop in the nations childhood poverty rate.

No other wealthy country has such a high rate of maternal mortality, or women dying during or shortly after childbirth. And Black women are three times more likely to die than their white counterparts.

For far too long, this has been a crisis in our country. And it is time we recognize that crisis, Harris said.

Harris called for passage of universal background checks, red flag laws and a ban on assault weapons. Additionally, she vowed that if elected president she would sign legislation to protect abortion access  reversing the actions of the U.S. Supreme Court when it struck down Roe v. Wade.

Because one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling (a woman) what to do, Harris said.

Republicans, Democrats react to Harris visit

State Democrats applauded Harris for coming to the Hoosier State, saying it was her third visit since 2019  including a 2022 visit to signal her support for abortion rights during the states special legislative session.

It has been a privilege to have Kamala Harris in Indiana and watch her garner so much support for her campaign in the last few days, said Indiana Democratic Chair Mike Schmuhl in the release. With her visit to Indiana today, and her visit after the fall of Roe v. Wade, she is proving a commitment to progress and freedom for Americans in all 50 states.

In particular, the release praised her work on abortion access  one of the issues Harris took the lead on under the Biden Administration.

Hoosiers have been in need of strong, Democratic leadership that works for them, not the other way around. Hoosiers and Americans are hungry for a new generation of leadership in our state and country, and Democrats are ready to deliver, Schmuhl concluded.

Harris Indianapolis appearance coincided with a Hoosier State visit from the Republican presidential ticket as well  with Sen. J.D. Vance set to appear in Fort Wayne on Wednesday. However, Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, is attending a private fundraising event.

Indiana Republicans criticized Harris support of radical policies and her role overseeing border strategies under the Biden administration, saying her views didnt represent Hoosiers or regular Americans.

Hoosiers know that a Harris presidency would be MORE RADICAL than the last four years have been. Biden was supposed to be a reasonable Democrat; imagine what Kamala would be like, the Indiana Republican Party release said.

Indiana Republican gubernatorial nominee and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun additionally criticized Harris in the party release.

Joe Biden tasked Kamala Harris to be our border czar, and its been an unmitigated disaster, as every day thousands of illegal immigrants are following through our southern border with an end goal of either taking Hoosier jobs or bringing drugs to our state, and it needs to stop, said Braun. With Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and myself, we will secure our southern border, make our communities safe again, and enact my Freedom and Opportunity Agenda to grow our economy and keep Indiana great.

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White supremacist protestors on the lawn of the historic Livingston County Courthouse in downtown Howell. July 21, 2024. Picture courtesy of Livingston Diversity Council.

Condemnation continues following a demonstration Saturday in Howell featuring a dozen masked white supremacists chanting Heil Hitler and carrying signs with messages like White Lives Matter.

The incident also included a similar protest at a nearby freeway overpass where the group hung Nazi and KKK flags over the side, while one of the protestors was caught on video yelling, We love Hitler. We love Trump. The march took place as former President Donald Trump was holding a rally in Grand Rapids with his new running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).

The protest drew an immediate joint statement of condemnation by the City of Howell, the Livingston Diversity Council, and the Howell Chamber of Commerce, saying the demonstrators did not reflect the values of the Howell community, and that residents quickly reacted to this event and made it clear that we do not share their views.

In the days since, other similar statements have followed including from the newly constituted Michigan presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, which called it a shocking display of antisemitism and hatred and yet another example of how Donald Trumps divisive agenda has empowered white nationalists and others on the extreme far-right.

Harris is the nations first female, Black and Asian-American vice president. The Harris Michigan campaign also released a statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Throughout Donald Trumps first campaign and tenure, we saw a rise in hate crimes and threats, so its no surprise that neo-Nazis were ready to welcome him back to Michigan with open arms, said Nessel. Trump has been consistent on only one thing  dividing us: from his first campaign launch to defending the neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, and now through his racist and xenophobic Project 2025 goals.

Also uniting against the demonstration was state Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Twp.), whose district covers a portion of Livingston County.

As a State Representative fighting for equality and racial justice, I stand united with the City of Howell, Michigan  Government, the Livingston Diversity Council, and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce in condemning the hate-filled demonstrations that took place on Saturday. Their views do not align with the values of our district, said Conlin. It is crucial that we stand with those working to advance equity for everyone, including marginalized groups. We must remain civically engaged and commit to the continuous fight for justice for all.

The protest was also condemned by the Michigan chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a member of the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.

We welcome the condemnation of Howell officials regarding recent white supremacist activities in their town and commit to working with them to ensure that their community becomes more welcoming of racial and religious diversity, said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. More proactive work needs to be done in Howell to project the message that the KKK and neo-Nazi adjacent activists are not welcome to propagate hate in their city limits.

Walid added that CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

The Harris Michigan campaign also slammed what it calls Trumps long history of emboldening those on the extreme far-right, including:

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A memo from Harris campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon published Wednesday argues the vice president is in a strong position to win in November, citing Vice President Harriss ability to expand the coalition that put her and President Biden in the White House and her appeal to persuadable voters.

With a popular message, a strong record on the issues that matter most to swing voters, multiple pathways to 270 electoral voters, and unprecedented enthusiasm on her side, the Vice President is in a strong position to take on Donald Trump and win in 104 days, OMalley Dillon wrote in a memo shared with reporters.

OMalley Dillon cited three main reasons for Harriss strong footing: her support from 2020 Biden-Harris voters, her ability to expand that coalition, and the fact that the change atop the Democratic ticket could allow her to reach undecided voters. The campaign has also boasted significant enthusiasm, noting it raised $126 million between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening.

The memo cited Harriss strong support with key blocs in the Democratic base, specifically with Black voters, Latino voters, women and young voters. The memo cited a Quinnipiac University poll that showed Harris running 54 points ahead of former President Trump among Black voters, as well as internal polling that showed Harris faring better than Trump or Biden among Latino voters.

OMalley Dillon argued Harris is poised to expand upon the 2020 base, particularly because of the issue of abortion. Since the 2020 election, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, making abortion a top issue for millions of voters. Harris has been the face of the White Houses efforts to protect abortion access and attack Republicans for enacting restrictive bans on the procedure, something the campaign argued will allow her to bring even more voters into the fold.

These voters supported Democrats in battleground states in 2022, and they will be critical to hold onto in 2024, OMalley Dillon wrote.

OMalley Dillon also argued the race has become more fluid in light of Harris becoming the likely nominee instead of Biden, giving her an opportunity to appeal to the sliver of undecided voters who may not be as familiar with her as they are with Biden and Trump.

This expanded universe of winnable voters is highly accessible to Vice President Harris: We have a clear advantage on issues, they have been supportive of Democrats in the past, and many are supportive of Democrats down-ballot, OMalley Dillon wrote. It is the job of the Harris campaign to win these voters, but the pathway to do so is clear.

The Harris campaign is still expected to focus much of its attention on the Blue Wall states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, which Harris can ill afford to lose in November. Biden carried all three in 2020 en route to victory.

But OMalley Dillon argued North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada are still in play thanks to Harriss advantages with young voters and minority voters, giving the campaign multiple pathways to 270 votes.

The Harris campaign also touted its significant grassroots enthusiasm that has been on display since Sunday, when Biden announced he would not seek reelection and backed Harris to be the nominee instead.

Harriss campaign has raised more than $126 million as of Tuesday evening, OMalley Dillon wrote in the memo. Harriss rally Tuesday in Milwaukee was the campaigns largest of the cycle, drawing more than 3,000 people. And more than 100,000 volunteers have signed up to join the campaign since Sunday afternoon.

This campaign will be close, it will be hard fought, but Vice President Harris is in a position of strength  and shes going to win.

Republicans have quickly pivoted to attacking Harris on immigration in particular, branding her the border czar of the Biden administration. While that is not an official title Harris ever held, it is a reference to her assignment to address the root causes of migration in the Northern Triangle region as detentions surged at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Some Republicans have been less subtle, attacking Harris in racist and sexist terms and calling her a diversity hire. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has urged his conference to steer clear of those attacks.

This election  is going to be about policies, not personalities. This isnt personal with regard to Kamala Harris, Johnson said in a press conference Tuesday. Her ethnicity, her gender, has nothing to do with this whatsoever.

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Harris campaign outlines path to the White House, 'The race is more fluid now'

Kamala Harris' presidential campaign expressed optimism about its path to the presidency this week, telling reporters in a memo that the change atop the ticket could help the vice president reach a new crop of voters as the campaign plans an aggressive approach to key battleground states.

The extraordinary and rapid ascension of Harris to be the presumptive Democratic nominee "opens up persuadable voters," campaign manager Jennifer O'Malley Dillon wrote.

MORE: Kamala Harris faces racial 'DEI' attacks amid campaign for the 2024 presidency

"The race is more fluid now. The Vice President is well-known but less well-known than both Trump and President Biden, particularly among Dem-leaning constituencies," she added.

PHOTO: 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, June 3, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

O'Malley Dillon said some in this "expanded universe of winnable voters were previously Democrats and support down-ballot Democrats this cycle," a possible reference to the fact that some polls showed Biden with less support than Democrats running further down the ballot.

The memo outlined a plan to capitalize on Harris' appeal with Black, Latino and women voters. It also suggested Harris could attract people who did not vote for the Democratic ticket in 2020 but moved toward Democrats in the years since.

MORE: Election 2024 updates: Harris chastises Trump, thanks supporters during 1st rally in Wisconsin

Meanwhile, O'Malley Dillon stressed that the campaign has "multiple pathways" to 270 electoral votes and plans to "play offense" in the competitive Blue Wall states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, as well as the Sun Belt states of North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada.

Since Sunday, Harris has earned the backing of Democratic Party leaders and enough Democratic National Convention delegates to make her the nominee if they kept true to their pledges -- a major milestone for the vice president.

The memo comes a day after the vice president had her first campaign event in battleground Wisconsin on Tuesday, sharply framing her race against former President Donald Trump.

Harris campaign outlines path to the White House, 'The race is more fluid now' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Vice President Kamala Harris

An upbeat Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Fayetteville prior to President Biden's announcement that he is no longer seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 2024. (Photo; Video feed)

Kamala Harris presidential campaign appears to be driving a surge in enthusiasm among North Carolina Democrats.

Along with support from the states delegates to the Democratic National Convention, 47 members of the North Carolina House Democratic Caucus endorsed Harris on Tuesday.

Shes also received endorsements from all seven Democrats in the states congressional delegation: Reps. Don Davis, Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee, Kathy Manning, Alma Adams, Wiley Nickel, and Jeff Jackson.

The Harris campaign reports that since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday, thousands of voters across the state have expressed interest in becoming involved in the campaign and that it now anticipates tripling its 80-person North Carolina staff by August 1.

The vice president has appeared in North Carolina twice this month, attending rallies in Greensboro and Fayetteville. These trips took place before Biden ended his candidacy.

Gov. Roy Cooper has voiced his support for Harris, and is widely considered a potential running mate for the Californian. The pair have camaraderie from their days as attorneys general, and Democrats across the state say theyre hopeful hell get the nod for the Number Two spot on the ticket.

Cooper could give Harris a boost in a swing state as critical as North Carolina.

Other names in the mix are U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Unlike the other potential candidates, Cooper is just months away from ending his time in his current office. As hes term-limited, he cannot run again as governor.

The Democratic National Conventions rules committee will meet later this afternoon to formalize the presidential nomination process. A vice presidential candidate could be tapped as early as next week.
The stunning ascension of Vice President Harris as the Democrats probable presidential nominee has rejuvenated House Democrats, lending vulnerable lawmakers a new chance to go on offense while breathing new life into the partys hopes of flipping the lower chamber in November.

Democrats have been on the ropes for most of the last month, deflated by President Bidens devastating debate performance in Atlanta and fearful that the incumbents place at the top of the ticket would be a drag on the party all down the ballot.

Bidens extraordinary decision to step out of the race over the weekend  and the partys near-immediate move to rally behind Harris as his replacement  has altered those dynamics overnight, as Democrats say district voters are newly energized, fundraising has skyrocketed and volunteers are coming out in droves to help keep former President Trump from winning a second term.

This has been a shot in the arm for our party, Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) said. My phone blew up in the last 24 hours with people asking how they can help, where they can go, and how they can be a part of this campaign.

The emergence of Vice President Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee has been a game changer, echoed Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). It represents an infusion of new energy into the Democratic Party and the presidential race  Im proud to report that the enthusiasm gap, the voter enthusiasm gap, has all but collapsed.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said that enthusiasm is evident even in places like Michigan, which is one of a handful of battleground states that will decide the outcome of the presidential contest. Since the June 27 debate, Trumps lead over Biden had grown notably, sounding alarm bells across Democratic circles. But Harriss entrance into the race seems to have resuscitated the Democrats ground game, Kildee said, as hundreds of new volunteers flooded party field offices in the 24 hours after Bidens exit.

A couple of weeks ago, there was a lot of anxiety, there was a lot of concern about where we were and where we were going  But I think now theres a much greater sense of looking forward to this campaign, looking forward to the contrast [with Trump], Kildee said.

It certainly doesnt guarantee victory, but it puts us in a better position, he added. I think about the state of Michigan, and weve got a path, weve got a shot.

Harris on Monday evening secured the backing of enough delegates to get the presidential nomination when the party meets in Chicago next month, a remarkable achievement that came just two days after Biden dropped out and endorsed her as his successor.

The announcement from Biden followed weeks of speculation about the presidents reelection plans and, simultaneously, mounting concerns among Democrats that their chances of winning up and down the ballot would be tarnished if the incumbent remained in the race.

Democrats quickly rallied behind Harris following Bidens announcement, throwing their support behind the new candidate and voicing a newfound sense of optimism about the partys chances up and down the ballot come November. The circling of the wagons culminated Tuesday with an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), which had been delayed as Harris worked to lock down enough delegates to secure the nomination.

Im proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America, Jeffries said. Were gonna hold the Senate, were gonna win the House, were gonna elect Kamala Harris as our next president in November.

With Biden out and Harris in, Democrats are breathing a sigh of relief. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), a front-liner who had called for Biden to withdraw, said he is happier to run with Harris at the top of the ticket.

Shell do what so many of these voters who have been, you know, expressing frustration and concern, she will help energize and engage them in a way that will help folks up and down the ticket, Landsman said. She is what theyve been asking for, which is something new, something different, an end to the chaos and extremism and an end to this situation where were all having to worry about our politicians.

That excitement, Democrats say, is evident both anecdotally and numerically. Several lawmakers have said their phones are ringing off the hook with constituents asking for tickets to next months convention in Chicago and the inauguration in January, while others have noted that tens of thousands of new volunteers signed up to work for the campaign.

I was also really blown away by the fact that 58,000 new volunteers signed up for the Harris campaign since she announced that she was seeking the nomination, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. That is the juice behind the campaign, that is the wind behind our sails. That is the volunteers, that is the organizing, that is the door knocking thats gonna get people to care about the election and be able to see themselves in it.

The personnel change has also given a huge boost to the Democrats finances.

Harriss campaign said it raked in more than $100 million between Sunday afternoon  the official launch of her bid  and Monday evening, which was from upwards of 1.1 million individual donors.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has also reported a boom in fundraising: The campaign arm said it raised nearly $1 million in the 24 hours after Biden endorsed Harris, marking its best online fundraising day this cycle.

It speaks to the energy thats present, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), who serves as battleground leadership representative in the House Democratic Caucus, said of the surge in fundraising. People are excited. Theyre excited about her candidacy, theyre excited about what she brings to the ticket.

I dont know that Ive ever seen so much money, in small sums, contributed over such a short period of time, echoed Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), a 43-year veteran of the House. Theres just a lot of enthusiasm.

The tone marks a sharp departure from the gloomy mood hanging over Democrats just a few weeks ago, in the wake of the Trump-Biden debate, when concerns over the presidents fitness snowballed into a full panic that Trump would trounce Biden if he remained on the ticket. In response, some major donors vowed to withhold funds; celebrity backers like George Clooney and Rob Reiner urged Biden to exit the race; and a slow drip of Democratic lawmakers joined those calls.

In the early stages of the process, it was unclear how a potential replacement would be determined, as party leaders as prominent as Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) were calling for a mini-primary.

In the end, however, no challengers to Harris emerged, and the flood of top Democrats who endorsed her  beginning with Biden himself  appeared to end such a contest before it could ever launch. Many Democrats, including those who had supported the idea of keeping Biden as the nominee, said the sense of urgency in keeping Trump out of the White House fueled the move to unite quickly behind Harris.

What were seeing right now is a rallying for stability, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said.

Still, some Democrats  particularly those running in close races this fall  have stopped short of endorsing Harris, raising some eyebrows.

Reps. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) and Josh Harder (D-Calif.), two front-liners, declined to answer questions from The Hill on Monday about whether or not they support Harris.

I as a rule do not believe in endorsements, Peltola said. As a human being I do support her, I do not make any endorsements, though, politically.

But by and large, the Democratic Party is coalescing around Harris, hoping that the broad show of support will turn the page on the previous weeks of discontent and help amplify the campaign in the roughly 100 days to go before Election Day.

Obviously, the last month has been a lot of bickering and debating and not campaigning, Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Fla.) said. Now we can put that aside and go campaign.

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As a border crisis unfolded only months into Joe Bidens presidency, he looked to his vice president to help solve an intractable issue: migration.

It seemed like a no-win political assignment. Vice President Kamala Harris and her staff quickly sought to make one thing clear: She wasnt charged with managing the southern border.

Three years later, that task looms over Harris unprecedented campaign for the White House, becoming a central line of attack from Republicans.

As a result of her dangerously extreme immigration policies, the largest invasion in history is now taking place at our southern border, and its getting worse, not better, former President Donald Trump said in a rare call with reporters Tuesday, falsely claiming Harris had been appointed Bidens border czar.

The management of the US-Mexico border has been a political liability for Biden, and it will now follow Harris as Trump makes it a cornerstone of his campaign.

Over the last three years, an unprecedented number of border crossings have come to define the administrations immigration record  recently resulting in the White House taking an aggressive measure to dramatically clamp down on asylum at the US southern border.

As the vice presidents campaign takes shape and as immigration remains a top issue for voters, her team is forced to contend with an assignment that, sources say, has showed early success in Central America as a result of major private-sector investment but thats been bundled with the administrations larger migration issues.

In the first rally of her 2024 presidential campaign Tuesday, Harris didnt mention border security. The issue has generally not been featured prominently at campaign rallies over the last year, but both Harris and Biden have recently cited the bipartisan immigration deal that was scuttled by Trump to make the case that Republicans arent serious about border security.

The House GOP campaign arm is also encouraging lawmakers to focus on what it describes as Harris failed border policies, according to a memo obtained by CNN.

In a statement, Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for Harris presidential campaign, cast Trumps immigration policies as xenophobic and blamed Trump for dysfunction at the border.

The only plan Donald Trump has to secure our border is ripping mothers from their children and a few xenophobic placards at the Republican National Convention, Munoz said. He tanked the toughest bipartisan border security deal in a generation because for Donald Trump, this has never been about actually securing the border  its always about himself. He can make up whatever lies he wants but the fact is theres only one candidate in this race who will fight for real solutions to help secure our nations border, and thats Vice President Harris.

Harris root cause work dates to March 2021. During an influx of unaccompanied migrant children, Biden tasked the vice president with overseeing diplomatic efforts in Central America, seeing the assignment as a sign of respect, having done the same job himself under former President Barack Obama.

While Harris focused on long-term fixes, the Department of Homeland Security remained responsible for overseeing border security.

At the time, most minors apprehended at the US southern border were from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras  a region that was hard-hit by major hurricanes and the Covid-19 pandemic and that had been a main source of migration over the last decade.

As the vice presidents team began strategizing, the problem facing the administration grew. Seven months later, it was migrants arriving from even farther away in South America  outside of Harris assigned portfolio  who were overwhelming the Biden administration.

Border crossings surged, and Republicans pointed their fingers at the vice president, dubbing Harris the border czar, a title the White House rejected, arguing that her focus was on the region and not on border security. And in 2022, as an affront to Harris, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, began busing migrants to her residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.

Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar of California on Tuesday called efforts by House Republicans to paint Harris as a border czar laughable and unserious.

Lets be very clear, there was no border czar. Kamala Harris role was to engage in multilateral discussion with our Latin American countries, the House Democratic Caucus chair told reporters.

Harris has only occasionally talked about her efforts as the situation along the US-Mexico border became a political vulnerability for Biden.

And its the comments she made early on that will likely be used by Republicans in the months to come.

In an interview with NBCs Lester Holt in June 2021, roughly five months after taking office, Harris was pressed about the fact that she hadnt yet visited the US-Mexico border.

At some point, you know, we are going to the border, the vice president said. Weve been to the border. So this whole  thing about the border. Weve been to the border. Weve been to the border.

Holt responded: You havent been to the border.

And I havent been to Europe. And I mean, I dont  I dont understand the point that youre making, Harris said with a laugh. She added: Im not discounting the importance of the border.

Later that month, Harris visited the border.

Harris navigates one of the most politically fraught issues

White House officials quickly worked to get Harris up to speed after she was assigned to tackle the root causes of migration.

Officials pulled together a series of memos examining what Biden had done when he was vice president and held a similar role, analyzing what worked and what could be done better, according to a former senior administration official.

In some ways, the region had already been familiar territory for Harris, dating to her days as Californias attorney general.

In terms of the root causes piece as VP, theres a through line in her work as AG starting to build relationships in Mexico and Central America, said Daniel Suvor, former chief of policy to then-Attorney General Harris and now partner at OMelveny & Myers, arguing that her work has often focused on concrete, measurable outcomes.

Officials met daily, briefing the vice president along the way, with another former senior administration official describing the process as intense amid a worsening crisis at the border.

She ultimately studied that and put her own stamp on it, which was the private-sector component, one of the former senior administration officials said, noting that was an area they concluded Biden, as vice president, didnt have time to fully develop.

Harris pulled together the Partnership for Central America, which has acted as a liaison between companies and the US government. Her team and the partnership are closely coordinating on initiatives that have led to job creation in the region. Harris has also engaged directly with foreign leaders in the region.

Earlier this year, Harris met with President Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala to strengthen the US-Guatemala bilateral relationship and discuss good governance, economic opportunity, security and migration management, according to a White House readout.

Around 56 companies are collaborating across financial services, textiles and apparel, agriculture, technology, telecommunications, and nonprofit sectors to bolster the regions economy. Together, theyve invested more than $5 billion.

Experts credit Harris ability to secure private-sector investments as her most visible action in the region to date but have cautioned about the long-term durability of those investments.

Honduran Minister of Investment Miguel Medina argued that having the White House behind the initiative has been instrumental in bringing big companies and private-sector money into the region.

The difference with the partnership is that the facilitating that theyve been doing, and they continue to do, that facilitating is not something that is accessible to a normal company in Honduras, he said, citing, for example, work with Nespresso to purchase and sell coffee beans.

If it wasnt for this being moved from the White House, theres  no way we could have had the success that its had, Medina added.

While its difficult to measure the direct impact on migration, US Customs and Border Protection has seen a considerable drop in migrants arriving at the southern border from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, according to federal data.

For the long term, she certainly can claim credit for having started off efforts to improve peoples lives in Central America, said Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank.

This story has been updated with additional reaction.

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Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns for President as the presumptive Democratic candidate during an event at West Allis Central High School, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in West Allis, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

The increasing likelihood that Vice President Harris, the White Houses chief defender of abortion rights, will emerge at the top of the Democratic ticket has buoyed party leaders counting on abortion to invigorate voters in November.

While President Biden has long struggled to talk about abortion - often declining to say the word and fumbling his answer to a question on abortion during his debate against Donald Trump - Harris has spoken forcefully on the issue to draw contrasts with Republicans. She embarked on a reproductive freedoms tour of key battleground states this year to decry abortion bans and has hosted frequent meetings with Democratic state legislators, attorneys general, abortion providers and advocates to strategize on how to fight the bans.

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There is no question that having her at the top of the ticket helps really elevate this issue, said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster who worked on Bidens campaign in 2020 and is part of the 2024 Biden polling team. She was our strongest voice on it anyway. It galvanizes women voters around this issue, it galvanizes a whole generation of younger voters around this issue and people of color.

Abortion rights advocates say they hope having one of their fiercest allies as the Democratic nominee in the first presidential contest since the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 could not only help the party defeat Trump, but maintain control of the Senate and recapture the House.

On Sunday, within hours of Biden dropping his reelection bid and throwing his support behind Harris, she drew endorsements from two prominent abortion rights groups. Mini Timmaraju, president and chief executive of Reproductive Freedom for All, moved up her organizations board meeting to quickly back Harris as the Democratic nominee. Emilys List, a political action committee that supports Democratic women who champion abortion rights, also endorsed Harris. Planned Parenthoods leader, Alexis McGill Johnson, praised her for being the first vice president to visit one of the organizations clinics while in office.

Harris didnt need to go through an evolution on the issue. Shes been there from the beginning, Timmaraju said. Shes the kind of candidate whos going to generate more enthusiasm from elements of our movement  including independents and Republicans who are really unhappy post-Dobbs, she added, referring to the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

By contrast, Biden, a devout Catholic whose position on abortion has shifted during his lengthy political career, has at times during his presidency spoken about abortion in euphemisms - lamenting in reelection campaign stump speeches about Republicans wanting to take away freedoms, including reproductive rights.

Biden was widely criticized by Democrats for not immediately and forcefully blasting the Supreme Court abortion decision. But he took modest steps to try to protect abortion access through federal agencies. And he repeatedly said he would sign legislation codifying Roe v. Wade if Congress passed such a law.

Biden aides say they had believed abortion would bring young voters, liberals and people of color - Democratic constituents whose support for the president has been softening over recent months - back into the fold, but Biden largely deferred to Harris to serve as the primary messenger on the issue.

Harris long struggled to find her footing as vice president, initially tasked with immigration as the number of migrants surged. But with the fall of Roe, Harris found an issue key to the administrations success that she could forcefully lead on.

In the case of the stealing of reproductive freedom from the women of America, Donald Trump is guilty, Harris said at a June event at the University of Maryland marking the second anniversary of the overturning of Roe. And over the past two years, we have seen the impact of these Trump abortion bans - the horrific, heartbreaking reality that women have been facing every single day in our country.

About one-quarter of Americans said access to abortion is one of the single most important issues in their vote for president, according to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted this month. Among Democrats, 45 percent said abortion is a top issue.

Abortion rights advocates in nearly a dozen states are pushing for ballot measures to explicitly protect abortion access. With few tools to circumvent state bans, the abortion rights movement is appealing directly to voters as a key strategy. Voters have consistently sided with abortion access since Roe was overturned, including in red states such as Ohio, Kansas and Kentucky. Democrats outperformed in the 2022 midterms in large part because of voter backlash against sweeping abortion bans in Republican-led states such as Texas and much of the South.

Harris, who appears to have an inside track to securing the nomination, has received high-profile endorsements from Democratic governors and lawmakers on Capitol Hill who have strongly advocated for abortion rights, including Govs. Gretchen Whitmer (Mich.) and Josh Shapiro (Pa.); former House speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.); and Sens. Patty Murray (Wash.) and Tina Smith (Minn.).

Theres a real electric energy right now in the party, said Jessica Mackler, president of Emilys List. Just looking at the outpouring of support that weve seen in the last 24 hours - really even less than 24 hours - for the vice president, people are fired up and they are excited about her. And a lot of that is about the leadership that she provides on reproductive rights.

Harris, a former district attorney who once specialized in prosecuting child sexual assault cases, has a long history of standing up for abortion rights. While she was Californias attorney general, her department fought antiabortion advocates who recorded undercover videos of Planned Parenthood. As a U.S. senator, she grilled then-Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh on abortion, asking whether he could think of any laws that give the government the power to make decisions about the male body.

After some back-and-forth, Kavanaugh responded: Im not thinking of any right now, senator.

Antiabortion groups have rushed to issue statements painting Harris as an extremist.

Harris is so committed to abortion that she cant see anything else - including the developmental stages of children before birth or the real needs of women, said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America, a leading antiabortion group that is planning to spend $92 million this election cycle.

She added, While Joe Biden has trouble saying the word abortion, Kamala Harris shouts it.

The Harris campaign declined to comment.

Harris made history as the first woman - and woman of color - to serve as vice president. That, coupled with her track record of fighting for abortion access, makes her uniquely qualified to bring the issue to the forefront of voters minds, her allies say.

She can, better than anyone, prosecute the case against Donald Trump and why he would be so damaging for our future, said Murray, the first woman to serve as the president pro tempore of the Senate.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called Harris radically out of touch with the majority of Americans, claiming that Democrats support abortion up until birth and even after birth. (Abortions later in pregnancy are rare.)

President Trump has long been consistent in supporting the rights of states to make decisions on abortion, she said.

Earlier this month, delegates at the Republican National Convention approved a party platform that abandoned the GOPs long-standing support for national abortion restrictions in favor of Trumps leave-it-to-the-states approach. Trump has frustrated antiabortion leaders by not endorsing federal restrictions after some pushed him to support a nationwide ban on abortion after 15 weeks.

Biden officials have said the federal governments ability to intervene in state legislation is limited, even as his administration issued guidelines, executive orders and legal interpretations aimed at protecting abortion access.

If Harris secures the nomination, several abortion rights advocates said they would urge her to go further than Biden and release her own agenda outlining specific policies to protect abortion.

Harris was extraordinarily careful not to make moves to prepare for a presidential bid before Biden announced his decision, and her team is still working through her policy positions, according to a person familiar with internal planning. It is not yet clear how she might lay out her own policies on abortion and whether she will be willing to diverge from the president.

Harris is part of an administration that had carefully crafted policies based upon what the president thought was best and what he thought was achievable, said Pamela Merritt, executive director of Medical Students for Choice. This is an opportunity, should she get the nomination.

- - -

Emily Guskin contributed to this report.

---

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CANBERRA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government will issue significant fines to technology giants that fail to report on how they are combating the spread of child abuse material on their platforms.

The government on Wednesday issued legal notices to technology companies including Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft, requiring them to report to the eSafety Commissioner every six months for the next two years on the measures they have in place to tackle online child sexual abuse.

The companies will have until February 15, 2025, to provide the first reports on how they are combating child abuse material, livestreamed abuse, online grooming, sexual extortion and, where applicable, the production of child abuse material using generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Those that fail to deliver reports will face financial penalties of up to 782,500 Australian dollars (516,581.7 U.S. dollars) for each day they do not comply.

The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said the decision to compel the companies to make the reports was based on answers provided to her office in 2022 and 2023 that exposed significant safety concerns regarding protecting children from abuse.

"We're stepping up the pressure on these companies to lift their game," she said in a statement.

Apple and Microsoft in 2022 told the watchdog that they did not proactively detect child abuse content stored on the cloud while messaging services Skype, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and Discord did not use any technology to detect child sexual abuse in live video chats.

Meta reported to eSafety that it did not always share information between its services when an account was banned for child abuse and eight different Google services were not blocking links to websites known to contain child abuse material.

"In our subsequent conversations with these companies, we still haven't seen meaningful changes or improvements to these identified safety shortcomings," Inman Grant said on Wednesday.

She said response times to reports of child abuse varied between technology companies in 2022 from as little as four minutes to up to 19 days. 
Harris-Shapiro endorsed by Philadelphia Democratic party for the 2024 ticket

(WHTM)  A group of Democrats have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Josh Shapiro to be the Democratic nominee for Vice President on the 2024 ticket.

The Philadelphia Democratic Party (PHLDems) announced their decision Monday, saying in a news release that the vote among them was unanimous.

I am proud to have Joe Biden as a friend  he has put party and country before himself for decades. And Im excited to support Kamala Harris for President who I know will fight for the people, Chair of PHLDems and Retired Congressman (PA-1) Bob Brady said.

Harris and Shapiro were both Attorneys General in their respective states, though their terms did not line up by just a few days. Shapiro has remarked multiple times that he and Harris, whom hes endorsed, have known each other for nearly 20 years.

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Whomever Harris chooses as her running mate, a decision will have to be made before a virtual meeting of the Democratic Party delegates before the August 7 deadline for Ohio ballots.

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As Vice President Kamala Harris ramps up her presidential campaign, she spoke to fired-up members of historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis on Wednesday, where she highlighted Biden administration wins and worked to shore up support from Black voters -- a key voting group in the 2024 election.

"In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation, one focused on the future, the other focused on the past, and with your support, I am fighting for our nation's future, and let us be clear about what that future looks like," said Harris, who was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority -- another historically Black sorority.

"I know the leaders in this room, and I know the future we believe in, and we fight for," the vice president added.

MORE: Election 2024 updates: House GOP leaders tell members to attack Harris on her record, not her race or gender

Harris' 15-minute-long speech was well-received in the room of about 6,000 Zetas, where she was met with raucous applause throughout.

Harris touted some wins under President Joe Biden such as forgiving student loan debt, working to establish affordable childcare and tackling prescription drug costs.

PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Grand Boule event in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 24, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

She mentioned Biden's address to the nation on Wednesday night -- where he will talk about his decision to abandon his reelection bid.

"Tonight, our president will address the nation about his decision to step down as a candidate, and he will talk about not only the work, the extraordinary work that he has accomplished, but about his work in the next six months," Harris said.

Harris also slammed former President Donald Trump over Project 2025, the conservative presidential transition blueprint fronted by the Heritage Foundation.

Zeta Phi Beta, like Harris's own sorority, is a part of the "Divine Nine" -- a collection of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. Both the Zetas and the AKAs were founded at the vice president's alma mater of Howard University, a historically Black university.

PHOTO: Attendees cheer and clap as Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Grand Boule event in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 24, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

The significance of this moment for these women is profound. A last-minute organizing fundraising Zoom call Sunday night saw some 44,000 Black women donating nearly $1.6 million, which contributed to a record-breaking $126 million raised since President Joe Biden's endorsement of Harris for the job, according to a memo the campaign sent outlining its path forward.

"Vice President Harris has well-documented support from the Biden-Harris coalition of voters that delivered victory in 2020," said campaign chair Jennifer O'Malley Dillon. "She has significant advantages with key parts of the Democratic base: Black voters, Latino voters, AANHPI voters, women, and young voters."

Black voters are a key group of voters that both Harris and Trump will work to connect with as the November election approaches.

During her speech, Harris encouraged the Black attendees to head to the polls to "make history."

"We know when we organize, mountains move; when we mobilize, nations change; and when we vote, we make history," Harris said. "So let us continue to fight with optimism and faith and hope. Because when we fight, we win."

PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Grand Boule event in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 24, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump -- as well as then-candidate Biden -- have worked to court Black and Hispanic voters on the issues of the economy, education, immigration and more.

Trump has recently attended events at Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina, 180 Church in Michigan and New York City's South Bronx to court Black voters and announce his "Black Americans for Trump" coalition.

MORE: How Biden, Trump are fighting for Black and Hispanic voters

Trump has centered his appeal to Black voters by equating his criminal prosecutions to the historic discrimination Black Americans have faced.

The Harris campaign's push comes at a time when it's trying to shore up continued interest from a constituency that has historically voted for Democrats.

Harris' event, which the White House announced in early July -- before Biden's decision to leave the 2024 race, came at a controversial time. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington this week and addressed Congress on Wednesday -- yet Harris was not there. It marks the first time Harris will miss a world leader visit since she has become vice president.

MORE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in trip to US, tries to cut through campaign chaos

Harris, who in her secondary role to the president, has created some distance from Biden on the war in Gaza. Some pro-Palestinian groups tell ABC News that if she is able to strike the right tone in the coming weeks, she could win back the support Biden had lost.

The vice president is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Harris encourages Black voters in Indianapolis to 'make history' by supporting her originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris is beginning to vet about a dozen possible candidates to be her running mate, according to two people familiar with the matter, as she approaches one of the most consequential decisions of her new presidential candidacy.

Harris launched her campaign Sunday after President Joe Biden bowed to pressure from his own party to step aside, leaving a historically compressed timeline for her to make a selection before next month's Democratic National Convention. Her party could make her its nominee as soon as Aug. 1 in a virtual vote, and could formalize the nomination of her running mate soon after.

Harris' goal, according to people with knowledge of the matter, is to keep the process drama-free, as she and Democrats try to project confidence after an extraordinarily tumultuous few weeks for the party.

While much of the political conversation has centered on four names  Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper  Harris' team has requested information from about a dozen officials, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the confidential process.

The broader list includes Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. At least one of those being vetted is not currently in government.

Initial requests for information went out Tuesday, one of the people said.

Shapiro, who on Tuesday said he had not received any requests for vetting material, was less categorical Wednesday. He referred questions about the process to Harris' campaign team.

Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general, and a team of lawyers at his firm Covington & Burling are taking the lead on vetting potential choices. Typically, those under consideration are asked to turn over financial records and records of past political stances and speeches, and they are asked to submit to interviews with lawyers to identify potential red flags.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung was asked by reporters during a rally on Wednesday whether the former president has said anything about Harris possible running mate.

There is a short list of governors and senators. They are all interchangeable, Cheung said. It doesnt matter.

___

Associated Press writers Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Meg Kinnard in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg) -- In Kamala Harris first public remarks as the leading Democratic presidential candidate, she vowed to defeat two enemies: Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

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Harris comment thrusts Project 2025, the 900-page conservative manifesto led by the right-leaning Heritage Foundation, even more forcefully into the spotlight as Democrats use it to showcase prospective threats if Trump wins the White House this year.

The former president says his campaign isnt affiliated with Project 2025 and doesnt endorse all of its ideas. Still, more than 100 of those leading the effort formerly served in his administration and many of its proposals hew closely to Trump and the Republican partys platforms.

The plan  which is coming under attack more than a year after it became public  proposes to scrap climate-change rules, lessen worker protections, replace civil servants with Trump loyalists and dismantle the Education, Commerce and Homeland Security Departments, among other initiatives.

Recent polling shows there has been a dramatic uptick in awareness and negative views of Project 2025 since late June, when Democrats began emphasizing the plan as a central plank of their campaign against Trump.

Listen to the Bloomberg Daybreak Podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen.

The controversial playbook, shepherded by the Washington-based Heritage think tank, was shaped in part by corporate lobbyists who have done work for such companies as Meta Platforms Inc., Dominion Energy Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc.

Chapters were written by contenders to lead federal agencies during a second Trump term, some of whom now lobby on behalf of companies regulated by the federal government.

This is a widely coordinated operation by the most extreme in the conservative wing of the Republican party to institutionalize Trumpism, said Jennifer Horn, a political strategist and former New Hampshire GOP chair, who doesnt support Trump. Theyre doing it in part because of their own extreme beliefs, but theyre also doing it because so many of them are going to benefit financially from it.

Understanding Project 2025: What It Says and Whos Behind It

Many Project 2025 plan contributors have ties to both Trump and the companies they represent. The White House reform section was written by Rick Dearborn, Trumps one-time deputy chief of staff, who now works for such companies as Shell Plc, Verizon, and Amazon.com Inc. Dustin Carmack, a former Trump administration official and a current Meta public policy director wrote the intelligence community chapter. Carmack joined Meta after he wrote the chapter as a Heritage researcher. Brooks Tucker, author of the Department of Veterans Affairs chapter, is a lobbyist for the Spectrum Group, advising clients how to promote business interests to decision-makers in Congress, the firms website says.

Project 2025 Authors Representing Special Interests

Democrats have increased the focus on Project 2025 after Biden exited the presidential race this weekend. Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in her endorsement of Harris said the vice president will make the case against convicted felon Donald Trump and the Project 2025 agenda to take away our freedoms.

Project 2025 has given power to right-wing industry players so that big corporations and special interests can have even more control over our lives, said Tony Carrk, executive director of progressive nonprofit Accountable.US, which helped research lobbyist ties to Project 2025. Americans deserve to know whos pulling the strings behind policy proposals for key agencies.

A central theme of Project 2025 is deregulation, gutting government efforts to protect the environment, safeguard workers, promote diversity and prevent federal sex discrimination. Many of the proposals align with business interests, envisioning a government that keeps its distance and mainly enacts rules that would benefit corporations.

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation and leader of Project 2025, said the think tank is fastidious about conflicts of interest.

That is extended to Project 2025, Roberts said. We love private business, we love the free market. But what we dont love is when big government and big business collude against everyday Americans.

Steven Groves, co-editor of the Project 2025 playbook, said the authors of the chapters were selected based on their deep knowledge of various government agencies and their past service in the Executive Branch. He added that many people  not only the named authors  contributed to each of the chapters.

Here are some of the Project 2025 proposals and the former Trump officials and corporate lobbyists who helped pen them:

Labor Policy

This section, written by Jonathan Berry, who headed the regulatory office at Trumps Labor Department, would pare back protections for unions and the power of agencies such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Berry also called for granting waivers to allow some minors to do inherently dangerous jobs, providing they have parental consent and training.

Under Berrys plan, corporations would likely dole out less overtime pay and they would have more control over whether workers form unions. It would also prevent labor unions from lobbying the federal government on behalf of workers.

Among other corporate clients, Berry represented Liberty Energy Inc., a fracking company, in its case over the Securities and Exchange Commissions climate change reporting rules. He also represents Intra-National Home Care LLC, a home nursing agency accused by the Labor Department of willfully failing to pay overtime wages to nearly 160 workers.

This plan would lead to an erosion of the power of working people through unions in our economy, said Karla Walter, a labor policy expert with the left-leaning Center for American Progress.

Berry denied in an email that corporate America backs all of his proposals, pointing out he favors phasing out temporary guestworker visas, eliminating use of forced labor abroad and giving workers time off for Sabbath observance.

Extreme Green

The Energy Department should eliminate offices that work on net-zero carbon goals after the Biden administration created a new energy crisis through extreme green policies, according to the Project 2025 section written by Bernard McNamee, a Trump appointee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

He called for an end to the war on oil and natural gas, fighting climate change and promoting environmental, social and governance, or ESG, policies.

McNamee, who faced criticism at FERC for fossil fuels support, is now a partner at McGuireWoods, where he has represented oil and gas companies. Dominion Energy, which supplies electricity and natural gas to customers in 13 states, is one of the law firms biggest clients, shelling out $670,000 over the course of the Biden administration.

Groves, the Project 2025 playbook editor, said the calls for deregulation are consistent with conservative thought going back decades.

Rapid Shift

The Biden administration has pushed an overly rapid shift to electric vehicles, or EVs, by raising fuel economy standards too high, according to the chapter written by Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a deputy assistant secretary in Trumps Transportation Department. Biden administration regulators subsidize EV producers such as Tesla at the expense of legacy automakers, she wrote.

Furchtgott-Roth frequently publishes op-eds and appears on news shows to tout pro-industry energy positions, such as curbing the spread of Chinese electric vehicles in the US  a stance shared by the trade group for General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co.

Furchtgott-Roth, who heads her own consultancy, doesnt disclose her clients. She said in an email she does occasional consulting work, but has no transportation clients. She said she does not accept money from clients for published articles.

Restructure EPA

Mandy Gunasekara, former chief of staff for Trumps EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, calls for a total restructuring that stays existing rules, shrinks the agencys staff and halts grants to advocacy groups.

Gunasekara is a principal at consulting firm Section VII Capital, which describes itself as a boutique energy, environmental, and bitcoin investment firm focused on counseling portfolio companies. She doesnt disclose her clients.

But her suggestions have generated criticism. Rachel Cleetus, climate and energy policy director with the Union of Concerned Scientists, said Project 2025 takes specific aim at the federal governments ability to address the climate crisis and instead doubles down on actions to worsen it.

Aggressive Attacks

Dearborn, the former Trump deputy chief of staff, penned the chapter on the White House Office, which is focused on combating wokeism in the federal government and the lefts aggressive attacks on life and religious liberty.

Dearborn left the White House in 2017 for lobbying firm Mindset and has established himself as a well-connected Republican operative representing companies such as Citigroup and Verizon. His biography lists his expertise in the trade, agriculture, defense, energy, healthcare, and telecom sectors.

Dearborn, who would likely play an influential role in a Trump administration, called for reversing regulatory policies in order to promote energy production, a priority for corporate clients such as Shell.

--With assistance from Hadriana Lowenkron.

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HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  Hays County District Court Judge Tanner Neidhardt has started livestreaming his court to promote transparency.

I dont think that the courtroom should be a black box. And thats what were doing by livestreaming  were opening it up, Neidhardt told KXAN.

Whether its a mother who wants to know what were doing on fentanyl cases, [a] parent who cant get away because they have children, [or] a student at school  they cant access our courts in reality. So what were doing here by livestreaming, is giving them the opportunity to see what is happening, he continued.

Following Neidhardts first livestream on July 1, some were critical of his decision. Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins said people in the room were unaware of cameras and did not consent to a recording or a livestream.

The livestream also captured moments leading up to a trial involving the alleged sexual assault of a child. The stream was removed before the victim took the stand and the trial began.

This office objected to the live-stream, citing statutory protections for child victims. [The Hays County DAs office] filed a motion to cease the live-stream and remove the video from the internet, Higgins said previously in a statement.

On Tuesday, Neidhardt livestreamed criminal docket calls in his 483rd district court. This time, a message stating The 483rd court is livestreaming proceedings today, was projected on screens across the courtroom.

Hays County District Court Judge Tanner Neidhardt has started live-streaming his court to promote transparency (KXAN Photo).

Before the proceedings began, Neidhardt took the time to explain why he felt recording his court was necessary.

The [livestream] is about letting people see what were doing  and I hope [it brings] confidence back to our court, he said. I believe in transparency, you can hold me accountable. This is what Im doing. Im trying to make this so people will see it.

Neidhardt also referenced the Texas Constitution, which states, All courts shall be open.

Neidhardt suggested to the court he never intended to hide any cameras during the July 1 livestream. During his statement, he showed the court that a camera during that initial livestream sat directly in front of him in plain sight.

He told KXAN that he wants everyone to be aware of the process.

Were now putting a big notice in the courtroom that says notice we are livestreaming, Neidhardt said. I want it to be all out there in the open. Thats the whole idea here.

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Following a denial of its accreditation appeal in March, Saint Augustines University has regained its accreditation status. The HBCU vowed to appeal to a higher authority and file a lawsuit against the SACS Board of Trustees. According to a press release from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, SAU is reinstated.

We disagree with the decision made by SACSCOC and plan to appeal to a higher authority with evidence supporting the institutions progress in resolving non-compliance, Interim President Marcus Burgess said in a statement, according to ABC 11.

In the press release, SAU points out that the decision rectifies an unjust ruling. Additionally, they will now be able to demonstrate that it complies with several accreditation core requirements.

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, Brian Boulware, Chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees, said.

As Blavity U reported, the SACS Board of Trustees removed Saint Augustines University from its membership in December. It cited a failure to comply with requirements such as the HBCUs governing board and financial resources.

ABC 11 obtained a tax lien indicating the institution owes $7.9 million to the IRS from 2020. As a result of the lien, Saint Augustines is unable to sell land to investors. In addition, an audit revealed that $10 million was missing from the institutions financial records.

This reinstatement acknowledges SAUs relentless dedication to upholding academic standards and ensuring a thriving educational environment for our students, Burgess said.

Furthermore, the university said its looking forward to welcoming back students this fall.
Help Opelousas police solve the murder of an off-duty corrections officer

Help Opelousas police solve the murder of an off-duty corrections officer

OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)  Investigators are asking for help in solving the murder of an off-duty corrections officer.

St. Landry Crime Stoppers and Opelousas Det. Mike Hidalgo took to social media on Wednesday, urging the public to come forward with any information they may have regarding the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Chanterria Macky Albert.

Opelousas police said they received a report of shots fired around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, where they found multiple shell casings near the 1100 block of Park Avenue. Witnesses reported to police that they heard about 30 shots coming from the area, police said.

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OPD then learned of two gunshot victims at the hospital, one of them being Albert. The other victim, was in stable condition, authorities said.

Albert was employed at the St. Landry Parish jail for less than two years, St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said in April.

Corrections Deputy Chanterria Mackey Albert was hired on May 10, 2022, in Corrections and served alongside of her mother, Deputy Cherikas Albert. Albert was only 22 years old and was an exemplary deputy. She will be sorely missed, Guidroz said in April.

Anyone with information about the shooting can provide anonymous tips by calling 1-337-948-TIPS or by dialing **TIPS.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A Downtown Fresno venue is stepping up to help vendors banned by the City of Fresno from taking part in ArtHop because they say the city is not going to do anything for them.

The move to offer free vendor space by the owner of The Rose on Van Ness Avenue follows the announcement last week by Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias that outside vendors and events will not be permitted at the ArtHop in August.

The Rose owner Mysti Dailey and event organizer Justice Medina say the recent announcement banning outdoor vending will be a major blow to vendors financially.

I dont think its fair for [the city] to cut things off, Dailey said. Although some people may not be registered business owners, this is a way for them to support their families, and as a community, we should help each other.

For over a year, The Rose has hosted an ArtHop after-party.

If you are a vendor, a merchandise vendor, were asking you guys to contact us and were going to help you out so that you can provide for your families  because the city isnt, Dailey said.

Dailey says Councilmember Arias should have discussed the issue with vendors before banning outdoor vending for Augusts ArtHop. Dailey is also skeptical of Arias claims that heat was a factor that contributed to the decision to ban outdoor vending for Augusts ArtHop. According to the National Weather Service, the hottest temperatures recorded in Fresno have all been in the month of July for over 100 years.

ArtHop has been going on since 1997, I was pregnant with my son in 1996, that was one of our hottest years, 1997 was a hot year as well, Dailey said. It didnt stop and it shouldnt stop now.

Medina says the evolution of ArtHop has brought positive results to Downtown Fresno that should be celebrated, not stopped.

Everything evolves, ArtHop is turning into something extremely beautiful, Medina said. Every first Thursday we see 15,000 to 20,000 people that are walking the streets.

Medina says he doesnt believe that the City of Fresnos police department is incapable of patrolling ArtHop to ensure the event remains safe.

The police department can get money for guns, they can get money for armored vehicles, I think that they can come out and put a couple more patrol cars downtown to make sure that everything stays safe and that the downtown economy stays stimulated, Medina said.

Any vendor interested in setting up at The Rose to sell from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is asked to reach out via social media to reserve one of their 30 free spots.

YourCentralValley.com has reached out to both the City of Fresno and the Fresno Police Department for a statement in response.

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Graduating Austin police cadets hold up their right hands to take their oath of service at their graduation ceremony April 19. The Austin Police Department is still struggling to fill sworn officer vacancies.

Correction: The Austin City Council approved a budget in 2020 that outlined $150 million in potential cuts to the Austin Police Department, but only around $20 million was immediately removed from the department's funding. A previous version of this story misstated the amount of funding that was cut.

The Austin Police Department is still struggling with sworn officer staffing shortages but has made progress on filling 911 call taker vacancies, city staffers told the City Council at a meeting Wednesday discussing City Manager T.C. Broadnax's proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

The $5.9 billion budget Broadnax proposed earlier in July is just a draft, and the City Council can make changes and will approve the budget in August. But before approving or amending the budget, the council has the opportunity to ask questions at meetings like the one Wednesday  a process that often provides an up-to-date look at how different city departments are addressing some of the key issues they face.

Wednesday's meeting focused on the city's general fund, which pays for several city services like police, emergency medical services, fire, parks, libraries and more. The proposed total for the general fund is $1.4 billion, which largely comes from city-collected property and sales taxes.

The largest cost driver for Austin's general fund is the Police Department, which is estimated to account for about 35% of the fund in the coming fiscal year. The Police Department's budget has been a key point of contention for years as some argue it should not be increased and money should be reinvested in other city services.

Broadnax proposed an increase of about $18.2 million to the department's budget, bringing the proposed total police budget to more than $496 million.

Police overtime

One of the largest issues the Police Department faces is a staffing shortage among its sworn officer ranks, something city and police leaders have been trying to address for years and a task that will rest on the shoulders of the city's next police chief.

Because of these shortages, the city is paying tens of millions in overtime to its officers  last year's overtime costs reached about $43 million in total, and this fiscal year's numbers are estimated to come in at $47.8 million.

The extra overtime costs are being paid for through "vacancy savings," the money not being spent to pay for vacant officer positions, which city staffers said Wednesday offset the overtime costs. Once more officers are hired, the vacancy savings will go down as the amount needed for sworn officer pay increases.

Austin Police Department overtime expenses.

Both the city and Austin Police Association, the union representing Austin police officers, feel that when a contract is reached, this will help with recruitment and retention to fill these vacancies. The police association has been in contract negotiations with the city for months and has been without a long-term contract for more than a year.

What is included in the proposed $18.2 million increase to the police budget?

The proposed $18.2 million increase to the Police Department's budget will include the 4% wage increase to civilian employees proposed for all city employees as well as insurance increases, some internal services costs and the "legacy liability payment for the police retirement system," Kerri Lang, a budget officer for the city of Austin, said at a news conference earlier in July.

The 4% increase does not include sworn police officers, whose salary and benefits are negotiated by the Austin Police Association.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law in 2021 that bars Texas cities from decreasing their police departments' budgets from the year before. This came on the heels of the Austin City Council approving a budget in 2020 that outlined $150 million in potential cuts to Austin police, but only around $20 million was immediately removed from the department's funding.

Since then, the City Council has raised the Austin police budget every year.

Local advocates continue to call on the council to invest in other programs rather than raise the Police Department's budget.

On Tuesday, leaders with the grassroots organization VOCAL-TX implored the City Council at a news conference to invest $12 million of the proposed $18.2 million increase into rapid rehousing rental assistance and permanent supportive housing services.

911 call taker vacancies nearly filled

During Wednesday's discussion of the Police Department's budget, interim Police Chief Robin Henderson said the department is very close to filling all its vacant 911 call taker positions after facing significant staffing shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic.

More: Austin's 911 call center fills vacancies, improving since last year

"Right now, we are currently training a group, and should everyone pass that training cycle, we will only have three vacancies," Henderson said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Here's why Austin wants to raise police budget by $18.2 million
TOKYO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese high-speed jet ferry carrying more than 100 passengers lost control of its rudder in waters south of Tokyo and is being towed to a nearby island port, local media reported Wednesday.

The Japan Coast Guard received a report around 10 a.m. local time from the 280-ton jetfoil vessel that it had "lost control of steering due to an oil leak," Kyodo News reported.

There have been no reports of injuries among the 116 passengers and five crew members on board of the ship, named Seven Islands Ai, it added.

The jet ferry, operated by Tokai Kisen Company, was heading to Shikine Island, one of the Izu Islands in the Pacific, after leaving Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

The Seven Islands Ai broke down in waters some 17 kilometers southwest of Nojimasaki Lighthouse, a historic landmark on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture and became unable to navigate by itself, according to the coast guard.

Two coast guard patrol ships that arrived at the site conducted rescue activities and are currently towing the ferry toward Okata Port on Izu Oshima, the report said. 
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Herington man was rushed to a hospital after his car was hit by a semi-truck on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County on Wednesday.

The crash happened around 5:16 a.m. Wednesday on westbound I-70, roughly a mile and a half west of Fair Road near Abilene.

Grandson arrested after Augusta womans stabbing

The Kansas Highway Patrol said a 19-year-old Herington man was stopped in his Chevrolet Cruze in the right lane when a Wellington man driving a semi-truck crashed into him.

The Herington man was rushed to a Wichita hospital in suspected serious condition. The driver of the semi was uninjured.

The KHP did not mention why the Herington man was stopped.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
High roller? Hickory businessman used others cards to spend $1M at casinos and more

A Hickory businessman who used the credit cards of his customers to make $1 million worth of fraudulent purchases and failed to pay over $3.1 million in employment taxes was sentenced to 30 months in prison Tuesday, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

James Robinson, 52, owner of Cabinet Solutions USA, Cox Manufacturing, Best Cabinet Doors and Cabinet Doors Fast, pleaded guilty to the credit card and tax fraud charges in federal court in North Carolina in January.

The four businesses were collectively known as the Cabinet Companies.

Robinson used the funds from his customers credit cards to make cash withdrawals from business accounts and to make cash deposits at casinos, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina said in its news release.

Robinson also used information from checks written to his companies by customers to create at least four counterfeit checks totaling over $93,000.

He made fraudulent credit card charges close to 300 times. Federal prosecutors said there are no additional details of those purchases.

Robinson failed to account for and pay about $3.1 million in certain taxes related to Social Security, Medicare and income from employee wages between 2017 and 2022, the Justice Department stated.

At the Cabinet Companies peak in 2022, it employed 75 people.

Cabinet Solutions USA was Robinsons primary vehicle for tax fraud, as 97% of the $3.1 million in withheld trust fund taxes came from this business, according to federal court records.

Robinson was released on bond after his plea hearing. His 30 months in prison will be followed by two years of supervised release.

Robinson was ordered to pay over $4.4 million in restitution. He is working to sell manufacturing equipment and his two manufacturing buildings in Hickory to help pay the restitution, his lawyer wrote in a court filing.

Hes been unsuccessful in selling the properties so far. The sale of the two manufacturing buildings would gross an estimated $2.5 million.

Robinson lives a 10-minute drive north of Hickory in Granite Falls.
Hillary Clinton on Kamala Harris Presidential Campaign: A Race Democrats Can and Must Win

Hillary Clinton was quick to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign. And now, in a guest essay for The New York Times published on Tuesday, she shared more thoughts about the 2024 election and Harris campaign.

Clinton reminded readers that while the next 15 weeks will be like nothing this country has ever experienced politically, this is a race Democrats can and must win with Harris, who seems likely to be the Democratic nominee.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Clinton praised Biden for making the hard and rare decision to end his own 2024 bid, a move Clinton recognizes as requiring real moral clarity.

The country mattered more, she wrote. As one who shared that dream and has had to make peace with letting it go, I know this wasnt easy. But it was the right thing to do.

Clinton then shared why she is excited that Harris is running. She represents a fresh start for American politics, the former First Lady opined. She can offer a hopeful, unifying vision. She is talented, experienced and ready to be president. And I know she can defeat Donald Trump.

With Harris, Clinton argued, there is now an even sharper, clearer choice in this election. On one side is a convicted criminal who cares only about himself and is trying to turn back the clock on our rights and our country. On the other is a savvy former prosecutor and successful vice president who embodies our faith that Americas best days are still ahead.

Its old grievances versus new solutions, she added.

Clinton acknowledged that as the first Black and South Asian woman to be at the top of a major partys ticket, Harris will face unique additional challenges. However, she advised voters not to be afraid of those obstacles, as its a trap to believe progress is impossible.

She also praised many of Harris accomplishments throughout her career. As a prosecutor and attorney general in California, she took on drug traffickers, polluters and predatory lenders. As a U.S. senator, she rigorously questioned squirming Trump administration officials and nominees and was inspiring to watch, Clinton wrote.

The former U.S. Secretary of State continued, As vice president, Ms. Harris has sat with the president in the Situation Room, helping make the hardest decisions a leader can make. And when the extremist Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, she became the administrations most passionate and effective advocate for restoring womens reproductive rights.

She closed her essay with a message for voters: The time for hand-wringing is over. Now its time to organize, mobilize and win.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Hillary Clinton said she believes in Vice President Kamala Harris ability to win against Donald Trump, her former political opponent whom she lost the presidential election to in 2016.

[Harris] is talented, experienced and ready to be president. And I know she can defeat Donald Trump, she wrote.

The vice president launched her presidential campaign following President Joe Bidens decision to end his bid for reelection on Sunday. Harris set a record by gaining $81 million in donations within the first 24 hours of her campaign, and has surpassed $100 million as of Tuesday. She has also garnered enough support from delegates to become the Democratic nominee, according to an Associated Press survey.

Clinton, who made history as the first woman in the U.S. to win a presidential nomination by a major political party, said Harris represents a fresh start for American politics and can offer a hopeful, unifying vision.

[Harris] and the campaign will have to cut through the noise, and all of us as voters must be thoughtful about what we read, believe and share, Clinton wrote.

Clinton also acknowledged the challenges that Harris will face during her campaign as a Black and South Asian woman. Trump has escalated attacks against Harris this week, and Clinton noted the flood of disinformation and the kind of ugly prejudice were already hearing from MAGA mouthpieces.

In the op-ed, Clinton drew parallels between her own experience as a woman who ran in the 2016 presidential election.

I know a thing or two about how hard it can be for strong women candidates to fight through the sexism and double standards of American politics, Clinton wrote in the Times. Ive been called a witch, a nasty woman and much worse.

Ms. Harris is chronically underestimated, as are so many women in politics, but she is well prepared for this moment  I look forward to hearing her prosecute a compelling case against Mr. Trump, who failed as a president the first time and is running on a dangerous agenda, Clinton wrote.

Related...
Florida schools received their long-anticipated state grades Wednesday for the 2023-24 school year, less than three weeks before classes are scheduled to resume.

The news brought cheer to Pinellas County, which earned its first district-wide A grade, and to Hillsborough County, which saw a dramatic decrease in the number of D and F schools after having had the most statewide a year ago.

Pasco County officials, meanwhile, looked for the highlights within a mixed report that included ups and downs across the district.

The results arrived shortly after the State Board of Education, meeting in Orlando, approved this years formula to calculate the grades. Changes were needed because the state shifted its testing model two years ago, and last year established the baseline.

The grades are based on student test scores in the younger grades and, in a typical year, improvement that students show over time. For middle and high school students, test scores are part of a larger set of data that also includes items such as participation in college-level programs.

Since their implementation, the grades have become a quick way for communities to judge the success of their local schools.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz attributed statewide improvement to the new system, which tests students three times a year instead of once annually to monitor their progress and make adjustments.

Once again Florida schools continue to improve year over year, Diaz said. A testament to the work that the department, the districts, the schools and especially our teachers have done to improve the outcome of our students.

Hillsborough County

For Hillsborough County, the news was dramatically better than the 2023 grades, which included 33 Ds and Fs.

This year, of district-run schools, there were no Fs and only nine Ds. The two F grades in Hillsborough were earned by The Collaboratory, which is a charter school, and the Hillsborough Virtual Franchise School.

Seven Hillsborough charter schools, which are independently operated, had D grades as well.

Potter and Shaw elementary schools, which are run by the district, jumped from F to C grades. Sheehy Elementary moved from an F to a D. Twenty-seven schools improved from D to C. Only two  Edison and James elementary schools  remained unchanged with D grades.

The 33rd school on the 2023 list, Just Elementary, had closed before its F grade was released. Three others in the group  Monroe and Adams Middle, and Kimbell Elementary  closed this past June.

Points from year-to-year gains played a big role in the improved grades. Passing rates on the English language arts exam were as low as 22% in some of the C schools. Around the district and state, about half of all students passed the test.

There was also progress in the districts high schools. Alonso moved from a B to an A, and seven others maintained their A grades. East Bay, Hillsborough, Leto and Spoto high schools all moved from C grades to B.

We are excited with our momentum and are ready for the new year to start so we can continue our work, Superintendent Van Ayres said.

Since assuming his role a year ago, Ayres has worked to strengthen workplace morale despite chronic teacher shortages and pushed for widespread reading proficiency, with a greater emphasis on phonics instruction in the early grades.

Ayres is now pursuing a lawsuit aimed at allowing voters to decide on a tax that would help the district pay competitive salaries to teachers.

Pinellas County

Pinellas schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick used words like incredible to describe his districts report. Pinellas earned its first district-wide A grade since the state began issuing these reports two decades ago, and also had no D- or F-rated schools for the first time.

We always think all of our schools are high performing, Hendrick said. Its good when the grades reflect that.

Among the many successes: Five schools improved from C to A. They included Tyrone Middle, which received an F just two years ago, and 74th Street Elementary, which had been a D in 2022.

The district also had four schools increase from D to C, 20 rise from C to B and 14 improve from B to A. More than half the districts elementary schools earned A grades.

School board chairperson Laura Hine marveled that when she first became involved in the district, it had 19 D or F schools. Now it has none.

Im so excited, Hine said. Its the result of leadership having sustained laser focus on the work at hand  100% student success.

Hendrick said the districts enhanced focus on early literacy, such as an expansion of prekindergarten classes, is one of the efforts that has paid off. He noted that 63% of third graders scored at or above grade level on the language arts exam, about 10 points higher than a year earlier.

That type of achievement will build upon itself over time, he said.

As for critics who have said its not good enough, Hendrick said, Before you can get to 100, you have to get to 60. Theres tons more work to do. But today its good to sit back and celebrate the successes of our schools.

Pasco County

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning said he found reasons to be pleased with the 2024 grades and causes for concern.

Weve done away with our Fs, Browning said, referring to the two elementary schools that earned the lowest mark a year ago and rose to a C. That is part of the master plan.

The district also had two schools improve from B to A, and 16 maintain their A grades. All but one of Pascos charter schools, which are run separately, earned an A or B, too.

The districts overall grade remained a B.

At the same time, it saw four schools drop from C to D, six from B to C and four from A to B. Gulf Middle School and Pasco and Cox elementary schools received D grades for the third consecutive year.

We pour supports in a school trying to get them up to a C, and to some degree we take our eye off another school and the next year they pop up, Browning said, likening the situation to the whack-a-mole game. Theres always more work to be done.

Browning said he expected schools to enhance efforts to track individual students performance and ensure theyre making progress on the state academic standards.

Some schools are stuck, school board vice chairperson Alison Crumbley said. Weve got to figure out why.

Although grades offer important information, Browning said, theyre not the only way to rate schools. He singled out Stewart Middle School, noting its rise from D to C.

They are not a D school, Browning said, noting Stewart missed a C by one point a year earlier. Theres a lot more that goes into a school than a test on a given day.
The Hillsborough County School District is asking a judge to order the county commission to take action by Aug. 13 on a stalled property tax referendum, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Hillsborough Circuit Court.

The school board had agreed to put the question, involving a tax of $1 for every $1,000 in taxed property value, before the voters on Nov. 5. The proceeds would boost employee pay and, district leaders hoped, help ease a critical teacher shortage.

The lawsuit suggests a timeline to avoid missing an Aug. 20 deadline for the Supervisor of Elections to prepare the ballot.

Lawyers asked the court to require a response from the county commission by Friday so they can reply to the county by July 30, in advance of the deadline to place items on the ballot, which looms only because of the Commissions indolence. On Wednesday, Circuit Judge Emily Peacock directed both parties to follow this timetable.

While the word indolence means laziness, critics of the move suggest the series of delays were deliberate.

The school board approved a property tax referendum for the November ballot on April 2. The following week, according to the suit, the district transmitted the taxing resolution to commission chairperson Ken Hagan and county administrator Bonnie Wise.

After receiving the resolution, the commission allowed two months (and four regular meetings) to pass before placing it on an agenda for June 20, the suit states, then postponing it to July 17.

At the July 17 meeting, county commissioners conceded that state law compelled them to pass the resolution along to the Supervisor of Elections. But they scheduled it for November 2026 instead of 2024.

The suit accused commissioners, who said Hillsborough residents were already burdened with escalating housing costs, of substituting their own opinions for those of the public.

By doing so, the lawsuit states, the commission attempts to deprive the voters of the right to consider the millage referendum and prevent the voters from determining whether Hillsborough County Public Schools should have this additional funding source to enhance teacher pay over the next two years.

The state law that the district cites in the suit says that the school board shall direct the county commissioners to call an election in which voters can decide on the taxing question.

The suit contends that a county commission enjoys no discretion when receiving such direction. It must direct the supervisor of elections to place the school boards referendum on the ballot of the general election selected by the school board.

It will be up to the judge to decide if the case can move forward, and along the timeline the school district has outlined to meet the Aug. 20 deadline.

A county spokesperson said Wednesday that the Hillsborough County Attorneys Office does not comment on pending litigation.

Not everyone on the school board agrees with the districts legal position. The boards vote Tuesday was 4-3.

Member Patti Rendon said she spent the weekend reading statutes and legal opinions. She said that an attorney generals opinion involving a case in Hernando County seemed to support the county commissions action.

If they had no authority to do what they did, we wouldnt have to go there, Rendon said at Tuesdays school board meeting. We would send it to the supervisor of elections ourselves.

But, Rendon said, because state law gives the county commission the authority to put the referendum on the ballot, that gives them the authority of when.

Attorney Jim Porter told Rendon and the other board members that this question will be taken up in court.

Speaking at a news conference in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis sided with the county commission.

Weve done so much at the state level that I think if they manage (it) properly, theyre going to be able to do their part at the local level, but demanding tax increases is absolutely not the way to go, he said. And I think that youre going to see some changes, probably, in this election on the school board, because I think taxpayers are sick of it.

Times staff writers Sue Carlton and Divya Kumar contributed to this story.
Homeless encampment cleanups do little to change numbers of people on the street, study finds

Inside Safe workers clean up a homeless camp at 86th Street and Broadway to get people out of the encampment and into hotel and motel rooms June 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Homeless encampment cleanups including Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe program that moves people into motels and hotels have no long-term effect on the number of people living on the streets, a new study by Rand Corp. has found.

Teams of researchers returning monthly to Venice, Hollywood and Skid Row saw reductions in the immediate aftermath of cleanups, but within a month or two, the numbers went back up to the former level.

"We found continuing evidence that local encampment cleanup activities dont appear to lead to a persistent reduction in the number of unsheltered residents in the area," said Jason Ward, co-author of the study by Rand's Center on Housing and Homelessness. "They just tend to move them around and the numbers tend to return in our relatively small area to previous trends pretty quickly."

Dwight Thomas, 62, right, gathers up his belongings in a tent encampment at 86th Street and Broadway after Inside Safe initiative employees got him a place to stay June 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

One unintended consequence of multiple camp removals in Venice was that the number of people living without any shelter, not even tents, doubled to nearly half the street population.

As homelessness persists as the city's top social problem, academic researchers are digging deeper into the lives of the unhoused. Rand's report was one of three released in July by research groups using teams of street interviewers, mobile phone questionnaires and a massive statewide survey.

Far more than the general population, people living on the streets and in shelters are victimized by violence and discrimination, one report found. A second reported that intimate partner violence is a cause for many women's homelessness while, conversely, fear of homelessness leaves others in violent homes.

In the three Los Angeles neighborhoods examined in the Rand study, mental and physical health conditions and substance abuse were found to be disproportionately high, suggesting that some of the most vulnerable are slipping through the cracks of a system that is supposed to prioritize them for housing.

Read more: Will the Grants Pass ruling on homelessness spur smaller cities to shoo people into L.A.?

Against that backdrop, several trends were moving in the right direction in Hollywood, where the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is working with a coalition of community groups on a project called Hollywood 2.0 to provide comprehensive, community-based care and services to people experiencing mental illness and homelessness.

Tatayana Noles gathers up belongings at a Los Angeles encampment at 86th Street and Broadway where Inside Safe initiative employees got occupants a place to stay June 26, 2024. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

"It came out over and over: shorter time on street, more frequent engagements with service providers, highest rate of street medicine engagement," Ward said. "It really shows an area where it seemed like a lot of relatively effective things are going on."

Overall, 45% of the people interviewed in the three neighborhoods said they had chronic physical health conditions and 56% said they had chronic mental health conditions. Fifty-two percent said they had been living on the street for three years or longer, slightly down from 57% in Rand's 2022 report.

"The fact that we see more than half our sample reporting being continuous on the streets for more than three years and around 75% for one or more years suggests ... there may be more work to do to make the system more responsive to various measures of acuity," Ward said in a briefing on the report.

The report, Annual Trends Among the Unsheltered in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods, used monthly counts by teams of researchers and in-depth questionnaires to produce a more detailed picture than the annual point-in-time count conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The counts showed that the number of unsheltered people had not changed in 2023 after increases the prior year  results that track with LAHSA's counts.

The researchers compared plots of their monthly counts with the dates of five cleanups in Hollywood, four in Venice and one on Skid Row, including three Inside Safe operations. In most cases, the plots showed a sharp dip around the time of the cleanup followed by a corresponding increase.

Mayor Karen Bass' office issued a statement pointing out that the annual count conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found street homelessness down 10% across the entire city while the report covers only three areas.

"A majority of the study refers to what happened before the Mayor took office," the statement said. "We have changed the status quo. Inside Safe is just one part of a locked-arms approach that has brought together the County, City, State and Federal government partners to bring people off the streets, connect them with comprehensive services and a path toward permanent housing."

While acknowledging that it couldn't generalize to the entire population, the Rand study found a greater connection in the three communities between substance use and homelessness than other studies. A series of questions called a screen identified 84% of respondents meeting the criteria for a lifetime substance use disorder, and 48% self-reported a substance use disorder, a much higher figure than the 30% found in LAHSA's self-reported survey. Twenty-nine percent reported having having had one or more overdoses.

Read more: She fought remodel evictions for years. Now she's the one being evicted

"These findings underscore the need for outreach efforts to incorporate substance use screening and low-barrier substance use treatment options for the unsheltered," the authors wrote.

Some significant differences were observed between the neighborhoods. Skid Row was 68% Black and Venice was 65% white. Hollywood had the highest Latino percentage at 28%. Unsheltered residents of Skid Row were 14 years older, on average, than those in Hollywood and more than twice as likely to report being in poor health than in the other two neighborhoods.

Hollywood residents had the highest rate of overdoses (40%) and nearly a quarter of them reported developmental disability, nearly three times the rate in Venice. Venice residents had the highest educational levels, with 35% reporting some college or vocational school compared with about 20% in Hollywood and on Skid Row.

Overall, 31% of respondents said they had last been housed outside California, a number higher than LAHSA has reported. The rate in Venice was 41%.

Homeless residents of an encampment pass the time as Inside Safe workers canvas it to move people into hotel and motel rooms June 26, 2024. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

A multiyear mobile phone survey by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work expanded its questionnaire in 2023 to look into discrimination and violence.

Randall Kuhn, a professor of community health sciences in the Fielding School of Public Health, said the team wanted to know whether the proliferation of anti-camping laws would unleash hostility toward homeless people.

"It felt like this was potentially going to create an enabling structure for discrimination and violence," he said in an interview.

They found that 31.8% of respondents reported experiencing discrimination daily and 53.9% weekly and that 16% experienced physical violence and 7.5% reported experiencing sexual violence within the prior 30 days, all rates many multiples greater than those experienced by the general population. The study could not conclude to what extent the discrimination and violence was committed by other homeless people.

In contrast with the general population, the likelihood of being victimized was not influenced by age, race/ethnicity or gender, excepting sexual violence.

A possible explanation, the authors wrote, is that homelessness is "so marginalizing" that those differences become secondary.

The findings "underscore how negative beliefs about individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders may intersect with and exacerbate anti-homeless stigma and behavior," Kuhn said.

The third study, by the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative at UC San Francisco, is a follow-up to its January statistical report that found 17% of homeless women experienced intimate partner violence in the six months before becoming homeless.

The researchers interviewed 104 respondents to the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness to put the statistical findings into human context.

"I wish everybody had the opportunity to read these stories," said lead author Anita Hargrave. "There is so much tendency in the ongoing discourse on homelessness to dehumanize. When you read through peoples stories when they came to that point when they could no longer be housed, its such a powerful way of creating empathy."

The interviews showed that abusive relationships precipitated and prolonged homelessness, that a need for financial stability influenced staying in abusive relationships and that stigma and a dearth of domestic violence shelters exacerbated the connection between abuse and homelessness.

"Every time when you ask for something, [case managers] tell you, 'Its not guaranteed but we will work on it,' said a 37-year-old woman who was not named in the report. "So, you get the feeling of scared. If its not guaranteed and not going to happen, then what will happen? So let me stay with my husband. At least I have a place."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
YANGON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 61 schools were closed due to river overflow in Yekyi and Thabaung townships of Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region, also known as delta region, the country's official media reports said on Wednesday.

Of them, 36 basic education schools are in Yekyi township and 25 schools in Thabaung township, and most of them have been closed since July 22 due to Ngawun River overflowing in the townships, the reports said.

The official daily Myanma Alinn, citing an education official from Thabaung township, said that 21 basic education schools in the township were closed on July 22, and four others were closed on July 23. The closures are scheduled to last until July 26, with missed school days to be made up on upcoming Sundays.

The country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported that the water level of Ngawun River in Thabaung town was one foot above the warning mark on Wednesday.

The weather bureau advised residents living near riverbanks and in low-lying areas in the town to take precautionary measures. 
ISLIP, N.Y. (PIX11)  A horse was seen hanging out by the bar in a Long Island restaurant over the weekend, according to Humane Long Island.

The horse was spotted inside The Harp & Hound at 528 Main St. in Islip, according to social media posts obtained by the humane society. One of the photos showed the horse standing with multiple partons by the bar.

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The Harp & Hound declined to comment on the incident. The pub initially posted a photo on its Facebook page showing a saddled horse outside the bar with the caption, ID Kid ?? The post has since been removed.

Live animals, like horses, are not allowed inside food establishments, according to New York State law. They can carry diseases like rabies and salmonella, per Humane Long Island.

Horses are prey animals who are easily frightened and have a high flight instinct. Exploiting a thousand-pound animal inside a loud and crowded bar is not only begging for attention but also begging for disaster, said John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and executive director of Humane Long Island.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Health Department told PIX11 News on Wednesday that they received a complaint on Monday regarding a horse and its rider inside the bar.

While there was no evidence of a horse present at the time of inspection, an employee stated that on July 19, a horse was ridden through the front door of the restaurant and immediately left through the back door as part of a prank for a birthday celebration. As per the employee, the horse was not behind the bar, nor did it enter the kitchen, Health Department spokesperson Grace Kelly-McGovern said.

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The Suffolk County Health Department issued the bar a warning, according to Humane Long Island. The bar did not receive a violation because there were no live animals present at the time of inspection.

PIX11 News also reached out to the Town of Islip for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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Hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman sat down with ABC News Linsey Davis to talk about the recently released book, In the Shadows: True Stories of High Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad, which he co-authored with journalist Ellis Henican.

After serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Bergman went to study in the U.S. and began his career in strategic diplomacy. His humanitarian work in Sudan brought him into contact with the late Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, and Bergman is currently the vice president and executive director of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement.

He is also the co-founder and CEO of Global Reach, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing home Americans who are being held abroad.

PHOTO: Mickey Bergman has engaged in diplomacy around the world. (Courtesy of Mickey Bergman)

ABC News talked to Bergman about his book, the situation in Gaza, his role in helping to get WNBA player Brittney Griner out of Russia, negotiating the release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed and his first encounter with Richardson, as well as the ongoing detainments of former Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

ABC NEWS: Our next guest is shedding light on what goes on behind the scenes of high stakes hostage negotiations. Mickey Bergman is a former IDF combat officer and, for the past decade, he's traveled the world as a private citizen, working to free Americans held unjustly overseas. He played a key role in securing the release of Brittney Griner in 2022. Mickey is co-author of the new book titled, In the Shadows: True Stories of High Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad. Mickey Bergman, thanks so much for joining us.

BERGMAN: Thank you for having me.

ABC NEWS: So we're going to get to the book in just a moment. But first, just let's talk about the believed to be about 100 hostages still being held in Gaza, some of them Americans. If you were part of these negotiations, what would you be angling for at this point?

BERGMAN: Well, first of all, I am a part of the negotiations, again on behalf of some of the families, not in any formal position, because wewe don't work for governments. We work on behalf of families. The theory of return, which is the story, the script that we tell ourselves, the shortest way of a hostage coming home in the case of Gaza relies on three basic assumptions. The first one, the Israelis and Hamas, they don't talk directly. It has to be mediated. Number 2, there are four countries in the region that can influence Hamas -- Iran, Turkey, Qatar and Egypt can influence them.

None of these countries want to have to do any favors to Israel, but at least two of them, which is Egypt and Qatar, have a very significant interest in working with the United States. Therefore, the theory of return has always been for us, since Oct. 7.

ABC NEWS: In your book, you detail how Brittney Griners family reached out to you while she was being detained in Russia. Just walk us through that process. How, how first people know you're the guy, right, to reach out to? And then what happens after you hang up from those calls?

BERGMAN: Yeah. So again, we're a non-for-profit, nongovernment organization. We work on behalf of families at no cost to them. We don't advertise.

It is still very, very tough because there's a family, Brittney's family, overnight, suddenly was thrown into an international crisis. And a lot of people come to them with a lot of information, everybody with the best intentions, but very few people with experience of actually getting people home.

And so I've engaged with, with Brittney's wife, Cheryl, and her agent Lindsay, for quite a while, for about two months before they actually formally asked us to come and help. Once they did, we again had to create the theory of return for us. That story, that script of how she comes home and engage informally with our Russian counterparts, the same counterparts that just in April before Brittney came home, helped us deliver Trevor Reed, the deal for Trevor Reed.

ABC NEWS: But as a nongovernment official and you're sitting across from a strong-willed foreign leader, they might say, Hey, why am I talking to you?

BERGMAN: Well, that Linsey is exactly what I was writing, the reason why I wrote my book. Because our ability, we don't have any authority and any mandate on policy issues, but we have emotional intelligence. We have ongoing relationships. These are relationships that we invest in over time before there's crisis. We do engagement in a lot of of these countries, specifically the countries that the United States has problem with; problems with communicating, diplomatic relationships. We build that trust. We build those relationships, so then when we actually have a crisis, we're able to sit honestly.

ABC NEWS: How did you get into this?

BERGMAN: I met Gov. Richardson of New Mexico after he was ambassador to the UN and Secretary of Energy and a member of Congress. He called me on a Wednesday, he heard about me as he was going to Sudan back in the days that there was the Darfur genocide. And he called me on the phone, he says Is this Mickey Bergman? I said yes. This is Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico. I need you to pack your stuff and get to me, to Santa Fe. You're coming with me to Khartoum.

And Linsey, not only did I not know Gov. Richardson at the time, I didn't know the man existed. And I had 48 hours to decide whether it's an opportunity of a lifetime or the worst decision I make before my head gets separated from my body.

ABC NEWS: Last question. I could keep talking to you for hours, but there are so many that we've talked to on the show with regard to their, their relatives. Paul Whelan, for example, Evan Gershkovich. Do you have any sense that there's something that can be done to, to bring them home and and soon?

BERGMAN: Yeah, I think and we, we chatted about it before. My work is, is one that is very exciting when people come home. And it's extremely difficult and frustrating every single day until they come home, and sometimes it takes years. And Paul Whelan is a failure of mine because he was left behind in my count four times and we tried really, really hard and we continue to try. But I am optimistic.

I think there's an assumption right now that even though we know more or less what Putin wants in return for the Americans that he's holding, and he's holding quite a few of them.

ABC NEWS: I said that was the last question, but I just have to follow up. So are you suggesting, hypothetically, that if Donald Trump were president right now, some of these people would be home?

BERGMAN: I would, I'm suggesting, Donald Trump, I think, said himself that he believes that he can get them home at no cost. I, my argument was, well, if you can do that at no cost, why not do it now and it will help him in the elections? I don't think that there is any added advantage to whether it's Trump or President Biden currently or, presumably, Kamala Harris as the, as the, as the Democratic nominee.

It's just a matter of it needs to happen after the elections because otherwise it plays in the domestic, so I don't think it's a matter of Trump is going to be better than, than Harris or something like that. But now that President Biden is not running, he's not the candidate, I actually argue that the window opened right now, to do this work, and I'll do everything I can to try and bring them home.

ABC NEWS: Mickey Bergman, we thank you so much for your time and the work that you do.

BERGMAN: Thank you.

ABC NEWS: His book, In the Shadows, is now available wherever books are sold.

Hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman reveals world of high stakes diplomacy originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Knoxville Republican, could face censure from his House colleagues after he called Vice President Kamala Harris a "DEI hire," a new report says. His GOP colleagues are joining the chorus by repudiating his comments as racist and sexist.

Politico reported Democratic Reps. Tony Cardenas of California and Jasmine Crockett of Texas plan to introduce a censure resolution. It's essentially a condemnation of a member's behavior or speech.

On the same day this week on Capitol Hill, Burchett called presidential candidate Harris and former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle a "DEI hire."

Harris, the first woman and first person of Black and Asian heritage to occupy the office and now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Harris served as a U.S. senator from California from 2017-2021 and the attorney general of California from 2011-2017 before she was elected vice president in 2020. Harris and President Joe Biden received more than 81.2 million votes, the highest total in American history by more than 8.6%.

Biden said, first off, hes going to hire a Black female for Vice President, and he just skipped over  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 the vice president, Burchett told CNNs Manu Raju July 22. 100% she was a DEI hire, he added. Her record is abysmal at best.

Burchett is part of a large, bipartisan group of lawmakers who called for Cheatle's resignation, which she eventually did July 23. At a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Burchett implied she was only hired because she's a woman.

"Ma'am, you are a DEI horror story," he told Cheatle, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to expand opportunities for women and people of color in workplaces and create more inclusive organizational cultures.

Before Cheatle was named director, she was the senior director of global security for PepsiCo, and before joining PepsiCo, she served 27 years in the Secret Service, including as assistant director of the office of protective operations.

Burchett faced repudiation from his GOP colleagues. Here's what they had to say:

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican:

Her ethnicity and her gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever. This is about who can deliver for the American people and get us out of the mess that were in, Johnson said at a press conference.

Former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican:

I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States. She is the former U.S. senator. These congressmen saying it, they are wrong in their own instincts, he said on NBC News' "Meet the Press NOW."

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican:

Of course its not appropriate, for heavens sakes. What, are they just going to say if youre not a white male, its a DEI candidate? she told HuffPost July 23. Im sorry. No.

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican:

I think rather than make allegations that, in fact, are allegations against the voters for what their motivation was, I just think we should run this campaign based on the fact that shes not been very good at her job, he told a local news outlet.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: House colleagues threaten censure for Rep. Tim Burchett on 'DEI hire' comments
House Republicans are canceling votes next week and starting their August recess early as the party struggles to pass its remaining annual government funding bills.

GOP leadership confirmed the schedule change Wednesday, a day before the last votes of the month are now expected. The House is scheduled to return in early September.

Leaders have partly pointed to the next weeks funeral for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) to explain the schedule change, but the canceled votes also come as the party has seen challenges in getting several of its remaining funding bills across the finish line this month.

Republicans had previously been hopeful of passing all 12 annual funding plans by next week. But the ambitious timeline began to quickly slip this week as leadership punted votes for multiple bills amid concerns about spending levels and riders related to reproductive rights.

When you have a situation where the Democrats all vote no on every appropriations bill, you eventually hit a wall because, you know, we have a few of our own members that vote against some of these bills, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told The Hill this week when pressed about the path forward for outstanding funding bills.

Weve passed about 70 percent of all government funding over to the Senate. At some point, its time for the Senate to start doing their work, he said.

His comments came just hours before the House canceled plans for a vote on the bill to fund the Department of Energy later Tuesday evening amid concerns from some members about the price tag.

Im kind of undecided on the [energy and water bill], because it increases spending, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said when asked about his position on the measure ahead of the planned vote. So, I gotta kind of look at that in the context of the whole package.

At the same time, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) also expressed concerns about money being short in one area in remarks to The Hill.

I wanted to see more funding there for the port in Savannah, Ga., she said. This is the third largest port in the country, extremely important to our critical infrastructure, as well as shipping for supplies for Americans.

That port  we need to dig it 8 feet deeper for big ships to be able to easily move in and out without relying on the tide, and I was disappointed theres not enough money in there for them to do that, she said.

There is also uncertainty as to how the annual Department of Interior funding plan will fare ahead of a planned vote later Wednesday, with conservatives such as Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) saying theyre also undecided about the bill for not going far enough to curb spending.

The House has so far passed four of its annual funding plans, while the Senate has yet to pass any funding bills for fiscal 2025.

However, the House bills are much more partisan in nature than those being crafted in the Democratic-led Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is required for most legislation. That means that while Republicans can pass the bills in the House with a simple majority, the measures test the limits of the partys tight margin as Democrats have out in strong opposition against the legislation.

Ive got concerns about all of them right now, Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), a spending cardinal, told The Hill this week when discussing the outstanding funding legislation. Were struggling to get it passed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editor's note: The above video is from 2022.

Councilman Chris Coleman recently stated that Des Moines has reached the tipping point regarding the situation of houseless persons. If we have reached the tipping point, we have to decide on which side are we going to tip over into. As a society, we have indeed reached a tipping point regarding the direction we want to go as a nation. We have to decide what kind of nation and people we want to be. Do we want to be a nation that cares about humanity, or one that values profit and anything that could affect that more?

The recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have clearly demonstrated that their motto is profit for the powerful over everything, people and planet be damned. The Supreme Court has legalized punishment for houselessness even if there are no spaces in shelters, but just because something is legal doesn't make it right, just, or fair. And just because the Supreme Court ruled this way does not mean that the city had to immediately consider an ordinance rather than coming up with a comprehensive plan to address the issue.

Time and time again, City Council members have demonstrated that when they want to support an initiative, they can find the money. They found money for the Birdland Park renovation ($54 million). The city continues to find money to increase the policing budget. And the city even found money to create a nonprofit, Invest DSM, to improve properties and property values in certain neighborhoods ($25 million over 10 years). But you can't invest in neighborhoods and buildings and not also invest in the people. It's the people who are the lifeblood of our communities that make our investments worth it.

If this is truly a tipping point, we cannot fine and arrest our way out of this problem. Coleman stated that the city needs a strategy, but fines and punishment are not a strategy; it is merely kicking the can down the road for another generation to address. Its time to stop kicking the can down the road and pick it up. Sure, we didn't put the can there, but it is now our responsibility. Our ability to respond to the challenges within our community demonstrates what is truly important to us. The test of all humans is in their immediate actions, not their ultimate sentiments. If we have the ability to require houseless persons to do community service, then we also have the ability to find community work for them to engage in so they can obtain housing.

The Des Moines City Council chambers were over capacity at a special session Monday morning, July 22, 2024.

There is a plethora of examples of cities larger than Des Moines that have drastically reduced houselessness. Houston, Texas, the fourth most populous city in the US, has seen a 63% reduction in its houseless population (and eliminated veteran houselessness) by revamping its system and adopting the Housing First principles. In Bakersfield, California, the houseless population was reduced to less than 0.1% by creating a database of houseless persons and using the data to address the specific needs of those persons with partner agencies. There are many more examples of cities using creativity and community to address this challenge. It appears that Des Moines has a poverty of imagination regarding houselessness.

The human brain is a problem-solving machine. The only problems humans don't solve are the ones they don't want to solve because the solutions are inconvenient. If this is our tipping point, we must decide: humanism or capitalism? Lock up or a hand up? Contempt or compassion? Property values or valuing people? How do we want the city to utilize its federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and other federal dollars that were created to address housing issues?

The council did not have enough votes to waive the second and third readings of the ordinance. Now isnt a time to celebrate but a time to act. If you disapprove of the ordinance, contact your city council members. As someone who's worked in government, I know that it is the meetings before and after the official public meetings that matter most. Let them know that we should not be criminalizing people because they dont have houses; rather, we should be assisting them in obtaining access to housing. I hope that the scale in Des Moines tips in the favor of humanity, but it has a possibility of doing that only by letting your voices be heard.

Joshua Barr

Joshua V. Barr was director of civil and human rights for the city of Des Moines from 2015 to 2021. He now runs his own consultancy agency, Raising The Barr LLC, and speaks around the country on human rights issues.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: If Des Moines homeless policy is at a tipping point, choose people
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  More than 49 acres of farmland in Delaware could soon be home to a new development with restaurants, shops and a range of housing.

A proposal by Fincon Epic Ventures calls for the 49.9-acre Delaware site on the northeast corner of South Section Line Road and Marysville Road to be developed into four sections, each referred to as a Sub-area in the proposal. Areas A and C would feature multi-family housing, while Area B would include single-family housing and Area D would be dedicated to commercial space.

Restaurants in central Ohio bulldozed to make way for Chick-fil-A, Sheetz

The proposal lists several likely opportunities for the developments commercial area, including offices, a day care, banks, retail and restaurants with outdoor seating. Other possible ventures, like a car wash, a gas station or a fast-food chain with a drive-through window, would need to undergo additional review.

The proposal calls for the 49.9-acre Delaware site to be developed into four sections. (Courtesy Photo/Delaware Planning Commission)

A proposal calls for the development to be built on a 49.9-acre Delaware site on the northeast corner of South Section Line Road and Marysville Road. (Courtesy Photo/Delaware Planning Commission)

The Delaware Planning Commission approved Ventures request on July 17 to rezone the 49-acre site to allow for a mixed-use development. Now, Ventures can continue tinkering with the proposal before returning before the commission for further review.

Todd Faris, CEO of Faris Planning and Design, is aiding Ventures proposal and last month also presented before the Dublin Planning Commission to build a new neighborhood on part of a 101-acre site divided by railroad tracks. However, for the second time, the commission shot down the design and argued that a more creative development should be proposed for a site that is divided by a railroad.

Ventures proposal is one of several other developments take shape in Delaware. The commission approved in May a proposal to construct the last three of six phases making up Winterbrooke Place, a sprawling subdivision built by M/I Homes, Rockford Homes and Arlington Builders. Plans call for the developments final three phases to include 84 lots, increasing the subdivisions total footprint to about 260 homes.

614 Restaurant Week returns: See where to find specials

Maronda Homes is building 655 homes as part of a residential and commercial development named Donovan Farms on a 114-acre site next to Boulder Park, east of South Section Line Road and west of Houk Road. Fincon Bowtown is developing 132 for-sale townhomes across a 16.8-acre site home to city-owned farmland, located north of Bowtown Road and west of the Village Gate Apartments complex.

Romanelli and Hughes is constructing 97 single-family homes to continue building out the 473-acre Terra Alta development north of Braumiller Road and west of Berlin Station Road. The plan calls for 43 homes to be built on 27.2 acres and 54 homes on 21.2 acres.

Further, Addison Rutherford is moving forward with plans to expand its central Ohio footprint by building more than 72 single-family homes across 22 vacant acres. The developer is one of several development companies owned by Jason Friedman  a prolific real estate developer also constructing Delawares sprawling 273-acre Addison Farms development.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
On Sunday, Earth experienced its hottest day ever recorded in human history, according to the European climate service Copernicus. That record was then broken the very next day, underlining the troubling trajectory global temperatures have taken in the last several years.

The European Union's Copernicus satellite produced preliminary data showing the global average temperature was 17.15 Celsius (62.87 Fahrenheit) on Monday; it had been a mere 0.06 degrees Celsius (0.1 degree Fahrenheit) cooler on Sunday, which still broke the previous record set last year.

In a statement to the Associated Press, former head of U.N. climate negotiations Christiana Figueres said humanity will "scorch and fry if the world does not implement "targeted national policies have to enable that transformation.

As humans continue to burn fossil fuels, we release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, nitrous oxide that trap heat that would otherwise radiate back out of the planet's atmosphere. Over time this global heating pushes the planet past its limits, creating the conditions which are cooking us like never before. In fact, the last 13 months straight have been the hottest in recorded human history, which is making Earth's weather more "weird." By the end of of 2023, climate change had broken records for hottest summer, global surface temperatures, ocean heat content and ice melt.

The first two months of 2024 were also the hottest on record, and after more temperature records were broken in April, Copernicus deputy director Samantha Burgess said in a statement that although the Paris climate accord threshold has not been breached, "the reality is that were extraordinarily close, and already on borrowed time." The Paris climate accord estimates that humans should keep global temperatures to under 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels to avoid serious long-term damage to our planet.
Hundreds of jobs to open at cancer research facility in New Jersey

Hundreds of jobs to open at cancer research facility in New Jersey

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11)  Developing medicine in the fight against cancer is BeiGenes global mission. That mission has a new home in New Jersey.

The companys United States Manufacturing and Clinical Research and Development facility is opening up shop in Hopewell Township. It joins other global companies already in the township, like Merrill Lynch and Janssen.

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We have hundreds of good, high-paying tech jobs in Hopewell Township, which is a wonderful place to live and work and raise a family, said Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning.

BeiGene says it will bring hundreds of new, high-tech jobs to the area by the end of next year.

These are big international deals, right? But they do absolutely have main street implications, said Mercer County Commissioner and former Hopewell Mayor Kristin McLaughlin. There are some wonderful restaurants in Pennington, small locally owned.

One of those restaurants in the nearby Pennington Borough is a local favorite, Vitos Pizza.

Its very welcoming and all the people are so warm and sweet, said manager Kayla Dowd,

and we love every day being able to serve each and every one of them.

More New Jersey News

As BeiGene looks to keep its impact going on a global scale, it also hopes to have an impact on a local scale. Just 5 minutes down the road, its presence has already been felt.

The people whove been working on building the facility over there, a lot of construction workers have become regulars here, said Dowd.

Whether its grabbing a slice, taking a shirt to the cleaners, or perusing a local boutique, small businesses here seem thankful to have another big sibling.

Just to grow the community, said Dowd.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Budapest will continue blocking the disbursement of 6.5 billion euros ($7 billion) from the European Peace Facility (EPF) for Ukraine military aid until Kyiv allows the transit of Russia's Lukoil oil, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on July 23.

Both Hungary and Slovakia said that Ukrainian sanctions effectively halted the oil transit of the Russian Lukoil company to the two countries.

The Slovak leadership also threatened unspecified repercussions against Ukraine, reminding Slovakia's key role as an electricity supplier amid Ukraine's energy deficit caused by Russian strikes.

Oleksiy Chernyshov, head of Ukraine's state-owned energy company Naftogaz, said earlier this week that while the transit of the Lukoil product through Ukraine has ceased, the overall transit volumes have remained stable. He called Bratislava's and Budapest's complaints a "political issue."

"I also made it clear that as long as Ukraine fails to resolve the issue, everyone can forget about the 6.5 billion euros in compensation for arms transfers under the European Peace Facility," Szijjarto said in an interview with the ATV news channel.

Hungary, broadly seen as the most Kremlin-proximate EU member, has repeatedly obstructed aid for Ukraine on account that it "prolongs" and "escalates" the ongoing war. These views have been often echoed in Slovakia since Ukraine-skeptic Prime Minister Robert Fico took office last fall.

The blocking of funds under the EPF predates the dispute over Lukoil supplies. Hungary has been stalling tranches under the program, meant to reimburse members who provided aid to Ukraine, for over a year.

According to Szijjarto, Hungary is working on legal and technical solutions to ensure the long-term oil supply if Ukraine does not lift the restrictions.

"I think that this is a crystal clear situation here, and the European Commission should really pressure Ukraine to allow Lukoil oil deliveries again," Szijjarto said after he and the Slovak government turned to the EU for mediating the dispute.

According to the foreign minister, Lukoil supplies represent 33% of Hungary's crude oil imports, as well as 40-45% of Slovakia's imports. The two countries were among the few EU members granted exceptions from the ban on Russian pipe oil imports.

Read also: Ukraines sanctions on Russias Lukoil may result in fuel crisis in Hungary

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's participation in free trade agreements offers critical opportunities for market access and supply chain integration, especially with like-minded advanced economies such as in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a minister Brunei's government said on Wednesday.

Haji Mohd Amin Liew, minister at the prime minister's office and second minister of finance and economy of Brunei, highlighted Brunei's dedication to the rules-based multilateral trading system in his remarks at the CPTPP Stakeholder Engagement held in Brunei, as reported by the local daily Borneo Bulletin.

"It is in this spirit that Brunei Darussalam ratified the CPTPP Agreement in 2023. Our objective is simple, to deliver economic benefits and opportunities for our businesses," the Borneo Bulletin quoted the minister as saying.

The minister said that the CPTPP remains a free trade agreement of the highest standards, and parties have continued to work diligently to maintain its gold standard reputation, providing tangible benefits to all stakeholders. 
(Bloomberg) -- Hungary called on the European Union to broker a solution with Ukraine after Kyiv decided to bar the transit of crude from a major Russian oil supplier.

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The European Commission has convened a so-called trade committee meeting for Wednesday to discuss the standoff, which Hungary and Slovakia argue threatens their energy security.

Ukraine has hardened sanctions against Lukoil PJSC over Russias invasion, effectively prohibiting the company from using the war-torn country as a transit route for its product. Hungary and Slovakia, both landlocked nations that obtained exemptions from EU energy sanctions on Russia, get a third and more than 40% of their crude supplies from Lukoil, respectively.

The EU executive has started gathering evidence and will monitor oil flows, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said, warning about the Kremlins potential role in the escalating dispute.

The most important aspect of this is that we have to be ready for unilateral decision potentially made by Russia, Simson said in an interview in Bucharest on Wednesday. They are not a trustworthy trading partner.

The dispute puts the EU in an uncomfortable position, with officials and leaders around the bloc frustrated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans years-long effort to dilute or stop Western aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.

We count on the European Commission and we expect them to stand up, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in an interview in Bucharest. He reiterated that Hungary would move on to a dispute-settlement mechanism if the EU cant find a solution.

Fitch Ratings warned on Wednesday that refineries in Slovakia and Hungary, both controlled by Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt., face significant credit risk if the stoppage persists.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini criticized Ukraines decision to halt the transit and warned of reciprocal measures if the situation persists, the Dennik N newspaper reported.

EU partners were incensed by Orbans decision earlier this month to use the blocs rotating presidency, currently helmed by Hungary, to go on a self-styled peace mission and hold talks with the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping  without the consent of Kyiv or Brussels.

There are also questions about how much of an energy security issue the Lukoil cutoff poses versus how much of a political issue it is for Orban, who is seen as the closest European leader to the Kremlin.

Hungary has doubled down on Russian energy since Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine while EU partners have moved to find alternative supplies.

Simson said she was convinced that Hungary and Slovakia started to diversify two years ago because it was just a matter of time before these types of complications arise.

Ukrainian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak, on Tuesday pushed back against the notion that Kyiv had endangered the energy security of another country, calling it market manipulation.

We ensure the transit of any transport by any company thats not under sanctions, Andarak told Bloomberg. Lukoil has been under sanctions for several years now.

--With assistance from Veronika Gulyas, Ewa Krukowska and Andrea Dudik.

(Updates with comments from EU Energy Commissioner starting in fourth paragraph, Fitch in seventh)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Yellowstone National Park officials investigate after a hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Bay on July 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy Yellowstone National Park)

A hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park damaged a boardwalk and sent debris several stories into the air Tuesday morning in the Biscuit Basin area northwest of Old Faithful, according to the scientist-in-charge at the U.S. Geological Surveys Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

The explosion, which Scientist-in-Charge Michael Poland said was a small one, happened around 10 a.m. Tuesday about 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful, likely in the Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin, Poland said.

Poland said in an information statement early Tuesday afternoon there had so far been no injuries reported in the explosion.

Videos posted online by people who witnessed the explosion showed several people on the boardwalk close to where the explosion occurred, and videos of the aftermath show debris across the area and a damaged boardwalk.

Biscuit Basins parking lot and boardwalks are temporarily closed for safety; Yellowstone National Park geologists are investigating the explosion but say data shows no out-of-the-ordinary volcanic activity.

Monitoring data show no changes in the Yellowstone region. Todays explosion does not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity, Poland said in a statement. Hydrothermal explosions like that of today are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface.

He said these types of explosions happen when water quickly changes to steam underground and they are relatively common in Yellowstone National Park.

There was a similar explosion in Biscuit Bay in May 2009 and a smaller explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15. Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin exploded in 1989.

Hydrothermal explosions often send boiling water, steam, mud and rock into the air and can reach heights of up to 1.2 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It said in a 2018 report that large hydrothermal explosions happen on average every 700 years. At least 25 craters have been identified in the park that are at least 328 feet wide, according to the report.

Although large hydrothermal explosions are rare events on a human time scale, the potential for additional future events of the sort in Yellowstone National Park is not insignificant, the report says. Based on the occurrence of large hydrothermal explosion events over the past 16,000 years, an explosion large enough to create a 100-meter (328-ft-) wide crater might be expected every few hundred years.

According to the National Park Service, Black Diamond Pool erupted black, murky water following an earthquake in July 2006 and saw several explosive eruptions in the days after, though eruptions have been infrequent since then. Its average temperature is 148.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

The public affairs office for Yellowstone National Park pointed the Daily Montanan to the news release from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory and said no further information was immediately available early Tuesday afternoon.

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said it would release more information as it becomes available.

This article was first published by the Daily Montanan, 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.
An Idaho man killed his mothers suspected killer. The jury asked to grant him mercy

When 12 jurors found Raul Cuevas guilty of murder, they attached a rare note to the judge, asking him to grant Cuevas leniency.

The Nampa resident was convicted of second-degree murder after he killed the man suspected of fatally stabbing his 52-year-old mother, Michelle Luna. While the jurors acknowledged that Cuevas had committed a horrendous crime, it was under horrific circumstances. The same jury acquitted Cuevas of his initial first-degree murder charge.

Fourth District Judge Jonathan Medema said the jurors note was something hed never seen throughout his nearly 30 years working within the criminal justice system.

Ive never seen a jury tell the trial judge that they do believe the defendant committed the crime, but they would like the trial judge to be  as I read it  understanding, Medema said.

Medema sentenced 32-year-old Cuevas to 10 years in prison, with the possibility for parole after four years. Medema during the sentencing Tuesday acknowledged the difficulty of his decision, weighing both Cuevas legitimate anger and grief against the act of killing someone and 39-year-old Jesus Urrutias value as a human being.

You made a very selfish decision  in an instant  to take his life, Medema told Cuevas.

Cuevas Caldwell-based private attorney, Alexander Briggs, said his client was exasperated with law enforcements lack of action and overcome with emotion after coming face to face with his mothers killer.

Had Jesus not stabbed Michelle to death in Nampa, we wouldnt be here, Briggs said in court Tuesday.

Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Holly Koole pushed for a harsher prison sentence of up to 45 years in prison, arguing that despite Cuevas frustration with law enforcement and his justifiable anger, he didnt get to take the law into his own hands.

His anger, his sadness, his rage is justifiable, but the planned murder of a person is not, Koole said. This is not a heat of passion case. He opened a car door and stabbed a man in the heart.

Raul Cuevas is handcuffed and lead away by guards at the Ada County Courthouse after being sentenced for killing Jesus Urrutia. A jury acquitted Cuevas on the first-degree murder charge but convicted him of second-degree murder.

Cuevas never intended to hurt Urrutias family

Just after 8:30 p.m. on March 28, 2023, officers from the Nampa Police Department responded to a home in the 2100 block of West Grouse Street after they got a 911 call that someone had been stabbed. There near the front door, officers found 52-year-old Luna, who had been stabbed in the chest, according to the autopsy report.

Luna had over a dozen defensive wounds across her body, the report said.

Within hours, Urrutia, who was living with Cuevas and Luna at the time, called Cuevas to tell him he had killed his mother and continued to taunt him throughout the night, Briggs said. Urrutia then told Cuevas that he was at a gas station off of Idaho 55, which Briggs said showed that Urratia wanted Cuevas or law enforcement to find him.

Briggs said Urrutia also called his sister, telling her that he wasnt going back to prison and would rather die on the outside. Cuevas called a detective with the Nampa Police Department around 4:18 a.m. to inform him about Urrutias whereabouts, Briggs said.

The officer didnt show up, Briggs said.

Briggs blistered at Kooles comment during the sentencing that Cuevas chose to hunt down Urrutia.

How can she even make that argument with a straight face? Briggs asked, adding that Koole knew Cuevas had spoken to the detective an hour before he arrived at the gas station. That cuts against every idea that this was a premeditated killing.

The next morning, before 7 a.m., Ada County sheriffs deputies arrived at an Exxon gas station off of Idaho 55 at the entrance of the Avimor development where they found Urrutia slumped over in a running but parked vehicle, the agency said in a news release. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died from a stab wound.

Deputies found Cuevas about five miles down Idaho 55, parked at another gas station. The Chevron manager previously told the Idaho Statesman Cuevas came into the store to use the gas stations phone to turn himself in.

I never intended to hurt Jesus mom or his family, and its something that I think about every day, Cuevas said in court.

Raul Cuevas and his attorney, Alexander Briggs, hug after hearing his sentence for second-degree murder at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. Cuevas was found guilty of killing Jesus Urrutia in March 2023, when he stabbed Urrutia in the chest after Urritia alledgedly stabbed to death Michelle Luna, Cuevas mother, in Nampa.

Took a brother, a father and a son away

For Urrutias sister, Lorena Urrutia Ruiz, her brother  whom she called Tito  was a hard-working, caring person and not the monster that people have viewed him as.

That morning Raul took a brother, a father and a son away from the Urrutia family, Urrutia Ruiz said. He took the ability for me to receive big tight hugs from my brother and hear him say, I love you, nena.

Urrutia Ruiz said Cuevas had plenty of opportunities to turn her brother in, and he chose not to.

We too want justice done, Urrutia Ruiz said. but we are leaving it in the courts hands to get that for us.

Urrutia had been on parole for several violent crimes, including first-degree kidnapping when he killed Cuevas mother. Briggs pointed out that under that kidnapping charge in Idaho law, Urrutia should have been sentenced to life in prison.

Urrutia was convicted in 2015 and released from the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in November 2021, according to court records and the Idaho Department of Correction.

Briggs questioned whether Urrutia would have even been on parole last year had he received a more significant sentence.

Would Michelle still be alive? Briggs said.

Raul Cuevas, sits stoically during his sentencing hearing at the Ada County Courthouse,. He was found guilty by jury for fatally stabbing Jesus Urrutia in March 2023.
Thousands of Idaho Power customers lost electricity Wednesday as part of the utilitys public safety shutoff plan to avoid sparking wildfires from power equipment. It was the first time Idaho Power issued preventative blackouts and came after the company sent multiple warnings to customers.

By 6 p.m. Wednesday, Idaho Powers outage map showed about a dozen intentional shutoff notifications involving more than 8,000 customers scattered across the Boise Foothills and East Boise, as well as numerous other unplanned outages in the region as high winds and severe thunderstorms blew across the Treasure Valley.

The extreme weather joined an already sweltering heat wave that threatened to ignite or worsen wildfires across Southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Tens of thousands of Idaho Power customers Tuesday night received notices from the utility. The public safety power shutoff plan, which Idaho Power presented to Boise City Council last month, calls for preemptive power shutoffs when conditions could spark fires. The practice has become more commonplace with utilities across the West as power providers in California, Oregon and Hawaii have been implicated in devastating blazes.

Idaho Power spokesperson Brad Bowlin told the Idaho Statesman a second alert was sent to around 55,000 customers Wednesday morning. Customers who received that alert live in areas most likely to see a power shutoff, like the Boise Foothills, southern Ada County and rural communities such as Emmett, Homedale and Parma. A map of at-risk areas is available at Idaho Powers website.

Bowlin said a power shutoff is kind of a last resort for extreme weather. This was the first time the utility had issued such a warning in the Treasure Valley. Bowlin said warnings were sent out in Pocatello in 2022 and in Cambridge  a small town between Weiser and New Meadows  earlier this summer, but neither warning resulted in an actual power shutoff.

He said weather conditions made a power shutoff in the Treasure Valley more likely than the previous warning situations. Idaho Power told customers to expect possible interruptions between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday. At least one notice said the outage could last 8 to 16 hours, and many customers saw their power stay out past midnight.

The length of an outage varies based on storm damage and the time it takes to patrol the line to ensure we can safely re-energize it, Idaho Power said in one text to customers.

The National Weather Services Boise office warned of severe thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 70 mph across the region. Storm chances in Boise were around 20% on Wednesday afternoon and increased to 50% for the evening, the agency told the Statesman.

Strong winds can cause power lines to break or come in contact with trees, throwing sparks that ignite fires. High temperatures can also cause electrical equipment like transformers to overheat and catch fire. The weather conditions then exacerbate the flames by providing necessary oxygen and drying out surrounding fuels.

Bowlin said Idaho Power has its own team of meteorologists that monitor weather conditions. PSPS notices are sent when the companys analysts notice a confluence of hot weather, dry fuels, high winds and other fire hazards.

Bowlin said the utility has other ways of trying to mitigate fire risks. He said some lines can be set to trip, or interrupt electrical supply, more easily during high winds. Lines can also be configured so they dont try to re-energize after theyre tripped, reducing the likelihood of an ignition. It has used those methods in the past when fire risks are high, but Bowlin said increased fire risk from a changing climate and an influx of residents, as well as improved power transmission technology, make a public safety shutoff another option.

We know some folks have been a little bit caught off-guard to get these notifications, Bowlin said. Were doing our best to deliver electricity safely.

We appreciate peoples patience, and we know theres no great time to have a power outage.

An Idaho Power transformer blew Monday evening, sparking a grass fire in the Warm Springs Mesa neighborhood near Harris Ranch. More than 3,000 customers lost power for about 90 minutes. The same group of customers experienced about a 50-minute outage Wednesday. The second outage was caused by an excavator not owned by Idaho Power hitting a power line, Bowlin said.

Idaho Power has been accused of causing large-scale wildfires in the past, including Oregon fires in 2014 and 2015  for which it paid $1.5 million to settle the allegations  and a 2008 fire in southeast Boise that killed a Boise State University professor.

Reporter Sally Krutzig contributed.
Can Idaho rape or incest survivors really get an abortion? Why they may face challenges

In a few rare instances, Idaho allows patients to pursue abortions and override the states ban on the procedure, one of the most restrictive in the country. Those exceptions include reported cases of rape and incest.

But one major barrier could make that a difficult, if not impossible, reality for survivors: denial of their own police reports.

Inquiries from the Idaho Statesman revealed that police agencies across the Treasure Valley have yet to create policies that guarantee survivors with access to their police reports within three days, a requirement of a state law passed last year. Several agencies couldnt point to specific procedures for how they would handle such requests. And at least one local police department denied survivors copies of their own reports, raising questions about how the rape and incest exception would work if a survivor were to pursue an abortion in Idaho.

Troy Hale, an investigator with the city of Nampas Office of Professional Standards, told the Statesman by email that the Nampa Police Departments procedure was not to release reports that are part of an active investigation. Since January 2023, the agency denied the release of a police report to someone who reported rape or incest four times. Hale said the agency discovered this fact while filling a Statesman records request for protocols to comply with the new law and police report denials to survivors.

Nampa polices records division will institute procedures to release rape and incest reports within three days as a result of the Statesmans inquiry, he added.

This was an oversight on our part, Hale said.

Ada, Canyon County dont have abortion exception protocols

Sexual assault cases are closed at a lower rate than many other crimes. That means survivors could potentially be denied a report for a long time if agencies base their records fulfillment on whether theres an active investigation. Idahos public records law allows police to deny the release of records in an open investigation.

Idahos abortion ban exception instructs law enforcement to make reports available quickly, but its not a certainty. A request for a report could still be denied if it cannot be redacted as necessary to avoid interference with an investigation, according to the law.

Its also unclear what criteria different agencies use to consider a case cleared. Hale, the Nampa investigator, said cases are typically closed when theres an arrest in the case, the prosecutor declines to take the case to court, or the survivor no longer wishes to pursue an investigation. Boise Police Department spokesperson Haley Williams said the status of a case doesnt impact survivors access to records.

The Ada County Sheriffs Office did not respond to questions about their criteria for closing rape and incest cases.

Ada and Canyon counties investigate the most rape cases in the state. Despite that, law enforcement agencies in those counties, in response to Statesman public records requests, said they dont have specific policies in place to ensure survivors can receive a copy of their police report within 72 hours of reporting.

The Boise Police Departments records division directed the Statesman to the departments policy manual, which does not address how to handle survivors records requests. Records officials said the department also complies with Idaho public records law when distributing sexual assault reports.

Officials said Boise police dont track records request responses based upon a requesters involvement, so they dont know how the agency responded to people asking for copies of their own reports.

Alisa Gulley, records supervisor for the Caldwell Police Department, told the Statesman in an email that the department released one redacted report to a rape or incest survivor since January 2023 and has fulfilled all requests. But Gulley said the department lacks documented policies or procedures for complying with the 72-hour report requirement.

Lauren Montague, spokesperson for the Ada County Sheriffs Office, told the Statesman in an email that the agency abides by the state law, which supersedes its policies. Montague said agency officials are well aware of this law, and if a victim were ever to need the report, one of them would go to our in-house legal team and get it taken care of quickly.

Montague said since January 2023, the agency has only received one request from a survivor for a copy of their report.

We turned it around well before the 72-hour mark, Montague said.

No standards for rape exceptions in abortion laws

In communities across the state, law enforcement sometimes create a network with survivor advocates, prosecutors offices and hospitals to form sexual assault response teams, which ensure consistency and sensitivity as experts help survivors through the reporting process.

Deb Wetherelt, an Idaho State Police coordinator for sexual assault response teams around the state, told the Statesman in a phone interview that different stakeholders lead local efforts, which include meetings to discuss best practices and needs.

The Canyon County sexual assault response team is led by the Nampa Family Justice Center, a nonprofit advocacy center that helps survivors of abuse. Ada County does not have a formalized team, Wetherelt said, but survivors may have better access to hospital resources and advocates because its an urban area.

Wetherelt said the Idaho State Police Laboratory, which processes DNA tests for all crimes in the state, can take months to process rape testing kits if other tests are deemed a priority. She said if police are pursuing an arrest in a rape case, the lab can prioritize processing a rape kit very quickly.

According to the 2023 Crime in Idaho report published earlier this month by Idaho State Police, the number of reported rapes in Idaho fell 11% from the previous year. Incest reports dropped by half, from 18 to nine.

Nearly half of the total reported rapes last year occurred in Ada and Canyon counties. Of 281 reported cases in the two counties, one-third of them were cleared. Police arrested a total of 18 people.

Lisa Bostaph, a Boise State University professor of criminal justice who focuses on sexual assault and intimate partner violence, told the Statesman those numbers are likely skewed since rape is one of the most underreported crimes.

Bostaph said shes not surprised that Idahos rape and incest reports havent increased since the state abortion ban took effect. She said victims likely prioritize getting an abortion in a neighboring state. Reports have shown significant increases in Idaho patients getting abortions in Montana and Washington since 2022.

Bostaph said shes beginning research on officer attitudes toward rape abortion exceptions, as well as researching how policing agencies are handling sexual assault reports as exceptions to abortion bans.

To my knowledge, there have been no created standards anywhere in the country for how this should play out, Bostaph said.

Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, and Rep. Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, sponsored the original ban bill and last years amendment to guarantee survivors access their police reports within 72 hours. Neither responded to requests for comment on how they envisioned the exception playing out when rape or incest survivors are seeking an abortion.

Blanksma told news outlets at the time that the amendment and other alterations to existing abortion law were a step in the right direction.

Abortion exception protocol for hospitals unclear

The law itself doesnt spell out a process for survivors to prove, or hospitals to confirm, that an abortion is legal.

Its also unclear how many Idaho sex crimes may have resulted in pregnancy. Theres little research on the subject, but a 1996 article published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology estimated the number at around 5%.

Bostaph said pregnancy may make survivors even less likely to report rape.

Reporting requires them to interact with the criminal justice system that isnt always supportive of them, and it also means that theres a potential for your case to become public, Bostaph said. You can imagine I may choose to do whatever I can to go and obtain an abortion outside of Idaho, rather than going to the police.

Bostaph noted that the declining number of OBGYNs in Idaho, and doctors concerns about whether the procedure is legal, could make it harder to find a doctor willing to perform an abortion. Physicians face prison time and loss of their medical license if theyre convicted of performing an illegal abortion.

St. Lukes Health System, which is Idahos largest health care organization and has pushed for exceptions to protect pregnant patients health, would provide the necessary care within the bounds of the law if patients meet the requirements of the rape and incest exception, spokesperson Christine Myron told the Statesman.

Patient and police privacy laws make it difficult to know if anyone has successfully had an abortion  or even tried to have one  under the exceptions since they took effect last July. Myron did not respond to questions about the health systems procedures for assessing rape and incest abortion cases or whether its hospitals have treated any patients under the exception.

Bostaph said the entire process is shrouded in confusion.

I dont mean this to be crass, but is every single woman who reports a rape getting something that says, I have reported a rape, so that if they find out theyre pregnant 60 days later, they can go in and get an abortion? she said How is this happening? Thats what nobody knows.
Ill. Man Killed Estranged Wife in Front of Children Because He Was Angry She Planned to Get Order of Protection

Prosecutors said the victim filed for divorce six weeks before she was murdered by her husband Timothy Gordon on Oct. 31, 2022

Kane County State Attorney's Office/Facebook Timothy Gordon

An Illinois man who fatally shot his estranged wife in front of two young children because he was angry she planned to file an order of protection against him has been sentenced to prison, authorities said.

Timothy Gordon, 48, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of his wife Yahaira, Kane County States Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced in a press release on July 19.

However, Gordons sentence was upgraded to life in prison without the possibility of parole after Judge Clint Hull imposed the maximum sentence for a firearm enhancement, believing that Gordon had executed his wife, the release states.

On Oct. 31, 2022, Gordon became upset after learning Yahaira was considering filing an order of protection against him, prosecutors said. Yahaira had filed for divorce six weeks earlier and was allowing Gordon to live in the basement of their Montgomery, Ill., home while she lived on the second-floor with her mother, aunt and four children.

Prosecutors said Gordon pushed his way into an upstairs bedroom occupied by Yahaira, her mother, her aunt and two children, aged 2 and 7. He walked up to Yahaira, placed a gun near her left temple, and fired once, according to prosecutors. They said the shot killed Yahaira instantly.

According to prosecutors, Yahaira recorded a video on her cellphone at the time of the shooting since she feared confrontation with Gordon. Its unclear how much of the incident was captured on video.

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Prosecutors said Gordon had a criminal history and was on parole for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon at the time of Yahairas killing. He was convicted of the offense in Mississippi in 2017, they said.

Authorities added that Gordons criminal history dates back to as early as 1994, including convictions for armed violence and robbery, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated DUI.

The defendant received the life sentence he deserved for doing to Yahaira what she didnt deserve, a prosecutor said in the release. She did not deserve to die in this utterly contemptible way. She did not deserve to have all of the memories robbed from her that she would have made with her children as they grew  high school, proms, weddings, grandchildren.



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I'm a New Yorker who visited Miami for the first time. The neighborhoods, social scene, and affordability surprised me most.

The author is a New Yorker who went to Miami for the first time in October 2021. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I'm a New Yorker who traveled to Miami for the first time in October 2021.

Many things were surprising, namely that Miami seemed less expensive and more social than New York.

I found a booming nightlife scene and colorful streets full of murals and Art Deco buildings.

I'm a New Yorker, and until October 2021, I'd never been to Miami.

Looking for warmth and a change of scenery, I made my first trip to Florida's Magic City. During my visit, I explored a range of neighborhoods. I was surprised by the many key similarities and differences between Miami and NYC, where I've lived for five years now.

The first thing I noticed about Miami was how cheap public transit was compared to New York.

The author rides a train in Miami. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Back home, I pay $2.90 for each subway ride. In Miami, I paid $5.65 a day for an unlimited pass that got me on the buses and railway system.

Miami also has a free trolley that runs across the city for 15 hours a day. I haven't heard of anything similar in New York.

Miami's free trolley stops in the city's Coconut Grove neighborhood. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In my experience riding Miami's trolleys, they were clean and not too crowded.

I also found that private Lyft rides in Miami were up to four times cheaper to travel the same distance as my rides in NYC.

The author took a few Lyfts during her trip. Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A 5-mile ride in Miami cost me $10 whereas a similar distance in Brooklyn has cost me $40.

Walking down the streets of Miami, I noticed there didn't seem to be as many trash cans as in New York, but the streets still seemed cleaner.

A trash can in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Typically in New York, I see overflowing trash cans on almost every corner, and there's still trash on the streets. But in Miami, the streets were much cleaner, which made me think this city didn't need as many.

In some areas of Miami, I noticed more yield than stop signs.

A yield sign in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Drivers seemed patient about waiting for pedestrians, unlike my experiences walking around my neighborhood in Brooklyn.

I often  incorrectly  assume smaller, or highly car-dependent cities won't be as walkable as New York. However, I was pleased to find that Miami had many walkable neighborhoods all over the city, not just in the downtown area.

People walk around South Beach and Coconut Grove in Miami. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

South Beach, Wynwood, and parts of Coconut Grove all had walkable streets that were dense with restaurants and stores.

I visited Miami in October and knew it had a reputation for being warm year-round. But I didn't know it was one of the warmest locations in the US in winter, with highs of nearly 80 degrees.

A date and temperature sign in South Beach. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

On average, winter highs are around 80 degrees, but when I visited Miami in October, it was typically 85 degrees during the day, which was much warmer than a fall day in NYC.

The warm weather also came with high humidity, which I found to be unbearable at times.

The author experienced hot, humid weather in South Beach. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Miami was quite humid in October when I visited.

New York gets humid, too, in the summers. But in Miami in October, my glasses immediately fogged up as I walked outside, which I've never experienced back home.

As I explored, I thought people seemed more eager to talk to strangers than in New York.

People play basketball at a public park in South Beach. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I had a lot of pleasant, random run-ins with strangers during my week in Miami, which almost never happens near my home in Brooklyn. Some people even greeted me on the street from their car windows.

I also sampled Miami nightlife, and while New York is known as the city that never sleeps, after a night in South Beach, I'm convinced it could share the title.

People gather on Ocean Drive in South Beach. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I could hear people partying from my hotel room in the streets below until the early hours of the morning.

One of my favorite discoveries in Miami was the abundant street art.

Murals in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

From Wynwood's murals to South Beach's art deco buildings, Miami's streets were just as colorful as New York's artsy neighborhoods like Bushwick.

Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without a stop at the beach. Miami Beach may be the cleanest beach I have ever seen.

Miami Beach on a sunny day. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I expected Miami's beaches to be clean, especially compared to New York's sandy shores, but was blown away by how beautiful they were. According to The Culture Trip, Miami Beach imports sand from Caribbean beaches.

Before visiting Miami, I never thought of it as a nature destination. But it's bordered by two national parks  Biscayne and Everglades.

A view of the Everglades from a dock near Miami. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Miami is bordered by Biscayne National Park on the east side and Everglades National Park on the west side.

When I shopped for groceries at the local supermarket, Publix, I found items I buy in New York, like Justin's Peanut Butter, available for a few bucks cheaper than at the market near my apartment.

Peanut butter for sale at a Publix in Miami. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I've paid $15 for Justin's Peanut Butter at the market near my NYC apartment, so I was surprised to see it selling for $12 at Publix.

I was also able to tour a 1,100-square-foot apartment in Miami and discovered that I could live with double the space for roughly the same price as my 500-square-foot Brooklyn abode.

A Miami apartment that costs the same as the author's NYC apartment. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The 1,100-square-foot Miami apartment was listed for $1,700 a month. Back then, I was paying $1,650 for my 500-square-foot Brooklyn apartment.

Overall, I found my week in Miami to be a warm, friendly change of pace from my life in New York City.

The author enjoys her time in Miami. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I'll certainly be back soon for the clean beaches, colorful streets, and more affordable peanut butter.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Increases in fees and tuition approved for Langston University and Rogers State University

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education met Wednesday at their offices in Oklahoma City and approved tuition and fee increases at two Oklahoma universities. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved tuition and fee increases on Wednesday after denying them in June.

They voted to approve a request from Langston University for a $66.32 annual increase in mandatory student fees.

They also approved Rogers State Universitys request for a 1.9% tuition increase, equal to about $5 per credit hour. The universitys tuition hike allows it to eliminate an $80 per credit hour fee for online classes.

Both universities had their requests rejected at the regents June meeting. Representatives from each university made their case to the regents at Wednesdays meeting.

At the June 27 meeting, Regent Courtney Warmington voted against any requests for increases from universities that had received direct appropriations from the Legislature.

On Wednesday, Warmington voted to approve both proposals, despite both institutions being recipients of direct appropriations.

Warmington said she spoke with representatives from these universities whose requests were rejected. She changed her mind when she learned more about the requests.

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The first time I ever went on a whale-watching expedition, I was amazed by how close the boats were able to get us to the feeding humpbacks. I had bought tickets for the trip expecting to see a few spouts and fins through a pair of binoculars, but no, they got right up close to the giant, breaching animals. I felt whale snot sprayed on my face.

Yet its good to remember that the large, whale-watching boats of the tourist trade are piloted by professionals who know exactly how to mange these experiences safely. For the private person, especially on a smaller boat, it does not pay to be in the path of a feeding whale, as these boaters recently discovered off the coast of New Hampshire.

Wild video shows a whale rising out of the water in New Hampshire and smashing a boat https://t.co/FwvmhRZLTxpic.twitter.com/Ptj8NOauU2  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 23, 2024

Yesterday, a pair of boaters found themselves in literally deep water after a breaching whale toppled their boat and dumped them both into the ocean. Incredibly, this footage was captured by two teenagers who were on a similarly tiny craft only a few yards away. The video is pretty incredibleas is the fact that no one was injured after this shocking incident.

Related: Whale Feeding in the Water Nearly Swallows Kayaker in Harrowing Video

In the clip, you can see a breaching whale tip over a nearby boat, dumping two passengers into the water in Portsmouth Harbor.

An Accidental Collision

For Colin and Wyatt Yager, a simple fishing trip turned into a rescue mission after the nearby boat capsized. They said one man managed to jump overboard as the whale collided with the craft but that the other man was pushed under the boat as it came down.

Thankfully, no one was seriously injured.

One of the fishermen from the boat, Ryland Kenney, said that they had seen the whale feeding and were attempting to keep their distance, but apparently hadnt gone far enough away.

He went under, he disappeared for a few minutes, and then the next thing we know, he just popped right up on our transom, he told a local news station.

Though the Coast Guard reported the incident to the appropriate wildlife authorities, it is not thought that the whale itself was injured by this collision. In fact, its possible that the giant creature never even noticed that the boat was there.

If you look at the video really carefully, you can see that the whale has its mouth open, Sara Morris of the University of New Hampshire Shoals Marine Laboratory told the press. It looks like its lunge feeding and actually trying to catch fish.

Yes, You Can Be Swallowed By a Whale

Though orcas attacking yachts have been much in the news lately, this incident appears to be entirely accidental, and its not the first of its kind, either. Many whales swim with their mouths opening when filter feeding or trying to catch fish, as this whale was doing. A pair of kayakers in California were capsized by a feeding humpback in 2020, and a diver in Cape Cod found himself actually inside the mouth of a filter feeding humpback in 2021 (he, too, survived to tell the tale).

From the whales perspective, these incidents are the equivalent of stepping on an anthill or swallowing a fly. They dont mean to do it, but it can cause quite the commotion when they do.

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NEW DELHI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- An Indian army trooper and a militant were killed Wednesday in a fierce gunfight in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight broke out in the forest area of Kowut in the frontier Kupwara district, about 70 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

According to the Indian army, the gunfight was triggered after a joint contingent of army and police cordoned off a portion of the forest area on Tuesday based on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of militants.

"Today suspicious movement was observed in the area, following which there was an exchange of fire between the two sides. In the ensuing gunbattle, one militant was killed and a non-commissioned officer wounded critically," a police official said. "Though the wounded trooper was removed to hospital, he succumbed to his wounds there later on."

Separately, a trooper was killed on Tuesday during a gunfight in the Battal area of Krishna Ghati sector of frontier Poonch district, about 180 km southwest of Srinagar. 
A new population of "highly aggressive" red imported fire ants has infested a private property in Montecito, according to Santa Barbara County officials.

The ants are capable of biting and stinging humans, pets and livestock, typically in defense of their nest or colony, according to a news release from the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner's Office. The venom from an ant's sting can "cause painful pustules on the skin, and can be particularly dangerous, even fatal, to sensitive groups or those with an allergy to the venom."

Officials were alerted to the presence of the red imported fire ants on the Montecito property back in 2023 and continued to monitor the site when they discovered this year that the population had infested the area.

"We believe it came from a licensed nursery stock seller from Riverside County," said Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Stephanie Stark. "One of the ways [the red imported fire ant] gets moved is through contaminated or infested soil."

Native to South America, the ants have long been a thorn in the side of pest control officials across Southern states such as Texas, which spends about $1.2 billion each year trying to control ant populations. Stark said that Santa Barbara County undergoes a rigorous and stringent process to vet produce shipped in from quarantine zones that are infested with red imported fire ants.

But those measures haven't stopped the ants from making their way up north. The last time Santa Barbara dealt with this invasive species was in 2017, and it's likely the county will face future episodes. To date, Santa Barbara County has spent more than $15,000 to eradicate the red imported fire ants whenever they appear, Stark said.

While red imported fire ants don't eat agricultural produce, "they sting people and animals, they threaten wildlife. They can damage electrical equipment, and also can displace other native ants in an area because they can use [their venom] against other ants too," said Siavash Taravati, an entomologist and integrated pest management advisor with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Read more: Tree-killing beetle is on a death march through Southern California's oaks. Can it be stopped?

The invasive insect has been a nuisance for Californian pest control officials ever since they waged war on the ant in the late 90s and early 2000s. In Riverside, where Taravati is based, the ants have such a stronghold that removing them is nearly impossible, he said. But he thinks Santa Barbara County has a chance of stopping their spread.

The county "has it only in one area," said Taravati, who's advising county officials on the complete removal of the red imported fire ant. "We hope that we can eradicate it and prevent it from getting spread to other parts of the county," he said.

Inexperienced pest management workers might try to pour liquid insecticide on red imported fire ant nests, Taravati said, but it's not so simple. "If you miss one single queen, she can later on lay more eggs, and then the whole problem comes back," he said.

The red imported fire ants don't have many natural predators in Southern California, except for phorid flies. The key to killing a local colony of red imported fire ants is using a combination of chemical drenches and greasy bait, because the carnivorous ants love protein.

Read more: Eggs of grapevine-gobbling insect snagged en route to California. Are vineyards at risk?

"[Foragers] feed on the bait. They bring it back to the nest to feed their larvae and feed their queen or queens in the colony," Taravati said. "These baits are designed to be slow, because if they kill the ants super fast, there won't be enough time to pass the toxicants or insecticide to the queen and the rest of the colony."

At first it might be hard to distinguish the red imported fire ant from the sugar-loving Argentine ant, but a key distinction is the red imported fire ants' aggressive nature.

Mark Hoddle, director of the Center for Invasive Species Research at UC Riverside, said his first encounter with the red imported fire ants was in Louisiana while looking for a different invasive species in a citrus tree. He inadvertently stepped on a mound and was quickly swarmed by angry red imported fire ants that bit his legs, leaving behind painful red blisters all over his skin.

Luckily, Hoddle was able to walk away, but others have not be so lucky. In rare cases, people have died after numerous bites from the venomous red imported fire ant.

"[Death is] a risk for anybody that's susceptible to anaphylactic shock," said Hoddle.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former President Donald Trump's attempted assassination has had a reverberating effect around the nation and world. Of course, those reverberations are being felt acutely by the agency and personnel tasked with protecting him, the U.S. Secret Service.

Those impacts have included multiple investigations to answer the "how" and "why" of the attempted assassination and a devastating House Oversight and Government Affairs (OGR) Committee hearing that culminated in the Secret Service Director's resignation, which she said was due to the "distraction" the calls for her resignation had become.

The House OGR Committee has also demanded answers and asked at what point will the American public know what happened and what failures occurred.

With the attempted assassination of Trump, there are at least five different investigations taking place to understand what happened. The FBI is leading the investigation of the attempted assassination and the shooter. In public statements, they have given no timeline when they will release their investigative findings, although much of the information has found its way into the news.

The Secret Service is conducting a Mission Assurance investigation which according to the now former Director's OGR testimony, also has no definitive timeframe.

PHOTO: U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, July 22, 2024. (John Mcdonnell/AP)

MORE: What Trump's assassination attempt may mean for the Secret Service: ANALYSIS

We are also expecting both the House of Representatives and Senate to launch their own investigations into the attempted assassination.

At the direction of President Joe Biden, the Department of Homeland Security formed an independent panel to review and report on the attempted assassination within 45 days, which will probably be the first and most inclusive investigation, as the Secret Service works under DHS and is sure to share their and the FBI investigation's findings so the panel can issue a complete report.

The Secret Service's creation and evolution have been intertwined with the history of political assassinations in the United States. It was founded after the Civil War in order to combat the rampant counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Ironically, the agency's founding documents sat on President Abraham Lincoln's desk on the evening of his assassination, making the creation of the agency his last official act. At the time of Lincolns 1865 assassination, the president's protection was two Washington, D.C., police officers and a soldier.

That changed after the 1901 assassination of William McKinley, which prompted Congress to authorize protection of the president, renewable on a year-to-year basis. It wasn't until after the unsuccessful attempted assassination of President Harry Truman by Puerto Rican separatists in the 1950s that Congress finally mandated permanent protection of the president by the Secret Service.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by a bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

MORE: How the Secret Service will mitigate threats at the 2024 presidential conventions: ANALYSIS

As history has passed, the Secret Service has had many unknown successes and has thwarted assassination attempts. But, of course, it has also had a few high-profile failures, including the 1963 assassination of President John Kennedy, attempted assassination of President Reagan and of course, the current attempted assassination of former President Trump, which was the first time a former president was the subject of an attempt since Teddy Roosevelt.

In the wake of each of these failures -- and the Secret Service is often first to admit a failure -- multiple investigations occurred to understand and prevent further failures. After JFK was killed, the Warren commission took close to a year to announce its results. And after the attempt on Reagan's life, the investigation took several months.

PHOTO: A member of the U.S. Secret Service stands outside the White House, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Washington. (Julia Nikhinson/AP)

Typically, these types of independent panels, like the 9/11 Commission Panel, will coalesce all of the investigative information, interview as many individuals involved with the incident and investigation, examine the site, do some on-the-record interviews, review agency policies and procedures and examine the totality of the incident.

Once they have that information, they will make formal "findings" of the incident and its failures, which will explain "what" and "how" things happened. The panel will also make formal recommendations in an "after action" of the incident and identify what improvements could be made, specifically by the Secret Service, which in the past has embraced and implemented any and all recommended changes.

Most importantly, and this is the reason everyone should pay attention to it, this DHS Independent Review Panel is formed by "bipartisan" career public servants, with the exception of a former Secret Service director, and is apolitical.

The panel, by its executive order's establishment, carries the power of the president and is the only investigative arm that could force immediate changes onto the Secret Service.

How the investigation into Trump's attempted assassination may play out: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
One of the nations largest single-family-home rental companies has agreed to pay nearly $20 million to resolve allegations it made unpermitted renovations across its portfolio in California.

Invitation Homes, which owns 12,000 homes in the state, will pay $8 million to Los Angeles and 34 other cities, $8 million to Blackbird Special Ventures, a San Diego-based business that brought the lawsuit, and $4 million in attorneys fees, under a proposed settlement filed in federal court Monday.

Blackbird, which is owned by La Jolla entrepreneur Neil Senturia, sued Invitation Homes in 2020, alleging that the home rental company purchased properties and then systematically made renovations without permits, including significant demolitions, electrical and plumbing repairs and swimming pool construction. California law provides third parties with a financial incentive to bring claims on behalf of the state. Blackbird said it discovered the need for permits through its automated technology that analyzed samples of before and after images of Invitation Homes rentals.

The practice cost cities permitting fees and put tenants at risk of living in substandard conditions, said Vince McKnight, an attorney with Sanford Heisler Sharp, which represented Blackbird.

If work is being done without a permit, its not being inspected and we dont know if its up to code, McKnight said. We dont know if tenants are moving into a home thats safe.

Read more: Nation's largest single-family home landlord to pay $3.7 million in California rent-gouging case

Invitation Homes did not admit wrongdoing in the case and continued to deny the allegations in a statement. It said settling the litigation was in the best interest of all its stakeholders and allows the company to better focus on its core business operations.

Under the proposed terms, cities will receive a proportion of the $8 million based on how many relevant homes the company owns within each jurisdiction. The city of Los Angeles is expected to collect $1.5 million; Sacramento is in line for $967,000.

The case is at least the second major legal settlement in California involving Invitation Homes this year. In January, the company agreed to pay $3.7 million to resolve allegations made by Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta that it violated Californias rent gouging laws.

Invitation Homes owns 84,000 properties across the country. Those in California accounted for 17% of the companys $632 million in rental revenue during the three months that ended March 31, according to its most recent quarterly financial report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission . The $3,047 average monthly rent for Invitation Homes properties in Southern California is the highest in its nationwide portfolio, the report said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The moon can be seen behind the flag with the Olympic rings. Peter Kneffel/dpa

The International Olympic Committee has tried to force US authorities into protecting the integrity of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) by inserting an additional clause into the contract with Salt Lake City to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Salt Lake, which also hosted the 2002 Winter Games which were mired in allegations of bribery, was awarded the 2034 Games by the IOC Session in Paris on Wednesday.

But the contractual clause inserted appears to reflect the IOC's unhappiness with US authorities for threatening legal action against WADA for not banning 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance in 2021.

WADA has said it agreed with Chinese officials who ruled that the positive tests were due to mass food contamination and there should be no bans. The tests only came to light this year and 11 of the swimmers are set to compete in Paris 2024, which begins on Friday.

Despite fierce criticism led by the US, an independent investigator from Switzerland found no misconduct on the part of WADA.

According to the clause, the Olympic organizers of Salt Lake City must actively lobby the US government to alleviate the IOC's concerns about investigations by US authorities into doping issues.

WADA president Witold Banka previously spoke of "slanderous accusations" by the US Anti-Doping Agency and expressed concern about the investigation into the Chinese case initiated by the US Department of Justice, despite no offence having been committed on US soil.

The Olympic host contract can be cancelled if WADA's powers are undermined, officials at the IOC Session said.

Salt Lake City, bidding with the state of Utah, received six votes against and six abstentions in the awarding of the 2034 Winter Games, with 83 IOC members voting in favour of the bid. There was no opposing bid.
Iowas law that bans abortion before most women know they are pregnant is set to take effect Monday, after a judge formally dissolved the injunction preventing it from being enforced.

The law passed last year and briefly took effect before it was blocked in response to a lawsuit from abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the ACLU of Iowa.

The Iowa Supreme Court last month reaffirmed the law, saying there was no constitutional right to an abortion in the state and ordered the block lifted.

The law bans abortions after fetal cardiac activity can be detected  usually around six weeks, which is before many women know they are pregnant. There are some exceptions for rape and incest if reported to the police or health provider within a specific time period. Medical exceptions include a fetal abnormality thats incompatible with life or if the pregnancy endangers the womans life.

A district court judge on Tuesday said the law can be fully enforced starting July 29 at 8 a.m. CT, to give time for medical providers to receive notice of the change. Until the law takes effect, abortion will be legal in the state until 22 weeks of pregnancy. The state also has a 24-hour waiting period.

Currently, 14 states have near-total bans at all stages of pregnancy and Iowa will be one of four state that ban abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.

The law will have a ripple effect across the Midwest, as people seeking abortions will need to travel greater distances and wait longer to obtain care. The closest states for Iowans would most likely be Illinois, Minnesota or Nebraska, though Nebraska has a 12-week abortion ban law.

Travel is a significant barrier for low-income women, who may wind up carrying their pregnancy to term regardless of complications.

Democratic-led states that protect abortion have seen a surge in traffic since Roe v. Wade fell.

For example, the Chicago Abortion Fund said it has received over 60 support requests from Iowans in just the first three weeks of July, a 165 percent increase from previous months, despite abortion still being legal in Iowa.

Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, said she expects the full impact wont be known until about 6 to 8 weeks after the law takes effect.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights research group, there were estimated 4,150 abortions in Iowa in 2023. But abortion care was still sparse, and Iowans drove an average of 53 minutes to their nearest clinic even prior to the 6-week ban. Now, people are going to have to go much farther.

Jeyifo said its often availability instead of proximity that matters more to patients, and the abortion clinics in and around Chicago that dont currently have long wait times should be able to handle the expected influx of patients from Iowa.

There are only two abortion providers in Iowa, both of which were plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The organizations said they will adapt to the new law and will not close.

Planned Parenthood North Central States said it will continue to provide abortion care under current protocols for the rest of this week, and will help patients determine whether they can still be seen in Iowa or must travel to different health centers in Minnesota, Nebraska, or other neighboring states.

Any time a patient is forced to travel across state lines for essential health care is devastating, Ruth Richardson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a statement. We are committed to doing everything we can to help patients get the care they need, which has included long-term regional investments in our Mankato [Minn.] and Omaha [Neb.] health centers. But Iowans deserve to access care in their own community and in their own state.

In a statement issued last month after the state Supreme Courts decision, the Emma Goldman Clinic said it will continue to provide abortion care to the extent possible and help the people it cant treat navigate the logistics of seeking care in other states.

The Emma Goldman Clinic is not going anywhere, the organization said, and will continue to provide life saving and life changing care. We know that cervical cancer screenings, gender affirming care and wellness exams save lives.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Iowa Supreme Court denied a request for a rehearing on the fetal heartbeat law.

The law, House File 732, bans abortion after a heartbeat can be detected in a fetus, typically around six weeks after conception. The move forces the lower court to lift the injunction that blocks the law from taking effect. Chief Justice Susan Christensen declined the request to rehear the case with no noted dissents to the order. The judge plans to give organizations a few days notice before lifting the injunction on the ruling.

The law is set to go into effect July 29. 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
The Biden administration still speaks of not allowing Iran nuclear weapons. Yet just last Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that Iran is probably one or two weeks away from having breakout capacity to produce fissile material for a nuclear weapon. His blunt observation, that where we are now is not a good place, barely begins to capture the problem.

Thanks to more than a decade of international inaction, Irans nuclear program is now so advanced, resilient, and opaque that it can cross the threshold more easily than we can stop it. This accrues deterrence to Iran, reducing its need for any provocative final steps to produce an actual weapon and rouse a global response.

The U.S. has for too long relied on timeworn sanctions and military threats, or simply avoided the issue altogether, eroding our credibility and distracting from an overdue, hard-nosed reevaluation of how Iran has profoundly magnified the costs, risks, and uncertainties of our prevention policy. Until we face up to these failures, Iran increasingly will throw its weight around as if it has nuclear weapons, ramping up its destabilizing aggression that has been so evident since October 7.

Enriching uranium to weapons-grade purity of 90 percent is a longstanding U.S. redline. But Iran has produced so much material just under this line, for so long, as to leave a distinction without a difference between its actions and U.S. prohibitions. Secretary Blinkens recent comment about Iran being just a week or two from breakout capacity should not obscure the bigger concern: Iran can make a dozen bombs worth of 90 percent uranium in just three months and maintain steady output thereafter; the Manhattan Project worked overtime for a year-plus to make just four such quantities. Even if Iran does nothing to expand its infrastructure, these numbers will keep shifting in its favor as stockpiles accumulate. The fact Iran is known to be so close to this threshold, and that any final steps could come quickly and imperceptibly, basically forces the world to treat it like a nuclear powereven when it isnt.

Irans program is also highly resilient. Having seen Iraqi and Syrian nuclear ambitions devastated by small surprise Israeli attacks, Tehran uses new centrifuges to enrich uranium faster at smaller sites that are easier to bury, hide, and disperse. The Stuxnet cyberattack in 2010 set back Irans main plant for months, but 10 years later a rash of covert kinetic strikes (attributed to Israel) prompted a much more dangerous response as the regime swiftly boosted uranium output, deployed better centrifuges, shifted enrichment deeper underground, and built new subterranean facilities.

All of this steady progress shrinks the window for inspectors to track ever more activities, which Iran compounds by systematically denying them access. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi has warned he lost sight of Tehrans progress long ago and would have to build a new inspections regime from scratch, including on Irans weaponization status. Israels heist of Irans nuclear archives in 2018 showed that to be more advanced than was widely thought, and woven into a maze of military and purportedly civilian sites.

Tehrans implausible deniability is advantageous. The regime is not overtly completing a bomb, but it knows how to make an advanced version of the implosion-type device used on Nagasaki, and it watched Pakistan successfully test similar designs six times in 1998. Nor would the regime need testing to assure the usability of a simpler gun-type device, like the one used on Hiroshima. Either way, it could produce the components separately and defer assembly, just as the atomic bombs dropped on Japan were finished in the Pacific only days before. Accordingly, leading analysts noted, it is not possible to predict when or if the Iranian regime might decide to build nuclear weapons (emphasis added).

This unpredictability helps deter U.S. or Israeli military action. It curbs the ability to gauge whether Iran is about to achieve the bomb, clouds assessments of what damage a strike could or did inflict, and denies success to any ensuing operations. Irans missiles and drones reinforce this deterrence by exploiting adversaries lack of strategic depth, and holding hostage their bases and other key assets. Iran can credibly threaten massive and precise retaliation, and it expands the range of these weapons by giving them to proxies encircling the region. The cost-benefit analysis of U.S. or Israeli military action favors Iran much more today than when Israel came closest to striking in 2010-12.

Now outmaneuvered, U.S. strategy is slipping into a tacit, but tectonic, shift from preventing to containing or outright ignoring the problem. Six straight administrations have pledged to use all elements of U.S. power to keep Iran from the bomb, but the Biden administration has mixed explicit rejection with implicit acceptance.

Already in spring 2021, American officials admitted aloud their fading hopes to reverse Irans advances or divulge its bomb-building efforts. The president and Secretary Blinken each acknowledged this failure privately in late 2022, after Iran ditched JCPOA reentry talks. But it fell to Gen. Mark Milley, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to admit the failure publicly, if not plainly, when he told the Senate last year that the United States would not permit Iran a fielded nuclear weapon. By punting a well-established redline beyond the point a bomb could be fully assembled, that single added word spoke volumes about how Tehran was undoing decades of U.S. prevention policy.

In parallel, Iran worked around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus 2012 redline of one bombs worth of 20 percent uranium. Ten years later, after Tehran produced multiple such quantities, Israelis warned about not enriching above 60 percenta stance since adopted by the JCPOAs European parties (The U.K., France, and Britain, known as the E3). This impinges Israeli credibility and gives far less warning time of a much larger breakout.

Tehrans success is evident in Americas policy catatonia. The United States and E3 have clear authority to snap back stringent international sanctions but have refrained from using it. In tandem, President Joe Biden conspicuously avoided his long-promised pivot to a pressure campaign, trying instead to bribe Tehran handsomely to slow, not stop or reverse, a fraction of its enrichment. The administration also quietly restrained Israeli military preparations, driven by transparent aversions to what this portended. Combined with the sheer scale of work required to ready a strike, and Israels resulting reticence to deal with Hamas or Hezbollah before the shock of October 7, this shows Irans real leverage from its nuclear advances.

Tehran and its proxies underlined this problem by firing the first shots on all seven fronts that now embroil U.S. and Israeli forces in the regions tensest standoff in a generation. Irans audacious targeting of Israel in April with the largest projectile offensive in history, including missiles whose variants could one day carry nuclear warheads, would have been unthinkable if it felt it could not deter or defeat any ensuing conflict spiral. Though tactically impressive, Americas role in helping shoot down that attack, and immediately framing the result as a win, actually reinforces Irans boldness by conveying an overriding desire to forestall an Israeli response.

In the backdrop, Iranian officials underline their newfound escalation dominance by indicating a readiness to weaponize, if need bea marked departure from prior excoriations of anyone who questioned the ostensibly civilian nature of their nuclear project. In January, Irans nuclear chief declared it is about us not wanting to do this. It is not about the lack of capability.  I think we have achieved such deterrence. The next month, his predecessor said, Weve crossed all the lines, overcome all obstacles. Its like having all the parts to build a car: we have the chassis, the engine, the transmission, everything. Each component serves its purpose, and everything is in our hands. In April, the security head for nuclear facilities warned: If Israel wants to use the threat of attacking our countrys nuclear sites as a tool to put Iran under pressure, revision of the Islamic Republics nuclear doctrine and polices  is conceivable and probable.

Anymore, the concern is less how regional tensions create diversions for Iran to cross the nuclear threshold, and more how its capacity to do so compels its enemies to comply with its terms for war and peace. In a damning indictment of this cumulative policy failure, it is best to start anew and stop devaluing Americas word with yet more immaterial promises. Policymakers will have to figure out, from whole cloth, what they are trying to prevent and what it would take to achieve this.

Any cogent answer must first resolve the ambiguity at the core of Irans atomic venture and its ability to advance in obscurity. The U.S. can only hope to draw viable redlines, and devise credible threats to uphold them, if it actually knows whats inside the black box. Thus Tehran first has to provide a complete declaration of its nuclear program, something it roundly rejected when that program was smaller and more vulnerable. This endeavor goes far beyond even the heavy lifting of reconstituting the IAEAs continuity of knowledge about Irans declared activities at its handful of known sites, which are just a shrinking fraction of its larger enterprise. The world needs its first-ever full transparency on Irans sprawling weaponization drive, enrichment and centrifuge infrastructure, proliferation networks, and missile development. Inspectors then need to be able to verify Irans declaration, and anything they suspect is omitted, when and where they choose, including sensitive Iranian military bases, for as long as necessary.

Accordingly, the baseline ultimatum should be that Iran provide this visibility and swiftly comply en toto with the IAEAs investigation. Only then will it be feasible to reposition and redefine strictures around Irans nuclear program itself. Anything else will be drawn in the dark, devoid of credibility. Given Tehrans tendency to proceed obliquely and in obscurity, this will be more complex than old redlines that could be drawn literally in one stroke, like when Netanyahu famously stood before the U.N. in 2012 and dragged a big red marker across a cartoon explosive representing one bombs worth of 20 percent uranium. It may entail Iran rolling back its program from where it now stands, making enforcement even dicier than prior redlines premised on potential future progress.

In this context, Iran would have to, at minimum, adhere to the most stringent IAEA safeguards regime, which means shuttering all undeclared facilities, building no new ones, and comprehensively disclosing its bomb-making efforts. Since inspectors will find rampant Nonproliferation Treaty violations, redlines might need to cut to the quick, as far down as zero enrichment. Forcing Iran to open its books could obviate some of these challenges by also forcing the United States, Israel, and E3 to finally agree on a unified position.

Starting with basic transparency, these redlines will be viable only if Tehran fears significantly more military and diplomatic pressure than it ever has before. Targeting its nuclear and retaliatory capability, and even threatening to do so, is a categorically tougher proposition today than Israels strikes on Iraq, Syria, and nearly Iran in 2012 (before America balked). It means the largest U.S. operation since at least the Gulf Wars, and one that promises to be equally open-ended and indeterminate.

Credibly threatening to bring so much force to bear if Iran tests our new redlines, and blunting Irans response, necessitates greatly enhanced U.S. force posture in the region. It also entails tight coordination on offensive operations with Israel, at levels that both countries have been loath to undertake, and which increasingly intertwines with Israels calculus toward Irans most potent proxy, Hezbollah. The United States already faces competing crises in Europe and Asia, unlike 10 to 15 years ago, making it harder to sacrifice readiness elsewhere and secure global allies support for another major Middle East conflict.

All this capability will still be moot without U.S. readiness to use it, should Iran dare test new redlines. Four straight commanders-in-chief have failed to convey such intent, which now may include threatening the regime itself, in order to compel it to concede a complete declaration of its program, coerce it to adhere to new redlines, and dissuade it from resuming nuclear work after a potential strike. The United States and E3 also need Tehran to know they will reimpose U.N. sanctions on its illegal nuclear activities in lieu of a complete and verifiable declaration. Reasserting this lost credibility is innately difficult, and made harder still by Irans sense of escalation dominance and the threats it already negated.

Domestic support will be key to sustaining a much more demanding and risky policy. Leadership in both parties still say a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, and resounding public majorities see it as a top threat. But nobody grapples with these implications for prevention, nor how to communicate them to the public, now that Iran doesnt have to cross established redlines to be a living, breathing nuclear power. And despite clear evidence in Ukraine and Gaza, American leaders are reluctant to confront and convey the highly unpredictable course, duration, and demands of contemporary wars. By comparison, President John F. Kennedy purposely appeared ashen-faced and graven before the watching world in October 1962, warning he would not shrink from the risks, though awful, of global war if the alternative was nuclear missiles in Cuba. President Jimmy Carters 1980 State of the Union address inveighed Americans to give careful thought, steady nerves, and resolute action, not only for this year but for many years to come to meet Moscows new threats to the Middle East.

Such momentous shifts in Iran prevention policy will be hard to execute, they offer zero comfort of continuity with standard practices, they bring no guarantee of success, and to most Americans they raise the specter of yet one more, even costlier forever war. But thinking and talking through the problem is long overdue, and profoundly preferable to the strategic inertia Tehran exploits so well.

Avoiding this debate and defaulting belatedly to containment is at least as problematic. Its proponents would have to explain how a posture premised on robust deterrence could ever succeed, if its point of departure is the confirmed failure of credible prevention policy. It is also highly uncertain if the successes of Cold War containment could be recreated at reasonable cost, including rebuilding deterrence and bringing partners onboard for an inherently long-term effortand all without the impetus from an overt demonstration of Iranian nuclear weapons capability.

We dodged these discussions when Irans threats were less pressing and everyone threw sanctions at the problem, even though this encouraged Irans nuclear and conventional aggression that sanctions could not slow, let alone stop. Like the debates surrounding Americas adoption of containment over isolationism to counter the Soviet Uniona decision that was far from foretolddefining what prevention now means can force sharper thinking about the ends and means of U.S. strategy. Those debates of the 1940s-50s spurred greater appreciation and action from Congress, defense industry, allies, and the American people to address these challenges together and send clear signals to Moscow and other audiences.

Just as the United States finally quit isolationism after World War II, the Iran problem can be addressed only by consciously abandoning inept and obsolete strategic concepts, including the fallacy that Iran only advances directly and obviously toward redlines that are easily defined and upheld. Too often, this fallacy readily translates to intuitive and stark, but misleadingly reassuring, analogies that portray Iran as a tiger, snake, or octopus.

A more accurate depiction is harder to appreciate, because the danger is neither clear nor present: Iran designed its program to pass through the threshold of nuclear weapons unharmed, just as the snail glides safely and unassumingly over the edge of a straight razor. Facing expectations it would act like a deadly predator, Iran became a snail. America must now adapt and advance in turn.

Read more at The Dispatch

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A man stands with an old Persian national flag next to a police officer and a display case. Following the ban on the nationwide Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), three properties in Frankfurt am Main and Bad Homburg have been searched by the police. Andreas Arnold/dpa

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the German ambassador in Tehran in protest against the ban on the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), the German Foreign Office confirmed on Wednesday.

German authorities earlier banned the IZH, an organization that German domestic intelligence has classified as extremist and considers to be controlled by Iran.

To enforce the ban, which also affects five affiliated organizations, officers searched the IZH inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg as well as premises in eight other states early in the morning.

Dozens of police officers were seen cordoning off the Imam Ali Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, in Hamburg.

According to a dpa reporter, several police officers stormed the building of a Shiite organization in Berlin's Tempelhof district at around the same time.

A total of 53 properties in the states of Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria were searched in connection with the ban, the Interior Ministry said.

A police officer removes a sign from the Islamic Center Berlin in Ordensmeisterstrasse. Sven Kauler/TNN/dpa
Who is and isn't on the August primary ballot

In Michigans Aug. 6 primary election, voters must choose which party's candidates to vote for, but they can't revisit their presidential choices.

The presidential primaries were held in February. President Joe Biden won the Democratic primary and former President Donald Trump won the Republican race.

With Bidens decision to leave the race, his replacement will be chosen through another process. Based on its presidential primary results Michigan had 115 delegates slated to support Biden at the Democratic National Convention. Those delegates are free agents now, and will be part of a process that ultimately picks the party's nominee.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the August election.

Q: Whos on the ballot?

A: Candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and Michigan House of Representatives. In some places, voters will select county-level officers like sheriffs, treasurers and clerks. Some city, village or township offices may also appear on the ballot as well as questions like bond issues.

The Free Press has a primary voter guide to contested primary races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, metro Detroit state House districts and some metro Detroit county offices here.

Q: Can I split my ticket?

A: No. This is a partisan primary. You must select the ballot of one party and vote for candidates in that party who are competing against other candidates from the same party.

Q: When is the deadline to register to vote?

A: The deadline for online registration for the primary has passed. Michigan does have same-day voter registration allowing voters to register in person at their local clerks office through Election Day.

Q: How do I register?

A: You fill out an application. Typically that can be done online, in person at clerks office, secretary of state office and other government offices or by mail. But since we're fewer than 15 days before the election, you'll have to do it in person by the end of Election Day for the August primary.

Q: Who is eligible to vote in Michigan?

A: U.S. citizens who are Michigan residents, 18 years or older, and who are not currently serving a jail or prison sentence.

Q: When is the election?

A: The primary takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, and voting lasts from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. (you can vote if you are in line by 8 p.m.) You can find your polling place here.

Michigan clerks now offer early voting as well, starting at least nine days before an election. Find those locations here.

Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com or on X @jwisely.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan August primary ballot choices
Hubei Media Group: A US delegation of heavyweight business executives from Boeing, Goldman Sachs, Starbucks, and the United Family and so on is visiting China. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Premier He Lifeng met with them respectively. US business leaders said they welcome the important message of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC to further deepen reform comprehensively and the US business sector is confident about embracing the Chinese market. Whats your comment?



Mao Ning: There has been a lot of global attention on the new blueprint for Chinas reform and opening up adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC. The session sent a strong message to the world about Chinas steadfast commitment to reform and opening up in the new era. The story of Chinas development success tells us that reform and opening up has always been the keyit was reform and opening up that enabled China to catch up with the times with big strides, it was reform and opening up that brought Chinas First Centenary Goal to fruition since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, and it is still reform and opening up that will break new ground in Chinese modernization and lead China to the Second Centenary Goal.

The Resolution adopted at the plenary session put forward over 300 important reform measures, and made systemic plans on further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization. We believe that their implementation will enhance various institutions and mechanisms, remove the obstacles, provide steady source of dynamism for Chinese modernization, and create more opportunities for China and the rest of the world to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and thrive and prosper together.

Reuters: Foreign Minister Wang Yi today held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart in Guangzhou, according to sources. Are you able to provide any further information on what was discussed?



Mao Ning: This morning, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that China and Ukraine are friends to each other. Everything that stands out in bilateral exchanges is about friendship and cooperation. The two countries established a strategic partnership more than a decade ago, and have respected each other and treated each other as equals. Mutually beneficial cooperation has made steady headway. The presidents of our two countries stressed the importance to view and envision bilateral relations from a long-term perspective, and make sure that bilateral relations and cooperation will keep moving forward. We need to follow this guidance, maintain communication and exchanges, enhance mutual trust, carry forward our traditional friendship, promote the people-to-people bond, and achieve sound and steady growth of China-Ukraine relations.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China ushered in a new journey of comprehensively deepening reform. Chinas all-round modernization endeavor will bring new opportunities to people from all countries. Ukraine is one of the first countries to support and participate in Belt and Road cooperation. In recent years, China has remained Ukraines largest trading partner and the largest exporter of agricultural products. In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade has shown a momentum of rapid growth, demonstrating the space and potential of bilateral cooperation. The two sides need to give full play to cooperation mechanisms between the two countries and enhance practical cooperation in various fields. China will continue to increase food imports from Ukraine and work together to keep logistics corridors open and ensure global food security. Foreign Minister Wang thanked the Ukrainian side for the help it provided for the evacuation of Chinese nationals, especially the Chinese students in Ukraine, when the conflict broke out. He also expressed the hope that Ukraine will continue to work effectively to keep Chinese personnel and institutions safe in Ukraine.

The two foreign ministers exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Foreign Minister Wang noted that the Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, the conflict continues and there is the risk of escalation and spillover. China remains firmly committed to working for a political settlement of the crisis. President Xi Jinping laid out four principles which provide the fundamental guidance for seeking a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. On this basis, China and Brazil jointly issued six common understandings that include the three principles for deescalating the conflict, the three elements for peace talks and the three appeals on humanitarian protection. The common understandings also highlight the need to prevent nuclear risks and protect the stability of industrial and supply chains. The common understandings represent the broadest common ground of the international community and have been widely supported and endorsed. China believes that all conflicts ultimately have to be resolved at the negotiating table, and the solutions to any dispute can only be found through political means. Recently, both Ukraine and Russia have expressed to varying degrees the willingness to negotiate. Although the conditions and timing are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and will continue to play a constructive role to enable a ceasefire and resume the peace talks. China cares about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian aid supplies.

Foreign Minister Kuleba said that China is a great country. China and Ukraine are each others strategic partners and important economic and trade partners. Ukraine supports Chinas position on the Taiwan question and will remain committed to one China. Ukraine hopes to work with China to implement the important common understandings between the two presidents, cement political mutual trust, activate cooperation in such areas as trade and agriculture, and strengthen subnational and sister-cities exchanges. Ukraine highly appreciates Chinas active and constructive role to promote peace and uphold the international order. Ukraine attaches importance to Chinas views, and has looked closely at the six common understandings issued by China and Brazil on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Ukraine is willing and ready to have dialogue and negotiation with Russia. And of course, negotiations should be rational, substantive and aimed at achieving just and lasting peace.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. For anything specific, a readout will be released, which you may refer to.

CCTV: China successfully hosted internal reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions, which was widely welcomed by the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the EUs Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process congratulated China for the effort. However, some commented that the course of reconciliation will not run smooth. How does China view the prospect of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and what role will China play in this regard?



Mao Ning: The reconciliation talks and the Beijing Declaration signed between the 14 Palestinian factions bring hope and a future to the Palestinian people. This is an important step toward resolving the Palestinian question and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. The key to the Palestinian reconciliation process is to bolster confidence, keep to the right direction, and make incremental progress. Only by making continuous efforts to build consensus and put it into practice, can the reconciliation process yield more and more substantive progress and greater unity. Peace will not be accomplished overnight, but as long as the effort is in the right direction, we must keep at it and never lose faith.

The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue. China never has any selfish interests on the Palestinian question. We value fairness and advocate justice. China firmly supports the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the people of Middle East countries in holding their future in their own hands. China will continue to advance the Global Security Initiative and make more contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East.

Beijing Daily: Its reported that the mudslides in Geze Gofa, South Ethiopia Regional State, have killed at least 229 people and the death toll is expected to rise. Whats your comment? Are Chinese nationals among the dead or injured?



Mao Ning: China and Ethiopia are all-weather strategic partners. The two countries always support each other in trying times and share weal and woe together. The massive mudslides in Ethiopia have resulted in grave deaths and injuries and property loss. China extends its sincere sympathies over the disaster and deep condolences for the victims.

China stands ready to do what it can to assist the rescue and reconstruction in light of Ethiopias needs. We believe the Ethiopian people will get through this difficult time and rebuild their homes soon. So far we havent received any report indicating Chinese deaths or injuries in this disaster.
MANILA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Four people, including a six-month pregnant woman, were buried in a landslide triggered by days of rains in Batangas province in south of Manila early on Wednesday, police and a local official said.

Police said the landslide occurred before 6 a.m. on Wednesday in Agoncillo town.

Agoncillo town Mayor Cinderella Reyes told a radio interview that the deaths include a 28-year-old pregnant woman, her nine-year-old child, and her siblings aged 13 and 15.

Reyes said rescuers recovered the bodies of the four. There are no reported missing so far, she added. Reyes said the town continues to evacuate villagers despite incessant rains and floodwater.

Gaemi, the third typhoon to batter the Philippines this year, is expected to leave the country by Wednesday night or early Thursday.

However, the state weather bureau warned that the rain would continue even after Gaemi leaves. 
Israel carries out new raids in Gaza as Netanyahu visits US

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mohammad Salem

CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces carried out new raids in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to address the U.S. Congress.

The latest Israeli attacks destroyed homes in towns east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and thousands of people were forced to head west to seek shelter, residents said.

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said it had received distress calls from residents trapped in their homes in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, but were unable to reach the town.

Medics later said two Palestinians had been killed in an airstrike on Bani Suhaila, where the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas said fighters had detonated a bomb against an Israeli army personnel carrier.

The Israeli military, which is trying to eradicate Hamas after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, said it had been operating in areas from which fighters had been able to fire rockets into Israel and attack Israeli troops.

Gaza health officials said Israeli military strikes in the past 24 hours had killed at least 55 people, the latest casualties in a war that health authorities in the enclave say has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians.

"Where should we go? Shall we cross into the sea?" said Ghada, who has been displaced with her family six times during the war, via a chat app from Hamad City in northwestern Khan Younis.

"We are exhausted, starved, and want the war to end now, now not an hour later."

Residents said they had been ordered to head west towards a designated humanitarian area but that the area was now unsafe. The Israeli military issued the evacuation orders on social media, and some residents received orders to leave by phone.

Israeli forces also mounted airstrikes on several areas of central and northern Gaza, including one on Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza which health officials said killed nine people.

In the southern area of Rafah, the military said it engaged in close-quarter combat with militants.

"During scans in the area, the troops located a tunnel shaft, a large number of weapons, and night vision equipment inside a children's bedroom in a civilian building," the military said.

One soldier was seriously hurt during combat on Wednesday, said the military, which has so far lost 326 troops in Gaza.

The Palestinian Health Ministry does not distinguish between combatant and non-combatants in its fatality reports but local health officials say most of the Palestinians killed have been civilians. Israel says at least a third are fighters.

PALESTINIANS CRITICISE U.S.

Hamas-led fighters triggered the war on Oct. 7 by storming into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies. Some 120 hostages are still being held though Israel believes one in three are dead.

Some Palestinians who gathered at a hospital in Khan Younis before funerals criticised the United States, Israel's most important international ally, for welcoming Netanyahu.

He was due to address Congress later on Wednesday and to meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would meet Netanyahu in Florida on Friday.

"The United States is a main partner in what is happening in Gaza. We are being killed because of the United States. We are being slaughtered by American planes, American ships, American tanks, and American troops," said Kazem Abu Taha, a displaced resident from Rafah.

Netanyahu has said a deal to release Israelis from captivity in Gaza could be nearing, but Hamas officials say they see no change in Israel's stance. An Israeli delegation would take part in ceasefire talks, mediated by Washington, Cairo and Egypt, next week, an Israeli official said on Wednesday.

Hamas wants a ceasefire agreement to end the war in Gaza. Netanyahu says the war cannot end before Hamas is eradicated.

Families of some of the hostages urged Netanyahu to do more for their captured relatives.

"At this crucial moment, the Prime Minister's trip to Washington, D.C. holds no significance unless it includes the words: 'There's a deal,'The Hostages Families Forum said.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Mohammad Salem in Gaza, Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Washington bureau, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Angus MacSwan)
Israel complains to BBC over report of disabled Palestinian mauled to death by military dog

Muhammed Bhar, who had Down's syndrome and autism, was found dead by his family a week after he was left wounded by an IDF dog - Family handout/BBC

The Israeli Embassy in London has made a formal complaint to the BBC over its coverage of the Gaza conflict.

Complaints have been submitted to the broadcaster over an article documenting the death of a Palestinian man with Downs Syndrome after he was mauled by an IDF attack dog.

Israels representatives in the UK raised concerns about the story, the Embassy confirmed when approached by The Telegraph, which presents an account of the attack narrated by the deceaseds mother.

Jewish groups including the National Jewish Assembly have made their own complaints, alleging that the story about the death of Muhammed Bahr did not provide sufficient context.

Some concerns relate to the exclusion of IDF information about the incident in Mr Bahrs home, as reported by Fergal Keane, a foreign correspondent, which claims that there were in fact terrorists on the scene of the dog attack.

The full IDF statement on the death, Israeli officials said, stated that prior to attacking Mr Bahr, the combat dog had detected terrorists in the family home. This detail was not included in the BBC piece, Israel claimed. The BBC contests these claims

Muhammed Bhar being given a drink of water. His family say he was unable to drink on his own - Family handout/BBC

Other concerns raised in separate complaints relate to the alleged reliance on one primary account of the incident, the mother.

Some concerns relate to the exclusion of IDF information from foreign correspondent Fergal Keanes report about the incident .

The full IDF statement on the death, Israeli officials said, stated that prior to attacking Mr Bahr, the combat dog had detected terrorists in the family home. This detail was not included in the BBC piece.

Other concerns raised in separate complaints relate to the reports alleged reliance on one primary source, Mr Bahrs mother, Nabila.

Mrs Bhar told the BBC her family had refused to move from their home in Shejaiya, Gaza City, after an IDF warning to leave the area.

IDF forces raided the home on July 3, the family said, along with a combat dog used to detect explosives and booby traps.

Mrs Bhar said the dog bit her son, who was taken by IDF soldiers into a different room, away from the dog, to be treated for his wounds by a combat medic.

The BBC reported that after several hours the family was forced at gunpoint to leave their home, and to leave the wounded Muhammed, who had autism as well as Downs syndrome, behind with IDF soldiers.

He was later left alone when the soldiers went to assist injured comrades. The family returned to their home a week later, it was claimed in the report, and found Mr Bhar dead.

Jibreel Bhar, Muhammed's brother, points to the traces of his brother's injuries in the room where he found him - Family handout/BBC

Prior to the Israeli complaints being submitted, the BBC had received criticism for the initial headline chosen for the piece, which read: The lonely death of Gaza man with Downs syndrome.

Following a social media backlash, the headline was changed to: Gaza man with Downs syndrome attacked by IDF dog and left to die, mother tells BBC.

The BBC explained on X, formerly Twitter, that the headline replaces an earlier version in order to update a headline that more accurately represents the article.

A BBC spokesman told The Telegraph: We stand by our journalists and our journalism. The facts of this story, which are not disputed by the IDF, are that a vulnerable man died after being attacked by a dog during an IDF raid and then left alone by the IDF, which appears to contravene both the IDF code of ethics and the Geneva Conventions.

When the IDF provided a right of reply, the BBC reflected the statement within its article.

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Israeli Prime Minister gave a full-throated speech in defense of his governments war against Hamas in a joint address to Congress. More than 38 Democrats boycotted the address.

The speech is Netanyahus fourth joint address to Congress. The longest-serving prime minister appeared flanked by many senior members of Congress.

The speech comes as much of the international community has raised concerns about Israels war with Hamas, which commenced after the terror group launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people.

Netanyahu sought to draw similarities of the October 7th attack with the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks during his address.

That is like twenty 9/11s in one day, he said, describing in lurid detail the attack on Israel, noting how only 135 of 255 hostages have been brought home.

This is not a clash of civilizations, Netanyahu said. This is a clash between barbarism and civilization.

On one end, there was an overwhelming sign of support for Israel even as the country becomes somewhat of an international pariah. Tesla and X/Twitter executive Elon Musk was in attendance, as was recently released hostage Noa Argamani.

But in a symbol of how many Democrats have adamantly opposed his actions, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had initially invited Netanyahu, was not flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, nor Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray of Washington, but rather Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin of Maryland.

Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the only Palestinian-American congresswoman, held up a sign that said War Criminal during much of Netanyahus address.

Illinois Representative Jonathan Jackson  the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson  who has voted against aid to Israel was also in the chamber and opted not to sit down.

Other Democrats who boycotted included Senator Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine, as well as Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic leaders such as former speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Netanyahu acknowledged anti-Israel protesters during his speech and criticized them, claiming that they stand with Hamas terrorists who murder children.

These protesters stand with [Hamas], they should be ashamed of themselves, he said, to huge applause and chants of USA. He also specifically denounced protesters who say they are Gays for Gaza and said they were similar to Chickens for KFC.

Netanyahu pushed back against accusations that Israel is carelessly murdering Palestinian civilians. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

For Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy. For Hamas, its a strategy, he said.

The prime minister also pushed back on the International Criminal Court for seeking out a warrant for his arrest.

If Israels hands are tied [by the ICC], America is next, he said. The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself.

Some Democrats said that Netanyahus actions made hostages less safe.

I just came from listening to hostage families who were very clear that the most important thing to get their family members back is to end the war and to get a ceasefire, Representative Sara Jacobs, the youngest Jewish American congresswoman, told The Independent.

Netanyahu also appealed for Congress to continue to provide military aid.

Give us the tools faster, and well finish the job faster, he said.

Netanyahu also spoke about the need to create an international alliance to push back against Iran.

The prime minister sought to make bipartisan appeals by praising President Joe Biden for his years of service and for helping push back against Iranian aggression, while at the same time praising Donald Trump for his brokering of the Abraham Accords and recognizing the Golan Heights. He said he was grateful Trump survived his assassination attempt almost two weeks ago in Butler, Pennsylvania.

On Friday, Netanyahu will visit Trump at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

Despite the continued criticisms at home and abroad and the lack of many elite Democratic members of Congress, Netanyahu received rapturous applause and numerous members went up to greet him after his speech.
The drawn-out saga of an Israeli consulars son charged with driving his motorcycle into a police officer neared conclusion Wednesday, when a judge was informed the 19-year-old completed terms of a plea deal with the state and was leaving for Israel later that evening.

Late last month, after writing a letter to injured Sunny Isles Beach Police Officer Ruben Zamora that was filled with apologies and lessons learned, Avraham Gil told the court that after his significant wake-up call, hed decided to actively serve in Israels military.

The state then agreed to an unusually lean punishment  no prison time if Gil attended traffic school, completed 100 hours of community service, agreed not to drive and donated $500 to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

After learning hed completed the requirements Wednesday, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Teresa Pooler sent Gil on his way. His attorney Stephen Millan told the judge the familys visa was set to expire by the end of the month and that they were heading back to Israel after the hearing.

Avraham Gil

Gil and his father Eli Gil, Israeli Consulate Consul for Administration in Miami, quickly left the courtroom without comment.

Teen strikes officer with his motorcycle

According to police, it was late afternoon on Jan. 27 when Sunny Isles Beach police officer Lt. Zamora had left his patrol car and was walking near Collins Avenue and 174th Street. The officer claimed he noticed Gil riding a 2018 black Suzuki in-and-out of traffic and signaled and yelled for him to pull over.

The teen ignored the orders, Zamora said, striking the officer, who somehow managed to pull the teen to the ground. Zamoras leg was injured and Gil was taken into custody and initially charged with battery and resisting an officer.

Those charges were dropped. The charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer which could carry a 3-year prison term  stuck.

The court denied immunity claims by Gils attorneys and despite additional claims that the teens arrest was mishandled, Gil reached a deal with state prosecutors, completed his requirements, and avoided jail time.

Neither Sunny Isles Beach police nor Zamora would comment Wednesday. Ed Griffith, spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, said Zamora approved of the agreement and that the pre-trial intervention program offered to Gil that usually takes six months, was sped up to accommodate the family leaving the country.

Previous incidents with police

It also turned out Gils late January confrontation with the Sunny Isles police officer wasnt his first brush with the law. A month earlier on New Years Eve, he was stopped by a Miami Shores police officer, also for allegedly speeding and careening in-and-out of traffic.

The officer said Gil had a cover over his diplomatic license plate that read PLS CHASE. The officer eventually let him go after learning of the teens fathers job with the Israeli consulate generals office in Miami. Earlier, Miami Police said they also spotted Gil dangerously racing down Biscayne Boulevard. But they gave up the chase as a precaution.

In Gils letter written a few weeks ago directly to officer Zamora, the teen said he regrets any harm he may have caused, was sorry for his poor judgment and asked for forgiveness.

Please know that I am dedicated to making amends and moving forward in a positive direction, Gil wrote. Please pray for me.
Incumbent Kevin Cook and lifelong Topekan Robert Soria will face off in the Aug. 6 primary election for the Shawnee County Commission District 2 seat.

The seat, which covers the north-central and northeast parts of the county, has been held by Cook since January 2013. The winning Democrat will move forward to the Nov. 5 general election, where he would face Henry McClure, a Republican and lifelong Topekan. McClure is unchallenged in the GOP primary.

The Capital-Journal posed the same five questions to each candidate. Answers were lightly edited for formatting.

Shawnee County District 2 Commission candidates, from left, incumbent Kevin Cook and challenger Robert Soria will face off in the Aug. 6 primary election.

What issues compelled you to run and where do you stand on them?

Kevin Cook: From a young age I felt called to public service. As I entered the practice of Law, after graduation from Washburn University, I saw issues that compelled me to run for Shawnee County Commissioner including, cuts to mental health, reduction of law enforcement support and the need for expansion of quality-of-life outlets.

During the Great Recession the Shawnee County Commission had made cuts to mental health funding and drug and alcohol counseling. These budget cuts had caused a lack of services for those were most vulnerable. As Commissioner, I have continually advocated for increased mental health services.

In addition to mental health services, support of law enforcement and the Department of Corrections have remained important issues to me. As Commissioner, I have worked to ensure that these bodies remained fully staffed to protect the citizens of Shawnee County. Currently, both the Shawnee County Sheriff and Shawnee County Department of Corrections are highly staffed, and I am proud of the employees that work to protect our Shawnee County citizens.

More: Here's who's running for Shawnee County elected offices this year

Robert Soria: There is no real representation for constituents of Shawnee County District 2. We are fed up with the status quo and I will change that. There is a lack of respect from the current commissioner continuously voting to raise his salary on the back of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars.

At the same time, he continues to raise property taxes. While he has been double-dipping as the county commissioner ($60,833.14) and the citys public defender ($190,000), he has maintained a revolving door that puts real criminals back into our neighborhoods. I will be different representative, more accountable, transparent, listening to constituents, and working hard every single day to be their voice.

Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.

Cook: When Shawnee County Parks and Recreation looked at the assessment of the Oakland Pool there was serious discussion with not replacing the existing fifty-nine-year-old pool. The pool, at that time, had seen declining attendance and revenue was not sufficient to cover the expenses associated with the pool.

As Commissioner I asked that the Department review why the attendance was low. The review showed that the pool had declined in appeal as it had no amenities (Diving boards, slides, etc.) and the constant repair to the fifty-nine-year-old aluminum pool had left it very rough on the bottom. The review also showed that there was great interest for a community pool with the more than 5,000 residents of the neighborhood.

As replacement of the existing pool commenced, I advocated to my fellow Commissioners for the replacement of the pool with the new Oakland Pool, as opposed to a splash pad. The public engagement sessions reflected that the community also wanted to have the construction of a new pool, as opposed to a splash pad. The new Oakland Community pool is set to be open in early August 2024.

More: Here's why Topeka resident Jonathan Smith is launching a run to be Shawnee County clerk

Soria: In my current position, I pushed to implement GIS mapping of Shawnee County demographics. I am helping identify specific areas of need based on our strategic plan. This allows us to make sure our services are reaching people who need it most. I am idea driven and focus on looking at the future and how to do things better.

Currently, the commissioner is operating on the same old approaches to serve our county. Using data requires us to be accountable to the facts and look at innovative ways to solve our many problems.

What should the county's role be regarding the homeless?

Cook: The role of Shawnee County in addressing homelessness should be in the area of addressing mental health, drug and alcohol addiction and thinking of homelessness as a public health crisis. The City of Topeka has many resources to address homeless issues, however, only Shawnee County has the resources of the Shawnee County Health Agency.

After discussions with local advocacy organizations, I believe that if homelessness was addressed as a public health issue there are additional resources that Shawnee County could use to help address and lift individuals out of homelessness.

Additionally, with the construction of the behavioral health wing at the Shawnee County Department of Corrections we will be able to get mental health services to individuals to reduce the rate of reoffending while addressing the criminal offenses that brought them into the Shawnee County Jail.

Soria: The county has been irresponsible in partnering with the city to deal with issues such as homelessness. It is often perceived that our representative is uninterested until election time. We must take initiative when addressing complicated issues that impact a large portion of the area we serve. This isnt going to be solved with one solution but must include a public health approach. Public health is the countys responsibility, and I will ensure that the silos come down.

The city has looked at different initiatives and have had public forums to gather input. I didnt see my representative present nor address this publicly in the timeframe the city has committed. Living in the heart of the district, I have witnessed the squatting, the increase in crime, and how the wandering, unhoused, mentally ill leaves many residents feeling hopeless. I will make it a priority to work with the city to address these issues.

Describe your experience and qualifications for this office. Why should people vote for you?

Cook: My background is that I was raised in a blue-collar home where my father was a welder, and my mother was a homemaker. As I child I was taught how to live frugally and make things last as long as possible. As Commissioner, I have brought this perspective to Shawnee County in looking at whether a project is a want or a need.

As a college/law school student I worked my way through school without taking on student loans. My wife and I have worked to pass on to our children these values. The value of saving for projects and setting budgetary goals is important for both a household and for government. As Commissioner, I have worked to strengthen our financial standing and Shawnee County debt is less than eight percent of our annual budget. Debt is only incurred as needed for large projects and at a time when it will not adversely impact the Shawnee County budget.

Additionally, I have owned and operated a small business in our community for the past twenty-five years. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges and opportunities that confront and frustrate the business community. As Commissioner, I have worked to ensure that Shawnee County is engaged with the business community and is aware of how we can work to promote both small and large businesses to grow and thrive in Shawnee County.

More: Former councilman Brett Blackburn says he's wiser as he runs for Shawnee County Commission

Soria: I have spent over 25 years living in the heart of District 2, raising a family in a low-to-moderate income neighborhood. As your Shawnee County District 2 Commissioner I will prioritize attending community meetings on a regular basis, rather than coming around only at election time. With a background in data analysis and nearly 30 years of work experience in public service, I bring a strong skill set to the table.

I will use my expertise to view community issues through a public health lens, leveraging fact-driven data to solve complex community issues will be central to my approach to improving our community, city, and county. I have also been highly invested in volunteerism with LULAC Senior Center Board of directors, Community Action Board of directors, Oakland NIA, creating a neighborhood watch where I live, and more.

This has helped deepen my understanding of the need for and benefits of social services, especially for seniors, the disabled, and those living below the poverty level. I have demonstrated I can lead and bring people together for the benefit of the community. I understand the community and its needs because I am just like you.

What do you consider to be two or three of the key issues the county commission face, and where do you stand on them?

Cook: Property Tax. With the rapid acceleration of the assessed value of real estate in Shawnee County over the last four years the need to reduce the amount of property tax has becomes a priority. Shawnee County has already committed, by public vote, to reduce the mill levy from the rate set for 2024. Additionally, I believe that my fellow commissioners are committed to examine all aspects of the 2025 budget to work towards further reduction of the mill levy assessed. The reduction of the mill levy will give relief to the taxpayers in the amount of taxes paid on property tax.

Homelessness. I have addressed this issue previously.

Public Works. Expansion of Rochester Road. Shawnee County taxpayers as part of the sales tax extension committed to the expansion of Rochester Road from the area just north of Wal-Mart/Dillons to Seaman High School. This public works project will be a massive undertaking for Shawnee County in that it will add needed additional traffic lanes. Additionally, the project will add sidewalks, curbing and storm water drainage. The project will last several years in construction. This project, while monumental in scope, is necessary to the safety of the residents of North Shawnee County and will further enhance our community for future development.

More: Topeka USD 501 board member Lisa Schmitt running as a Republican for Shawnee County Clerk

Soria: A key focus of my campaign is to strengthen the relationship between the city and county governments, fostering partnerships that benefit taxpayers and drive progress. Besides business development, there are other things that impact our community on a day-to-day basis such as public health and safety.

Topeka is about 70% of the county and many people who live in the county work within the city. Ignoring this has been a huge disconnect in prioritizing how people's tax dollars are spent. It only makes sense that we have a better working relationship with the city on the human side of infrastructure development.

People are concerned about high taxes. While taxes are one of the main revenue sources for the county, it is important that we look at the efficiency of the funds we are spending. With my skill set, I plan to analyze how we are distributing funding and measure the outcomes- this includes never voting to raise my salary. We can look more closely at how we are taxing-are we using regressive tax methods that cost governments more in the long run or more.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Where Kevin Cook and Robert Soria stand on issues before primary
ISW analyses proposal by Russian Duma to punish Russian soldiers for using personal devices

The Russian State Duma [the lower chamber of the Russian parliament  ed.] proposes to allow the commanders of the occupation forces to punish their subordinates in the war in Ukraine for using personal communication and navigation devices.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: The Russian State Duma has put forward an amendment that would empower commanders to discipline soldiers for using personal communication and navigation devices on the front lines. This proposal has drawn significant criticism from military bloggers and highlights ongoing issues within the Russian military's command structure and their dependency on unsecured technologies in Ukraine.

Under the proposed amendment, Russian commanders would have the authority to detain soldiers violating these rules without a court order for up to 10 days. However, Andrei Kartapolov, Chairman of the State Duma Defence Committee, stated that these sanctions would not apply to soldiers using devices for operational purposes. He explained that the amendment is an extension of a previous law that generally prohibited the use of personal devices for Russian soldiers in Ukraine, aimed at protecting Russian troops from security vulnerabilities related to improper cell phone usage.

This legislative move follows a previous attempt by the Russian Ministry of Defence to limit the use of personal devices in combat zones. That attempt came after a Ukrainian strike on Russian barracks in Makiivka, Donetsk Oblast, which was reportedly facilitated by tracking Russian cell phone signals. The Russian Ministry of Defences earlier efforts in January 2023 faced similar backlash, raising doubts about the potential effectiveness of the new measures.

The analysts suppose the Russian Ministry of Defence is unlikely to be significantly more successful now.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 23 July:

The Russian State Duma proposed an amendment that would allow commanders to punish subordinates for using personal communications and navigation devices at the frontline, prompting significant milblogger backlash and highlighting how Russian forces continue to struggle with command and control (C2) issues and overreliance on insecure technologies to conduct combat operations in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted drone strikes against a ferry crossing in Kavkaz, Krasnodar Krai on the night of 22-23 July.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin appointed a new Deputy Head of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Services on 22 July, and there were several personnel changes within the Russian State Duma on 23 July.

Russian forces recently marginally advanced near Siversk, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City.

Russian regional officials are continuing to increase financial incentives to entice more men to fight in Ukraine.

Russian occupation officials continue to rely on Russian security organs for law enforcement and filtration functions in occupied Ukraine aimed at degrading pro-Ukrainian sentiment.

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Comments made by the Republican vice presidential nominee in a 2021 interview are resurfacing

Chip Somodevilla/Getty; Andrew Harnik/Getty JD Vance and Kamala Harris.

Comments made by Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance in a 2021 interview are now resurfacing  and stirring conversation among people who either don't want, or can't have, children.

Years before he was selected as Donald Trump's running mate, Vance gave an interview with then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson in July 2021. During the conversation, Vance said the U.S. was being run, under Democratic leadership, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too. "

"It's just a basic fact  you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC  the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children," Vance, 39, told Carlson. And how does it make any sense that we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?"

Related: J.D. Vance Isn't the Bridge-Building VP That Moderates Wanted: What He's Said About Women, Voting and Project 2025

Vance went on to say that those who "actually have kids" are "the people who have a more direct stake in the future of this country."

That Vance, who has three children with wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, called out three "childless" Democrats by name is particularly noteworthy  in part, because it's not true. One of them, Harris, became a stepmom to her husband Doug Emhoff's two children in August 2014. Now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, Harris has for years spoken openly about her close relationship with her stepchildren, who refer to her as "Momala."

Buttigieg, meanwhile, now the Secretary of Transportation, does have children: twins he adopted with husband Chasten in September 2021, just weeks after Vance's interview aired.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, meanwhile, does not have children. But as critics of Vance's comments have weighed in: so what?

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.



Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani chided Vance for his comments in a post on X, writing, As a childless cat lady I have a huge stake in America and am not miserable but thanks for your concern, Vance.

Former Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, who ran for the presidency against Trump in 2016, wrote sarcastically: What a normal, relatable guy who certainly doesnt hate women having freedoms,

Others have expressed similar thoughts, questioning why someone without biological children is less invested in the good of the country than someone with children.

Calling step-mom Kamala Harris a childless cat lady is going to enrage not just single women but all the parents of step-kids who are having their parenting denigrated," one user on X wrote. " Vances history of misogyny is just an endless wellspring of hate to highlight.

Related: Kamala Harris on Her Marriage, What Keeps Her Up at Night and the Beyonce Song She Calls Her Anthem (Exclusive)

Another offered a more sarcastic assessment of the Republican's comments, asking: Should really help win over women voters, huh?

Speaking to CNN's Kaitlan Collins this week, Buttigieg noted that the comments directed at him came at a time when he and his husband had been through a fairly heartbreaking setback in our adoption journey."

"[Vance] couldn't have known that, but maybe that's why you shouldn't be talking about other peoples children," Buttigieg added.

And many others have seized on a very famous cat-owner without kids  Taylor Swift, sharing photos of her 2023 TIME Person of the Year (on which she appeared alongside one of her cats) in response to Vance's comments.



As Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi wrote, though, it is possible Vance didn't actually mean what he said back in 2021, especially considering his track record (though now Trump's running mate, he previously called the former president "America's Hitler" and called himself "a never Trump guy."

Mahdawi cites data that shows that many women who are unmarried and childless aren't unhappy in the slightest  in fact, the opposite, often ranking higher in terms of health and happiness than those with children.

Others have simply taken Vance's comments and run with them, espousing Vance's comments as something of a rallying cry. As one social media user put it, the "childless cat ladies" might just have their claws out.



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Read the original article on People.
NEW DELHI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- One sailor of the Indian Navy (IN) onboard the warship "INS Brahmaputra" has been missing for the past three days, since a fire broke out rendering heavy damages to the multi-role frigate, an official said on Wednesday.

The warship was undergoing some repair/refit works at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai (ND-Mbi) when suddenly the fire broke out.

The fire was reportedly controlled after efforts by the Indian Navy personnel and the local fire-fighters.

Following the fire incident, "the ship experienced severe listing to one side (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," said an official statement.

It added, "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." 
As Trump desperately tries to separate his campaign from Project 2025, users on X have noted one big problem: J.D. Vance wrote the foreword to a forthcoming book by the plans lead author, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts.

On the Amazon product page, the promotional material for the book, titled Dawns Early Light, highlights Robertss role in composing Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation proposal for a conservative overhaul of the federal government.

The product page also includes a favorable review from Vance. Never before has a figure with Robertss depth and stature within the American Right tried to articulate a genuinely new future for conservatism, the review says. We are now all realizing that its time to circle the wagons and load the muskets. In the fights that lay ahead, these ideas are an essential weapon.

When the book first became available for preorder on June 19, Vance promoted it on X, writing, I was thrilled to write the foreword for this incredible book, which contains a bold new vision for the future of conservatism in America.

On the Amazon page for Dawns Early Light, the subtitle reads, Taking Back Washington to Save America, but an archived version of the page from June 19 indicates it was initially Burning Down Washington to Save America.



Inflammatory language in the blurb has also apparently been tamped down.



A sentence on the archived page that says the book blazes a warpath for the American people to take back their country now says it blazes a promising path. Another fiery sentence on the archived page read, Just as a controlled burn preserves the longevity of a forest, conservatives need to burn down these institutions [the FBI, The New York Times, the Department of Education, etc.] if were to preserve the American Way of life. It now says that those institutions need to be dissolved if the American way of life is to be passed down to future generations.

These changes, while slight, perhaps indicate a hope to dispel the emerging public perception that Project 2025 would wreak havoc on the country. Trump, undoubtedly aware of the plans growing unpopularity, has claimed, I know nothing about Project 2025 and that some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.



But it will certainly be harder for the Republican ticket to distance itself from the Heritage Foundation manifesto come publication day in September.
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin took advantage of a rare joint appearance on Fox News with House Oversight Chair James Comer, a Republican, to poke fun at his colleague on live television.



On Tuesday evening, Raskin and Comer appeared together on Special Report with Bret Baier for a segment called Common Ground, and Raskin began by criticizing Trump and defending Vice President Kamala Harris in her run for president.



Lol Raskin using his time on Fox very effectively pic.twitter.com/LPyt8S8Eb6  Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2024

Baier joked that you can only do common ground so long before asking Comer if it was time to call for an end to the impeachment effort of President Biden?

Comer said Republicans did what we were supposed to do.

My job wasnt to impeach. My job was to investigate, and I investigated and we turned over our findings to Speaker Johnsons office, Comer said. He can determine what to do with that, but I believe the American people know a lot more about what the Bidens have done because of our work.

Raskin replied with some sarcastic praise for his colleague.



Well, I think Chairman Comer did a magnificent job exonerating Joe Biden of all the fraudulent charges that were raised against him in this Congress, and, of course, there was no high crime, no misdemeanor, and Joe Biden is a passionate public servant filled with integrity

Comer cut Raskin off. Ah, I strongly disagree with that, Comer said, laughing. Nobodys buying that. Nobodys buying what hes selling on that.



Americas buying it, Raskin replied. The reservoir of love for Joe Biden is deep and really bottomless in America.

Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin tries not to laugh, then openly mocks Republican Rep. James Comer while appearing with him on Fox News. (Video: Fox News) pic.twitter.com/lP7jFGYwQd  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 24, 2024

As the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, Raskin has frequently butted heads with Comer, particularly regarding the GOPs fruitless attempt to impeach Biden, which ultimately ended with pointless criminal referrals to the Justice Department for the president and his son Hunter. The two were actually on Fox to discuss a rare point of agreement: that the head of the U.S. Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, needed to resign. They were successful, but it remains to be seen if they find another point of agreement, particularly as Republican attacks on Harris intensify.


Fox News/Screengrab

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) trolled his Republican rival on the House Oversight Committee during a joint interview Tuesday on Fox News, thanking him for his work exonerating President Joe Biden through an exhaustive impeachment investigation.

On Special Report, anchor Bret Baier first asked Rep. James Comer (R-KY) whether the impeachment inquiry, which was formalized in a House vote last December, could finally be put to rest.

Can we call an end to the impeachment effort of President Biden? Has that come, officially, to an end? Baier asked.

The inquiry, which has not managed to prove that Joe Biden accepted bribes or reaped benefits from his familys foreign business dealings, resulted in top House Republicans sending criminal referrals to the Department of Justice last month alleging that Hunter Biden and James Biden, the presidents son and brother, respectively, lied to Congress. The DOJ has not acted on those referrals.

The GOPs impeachment inquiry was also dealt a blow when a key witness was arrested in February for lying to the FBI about the Bidens.

Raskin: I think Comer did a magnificent job exonerating Joe Biden of all the fraudulent charges that were raised against him in this congress pic.twitter.com/Hxma2sJx7P  Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2024

On Tuesday, Comer maintained that his committee did what it was supposed to do.

We followed the money. Found tens of millions of dollars. We found lots of LLCs that we never could determine what the purpose of those LLCs were. We found where the money transferred from our adversaries around the world into different LLC bank accounts, Comer said, drawing a smile out of Raskin.

We had the Bidens in for a deposition and a transcribed interview, Comer continued, referring not to President Biden, but to his son and brother.

They couldnt definitively say what they did for the money, and I think the American people have the truth now, he claimed. We did what we were supposed to do. My job wasnt to impeach. My job was to investigate, and I investigated and we turned over our findings to Speaker Johnsons office. He can determine what to do with that, but I believe the American people know a lot more about what the Bidens have done because of our work.

Raskin eagerly responded.

I think Chairman Comer did a magnificent job exonerating Joe Biden of all the fraudulent charges that were raised against him in this Congress. And, of course, there was no high crime, no misdemeanor and Joe Biden is a passionate public service filled with integrity, he said, as Comer grumbled that no one agrees with that.

Nobodys buying what hes selling, the Kentucky Republican said.

Americas buying it, Raskin shot back. The reservoir of love for Joe Biden is deep and bottomless in America right now.

Raskin and Comer, appearing on the segment Common Ground, did ultimately find just that at other points in the interview, such as their dissatisfaction with now-resigned Secret Service head Kimberly Cheatle.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Japan protests against Russia's entry ban on 13 mostly business leaders over sanctions

TOKYO (AP)  Japan's government said Wednesday it has protested against Russia's announcement that it is permanently banning 13 Japanese citizens, mostly business leaders of prominent companies including Toyota Motor Corp., in retaliation for Tokyo's sanctions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the ban limits Japanese companies legitimate activities (in Russia), and is absolutely not acceptable.

Hayashi said his government has lodged a protest against Russia over the entry ban.

Hayashi was commenting on an announcement by Russia's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday that it was permanently banning 13 Japanese people, including Toyota Chair Akio Toyoda and Rakuten Group Inc. CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, as well as Japan International Cooperation Agency President Akihiko Tanaka, from entering Russia.

No reasons were given for the selection of the people subject to the entry ban.

Japan has been closely cooperating with the Group of Seven industrialized nations to impose sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine because of growing concern about the conflicts impact in Asia, where China has been increasingly expanding its military presence and threatening to use force to exert its control over self-governed Taiwan.

Japan has already faced a series of reprisals from Russia, including the suspension of bilateral talks on a peace treaty with Tokyo that included negotiations over disputed islands. Moscow has also announced entry bans on hundreds of Japanese lawmakers including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and some of his predecessors.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) speaks during a campaign rally at Middletown High School on July 22 in Middletown, Ohio. Scott Olson via Getty Images

Much as I cant stand a hypocrite, I have never found the hoopla over JD Vances evolution on Donald Trump to be all that particularly compelling a topic.

I know that Vance once called himself a Never Trump guy, described Trump as Americas Hitler, cultural heroin, an idiot, noxious and reprehensible.

Yet when it comes to Trumps hostile takeover of the GOP, Vances shift, rooted in ambition, is not especially novel. If anything, his transition from Trump political foe to running mate was not only inevitable but predictable the moment he first filed to run as a Republican.

What does interest me about Vances political ascension, however, is how the (liberal) media helped make him the most natural successor to the MAGA movement. I agree with writer Osita Nwanevu that it should never be forgotten. While I admittedly never quite sat down and read Vances memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, in full, I read enough of it and saw enough of the press surrounding it and him to understand what he was selling.

Not to discount the appeal of his journey from being a young man raised by his grandparents to becoming a Marine, Yale Law School graduate and successful venture capitalist, but much of Vances appeal centered on the notion of him explaining poor white people to rich white elites in ways most reassuring to their already held beliefs about po folk.

Donald Trump Jr., who pushed his father to choose Vance as his running mate, was an admitted big fan of Hillbilly Elegy back in 2016. Sure, but the people who really elevated the book and Vance at its peak were not Republicans. It was The New York Times that called the book a compassionate, discerning sociological analysis of the white underclass. Other elite media institutions such as The New Yorker, were no less favorable to Vance. On television, President Joe Bidens favorite morning news show, MSNBCs Morning Joe, helped elevate Vance, too.

Then there are fancy folks like Larry Summers, former treasury secretary under Bill Clinton and president of Harvard, who tweeted: Anyone wanting to understand Trumps rise or American inequality should read it.

The fanfare led to Vance becoming a mainstay on TV and turning himself into a celebrity pundit during the 2016 presidential campaign. Its no coincidence that the week of Trumps 2017 inauguration, Hillbilly Elegysat atopthe New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. Some years later came the Netflix adaptation, a movie that intended to be Oscar bait but ended up widely panned as critics like the A.V. Clubs Katie Rife dismissed it as bootstrapping poverty porn that reinforces the stereotypes it insists its illuminating.

Sounds like Hollywood to me, but to be fair to some of the books critics, they made similar complaints about the source material only to be drowned out by the cheers of much of the mainstream press. The New Republics Sarah Jones referred to Vance as the False Prophet of Blue America. Separately, Jared Yates Sexton, an author and political journalist who, like Vance, grew up in the midwest, criticized the book in an interview with Salon.

JD Vance has spent the past few years sanitizing right-wing appeals and camouflaging white supremacist-pandering, Sexton said at the time.

Meanwhile, another midwesterner, Lisa R. Pruitt, Professor of Law at the University of California, Davis, who has written extensively about rurality, whiteness, and class, also took issue with Hillbilly Elegy, referring to Vances use of what was ostensibly a memoir to support ill-informed policy prescriptions in a column.

It always felt obvious to me that Vance was using this book to potentially soft-launch a political career, but not everyone around him recognized that. Ron Howard, who directed the Hillbilly Elegy adaptation, told Variety in 2022 about Vances interest in politics: At the time I was working with him he was concentrating on starting his family and he was becoming a businessman and I asked him about it, he said, Maybe somebody down the road. Someday came a little sooner than any of us expected.

As for his embrace of Trump, Howard said, To be honest, I was surprised, noting, To me, he struck me as a very moderate center-right kind of guy.

Howard said the two never discussed politics directly, but what Vance says about working-class white people in the book is quite political in nature to me. Following his selection as Trumps VP, Sam Workman, a professor of political science at West Virginia University, described the book as poverty porn in an interview with The Associated Press.

Workman argued that the reception to the book has more to say about the disconnect between intellectual pundits in academics, politics, the media and rural working-class people than anything else.

Hillbilly Elegy was so popular at the start, and all of a sudden everyone now dislikes it, because they realize the rabbits out of the hat in a way, Workman explained. This is really about a lot of liberal intellectuals being caught off guard as to what the real purposes of Hillbilly Elegy were. It was the first foray into a really potent, conservative political career.

Such is the presumed root of the obsession behind Vances alleged hypocrisy in his embrace of Trump. But for all the clips I see on TV and online showing Vance morphing from Trump antagonizer to cheerleader, I dont see many featuring the people and institutions responsible for Vance potentially being the first millennial vice president. Not just Fox, but the supposed liberal cable news channels, the Hollywood studios, and the upper echelon of political media. Yall boosted him and that book in ways not afforded to most authors  certainly not the Black ones.

Vance is a man of contradiction, but hasnt that been as true of him as an author as it is as a politician? Its also true of Trump, but what they lack in consistent ideology, they make up for in nationalism, being for the rich and sounding kinda racist on occasion. For what its worth, I dont know JD Vance, but when asked about his shift, Georgia state Sen. Josh McLaurin (D)  the former law school roommate who had received Vances Americas Hitler text  offered what sounds like a plausible explanation for Vances turn.

The through line between former JD and current JD is anger, McLaurin told Vox. The Trump turn can be understood as a lock-in on contempt as the answer to anger  and in Vances case, contempt directed at his political enemies.

Much like Trump, though the consumption of right wing media may have radicalized him, Vances political career does not launch in the conservative media ecosystem but by way of a book widely lauded and publicized by liberal institutions.

And like Trump, Vance may talk about his enemies  elites, liberals, etc.  but he has them to thank for his rise. From Peter Thiel to Hollywood to far too many media outlets based in New York City.

Its no wonder that when Donald Trump sees Vance, he reportedly thinks, You are one handsome son-of-a-bitch. Vance is not my type  politically or otherwise  but from Trumps vantage point, I can see the appeal. It may not have seemed like an immediate fit, but in many ways, Trumps found the perfect political scion  and we can all fault the same people for both their rises.
(KRON)  Former President Donald Trumps newly minted pick for vice president will be in the Bay Area next week for a fundraiser. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) will be in Palo Alto on Monday for a Republican fundraising dinner.

Attending the dinner, which is hosted by Santa Cruz Republicans, will cost up to $50,000 for a couple for a package that includes the host committee roundtable, a photo with the candidate, and dinner. Cost for a single attendee including the roundtable, photo, and dinner is $25,000.

Just attending the dinner costs $3,300 per person with a la carte photo ops available for $15,000.

The event is scheduled for between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. The location was not made known publicly.

Another Bay Area city pushing for CHP assistance from Newsom

Vance, who rose to prominence as the author of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir of his growing up in the rust belt, has ties to the Bay Area. Prior to relocating back to Ohio and being elected to the Senate, Vance worked as a venture capitalist and lived in San Francisco.

During his time in SF, Vance forged close relationships with Peter Thiel and David Sacks, two Bay Area tech billionaires who are heavy backers of Donald Trumps campaign to recapture the White House. Vance, a former U.S. Marine, also once gave a TED talk on Americas forgotten working class.

The Bay Area has been in the presidential spotlight this week, following President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race and Vice President Kamala Harriss ascension to presumed Democratic nominee. Harris is a Bay Area native and began her career in San Francisco where she served as district attorney before going on to be elected California attorney general and eventually, to the U.S. Senate.

Harris served in the Senate for four years before becoming vice president of the United States. Vance, a freshmen senator, began serving in the upper body in January of 2023.

Santa Cruz Republicans are also hosting a lunch with Vance, two days later in Coalinga on Wednesday, July 31.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  A Jeanerette man convicted of a 2022 bank fraud scheme will spend the next 4 1/2 years in prison, according to United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.

Cameron Michael Marks, 26, of Jeanerette, was convicted of committing bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Marks to 54 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release.

Jeanerette Police stopped a vehicle driven by Marks on July 12, 2022 for a traffic violation. Marks stopped his vehicle in his mothers driveway. He was unable to provide a drivers license or proof of insurance, prosecutors said.

A search conducted of Marks vehicle found 13 counterfeit/forged Western Union money orders.

Marks mother allowed officers to search the residence, where officers located numerous fraudulent checks written on third party businesses and individuals, along with account opening documents and checkbooks bearing the names of these third parties but bearing Marks physical address, authorities said.

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Marks admitted that he issued fraudulent checks written on a third party business account in the amount of $240,275.71, according to prosecutors.

Marks admitted to Secret Service agents that he had obtained account information for

third party businesses fraudulently and ordered checks with that account information, prosecutors said. He further admitted that he used other peoples identities to open bank accounts in order to deposit the fraudulent checks into accounts without using his own identity.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Will Jeff Brower's anti-growth crusade sway voters enough to keep him in office?

On a warm June evening just before sunset, cheers and applause arose from a crowd gathered around a gazebo in a field thick with trees adorned with Spanish moss in DeLeon Springs.

Most of the cheers were for Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower, 69, who had just finished one of his turns at the mic at a candidate forum on his home turf. The topic of his speech? Development and how it's the cause of flooding and other woes in the county.

"I don't think I have ever taken credit for being able to stop overdevelopment in Volusia County," he said. "Honestly, I wish I could. I'm one vote out of seven on a County Council."

Brower and three other candidates will face off in the Aug. 20 primary. If no one wins a majority, the top two vote-getters will face each other in the general election on Nov. 5.

More: Busy county council reporter weighs in on this year's most important local election

More: How to know who to vote for in the Volusia County Council race: Just follow the money.

In some ways, there is a bit of deja vu going on in this year's contest. Brower won in 2020 despite being outspent by his opponent, Deb Denys, who was backed by developers and other business interests. Denys is running again, but this time big businesses and builders are backing Randy Dye, a businessman with no government experience. Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette is the fourth candidate in the race.

Growth is a big issue in this year's election, but there are other things candidates are concerned about. We spent some time with each of them to get a sense of what their top priorities are and what they would focus on if they were chairperson.

Candidates for the Volusia County chair's seat attend a candidate forum in DeLeon Springs on Thursday night. From left the candidates are Randy Dye, incumbent Jeff Brower, Deb Denys and Don Burnette.

Focusing on affordable housing, ambulance services

Don Burnette

Burnette, 57, supports "smart growth." He also wants to keep property taxes low and address traffic woes. He is in favor of empowering local businesses and keeping the quality of life high in Volusia County.

Burnette also wants to work on the county's ambulance services, which have faced staffing issues. It has become such a problem that some municipalities have added ambulance services and answer calls outside of their boundaries he said. He's seen it happen in Port Orange.

"That's been a consistent problem for years now," he said.

Burnette is also a big proponent of affordable housing. He was the only candidate to raise the topic as a top priority in an interview with the News-Journal.

"I don't think that we talk about it enough," he said.

He said he wants to see more efforts to help people with home ownership as opposed to renting. That will help people build wealth, he said. He is familiar with housing issues in his work as a senior loan officer.

He's also deeply familiar with the county being a lifelong resident. He graduated from Spruce Creek High School, and he and his wife, Anita, chose to raise their family here. His two sons are in college.

He first won election to the Port Orange City Council in 2010 and was elected mayor in 2016.

It's not uncommon for Burnette to run into someone he knows or talk to a stranger, only to find out they have a mutual friend or acquaintance.

"This is a big small town," he told the News-Journal while he was out canvassing one day.

Burnette has had the help of volunteers who knock on doors for the campaign.

Don Burnette stands in Airport Road Park on June 29 before going canvassing with the help of volunteers.

Burnette said as Port Orange mayor, he has forged working relationships with nearly every other mayor in the county. Among his points of pride about Port Orange is its water management system.

"We have the largest reclaimed system in the county," Burnette said. "We treat 6-8 million gallons of water a day and the fact that none of that goes into the Halifax River, that it all goes into our reclaimed system or reclaimed storage, I'm very proud of that."

Deb Denys says the county needs a strong leader

Deb Denys

Denys, 70, also seeks to leverage relationships  not only in matters of managing growth but also in other areas.

She lists job creation, economic growth, the budget and leading with integrity among her top priorities. A Realtor from New Smyrna Beach, she was elected to the County Council in 2012 and served until 2020, and on the Volusia County school board for about four years in the 1990s.

This would be her first time in the chairperson's seat. She would also be the only woman on the Council, but she avoids bringing that up as part of her campaign.

She has said Brower's rhetoric is divisive and he hasn't made much headway on the issues he is vocal about. She said she wants to strengthen the chairperson's position and wants the person who holds it to be welcomed and respected by county partners.

Denys is focusing on fiduciary responsibility in her campaign and wants the Council to host workshops on the budget.

She wants to bring jobs to the county with help from the Commercial Space Industry Opportunity Overlay zone. The county created the district during Denys' time on the council, and it received unanimous support. It allows faster permitting for projects in those industries.

Denys said existing businesses need to expand as the county attracts new ones, including from the Space Coast.

"We know Brevard is coming north with the supply chain. They're out of room, so when those businesses are looking to expand they're coming north," she said, and Volusia County is an easy commute.

Deb Denys, speaks during an event celebrating a trail in Edgewater when she was a county councilwoman.

The key is leadership, she says. Businesses want to relocate to an area that is politically stable and not where the government "says no to everything."

Denys emphasized her ability to lead and her already-established connections. She is a board member of the Florida Communities Trust, a state-funded program that, among other things, helps communities acquire and protect land.

Denys said she would like to see the county better leverage tax dollars through Volusia Forever and Volusia ECHO by getting more funding from Florida Forever for projects.

Randy Dye brings business acumen, he says

Randy Dye

Dye, 64, seeks to bring his experience as a business leader to the Council. His top priorities include effective leadership, sensible growth management, jobs, quality of life, public protection and fiscal conservatism.

Dye is the only one without elected experience, but he has served on the Daytona State College Board of Trustees since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him in 2019. He views his background as a strength.

Racing and cars have steered much of Dye's life. His father was a car dealership owner, and Dye sold his first car at age 12.

Dye, who grew up in northwest Pennsylvania, owns Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Maserati Alfa Romeo of Daytona. He also owns Daniel Dye Racing  Daniel Dye, his son, is a professional race car driver.

Randy Dye, candidate for Volusia County Council's chairmanship, talks with residents, Monday June 17, 2024, before the start of a campaign town hall at the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge.

Dye, a DeLand resident, keeps his office at the Dodge dealership in Daytona Beach and its decor is a blend of cars and images of his hero Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and died in a plane crash.

A Clemente quote in large letters overlooks his office: "Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth."

Its a core value that drives Dye, so much so that he has cards made with the quote to hand out here and there, he said.

In a recent interview at his office with the News-Journal, he met with sales managers and talked about the business issues of the day amid stacks of paper on the desk and a copy of "Automotive News" by his feet.

Dye said he grew his business carefully to be financially responsible, an ethic he plans to bring to the Council. And he still sells cars. He got into the business because he loved working with people and, of course, loved cars.

Dye says the No. 1 priority of the county government is public safety.

While Volusia County is in his opinion "pretty safe" overall, it's becoming more challenging to stay that way with population growth. He said he would like to enhance public safety and training for first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and lifeguards.

"It's impossible to overtrain, to make sure they have the best facilities to simulate conditions that they're going to be in so that we don't only keep our residents safe but we keep the first responders and the police ... all of them safe as well," he said.

Brower focuses on development issues, fuel terminal

Jeff Brower

Brower, 69, was 3 when his family moved to Florida. A former Volusia County lifeguard, he lives in DeLeon Springs and runs a family farm and business that provides lighting and sound services.

Brower said he spends most of his time with constituents hearing what they have to say and encouraging them to speak at Council meetings.

His top priorities, other than overdevelopment, include reducing taxes, protecting water resources and stopping a proposed fuel distribution terminal that is targeted for a location near Ormond Beach. The state recently set aside $10 million to help potentially lure builder Belvedere Terminals to a different location.

Jeff Brower holds a campaign sign at the intersection of Williamson and International Speedway boulevards in Daytona Beach on June 21, 2024.

Brower said that tax and water issues are also tied to managing development.

Recently, Brower and the rest of the County Council voted to spend over $4.7 million in Volusia Forever dollars to buy 2,508 acres of environmentally sensitive land within the Indian River Lagoon "blueway." The county expects to get back over $3.2 million when the state buys 2,047 acres.

"Indian River Lagoon is under a lot of stress and we are making progress on it, and this will be a big step for making progress in that," Brower said.

Candidates' views on development

While Brower is the most vocal when it comes to development, his opponents have strong views too and have mentioned impact fees, land preservation and issues regarding the county's Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes.

All of the candidates in the chair's race support increasing the amount of land the county buys for conservation.

Brower wants to overhaul how the county addresses flooding concerns and other development woes. He wants developers to follow low-impact development principles.

Denys voiced support for low-impact development and updating development standards.

Brower says the county should follow the Comprehensive Plan and zoning rules and not allow development where it wasn't planned. Dye said that he is not in favor of allowing any changes to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning.

"I think you have to be extraordinarily careful," Dye said. "I'm not willing to say never because I don't know what might be the reason."

As a mayor, Burnette said he focuses on getting what he can from developers who ask for exceptions to the rules and he always looks at reducing density.

One area that the candidates differ on is impact fees, assessments on developers that are used to pay for infrastructure improvements, like roads, emergency medical services, parks and fire services.

The county adopted new impact fees in late 2022. State law says that impact fees can't be increased more than once every four years, but the law allows some flexibility in restrictions based on demonstration of need.

Brower said he hates impact fees. A different County Council voted in December 2022 to raise fees. Brower wasn't at the meeting.

Brower said growth doesn't pay for itself and impact fees don't help enough. To help with the costs of development, Brower said he wants developers to keep the responsibility for new roads instead of dedicating them to the county to maintain.

Burnette said he's never turned down an impact fee increase. He said he knows the cost gets passed on to homebuyers, but incoming residents should pay more instead of that getting passed on to existing residents.

Denys said the cost of impact fee increases is passed on to homeowners. But she's open to reviewing the issue.

Dye said he doesn't believe impact fee increases are a good solution to funding gaps in infrastructure.

"You'll never get there collecting impact fees. I'm going to tell you who ... the impact fee should be paid to: the people who bought the property before we changed the zoning and made it OK for somebody to mess it up," he said.

Event controversy: Denys left out of Port Orange forum for Volusia County chair candidates

Will that one thing be enough for Brower?

The Aug. 20 primary will show whether Brower's intense focus on stopping overdevelopment will connect with voters.

On that humid evening in June on his home turf in DeLeon Springs, it connected with at least some of the crowd gathered around the gazebo. Brower said the county is following the rules and regulations that are in place, but it's still resulting in flooding and other problems.

"We have to change the way that we develop," he said.

Denys said Brower is using the same campaign rhetoric four years later and nothing is changing. She said nobody wants over-development, but Brower's comments can put off planners and local leaders who might have business before the Council.

"Do you think they're going to be open to working with us and getting somewhere?" she asks. "That's what's got to change. Leadership has to change."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Will voters buy into Jeff Brower's anti-growth message? We'll find out.
MSNBC

MSNBC anchor Jen Psaki described Vice President Kamala Harris first campaign stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday as a delicious dose of trolling, since just last week it was the site of the Republican National Convention, where many had expected to be facing off not against Harris, but President Joe Biden.

After noting the vice presidents historic influx of donations and campaign volunteers since Sunday, Psaki turned to Harris visit to the battleground state.

She did it with a deliciousand I mean deliciousdose of trolling Donald Trump and the Republicans, the former Biden press secretary said, noting the significance of the location. Though her speech did not feature an authoritarian vision for the countrys futureobviously not. Thats not her vision.

Nor did it include anyone who just recently left jail, she continued, alluding to former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro being awarded a speaking slot hours after he completed his federal prison sentence in Florida for defying the House Jan. 6 Committees subpoena.

Harris event, Psaki continued, also didnt include a 70-year-old former professional wrestler tearing off his shirt and bellowing some gimmicky lines about the GOPs presidential nomineea reference to Hulk Hogans appearance at the convention last Thursday.

It had a very different vibe to it, she said, rolling a clip of Harris speech.

We believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead, the vice president told the crowd. A future where no child has to grow up in poverty. Where every worker has the freedom to join a union. Where every person has affordable health care, affordable childcare, and paid family leave.

Psaki noted that the crowds energized reaction to Harris basically captures the feeling of most Democrats over the past few days.

Which is pretty encouraging, she added, considering the weeks before that were dominated by painful, gut-wrenching conversations inside the party about the future of a guy they all love: Joe Biden.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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TOKYO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The local government of Japan's Tokyo metropolitan area was not informed of at least three cases of sexual crime committed by individuals associated with the U.S. military between 2021 and 2023, Japanese daily Mainichi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

The revelation came after the Mainichi Shimbun queried Tokyo's metropolitan police department and government.

The three cases were each exposed in 2021, 2022 and 2023, with one individual in each case accused of sexual intercourse without consent or other charges. The suspects were individuals connected with the U.S. military, which could include service members and civilian employees of U.S. forces and their families, the report said, citing police sources.

Meanwhile, the central government did not inform the Tokyo Metropolitan Government of the three sex crimes between 2021 and 2023, it said.

Normally, if the Defense Ministry notifies the metropolitan government of cases where associates of U.S. forces are accused of crimes, the metropolitan government will announce on its website that it has requested the U.S. military and other parties concerned to prevent a recurrence, the report said.

Between 2021 and 2023, the metropolitan government made such announcements on five cases, but they were property damage caused by drunken driving and other incidents, and did not include sex crimes, it added.

In June, it came to light that Okinawa Prefectural Police had not announced the arrests of U.S. military personnel over sexual assault cases that occurred in Okinawa prefecture in December 2023 and May 2024, and that the Japanese government, which was aware of those cases, had not shared the information with the Okinawa Prefectural Government.

In the wake of the revelation of these sex crimes involving U.S. military personnel, the Japanese government earlier this month reviewed information-sharing arrangements with local governments, vowing to notify municipalities any crimes allegedly committed by U.S. military members "without exception." 
JetBlue announces expansion plan for airports in Boston and NH, including $49 fares

JetBlue has plans for a major expansion in New England that includes $49 one-way fares for a limited time only.

On Wednesday, airline officials announced more flying at Boston Logan International Airport and other New England airports as well as launch service for the first time from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire. The company will also be adding 20% more seats in the region by wintertime.

Boston fliers can expect more JetBlue flights to vacation spots, including Aruba, Barbados, Cancun, Grand Cayman, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Liberia, Miami, Montego Bay, Nassau, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Punta Cana, Providenciales, Sarasota, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Tampa among others.

JetBlue flights from Manchester are set to launch in January with service to Florida including year-round daily flights to Orlando, and winter seasonal service to Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers. For a limited time, the airline is offering special $49 one-way fares for the new routes, available here.

With the new service in Manchester, the airline will average 18 new daily departures from New England this winter, with six new routes between New England and Florida.

We are incredibly proud of our strong roots in Boston and New England, a place that has always embraced our vision for low fares and superior travel experiences, said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. Our commitment to Boston and our loyal customers across New England is unwavering as we continue to innovate and enhance our product. With each new development, each new route, we aim to deliver even greater comfort and convenience, ensuring that our customers choice is easy, and they always receive the best that JetBlue has to offer.

The airline is also adding new, New England routes, including:

To/From: City: Frequency: Begins: Presque Isle, ME (PQI) Boston (BOS) 1x daily, year-round 9/5/2024 Providence, RI (PVD) Fort Myers (RSW) 1x daily, winter seasonal 10/27/2024 Providence, RI (PVD) Tampa (TPA) 1x daily, winter seasonal 10/27/2024 Providence, RI (PVD) San Juan, PR (SJU) 1x daily, year-round 10/28/2024 Portland, ME (PWM) Orlando (MCO) 3x weekly, winter seasonal 10/28/2024 Manchester, NH (MHT) Orlando (MCO) 1x daily, year-round 1/23/2025 Manchester, NH (MHT) Fort Myers (RSW) 3x weekly, winter seasonal 1/23/2025 Manchester, NH (MHT) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 4x weekly, winter seasonal 1/24/2025

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The United States top envoy to the United Nations visited a crisis-wrecked Haiti this week during which she announced tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian and security aid, but also issued a warning about the need for elections to the countrys new leadership.

My message to them: You have a job. And your job is to make sure that we get the Haitian people to elections, get that electoral commission established, get them to work,  Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Miami Herald. Were willing to fund them, were willing to provide support and advice, but we need to get it done.

Haiti hasnt had an elected president since Jovenel Moise was gunned down inside his bedroom three years ago, and no Parliament since he dismissed most lawmakers in a tweet in 2020 and began ruling by decree.

Thomas-Greenfields visit on Monday was her first to Haiti since gunshots during Moises funeral forced her and the rest of a visiting U.S. presidential delegation to cut their visit short on July 23, 2021. Since then, the U.S. diplomat has led the charge at the U.N. Security Council to get global U.N. sanctions imposed on gang members spreading violence and hunger, and those financing political instability, and getting an armed international force deployed to help the Haitian police root out gangs. She and her counterpart from Ecuador spearheaded the Security Council resolution authorizing last months long-awaited deployment of the first contingent of Kenyan police officers nine months after it was approved.

During her visit to Haiti Thomas-Greenfield publicly praised the countrys new political transition for sharing the U.S. commitment to reduce crime, strengthen human rights and build a more transparent, representative government. But privately in meetings with members of the presidential council and Prime Minister Garry Conille, she also made the thrust of her visit clear: get the elections process rolling by appointing a Provisional Electoral Council, whose job under Haitian law is to organize the balloting.

If we start to see that they are not moving forward and moving to establish the provisional electoral commission, leading to elections, were gonna call them out for it, Thomas-Greenfield told the Herald.

Organizing elections in Haiti, last held in 2016, is the final goal in a deal that was put in place in March by the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc in Jamaica after the U.S. agreed to support a political transition in Haiti. A presidential transitional council was formed, and its seven voting members were tasked with readying Haiti for the arrival of the Kenyan force, selecting a new prime minister to lead a new government and to organize elections.

My message to them was very, very clear, Thomas-Greenfield said about her conversations with Conille and the transitional presidential council. We are depending on them to do what they have been selected by the people of Haiti to do  they have to work together to deliver to the Haitian people.

In the discussions with Thomas-Greenfield and Brian Nichols, assistant secretary of state for the Western Hemisphere, who was in the delegation, both the prime minister and the council spoke of their focus on improving security, demonstrating progress to the Haitian public and naming the members of the provisional electoral council to move the country toward elections, Nichols said Wednesday.

It was very heartening for me to hear, he said. Those were all very important steps.

But the process of naming an electoral council is already mired in controversy over lack of transparency and the selection process itself.

The renewed push by the U.S. comes after years of putting discussions about elections on the back burner as gangs drove Haiti to the brink of collapse in the aftermath of the 2021 assassination of Moise. It also comes as the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission finally starts to come together.

In addition to delivering a message about elections, Thomas-Greenfield wanted to highlight U.S. support for the fight against gangs in hopes of getting more countries to step up with financing and equipment, and she wanted to hear first-hand what its like for Haitians, especially women and girls, dealing with the violence and humanitarian crisis.

Nichols said the visit by Thomas-Greenfield is significant. The first cabinet-level official of any government to visit Haiti since the forced departure of Prime Minister Ariel Henry during the gang insurgency in March, Thomas-Greenfields visit, Nichols said, is a huge statement of progress, a statement of our commitment to the people and government of Haiti, but also a marker that theres much more work to be done.

But the U.S., he stressed, doesnt want to shoulder the burden alone, especially when it comes to support for the multinational mission, and other countries need to step up.

In discussions in Haiti, Thomas-Greenfield heard both skepticism and hope. In a meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Tabarre, female activists questioned whether the new political transition can avoid a new political crisis and whether the Kenya-led mission can actually help the Haitian police dismantle gangs and restore order. Activists noted that since the Kenyan forces arrival, it remains dangerous to go out on the street, and the attacks that have already forced 578,000 Haitians from their homes into displacement camps continue.

Again, it just started, Thomas-Greenfield said of Haitis new governing structure. I understand the skepticism. But Im not going to let skepticism stand in the way of making progress.

Before leaving Port-au-Prince, she announced $60 million in aid from the U.S. Agency for International Development to help Haiti deal with the humanitarian crisis.

She also announced Haiti will get more armored vehicles to support the security mission. The package includes a substantial increase in the number of mine-resistance, ambush-protected vehicles through the Department of Defense, she said, and the procurement of armored vehicles by the State Departments Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

These gangs are not used to having a force like the Kenyans fight against them, she told the Herald. Theyre used to terrorizing populations who are defenseless. Theyre used to terrorizing police stations that are not fully equipped, so theyre going to be dealing with a different kind of response with the Kenyans on the ground.

Thomas-Greenfield said she was told that in areas where the Kenyans have appeared on joint patrols alongside the Haiti National Police, many of the gangs have hunkered down, taking a wait-and-see mode.

During her visit, she and others in the U.S. delegation, were reminded of the complexities of the crisis in which armed groups now control more than 80% of the capital.

The day before the delegations arrival, members of the 400 Mawozo gang killed two people in Ganthier, a town just east of the U.S. embassy in Tabarre. The attack left the customs office and police station in flames, despite reports by the Haitian police that they had thwarted the attempted arson.

I know people are impatient, and they want to see change now, said Thomas-Greenfield. The Kenyans have been on the ground for three weeksand they are working very, very closely with the new head of the Haitian national police to put together a strategy. The prime minister was clear that he wanted a strategy from them on how they are going to engage.

There are currently 400 Kenyan police officers in Haiti, and they will soon be joined by about 200 officers from Jamaica. An additional 600 Kenyans are currently being vetted and trained for the mission, which will also include security personnel from other countries. At its peak the mission is expected to have about 2,500 personnel.

The U.S. remains the largest financial contributor to the security mission, providing more than $300 million for logistics, equipment and training. Though other countries, including Canada and France, have also contributed, Thomas-Greenfield said the Biden administration wants to see more help from other nations.

Were pushing for that. Im pulling together meetings on a regular basis in New York; were trying to organize a Friends of Haiti group in New York, to really push for and address funding shortfalls, she said. But I think the good news story out of this is the fact that a country like Kenya, Benin in Africa, are providing troops, Jamaica in the region are providing troops. Were just getting started. I know theres a lot more work to be done.

That work also includes pursuing sanctions against people in Haiti who finance gangs and political instability.

In an unusual move earlier this month, Thomas-Greenfield publicly named a Haitian politician, the former president of the Haitian Senate, Youri Latortue, as she expressed frustration over Russia and Chinas refusal to support the U.S. push to impose U.N. sanctions against him. She is not giving up, she said.

Were going to keep trying to call them out for blocking putting them on sanctions, Thomas-Greenfield said of Russia and China, adding that the U.S. has other names it is pursuing for placement on the list whose membership currently includes just five gang members.

But in the meantime, we have imposed direct sanctions by the U.S. government and we will continue to look for others to put sanctions on. We do believe sanctions work, specific sections on why sanctions work; the Haitians believe sanctions work. Nobody wants to be on a sanctions list.
Pasco County is one of 41 of the states 67 county school districts that elects its superintendent. Kurt Browning is retiring after more than a decade at the helm. The superintendent runs the district, which is the 10th largest in the state. The job pays $172,928 annually. The winner of the Republican primary faces No Party Affiliation candidate Chris Dunning in the Nov. 5 general election.

Pasco School Superintendent Republicans  John Legg

John Legg, 49, was born and raised in Pasco County. He earned an associates degree from Pasco-Hernando State College and three degrees from the University of South Florida  a bachelors in social work, a masters in public administration and a doctorate in education. In 2004, voters elected Legg to the Florida House, where he eventually became chairperson of the House Education Committee. In 2012, he won a seat in the Florida Senate, where he chaired the Senates Education Committee.

Legg is the co-founder and the chief financial officer of Dayspring Academy Charter School, a highly rated school with six campuses in Pasco. The academy has kids prekindergarten through 12th grade. If elected to superintendent, he will need to avoid even the appearance of any conflict between his duties as superintendent and the charter school he helped found.

Legg has a significant funding advantage over his opponent, and much of the countys Republican establishment has lined up behind him, including Sheriff Chris Nocco, Tax Collector Mike Fasano, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.

Legg favors accountability but doesnt want to over-test students. He emphasizes that education is not one size fits all and that students need options like early college, trade and technical schools, arts and teacher academies and STEM programs. He said he would push to increase school and classroom autonomy. He also told the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board he wants to focus on the things that matter to students. We can do this without drama, he said.

His opponent in the primary is Michelle Mandarin, a first-time candidate who works in marketing and describes herself as an outsider who has a vision of a district that can work together to solve the many problems that keep getting swept under the rug.

Mandarin, 34, hasnt raised much money, and her campaign has been comparatively quiet. She told the Times she would focus on auditing the district budget to root out waste and programs or materials that arent needed. Her other priorities include recruiting and retaining teachers by creating a welcoming workplace and ensuring the district enforces the written rules on discipline so that teachers spend more time teaching and less time handling disciplinary issues.

Running a school district is a big job, one of the most important in any county. Legg has the education and experience to take the reins.

For Pasco County School Superintendent in the Republican primary, the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends John Legg.

The recommendation process

Before making a recommendation, the Times Editorial Board asks candidates to fill out questionnaires and sit for an interview. The process can also include running criminal and civil background checks, interviewing candidates colleagues and employers, reviewing voting records and financial disclosures and examining their past and current positions on relevant issues.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sent a letter to House members warning there would be arrests if people disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to lawmakers Wednesday.

Johnson said in his letter, shared Tuesday, that there will be additional security measures and the note served as a friendly reminder of the longstanding rules and decorum of the House.

Due to the attention garnered by the prime ministers address, there will be an increased police presence around the Capitol complex and in the House Chamber, Johnson wrote. In the interests of all involved, we will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances in the building.

Capitol Police confirmed days ago it would be adding officers from outside agencies to help staff the high-security event.

A group of pro-Palestinian protesters occupying the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building were arrested Tuesday. A coalition of advocacy groups, expected to be tens of thousands of people, plans to march on the Capitol during Netanyahus speech.

Johnson asked members of Congress to kindly inform their guests that disruptions are a violation of the rules and could subject the offenders to prosecution.

If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest, Johnson said.

Johnson also had a warning for members directly, pressing them to model respect and proper decorum.

Top Democrats in both chambers are frustrated with Israels ongoing war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu has vowed to not back down until Hamas is destroyed and the remaining hostages, of which there are expected to be more than 100, are returned.

His invitation to address a joint session of Congress, extended by Johnson and the bipartisan leaders of both chambers, has prompted several Democratic lawmakers to say they will boycott the speech. Vice President Harris, who was thrust into the partys presidential nomination process after President Biden bowed out of the race, will skip the address.

It is our tradition to acknowledge every guest speakers right to free expression even if we disagree with their viewpoint, Johnson wrote. If any Member creates a disturbance, the Sergeant at Arms will request that such action be ceased immediately, and we trust that request will be heeded.

Johnson thanked the members ahead of time for their attention and attendance at this historic joint session, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT.

The Israeli prime minister will also meet separately with Biden, Harris and former President Trump, the GOP nominee for the White House, 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 The Hill.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran hates the United States more than it does Israel and is the largest supporter and organizer of global terrorism during his address before a joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives at the Capitol on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

July 24 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of Iran's support for global terrorism and its hatred of the United States while addressing a joint session of Congress Wednesday afternoon.

Netanyahu entered the chamber to cheers and applause from many of those in attendance and referred to the Capitol Building as the "citadel of democracy."

"We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval," Netanyahu said.

"This is not a clash of civilizations. It is a clash of barbarism and civilization," he told the audience. "It's a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life."

"America and Israel must stand together because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win; they lose!" Netanyahu said.

Demonstrators hold a sculpted image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., prior to the Prime Minister's address to a joint session of Congress Wednesday afternoon, during which he called pro-Palestinian protesters "useful idiots" for Iran. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

Referring to the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel, Netanyahu said, "At 6:29 a.m. suddenly, heaven turned into hell" as 3,000 Hamas militants attacked Israeli settlers.

"These monsters, they raped women. They beheaded men. They burned babies alive. They killed parents in front of their children and children in front of their parents," Netanyahu said.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., holds a sign during a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Wednesday while seeking bipartisan support for Israel. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Hamas also "dragged 250 living and dead" into Gaza to hold as hostages, he added.

Netanyahu introduced several families of current and former hostages who attended, including some who were hostages.

Noa Argamani, center in white, is one of many freed hostages honored as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentions her in his address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

The families of up to eight American hostages in Gaza also attended the joint session.

"The pain these families endured is beyond words," Netanyahu said. "I will not rest until all of their loved ones are home -- all of them!"

The prime minister thanked President Joe Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel.

"He came to Israel to stand with us during out darkest hour," Netanyahu said and referred to Biden as a self-proclaimed "'proud Irish-American Zionist.'"

Netanyahu also said Israel Defense Forces are diverse.

"Muslim soldiers of IDF fought alongside Christians and Jews with tremendous bravery," Netanyahu said. "These are the soldiers of Israel. Unbowed, undaunted, unafraid!"

"The men and women of the IDF come from every corner of Israeli society," he said, as he lamented what he said were many anti-Israel protesters in the United States and elsewhere choosing "to stand with murderers" and "rapists."

"These protesters stand with them. They should be ashamed of themselves!" Netanyahu said. "They refuse to make the simple distinction between those who target terrorists and those who target civilians."

He said Iran is funding protests in the United States and those who protest on behalf of Hamas "have officially become Iran's useful idiots."

"Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza,'" Netanyahu said. "They might as well hold up signs [that say] 'Chickens for KFC.'"

He also said many who "chant 'from the river to the sea' don't know the river or the sea."

"They call Israel a colonialist state but don't know history," Netanyahu said. "For nearly 4,000 years, the land of Israel has been the homeland of the Jewish people.

"It always has been our home. It always will be our home."

Netanyahu said many lies are being told about Israel despite enabling more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza.

"Hamas is stealing it," he said of the aid intended for Gazan civilians.

He said an International Criminal Court prosecutor falsely accuses Israel of deliberately targeting civilians.

The IDF drops millions of fliers and sends millions of texts to get civilians out of harm's way, the prime minister said, but Hamas won't let them leave.

"They even shoot their own people when they try to get out of the way," Netanyahu said.

And, he said, Hamas leaders have said Gazan civilians "excel at being human shields."

"They want Palestinian civilians to die" to generate bad publicity for Israel, Netanyahu said.

"Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history and beyond what international law requires," he said.

Netanyahu said the war in Gaza has the lowest combatant to non-combatant casualty ratio in military history and Rafah has the lowest count in all of Gaza.

In Rafah, he said, 1,203 terrorists were killed and practically no civilians other than when a Hamas weapons depot was hit by accident and killed dozens of civilians due to its proximity to a civilian encampment

The IDF "should be commended" for its efforts to protect civilians in Gaza, but the ICC is "trying to shackle Israel's hands," Netanyahu said. "The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled."

"Iran is behind all of the terrorism, all of the turmoil, all of the chaos, all of the killing," the Netanyahu continued.

"Which country stands in the way of Iran's maniacal plan to export Islamic terrorism throughout the world?" he asked. "It's the United States."

"That's why Iran sees America as its greatest enemy," he said.

"Iran's regime has been fighting America since it came to power" in 1979, Netanyahu said. "They even threatened to assassinate former President Donald Trump."

He said Iran first must conquer the Middle East before it can target the United States and the rest of the world with Islamic jihad, but Israel stands in the way.

"That's why the mobs in Iran chant 'Death to Israel' before they chant 'Death to America,'" Netanyahu said.

His said his address to the joint session of Congress was meant to affirm that Israel and the United States are standing firmly against global terrorism and genuine threats to the people of both nations and many others.

Netanyahu is visiting the nation's capital to build bipartisan support for Israel in its 10-month war with Hamas in Gaza.

"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 prior to his arrival Monday.

The congressional session Wednesday was the fourth time Netanyahu has addressed a joint session of Congress.

About 80 House Democrats and several senators boycotted Netanyahu's event, but Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris scheduled a Thursday meeting with Netanyahu.

"The leaders will discuss developments in Gaza and progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal and the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement Wednesday.

After their private meeting, Biden and Netanyahu will meet with families of eight U.S. citizens being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said she wouldn't attend the joint session but will meet with other members who have planned to meet with Israeli citizens whose family members were kidnapped, injured or killed by Hamas on Oct. 7 and in the subsequent war.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said it's "utterly immoral and cruel" to allow Netanyahu to address Congress due to an estimated 38,000 Gazans killed during the war between Israel and Hamas and didn't attend the joint session.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between Hamas militants killed and civilians in the casualty reports.

Hamas also does not allow civilians to use the network of tunnels built throughout Gaza to enable underground movement of Hamas militants.

Hamas continues holding about 120 hostages among the 250 its militants captured during the Oct. 7 surprise attack that brutally killed more than 1,200 civilians in Israel.

Israel estimates more than a third of hostages being held in Gaza have died in captivity.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said he would attend the joint session but disagrees with many of Netanyahu's policies.

"The United States' relationship with Israel remains ironclad and transcends any prime minister or president," Schumer said on the Senate floor. "We must do all we can to get our hostages home."
Journalist Evan Gershkovich isnt alone. Dozens of US citizens are being held captive around globe

The number of US nationals held captive abroad has significantly declined since 2022  but dozens are still being held hostage by foreign powers, a new report found.

There are 46 US nationals in 16 countries currently being held hostage or wrongfully detained, a designation assigned by the feds when they believe the person is a political hostage and the charges against them are fabricated.

Those individuals include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich  who was sentenced to 16 years in a Russian penal colony on espionage charges last week after whats been widely decreed a sham trial  and Paul Whelan, another American in Russia who was convicted on espionage charges in 2020. Whelan, who also insisted hes innocent, was also given a 16-year sentence, which U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan called a mockery of justice.

Since 2023, 13 US nationals have been taken hostage and 10 have been wrongfully detained, according to research conducted by the Foley Foundation and released on Wednesday. Twenty-one have been released from captivity, 14 of them in prisoner exchanges. The individuals are primarily being held in Russia, China, and Iran. Hamas has also held five US citizens since the October 7 attack on Israel.

Evan Gershkovich stands listening to the verdict in a glass cage last week. The number of US hostages or wrongfully detained individuals is on the decline (AP)

We need Americans to be more aware  not afraid to go abroad because we need Americans out in the world, Diane Foley, the mother of journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS in 2014 after being kidnapped by the terrorist group, told NPR.

Since 2022, the average number of US nationals wrongfully imprisoned in Russia has risen from three people per year to nine people per year, a 200 percent increase.

The overall decline is the result of diplomatic efforts that led to 41 releases of wrongful detainees from 2022 to May 2024. The Biden administration has facilitated the release of 64 hostages and wrongfully detained US nationals.

Some families of people being held abroad are demanding more clarity on how to get a loved one designated as a wrongful detainee designation, calling the current process opaque.

The designation releases funds to families to advocate for their loved ones release in Washington, DC. Families are also offered medical and mental health services, which wrongful detainees will be able to access upon their return.

Only five people have been officially classified as wrongfully detained since 2023, but the Foley Foundation says they are at least 10.

Additionally, families are calling for the declassification of the status of hostages and detainees for their families and for more communication with the US government.
A judge has blocked the state from limiting operating hours and imposing other restrictions intended to reduce air pollution from a St. Paul iron foundry.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ordered Northern Iron, LLC, to limit its daily operations to control airborne lead and particulate matter, which can damage the lungs and circulatory system when inhaled.

But in a ruling issued July 11, Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro partially granted Northern Iron's request for an injunction, preventing the state from enforcing limits on how much metal the company could melt in a day and what hours it could operate. Northern Iron says the agency's demands would make the foundry go out of business.

The judge left intact other provisions of MPCA's order, and ordered the business and the agency to work together on a new air permit and installing new pollution control equipment. MPCA has said the business' own modeling shows it is releasing pollutants at thousands of times the level allowed by law.

Alex Lawton, CEO of foundry owner Lawton Standard, told the Star Tribune that after the ruling, he "felt relief for the folks who were laid off that who wanted to come back to work." The company announced shortly after MPCA's order that it would have to cut 15% of its workforce, but is now operating with its full staffing of about 80 employees.

MPCA said in an email sent out shortly after the ruling that it "respectfully disagrees" with the decision.

"We stand ready to hold the company accountable should pollution emissions exceed [air quality] standards, to protect the health company employees and nearby residents," agency spokesperson Andrea Cournoyer wrote in a statement.

Northern Iron opened at 867 N. Forest St. in St. Paul's Payne-Phalen neighborhood in 1906. It molds made-to-order components that other companies use in finished products. Lawton Standard bought the business in 2022.

Sidney Pisano, vice chair of the Payne-Phalen Community Council, said the court decision has left the neighborhood feeling "disregarded."

"It feels like we don't matter, and I think that's a sentiment a lot of East Siders have felt for a long time," she said.

The situation has played out differently than the regulation of another urban iron casting company. Smith Foundry spurred complaints of bad smells and air pollution for years from neighbors in Minneapolis' East Phillips neighborhood. The EPA took the lead on an investigation there, after a surprise inspection last year, and got the foundry to agree to shut down its furnace and casting operations in a settlement. Some in the area were frustrated it took action by EPA, not MPCA, to address the issues.

In the Northern Iron case, MPCA has led the enforcement, including a $41,500 fine imposed on the foundry last year for changing its pollution controls without reporting it to the state. Lawton said the Smith Foundry case was hanging over the regulation of his own business, and suggested it had encouraged regulators to take a stronger hand.

"I think Smith and certain other factors like that seemed to be omnipresent," he said.

Since the fine last year, MPCA and the foundry have been discussing how to reduce its emissions. After one round of modelling showed that the particulate matter and lead released were thousands of times higher than federal rules allow, Northern Iron then came up with new calculations to show how the emissions would change if they altered their hours or installed new equipment.

The particulate pollution would still be higher than allowed, and the calculations for lead "seemingly defy the conservation of mass and likely cause an underestimate of lead emissions at some sources," according to MPCA's administrative order.

The company contends that it's not polluting, because monitors stationed around the foundry show the air doesn't exceed state limits on contaminants. It is still planning to install two air filters and make other improvements at the building, a project that will cost around $2 million, Lawton said.

But Cournoyer said that the foundry's current permit requires it to use modeling to show it is meeting air quality standards.

The foundry and the state agency will next be in court on Aug. 22, when MPCA will argue to dismiss the case. Northern Iron said it plans to submit a new air permit application by August.

"I feel glad the MPCA is keeping the pressure on," Pisano said.
In July, U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon dismissed the indictment of Donald Trump for mishandling national security information  remember the pictures of boxes stored in his bathroom?

She did so because Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the prosecution, had been a private citizen before being appointed by the U.S. attorney general. The appointment, Cannon ruled, was therefore unconstitutional.

In so ruling, Judge Cannon defied a 1974 Supreme Court decision, U.S. v. Nixon, that was directly on point.

A lawyer in private practice was appointed by President Richard Nixons attorney general to be special prosecutor in the Watergate case. Close associates of the president were indicted for obstructing justice. The special prosecutor subpoenaed documents from the president, who objected, claiming the documents were privileged  they could not be subpoenaed.

Nixon also argued that because this was a dispute between two members of the executive branch, it was not justiciable  meaning, it was not for the courts to decide. A case is justiciable if it involves a concrete (real) dispute between parties on opposite sides of the dispute. In the Nixon case, this turned on whether the special prosecutor was properly appointed under the laws of the United States. The Supreme Court concluded that he was  pursuant to laws passed by Congress that authorized the appointment of the special prosecutor under the Appointments Clause of the Constitution.

Trump argued to Cannon that the Supreme Courts conclusion in Nixon that the special prosecutor had been properly appointed was, for technical legal reasons, not binding on Cannon in deciding whether Smith had been properly appointed special counsel. Smith argued the contrary position.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon

The law establishes that whether the Supreme Courts conclusion is binding on Cannon in the Trump case depends on whether it had been necessary to the Supreme Courts decision that the dispute was justiciable (that it was an actual dispute between parties on opposite sides of the dispute).

After agreeing on this as the proper test of whether the Nixon conclusion was binding on her, Cannon ignored the very test she agreed on, in favor of a different legal test that, while she was at it, she misstated. And she opined that, whether or not the conclusion that the special prosecutor had been properly appointed was technically binding, and even though it was contained in a Supreme Court decision, she could ignore it because it was neither thoroughly reasoned nor of recent vintage.

In so ruling, Cannon also disregarded a 2019 decision of the court often referred to as the second most important court in the United States  the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In another special counsel prosecution, that appeals court addressed the very issue Cannon decided in favor of Trump: whether the language in the Nixon decision was binding.

The D.C. Circuit concluded that the Nixon decision was binding on other courts because it was necessary to the decision on justiciability. Cannon, however, claimed the right to disregard the D.C. Circuits interpretation of Nixon because, in her view, that court did not consider the question in a meaningful way.

In this lawyers considered opinion, the very same thing could be said of Cannons dismissal of the Trump indictment.

Richard E. Brodsky is a lawyer based in Coral Gables and is a member of The Florida Bar.
PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian police have arrested two foreigners for trafficking illicit drugs, an anti-drug police official said on Wednesday.

Lieutenant General Kheoung Sarath, director of the National Police's Anti-Drug Department, said the two male suspects, aged 41 and 42, were apprehended at two locations in capital Phnom Penh on July 21.

"A total of 200.7 kg of ketamine was seized from the suspects' possession during the raids," he told a press conference.

The Southeast Asian country has no death sentence for a drug trafficker. Under its law, someone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could be imprisoned for life.

According to the police Anti-Drug Department, the kingdom detained 11,780 drug-related suspects, including more than 300 foreigners in 13 nationalities, in the first half of 2024, seizing a total of 5.01 tons of illicit drugs. 
A Kansas district judge has dismissed six counts of sexual exploitation of a child levied against a former Wichita State University employee who placed a clock with a camera in a minors bedroom. The camera then recorded the minor undressing.

The judge cited a lack of probable cause for those charges against Christopher Garnier. The charges accuse someone of persuading or coercing someone under 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct with the intent to promote any performance, according to the complaint.

Sedgwick County District Judge Seth L. Rundle is also considering whether to dismiss six additional charges of breach of privacy filed by the Sedgwick County District Attorneys Office against Garnier after the Wichita Police Department found six videos of a minor in various states of undress on his cell phone.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said the decision to dismiss the six exploitation charges was made after a re-review of the facts and the law.

Upon further review of the investigation, the decision was made that Kansas case law will not support the amended charges, Bennett said in an email Wednesday. So, the case will proceed under the original charges  breach of privacy.

They had been recorded from inside the minors bedroom using a hidden camera in a clock that Garnier bought on Amazon, according to the Wichita police probable cause affidavit. Garnier told investigators that the point of the camera was not to view the minor in the nude for sexual gratification but to make sure she was not getting herself into trouble.

Court documents say the incidents occurred on April 20, 21 and 24 and appear to involve the same victim, whose identity and age were not disclosed by prosecutors.

An order filed in the case by Rundle says he will take the breach of privacy charges under advisement pending preliminary examination.

Garnier, 46, had been director of Executive Education and Center for Management Development for the W. Frank Barton School of Business. His employment at WSU ended around the time he was arrested on May 2.

Contributing: Chance Swaim of The Wichita Eagle
WEST PALM BEACH  A 30-year-old Riviera Beach man has received a life sentence after a jury found him guilty in the 2023 murder of a man outside a gas station.

Jurors convicted Deandre Burgess on a charge of first-degree murder on July 17 following nearly a week of trial. Prosecutors said Burgess shot and killed Teavin Reed during a confrontation the night of May 3, 2023, outside the Sunoco gas station on the 400 block of President Barack Obama Highway in Riviera Beach.

Circuit Judge Scott Suskauer immediately sentenced Burgess to life in prison.

A second charge against Burgess of being a felon in possession of a firearm was set for a separate hearing in August, court records show. Riviera Beach police investigators said Reed, 31, was walking toward the gas station's convenience store on the night in question when Burgess pulled out a handgun and began firing several shots.

Fraud probe: Florida sues Palm Beach County moving companies accused of bait-and-switch scams

A woman told investigators she was driving to the store to drop off food for an employee when Burgess, a former schoolmate, stopped her and requested a ride. The woman said Burgess exited her vehicle when they arrived and remained at the site when she left.

The woman said she saw Burgess later that evening and again gave him a ride. She told investigators Burgess observed a vehicle following them and suspected it may have been a police car. Burgess jumped out of the woman's rented vehicle while it was still moving and fled, police said.

The woman identified Burgess after initially being hesitant to do so.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on Twitter at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man sentenced to life in 2023 Riviera Beach gas station murder
A federal judge in Florida refused to toss out Donald Trumps defamation lawsuit against ABC News over comments that anchor George Stephanopoulos made during a contentious This Week interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).

Trump sued the network over Stephanopoulos contention that juries have found the former president liable for rape. Last year, a civil jury found that Trump was liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump contended that he was defamed as Stephanopoulos did not make the distinction.

More from Deadline

U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga wrote that she does not find that a reasonable jury must  or even is likely to  conclude Stephanopouloss statements were defamatory. A jury may, upon viewing the segment, find there was sufficient context. A jury may also conclude Plaintiff fails to establish other elements of his claim. But a reasonable jury could conclude Plaintiff was defamed and, as a result, dismissal is inappropriate.

Read the Trump-ABC ruling.

In their motion to dismiss, ABCs attorneys pointed to what the judge in the E. Jean Carroll case, Lewis Kaplan, wrote in a later ruling. The finding that Ms. Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape. Indeed, as the evidence at trial recounted below makes clear, the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that, Kaplan wrote.

In a separate phase of the Carroll case this year, a jury awarded her an additional $83.3 million in damages. That followed another jurys award of $5 million in damages to her in the initial phase of the case. Trump has denied Carrolls claims and is appealing the verdicts.

During the interview, Stephanopoulos played a video in which Mace said that she was a victim of rape. Stephanopoulos first asked Mace, You endorsed Donald Trump for president. Judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape and for defaming the victim of that rape. How do you square your endorsement of Donald Trump with the testimony that we just saw?

Mace said to Stephanopoulos, Ive lived for 30 years with an incredible amount of shame over being raped. I didnt come forward because of that judgment and shame that I felt. And it is a shame that you will never feel, George. And I am not going to sit here on your show and be asked a question meant to shame me about another potential rape victim.

Stephanopoulos continued to question Mace on the point, while denying that he was attempting to shame her.

Mace said that Trump defended himself over that and denies that it ever happened, but he was not found guilty in a criminal court of law.

Altonagas ruling was not on the merits of the case, but that Trumps lawsuit had met the threshold to move forward.

In her ruling, Altonaga wrote that Stephanopouloss exchange with Mace lasted about ten minutes, during which Stephanopoulos stated ten times that a jury  or juries  had found Plaintiff liable for rape. The judge wrote that the jury did not find [Trump] liable for rape under New York Penal Law; it was Judge Kaplan who determined that the jurys verdict amounted to liability for rape. Yet, none of these particularities make it into the segment such that a reasonable viewer would have indisputably understood what [ABC News] now brief in detail.

The judge also rejected the networks defense that it was protected under Floridas fair reporting privilege, writing that it does not protect media where the omission of important context renders a report misleading.

ABC had no immediate comment.

On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called the ruling a big win and a great day for our country.

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A Florida judge refused to dismiss Donald Trumps defamation lawsuit against ABC News and star anchor George Stephanopoulos, saying a jury could conclude Trump was defamed when Stephanopoulos said he was found liable for rape.

In a Wednesday ruling, District Judge Cecilia Altonaga found that Stephanopoulos implication that a jury found Trump liable for rape for the assault of E. Jean Carroll may not have been substantially true. She noted that the anchor appeared to misconstrue the common understanding of rape with how its defined under New York Penal Law, which indicates that rape must involve penile penetration.

Here, of course, New York has opted to separate out a crime of rape; and Stephanopouloss statements dealt not with the publics usage of that term, but the jurys consideration of it during a formal legal proceeding, Altonaga wrote.

ABC News had no comment about the decision.

Trump lauded the decision on Truth Social, writing: A BIG WIN TODAY IN HIGH FLORIDA COURT AGAINST ABC FAKE NEWS, AND LIDDLE GEORGE SLOPADOPOLUS. A POWERFUL CASE! BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA WILL BE FORCED BY THE COURTS TO START TELLING THE TRUTH.

The ruling allows the case to move forward to discovery.

Altonaga cited multiple examples where Stephanopoulos continued to refer to a jurys decision on the case, even though it was Judge Lewis Kaplan who made the distinction between the legal and common understandings of rape in a clarifying motion.

A jury may, upon viewing the segment, find there was sufficient context, Altonaga wrote. A jury may also conclude Plaintiff fails to establish other elements of his claim  But a reasonable jury could conclude Plaintiff was defamed and, as a result, dismissal is inappropriate.

Trump sued the network and Stephanopoulos in March after the anchor pressed Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) about the New York civil verdict, asking how she squared her endorsement of Trump with the jurys findings on sexual abuse.

A Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse last year and awarded Carroll a $5 million verdict as a result. When asked if they believed Trump raped Carroll, the jury checked a no box on a verdict sheetsolely due to the definition of rape in New York state law being nonconsensual penile penetration. The jury could not consider Carrolls allegations rape. Kaplan later clarified the ruling.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  Wednesday morning, a judge revoked a $10 million bond previously set for the man accused of killing Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter.

Judge Ashley Kilbanes ruling to hold Delawnte Hardy, 23, without bond came at the recommendation of prosecutors and without objection from defense attorneys.

Officers break up unruly mob near Euclid festival

On Tuesday, the FOX 8 I-Team reported the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office had filed a motion making the request.

The motion read, in part, The State of Ohio submits that there are no conditions upon which the defendant can be released wherein the public will be safe Simply put, police officers should be kept safe from individuals who are known to shoot them to evade capture. Because this defendant has killed to avoid justice once, that fact must be recognized and acknowledged, and he must be held without bail until his trial.

Why man says he ripped off seagulls head: Report

Investigators have said Hardy fired four shots as police tried to arrest him for shooting his grandmother.

Hardy has been indicted for shooting and killing both his grandmother and Officer Ritter.

You can read more FOX 8 coverage on the case, 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Judge rules in favor of Catholic Charities RGV in State of Texas investigation

(This story has been updated with reaction from the Catholic Charities RGV)

EDINBURG, Texas (Border Report)  A state judge on Wednesday ruled in favor of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which pushed back against an investigation being brought by the State of Texas against the nonprofit organization that helps migrants.

It was the second ruling this month in favor of a faith-based organization that assists migrants along the Southwest border.

Another Texas migrant aid group asks a judge to push back on investigation by Republican AG

On Wednesday, District Court Judge J.R. Bobby Flores denied a petition by the State of Texas ordering Catholic Charities RGV to sit for a sworn deposition as the state attempts to gather information and evidence against the organization.

The Court is of the opinion the Petition should be DENIED, according to an order signed Wednesday by Flores.

The ruling was posted on the Hidalgo County website shortly after 2:30 p.m. CDT.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has alleged that Catholic Charities has participated in human trafficking at its facilities.

We hope that we can put this behind us and focus our efforts on protecting and upholding the sanctity and dignity of all human lives while following the law, Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities RGV, said in a statement after the ruling.

Paxton on June 5 filed a motion seeking to force representatives from the nonprofit to sit for depositions. But the faith-based group argued last week before Flores that the state does not have the power to compel the testimony.

The organization said Wednesday that compelling the faith-based group to sit for a deposition would have been distracting from its work and service. A deposition would have been a waste of time, the group said in a statement.

The Petition represents a fishing expedition into a pond where no one has ever seen a fish, Catholic Charities stated in a response filed with the court on July 3.

During a July 17 hearing, Catholic Charities pushed back against the state, saying it has already submitted over 100 pages of documents to the State of Texas to aid in its investigation.

Sister Norma Pimentel is executive director of Catholic Charites RGV. (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report File Photo)

Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities RGV, told the Associated Press after the July 17 hearing: The small staff at Catholic Charities works tirelessly around the clock to serve needy people throughout our communities.

Catholic Charities RGV runs the Humanitarian Respite Center in downtown McAllen, Texas, which has assisted over 500,000 immigrants since it began operations in 2014.

It is a very important way to show how a community comes together to make a difference when we see something  theres a need in our community  and we work together from the law enforcement to the churches to the people  everybody, Pimentel told Border Report on June 4 as the organization celebrated its 10th year operating the Humanitarian Respite Center. Families that were suffering, we saw them here at our own bus station and we came together without reservations.

10th anniversary of Humanitarian Respite Center coincides with new asylum rules

The facility offers food, toiletries, shelter, clothing and travel advise to migrants who have legally been released by the Department of Homeland Security after being processed by officers after coming across the U.S. border.

Attorneys for the state told Flores on July 17 that a deposition could assist the state in determining whether to sue Catholic Charities RGV.

Paxtons office sued the Annunciation House, a migrant shelter network in El Paso, and tried to shut it down. But a judge ruled earlier this month against the state and blasted Paxton, accusing the Republican of outrageous conduct over claims that the facility encourages migrants to illegally enter the United States.

Paxton says they are appealing that ruling.

For too long, Annunciation House has flouted the law and contributed to the worsening illegal immigration crisis at Texass border with Mexico, Paxton said. I am appealing this case and will continue to vigorously enforce the law against any NGO engaging in criminal conduct.

Team Brownsville is another Rio Grande Valley organization that helps migrants and also has been approached by Paxton for information in recent months.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.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 Queen City News.
Current and former Oregon foster children can share their stories in an upcoming court hearing to finalize a settlement agreement to reform the state's system. (Getty Images)

Children who spent time in Oregons foster care system have a chance to talk about their experiences with a federal judge who is finalizing a historical settlement in a class-action lawsuit.

Get involved

How to provide feedback:

First, current and former foster children must mail a letter to U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken by Aug. 16 with feedback on the settlement. The address: U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken, 405 East Eighth Ave., Eugene, OR 97401.

Speaking in court hearing is optional. But to testify, the letter is required.

The court hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Wayne Lyman Morse United States Courthouse, 405 East 8th Avenue in Eugene.

Get more information:

Oregon Department of Human Services officials will provide information about how to share your story in listening sessions.

Heres where to go:

5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 on Zoom. You can register here.

1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 on Zoom. You can register here.

For more information about the case, settlement and process, go here.

The settlement, announced in May, requires the Oregon Department of Human Services, which runs the foster care system, to improve in its placement of children in appropriate households, reduce abuse and provide quality medical and mental care.

The settlement is the conclusion of a federal lawsuit filed in 2019 in U.S. District Court in Eugene on behalf of 10 current and former children in the foster care system, some of whom faced abuse and inadequate health care while in care. The case received class-action status in 2022 and covers nearly 5,000 people, including youth who have aged out of the system.

Years of work are ahead under the settlement. An outside neutral expert, Kevin Ryan, will work with the Oregon Department of Human Services and advocacy watchdog Disability Rights Oregon and A Better Childhood, a national nonprofit, to guide the reforms. Ryan has worked in other states on similar cases. Under the settlement, DHS has 10 years to improve, with the potential for a two-year extension beyond that if the agency has not adopted adequate reforms to protect the children in its care.

The foster children will be able to comment on their experiences and the adequacy of the settlement during a fairness hearing on Sept. 12 with U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken. These hearing is required before a judge finalizes the terms of a class-action lawsuit that has many plaintiffs to ensure the deal takes victims appropriately into account. Potentially, the judge could decide that the settlement is inadequate in certain areas and require the parties to change it.

This is a great opportunity for foster kids in Oregon to be heard directly by the court, Tom Stenson, deputy legal director of Disability Rights Oregon, said in an interview with the Capital Chronicle. Its a great opportunity for them to let the court know how theyre feeling, let the court know what their experiences have been and let the court know what they think the existing problems are.

Before that hearing, the Oregon Department of Human Services has virtual listening sessions scheduled for Aug. 1 and Aug. 3 so Oregonians can learn more about the settlement and how to give feedback.

DHS agency director Fariborz Pakseresht was unavailable for an interview about the settlement and agencys role. He previously has declined a request for an interview about the settlement.

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The case centers on a "This Week" interview on ABC in March by Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., where he questioned Mace about her endorsement of the ex-president. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga rejected ABC's multiple claims of defense it gave in response to Trump's lawsuit. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI

July 24 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Florida on Wednesday denied a request by ABC News and George Stephanopoulos asking to toss out a defamation lawsuit brought on by former President Donald Trump after an interview earlier this year claimed that the ex-president was guilty of "rape" in the E. Jean Carroll case.

The case centers on a This Week interview on ABC in March by Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., in which he questioned Mace about her endorsement of the ex-president.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga in a 21-page ruling rejected ABC's multiple claims of defense it gave in response to Trump's lawsuit, such as that that network was protected by fair reporting privilege.

Last year, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump's lawsuit contends the Republican presidential nominee was defamed by Stephanopoulos who Trump says did not make the distinction between "rape" and "sexual abuse" during the interview with Mace.

Trump's lawsuit was filed in Miami and seeks an unspecified amount in damages. The former president called the ruling a "big win" and a "great day for our country" on his Truth Social platform.

Last year, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The lawsuit contends Trump was defamed by George Stephanopoulos (seen at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York) who Trump says did not make the distinction between "rape" and "sexual abuse" during the interview with Mace. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Mace previously had come forward with admissions that she was a victim of rape. And during the interview, Stephanopoulos played the video of her saying so.

"You endorsed Donald Trump for president. Judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape and for defaming the victim of that rape," he said. "How do you square your endorsement of Donald Trump with the testimony that we just saw?"

She replied that she had lived for 30 years "with an incredible amount of shame over being raped. I didn't come forward because of that judgment and shame that I felt."

"And it is a shame that you will never feel, George. And I am not going to sit here on your show and be asked a question meant to shame me about another potential rape victim," the South Carolina Republican said.

The judge's ruling noted that the interview with Mace lasted about 10 minutes, during which Stephanopoulos stated 10 times that a jury -- or juries -- had found Trump liable for rape.

Altonaga pointed to how a jury did not find Trump liable for rape under New York law. But rather, "it was [U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan] who determined that the jury's verdict amounted to liability for rape," she said.

"Yet, none of these particularities make it into the segment such that a reasonable viewer would have indisputably understood" the differences.

However, Altonaga wrote in her ruling that she "does not find that a reasonable jury must -- or even is likely to -- conclude Stephanopoulos's statements were defamatory."

She wrote that a jury may, upon viewing the television segment in question, "find there was sufficient context." But a jury may also conclude "Plaintiff fails to establish other elements of his claim. But a reasonable jury could conclude Plaintiff was defamed and, as a result, dismissal is inappropriate."
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Mulitple fire departments battled a grass fire in northern Taylor County.

On July 24 at about 1:49 p.m., a fire broke out in the area of County Road 646 just off FM 707 north of Tye.

Public Information Officer Justin Burgess initially stated that residents along County Road 646, County Road 415, and Kings Addition Road should be prepared to evacuate. However, he later shared that no further evacuations are expected but recommended staying prepared in case anything changes.

Tye FD releases investigative findings on grass fire that damaged 6 structures

The Taylor County Sheriffs Office reported that at least two structures were affected and sustained damage. The fire is now contained, and crews are monitoring the scene.

The road was blocked from Mulberry Creek to FM 646. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire named Bull had spread to 21 acres.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BERLIN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Climate activists temporarily brought air traffic at Cologne/Bonn Airport in western Germany to a complete standstill Wednesday morning.

Five members of the "Last Generation" had entered the airport grounds through a fence and glued themselves to the runway. According to the airport operator, further delays and flight cancellations are to be expected during the course of the day despite the removal of the protesters.

Police filed criminal charges for violation of the Assembly Act, dangerous interference with air traffic and trespassing. The government has just passed a tougher penalty for obstructing air traffic, which is pending parliamentary approval, with prison sentences of up to two years instead of a fine.

With the action, the climate activism group was trying to put pressure on the German government to sign a "Fossil Fuel Treaty" with international partners, a joint agreement to phase out fossil fuels by 2030, the "Last Generation" said on social media platform X.

As an election promise, the country's governing parties in 2021 declared their intention to phase out coal by 2030. However, the plan has so far only been adopted for the most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia, with experts doubting it is to be implemented in time.

At the international level, the Group of Seven (G7) countries, including Germany, agreed for the first time at the end of April on a common time frame for the complete phase-out of coal, aiming for implementation by the mid-2030s.

The "Last Generation" has been polarizing in recent years with road traffic blockades that caused much resentment among the population. At the beginning of 2024, they changed their strategy, shifting to "increasingly confront those responsible for climate destruction directly in future." 
Rik Kutcher moved to Minnesota three decades ago from a part of the country he says provided almost no support for people living with HIV  a viral infection that, at the time, felt like a death sentence while being shrouded with stigma.

Kutcher credits his longevity to the help he found in the Twin Cities from groups like Rainbow Health, a nonprofit agency in Minneapolis providing health and social services for LGBTQ clients. Rainbow Health abruptly shut down last week.

The agency connected Kutcher with everything from addiction treatment and housing assistance to temporary financial help, all critical to his long-term recovery.

He also found employment at Rainbow Health, which means Kutcher is among dozens of former workers who say they can't understand what drove the financial meltdown at the nonprofit.

"That moment when they told us that there was nothing  and we were finished by the end of the day  was shocking," Kutcher said.

Rainbow Health was created about six years ago in the merger of two nonprofits, including the Minnesota AIDS Project, which dates back to the early 1980s.

It wasn't a clinic where patients would go to see their doctor, Kutcher said, but home to a variety of health and social service programs  everything from HIV testing and a preventive medicine pharmacy to financial assistance and case management. The nonprofit added behavioral and mental health services, as well, with some 20 practicing psychotherapists when Rainbow Health closed.

"We, as a community of folks affected by HIV, often are dealing with poverty, addiction, isolation," Kutcher said. "It doesn't affect everyone this way, but it affects many."

Rainbow Health ran the only program in Minnesota where HIV patients could tap federally funded Emergency Financial Assistance for rent, utilities and certain medical expenses. The state Department of Human Services (DHS) said about 1,500 people accessed this help via Rainbow Health between July 2023 and May 2024.

"At DHS, implementing rapid solutions to assure basic needs for people with HIV, like those addressed with Emergency Financial Assistance, continues to be a top priority," the department said. "DHS is identifying other possible community resources for support while also prioritizing finding a solution to redirect DHS resources that had been contracted to Rainbow Health."

Hennepin County, which partners with the state on this program and others funded by the federal Ryan White act, said in a statement: "At this point we do not have any information that would confirm that there is missing money. ... We are focused on working with DHS and Rainbow Health to ensure the continuity of services for clients impacted by this closure."

Therapists and their patients have experienced a significant rupture, as well, said Lee Start, one of about 20 psychotherapists who worked at Rainbow Health. Some clients likely didn't know about the closure, Start said, and have been showing up for appointments.

"This was all very, very sudden and shocking," Start said during a news conference Monday. "I had to figure out how to be able to let my clients know where I'm going to end up next. ... I can't just take their info with me, that would be against my licensure."

Kutcher and Start joined other workers represented by SEIU Healthcare MN & IA during the Monday news conference to describe how the closure is impacting clients as well as their livelihoods. The union is pushing for negotiations with Rainbow Health's board of directors to make sure workers are compensated for unused PTO benefits and receive a final month's worth of pay, since contract terms call for a 30-day notice of termination.

Workers also want answers about exactly what went wrong.

Tax filings for Rainbow Health show the agency in 2021 had revenue of about $9.9 million and, after paying expenses for the year, a margin of $168,477. The following year, revenue increased to nearly $14 million. After expenses, the nonprofit had a margin of nearly $2 million in 2022.

It's unclear whether the improvement stemmed from a grant announced in March 2023 by the philanthropic arm of Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group. The company's charitable foundation said it would provide a three-year, $2 million grant to Rainbow Health to address disparities related to suicide, depression and anxiety among LGBTQ youth and young adults of color in Minnesota.

Even so, workers say obvious signs were emerging of significant financial trouble, including cash flow problems.

This spring, three or four workers were laid off, said Ash Tifa, the group's legal services coordinator. It also was clear, Tifa said, that the agency wasn't meeting fundraising goals.

The chief executive's compensation was linked in part to fundraising success, yet the CEO still got bonuses, alleged Uzoamaka Mclaughlin, a case management coordinator, during the union's news conference. The CEO left Rainbow Health just a few days before the shutdown, according to union officials.

"As a staff, we have been made to take the fall that the board is supposed to take  in the sense that they knew that these moneys were not coming in, and they were still approving a lot of things," McLaughlin said.

Tifa added: "We have been begging and demanding answers to the financial situation for months now.  Staff was aware there was serious financial turmoil."

The former CEO did not return a call seeking comment. Following the news conference Monday, the Rainbow Health board of directors issued a statement saying it deeply regretted the abrupt and distressing closure.

"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 statement said. "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 directors added: "Rainbow Health's mission has always been to support and empower our community, and we are heartbroken that we can no longer continue this important work."

When Kutcher was diagnosed with HIV in 1986, he felt his life was over. He lived in Florida at the time and soon moved back home to Kentucky, but came to Minnesota in 1993 in hopes of accessing emerging AIDS treatments. He found critical help from doctors here, including revolutionary drugs introduced a few years later that helped transform HIV/AIDS into a chronic condition for many patients.

Groups like Rainbow Health provided him with services that wrapped around the medical care in crucial ways.

"By the grace of God, I'm 61 years old  I made it," Kutcher said.

His work at Rainbow Health was an offshoot of the remarkable history of treatment improvements. Kutcher was focused on providing services and support for people aging with HIV.

The agency closing wasn't actually that surprising, Kutcher said, considering how workers "had dealt with so much nonsense, for quite some time, and so much lack of transparency on our financial situation."

Over the past six months or so, he said, Kutcher mentioned to friends a sense that the ship might be sinking.

But he didn't see the sudden shutdown coming at Rainbow Health, including its financial consequences for workers.

"What are we going to do?" Kutcher asked. For many workers, "we're a paycheck away from not being able to pay the rent.  It was just shocking the way it was handled."
Three activists from Just Stop Oil being arrested at Heathrow after trying to block flights - TOM BOWLES

Nine Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested outside Heathrow Airport as part of a coordinated international uprising by climate activists to block flights across Europe, according to their social media.

The activists were arrested at two locations on the perimeter fence around the airport just after 9am on Wednesday, the group said.

A video posted on the groups social media showed police cuffing several activists who had appeared to arrive on bicycles.

 BREAKING: Just Stop Oil Supporters Arrested at Heathrow Airport



 As the international uprising begins, 7 people have been arrested at 2 locations on the perimeter road around Heathrow.



 Demand our government Just Stop Oil by 2030  https://t.co/xAyrqHDJYe pic.twitter.com/pE8oFh2Iee  Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) July 24, 2024

It came as activists from various climate groups across Europe targeted airports in Germany, Norway, Finland, Spain and Switzerland.

In Germany, climate activists from the group Last Generation glued themselves to the ground at Cologne-Bonn Airport on Wednesday morning, suspending flights for a few hours.

Activists in Oslo cut through a chain-link fence to stop flights departing from Gardermoen airport, while supporters of Extinction Rebellion in Finland blocked security gates at Helsinki Vantaa Airport.

Activsts were arrested on the perimeter fence around the airport just after 9am on Wednesday - TOM BOWLES

All of the groups are calling for Governments to stop investment and effective subsidies for fossil fuels.

The Metropolitan Police said: Nine Just Stop Oil activists have been arrested this morning for conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport.

Thanks to the work of officers involved, those arrested have been taken into custody and the Met has prevented significant disruption to the airport and travelling public.

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.
Justine Wadsack speeds into scandal by trying to be the victim

Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, on the Arizona Senate floor on May 22, 2024. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

Everything about state Sen. Justine Wadsacks SpeederGate incident is just chefs-kiss perfect and terribly, terribly wrong as it keeps spooling out.

The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police just revoked its endorsement of Wadsack after she was pulled over for speeding (fast enough to face a criminal charge, even) and later started yelping about political persecution when she was informed that she will indeed face a citation.

She took a nothingburger and turned it into a debacle because the local Queen of the MAGAs just cant pass by opportunity to present herself as a victim. Lets start with the fact that she has homes in Dove Mountain and the Sam Hughes neighborhood and, she says, multiple gas-powered vehicles with low mileage.

Wadsack must be a victim of a deep state out to destroy her, right? Police, of course, have a long, dark history of harassing well-off elected Republican white women in their early 50s. Its an American wound that may never heal (for those who have trouble with nuance, the preceding is snark).

As first reported last week by the Tucson Sentinel, the firebrand Republican lawmaker was informed on June 27 that she was being cited for, well, breaking the law. The incident happened March 15 when police clocked her doing 71 in a 35 heading down Speedway. That is a class 3 misdemeanor, which could theoretically carry a 30-day jail sentence but she almost certainly was looking at a fine and maybe probation.

She got pulled over in a red 2015 Model S 85 just after 10 p.m. She told police she was racing to get home because she only had four miles of battery left and needed to haul ass so the EV didnt die.

There is so, so much wrong with that sentence.

For starters, what the hell is the Legislatures queen MAGA doing driving an electric vehicle? When did she get the Woke Mind Virus? Isnt she afraid of it bursting into flames all around her? What about the birds and the sharks? Oh, wait. Windmills are killing off the birds and sharks electrocute Hannibal Lecters. Gotcha. Sorry. Forgot. Its hard to keep up.

And why is she talking about being worried about having just four miles of range left to get home? She was at the intersection of heading east on Speedway near the University of Arizona, when the emergency lights were activated and a traffic stop was made between Campbell and Tucson. Her home is supposed to be near Dove Mountain  thats where shes registered to vote. Thats how shes eligible to be elected in her legislative district. No one gets there from Speedway and Campbell by driving east. Even going in the right direction, its almost 20 miles away.

She does have a home just 10 blocks away from the spot she was pulled over  she and her husband own a Sam Hughes residence. Thats where she was registered to vote when she ran and lost a 2020 election to Democrat Kirsten Engel.

And since when does drawing more power from a battery save its life? Anyone of Wadsacks generation knows that rewinding a Walkman didnt save the battery.

Anyway, she didnt get the ticket immediately because the Legislature was in session and lawmakers cant be arrested (except for treason, felony or breach of the peace) or sued until after sine die, which is fancy bureaucratese for when the senators and representatives adjourn for the year because theyve run out of things to mess around with. Thats part of the Arizona Constitution, meant to keep the powers that be from tossing other politicians in the pokey so they cant vote on new laws.

Tucson Police Department bodycam screenshot of Sen. Justine Wadsack on March 15 after she was pulled over for doing 71 mph on a street with a 35 mph speed limit.

My name is Senator Justine Wadsack, she informed the officer when he asked for her license, registration and insurance. She didnt have that insurance card, by the way. (Feel ya; been there.)

So TPD reviewed the situation and prepared to give her a citation later.

When they called her in late June to ask if she could come down and sign the ticket, she yelped about political persecution because of course she did. She was also persecuted when a police lieutenant called her Mrs. Wadsack and not Senator Wadsack, apparently.

Wadsacks response, to the traffic incident and on social media after the Sentinels report last week, was enough for the cops whod publicly supported her.

The Fraternal Order of Police withdrew their endorsement of Wadsack in a statement issued Tuesday.

While Sen. Wadsack has been a consistent supporter of public safety in her official capacity, this incident and her decision to publicly impugning the motives of police personnel is conduct unbecoming an elected representative, said Paul Sheldon, the FOP president. Our endorsement committee reviewed this situation carefully, then voted to retract this endorsement. Like everyone else accused of a traffic violation, Sen. Wadsack is innocent until proven guilty. But attacking police personnel for doing their jobs is simply unacceptable.

Yeah, see, sometimes its important to STFU.

Or as former Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier put it on a Facebook post, She turned a nothing story into a fiasco.

You did the crime, take your ticket, shut up and move on would be his two cents for a lawmaker actually guilty of speeding, he suggested.

I have more than a casual understanding of law enforcement and police procedures, the former Republican sheriff noted.

Meanwhile, City Attorney Mike Rankin noted the difference between persecution (punishing someone for an identity or belief) and prosecution (ya done broke the law).

Citing someone  Ms. Wadsack or anyone else  for putting other people in danger by driving at speeds more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within city limits is not persecution. It is prosecution, he said.

Speak the word, Michael.

The defense, for the record

Wadsack is saying on Facebook she is not above the law, but claiming an effort to hold her accountable under that law is political persecution. I mean, 71 in a 35 is not a close call.

She said the Tucson Police Department endorsed her Republican primary opponent, former Sen. Vince Leach and then decided to give her a ticket. The fix is in, see?

Except TPD endorsed no one. The Tucson Police Officers Association, the cops union, endorsed Leach. TPD is a government agency. Its not able to endorse any elected officials at all. Things just dont work that way.

Wadsack continued: The media and my opponent are desperate for content. Yeah, cuz theres nothing else to write about today. If Wadsack had just decided to not declare her status as a lawmaker and quietly paid her ticket, there wouldnt be much of a story here  no matter that she was (allegedly) doing more than twice the speed limit.

This wouldnt even be a one-day story, if shed done that. Instead, its turned into a multi-day rolling mess as newspapers and TV stations all over the state pick up on the Sentinels report from last Friday.

She  who never responded to questions sent by the Sentinel more than a day before the original report was published  said on Facebook that she has proof she wasnt speeding that night. She welcomed the police to download her Tesla app for data that proves it. Good. Go for it.

Hilarious detour

OK, hold on. Hold on, hold on.

I must interrupt this column to bring readers an update on Wadsacks defense of driving her EV. Smell the fear as her supporters learn she drives something emitting no carbon monoxide:

Yes. I have a 2016 Tesla S that I bought used as my commuter car for many reasons; self-drive, safety, performance, and I can drive it till it dies.

 I commute 4,000 miles each month to serve as your Senator + all the driving in my campaign. Thousands of miles each month.

 I also own (3) GAS POWERED vehicles, all with low miles and I dont want the ware & tear on them.

 I am PRO FUEL! But I also want to keep my other cars nice.

 PROBLEM: theres no charging infrastructure in Tucson. No charging where I live in Marana. I spend many hours sitting at charging stations, and frankly theres only (1) on River.

 Range Anxiety is real.

 I needed to charge with 1% battery and a few blocks to go. Ive never been that low before and I didnt want to find out what it was like to die in the road.

Honest! I am a nihilist! Please keep loving meeee!

Well senator, good thing for you, President Joe Biden signed into law investments to build all sorts of new charging stations. I bet you are so grateful and Im sorry to hear about range anxiety. That must be really hard for you.

Wadsack said in her post that she has 3 homes, and Im not banned from going to any of them, and said that she has been working on my home in Tucson to prepare it for sale.

This isnt right

I do wish they had given me the ticket at the time so I could have dealt with it then. I still argue the alleged speed and never saw the radar gun. I was told I could leave, and was given nothing. This isnt right, she said in a comment on her Facebook post.

Napier, a Republican lawdog, told me over the phone Wadsack is perfectly within her rights to present exculpatory evidence and thank the court for a not-guilty verdict.

If she has proof of her innocence, the place to advertise that is court, not social media, Napier said. Shes an elected leader. This isnt the way to do things.

Whose country is it?

Ahhh. But Napier is an old-school Republican, who doesnt wallow in grievance and run about convinced the world is conspiring against him.

Wadsack is new school. Shes of the 9/11-was-in-inside-job variety. Conspiracy is everywhere and shes the victim of half of them. Its the current that supercharges her political movement. MAGAs see America as their country and the rest of us are just renters. Equal treatment offends them because there should be no equality between owners and tenants.

The law is something that binds us all and protects us all. We must each drive under the speed limit. However, if we get caught and charged with criminal speeding, the state must prove charges against us beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

When you believe the country is yours, then the law is a weapon to wield against all those renters to keep them in line and show them whos in charge. Wadsack sees our insistence on equal treatment as an act of aggression because we dont know our place. Therefore we are coming to get her. That gives her the right to get us first.

And thats what connects Wadsacks arrest to the 2024 election. If her team gets a hold on the power of the federal government, the paranoia will come for all of us.

Theyre pretty much promising it.

Weve all got it coming

The media works to destroy good Republicans, Wadsack claimed.

The media and the police dont always get  whats the word? Oh  along. We are often at cross purposes. Professionally, cops dont tend to like us asking so many damn questions.

Personally?

I got a DUI in 2007. I did it. I was stupid. I drove four blocks home from Cactus Moon on Ladies Night. I knew police always hit that stretch of Broadway with wolf packs. I never went to that particular country bar.

The cop who pulled me over left me with one thought: Damn, that was a letter-perfect traffic stop. I couldnt complain.

Rankins attorneys prosecuted me. It wasnt some massive freaking plot. Dylan Smith (now the Sentinels editor) reported the story for our newsroom at the time, the Tucson Citizen, because journalists get written about when they do stuff like that.

I took a plea and showed up at the Pima County Jail to do my 24 hours. A corrections officer lead me through intake, and I told him how I screwed up by going to that particular bar on that particular night and concluded because Im an idiot.

The CO stopped and turned to me. No you arent. You just made a mistake.

Justine, thats all it had to be.
In just two short years, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) went from winning a seat in the Senate in 2022 to securing his spot as former President Trumps vice presidential pick last week.

His meteoric rise leaves few clues for lobbyists looking to decode the junior senators policy positions and little footing to make inroads with a potential second Trump White House.

A former senior White House official told The Hill that the decision to tap Vance is likely a shocking pick to the D.C. establishment who were rooting for a more conventional VP pick.

Given Vances relatively short tenure in Congress, his former staffers havent made their way in droves down the well-trodden path from Capitol Hill to K Street, the term referring to the Washington influence industry that has spread far beyond the street for which it is named.

Vance has also raised eyebrows with some of his initial moves on Capitol Hill, including co-sponsoring legislation with progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to claw back compensation from executives whose banks fail and introducing a bill in May that would bar public health officials from working with drug, biologic and medical device companies after leaving office for eight years, among other provisions.

He has also called the merger-busting Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan one of the few people in the Biden administration that I think is doing a pretty good job and signed on to co-sponsor the Credit Card Competition Act, a bipartisan bill that financial institutions have been spending millions to fight.

Those are not business-as-usual-type arrangements, Loren Monroe, a principal at the lobbying giant BGR Group, told The Hill.

Were telling our clients that the traditional alliances and divisions of issues by party are being scrambled and political and policy engagement has to be more nimble and retrofitted to accommodate these changing political priorities, Monroe added.

While Trumps decision to pick Vance also shocked many CEOs, according to Semafor, the decision did not come as a surprise to some lobbyists.

The conventional wisdom of the Bush Era has been irrelevant for a long, long time. A lot of Republican D.C.-based lobbyists and consultants are less comfortable with the partys effort to appeal to working-class voters, and I think in part thats why Nikki Haley won the D.C. primary against Trump, Sam Geduldig, co-CEO of CGCN Group and a former staffer for the House Financial Services Committee and Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), told The Hill.

David French, chief lobbyist at the National Retail Federation (NRF), praised Vance as a disruptor willing to take a fresh look at lingering issues, pointing to the Credit Card Competition Act as a bill that aims to break up the Visa-Mastercard duopoly by requiring large financial issuers to offer more than two network options for processing credit card transactions.

The NRF plans to recognize Vance this week at its annual retail summit as one of 16 Champions of Main Street who demonstrate consistent support of the retail industrys public policy priorities, alongside the bills primary sponsors Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).

A spokesperson for the Electronic Payments Coalition, a coalition of banks including Visa and Mastercard opposing the bill, did not return a request to discuss Vances decision to sign on as a co-sponsor.

Doug Kantor, general counsel at the National Association of Convenience Stores who is also highly engaged on the Credit Card Competition Act, told The Hill that the senator and his staff have always been fantastic to work with.

It is not helpful for people to go in [to Vances office] and sling a bunch of BS. They need to know what theyre talking about, Kantor said.

Vance grew up in a Rust Belt town in Ohio and wrote about the poverty, isolation and addiction he witnessed in his communities in his memoir-turned-movie Hillbilly Elegy. But he also spent a brief stint as a venture capitalist and has maintained close ties in Silicon Valley.

He joined Peter Thiels venture capital firm Mithril Capital in 2015 after graduating from Yale Law School.

Vance later joined the D.C.-based investment firm Revolution before founding his own Ohio-based venture capital firm, Narya Capital, with backing from Thiel, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen.

Thiel also poured $15 million into a super PAC supporting the Vance campaign during the 2022 election cycle.

But not everyone has been on board for Vance. Former Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) backed former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken to succeed him during the 2022 election cycle, while Trump backed Vance, who went on to beat out a crowded field of contenders.

Geduldig was one of Vances early donors, giving his campaign $2,900 in June 2022, a few weeks after he won his Ohio primary because, he told The Hill, he admires Vances commitment to working-class issues. His firms CGCN PAC also gave $2,900 to Ohioans for JD in May 2022 and $2,400 to the Vance Victory a few months later in August, according to Federal Election Commission records, and Geduldig wrote another check to the Vance campaign last month.

We view our job as to get to know and have relationships with elected officials, period, Geduldig said, adding, we think we are well-positioned with the people that are winning Republican primaries and elections.

Spokespeople for Vance did not respond to The Hills question about Vances approach to lobbyists who may have bet against him in the past. But at the top of the ticket, Trump warned in January that donors to Nikki Haley will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp.

Here in town, it will absolutely suck for people who have written [Vance] off for the past 3 years, going back to his [Ohio] campaign, the former White House official warned.

Julia Shapero 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.
In the week since the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, Democrats have loudly denounced politically motivated violence. Politics must never be a literal battlefield and, God forbid, a killing field, Biden told the nation after the shooting. But on Wednesday, Congress is welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to his policy of large-scale slaughter in Gaza.

In 2016, Trump was widely condemned for saying, I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldnt lose voters. Yet for nearly a year, Democrats have been running a presidential campaign as though they can arm, finance, and provide diplomatic cover for the murder of tens of thousands of people and not lose voters either. Or perhaps they calculate that voters can see what theyve seen in Gaza and simply tuck it away when it comes time to cast a ballot, as if the images of mangled corpses havent been permanently etched into our memories.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who inherits Bidens bloody legacy along with his role as presumptive party nominee, now has a unique opportunity to set a new path for her party and the country. After months of unspeakable horrors, Democrats have a chance to show voters that theyre, once again, capable of doing whats right by putting an end to Israels war on Gaza and securing a permanent and immediate cease-fire. Harris should use Netanyahus visit to publicly denounce Israels genocidal campaign and rally members of Congress to her cause. Privately, Harris needs to impress upon Biden that he alone is capable of ending the war by cutting off Israels main supply of weapons and intelligence.

Harris has previously expressed concern over the treatment of Palestinians. She said pro-Palestine protesters were showing exactly what the human emotion should be on Gaza, while cautioning that she didnt agree with everything they had to say. In March 2024, Harris became the face of the administrations escalating calls for a cease-firealbeit one that was temporary and insufficient. So far, however, she has deviated from Biden in tone more than substance. Her record (thin on foreign policy experience) and past remarks on Israel suggest that she might be inclined to follow the administrations current trajectory.

But we are living in unprecedented times. If Harris cant be convinced to throw her full weight behind ending the war because its the right thing to do, then she should do it because there is no way shes winning this election otherwise.

In four months of uncompetitive primary elections, 650,000 voters cast uncommitted ballots in the wake of a concerted campaign to use the protest ballot to urge the administration to rethink its support for Israels genocidal policies in Gaza. The Biden campaign tried to brush concerns about the uncommitted vote aside, despite the fact that the campaign was launched in the crucial swing state of Michigana state Trump won by 0.3 percent of the vote in 2016 and Biden won by 2.8 percent in 2020.

The Biden-Harris administration is currently conducting itself as if Biden hadnt narrowly avoided an electoral tie against Donald Trump in 2020 by a mere 43,000 votes across three states. Prior to Bidens disastrous debate performance, polling on the Arab American vote, Muslim vote, youth vote, and even Black vote showed Bidens campaign crashing and burning so long as his policies on Gaza remained unchanged.

The Biden-Harris administrations political and material support for Israel has created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. It seems only fitting for Harris to launch the first stretch of her presidential campaign by working with her mentor to end the conflict.

Harris has already secured the delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, as well as the support of most of her party. She should use her newfound independence as the partys acting presidential candidate to declare her own political identity and articulate a positive vision for the future. Leading the charge to end the war would project confidence on a world stage and likely win praise and recognition from international leaders on arguably the weakest aspect of her candidacy: foreign policy. It might also win some young voters back to the Democratic side: A number of polls show Gaza weighing prominently on the minds of young voters, whose vote made the difference in key battleground states in 2020, even if the issue isnt at the top of their electoral lists.

As it stands, Harris is currently scheduled to be traveling during Netanyahus address to Congress but is slated to meet with him privately while hes in Washington. Insiders have suggested that Harris is more likely than Biden to engage in political criticism of Netanyahus policies, but this criticism will be meaningless until and unless it translates into an end to the war. Bidens limited criticism of Israel shows that words alone will not effect change.

If the White House doesnt stop the war before the Democratic National Convention in mid-August, Democrats honeymoon with their new nominee will be over before it really begins. The party will quickly realize that swapping the name and face of a campaign isnt enough to win voters back. Should the war still be raging when students return to campus in the fall, the protest movement that seized so many headlines this spring will likely reemerge, and Democrats will be fighting a losing war on multiple fronts.

A majority of voters now disapprove of Bidens handling of foreign policy issues. Seven in 10 likely voters support a permanent cease-fire and de-escalation of the conflict in Gaza, which risks metastasizing into a regional conflict. By throwing her support behind a cease-fire and a pause on weapons shipments, Harris can show voters shes willing to meet them where they are: that she has seen the pictures and reports we have seen and continue to see on an ongoing basis. Without putting an end to the war, Democrats will have a hard time making the case that a greater evil exists in Trump and his party.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Harris for President Campaign Rally at West Allis Central High School in West Allis on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. -- Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

President Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection shook up the political landscape in a way we havent seen in my lifetime. The selflessness required to step back from the most powerful office in the world and let the next generation lead is the mark of a true patriot  one who cares more about the people he serves than personal ambition.

His sacrifice should be a reminder to all of us about what it means to put our country first.

His decision leaves us with one clear choice to lead the Democratic Party  and the country  moving forward. Im proud to stand with the overwhelming majority of Floridas Democratic National Convention delegates to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

For the last four years, Harris has worked to restore Americas place on the world stage and strengthen our national security, traveling to more than 20 countries and meeting with over 150 world leaders. Shes helped pass historic legislation to guide us out of the pandemic, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and lower prescription drug prices.

Most importantly, shes ready to lead the Democratic Party in the fight to save our democracy. In Florida, weve been living as lab rats for Project 2025, Donald Trumps extreme second-term agenda. Project 2025 would roll back the rights and freedoms of millions of Americans, raise taxes on the middle class to benefit billionaires, and give Trump what he needs to live up to his promise of being a dictator on day one.

Harris is battle-tested and ready to prosecute the case against Trump.

Were already seeing the kind of energy and enthusiasm Harris can bring at the top of the ticket. Democrats are breaking fundraising records since Biden endorsed her, and Gen Z is blowing up social media with memes and videos supporting her candidacy. More importantly, as the Orlando Sentinel reported, Google searches for register to vote jumped by over 1,000% after the announcement  and the biggest boost happened in Florida, with Miami-Dade County leading the charge.

The message is clear: Harris is giving Floridians who were ready to give up on politics a reason to pay attention.

And when Floridians are paying attention, theyre going to notice the difference between what Republicans in Tallahassee are offering and what Florida Democrats stand for.

We believe in making Florida more affordable for you. You shouldnt have to choose between buying groceries and paying for property insurance, and you shouldnt have to spend half of your income on the cost of housing.

We believe in protecting your right to healthcare, including access to abortion up to viability. Politicians dont belong in your doctors office, and they shouldnt weigh in on your personal medical decisions.

We believe that the government should be accountable to the people it serves. Nobody should be above the law, especially the people we elect to lead us  and our leaders should govern with our best interests in mind, not their own.

Im proud to say that Florida Democrats are more united than ever, and were answering the call to action every day. Were building a big-tent coalition  one where people who feel left behind by the extremism in the Republican Party can find a political home, and where solving the problems facing Florida is the top priority.

If youre tired of culture wars, attacks on education, kicking kids off of healthcare, dictating what kind of care doctors can give, and the rest of Republicans government overreach, then pay attention to the Democrats on your ballot this fall. From Harris all the way down to your local school boards, were fired up and ready to take back Florida  for all of us.

Nikki Fried is chair of the Florida Democratic Party and former Florida agriculture commissioner.
Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor, is too pro-Israel to be selected as Kamala Harris running mate, a New York Times columnist has claimed.

Mr Shapiro, 51, an observant Conservative Jew, is said to be one of two leading candidates for the coveted spot on the joint ticket this November.

The former attorney general of Pennsylvania has been a vocal supporter of Israel, has called out anti-Semitism on US university campuses and supported Israeli businesses targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Ms Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, is viewed more positively by some progressives in her party as she has been more willing to criticise Israel for its response to Hamass Oct 7 attack than Joe Biden.

Michelle Goldberg, an opinion columnist for the Left-wing newspaper, has warned Mr Shapiros support for Israel could lead to issues within the Democratic party.

Ms Goldberg said the expected chaos at the Democratic convention over Mr Bidens support for Israel had largely decreased in light of the pivot to Ms Harris.

A lot of those tensions have died down, in part because voters angry at Bidens Israel policy are more comfortable with Harris, who is reported to be more sympathetic to the Palestinians, Ms Goldberg said.

Choosing Shapiro, who is ardently pro-Israel and outspoken in his condemnation of the recent campus protests, would rip those wounds open again, she added.

Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor, has called out anti-Semitism on US university campuses and supported Israeli businesses targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters - Mark Makela/Getty Images

Meanwhile, when discussing whether Ms Harris might select Mr Shapiro as her running mate, CNN anchor John King pointed out his religion when asked about the pros and cons of putting him on the ticket.

Hes a first-term governor, hes Jewish, there could be some risks in putting him on the ticket, but certainly some of our voters here in Pennsylvania said, Hey, we like governor Shapiro, give him a look, Mr King said.

The comment was quickly refuted by Democrat congressman Ro Khanna, who said such thinking has no place in America.

Josh Shapiro is enormously well respected by people of all faiths in suburban, rural, and metropolitan America and can absolutely win on a national ticket., he wrote on social media.

The Democratic party was sent a warning sign over divisions regarding the Biden administrations Israel policy during the Michigan primary.

In the vital swing state, which the Democrats need to retain to win the election, more than 100,000 voters selected the uncommitted option, enough to pick up two delegates.

Mr Biden was beaten by the uncommitted vote in both Dearborn and Hamtramck, where Arab Americans make up close to half the population.

John Mark Hansen, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, said he doesnt think it would be a problem for Ms Harris if she selected Mr Shapiro as her running mate.

This is a policy where it would probably be helpful to be more ambiguous about what the administrations policy vis a vis Gaza would be in a Harris administration, he told The Telegraph.

He added that he expected the anti-Israel Left to decide to hold their noses and vote [for the Democrats] even when the top ticket was Biden.

Mr Shapiro and Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator, are the leading candidates to be selected as Mr Harris running mate, a source told ABC News.

Mr Shapiro would be the first Jewish vice-presidential candidate since Joe Liebermans unsuccessful run with Al Gore in 2000 if selected.

Meanwhile, Mr Kelly is a former Navy combat pilot and Nasa astronaut who commanded the International Space Station.

Mr Kelly, 60, also has links to the Jewish community. His wife, former US representative Gabby Giffords, is Jewish. The couple were married in 2007 by Rabbi Stephanie Aaron of Congregation Temple Chaverim in Tucson, Arizona.

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.
With the bravado and swagger Joe Biden lacked in his abandoned reelection bid, Vice President Kamala Harriss team on Wednesday shared its playbook to defeat former President Donald Trump.

In a memo sent to reporters Wednesday morning from Jen OMalley Dillon, the Biden-turned-Harris campaign chair said Harris will rely first and foremost on her strength among key Democratic-leaning groups such as Black, Latino, and Asian American voters, as well as young people and women. When President Biden was the Democrats presumptive nominee, Trump was targeting these groups and seemingly making inroads.

But the vice presidents team promised Harris wouldnt stop there, noting that she was well-positioned to win white, college-educated voters who hadnt backed Biden in 2020 but had been turned off by Republicans extremism come 2022.

The Vice President has been at the forefront on the very issues that are most important to these voters, OMalley Dillon wrote.

In particular, she homed in on Harris support for reproductive freedom, a cause that carried many Democrats to victory in the midterms after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Where Biden, who is Catholic, had been uncomfortable discussing abortion at times, Harris has been the administrations leading spokesperson on the issue.

Playing up the cop-versus-crook theme that has dominated the early days of the Harris campaign, the second plank of the campaigns roadmap to victory highlighted Trumps criminal convictions, and Harris experience putting lawbreakers in jail.

As a former prosecutor who has never shied away from taking on those who harm the American people, Vice President Harris is uniquely positioned to hold him accountable over the course of the campaign, OMalley Dillon wrote.

Thirdly, she promised Harris would work to win over undecided voters, who amount to 7 percent of the electorate, according to a recent Economist/YouGov poll.

While we know that we cannot take these voters for granted, we have a significant opportunity to consolidate their support once they hear from our campaign, OMalley Dillon wrote.

Lastly, the plan emphasized how Harris will focus on the Blue Wall states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, followed by the Sun Belt states: North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. In other words, Harris wont repeat the campaign sins of Hillary Clinton.

In 2016, Clinton suffered a stunning loss in Wisconsin after failing to campaign there during the general election. The Harris teams memo pointed out that Harris visit to Milwaukee on Tuesday, during which she drew a crowd of more than 3,500, marked her fifth trip this year to the state.

Since Sunday afternoon, OMalley Dillon said, 100,000 volunteers had signed up to work on the campaign and 2,000 people had applied for jobs on it. That was in addition to the Harris campaigns history-making haul of $81 million in one day, which helped boost other Democrats fundraising.

Harris is also inheriting Bidens campaign infrastructure, and her campaign chair promised it would only grow.

We are presently at over 1,300 coordinated staff in battlegrounds, will be over 1,500 by the end of the month, and well over 2,000 before the summer is out, OMalley Dillon wrote. They are building an army of tens of thousands of volunteers who will talk to millions of voters. And all of this comes alongside an organizing program that will hit more than 3 million doors across the months of July and August.

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Food insecurity has reached a critical point in the United States.

Currently, more than 44 million Ameircans face hunger, including one in five children, with the need for nutrition assistance at its highest point in 20 years. Those employed in agriculture, food processing and food service  ironically, often the same positions deemed essential during the pandemic  frequently earn wages insufficient to cover basic living expenses, including the cost of nutritious food.

A recent analysis conducted by the Urban Institute found that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits did not cover the cost of a modestly-priced meal in 98% of U.S counties last year, yet Republicans are intent on cutting the program even further.

Against this backdrop, Vice President Kamala Harris's potential nomination for the 2024 presidential election brings renewed focus on her extensive record addressing food insecurity and labor issues.

As a U.S. Senator and California's Attorney General, Harris has championed numerous initiatives aimed at reducing hunger and improving economic conditions for low-income families. Her legislative efforts, such as the introduction of the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020 and her support for the American Families Plan, underscore her commitment to ensuring access to nutritious food for all Americans, though her involvement with raising the federal minimum wage is slightly more complex.

Heres a deeper look:

Food insecurity

Short of having somebody who has actually worked in the food system or has experienced hunger themselves, shes about as good as they get on food and hunger, Jessica Bartholow, a policy advocate for the nonpartisan Western Center on Law & Poverty, told Civil Eats in 2020, just after Biden had selected Harris as his running mate.

Four months prior, in her position as a California state senator, Harris  along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Mazie K. Hirono and Christopher F. Murphy  wrote a letter to Sonny Perdue, the then-secretary of the USDA, urging him to reconsider the blanket denial of waiver requests from states wishing to maintain eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for college students who have lost their employment due to COVID-19.

One month after that, in May 2020, Harris co-introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2020, which was intended to expand SNAP benefits amid the pandemic.

"We are in the midst of a historic economic crisis  people are hurting, Harris wrote at the time. They are struggling to put food on the table, and existing nutrition benefits don't get people through the end of the month. Folks are looking to Congress to take immediate action to help them make ends meet. I'm proud to introduce the Closing the Meal Gap Act because we need to give people the resources they need to afford food during tough times. No one in America should ever go hungry, especially during a public health crisis."

That same month, Harris also aided in introducing the bipartisan FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries (FEED) Act. The legislation, which was endorsed by several celebrity chefs including Jose Andres, allows the Federal government to pay 100% of the cost to states and localities so that they can partner with restaurants and nonprofits to prepare nutritious meals for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and underprivileged children.

In April 2021, Biden and Harris unveiled the American Families Plan, a sweeping initiative designed to combat child hunger and ensure year-round access to nutritious meals for children. Central to the plan was the expansion of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, which would provide 29 million children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals with a permanent monthly benefit to purchase food during the summer. This approach addresses the increased food insecurity that occurs when school is not in session.

The plan also proposed increasing the number of high-poverty schools offering free meals to all students through community eligibility, reducing the threshold for elementary schools to participate and raising the reimbursement multiplier, making the program more financially viable. Additionally, children receiving Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) would be automatically eligible for free school meals nationwide, streamlining administrative processes and ensuring the most vulnerable children receive necessary nutrition.

A $1 billion healthy foods initiative is included to support schools in meeting higher nutrition standards, reflecting the critical role of child nutrition programs highlighted by the pandemic.

This plan  many elements of which remain under legislative consideration, especially with the current controversy over the 2024 Farm Bill  has been lauded by food insecurity-focused organizations, ranging from the Food Research & Action Center to the California Association of Food Banks, which reported that their affiliate banks now see double the amount of clients they did prior to the pandemic.

Labor

Many labor advocates within the food sector have already voiced their support for Kamala Harris potential presidential campaign, including Teresa Romero, the president of United Farm Workers, a labor union for agricultural workers. In a Sunday release, Romero characterized President Biden as the greatest the United Farm Workers has had in the Oval Office.

The Biden-Harris administration has worked tirelessly on behalf of farm workers, from championing state legislation to strengthen farm workers right to join a union, to ensuring undocumented essential workers were eligible for COVID vaccines and relief payments, to working to raise wages and increase legal protections in the exploitative H2A agricultural guest worker system, to proposing the nations first ever federal standards to protect farm workers from dying during extreme temperatures, Romero wrote. President Biden deserves the gratitude and respect of all Americans for his lifelong service to our country and his fierce dedication to working people across America.

Now, the United Farm Workers as an organization is endorsing Harris as the best leader to defeat Donald Trump and to continue the work of the Biden-Harris administration, writing that she has stood with farm workers in California  the nations largest agricultural producer  as California Attorney General, as a United States Senator and as Vice President.

The United Farm Workers could not be prouder to endorse her for President of the United States, Romero wrote.

This endorsement is reminiscent of the statement the United Farm Workers sent out after Biden chose her as his running mate. The organization praised the decision then, citing how Harris has a long history of working directly with the UFW. For instance, she joined farm worker marches and the 2016 UFW convention.

As senator, Harris also joined the UFW in leading a national petition drive that organized 100,000 public comments opposing Trumps attempts to reduce farm worker wages under the federal H-2A agricultural guest worker program.

Off the farm, Harris record on labor is a little more complex; take, for instance, how she has engaged with calls to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

In 2019, Harris made headlines for joining striking and marching McDonalds workers in Des Moines, Iowa. These golden arches are not representing opportunity, Harris said, while standing in a pool of red-shirted workers in a McDonalds parking lot. We are not paying people a minimum wage that allows a minimum standard of living.

She continued: Lets, one, bust the myth and make it clear families are relying on these salaries, and they must be paid $15 an hour.

However, as reported by economist Dawn Allcott, once Harris joined the Biden administration she was in a position to overrule Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough's ruling to remove a $15 minimum wage provision in a Covid-19 relief bill. She didn't take that action one that would have directly undermined Biden who spent 36 years in the Senate and, per the Los Angeles Times, regards its traditions with reverence  which meant the minimum wage increase didn't happen.

This ruffled many Democrats, including the Rev. William Barber II, one of the nations leading civil rights activists who, at the time, served as the co-chair of the Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

We have it on tape, Barber told the Los Angeles Times in 2020. Her and Biden and the entire Democratic Party, their platform says they want to eradicate poverty. Her and Biden ran on 15  never said 15 unless the parliamentarian advises not to.

That said, as pointed out by economist Dawn Allcot, if Harris was to become the president, she would only have so much power when it comes to actually adjusting the minimum wage, as it is set by Congress through legislation.

But, wage workers dont just encompass those making minimum wage. More significantly, Harris has also shown support of unions, a fact which could help her garner support from service workers, trade workers and educators, Allcot wrote. Her support of unions could help wage workers fight for everything from increased wages to better benefits.

One relatively recent and tangible example of Harris support of unions is how she advocated for the continuation of hazard pay for grocery workers during the pandemic. Along with Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 835,000 grocery store workers, Harris wrote an Aug. 2020 commentary for CNN simply titled: Why grocery store workers deserve hazard pay.

Our country is hurting. People are losing their jobs, parents are struggling to keep a roof over their kids heads and Americans are getting sick and dying in record numbers, they wrote. The pain and suffering is often too much to bear. As this crisis continues, we must remember all of the frontline workers who are continuing to put themselves in harms way to help others make it through these challenging times.

The letter continued: While top grocery chains rake in billions in profits during this pandemic, these frontline workers cannot choose to work from home like the corporate executives of these companies do. The responsibility to properly protect and support store workers lies with these executives, who must make the decision to consistently pay workers a wage that justly compensates them for the clear and present dangers of their jobs during the pandemic.
MOSCOW, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia will take adequate measures if Japan moves away from being a non-nuclear weapons state, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on Wednesday.

Rudenko told local media that Russia is concerned about possible moves by Japan regarding its nuclear status, whether through joining U.S. nuclear missions, conducting multilateral exercises that involve allied strategic aircraft certified to carry out nuclear missions, or discussing the potential placement of American intermediate-range missiles on Japanese territory.

He noted that Tokyo should understand that any threats to Russia's Far Eastern borders will be met with a response from Moscow aimed at strengthening security.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said earlier that Japan's remilitarization efforts could destabilize the security of the Asia-Pacific region. 
What is Kamala Harris record on immigration? She has a willingness to adapt, advocates say

Reality Check is a Bee series holding officials and organizations accountable and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email realitycheck@sacbee.com.

Tackling immigration issues will be a huge challenge for Vice President Kamala Harris as Republicans blast away at her record  and her shifting views.

Harris, now the favorite to run as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, once supported a 2008 policy that turned over undocumented minors to federal immigration authorities.

More recently, shes been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats. The GOP routinely mocks her as the Biden administrations border czar for her role in a Biden administration Central American migration assignment, while Democrats criticized her for what they deemed were remarks discouraging asylum seekers.

The border remains one of the top issues for voters, said Mike Madrid, an anti-Trump Republican and veteran Latino trends voting expert. Republicans will work quickly to attack her on the issue, particularly by tying her to President Joe Biden and bringing up her past.

What they can start doing is just hammering her on the issue and making her look weak and all over the place on the issue, Madrid said. Thats the objective.

But immigrant rights advocates have rallied around Harris in the days following Bidens decision to not seek re-election.

Theyve lauded Harris as a champion of the immigrant community, citing her years as a California U.S. senator and the states attorney general.

Neither the vice presidents office nor the campaign responded to requests for comment on this story.

Harris changing views on the issue illustrate her willingness to adapt with the times and listen to plights of immigrants, according to advocates. They argue Harris, who is the daughter of immigrants, has a nearly 10-year record of proving herself to them.

As she became much more connected to the stories of immigrant youth, the stories of immigrant families, she changed her mind about these issues, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Los Angeles-based organization Coalition For Humane Immigrant Rights.

The Biden administration has more recently moved politically to the right on the border, said Adriel D. Orozco, senior policy counsel at the American Immigration Counsel, which advocates for immigrant rights. For Harris, she could revert to more of a hopeful tone on pathways to citizenship that she had as a U.S. senator, Orozco said.

Madrid said Harris shift is understandable given that the immigration debate has fundamentally changed for both parties.

Theres nothing wrong with that, Madrid said. But politically, that means that your opponents can pick and choose where they want to hit you from  the left, the right or both.

Her past immigration stances

In 2003, Harris was elected as the first person of color elected district attorney of San Francisco.

Early into her first term, she established herself as a vocal leader for immigrants. Harris criticized anti-immigrant federal legislation and supported providing visas to undocumented victims of violent crimes.

But in 2008, while in her second term, Harris sided with then-Mayor Gavin Newsoms proposed policy to report juvenile undocumented immigrants to federal authorities, regardless of whether they had been found guilty in court of any crime.

For about two decades before this, San Francisco had been a sanctuary city, or one that limits cooperation with the federal government in enforcing immigration law, offering protections from deportation to undocumented residents. San Francisco, which remains a sanctuary city today, changed policy in 1992 to remove protections for criminal adult suspects, but not juvenile ones.

Harris district attorney office continued to support San Francisco as a sanctuary city during that time.

The 2008 policy followed a highly scrutinized criminal case in which an undocumented 21-year-old man was arrested for murdering three members of a family.

A statement from Harris at the time said the sanctuary city law was never intended to shield anyone from being held accountable for a crime.

Her stance on Newsoms policy faced backlash from activists and members of San Franciscos elected Board of Supervisors, who opposed the rule.

Former board member David Campos, now the vice chair of the California Democratic Party, recently pledged his support to Harris. But in 2008, he was one of the leading figures opposing Harris and Newsom.

I felt that she was on the wrong side of that issue, Campos said.

Campos argued then that undocumented juvenile immigrants should be granted due process before reporting them to federal immigration authorities.

Newsoms policy to report juvenile undocumented immigrants ultimately took effect and, within one year, more than 100 juvenile suspects were reported to federal custody for deportation, according to the New York Times.

Legislation later introduced by Campos reverted the city back to its old policy of only reporting undocumented minors after a felony conviction.

At the time, the political climate, and the situation was such where there was a need to push for that by some, Campos said. But as time has progressed, we have come to better appreciate, certainly as Democrats, the importance of due process.

Despite their differences during that time, Campos said he is fully backing Harris and believes she has since shown a better understanding of the immigration issue.

He and Salas said Harris formative experience on immigration came as Californias attorney general in 2010, and only continued during her time in the Senate.

As attorney general, Harris issued bulletin guidelines to California law enforcement making clear criminal justice policy should not be conflated with national immigration policy. She also crafted legislation to ensure agencies help undocumented immigrants apply for U Visas, a form of immigration relief specifically set aside for victims of crime.

She was really instrumental in making sure that law enforcement was doing the work of protecting and serving, Salas said.

While in the Senate, Harris became a more outspoken ally of immigration activists.

As the front-runner the month before the 2016 election, the California Democrat held her first press conference at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles headquarters. There, she stood beside Dolores Huerta, a longtime Latina civil rights leader, and was praised for her commitment to passing immigration reform.

Harris was the first Senate Democrat to publicly vow to oppose any government spending bill that did not include changes to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which faced hurdles during former President Donald Trumps administration. Salas said Harris was also a regular face at rallies for Dreamers and held regular roundtables in California with these young immigrants.

She was bulldog for us during her time as a senator in California, Salas said.

Border czar

No, Harris is not the border czar, several immigration experts told The Bee.

In March 2021, Harris was tapped to lead the Biden administrations national strategy to improve conditions and encourage potential migrants to remain in three Central American countries  El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, known as the Northern Triangle.

The Root Causes Strategy has five main goals: address economic issues, combat corruption and bolster democracy, improve human and labor rights, reduce violence and combat sexual and gender-based violence.

Recent vice presidents, including Mike Pence in the Trump administration and Biden in the Obama White House, were tasked with similar efforts in Central America.

The term border czar started getting used for Harris role, but her work had little to do with the U.S.-Mexico border.

I think that is a misconception that we have, said Ariel Ruiz Soto of the nonpartisan research Migration Policy Institute.

Even under President Trump, by the way, with these types of strategies, the objective on paper has tried to make clear that even at the current level of investment in Central America, trying to reduce regular migration to the U.S.-Mexico border is not going to happen overnight, Ruiz Soto said, and its not going to happen over the course of one administration.

Still, the term has been used by Republicans and Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, to blame Harris for the Biden administrations handling of the southern border.

Kamala Harris was appointed border czar, as you know, in March of 2021, Trump alleged in a call with reporters on Tuesday. And since that time, millions and millions of illegal aliens have invaded our country, and countless Americans have been killed by migrant crime because of her willful demolition of American borders and laws.

Trumps claims about a rise in migrant crime have been found false by independent fact-checkers.

Border crossings did spike after the pandemic: The Border Patrol had encounters with 2.5 million migrants in fiscal year 2023, which is from October 2022 to September 2023. Of note for the first time, per nonpartisan research Migration Policy Institute, migrants from beyond Mexico northern Central America made up more than half of the number of unauthorized immigrants.

Harris came under fire from her own party for her blunt words toward Guatemalans during her first foreign trip as vice president. Speaking alongside President Alejandro Giammattei in June 2021, Harris told potential migrants: Do not come. Do not come.

The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders, she said, drawing criticism from those who said it ignored peoples right to seek asylum at the border.

A White House official told The Bee earlier this month that Harris has continued working on the strategy, having collaborated with the private sector to generate more than $5.2 billion in investments for job creation, internet access and folding people into the formal financial system in the region.

This March, three years since Harris was tapped to lead the strategy, the White House said it was on track to meet its goals to give $4 billion to the Central American countries in four years.

Republicans are unlikely to care about the focus of the root causes strategy. Instead, theyll keep blasting away at Harris for having a pivotal role as the border czar. Immigration remains a top 2024 issue, one thats been politicized with Democrats and Republicans fighting but not passing congressional legislation on in decades.

Whether Harris will separate herself from the Biden administrations policies in the lead up to the election is yet to be seen.

The Biden administration was really focused on the border and really trying to call out the Republicans for not proposing solutions either, said the American Immigration Councils Orozco. And so hopefully theres a message that she can sort of reframe and reshape around immigration.
The racist and sexist attacks on Democratic nominee-in-waiting Kamala Harris were as predictable as they were familiar for those who watched Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton vie for the Oval Office job. A DEI hire, sneered Republican Representative Tim Burchett. A childless cat lad[y] with no direct stake in America because she had not given birth to children, Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance said (perhaps forgetting that no U.S. president has ever given birth). Laughing Kamala, Donald Trump dubbed her, while Fox news ran a video of giggling Harris laughing in a variety of situations. Its one reason voters seem to detest Kamala Harris, host Sean Hannity said.

Here we go again. But this time, its a double whammynot only is Harris being hit for her otherness (including desperate attempts to say she is not qualified to run for president because her parents were not born in the United States), but she is getting the same gender-based treatment Hillary Clinton did in 2008 and 2016, with conservative foes calling her unqualified (despite a long career in public service) and the crude crowd on social media referring to her sordid sexual history and calling her the side chick who slept her way to the top after briefly dating former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown decades ago.

Obama survived the racist assaults to win, helped by the late Senator John McCain pushing back against the bigotry launched at his general election foe; and while she garnered a majority of the popular vote, Clinton barely lost her presidential race to Trump, who needled her relentlessly with gender-based comments. Can Harris overcome both lines of attackespecially since Trump has made such bias-based attacks central to his campaign?

As recently as 2020, the answer might have been no, with pundits predicting that America was not ready for a Black and Asian female to hold the worlds most powerful job. The chattering class has argued that Americas first female president would have to be someone in the mold of a Margaret Thatcherconservative, traditional (reportedly cooking for her husband nightly, and sometimes for her Cabinet), and less threatening to men. Worries about a Black and Asian womans electability abound, especially with a second Trump presidency a real possibility. (I have articulated some of them myself in these pages.) Hollywood screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, displaying a clinical cluelessness about the importance of abortion rights to Democratic women in particular, penned a New York Times op-ed before President Joe Biden dropped out, arguing for Democrats to nominate Republican Senator Mitt Romneya safe white guy who opposes virtually everything Democratic except the desire to keep Trump out of the White House.

But this year, Harris may benefit from a perfect storm made up of shifting demographics and a post-Dobbs environment. More than three decades after the Year of the Woman sent then-record numbers of women to Congress, a Harris victory could be the prize accomplishment of another historic year for her sexthis one defined by an electoral revolt by women upset about the loss of reproductive rights.

Abortion was once a hypothetical campaign talking point because its legality was settled law. But since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and some states have moved aggressively to ban or severely limit abortion access, now it is a voting issue, Christina Reynolds, spokesperson for Emilys List, told me. Already, since the Supreme Courts 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the pro-choice side has prevailed in every state that has had a referendum on the issueincluding conservative states like Kansas, Kentucky, and Montana. Reproductive rights referendums are on the ballot in key states including Nevada, Florida, and Colorado, with Arizona likely to have one as well, and proponents believe they will spur turnout among Democrats and left-learning independents.

Women are already a majority of voters, and since 1992, they have favored the Democratic presidential candidate, according to exit polls. White female voters, however, favored Trump in both 2016 and 2020. But even if the abortion issue isnt salient enough for Harris to flip white women to her side, Trumps advantage is shrinking because America is browning: White women made up 37 percent of the voting electorate in 2016 but 32 percent four years later. With the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that whites will be a minority by 2045, white womens share of the electorate is expected to continue shrinking.

And theres reason to believe Harris, in a post-Dobbs world, could improve among another key group: suburban female voters who can make the difference in battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona. A June CNN poll found that Biden would win suburban women with 49 percent to Trumps 43 percent. But Harris, who has been the Biden administrations very vocal point person on reproductive rights, would take that group with 55 percent, compared to 39 percent of suburban women who said they would cast votes for Trump.

There is also a different political calculus around race this year. When Obama won in 2008, whites made up 74 percent of the vote, according to exit polls. That dropped to 71 percent in 2016 and then to 67 percent in 2020. Republican presidential candidates have won the white vote consistently for decades, but that voter group is shrinking, reducing the GOP advantage.

In just eight years, minority voters will outnumber white, noncollege educated voters, William Frey, a demographer and senior fellow with Brookings Metro, told me, a stark contrast to the year Obama was first elected. Clearly, the demographics are moving in a direction that if people voted like they voted for Obama, when the makeup of the electorate was less favorable to a person of color than it is now, the Democrats would do very well, Frey said.

One of Harriss biggest obstacles is the self-fulfilling prophecy of assuming a woman of color cant get elected to high office, Debbie Walsh, director of Rutgers Universitys Center for American Women and Politics, said in a webinar with reporters Tuesday. Despite womens achievements in electoral politics, theres never been a Black female governor, she noted. Kamala Harris is electable, but there is a persistent barrier facing women:  the perception that they cannot win over electorates that have long favored white men.

Harris has gotten off to a stellar start, quickly gathering enough delegate pledges to secure the nomination, raising record amounts of money, and fielding a rush of volunteer sign-ups. But the exhilaration period following a tumultuous and painful few weeks for Democrats will almost certainly fade as the two-person campaign takes hold. Its going to get ugly, and Harris will be forced to fend off more misogynistic and racist attacks from an opposing candidate who traffics in them. But its possible the U.S. is at another tipping point, accelerated by demographics and abortion rights, where the country can finally have a president who represents a majority in the countrywomen.
Kamala Harris strategy to beat Trump: Win over young voters and women, juice turnout with people of color

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to beat former President Donald Trump in the November election by winning over young voters and women while turbocharging turnout with people of color.

As Harris hit the trail for a second straight day Wednesday, her newly minted campaign says it will lean heavily on reclaiming voting blocs that traditionally vote Democratic, but have drifted toward Republicans in 2024.

In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation, Harris told a gathering of Zeta Phi Beta, a national Black sorority in Indianapolis. One focused on the future, the other focused on the past. With your support, I am fighting for our nations future.

Harris scored another record-breaking day of fundraising, raising $276 million in donations and pledges since launching her campaign Sunday afternoon, including $126 million from 1.4 million individual donors and another $150 million from mega donors to the main Democratic super PAC.

The campaign believes Harris, who would be the nations first Black woman president if elected, can win over what it calls persuadable swing voters who had been apathetic or unhappy with their choice when President Joe Biden was leading the ticket against Trump.

Harris enters the presidential race with clear advantages among voters critical to victory, campaign director Jen OMalley Dillon wrote Wednesday in a memo about the race. This campaign will be close, it will be hard fought, but Vice President Harris is in a position of strength  and shes going to win.

The biggest challenge in building Harriss coalition is she may have an even tougher time than Biden in maintaining support among white men, and especially white men who lack a college degree.

Trump and vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance have already signaled that they plan to double down on his wildly successful strategy of appealing to working class voters, especially in the Rust Belt.

The GOP also hopes to win a greater share of Latino and young voters, with some polls showing Trump winning or about even among both groups.

Harris will need to counter that approach by winning a bigger share of white voters with a college education, especially white women, and boosting turnout among Black and Latino voters.

On the issues, Harris plans to push harder than Biden on reproductive rights, the partys best issue and one that can potentially dramatically expand her appeal to women.

They believe she is much better qualified than Biden to roast Trump for his hard-to-pin-down approach to the issue, which includes boasting about appointing the judges who allowed abortion to be outlawed while insisting he would leave abortion bans to the states.

She will also aggressively attack Trump over the right-wing Project 2025, which amounts to an extremist blueprint for the nation.

The memo laid out an electoral college strategy that includes battling hard for the Sun Belt swing states of Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina, along with the Rust Belt so-called blue wall battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

That amounts to a shift from Bidens campaign, which was forced into a risky plan of hoping to get to 270 electoral votes by sweeping the Midwest swing states and the Omaha, Nebraska-based NE-02 district, because he had fallen too far behind Trump in the Sun Belt.
If you think you just fell out of a coconut tree, think again. At least, that is what a 12-second soundbite from a Kamala Harris speech suggests. Its now gone viral after the Vice President was formally endorsed as the 2024 Democratic nominee by President Joe Biden following his withdrawal on July 21.

The soundbite comes from a speech she gave in May 2023 as she swore in commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. She discussed the need to focus on young people in connection with their wider community, as well as the importance of equity.

If youre giving everybody an equal amount but theyre starting out on different bases, are they really going to have the opportunity to compete and achieve? Harris asked, according to CBS News. Its not just simply about financial resources; that is a very big part of it. But its also about: What is the culture of the environment? How are we approaching this issue in a way that we also understand we cannot support and help our young people if we  dont also look at the context in which those young people live and are being raised?

None of us just live in a silo. Everything is in context, she added. 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? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

This last part not only went viral, but also inspired countless memes and remixes on social media. Some associated Harris speech to Charlie XCX latest studio album Brat, while others took it as a marketing opportunity.

if kamala harris becomes president its bc of this edit pic.twitter.com/kyDOhNIUUI  sophia (@hellopugh) July 21, 2024

washington dc is in peak form pic.twitter.com/i8uFMwhZhj  Josh Sorbe  (@joshsorbe) July 21, 2024

Madam Vice President, we are ready to help. pic.twitter.com/y8baSx44FL  Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) July 22, 2024

It is too early to tell if the virality of this meme will help Harris garner more votes from the Gen Zers, but it seems to signify that potential young voters are paying attention to the news of her candidacy.

Harriss new online prominence could help give the Democratic Party new prominence with young people  including major content creators  who are hesitant to vote for Biden again due to his climate policies, support of Israels war in Gaza, mishandling of the ongoing pandemic, and signing a bill that could ban TikTok, internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz wrote for The Washington Post.

On July 22, it was announced that Harris would skip Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress on July 24. Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin will oversee the event instead, Congressional aides told NBC News. This decision may be seen as a strategic move to distance herself from Bidens support of Israel and convince young voters, who have been overwhelmingly siding with the Palestinian cause.

The Harris campaign has also been seizing her virality as an opportunity. They made a direct reference to Charlie XCXs latest album via their account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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

Talking about the virality of memes in the context of a presidential election may seem like comic relief to a very meaningful moment in American history. However, it should not be discounted as a useful political tool for candidates. After all, Donald Trump used these viral moments to his advantage and understood their significance as he campaigned for the 2016 election.
Democrats in charge of battling a MAGA agenda in state legislatures notched their two best online fundraising days ever amid Kamala Harris historic ascendancy, The Daily Beast has learned.

The group warns, however, that Democrats cant expect to keep riding the vice presidents coattails beyond the early frenzy of her transition to presidential nominee to replace President Joe Biden, who announced on Sunday he would end his campaign for a second term.

Instead, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is laser-focused on a new $2.2 million investment in state legislatures in battlegrounds like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin where the election could be decided.

Its too soon to say what the impact at the top of the ticket will be for state legislative candidates, DLCC Vice President of Development Anastasia Apa told The Daily Beast. But we do know that we're in a unique political environment where Democrats in state legislatures have over-performed since the start of the Biden presidency, and we are staying focused on the need to resource this ballot level.

The committee would not specify exactly how much it raked in, but said its record-breaking fundraising on July 21 and 22 coincided with the Harris operations haul. The campaign arms of the Democratic Party devoted to House and Senate races also announced their best online fundraising days over the same 48-hour span.

When you think about the record days that we experienced online amongst our grassroots funders, it still pales in comparison to what we're seeing in other sister committees, Apa said, suggesting that earth-shattering fundraising isnt enough to stop the types of right-wing initiatives planned by Trump allies.

A week ago, nervous Democrats envisioned an election in which former President Donald Trump would wallop President Joe Biden and had resigned themselves, instead, to focusing on House, Senate and state legislative races. The party is now infused with enthusiasm and a newfound will to win. Officials at the down-ballot campaign committee are also excited, but they want donors to remember: Theyre the ones on the front lines fighting the MAGA agenda.

Even if Trump is defeated at the top of the ticket, we know that Republicans are galvanizing to push Project 2025 through the states, so the threat of that doesnt disappear if Trump is defeated, DLCC Interim Communications Director Sam Paisley told the Daily Beast.

The importance of state legislatures is apparent in states like Michigan, where the DLCC is now directing $1.1 million to the state House. In 2022, Democrats secured a slim majority in both chambers of the Michigan state legislature, allowing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign legislation expanding abortion access.

Another half-million will go to the Pennsylvania state House, followed by six-figure investments in both chambers of the New Hampshire legislature. The committee is also pouring five-figure sums into North Carolina, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The new investment is just the beginning of a planned $10 million campaign that could also fund races in Arizona, Georgia and Kansas, depending on how much money the committee raises.

A little money can go a long way in state legislative races, especially so early on.

Todays $2.2 million announcement builds on the DLCCs promise and strategy to invest earlier than ever before to shore up Democratic majorities and build a state legislative firewall in battleground states, DLCC President Heather Williams wrote in a statement. Even as the race for the White House resets, our statehouses will shape the most important rights of our time.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A kangaroo escaped due to the attack on the eco-park and is currently being searched for by the police. Photo: Serhii Bolvinov on Facebook

A kangaroo escaped from its stable after a Russian attack on the eco-park in the settlement of Lisne, Kharkiv Oblast, on 24 July. Authorities are currently searching for the animal.

Source: Oleksandr Hololobov, the Head of Mala Danylivka hromada (an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.), on Telegram; Serhii Bolvinov, Head of the Investigation Department of the Main Department of National Police in Kharkiv Oblast, on Facebook

Hololobov and Bolvinov said the Russian strike also injured two men who were employees of the eco-park. They were taken to hospital with multiple wounds and bruises.

"About a dozen horses were kept on the premises, and they were successfully evacuated. Currently, efforts are underway to find another resident of the zoo  a kangaroo that went missing after the explosion," noted Serhii Bolvinov.

Background:

This is not the first time animals have suffered due to Russian aggression. In June, volunteers rescued 13 animals from the Kharkiv border area.

Additionally, animal welfare volunteers have posted photographs showing the Russians displaying dead animals.

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A Kansas City, Kansas man was sentenced to 40 years in prison in the fatal shooting of his girlfriends ex-boyfriend in 2020, a Jackson County judge ruled Tuesday.

Ivan D. Mock, 37, was convicted in January of murder in the death of Daniel LaMont Washington, 33, on April 12, 2020. At the time of the shooting, Mock was dating Washingtons ex-girlfriend and had become suspicious of Washingtons relationship with her, The Star previously reported.

The shooting took place in the early morning, while Washingtons ex-girlfriend was driving Washington and two other friends around Agnes Avenue in Kansas City, The Star reported. The woman parked her SUV in a driveway in the 4000 block of Agnes Avenue, where Mock approached the car, according to court documents.

Washington was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, according to court documents. Mock opened the front passenger door, removed a gun from his pocket and shot Washington several times, according to court documents.

After witnessing the shooting, Mocks girlfriend drove a wounded Washington and the other two passengers away from Agnes Avenue to look for a hospital, according to court documents. She was able to alert police officers in the parking lot of a CVS pharmacy near 39th and Main in Midtown, The Star reported. Additional officers responded to the car around 3 a.m., where Washington was pronounced dead.

Mocks girlfriend told police detectives that her relationship with Washington at the time of the shooting was close but platonic, according to court documents. However, court documents also show Mock had accused her of cheating on him with Washington, The Star reported.

Mock was charged with second-degree murder, as well as unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action, on April 17, 2020, according to court records. He was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder and one count of armed criminal action, carrying a 30-year sentence and a 10-year sentence.

Washington, who often went by Mont, was spiritual and family-oriented, with a passion for cars and grilling, according to an obituary posted online. He worked as an auto mechanic in Kansas City after graduating from Wyandotte High School in 2005.

If you knew Mont, you knew his love for you was unconditional, Washingtons obituary read.

Washington is survived by five children, some of whom he shared with the ex-girlfriend later involved with Mock, according to court documents and his obituary.

After the guilty verdict, a motion by Mock for a new trial was overruled, according to court documents.

Previous reporting by Bill Lukitsch was used in this article.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) is releasing new information on service issues being experienced in the wake of last weeks CrowdStrike software update problems.

KDOR spokesman Zachary Denning told 27 News the department has fixed systems under its direct control that were impacted by the July 19 cyber issues. However, some issues persist days later with some drivers license offices around the state.

The remaining outages currently affecting drivers license offices have taken longer to resolve, Denning said. These systems are handled by an outside vendor, and some impacted computers require on-site tech support. The agencys information technology division is assisting the vendor in expediting repairs so offices can resume normal operations.

Denning said each office is different and is being fixed on a case-by-case basis. Updates on the status of these offices will be sent out as they reopen and return to their normal schedules.

The agency expects the IT vendor to quickly restore their computer systems to full functionality to minimize the impact on customers, Denning said.

Bids hit $3 million for Heartland Motorsports Park as auction nears end

People can follow the KDORs Facebook page for updates on which offices are open or closed in Kansas. In the KDORs last update on Monday, July 22 they listed the Ottawa, Chanute and Colby drivers license offices as still being unable to process transactions. KDOR encourages people who are unable to renew their licenses to try renewing online using this link.

The cause of the global tech outage came from a software update that disrupted services in air travel, health care, shipping and more worldwide, according to a report from The Associated Press. The update was issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike which impacted people using Microsoft Windows. This caused many flights around the world to be grounded and prevented some local TV stations from broadcasting on Friday, July 19.

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.

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.
SARAJEVO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The restoration and protection of Bosnia's Old Bridge in Mostar exemplifies international cooperation, providing valuable experience for global heritage protection, Qu Xing, deputy director-general of UNESCO, has said.

"The UNESCO ensured that the reconstruction utilized original techniques and materials, while the World Bank managed funding and financial oversight. The governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the City of Mostar implemented the protection project, bringing the war-damaged bridge back to life," Qu told Xinhua Tuesday at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the bridge's reopening.

"The Old Bridge in Mostar is a symbol of cultural diversity, connecting people of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions, making Mostar a crossroads between East and West," Qu added.

Originally built in 1566 in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Old Bridge is a significant cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993.

In 2005, one year after its reopening, the bridge and its surrounding area were inscribed on the World Heritage List.

UNESCO acknowledged that the Old Bridge's historical value and symbolic significance were the main reasons for its successful World Heritage listing, even after its destruction. The bridge represents not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of cultural and religious diversity.

Adhering to the principle of "repairing the old as old," the international architectural team has also factored in local cultural tourism and economic development, offering invaluable experience for future heritage protection, Qu noted.

"Rebuilding the Old Bridge in Mostar is not just about restoring a historical structure; it's about creating a platform for harmony and understanding among multiple ethnicities, religions, and cultures," added Qu.

"The Old Bridge in Mostar shows us that, sooner or later, ruins must give way for reconstruction. By restoring monuments, by galvanizing international solidarity, we can rebuild the possibility of peace." Qu said, underscoring that the protection of the Old Bridge encourages the world to build more "bridges" of dialogue and cooperation in the coming years. 
Kansas wont require abortion providers to survey women about why theyre seeking an abortion as a lawsuit against the new rules plays out in court.

Lawyers for the abortion providers and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach reached an agreement in recent days to hold off on enforcing the survey requirement until a final judgment in the legal challenge, which is potentially years away. In exchange, a trial over the rules was delayed until at least next summer, giving both sides more time to prepare.

The deal indefinitely pauses enforcement of HB 2749, a law championed by abortion opponents, who say the survey will produce additional data that can be used to persuade women not to end their pregnancies. The Republican-controlled Legislature enacted the measure this spring over the veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Kansas has emerged as a critical access point for abortion in the center of the country since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal right to an abortion in 2022. The states regulations are closely watched in part because of the large numbers of out-of-state patients who are traveling to Kansas for abortions.

The new law mandates abortion providers to survey women, asking them to choose the most important reason for getting an abortion. Those reasons include financial stress, rape, fetal disabilities, or the health of the mother as options. The survey does not include an other option, a point of contention for opponents.

Patients are not required to answer, but non-responses are noted.

We are relieved that this intrusive law will not take effect. This law would have forced abortion providers to collect deeply personal informationan unjustifiable invasion of patient privacy that has nothing to do with peoples health, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains said in a statement.

The organizations, which are challenging the law, said they will continue to fight for Kansans fundamental right to abortion free from government interference.

Kobachs office didnt respond to a request for comment.

Some abortion restrictions already blocked

The agreement comes in a lawsuit filed in Johnson County District Court against both the survey requirement and other existing regulations.

Those included a 24-hour waiting period for abortions and rules mandating abortion providers, without evidence, post information in clinics and online warning abortions can increase the risk of breast cancer and premature birth in future pregnancies. Judge Christopher Jayaram already blocked those regulations.

Both sides reached the deal after the Kansas Supreme Court in early July reaffirmed its landmark 2019 decision that said the state constitution protects the right to an abortion. The decision found that the constitution includes a right to bodily autonomy and that its a fundamental right, meaning restrictions on it must clear the highest legal bar  strict scrutiny.

The Kansas Supreme Courts latest decision, released July 5, struck down a series of abortion clinic rules and regulations that had been on the books for years, some since 2011, but never enforced because of a long-running legal battle over them. The decision has been welcomed by abortion rights supporters and condemned by abortion opponents.

It hurts to say, we told you so, to the many Kansans who were misled by the abortion industrys assurances that it would still be heavily regulated in our state if voters rejected the 2022 amendment, Kansans for Life spokesperson Danielle Underwood said in a statement.

Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement the Kansas Supreme Court continues to evaluate evidence, follow precedent, and uphold fundamental rights.

In the wake of the ruling, Kobach is arguing the survey requirements dont infringe on fundamental rights and shouldnt have to withstand strict scrutiny. In a legal brief filed in court on Monday, lawyers working on behalf of the attorney general outlined their case for why HB 2749 is constitutional.

H.B. 2749 is merely a standard information reporting statute  well within the traditional and broad purview of the State to regulate the healing arts, the brief says. Because it neither infringes a fundamental right nor falls outside the traditional bounds of state regulation, the amendment need only bear a rational relation to some legitimate end to survive.

The abortion providers argue in their own court filings that the survey law interferes with the personal decision-making of pregnant people seeking abortion, inserts the state into the patient-provider relationship and forces providers to act as agents of Kansas to collect private, non-clinical data.

GOP lawmakers pushing limits

The legal battle over the survey requirement is the latest test of Kansas abortion rights put forward by Republican lawmakers since voters in August 2022 rejected a state constitutional amendment that would have given the Legislature the power to ban abortion. Since that vote, abortion opponents have been trying to see how far they can go in limiting or regulating access to the procedure under the Kansas Supreme Courts 2019 decision.

How far lawmakers can go holds consequences for Kansas future status as an abortion rights stronghold in the Great Plains. Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas all ban abortion  and thousands of women from those states are traveling to Kansas each year for the procedure.

The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization supportive of abortion rights, estimates that 20,700 clinician-provided abortions took place in Kansas in 2023. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will release official statistics late this year.

The agency previously posted preliminary data in the summer every year but halted that practice this year without explanation.
Last night Keir Starmer changed everything we know about discipline in the Labour Party.

Seven recalcitrant MPs who had decided to support an opposition motion to scrap the two-child benefit cap were immediately suspended from the Labour whip for a period of six months.

On the face of it, this is no more than an administrative process, a slap on the wrist. After all, having to sit as an independent MP for six months is no big deal. They still receive their salaries and still have full access to parliament.

In fact, the suspension of these MPs will send out a serious message to them and to their colleagues: voting against the government whip will endanger your Commons career. The Prime Minister, even before the general election, revealed himself as more than capable  some might say eager  to rid himself of troublesome back benchers, preventing a handful of Left-wingers from seeking renomination as Labour candidates after the election was called. Now he has reminded those parliamentary colleagues who feel they can vote however they wish without reference to the whips that they are endangering their own careers.

Not that an early election is likely, but anyone who does not possess the whip when an election is called is ineligible to stand as a Labour candidate. And reselection of a sitting candidate can happen at any time in a parliament if party HQ wishes it.

Previous party leaders and prime ministers were urged by their chief whips to wield a heavier stick against rebellious MPs; the fact that no one can accurately count the number of times that Jeremy Corbyn voted against his own partys whip when he was a Labour MP (the figure is in the hundreds) is testament to the ludicrously lax disciplinary regime that prevailed in the past.

It was that regime that disastrously exposed loyal Labour MPs to the criticism of their local parties. If there were no sanctions in place to discipline rebels, why wasnt their local MP manning the barricades along with other, more principled MPs? What had they to lose, other than a ministerial career?

And it provides cover not just to loyal MPs who share Starmers political outlook; it lifts the pressure on the diminishing band of self-identified Left-wingers who might be otherwise expected to form part of the awkward squad in the Parliamentary Labour Party. Now that voting against the government whip means a genuine threat to their careers, their supporters can be expected to be much more forgiving if they capitulate to the demands of the leadership, unhappy though they may be at the prospect.

And Starmers move means that for the first time in living memory, the Labour whip actually means something. It is more than a pink slip of A4 paper that arrives with the rest of the mail at the start of the week and informs MPs of when they can arrange transport home to their constituencies. Those votes that are underlined three times now mean their support is obligatory, not optional, especially if you have ambitions to be an MP in the next parliament.

There is a sting in the tail, however. Starmer will be the first Labour leader or prime minister in history who can expect the number of rebellions on his watch to diminish to about zero when even controversial measures are decided on the floor of the House. But this new paradigm presents a risk to the unity of the party in a more fundamental way than previous rebellions did.

With Labour having secured a landslide on a historically low level of popular support, voters are showing a worrying tendency to consider supporting smaller parties and independent candidates. In this context, removing the whip from repeat offenders in Labours ranks, threatening them with the end of their parliamentary careers, might be just the spark needed to ignite a new civil war in the party.

That may be a risk the prime minister is willing to take; he is insulated, after all, by the complexities and contradictions of the first-past-the-post electoral system. If nothing else, Keir Starmer has brought to an end the self-indulgent disregard that the Left have traditionally been able to display towards their own party.

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Kentucky board revokes license of doctor accused of failing to spot brain tumor

A state panel has revoked the license of a doctor accused of failing to diagnose a brain tumor while working for a Kentucky hospital.

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure released the order against Dr. Anand P. Lalaji on Monday.

Lalajis office is in Atlanta. He has a telemedicine practice and was first licensed in Kentucky in 2008, according to the board.

Lalajis area of practice is diagnostic radiology, which involves using procedures such as X-rays and CT scans to diagnose a patients condition.

Kentucky regulators suspended Lalajis license in November 2023 after Mercy Health Lourdes, a hospital in Paducah, reported it had suspended him over concerns that he had read images incorrectly, or missed conditions, in more than half a dozen cases.

In one case, Lalaji allegedly missed a brain tumor, according to a complaint by the licensure board.

Lalajis attorney, Richard Walter, told the Herald-Leader last year that Lalaji contended he had always complied with the appropriate standard of care and would challenge the suspension.

According to the order released this week, however, Walter told a hearing officer for the licensure board that Lalaji said he would not attend a mandatory hearing.

As a result, the hearing officer recommended that the board enter and order a finding that the allegations against Lalaji were true.

The board approved the recommendation and revoked Lalajis license to practice in Kentucky.

He wont be able to apply for reinstatement for two years and until he has paid $7,056 to cover the boards costs in the case.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ranks as most popular Democratic governor in new national poll

Governor Andy Beshear is greeted by UofL President Kim Schatzel on the campaign trail at the University of Louisville on Thursday, November 2, 2023

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is the most popular Democratic governor in the country, according to a Morning Consult poll released Wednesday.

According to the poll, 67% of voters surveyed approve of Beshear's job performance  falling behind only Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, who had an 81% rating.

The poll results come amid speculation over Beshear's potential as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, though it's unclear whether he's still considered a contender.

A report from USA Today on Tuesday excluded Beshear from a list of Democrats who have been asked to submit vetting materials to Harris' campaign, though that doesn't necessarily mean Beshear is out of the running.

Beshear said in an interview on CNN Monday that he had not been "personally asked" to submit vetting materials, though he confirmed he spoke with Harris on Sunday after President Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek reelection.

"She called and asked for my support, and I willingly gave it," Beshear said, adding he wanted to keep the details of their conversation "personal."

Earlier Monday, Beshear gave his "full endorsement" to Harris as the Democratic nominee on MSNBC's Morning Joe.

"The vice president is smart and strong, which will make her a good president," Beshear said.

Beshear's two national media appearances and increased social media attention this week make it seem he's open to the idea of being a vice presidential candidate, though he has not explicitly said he wants the role.

Others reportedly in consideration for the vice presidential nominee include North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

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: Andy Beshear ranked as most popular Democratic governor in new poll
The News

Kenyan President William Ruto plans to hand control of several key ministries to allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga as part of his response to mass protests that have rocked his government.

Ruto dismissed nearly his entire cabinet at the height of the protests against proposed tax hikes and government corruption. He has since nominated ministers for his new cabinet and called upon individuals close to Odinga, whom he defeated in the 2022 presidential election.

Senior members of Odingas Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party were among those nominated for ministerial roles on Wednesday. The ODMs chairman, John Mbadi, was named National Treasury cabinet secretary, putting him at the helm of the economy. Other Odinga allies were placed in charge of the energy and petroleum ministry and the mining portfolio.

Other parties in the Odinga-led Azimio opposition coalition had previously distanced themselves from plans to join the Ruto cabinet, arguing it would be a betrayal of the youth protesters who continue to demand for Rutos resignation.

Several cabinet secretaries that had been dismissed were announced as ministerial nominees on Wednesday, albeit for different roles. Last week, the president named his first 11 nominees, which included people he dismissed a week earlier. The move was widely criticized by protesters.

The president has yet to nominate a new attorney general or a cabinet secretary for the East African Community.

Rutos new nominees still need to be vetted by parliament.

Know More

Ruto announced his cabinet nominees in an address in which he also announced proposed economic and anti-corruption reforms. He said the reforms would improve government accountability and stimulate job creation.

Changes to procurement laws designed to enhance transparency around how government contracts are awarded are among the policy reforms to be rolled out in coming months.

The president announced plans to limit the imports of goods already manufactured in Kenya to boost local manufacturing and enhance job creation.

Ruto also revealed plans to change corruption laws to ensure corruption cases are heard and concluded within six months.

Our government listens to the people of Kenya, Ruto said. I have heard you, and I have heard you clearly.

Step Back

Protesters, who have staged demonstrations in recent weeks, have called for Rutos resignation and the arrest of police officers responsible for alleged extrajudicial killings and abductions. At least 50 people have been killed in the protests, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Room for Disagreement

The mostly Gen Z and millennial protesters are expected to continue protests on Thursday, and many are reacting negatively to Rutos cabinet selections.




Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) gave a surprisingly harsh assessment of Republican attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris since she emerged as the likely Democratic nominee to replace President Joe Biden. (Watch the video below.)

On Tuesdays Meet The Press NOW, McCarthy picked apart GOP efforts from the likes of Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) to diss Harris as a DEI pick, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. (Burchett later walked back his remark by saying Republicans should focus on her record, around the time current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged the party to do the same.)

Are you confident that your party and Donald Trump can stay on the other side of the line and not delve into racially charged or racist attacks on a Black female candidate? NBC News Garrett Haake asked McCarthy.

The ousted speaker called the DEI accusations stupid and wrong and warned Republicans not to push for Bidens resignation. Biden withdrew from the race but remains in charge as president.

Two attacks Ive heard Republicans give that are totally stupid and dumb to do is the DEI attack, OK? McCarthy said. The other attack that I would not do is saying that the president has to resign.

He noted, That would be an advantage for Kamala, who would take over the presidency.

Air Force One is very powerful when it lands somewhere. And you know what? Something will happen between now and the election. A hurricane or something else. And shell be able to present herself as a leader. Or maybe theres some foreign policy. That is a mistake for any leader to go out and say that on the Republican side, he said.

He dismissed the DEI jabs, which conservatives have used for years to diminish Harris, as petty.

I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States, he said. She is the former U.S. senator. These congressmen that are saying it, theyre wrong in their own instincts.

Some Trump allies in Congress have warned against the DEI line of attack on Harris to avoid alienating moderate and independent voters.

h/t Mediaite

Related...
(Bloomberg) -- Israeli far-right cabinet member Itamar Ben Gvir took the unusual step of endorsing Donald Trump as the next US president, saying a return of the ex-leader would bolster the chances of victory against Irans allied militant groups and the Islamic Republic itself.

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I believe that with Trump, Israel will receive the backing to act against Iran, the minister for national security told Bloomberg in an interview. With Trump it will be clearer that enemies must be defeated.

The head of Jewish Power  a nationalist party thats key to the survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition  Ben Gvir has been an outspoken critic of cease-fire talks that could stop the fighting in Gaza, at least temporarily, and see some of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas freed in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

His opposition to a truce has the ability to undermine internationally mediated attempts to reach a deal, which the US has pushed for months. That said, he opposed a cease-fire agreement in late November  the only one to date  but did not go as far as quitting government.

Ben Gvirs comments underscore how the Israel-Hamas war has strained relations with the US and come ahead of Netanyahus address to the US Congress in Washington on Wednesday. The prime minister, on his first trip abroad since the war against Hamas started in October, is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, before traveling to Florida to see Trump on Friday.

Netanyahu himself has remained neutral and said its essential for Israel to work with whatever government runs its most important ally.

Trump will likely face off against Harris in Novembers presidential election. The decision by Biden not to run is no great loss to Israel, Ben Gvir, 48, said in his Jerusalem office. The US leader has failed to support the country fully in its campaign against Hamas, the minister said, citing delayed supplies of weapons.

The US has always stood behind Israel in terms of armaments and weapons, yet this time the sense was that we were being reckoned with  that we were trying to be prevented from winning, Ben Gvir said. That happened on Bidens watch and fed Hamas with lots of energy.

While Biden and his top officials repeatedly urged Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza and engage in truce negotiations, the president visited Israel after the Hamas invasion on Oct. 7 that triggered the war. His administration has supplied Israel with hundreds of ammunition shipments and a $14 billion military aid package.

More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war started, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, much of which has been reduced to rubble. Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, killed about 1,200 people on Oct. 7 and took about 250 hostage.

The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, on Wednesday called on the US to use Netanyahus visit as an opportunity to urge him to stop the conflict.

Ben Gvir appreciates endorsing Trump may go down badly with other Israeli officials.

A cabinet minister is supposed to maintain neutrality, but thats impossible to do after Biden, he said.

Iran Fire

Israels brief exchange of direct fire with Iran in April, following an Israeli attack on Tehrans diplomatic buildings in Syria, has been a source of frustration for Ben Gvir and other far-right cabinet members such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. They see it as a missed opportunity to assert military dominance.

Israel should respond to attacks on it in a determined, pain-inflicting manner, Ben Gvir said, bemoaning Netanyahus muted reaction to Irans unprecedented assault with missiles and drones, almost all of which were intercepted with the help of the US, UK, France and Jordan. At the time, Ben Gvir described Israels counter strike on an Iranian military site near the city of Isfahan as weak.

Trump maintains a hard line against Iran and has said the Islamic Republic wouldnt have attacked Israel had he been in office. During his term as president that began in 2017, he walked away from a deal between Iran and world powers over its nuclear-development program, which hasnt been reinstated under Biden.

Trump has, however, also said Israel must end the war in Gaza and laid the blame for the Oct. 7 incursion on Netanyahu.

Ben Gvir didnt address Harris policies directly but implied they would be a continuation of Bidens. The US attitude toward Israel needs to change, he said, suggesting that will only happen with Trump.

The minister warned he would quit Netanyahus government  potentially collapsing the whole coalition  if a cease-fire deal is reached that he cant support.

That would include one that prevents Israel from being able to resume fighting against Hamas in Gaza and leads to a mass release of Palestinian prisoners involved in lethal attacks on Israelis.

Benny Gantz, a former war cabinet member who quit last month, on Wednesday said more Israeli hostages in Gaza had died over the past two months because Netanyahu stalled in promoting a cease-fire agreement. He suggested the prime minister is procrastinating to ensure his political survival.

Ben Gvirs preference would be to escalate pressure against Hamas  both with military force and by depriving Gaza of humanitarian aid. Hes also in favor of a full-blown war with Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based militant group supported by Iran.

The sooner, the better, he said of Hezbollah, which has been exchanging fire with Israel since October.

Such talk unnerves many in Israel and the countrys allies. Hezbollah is the most powerful militant group in the Middle East, with far more missiles and fighters than Hamas.

Yet he says Israelis back him. Jewish Power is the only party in Israels coalition government thats gaining support in the polls.

Many Israelis realize that I was right all along, he said. Their sympathy doesnt come from nowhere.

--With assistance from Julius Domoney.

(Updates with Gantz comment in 21st paragraph.)

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Kim Davis, then the Rowan county clerk, waved to supporters at a rally outside the Carter County Detention Center on Sept. 8, 2015 in Grayson. Davis was ordered to jail for contempt of court after refusing a federal court order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (Photo by Ty Wright/Getty Images)

A conservative legal group has filed a brief on behalf of a former Kentucky county clerk that it says could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Kim Davis, then the Rowan County clerk, made national headlines in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to several same-sex couples based on her religious beliefs.

Liberty Counsel, based in Orlando, Florida, and labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, filed the brief Monday with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, according to a news release from Liberty Counsel and first reported by Jezebel.

Liberty Counsel founder and Chairman Mat Staver said in a Tuesday press release that Kim Davis deserves justice in this case since she was entitled to a religious accommodation from issuing marriage licenses under her name and authority.

This case has the potential to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges and extend the same religious freedom protections beyond Kentucky to the entire nation, Staver said.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning in 2015 ordered Davis to jail for five days for contempt for refusing to comply with a court order. Bunning earlier this year ordered Davis to pay $260,104 in fees and expenses to attorneys who represented one of the couples she refused a marriage license. Bunning had earlier ordered Davis to pay the couple, David Ermold and David Moore, $100,000 in damages for violating their constitutional rights. Liberty Counsel is appealing Bunnings decisions.

Davis lost her bid for reelection as Rowan County clerk in 2018.

Chris Hartman, the director of Kentuckys Fairness Campaign, told the Lantern Tuesday that the latest legal move on Davis behalf is sad and desperate but also within the realm of possibility under the current U.S. Supreme Court.

The threat of anti-LGBTQ hate groups  is real, however, and it comes as no surprise that they are seeking to overturn LGBTQ marriage in America. With an arch-conservative Supreme Court thats already upended half a century of abortion rights, anything is unfortunately possible.

Court documents filed by Liberty Counsel point specifically to the Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, saying the court should overturn Obergefell for the same reasons. In the abortion case, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his concurring opinion that the court could use the same rationale to overturn earlier decisions on same-sex marriage and access to contraception.

Obergefell was wrong when it was decided and it is wrong today because it was based entirely on the legal fiction of substantive due process, which lacks any basis in the Constitution, say court documents filed by Liberty Counsel.

In a statement to the Lantern, Staver reiterated: We want to overturn the jury verdict because there is no evidence to support it, to grant religious accommodation for Kim Davis and to overturn the 2015 case of Obergefell v. Hodges.

Ermold and Moore were married Oct. 31, 2015 in an outdoor ceremony on the Morehead State University campus, which the student newspaper, The Trail Blazer, covered.

Read Liberty Counsels brief

072324OpeningBriefofKimDavis

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  The Drone and Fireworks show at this years Kipona Festival on Labor Day weekend has been canceled, according to a statement by Mayor Wanda Williams.

The Mayors decision is a response to the serious incidents that occurred during the latest three July 4 fireworks shows. She said this decision is especially hard, highlighting local events effect on Harrisburgs economy.

Mayor Williams was the only person injured when she was knocked over by someone in the commotion of the incident at this years July 4 show.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

We hope this is not a permanent decision, but a temporary break. I have tasked

Commissioner Carter to develop a new safety plan for our holiday fireworks

shows, said Mayor Williams.

We also need to reconsider if fireworks itself are part of that plan. This is

a chance to reimagine event programming. We will not let a few bad apples ruin

these opportunities for Harrisburg to come together.

According to the statement, the rest of the 104th Kipona Festival will go on as planned and will feature events, including the American Pow-Wow, multicultural Celebration, and art in the park. The event will also host live music and food trucks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MOSCOW, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a car explosion in Moscow, local media reported on Wednesday.

The explosion was caused by the detonation of an unidentified object in a car parked in the courtyard of a residential building in northern Moscow, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk as saying. 
Ku Klux Klan recruitment flyers were posted recently in Lexington and Frankfort neighborhoods, officials say.

Police in both Lexington and Frankfort confirmed residents had received flyers from a hate group. Frankfort police said Sunday flyers were left in the driveways of homes, and Lexington police said Wednesday they were posted in Lexington neighborhoods.

Frankfort police Capt. Scott Tracy told the news station WKYT the incidents appear to be connected.

Our community strength lies in its diversity, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our residents, regardless of race, ethnicity or background, Frankfort police said in a Facebook post.

Police urged residents to report if they received a flyer. They can call Lexington police at 859-258-3600 or Frankfort police at 502-875-8525.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling 859-253-2020 or by visiting www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com. They can also be submitted through the P3 Tips app at www.p3tips.com.
What to know about the 25th Amendment as Trump makes wild claim about Biden

President Joe Bidens planned address to the nation on Wednesday night will be an opportunity to explain his decision not to run for reelection and show he is still up to the task of serving as president  a job he has for nearly six more months, until January 20, 2025.

No matter what Biden says or how much his fellow Democrats try to build up his accomplishments as president, multiple Republicans have argued that the 25th Amendment to the Constitution should be used to remove Biden from office ASAP  something thats not going to happen since no Democrat supports it.

Former President Donald Trump, appearing at a rally in North Carolina Wednesday evening, made the unfounded claim that Biden was told by Democratic leaders that if he did not step aside in the election, he would be removed with the 25th Amendment.

The bosses, they said, Either you get out, or were going to throw you out using the 25th Amendment, Trump said in prepared remarks opening his rally. While theres no evidence to back up Trumps wild claim about Biden, it is a verifiable fact that Trumps own Cabinet considered the idea of using the 25th Amendment against him in 2021.

Trumps current running mate, Sen. JD Vance, said on Monday Democrats should use the 25th Amendment to remove Biden from office.

You dont get to do this in the most politically beneficial way for Democrats, he said on Fox News of Bidens decision to end his presidential campaign. If its an actual problem, they should take care of it the appropriate way.

Talk about the 25th Amendment with regard to Biden has been percolating among Republicans, but it is a nonstarter among Democrats who have universally praised Biden for making the decision to step aside in the presidential election.

Even before Biden dropped out of the race, Rep. Chip Roy, the Texas Republican, filed a resolution in June after the presidents disastrous debate performance, calling on the 25th Amendment to be used against Biden.

On the morning Biden dropped out of the race, House Speaker Mike Johnson told CNNs Jake Tapper that Republicans have discussed how to investigate whether Democrats engaged in wrongdoing for arguing Biden is up to the job of being president.

They  the Democrats have been involved in a big cover-up here, Johnson said.

After Biden withdrew from the race, Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Republican, wrote letters to Harris and the Cabinet officials in the Biden administration, asking them to remove Biden from office.

If President Biden is unwilling to resign, for the sake of our great nation, you must do your duty to relieve him of his constitutional powers and duties, Schmitt wrote in a letter sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and posted on Schmitts website.

The idea that Biden is unfit to serve is also in contrast to the Trump campaigns argument that Biden should continue as the Democratic nominee; it filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission arguing Biden should not be able to transfer his campaign war chest to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trumps Cabinet discussed the 25th Amendment after the insurrection

Its hard to believe now that Republicans have reunified around Trump as their presidential candidate  and now that many of them doubt the severity of the January 6, 2021, insurrection  but use of the 25th Amendment was most recently seriously discussed with regard to Trump by his fellow Republicans that year.

Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021. - John Minchillo/AP/File

Betsy DeVos, who was Trumps secretary of education, confirmed to USA Today that she and other Trump Cabinet officials considered using the method to remove Trump from office. When it became clear to her that then-Vice President Mike Pence would not support the idea, she resigned from the Trump administration on January 7, 2021.

There were more than a few people who had those conversations internally, she said.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has since recommitted himself to Trump and developed some amnesia about the severity of the January 6 attack, can be heard on a January 8, 2021, recording obtained by New York Times reporters in which he says the 25th Amendment cant be used against Trump because it takes too long.

It is, indeed, a complicated process, as we first investigated back in January 2021.

What would it require?

To forcibly wrest power from a sitting president, the vice president would have to be on board, according to the text of the amendment. Read the full language here.

Harris, who has consistently praised Biden and has shown absolutely no indication she thinks Biden is unfit for office, would also need a majority of Bidens Cabinet officials to agree the president is unfit for office and temporarily seize power from him. Like Harris, they have also expressed complete support for him finishing his term.

In the extremely unlikely event Bidens allies were to turn on him, Biden could dispute their move with a letter to Congress. Harris and the Cabinet would then have four days to dispute him, after which Congress would be called on to vote  it requires a two-thirds supermajority, usually 67 senators and 290 House members, to permanently remove the president.

Congress could also appoint its own body to review the presidents fitness instead of the Cabinet. In 2020, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced a bill to create a congressional body for this purpose with regard to Trump, but it was not signed into law.

Why do we have the 25th Amendment?

No president has ever been removed from office in this way. The amendment was ratified in 1965, in the wake of the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy, whose predecessor Dwight D. Eisenhower suffered major heart attacks. It was meant to create a clear line of succession and prepare for urgent contingencies.

President John F. Kennedy slumps down in the back seat of the presidential limousine after being fatally shot in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy leans over the president as Secret Service agent Clinton Hill rides on the back of the car. - Ike Altgens/AP

Eisenhower suffered a debilitating heart attack while in office in the 1950s. That was before the 25th Amendment, so there was no constitutional rule. Instead, he came to an agreement with then-Vice President Richard Nixon about handing over power.

The portion of the 25th Amendment that allows the vice president and Cabinet to remove the president had in mind a leader who was in a coma or suffered a stroke.

The Reagan administration drafted, but did not sign or transmit, letters to the Senate that would have taken power from Reagan after he was shot in 1981. You can see them at the Reagan Librarys website.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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What to know about constitutional amendment questions going to Wisconsin voters in August

Wisconsin voters next month will have the chance to weigh in on the authority of Wisconsin governors to spend federal funds, potentially upending how billions of dollars are spent in the state, according to a new nonpartisan analysis.

Wisconsin's partisan primary election is Aug. 13, and voters will see two referendum questions on their ballots asking to give the state Legislature more power over distributing federal funding, an effort sparked by clashes over Gov. Tony Evers' power to distribute billions of dollars in coronavirus relief money.

Here is what to know about the referendum questions:

What are the questions on my ballot?

The two questions will appear statewide as follows:

Question 1: Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?

Question 2: Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?

A yes vote on the first question would add to the Wisconsin Constitution an amendment prohibiting the Legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money while a no vote would not add that.

Voting yes on the second question means amending the Wisconsin Constitution to require the governor to earn legislative approval in the form of a joint resolution before expending federal funds appropriated to the state, while a no vote would continue to allow the governor to accept and use federal funds without that approval.

You can find a preview of your ballot at myvote.wi.gov.

Which groups support the amendments?

Republicans unanimously supported the amendments. GOP Rep. Robert Wittke of Racine, who introduced the second amendment, argued it would serve as an important check on executive power.

It doesn't matter who's in the executive branch and who runs the legislature side, we believe it's just good governance that both branches of government have a say in this, Wittke told the Journal Sentinel, adding that theyre looking to restore the power of the legislative branch.

Conservative think tank Badger Institute and the conservative Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce also supported the ballot questions.

The Badger Institute said its good democratic government for elected representatives to have a larger say in how federal dollars are allocated.

Which groups oppose the amendments?

Democrats endorsed a no to both amendments. A coalition of 16 voting rights groups, including the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Fair Maps Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters, urged voters to choose no as well. A Vote No website and tool guide said changes to the constitution would add red tape and slow the governments ability to respond to emergencies and pointed out that current legislators were elected under gerrymandered voting maps.

They're both terrible for the people of Wisconsin, said Iuscely Flores, co-organizing director of Wisconsin Fair Maps. We cannot let the legislature dilute the governor's power anymore. When we citizens elect him as governor, it is because we trust his decisions and how he plans to handle federal funds.

Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments & Boards, Wisconsin Public Health Association and Wisconsin Conservation Voters also oppose the amendments on the basis that they would delay the allocation of federal funding during crises.

Where does the governors approval power come from?

The governors power to accept and allocate federal money without legislative approval comes from the 1930s when Wisconsin enacted the law in response to the Great Depression. It holds: Whenever the United States government shall make available funds for the education, the promotion of health, the relief of indigency, the promotion of agriculture or for any other purpose other than the administration of the tribal or any individual funds of Wisconsin Indians, the governor on behalf of the state is authorized to accept the funds so made available.

In the case of another crisis on the scale of the pandemic or an economic recession, the governor would no longer be authorized to accept emergency, unplanned federal government aid without legislative approval, slowing down the process of allocating funding to businesses and families, under the amendments.

Where did the debate over Evers' spending power come from?

The governor's broad power to allocate federal funds came into focus in 2020 when $5.7 billion in relief came to the state from federal laws known as the CARES Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act. That gave the governor sole discretion over at least $3.7 billion of that  a power Republican lawmakers unsuccessfully sought to diminish or remove in several pieces of legislation.

Throughout March and April of that year, lawmakers refused to come into session to make decisions about portions of the CARES Act that weren't under Evers' sole discretion. Federal relief via the CARES Act included provisions that would reimburse states for unemployment benefits as long as the state did not require the jobless to wait one week before they could receive aid. Wisconsin lawmakers suspended that one-week waiting period and aimed to receive benefits retroactively, despite being warned that Democratic members in the state's federal delegation would not honor the retroactive provision.

GOP legislative leaders didn't schedule floor sessions to pass the legislation until the week of April 13, three weeks after the federal CARES Act was passed. As a result, Wisconsin lost out on $25 million in federal funding to help pay for unemployment benefits during the coronavirus pandemic because Republicans who control the Legislature didn't act quickly enough.

A nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau in 2022 concluded Evers' administration should have disclosed more information about how state officials distributed billions of federal coronavirus relief funding across the state. They said officials did not provide auditors with information showing how state officials made decisions regarding where to distribute the funds Evers has discretion to spend.

Wittke cited the influx of federal spending into the state from pandemic-era bills in testimonies and interviews on the resolutions that led to the August amendment questions. He criticized Evers "sole discretion" over how pandemic relief was spent.

If that is going to continue to be the case, the senator (Sen. Howard Marklein of Spring Green) and I believe that there should be checks and balances so that legislative oversight occurs," Wittke said.

Where does Gov. Tony Evers stand on the amendments?

Evers this month told reporters he encourages people to vote no on both amendments and said they were examples "of the Legislature overstepping" without giving him a chance to comment through the legislative process or veto the bill.

"Wisconsinites have not forgotten that Wisconsin Republicans led the least active full-time Legislature in America during the worst economic crisis in a decade and the worst public health crisis in a century," a spokesperson for Evers office told the Journal Sentinel.

"The results of the governors leadership making smart, strategic, and quick investments to stabilize Wisconsins economy speak for themselves, and those results would not have been possible if Republican legislators, who felt no apparent responsibility or urgency to respond to a statewide crisis, had control over Wisconsins federal aid."

If the referendums pass, when would the changes take effect, and how would they change the governors role?

Changes to state constitutions are generally proposed through legislative proposals, ballot initiatives or referendums. The questions require a simple majority to pass. The changes to the constitution would take place before the next legislative session in January 2025.

Though the proposed changes took shape following the pandemic, the amendments could affect routine allocation of federal funds, according to Wisconsin Policy Forum Vice President and Research Director Jason Stein.

Beyond putting some limits on governors' authority, the extent of the amendments' impacts is unclear and depends on how the Legislature and courts interpret them, according to Stein.

He said questions remain about whether the Legislature would allocate funds via a joint resolution, requiring votes in both the Assembly and Senate, or use legislative rules from other processes like a committee signing off on the allocation of federal funds. The latter option could work within short notice, while a joint resolution could come up against problems when the Legislature doesn't have floor sessions.

"It's important that voters understand that these amendments do not solely deal with this question of the pandemic funds, but with federal funds more broadly," Stein said. "We are talking about a broader question with this amendment, and so that when they make their decision, they should have that in mind."

Currently, federal funds are distributed through appropriations, existing line items in the state budget that include estimates for much the state can expect to receive for a specific proposal. Aid estimates may change as Congress appropriates more or less money than expected, funds returned from other states get redistributed or agencies receive funding from competitive grants.

Republicans and Evers have routinely disagreed over spending decisions throughout his term. The GOP Legislature curbed many of Evers' initiatives and thwarted his efforts to enact legislation through executive actions or special sessions. For example, the Legislature's Republican-led budget-writing committee made $6.8 billion in cuts to Evers' proposed 2023-25 spending plan, rejecting increases in spending on schools and federal funding to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin.

What are the other referendums in Wisconsin in the 2024 elections?

This year, five amendment questions will be brought to a referendum in total  the most in a single year since 1982, when 10 amendments were ratified.

In Wisconsins April 2 presidential primary election, voters passed two referendum questions on their ballots that asked about the use of private funds in election administration and the role of election officials.

Under the changes, clerks can't use private grants or donations to help them administer elections, and only election officials designated by law will be able to perform tasks to conduct elections.

Voters will see another election-related referendum question on their Nov. 5 ballot. One would clarify that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in Wisconsin, rather than "every U.S. citizen" 18 and older, which is how the state constitution is currently written. That proposal is also authored by Republicans.

Some states and cities have moved to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, but state laws don't allow for that in Wisconsin. A Ukrainian woman was charged with election fraud after trying to vote in Mequon's school board election.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Amendments would curtail Gov. power over federal funding allocation
What we know about the deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey in her home after she called 911 for help

The family of Sonya Massey is calling for a probe into the hiring of a sheriffs deputy charged with fatally shooting the 36-year-old Black woman in her Illinois home this month, citing their concerns over records showing hed worked at six law enforcement agencies in four years and was charged with driving under the influence twice.

Sean Grayson, the 30-year-old Sangamon County sheriffs deputy who has since been fired from the agency, was indicted by a grand jury on July 17 on three counts of first-degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct in connection with the July 6 shooting at Masseys home near Springfield.

Sonya Massey was shot and killed by a responding officer after she called 911 because she thought there was an intruder in her home, according to officials. - Ben Crump Law

He has entered a not guilty plea and was denied pretrial release, according to court records. During his July 18 arraignment hearing, Sangamon County Judge Ryan Cadagin said: Not only is there clear and convincing evidence that he has committed a detention-eligible offense, there is clear and convincing evidence that he is a risk to the community.

The states training and standards board records show Graysons law enforcement certification has been suspended.

Graysons attorney revealed at his arraignment that the former deputy is diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and was hospitalized late last year for a month and a half to undergo a colostomy. The attorney also mentioned Grayson owns a home where he lives with his fiancee, whom he is set to marry in October.

CNN has sought comment from Graysons attorney.

Sean Grayson faces multiple charges in the shooting death of Sonya Massey. - Sangamon County Jail/WISC

Massey is one of a number of Black women who have been killed by police in their own homes in recent years, including Breonna Taylor and Atatiana Jefferson.

In a news conference Monday afternoon, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Masseys family, connected her death to other cases of police violence against Black people across the US.

Heres what we know about the former sheriffs deputy charged with murder in Masseys death:

Records: Deputy worked at 6 agencies in 4 years, after being charged twice with DUI

Grayson enrolled in the US Army in 2013 and served for three years, according to his attorney. He was discharged due to misconduct (serious offense), according to a Department of Defense document included in Graysons personnel file during his time with Kincaid police in Illinois.

The document says Grayson was separated from the Army under a general discharge after he served as a private first class at Fort Riley in Kansas. The file did not detail the alleged misconduct.

Grayson had worked at six law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020, according to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. He was hired at all six departments after being charged with two DUI misdemeanor offenses in Illinois Macoupin County  one in 2015 and the other in 2016, court records show.

He began working part-time with Pawnee police in August 2020, then moved to the Kincaid and Virden police departments, before taking up full-time work with Auburn police, the Logan County Sheriffs Office and  in May 2023  Sangamon County.

Graysons personnel files also revealed several deficiencies in his workplace performance, training and skill set at agencies where he previously worked. Chief Steven Snodgrass at the Virden Police Department said Grayson did not demonstrate good officer safety skills. Chief Dave Campbell at the Auburn Police Department said he thinks Grayson needs more training. Graysons co-worker at the Logan County Sheriffs Office also said he believes (Grayson) needs more extensive training.

Graysons psychological evaluation for employment at the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office noted that Grayson knows he can move too fast at times and that he needs to slow down to make good decisions, but ultimately concluded that overall, he appears to be a suitable fit for the position.

Graysons resignation letter from the Auburn Police Department, reviewed by CNN, did not suggest he left due to problems or disciplinary issues. In it, he wrote: I have had nothing but a positive experience working as an officer. Unfortunately, I have chosen to move on to Logan County Sheriffs Office.

Records from the Logan County Sheriffs Office, meanwhile, said he needed to take high stress decision making classes. The recommendation came after Grayson failed to slow down after his boss called off a vehicle pursuit. Grayson was driving about 110 mph before striking a deer, the records say.

Grayson was pressed about the particulars of the chase by Logan County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Nathan Miller in November 2022, audio recordings revealed, in which the deputy chief told Grayson his report could have amounted to official misconduct and constituted several policy violations.

Grayson said he believed he was on a different street that he referenced in his report. If we cant trust what you say and what you see, we cant have you in our uniform, Miller told Grayson, according to the recordings.

Im getting goosebumps. This is extremely concerning, the chief deputy said a few minutes later. Everybody likes you. I gotta be able to trust you. Was this a purposefully done lie?

No, Grayson responded, according to the recordings.

Graysons first DUI incident occurred in August 2015, when Graysons vehicle was impounded after he was charged with driving under the influence. He pleaded guilty to the charge and paid more than $1,320 in fines, according to court records. Another charge, accusing him of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, was dismissed.

The following year in July, Grayson was charged again with DUI, pleaded guilty and paid more than $2,400 in fines, court records show.

Graysons job application to Auburn police acknowledges he had previously been arrested and charged with a DUI. Grayson wrote the sheriff of Logan County a brief letter when he started working at the sheriffs department in May 2022, detailing his terrible decision to drink and drive. His letter also said he lost his driving privileges for one year after pleading guilty to his second DUI in 2016.

A petition calling for an investigation into why Sangamon County hired Grayson was circulated at a march and barbecue in Springfield on Monday night, CNN affiliate WICS reported.

Masseys family and their lawyers called for the county to investigate the decision to hire him, voicing concerns about his arrest record and his working for six departments in four years, according to WICS.

Ill f**king shoot you in the f**king face, deputy says before Massey is shot

The Illinois State Police on Monday released 36-minutes of video that includes body-camera footage from each of the two Sangamon County sheriffs deputies who responded to Masseys house early on July 6. Massey had called 911 to report a possible prowler at her home in Springfield, according to a court document filed by prosecutors.

The body-camera footage shows Grayson and another deputy speaking calmly with Massey in her home  at which point she goes to the stove to turn off a pot of boiling water. She then picks up the pot and the other deputy steps back, away from your hot steaming water, he says.

I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, she says in response.

Huh? the deputy says.

I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, she repeats.

You better f**king not or I swear to God Ill f**king shoot you in the f**king face, Grayson says.

He then draws his firearm and points it at her, and she ducks and says, Im sorry while lifting the pot, the video shows.

Drop the f**king pot! both deputies yell.

Three shots are heard. After a few seconds of silence, one deputy says, shots fired and calls for emergency medical services.

Dude, Im not taking f**king boiling water to the f**king head. And look, it came right to our feet, too, Grayson says.

Minutes after the shooting, Grayson speaks to another law enforcement figure. She had boiling water and came at me with boiling water, he says in the video. She said she was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus and came at (me) with boiling water.

While inside her home, Grayson drew his gun and shot at Massey three times, striking her once in the face, according to county prosecutors. - Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office

Grayson did not activate his body camera until after he fatally shot Massey, according to charging documents. The other deputy had activated his body camera when he first arrived at the scene, the documents state.

In the body-camera footage, Grayson tells his partner that Massey would not need medical help immediately after the shooting.

The other deputy says hes going to get a medical kit to help, but Grayson responds, Nah, shes done. You can go get it but thats a headshot.

Grayson later goes to his vehicle to get his own medical supplies. When he gets back to the house, he asks if theres anything he can do, but is told no.

All right, Im not even gonna waste my med stuff then, Grayson says.

Next, Grayson leaves the house and speaks to a group of law enforcement officers outside. Yeah, Im good, this f**king b*tch is crazy, he says, according to the footage.

During Graysons arraignment, the judge said Graysons disparaging remarks about Massey and his direction to the other officer not to give her aid justified the denial of his pretrial release.

Simply no longer working as a police officer or home confinement or electronic monitoring or any other conditions that are oftentimes used cannot sufficiently mitigate the threat of someone who acted in this way, the judge said, according to court transcripts.

Officials deem deputys actions an unjustified use of deadly force

Since the shooting, local and state officials have criticized the deputys actions as an unjustified use of deadly force.

A review of the Illinois State Police investigation into the shooting does not support a finding that  Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force, the states attorney for Sangamon County, John Milhiser, said in a July 17 news release.

In a court document filed by the state last week, prosecutors said a use-of-force expert had reviewed the body-camera footage and concluded the use of deadly force was not justified.

(The expert) likened the scenario to an officer intentionally and unnecessarily putting himself in front of a moving vehicle and then justifying use of force because of fear of being struck, the prosecutors wrote.

The sheriffs office said it has fired Grayson. It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards, the office said.

In a court document filed by the state last week, prosecutors noted Grayson could have drawn a Taser located on his duty vest.

He  has shown a willingness to use lethal force, despite the availability of non-deadly alternatives, when there is little to no threat to his bodily safety, prosecutors wrote.

In April 2021, Grayson was awarded a certificate for successfully completing a training course on how to use a Taser, according to documents obtained by CNN from the Auburn Police Department, his previous employer. He was also successfully trained on how to use pepper spray, the documents show.

Masseys father, James Wilburn, said during a news conference Monday he initially received conflicting information from law enforcement.

I was under the impression that a prowler had broken in and killed my baby. Never did they say that it was a deputy-involved shooting until my brother read it on the internet, Wilburn said.

At the news conference, Crump called her killing senseless on every level.

Crump referenced what Grayson said  Ill f**king shoot you in the f**king face  before Massey was shot.

Black women dont get the consideration and the respect in America, Crump said.

CNNs Lucy Kafanov, Eric Levenson, Jillian Sykes, Raja Razek, Sarah Dewberry, Brad Parks and Andy Rose contributed to this report.

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What to know about road closures, traffic delays during Donald Trumps Charlotte visit

Roads around Charlottes airport and Bojangles Coliseum will close Wednesday in preparation for Former President Donald Trumps arrival.

Police arent sharing which roads will be affected for security reasons, but said drivers can expect delays between noon and 10 p.m. around Bojangles Coliseum and delays near Charlotte Douglas Airport between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

CMPD and the Secret Service have a strong partnership and are working together to provide a safe experience for the former President and all attendees, Charlotte police said in a statement.

The rally starts at 6 p.m. Parking opens at 8 a.m. and doors open at 2 p.m. Members of the public can request up to two tickets online.

Trump, who last visited Charlotte over Memorial Day weekend during the Coca-Cola 600, was gearing up for a rematch of the 2020 election he lost. Hes now poised to compete against Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race Sunday. His speech Wednesday could offer a preview of his strategy against the new likely Democratic nominee.

North Carolina is considered a swing state in November. Polling data showed Trump holding a comfortable lead in the state, up about 7 points on Biden. Its unclear how that could change with a new nominee.

Trumps past visits to the Queen City backed up traffic for hours on Interstates 77 and 277, Billy Graham Parkway and Independence Boulevard. During previous rallies at the coliseum, police have closed Independence Boulevard between I-277 and Albemarle Road leading up to and after the events.

The Trump Organizations Boeing 757, nicknamed Trump Force One, is expected to land early Wednesday evening.

Police advise its best to find another way to your destination in the immediate hours before and after Trumps speech.
Male Komodo dragons can grow up to 9.8ft in length - ISTOCKPHOTO

Komodo dragons have iron-coated teeth, a terrifying trait that might have been shared by Tyrannosaurus Rex, scientists have found.

Researchers at Kings College London discovered that the serrated teeth of the giant lizards are tipped with iron, helping to keep them knife-sharp and perfectly suited to tearing into flesh.

Komodos have sharp, curved teeth similar to those of many carnivorous dinosaurs, and scientists believe that the iron-tipped fangs could have been shared by extinct meat-eaters, even though the adaptation cannot be seen in the fossil record.

The serrated teeth of the giant lizards are tipped with iron - DR ARON LEBLANC/KING'S COLLEGE LONDON

Dr Aaron LeBlanc, lecturer in dental biosciences at Kings College London and the studys lead author, said: Komodo dragons have curved, serrated teeth to rip and tear their prey just like those of meat-eating dinosaurs.

We want to use this similarity to learn more about how carnivorous dinosaurs might have eaten and if they used iron in their teeth the same way as the Komodo dragon.

Unfortunately, using the technology we have at the moment, we cant see whether fossilised dinosaur teeth had high levels of iron or not.

The iron coating helps keep the dragon's teeth knife-sharp - DR ARON LEBLANC/KING'S COLLEGE LONDON

With further analysis of the Komodo teeth we may be able to find other markers in the iron coating that arent changed during fossilisation. With markers like that we would know with certainty whether dinosaurs also had iron-coated teeth and have a greater understanding of these ferocious predators.

Komodo dragons are native to Indonesia and are the largest living species of lizard in the world, averaging about 12 and a half stone. Males can grow up to 9.8ft in length and weigh more than 23st.

Their big size means they dominate ecosystems, hunting and ambushing prey including birds and pigs. But they will eat almost any kind of carrion including horse or water buffalo, pulling and tearing at their prey to rip flesh apart.

Komodo dragons have also been known to occasionally attack humans.

Komodo dragons will eat birds and pigs and almost any kind of carrion - ALAMY

Because of their slow metabolism, large dragons can survive on as few as 12 meals a year, and after eating a large meal must move to a sunny spot to speed up digestion so that the food does not rot in their stomachs.

Although many reptiles have some iron in their teeth, Komodo dragons have concentrated the iron along the cutting edges and tips of their teeth, staining them orange.

Crocodiles and other monitor lizards, by comparison, have so little that the iron is often invisible.

Inarguably impressive lizard

Dr Benjamin Tapley, curator of reptiles and amphibians at London Zoo and co-author on the study, said: As the worlds largest lizards, Komodo dragons are inarguably impressive animals.

Having worked with them for 12 years at London Zoo, I continue to be fascinated by them and these findings further emphasise just how incredible they are.

Komodo dragons are sadly endangered, so in addition to strengthening our understanding of how iconic dinosaurs might have lived, this discovery also helps us build a deeper understanding of these amazing reptiles as we work to protect them.

The study was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

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GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH)  A central Ohio veteran got a home upgrade, thanks to a home remodeling company.

Since 2022, West Shore Home has been serving veterans, active duty and their families through its West Shore for Warriors initiative.

Citizen-led redistricting amendment going on Ohio ballot in November

Kenneth Kirk, of Grove City, is a Korean War veteran. At 94 years old, he said he cant believe the company did this for him at no cost at all, saying it might just save his life.

Kirk got a major upgrade to his bathroom.

Ive never seen one as pretty as that in my life, Kirk said when he first saw his brand new shower.

Private First Class Kirk fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. It lasted 17-days in sub-zero temperatures. Kirk considers himself lucky.

I got my feet frozen and I had a little shrapnel in me, but, you know, a lot of them are not able to talk to you today because out of 3,800, only 400 was fit for duty, he said.

Columbus unveils new fire response technology

Kirk was diagnosed with PTSD and is now legally blind. Over the years, hes lost his wife of 70 years and two of his sons.

Ive had a lot of things happen since then and most of its been really nice, he said.

Recently, its been getting hard for him to safely get in and out of the shower. Hes fallen three times already. In his old unit, he didnt really have anywhere to safely grab onto, so he had been leaning on a shower door to get in and out and stay stable.

On Tuesday, at 8 a.m., West Shore Home got to work.

West Shore Home sent a design consultant out to Kirks home. That same night, the consultant called Lukas Razzano, the general manager, and let him know that there was an absolute need to do something about this.

He said, Hey, Lucas, I think we, I think we have one. Heres his story, Korean War veteran, 94 years old, 90% blind, wife just recently passed, he needs some help, its getting to the point where this is going to decide whether he stays in his home or not, Razzano said.

Razzano is a veteran himself, so he says its an honor to be able to Kirk out today.

Restaurants in central Ohio bulldozed to make way for Chick-fil-A, Sheetz

Kenny lost all the nerves in his feet, Razzano said. He cant walk around in his own house without shoes on. Nothing. I mean, imagine going home and having to wear shoes all day, not being able to sleep at night from, you know, what happened in Korea. And if we can come in and make his shower a little more comfortable for him, and so one last thing you have to think about it. It keeps me here all year round.

After a roughly 12-hour day, the new safety-enhanced shower is ready to go.

I cant imagine using it now. I cant wait, Kirk said.

His new shower features a seat, grab bars and a magnetic shower wand. Kirk said he greatly appreciates the gesture.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held more than three hours of talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou, a source from the Ukrainian delegation told Reuters on July 24.

It is Kuleba's first trip to China since the outbreak of the full-scale war and the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit the country since 2022. Kuleba and Wang previously met in February at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

The talks "lasted for over three hours in total, longer than planned. This was a very deep and concrete conversation," the source told Reuters.

Wang "pointed out that the Ukrainian crisis has entered its third year," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website. China typically avoids referring to the full-scale war as such, instead often opting to use the term crisis or conflict.

"China has always been firmly committed to promoting a political solution to the crisis," the statement continued.

While acknowledging that the "conditions and timing are not yet ripe," China supports "all efforts conducive to peace and (is) willing to continue to play a constructive role in ceasefire and resumption of peace talks."

The statement added that "China is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine."

Separately, the statement said that "Ukraine highly appreciates the positive and constructive role played by China in promoting peace and maintaining international order." It was unclear if the sentiment was attributed directly to Kuleba.

Kuleba said in a statement posted by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry that "Russian aggression is not only an obstacle to Ukraine's development. It also hinders international stability, the development of good neighborly relations, and, in particular, the development of trade between China and Europe."

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 a 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 Kyiv would consider attending if the talks are based on the principles of the "U.N. Charter and international law."

Read also: China rejects NATO assertion that it is decisive enabler of Russias war against Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists named KXAN the recipient of three awards as part of the associations 2024 Excellence in Journalism Awards. The honors recognized KXANs OutLaw, a Catalyst investigative project analyzing a half-centurys worth of laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ Texans and a record number of proposed bills introduced related to the LGBTQ+ community in the 2023 Texas Legislature.

The NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists selected OutLaw as the winner of the following categories:

The Al Neuharth Award for Innovation in Investigation Journalism

Excellence in Multimedia Award

Excellence in Documentary Award

OutLaw: A Half-Century Criminalizing LGBTQ+ Texans

It is always a pleasure to recognize the recipients of our annual Excellence in Journalism Awards, said Adam Pawlus, executive director of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, in the release. This years winning pieces show that LGBTQ people are living full and unfiltered lives all over the world: from queer roller derby stars in the Bay Area, to drag performers in rural Appalachia, to thrifting collectives in Nigeria, our communities are everywhere.

KXANs Catalyst is a specialty unit within the stations investigative team and prioritys digital-first storytelling across multiple platforms. The goal of the ongoing series is to help make positive changes in society, with past Catalyst projects centered around missing persons cases, mass violence and medical debt lawsuits.

OutLaw included a dozen standalone stories alongside a three-part documentary and an accompanying three-episode podcast. The project, launched in November 2023, involved more than KXAN employees  with many of them members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well.

Click here to explore OutLaw.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former Rowan County clerk Kim Davis is arguing in federal appeals court that the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage should be overturned, and she should not have to pay a judgment to one of the couples she denied a marriage license.

In April, U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning declined to set aside a jury verdict against Davis in which she was ordered to pay $100,000 to two of the men to whom she would not issue a marriage license in 2015. That meant that Davis was also on the hook for the mens attorney fees in the case, which totaled more than $260,000.

Davis attorneys said at the time they planned to appeal.

In the opening brief filed Monday in the US. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, attorneys with the Liberty Counsel who are representing Davis argue the lower court should not have even allowed the jury to get the case. Thats because the plaintiffs, David Ermold and David Moore, didnt provide enough evidence that they were actually harmed by Davis failing to give them the license, they said.

They also argue the lower court was wrong when it determined that Davis was not entitled to a reasonable accommodation for her sincerely held religious beliefs under the First Amendment and Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

And they say the lower court erred by finding that Obergefell (the 2015 Supreme Court ruling securing the right to same-sex marriage) created a clearly established constitutional right that superseded Daviss preexisting fundamental, textual constitutional rights to religious exercise.

Davis sought refuge in the textual protection of the First Amendments Free Exercise Clause for an accommodation of her sincerely held religious beliefs, but Obergefell was wielded to land her in a jail cell and now subject her to a debilitating money judgmentfor seeking protection in the Constitutions plain text, the brief states.

Davis is an evangelical Christian who claimed it would violate her religious beliefs and rights to issue the men a marriage license bearing her name. Licenses were later issued to same-sex couples in Davis office by a deputy clerk, and the Kentucky legislature later changed the marriage license form so that the clerks name is not on it.

To issue a marriage license which conflicts with Gods definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience, Davis said in a statement posted on the Liberty Counsels website.

It is not a light issue for me. It is a Heaven-or-Hell decision. For me, it is a decision of obedience.

Davis lost her bid for reelection in 2018.

Several couples filed suit against Davis, and the cases have been making their way through the court system for years. A different jury ruled Davis did not have to pay one of the other couples who was denied a license.

Davis attorneys hope to get the case before the Supreme Court, where they say they will argue that the decision granting same-sex couples the right to marry should be overturned because, according to the brief, the right to same-sex marriage is neither carefully described nor deeply rooted in the nations history.

Kim Davis deserves justice in this case since she was entitled to religious accommodation from issuing marriage licenses under her name and authority, Mat Staver, one of the attorneys representing Davis and the founder of Liberty Counsel, said in a statement posted on the organizations website.

This case has the potential to overturn the wrongly decided Obergefell v. Hodges and extend the same religious freedom protections beyond Kentucky to the entire nation.

Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign, responded Tuesday night: It is sad and desperate that the Liberty Counsel is looking to fund raise off Kim Davis, who is Kentuckys decade-old news. The threat of anti-LGBTQ hate groups like the Liberty Counsel is real, however, and it comes as no surprise that they are seeking to overturn LGBTQ marriage in America. With an arch-conservative Supreme Court thats already upended half a century of abortion rights, anything is unfortunately possible.
LONDON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The London-based consumer goods giant Unilever plans to lay off 3,000 to 3,200 workers in Europe by the end of 2025, the Financial Times has reported.

Constantina Tribou, a chief human resources officer at Unilever, said that the layoffs will mainly target office positions rather than factory jobs. The company currently employs approximately 10,000 to 11,000 office workers in Europe.

Hein Schumacher, who became Unilever's CEO last year, has been under pressure from major shareholders to reform the company's sluggish business performance.

According to a press release issued by Unilever in March, the layoffs are part of the company's "productivity enhancement project," which aims to save about 800 million euros (around 867 million U.S. dollars) in costs over the next three years.

The project is expected to impact around 7,500 office positions globally. The company is also spinning off its ice cream business, which includes well-known brands such as Wall's and Magnum, and the process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. 
L.A. boutique owner fed up after 3rd burglary in 2-and-a-half years: Leave us alone

L.A. boutique owner fed up after 3rd burglary in 2-and-a-half years: Leave us alone

The owner of a boutique jewelry store in Los Angeles Beverly Grove neighborhood says she feels violated but is not shocked after her business was targeted again by burglars.

Pamela Moses, owner of Bead Boutique on West 3rd Street, told KTLA that this is the third burglary her business has sustained in the last two-and-a-half years.

Altercation leads to deadly shooting on Simi Valley bike path

In this instance, surveillance footage shows the thief using a large rock to smash the stores front window around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday before ransacking the store of custom jewelry and a small amount of cash left in the register.

The stores window was already boarded up by 7:30 a.m., and according to KTLA 5s Omar Lewis, the rock used by the thief still sat in the middle of the store, serving as a stark reminder of yet another burglary.

Surveillance footage of a burglar who broke into a Beverly Grove small business on July 24, 2024. (OC Hawk)

Surveillance footage of a burglar who broke into a Beverly Grove small business on July 24, 2024. (OC Hawk)

Surveillance footage of a burglar who broke into a Beverly Grove small business on July 24, 2024. (OC Hawk)

Surveillance footage of a burglar who broke into a Beverly Grove small business on July 24, 2024. (OC Hawk)

A large rock used by a burglar to break into a small business sits on the floor of the store. (OC Hawk)

The boarded-up window of Bead Boutique on July 24, 2024. (KTLA)

According to Moses, she was woken up by an alarm on her phone warning her that her store was being broken into.

The alarm starts going off  its screaming  and I looked at my phone [and saw] this man come into my store, she said. I have an intercom system on my cameras, and I was able to say, Get out of my store, but whether he heard me or notIm not sure.

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A defeated Moses also told KTLA that she is simply tired of her small business  which she has owned for 21 years  being burglarized, and she had a message for thieves who target any small business.

Knock it off, she said. Its hard enough to stay in business, so please leave us alone.

Moses said that she will need to fork over between $5,000 and $10,000 to make repairs and replace stolen items.

The Los Angeles Police Department was not immediately able to provide any further details surrounding the burglary.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Ian Harris, who has worked at From the Heart Preschool in Los Angeles for a year, serves lunch to children in February. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

DIG Childhood Center in Mar Vista once had no problem filling all 36 of its slots with eager young learners, who romped barefoot in a play yard filled with vegetables, monarch butterflies and a small stream. Before the pandemic, there was even a wait list.

But after a student exodus in 2020, the once-popular preschool has yet to recover. Enrollment is down to 22 students, with no signs of a rebound. This year, director Nina Moench said, she's losing seven students to transitional kindergarten  the state's rapidly expanding new grade for 4-year-old public school children. Other families are moving out of state, pushed out by the rising cost of living in Los Angeles County.

"Every school I talk to is struggling," she said. "I'm just hoping everything will swing back the other way."

More than four years after the start of the pandemic, the child-care industry in Los Angeles County is reeling from a dramatically shifting landscape and new options for parents, early childhood experts said. Students are leaving preschool for transitional kindergarten classrooms; an influx of state-funded vouchers can be used for a variety of care options; the population is declining. More flexible employment arrangements and teacher shortages also contribute to the disruption.

But in a frustrating situation for new parents, the number of child-care slots for infants and toddlers still falls woefully short of the need.

A new report from UC Berkeley provides data showing the number of unfilled slots for 3- and 4-year-old children at L.A. County preschools has continued to rise, from 21,000 in March 2021 to 28,000 in June 2024. State preschools that serve low- and middle-income families earning less than $113,292 a year for a family of four have been hit hardest, with enrollment down 35% compared with pre-pandemic levels. And statewide, Head Start enrollment has collapsed to less than half of what it had been.

Transitional kindergarten, known as TK, has been more of a bright spot. The program launched in 2012, and in the 2022-23 school year the Newsom administration began expanding it to serve all 4-year-olds in the state. TK enrollment dropped 32% during the pandemic, but bounced up to 23,253 students in the fall of 2023  and will probably grow in the coming years as more students become eligible for the program. Yet despite encouraging growth, TK enrollment remains about 15% below pre-pandemic levels even with increases in eligibility, the Berkeley report said.

"The sector is still struggling to get back on its feet," said Bruce Fuller, a UC Berkeley professor of education and public policy and an author of the report, though there are myriad factors contributing to the disruption, he and other experts said.

Read more: California public school enrollment drops again, but transitional kindergarten is up

Some of the empty slots might actually reflect a lack of teachers, rather than family interest. In certain schools, for example, there are "dark classrooms" where they might be able to serve additional students but haven't been able to hire teachers to staff them.

Many parents found alternative care arrangements during the pandemic, including keeping children at home, Fuller said  and they now have a growing array of options. California has not only bolstered TK, but also released nearly 100,000 new vouchers for non-welfare families over two years that enable low-income parents to send their children to family child-care homes or child-care centers, or use them to pay a friend or family member for care.

The number of non-welfare families receiving vouchers in L.A. County has more than doubled to 27,836 since 2022. Cristina Alvarado, executive director of Child Care Alliance Los Angeles, said vouchers have been a particularly popular option among parents in hybrid work arrangements. Even with the influx of vouchers, there are still waiting lists of parents seeking the flexible option.

Read more: A guide to early learning: What to know and when for reading readiness

But some children enrolled in new voucher slots or TK may have left a preschool or child-care center.

"Is the Newsom administration really widening access for families, or are we just shuffling 4-year-olds among programs?" Fuller said. "This report suggests that enrollment rates are the same; its just that the same kids are going to different programs.

This shuffling probably explains much of the decline in state preschool enrollment, said Nina Buthee, executive director of EveryChild California, a membership association for child-care centers. About 68% of state preschool classrooms are run by school districts and located on elementary school campuses. Many 4-year-old students have simply transferred over the to TK classroom next door.

The state has tried to make up for these losses by offering state preschools higher reimbursement rates to enroll 3-year-olds instead. But these younger children have proved difficult to recruit, Buthee said. "Programs are absolutely trying to, but parents arent taking them up on it."

As various programs compete for 4-year-old students, the shortage of day-care openings for infants and toddlers remains dire.

In L.A. County, there are only enough licensed slots to serve 4% of children younger than 24 months, according to a report from the county Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education. In an ideal world, child-care providers unable to recruit enough older students could simply admit more babies instead, but the reality of making this transition has been a challenge.

Infants require additional staffing. Transitioning from caring for a 4-year-old to an infant or toddler isn't necessarily a smooth one, said Lisa Wilkin, executive director of the Child Development Consortium of Los Angeles, which runs 10 centers that serve a mix of babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Younger children require more support in diapering and self-help skills such as self-regulation.

"A lot of people who work with preschoolers, they feel like that's a teacher position. And the people who work with infants and toddlers  including 2-year-olds  as caregivers," Wilkin said. "Even with the same qualifications."

Read more: Low pay. Fewer leadership roles. Black and Latina child-care workers deal with racial barriers

Licenses for infant care also have different requirements than they do for older kids, meaning that providers may have to change playground equipment, furniture and toys. Bathrooms may not be large enough to accommodate a changing table. And classrooms may require new smoke detectors and sprinklers, which can be cost prohibitive, Wilkin said.

Some providers are working on solutions to the infant care shortage, and a recent policy change now allows state preschools to serve 2-year-olds.

One center at the Child Development Consortium of Los Angeles converted a preschool classroom to one for 2-year-olds. The consortium is also subcontracting with family child-care providers to serve more babies, because it doesn't have enough licensed infant slots.

For Rose Witmer and Nick Dossman, getting their 2-year-old son, Miles, into an Early Head Start center took months. He started out in Head Start's home-based program and spent nine months on a wait list before getting into a center run by Garvey School District in April. Dossman even joined the program's parent committee in the meantime, on the off chance that it would help their sons chances.

The wait was well worth it, Witmer said.

It's been such an amazing program, she said. Really within a couple months, I would say, his language just shot through the roof  the vocabulary he was using, the amount of thoughts he was able to communicate was kind of amazing.

This article is part of The Times early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5. For more information about the initiative and its philanthropic funders, go to latimes.com/earlyed.

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.
At his first appearance at Prime Ministers Questions since obtaining the keys to Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer claimed that his Government had inherited a more severe crisis than we thought in the public finances.

In doing so, he appeared to be continuing down a wearily predictable path. Labours strategy during the election campaign was clear from the off: deploy carefully phrased non-denials when asked about tax increases, and prepare the ground for declaring a sudden crisis once in office.

The idea that the fiscal situation is somehow worse than anyone thought is a nonsense. As the Institute for Fiscal Studies director Paul Johnson remarked during the election campaign, the governments books are wide open and fully transparent; everyone can see precisely what the state is spending, and what it is bringing in.

Yet the Government appears to be persisting with this line regardless, with Sir Keir now claiming that there is crisis and failure across the public sector.

It would be naive to suspect that anything other than demands for a substantial rise in funding will follow. Given the fiscal rules the Government has committed to, this is likely to be accompanied by a substantial rise in tax.

The numbers potentially involved are staggering. Michael Saunders, a former member of the Bank of Englands Monetary Policy Committee, believes that increases of 10-25 billion could be on the cards, with the sums falling largely on assets.

Among the measures Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, could turn to are raids on pensions savings, with changes to pension tax relief that would hammer middle class workers reportedly set to be presented by Treasury officials. Shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt, meanwhile, has warned that the Government could impose a double death tax by levying capital gains tax on estates in addition to inheritance tax.

Ms Reeves has made much of the virtues of stability, seeking to portray the new Government as a break with years of chaos. Yet practically its first act in office has been to introduce massive uncertainty about the extent of its tax raising plans, and where the burden will fall.

The simple truth is that, no matter what Ms Reeves and Sir Keir might say, higher taxes would be a choice, not an inevitability, and one that would result from Labours ideological dedication to a larger state and its hostility to private wealth.

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Lake Oswego voters to decide whether to bring psilocybin facilities to the city

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Lake Oswego City Council is bringing a psilocybin measure to the ballot in November, which will decide if psilocybin facilities are allowed in the city.

During a City Council meeting on July 16, councilmembers unanimously passed a resolution, sending the decision on whether to continue the citys psilocybin ban to voters, as first reported by Lake Oswego Review.

In 2020, Oregonians approved Measure 109, which legalized psilocybin in the state. As part of the measure, cities had the option to opt-out and ban psilocybin facilities.

High lead levels discovered in moss in Portlands older neighborhoods

More than 30 cities across Oregon decided to opt-out, including Lake Oswego in 2022, officials said. If cities decided to opt-out, the state measure required cities to vote in the next general election on the ban.

If Lake Oswego voters decide to lift the ban during the November election, Lake Oswego has several time, place, and manner restrictions in place for future psilocybin service centers.

Those restrictions include bans on psilocybin service centers in residential zones, which would require a 1,000-foot buffer from service centers and licensed childcare facilities and schools. They also ban service centers from being located in the same building as marijuana businesses.

Breaks my heart: Portland church searching for temporary home after vandalization

If the ban is lifted, the City Council will review the restrictions in three years.

Officials note the land use impacts of psilocybin facilities are not known because Oregon was the first state in the nation to legalize psilocybin and the Oregon Health Authority initially only granted a few psilocybin licenses.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Lake Oswego City Council. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Driver critically injured after semi crash on EB I-70 in Preble County

The right lane remains closed, and a driver is critically hurt after involving three semis on Eastbound Interstate 70 Wednesday morning.

>>PHOTOS: 1 hospitalized after semi crash on EB I-70 in Preble County

As reported Wednesday on News Center 7s Daybreak, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and troopers responded just before 4:15 a.m. to I-70 EB just past the Ohio/Indiana line on initial reports of a crash involving three semis.

The preliminary investigation revealed a Kenworth tractor-trailer, driven by Robert Bacon, 41, Bethany, Oklahoma, drove off the right side of the roadway and struck two semi-tractor-trailers that were parked on the shoulder, according to a spokesperson for OSHP.

Bacon suffered serious injuries and was transported to Reid Health, where he was transferred by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital.

Medics transported his wife, a passenger, to the hospital with minor injuries.

The other two drivers were asleep in their parked semis. Both were not hurt.

Troopers closed all eastbound lanes of I-70 while CareFlight was on the scene but reopened the left lane.

The right lane remains closed, Sgt. Murray said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Adam Barron/Staff

Photo from: Adam Barron/Staff

Photo from: Adam Barron/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

-INITIAL STORY-

At least one person is hurt after a crash involving three semis on Eastbound Interstate 70 in Preble County early Wednesday morning.

WHIO Traffic Reporter Jake Magnotta has the latest information and ways for drivers to get around this crash LIVE on News Center 7s Daybreak.

>>1 hospitalized after vehicle crashes on its top on SB I-75 in West Carrollton

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and medics responded at 4:13 a.m. to initial reports of a crash on I-70 EB just past the Ohio/Indiana line.

Three semis are involved, and the right lane is blocked, dispatchers tell News Center 7.

At least one person is hurt.

We will update this story.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) In a small ceremony today, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor raised the Disability Pride Flag in front of the Lansing City Hall.

The ceremony was led by Schor and Luna Brown, a local disability advocate, putting this outside our City Hall is a learning opportunity for our community, Schor told 6 News.

Lansing Mayor raises Disability Pride flag at City Hall (WLNS)

Lansing Mayor raises Disability Pride flag at City Hall (WLNS)

Lansing Mayor raises Disability Pride flag at City Hall (WLNS)

Lansing Mayor raises Disability Pride flag at City Hall (WLNS)

Lansing Mayor raises Disability Pride flag at City Hall (WLNS)

Speaking before the flag was raised, Brown said, its an important step. [The flag is] definitely not a [well] recognized symbol nationwide most people are completely unaware of it, referencing a lack of public consciousness to the disabled community.

Disability Pride Month is a commemorative celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act being passed in July 1990. According to the city of Lansings historical breakdown on their website, the fist Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990 and the first Disability Pride Parade was held in Chicago in 2004.

A Disability Pride Month was first recognized in New York City in 2015 as a declaration by Mayor Bill de Blasio. In 2019, the Disability Pride Flag was created by Ann Magill, and each color used symbolizes a particular group of disability types. The city of Lansings online educational resource on the flag, which is linked above, stated that, the flag was updated in 2021 to accommodate feedback that the original lightning bolt design posed a risk for people with epilepsy and migraine sufferers.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared July as Disability Pride Month in Michigan, marking the first time Disability Pride Month was recognized by the state of Michigan. There are more resources to learn about Disability pride and Disability civil rights on the michigan.gov website for the Department of Health and Human resources.

Brown summarized her experience when she spoke at the flag raising ceremony: theres still a ton of stigma against disabilities, but when you bring it up, you get a lot of support.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Large Kamala Harris portrait can be seen in Lawrence

Large Kamala Harris portrait can be seen in Lawrence

LAWRENCE (KSNT)  A Kansas man is sending a political message across the country with some agriculture-inspired art.

Stan Herd creates Earthwork. He put together a large portrait of Vice President Kamala Harris as she now runs for the presidency.

Its just exciting to be involved and traveling around the country, Herd said. Hoping that it reaches people and makes some difference.

Mosquito diseases in Kansas: what to know

After 12 days of work, and 25 yards of mulch, Herd created the portrait using Earths natural resources.

This is a dance with nature, Herd said. Out there I have some sand in the eye, and then compost. We try to use all-natural materials if we can.

There has not been any word on who Harris VP will be. Herd says he will place a second large portrait of her pick. It will go next to the current Earthwork of Harris.

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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A local man is facing 22 federal counts for allegedly threatening to assault and murder federal officials in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, and Montana.

Between Nov. 30, 2023, and July 7, 2024, Spencer Christjencody Gear, 32, is accused of making threatening phone calls and sending an email threatening he would assault and murder eight federal judges and three state employees, according to a Department of Justice news release.

Gear made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, July 22. He is charged with 10 counts of threatening a federal official and 12 counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. He is scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 24. If convicted, Gear could face a maximum sentence of up to 160 years in prison.

The citizens we rely on to serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Las Vegas man accused of a deadly hit-and-run over the weekend refused to turn himself in until his daughter called the police, according to police documents.

On Sunday, June 21 shortly before 1 a.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to East Harmon Avenue west of Paradise Road after reports that a vehicle hit a pedestrian.

Callers told 911 that the victim was not moving, was gasping for air, had no pulse, and someone was giving the victim CPR, the report stated.

Witnesses told police that the victim was hit by a dark SUV with tinted windows. They also told police the vehicle left the scene.

Medical personnel arrived and took the victim, identified by police as Michael Price (AKA Renee Woods) to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. A doctor at that hospital pronounced the victim deceased.

Later that day, police asked the public for help identifying the vehicle from the crash.

Shortly before 3 p.m., metro officers were called to an apartment in the 3200 block of Key Largo Drive after a person called 911 because her mother and father were having a heated argument.

The argument was regarding the fact that the father, later identified as Rigoberto Osorio, 48, was involved in a hit-and-run crash that morning and was refusing to turn himself in.

Rigoberto Osorio, 48, faces charges of duty to stop at the scene of an accident (death), destroying/concealing evidence, and driving without a license. (LVMPD)

After police separated the two fighting, Osorio admitted to driving the SUV during the collision and police placed him under arrest.

The woman told police that the two went to a casino to gamble. On their way home, Osorio was driving south on Paradise and turned right on Harmon. She told police she felt a collision but did not see what Osorio hit, the report stated.

Osorio pulled into a complex to look at the damage of the car, at which time the woman noticed lights and sirens in the direction where the collision happened.

She told police she told Osorio to turn himself in and he refused. The two argued again in the afternoon and the argument became more heated, so she told her daughter to hide in her room and call police.

Osorio told police the collision occurred because he could not see the victim. He said he did not call the police because he was scared and panicked.

Police took Osorio to the Clark County Detention Center where he is being held on a $50,000 bail. He faces charges of duty to stop at the scene of an accident (death), destroying/concealing evidence, and driving without a license.

If Osorio makes bail, he will not be allowed to drive and will be told to stay out of trouble. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 24.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEXICO CITY, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday the main problem facing the United States is social decomposition, which has led to widespread drug abuse among its youth.

At his usual daily press conference, the Mexican president urged the U.S. government to improve policies regarding the youth, and address the causes that lead to drug addiction and the use of narcotics such as fentanyl.

The drug crisis in the United States is linked to the "loss of values," Lopez Obrador told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"I think they began to forget about that, and individualism, materialism and consumerism began to predominate, and that is part of the crisis," said Lopez Obrador, adding it "is not an easy issue to resolve ... they must address the causes."

Unlike the United States, Mexico preserves many of its traditions and family values, which strengthen society, he said.

Lopez Obrador again called on the U.S. government to stop blaming Mexican migrants for its drug problems and address the "vacuum" left by family disintegration. 
PRIMM, Nev. (KLAS)  Two people face charges after police said a woman stole about $650,000 from a casino cage, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

On Thursday, July 18, a person called police about the theft from the Primm Valley Casino in Primm on the California-Nevada state line, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Tuesday.

Police later arrested John Salmen and his wife, Lydia Salmen, charging them with theft and burglary, records said.

Officers suspect Lydia Salmen got into the casinos cage area through a small hole in the cage bars, documents said. She was in the area for about an hour, documents said.

An employee called police after they went into the cage area and noticed drawers opened and coins in the floor, documents said.

Police tracked the Salmens from their vehicle and from prior interactions with officers at the casino, documents said. Inside their home, officers said they located money bags and casino chips.

In all, detectives suspect the Salmens stole about $625,000 in cash and $27,000 in casino chips, documents said.

We thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for swiftly recovering all but $300 and arresting several people for the theft that occurred at the Primm Valley Casino Resort on July 18, Brad Egnor, chief marketing officer for Affinity Interactive, said. Due to the resorts robust security protocols and collaboration with the LVMPD, the incident did not impact any guests or team members. We remain committed to the safety and security of team members and guests in continuing to deliver world-class experiences.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department serves most of Clark County, including Primm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Shippers looking to move cargo into the U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports may want to hurry up.

According to the Ocean Timeliness Indicator (OTI) from Flexport, containers now take 61 days to be transported from China to the U.S. East Coast. As of Wednesday, that marks roughly two months from Sept. 23just one week before the Sept. 30 expiration of the current contract for union dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremens Association (ILA).

More from Sourcing Journal

Those labor talks with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently at an impasse, with the union remaining adamant that it will go on strike Oct. 1 if a new contract is not agreed upon. The USMX, on the other hand, has said it remains ready, willing and able to return to the bargaining table with the ILA to resume master contract negotiations.

And if such a labor stoppage took place, container ships docking at 36 ports from Maine to Texas would be unable to load and unload cargoforcing more vessels to divert elsewhere and leading to more port backlogs on the West Coast.

This week is the last chance for an average shipper to get product moved from the exporter in time to be sure to make it before a potential strike hits the U.S. East Coast ports, Lars Jensen, CEO of container shipping consultancy Vespucci Maritime, said in a LinkedIn post. Some shippers might have a shorter landside operation in China and/or use a more expedited shipping route, but even these are in the near term hitting the point where any additional cargo shipped on this route runs the risk of being impacted by labor disruptions.

Retailers have already been pulling forward cargo into the U.S. ahead of the traditional August-to-October peak shipping season in recent months as a way to get out in front of the heavy demand of the back-to-school shopping season and the 2024 holiday.

While inbound cargo volume at major U.S. ports in May reached its highest level since August 2022, imports rose even further in June, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. This is atypical from the slight dip in June ahead of the peak season, and further indicative that shippers are loading up on goods early.

According to Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero, the gateway has been recapturing market share as the strike threat lingers and peak season is under way. And Gene Seroka, the executive director at the Port of Los Angeles, said on July 17 that 63 ships were en route to the Los Angeles and Long Beach port complex, versus 52 to 55 typically.

Flexports weekly OTI captures the timeliness of three trade-lanes: Asia to the U.S. West Coast, Asia to the U.S. East Coast, and from Asia to Northern Europe. The Asia-to-East Coast trade lane dipped from the week prior, falling from 62 to 61 days.

But this trade lane has seen a significant uptick in OTI on a three-month basis, with cargo on the China-to-East Coast route only taking 50 days to get to its destination as of April 22.

On a weekly basis, the OTI from Asia to the West Coast fell half a day from 41 to 40.5 days but is up from a 32-day voyage three months ago.

The OTI from China to Northern Europe had a slight half-day increase from 69 days to 69.5 days this week, up from 64 days in late April, with Flexport attributing the numbers to European port congestion nearing pandemic-level highs.

Flexport calculates the OTI from the cargo-ready date at the exporters factory or warehouse to the containers departure from the destination ocean port. Measurement of the Asia-to-U.S. East Coast trade lane uses the China ports of Shanghai and Ningbo and the U.S. ports of New York/New Jersey and Virginia.

The metric displays transit times based on a trailing two-week median and excludes premium services.

As potential lead times into U.S. ports could continue to grow and shippers make decisions on how to procure their freight, the central concerns within the ILA-USMX labor battle remain around wages, a hero bonus from pandemic-era work and the use of automation.

Recognizing the concerns that come to their business with a strike, roughly 160 trade associations including the National Retail Federation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a joint letter to the Biden administration to immediately work with both parties to resume contract negotiations. The ILAs position has run counter to this, with the union insisting that no federal intervention takes place.
The Ministry of Health of Latvia, together with Latvian companies, has prepared another batch of humanitarian aid for Ukraine; the decision to send it was approved by the government the day before.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the Latvian Ministry of Health

Details: The medical supplies and equipment were delivered after an assessment of Latvia's capabilities and on the basis of a list submitted by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. They also took into account urgent needs, including after Russia's missile attack on the Okhmatdyt National Specialised Children's Hospital in Kyiv.

As noted, on 18 July, the Latvian side received a letter from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine requesting assistance with medicine, medical supplies and equipment.

The new batch of aid from Latvia includes antibiotics, syringes, needles, infusion systems, manipulation tourniquets, adhesive plasters, pressure bandages to stop life-threatening bleeding, and bandaging materials for large wounds. The cargo will be handed over to the Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for distribution to hospitals.

At the same time, Latvia will replenish its material reserves with medicine and medical devices worth 12,600.

Background:

On Sunday, it became known that Latvia intends to send medical supplies to Okhmatdyt.

Lithuania transferred 1 million for the reconstruction of Okhmatdyt.

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Lawsuit by Anthony Johnsons family is more about changing jail than money, attorney says

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 $50M lawsuit: Chris Brown, entourage beat men after concert

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[Get our breaking news alerts.]

The family of Anthony Johnson Jr., who authorities say was killed by jailers in the Tarrant County Jail on April 21, wants to see change more than anything else.

Thats what Daryl Washington, the familys attorney, said at a news conference in Dallas on Tuesday after filing a lawsuit against the county and multiple jailers for wrongful death and violation of Johnsons civil rights.

The lawsuit demands damages but does not yet say how much money the family is seeking. Washington said that will come later, but money isnt the familys priority. Johnsons family wants to see change in the way the Tarrant County Jail works, especially in the policies and procedures for how to deal with inmates who have mental illnesses.

Johnson was killed by jailers after he was pepper-sprayed in the mouth, taken to the floor, handcuffed and a heavy-set jailer put his knee on Johnsons back for 90 seconds, according to the lawsuit. The 31-year-old Marine veteran, standing 5-foot-4 and in the middle of a schizophrenic episode, was arrested two days before he died.

Johnsons family said he hadnt slept in about 48 hours and was manic when on the morning of April 19 he asked his mother to take him to a mental health hospital in Fort Worth. WellBridge Hospital turned him away, telling his mother he couldnt be admitted because he wasnt a danger to himself or others, according to the lawsuit.

Later that same day, Johnson was arrested at an intersection in Saginaw wielding a knife, authorities have said.

Washington said that while the family wants the county to have to pay for what happened to Johnson, their main goal is to see the jail create new policies.

You should not go into the jail with the belief that you may not leave alive, Washington said at the news conference. That is the fear Sheriff (Bill) Waybourn has instilled in the people of Tarrant County.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 $50M lawsuit: Chris Brown, entourage beat men after concert

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 Anthony Johnson's family sues over killing in Tarrant County Jail

[Get our breaking news alerts.]

The family especially wants a new policy to require the jail to have staff trained in dealing with inmates with mental illness, Washington said. Jail staff trained in how to communicate and interact with inmates who have mental illnesses like schizophrenia could make the jail a safer place for inmates and jailers alike, he said.

The familys hope is that the murder indictments a Tarrant County grand jury handed up against jailer Rafael Moreno and supervisor Lt. Joel Garcia will force change, and that the lawsuit and any money the county has to pay will do the same, according to Washington.

The indictments against Garcia and Moreno came after the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office determined Johnsons death was a homicide caused by chemical and mechanical asphyxiation. Washington said the chemical part of the cause of death came from pepper spray deployed directly into Johnsons mouth.

It may not be a quick change, he said, but he does believe change can happen and that the indictments and lawsuit will help encourage it.

Washington said at the news conference that he also wants to see an investigation into every death or injury that has happened in the Tarrant County Jail since Waybourn took office in 2017.

The lawsuit may take a while to go before a jury, Washington said. Filing after indictments were handed up could lead to a civil court judge postponing any trial in the lawsuit until the criminal trials have ended. He hopes that wont be the case, he said, but wouldnt be surprised.

The suit accuses jailers, including 10 jailers not yet named, of causing Johnsons death and of displaying no urgency in getting him medical attention.

Whatever happens, Washington said, the family intends to see the case presented before a jury.

We intend to go all the way with it, Washington told the Star-Telegram after the Tuesday news conference.

Washington renewed statements that a full version of video, of which portions were released by the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office, will show that jailers and medical professionals in the jail failed to take Johnsons condition seriously after he became unresponsive. They took too long to attend to him and then showed apathy in treating him, Washington said.

The Sheriffs Office released the partial version of the video after weeks of Star-Telegram investigative work. Multiple sources, including the family, have told the Star-Telegram the full version of the video depicts jailers showing little interest in getting help for Johnson and medical professionals demonstrating no urgency in treating him. Some told the Star-Telegram the portions of the video showing what happened after Moreno stood up from putting his weight on Johnsons back are the worst part.
A Palm Beach County couple with family ties to war-ravaged Gaza has filed a lawsuit in circuit court to stop County Clerk and Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo from investing in Israel bonds.

The lawsuit claims that Florida law bars the investments because they were made for social, ideological, and political reasons. Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed for the law, saying it was designed to prevent woke investments based on religious, social or political beliefs. The lawsuit alleges that that is exactly what Abruzzo has done, making an investment not based on return, which is required by the DeSantis-approved law, but on his social and political beliefs.

The couple, identified only as John and Jane Doe, said they feel anxiety, stress, depression, and guilt knowing that their county taxes are being used to fund the death and destruction of their own family members, according to the lawsuit. They said 37 family members have died in the conflict.

Palestinian protesters rally in West Palm Beach in May calling on County Clerk Joseph Abruzzo to stop buying Israeli bonds. Their lawyer reported that a lawsuit would be filed challenging the purchases. The lawsuit has since been filed.

John and Jane Doe are U.S. citizens of Palestinian origin. They say they are long-time Palm Beach County residents.

Abruzzo called the lawsuit "frivolous." He said he expects the courts to dismiss it quickly. He defended the purchases, calling them sound, safe investments. They are part of the reason the county will earn a record $215 million this year in interest, he noted.

Abruzzo has touted the purchase of the bonds that now total $700 million, making the county the worlds largest investor of Israel bonds.

County Clerk Joe Abruzzo appears before a meeting of the county commission, calling for support of his policy of purchasing Israeli bonds that now total $700 million, representing 15% of the county's investment portfolio. Two county residents, whose relatives live in Gaza, have filed a lawsuit to stop future purchases.

The lawsuit claims the bond purchases represent an economic threat to Palm Beach Countys general fund and endanger Palm Beach County taxpayers as the Israeli economy has spiraled downward since the war began in October after Hamas killed about 1,200 civilians attending an outdoor-music festival.

Israel, in an effort to eradicate the terrorist organization, has responded with attacks on Gaza that have killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas health ministry.

Abruzzo said the DeSantis law cited in the lawsuit does not apply to Israel bonds. A law passed in 2008, he noted, specifically allowed local and county governments to invest in them and was passed well before the so-called "woke" investment statute.

More: Palm Beach County is the world's largest investor in Israel Bonds - is it worth the stake?

Lawsuit uses DeSantis-pushed law to say county cannot buy Israel bonds

Miami lawyer David Pina filed the lawsuit on behalf of the couple. He said their names were withheld to protect them from retaliation.

Abruzzo's general counsel, Amy Borman, said the courts will have to determine whether it is even possible for the lawsuit to be filed anonymously. She noted the Clerk's office has yet to receive a summons from Pina, who appeared with protesters at a rally on May 15 outside the courts building in West Palm Beach to announce the lawsuit's filing.

The protesters denounced the Hamas attack that initiated the war but maintained that the Israeli response was unjustified. They held signs saying: "Divest from genocide. Invest in housing."

Opinion: Let student voices be heard, let protesters protest; here's to a return of humanity

The lawsuit cited comments made by Abruzzo this year to The Palm Beach Post in which he acknowledged that some Democratic Party leaders and progressive elements of the party were upset with his actions. Abruzzos response: "I would say to them, they need to back off and we need to stand united with our greatest ally, Israel.

Asked about the claim that the plaintiffs are upset that county funds are being used to fund attacks in Gaza that are killing their family members, Abruzzo said: "They need to move to another county. This county is purchasing and will continue to purchase Israel bonds."

The cases for and against the county investing in Israel bonds

When Abruzzo took office in 2021, there was a 5% portfolio cap on the purchase of Israel bonds. In 2023, he obtained permission from county commissioners to raise the cap to 10%, and then to 15% this year.

The lawsuit claims the bond purchases place taxpayer funds at risk. The iShares MSCI Israel ETF is an exchange-traded fund tracking the investment results of an index composed of Israeli equities or stocks. From Jan. 11, 2022, to Jan. 15, 2024, it lost 24% of its value, according to the lawsuit.

Palm Beach County Rabbis: Don't call for peace if all you want is death for Jews

The amount invested and the speed at which the exposure to Israel Bonds was increased are unprecedented in the history of fund management of taxpayer dollars in Palm Beach County," the lawsuit reported.

Abruzzo's response: "We are talking about two- to three-year bonds. While there has been one downgrade in ratings, they are still rated 'A,' which is higher than many other countries. Israel's debt is much lower than the debt in the U.S. on a per-capita basis."

The county, according to Abruzzo, is earning about $40 million a year on its investment in Israel bonds. He noted there has never been a single default since Israel was created in 1949.

Abruzzo said he plans to continue to purchase new Israel bonds once the old ones mature. And he noted that he has been urging other comptrollers throughout the state and country to follow his lead.

"I'm just getting started," he said. "I want to see billions invested."

Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County against purchase of Israeli bonds
Lawyer for man charged with killing 4 University of Idaho students wants trial moved to Boise

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP)  Lawyers for the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students are urging a judge to move his murder trial away from the county, arguing the intense media coverage and public interest in the case make it impossible for him to get a fair trial.

The prolific media coverage, in Latah County, is not a mere passing story, Anne Taylor, a public defender for Bryan Kohberger, said in a change-of-venue motion made public Tuesday. The content is not benign, rather, it is inflammatory, emotion evoking and often misleading, false, and poorly sourced. There is no reasonable belief that media coverage will slow, regardless of how long the case takes to prepare for trial.

In order to protect Kohbergers constitutional right to a fair trial, it should be moved to Boise, she said.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he opposes moving the trial. He has argued that the case has received national and international attention so taking it away out of the county would not affect a potential jurors familiarity with the case.

The two sides are scheduled to argue their positions at an Aug. 29 hearing.

Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington, is charged with fatally stabbing four students  Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin  at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, sometime in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022.

Police arrested Kohberger six weeks later at his parents home in Pennsylvania, where he was spending winter break. Investigators said they linked Kohberger to the crime using DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, surveillance videos and cellphone data.

Kohberger has maintained his innocence. His defense lawyers have said in court documents that he was out driving alone the night of the killings, something he did often.

His trial is tentatively sent for June 2025.

It will be up to Judge John C. Judge to decide whether it remains in Moscow, with a population of 41,000, or moves 296 miles (476 kilometers) south to Boise, with a population of 236,634.

Latah County, Idaho is a small, tightly knit community; based on survey results it is a community with a prejudgment for conviction and death sentence, Taylor wrote. Some of the major employers in the community are people connected to law enforcement and the University of Idaho.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Kamala Harris is being described in starkly different terms by Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Hillary Clinton and fellow members of their parties. (Los Angeles Times photo illustration / Photos via Associated Press)

As Kamala Harris swiftly ascended to the top of the Democratic presidential ticket this week, a clear narrative surfaced from her supporters.

"I've known Kamala Harris a long time," wrote Hillary Clinton, the last woman in the role. "This brilliant prosecutor will make the case against convicted felon Donald Trump."

On the right, Republicans were busy casting Harris in a very different light, with former President Trump  known for giving his rivals crude nicknames  leading the charge.

Trump wrote that Harris is "Dumb as a Rock" and has been an "insignificant" vice president. He also called her "Lyin' Kamala," and said she'd shown particular "incompetence" as President Biden's "appointed 'Border Czar'"  something she was never actually named.

The dueling narratives in some ways reflect normal American politicking  the tried-and-true tactic of tearing down the opposing candidate. But they also reflect something unique in an unprecedented race between the first woman of color to top a major party ticket, and the first convicted felon to do so.

Harris' long career as a prosecutor provides Democrats with a perfect contrast to Trump, whose life in recent years has been defined by legal troubles. Harris' lifetime as a Black and South Asian woman also teed her up for attacks that other American women of color immediately recognized  ones that questioned her basic intelligence and seriousness, despite her rise to the pinnacle of American public life.

"There are going to be some attacks that are going to be blatantly hard for Harris and for the Black women watching her," said Keneshia Grant, an associate professor of political science at Howard University and author of "The Great Migration and the Democratic Party: Black Voters and the Realignment of American Politics in the 20th Century."

Read more: Environmental groups 'ecstatic' over Kamala Harris' candidacy and California climate record

Grant said we have reached a point in American politics where politicians  and particularly those on the right  are "rewarded for speaking in a manner that is thought to be clear, direct and aggressive to their foes."

And while some derogatory speech will come out through the coded language of so-called dog whistles  understood by a receptive base but largely missed by others  Trump and other Republicans have already shown their willingness to openly trade on racist and sexist tropes, she said.

"'Dog whistles' would suggest that we can't hear it, but we can hear it very clearly," Grant said. "We know what's happening."

'A very sharp mind'

People who have worked with Harris and support her candidacy said the Trump-backed idea that she's "dumb" is absurd  as evidenced by her long career as a prosecutor and successful politician.

"In many ways, she's the classic lawyer. She's very methodical and analytical," said one lawyer and former longtime aide to Harris, who requested anonymity to speak candidly about her.

A aide says Harris thought to ask Brett M. Kavanaugh at his 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearing whether any laws let the government make decisions about men's bodies. He was stumped  which made her point. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)

The aide shared an anecdote: In the lead-up to Brett M. Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearing, then-Sen. Harris  a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee  held a mock hearing with aides to prepare to question the conservative judge.

At one point, the team was "trying to figure out how to best raise the point of how unequal it was  on a woman's right to choose  to have a law that governed what a woman could do with her body," the aide said. They bounced around ideas until Harris stopped them with a simple question:

"What law is there that forces a man to do something that he doesn't want to do with his body?"

"None of us could come up with anything," the aide said  and neither could Kavanaugh, who would fumble his answer at the hearing.

The aide said the exchange perfectly captured how Harris' "lawyerly, sharp mind" is also a "politically savvy" one.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), a former federal prosecutor who rose to national prominence while leading House efforts to impeach Trump in 2020, said the former president's attack lines about Harris' intellect show he is actually worried about how smart she is  as evidenced by his attempts to move the next debate from ABC to a friendlier setting with Fox News.

"I have no doubt that Trump is deeply worried about the next debate, and for good reason," Schiff said. "He should be worried about it."

While Biden was criticized over the last debate, in part for not calling out the Republican's mistruths, Harris can use her "razor-sharp mind to make the case against [Trump] during the debate when he lies about this or lies about that," Schiff said.

"She is very quick on her feet," he said, and "conducts a hell of a cross-examination."

Harris has not always leaned into her past as a prosecutor, in part because it has hampered her ability to win the progressive vote. But she has always understood it as a viable message in a head-to-head race against Trump  as indicated by an ad her presidential campaign ran before the 2020 primaries that cast her as "the anti-Trump."

"I prosecuted sex predators. Trump is one," Harris said over a clip from the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape in which he talked about grabbing unsuspecting women "by the pussy."

Since then, Trump's woes have only grown. He was found liable in civil court for having sexually abused E. Jean Carroll, and for having artificially inflated his net worth to secure better business deals. He also was convicted of 34 felonies in a New York criminal case involving hush money he paid to an adult film actor to keep her from sharing her account of a sexual encounter with him; he denies it happened.

As Harris' nomination grew increasingly inevitable this week, Grant said, a friend shared the old Harris ad. The Howard professor said she was immediately struck by how current it felt. Many others made the same observation online  and Harris and her campaign were obviously also aware its message has held up.

On Tuesday, at her first rally since she secured enough delegates on Monday for the Democratic nomination, Harris framed today's race in the exact same way.

"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 Trump's type."

'These tropes are embedded'

Trump is not the only person who thinks Harris is unqualified to be president.

Steve Cooley, a Republican who was elected district attorney in liberal Los Angeles County three times, lost to Harris in a bitter race for state attorney general in 2010  and is still not a fan.

Cooley said Harris was a "generally ineffectual" prosecutor at the start of her career in Alameda County; "one of the weaker" lead prosecutors in the state when she was San Francisco district attorney; and an unprincipled state attorney general who "didn't follow the law" when it didn't suit her or her political ambitions.

He specifically criticized Harris' decision as San Francisco D.A. to not seek the death penalty for the man accused of murdering police Officer Isaac Espinoza in 2004  a case Cooley also highlighted while running against her for attorney general.

Cooley insinuated that Harris had ridden the coattails of famed San Francisco politician Willie Brown, whom she'd dated in the 1990s while he was speaker of the California Assembly. He also said that she was so ill-informed about prosecutorial rules when she took over the San Francisco D.A.'s office  including those for disclosing past misconduct by police officers taking the stand in criminal cases  that she simply copied his guidelines from L.A.

"As a politician, I have to give her kudos. She seems to be in the right place at the right time, and she works very hard toward advancing her political career," Cooley said. But as a prosecutor and a leader, he said, she was "not capable of critical thinking."

Cooley called Harris a "DEI kind of candidate"  a reference to "diversity, equity and inclusion"  suggesting she'd received special treatment as a woman of color, which enabled her success. He said there were "probably millions and millions of people out there in the United States more qualified to be president."

With such claims widespread on the right, Republican leaders admonished fellow conservatives, including in Congress, on Tuesday for using such lines of attack on Harris.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican who represented the Bakersfield area, said on "Meet the Press Now" that his former colleagues' use of the initials "DEI" was stupid and dumb.

I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States; she is the former U.S. senator. These congressmen saying it  they are wrong in their own instincts, McCarthy said.

At a recent campaign rally, Ohio's Sen. J.D. Vance  Trump's pick for his vice presidential running mate  clearly struck a chord with the crowd when he suggested Harris had little to show for her time as vice president.

"What the hell have you done," he said of Harris, "other than collect a check?"

Read more: Public deference, private power: How Nancy Pelosi navigated the Biden withdrawal

Andra Gillespie, a political scientist at Emory University, said Vance's remark was an unmistakable appeal to stereotypes about women and women of color.

"That clearly is invoking a 'welfare queen' trope," Gillespie said, "and it's ridiculous."

But Vance's remark and an array of other right-wing criticisms being aimed at Harris  that she is unserious given the way she laughs or "cackles," or that she is incompetent despite her many advancements in competitive fields, or that she is somehow taking handouts or coasting on the diversity she represents  are no surprise, Gillespie said.

"These tropes are embedded in American life and culture  we've been affected by them; we've internalized some of them," she said. Trump's repeated use of such criticism has created a "permission structure" for others to do the same, she said.

Gillespie said such claims "are the land mines that Harris is going to have to navigate" if she wants to win. And with the vice president topping the Democratic ticket, she said, it won't be enough for her to take a first lady route like Michelle Obama, turning the other cheek and saying, "When they go low, we go high."

Harris and her surrogates will have to find a way to respond "in a constructive manner" that makes it clear such attacks on her are loaded yet groundless, but that also rallies her base to her side.

Howard University's Grant said Harris had already benefited from Black women rushing to get behind her, in part to ensure she wouldn't be sidestepped for the nomination by her own party based on some of the same claims now coming from the right.

"For me, and I suppose for other Black women, it was hard to watch this public conversation about who should be the Democratic nominee and have her be mentioned like third or fourth," Grant said. "We know firsthand what it means to be in the trenches working hard, doing excellent work, only to be passed over when it comes time to appoint the person who is going to be the public face of the work."

Now that the Democrats have gotten behind Harris, Grant said, there is a clear path forward. Still, women of color know that Harris will be held to a higher standard than Trump, she said  expected to walk a perfect line between assertive and calm, and respond to virulent attacks with "punchy but light" retorts.

"She has to appear like the Kamala who we saw asking questions of Brett Kavanaugh," Grant said of Harris' task ahead. "Thoughtful, smart, thorough, direct  but not too much of any of those things."

Times staff writer Seema Mehta contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lawyers for the city of Fort Worth reach proposed settlement with ex-police chief

The city of Fort Worths legal battle with former police chief Joel Fitzgerald may be coming to an end.

Fitzgeralds attorney, Stephen Kennedy of Dallas, acknowledged the existence of a proposed settlement, in response to an emailed inquiry from the Star-Telegram.

The agreement also includes former IT workers William Birchett and Roland Burke, who sued the city for wrongful termination after they reported concerns about corruption and compliance with cyber security procedures involving an FBI database.

A Dallas Jury awarded Burke more than $1 million in April over his wrongful termination case, however, the city still had the opportunity to appeal.

Birchetts case was slated to start July 22 before the proposed settlement agreement.

With these three agreements, all involved can move forward in a positive way, Kennedy wrote in a statement.

As the philosopher Epictetus said, We cannot control the external events around us, but we can control our reactions to them,  he said.

Kennedys statement did not provide details and he declined to comment further on the case.

City of Fort Worth staff intends to discuss the possibility of a settlement with the City Council during an executive session in August, spokesperson Reyne Telles wrote in an email to the Star-Telegram.

The City Council will have to vote on whether to accept the settlement, which could come as early as the 6 p.m. meeting on Aug. 13.

Fort Worth has allocated $2 million to fighting Fitzgeralds case.

Fitzgerald was hired as Fort Worths police chief in 2015, however an increasing lack of good judgment, his mismanagement of the police departments budget and his relationships with other city department heads led to his firing in May 2019, according to a letter from City Manager David Cooke.

However, the Texas Workforce Commission ruled in July 2019 that there was no evidence Fitzgerald had committed work-related misconduct, and in May 2020 a court ordered the city change his discharge designation to honorable.

Fitzgerald has pointed to the fact that his firing came hours before he was scheduled to meet with federal investigators over concerns the city had violated the Criminal Justice Information Systems Act. He alleged city employees lied about the city being in compliance with regulations needed to access a federal law enforcement database, and that the employees destroyed evidence to cover it up.

Fitzgerald unsuccessfully sued to stop the city from hiring his replacement. He now works as the chief of police and emergency management for the Regional Transportation District in Denver.
Lead human trafficking nonprofit during F1 in need of volunteers for upcoming Las Vegas race

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Four months to the day, the second Las Vegas Grand Prix storms the Strip. Eight months ago, police encountered hundreds of sexual assault and human trafficking victims throughout the first years race and practices.

Tina Gallegos said she took the calls from several of these victims requesting help in November 2023. It was a full-circle moment.

I am actually a survivor of a sexual assault, and that gave me the want to advocate for others who may need some assistance, Gallegos said at her desk Tuesday morning. You dont know how things are going to look like or what to even do at that point. Youre just blank.

Formula One was her start.

She volunteered to answer the crisis hotline created by Signs of Hope, a Las Vegas nonprofit supporting the well-being of sexual assault and human trafficking survivors. Her shifts ran concurrently with the nighttime races and practices.

They need to know where to go to get a sane exam, Gallegos said, recounting the calls. Or if they needed to get to the hospital because they had an incident. We would be there for them.

The calls spanned beyond the circuit and all ages. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers encountered 215 people believed to be victims of sex trafficking, including five juveniles. This led to 74 arrests for pandering, attempting to purchase sex for money and luring a child/soliciting a minor.

Signs of Hope was selected by LVMPDs Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force as its lead human trafficking nonprofit during race week, supplying its staff and over 60 volunteers to the crisis hotline or officers out in the field. Kim Small, CEO of Signs of Hope, says both kinds of volunteers were crucial.

That was a focused outreach effort. If we had the resources behind us every week, we would see the same numbers, and I want to make it very clear that its not just Formula One, Small said inside the Signs of Hope offices Tuesday morning, referencing the contacts and arrests made during race week. When big events come to Las Vegas, we see an uptick in numbers.

The nonprofit assumes the same role again this year but needs volunteers. Gallegos, now on the Signs of Hope staff as a crisis advocate, believes her recovery may have been less severe and traumatic if she had access to a service like this in the immediate aftermath of her incident.

You often feel alone. You dont know what to do. You dont know where to turn, Gallegos said.

We dont get nervous, we become proactive, Small said. Having someone there who is truly, genuinely interested in the wellbeing of the victim is important.

Volunteers will primarily be utilized as crisis phone line operators this year, Small said. Those interested must be 18 years or older, a resident of Southern Nevada and pass a background check and drug screen.

More information and the online application are found on the Sign of Hope 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 KLAS.
By Farman Aydin, AZERNEWS

The Armenian National Committee of America, which represents and promotes Armenians in the United States of America, has become almost the full owner of the US Congress. ANCA, which is under the special control of some Armenian tycoons and is financed in various ways and, most importantly, protects the Armenian lobby, is about to announce Bob (Robert) Menendez, who is accused of corruption, bribery, and a number of crimes before the US court, as the man of the year.

As mentioned in his biography, Robert Menendez is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from New Jersey, a seat he has held since 2006. Recently, he was accused of receiving bribes and expensive gifts together with his wife of Armenian descent, Nadine Menedez, and now, according to the court's decision, it is questionable whether he will resume his position as a senator.

But according to ANCA, this is not the case. Senator Menendez, because of his "meritorious" service to the Armenians, is now considered immune to any court decision, even the laws that are considered supreme for America.

The Armenian press notes in an article that "the Senator has had strong ties to the ANCA of New Jersey for decades and consistently receives an A+ rating from the ANCA Congressional Report Card." But we wonder what are these services that have been talked about for decades famous for?

Pro-Armenian Bob Menendez's career record is almost full of service to his beloved Armenian society and anti-Azerbaijani activities. Undoubtedly, the opposite side of his sympathy for Armenians is characterised by his bias towards Azerbaijan. Menendez is also a sponsor of media outlets focused on Islamophobia and strong criticism regarding Azerbaijan.

Yes, you heard that right, and we are sure you have come across many articles published about this before. For example, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (or Azadlig Radio in Azerbaijani) is rich with anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric, but it never publicised the conviction of the corrupt senator Menendez as widely as it did about Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Because the founder and source of funding are connected to the US Congress. He is in close contact with Congress. That is, it is one step away from those who gather in the Senate and Congress, make decisions, and collaborate with the Armenian lobby. If he is interested, he can write about this topic every day. Finds hidden information and makes it public. Thus, it can prevent Congress from making new wrong decisions. But he did not write. It is a miserable fact: if you pay attention to the website of RFE/RL or simply "Radio Liberty", it becomes clear that it has not published even a single article about the indictment of Robert Menendez.

Senator Bob Menendez's activities are not limited to this. He has access to many anti-Islamic, anti-Turkish, and anti-Azerbaijani organisations and cooperates with them very closely. For example, take USAID and its financial support programs, which are directly related to the initiatives of pro-Armenian politicians taking seats in the Senate. If not, then why would USAID's Samantha Power first visit Yerevan when the name of the South Caucasus stands on the USs agenda?

All this is not without reason. USAID's pro-Armenian leader Samantha Power and pro-Armenian representative of the Congress, Robert Menendez, show the same position towards Azerbaijan and Turkiye, and RFE/RL also speaks on the same line. The slogan of "Professionalism", "Objectivity", "Impartiality" is meant to hide.

In this case, do you think ANCA will allow a "selfless" and "loyal" pro-Armenian senator like Menendez to be punished under the US "laws"? The bribes and expensive gifts he received for his propaganda and activities against Azerbaijan are measured only at the level of ANCA chairman Raffi Hamparian's organization. For them, the millions poured into the pockets of people like Menendez is an inhumane strategy aimed at peaceful peoples under the guise of "human rights".
The recent plane crash in Nepal has once again underscored the critical importance of air travel safety. What many travelers might not know is that the European Union (EU) keeps a blacklist of airlines from countries that fail to meet international safety standards. This list serves as a crucial resource for ensuring safer travel choices.

In a tragic aviation incident on July 24, a Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 passengers crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The aircraft, which was preparing to take off for the resort city of Pokhara, veered off the runway, resulting in a catastrophic accident.

In addition to Nepal, the countries with airlines on this blacklist include Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Libya, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Sao Tome and Principe. Airlines from these nations are banned from operating in the EU due to safety concerns.

The EU blacklist is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about their flight options. By being aware of these restrictions, passengers can avoid airlines that might not adhere to the highest safety protocols.

Sharing this information within your network can contribute to safer travel for everyone. Ensuring that friends and family are aware of the EU blacklist can help them choose airlines that prioritize safety, thereby reducing the risk associated with flying.

The EU Air Safety List acts as a safeguard for passengers, ensuring that unsafe airlines are not permitted to operate within the European Union. This list is updated regularly and includes airlines from different countries that do not meet international safety standards.

Latest Updates:

Nepal Plane More Updates: Saurya Airlines Aircraft with 19 Onboard Skids Off Runway, 18 Feared Dead

Tragic Landslide in Nepal Sweeps Two Buses into Trishuli River

Nepal's Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal Heads to India for BIMSTEC Ministerial Retreat
At least 6 people dead and 7 missing after fishing vessel sinks near Falklands

The then Foreign Secretary David Cameron walks around the harbour as he visits the Falkland Islands last February - Simon Dawson /10 Downing Street

At least six people were dead and seven others missing after a fishing vessel sank in the South Atlantic near the Falkland Islands, officials said on Tuesday.

Crew members of the Argos Georgia fled the ship after it began to sink on Monday afternoon, around 200 miles off the coast of the Falkland Islands.

As many as 27 people were stranded in life rafts after initial attempts to rescue the crew failed due to bad weather, according to a spokesperson for the government of the Falklands, a British overseas territory.

The search efforts were restarted on Tuesday after the storm had subsided.

Officials from Spains Pontevedra province in southeastern Galicia, said that 10 of the crew members were Spaniards, but did not provide details on their condition. Reports said in addition, there were several other nationalities among the crew.

The Falkland Islands, which Argentina calls the Islas Malvinas and claims as its own, said it had received an emergency signal on Monday from the Argos Georgia.

It said it indicated that the boat was east of Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, when it began taking on water. At the time, the ship was sailing at a speed of 35 knots per hour, according to monitoring site MarineTraffic.com.

Aircraft and several vessels were deployed in the search-and-rescue effort.

The Argos Georgia is managed by Argos Froyanes Ltd, a privately owned joint British-Norwegian company, and was sailing under the flag of St Helena, another of Britains remaining overseas territories in the South Atlantic.

The boat was built in 2018, according to Vesselfinder, a website for tracking marine traffic.

Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falkland Islands in 1982, when Argentine troops embarked on an ill-fated invasion that resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentines and 255 British service personnel.

A report by the BBC said British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) Atlas aircraft was able to track and report the position of the liferafts.

It added that the aircraft and an additional Voyager plane have maintained a watch on the rafts overnight, according to officials.

The patrol vessel Lilibet and two fishing vessels have also made their way to the location, with the first ship arriving on scene and starting search operations.



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Israeli soldier Lieutenant Colonel Dotan looks out from a deck at Kibbutz Eilon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in northern Israel

By James Mackenzie

KIBBUTZ EILON, Israel (Reuters) - In deserted villages and communities near the southern Lebanon border, Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters have watched each other for months, shifting and adapting in a battle for the upper hand while they wait to see if a full scale war will come.

Ever since the start of the Gaza war last October, the two sides have exchanged daily barrages of rockets, artillery, missile fire and air strikes in a standoff that has just stopped short of full-scale war.

Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border, and hopes that children may be able to return for the start of the new school year in September appear to have been dashed following an announcement by Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch on Tuesday that conditions would not allow it.

"The war is almost the same for the past nine months," Lieutenant Colonel Dotan, an Israeli officer, who could only be identified by his first name. "We have good days of hitting Hezbollah and bad days where they hit us. It's almost the same, all year, all the nine months."

As the summer approaches its peak, the smoke trails of drones and rockets in the sky have become a daily sight, with missiles regularly setting off brush fires in the thickly wooded hills along the border.

Israeli strikes have killed nearly 350 Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and more than 100 civilians, including medics, children and journalists, while 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Even so, as the cross border firing has continued, Israeli forces have been training for a possible offensive in Lebanon which would dramatically increase the risk of a wider regional war, potentially involving Iran and the United States.

That risk was underlined at the weekend when the Yemen-based Houthis, a militia which like Hezbollah is backed by Iran, sent a drone to Tel Aviv where it caused a blast that killed a man and prompted Israel to launch a retaliatory raid the next day.

Standing in his home kibbutz of Eilon, where only about 150 farmers and security guards remain from a normal population of 1,100, Lt. Colonet Dotan said the two sides have been testing each other for months, in a constantly evolving tactical battle.

"This war taught us patience," said Dotan. "In the Middle East, you need patience."

He said Israeli troops had seen an increasing use of Iranian drones, of a type frequently seen in Ukraine, as well as Russian-made Kornet anti tank missiles which were increasingly targeting houses as Israeli tank forces adapted their own tactics in response.

"Hezbollah is a fast learning organization and they understood that UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are the next big thing and so they went and bought and got trained in UAVs," he said.

Israel had responded by adapting its Iron Dome air defence system and focusing its own operations on weakening Hezbollah's organizational structure by attacking its experienced commanders, such as Ali Jaafar Maatuk, a field commander in the elite Radwan forces unit who was killed last week.

"So that's another weak point we found. We target them and we look for them on a daily basis," he said.

Even so, as the months have passed, the wait has not been easy for Israeli troops brought up in a doctrine of manoeuvre and rapid offensive operations.

"When you're on defence, you can't defeat the enemy. We understand that, we have no expectations," he said, "So we have to wait. It's a patience game."

(Reporting by James Mackenzie, Editing by William Maclean)
Surfing star Kai McKenzie lost his leg after encountering a ten-foot great white shark off the coast near Port Macquarie, Australia earlier this week.

After a wave carried him back to shore, an off-duty police officer used a dog leash as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding and save his life.

And miraculously, KcKenzie's lost leg also washed up on the beach shortly after, where it was promptly put on ice and transported to the hospital, giving him a slim chance of being reunited with his missing limb  though it remains unclear if that's still on the table, according to the Washington Post.

It's not even the first serious injury McKenzie has sustained.

"He has been through a lot breaking his [neck] last year, he never once complained always just got on with doing what he loved as soon as possible," McKenzie's sponsor and surfwear company Rage wrote in an Instagram post. "He is an inspiring person."

Authorities are now looking to trap the shark and transport it away from the beach, which was shut down following the incident. According to Australian news station 9news, equipment detected 15 white sharks off Port Macquarie in the past week alone.

McKenzie's surfboard, which had a massive chunk missing out of its tail end following the attack, was also collected by local police.

The surfer is in stable condition, and whether he'll have a chance of being reunited with his lost reg is still unknown.

The odds of being attacked by a shark are one in 11.5 million, the Florida Museum estimates. Last year, there were only 69 unprovoked shark attacks on humans worldwide, just ten of which were fatal. Experts suggest most unprovoked bites are caused by sharks confusing humans with seals or sea lions.

While incredibly unlucky, McKenzie's encounter could've been much worse. In one particularly gruesome incident last year, a Mexican diver was decapitated by a great white shark, shocking even experts.

More on shark bites: Cruise Ship Alarmed to Discover a 50,000-Pound Dead Whale Stuck to the Front of It, Seemingly After Getting Run Down and Dying
A North Carolina Highway Patrol officer demonstrates how to attach a gunlock (Photo: Screenshot from NC SAFE video -- https://www.ncsafe.org/)

Earlier this month, North Carolina legislators returned home after a busy session in which they passed bills on everything from banning masking to allowing takeout cocktails.

I know its hard to compete with mobile margaritas, but I cant help but feel like our priorities are out of whack. So many other important initiatives got left behind, like funding for NC S.A.F.E  a statewide educational awareness initiative to help folks secure firearms effectively as well as funding for CVIs community violence intervention programs.

These arent controversial programs. They keep toddlers from accidentally shooting a sibling and the depressed from succumbing to suicide. They provide job opportunities to folks who may otherwise turn to violent crime and gun locks to parents who need to childproof their home.

Initially, the North Carolina General Assembly got behind these programs, passing legislation last year that created a safe storage awareness initiative. But the Republican majority eventually got cold feet, failing to devote any funding to the program.

Its no secret that North Carolina is struggling with gun violence. Thousands of guns are reported stolen from vehicles in our state each year. Of the 1.8 million North Carolina households that contain a firearm, over half report that their guns are unsecured. Firearms are now the leading cause of injury death for children in North Carolina. Three years ago, we lived through the most violent year in our states history an upward trend we anticipate will continue.

Choose your statistic, the story is the same: we need to act on gun violence.

We need safeguards, we need training, we need the support of our government leaders to handle firearms responsibly. But time and time again, the General Assembly refuses to provide the resources we need to make this happen.

By funding NC S.A.F.E, the Department of Public Safety would have been able to continue the work of leading educational campaigns on safe storage practices. NC S.A.F.E has worked hard to form partnerships with gun ranges, pediatricians, and health departments to distribute more than 50,000 gunlocks since the beginning of the program. By simply following safe storage practices, youth fatalities from firearm suicide and accidents could be reduced by as much as 32%.

With funding for CVI programs, local governments and nonprofits would have been able to lead outreach, mediation, and intervention efforts with the people at the highest risk of violence. CVI programs connect people to education, employment, substance abuse, and mental health resources  resources that address the underlying issues that lead to gun violence. These programs have already been used successfully in some of our cities, like Greensboro, Durham, and Charlotte, but expansion to other cities is urgently needed.

A few months back, I read a story about a three-year-old nicknamed little shadow. The young boy an avid fan of Paw Patrol and Spiderman  earned his nickname because he couldnt help but hang on to his parents back pockets as they moved around the house. While exploring the house one day, he stumbled upon a loaded handgun, curiously pulling the trigger that would end his life.

Three years old.

Im not sure any number, any statistic, will truly get through to Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger or House Speaker Tim Moore to finally take action on common sense gun safety measures. Theyre like putty in the hands of the gun lobby.

But they often forget that the NRA doesnt determine our future, we the people do.

The recent horrific assassination attempt in Pennsylvania only underscores the importance of acting in this moment. Gun violence threatens our political freedom, and commonsense reforms can help protect it. While there were more than a dozen guns in the home of the shooter, it was his fathers rifle that the shooter ultimately used to fire bullets through the fabric of our democracy.

The solutions are right in front of us  the tools, the research. We simply need the courage to use them.

Lawmakers should rest assured that in the fall, well be using one of those tools  our ballots to bring the change that they lack the courage to fulfill.
Letters stained with suspected blood sent from NC prisoner to judge overseeing his case

A convicted murder in a North Carolina prison has repeatedly mailed letters stained with suspected blood to the judge overseeing his case, including one scrawled with the threatening message, What will happen to you and your body?

Earlier this year, inmate Joshua Allen Bolen, 40, mailed nine letters to Stokes County Superior Court, according to federal court documents.

Bolen, now serving a 21-year sentence for second-degree murder, mailed one letter in January marked as an official court document, in which he sought a path to his release through a writ of habeas corpus.

Because he marked it as a court filing, a Superior Court judge had to review it, along with these remarks on a later page:

You should be afraid not to report this. What will happen to you and your body when Im located & you didnt report me: you overlookd me continuously?

The judge thought he might be trying to escape, based on the way he was writing, court records said. She was also concerned as to how Bolen would be able to make himself bleed but discovered he was in a minimum-security part of the prison, which would give him access to items he could use to cut himself.

Joshua Allen Bolen

Bolen was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree arson in 2016, prison records show. He was charged in 2009 with killing his girlfriend, whose body was recovered from a pond, revealing she had died from a head wound, The Winston-Salem Journal reported.

The judge told investigators Bolen sent another seemingly blood-stained letter in February, which she did not review.

Investigators looked at the nine letters, all of them mailed from the Tyrrell Prison Work Farm in Columbia. Three of them had what looked like blood stains or fingerprints, according to court documents, and one was marked with the words a fingerprint & a blood offering to attone (sic) for damages in the cases named above.

Court personnel told investigators Bolen had been mailing letters to Stokes County since 2016, including one from April addressed to Judges.

In it, he described the first time he had tasted blood, and noted that he is alwayz thinkin blood to drink.

I do not want to be within the system, the matrix, or what-ever this iz called that I am restraind within, he wrote, according to court records.

Outgoing prison mail usually not screened

NC Department of Adult Corrections spokesman Brad Deen said in an email Tuesday that outgoing offender mail is generally not screened for content  only suspected contraband.

If we have reason to suspect something, he said, we will monitor the content, incoming or outgoing.

A Winston-Salem police officer working with an FBI task force is asking for a cheek swab from Bolen to see whether it matches blood samples in the letters.

In 2021, Bolen sent a hand-written letter to the U.S. District Court petitioning for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that he was a slave prisoner confined in zoo-like conditions for killing a hateful waste of energy and space, according to court records.

On that petition, which was denied, he drew what appears to be a sketch for an electric-powered jet propeller and wrote Now consider me a wack-job.
A team of Soldiers with 610th Engineer Support Company attach a string of concertina wire to the border fence at San Luis, Ariz., in March 2019. The Department of Defense has deployed units across the Southwest Boarder at the request of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is providing logistical, engineering, and force protection functions. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ben K. Navratil, 24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element | public domain image

Four immigrant advocacy organizations are urging the Arizona Supreme Court to overrule a lower court judge and block a GOP ballot referral that would give police officers permission to jail migrants, saying that it violates the states constitutional requirement to stick to one topic.

Two years ago, this Court held that the Legislature violated the (single-subject rule) by injecting unrelated hot-button political issues into budget reconciliation bills intended to implement the States annual budget. Yet here we are again, with more hot button political issues and another constitutional violation, wrote Democratic attorney Andy Gaona, referencing the high courts 2021 decision to strike down a bid by Republican lawmakers to ensconce wish list items into the state budget, including mask mandate prohibitions and critical race theory bans.

Gaona represents Poder in Action, the Phoenix Legal Action Network and the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in an ongoing effort to prevent the Secure the Border Act from being considered by voters.

The ballot measure seeks to make it a state crime, punishable with jail time, for migrants to cross the southern border anywhere except an official port of entry and would penalize the submission of false documentation to apply for jobs or public benefits with a class 6 felony. It also creates an entirely new class of felony offense, with harsh prison sentences, for those convicted of knowingly selling fentanyl that ends in someone elses death.

Critics have argued in court that its provisions are too different to comply with the Arizona Constitutions mandate that a ballot measure address just one subject. But earlier this month, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that the act does satisfy the single-subject rule, siding with GOP lawmakers who claimed the proposal works towards one unifying goal: responding to the harms caused by an unsecured border. Opponents quickly filed an appeal to the state Supreme Court in a last-chance bid to block it from appearing on the November ballot.

Gaona warned that the trial courts ruling threatens to render the states single-subject requirement meaningless. The rule, he wrote, is intended to prevent political logrolling. Allowing GOP lawmakers to use broad themes to defend a piece of legislation that was once five separate bills undermines that, he argued.

The (single-subject rule) is an important limitation (and check) on legislative power, Gaona wrote. It ensures that, to pass substantive policy, legislators must gather enough votes from representatives of the majority of constituents who support the policy  not slip them into unrelated legislation. Yet thats exactly what happened with (the Secure the Border Act).

One of the early iterations of a bill that was later inserted into the act was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, and two others were near-identical mirrors of that failed proposal. The remaining bills that inspired provisions in the act, including the portions having to do with the sale of lethal fentanyl and legal punishments for submitting false documentation, had previously stagnated in the legislature.

Gaona added that, on top of being a clear example of logrolling, the act itself is made up of provisions that violate the states single-subject rule. Criminalizing the sale of lethal fentanyl, he wrote, is completely unrelated to the other crimes the act seeks to punish, which are dependent on a persons citizenship status.

Prescribing a new crime for every adult for the sale of lethal fentanyl has nothing to do with an individuals immigration status, and thus is not connected with or related toeither logical or in popular understanding (the Secure the Border Acts) remaining provisions, Gaona wrote, referencing previous court rulings.

Critics of the GOPs ballot measure have frequently denounced the fentanyl provision as the most disparate part of the proposal, pointing to it as proof that the act fails to comply with the single-subject rule.

But Republican leaders have defended it by citing a legislative findings clause they added to the acts underlying legislation that asserts Arizonas fentanyl crisis is tied to the harms originating at the southern border. And a last-minute amendment added to the legislation sought to quell criticism by further linking fentanyl to the southern border with an affirmative defense claim that would allow people charged under it to avoid a conviction if they can prove that the fentanyl that was sold or its precursor chemicals were legally imported into the U.S.

In his ruling, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Minder concluded that the legislative findings clause was sufficient to justify the inclusion of fentanyl. But Gaona urged the state supreme court to ignore that conclusion. Many things, he wrote, cross Arizonas southern border, including potentially dangerous items like firearms. It would be a mistake, he continued, to give lawmakers the ability to cherry pick which ones to package into a single proposal, limited only by how they connect them in their own self-serving legislative findings clauses.

The Legislature shouldnt have license to include whatever it wants in that legislation so long as it makes legislative findings that make vague connections between various matters, he wrote.

In his ruling, Minder repeatedly noted that the court operates from a default position of supporting the legislatures findings and accepting the presumptive constitutionality of laws. But Gaona said courts shouldnt merely rubber-stamp legislative findings, and called on the justices to ignore the legislative findings clause.

The court, he said, should be more concerned with the practical, real world effects of the acts provisions, not with what lawmakers claim their intent was.

While Gaona argued that the fentanyl provision alone renders the act unconstitutional, attorney Jim Barton, representing Living United for Change in Arizona, reasoned that all of its provisions are too different to comply with the single-subject rule. LUCHA, a Latino and immigrant advocacy organization that was at the forefront of public criticism of the act while it was being debated by lawmakers, was the first to launch a lawsuit against it, and has since combined its legal efforts with the one headed by Poder in Action.

Barton argued that policing who crosses the states southern border, criminalizing the submission of false documentation and erecting new prison sentences for the sale of lethal fentanyl all constitute different and wholly unrelated issues. And, he said, the attempt from GOP lawmakers to tie all the provisions together under the umbrella of harms caused by the unsecured southern border isnt a valid approach.

The sale of lethal fentanyl is not a factor affecting the receipt of public benefits, Barton wrote. Finding some abstract problem that each of the provisions indirectly touch  for example, have some relationship to Arizonas southern border  is not enough. They must have a real, logical connection, not one concocted to bypass the single subject rule.

Minders ruling accepted that a broad theme could satisfy the single-subject rule. As proof for his conclusion, Minder cited a 1990 case that centered around a persons bid to nullify a DUI conviction by challenging the constitutionality of a bill that included various regulations on DUI testing, license suspensions and court hearings. The court, Minder said, ultimately found that all of those provisions, though different, were connected because they all fell under the theme of transportation.

But Barton accused Minder of overstating the subject, and noted that other rulings have determined that using an umbrella approach to find some semblance of unity is not valid. Barton added that the provisions contested in the 1990 case were all related to DUI violations, and noted that, in the same legislative session that produced the bill that case focused on, lawmakers also passed 24 other, separate bills having to do with transportation.

Ultimately, Barton wrote, a ballot measures provisions must correlate to each other as well as work towards a singular goal. But the Secure the Border Act, he argued, doesnt meet those requirements.

If the acts main objective is to respond to harms relating to an unsecured border, the acts provisions should fall within that objective plus the provisions must be logically or naturally connected to each other so that they present a coordinated approach, Barton wrote.

He urged the court to reject the act in light of its obvious violations of the single-subject rule, and warned that finding it to be fit for voters would drastically undermine the constitutional mandate and the courts own 2021 ruling.

Concocting a unifying theme as the alleged objective of disparate measures does not satisfy the constitutional requirement that an act embrace but a single subject and matters properly connected therewith, Barton wrote. To allow such an interpretation of the rule to stand is to construe it so foolishly liberally as to essentially repeal the rule altogether.

Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma, who have taken up defending the act in court after Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes declined to, have until the end of the month to file a reply. The case is on an expedited schedule, as Maricopa County is set to begin printing ballots on Aug. 22 and the issue must be resolved by then.

If the current challenge is unsuccessful, opponents have already signaled an interest in launching lawsuits later in the process, once voters have had their say.

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Lifeguard knocked out after jumping from helicopter during ocean training in California

A State Parks lifeguard was knocked unconscious during a helicopter training exercise Wednesday morning in the ocean off Pismo Beach.

California State Parks Chief Ranger Kevin Pearce said State Parks lifeguards were participating in a helocasting training exercise  in which staff jump from a helicopter into the ocean  with the city of Pismo Beach and the California Highway Patrol.

During the training, a staff member was briefly knocked unconscious upon entering the water, prompting a response from Cal Fire.

At around 10:01 a.m., Cal Fire dispatched an engine to the southernmost end of Addie Street in southern Pismo Beach but was ultimately not needed, Pearce said.

State Parks staff were in the water as part of the exercise and were able to immediately recover the lifeguard, who later regained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, Pearce said.
Lifeguards honored for saving a 4-year-old girl from nearly drowning at Phoenix pool

The Phoenix Fire Department honored the lifeguards who helped save a child from drowning at a public swimming pool in Phoenix in a ceremony on Tuesday.

On Memorial Day, fire crews were called to Cortez Pool near Dunlap and 35th avenues in north Phoenix for a drowning incident. They found lifeguards administering CPR to a 4-year-old girl who had been pulled out of the water.

The girl was transported to a hospital in stable condition and survived her injuries.

"Not only do we get to celebrate a 4-year-old, who is still alive and with us today, we also get to recognize the lifeguards and aquatic staff that made this happen," said Public Information Officer Kim Ragsdale, a spokesperson for the fire department, who opened the event.

Different speakers praised the Cortez Pool lifeguards, assistant managers and cashier for their work in rescuing the girl. The staff was then recognized and presented with certificates.

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, who represents Phoenix Council District 1, said that she grew up swimming at Cortez Pool. She said she recognized the unique responsibility lifeguards have, often at a young age.

"Often when we think of first responders, our minds immediately go to police and firefighters," she said. "But at our public pools, lifeguards are our first responders. And you all saved a life."

Phoenix Parks & Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar noted that the hiring and training process for both lifeguards and managers can be stressful.

"As you know, we are struggling to hire lifeguards, and we're doing all that we can to open these pools and open them in a way that is safe," she said. "You demonstrated your commitment and responsibility to not just to work any job in the summer, but to work a job that truly makes a difference."

The ceremony was live streamed and can be viewed on the City of Phoenix YouTube page.

Here's what first responders say about water safety

The Phoenix Fire Department has reported eight drowning deaths for children five and under as of July 2024. That's double the amount of children five and under drowning deaths reported for the entire year of 2023, which totaled to four.

Officials provided ways to keep your kids safe around the pool:

Install an approved barrier to separate a pool from the rest of the residence.

Maintain lifesaving devices like a hook, pole or floatation device nearby.

Never leave children unattended around water or a pool.

Take steps to ensure an enclosed pool cannot be accessed with chairs, tables or ladders.

Do not allow children to play in the pool area.

Store toys far away from any water.

Annie Goodykoontz is a reporter for The Arizona Republic. You can reach her at AGoodykoontz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Fire holds ceremony recognizing lifeguards for rescue
LINDON, Utah (ABC4)  A 21-year-old man from Utah County is facing charges of attempted murder and felony discharge of a firearm after he was cut off on I-15 on Monday, July 22.

According to court documents, Graham Alejandro Platner was driving on an off-ramp when another driver cut in front of him and flipped him off. In response, Platner allegedly grabbed for his gun and fired a single shot toward the other vehicle.

Platner went home after the shooting and allegedly told his parents he had made a mistake.

A deputy with the Utah Highway Patrol later arrived and spoke to Platners mother who explained she knew what her son had done. By the time officers had arrived, Platner was already speaking to his father about how to turn himself in.

Utahs new road rage bill goes into effect July 1

When interviewed, Platner told officers that he knew there was a man and a woman in the other car. The 21-year-old allegedly admitted to firing the gun but he wasnt sure where the bullet had landed.

Utah Highway Patrol was able to find the victims involved and reported finding their car with a single bullet hole on the passenger side. Neither victim was injured in the shooting.

Platner was booked into the Utah County Jail on the aforementioned felony charges.

Earlier this month, Utahs new law bringing harsher punishments to aggressive drivers went into effect. Under the new law, those found to have acted in road rage could face increased fines and sentences, if convicted.

According to data from the Utah Department of Transportation, there were 27 deaths related to aggressive driving in 2023. So far in 2024, there have been three attributed to road rage.

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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The first day of school is just weeks away for students in the Kansas City area and so is a due date to get their required vaccines.

According to the Mid-America Regional Council, Free or low-cost vaccines are now available, and parents are encouraged to make appointments or visit a walk-in clinic now to avoid the long wait times that typically occur every August.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Both Kansas and Missouri require several vaccines for children in school or child care, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, polio and varicella (chickenpox).

There are additional vaccines that are not required for school in every state, but that public health experts strongly recommend to prevent illness, including COVID-19, hepatitis A (required in Kansas), HPV and flu vaccinations, according to MARC.

Below is a list of back-to-school vaccination clinics on both sides of the state line.

Missouri

Cass County, Missouri

Cass County Health Department

1411 S. Commercial St., Harrisonville, MO 64701

July 29 to Aug. 9

Regular business hours: Monday  Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 12  Aug. 23

Extended hours: Monday  Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Patients will be seen on a walk-in basis; no need to make an appointment.

Clay County, Missouri

Clay County Public Health Center

800 Haines Drive, Liberty, MO 64068

Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There will be an Aug. 7 walk-in clinic from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (it may end earlier if capacity is reached).

Extended hours on Aug. 14 and Aug. 21.

Jackson County, Missouri

Jackson County Public Health

3651 NE Ralph Powell Road, Lees Summit, MO 64064

Appointments only:

Monday  Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parents can make an appointment online or by calling 816-404-6416.

Jackson County Public Health also offers free Lyft passes to allow clients a complimentary round-trip ride to and from their appointments. An adult must accompany anyone under 17.

Kansas City, Missouri

City of Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department

2400 Troost Ave., Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO 64108

Currently filling appointments Monday through Friday with extended hours on Wednesdays to accommodate busy schedules:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m.  6 p.m. (check-in by 5:30 p.m.).

Wednesdays (July 10 through Aug. 28): 7:30 a.m.  8 p.m. (check-in by 7:30 p.m.).

Thursday: 7:30 a.m.  4 p.m.

Please call 816-513-6108 to schedule an appointment.

To meet the communitys needs, the Kansas City Health Department is also hosting several Saturday vaccination clinics throughout July and August. These clinics are open to all parents, guardians and children needing vaccinations for school, with no appointments necessary:

Saturday, July 27

KCPS Central High School, 3221 Indiana Ave., 10 a.m.  2 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3

KCPS Fest at East High School, 1924 Van Brunt Boulevard, 10 a.m.  2 p.m.

The Saturday before school starts: Aug. 17

2400 Troost Ave. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Appointments are necessary due to high demand.

Platte County, Missouri

Platte County Health Department

7925 NW 110th St., Kansas City, MO 64153

Appointments only Monday  Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 816-858-2412.

Walk-ins are accepted as the schedule permits.

Kansas

Johnson County, Kansas

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment

Multiple locations

Walk-in vaccination clinics for 7th and 11th grade students only (2024-2025 school year). No appointment needed. Online registration is encouraged .

Sunset Drive Office Building, Room 1070/1075, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061

Aug. 2, 12 to 4 p.m.

Aug. 9, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular walk-in clinics for school vaccinations:

Olathe Immunization Clinic (11875 S. Sunset Drive)

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to noon

Mission Immunization Clinic (6000 Lamar Ave.):

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed for lunch from 12 to 12:30 p.m.

Miami County, Kansas

Miami County Health Department

1201 Lakemary Drive, Paola, KS 66071

Current immunization schedule is Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Wyandotte County, Kansas

Wyandotte County Public Health Department

619 Ann Ave., Kansas City, KS, 66101

Appointments are scheduled Mondays through Thursdays. Please call 913-573-8855 to make an appointment. Wyandotte County residents are eligible to get free transportation to and from clinical appointments.

Late hours on Thursdays: The clinic runs until 6 p.m. on Thursdays (the last appointment slot is at 5:30 p.m.)

Friday walk-ins: The health department has a walk-in clinic on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.




Image source: Getty Images

Warehouse clubs can help you save money with the deals they offer consumers. Joining multiple clubs rarely makes sense, though, as each one comes with membership fees. Plus, there's a good amount of overlap in what the different clubs sell.

If you're a Sam's Club member, this doesn't mean Costco shouldn't be on your radar, though. In fact, Costco offers some benefits that Sam's doesn't -- and these benefits could justify a switch.

To help you decide if that's the case for you, take a look at three reasons why you might want to cancel your Sam's Club membership and join Costco instead.

1. Kirkland Signature brand products

Both Sam's and Costco have house-brand products. Sam's sells Member's Mark products and Costco sells Kirkland Signature products. Kirkland products are fewer in number than Member's Mark products. Around 350 are available. However, the quality exceeds the quantity.

Costco takes the quality of Kirkland products very seriously, with the CEO signing off personally on each one. The priority has always been to ensure the house-brand products are equal to or better than national brands, with prices at least 20% cheaper.

The warehouse club has largely succeeded in its objective of establishing Kirkland products as being both affordable and awesome. There are many devoted followers who love Costco's house-brand products with a passion. Sam's Club's in-house brands simply don't have the same devoted followers that Costco's do.

2. Discounts on home and auto coverage

Costco provides opportunities to save that Sam's Club doesn't. These opportunities go beyond the chance to purchase cheap products when you break out your credit cards at Costco warehouses.

Specifically, you can buy discounted home and auto insurance through Costco, but Sam's doesn't have a comparable option.

Costco reports that members were able to save an average of $595.86 when they signed up for auto insurance through the Costco partner, CONNECT. That's a lot of saved money just for switching to Costco from Sam's and taking advantage of its insurance offerings.

You'll still want to compare insurance costs and get a quote to make sure CONNECT really does offer you the best price before you switch your current coverage. However, the fact that Costco membership allows you to access this discounted auto insurance is just one key way in which this warehouse club does a little bit more to improve your financial situation than Sam's Club does for its members.

Story continues

3. Bigger stores

Finally, size matters when it comes to warehouse club shopping. Both Costco and Sam's can be busy places filled with an endless stream of customers and thousands of large bulk items for sale. Having more breathing room to move around is a definite perk that can't be overlooked.

That's especially true since the size difference between Sam's Club and Costco isn't small. The average Costco store is around 147,000 square feet, while Sam's Club warehouse clubs average around 136,000 square feet. That's more than 11,000 square feet bigger. This makes a difference when you're trying to move around with your oversized shopping cart.

For all of these reasons, it's seriously worth thinking about switching from Sam's Club to Costco. Since Costco has a great return policy and will refund your membership fee if you aren't satisfied, you have nothing to lose by making the change and giving a new warehouse club a try.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

If youre shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, youll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

3 Reasons to Cancel Your Sam's Club Membership and Join Costco Instead was originally published by The Motley Fool
Local schools are offering free breakfast and lunch to students this year under CEP .

CEP is funded by the USDA and managed by the TDOE.

The state determines which schools are eligible, and the cycle restarts every 4 years.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Dozens of schools in the Tri-Cities region will provide free breakfast and lunch to enrolled students this year as part of a national program called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Students at participating schools will be given one full breakfast and one full lunch meal at no cost each school day under the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative.

SEE ALSO: More schools in Tennessee eligible for free school meals

The student must accept the entire meal, all sides and drink, in order to receive the meal for free. They can still purchase second meals and a la carte items with cash or meal funds.

What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and who decides whos eligible?

The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) manages the CEP program for schools in the state. According to the TDOE, that eligibility is reassessed and adjusted every four years. The TDOE is solely in charge of determining each schools eligibility.

The TDOEs website states to be eligible to participate, a district, school, or groups of schools from the same district must have a directly certified identified student percentage of at least 25% by April 1, prior to the first year of implementation.

Back to School: When do local schools start back?

A summary of how the CEP works, as described by the USDA, can be found below:

CEP allows the nations highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). USDA

Which local Tennessee schools are CEP?

All Tennessee school districts in the Tri-Cities area are participating in the CEP program in some capacity, with several being districtwide CEP; this means all schools in that system are providing free breakfast and lunch for the 2024-25 school year.

A list of school districts in Northeast Tennessee that are considered CEP schools can be found below:

Johnson City : All eight of our elementary schools qualify, a JCS spokesperson told News Channel 11. Last year, only six of our eight elementary schools qualified. However, our middle schools (Indian Trail and Liberty Bell) and Science Hill High School do not qualify.

Washington County : Boones Creek, Fall Branch, Grandview, Gray, Jonesborough, Lamar, South Central and Westview.

Kingsport City Schools : All schools

Bristol, Tenn. City Schools : All schools

Sullivan County Schools : All schools

Elizabethton City Schools : Eastside, Harold McCormick, Wandell Early Learning

Carter County Schools : All schools & Siam Learning Center

Rogersville City School : Eligible & providing free meals

Hawkins County Schools : All schools

Unicoi County Schools : All schools

Johnson County Schools : All schools

Greene County Schools: All schools

News Channel 11 has reached out to Greeneville City Schools regarding its CEP status and will update this story once that information is confirmed.

What area school district leaders are saying about CEP

Washington County Schools Superintendent Jerry Boyd told News Channel 11 on Tuesday that the district will ensure every student gets a meal, regardless of their schools CEP status, the students reduced/free meal eligibility or ability to pay.

I want to point out . theres certainly some concern and questions, you know, about students having access to meals, even for families that may not qualify for free or reduced  the program that everyones familiar with, he said. Our cafeterias provide lunch to every student every day, breakfast to every student every day, regardless of their ability to pay.

Boyd stressed that no child will be turned away from the cafeteria line if they arent able to pay for a meal at a non-CEP school in Washington County, Tennessee.

No students are going to be turned away to a meal. You know, some families do have the resources to pay for their own lunch and breakfast and they will continue to do that. But, you know, say theres a case where momentarily or in a certain instance, they cant. There, every child will still be offered a breakfast, lunch, regardless of the ability to pay.

cep_fact_sheetDownload

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Gov. DeSantis awards $7.2 million to St. Petersburg College for new SMART Tech Lab

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  Governor Ron DeSantis discussed workforce education at a news conference in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

The governor announced an award of $7.2 million to St. Petersburg College to help establish the Semiconductor, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Training for Technicians (SMART Tech) 4.0 lab.

The award includes $3.2 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and $4 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Grant Program.

DeSantis said the money will be used to build facilities, hire faculty, and provide training for the program, which he called an advanced manufacturer training program.

This new lab is gonna help fortify our standing as the number one state for talent development in the nation, DeSantis claimed. Its also gonna be able to teach students really significant and applicable skills that they will immediately be able to use upon graduation.

The governor said the school will expand its dual-enrollment programs for high school students.

Speaking at the school, DeSantis took the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration, specifically its handling of student loan forgiveness.

You cant just put that burden on the taxpayer through executive fiat, DeSantis said, later suggesting the burden should be on private universities who benefit from the loans.

You have a responsibility, if youre taking all that loan money, youve got to produce students who can make their way in the world.

DeSantis also cited a recent ranking by CNBC that put Florida as the top economy in the nation.

Believe me, the media does not like ranking Florida high, DeSantis said with a smile.  They do that begrudgingly.

Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. joined the governor.

You can watch the full news conference live in the video player above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A joint investigation by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in connection to drugs and a dog fighting ring netted at least 11 arrests.

Operation Pedigree stemmed from a narcotics investigation in November 2023, St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway said in a news conference Tuesday. Officials said the operation resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs, guns, money and dogs.

Detectives discovered in April that a known fentanyl dealer was also involved in a dog fighting ring in several Florida counties and Georgia.

Video of a police raid showed the conditions the dogs were being housed in. The video showed dogs kept in kennels that appeared to crowd the inside of a home and the backyard.

St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway also showed two photos of one dog, taken a year apart.

One photo showed a cute, small puppy on the day it was adopted from a local animal shelter. The next photo, of the same dog, taken one year later shows a dog suffering from horrific wounds after it was used as a bait dog in fights.

Chief Holloway says spectators would pay $200 to attend the cruel fights and then wager large amounts of illegal drugs to gamble on the outcome.

In total, 111 dogs were seized as part of the investigation, in addition to guns, drugs and money connected to the operation.

These narcotics are about more than just narcotics, Holloway said. It has to do with human trafficking, it has to do with our shootings. It has to do with any crime you can predict in Pinellas County. It goes back to those drugs.

Six people were charged with animal baiting and fighting, as well as a conspiracy charge related to gambling.

Six people were rescued from human trafficking at one of the homes searched, Holloway said. Five others present in the home were charged with trafficking fentanyl.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Vice President Kamala Harris is headed to Indianapolis today, less than 48 hours after she received a majority of Democratic delegates' support to replace President Joe Biden on the November ballot.

Harris' stop in deep-red Indiana was scheduled weeks ago, prior to Bidens stunning withdrawal Sunday, but now falls as she launches her presidential campaign. Harris held her first rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday.

She is visiting Indianapolis to give the keynote address at the historically Black Zeta Phi Beta sororitys biennial convention at the Indiana Convention Center. It is not a campaign event.

Harris' appearance here comes on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress and that Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance will make an appearance at a fundraiser in Fort Wayne.

Follow along with IndyStar as we share updates about the details of Harris visit and reaction to it.

Kamala Harris headed back to Indianapolis International Airport

Harris and her motorcade just left the Indiana Convention Center to cheers from the crowd here. She waved from inside one of the black SUVs. pic.twitter.com/pFzSUPHfQu  Brittany Carloni (@CarloniBrittany) July 24, 2024

Convention attendee: VP Harris' speech was 'informative, inspirational and motivational'

It was a wonderful speech. It was very informative, inspirational and motivational, said Martha Johnson, a member from North Carolina.

She was among those welcoming Harris efforts to erase student loan debt and restore abortion rights across the country.

All of those things are important to me, she said. I have a son who has student loans and another one who plans on going to college.

But she wasnt won over by the speech. She was already behind Harris.

I was going to vote regardless, she said.

2020 was the first time shed contributed to a presidential campaign, giving money to the Biden-Harris campaign.

2020 was the first time I made a donation. In 2024, theres no telling what Ill do.

 Cheryl V. Jackson

Kamala Harris in Indianapolis: Brief remarks include gun control, abortion and Project 2025

Four words prompted the loudest cheers of the afternoon from the 6,000 women gathered in the Indiana Convention Center Wednesday to hear Vice President Kamala Harris.

"When I am president," Harris started to say.

Just three days ago, Harris wouldn't have said those words. Her keynote address at a social justice town hall at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.'s national convention had been planned for some time in her official capacity as vice president. But it inevitably took on new significance when President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris to replace him on the Democratic ticket.

Before referencing her candidacy, Harris talked about former President Donald Trump's role in overturning Roe v. Wade by nominating three conservative justices to the Supreme Court. Harris promised to sign legislation to protect reproductive rights if she defeats Trump, the Republican nominee.

"We are not playing around," she said.

Read more: Presidential candidate Kamala Harris calls out Project 2025, rallies Black women in Indy

 Kayla Dwyer

Watch Kamala Harris speak in Indianapolis

You can watch her remarks in full here, via the White House on YouTube:

Kamala Harris begins her remarks at the Indiana Convention Center

Harris took the stage to applause from the crowd. Zeta Phi Beta is the first of the Divine Nine organizations to host her as a presidential nominee.

"In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation," Harris told the crowd. "One focused on the future, the other focused on the past. With your support, I am fighting for our nation's future."

"We must also recognize there are those who are trying to take us backward." Mmms from the crowd. Harris mentions Project 2025 -- to boos from the crowd -- and says: "Can you believe they put that in writing?  Kayla Dwyer (@kayla_dwyer17) July 24, 2024

"When I am president," -- loudest cheers of the afternoon so far -- she would sign a law enshrining reproductive rights.

"We are not playing around."  Kayla Dwyer (@kayla_dwyer17) July 24, 2024

 Cheryl V. Jackson and Kayla Dwyer

Watch live: Kamala Harris addresses the Zeta Phi Beta convention at the Indiana Convention Center

Harris is expected to begin speaking shortly. The event isn't open to the public, but the White House is live streaming the keynote address.

Watch live here: Vice President Kamala Harris in Indianapolis

Kamala Harris lands in Indianapolis for Zeta Phi Beta convention

Air Force Two landed in a warm, sunny Indianapolis at 11:55 a.m. Vice President Harris smiled as she walked down the plane's steps, and spoke with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, who endorsed her candidacy for president Wednesday morning, for over a minute on the tarmac. Harris's motorcade departed for the convention center around 12:15 p.m.

 Nadia Scharf

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett after arriving at the Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, before talking to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.s biennial convention in Indianapolis. The appearance is one of Harris' first since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed her for the position.

Several Indiana Democrats in attendance for Kamala Harris' appearance

Zeta Phi Beta sorors arent the only people in attendance at the Indiana Convention Center.

While in line for the press security screening, I spotted former U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, state Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, and Valerie McCray, the Democratic candidate for Indianas open U.S. Senate seat. My colleague Brittany Carloni also spotted state Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis.

 Kayla Dwyer

Joe Hogsett endorses Kamala Harris for president

In a post shared on his political X account (formerly Twitter), Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett endorsed Kamala Harris for president Wednesday morning.

Hogsett posted: "Kamala Harris is an experienced leader, barrier breaker, and committed public servant. I fully support and endorse her candidacy for President of the United States, and look forward to welcoming her to Indianapolis."

.@KamalaHarris is an experienced leader, barrier breaker, and committed public servant. I fully support and endorse her candidacy for President of the United States, and look forward to welcoming her to Indianapolis.



-Joe  Mayor Joe for Indy (@MayorJoeForIndy) July 24, 2024

Hogsett was not among the more than 300 mayors who signed a letter from the Democratic Mayors Association endorsing Harris earlier this week.

Indiana mayors who signed the letter included Thomas Broderick Jr., of Anderson; Kerry Thomson, of Bloomington; Stephanie Terry, of Evansville; Eddie Melton, of Gary; Deborah Whitfield of Lawrence, Angie Nelson Deuitch, of Michigan City; and James Mueller, of South Bend; as well as Karen Freeman-Wilson, the former mayor of Gary.

 Holly Hays

Convention attendee on Harris' appearance: 'If she becomes the president, we'd be part of history'

Tony Hicks, of Detroit, is in Indianapolis with his daughter, a Zeta, and his wife, who is a member of the organizations auxiliary group. He and his wife often travel with their daughter to various conventions.

Seeing the vice president at the start of her 2024 presidential bid was a plus, he said.

If she becomes the president, we'd be part of history; knowing that we saw her before she reached that level, he said.

 Cheryl V. Jackson

State Sen. Andrea Hunley on Kamala Harris' candidacy: 'We believe in hope'

Indiana State Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, is one of 10 Senate Democrats at the Indiana Statehouse, where state Republicans have held a supermajority for years.

Hunley said that's part of why Harris visit to Indianapolis Wednesday matters. Harris is speaking to the historically Black sorority, and although Harris is in Indianapolis for an official visit and not a campaign event, the VP arrives in the Hoosier state just days after becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Yes, we're here in Indiana. But remember Indiana in 2008 went for Obama, Hunley said. We believe in hope. We absolutely believe in the power of strong leadership. And I believe that we can do it again.

Ran into @SenatorHunley this morning and asked what she hopes the VP says today in GOP supermajority Indiana.



HUNLEY: Remember Indiana in 2008 went for Obama. We believe in hope. We absolutely believe in the power of strong leadership. And I believe that we can do it again pic.twitter.com/5sdnw8QnTX  Brittany Carloni (@CarloniBrittany) July 24, 2024

Hunley, who was elected to the state senate in 2022, said she was at Harriss Indianapolis stop in 2023 when Harris spoke to the Delta Sigma Theta convention.

Its just really amazing that this is it, she's kicking off her campaign with us in the community, with a roomful of Black women, Hunley said. It is so exciting.

 Brittany Carloni

Harris, Biden plan to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu this week, White House says

Harris' visit to Indianapolis means she won't be presiding over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance before a joint session of Congress Wednesday, although the White House told USA TODAY she plans to meet with him separately later this week. Biden is expected to meet with him Thursday, after his five-day isolation period following a positive COVID test last week.

Harris has not broken with Biden's support of Israel, but called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza in March, calling the conflict a "humanitarian catastrophe."

More from USA TODAY: Here's what Kamala Harris has said on Israel, Gaza conflict

Who will be Kamala Harris' VP pick?

While her Wednesday appearance in Indianapolis is not an official campaign stop, many are speculating about who Harris could pick as her running mate in this November's election.

There's a slate of stars from the Democratic party she could pick from, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Democratic National Committee advisor Cedric Richmond, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary (and former South Bend mayor) Pete Buttigieg.

Kamala Harris VP pick: Pete Buttigieg has a shot at being Kamala Harris' VP. Here's what to know about him

Convention attendee: Harris' appearance at Zeta Phi Beta convention is 'a dream come true'

LaBeatrix Wright of Birmingham, Alabama, walked down Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis Wednesday morning toward the Indiana Convention Center.She chose blue sneakers over heels for the walk to the second day of the Zeta Phi Beta biennial convention. It will be Wrights first time seeing Harris speak in person and she said she was not passing up the opportunity.The Zetas' convention has been great so far, Wright said. The cherry on top to have VP Kamala Harris here is just a dream come true, Wright said.Wright said she hopes Harris provides a message of unity in her remarks today. Wright said she has been a huge supporter of President Biden but is excited about Harriss presidential campaign.To have her as a Black woman as an Asian woman, part of the Jamaican community, I just think she brings all of us together, Wright said. I'm excited about the possibilities.

 Brittany Carloni

This is Bea Tatum from Birmingham, Alabama. Today will be her first time hearing VP Harris speak in person. She said the Zeta convention has been great and said Harris speaking is the cherry on top. pic.twitter.com/xVa6XFtR0z  Brittany Carloni (@CarloniBrittany) July 24, 2024

Line formed at 5 a.m. to see VP Harris speak at Zeta Phi Beta convention in Indianapolis

At 8:40 a.m., hundreds of members of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority were going through security at the Indiana Convention Center. The line to enter the event formed at 5 a.m. Wednesday. Convention workers were offering to bring chairs for some of those waiting or to let them take seats and maintain their position in line.

Vivian Daniels, of Alabama, told IndyStar she joined the hourlong security line at 5. By 9 a.m., she was waiting for the vendor area to open  a strap on her shoe broke just after she got through security, and she was hoping to pick up a new pair before the day got started.

What are the 'Divine Nine'? Leaders announce push for voter registration as Harris takes over

She was eager to see Harris speak: Im very excited about seeing the vice president. Hopefully she will be the president of the United States.

And she didnt doubt Harris would still show up to the convention after President Joe Biden left the race: She needs our vote.

Some women told IndyStar they understood the need for the security check, but expected shorter wait times.

Christy Ball, of Colorado Springs, said expected maybe a 90-minute process when she got in line at 6:20, but it took three hours.

The sorors kept each other in good spirits though, she said.

 Cheryl V. Jackson

Indianapolis road closures, traffic delays today

Residents should expect intermittent delays in traffic from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. between the Indianapolis International Airport on the city's southwest side and the Indiana Convention Center downtown, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The U.S. Secret Service will be the lead agency handling the vice president's security detail in Indianapolis and will receive support from local law enforcement agencies. A special agent for the U.S. Secret Service Indianapolis field office told IndyStar the agency would not be releasing Harris' motorcade route for security reasons.

Read more about how the visit could impact motorists here.

 Noe Padilla

What is Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.?

Zeta Phi Beta was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University, with the ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood.

Read more about the Zetas: Kamala Harris scheduled to address Zeta Phi Beta in Indy. What to know about the sorority

It's among the predominantly African-American sororities and fraternities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, commonly called the Divine Nine. The sorority has initiated more than 130,000 college-educated women in about 900 chapters in North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.

Zeta Phi Beta was the first of the Divine Nine to be constitutionally bound to one of its cohorts, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., collaborating on community service projects and other shared activities from the local to national levels.

 Cheryl V. Jackson

What are the Divine Nine?

The National Pan-Hellenic Council represents nine historically Black sororities and fraternities:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Most of the Divine Nine were founded at Howard University, but two were founded in Indiana: Kappa Alpha Psi was founded in 1911 at Indiana University, and Sigma Gamma Rho was founded in 1922 at Butler University.

Harris is a member of Divine Nine sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, and gave the keynote address at its convention with more than 20,000 attendees in Dallas earlier this month. The vice president also spoke at the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority convention in Indianapolis in July 2023.

 Cheryl V. Jackson and USA TODAY

Why is Kamala Harris in Indianapolis?

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Indianapolis Wednesday to give keynote remarks at the biennial convention of Zeta Phi Beta. It's one of the largest historically Black sororities in the country.

Harriss appearance at the convention was scheduled weeks prior to President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 campaign.

Where will Kamala Harris speak in Indianapolis?

Harris is expected to speak at the Indiana Convention Center, where the Zeta Phi Beta convention is being held this week.

Can I attend Kamala Harris event in Indianapolis?

No. The vice presidents appearance is not open to the public beyond guests attending the Zeta Phi Beta convention.

How many times has Kamala Harris visited Indianapolis?

Wednesday will mark at least the fourth time Harris has visited Indianapolis since 2019.

In 2023, Harris attended the Delta Sigma Theta Sororitys national convention in Indianapolis. Harris also visited Indianapolis in 2022 as state lawmakers convened a special session on abortion rights weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Kamala in Indianapolis: Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has been to Indianapolis at least 3 times: What she said

Will Indiana DNC delegates vote for Kamala Harris?

The 88 Hoosier delegates who are planning to attend the Democratic National Convention next month unanimously endorsed Harris for president on Monday. That is not a binding vote, however.

Hoosier DNC delegates: Kamala Harris secures majority of DNC delegates' support with votes in Indiana, other states

What are Indiana Republicans saying about Kamala Harris?

Republican members of Indianas congressional delegation have swiped at Harris connection to the Biden administrations policies and record, including on the economy and the southern border.

Indiana U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, who is running for U.S. Senate, on Monday called Harris candidacy a coup by party elites, in a post on X.

Not a single person has ever voted for Kamala Harris for President, Banks wrote.

Will Indiana vote for Kamala Harris?

Indiana's recent voting record suggests the state is unlikely to vote for Harris. The last Democratic presidential candidate to win in Indiana was former President Barack Obama in 2008. In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney won Indiana over Obama.

Indiana then voted handily for former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, winning the state with 57% of the vote in both elections. Polling earlier this year indicated Trump remained more popular than Biden in the Hoosier state.

Chad Kinsella, an associate professor of political science at Ball State University, said a Harris candidacy and Indianapolis visit could stop the recent freefall of support for Biden. But Kinsella said Harris might not poll any better than Biden in Indiana.

At the end of the day, I dont think that its going to change the fortunes of Indiana Democrats, Kinsella said.

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IndyStar reporters Kayla Dwyer, Nadia Scharf and Cheryl V. Jackson contributed.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kamala Harris speaking in Indianapolis to Zeta Phi Beta sorority
Biden speech live updates: President addresses nation on his decision to drop out of race; confirms he is not resigning

President Biden spoke to the nation in a primetime address from the Oval Office tonight, three days after dropping his reelection bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement to take on former President Donald Trump this fall.

Biden explained his decision to drop out of the 2024 race, telling the American people that the "defense of democracy is more important than any title."

I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden said. "That is the best way to unite our nation."

Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as President," he said, confirming that he plans to remain in office through the end of his term. "That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy. I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights  from the right to vote to the right to choose.

Follow along below for live updates, and sign up here to get breaking news direct to your inbox with Yahoo News email alerts.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The longtime girlfriend of a man convicted in the kidnapping and murder of Brittanee Drexel could face 10 years in prison for lying to authorities during their investigation.

On Wednesday, Angel Vause agreed to plead guilty in U.S. District Court in Charleston to two counts of making false statements to federal agents  each carries maximum penalties of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Vause, 56, was indicted in March for lying to the FBI. Her boyfriend Raymond Moody is serving a life sentence for the murder of Drexel, a 17-year-old from New York last seen while on spring break in Myrtle Beach in 2009.

Angel-Vause-plea-agreementDownload

Moody confessed in October 2022. Five months earlier, Vause told an FBI agent she went home to get keys from a truck while Drexel was being assaulted and killed, but the indictments said she was actually going somewhere else.

Brittanee Drexels estate sues her killer, Myrtle Beach hotel

Authorities also said Vause told the FBI that Drexel had her cell phone the entire time, when it was proven that Vause actually had it before tossing it somewhere between Georgetown and Charleston.

Prosecutors said Vause played a critical role in forcing Moodys confession, because they initially built a case against her before he claimed responsibility.

Prosecutors said there was enough to charge Vause with being an accessory, but they chose to focus on Moody instead.

A lot of times as law enforcementyou have to make a deal with the getaway driver to get the armed robber, 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said at a news conference following Moodys sentencing. I dont mean to minimize this. Shes got more to do. She wouldve been an accessory, but we had to proffer Angel.

Federal court documents filed on Wednesday didnt include a sentencing date for Vause.

* * *

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.
HONOLULU (KHON)  Hawaiian Airlines is investigating how a local familys dog wound up hundreds of miles from its intended destination last week.

Kapahulu resident Claudia Rapkoch dropped off her 7-year-old English Bulldog, Jello, at Hawaiian Airlines on July 19 to be flown to the West Coast. Her husband was waiting in Seattle to pick up Jello and drive him to their home in Butte, Montana.

Their breed is such theyre not supposed to fly, and most airlines dont fly them. So, were kind of grateful that a few do, but he can really only fly over the water, Rapkoch said.

Claudias son and cat were also on the flight, and her husband later texted her to say they had both arrived safely in Seattle.

And yet there was no Jello, and so at some point, were like, They lost our dog?! Everybody else arrived except for Jello and even the paperwork had Jello on the plane, Rapkoch said, and you see it on his crate, Seattle.'

Hawaiian, Alaska airlines clear key hurdle in merger deal

Jello was put in a boarding facility in San Diego for a couple of days as Hawaiian Airlines contacted Island Pet Movers to drive Jello from California to Montana on Monday.

We scooped up a rental car, drove him up to Montana and he was delivered this morning at about 5:30 in the morning, said Island Pet Movers owner Kari Mendoza.

Mendoza said her company has moved over 50,000 pets in their 15 years in business and a situation like this  where an airline needs assistance transporting an animal that was sent to the wrong destination  has only happened three other times.

Its definitely not as common as your bags going to the wrong place, Mendoza said.

Hawaiian Airlines said in a statement:

Once Jello deplaned in San Diego, our ground staff cared for him while we contacted the pets owner, with whom we arranged boarding accommodations over the weekend before Jello could be driven to Montana. Our teams take great care to transport all animals safely and comfortably and we apologize to Jellos family for this event, which we are investigating. Hawaiian Airlines

Detection dogs join fight in Hawaii beetle battle

Rapkoch said she is happy and grateful for the airlines response, which included an $820 refund for the initial cost to fly Jello to Seattle even though her dog was flown to the wrong city.

Jello is now home. Hes with everybody else. Hes with the family and everything is fine. You know, its a story with a very happy ending, and were very grateful for that, Rapkoch 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.
Prescription drugs behind the counter of a pharmacy in Edmonds, Washington. (Getty Images)

With more than 2.9 million Louisiana patients living with at least one chronic illness, access to a prescribed treatment plan is essential to manage symptoms. However, middlemen, known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), are making it harder for Louisiana patients to get the care they need by raising costs and creating unnecessary medication access barriers for patients and providers.

As CEO of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, Ive witnessed firsthand the real-life consequences that Louisiana patients and their families can experience when they are unable access the treatments they need as a result of PBM practices.

PBMs work between health insurance companies to negotiate medication discounts on behalf of the health plans they represent. These middlemen have an outsized impact on how much treatments can cost at the pharmacy counter with little transparency and oversight  just three PBM companies control nearly 80% of the entire prescription drug market.

Based on negotiated pricing and rebates, PBMs can dictate which drugs appear on the list of prescription drugs covered by a health insurance plan, what the out-of-pocket costs are for each, and what patients and providers must do to gain access to medications. Additionally, PBMs are not required to be transparent about the rebates they acquire, leaving patients to continue paying higher out-of-pocket costs for critical treatments.

As a result, PBMs have become one of the most influential stakeholders in the health care industry, dictating which medications a patient can access without a medical license or experience in prescribing medicine.

After a two-year investigation, the Federal Trade Commission recently found that PBMs can significantly influence what drugs are available to patients and at what cost, while racking up profits for themselves.

While PBMs are putting necessary care out of reach for patients, chronic illnesses continue to disproportionately impact our state. Louisiana has higher rates of cancer than the national average, nearly 15% of Louisianians are living with diabetes, and seven of the 10 leading causes of death in Louisiana are chronic illnesses.

Treatment of these conditions requires consistent medications to manage symptoms. But when a patients out-of-pocket costs become too high, a patient is more likely to abandon their treatment plan, which can lead to even higher costs down the line, such as emergency room visits or even more severe medical complications.

For cancer patients who must adjust to managing their illness, PBM practices put undue stress on the patient and their family as they have to consistently navigate hurdles that PBMs institute.

Its long overdue for PBMs to be held accountable  their business practices are contributing to higher costs for consumers, new barriers for providers and are putting additional strains on our health care system. Under the current PBM business model, a PBMs revenue is directly tied to drugs list price, meaning pharmacy middlemen are directly motivated to increase health care costs for Louisiana patients. On average, for every $1 in negotiated savings, medication list prices increase by $1.17, according to University of Southern California research.

Requiring PBMs to share savings they receive from medication cost negotiations with patients and de-linking PBM compensation from the list price of a medicine would bring patients immediate relief from high costs theyre being confronted with at the pharmacy counter. Louisianians and patients across the nation are relying on their legislators to address high health care costs and middlemen in the health industry, with 78% believing that insurance plans should be required to share negotiated savings with patients and 75% favoring increased transparency over PBM practices, based on a National Association of Community Pharmacists poll.

Ive witnessed the strain PBMs are putting on patients, families, and our health system here in Louisiana. PBM reform already has strong bipartisan support, and members of Congress must heed the concerns of patients, providers and stakeholders across the country by prioritizing efforts to increase transparency and oversight of PBMs.

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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, places all across the country have see home prices skyrocket. This includes Texas, which has some of the most affordable cities in the nation in which to buy a home. At the start of 2020, the average price of a home in Texas was $219,411, according to Zillow. But as of July 2024, that average has jumped more than 40%, to $308,121.

Read More: 20 Best Cities Where You Can Buy a House for Under $100K

Check Out: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

Still, that means the average price of a home in Texas is about 15% cheaper than the U.S. median home price, and housing remains quite affordable in a wide swath of the state. In fact, in some Texas cities  including the three listed below  you can still snag a decent-sized piece of real estate for $100,000 or less.

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Big Spring, Texas

If youre a fan of the great expanses of West Texas, Big Spring might appeal to you. The city of over 27,000 offers the benefits of a metro area within the plains and rolling hills of Texas. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the lakes, parks and trails in and around the city, which offer everything from swimming, biking and hiking to boating and more.

Those looking for housing here will find lots of affordable options. According to BestPlaces, the median home price in Big Spring is just over $122,000. But there are options for under $100,000, including a two-bedroom, one-bath, 1,073-square-foot home for just $84,900. Situated on a large 8,407-square-foot lot, the starter home comes with a fireplace, hardwood floors and a large backyard.

Discover More: Housing Market 2024: Home Prices Are Plummeting in 10 Formerly Overpriced Housing Markets

Wichita Falls, Texas

Situated along the Oklahoma border about two hours north of the Dallas-Fort Worth area lies Wichita Falls, which offers plenty of amenities and affordable housing. Wichita Falls offers attractions ranging from its namesake museum of art to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, but it also boasts historic architecture, beautiful parks and a dynamic art scene. Home to an Air Force base and three separate colleges, Wichita Falls has an energy that many smaller cities lack.

If youre willing to put in the work, you can find some excellent values in the fixer-upper segment of the Wichita Falls housing market. One example is the 1,974-square-foot, four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home sitting on a huge 9,845-square-foot lot for just $83,000 thats currently available. The home certainly needs its share of work, but at that price, it could be a great opportunity for the right buyer.

Story continues

For those looking for something a little more move-in ready, theres currently a two-bedroom, one-bath, 864-square-foot home selling for an even $100,000. While the home is not necessarily spacious, youre still getting a lot of value from this home, which is 95% remodeled from the kitchen to the bathroom. If you wanted to add some more square footage to the home, you could perhaps add an extension.

Vernon, Texas

With a population of about 10,000 residents, Vernon offers small-town charm while still having the amenities to make it a pleasant place to live. Located about halfway between Amarillo and Dallas-Fort Worth in north central Texas, Vernon hosts a variety of attractions and museums, along with a wide range of community celebrations and events throughout the year. And it has a median house price of $78,200, per BestPlaces.

If youve got $85,000 to spend on a home, theres a nice two-bedroom, two-bath option in Vernon that boasts 1,415 square feet of living space. Centrally located in a quiet neighborhood, the home features a detached, two-car garage and a fenced yard. Unlike with most homes, this price includes most of the appliances you might need, including a dishwasher, refrigerator, gas stove and microwave.

If you prefer a little more space and an additional bedroom and are willing to part with a bathroom, theres a home in Vernon selling for $99,500 that might be more your speed. The three-bedroom, one-bath house has 1,560 square feet of living space and a spacious living area, well-appointed kitchen and a backyard oasis, all within close range of local parks, schools, shopping and dining options.

The Bottom Line

It can be a stretch to find a spacious, quality home for under $100,000 in any city, but there are certainly options across Texas. While some level of compromise should be expected within these narrow parameters, if youre willing to put a bit of work into your new home, or perhaps trade off a bit of size for something more finished, you might be surprised to see how far $100,000 can stretch in the great state of Texas.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Texas Cities Where You Can Buy Spacious Homes for $100K or Less
Once a week, 9-year-old Jayce Gowin and his dad sit down at their living room table to discuss anything from a favorite flavor of Cheetos to life advice. But Jayce doesn't talk to his dad -- instead he interacts with an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot trained to mimic his father.

Jayce sits next to his real-life dad, Jason Gowin, who types questions into a laptop on behalf of Jayce, before the two of them await an audio response from the AI. Gowin said he sought out the technology after serious health scares left him and his wife concerned about leaving Jayce and his young siblings parentless.

On a Sunday morning last month, Jayce wanted to know whether the bot remembered his favorite stuffed animal, Bob.

"Yes, Jayce," the AI uttered in a voice meant to closely resemble his father's. "Bob is a mouse character in your bedtime stories. We've talked about him before and how he has a voice."

Jayce was thrilled. "I love you robo-dad," he said.

MORE: Author reveals how AI has stealthily entered our lives and what she hopes never happens

The members of the Gowin family volunteered to test the product made by a startup called You, Only Virtual, in exchange for permanent access free of charge. The firm is one of a handful of companies in a burgeoning industry centered on so-called "grief tech," chatbots modeled off of deceased loved ones.

PHOTO: Jason Gowin and his wife, Melissa, decided to build AI chatbots modeled on themselves after each of them experienced a serious health scare. (ABC News/Katherine Caulderwood, Nam Cho and Lilia Geho)

The products aim to redefine how some people deal with grief, offering users a chance to carry on conversations with loved ones long after they die. Proponents hold up the once-unfathomable technology as an emblem of the transformative benefits promised by AI.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the privacy of data shared by users and the technical feasibility of a bot that accurately speaks with the voice of a dead relative. Some products in the sector simply repeat statements recorded by a loved one prior to his or her death; others voice original statements, including the product used by the Gowin family.

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT -- which scan text from across the internet and string words together based on statistical probability -- have displayed a propensity to share arbitrary, false or hateful speech, raising alarm about the personal and societal effects of noxious words delivered with the intimacy and authority of a deceased loved one.

"There's a real need for many people to have an interaction that they can't have," Gary Marcus, an emeritus professor at New York University and author of the book ''Rebooting AI," told ABC News. "Loneliness is a real problem. Grief can be very challenging."

"In some sense, everybody who's using it now is part of an experiment and not a very well-controlled experiment," Marcus added. "The more people you have in that, the more you have to worry about: What are the consequences?"

Jason and his wife, Melissa Gowin -- who live with their three children in the small town of Sayre, Pennsylvania -- turned to grief tech after each of them suffered brush with death.

In 2019, Melissa Gowin had a stroke days after giving birth to twin boys, the couple said. Soon afterward, a doctor told her she had as little as two years left to live, they added.

Four months later, Jason Gowin was diagnosed with an early stage of stomach cancer, putting his health in doubt as well, they added. Suddenly, the couple had to reckon with the prospect of their young children growing up without parents.

"When you're in your 20s and 30s, you think you're invincible. This kind of thing is something you only hear about on the news, said Jason Gowin, a stand-up comedian and podcast host. "Turns out those stories on the news happen to real people -- and it happened to us."

While watching the Superman movie "Man of Steel," the couple happened upon a way to address their difficult situation, as seen through the eyes of the main character.

"[Superman] goes into the Fortress of Solitude and talks to what is essentially an AI version of his father," Jason Gowin recounted. "I said, 'You know what, I bet somebody has come up with this technology.'"

PHOTO: Jayce Gowin, 9, spends 30 minutes per week interacting with an AI chatbot based on his father, Jason. (ABC News/Katherine Caulderwood, Nam Cho and Lilia Geho)

He said he found a website for the Los Angeles-based You, Only Virtual, and contacted its CEO, Justin Harrison.

"Talk about Americana: Mom, dad, three kids, house full of pets; some of the most loving, funny, just joyful people I've ever met," Harrison told ABC News about meeting the Gowin family. "Then they told me their story."

The company creates what it calls "versonas," virtual reproductions of deceased loved ones that utter responses in conversation with a user either through written chats or audio that mimic a relative's voice.

Unlike some of its competitors, You, Only Virtual produces generative chatbots that craft original responses after scanning training materials, such as text messages, videos, and information about the deceased gleaned from previous conversations with users.

"It's very simple," Jason Gowin said. "You take text messages, or video or audio clips, and you upload them into this portal. It gets turned into their algorithm that they have built for each personality."

MORE: Senators unveil 'roadmap' for government-funded AI research, regulation

He acknowledged holding some concerns about data privacy but he said the family is careful to avoid putting sensitive information into the chatbot, such as financial or medical records. Otherwise, he said, the information is of a type he would share publicly anyway. "We're a very open book," Jason Gowin said.

During a session speaking with the chatbot last month, Jayce wanted to know whether it remembered an old friend of his father's, named Mark. "I'm not sure," the chatbot responded, using a voice that closely resembled Jason's. "Can you remind me who Mark is?"

After being told a few details about Mark, the chatbot offered to share a story about him, as if it had taken part in the experience firsthand.

"I remember a time when Mark and I were on a road trip, and we got lost in the middle of nowhere," the chatbot said. "We didn't have GPS or smartphones back then. So we had to rely on our sense of direction and find our way back to civilization."

Sitting alongside his son, Jason Gowin called the story bogus. "He just made that entirely up," he said. "That's not a real thing."

When asked about risks posed by false or misleading statements made by the chatbot under the guise of a trusted relative, Jason Gowin downplayed the mishaps as the sort of errors that he and other real-life parents make all the time.

"I don't know why we're going to hold the AI to any different standard," he added. "As a parent, I've made major, major screw ups. And you don't see them as screw ups at the time."

Some grief tech companies have sidestepped generative AI altogether.

PHOTO: Jason and Melissa Gowin spend time with their son, Jayce. (ABC News/Katherine Caulderwood, Nam Cho and Lilia Geho)

StoryFile, another firm based in Los Angeles, offers an interactive version of deceased relatives by recording an hourslong question-and-answer session with the individual before his or her death, and in turn, attempting to create a reproduction that responds to prompts.

In this case, the virtual reproduction utters pre-recorded content in a real-life manner. If a topic falls outside a set of established discussion areas, however, the reproduction cannot respond.

Still, the company occasionally uses AI to make modifications of the source material, James Fong, the CEO of StoryFile, told ABC News. In some cases, the company adds transition sentences or combines two different responses provided by the deceased. Going further, the company made a digital recreation of Walmart founder Sam Walton through adapting performances of his words by a real-life actor.

The digital recreation of Walton was made for an exhibit at the Walmart Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

MORE: 'Overlooked' workers who train AI can face harsh conditions, advocates say

The company views the use of AI as allowable in cases "where you're not infringing upon the authenticity," Fong said.

Grief tech fills a need for those who've lost a family member, but it also risks enabling a denial of that loss, Elena Lister, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and co-author of the book "Giving Hope: Conversations With Children About Illness, Death, and Loss."

"People ache for this. They feel like, 'If I could just talk to this person.' They imagine conversations in their head," Lister told ABC News. "The pain of loss can be great, especially for a child who loses a parent."

"If you can accept, 'I'm not really talking to the mom that I long for -- it's a projected image,' then I think that helps things," Lister added. "But that's very hard to do because our hunger to have that person with us again overrides our logical, cognitive knowledge."

Harrison, of You, Only Virtual, admits the company does encounter discomfort among some people wary about the notion of recreating their deceased relatives in virtual form.

"I think it's pretty normal for people to feel uncomfortable with things that are new," Harrison said. "This won't be for everybody, although I think it'll be for many, many more people than realize it."

"Ultimately, we're a tool," he said. "That's the cool thing about living in the world that we live in today: You can pick and choose what's out there."

'I love you robo-dad': Meet a family using AI to preserve loved ones after death originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Legal experts, political advisors and scholars from across the political spectrum are warning that a second term for Donald Trump could mean effectively ending democracy in America, a threat they say calls for voters putting aside their policy differences to defeat the threat of autocracy in November.

The warning came from bipartisan group of experts who gathered at New York University on Tuesday to discuss the impact a second Trump term would have on the country. The event, Autocracy in America: a Warning and a Response, was planned before President Joe Biden announced he was stepping down as the Democratic nominee, a decision that speakers said had upended the race for the White HOuse.

Weve gone from age vs. autocracy to dictatorship vs. democracy as the theme of the next 119 days, Norm Eisen, a legal analyst at CNN, said of Bidens announcement.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on authoritarianism and a history professor at NYU, opened a panel discussion Tuesday by warning that Trump and Project 2025  the hard-right policy manual drafted by the former president's allies at the Heritage Foundation  are following the model of Hungarys Victor Orban, even resembling past dictators like Italys Benito Mussolini.

Though warning of autocracy in America may seem extreme, the threat is very real, Ben-Ghiat said.

It is MAGA dictatorship or American democracy," she said. "It is repression  the iron first coming down on us  of freedom. I've seen what happens to societies when corrupt leaders and their allies gain power based on division or hatred and Project 2025 is a recipe for mass chaos, abuses of power and dysfunction in government. She urged listeners to have open, bipartisan discussions with one another to truly understand the stakes of Novembers election.

George Conway, a conservative lawyer and vocal Trump critic, expanded on Trumps authoritarian qualities.

Everything is about him  the government is about him  [and] pleasing him and his glory and his power at any given moment," Conway said. People dont take him seriously because they find the depths of his depravity too difficult to comprehend."

If re-elected, Conway said Trumps narcissism will likely have greater consequences this time around as he will remove anybody around him who understands and wants to obey the law, a situation exacerbated by the Supreme Court granting him near-absolute immunity. He warned that honest civil servants will resign or be removed, forced to choose between fighting and succumbing.

If Trump wins in November, Conway warned that an executive branch unbound by the Constitution will give rise to a notion often seen in authoritarian regimes: that the law only applies to people we dont like  it doesnt apply to us."

What we will see is corruption on a scale like weve never seen before in this country, Conway added.

Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, has been vocal about replacing civil servants with Trump loyalists. Fire every single mid-level bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, replace them with our people, Vance said on a podcast in 2021, according to reporting by Vanity Fair.

Maya Wiley, attorney and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, warned of Trump and Project 2025s possible impacts on civil rights for anybody who is not a straight, white male.

If you are LGBTQ, you are not inscribed in the philosophy and the underpinnings of how Project 2025 is looking at how the executive branch will reconsider and utilize its powers, its resources, its obligation to enforce civil rights, Wiley said, referencing Project 2025s opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.

This exclusionary vision, coupled with the Supreme Courts immunity ruling prosecution for official acts, is incredibly concerning, Wiley said, eliminating "independent oversight" and preventing prosecutors from even examining the motives of "someone who is an autocrat."

The threat posed by a Trump presidency no longer constrained by the rule of law demands people across the political spectrum working together to defeat a threat to democracy.

"Autocracy only happens when we the people dont get together and say, 'No you wont,' Wiley argued. Democracy is not a promise, its a commitment, so lets stay committed.
WASHINGTON  Grey jersey barriers and tall black fences create a near military compound around the iconic Watergate hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is staying during his controversial visit to Washington.

But the barricades, patrolling officers on motorcycles and multiple security check points apparently didnt keep protesters from releasing insects inside the hotel  previously associated with a different type of bugging  in advance of Netanyahus address to Congress Wednesday.

Referring elliptically to the unfortunate incident that has been publicized on social media, the hotel said Wednesday the property has been sanitized and authorities are handling the situation.

Congressional Republicans may have invited Netanyahu to address Congress as a show of support for Israels embattled leader.

But his visit has also drawn attention to the divisions created by Israel's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, which has led to mass civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis.

WANTED for crimes against humanity, declared a poster with mugshot-like images of Netanyahu plastered to a lamp post across the street from the hotel.

Jul 24, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Protestors gather to rally against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, as he is addresses the U.S. Congress in Washington.. Mandatory Credit: Megan Smith-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-891416 (Via OlyDrop)

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers refused to attend the speech.

A "diverse coalition" of more than 100 interns anonymously signed a letter denouncing Netanyahu's visit.

Capitol Police, on Tuesday, arrested about 200 demonstrators for crowding, obstructing or incommoding inside a House office building.

On Wednesday, police werent letting protesters get close to the Capitol. At nearby Union Station, some Palestinians flags were raised and American flags were removed. Protestors also tried to burn American flags, and an effigy of Netanyahu.

'Would we roll out the red carpet for Hitler?'

Rebekah Anderson, a 35-year-old registered nurse from Oregon came to Washington to march down Independence Avenue to show her outrage that someone she considers a war criminal was invited to address Congress.

Would we roll out the red carpet for Hitler to shake hands and address our lawmakers? said Anderson, who carried a sign calling the prime minister NAZI-YAHU. He should be egged. He should be apprehended. He should not be allowed here.

The red carpet was not rolled out for Netanyahu at Blair House, the historic home near the White House that often houses foreign guests.

Asked why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not staying there, a White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the visit is not one of the categories that lets it be one of the Blair House uses.

The last time it was used was for Kenyan Prime Minister William Rutos state visit in May. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kashida stayed there during his April state visit. In between those diplomatic events, the White House hosted the heads of states of Romania, Jordan, Czech Republic, and Iraq for working visits -- and none of them were offered Blair House, the official said.

Blair House stays usually are for state visits and official working visits. Netanyahus visit was categorized as just a working visit.

Shortly after the phone conversation with USA TODAY, the official emailed back to say the Blair House is undergoing long-planned renovations, and is not able to accommodate any guests right now.

Protestors gather to rally against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, as he is addresses the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC.

Netanyahu is still receiving protection from the Secret Service, which wasn't responsible for securing the hotel conference room where maggots were released, according to the service's Public Safety Joint Information Center. Abel Trevino, a spokesperson for the center, told USA TODAY there was never any threat to Netanyahu.

'We drove him from the race'

President Joe Biden, who is meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday as well as with the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas, has been dealing with the divisions in his party over Israels war in Gaza while trying to negotiate a cease-fire.

Demonstrators regularly interrupted his campaign events when he was running for re-election.

Ramon Mejia, an organizer with the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, said protests over the governments military support for Israel helped convince Biden to step aside.

We drove him from the race, Mejia said when asked if demonstrations are making a difference.

He spoke as a group of more than 100 protesters  some waving Palestinian flags and others wearing black-and-white keffiyehs  chanted at an intersection about a mile from the Capitol.

Say it loud and say it clear! Bibi is not welcome here! they yelled.

Protestors gather to rally against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, as he is addresses the U.S. Congress on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Elsewhere in the city, a rally organized by the anti-war group ANSWER Coalition along with several partner groups, attracted a crowd that stretched for several blocks near the Capitol.

But William Wechsler, senior director of Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs, doubts the demonstrators will have much impact on Netanyahus visit.

Indeed, in a city that routinely witnesses protests that number in the tens of thousands and sometimes far more, these protests are smaller than many anticipated, he said. The more significant protests are within the Capitol, where a number of members have declined to attend or felt compelled to offer public explanations about why they decided in the end to attend.

Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, likewise said the demonstrations are more likely to be an inconvenience for local residents than to meaningfully impact Netanyahus visit.

Netanyahu has faced months of protests at home, most prominently from families of those still held hostage by Hamas, Panikoff said. Now facing American ones is unlikely to affect his advocacy for current Israeli policies.

Evelyn Farkas, who served as a deputy assistant secretary of defense in the Obama administration, said Netanyahus trip probably isnt motivated by whats best for Israel or for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

True to form, he is currying favor with one party in the United States and frankly working to exacerbate the split between the two parties and perhaps to help former President Trump and his party politically, said Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute.

For Syed Qamer, a structural engineer from Virginian who was born in Pakistan and joined Wednesdays protests, it feels as if the world has given its approval for Israel to kill more Palestinians.

It hurts, Qamer said. It hurts.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netanyahu visit to U.S. hit with protest at the Watergate, Congress
A man accused of shooting and killing a pregnant woman and teenager was found in Cleveland on Tuesday, a spokesperson with the Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman, 16-year-old dead after shooting in Dayton neighborhood

Nicole N. Cunigan Jr., 32, of Dayton was arrested after leading Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and Cleveland police on a pursuit.

At approximately 1:47 p.m., troopers attempted to stop a silver Chevrolet Equinox that was reported stolen and recently used in an aggravated robbery on Kinsman Ave., the spokesperson said.

Troopers said the car didnt stop and a pursuit began.

OSHP Aviation unit began monitoring the suspect vehicle and tracked it to Phillips Ave. near Lakeview Ave., the spokesperson said.

>>RELATED: You stole joy; Family of pregnant mother killed in shooting ask killer to turn self in

The suspect got out of the car and ran into a wooded area.

Troopers and Cleveland police secured the area as they searched for the suspect.

At approximately 3:19 p.m., Cunigan was found inside an abandoned house in the 12000 block of Osceola Ave., according to the spokesperson.

OSHPs Special Response Team arrested Cunigan without incident.

>>RELATED: Charges filed against man accused of killing pregnant woman, 16-year-old in Dayton

Authorities learned Cunigan had an active felony warrant for murder out of the Dayton Police Department since late May.

Cunigan is currently at the Cuyahoga County Jail.

On May 22, Cunigan allegedly shot and killed 32-year-old Precious Taste and 16-year-old Deante Johnson at a house in the 1400 block of Shaftesbury Road, according to a previous News Center 7 report.

Taste was four months pregnant at the time of the shooting. She also shared 4-year-old twins with Cunigan.

He has since been charged with four counts of murder, one count of involuntary manslaughter, four counts of felonious assault, one count of tampering with evidence, one count of weapons while under disability, and one count of improper discharge of a firearm.

Thanks to the great work by SOFAST, the Dayton Police Departments Homicide Unit, State Highway Patrol, and the Cleveland U.S. Marshals Office for being able to ultimately locate and apprehend Cunigan, who is wanted for murder, Dayton police posted on social media.

We will continue to follow this story.
Man accused of robbing father and daughter outside Tokyo Grill, charged in two similar crimes

Man accused of robbing father and daughter outside Tokyo Grill, charged in two similar crimes

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man accused of robbing a father and daughter outside Tokyo Grill was arrested for a similar crime in Bartlett on the same day, police say.

Enrii Howell, 30, was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated robbery and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

Father, daughter robbed while closing restaurant in southeast Memphis

Police said Howell and another man surrounded and robbed the victims at gunpoint on July 14 while they were closing the restaurant on Kirby Road in Southeast Memphis.

Investigators released surveillance video of the robbery suspects that appeared to show them fumbling with their guns before the alleged robbery. They were seen leaving in a maroon Jeep Cherokee with a missing front grill.

Bartlett police contacted MPD and told them they recognized Howell and the maroon Jeep from a robbery arrest they made on July 14.

Bartlett investigators said Howell admitted that he and another man named Lil C were responsible for robbing the father and daughter at Tokyo Grill in Memphis.

Woman carjacked at gunpoint while loading groceries at Aldi: MPD

Howell is also accused of robbing and punching a woman outside Great China Food Market on June 9. Police said the victim was putting some items into her car when Howell grabbed her purse off the passenger seat.

The victim said Howell jumped into a maroon Jeep and punched her in the face when she grabbed the steering wheel to prevent him from leaving with her purse and $3,500.

Court records show Howell was out of jail on a $50,000 bond when he allegedly committed the other robberies.

Howell was convicted of aggravated robbery in Shelby County in 2016.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The 29-year-old man accused of brutally stabbing a transgender teen and nearly throwing her over a railing at a Florida airport on Sunday was denied bond, according to reports.

The suspected stabber, Alexander Love, 29, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and attempted premeditated murder, NBC affiliate WTVJ reported.

The incident occurred at the Miami International Airport around 11:33 p.m. on the fourth floor of Terminal J in the pre-security area when Love allegedly stabbed the 17-year-old without provocation.

Astronauts remain in space as Boeings Starliner mission exceeds 45-day window at ISS

According to WTVJ, the teen was on the floor eating when Love attacked her with a long butcher knife. She was stabbed about 18 times in the arms, shoulders, neck, face, head and legs.

Following the stabbing, Love allegedly tried to push the teen over the fourth-floor safety retaining glass. Luckily, she was able to escape and ran to the third floor where police officers found her.

The 17-year-old was rushed to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. Her current condition is unclear, WTVJ reported.

Love was arrested shortly after the attack.

During an interview with the Miami-Dade Police Department, Love claimed that he became briefly acquainted with the victim before the attack. He also told authorities that he was possibly drugged and claimed someone inserted an unknown object in his rectum, according to WTVJ.

Avelo Airlines announces 7 all-new nonstop routes from Lakeland

Love reportedly told officials that he didnt know if the teen was the one to blame, but made a statement indicating that he needed to hurt whoever did it. He also claimed the incident prompted him to purchase the butcher knife at a Target store nearby.

The arrest report refers to the victim as a he but the police department said the victims mother said the teen is transgender and identifies as a female.

According to WTVJ, preliminary information does not indicate that the incident was a hate crime; however, police said it has not been ruled out. During Loves court appearance on Monday, the judge denied his bond and ordered him to have no contact with the victim.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kyle Mazza / NurPhoto / Shutterstock.com

One key issue during this presidential race has been Social Security and its future. Along with the economy, voters have made it clear this is an important issue to them. Whoever wins in November will need to take action on Social Security.

Find Out: 8 States To Move to If You Dont Want To Pay Taxes on Social Security

Explore: The Surprising Way You Can Get Guaranteed Retirement Income for Life

Time is ticking away to fix the Social Security Administrations (SSA) funding cliff. If new funding plans are not put in place under a future administration, benefits could be immediately cut by around a fifth in 2035. During this campaign season, both sides have been claiming they have plans to deal with the future of Social Security and the tens of millions of people who rely on it for support

Heres a look at four reasons Kamala Harris winning the White House in November could be good for your Social Security check.

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.

Looking at Ways to Fund Social Security

Since Harris only recently announced her intentions to run for president, she has not yet spoken much as a presidential candidate this year about her plans for Social Security. However, she has generally taken the same stances as President Joe Biden during the election campaign so far.

Depending on your income level, you may be pleased to hear her support for Bidens plans. Harris has generally supported the current administrations plans for funding the SSA, including imposing additional taxes on people with incomes of more than $400,000.

Harris also has a track record of supporting such ideas. According to CNBC, she backed a plan for similar reforms called the Social Security Expansion Act when she was a senator in California.

Opposing Cuts to Benefits

Harris could also be good for your Social Security check by protecting the amount you receive. In a previous fact sheet issued by the White House, the administration said it is opposed to any proposal to cut benefits, as well as proposals to privatize Social Security  something Harris is likely to stick to during a presidential campaign, given that benefit cuts would be extremely unpopular with the electorate, according to Newsweek.

Increasing Funding for the SSA

In what may be even better news for you than keeping benefits in place, Harris may look to increase funding for the SSA. For 2025, the Biden Administration has been looking to increase funding by about 9% from the 2023 enacted level.

Story continues

Changing the Math

Some other proposals by the Biden-Harris Administration also could impact the amount of your Social Security check.

One proposal is to change the calculation used to determine annual cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security. Instead of using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, the Administration has favored basing the adjustments on the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. Some senior advocates have said this better accounts for changes in healthcare costs.

The Administration has also discussed raising the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which shows how much money youll receive in Social Security benefits. Biden and Harris have proposed raising the PIA for older Americans to help them cope with rising costs later in life.

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. For more coverage on this topic, please check out Social Security: Trump Says He Will Never Do Anything To Cut Benefits  What Is His Plan To Preserve the Program?

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Reasons Kamala Harris Could Be Good for Your Social Security Check
Man arrested in case of baby found in a Wichita canal. What we know so far.

A 34-year-old man was arrested after an infant girl was found alive Tuesday in a canal in the area of Mount Vernon Street and Interstate 135 in Wichita.

The man was booked into the Sedgwick County jail Wednesday morning on suspicion of aggravated endangering of a child, aggravated battery and parole violation, jail records show.

He has not been charged.

The man had a warrant out for his arrest through the Kansas Department of Corrections. KDOC records show he was released from prison and has been on parole since February.

Officers were sent at 1:33 p.m. to a welfare check call in the area of I-135 and Pawnee Street for a report of a child in a canal. Police, with the help of the Wichita Fire Department, found the 11-month-old girl, Wichita police spokesperson Kristopher Gupilan said.

The girl was taken to a hospital and is in police protective custody. She is OK and had no reported injuries, Gupilan said Wednesday morning.

Detectives are looking into what led to the infant being placed in a canal. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call detectives at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

KDOC records show the 34-year-old man who was arrested has prior convictions for assault, aggravated assault, theft, aggravated burglary, distribution/possession of drugs and possession of weapon by a felon. All the convictions occurred in Sedgwick County in 2015 and 2016.

Police looking for man after infant girl found in canal near Mount Vernon and I-135

Kansas man arrested in connection with womans death on Valentines Day 2021
Ephraim Hunter, right, appears in court with public defender Carlos Bido, left, on April 23. (Al Seib / For The Times)

A 29-year-old man accused of breaking into the residence of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, forcing her to flee into a safe room, pleaded no contest to a felony vandalism charge on Wednesday, with prosecutors dismissing a more serious burglary charge.

Ephraim Hunter was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian ordered Hunter to undergo drug treatment and stay away from Bass, the mayor's residence and Los Angeles City Hall for three years.

The early-morning incident in April exposed shortcomings in security at Getty House, the official mayor's residence in Windsor Square, and raised questions about whether Hunter had intentionally targeted Bass. Hunter's family has insisted he was in an apparent drug-induced psychosis on April 21, unaware of where he was and not there to take anything.

Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl declined comment on the plea agreement.

Deputy Public Defender Howard Stern, who represented Hunter, said his client is "pleased" with the resolution of the case.

"He is looking forward to working hard in recovery, turning his life around, and becoming a success story," Stern said in an email.

Hunter was initially charged with first-degree burglary and vandalism, both felonies, with the potential for a maximum of 13 years and four months in prison. As part of his plea agreement, he also admitted to a prior strike for a 2016 robbery conviction in Massachusetts.

Days after Hunter's April 21 arrest, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon told reporters that he believed that Hunter had specifically targeted Bass, who lives at the home with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

During Wednesday's hearing, Deputy Dist. Atty. Jonathan Chung told the judge that a first-degree burglary charge against Hunter would be dismissed because prosecutors could not prove his intent. Chung acknowledged that video from a bus showed Hunter was "acting erratically" before breaking into Bass's home.

Interim LAPD Police Chief Dominic Choi confirmed in April that no one from the department was on the premises at the time that Hunter smashed a glass door and entered the home, trailing blood behind him. Officers arrived at the home and arrested Hunter after Bass had gone into a safe room on the premises.

An LAPD source, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the case, previously told The Times that the department has since started maintaining a round-the-clock visible presence in the area.

Police and prosecutors said Hunter broke into the mayor's residence at around 6:40 a.m., while Bass and several of her family members were at home. According to law enforcement sources, Hunter made his way up to the second floor and at some point encountered Stax, the mayor's German Shepard. No one was hurt and nothing was stolen.

Law enforcement sources told The Times that Hunter called out Bass' first name after entering the residence. Hunter offered a different account, telling KNX that he had been calling out the first name of his brother, Aaron.

During the KNX interview, Hunter said he had been under the influence of methamphetamine and believed someone was chasing him. He denied he was targeting the mayor, saying he has no interest in politics and is barred from voting due to past criminal convictions.

The incident was the second of two break-ins experienced by Bass in recent years. In 2022, two men burglarized Bass home in Baldwin Vista, stealing two guns. Both were sentenced to prison last year.

Court records show that Hunter was previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon in Massachusetts, serving seven years in state prison. Hunter maintained that he was present for the attack but did not take part in it, a relative told The Times.

A woman who identified herself as Hunters mother previously told The Times that he had been struggling with drug addiction and possibly suffering from hallucinations during the break-in.

Josephine Duah described her son as a very kind and loving person whose life had become unwound by drug use and his time in prison. She repeatedly insisted her son had no idea he had entered the mayors house.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Getty Images

This story contains descriptions of violence against a transgender teenager.

A 17-year-old transgender girl was hospitalized after she was stabbed 18 times at Miami International Airport over this past weekend. Her alleged attacker now faces two murder charges and is being held without bond as he awaits trial.

The teen, identified only by the initials D.J. in court, was eating a meal while seated on the floor of the airports Terminal J concourse before the attack, according to reporting by the Miami Herald. Police told the Herald that both the victim and her alleged attacker, 29-year-old Alexander Love, were both unhoused and living in the airport, but it is unknown whether the two knew each other prior to the incident.

At roughly 11:30 P.M. on July 20, Love allegedly approached the victim where she sat eating and stabbed her 18 times across her entire body with a butcher knife, per court documents reviewed by NBC affiliate WTVJ. Love then allegedly tried to push the teen over a safety barrier to the floor below, but she escaped, fleeing to the third floor where she received medical assistance. She was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was received in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery, but has been unable to speak due to her injuries, police told ABC News on Monday.

Love told police that he believed someone had drugged him with an unknown substance and inserted an object into his rectum, and felt he needed to hurt whoever hurt him, ABC reported, prompting him to purchase the knife from a nearby Target and return to the airport. Police have not yet ruled out the possibility that the attack was a hate crime.

On Monday, Love pleaded not guilty to attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and attempted premeditated murder, according to court records, and was denied bond by Judge Mindy Glazer. He is also ordered to stay away from both the victim and airport. (The assault may have knock-on consequences for other unhoused people who currently rely on the airport for refuge; Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told the Herald her office would be reviewing all our protocols, adding that authorities dont want our airport to be a shelter.)

U.S. reports of violent, public attacks targeting transgender teens have been on the rise in 2024, including the murders of Jazlynn Johnson and Tayy Dior Thomas in May and Pauly Likens earlier this month. Stabbing incidents have also been reported in the U.K., where a group of four youths allegedly stabbed a trans peer 14 times in February. That same month, two other U.K. teens received prison sentences in excess of 20 years after they were convicted of stabbing 16-year-old Brianna Ghey last year.

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Originally Appeared on them.
Man charged with killing brother over the weekend

ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man has been charged with killing his brother at their home this past weekend.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the 4800 block of Maffitt Avenue, located in the Kingsway East neighborhood.

Police said Gregory L. Allen, 64, shot and killed his brother with a shotgun.

Southwest breaks with 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Police said Allen initially claimed he accidentally shot his brother, but witnesses said Allen had repeatedly threatened his brother before killing him.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Allen with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a firearm. Allen remains jailed without bond. Hes due for a detention hearing on July 30.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
(FOX40.COM)  A man was convicted Tuesday for a 2018 fatal shooting of a Sacramento County deputy, according to the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors said Anton Lemon Paris was found guilty by a jury for several charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder of another officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Deputy Mark Stasyuk, 27, was shot and killed in the line of duty after responding to an argument at a tire shop in Rancho Cordova on Sept. 17, 2018. Stasyuk served with the sheriffs office for four and a half years prior to his death.

Memorial service for fallen Vacaville Officer Matthew Bowen

Deputy Stasyuks dedication to serving our community will never be forgotten, and todays verdict brings a measure of justice to his memory and solace to his loved one, our agencies and our entire community, the sheriffs office said in a press release.

The DAs office said Paris and his ex-girlfriend were at Pep Boys on Folsom Boulevard where he became agitated and was pacing around the store in an aggressive manner while making threatening remarks.

Several employees observed Paris knocking things off shelves and saying he was going to kill everyone in the store, the DAs office said in a press release.

Prosecutors said Stasyuk and Sacramento County Deputy Julie Robertson responded to a call from an employee.

Stasyuk walked into the business first and asked Paris if he and his partner could to talk him. Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed the two deputies did not have their guns out or their hands on their weapons at that time.

Stockton Police collect hundreds of firearms in gun buyback event

Paris ran towards the front doors of the business and fired a semi-automatic weapon toward an employee in the upper back and later shot at Stasyuk one time each in the torso and head, the DA said. Stasyuk was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Paris and Robertson, who were injured, exchanged gunfire until the former left the area and jogged down Folsom Boulevard. Paris encountered law enforcement again firing shots at deputies, who returned fire before taking him into custody.

Robertson and the Pep Boys employee survived their injuries, officials said.

The Rancho Cordova community honored Stasyuk three years after the shooting by unveiling a memorial in his honor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  A man has been convicted by a Sangamon County jury for attacking and stalking his ex-girlfriend in 2022.

Clarence Hopson was convicted on charges of Attempted First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Aggravated Domestic Battery and Aggravated Stalking this week according to court records.

Newly released dispatch records detail confusion following shooting of Sonya Massey

On November 12, 2022, Hopson used a cinder block to break a glass door to enter his ex-girlfriends residence. He then used a box cutter to slash her throat and chin and slash her wrist. After attacking, Hopson fled the house and the victim was able to call 911 to be taken to a hospital.

Police were able to recover the box cutter. State Police were able to match the victims blood on the box cutters blade and Hopsons DNA on the handle of the tool.

The victim also testified Hopson was also stalking and surveilling his ex in the month leading up to the attack.

Additionally, the Springfield Police Department showed evidence from AT&T and Facebook that Hopson called his ex-girlfriend in the hours up to the attack 39 times, as well as sending countless texts and Facebook messages.

16-year-old hurt in overnight Danville shooting

After the attack, Hopson fled to Chicago, and then Las Vegas. He was apprehended in Colorado and extradited back to Central Illinois.

Hopson will be sentenced on October 3. He faces between 14 and 95 years in prison, and will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A native of Mexico has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to fentanyl and cocaine charges, authorities said.

Raul Perales Guzman, 38, of San Luis, Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and distribution of fentanyl. In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Joseph Dawson III also ordered five years of court-ordered supervision after his release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Guzman and a co-defendant were seen distributing one kilogram of fentanyl in June 2023, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration then searched a home in Conway where Guzman was staying and seized 43 kilograms of fentanyl, 23 kilograms of cocaine, 15 firearms, and approximately $407,000.

* * *

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN)  A man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a fatal crash in Del Valle that occurred June 21.

According to Travis County court documents, 35-year-old Eric Ricardo Landeros Ibarra was charged with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, a second-degree felony. No attorney is listed online for him at this time.

Court documents said Landeros Ibarra drove on the wrong side of the road in a no-passing zone into the path of another vehicle, which killed the driver. Documents identified the driver as 19-year-old Eduardo Antonio Figueroa.

RELATED | ATCEMS: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured in Del-Valle 3-vehicle crash

The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Pearce Lane and Kellam Road, which is near State Highway 130 and State Highway 71.

At the scene, documents said first responders saw several open containers of beer inside Landeros Ibarras vehicle.

Landeros Ibarra was taken to the hospital in critical condition following the crash, where his blood was taken during the normal course of his treatment for the motor vehicle crash, documents said.

The blood was later released to investigators for analysis through a search warrant, and according to documents, Landeros Ibarras Blood Alcohol Content was at 0.198. The legal limit is 0.08. Medical records that were also obtained showed a presumptive positive test for cocaine in his system.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Landeros Ibarra was no longer booked in the Travis County jail, records showed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Man hospitalized after being struck by boat in Keys during lobster miniseason, fire rescue says

A man was seriously injured after being struck by a boat in the Florida Keys Wednesday morning on the first day of the lobster miniseason, according to Monroe County Fire Rescue.

The incident occurred around 8 a.m. off Big Coppitt Key in the Lower Keys, said Kristen Livengood, Fire Rescue spokeswoman. He was diving for lobster near the Boca Chica Bridge, said Adam Linhardt, spokesman for the Monroe County Sheriffs Office.

Paramedics flew the man, whom authorities have not publicly identified, to a Miami-Dade hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries, Livengood said.

The helicopter had to land on Shark Key Bridge to pick the man up, temporarily blocking U.S. 1 traffic, said Linhardt.

Wednesday is the first of the two-day lobster miniseason that sees divers, snorkelers and boaters head to South Florida and the Keys to catch spiny lobster ahead of the regular recreational and commercial season that runs from Aug. 6 through March 31.

The event keeps police, firefighters and the Coast Guard busy.

The sheriffs office on Wednesday also rescued four people from a sinking boat around 11:30 a.m. near mile marker 39.

Linhardt said no one was injured.

A boat sinks in the ocean off the Florida Keys Wednesday morning, July 24, 2024. The people were rescued by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office.

In Miami-Dade County, a diver went temporarily missing after his boat was found capsized near Government Cut Wednesday morning, according to Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue.

That diver was found safe aboard another boat, the department said.

READ MORE: Boat ramps full as anglers take advantage of extra day of lobster miniseason

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Carol Cole is living it up in retirement. Courtesy of Carol Cole

Carol Cole enjoys a vibrant retirement in Washington, DC, thanks to her former government job.

Cole has a pension  a dwindling type of retirement savings  that pays her $4,300 monthly.

She leverages senior discounts and free programs to maintain an active lifestyle and financial stability.

Carol Cole is living it up in retirement.

The self-proclaimed "jazzy 70-year-old" and "cool old lady" retired from her government job in 2011. Now, she's taking her home city of Washington, DC, by storm: You can find her zipping around in Fred  her name for her Fiat convertible  or hitting up free senior programs.

Cole is an example of what retirement can look like with a good savings plan and a variety of government assistance programs. Her prior government role left her with a hefty retirement benefit; she still gets healthcare. She gets about $4,300 monthly in an annuity.

"Thank God for my good government job, which is now a good government retirement check that I get faithfully every first of the month," Cole said.

Cole loves living in DC. If you do your research, she says, you can end up living nearly "scot-free." It just requires a little paperwork, time, and reading. And for Cole, that means cheap rent, lots of amenities, and the ability to travel cross-country for free. She even maintains a TikTok for fun, posting about some of her adventures.

"There's nothing that I haven't seen or nothing that I really think I haven't been through," Cole said. In her retirement, she's enjoying freedom and spending power she didn't always have.

"Right now I'm on a kick for mojitos. I went all the way to Charlottesville, Virginia, because I heard of the berry mojito," she said. "And I went and had one. It was delicious."

Taking advantage of senior discounts

Cole's research on senior perks has paid off. She says her rent in DC is $1,100, plus $200 for parking, and she lives in a centrally located building with a pool and a gym.

She says other one-bedrooms in her building go for $2,800, but she's taking advantage of inclusionary zoning, which stipulates that 10% of the stock in new buildings is allocated toward affordable housing. She says it took her just 15 months to get into her current apartment.

"Here I am, bam. Now I'm in an apartment where everybody else around me is kind of rich except me, but they don't know. I blend in very nicely," she said.

She volunteers at an organization, Produce Plus, that provides access to fresh food to older adults in need.

Story continues

"I go there and help people shop, do their groceries, and when I get ready to leave, they say, 'Ms. Carol, do you want a bag?' I say: 'No. Save this for someone who can't afford it.' My good government job retirement has allowed me to buy my own potatoes right now," she said.

Cole also takes advantage of senior days at Harris Teeter, a local supermarket, and the clothing store Ross Dress for Less; she says Dollar Tree has also really stepped up its game.

"If I want to see something like at the Kennedy Center or something and it costs too much, I just volunteer and then I can see it for free," she said.

Cole bought an electric bike a few years ago. Now, she says, DC has a program to help subsidize e-bikes, and it paid for the assembly of her bike. Senior citizens also get access to swimming pools, she says, and she can get free rides to healthcare appointments and the senior center. She's taken advantage of a few water-aerobics classes in DC and was swimming up at a pool near Capitol Hill.

Cole also attended a few exercise classes at the senior center, but they were too slow for her.

"I'm a jazzy 70-year-old. They were just kind of too slow. I said, Lord, when I turn 85, I'll go back over there," she said. She's also very active in her church and thinks it's incredibly important for seniors to be involved in a community.

Cole also loves helping out and supporting her fellow seniors: She escorts them cross country on Amtrak a few times a summer. It's a volunteer role with a travel agency, and her expenses are covered  she's about to embark on a DC to San Francisco journey that stops in Chicago, Denver, and Reno. She enjoys having fun with her fellow seniors and tries to get them out and about.

"I have decided that maybe I should move to a senior building so I can even help them jazz it up, run for president, play bingo, do whatever, get them out their wheelchairs, go cross country, go to different trips, do whatever," Cole said.

A retirement that's not available to everyone

Cole's retirement embodies what many want from life after work: flexibility, financial stability, and just plain fun. But she's also not sure whether it's possible for future generations of retirees.

"Times have changed so much in money and Congress and the laws. Like I said, if it wasn't for the Lord and the good government, I wouldn't be having such a nice retirement either," Cole said.

Her retirement is structured as a monthly annuity payment, which, according to the Internal Revenue Service, is considered a defined benefit plan. Those plans are generally paid for by employers and have set sums distributed throughout the rest of the workers' lifetime. But defined benefit plans  which also include pensions  have become rarer and rarer. Instead, defined contribution plans  accounts such as 401(k)s that workers pay into  have increasingly become the norm.

But Cole's advice for retirement finances is to save as much as you can. She recently cut out buying sodas and started saving the cost of those sodas instead  those savings are now up to about $1,000, she says.

When she was younger and a single parent, Cole recalls, one of her coworkers bought her daughter a birthday present  because she wasn't able to afford it at the time.

"Now, I got money that I don't even spend," she said.

Cole notes that everyone, including herself, goes through different seasons in life. You just have to embrace them. She goes out of her way to make new friends spanning generations and to give everyone a smile.

Cole says the "last season," what she calls the "senior season" of life, is the best.

"I know people think they're in a good season now, but live long enough to get that Medicaid card," she said, adding: "I don't have nobody to tell me what to do. And I got a little money. I can just get up right now and go to Vegas if I want to just go. It's just so nice."

Are you a retiree loving retirement? Contact this reporter at jkaplan@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DENVER (KDVR)  The man who pleaded guilty to killing his mother in Castle Rock has been sentenced on Wednesday. She was found stabbed to death in her home after it had been set on fire.

Matthew Buchanan was given the maximum sentence of 48 years for second-degree murder, attempt to commit first-degree murder and attempt to commit cruelty to animals. He originally was facing 11 charges stemming from the incident.

The animal cruelty charges stem from dogs that were inside the house during the fire, according to arrest affidavits.

Everything seemed fine: Family still processing Castle Rock womans homicide

On April 26, 2022, Elizabeth Bjorlow was killed in her own home by her adult son.

Police said Buchanan was 32 years old at the time of his mothers death and had lived with Elizabeth and her husband for 16 years. Bryan Bjorlow, Elizabeths husband, said while there were disagreements, there was nothing out of the ordinary in the household.

I do want to bring some light to whatever this was that happened, Elizabeths oldest daughter told FOX31s Kirk Yuhnke in a May interview. I mean, my mother was this beautiful  I mean, she was healthy, she was happy, everything seemed fine. And then she was brutally murdered.

Elizabeth Bjorlow and one of her children.

The family said Liz was a loving mother and grandmother who was married to Bryan for 23 years. She was a caretaker, helping take care of her brother-in-law after he suffered a stroke.

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According to Castle Rock police, Elizabeth was stabbed multiple times before her house was set on fire. Buchanan fled the state after the murder and was ultimately arrested by law enforcement in Florida and extradited to Colorado.

Elizabeths family members were in court and have told FOX31 they still do not have answers as to why their own family member did this.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A 33-year-old man who was killed in a shooting in Tacoma has been officially identified.

Sean Miller of Tacoma died from multiple gunshot wounds on July 15 near East R Street and East 28th Street. His manner of death was listed as a homicide, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiners Office.

Miller was shot just before 8 p.m. that day and succumbed to his injuries after live-saving measures were attempted near I-5 and the Emerald Queen Casino, The News Tribune previously reported.

The victim and the alleged shooter had an interaction earlier that day at a different location in Tacoma. It escalated into a disagreement, and the alleged shooter followed Miller in his car until they reached East 28th Street, the story said.

The shooter fired shots at Miller. Police later contacted the alleged shooter who retained an attorney, provided a statement and is cooperating with the investigation. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday.
Man killed, woman wounded in metro-east shooting. Police ask for publics help

A 20-year-old man was killed and a 24-year-old woman wounded early Saturday in a shooting in Venice.

Police have not released the names of the victims.

The man, who is from Madison, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene at 1:40 a.m., according to a press release from the Illinois State Police.

The woman, who is from East St. Louis, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the press release states.

State police agents are handling the investigation.

Interim Venice Police Chief Henry Dowell told a BND reporter that a call came in to the department around 1:25 a.m. reporting a ``man down in the 1300 block of Oriole Street.

No further information was released by police.

Anyone with information regarding the homicide is urged to call the Venice Police Department at 618- 877-2114 or

State Police at 618-402-5970.
Man with prior history arrested after allegedly exposing himself to kids at water park

FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4)  A Farmington man was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly exposed himself to children at a water park  and officials believe he has been involved in similar incidents in the past.

Camron Cafferty, 55, was arrested by the Davis County Sheriffs Office for two counts of lewdness involving a child.

READ NEXT: Utah man sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography

According to a press release from the sheriffs office, Cafferty reportedly went to a water park in Davis County on June 1. At the park, officials said he allegedly intentionally exposed himself to two children in the park.

Despite facing a traumatic incident, two brave young victims were able to come forward and help law enforcement identity an alleged serial lewdness suspect, Sheriff Kelly V. Sparks of the DCSO said.

Cafferty visited the same park again in July, but employees of the park notified law enforcement.

Detectives have reason to believe that Cafferty may be involved in other lewdness cases in and around Davis County and has a history of prior lewdness incidents, the release said.

Sparks said the sheriffs office is grateful to our team of detectives and deputies who worked this case to ensure this individual was taken into custody and is held accountable for his actions.

The Davis County Sheriffs Office has asked anyone with information  or any other potential victims  to come forward.

Anyone with information on Cafferty has been asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line for the Davis County Sheriffs Office at 801-451-4150. If discussing Cafferty, the sheriffs office said callers may reference case number D24-11499.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Man sentenced to 45 years in prison after trying to kill FBI agents in Berks, fleeing to Leola

(WHTM)  A Berks County man will spend nearly half a century in prison after he was convicted in the attempted murder of three FBI agents.

Rafael Vega-Rodriguez, 42, of Reading, was sentenced Wednesday to 45 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

He was convicted of attempting to kill three FBI special agents.

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The attempts happened in March of 2020 in Reading, where FBI agents were conducting surveillance and looking for Vega-Rodriguez.

He was subject to a state arrest warrant for a parole violation.

Vega-Rodriguez walked past the three agents and, when they attempted to arrest him, he drew a handgun and fired four shots at the agents.

He fled to Leola where, after what federal authorities called an intense manhunt, he was arrested days later.

Pennsylvania State Police SERT member shot in Lancaster County

Rafael Vega-Rodriguez tried to murder three FBI agents doing their job, which, on that day, was to effect his lawful arrest, said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero. Hes proven himself to be a violent, dangerous man, a threat not just to law enforcement, but the community, as well. Were all safer with him behind bars and todays sentence ensures thats exactly where hell spend the next several decades of his life.

The FBI does not tolerate acts of violence against anyone, let alone against our own, said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. Each and every day, FBI agents place themselves in harms way to protect their fellow citizens. Todays sentencing makes it clear that we will stop at nothing to bring to justice those who commit an act of violence against federal agents.

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DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN)  A man was sentenced to five years in state prison for a murder that happened at a trailer in Del Valle in February 2022.

Marcos Mendoza was charged with first-degree murder after an argument while people were trying to change a flat tire eventually led to one person being shot to death, according to court documents.

PREVIOUS | Man charged with murder after argument, shooting in Del Valle trailer

Mendoza pled guilty and was indicted on the murder charge. He will serve five years in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility for his involvement in the shooting.

Mendoza was also sentenced to 20 years in prison for a first-degree murder charge stemming from a 2018 case. He also pled guilty and was indicted in that case.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Mendoza has 894 days of jail credit, which is just under two and a half years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  A Philadelphia man has been sentenced after selling methamphetamine and fentanyl within Luzerne County.

U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that 35-year-old Terrell Waston of Philadelphia has been sentenced to 188 months in prison for trafficking drugs in Luzerne County.

Woman killed in Carbon County crash identified

According to U.S. Attorney Karam Waston, pled guilty to distributing and possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Luzerne County between July 2021 and April 2022.

Waston later pled guilty to selling over 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2022 in Luzerne County.

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One man was shot, and the suspect was found dead after a shooting outside a Planet Fitness in Portland Wednesday.

The shooting took place in front of the international gym and fitness club Planet Fitness on W. Knight St. in Portland at about 9:40 a.m. Wednesday, according to a press release.

More: Portland Police launch investigation after shots fired injure person near Planet Fitness

Officers discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound to the face at the scene.

"Him turning his head at the right moment probably saved his life," Portland Police Department Interim Chief Jason Arnold said. "It hit him and did some pretty good damage."

He was transported by emergency medical services to TriStar Skyline Medical Center on Dickerson Pike in Nashville, where he's being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

His identity has not been released.

The suspect, Coltin James Lynch, fled the scene, the release said.

Officers searching for the suspect were contacted by officials with the Allen County Sheriff Department in Scottsville, Kentucky, who had located Lynch.

He was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Allen County, Kentucky.

"We are very thankful no one else was injured and we are extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the Sumner County Sheriff's Office, the Sumner County Emergency Management Agency, the Hendersonville Police Department, the 18th JDDTF, Sumner County EMS, the Portland Fire Department, the Kentucky State Police, the Allen County Sheriff's Office, and all other Agencies that offered assistance," Arnold said in the release.

Investigators haven't determined a motive for the shooting, but believe the incident was a random act of violence.

"They did know each other as far as we can tell," he said.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Man shot in alleged random attack at Portland gym, suspect found dead
Man shot to death in Old Fourth Ward identified as owner of popular Buckhead seafood restaurant

A 33-year-old restaurant owner is dead, and his killer is still on the run.

Investigators said someone shot and killed Chad Dillon as he sat in his Rolls Royce SUV.

It happened Tuesday afternoon, as Dillon worked on the opening of his new restaurant on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

Chad really didnt deserve to go out like that. He didnt deserve that, Bre Dawson told Channel 2s Audrey Washington.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Dawson works at Dillons Buckhead restaurant, The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil.

He was a great guy. He was a genuine person, Dawson said.

Witnesses said they heard about 14 gunshots at the scene. Dillon died at the hospital. The shooter or shooters took off.

This appears to be a targeted incident, this isnt random, said Lt. Andrew Smith with the Atlanta Police Department.

Why anyone would want Chad Dillon dead is unknown.

TRENDING STORIES:

Friends said Dillon was well-liked and respected in the local business and Atlanta music communities.

The 33-year-old donated thousands to help ex-offenders rebuild their lives.

One of Dillons employees told Washington that Dillon helped him when he was in need.

When I was down bad, I needed someone to help me, he was that shoulder, The employee said.

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Wednesday, there was a growing memorial in front of the Buckhead restaurant.

Hed give you the shirt off his back and thats why its so sad to hear about this for real, Dawson said.

Atlanta police said they are looking through surveillance video at the scene.

Dillons family will travel from his hometown of Brooklyn, New York to make funeral arrangements.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Man suffers life-threatening injuries after being struck by van on New Hampshire highway

A man is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after investigators say he was struck by a van on a busy New Hampshire highway on Wednesday morning.

Troopers responding to a report of a person who was hit by a vehicle on the northbound side of Interstate 293 in Manchester around 6 a.m. found a man injured in the road, according to New Hampshire State Police.

The man, whose name hasnt been released, was rushed to a nearby hospital.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the man was in a travel lane when he was hit by the driver of a Ford E-350 SD work van in the area of mile marker 6.6, state police said. That driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with troopers.

Closures impacted northbound traffic for about two hours before all lanes were reopened just before 8:30 a.m.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any additional information is asked to contact Trooper Thomas Skafidas at Thomas.W.Skafidas@dos.nh.gov or 603-227-2147.

An investigation into why the man entered the roadway remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Headquarters of Imagination Technologies

An Abu Dhabi-backed firm has invested $100m (77m) in one of Britains biggest microchip companies as the Gulf state seeks to become a major player in artificial intelligence (AI).

Fortress Investment Group, majority owned by Abu Dhabis wealth fund Mubadala Capital, has backed Imagination Technologies with a loan that can convert to equity in the company over time.

Imagination, which supplies microchip technology to companies including Apple, is currently owned by a private equity business linked to the Chinese state.

Its Chinese ownership has been controversial since the company was taken off the London Stock Exchange in 2017 in a 550m deal. In 2020 the Commons foreign affairs select committee intervened in a board takeover by the Chinese investor.

Fortresss backing is the first new investment in the company since the takeover. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed but it is unlikely to trigger national security scrutiny as Fortress is acquiring a minority holding in the business.

It is believed the company will continue to be majority-owned by Canyon Bridge, a Cayman Islands private equity firm whose main investor is China Reform, an investment firm backed by the Chinese state.

Mubadala has put billions into semiconductor technology, which has become an increasing national security focus due to its use in advanced weapons and AI systems.

It owns a majority stake in the manufacturer Global Foundries and has reportedly held talks with Sam Altman, the OpenAI chief executive, about an AI chip venture. Mubadala plays no role in Fortress investment decisions.

Ron Black, Imaginations former chief executive, is suing the company for unfair dismissal after claiming he was sacked for blowing the whistle on a Chinese effort to seize control of the company.

Ron Black, former chief executive of Imagination Technologies, claims he was urged to move the company to China for money - David Rose

He recently claimed he was promised a lot of money to move the company to China in 2019. Imagination has denied the claims.

Imagination designs microchips known as graphics processing units (GPUs) that are useful for computer displays, video games and artificial intelligence software. Apple is believed to account for a major portion of its revenue.

Ray Bingham, Imaginations chairman, said: We are thrilled that Fortress has chosen to invest in Imagination.

He added: This investment comes with a shared commitment to drive Imaginations innovation in GPU, CPU and AI and to help us accelerate growth, drive significant advancements and deliver unparalleled IP value to customers.

Fortress is based in New York and was owned by Japans SoftBank until Mubadala acquired a majority stake earlier this year.

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Man suspected of bamboozling Newnan Walmart employee out of nearly $3K in gift cards

Newnan police are searching for a man they said scammed a Walmart employee out of almost $3,000 in gift cards.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

It happened between July 6 and July 7.

Police said the man would buy the gift cards, and then cancel the transaction. Authorities said at that point, he confused the cashier by flimflamming.

The suspect stole a total of $2,880.

TRENDING STORIES:

Newnan officials said he traveled between Walmart in Newnan, Peachtree City, and Fayetteville several times to cash out. Each time, he was spotted driving a white BMW 7 series with an unreadable temporary tag.

Police said the suspect has vitiligo, which causes skin color variation in certain areas, such as his hands and legs.

Officers said the suspect will be picking up some felonies along the way.

If you see this man or know who he is, call Sgt. McNamara at 678-673-5383 or email.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
The suspect in a 2005 murder at a home in Riverside has been arrested in Mexico, nearly two decades after the crime was committed.

According to the Riverside Police Department, 50-year-old Luis Contreras was arrested by Mexican authorities in Mexicali on July 8, and has since been extradited back to Riverside County to face charges.

Contreras, who was 32 at the time, is the primary suspect in the June 14, 2005, killing of 38-year-old Alfonso Vera. Vera was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside a home on the 4700 block of Doane Avenue in Riverside.

Witnesses heard the shots and saw people running and two vehicles leaving the scene, police said. Those witnesses were able to provide a license plate number of one of the vehicles.

Robbery suspects caught after flaunting stolen cash on Instagram

Investigators later determined that a man was involved in an argument with his girlfriend and became physically violent with her. Vera came to the womans aid and intervened and was shot multiple times by another person.

Alfonso Vera was killed at a home in Riverside in June 2005. Nearly 20 years later, his suspected killer has been arrested. (Riverside Police Department)

Three suspects were believed involved in the case, two of which were apprehended weeks after Veras killing. But the gunman, who police said was Contreras, was never located, and it was believed that he fled to Mexico to avoid arrest.

Notorious L.A. gang leader killed in prison by other inmates, CDCR says

In June 2024, nearly two decades since the deadly shooting, detectives reopened the cold case and renewed the search for Contreras.

Within weeks, he was located and arrested by Mexican authorities in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service. Hes since been brought back to the U.S. and was booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center near Murrieta.

Luis Contreras, 50, is seen in this undated photo provided by the Riverside Police Department. Contreras was arrested in connection with the 2005 murder of Alfonso Vera.

Now 50 years old, Contreras is awaiting trial on second-degree murder charges and is currently being held on $1 million bail, according to jail records.

Hes expected to appear in court on Aug. 2.

Of the two other men believed to be involved in the killing of Alfonso Vera, one served a three-year prison sentence for being an accessory to murder and the other was not charged due to a lack of evidence, police said.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Riverside Police Departments Homicide Cold Case Unit by email or by calling 951-320-8000.

Earlier this month, a man suspected in an Orange County homicide that happened 18 years ago was arrested in Mexico and extradited back to the U.S. to face charges.

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Man in Wisconsin on the run after allegedly shooting at deputies and running into the woods following police chase

BARABOO, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in central Wisconsin are looking for a man who is accused of shooting at deputies after a police chase.

The Baraboo Police Department posted on its Facebook page about an incident where a man allegedly fled from authorities and fired a gun toward deputies. On July 23 around 11 p.m., a police officer tried to pull over a vehicle for a possible intoxicated driver.

Authorities say that the vehicle fled from the officer and drove at a high rate of speed on HWY 78. A few minutes later a Sauk County Deputy saw the same vehicle on HWY 113.

Authorities identify two dead after plane crash near EAA in Oshkosh, both from out-of-state

In order to try to stop the vehicle, an officer used stop sticks but the vehicle reportedly drove around them. The release says that the vehicle eventually crashed a short distance later.

When authorities got to the scene of the crash, the driver allegedly fired gunshots toward deputies before running off into a wooded area. One deputy had a minor injury as a result of the incident.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jeffery Miller is at large and reportedly has ties to Sauk and Juneau County areas. Police say that Miller is presumed to be armed and was last seen wearing a black shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to call 608-355-4495. Authorities did say that anyone who sees Miller should call 911.

Neenah Police Department informs public of vehicle safety on hot summer days

No additional details were provided.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday, July 24, to speak with Congress ahead of his meetings with Biden, Harris and Trump this week

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty;Amos Ben Gershom/GPO via Getty; Travis P Ball/Getty Kamala Harris, Benjamin Netanyahu and Nancy Pelosi

At least 30 Democratic lawmakers and one Republican will not be attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to Congress on Wednesday, July 24.

According to The Guardian, the people skipping the speech include Senate President Kamala Harris, Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie.

Massie called Netanyahu's speech an act of "political theater" in a post that explained his decision on X: "The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell intl opposition to his war. I dont feel like being a prop so I wont be attending."

NBC News' Doug Adams shared that some lawmakers are boycotting the speech entirely, some will listen from their offices and others will attend counter-programming events.

Pelosi's spokesperson told Axios that, while she won't attend the speech, she will "join a Members meeting with Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings."

Related: Daughter Reflects on Late Palestinian Father's Dream for Peace in Gaza: 'Hamas Destroyed That Dream' (Exclusive)

MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial on May 5, 2024

Netanyahus address is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. He will be met with large crowds of pro-Palestinian protestors as he arrives to the Capitol.

In my speech, I will emphasize the importance of bipartisan support for Israel, Netanyahu said before traveling to the U.S. for his visit, according to NBC News. I will address our friends on both sides of the map and tell them that regardless of who will be chosen to lead the American people after the presidential elections, Israel is the most important ally of the United States in the Middle East, an irreplaceable ally.

"I think that in this time of war and uncertainty, it is of utmost importance that our enemies know that the U.S. and Israel stand together  today, tomorrow and forever, he added.

Related: Israeli Defense Minister Calls for Complete Siege of Gaza Strip Two Days After Hamas' Surprise Attack

GPO/ Handout/Anadolu via Getty President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv on Oct. 18, 2023

While President Joe Biden, 81, has been criticized by some progressives for not pulling support from Israel amid its widespread attacks on Gaza, Harris, 59, has been more vocal in denouncing civilian deaths in the Palestinian territory.

Without openly defying Biden's approach to foreign relations, she has made a handful of pointed statements suggesting that Israel needs to be more thoughtful about how it defends itself, including saying in December that "international humanitarian law must be respected" and "too many Palestinians have been killed."

Related: Biden Calls for Two-State Solution, More Aid in Gaza: Saving Innocent Lives Has to Be a Priority

"What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating," she said during a separate speech in March. "The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act."

Though Harris decided not to preside over Netanyahu's joint speech on Capitol Hill, she will still meet privately with Netanyahu this week, as will Biden and former President Donald Trump.

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Harris made history in November 2020 when she became the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected vice president. She would make history again if she were to become the first female president of the United States.

Her emerging presidential campaign comes after Biden, 81, dropped out of the 2024 race on Sunday and offered his "full support and endorsement" for Harris to become the Democratic presidential nominee.

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March for Our Lives, the gun control advocacy group started after the 2018 Parkland shooting, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, the organizations first endorsement of an elected official ever.

The stakes couldnt possibly be higher in this election. Trump has shown us time and time again who he is: A dangerous demagogue who wants to take us back in time, strip us of our rights, and give a blank check over to the extremist gun lobby. We cant let that happen, the group wrote in a statement released on its website. We need someone to stand up boldly to him and his cronies and fight for our lives tooth and nail. A proven fighter and a bold thinker who can inspire young people and create the future that we KNOW we deserve.

The statement went on, Thats why were pleased to make our first endorsement EVER: March for Our Lives endorses Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

The group listed their grievances that influenced their decision: gun violence remains the leading cause of death for young people for the third year in a row, the war in Gaza... the climate crisis... and far-right politicians... pushing one of the most extremist agendas in our countrys history, referencing Project 2025.

The organization also flexed Harris bona fides as the director of the newly minted White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Since becoming Vice President, she has met regularly with advocates and survivors of gun violence, and weve had the pleasure of working with her as shes led the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the group wrote.

The organization also believes that Kamala will step above that and fight for a bold, progressive futureand we will hold her accountable to that.

March For Our Lives spokesperson Ryan Barto told the Daily Beast that the organization does not coordinate with the campaign, adding they have nothing in terms of necessarily appointments when asked whether the Harris campaign had agreed to any cabinet picks or policy agenda that March for Our Lives had advocated.

We call on her to run a campaign that fights for the policy solutions that young people want, like an assault weapons ban, action on climate change, a vigorous defense of abortion, court reform, and an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the organization added in the statement.

Barto said that their endorsement of Harris and their lack thereof for President Joe Biden in 2020 was a confluence of the organizations non-profit status and that Biden has been a staunch ally.

He has been, you know, obviously one of the most progressive presidents of our lifetime who has done most for gun violence prevention, Barto said of Biden.

The National Firearms Trade Association has been highly critical of the White House Office of Gun Violence saying The office will have little to do with preventing actual crime and everything to do with using taxpayer dollars to attempt to deny Americans their Second Amendment rights, in reaction to its announcement in 2023.

The National Rifle Association called the office an unnecessary and politically-charged appendages to the federal bureaucracy: that it spend money while doing and accomplishing nothing.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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March for Our Lives has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race for the White House. Its the first time the youth-focused gun reform group has endorsed a political candidate.

The stakes couldnt be higher, March for Our Lives wrote in a statement provided to Rolling Stone. As one of the largest youth-led movements in the nation, we are clear-eyed about the challenge ahead and we believe that Kamala Harris is uniquely suited to meet this moment.

March for Our Lives was founded 2018 by survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Since their historic 2018 demonstration in Washington, D.C, the group has grown into one of the largest gun reform activist groups in the county, organizing national and local protests, promoting gun safety legislation, and representing the voices of young Americans in major Second Amendment court cases.

The endorsement of Harris comes less than two weeks after former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee, was injured in an assassination attempt carried out by a gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle. Despite the shooting, gun culture was prevalent days later at the Republican National Convention. Trump has vowed to loosen gun laws should he win in November, telling the National Rifle Associations annual convention in May that he wants to roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment.

The country that young people will soon inherit stands at the precipice, March for Our Lives added in its statement endorsing Harris. On one side, authoritarianism that threatens our fundamental rights, including our right to live freely without fear of gun violence; on the other, a world where we can keep fighting to build the future that young people know we deserve, they added. We need an ardent defender of democracy, a gun violence prevention champion, and a leader who will listen to young people, give us a seat at the table, and fight for our future. We believe that Kamala Harris is that candidate, and the right person to stand up for us and fight for the country we deserve.

Natalie Fall, Executive Director of March For Our Lives, said that that the group would work to organize the youth vote for Harris in critical swing states. March For Our Lives will work to mobilize young people across the country to support Vice President Harris and other down-ballot candidates, with a particular focus on the states and races where we can make up the margin of victory  in Arizona, New York, Michigan, and Florida, she wrote.

Harris leads the who leads the new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and in March visited Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, touring the classroom where the mass shooting took place. March for Our Lives lauded Harris as a lawmaker actively engaged with their mission. Since becoming Vice President, she has met regularly with advocates and survivors of gun violence, and weve had the pleasure of working with her as shes led the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the group wrote in its endorsement. Importantly, Vice President Harris has put gun violence survivors at the center of policymaking, demonstrating her commitment to empowering those most impacted by the issue to implement the right solutions.

Earlier this year, March for Our Lives Co-Chair Trevon Bosley detailed the groups ongoing mission in an op-ed for Rolling Stone. When young people say we want gun safety, we also mean universal health care and mental health services, economic opportunity, an end to the carceral system and an investment in community programs, funding for our schools and children, and a safety support network that doesnt let people fall through the cracks, he wrote. When we invest in these social programs, were investing in our people and in our communities, making them more prosperous and safer.

March for Our Lives joins President Biden, the vast majority of Democrats in Congress, every Democratic governor, and a slew of other notable voices in endorsing Harris for president. The campaign announced on Wednesday that it has raised over $100 million since Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday.

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Sen. Mark Kelly (Ariz.), a contender to become Vice President Kamala Harris running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket, told HuffPost on Wednesday that he would vote in favor of the pro-union legislation known as the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.

Kellys lack of full commitment to the PRO Act, as its known, has stood as a possible barrier to him becoming Democrats vice-presidential nominee, since labor unions are a crucial part of the Democratic coalition. Harris has become the presumptive nominee since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race on Sunday.

Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if the senator doesnt support the PRO Act? John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union, told ABC News.

But Kelly on Wednesday made clear in an interview with HuffPost that he would support the bill if it came to the Senate floor, affirming enthusiastic support for labor unions. He is not listed as a co-sponsor on the Senates most recent version.

Unions loom large in our life, and Im supportive of the PRO Act, Kelly said, recounting how when his mother, a police officer, was injured, her union helped her recover.

I would have voted for it on Day 1, he added of the bill. I would vote for it today. I am, like a lot of legislation, working to make it better. But if it came to the floor today or any day going back to the day I was sworn in, I would vote for it.

The PRO Act amounts to a sweeping overhaul of labor law that Democrats believe would make it easier for workers to form unions and bargain with their employers.

Among other measures, the legislation would create stiff financial penalties for illegal union-busting; ban anti-union captive audience meetings at work; make it easier for newly unionized workers to secure their first contracts; nullify state right-to-work laws; and bar employers from permanently replacing strikers.

But the bill has not drawn unanimous support within the Democratic caucus.

Kelly previously expressed concerns to HuffPost in 2021 regarding a provision that would extend collective-bargaining rights to independent contractors  a measure many business groups strongly oppose.

At the time, Kelly said he would like to see some changes to the bill, saying only that he was open to passing certain parts of the PRO Act through a process known as reconciliation.

Depending on how its done, Im not necessarily opposed to that, he said then.

Kelly is among several Democrats being mentioned as Harris potential running mate. The former fighter pilot and astronaut has a strong resume and could help Democrats win Arizona, a key swing state. Hes been a reliable Democratic vote in the Senate, and his vocal embrace of the PRO Act now, amid speculation about higher office, could be a sign of his interest in the job.

The senator declined to answer multiple questions earlier this week about whether hes been asked by Harris campaign to submit documents vetting his potential candidacy, a prerequisite for any candidate.

Kamala Harris is going to be the nominee, shes the right person for this job, and Im gonna work really hard to make sure that we dont see Donald Trump back in the White House, is all Kelly would tell HuffPost on Tuesday.

Other Senate Democrats heaped praise on Kelly as a vice presidential contender on Wednesday, highlighting his NASA background.

Obviously, I know Mark Kelly, I think hed be phenomenal, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said. Not because hes a centrist but because hes an extraordinary leader that is literally out of this world.
STUART  For the first time in a dozen years, Martin County School Board District 2 member Marsha Powers is facing a political opponent in the nonpartisan race that will be decided Aug. 20 during Floridas Primary Election.

Powers, 56, of Stuart, who also is the chief executive officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin & Okeechobee Counties, Inc., won her first school board race in 2012 by earning 305 more votes than Stuart attorney Anthony George, according to media reports.

She ran unopposed in 2016 and 2020.

Marsha Powers, Martin County School Board, 2024

My first election I had a lot to learn as a candidate  and as a school board member. I've gained a whole lot of knowledge and a lot of experience, and as far as my reelection campaign this time, the fourth-generation Martin County resident said during a July interview.

I think it's really good to be challenged  candidates should have opposition because in the end, it's no different than having differing viewpoints on a board.

The challenge, and being challenged, Powers said, results in better decision-making a lot of times.

Who is running to unseat Powers?

Her Stuart opponent, 46-year-old education activist and parent Sydney Thomas, in her bid to oust Powers, is calling out what she described as a lack of challenging viewpoints among board members.

There needs to be an alternative viewpoint up there, said first-time candidate Thomas, a freelance marketer and former educator who has two children attending Martin County public schools.

I know I would be able to bring that type of fresh perspective to the school board that we don't have right now.

Sydney Thomas, Martin County School Board candidate, 2024

Thomas, too, said shes challenging Powers because shes passionate about public education and seeking a seat on the school board is the next natural step in her work advocating for students and teachers.

A native of Indiana, Thomas gained years of education experience in California before moving to Martin County in 2009.

I was an educator for many years, Thomas said, who in 2016 was nominated as Martin County teacher of the year while working as a program specialist at Riverbend Academy. I learned a lot of the district level about educational statute, policy, all the different departments and how they functioned and why.

Shes also worked with curriculum instruction and in exceptional student education, she said.

Powers in April was briefly challenged by John Millay, a former school Superintendent who ended his campaign two weeks after filing election papers.

Its the only school board race Martin County voters will see on the primary ballot after Brian Michael Moriarty was elected without opposition to his District 5 seat, replacing Michael DiTerlizzi, who opted not to seek reelection.

Powers reelection priorities

Powers in her campaign touts 35 years of work-related experience as a small business owner and various roles in both private business and government. She served as the board's chair in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic, and in 2018 she was appointed to a statewide commission created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland.

If reelected, she said her top priorities include fiscal accountability, school safety, school choice and expanding career technical education and vocational training for students who arent college-bound.

That is a huge thing for me, Powers said. School safety is another big issue for me.

Serving on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, she said, was emotional and challenging but highly rewarding because of security changes implemented locally and in schools across the state.

If students and teachers and our staff are not safe, you know, kids can't learn, she said.

Thomas top campaign issues

If elected, Thomas intends to ask for a policy to review some books that she believes were inappropriately removed last year, according to her TCPalm candidates questionnaire.

She wants to boost teacher pay and improve the relationship between board members and educators, in part by making sure our offers to the negotiations are high from the first offer.

And shes tapping into her broad, deep ties with teachers in the district to get out her message of bringing a fresh voice to the school board.

I feel very confident that I have an educator vote, and teachers talk to teachers, educators, talk to educators, Thomas said. Even other faculty within the district, I have a really good working relationships with pretty much everyone  and that will give me a really strong reach.

Last year, Thomas helped connect children impacted by the districts book bans with the filmmakers behind "The ABCs of Book Banning" a documentary that in part told the story of then-101-year-old Grace Linn, of Jensen Beach, who drew social media attention while delivering an impassioned speech to school board members in March 2023.

"It was a cool experience," Thomas said.

Cash advantage

When Powers kicked off her reelection bid in April, she received a surge of donations that left her overwhelmed at the support, she said.

People came out and were very willing to support me financially, but also volunteering their time to help me get reelected, Powers said. I'm very humbled and honored that I have such support.

With more than $54,490 in her campaign account as of July 23, Powers has a huge financial edge over Thomas, who had raised $9,980 during the same period, election records show.

As of July 23, Powers had $45,818 cash on hand, while Thomas had $2,977 in her account.

Thomas, whose grassroots campaign has been partly self-funded and staffed with volunteers, said she expects Powers to raise campaign cash from political allies, including outside the county.

Between now and the actual vote, I'm fairly sure that Powers is going to be sending out a ton of mailers with that money that she's raised and be reaching more voters with her messaging, Thomas said. It definitely has an impact on reach.

Still, she said her supporters are as passionate about public education as I am and shes reaching residents and changing minds.

When you line up my experience with her agenda it's very compelling to people and I've changed people's minds, in conversations with them, Thomas said. The more people can know about the difference between the two of us, the better chance I have.

To that end, Powers said shes running her reelection race like Im behind.

You just dont know so  I am running this race like I'm losing. And I think that that's the way I have to, she said. It's nonstop from now until Aug. 20.

MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2

Position: School Board member

Term: Four years

Salary: $42,797

Who can vote: All Martin County registered voters

Next steps: The nonpartisan winner on Aug. 20 will be sworn into office during a 4 p.m. school board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Marsha Powers, incumbent

Age: 56

Profession: Current Martin County School Board member and chief executive officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin & Okeechobee Counties, Inc.

Time in office: 12 years on Martin County School Board

Sydney Thomas

Age: 46

Profession: Freelance marketer, former Martin County School District program specialist

Time in office: Would be her first term in elected office

FDOT: Deaths, injuries could be averted if I-95 and Turnpike are connected in Martin County

MC School Board race, District 2: TCPalm Editorial Board recommendation 2024

Melissa E. Holsman is the legal affairs reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers and is writer and co-host of "Uncertain Terms," a true-crime podcast. Reach her at melissa.holsman@tcpalm.com. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Martin County School Board incumbent Marsha Powers draws a challenger
Kamala Harris former career as a prosecutor is probably what worries Donald Trump the most about likely running against the current vice president in the 2024 election, the former presidents niece Mary Trump suggested on Tuesday.

Harris is a trailblazer, an American success story, and the first Black person, first Asian person, and first woman to be Vice President of the United States, Mary Trump wrote in the latest issue of her email newsletter, The Good in Us.

Shes also a former prosecutor, and that, more than anything else, is likely what freaks Donald out, she added.

The GOP presidential nominee hates women and minorities so you can see why Harris terrifies him to the point of incoherence, Mary Trump wrote.

Trumps campaign had until now been set up to attack President Joe Bidens age and cognitive abilities, she noted, but now her uncle is flailing and running scared.

President Joe Biden endorsed Harris shortly after announcing the end of his reelection campaign on Sunday. Likely Democratic presidential nominee Harris campaign raked in $81 million in donations in the first 24 hours.

Harris has already drawn a distinct comparison between herself as a prosecutor and Trumps convictions in the opening days of her campaign. In a speech to staff on Monday, she noted her experience in taking on perpetrators of all kinds meant that she knows Trumps type.

Related...
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) answering questions at his Maryland Association of Counties town hall on Aug, 18, 2023. Photo by Danielle J. Brown.

Maryland Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen usually see eye-to-eye and frequently work in tandem. But they have diverged when it comes to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus scheduled speech to Congress Wednesday.

Cardin, in his role as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will preside over the joint session of Congress alongside U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). Van Hollen, in a fiery Senate floor speech Tuesday that condemned Israels prosecution of the war in Gaza under Netanyahu, said he planned to boycott Wednesdays proceedings.

In his speech, Van Hollen laid out strenuous objections to Netanyahus ultra-right political views.

Van Hollen is not the only one skipping the speech. Politico reported that close to 30 Senate and House Democrats had reported plans as of Tuesday afternoon to skip the speech. Members of Marylands U.S. House delegation who responded to queries from Maryland Matters also appeared split Tuesday evening on whether they would attend or not.

Netanyahu was invited several weeks ago by Johnson and House Republicans, in a move that, among other things, will highlight GOP support for Netanyahu and Democrats internal divisions over Israel and the Gaza war.

It is those very divisions, in fact, that will find Cardin in the temporary role as the Senates presiding officer Wednesday. Ordinarily, the vice president, as president of the Senate, would sit on the dais during a foreign dignitarys speech.

But Vice President Kamala Harris, newly minted as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, has a longstanding commitment to be campaigning in Indiana Wednesday  though she does plan to meet with Netanyahu later in the week, while hes still in Washington, D.C., as does President Joe Biden.

U.S Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) addresses the Senate chamber in a file photo from 2020. Screenshot.

Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.) would normally preside in Harris stead, but Murray is among the Democratic lawmakers who have chosen to boycott Netanyahus congressional appearance.

Nine months after Hamas brutal Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israels sustained pounding of Gaza in response, Cardin has said he hopes Netanyahu uses the speech to to lay out a vision for peace between Israel and Palestine.

In his own speech on the Senate floor Tuesday evening, Cardin called for the immediate release of the remaining hostages being held in Gaza.

There is no justification for the holding of the hostages, he said. We have an opportunity to reach an agreement. Lets do this. Lets get it done. Lets get the hostages home. Lets hold the perpetrators accountable for the atrocities that they have perpetrated. And lets find a path for real security and peace in the Middle East for the Palestinians and the Israelis.

But Van Hollen said that after a recent visit to Israel he did not think it was right to host Netanyahu who, he said, represented an ultra-right Israeli government that was opposed to a two-state solution with the Palestinians. The senator asserted that Netanyahu has not prioritized the safe return of hostages held by Hamas or shown adequate concern for the families of Israeli victims of the Oct. 7 attacks.

Van Hollen said in his speech that he was not interested in validating the ultra-right and extremist prime minister by attending his congressional address. He said that the prime minister should care for his own constituency before coming to America to appeal to Congress for more financial and political support.

Van Hollen reiterated, however, that Israel had a right to defend itself from Hamas and that it has the right to neutralize any threat from the organization.

The senators divergent approach to the current politics of the Middle East reflects to a degree their political pedigrees and priorities.

Cardin, 80, is Jewish and has long been a vocal supporter of Israel  as are many residents of the heavily Jewish precincts of Baltimore City and Baltimore County where he came of age politically. He is one of nine Jews currently serving in the U.S. Senate.

But Cardin has not been hesitant to criticize the Netanyahu government when he feels it is appropriate, and he has regularly called for more humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

Van Hollen, 65, is the son of diplomats who spent part of his childhood overseas and worked for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before launching his own political career in Montgomery County. He has amped up his criticism of Netanyahu in recent months and called for an immediate ceasefire, attracting criticism from some U.S. Jewish leaders, and an immediate return of the hostages.

Maryland Matters reached out to all eight members of the states House delegation Tuesday afternoon to ask if they planned to attend the Netanyahu speech. Reps. John Sarbanes (D-3rd), Steny Hoyer (D-5th) and David Trone (D-6th) will be in attendance, their offices said, while Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th) said he would skip the event.

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th), who has been sharply critical of Netanyahu, is planning to attend the speech, but his office said in a lengthy statement Wednesday that he and some colleagues will meet beforehand with families of the hostages who speak for the majority of Israelis who disapprove of Netanyahus performance in office.

Spokespeople for Reps. Andy Harris (R-1st), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-2nd) and Glenn Ivey (D-4th) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has vexed the Biden administration: The president has been a strong ally of Israel through his long political career, but has faced mounting criticism from both the left and the right as the war has dragged on. Biden has been increasingly critical of Netanyahu in recent months, which has angered pro-Israel Republicans. But his criticisms have not been enough to satisfy progressive Democrats, who are largely sympathetic to the Palestinian war victims.

In addition to addressing Congress and meeting with Biden and Harris this week, Netanyahu is traveling to former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Friday for a conversation.

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Trumps vice presidential running mate, will also miss the prime ministers speech so he can continue campaigning Wednesday. The Trump campaign told Jewish Insider Tuesday that 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.

 This story was updated at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, to correct Van Hollens description of Netanyhu as ultra-right, to include comments from Cardins floor speech Tuesday night and to update the list of Maryland House members attending.

The post Maryland senators diverge on Netanyahu speech to Congress appeared first on Maryland Matters.
BALTIMORE  A Baltimore County grand jury returned a 24-count indictment Monday against a city teacher who was accused last month of sexually abusing his 12-year-old neighbor.

Lewis M. Laury, the 24-year-old Baltimore City Public Schools teacher who was arrested a few days after the missing girl was found in his apartment in late June, faces 12 counts of second-degree rape on top of other sex offense and assault charges. He remains held without bail in the Baltimore County Detention Center.

Police believe that Laury, who taught U.S. History at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School, had sex with the girl multiple times over the span of four days in late June while authorities searched for the 12-year-old. Her parents had reported her missing on June 21 after she had left a note at home stating that she was visiting a friend in Pennsylvania.

The search eventually led investigators to Laury, who prosecutors said had met the girl at a playground in their neighborhood. They found the girl in Laurys apartment in the Pikesville area, though the 24-year-old wasnt home. While being interviewed by detectives at a hospital, the girl said she had told Laury that she was 22 years old.

Laury, a Towson University graduate who documented prior internships at the Baltimore City Council and Maryland General Assembly on his LinkedIn page, was arrested a few days later.

Baltimore City Public Schools did not release specifics on Laurys employment status immediately after the arrest, though shared a letter to parents from Mervo Principal Jermaine Skinner stated that the school systems Human Capital Office is aware of the arrest and will take appropriate action. He did not have an attorney listed in the Baltimore County Circuit Court case initiated by Mondays indictment but was represented by the Office of the Public Defender earlier this month in district court.

Alisa Fornwald, the public defender who represented Laury at his bail review, said her client denied the allegations. Prosecutors said at the same hearing that Laury admitted to spending time with the girl but did not acknowledge whether or not theyd had sex.

Laury did not have any future court dates scheduled as of Wednesday morning.

-------
Maryland's updated Bay license plate now references both the Chesapeake and the state's coastal bays. By adding emphasis to coastal bays, officials hope the plates will appeal to Eastern Shore residents who may have more connection to to those waters. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

For more than three decades, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has issued special Chesapeake Bay license plates that come with a surcharge that has raised millions to improve waterways around the state.

State officials hope a tweak to the plates will draw even more environmentally conscious drivers to shell out for the special plates  especially those who have connections to the bays overshadowed by the Chesapeake Bay.

The new plate unveiled Tuesday continues the design that was rolled out in 2018, but it now includes a clear reference to the shores five coastal bays.

Jody Palmisano, owner of two Eastern Shore tag and title services, said the states bay plates  which feature a crab and rendering of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge  have been popular with local residents.

But there always was a small hesitation about the tag saying, Protect the Chesapeake,' he said. Were Eastern Shore people. We love the Chesapeake. We love the crab. But it didnt mention the Eastern Shore.

The new plate continues the design rolled out in 2018  the third since the plates were first offered  but now includes a clear reference to the shores five coastal bays.

I do believe that the new design saying Coastal Bays will greatly increase the sales of the bay tag on the Eastern Shore, said Palmisano said at the event to unveil the new plates on the shores of the Sinepuxent Bay near Assateague Island.

In addition to Sinepuxent, the coastal bays are Assawoman, Newport, Isle of Wight and Chincoteague.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The first bay plate was issued in 1990. Since then, there have been three designs. The most recent was released in 2018.

Motorists pony up an initial $20 for the privilege of having the plate, plus another $20 every two years to continue its use. The fees, an addition to the states standard vehicle registration, help fund waterway projects around the state.

Currently, about 7% of all vehicles in the state have a Bay license plate. This year, the state issued 40,000 bay plates, according to state Motor Vehicle Administration Administrator Christine Nizer.

Nizer said money raised by the plates has been used and will continue to be used for education, environmental restoration projects and community engagement resources to protect and maintain the states natural resources

The state splits the initial $20 plate fee with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which gets all the fees from renewals. The nonprofit uses the money for grants to organizations around the state and to leverage federal dollars for some projects.

In the last five years, fees from the plates have generated $20 million. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust, said the money raised by the plates has funded waterway, stormwater and habitat projects from the coastal bays to Maryland sections of the Youghiogheny River in Western Maryland.

Were absolutely thrilled weve funded, as I mentioned, tons of projects in the coastal bays already, and cant wait to fund more and send more of these dollars back into the coastal bays, Davis said.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Eastern Shore) started pressing for updated bay plates when she learned there were no Maryland tags that referenced the states five coastal bays. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

The addition of a nod to the states coastal bays started when Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (D-Eastern Shore) bought a new car.

Carozza already sported a vanity license plate referencing the Eastern Shore bays. She said the dealership offered her the opportunity to move to a bay plate.

It was then that she learned there was no option for coastal bays.

I said, Well, maybe we need to do something about that,' Carozza said Tuesday.

I serve on the Maryland Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee, she said. I spend a lot of time ensuring that my colleagues know that not only do we need to focus on protecting the Chesapeake Bay, but we have the Maryland coastal bays to protect as well.

This was a way that we could raise the visibility of Marylands coastal bays and really have it highlighted on the bay license plate itself, she said of the tweaked plate design.

Carozza said she hopes the updates will increase the number of vehicles sporting the new plates.

That would mean more money for bay-related projects and maybe an increase for the Maryland coastal bays as well, she said.

The post Maryland tweaks popular Chesapeake Bay plates appeared first on Maryland Matters.
FRAMINGHAM  Back in 2008, state Sen. Karen Spilka secured a piece of legislative funding that would allow for the expansion of water and sewer services on New York Avenue in Framingham, near the Southborough line.

"In 2008, when the state passed the Life Sciences Development Bill, I was very lucky in securing the largest earmark in that bill for the interceptor for water and sewer," Spilka said Monday during an event at pharmaceuticals giant Sanofi where more than $13 million in state grants were awarded. "Nobody thought that was really important, it's not very sexy, but it went to the Town of Framingham to put in the ground and enable companies to grow and expand here."

State Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, speaks with Mass. Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, right, and Deborah Glasser, Sanofi's head of specialty care, North America, after a press conference announcing Life Sciences Workforce Development and STEM Education Grants at Sanofi in Framingham, July 22, 2024. At left is Quentin Seemuller, site head for Sanofi.

'Busier than they have ever been': Looking to MetroWest, biotech sees alternatives to Boston

But that investment has paid off immensely. Laboratory space was constructed along the Route 9 corridor, including an expansive set of properties owned by Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical company on New York Avenue. Framingham has become a hub for life science development, and that status was further cemented when Framingham Public Schools was awarded a grant of $159,617 on Monday to help further life science education.

Mass. Life Sciences Center distributes $13.1M in grants

The grant comes from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a quasi-public agency that promotes life science education and development in Greater Boston. During Monday's event at Sanofi, the MLSC announced $13.1 million in grant awards to local developments, through the STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program, and the Workforce Development Capital Grant Program.

Besides Framingham Public Schools, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton received $59,716 in funding.

Marybeth O'Brien, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for Framingham Public Schools, speaks during Monday's press conference at Sanofi, July 22, 2024.

Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, who co-chairs the MLSC board of directors, was on hand Monday to discuss the contributions being made to the area.

"We have $13 million going to over 50 different organizations," Hao said. "A bunch of these awards are to all different research centers for capital equipment, to enable the next generation of discovery. The other chunk is going to schools like Framingham, where we can train and educate our young people earlier on about all these different career paths and opportunities.

Funding for teacher development, purchase of equipment

The STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program awards grant funding to schools and curriculum providers for teacher professional development and the purchase of equipment, materials, supplies and technology needed to support new or expanded curriculum. Funding enables schools to educate students in real-world scenarios that will prepare them for career opportunities in the life sciences.

Framingham Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay said the funding coming to FPS will be used as part of a new curriculum that's aimed at getting high school students more familiar with the life sciences and biotechnology field, to get them better informed about pursuing it as a potential career.

Dignitaries and officials pose for a photo after getting a tour inside Sanofi's newest facility on New York Avenue in Framingham, July 22, 2024.

'State aid is way down': Framingham schools start solving next year's budget with less than expected

"One area we have seen that we have a deficit in is how can we connect our students to the industry," Tremblay said. "If kids are going to college to pursue something in the biotech field, how can we get them excited at the school level so that they and their parents can know that this is something they want to invest their money in, so they can make a more informed career decision."

The additional grant funding can help make up for the disappointing state aid figure the district was given for fiscal 2025, which was only about 1% higher than the previous year. Tremblay called the funding an investment that MLSC and life science companies such as Sanofi are making in communities.

"The benefit of having the funding allows us to do the work, but also even if this were affordable within the budget, the idea that we have an external partner that sees the vision that partnering with students and schools, sends a really powerful message in the community, that the school and the industry have a partnership that is forged," he said.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham Public Scholols awarded $159G grant for STEM education
Massachusetts school systems ranked best in the United States in new report

Massachusetts school systems are the best in the country, according to a new report.

Enrolling a child in school is a major step for any family, so its important for parents to know how schools fare in their area.

WalletHub has put together its list of the states with the best and worst school systems in 2024 by comparing all 50 states and Washington D.C. across 32 measures of quality and safety, such as pupil-teacher ratio, dropout rate, and median standardized-test scores.

Massachusetts was ranked number one overall, here are some of the categories the Commonwealth placed in:

1st  Math Test Scores

1st  Reading Test Scores

8th  Pupil-Teacher Ratio

22nd  Median SAT Score

1st  Median ACT Score

4th  Dropout Rate

9th  Bullying Incidence Rate

5th  Percent of Threatened/Injured High School Students

Here are the top ten states in the ranking:

Massachusetts Connecticut Maryland New Jersey Wisconsin New Hampshire Nebraska New York Virginia North Dakota

For the full report, visit the link here.

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Massive search in New Hampshire connected to missing-person case in Massachusetts, DA says

A massive search underway in New Hampshire on Wednesday is connected to an investigation into a missing-person case out of Massachusetts, law enforcement officials said.

The search is unfolding in the Strafford County town of Barrington, which is located about 30 miles northeast of Manchester, according to Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker.

Tuckers office said the search is connected to a decades-old missing person case out of Essex County.

State police detectives assigned to Tuckers office are assisting Lynn police and New Hampshire State Police with the search.

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker would like to thank the New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office for their invaluable assistance, the DAs office said in a statement. We recognize the losses suffered by families with missing loved ones and want them to know that they are not forgotten. Our office is committed to reexamining old cases and acting on any new leads.

Tuckers office made no mention of who the police were searching for.

There were no additional details immediately available.

Boston 25 has a crew headed to the scene.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Tuesday that attacks claiming Vice President Harris was hired as part of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is stupid.

I would say, two attacks Ive heard Republicans give that are totally stupid and dumb to do is the DEI attack, okay? McCarthy said on NBC Newss Meet the Press NOW.

The other attack that I would not do is saying that the president has to resign, he added. That would be an advantage for Kamala.

Harris is likely to replace President Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket after the incumbent announced over the weekend he would withdraw from the race. If elected in November, she would make history again as the first woman and person of South Asian descent to hold the nations highest office.

The vice president has already garnered endorsements from top Democratic lawmakers, governors, local officials and Biden.

This DEI, that seems like a petty  look, I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States, she is the former U.S. Senator, McCarthy said. These congressmen that are saying it, theyre wrong in their own instance.

DEI programs are often aimed at promoting fairness and equality in institutions and attempt to tackle historical inequities connected with racism, homophobia and sexism.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) has gone after Harris as a DEI hire and referred to her earlier this week in a post on the social platform X as our DEI vice president.

The incompetency level is at an all-time high in Washington, Burchett wrote. The media propped up this president, lied to the American people for three years, and then dumped him for our DEI vice president.

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) similarly told local media that Democrats will elevate her because they feel they have to stick with her because of her ethnic background.

DEI programs have faced pushback from the right, with current Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) introducing a bill in June to ban the initiative and block funding for the programs.

The DEI agenda is a destructive ideology that breeds hatred and racial division, Vance said at the time. It has no place in our federal government or anywhere else in our society. Im proud to introduce this legislation, which would root out DEI from our federal bureaucracy by eliminating such programs and stripping funding for DEI policies anywhere it exists.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A losing bidder has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Florida health officials from moving forward with new Medicaid managed-care contracts while legal protests continue.

ImagineCare LLC filed the lawsuit last week in Leon County Circuit Court after it was told it was out of the running for a contract, the lawsuit said. The multi-year contracts involve tens of billions of dollars, as about 3.14 million people received care through the Medicaid managed-care system as of May.

After a year-long process, the state Agency for Health Care Administration in April announced plans to award contracts to five managed-care organizations. That prompted bid protests from ImagineCare and other health plans and led to settlement discussions.

The lawsuit said ImagineCare, after being shut out, intends to continue pursuing a protest through the administrative law system. In the lawsuit, the health plan seeks an injunction to prevent the agency from moving forward with contracts while such protests play out.

Read: Ex-Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill is now under federal investigation

Allowing AHCA and Secretary Weida (agency Secretary Jason Weida) to proceed with executing and implementing contracts while these protests remain pending will greatly prejudice ImagineCare and other protesting parties, cause irreparable harm to the Medicaid enrollees of the state of Florida and will violate both Florida law and the express provisions of part of the bidding process known as invitation to negotiate, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit, filed by attorneys with the Panza, Maurer & Maynard law firm, said AHCA has sought to dismiss the ImagineCare protest based on an issue related to a bond requirement. ImagineCare disputes the agencys position on the issue.

Read: Bain raises concerns over Osceola Sheriff Lopezs truthfulness in Madeline Soto photo controversy

Lawmakers in 2011 created a system in which most Medicaid beneficiaries are required to enroll in managed-care plans. The agency has gone through lengthy contracting processes three times, including the process that started in 2023. In the past, it awarded contracts in 11 regions of the state; that was scaled back to nine regions in the latest process.

The agency announced in April that it planned to award contracts to Florida Community Care, LLC; Humana Medical Plan, Inc.; Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc.; South Florida Community Care Network, LLC, which does business as Community Care Plan; and Sunshine State Health Plan, Inc. The contracts are scheduled to take effect in January.

In all, 11 plans sought contracts. The ImagineCare lawsuit said that after the April announcement, the agency held negotiations with Aetna Better Health of Florida, Molina Healthcare of Florida and UnitedHealthcare of Florida, which had filed protests.

Read: Nearly 2 years: Residents to return after Hurricane Ian destroyed their assisted living facility

Molina announced Friday that it had received a contract to provide Medicaid services in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The agency also issued a notice that said Aetna and UnitedHealthcare would receive contracts, which was first reported by the Florida Politics website.

ImagineCare is a type of health plan known as a provider service network. A joint venture of Spark Pediatrics and CareSource, it does not currently have a Medicaid managed-care contract in Florida.

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The fate of the next Democratic presidential nominee is in the hands of thousands of delegates from across the country. Forty of them call Mississippi home.

That candidate will most likely be current Vice President Kamala Harris. Shes the frontrunner for the Democrats following President Joe Bidens announcement he was exiting the 2024 presidential race Sunday afternoon.

Harris needs the support of 1,976 delegates to secure the nomination. Starting August 19, theyll cast support for a nominee at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

As of Monday evening, Mississippis delegates have unanimously agreed on backing Harris, though they can technically choose whoever they wish.

Mississippi Democratic Party prepares

Chiekh Taylor, chair of the state Democratic Party said theres been a wave of excitement since Harris likely became the Democrats frontrunner this weekend. Its been chaotic, he said, but the good kind of chaotic

This is pivotal, he said. I have a daughter who has just started her career. The world has to look at her differently because shes got a little bit of Kamala Harris in her. Im looking and this delegation is looking to support the best candidate in this race with a proven track record.

Hes hoping Mississippi, a deep red state, will hear out the new presidential campaign for its ideas which he said has a lot to offer them. He also notes the efforts the states party has made in including folks from diverse backgrounds and especially the young vote.

Ive worked in many organizations and many capacities, often in leadership roles. But I can tell you, if you want the work to be done and to a high quality, you get a woman to do it, Taylor said of Harris. Were the party of hope.

Heres a list of Mississippis DNC delegates

U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson

State party officials: Party Chair Cheikh Taylor, Vice Party Chair Jodie Brown, 2nd Congressional District Chair Willie Griffin, 3rd Congressional District Chair Peggy Rogers

State legislators: State Rep. Zakiya Summers, State Rep. Robert Johnson III, State Rep. Justis Gibbs, State Rep. Kabir Karriem, State Rep. Lawrence Blackmon, State Sen. Derrick T. Simmons, State Sen. Sarita Simmons, State Sen. Earle Banks, State Sen. David Blount, State Sen. Rod Hickman

Mayor Errick Simmons of Greenville

County Democratic committee chairs: Chair of Harrison County Anna Gines, Chair of Forrest County LaKeylah White

Other leaders and activists: Candidate for U.S. Senate Ty Pinkins, Ballot initiative sponsor Kelly Jacobs, Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women President Lovie West, Transportation commissioner Willie Simmons, Political strategist Pamela Shaw, Moss Point NAACP President Curley Clark, national committeewoman Jacqueline Amos

All others: Wil Colom, Charles Taylor, Tracey Prince, Kathy Sykes, Addie Green, Tanya Gray, Melanie Sowell, Jamie Franks, William Wheeler, Mala Brooks, Ashley Floyd, Sandra McCall, Jen Waller, Jacqueline Andrews, Stefon Ward

Alternates: Patricia Brady, Mississippi Democratic Party Secretary David Rushing, Terry Rogers

The names on this list were provided by the state Democratic Party.
MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The completion of a new state-of-the-art student center at a Merced City School District school will be celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, the school district announced.

The school district says the new student center spans around 3,500 square feet and that Franklin Elementarys new Administrative Services building is a state-of-the-art student center equipped to support families. It will serve as the new home for all office personnel, a school nurse, and administrative staff to support students needs.

Our students deserve to learn in the best facilities and environments, and be proud of the school they attend each day, said Merced City School Districts Superintendent Julianna Stocking. These improvements are an example of that. Across our district, we are pleased of the strides made thus far, but understand there is more work to be done on behalf of our school communities.

The new Administrative Services building was constructed in nearly 18 months, according to officials. All upgrades at Franklin Elementary have an estimated cost of $2.6 million utilizing Measure M funds, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief 1 funds, and funds from the Local Control Accountability Plan.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be on July 24 at 9 a.m. in front of the new facility at Franklin Elementary.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Amid recent market fluctuations, Japan's stock markets have notably retreated, influenced by external trade pressures and internal economic adjustments. This backdrop sets the stage for exploring lesser-known opportunities in such an environment, where certain stocks might present unique value not yet recognized broadly in the marketplace.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Japan

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Nihon Parkerizing 0.32% -0.14% 1.92%  Central Forest Group NA 5.16% 12.45%  Nice 71.69% -1.98% 36.48%  Otec 7.45% 2.06% -0.77%  Nikko 32.39% 4.11% -8.57%  Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank 130.22% 1.61% -0.98%  Techno Quartz 20.44% 17.25% 22.76%  CAC Holdings 14.97% -0.57% 5.02%  GENOVA 6.23% 24.87% 31.14%  Yukiguni Maitake 158.67% -5.22% -32.27% 

Click here to see the full list of 745 stocks from our Japanese Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of from the screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: ARIAKE JAPAN Co., Ltd. specializes in the production and sale of natural seasoning products derived from chicken, pork, beef, and other fresh livestock, boasting a market capitalization of 170.71 billion.

Operations: The company primarily generates revenue through its Natural Seasoning Business, reporting 59.98 billion in recent figures. It incurs significant costs of goods sold and operational expenses, which influence its gross profit and net income margins; the latter was recorded at 12.26% as of the latest data point.

Ariake Japan, a lesser-known yet robust player in the food industry, showcases promising financial health with no debt and strong free cash flow figures such as 5.76 billion as of July 2024. Despite not outpacing the industry's earnings growth last yearposting a 15.2% increase compared to the sector's 35.8%the company is set for a forecasted annual earnings growth of about 9.76%. With high-quality past earnings and an upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 21, Ariake Japan remains an intriguing prospect for those looking into undiscovered gems in Japans market landscape.

TSE:2815 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Okinawa Financial Group, Inc. offers a range of financial services and has a market capitalization of 57.75 billion.

Operations: This entity generates revenue through its operations, consistently achieving a gross profit margin of 100%, indicative of no cost of goods sold reported. The primary expenses are operational, including significant general and administrative costs, which form a substantial part of the operating expenses.

Story continues

Okinawa Financial Group, trading at a compelling 22.8% below our fair value estimate, offers a robust investment profile with 95% of its liabilities sourced from low-risk funding such as customer deposits. With total assets of 2,934B and equity of 157B, the bank maintains an appropriate bad loans ratio at 1.4% and a conservative bad loan allowance covering 44%. Forecasted to grow earnings by nearly 15.64% annually, this entity stands out for its prudent financial management and potential growth within Japans financial sector.

TSE:7350 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: TRANSACTION CO., Ltd. is engaged in the planning, design, manufacturing, and sale of consumer products both domestically in Japan and internationally, with a market capitalization of 50.36 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of goods, as evidenced by consistently high costs of goods sold (COGS), which range from 6.4 billion at the start of the observed period to over 14.9 billion more recently. It incurs substantial operating expenses, typically close to or exceeding 4 billion in recent entries, reflecting significant operational activity to support its business endeavors.

TRANSACTION Ltd., a lesser-known yet robust performer in Japan's market, recently announced a share repurchase program, planning to buy back up to 300,000 shares. This move underscores its commitment to shareholder value and reflects confidence in its financial health. With earnings growing at 14.3% last yearoutpacing the industry average of 10.2%and trading at 21.3% below estimated fair value, TRANSACTION Ltd. showcases strong fundamentals and growth potential, supported by a significant reduction in debt-to-equity from 8% to 4.8% over five years.

TSE:7818 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Where To Now?

Take a closer look at our Japanese Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals list of 745 companies by clicking here.

Have a stake in these businesses? Integrate your holdings into Simply Wall St's portfolio for notifications and detailed stock reports.

Unlock the power of informed investing with Simply Wall St, your free guide to navigating stock markets worldwide.

Contemplating Other Strategies?

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 TSE:2815 TSE:7350 and TSE:7818.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Mexico president says Musk 'not serious' about possibly scrapping Mexican investment

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks about U.S. President Joe Biden decision to step down from electoral race

By Raul Cortes

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico's president on Wednesday pushed back on Tesla CEO Elon Musk's comments that the EV maker has paused plans for a plant in Mexico and would reassess investing in a new gigafactory in the country after the U.S. presidential election.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the comments are "not serious."

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, in his acceptance speech for his party's nomination last week, said his administration would slap tariffs of 100% to 200% on cars made in Mexico to make them "unsellable" in the United States.

Musk reacted by saying that "it doesn't make sense to invest in Mexico" if Trump returns to the White House and imposes heavy tariffs on vehicles produced in the Latin American nation.

In his daily press conference, Lopez Obrador questioned Musk's assertion, and attributed both his and Trump's comments to fiery campaign rhetoric for the U.S. election in November.

"During campaigns there is a lot of passion, a lot of rhetoric, there is too much talk. Once the elections are over" the tone should change, said Lopez Obrador.

"Truthfully, this is not serious because the vehicles bought in the United States could not be made in the United States...because their production costs are very high," Lopez Obrador said.

U.S. consumers save between $10,000 and $15,000 per vehicle imported from Mexico, Lopez Obrador argued.

"They must have another business plan," he added.

"These companies often do not produce, but rather speculate. They release news and it does very well on the stock markets, they increase the price of their shares and production takes a back seat."

Tesla's gigafactory is slated to be located in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, whose government on Wednesday said it has been working to build the needed infrastructure and that it has not received any formal advisory from the firm about cancelling its plans.

"On the part of the state government, everything is ready for the arrival of Tesla and many of its suppliers are already investing and producing in the state," the Nuevo Leon government said in a statement.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez; Writing by Laura Gottesdiener; Editing by Anthony Esposito, Leslie Adler and Diane Craft)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Michigan state law requires cannabis businesses to have different licenses for growing, processing, transporting, and selling marijuana. But a bill with bipartisan support in Lansing would consolidate all of that if the governor signs it into law.

Currently, two state laws, the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, passed in 2016, and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, passed in 2018, essentially force cannabis businesses to maintain separate licenses for medical and recreational activities every year. For them, its expensive and logistically overwhelming.

Recreational, medical, our grow (operations), said Brianna McNally at the Pharmhouse Wellness Dispensary in Grand Rapids. Not even that, we have to follow each and every rule, so the different penalties. We have to make sure everything is up to par. We have licenses hanging all around the Pharmhouse of everyone that we have to have.

If passed, House Bills 5884 and 5885 would simplify this process by consolidating licenses under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. Supporters also believe this change would substantially reduce costs for businesses.

Thats a little extra money that we could spruce up the place, get more bud for our customers, McNally said. So, I think thatll be great.

St. Johns Republican Rep. Graham Filler co-authored the bills with Ypsilanti Democrat Rep. Jimmie Wilson Junior.

I think this is going to further influence and positively impact that regulated market in Michigan  more stability, more efficiency, Filler said.

If signed into law, fewer licenses could decrease the states tax revenue. But Filler believes that will be offset by businesses wanting to open or grow in Michigan.

You want to see if the state is passing laws, rules and regulations that make your job easier to sell your thing, grow your thing, or build your thing. This goes to the heart of it, he said. This will make Michigan more attractive for investment for cannabis and cannabis businesses.

McNally added, A lot of people get scared when they say, You got to have this, this and this, then more money. They get discouraged. (The bills) will help some of them who didnt try to actually try this time and be able to fully do what they want to do.

As of late July, the bills are in committee. But Filler believes their bipartisan support will likely lead to a vote this fall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Miami Beach conducted national search for city manager. An internal candidate got the job

Longtime Miami Beach administrator Eric Carpenter was selected Wednesday as the citys next manager, beating out three other finalists for the citys CEO position after a nationwide search.

The City Commission voted 5-2 to select Carpenter, the citys current deputy manager who has been with the city for more than a decade, after a public interview process with the finalists.

Now we get to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work, Carpenter told the commission after his selection. Im looking forward to working with all of you to help bring your vision of Miami Beach to fruition.

Mayor Steven Meiner and Commissioners Alex Fernandez, Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Joseph Magazine and David Suarez supported Carpenters appointment.

Commissioners Tanya Katzoff Bhatt and Laura Dominguez supported another candidate, Anthony Alicastro, a Miami Beach resident who is a senior management adviser and consultant.

Carpenter had previously come up short for the manager role in 2021, when Alina Hudak was hired.

After Hudak tendered her resignation in March, Meiner and others called for Carpenter to be immediately installed as her permanent successor. But he was overruled by commissioners who preferred to pursue a national search and install Rickelle Williams, an assistant city manager, as the interim city manager.

Rickelle Williams was the interim city manager of Miami Beach.

An outside firm hired by the city oversaw the search process, receiving 124 resumes and narrowing the field down to eight semifinalists. At a special meeting earlier this month, the commission cut it down to four  despite some officials griping about the strength of the candidates.

The four finalists were Carpenter, Alicastro, president of finance for the League of California Cities Tarik Rahmani and former San Joaquin County administrator Jerome Jay Wilverding.

Following Wednesdays vote, Meiner and Fernandez squabbled over whether Carpenter should begin in the manager role immediately or only after his contract terms are negotiated and approved by the commission.

Ultimately, the commission agreed to appoint Carpenter immediately and hold a special meeting, possibly next week, to finalize the contract terms.

Hudak was receiving a base salary of $320,000, plus a vehicle allowance of nearly $10,000 and other benefits.

Former Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak is pictured at Miami Beach City Hall on Nov. 22, 2021.
South Florida is booming. But more water, heat and powerful storms are pushing everyday costs higher for people and businesses.

Down here, we face these threats every day. Thats why Miami-Dade Countys ClimateReady Tech Hub accelerates local technology that improves quality of life, lowers everyday expenses and creates jobs.

Washington sees it too, and recently awarded crucial funding to ClimateReady Tech Hub. Under the leadership of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, ClimateReady covers Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. It also partners with local municipalities and has the support of elected leaders on both sides of the aisle from across our region.

ClimateReady works with public, private, academic and philanthropic partners to commercialize and deploy climate technology.

Our hub in Miami is a national model for solution-oriented public-private partnerships.

Heres what we are doing: Were investing in technologies built in South Florida that can scale globally. These include: advanced concrete materials that reduce carbon emissions by 40%, reefs, seawalls and breakwaters that protect our $3.5 trillion in coastal assets, and cooling systems for humid climates that can reduce energy consumption by up to 90%.

Florida International University, University of Miami, and Florida Atlantic University lead these technology efforts with locally grown scale-ups, marrying IP development with commercialization expertise. Were investing in people. ClimateReady anticipates creating 23,000 good-paying jobs and adding $41 billion to the regions GDP when fully funded.

We expect 15,000 will be filled by people from underrepresented groups. Our partners include the nonprofit OIC of South Florida, Miami Dade College, YWCA and IUOE Local 487. Were investing in the next generation of companies.

The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority will help 500 start-ups and entrepreneurs learn from the experience of our first investments and replicate global market successes. They will provide operating support and guidance on regulatory and policy matters in partnership with leading organizations such as Seaworthy Collective, Marine Research Lab and Miami Waterkeeper.

Were investing in communities. Weve developed first-of-their-kind demonstration opportunities with the Miccosukee Tribe and Florida Memorial University to deploy the Hubs proven technology to communities most affected by changing water and heat.

Additionally, weve brought in the University of Florida to ensure we work across the state. This investment is a validation of the work weve already begun through the initial support of Citadel investment firm founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin, the Knight Foundation, Mayor Levine Cavas administration, and the South Florida Regional Planning Council.

Since designation by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in November, startups like Blue Frontier have been added to Miami-Dade County procurement pools. And, 1Print, a 3D printing company is working with University of Miami to deploy a Department of Defense-funded artificial coral reef. Watsco and the CLEO Institute are developing climate training for HVAC technicians. Titan Cement received funding from the Department of Energy. Kind Designs received a federal grant to build living seawalls. Over 400 companies and individuals are now part of our ClimateReady community with more joining the hub each week.

The Biden-Harris Administrations investment affirms what we who love South Florida already know: our region thrives on grit, ingenuity and creativity.

With a clear vision and unwavering determination, we will tackle our challenges head-on and serve as a national example.

Francesca de Quesada Covey is the Regional Innovation Officer for South Floridas ClimateReady Tech Hub and Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer for Miami-Dade County.
From rubbing elbows at the Republican National Convention last week to spending six figures on political consulting and related services this summer, Francis Suarez appears to be laying the groundwork to run for higher political office as he approaches his final year as Miamis mayor.

Suarez hasnt been particularly shy about the topic. Speaking to NBC News Tom Llamas last week, the two-term mayor indicated what could be on the horizon.

So for me, I think from a resume perspective, one thing that would be interesting is  looking at an ecosystem like the state of Florida  potentially running for governor, Suarez said, adding: Its something that I would consider, for sure.

On Tuesday, the mayors spokeswoman left the door open for Suarezs higher political aspirations.

Under his leadership, Miami has become one of the most attractive cities in the world, Stephanie Severino said in a statement to the Miami Herald.

While this is a compelling record for any candidate for Governor or any other office, Severino continued, Mayor Suarezs sole focus at this time is on serving the residents of Miami for the remainder of his term. Any other opportunities to serve the nation or the state of Florida will be considered at the appropriate time.

Suarez handily won reelection in 2021 with over 78% of the vote in the mayoral race in Miami, where day-to-day operations are run by an appointed city manager. But securing the Republican nomination in a closed statewide gubernatorial primary is a different ball game from winning a local nonpartisan race. And Suarezs past political blunders  paired with local, state and federal investigations into his alleged financial dealings  have created hurdles that could block his path to becoming Floridas top elected official, according to political insiders.

David Custin, a veteran political consultant whos worked with Suarez in the past, said the mayors chances of winning a statewide partisan election are nonexistent.

Im neck-deep in Republican party politics, and nobody sees him as a credible Republican candidate for a statewide primary, Custin said. Its not even funny. Its not credible.

Regardless, Suarezs political committee  with about $1.8 million in the bank  continues to stay active.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, right, speaks to NBC News Tom Llamas at the 2024 Republican National Convention. During the interview, Suarez said he would for sure consider running for Florida governor.

PAC spending

Since early June, Suarezs state-level political committee, Miami for Everyone, has spent about $126,000 on what appears to be campaign-related activity, according to campaign finance records.

On June 3, Miami for Everyone reported paying $20,000 to Artisan Media Group for media platform development, as well as $51,500 to the consulting firm Berthier Group for research and data services and political & communications consulting for services rendered in April, May and June. On July 1, the political committee reported paying $28,446 to Artisan, this time for a direct mail campaign project, and another $27,000 to Berthier Group, again for political consulting.

Berthier Group is operated by Jesse Manzano-Plaza, a longtime political consultant for Suarez. In a statement to the Herald, Manzano-Plaza said his work for Suarez over the years has included conducting polling and research on community-wide issues, among other political and campaign related activities. He did not elaborate on the exact purpose of the recent expenditures  totaling $78,500  that Miami for Everyone made to Berthier Group in June and July. Artisan Media Group did not respond to a request for comment.

Miami for Everyone, which received a $1 million contribution from billionaire Ken Griffin last year, had about $1.8 million it its coffers as of early July, according to campaign finance records.

RINO reputation looms

Suarez faced heightened criticism starting last spring when a lawsuit revealed he had worked as a $10,000-per-month consultant for embattled developer Rishi Kapoor, who hired Suarez after more than a year of working the mayors channels at City Hall to push through legislation beneficial to one of the developers planned projects in Coconut Grove.

But it was a political blunder that occurred years before that harmed some of Suarezs relationships in Tallahassee, according to political insiders who spoke with the Herald. During the 2018 gubernatorial race, Suarez told the Herald he voted for Andrew Gillum, a Democrat, over Ron DeSantis  a move that earned him the reputation in some political circles as a RINO, or Republican in name only.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez hops from precinct to precinct on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, encouraging voters to say yes to the three ballot questions, including his own strong-mayor initiative that would make him the administrative head of Miamis government. Suarez, a Republican, told the Miami Herald he saw pros and cons in both major political parties, but he voted for Democrat Andrew Gillum in the governors race.

In the years after, Suarez pivoted to embrace the tech and cryptocurrency world, becoming known as the Bitcoin mayor as he pushed for Miami to become a technology hub during the pandemic. But last year, as cryptos reputation took a major hit following the FTX collapse, Suarez leaned into the GOP brand by launching his presidential campaign as a Republican challenger to Donald Trump.

When Suarez first entertained rumors of running for president back in 2021, he cast himself as a moderate Republican. As he emerged as a contender last summer, Suarez debuted his more conservative beliefs, announcing, for example, that the overturning of Roe v. Wade was the greatest day defending life in our history.

Seventy-six days into his presidential campaign, after failing to qualify for the first Republican presidential debate, Suarez dropped out of the race, becoming the first GOP candidate to do so. The short-lived campaign didnt do much in the way of proving his loyalty to Florida Republicans, said Christian Camara, a Miami native and Tallahassee lobbyist.

My first question would be, under what party? Camara said when asked about the prospect of Suarez running for governor.

Camara called Suarez a career-minded opportunist that will say or do anything to get elected.

I wouldnt put it past him to run for whatever just to stay relevant, Camara said.

On Sunday, after President Joe Biden announced that he was dropping out of the presidential race, Suarez released statements on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, supporting Donald Trump, who he said will restore Americas stability, prosperity and national security. Suarez formally endorsed Trump in March.

Custin, who called Suarez a dear friend, said the mayors endorsement of Trump was too little, too late in proving his allegiance to the GOP. The same was true for Suarezs presidential bid, according to Custin, who said last years campaign did not help his political credibility.

Thats not the red team. Thats the Francis team, Custin said. Thats pure self-confidence beyond an excessive level.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was in the audience during the third Republican presidential primary debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.

Suarez told Politico earlier this year that, in addition to considering a run for governor, he would also be open to a position in the Trump Administration.

Severino, the mayors spokeswoman, did not directly answer a question about whether Suarez has had conversations with the Trump campaign about a potential Cabinet position but said that Suarez has the strongest conservative record of any Mayor in America.

Very young and vibrant

Despite the critics, Suarez has supporters in his corner who believe he can ascend to a state-level executive office  including his own father.

A lot of things point in the right direction for him. ... Hes extremely energetic, extremely charismatic, Xavier Suarez, who was Miamis first Cuban-born mayor, said in an interview with the Herald. Theres obviously a following. Whether that translates into a partisan election or not, I dont know.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (right); his wife, Gloria; and his father, former City of Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez (left), listen to the national anthem before his first speech as a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Xavier Suarez, an independent, said his sons decision to vote for Gillum years ago is not the same as having actively supported the Democrat. He added that the younger Suarez has good will even in north Florida, which is a different kind of environment from down here.

The same month of the Gillum gaffe, Suarez faced another setback when Miami voters roundly rejected his push to expand the responsibilities of the citys mayor, a role that is largely ceremonial. He floated the strong-mayor concept again during his State of the City address at the start of 2024 but has yet to put forward an official proposal on the matter.

Even so, he really has run the city in many ways like a strong mayor, Xavier Suarez said.

State Rep. Alex Rizo, who leads the Miami-Dade Republican Party, said he spoke with Suarez during the RNC in Milwaukee last week, but the prospect of a gubernatorial run didnt come up.

I think he would be a pretty strong candidate, Rizo told the Herald. He looks very young and vibrant. He comes from a political family. Hes bilingual, which certainly helps in Florida.

The upcoming Florida governors race has already drawn interest from a number of potential Republican contenders. In a packed race like that, said lobbyist Ron Book, a candidate might need to secure only about 30% of the vote in order to be the winner-take-all nominee. In such a scenario, Book said, its possible for Suarez to win the Republican nomination.

Nothing has ever stopped Francis or Xavier from thinking that they have opportunities that maybe they dont have, Book said. Im simply saying that in a very, very crowded Republican primary, a lot of things can happen.

Custin said Suarez would fare better in a nonpartisan election, like the Miami-Dade County mayoral race in 2028.

He would be formidable, Custin said of Suarez running for county mayor, a race that he said is a different chess board.

His fundraising prowess is unquestionable, Custin said. Hes a fantastic fundraiser.

READ MORE: FBI investigates developers payments to Miamis mayor as SEC digs into companys finance

Still, questions loom about the local, state and federal investigations that have entangled Suarez.

The truth of the matter is I do think hes in legal trouble, Camara said.

Book said the investigations that have been reported in the media could be difficult to ignore during a run for governor.

He may be in denial about what those investigations look like, Book added.

Miami mayoral candidates Xavier Suarez, left, and Joe Carollo shake hands in a photo dated Oct. 24, 1997.

Xavier Suarez remained optimistic, praising his sons fundraising abilities and enormous energy on past campaign trails.

Asked if he himself would consider running for elected office again, such as for the soon-open Miami mayor seat, Xavier Suarez said: I would have to say a rotund no.

He then added that he has not entirely discarded the idea of re-entering politics at some point.

Never say never, the former mayor said.
Vice President Kamala Harris at John R. Lewis High School on June 2, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia. | Alex Wong/Getty Images

Democratic delegates across the country have acted quickly to show strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris as she seeks the partys nomination for president after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race Sunday.

On Tuesday evening, Michigan Democratic delegates joined several other states in voting as a delegation to give Harris their overwhelming support.

Well over 100 of Michigans 138 Democratic delegates were on the call Tuesday night to affirm the states partys intention of backing Harris, David Woodward, a delegate and chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners told the Michigan Advance on Wednesday. The vast majority of delegates verbalized their support of Harris, but during the short meeting the party gave room for the handful of delegates who were apprehensive of Harris to speak.

Dave Woodward

People are moving this because not only do they believe its the right move to keep America on the right track and build on the success of the last few years, but more importantly, what it represents and in frankly the level of activism of key constituencies, key voting blocs that are necessary to win Michigan and win battleground states around the country are all excited. So game on, Woodward said.

One who did not back Harris, Abbas Alawieh, who was an uncommitted delegate, shared on social media Tuesday night that one person told him, Shut up, asshole. He was explaining his stance representing the more than 100,000 residents who voted uncommitted in the primary election in February. The uncommitted movement stems from voters who oppose Bidens support for Israel in its war with Hamas.

As a Dem & former Dem staffer, I was appalled & hurt to receive anti-Palestinian vitriol from a colleague & not have any Dem electeds on the call unmute to push back. As an Uncommitted Delegate, Im urging Dem leaders not to ignore over 730k+ Uncommitted voters nationally, Alawieh wrote on social media on Tuesday. I hope @KamalaHarris will accept Uncommitted delegates request to meet. We deserve to be heard and not dismissed.

Delegates who voiced their concerns surrounding Harris Tuesday are valuable to the party, Woodward said, adding that the party as a whole is ready to do what needs to be done to win the election in November.

I think the uncommitted delegates hold some purpose and why theyre uncommitted delegates and [they] want to be afforded the opportunity to have appropriate conversations. That being said, no one doubts that our Democratic delegates will be 100% behind our Democratic nominee come November, Woodward said.

Harris had already secured enough endorsements from states Democratic delegates to solidify her as the partys presidential nominee ahead of the official vote at the Democratic National Convention in August, according to The Associated Press delegate tracker. But with the majority of Michigans 138 delegates backing Harris, it further solidifies Democrats speedy switch from Biden to the vice president.

Michigan Democrats have made a smooth transition in showing their strong support for Harris, DNC delegate Sharon Baseman told the Michigan Advance. She reiterated that the states delegates are nearly all on board for Harris and volunteers, fundraising and yard signs are out in force.

After Biden ended his campaign, after scores of high-ranking leaders in his own party asked him to step aside, Harris is breaking records in fundraising. Within 48-hours of her campaign being launched, Harris brought in over $100 million in donations.

In the Rust Belt, Harris efforts as vice president, California attorney general and U.S. Senator for the Golden State are appreciated, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said in a statement Tuesday. The Michigan Democratic delegation values hard work and people like Harris that prioritize fighting for reproductive freedoms, workers rights, and strengthening the middle class.

Since the day she took office, Vice President Harris has clearly shown her dedication to Michiganders, their values, and their families. As a prosecutor and senator, she worked to keep her community safe from those who sought to harm it  now, as our nominee, she is doing the exact same thing as she fights to beat Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda once again, Barnes said. As delegates across the country rally behind Harris, we are excited to continue to unite this party so we can come together in November and elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

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They are the administrators of democracy, making sure that elections are free, fair and efficient. They maintain the records of local government and are responsible for public access to those records, including births, deaths and the marriages in between.

And yet, nearly 10% of the 1,240 township clerk positions that are up for election this year in Michigan have no candidates willing to step up and fill them.

Thats according to Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, who also serves as second vice president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC). In a social media post this month, Siegrist pointed to the situation as one thats not been experienced before.

What if I told you that 118 townships have nobody running for Clerk this year. Weve never seen anything like this in history. 9.5% of all clerk races this year will have NOBODY elected, he said, before posing a series of questions. Why doesnt anyone want to do this job? How does a state deal with such a massive labor shortage? Who will run elections in these communities?

Siegrist went on to say that clerks in Michigan were increasingly being caught in the middle of what he referred to as the voting wars, in which partisans and activists work the refs by either overburdening the system with increasing demands to do more with less, or just outright attack them, both rhetorically and through intimidation and threats of violence.

Anyone in MI who isnt worried about the brain drain and loss of talent and experience is either dishonest or not serious, Siegrist posted. I hope this trend doesnt continue. I hope the voting wars stop. Future elections depend on serious legislators, serious activists, serious administrators, and serious elected officials understanding that the center must hold.

A request for comment was made to the Michigan Department of State, but was not returned.

While various election reforms in the last six years have received approval from voters, they have also added to the duties and responsibilities of election administrators, which Siegrist says are almost always township clerks, making up more than 80% of all local election officials in the state.

According to the Michigan Townships Association, in addition to conducting elections and keeping voter registration files, township clerks are responsible for a myriad of other duties including maintaining custody of township records, recording, maintaining, and publishing board meeting minutes, preparing financial statements, and delivering tax certificates to the township supervisor and county clerk by Sept. 30.

However, there have been big changes to voting in the last few years that have impacted clerks job duties. Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022 both passed with at least 60% of the vote and guaranteed the rights to same-day voter registration, nine days of early voting, and absentee voting, among other rights.

Siegrist told Michigan Advance that many jurisdictions simply are not able to accommodate the extra work load those changes require.

Theres never been a high turnover in these positions historically, he said. In a lot of these smaller jurisdictions that are more rural, especially in northern Michigan, you get retirees who run for these jobs, and theyre not full-time jobs. Theres probably 900 jurisdictions in Michigan that dont even have a full-time employee in the clerks office. Its a part-time job. Theres a stipend. Maybe they make $10,000 a year. But thats because that system was designed over the clerk really running really simple elections with simple equipment.

Siegrist said that in addition to an increasing level of technological knowledge thats required, there are usually longer hours, resulting in unintended costs such as additional child care that make the position difficult to recruit people into. And thats not to mention the rising suspicion by many members of the public that massive fraud is taking place, regardless of whether theres any actual evidence thats true.

And now its like, people want to talk about photo ID or they want to talk about the voter rolls or they want to talk about Dominion voting machines, which services 80% of the voters in Michigan, he said. They want to talk about all those things, and youre like, I really cant talk about that. Im so busy doing three peoples jobs for the single amount of money I made last year. And the MAMC warned everybody this was going to happen, that we were going to have a hard time retaining and recruiting individuals to do this job because of it. And we warned that it could potentially impact the quality of election administration.

That warning came in the form of an advisory the association issued in December 2023, which urged municipalities to acknowledge that providing fair compensation for clerks and election officials was a critical need.

In a functioning democracy, the role of election officials cannot be understated. We are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Paying election officials appropriately is not just a matter of financial compensation; its about upholding the very foundations of our democratic society, states the advisory, which said inadequate compensation threatened to deter qualified professionals from holding those positions. That means increased turnover and a hit to public confidence in the efficient administration of elections.

To address the issue, the MAMC called upon municipalities to conduct a wage assessment to ensure election officials were compensated in-line with their counterparts in other departments, make an adjustment plan to provide for additional duties and responsibilities, and then ensure that appropriate support, resources, and benefits to were available to assist clerks and election staff in effectively managing the challenges of an extended election period.

In summary, the pay and benefits for election officials are not expenditures but investments in the health of our democracy. It safeguards the integrity of elections, encourages dedicated professionals to serve, and upholds public trust. It is imperative that election officials are compensated appropriately and equitably, given the demands and responsibilities they shoulder, said the advisory.

In response to the MAMC advisory, the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) posted a bulletin to its members saying that while they shared the concern that election officials should receive adequate compensation, the proposals being put forth were not in line with the legal requirements for what township clerks, who are paid by their municipalities, could be paid.

It is our opinion that this would not be a lawful resolution or approach for a township to use regarding a township clerks salary of the office, said the association. In a township, the salary of the office of clerk as stated in the salary resolution for the office of clerk, is the ONLY compensation that a township clerk can receive for performing the statutory duties of the office of clerk.

For this reason, the MTA said it encouraged townships to consider increasing the salary of the office of clerk, as opposed to additional compensation for increased election duties. Among the methods it suggested to do that were by a simple vote of the township board, or through the creation of a salary compensation commission.

Siegrist called the Michigan Townships Associations response disappointing.

What they dont realize is by doing that, it sucked all the oxygen and momentum out of clerks advocating to their local township boards and to their township supervisors to actually get funding and to potentially get additional compensation to do the task that theyve got, he said. I was really discouraged when they sent that notification out as a response to all the member communities. I thought it was irresponsible.

Jenn Fiedler, the associations communications director, told the Advance that the information they provided was accurate as what the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks was advocating was not in line with the law.

We have remained steadfast in our support, advocacy and resources for clerks in their ever-expanding duties, particularly for elections, and have encouraged township boards to review the salaries for this important elected office, she said, and pointed to a cover story that ran in this years April/May edition of their monthly magazine, which was based on a resource toolkit that MTA prepared and shared with members via email, as well as a part of clerk/election curriculum at MTA workshops.

As to the vacancies on this years ballot, Michael Selden, director of the MTAs Member Information Services, told the Advance that while that number may be higher than normal this year, that doesnt mean the positions will go unfilled.

Theres still a deadline coming up later this month to run as an independent on the ballot in November. You can also still run as a write-in for the August [primary], he said.

But, Selden says ultimately if nobody is on the ballot, once the position is officially vacant on Jan. 2, a township board would then have 45 days to make an appointment and fill the vacancy. If no one steps forward for an appointment, he says the county clerk could then call for a special election. In his experience, Selden says theyve never reached that point and hes optimistic that wont be the case this time either.

However, Selden does agree that the increasing duties which have been placed on clerks, as well as the more intense scrutiny of their work, are the main factors driving any lack of people stepping forward to do the job.

Clerks take a lot of pride in their elections and how they run them and that they are safe and that theyre secure, and when they come under attack, it wears on you too, he said. Then theres the extra things as far as absentee ballot voting, the nine days of early voting. I think you probably are getting a lot of clerks that are kind of burned out and arent running again.

Selden says the MTA has advised townships that one thing they can to help alleviate the issue is to make the deputy clerk position full-time.

Every township clerk is required to have a deputy and in many cases theyre only there in case the clerk is not available and they need somebody to come and sign a check or something. In many cases, thats what the deputy is doing, he said. But, certainly, the township can encourage the clerk to find a deputy whos more trained in the role or can look at it as more of a job instead of just, Im there just in case of emergency, but bring in a deputy for working more hours and bring somebody in that can help take on some of those roles, even potentially outsourcing certain things like payroll.

However, Selden acknowledged that hiring a full-time deputy will be difficult from a financial standpoint for many townships.

Theres 1,240 townships, but roughly half of them have populations of under 2,000 people, he said. I mean, we have townships that have less than 200 people and some less than 100 people, and when you get into some of those smaller townships and maybe dont have a lot of revenue, you dont have a lot of people to choose from.

But Siegrist says this is a systemic issue as even the largest municipalities arent looking to provide full-time deputy clerks.

Look at Sterling Heights, he said. The president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, Melanie Ryska, doesnt have a deputy clerk. Sterling Heights is the fourth-largest jurisdiction in Michigan. It is abundantly clear that everybody wants the system to just function. They want to see the big reforms. They want to see the increased voting rights, and expansion of access. But for some reason, they want us to do it with magic, and they want one person to administer it, and they want us to sacrifice our personal lives to do it.

Siegrist believes that the lack of urgency toward resolving this issue makes it become a self-fulling prophecy.

Theyll find some poor unsuspecting soul to do the job for four years, but guess what theyre probably not going to do? Run for reelection, he said. Do you really want every four years to hit the reset buttonand then when individuals attack the election system we get surprised when they give up equipment to these conspiracy theorists illegally? Its all brand new clerks. Theyre low information clerks. Theyre people who get put in those positions, who dont know how to do the job, and dont treat it professionally.

That reference was to several instances arising out of the 2020 election in which local clerks illegally turned over voting tabulators to supporters of former President Donald Trump trying to validate his disproven claims of massive voter fraud.

If you keep doing this refresh every four years with partisan hacks, theyre going to behave like this. Thats not a secure system, said Siegrist. Theyll find a warm body to fog a mirror and sit in that position. But whats the quality of service? Thats my concern. Township clerk; its not the same job it was 20 years ago. So that 20-year-ago solution aint gonna cut it.

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New Michigan law makes it easier for prisons to release people in poor health

DETROIT (AP)  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law Tuesday that would make it easier for people to be released from Michigan prisons if theyre in debilitating health and considered to be a minimal risk to the public.

The new law replaces a 2019 law that was seen as vague and hard to apply. Only one person had been released, according to FAMM, an advocacy group that works for changes in criminal justice systems across the country.

The Michigan parole board will have authority to release someone to a medical facility, hospice or a home, especially if they have a life expectancy of less than 18 months.

Their needs are too much for the Corrections Department and theyre not a risk to public safety, said Maria Goellner, director of state policy at FAMM.

She said Michigan would save money, and the medically frail might be able to spend more time around family in their final days.

Its common sense, said Sen. Erika Geiss, a Detroit-area Democrat who sponsored the bill

Goellner predicted the new law might apply to 12 to 20 people a year. People convicted of crimes that carry a possible life sentence arent eligible.

The parole board also could order someone to wear an electronic monitoring device.

Larry Smith, who spent nearly 27 years in prison before he was exonerated of crimes, told lawmakers that he spent much time behind bars with people who had dementia or Parkinsons disease but were no risk to the public.

There are many people in state prisons who could come home safely and contribute to our families and communities as I am he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(Bloomberg) -- Chinas faster-than-expected adoption of autonomous driving is doing little to rev up optimism among analysts searching for Baidu Inc.s next catalyst.

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The internet search leaders shares have almost erased gains notched in Hong Kong this month after the company announced an expansion into ride hailing with a fleet of fully self-driving cars in the city of Wuhan. Now, Baidus stock may extend its year-to-date decline with analysts cutting its average 12-month target price to an all-time low.

The stock price has not priced in robotaxi potential. But to be honest, it shouldnt right now either, because no one really knows how successful it will be, nor do they know about future government policy toward the technology, said Kai Wang, a Morningstar analyst. Mass commercialization is still like three to five years away.

Of concern is whether Baidus new growth plans will be able to offset its weak advertising revenues fast enough, particularly given a lack of certainty around pending regulations or consumer demand for such products. Market competition and a weak macro environment may also weigh on the stock.

It wasnt supposed to be this way. Autonomous driving and machine learning have been core tenets in Baidus broader ambitions to expand within the artificial intelligence sector. Its autonomous ride-hailing arm Apollo Go launched a cheap robotaxi model in May and aims to be profitable by next year. Baidu is also expanding this service beyond Wuhan to more Chinese cities. The company in April signed an agreement with Tesla Inc. to embed its maps into the automakers self-driving systems.

Yet that hasnt been enough to sway market watchers. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Robert Lea wrote in a note last month that Baidu was likely to lose market share in AI due to a price war, and its earnings might undergo a double-digit sequential decline this year with its AI ventures continuing to lose money.

Baidus American depositary receipts fell as much as 0.8% in US trading on Wednesday. The ADRs are down around 25% this year.

On robotaxis in particular, a case study of operations in Shanghai unveiled discouragingly deep loss-making financials, JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts including Alex Yao wrote in a report this month. Discounts offered by Baidu make the strategy commercially unviable, they added.

Story continues

Those concerns have forced at least seven brokers, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley, to slash their price targets over the past two weeks.

There may be other headaches too. Baidus operations in Wuhan are under increasing scrutiny, with local media citing concerns including the rising unemployment of taxi drivers and the safety of those cars in more complicated traffic situations.

Still, given Chinas driverless ride-hailing market potential, Baidus growth plans may still be a win in the long term. The country currently has about four to five million ride-railing cars in operation, according to Goldman Sachs. If 5% of those cars can switch into self driving vehicles and offer similar pricing to normal taxis, that translates into a $5 billion market, it says.

At least six cities or provinces recently announced trials to promote autonomous driving over the past month, which may help grow demand.

For now, the next catalyst will likely come during the firms earnings next month. Baidu is expected to report 1.2% growth in revenue for the second quarter, similar to the pace in the March period which was the slowest since 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. And after a short spike in demand for bullish option contracts when the company announced its expansion in Wuhan, trading volume has quickly come down.

Robotaxis are unlikely to generate any significant revenue or earnings for Baidu over the next few years, BIs Lea said, adding that its earnings might show a double-digit sequential decline this year. The technology is high risk and remains at an immature stage, with developmental hurdles yet to overcome.

Top Tech Stories

In recent months, Google showed interest in two companies, either of which would have been the biggest-ever purchase for the internet giant. And both times, the deals fell apart. On Monday, the chief executive of Wiz Inc. told staff that the cybersecurity startup would reject a $23 billion offer from Alphabet Inc.s Google and instead pursue an initial public offering. That came just weeks after Google shelved plans to buy HubSpot Inc., a $25 billion software firm.

Texas Instruments Inc. provided a sales outlook that signals an inventory glut is coming to an end, reassuring investors that a revival is underway in key markets for the companys chips.

Hackers have leaked internal documents stolen from Leidos Holdings Inc., one of the largest IT services providers to the US government, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Indias video market is expected to reach $13 billion in revenue by 2028, boosted by the streaming industry, which has continued to invest billions of dollars in content development every year, according to a new report.

Facebook parent company Meta Platforms Inc. debuted a new and powerful AI model that Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg called state of the art and said will rival similar offerings from competitors like OpenAI and Alphabet Inc.s Google.

--With assistance from Jeran Wittenstein and Cristin Flanagan.

(Adds shares in seventh paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- World of Warcraft workers have voted to unionize the popular video-game franchise, expanding organized labors new foothold at Microsoft Corp. by around 500 employees.

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An arbitrator overseeing an election at the company determined that a majority of the Warcraft teams employees have supported the Communications Workers of America, the union said.

We continue to support our employees right to choose how they are represented in the workplace, and we will engage in good faith negotiations with the CWA as we work towards a collective bargaining agreement, a spokesperson for Microsoft said in an emailed statement.

Their organizing effort, which brings the number of unionized US gaming employees at Microsoft to around 1,750, was buoyed by the companys unusually union-friendly stance. The new bargaining unit, which includes artists, designers, engineers, producers and quality assurance testers, could help spur more organizing at the company.

Its exciting to potentially raise the standards of the entire industry as siblings in organizing, said Kathryn Friesen, a Warcraft designer and member of the unions organizing committee.

Rather than campaigning against unionization on its gaming teams, Microsoft continued its recent practice of staying neutral and agreeing to voluntarily recognize and negotiate with the group if it secured majority support, according to the CWA.

The CWAs win at Warcraft follows a similar victory last week among approximately 240 employees at Microsofts Bethesda Game Studios, which makes games like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.

The Warcraft workers are part of Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft acquired last fall.

Leaders of the organizing drive said they hope to secure a say on issues like pay, remote work and workplace diversity and equity. Activision was roiled by controversy prior to being purchased, with the state of California and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filing lawsuits accusing the company of violating civil rights laws.

Hundreds of Activision employees staged a walkout in 2021 after Californias Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a complaint alleging a frat boy culture and harassment at the company.

Activision ultimately reached eight-figure settlements with California, the EEOC and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which had accused the company of failing to maintain sufficient safeguards to address workplace misconduct.

In the California settlement, the parties agreed that no court or any independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard.

In 2022, while seeking government approval to purchase Activision, Microsoft announced a new set of principles, committing to collaborative approaches that will make it simpler for workers to choose whether to unionize. The company inked a deal with the CWA on more specific terms to ease unionization of certain jobs, and last year announced it would take a similar approach to organizing efforts by other AFL-CIO unions.

The company also said it would partner with the AFL-CIO to understand how artificial intelligence would affect workers.

Workers say unionization was a longtime topic on the Warcraft team, but organizing efforts gained steam after other employees at Activision and the Microsoft game publisher ZeniMax unionized with the CWA over the past couple years.

World of Warcraft is a two-decade old, online megahit in which players can create characters, complete quests and combat rivals while exploring fantasy realms.

Microsoft is one of many prominent workplaces where unions have scored landmark US organizing victories since the start of the pandemic, including two Apple Inc. stores, an Amazon.com Inc. warehouse, a Volkswagen AG plant and hundreds of Starbucks Corp. cafes.

(Updates with Microsoft comment in third paragraph.)

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You might not know this great Sacramento artist who has dedicated his life to teaching | Opinion

Sacramentos art scene has demonstrated a resilience unlike some other California cities. Our local art community has grown, and done so organically. A Sacramento-area creative mixed-media artist in high demand, William Ishmael, recently said, the number of quality artists in Sacramento has truly blossomed; and its true. The works of several top-quality Sacramento-area artists are on exhibit in galleries both here and far away.

Opinion

Judging from the styles we see here, its clear Sacramento artists Wayne Thiebaud and Gregory Kondos, both with big reputations, influenced or at least inspired some of this new batch of Sacramento painters. Its worth noting that Thiebaud and Kondos did substantial stints as art teachers, including at UC Davis and Sacramento City College respectively, while they produced many of their famous creations.

Like the late Thiebaud and Kondos, many current Sacramento artists have taught art or now teach it. Few have trained more local artists than one teacher whos been on the art education scene in Sacramento for decades: David Lobenberg.

If you ask Lobenberg, 77, what he did for a living, hed likely not respond with artist. Rather, hed be almost certain to reply, art teacher. In doing so, he sells himself short. His art is extraordinary  and surprising in its vibrancy. Any viewer of the bulk of his work would be compelled to at least think the guy had perfected the art of the colorful portrait.

Attitude by David Lobenberg.

The purist might say Lobenbergs portraits are better described as caricatures. That gives us license to compare his work to who some believe to be Americas most important caricaturist, New Yorks late Al Hirschfeld. Yet Hirschfelds most famous pieces favored black and white. His use of color was comparatively rare. In contrast, Lobenbergs portraits are flowery and expressive. His pieces explode with color.

Its not a stretch to suggest that if youd compare a Lobenberg watercolor portrait to a Hirschfeld, youd at least entertain the thought that Sacramentos Lobenberg could easily have been as famous.

Even so, Lobenberg prefers to identify as an art teacher  and he seems to love it that way. His students seem to love him, too. At the former School of Light and Color in Fair Oaks, owned and operated by professional artist Susan Sarback, Lobenberg occasionally did stints as a special course instructor. Sarback remembers those times and the budding style Lobenberg was teaching.

David had a very engaging way with his students, Sarback said.

Eye to Eye by David Lobenberg.

It was at Sacramento City College that Lobenbergs true passion for teaching art bloomed. An adjunct professor of art there for nearly 20 years, he has, in more recent years, offered his courses independently. His classes nearly always sell out, and many would-be students are relegated to a waiting list.

As artist Sarback noted, Lobenbergs teaching style is engaging. He often brings his students up to the lectern to watch him perform a certain touch  a touch he then invites them to return to their space and emulate, reminding them to add their own influence. Always jovial, always gregarious, Lobenberg inspires his students (and some accomplished artists have taken his courses, an endorsement of sorts of his teaching cred).

Yes, his work has been on display from time-to-time at various public spaces and galleries around Sacramento. But such showings have been rare. More frequently, hes judging an art contest on the East Coast or appearing in magazines ranging from Watercolor Artist to Style Magazine, demonstrating his California Vibe teaching style.

About once a month, he breaks free from his local courses and sells out classes from West Texas to Florida, or the plains of Nebraska to the lake country in Wisconsin. Its almost like what drives him is got the art teaching bug, will travel to anywhere people want to learn.

While we make note of Sacramentos impressive group of next generation flourishing artists, including the many enjoying commercial success, we need to be thankful for those who share their craft. David Lobenberg, even in the autumn of life, seems indefatigable in this.

John Roberts has run non-profit organizations in Sacramento for 40 years.
A 34-year-old man from Gadsden County, Florida, allegedly caught stealing thousands of dollars pretending to be a contractor in Santa Rosa County may have defrauded other prospective homeowners in the area.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office issued a fraud alert Monday for Aron Carrillo after he allegedly took $19,000 from a Milton couple under the pretense of completing home improvements.

A warrant affidavit obtained by the News Journal indicates a Milton couple hired Carrillo through his company "3Carrillos LLC" and paid him $19,000 to construct an addition to their home.

"Carrillo erected three walls under the existing residential structure and fed wiring from the attic to the newly installed walls," the documents say. "After completing part of the work, Carrillo left the location and failed to return to finish the contracted job."

Investigators confirmed that Carrillo did not have an active building contractor or electrical contractor's license after a check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations. Investigators also confirmed, after a check with the Santa Rosa County Development Services Center, that there were no permits obtained to perform the work done on the Milton home.

'Exploiting innocent victims': Pensacola contractor Matt Banks indicted for racketeering; faces up to 95 years in prison

Documents also show that Carrillo's work was deemed "not up to par" with Florida Building Code, especially after a support beam "vital to the structural integrity of the residential structure" was cut, according to a building inspector.

It is estimated the total cost to repair the damage caused by Carrillo is approximately $47,000, according to the affidavit.

Investigators spoke with Carrillo, but his statements were redacted from the document.

The SRSO's fraud alert asks anyone who has had construction work done by Carrillo, his business 3Carrillos LLC or Tres Carrillos LLC to contact the SRSO.

Carrillo was arrested in Gadsden County, according to the fraud alert, and he is awaiting extradition. His pending charges in Santa Rosa include grand theft between $10,000 and $20,000, contracting without a license, electrical contracting without a license, contracting work without a building permit and electrical contracting without a permit.

The SRSO says Carrillo is also facing charges in other Florida counties and has conducted business in Alabama and Louisiana.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida man allegedly steals $19K from Milton couple as contractor
Milwaukee man charged with fleeing to Ireland to avoid imprisonment for January 6 crimes

A Milwaukee man has been charged with fleeing to Ireland in an attempt to escape imprisonment for his Jan. 6, 2021, crimes at the U.S. Capitol.

Paul E. Kovacik, 54, was charged in May 2022 with entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly or disruptive conduct in such a building, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

A report from the U.S. Marshal Service Tuesday said Kovacik was arrested June 19 in Indiana, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months imprisonment followed by three years of probation.

Kovacik was originally ordered to appear to the Bureau of Prisons in Chicago on Aug. 22, 2023, but was allowed by a judge to report at a later date so he could complete his summer job at Six Flags.

The new appearance date was set for Nov. 1, 2023.

"Kovacik did not self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons at the MCC  Chicago on November 1, 2023, as ordered. Instead, Kovacik fled to Dublin, Ireland, through Munich, Germany, on November 1, 2023," the criminal complaint said.

An arrest warrant was filed for Kovacik on Nov. 21, 2023.

According to the complaint, Kovacik claimed to be in Ireland seeking asylum and international protection with the Irish government. He withdrew his asylum claim and returned to the United States voluntarily because he felt "homesick."

Kovacik was arrested upon his arrival and transferred to a jail in Minneapolis. After his arrest, Kovacik told law enforcement he was a "political prisoner."

Kovacik is now serving his original sentence at a federal prison in Chicago with an expected release date of Sept. 8, 2024, but his new charge for fleeing imprisonment could lead to more jail time.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man charged with fleeing to Ireland to avoid jail for Jan. 6
A vehicle belonging to Griffin Schneider, who is called a missing endangered person, was spotted near Wisconsin Dells at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Milwaukee police say the 29-year-old man reported critically missing has been found.

He had been last in contact with his family at about 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to police. Police sent an update Tuesday night that a vehicle believed to be driven by the man was spotted in Wisconsin Dells around 9:15 p.m. Police said Wednesday around noon that man has been located and is safe.

"Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police locate critically missing Milwaukee man
VP Kamala Harris painted a stark contrast between her campaign and that of former President Donald Trump. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner)

Vice President Kamala Harris laid out her case for the presidency to an energetic crowd in the gym of West Allis Central High School in Milwaukee on Tuesday  two days after President Joe Biden decided to step out of the 2024 presidential race.

The rally in the battleground state of Wisconsin, which was planned before Bidens decision to drop out, was Harris first as the all-but-certain Democratic nominee, having gathered the support of enough delegates to secure the nomination on Monday. The energy at the rally was palpable with rally-goers embracing Harris candidacy after weeks of uncertainty that plagued Democrats following Bidens unsteady debate performance in June.

Harris painted a stark contrast between her campaign and that of former President Donald Trump.

Ultimately, in this election we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in? Harris said. Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?

She pointed to her experience as the California attorney general, San Francisco district attorney and as a prosecutor, saying it prepared her to run against Trump.

In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds  predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who wrote the rules for their own game. Harris said. So hear me what I say, I know Donald Trumps type. The crowd erupted into cheers and chants of Kamala! Kamala! Kamala!

Harris said she would proudly put her record up against Trumps any day. She also emphasized, however, that the campaign is not just about us versus Donald Trump.

This campaign is about who we fight for, Harris said, adding that it would be a people powered campaign.

This campaign is also about two different visions for our nation  one where we are focused on the future, the other focused on the past, Harris said. We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity, not just to get by, but to get ahead, a future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every worker has the freedom to join a union, where everyone has affordable health care, child care and paid family leave. This is to say building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.

Harris was welcomed to Milwaukee by Wisconsin Democratic leaders, many of whom announced their support of Harris candidacy within 48 hours of Bidens announcement. Before Harris took the stage, those leaders sought to emphasize the stakes of the election.

Gov. Tony Evers said that on his excitement scale  which goes from holy mackerel and maxes out at heck yes  he was jazzed as hell to welcome Harris to Wisconsin. He said the choice has never been clearer.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vances path to seizing power, destroying our democracy and taking away our freedoms runs right through the state of Wisconsin, and we are going to stop them, Evers said.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, who kicked off the event, said that Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, want to take the country backwards. He told rally-goers to google Project 2025  the 900-page document created by the Heritage Foundation that is meant to serve as a policy blueprint for the Trump administration.

Wikler, before taking the stage, told reporters that the biggest challenge of the campaign is totally out the window.

If youd asked me six weeks ago, what was the biggest challenge in this campaign? I would have said the biggest challenge is that a lot of voters have stopped paying attention. Theyre not tuning in. Theyre not paying attention to what Trump wants to do to this country, Wikler said.

This is now one of the most fascinating and exciting presidential elections in modern history and Vice President Harris is an unparalleled messenger for a message of freedom, of expanding democracy and hope and opportunity, of lifting up working people in every corner of this country, Wikler said.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley told the Examiner that he is starting to see enthusiasm about Harris online, at home from his wife and daughters and in general.

Weve been dealing with distractions for the past couple of weeks, past couple of months  whether or not Biden was going to stay in this race and many Democrats calling for him to step aside, Crowley said. This gives us an opportunity again to focus on the issues that are at hand  focusing on reproductive rights, focusing on making sure that we can move this entire country forward and really unifying this country.

The issue of reproductive rights came up repeatedly from elected officials as well as attendees of the rally and in Harris remarks.

We trust women to make decisions about their own body, Harris said.

Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski rallied the crowd by saying that Harris could help break the glass ceiling finally. She told the Examiner that Harris would be able to bring reproductive rights to the forefront of the campaign in part because she is a woman.

For far too long, women have felt that reproductive rights has been treated like an afterthought, and part of that reason is because we dont have a woman fighting at the front of that line, Godlewski said. [Harris] understands that its our body, its our choice and its not going to be this second or third tier issue. Its going to be a top priority for her to make sure we get these reproductive rights back once and for all.

More than 3,000 people attended the rally according to the Harris campaign  making it the largest event of the year for the Biden, now Harris, campaign.

Deysha Smith-Jenkins, a Milwaukee freelance journalist, said she was feeling fired up following the speech.

I love how she emphasized We. I didnt hear what I will do. It was We  We, as a people, we, as a nation, we, as a Democratic party, in order for us to keep fighting and get this job done.  Im sweating with excitement, Smith-Jenkins said. I believe in the words that she said.

Smith-Jenkins said she was planning on attending the rally before Biden dropped out but Harris candidacy gave her a reason to wear her power green suit. She is part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.  AKA  the same historically Black sorority that Harris joined at Howard University.

Now that [Kamala Harris] was already the [VPOTUS], president doesnt seem too far, so that just goes to say theres no dream thats too wide, too far that cant be reached and its amazing to see someone that looks like me in a position that way. And also we just happen to be in the same sorority, Smith-Jenking said. Its beautiful.

Jodi Jean Amble attended the rally with her 9-year-old daughter, Ada. She said that she wanted her daughter to see a Black woman running for president.

[My daughter] said this morning that she didnt know if she wanted to come, but she thought when she was an adult, she would regret it if she didnt, Amble said. I think she knows that shes seeing a big piece of history.

Chris Ahmuty, a Milwaukee retiree who used to serve as the executive director of the Wisconsin ACLU, said Harris candidacy will give us a chance to reset the election and offer some real hope. He was at a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is being challenged by Republican millionaire businessman Eric Hovde, when he and the other attendees learned that Biden would be dropping out.

Its not about [Bidens] fitness to serve out the end of his term. Hes totally fit. Hes certainly done a good job but my concern for quite a while has been, what about in two years? What about in three years? Are we just postponing a crisis? Ahmuty said.

Ahmuty, who has lived in Milwaukee since 1972, said he appreciates that Harris, who is 59, is younger. He said that he hopes the reset of the campaign will solidify the Democratic base and bring in voters who were less enthusiastic about Biden, including young voters.

16-year-old Ava Hicks of Milwaukee said it was exciting to learn that Biden would be stepping out of the race.

I think universally, everyones kind of tired of these older candidates and staying a little bit redundant, so its nice to see something fresh, Hicks said.

Hicks noted that she wont be able to vote in November, but that its really important that everyone gets out. She is a part of High School Democrats of America, and said she would be working to organize and spread awareness leading up to November.

Womens rights, education costs, everything is on the ballot this November, she said.

In a similar vein, Harris told rally-goers that there is a lot of work to be done in the 105 days left until the November 5 election.

We have doors to knock on. We have phone calls to make. Wisconsin, today I ask you, are you ready to get to work? Are we ready to fight for it? When we fight, we win, Harris said, before walking off the stage to Beyonces song Freedom.

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Minnesota is a good place for children, but we can still do better

In this Reformer file photo, Monica Rojas reads books to children, two of them hers, at George Floyd Square. Photos by Will Jacott/Minnesota Reformer.

Im proud to call Minnesota home.

One reason is because our state values its young people. Childrens Defense Fund-Minnesota was happy to learn Minnesota retained its rank as Americas fifth best state for child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundations 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book.

We should celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment. But theres room for improvement  more must be done to improve the well-being of all Minnesotas young people.

We fell a spot to the 19th best state for education after an evaluation of the 2021-2022 school year. Many things happen outside the classroom that impact results inside of it. As a state, we need to focus on these issues, so we see better results.

One area the Legislature must address is Minnesotas ongoing struggles with chronic absence. This issue, which was exacerbated by the pandemic, severely interrupted the learning routines of thousands of Minnesota children. Consequently, more Minnesota fourth and eighth grade students were found not proficient in reading and math, respectively, during the 2021-2022 school year compared to years past.

This is not a small issue. In that same year, one-third of all Minnesota students were chronically absent, missing 10% or more of school days on the calendar. We must confront the root social causes of this problem and invest in solutions to reverse its trend. A task force to examine absenteeism and grants to support pilot projects across the state  both passed in 2024  are a good start. More investments in family economic stability and healthy child development, including mental health supports, should also help.

Additionally, we recommend Minnesota improve accessibility to tutoring programs and out-of-school learning opportunities, so we can boost our students reading and math test scores. Young Minnesota families have called for action on this front for years. Afterschool Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that aims to increase after school program accessibility across America, released a report four years ago called America After 3PM 2020. It found for every child in an after school program in Minnesota, there were three more children in the state who wanted to participate in similar programs but could not.

Children who participate in after school or out-of-school learning opportunities routinely outperform their peers, academically, compared to those who do not. Our nationwide CDF Freedom Schools program supports this fact. Its six-week-long educational model  which includes 15 sites within our seven-county metro area  encourages children to read culturally relevant literature during the summer. Last year, 85% of the K-12 scholars enrolled in our schools across America maintained or gained an average of eight months in their reading skills.

So, why dont we have more Minnesota children participating in out-of-school learning opportunities? Afterschool Alliance found money is partly to blame. Thirty-seven percent of residents they surveyed said after school programs were too expensive. Our lawmakers have the power to change this reality. Minnesota must invest more in out-of-school learning grant programs. We must consider making permanent and increasing these grants, so such academic supports can make a sustained impact.

Now, there is good news. Recent actions taken by Gov. Tim Walz, his administration, and the Legislature have put us in good position to improve child well-being. In 2023, Walz signed a bill into law for Minnesota schools to provide free meals to any students who want them, regardless of their familys income. The proposal has already received overwhelming support from the public, according to survey data. Additionally, Minnesota made historic investments in housing, child care, education, health and family economic stability.

Children need holistic support of their basic needs to thrive, and the fact these investments were made after the period the 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book analyzed suggests well see improvement.

We cannot rest on our laurels, however.

Its imperative we all proactively work to ensure Minnesotas new Department of Children, Youth, and Families is successfully rolled-out this summer and historic investments are implemented well so they can achieve their stated purposes.

We can build on these successes in future years to meet the Walz administrations goal of eliminating child poverty and making Minnesota the best state to be a child.

Minnesotas future looks bright. Lets do everything we can to give our youngest Minnesotans the success and joy they deserve.
Minnesota Gov. Torches JD Vance: He Knows 'Nothing About Small-Town America'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) recently slammed Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Donald Trumps vice presidential pick, over his views on rural America.

During an appearance on a Tuesday segment of MSNBCs Morning Joe, the governor criticized Vance for the way he characterized small-town America in his 2016 bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.

People like JD Vance know nothing about small-town America, said Walz, who was raised in rural Nebraska. My town had 400 people in it, 24 kids in my graduating class  12 were cousins.

And he gets it all wrong, he continued. Its not about hate, its not about collapsing in. The golden rule there is mind your own damn business.

Walz then said that the Republican Party has destroyed rural America through their policies.

Theyve divided us. Theyre in our exam rooms, theyre telling us what books to read, he said. And I think what Kamala Harris knows is, bringing people together around the shared values  strong public schools, strong labor unions that create the middle class, health care thats affordable and accessible  those are the things.

The Minnesota governor later emphasized his point that Republicans have created division, saying, We cant even go to Thanksgiving dinner with our uncle, because you end up in some weird fight that is unnecessary.

He added that right-wing politicians are running for the he-man, women-haters club or something.

That angst that JD Vance talks about in Hillbilly Elegy  none of my hillbilly cousins went to Yale, and none of them went on to be venture capitalists or whatever, he later continued. Its not who people really are.

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) photographed at a campaign rally on July 22 in Radford, Virginia. Alex Wong via Getty Images

Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, attended Yale Law School and worked as a venture capitalist. His hit memoir elevated him to national fame, but he has also garnered criticism for some of the ways in which he portrayed the struggles of working-class people in rural America in the book.

Silas House, an author and chair of Appalachian Studies at Berea College in Kentucky, told People in an article published Wednesday that he believes the memoir traffics in ugly stereotypes and tropes.

Vance was raised by his grandparents in Middletown, Ohio, while his mother battled an addiction. His father left his family when he was a young child.

Critics have challenged Vances depiction of Appalachia, while others have questioned the extent of his Appalachian ties since he was raised in Ohio.

Vances grandparents are from Appalachia, and he spent time during his upbringing traveling to the region in Kentucky to visit family.

Neema Avashia, author of Another Appalachia, called out the books lack of representation of Appalachias residents of color in an interview with The Associated Press last week, adding that she thought the memoir made sweeping generalizations about working-class white people.

The books popularity is rooted in a desire to have your biases confirmed, she said.

Related...
The discount retailer Big Lots is closing two Kansas City area stores.

The affected locations are at 13637 Washington St. in south Kansas City and 7533 State Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas.

Employees at both stores confirmed the closing but said they hadnt been told when the last day of business would be. The south Kansas City location had yellow Closing signs up inside and outside the store Wednesday, but the shelves were still fully stocked with items including home goods, electronics, decor and toys.

Big Lots is closing two Kansas City area locations, but several more will remain open.

Clearance sales are underway at both locations, with everything between 10% and 30% off.

Big Lots warned investors in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last month that it planned to close about 40 stores in the U.S. this year. The company cited a pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items.

Other Big Lots in the metro have not announced intentions to close. Those include one in the Northland at 4826 N. Oak Trafficway, in Lees Summit at 901 E. Langsford Road, in Shawnee at 7408 Nieman Road, in Blue Springs at 603 S.W. U.S. Highway 40, in Olathe at 140 S. Clairborne Road, and in Independence at 4201 S. Noland Road.
Minors wounded in the Gaza war arrive in Spain for treatment

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

A total of 16 seriously ill minors from the Gaza Strip are to be treated in Spanish hospitals.

A Spanish military medical aircraft has flown to the Egyptian capital Cairo to bring the children and young people as well as 27 family members to Madrid, the Ministry of Defence announced in response to an enquiry on Wednesday.

Most have serious injuries from the ongoing war in the coastal strip, along with a cancer patient and a patient with a serious heart defect.

The 16 children and young people were evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Egypt some time ago.

The need for medical aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip and especially for children and adolescents is enormous. According to the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, around 5,000 injured children have been evacuated from the Gaza Strip so far.

However, the Rafah border crossing to Egypt has been closed since the beginning of May due to the fighting.

As a result, some 10,000 more wounded minors are still waiting to be able to leave Gaza for treatment abroad.

At the end of June, about 20 children suffering from cancer were able to leave the Gaza Strip for Egypt via another border crossing.

The health authority in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Islamist group Hamas, says around 39,000 people have been killed and almost 90,000 injured in the coastal strip since the start of the war.

The local healthcare system has largely collapsed due to the destruction caused by the war.

The Gaza war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre of more than 1,200 people killed by militants from Hamas and other groups in Israel on October 7 last year.

Israel responded with massive air strikes and a ground offensive. Israel is being increasingly criticized internationally in view of the high number of civilian casualties and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

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
A pharmacist holds a vial of lenacapavir, the new HIV prevention injectable drug, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa - Nardus Engelbrecht/AP

A miracle new anti-HIV jab giving protection from the deadly virus for six months is being hailed as a chance to revolutionise prevention of an infection which still kills one person every minute.

Excitement about the potential of Lenacapavir and discussions on how to cut the price of the costly injection have dominated this weeks 25th annual international Aids conference.

The drug brings hope of helping to solve a stubborn problem which has been holding back efforts to curb HIV and Aids, particularly in Africa.

Protective pills, called pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP), to stop people getting HIV are already effective, but need to be taken every day.

But failing or being unable to adhere to a routine of daily pills means people are still getting infected. Some do not want to be seen with the tablets because of stigma around HIV, Aids and homosexuality. Others in rural remote areas have to travel long distances for refills.

Protection given by antiviral drug Lenacapavir is so strong and long lasting that some describe it as 'vaccine-like' in its potential - Nardus Engelbrecht/AP

A large clinical trial spanning South Africa and Uganda has now shown Lenacapavir injections provided total protection in young African women for six months at a time. In contrast, the same trial found around two per cent of a group taking daily prevention pills catching HIV from partners.

The results could potentially revolutionise prevention.

High risk groups, such as young women, young gay men and injecting drug users could be given this new long-lasting PrEP jab and then allowed to carry on with their lives, only needing to have another shot twice a year.

Protection given by the antiviral drug is so strong and so long lasting that some have described it as vaccine-like in its potential.

Preliminary results from the trial attracted excitement in June. The full results of the trial have now been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The trial found Lenacapavir was so effective that not one of the 2,134 women given the drug became infected. The results were so clear cut that researchers stopped the trial early.

Clinical trials co-ordinator Thandeka Nkosi at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation - Nardus Engelbrecht/AP

Sharon Lewin, president of the International Aids Society, said: These data confirm that twice-yearly Lenacapavir for HIV prevention is a breakthrough advance with huge public health potential.

Winnie Byanyima, head of the United Nations Aids body, UNAIDS, described Lenacapavir as a miracle product.

Excitement at a potential breakthrough has been in contrast to what has often been a long difficult public health slog against HIV and Aids.

More than four decades after the virus was first recognised, there were still 1.3m new infections last year and 630,000 deaths. Some 40m people currently have HIV and infections are still rising in some countries.

Public health experts told the Telegraph the drug was very exciting, but they stressed it was not a silver bullet to ending the HIV pandemic. Treating those who already have HIV would remain the focus of stopping its spread.

Gilead has an opportunity to save the world

The drugs manufacturer, California-based Gilead Sciences, has come under immediate pressure to make the costly drug cheaper for poor countries that need it.

Ms Byanyima called on Gilead to open it up to the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool so that cheaper generic versions could be sold under licence in poorer nations.

She said: Gilead has an opportunity to take us closer to ending Aids as a public health threat.

Gilead has an opportunity to save the world. To save the world, literally, from the pandemic.

Lenacapavir currently costs patients over $40,000 (31,000) a year in countries including the United States, France, Norway and Australia. Research unveiled at this weeks conference estimated it could be made for $100.

Ravi Gupta, Professor of Clinical Microbiology at Cambridge, said: There will be pressure right from the outset for this to be available at the lowest possible price.

One of the barriers to implementation may unfortunately be cost, but we have been there before with antiretroviral therapy and I think that if enough of a case is made and funders and donors are behind it, then hopefully we can overcome it.

Lab technician Xolile Mhlanga works with vials of lenacapavir - Nardus Engelbrecht/AP

Lenacapavir works by targeting a viral protein called capsid. Capsid is central to many steps of viral replication, so the new drug stops the virus at several points in its replication cycle.

The drug has already been used as a treatment of last resort in a small number of patients infected with HIV. But the latest trial followed a different strategy, using the drug as PrEP in young women who have not been infected.

Prof Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the Aids Program of Research in South Africa, which contributed to the trial, said: We thought the drug was amazing before the trial and it proved itself in the trial.

I have been undertaking research on HIV prevention in women for just over 35 years. In all of that time, I have never seen a result as compelling as this. This was a stunning result.

Young women aged 18-25 are particularly at risk of infection in Africa, where they bear the brunt of the continents epidemic.

If you want to make an impact on the global pandemic, youve got to make an impact on preventing HIV infection in young women, he said.

Better at stopping the spread of HIV

Another trial looking at young gay men is still ongoing, but is now expected to deliver similar results.

Dr Kate Bishop, principal group leader at the Retroviral Replication Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute said: Having an injection twice a year means that people dont have to remember to take a tablet every day, or plan when they might need protection.

This makes it much easier for people to take the medication correctly which in turn means it is better at stopping the spread of HIV.

The jab is so long lasting that some have said it is comparable to a vaccine, though others worry the comparison could lull people into complacency.

Dr Bishop said: It is not a vaccine because it doesnt teach the body to defend itself against the virus, but if you only need to take the drug a couple of times a year it is almost as easy as vaccination and boosters.

However, protection will wear off faster than a vaccine and people will need to continue to take the drug to get protection. For this reason, its probably better not to call it a vaccine as people may get the false impression it can protect them in the same way.

The drug has already been used as a treatment of last resort in a small number of patients infected with HIV - Nardus Engelbrecht/AP

Researchers are likely to be keen to investigate how the new long-lasting jab will work alongside other preventative measures like condom use.

Prof Karim said despite the promising results, treating those who already have HIV and suppressing the infection so it cannot be passed on, will remain the cornerstone of attempts to defeat the pandemic.

Ambitious UN 2025 targets aim for countries to have diagnosed 95 per cent of people with HIV, and of those, 95 per cent need to be on antiretroviral treatment. From that group, 95 per cent need to have had their HIV levels reduced so much that they are unable to spread the virus to others through sex.

He said Lenacapavir was so useful because in some parts of the world, such as Africa, the treatment approach on its own was not enough. Large numbers of people were undiagnosed, meaning the virus continued to spread. By giving vulnerable groups such as young women, young gay men and injecting drug users long-acting protection, the virus could be halted.

He said: Right now treatment remains our main strategy. That will always be the case.

In most of Africa treatment works, but it doesnt get you to epidemic control. So in those countries, you want to carry on doing treatments, because that stops people with the virus from spreading it to others, but in addition you want to take those who dont have the infection, you want to provide them with some protection. Thats what Lenacapavir can do.

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Palestinian baby Malek Yassin, who was saved from the womb of his mother Ola Al-Kurd, who was killed in an Israeli strike, according to medics, lies in an incubator at a hospital in central Gaza Strip

Palestinian baby Malek Yassin, who was saved from the womb of his mother Ola Al-Kurd, who was killed in an Israeli strike, according to medics, lies in an incubator at a hospital in central Gaza Strip

By Ramdan Abed

GAZA (Reuters) - Nine months pregnant, Ola Al-Kurd could not wait to hold her baby and bring new life to Gaza during a war which has killed over 39,000 fellow Palestinians and razed much of the enclave.

That special moment never came.

An Israeli airstrike smashed into the family home in Al-Nuseirat in central Gaza on July 19, according to her father Adnan Al-Kurd. The blast threw Ola down several floors to her death in the house, whose inhabitants included women, children and the elderly, he said.

Somehow, her baby survived, as did her husband, who was hospitalised.

"Its a miracle that the fetus stayed alive inside of her when she was martyred (died)," Adnan Al-Kurd said, contemplating a photo of his daughter's graduation.

The explosion, like many others, killed several members of a single family, a daily tragedy across Gaza since Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to a devastating cross-border attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on Oct. 7 last year.

Mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt have failed in multiple attempts to secure a ceasefire. So it is highly unlikely that Israeli airstrikes and shelling will end anytime soon.

"She wanted to hold her child and fill our home with his presence," Al-Kurd said. "She would say, 'Mom, hopefully, this will make up for the loss of my martyred brothers and bring life back to our home'."

Entirely against the odds, surgeons at Al Awda hospital in Nuseirat - where Ola was first taken after the strike - managed to deliver the newborn, Malek Yassin. He was then transferred to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where an aunt touched the baby's face as he lay in an incubator.

Thank God, this baby's life was saved and he is now alive and well, doctor Khalil Al-Dakran said at the hospital, where many medical facilities have been destroyed in over nine months of war.

Al-Kurd gazes at photos of his three late children killed in the Gaza war. He said baby Yassin is blond like his deceased uncle Omar. I go visit him everyday. He is a part of me, he said.

Babies who survive frequent Israeli bombardment get no relief as the conflict inflicts more destruction in the heavily built-up, densely populated Gaza Strip.

We are in fact facing very great difficulties in the nursery department, said Al-Dakran, due to a lack of sufficient medication and supplies and fears that the hospital generator could stop at any moment due to fuel shortages.

Hospitals across impoverished Gaza have been demolished or seriously damaged during the war, which began when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with an air and ground offensive that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, and levelled much of the coastal territory.

"What is the fault of this child to start his life under difficult and very bad circumstances, deprived of the most basic necessities of life?" said Dakran.

(Writing by Catherine Cartier; editing by Michael Georgy and Mark Heinrich)
A beauty pageant contestant who was later crowned Miss Kansas stunned spectators when she said on stage that she was a survivor of domestic violence  and that her abuser was in the audience.

In her final interview segment of the June 8 competition, contestant Alexis Smith answered a question about her vision as a brand ambassador by saying she wanted to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships.

Then she got personal.

Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today, she said, turning from the judges to the audience.

But thats not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas, she added, her voice growing louder as the crowd erupted in cheers. Because I and my community deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a domestic [violence]-free life.

This photo provided by Miss America shows Alexis Smith who was crowned Miss Kansas on June 8, 2024, at the ceremony held in Pratt, Kansas. Miss America via AP

Video of her response went viral after it was posted on Miss America Kansass social media platforms, racking up more than 290,000 views across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Smith, a 25-year-old cardiothoracic ICU nurse from Wichita, told local NBC affiliate WSN that she was in an abusive relationship starting in her early teens  and that she wasnt the only victim in her family.

My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence, she told WSN. 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. Its something that Im still experiencing and dealing with today.

In a caption accompanying the video of her speech this month, Smith wrote that she felt empowered in the moment of the competition to speak out. She plans to continue advocating for others under a community service initiative called Respect Reclaimed.

On the night of Miss Kansas, my journey took an unexpected turn when someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace. Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world. I took back my power  not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening, she wrote.

A spokesperson for Miss America declined to comment for this story.

After winning the Miss Kansas crown, Smith was awarded more than $15,500 in cash scholarships and will represent her state at the 2025 Miss America competition in January.

The Centers for Disease Control refer to domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, as a significant public health issue that has a profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million Americans experience relationship abuse each year.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Related...
Missing 77-year-old from upstate New York dies after being found in Peoria County

Members of a search and rescue team look for missing New York man John F. Dubaic on July 23, 2024, in Peoria County.

A 77-year-old man from upstate New York who was reported missing died Tuesday afternoon in Peoria County after law enforcement received a tip about his whereabouts.

John F. Dubaic died shortly after 5 p.m. after search and rescue teams found him near the Spoon River off Cedar Bluff Road in north Peoria County near the Knox County line. According to Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins, Dubaic was found in the brush along the river, breathing but not alert.

More: Morton's superintendent will retire next year. They've named his replacement

First responders had to bring him through rough terrain to conduct CPR, but despite the efforts of the Brimfield Fire Department and OSF Healthcare Lifeflight, Dubaic died.

Watkins said they received note of Dubaic's whereabouts at 1 p.m. Tuesday, when the Green Island Police Department in Albany County, New York, said a GPS in his RV had pinged a location in Peoria County.

New York police said Dubaic had not been seen by his family in 10 days, when he left in his RV and had not been heard from in eight days. Detectives from the sheriff's office used a drone to confirm the location, just south of Elmore near the Spoon River along the Peoria-Knox county line. A tree had also fallen on the RV, which told detectives the vehicle was there when strong storms moved through the area last week.

When authorities arrived on scene, they examined the RV but didn't find Dubaic. Search and rescue teams from five counties  Peoria, Knox, Tazewell, Mercer and McLean  along with emergency managers from Woodford County were dispatched to find him.

More: Could Pritzker help Kamala Harris campaign? Here's what's being said about Illinois governor

Search and rescue, along with Knox County Sheriff's deputies, found Dubaic around 5 p.m. Watkins commented that the terrain made it one of the most difficult searches that his department has ever attempted.

An investigation is underway into the whereabouts of Dubaic's death, with the sheriff's office and the Peoria County Coroner's Office leading the way.

Members of a search and rescue team look for missing New York man John F. Dubaic on July 23, 2024, in Peoria County.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Missing man from upstate New York found in Peoria County, dies after rescue
Missing Girl, 17, Found Safe as Police Say She Was Living with 44-Year-Old Man

Penelope "Penny" Wise, 17, was reported missing after she was last seen on May 31

Kent County Sheriff's Office Penelope Wise

After safely locating a 17-year-old girl who had been missing for two months, police revealed they found her living with a 44-year-old man and that they were engaged.

Penelope "Penny" Wise was reported missing after she was last seen leaving her family's home on foot on May 31 around 6:00 p.m. local time, according to the Kent County Sheriffs Office (KCSO).

Before she was found, Wise was seen on camera walking alone in Rockford around midnight on Saturday, June 1  and throughout the investigation, police said they believed she "intentionally walked away from home" and that they did not have any information to suggest foul play.

In an update on Sunday, July 21, police announced that the teen had been "located safe."

"The initial investigation revealed that Penny was living with an older man in a home, in the City of Rockford." police said, noting that they were able to find her after a community member saw Wife leaving the home on a bicycle and then contacted police.

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In an update on Monday, July 22, police shared that investigators learned the "older man" was 44, and that the pair, who had been strangers, met around 2:00 a.m. local time on June 1 , just hours after Wise was last seen.

They went on to say that the pair began living together that same day and that investigators "also learned that Penny and the man were engaged."

The age of consent in Michigan is 16.

Related: Missing California Teen Found Safe After Officials Issue States First Ebony Alert: 'A Real Difference'

Speaking with local ABC affiliate WZZM, police said that Wise left home following a disagreement with her parents, and that police believe she was staying with the man willingly  and that they met by happenstance.

They never had any connection. There was no digital trail that we could have followed that would have led to this location, said Kent County Undersheriff Brian Muir. They just happened to meet each other and have a bond.

On Tuesday, July 23, police confirmed to PEOPLE that the Kent County Prosecutors Office "has decided not to pursue charges against the 44-year-old man at this time."

Courtesy Kent County Sheriff Poster of missing Michigan Teen, Penelope Wise

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker told FOX affiliate WXMI that although the case was clearly troubling, their office cant just charge things that we find troubling.

The possible charges that they looked into included harboring a runaway and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the outlet reported, however, because Wise was 16, those charges couldn't apply.

We have to follow the law, and thats what we did, he added. We were just left without anything to charge.

Related: Missing American Teen Found Safe After Leaving Cruise Ship in Germany: Reports

Speaking with WZZM on July 22, Muir said that the teenager was still in custody, but that they "really can't get into what she's in custody for, because she is a juvenile still in the eyes of the law."

Muir added, "We're just trying to connect her with services before she makes it back home."

When reached for comment by PEOPLE on Wednesday, July 24, Wise's mom said that the family is "happy" their daughter was found, but "saddened by the choices she made."

"We are thankful for all the Law Enforcement and the hours they put in searching for our daughter," she added, noting that she was still being detained at a Juvenile Detention Facility and they have yet to see her.

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Read the original article on People.
(FOX40.COM)  After missing for several days, Warren Elliot has been located near Hell Hole Reservoir, according to the Foresthill Fire Protection District.

Elliot went missing along the Rubicon Trail in Placer County on Friday while conducting trail maintenance with a group of off-road drivers ahead of the Jeep Jamboree.

CHP issues Ebony Alert for missing Ventura girl who may be headed to Sacramento

Hell Hole Reservoir is located in a remote area west of Lake Tahoe and about 50 miles south of Soda Springs.

He had last been seen walking away from the group when he was reported missing.

The fire protection district said he will be flown out of the area to a landing zone where he will then be taken to an area hospital for further treatment.

Over the six days hundreds of searchers from across the region have been navigating the rough and remote terrain of the Sierra Nevada.

The California and Nevada Army National Guard provided Blackhawk helicopters to lift searchers into difficult to access areas.

Off-road vehicles and several K9 search teams were also brought in to improve the range and capabilities of the search.

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Mississippi man identified as person found dead in car that crashed into Hall County home

Police have identified a man found inside a car that crashed into the back of a home in Hall County over the weekend.

Oakwood police officers were called to a home on Aster Place about a shooting. A few streets over, they found a crashed car and a man with several gunshot wounds inside.

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That man has now been identified as 36-year-old Shontae Pratt of Houston, Mississippi. Pratt was taken to the hospital in Gainesville where he died from his injuries.

At the initial scene, they found 38-year-old Jeremy Gambrel, who had minor injuries. Investigators detained him at the scene.

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Gambrel has since been formally arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault with the intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Investigators have not released details about what led up to the shooting.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Mississippi man faces prison time after he was sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, according to the United States Department of Justice.

UPDATE: Man dies after Crestview crash on I-10 (FHP)

Court documents said that United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced 39-year-old Morris Alan Morgan to prison on June 18 after he pled guilty to charges of smuggling cocaine shipments to Darrin J. Southhall, a man officials say is a notorious and prolific drug distributor who operated in Mobile, Alabama since 2016.

Southhall, who previously pled guilty to operating a continuing criminal enterprise, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and conspiracy to launder drug money, reportedly hired Morgan to transport drug money and drugs concealed in compartments in various vehicles back and forth from Mobile to Houston, Texas.

Morgan admitted responsibility for smuggling 30 kilograms of cocaine in shipments for Southall during early 2021, documents said.

Pensacola man critically injured in motorcycle crash: FHP

According to officials, Morgan now faces 60 months in prison, a five-year term of supervised release, and $100 in special mandatory assessments.

He also will be subject to testing and treatment for substance abuse, and searching of his person and premises.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mississippi officially launches its first utility-scale wind farm with nation's tallest onshore turbines: 'The larger rotor allows them to generate power even in low winds'

Mississippi is home to the tallest onshore turbines in the United States, having launched its first utility-scale wind farm in June.

As detailed by Electrek, Delta Wind is online in Tunica County, and it expects to provide long-term dividends for the community and environment.

According to a project overview on the website of owner and operator AES Corporation, "peak construction" resulted in nearly 300 new jobs. While the farm is now complete, others were created for operations.

The turbines are projected to generate 184.5 megawatts of wind energy, bringing clean, affordable power to approximately 80,000 Mississippi homes every year in an area that Electrek noted has been hesitant to adopt onshore wind, including because of concerns about feasibility.

The Southeastern United States generally has lower altitudes, so there are lower wind speeds. However, as one commenter suggested, "the larger rotor allows them to generate power even in low winds."

This indeed appears to be the case. Woody Rubin, the chief development officer of AES Corporation's U.S. renewable energy business, told Canary Media that the 692-foot blades are a game-changer for the region.

"As technology has improved, it's really unlocked some areas like Mississippi that don't have a hugely robust wind resource," Rubin said. "Now it's possible to take advantage of and have a really competitive levelized cost of energy for the region."

Delta Wind sits on 14,000 acres of private agricultural land. However, according to the project overview, the turbines should not hinder farmers from growing staple crops like rice, soybeans, corn, and wheat, making it a dual-use operation.

Electrek didn't point to specific controversy over the farm's location, but worries about land degradation have been a sticking point for clean-energy initiatives in other communities.

To address this, one project in Kansas partnered with The Nature Conservancy to develop a plan incorporating pollinator-friendly plants underneath solar panels, which can even help protect crops from extreme weather conditions supercharged by an overheating planet.

In Mississippi, specially designed turbine foundations help ensure crop production isn't negatively impacted, according to Rubin's interview with Canary Media.

Moreover, per Electrek, the Delta Wind project has caught the eye of retail giant Amazon, which intends to build two data centers in the Magnolia State and will purchase energy from Delta for its regional hubs. All in all, the project is projected to create $100 million in local tax revenue  nearly half of which will go to school districts.

Other benefits highlighted by AES include a reliable power grid without sky-high electric bills, as renewable sources like wind and solar generally save consumers thousands on utilities. Moving away from dirty fuels, which cause temperatures to rise, will also contribute to healthier air quality.

"The Delta Wind project is a key part of our efforts to build a sustainable economy on the Mississippi Delta that works for everyone," Tunica County administrator Dr. Billy Willis said in a media release by AES. "Change is often difficult but  we believe this project can be a catalyst for accelerated renewable energy and economic development throughout the South."

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China-South Asia Expo boosts regional cooperation

Xinhua) 08:03, July 24, 2024

KUNMING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The 8th China-South Asia Expo opened on Tuesday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors.

Nearly half of the exhibitors are companies from South and Southeast Asia.

The six-day event features 15 exhibition halls with themes including architecture technology, manufacturing, green energy and modern agriculture.

Notably, for the first time, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established, highlighting Yunnan's status as China's premier coffee producer. Over 160 companies are showcasing their products in this pavilion.

The expo was first held in Kunming in 2013, the same year China put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Since its inception, the expo has served more than 18,000 domestic and foreign companies, promoted trade of more than 100 billion U.S. dollars, and facilitated the signing of over 3,000 projects.

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Yunnan provincial government, the expo is one of the year's most important events for economic and trade exchanges between China and South Asian countries.

Bimala Ghimire, vice chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal, highlighted the expo's significance in reducing trade barriers and promoting balanced trade. "China's trade policies have greatly benefited Nepal, and we look forward to further cooperation," she said.

Industry insiders and officials believe that China and South Asian countries have strong economic complementarities, which will offer broad business cooperation prospects in various sectors.

Chinese companies actively participate in the construction of digital infrastructure in South Asia, such as Bangladesh's national data center and the China-Nepal cross-border terrestrial optical cable, focusing on cultivating local digital talent and helping bridge the digital gap, said Wang Liping, an official with the Ministry of Commerce.

Lin Minwang, deputy director of the center for South Asian studies at Fudan University, said products such as Pakistani rice, Sri Lankan tea, Maldivian seafood, and Afghan pine nuts are well received by Chinese consumers.

"Many South Asian products meet the needs of the Chinese market," he noted during a side event at the expo.

Official data shows that trade volume between China and South Asian countries reached nearly 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, twice the amount recorded in 2013.

Lin said that despite the rapid development of economic and trade cooperation between China and South Asian countries in recent years, the trade volume still lags behind that between China and ASEAN, which reached 911.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2023.

"With a market of over 2 billion people, China and South Asia have untapped cooperation potential," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Ulviyya Shahin

A delegation led by Klim Omelchenko, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of Kyrgyzstan, recently met with Azerbaijan's Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Azernews reports.

Discussions centered on Azerbaijan's establishment of a Computer Incident Response Center (CERT) in Kyrgyzstan, collaboration with international organizations, and enhancing cooperation between cybersecurity agencies.

Representatives from the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union also participated, underscoring the importance of information exchange and capacity-building initiatives.

Both parties agreed to foster international cooperation and committed to regular meetings to further these objectives.
Missouri continues to higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, breast and cervical cancer deaths and preterm births, according to a study from the Commonwealth Fund (Getty Images).

Missouri women have more limited access to health care and worse outcomes than any other state in the Midwest, a new study of the nations health care system found.

Missouri ranks 40th out of 51 states plus the District of Columbia on the 2024 state scorecard on womens health and reproductive care, published by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation focused on health care issues.

The study assessed and compared 32 pieces of information derived primarily from public data sources in 2022, which was after most of the major effects of COVID had been felt, but before most abortion bans had really started to impact data findings, the creators of the scorecard said.

Missouri continues to see maternal and infant mortality rates, breast and cervical cancer death rates, preterm births, congenital syphilis and depression leading up to or during pregnancy at rates that are higher than the national average.

There are more women in Missouri between the ages of 18 and 44 reporting they hadnt seen a doctor in the past year because of the cost than all but 10 other states.

One thing is absolutely clear, Joe Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, told reporters when the study was published last week. Womens Health in the U.S. is in a very fragile state.

Missouri ranked among the states with the lowest low-risk c-section rates, postpartum depression and up-to-date pneumonia vaccines for post-menopausal women. But it fared among the worst nationally for breast and cervical cancer deaths, up-to-date pap smears, and mental health among women ages 18 to 64.

It also ranked poorly when analyzing access to abortion clinics. Nearly every abortion became illegal in Missouri in 2022. A citizen-led ballot measure is hoping to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri constitution.

We are seeing a deep and likely growing geographic divide in U.S. womens ability to access vital health services and maintain their health, said Sara Collins, a co-author on the Commonwealth Fund study. Particularly among women of reproductive age.

Ashley Kuykendall, director of service delivery for the Missouri Family Health Council Inc., a nonprofit working to strengthen health care access across the state, said one of the most stark findings of the report was the combination of lack of access to wraparound care paired with poor health outcomes.

But solutions exist, she said.

One such solution: a womens health omnibus bill that failed to pass in the statehouse this year despite widespread bipartisan support, that would have expanded birth control coverage, increased congenital syphilis testing and eased access to mammograms and STI testing.

The state legislature has an incredible power and responsibility to support better care for people across the reproductive health spectrum, Kuykendall said. Especially, as this report highlights, for folks who are pregnant or postpartum.

Health and reproductive care outcomes

Missouri ranked 43 of 51 for this category, which includes maternal and infant mortality and physical and mental health issues.

Some data was analyzed using the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Missouri is among 33 states who participate in this federal program. Of those states, Missouri had the highest percentage of women who recently gave birth and reported experiencing intimate partner violence before, during or after their pregnancy.

Missouri has some of the highest pregnancy-associated maternal mortality rates in the United States, which already ranks worst among countries of similar economies for high maternal deaths.

In Missouri between 2018 and 2020, women on Medicaid were 10 times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than women on private insurance, according to a 2023 report from the states Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review. Black mothers were three times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white mothers.

Of the 210 pregnancy-related deaths over those three years in Missouri, the majority were deemed preventable.

Mental health conditions were the leading underlying cause of death, including due to suicide and substance use.

The latest study found Missouri had one of the highest percentages of women between the ages of 18 and 64 who reported poor mental health, landing 48 of 51.

Coverage, access and affordability

Missouri ranked slightly better  39 of 51  in this category, which includes insurance coverage and health care affordability and access.

Of the 33 states that provided data around health insurance coverage, Missouri ranked third-worst for women uninsured the month before becoming pregnant, and sixth-worst for women who didnt have health insurance during a recent pregnancy.

This is despite Missouri legislators decision to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a year in 2023.

A better-funded, better-staffed and more accessible public health safety net is also critical, said Kuykendall.

This summer, Gov. Mike Parson signed into law a bill ending Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, including for patients who go to the clinic for preventive exams, family planning and STI testing. Those opposed to the bill warned such a law would strain the states already fragile public health safety net.

The need for these services far outweighs the current capacity for the safety net to provide them, Kuykendall said. Any funding cuts to those providers not only limits patients ability to access care, but also puts further strain on the health care workforce and will undoubtedly worsen these outcomes.

Recent surveying by the health care nonprofit found that wait times across the states overburdened safety net clinics averaged between five and seven weeks. These 68 clinics receive Title X funding and do not turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay.

The study found that approximately 5.6 million women across the country live in counties that are considered maternity care deserts.

In Missouri, 41% of counties are designated maternity care deserts, meaning there are no maternity care providers or birthing facilities. Missouris rate is higher than the national rate of 32%, according to a separate 2023 report from the March of Dimes. Across the state, 10% of women do not live within 30 minutes of a birthing hospital.

In the last decade, 19 hospitals across Missouri have closed, according to the Missouri Hospital Association.

There is an issue of access thats very real, Kuykendall said.

The authors of the study were also deliberate in considering outcomes in states with abortion bans and restrictions.

Theres concern that abortion bans or limits will further reduce the number of providers offering maternity care owing to increased risk of legal action that providers face, said David Radley, a senior scientist with the Commonwealth Fund. Especially when states laws are ambiguous.

A recent study showed states with abortion bans saw a significant decrease in the number of medical residents applying to be in their OB-GYN programs.

Missouri saw a 25% drop in applicants since 2022, the highest drop in the nation second only to Arizona.

These inequities are long standing, no doubt, but recent policy choices and judicial decisions restricting access to reproductive care have and may continue to exacerbate them, Commonwealth Fund president Betancourt said of the studys findings when related to states with abortion bans.

It also serves as a glaring reminder that where you live matters to your health and health care.

Health care quality and prevention

Missouri landed in slot 35 of 51 for this category, which includes c-section rates, preventative care, pre and post-partum care and mental health screenings.

In better news, Missouri ranked 15 of 51 among states with the lowest rates of c-sections during low-risk births, which Kuykendall attributed in part to the state health departments increased focus on doula programs.

Missouri was slightly below the national average for the percentage of women eligible for mammograms who underwent the breast cancer screening in the past two years (75%), and the percentage of women ages 21 through 65 who had a pap smear, which screens for cervical cancer, in the past three years (78%).

Among the more concerning data points to Kuykendall was a report that 19% of women between the ages of 18 and 44 in the past 12 months had put off seeing a doctor because of the cost.

This data resonates with what she hears often from Missourians, who say it can be difficult to access even the most basic health care for reasons including cost, lack of transportation and lack of options.

It was a positive step that Missouri expanded Medicaid, Kuykendall said, And I think we have a long way to go in terms of ensuring everyone who should have access to care in that new environment actually does.
A TV ad by a Missouri Republican candidate for governor promising to deport migrants that includes a Spanish translator and western-themed music was swiftly condemned Wednesday as racist.

The ad, a direct-to-camera message from Sen. Bill Eigel, marks an audacious play to direct attention toward his campaign in the final days before the Aug. 6 primary election. The message also brings to the forefront fears about immigration, a potent issue among Missouri Republicans this year.

In the 30-second ad released on Tuesday, Eigel and an unidentified Hispanic-looking man stand in front of an American flag backdrop as on-screen text says the ad is a message for illegal immigrants. Eigel promises to crack down on illegal immigration and says hes throwing them in jail and sending them back where they came from.

The unidentified man acts as a translator, but includes flourishes, at one point saying the party is over in Spanish. When Eigel says migrants will be sent back, the man puts his hands on his head in exasperation.

Eigel, of Weldon Spring, has attempted to cast himself as the most conservative Republican in a race that also includes Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Eigel built a reputation in the Missouri Senate as a caustic presence who frequently filibustered legislation and criticized GOP leaders as insufficiently conservative.

In the Republican governors race, Eigel was once seen as a likely third-place finisher but has performed better in recent polls, which show a tight race. One poll conducted in late June put Eigel in 2nd place, roughly 4 percentage points behind Kehoe.

All three major GOP candidates have made illegal immigration a key campaign issue, though Eigel has used the most extreme rhetoric, vowing mass deportations despite the fact that the federal government is largely responsible for immigration enforcement and Missouri officials cannot unilaterally force individuals to leave the United States.

Missourians upset by ad

Kehoe said in an interview with The Star on Wednesday that he had heard from Missourians offended by Eigels ad.

I just had one of our firefighters tell me how upset he was about that ad, Kehoe said after a campaign event in Blue Springs, which included firefighters supportive of the lieutenant governor.

Kehoe said that in Sedalia on Tuesday, I had a member of the Hispanic community tell me how upset they were.

Look, Sen. Eigel is trying to do anything he can to get coverage and the more people start telling him  calling it racist or whatever theyre going to call it  he gets to get more media coverage, Kehoe said. So this is his way of getting his name out there in the earned media world.

Ashcrofts campaign didnt immediately comment on the ad.

Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat running for governor, said on social media that the state needs a leader who will unite, not divide, residents.

Our state cant succeed and attract businesses and a talented workforce with leaders running on racist bigotry, Quade wrote.

The Eigel campaign appeared pleased with the ad, issuing a news release on Wednesday boasting about views of the video and highlighting Quades condemnation.

Eigels campaign, asked to respond to the criticism of the ad, said in a statement that Kehoe sounds just like the liberal he is. The campaign referred to comments by Kehoe in an interview with KMOV in St. Louis where he critiqued Eigels call for mass deportations.

While Mike Kehoe plays the liberals game, accusing anyone he doesnt like of racism, Bill Eigel is running on conservative policy and results, Eigel campaign spokesperson Zeke Spieker said in a statement.

The Star asked Kehoe whether he thought the ad was racist; he responded by pointing to the comments of others offended by the ad.

Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican.

GOP targets Illegal immigration

The Missouri Republican primary for governor and other statewide races have been awash in rhetoric about migrants. The stakes are high for the Kansas City region, which has been a center of migrant arrivals in Missouri over the past decade, according to U.S. immigration court data analyzed by The Washington Post.

Some 8,300 migrants have settled in Jackson County since 2014, with 37% coming from Honduras. Thats more than the 7,326 migrants who have settled in St. Louis and St. Louis County over that same period.

Three-fourths of voters say the situation along the U.S.-Mexico border is a crisis that must be resolved immediately, according to a February poll conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov. Crucially, 97% of Republican voters agreed its a crisis.

Gov. Mike Parson deployed Missouri National Guard soldiers earlier this year to aid Texas, which has promoted a plan dubbed Operation Lone Star that uses Texas state resources to combat illegal border crossings.

Parson, who will term out of office in January, heavily promoted the deployment, even though he ultimately vetoed funding to continue it.
ST. LOUIS  An Edmundson, Missouri, woman appeared in federal court on Tuesday and was sentenced for helping her son fake a mental disability for more than 13 years so he could claim and receive government benefits.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Zella Rives, 57, submitted a report to the Social Security Administration in 2010 on behalf of her son, Gino Rives, who was claiming disability.

Zella Rives was approved as the payee for her sons fraudulent claims because the SSA believed Gino would be incapable of managing his money. Between May 2010 and December 2023, the SSA gave Zella Rives more than $91,000 in benefits on her sons behalf.

Police digging near area where teen disappeared in 1989

Zella Rives again lied to federal authorities in 2019 by confirming her sons eligibility for disability.

Rives pleaded guilty to five counts of theft of government funds and one count of making a false statement.

Making a false statement is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The theft of government funds is punishable with a 10-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.

Her son, Gino, 36, pleaded guilty in two separate cases, admitting his role in the disability fraud case and also financially exploiting two elderly women.

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FILE - Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears speaks at a press conference announcing that Raymond Ronald Lee Childs III, 17, has been charged with murderThursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in downtown Indianapolis. A judge declared a mistrial Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in the case of Childs III, accused of fatally shooting five people, including a pregnant woman, after a witness verbally confronted the defendant in front of the jury. (Grace Hollars/The Indianapolis Star via AP)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A judge declared a mistrial in the case of an Indianapolis man accused of fatally shooting five people, including a pregnant woman, after a witness verbally confronted the defendant in front of the jury.

Marion County Superior Judge Chris Miller declared the mistrial Tuesday in the trial of Raymond Ronald Lee Childs III, who faces six counts of murder in the January 2021 slayings in an Indianapolis home.

Childs, 20, was arrested a day after the attack and accused of killing his father, stepmother, two teenage relatives, a woman nearly due to give birth, and her unborn son.

The mistrial came after a key witness in the case, Elanso Valez, testified that in the hours after the killings, he had picked up Childs and drove him around Indianapolis. He said Childs later covered his eyes and wept while laying on a bed at Valez's home in Plainfield, just west of Indianapolis.

Yall remember that? Valez asked Childs from the witness stand, WXIN-TV reported.

The defense and prosecution teams quickly sought to cut Valez off, and the judge tried to intercede from the bench, but Valez continued, asking: Why did you do it, Raymond?"

The judge admonished Valez for his comments in front of the jurors and sent them from the courtroom so he could speak with attorneys and then each juror individually.

Miller then declared a mistrial, saying he's firmly convinced that Mr. Childs cannot get a fair trial. He set a status conference for Monday with the attorneys.

The killings followed an argument over Childs, who was 17 at the time, staying out late, according to court records. Prosecutors said Childs methodically went from room-to-room, shooting the victims.

The attack killed Childs' father, Raymond Childs Jr., 42; his stepmother, Kezzie Childs, 42; the couple's daughter, Rita Childs, 13; son Elijah Childs, 18; and Elijah's 19-year-old girlfriend Kiara Hawkins, who died at a hospital along with her unborn son.

Childs' 15-year-old brother also was shot but survived after fleeing the house to escape the gunfire.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Mobile Baykeeper and the Center for Biological Diversity have announced they intend to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Mobile Police commander fired after investigation  Kevin Levys attorney challenges allegations

A certified letter said the Corps didnt protect threatened Gulf sturgeon from a dredging project aimed at deepening the federal navigation channel 5 feet from the Gulf of Mexico through Mobile Bay and into Mobile Harbor.

The Corps said the project would keep Mobile Harbor competitive with other ports in the Gulf and the country. Mobile Baykeeper and the Center for Biological Diversity said the Corps plan violates the Endangered Species Act.

Learning that Gulf sturgeon spend so much of their lives in Mobile Bay is an exciting discovery, and it means they need help there, said Lindsay Reeves, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. We have to make sure the Corps is doing right by these ancient creatures and protecting this important habitat from dangerous dredging.

The two organizations added in their release: The Corps has a legal duty to consult with scientists at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries to make sure its dredging project does not drive Gulf sturgeon extinct or destroy the places they need to survive.

Pensacola man critically injured in motorcycle crash: FHP

The Mobile Chamber said in a press release that the plan was approved through a rigorous environmental process.

While lawsuits like this one are adept at generating headlines, theyre not exactly known for building bridges (or in this case, shipping channels) towards a better future, Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne said. The deepening and widening of the ship channel, which was approved through a rigorous environmental process, will make Mobile Bay the deepest harbor on the Gulf Coast.

The project would provide a huge competitive advantage as it allows access to larger cargo ships, attracts new businesses and trade opportunities, and in turn, translates into more jobs and economic growth for our region, Byrne said.

The lawsuit, he said, would threaten job growth.

We believe economic prosperity and environmental protection can go hand in hand, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  The Mobile Police Department is investigating after a man was shot Tuesday night.

Woman, 6-year-old killed in Dauphin Island crash Monday: ALEA

Police said the shooting happened at around 8:30 p.m. on Inn Road.

LOCATION:

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According to MPD, the incident left a man with a gunshot wound in the left arm. The man, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injury.

There is no suspect or motive in the shooting at this time said police, who told News 5 that they are on their way to the hospital to speak with the victim.

News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available.

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Indias opposition-controlled states slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modis government after it allocated billions of dollars in funds to two of his allies in this years budget.

Parliamentarians in the upper house walked out of Wednesdays session after the Indian National Congress party complained on behalf of the opposition that the budget was unfair, did not distribute revenue evenly and was intended to appease the governments two key regional allies. We condemn this and we protest against it, said Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president. If there is no balance, then how can development take place?

M.K. Stalin, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, called the budget a great betrayal to his state on Tuesday, saying it didnt allocate any specific funds to the province despite its significant contribution to the overall economy. He said the budget showed Modis Bharatiya Janata Party was settling electoral scores by satisfying the demands of its coalition partners while ignoring the rest of the country, local media reported.

The BJP lost its majority in the parliament after recent elections and formed a government with regional parties in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. In Tuesdays budget, the finance minister announced 150 billion rupees ($1.8 billion) of funding through multilateral agencies to Andhra Pradesh for the current financial year, with additional amounts in future years. Bihar would be allocated funds for roads, medical colleges and railways, the minister said.

The government denied the oppositions charges that it is favoring the two states. In every budget, you dont get an opportunity to name every state of the country, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. This is an outrageous allegation.

Opposition-controlled states, including Kerala and Karnataka, said the budget allocations were discriminatory. Keralas Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the budget took steps to constrain the finances of states, which poses a significant challenge to our autonomy and development.

Rahul Gandhi, who leads Indias opposition in parliament, on Tuesday said Modis budget was full of hollow promises aimed at appeasing allies with promises that come at a cost to everyday Indians.

--With assistance from Preeti Soni.

(Updated with details on parliamentary developments in second and fifth paragraph)

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Mom allegedly leaves kids at SC hotel pool. It happened on same day 11-year-old drowned

A mother who allegedly left her three children alone at a hotel pool for an extended period of time was arrested by Myrtle Beach Police.

The incident happened on July 20, 2024 - the same day that an 11-year-old drowned in North Myrtle Beach.

Amber Soberg, 33, was charged with three counts of child neglect, indecent exposure and public intoxication, according to a Myrtle Beach Police arrest report.

On Saturday, an employee at Captains Quarters, 901 S. Ocean Blvd., said they noticed three children playing at the pool unsupervised, according to the police report. Upon speaking with security, they figured out which room the kids were staying in and knocked on the door.

The police report did not state the ages of the children.

Soberg answered and staff advised her to collect her kids, the report said. The Ohio woman later came down to the pool wearing a see-through shirt and no pants or underwear, according to the report.

She took the kids to her hotel room and a welfare check was called. Officers showed up and found Soberg intoxicated and unable to tell police how long the children had been in the pool.

She was arrested and brought to the Myrtle Beach Jail, where she is no longer being held. Her bail was paid on Sunday, court records show.

The same day of the incident, Serenity Evans, an 11-year-old on vacation from Georgia, was pulled from a pool at The Links in North Myrtle Beach. She passed away July 21 from injuries sustained from the drowning.

There have been a total of four child drownings in Myrtle Beach in July, with three happening over Fourth of July weekend, according to The Sun News.
Mom didnt want 7-year-old testifying in Florida book ban case. Judge says she must

One of the parents who is suing a Florida school board over books banned from the districts shelves tried to protect her 7-year-old daughter from testifying in the case.

A federal judge denied the mothers motion to prevent her daughters deposition, siding with the Escambia County School Boards argument that the students testimony is necessary, court records show.

The mother had argued that an interrogation of her daughter, who just finished first grade, by the Escambia County School Boards legal counsel would be an undue burden on her, according to court documents filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

It would require (her) to devote time away from family and friends to prepare for her testimony and to face questioning by opposing counsel in deposition  an experience that is enormously difficult and stressful for adults, let alone a seven-year-old.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho ruled on July 22 that the girl has to testify, an order shows.

Only (the child) can testify as to her thoughts, interests, desires, and efforts to access the books at issue in this case, Bolitho wrote.

Its the latest development in the civil case, first filed in May 2023, by Escambia County parents, authors, PEN America and Penguin Random House that challenges the school districts removal and restriction on certain books from school libraries.

The lawsuit argues that the bans target books by or about people of color and/or LGBTQ people and are unconstitutional.

The school board declined McClatchy News request for comment on July 24. Patty Hightower, one of the boards members, told McClatchy News that the board cannot comment on open litigation.

The school boards legal counsel didnt immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment.

Limits on the girls deposition

The girls mother argued that her daughter doesnt need to testify  because she could testify in her place  about the books she has expressed interest in reading, according to her motion for a protective order.

In a statement attached to the filing, the woman named three books that she says her daughter is interested in reading from her schools library: And Tango Makes Three, Uncle Bobbys Wedding and When Aidan Became a Brother.

I want (her) to be exposed to books about different kinds of families and family structures and different kinds of people getting married so that she can better relate to friends and family who are nonbinary or in same-sex relationships, and generally be exposed to differences in the world, the woman wrote.

The school boards legal counsel disagreed in a legal filing, noting that the child is also a plaintiff and through her mother, chose to sue the board.

The child has unique knowledge about her likes and desires and, more importantly, her efforts to obtain these books from her school library, the filing says.

In Bolithos July 22 order, he noted that these issues are critical to the case.

The school boards filing also argued that the court should not rely exclusively on (the girls) mothers alleged recitation of what (she). communicated to her.

Bolitho partly denied the mothers motion for a protective order when it came to preventing her child from testifying.

He sided with her in ruling that the girls deposition should be limited, the filing shows.

The Court is sensitive to the issues presented by deposing a young child, Bolitho wrote.

According to his ruling, the school boards legal counsel can question her in a deposition limited to 90 minutes.

Judge rules school officials must testify, too

The Escambia County School Board wanted its own protective order that would prevent board members, the school district Superintendent Keith Leonard and the former superintendent from having to testify.

Bolitho denied the boards motion on July 19.

The school boards legal counsel had argued that the board members have legislative privilege that protects them from depositions, according to a July 19 order from Bolitho.

In an order, Bolitho wrote that If the individual Board members wish to assert legislative privilege, then they must do so personally.

By restricting access to books, the lawsuit argues that the school board is violating the First and 14th Amendments.

Librarian says shes being called a child predator over books at school. Shes suing

Ex-employee says he didnt mean to send panties email to district attorney. He sues

Teacher took student to get abortion and lost license, suit says. Now she has it back

Are pro-Gaza college protests free speech? Survivors of Hamas attack say no in lawsuit
How MX3D Built a Bridge with Robots

Its still early days for 3D printing, but there seems little doubt that it will influence future architectural practices.

So believes Gijs van der Velden, co-founder of MX3D, a robotics startup based in Amsterdam. Over the last year, the group has been in the headlines for having successfully 3D printed the structure of a steel pedestrian bridge using robots.

Completed this year, the bridge is set to be installed across the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, one of the oldest canals in Amsterdams famous network of waterways. Figuratively speaking, it can be seen as a bridge between the Dutch capitals medieval past and the technological age we find ourselves amidst.

The feat was achieved by equipping six standard industrial robots with purpose-built tools, all controlled by innovative software, which were able to draw the four-metre-wide structure from layers of molten steel. The bridge has been designed by celebrated Dutch designer Joris Laarman, together with Arup as led structural engineer.

The result is a 12-metre long bridge, strong enough to have already passed a set of initial load tests. Currently adding the finishing touches  including placing the deck and coating  MX3D will present its creation at Dutch Design Week in October.

The ultimate goal of the project, explains van der Velden, is to showcase the potential applications of multi-axis 3D printing technology. Traditionally, robots have been confined to shop floor operations, but there is every chance well soon see them on building sites, doing everything from drilling holes to painting walls.

In an architectural context, the possibilities of such technology could be transformative.

Ross Davies: Could you briefly explain how your technology works exactly?

Gijs van der Velden: We strongly believe that robots are going to be the main production factor in construction and infrastructure projects of the future. We also believe most companies will start using relatively standard robots, like the robots used in the car industry, and then create a software package that allows them real flexibility for specific techniques.

At MX3D, we use a robot standard welding source, with the strong belief that it will solve our clients problems. And even if our clients dont use our robots for 3D printing, they can use it for other things, such as concrete milling and scanning buildings.

RD: Youve notably created a bridge using this technology  in what other areas of architecture do you see it being applicable?

GvdV: Of course theres a multitude of different 3D printing techniques, like concrete or resins, coming into existence. And once you start really working with BIM [building information modelling], and once your design is digital and your manufacturing is fully digital, theres no going back  although its still hard to predict what will be completely produced digitally in the future.

Story continues

We are currently working on creating a digital twin of the bridge, using algorithms to inform us how can we produce more efficiently the next time. So I think once all building companies truly work digitally, that is when the gates for the robots will truly open.

RD: And after that? What kind of timeframe are we talking about?

GvdV: After that, I think it will take off pretty quickly. If everything is digitised, why would you still choose to do jobs manually?

In terms of a timeframe, I can see this happening within the next five years. We are going to see an enormous switch towards robots. And on the build sites themselves  as opposed to the factories - I think well start to see real economically viable solutions grow quite rapidly in the next three years or so.

Weve already seen scanning robots, but I see many more tasks on the build site. And once these basic systems are complete, with robots working together in a complex environment like a build site, I can see them doing everything from drilling holes to painting walls.

RD: What kinds of architects are you working with at the moment?

GvdV: Were in discussions through our network with quite a few big names. Recently I gave a workshop at some of the bigger firms in London, including Norman Foster. Weve also worked with Berenblum Busch Architects in the US, creating a cocoon-shaped outdoor bar at the Perez Art Museum Miami, made from stainless steel.

Who we really work with are the architects that are interested in really discovering new technology. Because there is not yet a definitive price and certification on everything we make, we really need architects to able to see the future and understand that they need to invest now to ensure they are the frontrunners in applying this tech once it becomes available on the market.

RD: How are you feeling about the upcoming presentation of the bridge at Dutch Design Week starting 20th October? Excited?

GvdV: Really excited. For us as a company  which is born out of a group of designers and design-minded people  this has been three years in the making, which feels like quite a long time, although for architects that probably seems like no time at all.

RD: Are you on track to install the bridge next year across the Oudezijds Achterburgwal?

GvdV: Yes. Were waiting for the renovation of the canal walls  which date back to the 15th century  to be completed. There is no fixed date for such a complex project, but we are confident that sometime in summer next year we can start installing.

"The bridge that robots built: an interview with MX3D" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, 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.
Judge Mike Menahan hears arguments from lawyers Martha Sheehy and Raph Graybill, left, and Thane Johnson, right, about whether the Montana Secretary of State was correct in issuing a new directive to automatically reject "inactive" signatures for ballot initiatives. (By Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

The Montana Supreme Court wont take over a lawsuit that affects signature counting for three Constitutional ballot initiatives  one to protect abortion and two to change the way candidates win elections.

In an order Tuesday, justices unanimously said Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen hadnt made the case that District Court Judge Mike Menahan erred when he told her office to count the signatures of inactive voters toward the minimum threshold for placing initiatives on the ballot  as has been practice.

(Montana code) provides that the Secretary bears the responsibility to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of election laws, the order said. Jacobsens decision to change the Secretarys longstanding practice to count the signatures of inactive voters  and to do so without notice to county election administrators after they had commenced petition processing  failed to maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the election laws in this instance.

As of Friday, all three measures received enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, Constitutional Initiatives 126, 127 and 128, proponents announced earlier.

However, as petition signatures were being counted this summer, Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights learned from an anonymous tipster that the Secretary of State had quietly changed an interpretation of laws to decide the signatures of inactive voters wouldnt count anymore.

That group and Montanans for Election Reform sued and asked the Lewis and Clark County District Court to issue a temporary restraining order to ensure those signatures were counted, not tossed out.

In court last Tuesday, Judge Menahan agreed with the groups and asked both parties to draft a proposed order that sorted out the details. The order he signed, agreed upon by both sides, included a demand the Secretary of State restore a software program the agency had reprogrammed to deny inactive voters.

Inactive voters are ones who have moved or not voted in recent elections; the groups that filed the lawsuit argued the distinction between active and inactive is simply administrative, to help clerks make sure addresses are current.

After Menahan signed the order, the Secretary of State filed a petition alleging it dealt a gross injustice by forcing the count of those signatures, and she asked the Montana Supreme Court to take control of the case.

On Monday, attorneys for the petition groups filed their response to the states request the Montana Supreme Court take over the case, and the state asked the court for a chance to reply. Less than 24 hours later, the court dismissed the states request in an order signed by all seven justices.

The order from the Supreme Court said the district court has yet to fully consider all of the legal issues in the case, the Secretary of State can appeal and also helped draft the order, and the problem started with the agency in the first place.

We further disagree with Jacobsen that the TRO is causing a gross injustice, as Jacobsens actions in reprogramming the petition-processing software after county election administrators had commenced processing petitions created the circumstances that gave rise to this litigation, said the order.

The groups that sued the Secretary of State said the district court didnt make a mistake, but they said the Supreme Court should nonetheless accept the petition and resolve the constitutional issues of statewide importance.

But the Supreme Court said the groups chose to litigate in district court, and it would not interfere with the lower courts authority to hear the case. The order also said the state had wanted to reply to the argument the groups had made, but justices wanted to move quickly.

We do not find that the interest of justice would be served by further delay of disposition as justice will be most expediently served by allowing the district court to proceed in making its ruling unimpeded by any delay, the order said.

A hearing in district court on a preliminary injunction is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, July 26.

Reporter Blair Miller contributed to this story.

Statements from Parties

Representatives of the groups proposing the Constitutional ballot initiatives released statements Tuesday following the order from the Montana Supreme Court, as did the Secretary of States Office.

Richie Melby, with the Montana Secretary of States Office:

Its unfortunate that the Montana Supreme Court once again rubber-stamped inaccuracies by partisan interests as gospel, dispelling reality and Montana law. The Secretary of States Office remains focused on serving Montana and upholding the rule of law.

Martha Fuller, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana and spokesperson for Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights:

Since we filed CI-128 last year, politicians in Montana have tried every trick in the book to delay, obstruct, mislead, and ultimately block this amendment and silence the voices of Montana voters. Unfortunately, Secretary of State Jacobsen made it clear at every turn that she has chosen to put her political agenda first and Montana voters rights last.

We are pleased that the Montana Supreme Court rejected the Secretary of States request and returned this matter to the district court. We will continue to fight for Montanans constitutional rights in court this week before the District Court in Helena. And, we will continue to fight back against any attempt to silence Montanans and restrict our access to the ballot initiative process moving forward.

Frank Garner, Montanans for Election Reform board member and plaintiff:

We are grateful that the Supreme Court is allowing the lawsuit against Secretary of State Jacobsen to proceed as we fight to ensure the petition signature of every registered Montana voter counts. Our legal system continues to affirm the rights of all Montana voters, and we look forward to standing up for these rights this Friday and beyond.

Editors note: This story has been updated with comment from the Montana Secretary of States Office.
Montenegro Prime Minister Milojko Spajic has reshuffled his cabinet, introducing a new lineup with increased pro-Serb and Bosniak influence and expanding his parliamentary majority from 46 to 53 members of parliament (MPs).

Almost nine months after taking office, the new government secured approval from 53 of the 81 MPs on Tuesday, while the opposition chose to boycott the vote.

The centrist Europe Now! (PES) party, led by Spajic, won the parliamentary elections in June 2023, but was not able to secure an absolute majority. After prolonged negotiations, Spajic was finally able to form his first coalition government in October 2023.

In the small Balkan country on the Adriatic, the issue of ethnic identity continues to divide society. Montenegro declared independence from Serbia in 2006 after a referendum. Some of its 600,000 inhabitants identify themselves as part of the Serbian nation.

Four of the newly appointed ministers are members of the New Serb Democracy (NSD) party, led by the parliamentary president Andrija Mandic, who is said to have close ties to the Kremlin.

The openly pro-Serb and pro-Russian parties, including NSD and the Alliance for the Future of Montenegro (ZBCG), had previously supported the Spajic government but did not hold ministerial positions. Instead, they were assigned important roles within the state administration and in state-owned and affiliated companies.

The Bosniak Party (BS), previously in opposition, has been given five ministerial posts, including the first Bosniak foreign minister, Ervin Ibrahimovic, who is also one of the seven deputy heads of government.

The opposition accused the Bosniak Party of aligning with the pro-Serbs and pro-Russians by joining the government.
CORTEZ, Colo. (KREX)  Colorado Bureau Investigation and the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office are searching for a 5-year-old boy whose mom was murdered on July 2.

Helliono Martinez was last seen with his father Charles Martinez, 43, on July 16 before an endangered missing alert was issued for the child two days later. The father and son were last seen in a gold 2011 Dodge Ram heading to the dads home on Highway 160 in Cortez.

Investigators located the truck but did not find Helliono or Charles.

Anyone who has seen either of them is asked not to approach them but to call 911 immediately or the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office at 970-565-8452.

Hellionos mom, Chrystal Snow, was found shot to death in her home on the morning of July 2 after a 911 call was placed from her home in Pagosa Springs. Later that day, investigators located Helliono alive with his aunt in Cortez.

CBI hasnt named a person of interest in Snows homicide.

On the same day when Helliono was last seen, the Colorado Department of Human Services obtained a court order granting the State of Colorado emergency custody of the child.

According to the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office, there is growing concern for the boys well-being and law enforcement is seeking the publics help in finding Helliono Martinez.

Helliono was described as being of Hispanic descent with brown hair and hazel eyes and 305, weighing 75 lbs. Charles was listed as of Hispanic descent with brown hair, brown eyes and 511, weighing 215 lbs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Oklahoma authorities seized more than 100,000 marijuana plants at an alleged black market farm in Ardmore.

State authorities on Tuesday seized 106,062 marijuana plants and arrested two people at an alleged black market grow farm in Ardmore.

Wen Bin Huang, 34, and Wen Zhao Huang, 37, were arrested on several complaints, including aggravated trafficking of marijuana, authorities said. They were charged Wednesday in Carter County District Court.

Officials with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into out-of-state marijuana trafficking at a location on Smokey Ridge Road.

During the investigation, OBN Agents identified people going to the farm and illegally purchasing more than 50 pounds of marijuana per visit, OBN Spokesman Mark Woodward said in a news release. Additionally, we determined the operators of this marijuana farm were loading as much as 1,000 pounds of marijuana at a time into refrigerated semi-trucks that would transport the product to the black market in places such as New York City, Chicago and parts of Florida.

More: Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority cuts staff, citing short allocation, lower licensing

Assisting with the operation were the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, the state Attorney Generals Office and the Carter County Sheriffs Office.

Agents also seized 1,120 pounds of processed marijuana.

The Ardmore seizure is extremely significant, and it is indicative of the tremendous job that OBN has done combating Oklahomas proliferation of illegal drugs, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a news release. I am proud that agents from my office assisted in this effort, and I am committed to continuing the valuable partnership with OBN that targets Chinese crime syndicates and Mexican drug cartels largely responsible for these illegal grow operations.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Two arrested, 106K marijuana plants seized at grow in Ardmore OK
An officer from Russia's foreign intelligence agency has reportedly been injured by a car bomb in Moscow, Kremlin state media reported on July 24.

The TASS news agency said the man had his feet blown off in the attack, which targeted a Toyota Land Cruiser.

It also said his wife had been injured, and five other cars were damaged.

The Kommersant newspaper said the man serves in the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU).

Russian Telegram channel Baza published CCTV footage of what it said was the moment of the explosion, which occurred shortly after the man got in the parked vehicle.

Surveillance video of the moment when an apparent car bomb went off on a car in Moscow. @kommersant says a man who was wounded in the blast is a GRU officer. Investigative Committee says it's investigating. https://t.co/Vxv2Lvg4Dn pic.twitter.com/zt7jChZj1K  Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) July 24, 2024

Russia's Interior Ministry said two people had been injured in the attack, caused by the detonation of an unidentified device, and that a criminal investigation had been launched.

The perpetrators of the attack have not been identified.

Kyiv has denied any involvement in the attack. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told independent Russian media he believed there was "a malfunction with the gas equipment in the car."

Read also: Ukraines soldiers training on Starstreak  heres why its so deadly

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Firefighters rescued a baby and a mom from an apartment fire in D.C. on Wednesday.

DC Fire and EMS officials said in a post that units were at the scene of a three-story apartment building in the 1600 block of 29th St. SE.

The fire was in one of the buildings apartments.

Protests continue in DC, causing additional road closures day of Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress

Firefighters used a ladder to rescue the baby from the second-floor window, and they rescued the mom from the inside of the apartment as well.

(Image courtesy of DC Fire and EMS)

(Image courtesy of DC Fire and EMS)

(Image courtesy of DC Fire and EMS)

Both the mom and her child were evaluated on the scene and released.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Mother says she was on drugs when she killed 4-year-old, abandoned 1-year-old

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY)  A mother accused of killing one child and abandoning another made a shocking confession as she arrived back in Louisiana.

According to KPLC, Aaliyah Jack, 25, of Lake Charles, admitted killing Legend Dary Jack, her 4-year-old son. His body was found July 8 floating in the water behind the Vinton Welcome Center.

KPLC reports Aaliyah Jack made the confession to its reporter as Jack was booked into Calcasieu Correctional Center on Saturday. When asked why she did it Jack was quoted as saying, Im not sure, I was under the influence of drugs.

His 1-year-old brother, Kingtrail, was also found abandoned in a ditch on I-10 eastbound the next day. A truck driver spotted him crawling toward I-10 East, a few miles from where Legends body had been found.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory called Kingtrail a miracle baby. Guillory said the baby had insect bites but was otherwise okay after surviving two days in a ditch on the side of the interstate.

GoFundMe created to help pay for funeral of 4-year-old found dead in Vinton water

Kingtrail spent a night in the hospital and was placed in state care.

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Jack was discovered in Mississippi by the Meridian Police Department, then extradited to Calcasieu Parish. She is being charged with two counts of failure to report a missing child, cruelty to a juvenile and second degree murder, with a bond set at $9.1 million.

Latest news

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
An Antioch father is $1 million richer after a Rutherford County Sheriff's Office detective accused a convenience store clerk of stealing a winning lottery ticket.

Investigators with the Tennessee Lottery became aware of the case when the 23-year-old clerk of a Shell gas station on Greenland Drive in Murfreesboro tried to claim the prize. Employees of the lottery became suspicious of the man and launched an investigation, a news release from the sheriff's office said.

Video footage from the convenience store showed the father handing two tickets to the clerk to check for any winnings. The clerk paid out the lesser of the two winning tickets and placed the $1 million ticket in the trash, the news release said.

The clerk then took out the trash, removed the winning $1 million ticket and put it in his pocket, the release said. The clerk was then captured on video "celebrating in the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and learning it was a $1 million winner, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office detective Dennis Ward said in the release.

The Tennessee Lottery investigators then called the sheriff's office to report their findings.

Using video footage again, Ward was able to identify the father who'd originally purchased the ticket. The man, the release said, was skeptical of the news but agreed to go to the Tennessee Lottery to claim his prize.

The feel good side of this story is the (the father) never knew he was the winner until we made contact with him, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Lt. Steve Craig said in the release. That is absolutely life-changing money.

The store clerk was charged with theft over $250,000.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: $1 million lottery ticket stolen, reunited with Antioch father
Musk activates internet service in Gaza hospital with help of UAE, Israel

By Catherine Cartier

DUBAI (Reuters) -Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has been activated in a hospital in the Gaza Strip with the help of the United Arab Emirates and Israel, the SpaceX chief executive said.

The Gulf Arab state's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, thanked the billionaire entrepreneur for supporting the UAE field hospital in Gaza, where many medical facilities have been destroyed in over nine months of war.

"Starlink is now active in a Gaza hospital with the support of @UAEmediaoffice and @Israel," Musk posted on X, more than five months after the Israeli government approved Starlink's use in the hospital in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The high-speed internet will enable potentially life-saving medical consultations via real-time video calling, the UAE foreign ministry said in February.

Internet connectivity in Gaza is poor because of the lack of power and fuel to operate provider centres. This makes it harder for medical staff and rescue teams to work, and restricts hospital services and the health ministry's centralised system.

The UAE, an oil producer and regional finance and tourism hub, signed a deal normalising ties with Israel in 2020 along with Bahrain and Morocco. Sudan later also sealed a normalisation agreement with Israel.

The Gaza war began when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages back to the Palestinian enclave, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with an offensive that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, and devastated much of the coastal territory.

(Additional reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Editing by Michael Georgy, Alex Richardson and Timothy Heritage)
Musk says hes not donating $45 million per month to Trump

Musk says hes not donating $45 million per month to Trump

Tech billionaire Elon Musk appeared to pare down his commitment to give $45 million per month supporting former President Trump, saying Tuesday that his giving is at a much lower level.

Musk had reportedly committed to donating the record amount to America PAC, which he founded alongside other notable conservative donors. The promise came the same day Trump named Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate.

In a Tuesday interview with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk backed off reports of the $45 million figure for Trump.

Whats been reported in the media is simply not true, he said.

Musk later explained on the social platform X, which he owns, that he will still back America PAC. He did not confirm nor deny the $45 million figure, or what proportion of those funds would go to backing Trump.

I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom, he wrote. Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom.

The commitment broke a previous promise to stay out of the 2024 election for Musk. He endorsed Trump last week, shortly after the former president survived an attempted assassination.

I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery, Musk wrote in a post on his social platform X, alongside a video of the former president standing and raising his fist after being shot in the ear.

Musk appeared to be growing closer to Trump in recent months, with The Wall Street Journal reporting in late May that the billionaire and the former president had discussed a possible advisory role for Musk in a second Trump administration.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Notion VTec Berhad is RM2.53 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

With RM2.05 share price, Notion VTec Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

The average premium for Notion VTec Berhad's competitorsis currently 121%

How far off is Notion VTec Berhad (KLSE:NOTION) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Notion VTec Berhad

Crunching The Numbers

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM28.3m RM51.3m RM67.1m RM82.2m RM96.1m RM108.4m RM119.3m RM129.0m RM137.7m RM145.7m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 30.72% Est @ 22.57% Est @ 16.86% Est @ 12.87% Est @ 10.07% Est @ 8.12% Est @ 6.75% Est @ 5.79% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 10% RM25.6 RM42.0 RM49.8 RM55.2 RM58.4 RM59.7 RM59.5 RM58.2 RM56.3 RM53.9

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM519m

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 10%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM146m (1 + 3.6%)  (10% 3.6%) = RM2.2b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM2.2b ( 1 + 10%)10= RM808m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM1.3b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM2.1, the company appears about fair value at a 19% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. 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 Notion VTec 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 10%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.088. 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 Notion VTec Berhad

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Electronic market.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Threat

Paying a dividend but company is unprofitable.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. 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 example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Notion VTec Berhad, we've put together three fundamental items you should consider:

Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Notion VTec Berhad you should know about. Future Earnings: How does NOTION'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!

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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.

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Dion Marsh, 29, was sentenced to 40 years behind bars followed by five years' supervised release for his April 8, 2022, hate-filled crime spree. Photo courtesy of Ocean County Prosecutor's Office/Release

July 23 (UPI) -- A New Jersey man who admitted to injuring five people during a violent crime spree targeting Orthodox Jews in 2022 was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years in prison.

Dion Marsh, 29, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi in February to attempting to kill four men by driving over them in stolen vehicles and injuring a fifth, all of who were identifiably members of the Orthodox Jewish community, over a span of eight hours on April 8, 2022, in Lakewood, N.J.

"These victims were targeted by Marsh because of the way they were dressed, which is in accordance with their religious beliefs," Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy of the FBI Newark Field Office said Monday in a statement.

"They have that right in this country. Marsh, however, did not have the right and broke federal law, when he attacked, stabbed and carjacked innocent people."

According to evidence and statements, Marsh's hate-filled crime spree began at 1:18 p.m. on April 8 when he carjacked an Orthodox Jew whom he assault before driving away in the 2016 Toyota Camry.

With a second stolen vehicle, seemingly a black Honda accord, Marsh struck another Orthodox Jewish man with intent to kill him at 5:20 p.m.

At 6:06 p.m., Marsh struck a second Jewish man with the vehicle, breaking several bones in his victim's body.

About fifty minutes later, Marsh, now driving the Camry again, attempted to kill another Jewish man who was walking in Lakewood. Marsh struck him with the vehicle and then stabbed him in the chest with a knife.

Then he drove to nearby Jackson Township, where at 8:23 p.m. he hit his fifth Jewish victim, breaking several of the man's bones and causing internal injuries.

Marsh was arrested later that night at his Manchester Township residence without incident, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement at that time.

Along with being sentenced to 40 years' imprisonment, Marsh was sentenced to five years' supervised release.

According to the U.S.-based Jewish organization Anti-Defamation League, there were 3,697 anti-Semitic incidents tallied throughout the United States in 2022, an increase of 36% a year before, but much less than the nearly 8,900 such incidents tabulated in 2023, indicating anti-Semitism has been on the rise across the country.
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Credit: NASA

SLS model rocket kit

Estes NASA SLS Model Rocket

You can launch a Space Launch System of your own with this Estes NASA SLS model rocket for a 1:200 scale version of NASA's moon megarocket. Read more about it.

NASA's Artemis 2 lunar mission in 2024 will send the first astronauts around the moon in nearly 50 years. The mission will launch four astronauts around the moon on a lunar flyby aboard an Orion spacecraft using a Space Launch System rocket.

Artemis 2 is an eight-day mission that will send three NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut around the moon on a free-return trajectory. It is the last test flight before the Artemis 3 crewed moon landing mission in 2025.

See our complete coverage of the Artemis 2 mission below.

Meet the Artemis 2 crew | Artemis 2 explained | Latest news

NASA to announce Artemis 2 crew today

NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission crew teaser with four astronauts in spacesuits.

At long last, we're going to learn which astronauts will fly NASA's first crewed mission to the moon of the Artemis generation.

Today, April 3, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency will announce the four astronauts who will fly on the Artemis 2 mission around the moon in 2024. That crew is expected to include one Canadian astronaut and three NASA astronauts, but exactly who is yet to be revealed.

NASA will announce the crew in an event at Ellington Field near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT). Space.com staff writer Elizabeth Howell is on the scene at the event alongside contributor Robert Pearlman of collectSPACE.com.

You'll be able to watch it live on Space.com, as well as at the top of this page at start time.

While we wait, here's a nifty trailer from NASA for today's Artemis 2 crew reveal.

NASA Artemis 2 moon crew announcement underway

NASA's Artemis 2 moon astronaut crew reveal is underway live on NASA TV.

Speaking before a huge crowd at the Ellington Field in Houston, NASA's chief astronaut Joe Acaba began by inviting the entire astronaut corps to the stage.

"Your Artemis 2 astronauts are in the room with you ... I am not one of them," he said.

Canada's government minister responsible for space, Francois-Philippe Champagne, hailed the 60 year partnership of NASA + CSA and Canada's contribution of the CanadArm3 for the Gateway station around the moon: "We're going to the moon!" he cheered.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is now preparing to introduce the crew.

This post has been corrected to reflect Francois-Philippe Champagne's proper title.

Artemis 2 Moon Astronauts Revealed!

NASA's Artemis 2 moon crew are unveiled to the world, standing on a stage at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center in Houston on April 3, 2023.

NASA chief Bill Nelson has unveiled the first astronaut crew to visit the moon in more than 50 years. They Artemis 2 crew are:

Commander Reid Wiseman, NASA

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman at a 2015 public appearance in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, speaks in front of a photograph of the moon. As NASA's new Chief of the Astronaut Office, Wiseman may select the next crews to orbit and possibly land on the moon.

Reid Wiseman, 47, spent 165 days in Earth orbit on his first mission, a 2014 flight to the ISS. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, and former fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy, he was selected for NASA's 20th astronaut class in 2009. Wiseman recently served as chief of NASA's astronaut office from 2020 to 2022.

Pilot Victor Glover, NASA

Astronaut Victor Glover Headshot_NASA

Victor Glover, 46, became a NASA astronaut in 2013. He flew as pilot of SpaceX's first operational crewed spaceflight (Crew-1) and logged 167 days on the ISS in 2021. Born in Pomona, California, he is an engineer and captain in the U.S. Navy. Glover was the first Black astronaut to serve on a space station crew.

Mission Specialist Christina Koch, NASA

August, 2019: Expedition 60 Flight Engineer Christina Koch of NASA conducts science operations for the BioFabrication Facility experiment researching the effectiveness of using 3D biological printers to produce usable human organs in microgravity.

Christina Koch, 44, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina. A member of NASA's 21st astronaut class selected in 2013, Koch set a record aboard the International Space Station for the single longest mission by a woman at 328 days. During that 2019 stay, she was also one-half of the first-ever all-female spacewalk. Koch is an engineer and former U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) station chief.

Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen participates in extravehicular activity training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Jeremy Hansen, 47, was chosen to join Canada's astronaut corps in 2009. A colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was born in London, Ontario. Though Artemis 2 will be his first time in space, Hansen served as an aquanaut aboard the Aquarius underwater lab in 2014 and took a turn as a "cavenaut" as part of the European Space Agency's CAVES astronaut training course the year prior.

Artemis 2 astronauts thrilled for moon mission

The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission turn their heads while wearing spacesuits.

The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 mission are thrilled, to say the least, to be on the crew that will send the first humans to the moon in more than 50 years. You can read our full story here.

Set to launch on a Space Launch System megarocket in 2024, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency will fly around the moon, much like Apollo 8, on their Orion spacecraft.

Here's what they had to say of the mission today:

Commander Reid Wiseman: "This is a global effort, Artemis 2, and it's only going to get larger with Artemis 3 and beyond as we get private spaceflight involved. SpaceX is building our lander for Artemis 3. So to the NASA workforce, to our program managers, our center directors that are here, the amazing political support that we feel right now to bring our country together to bring our entire world together to go explore to get to Mars and beyond, we say a huge thank you."

Pilot Victor Glover: "We need to celebrate this moment in human history. Because Artemis two is more than a mission to the moon and it's more than a mission that has to happen before we send people to the surface of the moon. It is the next step on the journey that gets humanity to Mars.



"Human spaceflight is like a relay race, and that baton has been passed generation to generation and from crew member to crew member from the Gemini, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Apollo Soyuz, Skylab Mir, the shuttle, International Space Station, commercial crew and and now the Artemis missions. We understand our role in that. And when we have the privilege of having that baton. We're going to do our best to run a good race to make you proud. I pray that God will bless this mission. But I also pray that we can continue to serve as a source of inspiration for cooperation and peace, not just between nations, but in our own nation."

Mission specialist Christina Koch: "When I think about this mission, that's a relay race with international partners, it's all so awesome in and of itself.

"We are going to launch for Kennedy Space Center to the work of the exploration Ground Systems team. We're going to hear the words go for launch on top of the most powerful rocket NASA's ever made the Space Launch System, and we're gonna ride that rocket for eight minutes into Earth orbit. We're not going to go to the moon right away. We're gonna stay in an amazing high orbit, reaching a peak of tens of thousands of miles while we test out all the systems on Orion and see how it maneuvers in space. And then if everything was good, we're heading to the moon.

"It will be a four day journey, going a quarter of a million miles, continuing to test out every bit of Orion going around the far side of the moon, heading home going through the Earth's atmosphere at over 25,000 miles per hour and splashing down in the Pacific. So am I excited? Absolutely. But my real question is Are you excited? I asked that because the one thing I'm most excited about is that we are going to carry your excitement, your aspirations, your dreams with us on this mission. Artemis to your mission."

Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen: "Our scientists or engineers, the Canadian Space Agency, the Canadian Armed Forces across government, all of our leadership working together under a vision to take step by step and all of those have added up to this moment where a Canadian is going to the moon with our international partnership and it is glorious."

Artemis 2 mission benefits from Canadian winter experience

Cold weather is helping to boost the fortunes of Canada in space, including its contributions to Artemis 2.

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen will the first non-American to leave low Earth orbit, alongside three NASA crewmates, no earlier than 2024. Canadian leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau argues that Canada's winter experience is one big reason for its success in space.

Trudeau emphasized that working in Canada's north helped with numerous kinds of technology, including the Canadarm robotic arm series that has provided Canadian astronaut seats for nearly 40 years.

The Arctic in particular represents "some of the harshest environments" available to humans, and Trudeau joked that when asked about why Canada does so well in space, he responds: "Obvious. Winter."

Read more: Winter is coming: Artemis 2 moon mission gets boost from Canadian cold

Artemis 2 astronaut completes vision quest

totem pole in the foreground of a picture with cloudy sky in behind. far in the back is a lodge and cars, with a road leading to it. trees surround the scene

Artemis 2 astronaut Jeremy Hansen took this picture of a totem pole during a vision quest with the Turtle Lodge. The lodge is situated on the Indigenous lands of Sagkeeng First Nation (also known as Fort Alexander), Manitoba, Canada, on the southern tip of Lake Winnipeg. (Image credit: Jeremy Hansen/Canadian Space Agency/Twitter)

An Artemis 2 astronaut recently finished a vision quest to help prepare for his upcoming trip around the moon.

Jeremy Hansen recently participated in the four-day Indigenous rite of passage as part of Artemis 2 mission training, the Canadian Space Agency astronaut tweeted.

"I would like to express my gratitude to Anishinaabe Elder David Courchene III 'Sabe' for the gracious invitation," Hansen said of the ceremony, which took place at Turtle Lodge in Manitoba on the lands of the Sagkeeng First Nation (also known as Fort Alexander).

On Tuesday (June 13), Hansen added he has completed the ceremony and "I have a renewed appreciation for all that Mother Earth provides, especially water."

Read more: Artemis 2 astronaut goes on vision quest to prepare for moon mission

Artemis 2 astronaut plays cowboy at Calgary Stampede

artemis 2 astronaut jeremy hansen on board a horse in a flight suit. a ring is behind him

Canadian Artemis 2 moon astronaut Jeremy Hansen, partnering with his borrowed horse Cisco, pretended to be a cowboy at Canada's Calgary Stampede fair last week in the western province of Alberta.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who flew on the space shuttle Columbia in 1986 while a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, also visited the event. The two appeared in flight suits and cowboy hats as part of the celebration of cowboy culture, which annually draws a million participants.

Read more: Yeehaw! NASA chief and Artemis 2 moon astronaut play cowboy for a day (photo)

3 Orion spacecraft line up for their moon missions

three cone-shaped spacecraft beside each other in a big white hanger. the american flag and the logo for lockheed martin are on the wall

From left to right: The Orion spacecraft for Artemis 2, 3 and 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center bound for the moon. (Image credit: NASA/Marie Reed)

Three crew-carrying spacecraft are getting ready for their big moon missions.

The Orion capsules for the Artemis 2, Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 moon missions are coming together at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida under stewardship of contractor Lockheed Martin.

"The future of @NASA_Orion is looking pretty good," Lockheed officials wrote on Twitter Friday (July 14) of the three spacecraft, each of which is expected to ferry astronauts to the moon starting in late 2024 or so.

Read more: These 3 Orion spacecraft will carry Artemis astronauts to the moon (photo)

Artemis 2 crew member praises NASA supersonic jet

a cockpit view of jeremy hansen masked up with sunglasses and an oxygen mask. behind him is the dome of the aircraft and another astronaut, jenni sidey-gibbons, barely visible in another seat

Artemis 2 astronaut Jeremy Hansen flying the T-38 aircraft. Behind him is fellow Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Sidey-Gibbons. (Image credit: Jeremy Hansen/Facebook/Canadian Space Agency)

A moon astronaut recently honored the decades of supersonic trainer work that NASA has put in with its T-38s.

Artemis 2 Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen praised the supersonic T-38 trainer jet for its ability to keep astronauts on their toes while in flight. "We use these airplanes because they're challenging," Hansen said in a video released Tuesday (July 18) on the CSA's social media channels.

Manufacturer Northrop Grumman says more than 72,000 U.S. Air Force pilots have trained in the T-38 since it first rolled off the line in 1961. Though it was only manufactured until 1972, more than 500 continue to be used by both the Air Force and NASA.

Read more: Artemis 2 moon astronaut explains risk of flying NASA's supersonic training jet

Artemis 2 astronauts deep in moon training

four astronauts standing in a row with a dramatic spotlight behind them. the astronauts wear orange flight suits

The Artemis 2 crew includes, from left: NASA astronaut and pilot Victor Glover, NASA astronaut and mission scientist Christina Koch, NASA astronaut and commander Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. (Image credit: NASA)

The first moon crew in 52 years, Artemis 2, includes a lot of diversity. They've been to the International Space Station, the U.S. Senate, in combat and in many other locations.

Now as the foursome  NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen  get ready for the moon, lead training officer Jacki Mahaffey told Space.com how she is using their experience in training.

Read more: How Artemis 2 astronauts are training for their 2024 moon mission

NASA finishes first practice countdown for Artemis 2

The Artemis 2 launching team at NASA recently finished their first dress rehearsal to send four astronauts safely into space to go around the moon.

This crucial "sim" is one of many that NASA will do for the November 2024 mission. The mission includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

Read more: NASA practices for 2024 launch of Artemis 2 moon mission

Artemis 2 moon astronauts do splashdown training with US Navy

helicopter hovering over the ocean with a basket underneath. a raft on the ocean to the right holds a group of sailors

Sailors with the U.S. Navy practice for Artemis 2 recovery operations on July 18, 2023 in operations done alongside NASA. Visible here are sailors with the helicopter sea combat squadron 23, the "Wildcards", waiting for an MH-60S Seahawk to send down a recovery basket. The astronauts of Artemis 2 will use a similar recovery basket after returning to Earth via the ocean. (Image credit: U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Samoluk)

The Artemis 2 astronauts worked with the U.S. Navy team recently on splashdown operations. The Navy and NASA are training to recover the four-person crew, which will circle around the moon no earlier than November 2024, after they complete their 10-day mission.

While the crew familiarized themselves with the team and procedures, NASA and the Department of Defense practiced recovery operations nearby San Diego using equipment such as helicopters, boats and the USS John P. Murtha.

Read more: See Artemis 2 moon astronauts train with US Navy for Orion splashdown (photos, video)

Artemis 2 moon astronauts rehearse for launch day

four people in spacesuits standing in a group and smiling at camera. behind is distant view of water and grass

The Artemis 2 moon crew during a launch simulation at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Sept. 20, 2023. They stand on the crew access arm at Launch 39B, which will one day bring them to the waiting Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. From left: NASA astronaut and pilot Victor Glover, Canadian Space Agency astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, NASA astronaut and mission specialist Christina Koch, and NASA astronaut and commander Reid Wiseman. (Image credit: NASA/Frank Michaux)

The Artemis 2 moon astronauts practiced for launch day at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday (Sept. 20), complete with spacesuits and a drive to the launch pad to ascend the mobile launcher.

"I just had images of all those Apollo launches and shuttle launches that I saw as a kid and it was unreal," Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover said in a NASA statement. "I actually had to stop and just stay in the moment to really let it all sink in."

Aboard the round-the-moon mission, slated to launch in late 2024, will be NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover (the first person of color to leave Earth orbit), NASA mission specialist Christina Koch (the first woman to do so) and the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen (the first non-American).

Read more: Artemis 2 astronaut crew suits up for moon launch dress rehearsal (photos, video)

How Artemis 2 moon astronauts will live in space

four people in white cleansuits and hair nets smile in front of a cone-shaped spacecraft in a laboratory

Artemis 2 crew members inspect their Orion crew module inside the high bay of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2023. (Image credit: NASA)

The Artemis 2 astronauts and other personnel are testing living activities the crew will do on the 10-day moon mission, including sleeping, eating and of course, going to the bathroom. The four astronauts will spend all of their time in the Orion spacecraft, learning how to live and work together in a small space.

Read more: Here's how Artemis 2 astronauts will exercise, sleep and use the toilet on their moon mission (photos)

Artemis 2 core stage faces welding issues: report

While Artemis 2 remains on track for its round-the-moon mission with astronauts in 2024, welding issues on the core stage of its massive rocket are ongoing, a report suggests.

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's core stage, expected to launch the four-astronaut Artemis 2 around the moon, is facing unspecified "weld issues" during assembly at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The issue was reported in NASA Spaceflight and NASA did not immediately respond to queries from Space.com about the matter.

Read more: Welding issues stall Artemis 2 moon rocket's assembly, but 2024 mission still on track: report

NASA shows off Artemis moon astronauts' electric car for launch pad rides

A futuristic interior of a vehicle is shown with black floors and white seats. In the spacious back sits Campos, a manikin in an orange Artemis flight suit. Campos flew aboard the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis I mission in order to collect important data that will prepare astronauts for future Artemis missions.

A view of the Artemis moon crew's ride to the launch pad, inside an electric car by Canoo Technologies Inc. (Image credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz)

NASA recently displayed the shiny inside of its new fleet of astronaut cars from Canoo Technologies Inc., all assigned to the Artemis program. It was the first look at the interior ahead of the debut crew Artemis 2, using the all-electric vehicles to get the the launch pad for their round-the-moon mission starting in 2024.

The moon crew's car interior came to light at a racing event: The Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix of the United States in Austin, Texas between Oct. 20 and 22. Artemis 2 astronauts Reid Wiseman (from NASA) and Jeremy Hansen (from the Canadian Space Agency) also were there on Oct. 22 talking with some of the racing companies.

Read more: NASA's Artemis moon astronauts will ride to the launch pad in these sleek electric cars (photos)

Orion spacecraft for Artemis astronaut moon mission assembled

a distant spacecraft in a manufacturing facility surrounded by workers in hard hats

The Orion spacecraft for the moon mission Artemis 2 comes together at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians joined the European service module with the crew module at the Neil Armstrong Operations & Checkout Building Oct. 19. (Image credit: NASA)

NASA's astronaut moon spacecraft is under assembly. The Orion spacecraft for Artemis 2's round-the-moon mission in 2024 had its crew and service modules joined at NASA on Oct. 19.

More tests are planned on the joined pieces, including power-on examinations and altitude chamber testing. It's a significant milestone for the mission that will carry four astronauts to lunar realms in just over a year.

Read more: Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft comes together ahead of 2024 moon mission (photos)

Artemis 2 mobile launcher soaked in 'water flow test'

water splashes and froths at the base of a large metal tower

The mobile launcher for Artemis 2, a big moon mission, got soaked Tuesday (Oct. 24) in a mission safety test ahead of the 2024 mission.

The mobile launcher that will be used to launch the powerful Space Launch System rocket had a "water flow test", the third at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to "verify the overpressure protection and sound suppression system is ready for launch," NASA officials wrote in a brief statement Thursday (Oct. 26).

"During liftoff, 400,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of water will rush onto the pad to help protect NASA's SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, mobile launcher, and launch pad from any over pressurization and extreme sound produced during ignition and liftoff," agency officials added.

Read more: Watch NASA's Artemis 2 mobile rocket launcher get soaked during water deluge test (video)

Canadian astronaut ready for the moon, his first mission in space

an astronaut smiles for a portrait in an orange spacesuit

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a mission specialist on moon mission Artemis 2. (Image credit: Robert Markowitz - NASA - JSC)

After 15 years waiting for space, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen is getting ready for the moon. He is one of the mission specialists aboard Artemis 2, which aims to launch four astronauts in 2024, and says the first seven months of training for the NASA mission is reinforcing to him all the years of experience he already has in assisting with human space missions and space policy.

"The only thing that does feel different is that there is this personal aspect of, 'I've been working to actually fly in space and do the astronaut aspects'," Hansen told Space.com in an exclusive 30-minute interview on Friday (Oct. 27.) "It does feel like it's getting closer, and much closer, than it's ever felt before. So there is that sense, and that is really fun for me."

Read more: Artemis 2 moon astronaut says crew is ready for ambitious 2024 mission

Boosters assemble! Artemis 2 moon rockets come together in new video

An astronaut moon rocket comes together at NASA in a new epic video.

Twin rocket boosters for Artemis 2, now being assembled at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, will assist the agency's powerful Space Launch System rocket as it sends four astronauts on a round-the-moon mission in 2024.

You can watch KSC teams piece together parts of each booster's aft assembly  the booster part that steers them during flight.

Read more: Watch NASA build Artemis 2 astronaut moon rocket boosters ahead of 2024 launch (video)

Artemis 2 moon spacecraft powers on ahead of 2024 mission

an open spacecraft hatch with christina koch far in the background

NASA astronaut Christina Koch, an Artemis 2 mission specialist for the moon mission, tests the side hatch of an Orion spacecraft at Lockheed Martin Space in Denver. The Orion spacecraft set to carry Koch and three others around the moon finished a power-on test at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 6, 2023. (Image credit: NASA)

The Orion spacecraft for Artemis 2 powered on this week successfully ahead of its historic moon mission with four astronauts in 2024.

Seeing power flow to Orion was a large milestone following the moment when the American-made crew module and European Service Module (ESM) joined at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in mid-October, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).

Once ready, Orion will carry NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen, who are undergoing 18 months of training to get ready for the first human moon mission in 52 years.

Read more: NASA powers up Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft ahead of 2024 moon mission

Artemis 2 readies for astronaut moon launch 1 year after Artemis 1

Space fans, get ready to start your moon engines.

NASA's Artemis 1 uncrewed moon mission lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Nov. 16, 2022. One year later, the next moon rocket ride for astronauts is in testing for a new mission that could launch in late 2024.

The crewed mission, known as Artemis 2, will send four astronauts around the moon. As the quartet continue their complex training, their Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, side boosters, Orion spacecraft and other key elements are under assembly in various parts of the United States.

Read more: 1 year after Artemis 1 launch, NASA readies Artemis 2 to shoot for the moon again (video)

Canadian Space Agency names backup astronaut for Artemis 2

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Sidey-Gibbons standing in front of the canadian flag in a blue flight suit

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Sidey-Gibbons. (Image credit: Canadian Space Agency)

The Canadian Space Agency may bring the third Canadian woman into space as soon as 2024, should she be needed for a moon mission.

Fire scientist Jenni Gibbons was named Tuesday (Nov. 22) as backup for Jeremy Hansen, the CSA astronaut flying around the moon with Artemis 2 in 2024. The CSA is a signatory to the NASA-led Artemis Accords that has two purposes: peaceful space exploration norms and for some participants, moon missions.

That wasn't the only big space news for CSA on Tuesday. Canada typically receives missions every six years based on its ISS contributions, and current spacecraft capacity. The next long-duration mission will be with Joshua Kutryk, a test pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force, will fly on the first operational Boeing Starliner mission in 2025 for a half-year mission to the ISS.

Read more: Canada assigns astronauts to launch on Boeing's Starliner, back up Artemis 2 moon mission

Artemis 2 astronauts autograph moon rocket

christina koch wears a cleanroom suit and hat and signs her name on a spherical, gridded rocket stage

NASA astronaut Christina Koch, a mission specialist for the Artemis 2 moon mission, signs her name to the Orion spacecraft stage adapter for NASA's Space Launch System rocket on Nov. 27, 2023. (Image credit: NASA/Charles Beason)

The Artemis 2 crew signed their names Monday (Nov. 27) on the adapter for their Orion spacecraft, which will be mounted on top of the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The rocket will send them around the moon in 2024.

The four astronauts, wearing cleanroom outfits, were visiting NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The adapter will be under Orion during the launch, the first human one to the moon since 1972.

Read more: Artemis 2 moon astronauts autograph their own rocket 1 year before launch

Artemis 2 moon mission hardware building up at NASA centers

two people in hard hats looking up at a rocket on a crane

A part of a booster that will bring Artemis 2 into space for its 2024 moon mission, alongside NASA's powerful Space Launch System. Here, engineers and technicians process the right forward center segment of the solid rocket booster inside the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility (RPSF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Image credit: NASA)

NASA's Artemis 2 mission remains on track to send four astronauts around the moon in late 2024. The crew is continuing their training while the hardware that will carry them to space  the Orion capsule and giant Space Launch System (SLS) rocket  is being readied at different NASA centers.

Read more: NASA building giant Artemis 2 moon rocket ahead of 2024 launch

Artemis 2 moon astronauts meet President Biden

four humans in blue jackets smile before microphones, in front of a white building.

NASA's Artemis 2 moon crew, led by NASA, met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec. 14) and talked with reporters afterwards about the support Biden is offering for the historic mission, the first to fly to the moon with humans since 1972.

The crew talked to Biden "about their training and science plans for the mission, set to launch in late 2024," according to a small update on NASA HQ Photo's X account (formerly Twitter). Aside from Wiseman, the Artemis 2 astronauts include NASA pilot Victor Glover (the first person of color to leave low Earth orbit), NASA mission specialist Christina Koch (the first woman) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (the first non-American).

Read more: Artemis 2 astronauts meet President Biden to talk America's next trip to the moon

that time when 3 moon astronauts once flew, supersonic-style, by a NASA lunar rocket on the pad

four white jets fly above a large orange rocket standing on a launch pad

Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman helped organize a special event in 2022: he was part of a group of astronauts flying the famous T-38 jet trainers past the Artemis 1 SLS on the launch pad on Aug. 23, 2022.

Nobody knew it back then, but three of the four Artemis 2 crew were in the tight formation: Wiseman, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. (Only absent was NASA pilot Victor Glover, who was away on other duties at the time.)

Read more: What's it like to buzz an Artemis SLS moon rocket with a supersonic jet? NASA's Artemis 2 commander tells all

Artemis 2's NASA backup astronaut named to moon mission

A man wears a eye covering over his right eye and stares off into the distance. It looks like they are wearing some sort of spacesuit.

NASA astronaut Andre Douglas will serve as backup for the three U.S. astronauts on the Artemis 2 round-the-moon flight, the agency announced today (July 3).

Douglas will back up commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch. Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who is also a mission specialist on Artemis 2, already has a backup: astronaut Jenni Gibbons, also with CSA.

"I've always been fascinated with new things. I like to develop things," Douglas told Space.com in March about the Artemis program, which later this decade aims to put astronauts on the moon's surface for the first time since 1972. "I really believe in pushing ourselves, in understanding what is our true potential: both me as an individual, [and] within all of us as a species."

"This is the perfect place to be, where we're going to push that boundary," he said.

Read more: NASA announces Artemis 2 moon mission backup astronaut  Andre Douglas will support 2025 lunar liftoff

Artemis 2 core stage to arrive at KSC

NASA will livestream the arrival of the Artemis 2 core stage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Wednesday (July 23) on X, the agency announced. The livestream will start at 9:30 a.m. EDT (1330 GMT).

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Artemis 2 booster left the agency's Michoud Assembly Facility, in New Orleans on July 16 for a journey on NASA's Pegasus barge to KSC, near Orlando. The core stage has reached the Floridian shore as of Monday (July 21), but has not yet gone on to KSC grounds, according to social media posts.

Artemis 2 is the first human lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972 and plans to send four astronauts around the moon no earlier than September 2025.

NASA live has begun with Artemis 2 core stage!

NASA has begun its livestream from the Kennedy Space Center area to broadcast the arrival of the Artemis 2 core stage at the facility. Watch live on X here.

NASA livestream concludes

NASA just finished its livestream from the Kennedy Space Center area regarding the arrival of the Artemis 2 core stage at the facility. Watch Space.com for more coverage.

NASA's Artemis 2 rocket core stage arrives near launch pad in Florida

a rocket on its side going into a large building that has banners for the artemis program, the u.s. flag and nasa at the top

An astronaut crew's rocket made its last major journey on Earth before blasting off for the moon.

The core stage of Artemis 2's rocket came to NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Tuesday (July 23). The rocket stage was offloaded from NASA's Pegasus barge, which shipped the rocket stage 900 miles (1,450 km) by water from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, in a seven-hour operation aided by remote controlled vehicles known as self-propelled modular transporters.

The 212-foot (65-meter) stage then made the half-mile (0.8 km) journey to NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building where it will eventually be joined to the rest of the Space Launch System rocket for a launch no earlier than September 2025.

Read more: Watch NASA's massive Artemis 2 rocket core stage arrive in Florida. Next stop: the moon (video, photos)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A teen accused of murder and a serial auto theft suspect are the newest additions to Nashvilles list of Most Wanted fugitives.

The list is updated every Wednesday on the Metro Nashville Police Department Criminal Warrants Divisions Facebook page. According to detectives, those featured on the list are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city.

Rape suspect arrested 1 day after appearing on Most Wanted list

Of the suspects on this weeks list, all but three are wanted for either homicide or murder or charges related to alleged sex crimes. The rest of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are accused of crimes such as aggravated robbery, especially aggravated burglary and facilitating aggravated kidnapping.

One of the newest additions is among a growing list of teenagers who have been featured on the list. Currently, there are three teens on Nashvilles Most Wanted. Two are facing charges for especially violent crimes like homicide and murder.

In recent months, several rape suspects have also been added to the list, leading to two arrests just last week. Kendrick Horton, 25, was taken into custody a day after being featured on Nashvilles Most Wanted list.

According to authorities, Horton is believed to have sexually abused a minor who was just 12 years old when the crimes began. Michael Yarlett, 29, was also arrested last week  ending a manhunt that began after he and another man reportedly raped a 17-year-old in Sept. 2022.

Nashvilles Most Wanted: 1 of 2 suspects in 2022 rape in custody

In total, at least 123 Most Wanted fugitives have been taken into custody since the program was started in October 2022. Investigators have largely attributed the programs success to tips theyve received from the public.

Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Top 10 Most Wanted list the week of July 24, 2024.

1. Adrian L. Cameron

Adrian Cameron (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

At number one, Adrian Cameron, 19, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. This is the eleventh week in a row Cameron has appeared on the list. However, police began looking for him in mid-April.

Investigators said Cameron is one of three suspects in the death of 32-year-old rapper Chris King, who was shot and killed just before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. King and his friends were reportedly hanging out in an alleyway between Hayes Street and Church Street that night.

RELATED: 1 killed, 1 injured in shooting along Hayes Street

Eventually, three other men began interacting with the group. Kings friends told police it started out cordial, but after some time, the three suspects allegedly tried to rob them. Thats when gunfire ran out, injuring King and his 29-year-old friend.

Both of them were brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, but King did not survive. Cameron, who was out on bond for the 2021 murder of 50-year-old Josh Evans at the time, was identified as a suspect in the shooting only days later.

Officials believe Cameron cut his ankle monitor shortly after the shooting. Cameron had just turned 17 years old when police said he turned himself in for Evans murder. Evans was found shot and wrapped in trash bags in the Cumberland River in Sept. 2021.

Unbelievable: Mourning Lebanon family outraged teen murder suspect was out on bond, accused of killing again

Cameron was arrested again for gun charges in Rutherford County less than four months after turning himself in for the 2021 murder. Hes now charged with criminal homicide in connection with Kings death, as well as failure to appear.

However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Anyone with information on Camerons whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

2. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith

Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Lagarrion Blacksmith, 35, has been at the top of Nashvilles Most Wanted list for several months as police continue to try to track him down.

He was initially added to the list on Nov. 29, 2023, after investigators said they were able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar last year.

Officers found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18, 2023. He had been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened.

RELATED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike

According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear.

Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Nov. 22, 2023, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun.

However, efforts to locate him have reportedly been unsuccessful.

3. Joshua Polledo-Negrin

Joshua Polledo-Negrin (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Joshua Polledo-Negrin, 18, is a new addition to the list this week, and among a growing list of teenagers who have been featured on Nashvilles Most Wanted.

Officials said Polledo-Negrin is wanted on outstanding warrants for first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He was recently indicted by a grand jury on both charges.

Court records show Polledo-Negrin has a criminal history dating back to October 2023, when he was charged with aggravated assault of a first responder and vandalizing government property. His last location is unknown.

4. Ladonte J. Groves

Ladonte Groves (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Ladonte Groves, 24, was added back to the list on April 3 after first being featured among Nashvilles Most Wanted on Aug. 16, 2023. Police said Groves has since been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges related to alleged sex crimes.

Owner of McKamey Manor charged with attempted murder, rape

The charges against him include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of domestic assault. Authorities said Groves was last seen in the East Nashville area. However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

5. Diego Camaja-Santiago

Diego Camaja-Santiago (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Police are continuing to search for Diego Camaja-Santiago, 24, after he initially appeared on the Most Wanted list nearly a year ago on Aug. 16. He was added back to the list on June 12 after being indicted by a grand jury on several charges related to alleged sex crimes.

According to authorities, Camaja-Santiago has outstanding warrants for two counts of aggravated rape with bodily injury, two counts of statutory rape and probation violation. His last location is unknown.

6. Edgar Monje-Alfaro

Edgar Monje-Alfaro (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Edgar Monje-Alfaro, 24, is wanted by the MNPD after recently being indicted by a grand jury on two counts of statutory rape. Monje-Alfaro was added to the Most Wanted list on July 3. Officials said his last location is unknown.

7. Adrian Abernathy

Adrian Abernathy (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Adrian Abernathy, 30, is believed to have been behind the wheel of a stolen car in a deadly October 2022 crash on the Rosa L. Parks Boulevard exit ramp from I-65 North.

Abernathy has outstanding warrants for vehicular homicide, three counts of aggravated assault, felon in possession of a weapon, theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a firearm, reckless endangerment and making a false report.

RELATED: Man wanted after allegedly lying about driving stolen car involved in deadly crash

According to police, Abernathy initially said he was a backseat passenger in the stolen Lincoln Navigator SUV. However, over the course of the investigation, detectives determined the seating positions were reversed and Abernathy was the one driving the car.

Authorities said he was traveling over 100 mph shortly before the crash, which killed 29-year-old Todd Bryant of Antioch.

Abernathy has been featured on the Most Wanted list several times since early February 2023. He was added back to the list on May 1 after last being featured in November. Officials said he was last seen in Hermitage.

8. Thaddous S. Baskette

Thaddous S. Baskette (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Thaddous Baskette, 30, is another new addition to the list this week. Authorities said Baskette is wanted on seven outstanding warrants for assault and theft-related charges.

The charges against him include aggravated assault with serious bodily injury, especially aggravated burglary, vehicle theft less than $60,000, two counts of vehicle theft less than $10,000, vehicle theft less than $2,500 and failure to appear.

Officials said Baskettes last location is unknown.

9. Marisah D. White

Marisah D. White (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Marisah White, 21, is wanted on outstanding warrants for robbery, two counts of facilitating aggravated kidnapping and theft of property, according to police.

Court records show she is one of two people involved in the alleged crimes, which took place more than two years ago on April 4, 2022. White was added to the list on June 19. Officials said her last location is unknown.

10. Joshua R. Starkey

Joshua R. Starkey (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Joshua Starkey, 19, is among some of the youngest suspects to appear among Nashvilles Most Wanted. Police said Starkey is wanted for one count of aggravated robbery with a weapon or object. He was added to the list on July 10. His last known location was in Hermitage.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Thanks to programs like Replicator, and incubators like the Defense Innovation Unit and the Disruptive Capabilities Office, the Navy is on the precipice of widespread adoption of uncrewed systems.

These systems bring with them the prospect of new technologies, new operational designs and, potentially, new business models. A key question for the Navy is how to signal to industry that the service has a thoughtful plan for the vast private sector investments needed to enable this transition, not to stifle innovation, but to avoid a feeding frenzy that the Navy cannot channel to best effect. One of the clearest needs for guardrails comes with how the Navy will execute command and control (C2) over the data, platforms, and networks that will underpin an ever larger and more lethal robotic fleet. As industry sees dollar signs at the dawn of robotic warfare, the Navy must consider whether it wants C2 to become a commercial offering before it finds itself having done so by accident. It may well be on that path already.

Three examples, from the sea to space, illustrate the Navys experimentation with partially privatized command and control, with attendant benefits and risks. Furthest downstream, Saildrone has taken a pole position in waterfront experimentation at FIFTH and FOURTH fleets in part because of a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model that enabled quicker and cheaper iteration. What the companys website calls mission-as-a-service is effectively maritime domain awareness (MDA) for sale  the Navy buys the data stream coming off a vessel while the business operates the platform itself. This model has been invaluable as a route to fast testing on the water, though it has limitations, not least given companies likely opposition to sending company-owned vessels into high threat environments (e.g., the Red Sea or Black Sea today, maybe the South China Sea tomorrow). MDA for sale has helped the Navy move at speed, but it is unlikely to serve as an enduring model to achieve scale considering the Service is in the business of putting expensive platforms in harms way.

Midstream, Andruil offers an example of where some of the greatest potential uncaptured value is in the unfurling realm of mass distribution of robotic platforms at sea. As any Silicon Valley firm will tell you, selling hardware is good, but selling the digital rails on which those systems operate is better. Andruils Lattice architecture is one such example of an attempt to own the rails, or at least some of them. Advertised as sensor, network, and system agnostic, Lattice is an aspiring common architecture to enable large-scale robotic autonomy, something the Navy will surely need as it deploys hundreds of small systems. As with any software, the question for the Navy will be how much customization it can access, how quickly it can adapt underlying data, and how well it understands the algorithms that will translate commanders intent into lethal autonomous actions. There is also a natural tension here  the more control industry has over the data, the more value it can extract. The Department of Defense has been here before, as with the debate over proprietary data rights surrounding the F-35.

Furthest upstream, we can see in Starlink another case of commercial value and commercial risks. DoD has announced a military version of the satellite internet service (Starshield) and the Navy is reportedly working with SpaceX on shipboard Starlink terminals. We have seen the potent efficacy of such systems in Ukraine, as well as the potential operational limitations that privatized networks can impose on missions that may jeopardize business (or personal) interests. Starlink is also a good example of a defense application derived from a non-defense service, which enables the Navy and DoD to shoulder less of the development burden. That matters greatly when you consider the relative collapse of defense R&D spending, down from 36% of global research dollars in 1960 to around 3% now. Where the U.S. defense sector was the engine of innovation in the Cold War, it is private industry today, and most often in search of commercial uses. Where the Navy can find common cause with commercial providers, it can ride on the coattails of an R&D enterprise that no longer orbits around the national security apparatus  though at a different kind of cost.

Individually, these efforts are technologically interesting and operationally significant. Collectively, they represent a potentially seismic shift in how the Navy thinks about command and control. This is neither good nor bad. The question at hand is whether a collective move towards a constellation of commercial C2 services, from deployed data streams to space-based networks, is strategic in design, or whether the Navy is inadvertently backing itself into C2 as a service. Intentionality is the core question, because the only way to manage risks associated with a commercialized C2 model is to know you are heading in that direction.

To date, the scale of naval uncrewed systems employment simply has not forced this conversation, or the associated business opportunities. In the air, the Navy fields MQ-4C Triton for aerial reconnaissance and MQ-8C Fire Scout for surface search and attack, but the numbers are relatively small and never constitute autonomous swarms beyond the span of human control. In other domains, the Navy has experimented for years with a small number of larger systems. On the surface, DARPA-initiated Sea Hunter is the latest in a line of experimental uncrewed surface vessels. It is joined by a modest family of larger uncrewed surface vessels pioneered by OSDs Strategic Capabilities Office under the moniker of Ghost Fleet Overlord. Undersea, the Orca extra-large undersea vessel is inching towards fielding, and DARPA recently completed testing on a large design called Manta Ray.

What is new, as exemplified by Replicator, is a dash towards fielding thousands of smaller systems as a hedge against China and (ideally) as a bridge while the Navy pivots towards a more distributed and sustainable hybrid fleet design. As a result, the question of who owns C2 will only become more pressing. For industry, C2 as a service is novel, operationally valuable in the near-term, and theoretically lucrative in the long-term. For the Navy, the near-term attraction of outsourcing sensing, maneuvering, and networking to field more uncrewed systems faster must be balanced by the risks of entrenching a privatized C2 structure in an increasingly lethal architecture without a bigger plan. C2 as a service has some novel attributes, but it is not without its perils.

Joshua Tallis is a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Naval Analyses and the author of The War for Muddy Waters. From 2021-2023 he was the CNA advisor to the Sixth Fleet commander. His views are his own and do not represent those of CNA or the U.S. Navy.
NC Board of Elections Chairman Alan Hirsch tells a House committee why Democrats on the Board rejected an alternative party. (Photo: NCGA video feed)

State House members questioned Board of Elections Chairman Alan Hirsch over the Boards party-line vote rejecting a request for recognition as a political party from a group called Justice for All.

Justice for All wants to put Cornel West on the ballot as a presidential candidate. The election boards 3-2 decision last week not to certify Justice for All as a political party would keep him off the ballot.

Republicans on the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform criticized the decision not to recognize Justice for All, implying that it was a partisan move intended to keep a progressive candidate off the ballot to help Democrats.

State Democrats and a super PAC aligned with Democrats called Clear Choice Action didnt want the elections board to certify Justice for All and We the People, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s alternative party. The Elias Law Group, which represents Democrats in North Carolina and nationally in redistricting and elections cases, was one of the firms representing Clear Choice Action.

Inherently, I think theres a problem, said Rep. Jake Johnson, a Polk County Republican. There are groups with a vested interest trying to weigh in on who their opponents will be.

The elections board did certify We the People and the Constitution Party in separate meetings earlier this month after some delay.

Hirsch told the House committee some of the signatures on Justice for All petitions were suspicious. Verified petition signatures from 13,865 registered voters are required for party recognition. Justice for All submitted more signatures than that, but an outside company collected most of them.

County boards identified signatures that were fraudulent, Hirsch said. Staff started a criminal investigation with respect to fraudulent signatures that is ongoing.

The state Board staff followed up with calls to 250 Justice for All petition signers and reached 49 of them. Eighteen said they didnt sign the petition and three didnt remember signing. Six people said they signed the petition, but didnt know what it was for.

More than 50% were inappropriate under the law, Hirsch said. Ideally, staff would have called a few thousand petition signers, but there wasnt enough time, he said.

Republican committee members criticized the attempt to determine from such a small sample whether there was a significant problem with the 17,141 signatures on Justice for All petitions.

To take that kind of stretch, statistically, is amazing, said Rep. George Cleveland, an Onslow County Republican.

Republicans cast a wider net in questioning

Republicans also grilled Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell on voter roll maintenance and voter ID requirements.

Brinson Bell reminded members additional resources and personnel, including a data analyst, would be helpful in meeting legislative requests.

I dont need any further pleas for assistance, responded Cleveland.

Andy Jackson of the conservative John Locke Foundation was invited to testify as an expert.

Jackson recommended ways to avoid problems with signature collection and verification of signatures.

Rep. Maria Cervania, a Wake County Democrat, said she hoped for commonly agreed on solutions, but hoped for testimony that was non-biased and nonpartisan.

Unfortunately, I have to piece through partisan testimony, she said.

A veteran GOP attorney to represent Justice for All

Phil Strach

In the meantime, Justice for All filed a federal lawsuit against the elections board that says the Boards failure to certify the party despite having submitted more than enough signatures violated voters rights.

Phil Strach and two other lawyers at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough are representing the plaintiffs  three voters in Fayetteville. Strach has long been the go-to lawyer for Republican legislators in election and redistricting cases.

Federal campaign finance information shows Republican committees, including the Republican National Committee, the North Carolina Republican Party, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the super PAC for Republican U.S. senators, have paid Nelson Mullins more than $81,000 since early 2023.

Bo Hines

Hirsch and Brinson Bell heard in person the criticisms about failing to approve alternative parties that state and congressional Republicans have been leveling for weeks in press releases, social media posts, and letters.

Bo Hines, a Republican who lost a primary in North Carolinas sixth congressional district earlier this year, shared on social media Tuesday that he filed a complaint with the North Carolina State Bar against the state Boards three Democrats and one of the staff lawyers.

In this complaint, Hines claims the members conducted an investigation against the Justice for All Party due to interference from the North Carolina Democratic Party and Clear Choice Action.

The North Carolina State Bar did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The driver who crashed into and killed a family of three in Garner on Memorial Day reportedly had evidence of alcohol in his system and had reportedly smoked marijuana before the crash. But in North Carolina that doesnt automatically mean he was impaired while driving.

Jordan Porter, 25, faces nine charges including second-degree murder, felony death by vehicle and possession of marijuana paraphernalia in the May 27 crash that killed Tyler, Susan and Miles Campbell. Porter, who was severely injured and hospitalized after in the crash, is due in court Monday.

Porters blood alcohol content was well below the limit set by state law, his attorney Karl Knudsen said. Porters wife also told investigators that he had smoked marijuana before the crash, according to search warrants.

Statewide, cannabis-impaired driving seems to be on the rise, State Highway Patrol Sgt. Devin Rich said. Between April 2023 and December 2023, there were 82 drug-influence evaluations performed across state law enforcement agencies that detected cannabis, Rich said. From January through June of this year, 137 evaluations found cannabis present.

But, overall, cannabis-impaired driving data is hard to track, said Katie Harmon, a researcher at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center.

The statewide crash dashboard shows 16,900 drug-related crashes in North Carolina from 2019 to 2023 (compared to 62,100 alcohol related crashes) out of 1.5 million total crashes in the state. But different agencies have different testing procedures, and state data doesnt separate cannabis from other substances as factors in vehicle crashes.

Ahead of Porters July 29 arraignment, heres what to know about cannabis-impaired driving laws in North Carolina.

Driving while high on cannabis falls under general impairment

In North Carolina, a person commits the crime of impaired driving if they:

Have a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08 grams per milliliter of blood. This is a per se regulation  after hitting the limit, the law considers you automatically impaired.

Have any Schedule I drugs (including heroin, LSD or fentanyl) or drug byproducts in their blood. This is a zero-tolerance regulation  with any amount of those substances detected, the law considers you automatically impaired.

Are otherwise under the influence of an impairing substance.

Driving while high on cannabis falls under the third category. In those cases, prosecutors rely on patrol-officer and drug-expert testimony about the drivers roadside behavior and the presence of an impairing drug.

Research doesnt support a per se driving limit for cannabis, North Carolina experts say

More than a dozen states around the U.S. have limits on cannabis blood levels that automatically prove impairment, North Carolina isnt one of them.

Existing research doesnt support a specific number, said Katie Harmon, a researcher at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center.

Decades of research established the alcohol-impairment level. The complex ways humans process cannabis and its derivatives arent as well understood, she said, and peoples response to the drug varies widely due to tolerance and other factors.

Just the way cannabis acts from what we know already, its never going to have that clear-cut relationship that alcohol has, she said. Thats why there may never actually be a safe level of THC in the body that we can use for legal purposes.

That affects how useful blood tests for THC, the main impairing component of cannabis, can be. The chemicals presence in blood cant reliably indicate how recently someone used or was impaired by cannabis, criminal defense attorney Steven Saad said.

Even if someone is not impaired on marijuana at the time the blood is drawn, theres still going to be remnants of the non-active metabolite, he explained. Metabolites are chemical byproducts the body produces when breaking down a drug.

Detecting and prosecuting cannabis impaired driving

Officers generally detect cannabis impairment based on roadside behavior. In Porters case, Knudsen said the driver was too badly hurt for officers to collect the evidence they usually would roadside.

During a traffic stop, officers often perform field sobriety tests, said Saad, a former Wake County prosecutor. That includes asking a driver to walk and turn, balance on one leg and follow a pen with their eyes. Trouble balancing or excessively jerky eyes while performing these tasks can both be evidence of impairment.

Officers will also take note of any smells or nearby substances in a vehicle that indicate the presence of marijuana.

Specialists called drug-recognition experts sometimes perform more extensive tests that determine what class of drugs a driver may have taken. There are about 160 such experts across the state, Rich said.

In court, prosecutors try to prove impaired driving by combining patrol officer and expert observations with lab tests showing evidence of cannabis in the blood, criminal defense attorney Trevor Guyton said.

But drug-recognition experts arent used in every cannabis impairment case, Saad said. Their absence is an oversight defense attorneys will go after in court.

Other aspects of impaired-driving prosecution are too tailored to alcohol impairment, Guyton said. For instance, some field sobriety tests are designed and standardized to detect alcohol only, he said, but are still used during cannabis-impairment cases.

We got a system thats built for alcohol detection, he said. But were trying to kind of put this drug-detection prosthetic on top.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com
Starting in the 1990s, climate change has become a fixation for rich country politicians and elites. It emerged as the world had just seen the end of the Cold War. There was relative peace and trust across the world, broad economic growth, and swift progress being made against poverty. In the capitals of Europe in particular, it felt like most of the planets big problems were fixed, so climate change was the final frontier.

These proponents of climate action advocated with relish the goal of ending reliance on the very fossil fuels that had powered two centuries of astonishing growth. Sure, this would cost hundreds of trillions of dollars, but there would always be more growth.

What a naive, narrow-minded world view. Time has not been kind to the foolish idea that climate change was humanitys sole remaining problem  or that the planet would unite to solve it. Geopolitics and economics mean a rapid global transition from fossil fuels is impossible.

As has long been clear for many, the majority of the world never shared this myopic focus on climate change. Despite immense progress, in some countries life remains a battle against poverty, hunger, and disease. In many more countries including India, the top priority is to create more jobs and life-changing growth and development. Outside the most advanced economies, climate change has understandably always been a relatively low voter priority.

Leaders from Europe and the United States talk up net zero as though it has global support. But this unity is quickly revealed as a mirage. For one thing, the destabilizing axis of Russia, Iran and North Korea are not about to support western efforts to solve climate change. Indeed, according to McKinsey, achieving the net-zero target would require Russian climate policies costing $273 billion every year  around three-times what Russia spent on its military last year. That wont happen.

The geopolitical challenges run even deeper. Chinas growth has relied on burning ever more coal. It is the worlds preeminent greenhouse gas emitter, with the largest increase of any nation last year. Renewable energy made 40 per cent of Chinas primary energy in 1971, reducing to 7 per cent by 2011 as it ramped up coal use. Since then, renewables have inched up to 10 per cent. Strong climate action could cost China nearly a trillion dollars annually, hurting its journey toward becoming a rich nation.

The reality is that most of the world  including powerhouse India and emerging economies  will continue to focus on becoming richer, often with fossil fuels. Russia and its ilk will ignore the fixation on climate change altogether. And China will make money from selling the West solar panels and electric cars, while only modestly curbing its own emissions.

As rich countries irresponsibly attempt to export the cost of climate policy to poor countries through carbon adjustment taxes, they will drive a further wedge into an already fractured world.

Meanwhile, despite all the hype, wealthy countries have ever less money left for the climate fight. Annual growth per person among rich countries declined from 4 per cent in the 1960s to 2 per cent in the 1990s. It now hovers just above one percent. Many of these countries face pressure to spend more on defense, healthcare and infrastructure, as geopolitical pressures and changing demographics make their pathway to stability and growth far less certain.

Yet, across Europe and North America, single-minded zealots who were born of a world of relative calm of the 1990s continue to push for deindustrialization and immiseration to tackle climate change  including for the worlds emerging economies.

This attempt is doomed to failure, not least because carbon reductions need to be sustained across decades and through shifting majorities. The economics of strong climate action was always deficient  and today this is blatantly obvious. More politicians are realizing what former UK energy and net-zero secretary Claire Coutinho acknowledged: you cannot heap costs onto struggling families to meet climate targets.

Already in Europe, voters are turning on politicians who have argued for less growth and prosperity in the name of climate change. With six to seven election cycles before mid-century, strong climate policies that could cost each person in the rich world more than ten thousand dollars a year are doomed. These policies will make it more likely that voters turn to populist, nationalist leaders that will entirely abandon expensive net zero targets. Then, climate policy will be in tatters.

The world needs a better way forward. The best solution is not to push people to be worse off by forcing a premature transition from fossil fuels to inadequate green alternatives. Instead, we should ramp up investments in green innovation, eventually driving down the cost of clean energy to be cheaper than fossil fuels. This is much cheaper and will allow everyone, including India and other emerging economies, to want to make the shift.

Rich countries need to wake up and stop hemorrhaging trillions in self-inflicted climate policies that will be followed by few, laughed at by many, and will mainly make China rich. Spending a small fraction of the climate trillions on green innovation would fix climate change. This will allow us to focus the rest of our resources on education, defense, health care and the many other, important challenges in the 21st century.

Bjorn Lomborg is President of the Copenhagen Consensus, Visiting Fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution, and author of False Alarm and Best Things First

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Netanyahu labels critics of war in Gaza Irans useful idiots in speech to Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out against protests of Israels ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, broadly disparaging anti-Israel protesters as Irans useful idiots in an address to Congress on Wednesday.

Netanyahus address to Congress comes at a crucial crossroads for the war. US officials have voiced optimism about the prospects of a deal that could free Hamas-held hostages and bring the conflict to an end. It also comes as many on the left have become increasingly dissatisfied with the way Netanyahu has waged the war, which has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians and left Gaza in the grips of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Israeli prime ministers nearly hour-long address to Congress struck a bellicose tone as he vowed to fight until we achieve victory. Netanyahu falsely downplayed and deflected on the role of Israel in causing the ongoing civilian strife in Gaza. Although he made some reference to efforts to bring the hostages home, significantly more of the speech focused on the ongoing war and took aim at his foes  Iran, the International Criminal Court and protesters.

The US has seen protests across the country on college campuses and elsewhere in opposition to the war against Hamas. On the day of Netanyahus speech, there were protests both outside and inside the US Capitol complex. Additionally, the Secret Service is investigating reports that protesters gained access to the hotel building where Netanyahu is staying in Washington, DC, releasing bugs in the hotel and pulling fire alarms, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Netanyahu painted protesters with a broad brush, claiming that many choose to stand with evil and that they stand with Hamas and rapists and murderers.

While Netanyahu heavily criticized protests against the war, both President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have affirmed the right to protest and indicated they believe pro-Palestinian protesters have legitimate grievances  while still criticizing rhetoric that has devolved into antisemitism.

Speaking at a news conference in April, Blinken said he understands the strong, passionate feelings people have about the bloodshed in Gaza.

Its a hallmark of our democracy that our citizens make known their views, their concerns, their anger at any given time. And I think that reflects the strength of the country, the strength of democracy, he said about pro-Palestinian protests.

Biden, who has repeatedly faced pro-Palestinian protests at his public events this year, often appears conciliatory toward those interrupting him.

I understand the passion, he said after he was repeatedly interrupted during a campaign event at a South Carolina church earlier this year.

In his address to Congress, Netanyahu referenced a recent statement from US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines that Iran is attempting to covertly stoke protests in the US related to the conflict in Gaza.

In her statement, Haines said, however, that she wanted to be clear that I know Americans who participate in protests are, in good faith, expressing their views on the conflict in Gaza, adding that this intelligence does not indicate otherwise.

I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Irans useful idiots, Netanyahu said.

Some members of Congress, mostly Democrats, did not attend Netanyahus speech, either as a protest of the war or due to previously scheduled events. The Israel-Hamas war has increasingly become a dividing line among Democrats, exposing rifts within the party.

At one point, Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the lone Palestinian-American congresswoman, held up a sign during the speech that on one side said: war criminal, and the other side said: guilty of genocide.

Netanyahu slammed those accusing Israel of genocide, suggesting that such accusations were antisemitic.

The outrageous slanders that paint Israel as racist and genocidal are meant to delegitimize Israel, to demonize the Jewish state, and to demonize Jews everywhere, he said.

Netanyahu specifically slammed the International Criminal Courts allegations that Israel is starving Palestinians in Gaza, calling it utter, complete nonsense and a complete fabrication.

According to the UN, 96% of the population of Gaza currently faces crisis or worse levels of food insecurity. Humanitarian aid workers say the war and restrictions imposed by the Israeli government on aid access to Gaza have brought the strip to the brink.

Netanyahu thanks Biden and emphasizes close US-Israel ties

Netanyahu thanked Biden during his speech for his support for Israel, even as Bidens relationship with Netanyahu has grown steadily colder as the war in Gaza has lagged on and as the death toll in the beleaguered enclave continues to rise. Both leaders have known each other for decades, but have traded not-so-subtle barbs at each other as their disagreements with the wars future have spilled into the public.

I thank President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel after the savage attack on October 7, he said, thanking Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages and for his efforts to the hostage families as well.

The speech to Congress comes as the bulk of the nations attention has been focused in recent weeks on discussions surrounding Bidens age and mental fitness  which culminated in Biden announcing over the weekend that he would step down from the Democratic ticket  along with the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Convention.

President Biden and I have known each other for over 40 years. I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel, Netanyahu said.

During his speech to Congress, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of close ties between the US and Israel.

For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together, Netanyahu said to loud cheers from lawmakers in attendance. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose.

There were moments of bipartisanship during the speech. Twice when Netanyahu praised President Joe Biden, both sides gave him a standing ovation. When Netanyahu condemned political violence, that prompted another standing ovation from both sides.

Biden is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Biden has said that Israel has reached its stated goal, described the countrys actions in Gaza as over the top, and plainly stated his desire for the war to end. The president has said it is uncertain whether Israel had committed war crimes. He has also hinted that he believes Netanyahu is dragging out the war only for the sake of his own political survival.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has accused the United States of withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel, claims that American officials flatly rejected.

Netanyahu forcefully defended Israels right to self-defense in his remarks, saying, the hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself.

As we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back and I thank you for it  all sides of the aisle, Netanyahu said.

After arriving in Washington earlier this week, Netanyahu met with some American relatives of hostages held by Hamas. Not all participants were pleased with how that meeting ended.

Trump and Netanyahu will also meet Friday at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump announced Tuesday.

Some Democrats skip speech

A number of Democratic lawmakers did not attend Netanyahus speech, with some declining to attend in protest over the war or because of previously scheduled events.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now the presumptive Democratic nominee, did not preside in her constitutional role as president of the Senate during Netanyahus address; Harris will be in Indianapolis Wednesday, but she is planning to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, a US official told CNN. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, also declined to preside over the speech.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats, said he would skip the address in protest of the total war Netanyahus government has waged in Gaza.

No. Netanyahu should not be welcomed into the United States Congress, Sanders said in a statement. On the contrary, his policies in Gaza and the West Bank and his refusal to support a two-state solution should be roundly condemned.

This story and headline have been updated with additional information.

CNNs Evan Perez, Manu Raju, Michael Conte and Jeremy Diamond contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a joint address to Congress Wednesday.

This marks the leaders first visit abroad since the war in Gaza broke out October 7th.

This is also the prime ministers first time traveling since the International Criminal Court put a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes.

Controversy over the now 9-month long war is looming over his visit which is aimed at strengthening U.S.- Israeli relations.

Several Democrats are boycotting, and hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Capitol Hill Tuesday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson spearheaded the effort to invite Netanyahu to speak weeks ago.

Republicans say theyre united behind Israels efforts to bring remaining hostages home.

We have to be clear the Israel is not alone, it has never been more important than it is to stand with our closest ally in Middle East, said Johnson.

Democrats however are split. Some Democrats critical of Netanyahus handling of the war are boycotting the speech.

Members are going to make their own decisions, I personally will be therewhen world leaders come to the peoples chamber its important that we hear their perspective, said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.).

Israels military campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians

Vice President Kamala Harris will not preside over the speech. Her office says she has a scheduling conflict and next in line, Senator Patty Murray, declined to step in.

They landed on Senator Cardin who is retiring from the Senate, said Johnson.

Speaker Johnson accused Democrats of placing politics above Israels future

The vice presidents office says she will meet with the prime minister on Thursday.

Separately, President Biden will sit down with Netanyahu and his administration insists they are inching closer than ever to a ceasefire deal.

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Netanyahu to address US Congress as he seeks support for Gaza war

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 will try to shore up US support for his war in Gaza during an address on Wednesday to both chambers of Congress.

Netanyahu's speech to lawmakers - a rare honour for a foreign leader - comes amid deep divisions in Washington about Israel's nine-month war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

It is Netanyahu's first visit to Washington in almost four years and his first trip abroad since the attack by the Palestinian extremist group on southern Israel on October 7, which triggered a devastating retaliatory response.

Both President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump have announced meetings with Netanyahu. The Israeli leader will see Biden on Thursday at the White House and Trump on Friday in Florida.

A meeting between Netanyahu and newly-minted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is also expected.

Underscoring just how divisive the Netanyahu's military campaign is, US Capitol Police arrested some 200 demonstrators who had protested against the war in a congressional building on Tuesday.

The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization that advocates for Palestinian rights.

The Cannon House Office Building does not permit protests and the demonstrators had been asked to leave before they were arrested, police said.

Weeks ago, before the date of the speech was announced, many left-wing Democrats had already vowed to boycott it.

The invitation to Netanyahu was spearheaded by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican who has accused Biden of not doing enough to support Israel militarily.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, has sharply criticized Netanyahu for his handling of the war and has even gone so far as call for new elections in Israel.

Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US government, nevertheless signed Johnson's letter to Netanyahu inviting him to address Congress.
Netanyahu assails Iran as enemy of Israel and US in Washington speech

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas gather to watch a live transmission of Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech in Washington in which he appealed for the US and Israel to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to confront Iran.

Netanyahu received a standing ovation when he took to the floor to address a joint session of Congress, and lawmakers repeatedly got on their feet to applaud to him over the course of the nearly hour-long speech.

He described the United States and Israel as being at a "crossroads of history," and that during this time of global "upheaval" they needed each other more than ever.

"For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together," he said, pounding the podium as lawmakers applauded.

He then praised President Joe Biden, with whom he has had a rocky relationship.

"I thank President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel. After the savage attack on October 7 he rightly called Hamas 'sheer evil.' He dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter a wider war. And he came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour - a visit that will never be forgotten."

But one of the most forceful parts of the speech came when he touched on Iran.

"For Iran, Israel is first, America is next. So when Israel fights Hamas, we are fighting Iran. When we fight Hezbollah, we are fighting Iran. When we fight the Houthis, we are fighting Iran. And when we fight Iran, we are fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America."

He continued: "Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory."
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on Capitol Hill Wednesday trying to bolster U.S. support for his countrys fight against Hamas.

Prime Minister Netanyahu laid out the road ahead for his countrys fight against Hamas but its his war in Gaza that provoked many lawmakers to skip the speech.

Outside of the Capitol police pepper sprayed protesters and removed others who are angry over Netanyahus address to Congress, but mostly the humanitarian crisis from the war in Gaza.

America and Israel must stand together, said Netanyahu.

Netanyahu told lawmakers he is fighting to bring hostages home.

Were actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release, he added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attended the address.

Even though I disagree with many of Bibi Netanyahus policies, I will attend his speech because the United States relationship with Israel remains ironclad, said Schumer.

It wasnt quite a full house for the prime ministers speech, some Democrats skipped it.

Notably absent from the speech, Vice President Kamala Harris. Typically, the vice president presides over a joint session of Congress, standing in her place Wednesday was Maryland Democratic Senator Ben Cardin.

Alabama Senator Katie Britt slammed the vice president for not attending the speech.

The vice president could be here today if she wanted to. Shes chosen not to fulfill her duty, said Britt.

Vice President Harris and President Biden will meet with Netanyahu separately at the White House as the U.S. works to secure the release of more hostages.

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When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands before Congress on Wednesday, he will present himself as the voice of Israel. But an Israeli man who spoke before Congress a day earlier is a more accurate voice of the Israeli public. His name is Jonathan Dekel-Chen, and he is the father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 35-year-old Israeli American who has been held hostage by Hamasand in a way, by Netanyahusince Oct. 7. Dekel-Chen was speaking for millions of Israelis when he told lawmakers, Any true friend of Israel today must pressure our Prime Minister to finish the deal now.

Netanyahu is expected to call for a hostage deal in Washington, as if such a deal is being held up by Washington. Yet back home, Netanyahu is accused by many Israelisincluding the family members of hostagesof sabotaging that deal. On the eve of Netanyahus flight to Washington, just one-fifth of Israelis felt he was doing enough to secure the release of the 116 hostages still held by Hamas.

Netanyahu reportedly told his cabinet last week that the hostages are suffering, but they are not dying, drawing shock and outrage from the families of hostages who have indeed died while hostage negotiations falter. On Monday, the families of two additional hostages were notified of their deaths, raising the total to an estimated 44 dead out of those who remain in captivity. The urgency of the matter did not seem to resonate with him, said Daniel Neutra, the brother of 22-year-old American hostage Omer Neutra, referring in his own Tuesday testimony to his familys meetings with Netanyahu. Hostage family members who have met with both Joe Biden and Netanyahu have said they received more empathy from the U.S. President than their own leader.

Read More: Its Time to Rethink the U.S.-Israel Special Relationship

Hostage family members, who number in the thousands, have been protesting in Israel almost daily for weeks, calling on Netanyahu to agree to the deal that is now on the tablethe same deal that Biden accurately described as a proposal from Israeli negotiators. Even Israels security establishment has urged the government to accept that deal. Military officials have stated that the time is right for a ceasefire, and that the Prime Ministers refusal to formulate a legitimate day after plan has hamstrung the military, enabling Hamas to return to areas that the IDF had already cleared. With near-daily drone and missile attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, tens of thousands of Israelis are still waiting to return to their homes in the north, nearly ten months into the war. And of course, the lives of more than 2 million people in Gaza have been devastated beyond recognitionto say nothing of the many thousands dead.

According to the nonpartisan Israel Democracy Institute, a majority of Israelis support a deal to end the war and secure the release of all the hostages. Most Israelis believe that freeing the hostages should be Israels first priority, dismissing Netanyahus stated objective of eliminating Hamas as fantasy. Even the IDF spokesman has said that the goal of eliminating Hamas is unachievable.

Nevertheless, Netanyahu is likely to repeat his Trumpian calls for Total Victory in Gaza. He is far more intelligent than his American ideological counterpart. Surely he knows there is no total victory in Gaza. His political calculation is almost certainly counting on the ovations that greet his speech to deliver a political boost back in Israel, at least among the minority of Israelis who still support him. As Israel fights its most consequential war since 1948, the man steering his country through it has an approval rating of just 32%. Even before Oct. 7, Netanyahu was already considered the most divisive Prime Minister in Israeli history. Since the Hamas attack, he has become even more unpopular. Polls have consistently shown that most Israelis believe he should resign over the failures that led to Israels deadliest day.

Yet Netanyahu has dismissed calls to resign or hold early elections. While other military and political leaders have apologized or accepted responsibility for those failures, the man who has for decades framed himself as Israels protector has dismissed the overwhelming evidence that he failed to heed numerous warnings in the days, weeks, and months before the Oct. 7 attack shook the nation.

The last time Netanyahu spoke before Congress, he placed a wedge between Israel and the Democratic Party, whose voters had until then been far more supportive of Israel. That wedge has widened ever since. I suspect this speech will have the same detrimental impact on U.S.-Israel relationsat a time when Israel needs the support of its most important ally more than ever before.

It is the hope of many Israelis that Americans remember that Netanyahu does not speak for allor even a majorityof Israelis.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will face off with skeptical Democrats increasingly hostile to his war in Gaza during a Wednesday address to a joint session of Congress.

The address comes at a tumultuous moment in politics in the United States, which is the most important supporter and ally of Israel in its war with Hamas.

Netanyahu will speak just days after President Biden, who had a fraught relationship with the Israeli leader and was politically injured by Democratic divisions over Israels war, announced he will not seek reelection.

Bidens announcement has shaken up the presidential race, energizing Democrats behind Vice President Harris, the likely nominee, and bolstering their hopes of winning back the House.

Frustration with Netanyahus leadership has been boiling for months, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) calling for his resignation and many Democrats boycotting his address.

Those concerns have only been compounded by Netanyahus failure to secure a cease-fire that would release the 120 hostages, including eight American citizens, who are held by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government.

Id like him to find a quick way to embrace the cease-fire so that the desolation in Gaza comes to an end and the hostages are released, said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). And Id like him to for once take a nonpartisan tone in his speech to Congress.

Netanyahu has been a divisive figure for Democrats in Washington for some time.

His last address to a joint session of Congress came in 2015, when he was opposing then-President Obamas Iran nuclear deal. Some 60 Democrats boycotted that address, though Netanyahus position was backed by key Democrats, such as Schumer.

Its not clear how many Democrats will skip Wednesdays speech, though Harris, who had a previously scheduled event, will not preside over it. Harris will meet with Netanyahu separately from Biden this week, according to an aide to the vice president.

Israels war in Gaza has badly divided the Democratic Party. Even Democrats who wholeheartedly back Israel, such as Schumer, have criticized Netanyahu.

More than 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza over 10 months of war. The families of hostages have pressured Israel to return their loved ones, and Netanyahu is facing mounting protests in Israel to secure a deal.

We should have a unified message to prime minister Netanyahu that we need to get these hostages home, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Hill.

Netanyahu has resisted calls for a cease-fire, arguing his forces must completely destroy Hamas after the Palestinian militant group invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,100 people and taking roughly 250 hostages.

That view has complicated negotiations with Hamas, which is seeking a permanent end to the war in exchange for the release of hostages.

The U.S. has in recent weeks indicated a deal is close on a plan presented by Biden that would see the exchange of the most vulnerable hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a temporary cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas of Gaza. The next phase would keep a cease-fire so long as negotiations continue to end the war and return the remaining hostages.

But even with a deal in sight, Democrats are upset with how Israel has carried out the war in Gaza, expressing criticism over airstrikes in densely populated areas of the territory, attacks on hospitals and restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), whose office was besieged by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Tuesday, said he was looking to see if Democratic pressure has moved Netanyahu, though he has not seen evidence of that yet.

I wish he would focus on a different approach that doesnt put so many lives at risk, Kildee said.

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) said that Netanyahu remains an obstacle to the peace that both Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve and expressed concerns about congressional leadership giving him a public platform.

It is apparent Republican leadership have given this platform to the Prime Minister in order to sow division amongst Members of Congress during this precarious time, he said in a Tuesday statement.

Republicans have been more uniform in supporting Israel and backing Netanyahu, and they could use the address for attacks on Democrats in this years elections. Most Republicans are likely to attend the address, though newly minted GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) will miss it.

Democrats want a forward-looking vision from Netanyahu and the Israeli government, including how Gaza will be ruled after the war. The U.S. supports a two-state solution in which a Palestinian state would stand next to Israel.

Netanyahu, who rejects a two-state solution, has been reluctant to offer details of post-war governance, though he has called for a Palestinian group other than Hamas to rule the territory and pledged Israel would retain indefinite security control.

Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said he wanted to hear about the long-term security plan for Israel and the Palestinian people.

After all this, we absolutely have to have some stability long-term, Kim said, though he cautioned he doesnt have some standard in terms of what Im expecting. Its up to him to try [and] inform us of what he thinks needs to come through.

Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.) said he was hoping for good news about a cease-fire and hostage release deal, but he hopes Netanyahu will also listen to Democrats concerns.

Were not here just to listen, Keating said. I hope hes here to listen too.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), however, was one of many Democrats critical of the decision to even have him address a joint session.

He should not have a platform before Congress, Merkley said in a statement.

Laura Kelly contributed.

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Hundreds of Jewish activists calling for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip were removed from the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday as they staged a sit-in protest against visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader's visit has also drawn protests from Palestinian demonstrators, and family members of the hostages still held by Hamas and its allies in Gaza.

Netanyahu delivered a speech to both houses of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday on the state of the war he launched immediately in response to Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attack. That attack saw Hamas kill some 1,200 people across southern Israel and take about 240 others hostage.

But the war that has now raged for 291 days has killed almost 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the health officials in the Hamas-run territory, with a devastating impact on children in particular.

It has also been a traumatic 291 days for the families of the Israeli hostages, including Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose 23-year-old son Hersh was among those kidnapped by the Hamas militants who raided a music festival in the southern Israeli desert on Oct. 7. He lost most of one arm in the assault, but is believed to be among the roughly 80 captives still held alive. About 30 others are thought to be dead, but their bodies still in the possession of Gazan militants.

"We wake up every single day and we hit the ground running, and we run to the ends of the Earth, doing every single thing possible to try to save Hersh and the other 119 people who are still in Gaza," Goldberg-Polin told CBS News ahead of Netanyahu's address.

She's in the U.S. this week, along with the families of seven other dual U.S.-Israeli national hostages held in Gaza, calling on Netanyahu to make a deal to bring back their loved ones.

It's a demand that has been echoed almost daily by angry protesters in Jerusalem, and by a group of top former Israeli security and political officials who sent a blistering letter to U.S. congressional leaders on Tuesday, accusing Netanyahu of destabilizing Israeli and American security.

The scathing letter describes Israel's leader as selfishly prioritizing his own political survival over the hostages' fate and the security of his nation, the region, and even the world. It holds him responsible for the failure to defeat Hamas and to formulate a plan for what comes after the war in Gaza.

"We are all pawns in a game of this handful of deciders," Rachel Goldberg-Polin told CBS News. "Everyone in the region is oozing with pain and agony and misery, and it is enough."

It's been 291 days of suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, too  more than half of 18-month-old Sewar's life. The tiny girl lost both of her parents in an Israeli airstrike. Covered in shrapnel wounds and severe burns, she's fighting for her life this week in an intensive care unit  but laying in a cardboard box, as the hospital has run out of cots.

Goldberg-Polin told CBS News the hostage families understand why Israel went to war, but she argued the military has diminished Hamas' capacity to stage another attack like Oct. 7, and that the priority now must be to bring the hostages back home.

Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin appears in a propaganda video released by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, April 24, 2024.

Netanyahu has been adamant that the war will continue until his stated mission to secure the hostages' release  and to destroy Hamas  is complete.

Ahead of Wednesday's address, Goldberg-Polin said she hoped Israel's leader wasn't just in Washington to reiterate those points.

"How can you leave this dire situation [in Israel] unless there's something that's really good, that you want to share," she said. "So, we are hopeful and optimistic that he is going in order for something good to be shared, and I'm going to pray that that's what happens when he speaks on Wednesday, that he's going to be sharing some positive news."

The Israeli leader will meet with President Biden on Thursday at the White House, according to Netanyahu's office, and he's also expected to meet Vice President Kamala Harris while he's in Washington, according to a White House official.

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In fiery speech to Congress, Netanyahu vows 'total victory' in Gaza and denounces US protesters

WASHINGTON (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress on Wednesday to achieve total victory against Hamas and denounced American opponents of the war in Gaza as idiots, taking a combative stance in a visit the Biden administration has hoped will yield progress in negotiations to end the fighting.

Netanyahu used the high-profile address to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. But the speech put in sharp relief the divisions in American society stirred by the war, with dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

Some of the protests near the Capitol turned chaotic. That included one within a few hundred yards of the tightly guarded Capitol grounds, at Union Station, where protesters spray-painted marble statuary and replaced American flags with Palestinian ones. Officers on streets surrounding the Capitol brawled with demonstrators, swinging batons and spraying tear gas.

Speaking for nearly an hour to frequent applause from U.S. lawmakers, as well as stony silence from many leading Democrats, Netanyahu said the U.S. has a shared interest in his countrys fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.

America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose, said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

But the Israeli leader soon pivoted to a darker tone as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the U.S., gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol. He called protesters useful idiots for Israels adversaries.

Netanyahu  making his first trip abroad since the war started  made no direct mention of months of U.S.-led mediation for a cease-fire and hostage-release. His remarks did not appear to close the door on a deal but showed no sign he was eager for one.

Israel will fight until we destroy Hamass military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home, he said. Thats what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.

Hostages freed from Gaza and families of those still in captivity listened in the House chamber. At least five of them rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding an end to the war and the freeing of remaining hostages. Security officers removed the five.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American serving Congress, went a step further, holding a sign that said WAR CRIMINAL on one side and GUILTY OF GENOCIDE on the other. Tlaib is one of Netanyahus most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year against the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed more than 39,000 in Gaza.

She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a Michigan district with many Palestinian Americans.

Netanyahu steered away from discussing efforts by the United States and Arab allies to negotiate an end to the fighting and a release of surviving hostages seized by Hamas-led militants. He accused American protesters of the war of standing with the militants who he said killed babies.

These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves, he said. Some 1,200 people in Israel were killed in the Oct. 7 attack that started the war.

Netanyahu  who is frequently accused of wading into U.S. politics in favor of conservative and Republican causes  started his remarks with praise of President Joe Biden. But he turned to lavishing praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump for all hes done for Israel.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Kentucky Republican Rep. Andy Barr praised the prime ministers speech as an exhortation to see Israeli and American interests as intertwined.

Why should members of Congress, why should the American people defend Israel in their moment of need? Because it is in the national security interest of the United States to defeat Hamas and other Iranian proxies, Barr said.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, said Netanyahus speech was made for Trumps GOP.

We didnt hear anything about meaningful progress towards a bilateral cease-fire in return for hostages. We didnt hear anything about peace, he said.

The families of American hostages being held in Gaza said they were profoundly disappointed by Netanyahu's speech. In a joint statement, the families said he failed to commit to the hostage deal that is now on the table even though Israels senior defense and intelligence officials have called on him to do so.

Eight Americans are believed to be held by Hamas, including three who were killed.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who boycotted the speech, called Netanyahus speech the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress.

Delivering the speech during Israels evening prime time, Netanyahu also had an eye on the audience back home. Netanyahu, whose popularity has plummeted from its pre-war levels, aimed to portray himself as a statesman respected by Israels most important ally and welcomed in the corridors of Washington. That task is complicated by Americans increasingly divided views on Israel and the war.

The appearance made Netanyahu the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

House Speaker Mike Johnson gave Netanyahu a warm welcome. More than 60 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahus speech. The most notable absence was right behind him: Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, said a long-scheduled trip kept her from attending.

The next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, served as senator pro tempore in place of her.

Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance, was also a no-show for Netanyahus speech, citing the need to campaign.

Support for Israel has long carried political weight in U.S. politics. But Netanyahus visit has been somewhat overshadowed by U.S. political turmoil, including the assassination attempt against Trump and Bidens decision not to seek another term.

Many Democrats attended the address despite their criticism of Netanyahu, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who in a floor speech in March called for new elections in Israel. Schumer, of New York, said then that Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region.

The United States is Israels most important ally, arms supplier and source of military aid. The Biden administration had said it wants to see Netanyahu focus his visit on helping it complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage-release. Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war in order to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Netanyahus visit came under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged Israel war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

___

Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick, Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu.
If you moved from the Snow Belt to the Sun Belt during the last few years, you might be part of a vanishing breed.

Since the widespread adoption of air conditioning in the 1970s, Americans have moved in droves from cold northern climes to sunny southern ones. That has led to booming populations in states such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona and a shift in economic activity from North to South.

But Sun Belt migration is now skidding to a halt, according to a new working paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. As climate change makes warm places hotter and cold places more livable, more Americans are staying put in the North, while others are leaving the South. In coming decades, net migration might flow in the other direction.

The US population is starting to migrate away from areas increasingly exposed to extreme heat days toward historically colder areas, which are becoming more attractive as extreme cold days become increasingly rare, economists Sylvain Leduc and Daniel Wilson wrote in the San Francisco Fed paper. The previous centurys migration pattern from the Snow Belt to the Sun Belt is likely to ultimately be reversed.

Leduc and Wilson analyzed temperate and population trends by decade, starting in the 1970s. They defined extreme heat as a day where the 24-hour average temperature was above 80 degrees, and extreme cold as a day when the average temperature was below 20. Then they looked at population changes by county, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

During the 1970s, historically hot counties had the strongest population growth. Historically hot counties also had the strongest net migration, or the difference between people moving in and those moving out, not counting births and deaths. Those numbers reflect the well-known trend of Americans leaving cold Northern areas for the balmy South, especially once air conditioning provided relief from miserable heat.

During the next 40 years, from 1980 to 2020, the correlation between hot counties and net migration grew weaker, as the series of maps in the graphic below depicts. At the same time, the number of extreme heat days grew, and it grew faster in the hotter areas of the country. The number of extreme cold days declined too. Overall, the South got hotter, while the chilly North got a little warmer.

By the last decade studied, 2010-2020, there was almost no correlation between extreme heat and migration, suggesting that warm temperatures are no longer a draw for people living in cooler places. The researchers also found that during that final decade, hotter counties in general saw declines in their higher-educated populations. Since more-educated people are wealthier, that suggests people with the financial means to do so are actually leaving warmer areas of the country.

Story continues

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Southern states might still be gaining population for reasons other than weather. Some have no state income taxes and friendly regulatory policies that draw businesses and workers. Elon Musk, for instance, recently said hes relocating the headquarters for his companies Tesla (TSLA) and Space X from California to Texas. Labor unions are less entrenched in the South, which has drawn many foreign automakers and other types of manufacturers.

Yet the burden of climate change is becoming ever more tangible in the places most exposed to it  and the flight to safer ground might just be getting started. Scientists have been tracking signs of global warming for decades, but Americans as a whole are taking their time to recognize the risks it poses. In Pew Research polls, slightly more than half of all US adults view climate change as a major threat, up from 40% in 2010. The issue is also politicized, with just 23% of Republicans thinking climate change is a serious problem.

Climate deniers will find it increasingly difficult to explain away rising costs related to a warming planet. Home insurance rates are rising four times as fast in states with severe weather as in the rest of the country. Storm-prone states such as Florida and California are struggling to keep insurers from leaving the market, since they can refuse to write policies if regulators wont let them raise premiums enough to cover the growing costs of dealing with disasters.

Fleeing climate change yet? Flooding from Tropical Depression Imelda near Beaumont, Texas, in 2019. (Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) (Thomas B. Shea via Getty Images)

The number of costly storms has soared during the last 20 years, and hit a record in 2023, with 28 storms causing more than $1 billion in damage apiece. In 2021, the federal government revamped the national flood insurance program so it charges premiums more in line with risks and avoids billions in annual losses taxpayers had been funding. Houston, for instance, has become an "extreme weather magnet" that so far this year has already endured massive flooding from an early-season hurricane and a separate storm that blew out skyscraper windows.

As the cost of protecting a home against climate risk goes up, some property values are likely to go down. A 2023 study published in Nature estimates that residential properties in the United States are overvalued by as much as $237 billion because of flood risk alone, which implies that the value of affected properties could adjust downward by 10% to 12%. That could hit areas such as Appalachia and New England, where flood dangers have grown substantially, as well as coastal areas where climate risks are more familiar.

Fleeing climate risk in the United States doesnt just mean a reversal of the longstanding North-to-South trend. Its important to understand that theres no great location to move to, says Bob Bunting, CEO of the Climate Adaptation Center and a former lead forecaster for the federal government. Every region has its climate issues. He cites repeat flooding in the Midwest, likely driven by warmer air that can hold and unleash more water.

Still, changing migration patterns could leave fewer people exposed to the riskiest aspects of climate change. If North-South migration reverses and becomes South-North migration, it could help mitigate the negative effects from hotter and more frequent extreme heat days, including from associated risks such as wildfires and drought, with fewer people directly exposed to them, Leduc and Wilson wrote. Go north, young man.

Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @rickjnewman.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, praising President Joe Biden for his support of Israel and ensuring that intensive efforts are underway to secure the remaining hostages in Gaza.

The speech marks Netanyahus first address to congressional members since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli soil and subsequent deadly war in Gaza. The address comes at a critical moment as the U.S. has exerted pressure on both Israel and Hamas to come to a cease-fire, hostage-release deal.

Netanyahu noted his decades-long relationship with Biden, thanking him for half a century of friendship to Israel and for being as he says, a proud Zionist.

The death toll in Gaza has reached over 30,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, and around 100 Israelis are still being held captive in the region.

Netanyahu did not explicitly mention hostage deal negotiations, however, he said Israel is actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release and Im confident that these efforts can succeed.

The Israeli Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to President Joe Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages and for the hostage families.

I thank President Biden for his vital support for Israel after the savage attack on October 7, he rightly called Hamas sheer evil, Netanyahu continued. He came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten.

Protestors have already gathered in droves in Washington D.C. to protest Netanyahus address, highlighting criticisms of how the war has been carried out and the sheer loss of life.

Netanyahu slammed the protestors, saying that they choose to stand with evil, and with Hamas.

They should be ashamed of themselves, the Israeli Prime Minister said. They refuse to make the simple distinction between those who target terrorists and those who target civilians, between the democratic state of Israel and the terrorist thugs of Hamas.

Netanyahu also claimed that protests are being funded by Iran.

When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murdered women for not covering their hair, are praising, promoting and funding you, Netanyahu said. You have officially become Irans useful idiots.

Netanyahus visit also comes at a dramatic moment in domestic politics, with President Joe Biden withdrawing his candidacy for the 2024 election, making way for Vice President Kamala Harris.

As Vice President, Harris customarily would preside over a joint session of Congress, however, she did not attend Wednesdays address, instead embarking on the campaign trail. Harris is expected to meet separately with Netanyahu during his visit to Washington this week. Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trumps newly minted running-mate, also did not make an appearance

More than two dozen Democratic members of Congress have opted not to attend Netanyahus speech, exemplifying the deep party divisions on Israels conduct of the ongoing war in Gaza. Among those who will be absent include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, James Clyburn, Elizabeth Warren, Dick Durbin, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other members of the squad.

At the beginning of his speech, some Democratic members of Congress remained in their seats, unwilling to applaud the Prime Minister.

Netanyahu also mentioned former President Donald Trump, thanking him for his leadership and brokering the historic Abraham Accords. The Prime Minister additionally expressed relief that Trump emerged safe and sound, from the recent rally assassination attempt and condemned all forms of political violence.

I also want to thank President Trump for all the things he did for Israel, from recognizing Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Irans aggression to recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and moving the American Embassy there, Netanyahu added.

The Prime Minister concluded with a message of political unity, recognizing the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Israel.

Through thick and thin in good times and in bad Israel will always be your loyal friend and your steadfast partner, Netanyahu said. On behalf of the people of Israel. I came in today to say thank you, America.

The post Netanyahu Praises Proud Zionist Biden, Trashes Protesters and Details Hostage Efforts in Congressional Address appeared first on TheWrap.
Benjamin Netanyahu used a speech to the US Congress which attracted a Democrat boycott to commend Donald Trump and attack protesters as Irans useful idiots.

Kamala Harris, who is expected to assume the Democratic presidential nomination, was among 80 Democrats to snub the Israeli leaders remarks, in which he proposed a plan for the Middle East after the war in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu gave a fiery speech from the US House of Representatives chamber, which attracted thousands of protesters outside the US Capitol. He condemned liberal protesters as Irans useful idiots who stand with rapists and murderers.

The senior Democrats who boycotted the speech included Nancy Pelosi, amid opposition in the party to Israels military operation in Gaza. Ms Harris, who would normally have joined the House for a visiting leader, attended a campaign event in Indiana.

Other high-profile boycotters included Jim Clyburn, the Democrat majority whip in the House, and the New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Around half of congressional Democrats in total missed the speech.

US-Israeli security pact

Mr Netanyahu used his remarks to set out a plan for the days after the war in Gaza, when he said Israel would retain overriding security control in the territory, modelled on the demilitarisation of Japan and Germany after the Second World War.

He also proposed a new US-Israeli security pact, named the Abraham Alliance designed to counter the growing Iranian threat, named after the Abraham Accords, an ArabIsraeli normalisation agreement signed in 2020.

Mr Netanyahu thanked Donald Trump for his support for that agreement, and said he was relieved he emerged safe and sound from a dastardly assassination attempt earlier this month. The two men are set to meet in Florida during the Israeli leaders visit to the US.

The speech was Mr Netanyahus fourth address to Congress, and came amid concern from Biden administration officials about his strategy in Gaza.

The US believes that Israel is nearing a peace agreement with Hamas that would see hostages released by the terror group in exchange for a ceasefire.

However, there are also fears that Mr Bidens pro-Israeli approach to the war could harm Ms Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, in the presidential election in November.

Polls show young liberal voters have drifted away from the party since Hamass attacks on Oct 7 last year.

Mr Netantyahus speech drew pro-Palestinian protesters outside Congress.

Protesters ripped down an American flag outside Union Station, near Congress, and replaced it with a Palestinian flag. Other protesters burnt an effigy of Mr Netanyahu at Washington Union Station.

An effigy of the Israeli prime minister was burned outside Washington's Union Station - Nathan Howard/REUTERS

As police in riot gear tried to contain the demonstration using pepper spray, others openly flew Hamass flag. One protester could be heard calling police officers fing scum.

Police also arrested six people who disrupted Mr Netanyahus speech from the public gallery.

He criticised Western protesters and befuddled academics who have condemned Israel rather than Hamas on campus during the conflict.

For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests outside this building, he said.

Well, I have a message for these protesters: when the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair, are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Irans useful idiots.

He added: Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming gays for Gaza. They might as well hold up signs saying chickens for KFC.

Some attendees made clear their opposition to Mr Netanyahu in the House chamber. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, wore a Palestinian keffiyeh as he spoke.

Rashida Tlaib wears a Palestinian keffiyeh in the Senate chamber - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images North America

The Israeli leader did not directly address the boycott in his remarks, but referred indirectly to nervousness in Congress about the war by calling on American politicians to increase military aid to Israel.

The Biden administration has halted the delivery of some large bombs amid concerns about civilian casualties.

I deeply appreciate Americas support, including in this current war, but this is an exceptional moment, he said.

Fast-tracking US military aid could dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East.

Quoting Sir Winston Churchill, he added: Give us the tools, and well finish the job today.

He repeatedly drew common cause between the US and Israel, over threats from Iran and the behaviour of protesters.

These protesters burn American flags even on the fourth of July, he said, adding that US intelligence officials had recently uncovered a plan by Iranian-linked assassins to kill Trump.

Friends, if you remember one thing from this speech, remember this: our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory, he said.

Mr Netanyahu is expected to meet with both Mr Biden and Ms Harris in Washington, before flying to Mar-a-Lago, Florida, to see Trump on Friday.

Trump said online on Tuesday that he and Mr Netanyahu would create peace and stability in the Middle East if he wins a second term in November.

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Netanyahu says no change at Al-Aqsa after Ben-Gvir's remarks

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday there was no change in policy at a sacred Jerusalem site, after a far-right cabinet minister said Jews could now pray there, remarks that another minister said could set the region ablaze.

"Israel's policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change," Netanyahu's office said in a statement from Washington, a few hours before he was due to address the U.S. Congress.

Earlier on Wednesday, the pro-settler right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told parliament: "I am the political echelon, and the political echelon allows Jewish prayer at Temple Mount."

The compound, in Jerusalem's walled Old City, houses Islam's third-holiest shrine, Al-Aqsa mosque, and is also revered in Judaism as the Temple Mount, a vestige of two ancient temples.

Under a delicate decades-old "status quo" arrangement with Muslim authorities, Israel allows Jews to visit but refrain from prayer. The site is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and suggestions that Israel would alter rules about religious observance there have led to violence in the past.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, responding to Ben-Gvir on X, said: "There's a pyromaniac sitting in the Israeli government and trying to ignite the Middle East."

Since bringing Ben-Gvir into government in 2022, Netanyahu has overruled many of his ideas. Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israeli towns that triggered the war in Gaza, Ben-Gvir has been excluded from Netanyahu's decision-making war cabinet.

Gallant said he objected to giving Ben-Gvir a seat. Ben-Gvir, in response, said Gallant was pushing for an irresponsible deal that would end the Gaza war without vanquishing Hamas.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt are mediating a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that would include a hostage release.

Over the past few months, Ben-Gvir has voiced objection to a ceasefire, called for Israel to permanently occupy and settle the Palestinian enclave and has issued threats to bring down Netanyahu's government if it ends the war.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Alex Richardson and Peter Graff)
Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas gather to watch a live transmission of Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech in Washington in which he appealed for the US and Israel to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to confront the "murderous enemy" Iran.

Netanyahu received a standing ovation when he took to the floor to address a joint session of Congress, and lawmakers were repeatedly on their feet applauding him over the course of the nearly hour-long address.

It is Netanyahu's first visit to Washington in almost four years and his first trip abroad since the attack by the Palestinian extremist group Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, which triggered a devastating retaliatory response on the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu's speech to lawmakers - a rare honour for a foreign leader - was seen as an attempt to bolster support for Israel's nine-month war against Hamas.

He described Iran as being behind the conflict and instability in the Middle East.

He called the US and Israel allies standing at a "crossroads of history" - and that during a time of global "upheaval" they needed each other more than ever.

"For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together," he said, pounding the podium as lawmakers applauded.

He then praised outgoing President Joe Biden. The two have have had a rocky relationship for years, one that has grown even more strained as the war in Gaza drags on.

"I thank President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel. After the savage attack on October 7 he rightly called Hamas 'sheer evil.' He dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter a wider war. And he came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour - a visit that will never be forgotten," Netanyahu said.

But one of the most fiery parts of the speech came when he singled out Iran and its proxies in the region.

"For Iran, Israel is first, America is next. So when Israel fights Hamas, we are fighting Iran. When we fight Hezbollah, we are fighting Iran. When we fight the Houthis, we are fighting Iran. And when we fight Iran, we are fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America."

Israel's war in Gaza is a divisive topic in the United States, evidenced by the protesters who had gathered outside the Capitol to protest Netanyahu.

Many in the crowd accused the Biden administration of being complicit in the "genocide" of Palestinians in Gaza.

At another location near Congress, a crowd of Jewish demonstrators gathered and waved Israeli flags. They also directed their protest against Netanyahu.

Shortly before Netanyahu began speaking, the US Capitol Police said that some protesters had "become violent" and that pepper spray was deployed to keep them from crossing police lines.

Inside the building, many left-wing Democrats had boycotted Netanyahu's address.

He told lawmakers "Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests going on right now outside this building." He went on to call the protesters "Iran's useful idiots."

At another point, Netanyahu blasted the international courts in The Hague, which have criticized the military actions in Gaza. "Let me assure you: The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself," he said.

Netanyahu's visit comes during a tumultuous campaign season ahead of the presidential election in November.

The Israeli leader will see Biden on Thursday at the White House and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Friday in Florida.

A meeting between Netanyahu and newly-minted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is also expected.

The Biden administration has faulted Netanyahu for not doing enough to protect civilians in Gaza from its ground and air assaults.

Washington has also criticized Israel for not allowing more humanitarian aid into the territory, where the health system has been decimated, a risk of famine persists and basic services have been crippled.

To date, more than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations in Gaza since October 7, according to the local health authorities in Gaza.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza since Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel in October last year that included massacring 1,200 people and taking a further 250 hostage into the Gaza Strip.

Before lawmakers in Congress, Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel is deliberately targeting civilians in Gaza. He said Hamas was using civilians as human shields, with militants firing at Israeli forces from schools, hospitals and mosques.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, urging American leaders to provide more bipartisan support to Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza while also criticizing the protesters who have spoken out against the war that has left tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians killed.

Netanyahu was invited to speak primarily by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been severely critical of President Joe Biden's response to the war, including pausing a shipment of large unguided U.S. bombs due to concerns about civilian casualties. Republicans have pushed back, saying that pausing that shipment violates Israel's right to defend itself.

During his remarks, the prime minister called Hamas' terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023, "a day that will forever live in infamy," comparing it to the attack on Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol on July 24, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to speak to a joint meeting of Congress to seek support for Israel's fight against Hamas and other adversaries, at the Capitol in Washington, July 24, 2024. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

MORE: US withheld bomb shipment to Israel out of fears it could be used in Rafah

Netanyahu, later in his remarks, cited Winston Churchill's "give us the tools and we will finish the job" quote, in his appeal to American leaders for the continued support of Israel.

"I, too, appeal to America: Give us the tools faster and we'll finish the job faster," Netanyahu said. "Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas' military capabilities and its role in Gaza and bring all our hostages home. That's what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less."

Those remarks were met with some applause within the chamber, but many House Democrats remained seated and did not clap. While the chamber was packed, dozens of Democrats boycotted the speech.

In his speech, Netanyahu reiterated that "Israel will always defend itself." At one point, he told the chamber: "Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory."

Netanyahu spoke about the hostages taken on Oct. 7, directing the audience's attention to Noa Argamani -- the Israeli woman abducted from the Nova music festival and later rescued in a joint operation carried out by Israeli authorities after almost 250 days in captivity. She sat with Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was seated in Netanyahus box one row behind Sara Netanyahu and Argamani.

Several Israel Defense Forces soldiers were also in attendance, and Netanyahu shared each of their stories. Each time he did, members stood to face them and applaud, and the gallery also stood. When one of the soldiers, who lost a limb in battle, stood to put his crutch up in the air, it garnered explosive applause.

PHOTO: Sara Netanyahu wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and released hostage Noa Argamani receive applause before the prime minister speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Members of the Israeli military attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks with Sara Netanyahu behind rescued hostage Noa Argamani before her husband Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Netanyahu launched into his address seeking to strike a chord of unity in his appeal for sustained American support.

But not long into his speech, he departed from that tone -- digging into domestic political divisions that have emerged in the wake of the war in Gaza.

Near the top of his remarks, he lauded Biden's "half century of friendship to Israel" and support following the attacks of Oct. 7.

"He rightly called Hamas 'sheer evil.' He dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter a wider war. And he came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour -- a visit that will never be forgotten," Netanyahu said.

The prime minister continued, expressing his gratitude to Biden "for being, as he said, a proud Zionist. Actually, as he says, a proud Irish American Zionist." He also praised Biden's leadership and assistance in helping to return hostages.

But later, playing to the other side of the aisle, Netanyahu also thanked former President Donald Trump for his role in brokering the Abraham Accords -- saying it could pave the way for a new defensive alliance in the Middle East -- as well as for more controversial moves, like recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Republicans stood up in unity when Netanyahu thanked Trump for everything he did for Israel.

PHOTO: Some lawmakers sit while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives a standing ovation while speaking to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Netanyahu also expressed Israel's relief that the former president "emerged safe and sound from that dastardly attack on him, dastardly attack on American democracy."

Netanyahu's speech came as the prime minister has so far rejected Biden's proposal for a cease-fire that would free the hostages Hamas still holds, as part of a larger regional peace plan.

Netanyahu's visit also comes amid domestic political turmoil for both him and Biden, and questions about how Biden's new lame-duck status will affect his ability to make any progress on ending the fighting, given his already fraught relationship with the Israeli leader.

MORE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in trip to US, tries to cut through campaign chaos

Protesters had occupied parts of the U.S. Capitol complex on Tuesday and did so again on Wednesday ahead of Netanyahu's speech.

U.S. Capitol Police claimed part of the crowd had "become violent" on Wednesday. The police said in a statement that they had to take action after a crowd at First Street and Constitution Avenue NW "failed to obey our order to move back from our police line."

PHOTO: Police use pepper spray as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather on the day of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 24, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

PHOTO: US Capitol police alongside members of the NYPD, pepper spray protesters who gathered outside the US Capitol before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers an address to a joint session of Congress in Washington, July 24, 2024. (Jim Lo Scalzo//EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

"We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line," the police said roughly 20 minutes before Netanyahu's speech started.

U.S. Capitol Police later said six people were removed from the House Galleries and arrested. "Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is against the law," police said. Johnson had threatened to have anyone who tried to disrupt the speech arrested. There were no disruptions on the House floor during the address.

PHOTO: A protester has their eyes washed after police used pepper spray on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, on the day of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 24, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

PHOTO: U.S. Capitol Police officers clash with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, on the day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, July 24, 2024. (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

Large-scale anti-Israel protests in support of the Palestinian cause this past spring on college campuses and across the country dominated U.S. politics for months and forced Biden to modify his previous full-throated support for the U.S. ally.

Netanyahu addressed protests during his speech, at points mocking protesters and claiming "many choose to stand with evil."

"These protesters stand with them [Hamas]. They should be ashamed of themselves," he said.

PHOTO: US Capitol police alongside members of the NYPD, pepper spray protesters who gathered outside the US Capitol before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers an address to a joint session of Congress in Washington, July 24, 2024. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The prime minister also talked about protests that have taken place on some college campuses throughout the United States, slamming some school administrators for not doing enough to condemn antisemitism. He thanked a group of fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina who protected an American flag during a conflict with protesters. There was a large chant of "USA" by several Republican members after that moment, with some Democrats notably silent.

"My friends, whenever and wherever we see the scourge of antisemitism, we must unequivocally condemn it and resolutely fight it without exception," Netanyahu said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attended the address, despite some harsh words he had for the prime minister in the spring. In March, Schumer called on Israel to hold new elections, saying at the time that he believed Netanyahu had "lost his way" and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Netanyahu criticized Schumer at the time for his remarks.

PHOTO: Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer watches as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives before he addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

As Netanyahu approached the podium on Wednesday, he did not shake Schumer's hand but thanked him for inviting him to Congress during his address.

"Even though I disagree with many of Bibi Netanyahu's policies, I will attend the speech because the United States relationship with Israel remains ironclad and transcends any prime minister or president, and we must do all we can to get our hostages home," Schumer said earlier Wednesday.

Rep. Rashida Talib, the House's only Palestinian member, attended the address but remained silent throughout the event. She held up a small black-and-white sign that had two sides, one saying "guilty of genocide" and the other saying "war criminal."

PHOTO: Rep. Rashida Tlaib, protests during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (Michael Reynolds/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Vice President Kamala Harris wasn't sitting behind Netanyahu in the vice president's chair as she customarily would in her capacity as president of the Senate, as she attended a campaign event in Indianapolis instead.

"The idea that they're making political calculations when our ally is in such dire straits fighting for its very survival and fighting back against the horrific attack of Oct. 7 is unconscionable to us," Johnson said Tuesday of Harris' absence.

The White House said Harris and Biden will meet with Netanyahu separately on Thursday instead. Trump said he will meet with Netanyahu on Friday at Mar-a-Lago.

Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, a stalwart Israel supporter who is retiring, took Harris' place on the House dais.

Congress sent $26 billion in aid to Israel and provided humanitarian relief for people in Gaza in April as part of a foreign aid package.

About $4 billion of that was dedicated to replenishing Israel's missile defense systems. More than $9 billion of the total went toward humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

Earlier Wednesday, Netanyahu attended a memorial service for Sen. Joe Lieberman, a longtime supporter of Israel, who died in March.

ABC News' Mariam Khan contributed to this report.

Netanyahu calls on Congress to give bipartisan support to Israel originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a largely triumphant address to Congress on Wednesday, a historic moment that highlighted how deeply implicated the U.S. is in Netanyahus widely condemned handling of Israels offensive in Gaza

Netanyahu, who repeatedly received standing ovations from hundreds of lawmakers, declared: Our fight is your fight! And our victory will be your victory!

He cast the U.S. and Israel as jointly aligned against multiple opponents: Iran and its allies, favorite punching bags for both nations; but also institutions working on international justice, like the International Criminal Court, which is considering issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

He even won huge applause for condemning Americans who have protested the war, casting them as agents of Iran and useful idiots  a line that Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who is reportedly being considered as a potential running mate for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, clapped for.

Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for extensive U.S. support for Israels response to the Oct. 7 attack by the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas.

But he made clear that he expects even more: Give us the tools faster and well finish the job faster, the Israeli leader said of American weaponry.

Netanyahus speech appeared to vindicate attempts by the Israeli leader and House Republicans to undercut criticism of him. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested the address after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for Netanyahus ouster earlier this year; Schumer eventually signed on to the idea.

Many legislators  at least one Republican and roughly half the Democrats in each chamber of Congress, including Harris (the ceremonial president of the Senate)  skipped the address, citing frustration with Netanyahus focus on his own political standing and his resistance to U.S. calls to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

But the presence of an overwhelming majority of Congress will let Netanyahu accurately say he secured broad, bipartisan U.S. support for his ongoing war effort. That could help him quell intense opposition at home, over matters like his slow-rolling of a cease-fire agreement that could help free Israeli hostages captured during the Oct. 7 attack.

A few attendees of the speech channeled the sentiments of the thousands of anti-Netanyahu protesters who gathered near Capitol Hill earlier in the day, as well as the anti-war rallies that have occurred worldwide for months.

Schumer did not shake Netanyahus hand as the Israeli leader entered the chamber and greeted multiple high-ranking lawmakers.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the sole Palestinian American in Congress, raised a sign halfway through the Netanyahu address that read WAR CRIMINAL on one side and GUILTY OF GENOCIDE on the other.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) mouthed bullshit when Netanyahu said he was focused on bringing home Israeli hostages. He was visibly reading a biography of Netanyahu, The Netanyahu Years by Ben Caspit, that argues he wasted his talents on personal survival, adherence to the status quo, and fear mongering.

Several relatives of hostage families also offered pushback as they attended Netanyahus speech as guests of legislators.

They revealed that they were wearing SEAL THE DEAL NOW T-shirts during the address  prompting U.S. Capitol Police to arrest them, seemingly for violating Johnsons stated zero-tolerance policy for disturbances. The group arrested included at least six people, Brianna Burch of the Capitol Police told HuffPost in an email. Burch did not immediately provide details on where they are being held and if they may face prosecution, per Johnsons threat against anyone disrupting the Netanyahu event.

Netanyahu and his right-wing allies have demonstrated their stubbornness in the face of calls from the Biden administration and others in the U.S. to prioritize a ceasefire and Israeli-Palestinian peace. Earlier on Wednesday, close Netanyahu ally and far-right Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in an interview with Bloomberg, and last week, Israelis parliament overwhelmingly voted against the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu directly praised Trump in his Wednesday remarks.

He offered some details on his vision for the future of Gaza, a major sticking point in negotiations with Hamas for an end to the fighting.

But the proposals he spoke of are unlikely to bolster the chances of a deal for the Strip or an overall Israeli-Palestinian settlement.

We must maintain overriding security control of the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said. Though he said he does not want to restore Israeli settlements there, a significant Israeli presence could spur a Hamas-led insurgency and would be hard to accept for other forces who could control the strip, from the U.S.-backed Palestinian Authority to Arab states who are willing to work with Israel.

Notably, Netanyahu also described Jerusalem as never to be divided again, a statement that all Republicans and many Democrats present applauded, including skeptics of his like Schumer. Palestinian control of some part of Jerusalem has long been understood as a central component to any long-term Israeli-Palestinian bargain.

Multiple observers of the speech from afar described it as a major disappointment.

Congrats again to everyone who facilitated this disgraceful campaign rally speech from Netanyahu, former Obama administration national security Tommy Vietor wrote on X. Hope theyre proud to watch him attack American college students and freedom of speech and assembly from Congress.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), a former speaker of the House of Representatives, called the address by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.

In an interview a few blocks from the Capitol, at a rally that eventually succeeded in forcing Netanyahus motorcade to reroute, protester Loan Tran told HuffPost its completely deplorable for Netanyahu to address U.S. officials while he is using our tax dollars to enable this ongoing genocide.

For Netanyahu, however, the moment ended with a wave of Republican lawmakers requesting selfies and a reel of useful footage of him becoming the first Israeli leader to address Congress four times.

The campaign he has overseen in Gaza has now killed at least 39,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, while around 120 hostages remain captive in the territory.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forcefully defended Israels military campaign against Hamas in Gaza during a joint address to the US Congress on Wednesday afternoon.

Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory, Netanyahu said. That victory is in sight.

No matter how long it takes, he said, Israel will not relent, Israel will not bend.

Netanyahu thanked US President Joe Biden for supporting Israel and urged the US to speed up weapons deliveries, suggesting again that the administration is dragging its feet on military assistance (something the White House has denied). Give us the tools faster and well finish the job faster, Netanyahu said, invoking a quote from Winston Churchill.

The Israeli leader also sharply criticized protesters demonstrating against Israels military campaign in Gaza, accusing them of siding with Hamas. They stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists and murderers, he said. They should be ashamed of themselves. At one point, Netanyahu called the protesters Irans useful idiots.

Scores of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the address, angered by Netanyahus campaign in Gaza and failure to embrace a ceasefire. Those included prominent Democrats like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.



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Netanyahu repeatedly mentioned former President Donald Trump during the address, thanking him for brokering the Abraham Accords and decrying the assassination attempt against him at a rally earlier this month. There is no room for political violence in democracy, said Netanyahu, who is due to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday following a meeting with Biden.

Democrats who did attend the speech included House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries; House Minority Whip Katherine Clark; House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar; Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Reps. Dean Phillips, Jared Moscowitz, Jamie Raskin, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jerrold Nadler, and Richie Neal.

Several Democratic senators also attended, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Amy Klobuchar, Gart Peters, Sherrod Brown, Michael Bennett, Bob Casey, Chris Coons, John Fetterman, and Mark Kelly  a rumored potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who said before the speech that Netanyahu is a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people who should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court, sat in the chamber for the speech. She remained seated throughout the address and at points held up a sign that read guilty of genocide and war criminal.

Some other attendees wore bright yellow t-shirts that read seal the deal now  a call for Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. They were arrested.

Throngs of pro-Palestinian protesters were positioned on Capitol Hill in anticipation of the address, and extra police officers were on hand for the visit to boost security. The US Capitol Police said they would deploy pepper spray against members of the crowd becoming violent near the Capitol.
(Bloomberg) -- Benjamin Netanyahu gave a fiery defense of Israels war against Hamas in a speech to the US Congress, inserting himself into a super-charged moment in American politics and mocking thousands of demonstrators outside protesting his handling of the conflict in Gaza.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Israeli prime minister urged the US to fast-track military aid and dismissed concerns about the wars mounting civilian death toll, saying his troops should be commended for their actions. In an hour-long address, he framed his nations fight as a battle against Hamas backer Iran, which he said wants to destroy the US as well.

Israel fights on the front line of civilization, Netanyahu told the joint meeting at the Capitol. Give us the tools faster, and well finish the job faster.

Listen and follow The Big Take DC on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts

The speech, which was boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers, made no direct reference to a cease-fire proposal put forward by US President Joe Biden but stuck to Netanyahus past insistence that the war wont end until Hamas is destroyed. In the prime ministers implicit challenge to a sitting Democratic president, the speech bore echoes of the last time he appeared at the rostrum almost 10 years ago, when he lambasted then-President Barack Obamas bid to seal a deal limiting Irans nuclear program.

Netanyahus visit to the US was originally intended to catch the spotlight during a lull between the Republican and Democratic national conventions and also appeared aimed at cultivating ties anew with Donald Trump, whom Netanyahu is set to meet Friday. Trumps said Israeli forces should be allowed to finish the job, though hes also said they should get it over with.

But the trip was overshadowed by the tumult that has engulfed the US in the days since Republican Trump was wounded by a would-be assassins bullet at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and Democrat Biden announced he wouldnt seek a second term, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris instead.

Hours after Netanyahu spoke, Biden made a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office, calling for new voices, fresh voices in office. Among his priorities for his final six months in office, he said, would be to end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East.

Harris would normally preside over a joint meeting of Congress, and Republicans accused her of boycotting the event. She was attending a previously scheduled campaign rally in Indianapolis. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, whos a sitting senator, was also on the campaign trail.

Bidens administration has said repeatedly that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is close and Netanyahus echoed that this week. The Israeli leader is scheduled to meet Biden and then Harris on Thursday before he heads to Florida to meet Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

While Netanyahu spoke, thousands of demonstrators marched outside to protest his visit. Capitol Police said they used pepper spray to drive back the crowds. Video footage posted on X showed protesters pulling down an American flag from a flagpole near Union Station and setting it on fire. He called the demonstrators useful idiots for Tehran.

Inside the House chamber, officers removed a small number of demonstrators demanding a cease-fire in the war. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, held up a sign that said war criminal on one side and guilty of genocide on the other as Netanyahu spoke.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US, started the war with an attack on southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. Israels air and ground offensive on Gaza has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Rejecting criticism of his nations military over civilian casualties, Netanyahu said Israeli forces should not be condemned for how theyre conducting the war in Gaza, they should be commended for it.

He thanked Biden as well as Trump for siding with Israel. Otherwise, he broke no new ground, sticking to his hard line on ending the war and flatly rejecting any responsibility for civilian suffering in Gaza.

Instead, Netanyahu argued against the Biden administrations proposals for Gazas future after a departure of Israeli forces, saying Israel must retain overriding security control. And he called for a new NATO-like grouping, which he dubbed the Abraham Alliance, to counter Iran. He offered no details but the proposal bore similarities to Trumps idea, floated when he was president, that NATO should expand to include the Middle East.

The response to the speech was divided. He got several roaring ovations from Republicans, especially in his praise for Trump. Among the attendees was billionaire Elon Musk, who has thrown his support behind Trump and his running mate Vance, and was there at Netanyahus invitation. Afterward, Senator Lindsey Graham called it an epic speech.

Not only did he remind us that the enemies of Israel are the enemies of the United States, but he also laid out a vision for regional integration that could end the Arab-Israeli conflict by building on the Abraham Accords, Graham said in a statement.

The response from Democrats was far cooler.

Representative Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker who was among those boycotting the speech, called it by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.

Israeli Reaction

In Israel, where Netanyahus popularity has plunged since Oct. 7, some opposition politicians slammed the speech and said it was notable he didnt take any responsibility for Hamas attack, the countrys biggest intelligence and military failure for decades.

Netanyahu talked as if he had nothing to do with what happened, as if he had no idea who was responsible for the disaster, Yair Lapid, head of Israels biggest opposition party and a former prime minister, said. It was as if not every member of Congress who sat and politely applauded knew he was guilty of the terrible negligence that led to the disaster.

Yet members of the prime ministers coalition, the most nationalist in Israels history, applauded him for sticking to his policy that the war must continue until Hamas is destroyed as an organization.

Israel loves Netanyahu, said Itamar Ben Gvir, the national security minister who, in an interview with Bloomberg this week, endorsed Trump to win the US election in November.

--With assistance from Courtney McBride and Jenny Leonard.

(Updates with comments from Israeli politicians.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Julie Bang / Investopedia





Key Takeaways

Bitcoin is closing in on $67,000 again as ether fell to $3,400.

Spot ether ETFs saw $1 billion worth of trading and $107 million of inflows on their first day.

Spot bitcoin ETF flows turned negative for the first time since July 3.

The Mt. Gox estate has sent another $335.8 million worth of bitcoin to Bitstamp, though distributions are unlikely to drag the price of bitcoin.







Bitcoin (BTC) is closing in on $67,000 once again as ether (ETH) is trading around $3,400. Notably, ether is down 1.6% Wednesday, a day after the launch of spot ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in U.S. markets.

Ether ETFs' Day One Done, Bitcoin ETFs See Outflows

The spot ether ETFs saw more than $1 billion worth of trading on their first day, which led to $107 million of inflows into these new products. For now, outflows from the preexisting Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) are likely to limit the combined net inflows for the spot ether ETFs.

While the spot bitcoin ETFs had been experiencing strong inflows in recent weeks, yesterday saw the first day of outflows since July 3, according to Farside Investors. Despite the net outflows for these products in aggregate, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) still saw $71.9 million of inflows. May 1 remains the only time IBIT experienced a day of net outflows in its short history.

Bitcoin Price Little Affected by Mt. Gox Distributions

Funds from the estate of failed bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox are still being distributed to former customers, with blockchain analytics provider Arkham Intelligence indicating $335.8 million worth of bitcoin was sent to Bitstamp this morning.

Kraken Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dave Ripley announced that the exchange has distributed funds from the Mt. Gox estate to creditors. The Mt. Gox estate had previously sent Kraken more than $3 billion worth of bitcoin.

That said, some analysts say selling pressure from these distributions is expected to be limited and not have the sort of negative impact on the bitcoin price that was seen with the German government's selling of $2.4 billion worth of bitcoin in one week earlier this month. The Mt. Gox estate still holds more than $5 billion worth of bitcoin.

Bitcoin-Related Stocks

Coinbase (COIN) stock was down 1.1% as of 1:45 p.m. ET Wednesday, despite being named custodian for eight out of the nine spot ether ETFs that began trading yesterday.



Bitcoin-focused financial services provider Fold announced a deal to go public later in the year via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Riot Platforms (RIOT) announced the acquisition of bitcoin miner Block Mining Tuesday in an effort to expand Riot's own mining capacity. Riot shares were trading 1.2% higher.



Read the original article on Investopedia.
In a July 24, 2024, speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that the International Criminal Court's (ICC) allegation that Israel intentionally starved civilians in Gaza was a lie that had been debunked, citing the number of food trucks Israel "enabled" to enter Gaza:

Don't be fooled when the blood libels against the Jewish state come from people who wear fancy silk robes and speak in lofty tones about law and justice. Here's a case in point. The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gaza. This is utter complete nonsense. It's a complete fabrication. Israel has enabled more than 40,008 trucks to enter Gaza. That's half a million tons of food, and that's more than 3000 calories for every man, women and child in Gaza. If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren't getting enough food, it's not because Israel is blocking it, it's because Hamas is stealing it. So much for that lie.

This is a talking point with origins in a debate over a March 2024 assessment of the food availability situation in Gaza by a United Nations (UN)-affiliated organization. Snopes first covered this talking point, which claimed that the UN had exonerated Israel of the ICC charges, in early July.

For background, on March 18, 2024, a United Nations committee known as the Famine Review Committee (FRC) endorsed the findings of a panel of experts convened to assess the food security situation in Gaza. That report's headline finding was catastrophic: Without any change in the situation, the entire northern portion of Gaza could face the U.N.'s highest famine classification by late May or early June 2024.

That report, and a similar one from a U.S. Agency for International Development-associated organization that works with the U.N. committee known as the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), generated a wave of headlines and calls for Israeli leaders to increase the flow of aid into the strip.

At least partly as a result of the findings, the International Criminal Court issued applications for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for the "war crime of intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare."

Weeks later, however, the U.N. appeared to reverse itself. The FRC released a report on June 4 that characterized previous dire projections for northern Gaza as implausible. Supporters of Israel and those skeptical of the ICC indictment took this report as an exoneration of Israel and, in some cases, as evidence there was no famine in Gaza in the first place:

However, the U.N. report that allegedly exonerated Israel did not make any "admission" that there was "no famine after all," nor did it clear Israeli leaders of the ICC charge of using starvation as a tool of war.

In fact, this report explicitly stated that an absence of data  not the existence of evidence against famine  drove its conclusion. That revised projection, experts on international law regarding starvation-related war crimes say, is unlikely to affect ICC prosecutors' case against Netanyahu and Gallant.

Famine Declarations and Arrest Warrants

The U.N. uses a standardized scale to inform policymakers and governments about the severity of the risk of famine in certain regions. Known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), it is an accepted academic framework to classify food security risk into five phases. The IPC five-phase scale is shown below, with Phase 5 indicating a catastrophic famine:

The U.N.'s FRC is the primary international body that oversees the analysis of food scarcity. It generally works with special expert panels it recruits, or with nongovernmental organizations and other international agencies such as FEWS NET, to make sure published analyses of food security risk accurately follow this standardized methodology.

The FRC's role, in a sense, is akin to that of peer reviewers of academic papers. Ultimately, the committee makes the final call on endorsing or rejecting the findings of these experts. NGOs and panels cannot use the IPC framework without the FRC approving their work. Further, as the central body protecting the IPC framework, the FRC must, by regulation, technically examine any Phase 5 finding made by other groups or experts before publication, given the severity of the claim.

The FRC, for example, signed off on a Phase 5 declaration in March 2024, endorsing findings of an expert panel that projected widespread Phase 5 conditions in northern Gaza by May 2024:

Famine is imminent in the northern governorates and projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May 2024.  According to the most likely scenario, both North Gaza and Gaza Governorates are classified in IPC Phase 5 (Famine) with reasonable evidence, with 70% (around 210,000 people) of the population in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).  The southern governorates of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, and the Governorate of Rafah, are classified in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency). However, in a worst-case scenario, these governorates face a risk of Famine through July 2024. The entire population in the Gaza Strip (2.23 million) is facing high levels of acute food insecurity.

A report released the same day by FEWS NET and also reviewed by the FRC came to a similar conclusion. These reports led to international condemnation and fueled the charge that Israel was intentionally withholding aid as a means of warfare  a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.

Citing these reports, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on X that, "1.1 million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger  the highest number of people ever recorded  anywhere, anytime," calling it "an entirely manmade disaster."

Famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent.



1.1 million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger - the highest number of people ever recorded anywhere, anytime.



This is an entirely manmade disaster.



And it can - and must - be halted. pic.twitter.com/WrHlveqJtO  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 18, 2024

Israel disputed the reliability of the FRC projections even before they were published. The Office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), a branch of the Israeli Defense Forces, issued a March 15, 2024, news release disputing the findings of the pending report:

A report is set to be released by international organizations presenting an image of hunger in the Gaza Strip. It is COGAT's assessment that the report does not represent the current situation in the Gaza Strip in regards to food security and availability. This is due to the fact that over the last few weeks, and during the time these reports were being compiled, a number of significant new initiatives were implemented that improved the humanitarian situation, particularly in northern Gaza. As these efforts and their impact are not reflected, the report does not accurately reflect the current situation on the ground and is outdated even before publication.

In a more-detailed rebuttal that COGAT posted days later, Israel denied intentionally starving civilians in Gaza. A central disagreement between the FRC and COGAT focused in large part on how the committee reached the conclusion there had been a significant decline in food-aid delivery following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. It was in this context that, in May 2024, the ICC issued applications for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.

In a May 20, 2024, news release, the ICC prosecutor argued that Netanyahu and Gallant "intentionally and systematically deprived the civilian population in all parts of Gaza of objects indispensable to human survival," citing the closure of crossings and the restrictions of aid delivery as a key part of this "common plan" to deprive Gazans of essential resources. That ICC announcement cited, among other things, Guterres' remarks that 1.1 million people could face starvation.

Changing Conditions and Revised Projections

The report that has been used as evidence to discredit previous famine projections as well as the ICC arrest warrants was an FRC review of a FEWS NET analysis of data through the end of April 2024. In the analysis, FEWS NET argued that much of northern Gaza had entered IPC Phase 5 conditions. As with the earlier report, the FRC reviewed the findings  but this time, it did not endorse the conclusions:

The FRC does not find the FEWS NET analysis plausible given the uncertainty and lack of convergence of the supporting evidence employed in the analysis. Therefore, the FRC is unable to make a determination as to whether or not famine thresholds have been passed during April. As the FRC does not find the FEWS NET analysis plausible for the current period, the FRC is unable to endorse the IPC Phase 5 (Famine) classification for the projection period.

This report, released in early June 2024, was not an FRC research product similar to its March 2024 expert panel report. Instead, this report had the narrow task of reviewing a single FEWS NET assessment and projection made using data that ended in April.

As the FRC wrote in the report, "FEWS NET did not incorporate any estimate of privately contracted and/or commercial food truck entry into the Gaza and North Gaza Governorates in March and April 2024." FEWS NET excluded these because of the "large uncertainty regarding their distribution and caloric value." FRC stated this exclusion was in error. As a result, the committee concluded, FEWS NET's projections of widespread Phase 5 conditions were not plausible:

While the FRC concurs on the high level of uncertainty over which share of these deliveries is freely accessible to the population, assuming generic exclusion of the population from accessing this source of food might be another assumption which highly impacts on the overall analysis that is not supported by evidence.

Supporters of Israel presented these findings as an exoneration of Israel and a validation of their earlier criticism of the FRC projections. Under the headline "The Gaza Famine That Wasn't," National Review columnist Phil Klein argued, for example, that the new report rendered the ICC complaint against Israel as factually wrong:

The reports of mass starvation even helped lead the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Yet, like many claims made by Israel's enemies and routinely parroted around the media, it has turned out to be completely false.  To the extent that there are food shortages in the Strip, the issue is not food being let in by Israel, but aid being stolen or disrupted once it is inside of Gaza. But the blame for that rests squarely with Hamas, which is using claims of mass starvation to whip up international pressure against Israel.

While the FRC noted that "this FEWS NET projection is in line with the FRC projection done in March 2024," it cautioned that this report was out of date and that an FRC expert panel report based on data ending in May would follow.

A week later, FRC published its official update on Gaza. Like the March report, this FRC expert panel report looked back at the data from the proceeding months to asses actual famine conditions and also made projections moving forward to September 2024. "If anything, the prolonged nature of the crisis means that the risk of Famine remains at least as high as at any time during the last 9 months," they wrote in their update.

The FRC's review of the FEWS NET was, at best, a validation only of specific arguments about how to count the number of food trucks entering Gaza. Broader interpretations of that review justifying assertions that there is no famine in Gaza or absolves Israel of ICC charges are false and misleading, respectively.

First, the lack of endorsement of the most extreme IPC Phase 5 classification does not mean that significant numbers of civilians are not experiencing famine. Second, the charges being pursued by the ICC do not, in any way, hinge on an IPC Phase 5 declaration.

Food Scarcity and the Gaza Strip

The central argument used by commentators and social media posters to paint the FRC's May review of the FEWS NET analysis as exonerating Israel is that it allegedly showed there had been an adequate number of aid deliveries allowed into Gaza. Any famine, if it even exists, would not be Israel's fault as a result, they argue.

Snopes asked professor Alex de Waal of Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy  who is also executive director of the World Peace Foundation and leads research programs on African peacemaking and mass starvation  about this talking point.

"Starvation is the phenomenon of some people not having enough food to eat," de Waal told Snopes by email, "not the phenomenon of there not being enough food to eat." Just because food crosses a checkpoint into Gaza does not mean it is getting into the hands of people who need it, or that the deliveries fulfill the actual nutritional needs of Gazans, he said.

Several critics of the March projections have argued that, in addition to undercounting trucks, they captured an incomplete view of the food-security situation by assessing it at its worse and before it began to improve. The latest FRC report issued a week after their critique of the FEWS NET report, does not suggest that is the case.

That more thorough and up-to-date June report by an FRC expert panel noted the ameliorating effect of aid to northern Gaza, but it also mentioned a rapid deterioration of the situation in the region's south, where hostilities have since intensified:

In the southern governorates, the situation deteriorated following renewed hostilities in early May. Over one million people have been displaced since the start of the Rafah offensive on 6 May following attacks by air and sea across the territory and expansion into Deir alBalah, notably in Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Humanitarian access to the two million people in the southern governorates has notably reduced with the closure of the Rafah border crossing and disruptions to the Karem Shalom crossing.

In its new June assessment, the FRC found that "the probable improvement in nutrition status noted in April and May should not allow room for complacency about the risk of famine in the coming weeks and months." The panel found it plausible that most of Gaza was in IPC Phase 4.

"The latest data show that, to be able to buy food, more than half of the households had to exchange their clothes for money and one third resorted to picking up trash to sell," the June analysis said. "More than half also reported that, often, they do not have any food to eat in the house, and over 20 percent go entire days and nights without eating."

FEWS NET, for its part, released a report partly in response to the FRC panel review reiterating its view that the criteria for famine, generally speaking, was still likely to have been surpassed in the north of Gaza by the end of April, as its report indicated.

The group also highlighted that the FRC's non-endorsement of its April analysis was predicated on the basis of a lack of data, not dispositive evidence against famine. "The FRC [was] unable to determine whether the Famine (IPC Phase 5) thresholds [had] been met or surpassed due to limited up-to-date, quantifiable evidence," FEWS NET wrote.

Intent  Not Severity  Key to ICC Charges

The ICC prosecution does not require an IPC Phase 5 classification to be valid. In a June 18 post on the World Peace Foundation website, Tuft's de Waal explained that "starvation crimes hinge on deprivation, not on the severity of outcome."

As Tom Dannenbaum, also a professor at Tuft's Fletcher School and the co-director of their Center for International Law & Governance, explained in a post for Just Security, there are two key elements behind the ICC's potential charges of deprivation:

The perpetrator must have engaged in the deprivation of objects indispensable to civilian survival. The perpetrator must have done so intending to starve civilians as a method of warfare.

From the ICC's perspective, "there is no element that requires proving a consequence of these actions," Dannenbaum explained. "The Prosecutor does not need to prove that civilians starved as a result of the prohibited deprivation." As a result, the technical minutiae behind the endorsement of an IPC Phase 5 classification are irrelevant.

In terms of intent, as Dannebaum and others have pointed out, Netanyahu and Gallant explicitly stated an intent to deprive resources to Gazans as a tool of warfare:

Senior leaders were explicit from early on about the sustenance denial strategy and their roles in it. Among those listed today, Defense Minister Gallant announced on Oct. 9, 2023, "I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly." Ten days later Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "we will not allow humanitarian assistance, in the form of food and medicines, from our territory to the Gaza Strip." Other ministers have, at various points, articulated a deliberate policy of sustenance denial or openly blocked the delivery of food.

It is also important to note that, while the ICC notice of the application for arrest warrants makes reference to March FRC projections, the actual evidence presented by the prosecutor to the panel of experts that signed off on his case remains confidential.

Regardless, the reality of a deprivation of resources is a much more complicated question than simply counting the number of food trucks going into the Gaza Strip. As de Waal told Snopes by email, "The overall quantity of food available tells us little about who is eating it, especially with the breakdown of law and order and the specialized therapeutic nutritional care needed for severely malnourished children."

Dannenbaum, who argued that "key factual components of starvation crimes [by Netanyahu and Gallant] are relatively clear in the current context," highlighted several other incidents, including attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities, and on food and water systems that could be considered deprivation under international law:

Snopes asked de Waal whether the FRC's reassessment of the March projections complicates the ICC's case. "If I were the ICC prosecutor," he wrote, "I would be entirely unworried."

The Bottom Line

Because the U.N. report cited as evidence in rumors that there's no famine in Gaza made no such assertion, this claim is false. In June, that same U.N. body wrote that "the situation in Gaza is catastrophic  If anything, the prolonged nature of the crisis means that the risk of famine remains at least as high as at any time during the last 9 months."

Additionally, claims that the FRC report disputing FEWS NET's projection affects or negates the starvation charges against Netanyahu and Gallant are misguided, as such prosecutions do not rest on IPC phase classifications specifically, or the even severity of famine more generally.

Sources:

Baba, Anas. "There's a Water Crisis in Gaza That the End of Fighting Might Not Solve." NPR, 29 Dec. 2023. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2023/12/29/1221571110/gaza-water-israel-crisis-hamas.

COGAT. Food and Food Security in the Gaza Strip - Response to IPC Report. ns2jsy0f/cogat-assessment-food-and-food-security-in-the-gaza-strip-response-to-ipc-report-1.pdf.

---. Humanitarian Situation: COGAT Assessment as of March 15. 2024, https://govextra.gov.il/media/qtvbs5u0/humanitarian-situation-in-gaza-cogat-assessment-mar-15.pdf.

Dannenbaum, Tom. "Nuts & Bolts of Int'l Criminal Court Arrest Warrant Applications for Senior Israeli Officials and Hamas Leaders." Just Security, 20 May 2024, https://www.justsecurity.org/95864/international-criminal-court-arrest-warrants-israel-hamas/.

Famine Review Committee: Review of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) IPC-Compatible Analysis for the Northern Governorates of the Gaza Strip - Conclusions and Recommendations (May 2024) - Occupied Palestinian Territory | ReliefWeb. 8 June 2024, https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/famine-review-committee-review-famine-early-warning-systems-network-fews-net-ipc-compatible-analysis-northern-governorates-gaza-strip-conclusions-and-recommendations-may-2024.

Fassihi, Farnaz. "Fighting in Rafah and Closure of Gaza Crossings Threaten Aid Operation, U.N. Says." The New York Times, 8 May 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/world/middleeast/rafah-gaza-aid-israel-un.html.

FEWS NET. Gaza Strip Targeted Analysis. 2024, https://fews.net/sites/default/files/2024-03/Gaza%20Targeted-Analysis-03182024-Final_0.pdf.

Gaza: Continuous Israeli Attacks on Aid Workers Are Severely Hampering Life-Saving Aid Efforts, Warns the IRC | International Rescue Committee (IRC). https://www.rescue.org/press-release/gaza-continuous-israeli-attacks-aid-workers-are-severely-hampering-life-saving-aid. Accessed 1 July 2024.

Gaza: Israelis Attacking Known Aid Worker Locations | Human Rights Watch. 14 May 2024, https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/14/gaza-israelis-attacking-known-aid-worker-locations.

Gaza War: UNRWA Says Rafah Aid Centre Hit by Israeli Forces. 13 Mar. 2024. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68557035.

Half of Gaza Water Sites Damaged or Destroyed, BBC Satellite Data Reveals. 8 May 2024. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68969239.

Hall, Natasha, et al. The Siege of Gaza's Water. Jan. 2024. www.csis.org, https://www.csis.org/analysis/siege-gazas-water.

"Inflicting Unprecedented Suffering and Destruction: Seven Ways the Government of Israel Is Deliberately Blocking and/or Undermining the International Humanitarian Response in the Gaza Strip." Oxfam Policy & Practice, https://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/inflicting-unprecedented-suffering-and-destruction-seven-ways-the-government-of-621591/. Accessed 1 July 2024.

International Criminal Court. Report of the Panel of Experts in International Law . 2024, https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/2024-05/240520-panel-report-eng.pdf.

---. Statement of ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC: Applications for Arrest Warrants in the Situation in the State of Palestine. 2024, https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-prosecutor-karim-aa-khan-kc-applications-arrest-warrants-situation-state.

IPC Communication Guidelines (30 April 2024) - World | ReliefWeb. 30 Apr. 2024, https://reliefweb.int/report/world/ipc-communication-guidelines-30-april-2024.

"Israel's Offensive Is Destroying Gaza's Ability to Grow Its Own Food." Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2024/gaza-israel-agriculture-food-fisheries/. Accessed 1 July 2024.

MSF Briefing on Gaza to UN Security Council | MSF. https://www.msf.org/msf-briefing-gaza-un-security-council. Accessed 1 July 2024.

"The Gaza Famine That Wasn't." National Review, 18 June 2024, https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-gaza-famine-that-wasnt/.

UN Continues to Face Aid Access Denials in Gaza | UN News. 9 Apr. 2024, https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148386.

UN Famine Review Committee. Gaza Strip, March 2024. 2024, https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Famine_Committee_Review_Report_Gaza_Strip_Acute_Food_Insecurity_Feb_July2024_Special_Brief.pdf.

UNOSAT. https://unosat.org/products/3792. Accessed 1 July 2024.

Willis, Haley, et al. "Video: 'We'Re Aware of the Location': Aid Groups in Gaza Coordinated With I.D.F. but Still Came Under Fire." The New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/100000009393031/aid-groups-gaza-israel.html.
United States Capitol Police stand near protestors, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington, during of a scheduled visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Thousands of protesters against the war in Gaza converged on Washington on Wednesday to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit, chanting Free, free Palestine as they marched toward the Capitol before police deployed pepper spray on some in the crowd.

Demonstrators calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians filled several blocks as they weaved through the streets of the nation's capital carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as arrest Netanyahu and end all U.S. aid to Israel. Outside Washington's Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place to massive cheers in the crowd.

Bibi, Bibi, Were not done! The intifada has just begun! protesters shouted, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Netanyahu, you cant hide. Youre committing genocide," other protesters shouted.

Throngs of demonstrators rallied near the Capitol before starting their march ahead of Netanyahu's joint address to Congress, but police blocked them from getting close to the building. Police said they used pepper spray after some protesters became violent and failed to obey orders to move back from the police line.

Before Netanyahu's speech, some protesters tried to block his route to the Capitol but were removed from the street by police. After being turned away by officers near the Capitol, protesters wound through the Capitol Hill neighborhood for several blocks before gathering in front of the nearby rail station.

Nine people were arrested across Washington, including four people on charges of assaulting a police officer outside Union Station.

Outside of Union Station, protesters shouted, Let them go! at officers who formed a circle around several people who were arrested. One person grabbed at a police officers riot shield and then raised his fists in a fighting stance. An officer was seen grabbing a Palestinian flag from a woman and tossing it aside. At least one protester appeared to be overcome from the effects of pepper spray.

Cheers rang out as a fire burned what appeared to be a papier-mache likeness of Netanyahu. Protesters spray painted graffiti on a monument to Christopher Columbus, including the words, Hamas is coming in large red letters. Free Gaza was scrawled in green.

Among the protesters was a group of artists from Baltimore displaying a massive papier-mache sculpture meant to depict President Joe Biden with blood on his hands and devil horns.

Mary Kaileh, a Palestinian woman who moved to the U.S. from the West Bank 17 years ago and now lives in Baltimore, said her people have been ignored and mistreated for decades. Shes not convinced protests will change anything in terms of convincing American politicians to act, but she wasnt about to stay home.

I love it, but I dont see the effects of it, she said.

While many of the demonstrators have condemned Israel, others have expressed support while pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal in the war with Hamas and bring home the hostages still being held by the militant group.

Many Jewish Americans view the war in Gaza as just because it came in response to the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attack, even if they dont outright support Netanyahu and his policies. The families of hostages taken by Hamas are also protesting, demanding Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire deal that would free their loves ones.

Capitol Police said in a post on X that six people who disrupted Netanyahus address were removed from the House gallery and arrested.

Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the congressional buildings is against the law, police said.

During Netanyahu's speech, five people wearing yellow T-shirts that read seal the deal now were removed from the gallery. The phrase is a rallying cry for those urging Netanyahu to reach a deal to return the hostages. The individuals stood to prominently display the message on their shirts during moments when others were applauding but had done nothing to disrupt the speech itself.

Police significantly boosted security around the Capitol and closed multiple roads for most of the week. Workers erected a metal fence around the White House on Wednesday morning while tall steel barriers ringed the Capitol.

Dozens of protesters rallied outside Netanyahus hotel Monday evening after his arrival in Washington, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon building, which houses offices of House members.

The Capitol Police said about 200 people were arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the sit-in at the Cannon building. Jewish Voice for Peace, which organized the protest, said many more than that were arrested, rabbis among them.

After about a half-hour of protesters' clapping and chanting, officers from the Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting demonstrators  binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one by one.

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity before a White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet Netanyahu separately that day.

Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she will be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid, which made her the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.

___

Associated Press writers Olla Mokhtar, Olivia Diaz, Michael Kunzelman and Lea Skene contributed to this report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Congress for nearly an hour on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday and defended Israels military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

He noted that it was his fourth time ever to address Congress. But it was his first time to do so since the Oct. 7 deadly Hamas attack on Israel, when the militant group killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250 others.

One of the since rescued Israeli hostages, Noa Argamani, was a guest of Netanyahus who, along with several members of the Israel Defense Forces, was given a standing ovation from Congress, .

Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until total victory as the Palestinian death toll approaches 40,000 since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. The war-torn enclave also faces a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

As Netanyahu delivered remarks in the House chamber, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators descended on Capitol Hill to protest the prime ministers handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers also boycotted Netanyahus speech for those similar reasons.

During his nearly hour-long speech, Netanyahu did not make mention of any ceasefire negotiations. Here are some of the other key takeaways from his address.

Addressed alleged war crimes accusations

Back in May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced he was seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gaza. This is utter, complete nonsense. It's a complete fabrication," Netanyahu said during his address.

He claimed that Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza, and denied reports that Israel has blocked aid from entering, and rather accused Hamas of stealing it.

According to a recent United Nations report, 96% of the population of Gaza is projected to face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity.

The U.S. has repeatedly urged Israel to allow for more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Netanyahu also issued a stark warning, claiming, The ICC is trying to shackle Israels hands and prevent us from defending ourselves. And if Israels hands are tied, America is next.

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, July 22. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Netanyahu urged U.S. to expedite military aid

Netanyahu told Congress that if the U.S. fast-tracks military aid to Israel, it can dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East.

The Israeli prime minister invoked the words of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who asked for the U.S.s help during World War II when he said, Give us the tools, and well finish the job.

He added, I, too, appeal to America: Give us the tools faster, and well finish the job faster.

Slammed pro-Palestinian demonstrators

Netanyahu called the pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Capitol building Irans useful idiots and said, For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now, outside this building.

He also claimed that they choose to stand with evil and should be ashamed of themselves.

Netanyahu thanked Biden  and Trump

Netanyahu thanked President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel, acknowledging the two aircraft carriers dispatched to the Middle East to deter a wider regional war.

He came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten, Netanyahu said, thanking Biden for his tireless efforts to secure the release of the hostages that were kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude for all the things former President Donald Trump did for Israel during his White House tenure, including recognizing Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Irans aggression, to recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and moving the American Embassy there, he said.

Netanyahu added that Israelis were relieved Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13.

Says the Israel-Hamas war will continue

Toward the end of his speech, Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Israel would continue the war "until we destroy Hamas's military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home."

Netanyahu said that, in a post-Hamas future, Israel has no interest in resettling Gaza, but will "retain overriding security control" to keep Hamas (or another militant group) from re-forming.

"My vision for the day is of a demilitarized and de-radicalized Gaza," he said. "We will settle for nothing less."

Whats next?

Kamala Harris, who, as vice president serves as president of the Senate, did not attend Netanyahus address. She and Biden are expected to meet with him separately on Thursday, while the prime minister will meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
Its like we never went to school: Local college announces closure; students demand answers

Students at City College in Altamonte Springs are outraged. They said they were well into their degrees when they were told their school was closing, and now, they have no idea what will happen to them.

Ive been very emotional because I feel kind of lost, said one student who prefers to remain anonymous. All of a sudden, we received an email about three pm stating oh, the school will be closing we will be participating in a teach-out program but only for those who have two semesters left.

The student claims that the email was sent out last week.

A local college in Altamonte Springs notified students that it was closing, leaving them without an idea what will happen next.

In the email, the school announced it would close enrollment and teach out existing programs.

Only those with less than 25% of their degrees left will be able to finish their course; for the others, the City College says it is working with neighboring institutions to transfer credits.

However, the students say the school administration has stopped responding.

No official answer, no official communication. Nothing to the students directly, besides that initial email and then a follow-up email saying stop reaching out; we are trying to do what we can.

Read: University of Florida selects previous president to serve as interim president

City College has campuses in Florida  one in Altamonte Springs and another one in Hollywood, South Florida.

Most of the schools programs are in healthcare.

Its like we never went to school, said another student who dreamed of becoming a nurse. I am very disappointed. Because it is healthcare, schools have their own curriculums, basically they cannot just take any credit. So, the credits we took, theres nothing we can do with them.

The student also prefers to remain anonymous, but she shared that she has spent nearly $ 30,000 on tuition and fees.

Read: Bain raises concerns over Osceola Sheriff Lopezs truthfulness in Madeline Soto photo controversy

I would pick up extra shifts, people would take second jobs, or even work nights because I needed to pay for my education. For what?

Channel 9 contacted City College for comment and has not heard back.

A Channel 9 news crew also visited the campus on Tuesday and was told the school would release a statement, which has not happened.

Channel 9 has also asked about the status of City Colleges accreditation to the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools - tagged as the organization responsible for City Colleges accreditation on the schools website  and is still waiting to hear back.

Read: Nearly 2 years: Residents to return after Hurricane Ian destroyed their assisted living facility

They are in a very difficult situation, said Consumer Attorney Michele Diglio-Benkiran. One of the best things the student can do is to get copies of the official transcripts before they close. The second thing that they should do is to get the accreditation of the school and have as much information as they can about the school. Because some of the students will have to present that to a different school, and they might not know of this particular school.

Channel 9 has reported the case to The Florida Department of Education.

The Florida Nurses Association sent the following comment:

Schools in Florida are either approved or accredited by national entities. This is required by the Board of Nursing to ensure the integrity of Nursing Education and the safety of the public. Schools have to meet certain requirements, including maintaining a certain passage rate on the licensing exam (NCLEX). Schools are given the opportunity to improve their scores, and if they do not do this over the allotted time, the school can be closed. Credits are not transferable from a non-accredited school to an accredited school as they cannot be certain of the content or performance of the students.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
One of the major themes of last weeks Republican National Convention was that the partys three-time nominee, former President Donald Trump, had been transformed  in a good way  by the assassination attempt a few days earlier in Butler, Pa.

When Trump stood up after being shot in the face, bloodied, and put his hand up  that was a transformation, conservative pundit Tucker Carlson said while onstage in Milwaukee. Everything was different after that moment. Everything. This convention is different. The nation is different. The world is different. Donald Trump is different.

But according to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll, most Americans disagree. Just 28% say that the shooting has changed Trump for the better  while a majority (51%) say either that it hasnt changed him at all (44%) or that it has changed him for the worse (7%).

The survey of 1,743 U.S. adults was conducted from July 19 to 22, immediately following the convention. Its results suggest that one of the most eventful periods in recent U.S. history  a period that began with the assassination attempt, continued with the vice-presidential nomination of Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and ended with President Biden dropping out of the race  has had little effect on Trumps political standing.

No convention 'bounce'

In the past, presidential candidates have tended to enjoy a post-convention bounce. But Trump remains stuck at 46% in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup with the current frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, Vice President Kamala Harris, who also polls at 46%.

In both 2016 and 2020, Trump won less than 47% of the vote; that still appears to be his ceiling. The last time a Yahoo News/YouGov survey pitted Trump against Harris, in early July, he polled at 47% and she polled at 45%.

Trumps favorable rating has increased slightly (from 39% to 43%) since the previous Yahoo News/YouGov survey, which was conducted after his June 27 debate with Biden. His unfavorable rating has fallen by a few points as well (from 56% to 53%).

But this mostly reflects a reversion to Trumps normal numbers rather than some sort of new breakthrough; his favorable rating was actually higher in January (45%), March (45%) and April (44%). Republicans and Republican-leaning independents  among whom Trumps favorable rating ticked up from 83% to 88%  account for most of the shift.

The shooting, the convention and the VP pick do appear to have had one statistically significant impact: a 5-point increase (from 21% to 26%) in the number of Americans giving Trump a very favorable rating, the highest level since late 2020. But again, that change occurred entirely among Republicans and Republican leaners, whose very favorable rating of Trump has risen from 49% to 58% since early July. Recent events have not improved the former presidents very favorable rating among Democrats (2%) or independents who lean toward neither party (10%).

America the polarized

To put Trumps current numbers in perspective, then-President Ronald Reagans job-approval rating increased by 7 points (from 60% to 67% approve) after he was shot and wounded by John Hinckley Jr. in 1981  with significant gains among Democrats (from 41% to 51% approve) and independents (from 61% to 69% approve ).

Partisan polarization has largely put an end to swings of that sort; most people now stick to their political team no matter what.

Perceptions of the recent Republican National Convention illustrate this point. Slightly more than one-third of Americans (36%) rated the RNC excellent or good  but about the same number (35%) rated it fair or poor. (Another 28% did not watch or follow the convention in any way.) Reflecting the self-contradictory nature of Trumps speech  which toggled between calls to heal the discord and division in our society and attacks on crazy Nancy Pelosi  about one-quarter of Americans considered it mostly unifying (26%) and one-quarter considered it mostly divisive (25%). In total, just 30% of Americans watched some or all of the convention  and nearly two-thirds of them (62%) were Republicans or Republican leaners.

In other words, last weeks spectacle did not change many minds.

Perceptions of the July 13 shooting follow a similar pattern. Nearly twice as many Republicans (53%) as Democrats (28%) say theyve followed news of the assassination attempt very closely, and nearly all of those who believe the shooting changed Trump for the better  a group that includes 64% of 2020 Trump voters and 62% of Republicans  already support him politically. Barely any Biden voters (4%) or Democrats (5%) agree.

Could Vance help?

When Trump offered Vance a spot on the ticket, he told the Ohio senator it was because you can help me win  some of these Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and so forth."

But for now, at least, Vances political impact is unclear. Slightly more Americans say that picking Vance was the right decision (30%) than say it was the wrong decision (25%)  but even more are not sure (45%). And while Republicans (62%) are far more likely than Democrats (9%) or independents (27%) to think Vance was the right choice, a significant share (31%) remain uncertain.

At just 39, Vance would be the youngest veep since Richard Nixon; hes served less than two years in the U.S. Senate. Perhaps as a result, only 29% of Americans say hes ready to serve as president if necessary. Forty-one percent say the same about Harris.

It remains to be seen if more exposure to Vance will help or hurt the GOP ticket. To test that question, Yahoo News and YouGov asked respondents whether they agree or disagree with eight different statements the senator has made in recent years. (The statements were edited slightly for clarity and consistency and not attributed to Vance.)

Only one of Vances statements earned majority agreement: We need to apply some broad based tariffs, especially on goods coming in from China. We need to protect American industries from all of the competition (61% agree, 24% disagree).

Next was Joe Bidens open border is killing Americans (48% agree, 41% disagree).

On abortion, Vances old position  I would like abortion to be illegal nationally  is extremely unpopular (25% agree, 64% disagree). His newer position  Id like abortion to be primarily a state issue. Ohio is going to want to have a different abortion policy from California, from New York  breaks even (40% agree, 42% disagree).

Finally, Americans tend not to see eye to eye with Vance on Ukraine, the 2020 election or the federal bureaucracy:

____________

The Yahoo News survey was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,743 U.S. adults interviewed online from July 19 to 22, 2024. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2020 election turnout and presidential vote, baseline party identification and current voter registration status. Demographic weighting targets come from the 2019 American Community Survey. Baseline party identification is the respondents most recent answer given prior to Nov. 1, 2022, and is weighted to the estimated distribution at that time (33% Democratic, 27% Republican). Respondents were selected from YouGovs opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S. adults. The margin of error is approximately 2.8%.
The ballooning cost of the US Air Force's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program is one of the drivers behind uncertainly over the future of its sixth-generation combat jet effort, which could evolve into a fully uncrewed platform.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall says questions about the future of a new sixth-generation stealth combat jet under development as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative are being prompted, in part, by larger affordability problems. This includes the nearly doubling of the estimated cost of the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, which is now pegged at just shy of $141 billion. The service is in the midst of taking a deep look at what it wants out of the NGAD aircraft and Kendall has left open the possibility that it might not even necessarily be crewed design in the end.

Secretary Kendall drew the connection between plans for the NGAD combat jet and the need to pay for the Sentinel program, among others, at a media roundtable this past weekend. He also spoke more generally about the services review of its requirements for the sixth-generation stealth aircraft at that time, as well as in a separate interview with Breaking Defenses Valerie Insinna and Michael Marrow that was published yesterday.

A rendering of the Air Forces future LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. Northrop Grumman

Were going to take a hard look at NGAD, Kendall said at the recent round table. But the family of systems, which includes a crewed platform and CCAs [Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones], and weapon systems, and communications, and offboard support [including from] space, is still very much the concept were pursuing.

That being said, for any major program, the key decision point is when you commit to doing engineering, manufacturing, and development Thats when you really up the investment that youre making, Kendall added. Once you make that commitment, you should have a lot of confidence that youve got the right design, the right concept, the right requirements, and a program thats structured for success.

Were at that point pretty much on NGAD right now. So were doing what I think would be prudent for any program take a hard look at whether weve got the right design concept, whether its affordable, etc, he continued. So thats essentially what were doing.

A rendering of a notional crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet. Collins Aerospace

A central issue is that the Air Force is confronting some significant affordability problems. We havent talked about Sentinel yet, but theres a very large increase in Sentinel we also have some other programs that are very high-priority that we need to fund, the Secretary explained. There are some big [budget] problems in the out years.

The Pentagon recently made a formal decision to push ahead with Sentinel after the programs cost 81 percent estimated growth triggered a legal requirement to cancel it unless certain criteria were met. Part of that process, which you more about here, included certifying that the new intercontinental ballistic missiles are essential to U.S. national security, something Kendall does not dispute.

Kendall said this past weekend that the review of the NGAD combat jet effort now is focused on ensuring the service is on the right path before making any major contractual decisions. Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command, said earlier this month that he expected his service to pick a winning design before the end of the year, but the programs schedule seems increasingly uncertain. Wilsbach also said at that time that the Air Force has no formal plans to replace the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, despite previous statements that the NGAD jets would supplant those aircraft.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are understood to be currently facing off to win the NGAD contract. Northrop Grumman voluntarily withdrew from the running last year, ostensibly to focus on other potential business opportunities.

A composite of renderings Lockheed Martin previously released showing a crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet concept being refueled in mid-air. Lockheed Martin

Were having conversations right now about what to do and how to move forward, Kendall said separately in his recent interview with Breaking Defense. What [Gen. Wilsbach] said is not the last word on that.

He also left open the possibility of significant changes to the core requirements for the NGAD combat jet program.

Im confident theres going to be a sixth-generation fighter, he told Breaking Defense. Im reasonably confident that its going to be crewed.

The War Zone has long posited that the NGAD combat jet is likely to at least be pilot-optional and that it could be the last clean-sheet crewed tactical combat aircraft the Air Force ever buys. It is worth noting here that the forthcoming B-21 Raider stealth bombers will be optionally crewed, as well.

The first pre-production B-21 Raider stealth bomber in flight. Northrop Grumman

An entirely uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) would not need any of the systems required to support a pilot, which, in turn, would allow for major design changes and help trim costs. It could unlock other advantages in performance, as well. You can read more about the potential capabilities that a true UCAV could offer in this past War Zone feature.

Before we make the commitment that were close to making [on the NGAD combat jet], we want to make sure we get the right design concept, Kendall also said this past weekend. NGAD was conceived before a number of things happened, before threat became so severe, before CCAs were introduced into the equation, and before we got some of the issues of affordability that were currently facing.

The threat here has been interpreted primarily as a reference to the expanding scale and scope of Chinese military capabilities, which are the current primary drivers behind policy, acquisition, and other planning processes across the U.S. military.

A rendering of a crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet flying together with three drones. Collins Aerospace A rendering of a notional sixth-generation crewed combat jet flying together with a trio of drones. Collins Aerospace

Prior comments from the Air Force Secretary have indicated a willingness to consider sacrificing certain capabilities on the future NGAD combat jets to help drive the price tag down, as well. Each one of these aircraft is currently projected to have a unit cost three times that of a stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or close to $250 million based on publicly available data.

Kendalls linking of Sentinels woes to the future of NGAD combat jet, and the serious issues the Air Force is looking at budget-wise over the next five years or so, further raise questions about what else the service might need to cut across the board going forward. NGAD has been billed as a critical priority itself.

This is a problem thats been visible for quite a long time. Were recapitalizing the entire [nuclear deterrent] triad basically all at once, Kendall said in response to a question about whether it would be useful to create a separate dedicated funding stream for Sentinel, potentially outside of the Air Forces immediate budget. A similar mechanism exists now for the Navys Columbia class ballistic missile submarine program, which has its own cost and schedule concerns, called the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund.

The problem with that is at the end of the day, its still [a] national security defense part of the budget, and you can increase it and put a different label on it, but its still a big increase in defense spending, the Air Force Secretary added. So however we do it is the same net impact on the federal budget. So we can change the labels that doesnt change the fact that you still have to find the money. So Im not opposed to this idea, but I dont think it fundamentally solves our problem.

The War Zone has highlighted serious questions about the sustainability of U.S. nuclear modernization efforts in the past. Estimates have put the total cost to modernize the triad  consisting of silo-based ICBMs, nuclear ballistic missile submarines, and nuclear-capable long-range bombers  as well as other nuclear weapons programs and supporting efforts, at $1.7 trillion.

Kendalls recent remarks also highlight that the Air Force is unlikely to be alone in facing these budgetary realities in the coming years. The Navy is looking at the prospect of a serious cut to its own sixth-generation Next Generation Fighter program, more commonly known as F/A-XX, though the immediate drivers in that case are not entirely clear. The Navy had already moved to pump the brakes on F/A-XX, at least in the next fiscal year, in part to help meet other budgetary demands.

It remains to be seen now how the NGAD combat jet program will evolve, including potentially into a UCAV or something else, in the face of Sentinels ballooning costs and other budget pressures on the horizon.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
The cabinet members sit in the Federal Chancellery at the start of the cabinet meeting. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

The next German national elections are to take place on September 28, 2025, according to a decision by the Cabinet on Wednesday.

The date put forward by the Cabinet has yet to be approved by the president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, but this is usually a formality.

The last elections in 2021 were won by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats. He went on to form what has been an uneasy three-way coalition with the Greens and the business friendly Free Democrats.

The centre-left coalition has lost much of its popularity since then, however, and is currently being beaten soundly by the conservative opposition in the polls.

Scholz said in a press conference on Wednesday, which was happening as news of the Cabinet decision emerged, that he planned to run for a second term as chancellor in the next elections.

He said that his party, the centre-left SPD, was united: "We are all determined to go into the next federal election campaign together and win."

Scholz had previously been asked whether he wanted to follow the example of US President Joe Biden, who had announced his decision not to run for president again. "Thank you for the extremely nice and friendly question," Scholz said pointedly in response.

The chancellor said he was confident that the continuing multi-billion-euro gap in the 2025 budget can be plugged and that all parties in his coalition felt that the outstanding tasks are "solvable."

It is still being examined whether planned measures totalling 8 billion are unconstitutional. The review should be completed by mid-August, after which the draft budget will be submitted to the Bundestag and Bundesrat.

Despite the uncertainty, Scholz says he is not letting his party's poor standing in the polls get him down. "Poll results that are not good are an incentive to achieve better ones."

Scholz was convinced that he would have turned the polls around by autumn 2025. His government, he said, had made the right decisions in times of great uncertainty.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends the cabinet meeting at the Federal Chancellery. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and Head of the Federal Chancellery Wolfgang Schmidt attend the cabinet meeting at the Federal Chancellery. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
NHS staff treated woman who died from ME as if she was to blame

NHS hospital staff treated a young woman who died from ME as though she was to blame for her condition, a leading expert in the illness has claimed.

Dr William Weir, a Harley Street consultant, said Maeve Boothby ONeill may have missed the chance of life-saving treatment in part because of the apathy of consultants at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E), an inquest heard.

Ms Boothby ONeill died aged 27 in October 2021 after years of slow and crippling decline from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which she contracted in her teens and left her unable to function normally, feed herself, or chew or swallow.

Three weeks before Ms Boothby ONeills death, Dr Weir wrote an excoriating letter to the chief executive of North Devon Healthcare Trust claiming doctors had an outdated understanding of the debilitating condition and accused staff of treating her as if her illness was self-inflicted and she was to blame for her inability to function normally, the inquest heard.

But Dr Weirs letter went unanswered, leading to fears by Ms Boothby ONeills family that his warnings may have been ignored.

Dr Weir, who had been approached by Dr David Strain, the RD&Es own ME lead to help him fight for better treatment for Ms Boothby ONeill, said in his letter that a considerable portion of the staff at the hospital, including some consultants, still hold on to the now outdated understanding that ME has psychological causes.

Addressing the letter to Dr Suzanne Tracey, the trusts chief executive, he said: Its also apparent from the way Maeve was treated during her last admission that her illness was regarded by some of the RD&E staff as her fault and that her immobility was self-inflicted.

Dr Weir, who had examined Ms Boothby ONeill in March of that year, added: Not unreasonably she is reluctant to be readmitted to the RD&E despite her precarious physical condition. Dr [David] Strain is therefore facing an uphill task in arranging readmission, not least because of the apathy of some of his colleagues to what will almost certainly be life-saving treatment.

Maeve Boothby O'Neill was described at the inquest as an 'intelligent young lady'

By the time of Dr Weirs letter Ms Boothby ONeill had grown reluctant to undergo the Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) treatment which Dr Strain and Dr Weir were both recommending, in which all nutrition is administered intravenously through a tube.

She refused the treatment outright a few weeks later, shortly before her death on Oct 3, because she felt that while TPN would keep her alive it would not help her to live and instead prolong her agony.

The 27-year-old said that she might have accepted the treatment, which has been seen to work with some severe ME patients, had it been offered by the hospital earlier in her illness.

Medical dogma

In his letter, Dr Weir urged Dr Tracey to fully support his colleague Dr Strains efforts to obtain what he thought was the best treatment for Ms Boothby ONeill.

I am not exaggerating the issue when I say that this [TPN] may well save Maeves life, he said.

Dr Weir added: At the same time you will need to tackle head-on the dogma concerning the cause of ME/CFS [chronic fatigue syndrome] that some of his colleagues are still adhering to.

Dr Tracey, who was responsible for the running of RD&E but has since resigned, had yet to reply to him, he said.

Dr Weir told the inquest at Exeter Coroners Court that the NHS was still afflicted by outdated and dangerous attitudes towards ME, which affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK, leaving them exhausted, beset by brain fog and unable to perform simple tasks.

In response to a question from her father Sean ONeill, a journalist with The Times newspaper, Dr Weir told the hearing: Theres a dogma that this condition is psychological and until that dogma is buried it will be very difficult to treat ME patients properly.

There are still plenty of professionals out there who still adhere to this dogma and that inhibits a true understanding of this condition.

Sarah Boothby, Maeve Boothby O'Neill's mother, was among those attending the inquest - Lee Thomas

Life could have been saved

Giving evidence on the third day of the inquest, Dr Weir was asked by Mr ONeill whether he felt her life could have been saved if appropriate nutrition had been given to her through intravenous means.

Dr Weir responded: Id have to say yes. Ive got two patients who are currently holding their own. We do know that.

He later told the hearing that he felt the 27-year-old, who he described as an intelligent young lady, might have accepted TPN had it been presented to her properly.

Maeve needed to be persuaded that TPN was the next step, he said. The goal was to provide her with a level of nutrition.

On Tuesday, Dr Strain, a consultant and ME expert who reviewed her case for the RD&E, warned the inquest there would be more Maeves if the NHS did not drastically improve its approach to the condition.

He said that even now there are no hospital wards in the country specifically designed to treat patients suffering from ME and that the level of research for this condition is woefully inadequate.

A spokesman for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which was formed out of RD&E and North Devon Healthcare Trust, said: As the inquest is still ongoing it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.

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Nikki Haley asks Haley Voters for Harris to stop using her name, group is undeterred

Former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley is demanding that a political action committee stop using her name to promote Vice President Kamala Harris.

Haley Voters for Harris supported Haley during the 2024 Republican primaries but endorsed Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday. The group, previously Haley Voters for Biden, said they wanted to reach out to center-right and moderate Republicans to oppose former president Donald Trump, the GOP nominee.

The PAC has rejected Haley's request.

"We enthusiastically supported Ambassador Haley over former President Trump in the primaries and our mission is to encourage like-minded voters to vote for Vice President Harris in November," the organization said in a statement. "We do not claim to represent Ambassador Haley or her views. There are many other like-minded Haley voters who also do not plan to support former President Trump in November."

The group drummed up support for Haley when she was running against Trump for the GOP nomination earlier this year. It is not affiliated with Haley or her nonprofit Stand for America.

Craig Snyder, director of the group, said the Democratic vice president is the most likely and the best alternative for the Democratic nomination.

More: Nikki Haley Voters for Biden group quickly endorse Kamala Harris after Biden drops out

Financed by PivotPAC, which encouraged Democrats and Independents to vote for Haley in the GOP primaries to stop Trump from becoming the GOP nominee. The group rebranded to support Biden, initially but rebranded to Haley Voters for Harris after Biden ended his re-election bid despite Haley's negative comments about Harris.

For more than a year I've said a vote for Joe Biden is a vote for President Kamala Harris. After seeing the debate, everyone knows it's true," Haley said at the RNC held in Milwaukee last week. "If we have four more years of Biden or a single day of Harris, our country will be badly worse off. For the sake of our nation, we have to go with Donald Trump."

Savannah Moss covers politics for the Greenville News. Reach her at smoss@gannett.com or follow her on X @Savmoss.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Nikki Haley asks PAC to stop using her name to support Kamala Harris
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 23, 2024) - Daura Capital Corp. (TSXV: DUR.P) (the "Company" or "Daura"), a capital pool company under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), is pleased to provide an update on the status of its proposed qualifying transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") to acquire Estrella Gold S.A.C. ("Estrella").

As previously announced, Daura has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Estrella from its shareholders (the "Estrella Shareholders") in consideration for 7,000,000 common shares of Daura. In addition, Daura has made its initial filings with the TSXV to seek conditional acceptance of the proposed Qualifying Transaction. Daura is continuing to work diligently towards the completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction under the policies of the TSXV.

About Estrella Gold S.A.C. and the Cochabamba Project

Estrella is a closely held corporation (S.A.C.) formed under the laws of Peru, engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral resource properties. Estrella was formed in August 2018 for the purpose of engaging in the business of acquiring, exploring and developing mineral resource properties. Estrella's principal focus to date has been on the acquisition of the mining concessions and applications making up the Cochabamba Project.

The Cochabamba Project consists of 10 mining concessions covering an effective area of 7,223.87 Ha, located on the western flank of the Cordillera Negra, in north central Peru. Included in the Cochabamba Project mining concessions that Estrella owns is the Antonella Daniela I Concession. The Antonella Daniela I Concession covers an area of 900Ha and is currently the main area of interest on the Cochabamba Project. The mineralized veins of the old Esperanza mine form the current main area of interest and were the focus of the bulk of previous exploration activity. The mine is centered at 187,000mE 8,956,000mN and at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level, and lies entirely within the Antonella Daniela I Concession. Politically the project is located within the Rural Community/Districts Cochabamba, Cacchan, Ecash and Colcabamba, in the Province of Huaraz, Department of Ancash. The Cochabamba Project is an exploration stage project prospective for gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/217533_b5e84655f4d428b1_001full.jpg

The Antonella Daniela I Concession is currently the main area of exploration on the Cochabamba Project, and was most recently explored and drilled by Minera Silex Peru SRL ("Minera Silex") from 2006 to 2012.

Location Map: Antonella and Estrella land package in Red

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/217533_b5e84655f4d428b1_002full.jpg

Minera Silex drilled a total of 11 holes located within the current Antonella Daniela 1 Concession. Drilling totalled 2461 meters in 11 diamond drill holes, from which 360 meters of core yielded 314 samples. All holes intercepted veining and mineralized intervals with the best results coming from CBD11001, CBD11002, CBD11003, CBD11004, CBD11004A, CBD11004B, CBD11006, CBD11007, and CBD11008. Holes CBD11005, CBD11009 CBD11010, and CBD11011 intercepted veining and low grade mineralization.

Interpreted sections and mineralized intervals presented below for holes CBD11002 and CBD11004B are representative of the style of mineralization and grades reported by Minera Silex.

Mineralized Intervals for CDB11002



To view an enhanced version of this table, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/217533_tab1.jpg

Mineralized Intervals for CDB11004B



To view an enhanced version of this table, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/217533_tab2.jpg

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Owen D.W. Miller, the author of the Technical Report on the Cochabamba Project, and a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Financial Information

The following table represents selected financial information regarding the financial condition and results of operation for Estrella. The following is derived from Estrella's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 (audited) and 2022 (unaudited). The following information should be read in conjunction with Estrella's audited and unaudited financial statements for the periods presented, which financial statements will be included in the filing statement to be filed by Daura on SEDAR in connection with the Qualifying Transaction.



December 31, 2023*

(audited) December 31, 2022*

(unaudited)





Total Revenues S/ -- S/ -- Net Income (Loss) S/ 67,349 S/ 81,002 Total Assets S/ 2,960,201 S/ 2,808,584 Total Long-term Liabilities S/ 2,688,221 S/ 2,761,226

* Presented in Peruvian soles ("S/")

About the Qualifying Transaction

Daura entered into a definitive share exchange agreement dated July 16, 2024 (the "Share Exchange Agreement") with Estrella and the Estrella Shareholders, whereby Daura has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Estrella from the Estrella Shareholders in exchange for an aggregate of 7,000,000 common shares in the capital of Daura (the "Daura Shares"). It is expected that, upon completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction, the Company will change its name to Daura Gold Corp. (the "Resulting Issuer"), with Estrella being a wholly owned subsidiary of the Resulting Issuer.

The Qualifying Transaction will be an arm's length transaction and approval from the shareholders of Daura is not expected to be required. No finders fees or commissions are expected to be paid in connection with the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

Closing of the Qualifying Transaction remains subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including but not limited to, closing of the Concurrent Financing (see "Concurrent Financing", below), satisfactory completion by Daura of its due diligence investigations, and the receipt of all required third party consents, waivers or approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

Daura previously advanced to Estrella the sum of US$25,000 as a non-refundable deposit, and loaned to Estrella an additional $75,000 and US$115,000 (collectively, the "Loans"). The Loans are secured by the assets of Estrella and bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum. The advance and the Loans were previously provided to Estrella in 2019 and 2020 in connection with the Company's prior efforts to acquire Estrella, which efforts were mutually terminated by the parties due to unfavorable market conditions at the time. However, the Loans remained outstanding due to Estrella's inability to repay them. No new loans or deposits will be advanced to Estrella prior to completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is anticipated that the resulting entity (the "Resulting Issuer") will cease to be a capital pool company and will be classified as a Tier 2 mining issuer engaged in the business of exploring and developing the Cochabamba Project. In addition, the Resulting Issuer may explore and develop such other properties and interests as may be subsequently acquired by the Resulting Issuer.

Proposed Directors, Officers and Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is currently anticipated that Daura's existing board of directors, consisting of Mark Sumner, Duncan Quinn-Smith, and Christina Cepeliauskas will remain with the Resulting Issuer, with Dr. Lima, the majority shareholder of Estrella, also expected to join the Resulting Issuer's board of directors. Luis Saenz is expected to be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with William Tsang continuing as the Chief Financial Officer of the Resulting Issuer.

The following provides a brief background of each person who is expected to be a director or officer of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

Luis Saenz, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Saenz is a finance executive with over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic consulting, and metal trading with a focus on Latin America. He was recently CEO of Compania Minera Quiruvilca (Peru) and Director of Business Development for Latin America at the engineering multinational Ausenco (Australia). Mr. Saenz is founder and former CEO of Li3 Energy (later Bearing Lithium Corp. (TSX: BRZ)), which held a stake in the Maricunga lithium project in Chile, recently sold to Codelco. In addition, he is a Director of Atico Mining Corporation (TSX: ATY), which operates the El Roble mine in Colombia and develops the La Plata polymetallic project in Ecuador. Throughout his career, Mr. Saenz has held senior executive positions at Standard Bank of South Africa, Merrill Lynch and Pechiney World Trade. He has a BA in Economics and International Affairs from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA.

William Tsang, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. William Tsang is currently a Senior Accountant at Seabord Management Inc. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and has more than 10 years of financial accounting and auditing experience in the mineral exploration and mining industry. He had worked in public practice providing professional services and advice to publicly traded companies on the NYSE, TSX-V, and OTC markets on various public reporting services, such as Qualifying Transactions for Reverse Take-Over, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions. In addition to being the current CFO for Daura, Mr. Tsang currently acts as the CFO of Lara Exploration Inc. and Pampa Metals Corporation.

Mark Sumner, Director

Mr. Sumner is the founder and managing director of Kiwanda Group LLC (the "Kiwanda Group"), a US-based resources venture capital business. Founded in 2007, Kiwanda Group has financed mining and exploration projects across a range of commodities and regions, with a particular focus on metals in South America. Prior to founding Kiwanda Group, Mr. Sumner was an investment specialist at Madison Avenue Financial Group, a private wealth boutique based in Portland, OR. Mr. Sumner is also on the board of BiFox Ltd., an unlisted Chilean phosphate rock development company. Mr. Sumner previously held the position of Executive Chairman for Valor Resources Ltd.

Duncan Quinn-Smith, Director

Mr. Quinn-Smith has law degrees from the University of Bristol (LL.B), Bristol, England, and Columbia University (LL.M), New York, USA. Mr Quinn-Smith was formerly an attorney at the offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York City, specializing in all aspects of private equity transactions. He founded DQ, LLC, a luxury lifestyle brand, in 2003 where he holds the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Christina Cepeliauskas, Director

Ms. Cepeliauskas is a CPA, CGA professional accountant with more than 25 years of financial accounting and treasury experience in the mineral exploration and mining industry. She is currently the CAO of EMX Royalty Corp. ("EMX") and was the CFO of EMX for 12 years from September 2008 to July 2021. She was the CFO of Pan Gold Resources Inc from May 2009 to August 2022 and CFO of Reservoir Capital Corp from May 2009 to May 2019. She has been a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors since May 2015 since she completed the comprehensive Corporate Directors Program.

Raul Ernesto Lima Osorio, Director

Dr. Lima is the majority shareholder of Estrella. Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is anticipated that Dr. Lima will own more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Resulting Issuer. Dr. Lima has over 20 years of experience in the mining and exploration business across South America. Dr. Lima has been responsible for numerous mining development and construction projects throughout Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina and Peru. Dr. Lima's notable engineering and construction experience in South America includes engineering and development of the San Grigorio gold mine in Uruguay for Rea Gold Corporation (now operated by Orosur), construction and engineering of the $450 million Pirquitas open pit silver mine in Argentina for Silver Standard Resources and engineering and construction of the Tucano Gold-Iron Mining Project in Brazil for Beadell Resources Ltd. Dr. Lima was previously Chief Operating Officer for Valor Resources Limited, an ASX-listed metals company focused on the development of the Berenguela Polymetallic Project in the Puno Department of Peru. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Bifox Limited, an Australian company developing fertilizer assets in Chile.

Dr. Lima holds an engineering degree from the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay, an MBA from ORT University in Montevideo and a Doctorate in Management with a focus on mining projects from University of Phoenix. Dr. Lima is a resident of Montevideo, Uruguay and speaks fluent English, Portuguese and native Spanish.

Concurrent Financing

Pursuant to the Concurrent Financing, the Company intends to issue a minimum of 16,666,667 units (each a "Unit") and a maximum of up to 25,000,000 Units at a price of $0.06 per Unit for gross proceeds of between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000. Each Unit will consist of one Daura Share and one (full) share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each whole Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional Daura Share at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Net proceeds from the Concurrent Financing will be used to fund exploration of the Estrella project portfolio, expenses related to the Qualifying Transaction and for general working capital purposes.

Subject to the approval of the TSXV, Daura may pay eligible finders a fee equal to 7% of the Concurrent Financing in cash, and 7% in share purchase warrants under the QT Financing.

All securities issued under the Concurrent Financing will be subject to hold periods expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance. Additional restrictions may apply under the rules of the TSXV and applicable securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of any of the securities offered in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including the United States of America. The securities being offered as part of the Concurrent Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom.

Closing of the Concurrent Financing is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

Sponsorship of the Qualifying Transaction

Sponsorship of a Qualifying Transaction of a capital pool company is required by the TSXV unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. Daura intends to apply for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements.

Additional Information

In accordance with the policies of the TSXV, the Daura Shares are currently halted from trading and will remain halted until further notice.

Daura and Estrella will provide further details in respect of the Qualifying Transaction, in due course once available, by way of press releases.

All information provided in this press release related to Estrella has been provided by management of Estrella and has not been independently verified by management of Daura.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

For further information please contact:

Daura Capital Corp.

543 Granville, Suite 501

Vancouver BC V6C 1X8

William T.P. Tsang CFO and Secretary

(604) 669-0660

btsang@seabordservices.com

Mark D. Sumner CEO and Director

mark@kiwandagroup.com

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Daura cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Daura's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Daura's ability to complete the proposed Qualifying Transaction and the Concurrent Financing; and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Daura undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Completion of the transaction is subject to conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

A halt in trading shall remain in place until after the Qualifying Transaction is completed or such time that acceptable documentation is filed with the TSX Venture Exchange.

Not for Distribution to US Newswire Services or Dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217533
Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley filed a cease-and-desist letter on Tuesday against a political action committee that supports Vice President Kamala Harris White House bid.

In a letter addressed to Haley Voters for Harris, first reported by Fox News, the former U.N. Ambassadors legal team urged the PAC to stop any use of her name, image or likeness that implies she supports Harris 2024 presidential campaign.

Any use by you of Ambassador Haleys name, image, or likeness is without her permission, the letter reads. Ambassador Haley has been clear in her support of Harris opponent. Any intimation that Ambassador Haley supports Harris is intentionally false and misleading.

Haley reiterated her opposition to Harris candidacy in a statement first shared with Fox News Tuesday.

Kamala Harris and I are total opposites on every issue. Any attempt to use my name to support her or her agenda is deceptive and wrong, Haley said. I support Donald Trump because he understands we need to make America strong, safe, and prosperous.

In response, the PAC, previously called Haley Voters for Biden but changed its name following the presidents decision to drop out of the presidential race over the weekend, said their rights to engage with voters who oppose Donald Trump will not be suppressed.

We enthusiastically supported Ambassador Haley over former President Trump in the primaries and our mission is to encourage likeminded voters to vote for Vice President Harris in November, they said in a statement. We do not claim to represent Ambassador Haley or her views.

Haley, who previously ran against Trump and criticized him as unstable, endorsed the former president at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week following the attempt on his life at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. She called on GOP voters, who often disagree with Trump, to join her in voting for him.

Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee after securing the support of enough delegates ahead of the party convention in Chicago next month.

Biden endorsed Harris following his decision to exit the race and urged his campaign staffers to get behind her candidacy.

Embrace her, shes the best, Biden said.

The president is set to hold his first Oval Office address since dropping out Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Harris, who officially hit the campaign trail Tuesday, tried to draw a contrast between herself and Trump by pointing to the different ways the two are running their campaigns.

Donald Trump is relying on support from billionaires and big corporations, she said, and he is trading access in exchange for campaign contributions.

Related...
The State Board of Education will meet Wednesday in Orlando.

Board members are set to give their final approval to allow student athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness, or NIL.

If that happens, Florida would join at least 30 other states that allow high schoolers to receive compensation.

PREVIOUS: Florida bill could allow high school student-athletes to make NIL money

The changes would be in effect for the upcoming school year.

Todays meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel.

Monitor WFTV.com for updates on this story.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Cows graze in a field at a dairy farm on April 26, 2024 in Petaluma, California. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ordering dairy producers to test cows that produce milk for infections from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) before the animals are transported to a different state following the discovery of the virus in samples of pasteurized milk taken by the Food and Drug Administration. (Photo by Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Well-fitting masks or respirators can help stop the spread of a highly contagious strain of bird flu, according to new guidelines New Mexico animal health officials published as fair season kicks off.

On Monday, three agencies published a three-page guidance document, and sent it to extension offices and fair organizers across New Mexico. In a statement attached to the guidance, the agencies said theyre monitoring Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the state and would like to help ensure a safe fair season.

A full list of 2024 county fair dates in New Mexico can be found here.

The guidelines recommend fair organizers isolate sick animals away from the public, and hand out and use personal protective equipment when caring for sick animals, including disposable gloves, coveralls, boot covers, and eye protection.

Tim Uyeki, chief medical officer for the CDCs Influenza Division, said last month to avoid getting infected by a cow with bird flu, the recommendation is to wear a well-fitting N95 respirator, along with eye goggles or a face shield and gloves.

The version of the New Mexico guidance published on Monday did not mention masks, even though it linked to the relevant CDC guidance recommending them.

When asked about this omission on Wednesday via email, New Mexico State Veterinarian Samantha Holeck responded with an updated version of the document, which she said was changed to help with clarity.

In its list of recommended personal protective equipment for dealing with sick animals, the new version of the document replaces etc. with well-fitting masks covering mouth and nose and/or respirator if available.

The document makes organizers responsible for deciding whether to postpone or cancel shows, sales or events, except in the event of quarantine, health order, or movement restrictions.

If organizers do host events, the document states, the New Mexico State Veterinarian recommends they put the precautions in place to minimize the transmission of HPAI. It does not require them.

For the general public going into a fair, the risk of catching bird flu is relatively low, said Tom Dean, head of the Eastern District for the Cooperative Extension Service at New Mexico State University and co-director of the Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center.

The center helped write the guidelines, along with the New Mexico Livestock Board and the New Mexico Department of Health.

If Im a person going to the fair, in order to minimize the risk of avian influenza, Im going to walk through the barns, Im not going to pet animals, Im not going to try to feed animals, Dean said.

If someone does pet an animal, they should thoroughly wash their hands, and they should be in pretty good shape, he said.

We want to keep it from getting to that stage, where its easily mutated and traveling from animal to human, Dean said.

Researchers have found evidence that the H5N1 variant of HPAI is capable of jumping not only from birds to other species but also between different species of mammals, according to a peer-reviewed study published Thursday in Nature.

The spillover of HPAI H5N1 into dairy cattle and evidence for efficient and sustained mammal-to-mammal transmission are unprecedented, the researchers wrote. This efficient transmission is concerning as it can lead to the adaptation of the virus, potentially enhancing its infectivity and transmissibility in other species, including humans.NM Biosecurity Fair Recommendatons 2024.V02 updated 7-24

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday added two dairy herds in neighboring Colorado to the list of those confirmed to be infected with H5N1. Two workers in Colorado who are culling poultry tested positive for the virus, state officials said on Monday.

Eight dairy herds in New Mexico have so far been confirmed to have positive cases among cattle, according to the USDA.

No new case detections have been reported since April 17, said Jennifer Green, interim public information officer at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Fair season in New Mexico started this month and runs through October. The document states the status and/or situation can change anytime, and updates to the guidelines may need to be made and followed accordingly to help reduce spread.

Holeck said she has been speaking regularly with extension agents and county fair organizers, including at least one veterinarian, about options for each county based on the risk in their area.

The situation has been rather fluid the last few months, which has posed a unique challenge in creating set guidelines, but we are doing our best to keep people up to date as we move forward, she said.

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FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Wray was questioned about whistleblower claims of politically motivated disciplinary action by the bureau's security division. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

July 24 (UPI) -- The 20-year-old would-be assassin of Donald Trump had conducted Internet research into Lee Harvey Oswald's 1963 killing of President John F. Kennedy, the FBI director told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday.

FBI Director Christopher Wray appeared on Capitol Hill to provide lawmakers testimony and reveal new details at a congressional hearing on the recent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump in western Pennsylvania.

"The attempted assassination of the former president was an attack on our democracy and our democratic process and we will not and do not tolerate political violence of any kind, especially a despicable account of this magnitude," Wray said in his opening remarks.

Trump was shot at by Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, at least eight times with an AR15-style semi-automatic rifle, Wray confirmed at Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing. He also told the panel it was a weapon with a collapsible stock, which he added "could explain why it might've been less easy for people to observe."

Wray's comments come the day after Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her post amid bipartisan calls to do so after a Monday congressional hearing left many lawmakers unsatisfied with her answers about the security failure.

"The attempted assassination of the former president was an attack on our democracy and our democratic process and we will not and do not tolerate political violence of any kind, especially a despicable account of this magnitude," FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday in his opening remarks. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

On Tuesday, Cheatle stepped down the same day a bipartisan House Task Force was announced to seek answers regarding the attempted assassination of the now-Republican presidential nominee. Several investigations are underway by Congress, law enforcement and federal agencies into Trump's attempted July 13 assassination at a campaign event in Butler, Penn., by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Crooks was identified as "suspicious" earlier the day of the shooting when he was on the property and although he never attempted to get into the secured perimeter of the rally. Eventually, he was spotted with a rangefinder, according to a state police official in Pennsylvania.

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan R-Ohio, questions FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris told the House Homeland Security Committee that Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers had spotted Crooks from a second-story window, leaving their post to search for the shooter.

Meanwhile, the FBI director said Wednesday that Crooks became "very focused" on Trump and the Butler rally sometime around July 6.

It was revealed by FBI Director Wray (seen Wednesday entering the House Judiciary Committee hearing) the would-be presidential assassin on July 6 did a Google search for "how far away was Oswald from Kennedy," alluding to the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald, the same day Crooks registered for Trump's Butler rally. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

It was revealed by Wray the would-be presidential assassin on July 6 conducted a Google search for "how far away was Oswald from Kennedy," alluding to the 1963 assassination of former President John F. Kennedy in Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald, the same day Crooks registered for Trump's Butler rally.

"That's a search that obviously is significant in terms of his state of mind," Wray remarked.

However, the FBI is still in the "legal process" of getting access to Crooks' other digital accounts but so far why he shot at Trump is still not clear. The shooter, Wray says, appeared to have performed Internet searches of public figures "in general."

"We do not yet have a clear picture of his motive," Wray told lawmakers, adding that Crooks has so far left no trace of a "manifesto" or other documents outlining his reasoning like multiple shooters typically have.

And the bureau has not found any accomplices "at this time," he said, noting the investigation is ongoing.

"We're going to leave no stone unturned," said Wray. "The shooter may be deceased but the FBI's investigation is very much ongoing."

Wray says the description of Crooks as a loner "fit[s] with what we're seeing" on his devices. He lived with his parents in Bethel Park, Penn., and the family has cooperated with the investigation.

"There doesn't appear to be a whole lot of interactions between him, face-to-face or digital, with a lot of people," the director said, adding that "that doesn't mean there's not any."

According to Wary, the FBI recovered 8 cartridges from roof where a Secret Service sniper killed Crooks. He said 14 guns were found in the Crooks home, which Wray stated had been bought legally through the father.

Wray told Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., that the FBI "did not have any information about the shooter" and that Crooks "was not in our holdings before the shooting."

A drone and remote controller were found in his car, along with explosives also being discovered at the family home. One of the three explosives was found at his home; the other two in the car.

Crooks had a transmitter on him, according to Wray, adding it appears the remote detonation "would not have worked." He was flying the drone in the area roughy 200 yards from the stage where Trump was standing at about 4 p.m. EDT the day of the July 13 shooting.

The FBI is in the middle of analyzing the drone. Wray said "we think" the drone was producing a live-stream footage for a total of 11 minutes.

"At a moment, it looks like because of the on/off position on the receivers, that if he had tried to detonate those devices from the roof, it would not have worked, but that doesn't mean the explosives weren't dangerous," Wray said.
MISSOURI  No-excuse voting is now underway for Missouris August primary.

Residents have the two weeks leading up to Election Day to cast a ballot without restriction. Absentee ballots had already been available for those who would be unable to vote on Election Day due to travel or illness. Kansas voters also have that option.

In-person early voting began last week. The primary election for both states is Tuesday, August 6, now just 13 days away.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
No more encores for Tacoma musician Jerry Miller, one of the best to ever play guitar

Tacoma-born guitar great Jerry Miller of the seminal psychedelic-rock band Moby Grape died Sunday at 81. His cause of death had not been revealed as of Tuesday afternoon.

Miller cemented a name for himself as a key player in the 1960s San Francisco music scene. He was one of Moby Grapes three guitarists, and critics praised his tasteful playing. David Fricke of Rolling Stone lauded his solo style as propulsive and never veering into self-indulgent.

In 2010, Miller was named No. 68 on Rolling Stones list of 100 greatest guitarists.

Miller co-founded Moby Grape along with Skip Spence, formerly of Jefferson Airplane. The group carved out a reputation in the Bay Area as one to watch.

Moby Grapes stardom was meant to be meteoric. Then the band imploded in a chaotic brew of [p]olice arrests, record company hysteria, aborted tours, wretched luck and managerial conflicts, Louder Sound wrote  that and Spences legendary love of LSD.

Deadline reported that Eric Clapton once dubbed Miller the best guitar player in the world, and Robert Plant has noted his sizable influence on Led Zeppelin.

In an interview eight years ago, Miller recalled how the groups debut self-titled album was released around the same time as The Beatles monumental Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Everybody was at the record stores, and Columbia [Records] had gotten all these great big posters, and they had them plastered in every record store in the West Coast, he told Saint Bryan of KING 5 at the time.

So, we sold better in Marin County than Sgt. Pepper, Miller added, laughing. Ooh, boy.

Jerry Millers Tacoma roots

Miller was embedded in the fabric of the Pacific Northwest music scene, one that spawned The Wailers and the Kingsmen around the turn of the 60s  not to mention Jimi Hendrix, whom Miller counted as a childhood friend.

Before he was a psych-rock pioneer, Miller studied at Wilson High School shortly after it opened, The Seattle Times wrote in November 2021. Today its known as Silas High, 1202 N. Orchard St.

By 1959, Miller had put away enough money to purchase a used Chevy, his pride and joy, according to the Times article. That is until he heard a recording of jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery at Tacomas since-closed Broadway Music.

Soon Miller had ditched the Chevy to acquire a custom Gibson L-5 guitar, per The Seattle Times. He even gave it a name: Beulah.

When Miller was in his late teens, he worked at a plywood mill in Tacoma while performing in local bars six nights a week.

I got paid the princely sum of $2.07 an hour in the mill, he told The Seattle Times in 2021, which was a lot less than I was making with Beulah.

Miller had realized his calling: music.

The guitarist remembered as Tacoma icon

Tributes poured out for Miller following news of his death. Tacoma residents, representatives and famous musicians alike felt the loss.

Drummer Miriam Linna, a founding member of The Cramps, shared on Facebook that she was crushed to find out Miller had died. Musician Adrian Belew  known for his work with King Crimson, Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads and more  also posted about Millers death.

Pierce County Council member Marty Campbell wrote Monday that he was heartbroken to learn the news. Miller would tell tales of being at the forefront of American rock n roll, and about how hed partied and jammed with just about every rock star from the 1960s, 1970s and beyond.

He was so down to earth, you would never know he was an icon just living his best life in Tacoma, Campbell wrote on Facebook. For many years he lived in East Tacoma and would walk his dog, Rusty, by our house daily. Sometimes he would stop and chat. He was always in a cheerful mood and happy to discuss the news of the day.

Other social media users weighed in as well. One person on Reddit said that they recently saw Miller play at the Golden West bar, adding that he was such a nice and genuine guy.

That was my neighbor, another Reddit commenter wrote. I knew he played guitar, but I didnt know he sang, though I should have known because every time he called his dogs his booming voice would carry a hell of a long way. 

Man, I cant believe hes gone.
An instrumented Mooney research aircraft passes over the Northern Rocky Mountains in Montana during NOAAs 2023 NOGAP aerial mission to capture atmospheric profiles of greenhouse gases in a series of flights across the United States. Photo courtesy of Anna McAuliffe/Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

July 23 (UPI) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is teaming up with United Airlines to measure greenhouse gases and pollutants in the sky during domestic flights.

The multi-year agreement, announced Tuesday, will equip a Boeing 737 with an instrument package to improve monitoring of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases. The equipment will also improve the accuracy of weather forecasts in the United States.

"This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in U.S. efforts to monitor and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions," said Sarah Kapnick, the NOAA's chief scientist.

"If we can harness the capabilities of commercial aircraft, we will be poised to make rapid advancements in the understanding of greenhouse gas emissions that can inform policies."

The NOAA's Global Monitoring Laboratory already operates a network of 60 sampling sites around the world, using private pilots to collect airborne samples.

"This new partnership with United is the first step in establishing a Commercial Aircraft Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Program," said GML director Vanda Grubisic, "which will add valuable greenhouse gas measurements near large urban areas where most of greenhouse gas emissions originate."

Tuesday's agreement with United Airlines, which was announced during the White House Super Pollutants Summit in Washington, D.C., would test the potential for a larger network of commercial aircraft to increase the number of airborne samples collected.

"We'll be collecting data over multiple cities multiple times a day, in different seasons, and under varying weather conditions," said Colm Sweeney, who leads GML's commercial aircraft program.

"This will allow scientists to more accurately measure U.S. emissions at sub-regional scales, which is one goal of a national greenhouse gas monitoring strategy announced earlier this year, and at just 1% of the cost of deploying research aircraft," Sweeney added.

United Airlines is hoping the NOAA's air-monitoring equipment will help clear the skies by reducing wispy contrails, the white streaks from planes.

Water vapor measurements could improve weather forecasts for regions prone to high-altitude contrail formation, which can trap heat. That information would allow airlines to alter flight paths and reduce contrail formation.
A group of business and civic leaders, some with ties to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, are forming a fundraising and advocacy group that plans to back candidates in Chicagos contentious first-ever school board elections and organize around other key issues confronting the state.

The new nonprofit and political action committee will be called One Future Illinois. Leaders said they hope to provide political and financial heft behind the business communitys agenda, including public safety, education, city and state finances, transportation, and jobs. But short term, their presence will be felt in school board elections in November.

One Futures leaders include Emanuels deputy mayor, Steve Koch; his interim school board CEO and Park District board president, Jesse Ruiz; and the chief of staff in his office of legislative counsel and government affairs and campaign manager for Emanuels 2015 reelection, Michael Ruemmler. Ruiz, who will only serve on the board of the 501(c)(4), was also Gov. J.B. Pritzkers deputy governor for education and chair of the state board of education.

With each election cycle, our politics are more polarized, and our governments are less effective. One Future Illinois will cut across party lines to solve problems and improve the quality of life for all who live here, Ruemmler, who also served on former President Barack Obamas advance team, said in a release.

Ruemmler recently ran the Get Stuff Done PAC, also funded by the citys business leaders. It worked to defend moderate incumbents and elect pragmatic Obama Democrats to the Chicago City Council in the 2023 elections, often squaring up against more left-leaning or avowed Democratic Socialist candidates. It stayed out of the mayoral race.

Other board members include Topography CEO and founder Liam Krehbiel; former Taxpayers Federation of Illinois President Carol Portman; and Derek Douglas, the president of the Civic Committee and the Commercial Club of Chicago, a business group.

A group like this probably should have existed for a long time, Koch said in an interview Wednesday where he was joined by Ruemmler and Douglas. It will serve as a way to easily connect Chicagos business, finance and civic stakeholders interested in city issues, where collective action can have greater impact, Koch said.

Though the Commercial Club is not directly involved, Douglas said many of the policy issues the club cares about are ones One Future will likely take up. That includes public safety, bringing attention and focus to sustained funding for community violence intervention, state and local fiscal health and continued unfunded pension liabilities, and education.

The three men declined to say what types of school board candidates One Future will financially support, though Emanuel backed school choice, expanding charter schools and selective enrollment schools during his two terms. He repeatedly clashed with the Chicago Teachers Union, and closed 50 neighborhood public schools.

And Douglas noted the Civic Committee has been in favor of school choice, supporting various options, as well as investing in neighborhood schools, but choice being important.

The Civic Committee played a key role in Mayor Richard M. Daleys Renaissance 2010 plan to boost charter, performance and contract schools, and helped pass statewide legislation that increased the number of charters in the city. Krehbiel is also a charter proponent and was on the board of the Noble Network of Charter Schools.

Under federal law, the nonprofit is allowed to lobby and contribute to an aligned PAC. Such nonprofits, when donating to electoral causes, are often referred to as dark money groups, because their donors are not publicly disclosed. Dark money groups and super PACs are playing a bigger role in Chicago races  several launched in 2023 to aid mayoral candidates. This group hopes to raise a sum of at least seven figures.

Asked whether it will be endorsing and donating in school board races, Ruemmler said that is something that we will definitely look to engage in. Well outline a process and evaluate the candidates and see what comes of it.

As for any dark money criticism, Ruemmler said, Were going to follow the letter of the law. There are groups affiliated that Ive heard of that are forming that are doing the same thing on all sides of the political spectrum. I think voters are going to care more about the candidates and the issues than they are about who is spending money or where its coming from.

Douglas and Koch, Emanuels go-to on financial issues, both suggested pensions will also be a key focus. The Civic Committee proposed raising income taxes and pouring proceeds into the states pension funds to eliminate outstanding debts. Johnsons administration is expected to release state legislative proposals in the coming weeks to ensure that Tier 2 and Tier 3 pensioners benefits are equivalent to what retirees would collect under Social Security.

To this point, our only tool has been the power of the policy ideas, Douglas said. To get things through, you also need to engage on the political sphere, in the political realm, thats one way you could see some of our civic priorities being complemented by the work of One Future Illinois.

The group is nonpartisan, leaders said, and will partner across the ideological spectrum. Its really designed to collaborate and partner with other stakeholders across the city, whether thats other civic organizations, business organizations, elected officials, to figure out where our priorities align and how through working together we can increase the chances of getting those things accomplished, Douglas said.

aquig@chicagotribune.com
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A North Carolina man is facing kidnapping and sexual assault charges in Horry County after allegedly attacking a woman he met Saturday night at a bar in North Myrtle Beach.

Douglas Horace Steadman Jr., 49, of Lexington, North Carolina, was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center after his arrest on Sunday. He is being held without bond.

Arrest warrants in the case claim that Steadman forced the woman to commit sexual acts three times during a span of about 20 to 25 minutes after meeting her at the Sky Bar on Main Street. The woman could not breathe and believes that she may have blacked out while she was being held down against her will, the warrants state.

When officers arrived at the bar at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, they saw a crowd that was shielding and holding a white female wrapped in a towel, according to a police report. The woman appeared to be extremely emotional and stated that she had just been sexually assaulted.

While being taken to the hospital, she gave authorities a description of her attacker and said she was missing several personal items, including clothing, shoes, a cellphone, a debit card and her drivers license, the report said.

At the hospital, the report said the woman told authorities that she had been drinking alone at the bar when the man whom she had never met joined her on the dance floor. He told her that she was too drunk and that the business was going to kick her out and then took her down some stairs and assaulted her.

He then left the area but returned a short time later and sexually assaulted her again, the report said. After leaving a second time, the report said he came back and attacked her again.

Thats when she said he told her that someone else wanted a piece of her.' She told authorities, however, that she did not see or hear anyone else in the area.

She repeatedly told the male that she did not want to have sex by saying no multiple times, the report said. He then proceeded to fight her, in which he placed his hands covering her mouth and nose. She was unable to get away from him. She stated that it was hard for her to breathe, and she may have blacked out at some point during the assault.

After he left for the final time, the woman said she crawled away to a place where people could see her to help, the report said.

During the investigation, the report said officers identified Steadman as the suspect using surveillance video that showed him with the victim on the bars dance floor and later holding and escorting her out of the business.

After his arrest, Steadman acknowledged being at the bar and dancing with the woman but denied sexually assaulting her, the report said. At one point, he said the woman fell off a barstool and had to be picked up by security officers who planned to kick her out of the business.

Thats when he said he told the security officers that he would escort her down the stairs and call a taxi to pick her up, the report said. While outside in the parking lot, Steadman said he was involved in a confrontation with two men who then left the area.

Police interviewed another man at the bar with Steadman, the report said. That person told officers that there was a 20- to 25-minute time span in which he did not know where Steadman was and that he had tried to call him but did not get an answer.

* * *

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
By David Shepardson and Rajesh Kumar Singh

(Reuters) -Delta Air Lines is making progress in restoring its services from a global cyber outage and would resume normal operations Thursday, CEO Ed Bastian said.

The Atlanta-based carrier has been hit hard by the outage and has axed more than 6,000 flights since last Friday, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded.

Just 1% of flights on Wednesday had been canceled.

Bastian raised some eyebrows, however, for traveling to Paris on Wednesday for the start of the Summer Olympics later this week even as the airline grapples with the disruptions.

Delta is the official airline of the U.S. Olympic Team. The company said he flew on a regularly scheduled Delta flight and has meetings with leaders and business partners in Paris.

"Ed delayed this long-planned business trip until he was confident the airline was firmly on the path to recovery," Delta said in a statement, adding Bastian remained fully engaged with senior operations leaders.

The carrier canceled just 47 flights, or about 1% of the scheduled total on Wednesday as of 12:15 p.m. EST, according to data from FlightAware. Bastian said the cancellations on Wednesday were expected to be "minimal," with operations becoming normal on Thursday.

"Our initial efforts to stabilize the operations were difficult and frustratingly slow and complex," he said in a statement. "We have made good progress this week and the worst impacts of the CrowdStrike-caused outage are clearly behind us."

A software update by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike triggered system problems for Microsoft customers, including many airlines, on Friday. But disruptions subsided the next day at other major U.S. carriers while persisting at Delta.

The U.S. Transportation Department opened an investigation Tuesday into the Delta disruptions, which affected more than 500,000 passengers and stranded people across the United States.

Many customers complained of waiting hours for assistance while others were forced to rent cars, drive hundreds of miles to get to destinations, or wait days for new flights.

Representative Rick Larsen, the top Democrat on the House Transportation Committee, said he will introduce legislation to boost the operational resilience of airlines. "The slow response by some airlines to this meltdown has been unacceptable," Larsen said.

Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell said she is concerned Delta is not complying with passenger rights obligations under a new law.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Rajesh Kumar Singh; Additional reporting by Joey Roulette in Washington; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Kevin Liffey and Nick Zieminski)
North central Idahos Texas Fire is 80% contained, fire officials say in last planned update

Crew members from the Miller Timber Services, Alpha Crew, grid the Texas Fire as part of mop-up operations outside of Kendrick, Idaho.

Crew members from the Miller Timber Services, Alpha Crew, grid the Texas Fire as part of mop-up operations outside of Kendrick, Idaho on July 22, 2024. (Courtesy of SRouse, public information for the Northern Rockies Team 8)

Fire officials plan to assign fewer firefighters to the Texas Fire in north central Idaho as they report the wildfire is 80% contained.

The Texas Fire burning east of Kendrick in Latah County slightly grew to 1,582 acres, the Idaho Department of Lands said in a news release Wednesday, which is the final update on the fire unless conditions change.

Early Thursday, the Idaho Department of Lands is set to take over commanding the Texas Fire from the Northern Rockies Team 8, the release said. Type 4 Incident Commander Robbie Easley is set to command the fire along with about 50 firefighters.

There were 114 firefighters responding to the fire Wednesday. Officials announced Tuesday that personnel on the fire will decrease drastically as officials release resources from the Texas Fire to support other large fire incidents.

Firefighters were set to check visible smoke and prevent the fire from spreading. The human-caused fire started July 15.

Cooler temperatures in the low 90s were expected in the area Wednesday, along with a 25% chance for thunderstorms and scattered showers after 3 p.m. Pacific time and potentially gusty, erratic 20-30 mile-per-hour winds. Thursdays mostly dry, cold front is expected to bring sustained west to southwest winds around 10 miles per hour.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area, which apply to all federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangeland property in the area, the release said.

Drivers are still encouraged to slow down in the fire area, where firefighters continue to work and drive, fire officials say.

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Bench Lake Fire in central Idaho is more contained, hasnt grown

Officials say a wildfire in central Idaho called the Bench Lake Fire is 34% contained and didnt grow from 2,595 acres.

But firefighters are bracing for scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening and fast winds that could challenge the fireline, officials say.

A firefighter on the Bench Lake Fire in central Idaho hikes through lush and burnt trees.

Meteorologists expect lightning and sustained 20 mile-per-hour winds, along with gusts of up to 55 mile-per-hour near thunderstorms, fire officials said in a news release. The National Weather Service in Pocatello issued a red flag warning for the Stanley Basin and Bench Lake Fire area.

Despite being optimistic about increased containment, fire managers acknowledge there is still significant work ahead, the release said.

Near the fires west side, crews will keep camping to secure the fireline, remove hazardous trees and contain the fire more around the Bench Lakes through natural barriers, officials say.

Around the Sawtooth National Forest Ranger Station, fuel reduction is nearly complete, the release said. Officials also report progress clearing dense vegetation with heavy equipment on Decker Flats Road.

The cause of the fire  which started July 11  remains under investigation. From July 12 to July 21, officials report aircraft have flown 255 hours, dropping 1.5 million gallons of water, transporting 213 passengers and hauling around 167,000 pounds of cargo.

Custer County residents are encouraged to register for emergency alerts through CodeRed online or by texting CUSTER to 99411. Visitors can sign up for alerts through IPAWS, the national emergency notification system.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area officials issued an expanded emergency closure July 18 for the Redfish Lake recreation complex. That includes the lodge and associated buildings, roads, trails, trailheads and campgrounds in the area.

Highways 21 and 75 are open, fire officials say.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place in the Sawtooth National Forest in national forest land boundaries in the Sawtooth and Cassia zones, along with the Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also set to take effect Friday in the Payette Fire Restrictions Area.

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North Dakota judge will decide whether to throw out a challenge to the state's abortion ban

South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick listens to arguments by attorneys during a hearing, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Bismarck, N.D., regarding a lawsuit that seeks to challenge North Dakota's abortion laws. (Brad Nygaard/The Bismarck Tribune via AP)

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  Attorneys argued Tuesday over whether a North Dakota judge should toss a lawsuit challenging the state's abortion ban, with the state saying the plaintiffs' case rests on hypotheticals, and the plaintiffs saying key issues remain to be resolved at a scheduled trial.

State District Judge Bruce Romanick said he will rule as quickly as he can, but he also asked the plaintiffs' attorney what difference he would have at the court trial in August.

The Red River Women's Clinic, which moved from Fargo to neighboring Moorhead, Minnesota, filed the lawsuit challenging the state's now-repealed trigger ban soon after the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The clinic was North Dakota's sole abortion provider. In 2023, North Dakota's Republican-controlled Legislature revised the state's abortion laws amid the lawsuit. Soon afterward, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, joined by doctors in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine.

North Dakota outlaws abortion as a felony crime, with exceptions to prevent the mother's death or a serious health risk to her, and in cases of rape or incest up to six weeks of pregnancy.

The plaintiffs allege the law violates the state constitution because it is unconstitutionally vague for doctors as to the exceptions, and that its health exception is too narrow.

The state wants the complaint dismissed. Special Assistant Attorney General Dan Gaustad said the plaintiffs want the law declared unconstitutional based upon hypotheticals, that the clinic now in Minnesota lacks legal standing and that a trial won't help the judge.

You're not going to get any more information than what you've got now. It's a legal question, Gaustad told the judge.

The plaintiffs want the trial to proceed.

Meetra Mehdizadeh, a staff attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, said the trial would resolve factual disputes regarding how the law would apply in various pregnancy complications, "the extent to which the ban chills the provision of standard-of-care medical treatment, and a necessity for exceptions for mental health and pregnancies with a fatal fetal diagnosis.

When asked by the judge about the trial, she said hearing testimony live from experts, as compared to reading their depositions, would give him the opportunity to probe their credibility and ask his own questions to clarify issues.

In an interview, she said laws such as North Dakota's are causing confusion and hindering doctors when patients arrive in emergency medical situations.

Nationally, we are seeing physicians feeling like they have to delay, either to run more tests or to consult with legal teams or to wait for patients to get sicker, and so they know if the patient qualifies under the ban, Mehdizadeh said.

In January, the judge denied the plaintiffs' request to temporarily block part of the law so doctors could provide abortions in health-saving scenarios without the potential of prosecution.

A recent state report said abortions in North Dakota last year dropped to a nonreportable level, meaning there were fewer than six abortions performed in 2023. The state reported 840 abortions in 2021, the year before the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

The court's decision enabled states to pass abortion bans by ending the nationwide right to abortion.

Most Republican-controlled states now have bans or restrictions in place. North Dakota is one of 14 enforcing a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy. Meanwhile, most Democratic-controlled states have adopted measures to protect abortion access.

The issue is a major one in this years elections: Abortion-related ballot measures will be before voters in at least six states. Since 2022, voters in all seven states where similar questions appeared have sided with abortion rights advocates.

___

Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, contributed to this story.
On Tuesday North Korea snubbed Donald Trump once again by brushing off a suggestion by the former president that he would improve relations with the country if elected president in November.

Trump told the Republican National Convention he got along with Kim, and that the North Korean leader probably wanted him back in the White House. I think he misses me, if you want to know the truth, Trump said.

An anonymous commentary in the North Korean Central News Agency, or NKCNA, a state-controlled media organization whose content reflects official thinking, indicated that no matter who was elected in the U.S. presidential elections, relations between the two are unlikely to be warm.

No matter what administration takes office in the U.S., the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change and, accordingly, we do not care about this, said the commentary in NKCNA.

North Korea is a small, economically weak regime. But it has a nuclear weapons program and spends roughly 16 percent of total government expenditure on defense, making it a thorn in the side of American foreign policy officials.

Donald Trump has always had a complicated relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Sometimes bromance, sometimes bitter rivalry, the two have long traded barbs.

As president, Trump had tried to force North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons program.

In 2017, Trump called the North Korean leader rocket man and said the Asian regime would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.

Kim later called Trump a dotard, a 14th century term used to describe an elderly person, especially one who has become senile.

In 2019 relations began to soften. At one rally, Trump said he and Kim had been exchanging letters, claiming the two had fallen in love.

The leaders met three times, culminating in Trump becoming the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Well, sort of: he walked 20 steps into the country.

Trump has been making bold claims about what he might achieve if elected president. Patching up relations with North Korea can be added to a long list including a promise to end the war in Ukraine and to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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(Bloomberg) -- North Koreas state media rebuffed comments that former President Donald Trump made about good ties with leader Kim Jong Un, saying we do not care and warned its nuclear arsenal stands ready for any US leader.

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The official Korean Central News Agency said in a commentary Wednesday, that while Trump tried to advance personal relations, Pyongyang saw US policy as remaining hostile, adding the former president did not bring about any substantial positive change.

The comments are the first from North Korea since Trump touted his personal ties with Kim when he addressed the Republican National Convention last week. Trump said he got along with Kim, who probably wanted the former president back in the White House. I think he misses me, if you want to know the truth, Trump said.

The KCNA commentary said personal relations and diplomacy should be kept separate. Even if any administration takes office in the US, the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change and, accordingly, we do not care about this, the commentary said.

Trump pledged to unleash fire and fury against Kim for tests of nuclear bombs and missiles to deliver them to the US in 2017, while KCNA called him a dotard and labeled his envoys as gangsters. But after the two held a historic summit in Singapore in 2018, the tone changed dramatically, with North Korean officials saying the two leaders had a mysteriously wonderful chemistry.

The two reached a bare-bones declaration for denuclearization in Singapore, Kim later briefly halted testing missiles and the US scaled back joint military drills training with South Korea that angered Pyongyang. But Kim made no concrete moves to wind down his arsenal. Meanwhile, he kept adding to his stockpile of fissile material and began testing a new series of modernized, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles soon after Trump abruptly halted a second round of talks with Kim in Vietnam in 2019.

North Korea is eagerly awaiting Trumps reelection, Ri Il Gyu, a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea in November, said in an interview with Yonhap News. Its Foreign Ministry is likely preparing for negotiations if Trump returned to the White House, Ri said, adding he expects his former colleagues would face an uphill battle in trying to improve relations.

Since taking office, the Biden administration has worked to improve security ties between its two main allies in the region, Japan and South Korea, while making shows of American military might and warning Kim the use of nuclear weapons would mean the end of his rule in North Korea.

Kim has ignored calls from Bidens White House to return to the bargaining table as he advanced his arsenal of nuclear weapons. Kim has also received support for his economy and military from Russia in exchange for munitions to help Moscow with its assault on Ukraine, the US and its allies have said.

North Korea has yet to make a comment on Bidens decision not to seek reelection and has made no mention of Vice President Kamala Harris on its major state media outlets.

--With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi.

(Updates with ex-North Korean diplomats comments on Trump in paragraph seven.)

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Seoul  North Korea sent another wave of trash-filled balloons drifting into South Korea Wednesday, but this time, some of the garbage landed on the grounds of the South Korean presidential compound in Seoul and a U.S. military base nearby, seemingly disrupting some operations there.

The office of President Yoon Suk Yeol said it monitored the balloons' flight path in real-time and "accurately measured the landing location, then safely took action after it fell" on the compound's grounds.

Authorities didn't attempt to shoot down the balloon headed for the presidential compound to avoid causing any damage, and because at the time it was unclear what the balloon could be carrying. In the end, it was just more trash, following a pattern of recent North Korean balloon launches in a tit-for-tat propaganda fight with the South.

A chemical, biological and radiological response team that responded to the presidential compound concluded that "the object was not dangerous or contaminated, so we collected it and will continue to monitor it," officials said.

The president's office did not announce any changes to the security level.

A woman cycles down a sidewalk past pieces of North Korean food packaging, sweet wrappers and paper suspected to be from trash balloons sent from North Korea, in Seoul, South Korea, July 24, 2024. / Credit: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty

Other balloons touched down Wednesday around Yoon's central Seoul office and about 20 miles north, on the grounds of the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey.

Multiple sources confirmed to CBS News that those balloons also carried trash, mostly pieces of scrap paper and snack wrappers, including some that showed manufacturing addresses in the North Korean capital Pyongyang.

The Yongsan base was previously the headquarters of the unified U.S. Forces Korea, but now most American troops have moved to the Camp Humphreys base, further south on the coast of the Korean Peninsula. The Yongsan base is not considered U.S. territory, as the land is still owned by South Korea.

Some base staff told CBS News on Wednesday that some gates were closed and other security measures were taken, and posts on the base's Facebook page showed entry restrictions in place and some events being postponed, though none mentioned the balloons.



A spokesperson for U.S. Forces Korea told CBS News the command had no comment to offer on the matter on Wednesday.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  North Las Vegas vaulted back to the top as the city with the highest unemployment rate in Nevada, according to a report released Tuesday by the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).

North Las Vegas came in at 7.4%, passing Fernley for the states worst unemployment problem, DETRs report showed. Just a month ago, North Las Vegas unemployment was at 6.6%, just behind Fernleys 6.7%.

Las Vegas was next on the list at 6.3%, followed by Henderson (5.9%), Boulder City (5.8%) and Mesquite (5.5%).

DETR reported last week that the statewide unemployment rate had increased from 5.1% to 5.2%. California passed Nevada as the state with the worst jobless rate earlier this year, but Nevada is right behind California and Washington, D.C., in Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting.

The states three largest metro areas  Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City  all saw increases in unemployment.

The Las Vegas metro areas unemployment rate was 6.2% in June, increasing from 5.6% in May, and up from 5.4% in June 2023, non-seasonally adjusted. The number of unemployed individuals increased by 7,699 over the previous month. In June, there were 74,623 people who were unemployed, which is 10,273 more unemployed people than June 2023.

The labor force in Las Vegas is currently 1,201,846 people  912 fewer people than in May, and up by 20,338 people since June 2023.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
North Texas homicide victim whose skeletal remains were found in 1984 identified with DNA

The Jack County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Rangers have identified the victim of a North Texas cold case homicide from 1984, the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Roberta Mumma, whose skeletal remains were found in a remote area near Wizard Wells in Jack County about 40 years ago, according to the release.

Wizard Wells is about 61 miles northwest of Fort Worth.

The victim was 25 at the time of her death, according to the DPS.

Mumma was identified through the use of advanced forensic techniques and DNA analysis, the release says. Her last known location prior to her death was in Tennessee.

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As the Sheriffs Office and Texas Rangers continue to investigate Mummas death, authorities ask anyone with information about the homicide to come forward.

The smallest detail could be crucial in solving this case and bringing closure to Roberta Mummas loved ones, the DPS said in the release. The Jack County Sheriffs Office and Texas Rangers are committed to pursuing justice for Roberta Mumma and ensuring those responsible for her death are held accountable.

For more information or to provide tips, the Jack County Sheriffs Office can be contacted at 940-567-2161 or by emailing chauger@jackcounty.texas.gov.
The Northeast South Dakota Family Violence Prevention Conference is headed to Aberdeen this fall.

Registration is now open for the 2024 Northeast South Dakota Family Violence Prevention Conference, scheduled for Oct. 16-17 at the Dakota Event Center in Aberdeen.

Tickets can be purchased online at nesdfamilyviolence.com. The two-day conference features keynote speakers from across the country, a Wings of Hope presentation, and networking in addition to breakfast and a Saturday evening dinner and presentation. Attendees can choose between a dinner/conference option, or conference only or dinner only. A student discount is also available.

Every year, the conference committee has the best presenters that speak on the latest strategies and research in family violence, Gina Karst, executive director of Safe Harbor in Aberdeen, said in a release. I look forward to hearing from experts in the field and exploring practical solutions that can be applied to support affected individuals and communities. I also enjoy the opportunity to network with other professionals dedicated to working with victims of violence.

Keynote speakers include:

Hera McLeod is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, speaker, tech leader and civil rights activist. She has made several television appearances advocating about social issues, and has testified before the U.S. Congress and Maryland State Legislative body, which has led to reformative legislation in the area of Family Court and Child Protection. Her story is best told through her memoir, Defying Silence: A Memoir of a Mothers Loss and Courage in the Face of Injustice, which recounts her sons murder and the path that led her to fight for other women and children.

Tanya Johnson Martinez has a diverse career spanning four years in civil litigation, 14 years as a career prosecutor and three as a defense attorney. Her legal journey started with traffic infractions and progressed to the most complex and high-profile cases, including the Savannah Greywind case. A North Dakota native, she employs the skills and knowledge she holds while seeking justice for citizens of her home state.

Leah J. Viste spent 20 years as a prosecutor for the State of North Dakota, representing clients in all types of criminal cases. She is currently a public defender for the North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in Fargo. She has previously presented on civil commitment of sexually dangerous offenders, legal issues for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, search and seizure, 1983 actions and immunity, and constitutional issues in corrections and law enforcement.

Tony Godwin has been a part of around 2,100 criminal investigations where he acted as the primary detective in cases related to the exploitation of children. He has served the Garland, Texas Police Department for 28 years and presently holds a pivotal role in the Northern Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was recently inducted into the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.

Gavel

I hope people will take away from the conference an enhanced understanding of the complexities of family violence and other forms of abuse, Karst said in a release. I also hope that attendees will find inspiration to take action and be proactive in efforts to combat violence, fueled by stories, research, and best practices shared during the conference.

The NESD Family Violence Prevention Conference began in 2013 with a group of community agencies, with the initiative to address family violence. With limited education available in rural South Dakota communities, the conference was created to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed education that was affordable to professionals across the state, with the goal of addressing issues by providing skill-based training to professionals who work in the field of family violence. The conference continues to reach a diverse group of professionals, including victim advocates, law enforcement, court services, social workers, judges, prosecutors, mental health professionals, and more. Notable speakers through the years have included Casey Gwinn, Kristen Gibbons-Feden, Jonathan Hatami, and the detectives who worked the Christopher Watts case.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Detectives, lawyers to speak at Aberdeen Family Violence Conference
Lightning strikes, high temperatures and gusty winds are challenging fire crews across Northern California as they tackle new blazes popping up and continue to suppress older fires.

More than a dozen firefighters have suffered minor injuries  some due to heat stress  in recent days during operations at various fires, authorities said, including the Gold Complex, the Hill Fire, the Maria Fire and the Shelly Fire.

Crews made progress containing the longest-burning wildfire in the state at the moment, the Shelly Fire, Cal Fire reported Wednesday.

Gold Complex Fire

Where: Plumas County/Plumas National Forest, Beckwourth Ranger District

Size: 3,007 acres across four fires

Status: 0% contained

Injuries: 1 firefighter

A thunderstorm in eastern Plumas County caused four fires to break out Monday afternoon, which were grouped into the Gold Complex on Monday evening. One firefighter was reportedly injured Tuesday.

The thunderstorm created multiple lightning strikes in the area, kindling the three Mill fires and the Smith Fire at around 2:45 p.m., according to the U.S. Forest Service. The complex has grown quickly, from 700 acres Monday night to more than 3,000 acres by late Wednesday morning. It has been fueled by winds, sloping hills and ample dry grasses in the area, according to a U.S. Forest Service report on social media.

Roughly 1,000 residents in the Portola and Gold Mountain areas are currently threatened by the complex of wildfires, Freeman said, and numerous evacuation orders remained in place as of Wednesday.

Forest Service fire crews at Plumas National Forest are at the helm of the fire suppression operation, and California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 took command of the fires early Wednesday morning, the Forest Service said.

A firefighter suffered a heat-related injury in the fight Tuesday, but was treated and returned to the fire line, according to Adrienne Freeman, a spokesperson for the Forest Service.

In a social media release, the U.S. Forest Service said the three Mill fires consolidated into one larger fire Tuesday evening. As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, it has torched 2,802 acres near Whitehawk Ranch, while the Smith Fire, burning north of Highway 70 near Mabie, accounted for 56 acres, the Forest Service reported. Both are still uncontained.

Forest Service officials reported that crews were battling the Mill Fire with aggressive suppression actions around the clock, with helicopters dropping water over hot spots Wednesday night while crews built bulldozer and hand lines to protect buildings and power lines in the area.

Lines around the Mill and Smith blazes are expected to be fortified throughout the day Wednesday, but wind gusts may threaten these efforts, Freeman said.

Temperatures on Wednesday were expected to stay above 90 degrees, but a cooling trend is anticipated to start later in the day and continue into the weekend. Gusty winds and chances of thunderstorms in the area may persist, the forest service reported Wednesday morning.

Evacuation orders were called for 10 zones in Plumas County, including areas south of the Feather River running through Portola down to the Mill Fire, as well as the zone where the Smith Fire is burning, according to an online evacuation map by sheriffs officials. An evacuation center is open at Quincy High School at 6 Quincy Junction Road, and animals can be evacuated to the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds.

Numerous zones near Lake Davis, between the Mill and Smith fires and south into Sierra County were under evacuation warnings Wednesday afternoon.

National Forest land north and east of Highway 89, south of Highway 70 and east of County Road A23 is closed, according to the forest service, and Highway 89 is closed from County Road A15 to Calpine, California Highway Patrols Quincy office posted on social media.

Ridge Fire

Where: Border of Colusa and Lake counties

Size: 2,756 acres

Status: 40% contained

The Ridge Fire, which broke out Saturday afternoon near Walker Ridge Road and Highway 20, has slowed its growth, but increased to 40% containment Wednesday morning.

According to Cal Fire spokesperson Will Powers, crews increased the fires containment by 5% overnight. Through Wednesday, crews will reinforce control lines around the blaze, begin mopping up extinguished areas and repair places damaged by fire suppression efforts, Cal Fire reported.

No injuries have been reported from the Ridge Fire and no buildings were damaged or destroyed.

Fifty structures remain threatened by the blaze Wednesday afternoon, Cal Fire reported. Evacuation orders in Colusa County were still in place at Bear Valley Road to Highway 20, Wilbur Springs Road and Walker Ridge Road Wednesday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.

All evacuation orders in Lake County have been reduced to warnings or lifted completely as of Monday afternoon, according to a Facebook post by the Lake County Sheriffs Office. Zones CLO-E022, CLO-E070, CLO-E089 and CLO-E083 were still under a warning Wednesday afternoon.

Road closures in Colusa County remained active at Leesville Lodoga Road and Bear Valley Road to Highway 20 on Wednesday, Powers said.

Shelly Fire

Where: Siskiyou County, near Shelly Lake

Size: 15,656 acres

Status: 62% contained

Injuries: Seven firefighters

The Shelly Fire is the states longest-lasting fire as of Wednesday, having broken out on July 3. It has reached more than 15,000 acres and has been increasing in containment over the last two days.

On Wednesday morning, the fire was more than 60% contained, up from 48% containment on Monday morning, according to Cal Fires website.

The agency reported that the wildfire has remained within the control lines established at the perimeter, and that crews expect it to consume fuels within the interior as winds gust in the area.

On Wednesday, crews are focusing on repairing roads and trails that were damaged by fire suppression work, the agency said. There is a 30% chance of thunderstorms in the area, and winds may change fire behavior Wednesday, but they are not expected to impact containment lines, according to Cal Fire.

Seven firefighters were injured throughout the ongoing 21-day suppression operation, and 1,112 structures remain threatened, but the fire has not damaged or destroyed any structures, according to Cal Fire.

Evacuation orders are still in place for zones SIS-2200-A, SIS-2203-B and SIS-2301, and zones surrounding these were still under an evacuation warning Wednesday.

South Kidder Creek Road at Kidder Creek Camp and North Kidder Creek Road at Mile Post Marker 3.75 remained closed as of Wednesday afternoon.

Other fires

Maria Fire

The Maria Fire started just after midnight on Tuesday south of Mokelumne Hill in Calaveras County. By late Tuesday evening, the fire had burned 65 acres and crews were able to reach 15% containment.

The fire did not grow overnight, but crews were able to increase containment to 20% thanks to cooler weather, Cal Fire said Wednesday.

Cal Fire reported some minor firefighter injuries Tuesday evening, some of which requiring air evacuation due to the steep terrain on the fire lines. The number of firefighters who were removed from the fire line was not reported.

Evacuation orders still were in place Wednesday afternoon for zones CCU-030-A and CCU-042-B, with warnings called for zone CCU-029.

An evacuation shelter is open at Valley Springs Veterans Hall at 300 West Daphne Street in Valley Springs. Small animals can be evacuated to the veterans hall building at 189 Pine Street in Valley Springs, and large animals can be taken to the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee at 101 Frogtown Road in Angels Camp.

Hill Fire

The Hill Fire has been burning in northeast Humboldt County, near Willow Creek, for just over a week as of Wednesday, and has injured five firefighters working on suppression.

The wildfire, which started July 16, has burned 6,623 acres and was 10% contained Wednesday afternoon. No civilians have been injured and no buildings are threatened, damaged or destroyed.

Cal Fire reported in an update Wednesday morning that crews will focus on extinguishing a spot of the blaze on Sugarloaf Mountain, while other crews mop up and patrol control lines on the western end of the perimeter.

Roads are closed through U.S. Forest Service land in the area, including Friday Ridge Road along numerous Forest Service roads down to Route 1 and Berry Summit at Titlow Hill Road.

Redwood Acres in Eureka is being used as a Cal Fire base camp for the Hill Fire, and is closed to the public. Harris Street at Hubbard Lane and Hall Avenue at Myrtle Avenue are closed as a result of the camps activation.

Four zones  HUM-E076-A, HUM-E077-A, HUM-E077-B and HUM-E077-C  were still under evacuation orders Wednesday afternoon, with seven surrounding zones in Humboldt County under an evacuation warning.

An evacuation shelter is open at Trinity Valley Elementary School at 730 CA-96 in Willow Creek.
Not all Nevada Democrats on board with No taxes on tips as House bill introduced

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A bill to exempt all tips from federal income tax was introduced in the U.S. House on Tuesday, and Nevada Democrats rushed to support the legislation.

But U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) held back, saying the bill doesnt help lower-paid tip earners at all.

I would support exempting tips from taxation only if it is coupled with an increase in the minimum wage, Titus told 8 News Now. That would ensure all tip earners would benefit and not just higher paid tip earners. Most lower-paid tip earners already dont pay taxes on tips because theyre below the threshold for paying taxes on their income. They would not benefit from a tip income exemption.

She also wanted to avoid any workplace backlash that might deepen the hole for people who can afford it the least.

Employers might also forego wage increases because of the exemption, saying the exemption gives tip earners extra income. Coupling exemption with increase in minimum wage would avoid these inequities and make sure all tip earners benefit, Titus said.

The House bill mirrors the Senate version. Both have gained bipartisan support, despite the connection to former President Donald Trumps campaign. He brought up the idea during a campaign appearance in Las Vegas during a rally at Sunset Park just before the primary election.

It was at first dismissed as a political stunt by the Culinary Union, but now it has momentum. Republicans have made it a plank in Trumps campaign platform.

Reps. Steven Horsford and Susie Lee, Nevada Democrats, each threw their support behind the House bill, with Horsford already listed as a co-sponsor already and Lee saying she is cosponsoring the bill.

Lee said Nevada has the highest concentration of tipped workers in the nation, and said federal taxes on those tips hit the states workers especially hard.

We need to be doing everything we can to keep more dollars in Nevadans pockets. No one should lose out on the tips they earned, especially while big corporations make record profits, Lee said. This bipartisan legislation will bring immediate relief to many Nevadans and must be part of a broader effort to raise wages while protecting workers from corporate greed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Neighbors near Dawson Park are demanding answers from Portland city leaders after a barrage of bullets rained down Friday, injuring two people.

The gunfire, which happened outside a preschool, left 80 casings on the ground and parents ducking for cover during school pickup. However, the call for action to reduce gun violence in the area is sadly not new.

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In response to a KOIN 6 News inquiry, Mayor Ted Wheelers office gave a statement on Tuesday saying in part the city would be working to reduce gun violence by way of ongoing efforts like Portland Ceasefire, Portland Police Bureaus Office of Violence Prevention and incoming grants.

The City has been working tirelessly with community to address gun violence across the City, including in Dawson Park. There are several efforts underway, many of which began in the last two years, Tuesdays statement from Wheeler said in part.

But KOIN 6 wanted to know what Wheeler is doing to immediately address the shootings outside of measures that were already in the works. The concern comes from a history of statements from the mayors office over the years vowing to increase resources to reduce violence in the area, and yet, shootings persist.

The Portland Police Bureau has increased both visibility and patrols in Dawson Park in the surrounding areas, Wheeler said on Monday.

The statement somewhat mirrors remarks Wheeler gave years ago on the same topic: gun violence at Dawson Park.

We are increasing resources available to both intervene and prevent this level of gun violence, Wheeler said on March 9, 2021.

Washington town with no exit roads prepared to evacuate by ferry as wildfire grows

Despite these statements about three years apart signaling gun violence intervention, the problem continues. Now parents are demanding the city does something about reducing the number of bullets flying by the preschool in the long-term.

Its a beautiful park but when theyre unsafe people there, doing like unsafe activities, and its just condoned it seems, then its not a safe place to be, said Lynne Randall, a parent of Arc-en-Ciel Montessori, a French immersion preschool across the street from the park.

Shootings at the park have persisted for years. In the last five years, there were 16 reported shootings at the park, with three of those claiming the lives of African American men, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

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Its changed quite a bit. I dont know. A lot of people got spread out. Theres no togetherness, like it used to be, said community member Bobby Cason.

Wheelers office said hes continuing to meet with faith leaders and community organizations through bi-weekly meetings to come up with solutions. A spokesperson for Wheelers office said park rangers were implemented in 2022 following another shooting at Dawson Park and that they still do regular daily visits to Dawson Park.

Below is the statement from Mayor Wheeler that his office shared with KOIN 6 on Tuesday:

The City has been working tirelessly with community to address gun violence across the City, including in Dawson Park. There are several efforts underway, many of which began in the last two years. The Portland Police Bureau has increased patrols and visibility in the area. Im optimistic that the arrests made by PPB, resulting in the seizure of multiple firearms, is but the first of many police interventions to improve the situation. The Office of Violence Prevention and Portland Ceasefire have been canvassing the Dawson Park vicinity and expanding street level outreach to intervene in cycles of retaliation and prevent further violence. My team is in continuous direct communication with members of the Dawson Park community, both through meetings with individuals, faith leaders, the neighborhood association, organizations like Friends of the Children, and through biweekly Problem Solver meetings and efforts led by the Portland Solutions team to improve safety in the area.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
'This is not about me': What Sen. Mark Kelly is saying about VP speculation

Sen. Mark Kelly deflected questions on Capitol Hill on Wednesday about the possibility of being the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, maintaining the focus should remain on her bid to defeat former President Donald Trump.

Walking through the halls of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Kelly, D-Ariz., faced reporters as he is among a group of Democrats being vetted for a spot on the partys refashioned ticket.

Asked whether he would accept the vice presidential nomination, Kelly said, This is not about me. This is about the future of this country.

Kelly is among perhaps four finalists getting serious scrutiny for the position, along with governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

Others are being vetted, and new names come in and out the discussion, which has evolved rapidly since President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he was quitting the race and Harris became the presumptive nominee.

As Kelly sidestepped his possible involvement in the race, he framed the race in terms already being used by Harris and Democrats, who are emphasizing Trumps criminal convictions in New York.

This is a choice between Kamala Harris, whos an experienced prosecutor, vice president, U.S. senator, (California) attorney general, and a guy whos a convicted felon, Kelly told reporters, as shown in a social media post from CNN.

On Tuesday, Kelly told reporters that Arizona, a crucial battleground state this election, is "100% winnable" for the Democrats.

"It is absolutely winnable. I won it twice, President Biden won it in 2020, and Kamala Harris is going to win it here," Kelly said.

Kellys possible nomination continues to pick up support, though it is unclear whether that will influence Harris thinking.

Support: Arizona Dems endorse Sen. Mark Kelly for VP hours after saying they'd leave pick to Harris

On Wednesday, for example, Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who is running for the U.S. Senate with Kellys endorsement returned the favor in his own comments at the Capitol.

As someone that wants to make sure that we have a good shot to win, this is the best ticket, Gallego told CNN. Hes a border-state senator, understands border issues, is an astronaut, married to Gabby Giffords, its all kind of a good combination.

Riley Beggin of USA Today contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'This is not about me': US Sen. Mark Kelly weighs in on VP talk
It's Now Been 15 Years Since The Federal Minimum Wage Was Increased

The Great Recession had just formally ended, Barack Obama was entering only his seventh month in the White House and the Black Eyed Peas were atop theBillboard Hot 100 with I Gotta Feeling.

Thats what was happening in America the last time the federal minimum wage was increased on July 24, 2009  the last of a series of hikes signed into law by former President George W. Bush in 2007.

Fifteen years later, it remains just $7.25 per hour, the equivalent of a $15,000 salary for someone working full-time.

A lot has happened on the state and local levels over the past decade and a half. A majority of states, including several dominated by Republicans, have bumped their own minimum wages well above the federal rate, with some headed to $15 per hour and beyond.

As more time passes or the economy goes south and wage growth slows, the federal minimum wage will have newfound significance.

And many localities have taken matters into their own hands, implementing robust minimum wages through referendums and local ordinances. A total of 60 cities and counties will increase their wage floors this year, according to an analysis from the National Employment Law Project, which advocates for higher minimum wages.

Some have even abolished the tipped minimum wage, guaranteeing servers and other tipped workers the same minimum rate as other workers before gratuities.

Yet the federal minimum wage has seen no movement at all, thanks primarily to resistance from Republicans in Congress.

If Donald Trump wins the White House or Republicans take full or partial control of Congress this fall, the odds of the minimum wage increasing anytime soon will probably stay close to nil.

The federal rate has lost some of its relevance due to those state wage increases as well as the tight pandemic-era labor market, which forced employers to bid up wages to retain workers. Even President Joe Biden, who pushed for a higher wage floor during his 2020 campaign against Trump, doesnt talk much about the issue these days.

If Donald Trump wins the White House or Republicans take full or partial control of Congress this fall, the odds of the minimum wage increasing anytime soon will probably stay close to nil. Photodisc via Getty Images

The federal minimum wage remains a bedrock of labor protection thats been in place since the New Deal, and it prevails in any state that doesnt mandate a higher one, including much of the South. As more time passes or the economy declines and wage growth slows, the federal rate will have newfound significance.

Some Republicans have signaled a willingness to bump up the minimum wage, albeit not as high as Democrats would like  and with some strings attached.

GOP Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah) and Tom Cotton (Ark.) proposed a plan in 2021 that would hike the federal wage floor from $7.25 to $10 per hour while instituting a nationwide mandate that employers use E-Verify, the system meant to confirm workers are not undocumented. Some, but not all, states currently require employers to use E-Verify when hiring.

The federal minimum wage remains a bedrock of labor protection thats been in place since the New Deal, and it prevails in any state that doesnt mandate a higher one.

Many Democrats viewed the E-Verify provision as a poison pill and the proposed increase as insufficient. The party has coalesced around a minimum wage of at least $15, a level most Americans support in polling.

Thirty Senate Democrats have co-sponsored a bill from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that would hike it to $17 over the course of five years. However, some lawmakers who caucus with Democrats havent gotten onboard, including outgoing Democrat-turned-independent Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.).

The Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, estimates that nearly 30% of Black workers would see a raise due to the $17 proposal, along with nearly a quarter of Hispanic workers.

It seems highly unlikely that Trump would endorse an increase should he win the White House again, though his views on the minimum wage have often conflicted with one another. Over the years, he has waffled on workers wages being either too high or too low, and though as a candidate in 2016, he once said he was looking at a minimum wage increase, he later said the policy should be left to the states.

When asked about the issue in a 2016 interview with Fox News, Trump managed to contradict himself in the same sentence.

I would leave it and raise it somewhat, the then-candidate said. You need to help people. I know its not very Republican to say. But you need to help people.

Related...
NSB sets tentative 4.89 tax rate for next fiscal year as budget begins to take shape

In this 2023 file photo, New Smyrna Beach City Commissioners gather prior to a meeting. From left, Randy Hartman, Lisa Martin, Fred Cleveland, Valli Perrine and Jason McGuirk.

During a special meeting Tuesday night, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission unanimously approved its tentative tax rate at 4.89, an increase over the current rate of 4.41.

Commissioners will schedule workshops and public hearings throughout the budget season to further discuss the rate.

Proposed development: Residents concerned over proposed 5-story commercial development on NSBs Atlantic Ave.

Commissioners cannot increase the amount after Thursday's vote, City Manager Khalid Resheidat explained, which is why they agreed on the 4.89 rate  it gives them room to work out the budget before approving a definitive property tax rate.

How much will NSB residents have to pay in property taxes?

In a presentation to city commissioners, the citys finance department first suggested adopting a 4.64 tax rate.

As illustrated in an example made in the presentation, this increase would initially raise the property taxes of a $477,946 market value home in the city from $2,110.13 to $2,216.24.  or $106. However, with the citys 2005 debt service fee sunsetting this month and the reduction on the 2018 debt service fee, that home would in fact see an increase of $11.66.

While the City Commission did not adopt the suggested 4.64 Tuesday, the city could still return to that amount before making a final decision.

With the possibility for rolling back the 4.89 rate adopted Tuesday as budget workshops take place in the coming weeks, it is likely that New Smyrnas tax rate will remain among the lowest in Volusia County  only behind Ormond Beach (just below 4.0) and DeBary (just below 3.0).

Workshops to determine NSBs 2024-25 budget

No matter what tax rate city commissioners decide on, the city can expect property tax revenue to come in between $28 million and $30 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

This would represent 55% of the proposed $52 million general fund budget revenue stream, which is also expected to include:

State revenue sharing taxes, 6%.

Utilities Commission, 8%.

Public service tax, 6%.

Charges for services, 10%.

Franchise fees, 2%.

Other sources, 13%.

The total budget expenses proposed for next year amount to nearly $139 million  just over half a million less than last years budget.

Besides the $52 million general fund, the initial budget proposal expects to dedicate $22.1 million to the capital projects fund, $14.6 million to the stormwater fund, $11.4 million to the airport fund, $10.1 million to the sanitations fund and several other expenses.

NSB candidate forum: NSB mayoral, commission candidate forum draws 200 residents; topics included flooding, growth

City commissioners will discuss possible adjustments to the proposed budget during a workshop session on Aug. 7.

Once decided, the proposed budget and final tax rate will go through a first public hearing on Sept. 11 and a second Sept. 24, when the City Commission is expected to make its final decision.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: New Smyrna Beach taxes see tentative increase as budget season begins
Next time youre on a walk through the neighborhood, look up. You probably wont see flimsy bags with looped handles fluttering against the blue of the midsummer sky the way you used to.

Gov. Phil Murphys 2020 law banning stores from giving shoppers free plastic bags  the kind that, improperly discarded, cling to any branch within range  was controversial. And it still has doubters and naysayers, as a few news outlets made clear earlier this year when they published a study paid for by the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance, a group thats been known to lobby against plastic bag bans, claiming the ban backfired.

But if you were bugged by seeing bags in trees before the ban, youve probably noticed youre not bugged as often as you used to be. The incredible reduction of these unsightly, unnatural plastic bags flapping in our treetops is an example of what we already know from other attempts to mitigate threats to the environment: human intervention can make a difference.

We could use more such interventions in New Jersey. One in particular  our limited law against neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides  stands out lately.

New Jersey can learn from New York on insecticides

Last year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Birds and the Bees Protection Act, the first law in the country to prohibit the use of corn, soybean and wheat seeds treated with neonicotinoids for agricultural production. More recently, evidence of why that prohibition matters surfaced.

In June, the journal PLOS One published a study about the decline of butterfly species in the Midwest. The results show that agricultural insecticides, neonicotinoids especially, had the biggest effect on the size and diversity of butterfly populations during the study period, 1998 to 2014. The disastrous impact of neonicotinoids on butterflies outpaced even climate change and habitat loss.

Neonicotinoids are among the most environmentally harmful yet most commonly used pesticides since DDT, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators wrote in its January announcement of the New York law. They get absorbed into the tissues of plants and contaminate soil for years. They also leech into waterways, and drive pollinator and invertebrate decline.

A bee collects pollen from a Wild Bergamot in bloom at Richard W. DeKorte Park, a nature and wildlife area in Lyndhurst, NJ on Thursday June 20, 2024. Wild flowers in bloom bring pollinators like bees and butterflies to the area.

In 2018, most of Europe banned neonicotinoids because of concern over the risk to bees. The new study on butterflies comes at a time when wildlife officials in the U.S. are deciding whether to add monarch butterflies to the endangered species list.

Its a consequential decision for a lot of reasons, not just because people love the free-floating beauty of the colorful creatures. The path of destruction the insecticides are tearing could cause a devastating and monumental ripple effect: Before butterflies mature, when theyre still caterpillars, theyre a critical food source for other animals, particularly birds. Research has linked some bird declines to reduced insect populations.

The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators writes that, in New York, neonicotinoid use is expected to decrease 80% to 90% through the combined prohibition of residential use and agricultural use. In this state were in, a law signed by Murphy in 2022 prohibits non-agricultural use only. Its a start, said Dan Raichel, director of pollinators and pesticides, nature, at the National Resources Defense Council.

But now that the larger New York State market is acting, and doing the heavy lifting on how to implement, other states are thinking about following suit, and theres strength in numbers, Raichel said.

Opinion: We must move urgently to preserve 800,000 acres  half of New Jerseys land

New Jersey could learn from Vermont, too

For example, Vermont just passed a similar prohibition on neonic seed treatments, explicitly tying implementation of their law to the New York State law. Vermonts law might have special relevance for New Jersey, Raichel said, because like New Jersey it has a number of restrictions on specialty crops, e.g., fruits and veggies, meant to protect bees.

As trees studded with flapping bags grow scarcer here, and as the incidence of bags washing into storm sewers that lead to streams and eventually bays and oceans wanes, we in New Jersey have demonstrated we know how to be environmental problem solvers. In its 2022 beach cleanups, Clean Ocean Action found that the number of plastic shopping bags, straws and foam takeout containers had dropped by more than 35% compared to the previous year. In 2023, that reduction continued. The cleaner beaches, the group said, can be attributed to the states ban. Its just one way New Jersey is helping to protect nature.

Our neighbors in New York are setting a different kind of example with their neonicotinoid ban. Their efforts could mean the difference between a future devoid of butterflies and hundreds of other species of pollinating insects, including bees and moths, as opposed to a landscape filled with these necessary creatures.

These are just a couple of examples that clearly demonstrate that human intervention works! We can correct and reverse many harms, both intentional and accidental. We just have to follow the science and have the courage to act.

For information about preserving New Jerseys land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.

Jay Watson is co-executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ should ban neonicotinoids
NEW YORK  The NYPD will install gun-scanning metal detectors at a select few city subway stations later this week, Mayor Adams announced Tuesday, brushing off criticism from civil rights advocates who have questioned the efficacy of the technology.

In an afternoon news conference at City Hall, Adams said the detectors, produced by a company called Evolv Technology, will be rolled out Thursday or Friday at a handful of subway turnstiles as part of a pilot program.

I think this is going to become the norm for us, said Adams, a retired NYPD captain who has made using new surveillance tech a cornerstone of his public safety agenda.

Adams didnt say which stations will see the detectors this week, how long the pilot will run or how much it is expected to cost.

Adams spokeswoman Amaris Cockfield said later no taxpayer dollars will be spent on the pilot, which is expected to last 30 days. She declined to name locations participating in the pilot, citing safety concerns.

The Evolv rollout comes as major crimes are down 7.8% in the subway system as compared to the same last year.

The Legal Aid Society and other civil rights advocates have argued the detectors could prove an invasion of privacy and a nuisance to New Yorkers who use the subways for commuting. That criticism came into sharper focus after the Daily News reported earlier this year that Evolvs CEO told investors on a call that subways are not a good use-case for the companys technology.

Controversy has also mounted since The News reported that two major Adams donors hold sizable investments in Evolv.

In Tuesdays press conference, Adams said Evolv hasnt been selected to permanently run a weapons detection program in the subways. Were going to test and see how it is, he said.

He also told reporters he encourages other producers of similar technology to reach out to his administration with proposals. He wouldnt say whether the administration has been in communication with any other companies besides Evolv about the matter.
Some NYC subway stations could get gun detectors this week

Some NYC subway stations could get gun detectors this week

NEW YORK (PIX11)  Weapon metal detectors could arrive at New York City subway stations as early as Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams said this week.

The detectors are part of a pilot program with Evolv Technology, though Adams on Tuesday said the provider could change depending on the pilot. The plan is to expand the program to every subway station in New York City.

Inside an NYC Transit-inspired board game: Pass the OMNY reader, collect $200

Eventually, every turnstile is going to be able to identify if someone is carrying a gun, Adams said Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear which stations would see the detectors first, but larger stations are likely.

Adams announced the detectors earlier this year, showing off the technology that looks like a traditional metal detector. They are similar to technology used in hospitals and sporting events, Adams said.

Subway crime has been a particular concern for officials after a slew of high-profile incidents, including a shooting in the Bronx that killed one person and injured five others and several attacks on subway conductors.

The detectors have faced pushback from advocates who question their effectiveness and say they could threaten New Yorkers privacy.

They are an unjustified invasion of privacy, and put peoples lives  particularly those of our clients, the majority of whom are people of color  at risk from the panic that an inevitable false alarm would induce, said Diane Akerman, an attorney with Legal Aids Digital Forensics Unit.

The Legal Aid Society drew attention to a New York Daily News report that found Evolv Technologies CEO had said subways were not a good use-case for the technology.

New Yorkers want a safe subway system that works. These scanners will create significant inconvenience, adding congestion and delays, Akerman said.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON)  The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) on Tuesday announced 18 proposed locations for new automated speed safety camera systems. The cameras, which are intended to reduce speeding and traffic injuries and fatalities, will be installed by the end of 2025, according to OakDOT.

Two Oakland residents are killed or severely injured every week in traffic crashes on city streets, according to the City of Oakland. One out of every four of the citys traffic fatalities involves unsafe speed as a factor.

The City of Oakland is taking its first steps toward implementing automated speed safety cameras, which have proven to reduce speeding and traffic-related injuries and fatalities across the United States, the city said in a statement.

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Speed is a killer on our roadways, and is especially dangerous for pedestrians, children, and our elders, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said. I applaud and stand proudly behind OakDOTs efforts to use this proven and effective tool to prevent the tragic loss of life we see on Oakland streets today.

The proposed locations for the cameras are:

Martin Luther King Junior Way (between 42nd and 43rd streets)

Claremont Avenue (Between Hillegass Avenue and College Avenue)

Foothill Boulevard (Between Irving Street and 24th Avenue)

Foothill Boulevard (Between 19th and 20th avenues)

7th Street (Between Adeline and Linden streets)

West Grand (Between Chestnut and Linden streets)

Broadway (Between 26th and 27th streets)

San Pablo Avenue (Between Athens and Sycamore streets)

7th Street (Between Broadway and Franklin Street)

Macarthur Boulevard (Between Green Acre Road and Enos Avenue)

Fruitvale Avenue (Between Galindo Street and Logan Street)

International Boulevard (Between 40th and 41st avenues)

Hegenberger Road (Between Spencer and Hawley)

73rd Avenue (Between Fresno and Krause)

Bancroft Avenue (Between 86th Avenue and Auseon Avenue)

98th Avenue (Between Blake Drive and Gould Street)

98th Avenue (Between Cherry and Birch)

Bancroft Avenue (Between 65th and 66th avenues)

Oakland is authorized to install and operate a limited number of speed safety camera systems during a five-year period thanks to recent state authorizations under Assembly Bill 645. Oakland is one of five other cities participating in the program including San Francisco, San Jose, Glendale, Long Beach and Los Angeles.

The cameras will enforce speed limits 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to OakDOT. Citations will involve penalties that start at $50 for traveling 11-15 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Scoop

Silicon Valleys wealthy donors are coming out of the woodwork to offer up their homes for Kamala Harris fundraisers, according to a half dozen tech insiders.

The sudden surge in excitement for the Democratic Party comes after a week in which prominent tech industry Republicans were taking a victory lap as Donald Trump, having just survived an assassination attempt, prepared to accept the partys nomination.

New people are like ok, Im ready to come off the sidelines now, said one organizer of fundraisers. They werent consciously off the sidelines before but they were feeling beleaguered.

Joe Bidens support in the tech industry had dropped since the 2020 election, when the group overwhelmingly supported his campaign against then-President Trump.

In Harris, the industry has a candidate who began her career in San Francisco, developing ties with prominent people in tech. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, for instance, donated to her past campaigns.

In the Bay Area, Harris is known as a moderate Democrat. In her 2003 run for San Franciscos district attorney, she campaigned to the right of incumbent Terence Hallinan, who was a fixture in city politics but had alienated the police department.

She has also been the face of the White House when it comes to AI policy, representing the US at the UKs major safety summit on the technology.

And she will be doing a lot more in-person campaign events in the Bay Area focused on donors whove amassed tremendous wealth in an unprecedented, two-decade tech boom.

Harris, 59, seems poised to dramatically step up the campaign pace, according to people who work in the tech industry and are helping to plan events. She is now running against the oldest presidential candidate in history in Donald Trump, who is 78.

People have forgotten what its like to have a candidate who can do eight campaign stops a day, the person said. Weve been dealing with these two crusty old guys for how long? Everyone has forgotten what a presidential campaign looks like.

Another Democratic supporter and tech company executive described a rebound effect, where donors went from the depths of despair to now being elated. The way I think about it is when you lose your wallet and then you find it, you feel better off than before you lost it, the person said. And when youve found it again, you feel better spending the money.

Know More

Bill Clinton, and every Democratic candidate since, have had a fairly easy time courting support in Silicon Valley.

But that didnt take a tremendous amount of effort, or even policy moves, people familiar with the matter said.

Mainly, it required a bit of face time, answering questions on various technology issues thoughtfully, and taking input.

Barack Obama was famous for tapping tech employees to work in DC in an effort to modernize the federal government, known for its antiquated technology.

His administration would invite tech employees to a White House dinner, where theyd be asked to serve roles in the federal government. At the end of the dinners, Obama would make an appearance. The close rate was unreal, said a person who worked closely with the former president.

The Biden administrations cooling relationship with tech was a mixture of policy and politics. US Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan has taken aim at the industry and made it difficult for large tech companies to make acquisitions. That has cut off possible exits for startups and hurt venture capital returns.

Biden also put forth a proposal to tax unrealized investment gains, which again spooked venture capitalists.

Harris work on AI is one area that hasnt alienated the industry. Bidens executive order on the technology is palatable to large foundational model companies, according to leaders at those companies.

The one point on AI that Harris has not addressed is questions around open source. Its unclear how the government will treat such models as they gain capabilities that might create concerns around national security, cybersecurity, and access to information about biological and chemical weapons.

On Tuesday, Meta released the largest open-source AI model to date, Llama 3.1, a 405-billion parameter model. The new offering is nearly six times as large as its predecessor and is likely one of the most expensive pieces of open-source software ever created.

Trumps running mate, JD Vance, has said he believes open-source AI models are the answer to curbing the power of big tech companies, which he believes are creating AI models with left-wing biases.

The other policy issue Harris could address is cryptocurrency. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler has been staunchly anti-crypto. If Harris signals that shes open to a regulatory framework around digital currencies, it would go a long way in gaining support in certain corners of tech.

Reeds view

While the big story last week was that some prominent names in Silicon Valley, like Elon Musk, Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, came out in support of Trump, the tech industry is still majority Democrat.

Most of those people still would have voted for Biden over Trump, but their support was muted. It isnt any longer.

In some sense, Biden dropping out is a return to the mean, where Silicon Valley is a big cash cow for Democratic presidential candidates. The big difference is that it is also going to provide a lot of money to Republicans.

But the bulk of the Republican donations will come from a smaller number of people with extremely deep pockets. The downside of that reality is that those donors can be fickle. A great example is Peter Thiel, who was instrumental in his support for Trump ahead of the 2016 election, and has since cut off donations to the former president.

Room for Disagreement

Silicon Valley is still skeptical about Harris as a candidate, if cautiously optimistic. As one entrepreneur and longtime Democratic supporter told me, The thing Im watching is simple: will she stay with the Elizabeth Warren wing of the Democratic Party or be like Im from California. We need innovation and tech policy to be pro-business.

Until she does the latter, I think the Democrats have lost the working class and the rich guys/innovation advocates and Trump will likely pull this out.
Understanding and Mitigating Container Ship Fires

In March, the Maersk Honam container vessel was sailing hundreds of miles south-east of Salalah, Oman, when it erupted into flames. Nearly two months later, it was dragged into port at Dubai, embers still flickering in the hold. Of the 27 seafarers who had been on-board when the fire struck, 22 were able to abandon ship. The remaining five never returned.

This abject tragedy was only the latest out of a string of many container ship fires that have plagued the maritime industry in recent times. Other shocking incidents in the last five years occurred on-board the MSC Daniela, CMA CGM Rossini and the Hanjin Green Earth.

These disasters have reopened the conversation about the difficulties of preventing and extinguishing fires on the open sea. In an era when ships are larger than they have ever been before, seafarers are often ill-equipped to monitor and contain fires themselves, leaving the task to tugboats that can take days or weeks to arrive. Each failed attempt presents a sizeable environmental, financial and, most importantly, human cost.

A number of marine insurers, including the International Union of Marine Insurers (IUMI), Allianz, the Swedish Club and DNV GL have spoken out about the industrys failure to address containership fires. However, for a number of reasons, they face an uphill struggle.

Misdeclared cargo

The cause of the Maersk Honam fire is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation. Nevertheless, evidence from previous incidents points to hazardous cargo being misdeclared as a primary factor.

Introduced more than half a century ago, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code governs the carriage of materials deemed hazardous on cargo vessels. Based on 2016 figures, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association estimates that 5.4 million containers are packed with dangerous goods (DG) every year.

"Once cargo is inside containers, it is difficult to know whether their contents should be classified as DG or not."

The IMDG Code is evolving to impose stricter rules on DG cargo, and affected shippers are beginning to update their stowage procedures. In the wake of the Honam fire, Maersk Line selected the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to lead a workshop to evaluate hazards on container ships, many of which ABS said are not fully addressed by the IMDG code. As a result of the workshop, DG cargo will no longer be stored near crew quarters or engine rooms on Maersk ships, while cargo classified as fire-resistant will always be placed above deck.

Story continues

We are encouraged by the outcome of this workshop, which will lead to further safety improvements to be considered for the IMDG Code, said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk Lines head of fleet technology. With ABS and other leading international partners, we will now work to implement the recommendations we have identified.

Nevertheless, once the cargo is inside containers, it is difficult for seafarers to know whether their contents should be classified as DG or not. This creates an incentive for companies to avoid higher cargo rates by misdeclaring the cargo as non-hazardous, thus allowing it to be stowed in hard-to-access areas on-board ships. This hinders crew members ability to deal with fires, as well as the fact that certain chemicals may react with water to form flammable gases.

Even as rules grow stronger, sceptics have said that this still wont do much to dissuade shippers from misdeclaring cargo. Hapag-Lloyd spokesperson Nils Haupt told JOC that shippers already have to sign DG container packing certificates, and that the company doesnt believe stricter rules on shippers would help anything.

According to Uwe-Peter Schieder, vice-chairman of IUMIs Loss Prevention Committee, the issue is not with the IMDG code itself, but rather with the level to which countries are willing to put in stricter enforcement systems and checks for misdeclared cargo. While coast guards in the US and certain European countries do open containers and impose penalties for wrongdoing, the same cannot be said globally.

If we get more and more containers on-board, the chance that we will have a fire on-board [due to] misdeclared cargo is much bigger, Schieder says. What we need worldwide is a control system from coastguard to the police in every country to say OK, heres a container - what is in it?

Ineffective firefighting capabilities on ships

Stronger regulations on cargo are one thing, but ensuring that container ships are able to fend off fires is a whole other issue.

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations have historically included legal requirements that dictate which firefighting systems should be on board. Nevertheless, according to IUMI, these regulations were originally designed for smaller general cargo ships of a bygone era, and arent suitable for todays megaships.

For example, CO 2 deployment systems installed on container ships are now ineffective. Often the gas is unable to penetrate the walls of containers, and if they contain a lot of oxygen, the fire will continue to burn regardless. When fire moves to the deck of a container ship, the absence of natural fire compartments makes it difficult to contain it, and cooling the decks with water is also impossible due to a lack of suitable equipment.

Ships are also not required to deploy fire detectors on deck. Schieder says that on vast ships with a relatively low number of seafarers on board- most of whom wont be checking the temperature of containers regularly - the chances of recognising incipient fires before they spread are very slim.

SOLAS regulations were amended in 2016 with a number of changes designed to bring fire protection up to speed. For example, ships designed to carry containers above deck should be fitted with at least one water mist lance. However, IUMI claims that the new measures dont go far enough, and that sending seafarers in to douse fires using hoses still presents immediate dangers.

New fire safety solutions

Last year, the German Insurance Association (GDV) proposed a number of technical improvements that could be added to ships. It claimed that individual compartments should be added below deck to prevent fires from spreading, while a water-based firefighting system should be deployed to cool the vessels structure and cargo.

Water curtains - which Schieder says were being used on smaller cargo ships 40 years ago - could be used to separate sections and cool infrastructure above deck. GDV also proposed that infrared cameras and thermal systems should be mounted on-board ships to help detect when containers breach a certain temperature.

"Water curtains could be used to separate sections and cool infrastructure above deck."

There is a number of practical challenges involved with installing these systems; the placement of monitors and sensors should not get in the way during loading, for example. Nevertheless, a primary concern will be cost. Schieder says that retrofitting older vessels will be too expensive for many shippers, but there is hope that new-builds could adopt stronger fire protection measures as part of their design.

The costs will definitely be three, four or five times higher than if you plan a cooling system directly for a new-build ship, he says. Sometimes it is impossible, but if you build ships new the costs will be 1 or 2% lower.

IUMIs Marine Loss Prevention Committee will continue to push the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to put container ship safety on its agenda, and raise awareness of better fire protection measures to shipping companies and member states. This will likely require a costly formal safety assessment of container ships, but with the damaging effects of recent fires, a wake-up call is well overdue.

Our children will be the seafarers of tomorrow and so we should give them a chance to produce a better product, and that product is the safe carriage of goods from all around the world, Schieder says. We need ten to 15 years to change it, but today is the day we start to change.

"Dousing the flames: what should be done to prevent fires on container ships?" 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.
Officer-involved shooting in Benbrook under investigation by Texas DPS

The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a Benbrook police officer who was involved in shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon, according to a news release.

Benbrook police were responding to a welfare check in the 5600 block of Bel-Aire Drive when the shooting took place, the release says.

The DPS did not specify if anyone was injured or details surrounding a suspect.

Police have not yet responded to the Star-Telegrams request for information.

This is an ongoing investigation.

More details will be released as they become available.
Officers Dipped From Post to Search for Trump Gunman at Rally, Top Cop Says

Two law enforcement officers left their station inside a building that overlooked a rooftop near a Donald Trump rally just minutes before a gunman climbed onto it and attempted to assassinate the former president, the head of the Pennsylvania State Police said on Tuesday.

The pair of SWAT-trained officers, both members of the local Butler Emergency Services Unit, were the first to identify Thomas Matthew Crooks as suspicious, Colonel Christopher Paris testified before the House Homeland Security Committee, according to the Associated Press.

Crooks, 20, stood out because he was milling about and he stood out to them because he never made his way to a point of ingress to the venue, Paris said, according to NBC News.

Thomas Matthew Crooks Looked Up a Michigan School Shooter Before Attempting to Assassinate Trump

The suspicions of the ESU officers in the area, who had a text thread going, according to Paris, was heightened after Crooks was spotted looking through a range-finder, a tool used by hunters to judge long-distance shots.

At that point, they sent a call and a text to state police, who verbally turned right around and gave it to the Secret Service, the commissioner added. The alert included photos of Crooks snapped by a local sniper.

The warning was relayed roughly 20 to 25 minutes before the shooting, according to Paris. A photo of Crooks taken by the local snipers was also sent up the chain of command.

After flagging him, the two ESU officers abandoned their post to go search for the would-be assassin on the ground alongside other local officers in the immediacy, Paris said. He was unable to provide an exact timeline of their movements.

The state police commissioner also said he wasnt sure whether the two officers would have had a clear shot at Crooks on the rooftop from their position. But a video of the site shown at the hearing indicated that they would have, The Hill reported.

State authorities were told by the Secret Service during a walkthrough of the area on July 11 that the Butler County Emergency Services Unit would be responsible for securing the building where Crooks set up to take his shots, Paris said.

A dumbfounded Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) called Paris remarks revelatory, according to the outlet, and later said that the Secret Service had engineered a colossal failure.

Crooks opened fire on the July 13 rally shortly after the two officers left their post, bloodying Trumps ear, killing one attendee, and critically wounding two other people who are expected to survive.

Investigators believe that Crooks fired eight rounds before he was killed by counter-snipers, according to Paris.

Eight casings have been recovered, he said, according to CNN. Officials previously only disclosed that multiple rounds had been fired.

PA State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris testifies that the Butler County Emergency Services Unit was responsible for the security of the AGR building, where the shooter fired from at the July 13 Trump rally. pic.twitter.com/MSQeQGDbF7  CSPAN (@cspan) July 23, 2024

The hearing was still in progress when Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation. Shed faced intense pressure to step down in the wake of the shooting, which has been criticized by lawmakers as a near-total security failure.

Cheatle had been been grilled for nearly five hours on Capitol Hill the day prior. Her lackluster performance left lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee frustrated.

It was all secret and no service, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) commented. She answered none of the questions that the American people have.

On Tuesday evening, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released graphic bodycam footage confirming that local law enforcement had spottedthen lost track ofCrooks in the minutes before gunfire broke out.

The footage, in which the blurred outline of Crooks lifeless body can be seen, shows a Secret Service agent standing on the roof with a Beaver County Emergency Services Unit officer.

I believe the sniper that seen [him] and sent the pictures is right inside of there, the ESU officer says, pointing at an adjacent building. ... Hes the one that sent the pictures. I dont know if you got the same ones I did.

I think I did, yeah, the agent replies.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Authorities have released the identity of a truck driver killed in an explosive crash involving a bus on Route 3 in Clifton Monday morning.

Luis Santiago, 55, of Linden, died when the tractor-trailer he was driving clipped an NJ Transit bus and crashed into a barrier on Route 3 east around 11 a.m. Monday, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. The impact caused Santiago's truck to catch fire, setting off a massive explosion.

Santiago's body was discovered after the fire was brought under control by the Clifton Fire Department. None of the 29 passengers on the bus reported any injuries, the prosecutor's office said.

The crash caused a complete shutdown of Route 3 as the investigation and cleanup efforts continued through Monday night. All lanes and ramps reopened as of Tuesday morning.

Three nearby homes sustained exterior damage from the heat of the fire, Clifton Fire Chief Daniel Collins said. All residents were back in their homes by Monday afternoon after officials determined the houses were safe to occupy.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Route 3 crash victim identified in Clifton NJ truck explosion
CLIFTON, N.J. (PIX11)  Officials identified the man killed in a fiery crash on Route 3 Monday as a 55-year-old from Linden.

Luis Santiago, 55, was found dead after the tractor-trailer he was driving burst into flames on the eastbound Route 3 around 9 a.m. Monday, according to the Passaic County Prosecutors Office.

Escalator fire breaks out at JFK Airports Terminal 8: FDNY

The truck collided with an NJ Transit Bus carrying 29 people, then crashed into the sound barrier near Valley Road, according to the prosecutors office.

Clifton Acting Fire Chief Daniel Collins initially said the bus rear-ended the tractor-trailer, but the prosecutors office on Wednesday said the truck instead clipped the bus before crashing into the barrier.

The crash prompted Route 3 closures and the New Jersey Department of Transportation is repairing damaged asphalt in the area. All lanes and the ramp to Valley Road reopened Tuesday, according to the Department of Transportation.

The City of Clifton confirmed drinking water in the area is safe after firefighting efforts caused discoloration and that officials are cleaning up the roadway and neighboring properties. The Department of Environmental Protection tested air quality near the crash and determined it was safe.

A spokesperson for Brenntag, the company that owns and operates the truck, said it was carrying flammable, non-toxic materials. City officials confirmed the chemicals on board included acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, acetone and others.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, during the Ohio Senate session, January 24, 2024, at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments as part of a lawsuit against private school vouchers in the state, to decide whether or not Senate President Matt Huffman needs to answer questions on the topic.

The court announced on Tuesday that it would take up the case, in which Huffman is asking to avoid answering questions related to the states private school voucher program challenge taking place in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Huffman appealed to the high court in April, invoking Article 11 of the Ohio Constitution, which states during a session of the General Assembly, senators and representatives are protected from treason, felony, or breach of the peace, and for any speech, or debate, in either house, they shall not be questioned elsewhere.

This appeal raises significant  and, to date, unanswered  questions about the scope of the constitutional protections provided to the Ohio General Assemblys members that for any speech, or debate, in either house, they shall not be questioned elsewhere, which is commonly referred to as the Speech and Debate Clause, Columbus attorney Mark D. Wagoner wrote on behalf of Huffman.

Huffman was one of many parties asked to participate in a deposition or answer questions about the program and its funding. The Senate president was subpoenaed  and is now fighting the subpoena  for an April 2023 deposition on his knowledge of school funding in Ohio and his involvement in the enactment and expansion of the EdChoice program.

The case for which Huffman doesnt want to provide a deposition is an effort to eliminate the private school voucher program in the state, a program that provides subsidies for public school students enrolled in what are considered by the state to be underperforming schools, allowing those students to attend private schools, often religiously affiliated.

Huffman was Senate president when when the budget bill that included the private voucher expansion was passed in 2021.

The program and its most recent expansion have been criticized for taking funding out of public school coffers, funding higher income white students more than the original programs goal to assist lower income students and minorities, and violating the state constitution which requires the state to properly fund a system of public schools throughout Ohio.

In December of last year, Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page said Huffman did not need to submit to the in-person deposition, but instead could answer questions that do not implicate legislative privilege in a written form.

The judge ruled that the legislative privilege Huffman argued didnt extend to everything done or related to a legislative process, but attaches only to meetings, processes, conversations and documents which are an integral part of the deliberative and communicative process by which legislators participate in legislative or committee proceedings.

Page also said if the written deposition demonstrated that an in-person oral deposition of Huffman is likely to provide additional information, the judge would reconsider the written deposition order.

Huffman appealed to the Tenth District Court of Appeals in January of this year, asking to be released from the order for written deposition answers, citing the same legislative testimonial privilege in the Speech and Debate Clause.

The appellate court dismissed Huffmans appeal in March, saying the lower courts order permits (voucher challengers) to submit questions but stops short of compelling (Huffman) to answer.

The appellate decision said Huffman could again sue on legislative privilege grounds after the questions were submitted to him, and the trial court will have the opportunity to review (Huffmans) concerns in the context of the questions being posed.

In his appeal to the state supreme court, Huffmans attorney said the importance of this language is clear.

The Speech and Debate Clause does not require President Huffman to jump through the additional hoops suggested by the Tenth District Court of Appeals, the appeal stated.

Justice Michael Donnelly, Melody Stewart and Jennifer Brunner all voted against accepting the case. Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Jill Flagg Lanzinger sat in for Justice Joe Deters.

The court will now set deadlines for documents to be submitted to the court, and oral arguments will be scheduled in the case.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A local nonprofit is working to give away over 1,500 free trees to Ohioans this fall, encouraging residents to replace their Bradford pears and other non-native species.

Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed is a nonprofit organization that helps protect a 32-mile stretch of the Olentangy River, spanning from Delaware County to where the Olentangy meets the Scioto River.

DeWine wishes Biden well, says Senate race the one to watch

We help protect the river itself and the land surrounding it, so this includes areas like Clintonville, Columbus, Linden, Delaware County, Upper Arlington and we do this through tree plantings, litter pickups, water quality testing, and just a bunch of different community events to try to protect the environment, said fellow Josephine Cacciato.

In recent years, native trees have been pushed out of their environment by invasive species such as Bradford pear trees, according to the organization. The tree, known for its unpleasant scent, damages Ohios habitats by destroying native ecosystems and plants.

The nonprofit, which has held the giveaway for the past three years, hopes to promote native species such as American Beech and sweetgum trees in central Ohio. Both residents and institutions such as schools and churches can apply to receive one or more trees through the giveaway, but those who enter must be located along the Olentangy watershed.

Map displaying the Olentangy watershed area that qualifies for the giveaway.

We have over 20 species, mostly tree species, but we have about five species of shrub for places that cant have plants that are as big or as tall, so theres a list available, Cacciato said. These are all native Ohio trees, so were very connected to promoting native species in Ohio because theyre much better for the environment and support the species we have here in our ecosystem.

The organization is also looking for tree ambassadors who would take responsibility for a limited number of trees (15 for example) and distribute them to neighbors through word of mouth or social media.

Keeping people safe at the Ohio State Fair

If an individual removes an invasive species such as a Bradford pear from their yard, they can receive an extra tree, but it is not required to enter the giveaway.

Bradford pear trees recently became illegal in Ohio, so were asking people to just check in their yard, Cacciato said. Theyre really very invasive and they spread very quickly. So were just asking if you do have one, remove it and then we can give you an additional tree as well.

Another main reason the nonprofit is holding the giveaway is to further develop tree canopies in the Columbus area, Cacciato said. A tree canopy is a part of a city that is shaded by trees, also described as the layer of branches and leaves that cover the ground when viewed from above.

Because Columbus is developing so much, its one of the most rapidly growing urban heat islands in the country, and urban heat islands are just a space where theres so much focus and theres a lot of people and energy that temperatures rise and they can rise by 10s of degrees, for example, Cacciato said. Neighborhoods with less tree canopy can be up to 10 degrees hotter on the same time as day as one with better tree canopy.

Columbus unveils new fire response technology

Cacciato said the free trees will have been raised in a nursery for a month and will be in pretty strong condition, but advised that the first year of a trees life is the most important. Those who participate should make sure they are protecting and watering their new tree, she said.

Residents and institutions who want to enter the giveaway or become a tree ambassador must fill out a form and the organization will reserve their trees. Tree pickup will take place on Oct. 12 at Worthington Tree Nursery and Oct. 19 at Weinland Park Tree Nursery.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City police arrested two men last week, accused of stealing money and a personal item from a guest staying at a motel where they both worked.

Police say the incident happened at the Remington Inn near Northeast 63rd Street and Bryant Avenue July 17.

LOCAL NEWS: Norman PD using new technology that updates callers on response

According to court documents, a man checked into the motel and fell asleep in his room. While he was sleeping, documents say two employees used a master key to get inside and stole from him.

Police identified the suspects as Robert Kirk and Maurice Redd. Officials say when the victim woke up he noticed he was missing $300 in cash from his wallet and his cell phone. The victim told police no one else had permission to enter his room.

Photo of Robert Kirk. Image courtesy: Oklahoma County Jail.

Photo of Maurice Redd. Image courtesy: Oklahoma County Jail.

According to documents, police were able to corroborate what had allegedly happened by reviewing surveillance video. Documents note that the officer that responded to the call was unable to retrieve the stolen property from the suspects that were arrested.

Oklahoma City police shared some tips with News 4 employees Tuesday about how people can protect their valuables.

Make sure your property, your personal property is secured, said Dillon Quirk with the Oklahoma City Police Department. They sell small, safe and lock boxes that are made for traveling that you can keep your items in.

Quirk said the victim, fortunately, made it out of the incident without being hurt.

Any time youre dealing with a crime such as this, where somebody is actually entering into an occupied space, it always could escalate from that point of having to be a more volatile situation, said Quirk. So thankfully, it wasnt that kind of situation this time.

News 4 reached out to motel management Tuesday for comment and clarification on if the two suspects still have their jobs. A spokesperson declined to comment, noting that they were advised not to by their attorney.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Chancellor Allison Garrett speaks at a meeting of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in Oklahoma City on June 27. Garrett will retire from her position in January. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education kicked off the search for the next higher education chancellor on Wednesday.

The regents established a search process to replace Higher Education Chancellor Allison Garrett following the July 2 announcement of her retirement. Garrett has served as chancellor for three years and will continue in the role until Jan. 2 at the latest.

In a tentative timeline presented to the regents at Wednesdays meeting, the job will be posted Aug. 1, and the board hopes to select a final candidate by mid-October or early November.

Regent Dennis Casey, chair of the board, expressed hope that the search will be national and reach from coast to coast.

The board has not made a decision on whether it will utilize a third party firm to aid in the search for candidates.

In the meantime, the search for a permanent vice chancellor for academic and student affairs has been postponed until a candidate for chancellor is selected.

Stephanie Beauchamp will continue serving as interim vice chancellor with an increased monthly stipend of $3,000. Beauchamp has been serving in this role since May 31 when the previous vice chancellor, Robert Placido, resigned.

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Significant repairs are nearing completion on the 64-kilometer road connecting the villages of Kuryk and Jetibay in the Mangistay region of Kazakhstan, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.

The Kuryk-Jetibay road is critical as it provides access to the Kuryk seaport, an integral part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).

Upon completion, all transit traffic will be directed through the Kuryk port. Previously, drivers had to stop in Aktau, but now they can travel directly to the seaport via Jetibay village.

"The road, serving for over half a century, required extensive reconstruction. We are nearing completion of these major renovation works, utilizing locally sourced construction materials. Once operational, travel time to the main TITR corridor passing through our country will be reduced by an additional two hours," stated Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport.

The overhaul aims to enhance road capacity and ensure safer traffic flow.
Elon Musk is not spending $45 million a month to elect former President Donald Trump, though he has created a new super political action committee (PAC) to fund the Republican candidate, the billionaire told conservative commentator Jordan Peterson during an interview Monday evening.



During the interview, which was hosted on Musks platform, X, Peterson asked Musk if he had shocked himself by donating a substantial amount of money to Trumps campaign. Musk  who has previously criticized Trump, calling him a bull in a china shop  paused to correct the media.

Whats been reported in the media is simply not true, Musk said. I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump.



The Wall Street Journal first reported on the claim, citing sources familiar with the matter. The outlet has not yet issued a retraction or follow-up article altering its reporting.

Musk did note that he created a super PAC, called the America PAC, to help support Trump. A super PAC is a group that can raise unlimited amounts of money for a campaigns independent expendituressuch as for ads, or for day-to-day operations but doesnt donate directly to the campaign. They have become prominent among both Democrats and Republicans since a 2010 D.C. appeals court decision that authorized the existence of the super PACS. For a normal PAC, donors are limited to gifts of only $5,000 a year.

Several tech company leaders have donated to America PAC, including Ken Howery, an early executive at Paypal along with Musk, Antonio Gracias, a private-equity leader, Sequoia Capitals Shuan Maguire, and the Winklevoss twins.

The super PAC is also led in part by Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder of the software company Palantir and politically ambitious venture capitalist in Austin who is close to Musk, according to the New York Times.

The Austin-based America PAC is not supposed to be a sort of hyperpartisan organization, Musk said. He said that he isnt part of MAGAor Make America Great Again, Trumps campaign sloganbut rather, his principles are aligned with MAG: Make America Greater.



I dont prescribe to [a] cult of personality, Musk said. But, he added that Trump demonstrated great courage after being shot by an attempted assassin on July 13, and that strength helps intimidate Americas enemies.

Additionally, Musk spoke about the core values that make America great, which he thinks the Republican party embodies more so than the Democrats.

One of those values being meritocracy, as much meritocracy as possible, so you get ahead as a function of your skill, and nothing else, Musk said.

Story continues



He also added that one of the principles the PAC aligned with was freedom, particularly freedom from as much government intervention as possible. The hand of government gets heavier every year, and if we dont roll back some restrictions and regulations, eventually, everything will be illegal, Musk said.

When Peterson pressed Musk for why he was switching to Trump, after long voting Democratic, Musk said that Democrats had become the party of censorship.

He also criticized a lawsuit that the Justice Departmentunder President Joe Bidens administration launched against his company SpaceX, last year, alleging that Musk discouraged refugees and asylum seekers from applying to work at the aerospace company. A court order later blocked the U.S. from pursuing the lawsuit.

Editor's note: The headline of this article has been updated for clarity, to reflect Elon Musk never personally confirmed the reported donation.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  On Wednesday, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced new guidance for teaching the Bible in Oklahoma Schools.

The announcement comes on the heels of much debate and concerns in the role of the Bible and its interpretation used in educational performance. Since 2019, it has been accepted by Oklahoma law that a Bible could be taught in its historical context. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently ruled that local school boards have the final say to determine which books and instructional materials are deemed to be appropriate in Oklahoma classrooms.

Several religious leaders tell Supt. Walters to keep religion out of classrooms

Walters, in a June board meeting, stated effective immediately, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum across specified grade levels, e.g., grades five through 12. Walters clarified further saying, every district and every classroom will have a Bible in the class and they will teach from that Bible. Walters called it a historical document that needs to be taught.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond responded to the issue stating, Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in the classroom and enables teachers to use them in instruction.

A spokesperson for the AG, Phil Bacharach, said that the quote was used about the memorandum sent out to districts that the Bible be incorporated into class instruction, not that it is required to be taught.

Walters recently told NBC News  Oklahoma educators who refuse to teach students the Bible could lose their teaching license.

Wednesday, Walters moved to place guidelines into action teaching the Bible in Oklahoma Schools. While several districts have already said they wont follow the directive, other districts are still waiting on guidance.

OSDE-Instructional-GuidelinesDownload

Moore Public Schools announced in early July that they will obey the current regulations for academic standards which include not having a Bible in every class.

Reverend Dr. Shannon Fleck, a theologian, says she disagrees with Walters. When you teach a historical document you take into account the context, the authorship, and the audience for which it was written, said Fleck.

What is being asked of us is to bend the law Bixby superintendent says Bible mandate would open districts to lawsuits, if followed

Rev. Dr. Fleck, a leader at the Oklahoma Faith Network, responded to one of Walters memos saying, Making teachers teach from the Bible is excessive, and its asking our teachers to do something intimate. Thats why it feels like its crossing a line because faith traditions are intimate, personal, and important to each of us. And its all different and individual eyes asking teachers to teach from a context they might not be familiar with or uncomfortable with because there are lines and places asking way too much, said Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit civil liberties group said in a statement that Walters new Bible policy is trampling the religious freedom of public school children and their families.

The Bible is a very complex book to study and learn, sad Fleck. This is complex stuff and our teachers dont have time to delve into a topic they have not spent years studying.

Representative Mickey Dollens (Oklahoma City) has spoken out several times saying, Requiring a Bible in every classroom does not improve Oklahomas ranking of 49th in education. Ryan Walters should focus on educating students, not evangelizing them.

Walters gave a stark reminder in his latest release stating, Some Oklahoma educators have indicated they wont follow the law and Oklahoma Standards, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of that.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters unveils guidelines for how to teach the Bible in schools

Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters announced guidelines on how to include the Bible in curriculum Wednesday. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished without a Getty subscription.)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters issued guidelines Wednesday for how teachers should include the Bible in public school curriculum that include requiring analysis of biblical stories and art.

And amid a growing swell of pushback from districts, he warned there would be consequences for school districts that dont comply.

Grade-level specific guidelines apply to students in fifth through 12th grades. They require students to analyze literary elements of biblical stories and to identify how those have impacted Western culture. For high school students, it entails assigned essays on the Bibles role in literature, history and culture. Pieces of art and music inspired by the Bible are also required to be taught.

Every classroom must also have a physical copy of the Bible, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Ten Commandments.

The Bible is indispensable in understanding the development of Western civilization and American history, Walters said in a statement. To ensure our students are equipped to understand and contextualize our nation, its culture, and its founding, every student in Oklahoma will be taught the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context. As we implement these standards, our schools will maintain open communication with parents to make sure they are fully informed and full partners in their kids education.

Walters announced the inclusion of the Bible in state curriculum during a June State Board of Education meeting, but Wednesday was the first time his agency announced specific guidelines regarding their inclusion.

In the weeks since Walters announcement, some of the states largest districts have said they will not comply.

Following the announcement, Rick Cobb, superintendent of Midwest City-Del City Public Schools, said in a statement that it is not appropriate to mandate the Bible to be in classrooms or instruction.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled this summer that selection of instructional materials is a matter of local control, Cobb said. I hope that remains the law and continues to be our practice.

Walters said he will ensure all districts comply.

Some Oklahoma educators have indicated they wont follow the law and Oklahoma standards, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of it, he said.

Mixed reaction and questions about legality

The new guidelines drew mixed reactions.

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of state-church watchdog group Freedom From Religion Foundation, said the guidelines are unconstitutional.

Its just absurd, Gaylor said. And hes just signaling as fast as he can, as loud as he can, that he expects schools to brainwash children in the Christian religion.

While the group is working with a coalition of other organizations to determine a plan of action, Gaylor said they are taking time to digest the material.

Gaylor said it would be appropriate for a properly trained teacher to offer an optional class to high school students on the Bible.

But what hes saying is every single teacher is to be given a Bible, and thats just simply unconstitutional, Gaylor said. What about giving every teacher the Quran? What about giving every teacher Richard Dawkins blockbuster book, The God Delusion?

Chuck Stetson, CEO of the NewYork-based Bible Literacy Project, said he commends the guidelines and wishes they would be implemented in every public school nationwide.

This is educational instructions [to] the public schools, and its perfectly legal, and its what kids need to know, Stetson said.

The organization provides textbooks on the Bibles literature and influence. Stetson said the guidelines have similarities to the organizations textbooks.

Not including the Bible in public schools disadvantages students, he said.

For example, in Shakespeare, there are over 1,200 biblical references in the 38 plays of Shakespeare, Stetson said. My contention is that if you dont know the Bible, you cant possibly know Shakespeare and what hes talking about.

Stetson said the Bible is the most-read literary book in the world, and students miss out on literary and historical context when the Bible is not taught.

However, Stetson said he was unsure how the additions to curriculum could be implemented in lower grade levels.

Editors note: This story was updated to include a statement from Rick Cobb, superintendent of Midwest City-Del City Public Schools.

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Hundreds of dancers threatening to disrupt the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony over pay have called off strike action after reaching an agreement with Paris 2024, according to a statement from the union representing the dancers.

FSA-CGT union said on Wednesday that it received a final offer from Paris 2024 and their employers, proposing to increase payment for broadcasting performance rights for everyone.

On Monday, some 220 dancers stopped a rehearsal along the banks of Paris River Seine  along which the Opening Ceremony is due to take place  to protest inequalities in pay and housing conditions between the dancers.

A representative for the union previously told CNN that the ceremony was in danger after a protest and possible strike action by more than 200 dancers due to take part in Fridays ceremony, a union representative for the dancers told CNN Tuesday.

The ceremony is in danger in a sense, yes. But it will depend on solidarity because the strike is an individual decision, Lucie Sorin, a delegate for the FSA-CGT union, previously told CNN.

She said that the dancers were negotiating with Paris 2024 and their employers to obtain higher salaries and a sum of money for the most precarious performers.

But the union said Wednesday added that in agreement with the artists concerned, it has decided to accept this proposal and to lift the strike notice for the ceremony on Friday July 26.

The union said that the outcome wasnt a total victory but that it met certain demands, in particular those of the dancers most at risk.

This years Opening Ceremony will be the first ever held on a river.

Some 104,000 people in stands lining the River Seine will watch the event, with 220,000 more on raised roadways along a six-kilometer (nearly four miles) stretch of the river, according to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

For years, French officials had boasted that some 600,000 people would attend the Opening Ceremony, but that number has been slashed due to safety concerns.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A man has been taken into custody after someone was found fatally injured Monday morning, police say.

According to OKCPD, officers responded to a home in the 1400 block of SW 28th St. around 8 a.m. on July 22 regarding an assault call.

ORIGINAL STORY: Police investigating after man found fatally injured in shed

Brandon Danahue.

Upon arrival, officers found a man critically injured in a shed behind the residence. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Officials say the victim was involved in some sort of altercation when he received his injuries.

On July 23, police say 30-year-old Brandon Danahue was taken into custody on a First Degree Murder warrant regarding the incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
When President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was no longer running for reelection and was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place, an immediate wave of euphoria swept across the broad spectrum of the Democratic coalition. In an instant, an 81-year-old white man who frequently struggled to form complete sentences was out and a 59-year-old multiracial woman who communicates in the crisp language of an experienced prosecutor was in. Harris raked in a record $81 million in just 24 hours, and Republicans started openly panicking. Across Blue America, everyone is coconut-pilled.

That includes the left, or, more precisely, the Bernie Sanders wing of the Democratic Partyprogressive millennial voters such as myself who were grudgingly welcomed into Bidens big tent four years ago. On issues like labor, climate, and student debt, Biden delivered far more for us than anyone anticipated. In the process, he earned the loyalty of Sanders and his heir apparent, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both of whom were among Bidens staunchest defenders as calls for him to step down grew over the last month following his humiliating performance in last months debate.

For rank-and-file leftists, however, any goodwill Biden might have banked on domestic policy had long since been squandered. For more than nine months following Hamass October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, Biden has fully enabled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus reprisal campaign and his genocidal war crimes against the Palestinians of Gaza. At the same time, he and his allies have arrogantly dismissed a wave of activism driven by young leftists demanding an immediate cease-fire. These activists never wanted Trump to return to power and, for the most part, understood he would be at least as bad as Biden on Palestineand worse on everything else. Still, it was impossible to muster any grassroots enthusiasm for reelecting Genocide Joe amid the daily flood of horrific videos, images, and reports from Gaza. Bidens stance on Palestine wasnt the biggest reason he was struggling in the polls even before the debate fiasco. But it undoubtedly hurt him at the margins, and especially in the must-win state of Michigan, with its sizable Arab American population.

No one on the left expects Harris to be perfect, but there are already reasons to think she could be an improvement. Back in March, she was out ahead of Biden in both calling for a cease-fire and sounding the alarm about famine and inhumane conditions in Gaza, which she explicitly blamed on the Israeli government. This week, as Netanyahu visits Washington for a joint address to Congress, shes skipping the speech (which she would normally be expected to preside over in her role as president of the Senate) and will instead meet with Netanyahu one-on-one to demand an end to the war. The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that she would likely replace national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, both of whom are deeply implicated in Bidens disastrous Middle East strategy. (Harris also has a personal connection to left-wing activists that Biden lacks: Her stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff is an active presence in pro-Palestinian circles.)



This is a hopeful moment for the whole left-liberal coalition. The vibes, for once, are good. Almost every leftist I know is excited about Harris and thinks Trump is beatable. With a newly united party behind her, there are only so many ways Harris can screw it up, but one seems all too plausible: She could select Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate.





On paper, its understandable why Shapiro is among the leading candidates reportedly being vetted by Harris. Like nearly all of the veep contenders, hes a white male governor with a centrist reputation. At 51, hes even younger than Harris and a fresh face, having only held his current job for 18 months. He has already shown himself to be a more than capable administrator, generating a lot of good publicity for repairing a damaged section of Interstate 95 within two weeks. Most importantly, Pennsylvania is the most valuable swing state in play, worth 19 electoral votes, and Shapiro is very popular there.

Unfortunately, Shapiro also stands out among the current field of potential running mates as being egregiously bad on Palestine. Its not just that he, like many Democrats, is an outspoken supporter of Israelthough he certainly is, having championed Israels war against Hamas consistently and without any apparent concern for Palestinian civilians. Shapiro has, moreover, done far more than most Democrats to attack pro-Palestine antiwar demonstrators, in ways that call into question his basic commitment to First Amendment rights.

In his previous role as Pennsylvania attorney general, Shapiro championed the states constitutionally dubious anti-BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) law against Ben & Jerrys after the ice cream maker refused to license its product for sale in Israeli settlements. BDS is rooted in antisemitism, Shapiro wrote in a statement in 2021, as he condemned a company named for its two Jewish American founders. The stated goal of this amorphous movement is the removal of Jewish citizens from the region and I strongly oppose their efforts.



As governor, Shapiros particular animus against pro-Palestine activism has only grown more apparent and troubling. Last December, he played an active role in the GOP-orchestrated sacking of University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill. During a visit to Goldie, the popular Philadelphia restaurant co-owned by the Israeli-born celebrity chef Michael Solomonov, Shapiro condemned Magills testimony on alleged antisemitism on the Ivy League campus before Representative Elise Stefanik, the MAGA rights grand inquisitor. That was an unacceptable statement from the president of Penn, Shapiro said, referring to Magills unwillingness to accept Stefaniks slippery framing on what constitutes antisemitism. Frankly, I thought her comments were absolutely shameful. It should not be hard to condemn genocide. Magill resigned four days after her testimony and three days after Shapiros statement, legitimizing the GOPs wider assault on academic freedom, which would be repeated successfully against Harvard President Claudine Gay weeks later.



In April, Shapiros office baselessly claimed that a peaceful pro-Palestine encampment on the Penn campus threatened student safety. If the universities in accordance with their policies cant guarantee the safety and security and well-being of the students, then I think it is incumbent upon a local mayor or local governor or local town councilor, whoever is the local leadership there, to step in and enforce the law, Shapiro told Politico at the time. In May, he urged Penn to shut down the encampment completely. The University of Pennsylvania has an obligation to their safety, he said, once again alluding to nonexistent threats to the physical well-being of Jewish students. It is past time for the university to act, to address this, to disband the encampment, and to restore order and safety on campus. The university complied; one day and 33 arrests later, Shapiros office said Penn made the right decision.



That same week, The New York Times profiled Shapiro as one to watch in his party with the headline A Rising Democrat Leans Into the Campus Fight Over Antisemitism. In that piece, Shapiro made clear the low regard in which he holds pro-Palestine campus activists. If you had a group of white supremacists camped out and yelling racial slurs every day, that would be met with a different response than antisemites camped out, yelling antisemitic tropes, he told the Times. (This echoed a statement made in an earlier interview in which he compared campus protesters to the Ku Klux Klan.) Then, in an executive order, Shapiro updated his administrations code of conduct to forbid state employees from engaging in scandalous or disgraceful behavior, a vaguely worded instruction that civil libertarians immediately interpreted as threatening pro-Palestine speech.

Shapiro is an observant Jew with personal ties to Israel; on October 7, he tweeted, Our family has shared many special moments in Israel and our hearts break for those living this horror now. If selected as Harriss running mate and subsequently elected, he would become the first Jewish vice president in American history (a distinction narrowly missed by the late Joe Lieberman when Republicans stole the 2000 election).



CNNs John King has already flagged that antisemitism might make the selection of a Jewish vice presidential candidate risky; likewise, calls from the left to oppose Shapiro risk being branded as antisemitic. Shapiro is not, however, the only Jew who has been suggested as a possible running mate for Harris. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has also garnered attention, and he has taken a very different approach to this issue. Asked by the Illinois state politics site Capitol Fax whether he agreed with Jewish organizations calling for the resignation of Northwestern Universitys president over a pro-Palestine encampment, Pritzker replied, I support the Jewish organizations. Im not about calling for people to step down. He also drew a distinction between antiwar, pro-Palestinian demonstrators and some bad actors engaged in antisemitism, and affirmed the need to protect free speech along with student safety.



Most other candidates floated for the V.P. spot have also taken a far less provocative approach to student protests than Shapiro (one partial exception is Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who endorsed some GOP smears of campus protesters in an interview, though he hasnt shown Shapiros same level of fixation). North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper actually drew criticism for making no public statement about an encampment at the University of North Carolina. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said that encampments at the University of Wisconsin were in good faith, even as he acknowledged they would eventually need to end. Neither Kentuckys Andy Beshear nor Minnesotas Tim Walz made any public statements about similar demonstrations in their states.

While Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has said that protesters showing up at University of Michigan regents homes crossed the line, she has also been more sensitive than many in her party. I think the only universal truth right now is everyone is hurting, she said in May. We have a robust Jewish community in this state. We have a robust Arab American community, Muslim community, Palestinian community  its important to see the humanity and the pain that people are feeling.





Palestine is not Shapiros only progressive heresy. Just before October 7, he drew fire from teachers unions and public education advocates for supporting a Republican-backed plan to funnel $100 million in public money to private and religious schools. Although he was ultimately forced to back down under pressure, many are deeply and understandably skeptical of his commitment to public educationif Shapiro is ultimately passed over, there is a good possibility that will be a major reason why.

Still, his particular hostility toward pro-Palestine activists threatens to blunt the enthusiasm among young progressive voters that Harris has managed to generate in the past few days. It could also undermine the Democratic ticket in Michigan, where Arab American activists have cheered the news of Bidens withdrawal and are adopting a wait-and-see posture toward Harris. Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, the lone Palestinian American in Congress, is currently holding off on endorsing Harris but has expressed interest in engaging with her on ending the war in Gaza.



Beyond Arab and Muslim Americans, Harris will need to mobilize thousands of young people across the country not only to vote for her but to knock doors, phone bank, and do all the other kinds of grassroots volunteering that translates into a successful presidential campaign. Younger Americans disproportionately sympathize with Palestinians, which is one reason Bidens approval numbers have suffered badly over the past year. As long as U.S.-made bombs keep falling on Gaza, this issue wont go awayprotests will haunt the Democratic convention in Chicago next month and the beginning of the fall term on college campuses in September, and the anniversary of the attacks on October 7 will fall 29 days before Election Day.

Harris has a real opportunity to turn Bidens dismal numbers around, and has given at least some indication that she understands how. A great deal of the excitement surrounding her candidacy from young voters stems from the hope that she is more sensitive to ongoing suffering in Gaza and more likely to pressure Netanyahu to end the war. Picking Josh Shapiro as her running mate would send a very different message, and would discourage precisely the people she needs to ensure her victory over Trump.


A new Brown University-led study funded by a National Institute of Mental Health grant used at-home testing kits, some equipped with sensors, to see if people got tested for HIV more regularly. OraQuick, seen here in recently redesigned packaging, is the only at-home test available and approved in the United States. (Courtesy of OraSure)

Testing for a virus at home became a common practice during the COVID pandemic: Dip a cotton swab into your nostrils, then a special solution, drip the liquid onto a test strip, wait 15 minutes, and hope a second red line doesnt appear.

To test for HIV at home, you swab your gums instead, but the basic idea is the same. Get tested in the comfort of your own home, and youll have a better idea of what risk you might present to other people.

A new study led by Brown University researchers found that, at least among one demographic, routine HIV testing at home led to more regular testing overall and might help identify HIV cases earlier. But there was no discernible effect on uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs (PrEP), medication that can prevent HIV when taken regularly.

HIV test kits were delivered quarterly to the studys male participants over a year. Compared to a control group who received reminders to get tested at a clinic, the odds of getting tested were seven to eight times higher for those who received at-home kits. The self-testers were also repeat testers, and had odds of getting tested more than once a year eight to nine times higher than those who were only texted reminders.

Its really a screening, said the studys lead author, Tyler Wray, an associate professor of behavioral and social sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health, in a phone interview.

The clinical trial published July 17 in the Journal of the International AIDS Society was based on research conducted from January 2019 to April 2022 and adds to a growing body of public health knowledge about HIV self-testing. The study was funded by a National Institute of Mental Health grant.

Household HIV tests, just like those for COVID, have sometimes been criticized as being less accurate or sensitive, especially if an HIV infection was very recently acquired. But Wray argued the tests are still valuable to public health efforts. In the new study, the home tests caught all but one of eight HIV cases that were diagnosed during the clinical trial.

Typically, Wray said, self-testing kits for public health emergencies have been delivered only when requested  like when the U.S. Postal Service shipped COVID tests to registered postal addresses via a now-defunct program. But the new study suggests that testing increases when the kits are sent at a regular interval, without the test-taker having to request anything  although these gains may decrease over time, the article noted, after the initial upswing in testing.

Its recommended men who have sex with men (or MSM, as researchers call the demographic) get tested for HIV at least once a year, or more frequently if they have multiple partners. The 811 men in the study were recruited via social media ads and websites. Northeastern participants included residents of Providence and Boston. Other participants lived in Los Angeles and a handful of southern cities including Miami and New Orleans. The men each reported they were HIV-negative or did not know their status. None of them had taken PrEP in the six months prior to their participation.

There were three groups in the study. The control group was reminded to get HIV tested via text message. The first experimental group received an OraQuick self-testing kit every three months for a year, so they could check their HIV status at home. The second experimental group also received the kits  ones equipped with sensors that, within 24 hours of being opened, would alert HIV test counselors to call the participant if they received an invalid or reactive result, the latter of which might indicate HIV infection.

Counselors would then assist the person in finding a follow-up appointment with a local HIV clinic, or for repeat testing at home or at a lab if results were unclear. Every participant took a follow-up test a year after their original trial concluded.

Home testing largely sustained participants curiosity about their HIV status, but the data showed no uptick in testing for other sexually transmitted infections. PrEP usage, Wray said, wasnt any better either, but it also wasnt any worse.

Although those who used [HIV self testing] were not less likely to seek or start PrEP than those referred for clinic-based testing, providing timely post-test counseling and basic PrEP education was not effective in increasing rates of PrEP uptake, the study reads.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, in-person lab testing for HIV is available free or low-cost, and most insurance plans cover the diagnostic test. Out of pocket, a laboratory services company like Quest Diagnostics charges under $100.

An OraQuick test kit, meanwhile, costs about $40 at retail. The antibody test is manufactured by the Pennsylvania-based OraSure and is the only one approved by federal regulators for at-home HIV testing. OraQuick kits are also available free via mail from AIDS Project RI, a nonprofit  but unlike the ones in Wrays study, they dont come with hotline support.

Would a quarterly shipment of sensor-equipped OraQuick be a cost-effective way to increase testing frequency? That cost analysis hasnt been done yet, Wray said.

That might get more expensive, he said.

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Editors Note: Rear Adm. Richard Timme retired from the US Coast Guard after 32 years of service. As the Coast Guards assistant commandant for prevention policy, he led the development and implementation of international and national policy, standards and programs to promote marine safety, security and environmental stewardship. He currently serves as president of VXMarine, a provider of marine assets and services. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.

Protect. Defend. Save. Three words that define the US Coast Guards missions and are central to its ethos statement. For the antithesis of this ethos, look directly at the China Coast Guard.

Richard Timme - Courtesy Richard Timme

For nearly 234 years, the US Coast Guard has been true to that ethos in carrying out its many missions around the country and the globe. Around the world, many countries with a coast guard use a facsimile of the distinguishing US Coast Guard racing stripe and white paint scheme, which differentiates these vessels from the Navy, to mark their ships or cutters. Its an homage, intended or not, to the nobility of purpose embodied in our coast guard.

That is why I find the conduct of the China Coast Guard so jarring and disconcerting  such as attacking and destroying a Philippine resupply mission. It is completely at odds with the ethos of coast guards not just here, but everywhere small naval forces seek to bring governance and stability to the waters for which they are responsible.

China recently continued this aggressive conduct by anchoring one of its behemoth 541-foot coast guard vessels, dubbed by some observers The Monster, within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) maritime territory. Im struck by how closely the ship resembles the 378-foot cutter Mellon that I served aboard as an ensign more than 30 years ago, but the incongruity of the actions of this vessel with my experience is striking.

Monster and coast guard dont belong in the same sentence. However, by the actions of this ship violating the Philippines EEZ in an act of intimidation, and the overall conduct of China in the South China Sea and the territorial seas of its many neighbors, it is clear this ship has earned the moniker. And we need to be prepared for additional aggressive actions from China.

Gray zone warfare is a term that refers to unfriendly actions that fall short of outright armed conflict between nations. Its somewhat ambiguous and may not be immediately clear to observers what might be involved in the zone. US Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo has aptly described these activities as illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive  a simple, straightforward characterization of Chinas maritime activity in the region.

Instead of guarding, protecting, defending and saving, as a coast guard should do, the China Coast Guard is attacking, intimidating, violating and threatening its neighbors in the region.

China continues to violate international norms, customs of the sea and national boundaries in a vast operating area across the South China Sea. It persists not because no one cares, or due to a lack of protest, but because it is in fact a vast operating area and China brings the most capacity to the region.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China now boasts the worlds largest maritime fighting force, with 234 warships in operation. It has 142 coast guard ships complemented by a maritime militia consisting of uniformed crews operating vessels that support Chinas efforts to intimidate and harass its neighbors. Additionally, CSIS found in 2021 that some 300 Chinese maritime militia vessels had been operating in disputed South China Sea regions at any given time since 2018.

China has laid claim to contested islands and built artificial ones in disputed waters, while installing military and civilian outposts. It has used these outposts to project persistent presence in disputed areas of the South China Sea. It has attempted to establish sovereignty via its simple presence, seemingly using possession is nine-tenths of the law as their guiding principle, and has ignored a 2016 ruling from an international tribunal made under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Despite that ruling, China claims it has indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, and has rejected that its vessels, like its coast guards monster, are operating in the Philippines EEZ.

My hat is off to the Philippines and the other nations who have held fast and continue to stand up to these illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities. The US Navy, US Coast Guard and our partners across the US Indo-Pacific Command area of operations will continue to counter these activities and support our allies. We know China is playing the long game with its policies, with a planning horizon extending to 2049, which is the 100-year anniversary of the Peoples Republic, and beyond.

As a matter of policy, and as long as they are successful, China will continue to attempt to exert sovereign control over areas, disputed or not, that serve its interests.

Look next to the Arctic. Despite having no land mass in the Arctic, China first styled itself as a near-Arctic state, a term that underscores its dominance goals yet has no legal meaning. It continued to press this claim, eventually being granted permanent observer status at the Arctic Council. Observe is too passive to describe what China is doing there: Through its status, it seeks to influence outcomes in its interest.

On July 5, China commissioned its fourth icebreaker vessel, the Jidi, building on its lead over the United States. In the harsh Arctic and Antarctic operating areas, icebreakers are often the only surface vessels that can safely operate. In addition, they are needed to accompany commercial vessels transiting an ice-affected area and government vessels seeking to carry out military and law enforcement missions by breaking channels through the ice to allow passage.

The US Coast Guard has been pursuing new icebreakers for more than a decade and has begun construction of its long-overdue new Polar Security Cutter. This is the first heavy icebreaker built in the US since 1977, when the US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea was commissioned. That vessel is now a spare-parts donor to the only active US heavy icebreaker, the aging Polar Star, which along with the medium icebreaker US Coast Guard Cutter Healy represents the total ability of the United States to bring surface ships to the polar regions  fewer than Chinas four icebreakers, and significantly fewer than Russias available fleet of 46.

China, like other nations, understands that natural resources above the Arctic Circle are becoming more accessible as the region warms, and that there are increased opportunities for shipping to use new routes as Arctic ice continues to recede. Given that China now puts to sea more commercial ship tonnage than any other nation, it likely sees much to gain.

The United States and other Arctic nations with recognized waters in the Arctic understand that defending sovereign claims to fish stocks, minerals and other resources will require more than lines drawn on a navigation chart. As China has repeatedly shown with its neighbors, ignoring those lines and taking possession of what it wants has led to outcomes in its interest. This tactic has allowed China to build on disputed island chains, fish in others EEZs and head off development of oil fields by its neighbors.

I once heard the argument in a budget discussion for new funding that you cant just leave a Post-it note on the North Pole. The point is that with an adversary whos willing to take possession first  and ask permission never  we must be present to enforce possession of what is legally ours. Without the nine new icebreakers the US Coast Guard is advocating for, though, that is the position the United States will find itself in.

As we invest in icebreakers in the Arctic, we must continue to invest in capacity and capability in the Indo-Pacific  for our Navy, our Coast Guard and our partners such as Japan and the Philippines. Each has a complementary role in providing a counter to the growing Chinese presence across the region.

Our partners must see that we are committed to the rule of law and to them. US presence emboldens our allies as they confront aggression in their waters. Sovereign claims require sovereign presence. Both in the South China Sea and the Arctic.

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We are running a people-powered campaign, and we just had some breaking newswe just had the best 24 hours of grassroots fundraising in presidential campaign history. And because we are a people-powered campaign, that is how you know we will be a people-first presidency.

That was Vice President Kamala Harris speaking during a rally in Wisconsin, just a little more than 48 hours after President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his bid for re-election and dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Biden endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination, which likely means that the VP will be facing off against GOP nominee Donald Trump and his running mate J.D. Vanceif Harris secures the party nomination, which seems almost like a foregone conclusion at this point.

On a video call with reportedly more than 53,000 Black men, I got a glimpse of what the future could meaneven beyond political party gamesmanship and election year anxieties. Journalist Roland Martin, activists Michael Blake, Khalil Thompson and Quentin James, and political commentator Bakari Sellers hosted the men's conference call Win With Black Men.

Kamala Harris Must Be the Candidate. This Is How She Beats Trump

The call was just a day after a reported 44,000 Black women were on a similar call rallying around the vice president. Former South Carolina congressman Sellers spoke to those on the mens call, acknowledging the role VP Harris played in helping him through a painful time for himself and his family. His wife Ellen Rucker Sellers had almost lost her life to liver disease after giving birth to their twins.

I will never forget, the first person to call me, an emotional Sellers said, was Kamala Harris. I am not sure people understand the pain and suffering that goes along with being a Black man in this country. I am not sure people understand what it means to stand strong in this country. To have your back against the wall. But I am going to stand with her because she stood with me during my darkest moment when I almost lost my daughter. When I had to protect my wife.

Black men have been questioned and criticized for not being protective of Black women, for not showing solidarity with Black women, for outright betrayals of Black women. But what Ive seen and heard in recent days has been a rebuke of the talking points that suggest that relations between Black men and women are divided and hostile.

On the day a Black woman started her journey to the presidency, with all that hangs in the balance in the 2024 election, I watched a Black woman get fatally shot by a police officer shed called to her own home. The killing of Sonya Massey happened just as I was discussing the presidential prospects of Kamala Harris, who is all but assured of securing the Democratic nomination for president of the United States.

Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson points his weapon at Sonya Massey before shooting her, during a call for help at her home July 6 captured on a still photograph from body camera video released by the Illinois State Police July 22, 2024. Illinois State Police/Handout via Reuters

Authorities released the bodycam footage of the shooting in Springfield, Illinois, on Monday, and it shows the 36-year-old Massey at her house after she called the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, suspecting that an intruder was attempting to break into her home.

Please dont hurt me, Massey can be heard saying to Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson, standing at her door with a second, yet-to-be-identified deputy.

Why would I hurt you? You called us, Grayson replies.

The two officers enter her home as she thanks them for coming. Things shift when she walks into her kitchen, where there is water boiling on the stove. In the footage released to the media, Grayson becomes agitated as Massey says, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus before he threatens to shoot her in your fucking face. She doesnt approach the officers, but starts apologizing as Grayson screams Drop the fucking pot! and opens fire as Massey attempts to duck the shots.

Nah, headshot dude, shes done, Grayson says to the second deputy who offers to get a medic kit. You can go get it but thats a headshot.

Massey can be heard breathing her final breaths after being shot in the face. The second deputy holds a towel to the mother of twos head until medical help arrives. She was declared dead after being taken to a local hospital.

Sangamon County States Attorney John Milhiser said in a statement that a review of the state police investigation, including body camera footage, does not support a finding that Deputy Sean Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said via a statement that Grayson had been fired because it was clear he did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards.

Campbell also posted a statement on Facebook: Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office. He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement.

Grayson has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.

Donna Massey mourns the loss of her daughter, Sonya, who was shot and killed by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputies July 6, during a protest over her daughter's death in front of the Sangamon County Building in Springfield, Illinois, U.S., July 12, 2024. Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register/USA Today Network via Reuters

America has never valued Black womanhood. An officer shot a woman in the face whod called him into her house for help. She needed someone to protect her, so she called those whove been deemed to protect and serve. She died for trusting that they would protect her. She died believing they were there to help. He shot her because he not only didnt think she was worth protecting, he saw no value in her life at all.

These images were still fresh as I watched thousands of Black men join a call to rally support for the vice president. I kept thinking about what she was about to face on the campaign trail, squaring off with an emboldened despot running on a platform of hubris and contempt. I thought about what we have to do as Black men to ensure that our sisters arent ever in the fight alone.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts during a campaign event at West Allis Central High School, in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S., July 23, 2024. Vincent Alban/Reuters

I was proud of how Black men showed up for Vice President Harris. I was proud when Black women did the same. I know its going to be necessary. Because things from this point on, its only going to get rougher. The paranoia and fear that have informed the American political climate since forever are coming to a head, and we will need to wrap our entire community with a protective shield of empathy and strength to get through it. There is no unity for unitys sake, but there is recognition that Black men and Black women will go forward together.

A Black woman is about to be subject to the kind of smearing, sneering and contempt that is normally reserved for... well... Black women. What will the Harris campaign say about America and what will America have to say about the Harris campaign? This can be the year we break through more than a glass ceiling. This could be the year we break through hate. Not by changing the minds of bigots but in committing ourselves to getting where we want to go without needing their understanding of who we are. Our salvation lies with us. So we must protect Black women. Our communitys soul hangs in the balance.

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If Enacted, These Cities Will Benefit Most From President Biden's Rent Cap Plan

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

President Joe Biden this week proposed a plan to cap rent increases for millions of Americans, aiming to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis in the U.S.



The proposal, which would require congressional approval, hopes to limit annual rent hikes to 5% for corporate landlords with more than 50 units or risk losing valuable federal tax breaks. While the plan faces opposition from industry groups, it could relieve renters in cities seeing rapid price growth.

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According to Zillow, several areas that have seen sharp price hikes in the last year are better positioned to benefit most from Bidens proposed rent cap. Hartford, Connecticut, tops the list with a 7.8% year-over-year rent growth, followed by Cleveland, Ohio (7.2%), and Louisville, Kentucky (6.8%).

Renters are being drawn to more affordable areas within the Northeast and Midwest, Skylar Olsen, chief economist at Zillow, said in a statement. In this new age of remote and hybrid work, the savings seem worth it for many renters, even if it means an occasional painful commute.



The cap would effectively curb landlords ability to raise rents beyond the 5% threshold in markets like Hartford, Cleveland, and Louisville. That could translate into savings for tenants in these growing markets.



For instance, in Hartford, where rents have risen by 7.8% over the past year, renters could see their annual increases nearly halved. The cap would create a buffer against sharp rent spikes, providing a measure of predictability and financial relief for renters in high-growth areas.

According to Zillow's data, here are the cities that could see an impact from the rent cap:

Hartford, Connecticut (7.8% rent growth)

Cleveland, Ohio (7.2% rent growth)

Louisville, Kentucky (6.8% rent growth)

Providence, Rhode Island (6.3% rent growth)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (5.7% rent growth)

Boston, Massachusetts (4.6% rent growth)

New York City, New York (3.8% rent growth)

While traditional high-cost markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles continue to have some of the highest rents nationally, their slower growth rates mean they may see less dramatic effects from the proposed cap.



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The White House argues that some corporate landlords have taken advantage of the housing shortage, raising rents beyond increases in their costs. The administration estimates the plan could affect around 20 million rental units nationwide.

Story continues

However, industry groups, such as the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), warn that rent control policies could ultimately harm renters by discouraging new construction and degrading the quality of existing rental housing.

Increasing the supply of affordable rental housing nationwide  not politically motivated and self-defeating rent control proposals  is the best way to alleviate affordability constraints for renters, Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of MBA, said in a statement issued this week.

Real estate brokerage Redfin also cautioned that while caps on rent hikes may be appealing in the short term, they could exacerbate the housing supply shortage in the long run by disincentivizing new construction.

The root of the housing affordability issue is a severe shortage of housing units, Redfin said on Monday. Estimates range from 1.5 million to 5.5 million or more units needed nationwide.

While acknowledging potential pitfalls, supporters of the Biden administrations proposal argue it includes measures to address some concerns. The plan carves out exceptions for new construction and renovations, aiming to maintain incentives for housing development and improvement.

Additionally, the White House has proposed complementary measures, like using federal land for housing development and providing grants to communities for building affordable units. However, Redfin suggests that while these efforts are a step in the right direction, they may not be sufficient to solve the supply problem entirely.

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This article If Enacted, These Cities Will Benefit Most From President Biden's Rent Cap Plan originally appeared on Benzinga.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Addiction treatment programs throughout Oregon are set to receive more than $13 million in additional funds from settled opioid lawsuits.

The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board approved the amount on July 10, per recommendations from the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission. And on Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority announced it would administer the funds to 10 different parts of the state.

Oregon is currently the top wildfire priority in the U.S.

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis, OHA said. Through these agreements, nearly $600 million will be awarded to Oregon over the course of 18 years. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).

The agency reported that up to $3.9 million will go toward two mobile or non-mobile medication units in Clackamas County, with a focus on Oregon City and rural areas within the county. The funding will also benefit a substance use disorder treatment program or medication unit in a portion of Multnomah County with the highest unmet need.

The remainder, about $9.1 million, will support two treatment programs or medication units in Northeast Oregon and two in underserved areas along the coast. Service providers in Klamath County, eastern Lane County and in the mid-Gorge region will receive funds as well.

Oregon Health and Science University will additionally see up to $250,000. The university is tasked with providing technical assistance to jails and encouraging collaboration between the facilities and service providers.

Oregonians facing Delta flight delay nightmare out of state after outage

OHA will meet with the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commissions proposed programs before distributing any funds. The agency is required to present a potential timeline and implementation plan to the Settlement Board by Sept. 1.

OHA reported that any organizations or programs must be certified by the health officials to be eligible for the funds.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Oregon is currently the top wildfire priority in the U.S.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  With 38 large, uncontained wildfires actively burning on roughly 840,000 acres of land in Oregon and Washington, the Northwest region is currently the top firefighting priority in the U.S.

Roughly 91.5% of the 838,908 acres burning across the region are located in Oregon, making the state the top firefighting concern in the region and the country. Daily reports released by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which helps coordinate the deployment of firefighting resources in Oregon and Washington, show that the federal government has given the region the highest level of priority for receiving additional firefighters.

PHOTOS: Crews make progress on Microwave Tower Fire amid cooler temps, higher humidity

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center spokesperson Carol Connolly told KOIN 6 News that the northwest regions wildfire attack reached planning level five on July 19. The planning level five designation means that all of Oregon and Washingtons firefighting teams are assigned to active wildfires, and that a high number of wildfires are also occurring across the U.S. When this happens, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center can find itself competing for firefighting resources with the nine other Interagency Coordination Centers stationed around the U.S. These outside resources are distributed by the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

The five fire preparedness levels. (Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)

The level five stage also means that Oregon and Washingtons firefighting resources are stretched thin, which could potentially affect the regions success in containing its wildfires. However, because the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center currently has the highest wildfire priority in the country, the region is also receiving the most help from out-of-area firefighters.

[Having the highest priority] is a good thing, but its also a bad thing, Connolly said. It means we have a lot of fires.

The Falls Fire seen burning in Eastern Oregon on July 20, 2024. (Inciweb)

As of Tuesday afternoon, 7,681 firefighters, 511 fire engines and 38 helicopters are assigned to fires in the Northwest region. More than 80% of the firefighters dispatched to the region are fighting fires in Oregon.

Durkee Fire advancing rapidly toward I-84 as wildfire doubles in size

Four of the wildfires burning in Eastern Oregon are deemed megafires  fires that have burned at least 100,000 acres. The fires are the Durkee, Cow Valley, Falls, and Lone Rock Fires. The Durkee Fire, burning five miles southwest of Durkee, is now the states largest fire. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire has grown nearly 240,000 acres.

So far, 17 homes have been destroyed by Oregons 2024 wildfire season. As of July 23, no known deaths have occurred as a result of Oregon and Washingtons 2024 wildfire season.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Oregon fire is the largest burning in the US. Thunderstorms and high winds are exacerbating it

In this image provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Durkee fire burns in the background as it nears Interstate 84 near Huntington, Ore., early Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Oregon Department of Transportation via AP)

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Powerful winds and hundreds of lightning strikes from thunderstorms rattled eastern Oregon and Idaho Wednesday afternoon, cutting power and stoking fires, including one in Oregon that is already the largest active blaze in the nation.

The Durkee Fire, burning near the Oregon-Idaho border about 130 miles (209 kilometers) west of Boise, Idaho, caused the closure of a stretch of Interstate 84 again Wednesday. Amid rapidly forming storms in the afternoon, the blaze crossed the interstate near the town of Huntington, home to about 500 people. It also merged with the Cow Valley Fire, another large blaze that had been burning nearby, Gov. Tina Kotek said.

"The wildfires in Eastern Oregon have scaled up quickly, Kotek said in a news release Wednesday evening, calling it a dynamic situation. We are facing strong erratic winds over the region that could impact all fires. Rain is not getting through. Some communities do not have power."

She said she had deployed the National Guard to the region.

The nearly 420-square-mile (1,088-square-kilometer) blaze had prompted the evacuation of Huntington on Sunday, and on Wednesday city officials posted on Facebook that people remaining in town, especially those with major health issues, needed to leave their homes because of wildfire smoke and the lack of power. City officials also said Wednesday that gas service to residents had been shut off until the evacuation orders are lifted.

The fire approached Alison Oszmans home in Rye Valley, a small ranching area north of Huntington, last week, but they were able to protect their property with the help of Bureau of Land Management firefighters and neighbors, using small tanker trucks and shovels. They used a small dozer to keep it away from the house, she said.

Since their property was burned and safe, her neighbor moved his horses and cattle over as the fire moved toward his ranch, she said. On Wednesday night, Oszman went to check his property and found that the fire came down a steep hillside and threatened his home.

I went and parked our truck out in the field just in case those big trees by his house caught fire, she said. I was making sure sparks didnt land in the dirt or the dry grass. But as the fire passed his house, it started raining. The rain helped the firefighters get on top of the blaze.

It was pretty scary but everything seemed to fall into place, she said. Everybody helped everybody. It was actually pretty amazing for how crummy it really was.

The National Weather Service in Boise said the storms were capable of producing wind gusts up to 70 mph with blowing dust reducing visibility. A storm about 44 miles (71 kilometers) northwest of Huntington near Baker City on Wednesday afternoon had recorded a wind gust of 66 mph (106 kph), the weather service said.

Wind, lightning and heavy rain fell that could cause flash flooding and debris flows in recently burned areas, authorities said. Flash flood warnings were issued for Huntington and in a nearby burn scar area.

A flash flood warning was issued for the Cow Valley burn scar in Eastern Oregon at about 8 p.m. Wednesday and was expected to last until 10:30 p.m., said Les Colin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boise, Idaho. A strong thunderstorm moved into a burned area that is especially susceptible to flooding, he said. No homes are in the area but Interstate 84 runs close by.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal's office also mobilized nearly 500 firefighters to help protect communities that could be threatened by wildfires on Wednesday.

The major electricity utility in the region, Idaho Power, warned customers to prepare for possible outages, and by late Wednesday afternoon, nearly 7,000 customers were without electricity, the utility said. The utility also cut power to customers in the Boise foothills and other nearby areas, citing extreme weather and wildfire risk.

More than 60 significant fires are burning in Oregon and Washington alone, and Oregon has been plagued with hundreds of lightning strikes from thunderstorms in recent days that have started new blazes in bone-dry vegetation.

A fire in southern California also was moving fast and threatening homes.

Evacuation orders were in effect Wednesday night in San Diego County after a wildfire began to spread fast near the San Diego and Riverside county line. Fire officials say the Grove Fire is spreading southeast through steep and challenging terrain. The fire grew to 1.3 square mile (3.4 square kilometers) within a few hours but was 5% contained just before 8 p.m., Cal Fire said on the social media platform X.

The smoke from the Durkee Fire in Oregon was choking the air in Boise and beyond. An air quality warning was in effect for the entire region on Wednesday.

Patrick Nauman, the owner of Weiser Classic Candy in the small town of Weiser, Idaho, near the Oregon border, said driving into town Wednesday morning was like driving into a fog bank, because its so thick and low to the road.

Naumans shop is on the main intersection in town and is typically a popular spot to stop for lunch or a sugar fix, but customer traffic has dropped by half in the past few days as thick smoke and triple-digit temperatures dogged the region.

Yesterday you could smell it, taste it, it just kind of hung in the back of your throat, Nauman said of the smoke.

Mike Cantin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boise, said cooler air moving into the region Wednesday evening could stoke the Durkee and other fires. A red flag warning was in effect, and the area has been suffering through a heat wave, including many days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

With these winds showing up today, every little spark could get out of hand very easily. It could be a really hazardous situation very fast, Cantin said. Dont light anything on fire, and be very careful around grass.

___

Associated Press writer Lisa Baumann contributed from Bellingham, Washington and Martha Bellisle contributed from Seattle.
Some of the proposed changes include include stricter water use and construction requirements. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Oregon farmers raising sheep, chicken or cows will soon have to comply with new state rules.

Environmental groups and some small farm advocates say the changes bring much-needed clarification on who qualifies for a permit usually reserved for large, commercial-scale livestock farms, while some agriculture trade groups say the changes put more undue burden on farmers.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is wrapping up a process that began after some farm and environmental groups lobbied state legislators for more regulatory oversight on large, commercial-scale livestock farms.

The agency is proposing several changes to the states confined animal feeding operation, or CAFO, permit program as a result of the Senate Bill 85 reform package signed into law last year by Gov. Tina Kotek. Some of the proposed changes include stricter water use and construction requirements, as well as a clarified definition of a CAFO.

A CAFO permit is a water quality protection permit that outlines protections for sources of water like rivers, creeks, lakes and groundwater from nutrient pollution caused by animal waste.

On water use, livestock farmers will only be able to use up to 12,000 gallons of water per day for animal drinking water. Before, livestock farmers did not have to disclose how much water they were using or where they planned to get it from.

That change comes as some areas across Oregon are dealing with rapid groundwater depletion due to over-pumping, which is causing wells to run dry, and affecting residential communities and irrigated farming operations.

Perhaps a more significant change is a clarified definition of a CAFO. In early 2023, ODA issued a public notice requiring small raw dairy farms to apply for a CAFO permit, even if that farm only had just a handful of cows, which would have been financially burdensome for many small farms. The decision led to public outcry and even a lawsuit against the state from some small raw milk producers. The agency later reversed that decision.

Now, the draft rules define a CAFO as a livestock operation that houses animals in buildings or pens for 12 hours or more per day for more than 120 days per year.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture also established a lower limit threshold on when a small farm needs to apply for a CAFO permit. Before, any farm with fewer than 200 dairy cows, for instance, that met the requirements for a CAFO had to apply for the permit.

Technically every farm in the state could have been asked to get a CAFO permit if they had any animals on site, said Alice Morrison, co-director at the nonprofit Friends of Family Farmers. We dont need to apply a standard that was designed for a certain type of farm to literally every farm in Oregon.

The new clarification means farmers with fewer than 20 dairy cows, or fewer than 250 laying hens will not be required to get a CAFO permit unless they produce over 100 gallons of water water or manure per day.

Morrison said she sees the clarification as a significant win for small, diversified livestock farmers.

Other groups, like the Oregon Farm Bureau, the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association and the Northwest Chicken Council view more regulation as an unneeded burden on the industry and local food supply chain.

Bill Mattos, president of the Northwest Chicken Council, said the changes will just saddle producers with more paperwork and requirements.

The challenging environment for agriculture and the pressure from urban growth, lack of land availability and advocacy groups who oppose animal agriculture are all creating greater risks to our local food supply, he said. However, we think that the changes to the proposed SB 85 rules are largely in line with the authority granted in SB 85 and the legislative intent.

The state Department of Agriculture is asking people to weigh in on the changes to the CAFO program. Public written comments are due by July 22. The agency will likely adopt the changes later this summer.

This story was originally published by Oregon Public Broadcasting, a Capital Chronicle news partner.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As the airline industry continues to largely bounce back from a major tech outage last week that interrupted flights across the country, Delta is continuing to struggle to get customers back on track.

KOIN 6 News spoke with two Oregonians who are now stuck out of state after Delta gave them delay after delay.

My flight ended up getting delayed around 10 times, said Pauline Petersen, who has been stuck in Minneapolis since Sunday. There was lots of info and help desks for Delta around the airport. As I went to each gate I saw there was over 200 people in each of those lines.

Oregon is currently the top wildfire priority in the U.S.

Petersen said she also saw the baggage claim filled to the brim. She called Delta for help.

It wasnt really clear on what would be reimbursed, she said.

Another Oregonian, Becky Jacobs, said shes just trying to get home after a trip to Florida.

Well, since Sunday, its just kind of been a nightmare, Jacobs said. They have rescheduled me a fourth time to a flight tomorrow, but I dont have a whole lot of hope that that flight is going to take off.

Jacobs said she cant seem to get through to anyone at Delta.

MAP: Northern lights could be seen in parts of Washington on Tuesday

They say you can request reimbursement, but nobodys there. Half of the Delta Airlines agents are denying that this is their responsibility.

Jacobs has also been trying to get her luggage back but said thats looking unlikely.

Theyve just flat out told me, Look, we cannot get your bags back to you. Youre just stuck. Youre stuck without your essential medication. Sorry about your luck.'

Petersen and Jacobs are not the only ones having trouble with Delta lately. In fact, its gotten so bad that U.S. regulators are now investigating why the airline has seemingly failed to recover as quickly as others.

This comes after many airlines and other companies were impacted by a tech outage caused by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike after it sent an erroneous update to 8 million Microsoft computers around the globe on Friday.

Not a safe place: Dawson Park neighbors want answers from city as shootings persist

While many airlines have bounced back since then, Delta is still struggling. The Atlanta-based company and its partners have canceled more than 6,500 flights since the outage, according to the Associated Press. Thats far more than other airlines.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the investigation into how it could be that days after the other airlines are back to normal, Delta is still canceling hundreds of flights.

Buttigieg also vowed to look into Deltas customer service, calling out reports of exorbitantly long lines and minors stranded at airports as unacceptable.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate committee that oversees airlines, has also called out Delta in a letter to the companys CEO Ed Bastian. She alleged the company isnt complying with a law that Congress passed in May regarding passenger rights.

While the technology outage was clearly not caused by Delta or any airline, I am nevertheless concerned that Delta is failing to meet the moment and adequately protect the needs of passengers, Cantwell wrote.

Man accused of Northeast Portland homicide arrested

KOIN 6 News reached out to Delta for comment but they did not respond in time for publication. However, in a statement to the Associated Press, a Delta spokesperson said the company is cooperating with the investigation:

We remain entirely focused on restoring our operation after cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrikes faulty Windows update rendered IT systems across the globe inoperable. Across our operation, Delta teams are working tirelessly to care for and make it right for customers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it received about 3,000 complaints about Delta and that roughly half a million of their customers were estimated to have been impacted.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Graffiti Junktion, a burger bar chain based in Orlando, will be closing its Thornton Park location by the end of this week.

The restaurant has been at its current location at the corner of Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street since 2016 after moving into the space formerly occupied by Wildside BBQ Bar & Grille.

In a post on Instagram, the restaurant said its adventure at its Thornton Park location will end when it closes on Sunday.

On behalf of the staff we thank everyone for over a decade of support and overwhelming love! the post read. Wed love to see you all one last time this week as a new chapter begins for us and the block. Lets make sure we go out with a bang!

No one from the restaurant could be reached for comment.

Graffiti Junktion has been a staple in Thornton Park for more than 15 years, as it first opened at the corner of Hyer Avenue and Washington St where Cavos stands now.

Last year, the restaurant closed its College Park location at 2401 Edgewater Drive.

Several other Graffiti Junktion locations have closed in recent years, too, including one in downtown Orlando at 54 W. Church St. that closed in 2019 and another in Clermont that closed in 2022.

Two Graffiti Junktion locations will remain after this week, one just steps from the ocean in Jacksonville Beach and another in Orlando at 4544 Curry Ford Road.
Over 100 dolphins were rescued from state coast after largest mass stranding event in decades: 'It was a 12-hour exhausting response in the unrelenting sun'

Over 125 dolphins were rescued after one of the largest mass stranding events on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, according to a report by Good News Network.

Local marine conservation organizations first received word that 10 Atlantic white-sided dolphins were spotted close to shore near Wellfleet. However, when the team of responders arrived, they counted over 100 dolphins that needed rescuing.

The rescuers faced extreme challenges upon arriving on the scene. On top of being spread out across a wide area, the dolphins were also stuck in the mud, making it difficult for the rescuers to safely guide the animals back into deeper waters.

"It was a 12-hour exhausting response in the unrelenting sun, but the team was able to overcome the various challenges and give the dolphins their best chance at survival," said Misty Niemeyer, stranding coordinator at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, per the Good News Network.

Despite these conditions and challenges, the conservation groups estimate that they were able to rescue 137 dolphins. Led by IFAW, over 150 trained volunteers from a variety of conservation groups  including AmeriCorps of Cape Cod, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the New England Aquarium, the Center for Coastal Studies, and the Wellfleet harbormaster  assisted with the rescue mission.

In a press release, IFAW noted that the situation was the largest single mass stranding in their 26-year history on Cape Cod.

The dolphins were stranded on the Great Island in Wellfleet along the Herring River, an area that has been notoriously labeled "The Gut" because of its frequent strandings. While the rescuers do not know why so many dolphins were stranded here at once, scientists believe this area's hook-like shape and extreme tidal changes make it prone to strandings.

Human-driven factors, such as underwater noise pollution, can also result in animal strandings along the coast.

With a typical survival rate of 70%, the response and rescue efforts were a successful mission that ultimately helped save the stranded dolphins and protect the area's fragile ecosystem.

Since dolphins are at the top of the marine food chain, they play an important role in balancing underwater species. As a result, mass strandings like this not only threaten the dolphin population but also have the potential to threaten the populations of other marine life.

"This stranding response was a tremendous effort for our staff, volunteers, and partners over multiple days," IFAW Communications Director Stacey Hedman told U.S. News.

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There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

So, the natural question for Energy Resources of Australia (ASX:ERA) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'.

See our latest analysis for Energy Resources of Australia

When Might Energy Resources of Australia Run Out Of Money?

You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. When Energy Resources of Australia last reported its December 2023 balance sheet in March 2024, it had zero debt and cash worth AU$217m. In the last year, its cash burn was AU$223m. That means it had a cash runway of around 12 months as of December 2023. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.

How Well Is Energy Resources of Australia Growing?

Energy Resources of Australia actually ramped up its cash burn by a whopping 52% in the last year, which shows it is boosting investment in the business. As if that's not bad enough, the operating revenue also dropped by 38%, making us very wary indeed. Considering both these metrics, we're a little concerned about how the company is developing. In reality, this article only makes a short study of the company's growth data. You can take a look at how Energy Resources of Australia has developed its business over time by checking this visualization of its revenue and earnings history.

How Easily Can Energy Resources of Australia Raise Cash?

Since Energy Resources of Australia can't yet boast improving growth metrics, the market will likely be considering how it can raise more cash if need be. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Energy Resources of Australia's cash burn of AU$223m is about 28% of its AU$797m market capitalisation. That's fairly notable cash burn, so if the company had to sell shares to cover the cost of another year's operations, shareholders would suffer some costly dilution.

How Risky Is Energy Resources of Australia's Cash Burn Situation?

Energy Resources of Australia is not in a great position when it comes to its cash burn situation. Although we can understand if some shareholders find its cash runway acceptable, we can't ignore the fact that we consider its falling revenue to be downright troublesome. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. Readers need to have a sound understanding of business risks before investing in a stock, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Energy Resources of Australia that potential shareholders should take into account before putting money into a stock.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

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
Over 8 million fentanyl pills seized in California this year

The Governors Office announced Wednesday that over 8 million fentanyl pills and 4,000 pounds of powder have been seized in California within the first six months of the year.

In June alone, the California National Counterdrug Task Force seized more than 1 million fentanyl pills. The June seizures hold an estimated street value of over $3 million, according to a news release.

Family files $65 million lawsuit after Southern California toddler dies from fentanyl

Were doubling down on our work to tackle the opioid and fentanyl crisis. California is hard at work getting illegal fentanyl off our streets, intercepting the drug at our border, and holding traffickers accountable, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

Last month, Newsom announced that Cal Guards Counter Drug Task Force operations were doubling statewide, including adding nearly 400 service members to ports of entry along the border.

The task force focuses specifically on gathering information to cut off illegal narcotics trafficking.

Last month, the federal government also announced sanctions against cartel traffickers bringing fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
CHICAGO  Since his election as mayor of Chicago in April last year, Brandon Johnson has raised $2.6 million, nearly half of which has come from a variety of labor organizations  some of them key backers from his election campaign, others that came around afterward.

The progressive first-term mayors continued reliance on union support is no surprise after his campaign was mostly bankrolled by major labor groups such as the Chicago Teachers Union and the Service Employees International Union  two organizations whose leaders retain close access to the mayor, per his public schedules and text records.

But an analysis of his political campaigns receipts shows increasing variety among his labor backers and an overall broadening of his political fundraising sources, including a large check from a Grammy-winning rapper with ties to Chicago.

Of the $2.6 million in political contributions Johnson has pulled in since being elected mayor, $1.2 million came from unions, according to quarterly filings due last week. He had about $2 million on hand at the end of last month, compared with $576,000 just before winning the April 4, 2023, runoff.

Johnson, who beat opponent Paul Vallas despite being outspent nearly 2-to-1, also raised more funds since he took office than his predecessors did in about the same time period.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot raised about $2 million between winning the 2019 runoff election and a little more than a year after she was inaugurated. And Rahm Emanuel raised just $360,000 in the year-plus after his 2011 victory, though he had a whopping $2.7 million on hand when he easily won the election, and had the ability to quickly turn on his fundraising machine.

Since the April 2023 runoff, Johnsons labor fundraising has diversified to feature prominent support from more moderate trade and industrial unions, according to an analysis of his latest batch of state campaign finance records. During the mayoral race, nearly all his union donations came from the left-leaning CTU, SEIU and affiliates.

New Johnson mayoral donors include the Laborers International Union of North Americas local chapter and the Mid-America Carpenters union, each contributing $200,000 shortly after he got elected. The two are tied as his top donors since the runoff. This June, the mayor celebrated a LIUNA trainee program with Chicago Public Schools, while earlier that month he hosted the carpenters regional council at City Hall, according to Johnsons calendars, which the Chicago Tribune received through public records requests.

The business manager for Laborers Local 1001, which represents city sanitation and maintenance workers, publicly blasted Johnsons administration last month for the botched handling of hundreds of workers checks.

Its not uncommon after a candidates political star ascends. Lightfoot picked up LIUNAs endorsement in the 2019 runoff after the key trade group spent heavily in support of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who got knocked out in the first round of mayoral voting. That contribution was Lightfoots single biggest during her runoff against Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.

After LIUNA and the carpenters union, Johnsons biggest union backer since the runoff was the CTU, whose PAC kicked in $111,643  a $75,000 contribution last June and several in-kind contributions for canvassing, videos ads and phone banking that were logged in the weeks following the runoff. During the election, the labor organization was Johnsons top financial backer, contributing $2.3 million by the April runoff. That doesnt include other affiliated teachers unions who also contributed to Johnsons run.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Illinois PAC gave Johnson $105,000 soon after the runoff and later hosted him for a convention in August. None of the three trade unions donated to Johnson during his mayoral campaign, which kicked off in late October 2022.

The teachers union  where Johnson rose through the ranks as an organizer before running for county commissioner  has a notable amount of direct access to the mayor. That access comes with perks, as the Tribune reported last month after learning the mayors letter to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon vowing not to shut down selective enrollment schools was directly edited by a CTU lobbyist.

From his May inauguration through June of this year, Johnsons public schedule included a dozen events or meetings with the firebrand labor groups leadership or at its headquarters. Johnson has had four meetings with CTU President Stacy Davis Gates at City Hall, his daily books show.

The mayors 2023 cellphone texts, though generally sparse, show Davis Gates was the union leader he messaged with the most. But he also corresponded with SEIU Healthcare Illinois Vice President Erica Bland-Durosinmi as well as Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter.

SEIU Healthcares political committee contributed $48,000 in the quarter following his runoff victory. Bland-Durosinmi appears four times in the mayors schedule, while union President Greg Kelley does once. The umbrella organization, which donated $4.5 million to Johnsons mayoral campaign, appears eight times in the mayors schedule, including one meeting at City Hall with SEIUs state council.

Since winning the mayors seat, Johnson has seen a name outside of Chicagos usual political world crop up as one of his biggest financial backers: the rapper Lil Durk.

Durk, a Chicago native whose real name is Durk Banks, contributed $150,000 in June 2023 shortly after meeting with Johnson twice. He ranks as Johnsons third-biggest political donor since the April runoff.

Before the donation made via his company, The Voice Touring, Durk met with Johnson when he was mayor-elect and another time over Zoom the Friday after his inauguration, per social media and mayoral calendars. The first meeting was featured in hip-hop blogs and by podcaster DJ Akademiks in an Instagram post, leading Durk to defend himself against criticism that he was using the opportunity to market his upcoming album.

I done sat with the mayor and politicians, Im tryna change the image, he raps in All My Life, a Grammy-winning song released days after the first meeting, ahead of Johnsons inauguration.

Johnson last August also attended the rappers Financial Literacy Event with Bank of America and city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervins office as well as a Lil Durk Holiday Event in December.

On the expenditure side, one recurring controversy has been Johnsons growing hair and makeup bill. The local business Makeup Majic has ranked fifth in all of his political funds costs and racked up $32,700 in costs since he became mayor. Before that, he paid the South Side artist Denise Milloy $4,000 throughout the mayoral race.

A total of 40 receipts to Milloys business are recorded in Johnsons expenditures since his inauguration. Though the mayor is recorded as the beneficiary each time, Milloy only appears 17 times on his daily schedules. Johnsons campaign did not respond to a question about whether he was paying for services for others.

Johnson does not have many corporate and large business donations compared with his predecessors, likely a reflection of his stridently pro-worker positions that have left him frequently at odds with the business community.

Lightfoot, by contrast, received several large campaign infusions from the citys business leaders shortly after clinching the mayoralty in 2019. That included DRW Holdings CEO Donald Wilson, real estate investor Sam Zell and his wife, Helen, and Lester Crown. Lightfoot would later count Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts and Newsweb founder Fred Eychaner as top donors.

One major exception for Johnson is the political action committee Leaders for Tomorrow. Run by Austin-based GMA Construction Group founder Cornelius Griggs and GMA vice president and general counsel Erica Kirkwood, the PAC has donated $74,000 to Johnson since the April runoff. The firm has done city business in the past, and Griggs last month was tapped to serve on the mayors Cut the Tape initiative task force.

The PAC also donated a total of $124,100 to Lightfoot in 2022 and 2023.

Another PAC created by Ashlaur Construction CEO Zollie Carradine, whose firm is an active city contractor, contributed $50,000 to Johnsons fund in September.

Johnson previously refunded a donation from Griggs daughter, Kyla, after a Chicago Sun-Times investigation found several donations from business interests violated the citys ethics rules. In all, Johnson has refunded $72,602 in contributions, campaign records show, including more than $10,000 in this most recent quarter.

The citys ethics ordinance limits companies to a $1,500 donation cap if they have more than $10,000 in city contracts in any consecutive year (within the last four years), but donations via PACs are far more complicated, according to Steve Berlin, longtime executive director of the citys Board of Ethics.

The board would have to probe the facts to determine whether a PAC could be considered a single person under the city code, Berlin said. The PAC could be covered by those limits if the board determines the company has a high degree of control of it.

Corporate donations via PACs might also be subject to the contribution limits if any PAC transfers more than half of its annual receipts to a particular elected official or candidate in the same calendar year. Anyone who contributed to that PAC, in that case, would be deemed to have contributed to the candidate in the amounts they contributed to the PAC, Berlin said.

Asked about this quarters refunds and whether those PAC donations exploited a loophole in the city code, campaign spokesman Jake Lewis said, Our campaign is proud to have the support of donors across Chicago and the nation, and we work diligently to ensure compliance with all state and local campaign finance laws and regulations.

Alisa Kaplan, executive director for the ethics advocacy group Reform for Illinois said the board should probe both issues.

Chicago limits campaign contributions from city contractors for good reason: to prevent corruption and the appearance of corruption. Contractors should not be able to use PACs or any other loophole to get around those limits, Kaplan told the Tribune. The city needs to aggressively enforce existing rules meant to prevent quid pro quos, but they also need to tighten the rules.

Company executives are not subject to that $1,500 cap. They can donate up to $6,900. Kaplan said thats a problem too. The mayor and City Council need to stop stalling and close that loophole, she said.

Political groups that have donated to Johnson since his election include $7,000 from the Asian American Midwest Progressives and $47,400 from the Mijente statewide. The mayor also got $49,000 from the United Working Families PAC, a CTU-affiliated political organization whose former executive director, Kennedy Bartley, was tapped to join the Johnson administration this spring.

Grassroots PAC, run by the executive director of Warehouse Workers for Justice, Marcos Ceniceros, has given $75,400, while the North Side-based One Peoples Campaign contributed $3,200.

_____
Scientists found the presence of cocaine in over one dozen sharks tested off the coast of Brazil, in a findings published in a study earlier this month. The exact cause is still unknown, but is raising concerns about potential widespread ocean contamination.

Marine biologists with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation made the first-of-its-kind discovery, after 13 Brazilian sharpnose sharks in the coastal waters near Rio de Janeiro were found to have high traces of the drug in their muscles and liver tissue. The concentration of cocaine was said to have been as much as 100 times higher than traces of the drug previously recorded data found in aquatic life.



Experts have posited a few different theories for cocaine turning up in the bodies of the sharks, which are typically found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.

One possible explanation is that the cocaine is directly entering waterways via drainage from illegal drug labs, where the cocaine is manufactured and refined. Another possible contributing factor is that the drug is getting into the water through the excrement of drug users in untreated sewage, as cocaine has been detected in the rivers and sewage of many countries, including Brazil.

Another less likely explanation is that cocaine may be getting into the ocean due to packs either lost or dumped by drug traffickers on boats.

In either case, marine ecotoxicologist Sara Novais, with the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, told Science magazine that the findings are "very important and potentially worrying." Novais, who was not involved in the study, warns that more research is needed to determine whether the sharks are being harmed by the exposure, much less any predators that might eat them.

All of the female sharks in the study were found to be pregnant, though any impacts on the fetuses are likewise currently unknown.
Russ Alan McKamey owns and operates McKamey Manor, which has previously been investigated by authorities

WKRN News 2/YouTube McKamey Manor

A man who guides haunted tours at a Tennessee manor that featured scare tactics so extreme he was once the subject of an investigation is now accused of attempting to murder a woman.

Russ Alan McKamey was arrested on Friday, July 19, on charges of attempted murder, rape and domestic assault in connection with several alleged incidents last week, according to Lawrence County charging records reviewed by PEOPLE.

The alleged victim and the suspect are familiar with each other, per an arrest affidavit cited byThe Tennessean. PEOPLE is not identifying the woman or her relationship with the suspect.

McKamey was initially charged with assault, per WKRN. Online charging information shows the alleged assault took place on Thursday, July 18.

According to online records reviewed by PEOPLE, McKamey allegedly tried to kill the woman on Wednesday and assaulted her again on Thursday. He allegedly attempted to kill her again and raped her on Friday, per the online records.

The woman lost consciousness after both alleged murder attempts, the arrest affidavit states, per WKRN.

McKamey owns and operates the McKamey Manor, a haunted house attraction, which has come under scrutiny before.

In November, the Tennessee Attorney General's Office launched an investigation into the attraction following a Hulu documentary detailing allegations from participants terrorized from the tour, according to a letter from the Attorney General to McKamey shared by The Tennessean.

The letter pointed out allegations of "horrors visitors are subjected to, which includes getting dragged via heavy chains or locked into confined spaces while water pours in."

District Attorney Brent Cooper further told WKRN that a witness alleged they saw "a woman dragged behind a vehicle." Another witness reported seeing a "woman being put in a vehicle against her will," per Cooper.

WKRN previously reported that authorities had been called to the location on several occasions in the past. No charges had ever been filed against McKamey in connection with the allegations against the attraction.



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According to online records, McKamey initially posted a $1,000 bond; WKRN reports, citing police, that his bond was later set to over $100,000 given the multiple charges but it wasn't immediately clear if he posted that larger bond amount.



Online charging records did not indicate a plea and PEOPLE was unable to reach his attorney.



If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



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New Pa. law strengthens protections for those targeted by lawsuits for speaking out in public

(Getty Images)

Lawsuits designed to intimidate and silence people who exercise their First Amendment rights could have costly consequences in Pennsylvania under legislation signed into law July 18.

Civil rights, good government and press freedom groups applauded Gov. Josh Shapiros signing of House Bill 1466, which provides a way for people and groups targeted for speaking out to fight back in court.

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPP suits, are lawsuits filed by individuals, companies or elected officials with the intent to mire critics in costly litigation and deter them from speaking out. They usually center on allegations of defamation and other results of negative publicity but lack any true legal claims against the critics.

State Rep. Lisa Borowski (D-Delaware) said she gained an appreciation for the value of civic engagement as a Radnor Township commissioner and signed on as a co-prime sponsor of House Bill 1466 with Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie).

This legislation helps to ensure that people have that freedom and do not have to worry about something they have said in a meeting or public space coming back to negatively affect them, Borowski said.

Bizzarro noted that the bill received unanimous support in both chambers. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the conservative group Americans for Prosperity applauded the bills passage into law.

Those two are almost never on the same side in anything, Bizzarro said.

Bizzarro said he first introduced the bill in the House in 2017 after picking up the torch for former Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia), who had been fighting for its passage since 2013.

Farnese introduced the legislation in response to a series of lawsuits by a developer forcing a civic association to shut down after it had opposed a multi-skyscraper development in Philadelphias historic Old City neighborhood.

Although Old City Civic Association did not lose the lawsuits or reach out-of-court settlements with the developer, the cost of litigation meant that no insurance company would sell the group a liability insurance policy, WHYY reported in 2013.

Peter Shelly, co-founder of Clear Point Communications in Harrisburg, is a defendant in a lawsuit by Pace-O-Matic, the Wyoming-based developer of Pennsylvania Skill games.

Skill games fall into a gray area under Pennsylvania law. State courts have ruled that the slot machine-like devices are distinct from gambling machines because they incorporate an element of skill required to win. Those rulings are pending an appeal in the state Supreme Court and state lawmakers have proposed legislation both to ban the machines and to regulate and tax them.

The suit in Lycoming County Court, and two other lawsuits against lobbyists for the casino industry, allege that opposition to skill games by Shelly and others on behalf of the casinos constituted tortious interference.

We have a right to do our jobs, Shelly said. If this doesnt fall into the category of a SLAPP lawsuit I dont know what is.

Attorney Marc F. Lovecchio, who represents Pace-O-Matic, said he does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Unfortunately for Shelly, the new law does not provide relief for those already. Bizzarro said the legislation was amended in the Senate to explicitly state that it does not apply retroactively. The legislation was modeled on similar laws passed by more than 30 states, Bizzarro said.

Pennsylvanias prior anti-SLAPP law provided protection against lawsuits arising from criticism of environmental laws or regulation. The new law expands that protection to include all expression protected under the First Amendment.

It allows those who contend they are being targeted by a SLAPP lawsuit to file a motion to quickly resolve their claim that the lawsuit is baseless. In the event of a successful motion, it also requires the award of attorney fees, court costs and other expenses to the target of a meritless lawsuit.

The First Amendment isnt just about the ability to criticize government action, Mike Lee, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said. Freedom of speech is about the right to publicly call out deception, malfeasance, and corruption by any powerful actor. HB 1466 will go a long way in preventing powerful individuals and entities from weaponizing the courts against criticism that they dont like. Thats a win for every Pennsylvanian.
Armed Palestinian mourners participate in the funeral of Abdel Nasser Sarhan, a Palestinian customs officer, in the Balata refugee camp. Sarhan was killed in an Israeli army operation, in the city of Tubas in the northern West Bank. Mohammed Nasser/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A Palestinian Authority customs police officer was killed during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank.

The incident happened as Israeli soldiers arrested two wanted Palestinians in the area of the village of Tubas in the north of the West Bank on Tuesday night, the military said on Wednesday.

The customs police officer was killed in an exchange of fire between the army and armed Palestinians.

According to Israel, there was an anti-terrorist operation in Tubas in which two men suspected of being involved in terrorist activities were being sought. During the operation, the soldiers came across armed men, and firearms were used. The policeman was hit in the process.

The army says one Israeli soldier was slightly injured, and that the incident is being investigated.

Another Palestinian was killed in clashes with Israel's army in Kalandia near Ramallah on Tuesday night, the Ministry of Health said in Ramallah. The Israeli military says soldiers were in Kalandia to destroy the house of a Palestinian who had carried out an attack on a petrol station in the Israeli settlement of Eli in February, killing two people. Clashes broke out during the operation.

The situation in the West Bank has worsened significantly since the start of the Gaza war following the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. More than 560 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, confrontations, or their own attacks in the West Bank, according to the Ministry of Health.

Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has also increased during this period.

Palestinian mourners participate in the funeral of Abdel Nasser Sarhan, a Palestinian customs officer, in the Balata refugee camp. Sarhan was killed in an Israeli army operation, in the city of Tubas in the northern West Bank. Mohammed Nasser/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
7/24 UPDATE:

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Parkland Community College has shared a statement with WCIA on reaching a tentative agreement with the Professional Support Staff Association Monday.

The Parkland College Board of Trustees has reached a tentative agreement with the Parkland College Professional Support Staff (PSS). We thank the PSS leadership for their collaboration throughout the process and look forward to an update following the ratification vote from their membership.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  After months of negotiating, Parkland Community College has made a deal with its support staff.

The Parkland Professional Support Staff Association has reached a tentative agreement with the college, the association confirmed in a statement to WCIA Tuesday evening.

Agenda dispute kicks off Monday Champaign School Board meeting

The agreement has not yet been shared with members, so the association did not share any further details of the agreement. Officials with the association will hold a ratification vote with their members in the coming weeks.

Wed like to thank the Parkland Board of Trustees for their most recent proposal, the Parkland Professional Support Staff Association said in the statement.

A mediator was brought to the bargaining table last month. The previous three-year contract expired at the end of June.

Around 200 employees are covered by the association.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A man from Wesley Chapel conspired to act as an agent of the Peoples Republic of China, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday.

Ping Li, 59, was accused of serving as a cooperative contact for a Chinese intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security, from as early as 2012.

He worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company at various times during that period.

Ping Li, 59

Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and to report that information to the MSS, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The release details several incidents where Li was accused of cooperating with the Ministry of State Security, including one where he allegedly provided information about a Chinese citizen who fled to the U.S.

The FBI is investigating the case, which will be prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (Danielle Richards for New Jersey Monitor)

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-09) faced a setback and required breathing assistance while recovering from a respiratory infection that left him hospitalized last week, his chief of staff said.

The medical professionals at St. Joes have given the congressman breathing assistance and are monitoring his condition. Doctors tell us he continues to improve and remain hopeful for a complete recovery. He is currently devouring CNN for fresh Harris campaign news, said Ben Rich, the congressmans chief of staff.

Its not clear what kind of breathing assistance the congressman required or if he required a ventilator.

Pascrell, 87, was hospitalized in Paterson on July 14 after coming down with a fever.

The congressman is the eldest member of New Jerseys congressional delegation and has served in Congress since 1997. He was a member of New Jerseys General Assembly for nine years, including seven when he was both an Assemblyman and Paterson mayor.

He is seeking a 15th term in November.

The congressman was briefly hospitalized for a heart bypass surgery in 2020 following a hospital visit for nausea and heartburn that led to doctors discovering blockages in his arteries.

His hospitalization comes months after the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-Essex), who was hospitalized following a heart attack that left Payne unconscious on a ventilator. A special election for the remainder of Paynes unexpired term is set for Sept. 18.
Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) voiced support for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to be selected as Vice President Harriss running mate on Wednesday.

CNNs Kasie Hunt asked Ryan on CNN This Morning who he would like to see chosen as Harriss potential vice president, noting that Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) are potential contenders for the ticket.

I am and have forever been a Pete Buttigieg fan. I think he has just knocked it out of the park in delivering on infrastructure, calling out airlines when they fail, Ryan responded.

He added that Buttigieg has just shown an ability to actually unify the country when that is just what people are desperately looking for.

President Biden endorsed Harris for the White House shortly after announcing his own decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday. In recent days, speculation has swirled over who Harris will choose to be her running mate in Novembers election.

Buttigieg has been floated as a possible pick for the role. He ran against Harris and Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and has been one of the administrations top surrogates as head of the Transportation Department.

He has signaled he would be open to serving as vice president for Harris.

But if she asked, are you saying you wouldnt say no? MSNBCs Rachel Maddow asked Buttigieg on Monday.

Sure. Were just not in that mode right now. You know, were on the second day since the president made his decision, and I trust her, Buttigieg responded, referring to Bidens announcement that he would not be seeking reelection.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  After an investigation into shots fired in Williamsport, police say they arrested several juveniles for the crimes.

According to the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the first incident occurred on July 18 after officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 2200 block of Linn Street. Police said a car driving by was hit by a bullet but none of the occupants were injured.

Then on July 22, officers stated they were called for another report of shots fired in the 2100 block of King Street. At the time the shots were fired, children were around the area playing, however, no one was injured.

On July 23 police said they were called for a report of shots fired in the 600 block of Fourth Avenue where a parked car was shot but no victims were found.

Detectives stated as the investigation continued, evidence found at the scenes of all three incidents were possibly linked and all committed by juveniles.

17 dogs rescued, woman facing animal cruelty charges

Williamsport Police Criminal Investigators executed search warrants at several homes and seized a gun with an obliterated serial number, suspected of being used in the shootings. Police noted more evidence was also found inside the homes that linked several juveniles to the scenes.

One juvenile was identified as being responsible for at least one of the shootings and he was charged with various crimes including firearms-related offenses. A second juvenile was found wanted by Philadelphia Juvenile Probation and was turned over pending extradition back to Philadelphia.

Further investigation resulted in another juvenile being arrested and recovered a second gun, possibly used in one of the shootings. He was charged with multiple firearms-related offenses.

These incidents remain an active and ongoing investigation and Williamsport police are asking anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigative Unit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Nancy Pelosi thinks Benjamin Netanyahus speech was by far the worst presentation any foreign dignitary has given to Congress.

The former Speaker of the House slammed the Israeli Prime Ministers speech on Wednesday while being among more than two dozen Democrats who opted out of attending the event.

Benjamin Netanyahus presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States, Pelosi wrote on social media. Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack and kidnappings.

She continued, These families are asking for a cease-fire deal that will bring the hostages home  and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal.

Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress for the first time since the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israeli soil. In his speech, he was sure to praise and thank President Joe Biden for half a century of friendship with Israel and for being, as he says, a proud Zionist.

Benjamin Netanyahus presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.



Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 24, 2024

I thank President Biden for his vital support for Israel after the savage attack on Oct. 7, he rightly called Hamas sheer evil, Netanyahu said. He came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten.

Pelosi and many of her fellow Democrats werent the only ones protesting the speech. Other protestors gathered in Washington, D.C., to decry Netanyahus appearance, which the Prime Minister condemned.

They should be ashamed of themselves, he said. They refuse to make the simple distinction between those who target terrorists and those who target civilians, between the democratic state of Israel and the terrorist thugs of Hamas.

The post Pelosi Slams Netanyahus Address as the Worst Presentation of Any Foreign Dignitary Invited to Congress appeared first on TheWrap.
(WHTM)  The Pennsylvania House Republican Committee hosted a hearing today on the positive impacts of coal in an unusual venue.

According to the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, several members testified at todays hearing at CONSOL Energys Pennsylvania Mining Complex in Greene County1,100 feet underground.

This marks the States first underground hearing, according to the Coal Alliance.

The Pennsylvania Coal Alliance stressed the future importance of coal and that it gets a bad rep.

Last month, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development finalized an independent report on the coal industrys impact on Pennsylvanias economy. The report stated that the industry contributes to almost $1 billion in labor income in Pennsylvania.

Rachel Gleason, the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance executive director, said the industry employs thousands of people around the State and is a necessary contributor to the countrys infrastructure and national security.

She highlighted coals role in providing power as unmatched by any other fuel source in affordability, flexibility, reliability, resiliency, and security. She added that coal is readily available onsite in an emergency, citing when coal-fired electric generation supported PJMs grid during winter storm Elliot two years ago.

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Additionally, Gleason said coals ability to produce steel is critical to national security and defense and that the only way to make new steel is by cooking coal mined in Western Pennsylvania. Coal is also used in fertilizer, water filtration, and other products that help drive up the economy.

Matt Mackowiak, CONSOLs Manager of Government Affairs, said the global demand for coal hit record highs in 2023 at over 8 billion metric tons, and demand is set to rise over the next several years. CONSOLs total revenues and other income in 2023 were 2.6 billion dollars.

He added that they mined 26 million tons of coal at their Pennsylvania mining complex alone, paid 20 million in taxes to the State, paid out $105 million in salaries and benefits to PA Employees, and currently employ over 2000 people. They are the number one employer in Greene County, contributing significantly to the economy.

The Coal industrys immense economic influence in Pennsylvania and the United States is notable, but critics worry about its impact on the climate. Miners argue that coal is necessary when alternative energy sources are not working.

Watch the whole hearing here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Kamala Harris presidential campaign is reportedly vetting as a running mate Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rising Democratic star who could help deliver the party the largest northern swing state.

Shapiro is one of several Democratic governors, including Kentuckys Andy Beshear and Michigans Gretchen Whitmer, on the vice presidents rumored shortlist since becoming Democrats presumptive presidential nominee. He has largely positioned himself as a moderate and could help Harris break through in a state that Donald Trumps campaign sees as a must-win after the former presidents loss there four years ago.

His potential drawbacks, though, include a staunchly pro-Israel stance thats at odds with younger, more liberal voters, as well as breaking with the states largest teachers union over private-school vouchers.

Shapiro, 51, has long been considered a politician bound for higher office, even before being elected governor in 2022.

Hes a bit of a ladder climber. He doesnt stick around in most positions very long, Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) told HuffPost. Hes been forthright that he wants to be the first Jewish president.

For six years, he served as Pennsylvania attorney general, earning national attention for rooting out sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and for helping broker a billion-dollar settlement against opioid manufacturers.

Hes been on the opioid crisis, and recognizing the ravages that our country has suffered as a result of folks like Purdue, the Sacklers and others, Rep. Maddie Dean (D-Pa.) told HuffPost.

He went after the Catholic Church when they covered up an extraordinarily grotesque set of abuses of children, Dean said. Hes not afraid to do these things.

When the I-95 bridge collapsed near Philadelphia last year, Shapiros quick response and reconstruction effort won him bipartisan praise, amping up speculation about his future beyond Pennsylvania.

He went after the Catholic Church when they covered up an extraordinarily grotesque set of abuses of children. He's not afraid to do these things.Democratic Rep. Maddie Dean of Pennsyvlania

Choosing Shapiro has some obvious upsides for Harris, foremost that putting him on the ticket could help Democrats win Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state with 20 electoral votes. The governor is viewed as a more centrist choice for vice president than other candidates Harris is reportedly considering. Since Harris is already facing GOP attacks over her progressive stances during the 2020 Democratic primary, someone like Shapiro could bring ideological balance and appeal to voters in blue-collar communities.

Shapiro, a white man from the Mid-Atlantic region, could also bring what one lawmaker described this week as demographic balance to a ticket headed by Harris, a Black and Indian woman from California. Most of the names being tossed out for veep, like Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, are also those of white men.

The Harris campaign declined to confirm whether its vetting Shapiro or anyone else in particular, calling reports to the contrary premature and speculative. Shapiros office also did not respond to a request for comment.

Vice President Harris is considering a large pool of qualified candidates, and will choose a partner that shares her commitment to fighting for the middle class, protecting Americans freedoms, and protecting our democracy, a campaign spokesperson said in an email. And when that candidate is chosen, together, they will handedly defeat the Trump-Vance ticket in November.

Shapiros Jewish faith has been discussed as an asset for Harris among Jewish voters, according to Bloomberg News reporter Jonathan Tamari. But the governors fiercely pro-Israel stance could be a liability among Democrats who voted uncommitted in the presidential primary to push the Biden administration to be tougher on Israel. The protest movement was especially strong in Michigan, a battleground state that contains the countrys largest majority Muslim city.

During the height of pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses earlier this year, Shapiro told Politico it was unacceptable that some schools could not protect the safety of their students. I do feel a somewhat unique responsibility to speak out when I see this level of antisemitism on our campuses and in our communities, he said.

The Pennsylvania governor also caught heat last year from the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the union representing more than 187,000 teachers, over his push for private-school vouchers in the state budget. The union had previously endorsed Shapiro for governor against Republican Doug Mastriano.

The former AG decisively beat Mastriano, a far-right Christian nationalist, in 2022, though Mastriano was seen as an easy GOP opponent given his extreme positions on abortion and the 2020 election.

Previewing how he might talk about Trump on the campaign trail, Shapiro said during his 2022 campaign against Trump-endorsed Mastriano: If you dont look like [Doug Mastriano], if you dont vote like him, if you dont worship like him, if you dont marry like him, you dont count in his Pennsylvania.

Correction: An earlier version of this article referred to Mark Kelly as a Republican. He is a Democrat.
Photo posted on social media by Secret Pass Outfitters of Pershing County Commissioner Joe Crim posing with killed bear on Nov. 10, 2023.

Pershing County Commissioner Joe Crim and his hunting guide face one felony charge each in Washoe County for illegally killing a bear during last years season.

A criminal complaint filed against Crim and Michael Stremler, owner of Secret Pass Outfitters, alleges the two killed a bear in the area above Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley, which is closed to the hunt.

Theres a reason that area is closed to hunting, says Kathryn Bricker of No Bear Hunt Nevada, noting humans are routinely present in the area. Chasing down a bear with dogs in that area could have injured hikers and others.

Crim also serves as chairman of the Nevada Department of Wildlifes Pershing County Advisory Board.

The incident took place on Nov. 10, 2023. A standard report filed by hunters with NDOW reveals a hunter slaughtered an eight year-old male bear weighing 575 pounds on Nov. 10 near Ophir Creek.

The report indicates the hunter had a guide. However, an NDOW document indicates Stremler had no license as a guide. He currently does not have an active license, according to NDOW spokeswoman Ashley Zeme.

The defendants did not respond to requests for comment. The illegal killing of a big game animal is a Category E felony, the least serious felony in Nevada, which carries a sentence of up to four years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Offenders are generally placed on probation.

Bricker says tag holders and their guides are required to know the rules of the hunt. She says guides using GPS-collared dogs use topographic maps and are aware of their location.

Well demonstrate what happened and were confident it will show that the state does not have a case, said attorney Brad Johnston, who is representing Stremler. Johnston previously served as chairman of the Nevada Wildlife Commission.

The criminal complaint alleges Crim and Stremler, acting alone or in concert, knowingly killed the bear outside the permitted hunting zone, and are criminally liable for directly committing the act or by conspiring.

Crim and Stremler were arrested on July 13, the day a Washoe County judge found probable cause of a crime, according to court records. The arrests were the result of an NDOW investigation, according to Zeme.

Last year between guided hunts and friend hunts we were able to be apart (sic) of harvesting 12 NV black bears. Thats the most thats ever been taken by any outfitters in NV in one season, Secret Pass Outfitters co-owner Sarena Stremler posted on Facebook in May. All 3 buckle winners for biggest bear were guided by Secret Pass Outfitters.

Stremler also faces a misdemeanor count for pursuing a bear with dogs in a closed area, an unlawful wildlife act.
For Lees Summit resident Steve Kilde, Memorial Day this year was more than just a ceremonial occasion. It was the culmination of years of work to honor a fellow soldier who died in the line of duty.

Kilde, a career Army man, served in Vietnam with Spc. 5th Class Frank Mebs, a man he met in 1968 when he was an instructor during Mebs training at Fort Leonard Wood, located about an hour and a half northeast of Springfield.

From Kildes work as an engineering equipment maintenance sergeant for a battalion in Vietnam, he remembers Mebs as a meticulous and responsible person.

Spc. 5th Class Frank Mebs was killed in the line of duty in May 1970.

Hed always come by our shop and wanted his equipment looked at. He found a squeak, he found a noise, then he would want it checked out. He wanted everything perfect, so if he was called to do a job of some sort, he was ready to go, Kilde said.

Kilde got the call early in the morning on May 27, 1970, that there had been an explosion when a mortar hit an ammunition dump at Fire Support Base Veghel, where Mebs was stationed. Mebs had attempted to protect the rest of the base by using a bulldozer to cover the fiery spot with dirt.

While doing this, Mebs was caught in an explosion that killed him and destroyed the bulldozer. Kilde, who helped load Mebs body onto a helicopter after the incident, believes Mebs saved hundreds of lives with his actions.

Kilde moved on, staying with the Army until 1983, then spending 43 years working for the federal government. In 2014, someone suggested he get checked for PTSD. When the doctor he consulted asked if hed ever seen a dead person, Kilde remembered Mebs.

Hed thought of Mebs periodically over the years when he visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, panel 10 west, line 110, but the doctor suggested he try to do something more.

When Kilde searched Mebs name on the computer, he noticed that several awards were missing from Mebs service record. Some had been awarded to the unit when Mebs was part of it, and Kilde had even witnessed the medal ceremony where Mebs got another one. The missing honors included the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Finding that out was the easy part. Getting someone to make the appropriate changes and give the missing medals and ribbons to Mebs familythat would be much more challenging.

In 2018, he contacted the Mebs family and got photos of the medals and ribbons they had. They were missing approximately four medals and 10 ribbons.

He sent letters to various legislators over the following years to find someone who could help. Kilde said a congressman in Pennsylvania declined to help because Kilde wasnt a constituent, despite the fact that Mebs family residence was in his constituency.

With every letter he sent, he gave a duplicate to the Mebs family, so they could track the progress. Kilde estimated he contacted 50 to 60 people via phone, mail and email.

I wouldnt do anything unless family OKd it, Kilde said.

Finally, he got the answer he wanted, but there was just one snag.

Once they were approved, I got emails from the federal government saying, We will issue these medals in 2027. I said, No. This guys been dead for 54 years. We need them before then, Kilde said.

Kilde prevailed and got the medals this spring. His friend and fellow John Knox Village resident Bill Perry helped him make a shadow box to display the awards.

On Memorial Day this year, he finally presented them to the Mebs family in Pennsylvania.

He doesnt know exactly why the problem with Mebs honors occurred, but he suspects the people doing the mans death notification in 1970 didnt file the right paperwork.

With help from the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Committee, which is getting local bridges in Pennsylvania named for veterans, Kilde was able to see a small bridge in Newtown, Pennsylvania, named for Mebs while he was there presenting the medals.

At that ceremony, he spoke with Mebs niece.

Kilde said, After she gave her talk, she said, Im sorry I could never hug my uncle. Steve, can I hug you, for my uncle?
Philippine mayor goes on the run after being accused of spying for China

A small town mayor in the Philippines accused of being a Chinese spy is being hunted by authorities after failing to turn up to Senate hearings investigating crime in offshore gaming.

Alice Guo, 33, is in hiding after the Philippine Senate ordered her arrest for her no-show at hearings about alleged ties to Chinese crime syndicates behind scam centres that were concealed in online casinos in her town of Bamban.

Her story has captivated the Philippines at a time when Manila, the capital city, is in the middle of an increasingly heated confrontation with Beijing over their competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Ms Guo, who denies any wrongdoing, broke her silence on Thursday night with a statement saying that she had skipped the last two hearings because of the severe trauma and exhaustion during earlier appearances, questioning why senators were so fixated on her.

She said that she had faced character assassination and would deal with any allegations in a fair trial at a proper forum. She has denied links to criminals and has not been charged with any crime relating to illegal gambling.

The investigation into Ms Guo, which has the twists and political intrigue of a TV screenplay, began after police raided a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) compound in Bamban, a sleepy farming town in the north of the country, where she was elected mayor in 2022.

They uncovered a scam centre where hundreds, among them 383 Filipinos, 202 Chinese and 73 other foreigners, were being forced to pose as lovers online to con people out of their savings.

South-east Asia has become the centre for such fraud operations where scammers themselves are often also victims, having been lured and trapped in an illegal operation after applying to fake job adverts.

On Monday, Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippine president, banned offshore gambling operators for the grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws.

The Pogo that served as the front operation for the criminal gangs was built on land partially owned by Ms Guo, but she insists she sold her stake before entering office.

During the probe into the eight-hectare compound, Ms Guos family background and nationality came under intense scrutiny.

Her lack of clarity about her family history and upbringing during an earlier senate hearing drew national attention after one senator asked whether she was actually an asset for Beijing, a charge she also denies.

During the hearing, she admitted that her birth certificate was registered only when she was 17 and also claimed to have been home-schooled but was unable to provide much information.

Ms Guo blamed her performance on her mind going blank in the moment and insists she is a natural-born Philippine citizen.

She told the ABS-CBN News channel that she was the love child of her Chinese fathers relationship with a Filipina maid, adding that she was raised by her father at their piggery compound in Tarlac, north of Manila, after her mother left them when she was a baby.

I want to tell the public: I am not a spy. I am a Filipina and that I love my country, she said.

But the mystery of Ms Guos background has raised questions at the highest levels. We wonder where she came from. Thats why we are investigating this, the President said in May.

On July 13, Stephen David, Ms Guos lawyer, said she was incapable of attending the hearings because of her physical and mental health condition owing to massive cyber bullying and humiliation and that she would hopefully attend again when she was better.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is leading the current investigation, said the arrest order was the first step in making Ms Guo accountable to our laws.

On Friday, Ms Hontiveros told The Telegraph that the Senates Office of the Sergeant at Arms was currently locating Ms Guos whereabouts and law enforcers and the immigration bureau were on the lookout for her.

The question of whether Alice Guo is a Chinese spy has also not been put to rest, she said, although did not provide further evidence.

Ms Hontiveros, the author of the Philippines Mental Health Act, said mental health could not be invoked to escape accountability, especially since she is a public servant.

The Senate is well within its right to investigate and due process was ensured all throughout, she said.

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Philippines says has 'arrangement' with Beijing on South China Sea, but no ship inspections

FILE PHOTO: Aerial view of the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea

By Mikhail Flores

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines has reached an agreement with Beijing on its resupply missions to soldiers aboard a grounded naval vessel in the South China Sea, but will not submit to inspections from China, a top security official said on Wednesday.

The Philippines and China, which have sparred repeatedly at sea this past year, have reached a "provisional arrangement" on resupply missions to the ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, as both sides agreed to ease tensions and manage differences.

Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano said, however, the arrangement does not include agreeing to Chinese vessels conducting "on-site" inspections.

China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China has long been irked by the Philippine missions to its small contingent of troops aboard the rusty ship Sierra Madre, which was intentionally run aground in 1999 to try to reinforce Manila's territorial claim to the remote shoal.

"There's no such kind of on-site inspection. What the two sides agreed are really a common understanding," Ano told a forum.

Details of the arrangement would be kept confidential unless both parties consent to make them public, Ano added.

"Both sides agreed the tension will be reduced ... to prevent skirmishes, anything that may lead to injury, harm to soldiers or to anyone," Ano said.

"We did not agree on anything that will undermine our position," he added.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including territory in the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. In 2016, a Hague-based tribunal said China's sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision Beijing has rejected.

With the backing of defence treaty ally the United States, the Philippines has been bolder in its asserting itself in the South China Sea, engaging in joint patrols and training exercises and deploying vessels to areas of its EEZ where China has long maintained a heavy coast guard presence.

Rival vessels have clashed in the past year and heated diplomatic rows have ensued with growing frequency, prompting regional concern that an incident could escalate and trigger conflict in the important trade route.

The Philippines and United States have accused China of unlawful aggression, while Beijing has been outraged over what it sees as deliberate provocations, territorial encroachments and U.S. interference.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)
The Australian market has shown resilience, remaining stable in the past week and achieving an 8.4% increase over the past year, with earnings expected to grow by 13% annually. In this context, identifying undervalued small-cap stocks with insider buying actions can offer potential opportunities for informed investors looking to capitalize on market inefficiencies.

Top 10 Undervalued Small Caps With Insider Buying In Australia

Name PE PS Discount to Fair Value Value Rating Neuren Pharmaceuticals 16.9x 11.4x 47.56%  Healius NA 0.6x 42.00%  Elders 23.2x 0.5x 42.64%  Eagers Automotive 9.7x 0.3x 33.66%  Codan 30.2x 4.4x 24.39%  RAM Essential Services Property Fund NA 5.9x 37.18%  Dicker Data 22.2x 0.8x -0.46%  Smartgroup 17.8x 4.4x 48.56%  Gold Road Resources 16.9x 4.2x 45.58%  Coventry Group 297.7x 0.5x -12.02% 

Click here to see the full list of 17 stocks from our Undervalued ASX Small Caps With Insider Buying screener.

Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Codan is a diversified technology company specializing in communications equipment and metal detection, with a market capitalization of approximately A$1.09 billion.

Operations: The Communications and Metal Detection segments significantly contribute to the revenue, generating A$291.50 million and A$212.20 million respectively. The company's gross profit margin has shown a trend of fluctuation, with a notable figure of approximately 54% in the most recent period recorded.

PE: 30.2x

Recently, Codan has demonstrated insider confidence with strategic share purchases, underscoring a positive outlook from those within. With earnings expected to grow by 16.2% annually, this reflects not just potential but a solid trajectory in an often-overlooked sector. Despite relying solely on external borrowinga higher risk funding methodthese moves suggest a robust strategy tailored for growth. This blend of financial health and insider activity paints Codan as a compelling player among undervalued entities in Australia's market landscape.

ASX:CDA Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Elders is an agribusiness company operating in branch network services, wholesale products, and feed and processing services, with a market capitalization of approximately A$1.56 billion.

Operations: Branch Network generates the majority of revenue at A$2.54 billion, followed by Wholesale Products and Feed and Processing Services contributing A$341.19 million and A$120.14 million, respectively. The company has experienced a gross profit margin fluctuation, with a notable increase to 0.194% in the latest period reported from an earlier figure of 0.162%.

Story continues

PE: 23.2x

Despite a challenging year with net profit margins dropping from 3.4% to 2.1%, Elders Limited has shown resilience, reaffirming its earnings guidance for FY2024 with expected EBIT between A$120 million and A$140 million. Recently appointed director Glenn Davis brings extensive legal and corporate governance experience, potentially strengthening the board's strategic oversight. Insider confidence is evident as they recently purchased shares, signaling belief in the company's future prospects amidst current financial strains.

ASX:ELD Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: NRW Holdings is an Australian company engaged in civil contracting and mining services with a diverse revenue stream across sectors such as MET, civil, and mining.

Operations: The company generates a significant portion of its revenue from the Mining sector, contributing A$1.49 billion, followed by MET and Civil sectors with revenues of A$739.07 million and A$593.62 million respectively. Over recent periods, it has observed a gross profit margin fluctuation, with the latest being 47.41%.

PE: 17.2x

NRW Holdings, a noteworthy player in the Australian market, recently reaffirmed its revenue expectations at A$2.9 billion for FY 2024, signaling stability amidst its operations. With earnings projected to grow by 13% annually, the company's financial health appears robust. Notably, insiders have recently demonstrated their confidence through substantial share purchases, reinforcing a positive outlook on the companys prospects. This activity complements NRW's completion of a A$5.26 million equity offering at A$2.56 per share earlier this month, underscoring both resilience and potential for growth in its sector.

ASX:NWH Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Next Steps

Navigate through the entire inventory of 17 Undervalued ASX Small Caps With Insider Buying here.

Hold shares in these firms? Setup your portfolio in Simply Wall St to seamlessly track your investments and receive personalized updates on your portfolio's performance.

Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets.

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 ASX:CDA ASX:ELD and ASX:NWH.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
A Phoenix man was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences for the 2021 murder of his parents and brother after he was convicted in June, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

In August 2021, Phoenix police were called to a hospital after Brandon Lujan, now 37, told staff he had murdered his family members the night before, according to a news release from the attorney's office. Police said Lujan first shot his brother, Matthew Lujan, then entered the home and began shooting at his parents, Irene and Lewis Lujan, the release said.

According to the attorney's office, Brandon Lujan fired so many shots that he had to stop and reload the gun during the attack.

On the day of the incident, two of Brandon Lujan's daughters were in his car at the scene, the release noted. According to the attorney's office, one daughter heard him say, "I'm going to kill them [all]" before hearing gunshots and screams from the house.

According to the release, Brandon Lujan's wife, Raylien Loest, was the getaway driver on the day of the murders. Loest was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison.

During the investigation, police said they learned Brandon Lujan and Loest were recently kicked out of his parents' home, the release noted.

In June, Lujan was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder. In July, he was sentenced to three consecutive natural life sentences with no possibility of release, the attorney's office stated.

To murder your family in such a deliberate, callous manner and express no remorse shows a remarkable lack of humanity, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in the release. I am thankful to the prosecutors in this case who ensured this dangerous individual is never released.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brandon Lujan sentenced for murdering his brother and parents in 2021
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Crews were battling a fire that broke out on the second floor of a two-story home in Southeast D.C. on Wednesday afternoon.

The house that caught on fire was located in the 2400 block of LEnfant Square

(Photo courtesy of DC Fire and EMS)

(Photo courtesy of DC Fire and EMS)

(Photo courtesy of DC Fire and EMS)



No injuries were reported.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Photos show what Costco looked like when it first opened in 1983

Photos show what Costco looked like when it first opened in 1983

Costco opened its first location in Seattle in 1983, building off Price Club's warehouse format.

Today's company is the product of a 1993 merger between Costco and Price Club, which opened in 1976.

Costco provided Business Insider with historical photos of the chain's inaugural warehouse.

Costco is a staple of the big-box-store landscape. Since its beginning in 1983, it has attracted a devoted flock of members thanks to its low prices and bulk sizes.

But the wholesale retailer's origin story is a bit complicated.

The Costco of today is in fact the result of a 1993 merger between Costco and its predecessor, Price Club, which was founded in 1976 by legendary entrepreneur Sol Price.

Costco provided Business Insider with a number of photos of the company's first warehouse from 1983.

These images provide a glimpse into what making a Costco run would've looked like back when Ronald Reagan was in the White House.

Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brotman first dreamed up the idea for Costco Wholesale in 1982.

The first Costco in Seattle. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Brotman, who died in 2017, was an attorney who was inspired to open a European-style wholesaler after taking a trip to France.

Brotman told CNN in 2009 that he didn't know Sinegal before pitching him on the idea of a European-style "hypermarket."

Inside an early Costco. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

"I called around to retail contacts and asked them to list executives who could run such a business. Jim was on most lists. I cold-called him one day and flew to California to meet him," Brotman said.

Sinegal was a retail executive who'd previously worked under the businessman Sol Price at a warehouse club called FedMart.

Costco cofounder Jim Sinegal in 2002. Atsushi Tsukada/AP Images

Price was a titan in American retail, and a close mentor to Sinegal.

After Fed Mart, Price founded a new chain, aptly named Price Club, in 1976 in San Diego.

A Price Club shopper walks the aisles in 1992. Keith Beaty/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Located in an old airplane hangar, Price Club exclusively offered memberships to small business owners.

Sinegal and Brotman told CNN that they planned to essentially "clone Price Club" when they launched Costco.

The first Costco in Seattle. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

A key difference between the brands: Costco would appeal to non-business members as well.

The first warehouse bearing the Costco name kicked off its grand opening with a business show on September 15, 1983.

A flyer announcing the opening of the first Costco. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Company sales in that first year reached $101 million, according to SEC filings.

Costco offered business owner memberships for a $25 annual fee, while "Group Gold" members could join for $30 a year.

The membership desk at Costco in 1983. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Non-members could shop as long as they paid a 5% surcharge on their purchases.

Sinegal told the Motley Fool that the chain's first 100,000-square-foot warehouse was a "pretty simple facility."

Inside an early Costco. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

"We didn't have many of the enhancements that we've added to the business since then," he said. "It was clearly a warehouse; an open-beam ceiling and cement floors and industrial steel and forklifts moving around in the facility. As time has gone on, the model has incorporated a lot of new things that we've put into the business."

A key piece of the business model's strategy was to keep costs low by sharply limiting the number of unique items, or SKUs, that are kept in stock.

Crates in an early Costco. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Even now, Costco warehouses only offer about 4,000 SKUs, as compared with about 30,000 at a conventional supermarket, or more than 100,000 at a Walmart store.

In 2009, he also told CNN that the "crowds weren't overwhelming" at first, but "business built up" gradually.

Inside an early Costco warehouse. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Sinegal served as Costco's CEO from 1983 until his retirement in 2011.

Costco's low-priced, bulk-size offerings ended up catching on with shoppers.

A member pushes a cart through a Costco warehouse. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

"The original business plan called for eventual growth to about 12 Costcos, primarily in the Northwest, and maybe $80 million in sales per store," Sinegal told CNN in 2009.

Less than a year after it was founded, Costco began to expand across the Pacific Northwest.

A crowd flocks to Costco in 1983. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Costco's second and third locations were in Portland, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington.

The growth of Sam's Club  Walmart's answer to the influx of members-only warehouse clubs  also spurred Costco's expansion.

Sam Walton launched Sam's Club in 1983, just a few months before Costco opened. Associated Press

Founder Sam Walton specifically credited Price with inspiring some of his best ideas: "I guess I've stolen  I actually prefer the word 'borrowed'  as many ideas from Sol Price as from anybody else in the business," he said.

"When Walmart announced it was going into the discount warehouse business, we had to compete and grow quickly," Brotman told CNN in 2009.

Members visit a Costco warehouse. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

"That's why we expanded as fast as we did," Brotman said.

Sinegal told the Los Angeles Times in 1985 that competition from Sam's Club and other Price Club copycats meant Costco needed to act fast.

Costco members in a warehouse. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

"We are working to get established in certain markets, to preempt those markets," he said. "That's why we expanded as fast as we did (12 stores in 18 months and six more scheduled this year), and that's the posture you'll see taken by most of the other companies."

By the end of 1984, 200,000 Americans had become Costco members.

Shoppers flood a Costco in 1983. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

Membership fee revenue totaled $1.3 million in the first year, per SEC filings.

That same year, The Associated Press dubbed both Price Club and Costco as "key players" in the wholesale-retail game.

Merchandise in an early Costco. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

"It's one of the most exciting concepts to come along in many years that is truly different," said Ronald Loveless, the head of Sam's Club, told the news service at the time.

Sales at Costco rocketed from zero to $3 billion in less than six years  a first for any company in history, according to the company

A display of Costco's phone products. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

The company held its initial public offering in 1985, selling shares for $10.

Due to several stock splits, one initial Costco share would be six today.

Longtime Costco executive Cynthia Glaser in 1983. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

The value of one of those initial shares today? A combined total of more than $5,000.

Just three years after opening its doors, Costco was a $1 billion company, Sinegal told CNN.

Costco members  and cofounder Jim Sinegal  near the checkout aisles. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

At that point, the chain boasted "17 locations, 1.3 million members, and 3,740 employees," according to Costco's website.

When Sol Price was looking to retire, Price Club and Costco merged in 1993 to become the somewhat unwieldy PriceCostco.

A Price Club employee gets to work in 1992. Keith Beaty/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Before the merger, the top three warehouse club chains were mostly regionalized, with Costco in the Northwest, Price Club in the Southwest, and Walmart-owned Sam's Club in the Midwest and Southeast.

The resulting company boasted 206 locations and $16 billion in annual sales.

Inside an early Costco warehouse. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

The first UK location opened that year, followed by the first Asian location in Seoul in 1995.

Initially after the merger, there was a slight divide between "red" Costco warehouses and "blue" Price Club warehouses.

A Costco employee in the 1990s poses with merchandise. Douglas Burrows/Liaison/Getty Images

"When I was a corporate auditor for the company, the first thing the folks at the warehouse would ask me is, 'Are you red or blue?'" a former employee told Business Insider.

In 1997, the company simplified its name to just Costco.

An early Costco warehouse. Courtesy of Costco Wholesale

At its 40th anniversary in 2023, Costco had 838 locations around the world, nearly 129 million membership cardholders, $237.7 billion in revenue.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Hillsborough County School Board is the governing body of Americas seventh-largest school system. The seven-member board faces a host of pressing issues in the coming years, from improving academics at struggling schools to retaining teachers and building new campuses in the fast-growing suburbs. Board members are elected to four-year terms and paid $50,492 annually. Board elections are nonpartisan and open to all registered voters. If no candidate in a race gets a majority of the vote, the top two vote-getters go to a runoff in November.

District 1 (northwest Hillsborough): Nadia Combs

Nadia Combs is one of the best Hillsborough school board members to have served in decades. She is student-focused, open and accountable, moderate and forward-looking  everything voters should be looking for in these divisive times.

Combs, 54, is a former Hillsborough middle school teacher who began her career teaching English at the Japanese Ministry of Education. A former Hillsborough middle school teacher of the year, she later founded her own tutoring company, giving her not only a strong educational background but the business experience to manage the school budget.

As then-board chairperson, Combs helped the school system navigate through the pandemic, and her calm, even leadership helped reassure students, families and staff as school systems sought to adapt. Combs has been a strong advocate of early childhood programs and workforce training. She supports increasing teacher salaries and other incentives to retain quality instructors. Combs also voted with the board majority to close several under-used schools last year. She was the most vocal on the board about closing campuses, arguing the district could redirect those savings toward the classroom.

Julie Magill, 61, a real estate broker and general contractor, said she is running to make the school districts operations more transparent. She said the district is not purchasing appropriate academic materials and seems too concerned with diversity and social programs. Magill talks in generalities and doesnt offer specific examples of waste or propose her own solutions. Layla Collins, 48, a U.S. Army veteran, offered a series of vague responses to a Times questionnaire. Collins campaign is well-funded by special interest groups that have a stake in currying favor with her husband, Republican state Sen. Jay Collins of Tampa.

Combs is far and away the best candidate in this race. She has a demonstrated commitment to education, a passion for public service and an admirable record of accomplishment. She is a regular presence on school campuses in her district, which includes Town N Country, Westchase and Citrus Park, and her positive attitude and sense of accountability are increasingly rare in todays political environment. The Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends Nadia Combs for Hillsborough County School Board, District 1.

District 3 (north Hillsborough): Jessica Vaughn

Voters in this race have a clear choice between a serious, thoughtful incumbent and a challenger who seems committed to furthering the culture wars. Jessica Vaughn focuses on real issues, works effectively to find solutions and often speaks for the marginalized. She deserves another term.

Vaughn, 47, is a former teacher who was first elected to the board in 2020. She is a strong proponent of strengthening early childhood readiness, especially in reading, and of increasing teacher pay to bring more quality and stability to the classroom. Vaughn opposed the districts school closures last year, arguing the district should have pushed harder to improve academics at several campuses to attract more students. She has strongly supported more resources to serve disabled and special-needs students, and consistently underscores the need for equity and fairness across the sprawling school system. Vaughn also is a longtime resident of the district, which includes the northern suburbs of Lutz and the New Tampa area.

Myosha Powell, who did not respond to a Times questionnaire, is described in campaign materials as a parents ally. She charged on social media that current board members are more focused on pushing adult content on students, rather than equipping them for the future. In a video post last year, Powell, 40, declared: We are in a cultural revolution and we need to fight back. What she thinks about teacher pay, school curriculum, budgeting or a myriad other relevant issues is anybodys guess.

Voters deserve straight answers from candidates, not political click bait. The Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends Jessica Vaughn for Hillsborough County School Board, District 3.

District 5 (central Tampa): Henry Washington

This heavily minority district serves some of Tampas poorest neighborhoods, with a number of schools struggling with low academics, teacher turnover and disciplinary problems. Thats why its especially essential to have its school board member widely known and respected in the community. The incumbent, Henry Washington, is a vital bridge between the school system and the families it serves.

Washington, 75, retired in 2017 after 42 years in the Hillsborough school system. He rose through the instructional ranks, serving as principal of several major high schools and later as a regional administrator. The Army veteran was known for surrounding himself with talented staff and for inspiring teachers and students alike. That knack is a central ingredient for turning around troubled campuses.

Washington has championed an agenda that directly promotes his districts interests, from ensuring equity in school spending to the fair treatment of students in disciplinary cases. He supports increasing local property taxes to boost teacher pay and taking proactive steps to address the achievement gap thats impacted by poverty and other social conditions. Washington opposed the school closures last year, arguing the move was disruptive and premature. He wants the district to focus greater on the individual needs of schools and students and for parents to become more involved.

Kenneth Gay, 65, is a retired Hillsborough school teacher and administrator and first-time candidate. He, too, wants to address the specific academic needs in these struggling schools and do more to create a stronger educational climate, from attracting better teachers to better managing disciplinary problems. Gay opposes higher taxes for teacher salaries, saying it would boomerang on teachers by making the county less affordable. He also opposed the school closures, saying the district lost an opportunity to work with smaller classroom sizes.

Gay is a thoughtful candidate whod bring experience and fresh perspective. His work with More Health, a nonprofit that brings health education programs on nutrition, personal hygiene, firearm safety and other topics to Tampa Bay area schools, shows his broader expertise and civic commitment. Elvis Piggott, 36, a youth pastor who has run for elected office before, offers little more than platitudes.

Washington has helped countless families navigate the school system over the years, earning a level of trust that cannot be overlooked in a district that local government has historically overlooked. Hes also able to bring in help from business groups, church leaders and nonprofits to help the schools in the district. The Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends Henry Washington for Hillsborough County School Board, District 5.

District 7 (countywide): Lynn Gray

The incumbent, Lynn Gray, is the clear choice in this race, both for her thoughtful agenda and professional experience and her demonstrated ability to get things done.

Gray, 72, is a former public and private school teacher who was first elected to the board in 2016. Her decades of teaching experience and civic involvement give Gray a sold grasp of whats happening in the classroom and of Hillsboroughs diverse student needs.

Gray supports the proposal to raise property taxes to increase teacher pay, calling teachers the central key of student success. She supported the school closures in 2023 as a necessary financial step and has pushed to spend more on counseling, mental health and other wrap-around services to better strengthen the academic environment for students. Gray works collaboratively on the board and is a regular presence across the school system. She recognizes the role the public schools play in developing the regions workforce, and she has long ensured that special needs students remain on the districts radar.

Johnny Bush, 61, is a retired educator who served as principal of both H.B. Plant High and Robinson High schools in Hillsborough. He shares much of Grays agenda, such as supporting a new tax to increase teacher pay and closing under-used campuses. Bush also wants more attention paid to maintaining discipline in the classroom. His inspiring life story, having overcome generational poverty to eventually run for elected office, shows the transformative power of public education, he told the Times. Bush is a natural leader who has the experience and personality to make a difference.

Karen Bendorf, a 48-year-old middle school teacher, and Jen Flebotte, a 50-year-old architectural designer, both oppose a property tax increase for teacher pay and vow to empower parents more in school-related decisions. Flebotte also rightly noted that the district needs to be more transparent about its budget. But neither brings the big picture or the skill sets that Gray offers.

Gray is an inclusive thinker who realizes the challenges of a big school system and the need to be accountable to taxpayers. She makes tough decisions and uses her common sense, and her focus on giving students an equal opportunity is vital in a board member with a countywide constituency. The Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends Lynn Gray for Hillsborough County School Board, District 7.

The recommendation process

Before making a recommendation, the Times Editorial Board asks candidates to fill out questionnaires and sit for an interview. The process can also include running criminal and civil background checks, interviewing candidates colleagues and employers, reviewing voting records and financial disclosures and examining their past and current positions on relevant issues.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen addresses a conference of school administrators in Kearney on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the day before a special session on property tax relief. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

KEARNEY  Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen spent the morning before his special session on property tax relief pitching his proposal for the state takeover of K-12 funding to an audience that might not embrace it: school administrators.

District superintendents and school leaders gathered in Kearney this week for an administrators conference. Wednesday focused on the Nebraska Department of Educations goals for the coming school year, including improving reading instruction.

State Education Commissioner Brian Maher said he shortened his speech to make room for Pillens pitch, a last-minute change the governor requested. Pillen spent the half-hour touting the proposals benefits for the group, emphasizing budget stability.

He said superintendents and school board members have told him about their difficulties planning school budgets based on how much property valuations change year-to-year and how those changes shift what the state aid funding formula provides.

Lets take the funding equation and the nonsense that is going on with how were doing it, and lets fix it now, Pillen said, drawing polite applause. So that education, so that we never have to worry about where were at and what were doing.

Pillen talks spending lids

Pillen said his proposal and its spending caps, which have yet to be released in bill form, would fund districts at the level local school boards lock in this year. He said the state would fund annual spending increases of 3%, plus more if the district shows population growth.

His pitch reached back to his discussions with superintendents during the 2023 formation of the states $1 billion Education Future Fund. He said many superintendents told him they could meet the needs of Nebraska students better if they could plan on 3% increases.

Our commitment for education is 3 percent growth every year, Pillen said.

In an interview after the speech, Pillen said his goal was to communicate the importance of property tax relief and show that it can be provided without risking school resources. He wants school supporters to know nothing goes backwards.

Maher, in his speech, said he and the governor talked Tuesday and the governor asked him what he was hearing from people in education. He said he offered Pillen the chance to speak, not to sway them but because he had 1,200 very interested educators.

Should state be trusted?

Several of those attending declined to comment after the speech, citing fears of angering the governor and their school boards.

Some said they didnt know whether to trust the state. Two pointed to the Education Future Fund as an example. Pillen has said he proposed the fund to offset property taxes by providing a baseline of state aid for school districts that received little or no state aid and by helping fund more of special education costs.

The state teachers union and others have argued that the state would raid the fund as soon as it needed money. In his talk Wednesday, Pillen did not mention that his proposal to offset property taxes relies on draining the Future Fund.

Asked this week about that choice, he said the state would commit instead to spending $200 million to $250 million a year to cover the baseline aid and special ed costs in a direct appropriation. He also said the state would be a more reliable partner to schools and local governments.

He repeated a line he has said often during the town halls he hosted on property taxes, that he wont let the state quit on kids. He said it was unacceptable that the state portion of school funding in Nebraska ranked 49th out of 50 states.

Higher bar for bond issues

His speech took direct aim at school boards and school spending decisions being made at the local level, saying the votes of three and six people on local boards dont work in Nebraska. He said votes of the people are the greatest form of local control.

It was his only reference to the most controversial part of his proposal among school leaders, the idea that passage of any bond issue for building repairs and new school buildings might require the approval of 60% of the districts voters instead of 50%.

School administrators have argued that requiring such a high bar means more of their buildings will fall into disrepair, risks increasing the long-term local costs of maintenance and makes it much more difficult for growing districts to meet space demands.

Under Pillens proposal, the state would take over most school funding, leaving building and bond costs to be paid for using property taxes. He called his approach a 25-year plan. He hasnt said how the state aid formula would change, but said it would be addressed in a later legislative session.

Fight over who should pay more

Much of his plan would be paid for by redirecting funds earmarked for existing property tax relief programs and by expanding the number of purchased goods and services subject to the state sales tax.

The Nebraska Association of School Boards has declined to comment on Pillens proposal until it can read it. It has argued the need for budget stability and local control, saying that its members will be held accountable for local schools.

Many of the proposals detractors have argued that all but the states largest business owners and land barons risk paying more in new sales taxes than they would save on their homes. Renters could be hit especially hard, advocates say.

Proponents of Pillens proposal have scoffed at calling his plan a tax shift, pointing to staff-built charts that show the state would eventually collect less in combined taxes once the measures are fully implemented, three years later.

Questions about local control

The Nebraska State Education Association, which represents the states public school teachers, has argued that a state takeover of K-12 funding poses risks to local control, including how much communities choose to spend on their schools and teachers.

Tim Royers, incoming president of the NSEA, said there is no way the state can assume more control of school finance without also assuming more influence over contract negotiations with local teachers and ultimately their pay. He said teacher retention could suffer.

We certainly have talked in the past about rebalancing the percentage of school funding between the state and local level, but this is throwing the baby out with the bathwater, Royers said. This isnt rebalancing. This is just  the leap.

Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA)  Two seemingly unrelated drug overdose deaths in Pinellas Park led to a major investigation and a life sentence for a St. Petersburg man for selling fentanyl that led to the deaths.

Tuesday, the Pinellas Park Police Department and U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida profiled the case as part of a trend for a major problem.

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On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge William Jung sentenced Bobby Peterson, 41 of St. Petersburg to life in prison.

Police Chief Adam Geissenberger said investigators noticed similarities with two drug overdoses in May of 2020 and started their investigation.

One was 32, Geissenberger said. The other was 34. They leave behind children. They leave behind family members, they leave behind broken friends and family, and you cant come back from that.

The chief said fentanyl is a major problem in his community. He said between February of 2018 and June of 2023, there were 727 opioid-related overdoses, and of that, 96 people died.

Thats just Pinellas Park proper, 15 square miles, 55,000 residents, Geissenberger said.

U.S. attorney U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg said in many cases, people think they are buying one drug, but it ends up being laced with fentanyl that can cause death.

Fentanyl is mixed with every type of drug, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and counterfeit pharmaceutical pills, Handberg said.

He said in this case the victims thought they were buying heroin, but it ended up having fentanyl. According to Handberg, Peterson simply didnt care.

He expressed no remorse and instead responded, they know what they are doing, said the U.S. attorney.

He said Peterson will now spend the rest of his life in prison for the crime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
New Delhi  At least 18 people on board a small plane were killed Wednesday when it crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Nepal's capital Kathmandu. The pilot of the plane was the lone survivor, national aviation officials said. He was being treated for serious injuries at a local hospital.

A fire broke out on the aircraft not long after it took off from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, and it quickly crashed to the ground near one of the runways. The incident happened at around 11:15 local time (12:30 a.m. Eastern), according to a statement by the country's civil aviation authority.

The statement said the plane "crashed on the east side of the runway" and that the fire that had engulfed the aircraft "was brought under control and the rescue work started immediately."

Army personnel and other officials stand around the debris of a Saurya Airlines plane after it crashed shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, July 24, 2024. / Credit: PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/Getty

Videos posted online showed the plane flying into the ground at a sharp angle, with its left wing pointed almost straight up into the air, crashing to the ground and being enveloped in flames. Dozens of rescuers, fire engines and ambulances arrived at the crash site, videos showed.

According to authorities, rescuers found 18 bodies at the crash site. All of the victims were Nepali nationals apart from one Yemeni.

The plane belonged to Nepal's Saurya Airlines, which operates domestic flights between the country's five primary airports.

The pilot of a Saurya Airlines plane that crashed shortly after takeoff in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 24, 2024, is seen being helped from the wreckage of the aircraft by rescuers in a photo shared online by Nepal's national police force. / Credit: Nepal Police/X

Of the 19 people on the flight, 16 were technical staff of the airline, two were crew members, and the other was the pilot who survived. Nepali police posted a photo of the pilot being helped out of the wreckage on social media. He was visibly injured but concious.

The plane was destined for Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in the Himalayan nation known for its mountainous terrain and world-famous peaks, including the Mount Everest.

Nepal has a dismal history of aviation accidents, attributed largely to poor safety standards and unpredictable weather.

Army personnel and other officials stand around the debris of a Saurya Airlines plane after it crashed shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, July 24, 2024. / Credit: PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/Getty

At least 68 people were killed when a Yeti Airlines plane crashed while landing at Pokhara in January last year. It was the country's deadliest air disaster since 1992, when 167 people on a Pakistan International Airlines plane were killed in a crash near Kathmandu's Airport.

In 2022, at least 22 people died when a plane crashed into a mountainside. In 2016, a Tara Air Twin Otter flying from Pokhara to Kathmandu crashed after take-off, killing all 23 people aboard.

According to Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety database, there have been 44 fatal plane crashes in Nepal since 1946.

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Plans for a new church that appeared to be part of a rebranding effort by the International House of Prayer-Kansas City in the aftermath of the sex scandal involving its founder have been scrapped.

And Isaac and Morgan Bennett, senior pastors of IHOPKC and its recently closed Forerunner Church  who were working to establish the new church  appear to be moving on from the evangelical missions organization.

An email sent to IHOPKC staff Tuesday afternoon and to the IHOPKC community on Wednesday morning said the Board of Trustees met on June 26 to review and determine the strategic direction of the 24/7 global prayer ministry. The email said plans for the new church had been dropped.

As many of you are aware, it had recently been reported that Isaac Bennett planned to form a new church called Sanctuary in collaboration with IHOPKC, the email said. We have been informed that those plans will not be moving forward. Despite the short-term disappointment, we are excited to see how the Lord will lead Isaac and Morgan, and bless any future ministry the Lord has for them.

The email also stressed that IHOPKC was not closing.

Allow us to begin this letter with a clear message: IHOPKC is not shutting down, it said. We are committed to sustaining a vibrant spiritual community of believers wholeheartedly in love with Jesus, and are persevering in a more focused scope because the need for 24/7 prayer in Kansas City, America, and the nations has never been greater. Intercession for Israel, revival in the church, and the Great Commission must continue with urgency.

Neither Bennett nor IHOPKC leaders responded to requests for comment.

Ministry remains in upheaval over allegations against founder

The email comes three months after confusion erupted over a leaked recording of a staff meeting that revealed IHOPKC planned to close its doors and open a new, smaller organization. The ministry has been in upheaval since sex abuse allegations against founder Mike Bickle surfaced in late October, accusing him of using prophecies to groom, sexually abuse and manipulate women over multiple decades.

At that April staff meeting, Bennett said IHOPKC had been hit hard by the sex abuse allegations. He said IHOPKC had been losing donor support and that expenses had been outpacing revenue by about $500,000 a month for the past six months with no end in sight.

Bennett also said the scandal put IHOPKC in legal jeopardy that could produce a contingent of individuals who are wanting to get restitution.

The best option, Bennett said, was to wind down IHOPKC, maintaining a 24/7 prayer sanctuary while planting a new organization. The new organization, he said, is not going to be a parachurch missions base, but rather a missional church.

That was followed by a statement from IHOPKC attorney Audrey Manito saying IHOPKC was not closing but going through a transition and reorganization process.

Many, including former followers, said IHOPKCs move to reorganize and restructure under a new identity smacked of a ploy to protect itself, not to help or comfort those hurt by the organization.

The day after Manitos statement, IHOPKC executive director Joseph Taylor said in a news release, We have come to the conclusion that we will wind down many of the ministry and training expressions of IHOPKC. Those included IHOP University, Forerunner Church, the Childrens Equipping Center, and the organizations internships, Taylor said.

The International House of Prayer-Kansas Citys Forerunner Church in Grandview held its final service on May 19.

IHOP University held its final graduation ceremony on May 18 in Grandview. Forerunner Church held its final worship service the next day.

Documents filed with state created new Sanctuary Church

What wasnt revealed at the time was that on April 18, Bennett, his wife, Morgan, and Matt Candler  president of IHOP University  had filed incorporation papers for a nonprofit called Sanctuary Church. The paperwork, filed with the Missouri Secretary of States Office, described the corporation as a religous church.

Tuesdays email to staffers didnt say why the church plans werent going forward or what happened with Bennett. It was focused more on assuring supporters that IHOPKCs night-and-day prayer room would remain open.

The email said that on May 24, IHOPKC had concluded the process of winding down many of its ministries and training expressions, including IHOPU, Forerunner Church, the Childrens Equipping Center and internships.

Since that time, our focus as a ministry has been the 24/7 prayer room and intercession for Israel, it said. During the process of planning and carrying out these changes, incorrect statements were made about IHOPKCs future and reasons for shutting down various ministry expressions. As we said earlier, IHOPKC is not shutting down the prayer room.

It said the board had decided not to place the governance of the Prayer Room under a church structure.

It is the decision of the Board of Trustees that the Prayer Room will remain independent of any external church and continue to be the heart of IHOPKC, it said. Further, the Prayer Room will remain in its present location at Red Bridge Center.

...We realize that the long term health and wellbeing of the prayer room requires a formal governance structure for oversight, accountability and spiritual strength. We are exploring the best fit moving forward and are committed to ensuring systems are in place for solid decision making and responsible leadership.

The email angered some critics, including former staffers and leaders, who said it seemed IHOPKC cared more about preserving the ministry than it did about abuse victims.

How disrespectful to all those who went through so much pain in that place at the hands of leadership and especially Mike Bickle, Cheryl Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter.   Just turns my stomach.

The International House of Prayer-Kansas City, Nov. 11, 2023.

The email thanked those who have served and continue to serve as part of IHOPKC, and those who continue to financially partner with the Prayer Room.

Your unwavering support of our mission of continuing 24/7 prayer here and sharing it worldwide through webstream is deeply felt, it said.

The email also revealed the names of IHOPKCs board members, something critics have long been pushing the ministry to do. The trustees, it said: Chairman Kurt Fuller, a retired U.S. Army Major General; Malachi OBrien; Ed Hackett; Bishop Wellington Boone; Cindy Dodd; and Steve Brandt.

We believe God is not done with IHOPKC, the email said. We intend to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in every way and in every decision, because there is no other way. We intend to serve and support those who have been called as intercessory missionaries and the ones God will call in the days ahead. The way forward is by, with and through faith.

We will continue to pray for and stand with Israel, to pray for and contend for the next generation, and to pray for and cry out for the church in this hour of human history. May the fire on the altar never go out.
The Australian market has shown a steady performance, remaining unchanged in the last week and experiencing an 8.4% increase over the past year, with earnings expected to grow by 13% annually. In this context, identifying small-cap stocks like Qualitas that have potential for growth becomes particularly compelling.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Australia

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Fiducian Group NA 9.94% 6.00%  Lycopodium NA 15.62% 29.55%  K&S 15.24% -1.53% 26.68%  Sugar Terminals NA 2.34% 2.64%  Plato Income Maximiser NA 11.43% 14.26%  SKS Technologies Group NA 31.29% 43.27%  Hearts and Minds Investments NA 18.39% -3.93%  A2B Australia 15.83% -7.78% 25.44%  Paragon Care 340.88% 28.05% 68.37%  Boart Longyear Group 71.20% 9.71% 39.19% 

Click here to see the full list of 52 stocks from our ASX Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Qualitas is a real estate investment firm specializing in direct investments across various real estate classes and geographies, acquisitions and restructuring of distressed debt, capital raising for third parties, and consulting services, with a market capitalization of approximately A$702.61 million.

Operations: QAL generates its revenue primarily through direct lending and funds management, with recent figures showing A$27.58 million from direct lending and A$19.32 million from funds management. The company has demonstrated a consistent ability to achieve high gross profit margins, consistently reporting values slightly above 100%, indicating effective cost control relative to its revenue generation.

Qualitas, an emerging player in the Australian market, has shown notable financial agility. Over the past year, its earnings surged by 20%, outpacing the Capital Markets industry which saw a downturn of 3%. This growth is supported by a robust net debt to equity ratio improvement from 651% to 86% over five years, reflecting strong management execution. Additionally, with a positive free cash flow and earnings projected to grow at about 25% annually, Qualitas is well-positioned for sustained growth.

ASX:QAL Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Supply Network Limited operates in Australia and New Zealand, offering aftermarket parts for the commercial vehicle industry, with a market capitalization of A$967.02 million.

Story continues

Operations: The company generates its revenue by providing aftermarket parts for the commercial vehicle market, achieving a gross profit margin of 42.06% as of the latest report. Over recent years, it has consistently managed to maintain a net income margin around 10%, reflecting efficient operational management and stable financial performance.

Supply Network, a lesser-known gem in the Australian market, showcases robust financial health with a 27.9% earnings growth last year, outpacing its industry's 2.9%. The company's debt to equity ratio improved significantly from 18.1% to 12.9% over five years, reflecting prudent financial management. With earnings projected to grow by 13.95% annually and a high level of non-cash earnings indicating quality, Supply Network appears well-positioned for sustained growth amidst evolving market dynamics.

ASX:SNL Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited specializes in electrical, instrumentation, communication, and maintenance services across Australia, with a market capitalization of approximately A$484.32 million.

Operations: The company specializes in the provision of electrical services, generating a revenue of A$464.88 million as of the latest reporting period. It has demonstrated an ability to manage costs effectively, with a net income margin recently reported at 4.30%.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, trading significantly below its estimated fair value at 62.7%, showcases robust financial health with a debt-free status and positive free cash flow. With earnings projected to grow by 22.3% annually, the company has demonstrated a consistent profit increase of 13.3% over the past five years. Recently, SXE strengthened its leadership by appointing Michael McNulty as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee, enhancing governance amidst growth prospects.

ASX:SXE Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Summing It All Up

Reveal the 52 hidden gems among our ASX Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener with a single click here.

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Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor.

Ready For A Different Approach?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include ASX:QAL ASX:SNL and ASX:SXE.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
A community is pitching in to help the family of a man who was killed when a tree fell onto his east Charlotte apartment.

PREVIOUS: 1 dead after tree falls on east Charlotte apartments, Charlotte Fire says

Charlotte Fire said early Monday morning, a tree fell on an apartment building in east Charlotte. The police report says the tree was struck by lightning before it fell, trapping multiple people inside the building.

On Wednesday, Workmans Friend, an Irish pub in Plaza Midwood, posted to their Instagram page saying Paul Saunders is the man who died.

Saunders wife Shaleen, who was also hurt in the incident, works at Workmans Friend. Her husband played with a band that performs there.

The pub is asking for the community to rally around her to help with funeral costs.

The road ahead for her will not be an easy one, but with the love and support from our strong community, together we can help lift her up and take what little stress we can off of her, the post reads.

>> Click here to contribute to the GoFundMe.

Channel 9s Ken Lemon spoke with a few of her co-workers who are coming together to help their family.

Paul was a great guy, had a very contagious laugh, good smile, said general manager Tanner Childs.

The couples wedding picture, which Workmans Friend posted to Instagram, conveys how happy Paul and Shaleen Saunders were and the connection they had to their jobs.

She not only lost her husband, but lost her home, Childs said.

The couple met and married at Connellys, a sister restaurant. Their co-workers, including Childs, were there to celebrate.

The upstairs was packed full of people. Their personal life is a very big part of our companys, he said.

Shaleen is now out of the hospital and hasnt been able to return to work. Both of them are missed at Workmans Friend but not forgotten.

We are all here for you, Childs said.

They are now pushing the effort to help the grieving wife, co-worker, and good friend.

Whatever you need from us, we will go to the ends of the earth for you, Childs said.

He said he wants to make sure Shaleen knows she has their full support when she is ready to come back to work.

(WATCH BELOW: Road rage turns into shooting at Plaza Midwood intersection)
In the weeks between President Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance and his decision to step aside, no one in political media was making the case against his candidacy louder than the former Barack Obama staffers and co-hosts of Pod Save America.

In his third appearance on The Last Laugh podcast, Crooked Media co-founder Jon Lovett returns to talk about his unexpectedly prominent role in the Democratic Partys existential crisis and how hes feeling now that Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the presumptive nominee who will take on Donald Trump in the fall. We also discuss how the political comedy world handled both Bidens decline and Trumps assassination attempt, how he navigates writing jokes for his own podcast Lovett or Leave It, and how on earth he ended up as a contestant on the upcoming season of Survivor.

When I begin our conversation congratulating the Obama pod bro cabal on a successful coup against Biden, Lovett takes a long pause before saying, Yes, your facetious tone noted, before giving a more serious answer than I was expecting.

Everybody understands the stakes, understands the importance of defeating Donald Trump, he says. And on the Democratic sideunlike on the Republican sidewe can talk amongst ourselves. And yeah, theres going to be ego and pride and some harshness, because it is so important, and people do rightly have a lot of emotion around the outcome of this election. But it speaks well of this very large and inclusive movement that we could get to this point and unify behind a candidate. And a lot of people had very strong views about what should happen, and I suppose we were among them.

Obama Pod Bros Fire Back at Incompetent Biden Team

During our talk, Lovett expresses profound and genuine gratitude towards Biden, both for making his selfless decision to step aside and for the successes of his administration. Now that Harris will almost certainly be the nominee, he is feeling a mixture of anxiety and uncertainty, on the one hand, about how the rest of the race will play out and, on the other, the type of hope that has been in short supply amongst Democrats in the years since his old boss Obama left office.

As he thinks about balancing those two feelings, Lovett likes to remind himself that being too cynical is not more sophisticated than being too hopeful.

We have a really good case, he says. Both for what we want to do in the future and against Trump's failures as a president. We have a great case. Lets fucking make it.

Below is an edited excerpt from our conversation. You can listen to the whole thing by following The Last Laugh on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts, and be the first to hear new episodes when they are released every Wednesday.

In terms of making the case, the thing that you guys were really hammering on Pod Save America after the debate was that its not necessarily when Biden confuses two names that was your biggest concern, but rather a fundamental inability to make the case against Trump. And I think were already seeing that with Kamala Harris, the bar was so low that the fact that she can go out there and speak clearly and forcefully, thats what people have almost forgotten was possible in a candidate for president.

Yes, it is exciting to have a candidate out there prosecuting the case effectively. And to imagine not just making it through, but doing so in a way that feels like were taking the fight to Donald Trump, that is inspiring. That is meaningful for people. The country had been saying for two years now they want a different option. And thats not to have anything but respect for Joe Biden and the kind of president hes been. But that's what the voters were saying. Its not what elites were saying, its not what pundits were saying, its not what insiders were saying. In fact, they were trying to say the opposite. It was the voters that had this great concern. And yes, changing candidates at this point is unprecedented. Its risky. Its nerve-wracking. Its uncertain. But its amazing what happens when people discover that theyve gotten something that they wanted.

Before we get too far into this, I did want to get your take, as someone who briefly wrote for The Newsroom, on Aaron Sorkins op-ed in which he made a very strong case for Mitt Romney to become the new Democratic nominee.

Yeah, he withdrew it.

Yeah, he did. He said, Never mind.

You know, there was a lot of talk about how people who felt like it was worth making a change, even though it was risky, were having some kind of Sorkinesque fantasy. And then we discovered that the actual Sorkinesque fantasy was worse.

Aaron Sorkin Takes Back Fever Dream Biden Replacement Idea

Now that were on the other side of this decision by Joe Biden, Im curious how you think about the outsized role that you and Crooked Media and the other Pod Save America guys played in all of this. I mean, I think its probably the biggest spotlight youve had to date.

I think thats a lot

You think its an exaggeration?

Yes. We talked about how we felt watching the debate. And the value proposition of Pod Save America has always been that were going to be honest while trying to be helpful. There are plenty of places you can go that are entertaining and pretty cynical. Theres a lot of serious and self-serious coverage of politicsespecially the kind that treats politics like a game. But this is a place where were going to be honest and open and try to not take ourselves seriously, but tell you what we really feel. And in that moment, we just described what we felt watching that and what we think it meant for politics, and what it meant for the listeners, and what it meant for those of us who care deeply about the fight to defeat Donald Trump and to defeat MAGA Republicanism. And I dont think our doing so is what mattered at all. What mattered is that a lot of people felt the same way.

Well, its validating, right? We watched the debate and then listened to you guys and thought, Oh, it wasnt in my imagination. This is as bad as it seemed to me.

Yeah. The calculus was always, Joe Bidens biggest liability is his age. Hes an incredibly successful president, incredibly capable politician, but the voters are saying they have a deep concern about his age. So that creates a certain amount of risk. The other side is the risk of pursuing something new, and all that that entails, whether that was a primary over the last two years, or a change in the last few weeks before the convention. You can do a risk assessment, and people landed on different sides of it. Certainly what I felt in seeing that debate is, theyre reasonable arguments, but thats an argument we need to have. Thats all. We have to have this conversation.

You cant ignore it anymore.

You cant ignore it. And because of how that debate went, it means that this conversation has to be had and has to be had very, very quickly. I think its worth noting that the only reason the debate was worth having at all, the only reason people felt like they needed to voice how they felt, is because at root, people believed, myself included, that Joe Biden ultimately was in this because he cares about the country. And yes, every person has ego and pride. But ultimately Joe Biden would be motivated by what was best for the country. If he was persuaded that the best thing for the country was for him to stay in, he might have, and then we would have gotten behind him and made the best case. But he looked at this and assessed it, and decided that what was best for the country was for him to do this incredibly noble and patriotic act. And the argument was worth having because people believed in Joe Biden as a man, as a person, that he had the character to make the right call. And people didnt necessarily agree on what that right call was, but the whole debate was premised on the idea that Joe Biden loved his country.

Do you have any regrets about not speaking out after you attended that fundraiser that George Clooney later wrote about, and that you all talked about on the podcast weeks later, but not right after?

I mean, there are a bunch of Republicans out there saying, like, all these Democrats should have spoken out sooner.

They were hiding something.

Yeah. And then you go back and you look at [House Speaker] Mike Johnson leaving the White House after a meeting about negotiations over the budget with Biden. And what does he say? He doesn't say Joe Biden shouldnt be president. He doesnt say, I have concerns about Joe Biden. He doesn't say, What I saw with Joe Biden is worrying me. He says we had a very productive meeting with the president. Was Mike Johnson motivated by a desire to protect Joe Biden? Of course not. The only question was, is Joe Biden the most effective messenger to take on Donald Trump? You see the State of the Union, you say, that was awesome, that messenger can do it. You see the debate, you say no, that was a really poor performance that makes me doubt that hes the right person. But between those is a one-off event after the president arrives from a multi-day international trip. That wasnt the most effective Ive seen Joe Biden. So Im not sure. I think everybody was trying to figure this out, whether or not the president was going to be in the position to have the fight we needed to fight. And ultimately even he, I think, came to the conclusion that collectively, people decided it would be better to make change. But I dont think that was an easy or obvious decision.

Biden Aides Believe Obama Is Plotting Joes Ouster After Clooney Op-Ed

Through all of this, there was some criticism that you all received, even from within the Biden White House, anonymous sources who were talking to The New York Times, including being labeled an Obama pod bro. How did you take that?

I dont know how much gayer I need to be to stop being called a bro. Look, I really respect people that fight hard for their candidate and for their campaign. And I dont begrudge anybody who does that, especially when it becomes uncertain. Especially when youre not necessarily fully apprised of whats going on at a higher level behind closed doors. So I have nothing but kind words for anybody working on this campaign. And, by the way, one of the only reasons were now in such a strong position is because they built an incredible campaign. They have a great operation with great people that can pivot and help Kamala run an incredibly effective race with the hundred million dollars that just came in through the door. So I understood it. Youre in a campaign, youre fighting for the person you believe in, who youve made this decision to work long hours and fight on behalf of.

That to me was a hard part about all of this, because Im well aware that Im just some schmuck sitting here talking. Im not doing the work. Theyre doing the work. Were trying to help, were trying to raise money, were trying to get people to knock on doors through Vote Save America. But were not inside of these campaigns. It must have been just such an incredibly stressful and anxiety-provoking couple of weeks, to just want to be contributing and feeling like youre trapped in this maelstrom where you dont know what the next day will hold.

Listen to the episode now and follow The Last Laugh on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts to be the first to hear new episodes when they are released every Wednesday.

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Fighting in the direction of the Donetsk Oblast town of Pokrovsk is "tense and difficult," Ukraine's military said on July 24.

Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the area, and the sector near Pokrovsk in the western part of Donetsk Oblast has become the hottest part of the front.

Moscow is expending significant resources to break through toward this key logistics hub, a spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces told the Kyiv Independent earlier on July 24.

In a later post on Telegram, the Khortytsia group of forces said the situation was "tense and difficult" but that Ukrainian forces "continue to courageously hold the defense."

"Measures are being taken to drive the enemy out of there. Fighting continues," it added.

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said earlier this week that Russia continues to push toward it despite suffering heavy losses.

Moscow's troops are also reportedly attempting to develop an offensive west of the occupied and deserted cities of Avdiivka and Marinka to make their way toward Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.

Russia captured Marinka in December 2023 and Avdiivka two months later after both cities were largely destroyed in heavy battles.

"Russia threw a lot of forces into the capture of the village of Ocheretyne, so they can rush the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway from there" to capture this vital route, Voloshyn said.

Over the past day, Russia suffered 329 soldiers killed and wounded and lost 14 units of equipment, including a Su-25 attack aircraft and a tank, according to the spokesperson. Another tank and six artillery pieces were heavily damaged, he added.

The crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState reported that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector has become serious in recent days.

According to DeepState, Russia captured Prohres  a village over 23 kilometers (15 miles) east of Pokrovsk  over the weekend and is now attempting to encircle Ukrainian units nearby.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Last week, Ukraine confirmed its withdrawal from the village of Urozhaine in the southwestern part of Donetsk Oblast "to preserve the lives and health of our personnel" due to the village's complete destruction by Russian forces.

Read also: Starstreak missiles in the hands of Ukraines soldiers  heres why theyre so deadly

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Police: 15-year-old girl arrested for multiple robberies, assault over span of 2 days in DC

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in D.C. said they arrested a girl on Tuesday for her involvement in multiple robberies and an assault throughout the District.

Four of the offenses happened throughout the day on Sunday, while two happened Monday afternoon.

DC agency lays out transportation plans for 2024-2025 school year; Some still skeptical

The 15-year-old girl from Northwest D.C. was charged with the following offenses:

Simple Assault: On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at approximately 12:31 p.m., the suspects assaulted the victim at D Street and 8 th Street, Northwest, then fled the scene.

Robbery (Force and Violence): On Sunday. July 21, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., the suspects approached the victim in the 1900 block of Lincoln Road, Northeast. The suspects assaulted the victim and took the victims property then fled the scene.

Robbery (Force and Violence): On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at approximately 10:37 p.m., the suspects approached the victim in the 1000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast. The suspects assaulted the victim and took the victims property then fled the scene.

Assault With Intent to Rob: On Sunday, July 21, 2024, between 10:30 p.m. and 10:40 p.m., the suspects approached the victim in the 2400 block of Market Street, Northeast. The suspects demanded property and assaulted the victim. The suspects were unable to obtain any property and then fled the scene.

Robbery (Force and Violence): On Monday, July 22, 2024, at approximately 1:53 p.m., the suspects approached the victim at 10 th Street and French Street, Northwest. The suspects assaulted the victim and took their property then fled the scene.

Robbery (Force and Violence): On Monday, July 22, 2024, at approximately 1:55 p.m., the suspects approached the victim in the 400 block of N Street, Northwest. The suspects assaulted the victim and took their property then fled the scene.

The Metropolitan Police Department said these cases are still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Body-camera footage released this week shows a sudden escalation by police that resulted in Deputy Sean Grayson shooting a 36-year-old Black woman dead in her home on July 6  an act for which the officer is now facing murder charges.

In the footage, Grayson and another deputy speak calmly with the woman, Sonya Massey, in her living room, asking her for paperwork and ID, though Massey sometimes appears confused by their questions and unsure of where to find her documents. The two Sangamon County sheriff's deputies were responding to a 911 call by Massey, who had reported a "prowler" at her home in Springfield, Illinois, according to a court document.

After several minutes, one of the officers points to a pot of steaming water on a stove, telling Massey that "we don't need a fire while we're here." As Massey goes to retrieve the pot, the three continue to talk casually, with the other deputy stepping back away "from your hot steaming water."

"I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," she responds, possibly in jest. "Huh?" the deputy says, before Massey repeats herself, holding the pot and standing in front of the stove.

You better f**king not or I swear to God Ill f**king shoot you in the f**king face, Grayson says, his tone suddenly threatening. He then draws his gun on Massey, who ducks and says, "Okay, I'm sorry," while still holding the pot. "Drop the f**king pot," both deputies shout, as three shots are fired. After a few seconds, one deputy reports a headshot wound and calls emergency medical services. "F*ck," he says.

When his partner says he's going to retrieve a medical kit, Grayson tells him that it's no use. "Nah, she's done," he says. "You can go get it but thats a headshot."

Grayson appears to believe that he had just shot down an imminent threat. God d*mn it. Dude, Im not taking f**king boiling water to the f**king head. And look, it came right to our feet, too, he says, even though the footage shows that Massey did not throw any water. Grayson later repeats the claim to another law enforcement officer, telling him that Massey "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," calling her a crazy "f**cking b*tch."

In a news conference on Monday, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey's family, told reporters that she had mental health challenges but did not show any real aggression.

"She needed a helping hand, he said. She didnt need a bullet to the face."

Grayson, who has been fired, was indicted by a grand jury last week on three counts of first-degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty and was denied pretrial release.

An Illinois State Police investigation into the shooting does not support a finding that  Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force," according to a report. Massey's death follows several cases of Black women being killed by police in their own home, including Breonna Taylor and Atatiana Jefferson. In both cases, the perpetrating officers were accused of using excessive and unnecessary force.

According to a Washington Post database of deadly police shootings, Black women are far more likely to be killed by police than other women.

Until we get justice for Sonya Massey, we rebuke this discriminatory criminal justice system in the name of Jesus, Crump said.

Massey's father, James Wilburn, said at the news conference that he thought Massey was killed by an intruder until his brother found the truth on the internet. Later, Wilburn told CNN that Massey's death underscored the need for Black parents to warn their children about the potentially fatal dangers of dealing with police in America.

Youre used to having the talk with boys, but now I guess we have to talk to our girls about  their interactions with the police, Wilburn said.
Police investigating after man walks into Yale New Haven with gunshot wound

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  New Haven police say a walk-in shooting victim arrived at Yale New Haven Hospital Tuesday night.

Police said the 38-year-old man suffered non-fatal injuries.

MONDAY: 2 suffer non-life threatening injures after shooting in New Haven

Officers believe the man was injured in a shooting reported through ShotSpotter in the area of Washington and West streets around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said the man arrived at the hospital about 10 minutes after the ShotSpotter activation.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information valuable to investigators is asked to call detectives at 203-946-6304 or through the departments anonymous tip-line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).

TUESDAY: Juvenile shot in New Haven

Police are also investigating a non-fatal shooting midday Tuesday that left a juvenile wounded on Wayfarer Street.

Two others were also shot on Wayfarer Street on Monday. It was one of three separate shootings in the city that 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 WTNH.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police are working to gather details about two shootings that happened in Orange Mound overnight.

The first incident happened at the Pendelton Place Apartments off Lamar Avenue and Pendelton Street at around 1:35 a.m.

When WREG made the scene, we saw someone being loaded into the ambulance.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.

Officers also responded to a shooting at around 4 a.m. on Marianna Street near Douglass.

Police say they are currently looking for a victim.

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 WREG.com.
Police looking for man after infant girl found in canal near Mount Vernon and I-135

Police are looking for a man after an infant girl was found alive Tuesday in a canal in the area of Mount Vernon Street and Interstate 135 in Wichita.

Officers were sent at 1:33 p.m. to a welfare check call in the area of I-135 and Pawnee Street for a report of a child in a canal. Officers, with the help of the Wichita Fire Department, found the 11-month-old girl, Wichita police spokesperson Kristopher Gupilan said.

The girl was taken to a local hospital to be checked out and is in police protective custody, Gupilan said.

Her condition is unknown. Police did not immediately respond for more details Tuesday evening.

Detectives are looking into what led up to the infant being placed in the canal.

It is believed that Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation. Authorities are seeking assistance in locating him for questioning, according to a WPD news release. Additionally, Vincent has an outstanding warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The relationship between Perez and the infant is unclear. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Perez is encouraged to call 911 or contact detectives at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Kansas man arrested in connection with womans death on Valentines Day 2021

Work on U.S. 54, I-135 and I-235 expected in Wichita this week. What to know
Over the past year, the Australian market has seen an uplift of 8.4%, with earnings projected to grow by 13% annually. In such a thriving environment, identifying stocks that are trading below their intrinsic value can offer attractive opportunities for investors looking for potential growth at a discounted price.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Australia

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) MaxiPARTS (ASX:MXI) A$1.995 A$3.94 49.4% Ansell (ASX:ANN) A$27.43 A$50.71 45.9% Count (ASX:CUP) A$0.61 A$1.18 48.3% VEEM (ASX:VEE) A$1.78 A$3.53 49.6% IPH (ASX:IPH) A$6.06 A$11.79 48.6% hipages Group Holdings (ASX:HPG) A$1.06 A$2.06 48.5% ReadyTech Holdings (ASX:RDY) A$3.29 A$6.21 47% Atturra (ASX:ATA) A$0.81 A$1.50 46.1% Millennium Services Group (ASX:MIL) A$1.145 A$2.24 48.9% Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT) A$0.28 A$0.56 49.9%

Click here to see the full list of 41 stocks from our Undervalued ASX Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Overview: Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited is a company that operates retail food outlets, with a market capitalization of approximately A$3.06 billion.

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily from restaurant operations, totaling A$2.48 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 40.7%

Domino's Pizza Enterprises (DMP) is currently trading at A$33.61, which is 40.7% below the estimated fair value of A$56.69, highlighting its undervaluation based on discounted cash flow analysis. Despite this, DMP faces challenges such as a high debt level and lower profit margins year-over-year, now at 2.2%. However, it shows promising growth prospects with expected significant earnings growth over the next three years and a forecasted high return on equity of 27.7%.

ASX:DMP Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Infomedia Ltd is a technology company that provides electronic parts catalogues, service quoting software, and e-commerce solutions to the automotive industry globally, with a market capitalization of A$620.87 million.

Operations: The company generates A$136.58 million in revenue from its publishing and periodicals segment.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 39.7%

Infomedia Ltd, priced at A$1.66, appears undervalued with a fair value estimate of A$2.75, reflecting a significant discount. The company's earnings are projected to grow by 27.83% annually, outpacing the Australian market forecast of 13.4%. Additionally, its revenue growth at 7.9% yearly also exceeds the national average of 5.6%. Despite these positives, it's essential to note the impact of substantial one-off items on its financial results and recent executive changes that could influence future performance.

Story continues

ASX:IFM Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Red 5 Limited is a company focused on the exploration, production, and mining of gold deposits and mineral properties in the Philippines and Australia, with a market capitalization of approximately A$2.82 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue from production, development, and exploration assets totals A$546.40 million.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 44.5%

Red 5 Limited, currently trading at A$0.42, is valued below its estimated fair value of A$0.75, marking a significant undervaluation based on cash flows. The company's earnings and revenue are expected to grow at 47.5% and 34.6% per year respectively, outperforming the Australian market projections significantly. However, recent substantial insider selling and share dilution could pose risks to this growth trajectory despite promising forecasts and recent leadership restructuring following the merger with Silver Lake Resources.

ASX:RED Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Taking Advantage

Navigate through the entire inventory of 41 Undervalued ASX Stocks Based On Cash Flows here.

Already own these companies? Link your portfolio to Simply Wall St and get alerts on any new warning signs to your stocks.

Discover a world of investment opportunities with Simply Wall St's free app and access unparalleled stock analysis across all markets.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include ASX:DMP ASX:IFM and ASX:RED.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  Police are still on the hunt for two suspects, possibly teenagers, who they said raped a 12-year-old girl on the roof of a NYCHA building in East Harlem.

More Crime News

It happened Sunday evening near East 112th Street and First Avenue. While police are still sorting through evidence, including statements from the victim, they are asking the public for help.

PIX11s Nicole Johnson has more on this story in the video player.

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).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Investigators believe that dozens of companies imported thousands of tonnes of Ukrainian grain to Poland by concealing its origin and destination.

Source: Polish media outlet Rzeczpospolita citing the Rzeszow Prosecutor's Office

Details: The criminal proceedings in the case of fraud with Ukrainian grain in Poland involve 75 companies. Seventeen people have already been suspected.

"The companies registered in Poland are under investigation. There are no Ukrainian companies among them. The suspects in the investigation are mostly Polish citizens, but there are also Ukrainian citizens and an Estonian citizen," said prosecutor's office spokesperson Dorota Sokoowska-Mach.

It is believed that these companies imported thousands of tonnes of grain to Poland by concealing its origin and destination. Technical grain can be used, for example, for ethanol production or as a biocomponent for biofuels, but it was sold immediately after being imported for flour production.

The report says that the EU's abolition of duties on imports of agricultural products from Ukraine in 2022 led to uncontrolled imports of cheap grain and rapeseed to Poland after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The goods were bought by intermediaries right at the border and sold in Poland as Polish goods.

Background:

Ukraine and Slovakia agreed to work on lifting unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products as soon as possible.

The flow of grain wagons has shifted from Ukraine's western borders to the south, towards the seaports of Odesa.

In February, Ukraine's state budget lost UAH 7.7 billion (US$187 million) in customs revenues due to the Polish border blockade.

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Polk County Public Schools received a C grade in a report issued Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education.

Though the state report listed only grades, the Polk County school district reported falling just one percentage point short of a B grade in an emailed response to The Ledger.

School grades may incorporate up to 12 components, with five based on achievement in English/language arts, math, science and social studies. The state also measures overall learning gains, gains of the lowest 25% of students, middle school acceleration, graduation rate and college and career acceleration, the report said.

Each component counts for up to 100 points in the overall calculation. The points are added, and then the total is divided by the maximum number of possible points to determine the percentage earned.

How did your school do? Complete list of Polk County school grades for 2023-24

Floridas Board of Education set the following grade scale for this years assessment:

A, 64% of points or greater

B, 57% to 63%

C, 44% to 56%

D, 34% to 43%

F, 33% or less.

Polk County scored 56%, the district reported.

Polk also ascended from 55th place statewide last year to 49th this year, the district said.

Polk County was among 17 districts to earn C grades for the 2023-24 school year, out of Floridas 67 counties. The department reported A grades for 22 districts and B grades for 26, with none receiving D or F grades. The state assigned incomplete grades to Jefferson and Taylor counties, both in the Panhandle.

Im excited that our students continue to make academic gains, and these latest school grades prove this, Superintendent Fred Heid said in the emailed summary. Most importantly, there has been substantial growth in student proficiency within many key subject areas, including reading, math, science, and social studies.

32 Polk schools improved their grades

The district provided a chart showing that Polk County exceeded the statewide gains in six of nine categories: geometry, fifth-grade science, eighth-grade science, biology, American history and civics.

Heid noted that Polk County had no F schools for the second consecutive year. The number of D schools has declined from 12 in 2022-23 to seven. He wrote that five schools rated D this year would have received C grades under the previous scoring method.

The state report did not reveal grades for individual schools, but it listed school grades by district. In Polk County, the largest segment schools  47%  received C grades. The department assigned A grades to 18%, B to 29% and D to 6%. No schools in Polk received F grades.

Polk County Public Schools provided a list of 32 schools that improved their grades this year. Five schools jumped from B to A grades: Alturas Elementary, Chain of Lakes Elementary, Dundee Elementary, Rochelle School of the Arts and Scott Lake Elementary.

The arts in Polk Private donors direct $200,000 to Polk arts groups hit by DeSantis' veto of state grants

Meanwhile, 19 Polk County schools rose from C to B grades, and eight vaulted from D to C grades.

Three schools improved by two levels, the district reported: Jewett Middle Academy Magnet and Oscar J. Pope Elementary from C to A, and Laurel Elementary from D to B.

Omitting charter schools, Polk County saw six more A schools and 15 more B schools this year, the district reported, with 16 fewer C schools and five fewer D schools. School districts pass along state funding to charter schools but have no authority over their operations.

I want to say thank you to our amazing team of dedicated educators and school staff who are making this steady improvement possible each year, Heid said. We are definitely heading in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go. We will get there and overcome any obstacles along the way if we continue to devote ourselves to making a positive impact on each students life.

The Polk County schools receiving D grades are Crystal Lake Elementary, North Lakeland Elementary School of Choice, Crystal Lake Middle School, Stambaugh Middle School, McLaughlin Academy of Excellence, Auburndale High School and Kathleen High School.

53% of schools in Florida improved or maintained an A grade

Statewide, 38% of schools earned A grades, compared with 32% a year earlier. The portion of B schools rose from 25% to 27%, while the state reported percentage-point declines of 4% for C schools, 2% for D schools and 0.5% for F schools.

Of the 3,347 schools assessed, 53% either improved from last year or maintained A grades, the state reported. Another 37% of schools had unchanged grades, and 10% dropped. Among schools rated D or F last year, 85% improved their grades.

The number of D and F schools has decreased by 80% since 2015, the report said.

Florida altered its process for grading schools in recent years, moving from scores on standardized tests to progress monitoring, measured by performance on Floridas Assessment of Student Thinking. The Department of Education first released grades based on the new evaluations for the 2022-23 school year.

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 County receives C as 32 schools improve their grades
WLOX-TV news anchor Karen Abernathy is retiring after a 39-year career in broadcast journalism.

Im not going to cry today because I have two more weeks to go, Abernathy told her co-anchor, David Elliott, who joined her for the announcement this week on the WLOX 4 OClock Show. Abernathys last broadcast will be at 5 p.m. on Aug. 2

Its exciting, she said. Im nervous, excited and its sad, too.

The South Mississippi news station will celebrate her career starting July 29 on the 4 oclock Show. Abernathy also has served as WLOXs health reporter.

Before joinIng WLOX, Abernathy worked at WAPT in Jackson, while Elliott was at WJTV in the capital city. They both started work at WLOX in 1985 and have always been an anchor team, her station biography says.

Abernathy and Elliott were also inducted together into the Mississippi Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Abernathy has been known during her time at WLOX not only for anchoring the news but also for her health reporting, which covered many topics. She shared stories of South Mississippi residents treated at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital each year as she hosted the Mississippi Gulf Coast St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

Off camera, Abernathy enjoys community theater and singing.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Several protesters showed up in Pioneer Square in downtown Portland Wednesday to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress to request additional support for the Israel-Hamas war on Wednesday.

A KOIN 6 News crew at the rally said there were 100 or so people there as of 11:15 a.m., along with a handful of Portland police officers.

Woman faces felony charges after her dogs mauled 6-year-old boy to death

To be completely honest with you, although I do appreciate that, I believe that he can do so much better, Protest organizer Serine Abuelhawa said. A lot of people here have asked him to do a lot more, and he can definitely do it better.

Several leading Democrats have chosen to boycott the Netanyahu address as large protests form around the U.S. Capitol. Protesters say they hold Netanyahu responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinians since Hamas attack in October 2023.

The address was also the prime ministers first time traveling since the International Criminal Court put a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes.

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

Several protesters gather in Portlands Pioneer Square in response to Benjamin Netanyahus appearance in Washington, D.C on July 24, 2024 (KOIN.com)

Protesters took to Pioneer Courthouse Square to protest Israel Prime Minister Netanyahus address to the U.S. Congress (KOIN

In a statement on social media, Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said she would not attend the prime ministers address.

Israel is an ally, but Prime Minister Netanyahu has supported policies and military actions that are causing harm to Israelis and Palestinians, Rep. Bonamici said. He has not done enough to find a resolution that will end the war and free the hostages, and I fear that this address will only exacerbate political divisions in the United States and intensify the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

Every Oregon spot highlighted in Getting Lost With Erin French on HBOs Max

Sen. Jeff Merkley also released a statement sharing he did not attend, saying Netanyahus strategy has been to prioritize his political survival over peace and the return of hostages.

Netanyahus war strategy in Gaza is at odds with American values and law, Sen. Merkley said. His governments campaign of indiscriminate bombing has driven 1.9 million people from their homes and killed nearly 40,000 Palestinianstens of thousands of whom are women and children. In addition, his governments restrictions on humanitarian aid have brought Gaza to the brink of famine. This continues to drive further cycles of violence, radicalization, and instability.

Marc N. Blattner, the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, shared the following statement with KOIN 6 News:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited by members of Congress to speak. He took that opportunity to share his countrys view on the war, remind people of the horrific atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, explain the detrimental role Iran continues to play, affirm his commitment to bring the hostages home, and to especially thank the United States, in particular President Biden, for its (and his) longstanding and steadfast support.

As for those protesting here and elsewhere, we recognize and respect their right and freedom to do so. Many of those individuals are calling for an immediate ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The war cannot end until Hamas releases all the remaining hostages, including several American citizens, and until Hamas no longer has the ability to threaten Israel. That is the path to peace and the potential for a two-state solution.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The European Union must stay committed to its policy that any discussions about ending the war in Ukraine should be led by the government in Kyiv, according to Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel.

"It will be Ukraine who decides how a peace process should be organized, Rangel said in an interview with Bloomberg on July 23. "Its fundamental that the EU remains firm in the idea that if there are peace talks and a peace process, which is highly desirable, it has to be done with respect for the plan defined by Ukraine, which is the invaded state."

This stance, however, has been contested by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who insists on continuing his self-declared "peace mission," despite EU criticism that he has overstepped his role as the blocs rotating presidency holder.

In a letter sent to European Council Chairman Charles Michel on July 12, Orban detailed his evaluation of meetings conducted as part of his "peace mission." These meetings included recent trips to Moscow and Beijing, which he portrayed as efforts to negotiate an end to Russias war in Ukraine.

Orban added that Trump, the U.S. Republican presidential candidate, is prepared to act "immediately" as a peace broker in the Russia-Ukraine war if elected in November.

The EUs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced on July 22 that he plans to move the August meeting of the blocs foreign and defense ministers from Budapest to Brussels in protest of Orbans diplomatic initiatives.

Traditionally, the country holding the EUs six-month rotating presidency hosts the meeting. However, member states have been angered by Orban's recent visits to Moscow, Beijing, and Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

"We will never abdicate from respecting the United Nations charter, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Portugal's Rangel said. "If we set the precedent that a state can use force to change internationally recognized borders, we will create conditions for multiplying conflicts globally."

The Portuguese minister added that he doesn't anticipate a "substantial change" in military support for Ukraine even if Trump returns to the presidency, citing commitments from NATO, the EU, and individual countries to continue backing Kyiv.

"In the last NATO summit, what we saw was the creation of a stable framework not just for military support for Ukraine but also there was the definition of financial support for military purposes, which is about $40 billion annually, which is highly significant aid," Rangel said. "These are guarantees for the future."

Read also: Kuleba lands in China, urges direct peace talk discussions with Beijing

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(Bloomberg) -- Portugals government reaffirmed it plans to privatize state-owned airline TAP SA, adding that the terms of the sale are still to be defined.

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This is a phase of discretion, a phase of evaluations, consultations, definition of models and in due time we will bring to light our vision for TAP, Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz said at a parliamentary hearing in Lisbon on Wednesday. Were worried but we also believe that the market today has the necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of liquidity, in terms of market dynamics for us to proceed.

Air France-KLM, Deutsche Lufthansa AG and IAG SA, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, have said they may be interested in TAP. The Lisbon-based airlines biggest attraction lies in its links to Brazil, of which its the biggest European provider. It also maintains a strong presence in Africa and operates a number of flights to North America.

The previous government said in September that it aimed to sell at least 51% of TAP. Pinto Luz on Wednesday declined to provide details about the terms of the airlines privatization.

We wont discuss beforehand what we havent yet defined, Pinto Luz said.

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(Bloomberg) -- The European Union must remain committed to its policy that any talks about ending the war in Ukraine should be led by the government in Kyiv, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

It will be Ukraine who decides how a peace process should be organized, Rangel said in an interview in Lisbon on Tuesday. Its fundamental that the EU remains firm in the idea that if there are peace talks and a peace process, which is highly desirable, it has to be done with respect for the plan defined by Ukraine, which is the invaded state.

That position has been challenged by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whos said he will continue his self-styled peace mission, despite criticism from the EU that he has overstepped his role as the holder of the blocs rotating presidency.

The EU needs to join China and, assuming Donald Trumps return to power, the US to press Russia and Ukraine to start peace negotiations, Orban said in a radio interview on July 19.

The EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday he plans on moving an August meeting of the blocs foreign and defense ministers from Budapest to Brussels to protest Orbans diplomatic forays.

The meeting is traditionally convened by the country that holds the EUs six-month rotating presidency, but member states have been angered by the visits that Orban made in recent weeks to Moscow, Beijing, and Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

We will never abdicate from respecting the United Nations charter, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, Rangel, 56, said. If we open the precedent of the law of the strongest  that there could be a state that through force changes borders that are defined and recognized internationally  we will create the conditions for multiplying conflicts at the global level.

The Portuguese minister said he doesnt think there will be a substantial change in military support for Ukraine even if Trump becomes president again, citing commitments from NATO, the EU and individual countries to keep backing Kyiv.

In the last NATO summit, what we saw was the creation of a stable framework not just for military support for Ukraine but also there was the definition of financial support for military purposes, which is about $40 billion annually, which is highly significant aid, Rangel said. These are guarantees for the future. There is already an institutional and legal framework that is binding in many cases.

NATOs European members have been increasing their defense spending, a trend which Rangel sees continuing. Portugal plans to meet a NATO requirement for defense spending to reach 2% of gross domestic product by 2029, up from about 1.55% this year.

Rangel said different US administrations, not only Trumps, have called for increased contributions from European allies.

The requirement to reach 2% and to have an equitable share of the costs of building defense and dissuasion capacity is a constant in US administrations, the minister said. Each president will have his style, but none has abandoned that demand.

Rangel also said Portugals relationship with the US doesnt depend on the governments or the presidents who are on either side of the Atlantic. Its a stable, fundamental relationship.

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Sen. Mark Kelly, a potential vice presidential contender, said on Wednesday that he would vote in support of the PRO Act, a major labor reform measure.

The remarks came a day after ABC News reported concern among labor unions about the Arizona senator as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris due to his unwillingness to back the pro-labor legislation.

"Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if he doesn't support the PRO Act," John Samuelsen, President of the Transport Workers Union, told ABC News.

On Wednesday, Kelly voiced full support for the PRO Act, saying he would vote for it if it came to the Senate floor.

MORE: Labor unions unite behind Kamala Harris but concern emerges about potential VP pick Mark Kelly

"I would have voted for it on Day 1," Kelly said. "I would vote for it today."

"I am, like a lot of legislation, working to make it better. But if it came to the floor today or any day going back to the day I was sworn in, I would vote for it."

The Huffington Post first reported Kelly's comments on the PRO Act. Kelly spokesperson Jacob Peters confirmed the comments to ABC News.

Kelly, who took office in 2020, has declined to sign onto the PRO Act throughout his tenure. The latest version of the bill, known as the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act, boasts the support of 48 of the 51 U.S. Senators who caucus with Democrats.

PHOTO: Sen. Mark Kelly arrives for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu address to a joint meeting of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol, on July 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Kelly and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are reportedly the two leading candidates for the nod as vice president on a potential Harris-led ticket, a senior administration official told ABC News on Tuesday.

Prior to Kelly's remarks on Wednesday, a union president who backs Harris told ABC News that they opposed the nomination of Kelly due to his position on the PRO Act. The union president requested that ABC News not use their name due to the sensitivity of issues surrounding Harris's candidacy.

"The Democrats cannot have someone on the ticket who is identified as soft on labor," the person said. "This is a huge problem."

In a statement on Tuesday, Kelly's office said the Arizona senator has robustly backed labor.

"Senator Kelly is the son of two union police officers and has been a strong supporter of workers throughout his time in the Senate," Peters told ABC News.

Peters pointed ABC News to a statement Kelly made to the Huffington Post in 2021 in which he said he supported the "overall goals" of the legislation while acknowledging that he had "some concerns."

In 2022, Kelly's Senate campaign was endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

MORE: Election 2024 updates: House GOP leaders want focus on Harris' record, not race

Larry Cohen, former president of the Communications Workers of America, previously said Kelly's position on the PRO Act raised concern but the primary consideration in assessing his selection as vice president should be whether he helps the Democratic ticket win in November.

"I would tend to go back to the issue of the swing states. Who can move the needle?" Cohen told ABC News, noting Arizona is a battleground state. "The number one goal is beating Trump."

Potential VP pick Mark Kelly backs pro-labor legislation after unions voice concern originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Russians are attacking the city of Kharkiv once again on 24 July.

Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on social media

Quote from Terekhov: "Sounds of powerful explosions were heard in Kharkiv. Be careful."

Details: Ihor Terekhov reported that the missiles attacked an infrastructure facility. A large fire broke out at the site of the hit. Information on casualties and damage is being updated.

Update: At 14:17, Terekhov reported the fifth strike on the city since the beginning of the day, and it once again targeted the industrial area. Details about casualties and damage are still being clarified.

Background:

Over Wednesday night, Russian troops attacked Kharkiv. As a result of the UAV strike, a stable in the village of Lisne, in the suburbs of Kharkiv, burned down. Two men aged 41 and 18 were injured.

Russian troops also attacked the city of Izmail in Odesa Oblast with Shaheds on the night of 23-24 July, damaging the port infrastructure and a residential building, injuring three people.

The Air Force reported that Russia fired two missiles on Kharkiv Oblast and attacked Ukraine with kamikaze drones. Air defence shot down 17 of the 23 drones launched by the Russians.

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As global markets navigate through a landscape marked by shifting trade dynamics and technological disruptions, Hong Kong's stock market presents unique opportunities, particularly within its small-cap sector. Amidst broader market trends favoring value over growth stocks, exploring lesser-known entities in this vibrant financial hub could uncover potential investment gems. In this context, identifying good stocks often involves looking for companies with robust fundamentals that may stand to benefit during economic recoveries or withstand volatile periods.

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%  COSCO SHIPPING International (Hong Kong) NA -12.97% 12.59%  PW Medtech Group NA 17.93% -2.70%  Sundart Holdings 0.01% -2.76% -4.34%  Tianyun International Holdings 10.09% -5.59% -9.92%  Hung Hing Printing Group 3.97% -2.51% 33.57%  Changjiu Holdings 14.09% 12.87% -4.74%  Laopu Gold 8.43% 26.56% 36.28%  Pizu Group Holdings 48.34% -4.53% -19.78% 

Click here to see the full list of 179 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: Xiamen Yan Palace Bird's Nest Industry Co., Ltd. is a company that specializes in the research, development, production, and marketing of edible birds nest products within the Peoples Republic of China, holding a market capitalization of HK$6.53 billion.

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily through direct sales to online and offline customers, alongside sales to e-commerce platforms and distributors. It has seen a steady increase in revenue, reaching CN1.96 billion by 2023, with the largest segment being direct online sales at CN824.40 million. The business incurs significant costs of goods sold (COGS), which amounted to CN969.32 million in the latest year reported, while operating expenses have also risen, reflecting increased spending on sales and marketing activities.

Xiamen Yan Palace Bird's Nest Industry, despite a challenging environment, forecasts a revenue increase of 10% to 15% for the first half of 2024, reaching up to RMB 1,090 million. However, net profit is expected to drop by 40% to 50%, settling between RMB 50 million and RMB 60 million. The company remains debt-free with robust non-cash earnings and has outpaced the food industry's growth. It has also committed to a dividend of RMB 2.15 per ten shares for year-end 2023.

SEHK:1497 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is a home meal products company based in China, with a market capitalization of HK$7.20 billion.

Operations: The company operates primarily in the retail grocery sector, generating a revenue of CN6.09 billion as of the latest report. It has shown a notable increase in gross profit margin from 11.11% in 2020 to 22.17% by mid-2024, reflecting improved operational efficiency despite fluctuating net income figures over the same period.

Guoquan Food (Shanghai), a notable player in the Consumer Retailing industry, has showcased robust financial health with earnings growth of 4.2% last year, surpassing the industry average of 1.2%. The company's commitment to shareholder value is evident from its recent dividend affirmation of RMB 0.0521 per share and strategic bylaw amendments to enhance governance structures. With a solid balance sheetmore cash than debtand positive free cash flow, Guoquan stands out as a promising investment in Hong Kongs market landscape.

SEHK:2517 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Changjiu Holdings Limited operates in China, offering services related to pledged vehicle monitoring and managing automobile dealership operations, with a market capitalization of HK$3.89 billion.

Operations: Changjiu Holdings primarily generates revenue through its Pledged Vehicle Monitoring Service, contributing CN574.99 million, and its Automobile Dealership Operation Management Service, which adds another CN66.78 million. The company has seen a rising gross profit margin trend over recent years, reaching 44.05% by the end of 2024 from an earlier 39.24% in 2020, reflecting improved operational efficiency or cost management in its core business areas.

Changjiu Holdings, a lesser-known gem in Hong Kong's stock market, has shown promising developments. With a 5.8% earnings growth surpassing the industry's -11.8%, and its debt comfortably exceeded by cash reserves, the company stands out for its financial health. Recently launching the 9CheGO platforma digital leap in automobile dealership managementChangjiu has rapidly onboarded over 12,000 partners, signaling robust market acceptance and potential for further expansion in this niche sector.

SEHK:6959 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Summing It All Up

Delve into our full catalog of 179 SEHK Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals here.

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Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor.

Interested In Other Possibilities?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include SEHK:1497 SEHK:2517 and SEHK:6959.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
He praised Biden, so SBC's policy arm ousted him  then brought him back. What's next?

Brent Leatherwood was effectively, albeit temporarily, canceled when he wrote something positive about President Joe Biden.

The president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and a former Tennessee Republican Party executive director, Leatherwood became an apostate to some in his own circles and a punching bag to the mob lying in wait on social media eager to tear him apart for political heresy.

What did he say? Leatherwood opined that Biden did the right thing by choosing the nation above his personal ambition in stepping aside as the Democratic nominee.

As a public intellectual, he made a reasonable and human statement about an aging elder statesman who decided, to paraphrase Ecclesiastes 3, that the season of his political career was coming to an end.

For that, Leatherwood was punished.

On Monday, the ERLC, the policy arm of the SBC, announced that he had been ousted.

Then, there was a twist. By the next day, Leatherwood was reinstated and the commissions chair resigned in a case of whiplash that exposed the sinister side of politics that demonizes political adversaries and requires partisan loyalty tests.

Ironically, this happened just days after politicians called for greater civility and respectful debate in the wake of the recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

Americans have sorted themselves politically to a fault

Leatherwoods comments might have surprised some fellow Southern Baptists. The Nashville-based SBC leans heavily conservative and Republican.

Brent Leatherwood

A Lifeway Report released in April showed that among Southern Baptists:

64% of lay members identify as conservative while 90% of leaders do

58% of lay members are registered Republicans while 75% of leaders are

However, what Leatherwood told the Baptist Press about Biden seemed innocuous on the surface.

We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal ambition, Leatherwood said. Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act  the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.

He did not then sign on to the Harris for President campaign nor did he criticize Trump.

But our politics have grown more divided over time. As outlined by Bill Bishops 2008 book The Big Sort, Americans have clustered themselves politically and geographically so that their exposure to different views in the real world are limited. This applies to Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike.

Our country has become so polarized, so ideologically inbred, that people don't know and can't understand those who live just a few miles away, according to Bishops website.

Marsha Blackburn calls for robust, bipartisan debate. She should save her advice for Trump

So many Tennessee elder statesmen, including former Sen. Lamar Alexander who wrote a guest essay in the USA TODAY Network Tennessee recently, urge citizens to follow the example of the late Sen. Howard Baker who said the other fellow might be right.

But that would require the dangerous political act today of compromise, humility and deference  which are all too nuanced for the politics of the digital age.

Intentional exposure, connection and action create avenues for trust

Leatherwood still faces immense pushback from his critics, but this saga could be the start to truly changing the tone of our politics for the better.

The events surrounding the short-lived coup against him creates an opportunity for greater self-examination.

We should be asking ourselves as citizens if we truly believe that anything and everything our political rivals or opponents do is evil or comes from a place of harm.

Most people tend to act in the interest of themselves, their families and their communities, and divisions usually take hold and fester due to ignorance, lack of exposure or the belief that deeper connection is impossible.

But in a state where one can go to Mule Day in Columbia one weekend and a Pride Festival in Nashville on another, it is possible to break through these political siloes.

Citizens just have to want to do it.

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why did SBC policy arm oust Leatherwood? Comments on Biden have lesson
When is President Biden speaking? How to watch his national address in Tennessee

President Joe Biden will be addressing the nation on Wednesday evening, his first national address since his announcement Sunday that he will not be running for reelection. Biden dropped out of the race over the weekend after weeks of pressure from the Democratic party, citing concerns over his ability to remain in office.

"Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people," said Biden on Tuesday in a post to X.

Following his announcement on Sunday, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. According to USA TODAY, the former California prosecutor has secured enough Democratic National Committee delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Biden had been isolating at his home in Delaware this week after a positive COVID-19 test. According to a White House press release, Bidens symptoms have almost resolved completely."

"His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear," Kevin C. O'Connor, physician to the president, said. "The President continues to perform all of his presidential duties."

Here's how to tune in to Wednesday's national address.

Tennessee reaction: Democrats express shock over Biden's withdrawal, thank him for service to U.S.

What time will President Joe Biden speak?

Biden will be addressing the nation at 7 p.m. Central Time. Biden said on social media he will share "what lies ahead" and how he aims to "finish the job for the American people."

How to watch President Joe Biden's national address in Tennessee? Is there a livestream?

Major TV networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and CNN will air Biden's address. A livestream will also be available on YouTube.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When is Biden speaking? How to watch his address in Tennessee
The sunset as seen from off State Highway 518 towards Mora is clouded with smoke from the fires in the mountains on June 13, 2022. Extreme heat is deadly and worsens both wildfires and other forms of air pollution. (Photo by Bright Quashie for Source NM)

Heat and degraded air quality harming New Mexicans is projected to worsen in the coming years, as climate change fueled by burning and extracting fossil fuels cranks up the planets temperature.

State lawmakers heard that message from panels of experts from government and outside groups in an interim Water and Natural Resources Committee meeting Monday held in Albuquerque.

Extreme heat is the deadliest natural disaster, killing more people in the U.S. than flooding and hurricanes combined. Hotter, drier conditions also increase and intensify wildfires. It leads to arid conditions causing dust storms and increases air pollution.

The data shows the Southwestern U.S. is the fastest warming area in the lower 48 states, and New Mexicans are feeling the consequences, with 50 people going to emergency rooms between April and May.

With extreme heat growing more frequent and intense, New Mexico has to transform its approach, said heat public health expert Nathaniel Matthews-Trigg, a co-founder of advocacy group Healthy Climate New Mexico.

The stark reality is this: every summer, New Mexicans are dying preventable deaths, Matthews-Trigg told lawmakers. Its time we shift our focus from individual actions to collective community efforts.

He said New Mexicos current model treats extreme heat as a matter of personal responsibility, which ignores both science and experience from people who shoulder the brunt of heat exposure.

And while New Mexico has made more efforts to track data on heath injuries and deaths  which are difficult numbers to pin down  members of state agencies said they still required more funding and staffing.

Requests for money by agencies and policy experts included adding six more staff to collect heat injury and death data for the New Mexico Department of Health.

Shelley Mann-Lev, the Executive Director of Healthy Climate New Mexico said the group has been working to establish a statewide public health and climate program.

Supporters said the program would deal with heat, wildfire smoke, drought, flooding, dust and severe storms.

Mann-Lev also supports establishing a $10 million fund to help towns and cities address climate needs.

That fund would be dedicated at least 50% to communities with populations of less than 100,000 (people), Mann-Lev said. The proposal has failed the past three sessions.

Mann-Lev said that New Mexicos application for federal funds for $2.5 million to track public health and environment was rejected because of a lack of staff at state agencies to spend it down.

Deadly heat

Emergency room visits due to heat stress have nearly doubled since 2010 in New Mexico, said Lauren Reichelt, New Mexico Environment Departments director at the Environmental Health Division.

When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, so do visits in southern and northwestern NM, many of them outdoor workers, men between 18- and 44-years-old, Reichelt said.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion in New Mexico emergency rooms rose from 200 visits to over 400 visits. Those are only for those specific conditions, Reichelt said, the real impacts are much larger since heat exacerbates heart and kidney conditions.

If you wanted the real number, youd have to add a zero at the end and either double or even quintuple it, she said about estimates on heat-related injuries.

The New Mexico Environment Department ascribed 900 emergency room visits to heat in 2023. This year, there have already been 600 visits due to heat, Reichelt said.

Matthews-Trigg said most existing interventions on extreme heat are ineffective and a waste of money.

Telling someone to get somewhere cooler, if they dont have access to transportation is pointless, he said. Setting up cooling centers that are not welcoming, that dont allow pets or in inaccessible locations will mean the people that need them are unable to go to them.

Facing the heat head on

Matthews-Trigg offered recommendations based on surveys with state agencies, community groups, local governments and research to better prevent deaths. Those include:

Tailoring messages for elderly, children, outdoor workers

Getting better data; treating heat like a mass-casualty event for first responders

Ensuring governments have support, if a blackout happens during a heatwave

Establish a heat emergency hotline to take pressure off of 911 centers

Offer more water bottles, cooling towels to smaller communities

Give more funding and training to rural and tribal communities

Another recommendation is to offer people help with energy bills, since some research shows people dont use air conditioning or swamp coolers out of financial hardship.

People literally cook inside their homes because they cant pay a few dollars to stay cool. This is an incredible injustice, Matthews-Trigg said.

Gerilyn Antonio, the tribal liaison for the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils, requested that the state work to consult with tribes, provide tribal-level data, rather than just county-specific data.

Theres not a comprehensive picture of how tribal communities in our state are affected, Antonio said about heat.

She said the legislature needs to increase funding for state agencies and work to improve communications to Pueblos.

Sen. Liz Stefanics (D-Cerillos) said the legislature might consider combining the state agencies with climate bureaus or divisions under one office.

If we could bring together the entities that are working in this, we might be able to better fund something as a whole, rather than piecemeal, Stefanics said.

Pollution, wildfire smoke and dust

Extreme heat and drought are worsening New Mexicos air quality said JoAnna Strother, who directs advocacy for the American Lung Association in the Southwest.

Ozone, also known as smog, worsens in high heat, causing a sunburn effect on the lungs and worsening or causing lung diseases.

Particle pollution means very tiny amounts of solids and liquids inhaled into the lungs. The pollution is sometimes due to wildfire, but also just emissions from gasoline, diesel or wood fuels.

Particle pollution can be very dangerous to breathe, especially at higher concentrations. It can trigger illness, hospitalization, and premature death and can even cause lung cancer, Strother said.

Just over half of New Mexicans live in a county with at least one failing air grade and 32% of New Mexicans live in counties with three failing grades for air quality, she said.

Las Cruces is the 15th most polluted city for ozone, and Albuquerque the 21st in national rankings. But it isnt just urban areas affected, Eddy County ranked as the 17th most polluted county for ozone in the U.S.

Particle pollution has also worsened in both Albuquerque and Las Cruces, she said.

Maxine Paul, the former chair of the Albuquerque Air Quality Control Board said the legislatures passage of a bill to reduce pollution from cars and trucks is still being implemented, but that it will work to reduce pollution.

The New Mexico Environment Department only has seven staff to travel around the state, measure, and collect data on air pollution, said Dana Bahar, the deputy director of the Environmental Protection Division.

Theres no future where our landscapes are not flammable

Wildfires and smoke are inevitable in New Mexico, said Matthew Hurteau, a professor studying fire ecology at the University of New Mexico, but the state can do more to limit smoke exposure.

Climate changes drying effect has made New Mexicos forests more flammable, meaning the devastating 2022 fire season is projected to become fairly normal, as the atmosphere warms and dries, he said.

His research shows forest management is key to reducing pollution from these fires.

If we restore frequent fire to these forests, through mechanical thinning, and prescribed burning, we can significantly reduce the amount of emissions that are happening, particularly in large doses, he said.

Elimination of wildfire isnt an option.

Theres no future where our landscapes are not flammable in New Mexico, Hurteau said. Anyone who tells you that we can manage smoke impacts by putting out wildfire is delusional.

He said the state needs to do more to clean peoples air, such as offering air purifiers in rural communities.

In addition to air purifiers, wearing properly fitted N95 masks filters out harmful particles and works to protect peoples lungs from wildfire smoke and other pollution, said Strother.

Albatross around our neck

One top lawmaker expressed frustrations at New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney, saying the administration and agency is failing to display a sense of urgency.

Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) invoked 18th century poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner saying New Mexico had an inescapable burden in relying on fossil fuels.

We all have this albatross around our neck, thanking oil and gas for giving us funding, at the same time trying desperately to keep them from destroying the Earth.

She asked Kenney what is preventing the environment department from being at full staffing, asking if the governor requested the agency to keep its budget flat, if it cant pay enough for staff, or a combination of issues.

Kenney said he feels Stewarts sense of urgency, but the environment department lacks an office for 167 of its staff, and said state hiring remains slow.

We have no shortage of people wanting to work there. We just need quicker processing to get them in the door, Kenney said.

Stewart said she wants New Mexico to be seen by the rest of the country as a model for addressing climate change, boldly addressing public health and economic impacts.

You cant say that about us right now. Little tiny steps, she said pantomiming footprints with her hands. Little tiny steps while the Earth is burning.

This story was updated at 10 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 to reflect that boards enact air quality rules, not the state legislature.
Prince George's County school board offices are housed in the Sasscer Building in Upper Marlboro. File photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

By John Domen

A member of the Prince Georges County Board of Education was serving on the board after taking a job with a school system in Missouri at the start of the year. But District 1 representative David Murray only resigned his Prince Georges post last week  around the time a complaint was filed with the Maryland State Board of Education.

Murrays new job as the chief academic officer for the Ferguson-Florissant School District in the St. Louis area was announced in December. A spokeswoman for the Missouri school district said he started working for the school system on Jan. 4, and his attendance at a school board meeting there was recorded as early as Jan. 10.

Around the same time, his attendance at Prince Georges County Board of Education meetings became spotty, with his appearances often occurring virtually, if at all. His most recent actions on the board occurred on July 11, when he was involved in voting for a new chair and vice chair of the board. The candidates he backed for those positions lost.

Members of the board earn an $18,000 annual stipend for their work, though its not clear how much of that Murray has collected so far.

WTOP has reached out to both Prince Georges board Director Ryvell Fitzpatrick and newly elected board Chair Lolita Walker, whom Murray voted against earlier this month.

In a brief phone call with WTOP, Murray initially said he had been splitting his time between Missouri and Maryland. He also repeatedly said he resigned from his seat willingly last week. Asked about being paid by the county while living in Missouri, he paused for several seconds and then said he had to run.

A few minutes later, Murray said via text it was an absolute pleasure serving on the Prince Georges County school board.

While I am a homeowner, taxpayer, and have domicile in District 1, my secondary residence is now out of state. I attempted to juggle all of these responsibilities simultaneously initially, trying to fulfill all of my commitments through the end of the school year. I made the decision that it would be in the best interest for me to retire from the Board of Education, Murray went on to say in the message.

Now that Murray has resigned his seat, he may not be subject to any punishment for violating state laws about representing an area he doesnt reside in.

The Missouri school districts spokeswoman confirmed Murrays position requires living near the district full-time, and she said Murray was a resident of St. Louis and had been 100% here in terms of attendance at meetings and events he was expected at.

Murray filed to run for reelection to the Prince Georges County school board one day after his hiring in Missouri was announced, coming in second place in the May primary. The elections board told WTOP Murray remains on the ballot as of Monday morning. Murray said hes no longer running for the seat. Its unclear whether any compensation he received for being on the board can or will be recovered.

 As part of Maryland Matters content sharing agreement with WTOP, we feature this article from John Domen. Click here for the WTOP News website.

The post Prince Georges County school board member has been working in Missouri for months appeared first on Maryland Matters.
Arts and cultural organizations in Florida are still reeling from Gov. Ron DeSantis veto last month of all funding for grants in the state budget.

In response, local philanthropists have emerged to donate a combined $200,000 to seven organizations in Polk County. The anonymous donors directed the money through the GiveWell Community Foundation, said Daryl Ward, executive director of the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance.

Ward said that the philanthropists contacted him after seeing news reports of DeSantis veto. The governor slashed the entire allocation of $32 million for arts and cultural grants included in this years $116.5 billion budget. Advocates said it was the first time that a Florida governor had deleted funding for the entire program.

For decades, Floridas Department of State has administered grants programs to nonprofits. The organizations submit applications that are reviewed by expert committees, yielding a ranking of groups deemed most deserving of grant money.

For the fiscal year that began July 1, 14 Polk nonprofits or artists had been approved to receive grants totaling more than $1.2 million, Ward said. The authorized grants ranged from $25,000 for Platform Art to $240,000 for Bok Tower Gardens.

The Legislature, though, had already reduced the funding to 47% of the state agencys recommendations, even before DeSantis vetoed the entire grant program.

The local donors carefully examined the Polk County groups and directed specified amounts to seven of them, Ward said. He did not disclose individual recipients or amounts. The Polk Arts and Culture Alliance is a nonprofit advocacy organization that coordinates with local entities.

Florida Dance Theatre executive director Jermaine Thornton, left, described losing an expected grant last month to Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto as "very devastating and very disappointing." The decades-old troupe does not appear to be one of the recipients of anonymous donors to Polk County cultural groups.

The donations do not match the full amount that local organizations would have received, if not for DeSantis veto.

Ward said that he notified leaders of the groups receiving the money and that checks are now on their way.

As you can imagine, they were very shocked and humbled, because they really were trying to figure out how to do without the money at this point, Ward said.

Who got the donations?

Since the veto, news reports have suggested that some small organizations might be forced to discontinue owing to the loss of expected grants. Florida Dance Theatre, a decades-old troupe based in Winter Haven, is one of the local organizations in fragile financial condition, based on tax filings to the IRS.

Executive Director Jermaine Thornton described the loss of an expected grant last month as very devastating and very disappointing. The leader of another organization told The Ledger that Florida Dance Theatre did not receive any of the private donations. Thornton could not be reached Tuesday.

Ward said that he has not heard of any organizations in Polk County in danger of folding because of the vetoed grants.

Jack Harrell Jr. Prolific Lakeland businessman and philanthropist dies at 68

Theatre Winter Haven is one of the seven recipients, Producing Director Dan Chesnicka confirmed. Chesnicka said he was told the nonprofit will receive $35,000.

It's humbling and encouraging that there are members of our community who step up where government falls down, Chesnicka said in a text message. It makes serving Polk County that much sweeter."

Dan Chesnicka is the producing director of Theatre Winter Haven, which also had money cut from the state budget this year. But Theatre Winter Haven was one of seven Polk groups that received money from anonymous donations made through GiveWell.

A committee had approved Theatre Winter Haven to receive a state grant of $145,000. Chesnicka said last month that the money would have gone toward such programs as the Penguin Project, a theater program for children with physical or developmental disabilities, and summer camp scholarships for at-risk kids.

The Lake Wales History Museum is also an apparent recipient of a private contribution.

This donation gives us the motivation to continue with our mission of preserving and promoting the heritage of Lake Wales and Polk County as a whole, Angela Rosado, the museum director for the Lake Wales History Museum, said in a news release from the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance. We are so grateful as any amount of funding has a huge impact on our future programs, events and exhibits.

'Fringe festivals' were the reason for veto

During a news conference last month in Auburndale, DeSantis said that he vetoed the arts funding because he objected to taxpayer money going to fringe festivals, events he labeled sexual. Those live theatrical gatherings generally include a wide range of fare, including some R-rated material.

Only a few of the approved grants would have gone to fringe festivals, according to news reports. The bulk of the grants would have supported such entities as childrens theaters and museums, community theaters, museums, operas and performing arts venues.

FFA Leadership Training Facility FFA Foundation puts its rural Polk, lakeside retreat on the market

Asked if any other philanthropists might help replace the grant shortfall, Ward said that he had not heard from any further potential donors.

Polk County benefits from a level of financial support for arts and culture that does not exist in all counties, Ward said. He cited the city of Winter Havens recent decision to buy the historic Ritz Theatre, a long-neglected performance venue, and the announcement that Nicholas Barnett and Ashley Gibson Barnett had established a transformational endowment for the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, now renamed the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College.

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: After DeSantis veto, donors direct funds to seven Polk arts groups
Police arrested hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters who were calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel at the Capitol on Tuesday, a day before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a controversial address to Congress.

More than 400 mostly Jewish protesters participated in a sit-in at the Cannon House Office Buildings rotunda wearing red shirts that read, Jews Say Stop Arming Israel. Footage showed rabbis leading the protesters in prayer and song while wearing shawls that said, Never Again for Anyone.

The demonstrators, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, sang chants calling for a free Palestine and an end to genocide until Capitol Police arrived. Officers can be seen on video grabbing banners and arresting demonstrators before escorting them out.

For nine months, weve watched in horror as the Israeli government has carried out a genocide, armed and funded by the U.S., JVP Executive Director Stefanie Fox said in a statement. Congress and the Biden administration have the power to end this horror today.

Instead, our president is preparing to meet with Netanyahu and congressional leadership has honored him with an invitation to address Congress, Fox continued. Enough is enough. Biden and Congress must listen to the people: We need an arms embargo now to save lives.

Amid this terror, the collective hope for Palestinian freedom is palpable. From the mass shutdowns of bridges, highways, and train stations, to the occupation of government buildings and newspaper offices, to BDS victories and the launch of new boycotts, to the hundreds of pic.twitter.com/5xGPBqY4VN  Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) July 23, 2024

Tuesdays arrests are likely a preview of bigger protests on Wednesday when Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress.

The Israeli prime minister is hoping to win more support for a military offensive that has devastated both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He has so far refused to accept a cease-fire in exchange for the hostages kidnapped by Hamas in October.

The prime ministers arrival has drawn the ire of politicians and civilians alike, who see the move as cozying up to a leader whose forces have killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Several major unions sent a letter to Biden on Tuesday demanding he stop funding Israels military offensive, and some have said they plan to mobilize in Washington on Wednesday to oppose Netanyahus visit.

Some Democratic lawmakers have already voiced their intent to boycott the prime ministers speech  while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has warned against protests during the proceedings.

Protesters demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival in Washington, D.C., near The Watergate Hotel on July 23, 2024. Matt Slocum via Associated Press

I commend the members who have refused to grant an audience to the man orchestrating an ongoing campaign of mass murder, starvation, and ethnic cleansing, and who has never missed an opportunity to defy and undermine their own president, said former U.S. Army Maj. Harrison Mann, one of a dozen administration officials and diplomats who resigned in protest of the Biden administrations role in the war.

I encourage them to continue using their voices and their votes with urgency to suspend arms shipments, force Netanyahu to embrace a ceasefire, and restore humanitarian aid before famine and disease engulf all of Gaza, and the Israeli government drags us deeper into needless wars in the region, he continued.

Mann will join Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) in boycotting Netanyahus speech.

Normally, Vice President Kamala Harris would preside over the prime ministers address, but her team has said that the vice president, who is now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and has been more publicly sympathetic toward Palestinians than the president, cant attend Netanyahus speech due to a conflicting campaign event.

For months, the majority of Democrats and Americans, including American Jews, have supported a lasting ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, Lily Greenberg Call, who was the first Jewish political appointee to resign over Bidens Gaza policy, wrote in The Guardian on Monday. Harris must make clear that she supports using the U.S. governments leverage to end the bloodshed and reunite families.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) said that Kamala Harris will have a free hand on Israel ((Photo by Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images))

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress re-opened the longstanding divide that progressives have with President Joe Biden on Israel-Palestine. And they are unsure whether Vice President Kamala Harris  who is all but guaranteed to now lead the Democratic ticket now that Biden announced he would not seek re-election  would be an improvement.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive from New York who did not attend Netanyahus speech, told The Independent the US must be willing to enforce in a stronger, more forceful way US law, which means conditioning military assistance to respect human rights, and to ensure that US resources are not going toward the violation of human rights.

But when asked if she was confident Harris could provide a path forward on these issues, Ocasio-Cortez didnt give a clear answer.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) said that Kamala Harris will have a free hand on Israel (Getty Images)

My hope is that our advocacy will always be a success, she simply told The Independent.

Others told The Independent they are more confident in the vice presidents policy.

Representative Sara Jacobs of California, the youngest Jewish member of Congress, told The Independent shes encouraged by the fact that Harris has a positive track record on advocating for a ceasefire.

I think its very telling that she was the first person in the administration to call for a ceasefire, and I hope well continue seeing her do that, Jacobs told The Independent just ahead of Netanyahus address to Congress.

Representative Robert Garcia of California, another progressive who boycotted Netanyahus address, praised Harris along the same lines.

Knowing what I know about her and her work as vice president, I think shell be very focused on worldwide peace and making sure that the United States is a global leader, Garcia told The Independent.

Senator Peter Welch, a Vermont progressive who also skipped the speech, told The Independent that Harris might be able to effect change if she makes it to the White House next year

Shes got a free hand, Welch told The Independent. She shares President Bidens commitment to a two-state solution. And that means there has to be a major focus on... the Palestinian people.

Welch was the first Democratic senator to call for Biden to step aside and also supports a ceasefire in Gaza.

For the most part, Harris has remained somewhat of a blank slate on Israel. When she was a senator, she spoke to AIPAC and voted for aid to Israel. Her husband Doug Emhoff denounced rising antisemitism in the United States and across the globe after the October 7 attacks.

At the same time, Harris has been more vocal about Palestinian suffering than Biden. In December, she said that international law must be respected.

Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, Harris said. Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating.

In March, Harris said there should be be an immediate ceasefire  for at least the next six weeks, which Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois, a member of the Squad, cited when asked today about Harriss record.

I think that you have seen her already talk about the importance of getting a negotiated deal to permanent ceasefire, she told The Independent. She said it before many of my colleagues have said it here.

Progressives have roundly criticized the Biden administrations support for Israel and indeed, Netanyahu thanked Biden for his longstanding support for Israel during his address  support which goes back to Bidens time as a young senator.

Regardless of their thoughts on Harris, progressive lawmakers all seem to agree on one thing.

What I know is this: Donald Trump would be a disaster, Representative Jim McGovern told The Independent, when asked about what US policy toward Israel might look like if Trump won a second term. Donald Trump would be a green light for more and more killing. I shudder to think what would happen if he were to become president.

McGovern did not attend Netanyahus address and instead spoke at a counterprogramming event that featured discussions with Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders.

Representative Jamie Raskin  a Democrat who did attend Netanyahus address after voting against US aid to Israel earlier this year  told The Independent hes concerned the Israeli prime minister praised Trump in his congressional address.

I thought this was a speech for the Republican National Convention that really didnt belong in the US House of Representatives, the way I heard it, Raskin told The Independent.
Amid a backdrop of fluctuating global markets and deepening trade tensions, Hong Kong's small-cap stocks present a landscape ripe for exploration. As investors increasingly turn to value shares, identifying undervalued small caps with insider action could offer intriguing opportunities in this dynamic environment.

Top 10 Undervalued Small Caps With Insider Buying In Hong Kong

Name PE PS Discount to Fair Value Value Rating Ferretti 11.5x 0.8x 44.61%  China Overseas Grand Oceans Group 2.4x 0.1x 12.14%  Ever Sunshine Services Group 5.6x 0.4x 22.31%  Wasion Holdings 11.1x 0.8x 34.01%  China Leon Inspection Holding 9.6x 0.7x 28.80%  Nissin Foods 14.5x 1.3x 41.03%  Transport International Holdings 11.7x 0.6x 43.89%  Skyworth Group 5.5x 0.1x -303.49%  Kinetic Development Group 4.0x 1.8x 18.76%  Shenzhen International Holdings 8.0x 0.7x 13.76% 

Click here to see the full list of 16 stocks from our Undervalued SEHK Small Caps With Insider Buying screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Kinetic Development Group is a company primarily engaged in the property development and investment sectors with a market capitalization of approximately CN1.23 billion.

Operations: The company has seen a notable increase in gross profit margin, rising from 9.05% in September 2013 to 59.07% by July 2024, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cost management. Over the same period, revenue grew from CN102.90 million to CN4745.07 million, indicating significant expansion and increased market presence.

PE: 4.0x

Kinetic Development Group, reflecting a strategic stance in the Hong Kong market, recently saw insider confidence with significant share purchases, signaling strong belief in the company's prospects. Despite a challenging environment marked by a dividend decrease to HK$0.05 on May 7, 2024, and changes in corporate governance structures the same day, insiders have demonstrated their commitment. The firm operates without customer deposits; its liabilities stem entirely from external borrowingsdeemed higher risk but potentially rewarding for discerning investors looking for growth avenues within lesser-known entities.

SEHK:1277 Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Shenzhen International Holdings operates primarily in logistics, including parks and services, port-related services, and toll roads, with a significant focus on environmental protection business.

Story continues

Operations: The company generates significant revenue from its diverse logistics and related services, with notable segments including Logistic Parks and Port Services contributing HK$1.52 billion and HK$2.80 billion respectively, while its largest segment, Toll Roads and General-Environmental Protection Business, brings in over HK$10.32 billion. The firm has seen a gross profit margin trend upwards to 0.37% as of the latest report, indicating an increasing efficiency in managing cost of goods sold relative to revenue.

PE: 8.0x

Shenzhen International Holdings, a lesser-known entity in Hong Kong's market, recently saw significant insider confidence with Zhengyu Liu acquiring 693,000 shares. This move underscores a robust belief in the company's prospects amidst its strategic expansions and dividend enhancements. Notably, the firm is involved in substantial infrastructure projects like the Jihe Expressway expansion, promising enhanced connectivity and economic synergy within the Greater Bay Area. These developments could signal unrecognized potential for growth and reflect positively on its financial health.

SEHK:152 Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Wasion Holdings is a company that specializes in the production of advanced metering products and solutions, with business segments including power advanced metering infrastructure, communication and fluid advanced metering infrastructure, and advanced distribution operations.

Operations: Wasion Holdings generates its revenue primarily through three key segments: Advanced Distribution Operations, Power Advanced Metering Infrastructure, and Communication and Fluid Advanced Metering Infrastructure, with respective revenues of CN2.48 billion, CN2.67 billion, and CN2.21 billion. The company has seen a gross profit margin increase from 34.51% to 35.59% over the observed periods.

PE: 11.1x

Recently, Wasion Holdings Limited demonstrated insider confidence as Executive Chairman Wei Ji acquired 500,000 shares, signaling strong belief in the company's prospects. This move coincides with a robust earnings forecast, expecting growth of approximately 26% annually. Additionally, the firm's decision to increase dividends to HK$0.28 per share as announced on May 10 reflects its healthy financial stance and commitment to shareholder returns. These actions collectively underscore Wasions potential in an underappreciated market segment within Hong Kongs dynamic economic landscape.

SEHK:3393 Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Where To Now?

Reveal the 16 hidden gems among our Undervalued SEHK Small Caps With Insider Buying screener with a single click here.

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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.

Companies discussed in this article include SEHK:1277 SEHK:152 and SEHK:3393.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
A prominent Myanmar Christian leader is released from prison for a second time in 4 months

FILE - Hkalam Samson, left, poses for photography together with his wife after his release from the prison in Myintkyina township in Kachin state, Myanmar on April 17, 2024. A prominent Christian church leader and human rights advocate from Myanmars Kachin ethnic minority who in April was detained again just hours after being freed from 16 months in prison, was released earlier this week. (AP Photo, File)

BANGKOK (AP)  A prominent Christian church leader and human rights advocate from Myanmars Kachin ethnic minority was released from prison earlier this week, a member of a Kachin peace organization said Wednesday.

The Rev. Hkalam Samson was first arrested in December 2022. In April last year he was handed a six-year prison term after being convicted of unlawful association, incitement and counter-terrorism. He was released in April of this year under a general amnesty but detained again just a few hours later.

Samson, a former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention, also chairs the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, an umbrella organization uniting religious and civil society groups with political organizations promoting Kachin rights, including autonomy from Myanmars central government.

The state, in northern Myanmar, has been the scene of intermittent warfare for decades between the army and well-organized and well-armed Kachin guerrillas.

Samson had been held for 16 months in the prison in Myitkyina township, the Kachin state capital, until his initial release in mid-April this year under an amnesty covering 3,300 prisoners across the country to mark the traditional Thingyan New Year holiday.

However, just hours after his release, he was taken into custody again.

Two days after Samson was detained for the second time, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson of the ruling military council, said in an interview with the BBCs Burmese-Language service that he had not been rearrested but was taken in for cooperation and discussion about the peace process.

Lamai Gwanja, a leading member of the Kachin-based Peace-talk Creation Group, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Samson was released from the prison compound at 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

He was released after living at a house in the prison compound, Lamai Gwanja said by phone. He had not been rearrested, but was called in for a short time for discussion of the peace issue, and after three months, he was released.

He added, however, that Samson did not take part in any activity related to peace talks during the period of his detention.

Samson could not be contacted for comment.

Samson is a prominent advocate of the human rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Myanmar, and in 2019 was part of a delegation that met then-U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the militarys abuse of ethnic minorities.

Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said in a statement released on Tuesday that Washington welcomes Samsons release.

We are pleased that he is finally able to return home to his family and continue his important work, Miller said.

Christians make up about 6% of Myanmars overwhelmingly Buddhist population, but about 34% of Kachins estimated 1.7 million population.

Human rights groups have said minority religions including Christians have been significantly persecuted in Myanmar since an army takeover in 2021, when the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and suppressed nonviolent protests, triggering armed resistance that has led to civil war.

Kachin guerrillas have played a large role in the resistance movement uniting armed ethnic minority groups with pro-democracy fighters who organized against military rule.
Prosecutor vs. convicted felon: How Democrats believe Harris background changes the election

WASHINGTON  One candidate spent much of her career putting criminals behind bars. The other has been convicted of 34 felonies.

Kamala Harris elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket against Republican Donald Trump sets the stage for a presidential contest unlike any other in American history in a campaign season already filled with unexpected twists and turns.

The race to become the most powerful leader in the world is now coming down to this:

A former prosecutor vs. a man convicted of felonies.

Vice President Kamala Harris started her career in California as a prosecutor

'I know Donald Trump's type'

Democrats, who worried that questions about Bidens advanced age and mental acuity would cause him to lose to Trump, sense that if Harris becomes their nominee, they have a chance to shift the focus back to Trump and his complicated tangle of legal problems.

This changed the complete dynamics of the race, and it changed the campaign dynamics dramatically, Democratic strategist Isaac Wright said.

If Harris is their nominee, age will no longer be the albatross that it was for Democrats when Biden, 81, was leading the ticket. If anything, Harris, 59, could enable Democrats to turn the age issue against the Republicans and Trump, who is 78 and now the oldest presidential nominee in history.

Harris' prosecutorial skills, Democrats believe, will give her another big advantage in a head-to-head contest with Trump.

She has the prosecutorial chops to make mincemeat of the mendacious malefactor Trump, said Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.

Harris foreshadowed the line of attack she's preparing against Trump during a meeting with her campaign staff in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday. Referencing her work as a prosecutor, Harris said she took on predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers and cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain.

"I know Donald Trump's type," she said.

Republicans insist Democrats will gain nothing from having a former prosecutor lead their ticket.

The era of tough on crime Democrats is long gone," said Steven Groves, who held several roles in the Trump administration during his presidency. "Harris time as a criminal prosecutor is a hinderance, not a help, to her candidacy.

A natural successor: As President Joe Biden steps aside, is America ready for President Kamala Harris?

Donald Trump is 'too criminal, too corrupt'

Harris, who served as Bidens vice president for the past three years, started her career as a prosecutor in Californias Alameda County and later in San Francisco. In that role, she took on cases involving child sexual assault, homicide, robbery and serial felony offenders, among others. She eventually was elected as Californias attorney general and, later, as U.S. senator.

Trump, who served four years as president until he was defeated by Biden in 2020, became the first former president to be convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty in May of 34 felony counts involving hush money payments to a former porn star with whom he allegedly had an extramarital affair. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18  just seven weeks before voters will decide whether to return him to the White House.

Trump also has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony counts in three other cases involving his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents after he left office.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, threw out the classified documents case in July, arguing that the special prosecutor who brought the charges had been improperly appointed. The Justice Department is expected to appeal. The other two cases remain in limbo following a Supreme Court ruling in July that Trump has immunity for some of his conduct as president.

Former President Donald Trump has been convicted by a New York jury of 34 felonies involving hush-money payments to a former porn star with whom he allegedly had an extramarital affair.

Trump is unlikely to go to trial on any of the remaining cases before the November election.

Which is one reason why Democrats see Harriss background as a prosecutor as an invaluable asset in the coming crucial weeks of the campaign. Democrats believe that having Harris as their nominee will call attention to Trumps criminal cases and boost their argument that his legal problems should disqualify him for office.

Her experiences as an attorney general, as a prosecutor, both lend strong credence to making the case against Trump that he is just too criminal, too corrupt, and doesn't share the values we need in a president, said Wright, a veteran political strategist who worked on Hillary Clintons and Al Gores presidential campaigns.

Clinton made essentially the same argument just hours after Biden withdrew from the race and Harris emerged as the frontrunner to replace him.

Ive known Kamala Harris a long time, Clinton wrote on X, formerly Twitter. This brilliant prosecutor will make the case against convicted felon Donald Trump and the Project 2025 agenda to take away our freedoms.

As senator, Harris used her prosecutorial skills to grill witnesses during committee hearings. In one memorable exchange, she lobbed one rapid-fire question after another at then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a high-profile hearing in 2017 on Russian election interference.

I am not able to be rushed this fast, a flustered Sessions said. It makes me nervous.

Inside KamalaHQ: How Harris quickly began plotting campaign after Biden's shocking exit

In the presidential campaign, Harris background prosecuting sexual predators will allow Democrats to draw a sharp contrast with Trump, who was recorded in 2005 telling an "Access Hollywood" co-host of grabbing women by their genitalia.

Last year, a jury in a civil case found Trump liable for sexually assaulting magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996 and awarded her $5 million. In a separate case, a jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages earlier this year after concluding that Trump defamed her by claiming she lied about a sexual encounter with him at a Manhattan department store.

Harris experience as a prosecutor and Trumps felony conviction also will give the Democrats an opening to counter the GOP argument that it is the party of law and order, Wright said.

It wrecks that argument for Republicans when their ticket is led by a convicted criminal and the Democratic ticket is led by a successful former prosecutor, he said.

Not all Democrats are convinced that Harris legal work will shake up the race.

Poll after poll demonstrates that the electorate doesn't really care about the president's legal issues, so I'm not sure I buy that her background as a prosecutor does much because I'm not sure there's much to gain there, said Melissa DeRosa, a Democratic strategist and author.

Harris background does, however, give her a real platform to talk about crime and quality of life in America from a position of strength, DeRosa said.

Her background in prosecuting homicide, robbery and three-strike cases shows she walks the walk, and given the moment we find ourselves in, with an electorate that increasingly feels the country is more and more out of control, having a tough-on-crime Democrat with a lifetime of work to point to can only be beneficial, she said.

'She was only thinking of herself'

Harris work as a prosecutor could, in fact, open her up to attacks from Republicans, who have been mining her record for ammunition to use against her on the campaign trail.

Before she became the Democratic front-runner, most of the GOP criticism leveled against her focused on her time as vice president and specifically her role in the Biden administrations efforts to secure the southern border.

Biden tasked Harris early in his presidency to lead the administrations efforts with Mexico and Central American nations to address the root cause of illegal immigration. Though she was never directly responsible for security at the southern border, Republicans have accused her of failing to stem the flow of millions of migrants crossing illegally into the United States.

Now, her work as a prosecutor will be under greater scrutiny.

Coconut trees to 'brat summer': Kamala Harris' campaign is embracing the memes

One line of attack is likely to involve her handling of the murder case against a gang member who killed San Francisco police officer Isaac Espinoza in 2004. The suspect, David Hill, gunned down Espinoza, 29, with an AK-47 the Saturday night before Easter.

Harris, who had become San Franciscos district attorney just three months earlier, came under fire for deciding to pursue a prison sentence of life without parole for Hill instead of seeking the death penalty. Her decision became an issue when she ran for president in 2020.

I felt like she had just taken something from us, Espinozas widow, Renata, told CNN in 2019. She had just taken justice from us. From Isaac. She was only thinking of herself.

Trumps 2020 campaign slammed Harris over her decision not to seek the death penalty in the Isaac case, saying she sided with criminals over cops  a line of attack Republicans could try to resurrect now that she is the Democratic front-runner and Trumps likely opponent in November.

"Not only does Kamala need to defend her support of Joe Bidens failed agenda over the past four years, she also needs to answer for her own terrible weak-on-crime record in California," Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.

While Harris critics will pick at parts of her record, Wright thinks her prosecutorial background works to the Democrats overall advantage, especially in an abbreviated campaign.

For many voters, Wright said, the choice for president will come down to this: Do we want a criminal? Or do we want somebody that for much of their life has been putting criminals behind bars?

Contributing: Vivian Jones of The Tennessean

Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X @mcollinsNEWS.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In Harris-Trump race, it's the ex-prosecutor vs. the convicted felon
PROSPECT, Conn. (WTNH)  Officials with the Connecticut State Police say a Prospect man is facing charges after allegedly using another persons credit card to pay himself through an illegal barber business.

29-year-old Corey Lister of Prospect was charged with two counts of sixth-degree larceny, two counts of sixth-degree criminal attempt to commit larceny, and unlawful possession of a personal identifying information access device.

2-year-old boy shot in Monroe

The victim told police they took their vehicle to a car dealership in Waterbury for a repair service appointment in April, during which they were put in touch with the suspect to coordinate a rental vehicle.

The victim provided Lister their credit card information over the phone and were advised it would be billed accordingly after the repair work was complete- which it was.

The next day, the victim returned to the dealership with their check engine light on and dealt with Lister again, to make arrangements for another rental vehicle. At that time, they were asked to send a digital copy of their insurance card to Listers personal cell phone to be printed and attached to the dealerships paperwork.

North Haven PD: 75-year-olds purse snatched in lot

Over several days following these interactions, the victim told police they noticed suspicious charges made to their credit card.

Two of the charges- for $176.83 and $130- were successfully processed and two other charges- for $182 and $183- were flagged by the bank as suspicious and canceled.

All the charges were made by a small business payment processing account associated with a business called Coreys Cutz.

The victim found the business name was associated with the same phone number and name Lister provided at the dealership, police said.

Parents outraged over Bethany sexual assault allegations

Investigators found Lister had previously held a CT Barber License, but it has since expired. They also found no permit had been issued authorizing a barber to operate at Listers residence, which people familiar with him alleged he was doing.

Police obtained an arrest warrant on July 8 and Meriden police took him into custody on July 22.

Lister was released on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Torrington Superior Court on Aug. 5.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Protesters detained at US Capitol ahead of Netanyahu's address

A Pro-Palestinian activist protests Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's arrival at The Watergate Hotel. Netanyahu is visiting Washington this week to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress. Diane Krauthamer/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Police have arrested multiple pro-Palestinian protesters inside a US Capitol office building, one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in Washington to address a joint session of Congress.

The demonstrators had legally entered the Cannon House Office Building, which is part of the Capitol complex, Capitol police said on Tuesday.

However, the building does not permit protests and the demonstrators were asked to end their protest, police said.

Capitol police said that the demonstrators had failed to comply with the request, leading to the clearance of the building.

Netanyahu is due to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, a rare honour for a foreign leader, amid heavy criticism of his handling of the war in Gaza from US President Joe Biden's administration and top Democrats.

According to media reports, the protest was organized by activist group Jewish Voice for Peace.

"We are here in the building where for the past nine and a half months members of Congress have decided again and again to send the bombs used to commit genocide," the organization wrote on social media platform X.

In recent months, similar protests had taken place in the building.

Netanyahu's visit to Washington comes at a time of political turmoil in the US following the withdrawal of Biden from the presidential race.

The Israeli prime minister's visit is expected to shift attention back to the conflict in Gaza.

His address to Congress will focus on the conflict, with Netanyahu being accompanied on his visit by relatives of the hostages captured in the October 7 attacks led by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Both Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are set to hold talks with Netanyahu.

According to media reports, US Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden's likely successor in the 2024 presidential race, also plans to meet with Netanyahu.

Pro-Palestinian activists protest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's arrival at The Watergate Hotel. Netanyahu is visiting Washington this week to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress. Diane Krauthamer/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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 will try to shore up US support for his war in Gaza during an address on Wednesday to both chambers of Congress.

Netanyahu's speech to lawmakers - a rare honour for a foreign leader - comes amid deep divisions in Washington about Israel's nine-month war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

It is Netanyahu's first visit to Washington in almost four years and his first trip abroad since the attack by the Palestinian extremist group on southern Israel on October 7, which triggered a devastating retaliatory response.

Both President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump have announced meetings with Netanyahu. The Israeli leader will see Biden on Thursday at the White House and Trump on Friday in Florida.

A meeting between Netanyahu and newly-minted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is also expected.

Underscoring just how divisive the war is, protesters gathered on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to demand that Washington stop its military aid to Israel. They accused Biden and Harris of being complicit in the "genocide" of Palestinians in Gaza.

At another location near Congress, a crowd of Jewish demonstrators gathered and waved Israeli flags. They also directed their protest against Netanyahu, saying he did not represent the Israeli people.

Security across Capitol complex has been drastically increased because of the visit. The building was cordoned off over a wide area with high fences.

US Capitol Police arrested some 200 demonstrators who had protested in a congressional building on Tuesday. The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization that advocates for Palestinian rights.

Weeks ago, before the date of the speech was announced, many left-wing Democrats had already vowed to boycott it.

The invitation to Netanyahu was spearheaded by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican who has accused Biden of not doing enough to support Israel militarily.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, has sharply criticized Netanyahu for his handling of the war and has even gone so far as call for new elections in Israel.

Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US government, nevertheless signed Johnson's letter to Netanyahu inviting him to address Congress.

The Biden administration has faulted Netanyahu for not doing enough to protect civilians in Gaza from its ground and air assaults.

Washington has also criticized Isreal for not allowing more humanitarian aid into the territory, where the health system has been decimated, a risk of famine persists and basic services have been crippled.

To date, more than 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations in Gaza since October 7, according to the local health authorities in Gaza.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza since Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel in October last year that included massacring 1,200 people and taking a further 250 hostage into the Gaza Strip.

Relatives of hostages still being held by militants accompanied Netanyahu on his US trip. They are hoping for a breakthrough in ongoing ceasefire-for-hostages talks Israel and Hamas.

The indirect talks, which the US, Egypt and Qatar are mediating, have been stalled for weeks, with Hamas insisting that Israel completely end the war in Gaza in return for around 120 hostages still held by militants, many of whom are believed to be dead.

Netanyahu has vowed to press on with the war until Hamas has been totally eliminated from the territory.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Pro-Palestinian protesters in downtown San Francisco Wednesday have disrupted Muni service and are causing traffic delays, according to city officials. The protesters, who have gathered near Sen. Laphonza Butlers office, are calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a statement from the group CodePink.

JD Vance set to attend Bay Area fundraiser next week

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management is advising people to avoid the area of Montgomery Street between Sacramento and California streets, due to police activity. Emergency crews are one the scene and traffic delays are expected, the agency said.

Photo: Citizen

Photo: Citizen

The protest has led to the outbound 1 California bus being rerouted, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency. However, according to an update from SFMTA, the protest activity has cleared and the outbound 1 is resuming regular service.

The San Francisco Police Department told KRON4.com is facilitating and monitoring the protest.

We ask the public to avoid the area and expect delays when traveling in the surrounding area, SFPD said.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is in Washington where he will address members of Congress on Wednesday. The Israeli PMs appearance has sparked protests on both coasts, with hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, also demanding Netanyahus arrest.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Hundreds of protestors flooded the streets of D.C. as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to address Congress Wednesday.

This comes at a time when U.S. leaders are hoping to make progress on ending the Israel-Hamas War. Netanyahus visit prompted numerous road closures and restrictions across the District and additional security measures were set in place.

DC residents prepare for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit

However, as tension continued to rise, demonstrators from around the country including New York, Ohio, traveled to D.C. to join protests.

Congress has invited a war criminal and we are out here to show we dont support this. We do not support 10 months of ongoing genocide, said protestor, Hasan Isham.

As of Wednesday afternoon, protestors rallied in Capitol Hill where a large stage was set up for demonstrators.

I decided to come out here to make sure that even though theres a lot of bullies out here I am going to stand up for what I believe is right and for our countrys values which is freedom and democracy, said one protestor.

I am here because I believe that the welcoming of a war criminal in D.C. or anywhere is completely unacceptable and I believe our government, especially Joe Biden has kind of swept it under the rug, added another protestor.

Over the past 48 hours, protests have sparked in the District, and on Tuesday night, U.S. Capitol Police arrested about 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the Capitol. According to officials, the group was arrested for crowding, obstructing or incommoding inside the Cannon House Office Building.

200 pro-Palestine demonstrators arrested at US Capitol

With protestors expected to continue throughout the afternoon, D.C. police announced that the following roads are blocked off, as of Wednesday afternoon:

3rd and Maryland Ave towards Independence Ave

3rd and Independence towards 4th Street, SW.

12th Street Tunnel

East Capitol Street between 4th and 6th Street SE

3rd. and Pennsylvania Avenue

4th and A Street SE

4th and Maryland Avenue

To stay up to date on road closures, click here.

In an update shortly after 1:50 p.m., the U.S. Capitol Police said they had begun pepper spraying protesters. Five people in the House Gallery who disrupted the address were arrested.

At that time, the bulk of protesters were making their way toward Union Stations Columbus Circle.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address before a joint session of Congress.

Netanyahus trip to the Capitol has been controversial since House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) first announced his plans to invite the prime minister in May. Several lawmakers declined to attend the joint session given the brutality of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and the ongoing investigations into human rights violations committed by the Israeli military in their ongoing siege against Gaza.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the most vocally pro-Palestine member of Congress, did attend Netanyahus speech. She wore a Palestinian pin and scarf, and held up a WAR CRIMINAL sign as Netanyahu spoke.

Netanyahu described Israels ongoing war against Gaza, in which the states military has killed tens of thousands of Palestinans, as a clash between barbarism and civilization, and decried allegations of atrocities by the Israeli government as antisemitic propaganda. He added that Israel must have overriding security control over Gaza for the foreseeable future, but that Israel does not seek to resettle the region.

Give us the tools faster and well finish the job faster, he told Congress.

Rashida Tlaib holds 'War Criminal' sign as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress. pic.twitter.com/q2GZTd4Ucf  CSPAN (@cspan) July 24, 2024

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote on X in June that he would not be attending, calling Netanyahu a war criminal, referencing the International Criminal Courts May request for an arrest warrant against the prime minister.

The boycott includes dozens of lawmakers, including some Republicans. Vice President Kamala Harris declined to preside over the event in her role as president of the Senate. Other prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) are skipping the address. Pelosis office indicated that she would instead be meeting with Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack and kidnappings.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) wrote that the event is political theater on behalf of the State Department, in an X post on Wednesday. The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell intl opposition to his war. I dont feel like being a prop so I wont be attending.

Outside of the Capitol, protesters have been making their displeasure known.

For weeks ahead of the visit, WANTED posters displaying Netanyahus image were posted on public infrastructure around the city. A similar image was projected on the external facade of the Watergate Hotel  where the prime minister is staying  on Tuesday night. A Watergate spokesperson confirmed to Politico on Wednesday that demonstrators released maggots on Netanyahus table at the hotel.

A Watergate spokesperson confirmed the maggot incident happened:



The hotel is aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred at the property yesterday  We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal. https://t.co/b1YdWndK8o  Matt Berg (@mattberg33) July 24, 2024

On Wednesday, groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahus potential routes to the Capitol, with one group bringing out an effigy of the prime minister in handcuffs. The motorcade driving Netanyahu to the Capitol was reportedly forced to reroute.

Netanyahu should be in handcuffs, not in the halls of Congress. We demand that our elected officials stop platforming war criminals and enabling genocide, Loan Tran, national director of Rising Majority, said in a statement provided to Rolling Stone. Congress and the Biden administration should not be rolling out the red carpet for a war criminal and leader of a state credibly charged with committing genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people. If they wont block him, then we will!

Punchbowl News reported that senior Capitol Hill aides and lawmakers have been told in briefings that there could be upwards of 10,000 protestors on the Hill today. Speaker Johnson issued a Dear Colleague letter to his fellow lawmakers warning that If any disturbance does occur, during Netanyahus speech, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest.

Capitol Police arrested approximately 200 protesters who occupied the Cannon House Office buildings rotunda on Tuesday. Jewish Voice for Peace, the Jewish anti-Zionist group that organized the demonstration, decried the prime ministers invitation to the Capitol in a statement on their website. For nine months, weve watched in horror as the Israeli government has carried out a genocide, armed and funded by the U.S. Congress and the Biden administration have the power to end this horror today, Stefanie Fox, the groups executive director, wrote. Instead, our president is preparing to meet with Netanyahu and Congressional leadership has honored him with an invitation to address Congress. Enough is enough. Biden and Congress must listen to the people: We need an arms embargo now to save lives.

Tension escalated as Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday, with law enforcement using pepper spray on protesters outside of the Capitol.

Very tense moments between police & pro-Gaza/anti-Benjamin Netanyahu protesters. Some protesters wanted to keep moving towards the US Capitol where Netanyahu is speaking, but police blocked it off. Police used pepper spray multiple times and reinforcements from NYPD rushed in. pic.twitter.com/TzLRMURy2Q  Tom Roussey (@tomroussey7news) July 24, 2024

More than 200 New York Police Department Officers were temporarily sworn in as Capitol Police Special Officers in order to assist with law enforcement activity throughout D.C. The increased police presence clearly did not deter protesters, who maintain that Netanyahus invitation to the capital serves only to whitewash the atrocities being committed in Gaza.

Im not coming to only confront Netanyahu, I want to confront this administration and the members of Congress who arm and provide diplomatic cover to an apartheid regime as it carries out a genocidal assault on Palestinians, said Thomas Keppen, a U.S. Army Veteran and member of the organization About Face: Veterans Against the War, in a statement provided to Rolling Stone. Rather than funding war crimes, we should be mobilizing resources to strengthen our communities and guarantee a dignified life for all.

More from Rolling Stone

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By Patricia Zengerle and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sketched a vague outline of a plan for a "deradicalized" post-war Gaza in a speech to Congress on Wednesday and touted a potential future alliance between Israel and America's Arab allies.

While dozens of Democrats boycotted his remarks and thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated nearby, Netanyahu dismissed criticism of an Israeli campaign that has devastated the Palestinian enclave and killed more than 39,000 of its residents, according to Gaza health officials.

Anti-Israel protesters stand with Hamas and "should be ashamed of themselves," Netanyahu said, charging without evidence that they were backed by Israel's foe Iran. "For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this building," he said.

He blamed reports of hunger in Gaza on Hamas, the militant group that rules the Palestinian enclave, and insisted Israel was protecting civilians there. He said Israel was intensely engaged in efforts to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Greeted by a standing ovation and cheers from Republicans, and a more subdued reception from Democrats, Netanyahu pledged that hostages would be released soon.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers skipped his speech, expressing dismay over the thousands of civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis from Israel's campaign in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

Hamas-led fighters triggered the war on Oct. 7 by storming into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies. Some 120 hostages are still being held though Israel believes one in three are dead.

In a speech lasting about an hour and interrupted repeatedly by applause, Netanyahu sought to shore up U.S. support for Israel, especially weapons supplies, in the face of growing international censure after more than nine months of conflict in the Palestinian enclave that has threatened to escalate into a broader regional conflict.

"Fast-tracking U.S. military aid could dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East," Netanyahu said.

He said Israel was actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure the hostages' release. He said his post-war vision was of a "demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza" led by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel.

U.S. officials have repeatedly pressed Netanyahu to present a "day after" plan for Gaza. Netanyahu has said Israel would not allow Hamas to return to power but would also not accept the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank, having a role.

SECURITY ALLIANCE

Netanyahu also spoke about the prospects for a broad Middle East security alliance between Israel and its Arab neighbors, something the U.S. has sought, as a bulwark against Iran.

Such an arrangement would require the historic normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and Riyadh has said that Netanyahus resistance to Palestinian statehood as well as the ongoing conflict in Gaza stand in the way of moving forward with this effort.

It was a record fourth speech by a foreign leader to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, surpassing British wartime leader Winston Churchill, who made three.

Echoing months of protests over the war at U.S. universities this year, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets amid the tightest security since the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The Capitol building was surrounded by high fencing, with a heavy police presence.

Netanyahu sought to bolster his traditional links to Republicans but also looked to ease tensions with President Joe Biden, a Democrat whose support he will rely on for the remaining six months of the president's term.

Speaking as Washington is preoccupied with domestic politics, Netanyahu thanked both Biden and former President Donald Trump for their efforts on Israel's behalf. The longtime Israeli leader was due to meet Biden, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination when he pulled out Sunday.

Harris, who normally would preside over the speech as vice president, did not attend. Neither did Republican Senator JD Vance, Trump's vice presidential running mate.

NO MENTION OF A PALESTINIAN STATE

Netanyahu made no mention of creating a pathway to Palestinian statehood. That is something he and his far-right coalition partners have staunchly opposed even as the Biden administration has pushed Israel to give ground on the issue.

But he stopped short of ruling out the West Bank-led Palestinian Authority, whose role in a future two-state solution is favored by the Biden administration but opposed by Netanyahu's coalition partners.

Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that Netanyahu's speech showed he does not want to conclude a ceasefire deal.

"Netanyahu's speech was full of lies and it will not succeed in covering up for the failure and defeat in the face of the resistance to cover up for the crimes of the war of genocide his army is committing against the people of Gaza," Abu Zuhri said.

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, who sat on the dais in place of Harris, said he was pleased to hear Netanyahu make positive comments about Biden, although he was not pleased with his comments about the American protesters.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said he thought Netanyahu's speech set back the two countries' relationship. "The downplaying of the humanitarian crisis was astonishing to hear," he said on X.com.

"Netanyahu would have been better off spending this time finalizing a deal to bring the hostages home and end the war, instead of coming here to comment on U.S. politics," he said.

Biden and Harris will both meet Netanyahu on Thursday, and are expected to press for progress toward a ceasefire and hostage-release deal. Harris has at times been more forward-leaning than her boss in criticizing Israel for heavy Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza.

Netanyahu was to travel to Florida to meet with Trump on Friday. The meeting will be their first since the end of Trump's presidency, during which the two forged close ties.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Rami Ayyub, Ismail Shakil and Doina Chiacu; editing by Don Durfee and Howard Goller)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, pictured in October, wants voters to expand the number of supervisors and establish a new elected countywide executive. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Unions representing thousands of Los Angeles County workers are pushing back on a plan to create an elected county chief executive, warning that such a move would "politicize" the position.

The leaders of unions representing firefighters, paramedics, probation officers and sheriff's deputies said Tuesday that county supervisors should drop the plan to have voters elect the chief executive, who would manage county operations and oversee the budget.

The proposal is one piece of a larger charter amendment planned for the Nov. 5 ballot, which would redesign county government by expanding the number of supervisors from five to nine, establishing a director of budget and management, creating a legislative analyst and forming a new ethics commission to combat corruption.

Derek Hsieh, executive director of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, said the overall proposal  which surfaced in the last month  is being rushed to voters without an understanding of the potential costs and the effect on other county services.

"We think it's being hastily done," he said. "And the notion that this entire thing has zero cost is simply not true. It may not require new taxes, but they'll be reducing other services to fund it."

Hsieh said his union has not yet taken a position on the larger ballot proposal. But he noted that many of the county's other employee unions are just starting to review the details and deciding whether to weigh in.

The county already has a chief executive officer, who is appointed by the five supervisors and also can be fired by them. Hsieh contends that an elected chief executive would establish their own political power base, setting the stage for power struggles with the board and confusion over who is in charge.

The supervisors voted 3 to 2 on Tuesday to approve an ordinance that would place the changes to county government on the Nov. 5 ballot. Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell voted no.

Another board vote will be needed to secure the proposal's place on the ballot.

Before Tuesday's vote, Barger and Mitchell tried without success to strip the language calling for an elected countywide executive. Barger said she fears that a countywide executive elected by a simple majority may not feel obligated to serve every community in the county.

"I do not believe that a politicized chief executive would be better for this county, or for my constituents," she said.

Under the ballot proposal, the elected county executive would be in place by 2028, while the board expansion would happen by 2032.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the proposal with Supervisor Janice Hahn, said it would make the county more responsive to its 10 million residents. She argued that the new system would actually reduce confusion, with department heads reporting to the chief executive rather than the five supervisors. And she pushed back on the notion that there would be a harmful impact, saying the charter amendment "does not propose service cuts of any kind."

Horvath also responded to assertions that the board will end up "politicizing" the county's top executive.

"I think that's one way of looking at it  if that's how you look at direct democracy," she said. "I think [the proposal] is making sure this position ... is accountable to the public, just as we all are."

The supervisors have been divided in recent weeks over the Horvath-Hahn proposal, which would expand the size of the board for the first time in more than a century.

Backers say an expansion of the board would improve representation for some communities, creating new opportunities for Latinos and Asian Americans to win seats. Those arguments have come from elected officials from smaller cities in the San Gabriel Valley, including Monterey Park, Alhambra and West Covina, as well as several advocacy groups.

Supervisor Hilda Solis, who voted for the ballot proposal, pointed out that she is the only Latina on the five-member board, in a county whose population is nearly 50% Latino. She also took aim at the proposal's critics.

"There are a lot of people who are afraid, thinking they are going to lose power, thinking that they're going to lose some kind of position," she said.

Each supervisor earns about $280,000 per year and represents roughly 2 million people, overseeing an array of services that include healthcare, mental health and social services targeting the county's homeless population.

Barger and Mitchell said they have long supported an expansion of the board. But they questioned whether nine supervisors is the appropriate number, while also disputing the idea that the proposed governance changes would be cost-neutral.

The two called for a fiscal analysis to be required for all countywide ballot measures. That proposal passed unanimously on Tuesday, ensuring that voters will receive information on the financial impact of the plan to reshape county government.

"We have a responsibility to make sure the voters have a clear picture of all the costs," Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, it's not yet clear whether the criticism from county employee unions could create trouble for the proposed ballot measure.

AFSCME Local 685, which represents 2,400 county workers, including probation officers, said that while it opposes an elected county chief executive, it has not taken a stance on the larger ballot measure.

Managing a budget of $43 billion and a workforce of 116,000 people ... is a job for a career professional, not a politician," the union's executive board said. "We strongly oppose an elected countywide executive and have therefore not yet taken a position on the potential measure as a whole."

Dave Gillotte, president of Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014, urged the board on Tuesday to remove the plan for an elected countywide executive from the larger ballot proposal. A spokesperson for his union did not comment on whether the group opposes other elements of the proposal.

Times staff writer Rebecca Ellis contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
As of July 2024, the Chinese market shows resilience with modest gains in major indices like the Shanghai Composite and CSI 300, despite broader global economic uncertainties and localized challenges such as a cooling property sector. This backdrop presents a unique landscape for investors exploring potential in lesser-known small-cap stocks, which could offer growth opportunities given the current shift towards value shares globally. In this environment, identifying good stocks often involves looking for companies with robust fundamentals that are poised to benefit from domestic trends and have less exposure to international headwinds.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In China

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Changzhou Zhongying Science & Technology NA 11.49% 22.06%  Wuxi Taclink Optoelectronics Technology 1.29% 24.61% -1.11%  Xuchang Yuandong Drive ShaftLtd NA -10.22% -26.80%  Center International GroupLtd 35.04% 4.82% -39.58%  Founder Technology GroupLtd 7.56% -8.80% 15.53%  Pamica Technology 7.24% 8.88% 16.48%  Nanjing Well Pharmaceutical GroupLtd 27.43% 9.01% -4.77%  Guangzhou LBP Medicine Science & Technology 0.10% 5.06% -21.47%  Ningbo Henghe Precision IndustryLtd 57.08% 5.10% 33.23%  Sunny Loan TopLtd 54.39% -19.33% -4.63% 

Click here to see the full list of 999 stocks from our Chinese Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Fuxin Dare Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. is a company focused on the research, development, manufacture, and sale of automotive components, serving both the Chinese and international markets with a market capitalization of approximately CN2.12 billion.

Operations: Fuxin Dare Automotive Parts generates revenue primarily through the manufacture and sale of automotive components, with a notable portion of its income derived from gross profits which have fluctuated over time, peaking at 41.64% in early 2015. The company's costs are predominantly driven by the cost of goods sold (COGS), which consistently forms a substantial part of its expenses, alongside operating and non-operating expenses that include sales & marketing and general & administrative costs.

Fuxin Dare Automotive Parts, a lesser-known player in China's auto components sector, recently turned profitable with a net income of CNY 6.05 million, reversing last years loss of CNY 24.26 million. This turnaround is underscored by a modest revenue increase to CNY 1,059.39 million from CNY 1,048.71 million year-over-year and an improved earnings per share from a loss of CNY 0.1613 to a gain of CNY 0.0402. The company also made significant changes to its bylaws at the latest AGM, signaling proactive governance adjustments alongside financial recovery.

SZSE:300473 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Jiangxi Xinyu Guoke Technology Co., Ltd is a company engaged in the manufacturing and selling of military products, with a market capitalization of approximately CN5.34 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of its products, with a consistent increase in gross profit over the years. It manages substantial operating and non-operating expenses, including significant allocations for sales & marketing and research & development, to support its business operations and expansion.

Jiangxi Xinyu Guoke Technology, a lesser-known yet promising entity in China's tech landscape, has demonstrated robust financial and operational performance. With a recent 3.2% earnings growth surpassing the industry average of 0.2%, the company showcases strong market adaptability and potential for sustained growth. Notably, it is debt-free and maintains high-quality earnings, reflecting prudent financial management. Recent corporate actions include leadership enhancements and shareholder-friendly moves like a dividend increase to CNY 1.6 per ten shares, signaling confidence in its fiscal health and future prospects.

SZSE:300722 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Zhejiang Tongxing Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, development, production, and sale of refrigeration equipment and related products within China, with a market capitalization of CN3.17 billion.

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily through the sale of machinery and industrial equipment, with a notable increase in gross profit from CN90.19 million in 2018 to CN229.43 million by the end of 2023, reflecting a growth trend in operational efficiency. The firm consistently allocates significant resources to R&D and general administrative expenses, indicating an ongoing investment in innovation and management capabilities to support its business operations.

Zhejiang Tongxing Technology, a lesser-known yet promising entity within China's machinery sector, has demonstrated robust performance with a 41.7% earnings growth over the past year, significantly outpacing the industry average of 4.2%. The company's price-to-earnings ratio stands at an attractive 26.5x, below the market average of 27.4x, suggesting potential undervaluation. Notably, debt reduction has been impressive, with debt to equity ratio dropping from 48.1% to 7.5% in five years, enhancing financial stability amidst its volatile share price movements.

SZSE:301252 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

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FILE - The Puerto Rican flag flies in front of the Capitol building in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 29, 2015. Plans to hold a non-binding referendum on Puerto Ricos political status came under scrutiny Wednesday, July 24, 2024, for its multimillion-dollar cost as election officials announced the order and description of choices on the upcoming ballot. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo, File)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Plans to hold a nonbinding referendum on Puerto Ricos political status came under scrutiny Wednesday for its multimillion-dollar cost as election officials announced the order and description of choices on the upcoming ballot.

The $1.3 million referendum that critics have described as inconsequential will feature three choices in the following order: independence with free association; statehood and independence. Under the free association option, issues like foreign affairs, U.S. citizenship and use of the U.S. dollar would be negotiated.

The order of options was set following a televised drawing held Wednesday that was supervised by judges at Puerto Ricos elections commission.

Regardless of the outcome of the referendum scheduled for the Nov. 5 general elections, the islands status will not change. That would require approval from the U.S. Congress and the U.S. president.

Jessika Padilla, the elections commissions alternate president, said the agency had an original budget of $6.2 million for the upcoming elections but was awarded $7.5 million, with the additional funds going toward the referendum.

Critics note that Puerto Rico is emerging from the biggest public debt restructuring in U.S. history after announcing in 2015 that it was unable to pay a more than $70 billion debt load following decades of mismanagement, corruption and excessive borrowing.

Jesus Manuel Ortiz, leader of the main opposition Popular Democratic Party, said in recent days that the referendum is a totally unjustified expense at a time when the (island) is experiencing a real crisis in the cost of living.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Puerto Rican Independence Party have gone to court to challenge the referendum. The islands Supreme Court issued a resolution last week stating it would hear the case.

Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi of the pro-statehood Progressive New Party had announced on July 1 that he would hold a referendum and has defended his decision. He has repeatedly said the islands 3.2 million U.S. citizens lack equality and noted they are not allowed to vote in U.S. general elections.

The referendum was announced a month after Pierluisi, a Democrat, lost in his partys primary to Jenniffer Gonzalez, a Republican who is Puerto Ricos representative in Congress. The two ran together in 2020.

Politics in Puerto Rico are defined by the islands political status, so its common to find both Democrats and Republicans in the same party.

Gonzalez is a supporter of former President Donald Trump, who has said he doesnt support statehood for Puerto Rico. Gonzalez, however, has pledged to push for statehood if she wins in November.

Puerto Rico already has held six referendums, the most recent one in 2020, when voters were asked a single question: Should Puerto Rico be admitted immediately into the Union as a State?

Nearly 53% voted in favor of statehood, with only about half of registered voters participating in that years general elections.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Blades of a wind turbine before they're attached sit at a construction site in Stillwater County, Montana in May 2024 (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

RAPELJE  As Montana citizens and groups pressure the states largest public utility, NorthWestern Energy, to add more renewable energy to its portfolio while the company continues pushing a series of natural-gas power plants, a Washington-based utility is building an expansive wind farm that will send power to the Seattle area. Puget Sound Energy is also contracting with an energy developer for another project, and has a third project on the drawing board as a possibility.

In addition to building its own facility, Puget Sound Energy on Tuesday announced that it had signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Clearway Energy Group for a 315-megawatt wind farm under development in Wheatland and Meagher counties in Montana.

That additional power buy by Puget Sound Energy will satisfy about 15% of what the utility company needs to meet Washingtons 2030 clean energy targets, the company said. Clearway is one of the largest clean energy developers in the world with more than 11.5 gigawatts of solar, storage and wind. Construction on the wind farm is expected to start in June 2026, and the project is slated to go online in 2028.

Meanwhile, Puget Sound Energy is building a wind farm near Rapelje, about an hour west of Billings, that will be capable of generating 248 megawatts, enough to power more than 83,000 houses. The Beaver Creek wind project will help the company meet Washingtons aggressive clean-energy laws.

Even as Montanans urge the state and the Montana Public Service Commission to add more renewables to the portfolio, other states energy companies see Montanas wind and renewable market attractive enough to invest, sending power two states away.

The initial part of the Rapelje project, named the Beaver Creek project, is still being constructed, with some of it going online. PSE reports that a second phase of the project could add wind turbines in neighboring Sweet Grass County, complete with a a lithium-ion battery energy storage facility, which would be tied in with the wind farms to manage customer power needs.

Montana wind has a high production rate that is especially valuable during extremely cold weather in the Pacific Northwest, when high pressure systems mean that Washington wind farms produce less energy, company officials said when announcing the project.

The wind farm will be fully operational by 2025, company officials say. The construction work will take as many as 200 skilled workers, and 10 to 15 permanent workers at the site itself. The company will erect as many as 88 turbines. The project will contribute more than $150 million to the tax base through impact fees for the estimated 25-year life of the project, according to PSE.

For PSE, the Beaver Creek project will be the fourth wind farm facility, with the other three being located in central and eastern Washington, according to Jim Hogan, the director of major projects at PSE.

There are great attributes here, including high winds, in particular during the winter time, Hogan said.

He said Montanas regulatory environment is also favorable. Hogan described the warm welcome he received from the Stillwater County Commission and the permitting process, which has made it easier for the large energy company to operate. PSE already has power line transmission rights for nearly the entirety of the project, so transporting the power back to the Seattle area just made sense.

The project was already being developed and planned, but was sold to Puget Sound as a near shovel-ready project, with the turbines already on order.

Its pretty nice because everyone wants you, and theyre excited to have you here, Hogan said. The local government approach is refreshing.

The massive wind farm is tucked behind some of the hills of the northern part of the county, hidden from Interstate 90 and even out of view from the closest town, Rapelje, population 91.

In the run-up to getting the project online, mainly during this summer, as many as two wind turbines per day are going online.

David Sanders, the executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission, told the Daily Montanan that while the states PSC doesnt have a hand in the Puget Sound projects, he said its good to see other energy companies developing Montanas natural resources.

I dont think theres any frustration, Sanders said, Were pretty ecumenical when it comes to developing resources. Diversity is good for power generation.

For PSE, the Beaver Creek wind farm, and a likely sister facility in the next Montana county over, isnt just a luxury, its a mandate as the public utility rushes to comply with Washington states strict clean-energy laws.

Washington has mandated that it will not rely on any energy derived from fossil fuels by 2050, but in order to do that, it will require a rapid build-out of renewable projects, like the Beaver Creek facility and others.

Even in PSEs home state of Washington, regulators, environmental groups and Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee have fought about the scale and siting of projects.

For example, one project was recently scaled back beyond what the development company said was viable out of concerns about the nesting areas of ferruginous hawks, an endangered species.

We must come to grips with the fact that we we will need to adapt and accept relatively moderate changes to our physical landscape in order to ensure continued, reliable electricity, Inslee wrote in a letter and reported by the Washington State Standard.

The Beaver Creek wind farm project isnt PSEs only Montana energy footprint; it purchases power with Energy Keepers, Inc., the tribally owned corporation of the Confederate Salish-Kootenai tribes for hydroelectric, and an agreement with NextEra for power from Montanas largest wind farm, Clearwater Wind, based in Rosebud, Custer and Garfield counties.

Earlier in 2024, PSE announced that it was expanding its largest wind farm, near Pomeroy, Washington.

Since 2019, PSE has added more than 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to its holdings.
Heres what qualities Gov. Mike DeWine wants to see in his possible U.S. Senate appointment

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine gives his 2024 State of the State address in the Ohio House chambers at the Ohio Statehouse. (Pool photo by Barbara J. Perenic, Columbus Dispatch.)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine chuckled as he denied interest in appointing himself to the open Senate seat if former President Donald Trump and running mate U.S. Senator J.D. Vance are elected. He did, however, give a list of qualities he would want in an appointee.

Ohios Democratic delegates have voted to support Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate. This comes ahead of the National Convention set to take place in August. Now, with Harris as the presumptive Democratic candidate for President, Republicans need to change their playbook to compete against her.

Weve never had a presidential campaign in the history of this country like this, DeWine said. Its gonna continue to evolve.

The governor said he isnt worried, though. Trump won Ohio in both 2016 and 2020 by eight points.

Theres no indication that he is not going to carry Ohio at least by that again, DeWine added. I dont look at Ohio as a battleground for the presidency.

While the Democrats are dealing with changes, the governor will have a big decision to make if the Republican ticket wins.

While Vance is running, he doesnt need to step down from his seat. If he wins, DeWine will need to appoint a replacement.

Hopefuls are already throwing their hats into the ring, DeWine said.

I dont have a short list and I dont have a long list even yet, he said with a smile. There are some people whove expressed an interest in and there are other people whove expressed an interest in who I do appoint.

At an unrelated press conference, the governor was joined by House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, and Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima. We asked each of them what qualities they would want to see in an appointment.

DeWine is looking for someone who can win not just the 2026 primary and general special elections but also the 2028 elections, he said.

Ill look for someone who wants to get things done every day and will stay focused on it  Its a tough job, its not an easy job, he added. We also have to have someone who will be able to stay there a while.

Building up seniority is important, and a lawmaker can become more effective the longer they stay there, he said.

Huffman and Stephens, both not thrilled to be called up to speak, danced around the question.

If the governor asked my opinion, Ill give it to him  that will be confidential, Huffman responded. Thats why people ask questions in confidence, so they dont go out and blab all over to everybody. No offense intended, of course.

Stephens took a softer approach.

Anytime there is a political potential vacancy, theres always a lot of speculation, Stephens said. I dont think it helps to get the cart before the horse, if you will.

The speaker went on to say that things change quickly in politics.

I think we are focused on the presidential election, he added. And House and Senate elections here in the next few months.

Stephens, in this remark, intentionally or unintentionally, pointed out the contentious battle he is having with the man standing beside him.

Update on infighting

Huffman announced a long-expected move in March  his interest in running to unseat Stephens in January 2025. He suggested to us that Stephens is not doing a good enough job and said that Democrats have reached out to him about a possible speaker run.

It would be better if the Senate president would pay attention to running the Senate instead of trying to run the House, Stephens said when we asked him about the political rivalry in April.

Huffman had been in campaign talks for months now, gaining support from a significant faction of House representatives and national and statewide groups looking to oust Stephens.

Right now, there is an ongoing lawsuit between ownership of the campaign fund account for the House Republicans. A Columbus judge ruled in favor of lawmakers suing Stephens, but a state appeals court froze the decision for the time being.

That campaign account has been essential in fighting against the attempts to unseat allies of Stephens.

Back to U.S. Senate

We did a much longer piece on popularly floated names around Capital Square in Columbus.

In short, the most likely pick would be state Senator Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, according to more than a dozen politicos we have spoken to.

The governor endorsed Dolan in the last U.S. Senate Republican primary, but he finished second to Bernie Moreno.

Senator Dolan and Governor DeWine have wisely stated that our focus must remain on victory in November. Theyre exactly right, Dolans spokesperson Chris Maloney said.

Dolans name was brought up during the press conference, but DeWine deflected and just made a comment about a lot of people being interested.

Jane Timken is another popular name. She is a Trump ally who ran in 2022 and is currently the RNC Committeewoman for Ohio.

My focus is on the elections of Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Bernie Moreno and our whole Ohio ticket, Timken said. Any discussion of a Senate vacancy is premature.

The governor said he wont be looking at the possible candidates until after the Nov. election  but he can say one thing for sure.

So youre not planning on appointing yourself to the Senate? this reporter asked facetiously since rumors have been flying about DeWine choosing himself and letting Lieutenant Gov. Jon Husted be the incumbent for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Well, I thought that would be a good rumor we could start, he said, to laughter. I was going to have fun with you guys and let you chase that for a few days.

No no no, I value my 57-year marriage, the governor continued, to more laughter. I dont think Fran would be too happy about that.

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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Drier air will limit monsoon storms through Thursday afternoon. Storms that do develop could still drop locally heavy rainfall, especially in the mountains.

Quieter and warmer weather moved into New Mexico Tuesday. Fewer monsoon storms developed today, with isolated storms mainly across the mountains of northern, western, and central New Mexico, along with the Sacramento Mountains. Thankfully, there has been no flash flooding today. Storms will all end after sunset tonight.

If youve bee noticing the haze in the skies today across New Mexico, its thanks to wildfires burning in western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. With high pressure to the west of us, this haze will continue across New Mexico through the end of this week, possibly into the weekend.

More showers and storms will develop Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, but mainly across the high elevations and mountains of southwestern, central, and northern New Mexico, along with the Sacramento Mountains again. The threat of burn scar flash flooding will stay low though. Temperatures will also continue to heat up, with dry weather for the eastern half of the state.

Rain chances increase for the Rio Grande Valley and more of western, northern, and central New Mexico Friday afternoon as more monsoon moisture moves back into the state. This rain chances will move into northeast New Mexico by Saturday, but northwestern and west-central parts of the state will dry out. Much drier air returns to almost all of New Mexico starting Sunday as high pressure begins building overhead. This will start a period of hotter and drier weather that will continue into the middle of next week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
On July 20, a rabid cat died after scratching and biting their owner while he was trying to break up a feline fight in Polk County, Florida. The dead cat tested positive for rabies, with the second feline also being surrendered to animal control as they werent vaccinated against the same. Moreover, the man will be undergoing treatment for his rabies exposure as well, with the Florida Department of Health taking charge of the case.

Owner gets bitten while trying to break up feline fight, rabid cat dies the next day

On Friday, July 19, animal control officers were sent to investigate a case in Winter Haven in Polk County, Florida. A man had been bitten and scratched while trying to break up a fight between his two feline friends.

However, the owner found the rabid cat had died the day after biting him. He reported the case to the investigators, who then sent the body to the state laboratory in Tampa. Unfortunately, the late kitty tested positive for rabies, making it the third confirmed case in Polk County in 2024.

Whats worse, the second feline wasnt vaccinated for rabies either, per Fox 13 News. So, they had to be surrendered to Polk County Animal Control. The man will receive treatment for his exposure, which the Florida Department of Health will take care of.

Polk County Sheriffs Office took the opportunity to remind pet owners to vaccinate their companion animals. Sheriff Grady Judd noted, Please make sure your pets are up-to-date on all their vaccines; being vaccinated can save your pets life. Moreover, the sheriffs office requested not to approach animals without caution. If their behavior is suspicious or unusual, it is especially important to maintain distance.

It is crucial to stay on top of vaccinations for your and your beloved pets safety. Since there is no treatment for rabies, prevention is key, which starts with vaccination. A vaccinated kitty can be given another dose to help prevent infection if exposed. However, an unvaccinated one will be recommended to be humanely euthanized.

The post Rabid Cat Dies the Day After Biting Owner in Florida appeared first on CatTime.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Rapper Torrence Boosie Hatch Jr. is facing new charges in connection to his arrest in San Diego last year, less than two weeks after a federal judge threw out the previous case against him, court filings show.

U.S. Attorney Tara McGraths office filed another indictment against the 41-year-old on Friday for two counts of firearm possession  one involving interstate commerce as a convicted felon and one for knowingly possessing a firearm while dealing with abuse of a controlled substance.

He was previously charged with possession of a firearm as a felon in interstate commerce, but the case was dismissed earlier this month due to a recent federal court precedent that found the law unconstitutional as it applies to those convicted of non-violent crimes.

Eminems album takes No. 1, ending Taylor Swifts historic reign

According to the new indictment, federal prosecutors are reasserting the allegations against Hatch at the center of his previous case to seek court-mandated forfeiture of all firearms and ammunition involved in the commission of the offenses.

He could also face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted on the second charge of unlawful possession while dealing with substance abuse.

In a post on the social media platform X Wednesday morning, Hatch decried the new charges saying, IM ON VACATION WITH MY FAMILY MY LAWYER CALL ME N SAY THIS FEDERAL PROSECUTOR  HAS INDICTED ME AGAIN ON THE SAME CHARGE  THIS POINT YOU MAKING THIS A CIRCUS. The post also had the accompanying hashtag, justiceforboosie.

Hatch, who is based in Louisiana, has been in the midst of an ongoing legal tangle in San Diego for over a year, following his arrest by police in the Chollas View neighborhood in May 2023. He had apparently been in town to film a music video and perform at a local club.

San Diego police first became involved after officers viewing an Instagram livestream saw a man with a black handgun tucked into the waistband of his pants in the backyard of a residence, according to court documents.

The man was later identified as Hatch, who had left the scene when officers arrived. SDPD then tracked him down using a helicopter and conducted a traffic stop. According to prosecutors, two loaded handguns were found in the back of the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle, Hatchs body guard, was also taken into custody as a result of the incident, but was not charged.

Local prosecutors first attempted to bring firearm possession charges against Hatch. When those were dropped, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took over the case, re-arresting the rapper on June 14 under a warrant for a similar federal charge.

Hatch pleaded not guilty to the federal charge in June and was released on a $100,000 bond shortly after. When that case was dismissed, he posted an Instagram video from the lazy river at San Diegos Sycuan Casino Resort, apparently celebrating its end.

Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother indicted in $1M fraud scheme

He is expected to be in a San Diego County federal court for another arraignment on Aug. 2, according to court records.

Hatch, who has had multiple stage names over the years like Lil Boosie and Boosie Badazz, is known for songs like Wipe Me Down and Set It Off.

Over the years, the rapper has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement, including at least one case where he was accused of a violent crime, but he has only been convicted of and incarcerated for non-violent, felony drug charges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
(Bloomberg) -- Reliance Industries Ltd. has secured US approval to resume importing oil from Venezuela despite White House sanctions on the country, according to people familiar with the development.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Indias largest privately owned refiner plans to start purchasing Venezuelan crude soon, said the people, who asked not to be named as the information is not public. Reliance accounted for around 90% of Indias crude imports from Venezuela after the sanctions were lifted last year, according to data intelligence firm Kpler.

The US Treasury declined to comment, and Reliance did not reply to email seeking comment.

Washington temporarily removed restrictions on the South American nations gold and oil sectors last year, when President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition signed a deal to guarantee free and fair elections. The sanctions were then reinstated in April after Venezuela failed to honor the agreement, and oil companies have been applying for permits from the US Treasury Department to keep doing business there.

Venezuelas crude exports climbed to 654,000 barrels a day in June, the highest since April 2020, according to shipping reports and data from Kpler, after the US granted a specific license for companies to continue to drill in the country despite the sanctions being in place.

Apart from Reliance, Indias state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp.s overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh Ltd. has also applied for waivers to import crude from Venezuela.

--With assistance from Lucia Kassai.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio announced a new rail safety measure to protect against derailments and spills.

It comes after a Congressional hearing on Tuesday focused on rail safety.

The measure, which is part of the bipartisan House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, builds off Deluzios Railway Safety Act and adds things like enrollment in a close-call reporting system, notification of first responders and more funding for railroad crossings.

My constituents in Beaver County and our neighbors in Ohio had their lives turned upside-down by last years toxic train derailmentthey want accountability and action, and so do I, said Congressman Deluzio. Thats why Ive been pushing in Congress to pass my bill to make freight rail safer, the Railway Safety Act. Im proud to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Railroad Safety Enhancement Act. Building off the Railway Safety Act, this bill offers the momentum we need and, when passed into law, will be a powerful step to make freight rail safer and protect communities like ours.

The NTSB chair reviewed the findings of the investigation into the February 2023 East Palestine derailment and issued 34 new safety recommendations.

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Rep. Rashida Tlaib holds a sign that reads "War Criminal" as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Netanyahus visit occurs as the Israel-Hamas war reaches nearly 10 months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israels treatment of Palestine. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) proudly brandished a sign calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal as he addressed Congress on Wednesday.

The opposite side of her sign read: Guilty of Genocide.

In his speech, Netanyahu lauded Israels war on Gaza, thanked both Biden and Trump for their support of Israel, condemned the assassination attempt on Trump and slammed pro-Palestine protesters.

Tlaib is the only Palestinian American in Congress. In addition to her protest, Tlaib put out a strongly worded statement on Tuesday ahead of Netanyahus speech, also calling him a war criminal.

It is utterly disgraceful that leaders from both parties have invited him to address Congress. He should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court, Tlaib said in the statement.

Make no mistake: this event is a celebration of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. It is a sad day for our democracy when my colleagues will smile for a photo op with a man who is actively committing genocide, she continued. It is hypocritical to claim to be concerned about the massive death toll of innocent civilians, and then turn around and welcome the person responsible for these war crimes to our Capitol. Their silence is betrayal, and history will remember them accordingly. Our government must stop supporting and funding this genocide now.

Tlaib put out a strongly worded statement on Tuesday ahead of Netanyahus speech where she noted it's "a sad day for our democracy when my colleagues will smile for a photo op with a man who is actively committing genocide." Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images

Despite receiving a standing ovation from attendees, Netanyahus speech and visit were met with widespread disapproval outside of the Capitol.

Over 100 congressional interns and dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), reportedly skipped Netanyahus speech in protest.

Just so were clear, Netanyahu has lost so many people that he is addressing just a fraction of Congress, the New York congresswoman wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. When this happens, they fill the seats with non-members, like what they do at award ceremonies, in order to project the appearance of full attendance and support.

Moreover, thousands of pro-Palestine protesters in Washington, D.C., demonstrated against Netanyahus visit and the war. U.S. Capitol Police used pepper spray against the demonstrators and arrested at least six.

Since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, Israeli forces have killed at least 39,000 Palestinians. As opponents of the war have accused Israel of committing genocide in the region, the International Court of Justice delivered a ruling that it is plausible the country is engaging in genocide. Further, an independent report that was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council last month argued that Israeli forces were helming an extermination against the people of Gaza.

Those in the region are also reportedly experiencing famine, United Nations experts claimed earlier this month.

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Fatima Latifova

Vietnam wishes to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the fields of technology exchange, education, and business support, Azernews reports, citing a member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam National Entrepreneurship Association, Trinh Thi Tu Ha, as she said this during a meeting with Azerbaijani and Vietnamese entrepreneurs.

She stated that they will continue to cooperate to develop relations between Vietnam and Azerbaijan and elevate trade activities to a higher level: "The Association also intends to organize joint seminars and business forums with the Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency. We also support the creation of the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Business Council and plan to take concrete steps during this visit."

The association official added that, taking advantage of the opportunities created, Vietnamese students primarily come to Azerbaijan to study in the oil sector.
As of July 2024, the German market faces challenges, with the DAX index experiencing a significant drop of 3.07%, reflecting broader European economic pressures and geopolitical tensions. Despite these headwinds, certain segments such as small-cap stocks may present opportunities for investors looking for potential growth in less explored areas of the market. In this context, identifying promising stocks involves considering companies that demonstrate resilience and potential for innovation amidst prevailing economic conditions.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Germany

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Mineralbrunnen Uberkingen-Teinach GmbH KGaA 19.44% -1.40% -8.94%  EnviTec Biogas 37.96% 19.34% 51.22%  IVU Traffic Technologies NA 9.22% 5.72%  Eisen- und Huttenwerke NA -14.56% 7.71%  FRoSTA 8.18% 4.36% 16.00%  Sudwestdeutsche Salzwerke 0.66% 4.03% 11.36%  HOMAG Group NA -27.42% 22.33%  centrotherm international 20.54% 8.23% 54.11%  BAVARIA Industries Group 3.19% 0.18% 28.18%  Wilson 64.79% 30.09% 68.29% 

Click here to see the full list of 40 stocks from our German Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: EUWAX Aktiengesellschaft functions as a liquidity provider in Germany, with a market capitalization of 236.90 million.

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily through brokerage services, as evidenced by a consistent revenue stream of 36.10 million in the most recent period. It maintains a remarkably stable gross profit margin close to 100%, reflecting efficient cost management relative to its revenue generation.

EUX, a notable player in the Capital Markets industry, has demonstrated remarkable earnings growth of 433.3% over the past year, significantly outpacing its industry's growth rate of 5.1%. Despite a revenue decline of 5.1%, EUX holds more cash than its total debt, showcasing robust financial health. The company's debt to equity ratio has seen a modest increase from 3.4% to 4.7% over five years, reflecting managed leverage amidst expansion efforts.

DB:EUX Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: MLP SE operates as a diversified financial services provider, offering tailored solutions across various sectors including banking, real estate, and insurance to a broad client base in Germany. Market Cap: 623.15 million.

Operations: MLP generates revenue through a diverse portfolio of financial services, including financial consulting, banking, and real estate management across Germany. The company's key revenue segments include Financial Consulting (426.19 million) and Banking (195.50 million), supplemented by smaller contributions from sectors like real estate (51.96 million) and industrial brokerage (35.97 million).

MLP SE, a standout in Germany's financial sector, showcases robust fundamentals and promising growth prospects. With earnings having increased by 5.1% over the past year and forecasted to grow at 8.62% annually, MLP's positioning is strong. Notably debt-free for five years, the company emphasizes its stability with high-quality earnings and positive free cash flow. Trading at a compelling 40.8% below estimated fair value further underscores its potential as an undervalued gem in the market.

XTRA:MLP Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Mensch und Maschine Software SE offers CAD/CAM/CAE, product data management, and building information modeling/management solutions across Germany and globally, with a market capitalization of approximately 973.69 million.

Operations: Mensch und Maschine Software SE generates its revenue from two main segments: M+M Software, which brought in 107.71 million, and M+M Digitization, accounting for 216.19 million. The company's business model shows a consistent pattern of growth in net income over the years, reflecting effective cost management and operational efficiency.

Mensch und Maschine Software SE, a lesser-known yet robust player in the software industry, has demonstrated commendable financial health and growth potential. With earnings up by 7.6% over the past year and outpacing its industry's -14% downturn, the company is positioned well against competitors. Notably, it trades at a 32% discount to estimated fair value while maintaining a strong cash position exceeding total debt. Recent figures show a second-quarter sales increase to EUR 75.1 million from EUR 71.32 million year-over-year, underscoring its upward trajectory in both performance and market confidence.

XTRA:MUM Debt to Equity 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 DB:EUX XTRA:MLP and XTRA:MUM.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Hamburg man was sentenced Tuesday evening in connection with threatening statements he made towards an official at Highmark Stadium in 2022, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced.

Around 9:10 p.m. on July 23, 47-year-old John Gugino was ejected from a Garth Brooks concert at Highmark Stadium for profanity, but refused to leave, officials said. He struggled with deputies while being escorted out of the stadium and made multiple threatening statements toward a member of the Erie County Sheriffs Office.

Gugino, a former jail deputy, was sentenced Tuesday to a one-year conditional discharge. He received the same sentence in July 2022 for cocaine possession in 2020.

In October 2023, Gugino was arraigned in Orchard Park Town Court on one count of second-degree reckless endangerment and one count of third-degree assault for allegedly driving through a barricade at Highmark Stadium. He appeared in court Tuesday night for further proceedings.

Former jail deputy charged after driving through barricade at Bills game, injuring officer

It is alleged that just before 3:40 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2023, Gugino knowingly disobeyed the commands of an Erie County Sheriffs deputy and posted road closure signs near Highmark stadium. Officials say Gugino drove through a barricade into a portion of Abbott Road that was closed due to a Bills game.

A deputy suffered from injuries to his right arm and shoulder as he attempted to stop Gugino, according to the DAs Office.

Gugino faces a maximum of one year in jail. He is scheduled to return to court Aug. 26 for motions and remains released on his own recognizance.

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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.
An empty class at Coral Glades High School, Tamarac, Florida. (Photo by Dan Forer/GettyImages)

Grades rating Florida public school districts and individual schools were released Wednesday, showing which have performed best according to metrics laid out by the state.

Schools were graded using measurements including achievement in English language arts, math, science, and social studies, graduations, acceleration success for middle and high school students, and maintaining a focus on students who need the most support.

Test scores in math, sciences, social studies, English language arts, other exams, and graduation rates and scoring on dual enrollment courses are incorporated into the scores ranging from A through F.

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Grading by county shows Lafayette, St. Johns, Nassau, Walton, and Sarasota rounding out the highest scoring counties, with Lafayette scoring 73% in the aforementioned categories.

Twenty-two counties received "A" grades, including Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Broward.

The grading scale changed from the previous year to incorporate learning gains on state assessments in the previously mentioned school subjects in this years report.

Learning gains are calculated by increases in statewide testing scores among students. That number could not be included in 2022-2023, as that was the first year of the new statewide assessment, the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. The second consecutive year of the assessment in 2023-2024 allowed for a year-to-year comparison of exam scores.

The threshold change is a result of legislative action and Board of Education reaction. Schools that scored 64% or higher earned an "A" this year as opposed to 2022-2023 when high schools needed a score of 70% or higher to earn an A grade and middle schools 68%.

For 2023-2024, scores of 57%-63% earned a B. The C and D range is 34%-56%; anything 33% or lower resulted in an F.

No districts received an "F"  although 10 schools did. There were 113 schools in the D and F range, 98 fewer than the year before, when 211 schools received the lowest two grades.

Ten schools received "F" grades:

Greenville Elementary in Madison County

Oscar Patterson Academy in Bay County

Annie R. Morgan Elementary in Duval County

The Collaboratory Preparatory Academy in Hillsborough County

McIntosh Area School in Marion County

Hendry Online Learning Academy in Hendry County

Hillsborough Virtual Franchise High in Hillsborough

St. Lucie County Jail-Rock Road Academy in St. Lucie County

Homebound Program in St. Lucie County

Volusia Virtual Instruction Program District Provided in Volusia County

Board of Education Chair Ben Gibson said during the board's meeting Wednesday that changing the scale helps to more accurately reflect school performance.

An A or B doesnt mean nothing if everyone gets an A or a B," Gibson said. "The idea that we have a school grading system that accurately reflects where our schools are, and we hope obviously that all schools are continuously improving, but youre never going to be perfect and you got to continue to improve, and we have got to make sure what were measuring and the accountability measures that we put in place are going to accurately reflect where our schools are.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in a news release that the grades reflect the state's "steadfast commitment to excellence in education."

The lowest district score was Gadsden at 46%. Other counties making up the bottom 10 were Holmes, Madison, Washington, Bradford, Putnam, DeSoto, Okeechobee, Franklin, and Hamilton, all receiving "C" grades.

No districts reported a "D" or "F" grade, although Jefferson and Taylor counties did not receive scores, either because of too-low participation numbers or because testing administration is under review.

More than 2,000 schools, 64%, earned an "A" or "B." Last year, 57% hit either of those marks.

The map in this story has been updated to correct the grades for Sarasota and St. Lucie counties.

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House Republicans ambitious hopes of passing their annual government funding bills by next week are quickly crumbling as a tight schedule and intraparty rifts threaten efforts to approve their spending blueprints for 2025.

Republicans had previously aimed to have all 12 annual funding bills pass by the August recess. But the timeline has been slipping as leadership has punted plans for votes on legislation funding the Department of Agriculture and financial services amid concerns about riders related to reproductive rights.

Late Tuesday, a planned vote on the bill to fund the Department of Energy was abruptly canceled.

And now, Republicans say leaders are planning to start August recess early this week, despite previous plans to hold votes into next week on their outstanding funding legislation.

One House Republican who spoke to The Hill said a leadership office told them point-blank that the House will not return for votes next week. Several others said they have heard votes are likely to be canceled, too.

That would be a change from Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) vow when he first took the gavel that the House wouldnt recess without passing all 12 bills.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told The Hill on Tuesday that leadership will make a formal announcement about next weeks schedule by tomorrow.

Asked about plans for the House to tackle its outstanding funding bills, Scalise defended the Houses work so far, while noting the challenges staunch Democratic opposition and defections on the GOP side pose to party efforts to approve the remaining measures.

When you have a situation where the Democrats all vote no on every appropriations bill, you eventually hit a wall because, you know, we have a few of our own members that vote against some of these bills.

Weve passed about 70 percent of all government funding over to the Senate. At some point, its time for the Senate to start doing their work, he said. The Senate has yet to pass any of its funding bills for fiscal 2025.

Republicans are pushing to get their annual spending bills covering the departments of Energy, Interior and other related programs across the floor this week. If they pass, the GOP will have approved half of their annual government funding plans.

The bills are much more partisan in nature than those being crafted in the Democratic-led Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is required for most legislation.

However, there is much uncertainty about the House Republicans chances of passing the remaining funding bills; the divisions that derailed the conferences efforts to pass its fiscal 2024 funding plans have made a reemergence.

Earlier this month, a small faction of Republicans tanked the partys attempt to pass a bill to fund the legislative branch.

In remarks to reporters this week, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, said hed heard some pro-life concerns over changes to the agriculture funding bill, which Republicans were previously expected to vote on this week.

Earlier this year, Republicans notably left out language in the funding bill that would have limited access to the abortion pill mifepristone, after a similar push helped doom their fiscal 2024 plan following pushback from moderates.

Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the subcommittee that crafts the bill, expressed confidence in the measures chances of passage in comments to The Hill on Monday. He noted the legislation decreases funding and cited the Houses schedule, as Congress prepares for an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, as explanation for the punted vote this week.

I think that the major objections that often go for the reason it didnt pass last year have been removed, so I dont see a problem with it, Harris, who is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, also said when pressed about the bill not including the mifepristone language.

But that hasnt stopped others from taking issue with the move.

Thats one of the issues that I identified, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), another member of the House Freedom Caucus, said when pressed on the matter, as well as his support for other measures.

My belief is, you got to figure that stuff out, and you got to know in the aggregate what youre trying to accomplish, he said. So, I think that bills currently stuck, and then well have to kind of see what the deal is.

At the same time, a bill that covers funding for Washington, D.C.  including emergency planning, security costs and other programs  is also seeing resistance from some moderates over a party-backed effort to target a D.C. law aimed at protecting employees reproductive rights.

The proposal was among the reasons the party struggled to pass the same funding bill measure last year. And if it stays as is, the bill could lose support from moderates again this time around.

Last year, I voted against the bill for a few reasons, including that, and I still continue to oppose that provision, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) told The Hill on the matter earlier this year. If it remains in the bill, Ill vote against the bill again.

An earlier schedule floated by House GOP leadership also aimed for a vote on the annual Justice Department funding bill this week, but pressed on that measure, Cole said thats always tough, noting funding for the FBIs headquarters has been a big bone of contention.

His comments come months after hard-line conservatives fumed over the inclusion of dollars for a new FBI headquarters tucked into a larger fiscal 2024 government funding package that eventually passed Congress, despite immense backlash from the conferences right flank.

But that doesnt mean leadership isnt facing some pressure to move forward trying to pass the measures.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said leadership ought to hash out agreement on the remaining funding bills in as much time as it takes to get hashed out, while speculating leadership is punting votes on some of the outstanding bills because they lack sufficient support.

But thats not how you do in the business arena. If youve got a problem, you face it, he said.

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Republican VP nominee JD Vance to visit Oklahoma this week for GOP fundraiser, per report

Donald Trump's vice presidential pick JD Vance is scheduled to be in Oklahoma City this week raising money for the Republican presidential campaign.

The event is private, and there is no public rally scheduled for the Ohio senator.

According to a copy of the invitation posted online, Gov. Kevin Stitt, U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Attorney General Gentner Drummond will be in attendance.

Guests will pay at least $5,000 to attend a luncheon. A photo with Vance will cost another $10,000. Those willing to shell out between $25,000 and $100,000 can sit at a roundtable discussion or be a part of the host committee.

Who is JD Vance?

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, 39, grew up in Jackson, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. He chronicled his childhood, plagued by abuse, alcoholism and poverty, in his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy. Vance joined the Marines Corps after high school before attending Ohio State University and Yale Law School, where he met his wife Usha. He also made a name for himself in the tech world as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.

Vance was elected to the Senate in 2022 after defeating Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan for the open seat left by retiring Sen. Rob Portman.

Contributing: USAToday's Clare Mulroy

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Republican VP nominee JD Vance to visit Oklahoma this week
Residential fire in Kaukauna causes around $65K in damages

KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV)  On Tuesday afternoon, an electrical fire caused around $65,000 in damages and forced two adults and five children out of their home in Kaukauna.

According to a release, the Kaukauna Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire on the 300 block of Park Street shortly before 1:45 p.m.

Authorities in Wisconsin searching for suspect who robbed same bank twice in two-month span

Arriving within three minutes, firefighters found smoke coming from the west side of the building through a broken window. It was reported by the homeowner that no residents or pets were in the structure.

Firefighters made entry into the building through a door on the west side, immediately encountering the fire and extinguishing it. The initial fire knockdown was completed within four minutes of arrival.

Following an investigation, firefighters found that the cause of the fire was electrical. Authorities believe the damage is around $65,000.

The Red Cross is assisting the homeowners and their five children.

The Kaukauna Fire Department issued a statement regarding smoke detectors, which was credited with alerting the residents before entering the house.

Gas prices up a tad in northeast Wisconsin but still below national average

The public is reminded to be diligent in checking your smoke detectors, said Assistant Chief Chad Gerrits of the Kaukauna Fire Department. In this case, the resident was alerted to the fire by working smoke detectors before entering her residence upon returning. These devices can also alert passersby and neighbors, leading to a quicker response from the fire department and potentially saving lives and preventing significant damage.

No additional details were 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.
Opinion editor's note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom.



Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale have long stood atop Minnesota's political pantheon. No one from the state has ever been elected to the presidency. But Humphrey and Mondale both served with honor in the nation's second-highest elected office as vice presidents, respectively, to Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter.

With President Joe Biden's recent announcement that he will not run for re-election, there's a chance another Minnesota leader could ascend to this elite group. Current Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly won the support of enough delegates to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Now the party's ticket needs someone to join her.

Among the candidates floated as a possibility: current Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now serving his second term as the state's CEO.

That's a welcome development, in our view. It would be both historic and an honor to have another Minnesotan in a national leadership role. In addition, the Midwest is too often overlooked in Democrats' political calculations, a reality that underestimates the region's economic contributions and the pragmatic leaders that heartland voters often choose.

Republicans, to their credit, have consistently tapped Midwestern talent. Trump recently chose Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate this year and in 2016 chose Mike Pence of Indiana. In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney selected Wisconsin's Paul Ryan. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was also a top contender to be John McCain's potential VP in 2008, losing out to Alaska's Sarah Palin.

For Democrats, you have to go all the way back to Mondale's selection in 1976 to find another Midwestern vice presidential pick. Former President Barack Obama, of course, was from Illinois (though born in Hawaii). We'd point out that he won both his races, underscoring the appeal of having a capable Midwesterner on a presidential ticket.

The Star Tribune's political reporters have asked Walz whether he's being vetted as a potential VP pick. Walz's response was neither "yes" nor "no," which of course only deepened speculation.

"I'm not going to talk about the specifics that we're in on that. At this point in time, we're just going to leave it at that," Walz said Tuesday.

But as always, actions speak louder than words. Walz's recent media appearances suggest that he'd like the job and is auditioning for it.

The Minnesota governor is darn near unavoidable to anyone following political coverage. Among his many appearances: "PBS NewsHour," MSNBC's "Morning Joe" and Fox News. He's been an able, high-energy prosecutor of the political case against the Trump ticket, with a talent for delivering zingers.

On "Morning Joe" recently, Walz, who represented southern Minnesota in Congress and grew up in a small Nebraska town, poked fun at Vance's rural America bona fides. He noted correctly that Vance is a venture capitalist and has a law degree from an Ivy League School. "None of my hillbilly cousins went to Yale," Walz noted, drawing a laugh from news hosts.

Walz then smoothly pivoted to concerns about women's rights and reproductive health care choices, a key issue in the campaign now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. Trump's crass treatment of women and remarks that surfaced recently of Vance deriding Democratic politicians as "childless cat ladies" only add to these worries.

Republicans, Walz joked, seem to be running for "the He-Man Women's Hater Club," a dated but still humorous reference from the Little Rascals "Our Gang" TV series.

Adding momentum to Walz's VP chances: The Minnesota governor has gotten under Trump's skin. The former president griped on his Truth social media account that Fox had booked Walz for an interview. If you're aiming to be VP on the Democrats' ticket, drawing the former president's ire is a feature, not a bug.

There are more-serious reasons why Walz is under consideration for a national leadership role. Among the achievements we'd guess that Harris's team is evaluating:

 A historic investment in Minnesota's children. In 2023, Walz pushed for and legislators enacted a new child tax credit that may be one of the nation's most far-reaching. As the Star Tribune Editorial Board has noted, the measure covers one of the broadest age ranges  through age 17  in the nation, and the $1,750 maximum credit may be one of the largest amounts offered.

 Free school meals for K-12 students, regardless of income.

 Minnesota is an island for reproductive health care, with rights strengthened during Walz's tenure even as nearby states imposed sweeping restrictions.

 Walz led the state through the COVID-19 pandemic, with skills from his tenure as a Mankato teacher valuable in explaining this public health threat and the actions needed to contain it. A 2022 editorial looked at key metrics, such the death rate and economic performance, to evaluate the state's handling of this public health crisis. It concluded that Minnesota bested many states.

Walz's 24 years in the Minnesota National Guard is also an asset. So is his previous experience in Congress. He was first elected in 2006 and became a prominent advocate for veterans.

If Walz is named as Harris's running mate, there will be additional scrutiny of his record, with questions likely about the Feeding Our Future scandal and unrest after George Floyd's murder. This editorial is not an endorsement. It should also be noted that the Star Tribune's publisher previously served in the Walz administration.

Walz faces stiff competition for the job, with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly considered front-runners. Minnesota's measly 10 electoral votes also augur against Walz.

Harris's team can and will pick whoever can best help with a win. For now, however, it's intriguing to consider the potential for another Minnesota vice president and see the Midwest get some of the political consideration it's due from the Democratic Party.
In a reversal, Georgia now says districts can use state funding to teach AP Black studies classes

Georgia state Sen. Nikki Merritt, DGrayson, delivers remarks at a joint Senate and House press conference on the State School Superintendent's decision to block an AP African American Studies course at the Georgia State Capitol, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Atlanta. (Matthew Pearson/WABE via AP)

ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia state Superintendent Richard Woods said Wednesday that the state will pay for districts to teach a new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies, a day after he said districts could only teach the course using local funds.

In the face of blossoming outrage, the Georgia Department of Education now says districts are free to teach the course and the state will pay for it as long as districts use a code linked to an existing state-approved course in African American studies.

Districts can choose to use that course code and teach some or all of the standards in the AP course, and students may take the associated AP exam, Meghan Frick, a spokesperson for the state department, wrote in response to Associated Press questions.

That reversal did little to stem the pushback to Woods' earlier refusal. In a rally at the Georgia Capitol on Wednesday, 15 mostly Democratic speakers attacked the elected Republican, saying he was trying to keep students from learning about Georgia's history.

We are gathered here today in solidarity, standing firm with our students and teachers who have been blindsided by an abrupt and unjust decision to remove AP African American Studies reports from our state curriculum, said state Sen. Nikki Merritt, a Democrat from suburban Lawrenceville. "This decision strips away a vital opportunity for our students to engage with and understand a significant part of our shared history."

Woods also faced pointed questions from Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who sent a letter asking why and how Woods arrived at his original decision to block state funding. In that letter, Kemp described himself as a longtime believer that families should ultimately make the decisions which best meet their child's academic needs and futures

As you know, the wellbeing of Georgia's children and their education opportunities is one of my top priorities, wrote Kemp, who is currently on an economic recruiting trip in Italy.

Woods hasn't explained his refusal in any depth, saying only in a Wednesday statement that I had concerns about the state endorsing the totality of the course.

Stan DeJarnett, chair of the State Board of Education, said in a statement that No one is preventing any school system in Georgia from offering this course if they choose to do so, echoing the department's current position that districts can use state money even if the state isn't listing the course in its catalog.

All other Advanced Placement courses are listed in the state course catalog, Frick said.

Supporters of the course Wednesday rejected the state's new position, saying Georgia's original refusal to recognize the course was discriminatory.

To suggest that course is somehow less than is not OK, said state Rep. Jasmine Clark, a Democrat from suburban Lilburn.

The College Board, a nonprofit testing entity, offers Advanced Placement courses across the academic spectrum, including in math, science, social studies, foreign languages and fine arts. The courses are optional and taught at a college level. Students who score well on a final exam can usually earn college credit.

Sara Sympson, a spokesperson for the College Board, said 33 Georgia schools piloted the African American Studies course in the 2023-2024 academic year. Many schools assumed they would be offering the finalized version of the course this year.

But the Advanced Placement course drew national scrutiny in 2023 when Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, preparing for his presidential run, said he would ban the course in his state because it pushed a political agenda. In June, South Carolina officials also refused to add the course to its list of approved courses. South Carolina said individual districts could still choose to offer the course.

In Arkansas, state officials have said the course will count for credit in the coming school year. They denied such credit last year, but six schools taught the pilot course anyway.

Some individual school districts around the country have also declined to offer the course.

In 2022, Georgia lawmakers passed a ban on teaching divisive racial concepts in schools, prohibiting claims that the U.S. is fundamentally or systematically racist, and mandating that no student should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress because of his or her race.

So far, 18 states have passed such bans. It is unclear if Georgias law influenced Woods decision.

Some districts vowed to teach the classes even if the state didn't pay for it. The Atlanta district made that pledge Tuesday. The larger DeKalb County school district, which had told students and teachers that it had canceled the classes, said Wednesday that it would teach the course at four of its high schools. Michael Thurmond, CEO of DeKalb County's government, pledged up to $100,000 to help cover the costs.

Gwinnett County spokesperson Bernard Watson said the situation was evolving. While that district, the state's largest, didn't reverse its decision to cancel the classes at six high schools, Watson said Gwinnett County is working with state officials to explore its options for this course.
The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on July 24 that it had received an order from the Ukrainian government to begin the construction of an ammunition factory in Ukraine.

The news came as Kyiv aims to localize weapons production in 2024.

At the Munich Security Conference in February 2024, Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger signed a memorandum of intent on the joint venture.

The July 24 announcement marks the official beginning of the project, which is expected to be completed within a few years, Rheinmetall said.

"The intention is to start the ammunition production in Ukraine within 24 months," the statement read.

The initial order "covers the complete technical equipment of the factory through to commissioning."

The name of the Ukrainian company involved in the joint venture was not specified.

"We are putting our words into action, and together with our partner, we will create a Ukrainian competence center for ammunition," Papperger said.

"The order underlines the confidence in Rheinmetall's expertise and manufacturing capacities. We are grateful to be able to support the country in its re-industrialization and in strengthening its defense capability."

The news follows the opening of the first joint venture between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian state-owned company Ukroboronprom in Ukraine in June.

The facility will enable faster repair of foreign-supplied equipment and their subsequent return to the front line. In the future, the plant will also produce new armored vehicles, according to Kamyshin.

Rheinmetall has previously said it plans to open at least four production plants in Ukraine.

Earlier in July, CNN reported, citing intelligence sources, that U.S. and German intelligence agencies had discovered and disrupted a Russian-linked plot to assassinate Papperger.

A spokesperson for Rheinmetall did not directly comment on the story but said that "the necessary measures are always taken in regular consultation with the security authorities."

Read also: UK signs agreement to support Ukraines domestic arms industry

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A rising surfing star lost one of his legs in a horrifying shark attack off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, 10 News First and Surfer reported.

23-year-old Kai McKenzie was surfing North Shore Beach around 11 a.m. on Tuesday when he saw a massive shark approaching him from the corner of his eye. The beast, which measured 15 feet long, suddenly latched onto McKenzies right leg before he had time to react. Though the surfer was able to fight the animal off, it severed his leg in the process.

Bleeding profusely and barely able to maintain consciousness, McKenzie miraculously caught a wave and surfed it back to shore. There, he was aided by a police officer who used the leash of his canine as a tourniquet for McKenzies amputated limb. Officials say the officers heroic actions essentially saved (McKenzies) life.

McKenzie is currently in critical but stable condition at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, AU.

Stab reported that Kevin Young, who is vice president of an organization that helps to rehabilitate shark attack survivors, claimed that authorities were able to locate McKenzies leg and pack it with ice for transport to Newcastle, with the hope of reattaching the limb.

Officials have used a drumline and drones to assist in locating the shark that attacked McKenzie. Two separate species were located near the area where McKenzie was attacked later on Tuesday. We will be workingto try and locate that shark and identify what type of shark that was, Chief Inspector Stuart Campbell told 7News.

The young legend is a team rider for the surf grip and hardware brand Rage, which also counts fellow rising icons Shaun Manners, Jaleesa Vincent, and Wade Goodall among its number. Less than six months ago, McKenzie celebrated his return to the sport after healing from a fractured neck.

McKenzie is lucky to have escaped with his life. Last month, pro-surfer and Pirates of the Caribbean star Tamayo Perry was tragically killed by a shark while surfing.
In recent trading sessions, the Swiss stock market has experienced fluctuations with a general trend of cautious trading among investors, influenced by global economic signals and interest rate speculations. The SMI index's movements reflect this tentativeness, closing slightly lower amidst varied performances across major companies. In such a market environment, uncovering potential investment opportunities requires focusing on fundamentals and the ability to identify stocks that may benefit from current economic conditions or sector-specific trends.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Switzerland

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating StarragTornos Group 12.77% -2.98% 29.42%  APG|SGA NA 1.12% -16.11%  TX Group 0.96% -2.25% 15.99%  IVF Hartmann Holding NA 1.26% -4.29%  Datacolor NA 3.59% 30.14%  Compagnie Financiere Tradition 49.32% 1.35% 11.45%  naturenergie holding 9.95% 16.32% 40.54%  SKAN Group 3.57% 40.44% 22.38%  Elma Electronic 42.57% 2.00% -1.74%  Bergbahnen Engelberg-Trubsee-Titlis 3.00% -10.81% -16.31% 

Click here to see the full list of 18 stocks from our SIX Swiss Exchange Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Compagnie Financiere Tradition SA is a global interdealer broker specializing in financial and non-financial products, with a market capitalization of CHF 1.13 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue across various global regions, with significant contributions from the Americas (CHF 350.89 million), Asia-Pacific (CHF 271.44 million), and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CHF 431.78 million). It operates with a consistently high gross profit margin of 100%, reflecting no cost of goods sold, while its net income margin has shown an upward trend over the years, reaching approximately 9.69% by the end of 2023.

Compagnie Financiere Tradition, a lesser-known player in the financial sector, has demonstrated robust growth with earnings increasing by 11.5% annually over the last five years. Recently, it reported a revenue of CHF 983 million and net income of CHF 94 million for 2023, marking consistent performance improvements. The company's debt-to-equity ratio significantly improved from 69% to 49%, reflecting stronger financial health. Trading at a substantial discount31% below estimated fair valueCFT shows potential as an undervalued gem in Switzerland's market landscape.

Story continues

SWX:CFT Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: IVF Hartmann Holding AG specializes in the distribution of medical consumer goods both domestically in Switzerland and on an international scale, with a market capitalization of CHF 316.76 million.

Operations: IVF Hartmann Holding specializes in healthcare products, focusing on areas such as wound care, infection management, and incontinence management, generating significant portions of its revenue from these segments. The company's financial structure reveals a consistent generation of gross profits with a notable gross profit margin of 54.01% as of the latest reporting period in 2024.

IVF Hartmann Holding, a notable player in the Swiss medical equipment sector, showcases robust financial health with a debt-free status and no concerns about interest coverage. The company's earnings have surged by 34.9% over the past year, significantly outpacing the industry's decline of 2.4%. Despite a historical earnings decline of 4.3% per annum over five years, IVF Hartmann maintains positive free cash flow and a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.9x, below the Swiss market average of 21.4x.

SWX:VBSN Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: V-ZUG Holding AG specializes in developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling, and servicing kitchen and laundry appliances for private households both domestically in Switzerland and internationally, with a market capitalization of CHF 348.43 million.

Operations: V-ZUG Holding generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of appliances, with a consistent gross profit margin around 35% in recent years. The company's costs primarily include cost of goods sold (COGS) and operating expenses, which encompass sales & marketing, general & administrative expenses, and research & development costs.

V-ZUG Holding AG, a lesser-known yet promising entity in the Swiss market, reported robust half-year earnings with net income doubling to CHF 8.73 million from CHF 4.33 million year-over-year. The company's earnings growth outpaced its industry, surging by 89.2% compared to the sector's decline of 1.2%. Trading at a significant discount79.9% below estimated fair valueV-ZUG is debt-free and has no cash runway concerns due to its profitability, positioning it as an attractive prospect for discerning investors seeking growth and value in undiscovered markets.

SWX:VZUG Earnings and Revenue Growth 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 SWX:CFT SWX:VBSN and SWX:VZUG.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  On July 24, the City of Roanoke celebrated being named an All-American City by the National Civic League for the 8th year in a row.

Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea was joined by several community leaders at Lacks Plaza to speak about the citys many achievements and said there is a lot for residents in the area to be proud of and look forward to in the future.

Lee said the award is not just a testament, by a reflection of the communitys hard work and recognition of the citys accomplishments and values.

Being an eight-time, All-American city is a reflection of our communitys resilience, innovation, and dedication to inclusivity, the progress, said Lee. It speaks to our ability to come together even and especially during challenging times and our shared goals.

United Methodist Family Services of Virginia in desperate need for foster parents

(Photo Credit: Dustin Dustin Hennessey)

Mayor Lee said Roanoke is the first city in Virginia to be recognized as a Welcoming City and they are continuing to work on increasing access to affordable housing.

Let us look to the future with optimism and determination. Let us continue to build on our successes, address our challenges head-on, and ensure Roanoke remains a place where dreams can be realized and where everyone feels at home.  Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea

WFXR helping to fight hunger at Salem Fair Food Pantry Night

Maureen McNamara Best, who is the Executive Director for the Local Environment Agriculture Project Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP), said she assisted with the All-American City application process and that Leap was awarded 2.5M dollars to strengthen local food systems.

Best said that money was used to advance programs, develop infrastructure, and help struggling families in the region.

The forward-thinking, proactive, responsive, approach has been tremendous for the region, city, for the people who are struggling to have consistent reliable access and for LEAP.  Maureen McNamara Best, Executive Director Local Environment Agriculture Project (LEAP) in Roanoke

Homelessness Boom in the valley; Roanoke Officials speak on the numbers

LEAP renovated an old building, moved operations, and is now doing light processing and moving it out to the community. The mobile market continues to serve immigrants and refugees, seniors, and families with limited food budgets. According to Best, in three years, that investment advanced their infrastructure in what otherwise would have taken them 10 years.

Maureen said LEAP still has two more projects being completed soon. The first is the grand opening for the LEAP Community Store next week and the second is a pavilion for the weekly year-round farmers market located in the west end of Roanoke.

We are thankful, honored, to be entrusted with funding and support and humbled by the community of people that continue to prioritize food and farming in our city and in our region.  Maureen McNamara Best, Executive Director Local Environment Agriculture Project (LEAP) in Roanoke

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 has solidified Republican support in the wake of an assassination attempt and unity-building national convention, while Vice President Kamala Harris has seamlessly stepped into the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy.

But Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is nowhere to be seen.

Instead of campaigning, the independent challenger has canceled multiple campaign events and discussed dropping out of the race and backing Trump. Instead of raising serious donations, hes continuing to rely on his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, and set up a joint fundraising committee with the Libertarian Party. Instead of moving up in the polls, where hes been stagnant for months, Kennedy has called for himself to be picked as the Democratic nominee to replace Biden.

Kennedy, who was once seen as a historic outside disruptor to the presidential race, remains a threat  if he can be a spoiler in a few key states in a close presidential race.



One would think that any well-heeled, well-known independent or third party challenger should have been able to gain some momentum, and it almost seems that the Kennedy campaign went backwards during the post-debate coverage, said Christopher Thrasher, a ballot access attorney and political consultant who has advised multiple independent and third party campaigns.

But far from trying to capitalize on the moment of upheaval, Kennedy had to issue a statement on social media during the Republican National Convention last week to deny he was leaving the race  after he took a private meeting in Milwaukee with Trump to discuss dropping out. Officially, his campaign continues to insist hes surging, including in an email to supporters on Tuesday morning.

The campaign did not respond to a request for comment and list of questions for this story.

But new details about the meeting, which was facilitated by Tucker Carlson, suggest that Kennedy was considering suspending his campaign in exchange for a potential job in a second Trump administration. The two discussed the possibility of a job with a health-related portfolio in exchange for the political family scions support, according to a person familiar with the conversation granted anonymity to discuss the private meeting. The Washington Post first reported the readout of the meeting.

The position floated for Kennedy was undetermined, but the idea fell apart, the person familiar with the conversation said.

There was a widespread expectation in the Kennedy camp that Trump was going to make the deal, which was why he stayed in Milwaukee for several days, said Ben Braddock, a health commentator close to the campaign. As of last Thursday morning the buzz was that there would be an appearance on the final night. Maybe the Trump campaign decided it was better for Kennedy to stay in to bleed votes from Biden.

Trump and Kennedy also had a phone conversation on Sunday before the in-person meeting in Milwaukee, according to a second person familiar with how the call came together. In a leaked video revealing part of that phone conversation, Trump expressed concerns about the side effects of infant vaccines  an area of Kennedys advocacy before he ran for president last year.

This isnt the first time Trump and Kennedy met about a possible job opportunity. They had a similar discussion during the transition period at Trump Tower in 2017. After the meeting, Kennedy told Science magazine that he was under consideration to oversee a vaccine safety review commission. A Trump spokesperson at the time declined that any decisions had been made.

While Kennedy did not ultimately secure a job offer, it did result in Trumps team brokering a meeting between then-NIH head Anthony Fauci and Kennedy.

The most recent conversations with Trump came as the campaign struggles financially and is carrying $3 million worth of debt, according to its most recent financial disclosures. Kennedy has spent more money than he has raised in the last four consecutive months in the race, when excluding the self-funding contributions from Shanahan.

In a new attempt to raise cash, Kennedy set up a joint-fundraising committee with the Libertarian Party, according to a campaign press release. That would allow both Kennedy and the Libertarians to raise more money from individual donors, potentially helping the campaigns money woes. But the plan was immediately met with pushback from within its ranks and is being appealed on the basis that it violates its bylaws.

Kennedy has also canceled a series of campaign events in the last two weeks, including a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, a live-audience interview at the CNN-POLITICO Grill at the RNC and a farm visit in Wisconsin.

His last campaign rally was on May 19 in Denver, Colorado, though he has secured speaking slots at conventions and with other hosts in the interim. The next event on his public schedule is a private reception and an address at a Bitcoin conference later this week.

To promote his viability, Kennedys team released new internal polling numbers that showed him performing well in a head-to-head matchup against Trump on Sunday.

Kennedy is in no way dropping out. That's not going to happen, Larry Sharpe, a third party political consultant who works with the super PAC backing Kennedy, said on Monday. There is a higher chance of the Democrats putting him on their ticket than him dropping out. And Democrats are not going to put him on a ticket.

Alex Isenstadt contributed to this report.
What Rock Hill needs to know about Charlottes plan to divert Catawba River water

Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones doesnt know yet if Charlotte Waters plan to pump more water out of the Catawba River basin will spark another water war, but he figures it could. It depends whether the region can come together to share its vital resource.

Its Charlotte now, but its going to be more and more of these areas, said Jones, who leads the environmental nonprofit Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation based in McAdenville, N.C. We need a basin-wide solution.

Another transfer from the Catawba almost two decades ago set off legal challenges that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, as South Carolina groups argued that a North Carolina agency shouldnt be able to divert flow before it reached the state line.

On Monday night, Charlotte Water will make its case for a larger transfer during a public meeting in Rock Hill.

Here are four key questions for the Rock Hill region ahead of that event:

Water War II? Charlotte wants permission to transfer more water out of Catawba River

Whats an interbasin transfer?

A state-regulated interbasin transfer happens when a water provider draws from one river basin and uses or discharges the water in another.

North Carolina has more than 130 public water systems that transfer water, but 80% of them move less than 1 million gallons per day, according to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

North Carolina has nine interbasin transfer certificates, which are needed for transfers of 2 million gallons per day or more. Two certificates draw water from the Catawba River basin. None bring water to it.

Charlotte Water received a 33 million gallons per day certificate in 2002 that remains the largest in the state. It pumps water from the Catawba to the Rocky River basin.

Concord and Kannapolis received a certificate in 2007 that led South Carolina to sue North Carolina in a case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The states settled in 2010, with the North Carolina cities in the Rocky River basin getting up to 10 million gallons per day each from the Catawba and Yadkin river basins.

South Carolina has about two dozen of its own interbasin transfers, including in Lancaster and Chester.

The Catawba River separates the York County towns of Fort Mill and Rock Hill and provides drinking water and recreation. A public meeting in Rock Hill will provide information on a Charlotte Water request to divert water north of the state line through an interbasin transfer.

Is the new transfer needed?

Cities and towns throughout the region were built on ridge lines. The 11-lake Catawba-Wateree river system touches 14 counties. Each of them has at least two river basins.

Charlotte Water serves most of the 1.1 million people in Mecklenburg County, including customers in the Catawba and Yadkin basins. Water comes from Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman in the Catawba system.

Charlotte Water is not asking for permission to withdraw more water from the Catawba River, said Angela Charles, director of Charlotte Water. This is about the transfer.

For South Carolina communities, the result is still less water coming across the state line in the Catawba. Rock Hill draws water from Lake Wylie thats distributed throughout York County.

Population increase and future water demand could exceed what Charlotte Water pumps through its current interbasin transfer by 2028 to 2030. Up to 30 million gallons per day more could be needed in the next 30 years, Charles told attendees at a public hearing in Morganton, N.C., this month.

Rock Hill will host the last of seven hearings on July 29. A public comment period runs through August. A draft application with more details is likely to be submitted by Charlotte Water for approval in North Carolina by early 2027.

Is anyone opposing the transfer?

Jones will present the Riverkeeper Foundations stance at the Rock Hill meeting. The region hasnt historically planned or managed interbasin transfers as a collective group, he said Monday.

Itll be a long process to determine if the transfer makes sense, he said.

Like Jones, Lake Wylie Marine Commission chairman Ray Webber wants to know what water conservation or supply improvements Charlotte Water intends to make outside the transfer request.

The marine commission is funded by all three counties that surround Lake Wylie, and has three members from each. Webber updated the commission Monday night on the transfer but it hasnt taken a position yet.

We know we need water, he said. I dont think we have a full knowledge of what everyone upstream needs and wants.

Duke Energy manages the entire Catawba chain for power production.

Catawba-Wateree licensing project manager Tami Styer read a statement from the company at public hearings that didnt support or oppose the Charlotte Water request. It did recognize transfers are and likely will remain important in providing water for a growing area.

Population centers and political boundaries dont follow river basin boundaries, Styer said at the Morganton hearing. Supporting growth is likely to require interbasin transfers in many locations. This isnt just a Charlotte issue.

Susan Bromfield, president of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, reached out to legislators in South Carolina after hearing the Charlotte Water plan. The years-long fight over the Concord and Kannapolis transfer influences the chambers position on the new request.

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerces  then and ever since  position has been to oppose the interbasin transfers and want the water protected for Lake Wylie and South Carolina, she said.

How can I find out more info about IBT?

The Rock Hill public meeting begins at 6 p.m. Monday at Dutchman Creek Middle School, 4757 Mt. Gallant Road. A link to attend virtually is available at the Charlotte Water webpage at charlottenc.gov.

That site has presentations and videos from past hearings held throughout the Catawba basin, along with contacts to provide public comments via email.

Other groups like the Riverkeeper Foundation and Lake Wylie Marine Commission will offer updates after Mondays meeting.

Theres a lot of moving parts there, Webber said. Im glad that theres some dialogue. I dont think this is going to be a black-and-white decision.
Members of the Rock Island-Milan School District voted to approve hiring a deputy superintendent.

This will be the first time the district will have the position. The board voted to hire Jeffery Dase for the job. Some board members say the position isnt needed and will be expensive. Supporters of the move say adding a deputy superintendent will improve student scores and graduation rates.

Jeffery Dase (Decatur Public School District)

Dase signed a one-year contract with the Rock Island-Milan School District.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
The Rock Island-Milan School District (RIMSD) is kicking off the new school year with its annual back-to-school event on Sunday, July 28.

Ready to ROCK the School Year! will be at Schwiebert Park, 101 17th Street, from 3  5 p.m. The event gets students excited about going back to school.

Food, music, and information about the upcoming school year will be available at the event. Over 20 community organizations will be on site to share information for students and parents. Between 25-30 motorcyclists with Bikers for Backpacks will ride into the event to drop off school supplies they have collected.

The first day of school for the Rock Island-Milan School District is August 5th.

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Romania's F-16 fighter jets took off overnight because of threat of Shaheds over Danube

On the night of 24 July, two F-16 fighter jets took off in Romania in connection with a Russian kamikaze drone attack on Ukrainian ports on the Danube, which are separated from Romanian territory only by the riverbed.

Source: European Pravda citing 24-hour Romanian TV news channel Digi24

Details: The Romanian Ministry of Defence reported that in connection with another Russian attack on targets in Ukraine, it has increased airspace monitoring measures.

"At 02:19, two F-16s of the Romanian Air Force took off from the airbase in Borcea (RoAF 86th Air Base) to monitor the situation in the airspace. The fighters returned to the base around 04:20", the statement said.

The ministry also announced that it would send a team to the village of Plauru, on the opposite side of the Danube near Izmail, to search for wreckage of downed drones that could potentially fall on Romanian territory. The search will continue throughout the day.

Background:

It was reported that an air-raid warning was issued for settlements in the Tulcea area, opposite Izmail on the Romanian side of the Danube. Ten people called the emergency service because they were afraid of explosions.

Izmail authorities reported that the attack damaged the port infrastructure of a residential building and injured three people.

As is known, there were cases of drone debris falling on the territory of Romania during the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After the first such incidents, air-raid warnings were issued for villages on the Danube. Some local authorities stated that they considered these air-raid warnings unnecessary.

An investigation in Romania concluded that the Russian drones fell on Romanian territory "by accident".

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Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on Wednesday said Vice President Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, will be worse than President Biden if elected, saying she is owned by the left while criticizing her policy stances.

In the end, shes a radical California left winger and people need to know about her record, Rubio said on Fox Newss Fox and Friends

Shell be the most radically left president this country would ever have if she were elected, he continued, She will be worse than Biden, shell be worse than Biden because she actually fully believes these things and will make them priorities.

Rubio, who was floated as former President Trumps running mate for this election cycle, argued Biden was rented by the liberals and did not have his own political base.

His [Bidens] career had not really been that of a radical leftist, but he was useful to them because he got in office. He frankly didnt know what was going on and it gave the leftists and the shadow government a lot of runway to do whatever they wanted, Rubio said. Kamala Harris is not a rental, shes owned by the left. She is a product of the left wing of the Democratic Party.

The Florida Republican pointed to Harriss stance on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and police, arguing she will work to defund ICE and the police if elected to office.

Rubios remarks echo that of Trump and his allies, who have taken aim at Harris for the situation at the U.S. southern border. House Republicans are teeing up a vote on a resolution to condemn the Biden administration and Harris, who is described as a border czar in the resolution.

I know she changed her positions when she became the vice-presidential nominee. But these are the things she fought for and stood for and voted for when she was a senator and thats what shell do when shes president, Rubio said, adding later, Shell push them, and this country will be destroyed.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates dismissed the border czar attack Tuesday, saying, As we speak, congressional Republicans continue their months-long blockade of critical resources for ICE and the Border Patrol in the tough bipartisan border security agreement supported by the Biden-Harris Administration.

Harris walked a fine line in 2020 when asked about her stance on defunding the police prior to being tapped for Bidens ticket. At the time, she responded by trying to clarify what police defunding meant and argued it is not as radical as opponents portray it as.

The Hill reached out to Harriss campaign for further comment.

Rubios remarks come just days after Biden announced he would step aside from the 2024 race and endorsed Harris to run as his successor.

Scores of Democrats quickly endorsed Harris, who crossed the threshold to secure the Democratic presidential nomination, receiving more than 1,968 delegate endorsements on her campaigns first full day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This photo taken with a drone shows the cleanup of portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. - Gene J. Puskar/AP/File

Major freight railroads are rushing railcar inspections, reinforcing known safety concerns raised by unions for years, but at a House hearing Tuesday theyll present new evidence from federal inspectors that railcar checks are routinely less than two minutes per car.

The unions have sounded the alarm often in recent years as the major railroads all adopted versions of the lean precision scheduled railroading operating model and collectively cut roughly one-third of all their workers. Labor groups like the Transportation Communications Union, which represents the expert carmen who are supposed to inspect railcars, have said all the cuts have led to rushed inspections that miss problems and prompted railroads to rely on train crews too often to do limited inspections.

The disastrous Norfolk Southern derailment last year in East Palestine, Ohio, that prompted Tuesdays hearing was caused by an overheating bearing that wasnt caught in time by trackside sensors. The National Transportation Safety Board didnt speculate in its final report released last month whether an inspection in a railyard might have caught the failed bearing, but it did point out that the railroad never inspected the car after it picked it up in St. Louis even though it crossed through several railyards before the crash. And more than 25% of the cars on that train had defects despite being inspected beforehand.

The TCUs National Legislative Director David Arouca says inspections are happening less often and with less time these days because of all the job cuts.

Sadly, in todays era of railroading, many carmen have to make the difficult decision of what to inspect. Under impossible time pressures, carmen are simply unable to perform full inspections, Arouca said.

Each side of a railcar has at least 90 points that are supposed to be checked in an inspection  something that Arouca said cant be done in the time allotted today. The Federal Railroad Administration study found that the major freight railroads allowed an average of 1 minute and 38 seconds per car while a federal inspector was watching, but documents showed that when an inspector isnt there, inspections are being done in about 44 seconds per car.

The FRA isnt ready to say that the railroads current operating model is unsafe because more research is needed to determine whether that is the case. But FRA Administrator Amit Bose said railroads safety performance has stagnated over the last decade  and by some measures, deteriorated.

Despite assertions to the contrary, derailment rates for our nations largest rail companies have not significantly improved, Bose said.

And even though most derailments dont cause anything like the massive black plume of smoke and lingering health worries that followed the East Palestine derailment  because many of them happen at slow speeds without spilling toxic chemicals  smaller derailments shouldnt be dismissed as the railroad equivalent of a fender-bender because they can still be deadly, Bose said.

None of the CEOs of the major railroads  which include Norfolk Southern, CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian National and CPKC  were at the hearing, even though several of them were invited. US Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisconsin, said its shameful none of the CEOs were willing to show up.

The railroads maintain they are committed to improving safety and have taken a number of steps since the East Palestine derailment including adding hundreds more trackside detectors to spot mechanical problems and reviewing the way they respond to temperature alerts from those devices.

Plus, the Association of American Railroads trade group continues to point out that even with derailments  which happen across the country roughly three times a day  railroads remain the safest option, with more than 99% of all hazardous chemicals arriving safely. But as the Ohio derailment shows, even one derailment can be disastrous if chemicals spill and catch fire.

Railroads also argue that new technology they are investing in can help supplement the visual inspections that workers do and spot problems while trains are moving down the tracks.

But Greg Hynes with the SMART-TD union, which represents conductors and is the largest rail union, said in the accidents wake little has changed.

Ohios two US senators  including Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance  led a bipartisan group in proposing a sweeping rail safety bill last year that included requirements for inspection standards and rules for those trackside detectors, but that bill stalled after it advanced out of committee and never got a floor vote.

US Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, a Republican who leads the House subcommittee on railroads, recently introduced a similar, broad bill along with US Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts. But most Republicans appear to want a more limited approach based on the findings of the NTSB investigation. A narrower bill hasnt yet been introduced.

On Tuesday, Rep. Sam Graves, a Missouri Republican and the chair of the Transportation Committee, said he does not think any rail safety legislation was necessary to address the problems that led to the 2023 derailment. He added that a bill would not be emerging from his committee.

But the chair of the NTSB, Jennifer Homendy, suggested that Congress should accelerate its phasing out of the older DOT-111 tank cars that are prone to rupturing in a derailment and then look at addressing the more than 200 other outstanding recommendations her agency has repeated and repeated and repeated with zero action by the railroads and by some regulators.

In addition to all the rail safety concerns, the NTSB said Tuesday that it is worried that a federal effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration to reclassify marijuana as a less serious drug could prevent train crews, pilots and other transportation workers from being tested for marijuana even though it could impair their judgment.

The NTSB said that eliminating marijuana testing for transportation workers would create a safety blind spot that could endanger the public.

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When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in ReadCloud Limited's (ASX:RCL) instance, it's good news for shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for ReadCloud

ReadCloud Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Non-Executive Director Paul Collins for AU$80k worth of shares, at about AU$0.06 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of AU$0.099. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive.

While ReadCloud insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

ReadCloud is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find small cap companies at attractive valuations, this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. It appears that ReadCloud insiders own 31% of the company, worth about AU$4.5m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

So What Do The ReadCloud Insider Transactions Indicate?

The fact that there have been no ReadCloud insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Overall we don't see anything to make us think ReadCloud insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. While it's good to be aware of what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. When we did our research, we found 4 warning signs for ReadCloud (2 can't be ignored!) that we believe deserve your full attention.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

Story continues

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Alexey Soldatov, pictured in 2015, has been described as the 'father' of the country's internet

A scientist known as the father of the Russian internet has been jailed in what his son described as punishment for his refusal to co-operate with the Kremlin over the nationalisation of web infrastructure.

Alexey Soldatov, 72, was sentenced by a Moscow court on Monday to two years in a labour colony.

He was convicted of abuse of executive authority for allegedly illegally transferring the rights to several IP addresses to a Czech company.

Mr Soldatov and his co-accused, Yevgenny Antipov and Andrei Shkittin, denied the charges.

The scientists son, the exiled Russian journalist Andrei Soldatov, described the accusations as absurd.

He said the judge had issued a harsher sentence than prosecutors requested and ignored his fathers terminal illness, which under Russian law should preclude a custodial sentence.

The younger Soldatov specialises in reporting on Russias security services, including the FSB. In 2022, Andrei said his name had been added to a Russian interior ministry wanted list and that his Russian bank accounts had been frozen.

Alexey Soldatov led the computer networking project that became the Russian internet while working at the top-secret Kurchatov nuclear research institute in the 1980s and 1990s.

It became the Soviet Unions first link to the world wide web and played a key role in reporting the 1991 coup against Mikhail Gorbachev after the putsch leaders shut down other forms of communication.

He served in former president Dmitry Medvedevs government as deputy communications minister in charge of the internet but left after two years in 2010, citing disagreements over Kremlin plans to build a Russia-only operating system or search engine that would separate the country from the global network.

Trying to destroy his legacy

Mr Soldatov, Mr Antipov and Mr Shkittin were initially charged with large-scale fraud for allegedly transferring IP addresses from the non-profit Russian Research Institute for the Development of Public Networks to a Czech firm without permission in 2019.

Mr Soldatov was held under house arrest for six months and then released on bail pending trial, which eventually went ahead this summer. The charges were changed to abuse of authority, which carries a lesser sentence, in 2022.

Andrei Soldatov, who with his wife Irina Borogan wrote a book about his fathers role in establishing the Russian internet, called the case a legal absurdity and said he believed it may be linked to a dispute over the .SU domain name, which his father persuaded American authorities to keep alive after the fall of the Soviet Union.

After 2014 and the annexation of Crimea, the Kremlin got absolutely crazy about such things, saying that it should be nationalised, should be government property; so they asked him not very nicely, he said no, and that is how the criminal investigation started back in 2019, he said.

So its something about that, something about his reluctance to help them with several projects.

Andrei Soldatov said he was not sure why the sentence was so harsh, or issued now, but said he was anxious to clear his fathers name.

He did something really big for the country, and now theyre trying to destroy him physically but also to destroy his reputation and his legacy. I want to make it straight. I want to show he did something very, very important, he added.

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Russia is offering a $22,000 bonus to new military recruits, signaling its desperation to offset losses in Ukraine

Russia is offering a $22,000 bonus to new military recruits, signaling its desperation to offset losses in Ukraine

Russia's offering a new $22,000 signing bonus to military recruits in Moscow.

Russia's military has suffered a high rate of injuries and deaths in Ukraine.

The Kremlin is offering lucrative contracts to replenish numbers.

Russian authorities are offering a $22,000 payment to Moscow residents signing up to join the military in a new attempt to offset high rates of deaths and injuries among soldiers in Ukraine.

The Moscow city administration said new recruits who sign a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry will receive a bonus of 1.9 million rubles, or about $22,000.

The announcement said that, in combination with monthly salary and other benefits, servicemen from the Russian capital stand to make around 5.2 million rubles in their first year of service.

UK military intelligence said in May that 1,200 Russian troops were being killed or wounded daily. This is the highest number since the war began in February 2022.

It comes as Russia sends waves of troops into head-on attacks on Ukrainian positions that have been dubbed "meat assaults."

The attacks intensified earlier this year as Russia sought to drive back Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv region, with reports saying they were often launched for only incremental gains.

Russia is urgently trying to replenish its military numbers in Ukraine with lucrative contracts like that offered in Moscow and also by recruiting prisoners and hiring mercenaries.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin in December issued a decree ordering the military to boost its numbers by about 170,000, increasing its troop numbers to 1.2 million.

After suffering steep injuries and deaths in the early months of the war in 2022, the Kremlin drafted thousands of civilians and reservists into the military, but documents that were leaked in 2023 show it's wary of the potentially destabilizing effects of launching another draft.

NPR reported that protests erupted in dozens of Russian cities after the 2022 draft, and millions of Russian men have fled the country to avoid conscription.

Ukraine's military has also suffered a high rate of injuries and deaths in the war and is experiencing problems recruiting new troops.

Russia has a much bigger population than Ukraine, though. Analysts believe that Putin is planning on grinding down Ukrainian resistance in a drawn-out war of attrition, taking advantage of Russia's bigger population and military production capacity.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Authorities in the city of Moscow are offering a record signing-on bonus for new recruits to fight in Ukraine, in the latest sign of a scramble to boost Russian troop numbers.

The financial sweetener comes as President Vladimir Putin struggles to recruit soldiers for his army as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds on in its third year.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin introduced the one-time signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles (about $22,000) for city residents who join the military, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Anyone taking up the offer would earn as much as 5.2 million rubles ($59,600) in their first year of service, the statement added.

Those willing to join the fight in Ukraine can also receive one-time cash payments of about $5,690-$11,390 for injuries, depending on the severity, and the family of a soldier killed in action could be paid $34,150.

While Russias casualty numbers remain shrouded in secrecy, estimates say the death toll among troops is high. More than 70,000 soldiers were likely killed or wounded in May and June alone, the UK defense ministry said in an update on July 12, as the Russian army faced high losses on a new front in the Kharkiv region.

It is estimated that Russia has lost 87% of the active-duty ground troops it had prior to launching its invasion of Ukraine and two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks, a source familiar with a declassified US intelligence assessment provided to Congress told CNN in December last year.

Social media is filled with video footage taken by drones of Russian troops being killed or left with life-changing injuries in what soldiers grimly call meat grinder battles against Ukrainian defenders. Ukrainian soldiers have often spoken of how their outnumbered forced face so-called human wave assaults from an enemy whose commanders appear happy to tolerate brutal attrition rates.

As personnel deaths mount, the Kremlin is looking all over the place to find fighters to send to the front.

Putin has ordered the countrys military to increase troop numbers by 170,000, which would take the overall number of Russian military personnel to more than 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops, according to a decree published by the Kremlin in December.

That equates to boosting the Russian armys size by 15% and marks the second such expansion of the army since Putin launched its invasion.

Putin initially ordered an immediate partial mobilization of Russian citizens in September 2022 following a string of defeats that caused recriminations in Moscow. The mobilization meant citizens who were military reservists could be called up and that those with military experience were subject to conscription.

The conscription campaign led to fierce demonstrations  particularly in Russias ethnic minority regions where mobilization efforts were concentrated  and has sparked an exodus of military-age men fleeing the country to avoid joining the war.

Although the mobilization campaign was suspended in November 2022 after officials said the target of recruiting 300,000 personnel had been met, Russia has been recruiting fighters beyond its borders to fight in Ukraine.

Russia has recruited as many as 15,000 Nepalis to fight its war in Ukraine, with many of them left traumatized, while an unknown number remain missing or possibly dead. A Nepali soldier who spoke to CNN said Afghan, Indian, Congolese and Egyptian recruits were among those being trained in Russias military academies for foreign fighters.

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Moscow currently fields some 520,000 troops in Ukraine and plans to raise this number to 690,000 by the end of the year, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the Guardian published on July 24.

"When it comes to equipment, there is a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 in their favor," Syrskyi said in the interview.

Ukraine's top military commander explained that this is the key reason for Kyiv's setbacks on the battlefield in recent months.

Syrskyi ordered a withdrawal from Avdiivka in February as Ukrainian forces struggled to hold on to the key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast, suffering ammunition shortages due to delays in U.S. aid.

More recently, Russian forces have been capturing villages in Donetsk Oblast as they push toward Pokrovsk, and forced out Ukrainian troops from the eastern part of Chasiv Yar.

Moscow scored these successes largely due to its advantage in heavy equipment, according to Syrskyi.

The number of Russian tanks grew from 1,700 in 2022 to 3,500, while the number of artillery systems has tripled, and armored personnel carriers went from 4,500 to 8,900, the Guardian writes.

Russian successes are only "tactical," however, and come at high costs, Ukraine's top commander said, adding that Russia suffers "three times" higher casualties than Kyiv's forces, and even higher in some areas.

Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine hit 500,000, Putin buries future demographic risks at home

Syrskyi refused to provide specific numbers, and the most recent publicly unveiled figure on Ukrainian soldiers killed throughout the war was 31,000 by February. The Ukrainian military said that Russia has lost over 570,000 troops killed or wounded as of late July.

The general also stressed that Ukraine managed to halt the Russian advance in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast and said the military is ready to give a "good response" if Russia attempts an offensive in the southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Syrskyi noted that Russia's advances along the front could be halted but added that the result "depends on our brave soldiers, our officers."

When asked about the issue of Western F-16 fighter jets, Syrskyi said he knew when the planes would arrive but refused to provide a specific date.

The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have pledged close to 80 F-16s under the fighter jet coalition launched in July 2023, with up to 20 expected to arrive this year.

Despite promises by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 10 that the first Dutch and Danish F-16s are already on their way, no delivery has been confirmed so far.

Syrskyi believes that F-16s will strengthen Ukraine's Air Force but also pointed to their limitations, saying they would have to remain 40 kilometers from the front line to avoid being shot down.

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Russian forces used a cluster variation of an Iskander ballistic missile during an attack on an industrial facility in the city of Kharkiv on the afternoon of 24 July.

Source: Volodymyr Tymoshko, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Police, in a comment for Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster

Quote: "These are missiles produced in 2024. At 05:00, a purely civilian facility was struck, then there were two strikes on an industrial facility in Kharkiv; then, an hour later the same facility was struck with cluster munitions. We are certain that cluster munitions were used during the second attack in order to hit the emergency workers and police officers who arrived at the scene.

Its a miracle that both the emergency workers and the police had left this facility 10 minutes before the second attack. However, the Russians struck with cluster munitions which spread over a large area, as a result of which people who were passing by the private industrial facility in the street, or were in the nearby residential area, were injured."

Background:

Russian troops attacked Kharkiv several times on 24 July. The latest attack took place in the late afternoon. The Russians dropped a guided bomb practically in the centre of the city.

As of 14:40, six people were reported injured in the city.

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Russian forces used an Iskander missile armed with cluster munitions in a "double-tap" attack on an industrial facility in Kharkiv on July 24, Volodymyr Tymoshko, the head of the National Police in Kharkiv Oblast, said in a comment to Suspilne.

The Russian military launched multiple attacks against the northeastern city of Kharkiv throughout July 24, injuring at least nine people and damaging a Swiss NGO office.

Tymoskhko said that one of the targets, an industrial site, was attacked repeatedly, including one strike with cluster munitions.

"At 5:00 in the morning, a completely civilian object was hit, then two strikes on an industrial facility in Kharkiv, an hour later the same object was hit with a cluster munition," Tymoshko told Suspilne.

"We are absolutely sure that the second time they used cluster munitions to hit the rescuers and police officers who were there."

Rescue workers had already cleared the area shortly before the missile hit, Tymoshko said.

Russian forces have been known to target first responders by hitting previously damaged sites a second time shortly after a first attack, a tactic known as "double-tap" strikes.

Over the past months, Russia's "double-tap" attacks have escalated, killing nearly 30 rescue workers in Odesa, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia and wounding more than 20 in March and April of 2024 alone.

"It's a miracle that both the rescuers and the police left the site 10 minutes before the second strike," Tymoshko said.

"However, they hit with a cluster, the cluster scattered over a large area and injured people who were passing by the private enterprise on the street or were in the private sector located nearby."

Tymoshenko said that markings on fragments of the weapons found on scene indicate that the missile was manufactured in the second quarter of 2024.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Russia of using cluster munitions to target civilian areas. These weapons "spray" small bomblets across a wide area, with some of them detonating long after the attack, posing a continued danger to the local population.

Attacks on population centers in Kharkiv Oblast intensified after Russian forces launched a new cross-border offensive in the northern part of the region in May.

Read also: Russia gathering forces in Kharkiv Oblast for fresh attacks, military says

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Russian aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv hits residential area, injures at least 3 people

Russian troops attacked the city of Kharkiv with a guided aerial bomb on July 24, injuring at least three men, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

This marks the sixth Russian attack on the city in the past day. The most recent assault resulted in a building catching fire, as reported by the governor.

Earlier in the day, Moscow's attacks on Kharkiv injured at least six people. Additionally, a Russian missile attack on the town of Lozova in the region killed one person and injured four others, authorities said.

Attacks on population centers in Kharkiv Oblast intensified after Russian forces launched a new cross-border offensive in the northern part of the region in May.

While Ukrainian troops have halted the advance, Russia continues to hold a handful of border settlements.

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

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Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day killed at least four people and injured at least 17, including children, regional authorities said early on July 24.

Russia launched a missile attack against Kharkiv at around 5 a.m. local time on July 24, hitting the office of a humanitarian organization, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

"Today at 5 a.m., the Russians hit the office of the Swiss (Foundation) for Mine Action FSD with a ballistic missile," Syniehubov said on Telegram.

An industrial building, five cars, and a house were also damaged. Mayor Ihor Terekhov initially reported one person killed but later said the information could not be confirmed.

The attack was carried out with an Iskander-M ballistic missile and another missile of an unknown type, the Air Force said.

Two men aged 41 and 18 were reportedly injured in a Russian drone attack against the Lisne village around the same time.

Three children were injured during a Russian drone attack against Marhanets in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on July 23, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

Residential buildings, energy infrastructure, and other property were damaged in Russian attacks against the Nikopol district over the past day, he said.

In Donetsk Oblast, three people were killed and three injured during a Russian attack against Lyman, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

Three others were injured during attacks against Marynivka, he said.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast killed one person and injured two, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

The body of a 77-year-old woman was found in the rubble in Kherson following a Russian attack after midnight, he said.

Russian drones attacked a port in the Izmail district of Odesa Oblast overnight, injuring three people and causing damage, Governor Oleh Kiper said.

Romania scrambled its F-16 fighter jets after detecting Russian drones flying near the Romanian border.

A civilian was injured in the Myropillia community in Sumy Oblast overnight on July 24, the regional military administration reported.

Chernihiv, Kyiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Ukrainian forces downed 17 of the 23 Shahed-type attack drones overnight, most of them targeting Odesa, according to the Air Force.

Read also: Ukraines soldiers training on Starstreak  heres why its so deadly

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A Moscow court sentenced exiled Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar to eight and a half years in prison in absentia for spreading fake news about the Russian army, as part of Russias intensifying crackdown on opposition media.



Zygar was charged with public dissemination of deliberately false information about the use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, according to the statement shared by the court.



The charges were based on an Instagram post from April 2022, where Zygar accused Russian forces of committing war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine.



Bucha, a suburb northwest of Kyiv, was occupied by Russian troops shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.



After the city was liberated at the end of March 2022, mass graves with civilians were discovered, and thousands of war crimes were documented, making Bucha a symbol of Russian atrocities in Ukraine.

The Prosecutor General's Office said in March 2023 that more than 1,400 civilians were killed in Bucha District, including 637 in the city of Bucha, many of whom had gunshot wounds. The district figure included 37 children who were murdered by Russian forces.

Zygar was designated a foreign agent in 2022, and his sentence would begin upon his hypothetical extradition to Russia. However, Russia has not successfully extradited any prominent dissidents since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.



These charges against Zygar come shortly after a Russian court on July 19 sentenced Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in jail on what are widely viewed as trumped-up charges of espionage.

Additionally, New York Times opinion columnist Masha A. Gessen was sentenced in absentia on July 15 by a Moscow court to eight years in prison over comments Gessen made about Russian war crimes committed in Ukraine.

Read also: Russia labels Moscow Times an undesirable organization

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Russia targeted Kharkiv and surrounding areas with S-300 missiles overnight on July 24, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported at around 6 a.m. local time.

While initially reporting one person killed, the mayor later said that the fatality was not confirmed.

The initial strike against the city targeted the industrial zone within one of Kharkiv's districts. The second strike impacted a residential area, causing a fire to break out in one of the houses.

Local governor Oleh Syniehubov said at around 7 a.m. that two men were injured in the drone attack on the Malodanylivska community, located approximately 15 kilometers north of Kharkiv. Horse stables were set on fire.

First responders have been dispatched to the scenes of the attacks.

On July 21, the spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces said Russia has deployed additional assault units near the village of Hlyboke in Kharkiv Oblast to prepare for offensive operations. The village of Hlyboke is located in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast, about seven 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.

Read also: Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

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The Metaverse's Influence on the Foodservice Industry

Whether the metaverse is set to transform the way we live and work, or simply the latest example of an overhyped technology, youll be hard-pressed to find an industry that isnt investigating the potential opportunities of this virtual world.

The foodservice industry is no different. From experiencing a restaurant from the comfort of your own home to connecting with others in a virtual reality (VR) bar for a drink, the technologies underpinning the metaverse are starting to transform the way we eat and drink.

COVID-19 has forced foodservice to digitally transform

The foodservice industry has been forced to adopt digital solutions at an unprecedented rate. Various tech, such as online food delivery, mobile ordering and fintech, have helped companies to bolster revenues, and customer confidence, at a time where in-store footfall is low. This is highlighted by GlobalDatas Q4 2021 consumer survey, wherein 76% of consumers globally reported slight to extreme levels of concern when asked about eating out at restaurants because of Covid-19 risk.

GlobalDatas company filing analytics further reveals that between 2019 and 2020, mentions of digitalisation in the full-service restaurant (FSR) sector increased by 78%, while in the quick-restaurant service (QSR) and fast-food sector, mentions increased by 160%.

Foodservice investments in metaverse enabling technologies are not new

Channels and operators, catering service providers, suppliers, and online food delivery specialists have been investing in enabling technologies for the metaverse for many years.

Enabled by blockchain technology, cryptocurrency (a digital currency based on mathematical algorithms) will be obligatory in a metaverse that transcends national borders. Fast-food chains Burger King and Subway have both experimented with cryptocurrencies in select restaurants globally. Separately, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are units of data stored on a blockchain to certify the ownership of a digital asset. With a variety of use cases in the metaverse, foodservice players, particularly in the fast-food sector, are investing in these technologies to attract digitally-savvy consumers. Taco Bell, McDonalds China and Pizza Hut have all released NFT collections since the beginning of 2021.

Augmented reality (AR) and VR are critical components of the metaverse, thanks to ARs ability to allow the user to see the real world overlaid with a layer of digital content and VRs capacity to place the user in a virtual environment, where they can interact with other users and digital items. Examples of AR being used by foodservice before the Covid-19 pandemic include Burger Kings Burn That Ad viral AR campaign in Brazil in 2019 and Sodexos use of AR smart glasses for operations in remote locations. Fewer examples of VR exist because of issues with the tech; however, Walmart has been using VR headsets in employee training and assessments since 2017.

Story continues

Foodservice companies are capitalising on the metaverse

Following the explosion of hype surrounding the metaverse, foodservice brands have been jumping on the bandwagon, given its potential in marketing and marketplaces.

The metaverse has been used in several restaurant-chain marketing campaigns, such as Chipotles opening of a virtual store on Roblox in October 2021, McDonalds collaboration with Opening Ceremony to create an interactive exhibit to honour the Lunar New Year in January 2022 and Miller Lites planned metaverse bar for the Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. The metaverse has also been used to provide unique in-restaurant sensory experiences, such as Colossalbits launch of MetaTerrace in December 2021, a mixed reality lounge in Dubai featuring a VR bar.

New metaverse use cases in the foodservice industry will appear

As the industry approaches two years of economic uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2022 we can expect further metaverse campaigns in foodservice, as companies look to boost revenues and customer bases. Brands already investing in enabling technologies are sure to be keeping an eye on this next mega-theme. Already, in February 2022, McDonalds filed multiple metaverse-related patents, primarily for virtual restaurants, including a virtual restaurant featuring online food delivery; Bareburger claimed the first NFT restaurant, operating solely online; and Panera Bread Company filed for its Paneraverse, with virtual food items and NFTs.

Register for GlobalData's Exploring the Metaverse Webinar, February 24, 2022, 4pm GMT/11am EST, here.

"Floating fries and burger NFTs: the metaverse is impacting the foodservice industry" 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.
Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, has posted photos of the aftermath of the Russian combined attack on the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of 24 July.

Source: Syniehubov on Telegram; State Emergency Service on Telegram

Details: Syniehubov said that the Russians attacked Kharkiv district at 05:01. As a result of the UAV strike, a stable building in the village of Lisne, in the suburbs of Kharkiv, burned down. Two men aged 41 and 18 were injured.

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Kharkiv Oblast.

Photo: Syniehubov on Telegram

The State Emergency Service specified that the fire broke out in a private eco-park after the Russian strike on the stable building. The flames spread to a wooden outbuilding and a guest house, covering about 1,500 square metres.

At 05:30, the Russians fired ballistic missiles on the Nemyshlianskyi district of Kharkiv. The missile strike damaged an industrial building, five cars and one house.

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Kharkiv Oblast.

Photo: Syniehubov on Telegram

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Kharkiv Oblast.

Photo: Syniehubov on Telegram

Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv, noted earlier that the second strike had hit a residential area and one person had reportedly been killed.

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Kharkiv Oblast.

Photo: Syniehubov on Telegram

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Kharkiv Oblast.

Photo: Syniehubov on Telegram

Background:

On the night of 23-24 July, Russian forces also attacked the city of Izmail in Odesa Oblast with Shahed kamikaze drones, damaging port infrastructure and a residential building, and injuring three people.

Ukraines Air Force reported that Russia had struck Kharkiv Oblast with two missiles and used Shahed kamikaze drones to target Ukraine; Ukrainian air defence downed 17 out of 23 Russian drones.

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The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) has reported that its office in Kharkiv was damaged during a Russian missile attack on the city on the morning of 24 July.

Source: Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (Fondation Suisse de Deminage)

Details: The Foundation said that the building where it was located, as well as some vehicles and equipment, had been "significantly damaged" in the attack.

"We are relieved to confirm that none of the Foundation's staff was killed or injured," the FSD said, adding that it is taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of its staff and support all those affected by the attack.

The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action stressed that it would continue to provide humanitarian mine clearance services and support to the people of Ukraine.

Background:

The Russian army has been attacking Kharkiv with missiles since the morning of 24 July. Local authorities reported that there were at least five strikes and six people had been injured.

The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action is a Geneva-based non-governmental organisation that works on humanitarian mine clearance in conflict zones.

Since 2022, the Swiss government has regularly supported such efforts in Ukraine, allocating more than 103 million last year alone.

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Andrei Torgashov, Deputy Head of the Transmission Radio Centre of Military Unit 33790, whose car was blown up. Photo: Astra Telegram channel

The Astra Telegram channel has reported that a Toyota Land Cruiser was blown up near a residential building on Sinyavinskaya Street in northern Moscow on the morning of 24 July. Later, Russian media reported that a car belonging to a namesake of Andrei Torgashov, the Deputy Head of the Defence Ministry's Satellite Communications Department, had been blown up.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS; Russian state-controlled television network RT; Astra Telegram channel; Baza Telegram channel; Russia media outlet Kommersant

Details: Astra claimed the vehicle belonged to Andrei Torgashov, Deputy Head of the Radio Transmission Centre for Military Unit 33790 in Moscow Oblast. According to open sources, Military Unit 33790 is the 89th Satellite Communications Centre of the Russian Armed Forces.

Photo: Astra Telegram channel

It was reported that the explosion occurred as a man and a woman were getting into a parked car. Early reports indicated that the mans feet had been blown off and the woman had sustained shrapnel injuries. Both were hospitalised.

PHOTO: ASTRA TELEGRAM CHANNEL

RT later reported that Torgashov himself told them he learned about the explosion in what was supposedly his car while he was at work. The deputy head of the satellite communications unit stated that he had absolutely no connection to the incident, and that he "never had a Land Cruiser and probably never will." "I dont even live in that area. I live somewhere else entirely," he said.

The Telegram channel Baza reports that at the time of the explosion, the car was occupied by a namesake of Torgashov with the same first and last name. He is not connected to the military unit but also serves in the Russian Armed Forces.

PHOTO: ASTRA TELEGRAM CHANNEL

The Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that the serviceman served in Russian Military Intelligence (GRU) and was responsible for communications within his unit. The publication claims that a theory being considered in connection with the victim's identity involves actions by Ukrainian intelligence services and their agents. According to the publication, the case has been investigated as attempted murder, and it may later be reclassified as a terrorist attack.

Russian Investigative Committee head Aleksandr Bastrykin has instructed that the case be put under the control of the agencys central office.

This news has been updated since publication.

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Russias first and only openly transgender politician has said she is no longer detransitioning, telling CNN that she had been previously driven by fear of Russias ban on gender reassignment.

Alyoshina said she is now ashamed of posts she made earlier this year announcing the move.

I wrote and said this out of fear because gender reassignment and the non-existent LGBTQ+ movement are prohibited in the Russian Federation, she said, adding: I was born a woman in a mans body.

Alyoshina transitioned from male to female in 2020, changing both her name and gender marker in her passport. It was my sincere desire, she told CNN. I had been fighting for this for many years and underwent multiple psychiatric examinations.

Then, in May, Alyoshina changed her Telegram channel back to her pre-transition name and uploaded a pre-transition profile photo, saying she had decided to revert to her birth gender during Orthodox Lent, citing spiritual anguish.

In a now-deleted post, Alyoshina also apologized to the Russian people, indicating a patriotic motive for her decision to remain in Russia. I am a patriot of my country, thats why I live in Russia, Alyoshina said. Asked to clarify the move at the time, she told CNN, I cannot give more detailed comments, adding she did not feel safe to speak about it while still in Russia.

On Wednesday, she explained to CNN that the move was prompted by her fear of persecution after appealing to the Russian Supreme Court in early 2024. Alyoshina filed an official request to the court in January seeking clarification on new legal restrictions, her status as a transgender person, potential extremist labeling for online publications and her ability to engage in public activities.

When the court responded that it doesnt provide explanations on current laws, she said she felt terrified that the state repressive machine could turn on.

I began sleeping poorly and waking up early, by springtime my anxiety and depression worsened, Alyoshina said. The politician also feared that she might never achieve her lifes dream of undergoing gender reassignment surgery due to the new regulations.

Unable to leave the country, Alyoshina told CNN she still does not feel safe but explained the need to come forward with the statement to stay true to herself. Im just tired of playing someone elses role. Im tired of pretending to be a man, she said.

She also remains vocal about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in present-day Russia, saying their rights are discriminated against and violated. I hope my post will provide moral support to transgender people, she said adding that it is currently impossible for a transgender person to change the documents even after an official medical diagnosis confirming their gender identity.

President Vladimir Putin signed a widely criticized law in July 2023 prohibiting nearly all medical help for transgender people including gender reassignment surgery, except for treating birth anomalies in children.

The legislation also bars transgender individuals from adopting children and allows authorities to annul their marriages.

This move, along with stringent laws passed in December 2022 targeting so-called LGBTQ propaganda, is viewed as part of Russias broader policy to enforce what it refers to as traditional values and suppress LGBTQ+ rights. These policies have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and have significantly impacted the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country, leading to increased fears, marginalization and a climate of oppression.

In October 2022, when the State Duma passed the first reading of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, Alyoshina decided to resign as regional head of the centrist, liberal-democratic Civic Initiative party and end her political career.

I have no idea how to continue to conduct public political activity as an openly transgender woman, she said in a Telegram post at the time. However, in 2023, Alyoshina returned and announced her plans to run for governor in the Altai region of Siberia, before later dropping that campaign.

Interviewed by CNN during the final stages of the laws approval process in late 2022, Alyoshina criticized the new legislation, characterizing it as just another brick in building an autocracy in Russia. Alyoshina said she had been discriminated against as a transgender politician on numerous occasions but added the law would complicate further the already difficult life of all LGBTQ+ people in Russia.

A study carried out in 2021 by Russias transgender support group, T-Action, estimated at least 30,000 transgender people have sought medical treatment or changed their legal documents. However, the actual number is likely much higher, despite an increased number of transgender individuals fleeing the country, the groups coordinator, Anton Macintosh, told CNN. Understandably, the majority stayed. It is not so easy to leave, especially for a transgender person, he said.

When asked what Alyoshina was hoping to achieve for other transgender people in Russia by coming forward with this statement, she replied: I would like to convey the message: Dont give up, keep fighting. As long as we keep fighting, we are alive.

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On 24 July, the Russian army launched another strike on settlements in Donetsk Oblast, injuring three people.

Source: Anastasiia Miedviedieva, spokeswoman for Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "A 69-year-old woman sustained multiple shrapnel wounds while being evacuated from the combat zone. The Russians attacked a minibus with an FPV drone near the settlement of Mykolaivka in Kramatorsk district.

In addition, the occupation forces targeted the village of Hrodivka, injuring an 80-year-old pensioner on private property. He was admitted to hospital with a blast injury and shrapnel wounds.

The Russian Armed Forces used an FPV drone to attack the residential district of Chasiv Yar. From there, a 68-year-old resident was transported to a medical facility and diagnosed with a blast injury."

Details: Miedviedieva added that based on these findings, pre-trial investigations have been initiated into a violation of the laws and customs of war by the Russians.

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Aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa Oblast. Photo: Oleh Kiper on Telegram

The Russians have attacked the city of Izmail in Odesa Oblast on the night of 24 July with Shahed drones, damaging port infrastructure, a residential building and injuring three people.

Source: Izmail District State Administration on Facebook; Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Odesa Oblast Military Administration: "Russia once again attacked the Izmail district at night. In violation of existing laws and customs of war, Russia intentionally conducted a large-scale drone strike with Shahed kamikaze drones, damaging port infrastructure in the city of Izmail."

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa Oblast.

Photo: Oleh Kiper on Telegram

Details: The administration reported that a five-storey residential building was damaged and three people were injured.

"The night attack resulted in hits on a residential five-storey building in Izmail, causing partial damage to windows, stairwells and the facade of the building without subsequent fires. No people were killed. Unfortunately, three individuals had to be hospitalised," the administration stated.

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa Oblast.

Photo: Oleh Kiper on Telegram

Details: Emergency services are operating at the scene.

Kiper said attacks caused damage to several port infrastructure buildings.

"Three lorries were damaged. A fire also broke out at the scene, which was promptly extinguished by the State Emergency Service," he reported.

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The Russians are building fortifications to protect the Crimean (Kerch) Bridge from Ukrainian naval drones.

Source: Krym.Realii (Crimea.Realities, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Quote: "A floating crane is visible in the waters of the Kerch Strait.

Witnesses claim that the number of barges Russia is using to protect the Kerch Bridge from Ukrainian naval drones has increased."

Details: The day before, Brady Africk, an analyst in the Foreign and Defense Policy Research Department at the American Enterprise Institute, reported, based on satellite images, that Russian authorities are continuing to increase the number of barges near the Kerch Bridge for its protection.

At the end of June, it was reported that the Russians had installed a second line of booms near the Kerch Bridge with 21 barges. Additionally, it appears that piers are being installed near the foundation of the Kerch Bridge.



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On 24 July, the Russian military carried out a missile strike, targeting infrastructure in Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast. A man's body was recovered from beneath the rubble, and two more persons are being searched for.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, the Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "As a result of the missile strike, four people were injured, and searches continue for two more people. Sadly, one body was retrieved from under the rubble. The data is being clarified."

Background:

On the afternoon of 24 July, the Russians again targeted Kharkiv, in Ukraine's northeast. Kharkiv Mayor stated that missiles targeted the city's infrastructure. A large fire broke out at the location of the attack. According to local authorities, there were five strikes recorded.

Syniehubov later stated that six people were injured in a Russian missile attack on the city of Kharkiv.

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The Sacramento Police Department has launched an in-custody death investigation after a man detained by officers died Tuesday night after sitting handcuffed in a patrol car following a standoff.

Officers were called just before 4:30 p.m. for a welfare check on the 3600 block of Jasmine Street in East Del Paso Heights, police said in a news release. The mans relatives told dispatchers he was under the influence of narcotics and could potentially harm himself, police said.

According to police, the 51-year-old man was sitting nearby holding a knife when officers located him. He threw the knife in the street and barricaded himself in a car, police said.

Officers began to negotiate for his exit from the vehicle. Ultimately, officers were able to remove him from the vehicle, police said in a statement, though they did not elaborate how. The man was then placed in handcuffs inside a patrol car as officers called Sacramento Fire Department personnel to the scene to evaluate the man.

The man became unresponsive and firefighters rendered medical aid, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Sacramento County Coroners Office is expected to release the mans identity, though a cause of death may not be determined right away. A standard toxicology report often takes weeks or months to be completed, the Coroners Office has said.

Police homicide detectives, internal affairs officers and professional standards unit are each investigating the death. The Office of Public Safety Accountability, a civilian oversight committee, and the Sacramento County District Attorneys office will also monitor the investigation, police said.

Officers body-worn cameras was also expected to be released within 30 days, in line with standard agency practice.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A San Angelo man has been indicted for allegedly murdering a local woman and placing her body in the bathtub of a residence.

An indictment record filed within Tom Green County stated that 37-year-old Christopher Wise was indicted on July 11 for causing the death of Christie Feland on Nov. 8, 2022, by striking her repeatedly with his hands, feet and an unknown object before placing her in an aqueous environment after rendering her incapable of extricating herself from that environment.

Wise was previously indicted for the murder on Jan. 20, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in relation to the case, law enforcement responded to a residence within the city at 5:22 a.m. after receiving a call regarding a dead individual. At the scene, officers discovered the body of Feland in rigor mortis on a bed.

Wise told the officers that he had been in an argument with Feland on the evening of Nov. 7, 2022, regarding a Snapchat conversation he had with another woman.

Wise stated that he had fallen asleep on a couch within the residence between midnight and 1 a.m. after Feland had tried to burn items in the backyard of the property. He told law enforcement that he awoke at 5 a.m., after which he discovered Felands body in a bathtub that was overflowing. Wise then stated that he removed Feland from the bathtub and began to perform CPR before calling 911.

Officers at the scene observed that there was an injury dealt to Felands left temple, bleeding behind her left ear and other injuries on her left side. An autopsy conducted later on Feland indicated that she had died from blunt force trauma, though investigators were unable to determine what item was used to inflict her injuries at the time of the report.

Wise has been held in the Tom Green County Detention Center with a posted bond of $1,500,000 since his arrest on Nov. 22, 2022, done in relation to the incident. According to the indictment filed in July 2024, Wise has been previously convicted in the District Court of San Juan, New Mexico, for aggravated battery against a household member that caused great bodily harm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday said net income in the second quarter fell 4% to $1.8 billion, a drop the company attributed to increased warranty expenses and the launch of new vehicles, and which came as the company continued to lose money on electric vehicles.

Ford posted adjusted operating earnings for the April-to-June period of $2.8 billion, down 27% from $3.8 billion in the same period last year.

Overall, Fords revenue for the quarter was $47.8 billion, up 6% from a year ago.

Here's what we learned as company executives answered questions from the news media and analysts Wednesday:

1. Warranty costs have added up

Ford CFO John Lawler said Wednesday in a call with the media after the automaker released its second-quarter earnings report that the increased warranty costs were unplanned and represent about a $700 million increase in warranty expenses for the second quarter compared with the same period in 2023, and an $800 million increase from the first quarter of this year.

In total, Lawler said the warranty costs for the quarter were about $1.5 billion-$2 billion.

He said that's a one-time issue, though, and expectations for full-year 2024 adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) remain unchanged at $10 billion to $12 billion, Ford said in a news release. The company raised adjusted free cash flow outlook by $1 billion, to between $7.5 billion and $8.5 billion.

Analysts, though, on a call with Ford executives after the earnings were released, said Ford's warranty costs have run high before and asked how investors can have confidence that this won't keep happening.

Ford CEO Jim Farley said it takes time for new Ford vehicles of higher quality to make their way into the market, but once they do, warranty costs will be reduced over time.

A 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty. Ford launches a new F-Series Super Duty built on its own unique frame and ushers in the first true medium duty pickup truck.

2. Ford's electric vehicles continue to be a money loser

The automaker's electric vehicle business posted a loss of $1.1 billion in the second quarter. Farley divided the company into Ford Blue, Ford Model e (electric vehicles) and Ford Pro (commercial products) in 2022.

As Ford is grappling with a more complicated EV sales picture than anticipated a few years ago, like other automakers, and looking to save money on building EVs, Farley said the interest at Ford in partnering with another company on EVs "is record-level high."

"We're not going to make any announcements on this earning call, but this is absolutely a flip-the-script moment for our company," Farley said.

Ford said last week that it will move planned production of a three-row electric utility vehicle to another plant, shifting from plans to build them at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario. Details on where the EV production will be done were not disclosed.

Story continues

The automaker will instead build Super Duty trucks at Oakville, a move it described as a way to meet booming demand from its Ford Pro unit.

More on this move: Ford announces plan to build Super Duty in Canada as EV production moves elsewhere

3. Ford loves Ford Pro

Speaking of Ford Pro, executives talked a lot on both the media and analyst call about how successful this business unit is, and what more can be done to increase its profits.

"No other company has Ford Pro," Farley said on the analyst call. "We intend to fully press that advantage."

Ford Pro made $2.6 billion in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 7% compared with the same period last year.

4. How Wall Street reacted

Shares were down about 11% after markets closed. The stock closed Wednesday at $13.67 per share.

5. How other automakers fared in Q2

General Motors on Tuesday reported a 37% increase in its adjusted pretax income in the second quarter, to $4.4 billion. The automaker said the gain was due to strong sales of gasoline-powered pickups and SUVs, improving sales of electric vehicles and stable pricing with low incentives.

Based on those results, GM said it is increasing its guidance for full-year earnings. GM expects to report a pretax income of $13 billion to $15 billion this year, compared with earlier guidance of $12.5 billion to $14.5 billion.

More on GM's Q2 earnings: GM reports $4.4 billion in Q2 pretax profits, increases expected earnings for full year

Stellantis, owner of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat, will report earnings for the first half of 2024 on Thursday.

Free Press staff writer Jamie L. LaReau contributed to this report.

Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford's second-quarter profit falls due to unexpected warranty costs
A bombshell court filing accuses South Carolinas largest charter school district and its leaders of a criminal conspiracy to damage the reputation of a for-profit education management company in order to take its business.

The accusations, filed last week in Anderson County circuit court, represent the latest volley in an ongoing dispute between the Charter Institute at Erskine and Reason & Republic, a once-favored charter school operator that until recently ran three Upstate schools authorized by the Charter Institute.

The long-simmering feud became public in May after Erskine, a private Christian college in Abbeville County, sued the education management organizations parent company alleging it had defaulted on a $1 million loan.

A counterclaim filed Thursday charges that Erskine College, the Charter Institute at Erskine and its leaders  collectively the Erskine Enterprise  conspired to destroy Reason & Republics reputation and interfere with its business operations in order to prevent it from meeting its financial obligation.

Erskines alleged sabotage of the charter school operator coincided with the Charter Institutes formation of Teach Right USA, an education service provider it positioned as a competitor to Reason & Republic and pressured schools to employ, the filing asserts.

Such interference, the counterclaim alleges, violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, a federal law commonly used to prosecute organized crime syndicates that commit apparently unrelated crimes to fulfill a common objective.

Both Erskine College and the Charter Institute at Erskine declined to comment on the allegations, citing the pending litigation.

Reason & Republics claims add to a series of recent revelations about the Charter Institute at Erskine that raise questions about the taxpayer-funded districts operations, spending and capacity to provide independent oversight of the more than two dozen charter schools it regulates statewide.

Publicly-funded charter school authorizers, such as the Charter Institute, have historically served a relatively circumscribed and largely regulatory role. By statute, they are responsible for reviewing charter school applications, negotiating charter school contracts and providing oversight and accountability to the schools they sponsor.

The Charter Institute, by contrast, has taken a more entrepreneurial and activist approach to its work. Formed by Erskine College in 2017 with a vision to transform public education in South Carolina, the Institute operates with an increasingly expansive view of its role under the law that some argue exceeds its statutory authority and poses serious conflicts of interest.

In recent months, The State Media Co. has chronicled the Institutes formation and funding of Teach Right USA, a controversial nonprofit run by Charter Institute employees and associates that, among other things, sells services to Charter Institute schools; the Institutes involvement in a plan to open schools in Tennessee through Teach Right USA; and the Institutes approval of a charter school run by close associates that proposes to partner with Teach Right USA and Erskine College.

Most recently, Erskines lawsuit against Reason & Republic revealed the cash-strapped college had secretly invested in the for-profit charter school operator in contravention of industry standards that recommend authorizers remain independent of schools they oversee.

The counterclaim Reason & Republic filed last week sheds more light on the Due West colleges relationship to the education management company, revealing that Erskine not only invested money in the company, but co-owned it.

According to Reason & Republics filing, the Charter Institutes two top executives, Cameron Runyan and Vamshi Rudrapati, approached Anderson County attorney James Galyean in 2019 about forming the management company that became Reason & Republic.

Galyean, who had worked with Runyan and others to help found the Charter Institute two years earlier and briefly served as its general counsel, then went before Erskine Colleges board of trustees to propose that the college invest in the newly-formed management company, the counterclaim states.

The Erskine College board voted to become a founding owner of Reason & Republic and made an initial $1 million capital contribution to the company, according to the filing.

In exchange for its investment, Erskine College received a 10% ownership stake with an option to purchase an additional 10% ownership interest in the future; the exclusive rights to provide dual enrollment services at all Reason & Republic schools in South Carolina; and 10% of the companys distributed net profits, increasing to 12% if combined enrollment reached 2,400 students, documents show.

The companys financial ties to Erskine College raise the specter that, for better or worse, its three schools may have been treated differently than others in the Charter Institutes portfolio.

Such concerns prompted S.C. House Education Chair Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, and several other House lawmakers earlier this year to ask the states Legislative Audit Council to investigate claims the Charter Institute had entered into improper financial relationships with for-profit management companies that operate many of the schools it oversees.

We are concerned that if transactions like these have occurred, they may compromise the ability of Erskine to perform its duties under the (Charter Schools Act) with fidelity and/or may cause Erskine to apply inconsistent standards of accountability to different charter schools that it sponsors, Erickson wrote in a May 8 letter to Legislative Audit Council Director Earle Powell, whose agency conducts independent audits of state agencies.

Powell told The State last week that South Carolinas internal performance auditing body expects to vote next month on whether to open an investigation into the Charter Institute.

Erskine distances itself from EMO

The partnership between Erskine College and Reason & Republic shifted in 2021, after Erskine asked to be bought out of its ownership stake in the education management organization, the counterclaim asserts.

The parties agreed to unwind Erskines ownership via terms set out in a $1 million promissory note. Specifically, Reason & Republics parent company Icelaven Development Group would make payments to Erskine totaling $1 million plus interest, due and payable in full by Jan. 1, 2027.

The exact terms and timeline of the payments are in dispute.

Erskine College alleges in its suit that Icelaven defaulted on the note. Icelaven denies it defaulted and asserts that Erskine reneged on aspects of the deal and attempted to collect the money early.

Things came to a head in late 2023, according to Reason & Republics counterclaim, when Erskine officials allegedly called Galyean to discuss collecting on the note early and closing out the colleges relationship with the education management company.

The conversation apparently was not fruitful.

Afterward, Reason & Republic claims the Charter Institute and its associates initiated a smear campaign to discredit and extort the company by falsely claiming it had mismanaged money and exerted undue control over the schools finances.

A December 2023 letter obtained by The State outlines some of the concerns Charter Institute officials raised about Reason & Republics management of Belton Preparatory Academy in Anderson County, one of the charter districts highest performing schools.

The letter, written by an attorney for the Belton Prep board, asserts that school staff notified Charter Institute officials of academic compliance violations, funding discrepancies, firing of key employees and workplace harassment. The Institutes subsequent financial review of Belton raised various concerns with the schools operations, management and delegation of authority and control to Reason & Republic, particularly with respect to issues of fiscal management and employment structure, the letter states.

Reason & Republics filing alleges the Charter Institute intimidated its local school boards by threatening to withhold state funds and revoke their charters unless the schools terminated their contracts with the management company.

These tactics, according to Reason & Republic, were intended to damage the companys reputation and steer its schools into contracts with the Charter Institute and Teach Right USA.

In the end, two Reason & Republic schools  Belton Prep and Summit Classical School  parted ways with the management company and temporarily put the Charter Institute in charge of their finances. Summits board has since voted to close the Laurens County school.

The companys third school, South Carolina Preparatory Academy, a virtual school headquartered in Anderson, rebuffed the Charter Institutes demands and is in the process of transferring to the Limestone Charter Association, where it will continue to contract with Reason & Republic for services.

SC lawmakers vow to rein in charter school authorizers

SC Preps transfer to the Limestone charter district, an affiliate of Limestone College in Gaffney, was made possible by a one-year measure, known as a proviso, that lawmakers inserted in this years state budget.

The temporary measure lets charter schools unilaterally transfer to another district if their authorizer is under sanction by its accrediting body.

Erskine College, which was denied reaffirmation of its accreditation in 2022 and remains on warning status for not meeting governance and financial management standards, is the only authorizer whose schools are currently subject to the proviso.

Other temporary charter school-related measures added to this years budget that were inspired by lawmakers concerns with Erskine include potential repercussions for authorizers that spend taxpayer dollars for any reason other than those listed in statute and a 2% cap on the percentage of state appropriations that authorizers can retain from schools they oversee.

The provisos are intended to serve as a stopgap until next year when lawmakers have pledged to take a serious look at overhauling South Carolinas outdated charter schools law, which is silent on many of the complex issues that have emerged since colleges and universities began approving and regulating charter schools roughly a decade ago.
Brite Donkor, a Kinsler cousin, gives relatives a message from the ancestors in July 2019 at the family cemetery. (Provided/Brenda Kinsler)

BLYTHEWOOD  When Brenda Kinslers son was around 10 years old, he came home from school with questions about his family that she couldnt answer.

Mom, who are we? Kinsler, who lives in Washington, D.C., recalled him asking. Where are we from? Whos famous in our family?

Kinsler told him what she could about her family, and about his dads side of the family, but the questions brought back ones she asked herself over the years. Curious, Kinsler started searching online.

This was around 2000, so not much was available. But she found herself on a message board, where a man named Charlie Smith in Charleston had asked for some background on his great-great-great grandfather, John Herman Kinsler.

If you go:

The Kinsler family reunion at the historic cemetery will be open to the public.

Where: 145 Kinsler Road, Blythewood

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27

Recognizing the last name as her own  and knowing from past research that her ancestors had once lived in South Carolina  Brenda Kinsler responded. She told Smith that she had relatives in Florida, though she wasnt sure how they got there. Smith was shocked: He didnt know his familys connections stretched that far south.

The two started to exchange family histories. John Herman Kinslers family had enslaved Brenda Kinslers relatives.

Smith, who is white, and Kinsler, who is Black, are almost certainly distant cousins. From what they can determine, their family lines likely branch off seven generations back, Smith said.

John Herman Kinsler (Provided by Charlie Smith)

During the nearly 25 years since they first started talking, Kinsler and Smith have worked to create a log of the familys history, tracking down relatives they never knew they had.

This years family reunion, which will take place Saturday, is set to be the biggest since Kinslers family had its first gathering in 1979 in Florida, starting a biennial tradition that later moved to other cities where relatives live.

This weekend, about 150 people are expected to come to Blythewood to see the place where at least 13 Kinslers are buried.

Family historians

Long before they met, Kinsler and Smith had a common interest in genealogy.

Smith made a hobby of tracking down family lines for himself and for friends. Kinsler spent free time in college tracing her family lineage. They each found bits and pieces of their histories, but it wasnt until they pooled their knowledge that they were able to start putting together a comprehensive story.

The first connection the two made was with John Herman Kinsler, who died in 1902.

Kinsler, Smiths third-great grandfather, was a political force in the state during the mid-to-late 1800s. He served as a member of the state House of Representatives, signed the states Declaration of Secession in 1860 and fought as a lieutenant colonel in the Civil War.

In 1877, he returned to the Statehouse as a state senator, replacing Black Sen. William Beverly Nash. A former slave who became a wealthy businessman after the Civil War, Nash was part of South Carolinas majority-Black Legislature during Reconstruction. The 1876 election brought the end of federal oversight and the often-violent rollback of rights extended to newly freed slaves in the states 1868 constitution.

Before the war, John Herman Kinsler owned 38 slaves, Brenda Kinsler said.

Little is known about them, since few records were kept about enslaved people. But, knowing Kinslers lived in Florida, Smith and Brenda Kinsler were able to figure out that the old Kinslers owned property there, where they took some slaves.

That is not a legacy in which Smith takes pride. But its not one he shies away from, either. Enslavement is part of the familys history that both branches say needs to be acknowledged.

Weve done a lot of stuff together, which is great, because its a story that should be told as one story, Smith said.

As Kinsler and Smith worked to create a family tree, including slave owners and enslaved people, relatives dubbed them the family historians. They spent decades pouring through any old documents they could find to track down historical connections.

The family was luckier than many descendants of slaves, because the white Kinslers for the most part kept families together, making it easier to track them down, said Cynthia Parker White, another Kinsler cousin, who is Black.

Now, in the era of businesses such as Ancestry and 23andMe, which use DNA to find family lines, more distant relatives than ever have been joining the family. After being freed, some families with the Kinsler last name settled in Florida, while others remained in South Carolina. Over the years, people moved, and parts of the family are now scattered across the country.

Some relatives want to be more involved than others, but the Kinslers welcome anyone with any connection to the bloodline, Kinsler said.

Thats how attendees of the biennial family reunion quickly doubled. About 65 people attended each of the last two reunions. About 150 relatives are expected to make the trip to Blythewood this weekend. There are more family members whove been in touch who just cant make it, she said.

The family cemetery

Around 2004, Kinsler came to visit Smith in Charleston for the first time, her two daughters accompanying her. Before Kinsler returned home, she wanted to do one thing: Find a graveyard where her ancestors had been buried.

A cemetery like that wouldnt be on most maps, Smith told her.

They both knew finding marked graves for enslaved people would be difficult, but Kinsler was determined to try. The white Kinslers at one point owned land in Blythewood, near Columbia, so the two started there.

A farmhouse on Kinsler Road seemed like a good bet, so Smith and Kinsler knocked on the door to ask if the owners had heard anything about a cemetery. The man who answered told them, Ive been waiting for you, Kinsler recalled.

Dick and Mary Burnside, who own the property, led Smith and Kinsler to a piece of land dotted with grave markers. The couple had been caring for it for years, thinking one day relatives would come looking for it, they told Smith and Kinsler.

When Kinsler stepped into the cemetery, she felt an instant connection.

It was this joy and being overwhelmed and all excited, Kinsler said. It was a feeling that Id never had before.

The next year, she returned with a cousin and his wife, and they did a modified West African libation ceremony.

They poured wine into the ground and spoke about what they knew about the people buried there, who they knew were taken from that part of the African continent, as a way of connecting with their ancestors and showing their respect, Kinsler said.

The first time White, another Kinsler cousin, walked on the cemetery, all the hair on her body stood up. Talking to other relatives after their visit to the cemetery in 2017, when the reunion was held in Columbia, many said they felt the same thing, White said.

There was this connection, White said. It was like our ancestors were welcoming us there, and there was this feeling of peace that settled over that whole area.

After the reunion in 2017  the first attended by Smith  White and Kinsler got to talking about their family history and the research they had done.

Its good to have it, but if we dont put it in a format that it becomes more permanent, then we could lose it, White recalls telling Kinsler.

So, White compiled Kinslers research on their side of the family into a self-published book, called From Whence We Came: A History of the African American Kinslers. She asked Smith to write the foreword.

University of South Carolina researchers are working to study the cemetery and preserve it from potential development. The family has come to the spot twice, in 2017 and 2019, to do libation ceremonies and talk about what they know of the people buried on that plot. They plan to do the same this year, Smith and Kinsler said.

A history of slavery

The Kinsler family has a long legacy of educators. Kinsler and Smith uphold that, doing virtual school visits to talk about identity and how assumptions about people can often be wrong.

For instance, they tell elementary school classes, most people would not assume Smith and Kinsler were related, but they likely are.

During one visit, after they had explained the family history, a boy around 8 years old spoke up to say: I dont know that if I met a white man whose family had enslaved my family I could even bring myself to speak to him, Smith said.

That hit the nail on the head, Smith said. Thats exactly why you have to have these conversations, because we have to get beyond them.

Theyre not taboo, he added. Its just history.

Kinsler and Smith often hear similar sentiments when telling people about their connection. Often, people are skeptical based on the history connecting the families. Those people tend to be surprised to see that reunions are full of hugs and laughter, Smith said.

The folks who thought it might be more like a sociology experiment are sometimes a little caught off guard, Smith said.

For recently connected family members, that piece of history can be a lot for people to digest, Kinsler said.

We understand that, Kinsler said. But were patient. Itll come.

Smith and Kinsler are family, no matter what history they share, they said.

As a family, we cant do anything about what has happened, but we can come together now, Kinsler said. We can have that respect for each other and that love for each other.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) meets with US Vice President Kamala Harris on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Sven Hoppe/dpa

Following US President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has praised his likely replacement, Vice President Kamala Harris, as an "experienced and competent politician."

Harris "would clearly stand for a continuation of the transatlantic cooperation that has now developed so well," Scholz said on a talkshow hosted by broadcaster Magenta TV, due to be screened on Wednesday.

"And, if I understand correctly," Scholz added, Harris also stands in favour "of the US being a country that is growing together."

Germany would "strive for good relations with every American government," Scholz stressed, adding that it was not up to him whom the American people elect.

Harris, 59, has managed to garner enough votes from delegates to be nominated as the Democrats' presidential candidate for the November 5 election, though it is unclear whether she can build up enough momentum to beat Republican rival Donald Trump.

Biden's announcement on Sunday that he would withdraw from the 2024 presidential race sent shockwaves through US politics. He ended the bid after a disastrous debate performance in June that sent his campaign spinning as concerns were raised about his age and mental fitness.

Scholz said Biden's decision had "saddened him greatly, because I believe that he has really done an outstanding job."

The US president had "ensured that transatlantic cooperation worked well in very crisis-ridden times," Scholz added.

Scholz said there had always been detailed discussions with Biden, "which have moved things forward in a very concrete way and have also led to decisions that we have prepared together."

Some of Biden's recent TV appearances and also "the fact that he doesn't move like a 25-year-old" had distorted the public's perception of Biden, Scholz said.
School Health Director delivers friendly reminder for kids to get their back-to-school shots

School Health Director delivers friendly reminder for kids to get their back-to-school shots

OAK HILL, WV (WVNS)  Has your child gotten their back-to-school immunizations yet?

Back to School Summer Fest

Schools throughout West Virginia require kids entering school in grades K-12 to show proof of their updated shots and immunizations.

Sometimes kids have phobias of needles and shots, which can be a problem when you take your child to update their shots.

The School Health Director for New River Health Association, Cindy Whitlock offered a method to help your kids conquer their fears.

There are a lot of great videos on YouTube Kids, which involve cartoonish doctors, which can show kids what its like to go to the doctor and what immunizations mean as far as spreading disease and keeping everybody healthy, Whitlock told 59News.

Whitlock said New River Health Associations school health sites are open during the summer Tuesday through Thursday. They are accepting kids of all ages.

Child immunization for back-to-school

Whitlock also emphasized the importance of teachers and bus drivers being up to date with their shots.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Many parents want to take a photo and post it on social media before students arrive in the classroom for the first day of school.

I would disadvise against making public social media posts where parents take, you know, the dry-erase board, a chalkboard or whatever, you may have it, said Steven Green, the Technology Director for Sheffield City School District.

Rural hospital closures: Whats the fix?

When posting your childs first day of school picture this year, leave out personal information like the school, grade, and teacher because that could give someone on social media your childs whereabouts.

Youre telling the world when youre making a public post, Heres my child, heres their picture, this is where they go to school, this is their teachers name. This is exactly, unfortunately, where you can find them, Green said.

Oversharing students back-to-school details can be dangerous with the current rise of online predators.

City of Madison becomes first in state to exempt hearing aid sales tax

Green said if you are going to post, make sure your posts are private. Many social media platform settings default to public, so you should look before posting.

You know, everybody wants to share those moments of their children with their friends and family, but they dont think about their settings, their privacy and security settings, said Green. And a lot of people just post everything publicly.

The Superintendent of Lawrence County Schools, Dr. Jon Brett Smith, urged everyone to follow these guidelines not only with their child but with any student in the classroom.

We live in a time where we dont want to disclose anything that puts a child in danger, Smith said. So we ask them not to share their personal child, personal childs information, or information about any other child.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Schuylkill County man sentenced for drug an gun offenses

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  A Schuylkill County man has been sentenced for trafficking drugs and firearms offenses.

According to the United States Attorneys Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, 51-year-old William Quintana from Pottsville was sentenced to 117 months for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Coroner confirms one woman dead in I-81 crash

U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam states Quintana pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally possessing methamphetamine to sell while possessing a Star9mm pistol and a .380 caliber Diamondback pistol in September of 2022.

Officials state Quintana was sentenced to 117 months in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Big Nothing

A hydrothermal explosion rocked the Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday morning, sending tourists scrambling to safety as boiling water, rocks, and heaps of mud went flying into the air amidst a huge plume of steam.

Park officials say that no injuries have been reported. But for safety reasons, the Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed. Photos of the aftermath shared by the National Park Service shows some damage to the boardwalk close to the site of the explosion, which took place near Sapphire Pool, not far from the iconic Old Faithful geyser.

These may not be the rumblings you want to hear from the place home to an apocalyptic supervolcano capable of smothering the continent, but don't worry: officials say this isn't a sign of the big one.

"No other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region," the park service said in a statement. "Today's explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity."

Pressure Cooker

Hydrothermal explosions aren't uncommon in Yellowstone, and typically occur once or twice per year. It's not everyday you get such spectacular footage of one, though, and videos show just how puny the tourists look next to the dark, towering plume of the eruption.

It's big  but compared to some of the other hydrothermal explosions that have taken place in the past, it's not massive.

According to the US Geological Survey, these sudden eruptions of pressurized, superheated water can sometimes reach over a mile in height, and leave behind craters equal in diameter. The largest hydrothermal crater we know of is around 1.5 miles across, formed 13,800 years ago.

Many hydrothermal explosions can be as small as a few dozen feet, however, and large ones only occur every 700 years on average.

No one's known to have ever been killed by one of these events, but their volatility does pose a unique hazard. "Hydrothermal explosions, being episodes of water suddenly flashing to steam, are notoriously hard to predict," the USGS said on X, formerly Twitter. "They may not give warning signs at all."

Keeping Watch

Fortunately, though, volcanoes do give warnings.

Scientists look for a number of precursors that foretell a magmatic eruption, like an uptick in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes. We might also expect to see more activity in nearby volcanic vents called fumaroles.

As it stands, none of these have cropped up.

"Hydrothermal explosions like that of today are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface," Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, said in a statement.

More on geology: Angry Volcano in Iceland Just Threw Up an Apocalyptic 150-Foot Tidal Wave of Molten Lava


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



There are some symptoms that are classically linked to menopause, like hot flashes and mood changes. But menopausal brain foga range of symptoms that impair cognitive functionis also common (and debilitating). And now, scientists think theyve figured out whats behind it.

The findings could have an impact on how estrogen levels are studied in menopause in the future, as well as eventual treatments. Heres what we know, based on the research.

Meet the experts: Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine and founder of Madame Ovary. Jessica Shepherd, MD, an ob-gyn in Texas and author of an upcoming book on menopause, Generation M.

What did the new study find?

In a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers scanned the brains of 54 health women between the ages of 40 and 65. The scans found that women in different stages of menopause had higher estrogen receptor density in certain brain networks, compared to those who hadnt been through menopause yet. (Estrogen receptors are groups of proteins found in several areas of the brain. They influence the cognitive and behavioral effects of estradiol, the strongest form of estrogen.)

Researchers said that this increase in estrogen receptor density is likely due to dropping levels of estrogen during menopause. Basically, brain cells create more receptors to try to pull in as much estrogen as possible as levels naturally drop during menopause.

Women with higher estrogen receptor density were more likely to be further into menopause, have more brain fog, and more mood symptoms than others, the study found.

What causes brain fog during menopause?

Aside from estrogen receptors, there are a few other potential causes of brain fog during menopause. Other menopausal symptomslike sleep disturbancescan also factor in, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine and founder of Madame Ovary.

Brain fog during menopause could also "be related to changes in the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, which we know occurs from the decreasing levels of estrogen," Minkin says. The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones, per Medline.

Not only that, women going through menopause also have plenty of other life stressors they're dealing with, Minkin points out.

Are there limitations of the study?

There are a few limitations to keep in mind. One is that the study was relatively small, featuring just 36 women who were either in perimenopause (the stage leading up to menopause) or menopause. Those were compared with 18 pre-menopausal women.

The study also didnt track the same women over time. Instead, it compared brains between the different women.

What should women experiencing brain fog during menopause do?

The studys findings are groundbreaking because they look into how estrogen impacts the brain, especially after menopause, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, an ob-gyn in Texas and author of the upcoming book on menopause, Generation M. But she also notes that there is no good solution for menopausal brain fog that we know of.

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help with symptoms of menopause, Shepherd says that it hasnt been directly studied as a treatment for brain fog. Even though many of us give [hormone therapy] for brain fog, its considered off-label, she says.

However, the study also found that the time frame where women may be able to have benefits from hormone therapy may be larger than previously thought, the researchers said in a press release. In the future, the authors hope to research if the density of estrogen receptors changes with hormone therapy, hopefully leading "to fewer symptoms [of brain fog] and better performance on cognitive tests," according to the release.

Ultimately, Shepherd says that its best to talk to a doctor who specializes in menopause if youre concerned about brain fog.

Hormone therapy isnt a direct solution to brain fog, but it has many benefits, so consider it when going through menopause, she says.

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An illustration shows an intermediate-mass black hole in space. | Credit: Robert Lea

For decades, astronomers have searched without much joy for signs of "missing link" black holes, aka black holes with masses between those of "stellar-mass black holes" and "supermassive black holes." The former have been seen scattered across the universe and the latter are cosmic titans that dominate the hearts of galaxies  but when it comes to intermediate-mass black holes, scientists have seen evidence of only about ten.

As reported earlier this month, scientists announced that using data from the Hubble Space Telescope revealed the best evidence yet of an intermediate-mass black hole in Omega Centauri, the remains of a galaxy cannibalized by the Milky Way. And, well, it looks like searching for intermediate-mass black holes is a lot like waiting for a bus in London; you wait an age for one, and then two turn up at once!

A separate team of researchers has discovered evidence of another medium-sized black hole, this time lurking near the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) at the heart of the Milky Way, some 27,000 light-years from Earth.

The team, led by Florian Peiker of the University of Cologne, discovered this intermediate-mass black hole while assessing the star cluster IRS 13, located around 0.1 light-years from Sgr A*.

Related: In the last 25 years, black hole physicists have uncovered the unimaginable

"IRS 13 appears to be an essential building block for the growth of our central black hole Sgr A*," Peiker said. "This fascinating star cluster has continued to surprise the scientific community ever since it was discovered around twenty years ago. At first, it was thought to be an unusually heavy star. With the high-resolution data, however, we can now confirm the building-block composition with an intermediate-mass black hole at the center."

Searching for the universe's missing voids

Stellar-mass black holes with between five and 100 solar masses are known to form via the collapse of stars with at least eight times the mass of our star. Supermassive black holes, however, must have a different origin, as no star could be massive enough to collapse and leave a remnant millions or even billions of times as massive as the sun.

This information has led scientists to theorize that supermassive black holes must be born through merger chains of progressively larger and larger black holes. These cosmic titans are also thought to grow by hungrily feasting on the matter around them, including the any unfortunate star that wanders too close and is shredded then stuffed into the black hole in a so-called "tidal disruption event," or "TDE."

This means there should be a population of black hole "seeds" in the cosmos that exist in that vast mass gulf between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes that haven't yet achieved "supermassive status" but are still too massive to have formed from a collapsing star. Yet, these intermediate-mass black holes have been frustratingly difficult to spot.

Three black circles decreasing in size from left to right text under the circles explains the different masses of different classes of black holes

Like all black holes, intermediate-mass black holes are bounded by a light-trapping "surface" called the event horizon. Thanks to this boundary between the observable universe and whatever's inside a black hole, not only is it impossible for any signal to travel from the interior of a black hole to the wider cosmos, but it is also effectively impossible to "see" a black hole. That is, unless it's ripping apart stars in bright TDEs or feasting on the matter around it, which would heat and glow brightly.

However, intermediate-mass black holes have failed to reach supermassive sizes because they aren't surrounded by a wealth of material to feed on, so they don't exhibit bright emissions of light in their surroundings, which means they are pretty much completely dark. Thus, scientists have to use clever techniques to detect non-feeding intermediate-mass black holes. For instance, they look at the behavior of visible matter around black holes, like stars, to see if they're impacted by any gravitational effects. If so, those effects could be imparted by a nearby black hole.

A large purple blob with glowing red and orange spheres within it

While looking at IRS 13, Peiker and colleagues saw the stars of this cluster at the heart of the Milky Way moving in an orderly pattern. This was surprising because the team had expected the stars to be randomly ordered.

There could be two explanations for this observation. Either IRS 13 is interacting with Sgr A*, and this is making its stars move in an orderly way, or there is a large gravitational influence in this cluster that is keeping it well-ordered.

Using instruments such as the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Chandra X-ray space telescope, the scientists were able to determine the well-ordered compact shape of IRS 13 could indeed be due to the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole located at the center of IRS 13.

This finding is supported by astronomers' seeing X-rays from the star cluster, which indicate ionizing gas rotating at speeds of many hundreds of thousands of miles per hour. That hot ionized gas could be swirling around the maw of this newly discovered intermediate-mass black hole.

This would not only provide astronomers with another "missing" black hole link, but the findings also may explain a lingering mystery surrounding IRS 13. The star cluster had seemed to be much more dense than other similar star clusters in our galaxy  but that would be expected if it hosts an intermediate-mass black hole.

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The team now intends to follow up on this research by investigating IRS 13 with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction atop Cerro Armazones in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile.

The team's research was published on July 18 in The Astrophysical Journal.
In this image taken from body camera video released by Illinois State Police, Sonya Massey, left, talks with former sheriffs deputy Sean Grayson outside her home in Springfield, Illinois, on July 6, 2024. Footage released Monday, July 22, reveals a chaotic scene in which Grayson shoots Massey in the face in her own home after she called 911 for help. Illinois State Police via AP

Sean Grayson  the Sangamon County sheriffs deputy charged with murder after he shot Sonya Massey in her apartment while she held a pot of water  worked six law enforcement jobs over the past four years, pleaded guilty to two charges of driving under the influence, and was discharged from the Army for serious misconduct.

Now Masseys family wants answers on how Sangamon County came to hire him and put a gun in his hands.

Grayson, 30, was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder by a grand jury on July 17. He and another Sangamon County deputy responded to Masseys home after she called about a possible intruder. The local district attorneys office released a 36-minute body camera video on Monday that showed Massey, a Black woman, unarmed and ducking for cover moments before Grayson shot her in the head.

Masseys family says Grayson should not have been working for the department due to his past. There were all these red flags, and yet they still made him a deputy in this county, James Wilburn, Masseys father, said at her funeral.

Grayson worked part-time with the Pawnee Police Department from Aug. 11, 2020 to July 26, 2021, and then took another part-time job with the Kincaid Police Department from Feb. 4, 2021 to May 18, 2021, according to records from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Two days later, Grayson started part-time with the Virden Police Department on May 20, 2021. Then, on July 20, 2021, he started working full-time with the Auburn Police Department. After leaving Virden in December and Auburn the following May, Grayson worked full-time with the Logan County Sheriffs Office beginning in May 2022. He left in April 2023 and started working with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office in May of that same year, records show.

Grayson had no prior documented use-of-force complaints while working for Sangamon County or other departments, the sheriffs office told HuffPost in a statement.

He did, however, plead guilty to misdemeanor offenses for driving under the influence in 2015 and 2016, according to online court records.

The first incident was on Aug. 15, 2015, when the Virden Police Department arrested Grayson for DUI and he pleaded guilty. He was charged with a DUI again the next year in July after he was arrested by the Macoupin Sheriffs Department, according to charging documents obtained by HuffPost.

Grayson was also discharged from the Army for serious misconduct, according to Illinois Public Media. IPM reported that Army officials declined to release any details about the misconduct, citing Defense Department policy.

James Wilburn, father of Sonya Massey, speaks to reporters in Springfield, Ill. on Monday, July 22, 2024. A former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy has been charged with murder after shooting Massey inside her home while responding to a 911 call on July 6. AP Photo/John O'Connor

On July 6, Grayson and an unidentified deputy questioned Massey in her home, asking for her identification. When Massey went to the kitchen to turn off a boiling pot of water, the other deputy moved back and said he was moving away from your hot steaming water.

From the kitchen, Massey responded: I rebuke you, in the name of Jesus.

Grayson, standing in the living room, then escalated the encounter.

You better fucking not, or I swear to God, Ill shoot you in your motherfucking face, Grayson told Massey while putting his hand on his weapon.

He immediately drew the weapon, and Massey, still in the kitchen and away from the deputies, ducked and raised her hands. Ok, Im sorry! Massey said to Grayson.

Grayson fired three shots, killing her.

Masseys killing sparked national outrage. President Joe Biden expressed he was heartbroken for Masseys children and entire family.

Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. 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, Biden said in a statement on X.

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.

Masseys father called for Sheriff Jack Campbells resignation during a press conference on Tuesday.

I will say again, I am calling for the sheriffs resignation. Because I think it is a culture to treat this family this bad, Wilburn said.

If it were not for this camera footage, we as a people, they would have lied their way right out of this. So he needs to resign.

The sheriffs office released a statement the day Grayson was indicted on murder charges and stated that his actions that night did not meet the standards practiced at the department. He was additionally charged with official misconduct and aggravated assault with a firearm.

First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey. This is a tragic incident, and we mourn with them and the community, the sheriffs office said in a July 17 statement following the completion of the investigation.

It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. Therefore, Sean Graysons employment with the Sheriffs Office has been terminated.

Grayson was taken into custody that same day.

Sangamon County District Attorney John Milhisers office said it had determined that the evidence did not support a finding that former Deputy Sean Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force, and the case was presented to a Sangamon County Grand Jury.

Masseys shooting sparked protests as the local community demanded police reform and justice for her death. Grayson remains in custody with an arraignment hearing set for Aug. 26, according to court records.
By Marcela Ayres and David Lawder

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - G20 finance leaders meeting in Brazil are preparing a joint statement for Thursday in support of progressive taxation that will stop short of endorsing the hosts' proposal for a global "billionaire tax," two G20 officials told Reuters.

Brazil's presidency of the Group of 20 major economies this year has drummed up initial support from some countries for a joint effort to tax ultra-high-net-worth individuals, although debate has been preliminary.

France, Spain, Colombia, Belgium and the African Union have backed the idea, along with South Africa, which will assume the G20 presidency next year. However, the idea has hit high-profile resistance, including from U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Sources at the German finance ministry, which came out against the idea in April, said that a tax on the super-rich was off the table at this week's G20 meetings. Tax discussions would focus on other ideas, such as combating tax avoidance and wealth concealment, the sources said.

One of the G20 officials familiar with talks, who requested anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, said Thursday's joint statement is expected to include a call for cooperation to reduce tax evasion by the super-rich through greater exchange of information and best practices.

A broader G20 joint communique is expected on Friday, when finance ministers and central bankers conclude this week's meetings in Rio de Janeiro.

Despite skepticism, the G20 discussions of a global billionaire tax have garnered praise from former world leaders including 19 members of the Club de Madrid, a forum of more than 100 former presidents and prime ministers.

At a seminar in Brasilia last month, officials discussed the proposal from the independent EU Tax Observatory to levy a 2% wealth tax on fortunes over $1 billion, raising estimated revenue of up to $250 billion annually from 3,000 individuals.

(Reporting by Marcela Ayres and David Lawder; Editing by Brad Haynes and Sandra Maler)
Fox News

Fox News host Sean Hannity amped up his criticism of one particular characteristic of Vice President Kamala Harris: her laugh.

Just a day after arguing that voters seem to detest Harris because of it, the Trump ally voiced bizarre concerns about how Harris would fare on the world stage.

I dont care if its China, Iran, North Korea, Russiathey never feared Joe Biden. They did fear Donald Trump. They wont fear Kamala Harris, Hannity told Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Theyll laugh at Kamala Harris because thats what she does half the time anyway. She giggles away, you know, her time. I dont think theyll take her seriously because I dont think shes a serious person.

Hannity says China, Iran, and North Korea will laugh at Kamala Harris because she giggles pic.twitter.com/jWRhEVj9Xf  Acyn (@Acyn) July 24, 2024

Hannitys line of attack, which didnt mention how Trump was laughed at during a United Nations speech in 2018, is a mirror image of what Trump and the Republican National Committee have resorted to targeting her for.

The GOP nominee, after appearing to finally accept that he wont be running against Biden in November, ginned up one of his nicknames for his new opponent: Laughing Kamala.

Have you seen her laughing? She is crazy. You can tell a lot by a laugh. She is nuts, Trump told a Michigan crowd last weekend, spurring unimpressed First Gentleman Doug Emhoff to shoot back: Thats all hes got?

Republicans rapid response account on X, which is run by both Trumps campaign and the RNC, similarly seized on Harris campaign speech in Wisconsin earlier Tuesday.

Kamala Harris brought her cackle to Milwaukee: Good afternoon, Wisconsin! Ha ha ha ha! the post read.

Hannity not only has chosen to harp on Harris laugh, but has accused her of wanting to ban plastic strawsa move that Media Matters Matt Gertz described as the Fox host literally grasping at straws.

In the meantime, plenty of Republicans and other right-wingers have chosen to bring up something else: her race. Their smears of Harris as a DEI pick have since drawn rebuke from some House GOP leaders, who stated they would prefer policy-focused arguments.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Search of Wisconsin home during wanted person check leads to seizure of meth & heroin, 5 arrested

NORTH FREEDOM, Wis. (WFRV)  Five people, ranging in age from 33 to 69, were taken into custody on Tuesday after a search of a southern Wisconsin home led to the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin, and other controlled substances.

According to the Sauk County Sheriffs Office, during a check for a wanted person in the 400 block of North Maple Street in the Village of North Freedom on July 23, a cause was reportedly developed to conduct a probation/parole search of the residence related to ongoing drug activity.

Man in Wisconsin on the run after allegedly shooting at deputies and running into the woods following police chase

During the search, investigators allegedly located and seized methamphetamine, heroin, THC, drug paraphernalia, and other controlled substances.

The investigation led to the arrest of five people, who were subsequently taken to the Sauk County Jail on the following charges:

Wilbur D. Taholski , 69, of North Freedom Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine Possession of heroin Possession of a controlled substance without valid prescription Possession of THC Possession of drug paraphernalia Bail jumping Maintaining a drug trafficking place

Kim M. Popple , 61, of North Freedom Possession of methamphetamine Maintaining a drug trafficking place

Justin C. Popple , 33, of North Freedom Child support warrant Probation violation

Anna M. Wilson , 40, of Baraboo Probation violation

Fred B. Schwarz , 48, of North Freedom Possession of methamphetamine Possession of drug paraphernalia Bail jumping



Authorities in Wisconsin searching for suspect who robbed same bank twice in two-month span

It was also noted that the investigation is ongoing and additional criminal charges may be added.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Sauk County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-TIP-SAUK or a local law enforcement agency.

No additional information was provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
A Seattle family says they have been left stranded at the airport for multiple days after Delta had canceled hundreds of flights Tuesday amid the CrowdStrike outage.

Delta Air Lines is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportations Office of Aviation Consumer Protection as the airline canceled hundreds of flights for a fifth straight day after a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike took down Microsoft systems around the world.

Since Friday, Delta Air Lines has canceled more than 5,300 flights, including roughly 500 on Tuesday, which is fewer than the previous days, a spokesperson with the company said.

You feel like youre suffocating and theres no one here to help, said Sharon Cercone, a passenger.

Cercone said she and her two young daughters flew from Seattle to Buffalo for a wedding.

However, their trip quickly turned south when their return flight on Friday was canceled.

She said Delta Air Lines has canceled and delayed her familys flights multiple times, and at one point, left passengers, including her family, inside a plane waiting for their pilots who never arrived.

No air circulation for an hour. My daughter was passing out. We had to splash water on her face to keep her conscious, she said.

Cercone has lost more than $7,500 because of the crisis, she said, as they continue to search for a way home.

The mother of two said her family is scheduled to fly back to Seattle Tuesday afternoon after she had purchased her family tickets with two other airlines.

KIRO 7 News also spoke with a group of passengers at SeaTac International Airport, who said they have been stuck in the Emerald City for multiple days.

We need to get home to work, said Steven Murray, a passenger. We got zero for four days of no vouchers for nothing. All expenses out of our pockets.

Rafael Medina, a passenger, said hotels near the airport have increased their prices, forcing them to find lodging in Seattle.

Hotel rooms, they were jacking them up to up to $625 a night, he said.

We tried to get online with them (Delta Air Lines) or call them. Youre on hold for four hours plus, said Sophia Murray, a passenger.

KIRO 7 News reached out to Delta Air Lines to get a response about the disruptions and customers accusations.

The company declined to speak on camera but wrote in an email that the airline is reimbursing eligible expenses, including hotels, meals or ground transportation costs that occurred during the operational disruption.

A spokesperson also said Delta is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations where available and ground transportation.

The airline provided the following statement to KIRO 7 News.

Delta is in receipt of the Departments notice of investigation and is fully cooperating. We remain entirely focused on restoring our operation after cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrikes faulty Windows update rendered IT systems across the globe inoperable. Across our operation, Delta teams are working tirelessly to care for and make it right for customers impacted by delays and cancellations as we work to restore the reliable, on-time service they have come to expect from Delta.
UPDATE, July 25: WREG discovered that there is surveillance video of the incident. According to reports, prosecutors shared the video in court with the victims family and the defense. It was never viewed publicly.

We spoke to the victims son who says Redmon was Lewis supervisor, and the family knew him personally.

Lewis bond was waived Thursday. He is set to appear in court on August 8 for a preliminary hearing.

***

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A security guard accused of killing another security guard at Main Event made his first court appearance Wednesday morning.

Richard Lewis is charged with Class A First-Degree Murder. That carries life without parole, life with the possibility of parole, or the death penalty, according to Judge Karen Massey.

WREG checked with the state of Tennessee and could not find an active armed security guard license for Lewis. His license expired at the end of February, and the state gave him 90 days to reapply.

I had to do it: Main Event security guard shot co-worker twice in head, witnesses say

On June 17, he applied for his license to be reinstated, but he did not provide the necessary documents, specifically when it came to training.

Police say Lewis, 44, shot James Redmond, a fellow security guard at Main Event, in the head, killing him. The two had known each other for several years.

Lewis reportedly shot Redmon after an argument about the use of the metal detector on people entering the business Monday evening.

According to an affidavit, Lewis told his general manager He came at me, and I had to do it.

Moments before the shooting, Lewis reportedly told another coworker that if Redmon walks up on me, Im gonna blow his [expletive] off.

Security guard dead after shooting at Main Event; man detained

The state has now opened a complaint and is investigating Lewis license case.

Redmond was licensed as a security guard.

We reached out to Dave and Busters, which owns Main Event, and they sent the following statement:

We were shocked and saddened at what had occurred at our Memphis Main Event location. We have extensively reviewed our safety and security procedures and have exhaustively analyzed these processes with our security vendor partner to ensure an incident like this never occurs again in the future. Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our guests and employees. We continue to cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation.

We tried speaking to Redmons family after the hearing, but they told us they were not ready to talk just yet.

Lewis is due back in court tomorrow morning for a bond hearing.

We asked Dave and Busters for the name of their security vendor, but they have not responded to that request.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Opening statements in the Ashley Benefield trial Tuesday morning offered the jury two radically different views of why the ex-ballerina shot and killed her husband in September 2020.

Ashley Benefield, 32, who has already undergone a Stand Your Ground hearing, conceded alongside her defense attorney Neil Taylor that she did fatally shoot her husband, Doug Benefield, but is arguing self-defense against the second-degree murder charge. Taylor said Ashley Benefield was a victim of domestic violence and was in fear for her life when she was forced to shoot him.

Im going to have some strong words about Douglas Benefield, the alleged victim in this case. I say alleged victim because he was anything but that. The evidence is going to show that Douglas Benefield was a very disturbed man, of that I assure you will have no doubt when the case is over, Taylor said during opening statements.

Prosecutors, however, cautioned jurors against relying too much on the defenses portrayal of Doug Benefield throughout the trial and said the evidence would show a custody battle over their then 2-year-old daughter, not self-defense, was Ashley Benefields motivation for shooting her husband.

Youre going to hear a lot of information about Doug Benefield. Probably a lot of negative things and not nice things. I just want you to remember who is saying them and why, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne ODonnell said.

This case, ODonnell argued, is about a woman who very early on in her pregnancy decided she wanted to be a single mother.

Was Benefield shooting in self-defense?

Ashley Benefield on the first day of her trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 23, 2024.

Ashley Benefield wanted sole custody of their daughter and would stop at nothing to obtain that goal, ODonnell argued, going as far as to withhold the news of their daughters birth from Doug Benefield while the couple was separated.

The problem, ODonnell said, is that Ashley Benefield was running out of legal options to accomplish this goal. Three days before a scheduled custody hearing could take place, prosecutors said Ashley Benefield shot and killed her husband to put an end to the custody battle and prevent the results of psychological evaluation from coming out during the hearing.

During the psychological hearing, ODonnell said Ashley Benefield acted one way when in sessions alongside her husband and a completely different way when by herself as part of a ruse to make it seem like she wanted to repair her relationship with her husband. Prosecutors say she was secretly plotting for sole custody the entire time.

But Ashley Benefields defense attorney said the ruse prosecutors claim was not manipulation, but rather a common defense response by victims of domestic abuse because appeasement keeps the abuse at bay.

Just do what he wants and youll be safe, Taylor said.







Prosecutors say custody battle sparked fatal shooting

Ashley and Doug were married for four years, and throughout their marriage, Ashley filed several abuse allegations against her husband. She claimed that he hit their dog so hard that he knocked it out, that Doug once shot a gun at the ceiling to shut her up and that he tried to poison her.

Prosecutors allege many of these complaints were filed as a way to gain custody over their child.

Eva Benefield, 23, Doug Benefields daughter from his first marriage, testifies at the trial of Ashley Benefield for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 23, 2024.

During testimony Tuesday, Taylor asked Eva Benefield, Doug Benefields daughter from a previous marriage, whether she ever heard her father and Ashley Benefield argue. She told the defense she had not and never heard her father yell at Ashley Benefield.

When asked about whether they had a hole in the ceiling of their family home, Eva Benefield confirmed there was.

Consistent with the size of a bullet? Taylor asked.

Yes, Eva Benefield said.

Eva Benefield also told Taylor there were holes in the wall that were consistent with the size of a fist.

Witnesses testify in fatal Lakewood Ranch shooting

John Sant, the neighbor who called 911 after the fatal shooting, also testified Tuesday. He told the court how Ashley Benefield pounded on his door before he opened it

He attacked me, she told him.

Who?

Doug. He attacked me and I shot him, Sant recalled Ashley Benefield saying.

Sant described her as stuttering, shaking and sobbing at the time and described her as terrified.

While the 911 call played for jurors in a Manatee County courtroom Tuesday in downtown Bradenton, Ashley Benefield became emotional, closing her eyes, crying and grabbing tissues to wipe her eyes.

When prosecutors asked Sant whether Ashley Benefield appeared to have any injuries from the alleged attack, he told them no and said she made no mention of any injuries at the time.

A deputy with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office testified that Ashley Benefield was visibly upset but displayed no signs of injuries following the shooting aside from a small scratch. Ashleys defense team said they have evidence to show that Doug Benefield smacked her upside the head when he realized the relationship was ending.

Taylor said Ashley was about to move to Maryland, but prosecutors countered that Ashley lied and told her husband that he would be able to join her there.

The truth, ODonnell said, was going to come out at the Sept. 30 custody hearing, but that never happened because Ashley shot Doug to death on Sept. 27.

This is a long story with a lot of information, but youll see this was a custody battle and this mother was going to win at all costs. And the cost was the life of Doug Benefield and that is murder, ODonnell said.

Ashley Benefield on the first day of her trial for the second-degree murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 23, 2024.
Sen. Bob Menendez's resignation caps a 50-year career of public service that ended in disgrace when he was convicted on corruption charges last week. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)

Sen. Bob Menendez intends to resign from the U.S. Senate effective Aug. 20, ending a 50-year career of public service that ended in disgrace when he was convicted on corruption charges.

Menendez, 70, initially resisted calls to resign following his September indictment and ignored reporters questions about it after last weeks verdict in Manhattan. But he faced expulsion from the Senate if he did not step down, with New Jerseys junior senator, Cory Booker, saying he would lead that effort.

In a Tuesday letter to Gov. Phil Murphy, Menendez said the month between now and the effective date of his resignation would give his staff time to find other jobs and transfer pending constituent files, and would also allow for an orderly process for Murphy to choose an interim replacement.

While I fully intend to appeal the jurys verdict, all the way and including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work, the letter reads.

The letter also reminds Murphy that he once called Menendez the indespensible senator.

Menendez a Democrat, was one of the most powerful senators in Washington, D.C., as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He stepped down from that role after he was indicted, but remained a committee member. He had filed to run for reelection this November as an independent candidate.

His resignation comes after a growing chorus of politicians called for him to step down, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat. Murphy last week urged the Senate to expel him if he didnt resign.

The news was first reported by the New Jersey Globe.

Menendez was convicted of 16 federal crimes, including bribery, extortion, honest services wire fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice.

He vowed to appeal and has steadfastly maintained that the actions he took were the normal work of a U.S. senator and that the cash, gold, and other riches he accepted were gifts from generous friends, family inheritances, and stockpiled wealth.

The conviction came seven years after a jury in New Jersey deadlocked in a separate federal corruption trial on charges Menendez took bribes from a donor, Salomon Melgen.

His resignation ends a career that spanned half a century and started in 1974 in Union City, where he was elected to the Union City school board at the age of 20. He later became a lawyer and returned to politics, becoming Union Citys mayor in 1986.

He became a state lawmaker just two years later and served in the state Assembly and Senate before winning a House seat in 1992 to represent parts of North Jersey, including his longtime home of Hudson County. Former Gov. Jon Corzine appointed him to finish Corzines unexpired U.S. Senate term in January 2006, and Menendez won three subsequent elections to retain the seat.

Menendezs term expires in January, and among those running to succeed him when the new Congress convenes are Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat, and Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw.

This article first appeared in the New Jersey Monitor, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.
Sen. Justine Wadsack  having tried every which way to duck a ticket for criminal speeding  insists she still back(s) the blue. But the blue is hurtling away from her like a speedy senator in her trusty Tesla.

Wadsack is that Pima County senator pulled over in March for going 71 in a 35-mph zone. Tucson police, trying to issue the speeding senator a citation in recent weeks, have been accused of political persecution and in general cast as dirty cops.

This for the high crime of trying to hold her accountable, just like any regular Joe or Justine.

So now comes the payback. On Tuesday, the Fraternal Order of Police took the rare step of retracting its endorsement of Wadsack for reelection.

Wadsack tried to wiggle out of a ticket

Sen. Justine Wadsack during a Senate judiciary on Feb. 1, 2024.

While Sen. Wadsack has been a consistent supporter of public safety in her official capacity, this incident and her decision to publicly impugning the motives of police personnel is conduct unbecoming an elected representative, Paul Sheldon, president of the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, said.

Our endorsement committee reviewed this situation carefully, then voted to retract this endorsement. Like everyone else accused of a traffic violation, Sen. Wadsack is innocent until proven guilty. But attacking police personnel for doing their jobs is simply unacceptable.

Thats going to leave a mark, especially as Wadsack, one of the state's most ardent culture warriors, is locked in a fierce primary battle with former Republican Sen. Vince Leach, a traditional conservative hoping to win back his seat.

Especially as the rest of us know what would have happened had we been clocked going double the speed limit down a busy roadway.

Sen. Wadsack gets hit: By a devastating ad campaign

Tucson police didnt attempt to ticket Wadsack in March when she was pulled over while hurtling down Speedway in her red Tesla.

Between the Arizona State Senator placard mounted beneath her license plate, the sticker on her drivers license flagging her status as a legislator and the first words out of her mouth when the officer approached  My name is Sen. Justine Wadsack and Im racing to get home   it was a given that she was looking to wiggle out of a ticket.

Then she blamed police for later citing her

But legislative immunity lasts only while the Legislature is in session. The Legislature adjourned on June 15, so now police are seeking to hold her accountable both for criminal speeding, a misdemeanor offense, and a failure to produce proof of insurance.

Her response has been to:

Claim political persecution and demand to speak to the police chief when confronted with the possibility of a ticket.

Hang up on the lieutenant trying to arrange a time to meet and give her a citation.

Call into question the ethics of the officer who pulled her over. (I told the officer I was not going that fast, and he failed to show me his traffic gun as proof, she wrote in a Saturday Facebook post about the injustice of it all. So there (i)s NO proof of my speed.)

Call into question the ethics of the entire Tucson Police Department, implying that the ticket is payback because shes investigating the police on behalf of a constituent and/or because the Tucson Police Officers Association endorsed her opponent, Leach.

This is highly irregular, Wadsack raved, and when I asked if theyve ever done this to other legislators, her (the lieutenants) response was no  just you. 

Possibly they havent done it before because no other legislator feels entitled to barrel down the streets of Tucson, then invoke their lofty status as a state senator when an officer dares to pull them over?

Bodycam footage of the Wadsack stop already has made its way into a campaign ad for Leach.

Election Day is Tuesday. Being weirdly entitled and anti-police?

Yeah, thats going to leave a mark.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona senator gets payback for dumping on Tucson police
A top Air Force commander at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been nominated to be the next chief of the National Guard Bureau, just a bit more than a week before the current chief retires.

The nomination of Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus went to the Senate on Tuesday. If confirmed, he would be promoted to four-star general and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He would replace Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, who is set to retire Aug. 2.

Guard nominations languish, raising concerns as top officers retire

A fighter pilot, Nordhaus is the commander of the 1st Air Force and heads NORAD's continental U.S. region, which provides and controls airspace surveillance and activities for the nation. Before that, he was the special assistant to the director of the Air National Guard.

His nomination is one of several top Guard jobs that have been languishing for weeks and months. The top four officers of the National Guard Bureau have left or are set to retire in early August. To date, no nominations for their replacements have been confirmed by the Senate, leaving the bureau, the Air Guard and the Army Guard without permanent leadership as they head into a busy hurricane season and a potentially challenging election period.

In addition to Hokanson's impending departure, Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, who was the vice chief, has already retired. Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, who is chief of the Army Guard but has been serving as acting vice chief, will retire in early August. And Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air Guard, has already retired.

The nomination of Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak to become the next Air Guard director was sent to the Senate in March. He has been serving as the acting director.

And Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, currently the adjutant general in Arkansas, has been nominated to be the next director of the Army Guard, to replace Jensen.

No hearings or votes have been scheduled for either Stubbs or Pirak.

U.S. officials say that Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Jarrard is the likely nominee to become the next vice chief of the Guard Bureau. But his name hasn't been sent to the Senate. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel movements.

The lack of progress on the nominations has become a source of concern to the bureau, which oversees the training and oversight of the Guard forces who deploy on federal duty for overseas combat and to protect the homeland. The Guard chief is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and serves as a key link to the adjutant generals who command the state Guard units across the country and its territories.

Nordhaus graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado and served as an F-16 pilot and instructor while on active duty. He joined the Ohio National Guard in 1998 and commanded the 180th Fighter Wing there. He flew combat missions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 3,000 flight hours.
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Dublin, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Germany Electronic Health Records Market Outlook to 2033 - Cloud-Based Systems and Remote Systems" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The comprehensive databook report covers key market data on the Germany Electronic Health Records market. The databook report provides value (USD), volume (units) and average prices (USD) within market segments - Cloud-Based Systems and Remote Systems.



The Germany Electronic Health Records Market report provides key information and data on :

Annualized market revenues (USD), volume (units) and average prices (USD) data for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2018 to 2033.

2023 company share and distribution share data for Electronic Health Records Market.

Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Germany Electronic Health Records Market. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is also available in the report.

Report Scope

Germany Electronic Health Records is segmented as follows :

Cloud-Based Systems

Remote Systems

Germany Electronic Health Records Market report helps you to develop :

Business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.

Market-entry and market expansion strategies.

Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.

Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.

Understand the key distribution channels and what's the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.

Company Coverage:

Cerner Corp

Constellation Software Inc

Concentrix Corp

CompuGroup Medical SE & Co KGaA

Key Topics Covered:



1 Table of Contents

1.1 List of Tables

1.2 List of Figures



2 Introduction

2.1 What Is This Report About?

2.2 Electronic Health Records Market Segmentation

2.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report



3 Electronic Health Records Market, Germany

3.1 Electronic Health Records Market, Germany, Revenue ($m), 2018-2033

3.2 Electronic Health Records Market, Germany, Volume (Units), 2018-2033

3.3 Electronic Health Records Market, Germany, Average Price ($), 2018-2033

3.4 Electronic Health Records Market, Germany, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2023

3.5 Electronic Health Records Market, Germany, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2023



4 Overview of Key Companies in Germany, Electronic Health Records Market

4.1 Cerner Corp

4.1.1 Company Overview

4.2 CompuGroup Medical SE & Co KGaA

4.2.1 Company Overview

4.3 Constellation Software Inc

4.3.1 Company Overview

4.4 Concentrix Corp

4.4.1 Company Overview



5 Electronic Health Records Market Pipeline Products



6 Financial Deals Landscape

6.1 Venture Financing

6.1.1 Toni Kroos Invests in Rebirth Active



7 Recent Developments

7.1 Financial Announcements

7.1.1 Jul 28, 2023: Feinstein Institutes Researchers First to Use Double Neural Bypass to Restore Feeling, Movement in Man Living With Quadriplegia

7.2 Strategy And Business Planning

7.2.1 Jun 29, 2023: Cegedim Announces a Forward-Looking Partnership With Gustave Roussy to Mark the 30th Anniversary of Its European Real-World Database, Thin

7.2.2 Jun 20, 2023: Flatiron Health Announces New Partnership in the UK



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9e7noc

Story continues

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This image provided by U.S. Air National Guard shows Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus speaking to attendees during the Ohio National Guard Joint Senior Leader Conference in Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2024. Nordhaus has been nominated to be the next chief of the National Guard Bureau, just a bit more than a week before the current chief retires. (Staff Sgt. Jillian Maynus, U.S. Air National Guard via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A top Air Force commander at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been nominated to be the next chief of the National Guard Bureau, just a bit more than a week before the current chief retires.

The nomination of Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus went to the Senate on Tuesday. If confirmed, he would be promoted to four-star general and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He would replace Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, who is set to retire Aug. 2.

A fighter pilot, Nordhaus is the commander of the 1st Air Force and heads NORAD's continental U.S. region, which provides and controls airspace surveillance and activities for the nation. Before that, he was the special assistant to the director of the Air National Guard.

His nomination is one of several top Guard jobs that have been languishing for weeks and months. The top four officers of the National Guard Bureau have left or are set to retire in early August. To date, no nominations for their replacements have been confirmed by the Senate, leaving the bureau, the Air Guard and the Army Guard without permanent leadership as they head into a busy hurricane season and a potentially challenging election period.

In addition to Hokanson's impending departure, Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, who was the vice chief, has already retired. Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, who is chief of the Army Guard but has been serving as acting vice chief, will retire in early August. And Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air Guard, has already retired.

The nomination of Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak to become the next Air Guard director was sent to the Senate in March. He has been serving as the acting director.

And Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, currently the adjutant general in Arkansas, has been nominated to be the next director of the Army Guard, to replace Jensen.

No hearings or votes have been scheduled for either Stubbs or Pirak.

U.S. officials say that Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Jarrard is the likely nominee to become the next vice chief of the Guard Bureau. But his name hasn't been sent to the Senate. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel movements.

The lack of progress on the nominations has become a source of concern to the bureau, which oversees the training and oversight of the Guard forces who deploy on federal duty for overseas combat and to protect the homeland. The Guard chief is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and serves as a key link to the adjutant generals who command the state Guard units across the country and its territories.

Nordhaus graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado and served as an F-16 pilot and instructor while on active duty. He joined the Ohio National Guard in 1998 and commanded the 180th Fighter Wing there. He flew combat missions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 3,000 flight hours.
Who are the seven Labour MPs suspended by Keir Starmer?

Keir Starmer has suspended seven Labour MPs from the party after he faced an early rebellion supporting an amendment to the Kings Speech in favour of scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

The government has so far resisted calls to lift the cap, which has been described by campaigners as cruel.

Given his massive majority, the prime minister was able to comfortably see off the rebellion with the amendment failing by 363 votes to 103  a majority of 260 for Labour.

For the latest political news, follow The Independents live coverage

But his decision has divided the party, in an episode that will be seen as damaging to the new prime minister. The seven MPs suspended by Sir Keir are all on Labours left, and the move could stoke factional tensions which have gripped the party throughout his tenure as leader.

Speaking before the vote, now-independent MP Jeremy Corbyn said to Labour MPs stick to your principles, stand up for what you know is right, and be a voice for the kinder society your constituents deserve.

The prime minister enforced a hardline whip on Labour MPs. This means they were threatened with suspension from the party for voting for the amendment, which was tabled by the SNP.

Despite this, 42 Labour MPs abstained from voting alongside the seven that voted in favour. Their suspensions will now last for six months.

Here are the seven Labour MPs that have been suspended by Sir Keir:

John McDonnell

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell is among the seven MPs suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party (PA Archive)

Veteran MP John McDonnell has represented Hayes and Harlington since 1997. He has long been a stalwart figurehead of the Labour left, often voting against the party as a backbench member.

He is a close ally and friend of Jeremy Corbyn, and was shadow chancellor from 2015 to 2020 under the leadership of the now-independent MP. He has run for leader twice, in 2007 and 2010.

In 2023, Mr McDonnell accused Sir Keirs Labour allies of being drunk with power, and undertaking a factional purge of left-wing members.

Before the vote, Mr McDonnell said: I dont like voting for other parties amendments but Im following Keir Starmers example as he said put country before party.

Richard Burgon

Keir Starmer, Richard Burgon, and Diane Abbott (L-R) (PA)

Richard Burgon has represented Leeds East since 2015. Now a backbencher, he served in several shadow cabinet positions under former leader Jeremy Corbyn from 2016 to 2020.

He is a staunch trade unionist, acting as secretary of the GMB Parliamentary Group. He holds the same position in the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, and is vice president of Labour CND.

Before entering politics, he worked as a solicitor specialising in employment law, working on tribunal cases in Leeds.

Writing on Twitter/X after his suspension, Mr Burgon said he was disappointed by the decision.

As an MP in an area where 45% of children live in poverty, one of the highest in the country, I simply believe that this strategy must include scrapping this measure, he wrote. Every child poverty expert says this is a key way of lifting children out of poverty and I encourage the new Government to come forward with a plan on this alongside its other initiatives.

Rebecca Long-Bailey

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP was previously sacked by Sir Keir (PA Archive)

Rebecca Long-Bailey has represented Salford since 2015 (previously Salford and Eccles). She served in several positions in the shadow cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn, running for Labour leader in 2020.

Ms Long-Bailey came second place in the leadership election to Sir Keir, receiving 27.6 per cent of the vote share to his 56.2 per cent.

She was then appointed shadow education secretary by Sir Keir, clashing with the new leader on the governments plan to reopen schools during the Covid pandemic.

Just over two months later, the Manchester MP was sacked by Sir Keir after sharing an article by actress Maxine Peake which contained misinformation about the Israeli secret service.

Speaking after her suspension she said: I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision.

Ms Long-Bailey has not yet commented on her suspension.

Apsana Begum

Aspana Begum (Getty Images)

Aspana Begum has represented Poplar and Limehouse since 2019. She is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and the UKs first MP to wear a hijab.

She has been outspoken about racism against Muslims during her parliamentary career, saying in 2020 that Labour has been in denial about Islamophobia.

The East London MP has also expressed her support for Palestinian independence and an end to UK arms sales to Israel. She is a member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East.

Writing on Twitter/X after her suspension, she said: I voted against the two-child benefit cap which has contributed to rising and deepening levels of child poverty and food insecurity for many East End families.

I have now been informed that I have had the whip withdrawn.

Imran Hussain

Imran Hussain (UK Parliament)

Imran Hussain has represented Bradford East since 2015. He is a qualified barrister and worked as a councillor for over ten years before beginning his parliamentary career.

He held several shadow cabinet positions under previous leader Jeremy Corbyn, whom he backed in 2015. When Sir Keir became leader in 2020, Mr Hussain was appointed shadow minister for employment rights, and in 2023, for the New Deal for Working People.

In November 2023, he resigned from Labours shadow cabinet over the leaders refusal to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Speaking on Twitter/X after his suspension, Mr Hussain said: I am disappointed to have had the whip suspended over this vote.

But it was important for me to stand up for my constituents who are amongst the worst affected by a policy that every organisation fighting child poverty has urged the Government to scrap.

The two-child limit is one of the biggest factors driving the soaring child poverty rate that sees almost half of all children in Bradford East living in homes that are unable to make ends meet.

Ian Byrne

Ian Byrne (UK Parliament)

Ian Byrne has represented Liverpool West Derby since 2019. He grew up in the Merseyside city, previously working as a taxi driver and later a trade union organiser.

At age 16, he was present at the Hillsborough disaster which saw 97 Liverpool fans lose their lives. While he was unhurt, his father sustained serious injuries.

Mr Byrne has been a vocal campaigner on the issue of food poverty during his time in parliament, seeking a right to food to be written into UK law in 2020. He backed Mr Corbyn for leader in 2015, and Ms Long-Bailey in 2020.

Writing on Twitter/X after his suspension, the Liverpool MP shared statistics which show that 43 per cent of children in his constituency live in poverty, adding: Experts say that the best way to immediately impact this is to scrap the two-child cap.

This is why this evening I voted for the #KingsSpeech amendment to scrap the cap.

Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana said she was glad she voted against (Peter Nicholls/Getty Image)

Zarah Sultana has represented Coventry South since 2019. Despite her short time in parliament, she has fast become a figurehead of the Labour left, and currently chairs the Socialist Campaign Group.

She was appointed shadow secretary for international development in January 2020, but was removed from the position when Sir Keir became leader in the April.

During her time in parliament, the 30-year-old has been an outspoken advocate of free school meals, combatting violence against women and girls, and Palestinian independence.

She currently has the highest number of TikTok followers of any MP at 446,000. This is alongside 356,000 Twitter followers and 325,000 Instagram followers.

Speaking after her suspension, Ms Sultana said: I slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country and it is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it.
Seven women serving prison sentences expressed a desire to serve under a contract in exchange for parole and signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: Olena Vysotska, Deputy Minister of Justice, quoted by the Ministry of Justice's press service

Quote: "The law on mobilisation of convicted persons adopted by the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian Parliament] provides for the possibility of not only men but also women to join the army. However, previously convicted women have not expressed a desire to be mobilised. Currently, we have a decision on the first seven convicts who decided to sign a contract with the Armed Forces."

Details: It is reported that the candidates successfully passed the medical commission and received the permission of the commanders of military units to serve in specific units of the defence forces.

A total of 6,101 convicts have expressed a desire to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the entry into force of the law of Ukraine which regulates the procedure for implementing convicts' rights to participate directly in the defence of our country. 3,823 people have already left for training.

Read also: Over 4,000 prisoners serve in Ukraine's Armed Forces, some were injured or killed in action

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So-called sextortion scams are on the rise, with criminals from Nigeria frequently targeting adult men in the U.S., according to social media giant Meta.

Meta on Wednesday said it has removed about 63,000 accounts from Nigeria that had been attempting to target people with financial sextortion scams. In such scams, criminals pretend to be someone else, typically an attractive woman, in an attempt to trick potential victims into sending nude photos of themselves. Upon receiving nude pics, the scammer then threatens to release the photos unless the sender pays up.

Meta's crackdown on sextortion has included the removal of 200 Facebook pages and 5,700 Facebook groups, all from Nigeria, that were providing tips for conducting such scams, such as scripts for talking with victims. The groups also included links to collections of photos that scammers could use when making fake accounts to catfish victims, Meta said.

Meta is also testing new technology that could steer victims away from falling for sextortion scams, such as a new auto-blur feature in Instagram DMs that will blur images if nudity is detected, the company said.

"First of all, this goes without saying that financial sextortion is a horrific crime and can have devastating consequences," said Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety, in a call with reporters. "It's why we are particularly focused on it right now."

The most common platforms for sextortion scams are Instagram, owned by Meta, and Snapchat, according to a recent study from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Thorn, a nonprofit that uses technology to battle the spread of child sexual abuse material. According to the study, most sextortion scams originate from either Nigeria or Cote d'Ivoire.

Indiscriminate scammers

Meta said it found that scammers are "indiscriminate," sending requests to many individuals in order to get a few responses, Davis said. While most of the attempts were sent to adult men in the U.S., Meta did see some scammers trying to reach teens, she added.

Some of the Facebook accounts, pages and groups removed by Meta were run by the Yahoo Boys, a loose federation of scammers that operate in Nigeria, Davis said.

The FBI has sought to highlight the issue of financial sextortion scams targeting teenagers, with the agency noting that at least 20 children who were victims of these scams had died by suicide. Many victims feel fear, embarrassment and concerns about long-term consequences, according to the Thorn and NCMEC report.

Social media users should be cautious if an account with a "very stylized, especially good-looking" photo reaches out to them or asks to exchange messages, Davis said. "If you have never been messaged by this person before, that should give you pause," she added.

"If somebody sends you an image first, that is often to try to bait you to send an image second, or try to gain trust and build trust," Davis noted. "This is one of those areas where if you have any suspicion, I would urge caution."



Social media users should also look at their privacy settings for messaging, she recommended. For instance, people can control their Facebook Messenger settings to filter the people from whom they can receive messages, such as blocking people other than their Facebook friends.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco City Attorney David Chius office banned Auto Towing LLC, an SF-based towing company, from continuing to provide its future services.

On Tuesday, the towing company received the highest possible period of debarment after admitting to a series of irresponsible tows in San Franciscos Portola neighborhood without informing the property owner.

The order said the companys license had since been revoked for applying unethical towing practices and putting peoples safety at risk. Auto Towing engaged in predatory behavior and unfair business practices, Chiu said.

Fellow rapper arrested in connection to fatal Tan DaGod shooting

According to the order, from February to May 2023, Auto Towing attempted to illegally tow at least seven cars parked at a Bank of the West parking lot off San Bruno Avenue in San Francisco.

In one instance, in May 2023, Auto Towing moved a handicapped persons car from the parking lot when it wasnt authorized to do so. Despite the bank manager, Yashan Yu, challenging their actions by taking photos and threatening to call the police, Auto Towing still towed the car.

Despite their permit stating they are based out of a facility on Underwood Avenue, Chius office said Auto Towing would instead tow the cars to a separate location at Oakdale Avenue.

Of the seven illegal tow attempts, at least six of those instances received improper financial gain, the order said.

Yu said Bank of the West not only had no contract agreements with Auto Towing, but the towing company also posted personalized Auto Tow signs on the banks private property illegally in April 2023.

This company intentionally misled and scammed people out of hundreds of dollars by illegally towing cars. Our City has no interest in contracting with exploitative businesses engaged in illegal conduct, Chiu said.

AutoTowing_Decision_7-17-2024Download

After an investigation conducted by the San Francisco Police Department, Auto Towing had its towing license application rejected in September 2023. Police stated several reasons for denial, including:

Unauthorized tows Not complying with the required 1 hour wait time before officially towing Towing in a manner that was not duly authorized Failure to take steps to prevent law violations Risking the safety of residents by towing from private property at night Failure to apply for required permits

On June 3, Auto Towing failed to appear for their hearing. Since they missed appearing in court, they are deemed to have admitted all counts, the order wrote. Auto Towings official debarment length is at least five years, during which the company will then be allowed to reapply for state permits.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Defendant Abdimajid Mohamed Nur arrives at the Diana E. Murphy federal courthouse in Minneapolis on the 14th day of testimony in the Feeding Our Future trial Friday, May 17, 2024. Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer.

One of the five people charged with bribing a juror with $120,000 in the massive Feeding Our Future pandemic fraud case pleaded guilty on Tuesday.

Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, 23, of Shakopee, stood with his attorney and pleaded guilty to one count of bribing a juror before a federal judge and roomful of journalists and supporters who he waved to when he entered the courtroom flanked by U.S. marshals. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Nur said he decided to plead guilty because I want to get on the right path.

Nur is one of five people indicted by a grand jury in June on multiple bribery charges. Three were on trial for stealing $49 million from a federal program intended to feed hungry children during the pandemic; a fourth is the brother of two defendants; and the fifth is a Seattle woman alleged to have been recruited to deliver the bribe money.

Two of the three people who were on trial when the bribe happened were ultimately convicted  Abdiaziz Shafii Farah and Abdimajid Mohamed Nur  and a third, Said Shafii Farah, was acquitted and now faces multiple bribery charges.

The attempted bribe happened one day before the jury was set to begin deliberations. Prosecutors say the group targeted the only juror of color  an Asian-American woman who was also the youngest juror, at age 23. Juror No. 52 called 911 after a woman dropped off a gift bag with $120,000 in cash at her home in Spring Lake Park, a suburb north of Minneapolis. The juror, who told investigators she was terrified, was later excused from jury duty.

Nur admitted in court Wednesday that he helped plan the bribery, researching the juror online, finding her home address and recruiting the Seattle woman with whom hed had a previous relationship, Ladan Mohamed Ali, to deliver the bribe. He admitted the two spoke by phone numerous times about the bribe, which she agreed to deliver for $150,000, before Ali flew to Minneapolis to carry out the scheme on May 30.

Nur said he asked Ali to surveil and follow the juror home from the trial the next day, admitting he gave Ali a photo of the jurors car and a map to get to the parking ramp where she parked. Prosecutors have said her rental car drove near the jurors home 19 times the weekend before the bribe money was dropped off.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said Ali lied and told Nur on June 1 that she approached the juror in a bar, and the juror said she could be bribed for $500,000. Nur relayed that to another defendant, Abdiaziz Farah, who said he would get the money.

Prosecutors said Ali never actually talked to the juror in a bar.

None of that was true, Thompson said.

To my knowledge I thought that was true, Nur replied.

Instead, a Hallmark gift bag adorned with butterflies and flowers was delivered on June 2 with $120,000 and instructions on how to argue for an acquittal, and a promise to bring more if the juror voted to acquit all seven defendants.

Prosecutors say Alis fingerprints were found on the bag.

U.S. District Judge David Doty will sentence Nur after a pre-sentence investigation. Nur also awaits sentencing in the fraud case.
Shattered countertops bring southbound Eagle Road down to one lane. Heres what happened

A truck carrying marble and granite countertops spilled its load near Eagle Road and Pine Avenue on Wednesday morning, according to a Meridian spokesperson and Meridian social media post.

The incident left both southbound Eagle and westbound Pine Avenue reduced to one lane. The countertops shattered and a spokesperson said around 12:30 p.m. that it would take an estimated 90 minutes to clean up.

Officers were on the scene, the spokesperson said. The social media post urged people to avoid the area. Scentsy and Blue Cross of Idaho are near that intersection.
20 Gen Z'ers Are Sharing Their Thoughts On Kamala Harris Potentially Becoming The Democratic Nominee, And The Responses Are A Mixed Bag

One of the biggest curveballs in modern-day politics happened last Sunday when President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Young voters have been desperate for a younger candidate to replace Joe Biden, and the likely possibility of a 59-year-old woman of color becoming the new nominee has excited Gen Z voters online.

Cant emphasize enough just how fired up, excited, and energized Gen Z is to elect Kamala Harris. Multiple friends, who said they wouldnt vote in this election, have texted me saying they will vote for Kamala. Trump & Republicans are scared for a reason. We will win this.  Victor Shi (@Victorshi2020) July 22, 2024

@Victorshi2020

So, we asked Gen Z'ers in the BuzzFeed Community to share their thoughts on Kamala Harris potentially becoming the Democratic nominee and whether or not they'd support her.

Allison Joyce / Getty Images

We received a wide range of responses, so here's what our audience had to say:

1."I think that she will do wonderful. After the debate, I was absolutely hopeless  I knew I would vote for Biden, but it was the lesser of two evils. Now, I am not voting for her merely because I despise Trump; I will vote for her because I WANT her as president."

"I am hopeful for our future as a country, and I am so excited to be able to cast my first ever vote for Kamala Harris, who I hope so much becomes the first female president of the United States!"

EmpressPenguin

2."I am excited! There's nothing I am currently enjoying more than watching the self-assured Republicans who had decided they were going to defeat Biden in a landslide (a distinct possibility) suddenly go, 'Oh crap, we don't have this in the bag.'"

"The narrative of defeatism was getting very depressing, and I am so excited to have someone at the top of our ballot who is going to give the Republicans a run for their money. I would do anything to keep Trump out of office, and if it involves electing the first woman president, I am in 1 million percent!"

silkyknight81

Chris duMond / Getty Images

3."I think that we should consider a different candidate other than Kamala Harris. Joe Biden was under much scrutiny for many other things despite his age. Kamala still shares and embodies everything else we did not support in Biden. Many of my friends and peers agree and are losing hope in our two-party system."

"If the Democratic Party cannot provide us with a candidate more aligned with our ideals, then we may lose the majority. Kamala may be a Black woman, but she is still upholding the same ideals as every white cis male politician before her."

Anonymous

4."Kamala is young, qualified, and many of her views align with what I want to see for this country. Plus, shes such a good public speaker and communicator, which is what a president should be, and shes got her funny moments. 'YOU THINK YOU JUST FELL OUT OF A COCONUT TREE 2024!'"

Anonymous

Chris duMond / Getty Images

5."I don't think Kamala should be the nominee. I'm thinking of left-leaning Republicans who are nervous about a second Trump presidency, and they would probably be more likely to swing their vote blue if it was someone who was taken more seriously and was more of a moderate candidate."

Anonymous

6."I honestly feel better about it being Kamala. My wife and I have been making an escape plan for months because we had no faith in Biden, but I feel like I can let up a bit."

Anonymous

7."Harris is the most realistic replacement candidate out of any other Democratic who would try to run. However, I also believe there's a high possibility that she will get destroyed during this election."

"With it being this late in the race and with Trump gaining more voters than he is losing, I think the combination of a new Democratic nominee, the timing of all of this, who she is, and who she's going against is going to deeply affect whatever happens in November."

Anonymous

8."Im not old enough to vote yet, but if I could, I would definitely vote for her. She gave me some hope for the first time in a while. Praying for the future of our country."

Valor Waffle

9."As a conservative woman who doesn't like Trump, I don't think she's actually that smart. When you watch any of her speeches, 80% of what she says doesn't make any sense."

"I think the Democrats would be better putting forward someone either like Andy Beshear, who's proven himself by being a Democrat governor in Kentucky, or Jared Polis, who's the first openly gay governor of Colorado."

Anonymous

10."Kamala is going to own Trump in the debates. Biden couldn't form a coherent response to Trump's simple lies. Kamala will articulate and hit multiple points to make Trump seem foolish."

Anonymous

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

11."Yay, a president under 60! I don't think she'll win because this country is full of systemic issues and conscious and unconscious biases that haven't been resolved, but getting her on the ticket is a step. Besides, she has the most momentum as a president-endorsed vice president."

"Nobody else has as good a shot as her, according to every single poll, and we want to present the candidate with the best shot. I am anxious to hear about her issues, though. She's been too quiet. Will she have the same stances as Biden, or will she have her own issues and initiatives outside the ideas she supported within the Biden administration?"

Anonymous

12."I get the allure of her, but we need a fresh face with a stronger stance on key issues like our debt, medical costs, taking care of the people in this country before helping others."

Anonymous

13."I think Kamala should replace Biden as the nominee. I like her well enough and agree with many of her priorities for the country, but I'm mostly terrified of what Trump plans to do if he wins office again."

"Kamala seems like the obvious choice, so now, as a party, we all need to throw our support behind her because this might be our only chance for a safe(ish) America. Vote blue no matter who!"

Anonymous

14."I was riding for Biden and was ok with him, but Kamala is a fantastic replacement, a woman of color and such a wild card against Trump, he doesn't even know what to do."

"Look at MAGA crying right now; look at them pulling out the racist and misogynistic rhetoric because they have nothing else. She will protect our rights and make sure Project 2025 never succeeds."

Anonymous

Julia Beverly / Getty Images

15."I think she should be the nominee. It's not even official, and there are edits of her blowing up all over TikTok. She can make young people excited to vote."

Anonymous

16."I'm so disappointed that Biden bowed out. One bad debate doesn't make him unfit, and Kamala has never been great to me. I don't feel there is anything presidential about her at all."

Anonymous

17."Kamala Harris is a fantastic option for the Democratic nominee. I finally feel hopeful for once. Joe Biden was a good president, but it's time to pass the torch to a new generational leader. Kamala Harris is intelligent and wants to preserve our democracy, not destroy it like the fascist dictator."

Anonymous

18."I believe someone other than Kamala should be the Democratic nominee. She had one job to secure the border, and she didn't."

Anonymous Vice President Harris was assigned to lead the Biden administration's efforts in Mexico and other countries to stem the migration influx across the US southern border.

19."We need a female president with strong ideals. Joe Biden was a good person and a good president, but frankly, he was getting too old to hold such an important position. Plus, Kamala has a much better shot at winning than Trump, and I really want him to lose."

Anonymous

And finally...

20."I think it is overdue for the USA to have a female president, and her being a POC also means she is able to represent even more minority communities."

Anonymous

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
Good morning. Ruth Porat had her final earnings call as CFO of Alphabet and Google on Tuesday afternoon after almost 10 years. In mid-2023, Porat was promoted to president and chief investment officer at the tech giant and will be stepping into that role full-time. On the call, she shared some reflections on being CFO and also implied that she had no plans to become a finance chief ever again in the future.

This is my 56th and last earnings call; 37 of them at Alphabet, Porat said on the Q2 earnings call. Before joining Alphabet as CFO in 2015, she had a 27-year career at Morgan Stanley, where she was promoted to finance chief in 2010.

I've been so proud to be at Google and Alphabet as CFO and to work with some of the smartest people in the world every day, Porat said on the call. A lot was accomplished in the last nine-plus years, and she has confidence that the progress will continue. Google's mission of advancing technology worldwide is as relevant today as it was when she worked on its IPO, she said.

Porat, who is in the top 10 of the Fortune 100 Most Powerful Women in Business list, also noted that shes not going far and is still working with CEO Sundar Pichai. Over the past 11 months, shes worked in both the CFO role and as president and chief investment officer.

Being CFO of one of the most important companies in the world has been the opportunity and responsibility of a lifetime, Porat said.

She also had a message for analysts and investors: The people on this call know that if technological advancement is not the focus of every business and government, they will be left behind.

Porat will be succeeded by Eli Lilly and Company veteran Anat Ashkenazi taking on the role of CFO and SVP of Google and Alphabet, the company announced in June. Pichai also acknowledged that it was Porats final earnings call. He thanked her for all she has done for the company as its longest-serving CFO. Pichai is looking forward to welcoming Ashkenazi next week, he added. You'll hear from her on our call next quarter, he said.

Artificial intelligence efforts are starting to really boost the tech giants balance sheet. In the quarter ended June 30, revenues were $84.7 billion, up 14%, year over year; and net income rose to $23.6 billion, up 28.6%, beating estimates. Google Search remained the largest contributor to revenue growth. Google Cloud segment revenues were $10.3 billion for the quarter, up 29%. It was the first time the segment exceeded $10 billion in quarterly revenues and $1 billion in operating profit. Sales, excluding partner payouts, were $71.36 billion.

Story continues

"Googles growth and evolution over the last 25 years has been an incredible story," and the company's "opportunity for impact is greater than ever," Ashkenazi said in a statement in June. It's now her job as CFO to help continue this growth, as Porat works nearby on the same goal by securing global investments.

Sheryl Estrada

sheryl.estrada@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
She was made for this: Harris allies explain why she can uniquely prosecute campaign against Trump

Left to right: Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee; and former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. (Photo: Getty Images)

She is going to be exactly what the country needs to show who Donald Trump is [and] what Project 2025 is all about, Rep. Jim Clyburn told theGrio.

In a series of interviews since Kamala Harris announced her campaign for the Democratic U.S. presidential nomination, allies and supporters of the vice president tell theGrio they believe she is the best person to defeat Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in November.

Theres a plethora of reasons why the American people should reject the choice [of Trump], but I think she is extremely qualified to tell that story and to make that case, Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., told theGrio.

She has, in her career, served the people of California and the people of our country by being a truth-teller. By making her case to the American people as vice president [and] by making her case to a jury as a prosecutor, said Butler, a lifelong friend to Harris. I think that she is well qualified.



As the former district attorney in San Francisco and state attorney general in California, Harris unique professional background could aid her in prosecuting the case against a now-convicted former president who faces pending criminal indictments and has been found liable for sexual assault.

Whats more, Harris background as a Black, South Asian woman and daughter of immigrants represents the intersectional groups she and Democrats say Trump and Republicans are targeting through state abortion bans, the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and calls for mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

I believe shes uniquely qualified [to win], Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told theGrio.

The longtime congressman and presidential kingmaker recalled Harris performance as a U.S. senator and presidential candidate four years ago, noting, She is going to be exactly what the country needs to show who Donald Trump is [and] what Project 2025 is all about.

Clyburn recalled being impressed by Harris during Senate hearings, where she often garnered media attention, like in 2018 when she pressed then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh about abortion during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing.

Then-Sen. Kamala Harris questions Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing in September 2018. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) 

Nobody conducted themselves, questioning the witnesses as effectively as she did, said the 84-year-old lawmaker.

Though he admits her 2020 presidential quest was not a good campaign, Clyburn said Harris as a candidate displayed very effective debating.

Delivering remarks at her first official presidential campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, Harris held no punches in framing her candidacy as a prosecutor fit for defeating the twice-impeached former Republican president.



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, Harris said to a record 3,000 attendees for the Democratic 2024 election cycle.

As attorney general of California, I took on one of our countrys largest for-profit colleges that was scamming students. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college that scammed students, Harris said, followed by boos for Trump. I took on the big Wall Street banks and held them accountable for fraud. Donald Trump was just found guilty of fraud on 34 counts.

Continuing the contrast between her and Trump, the vice president added, This campaign is also about two different visions for our nation: one where we are focused on the future, the other focused on the past.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who was with Harris during her visit on Tuesday, described her speech as electric, telling theGrio, She really energized the base here.



After the rousing remarks, Johnson recalled being one of the last people to see Harris as she left the venue to return to Washington.

I told her in that moment that she was made for this, the 37-year-old mayor shared. He emphasized, This is a moment that was tailor-made for her.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters during a July 23 campaign rally at West Allis Central High School in West Allis, Wisconsin. Harris made her first campaign appearance as the partys presidential candidate, with an endorsement from President Joe Biden. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) 

Noting Harris work prosecuting perpetrators and fraudsters, Johnson said, Donald Trump hits the mark on every single one of those categories and  she held him accountable.



He continued, Thats where her history is, thats where her story is, thats where her career is  shes been fighting for the little guy, shes been fighting for the people, and thats exactly what shes going to do leading up to the presidential election.

So far, Harris campaign message and momentum, including raising more than $100 million and amassing 30,000 new volunteers since launching her candidacy on Sunday, appear to have already affected voters. According to a new national poll by Reuters/Ipsos, Harris leads Trump 44% to 42%.

Michael Blake, former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee and aide to President Barack Obama, told theGrio that voters not only have a clear contrast, you now have a choice.

You now have an old, tired, disheveled candidate on the Republican side against a young, inspiring Black woman on our side, said Blake, founder and CEO of Kairos Democracy Project, which co-organized a Black Men for Harris online fundraiser that garnered $1.3 million for the Harris for President campaign.

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You have the person who was leading the effort around abortion and reproductive choice for women against the man who wanted Roe v. Wade overturned, he added.

Steven Reed, mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, said Harris is also the perfect person to talk about how Trump stands as a clear and present danger to the progress of those civil rights.

Reed, president of the African American Mayors Association, told theGrio, She is the right person for this opportunity to protect and save our democracy and to help unite our nation.



As more Americans get to know more about Kamala Harris over the next 100 days, including her family story and personal and professional journeys, Reed predicted that voters will see the connectivity to what we all want America to be.

She embodies that spirit of America that we all believe in, he added. I think it stands in stark contrast to who the Republicans have put up on the other side.

Gerren Keith Gaynor, White House correspondent, theGrio.com

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Gaynor is a proud HBCU graduate of Morehouse College and a graduate of Columbia University School of Journalism.

More must-reads:
In shooting near Erie marina, gun permit highlighted at sentencing of woman who had pistol

A permit to carry a concealed firearm was a much-discussed piece of evidence at the sentencing of a 29-year-old woman who shot an unarmed woman in the back near Erie's Lampe Marina in June 2023.

The defendant, Essence Magee, was sentenced on Tuesday to six to 23 months in the Erie County Prison and two years of probation. Magee said she was defending herself from bullies.

Magee left the gun permit at the shooting scene. The paperwork helped Erie police confirm Magee's identity after she turned herself in shortly after the incident.

The defense cited the permit to show that Magee legally possessed the firearm, a Taurus 9 mm handgun, when she fired it at around 2 a.m. on June 3, 2023, during a fight in the parking lot at the end of the Port Access Road. The road leads to the Lampe Campground, near Lampe Marina, both Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority properties near the channel that connects Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.

A woman was shot around 2 a.m. on June 3, 2023, in the area of this parking lot near Lampe Campground at the foot of the Port Access Road in Erie, police said. The shooter, Essence Magee, has been sentenced to six to 23 months in the Erie County Prison.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office considered Magee's legal possession of the gun when it agreed to drop felony aggravated assault charges and let Magee plead guilty in May to the second-degree misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person, according to information presented at her sentencing in Erie County Common Pleas Court.

The prosecution rejected Magee's claim that she used the gun in self-defense. The victim was shot as she was trying to break up a fight between Magee and another woman.

The victim was "a complete innocent bystander trying to help Ms. Magee," Chief Deputy District Attorney Steven Liboski told Judge David Ridge. He said the shooting showed Magee's "absolute callous disregard" for the safety of others.

Ridge said he also considered that Magee was permitted to carry the handgun and that she did not intend to shoot the woman, who was hit in the lower back. The victim was hospitalized for three weeks.

But Ridge said Magee acted recklessly when she fired the gun, and that she did not act in self-defense. The evidence showed that the woman with whom Magee was fighting was also unarmed and was trying to punch Magee when the other woman stepped between them and was shot.

"You don't get to use deadly force unless you are confronted with deadly force," Ridge told Magee.

Defendant also sentenced for driving brother away in other shooting

The sentence of six to 23 months was in the standard range of the state sentencing guidelines, which accounted for Magee's lack of a prior record and other factors. Ridge gave her two years of probation for her guilty plea to the misdemeanor of obstruction of justice in another case.

In that case, Magee pleaded guilty to driving her brother, Tyler D. Magee, to Buffalo following a shooting near what was then the Super Chicken Lounge at 1015 State St. in Erie in the early morning of April 23, 2023.

A woman was shot in the leg. The city ordered the Super Chicken Lounge closed after another shooting seven days later.

Tyler Magee, 31, pleaded guilty in the Super Chicken shooting and another shooting and was sentenced to five to 10 years in state prison on June 11, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The office said he is to serve that sentence after he finishes a five-year federal sentence he received in May for conspiring to deal fentanyl and methamphetamine as an associate of the Erie street gang 4-Nation, the target of a 58-defendant indictment returned in May 2023 in U.S. District Court in Erie.

Defendant says 'I was scared for my life' in shooting near marina

At Essence Magee's sentencing, the focus was on the shooting near Lampe Marina.

Though Magee said little to Ridge, she apologized in a letter she submitted to him. She said in the letter that "this whole situation" resulted from other young women "trying to be bullies & mess with me because I am a very petite small girl"  5 feet, 3 inches tall and 113 pounds. Magee said in the letter that someone was pulling her long hair braids when she fired the gun on June 3, 2023.

"I was put in a situation where I legally had to defend myself, & I did that," according to the letter. "I didn't intentionally mean to hurt anybody. I was in a moment where I was scared for my life."

Ridge told Magee that he appreciated her letter and her acceptance of responsibility by pleading guilty.

What he also had to remember, Ridge said, is what happened when Magee pulled out the handgun.

"Someone got shot," he said.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com or 814-870-1813. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Woman who says she was bullied is sentenced in shooting by Erie marina
(Bloomberg) -- Kamala Harriss ascent as the likely Democratic presidential nominee is quelling the partys fears that recent endorsements of Donald Trump by a handful of high-profile venture capitalists might turn Silicon Valley into a Republican stronghold.

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Within two days of President Joe Bidens departure from the 2024 race, Harris had secured the backing of key figures from the technology sector  including former Meta Platforms Inc. executive Sheryl Sandberg, Netflix Chairman Reed Hastings and venture investors Vinod Khosla and Reid Hoffman.

That pro-Harris wave countered a flurry of historically unprecedented support for Trump by investors like David Sacks, Sequoia Capitals Shaun Maguire and Andreessen Horowitzs founders  who deepened their pro-Trump positions following the failed July 13 attempt on the former presidents life.

The surge of Harris backers highlighted Democrats enduring hold on techs northern California heartland, where voters have long skewed left of center on social issues like abortion rights and immigration  and are likely to do so for years to come, according to academics, local politicians and business leaders.

Silicon Valley is definitely one of the bluest areas in California, said Bruce Cain, a Stanford University professor who specializes in state politics. The joke I used to make is that a Republican who wanted to live in this area needs a passport.

While prominent investors like Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya have rallied to Trumps side, energized by his selection of Ohio Senator and former venture capitalist JD Vance as his running mate, the geographic center of Silicon Valley  the region around San Jose, some 40 miles south of San Francisco  remains a reach for Republicans.

Listen to the Bloomberg Daybreak Podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen.

The two counties at its heart  Santa Clara and San Mateo  have more than three Democrats registered to vote for every Republican, and independents significantly outnumber Republicans. Santa Clara is represented in the US House by Ro Khanna, a top progressive Democrat, while retiring Representative Anna Eshoo will likely be succeeded by another Democrat.

Venture industry figures who have turned to Trump dont reflect the regions electorate, according to Clara Brenner, co-founder of the Urban Innovation Fund, an investment firm focused on early-stage tech companies. These investors have big megaphones, so its not surprising that youre hearing from them, she said. They have their own axes to grind with regulators and their own economic reasons to cozy up to Trump.

Instead, Republicans are seeking to tap some of the tech industrys deep pockets. Vance, a protege of Peter Thiel, is scheduled to headline a fundraiser in Palo Alto, according to the New York Times, the latest in a series of events to build donor enthusiasm.

That support would build on Elon Musks plan to plow money into a super-political action committee backing Trumps bid. Meanwhile, Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, announced their support for Trump, saying on their podcast that his policies would benefit startups more than anything from the Democratic side.

Silicon Valleys biggest Trump backers cheered Bidens exit and echoed investor and former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo in rejecting Harris as the nominee. Costolo wrote on X that he expected Harris to get trounced while Musk trolled Khosla and Hoffman, inviting them switch to the Republican Party.

Yet even as Republicans eye Silicon Valleys checkbook, many of the industrys biggest donors applauded Harris as the partys new standard-bearer. The vice president, a California native, has home field advantage when it comes to fundraising after serving as the states attorney general and later as one of its two US senators.

Hastings, a Netflix co-founder and longtime Democratic donor, posted his support for Harris on X Tuesday, while SV Angels Ron Conway urged his peers to back her candidacy: The tech community must come together to defeat Donald Trump. Y Combinator Chief Executive Officer Garry Tan said he thinks Harris revitalizes Democrats chances of winning and can prevail if she runs on a tough-on-crime platform.

The executives joined a rush of support for the vice president, who quickly won the backing of Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi along with Bill and Hillary Clinton. In Hollywood as well in some corners of Wall Street, there has been a groundswell for Harris.

Joseph Cotchett, a Silicon Valley lawyer and top Democratic fundraiser, said his phone rang well into the night with calls from people ready to support the vice president. It was a big drum beat that Silicon Valley was going to march along with Trump and Vance, Cotchett said. Thats all turned around in the last 24 hours.

Many Democratic donors had been on pause after Bidens disastrous debate performance, according to another Bay Area fundraiser whose network includes people in tech and venture capital. Since Harris emerged as his successor, the burst of support has rivaled the enthusiasm surrounding Barack Obamas emergence in 2008, said the fundraiser, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

The Harris campaign said it raised $100 million between Sunday afternoon, when Biden withdrew, and Monday evening, though details wont be available until Aug. 20. In 2020, employees of tech companies including Alphabet Inc., Netflix and Meta gave $13 million to Bidens campaign, compared to less than $900,000 for Trump, according to OpenSecrets.

Its worth being cautiously optimistic, Box CEO Aaron Levie said in a post on X, but Harris has a clear opening to drive a more pro business, pro tech, and less chaotic platform that works for the 21st century than the alternative path.

--With assistance from Katie Roof, Bill Allison and Eliyahu Kamisher.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department is searching for a 74-year-old man with Alzheimers who disappeared from his home Tuesday morning.

According to KCPD, Willie Combs was last seen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the area of E. 16th Street and Lawn Avenue walking away from his home in an unknown direction.

One teen killed, 5 teens injured in crash on Highway 50

KCPD said he was wearing an orange shirt, black pants and black shoes. Combs is also described as 5 foot 3 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds.

If you or anyone you know has seen Combs, police ask that you call 911 immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
It may be time to become a citizen of Singapore.

The Southeast Asian country has the worlds most powerful passport, according to London-based immigration consultancy Henley & Partners. The Singaporean travel document now gives jet-setters visa-free entry to a record 195 global destinations, making it a valuable addition to any passport collection.

More from Robb Report

Henley uses data from the International Air Transport Association to rank 199 passports based on their access to 227 international locations. Six countries jointly held the top position in the 2024 Henley Passport Index at the beginning of the year, with France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan reigning supreme with Singapore. The five other countries are now in second place, offering hassle-free access to 192 destinations.

Seven nations have landed in third place for the first time. Citizens of Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden can travel to 191 places without a visa.

The ability to travel visa-free to a wide array of destinations is no longer merely a convenience, Henley CEO Juerg Steffen said in the July report. Its a powerful economic tool that can drive growth, foster international cooperation, and attract foreign investment.

Interestingly, the U.K. and U.S., which topped the index in 2014, have dropped in the rankings over the past decade. The U.K. is now in fourth place with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, while the U.S. moved to eighth.

Other nations have shifted about even more dramatically. The UAE is the biggest climber, rising an incredible 53 places since the indexs inception in 2006. The Middle Eastern country is ranked ninth, with the passport now unlocking 185 destinations. In contrast, Venezuela is the biggest faller, plummeting 17 places over the past decade to land in 42nd place.

Afghanistans passport remains the worlds weakest, allowing travelers to access only 26 destinations sans visa. That is the lowest score ever recorded in the history of the 19-year-old index.

The global average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024, added Henley chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been, with top-ranked Singapore able to access a record-breaking 169 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan.

You know which passport to get next, then.

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SLO County parents mourn police officer son who was killed in the line of duty

As parents of a police officer, Pismo Beach residents Becky and Marc Bowen knew the risks of their sons profession, but they never thought they would have to live through their worst nightmare.

Their son Matthew Brent Bowen, a Vacaville officer, was killed in the line of duty on July 11.

You think the odds are probably on your side, Becky said.

Thats right, her husband Marc agreed. Thats the sort of thing that only happens to other people.

Matthew Bowen, 32, was pulled over on the side of an intersection in Vacaville conducting a traffic stop on a motorcycle when he was fatally hit by an oncoming vehicle.

Officer Matthew Bowen, 32, died in the line of duty on July 11, 2024.

The driver, 24-year-old Serena C.J. Rodriguez, was charged with felony murder by the Solano County District Attorneys office on Monday, with enhancements for the intentional killing of a police officer.

She has a criminal history and a bench warrant was out for her arrest in Placer County at the time of the crash, prosecutors said.

Rodriguez is expected to reappear in court on Aug. 19 for a medical review of her mental competency to stand trial. She is currently being held in Solano County jail without bail.

A total of five cars were involved in the crash, according to ABC-10, and one other person sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital that day.

Bowen is the first Vacaville police officer to be killed in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents and a brother.

Marc and Becky Bowen hold a picture of their son, Matthew Bowen, in his high school Eagle Scout uniform on July 18, 2024 in Pismo Beach. Bowen, 32, died after being hit by a suspected DUI driver in Vacaville on July 11, 2024.

Police officer death a loss felt across the community

Matthew Bowen was born in Walnut Creek and raised nearby in Fairfield. Growing up, he was an accomplished musician, athlete and Eagle Scout, his parents said. The couple retired and moved to Pismo Beach almost a decade ago.

He was just really sweet as a kid and just a very kind man, his mother Becky said.

Becky described her son as a hard worker, always holding a job since age 16. In fact, Bowen met his wife, Elizabeth Williamson, at the restaurant where they worked together as teenagers. The pair were married at his parents home in Pismo Beach in 2020 and had two sons together.

Bowens parents recall him starting to talk about police work in his teenage years, around the time he became interested in body building through his high school wrestling career.

Officer Matthew Bowen, 32, died after being hit by a suspected DUI driver in Vacaville on July 11, 2024. Bowen was a dedicated Eagle Scout growing up.

I remember he had a copy of Schwarzeneggers body building book, Becky said, laughing. I dont know if that influenced him at all.

Bowen was a 2019 graduate of the Napa Police Academy. He served with the Concord Police Department for three and a half years before transferring to the Vacaville department in July 2023, where he earned his certification as a motorcycle officer.

The night before his death, Bowen participated in the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Becky and Marc were in Vacaville visiting their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren at the time. He proudly drove his motorcycle around the Giants field while his family watched on television from their home.

The next morning, the call to come to the hospital came out of nowhere.

We were pretty much in shock, Marc said.

We stayed at the hospital for a good several hours. When we left, all the nurses, doctors, and a lot of police were just lined up outside, Becky said, choking up as she spoke about the heartwarming response to the loss of her son.

A procession of hundreds of police cars and motorcycles a couple miles long escorted the family to the coroners office in Fairfield.

The outpouring of support from the Vacaville community was very moving, Becky said.

Matthew Bowen, right, with his brother, Jonathan, as young boys. The Vacaville police officer, 32, died after being hit by a suspected DUI driver on July 11, 2024. He was just really sweet as a kid and just a very kind man, his mother Becky Bowen said.

When the Vacaville Police Department posted the notice about Bowens death, hundreds and hundreds of people responded in the comments, she said.

His parents recalled one person commented that Bowen had given him a ticket a month before and described their son as one of the kindest officers hed encountered in a long time, even while reprimanding him.

Matthew was the type of police officer who would play Christmas music in his patrol car around the holidays so that the people that he had arrested could listen to carols in the back seat, his mother said. His parents said that he once saved a mans life by performing CPR until the paramedics arrived on the scene, earning him a letter of commendation.

A closed memorial was held on Tuesday to honor the fallen officers life. The service was livestreamed on the city of Vacavilles YouTube channel.

Officer Bowen exemplified the highest standards of service and integrity in all that he did, Vacaville Police Chaplain Jim Wilson said at the memorial. To his duty, he demonstrated a selfless dedication that went beyond the call of duty, embodying the true spirit of public service.

Two memorial funds set up for Bowens family can be found at porac.org/fundraiser/vacavillepoa-matt-bowen/ and vacavillepolicefoundation.org/officer-matthew-bowen-memorial-fund/.

Suspect charged with intentional felony murder

Serena Rodriguez, the driver accused of killing Bowen, was arraigned on Monday, marking her second appearance in court.

The Solano County District Attorneys office filed a felony complaint accusing her of murder, with enhancements for murder of a police officer, use of a deadly weapon and use of a deadly or dangerous weapon.

The complaint alleges a special circumstance that Bowen was intentionally killed while he was engaged in the performance of his duties, Solano County District Attorney Krishna A. Abrams said in a statement on the day of her original arraignment July 15.

The DA has yet to elaborate on why the homicide was ruled as intentional, which requires both premeditation and malicious intent.

ACCUSED OF MURDER: 24-year-old Serena Rodriguez appeared in Solano County court today. She is being charged with murder for the death of Vacaville police officer Matthew Bowen. CHP believes Rodriguez was under the influence of drugs when she hit Bowen last Thursday. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/s7SGkPpqJF  Orko Manna (@orko_manna) July 15, 2024

Rodriguez was on probation in Placer County when she was arrested on the day of Bowens death. She has criminal history including intentionally flooding her own apartment, custodial possession of a weapon, and vehicular vandalism under the influence of drugs, according to the Placer County DAs office.

Rodriguez attempted to flee the scene of the crash on foot before her arrest but was restrained by bystanders, according to the California Highway Patrol.

In her second court appearance on Monday, Rodriguez and her attorney allegedly had a disagreement about the plea bargain.

After she requested a replacement of her public defender, the judge cleared the courtroom to speak with the defendant privately. The judge ultimately denied the substitution and expressed doubt as to Rodriguezs competency to stand trial.

Rodriquez is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 19, when a doctors report on her mental competency will be presented.
Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini sharply criticises Ukraine for stopping the transit of oil produced by Lukoil (Russias largest oil company) through the Druzhba pipeline and threatens to respond to Kyiv's actions.

Source: a statement by Pellegrini, quoted by Dennik N

Details: The Slovak leader stated that his country helps Ukraine with the reverse gas supply and electricity supply.

"If the situation is not corrected, we will be forced to react," Pellegrini said, adding that Slovakia, in his opinion, does not deserve such an approach from Kyiv.

For his part, Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak said that by stopping the transit of Russian oil, Kyiv was "risking a lot."

"Ukraine's actions were irresponsible," Kalinak added.

Background:

Hungary and Slovakia convened the European Commission's Trade Policy Committee to discuss the suspension of oil transit by Russia's Lukoil through Ukraine.

The day before, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that he would block 6.5 billion in payments from the European Peace Fund to compensate for arms supplies to Ukraine until the problem with Lukoil's oil transit is resolved.

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HILLTOP, WV (WVNS)  Residents in Fayette County reported there were two separate breaks in the sewage pipes in Red Star and Hilltop, which are neighboring communities.

Trash pickup problems in Greenbrier County

They say it is overflowing and contaminating the area too.

It is contaminated under, through, and on the other side of the tracks. We have raw sewage coming out of the ground, said local resident, Fred Wanty

These breaks have also resulted in the contamination of a local creek named Smiths Branch.

Local residents are fed up with sewage problems and say this isnt the first time they faced an issue like this.

Wanty told 59News the overwhelming stench is not even the worst part.

This is a tributary of Dunloup Creek, which has been failing its fecal matter chloroform test for quite a few years. They have been slowly working on getting that fixed, said Wanty.

Wanty explained that, as you trace through the ecosystem in the area, the creek flows into the New River  one of West Virginias major waterways.

The company that operates this sewage system is White Oak Public Service District.

When 59News investigated this sewage problem, White Oak PSD said they were already responding to the issue and assessing the sewage breaks.

US Senator Capito visits Fayette County to see the progress of two big projects

Residents are hopeful that this will be a permanent fix and that this smelly situation wont be plaguing their community again.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Unable to pass some of their key spending bills for fiscal year 2025, House Republican leaders announced Wednesday that they are canceling votes planned for next week, moving up the start date of their summer recess. The last votes are now scheduled to occur tomorrow, after which lawmakers will adjourn for a six-week break.

The House will not return until September 9, just three weeks before the end of the fiscal year. The failure of the House to pass the full suite of 12 spending bills for fiscal year 2025, along with the Senates failure to pass any of them, all but guarantees that Congress will need to provide some kind of short-term funding at the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, or face a government shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said earlier this year that hed like to pass as many of the 12 appropriations bills as possible by August 1, sending them to the Senate before the long summer recess begins. But the House GOP pulled the plug on that ambitious timeline after internal disagreements led to failed and canceled votes. A planned vote to fund the Department of Energy was canceled late Tuesday, though it could get a last-minute vote on Thursday, along with a bill funding the Interior Department.

Familiar problems: The Republican efforts to pass the 12 spending bills hit some familiar speed bumps. Right-wing lawmakers insisted on adding culture war amendments to some of the bills, touching on issues such as abortion, gender status and climate change, weakening support from moderates while guaranteeing the bills would fail should they make it to the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Some Republicans questioned the wisdom of their leaderships approach. Trying to pass 12 separate Republican appropriation bills, that the Democrat controlled Senate will NEVER vote on. For what? Messaging? asked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican who sometimes embraces questionable messaging efforts of her own. When the reality that we ALL know is that we will be forced to vote on a CR by Sept 30th which is the government funding deadline. But for some reason thats not being discussed even though we all know it. (CR refers to a continuing resolution, the legislative vehicle Congress typically uses to pass short-term funding.)

The bottom line: Progress on the 2025 appropriations bills will likely come to a halt after tomorrow, raising the odds that the federal government will be operating on short-term funding until after the election, and possibly much longer.

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Ahead of the first year of the new Lebanon Junior High School, district Supt. Nicole Malinoski and incoming principal to the new building Nick Bullock sat down to discuss the new school, the state of the district, and what's coming next for students.

Starting in August, approximately 750 seventh and eighth grade students, along with teachers and staff will occupy Lebanon Junior High School for its inaugural year.

In subsequent years, says Bullock, the school will be occupied by closer to 800 students.

Bullock, a Lebanon School District alumni himself, began his career teaching Spanish at Lebanon High School and has been the principal at Lebanon Middle School for the past two years.

The new building will allow some breathing room for the district in terms of space and provide a stronger and more modern learning environment for those students, said Bullock.

Photos of the inside of the new Lebanon Junior High School, which will be welcoming its first students this school year.

Really seeing the range that spreads from sixth grade to eighth grade in terms of maturity and just overall life experience for the students is a really long range. Moving the seventh and eighth, were excited to have more of a focus and a lot more commonality in terms of our student demographics.

Having an entire school dedicated to the seventh and eighth grade allows the district to better prepare those students for their future earlier, Bullock said. He added that seventh grade is around the time students begin the back end of their K-12 education and begin to think more about their future.

The new school features a green screen room for media students, technology education classroom, an open space media center, a gym that Malinoski says might make the high school athlete a little jealous of their junior high counterparts and a weight room that will be used at both levels.

Bullock said most of the 7th and 8th grade staff will be moved to the new school, and a new teacher and curriculum has been added for the technology education classroom. General education teachers have been added to the grades over the last few years to not only relieve overcrowding of classrooms but also so it wouldn't be such a huge hit to the budget in one year.

The district will host a community open house on Sept. 10, welcoming anyone from the community to come see the new school.

The additional space couldn't come at a better time for the district and will help them to continue to educate the future of the community for a number of years. Malinoski said that at the middle school there were 10 classrooms held in trailers behind the middle school.

Theres not enough space within the middle school to serve all those students, she said.

Teaching in crowded conditions can be a stressor for teachers and students, as more students in a classroom means less individual attention per student.

Around 5,000 students were enrolled in the district last school year, and while numbers have been relatively flat between then and at least 2019, they foresee increases to begin again in about two years based on birth rates.

But Malinoski says that all it takes for the district to see an enrollment boom is another natural disaster, as had happened in 2013 during hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico.

Renovations are beginning on the current middle school, which will later come to be the intermediate school and house fifth and sixth grade, as fifth grade currently occupies elementary schools across the district.

But the new school wont entirely fix the district's space needs, Malinoski said. Moving the fifth grade from the elementary schools wont be lending them as much room as they would like, and at the high school level, theyre virtually out of room, especially with office space, explaining that two assistant principals had to share a space last year.

With the goal of adding CTE programs to the high school, they've considered the idea of trying to move the district office to a new space in the future.

Lebanon School District Supt. Nicole Malinoski and principal of the new Lebanon Junior High School Nick Bullock sat down to discuss the opening of the new school, home to 7th and 8th grade classes, the state of the district and what's to come.

District-wide goals

Malinoski, who was appointed superintendent by the board in January following the passing of Supt. Arthur Abrom, said that the position so far has been quite the experience.

Recently, she and her team have decided on what to do with her previous position as secondary director of teaching and learning, reshaping the position so that instead of a director of elementary teaching and learning and of secondary teaching and learning, there are now just two directors of teaching and learning focused on different areas.

One of those directors focuses on core programming from K-12, with the other focusing on programs and partnerships and the engagement of students and families.

"I think that when you lead a cabinet you have to look at the strengths of all of your team members just to see where you think there's an area that you need additional support, and what does that look like," she said. "Just because everyone has different strengths and areas of growth."

Malinoski began her career in teaching at Cornwall-Lebanon School District, where she spent 20 years across various roles, then two years at Cumberland Valley School District as a multi-site high school principal, before she joined Lebanon School District as the secondary director of teaching and learning in July of 2022.

While the district is working towards solutions to its space issue, future proofing itself to help better educate the students of the future, there are other spots where the district is finding success.

My favorite saying to say is that we are on the edge of greatness here, she said. We are. It makes the hair stand up on arms. We just went through a comprehensive planning process where we worked with a team from administrators, community members, parents, students and changed our district's mission and vision statement as well as created a portrait of a graduate project.

The portrait of a graduate project established competencies, such as leadership and adaptability, among others, that the district believes students will have attained by the time they graduate, the development of the competencies will integrated into the classroom.

As a part of the comprehensive plan, theyve set four key priority areas to improve throughout the district: student attendance, student engagement, core student achievement and continued establishment of high expectations for students.

We have an amazing team of teachers, great administrators, a great community with a rich history and we want to ensure that we are setting our students up to be successful once they graduate here, Malinoski said.

Theyve also recently gone through a rebranding process, a result of Lebanon High School mass communications students placing third at the Jostens Epic School Revamp Contest.

In addition to those key priorities outlined in the comprehensive plan, Malinoski said the district is also concerned with ensuring that transient students are having their educational needs met. These students not only come from districts inside and out of the state, but in some cases leave the district and later come back, with lapses in education because not all schools offer the same classes or teach curriculum the same way.

One goal they hope might help that population is to try and re-engage parents more in the educational process, both by improving their communication with parents and by beginning to offer classes to parents, to ensure that parents too know what their childrens needs are.

Classes offered to parents will include things like how elementary students are being taught ELA, to how to enroll their student involved in a sport.

Our parents want the best for their kids and we want the best for their kids, but we just have to make sure theres a stronger partnership there working together, Malinoski said.

Incoming CTE programs

This district is currently in the process of introducing career and technology education courses at the high school level with the effort beginning with the addition of an education pathway for students, with the hope that it will introduce more teachers into the local economy.

"Just like every district out there, there's not enough teachers. We want to convince our students that yes we want you to be our future Cedar teachers."

The education pathway is expected to be added by the end of this school year.

Next, they plan to introduce a child care program that would either allow the district to run their own child care program or work in conjunction with the YMCA.

Other programs that are either being developed have begun applications with the state include communication technology and secretarial, marketing and entrepreneurship business programs.

Future programs that the district will be looking into include building trades, electronics, health careers and cosmetology.

Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at DLarlham@LDNews.com or on X @djlarlham.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Take a sneak peek inside Lebanon School District's new junior high
Sonya Massey was a daddys girl who never ended the conversation without saying, Daddy, I love you.

James Wilburn fought back tears as he recalled the last voicemail he got from his 36-year-daughter, who was shot and killed in her home by an Illinois sheriffs deputy after she called 911 for help. In an emotional interview on CNN earlier this week after body-camera footage from the July 6 fatal police shooting was released, Wilburn spoke about the devastating loss and his familys call for accountability.

I know I wont see her again in this world, but theres another world that I will see her in.

The officer, Sean Grayson, 30, has been fired and is being held in jail without bail after a grand jury charged him on July 17 with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Masseys family, alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump, reviewed the police body-camera footage before it was released to the public. Crump compared the heinous and senseless footage to the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officers. After watching his daughters last moments alive, Wilburn concluded that the talk Black families have with their boys must be extended to our girls about their interactions with the police.

Sonya Massey, 36, lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by a now-former Sangamon County sheriffs deputy. (Courtesy of Ben Crump Law)

Wilburn, who had quadruple bypass surgery in 2022, also said hes thankful to be alive today, but had this happened two years ago he may not have survived the level of pain he says he feels daily from losing Massey.

Masseys killing is a similar tragedy to what happened weeks before Christmas last year in Lancaster County, California. Niani Finlayson was shot and killed by a sheriffs deputy in front of her 9-year-old daughter after she also called 911 for help in a domestic violence incident. Finlayson, 27, was holding a knife when police arrived and within seconds, she was shot and killed. Multiple law enforcement agencies are still investigating Finlaysons case.

In Masseys case, Grayson had other options available that he should have used.  [He] had the training, tools, and experience to know better, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell wrote on the agencys Facebook page on Monday. The public can see what we saw: Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson.

He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement, Campbell wrote, adding, Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them.

Capital B has reached out to Graysons attorney, Daniel Fultz, who declined to comment.

What we know

We were led to believe that the intruder, or someone from the neighborhood, may have killed her. We were absolutely shocked to find out that there was a deputy who shot, Wilburn said.

During the early morning of July 6, Massey called 911 to her home on Hoover Avenue in Springfield for a possible intruder. Two Sangamon County sheriffs deputies arrived and searched around her home with flashlights, and found a broken drivers side window of a car parked in an adjacent driveway, according to police body-camera footage.

The 36-year-old mother took a few minutes to open her front door for the deputies before she let them inside to further discuss her concerns. One of the officers asked for her identification after telling them that the broken window was from an earlier incident. As she looked for her ID, Grayson asked her to turn off the fire from the stove.

We dont need a fire while were here, he said.

As Massey picked up the pot of hot water to move it to the nearby sink, Grayson began to back away.

She asked, Where are you going?

Away from the hot steaming water, Grayson said with a chuckle.

Away from my hot steaming water? she asked, adding unexpectedly, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

Masseys living room and kitchen were open, with an island separating the two rooms. There were no walls obstructing Graysons view.

Grayson immediately responded with f-bombs and swore to God: Ill fucking shoot you in your motherfucking face.

OK, Im sorry, Massey said as Grayson pulled out his service weapon while ordering her to drop the pot. She ducked to the floor with her hands up and was shot in the head.

Graysons partner radioed that shots were fired and verbalized his intent to get his medical kit to aid Masseys wound and to try and stop the bleeding.

She done, she done. You can go get it, but thats a headshot, Grayson told his partner. Theres nothing you can do, man.

What else do we do? Im not taking hot fucking boiling water to the fucking face, Grayson later said.

The other officer eventually went to get the kit as Massey was still breathing before the ambulance arrived. She died at a nearby hospital.

Wheres the gun? Grayson was asked by another officer who arrived at the scene. Grayson responded with his continued baseless defense of the threat of being rebuked in the name of Jesus with hot water.

Capital B has reached out to the Sangamon County States Attorney Office for comment and more information. The Illinois State Police investigated the fatal police shooting at the request of the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office.

The Department of Justice said in an email to Capital B that they are aware of and assessing the circumstances of Masseys tragic officer-involved death, and will continue to track the criminal case opened by the Sangamon County States Attorney.

This incident does not reflect the values or actions of our law enforcement community, Campbell said.

The post Sonya Massey Was a Daddys Girl. Her Father Describes His Heartbreak. appeared first on Capital B News.
"If it were not for the body cam footage, we would not have known that this occurred," James Wilburn said

Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register / USA TODAY NETWORK Sonya Massey's father James Wilburn

The father of Sonya Massey is speaking out after body cam footage was released showing his daughter being fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy after calling 911 because she feared an intruder was in her home.

James Wilburn told CBS Mornings that the footage, which showed the key moments between Massey and Sean Grayson, who was a Sangamon County sheriffs deputy, that led to her death in early July was very difficult for the family to watch.

"It's probably the most horrible, heart-wrenching thing that we've ever seen in our lives, but if it were not for the body cam footage, we would not have known that this occurred," Wilburn told the outlet.



Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register / USA TODAY NETWORK Surrounded by mostly members of the family of Sonya Massey, civil rights attorney Ben Crump speaks during a press conference at the NAACP building in Springfield Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Related: Woman Called 911 Fearing Intruder Was in Home. She Was Killed by Responding Deputy

He said that the family was never told it had been a police shooting and they were under the impression that she was killed by the intruder and that police had found her dead. He said that they were even misled to think that she had died from self-inflicted wounds.

The footage, released by Illinois State Police on Monday, July 22, and obtained by The New York Times and other outlets, showed two deputies arriving at Masseys home on the morning of July 6. The deputies appeared to search the front of her home and backyard before knocking on Masseys door and following her inside and getting her information as she sat on a couch.

When Massey got up to remove a pot of hot water from the stove, she told the deputies, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, before Grayson responded that she better not and warned her that he would shoot her in her face, according to the Times. Within a couple of seconds he took out his gun and ordered the woman to drop the pot she was holding before firing two shots at her.

Facebook A photo of Sonya Massey

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When asked about what his daughter meant when she told the cops the words, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, Wilburn said, I think that she feared for her life. There was something, some premonition that she had  Its just unexplainable.

He confirmed to CBS Mornings that Massey left behind a 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter, and got emotional as he said that the family was taking it day to day.

Theyre having a very hard time, he said tearfully. Theyre doing as best they can.

Related: Body Cam Footage of Sonya Massey Killing Released as Biden Mourns 'Unthinkable' Police Shooting of Black Woman

After the body cam footage was released, President Joe Biden released a statement decrying Massey's killing and commending the decision by the Springfield States Attorneys office to charge Grayson with murder.

Sangamon County Jail A photo of Sean Grayson provided by Sangamon County Jail

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, Biden said.

I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield States Attorneys office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving, he added, while urging Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which is a bill aimed at curbing police misconduct.

The Massey familys lawyer Ben Crump also described the incident as heinous in a press conference on Monday, July 22, adding, Until we get justice for Sonya Massey, we rebuke this discriminatory justice system in the name of Jesus.

Grayson, who is facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond at the Menard County Detention Facility, according to the The Washington Post.



To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies.

ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities.

National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond.

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Read the original article on People.
Sonya Massey: What We Know About Her Fatal Shooting by a Police Officer

Courtesy of Ben Crump Law

On July 6, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, was shot and killed by a white police officer in her home in Springfield, Illinois. It's a sadly familiar story, and one that is still unfolding.

Here is what we know so far about the fatal shooting.

This story contains graphic depictions.

Courtesy of Ben Crump Law

Sonya Massey called the police to her home to report a suspected break-in.

Massey called 911 in the early morning of July 6 because she thought someone was trying to break into her house. According to The Guardian, Massey's daughter has said her mother had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. When the police arrived, they began searching the front of her home and her backyard with flashlights. They also asked Massey for her identification.

When one of the two sheriff's deputies who arrived on the scene, 30-year-old Sean Grayson, saw that Massey had a pot of boiling water on the stove, he asked her to remove it. As she picked up the pot, she noticed the officers move away from her.

Where you going? she asked them, per body cam footage released on July 23.

Away from your hot steaming water, Grayson answered.

Away from the hot steaming water? Oh, Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus, Massey responded.

Grayson fired his weapon three times, killing Massey.

Grayson then drew his gun and began ordering Massey, who knelt behind the counter with her arms up, to drop the pot. Grayson closed the distance between himself and Massey while telling her, You better fucking not, I swear to God Ill fucking shoot you right in your fucking face.

Massey replied, I'm sorry. Grayson then fired three shots. Massey was killed by a bullet which struck her in face.

After the shooting, Grayson's partner said he was going to retrieve his medical kit; however, Grayson told him not to bother. Nah, shes done, he said. You can go get it, but thats a headshot.

Later Grayson can be heard telling other officers outside the home, Yeah, Im good. This fucking bitch is crazy.

The incident was caught on camera.

The entire interaction was captured on body cam footage, which was released to the public by the authorities on Tuesday, July 23.

Per CNN, Grayson's partner, another sheriff's deputy, turned on his body cam upon arriving at Massey's residence. Grayson, the outlet reports, did not turn on his body cam until after he had fired his weapon at Massey.

The officer who killed Massey has been fired and charged with first-degree murder.

Nearly two weeks after Massey's death, on July 17, the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department said that Grayson had been fired. On the same day, he was charged with first-degree murder and indicted on three counts by a grand jury, CNN reported.

The body worn camera footage has now been released, and the public can see what we saw: Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former deputy Sean Grayson, Sangamon County sheriff Jack Campbell said in a statement on Monday. Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office.

Per CNN, Grayson entered a plea of not guilty and was denied pretrial release.

Masseys family says they were misled about the details of her death.

In a CBS News interview, Massey's father, James Wilburn, said that before the body cam footage was released, he and his family had been misled about how Massey died. Wilburn said, per People, they were never told that it was a police officer who fatally shot Massey, and the family was under the impression that she had been killed by the intruder. He also said that they were made to believe that she had even suffered self-inflicted wounds.

The Massey family's attorney, Ben Crump, said in a press conference on Tuesday, Until we get justice for Sonya Massey, we rebuke this discriminatory criminal justice system in the name of Jesus.

Courtesy of Ben Crump Law

Masseys father is asking for a probe into the circumstances of Graysons hiring.

The biggest question is: How did this man ever get hired in law enforcement? Wilburn said in an interview with ABC News. When a Black man has just a little blemish in his credit, he cant get hired in the police department. But heres a man who, in four years, hes been in six different departments.

According to ABC News, Grayson has held at six different police jobs over the past four years. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board confirmed to the news outlet that Grayson worked three full-time and three part-time jobs in four police departments and two sheriffs offices over the past four years, all within the state of Illinois.

Massey's father also criticized the Sangamon County sheriff for his role in Grayson's hiring.

The sheriff here is an embarrassment, Wilburn said. [Grayson] should have never had a badge. And he should have never had a gun. He should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.

The Massey familys attorney, Crump, hopes that the footage will galvanize the community.

Its so senseless. I mean, it is disturbing, Crump told CNN. This video is reminiscent in the last presidential cycle in 2020 when the George Floyd video, you know, encouraged our community to act.

And in this 2024 election I believe this Sonya Massey video is going to encourage our community to actbecause Sonya Massey deserved better than this.

Courtesy of Ben Crump Law

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the fatal shooting in statement.

In a statement published on July 23, Vice President Kamala Harris wrote, Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. After she called the police for help, she was tragically killed in her own home at the hands of a responding officer sworn to protect and serve. Harris's statement concluded, I join President Biden in commending the swift action of the States Attorneys Office and in calling on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that I coauthored in the Senate. In this moment, in honor of Sonyas memory and the memory of so many more whose names we may never know, we must come together to achieve meaningful reforms that advance the safety of all communities.

Originally Appeared on Glamour
The Table, the only restaurant in Tacoma that has caught the attention of the national James Beard Awards, will close after service on Saturday, July 27, chef-owner Derek Bray announced over the weekend.

A pop-up dinner and wine sell-off with snacks is possible in the coming weeks, but details are yet to be determined.

Nothing is more exhausting than writing a goodbye note, wrote Bray on Saturday. And believe me, this week has been exhausting.

The news marks a lamentable end to a thrilling year for the 9-year-old restaurant. In January, Bray was named a regional chef semifinalist in the 2024 James Beard Awards, the first time a Tacoma establishment has earned such an accolade from the prestigious culinary showcase. A highly competitive category with chefs from Seattle, Orcas Island, Honolulu and Juneau, the prize ultimately went to Portlands Gregory Gourdet of kann. But the honor of being nominated, as they say, is no less remarkable, and its impact on Tacoma  proving that it is possible for a mid-sized city, stuck a short drive from one of Americas best food destinations, to be so worthy  is no less significant in its moment of no-more.

The braised elk shoulder in an ancho-huckleberry cream sauce, served with grilled sourdough, was a staple of The Tables menu that otherwise changed frequently.

Id love if more people came to Tacoma to eat, Bray said in February, reflecting on the nomination. If I had a billboard sign, I would say, Find your independent restaurants. Eat at places that are owned by people in Tacoma.

Those awards dont just consider the food but also the connection the business has with its community, its commitment to sustainability and equity. With its hyperseasonal approach and focus on sourcing from local farms to small wine producers, The Table personified that mission arguably better than any other restaurant in Tacoma or Pierce County. (Now I would tag their neighbor, Field Bar and Bottle Shop, to that echelon.)

In 2015, it also challenged Tacomas notions of what modern dining could be. I both refused and thought it was necessary to have a burger on the menu in Tacoma, joked Bray in an earlier conversation. The kitchen trimmed their finished cuts of meat in-house, so scraps would occasionally find their way into a between-buns special. They also attempted brunch for a spell, but 7-day-a-week dinner sustained the winning formula.

A NEW ERA FOR TACOMA DINING

The menu changed frequently, but the signature braised elk shoulder, enrobed in an ancho-huckleberry cream sauce to be sopped up by grilled sourdough, remained a must-order, as did the ricotta gnocchi in a mornay sauce built with aged white cheddar and magic that playfully resembled macncheese. Salads were textural and well-dressed. Vegetables often dominated the plate, before that was in vogue. Wine was the central beverage  the bar eschewed cocktails while everyone else leaned in. The atmosphere felt sophisticated yet approachable, pared-down yet comfortable.

The July closure appears to be the result of both professional and personal circumstances. Bray did not immediately return a request for comment.

As TNT Diner reported last week, his chef de cuisine Craig Tronset will shift to a new venture with The Tables longtime sommelier Trevor Hamilton. Hamilton recently sold his partnership stake in the Sixth Avenue restaurant to focus on Corbeau, his new Franco-Tacoman eatery and wine bar that will replace Pomodoro in the Proctor District. There, Tronset will lead the kitchen, and Megan Henson will run the cocktail program.

Bray (left) with his sommelier and business partner Trevor Hamilton (center) and chef de cuisine Craig Tronset shared a moment at The Table in February. The latter two are opening a new restaurant in Proctor.

Derek built something that didnt exist in Tacoma, and something that Tacoma needed, said Hamilton this week, who also praised Brays dedication to ensuring his staff had a life outside of work. He was able to give a lot of talent in this town an opportunity.

Bray and Hamilton opened Incalmo at Museum of Glass in 2022, where the rustic Italian fare was wonderful but, it turned out, not fitting of the location. The timing was also rough. It closed a year later, and the location became a more streamlined cafe, La Finestra.

Over the last few years Ive had many ups and downs in the restaurant life, wrote Bray on Instagram. The hardest best choice came after the closing of our second restaurant Incalmo. When I chose to be home more with my wife and kids  and again I am choosing the best hard choice. I choose my family over the success or continuation of the restaurant.

Speaking after the James Beard nod, Bray alluded to the difficulty of the pandemic and its effect on the always-volatile restaurant industry. He and his staff cooked free meals for their peers in 2020. In addition to supporting the likes of Tacoma Farmers Markets annual fundraising dinner and a free Thanksgiving meal with the City of University Place, The Table strove to create a great space for its employees.

Bray at the restaurants namesake communal table, not long after it opened in 2015.

That was part of our ethos when we opened the restaurant, he said, referring also to his wife Holly Bray. We wanted it to be something in the community where we were doing good work, people always felt welcome and the food was at an excellent level really consistently.

Amid dozens of comments that flowed into last weekends Instagram post, many noted The Table as their top choice for special occasions and for impressing out-of-towners. Guests praised the food, the ambiance and the service, which in my opinion set a new standard for a city that needs more restaurants like it.

THE TABLE TACOMA

 2715 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-327-1862, thetabletacoma.com

 Open 5-9 p.m. through final service on Saturday, July 27
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  The South Carolina Department of Transportation will have a drop-in meeting next month to gather public input on planned safety-improvement projects along Robert Grissom Parkway and Socastee Boulevard in Horry County.

The meeting will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the General Robert H. Recreation Center at 800 Gabreski Lane. SCDOT representatives will be available to discuss the projects, but no formal presentation is planned.

The work along Robert Grissom Parkway will take place between Stalvey Ave to Executive Ave/Cannon Road, while the work on Socastee Boulevard will be between Dick Pond Road and Manor Circle.

According to the SCDOT, the work at both locations will include:

high visibility crosswalks

ADA ramps

leading pedestrian intervals

countdown signal heads

new pavement markings

intersection improvements

pedestrian crossings

access management practices in areas with a high frequency of crashes

The work in both areas is expected to begin in the fall of 2026 and last about one year.

* * *

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.
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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 22 of the company's Starlink broadband satellites to orbit from Florida on June 23, 2024. | Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX just added another mission to its already crowded launch manifest.

Elon Musk's company won the launch contract for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) JPSS-4 satellite. If all goes according to plan, JPSS-4 will lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2027.

The firm, fixed-price contract is worth $112.7 million, "which includes launch services and other mission-related costs," NASA officials wrote in an update on Monday (July 22).

The JPSS ("Joint Polar Satellite System") program is a cooperative effort of NOAA and NASA (which awarded the JPSS-4 launch contract on NOAA's behalf). The constellation collects a variety of information about Earth's land, sea and air.

"These data support NOAA's mission for continuous observation of Earth's environment to understand and predict changes in weather, climate, oceans and coasts to support the nation's economy and protect lives and property," NASA officials wrote in the same update. "NASA uses the instruments aboard the JPSS satellites to continue decades of Earth science research for the betterment of humanity."

Three JPSS satellites have launched to date, and all remain operational today: Suomi NPP in October 2011, JPSS-1 (renamed NOAA-20 upon reaching its final orbit) in November 2017 and JPSS-2 (NOAA-21) in November 2022. All three lifted off atop United Launch Alliance rockets  a Delta II for Suomi NPP and JPSS-1 and an Atlas V for JPSS-2.

The JPSS fleet will eventually consist of five satellites; JPSS-3 is scheduled to lift off in 2032, rounding out the constellation.

Related: SpaceX: Facts about Elon Musk's private spaceflight company

RELATED STORIES:

 SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket suffers failure during Starlink satellite launch (video)

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The Falcon 9 has already launched 69 times in 2024. But it's grounded for the time being after suffering a failure on its most recent flight, which took place on July 11.

The rocket's upper stage sprang a leak of liquid oxygen on that mission and could not complete an orbit-raising engine burn as planned. The Falcon 9 therefore deployed its payloads  20 of SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites  too low. All 20 spacecraft are presumed doomed, fated to be dragged down to a fiery death in Earth's atmosphere.
I spent 3 nights in Asia's least visited country. It also turned out to be the most expensive.

Marielle Descalsota has spent more than $30,000 on travel in the past two years.

Timor-Leste is one of the most expensive countries she's traveled to.

She breaks down how much she spent in Timor-Leste, including flights, hotels, dining, and more.

I graduated from college two years ago and set a goal for myself to visit at least 50 countries before I turn 30.

Even while maintaining a full-time job throughout most of my travels, I've already managed to tick 20 off the list. I've traveled to six countries in Europe and 14 across Asia.

I've spent about a quarter of my salary over the past two years on travel expenses, which have added up to more than $30,000. I've managed to stay on a tight budget even in upscale destinations such as the Maldives  where I spent less than $1,000 on a five-day trip  and have backpacked on a few dollars a day in cities such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

But on a recent trip to Timor-Leste in May  a country in the South Pacific only slightly larger in size than the state of Connecticut  I found budgeting more difficult than ever. The country comprises half of Timor Island  which it shares with Indonesia  and is known for its unspoiled waters and vibrant coral reefs.

It's one of the world's least-visited countries, making airfare and hotel rates more expensive than many countries in Asia.

Timor-Leste is on the United Nations' list of the world's least-developed countries. It's also one of the more expensive countries in the region because of high trade costs, according to Development Asia. In addition to the centavo, which is only minted in coins, the country uses the US dollar, too  a stronger currency than what's used in nearby countries, including Indonesia and Australia.

Here's a breakdown of what I spent in Timor-Leste.

A view of Dili's Cristo Rei statue from above. Marielle Descalsota

Cost of return plane tickets from Bali to Dili: $500

Getting to Timor-Leste isn't easy. When I was traveling, Bali, Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia, were the only cities with flights to Dili, the capital, where the country's only international airport. Only two airlines  the Indonesian low-cost carrier Citilink and the local airline Aero Dili  fly between Bali and Dili. The flight from Bali is less than two hours long, and while there are no direct flights from the US to Bali, stopovers through bigger airports such as Singapore and Tokyo are often used.

I booked a return ticket with Citilink about three weeks before departure for $500  which was about $100 cheaper than Aero Dili. This included a front-row seat reservation and a 44-pound checked-bag allowance.

The view of Dili's mountains from Timor Plaza. Marielle Descalsota

Cost of hotel stay for three nights: $500

Timor-Leste has only a handful of three-star hotels and no luxury accommodations. While Hilton plans to open a hotel in Dili's business district later this year, there were no international hotel chains when I visited.

Many travelers stay in guesthouses by the beach, which have only basic amenities such as fans and mosquito nets. I booked an entry-level room for three nights at Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments for about $500, including tax.

While the room itself was basic  and had its fair share of critters  the hotel had a stunning view of Atauro, one of Timor Leste's two offshore islands. It was also above a small mall, which made eating out easy.

I paid $30 a day to tour around Dili on a scooter. Marielle Descalsota

Cost of transportation: $90

Ride-hailing services weren't available in Timor-Leste, and taxi services were limited to the city center. I was quoted $20 an hour to rent a car, and I wasn't willing to pay $200 for a day.

Fortunately, I met a local guide who charged $30 a day to tour me around Dili on a scooter. I found it an inexpensive and efficient way to travel from the gorgeous white-sand beaches to the beautiful tropical mountains.

Cafe fare in Dili, comprising sandwiches with local sausages and Timorese coffee. Marielle Descalsota

Cost of food: $180

Food in Dili is surprisingly international. Despite Timor Leste having only a handful of international food chains  including Burger King and Gloria Jean's Coffees  Western food such as burgers is ubiquitous. I ate mostly local Timorese food and Indonesian fare.

I'd set a daily budget of about $60 for meals, drinks, and snacks for my guide and me. While a plate of nasi goreng  Indonesian fried rice  costs about $3 to $4 in Bali, I paid about $15 for the dish in Dili. At a local cafe, I paid $8 for a small plate of jackfruit, carrots, lettuce, and tortillas.

An artisan making Tais weave in a local market. Marielle Descalsota

Miscellaneous costs: $415

Before my trip, I spent $15 on an eSIM and $20 on travel insurance. When I arrived in Timor-Leste, I had to pay $30 for the visa-on-arrival, which allowed me to stay in the country for 30 days.

Souvenirs in Timor-Leste are expensive. I purchased a small handmade bag and sarong from the local Tais market  a type of weave indigenous to the country  for about $70. I snagged a handmade belt at another shop for $30. I bought several bags of Timorese coffee  the country's second-biggest export  for $50.

I didn't expect to find Western makeup products in Timor-Leste, so I bought a few items when I did find them at a local grocery for $70, a substantial markup compared with what they cost on retailers such as Amazon.

I didn't spend much on sightseeing as most of my time was spent swimming at the beach and exploring the tropical mountains. For activities, I spent $30 on a massage at a traditional Chinese spa and $50 on a half-day scuba diving trip at the coast. I budgeted about $50 for tips.

While traveling to Timor-Leste was expensive, the stunning views were worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Correction: July 25, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated the size of Timor-Leste. It's slightly larger than the state of Connecticut, not smaller.

Read the original article on Business Insider
I spent 6  hours in first class on a train in Morocco. It wasn't luxurious, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

My husband and I took the full route on ONCF's train from Marrakech to Fes.

I bought my tickets ahead online and spent a total of $58 for the 6 1/2-hour trip.

The experience wasn't luxurious, but I'd do it again and I learned a lot from my fellow passengers.

Ever since I first went to Disney World's Epcot as an almost 12-year-old, I've been captivated by Morocco. Well, at least fake Morocco, the World Showcase version built in 1984 with the participation of King Hassan II.

The intricate tile work, the aromatic tagines, and the friendly people all called to me, but it took me 30 years to pull the trigger and book my voyage.

During a 10-day sojourn, I made it a point to see the three major cities that interested me most: Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes.

Morocco is not a tiny country, and getting from city to city can take some time. But I was resolute in my desire to make the nearly seven-hour journey from Marrakech to Fes by ONCF train.

Although I could've bought tickets the day of, I bought them two months in advance. Each first-class ticket was $29  not bad for a ride that long, I thought.

The Marrakech train station alone is worth visiting

The Marrakech Railway Station station was a fine place to kill time. Alice Levitt

My husband insisted we arrive an hour and a half early for our 7:50 a.m. train. Fortunately, the Marrakech Railway Station is full of ways to pass the time.

We stopped at Segafredo, a link in an Italian coffee chain, so my husband could get his latte fix. But since this was Morocco, I ordered a pot of mint tea.

I ordered mint tea and my husband got a latte. Alice Levitt

We also stocked up on food and drinks in the station's convenience store before boarding our train, though food was also available for purchase on board.

There wasn't much legroom on the train, but I managed to rest and make friends on board

Our ONCF train arrived at the station on time. Tyson Bateman

Our train arrived at the station on time, and finding our well-labeled seats was easy.

My husband and I were initially assigned seats diagonally across from each other, but I asked the person assigned the spot next to him if we could switch, and they agreed.

Other passengers had already taken up most of the overhead luggage storage, so we were told to put our bags in the hall. This didn't leave much room for other travelers to pass by.

The hallway was packed with suitcases and bags. Alice Levitt

By the time all six people in our compartment were seated, there was no legroom. However, the seats themselves were plush, with a neck rest perfect for passing out for an hour or two.

When we first got on the train, it was pretty hot. Shortly thereafter, the air conditioner turned on, and the car remained frigid for the rest of the trip.

The restroom in our train car wasn't bad, either. It was just a matter of getting used to feeling the cool air from beneath the train rushing toward my nether regions.

The train car's restroom was fine. Alice Levitt

With frequent stops, there was a constant shuffle of passengers on and off the train.

In Casablanca, about halfway through my trip, another English-speaking passenger sat down next to me. The Mumbai-based gentleman told me that he was headed to Fes to meet a potential match for marriage.

We talked for most of the rest of the journey.

The train was the best way to get where I was going, and I got to see more of Morocco

We passed a lot of desert views throughout the train ride. Alice Levitt

Though there are cheap hourlong flights on Ryanair from Marrakech to Fes, I'm glad that I took the train.

I felt like I had a true Moroccan experience, bags in the hallway and all. I talked to fellow passengers and even made changes to my itinerary based on advice from a gentleman who got on at the last stop.

Taking the train also allowed me to see areas I didn't have time to visit in earnest

For example, when we entered Rabat, Morocco's capital, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Zaha Hadid's Grand Theatre de Rabat on the Bouregreg River. It's an African answer to Sydney's famous opera house.

I was equally enamored with the rolling hills dotted with sheep and the orange groves through which we passed. There's nothing like train travel to facilitate passively seeing the sights.

A plane is just a plane. A languid train trip is a memorable day on its own. I would do it again without hesitation.

Read the original article on Business Insider
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Manufacturing Stocks To Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) stands against the other manufacturing stocks.

2024 is seeing a momentous shift in global manufacturing trends that have cemented themselves over the past three decades. After China opened its economy in 1978, its sizeable population coupled with low living standards that resulted in lower wages attracted Western firms to its shores. Fast forward to 2024 and the biggest Western companies all rely on Chinese firms for their mass production needs and the disputed region of Taiwan houses the world's biggest contract chip manufacturer.

However, now, these trends are reversing. Prior to and leading to the coronavirus pandemic, China's share of global manufacturing rose to 31% in 2021 from 26% in 2017, and during the same time period, the Chinese share of the world's manufactured exports jumped to 21% from 17%. These trends came as global manufacturing dropped because of the pandemic, but their reversal started in 2023 when data from the first quarter revealed that the share of Chinese made products in US imports stood at 13.3%. This marked a sharp decline from 2017's 21.6% and was the lowest figure since 2003. These trends were also visible in the Kearney Reshoring Index, which indicates that US imports from low cost Asian countries declined by $143 billion in 2023, with Mexico crossing mainland China as the largest exporter to America for the first time since 2013 through its 32% growth.

The US and China are decoupling, and this is leading to some interesting, obvious, and unpredictable dynamics. First of all, during the same year, China's share of American imports dropped, and US manufacturing companies grew their construction projects that covered a wide variety of industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, and chip production. Data shows that in the 12 months ending in August 2023, construction spending for manufacturing facilities surged by a whopping 80%. Mind you, this came at a time when interest rates had soared to decade high levels as the Federal Reserve battled high interest rates. Electronics led all sub categories by marking a jump of 237%, while other non residential construction spending grew by a rather paltry 6%.

While we'll get to the reasons behind this surge in electronics in a bit, the US is not the only country in North America that's seeing a resurgence in manufacturing spending. Right down the Southern border, Mexico is witnessing a similar boom. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data outlines that capital inflows in Mexico are expected to grow 10% annually to touch $650 billion by 2027. This is fueled by nearly 500 foreign companies either setting up or increasing their presence, including big ticket US automakers that have traditionally relied on their Mexican plants for lower costs.

Story continues

However, these near shoring trends aren't driven only by American companies, as Chinese companies are also eager to move to Mexico and benefit from the country's trade ties and proximity to America. This is because as of Q3 2022, within the 5 million square meters of land acquired by new companies, 80% belonged to Chinese companies with American firms coming in second place at 14%. While the impact of this exodus on the Chinese economy is hard to quantify, research suggests that it could lead to anywhere between 1.3 million to 1.9 million jobs being lost in China.

Additionally, while the Chinese economy is slowing down due to the effect of the post pandemic policies, global growth expectations are also expected to stay muted. We're in a historic era of high interest rates that raise the costs of setting up new plants. According to the IMF, global economic growth will remain muted in 2024 and 2025 and continue to sit at 3.2% during both years. Growth in advanced economies is expected to slightly pick up to 1.7% in 2024 over 2023's 1.6%, while the developing world's growth can slow down to 4.2% this year from last year's 4.3%.

This decoupling between China and the West is the clearest in high growth and high technology industries of electric vehicles and semiconductor fabrication. Within the US, the Biden Administration's CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have authorized $280 billion and $500 billion in spending and tax cuts, respectively, to spearhead semiconductor fabrication and clean energy technologies in America. The IRA in particular incentivizes EV sourcing and assembly in America. For an EV to qualify for tax credits up to $7,500, its manufacturer must assemble the final product in America and source a certain portion of its raw materials from North America or countries that have trade agreements with the U.S. Additionally, not only does the CHIPS Act prevent companies that use its funds from using the profits from facilities set up with the funds to set up plants in countries hostile to America, but it also incentivizes global and local companies to set up their factories in America.

These seismic-level shifts occur just as Europe increased tariffs on Chinese EVs to as much as 37.6%, a striking blow delivered precisely when Chinese EVs were soaring in popularity on the continent. The EV industry isn't the only one that benefited from the IRA. On the act's first anniversary in July 2023, more than 170,000 jobs were added across America along with 272 new clean energy projects for $278 billion in new investments. These include an expansion of the world's largest wind turbine factory in Pueblo, Colorado, Minnesota's largest solar power plant, and America's first facility to make polisilicon based solar cells.

As the winds of manufacturing continue to shift, we decided to check what manufacturing stocks are on the analysts' radar.

Our Methodology

To make our list of the best manufacturing stocks according to analysts, we ranked the top 50 holdings of iShares' synonymous named ETF and added some stocks of our own with a sizeable manufacturing presence in America by the average analyst share price target upside and picked out the top stocks.

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 worker in a laboratory coat checking a Positive Displacement Pump.

IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors in Q1 2024: 25 Average Analyst Share Price Upside: 17% Average Analyst Share Price Target: $239.26 IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) makes and sells a variety of industrial products such as valves, pumps, seals, and equipment also used in the medical, automotive, and chip fabrication industries. It is one of the most interesting companies on our list of the top manufacturing stocks. This is because IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) has over 50 subsidiaries, and they sell specialty and niche products that have few competitors. Not only does this provide the firm a key competitive moat in a wide set of industries, but it also means that IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) enjoys pricing power to set its own terms. Cumulatively, this has translated well into financial performance, with more than $600 million in free cash flow generated during 2023. Additionally, one key bit to understanding IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX)'s stock is that the firm has built out its portfolio through acquisitions. This means that investors have to be on the watch out for IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX)'s choice of funds for its deals. While its cash flow provides it with little need to raise debt, a downturn in any industry that impacts revenue coupled with acquisition agreements already in place could strain the balance sheet. Ensemble Capital shared quite a bit of details about IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX)'s strengths and weaknesses in its Q1 2024 investor letter where it outlined:

"So what are some of the risks we face as shareholders of IDEX? Like with any serial acquirer, the company must continue to find acquisitions to execute, while being prudent in the quality and valuation of deals. We also expect IDEX to monitor shifting technologies and trends, and to respond appropriately in its capital allocation priorities, for example via divestitures and acquisitions. The company seems to be doing so by investing in faster growing areas recently like medical applications, optical devices, and specialty materials over traditional industrial pumps. And what are some potential positive catalysts? IDEX has proven its ability to generate attractive returns from acquisitions in the past, and this could bode well for its chance to further compound shareholder value. We think IDEX could ramp the cash it deploys into acquisitions and it has gained the ability to do bigger deals. It generated over $600 million in free cash flow in 2023, and we think it could add significantly more debt to its balance sheet without damaging its creditworthiness. IDEX could also report improving sales growth as its customers are mostly through their de-stocking phase from inventory built-up amid the pandemic. Along with a new CFO, Abhi Khandelwal, who re-joined IDEX in November 2023, we think IDEX might be ready to fire on all cylinders."

Overall IEX ranks 7th on our list of the best manufacturing stocks to buy according to analysts. You can visit 10 Best Manufacturing Stocks To Buy According to Analysts to see the other manufacturing stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of IEX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than IEX 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 10 Best of Breed Stocks to Buy For The Third Quarter of 2024 According to Bank of America.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  A Springfield pawn shop was served a search warrant on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation by the Illinois Attorney Generals Office.

Watch out for this phone impersonation scam in Macon Co.

WCIA reporters saw investigators at Monster Pawn on McArthur Boulevard carrying items out of the store. While the Attorney Generals Office confirmed that the search warrant was one of several that were served on Wednesday, they are part of an ongoing investigation that they could not comment on.

The Springfield Police Department is also assisting in the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Missouri Supreme Court halts release of man with overturned conviction as he was about to go free

FILE - Christopher Dunn, right, listens to his attorney Justin Bonus from New York City during the first day of his hearing to decide whether to vacate his murder conviction, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Carnahan Courthouse in St. Louis. A Missouri judge on Monday, July 24, 2024, overturned the conviction of Dunn, who has spent more than 30 years in prison for a killing he has long contended he didnt commit. (Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP, Pool, File)

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP)  The Missouri Supreme Court halted the immediate release Wednesday of a man whose murder conviction was overturned  just as the man was about to walk free.

A St. Louis Circuit Court judge had ordered Christopher Dunn, now 52, to be released by 6 p.m. CDT Wednesday and threatened the prison warden with contempt if Dunn remained imprisoned. But Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been fighting Dunn's release.

The situation was chaotic as the deadline set by the judge approached. Corrections Department spokesperson Karen Pojmann told The Associated Press that Dunn was out of the prison facility and waiting for a ride. His wife told the AP she was on his way to pick him up. Minutes later, Pojmann corrected herself and said that while Dunn was signing paperwork to be released, the Missouri Supreme Court issued a ruling that put his freedom on hold.

St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser overturned Dunns murder conviction Monday, citing evidence of actual innocence in the 1990 killing. He ordered Dunn's immediate release then, but Bailey appealed, and the state Department of Corrections declined to release Dunn.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore had filed a motion Wednesday urging the judge to immediately order Dunns freedom.

The Attorney General cannot unilaterally decide to ignore this Courts Order, Gore wrote.

An attorney for the Department of Corrections told a lawyer in Gore's office that Bailey advised the agency not to release Dunn until the appeal plays out, according to a court filing. When told it was improper to ignore a court order, the Department of Corrections attorney responded that the Attorney General's Office is legal counsel to the DOC and the DOC would be following the advice of counsel.

Dunns attorney, Tricia Rojo Bushnell, the executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project, expressed her frustration.

What is this bringing to taxpayers in Missouri? What is this use of our resources and our states time getting us?" she said. All its doing is keeping innocent people in prison.

Dunns wife said while driving to the prison that they were numb when he didnt get out earlier this week.

If you know a little about the story, you know weve had a lot of disappointments where we thought wed finally get his freedom and it was snatched away," Kira Dunn said. So we were just bracing ourselves.

Dunn's situation is similar to what happened to Sandra Hemme.

The 64-year-old woman spent 43 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of a woman in St. Joseph in 1980. A judge on June 14 cited evidence of actual innocence and overturned her conviction. She had been the longest held wrongly incarcerated woman known in the U.S., according to the National Innocence Project, which worked to free Hemme.

Appeals by Bailey  all the way up to the Missouri Supreme Court  kept Hemme imprisoned at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. During a court hearing Friday, Judge Ryan Horsman said that if Hemme wasnt released within hours, Bailey himself would have to appear in court with contempt of court on the table. Hemme was released later that day.

The judge also scolded Baileys office for calling the warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed on her own recognizance.

Dunn, who is Black, was 18 in 1990 when 15-year-old Ricco Rogers was killed. Among the key evidence used to convict him of first-degree murder was testimony from two boys who were at the scene of the shooting. Both later recanted their testimony, saying they had been coerced by police and prosecutors.

At an evidentiary hearing in 2020, another judge agreed that a jury would likely find Dunn not guilty based on new evidence. But that judge, William Hickle, declined to exonerate Dunn, citing a 2016 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that only death row inmates  not those like Dunn sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole  could make a freestanding claim of actual innocence.

A 2021 law now allows prosecutors to seek court hearings in cases with new evidence of a wrongful conviction.

Although Baileys office is not required to oppose such efforts, lawyers for his office said at the hearing that initial testimony from two boys at the scene who identified Dunn as the shooter was correct, even though they recanted as adults.

He also raised opposition at a hearing for Lamar Johnson, who spent 28 years in prison for murder. Another St. Louis judge ruled in February 2023 that Johnson was wrongfully convicted, and he was freed.

Another hearing begins Aug. 21 for death row inmate Marcellus Williams. Baileys office is opposing the challenge to Williams conviction, too. Timing is of the essence: Williams is scheduled to be executed Sept. 24.

Steven Puro, professor emeritus of political science at St. Louis University, said Bailey is in a highly competitive race for the attorney general position with the primary quickly approaching on Aug. 6.

Bailey is trying to show that he is, quote, tough on crime, which is a very important Republican conservative position," he said. Clearly, hes angering members of the judicial system that he will have to argue before in the future. But hes making the strategic notion that he needs to get his name before the voters and try to use that to win the primary election.

Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court judge and chief justice, agreed, saying it seems this has become political for Bailey.

But one of the things is that no matter what your beliefs are, if a court orders something to happen, its not your purview to say no," he said. "The court has to be obeyed.

___

This story has been updated to correct the deadline that a court order says Dunn must be released from prison. It should have said 6 p.m. CDT instead of 6 p.m. EDT. This story has also been updated to correct that Dunn was represented by the Midwest Innocence Project, not the National Innocence Project.

___

Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas; Associated Press writer Summer Ballentine contributed from Columbia, Missouri.
ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis Public School District school board is discussing a tax levy to make up for an increase in operating costs.

These talks come a few months after millions of dollars in raises were approved for teachers. It was around a 20% raise for St. Louis Public School educators over the course of the next three years.

The Chief Financial Advisor for the district says the board is discussing the potential tax hike because of those salary increases. They emphasize that the district is not running out of money.

Revenue for SLPS last year was at an all-time high as they generated more than $650 million. This is partially because of the elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund, where the district received more than $150 million in 2021.

The districts financial advisor, Angie Banks, says because of that bump, the district has not needed to ask for any additional money from taxpayers.

Last school year, people who live in St. Louis City paid about $4.05 per $100 of assessed property.

Banks says that number couldve been higher but the school district has limited the tax rate hike each of the last three years. But Tuesday, the board of education talked about potentially lifting that voluntary tax pause.

The board eventually approved the resolution on Tuesday. The highest tax that voters approved in 2016 was $4.50 per $100 of assessed property value.

A tax levy increase could bring the school district millions. The board of education made it clear that under no circumstances can they approve a tax levy above what voters approved in 2016.

A tax hearing and presentation of what the tax hike could look like will be presented in September. This event will be open to the public.

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Representatives for the Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership speak with a summit attendee on July 23, 2024, during the Labor of Love Summit at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. (Mia Hilkowitz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) kicked off its two-day Labor of Love Summit on Tuesday with a series of informational sessions addressing womens health, teen pregnancy and infant wellbeing and outcomes.

At the opening of the summit  which was attended by hundreds of physicians, nurses, caregivers and public health officials  Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver announced that IDOH would launch a new dashboard on Tuesday to track birth outcomes and infant mortality in the state. The dashboard is available on the IDOHs website as of Tuesday afternoon.

Weaver said that infant and maternal outcomes are important markers of the greater health of a community. The IDOH partnered with dozens of organizations to host the event, including Riley Childrens Health, the Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital, Eskenazi Health and the Indiana Pregnancy Promise Program.

How we go about our work at the Department of Health, is an acknowledgement that were not going to make improvements and continue to get better if we dont have all our partners, Weaver told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Its really everybody coming together and saying what can we do as a whole to improve?

Indiana has implemented several programs in recent years to lower its maternal and infant mortality rates.

Focused conversations

Tuesday marked the 12th anniversary of the summit. Eden Bezy, assistant commissioner and director of the IDOH maternal and child health division, said the agency expanded the event to last two days this year due to past high attendance and demand. This years summit also aims to help local health departments implement new solutions.

We have been working with them to do (maternal child health) related work in their communities so they can learn from the experts and from one another, Bezy said. Were also emphasizing our clinical partners who, again, have a lot of experience in this and want to share what they know with their colleagues around the state.

The summit includes more than 50 panels and information sessions over two days that address a wide range of maternal and infant health topics. Several of these sessions discussed how medical providers could use trauma and data informed practices to best serve patients from different backgrounds and ages.

One session, for instance, focused on how providers could build trust and relationships with pregnant women in the Haitian Creole community. During this panel, attendees learned about the various cultural and gender norms within this community, and how providers can take these factors into consideration to deliver the best support.

The Haitian Association of Indiana estimates there are over 10,000 Haitians living in Indianapolis.

Other panels addressed how medical and social service providers could help improve outcomes for preterm infants, navigate bereavement and mental health support for patients who lose a pregnancy or infant, and specialized treatments for pregnancy-associated conditions.

We know that theres great work happening and thats where we feel the Department of Health can help, Weaver said. By bringing people together so that they can share those great ideas, the programs that are working, the initiatives that they have started, and then seeing the difference and just opening up that opportunity for sharing and learning.

Latest data on maternal mortality in Indiana

Mary Pell Abernathy, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, and Cameron Willett, director of the IDOHs maternal mortality programs, also shared key findings from a recent Indiana Maternal Mortality Review Committee report, which looked at data on pregnancy-related and associated deaths from 2018-2022.

According to the report, there were 72 pregnancy associated deaths in 2022. Of these cases, 55 deaths were associated with, but not directly related to pregnancy, and 12 were directly related. However, five deaths were labeled pregnancy-associated but unable to determine relatedness.

Willett said analyzing aggregate data over a five year time-span, rather than looking at a single year of reports, gives public health officials a better idea of the average state of maternal mortality in Indiana.

When looking at the five year aggregate data, Willett said she saw that non-hispanic black women are dying at higher rates in Indiana compared to women of other racial demographics. The data also reflected that most of the reported deaths occurred when a patient was 43 days to one year postpartum, and that more than half of the deaths occurred in urban areas.

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We like to say that just because the care is in a county, doesnt mean that these women are accessing it, Willett said. There may still be barriers to this care that they need.

The committee found that 80% of pregnancy-associated deaths were preventablewhich Willett said showed there are ways to improve outcomes.

Abernathy also shared the committees recommendations for local health departments, medical and social service providers, and law enforcement. The recommendations include funding substance use resources and education, identifying at risk-youth, establishing additional training for law enforcement and removing firearms from all households with a history of domestic violence. She also said the state should encourage legislation to increase the number of certified forensic pathologists in Indiana. Because county coroners are elected positions in Indiana, Abernathy said a lack of expertise can impact the quality of information collected.

The forensic pathologist that helps us on each and every case will sometimes say she had an autopsy, but they failed to look at x and that really would have been important for us, she said. As our state, if you want to improve the health, not just for women, the health care in our state, we need to have good data to understand that and we need to increase the number of certified coroners.

Bezy, assistant commissioner and director of the IDOH maternal and child health division, also emphasized the importance of using data in the maternal and infant health field.

I think its important that attendees know the latest data that weve been able to share so they can go back and use that data for actionable work in their communities, Bezy said. I hope they take away inspiration and ideas from things that are working across the state that they feel like they can implement in their own communities.

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Stanford University has recently been criticized for hiring a public relations firm to boost its image after campus activists raised concerns about the school's ties to Big Oil. The PR firm has a long history of supporting major polluters, sparking outrage among the university's climate advocates.

What's happening?

The Guardian reported that Stanford's sustainability school, which opened in 2022, hired the Brunswick Group  a global PR firm that handles critical business issues  to address its declining reputation.

However, student council members and faculty were not pleased to learn about Brunswick's previous clients, which included energy and oil giants Saudi Aramco and BP, among many other large oil and gas producers.

"I was mad and disappointed," Amanda Campos, a Stanford sophomore and a Doerr School of Sustainability student advisory board member, told the Guardian. She's also active in the Coalition for a True School of Sustainability, which calls for the school to stop accepting funding from oil companies.

Duncan Meisel, executive director of the nonprofit Clean Creatives, agreed that the students were right to be alarmed, telling the outlet: "I think you can make the case that Brunswick's speciality is in greenwashing."

He called the partnership a "conflict of interest," per the Guardian. Meisel believed it could open the door to further public deception if oil and gas companies exploit the relationship to market themselves as environmentally friendly despite the overwhelming evidence that they're a leading contributor to the warming climate.

Why is this concerning?

As Meisel explained, Stanford's relationship with the Brunswick Group may send the wrong message and actually hurt the school's reputation even more.

Thomas Hersbach, a policy fellow at the Doerr School and a student sustainability coalition member, told the Guardian: "The contrast between the school's stated mission, which is to address climate change, and the source of part of that money, which is the people causing climate change  that's just madness."

This isn't the first time the university has come under fire for its affiliation with oil giants, either. According to the student coalition, Doerr has accepted donations from many oil majors, including Chevron, Aramco, Exxon, and Shell. Citing Stanford data, the Guardian reported that polluting fuel companies donated over $68 million for research projects to the schools that are now part of the Doerr School from 2011 to 2023.

According to another report by the Guardian, fossil energy firms have poured millions into academic research in the United States, including at esteemed universities such as the University of California, Berkeley. Louisiana State University and some of the United Kingdom's top-tier schools have also been on the hot seat for accepting millions in questionable donations.

When oil companies are allowed to influence university research, it can create bias in studies and skew the agenda toward climate "solutions" that protect the industry's profits while doing little to nothing to address pollution.

What's being done about this?

Students worldwide are putting pressure on their universities to divest from oil companies and stop allowing them to fund research. According to CBS News, 50 universities, including six with the largest donation amounts, have exited investments with dirty fuel companies.

Student activists at Cambridge also launched a successful campaign to persuade the school to suspend new contributions from oil companies.

We can help by educating ourselves about greenwashing and investing in clean economy stocks that don't harm the planet.

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The Government wants to cut back on how much money is paid to owners and developers, making the payouts 'fair but not excessive' - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Europe

Sir Keir Starmers plans for a housebuilding revolution risk breaching human rights laws, lawyers have said.

They say the Government will face a string of legal battles over its proposal to reduce compensation to landowners forced to hand over their assets under compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers.

As outlined in the Kings Speech, the Government wants to reduce how much money is paid to owners and developers for use in housebuilding, saying it wanted to make the payouts fair but not excessive.

This is part of its plans to shake up housebuilding targets and build 1.5 million new homes.

It is thought the reforms will result in the removal of so-called hope value payouts, which take into account the potential value of land if it were to be developed on in the future.

Compensation will likely instead always be based on existing market values  significantly slashing the amount landowners can receive for being turfed out of their property.

But Tom Barton, a partner at law firm Mishcon de Reya, told The Telegraph that the Government risks falling foul of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) law by changing compensation rules.

He said: Such sweeping changes could face challenges on human rights grounds.

The ECHR protects the right to peaceful enjoyment of ones possessions and respect for your right to a home, and capping compensation at existing use value could be considered an infringement on this right.

Landowners would almost certainly argue that removing or reducing hope value in compulsory purchase compensations deprives them of fair market value for their property and infringes their human rights.

If this is a reform the Government is serious about pursuing, the likelihood of challenge is high.

Warnings over a ECHR breach come after leading lawyers told The Telegraph that Labours planned VAT raid on private schools was likely illegal.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, passed last year, already allows authorities to buy land through CPO without paying hope value, as long as the purchase paves the way for affordable housing or educational and health infrastructure.

They must also gain express permission from the communities secretary to carry out the purchase.

It is, however, understood that Labour will remove the need for permission and could broaden the acceptable circumstances  allowing CPOs to become more commonplace.

Jon Stott, managing director of surveying firm Ardent, said: If Labour goes further than the previous government, it will result in a number of unintended and unwanted consequences.

CPOs are likely to be objected to with more vigour and more frequency, making the process still more contentious.

CPOs, of which 39 were decided upon last year, can be issued by acquiring authorities, such as councils, Homes England and Network Rail.

They are classed as a last resort and can only be utilised when all other avenues have been exhausted.

In recent years, they have propped up parts of HS2, the UKs yet-to-be-finished second high-speed rail network, and helped build thousands of new homes in Sheffield city centre.

Mr Stott fears that an increased reliance on CPOs will cause developers to shy away from putting forward land for housing.

He said: I cannot see why any promoter or developer would risk spending money promoting land for development in the knowledge that it could be CPOd from them at existing use value, and they would not be compensated for the planning costs they had incurred.

As such, I fully expect that through seeking to solve a problem that doesnt actually exist, the new Government would create a far bigger problem  a significant reduction in land being promoted for residential development, at the precise time we need more housing.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government said: We completely reject these claims. Any reforms to compulsory purchase compensation rules will be made in strict accordance with human rights law.

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ORLANDO, Fla.  The Orange-Osceola state attorney wrote a letter earlier this month questioning Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopezs credibility as a law enforcement officer in the wake of his conflicting claims about a photo posted to social media of 13-year-old Madeline Sotos dead body.

The letter came after Lopez told state investigators he knew a photo posted to his Instagram page was of Madeline despite a public denial, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement report released Tuesday.

FDLE investigated the photos online publication, and its report reveals it was taken by one of Lopezs captains and sent to his personal cellphone by one of his majors. According to the report, Lopez wanted to zoom in on the picture to take a closer look and identify the victims clothing.

Lopez also personally apologized to Kissimmee police Chief Betty Holland  whose agency oversaw the murder investigation  for posting the photo which he said was put on his campaign page by accident the day after Madeline was found, according to the report. The report said Holland instantly knew the photo was of Madeline, telling investigators, I was very upset about the whole thing.

The photo, which was shared with but not published by the Orlando Sentinel, showed the girl wearing a green top and blue jeans and lying beneath a mound of brush. While the teens name was redacted in the report, it was clear that the photo pertained to her murder investigation.

According to the report, FDLE was notified about the photo by former Maj. Wiley Black, one of Lopezs reelection opponents and a former member of the sheriffs top brass before he was fired in November.

But in a March 26 interview with radio station WDBO, Lopez said the photo was of an area of interest where there was a body found. While the Sheriffs Office first issued an apology for Lopez accidentally including an investigative photo in a March 2 post about an event for senior citizens, he outright denied it was of Madeline, whod been found dead in St. Cloud a day earlier.

Other people politically trying to use this as an advantage, to use the death of a child to bring some light to themselves  its sad when those things happen, Lopez said in the radio interview. The Sheriffs Office has not said if Lopez will take back those claims.

The conflicting claims prompted State Attorney Andrew Bain to issue a letter to Lopez on July 8. In the letter, Bain wrote that his office was having difficulty squaring the statements made under oath with the comments made to WDBO. He called on the Sheriffs Office to launch an internal probe of the photos publication to determine if the sheriff violated his own agencys conduct policies.

Bain further suggested Lopez could allow FDLE to conduct such an investigation but that the results would determine whether Lopez is placed on the regions Brady list, which records law enforcement officers of questionable credibility.

The absence of any investigation will result in our office making a determination with the evidence currently in our possession, Bain warned. Its not clear whether a further investigation is underway.

The records were released in light of the state attorneys office quietly filing a summons against Lopez on July 15 accusing him of violating public records laws in posting the photo of Madeline to Instagram. Prosecutors stopped short of accusing Lopez of criminal charges and instead he faces up to a $500 fine for a civil infraction, a state attorneys office spokesperson said Tuesday.

Florida law broadly forbids the release of photos or video of the killing of a minor, including photos of a dead body, without permission of the surviving family. Willfully and knowingly posting that material would be a third-degree felony  but prosecutors dont believe Lopez met that standard.

After reviewing the evidence, we determined there isnt sufficient evidence to show the photo was willfully and knowingly posted to social media, and therefore criminal proceedings are not appropriate, spokesman Jason Gunn said by email.

Lopez has a court hearing scheduled for Dec. 20.

A Sheriffs Office spokesperson said the agency is preparing a statement for the media, which will be sent as soon as it is available.

Madeline was found March 1 following a dayslong search in Orange and Osceola counties. Stephan Sterns, longtime boyfriend to Madelines mother, Jennifer Soto, is accused of first-degree murder and dozens of sex crimes after detectives found he had been sexually abusing Madeline since she was 11.

Lopezs post a day after Madelines body was found sparked an uproar and prompted the investigation by FDLE.

The Sheriffs Office drew further criticism after Nirva Rodriguez, the agencys executive director, posted to her personal Facebook page a since-deleted selfie with Sterns seconds before he was shown on video being placed in the back of a patrol car. She included a caption written in Spanish translated to, If Gods love has been poured out over your life, dont allow evil to keep you away from what He has prepared for you.

Madeline was reported missing in late February by her mother, who said she noticed her disappearance while trying to pick her daughter up from Hunters Creek Middle School. Sterns was later arrested and faces trial for killing her and sexually abusing her since she was at least 11.

Investigators said Sterns killed her the day she was reported missing and hid her body in St. Cloud. The childs mother has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Sterns faces the death penalty if convicted of murdering Madeline and life in prison for the alleged sexual assault, along with dozens of charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 14.

-------
A State College towing company will pay $15,000 and change some of its business practices to resolve a lawsuit that alleged its private parking tickets were unfair and deceptive.

The settlement between Walks Service Center and Pennsylvanias Office of the Attorney General put an end to almost four years of litigation. It was approved Monday by Centre County Judge Brian Marshall.

This company was demanding that consumers pay additional private ticket fees under false threat of prosecution or the retention of their towed vehicle, state Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. In those instances where the ticketed vehicles were towed, consumers that were already facing substantial costs related to the tow were then subjected to private ticket fees imposed by Walks.

The states elected top prosecutor alleged in the 2020 lawsuit that Walks private parking tickets looked similar to the boroughs. It alleged violations dating back to 2012.

Walks were printed on white paper with the words PARKING VIOLATION in red letters at the top, similar to the boroughs. They also had similar information, and the state attorney generals office alleged Walks tickets state nowhere that such tickets can be contested.

When the lawsuit was filed, the business said it was completely baseless and had no merit at all. It did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement. A message left Wednesday with the companys attorney was not immediately returned.

The agreement prohibits Walks from requiring the payment of private parking tickets prior to the release of towed vehicles and from threatening collection efforts. Walks must also modify their tickets to make clear they are private.

To be eligible for a portion of the $15,000 pot funded by Walks, consumers must file a complaint with the attorney generals bureau of consumer protection. Claims must relate to private parking tickets issued by Walks.

Eligible consumers can file complaints by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov by Nov. 19.
State of Nevada looks to fill 2K vacancies with the help of job fair

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  State jobs are continuing to be filled with a vacancy rate recently dropping from 24% to 16%. However, there are still nearly 2,000 open positions that need to be filled.

The State of Nevada is hosting a two-day job fair to help fill some of those positions and they are planning to give out 200 offer letters during the fair.

Carla Monotes a born and raised Las Vegan, joined more than 500 people looking for a new opportunity on Tuesday.

Im looking for a state job. Better pay and better opportunity, Monotes said. I think it went pretty good Im hoping I get a call back we will see.

From part-time to full-time and entry-level all the way to top jobs they are hiring for a variety of positions. From nurses to law enforcement to highway maintenance workers and everything in between.

A big incentive to take these jobs is a recent pay raise that went into effect on July 1st, 2024, for public workers. Other big incentives include health benefits and the public employee retirement system.

A lot of these new workers will be able to work in one of the 18 new buildings the city purchased and built out on their new southern Nevada campus located near the airport. More than 4,200 people will be moving into these spaces soon.

However first, they need to hire them.

Were not looking to hire people for jobs we are looking to hire people for long-term careers, Chief Innovation Officer for Governor Lombardos office Jack Robb explained.

The fair runs Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located at one of the states new offices at 500 East Warm Springs Road. You can find more details HERE.

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BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Law enforcement agents stand near the stage of a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, the suspected gunman is dead after injuring former President Trump, killing one audience member and injuring at least one other. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Pennsylvanias top police officer faced questions Tuesday from lawmakers who wanted details on how the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement communicated when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, killed one rallygoer and injured two others in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Lawmakers were aghast to learn state police relayed information to the U.S. Secret Service of a suspicious man with a range finder roughly 20 to 25 minutes prior to the July 13 shooting, and that a photo of him was texted to a phone number provided by the federal agency.

The hours-long hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security occurred as lawmakers continued to probe how an agency tasked with protecting the nations current and former leaders could allow a 20-year-old wielding a rifle to reach a rooftop in such close proximity to Trump.

The committees hearing was still ongoing when Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday following days of outrage about the agencys failure to stop the gunman before he fired several rounds and injured the former presidents right ear. The shots were fired just as Trump turned his head.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris testified that in the lead up to Trump taking the stage in Butler, authorities were responding to several simultaneous incidents  heat-related illnesses among attendees, a missing 6-year-old  and they also had eyes on four suspicious individuals, including Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, who was later killed by a Secret Service counter sniper and identified as the shooter.

Paris said that he could not speak to the minute-by-minute timeline of events but told lawmakers that two Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers assigned to monitor the area, including the rooftop, left their post to locate the man who had been spotted with a range finder.

Alert sent

Pennsylvania state police sent an alert and photo of the man to the Secret Service via a phone number the federal agency provided to state authorities, Paris said.

Committee Chair Mark Green, a Tennessee Republican, said he was totally blown away that federal law enforcement did not heed the warning and pause the event.

I find it interesting that this guy is so suspicious, has a range finder, they leave their post that they are manning to go look for him, yet Secret Service, they get told about it 20 to 25 minutes beforehand, but (they) still let the president go on stage, Green said. But again, theres more details to be had.

Rep. Dan Bishop, a North Carolina Republican, said the agency committed a colossal failure.

State police participated in a walk-through of the site on July 11 and were told by Secret Service that Butler County ESU would be responsible for monitoring the rooftop where the gunman perched days later, Paris said.

Secret Service was the lead agency, Paris said.

Paris told the committee that his agencys role in supporting federal law enforcement during presidential and other high-profile visits is routine and that his force provided the Secret Service with everything they requested.

Working with FBI

Paris told lawmakers his agency is now conducting an investigation parallel to and in concert with the FBI into the homicide of local former fire chief Corey Comperatore and the attempted murder of two other spectators. As is routine in officer-involved shootings, state police are also investigating the Secret Service counter snipers killing of Crooks.

I can tell you that the Pennsylvania State Police will fully cooperate with that investigation, Paris said in his opening statement. He said he would provide the committee answers that did not compromise that investigation

Paris also told lawmakers that the Secret Service has yet to produce for the state police the detailed day-of operations plan for the ongoing investigation.

Communications concerns

Democratic Rep. Lou Correa of California questioned how the various agencies were using real-time communication technology to talk to each other and said he worried about possible failures as the November election approaches.

Pennsylvania is a battleground state. You will have these kinds of events again, Correa said. And to know that we dont have the facts, let alone execute a plan to fix the holes is unacceptable to our democracy, to our country.

Patrick Yoes, national president of Fraternal Order of Police, stressed the importance of interagency communications and said that a platform called FirstNet was developed after 9/11 in response to communication lapses.

Theres infrastructure, but theyre not always used in every event, Yoes said, adding that he could not speak to the specific communications on July 13.

Were not where we need to be on that, ranking Democrat Bennie Thompson of Mississippi said.

I stood on that roof

Lawmakers from the Homeland Security Committee visited the site of the attempted assassination Monday and climbed the rooftop to see for themselves how close Crooks was able to get to the event.

At Tuesdays hearing, Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona presented a video he recorded from the rooftop location.

Its not that steep at all. We just had a 70-year-old man back here climb up on the roof, he said, revealing Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida behind him.

Earlier during questioning Gimenez said I stood on that roof, and yes, I am 70 years old.

The Florida Republicans age was mentioned multiple times as a reference point for Cheatles comments last week that the roofs slope presented too much of a danger to post Secret Service personnel there.

Cheatle told ABC News on July 16 that the roofs slope was a safety factor in the decision to post law enforcement inside of the building rather than on top.

When asked for his thoughts on Cheatles remarks, Paris said that he cant agree with that decision.

Cheatle faced nearly five hours of questioning on Capitol Hill Monday, and top lawmakers on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability called for her resignation.

Bipartisan task force

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Tuesday they will form a task force to understand what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination.

The Louisiana Republican and New York Democrat issued a joint press release detailing plans for the task force that will seat seven Republicans and six Democrats, and make legislative and policy recommendations.

The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life are shocking, the House leaders said. The task force will be empowered with subpoena authority and will move quickly to find the facts, ensure accountability, and make certain such failures never happen again.

GOP Rep. Mike Kelly, who represents the Butler area, introduced a resolution to establish the task force and attended Tuesdays hearing.
Fatima Latifova

The Prosecutors General of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, Maksat Asanaliyev and Kamran Aliyev, have signed a cooperation agreement and a cooperation program for 2025-2026, Azernews reports.

The meeting took place within the framework of the 22nd meeting of the Prosecutors General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries and the 3rd meeting of the Council of Prosecutors General of the Organization of Turkic States.

The agreement and the cooperation program are aimed at strengthening mutual interaction in the field of legislation between the supervisory authorities of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. The documents provide for the exchange of experience and information, joint activities, including the implementation of projects aimed at increasing the efficiency of prosecutorial activities," noted the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Kyrgyzstan.
Amidst the backdrop of fluctuating markets and shifting economic indicators, Canadian investors continue to seek stability and potential growth opportunities. Dividend stocks, particularly those well-positioned within the TSX, offer an appealing avenue for those looking to navigate the current landscape of moderating interest rates and broadening market leadership.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Canada

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) 6.67%  Whitecap Resources (TSX:WCP) 7.33%  Secure Energy Services (TSX:SES) 3.48%  Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (TSX:BPF.UN) 8.18%  Enghouse Systems (TSX:ENGH) 3.40%  Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) 3.73%  Firm Capital Mortgage Investment (TSX:FC) 8.48%  Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) 4.39%  Russel Metals (TSX:RUS) 4.31%  Canadian Western Bank (TSX:CWB) 3.00% 

Click here to see the full list of 32 stocks from our Top TSX Dividend Stocks screener.

Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: IGM Financial Inc. is a Canadian wealth and asset management company with a market capitalization of approximately CA$9.12 billion.

Operations: IGM Financial Inc. generates revenue primarily through its asset management and wealth management segments, which contributed CA$1.19 billion and CA$2.26 billion respectively.

Dividend Yield: 5.8%

IGM Financial maintains a consistent dividend yield of 5.83%, supported by a payout ratio of 69.5% and a cash payout ratio of 74.9%, indicating dividends are well-covered by both earnings and cash flows. Despite trading at 36.5% below its estimated fair value, offering potential upside, its dividend yield remains slightly lower than the top quartile in the Canadian market at 6.32%. Recent financials show a decline in quarterly revenue and net income, with significant executive changes and ongoing share buybacks highlighting active management adjustments.

TSX:IGM Dividend History as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: The North West Company Inc. operates in the retail sector, providing food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighborhoods in northern Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean, with a market cap of CA$2.13 billion.

Operations: The North West Company Inc. generates CA$2.50 billion from its core operations in retailing food and everyday items.

Story continues

Dividend Yield: 3.5%

North West Company reported a 15.8% increase in net income to CA$25.53 million and sales growth to CA$617.52 million in Q1 2024, reflecting solid operational performance. Despite a lower dividend yield of 3.51% compared to the top Canadian dividend payers, the company maintains a stable payout with dividends consistently paid and increased over the past decade, supported by a sustainable payout ratio of 55.2% and cash payout ratio of 59.7%.

TSX:NWC Dividend History as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Richards Packaging Income Fund, operating in North America, focuses on the design, manufacture, and distribution of packaging containers and healthcare supplies, with a market capitalization of CA$341.25 million.

Operations: Richards Packaging Income Fund generates CA$416.97 million from its wholesale miscellaneous segment.

Dividend Yield: 4.2%

Richards Packaging Income Fund maintains a consistent monthly dividend, recently affirming a CAD 0.11 per unit distribution. Despite a slight decline in Q1 2024 earnings, with sales dropping to CAD 97.88 million from CAD 106.83 million year-over-year, the fund's dividends are well-supported by a low payout ratio of 38.5% and an even lower cash payout ratio of 19.4%. However, its dividend yield of 4.2% lags behind the top quartile of Canadian dividend stocks at over 6%.

TSX:RPI.UN Dividend History as at Jul 2024

Key Takeaways

Access the full spectrum of 32 Top TSX Dividend Stocks by clicking on this link.

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Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets.

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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 TSX:IGM TSX:NWC and TSX:RPI.UN.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Pennsylvania state police officers stand near the stage of a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Pennsylvanias top police officer faced questions Tuesday from lawmakers who wanted details on how the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement communicated when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, killed one rallygoer and injured two others in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Lawmakers were aghast to learn state police relayed information to the U.S. Secret Service of a suspicious man with a range finder roughly 20 to 25 minutes prior to the July 13 shooting, and that a photo of him was texted to a phone number provided by the federal agency.

The hours-long hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security occurred as lawmakers continued to probe how an agency tasked with protecting the nations current and former leaders could allow a 20-year-old wielding a rifle to reach a rooftop in such close proximity to Trump.

The committees hearing was still ongoing when Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday following days of outrage about the agencys failure to stop the gunman before he fired several rounds and injured the former presidents right ear. The shots were fired just as Trump turned his head.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris testified that in the lead up to Trump taking the stage in Butler, authorities were responding to several simultaneous incidents  heat-related illnesses among attendees, a missing 6-year-old  and they also had eyes on four suspicious individuals, including Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, who was later killed by a Secret Service counter sniper and identified as the shooter.

Paris said that he could not speak to the minute-by-minute timeline of events but told lawmakers that two Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers assigned to monitor the area, including the rooftop, left their post to locate the man who had been spotted with a range finder.

Alert sent

Pennsylvania state police sent an alert and photo of the man to the Secret Service via a phone number the federal agency provided to state authorities, Paris said.

Committee Chair Mark Green, a Tennessee Republican, said he was totally blown away that federal law enforcement did not heed the warning and pause the event.

I find it interesting that this guy is so suspicious, has a range finder, they leave their post that they are manning to go look for him, yet Secret Service, they get told about it 20 to 25 minutes beforehand, but (they) still let the president go on stage, Green said. But again, theres more details to be had.

Rep. Dan Bishop, a North Carolina Republican, said the agency committed a colossal failure.

State police participated in a walk-through of the site on July 11 and were told by Secret Service that Butler County ESU would be responsible for monitoring the rooftop where the gunman perched days later, Paris said.

Secret Service was the lead agency, Paris said.

Paris told the committee that his agencys role in supporting federal law enforcement during presidential and other high-profile visits is routine and that his force provided the Secret Service with everything they requested.

Working with FBI

Paris told lawmakers his agency is now conducting an investigation parallel to and in concert with the FBI into the homicide of local former fire chief Corey Comperatore and the attempted murder of two other spectators. As is routine in officer-involved shootings, state police are also investigating the Secret Service counter snipers killing of Crooks.

I can tell you that the Pennsylvania State Police will fully cooperate with that investigation, Paris said in his opening statement. He said he would provide the committee answers that did not compromise that investigation

Paris also told lawmakers that the Secret Service has yet to produce for the state police the detailed day-of operations plan for the ongoing investigation.

Communications concerns

Democratic Rep. Lou Correa of California questioned how the various agencies were using real-time communication technology to talk to each other and said he worried about possible failures as the November election approaches.

Pennsylvania is a battleground state. You will have these kinds of events again, Correa said. And to know that we dont have the facts, let alone execute a plan to fix the holes is unacceptable to our democracy, to our country.

Patrick Yoes, national president of Fraternal Order of Police, stressed the importance of interagency communications and said that a platform called FirstNet was developed after 9/11 in response to communication lapses.

Theres infrastructure, but theyre not always used in every event, Yoes said, adding that he could not speak to the specific communications on July 13.

Were not where we need to be on that, ranking Democrat Bennie Thompson of Mississippi said.

I stood on that roof

Lawmakers from the Homeland Security Committee visited the site of the attempted assassination Monday and climbed the rooftop to see for themselves how close Crooks was able to get to the event.

At Tuesdays hearing, Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona presented a video he recorded from the rooftop location.

Its not that steep at all. We just had a 70-year-old man back here climb up on the roof, he said, revealing Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida behind him.

Earlier during questioning Gimenez said I stood on that roof, and yes, I am 70 years old.

The Florida Republicans age was mentioned multiple times as a reference point for Cheatles comments last week that the roofs slope presented too much of a danger to post Secret Service personnel there.

Cheatle told ABC News on July 16 that the roofs slope was a safety factor in the decision to post law enforcement inside of the building rather than on top.

When asked for his thoughts on Cheatles remarks, Paris said that he cant agree with that decision.

Cheatle faced nearly five hours of questioning on Capitol Hill Monday, and top lawmakers on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability called for her resignation.

Bipartisan task force

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Tuesday they will form a task force to understand what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination.

The Louisiana Republican and New York Democrat issued a joint press release detailing plans for the task force that will seat seven Republicans and six Democrats, and make legislative and policy recommendations.

The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life are shocking, the House leaders said. The task force will be empowered with subpoena authority and will move quickly to find the facts, ensure accountability, and make certain such failures never happen again.

GOP Rep. Mike Kelly, who represents the Butler area, introduced a resolution to establish the task force and attended Tuesdays hearing.
Pennsylvania state police officers stand near the stage of a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Pennsylvanias top police officer faced questions Tuesday from lawmakers who wanted details on how the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement communicated when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, killed one rallygoer and injured two others in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Lawmakers were aghast to learn state police relayed information to the U.S. Secret Service of a suspicious man with a range finder roughly 20 to 25 minutes prior to the July 13 shooting, and that a photo of him was texted to a phone number provided by the federal agency.

The hours-long hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security occurred as lawmakers continued to probe how an agency tasked with protecting the nations current and former leaders could allow a 20-year-old wielding a rifle to reach a rooftop in such close proximity to Trump.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The committees hearing was still ongoing when Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday following days of outrage about the agencys failure to stop the gunman before he fired several rounds and injured the former presidents right ear. The shots were fired just as Trump turned his head.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris testified that in the lead up to Trump taking the stage in Butler, authorities were responding to several simultaneous incidents  heat-related illnesses among attendees, a missing 6-year-old  and they also had eyes on four suspicious individuals, including Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, who was later killed by a Secret Service counter sniper and identified as the shooter.

Paris said that he could not speak to the minute-by-minute timeline of events but told lawmakers that two Butler County Emergency Services Unit officers assigned to monitor the area, including the rooftop, left their post to locate the man who had been spotted with a range finder.

Alert sent

Pennsylvania state police sent an alert and photo of the man to the Secret Service via a phone number the federal agency provided to state authorities, Paris said.

Committee Chair Mark Green, a Tennessee Republican, said he was totally blown away that federal law enforcement did not heed the warning and pause the event.

I find it interesting that this guy is so suspicious, has a range finder, they leave their post that they are manning to go look for him, yet Secret Service, they get told about it 20 to 25 minutes beforehand, but (they) still let the president go on stage, Green said. But again, theres more details to be had.

Rep. Dan Bishop, a North Carolina Republican, said the agency committed a colossal failure.

State police participated in a walk-through of the site on July 11 and were told by Secret Service that Butler County ESU would be responsible for monitoring the rooftop where the gunman perched days later, Paris said.

Secret Service was the lead agency, Paris said.

Paris told the committee that his agencys role in supporting federal law enforcement during presidential and other high-profile visits is routine and that his force provided the Secret Service with everything they requested.

Working with FBI

Paris told lawmakers his agency is now conducting an investigation parallel to and in concert with the FBI into the homicide of local former fire chief Corey Comperatore and the attempted murder of two other spectators. As is routine in officer-involved shootings, state police are also investigating the Secret Service counter snipers killing of Crooks.

I can tell you that the Pennsylvania State Police will fully cooperate with that investigation, Paris said in his opening statement. He said he would provide the committee answers that did not compromise that investigation.

Paris also told lawmakers that the Secret Service has yet to produce for the state police the detailed day-of operations plan for the ongoing investigation.

Communications concerns

Democratic Rep. Lou Correa of California questioned how the various agencies were using real-time communication technology to talk to each other and said he worried about possible failures as the November election approaches.

Pennsylvania is a battleground state. You will have these kinds of events again, Correa said. And to know that we dont have the facts, let alone execute a plan to fix the holes is unacceptable to our democracy, to our country.

Patrick Yoes, national president of Fraternal Order of Police, stressed the importance of interagency communications and said that a platform called FirstNet was developed after 9/11 in response to communication lapses.

Theres infrastructure, but theyre not always used in every event, Yoes said, adding that he could not speak to the specific communications on July 13.

Were not where we need to be on that, ranking Democrat Bennie Thompson of Mississippi said.

I stood on that roof

Lawmakers from the Homeland Security Committee visited the site of the attempted assassination Monday and climbed the rooftop to see for themselves how close Crooks was able to get to the event.

At Tuesdays hearing, Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona presented a video he recorded from the rooftop location.

Its not that steep at all. We just had a 70-year-old man back here climb up on the roof, he said, revealing Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida behind him.

Earlier during questioning Gimenez said I stood on that roof, and yes, I am 70 years old.

The Florida Republicans age was mentioned multiple times as a reference point for Cheatles comments last week that the roofs slope presented too much of a danger to post Secret Service personnel there.

Cheatle told ABC News on July 16 that the roofs slope was a safety factor in the decision to post law enforcement inside of the building rather than on top.

When asked for his thoughts on Cheatles remarks, Paris said that he cant agree with that decision.

Cheatle faced nearly five hours of questioning on Capitol Hill Monday, and top lawmakers on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability called for her resignation.

Bipartisan task force

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Tuesday they will form a task force to understand what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination.

The Louisiana Republican and New York Democrat issued a joint press release detailing plans for the task force that will seat seven Republicans and six Democrats, and make legislative and policy recommendations.

The security failures that allowed an assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life are shocking, the House leaders said. The task force will be empowered with subpoena authority and will move quickly to find the facts, ensure accountability, and make certain such failures never happen again.

GOP Rep. Mike Kelly, who represents the Butler area, introduced a resolution to establish the task force and attended Tuesdays hearing.

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Georgia Power received approval April 16 from state regulators for its revised source plan that included the construction of three methane gas turbines at Plant Yates in Coweta County. The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold a July 24 hearing on the certification for the Yates fossil fuels expansion, which several clean energy groups contend is costly, public and environmental threat. Grant Blankenship/Georgia Public Broadcasting

A battle over the states energy future resumes Wednesday with utility regulators hosting a hearing on Georgia Powers plans to significantly expand fossil fuel generation over the next several years.

The Public Service Commission has scheduled hearings starting Wednesday for Georgia Powers application to fast track the construction of three methane gas-burning units at Coweta Countys Plant Yates in order to meet increasing demands in the next decade.

Wednesdays hearing will feature testimony and cross-examination of Georgia Power officials, PSC staff analysts and experts representing clean energy groups. The hearing would resume on Thursday if the five member commission finds it necessary. There will be another opportunity for the companys lawyers, environmentalists and consumer watchdogs to make their case to a PSC committee on Aug. 15, prior to the commissions vote on the proposed Yates expansion scheduled Aug. 20.

The Plant Yates expansion was among the major changes approved in 2023 to Georgia Powers three-year strategic plan, which was approved by the five-member commission in a 4-1 vote April 16. The utility companys revised outlook also calls for bringing more renewable energy online with the addition of a total of 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity with battery storage by early 2027 and the extension of purchasing agreements in Florida for natural gas, and with Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Georgia Powers parent company Southern Co.

Yates expansion opponents argue that adding more polluting fossil fuels that will be in operation for nearly 50 years will do more long-term harm to public health and the environment than clean energy alternatives.

Plant Yates opened as a coal-fired electricity generating plant in 1950 and operated until five of the seven units were retired in 2015 and the other two were converted to natural gas.

Georgia Power officials have argued that the Yates gas generators project needs to be fast tracked in order to meet the growth of massive data centers that continue to proliferate, primarily around metro Atlanta. The new energy sources are being promoted as a way to keep attracting companies building state-of-the-art facilities that operate around the clock to support data storage and artificial intelligence technology.

The debate over Georgia Powers utility rates has intensified over the last several years as customers faced hikes in electric base rates and paid for soaring fuel costs, coal ash cleanup and construction overages at Plant Vogtle. The average Georgia Power residential bill will jump a total of $44 a month over two years, including $16 to pay for spikes in methane gas and coal costs.

An expert witness for the Sierra Club and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is urging the five PSC commissioners to delay the Yates certification until a new fuel recovery policy ensures that Georgia Power customers dont have to pay 100% of the expansion costs.

In order to serve the public interest, the commission is obligated to create the proper incentives so that major risks to the cost of the electricity market are optimized by the parties who have the information and power to make those decisions, wrote Albert Lin, a California based economic and financial consultant, in June 21 testimony.

The potential $3 billion costs to implement the three-year plan update, of which approximately half is alloted for Yates new units, has also raised concerns about how the burden would be split between residential and small business customers versus large commercial manufacturers.

Georgia Power officials also say the company will not seek to recover from its customers any construction costs overruns, unless its caused by events beyond the companys reasonable control, such as natural disasters. The terms of the revised resource plan stem from a stipulated agreement between Georgia Power, PSC staff, and various organizations such as consumer watchdog Georgia Watch, MARTA, the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and the Southern Renewable Energy Association.

Throughout the IRP update process, the PSC members have acknowledged that the Yates expansion would play a crucial role in meeting the energy demand to support Georgias extraordinary growth, according to Jeffrey Grubb, director of resource and planning for Georgia Power, and Michael Bush, director of generation development for Southern Co.

The expedited certification of Yates 8-10 (units) is a necessary part of the companys commitment to continue serving our customers reliably and cannot be delayed, their July 10 rebuttal testimony says.

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School children run and jump off a staircase at a school building. The board that oversees the Hope Scholarship has selected a vendor to run the growing program. (Getty Images)

A board overseeing the Hope Scholarship has selected a vendor to run the growing program, opting to award the contract to a company with limited state-level experience running education savings accounts.

The State Treasurers Office signed a $9.8 million contract in April with Student First Technologies to assist with running the online part of the program, according to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The Treasurers Office oversees the Hope Scholarship program.

Rachel Dispennette is a mother in Charleston who teaches her three children at home. She and her family enrolled in the Hope Scholarship to help pay for their education supplies, and through the online portal, she purchased curriculums, printer paper, crayons and other materials.

The program gives roughly $4,400 per student in taxpayer money to families to use for private school, homeschooling and more.

It has been life changing, Dispennette said. Its the difference between the best choices for them and us scraping to pick something not as good.

Student First Technologies, based in Indiana, is a six-year-old company managing an ESA program in just one other state (Tennessee). The Hope Board bypassed a contract bid from ClassWallet, which currently manages ESA programs in five states.

West Virginias new Hope Scholarship vendor will be onboarded at a time of growth for the ESA program. More than 9,000 students have been awarded the Hope Scholarship for the 2024-25 school year, and enrollment is expected to increase asnd program eligibility expands in the coming years.

Now that we have been through the first few years of operating this program, the Office and [Hope Scholarship Board have the experience to better know our participants needs and expectations, said Jared Hunt, spokesperson for the Treasurers Office.

With the program expected to grow significantly in future years, we believe we have found a program manager that will help accommodate that growth while also providing the high-level of personal service our participants require, he continued.

Hunt said that the new online platform will allow families and service providers to submit program forms, complete the financial transactions and more. It will provide in-state customer service support.

.   The online platform that Student First Technologies is creating for the program will offer new functions and features to simplify online transactions and provide a better overall experience for program participants, State Treasurer Riley Moore said in a May news release.

The states previous contract with Step Up for Students for its ESA program technology was set to expire in January 2025, leading the state to seek a new vendor who was poised to accommodate an expected increase in Hope Scholarship users.

ClassWallet, Odyssey and Merit also bid on the contract. Hunt said that Student First Technologies received the highest score in the bidding process.

The company said its cloud-based platform has facilitated over $300 million in K-12 education funding to families across the country with zero instances for fraud, according to its proposal.

Mark Duran, president of Student First Technologies, declined an interview request and directed questions to Hunt with the Treasurers Office.

Student First Technologies is honored to be serving the great state of West Virginia on this impactful and important program, Duran said in an email.

The company has partnered with 17 states for educational funding programs, including tax credit scholarships and microgrants. However, the company is fairly new to the area of overseeing ESAs, like the Hope Scholarship.

Tennessee officials in May selected Student First Technologies to run its education savings account program, signing a $3.75 million, five-year contract. It was the companys first full-fledged entry into the education savings account arena, according to reporting from Chalkbeat that raised concerns about the companys ability to oversee Tennessees voucher program.

Tennessee was the only other education savings account experience that Student First Technologies listed in its bid for the West Virginia contract.

By contrast, ClassWallet operates in 34 states, according to the companys bid to the state.

Hunt said his office was not aware of any credible information that would call into question Student First Technologies qualifications or abilities and noted that the ESA is still a fairly-new marketplace.

Educational savings account programs are a relatively new type of program, and no two state-administered education savings account programs are exactly alike, so building significant economies-of-scale while tailoring a program to the specific needs of each state has been a challenge for the industry overall as it has developed and grown in recent years, he said.

The new online platform will launch for the upcoming school year with plans to go online after July 31.

A maintenance period to switch over to the new platform is not expected to interfere with participants ability to apply for the Hope Scholarship or use student funds in the upcoming school year, according to the Treasurers Office.
(WFRV)  Officials say one 9-year-old recently received a number of gifts from a sheriffs office in Wisconsin after she surprised one deputy with multiple heartfelt gifts of her own.

According to a Facebook post from the Marquette County Sheriffs Office, 9-year-old Allie and Deputy Zeumer met a couple of months ago while Deputy Zeumer was out on a call to service, during which Allie had made and given him a card telling him to stay safe.

Community Clothes Closet in Menasha holds fundraising blitz to provide new clothing for students

Deputy Zeumer had reportedly told Allie that he would keep the card in his squad car as a way to always remember to stay safe while on the job.

On Tuesday night, officials say Deputy Zeumer, along with Deputy Kuklinski went back to visit Allie to prove that he had kept his promise.

Upon visiting Allie, Deputy Zeumer was once again surprised as Allie had made him another card and a heartfelt gift to go along with it.

Courtesy of the Marquette County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy of the Marquette County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy of the Marquette County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy of the Marquette County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy of the Marquette County Sheriffs Office

As a way to show thanks and their appreciation, Deputy Zeumer and Deputy Kuklinski took time to show Allie around the squad car before presenting her with a Junior Deputy Badge, a couple of gift cards from the Police Lights of Christmas program, and some other gifts.

Thank you Allie for all of your support. We appreciate you! The Marquette County Sheriffs Office

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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How to stay safe when hiking in extreme heat

A hiker drinks water near the Potato Hill Trailhead of Corner Canyon in Draper on Thursday, July 18, 2024. While hiking and spending time outdoors, it is vital to stay hydrated and keep cool. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A 56-year-old woman has died while hiking in southwest Utah.

While the womans name and hometown have not been released, her death is believed to be heat-related, according to The Associated Press.

Emergency rescuers reportedly responded on Sunday near Quail Creek State Park and administered life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful.

The Hurricane City Police Department said in a statement that the hiker was in distress due to not having enough water and the temperature being 106 degrees.

Heres more information on that deadly hike and tips on staying safe in extreme heat.

Death near a state park

Quail Creek State Park in Hurricane, Utah, is located around 130 miles northeast of Las Vegas, per USA Today.

The hiker was found unresponsive near the park, according to a statement from the local police department.

Information regarding incident on 07-21-24 near Quail Creek State Park. Posted by Hurricane City Police Department on Monday, July 22, 2024

Triple-digit temperatures and a lack of water are factors believed to have contributed to this and similar deaths over the summer. A father and a daughter were found dead earlier this month after hiking in Canyonlands National Park, located near Moab.

According to Fox 13 News Utah, the individuals ran out of water in similar heat conditions. Albino Herrera Espinoza and his daughter, Beatriz Herrera, from Green Bay, Wisconsin, reportedly sent a 911 text, telling emergency services that they had gotten lost and run out of water. By the time rescuers found them, they had already died.

The effects of high temperatures

Utah is experiencing above-average heat, with increased temperatures likely to last through the start of fall. While hiking and spending time outdoors, it is vital to stay hydrated and keep cool.

If you are planning on a hike sometime soon, be sure to prepare beforehand, per CNN. Become acclimatized to the heat and work up to difficult hikes. Make sure your body is accustomed to hot weather.

Additionally, bring a lot of water and electrolytes. People may underestimate how much liquid they need to carry on hot hikes. Even if it is heavy to carry, bring as much water as you can. If youre halfway through your supply before you reach your destination, turn back.

Finally, try to schedule your hikes and outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day, such as the mornings. Stay in the shade as much as possible to keep yourself from overheating.
A company advertises a help wanted sign on April 9, 2021, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Michelle Cox was in disbelief when a U.S. Department of Labor official told her earlier this year she was violating federal law by employing 14- and 15-year-olds past 7 p.m. on school nights.

Cox, the owner of a Subway franchise in Maquoketa, Iowa, knew the state legislature had made substantial changes to state labor laws in 2023 to allow younger teens to work later on weekdays.

The problem, as critics of last years proposed bill pointed out during the legislative debate: Iowas new regulations directly conflicted with federal standards. And employers must follow the strictest standards, whether they be state or federal.

Cox said she fixed the problem the day the feds informed her, eliminating later work shifts for her youngest employees. But she said she still faced a $73,000 federal fine.

I kept telling him I wasnt trying to break the law, she said. I honestly thought I was following the law.

Shes among several Iowa restaurateurs facing steep penalties from federal regulators following last years state legislation.

In recent years, lawmakers in Iowa and other states have sought to roll back long-standing child labor protections as employers struggle to fill open jobs and critics complain that many safeguards on child workers are outdated. But experts say no state has recently gone as far as Iowa, setting up a trial case of the extent to which the feds will crack down in states with looser laws.

Since 2021, lawmakers in 31 states have introduced bills that would weaken child labor protections, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a think tank that examines how policies affect low- and middle-income workers. This year, EPI tracked bills weakening child labor protections that passed in eight red states: Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia.

Among the changes are expanding eligibility for younger teens to drive to work or loosening standards on work permits for the youngest workers  items unaddressed in federal law. Other changes, including some enacted in Iowa, directly conflict with federal laws.

Jennifer Sherer, an EPI researcher who tracks the issue, said federal and state governments had for decades embraced protecting the youngest workers after eradicating the worst child labor abuses. But legislatures, backed by business groups, have recently sought to loosen standards, leading to heightened tensions over federal rules, she said.

What were seeing is this pretty bold and alarming all-out assault on that consensus, Sherer said.

Iowas Republican leaders, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, are protesting what she called excessive fines resulting from enforcement of federal law. In a July 1 letter to federal regulators, Reynolds said some businesses were facing fines as steep as $180,000.

In a statement, the federal Department of Labor acknowledged receiving the letter, saying officials would respond accordingly.

We fully support the enforcement of labor laws against businesses which employ youth in dangerous and harmful work environments, Reynolds wrote. But a teenager working past 7 p.m. on a school night is not oppressive child labor.

SD among states with less restrictive laws

Reynolds noted that 25 other states have less restrictive laws than the feds. She said those states, including South Dakota, have not faced the same level of enforcement and fines as Iowa.

Since 1994, South Dakota has sanctioned more expansive hours for younger workers than federal law allows. But the federal labor department has not been nearly as active there, said Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association.

They want to make an example out of Iowa, Sanderson said. Other states that have had laws like this that have been in place for longer arent going to be nearly as prescient for the U.S. Department of Labor, because theyre viewing this as sort of a test case.

In the meantime, employers such as Cox are stuck in the middle.

She thinks the federal government is unfairly targeting Iowa, which she says was only trying to support small businesses, and should have given out warnings first. She said she often works alongside her youngest employees, who are not endangered at Subway.

They dont run ovens. They dont run meat slicers, she said. They make sandwiches.

Cox is appealing her fine with assistance from the states restaurant association. She said the fine would prove ruinous for her store, which is located in an eastern Iowa town of about 6,100 people.

Id have to shut my doors, she said. Do you realize how many sub sandwiches youd have to make to make $73,000?

We should not be in this position

In Des Moines, opposition was fierce as soon as lawmakers released the draft of their bill last session. The Republican legislation sparked national headlines  and false claims that Iowa was rolling back protections to allow kids to work the floors of meatpacking plants.

It was one of the most bizarre bills, in a way, I had ever worked on, said Republican state Rep. Dave Deyoe, the floor leader for the bill. The PR campaign against this was huge.

But the rhetoric didnt match the substance, he said.

Deyoe viewed the bill as more of a code cleanup, with lawmakers aiming to update some provisions of statute that hadnt been touched in more than a century. The previous state law still referenced children working in street occupations, he noted, such as selling newspapers and shining shoes.

You can volunteer at the high school concession stand and get no pay until 11 oclock at night and nobody cares. But if you go and work at Dairy Queen until 9 and get paid for your work, suddenly thats dangerous or harmful?

 Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association

Under the law enacted last year, younger teens are allowed to work until 9 p.m.  rather than the federal 7 p.m. cutoff  and those as young as 16 can serve alcohol. Legislation enacted this year allows driving permits for younger teens so they can drive to work.

Deyoe noted Iowas law had already conflicted with federal law: While the federal government says 14- and 15-year-olds can only work three hours per day, the state had since the 1970s allowed them to work for four hours.

Im not really sure what the motive is, he said of recent federal action. But it sure does seem over the top.

Federal enforcement has seemed to have targeted Iowas restaurant industry, said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, which lobbied for last years legislation.

The association initially celebrated the law, informing employers of the new state guidelines. But since the federal investigations began, Dunker said, her organization has been urging members to follow federal rules.

Dunker thinks Iowa is being treated unfairly since other states with conflicting laws dont seem to be facing similar enforcement. She noted the state law only changed the work times for younger teens  it didnt allow them to perform more dangerous work.

If you are a high school student, you can volunteer at the high school concession stand and get no pay until 11 oclock at night and nobody cares, Dunker said. But if you go and work at Dairy Queen until 9 and get paid for your work, suddenly thats dangerous or harmful?

Jake Andrejat, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Labor, said less restrictive state laws do not negate more restrictive federal rules.

It is, and always has been, the obligation of the employer to maintain compliance with federal law when their states pass laws that are less restrictive, he said in a statement to Stateline.

Many of the departments investigations are based on complaints or tips. But it also performs agency-initiated investigations, aimed at protecting the most vulnerable employees who are the least likely to complain, Andrejat said.

The restaurant industry has a high rate of violations and often employs vulnerable workers who may not be aware of their rights or specific employment rules such as the right to overtime and child labor laws, he said in the statement.

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To Iowa state Sen. Nate Boulton, the predicament facing employers was entirely preventable. And predictable.

This is not a situation where the federal government dropped a trap door on the state of Iowa, said Boulton, a Democrat who practices labor law in Des Moines. This is a situation where there were all kinds of warnings and all kinds of efforts to draw attention to these conflicts.  We should not be in this position.

Boulton was among those last year who warned Republicans that the law would conflict with federal standards. Since federal enforcement began, Iowas entire congressional delegation has called for changes in federal law, arguing the current protections are outdated.

But Boulton said there are less harmful ways to push for change in federal rules than to pass a conflicting state law.

What a disappointing way to approach a political issue, by putting small businesses in a position to be fined to try to put pressure on the federal government, Boulton said.

Other states take opposite approach

While youth employment rates have inched up in recent years, they remain significantly lower than previous decades. At the same time, the country has seen improved high school graduation rates, noted Betsy Wood, a historian of child labor.

She said that state policies should encourage that trajectory, not discourage it. Wood, who teaches history at Bard High School Early College in Newark, New Jersey, noted that recent rollbacks of child labor protections come during a time of skyrocketing child labor law violations.

It is negligent and dystopian for employers  with the help of state legislatures  to balance their labor shortages on the backs of teen workers, Wood said.

Unlike the states loosening work protections, lawmakers in seven states  Alabama, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah and Virginia  recently enacted legislation to strengthen some child labor standards, according to EPI. The Illinois legislature passed a similar bill, but the governor has not signed it.

Several employers in Utah faced penalties after following less strict state standards. For example, the federal labor department announced in March it had fined a Baskin-Robbins franchisee in Utah nearly $50,000 for scheduling young workers too late in the evening and too many hours per week. The department said the owner of eight ice cream shops relied on erroneous legal guidance to follow the less stringent state regulations.

Utah Democratic state Sen. Karen Kwan introduced legislation in February to get state law more in line with federal rules for the youngest workers, reducing confusion for employers. It passed with little opposition.

The intent was to make sure our employers do not get fined by the federal government, she said.

In Indiana, rules for the youngest workers were stricter than the federal regulations.

That became troublesome for employers, especially in rural areas where workforce challenges are exacerbated, said state Rep. Kendell Culp, a Republican.

After being contacted by the owner of a drive-in restaurant, Culp learned that Indiana didnt allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work past 7 p.m. in the summertime.

Legislation he sponsored changed that and eased requirements on 16- and 17-year-old workers that were not addressed under federal law.

Bringing some of Indianas regulations more in line with federal rules will ultimately reduce confusion, Culp said.

I think from an aspect of really being business-friendly, it made sense to have the same regulations, he said. Those regulations are there for a reason: to protect those teenagers.

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.
Meet Patel, 23, is being held in a Tennessee jail after being charged with theft over $250,000, police say

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Meet Patel

A Tennessee dad became a newly minted millionaire after winning the lottery last week. He just didnt know it, because the clerk he asked to check the scratch-off ticket to see if it was a winner allegedly stole it and tried to cash it in for himself, say police.

The unusual ordeal began when a customer bought two $20 Diamond and Gold lottery tickets at a Shell station in Murfreesboro, Tenn., the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office said in a release Monday, CNN reports.

The customer, who did not want to be publicly identified, scratched off the bar code on the front of the tickets and asked the clerk, Meet Patel, 23, of Murfreesboro, to see if either tickets were winners, Lt. Det. Steve Craig told WTVF.

If you scratch off the front bar code, it will tell you if its a winner or not, regardless of whether you scratch off everything showing how much you won, Craig told WTVF.



After allegedly realizing that the man had won $1 million with one of the tickets, Patel was seen on videotape throwing that ticket in the garbage, authorities said in the release.

Patel was later seen on videotape allegedly taking the winning ticket out of the garbage while emptying it and putting it in his pocket, according to authorities.

Mr. Patel is then seen later in the video celebrating in the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and learning it was a $1 million winner, Det. Dennis Ward said in the release.

Players are required to claim prizes of $200,000 or more at the Tennessee Lotterys Nashville headquarters, the release says. Patel tried to claim his prize in person, but was unsuccessful.

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He went to the Tennessee Lottery Commission to claim the ticket as his own and through their normal line of questioning there were enough red flags for them to say, Hey, you need to get all of your affairs in order and come back to us and were gonna hold on to the ticket, Craig told WTVF.

The Tennessee Lottery Commission checks into anyone who wins a big prize, which includes reviewing video of someone buying a winning ticket, WTVF reports.

"An Antioch father was surprised when @RCTNSheriff detectives informed him he won the $1 million lottery," The sheriff's office wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "A store clerk allegedly stole his ticket and tried to collect the prize."

Later adding: "The father was thankful."

Patel was arrested and charged with theft over $250,000, the release said. He is being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court for a July 30 hearing. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.



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Read the original article on People.
Lear production worker Abigail Fletcher rides her mini bike in support of the picket line as members of United Auto Workers Local 282 continue their strike against the car and truck seat manufacturer in Wentzville, Mo. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The strike led to a shutdown at the nearby GM assembly plant. (Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Production has halted at a Missouri General Motors plant that manufactures trucks and vans, the result of a strike at the company that supplies seats for the vehicles.

About 480 workers at Lear Corp. in Wentzville walked out at midnight Sunday. The strike brought production to a standstill Monday at the GM plant in Wentzville, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of St. Louis, where the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks, along with the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans are made.

About 4,600 employees work at the Wentzville GM plant.

We can confirm that GM Wentzville Assembly Plant has been impacted by part shortages resulting from a labor dispute at one of our suppliers, GM spokesman Kevin Kelly said in a statement. We hope both sides work quickly to resolve their issues so we can resume our regular production schedule to support our customers.

A statement on the United Autoworkers Region 4's Facebook page said Lear Corp. has failed to address more than 30 proposals from union negotiators.

"Despite the bargaining committees best efforts to secure a new agreement during more than a month of negotiation, Lear has remained unwilling to provide the conditions and compensation these nearly 500 Wentzville, Missouri UAW members deserve," the statement read.

A statement from Lear Corp. said negotiations are ongoing.

We continue bargaining in good faith with the UAW," the statement read. "We are working hard to reach a fair and equitable settlement as soon as possible in our Wentzville, Missouri, seating assembly plant.
India intends to grow foreign direct investment (FDI) from China despite a fraught political relationship since border clashes in 2020.

At the countrys annual Economic Survey presentation, Nirmala Sitharaman, Indias Finance Minister, said: India faces two choices to benefit from China plus one strategy: it can integrate into Chinas supply chain or promote FDI from China.

Given the countrys large trade deficit with China, Sitharaman said increasing FDI seems more promising for boosting Indias exports to the US.

India needs this investment to grow its manufacturing capacity, one of the governments goals.

Currently, the manufacturing sector makes up 17% of the economy. Its goal is to increase this to 25% by 2025.

A violent border clash

The mostly peaceful relationship between China and India was thrown into a tailspin in 2020.

During a set of border clashes at the disputed Himalayan border, at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died.

It was the first fatal border clash in 45 years and has marked a before-and-after in the relationship between the huge trading partners.

Modis government responded with a wave of anti-China measures  it banned 320 Chinese apps, raised taxes on Chinese companies and increased red tape for any Chinese investment.

Between the violent crisis and a brutal global pandemic, Chinese investment in India plummeted.

Source: GlobalData

Shifting the approach

According to The Economist, a year ago, there was an impetus to pull back from the economically dependent relationship with China.

However, as shown by Sitharaman, the winds seem to be changing. Demand for Chinese technology and expertise has increased and is seen as necessary to grow the manufacturing sector.

In 2023-2024, China surpassed America to once again become Indias top trading partner.

Persistence despite a global downturn in FDI

The shift comes amidst a downturn in global FDI.

The World Investment Report, conducted by UN Trade and Development, found that FDI fell by 2% in 2023. It cited economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions as major contributors to this decline.

It highlighted that, excluding a few European economies, the downturn is closer to 10%.

Amid a grim FDI horizon, Indias intention to facilitate international investments is significant.

This shows that, despite geopolitical tensions, Chinas and Indias economies are so embedded that staying away is not a real option.

"India sets its eyes on Chinese investments despite political tensions " was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.

Story continues







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A mosaic from the floor of an ancient Roman villa has been uncovered on the seabed in the waters off Naples.

Now underwater, the marble floor would originally have been located in the protiro, or decorated porch, of a residence overlooking the sea, according to a Facebook post from the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park, which is part of the Italian Ministry of Culture, published Tuesday.

A diver works on the submerged mosaic floor. - Parco Archeologico Campi Flegrei

Built in the ancient spa town of Baiae, which was popular during the late Roman Empire and home to residences owned by Julius Caesar and the Emperor Nero, the villa is part of an area of land that became submerged as the result of a geological phenomenon called bradyseism, during which the ground rises or, as in this case, falls due to pressure under the surface.

Preliminary research shows that the floor is largely made of irregularly shaped pieces of reused marble, a technique that was common from the 3rd to the 5th century CE, according to the park.

The marble is also broken up because the walls of the room, which were more than 10 meters (32 feet) high, collapsed onto the floor, it added.

Underwater work continues to uncover and restore more of the floor, while some sections have been removed and cleaned on land.

The aim is to try to reconstitute an entire section of the floor, according to the post.

Local mayor Josi Gerardo Della Ragione called the find stupendous in a post on Facebook.

The floor would have been laid toward the end of the Roman Empire, shortly before bradyseism brought these wonders to the bottom of the sea, he said.

The area is now a popular diving spot, offering opportunities to see submerged ruins.

Campi Flegrei, or the Phlegraean Fields  a large, volcanic area that stretches 200 kilometers (125 miles) under the bay of Naples and the islands of Capri and Ischia to the outskirts of the city of Naples  is a giant caldera, or depression.

It is now the site of multiple volcanoes that have been active for 39,000 years, many of which lie underwater.

The last major eruption of Campi Flegrei was in 1538, and it created a new mountain in the bay.

Seismic activity in the area has been intensifying since December 2022, according to Italys National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), and experts fear the volcano could be reawakening after generations at rest.

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During the warm months, Alabama is accustomed to the scorching hot temperatures and occasional afternoon downpour to replenish the dry soils. However, we are normally not prepared for growing drought concerns like many local farmers have been worried about this year. In fact, for some farmers, these are the driest conditions theyve had since the infamous summer drought of 2012.

While most of Alabama is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, the core of the drought is focused across northern and central Alabama. The latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor which is updated every Thursday now shows extreme (level 4/5) drought conditions developing for a few counties in central Alabama. This area includes Walker, Winston, Marion, Fayette, Lamar, and Pickens counties. Meanwhile, surrounding areas are in a severe (level 3/5) or moderate (level 2/5) drought. The Birmingham metro is currently avoiding the worst of the dry soils, reporting abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions.

Breaking down the amount of rainfall Birmingham has seen so far this year, we are running well over four inches below average through July 23rd.

According to the monthly summary for 2024 so far, this drought has been evolving since the Spring because of the lack of rain we had from March through May. During what is typically one of our wettest times of the year, Birmingham fell a few inches below average, and we have been adding to this precipitation deficit since then.

Thankfully, much of Birmingham is starting to receive some relief from the ongoing drought conditions, but this weeks rain wont be quite enough to break the drought. Through July 23rd, we have got over five inches of rain for the month so far, over an inch above average for where we should be during this part of July. Much of this rain fell during the Fourth of July weekend and this past week, outside of mostly dry weather this month. The additional rainfall coming today and into the upcoming weekend may allow us to close out this month with more rain than we usually see in July.

Although this years rainfall deficit is now shrinking due to recent heavy rainfall, we still need 10-12 of rain over the next month from Birmingham to Gadsden to completely break the drought. Much of the I-20/I-59 corridor needs 8-10 of rain between now and August 23rd while area-wide could use at least 6-8 of rain. The terrain forces much of the water to channel into various spots through local rivers and tributaries in the lower valleys. Therefore, the most drought-stricken areas dont necessarily need the most rain to end the drought.

A newly updated map will be released on Thursday, July 25th. Climatologically, the Fall months is our driest time of the year, so we could really use more rain before we naturally enter the dry season. For now, we will hope that an active hurricane season in the coming months will lead to beneficial rainfall amounts from any tropical remnants that move across central Alabama as we approach Autumn.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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The Biden campaign continues to show its support for Kamala Harris as it also grows in North Carolina.

The organization said enthusiasm on the ground for Harris is electric, and they are dedicated to electing her as president.

The campaign has opened 18 offices in key counties across the state and over 100 staffers. A number that the campaign said will more than double before August 1.

According to the Biden campaign, since Harris announced her intention to earn the nomination, they have had thousands of North Carolinians sign up as volunteers.

Leaders across the state, including Governor Roy Cooper, members of the Congressional delegation, and local elected officials, are also supporting Harris.

PREVIOUS: Excitement grows for Harris presidential campaign in Charlotte

The campaign said their team has been taking aggressive steps to engage with our key constituencies across the state, including Black voters and young voters.

They are also working to drive up our numbers in the suburbs and rural communities and to engage Republicans who are turned off by Trumps Project 2025 agenda.

Ahead of Trumps visit to Charlotte, Governor Roy Cooper released a statement, saying:

North Carolinians dont want what Donald Trumps selling, especially his extreme Project 2025 agenda. This is a state where we fight for freedom and working people, and were not going to stand for Trump or JD Vance trying to ban abortion without any exceptions, raise taxes on middle-class families, and give him the power to rule as a dictator and control our daily lives. The last time Trump tried to campaign here he was washed out by rain, and we have millions of energized North Carolinians who want to make sure hes a washout in November and elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.

VIDEO: Cooper addresses potential VP nod




The Supreme Court may be on its summer recess, but its docket is still plenty busy.

After a decision season that saw landmark case after landmark case that will define history, emergency appeals from the Biden administration and Republican state attorneys general have made the justices summer jam-packed.

For starters, a ruling is expected anytime on three Republican-led states challenge to President Bidens latest student loan plan. On Monday, the Biden administration asked to narrow rulings freezing its sweeping Title IX changes in some states.

And on Tuesday, 25 Republican state attorneys general urged the high court to halt the administrations power plant rules.

The pile-up of applications thrusts the Supreme Court into major disputes even as they remain off the bench until the start of their next term in October.

The justices usually act on emergency appeals quickly in a matter of days or weeks, including during their summer recess. The truncated process normally does not include oral arguments and the justices sometimes dont even discuss the case in person.

Student debt

Two weeks ago, the legal battle over student debt returned to the Supreme Court, which previously struck down Bidens plan that wouldve forgiven $430 billion in student loans to more than 40 million borrowers.

Republican state attorneys general in Alaska, South Carolina and Texas now want the justices to partially block Bidens latest plan, known as the Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) program. The states contend it likewise exceeds the administrations authority, assertions that the Biden administration rejects.

It ignored this Courts clear instruction that only Congress may forgive loans en massesomething Congress has conspicuously chosen not to do, the state attorneys general wrote in court papers filed on Friday.

The three states urged the justices to reinstate an injunction that would block a provision lowering the monthly payment cap for millions of borrowers based on their income.

The written briefing is complete, meaning the court could rule anytime.

No matter how it shakes out, however, a separate federal appeals court last week temporarily halted the entire SAVE plan until it can decide whether to grant a longer pause. That challenge is spearheaded by Missouri alongside six other Republican-led states.

Title IX

As the Justice Department fights to preserve its student debt plan, it has meanwhile filed two emergency applications of its own at the Supreme Court on another controversial issue.

The applications urge the justices to narrow a pair of lower injunctions blocking the Education Departments new Title IX rule from going into effect in certain states. Republicans have challenged the sweeping changes, which would extend the sex-discrimination laws protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time.

The Biden administration contends that the injunctions, which block the entire new regulation, sweep too far. Title IX also bolsters protections for pregnant and parenting students and change how schools handle claims of sexual harassment and assault.

In court filings, the Justice Department argued that only the prohibition on gender identity discrimination at the center of the lawsuits should remain frozen at this stage of this case. The department is expected to still defend that provision down the road.

Ten Republican-led states where the rule is blocked  Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia  are due to respond by Friday to the administrations request to the Supreme Court.

Power plant rule

A challenge to the Biden administrations updated climate standards for power plants is also landing at the Supreme Court.

All of the nations 27 Republican state attorneys general have sued over the new standards, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released in April nearly two years after the Supreme Court blocked the Obama-era version of the plan.

After losing in a lower court last week, 25 of the states filed an emergency motion on Tuesday urging the Supreme Court to halt the plan, calling the new case deja vu all over again.

The effort is perhaps subtler than EPAs last try; it hasnt given the Rule a special name or coined any new terms. But its no less problematic, setting impossible-to-meet standards for regulated facilities, stripping away the States discretion to patch up the damage, and ultimately pushing regulated sources into early retirements, the states wrote, led by West Virginia and Indiana.

The fossil fuel industry and the two other Republican-led states could still file appeals separately.

Decided matters

The pending appeals follow what was already a buzzing emergency docket after the court released its final opinions of the term at the start of the month.

The court this month has acted on two death row inmates bids to halt their executions, in a rare move granting one request while denying another, as is more common.

On Monday, Justice Neil Gorsuch denied a former Colorado county clerks emergency motion to block her imminent criminal trial.

Tina Peters, the clerk, is accused of unlawfully allowing a copy of hard drives from her countys voting equipment to be made during a software update. Peters said she did so while investigating 2020 election fraud.

Peters pleaded not guilty to all 10 of her charges and claims her prosecution is politically motivated. The trial is set to begin on July 29 after Gorsuch declined her long-shot request to intervene on Monday.

Gorsuch, who by default handles emergency appeals arising from Colorado, issued his order while he was scheduled to be in Portugal teaching law students.

And last week, the full court declined to delay three Texas protesters one-week jail sentence on charges following their protest of a Confederate monument outside a local courthouse in 2020. There were no public dissents.

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Guest Opinion. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court's ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson allows cities to penalize individuals for sleeping outdoors when no shelter is available. This ruling disproportionately impacts Native youthan already vulnerable population. With Native Peoples facing some of the highest rates of homelessness, this decision perpetuates legal and financial burdens, pushing unsheltered Native youth further into the shadows and away from the support and stability they desperately need and deserve.

In City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court considered whether Grants Pass, Oregon could enforce public camping bans when there is nowhere else for unhoused residents to go. The laws were enforced using fines, but multiple violations could result in imprisonment. Homeless residents sued, claiming the bans were cruel and unusual punishment, which the Eighth Amendment prohibits. T^he Supreme Court's conservative majority overturned a Ninth Circuit Court decision and declared these laws are not cruel and unusual punishment.

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Criminalizing being unsheltered puts Native youth at significant risk by increasing their chances of justice involvement, exploitation, and health problems. It disrupts their education and creates a lifetime of legal and financial burdens.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Native Peoples face some of the highest rates of homelessness. Approximately 20,000 Native Peoples experienced homelessness in 2022, according to a limited survey by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Point-in-Time Count.

Approximately 70-80% of Native Peoples live near urban centers due to policies of forced assimilation, termination, and relocation. Because of the proximity to law enforcement in an urban environment, urban Natives without a home or shelter are more likely to have interactions with law enforcement, leading to arrests, fines, and jail, trapping them in a cycle of legal and financial problems that are difficult to break. This cycle makes it even harder for them to find stability and secure a home.

Criminalizing homelessness creates great risks for already endangered Native youth. The National Center for Juvenile Justice reports that Native children are significantly overrepresented in state foster care. Although they constitute just 1% of the total child population, they represent 2.6% of children in foster care, a rate 2.6 times greater than the proportion in the general population. 43% of Native youth transitioning out of foster care report experiencing homelessness, significantly higher than the national rate of 29%. If parents are jailed for being homeless, their children enter the foster care system, perpetuating this cycle.

When Native youth are unsheltered, their risk of encounters with law enforcement increases. Native youth are already disproportionately detained and incarcerated. The National Center for Juvenile Justice data shows that 181 Native youth per 100,000 ages 10 to 21 were in detention in 2021, compared to just 49 white youth per 100,000. Accumulated arrests and unpaid fines can escalate to felonies in some states, making it nearly impossible to find a job or access public benefits. Criminalizing being unsheltered imposes legal and financial burdens, pushing Native youth deeper into poverty and hindering their ability to secure stable housing and employment.

Education is disrupted, with frequent absenteeism leading to truancy and making it hard for them to stay in school. Native youth are also at higher risk of exploitation and victimization. They are more vulnerable to violence and may fall prey to sexual predators and human trafficking, adding to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples.

Being unsheltered exacerbates physical and mental health problems, complicating the stress and trauma of dealing with law enforcement and the fear of arrest. It worsens anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It is difficult for unsheltered Natives to access medical and mental health services or maintain a regular medication schedule.

Laws criminalizing homelessness endanger our next generations trapping them in a cycle of incarceration and poverty and hindering their ability to secure stable housing and employment. Every child deserves a safe and secure future. We must address the root causes of homelessnesshigh housing costs, lack of livable wages, healthcare expenses, mental and physical illness, domestic violence, and more. Instead of burdening those at risk, we need real solutions that reflect the values of compassion, justice, and opportunity for all. Now more than ever, it is vital that we unite to support our unsheltered relatives and tackle the housing crisis together.

Kim Mettler, Next Generations Director for the Association on American Indian Affairs, is a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. Beginning her diverse service in Native Country with the Indigenous Womens Network, Kim has served as legal counsel for a Native Nation, focusing on Tribal law, intergovernmental relations and cultural resources protections; serves as a board member for the Native American Womens Health Education Resource Center, providing advocacy on the regional, national and international levels on domestic violence, sexual assault, reproductive and environmental justice; provided training and co-advocacy with court appointed special advocates; and directed Tribal STAR, an ICWA training and technical assistance program, and the development of Californias Common Core ICWA curriculum for social workers. Kim is a skilled coach, facilitator and mediator and brings more than 25 years of advocacy and bridge building with and on behalf of Native women, youth and Native Nations. Kim received her BA in Social Justice from Fairhaven College, and her law degree from the University of Arizona in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy.

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
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

"Are you familiar with the Texas doughnut?" Chris Gannon, an Austin architect, asked me recently. The question wasn't about confections. He was riffing on apartment construction, explaining why America can't seem to get behind the kinds of buildings that he and other pro-housing advocates want to see.

The "Texas doughnut" is shorthand for a large apartment building, often spanning an entire city block, where a ring of street-facing units conceals a parking garage in the middle. In growing cities across the US, doughnuts are everywhere. In Gannon's eyes, they're clumsy solutions to our housing woes: The imposing structures offer little outdoor space and require a lot of precious land. It's much harder to find smaller apartment or condo buildings, the kind that might fit snugly between a single-family home and a local restaurant. Cities are full of these little parcels, but "missing middle" housing  bigger than a single-family home but much smaller than the popular doughnut  just isn't getting built. This reality is especially frustrating for pro-development yes-in-my-backyard activists who have spent years rewriting laws in hopes of encouraging denser, more-diverse housing  some baby carrots to go with all those doughnuts.

In their quest to build more and bring down costs, YIMBYs have identified one overlooked hang-up: stairs. Yes, the humble stairwell is an unlikely but powerful foe. More specifically, they're taking aim at a widespread rule that requires almost every new apartment building in the US to include at least two separate stairwells. This part of local codes, they say, is an outdated safety measure that really just makes apartment units smaller, more expensive, and darker (yes, darker).

When developers are forced to devote more square footage to stairs, that means less space for living rooms or bedrooms. Entire units might end up on the cutting-room floor. In many cases, the wasted square footage is enough to hamstring the builder's profit and sink a project. Instead of getting much-needed housing, we get none. Tweaking building codes wouldn't mean sacrificing safety in the name of efficiency. In a moderately sized apartment building of five or six stories, advocates argue, a single stairwell, combined with the latest fire-stopping materials, sprinkler systems, and limits on the number of units, is more than enough to ensure safety. In fact, moving to this type of layout would bring American apartments in line with European and Asian countries that have allowed this kind of development for decades. When Gannon learned of the single-stair movement a few years ago, he said, everything clicked.

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"I was like, 'Oh, my god,'" Gannon told me. "A light went on, like, 'Oh, this is why apartments in the States suck.'"

Only a few US cities, most notably Seattle and New York City, allow single-stair buildings to stretch up to six stories  pretty much everywhere else in America caps it at three. But the single-stair movement is gathering steam in places like Austin, where the City Council recently directed city planners to look into updating the building code, as well as entire states like California and Minnesota. Embracing the single stair could enable apartment buildings to squeeze into vacant lots that might otherwise have turned into single-family houses or sat undeveloped. It would also make it easier to build larger units for families, who are mostly ignored in the apartment market. More apartments and condos would mean lower costs for everyone.

That's the goal, anyway. These are stairs we're talking about, not a silver bullet for the housing crisis. But this obscure part of the building code wields huge influence when it comes to how our buildings look and feel and whether they even get built. Every new apartment building needs stairs, sure. But maybe we could do with a lot fewer of them.

Stairs are a relatively new obsession in YIMBYland. For years, crusaders against the housing shortage focused on dismantling an unholy mess of local zoning rules that prohibited anything but single-family homes and fought against "minimum lot sizes," which encouraged sprawl rather than density. Pro-development advocates scored significant victories  several states, including Washington and Oregon, have basically gotten rid of single-family zoning altogether. While it's one thing to change the law of the land, the thornier question was how to get developers to actually build on it.

"You can raise the floor-area ratios, raise the height limits, lot coverage, whatever," Stephen Smith, a building-code researcher and single-stair advocate who founded the Center for Building in North America, told me. "But you're still not going to get that, like, beautiful 1970s Italian apartment that you stayed in an Airbnb once. Buildings are just not like that in America."

That's where things like stairs come in. Say you're a developer with a small piece of land in a quaint neighborhood. It's already the stuff of YIMBY dreams: The streets are lined with a blend of single-family homes and low-slung apartment buildings. Walk down the block, and you'll find restaurants and a grocery store. It's a 20-minute bike ride from downtown. The dream would be to take this land and build it up, turning the vacant parcel into a condo or apartment building where more people could enjoy this breezy lifestyle. But your lot is small  only 3,000 square feet, or about one-third of the typical lot size for a new single-family home. From a pure profit perspective, the project makes sense only if you can squeeze in enough units to get a good return on investment, which means building higher than three stories. According to the building code, however, you'd have to include two stairwells at opposite ends of the building, with a corridor running between them. This eats up so much square footage that the project goes poof  the areas of each floor simply can't accommodate the necessary units.

The Texas doughnut is a product of these limitations. Instead of building on small lots, developers are pretty much forced to assemble large parcels of land to accommodate the two-stair requirements. The apartment units in these buildings usually run on either side of the corridor that connects the two stairwells, which means the typical unit gets natural light from only one direction. A single-stair setup might allow units to cut across the building and take in light from both sides. Given more space to work with, developers could also get more creative with their floor plans or build bigger units with more bedrooms. In an op-ed last year, Michael Eliason, a Seattle architect regarded as a leading voice in the single-stair movement, described the huge ripple effects these reforms could have.

"The more I researched, the more I realized this one issue was like the Higgs boson of housing," Eliason wrote. "It connects everything."

He's among those eager to spread the gospel of Seattle. The city allows single-stair buildings up to six stories, which opens up a world of possibilities. There are guardrails, of course: Under Seattle's code, single-stair buildings can't have more than four units per floor, and there are requirements for fire safety like an updated sprinkler system plus fire-resistant materials. These are all sensible precautions. In return, you get something like 1310 East Union Condominiums, which was built on less than 3,000 square feet in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. It has eight loft-style units spread across six stories, with commercial space on the ground floor and eight parking spaces. A stairwell and elevator run down the middle.

1310 East Union Condominiums in Seattle is an example of the kind of single-stair building that would be illegal in nearly every other American city. James F. Housel

Small projects like this one are tough to execute even with one stairwell. Brian Court, a partner at the architecture firm the Miller Hull Partnership and one of the designers of 1310 East Union, said a second staircase  something like 200 extra square feet per floor  would have made the development financially unfeasible.

"We're not trying to make buildings riskier," Court told me. "But we definitely need to do whatever we can and think creatively about ways to get more housing online sooner rather than later."

Sean Jursnick, a Denver architect and single-stair advocate, made a pilgrimage to Seattle last year to meet with Eliason and tour buildings like 1310 East Union. City planners there sometimes call these single-stair buildings "Seattle Specials"  they simply wouldn't be possible in pretty much any other city. Jursnick found more than 100 such developments in Seattle. The city, he told me, "felt like a good example of what the rest of the country could unlock with a simple code change."

Seattle may be an outlier in the US, but it's pretty normal  tame even  compared with the rest of the developed world. Almost all of Europe, as well as Asia, Mexico and South America, allows single-stair buildings of six stories or higher. Germany allows single-stair buildings to stretch to about 20 stories, while Switzerland has no such limit.

To achieve their agenda, single-stair evangelists will have to get past one huge hypothetical: fires. It's hard to persuade fire experts and city-council members to loosen up the status quo  Americans are so used to two (or more) stairwells that anything less may seem like an unnecessary risk, even reckless. But Seattle's code offers a model that, by all accounts, balances safety with the very real need for more midrise housing on smaller lots. Sprinklers, fire-retardant materials, and systems that ensure the stairway isn't filled with smoke in the event of a fire have allowed Seattle to permit this kind of single-stair development for decades without major incident. There isn't much data on how single-stair buildings, specifically, have performed against fires across the world, partially because fires are relatively rare these days. But even the National Fire Protection Association, which has argued for a limit of four stories for single-stair residential buildings, recently reported that sprinklers had proved reliable in large fires, reducing death rates by 90% compared with buildings without them.

While these smaller buildings tend to be more expensive and often operate as condos rather than rentals, more housing is more housing. They could play a crucial role as cities chart their next phases of growth.

The Seattle model has already spread to Honolulu, and advocates around the country are making progress: Lawmakers in at least 10 states, including California, Oregon, and Washington, have either considered or passed legislation that could result in updated state building codes. In the meantime, Gannon told me, individual cities could adopt similar standards: "This could be something that could come in and really help us figure out how we urbanize."

The housing crisis demands creative solutions, but even mundane and seemingly small fixes can put a sizable dent in the country's massive housing deficit. We have plenty of real-life models for single-stair development, both here in the US and abroad. It's time to take the next step.

James Rodriguez is a senior reporter on Business Insider's Discourse team.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former White House adviser Susan Rice says its incredibly insulting to say Vice President Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic Partys presidential nominee, only will do so because she is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hire.

Thats extremely offensive and dehumanizing, Rice told CNNs Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday.

Her response follows Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) calling Harris a DEI hire and Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) saying Democrats feel they have to stick with Harris after President Biden bowed out Sunday because of her ethnic background.

Some Republicans are warning their GOP colleagues to back off the DEI talk.

Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian decent, would be the countrys first female president and woman of color president.

Rice, who served in the Clinton, Obama and Biden administrations, said calling Harris out for her gender and race represents an issue that affects many Americans.

She said women, people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities or veterans and religious minorities face such attacks, and the messaging from Republicans is that if those people achieved success, rose to a position of leadership, you didnt deserve it. You didnt get there on merit. You got there because you got some unfair advantage.

That is incredibly insulting to the vast majority of Americans who fall into all of those categories, she said.

Rice argued that the language is problematic itself but emblematic of what this race is really all about.

Its a race about whether we are going to move into the future as a democracy, where every American has the opportunity to vote to have their voice heard, to have a chance to make themselves a success or whether were going backward to Donald Trump and JD Vance and their Project 2025 vision of an America, she said.

That vision for America, Rice argued, is one where white Christian men are the only ones who matter.

And thats what theyre saying with this DEI thing that if youre somebody who is not a white Christian man, then you didnt get where you got because you deserved it, Rice said. Thats not the America who we are.

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Suspect allegedly stole large sum of cash by posing as McAfee employee

Police are searching for a Southern California suspect who escaped with a large sum of money by posing as a McAfee worker.

The male suspect texted a victim from a 1-800 number while posing as a representative from McAfee, a computer anti-virus software program.

The man reportedly told the victim that money had been mistakenly transferred to the victims bank account.

The suspect said the issue needed to be resolved or the victims bank account would be charged for a McAfee subscription

He arranged to meet the victim in person while he posed as a McAfee employee, Burbank police said.

At the meeting, the victim, who had withdrawn a large amount of cash from their account, handed over the money that was owed to the suspect, authorities said.

The male suspect accused of stealing a large sum of cash through a text message scam in Burbank in July 2024. (Burbank Police Department)

The suspect then fled the area. He is described as a man in his 20s or 30s with black hair. He was last seen wearing a striped button-up short-sleeved shirt and blue shorts.

Investigators did not release the amount of cash that was taken during the theft.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or may have been the victim of a similar crime is asked to call Burbank Police Detective Campos at 818-238-3276.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Suspect at large after fallen motorcyclist fatally run over in Los Angeles

Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a motorcyclist was run over and killed in Los Angeles.

The motorcyclist was only identified as a 49-year-old man by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The crash happened on May 18 at the busy intersection of South Avenue 20 and North Broadway in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood at around 7:40 a.m.

A suspect driving a Ford pickup truck ran a red light at the intersection, causing the motorcyclist to fall off his bike and onto the roadway, police said.

The suspect did not stop and continued speeding away. Seconds later, an oncoming box truck ran over the victims body, authorities said.

The motorcyclist was rushed to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Two hit-and-run drivers remain at large after a motorcyclist was fatally struck in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood on May 18. 2024. (KTLA)

The suspect, seen driving a white Ford pickup truck, is wanted for a deadly hit-and-run crash in Lincoln Heights on May 18, 2024. (Los Angeles Police Department)

The suspect, seen driving a white Ford pickup truck, is wanted for a deadly hit-and-run crash in Lincoln Heights on May 18, 2024. (Los Angeles Police Department)

Two hit-and-run drivers remain at large after a motorcyclist was fatally struck in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood on May 18. 2024. (KTLA)

Two hit-and-run drivers remain at large after a motorcyclist was fatally struck in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood on May 18. 2024. (KTLA)

Two hit-and-run drivers remain at large after a motorcyclist was fatally struck in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood on May 18. 2024. (KTLA)

The busy intersection of South Avenue 20 and North Broadway in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. (KTLA)

A motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run collision in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday morning, police confirmed. (Phil Ige/KTLA)

Residents in the neighborhood told KTLA the high-traffic intersection is known for dangerous drivers. Police have released surveillance images of the white Ford pickup truck involved in the deadly collision.

Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and

stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to

identify themselves, said LAPD.

A reward of up to $25,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to the suspects identification and apprehension. No further details on the suspect were released.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call LAPD South Traffic Detectives at

323-421-2500. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Suspected shoplifter tased after fighting with officers; 2nd suspected shoplifter on the run

One person is in custody and another is on the run after they allegedly shoplifted from a local Walmart Wednesday.

Around 8 a.m. Englewood police were called to the Walmart on Hoke Road for reports of two women pushing full shopping carts of unpaid items out of the store, according to a media release.

An officer arrived on the scene and attempted to arrest one of the suspected shoplifters, identified as Ronniesha Gillis, 30, of Dayton.

Police said Gillis began resisting arrest and fighting with officers.

The officer tased Gillis and with the help of a Walmart manager handcuffed her.

A second suspect drove away from the area before returning and attempting to assault a Walmart employee and police with a shopping cart.

>> I just got to screaming; Teen shooting victims mom shares relief after alleged killers capture

Officers were involved in a chase with the second suspects vehicle, described as a Whilte Chevrolet Malibu with Ohio license plate JVT5075, before having to stop due to the suspects speed and reckless driving.

While Gillis was being checked out by medics for being tased, police said she ran away and into a nearby wooded area.

She was again taken into custody and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on resisting arrest charges.

Police said they are looking into additional felony charges with the prosecutors office.

Officers are searching for the second suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Alan Meade at 937-771-2890 or email meade@englewood.oh.us.

We will continue to follow this story.




Kevin O'Leary Is Long On Energy, For Now

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Looking for the next big thing in the equities market? Canadian investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary is never shy about sharing his opinion. He's been talking about the opportunity he sees in the energy industry for a long time. Last year, he even floated plans to build his own oil refinery. With prices rising and demand soaring, he sees the potential for energy stocks to become even more valuable in the coming years.

O'Leary has previously said that he sees tapping into domestic energy as a way to help reduce the U.S. national debt. However, his outlook for the future may depend a lot on the political climate after the November elections. He sees the potential for two outcomes depending on what happens in November.

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"I'm going long energy now; I like the narrative coming out of the energy sector; it's one of the low-cost sectors that's been overlooked," said O'Leary in a recent video. He cited what he's been hearing from North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who may have a role in energy policy in a potential Trump administration. At the Republican National Convention, Burgum called for a less restrictive energy policy, saying that "unleashing American energy dominance is our path back to prosperity and peace through strength."

On the other hand, O'Leary is watching the Kamala Harris campaign and said that he wants to hear her vision for the country. If he thinks she can win and her vision for U.S. energy production is more restrictive, he said he may have to reconsider his decision to double down on energy.

Pick Any Energy Stock

O'Leary was recently asked which stock he would pick from the broader investing universe. His answer was simple: Pick any energy stock, anyone you like, because they are "trading at low multiples and distributing a tremendous amount of cash." As he sees it, energy has been ignored in the massive tech run-up, but it may be the next place investors see massive gains.

O'Leary isn't alone in this viewpoint. A report from U.S. Bank indicated that the energy sectors performance is strong this year, with a 13.75% return as of July 18, 2024. This is behind the S&P 500 total performance of 17.13% as of the same date. Rob Haworth, senior investment strategy director for U.S. Bank Wealth Management, noted, "Since these companies tend to return capital to shareholders in the form of dividend payouts, their stocks represent an opportunity for income-oriented investors."

Story continues

One important thing for investors to know is that volatility is part of the stock and trade of the energy industry. Not all energy is created equal, and oil and natural gas prices don't always rise simultaneously. Natural gas prices were low earlier this year, but the recent heat wave in the United States caused a spike in electricity usage. When we consume more electricity, natural gas prices tend to rise. Oil prices are also subject to dramatic price swings that directly impact the stock's price. These companies have significant exploration, drilling, and production outlays and are subject to many geopolitical issues.

Investor alert: Triple-net properties can put a check in your pocket every quartera cant-miss opportunity for accredited investors.

One dividend-paying energy company to watch is Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI), a U.S. pipeline operator. It has a forward dividend yield of 5.26% and an annual dividend of $1.15. Kinder Morgan reported earnings on July 17. Although earnings were flat with the previous year and net income dropped to $575 million, the company sees better days ahead for its liquefied natural gas (LNG) prospects. "We view the slight pullback in gathering volumes as temporary. The higher production volumes will be necessary to meet demand growth from LNG expected in 2025," said Kinder Morgan President Thomas Martin on a call with analysts.

Kinder Morgan also sees an opportunity coming that Kevin O'Leary himself is taking advantage of: the growing demand for data centers. O'Leary is an investor in several data center projects. The increased demand for data centers to drive the increasing adoption of generative AI appeals to real estate and energy investors. Speaking to analysts, Kinder Morgan executive chairman Rich Kinder said that electricity demand could rise faster than it has in the last 20 years: "While it's hard to peg an exact estimate of increased demand for natural gas as a result of all this growth and the need for electric power, we believe it will be significant and makes the future even more robust for natural gas demand overall and for our midstream industry."

A lot can happen between now and the presidential election in November. Wherever the energy policy lands over the next several years, the forecast for electrical demand driven by AI could be significant. While O'Leary said to just pick any energy stock, it's important to remember that the outlook may vary depending on the company's specialty and where its development projects are located.

Looking For Higher-Yield Opportunities?

The current high-interest-rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks... Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified some of the most attractive options for you to consider.

For instance, the Ascent Income Fund from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets. With payment priority and flexible liquidity options, the Ascent Income Fund is a cornerstone investment vehicle for income-focused investors. First-time investors with EquityMultiple can now invest in the Ascent Income Fund with a reduced minimum of just $5,000. Benzinga Readers: Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only).

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings.

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

This article Kevin O'Leary Is Long On Energy, For Now originally appeared on Benzinga.com
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two 19-year-old men were arrested and charged with murder after a 24-year-old man was shot and killed after an argument about opposing gang affiliations this past Saturday, July 20 in far East El Paso, according to El Paso Police.

Police say Noah Daniel Lomeli, 19, and Damian Alexander De La Riva, 19, are both facing a murder charge and have been booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility, each under a $1 million bond.

L to R: Damian Alexander De La Riva, 19, and Noah Daniel Lomeli, 19. Photo: EPPD.

As we have previously reported, Omar Infante Jr., 24, was shot and killed just before 4 a.m. on Saturday at the Gonzalez Place Apartments in far East El Paso.

According to court documents, there was a small get-together that Saturday morning at an apartment where two witnesses, Infante, De La Riva, and Lomeli were present.

Court documents say an argument ensued between Infante and Lomeli regarding their opposing gang affiliations.

Court documents say that witnesses told police that Lomeli confirmed to Infante that he was a 6th Street gang member which is known to investigators as a criminal street gang in El Paso.

De La Riva, Lomeli, and Infante were then kicked out of the apartment by one of the witnesses.

Infante and Lomeli agreed to fight each other and walked down the stairwell of the apartment building toward the parking lot area.

Infante and Lomeli then began fist-fighting when both men pulled out handguns and pointed them at Infante.

Infante backed away from both men with his hands in the air. Court documents say video footage shows a shot going off, striking Infante and causing him to fall to the ground. The men then proceeded to beat Infante in the face afterward, according to court documents.

Court documents say Infante was beaten, stomped, and pistol-whipped numerous times.

During this time, another gunshot was heard and both men grabbed an unknown item from Infantes torso and walked away.

Lomeli also allegedly took a picture of Infante while he was on the ground and then fled the apartment complex with De La Riva in a vehicle.

Infante was discovered to have suspected gunshot wounds to his torso and his head, according to court documents.

The men were later identified through the use of booking photos and a photo lineup.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Suspects wanted after over $2,500 stolen from coin dispenser in Madera, police say

MADERA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Madera Police say they are looking for a pair of unknown males who went to a laundry facility and broke into the coin dispenser.

Police say the two male suspects caused $9,000 worth of damage in the process and made off with $2,800 in currency.

In a social media post, the City of Madera reached out to the community for help with finding the two suspects.

Anyone with information is urged to call 559-675-4220. Callers can remain anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Suspicious device found near Chinook Middle School is fifth found in 2 months

A suspicious device found north of Chinook Middle School last week closed an area street for three hours, according to Lacey police.

About 12:50 p.m. July 18, Lacey police and Washington State Patrol bomb technicians were dispatched to Tarawa Place and Enterprise Drive Northeast.

A person walking their dog noticed the device in the street and called 911, Lacey police Sgt. Jeremy Knight said.

Washington State Patrol bomb techs ultimately rendered the device safe, he said. However, the device did contain components that if properly assembled could have made it a viable device, Knight said.

During the school year, four such devices were found near or on the grounds of the middle school, The Olympian reported.

On May 18, a device was found in a porta-potty. On May 20, two devices were found in a wooded area east of the school, and then another device was found again in a porta-potty on May 28.

Knight said police are investigating whether the device found north of the school is related to the devices found at or near the school.
LONDON  Sweden is looking to establish itself as a key player in the international space domain by virtue of its northern geostrategic position and by ramping up research and development capabilities.

Earlier this month, the Swedish government adopted the countrys first-ever defense and security space strategy, which seeks to make Stockholm a space hub for allies.

We might be the new kids on the block in NATO, but we have been doing space research for several decades in Sweden  weve [now] asked what void can we fill in the alliance in the space domain, Col. Ella Carlsson, Swedens space chief, told reporters here.

Northern Sweden is home to the Esrange Space Center (ESP), the first European mainland orbital spaceport. The center has in part served as a launching pad for sounding rockets and has carried out research and testing of rocket engines and fuels.

How the Swedish Air Force is finding its flow as part of NATO

In May, the Swedish Space Corporation announced that it signed an agreement with South Korean rocket company Perigee Aerospace to begin jointly launching satellites from the Arctic site in 2025.

According to a Perigee press release, the companys Blue Whale 1 micro-launcher will be the first-ever orbital rocket set off from Esrange. While the spaceport has previously focused its satellite launch capabilities on civilian purposes, its chief executive Charlotta Sund recently said that the installation will likely be utilized for military launches in the future.

Another key pillar of the Swedish space strategy will be to create a portfolio of space-related capabilities and services in line with the countrys total defense and crisis preparedness concept.

Carlsson noted that last year the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration acquired Smart-L long-range radars from Thales, which allows the military to detect threats at a range of up to 2,000 kilometers according to the vendors website.

We can use space as part of the solution to find, detect and hit targets or threats with partners, she said. She added that in Swedens quest for new sensors, the country is also cooperating with the Netherlands, which also has the Smart-L radar, to assess further use cases.

The Swedish Air Force additionally signed a Space Situational Awareness sharing agreement with the U.S. Space Command in 2022, with the Scandinavian country most recently participating in the U.S-led Global Sentinel space exercise in February.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Sweet Petites KC, a local bakery dedicated to making sweet treats for private events and special occasions, is closing its River Market storefront after serving the community for over five years.

The small business started as a self-taught hobby and fun pastime for owner and operator Lindsay Goff. Within no time, it developed into a full-fledged business with custom orders for parties, showers, weddings and special events of all kinds.

30 places to take your kids in Kansas City this summer

However, with the weight of being a busy wife, a mother of three and a business owner, Goff has decided to close her brick-and-mortar storefront due to personal, professional and safety reasons.

In a statement posted to the Sweet Petites KC Instagram and the bakerys online blog Wednesday morning, Goff wrote, After much thought and with a bit of a heavy heart, I am announcing I have made the difficult decision to close Sweet Petites KC storefront.

She continued, While I am proud of what Ive created with Sweet Petites, I have not been immune to the difficulties of running a small business, both as a busy wife and mother of three and a business owner fighting a town that seems, at times, determined to create barriers that prevent small businesses from thriving.

Plants to turn your backyard garden into a tropical paradise

Goff explained that many of the difficulties regarding her small business fall heavily on the safety and convenience of both the staff and the customers. Specifically, she noted that the River Market itself has failing security operations and little safe parking for workers.

The complete lack of security combined with an untenable parking arrangement in the River Market has created an environment that I no longer feel is appropriate for employees or customers, Goff said.

Travis, Jason Kelce release new Kelce Mix Cereal with General Mills

Even though the popular location is closing its doors, Sweet Petites KC will still continue sharing recipes, dessert tips and cooking tricks online.

According to Goff, this is not the end of an era, but the start of a new chapter.

The River Front location will be open and stocked up for walk-ins from Thursday, July 25 to Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All previously planned and committed orders will still be completed for the month of August.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Switzerland has opened 56 cases of violations of sanctions against Russia, and penalties have been imposed with respect to 15 of them.

Source: Reuters

Details: Switzerland is reported to have launched an investigation into more than 50 cases of potential sanctions violations and has found violations in 15 of them so far.

About half of the cases have been closed, and 15 have resulted in penalties being ordered.

The rest remain under investigation.

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs did not name either the sectors involved or the individual companies under investigation.

Background:

Switzerland experienced an increase in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns ahead of the Ukrainian Peace Summit held on 15-16 June.

Some Swiss banks are still prepared to accept rouble transfers from clients despite tighter restrictions on banking for Russians in the country. This may include transfers of US$10 million or more, subject to special prior approval.

A group of activists supported by the far-right Swiss People's Party has collected signatures calling for a referendum on the country's neutrality, which could undermine the sanctions it has imposed on Russia.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The Tampa Police Department has a new system to help people going through a mental health crisis connect to the right resources quicker.

When someone calls 911 in Tampa because theyre struggling and dont know where to turn, theyll now be connected to a crisis counselor like Tina Thai.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor endorses Harris for president

A lot of people feel alone, Thai said. I just want people to not feel alone and like they have a friend in this world.

Thai is helping TPD implement their new crisis intervention dispatch service program.

It diverts 911 mental health crisis calls to the people trained to handle and de-escalate the situation.

It really helps out everybody when these organizations step up because at times, and we see it throughout the news throughout the nation, how those calls are handled is not the way we would like at the end of the day, Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson said.

The deputy chief explained how a person going through a crisis with a weapon could make matters worse.

It changes the whole dynamic from getting them help to the officers safety, he said.

With this new system, those who specialize in these types of situations can quickly provide resources to those who need them most.

Its very situational with a crisis so homeless, financial assistance, mental health sources, psychiatric services, Thai said. Those are some that weve given so far.

This program started on July 1.

Since then, TPD said theyve received 100 911 calls concerning a mental health crisis.

This new partnership with the crisis counselors took care of nearly a third of those calls allowing officers to stay on top of the job they were trained to do.

You can also call 211 to reach the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Tbilisi accuses ex-officials from Georgia and Ukraine of plotting to kill ruling party chairman Ivanishvili

Georgia's State Security Service (SUS) alleged on July 24 that a plot to kill ruling Georgian Dream party honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili was being prepared by former Georgian government officials and ex-law enforcement officers from Ukraine.

The SUS did not provide any specific names or evidence to support the allegations.

Long considered one of the most pro-Western countries in the region, Georgia has increasingly been viewed as departing from its path of European integration and instead has been accused of seeking rapprochement with Russia.

"The SUS is investigating the facts of the preparation of the murder of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, organized and financed by former high-ranking officials of the Georgian government and former employees of law enforcement agencies in Ukraine," the agency wrote on Facebook.

"The purpose of the mentioned criminal actions is to overthrow the state government by violent means by destructive forces, in the background of creating disorder and weakening the government."

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze drew a parallel between the alleged plot and the recent assassination attempts on U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

While not referencing the attacks directly, Kobakhidze said the news was connected to the "two terrorist attacks" and was "highly concerning...especially against the background of what's happening in the world in general."

"It's the same signature that characterizes the same global political forces," he added.

The allegations could not be independently verified. Ukraine has not publicly commented on the accusations at the time of this publication.

In recent days, the SUS also has reportedly summoned several Georgian volunteer fighters returning from Ukraine for questioning in connection to a purported coup plot in 2023.

At the time, Georgian authorities claimed that the plot had been orchestrated by Georgian Legion head Mamuka Mamulashvili and officials connected with the imprisoned Georgian ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, along with the support of Ukraine.

Oleh Nikolenko, who served as Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson at the time, flatly denied the accusations, saying, "The information is not true. The current Georgian authorities are once again trying to demonize Ukraine in order to solve its internal political issues."

A number of Georgian officials who previously worked with Saakashvili moved to Ukraine after his United National Movement (UNM) party was voted out of power in 2012. Saakashvili also previously served as governor of Odesa Oblast from 2015-2016.

Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream's deep enmity toward Saakashvili and his associates, as well as UNM as a whole, has led to increased tensions between Georgia and Ukraine.

The Georgian government has previously requested the extradition of ex-officials associated with Saakashvili and UNM who work in Ukraine, which Kyiv has refused.

Saakashvili is currently serving six years in prison in Georgia after being found guilty in absentia in 2018 on charges of ordering the beating of opposition lawmaker Valery Gelashvili in 2005. He was also given a three-year sentence for abuse of power charges for pardoning four police officers convicted of murder in 2008. Saakashvili has maintained that the charges were politically motivated.

While condemning Russia's all-out war, Georgian Dream officials have also criticized Ukraine.

Opinion polls have nonetheless indicated that the overwhelming majority of the Georgian population is pro-Ukraine.

Read also: Most Georgians see Russia as enemy, survey shows

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Jordan Chiles, who is set to compete on Team USA at the Olympics, recounted racist incidents she endured as a child competing in gymnastics (AP)

Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles recounted racist remarks she endured while competing as a child in a sport thats historically lacked diversity.

Days before the Olympics kick off in Paris, the 23-year-old gymnast opened up to Teen Vogue about the vicious comments shes faced  and how she learned to ignore the hate and live life to the fullest.

Some lady in the crowd basically was like, She doesnt deserve to be on the floor. She doesnt even look like anybody else, Chiles said.

People were racially attacking me without me even really knowing, the athlete continued. Im young, so I only know the story because my mom told me. Security had to come and say, Maam, shes doing everything just like everybody else.

Ive gotten medals taken away from me. Ive been told that my mom wasnt my mom. Ive gotten told that I wasnt Black, Chiles told the magazine.

She also recalled derogatory comments made about her hair and body that made her feel like an outcast in the sport.

This isnt the first time Chiles has spoken out about racism shes faced in the sport.

She told My New Favorite Olympian podcast that she even considered quitting over the attacks: I wanted to be done because I didnt think the sport wanted me. I didnt think people around me wanted to see a beautiful Black girl in a [leotard] anymore.

Chiles opened up about racist incidents she faced as a child (AP)

Only 8 percent of NCAA female gymnasts are Black, while 64 percent who are white, according to October 2023 data.

Chiles told the magazine that she would advise young athletes who are up against discriminatory attacks: Look, if this ever happens, use your voice, say what you need to say. And if you get kicked out of the gym, you get kicked out of the gym.

She continued: But at least you were able to stand up for yourself. At least you were able to tell them how you truly feel.

The gymnast said she learned to tune out the offensive comments as a teenager.

Around 14 years old, I was like: You know what? Im not going to listen to anybody, Chiles told the outlet. Im just going to do me, go out there and have fun, and just live life to the fullest. Thats how I overcame people always telling me to dim my light. Its something that I dont want to happen ever again.

Chiles will be returning to the Olympic stage in Paris four years after she won a silver medal in the 2020 Olympic team in Tokyo.
Key Insights

KMD Brands' estimated fair value is NZ$0.88 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

KMD Brands is estimated to be 50% undervalued based on current share price of NZ$0.44

The NZ$0.55 analyst price target for KMD is 38% less than our estimate of fair value

Does the July share price for KMD Brands Limited (NZSE:KMD) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for KMD Brands

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. 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, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) NZ$65.9m NZ$77.4m NZ$65.4m NZ$58.8m NZ$55.1m NZ$53.1m NZ$52.2m NZ$52.0m NZ$52.3m NZ$52.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Est @ -15.55% Est @ -10.08% Est @ -6.26% Est @ -3.58% Est @ -1.70% Est @ -0.39% Est @ 0.53% Est @ 1.17% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 10% NZ$59.6 NZ$63.5 NZ$48.5 NZ$39.5 NZ$33.6 NZ$29.3 NZ$26.1 NZ$23.5 NZ$21.4 NZ$19.6

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = NZ$365m

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 10%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = NZ$53m (1 + 2.7%)  (10% 2.7%) = NZ$701m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$701m ( 1 + 10%)10= NZ$260m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is NZ$625m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of NZ$0.4, the company appears quite good value at a 50% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. 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 KMD Brands 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 10%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.685. 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 KMD Brands

Strength

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the New Zealander market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the New Zealander market.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For KMD Brands, there are three pertinent factors you should further research:

Risks: Take risks, for example - KMD Brands has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for KMD's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. 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. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every New Zealander stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Sheriff Grady Judd and Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid unveiled a school safety initiative Wednesday aimed at keeping students safe while they ride the bus.

Officials said the new program, Safe Stop, will add state-of-the-art technology to school buses, including cameras that will capture those who run a stopped school bus displaying a stop signal.

Speed-detection cameras coming to Haines City school zones

At the end of the day, keeping the children safe is most important, Judd said.

Officials said those who violate Florida Statute 316.172 will be fined $198.

98% of people that violate the school bus and receive a citation and pay it, do not get a second one, said Matt Reich with Verra Mobility, the company operating the cameras.

All violation videos and license plate images will be reviewed by a PCSO deputy sheriff before a warning or traffic citation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Polk County Public Schools said the cameras will be operational and issuing warnings on the first day of school, Aug. 12. Citations begin on Sept. 24.

Sheriff Judd does not typically support tools involving cameras, preferring face-to-face interactions instead.

I immediately embraced red light cameras on school buses, Judd said. There is absolutely nothing in this world more important to us than our children.

Heid said bus drivers observed 400 violations during a one-day study.

It is frustrating that we have these big yellow school buses that you cannot miss, bright flashing lights and our drivers do a very good job as well of being patient in traffic, he said.

This comes after a deadly year for Polk County students involved in traffic crashes.

We lost 22 students last year alone to traffic fatalities. That is a number and a situation that none of us want to deal with, said the superintendent.

One student was hit and injured by an accused drunk driver while getting off the bus in April.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Teen arrested for driving 137 mph on I-5 in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A 19-year-old man was arrested for allegedly driving 137 mph on I-5 in Northeast Portland on July 23.

The Portland Police Bureau said that Rolando Mendoza was clocked at the deadly speed while driving southbound on I-5 between Alberta Street and Columbia Boulevard at 8:21 p.m. Police seized Mendozas yellow muscle car and he was booked into the Multnomah County jail for reckless driving and attempting to elude police by vehicle  a class C felony.

137 mph is definitely not okay, PPB shared on social media Wednesday. Great work by Traffic Officers.

Oregon is currently the top wildfire priority in the U.S.

Mendoza has since been released from jail. PPB said that his traffic citations for the arrest totaled $2,500.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Authorities tell 8 On Your Side that a teenage girl took her own life at a state-run facility in Hillsborough County.

But Zykiria Bells family said the big question remains unanswered: how her death could have happened at all while she was under state care.

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While the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said the countys Medical Examiner ruled Zykiria Bells death a suicide, her family said theyve been hearing a different story from the Department of Children and Families. With each passing day, they said they just want closure.

Zykiria was expected to return home on her 18th birthday on Aug. 10.



Were going to do her birthday party and coming home just like I promised her I would do and everything she wanted for that dinner, said Sophia Bing, Zykiria Bells aunt.

Ashley Benefield trial: Opening statements begin for mother accused in husbands death

Bing said her niece, Zykiria, died at Lake Academy, a state-owned facility in Tampa, on May 29. Its sites like this one that are entrusted to care for our must vulnerable youth.



To this day, I cant understand how you can string a family along so long with no answers without telling them anything other than we have a criminal investigation, said Bing.

Bing said the family hasnt been told that her nieces death has been ruled a suicide and questions what really happened based on what the DCF has told them.

What has come back to us is by no means do they think that this she did this to herself, that theres a criminal investigation going on between the different agencies and thats all we know, she said.



Days after Zykirias death, the Department of Juvenile Justice shut down the site.



It took my niece to lose her life for you to go in and try to get answers to do something that shouldve been done a long time ago from the information that were getting, said Bing.



The DJJ also said it terminated the providers $31.5 million contract for Lake Academy. That provider was TrueCore Behavioral Solutions, which is headquartered in Tampa.

According to DJJ, TrueCore still runs 12 residential sites across the state of Florida, including four in Hillsborough County.



I think they should all be shut down not just one, said Bing. Why would you just shut one down because you lost a kid at the facility? Whos to say the other ones arent running the same way and those kids arent suffering?



TrueCore has since hired Tucker/Hall, a crisis public relations firm to represent them. When 8 On Your Side asked questions, a spokesperson said: TrueCore doesnt have any updates right now.



I dont know; I need, we need closure, Bing said. We need closure and either way were going to have to accept it even if it was self [harm], which I dont believe if that was the case, we got to accept it, and if it was the other way, we still have to accept it too.



As Zykirias family desperately pleads for closure, they have this message for other families with children in state-owned treatment programs, like Lake Academy.



Parents check on your kids, make sure your kids are safe in there if youre going to keep them in there  start asking questions, get more in depth with whats going on with where your kids are, she said.

At this time, Hillsborough County has not yet released Zykiria Bells autopsy report, but 8 On Your Side obtained the Medical Examiners initial case summary report.



It said Zykiria was last seen on May 29 at 6:30 p.m. by staff who claim she was argumentative and refusing to go into her room for the night. Then a half hour later, 911 was called.

The Sheriffs Office and paramedics responded. Zykiria was transported to the hospital where she died an hour later. In the report, the cause of death has been redacted, but again, the sheriffs office said her death was ruled a suicide.

According to DJJ annual compliance report from 2023, staff at Lake Academy should have had completed a minimum of 120 hours of required training before having any contact with the kids. The training should have included a wide variety of topics including suicide prevention, but the report said staff failed to comply with this requirement.

A DCF spokesperson sent 8 On Your Side this message: The Department conducts investigations concerning all allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Information regarding investigations is confidential per section 39.202, Florida Statutes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One woman recognized 15-year-old Alison Jillian Chao on the morning of Tuesday, July 23, seven days after the teen first went missing

Monterey Park Police Dept. Allison Jillian Chao

Alison Jillian Chao, 15, was located on July 23 after she went missing the evening of July 16

The teenage girl was located by a woman in Glendale, Calif. who recognized the young girl from the photos

Both Alison's parents, Annie and Jeffery, have expressed their gratitude to the public for their help the past week

The 15-year-old girl who went missing in Los Angeles County on Tuesday, July 16 was found safe in Glendale, Calif. on Tuesday, July 23, per a Monterey Park Police Department press release.

Alison Jillian Chao was first reported missing last week after she left her fathers home in Monterey Park, Calif., around 5:30 p.m. and was headed on her bike to her aunts house in San Gabriel, Calif. Then, around 8 p.m. that evening, her aunt called her father, Jeffery Chao, to report that Alison had never arrived at her house, per KTLA.

The Monterey Park Police Department announced that Chao was found and thanked the community members and the many local, state and federal partners for their assistance during the investigation."

Related: Calif. Teen Disappears While Riding Bike to Visit Family: I Haven't Slept in Days,' Says Mom

On the morning of July 23, a security guard at KABC in Glendale spotted the teenager walking and being followed by a woman in her car. The woman recognized Alison as the missing minor, per ABC 7.

The 47-year-old Glendale woman  who declined to be publicly identified  was getting coffee when she recognized Alison as she walked by her car, per the Los Angeles Times.

Something about the way she was walking, it didnt seem like she was going to someplace in particular, the woman said. Some little voice said, I think thats the girl. You should follow her. 

The woman explained that she noticed Alison walk past the KABC security guard and then promptly alerted him. The woman told the LA Times that Alison told her and the security guard that she ran away from home and didnt want to go back. Alison said she was en route to KABC to share her side of the story.

Monterey Park Police Department Alison Jillian Chao

Alisons father and her aunt thanked the public for their assistance during a July 23 press conference, per ABC 7.

"I really appreciate everyone coming out," said Jeffery. "I'd really like to thank all the friends, the community that come out and helped find her. We've been really worried about where she's been. And really appreciate what everybody's done and helped out with."

During the press conference, Alisons family confirmed her mother, Annie, was recently granted temporary custody of the teen.

Related: Missing Teen with Autism Found at New Mexico Walmart, About 200 Miles from Arizona Home

Attorney Gregory E. Almas provided a statement to PEOPLE on behalf of Alisons mother, Annie: "I am incredibly relieved that Alison has been found safe. My love for Alison is unconditional and unwavering. Alison is my only child and she means everything to me. I understand that there was a good samaritan who helped to escort her to the police and I specifically want to thank that person for their kindness."

Annie thanked the community for the help the past week, adding, "I am committed to doing everything possible to help Alison move forward and heal in the days and weeks ahead."

She concluded the statement by acknowledging her daughter's reaction to her parents' recent divorce. "Alison is a young girl and her feelings about my divorce from her father are understandably complicated, but she has a family (both my side and her dads side) that loves and adores her," adding that she will "always do [her] best to protect Alisons interests."

Alisons court-appointed attorney, Emily Robinson, confirmed with PEOPLE that Annie has sole custody of Alison and was previously awarded sole decision-making authority.

This is a very complex situation that should not be in the public forum. It is being rendered even more damaging to Alison by misleading and inaccurate social media posts from third parties that have virtually no understanding of the facts, Robinson wrote in a statement to PEOPLE, adding that she is working to get the social media posts taken down.

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.

Representatives for the Monterey Park Police Department and Glendale Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Tuesday.



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Read the original article on People.
The United Kingdom is advancing the build of a new fighter demonstrator as part of its Tempest next-generation air combat program. The demonstrator, so far only known as the Flying Technology Demonstrator, is planned to fly within the next three years and its progress in an important boost for the Tempest stealth fighter  and wider Future Combat Air System (FCAS)  program, the future of which has recently begun to be questioned in some quarters.

The United Kingdom is advancing the build of a new fighter demonstrator as part of its Tempest next-generation air combat program. The crewed flight test vehicle, so far only known as the Flying Technology Demonstrator, is planned to take to the skies within the next three years and its progress is an important boost for the Tempest stealth fighter and the wider Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programs, the future of which has recently begun to be questioned in some quarters.

At the Farnborough International Airshow in England today, Team Tempest released photos showing the progress made so far on the demonstrator aircraft. The program partners confirm that over 50 percent of the aircraft, by structural weight, is now being built or has already been completed. A pair of photos shows the forward fuselage section of the demonstrator taking shape on the production line at the BAE Systems facility in Warton, England.

The demonstrator takes shape on the production line at Warton. Team Tempest

Further details of the demonstrator have also emerged. Team Tempest says the critical design review was completed in May of this year, although the manufacturing of components had already begun in 2023. Of these parts, 99 percent come from U.K. manufacturers.

Advanced new technologies are also being used to accelerate the production process, including hot isostatic pressing (HIP), in which materials are compressed under extremely high temperatures and pressures simultaneously. According to Team Tempest, the use of these technologies helps reduce lead times for components from four years to just six months, on average.

Breaking. Team Tempest partners reveal that manufacturing and assembly has started on the UKs crewed combat demonstrator  set to fly within next 3 years to derisk Tempest/GCAP. Over 50% of structure by weight now being built. #FIA2024 #avgeek pic.twitter.com/BgJgzE1iyz  Tim Robinson (@RAeSTimR) July 24, 2024

Still, very little is known about the demonstrator aircraft, other than the fact that it will be powered by a pair of Eurojet EJ200 turbofans. These are the same engines used in the Eurofighter Typhoon, but they will not be used in the production Tempest, which will receive an all-new powerplant now under development.

The latest Tempest configuration. BAE Systems



There remain big questions about the other elements of the demonstrator. In particular, its unclear how close it will be in terms of size and configuration to the Tempest. However, with a separate avionics testbed also being completed, on the basis of an adapted Boeing 757 airliner, this would seem to suggest that the demonstrator will be concerned with proving the configuration and dynamics of the Tempest design and not simply a platform for testing subsystems.

This would parallel the United Kingdoms approach with the British Aerospace EAP, a fighter demonstrator that first flew in 1986 and proved the concept for the Typhoon that followed it. It was powered by engines used in the earlier Panavia Tornado combat aircraft, but its basic configuration was similar to that of the Typhoon. The new aircraft now being built at Warton is, notably, the first new flyable U.K. fighter demonstrator since the EAP.

The British Aerospace EAP technology demonstrator. BAE Systems

Once again, however, we dont know for sure how much in common the demonstrator will have with the Tempest. Major advances in computer simulation since the days of the EAP also mean that considerable amounts of critical test data can now be accumulated in the lab, rather than in actual test flights.

In the past, BAE Systems has said that, by using digital processes including auto-coding, in which entire program codes are created automatically, safety-critical systems software can be developed in a matter of days rather than weeks. This software is then proven in a simulator, testing, for example, the behavior of flight control systems during complex flight maneuvers. In this way, its expected that a great deal will be known about the demonstrators handling and performance before it even takes to the air. That will also help shorten the flight test program for the demonstrator.

At the same time, its also unclear how much commonality will exist between the final Tempest design and the latest 1:1 scale model of the aircraft that was unveiled on the first trade day at the Farnborough International Airshow this week. You can read our analysis of that concept model here.

The latest concept configuration for the Tempest fighter that was unveiled at Farnborough earlier this week. Leonardo Leonardo

Its also important to note that there had been previous significant changes in the appearance of conceptual studies and mock-ups representing the Tempest, as you can read about here.

Whatever the case, the development and manufacture of the demonstrator will provide valuable experience that will be fed into the Tempest program, reducing the risk for both this crewed sixth-generation fighter and the broader programs that it falls under. One of these is the aforementioned FCAS, a wide-ranging U.K. air combat initiative that will include uncrewed platforms, next-generation weapons, networks and data sharing, and more.

An earlier BAE Systems graphic from the Tempest program shows some of the key ancillary systems and technologies that are being developed alongside the crewed fighter. BAE Systems

The second is the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), an international collaborative program that involves the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan and seeks to field the aircraft, plus associated support and training, in each of these countries.

Plans for a supersonic crewed demonstrator aircraft for the Tempest program were first announced in July 2022, together with the aim of having it flying by 2027.

Previously, the closest wed got to seeing the Flying Technology Demonstrator was during trials of its Martin-Baker ejection seat. This involved a representative forward fuselage design that accommodated the Martin-Baker Mk 16A ejection seat, during four tests using a rocket-propelled sled, with differently weighted instrumented mannequins being ejected at 280 knots and 450 knots.

The representative forward fuselage design used for ejection tests, coupled to the rocket sled. BAE Systems

As well as the demonstrators crew escape system  tests of which have apparently been completed  there has been parallel work on the powerplant. Aerodynamic engine testing has taken place at the Rolls-Royce facility in Filton, England. Novel technologies are also being used for the powerplant system, including using advanced manufacturing processes to produce the engine duct for the serpentine intake.

The EJ200 engine combined with the engine duct for the demonstrator aircraft, at Filton in Bristol. BAE Systems

Then there is the ground-based simulator that has been developed for the project at a new facility in Warton. A digital representation of the Flying Technology Demonstrator has already been flown extensively simulator, with a team of pilots from BAE, Rolls-Royce, and the U.K. Royal Air Force.

The 757-based flying testbed for the Tempest program, named Excalibur, is also being converted, with its sensors expected to include the Multi-Function Radio Frequency System radar from Leonardo, plus communications systems and electronic warfare equipment. The end result will be very similar in concept to the other flying testbeds used for similar development work in the United States and China.

Concept artwork of the 757-based Excalibur flying testbed. 2Excel

While the Flying Technology Demonstrator is so far understood to be a British effort, its possible that Italy and Japan could become involved, which would reflect the tri-national nature of the GCAP program. As well as contributing expertise and funding to this part of the program, such a move might also work to allay reported fears from those two countries about the future of the Tempest and FCAS/GCAP within the United Kingdom.





UK, Japan and Italy have agreed to launch the Global Combat Air Programme to develop a future fighter jet.



1 Entering service from 2035

2 Combining defence industry expertise

3 Creating high-skilled jobs in the UK and partner countries



https://t.co/oUNNdClgl7pic.twitter.com/HdUvUqp28k  Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) December 9, 2022

As we recently reported, there have been concerns raised that a reassessment of U.K. defense spending priorities may affect these future air power efforts, with one possible outcome being a reduction in the priority assigned to the Tempest program. Its unclear how such a move might affect the demonstrator effort, but this is already assigned a very aggressive  and arguably optimistic  schedule.

Team Tempest is relying heavily on digital engineering to speed the development of both the demonstrator and the fighter that will follow it. While it promises much, there have also been more questions of late, including from senior U.S. Air Force officials, as to whether the digital engineering approach necessarily delivers on this.

A previously released photo showing a representative military fast jet fuselage that was built on a high-tech, heavily automated new production line as part of the early development work for the Tempest. The configuration appears broadly similar to that used in the new demonstrator aircraft. BAE Systems



Aside from these questions, there are inherent challenges in developing from scratch a new fighter, especially one incorporating stealth technologies, which will be fundamental to the Tempest. Simply put, long development times and high costs are essentially inevitable. Not only is a new crewed fighter under development but FCAS is also expected to include advanced uncrewed aircraft as well as new-generation air-launched weapons, all of which bring their own elements of risk  as well as big costs.

Furthermore, the finished Tempest fighter is expected to be in service by 2035.

As we wrote back in July 2022, when the demonstrator was first announced:

The capabilities promised by the Tempest look convincing, on paper, at least, although they may look less so once the aircraft is actually available for service. After all, the timeline as it stands looks to be exceedingly ambitious. If, as stated, a demonstrator starts flying within the next five years, that could leave as little as eight years between its first flight and the planned initial operating capability for the production-representative Tempest. Compare this with the Typhoon, for which 17 years passed between the demonstrators first flight and service entry.

Now it also looks as if a political dimension, at least on the U.K. side of the program, could further complicate matters, with the Tempest potentially competing for funds with various other big-ticket defense programs, including new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

With plenty of challenges ahead, todays announcement of progress in building the Flying Technology Demonstrator will surely be welcome.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance the Registry of Election Finance is set to subpoena members of two Constitutional Republican groups to answer questions about operating as a PAC. (Photo: John Partipilo)

The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance the Registry of Election Finance is set to subpoena members of two Constitutional Republican groups to answer questions about operating as a PAC. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Dissatisfied with a Tennessee Attorney Generals investigation, the Registry of Election Finance is set to subpoena members of two Constitutional Republican groups to have them explain how they operate without registering as a political action committee.

The registry board voted Tuesday to order members of the Tennessee and Sumner County Constitutional Republicans to answer questions about their political activity at an upcoming show-cause hearing. A sworn complaint filed by Goodlettsville businessman Wes Duenkel in November 2023 accuses the groups of acting like a PAC by making expenditures for candidates or issues but refusing to register with the state.

Five people spoke to the state investigator, but three others declined.

Registry board Chairman Hank Fincher said Tuesday, If theyre not going to talk to us, theyre going to have to assert the Fifth Amendment, the right to avoid self-incrimination.

Registry board members requested the Attorney Generals Office to investigate the matter in February and in late June received the results. The report amounted to short interviews in which four members denied raising or spending money for candidates. The investigation did show the groups Facebook page at one point offered a link to donate money. The group also vetted and supported candidates for local and state elections, in addition to holding breakfasts and other political gatherings.

Co-founder Chris Spencer, who is challenging Republican Sen. Ferrell Haile in the Aug. 1 primary, caught the ire of some board members because he told the AGs Office investigator, after being asked about monthly meetings and refreshments, I am done with questions. This is such a waste of time.

Spencer declined to comment after Tuesdays meeting.

Kurt Riley, another co-founder, claimed in his interview that breakfasts were free and that the sale of Tennessee Constitutional Republicans merchandise did not benefit candidates or the groups platform. He also said the group was formed to pay for his travel and expertise.

The Attorney General Offices investigation was accompanied by a letter from the deputy attorney general saying the office is not an investigative agency and doesnt have the resources to conduct full-scale probes for the Registry. The letter also said the Registry, based on a new state law, could use other options for investigations if it is unsatisfied with the AGs Office.

Fincher, a Democrat, said Tuesday he was surprised at Attorney General Jonathan Skrmettis abdication of statutory duties to investigate campaign finance issues. He noted the Registry board opted to investigate matters itself and added that the board will be seeking more funding from the Legislature to hire investigators.

Registry member Tom Lawless, who previously questioned the length of time it took the AGs Office to produce the report, challenged the quality of the investigation and called the AGs action repugnant and reprehensible.

If subpoenaed members of the Constitutional Republicans decline to testify before the board, it could take corrective actions, Lawless said.

Nobody is above the law, and theyre required to do certain things. And if they dont do it, well assist them with the maximum ability that we can, Lawless added.

The Attorney Generals Office has declined to respond to questions about the letter it sent to the Registry with its investigation.

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Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and Rep. G.A. Hardaway, D-Memphis, are calling for stronger action from Tennessee officials to rebuke the rising neo-Nazi presence in Nashville after five young boys were harassed by a group of white supremacists while busking downtown over the weekend.

White nationalists verbally attacked and tried to intimidate these brilliant, beautiful, powerful young Black boys who were simply trying to play drums, and simply try to enjoy their summer break like any other child, Jones said during a news conference Wednesday at the Cordell Hull legislative office building.

Jones called it an "act of intimidation that took us backward to darker days in our history."

The boys, Rontarious and Detonio Wilson, 14 and 10, Kamond Williams, 11, and Jaquial Forrest, 9, are familiar faces downtown where they frequently play intricate and impressive drum beats on overturned plastic buckets.

On Saturday, the boys were playing when a group of neo-Nazis  members of the groups that have been popping up with increasing frequency over the past few weeks  began harassing the boys and shouting racial slurs at them.

According to Jones and the mother of one of the boys, Metro Nashville Police escorted the children a block from the scene and then let them walk home alone.

We know that this is about a deeper systemic issue and about a deeper threat that we're experiencing in our state and in our city right now, with the increasing rise of white nationalist terror that is targeting our children now, Jones said.

More: Hate groups in Tennessee, across US, rising, Southern Poverty Law Center report finds

The incident drew immediate reaction from the Metro Council's Minority Caucus, who strongly rebuked the event in an online statement.

"Our right to free speech, though fundamental, should not be used to justify grown men weaponizing vile, racist language against children," the statement said. "We denounce any form of speech that promotes division, intolerance, or incites hatred."

Jaquial Forrest, 9, Ashton Lee, Rotaries Wilson, 14, and Detonio Wilson, 10, listen as Rep. Justin Jones D-Nashville, speaks during a press conference hosted by Rep. Jones, D-Nashville at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The press conference was concerning an incident where the group of boys were verbally harassed with racial slurs by an out-of-state Neo-Nazi group when the boys were downtown Nashville drumming on buckets.

Ashton Lee, mother of Forrest and friend of the other three boys mother, spoke at Wednesdays news conference.

It wasnt right, she said, visibly emotional. I moved to this city, which is supposed to be free. And it happened anyway."

Lee said she hadnt even known at first that her boy and his friends were the ones harassed, until she saw the viral video of the incident on social media.

It just broke my heart, she said.

The boys, who busk to earn money to buy things normal for pre-teen boys  shoes and cool clothing, they bashfully whispered to the media  have not been out to play since the incident, according to Lee.

It makes me feel some type of way, but I tell the boys that all the white people are not the same, she said. They feel like everyone is against them, but theyre not.

She said no other Tennessee lawmakers had reached out to her, calling their silence hurtful.

Everything yall are doing is hurtful, she said. Please show the children you care, and figure out what yall can do to help these kids.

Jones and Hardaway called on the legislative body to provide reflective and corrective actions and answers.

I found (the video of the incident) to be disgusting. Deplorable, Hardaway said. To have grown men bully and attempt to intimidate little children is outrageous, in this day and time in Nashville, Tennessee.

He said he was not surprised by the altercation, and questioned why the neo-Nazis feel so safe publicly marching in Tennessee.

There is a climate that's been created by the vitriolic dialogue that's going on in the political arena in particular and we've got to tone it down, he said. Those who support white supremacy: We're going to call you out.

More: Nashville peace rally denounces increased presence of neo-Nazi groups

The children performed a drum solo for the gathered media before going on a tour of the Capitol.

At one point, Detonio stood at the dais normally occupied by House Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and slammed the ceremonial gavel while  his face barely able to peer over the wooden edge  asking that the police let us be free, and those white people to stop being racist to Black peoples kids.

Jones started a GoFundMe for the children following the incident to help raise funds for the children to help the family provide school supplies, school clothing, groceries, and maybe even a drum set.

As of publication, the fundraiser was sitting over $10,000, $2,000 past its goal.

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: TN lawmakers denounce racism after neo-Nazis harass Nashville child musicians
A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency vehicle. (Photo: John Partipilo)

The Tennessee Attorney General wont appeal a court decision that found secret surveillance of private property by state game wardens to be unconstitutional.

The decision marks the end of a six-year legal battle initiated by two Benton county men who challenged forays onto their land by officers with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Terry Rainwaters and Hunter Hollingsworth sued the agency after finding hidden cameras on their respective properties, where game wardens also spied on them while wearing camouflage outfits and crouching in bushes.

TWRA officers have not sought permission from judges before entering private property, needed no supervisor approval, kept no record of their searches and conducted them based on the suspicions of an single officer.

The Tennessee Court of Appeals concluded in May the warrantless searches violated the Tennessee Constitution, which says that the people shall be sure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from unreasonable searches and seizures.

The court compared TWRAs actions to the abusive tactics of British customs officials in colonial America. It concluded that state game wardens may not enter private property that is actively used without a warrant.

In its unanimous decision, the court also concluded that the so-called Open Fields Doctrine, which has traditionally allowed law enforcement to enter wild or waste lands that are left unused, does not apply to private lands that are in active use by its owners.

A 60-day deadline for the state to appeal the decision passed two weeks ago.

The final victory has been a long time coming, said Rainwaters. For too long, TWRA officers have treated my private land like public property. But in Tennessee, our land just means more. Its part of who we are. And to hear the court say our land deserves protections from TWRAs warrantless intrusions makes me proud to be a Tennessean.

The Tennessee men were represented by the libertarian-leaning law firm, Institute for Justice, which is challenging similar game warden practices before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court later this year.

TWRA is working with the Attorney Generals office for further clarity on TWRAs right to inspect hunters, said Emily Buck, an agency spokesperson said this week.

The agency has long argued for the need to enter private property for hunting and fishing law violations and to protect wildlife. The vast majority of land in Tennessee is privately owned.

Buck said the agency will have new policies in place by the opening of dove hunting season in September and noted the agency already has a landowner consent process for property owners willing to allow game wardens onto their land.

We learned a lot from this case and the public opinion we heard from Tennesseans, Jason Maxedon, TWRAs executive director, said in a written statement. We appreciate the Courts decision that Open Fields is still constitutional, and we will work diligently to ensure our officers are following constitutional law to protect wildlife and stop poachers.

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A table with religious objects for sermons at the Catholic Charities RGV Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen in 2021. The nonprofit is the target of an investigation by the Texas Attorney General's office, which has accused border charities that help migrants of illegally harboring undocumented immigrants. Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune

McALLEN  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton cannot depose the leader of a McAllen migrant shelter, a Hidalgo County judge ruled Wednesday.

District Judge Bobby Flores decision shuts down attempts to compel the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley to submit to questioning on the shelters operations.

An attorney for Catholic Charities, William Powell, said he hoped the ruling put an end to the attorney generals investigation into the organizations work.

"We would hope that at this point they've realized that Catholic Charities complies with the law in all the work they do, Powell said.

In a statement after the ruling, executive director of Catholic Charities, Sister Norma Pimentel, said the organization would always strive to fulfill its legal obligations while continuing its mission.

The attorney generals office did not respond to a request for an interview.

The attorney general's office filed a petition to depose Catholic Charities last month, saying it was investigating whether the organization is illegally harboring migrants or illegally encouraging them to enter or remain in the country.

Catholic Charities, a nonprofit that provides food, shelter and other basic necessities to asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness and others in need, said it has not violated any laws and the attorney generals office has not presented any evidence to the contrary.

The nonprofit has become one of the latest targets in Paxton's efforts to shut down nonprofits that provide assistance to migrants.

Earlier this month, an El Paso judge denied the attorney general's efforts to shut down a migrant shelter network there on claims it was violating state law by helping people the state suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

Reference

A Hildago County judge ruled the Texas Attorney General cannot depose a nonprofit executive over migrant services.

(1.7 MB)

Lawyers for the state accused El Pasos Annunciation House of violating state laws prohibiting human smuggling and operating a stash house. But state District Judge Francisco Dominguez ruled that the state law was unenforceable because it was preempted by federal law.

Federal law also provides anyone who enters the country the right to request asylum. Migrants who cross the border in the Rio Grande Valley and have been allowed to remain in the country while awaiting an asylum hearing are delivered by U.S Customs and Border Protection to the Catholic Charities respite center in McAllen.

Catholic Charities argued that the attorney general's office failed to show that there would be any benefit to the deposition.

"The petition represents a fishing expedition into a pond where no one has even seen a fish," attorneys for Catholic Charities wrote in their response to the attorney generals petition.

The attorney general's office initially requested documents from Catholic Charities in April. Over the course of a few months, Catholic Charities turned over more than 100 pages of documents regarding how it hires and trains staff as well as its rules and procedures for admitting migrants, including required documentation, its process for applying for federal funds, and its relationship and communication with federal, state and local law enforcement.

The organization also submitted a sworn statement from Pimentel, its executive director, in which she responded to questions on operations, funding and communication with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The attorney general's office, however, said the documents did not shed "meaningful light" into their operations and that Pimentel's statement was non-responsive and evasive.

Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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!
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

SCHRIEVER, La. (WGNO)  A Texas man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that happened in Schriever on July 9.

According to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a shooting that was reported in the 300 block of Patrick Drive around 6 a.m.

Gunman charges and shoots at Gentilly cleaning crew

Upon arrival, TPSO deputies said signs of a shootout were discovered that suggested that the victim was allegedly ambushed by a shooter, identified by the victim as 45-year-old Keith David Joseph, as he was leaving for work.

TPSO deputies said they found evidence of a history of violent acts against the victim and family, believed to be committed by Joseph in recent months.

Deputies said they were initially unable to find Joseph, despite the area being saturated with deputies.

Man found with machinegun on Bourbon Street pleads guilty

After investigating further, deputies allegedly found evidence that linked Joseph to the shooting and obtained warrants for his arrest.

TPSO investigators said they later discovered that Joseph had been taken into custody in Houston, Texas, for the warrants in Terrebonne Parish. Joseph was extradited back to Terrebonne Parish on July 22 to face charges for his alleged crimes.

Joseph was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property and violation of a protective order. He was jailed on a $200,500 bond set by local judges.

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Over the past week, South Korea's stock market has experienced a decline of 3.2%, while showing no significant change over the last year. However, with earnings expected to grow by 30% annually, companies with high insider ownership might be particularly well-positioned to capitalize on this anticipated growth.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In South Korea

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth ALTEOGEN (KOSDAQ:A196170) 26.6% 73.1% Fine M-TecLTD (KOSDAQ:A441270) 17.2% 36.4% Global Tax Free (KOSDAQ:A204620) 18.1% 72.4% Seojin SystemLtd (KOSDAQ:A178320) 29.8% 58.7% Park Systems (KOSDAQ:A140860) 33% 36.6% Vuno (KOSDAQ:A338220) 19.5% 105% UTI (KOSDAQ:A179900) 33.1% 122.7% INTEKPLUS (KOSDAQ:A064290) 16.3% 77.4% HANA Micron (KOSDAQ:A067310) 20% 96.6% Techwing (KOSDAQ:A089030) 18.7% 77.8%

Click here to see the full list of 80 stocks from our Fast Growing KRX Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Wemade Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company that develops and publishes games both domestically and internationally, with a market capitalization of approximately 1.26 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its gaming business, which amounted to approximately 672.65 million.

Insider Ownership: 39.7%

Return On Equity Forecast: 39% (2027 estimate)

Wemade Ltd, a South Korean company with high insider ownership, is actively expanding its blockchain-based gaming ecosystem. Recently, Wemade unveiled significant enhancements to its WEMIX platform, including the development of WEMIX3.0 tailored for various digital applications and a revamp of the WEMIX PLAY platform to improve user engagement. Despite reporting a net loss of KRW 55.7 billion in Q1 2024, the company is optimistic about achieving record-high revenues this year and anticipates becoming profitable within three years. Analysts expect the stock price to rise significantly due to these strategic initiatives and forecasted growth in earnings by 91.39% annually.

KOSDAQ:A112040 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: ALTEOGEN Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing long-acting biobetters, proprietary antibody-drug conjugates, and antibody biosimilars, with a market capitalization of approximately 16.18 billion.

Story continues

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily through the development of enhanced biologics, targeted cancer therapies, and generic versions of antibody-based drugs.

Insider Ownership: 26.6%

Return On Equity Forecast: 45% (2027 estimate)

Alteogen Inc., a South Korean growth company with high insider ownership, recently celebrated the approval of its new drug Tergase by Korea's MFDS, marking its transition to commercial-stage. This product stands out due to its high purity and lower immunogenicity compared to existing alternatives. Financially, Alteogen is trading at 69.2% below its fair value while expecting very large revenue and earnings growth over the next three years, despite recent shareholder dilution and a highly volatile share price.

KOSDAQ:A196170 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Samwha Electric Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company engaged in the manufacture of electrolytic capacitors, serving both domestic and international markets, with a market capitalization of approximately 347.89 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its electronic components and parts segment, totaling approximately 206.44 billion.

Insider Ownership: 23%

Return On Equity Forecast: 32% (2027 estimate)

Samwha Electric Ltd., a South Korean growth company, is trading at 35.6% below its estimated fair value, indicating potential undervaluation. The company's earnings are projected to increase by 50.57% annually, outpacing the local market's forecast of 29.5%. Additionally, Samwha's revenue growth rate of 19% per year is expected to exceed the national average of 10.6%. Despite this promising financial outlook, the firm has experienced high volatility in its share price over the past three months.

KOSE:A009470 Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

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Unlock more gems! Our Fast Growing KRX Companies With High Insider Ownership screener has unearthed 77 more companies for you to explore.Click here to unveil our expertly curated list of 80 Fast Growing KRX Companies With High Insider Ownership.

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Ready For A Different Approach?

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 KOSDAQ:A112040 KOSDAQ:A196170 and KOSE:A009470.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Texas woman's lawsuit after being jailed on murder charge over abortion can proceed, judge rules

FILE - Lizelle Gonzalez, center, listens as a statement is read aloud by her lawyer Cecilia Garza, left, during a press conference held in Garza's office Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Edinburg, Texas. A federal judge on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, allowed Gonzalezs lawsuit to proceed after prosecutors and a sheriff arrested and indicted her on murder charges in 2022 for self-managing an abortion before the case was later dropped. (Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP, File)/The Monitor via AP, File)

McALLEN, Texas (AP)  A Texas woman who was jailed and charged with murder after self-managing an abortion in 2022 can move forward with her lawsuit against the local sheriff and prosecutors over the case that drew national outrage before the charges were quickly dropped, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton denied a motion by prosecutors and the sheriff to dismiss the lawsuit during a hearing in the border city of McAllen. Lizelle Gonzalez, who spent two nights in jail on the murder charges and is seeking $1 million in damages in the lawsuit, did not attend the hearing.

Texas has one of the nations most restrictive abortion bans and outlaws the procedure with limited exceptions. Under Texas law, women seeking an abortion are exempt from criminal charges, however.

Starr County District Attorney Gocha Ramirez and other defendants have argued their positions provide them immunity from civil lawsuits.

Rick Navarro, an attorney for the defense, argued that it was at worst a negligence case" during the hearing. Ramirez has previously told The Associated Press that he made a mistake in bringing charges.

Tipton asked Gonzalez's attorneys whether they could prove the prosecutors knew of the exception.

"What we intend to show is that negligence doesnt explain this oversight. It is the role and function of prosecutors to be aware of the elements of the statutes that they are charging," said David Donatti, an attorney with the ACLU of Texas who is representing Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was indicted in 2022 after she took the drug misoprostol while 19 weeks pregnant. She was treated at a Texas hospital, where doctors later performed a caesarian section to deliver a stillborn child after they detected no fetal heartbeat.

Her lawsuit filed in March also named the county, which runs the small hospital where Gonzalez was treated, claiming that hospital staff violated patient privacy rights when they reported the abortion. An amended complaint alleged that the sheriffs office interviewed Gonzalez and arrested her later under direction from the prosecutors.

The charges were dropped just days after the womans arrest. In February, Ramirez agreed to pay a $1,250 fine under a settlement reached with the State Bar of Texas. Ramirez also agreed to have his license held in a probated suspension for 12 months.

Wednesday's decision will allow the case to move forward.
(Bloomberg) -- Thailands Constitutional Court will rule on Aug. 14 if Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be removed from office for an alleged ethical violation, a case that could spur renewed political turmoil in Southeast Asias second-biggest economy.

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The nine-member court will convene at 9:30 a.m. to discuss its decision before reading out the verdict at 3 p.m. in Bangkok, it said in a statement on Wednesday. The court has received sufficient evidence and heard enough witnesses to conclude hearings and rule on the issue, it said.

A group of senators had put forward the petition accusing Srettha of an ethical breach in appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer for the influential Shinawatra family, to his cabinet in April. Pichit was unqualified, they said, citing his 2008 conviction and six-month prison sentence for attempting to bribe court officials while representing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The case against Srettha represents a risk for his coalition government that was cobbled together with pro-royalist and military-backed parties after a general election last year. A court decision to dismiss him from office will set off a scramble among the coalition parties to pick a new prime minister almost a year after he took power.

The Constitutional Court said the premier and the petitioners may submit their closing statements by July 31.

The court will decide Sretthas fate one week after it is scheduled to rule whether to disband the countrys largest opposition party over its election campaign to amend the royal defamation law. The Move Forward party won the most parliament seats in the national polls but was thwarted from forming government by Pheu Thai and other conservative parties. Meanwhile, Thaksin, whos seen as the de facto leader of Sretthas ruling Pheu Thai Party, was last month indicted in a royal insult case.

The multiple legal challenges shaking up Thai politics are all happening against a backdrop of stock-market losses, baht weakness and capital outflows. Rattled by signs of political turmoil, foreign investors have pulled more than $3 billion from local markets this year, sending Thailands benchmark index to a near four-year low and making it one of the worst performers of all global bourses tracked by Bloomberg in the past year.

Srettha has said he can weather the legal scrutiny and that his decision to appoint Pichit was lawful. Pichit resigned from the cabinet in May, saying he wanted to save the prime minister from any legal troubles while claiming the petition was politically motivated.

Srettha has struggled to rally Thailands economy after a decade of sub 2% annual growth, which is well behind its regional peers. The former property tycoon has sparred with the central bank on monetary policy and the right approach to reviving growth. Hes also grappling with a decline in popularity amid mounting legal and economic challenges, while the opposition has gained ground.

(Updates with more details from court statement from paragraph 2)

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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.

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.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Protesters demanding the U.S. stop military aid to Israel hoisted Palestinian flags and burnt American ones outside Washington's Union Station in demonstrations against a visit on Wednesday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Less than a mile away, police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who gathered outside the U.S. Capitol while Netanyahu spoke to Congress.

Seeking the support of U.S. lawmakers for Israel's war in Gaza, Netanyahu sketched a vague outline of a plan for a "deradicalized" post-war Gaza and touted a potential future alliance between Israel and America's Arab allies.

He was due to meet President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday and former President Donald Trump on Friday.

Shortly before he began speaking, U.S. Capitol Police said marching protesters tried crossing a blockade and did not step back when asked.

"The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line," police said in a statement.

"We were no threat (to police)," said Sarah Bowles, a pharmacy technician from Delaware who attended the protest and assisted protesters who were injured. One of the protesting groups said police attacked demonstrators as they marched.

Pro-Palestinian groups and university students have for months protested in the U.S. against Israel's offensive in Gaza, a Hamas-governed enclave where health authorities say nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Israel's military assault followed an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, whose militants surged into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Despite mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt; Israel and Hamas have yet to forge a permanent ceasefire.

NETANYAHU CRITICIZES PROTESTERS

Netanyahu, while addressing Congress, said he had a message for the protesters.

"When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots," he said, using a Cold War-era term for people who are manipulated for a political agenda.

Protesters deny such charges and say their demonstrations are a response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza where nearly the entire 2.3 million population have been displaced.

A stage at the protest site near the Capitol was decked with banners, including one that declared the Israeli leader a "Wanted War Criminal" in reference to an arrest warrant sought by International Criminal Court prosecutors. Netanyahu denies war crimes allegations.

Nearby, demonstrators placed nearly 30 human-size cardboard coffins wrapped in Palestinian flags. Traffic was barred from several roads near the Capitol.

"I want all aid (to) be suspended to Israel due to its actions in Gaza," said Bradley Cullinan, who said he traveled to the area from Columbus, Ohio, 400 miles (640 km) away.

Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon took to the stage and condemned the death toll in Gaza. "No one is free until everyone is free," Sarandon said.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers skipped Netanyahu's speech to Congress, expressing dismay over the deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza where nearly all of its 2.3 million people have been displaced.

Members of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish group carried Palestinian flags and signs reading "Free Palestine" and "Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism," while a group of younger protesters danced to Arabic music and carried large banners reading "Stop Arming Israel" and "Stop War Crimes in Gaza."

ICC prosecutors say there are reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as well as Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Al-Masri and Ismail Haniyeh, bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Howard Goller, Alistair Bell and Don Durfee)
A bridge near Sapello in San Miguel County as the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire burns on April 23, 2022. A recent threat of violence against a man's lawyers and federal employees prompted the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Claims Office to go on temporary lockdown. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

A man seeking compensation for losses he suffered in the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire threatened to shoot up a federal claims office last week in northern New Mexico, according to the local sheriffs office.

The threat Thursday prompted a brief lockdown at the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office in Mora, according to a claims office spokesperson. The man also made similar threats to the Roybal Mack & Cordova law firm, the firm representing him as he seeks compensation, according to a letter she sent to clients over the weekend.

This week, we had to close our offices in Mora and Las Vegas based upon threats of physical violence directed toward our law firm, lawyer Antonia Roybal-Mack wrote in the letter provided to Source New Mexico.

Her letter also noted the threat against the claims office, which is overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Roybal-Mack noted frustration has been rising over more than two years after the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire began, but she urged her clients to be patient and productive in their criticism.

I must emphasize that such actions are not only counterproductive, but also illegal, she wrote. I understand the anger, and frustration, but the threats cannot and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The cursing and anger towards us is simply misplaced.

The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire started due to botched prescribed burns ignited by the Forest Service in early 2022. The fire, the states biggest-ever, burned about 1,000 structures and a 534-square-mile area. Congress in late 2022 created a nearly $4 billion fund to fully compensate victims for the losses they incurred in the fire and tasked FEMA to administer the funds.

Joey Romero, undersheriff for the Mora County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday that the sheriffs office is still determining whether to file charges, but deputies talked to the man and deemed him not a threat at the time. He said the man threatened to kill his lawyers and shoot up the claims office.

The undersheriff could not say what might have prompted the threat, but he said more information might be available later this week.

A claims office spokesperson would say only that a threat was made to the Claims Office and that the incident was swiftly resolved after a brief lockdown early on Thursday. The office reopened by 12:30 p.m. on July 18, according to the spokesperson.

The lockdown happened around the same time other FEMA claims office locations were closed due to maintenance and other reasons. The office in Las Vegas, N.M., closed July 16 and has yet to reopen due to maintenance, spokesperson Danielle Stomberg said.

But she stressed that claimants can still make appointments with navigators. The office also provided regular updates about the closures on its Facebook page.

As of July 16, the office had paid out about $940 million of the $3.95 billion awarded by Congress, or about 24% of the total, to 6,010 claimants. The pace of payments and the damage claims FEMA declined to pay for have prompted more than a dozen lawsuits and continued frustration among those who lost their homes, property or livelihoods to the fire.

Roybal-Mack said in her letter to clients that the office is moving faster because it added additional personnel, and some of her firms lawsuits could be settled this week.

The process is still going slower than she would like, but she used her email to clients to call for a reset button that would restore respect and civility between claimants, their lawyers and the federal claims office.

Anger towards us will not move things faster, she wrote. Thankfully, no one was hurt and everyone is safe.

Brian Colon, a lawyer for another firm representing more than 1,000 clients seeking compensation, said he is urging his clients to take a deep breath and give the claims process a chance to work, especially in light of the hiring in April of Jay Mitchell, a new director of the claims office from New Mexico.

There has been a change since Mitchell hit the ground. Ive seen it firsthand, he said. Accordingly, everybody needs to pump the brakes, take a deep breath and give us a chance to continue making progress on these very, very important claims.
Three months after pro-Palestinian protests at UT, here are five takeaways and updates

Three months ago, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered for several days along Speedway and at the University of Texas' South Mall to demand that the institution divest from weapons manufacturers contributing to Israel's bombardment of Gaza. At the same time, thousands of other protesters across the country were also demanding the same from their institutions of higher learning.

At UT, President Jay Hartzell called Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to help control the demonstrations, specifically one on April 24 and another on April 29, which university administrators perceived as a danger to the campus. The officers were clad in riot gear and zip ties. Some came on horseback. At the April 24 demonstration, 57 people were arrested. On April 29, when protesters set up a surprise encampment, 79 people were arrested.

Lisa Faizenbaker, right, hugs Haleigh Bond after Travis County Attorney Delia Garza announced at a news conference at the Travis County Administration Building Wednesday June 26, 2024, that charges have been dropped against them and the rest of the pro-Palestinian protesters who were arrested for trespassing at the University of Texas on April 29.

Since then, the American-Statesman has followed the protesters and their case dispositions, and investigated how UT has changed its policies or has asked for assistance behind-the-scenes. Here are five findings:

UT hires crisis communications firm after pro-Palestinian protests

A day after the April 29 demonstration, UT called FGS Global, a strategic communications firm, to help with communication surrounding the protests and other "related reputational matters," according to documents obtained by the Statesman through open records requests.

On May 4, Hartzell signed a contract with FGS Global for $75,000 for services from May to December. The "strategic communications work" includes:

Being available to join daily meetings

Forming a crisis communications working group

Rethinking how the university communicates on-the-record statements

Identifying allies to promote the university's image

Developing a social media strategy, including a paid campaign

About a month later, UT laid off 20 staff members in University Marketing and Communications  about a quarter of the department responsible for marketing, university communications and social media  due to "changing priorities for the University." Sixteen of these positions were completely eliminated.

UT spokesperson Mike Rosen did not answer the Statesman's questions about if the crisis firm's work was connected to the layoffs.

More: Records: UT hires crisis comms for 'reputational matters' after pro-Palestinian protests

UT changes free speech policies

UT changed its Speech, Expression and Assembly rules to comply with a March executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott that mandated colleges to review their free speech policies to better protect against antisemitism. But UT also made changes that place greater limitations on expression and give the university power to limit it, the American-Statesman found. UT did not alert the campus to the changes or state the date the changes went into effect.

"The University updates its rules and policies each summer to address changes to the law, implement new practices, and to improve and clarify existing provisions. Any new provisions are effective upon publication, Rosen said, though he did not answer the Statesman's specific questions about policy changes.

The changes include:

Though previously the policy only said UT police may respond to campus concerns and assist dean of students staff or other University officials, as appropriate, when individuals refuse to follow university rules," it now extends that authority to "Any other peace officer with lawful jurisdiction.

If a UT official determines that there is a campus disruption, staff members can search for and determine items "that could be used as weapons."

Amplified sound is now prohibited on campus during finals week, which is when the April protests occurred.

UT staff members are now allowed to "in some instances" extend a greater perimeter than 10 feet around facilities to bar expressive conduct.

More: Analysis: UT increases limits on free speech after pro-Palestinian protests, Abbott order

UT spent $5,200 on Pok-e-joes barbecue for police, staff as part of protest expenses

A UT document entitled "2024 Protest Purchases" obtained by the Statesman through the Texas Public Information Act outlines $8,641 in protest-related expenses, not including staffing fees or equipment used, which outlines several charges which were largely related to food, water and hotels.

Here's what UT spent:

Pok-e-Jo's  $5,200

Hotel  $1,833.72

Liquid IV/Propel  $578.25

Water  $560.84

Flex cuffs (zip ties)  $293

Portable chargers  $100.66

Lanyard holders  $75.18

Rosen said the two barbecue charges at Pok-e-Jo's  for $3,900 and $1,300  were classified as official occasional expenses, defined in the school's operating procedures as a reception, luncheon, dinner, or similar event that is sponsored and funded by The University of Texas at Austin and is often hosted by an administrative officer. UT police spokesperson Stephanie Jacksis told the Statesman that the hotels were for UT System police officers, but would not specify how many nights or how many officers.

"It should be recognized that UT does not hesitate to exercise its budgetary discretion to procure the necessary provisions to maintain public safety and prevent operational disruption, Rosen said at the time.

More: $5,200 for Pok-e-Jo's barbecue: A look at UT's expenses for pro-Palestinian protests

Protesters face disciplinary proceedings, deferred suspension or suspension

In early June, UT initiated disciplinary proceedings against student protesters who were arrested April 24 or April 29 for alleged rules violations of disruptive conduct and failure to comply with orders. In a collective letter some protesters wrote to the school, they denied the charges and asked to be treated fairly.

Som students also reported a hold on their transcripts or ability to register for classes, which Rosen said is done to ensure compliance with the disciplinary process.

About a month later, multiple students received administrative dispositions offering them deferred suspensions if they accept responsibility and agree to review UT's speech and expression policies, which were changed this summer. One student received a two-year suspension and ban from campus, but would be eligible for a hearing to contest it.

Before students received their administrative dispositions, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas warned Hartzell that the proceedings could "squelch" the free speech rights of students and urged the university to consider students' cases fairly and individually.

Rosen did not comment on the outcomes of the cases but has previously said that all students get due process. Some students are still awaiting their case outcomes.

More: UT offers deferred suspension to some pro-Palestinian student protesters, one suspension

Prosecutor drops almost all charges against pro-Palestinian protesters

The Travis County Attorney's Office dropped all 79 criminal trespassing charges levied against UT protesters who participated in the April 29 demonstration after nearly two months of review and considering factors "including the legitimate concerns of whether there were violations of constitutional rights of free speech," County Attorney Delia Garza said June 26.

A university statement Rosen shared at the time said they were "deeply disappointed" by the action.

All 57 criminal trespassing charges filed against the April 24 protesters were dismissed the next day due to "deficiencies" in the probable cause affidavits, Garza said at the time.

Non-criminal trespassing charges filed for April 29 protesters  including for obstructing a highway or passageway, interfering with public duties, and illegally carrying a concealed gun without a license on campus  are still pending.

More: Criminal trespassing charges dropped against 79 arrested in UT pro-Palestinian protest

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: After pro-Palestinian protests, where is UT now? Five updates to know
Tight-knit homeless camp in Sacramento is losing its lease. What happens to the residents?

The future of a tight-knit North Sacramento homeless camp has been uncertain for months, and just got more uncertain.

Nonprofit Safe Ground Sacramento sent a letter to the city Tuesday, obtained by The Sacramento Bee, stating it is ending the Camp Resolution lease Aug. 10.

It appears it will now be solely up to the city to decide whether to shut the camp down and evict the roughly 50 residents. City spokesman Tim Swanson did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Mark Merin, chairman of Safe Ground Sacramento, stated in the letter that the nonprofit holds legal responsibility for the lease but the residents, in the self-governing encampment, have chosen to be represented by the Sacramento Homeless Union in their relations with the City.

The letter outlines several issues with the camp, at Colfax Street and Arden Way, that have caused the nonprofit leaders to determine they must end their involvement as the lessee.

The site needs a water supply and electricity which cannot be supplied without some substantial city financial support, which we have been advised the city cannot provide, the letter stated. The excessive heat and anticipated inclement weather makes injury more likely in the absence of water and electricity supplies.

During a record-breaking heat wave earlier this month, a man died of heat stroke in a trailer in a private trailer park that lacked air conditioning. The Camp Resolution trailers also lack air conditioning.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg last week announced the city would deliver water bottles to the camp, after the county stopped delivery to 34 camps July 1 but the site still does not have running water.

The removal of Merins nonprofit now means the fight will be squarely between the Sacramento Homeless Union and the city. The homeless union in May sued the city for previously threatening to close the camp.

The homeless union last week blocked city employees from entering the camp to do an inspection and sign up residents for affordable housing waitlists.

We are OK with an inspection  with notice and an opportunity and an obligation on their part to sit down with what is supposed to be a self-governed camp and talk about the issue, Sacramento Homeless Union attorney Anthony Prince said during a news conference last week.

Prince said that 16 residents have gotten housing since the camp opened, without city help.

Crystal Sanchez of the Sacramento Homeless Union said she wants the camp to stay open permanently as a place where people can transition off the streets into permanent housing.

Sacramento City Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela said although shes always supported the camp, she does not want the city to keep the camp open permanently.

The goal was always to get residents on site housed, which was still our goal at our meeting with residents at the beginning of this month  not to turn it into a permanent intake site for folks, Valenzuela said. Wed prefer to develop the site into housing once we get the folks on site safely settled.

She defended the city and criticized the homeless union.

Ive been witness to the citys efforts over the last several weeks to address outstanding concerns at Camp Resolution, including our attempts to access the site to do assessments for housing and to conduct the health and safety inspections required by the lease, Valenzuela said. Our efforts have been completely hampered by representatives of the Sacramento Homeless Union, who chose to use threats and intimidation against us and residents of the camp to prevent dialogue.

Since 2022, the city has allowed roughly 50 residents of Camp Resolution in North Sacramento to live on a city lot and gave them trailers to live in. Camp Resolution is unique because its self-governed, and the city does not have to pay millions to contractors for operations. The sense of community and safety is desirable to unhoused people, and over 800 signed up for the waitlist.

The idea was to prove the concept, then duplicate it around the city. Since it does not cost millions a year like other city shelters, it works for the citys looming deficit, but still gives people basic human needs such as water, bathrooms, food and security.

But when some people were camping in tents on the dirt, which is against the lease for environmental reasons, the city announced plans to close the site, then delayed those plans amid backlash. District Attorney Thien Ho has threaten to sue the city, as he has in the past.

Steinberg earlier this year promised the city would offer all residents an indoor shelter bed before clearing them off the site.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends Israel's Independence Day Reception at the National Building Museum in Washington on June 6, 2023. Credit - Saul LoebAFP/Getty Images

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a joint session of Congress, Washington must finally face reality: its emphatic embrace of Israels war in Gaza is not advancing U.S. interests or promoting regional stabilityto say nothing of the immense human toll.

In fact, it is doing the opposite. So long as Washington refuses to change course, the U.S. will continue to confront major problems that are the product of its own policies.

Netanyahu remains wedded to the idea that Israels army can achieve his goal of eradicating Hamas in Gaza. But as IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari recently admitted, anyone who thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong. In the military realm, the group maintains operational capacity, and continues to fight in areas of Gaza where Israel previously claimed Hamas had been eliminated. U.S. intelligence estimates that only 30-35% of Hamas military wing have been killed since Oct. 7, while claiming it has recruited thousands of new volunteers over the course of the war. Hamas also remains deeply embedded in the political fabric of Gaza.

Israel can degrade Hamas capabilities and kill their leaders, but without a route toward a credible political solution, Palestinian militancy will persist. Unfortunately, there is no sign of such a solution. Netanyahus apparent plan moving forward is the indefinite military occupation of the enclave, and Israels parliament recently passed a motionwith overwhelming supportrejecting Palestinian statehood, even if it is part of a negotiated settlement with Israel. This is a recipe for endless violence.

Meanwhile, the carnage Washington is subsidizing in Gaza is seriously damaging Americas global standing. As many feared in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the war has gone well beyond prevention and self-defense, drawing analogies to the U.S. response to 9/11. Israels campaign is also planting the seeds of future turmoil by killing thousands of innocent civilians, crippling Gazas infrastructure, and producing a famine. The effects of this war will plague Gaza for generations, and Washingtons involvement, most critically the provision of the weapons responsible for much of the killing, makes a mockery of the U.S. claim to lead a liberal or rules-based international order.

Police arrest protesters as they block traffic during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, near the home of Sen. Chuck Schumer in Brooklyn, New York, on April 23, 2024. Andres KudackiAP

Finally, there is a growing chance of regional escalation and deeper direct U.S. involvement. The war has already set off a wave of regional escalation from Lebanon to Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and between Israel and Iran directly.

Israel and Hezbollah are especially close to a devastating war. The U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, C.Q. Brown, recently warned both that Iran would likely provide considerable help to Hezbollah, which has a huge arsenal of missiles that can penetrate deep into Israel, and that U.S. forces in the region could be pulled into that conflict. Such a war is anathema to U.S. interests and Middle East stability. The risks of regional warand direct U.S. involvementwill remain elevated as long as Israels campaign in Gaza continues.

Read More: The Coming Israel-Hezbollah War

Short of direct military intervention, the U.S. has cast the full weight of its political, economic, and military might behind Israel. By casting multiple vetoes at the U.N. Security Council, approving more than 100 arms transfers worth over $41 billion, passing roughly $15 billion in additional military aid, and overseeing a massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, the Biden Administration has placed the U.S. at the center of Israels war in Gaza.

American foreign policy in the Middle East has been dysfunctional for decades, and the imbalanced relationship between the U.S. and Israel is at the core of that flawed regional strategy. Washingtons reflexive embrace of Israel has impaired its ability to think clearly about the Middle Easta region of limited strategic importance to the U.S., given Americas energy independence. At a time when the U.S. finds itself overextended abroad and facing serious political and economic troubles at home, Washington is following Israel deeper into the abyss.

Is there any sliver of hope? After Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Kamala Harris is now the Democratic frontrunner, and has an opportunity to change course on Israel and Gaza. Although Harris has urged Israel to do more to address the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, she has remained steadfast in her backing of Israelmuch like Biden. Rhetoric devoid of a policy change is not enough. Moreover, a Trump victory would likely offer no respite given his strong support for Tel Aviv and comments that he would let Israel finish the job in Gaza.

Though the future of the White House is uncertain, it should be abundantly clear to all that by continuing to subsidize Israels war in Gaza, the U.S. is setting up itselfand the Middle Eastfor disaster. Washington needs to end its bipartisan, blank-check support for Israel and extricate itself from this tragedy.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The Tippecanoe School Corp. will welcome two new administrators in the 2024-25 school year, a chain reaction following a fellow administrator's retirement.

Jodi Day, current principal of Battle Ground Middle School, will move into the position of director of TSC's Student Services, the corporation said in a news release. Day will replace BeAnn Younker, who will move into the leadership role of the TSC SEEDS teacher mentoring program after the retirement of Kathy Nimmer at the end of year.

Day earned her bachelor's degree from Ball State University, a master's degree from Oakland City University and a doctorate degree from Purdue University.

"Dr. Day has done a tremendous job leading Battle Ground Middle School for the last eight years," TSC superintendent Scott Hanback said. in the release. "Based on her wealth of educational leadership experience, she is going to be an excellent fit for this position."

As director of Student Services, Day will coordinate state-mandated testing, administer grants and oversee various prevention and intervention services for students and their families.

"It is with great excitement that I am transitioning to this new role as director of Student Services," Day said in the release. "I look forward to fostering an environment where every student's needs are met and their potential is nurtured to the fullest extent."

Laurie Rinehart will return to TSC after serving in the Lafayette School Corp. most recently as an assistant superintendent for secondary education. Previously, Rinehart served as assistant principal at McCutcheon High School and at Wea Ridge Middle School and has 10 years of teaching experience, primarily in a special education classroom.

"Dr. Rinehart has an outstanding record of educational leadership skills," Hanback said. "We're thrilled that someone with Dr. Rinehart's rich experiences and passion for student learning is returning to the TSC team as principal of Battle Ground Middle School."

Rinehart said in the release she is eager to begin working alongside Battle Ground Middle School's staff, students and families.

"I believe in the power of teamwork and open communication, and I am committed to creating a culture of trust and mutual respect," Rinehart said. "I am excited to return to working with students and teachers every day."

Day and Rinehart will move into their roles on Aug. 1.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Tippecanoe School Corp. will welcome new admins in August
BECKLEY, WV (WNVS)  Todd Kirby was sworn in as the newest judge on the 10th Judicial Circuit in Raleigh County on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Kirby, who served in the West Virginia House of Delegates as a Republican representing District 44, had a private attorneys practice in Beckley and also served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, covering child abuse and neglect cases, before winning an unopposed race in May for the judgeship.

Kirby was taking the seat left vacant by Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Robert Burnside, who retired.

Todd Kirby appointed as circuit judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit Court for Raleigh County

Judge Burnside left the bench before completing his term, so Governor Jim Justice appointed Kirby to fulfill the remainder of Judge Burnsides term, starting on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

After being sworn in by Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Dimlich in the ceremonial courtroom at Raleigh County Courthouse, Kirby donned a judges robe, with Judge Dimlichs help, for the first time.

Judge Kirby said he would look to the other 10th Circuit judges for advice.

UPDATED: Natalie Cochran granted continuance in murder trial

Its a real honor and a huge benefit to me, as a new judge, to have these amazing judges that I can go to and ask for advice and help, which Ive already done, said Judge Kirby. Ive probably driven Judge Dimlich crazy over the past two weeks asking him questions, but its nice to have that.

Kirby said his wife, who attended the ceremony with the couples two children, has been his biggest supporter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Top U.S. Justice Department officials during President Donald Trump's administration took part in a decision to reduce prosecutors recommended prison sentence for Trump adviser Roger Stone in 2020, a watchdog report published on Wednesday found.

The report by the department's internal reviewer found that the top federal prosecutor in Washington D.C. at the time, Timothy Shea, showed ineffectual leadership in his handling of the case, but did not conclude that officials committed misconduct or were influenced by politics.

The Justice Departments unusual decision to ease its initial sentencing recommendation for Stone, a longtime associate of Trump, became a political flashpoint.

Four prosecutors assigned to the case withdrew and one later told a congressional committee that his office received pressure from senior department officials who feared Trump.

Stone was convicted of obstruction, witness tampering and lying to Congress during its investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison, but Trump later pardoned him.

Stone told Reuters the report's conclusion about the lack of political influence is "entirely consistent with what my lawyers and I said at the time."

The report from the Justice Departments inspector general found that, before the first recommendation was filed in February 2020, senior officials had concerns that a sentence within the range called for by federal guidelines would be unreasonable.

Timothy Shea, then acting U.S. prosecutor in the capital, sought advice from Trump's attorney general, William Barr, and the two discussed requesting a sentence below the guidelines. But Shea later authorized prosecutors to seek a prison sentence of between 87 and 108 months, within the guidelines, according to the report.

Barr told staff the recommendation did not reflect what he had discussed with Shea and needed to be fixed, according to the report. Several hours later, Trump also tweeted criticisms of the recommendation, and shortly afterwards prosecutors revised their request to seek an unspecified lesser sentence.

Barr declined to sit for an interview with the inspector generals office and declined to comment to Reuters.

Shea did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The report acknowledged that Barr and Sheas role in the episode raised questions but found there was no law or department policy that barred them from intervening in the sentencing recommendation.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone and Kevin Liffey)
Toxic forever chemicals found in pesticides used on food, in homes and on pets, study finds

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Called forever chemicals because of how long they remain in the human body and environment, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a growing health concern.

Present in the blood of an estimated 98% of Americans, the hormone-disrupting chemicals are so worrisome that in July 2022 the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine set nanogram levels of concern and called for testing of high-risk individuals, including infants and older adults.

In April, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced historic rules designed to strictly control levels of five of the most studied PFAS in the nations drinking water, one of the routes of human exposure. Contamination can also come from the presence of PFAS in food packaging, stain-resistant textiles and thousands of consumer products such as cookware, tampons and cosmetics.

However, a new study takes a closer look at yet another, little studied avenue of possible exposure  the existence of PFAS in pesticides used in both agricultural and residential pest control, including pet flea treatments.

This is really the first study in the US to comprehensively look at how pesticides can be contributing to global PFAS contamination, said Alexis Temkin, coauthor of the study published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. She is senior toxicologist for the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, an environmental and health advocacy organization based in Washington, DC.

Food staples such as apples, corn, kale, spinach, strawberries and wheat are frequently sprayed with PFAS-containing pesticides, said coauthor David Andrews, a senior scientist and deputy director of investigations at the Environmental Working Group.

These pesticides are applied to tens of millions of farm fields across the United States in quite high quantities, and they are contributing to PFAS contamination, Andrews said. The use of these pesticides may also partially explain some of the unidentified PFAS contamination that scientists see occurring in our waterways.

Some flea and tick treatments may contain PFAS, according to state and federal records. - Tatomm/iStockphoto/Getty Images

The PFAS pesticides are also used in flea treatments for pets and insect-killing sprays in homes, according to the research conducted by scientists at EWG, the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Arizona, and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

One pesticide listed in (the paper) was fipronil. This is in specific flea/tick products that can be applied to pets! I didnt know that this was a PFAS, said environmental toxicologist Dr. Jamie DeWitt, director of Oregon State Universitys Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, in an email.

The study provides empirical evidence of the extent of PFAS in pesticides, said DeWitt, who was not involved in the research.

More oversight needed

Despite the presence of PFAS, the chemicals are not often considered in federal pesticide regulatory efforts or in toxicologic evaluations of pesticides, said Stephanie Eick, an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist and assistant professor at Emory University in Atlanta. She too was not involved with the new study.

The regulations surrounding pesticides are currently outdated and ineffective, so this discovery of PFAS presence in pesticide formulations represents a new opportunity for the US EPA to improve the scientific validity of pesticide risk assessment to better capture real-world exposure scenarios, said Eick in a commentary published with the study.

As it has with other scientific contributions, the Environmental Protection Agency will review the new report and remains committed to addressing the risks from PFAS from all sources, including pesticides, an EPA spokesperson told CNN via email.

In addition, the EPA has taken significant steps in recent years to understand and address PFAS in pesticides, including the removal of 12 PFAS ingredients from pesticide manufacturing, the spokesperson added.

The American Chemistry Council, an industry association, told CNN that pesticides are among the most stringently regulated products in the United States.

We would need time to review closely, but it appears these researchers are lumping many pesticides in as PFAS that are not, said Tom Flanagin, senior director of product communications for ACC.

While farm workers and others who work with or near pesticides are at highest risk, pesticide exposure is widespread. Over 90% of the US population has detectable amounts of pesticide in their urine or blood, according to estimates.

PFAS helps pesticides last longer

The study authors submitted Freedom of Information requests to various state and federal government agencies in the US, including the EPA.

The analysis found 66, or 14%, of all active ingredients in pesticides are PFAS, which are intentionally added to improve the products ability to eliminate pests, Andrews said.

They add PFAS components to pesticides because it also increases the stability of the pesticide in the fields, he said. The pesticide is less likely to be broken down as quickly, and so it can stay effective for a longer period of time without reapplication.

Pesticides also contain inert ingredients, which do not kill pests but are added as the carrier of the active ingredient, such as a capsule carrying a pharmaceutical, said Rainer Lohmann, a professor at the University of Rhode Islands Graduate School of Oceanography who studies sources of PFAS. He was not involved with the study.

Inert ingredients do not have to be disclosed on the products label, Andrews said. The analysis found eight EPA-approved inert ingredients were PFAS, including the nonstick chemical Teflon. In February, the EPA proposed the removal of Teflon in pesticide products.

The analysis also found nearly one-third of new ingredients approved by federal agencies for use in pesticides in the past decade contained PFAS, likely due to the longevity and other benefits, Temkin said.

The registration of pesticides that need PFAS is increasing, she said. This seems to be a trend.

PFAS-creating containers

Another unusual source for PFAS comes from the pesticide containers themselves as a result of a chemical reaction, Andrews said.

Fluorine gas is put into a plastic container, and the fluorine reacts with the surface to make it more stable, he said. The EPA has found that reaction creates byproducts  long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS, which have been banned.

An estimated 20% to 30% of the plastic containers that contain pesticides and fertilizers are fluorinated and can leach PFAS into the contents, according to the paper.

Some of the pesticides used to grow the nation's crops contain PFAS that have been linked to hormone and immune dysfunction. - Sirisak Boakaew/Moment RF/Getty Images

After first learning in 2020 about possible PFAS contamination in fluorinated plastic pesticide containers, the EPA has developed new ways to detect PFAS at low levels in pesticide containers and products, a spokesperson said.

The chemical reaction is not just restricted to pesticide containers, Andrews said. It applies to some fragrance and other consumer product containers. Its a big issue that extends beyond pesticides and may be an important contributor to how the concerning long-chain PFAS are remaining in the environment.

Long-chain PFAS chemicals perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, are among the most studied of the nearly 15,000 types of PFAS used by industry. Both chemicals have been linked to heightened risk of serious health problems such as cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, liver damage and hormone disruption, according to the EPA.

These are hidden sources of PFAS that are an underappreciated source of contamination of our waterways, the environment and potentially our bodies, Andrews said.

Just how significant are these exposures? More research is needed, experts say. However, the paper makes a good case that fluorinated pesticide compounds contribute a large share to unrecognized PFAS out there and seem to have a much larger contribution than expected previously, DeWitt said.

(This research) verifies that PFAS are part of pesticidal products either as an active ingredient of the pesticide or as a contaminant introduced from the pesticide packaging, he said.

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Trail cameras capture first-of-its-kind footage of 'one of the rarest' feline species in the world: 'An incredibly encouraging sign'

A rare sighting from deep in the forest of Borneo has given conservationists hope that the vulnerable clouded leopard is on the prowl.

In April, the Orangutan Foundation and Tanjung Puting National Park captured video of a mother and two cubs hopping through a thicket. One of the cubs even stopped to take a long look at the camera.

The Bornean clouded leopard is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, according to the foundation. The animal is endangered partly because of its low recruitment rate; few adults produce and raise offspring until they are two years old, at which point they join the breeding population.

Deforestation has taken its toll on the leopard, which relies on forests for habitat. The foundation said in a news release that more than two-thirds of the animals have been killed in recent years.

On Instagram, it noted this was the first time a mother and two offspring had been recorded.

"For the population to be reproducing is an incredibly encouraging sign," it stated.

Clouded leopards are known for their long tails, which match the length of their bodies, and teeth, which can reach 2 inches. The canine fangs are the longest of any feline, according to the Felidae Conservation Fund.

The big cats prey on monkeys, deer, pigs, and sometimes birds and reptiles. Population estimates vary from 5,000 to 11,000 in Borneo and 3,000 to 7,000 in Sumatra.

This sighting shows how important trail cameras are for scientists and researchers, who rely on the tool to track species diversity and distribution. A similar trap in Nigeria recently showed a pair of the rarest apes in the world. They can also help catch poachers.

Elsewhere in Indonesia, conservationists are trying to save the Sumatran rhino, of which fewer than 50 remain.

"The clouded leopard is an arboreal species and excellent hunter on the ground that plays an important role in maintaining the ecosystem," Orangutan Foundation research manager A. Yoga Perdana said. "As one of the rarest species to find, being able to see a female and cubs gives us evidence that they are healthy and actively breeding."

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Staying Fresh

Some of you may have noticed that this year Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who for ages exclusively wore the same combination of a gray T-shirt and blue jeans, suddenly took a keen interest in dressing in swanky, hip outfits.

Well, we now have another big Zuckerberg fashion development, and this time it expands beyond his personal taste in wardrobe. The Financial Times reports that Meta is in talks with the European eyewear corporation EssilorLuxottica, in a deal that could see the tech giant own a small but significant stake in the company that owns huge fashion brands like Ray-Ban  and, after closing a deal to acquire it this week, the streetwear staple Supreme.

As it stands, Meta is seeking a five percent stake in EssilorLuxottica worth around $5 billion, with the Italian-French group being valued at a total $95 billion.

Cool Factor

Meta and EssilorLuxottica have already been bedfellows. The two corporations collabed to launch a line of "Ray-Ban Meta" smart glasses last year, as part of Meta's big push into the wearable tech market.

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are a followup to a previous version of smart shades that resoundingly flopped. This time around, Meta seriously upped its game by adding a camera capable of livestreaming video in 1080p and by boosting the quality of calls and all-around audio. Its other big selling point was integration with Meta AI, the company's conversational chatbot, though reviewers at the time felt underwhelmed by its capabilities.



The glasses haven't taken the world by storm  and neither company is in this arrangement anticipating immediate big profits  but according to EssilorLuxottica CEO Francesco Milleri, they've already exceeded expectations, selling more in a few months than the last generation did in its entire two-year run.

By latching on to the fashion cred of EssilorLuexottica's brands, Meta could continue to carve out a real market for wearable smart tech  and maybe shake off the dorkiness of other AR and VR gadgets offered by competitors like Apple.

Glasses Houses

According to The Verge, it's looking likely that Meta will go through with the acquisition. There could be a last-minute upset in the cards, however, as Google has reportedly also approached EssilorLuxottica about a collaboration involving its Gemini AI.

This wouldn't directly interfere with Meta's plans, but it could put pressure on the company and take away from some of the visibility around its acquisition.

Still, Meta won't be letting Google's meddling take the wind out of its sails. Per The Wall Steet Journal's coverage of the deal, Zuckerberg's company expects to release a third-generation of smart Ray-Ban glasses by the 2025 holiday season. And by then  and with all the fashion brands Meta might gobble up  who knows what kind of wacky items Zuckerberg might be flaunting.

More on Meta: Trump Threatens to Imprison Mark Zuckerberg
I traveled to Tulum's brand-new airport. It's bright and beautiful, but I was shocked by the hidden transportation fee.

I recently took a trip to Tulum, flying in and out of its brand-new airport.

The airport is peaceful, pristine, and beautifully designed in tribute to Tulum's jungle.

But there was a surprise airport pickup fee, costing over $200 for a 45-minute drive.

Traveling to Tulum just got quicker  but is it any cheaper?

I decided to find out on a recent trip to Mexico, flying in and out of Tulum from its brand-new airport.

The Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport is bright, peaceful, and a closer alternative to Cancun. But traveling to and from the new airport wasn't as cost-effective as I had expected  it was actually more expensive.

Here's how my journey went.

After past trips to Tulum through Cancun and Cozumel, I was excited to see its brand-new airport.

Cancun used to be the closest airport to Tulum. Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Tulum is a gorgeous vacation destination, but it's never been the easiest trip from California.

On my first trip for a bachelorette party, we decided to save money by flying into Cozumel and taking a ferry to Playa del Carmen, followed by a 40-minute shuttle to our Airbnb in Tulum. The trip, which included a layover in Miami, was exhausting  and not one I'd recommend to anyone.

When I went to Tulum the second time, I knew I wanted to fly nonstop to Cancun. My friends and I rented a car to drive two hours from there to Tulum. We took the ADO bus on the way back, which took two-and-a-half hours. It's not the quickest journey before and after a five-hour flight!

The new Tulum airport  which began accepting international flights in April  is 20 miles from the city's hub. It's a quicker trip than Cancun, located about 80 miles away. However, you should still expect at least a 45-minute ride to and from your destination (depending on where you're staying).

Round-trip ticket prices to Tulum and Cancun from LA were generally the same when I traveled there in May.

The jungle immediately greeted me as I touched down on a Monday morning.

The view from my window after touching down in Tulum. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Alas, there were no direct flights from Los Angeles to Tulum when I took my trip, so I made my way on an American Airlines flight with a connection in Dallas. Four of the 10 airlines that fly into Tulum are from the US  Delta, JetBlue, American, and United.

There are also two Canadian Airlines (WestJet and Air Canada), two Mexican Airlines (Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus), and one each from Panama (Copa Airlines) and Germany (Discover Airlines).

The airport was nearly empty as I made my way through customs.

There was no line to get through immigration. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I touched down in Tulum just after 3 p.m. and walked into an airport that was almost dead silent. It appeared only one other flight, from Miami, was among the arrivals.

There was no line at immigration just around the corner, so my passport got stamped within seconds. It couldn't have been more seamless.

As I made my way to baggage claim, I was greeted by a huge sculpture

One of the jungle-esque sculptures in the Tulum airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

An art piece resembling a rock, with branches and green plants snaking all around it, was hanging from the ceiling.

It was a striking showpiece and one of the many decorations in the airport that paid tribute to the jungle in Tulum.

 and a glowing tunnel.

The tunnel to the baggage claim area. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The tunnel's arch appeared made of branches, lit in bright blues and greens that gave it a club-like vibe.

A video screen on the ceiling played galaxy-like visuals, with stars dancing across.

The baggage claim was peaceful and pristine.

The baggage claim area at Tulum airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Bright-red lights illuminated the back wall of the baggage claim area, highlighting the palm fronds and tree branches that decorated it.

Both of the arriving flights were placed on the same bag carousel, which snaked across half of the room. There was plenty of space for everyone to stand and wait for their bags.

A Duty-Free store, which was not yet open during my trip, sat at the back of the room. I admired the jade-green color that danced across much of the floor as I waited for my luggage.

Within 10 minutes, I had my luggage and was past customs.

The convenience stand in the arrivals area. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I made my way out to the spacious arrivals area on the ground floor, where a Starbucks and Domino's Pizza instantly greeted me.

There was also a large convenience stand selling snacks, candy, and sodas.

The arrivals area was also decorated to fit the airport's jungle aesthetic.

There were bright-green plants throughout the airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I was definitely getting into the vacation spirit as I strolled by the bright and beautiful plants  only later realizing that many were artificial.

A long hallway at arrivals was lined with different transportation options.

Different booths advertised various transportation options and companies. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I counted seven different taxi, rental car, and shuttle booths, as well as a stand for the ADO Bus. The 40-minute bus ride to Tulum Centro is the cheapest option. ADO's website shows the current rate is 220 pesos, or about $12. It's about $10 cheaper than the ADO bus from Cancun's airport.

I got sticker shock when I inquired about the cost of a private shuttle pickup with my resort, which was $230 one way. The concierge explained that Tulum has a government-imposed airport pickup fee, which is meant to cover the costs for security, staffing, and arrangements not needed during drop-off. It's a fixed cost, although the government hasn't disclosed the specific numerical value or percentage added to each fee.

Opting for a shuttle via the airport might be a little cheaper than your resort. According to rates on the airport's website, a one-way shuttle to Tulum Centro ranges from $176 to $199, depending on your group size. Shuttles to Tulum's Hotel Zone, where most resorts are located, can cost between $199 and $221.

By comparison, shuttles from Tulum Centro to the airport range from $106 to $128, while shuttles from the Hotel Zone to the airport range from $128 to $151.

The difference in transportation costs is pretty staggering compared to Cancun. According to the Cancun airport website, a shuttle to or from the airport to Tulum's Hotel Zone would cost around $110 to $125. That means a round-trip shuttle to Cancun could cost the same price as just a pickup from the Tulum airport.

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative but don't want to take a bus, taxi rates from the airport to Tulum Centro or the Hotel Zone tend to range between $70 and $110.

My shuttle was waiting for me right outside the airport.

The front of the Tulum airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

As someone who regularly deals with LAX, being able to walk right up to my private shuttle  which I ended up booking through my resort  truly felt like a gift from the heavens.

The 45-minute trip to my resort went by fast, especially with an ice-cold Corona in my hand.

I saw the rest of Tulum's airport before I caught my flight back to LA.

The Tulum airport is filled with natural light. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

What I love most about the Tulum airport is how bright and airy it is. Light pours into the space thanks to the translucent roof and floor-to-ceiling windows.

And much of the airport was designed with light wood fixtures mixed with green furniture and accents, giving it a warm and serene vibe  two words I never thought I'd say about an airport.

Just as with immigration, there wasn't a line in sight at the check-in desks.

The check-in area at Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

A roof of branches hanging over the desks continued the jungle theme. I also loved the Mayan meander art, which was a recurring motif throughout the airport. I spotted it along the floors, the stairs, and the walls.

My Greek mom, who came along with me, was especially delighted by the design  it reminded her of art from Ancient Greece.

After passing through security, I walked through the departures area and found that the food options were still extremely limited.

There were signs for multiple restaurants set to open soon at the airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Storefronts were covered in signs advertising restaurants that would soon open their doors, including Applebee's, Burger King, and Carl's Jr.  selections clearly catered to American tastes.

A Starbucks was also open, so I grabbed a Retro Pink Frappuccino  available in the chain's Latin America and Caribbean locations  to tide me over while waiting for my flight.

Also open was a Duty-Free and a large souvenir shop.

The souvenir shop at Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The souvenir shop featured your classic tourist gifts  shot glasses, magnets, hats, etc.  as well as travel pillows, stuffed animals, and apparel. I grabbed my boyfriend a few packages of Mexican cookies.

The Duty-Free was well-stocked with a variety of alcohol, as well as perfumes and cosmetics. Also open at the time of my trip was a specialized tequila shop, a jewelry store, and a clothing shop.

The WiFi and air conditioning were spotty as I waited for my flight.

The departures area in Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My flight got delayed almost two hours due to a storm in Dallas, so I became extremely familiar with the small departures area. I found that the WiFi didn't really work near the gates, and the air conditioning didn't seem to be fully running.

Large black fans  each emblazoned with the label of the "Big Ass Fan" brand  helped cool down the seats by the gates. I also noticed columns throughout the area offering plenty of power outlets to charge phones and laptops.

I admired the airport's unique ceilings as I walked around to pass the time.

The ceilings inside Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Each light fixture was surrounded by wood panels and looked almost sun-like in its design. It was a nice touch that added more warmth and modernity to the airport.

There was ample space to sit, and two new indoor playgrounds for kids.

Rows of green chairs in the departures area. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I loved the rows of green chairs, their shades cascading like a sample sheet of paint from Sherwin-Williams.

The bathrooms at the Tulum airport were also pristine, and there were signs for a VIP lounge coming soon. I also appreciated that there were numerous screens with departure information  all in green to match the overall aesthetic.

Tulum's new airport is lovely, and I'd travel there again despite the pickup fee.

Lounge chairs with a perfect view of the runways. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The transportation costs from the airport are hard to swallow, but my resort's concierge said they've heard the fee could be removed by the end of the year. Plus, there are cheaper options you could use if you don't want to go the private shuttle route.

And flying in and out of Tulum is still easier than Cancun. Not only does it cut down the travel time to your lodging by over an hour each way, but there were almost no lines to deal with in the airport.

Now that there's a direct flight from LA to Tulum  thanks United!  the trip has become even easier for me, and the ticket cost is the same as it would be from Cancun.

Tulum has become a huge vacation destination over the past few years, and its popularity will only soar now that it's easier than ever to get there.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Travelers flying Delta still experiencing delays but say there is progress since CrowdStrike outage

Today, the CEO of Delta announced flights should be back to normal starting tomorrow. This comes after last weeks CrowdStrike outage.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Slight delays are still expected today.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

However, travelers have continued to flood the check in counters at Delta Airlines. At least a dozen people told Action News Jax their flights continued to be delayed throughout the day nobody said they experienced any cancelled flights. Overall, many said they are not surprised Delta is still trying to bounce back because it is one of the larger airlines.

I woke up early this morning because I was supposed to fly out at 11 AM and then I got a message it was delayed to 1 pm. Now, it has been delayed for another 40 mins, said Ralph Arevalo, Jacksonville resident.

Readus Smith said he travels often for work and this week has been a challenge for him. He said he expected a small hiccup, but he never thought the aftermath of the CrowdStrike outage would carry past the weekend and now into the middle of this week.

RELATED: We share the passengers frustration: Delta pilot speaks about flight delays, cancellations

This flight is now three hours late which means were having to re-coordinate the meetings. As president of the company, I must be there, said Readus Smith, Jacksonville resident.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian issued a statement, saying in part:

While our initial efforts to stabilize the operations were difficult and frustratingly slow and complex, we have made good progress this week and the worst impacts of the CrowdStrike-caused outage are clearly behind us. To our customers who were impacted, I want to thank you for your patience and apologize again for the disruption to your travel.

RELATED: Delta CEO, in Paris for the Olympics, says outage-related cancellations should end Thursday

Several visitors AT JIA say travel has been smooth so far, but they are glued to the Delta App for any notifications.

I was worried we would get here and see a cancellation, but everything up to this point says our flight is up to date and on time, said Beverly Altamirano, visitor from Georgia.

Ed Bastian also added travelers whose flights were impacted are eligible for meals, hotel accommodations and more through vouchers and reimbursements.

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North Korea tests a Hwasongpho-16B missile, a new-type intermediate-range solid-fueled ballistic rocket loaded with newly-developed hypersonic gliding warhead, at an undisclosed location in North Korea in April. On Wednesday, the Treasury Department announced a round of sanctions against six individuals and five entities connected to China for its involvement in the procurement of items to bolster North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs. North Korean Central News Agency for EPA-EFE

July 24 (UPI) -- The Treasury Department announced a round of sanctions against six individuals and five entities connected to China for its involvement in the procurement of items to bolster North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

North Korea remains under restrictions by the United Nations for its missile program, which is facing increased scrutiny because it recently reached a military-arms agreement with Russia to assist it in its invasion of Ukraine.

The Treasury said it placed sanctions on Shi Qianpei for supporting Choe Min, an individual who the United States had already sanctioned. It also identified Du Jiaxin, Wang Dongliang, Chen Tianxin and Shi Anhui as sanction targets for assisting Shi Qianpei.

Chinese businessman Han Dejian and his metal alloy sheets company Yidatong Tianjin Metal Materials Co. Ltd also were sanctioned. The department sanctioned the companies Beijing Sanshunda and Beijing Jinghua Qidi for their connection with Chen Tianxin.

The companies Qidong Hengcheng and Shenzhen City Mean Well were designated for sanctions for their ties to Shi Anhui.

"The DPRK's continued development and proliferation of ballistic missiles technologies -- in violation of UN sanctions -- is both irresponsible and destabilizing for both the region and international community," Brian Nelson, under-secretary of the Treasury terrorism and financial intelligence office, said in a statement.

"The United States remains committed to using our tools to enforce these international sanctions, including disruption of the illicit procurement networks that provide key inputs for these technologies and holding accountable those who seek to enable these activities."

The Treasury said Han Dejian and Yidaton had already been sanctioned by the U.S. State Department in May because of their alleged violation of the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act.

In a separate statement from the U.S. State Department later Wednesday afternoon, spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, specifically pointing to a recent failed effort in May to place a military satellite into orbit.

"Moreover, the DPRK has supplied ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation, which continues to target civilian population centers and infrastructure in Ukraine," Miller said. "The United States remains committed to using all available means to expose and disrupt the networks supporting the DPRK's unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs and its reckless proliferation of weapons that destabilize the region and enable Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine."
Women walk with an umbrella on a hot day at Hollywood & Highland. The latest heat wave is mixed with tropical moisture, which could result in flooding and lightning strikes. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

California's latest heat wave has drawn tropical moisture into the region, causing severe thunderstorms in some inland areas that forecasters warn could continue to cause flash flooding and dangerous lightning through at least Wednesday night.

Some areas of Southern California, including the San Gabriel mountains and ranges across San Bernardino County, have the potential for strong, slow-moving storms to develop Wednesday afternoon. The storms "may produce heavy rainfall amounts and some flash flooding," the National Weather Service warned.

The Sierra Nevada and surrounding foothills also have a high risk for severe thunderstorms, with a chance for excessive rainfall causing flooding across much of eastern and southeastern California, according to the the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

"In recent days, even isolated storms have been able to produce flooding due to the sensitivity of the soils in those areas," forecasters at the Weather Prediction Center warned. "Thus, isolated flash flooding is likely, ... though exactly where that happens is very difficult to say."

A section of Mono County remains under a flood watch through Wednesday night, and forecasters warn that "excessive runoff from thunderstorms may result in flooding of burn scars, creaks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations."

This monsoonal moisture driving the storms is a fairly typical summer weather pattern that occurs due to a change in wind currents, said Stephen McCoy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford.

We have an upper-level high-pressure system thats currently located over southern Nevada," McCoy said. "The rotation around this high-pressure system is driving moisture up from the tropics into our area."

That high-pressure system continues to heat up the region, with most of the Central Valley and interior Southern California under excessive heat warnings through Thursday evening.

Temperatures across the state are expected to remain in the triple digits, with highs in the Mojave Desert forecast to reach up to 114 degrees; in the San Joaquin Valley, highs could hit 111, in the Antelope Valley up to 110 and in Death Valley up to 125. Forecasters continue to warn that little relief will come at night, with low temperatures remaining above 70 or 80 in many areas.

Read more: 1,000 rapid-fire lightning strikes spark California wildfires, with more possible

With the heat and thunderstorms, there's an increased risk for wildfires, especially if there's dry lightning.

Storms on Tuesday caused over 1,500 lightning strikes across the San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego county mountains and deserts, and even more were recorded in northeastern Los Angeles County and over the Sierra Nevada. However, officials said most of those strikes hit during a wet storm, as will likely be the case Wednesday.

Read more: Heat waves are growing hotter and more prolonged. What's driving extreme temperatures?

"Yesterday and today, we have had the lightning but it's been associated with rainfall," McCoy said Wednesday morning. The fire potential isnt as high as it has been in the past," but it's certainly still a risk.

Dry lightning has already been linked to at least four fires that ignited Monday in the Plumas National Forest, forcing some evacuations in nearby resort towns. The Gold fire complex had grown to a total 2,858 acres as of Wednesday, with warnings that structures remain threatened and evacuations "could increase depending on fire growth and behavior," the U.S. Forest Service said in an update.

Federal officials fighting the fire there said the cooling trend expected to begin later this week should help temper the blaze, but noted that Wednesday's chance for thunderstorms could bring "gusty, erratic winds which can cause unpredictable fire spread."

The crews have not yet reached any containment on the Gold fire complex.

In Los Padres National Forest, the Apache fire ignited Tuesday and forced some nearby evacuations, according to Ventura County Fire Department officials. Burning about 30 miles northeast of Ojai, the blaze continued to grow Wednesday, estimated at about 800 acres. It wasn't immediately clear the cause of that fire. No containment has been established there.

But with the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, weather officials said flash flooding will be the largest threat Wednesday.

The big concern that we have today, alongside the lightning strikes, is a slight risk for potential flooding," McCoy said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Trump Allies Dont Even Try to Hide Racism in New Kamala Harris Smears

Republicans have unleashed a slew of racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that she is a DEI candidate, an explicitly racist dog whistle meant to suggest that her position is a result of her being a Black South-Asian woman, not because shes actually qualified.

Fox News Business host Larry Kudlow went on a heated buzzword-salad rant Tuesday afternoon in which he couldnt even keep his criticism of Harris straight. The only thing he knew was that Harris was DEI, but, ultimately, he didnt seem sure about what that meant.

And of course, her whole history is DEI. Diversity, uh exclusion, and equity. I mean, inclusion and equity. I mean, what does that tell you? Its totally woke, and its anti-cops, Kudlow said.

So among all the other things, putting the economics aside: more DEI, defund the police, de eliminate ICE, never even talked to the chiefs of the border patrol. I mean, really? Hows she gonna stand up to that? A better question might be, hows she gonna understand the question?

Larry Kudlow on Kamala Harris: "Her whole history is DEI." (That's code for she's a black woman.) pic.twitter.com/mFHjJPVcjv  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 23, 2024

The racist smears against Harris on conservative news coverage began even before Biden had endorsed her as the Democratic nominee. Earlier this month, Sebastian Gorka, Donald Trumps former deputy assistant, called her a DEI hire, as well as a particularly outdated slur during an appearance on Newsmax.

Shes a DEI hire, right? Shes a woman! Shes colored. Therefore shes gotta be good, Gorka said sarcastically.

Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman also credited Harriss gender and race for her nomination for the vice presidency, amidst a slew of attacks on Tuesday.

Well, I think shes one of the weakest candidates Ive ever seen in the history of our country, said Hageman, claiming that Harris was intellectually, just really kind of the bottom of the barrel.

Hageman went on to criticize Harriss handling of the border, before explaining what her actual problem with Harris seems to be.

I think she was a DEI hire, and I think that thats what were seeing. And I just dont think that they have anybody else, said Hageman.

When asked about @KamalaHarris candidacy, @HagemanforWY calls @VP a "DEI hire."



"Intellectually, just really kind of the bottom of the barrel...I think she was a DEI hire. And I think that that's what we're seeing, and I just don't think that they have anybody else." pic.twitter.com/Dj9y4pKHrj  Josh Rultenberg (@JoshRultNews) July 23, 2024

On Monday, Representative Tim Burchett called Harris a DEI hire with an abysmal record, lamenting Biden choosing Harris in 2020. What about white females? What about any other group? It just, when you go that route, you take mediocrity, Burchett said.

Thats turning out to be Tennessee Republicans favorite new insult. That same day, Burchett called former U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle a DEI horror story, suggesting that she had been improperly hired due to her gender.

Former United States Representative Adam Kinzingzer slammed Burchett for his racist, sexist remarksand everyone else pushing the DEI claimon CNN Tuesday.

DEI is a disgusting dog whistle; its not even a dog whistle anymore, its an outright whistle, Kinzinger said.

Basically what theyre saying is only white men are deserving of certain positions, and I thought we got past that about 60 years ago in this country.

This is a disgusting dog whistle - its not even a dog whistle anymore, its an outright whistle Basically what theyre saying is only white men are deserving of certain positions."@AdamKinzinger reacts to right-wing trend of calling minority and women leaders "DEI hires" pic.twitter.com/4HZKPTpXrJ  Brianna Keilar (@brikeilarcnn) July 23, 2024
In the days since Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, several Republicans close to Donald Trump, including at least two MAGA lawmakers, have reached out to the former president to offer him a sober warning: Do not laugh off Kamala Harris.

According to two people with knowledge of the matter and another person briefed on it, Trump has recently been told that the Trump lieutenants who assured him that Vice President Harris was easily beatable were wrong; that some recent Republican internal polling suggests that Harris could indeed be formidable in states that Trump needs to win in order to retake power; and that some of the more rabid, openly sexist attacks on Harris coming from various sectors of the pro-Trump right are prone to backfire with critical swing voters and suburban women. (Trump has lately managed to restrain himself from engaging in these kinds of attacks, even though hes repeatedly asked associates over the years if theyd heard the rumors circulating about the alleged details of Harris sex and romantic life, according to two sources who speak regularly to Trump.)

When Joe Biden was in the race, we were headed for a Trump landslide, says one of the sources, whos discussed the matter with Trump recently. Now that its Kamalas turn, there are some scenarios that make me nervous.

On the day Biden bowed out, Trumps two campaign chiefs, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, declared that Harris will be even WORSE for the people of our Nation than Joe Biden. Still, Team Trump on Tuesday publicly acknowledged the shifting dynamic in the race with Biden ceding the campaign to Harris, who is now the presumptive Democratic nominee. Trumps campaign shared a memo with reporters from pollster Tony Fabrizio predicting there will be a public polling bump for Democrats, as a result of the Harris Honeymoon.

As Ive explained, the honeymoon will be a manifestation of the wall-to-wall coverage Harris receives from the [media], he wrote. The coverage will be largely positive and will certainly energize Democrats and some other parts of their coalition at least in the short term. That means we will start to see public polling  particularly national public polls  where Harris is gaining on or even leading [former] President Trump.

Fabrizio argued that while the situation we find ourselves in today is totally uncharted territory, the race did not fundamentally change overnight, given voters discontent.

Prior to the switch-up on the Democratic ticket, Trump was consistently leading in both national polls and in the key swing states. He appeared to be expanding his lead, and potentially even putting new blue states in play, after Bidens poor performance late last month raised serious questions about the state of his health.

Trump, for his part, has been unable to repress his rage at the notion of having to face a new Democratic candidate  complaining that his team had spent time and money on fighting Crooked Joe Biden and now has to start all over again, and musing that Republicans should be reimbursed for fraud.

Former Trump White House Senior Adviser Stephen Miller was embarrassingly mad about Bidens withdrawal in a Fox News appearance, whining: They held a primary! 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.

Some Trump allies are threatening to launch litigation to try to block states from putting Harris on the ballot  though Democrats and election law experts see little chance of the effort succeeding.

The Trump campaign also filed a lawsuit with the Federal Election Commission over Biden transferring his campaign committee  and its $96 million in funds  to Harris. Experts quickly cast doubt on the Trump campaigns argument; either way, the matter is unlikely to be resolved until after the November election.

In all likelihood, Harris will be the Democratic nominee on ballots throughout the country  and other close Trump allies are similarly planning on advising the 2024 GOP presidential nominee to take the odds of Harris beating him very seriously.

Never, ever underestimate your opponent, Darrell Scott, an Ohio pastor who has counseled Trump for years, tells Rolling Stone. I think Donald Trump can definitely, surely beat Kamala, of course  but what Im going to tell him the next time he has the time to have a call with me is: Lets not take her lightly. Never take your opponent for granted. Bidens strengths and weaknesses are not going to be the same as Kamalas. Its a brand new game now, and we have to adjust the playbook.

Scott adds: The Democrats and Kamala Harris are going to try to make her Obama 2.0, with a message aimed at energizing their voters by saying: We can make history by electing the first woman president  and also, shes going to be Black. So, our strategy needs to be adjusted  For example, she will enamor a larger number of Black voters than Biden has lately, absolutely. Because many Black voters became completely disillusioned with Biden over the years  And she can make arguments that Biden could never make, and she as vice president can try to own accomplishments of the Biden administration, but deflect blame for the negative in ways that President Biden obviously cant.

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(Bloomberg) -- The man identified by the US as the shooter at Donald Trumps campaign rally used encrypted messaging apps and flew a surveillance drone over the area ahead of his assassination attempt, the head of the FBI testified.

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Appearing before Congress to answer questions about the July 13 assault in Pennsylvania, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray also said that a week before the attack, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks did a Google search for How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Wray said the governments probe was ongoing and that investigators were still assessing the motive of the gunman, who was shot and killed by the Secret Service after he fired eight rounds, wounding the former president in his right ear and killing an attendee. He said Crooks appears to have been interested in public figures more broadly.

So far we have not found any evidence of any accomplices or co-conspirators, foreign or domestic, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Based on the short list of contacts on Crooks phone, the description of him as a loner appears to be accurate, Wray added.

Wray also said investigators arent sure yet how exactly Trump was injured. Theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, Wray said.

I want to assure you and the American people that the men and women of the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to get to the bottom of what happened, he told the committee.

Intense Hearings

Wrays testimony comes two days after Kimberly Cheatle, who was head of the Secret Service at the time of the shooting, appeared before the House Oversight Committee, resigning on Tuesday after an intense grilling about the security failure. In addition to the FBIs investigation, lawmakers have launched probes of their own. Crooks ability to access a rooftop with a clear line of sight to Trump, the Republican nominee in this years presidential race, has sparked searing bipartisan criticism but has also become a political talking point in a fiery election campaign.

US officials have said Crooks climbed up on a roof within sight of the outdoor stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, and fired a semi-automatic rifle, injuring Trump, killing firefighter Corey Comperatore as he shielded his family with his body, and gravely wounding two others. A Secret Service sharpshooter then killed Crooks. On Wednesday, Wray testified that Crooks got to the roof using mechanical equipment on the ground and pipes on the building.

The FBI has said its investigation so far indicates Crooks wasnt known to the bureau before the attack and that technicians had accessed his phone and were analyzing his electronic devices.

Starting somewhere around July 6th or so, he became very focused on former President Trump and this rally, Wray told the committee. He said analysis of a laptop that the investigation has tied to Crooks revealed that he did the Google search on Oswald and Kennedy on July 6.

That was the same day it appears he registered for the Butler rally, Wray said.

Rearview Mirror

He said Crooks went to Butler a week before the rally and then on the morning of the event and again in the afternoon.

Authorities think Crooks flew the drone in the area about two hours before the shooting. Wray said the FBI has reverse-engineered the drones flight path and found that Crooks might have had a vantage point showing what was behind him, almost like giving him a rearview mirror.

He said Crooks had two relatively crude explosive devices in his car that could be remotely detonated from the roof. They werent in an activated mode when they were found, Wray said.

He said eight cartridges were found on the roof.

(Updates with details about Trumps injury.)

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Former President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday the country will be "permanently destroyed" if Vice President Kamala Harris becomes president.

On a call with reporters, Trump attacked Harris as a radical-left person and ineffective border czar, although Harris has never held that title.

Trump hammered Harris on immigration a day after she received enough delegates to become the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee.

Republicans have been quick to attack Harris for her role in handling the Biden administrations immigration portfolio. Her role included working with Central American countries to address the root causes of immigration, but she was never given a border czar label or tasked with handling migrant surges at the border.

If she becomes president, Kamala Harris will make the invasion exponentially worse. And just like she did with San Francisco, just like she did with the border, our whole country will be permanently destroyed, Trump said. I will seal the border, stop the invasion and keep America safe."

Trump spoke to reporters by telephone to slam Harris, who became his likely opponent after President Joe Biden ended his presidential campaign. He also committed to debating Harris, saying he views presidential debates as an important obligation but is not thrilled about ABC hosting their face-off.

I would be willing to do more than one debate, actually, Trump said.

The former Republican president criticized Harris for visiting the border only a single time, far away from the epicenter of the invasion."

The comment was a reference to Harris first trip to the U.S.-Mexico border in 2021. Harris went to Texas to tour the El Paso Border Patrol station and the El Paso del Norte Port of Entry after facing criticism from Republicans who accused her of avoiding the border.

Latest news: Sen. Mark Kelly being vetted by Harris campaign as possible running mate: Updates

You don't even call it a visit, Trump said. She went to a place that has no problem, and was there for a very short period of time. So essentially, she never visited the border as we know it.

The Harris campaign did not comment on Trump's broadside.

Despite attacks by Republicans, migrant apprehensions have actually dropped more than 40% after Biden signed an executive order restricting asylum at the southern border. Biden, who is no longer a candidate for reelection, also signed another executive order in June to protect spouses and children of U.S. citizens who do not have legal status in the country, granting permanent residency to them in an accelerated manner without them having to leave the country.

The Trump campaign is recalibrating its approach after Biden stepped aside and as Harris prepares to take his place at the top of the ticket.

Harris had a narrow lead over Trump in a Reuters/Ipsos national poll conducted after Biden stepped away from the race, a shift from Trumps dominance over Biden in presidential polling. Harris had 44% of support to Trumps 42%. When third party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was added into the mix, Harris had 42% and Trump had 38% of support.

Those numbers could shift in either direction as voters adjust to a new Democratic presidential candidate. Trump campaign pollster Tony Fabrizio threw cold water on the data Tuesday in a memo, calling an anticipated boost in the vice presidents poll numbers the "Harris Honeymoon" period.

A Harris-Kelly team? Here's what happened when they hit the campaign trail together

Given what has happened over the past couple of days and her impending VP choice, there is no question that Harris will get her bump earlier than the Democrats Convention. And that bump is likely to start showing itself over the next few days and will last a while until the race settles back down. The Democrats and the MSM will try and tout these polls as proof that the race has changed. But the fundamentals of the race stay the same, he wrote.

Brandon Judd, the former president of the National Border Patrol Council, joined Trumps media call to attack Harris on immigration. Judd spent an early part of his career as a border patrol agent in the border city of Naco and served as president of the largest Border Patrol Local in Tucson. He described a violent scene at the southern border.

VP Harris knows the solutions, but she refuses to implement them, Judd said. Leaving me to conclude she is either politically power hungry for the base support, or she is dangerously incompetent. I conclude that its both.

Lawmakers negotiated a sweeping bipartisan immigration bill this year that would have allowed the federal government to shut down asylum processing during high levels of migration at the border. Republicans backed away from the legislation after Trump criticized it on social media in part to deny Biden a legislative win in an election year. The Biden executive order, which he issued months after the legislation failed, allows border officials to expel migrants without a chance for asylum when the number of crossings averages 2,500 per day.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump attacks Harris' stand on border issues and immigration policy
(Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. is betting that artificially intelligent assistants will transform workplaces around the world, generating new excitement and revenue for a very old product: the Office productivity software used by hundreds of millions of workers.

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Few doubt the promise of the technology. The lineup of AI assistants, which Microsoft calls Copilots, can automate manual tasks and generate or summarize text and images.

But this is no plug-and-play offering, according to customers and people who advise them. First, companies have to figure out what data to feed into a Copilot so it can perform effectively without creating a new target for hackers or revealing information employees arent supposed to see. That takes time and money.

Early adopters say that while Copilots excel at distilling information, they fall short in other respects. The assistants struggle to understand the context of some requests and handle commands involving multiple apps. As a result, widespread adoption is expected to take a while. Jefferies analysts predicted in June that Microsoft wont see a financial windfall until the first half of 2025.

It is a success in terms of being the most visible business productivity enhancement based on artificial intelligence that exists today, said Adam Preset, a Gartner Inc. vice president and analyst, who says hes talked with more than 1,000 clients about deploying Microsoft Copilots. But in terms of its impact on work by the average digital worker, the jury is still out.

Microsoft, which is scheduled to report earnings next week, hasnt disclosed how many customers are paying for Copilot subscriptions but says plenty are making the leap despite growing pains. Jared Spataro, the corporate vice president who oversees workplace AI tools, says some customers have simply decided, Hey, we havent worked it all out yet, but we can see the writing on the wall. Were gonna make an investment in this and figure it out.

In the nearly two years since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT to the world, the technology industry has raced to deploy and refine tools based on the sort of large language models that power the popular chatbot. Microsoft, which has access to OpenAIs technology through its $13 billion investment in the startup, has embarked on a company-wide effort to embed assistants in its products.

Story continues

The Copilot branding, an effort to suggest that AI is here to help not replace its human masters, emerged at GitHub, Microsofts coding platform. Over the past couple of years, the GitHub Copilot has begun to automate the most tedious aspects of software development by finishing lines of code with just a few prompts. The AI assistant had 1.8 million paying customers at the end of March, and Microsoft is eager to duplicate that success elsewhere.

Last fall, the company widely released the corporate version of its AI assistant  called M365 Copilot  to large customers, then began offering it to small businesses two months later. Paying for the assistant, which is designed to automate aspects of Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams, doubles the cost of a monthly subscription to about $60 per user for corporations, though those that sign multiyear contracts typically get discounts.

Ernst & Young said in June that it would equip some 100,000 of its workers with Microsofts software for salespeople, a titanic order that includes Copilot. The professional services and accounting company lost little time deploying the sales technology to tens of thousands of workers, but says the AI assistant is rolling out at a slower pace.

Pixie Dust

EY engineers are working to make sure that when an employee asks for the status of a contract, for example, Microsofts bot knows where to fetch the information. Small groups are also evaluating AI tools built for Outlook email software and the Teams videoconferencing service ahead of a broader deployment within EY and to its own customers.

A lot of people think AI is just pixie dust they can sprinkle, and its gonna make their lives easier, said Keith Mescha, an executive director with the EY unit that helps clients use Microsoft products. Theres actual effort and work to make sure they do it right.

Training employees how to use Copilot is key, so Microsoft created a set of how-to guides and offered an early-adopters program. Lumen Technologies Inc., which got access to the software before it was widely available, says it has deployed M365 Copilot to a couple thousand employees.

Lumen marketing chief Ryan Asdourian said the assistant saves salespeople more than three hours a week researching prospects, which he estimated would translate into about $50 million in additional annual revenue if those employees invested the free time back into their jobs.

Training Is Key

Thats peanuts for a company of Lumens size, but Asdourian says the anticipated bump in sales is more than enough to justify the extra subscription outlays. One of the things that weve done really well is weve taught people how to use the product, he said. The results are significantly better when your employees know how to use it.

Even for trained employees, Copilot has its shortcomings, analysts and early adopters say. Users who assumed theyd be dealing with one assistant capable of jumping across apps found themselves re-entering the same query into multiple chat windows, an experience that Spataro likened to getting passed around among clueless customer support agents.

In Excel, Microsoft discovered that Copilot couldnt be a spreadsheet wizard if it didnt speak Python, the coding language widely used for data analysis. And though Copilot can generate a functional PowerPoint presentation, it has struggled to take the sort of step-by-step input necessary to create a great one.

Fixes to those issues have rolled out or are coming in future updates, Spataro said.

Meanwhile, companies are slowly learning what information to feed into the software. Give it too little to chew on, and Copilot is essentially a very expensive email drafting tool. Give it too much, and an office worker might call up a colleagues salary or peek at projects unrelated to their job. That quandary  and the cost of painstakingly reworking data storage or software permissions  represents the biggest impediment to widespread adoption of the software, according to Gartners Preset.

When M365 Copilot rolled out last fall, the software by default could reach into any store of data an employee was permitted to access. Microsoft has since given corporate IT departments the capability to whitelist the troves it wants Copilot to tap into and made it harder for workers to go fishing for things like poorly secured passwords. Unlike a new feature in a software update, successfully deploying Copilot tends to require hiring consultants or devoting training resources that could be spent elsewhere.

Most companies are not ready to use Copilot without changing how they label and store information, said Matt Radolec, a vice president with Varonis Systems Inc., which helps companies secure Microsoft Copilot and other cloud-computing products. Its only as good as what you put into it.

Most industry observers expect Copilot to eventually generate significant recurring revenue for Microsoft. Analysts with UBS Group AG surveyed big corporate technology buyers earlier this year and found they were testing M365 Copilot with about 14% of their employees. It would be a victory for Microsoft if just half of those workers wound up staying on as paying customers, the analysts wrote in a research note in June.

Microsofts Spataro said the subscription price reflects the value Copilot brings customers and the cost of running the service. Asking the assistant to summarize a trove of financial documents requires much more computing horsepower than making edits to a Word document. We feel like its not just an incremental feature enhancement, he said, but the culmination of a couple of decades of information technology innovations.

--With assistance from Dina Bass.

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How the Trump campaign is distorting what happened to Jaleel Stallings to attack Kamala Harris

Minneapolis police officers mill about after a SWAT team beat Jaleel Stallings because Stallings shot back at them after they hit him in the chest with a marking round from an unmarked white cargo van while patrolling Lake Street on May 30, 2020. Screenshot from body camera video.

On Tuesday, the Trump campaign accused Vice President Kamala Harris of encouraging people in 2020 to bail out of jail a St. Paul man who tried to kill Minneapolis cops five days after George Floyds police murder.

Trumps war room posted on X that Harris raised money to bail Jaleel Stallings out of jail after he was charged with the attempted murder of two police officers alongside a photo of Harris laughing and Stallings mug shot.

Kamala Harris is radically liberal and dangerously incompetent, the post said.

Its true that Stallings was charged with attempted murder, but the Trump campaign fails to mention that Stallings was acquitted by a jury of all charges and one officer involved in the incident later pleaded guilty to felony assault on Stallings, and apologized to him.

On the night of May 30, 2020, Stallings was standing in a parking lot on Lake Street with a few others when suddenly shots rang out from a white cargo van that had been slowly creeping down the street before coming into view from behind a building. Two rounds were fired at the group.

Stallings was hit in the chest with what he thought was a bullet. He immediately drew his pistol and fired back at who he thought might be white supremacists that the governor had warned were fanning the flames of protest. He later testified that he purposely missed, aiming low, toward the front of the van, hoping to scare off whoever had shot at him.

Suddenly members of a SWAT team piled out of the unmarked van yelling, Shots fired! Stallings realized they were police, dropped his gun and lay face down on the pavement, arms spread-eagle, videos show.

Hed been shot with one of the plastic projectiles the SWAT team had been firing at people out past a curfew as police struggled to get control of the city amid protests, arson and riots. Even though they were firing less lethal projectiles, under MPD policy, officers werent supposed to target a persons head, neck, throat or chest unless deadly force is justified, because they could cause permanent damage or death.

Thinking someone had just tried to shoot them, the officers beat Stallings bloody for 30 seconds, and beat and Tasered his acquaintance for two minutes. Stallings was hospitalized with a fractured eye socket. Stallings is clearly beaten and bloody in his jail mug shot, but he had a weird smile on his face. He later said he was just happy to be alive.

Then-Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman released a statement painting Stallings as a would-be cop killer.

Two years later, Freeman would say the cops lied about what happened, and called the case justice run amok. But immediately after the incident, the case made national headlines based on charging documents that said Stallings fired at a uniformed SWAT team.

The case made headlines again when the Minnesota Freedom Fund paid $75,000 cash to get Stallings out of jail. He had no prior criminal record.

After Biden campaign officials donated to the Freedom Fund, then-President Donald Trumps War Room used the case to raise money, tweeting that Jaleel Stallings is a would-be cop killer who was in jail for firing at police during peaceful protests. Now hes free thanks in part to Biden campaign officials who donated to pay bail fees.

And then everybody moved on, until Stallings went to trial a year later.

Stallings attorney Eric Rice obtained the officers body camera videos, which told a different story than what police and prosecutors had told the public.

Months after the trial, the Reformer was the first to report that Stallings had been exonerated. Hed claimed self-defense, and after a five-day trial, was acquitted by a jury of eight charges, including two counts of attempting to murder police officers.

The city later settled a civil lawsuit with Stallings for $1.5 million, and another lawsuit filed by his acquaintance, whod been beaten and tasered, for $645,000.

And yet Stallings continues to be tarred and used for political gain.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota posted on X Monday that Harris once supported a bail fund for Minnesota criminals who should have stayed behind bars.

The Trump campaign followed suit Tuesday with its post highlighting Harris June 1, 2020 post encouraging people to donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Spurred on by celebrities like Seth Rogen, Steve Carrell and Harris, the tiny bail fund was overwhelmed with over $30 million in donations, which it used to bail out over 2,000 people as part of its goal of ending the cash bail system in which only people without money have to sit in jail awaiting trial, often at the expense of jobs, housing and family support.

The bail fund was established in 2016 by a University of Minnesota grad student, Simon Cecil, and due to its meager resources initially focused on bails of up to $1,000.

The bail fund has been excoriated for bailing out a twice-convicted rapist and a man who was charged with second-degree murder three weeks after his release, but stands by its decision to bail out Stallings over four years ago.

Were really proud of having paid for (Stallings), spokesperson Noble Frank said last year.

Stallings told the Reformer he was disappointed to see the Trump campaign distort what happened, especially because it undermines his work to launch a nonprofit called the Good Apple Initiative to encourage good apples in the criminal justice system to change the culture of Minnesota policing.
The Trump campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday over the transfer of funds to Vice President Kamala Harris new presidential bid.

President Joe Bidens reelection campaign quickly transferred its organizing might to Harris after his announcement Sunday that he would not seek as second term after all amid concerns about his age. That included handing over the keys to Bidens massive war chest.

Kamala Harris is seeking to perpetrate a $91.5 million dollar heist of Joe Bidens leftover campaign cash  a brazen money grab that would constitute the single largest excessive contribution and biggest violation in the history of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, David Warrington, the general counsel for the Trump campaign, wrote in the filing, obtained by The New York Times.

Vice President Kamala Harris holds a campaign event in West Allis, WI, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Photo by Dominic Gwinn / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP

Warrington went on to claim that FEC rules prohibit federal candidates from keeping contributions for elections in which they do not participate.

The vice presidents team has maintained the funds were raised on a joint Biden-Harris ticket, adding it believes the allegations are baseless  like the ones theyve made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections.

Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energized to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, Charles Lutvak, a spokesman for the Harris campaign, said in a statement to media outlets. But baseless legal claims  like the ones theyve made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections  will only distract them while we sign up volunteers, talk to voters, and win this election.

Harris' campaign brought in a record-breaking $81 million in the 24 hours after she announced her bid. Photo by DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Its unclear how the FEC will decide the matter, and it could take months to resolve. But the Times notes the Trump campaign is seeking to gum up the wave of support behind the vice president, who is now the presumptive Democratic nominee after a majority of delegates voiced their support for her bid.

Harris has also had no trouble raising money on her own thus far. In 24 hours, her campaign raised a record-breaking $81 million in donations from nearly 900,000 small donors.

Related...
The Trump campaign on Tuesday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission accusing Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign of a brazen money grab for taking money that was raised for President Joe Bidens re-election bid. Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI

July 23 (UPI) -- The Trump campaign on Tuesday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, accusing Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign of "a brazen money grab" for taking funds that were raised for President Joe Biden's re-election bid.

"Kamala Harris is seeking to perpetrate a $91.5 million heist of Joe Biden's leftover campaign cash -- a brazen money grab that would constitute the single largest excessive contribution and biggest violation in the history of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended," the complaint states.

The FEC complaint comes after Biden announced he would withdraw from the presidential race on Sunday, and his campaign account changed its name to "Harris for President" on Monday.

The complaint, first reported by The New York Times, argues moving the money intended for the Biden campaign over to Harris is a form of fraud and should be blocked. Instead, the Trump campaign is demanding Biden be forced to refund contributions.

The Harris campaign "is in the process of committing the largest campaign finance violation in American history and she is using the commission's own forms to do it," Trump campaign counsel David Warrington wrote in the complaint, which also calls for a criminal investigation.

US President Joe Biden, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris appear on the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, DC to view the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall on July 4. On Tuesday, the Trump campaign filed a Federal Election Commission complaint over Biden's transfer of campaign funds to Harris, two days after he withdrew from the presidential race. Photo by Tierney L. Cross/UPI

"The commission must not and cannot sit idly by while one candidate takes nearly one hundred million dollars from the authorized committee of another, in violation of the Act and the will of the donors who gave the money in the first place," the complaint states.

Since launching Monday, the Harris campaign broke fundraising records with more than $80 million in its first 24 hours.

Harris campaign spokesperson Charles Lutvak said Tuesday the FEC complaint is baseless as he pointed to Harris' early fundraising haul.

"Team Harris will continue to build on our more than 250 coordinated offices and more than 1,300 coordinated staffers across the battleground states -- just like we built on the $240 million cash on hand that we had at launch this week, raising $100 million in our first 36 hours and signing up 58,000 volunteers," Lutvak said in a statement.

Shortly after Biden announced Sunday he would withdraw from the race for president, Trump argued in a post on Truth Social that the Republican Party also should be "reimbursed for fraud."

"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," Trump wrote.

"Shouldn't 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," Trump added. "Just askin'?"
Trump turns his full focus on Harris at his first rally since Biden's exit from the 2024 race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of attack lines Wednesday against his likely new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he called his new victim to defeat and accused of deceiving the public about President Joe Biden 's ability to run for a second term.

The rally in Charlotte, North Carolina marked his first public campaign event since Biden dropped out of the 2024 matchup and Harris became the Democrats' likely nominee. The rally concluded minutes before Biden addressed the nation to explain he dropped his reelection bid to pass the torch to Harris, who is 22 years younger than him.

So now we have a new victim to defeat: Lyin Kamala Harris, Trump said, labeling her the most incompetent and far-left vice president in American history.

Trump called her a radical left lunatic and said she was crazy for her positions on abortion and immigration. He repeatedly mispronounced the first name of the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent likely to lead a major partys presidential ticket.

Trump's speech signaled the next stage for the campaign may be especially brutal and personal, even as some GOP leaders warned Republican allies not to use overtly racist and sexist attacks against Harris.

Trump has ramped up his criticism of the vice president since Bidens abrupt departure, calling Harris the same as Biden but much more radical.

He blamed her for what he portrays as the Biden administrations failures, particularly security along the U.S.-Mexico border. On Wednesday, the speakers who appeared on stage before the Republican nominee attacked Harris record on the border, highlighting she was tasked with leading a White House effort to tackle migration issues. Harris name was met with boos several times during the speeches.

She was assigned that, she was given that task, and she failed, said Brandon Judd, former president of the National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents agents.

Trump also accused Harris of being 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 and repeated his pledge to conduct mass deportations with the help of local police.

Kamalas deadly destruction of Americas borders is completely and totally disqualifying. She shouldnt be allowed to run for president with what shes done, Trump told supporters.

Harris, meanwhile, spent Wednesday in Indiana, telling members of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta that we are not playing around and asked for their help in electing her president in November, an election she characterized as a choice between two different visions for our nation, one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.

Harris' campaign released a statement after Trump's speech describing it as unhinged, weird and rambling."

Unity is over for Donald Trump, said campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa, referring to unity pledges made during the Republican National Convention.

Harris is expected to make abortion a key part of her campaign, looking to present herself to voters as someone who will fight against abortion restrictions. Earlier this week, she said she trusts women to make decisions about their own bodies.

Trump has hedged on plans for an expected debate with Harris, first saying that he wanted Fox News, not ABC, to host the matchup he had originally scheduled for September with Biden. On Tuesday, Trump appeared to tweak that message again, saying on a call with reporters that he'd like to debate Harris more than once but not committing to appearing at the debate currently on the books and saying he'd only agreed to debate Biden twice, not Harris.

Quietly, Republicans have spoken about how subbing Harris in for Biden nullifies a portion of their party's argument in favor of Trump's vitality and vigor.

At 81, Biden would have been the oldest presidential nominee heading into a general election. Now, the 78-year-old Trump occupies that slot. Harris, 59, has launched a campaign that at least in some corners appears to be stoking interest among the younger voters who could be key in deciding an anticipated close general election.

Trumps stop in North Carolina shows hes concerned about keeping the state in his column this November, even as his team reaches for wins in traditionally Democratic-leaning states like Minnesota, which Trump is set to visit on Saturday.

North Carolina is a state Trump carried in both his previous campaigns but by less than 1.5 percentage points over Biden in 2020, the closest margin of any state Trump won. Trump stumped heavily in North Carolina even as the COVID-19 pandemic wore on, while Biden largely kept off the physical campaign trail and did not personally visit the state in the last 16 days of the election.

This year, Trump had planned to hold his first rally since the start of his hush money trial in Fayetteville, but that event was called off due to inclement weather. Trump called in from his private plane instead.

Democrats also have been working to win North Carolina, where the party's most recent presidential win was Barack Obama's 2008 victory, despite recent GOP dominance.

Biden held a campaign event in Raleigh the day after his disastrous June debate with Trump. While he was much more forceful in that appearance than he was on the debate stage, it did not help much to quell the growing concern from members of his party about his ability to win the White House again.

Trump's Charlotte event was his second campaign rally since a July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Days later, Trump accepted the GOP presidential nomination and gave a speech at the Republican National Convention, where his ear  injured in the shooting  was bandaged.

The Charlotte rally, like one held Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was held in an indoor arena. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said it's to be determined if the campaign will no longer hold outdoor rallies due to security concerns.

____

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP ____

Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.
Donald Trumps would-be assassin searched for details about the assassination of John F. Kennedy a week before his own attack, the FBI revealed Wednesday.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, used his laptop on July 6 to Google about Kennedys slaying, the same day Trumps rally in western Pennsylvania was announced, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee.

Wray added that Crooks specifically sought details on how far away Kennedys assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was from the former president when he shot him dead.

On July 6, he did a Google search for: How far away was Oswald from Kennedy, Wray said. Thats a search thats obviously significant in terms of his state of mind.

Wray said Crooks registered for the Pennsylvania rally that same day.

An aerial view of Donald Trumps rally in Pennsylvania. Thomas Matthew Crooks was less than 400 feet from the former president when he opened fire. Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Oswald landed his fatal shot on Kennedys motorcade on Nov. 22, 1963, from about 264 feet away. Crooks was a bit further in his assassination attempt, perching himself on a rooftop just under 400 feet from Trump.

The feds are yet to release a definitive motive for Crooks attack, but his internet searches have suggested he was depressed and wanted to kill someone prominent. Wray said Crooks was not on the FBIs radar prior to his attack. -

We did not have any information about the shooter, he said. He was not in our holdings before the shooting.

Wray also revealed Wednesday that Crooks had deployed a drone two hours before the rally started to survey the site. The drone was in the air for about 11 minutes, with the 20-year-old viewing a stream of the aerial view on his phone.

It was previously reported that a drone was found in Crooks car after the shooting, along with a pair of explosives that were never detonated.

Those who went to high school with Crooks in Bethel Park, a middle class suburb of Pittsburgh, described him as a recluse with conservative leanings. He was registered as a Republican in voting records.

Trump Gunman Thomas Crooks Dad Speaks Out for the First Time

Crooks parents have kept a low profile since the July 13 shooting, but his dad, Matthew Crooks, was approached outside a grocery store on Monday by a pair of Fox News reporters. They asked questions about Crooks motive, but were largely rebuffed.

The elder Crooks suggested his family would eventually make a statement on the matter, but didnt say when that may happen.

Were going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do sountil then, we have no comment, he said. We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. So please, just give us our space.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean OBrien speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Monday. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

When Teamsters Union president Sean OBrien took the podium the first night of the Republican National Convention this week, he readily acknowledged his participation was unique.

I dont care about getting criticized, OBrien said, referring to organized labors long history, with exceptions in the building trades, of endorsing Democrats. Its an honor to be the first Teamster in our 121-year history to address the Republican National Convention.

The Teamsters historically are not strangers to endorsing Republicans, however, having in the past backed Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush.

OBriens invitation to speak came from Donald Trump. But the gesture is at odds with the former presidents record on labor, which includes three executive orders designed to dilute the power of unions, especially those representing federal workers.

Trumps policies have made their way into Project 2025, the playbook designed for a second term, which calls for the decimation of worker rights and suggests calling on Congress to consider whether public-sector unions are appropriate in the first place.

The Teamsters and the GOP may not agree on many issues, but a growing group has shown the courage to sit down and consider points of view that arent funded by big money think tanks, OBrien declared, in an apparent swipe at the Heritage Foundation, the big money think tank behind Project 2025.

Trump has claimed to know nothing about Project 2025, although scores involved in its creation are former staffers. Russ Vought, author of a chapter on executive branch staffing, is also a member of the Republican partys platform committee.

Project 2025s priorities would erode, if not eliminate, collective bargaining rights.

Everyone should be concerned about Project 2025s extremist agenda. Its the blueprint for a second Donald Trump presidency, and it would be an absolute disaster, says Michelle Maese, president of SEIU 1107, which represents public employees in Southern Nevada. Their goal isnt to fix our government or our country. Its to break it even more.

The manifesto seeks to reclassify civil servants so they may be replaced with political appointees. Experts suggest as many as one million federal jobs could be lost as a result of agency elimination, privatization, budget cuts, and hiring freezes.

In place of unions, whose politicking and adversarial approach appeals to few, the playbook calls for Congress to enact reforms such as creating non-union employee-involvement organizations, described as a more cooperative model run jointly with management that focuses solely on workplace issues, and allow workers to be represented on corporate boards.

Theres a significant imbalance of power between employees and employers that will not be resolved through token participation of a worker on that level, says Bliss Requa-Trautz, executive director of Arriba Las Vegas Worker Center.

Worker centers such as Arriba, which assist employees but dont negotiate agreements with employers, could be required to submit financial reports to the federal government, in the same vein as a union, under Project 2025.

Some of Project 2025s other provisions would repeal the federal law requiring prevailing wages on federal projects and eliminate project labor agreements; facilitate discrimination against people of color, women and LGBTQ people by rescinding regulations prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in federal agencies; reduce benefits such as unemployment and food stamps by attaching conditions; allow teens who have parental approval to be trained on dangerous machinery.

Requa-Trautz finds the provision for relaxing child labor protections especially troubling.

There are important restrictions on minors using industrial machinery with lockout and tagout procedures, and current adult employees dont have sufficient training. So why do we think were going to have teens who can safely operate that kind of industrial machinery?

The playbook calls on Congress to pass laws in keeping with Project 2025s Christian nationalist goals of promoting traditional families consisting of two married heterosexual adults and their children.

Employers who provide benefits for abortion would be required to provide equal or greater benefits for pregnancy, childbirth and adoption.

We must replace woke nonsense with a healthy vision of the role of labor policy in our society, starting with the American family, says Project 2025.

Under this managerialist left-wing race and gender ideology, every aspect of labor policy became a vehicle with which to advance race, sex, and other classifications and discriminate against conservative and religious viewpoints on these subjects and others, including pro-life views, says the playbook.

Party loyalty

Trumps primary overture to service workers this election cycle has been a pledge to hospitality workers, many of whom belong to Culinary Local 226, that hell eliminate the tax on their tips. Experts contend its likely an empty promise.

In 2020, union members favored Pres. Joe Biden over Trump, according to national data. But some construction trades, such as Laborers Union 872 in Las Vegas, have traditionally leaned to the right.

Public sector unions, once aligned with Democrats, are loosening their ties at the demand of the rank and file. The teachers union exhibited its independence in 2022 by refusing to endorse either side in Nevadas gubernatorial race.

Maese and SEIU remain committed to the Democratic ticket.

Donald Trump wants to dismantle the Department of Education, further restrict womens reproductive freedoms, make climate change worse and eliminate job protections for thousands of government employees so he can replace them with political hacks who will do whatever he says, Maese asserts.

As the head of over 120 unions representing 150,000 members, the Nevada State AFL-CIO strongly opposes Trumps Project 2025 plan to undermine the decades of hard work and representation our membership has tirelessly fought for, says Susie Martinez, executive secretary-treasurer of the Nevada AFL-CIO. As a union we stand committed to defending the rights of working-class members and oppose any policy that undermines their ability to achieve fair wages, representation,and improved working conditions.

The Teamsters, despite OBriens appearance at the Republican convention, has yet to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

There are some parties that stand in active opposition to labor unions, OBrien told Republicans. This too must change. And I want to be clear at the end of the day, the Teamsters are not interested if you have a D, R or an I next to your name. We want to know one thing. What are you doing to help American workers?

This story first appeared in Nevada Current, a sibling site of the Minnesota Reformer and part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network. Nevada Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Hugh Jackson for questions: info@nevadacurrent.com.


Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts speaks to reporters at the organizations all-day Policy Fest at the Bradley Symphony Center in downtown Milwaukee, just blocks from the Republican National Convention, on July 15, 2024. (Ashley Murray | States Newsroom)

Project 2025 is Trumps plan for his second termif he wins. The 900-plus page Mandate for Leadership: the Conservative Promise details his agenda for his first 180 days in office and is publicly available. Google it. You should know, that title is no accident.

Republicans used a 3,000-page manual, called the Mandate for Leadership: Policy Management, as a blueprint for the Reagan Administration. That first iteration was not just empty words on paper, either. Within a year of Reagan winning, 60% percent of the manuals recommendations had become lawaccording to Project 2025 itself. Forty plus years later, history repeats itself.

If you have not read Trumps Mandate, maybe because you do not think your part of the group hes currently going after, you should reconsider that decision. Trumps Mandate creates an entirely new and unprecedented level of government intrusion into our daily livesand not in the way you might think.

For example:

He plans to use the federal government to end overtime pay. Growing up, I spent a long time working in the service industry and worked overtimea lot. Sometimes, as it was for me, working overtime is part of the job. I learned that other times, and for many people, overtime is how you make ends meet. You pick up a shift here or there when things happen, and you need a little extra in the bank. To be clear, they do not plan to take away your employers ability to require overtime or your ability to work overtimethey just plan on taking away the now-existing requirement that your employer pay you extra for that overtime work. Heres the quote: Specifically, employers and employees should be able to set a two- or four-week period over which to calculate overtime.

So, if you work 80 hours one week, your employer will be able to send you home at the end and, if they dont call you in to work the following week, you wont be entitled to any overtime at all. Thats becauseaccording to themyoull have worked an average of 40 hours each week. Convenient. Its not hard to see how that will be abused. Twice the workers, twice the work, half the pay. But dont take my word for it; read for yourself on page 592 of Trumps Mandate.

Perhaps most of all, Trumps Mandate is going to hurt kids in Montana. They plan to defund public schools, (page 320), completely end programs like Head Start (page 482), make childcare even harder to get, and massively cut free breakfast and lunch programssome of the only meals that the most vulnerable kids get each day.

If someone takes the time to tell you in writing what they plan to do, it is time to pay attention. This new Mandate for Leadership contains much darker and despotic plans, go read it for yourself. It is now or never. If they get their way, theyll have accomplished most of their goals by this time next year.

If, after reading, you have more questions, maybe ask Sen. Steve Daines about it: Chris Andersonhis national security advisoris specifically credited as a contributor to Project 2025 (page xxv).

And if someone says to you that Trump has nothing to do with Project 2025, Ill leave you with this quote from Trump on April 21, 2022 about Project 2025 itself: This is a great group and theyre going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.

Read it. Decide for yourself.
The gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania fired eight bullets in under six seconds before he was shot and killed by a U.S. Secret Service sniper, according to an analysis of footage from the event by two audio experts, video analysis by CBS News and sworn statements from Pennsylvania State Police.

The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, killed one rally attendee and injured two others when he opened fire from a roof near the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. A bullet also grazed Trump's ear, creating a 2-cm-wide wound, according to Rep. Ronny Jackson, Trump's former White House physician.

Former President Donald Trump salutes the crowd at the campaign rally on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. / Credit: Evan Vucci / AP

In testimony on Tuesday at a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing about the assassination attempt, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher L. Paris told lawmakers that eight casings were recovered from the gunman's location.

Video and audio analysis from the shooting indicates the gunman fired eight shots. Audio experts Rob Maher of Montana State University and Steven Beck of Beck Audio Forensics told CBS News they identified 10 gunshots from the recordings of the event. The first eight rounds had similar acoustic characteristics and originated from the same location. Beck said these eight discharges, fired in approximately 5.2 seconds, were consistent with the AR-15-style rifle the shooter used.

This image shows the location of the people hit by gunfire at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. / Credit: RSBN/CBS News

The final two gunshots were likely from law enforcement and came from two different firearms in two different locations, the audio analysis indicates. The first of these two gunshots was fired approximately 5.5 seconds after the gunman opened fire, Beck said. The gunman stopped firing immediately, indicating this bullet hit him. A final shot was fired 10 seconds later.

CBS News analysis of social media footage showed that one of the rally attendees injured in the shooting, David Dutch, fell to the floor of the bleachers after the second gunshot was fired. Another injured attendee, James Copenhaver, fell to the ground as the fourth to eighth gunshot was fired.

Cory Comperatore, a 50-year-old retired fire chief, was killed while attempting to shield his family from the gunfire, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference following the shooting.

On Tuesday, Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her position as director of the U.S. Secret Service after facing a bipartisan grilling on Capitol Hill on Monday. President Biden thanked Cheatle for her decades of public service in a White House statement.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Ronald Rowe, deputy director of the Secret Service, to serve as the acting director until a permanent replacement is chosen.

Several investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are underway. In addition to the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general has opened two probes to evaluate the Secret Service's process for securing an event and determine the preparedness level of the agency's Counter Sniper Team to respond to threats. Officials said the inspector general may decide to open additional investigations as well.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Tuesday the creation of a bipartisan task force to investigate the assassination attempt.

Mr. Biden has also ordered an independent review of the rally's security situation to determine what went wrong.

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The gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop the FBI says is tied to 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a snipers perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

Thats a search obviously that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears that he registered for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

The FBI is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism. The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

The agency has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks movements and online activity, but the precise motive  or why Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, was singled out  remains elusive, Wray said. The FBIs assessment continues to be that Crooks, who was killed by a Secret Service counter sniper, acted alone.

We do not know the motive. That is obviously one of the central questions in our investigation, and its been very frustrating to us that a lot of the usual kind of low-hanging-fruit places that we would find that have not yielded significant clues about his motive, Wray said.

But, he added, the bureau has seen indications that he was interested in public figures  officials said at a private briefing last week that besides Trump, Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent people  and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump and the Butler rally

Crooks is believed to have visited the rally site a week before the event, staying for about 20 minutes, and then returned on the morning of July 13. More than two hours before the shooting, Wray said, Crooks flew a drone about 200 yards from the rally stage for about 11 minutes, using the device to livestream and watch footage.

The use of the drone, which along with a controller were recovered from Crooks car, so close to the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage add to the questions about the security lapses that preceded the shooting.

On the afternoon of the rally, Crooks attracted law enforcement scrutiny because of odd behavior around the edges of the event, including shouldering a backpack and peering into the lens of a range finder toward the rooftops behind the stage where Trump would stand within the hour.

Using what Wray said was mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, Crooks was able to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage. Crooks fired eight shots from an AR-style rifle before he was killed. (The Warren Commission report that analyzed the Kennedy assassination assessed that Kennedy had been shot through the neck at a range of 174.9 feet to 190.8 feet, or about 53.3 meters to 58.1 meters.)

Trumps campaign said the GOP nominee was doing fine after the shooting, which Trump said pierced the upper part of his right ear. Wray said his understanding was that either a bullet or some shrapnel is what grazed his ear.

He pledged that the FBI would leave no stone unturned in its investigation.

I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example  a particularly heinous and very public one  of what I have been talking about, Wray said.

He later added, I think this is a moment where, in the most stark way possible, all of us as Americans can see how out of control political violence is in this country, and its an opportunity for everyone to come together and to try to show that this is not the kind of thing were going to tolerate in this country.

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting as part of the committees routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session, but other topics included the FBIs diversity efforts, election interference, the Jan 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol and whether Wray had personally observed any cognitive decline in meetings with Biden that preceded the presidents announcement Sunday that he would not seek reelection.

After Wray testified that his interactions had been completely professional, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the FBI director he appointed in 2017 has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS!

The FBI was not involved in ensuring security for the rally and has therefore avoided the same level of scrutiny directed at the Secret Service over the lapses that preceded the event. On Tuesday, Kimberly Cheatle resigned as the agencys director.

Even so, Wray was not entirely spared the politically charged and occasionally combative questions he typically receives from the Republican-led committee.

Thats a reflection of the lingering perception among some GOP lawmakers that the FBI and Justice Department in the Biden administration have become politicized against Trump  something Wray has consistently denied.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray, Im sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBIs ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.

At the conclusion of the daylong hearing, he praised Wray for having told us some things that werent even prompted by questions.

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Roland Hesmondhalgh has been struggling to find a job since 2020. Roland Hesmondhalgh

A millennial in Virginia with two degrees has been job hunting since January 2020.

He says his degrees haven't helped him find work and have made him overqualified for entry-level roles.

He's among the Americans with college degrees who are having a hard time finding a job.

Roland Hesmondhalgh started searching for a job in January 2020. He's still looking.

In 2019, Hesmondhalgh was a part-time photojournalist while working toward a bachelor's degree in multiplatform journalism at the Florida Institute of Technology. He thought it might lead to a full-time opportunity after he graduated, but then he was laid off, the 32-year-old, who lives in Virginia, told Business Insider via email.

Aside from the occasional freelance gigs doing photography or YouTube scriptwriting  which he says pay very little  he hasn't found work since.

It hasn't been for a lack of effort. Hesmondhalgh says he looks and applies for jobs every week, and he earned a master's degree in journalism from Georgetown last year. He says he's even expanded his job search to restaurant and retail jobs  "stocking shelves and flipping patties," for example.

But he's struggled to even get a second interview for any job. Hesmondhalgh says that his journalism degrees have "opened no doors" and that he's overqualified for many of the entry-level positions he's applied for  something he thinks has made some employers less likely to hire him.

"I cannot get a job to save my life," he said.

While the male unemployment rate is low compared with past decades, Hesmondhalgh is among the men who have struggled to find work  or have stopped looking altogether. In 1950, about 97% of American men ages 25 to 54 had a job or were actively looking for one, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of June, this figure had fallen to about 90%  though it's the highest it's been since 2010.

Among the explanations for this decline is that in recent decades, it's become difficult for some men to land a high-paying job without a college degree. These challenges persist today for men even as more companies have become open to hiring candidates without degrees. But as Hesmondhalgh can attest to, having a degree doesn't guarantee success in the job market. The cost of college and pursuing a degree may not be worth it for some people.

Hesmondhalgh shared why he thinks his job search has been so challenging and what he plans to do moving forward.

His degrees have sometimes worked against him in his job hunt

Without a consistent income coming in the door, Hesmondhalgh says, he's been forced to rely on student loans, the Amazon sales of a young-adult book he published, insurance money tied to the death of his father, and his mother's disability payments  some of which she shares with him.

Story continues

To save money on rent, he recently moved from Washington, DC, to Arlington, Virginia. If his job struggles continue, he says, he'll probably move in with his mother next year.

Hesmondhalgh says his job-search strategy has consisted of being on the mailing list of roughly six online job boards, applying to roles in person rather than online whenever possible, and expanding his search to almost any job he feels qualified for.

Ideally, he'd land a job in journalism  the field he has two degrees in. He thinks he's struggled to land journalism roles because most of the positions he's looked at require three to five years of formal newsroom experience, and he doesn't have that. A broader hiring slowdown across the industry hasn't helped matters.

When it comes to non-journalism roles, he says his college education has worked against him.

"Wherever I see a hiring sign and think I'd be comfortable working there, I go in and talk to a supervisor," he said. "Their eyes light up at first, but after I go over my credentials it's just pure ghosting. I don't want to lie, but it seems like honesty is the worst policy."

He also says prior work experience in entry-level roles doesn't seem to be of any value.

"For the low-level grunt work, it's not an issue with experience," he said, adding that he's worked in pizza restaurants, dog kennels, and supermarkets.

Hesmondhalgh says the closest he's come to getting a job in recent years was when he applied for the Supreme Court and US Capitol police agencies. He says he had tentative job offers from both, but for some reason, they fell through.

Going forward, Hesmondhalgh says he plans to continue his job search for as long as necessary. While he's looking, he says, he's continuing his education through Harvard's online creative-writing program to boost his writing credentials further and "stay active."

Hesmondhalgh says he misses working and the sense of purpose it can provide.

"It hurts to see so many people and news stories saying there's record hiring and I can't get anything even at minimum wage," he said. "Never mind what I spent years of college and tens of thousands of dollars being trained for."

Have you given up looking for work or are you struggling to find a job? Are you willing to share your story? If so, reach out to this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed the search while testifying in front of the House Judiciary Committee

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Trump rally shooting aftermath

The man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a July 13 campaign rally in Pennsylvania searched on Google about the assassination of John F. Kennedy days prior to the shooting.

The information was revealed by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who testified at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, July 24.

Analysis of a laptop that the investigation ties to the shooter reveals that on July 6, he did a Google search for, quote, How far away was Oswald from Kennedy, Wray testified, in a hearing aired by C-SPAN.

The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was killed by Secret Service agents after firing several shots toward Trump, who was speaking on stage, from a building outside the venue in Butler, Pa..

Trump, whose ear was bleeding in the aftermath of the shooting, was evacuated safely from the scene. One person in the audience was killed, while two others were seriously injured.

Related: What to Know About Thomas Matthew Crooks, Shooter Who Opened Fire at Donald Trump Rally

According to Wrays testimony, Crooks registered to attend the rally on the same day he made the search about the Kennedy assassination.

Wray also testified that Crooks had a drone in his vehicle at the time of the shooting. About two hours before the shooting, Wray said, Crooks had flown the drone in the area of the venue.

The FBI director was asked then about explosive devices found in the shooter's vehicle and home.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

[The explosive devices] did have the ability to detonate remotely, Wray testified, though he added that the investigation currently indicates that had Crooks attempted to detonate them from the roof, he would have been unsuccessful based on the on-off position of the receivers.

But that doesnt mean the explosives werent dangerous, Wray said.

Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 in Bethel Park, Pa., about 50 miles from Butler.



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Read the original article on People.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- One of the men who was shot at former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler County was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

New Kensington native David "Jake" Dutch, 57, was discharged from Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network confirmed in an update. Seventy-four-year-old James Copenhaver, the other man who was injured, is still in the hospital in stable but serious condition, AHN said.

Dutch and Copenhaver were critically injured when a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler County on Saturday, July 13. One person, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, was killed. Trump was grazed in the ear.

Dutch's friends told KDKA-TV he is a dedicated U.S. Marine who loves his country and often visits the American Legion #868 in Lower Burrell with his wife.

"He's a great guy, very loving, very supportive," American Legion member Anthony Grimes said last week. "It's just so sad that things like this happen."

American Legion members said they were looking forward to when Dutch was released from the hospital and could join them again.

Dutch also served as commandant of the Westmoreland Detachment #1416, the Marine Corps League said.

Hydrothermal explosion sends water, rocks flying at Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin

What polls say about a Trump-Harris matchup

Sneak peek: Stephen Smith: A Death in Murdaugh Country
Trump says hes willing to debate Harris, more than once

Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event Jan. 6, 2024 in Newton, Iowa.

Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event Jan. 6, 2024 in Newton, Iowa. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

I would be willing to do more than one debate, Trump said.

Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, won pledges from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.

During the call, Trump also said that hes not worried about campaigning against Harris because shes the same as Biden in her policies.

Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administrations immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsrooms request for comment on Trumps remarks about debating.

Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.

Bidens shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign, and members of both the U.S. House and Senate called for the president to drop his reelection bid.

Trump also noted that he hasnt agreed to the ABC debate because he agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, and not Harris.

Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.
Trump says hes willing to debate Harris, more than once

Photo by Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Images.

WASHINGTON  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

I would be willing to do more than one debate, Trump said.

Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, won pledges from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.

During the call, Trump also said that hes not worried about campaigning against Harris because shes the same as Biden in her policies.

Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administrations immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsrooms request for comment on Trumps remarks about debating.

Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.

Bidens shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign, and members of both the U.S. House and Senate called for the president to drop his reelection bid.

Trump also noted that he hasnt agreed to the ABC debate because he agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, and not Harris.

Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.
Trump says hes willing to debate Harris, more than once

Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on January 06, 2024 in Newton, Iowa. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on January 06, 2024 in Newton, Iowa. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

I would be willing to do more than one debate, Trump said.

Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, won pledges from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.

During the call, Trump also said that hes not worried about campaigning against Harris because shes the same as Biden in her policies.

Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administrations immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsrooms request for comment on Trumps remarks about debating.

Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.

Bidens shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign, and members of both the U.S. House and Senate called for the president to drop his reelection bid.

Trump also noted that he hasnt agreed to the ABC debate because he agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, and not Harris.

Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.
Trump says hes willing to debate Harris, more than once

U.S. President Joe Biden, right, and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, participate in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Biden and Trump are facing off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

I would be willing to do more than one debate, the former president said.

Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, won pledges from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.

During the call, Trump also said that hes not worried about campaigning against Harris because shes the same as Biden in her policies.

Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administrations immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsrooms request for comment on Trumps remarks about debating.

Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.

Bidens shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign. A growing chorus of Democrats calling for the president to drop his reelection included members of the U.S. House and Senate.

Trump also noted that he hasnt agreed to the ABC debate because he agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, and not Harris.

Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.
Trump says hes willing to debate Harris, more than once

Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event on January 06, 2024 in Newton, Iowa. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

I would be willing to do more than one debate, Trump said.

Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, won pledges from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.

During the call, Trump also said that hes not worried about campaigning against Harris because shes the same as Biden in her policies.

Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administrations immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsrooms request for comment on Trumps remarks about debating.

Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.

Bidens shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign, and members of both the U.S. House and Senate called for the president to drop his reelection bid.

Trump also noted that he hasnt agreed to the ABC debate because he agreed to a debate with Joe Biden, and not Harris.

Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.
(Bloomberg) -- Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend a Hamptons fundraiser next month, providing a cash infusion as his strategy pivots to run against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Aug. 2 dinner, hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald LP Chief Executive Officer Howard Lutnick, is asking for attendees to pay $25,000 to attend, $50,000 for a photo with the Republican nominee and as much as $500,000 to be listed as a host, according to people familiar with the matter. Co-hosts for the event include former hedge fund manager John Paulson and Omeed Malik, head of 1789 Capital, both of whom attended the Republican National Convention last week.

Trump is also slated to attend a fundraiser in Aspen, Colorado, Aug. 10, which includes Steel Partner Holdings LPs Warren Lichtenstein, MDC Holdings Inc.s Larry Mizel and Rugger Management LLCs John Phelan among the hosts, according to an invitation seen by Bloomberg. Tickets for that event go for as much as $500,000 per couple.

Trump will go to a fundraiser with donors from the crypto industry in Nashville on Saturday. Events are also scheduled for Montana and Wyoming in August.

The fundraising blitz comes as Trump faces a new campaign rival following President Joe Bidens decision on Sunday to step down as the partys nominee. Since Harris emerged as the likely Democratic nominee, the former president has quickly added campaign events to his calendar.

A representative for the Trump campaign did not respond to a request to comment. Lutnick through a spokesperson declined to comment.

Harris entry in the race has brought a surge of Democratic enthusiasm and new money, with her campaign saying its raised more than $100 million in its first day. That could cut into a fundraising lead Trump amassed in recent months as Bidens donors withheld contributions to pressure him to drop out of the race.

Trumps campaign had $128 million at the beginning of July, according to the most recent federal filings. Bidens campaign started the month with $96 million, which Harris team inherited when the president dropped out of the race.

(Updates with Aspen event in the third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Elon Musk asked X users whether Tesla Inc. should invest $5 billion in his artificial intelligence startup, saying he was testing the waters for a potential deal. More than two-thirds of respondents voted yes.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Tesla chief executive officer posed the question Tuesday, shortly after the carmaker reported a fourth straight quarter of disappointing profit. Musk was asked during the earnings call if the company would invest in xAI or integrate its chat bot, called Grok, into Teslas software.

Tesla is learning quite a bit from xAI, he said, adding that it had helped advance Full Self-Driving, a suite of driver-assistance features. Musk said he supported the idea of Tesla investing in xAI, if shareholders approved it.

Musk set up xAI in early 2023, months after OpenAI ushered in the AI boom with the launch of ChatGPT. The billionaire co-founded OpenAI as a nonprofit and was its leading funder before resigning from the board in 2018, citing a potential future conflict of interest with his role at Tesla.

Concern about conflicts have resurfaced as Musk has built out his latest startup. In April, he said Tesla was having to make special efforts to retain AI specialists, and that some had left the carmaker for xAI. And in June, Musk confirmed he diverted scarce AI chips from Tesla to X Corp. and xAI.

In the midst of those developments, xAI announced it had raised $6 billion in a funding round that valued the startup at around $18 billion. Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz were among the firms to take part in one of the biggest investments so far in generative AI.

Musk has asked Tesla investors to sign off on controversial deals before. Shareholders approved the carmaker acquiring SolarCity  the debt-laden solar-panel installer run by two of his cousins  in 2016.

The Tesla CEO expressed regret over the more than $2 billion bailout of SolarCity during a deposition taken over whether he improperly forced fellow directors to accept an overpriced deal. While Musk defeated those claims in 2022, the judge who decided the case faulted the billionaire for failing to properly remove himself from the transaction.

--With assistance from Anne VanderMey.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

Story continues

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The News

The gunman who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump had googled the shooting of John F. Kennedy on his laptop a week before carrying out the Pennsylvania rally shooting. Thomas Matthew Crooks looked up how far away was Oswald from Kennedy, FBI director Christopher Wray testified to Congress Wednesday.

The search is obviously significant in terms of his state of mind, Wray said.

Crooks also flew a drone near the rally site just two hours before Trump took the stage, Wray confirmed, around 4 p.m. for several minutes approximately 200 yards from the stage.

Explosives found in the shooters vehicle were likely too far away to detonate from his position on a building roof, Wray said.

Wrays testimony comes after Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned her post following intense bipartisan backlash over failing to prevent the shooting.
Before attempting to shoot Donald Trump, the would-be assassin went to Google and typed: How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?

As the Associated Press reported, Thomas Matthew Crooks searched for the answer to that question on July 6, the same day the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was announced. Lee Harvey Oswald is the man who killed President John F. Kennedy on. Nov. 22, 1963.

The FBI found the search after recovering Crooks laptop in an attempt to discern his motive for shooting at Trump.

A lot of the usual repositories of information have not yielded anything notable in terms of motive or ideology, FBI director Christopher Wray told the AP. Crooks also had photos of President Joe Biden saved on his laptop, though he reportedly was fixated on Trump in the days leading up to the shooting, Wray said.

Though Crooks intent remains unknown, the FBI revealed that Crooks flew a drone around the area just hours before the rally began. The drone was in the air for approximately 11 minutes, CNN reported.

It was almost like giving him a rear-view mirror of the scene behind him, Wray told CNN.

The assassination attempt on Trump has been widely considered as a major failure on the part of the Secret Service, with many questioning how it could happen at such a high-profile event.

The scrutiny has been so severe that the previous director of Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned this week after lawmakers from both parties repeatedly called for her to do so.

The FBI will continue its investigation into the shooting, Wray promising lawmakers that his agency would leave no stone unturned."
FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers on Wednesday that the gunman who opened fire at former President Donald Trumps campaign rally looked up how far away John F. Kennedys assassin was located on the day the then president was fatally shot in 1963.

Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee about the FBIs investigation into the attempted assassination against Trump on July 13. He called the shooting an attack on our democracy and our democratic process, and we will not and do not tolerate political violence of any kind.

We're going to leave no stone unturned. The shooter may be deceased, but the FBI's investigation is very much ongoing, Wray said, adding that the bureau is using all of its criminal and national security resources in the investigation.

Wrays testimony revealed new details about the gunman, identified by authorities as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, who killed one person and wounded two others. Trump was also wounded.

 What we learned from the FBI directors July 24 testimony

Gunman searched JFK assassination: Investigators found that on July 6, Crooks searched how far away was Oswald from Kennedy on Google. The search was referring to Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy from the sixth floor of a building in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. That search is obviously significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears that he registered for the Butler rally, Wray said.

The collapsible stock: When asked how the gunman was able to get a weapon to the nearby roof where he opened fire from, Wray said he didnt yet have an answer to that specific question. He testified that the gunmans weapon had a collapsible stock, which could explain why it might have been less easy for people to observe.

How the gunman got on the roof: Wray said investigators believe Crooks was able to get onto the roof by climbing up using some mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping on the side of the building. In other words, we do not believe he used a ladder to get up there.

Bullets on the roof: Wray said investigators have recovered eight cartridges on the roof.

Donald Trump in Butler, Pa., on July 13. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Accomplices?: Wray was asked if there were any known co-conspirators, accomplices or cooperators who also took part in the rally shooting. Not at this time, Wray said. But again the investigation is ongoing.

The drone: Wray confirmed that Crooks flew a drone on July 13 over an area about 200 yards, give or take, from the rally hours before the shooting. He added that there was no recording of the roughly 11-minute drone flight, but believed the gunman was watching video streamed from the device to scout the area.

Crookss phone: Wray said gaining access to Crookss phone was a significant technical challenge and that the gunman used encrypted messaging apps on his phone.

Explosive devices: Wray said that two explosive devices were found in the gunmans car and one was found at his residence, classifying them as relatively crude, though they did have the capability of being detonated remotely. A transmitter was found on Crooks after he was killed. "At a moment, it looks like because of the on/off position on the receivers, that if he had tried to detonate those devices from the roof, it would not have worked, but that doesn't mean the explosives weren't dangerous," Wray said.

Images of political figures found on gunmans devices: Wray testified that the images of various political leaders found on the gunmans devices were cached images from searches of news articles. Wray explained that if someone reads a digital news article, the photos on said article will automatically get stored in the cache, as opposed to images specifically searched. This suggests the shooter was reading news articles on these political figures.

The location of Trump's rally in Butler, Pa. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

 What we dont know

The gunmans motive: Many of us are interested in the motive of the shooter here; when its an assault on a political figure, you immediately assume theres a political motive, and that may be the case here. We dont know yet, said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat. Can you enlighten us about that? Wray replied, I think its fair to say that we do not yet have a clear picture of his motive. Typically there are motive answers through social media searches, messages or a manifesto, he explained. But Wray added: We're not seeing that, but we're digging in hard because this is one of the central questions for us.

How the gunman was able to fire eight shots: Wray was asked how the gunman was allowed to get eight shots out before he was neutralized by the Secret Service counter-sniper. That I think is something were still digging into, Wray replied.

Why Trump was allowed to go onstage: The Secret Service knew that local law enforcement was looking for a suspicious person before Trump took the stage, one lawmaker said. Wray was asked why Trump was allowed to go onstage. We dont know the answer to that, he said, adding that the FBIs investigation is focused on the shooter, but acknowledged the intense interest in that key question.
One week before a gunman attempted to kill former President Trump, he conducted a Google search for how far away was Oswald from Kennedy, a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, who shot and killed former President Kennedy in 1963, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray.

That same day, the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, registered for Trumps rally in Butler, Pa., Wray told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Wray said the FBI conducted an analysis of a laptop tied to Crooks and found that on July 6, he became very focused on Trump and the July 13 rally.

Weve, just in the last couple days, found that  [the] laptop that the investigation ties to the shooter reveals that on July 6 he did a Google search how far away was Oswald from Kennedy? Wray said.

Wray said the search is significant in terms of the shooters state of mind, and that it was done the same day that it appears that he registered for the Butler rally.

Authorities so far have struggled to find a motive as to why Crooks climbed onto a roof about 150 yards away from Trump as he was speaking on stage and fired at least eight shots at the presidential nominee, grazing his ear, killing an attendee and critically injuring two others at the rally.

Wray also sought to clarify reports that Crooks had searched online for images of specific public officials, saying that it appears he was searching for news articles.

The images that weve recovered so far  appear to be what we call cached images from searches of news articles, he told lawmakers. If you do a news article search  if there are photos on it, those photos get stored automatically in your cache, as opposed to him searching for a specific images of that person.

Wray added there doesnt seem to be a whole lot of rhyme or reason to Crookss search history, other than it all includes prominent U.S. public figures across both parties and even some foreign public officials.

That one repository of information doesnt appear to be overly indicative of motive other than interest in public figures, he said.

Earlier in the hearing, Wray confirmed Crooks used a drone, apparently to survey the rally site in the hours before Trump took the stage, and said the FBI is now analyzing that device.

The FBI also recovered two relatively crude explosive devices in the Crookss car and one other at his home, he told lawmakers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
During a private meeting at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, then-president Donald Trump reportedly mused aloud about whether people with disabilities would be better off dead instead of causing more expenses for their caregivers.

The shocking remark is included in a new book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, by the former presidents nephew, Fred Trump III, who makes other startling claims about his uncle.

According to an excerpt of the book published by Time, Fred Trump III  the brother of psychologist and author Mary Trump and the eldest son of Donald Trumps late older brother, Fred Trump Jr.  claims his uncle made the offensive remark during a private meeting in May 2020.

Fred Trump III writes that he, then-President Trump, then-Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and White House Covid Task Force member Dr. Brett Giroir, along with other disability rights advocates, spent 45 minutes discussing the needs of people with disabilities at the White House.

Its a subject he has significant experience with, he writes, because of his son, William Trump, who as an infant was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder that has caused significant cognitive and physical damage. In the memoir, he reveals that his son was later diagnosed with KCNQ2 mutation, which he describes as a genetic misfire that the doctors called a potassium channel deletion.

Fred Trump (right) poses with son, William, and wife, Lisa (Courtesy of Gallery Books)

Following the White House meeting, Fred Trump III said he was ushered back into the Oval Office with his uncle and Azar at Donald Trumps request.

His uncle greeted him: Hey, pal  hows everything going?

Fred Trump III told him things were good and thanked him for meeting.

At that point, he writes that his uncle started to speak again.

Those people ... he said, trailing off. The shape theyre in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die, he suggested, according to the book.

Fred Trump III added that at the time, he truly did not know what to say.

The shocking comments about people with disabilities arent the only ones revealed by the ex-presidents nephew.

According to a separate excerpt of the book reported on by The Guardian, Donald Trump used a vile racial slur after finding damage on a beloved Cadillac convertible in the 1970s.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally with running mate JD Vance for the first time (REUTERS)

He reportedly recalls how the future president was showing him a cotillon white Cadillac Eldorado convertible with a giant gash, at least two feet long [and] another, shorter gash next to it in the convertible canvas roof.

Ni***rs, I recall him saying disgustedly. Look at what the ni***rs did, he wrote.

He added that his uncle did not know who had damaged the car.

But when the elder Trump saw the damage, his nephew says he went straight to the place where peoples minds sometimes go when they face a fresh affront. Across the racial divide.
Trump team files complaint trying to block Harris from accessing over $90M in Biden funds

Trump team files complaint trying to block Harris from accessing over $90M in Biden funds

(The Hill)  The Trump campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Tuesday, accusing Vice President Harriss campaign of improperly taking over President Bidens campaign funds when he left the race Monday.

The complaint, reported by The New York Times, came after the Biden campaign account changed its name to Harris for President on Monday following the presidents announcement that he would not seek reelection.

Kamala Harris is seeking to perpetrate a $91.5 million dollar heist of Joe Bidens leftover campaign cash  a brazen money grab that would constitute the single largest excessive contribution and biggest violation in the history of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, Trump campaign counsel David Warrington wrote.

The suit seeks to block Harriss access to the war chest. While most campaign finance experts believe that Harris has rightful access to the funds, as she was on Bidens ticket as the vice presidential candidate, its unclear what the FEC will finally rule.

Harriss campaign has broken fundraising records since launching Monday, raking in more than $80 million in its first 24 hours.

5 reasons Democrats think Harris is the strongest Biden replacement

The complaint demands a criminal investigation of the conduct, claiming that renaming the committee for Harris is a form of fraud. It instead argues that Biden should be forced to refund his contributions instead of transferring them to Harris.

The Harris campaign is in the process of committing the largest campaign finance violation in American history and she is using the Commissions own forms to do it, Warrington wrote.

Republican FEC Chair Sean Cooksey, a Trump appointee, suggested Monday that he could be against allowing Harris to access the funds.

I think its really complicated, is the short answer, Cooksey told Morning Edition on NPR. What hes attempting to do is to give his entire committee, the cash and all the assets, over to another person.

I think its gonna have to go through a process, through the FEC, Cooksey added. I expect, theres probably going to be challenges to that at the agency, and probably in the courts as well.

Democratic Commissioner Dara Lindenbaum, who chaired the commission last year, pushed back on the suggestion that Harris would not be able to access those funds.

Its quite clear, Vice President Harris can continue using the campaign committee and its funds, Lindenbaum told The Hill.

Harris, Trump neck and neck in new poll taken after Biden exit

Steve Roberts, former general counsel to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, was also skeptical of Cookseys comments.

This interpretation is likely wishful thinking, Roberts told The Hill.

Since the declarations of candidacy for 2024, the reasonable interpretation is that the Biden campaign committee is a shared one between Harris [and] Biden, and perhaps uniquely so because they are incumbents. Otherwise, in 2020, Trump-Pence wouldnt have had a shared committee, but would have set up separate committees and had their own contribution limits, he explained.

Harris campaign spokesperson Charles Lutvak brushed off the concerns, pointing to the campaigns strong fundraising.

Team Harris will continue to build on our more than 250 coordinated offices and more than 1,300 coordinated staffers across the battleground states  just like we built on the $240 million cash on hand that we had at launch this week, raising $100 million in our first 36 hours and signing up 58,000 volunteers, he said in a statement to The Hill.

Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energized to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, but baseless legal claims  like the ones theyve made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections  will only distract them while we sign up volunteers, talk to voters, and win this election.

Taylor Giorno contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Senator JD Vance will visit southern Nevada next week for a rally in Henderson, according to the Trump Vance campaign.

The rally will take place on Tuesday, July 30 at Liberty High School. The doors will open at 10 a.m. and Vance will deliver remarks at 1 p.m.

Trump announced Vance as his pick for vice president during the Republican National Convention.

People can register for general admission tickets through this link.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Former President Donald Trumps selection of JD Vance as his running mate may signal that a second term could be far less business friendly than corporate dealmakers had hoped.

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The Ohio Senator  whom Trump chose as his vice presidential nominee last week  has opinions on antitrust regulation that run counter to the traditional light-touch Republican approach that is championed by groups including the US Chamber of Commerce.

Vance supports stricter filing rules for mergers and has signed on to legislation eliminating tax breaks for mega mergers. He has also raised concerns about foreign companies seeking to take over US manufacturers, including Nippon Steels bid to buy United States Steel Corp. and Big Tech acquisitions such as Meta Platforms Inc.s purchase of Instagram and Whatsapp.

He wasnt raised in the sort of consensus of the last 30 years, which is that Republicans exist to be the partisan shield for corporate power, Rachel Bovard, vice president of programs at the Conservative Partnership Institute, said in an interview. The traditional Republican views on these things  those views are on notice.

The Vance pick highlights a larger fight about M&A in Republican politics, which had already begun to change during the first Trump administration, according to Adam Candeub, a Michigan State law professor. He said this tension is playing out between the Chamber of Commerce never-think-about-regulating-corporations and this newer approach.

Its taking a look at how industry affects working people and ensuring that Americans get good jobs, said Candeub, who served in Trumps Commerce Department and Justice Department.

A venture-capitalist-turned-politician, Vance, 39, rose to fame with his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which depicted his poor rural upbringing and his mothers struggles with drug addiction.

Since being elected to the Senate in 2022, Vance has teamed up with Democrats to propose an end to tax breaks for large corporate mergers. In a comment to the FTC last summer, Vance praised the FTC and the Department of Justice for revamping the details that companies looking at an M&A deal must provide. That merger review revision, which hasnt been finalized, drew condemnation from dozens of trade groups, including the American Investment Council, which advocates on behalf of the private equity industry.

Vance has also challenged Big Tech, questioning whether Meta should own both Facebook and Instagram or whether Google needed to buy YouTube. He also expressed concern about Googles Gemini AI project.

Separate Market Verticals

We want to ensure that new entrants can change these things to promote as much competition as possible, and you actually want to separate all of these market verticals as much as possible, Vance said at a conference co-hosted by Bloomberg Beta in February. Thats where I think antitrust is probably the most useful way to think about a solution.

Bloomberg Beta is the venture capital arm of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.

Vance has even praised President Joe Bidens head of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan. Khan, the youngest-ever person to helm the FTC, has reinvigorated antitrust enforcement under Biden, bringing a record number of challenges to deals and earning her the ire of the Chamber of Commerce and other business focused groups.

The choice of Vance, however, was hailed by major Silicon Valley investors, who believe the former venture capitalist can take the technology industry closer to center stage in Washington if Trump wins the White House in November.

Earlier this month, Elon Musk called the decision a great choice and said the lineup resounds with victory in a post on X, the social platform he owns.

The Office of Vice President hasnt traditionally taken much of a role in antitrust policy. But Bidens White House made antitrust a key economic priority with the creation of the Competition Council for Cabinet-level officials to meet once a quarter, setting up a mechanism that could be continued in a second Trump administration.

Picking Vance is a huge signal that Trump intends to keep a skeptical eye on corporate consolidation, according to Garrett Ventry, a Republican strategist and former congressional staffer involved in the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittees investigation into Big Tech. Ventry said the next space to watch will be who the campaign discusses nominating for antitrust enforcement.

Personnel is the policy, he said.

(Adds Silicon Valley views starting in 13th paragraph.)

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Colombian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Luis Fernando Cuartas Ayala visited the State Committee on Work with Diaspora to meet with its Chairman Fuad Muradov, Azernews reports, citing AZERTAC.

Chairman Fuad Muradov highlighted the activities and projects implemented by the Committee, as well as Azerbaijani houses and Coordination Councils operating abroad, including the Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora (FSAD).

Muradov underscored that the Committee not only coordinates the activities of Azerbaijani diaspora living abroad, but also collaborates with countries friendly to Azerbaijan.

The ambassador highlighted the importance of expanding relations between Colombia and Azerbaijan, adding that he is always ready to cooperate with the Committee in his further activities.

Additionally, the meeting also covered the implementation of joint projects and exchange programs in various fields.

The sides expressed confidence that mutually beneficial interaction between the two countries would continue to develop successfully.
Tucker Carlson trashed several female politicians this week while arguing that women leaders wont make the world more peaceful.

We havent seen big successes from female leaders, Carlson said in an episode of his X show Monday with right-wing conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec. And I say that as a lover of women.

Tucker Carlson Takes on Australian Reporter After Searing Putin Question

The former Fox News host went on to disagree with claims that female political leaders will be more conciliatory, therell be more peace, less war.

Youve seen exactly the opposite, he claimed. The Ukraine war was driven by a woman, actually, Carlson saidclarifying that his claim was referring to Victoria Nuland, the former U.S. undersecretary for political affairs, though he didnt elaborate on why he was seemingly blaming her rather than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He also took shots at women who served as secretary of state, describing Hillary Clinton as the most bloodthirsty person Ive ever seen on the public stage while calling Madeleine Albright a total ghoul and a nasty, stupid person.

Im a free man, Carlson continued, And I just dont see any evidence that female leadership is more likely to get us to peace than male leadershipI see the opposite of it.

During his two-hour chat with Jack Posobiec, Tucker Carlson says "we haven't seen big successes from female leaders," claims women politicians are more bloodthirsty and violent than men, blames the Ukraine war "on a woman," and compares Kamala Harris to Pol Pot. pic.twitter.com/Y5UxPoL24I  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) July 23, 2024

Posobiec chimed in to cite research purportedly showing that when England had been ruled by a queen, the country was more likely to go to war, whereas when England had a king, they were more likely to seek peace through diplomatic means. (He did not cite a specific paper, but a 2019 study on 400 years of European rulers found queenly reigns engaged more in inter-state wars relative to kingly reigns.)

Carlson said he wasnt surprised by Posobiecs claim based on what Ive seen in the United States over the past 20 years, before making a truly unhinged comparison of Vice President Kamala Harris to Pol Pot, the genocidal dictator who ruled Cambodia in the 1970s.

When Kamala says, you know, were unburdened by the past, what shes really saying is welcome to Kampuchea, Carlson said, referring to the official name of Cambodia under Khmer rule. He also claimed it was clearly the goal to throw out all of our standards and norms and traditions and start at Year Zero.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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TUSKEGEE, Ala. (WRBL)  Tuskegees automated camera traffic ticket program, launched earlier this year, is on indefinite hold. Meanwhile, WRBL has confirmed a 20-page lawsuit was filed in May against the city and others who oversaw the speed cameras installed on Franklin Road, Montgomery Road, and Chappie James Drive.

Mayor Lawrence Haygood confirmed the suspension to WRBL on Tuesday, citing procedural oversights in the programs implementation. He says all tickets issued under the program are now void, and the city began issuing automatic refunds last week to those who had already paid fines. The process continues, with refunds being sent to the vehicles registered owners. Mayor Haygood is gathering specific information for WRBL, including the number of citations issued since the program went online in January. Fines varied and could have reached up to $330 per ticket if the driver was allegedly going 20 miles over the speed limit in a school zone. WRBL has asked for the total monetary value being refunded. Mayor Haygood estimates hundreds of now voided tickets were sent out. Mayor Haygood says the automated traffic citation debacle has nothing to do with the recent removal of Tuskegees chief of police and assistant chief from their positions or a recent lawsuit.

In May nine plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the City of Tuskegee and other entities associated with the program. The suit challenges Ordinance 2023-01, which established the Automated Photographic Vehicle Speed Enforcement System. The plaintiffs all received traffic citations based solely on photographic enforcement devices. They claim the ordinance is vague, overbroad, and illegal, resulting in incorrect citations and unfair penalties. One plaintiff alleges they were fired by their employer after receiving three tickets not yet contested or adjudicated.

Mayor Haygood declined to comment on the lawsuit. The attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs declined to comment on the case at this time.

The lawsuit alleges the ordinance improperly suggests automated traffic cameras can reduce traffic violations, but the plaintiffs argue there is no supporting data. They claim the programs true motive is revenue generation rather than public safety, violating Alabamas public policy and due process rights.

The lawsuit contends the required $25 fee to contest citations violates the Alabama Constitution, which guarantees due process without cost. The ordinance also allegedly infringes on due process by holding vehicle owners liable without allowing them to cross-examine witnesses or challenge evidence.

Plaintiffs also argue affidavits used to certify violations are based on hearsay and do not comply with Alabama Rules of Evidence, thus denying them the right to challenge the evidence. Furthermore, plaintiffs claim the ordinance falsely states third parties do not have access to citation data. They argue third parties do, leading to negative consequences such as job terminations and other penalties based on citations not yet adjudicated, violating due process and privacy rights.

The plaintiffs seek several remedies, including a declaration Ordinance 2023-01 violates the Alabama Constitution, refunds for all fees and fines collected under the ordinance with 12% interest, an injunction against the use of speed cameras, and a declaration that issuing citations to vehicle owners rather than drivers is unlawful. They are also requesting reasonable attorneys fees and other appropriate relief.

WRBL will continue to monitor the issue.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
FLORAL PARK, N.Y. (PIX11)  Two men posing as licensed contractors were charged Monday with allegedly ripping off Long Island homeowners.

David Young, 31, of Philadelphia and 25-year-old Adam Turner, who is homeless, targeted mostly elderly residents in Floral Park with their phony company Top Line Masonry, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

More Local News

The duo allegedly handed out fliers in the neighborhood and offered to perform construction on homes and roofs, according to police. They then defrauded the victims by falsely reporting or causing more damage to the property, police said.

Floral Park Police arrested the men Monday afternoon after officers recognized their White Ford pickup truck used in previous alleged crimes.

Two men (Adam Turner, 25, left David Young, 31, right) posing as licensed contractors were charged with allegedly ripping off Long Island homeowners, police said. (Credit: NCPD)

Both defendants are charged with criminal mischief in the second degree, two counts of scheme to defraud in the first degree, attempted scheme to defraud in the first degree, conspiracy in the fifth degree, and peddling/soliciting. Additionally, defendant David Young is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Submit tips to police by calling Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477), visiting nassaucounty.crimestoppersweb.com or downloading the P3 Tips 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 PIX11.
(Bloomberg) -- Serge Pun, one of Myanmars richest tycoons, is stepping down as executive chairman of Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd., as he remains under scrutiny in his native country.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Pun will also step down as a director of the company with immediate effect, Yoma said in a filing Wednesday. The real estate firm appointed his eldest son Melvyn Pun, who is also chief executive officer and a board member, as the new chairman.

Recent developments in Myanmar have created a level of uncertainty with respect to Mr. Serge Pun and his engagement with the Myanmar authorities concerning banking activities in the country, Yoma said. It is in the best interest of the Company, its shareholders, its employees, and its customers to accelerate these succession plans.

This is the latest move from the tycoon whose banking business has come under scrutiny in Myanmar. Earlier this month, the central bank announced that action will be taken against seven banks including Yoma Bank Ltd, which Pun also chairs, for granting housing loans that exceeded central bank limits as part of efforts to stabilize the local economy.

Last week, Yoma Strategic said Pun was in Myanmar at accommodation provided by the relevant authorities and cooperating. The tycoon and two other employees do not have complete unrestricted use of their communication devices and would be expected to remain in the country until the authorities complete their queries.

In a letter to the Singapore stock exchange, Pun, a major shareholder of Yoma, said he does not intend to reduce his stake in the real estate company.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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TechCrunch

Star Health and Allied Insurance, one of the largest health insurance firms in India, has confirmed it was the target of a "malicious cyberattack," some two weeks after cybercriminals claimed to post customers' health records and other sensitive data online. The Chennai-headquartered insurance giant told TechCrunch in a statement Wednesday that the cyberattack resulted in "unauthorized and illegal access to certain data," though it stated its operations remained unaffected and services continued. When asked by TechCrunch, Star Health would not say if the data breach included customers' data.
This close-up photograph shows a mosquito on human skin in Montlouis-sur-Loire, France, on Oct. 21, 2022. Credit - Guillaume SouvantAFP/Getty Images

Several local health departments in the U.S. warned residents this week that officials have detected mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in states across the country.

In New York, Suffolk County announced Monday that 16 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus, which can sometimes be life-threatening, bringing the total number of mosquito samples testing positive for the virus so far this season to 32. In New Jersey, Cape May County health officials said Monday that theyve detected seven positive West Nile virus collections during the months of June and July. Denton County Public Health (DCPH) in Texas also said Monday that five mosquito traps in unincorporated Denton County tested positive for West Nile virus, adding that the areas would be fogged three times over the following days.

The next day, DCPH reported the first 2024 human case of West Nile virus in the county; that patient was diagnosed with a serious form of the virus, called West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease, which can lead to death or long-term disability.

Were seeing more positive mosquito traps in the last few weeks indicating increasing risk for contracting West Nile Virus, just as weve seen in our first human case of the summer, DCPH Assistant Director and Chief Epidemiologist Juan Rodriguez said in a press release on Tuesday. We ask community members to take preventive actions to lower their risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness.

All three local health departments advised residents to take steps to protect themselves, such as minimizing time outdoors between dusk and dawn, using mosquito repellent, draining standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding sites, and wearing long-sleeved shirts or long pants when mosquitoes are active.

The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Gregson Pigott said in a press release. While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce exposure to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Read More: The Scents and Colors Mosquitoes Are Drawn to

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If a mosquito carrying the virus bites a human, that person can become infected with the virus.

About 80% of people infected with West Nile virus wont have any symptoms, but about 20% may develop a fever and other flu-like symptoms, according to the HHS. Less than 1% of people develop severe West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease, according to the HHS. So far this year, 24 cases of West Nile virus have resulted in neuroinvasive disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

So far this year, 45 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 19 states, according to data from the CDC. This is lower than the 422 cases that were reported from January to July of 2023, according to CDC data. Cases of West Nile virus usually start to increase in July, peak in August, and remain high in September, CDC data shows. States with the most reported cases so far this year include Texas at 9, Nevada at 8, and Nebraska at 7, according to the CDC.

Last month, the Southern Nevada Health District said that 91 mosquito pools, comprising more than 3,000 mosquitoes, tested positive for West Nile virus.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday highlighted the spending cuts proposed by House Republicans in fiscal 2025 appropriations bills. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.
Key Insights

Cabka's estimated fair value is 6.30 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Cabka is estimated to be 40% undervalued based on current share price of 3.76

The 6.82 analyst price target for CABKA is 8.3% 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 Cabka N.V. (AMS:CABKA) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

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. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Cabka

Crunching The Numbers

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (, Millions) 5.00m 6.73m 7.00m 7.19m 7.35m 7.48m 7.60m 7.70m 7.79m 7.88m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Est @ 2.77% Est @ 2.20% Est @ 1.80% Est @ 1.53% Est @ 1.33% Est @ 1.20% Est @ 1.10% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 5.5% 4.7 6.1 6.0 5.8 5.6 5.4 5.2 5.0 4.8 4.6

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 53m

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 (0.9%) 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 5.5%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 7.9m (1 + 0.9%)  (5.5% 0.9%) = 174m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 174m ( 1 + 5.5%)10= 102m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 156m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 3.8, the company appears quite undervalued at a 40% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

The Assumptions

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 Cabka 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 5.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.994. 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 Cabka

Strength

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Weakness

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Packaging market.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Has less than 3 years of cash runway based on current free cash flow.

Paying a dividend but company is unprofitable.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Cabka, there are three further elements you should further examine:

Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for Cabka that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does CABKA'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. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Dutch stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday highlighted the spending cuts proposed by House Republicans in fiscal 2025 appropriations bills. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
The U.S. House passed a $1.2 trillion government spending bill, giving the Senate hours to clear it before a midnight deadline.

The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday highlighted the spending cuts proposed by House Republicans in fiscal 2025 appropriations bills. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.
Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom.

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.
The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday highlighted the spending cuts proposed by House Republicans in fiscal 2025 appropriations bills. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE
The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday highlighted the spending cuts proposed by House Republicans in fiscal 2025 appropriations bills. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom)

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.
The U.S. Capitol Building on June 01, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images).

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the Legislative Branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.
The leading Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday highlighted the spending cuts proposed by House Republicans in fiscal 2025 appropriations bills. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

The cuts to labor, health care and education proposed in a U.S. House Republican bill this week are previews of what would happen to federal agencies under a second Trump term, a key House Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday that the major spending cuts in Republicans fiscal 2025 proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would have significant impacts on workers, families and students.

The bill would cut the Labor Department budget by 22%, the HHS budget by 6%, and the Education Department by 14%.

DeLauro referenced Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency, saying Republicans are already trying to implement the policies through spending bills.

What were going to do as Appropriations (Democrats) is look at that Project 2025 and the appropriations bills and look at what they are already trying to move forward through the appropriations process, she said at a Tuesday press conference.

She also pointed out Republican leaders inability to pass spending bills, referring to the narrowly avoided government shutdown in September and a failed vote on the legislative branch spending bill this month.

They cannot govern, she said. This is chaos.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, called the proposed budget cuts common sense reforms that would ultimately save taxpayer dollars in a press release earlier this month after the House Appropriations Committee approved the bill.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the legislation would protect Americans from policies championed by President Joe Biden, which are largely opposed by congressional Republicans.

Importantly, the bill reins in the Biden Administrations burdensome overreach and divisive policy agenda, Cole said.

Huge cut to Labor

The legislation proposes major cuts in federal funding for labor programs. It would decrease the Department of Labors budget by $3 billion from current levels.

Fred Redmond, the secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO, a national labor coalition, highlighted the elimination of $900 million for youth job training programs, saying it took away a program at the exact moment that young people are looking for good, stable jobs.

He also criticized Republicans for pushing a pro-worker narrative at last weeks Republican National Convention.

We know it was all just talk, he said. This is the platform. No matter how many different ways they tried to dress it up in Milwaukee, this is what they want to do.

The legislation would make a nearly 12% cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which enforced workers safety regulations. If the bill is enacted, OSHA would receive $75 million less than the current fiscal year.

Reproductive health funding targeted

Speakers at DeLauros event also highlighted the bills impacts for health care, especially reproductive care.

Kimberly Diaz Scott, the vice president of National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a group that advocates for family planning providers, said the funding bills are a laundry list of attempts to take away Americans access to reproductive health care.

The legislation would decrease funding to the Department of Health and Human Services by just over 6%, or $7.5 billion, from current levels.

The bill would cut over $280 million for Title X Family Planning that provides funding to help people access contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted infection services. It is designed to provide access to these services for those with low-incomes or who are uninsured.

Republicans have targeted the program, which provides funding for reproductive care clinics including Planned Parenthood, for decades.

Scott emphasized that the elimination of these programs would especially affect communities that face difficulty accessing these services.

These attacks are part of a larger agenda to roll back the progress we have made toward gender equality, she said. Each of these policies seek to control and limit bodily autonomy, to deny people the right to make their decisions about their own bodies and their own lives.

The legislation would also cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spending by $1.8 billion, eliminating funding for research focused on preventing suicide, firearm injury and deaths, and opioid overdoses prevention.

Education cuts

The Republican bill would also force a decrease of 14%, or $8.6 billion, to the Department of Education.

Title I grants, which provide federal funding for schools with students from low-income backgrounds, would face a decrease of $4.7 billion. That drop accounts for more than half of the $8.5 billion cut to all K-12 education, including special education programs. Public schools are required by law to provide special education to students who meet the qualifications.

Michael J. Barnes, the superintendent of the Mayfield City School District in Ohio, said federal funding is vital to public schools.

These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet in my district, and districts across our country. They translate into real opportunities for our most disadvantaged students, he said.

Another major cut in the bill is a $124 million decrease for mental health services in schools. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on youth mental health, highlighting how large a toll the pandemic had on the countrys youth.

Barnes noted that funding for public school programs will help the U.S. in the long term, growing the economy, providing social mobility and improving public health and safety.

It is not just an expenditure, he said. It is an investment in our future.
United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The day before, Cheatle testified before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday, following widespread outrage that her agency failed to prevent the assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump during a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cheatles resignation follows an intense congressional hearing where Democrats and Republicans demanded she step down after they grew dissatisfied with her answers about how a gunman was able to get within shooting range of the former president. In the hearing, Cheatle noted that the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the shooting.

According to an email obtained by The Associated Press, Cheatle said to her staff that she took full responsibility for the security lapse.

Ronald L. Rowe, the U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director will serve as acting Director of the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

I appreciate his willingness to lead the Secret Service at this incredibly challenging moment, as the agency works to get to the bottom of exactly what happened on July 13 and cooperate with ongoing investigations and Congressional oversight, Mayorkas said. At the same time, the Secret Service must effectively carry on its expansive mission that includes providing 24/7 protection for national leaders and visiting dignitaries and securing events of national significance in this dynamic and heightened threat environment.

The Secret Service declined to comment and deferred to DHS.

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, Cheatle said during Mondays House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing.

Task force will still investigate

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said even though Cheatle has stepped down, he still plans to continue with plans to form a bipartisan task force to investigate the security failures that led to the attempted assassination, in which Trump was shot and his right ear injured.

Her resignation is overdue, Johnson told reporters. It certainly was the director, but there may be others in the line of authority who are also culpable in what happened in the errors and mistakes there.

Johnson said the task force will continue to ensure that those mistakes do not happen again.

On Trumps social media site, Truth Social, the former president wrote that the Biden administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!

In a statement, President Joe Biden thanked Cheatle for her service and said he plans to appoint a new director soon.

As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service, Biden said.

He added that an independent review, which he directed the Department of Homeland Security to undertake shortly after the shooting, will get to the bottom of what happened on July 13.

We all know what happened that day can never happen again, Biden said.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, Republican of Iowa, and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Democrat of Nevada, issued a joint statement in which they said they have introduced bipartisan legislation that would require all future directors of the Secret Service be subject to confirmation by the Senate and serve a single 10-year term.

Our bill is a crucial step toward providing the transparency and accountability that Congress and the American people deserve from the Secret Service, Grassley said. In light of former Director Cheatles resignation, Congress must now move quickly to pass our legislation and put a qualified individual at the agencys helm.

Cortez Masto said that by requiring the director of the Secret Service to be confirmed by the Senate, this will ensure the same level of oversight as other federal law enforcement agencies and support our hardworking agents in doing the best job they can.

Mayorkas also praised Cheatle for her work, noting her 29 years of service.

Over the past two years, she has led the Secret Service with skill, honor, integrity, and tireless dedication, Mayorkas said in a statement. She is deeply respected by the men and women of the agency and by her fellow leaders in the Department of Homeland Security.
The Treasury under Secretary Janet Yellen unleashed its fifth round of sanctions targeting transnational criminal organizations within the last month. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

July 24 (UPI) -- The United States has blacklisted two members of a Mexican drug cartel and two companies, as the Biden administration continues to target transnational criminal organization behind the trafficking of fentanyl into the country.

Over the past month, the Biden administration has unleashed five rounds of sanctions against transnational criminal organizations profiting over the United States' ongoing opioid crisis.

On Tuesday, it hit Juan Carlos Banuelos Ramirez, 46, and Gerardo Rivera Ibarra, 54, alleged leaders of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, or the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data non-governmental organization, the CJNG was founded in the late 2000s and has since grown to become "one of the most powerful actors in Mexico's criminal underworld," evolving from an armed wing of the Milneio Cartel into "a complex drug-producing and trafficking structure" that supplies markets worldwide.

Banuelos Ramirez and Rivera Ibarra were blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury on Tuesday for leaders of CJNG cells that have worked to get fentanyl and methamphetamine into the United States.

The Treasury said Banuelos Ramirez manages labs in Mexico that produce methamphetamine and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, drugs he smuggles within machinery.

He is also accused of purchasing automatic weapons for the cartel and trying to acquire drones. On top of overseeing his Mexican labs, Banuelos Ramirez also allegedly launders money and procures precursor chemicals to manufacture narcotics .

Two companies -- Fornely Lab S.A. de C.V. and Inmobiliaria Universal Deja Vu S.A. de C.V. -- were also sanctioned for being connected to Rivera Ibarra and Banuelos Ramirez.

"Building on our strong partnerships across the U.S. government and with our counterparts in Mexico, we will continue to act against the financial flows of CJNG and other criminal organizations that harm Americans through the illicit drug trade," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement.

The Biden administration has made fighting the opioid epidemic one of its objectives, and has implemented a number of initiatives with this end, including cracking down on global criminal networks by increasing counternarcotics cooperations with the governments of India, Mexico and Canada.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned four Mexican companies and three Mexican nationals tied to a timeshare fraud led by the CJNG.

Sanctions generally freeze all U.S. assets of those designated while barring U.S. persons from doing business with them.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The University of Alabama in Huntsville is producing results in plasma science and engineering during a 10-year federal investment.

A $40 million federal investment was given to nine Alabama universities and a research corporation for the Future Technologies & enabling Plasma Process (FTPP):

The University of Alabama at Huntsville

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Auburn University

Tuskegee University

The University of South Alabama

Alabama A&M University

Alabama State University

Oakwood University

CFD Research Corp

The current grant is a $20 million, five-year FTPP project directed by Dr. Gary Zank. This grant follows an earlier five-year, $20 million grant called CPU2AL: Connecting the Plasma Universe to Plasma Technology in Alabama.

Retired military couples home ignored by home property maintenance

Graduate student Nageshway Nagarajan conducts plasma research in the Gabe Xu lab in JRC on the UAH campus, April 6, 2023. (Michael Mercier/UAH).

Research Scientist Bhagirath Ghimire conducts plasma research in the Gabe Xu lab in JRC on the UAH campus, April 6, 2023. (Michael Mercier/UAH).

Dr. Sandra Richardson said UAH is providing tangible results that are encouraging for future research and development. Dr. Richardson is the section head for the Research Capacity and Competitiveness Section in the Office of Integrative Activities at the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Sustained support by the NSFs Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is expanding Alabamas expertise and knowledge in plasma, a versatile and highly energized form of gas. This plasma is said to have numerous scientific and commercial applications.

Alabama is powering toward leadership nationally in the high-technology PSE industry by building a homegrown collaborative base for research, new technology development and a commercialized and knowledgeable workforce.

Dr. Richardson said, Plasma science and engineering has the potential to transform many areas of modern society.

FTPP is the starting point towards a larger grant of up to $160 million under a program that funds Regional Innovation Engines. Reaching that level of support would establish Alabama as a southeastern hub for plasma expertise. It would boost the creation of thousands of high-paying technical careers in the state and region.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The Otto Bremer Trust and Bremer Financial have reached an agreement to end all litigation between them, concluding a years-long court battle stemming from a dispute about the bank's future.

Under the resolution, Otto Bremer trustees will rejoin the Bremer Financial board of directors "and the parties will work together to redefine the relationship" between the charitable trust and the bank, according to a Wednesday news release.

That relationship dates to the 1940s, when Otto Bremer established the trust to own the bank after his death. Today, St. Paul-based Bremer is the only U.S. bank a charity still owns. Most of its profits go to the trust, which then distributes them as charitable grants.

"We are pleased to reach this resolution," Jeanne Crain, the president and CEO of Bremer Bank, said in a statement. "Bremer Bank is proud to have provided over $1 billion in dividends to the Otto Bremer Trust. Bremer Bank has gone above and beyond for its customers and communities for over 80 years, and we look forward to continuing that commitment."

The dispute began in 2019, when Bremer Financial began exploring a merger of equals with Great Western Bancshares. The trustees objected, arguing selling the bank would be more profitable, and soon after announced the trust's shares in Bremer Financial were for sale. The bank sued the trustees, accusing them of a "disloyal scheme" to seize control of the company.

The Minnesota Attorney General's office, which oversees charitable trusts, intervened and petitioned the court to remove the three trustees following a 9-month investigation that uncovered breaches of duty including self dealing, excessive compensation and creating a hostile work environment.

Only one trustee, Brian Lipschultz, ultimately lost his seat, and the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld his removal in February. The two other trustees, Charlotte Johnson and Daniel Reardon, chose Cretin-Derham Hall High School President Frank Miley to replace Lipschultz. A Ramsey County judge approved the appointment last year.

In a statement Wednesday, the trustees said they "are pleased to put this litigation behind us and work with [Bremer Financial] to ensure that Otto Bremer's vision of a perpetual charitable trust continues. Since inception, the Trust has made charitable contributions that have benefited people, places and opportunities in the Trust's four-state area. This historic legacy will continue under this settlement."
SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW)  A human trafficking horror story on the states northern border could easily happen on the Grand Strand thanks to lax regulations and proper training of rideshare drivers, an attorney said on Wednesday.

Tracey Cowan, head of Clarkson Law Firms sexual assault practice, on Wednesday filed a 38-page lawsuit against Uber in York County, alleging the companys refusal to implement safety standards led to a pair of 12-year-old girls being driven across state lines where they were raped.

This is on Uber to stop. Uber knows this is happening. It has long known it was happening, but it refuses to enact basic, commonsense measures to ensure our children are safe, Cowan said in a media call outlining the case. Simply put, Uber is out to make a profit, and it doesnt care who it hurts along the way.

Human trafficking survivors speak at Horry County news conference

Last year, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reported 357 open human trafficking cases that encompass up to 500 victims  mostly minors who were sexually assaulted.

SLEDs data also showed that cases were opened in 40 counties, including 24 in Horry County.

In February, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a new tutorial program with Lyft to help its North American drivers detect human trafficking. Cowan said Uber could take similar steps, including:

mandatory anti-trafficking training for all drivers

zero tolerance policy for transporting unaccompanied minors

monitored dashcams in all Uber vehicles

One of the problems with Ubers business model is that it knows human trafficking is happening on its platform, and it knows that its a huge mechanism and instrument for human trafficking in this country, yet Uber does not require any of its drivers to complete even a little bit of training on how to identify and support potential trafficking victims, Cowan said.

Uber hasnt updated the human trafficking section of its website since 2019.

Cowan said the lawsuit identified drivers in the York County case as John Does because company executives have refused to reveal who they are.

Its easier than ever for traffickers to transport and essentially get their trafficking victims from one place to another, Cowan said. I absolutely would not let my children ride in an Uber (alone), and I dont think Uber executives would allow their children to ride in Ubers either.

* * *

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.
The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights is investigating multiple incidents of alleged discrimination on the basis of ancestry or national origin at UC Davis and Sacramento State campuses.

The civil rights office is investigating two alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act on the UC Davis campus amid student tension surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, according to letters obtained by The Sacramento Bee dated last month. This is the third investigation of the last 10 months following a investigation into schools throughout the country in December.

Officials are also pursuing an investigation into Sacramento State, according to a separate investigation letter dated July 10. Sacramento State officials did not immediately respond when asked for details.

The first Office for Civil Rights letter to UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May dated June 11 follows a complaint of alleged discrimination against students on the basis of their Jewish ancestry or Israeli national origin.

The second letter, dated June 21, followed a complaint of alleged discrimination against students based on their perceived national origin  shared Palestinian, Arab and/or Muslim ancestry  or association with Palestinian Students.

Both complaints alleged the university failed to respond adequately to incidents of harassment of these students, according to the letters.

Throughout the spring semester, pro-Palestinian protests occurred throughout the University of California system.Some became violent and led to arrests, including at UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine and UCLA. The unrest led to roughly 48,000 graduate students of United Auto Workers Local 4811 walking off their jobs as part of a system-wide strike alleging the state university systems violation of free speech.

Students and community members at UC Davis established an encampment in the Memorial Quad in the spring protesting the war in Gaza and Israels military attacks during the Israel-Hamas war. There were multiple incidents involving counter protesters, including some which received attention from campus police, but there was no reported violence or arrests.

After negotiations with UC Davis officials, the encampment ended June 19 at the conclusion of the spring quarter with school officials not complying with the encampments demands. Demands for May to resign from his position at the school or his board position at Leidos, a military technology firm that calls itself an embedded partner of Israel went unmet.

The Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine (PULP), the leaders of the encampment, wrote their decision to decamp was due to obstruction by the UC President of Regents of the signing of a pre-existing draft agreement between UCD administrators and PULP protestors.
BERLIN (Reuters) -Britain and Germany signed a joint defence declaration on Wednesday, pledging to work more closely to strengthen their defence industries, reinforce European security and support Ukraine in its fight to repel Russian forces.

Britain's new defence minister, John Healey, signed the pact in Berlin, where he met German counterpart Boris Pistorius.

Healey's visit is part of a two-day trip that includes stops in France, Poland and Estonia as he sets out the new Labour government's commitment to deepen defence ties with allies in the European Union.

"These visits send a clear message that European security will be this government's first foreign and defence priority," Healey said in a statement.

"Our new defence declaration between the UK and Germany will kickstart a deep, new defence relationship, built on our nations' shared values."

The push for closer relations comes with the NATO military alliance assessing the enormous cost of fixing Europe's creaking defences in response to heightened fears about Russian aggression following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The issues include shortages in air defences and long-range missiles, troop numbers, ammunition, logistical headaches and a lack of secure digital communications on the battlefield, NATO officials have told Reuters.

Wednesday's declaration said Britain and Germany would look to nurture the defence industrial base in Europe, foster joint procurement initiatives and work together on research and development to improve production and innovation.

In a section titled "Deep Precision Strike" it also referred to "long-term, comprehensive cooperation in the field of long-range capabilities". The supply of such weapons to Ukraine is seen as a key issue in the conflict with Russia.

New Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he wants Britain to improve cooperation with European allies on defence and security to better support Ukraine, a message he reiterated at a meeting of the European Political Community that he hosted last week.

Starmer has also proposed the idea of a UK-EU security pact, covering a range of areas such as energy, supply chains, pandemics and migration.

(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar, additional reporting by William James; editing by Elizabeth Piper, Alex Richardson and Mark Heinrich)
Ukrainian authorities charged pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk in absentia with illegal seizure of the Samara-Western direction oil pipeline section several years ago, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on July 24.

Once Russian President Vladimir Putin's key ally in the Ukrainian political landscape, Medvedchuk was arrested and released to Russia during a prisoner exchange in late 2022.

Kyiv charged the pro-Russian oligarch with high treason in 2021 and stripped him of citizenship and seat in the parliament two years later.

According to the SBU, Medvedchuk and four other suspects  former managers of the Prykarpatzakhidtrans company  began a scheme in 2015 to seize the Ukrainian section of the Samara-Western direction oil pipeline, later known as "Medvedchuk's pipe," from the state ownership.

Medvedchuk managed to overturn a court ruling that granted the state the membership of the pipeline and secured its transfer to a Swiss company, controlled by one of the other suspects.

Participants of the scheme then managed the pipeline's operations through the Prykarpatzakhidtrans company and split the profits among themselves. According to the SBU, the scheme involved the leadership of both Ukraine and Russia.

Medvedchuk gave testimony about the scheme during his detention in 2022, claiming that then-President Petro Poroshenko played an important role and benefited from the illicit privatization.

Poroshenko's lawyers and his European Solidarity party dismissed the accusations.

Investigation into the privatization was launched in 2017, and in January 2024, Ukraine's Supreme Court recognized state ownership over the pipeline.

Mevdedchuk was charged with illegal seizure of property, abuse of authority, and related charges. Investigation into other possible suspects is ongoing.

Read also: Property owned by brothers of Medvedchuk, ex-MP Kozak transferred to Ukrainian state

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's military released a blurry image of a dark plume of smoke rising from a burning ship in the southern Russian port of Kavkaz

The Ukrainian military has claimed to have dealt significant damage to Russias last railway ferry in Crimea used to transport military equipment to Vladimir Putins forces on the occupied peninsula.

Its general staff described the vessel as the third and last railway ferry that Russia had in that area as it published a blurry image of a dark plume of smoke rising from a burning ship.

The Slavianin, the 150-metre-long ferry, was struck in a Ukrainian drone strike on the southern Russian port of Kavkaz, just seven miles from the 12-mile Kerch Bridge, the only direct land link between Russia and Crimea.

One person was killed and more wounded in the attack, according to Veniamin Kondratyev, Krasnodars regional governor.

He said that a fire erupted but had been brought under control. The extent of the damage to the ferry was not immediately clear.

The occupiers used this ferry to transport railway wagons, motor vehicles and containers for military purposes, Ukraines general staff said on the Telegram messaging app.

The ferry crossing between Krasnodar Krai and occupied Crimea is considered a key logistical route used by Russia to reinforce its troops in southern Ukraine.

Target of multiple missile attacks

Russian forces routinely use ferries in the area to relieve pressures on the Russian ground line of communication connecting Krasnodar Krai and occupied Crimea across the Kerch Strait Bridge, the Institute for the Study of War, the Washington-based think tank, said.

The Kerch Bridge is frequently closed to traffic, including military hardware, because of the threat of Ukrainian attacks, as it was during the drone attack on Kavkaz.

It has been the target of multiple missile and sea drone attacks by Kyiv in an attempt to sever the strategic crossing, a symbol of Vladimir Putins illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

As a result, ferries are used to maintain the flow of goods between the Russian mainland and the peninsula.

In May, a joint operation between Ukraines SBU security service and the wider armed forces targeted two ferries travelling to Kavkaz in a missile attack.

On the same night, the SBU and Ukrainian navy carried out another missile attack on an oil depot at the port.

The terminal, one of the largest in the country, is used by Russia to export both oil and grain across the Black Sea.

Disrupting Russias lines of communication out of Crimea has long been a key goal for Ukrainian forces. Weakening Putins grip on the peninsula is also seen by Kyiv as a way of projecting strength at any final negotiations to bring the war to a close.

Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi maintained that he has a strategy to free Crimea from Russian rule after more than a decade in an interview with the Guardian.

Its realistic, Ukraines commander-in-chief said. Of course, its a big military secret. We will do everything we can to reach the internationally recognised borders of 1991.

We have to win... to liberate our citizens who are in the occupied territories, who are suffering.

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Ukraine was a blind spot for Germans up until Moscows full-scale invasion, Franziska Davies, a historian of Eastern and Eastern Central Europe, told the Kyiv Independent in an interview.

And if there is a blind spot, propaganda narratives can easily fill it with falsehoods, Davies said, explaining why Russia-planted narrative about an alleged rise of neo-Nazism in Ukraine was so successful in Germany.

Multiple misconceptions about Ukraine, often created or promoted by Moscow, are still present in media and academia in the West. Russias influence has been especially strong in Germany, which was at first hesitant about arming Ukraine but has eventually become Ukraines second-largest provider of military assistance after the U.S.

According to a draft 2025 budget document obtained by Reuters, Germany will cut military aid for Ukraine by half next year. The news came amid increasing concern that a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. presidential election will prompt a dramatic drop in Washington's support for Ukraine's defense.

Amid Russias full-scale war, Davies of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich regularly visits Ukraine and speaks to Western audiences about the historical context of Russian aggression. Her work focuses on the histories of modern Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.

She is currently working on a book that examines the dissolution of the Soviet Union from a distinctly Polish and Ukrainian perspective.

Franziska Davies, a historian of Eastern and East-Central Europe at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany in an undated photo. (Wikimedia)

Davies co-founded the international academic network RUTA to facilitate the decolonization of Eastern European studies, which have long been dominated by a Russia-centered perspective. The organization held its inaugural conference in Ukraines Carpathian mountains on June 27-30.

The Kyiv Independent sat down with Davies to discuss the historical ties between Germany and Russia, German misconceptions about Ukraine and its nationalism, and the ongoing influence of World War II on German policies toward Eastern Europe.

This interview has been edited and shortened for clarity.

The Kyiv Independent: How would you describe the evolution of the German public opinion on Russias war against Ukraine?

Franziska Davies: The most important change is the decision to provide military support to Ukraine. Before Russias full-scale invasion, virtually every politician from every (German) party, even those more supportive of Ukraine, was not prepared to do this. It was very often argued that this had to do with Germany's responsibility toward Russia for World War II, which is nonsensical since Ukraine was one of the main theaters of Germany's war of annihilation. But it shows how much German public opinion and politics were centered around Russia and how much Ukrainian perspectives were disregarded before Feb. 24, 2022.

The full-scale invasion became a wake-up call for large parts of German society and politicians. Many in Germany's political class realized they had got (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Russian society wrong. But at the same time, I'm quite critical that it took so long. I think the German policies toward Russia and Ukraine and also, for that matter, toward Poland and the Baltic states were a disaster up until 2022.

There is now much more solidarity with Ukraine. Many politicians really understand the threat posed by Russia, not only to Ukraine but to the whole of Europe and all Western democracies. But we still need a more radical change. We also need to deal with the reasons for Germanys failure to support Ukraine and counter Russia before the full-scale invasion, despite all the warnings we had.

Read also: Ukraines struggle for independence

The Kyiv Independent: One of the most damaging narratives of Russian propaganda is the alleged rise of neo-Nazism in Ukraine. We know these claims are false. But how effective is this Russian propaganda narrative in Germany?

Franziska Davies: I think it was very effective during EuroMaidan and for a long time afterward. But the reality of the full-scale invasion has challenged this narrative.

One of the reasons why it worked so well in Germany is the history of German-Russian imperialism, which would very often also work with this narrative that the people between Russia and Germany are not capable of building their own states, are fanatic nationalists, and are dangerous. German nationalism, as we know, led to the war of annihilation and the Holocaust. Ukraine also had periods in history when this kind of extremist nationalism was strong. But on Maidan (Independence Square in Kyiv), we saw in the vast majority of protests a different kind of nationalism as a symbol of the European Ukrainian nation, freedom, the rule of law, and European integration.

Protesters fighting government forces at barricades on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) in what became known as the EuroMaidan Revolution, or Revolution of Dignity, on Feb. 19, 2014, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

We (Germans) never had national self-liberation grounded on a revolution. Germany did not free itself of Nazism and German imperialism, it was defeated militarily. Therefore, there was a lack of empathy to understand that nationalism can have the potential to be anti-imperial and to be liberating.

Because of this imperial heritage, Ukraine was a blind spot for Germans. Its history and culture are not very well known, quite in contrast to Russia. And if there is a blind spot, propaganda narratives can easily fill it with falsehoods.

The Kyiv Independent: As you mentioned earlier, many Germans see Russia as the sole successor of the Soviet Union, which raises the topic of collective responsibility for World War II events. How do you think this affects Germans' perception of Russia's war against Ukraine and German policies on it?

Franziska Davies: Very often, when people speak of the Soviet Union, they would just say Russia because they would not perceive it as a multi-ethnic and multinational colonial empire. This can be explained by the dominance of Russian culture and language created by Russian imperialism that was ingrained in the structure of the Soviet Union. Because of this cultural Russification, the (German) responsibility for World War II has been centered on Russia and not so much on Belarus, Ukraine, or even Poland, which was the first country Germany attacked.

Police officers demand to remove the Russian flag from a car of protesters on the way to a demonstration in show of their support for Russia that was taking place under the motto "Against Baiting And Discrimination of Russian-Speaking Fellow Citizens/Against War. For Peace" in Frankfurt, Germany on April 10, 2022. The demonstration was taking place as the Russian military invasion of Ukraine continued and evidence of atrocities committed against civilians by Russian forces in Ukraine grew. Germany has a sizeable Russian minority that grew substantially through immigration after 1989. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

A pro-Russian protester wearing a hat with a Russian and German flag combination, ahead of the inauguration of the German Baltic Sea LNG Terminal, operated by Deutsche ReGas GmbH in Lubmin, Germany, on Jan. 14, 2023. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

This Russification of the Soviet Union is still present to some extent for some politicians. This approach completely ignores the fact that after the end of the Soviet Union and the emergence of sovereign nations in Eastern and East-Central Europe, it's just not acceptable to speak only to Russia without consulting other countries in the region.

There is a tendency to not see Russian society as responsible for the war, to perceive this as Putin's war, something done by a small elite group in the Kremlin, for which you can't really hold Russian society responsible. In a way, this is a repetition of our own history. What some Russian people who claim to be anti-Putin write about the responsibility of Russian society is very similar to what Germans wrote about themselves in the 1950s and beyond, presenting German society as a victim of Hitler.

The Kyiv Independent: What other aspects of World War II's impact on Ukraine are often overlooked in Germany or Western Europe?

Franziska Davies: There's this self-perception in German memory culture that no nation has been so successful in reckoning with its own past as Germany. However, as a historian, I see how little is actually known about World War II's history. The conflation of Russia with the Soviet Union is one example; another is the remembrance of the Holocaust.

The Holocaust is mostly associated with Auschwitz, the concentration camps and camps of annihilation of Jewish people and Roma and Sinti, but not so much with the so-called Holocaust by Bullets. The majority of Soviet Jews, including Ukrainian ones, were not murdered in concentration camps but were shot. The German army would move into a village or town, the death squads of the SS (the Schutzstaffel) would go behind, then gather all the Jews and shoot them. This kind of murder of Jewish people is not well remembered in Germany because, in this crime, the supposedly normal German soldier is much more involved. He was at least a witness, but he was also very often a collaborator with the SS. Babyn Yar in Kyiv is an example where the decision to kill the Jews and how and where to kill them was made in collaboration between the Wehrmacht and the SS squads.

For Germany, the most important memorial site of World War IIs Eastern Front is Stalingrad, a city that is now in Russia. Germans connect this place not to German guilt but to German victimhood. This motif of Stalingrad being the place where poor soldiers, the regular German young men, were left to die by Hitler and ended up in captivity is still very strong. For me, very shocking in this respect was a popular drama series dedicated to the supposedly normal Germans in World War II, where they are portrayed as good people who were just born at the wrong time in the wrong place. The only roles Ukrainians and Poles had in this production were collaborators and anti-semites.

Pro-Ukrainian activists stand wrapped in a Ukrainian national flag during a protest in front of the Reichstag building housing the Bundestag lower house of parliament in Berlin, Germany, on April 6, 2022. (John Macdougall /AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: One of your academic interests is Russification. We in Ukraine know very well what it is because we have lived through it for centuries. But how do you explain this concept to Germans and other Western Europeans?

Franziska Davies: I always talk about the secret decree of (then-Interior Minister of the Russian Empire Pyotr) Valuev in 1863. The decree prohibited the use of the Ukrainian language, saying that it does not exist. With this example, you can show the paradox of Russian imperialism in Ukraine. On the one hand, Ukraine's existence is denied, on the other hand, the Ukrainian culture and language are actively suppressed and extinguished. During Soviet times, it gets genocidal, as it was with the expulsion of the Crimean Tatars in 1944. This policy involves changing the demographic landscape of a region through deportations and mass murder, settling Russians there, and then claiming something as Russian. We are now seeing the repetition of these policies in the Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia.

Its also important to point out that you cannot equate Russian speakers with Russians or ethnicize the use of the Russian language with a person's political identity because this is exactly the propaganda tool Putin was using. As a reaction to Russia's aggression in 2014, some German politicians were saying that Ukraine must protect its Russian-speaking citizens. It happened amid the absurd situation that for decades, one could express their opinion freer as a Russian speaker in Ukraine than in Russia, where the freedom of expression is by now basically non-existent.

The Kyiv Independent: How do you think the Germans and Ukrainians can rethink their historical links, similarities, and differences and better understand each other? What could be the possible points of contact?

Franziska Davies: I think a lot is already happening. Many people in Germany who had never dealt with Ukraine or knew anything about it before 2022 are now extremely active in helping Ukraine on various levels. Your perception of a country changes when you go there, speak to the people, and meet them. This is already part of German-Ukrainian history.

We also have to get a lot more serious about teaching the history of Russian and German imperialism in the 18th and 19th centuries. This period shaped the history of Eastern and East-Central Europe and needs to be much better understood at the level of schools and universities. This would also include challenging certain patterns of memory culture in German society.

Having people who are engaged is great, but it's also crucial that these people come together and build lasting networks and institutions.

Note from the author:

This is Dinara Khalilova, the author of this interview.

One of the Kyiv Independents main goals is to debunk popular misconceptions about Ukraine and help the world better understand our country. If you feel that we are doing a good job, please consider becoming a member of the Kyiv Independents community. Only your support keeps us going.

Read also: Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

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Ukraine has feasible plan on how to get Crimea back  Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that Ukraine has a feasible plan to get Crimea back.

Source: Oleksandr Syrskyi in an interview with The Guardian

Quote from The Guardian: "He said Kyiv had a plan to get back Crimea, more than a decade after Vladimir Putin illegally annexed it. Was this really feasible? Its realistic. Of course, its a big military secret, the general said."

Details: Syrskyi added that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will do "everything we can to reach the internationally recognised borders of 1991 [when Ukraine voted for independence from the USSR]. We have to win  to liberate our citizens who are in the occupied territories, who are suffering."

Oleksandr Syrskyi said that he knows how to defeat Russia.

"But I know that we will win. I know how I have to do it. And Im sure that we will do it." Syrskyi concluded.

Background: A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) shows that 55% of Ukrainians are opposed to territorial concessions, while 32% accept them for the sake of peace.

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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that Ukraine will get half a million artillery shells by the end of 2024 as part of the programme undertaken by Prague.

Source: Ukrinform, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Fiala emphasised that the Czech initiative's supply of shells to Ukraine in the next months "will continue at a predictable pace."

Quote: "By the end of the year, the Ukrainian army will have received about 500,000 rounds of 155-mm ammunition. At the same time, I can assure you that we already supply hundreds of thousands of large-calibre ammunition of other varieties each year," he added.

The Czech Prime Minister noted that 15 countries are participating in the initiative to provide Kyiv with shells.

"We believe and do our best for other states to join, and the current countries to continue their support next year," Fiala said.

The Czech Republic is looking for artillery ammunition for Ukraine across the European Union and beyond, as part of a plan first outlined by President Petr Pavel at the beginning of the year.

Earlier, it was reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would receive 50,000-100,000 large-calibre artillery shells a month under the Czech initiative.

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The Kremlin on July 24 said Kyiv's recent comments on possible peace talks "can be said to be in unison with our position" even though more details are needed, while Ukraine made clear it remains skeptical of Russia's ability to "act in good faith."

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is in China where the topic of how to end Russia's full-scale war has been top of the agenda.

"Kuleba restated .. that (Kyiv) is ready to engage the Russian side in the negotiation process at a certain stage, when Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith, but emphasized that no such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on July 24.

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia "has never refused negotiations," adding Kuleba's statement was "in unison with our position."

"But details that we do not yet know are important here. Therefore, we need to wait for some clarification on this issue."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that as a condition for peace negotiations, Ukraine must fully withdraw from four partially occupied oblasts that Moscow illegally annexed in 2022. Kyiv rejected this demand.

In turn, the Kremlin has rejected Ukraine's key condition in the peace formula on the full withdrawal of Russian forces.

Kuleba's trip to China is his first since the outbreak of the full-scale war. He and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi 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 a 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 Kyiv would consider attending if the talks are based on the principles of the "U.N. Charter and international law."

Read also: Ukraines soldiers training on Starstreak  heres why its so deadly

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Ukraine takes down its own drones in friendly fire as Russia makes large advance

A lack of coordination between Ukrainian units' electronic warfare jammers has hindered Kyiv's progress on the battlefield - AP/Evgeniy Maloletka

Ukrainian units have been jamming their own drones in the sky as Russia capitalises on poor decision making to advance almost four miles towards a key garrison town.

Yuriy Butusov, a widely respected Ukrainian journalist covering the war, reported that Russian forces were deliberately targeting poorly organised and vulnerable units in a push for the Donetsk region town of Pokrovsk.

He said a lack of coordination between Ukrainian units electronic warfare jammers meant a significant number of our own drones had been destroyed in a post on social media.

A critical problem is the lack of a single competent authority for all drone and electronic warfare forces, which continue to be used in a scattered and uncoordinated manner, Mr Butusov wrote.

Our own electronic warfare destroys a significant number of our own drones. Drone units are assigned tasks without regard to tactical and technical capabilities.

Ukraine's own electronic warfare has destroyed a significant number of its own drones - Avalon /Dmytro Smolienko

He noted that, unusually, the advancing Russian infantry assault groups were no longer targeting vulnerable lines of defence.

Instead, they focus their probing attacks on those brigades that have the weakest command and organisation, poor control and cohesion, the journalist wrote in his battlefield update.

When a poorly managed brigade is attacked, it cannot hold even a narrow line, he added. Therefore, all marching replenishment and reserves are used to reinforce the weakest units that suffer the greatest losses.

This does not allow for the creation of significant tactical reserves that would have time for additional training, could more often rotate soldiers to zero, and equip the second and third lines of defence.

Russia has been attempting to make a breakthrough in the Donetsk region towards Pokrovsk, a military spokesman told the Kyiv Independent.

All Russian attempts to advance are met with fierce resistance, Lt Col Nazar Voloshyn told the news outlet.

He said Ukrainian forces in the area had repelled at least 41 enemy attacks by Wednesday morning, and described the area as one of the hottest along the front lines.

It has been reported that Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region had repelled at least 41 Russian attacks by Wednesday morning - Getty Images/Pablo Miranzo

Despite Russian gains, Ukrainian military officials have claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on Moscows advancing units, destroying an Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jet, a tank and killing or wounding 329 soldiers.

A report by the authoritative Ukrainian Deep State website, which maps changes on the battlefield, said the operational and tactical situation became critical over the weekend.

It blamed a chaotic retreat by a Ukrainian infantry unit that the countrys battle-hardened 47th mechanised brigade was sent in to stabilise.

Pokrovsk lies about 14 miles from the front line, according to open-source maps produced by Deep State. The town sits on a crucial intersection of roads and railway that makes it crucial for Ukraines wider defence of the eastern Donetsk region.

Russias main line of advance is travelling up a railway line through the recently captured village of Prohres into Pokrovsk.

Small Russian assault groups are fighting their way up the tracks and able to conceal themselves in vegetation when they become too bogged down by Ukrainian defence forces to continue advancing.

Ukraines top military commander believes Russia is seeking to build on its slow, grinding progress by continuing to swell its ground forces in the country.

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said Moscow has plans to grow its invasion force to 690,000 men by the end of the year, in an interview with the Guardian.

He said frequently resilient and heroic Ukrainian units are being defeated by larger Russian groupings.

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Douglas Rissing / iStock.com

Recently on the social network X, user Greg, an investor from Kentucky asked a question that is likely on the minds of many Americans this election year: This might be a dumb question but when a presidential campaign raises hundreds of millions of dollars what is that money used for?

Find Out: Where Does Your Biden Campaign Donation Go Now That Hes Dropped Out?

Learn More: 6 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

His followers did not disappoint with the tongue-in-cheek responses.

Cosco [sic] hot dogs for every American, I hope, wrote Craig Chamberlin.

Greg rightfully pointed out that the Costco hot dog deal is so cheap, that wouldnt cost more than a few million.

Moog Rogue answered, mostly balloons.

The real answer?

Campaign funds pay for an array of expenses associated with campaigning, including advertising, staff, office space, travel, voter outreach, polling, rallies, and even legal professionals who can help assure advertising is in compliance. While a significant amount of campaign donations come from Political Action Committees, small donations can make a difference in their fundraising efforts, especially for candidates who reject PAC money.

For instance, independent candidate Bernie Sanders raised 64 % of his $33 million plus in campaign funds in 2024 from small donors. Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised 68% of her $8.89 million from small donors. Republican Jim Jordan raised 59% of his $10.5 million from small donations, all according to statistics published by OpenSecrets.org.

An article at NPR.org pointed out that political advertising is one of the biggest line items in a campaign budget.

Thats really what drives up the costs and the fact that everyones pretty well funded and spends a lot of time fundraising, Michael Kang, law professor at Northwestern University, told NPR.org. So you have to keep up with your opposition to get your message out Theres only so much you can do without paying for some sort of advertising, whether its TV, radio, print, the internet.

An article by Basis Technologies revealed that politicians are likely to spend up to $12 billion in ads leading up to the 2024 election, an increase as high as 30% from 2020.

But do political ad campaigns really work? With the vast amount of social media, and passionate views on both sides of the political spectrum, can peoples minds really be changed by an ad campaign? That becomes the real question. We researched studies dating as far back as 2000 and as recently as 2016 to find the answer.

A study out of Yale University and the University of California in 2020, focused on the 2016 presidential campaign, expanded on previous research showing that political ads have little impact on voters preferences.

Story continues

Positive ads work no better than attack ads. Republicans, Democrats, and independents respond to ads similarly. Ads aired in battleground states arent substantially more effective than those broadcast in non-swing states, co-author Alexander Coppock, a Yale political scientist, wrote in the study.

That wasnt always the case, however. In a 2021 study from Kellogg University, data from the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections showed that positive ads helped increase voter turnout, which can sway election results. Meanwhile, negative ads suppressed turnout but also helped sway voters decisions, albeit not by a lot. The study used simulations to reveal that if a candidate increased negative ads against their opponent by 1%, they could garner 0.0025% more of the votes in an election. Positive ads could lead to a 0.016% increase.

Of course, these numbers are small and might not make a difference. Even in a close race, Kellogg professor of marketing Brett Gordon said in an article, A lot of those voters will turn out in states that are non-battleground states.

Bottom line: If you want to make a real difference in the world, your dollars might be better spent donating to causes you believe in, such as funding medical research, or even donating to local food pantries or other organizations in your community. You can use the Better Business Bureau charity checker at Give.org to find an accredited charity organization and see exactly where your money will go.

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.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Do Your Political Donations Really Make a Difference  or Is Your Money Better Spent Elsewhere?
Key updates on July 24:

Pokrovsk situation 'tense and difficult,' Ukrainian military says

Russia outguns Ukraine but suffers 3 times higher losses, Syrskyi says.

Ukraine, Russia seemingly 'in unison' on peace talks, claims Kremlin, while Kyiv remains skeptical

Rheinmetall receives order to build ammunition factory in Ukraine.

Moscow car bombing injures Russian intelligence officer, media reports

Fighting near Donetsk Oblast town of Pokrovsk is "tense and difficult," Ukraine's military said on July 24.

Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the area, and the sector near Pokrovsk in the western part of Donetsk Oblast has become the hottest part of the front.

Moscow is expending significant resources to break through toward this key logistics hub, a spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces told the Kyiv Independent earlier on July 24.

In a later post on Telegram, the Khortytsia group of forces said the situation was "tense and difficult" but that Ukrainian forces "continue to courageously hold the defense."

"Measures are being taken to drive the enemy out of there. Fighting continues," it added.

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said earlier this week that Russia continues to push toward it despite suffering heavy losses.

Moscow's troops are also reportedly attempting to develop an offensive west of the occupied and deserted cities of Avdiivka and Marinka to make their way toward Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.

Russia captured Marinka in December 2023 and Avdiivka two months later after both cities were largely destroyed in heavy battles.

"Russia threw a lot of forces into the capture of the village of Ocheretyne, so they can rush the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway from there" to capture this vital route, said Nazar Voloshyn, Khortytsia group spokesman.

The crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState reported that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector has become serious in recent days.

According to DeepState, Russia captured Prohres  a village over 23 kilometers (15 miles) east of Pokrovsk  over the weekend and is now attempting to encircle Ukrainian units nearby.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Read also: Starstreak missiles in the hands of Ukraines soldiers  heres why theyre so deadly

Russia outguns Ukraine but suffers 3 times higher losses, Syrskyi says

Moscow currently fields some 520,000 troops in Ukraine and plans to raise this number to 690,000 by the end of the year, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the Guardian published on July 24.

"When it comes to equipment, there is a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 in their favor," Syrskyi said.

Ukraine's top military commander explained that this is the key reason for Kyiv's setbacks on the battlefield in recent months.

Syrskyi ordered a withdrawal from Avdiivka in February as Ukrainian forces struggled to hold on to the key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast, suffering ammunition shortages due to delays in U.S. aid.

More recently, Russian forces have been capturing villages in Donetsk Oblast as they push toward Pokrovsk, and forced out Ukrainian troops from the eastern part of Chasiv Yar.

Moscow scored these successes largely due to its advantage in heavy equipment, according to Syrskyi.

The number of Russian tanks grew from 1,700 in 2022 to 3,500, while the number of artillery systems has tripled, and armored personnel carriers went from 4,500 to 8,900, the Guardian writes.

Russian successes are only "tactical," however, and come at high costs, Ukraine's top commander said, adding that Russia suffers "three times" higher casualties than Kyiv's forces, and even higher in some areas.

Read also: Digitalization lifts Ukraines army mobilization efforts, but is it enough?

Ukraine, Russia seemingly 'in unison' on peace talks, claims Kremlin, while Kyiv remains skeptical

The Kremlin on July 24 said Kyiv's recent comments on possible peace talks "can be said to be in unison with our position" even though more details are needed, while Ukraine made clear it remains skeptical of Russia's ability to "act in good faith."

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is in China where the topic of how to end Russia's full-scale war has been top of the agenda.

"Kuleba restated that (Kyiv) is ready to engage the Russian side in the negotiation process at a certain stage, when Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith, but emphasized that no such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on July 24.

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia "has never refused negotiations," adding Kuleba's statement was "in unison with our position."

"But details that we do not yet know are important here. Therefore, we need to wait for some clarification on this issue," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that as a condition for peace negotiations, Ukraine must fully withdraw from four partially occupied oblasts that Moscow illegally annexed in 2022. Kyiv rejected this demand.

In turn, the Kremlin has rejected Ukraine's key condition in the peace formula on the full withdrawal of Russian forces.

Read also: Is Russias Su-57 really that good?

Rheinmetall receives order to build ammunition factory in Ukraine

The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on July 24 that it had received an order from the Ukrainian government to begin the construction of an ammunition factory in Ukraine.

The July 24 announcement marks the official beginning of the project, which is expected to be completed within a few years, Rheinmetall said.

"The intention is to start the ammunition production in Ukraine within 24 months," the statement read.

The initial order "covers the complete technical equipment of the factory through to commissioning."

The name of the Ukrainian company involved in the joint venture was not specified.

"We are putting our words into action, and together with our partner, we will create a Ukrainian competence center for ammunition," Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, said.

"The order underlines the confidence in Rheinmetall's expertise and manufacturing capacities. We are grateful to be able to support the country in its re-industrialization and in strengthening its defense capability."

Read also: Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

Moscow car bomb attack injures Russian intelligence officer, media reports say

An officer from Russia's foreign intelligence agency has reportedly been injured by a car bomb in Moscow, Kremlin state media reported on July 24.

The TASS news agency said the man had his feet blown off in the attack, which targeted a Toyota Land Cruiser.

It also said his wife had been injured, and five other cars were damaged.

The Kommersant newspaper said the man serves in the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU).

Russian Telegram channel Baza published CCTV footage of what it said was the moment of the explosion, which occurred shortly after the man got in the parked vehicle.

Surveillance video of the moment when an apparent car bomb went off on a car in Moscow. @kommersant says a man who was wounded in the blast is a GRU officer. Investigative Committee says it's investigating. https://t.co/Vxv2Lvg4Dn pic.twitter.com/zt7jChZj1K  Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) July 24, 2024

Russia's Interior Ministry said two people had been injured in the attack, caused by the detonation of an unidentified device, and that a criminal investigation had been launched.

The perpetrators of the attack have not been identified. Kyiv has denied any involvement in the attack.

Read also: You have power, or you dont: Ukraines energy crisis drives power decentralization

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Ukraine will not join the EU without resolving the historical issue of the mass killings of Poles in Volyn, which took place in the 1940s, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on July 23, according to Polsat News.

The minister was referring to a tragic episode in Polish-Ukrainian history in 1943 when members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) massacred tens of thousands of Poles in Nazi-occupied Volyn, a region that used to be part of Poland and is now part of Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians were killed in retaliation.

Despite several attempts at reconciliation between modern-day Poland and Ukraine, the issue came to the forefront of public discussion several times, namely during the tenure of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, ruling between 2015 and 2023.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Poland supports Ukraine against Russian aggression as much as it can, but the relations are "not perfect" due to unresolved historical issues. Warsaw has been Kyiv's staunch supporter since 2022.

The Polish defense minister noted that Ukraine would not join the EU without resolving the Volyn issue, echoing the words of former Polish Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary of State Pawel Jablonski.

Jablonski said last November that Ukraine "cannot dream of joining the European Union" without resolving the issue of the exhumation of Volyn massacre victims' remains on Ukrainian territory.

While Kosiniak-Kamysz is a member of the center-right Polish People's Party (PSL), one of the groups making up the broad coalition that ousted PiS in last year's elections, Jablonski sat in office for PiS.

Ukraine opened accession talks with the European bloc last June, but a consensus of all members will be necessary to finalize the entry.

Read also: Poland prepares Ukrainian Legion, several thousand already registered

Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy, director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, estimates that the number of Polish victims of the massacre varies from 60,000 to 90,000.

The number of Ukrainians killed by Poles in Volyn ranges between 2,000 and 3,000, according to Polish historian Grzegorz Motyka.

Since 2016, July 11, a pivotal day in the massacre, sometimes called "Bloody Sunday," has been recognized by Poland as the National Day of Remembrance of Genocide Victims. Ukraine denies the term "genocide" to describe the Volyn massacre.

President Volodymyr Zelensky promised in 2019 to lift the Ukrainian moratorium on the exhumation of Volyn victims, imposed in reaction to cases of destruction of UPA memorials in Poland.

The matter has not yet been resolved, however, and Polish President Andrzej Duda said last August that obtaining permission for the exhumations plays a crucial role in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

Earlier this month, a newly erected memorial to the Volyn massacres in Poland sparked controversy by featuring a depiction of a baby impaled on what resembled a Ukrainian trident.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by figures from the far-right Confederation party, while the monument itself was funded by the Polish Army Veterans' Association in America.

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Ukraine's 79th Brigade repels one of the biggest Russian assaults on Kurakhove front  video

A screenshot from the video of the 79th Brigade

The soldiers of the 79th Air Assault Tavriia Brigade have reported that they had repelled one of the biggest Russian assaults since the beginning of the full-scale war on the Kurakhove front.

Source: press service of the 79th Separate Air Assault Tavriia Brigade

Quote: "The occupying army simultaneously deployed 11 tanks, 45 armoured combat vehicles with landing force and one Terminator tank support combat vehicle. The Russians also attacked using motorcycles  12 racers participated in the fight.

Enemy convoys moved forward to attack at dawn. The assault started simultaneously from several directions.

Aerial reconnaissance of the 79th Brigade detected Russian equipment on its approach. Our artillery started attacking battle formations of the occupiers right away."

Details: The brigade added that the first tanks and armoured combat vehicles were stopped by attack drone operators. Then anti-tank troops engaged in the fight. Russian equipment was also hit by mines laid by the sappers of the 79th Brigade.

As a result of the battle, the paratroopers struck six tanks and seven armoured infantry fighting vehicles carrying personnel. All 12 motorcycles were burned down, and 40 members of Russian personnel were killed and 37 were injured.

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Ukraine's 79th brigade says it repelled one of largest Russian attacks near Kurakhove

Soldiers of Ukraine's 79th Tavrian Air Assault Brigade said they had repelled one of the largest Russian assaults in the Kurakhove sector since the beginning of Moscow's full-scale war.

Russia is carrying out intense attacks in multiple sections of the eastern front, with attempts to break through Ukraine's defenses in Donetsk Oblast toward the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Ukrainian troops fended off 29 attacks in the Kurakhove sector alone, the General Staff said in its latest update.

The Russian army launched the attack from several directions simultaneously at dawn on July 24, the brigade said, sharing footage showing the assault.

The attack reportedly involved 57 pieces of armored vehicles, including 11 tanks, 12 motorcycles, and 200 assault vehicles.

The brigade spotted the Russian equipment in advance, and unleashed artillery fire against Moscow's forces. The first tanks and armored combat vehicles were halted by attack drones operators, the military says. A number of vehicles exploded on mines placed by the brigade.

According to the statement, Ukraine's paratroopers damaged six Russian tanks, seven armored vehicles, and destroyed all motorcycles. Forty Russian soldiers were killed, and 37 others injured, the brigade said.

"After the first tanks and armored vehicles were hit, the rest of the equipment fled the battlefield," the military added.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports.

According to the crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState, Moscow captured Prohres  a village over 23 kilometers (15 miles) east of Pokrovsk  over the weekend and is now attempting to encircle Ukrainian units nearby.

Following these claims, the Ukrainian military said that Russia's soldiers near Prohres are under Ukraine's fire and fighting is ongoing.

Read also: Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

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Syrskyi with Ukrainian soldiers in the east. Photo: Syrskyi on Telegram

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that the losses of Russian troops on the battlefield are three times higher than those of the Ukrainian defenders, and that the Russians want to increase the number of troops on the front to 690,000.

Source: Syrskyi in an interview with The Guardian

Details: Syrskyi noted that the advance of the Russians has been achieved at a staggering cost in human lives.

He stressed the Kremlin's losses are "three times" higher than Ukraines, and "even more" on certain fronts. "Their number of killed is much bigger," he emphasised.

Syrskyi contrasted his fighting tactics with the Russians, who were known for sacrificing huge numbers of infantry to gain 100 to 200 metres.

"Its very important for us to save the lives of our soldiers. We dont defend ruins to the death," Syrskyi said.

Syrskyi also pointed out that the Russian army has grown from 100,000 to 520,000 since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, and by the end of 2024, its number should reach 690,000.

Background:

In February 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during Russia's full-scale invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Russian army has suffered more than 570,000 casualties.

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Ukraine's military intelligence agency was responsible for a cyberattack that caused outages across a variety of sectors in Russia, an agency source confirmed to the Kyiv Independent on July 24.

Earlier in the day, Russian media reported on outages from several top banks, including Raiffeisen, Gazprombank, Rosselkhozbank, and Rosbank. The outages also reportedly impacted social networks, payment systems on public transport, and some airlines.

The press service of Rosselkhozbank confirmed to Interfax Russia that it had been subjected to a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that interrupted its online services.

While Rosbank and other companies said they were working to restore accessibility, the military intelligence source said that the attacks were "ongoing and is far from being completed."

Ukraine's military intelligence agency has reportedly carried out several cyberattacks in recent months.

Earlier in July, the agency claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on nearly 100 Russian websites that support the Kremlin's war effort. The attack took the sites offline and replaced their homepages with a picture of a bloody pig's head.

A large-scale cyberattack in late June left at least 250,000 consumers in occupied Crimea and other Russian-controlled territories without communication, a military intelligence source told the Kyiv Independent.

The attack in June reportedly affected both the networks of consumers and the networks of operators that used the impacted infrastructure on Russian-occupied territories. Representatives of Russian providers called it "the most powerful DDoS attack they have ever experienced," a military intelligence source said.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims of the agency's responsibility in these cyberattacks.

Read also: Companies in Russia supporting war targeted by Ukrainian hackers

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Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that the Ukrainian military has used long-range kamikaze drones to hit about 200 critical infrastructure facilities in Russia.

Source: Syrskyi in an interview with The Guardian

Details: Syrskyi added that all of these facilities were related to military logistics and included factories, fuel depots, and ammunition storage points.

Syrskyi reiterated that uncrewed surface drones had sunk about a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

"It really became a trap for them and for some [vessels] a grave," Syrskyi said.

He also added that the Kremlin had been forced to "completely pull out" from the port of temporarily occupied Sevastopol after a series of Ukrainian attacks.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister visits China, says Russia is not yet ready to negotiate in good faith

In China, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, where Kuleba told him that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia, but there is no such readiness on the Russian side.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Quote: "Dmytro Kuleba restated Ukraine's established position that it is ready to engage the Russian side in the negotiation process at a certain stage, when Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith, but emphasised that no such readiness is currently observed on the Russian side."

Details: Kuleba met with Wang Yi on July 24 in Guangzhou.

The main topic of discussion was the search for ways to stop Russian aggression and Chinas possible role in achieving peace: "I am convinced that a just peace in Ukraine is in Chinas strategic interests, and Chinas role as a global force for peace is important."

Kuleba stated that "Russian aggression has destroyed peace and slowed down development, and each new day of war entails new violations of humanity and further erosion of justice. Therefore, it is necessary to end the war against Ukraine, restore peace and accelerate the restoration of our country."

He also told Wang Yi about the results of the peace summit in Switzerland.

Kuleba also reiterated that Ukraine has recently started negotiations on joining the European Union.

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Glock switches and the carnage they create are a growing problem in Detroit communities and across the nation, according to federal authorities who say they're recovering the devices at unprecedented rates.

The machine gun conversion device is about the size of a nickel and looks like it could be a LEGO piece, but it has the ability to allow a semiautomatic handgun to function as a fully automatic firearm. They are illegal in the United States and classified as machine guns in criminal prosecutions  the possession of them alone can get put someone in prison for up to 10 years.

Special Agent Kenton Weston holds two Glock handgun slides, one with a machine gun conversion switch, right, and one without, during a demonstration on the danger of such devices at the Canton Police Department training facility in Canton on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press

A handgun with a Glock switch was among the nine weapons recovered at the scene of Detroit's July 7 mass shooting, where two young people were killed and 19 others injured at an illegal block party on the city's east side.

Special Agent Kenton Westin of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and another special agent demonstrated how fast a semiautomatic handgun shoots versus one with a switch at a Canton police gun range during a news conference Tuesday.

"We are one tragedy away from this being a huge problem in the United States. One tragedy away," Special Agent in Charge Jim Deir of Michigan's ATF said Tuesday. He was joined by eastern Michigan's U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison at the range to sound the alarm on Glock switches and the threat to metro Detroit communities.

"This is the ultimate violence  there is no justification for converting a semiautomatic weapon into a machine gun in our communities. There's no reason, other than to inflict more violence. And we won't tolerate that," Ison said.

Deir said people are going online to buy the switches, which are being sent through the mail from countries like China and Russia. Some are created using 3D printing. The amount of Glock switches that have made their way into communities has made them difficult to police, Deir said.

More: Michigan's gun laws change: Background checks, storage, temporary removal

More: Nonfatal police shootings in Detroit: First-of-its-kind investigation raises questions

Over 100 shell casings were found at the scene of the July 7 mass shooting, Detroit Police Chief James White previously said. He confirmed there were multiple shooters but did not provide further details. No suspects have been charged in the shooting, police said.

The victims included a 20-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, both of whom were killed. The ages of the other victims ranged from 17 to 27, according to Detroit police.

Of the victims, 15 were women. Six were men.

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Dawn N. Ison, holds up a machine gun conversion device that is illegally used with handguns, during a press conference to discuss the dangers posed by Glock switches at the Canton Police Department training facility in Canton on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Ison said her department is prosecuting more crimes related to Glock switches. Two people her office prosecuted were recently sentenced to prison for possessing the device: a gang member who had purchased over 30 switches from a Russian website was sentenced to 94 months in prison; another defendant who purchased a switch and flaunted it on social media was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

"These things are being glorified on Instagram, they're being glorified on Facebook, they're being glorified by gang members, and by juveniles," Deir said.

"Accountability matters."

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at asahouri@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Glock switches are a growing problem in metro Detroit, nation
A Miami lender that was one of the biggest approvers of Paycheck Protection Program loans now finds itself in the crosshairs of a Federal Reserve bank in connection with its lending in the program.

Benworth Capital approved more than $4 billion of the forgivable federal loans designed to keep small businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned Benworth more than $680 million in fees.

The lender was sued earlier this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which provided Benworth with the money it used to make its PPP loans. The Federal Reserve bank said that Benworth is in breach of its contract with the bank and is demanding that Benworth immediately repay nearly $67 million the bank says it is still owed.

It appears to be the only lawsuit to date brought by a Federal Reserve bank against a lender in the program.

The lawsuit also says that Benworth fraudulently transferred funds from Florida to Puerto Rico and paid more than $49 million between 2021 and 2024 to the banks founder and chief executive officer, Bernie Navarro, who is named in the lawsuit, along with his wife, Claudia.

The politically connected Navarros are longtime friends and financial supporters of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and hosted an event for Rubio at their Coral Gables home ahead of his failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 election cycle. The pair have also donated thousands of dollars to support other Florida Republicans, most notably U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

Bernie Navarro has held numerous civic and professional leadership positions in the past  including as former chair of the Miami Dade College Board of Trustees and former president of the Latin Builders Association  and once even contemplated a run for Miami-Dade County mayor.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio swears in his friend and fundraiser Bernie Navarro, president of Benworth Capital Partners, as president of the Latin Builders Association in 2011.

The lawsuit comes in the wake of a May ruling by a California arbitrator that Benworth must pay $118 million to an upstart technology company called Womply that it had partnered with on its PPP lending. Benworth told the Federal Reserve bank that it might not be able to pay the technology company what it owes, which ultimately triggered the Federal Reserves demand for immediate payment.

The Federal Reserve bank has also filed a motion to intervene in a related lawsuit between Womply and Benworth, arguing that it has a priority over Womply to collect what it is owed first.

In a statement, Benworth said we categorically deny these allegations and that the company has always upheld its legal and ethical requirements under the law and in all its dealings.

The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Story continues

Benworths prolific lending in the federal program was driven by its partnership with Womply, which automated the PPP approval process, allowing the lender to process hundreds of thousands of applications quickly.

But Benworth and other lenders who worked with the technology company ultimately came to doubt Womplys vetting of applicants, and Womply was accused in a congressional report of contributing to rampant fraud in the program.

Unfortunately, these lenders are still dealing with the aftermath that Womply has caused to our businesses, Benworth said in its statement, attributing the lawsuit by the Federal Reserve bank to Womplys actions.

Benworth also told the bank that it hasnt been able to get reimbursed by the U.S. Small Business Administration for thousands of PPP loans it approved because Womply has failed to turn over documentation for those loans, according to the lawsuit.

In spite of Womplys alleged failings, Benworth and other lenders who partnered with Womply were required to turn over the bulk of the fees they earned on PPP loans to the technology company, under the terms of their contracts.

Benworth has already paid Womply nearly $465 million, which is over two-thirds of the more than $680 million in fees it earned from approving PPP loans, according to court records.

In May, a California arbitrator ruled that Benworth owes Womply $118 million more, as per the terms of their original contract.

The Federal Reserve banks lawsuit came after Benworth told the bank that it might not have enough cash to pay Womply what it owes.

The lawsuit says that the Navarros established a Puerto Rican offshoot of Benworth in 2021 and moved most of their Florida business there. Benworths Florida entity transferred more than $50 million to the Puerto Rican entity, according to the lawsuit, which left Benworth FL unable to pay its debts as they came due, insolvent, and with inadequate capital.

Benworths Florida entity is completely owned by Bernie Navarro, while the Puerto Rican entity is 99% owned by Claudia Navarro, according to the complaint, which notes that Bernie Navarro has been accused in the past of moving assets to his wife to avoid paying debts.

Benworth also transferred more than $49 million to Bernie Navarro between 2021 and 2024 in the form of dividends, according to the lawsuit.

Billions of fraudulent loans

The Paycheck Protection Program was created as part of the March 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act. While the $800 billion loan program undoubtedly kept thousands of businesses afloat during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was also beset with fraud from the outset.

Last year, the Small Business Administrations Office of the Inspector General estimated that $64 billion worth of potentially fraudulent PPP loans were disbursed through the program.

Womply and other financial technology, or fintech, companies were accused of facilitating extensive fraud in the program through lax anti-fraud controls, according to a scathing congressional report release in late 2022.

Following the congressional investigation, which was triggered in part by the Miami Heralds reporting, Womply was barred from doing business with the Small Business Administration, which oversaw the program, a suspension that the agency said is still in effect.

Womply also recently reached a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, agreeing to pay $26 million in response to a complaint that it had falsely promised to obtain PPP loans for millions of small businesses that never materialized and that it would process those applications within 24 hours, which the company failed to do in numerous instances.

Another fintech company featured in the congressional report, Kabbage, agreed to a settlement in May of up to $120 million with the U.S. Department of Justice in response to allegations that it had submitted applications with inflated loan amounts and had insufficient anti-fraud controls.
Sotheby's pre-sale estimate for 'Apex' the stegosaurus was around 4 million, but it sold for a for a record-breaking 34.5 million - Shutterstock

The new must-have purchase for celebrities and the mega-wealthy isnt a supercar, a yacht or a designer watch, but a prize that dates back billions of years: a dinosaur fossil.

This growing market in prehistoric collectibles may have hit its peak at Sothebys last week with the sale of Apex the stegosaurus for a record-breaking $44.6 million (34.5 million). Life finds a way, to quote Jurassic Park, as does ultra-high-net-worth spending power when it comes to procuring unique wonders.

In fact, the Stephen Spielberg film franchise could well have played a key part in this dino phenomenon, says Jethro Sverdloff, the director of specialist London gallery ArtAncient. The kids who grew up with Jurassic Park as their favourite movie are now CEOs and very successful business people, Sverdloff says. They have a lot of money  and they want to buy pieces to have in their homes that resonate with them.

Apex, which was discovered by fossil hunter Jason Cooper on his private ranch in Colorado in 2022, is thought to be the largest, most complete stegosaurus ever found. Eleven feet tall and 27ft long, and consisting of 254 of the roughly 319 bones that make up a complete adult stegosaurus, it massively exceeded Sothebys pre-sale estimates of $4-6 million (3-4.6 million), and was sold to American billionaire hedge-fund founder Ken Griffin in just 15 minutes.

It is now expected to be loaned to a museum in the United States. Griffin, who reportedly stated Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America, previously donated $16.5 million (12.8 million) to the Field Museum in Chicago to fund the display of a titanosaur, a vast four-legged creature that was far longer than a blue whale and thought to have weighed around 69 tonnes.

American billionaire Ken Griffin bought 'Apex', the largest, most complete stegosaurus ever found - Bloomberg

But whilst it seems likely the story involving Apex will have a happy ending, there is no guarantee that other such fossils will be made available to the public, or to scientists, once theyve been bought by private collectors  who include A-list actors Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. So is this renewed dino-mania a boon to palaeontology or a worrying trend?

Numerous scientists have expressed concerns about rare fossils disappearing from public view, and the subsequent loss of vital research information, especially if artefacts are surreptitiously or even illegally removed. But others argue that cash-strapped museums cant afford to finance every excavation, and that this surge of interest from individuals with deep pockets translates into a vital injection of funding and support  and thus the unearthing of more prehistoric finds, which benefits us all.

James Hyslop, head of science and natural history at Christies, points out that, while such debates are increasingly in the spotlight, mainstream passion for fossils itself is hardly new.

'There are natural history museums around the world, and they all want a trophy dinosaur to draw in the crowds and the kids,' says James Hyslop

You can look back to those first discoveries here in the UK, like Mary Annings [early 19th century] finds on the South Coast, or those of the wonderfully named Bone Wars in the US. Dinosaur specimens were hugely sought after by big museums, so some of those pieces were almost on a par with the most expensive paintings in the world. Then in the 20th century the art market completely exploded, but the dinosaur market lagged behind. That all changed with Jurassic Park, and the sale of Sue the T-Rex in 1997 for $8 million.

Sue  named after American explorer Sue Hendrickson, who discovered the 40ft-long T-Rex in South Dakota in 1990  was bought at a Sothebys auction for a then-record sum of $8.36 million (6.5 million) by the Field Museum. The sale took place just months after Jurassic Park sequel The Lost World hit cinemas.

Christies then sold another T-Rex, Stan, in 2020 for $31.8 million (24.6 million). Although the auctioneers refused to confirm the buyers identity, National Geographic reporters tracked the shipment of the skeleton to the United Arab Emirates. It is thought that it will become the star attraction at the new Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi.

Stan the T-Rex was sold for 24.6 million by Christie's in 2020 and National Geographic reporters tracked the shipment of the skeleton to the United Arab Emirates - Getty

But what is driving private buyers, other than philanthropy? Why buy a fossil instead of a Monet, or a Maserati? Sverdloff reports a changing demographic in this market. Instead of niche academic collectors fixating on one thing, such as collecting every possible example of a Greek vase, its now a case of people trophy hunting for exceptional things in every different area, and thats greatly expanded the profile of potential buyers.

Those buyers are skewing younger  collectors can now vary from thirtysomething tech entrepreneurs to older businessmen  and they want a piece that fires the imagination, explains Sverdloff. Something as spectacular as the remains of a long-extinct animal that existed millions of years ago and was the apex predator of its time  if you have an extremely well-preserved fossil of that animal, there is the potential to build a great story around it.

That was certainly the case with Stan, says Hyslop. Its the iconic dinosaur. The T-Rex is either the antagonist or the hero, depending on your point of view, in every dinosaur movie. Its the largest predator ever to have lived. He recalls visiting the freshly assembled Stan at a palaeontologists lab up in the Rocky Mountains and getting goosebumps when standing face to face with it. Its a dream job to work with specimens like this.

Hyslop agrees that this is a younger age demographic than buyers in the rest of the art market, and emphasises that its also very international. Were getting bidders from every continent except Antarctica. There are natural history museums around the world, and they all want a trophy dinosaur to draw in the crowds and the kids. Its very competitive: he recalls around seven or eight serious bidders on Stan.

My colleagues talk about great paintings having wall power, he says. These fossils have presence and power. They speak to the heart.

As for determining their value, Sverdloff says youre looking at the same factors as in other areas of art  condition, quality, provenance, rarity, aesthetic appeal. Those blockbuster prices of recent years have almost exclusively been for American fossils, but its vital, notes Sverdloff, that you do your due diligence with any purchase, since excavation and export from certain countries (such as China, Brazil and Argentina) isnt allowed.

You want to know where the fossil came from and its true condition, what parcel of land it was found on, that the land was privately owned, and that the excavator had permission from the landowner or leaseholder.

In 2015, Nicolas Cage returned the skull of a Tyrannosaurus bataar  which he had purchased from Beverly Hills gallery I.M. Chait for $276,000 (214,000) in 2007  to Mongolia after learning that it had been smuggled illegally out of the country. Neither Cage nor the gallery were accused of any wrongdoing. Cage had actually topped Leonardo DiCaprio in a fierce bidding war for the skull  so DiCaprio ultimately won that particular bout. Separately, DiCaprio has purchased a Mosasaur skull from Russell Crowe for $79,300 (61,000) in the latters divorce auction.

Nicholas Cage returned the 214,000 Tyrannosaurus bataar skull that he purchased from a Beverly Hills gallery after learning it had been illegally smuggled out of Mongolia - Getty

ArtAncient recently sold an Allosaurus skull for a seven-figure sum. The first client who saw the piece acquired it, says Sverdloff. Something that special doesnt come along often, so it tends to get snapped up. The skull is in exceptional condition for something of its period  which is Jurassic rather than Cretaceous, making it millions of years older than a T-Rex.

A few decades ago, auction houses had a good idea who might bid for a piece, says Sverdloff. Now, someone whos never bought a fossil before could appear and place the winning bid, he says. Sverdloff also observes that you never used to see fossils at major art fairs. But ArtAncient exhibited specimens at Frieze Masters in 2019, and in 2022 their Crocodilian  a prehistoric crocodile beautifully preserved in bluish limestone  had a big impact.

But what about the concerns of scientists? David Hone, a reader of zoology at Queen Mary, University of London, shared his fears that these skyrocketing prices encourage the illegal excavation and transportation of fossils. As a palaeontologist, its depressing to be on a dig and constantly finding smashed bones where poachers have destroyed a skull to rip out the valuable teeth.

Steve Brusatte, an American palaeontologist based at Edinburgh University, fumes that dinosaurs are becoming a luxury item affordable only to the wealthiest people, adding: They are little more than toys for the rich. If an oligarch buys a dinosaur skeleton and puts it in the foyer of one of his mansions, then it is effectively lost to science. Gone, a ghost.

To further paraphrase Jurassic Park: is this a case of buyers being so preoccupied by whether or not they could, they didnt stop to think if they should? Hyslop says that, for him, its become much less of a concern with every passing day, week and month. We see far more clients wanting these things to be accessible for science. Also, part of the process of excavation now is making 3D scans, which is much cheaper and easier to do than it was in the 1990s. So there is a wealth of information to study.

Sverdloff argues that the fact that this market exists, that there is a high value placed on fossils, means that people are incentivised to search for them and carefully excavate them. Without that demand, they are left in the ground and exposed to the risk of destruction by erosion. When it works well, the private collectors and the academic world can work together  and its in the best interests of the fossils.

What fossil is he hoping will come up next? You cant have a shopping list! laughs Sverdloff. Part of the excitement is you never know when the next great thing will be discovered. Hyslop reveals that some digs are carried out under the utmost secrecy  and some wealthy investors will gamble on what dinosaur is under the ground and buy it before its even been excavated.

Certainly, affluent buyers enthusiasm for such finds isnt facing the possibility of extinction any time soon.

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UNC fraternity brothers who protected flag get a shoutout from Netanyahu in Congress

A group of counter protesters hold up a United States flag after pro-Palestinian protesters replaced the flag with a Palestinian flag on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill. Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police while the Palestinian flag was removed and the American flag was replaced.

First they get a $500,000 party.

Then they get invited to the Republican National Convention.

Now theyve collected a world leaders praise on the floor of Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday shouted out the UNC-Chapel Hill fraternity brothers who kept a U.S. flag from touching the ground during campus protests over the war in Gaza in April.

Netanyahu addressed Congress on a U.S. visit aimed at bolstering support for Israel in Gaza. The speech drew protests calling for an end to the violence there.

Netanyahu praises the UNC frat brothers who protected the American flag during protests on campus this spring:



"I wish to salute the fraternity brothers at UNC who protected the American flag against these anti-Israel protestors."pic.twitter.com/7e6MurUTOD  The American Conservative (@amconmag) July 24, 2024

While on the House floor, Netanyahu said Iran was directing anti-Israel protests in the United States, and he praised the UNC fraternity for its actions on campus in Chapel Hill last spring.

I wish to salute the fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina, he said. They protected the American flag, protected the American flag against these anti-Israel protesters.

The fraternity drew praise nationwide after pro-Palestinian protesters pulled down an American flag on campus, which they retrieved and held aloft.

A fundraiser aimed at throwing the fraternity brothers a rager for their efforts far surpassed its goal and brought in more than $500,000. That party is planned for this fall.

At the Republican National Convention in Raleigh last week, several of the fraternity brothers ushered flags to the main stage and one of them said they were proud to honor our flag again.
The UNC System president just got a hefty bonus, but its less than last year

UNC System President Peter Hans listens during a meeting of the Board of Governors on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C.

UNC System President Peter Hans is getting a hefty bonus this year  but its about $20,000 less than last year.

Thats because his yearly incentive compensation is linked to institutional performance.

The UNC Board of Governors unanimously approved the one-time incentive of $453,720 paid to Hans retirement account on Wednesday, doubling his base salary for the year of $454,564. Its the first time Hans bonus incentive amount decreased. His first bonus, awarded to him in November 2021, was $300,000. In 2022, he received a $451,200 bonus. Last year, he received $475,200.

Compared to previous presidents Margaret Spellings and Bill Roper, Hans base salary is low. When he began the job, his salary was $400,000. Spellings and Roper had a $775,000 base salary with approximately $100,000 in annual bonuses. Last year, his positions annual base salary was $424,350, UNC System spokesperson Andy Wallace told The News & Observer.

In 2020, Hans asked for that amount paired with incentive increases of up to $600,000 tied to institutional performance.

I am bound by the metrics, appropriately so, he told The N&O after the board meeting on Wednesday.

The presidential assessment committee conducts annual performance checks for the system president and plays a big part in deciding the size of Hans bonuses. The committee assessed the presidents performance and presented its report to the Board of Governors on Wednesday.

How did the committee measure Hans performance?

Hans performance for the year was measured through an incentive compensation program based on specific quantitative and qualitative performance goals set by the Board of Governors, board Chair Wendy Murphy said.

Quantitative performance metrics for Hans that the committee looked at included increasing on-time graduation for first-time and transfer undergraduate students, reducing education and related expenses per degree completed, and reducing the average student loan debt of bachelors degree recipients as a percentage of per-capita income.

Qualitative metrics revolved around his leadership and management of UNC System operations.

In her presentation of the presidents compensation report, Murphy highlighted as reasons for the increased bonus:

 Hans focus on affordability of in-state tuition and limiting student fees.

The report noted that tuition for North Carolina residents remained flat for the eighth year under Hans leadership. It also brought attention to the $420 million from the state legislature allocated to expand health care in rural areas and Hans plan to distribute $40 million in state funding to UNC System nursing programs to address the growing shortage of nurses in the state.

 His commitment to neutrality and protecting free speech.

In May, as the Board of Governors repealed the UNC systems diversity, equity and inclusion requirements, Hans said students and faculty should be allowed to encounter both liberal and conservative ideas, but that its vital that college administrators stay out of it altogether.

 His work with several completed and ongoing chancellor searches.

He concluded the searches for chancellors Kimberly van Noort of UNC Asheville, Bonita Brown of Winston-Salem State University, Karrie Dixon of N.C. Central University and James Martin of N.C. A&T State University. He is in the midst of chancellor searches for four other universities: UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State University, Appalachian State University and Elizabeth City State University.

Murphy praised Hans for his leadership, saying to say the job is difficult is to drastically understate the demands of the role.

After the meeting, Murphy told reporters that she has seen several polls that show confidence in higher education at an all-time low. A 2023 Gallup poll found that only 36% of Americans were confident in higher education  a decline from 2015, when 57% of Americans were confident in the countrys higher education systems.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill posted on Twitter/X on Saturday to share his thoughts on former President Donald Trump  and that post has since received intense backlash, including from some of Utahs high-profile Republicans.

On July 20, Gill wrote the following on social media:

What people already know. Truly, a dead body is more competent than Trump to be President. It would do exponentially less harm to our democratic republic & honor our ideals more. Sim Gill via Twitter/X

READ NEXT: Utahs national Democratic delegates unanimously endorse Kamala Harris

As of July 23, the post had received more than 1 million views and nearly 5,000 comments. It was still on Gills profile on Tuesday.

Several users referenced the attempted assassination of former President Trump when expressing their disapproval of Gills post.

Gov. Spencer Cox responded to Gills post from his personal Twitter/X account on Sunday, saying, A new low for Sim following a literal assassination attempt. Disgusting.

Rob Axson, chairman of the Utah Republican Party, also responded to Gills post from his personal account:

This type of rhetoric makes clear that any degree of judicial impartiality is absent as is the decency that we should expect of any public servant. @SimGillDA is void of the judgment his office demands and Salt Lake County would be far better with his resignation. Robert Axson via personal Twitter/X account

READ NEXT: Utah leaders respond after apparent assassination attempt at PA rally for former Pres. Trump

Gill posted again on Sunday  shortly before President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race  clarifying what he meant while doubling down on his stance.

In case you missed the point or misconstrued it, the point is that there is more thought in a pile of rocks, tree stump, a bucket of water than the current GOP nominee for President. That is all, Gill said on social media Sunday.

Republican Rep. for District 16 Trevor Lee commented under Gills second post, saying, Just stop. Lee later spoke with ABC4.com and said Gills comments were unnecessary.

To incite the violence and say it was better he was dead, like  oof, I mean, that is rough, Lee said. From an elected official, its just uncalled for.

Gill issued a statement to ABC4.com on Monday to further explain the stance he took in his posts.

My second tweet is the clarification that we are so blind to the harm we are doing to the foundations of our Republic that inanimate objects would serve the interests of this country more, Gill said in the statement.

On Monday, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz called for Gills resignation on social media and posted a statement from the Utah Fraternal Order of Police that called for Gill to issue a formal apology to 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 ABC4 Utah.
United flight to SF from Canada makes emergency landing in Sacramento after electrical issue

An United Airlines international flight made an emergency landing Wednesday at Sacramento International Airport after pilots smelled a smoky, electrical scent wafting from the cockpit, according to an airport spokeswoman.

The plane  United Flight 1449  left Vancouver, British Columbia, on time and was headed to San Francisco International Airport, according to FlightAware, an online plane tracking system. About 9 a.m., the crew reported the problem and diverted to Sacramento International Airport.

The 179 passengers deplaned the Boeing 737-900 and were expected to be connected to another flight to SFO, a United spokesperson said.

There were no reports of injuries.

Lindsay Myers, a spokeswoman for the countys airport system, said units with the airports fire department responded to the incident and were released.

On Monday, a separate United flight made an emergency landing at Sacramento International Airport after two flight crew members came down with an illness, according to archived audio dispatch calls reviewed by The Sacramento Bee.

A United spokeswoman said one flight crew member went to the hospital after feeling unwell.

United jets have had multiple issues at U.S. airports this year, including several high-profile incidents at San Francisco, its West Coast hub.

In March, a United Airlines flight bound for Mexico City from San Francisco made an emergency landing in Los Angeles after the crew reported a hydraulics issue. Days before a United plane rolled off a runway and got stuck in grass in Houston, according to the Bay Area News Group. Less than a week later, a United flight headed to Osaka from SFO lost its wheel as the plane was taking off, crushing a car parked in the airports employee lot.

On March 7, littered bubble wrap on the tarmac was sucked into a Houston-departing United planes engine, causing it to burst into flames midair and forcing an emergency landing. That same day, while heading from Honolulu to SFO, a United jets engine failed mid-flight over the Pacific Ocean.

In April, a United flight from Sacramento to Denver was diverted to SFO because of a possible mechanical issue.

No injuries were reported in any of the recent incidents.

United, the worlds third-largest airline by revenue, mostly flies aircraft manufactured by Boeing and Airbus. After the spat of incidents in March, company CEO Scott Kirby said in an email to customers that the incidents were unrelated and reminders of the importance of safety, according to The New York Times.
The UNC System Board of Governors approved the elimination and curtailment of academic programs at both UNC Asheville and UNC Greensboro on Wednesday.

The unanimous vote confirms the end of about two dozen programs at the two universities due to enrollment declines and budget deficits, but students currently enrolled in the affected programs will be able to complete their degrees.

Both UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort and UNC Greensboro Chancellor Frank Gilliam attended the UNC System Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs on Wednesday to explain the decisions and answer questions.

We have stopped the enrollment decline, and we believe we will have good news, strong news, for this fall, Van Noort told the committee. However, it is my responsibility as chancellor and the responsibility of my academic team to ensure that we correct the bunch of difficulties that weve had at the university and position the university for future success so that we will not deal with this ever again, she said.

Gilliam reaffirmed his commitment to the liberal arts on Wednesday, but said he and van Noort made the decisions to provide students with the greatest chance for success.

In that committee meeting, David English, vice president for academic programs for the UNC System, said that this was the first time the Board of Governors has considered a request for program curtailment from an institution.

There is no road map, there was no playbook, English said. And they are to be commended again for thinking about what is in the best interest of the institutions and the students.

But its likely not the last of discussions about program cuts at universities within the UNC System.

Under a revised policy on academic planning approved by the Board of Governors, all universities in the UNC System will be required to review their academic offerings at least every seven years  if not more often.

UNC Asheville

Van Noort and UNC Asheville made the cuts due to a $6 million budget shortfall, which was driven largely by a significant pattern of declining enrollment at the liberal arts university. UNC System data shows UNC Ashevilles total enrollment fell by approximately 24% over the past six years.

The chancellor reaffirmed to the committee on Wednesday that UNC Asheville will get rid of majors in ancient Mediterranean studies, drama, philosophy and religious studies. Concentrations in French and German in the languages and literature department will be eliminated as well.

But van Noort made it clear that the university would still offer classes in the areas being curtailed.

She said 61 students will be impacted by the changes. The university is developing teach out plans for those students so they will graduate with their degrees. She added that the university has counseled nine incoming students who expressed interest in the eliminated programs regarding the changes to make sure they find what they are looking for at UNC Asheville.

Many of these areas are vital to our curriculum, Van Noort said. We will continue to offer coursework and content in those areas.

UNC Ashevilles ancient Mediterranean studies major has averaged three graduates per year over the past five years and has four tenure-track faculty members, Van Noort said. The philosophy department has averaged 4.5 graduates over that same time with six tenured faculty members.

Those faculty members are valued members of our community, do not get me wrong, Van Noort said. They contribute greatly in all areas of our curriculum. However, the cost of providing the upper division courses needed for those majors is not tenable at the university.

In April, the university laid off 12 employees, affecting three university departments. Van Noort said in June that UNC Asheville also expects 12 retirement-eligible faculty to retire with severance packages, freeing up funds for other uses through the UNC Systems Faculty Realignment Incentive Program.

The decision to cut a handful of programs is more limited than a recommendation from First Tryon Advisors, a consultant hired for the review, which suggested the university review 14 programs.

UNC Greensboro

At UNC Greensboro, which also experienced enrollment declines and budget deficits, 20 programs were cut following a similar academic portfolio review. The universitys cuts range from undergraduate to graduate programs, including its bachelor of arts programs in anthropology, secondary education in geography and physical education.

The decision to eliminate academic programs was met with protest from university members. These critics raised concerns regarding the process of the academic review, saying it was not transparent and mishandled. The faculty Senate, an elected body that represents the larger university faculty, voted to censure Gilliam and Provost Debbie Storrs and later passed a vote of no confidence vote in Storrs leadership out of opposition to the academic review.

When Storrs stepped down in April due to her diagnosis of stage-four breast cancer, she acknowledged the controversy and said she understood why many were angry.

I understand that it can temporarily feel satisfying, even empowering, for some faculty members to stage rage, attack leadership, question integrity, and critique change when confronted with a decision not to their liking, Storrs said. However, after a year-long, inclusive, and transparent process in response to actual conditions, I have zero confidence in this impulse.

During Wednesdays committee meeting, Gilliam said the university had to be strategic in its curtailment decisions. He added the University of Greensboro must align its academic portfolio to its resources.

Institutions must evolve, we cant remain static, he said. Given the disruption in higher education, it would be neglectful to not respond in a meaningful way. In our case, weve lost 2,500 students in four years. Thats a whole class.

Incoming students at UNC Greensboro will not be allowed to enroll in the programs, though some discontinued programs will remain in a reduced capacity to allow students to complete courses required by related majors.

Terry Hutchens, chair of the committee, commended the chancellors of UNC Asheville and UNC Greensboro for their degree discontinuations and curtailments on Wednesday.

If you look at the materials that accompany the agenda, you will see how detailed and how meticulous and how thorough the job was done by these chancellors and their staff, he said. It wasnt taken lightly.

Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy echoed Hutchens sentiment about van Noort and Gilliam on Wednesday, saying the board appreciates their leadership on tough decisions.
Last May, the Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed a rule that would move marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the most restrictive category, to Schedule III, which includes prescription drugs such as Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids. The public comment period for that proposed rule expired yesterday. According to an analysis by the Drug Policy Alliance, most of the commenters thought the DOJ proposal was too timid: Nearly 70 percent of the 30,000 or so comments favored "descheduling, decriminalizing, or legalizing marijuana at the federal level."

That breakdown jibes with survey results indicating that 70 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization. And judging from the positions that she took as a California senator and a 2020 presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris is one of those Americans. Although she was a latecomer to the cause, Harris, unlike the man she is poised to replace as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, has repeatedly urged the repeal of federal pot prohibition.

As USA Today notes, "Harris has been criticized for aggressively prosecuting weed-related crimes when she was California's attorney general and San Francisco's district attorney, particularly given the racial disparities in punishment nationwide." She opposed a California legalization initiative in 2010, when she was the San Francisco district attorney; laughed at a question about legalization in 2014, when she was running for attorney general against a Republican who favored it; and declined, as California's attorney general, to take a position on the 2016 initiative that finally legalized recreational use in her state. She did not embrace legalization until 2018, around the same time that John Boehner, the former Republican speaker of the House, became a cannabis industry lobbyist.

"We need to decriminalize marijuana nationwide, not bring back the worst days of the War on Drugs," Harris wrote in a January 2018 Medium essay, rebuking thenAttorney General Jeff Sessions for rescinding a DOJ memo that urged federal prosecutors to leave licensed cannabis suppliers alone as long as they were complying with state law. Later that year, Harris co-sponsored the Marijuana Justice Act, which had been introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (DN.J.) in August 2017. That bill would have removed marijuana from Schedule I and eliminated federal criminal penalties for people who grow, distribute, or possess it. The bill also would have ordered the expungement of "convictions for marijuana use or possession."

In 2019, Harris was the Senate sponsor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, which likewise would have repealed the federal ban. It also would have created "an automatic process" for "the expungement, destruction, or sealing of criminal records for cannabis offenses"a broader category than the convictions covered by the earlier bill. "Times have changed," Harris said. "We need to start regulating marijuana and expunge marijuana convictions from the records of millions of Americans so they can get on with their lives."

During her brief and unimpressive bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, Harris promised that she would "take action to legalize marijuana, further reform federal sentencing laws, end private prisons and the profiting off of people in prison, and push states to prioritize treatment and rehabilitation for drug offenses." She also said she would seek to "expunge records for marijuana offenses."

After she became President Joe Biden's running mate, Harris was wedded to a marijuana reform agenda that was notably less ambitious. Unlike Harris and the other Democratic contenders, Biden resisted legalization, saying he was waiting for research that would definitively resolve the question of whether marijuana is a "gateway" to other drugs. Instead, he promised to "decriminalize the use of cannabis and automatically expunge all prior cannabis use convictions," both of which would require new legislation that he never pursued.

Biden also promised to "support the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes, leave decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states, and reschedule cannabis as a schedule II drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts." Although the rule that the DOJ proposed goes further than that last action item, it still does not legalize marijuana for medical purposes, which would require regulatory approval of specific cannabis-based products. And while the DOJ under Biden has continued to refrain from targeting state-licensed marijuana businesses (as it did even under Sessions, despite his anti-pot bluster), Biden's opposition to legalization precluded resolution of the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws, leaving the recreational cannabis industry with no protection aside from prosecutorial discretion.

Biden also said he would "end mandatory minimums" and "end, once and for all, the federal crack and powder cocaine disparity." That sounded more ambitious than Harris' goal to "further reform federal sentencing laws." But these are two other promises that went unfulfilled.

As vice president, Harris has joined her boss in exaggerating the extent of his drug policy accomplishments. "We changed federal marijuana policy, because nobody should have to go to jail just for smoking weed," she proudly proclaimed in a February 2024 video explicitly aimed at "young voters." That claim was doubly misleading.

At that point, Biden had not actually "changed federal marijuana policy." After a review that Biden ordered, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had recommended moving marijuana to Schedule III. But the DOJ had not yet accepted the HHS recommendation, which had provoked resistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Even today, marijuana remains in Schedule I, pending finalization of the proposed DOJ rule.

Although Harris, echoing Biden, said "nobody should have to go to jail just for smoking weed," that rarely happens. And while Biden had issued a mass pardon for people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law and the Code of the District of Columbia, it excluded people convicted of growing or distributing marijuana, did not free a single prisoner, and applied to a tiny fraction of possession cases, which are typically prosecuted under state law. Nor did Biden's pardons "decriminalize the use of cannabis," which remains a federal offense punishable by a minimum $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

"We have pardoned tens of thousands of people with federal convictions for simple marijuana possession," Harris bragged in May, repeating a claim she had made during an appearance in South Carolina in February and at a "roundtable conversation about marijuana reform" the following month. To justify that figure would require "motivated math," according to Douglas Berman, a sentencing expert at the Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. The calculation, which could push the number of pardon recipients just above 20,000, would hinge on including Washington, D.C., arrests from the mid-1970s on and assuming about 15 percent resulted in convictions, which Berman said is "reasonable for a mid-sized city." But "this VP-friendly accounting," he noted, "is entirely back of the envelope," which he saw as "a big problem in this space." And Harris said she was talking about "federal convictions for simple marijuana possession," which would not include charges under the D.C. Code.

As she shifts from cheerleader for the Biden administration to presidential candidate, will Harris take a bolder stance on drug policy reform than her boss has managed? "The vice president has been an even stronger advocate for [ending] any cannabis prohibition and restoring or repairing the harms that it has caused than the president has been," Morgan Fox, political director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, told USA Today. "In many ways, [she] has been a real leader on this issue, particularly as it relates to criminal justice reform."

Harris' Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, once supported the legalization of all drugs, saying in 1990 that he hoped that "people will start to realize that this is the only answer; there is no other answer." As a Republican presidential candidate 25 years later, Trump claimed he was just suggesting legalization should be studied. He said states should be free to set their own marijuana policies. But he also expressed objections to legalization, saying "it is bad" and had caused "some big problems" in Colorado. And as president, Trump supported Sessions' ostensibly tough stance on state-legal marijuana businesses, saying through his press secretary that he "believes in enforcing federal lawregardless of what the topic is, whether it's marijuana or whether it's immigration."

On drug policy more generally, Trump has gone back and forth. As president, he decried "very unfair" drug penalties, commuted the sentences of nonviolent drug offenders, signed a sentencing reform bill, and criticized Biden's record of pushing draconian drug laws that disproportionately harmed African Americans. He has promised to free Ross Ulbricht, who is serving a life sentence for running Silk Road, an online marketplace used by illegal drug vendors. But Trump also implausibly insists that a determined effort can stop drugs from entering the country and backs the death penalty for drug dealers.

Depending on which version of Trump she contends with, Harris could have an opportunity to take a contrasting drug policy stance that is more compassionate and enlightened. But that might not fit well with her rhetorical strategy of depicting the race as a contest between "a criminal" and "a prosecutor."

Those who are inclined toward optimism can find some support in Harris' February 2019 appearance on the syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club. "Have you ever smoked?" Charlamagne tha God, the show's co-host, asked. "I have," Harris replied. "And I inhaled."

That admission was not exactly brave at the time, and another comment got Harris into hot water with her father, Stanford economist Donald J. Harris. "They say you oppose legalizing weed," Charlamagne tha God said. "That's not true," Harris replied. "Half of my family is from Jamaica. Are you kidding me?"

The elder Harris was offended. "Speaking for myself and my immediate Jamaican family, we wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from this travesty," he said.

More impressive than Harris' confession or her lame Jamaica joke was her answer when she was asked whether she might use marijuana again "when it is legalized throughout the country." Harris replied that "it gives a lot of people joy, and we need more joy."

That simple observation marked a contrast with politicians like George W. Bush and Marco Rubio, who declined to discuss their own experiences with marijuana lest they set a bad example for the youth of America, and from politicians like Barack Obama and Ted Cruz, who admitted smoking pot but portrayed it as a terrible mistake. People like marijuana because marijuana is fun, and fun is importanttoo important to be ignored by legislators who presume to tell us which kinds are acceptable.

The post Unlike Biden and Trump, Kamala Harris Has Repeatedly Supported Pot Legalization appeared first on Reason.com.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Psychedelics have long been known for their reality-altering effect, but could they also be an answer to mental health? Thats what researchers at UNM Health Sciences like Dr. Larry Leeman are trying to find out.

Story continues below

Were excited because these studies have been happening in other places but weve had not very many in UNM, said Dr. Leeman.

University of Health Sciences researchers have two studies looking into psilocybin, found in what is commonly known as magic mushrooms. One study looks into whether a compound of psilocybin could quickly treat those suffering from postpartum depression.

The hope is that this one may work more rapidly. It is related to psilocybin and psilocybin in other studies have been shown to work in a relatively short amount of days, said Dr. Leeman. The second study looks into how psilocybin can help depression.

Some of the things that this study is looking at that is different is do some people need multiple doses over a year? And what are the longer-term outcomes, he said.

Participants will be monitored by researchers at their psychedelic therapy room and evaluated for 54 weeks. I really try to distinguish with using them therapeutically which is what were focusing on in a safe setting with trained therapist, said Dr. Leeman.

Its the kind of research the state is encouraging. This past regular legislative session, the senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the New Mexico Department of Health and UNM Health Sciences to study psychedelics at treatment.

I have friends who do have PTSD and its hard. Its hard to find the right help and get the help and nobody wants to live with that. So if anything we can do to help the people, is what matters, said Sen. Stefani Lord, a Republican who represents Bernalillo and Torrance Counties.

While these studies arent a direct response to that resolution, Dr. Leeman said they do fit into what lawmakers are asking for. The studies so far are promising that psilocybin could be given whats called breakthrough drug status by the FDA so it looks promising, he said.

Psilocybin is still illegal in the United States. The results of these studies could contribute to it becoming FDA-approved for medical treatment. To read about the studies in further detail or learn how to participate in one, 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Updates released on conditions of 2 surviving victims of Trump rally shooting

Allegheny Health Network has given an update on the two surviving victims of the shooting at former President Donald Trumps Butler rally.

>> Butler Trump rally attendees describe panic as shots rang out during attempted Trump assassination

David Dutch, 57, a Marine veteran from New Kensington, was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.

James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, was shot twice at the rally and remains in stable but serious condition at Allegheny General Hospital.

Corey Comperatore, 50, a former fire chief, was killed in the assassination attempt.

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A US Air Force B-2 stealth bomber helped sink an old warship in the Pacific with new anti-ship QUICKSINK bombs

A US Air Force B-2 stealth bomber helped sink an old warship in the Pacific with new anti-ship QUICKSINK bombs

A US Air Force B-2 stealth bomber dropped new anti-ship munitions to help sink a decommissioned warship.

The exercise involving the munitions, known as QUICKSINK, took place last week in the Pacific.

The experimental QUICKSINK bomb is a low-cost, air-launched way to engage surface threats.

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber used a new anti-ship munition to sink a decommissioned warship during a series of recent live-fire drills with partner forces in the Pacific Ocean, the US Navy said this week.

The US military earlier this month held two sinking exercises, known as SINKEXs, off the coast of Hawaii to practice targeting vessels at sea and train on different weapons systems.

The B-2 aircraft released an experimental weapon called QUICKSINK during the second of the two drills, which took place on Friday and involved the decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa.

The bomber "proved a low-cost, air-delivered method for defeating surface vessels through a QUICKSINK demonstration, as part of the second SINKEX," the Navy's Third Fleet said in a statement Monday.

The QUICKSINK experiment, which is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, "aims to provide options to neutralize surface maritime threats while demonstrating the inherent flexibility of the joint force," the fleet said.

A US F-15E Strike Eagle with modified 2,000-pound munitions during a 2022 QUICKSINK test. US Air Force photo / 1st Lt Lindsey Heflin

"This capability is an answer to an urgent need to quickly neutralize maritime threats over massive expanses of ocean around the world at minimal costs," it added.

The QUICKSINK experimental weapon, which was first tested several years ago, essentially pairs existing Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kits with new seeker technology that allows the munition to home in on a stationary or moving target at sea with precision.

Such a weapon would give the US and partner forces more strike options in the maritime domain, especially in a fight in the Pacific where combat might take place across large stretches of open ocean. Over the years, the various elements of the US armed forces have been pursuing more and more anti-ship capabilities.

"Torpedoes, such as the heavyweight MK-48, are still the primary method used to sink enemy ships," the Air Force Research Laboratory has said of this type of combat, but "new methods explored through QUICKSINK may be able to achieve the same kind of anti-ship lethality with air-launched weapons, including modified 2,000-pound class precision-guided bombs."

That opens the doors to bomber aircraft and other platforms that might prove less vulnerable than submarines and possibly more effective.

"A Navy submarine has the ability to launch and destroy a ship with a single torpedo at any time, but by launching that weapon, it gives away its location and becomes a target," the Air Force said.

The service added that QUICKSINK "aims to develop a low-cost method of achieving torpedo-like seaworthy kills from the air at a much higher pace and over a much larger area than covered by a lumbering submarine."

In addition to B-2s dropping QUICKSINK bombs, a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet used a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRASM, to help sink the Tarawa. This relatively new weapon is a "precise, stealthy, and survivable cruise missile" that is capable of offensive anti-surface warfare, Third Fleet said.

The first SINKEX event, which involved the sinking of the decommissioned amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque, took place on July 11. Both the Tarawa and the Dubuque were sunk in 15,000-foot-deep water dozens of miles off the coast of Hawaii.

The SINKEXs included American, South Korean, Dutch, Australian, and Malaysian forces and were held during the Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024, the world's largest international maritime exercise.

Royal Netherlands Navy De Zeven Provincien-class frigate HNLMS Tromp fires a Harpoon missile during a long-planned live-fire sinking exercise as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. Royal Netherlands Navy photo by Cristian Schrik

"Sinking exercises give us a chance to sharpen our skills, learn from one another, and get real-world experience," said US Navy Vice Adm. John Wade, the RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force Commander.

"Using advanced weapons and seeing the professionalism of our teams during these drills shows our commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and open," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Beginning in January 2023, it seemed like Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stock went straight up for almost 18 months. There was good reason for that as investors piled in to the company that has become the face of a dramatically increasing artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

But no stock goes straight up forever, and valuation still matters. A correction in the stock was inevitable and finally occurred over the last month. Nvidia shares recently traded as much as 13% below the closing record high set on June 18. And buying quality stocks in periods of corrections or bear markets is one of the best ways to generate market-beating returns.

Invest when others are fearful

The recent pullback isn't the first time Nvidia investors dragged the stock lower by taking profits. In the second half of 2022, Nvidia's sales plunged nearly 20% compared to the prior-year period as chip demand from gaming and cryptocurrency-mining users crashed. That helped lead to a sell-off that knocked Nvidia shares down by more than half in 2022.

Those sellers missed out on what would become an epic stock price run with gains of nearly 750% since the start of 2023. That's because Nvidia kept innovating. Sales to its data-center customers exploded as generative AI gained prominence, and the company's gaming sales rebounded.

A more recent hiccup for Nvidia's sales has been government restrictions applied to advanced chips being sold to China. But recent reports say that Nvidia is getting ready to offer a new chip for sale to China that conforms to current trading rules.

A new AI chip for the Chinese market that adheres to U.S. export controls would be just one more catalyst for Nvidia's sales, and potentially share price, to rise. That's why it's a good idea to take advantage of the recent price drop. As Warren Buffett famously said of his investing philosophy, "we simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful." The recent correction shows that some Nvidia investors are fearful right now.

Reasons to be greedy with Nvidia

In addition to the anticipated rebound in Nvidia's China sales, its domestic data center sales should also provide future catalysts. The main driver to boost sales will be its next-generation Blackwell platform for the growing data center market. Nvidia has said it will introduce new chips on an annual cadence. But the newest technology chips should actually be incremental income, rather than a replacement of existing income.

One bit of evidence was the recent second-quarter report from Taiwan Semiconductor. The manufacturer of high-end AI chips for Nvidia said that demand remains strong and supply continues to be tight. That bodes well for continued growth in Nvidia's sales.

Story continues

Nvidia AI training servers. Image source: Nvidia.

Nvidia's business plan is also helping to increase demand. The company has already built a dominant position supplying chips to train AI models. It has also begun an annual cadence of new, higher-perfomance offerings beginning with next year's Blackwell graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI server-infrastructure systems. Its biggest customers will likely continue to upgrade with Nvidia's newest products.

But don't forget that smaller companies still struggling to obtain Nvidia's existing H100 GPUs remain in the queue. KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst John Vinh summed it up well in a recent research note, stating: "Despite the impending launch of Blackwell in 2H24 [second half of 2024], we are not seeing any signs of a demand pause as demand for H100 remains robust, as we continue to see rush orders."

What to watch for next

Nvidia is expected to update investors with its next quarterly financial report on Aug. 28. If it confirms the continued strong-demand picture by outpacing expectations yet again, it would likely boost the share price.

But Nvidia's stellar results have continued to build investor expectations, some of which are already priced into the stock. Nvidia's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is hovering above an already high five-year average. That high valuation will likely continue if the company's sales continue to soar. But investors should be prepared for another correction if the company reports any stumbles to that growth.

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US looking to bolster Philippines' ability to operate in its waters

FILE PHOTO: Members of the Philippine Coast Guard stand alert as a Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocks their way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea

By Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is looking to bolster the capabilities of the Philippines to operate lawfully in its waters, a senior White House official said on Wednesday, ahead of a meeting of defense and foreign ministers of the two countries.

The senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, meanwhile, welcomed a recent agreement between the Philippines and China to ease tensions in their dispute in the South China Sea, but said the key would be implementation.

The Philippines, a U.S., ally, and China, the main U.S. rival in the Indo-Pacific, have sparred repeatedly at sea this past year, but Manila said this week the two sides had reached a "provisional arrangement" to ease tensions and manage differences.

"We've welcomed the diplomacy that they've conducted," Kritenbrink told the American Enterprise Institute think-tank in reference to Manila. "I think the focus will be on implementation. We're all watching very carefully."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be in Asia this week and next to reassure allies and partners of U.S. support at a time when the November U.S. presidential election casts uncertainty over Washington's foreign policy.

They are expected in Manila for talks with their Philippines counterparts and with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Monday and Tuesday.

Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director for East Asia at the White House National Security Council, told the think-tank event that Washington was looking to boost practical support for Manila.

"What we are looking to do across the board ... is to bolster our Philippine ally's capabilities and abilities to continue to operate lawfully in its waters and just stand up to the types of challenges that has faced in recent months."

Ely Ratner, the senior Pentagon official for the Indo-Pacific region, said the U.S. was "on track to engage in some unprecedented support for the modernization of the ... armed forces of the Philippines."

He said the two sides would discuss a security assistance road map and added that they were now in a position to expand discussions about the use of four new military locations to which the U.S. has gained access under their 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

He said "some historic announcements" were being prepared about U.S. support for the Philippines, but did not elaborate.

Three of the new EDCA sites face north towards democratically governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory, and the other is near the Spratly Islands, which China also claims, in dispute with several other countries, including the Philippines.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina and Idrees Ali; editing by Mark Porter and Mark Heinrich)
US reality show contestant kills and eats protected bird in New Zealand

A reality show contestant who killed and ate a protected bird has been let off with a warning after New Zealand wildlife officials said cast members were tired, hungry and placed in a unique situation.

Spencer Corry Jones, an American white water river guide, killed and ate the large, flightless weka during filming of Race to Survive: New Zealand last fall, CNN affiliate RNZ reported Tuesday.

The weka, named on the International Union for Conservation of Natures red list of threatened species, is protected in mainland New Zealand, where the penalty for killing one is a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of nearly $60,000.

Race to Survive pits nine teams of two contestants in a 150-mile race across New Zealands harsh terrain, in which they must find their own food and water to compete for a $500,000 prize, according to USA Network, which airs the show.

In a clip from the show, Jones apologizes and says he knew eating the weka was against the law, but he was desperate and hungry, RNZ reported.

Jones and his teammate Oliver Dev were disqualified after the incident.

CNN has reached out to Jones for comment.

New Zealands Department of Conservation said following an investigation it had issued written warnings to Jones and the shows producers  but stopped short of tougher action.

The unique set of circumstances  cast members were fatigued and suffering from significant hunger, in an unusual group dynamic situation  meant we felt a warning letter was prudent, said Dylan Swain, the departments team lead for investigations.

Nonetheless, killing and eating a native protected species in this matter is unacceptable and the company is on notice about the need for its program participants to adhere to conservation legislation.

Spencer "Corry" Jones, seen on episode 205 of the competition show "Race to Survive: New Zealand." - Brian Finestone/USA Network/Getty Images

The weka has a famously feisty and curious personality, according to the department, and is known for its loud coo-et call, which is presented as a duet, with the male taking on the lower, slower part.

Weka are usually heard, not seen, the department says on its website.

Once widespread, its populations now fluctuate depending on food conditions, which had led to the birds legal protection in mainland New Zealand. The harvest of weka is legal on some of the countrys surrounding islands.

Swain said the producers of Race to Survive had a permit to film on public conservation land and were aware that protected species and plants could not be harvested or eaten.

In a statement, Race to Survive production said it alerted authorities as soon as they became aware of the weka incident.

Contestants were all thoroughly briefed ahead of time, and reminded throughout the competition, of all of New Zealands wildlife rules and guidelines, its statement said.

It was determined that a contestant did in fact violate a rule, so appropriate action was taken, and the team was disqualified from the competition.

Jones and Dev were favored to win before they were pulled off the course, according to USA Network.

New Zealand has a plethora of unique flora and fauna due to its long geological isolation from the supercontinent Gondwana, according to independent conservation organization Forest and Bird.

This long isolation and the absence of mammalian predators means many native species are defenseless against attack  including flightless birds like the weka.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Utah man who was suspected of assaulting his wife in Summit County was arrested in Montana on Tuesday morning.

Officials were first informed about the alleged assault just after noon Monday, when a man reported an assault that had taken place at his parents home, according to a press release from the Summit County Sheriffs Office.

READ NEXT: Retired sheriffs deputy arrested after investigation into abuse of minors spanning decades

When officials arrived on the scene, they found an elderly woman who had been violently assaulted and needed immediate medical attention, the release said. The woman was taken to the hospital by helicopter after the incident.

Investigators quickly discovered that the perpetrator of the aggravated assault was the victims husband, the release said.

The woman was not able to report the assault immediately after because of her incapacitating injuries, according to the sheriffs office. Because she was unable to report it right away, her husband was able to leave the scene before deputies arrived, the sheriffs office said.

The suspect was tracked by investigators who used bank transaction information and license plate recognition technology. Agencies in Utah and its neighboring states were advised to be on the lookout for the suspect and his vehicle.

Investigators learned that the suspect likely traveled through Idaho and may have been heading towards Montana, according to the release.

The suspect was located and taken into custody by Montana law enforcement around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday after he reportedly attempted to flee from Montana authorities.

A Utah court issued an arrest warrant and the Summit County Sheriffs Office said it was working with authorities in Montana to arrange the transportation of the suspect back to Utah.

Officials later released the identity of the suspect, but ABC4.com is not naming him to protect the victims identity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Representative Ilhan Omar tore into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesdayand her colleagues decision to invite him to speak to Congress.

It is utterly immoral and cruel to the millions of lives impacted by [Netanyahus] catastrophic actions to platform him, let alone give him the honor of addressing Congress, she wrote in a statement ahead of Netanyahus speech. He is a war criminal who is actively committing genocide against the Palestinian people while putting the lives of the hostages and the stability of the region in jeopardy. I fully agree with the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice that he should be held accountable for his crimes, not addressing Congress.

Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are now responsible for the murder of over 38,000 and injuring over 88,000, she added.



Omar is one of dozens of members of Congress boycotting Netanyahus speech on Wednesday, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and at least one MAGA Republican.



In her place, she has offered her ticket to family members of an American hostage held in Gaza.
In the Spotlight is a Fresno Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@fresnobee.com.

When a Valley Childrens Healthcare nurse claimed in a lawsuit that the nonprofits compensation policy caused her and others to make less than minimum wage, Fresno city attorney Andrew Janz decided to investigate it as a potential case of wage theft.

A new state law gives city attorneys (and other local public prosecutors) the power to investigate and prosecute wage theft claims within their jurisdictions. Fresno City Council legislation in April also gave Janz the power to subpoena documents and witnesses he needs to investigate and enforce local, state and federal laws.

Janz, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2020, said last month that his office received the civil lawsuit, filed by registered nurse Bonnie Ferreria in adjacent Madera County. He also said that our investigation is ongoing, referring to a probe into whether Madera County-based Valley Childrens committed wage theft at any of its Fresno facilities.

Ferrerias complaint alleges that Valley Childrens pays employees an hourly rate of $6-$8 while they are on-call but not physically at work. When employees are called back to the hospital, another rate applies, and they often forfeit their $6-$8 on-call earnings, resulting in employees making less than the minimum wage for their shifts, according to the complaint.

With the investigation and potential prosecution, Janz has injected himself into an ongoing public conversation about Valley Childrens finances and its level of executive and staff compensation. Janz technically works for the Fresno City Council and some members of that elected body have been highly critical of Valley Childrens stance on executive pay, even calling for a state investigation into the Madera nonprofits finances.

Janzs investigation is the first by his office since the expansion of his investigative powers, and might be the first of its kind in the state.

Its a good test case to see the (state) law actually applied by local jurisdictions, Bay Area labor attorney Christian Schreiber, who is familiar with the new law, said in an interview with The Fresno Bee.

Lawmakers say that they passed the new law because claims of wage theft filed with the California Labor Commissioners Office can languish because the office is underfunded, understaffed and overworked. After the passage of the new law, effective Jan. 1, Janzs office received a $720,000 state grant in May to help combat wage theft. The citys Wage Theft Protection Program will be launching Aug. 1 with a new website where community members can file complaints.

Janzs office declined to comment for this report. Valley Childrens spokesperson Zara Arboleda also declined comment about the city attorneys investigation. Last month, she provided a written comment about the civil lawsuit: Valley Childrens Hospital strongly denies all allegations in the lawsuit and will defend itself against the claims in the litigation.

For years, Valley Childrens has consistently gained recognition as a top-tier healthcare provider and is one that serves a large number of patients who are beneficiaries of Medi-Cal across a 12-county service area. Ferrerias complaint came amid months of scrutiny  from community members and Fresno city councilmembers  of the multi-billion-dollar nonprofits executive pay, especially for CEO Todd Suntrapak, who received an annual compensation of more than $5 million in 2021 and 2022. His compensation in 2022 was the third-highest in the nation for childrens hospital CEOs, despite Valley Childrens ranking as 16th largest in bed count.

Suntrapak also received a $5 million forgivable home loan from Valley Childrens that year. Monterey County property records show he purchased an additional home in the beach town of Carmel-By-The-Sea for $6.5 million in 2022, but its uncertain whether he used the loan to buy the house. Five other Valley Childrens executives were compensated more than $1 million that year.

Among the criticisms of the hospital earlier this year was the relatively low pay rates for its nurses in comparison to the average pay rate for other Fresno-area nurses, who also make less than their counterparts in other parts of the Central Valley, according to federal wage data and online job listing aggregator Indeed.

Suntrapak has declined to speak with The Bee since criticism of his pay and perks became the subject of news coverage in March. But in an interview with ABC 30 in early June, he called nursing wages fluid and said we recently made an adjustment to our nursing salaries that puts our nursing salaries on par with anybody else in the area.

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce in February criticized the proposal to give Janz the power to investigate claims of wage theft. The criticism came in response to the City Council unanimously giving Janz the new power to investigate. Californias business chamber argued against the state law when it was moving through the legislature, arguing that it would lead to irregular outcomes in enforcement because different local governments would have different ideas about who to investigate and prosecute, and how to go about it.

Fresno city councilmembers assured critics that the city would not look for new cases to prosecute and only go after the most obvious violations of the labor code, citing the failed Bitwise Industries as an example of an egregious case. Its unclear whether Ferreria, who filed her lawsuit in Madera County, worked at one of the nonprofits Fresno facilities, or if the simple question of wage theft at Valley Childrens in Madera was enough for Janz to decide to investigate Valley Childrens operations in Fresno.

An employee of Fresno-based Saint Agnes Medical Center filed a lawsuit against the hospital in Merced County that mirrors some of Ferrerias allegations. But Janz has not publicly announced an investigation into Saint Agnes at its Fresno facilities.

The law that empowers Janz to investigate and prosecute wage theft also allows him to do it independently of any outcome from individual employee lawsuits against employers. Ferrerias complaint aims for class action status, but that has not yet been authorized by a judge in Madera County.

If you have an employee who makes the allegation, they have a private interest in the outcome of the case and it may result in a payment through a settlement agreement with the employer, said Schreiber, the Bay Area labor attorney. The city attorney is enforcing the law on behalf of the people.

In his announcement last month, Janz said his office will be forwarding the complaint to the state Labor Commissioner if, after his investigation, he finds he does not have jurisdiction.

But if Janzs office finds wage theft was committed in Fresno, it is no longer a question of jurisdiction, said Dan Gildor, a labor attorney with Valerian Law, based in the Bay Area.

Its (the city attorneys) ability now to go and enforce the laws within their jurisdiction, Gildor said. Its just a question of whether thats something that they want to do: Help the citizens of their municipality to combat this statewide problem.

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I was born in 1946 and raised in a Black coal mining family at the foot of Black Mountain, Kentuckys highest peak, in Harlan County. From its summit, during my frequent hikes as a teenager, I could see  looking to the northwest  the ridges of Breathitt County, the ancestral homeland of JD Vance. Vance came to my attention with his 2016-published best seller, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," the most derogatory and uncomplimentary stereotype of people from the Appalachian Region that I ever read.

Vances memoire advanced the viewpoint that economic policies had abandoned the white middle class and tricked poor whites into learned helplessness; the narrative became the spinal column of the catchphrase Make America Great Again. "Hillbilly Elegy" was seized up by filmmaker Ron Howard onto the silver screen four years ago, with Oscar-nominated Glenn Close playing the role of his Appalachian-typecast Mamaw; and before the world could say Apple-lay-cha, not Apple-at-cha, as we natives pronounce it, Vance was swiftly catapulted to a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2022 and on to his recent selection as the 2024 Republican vice presidential candidate.

Bill Turner with his mother, Naomi, in 1987.

While "Hillbilly Elegy" put Vance on the map, he was elevated onto the national political mountaintop by Peter Theil, the billionaire cofounder of PayPal and extreme right-wing activist with deep ties to another tech oligarch, Elon Musk. Even though Vance referred to Donald Trump in 2016 as an irrepressible idiot and Americas Hitler, \Theil took him to Mar-a-Lago and got Trump to endorse Vance for the 2022 Ohio Senate race. Elon Musk pledged $45 million a month in support of Trump when Vance was announced as his choice for vice president.

My ties to Appalachia are as strong as JD Vance's

My mother was born a century ago into a coal mining family in Harlan County and my grandfathers, father, four uncles and oldest brother worked as coal miners in Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia, overlapping, from the time of Reconstruction through the mid-1990s. By the time that the mechanization of coal mining was almost complete in the middle of the 20th century, thousands of families  like Vances and mine  had left Central Appalachia for the Midwest, to what came to be called the Rust Belt, by the time Vance was born (1984). They migrated to cities such as Columbus, Cleveland and Dayton, where much of the Black working class populated the hyper ghettos. As most who write about Appalachia, Vance had virtually nothing to say in "Hillbilly Elegy" about the color of the canaries in coal mines or how Black workers were the last hired and first fired in the American manufacturing spaces.

Gerth: Mitch McConnell's response to Biden withdrawal shows he's lost any grace he ever had

Surely, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (also an up-from-poverty Yale Law School grad with mega-wealthy friends) delights in the choice of Vance as vice president, what with the similarity of their journeys and political views. In 1980, Thomas, Black, while seeking the endorsement of conservatives, described his sister as dependent on welfare and accused her of making her children feel entitled to welfare payments instead of being motivated to work. Vance laid the failure to succeed on the part of working-class whites to their own individual decisions and hillbilly culture; since, as white people, they should have achieved the American Dream, just as he, a Yale Law School grad; but instead, many  like his drug-addicted mother  chose other paths. In Faustian fashion, both sold out and betrayed their own kind, their kin and relations.

In "Hillbilly Elegy," Vance quite effectively hit a nerve among those who, by the election of 2020, were so openly disgruntled and so ideologically disaffected that they rallied, violently, at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Working-class whites  framed by Vance as victims of neo-liberal woke-ness, political correctness and displacement by immigrants  had no better choice to regain their loss status than to zealously support policies that would Make America Great Again, which required the rewriting  and ignoring  of American history. Vance deserves a Pulitzer for his role in this process.

Jennifer Senior, in her review, "'Hillbilly Elegy: A Tough Love Analysis of the Poor who Back Trump," (New York Times: August 10, 2016) glorified Vances working class bona fides: his ancestors and kin were sharecroppers, coal miners, machinists, millworkers  all low paying, body-wearying occupations that over the years have vanished or offered diminished security. In "The Harlan Renaissance," I wrote, were it not for the Black underclass, Mr. Vances working-class whites would have had a label much more pejorative than 'Hillbilly,' and the book might well have been subtitled: 'Thank God for Black People in America!'"

Black Appalachians are forgotten

There is one standard of analysis that explains the condition and treatment of the Black working class, and another for economically marginalized white people. The fact that Vance hardly mentions the experience of Black Appalachians in "Hillbilly Elegy" shows that he sees racial discrimination as both understandable, normal and even to be expected. But when the same economic inequality and attendant insecurity applies to white people, even those making the wrong choices, the narrative becomes incomprehensible and perceived as an unendurable and existential threat of the first order. Mr. Vance says, essentially, This just should not happen to white people in America.

Many voters agree with Mr. Vance, no matter how cynical the logic or whether a Trump/Vance victory in November will darken the America which President Ronald Reagan described as the "shining city on the hill," like Black Mountain on a moonless midnight. We'll see.

William H Turner, PhD

Bill Turner, Ph.D. who as a University of Kentucky student spoke to a packed Memorial Coliseum the night after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, went on to become a prominent historian, professor and university administrator.

Agree or Disagree? Submit your letter to the editor here.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' excludes Black Appalachians like me
VCSO identifies man who brandished item similar to a bow at deputies before being shot

The Ventura County Sheriffs Office has identified the man deputies shot in June after he allegedly brandished an item that looked similar to a bow at them.

According to a VCSO release updated Wednesday morning, deputies responded to Avenida de Los Arboles east of Erbes Road around 6:50 a.m. on June 30.

A post to X indicates they were dispatched on reports of a suspicious pedestrian.

The incident began when deputies made contact with a 37-year-old man who was observed holding a knife, stated the Sheriffs Offices original press release, issued the afternoon of the shooting. During the contact, the man advanced towards one of the deputies in a threatening manner with another device that appeared to be a bow and arrow.

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriffs Office responding to reports of a suspicious pedestrian in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

After failing to comply with commands to drop his weapons and continuing to aggressively approach deputies, at least one deputy opened fire, VCSO said. The man, later identified as Adan Perez Hernandez, was struck by gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but survived the shooting.

Deputies: Man found in tent in empty field was dead for several days

Deputies recovered a knife and another item that looked similar to a bow after the shooting, officials added.

Video of the incident posted by the sheriffs office shows two deputies arriving at the scene and confronting Hernandez, who was armed with a knife and a homemade bow contraption.

He approached the first responding deputy while he was still in his cruiser, according to a still image from the video. Upon the second deputy arriving, Hernandez went to approach him, still wielding the weapons.

The deputy involved in the shooting could be heard yelling at Hernandez multiple times to get down before opening fire.

Hernandez, now 38, was arrested and booked on Tuesday on a felony warrant for brandishing a deadly weapon at an officer. He is also facing one count of resisting an officer.

A suspect, later identified as Adan Hernandez, approached deputies with a homemade bow on June 30, 2024 in Thousand Oaks, CA. (VCSO)

A suspect, later identified as Adan Hernandez, approached deputies with a homemade bow on June 30, 2024 in Thousand Oaks, CA. (VCSO)

The handmade bow that was brandished by a suspect before a deputy-involved shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

A knife that was brandished by a suspect before a deputy-involved shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

A knife that was brandished by a suspect before a deputy-involved shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA, on June 30, 2024. (VCSO)

A suspect, later identified as Adan Hernandez, approached deputies with a homemade bow on June 30, 2024 in Thousand Oaks, CA. (VCSO)

Inmate search records indicate Hernandez was born in Guatemala and is being held on $50,000 bail at the Todd Road Jail in Santa Paula.

His first court appearance was Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., VCSO said.

Anyone with information surrounding the incident is asked to contact Detective Gerardo Cruz by calling 805-384-4726.

Long Beach teen fatally shoots man in victims garage, police say

The Ventura County Sheriffs Office will conduct an internal review to determine whether the deputies actions were lawful and within policy.

In addition, the Ventura County District Attorneys Office will conduct an independent investigation into the deputy-involved shooting to determine if the use of force was legally justified.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Venezuelas dictator Nicolas Maduro may find it harder than expected to steal the July 28 elections. Although he has done it before, new developments could mess up his plans to rig the vote.

In recent days, a surprise statement from Brazils leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and the Brazilian presidents decision to send a high-level delegation to observe the voting, has put new pressure on Maduro to respect the election results.

Lula, who has in the past abstained from criticizing the Venezuelan dictatorship, said Monday that Maduro needs to respect the democratic process. He added that, when you lose, you go home and get ready to run in another election.

Brazil and several other Latin American countries are worried that a new wave of government repression and civil unrest in Venezuela could drive millions more of Venezuelans to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years.

The Brazilian delegations presence in Caracas on election day will be very important to help prevent a likely Maduro plan to rig the vote count, several opposition leaders told me. Brazils electoral observation group in Venezuela will be headed by top presidential foreign policy adviser and former foreign minister Celso Amorim.

Maduro would pay a very high political cost if the Brazilian government  which he cannot accuse of being a U.S.-lackey  concluded that he stole the election, Maduro critics say.

Lulas statement is hugely important, because Brazil is Latin Americas leader, and because Lula is the democratically-elected leader who has the most influence on Maduro, former Bolivian President Jorge Tuto Quiroga, who plans to travel to Caracas with a group of former presidents to observe the elections, told me. He added, Lulas declaration amounted to a subliminal offer of asylum to Maduro.

Lulas statement may be just the most recent of a string of surprise setbacks for Maduro, who had hoped to win his reelection for a third term by manipulating the electoral process. Among other things, he banned top opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from running, denied voting registrations to 4.5 million Venezuelans living abroad, virtually excluded opposition candidates from appearing on TV networks, and intimidated opposition activists.

Still, none of that seems to have worked for Maduro. Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who is backed by Machado, is leading in the polls by more than 20 points, according to recent separate surveys by the Datanalisis, Delphos, Consultores 21 and ORC polling firms.

Gonzalez Urrutia told me in a recent interview that, everything else having failed, Maduro may try to manipulate the vote count on election night. But that will be hard to do because the opposition will have poll watchers across the country, Gonzalez Urrutia said. My understanding is that we will have witnesses in 100% of the voting places, he told me.

The way in which Maduro may try to rig the vote on election night is by announcing shortly before the scheduled closing of the polls at 6 p.m. that there are long lines of people waiting to cast their ballots in several places, and extending the voting time for several hours, opposition leaders told me.

In the past, the Maduro regime used those night hours to stuff ballot boxes in remote areas with fake votes from people who are dead or living overseas.

To prevent that from happening, the opposition plans to have at least two observers with smart phones in every voting place, who will take pictures of the voting tallies and send them to three data centers located in Caracas, Madrid and Washington. The phones will be able to send the pictures via VPN in case the regime shuts down internet services.

The opposition has a very well-organized electoral observation system, Quiroga told me. Many people forget that Machado is an engineer who started out as an electoral data monitoring expert.

Of course, if he sees himself losing, Maduro may yet concoct an excuse to suspend the elections, or ban Gonzalez Urrutia shortly before the vote. But, as Gonzalez Urrutia told me, that would amount to an admission of defeat by Maduro.

Granted, Maduro reelected himself fraudulently in 2018, and may try to do it again. But the opposition has learned its lessons. Maduro may face the dilemma of admitting a defeat, or manipulating the results so shamelessly that even some of his biggest allies in the region wont be able to defend his charade.

Dont miss the Oppenheimer Presenta TV show on Sundays at 9 pm E.T. on CNN en Espanol. Blog: andresoppenheimer.com
Venezuela has no political prisoners, election should be peaceful, AG says

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab speaks to Reuters in an interview, in Caracas

By Vivian Sequera and Julia Symmes Cobb

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela does not prosecute people for their political opinions and holds no political prisoners, Attorney General Tarek Saab said ahead of presidential elections he says should be peaceful.

Campaigning for the presidential vote, where President Nicolas Maduro is seeking his third term amid notable support for opposition coalition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, has been marked by arrests of people connected to the opposition, accusations of conspiracy and warnings about possible fraud.

Advocacy groups estimate nearly 290 people are detained nationwide for political reasons, often on charges of terrorism or conspiracy.

"There are more than 300 people in jail, not for political motives, but for being involved in terrorist attacks," Saab told Reuters in an interview late on Tuesday in his high-rise Caracas office.

"We do not prosecute anyone - I'm the head of legal action - for their political opinion," Saab said.

The opposition has denounced the arrests and other moves by the authorities as efforts to harm its campaign and prevent a fair election.

The head of security for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was arrested last week and later released. Several dozen of Machado's allies have also been detained.

"People haven't been out to vote and they are already saying it's fraud," Saab said, adding Sunday's vote, in which some 21.3 million people are eligible to cast ballots, will be peaceful.

Prestigious election observers, including representatives of the Carter Center, will be watching, he said.

"The table is set for this to be a very special moment," Saab said. "I call for everything to occur in peace, for the environment to be an environment of respect, for the electoral results to be respected."

If the National Electoral Council (CNE) officially reports potential fraud, it will be investigated, Saab said, adding election fraud has not occurred for a quarter-century, since the socialist ruling party took power.

The opposition boycotted the 2018 presidential vote where Maduro, in power since 2013, won his second term. His victory that year is considered fraudulent by the United States and others.

Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March rejected Venezuela's appeal against the resumption of an investigation into alleged rights abuses by government officials.

"What do they have to investigate if the attorney general's office has done it," Saab said, adding 615 police officers and other state officials involved in abuses during anti-government protests in 2014 and 2017 have been convicted.

(Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Stephen Coates)
(Bloomberg) -- Venezuela agreed on a 20-year natural gas production and exploration deal with BP Plc and Trinidad, a hotly anticipated move to transform the South American nation into a major exporter of the fuel.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The accord with BP and Trinidads National Gas Co. will allow for production from the Cocuina gas field off the Venezuelan coast, the countrys Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea said Wednesday in a statement.

According to Venezuelas oil ministry, 25% of production will supply Trinidads petrochemical sector while the rest will feed the islands LNG export industry. The field will produce an estimated 400 million cubic feet per day.

International oil companies have been gradually moving back into Venezuela in recent years. Years of US sanctions had severely curtailed foreign investment in the country, which has South Americas biggest reserves of oil and natural gas. Earlier this year, Spains Repsol SA obtained a license from the US to keep operating in Venezuela, Chevron Corp. restarted drilling for oil in the country and Indian refiner Reliance Industries Ltd. secured approval to resume importing oil from Venezuela.

The accord comes less than a week before Venezuelans head to the polls for the countrys presidential election.

BPs deal for the field on Venezuela and Trinidads border follows talks announced early this year. BP has recently been more focused on expanding oil and gas production in familiar markets such as the Gulf of Mexico. A BP spokesperson declined to comment.

Prior studies show Venezuelas Manakin and Cocuina fields have one trillion cubic feet of gas reserves.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The St. Petersburg Oil Terminal in St. Petersburg. SOPA Images via Getty

Oil exports from Russia dropped to their lowest level in seven months.

Crude oil exports peaked in April and have fallen 620,000 barrels a day since.

Sanctions from Ukraine are diverting flows and adding to restrictions already in place.

Russian oil exports have dropped to the lowest levels since December.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that exports from Primorsk and Ust-Luga, two of the country's main ports, are down 41% in the last month and are on track to keep falling.

The decline comes as Russia moves to comply with cuts agreed to by the OPEC+ oil cartel. The country plans to cut production further in the coming months to make up for producing beyond its OPEC+ quota, sources told Bloomberg.

The Kremlin has generally complied with OPEC's guidance, and during a series of cuts in March, President Vladimir Putin backed the OPEC+'s efforts to maintain oil prices but voiced worries over losing market share to the US.

So far this year, Russian crude exports have fallen about 30,000 barrels a day from last year's average, and are down 620,000 barrels a day since peaking in April.

The drop in exports of Russian crude oil also comes amid recent sanctions from Ukraine against Russian oil supplier Lukoil, which has diverted some oil flows to European countries like Hungary and Slovakia. Pipes to these countries would need to pass through Ukraine, and exports could rise again as the company diverts flows.

Meanwhile, the UK recently sanctioned tankers that move oil from Russia, including some that are part of the country's "shadow fleet." Over 60 tankers that carry Russian crude are now sanctioned.

Those sanctions are driving refiners in some countries, like those in India, to refuse deliveries of Russian oil.

Sanctions on Russian energy are part of a larger effort to crimp the revenue needed to keep funding the war in Ukraine, and have escalated since the conflict began in 2022.

Russia contributed to about 12% of global crude oil production in 2023, making it the third biggest crude producer in the world, according to Statista.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FILE - Rick Gordon, of Plainfield, Vt., looks at what remains of Mill Street and an apartment building after remnants of Hurricane Beryl caused flooding and destruction, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Plainfield. On Wednesday, July 24, Vermont opened the first of four flood recovery centers while officials waited to find out whether the state qualifies for federal help through a disaster declaration. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

BERLIN, Vt. (AP)  Vermont on Wednesday opened the first of four flood recovery centers while officials waited to find out whether the state qualifies for federal help.

Many farmers and residents were hit by flooding two weeks ago from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. The flooding destroyed roads and bridges and inundated farms. It came exactly a year after a previous bout of severe flooding affected Vermont and several other states.

Gov. Phil Scott said at a media briefing that the Federal Emergency Management Agency was in Vermont assessing the damage and he expected a decision on whether the flooding qualified as a federal disaster by Saturday. He said last year's response from the federal government was unprecedented and swift.

This time around, FEMA is moving on a more traditional path, Scott said. So while it may seem like it's taking a while for damage to be assessed, it's important to remember it's only been two weeks since the storm. Now, I know for many, two weeks feels like a very, very long time.

He said the state was pressing ahead with its own efforts, including opening the recovery centers on a rotating basis in the towns of Barre, Plainfield, Lyndonville and Hinesburg. Plainfield was the first center to open on Wednesday. The centers are designed to serve as a one-stop shop, providing state-level assistance to those affected by the floods.

A federal disaster declaration could provide 75% reimbursement to communities repairing public infrastructure as well as some financial assistance to homeowners and renters for property losses.
STAUNTON  A woman who stole over $372,000 from her ailing father, then violated her bond by allegedly selling his truck to raise cash for an attorney, pleaded guilty last week in Augusta County Circuit Court.

Ashley E. Cook, 47, of Verona, was convicted on a charge of financial exploitation of a mentally incapacitated adult. Ten additional forgery charges were not prosecuted.

Cook was sentenced to eight years in prison with all but two months and 15 days of the sentence suspended, and she must pay restitution to her father's estate. After being incarcerated in May, she was credited with time served and released from Middle River Regional Jail on Thursday, July 18, following her guilty plea.

Augusta County Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Alexandra Meador said Cook had no prior criminal history before her conviction last week, and said Virginia's recommended sentencing guidelines in the case were low, resulting in little time behind bars.

"Her sentence is within the guidelines," Meador said. "We take the exploitation of vulnerable adults very seriously. If she does not meet her obligations to pay restitution, we will seek additional prison time."

Meador also noted it was an intrafamily issue, and said Cook was the legal heir to her father's estate and most likely still is. "He wasn't asking for her to be prosecuted," Meador said.

The prosecutor said Cook essentially granted herself an early inheritance through what she characterized as a legal misunderstanding. "It doesn't make it right, and that's why she's convicted of a felony," Meador said. "But it is categorically somewhat different from other types of cases."

Authorities first arrested Cook in March on the theft allegations after she was indicted by the Augusta County grand jury on the original 11 charges. She was allowed to remain free on a $5,000 bond.

But in May, Cook was jailed after allegedly re-titling her father's truck for about $20,000 and selling the vehicle at a local dealership to help raise cash to pay for her previous attorney, according to Augusta County Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Hanna Harris, who prosecuted the case.

"That money has been returned," Harris said last week in Augusta County Circuit Court.

Cook's father has cognitive issues. According to Harris, Cook used her father's money to make numerous purchases at Walmart, Amazon, Instacart, and clothing stores.

The thefts began in 2019, the Augusta County Sheriff's Office said, when Cook began transferring money from her father's bank account to hers. Cook also used her father's debit card and credit card to make purchases. Adult Protective Services reported Cook to the authorities.

Given a chance to address the court, Cook, who appeared on a television monitor from jail, declined to make a statement. Cook was represented by Brittney Leach of the Staunton Public Defender's Office, who said her client had expressed remorse.

A hearing will be held in six months to determine if Cook is making restitution payments.

More: One dead in Waynesboro shooting, suspect in custody

More: NAACP Staunton hosts 78th annual Freedom Fund Banquet

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Verona woman pleads guilty to stealing $372,000 from ailing father
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City police have identified a woman after her body was found in a parking lot on Thursday, July 18.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to a shooting near SE 44th St. and Shields Blvd. around 3:20 p.m. on July 18.

RELATED STORY: Police searching for answers after deadly shooting in SE Oklahoma City

Upon arrival, they discovered the body of 53-year-old Sabrina Johnson who appeared to have been shot to death.

Officials say it is unclear what led to the shooting and no arrests have been made. The incident happened at a busy time of day and investigators believe there may be witnesses they havent spoken to.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has joined 24 other states in filing an emergency motion asking the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to block the EPAs new power plant regulations.

Miyares stated in a release the new regulations will be burdensome on existing coal, natural gas and oil-fired power plants. The regulation would require fossil fuel power plants to either capture smokestack emissions or to shut down.

These new EPA regulations hinder American energy production, risking the reliability of our power grid and the livelihoods of countless workers, Miyares said. We are seeking relief from the Supreme Court to ensure that American energy needs are met without jeopardizing economic stability.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit declined to block the regulation on Friday, July 19.

US appeals court allows EPA rule on coal-fired power plants to remain in place amid legal challenges

More information on the SCOTUS filing can be found here.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Three people have been charged on suspicion of several car theft-related crimes involving 13 different thefts or attempted thefts all across California, following an investigation and arrests made by the Visalia Police Department.

Officials say the total value of all the vehicles stolen was over $600,000.

2 arrested after theft on train in Merced County

According to the criminal complaint released by the Office of Attorney General Rob Bonta, the suspects involved in several high-performance vehicle thefts were identified as Jesse Venegas, Nathan Olivas, and Christopher Anderson.

Officials say the thefts took place across the state, including El Dorado County, Kings County, San Benito County, Monterey County, Riverside County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Clara County and Tulare County. According to court documents, the defendants not only used social media to publicize their exploits but also as a resource to sell the stolen cars.

Court documents state that the defendants were contacted by police and nearly caught in several instances. It was in March 2024 when Visalia Police arrested Olivas and Venegas, finding an XTOOL key-programming device, a Dodge vehicle manual, and a license plate with the word guttahmob on it.

After Venegas and Olivas were released, law enforcement later recovered a stolen Dodge Charger several feet away from where Olivas and Venegas had been detained. Court documents show that Venegas allegedly messaged in a group chat [laughing emojis] they was 10 feet away from the scat.

The three defendants currently stand accused of 26 counts including conspiracy, vehicle theft, possession of stolen vehicle, vandalism, receipt of stolen property and operating a chop shop.

Charges were filed by the California Department of Justices Special Prosecutions Section, following an investigation and arrests conducted by the Visalia Police Department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Voting absentee in the Michigan primary? Here's how to make sure your ballot made it.

As the Aug. 6 primary election draws near, more than 1.5 million voters in Michigan have already requested an absentee ballot, according to recent figures issued by the Secretary of State's office.

Absentee voting allows voters to cast their ballots in multiple ways, instead of heading to the polls on Election Day. If you're considering voting absentee in the primary election, there's still time to request a ballot. Here's what you need to know about absentee voting in Michigan.

Track that ballot

Voters in Michigan who've already filled out and submitted an absentee ballot can track its status online to make sure their local clerk's office receives it before Election Day.

At the online Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote, voters can find a bevy of information, including the status of their absentee ballot. Once you've accessed the site, click on "Your voter information," enter in the relevant info and track if your local clerk has received your absentee ballot.

How to request an absentee ballot

If you would like to request an absentee ballot, there are multiple ways to do so in Michigan.

Absentee ballots can be requested online at michigan.gov/vote by filling out the online application and having your absentee ballot mailed to you. The online form must be submitted before 5 p.m. on the Friday ahead of Election Day.

You also can print out the application online and return the completed form to your local clerk's office. If you're unsure where your local clerk's office is, that can also be found at michigan.gov/vote.

Registered voters can also call their clerk's office and request an absentee ballot be mailed to them.

You can also visit your local clerk's office and request an absentee ballot in person up until 4 p.m. the day before an election.

Where can I return my absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots must be received by your local clerk's office by 8 p.m. Election Day, when polls close.

Absentee ballots can be mailed to your local clerk's office, hand-delivered to your local clerk or returned by placing it in a secure drop box. Drop box locations for your city, township or village can be found at michigan.gov/vote.

Within two weeks of Election Day, officials recommend returning absentee ballots in person to avoid any potential delays with the mail.

More: Who is and isn't on the August primary ballot

If I submitted my absentee ballot, can I still change my vote?

If you want to change your ballot  because a candidate has dropped out of their race or for another reason  you can spoil your absentee ballot.

Voters can spoil already submitted absentee ballots by submitting a written request to their local clerk's office. The request has to be signed and state whether the voter wants a new ballot mailed to him or her or if he or she will pick it up from the clerk's office in person. A request to spoil an absentee ballot that's already been returned must be submitted 5 p.m. on the second Friday before Election Day.

Voters who cast their ballot at an early voting site or their polling location cannot spoil their ballot.

What if I change my mind on voting absentee?

If you have received your absentee ballot but have not yet submitted it, the ballot can be spoiled at your local clerk's office up until 4 p.m. on the Monday before Election Day.

Voters can also surrender their absentee ballots in-person at their polling place on Election Day or an early voting site. If you've lost your ballot, or have not yet received it by Election Day, you can sign a statement at your polling place stating that the ballot was lost or destroyed and vote at the polls. An election worker will call the local clerk to verify that your absentee ballot has not been returned.

 Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? 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: Michigan absentee ballots: How to request, return, track status
Waiting for an organ transplant? How quickly you get one may depend on your race

Georgia resident Cleveland Holt says the treatment he received based on his race was anything but fair.

We put our trust into the medical system, and we expect to be treated fairly. I dont agree with race being involved, Holt said.

Holt told Channel 2 Action News that hes one of thousands of African Americans who received delayed kidney transplants because of the color of their skin.

My kidney function had bottomed out and I could not live without dialysis or a transplant, Holt said.

Diagnosed with kidney disease in 1999, he began dialysis in 2020.

While waiting for a transplant, Holt began researching and discovered race played a part in how hospitals determined how long patients waited to receive kidney transplants.

That had us, African Americans, going on at about a 16% longer wait time, he said.

The formula medical professionals use is called Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, or EGFR.

[HAVE A STORY FOR 2 INVESTIGATES? Submit a tip here]

It was established in the late 1990s.

The EGFR not only took into account a patients kidney function but also included race as a factor.

Holt said including race prolonged African Americans chances of getting on the list.

According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, that formula led to a systemic underestimation of kidney disease severity.

This delayed transplants years longer for thousands of black patients.

In Holts case, he says he should have been listed for a transplant five years earlier.

During that time, he developed heart issues and other complications from dialysis and was forced to retire.

I do believe I could have avoided some of the heart procedures, Holt said.

MORE STORIES FROM 2 INVESTIGATES:

According to the National Kidney Foundation, in 2020, decision-makers started looking at eliminating race from the EGFR kidney formula and other clinical formulas.

There was a movement in medicine, a broad movement, to get away from race-based calculations, said Joseph Vassalotti, chief medical officer with the National Kidney Foundation.

When a kidney was available for Holt, multiple hospitals told him the surgery was too risky because of his health.

Thats when his daughter stepped in to offer one of her kidneys and in March of this year, the Pittsburgh VA performed a successful transplant.

Hats off to my daughter because she saw it fit for her dad to receive the kidney, Holt said.

Dr. Roslyn Pitts-Clark told Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln that policies like these lead to distrust among people in the Black community when it comes to medical care.

However, she said it should not deter them from seeking it.

We have to remember doctors are not gods. Theyre individual people. They make mistakes and we have to be our own best advocate. That is the only way were going to get the medical care that we deserve, Pitts-Clark said.

Holt is now one of at least three Americans whove filed a federal lawsuit against multiple hospitals including Emory Healthcare Incorporated and the United Network of Organ sharing, claiming the race-based formula violated his civil rights and caused him serious damage.

In May, the OPTN reported more than 14,000 time modifications were completed for Black kidney transplant patients.

Emory Healthcare Incorporated said in a statement:

Emory Healthcare is compliant with the current UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) policy, which is determined on a national level, for organ allocation. We do not comment on pending litigation.

The OPTN has declined request for interviews to explain why action was not taken sooner. They cited ongoing litigation.

RELATED NEWS:
Aristotle Atlantic Partners, LLC, an investment advisor, released its Core Equity Strategy second quarter 2024 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the second quarter, the U.S. equity market reached a record high. Aristotle Atlantics Core Equity strategy returned 5.61% gross of fees (5.51% net of fees) in the quarter outperforming the S&P 500 Indexs 4.28% total return. The relative outperformance was due to security selection. Security selection in Information Technology and Health Care contributed the most to relative performance while Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary detracted. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2024.

Aristotle Atlantic Core Equity Strategy highlighted stocks like Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX), in the second quarter 2024 investor letter. Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX), with a market capitalization of $10.521 billion, designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies single-use medical devices. One-month return of Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) was 11.67%, and its shares lost 12.77% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 23, 2024, Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) stock closed at $223.37 per share.

Aristotle Atlantic Core Equity Strategy stated the following regarding Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

"We sold Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) given its below-peer revenue growth rates and seeming lack of participation in the broader pickup in health care utilization. Teleflex has struggled with recent acquisitions underperforming expectations, and the expected recovery in UroLift volumes remains elusive."

A doctor in their office, consulting with a patient about the benefits of the company's interventional urology products.

Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) is not on our list of 31 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) was held by 24 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the first quarter, compared to 20 in the previous quarter, according to our database. Teleflex Incorporateds (NYSE:TFX) total revenue in the first quarter was $737.8 million, a 3.8 % increase from Q1 2023. While we acknowledge the potential of Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Story continues

Conestoga Capital Advisors stated in its Q1 2024 quarterly report that although Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) beat revenue and earnings estimates in Q4 2023, investors were concerned about the company's declining operating margins. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2024 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.

READ NEXT: Michael Burry Is Selling These Stocks and A New Dawn Is Coming to US Stocks.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey .
All they want is accessible clean water: Customers express concerns over IL American Water rate hike at final forum

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois American Water is pushing for a $152 million dollar rate hike. Tuesday night, dozens of people gathered at a public forum in Champaign to voice their concerns.

Customers would see their monthly water bills rise a little more than $29 dollars starting next year. For some people who showed up at the forum, the request from Illinois American Water is simply unacceptable.

Illinois American Water, Citizens Utility Board at odds over rate hike

Were here to tell the ICC that they should say no to this ridiculous request, said Laura Lloyd.

Some in the crowd voiced their frustrations about the $152-million dollar proposal during public comment.

Truth be told, Im complaining about my water bill, but I can afford it, another person said. But I know that many people cant.

The Illinois Commerce Commission has until December to give a final ruling on the increase.

Members from the ICC, along with American Water, made up the front table.

Continuing to invest in improving and replacing our infrastructure is a critical component of this rate case, said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water.

Aqua files to raise water utility rates in Illinois

She said the reason behind the proposed hike boils down to the needs of the communities they serve.

The request for new rates reinforces Illinois American Waters commitment to strategically replace aging infrastructure, provide reliable service, enhance water quality, and comply with increasing environmental regulations, Losli added.

Groups like the Citizens Utility Board arent convinced.

All they want is accessible clean water, Lloyd said. They have to have it. They have to pay for it. And youre asking them to add another $30 every single month and they arent seeing most of that benefit come back to them.

Among those in the crowd was Ivan Waterman from Livingston. He says the hike is simply too much for many in his community.

Decatur residents will increase in sewer rates soon

Years ago, Illinois American bought us out, Waterman said. The water department, our sewer department, and our utilities at that time was about $60 a month. Three and a half years later, were paying $110, $111.

This forum marks the third for the case. The other two were in Bolingbrook and Jerseyville. Lloyd said the sentiment carries state-wide.

In closing, I urge state regulators to say no to Illinois American Waters unjust and unreasonable rate hike request, Lloyd said.

Tuesday night was the final forum for the case. The process will move forward to administrative processes next before coming to a conclusion later this year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man died Tuesday after he was taken into custody on outstanding warrants, authorities said.

The Linn County Sheriffs Office said they spotted Jacob Reginald Bliss, 49, driving in Brownsville. According to officials, he was wanted for several outstanding warrants including probation violations and failing to appear in court on drug and gun charges.

Durkee Fire could see extreme behavior, growth in next 24 hours, officials say

When Bliss was found, authorities said he stopped his car and attempted to run on foot and deputies chased him over fences, across a creek, and through brush until eventually, he stopped running.

Officials said that within minutes of taking Bliss into custody, he complained about having trouble breathing and then collapsed.

Deputies said they attempted life-saving measures, but they were unsuccessful and Bliss died at the scene.

The incident is under investigation as the police department works to uncover the cause of death.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib protested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, displaying a sign reading War Criminal and Guilty of Genocide, as his countrys attack on Gaza has killed nearly 40,000 people.

Tlaib, who also wore a keffiyeh to the Congressional gallery, is the first and sole Palestinian-American member of Congress. In a statement, the congresswoman described the invite to Netanyahu as utterly disgraceful, urging her colleagues to cease funding to the Israeli military.

The series of Israeli military operations at the center of Tlaib's protest began after the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas, so far displacing more than two million Palestinians. The International Court of Justice ordered a cease on such operations in May, citing the Genocide Convention

I will never back down in speaking truth to power.



The apartheid government of Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. Palestinians will not be erased. Solidarity with all those outside of these walls in the streets protesting and exercising their right to dissent. pic.twitter.com/TSbbXdv13U  Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) July 24, 2024

While other congressional progressives opted to boycott the address, Tlaibs act of protest was coupled with another powerful statement in bringing Hani Almadhoun, an international aid worker who saw family members killed by Israel, as a guest to the address.

After witnessing his sister forced to eat animal feed, he and his family were determined to start a soup kitchen to feed their starving neighbors, Tlaib wrote of Almadhoun in a post to X. The Israeli apartheid regime is using starvation as a weapon of war, a war crime.

Tlaibs silent protest of the prime ministers invitation to D.C. came a day after Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned chamber members that attempts to disrupt the address would not be tolerated.

Tlaib, who has been outspoken in opposition to the Biden administrations enabling of Israeli military action in Gaza, has broken with her Democratic colleagues and fellow members of the squad in not yet endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Harris herself skipped out on presiding over the address.
Insights from The New York Times, The Guardian, The Jerusalem Post, and Human Rights Watch

The News

A World Health Organization warning about the possibility of a polio outbreak in Gaza comes as the territory is already battling with a mounting public health crisis.

Experts voiced worries about the security risks involved with launching an effective vaccination campaign as the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday that at least 39,145 people have been killed since the war began nine months ago.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Gaza already faces a public health emergency

Sources: The New York Times, UN Human Rights Office, Human Rights Watch

Gaza is already grappling with a public health emergency: More than 100,000 people have contracted acute jaundice syndrome, or suspected hepatitis A, and there are nearly a million cases of acute respiratory infections, The New York Times reported. The enclaves health care system was reasonably well functional before the war, a WHO representative said, but fewer than half of its facilities now remain operational, and more than 500 medical personnel had been killed as of late June, according to the UN Human Rights Office. Israeli attacks on hospitals and other medical facilities should be investigated as war crimes, Human Rights Watch argued in November.





Death tolls in Gaza continue to be controversial

Sources: The Lancet, Al Jazeera, The Jerusalem Post, France24, The Guardian

Non-peer reviewed correspondence published in the medical journal The Lancet in June argued a conservative estimate suggested that up to 186,000 deaths could be indirectly attributed to the conflict in the long term, partly due to the spread of disease. The letter made headlines: Al Jazeera reported it as a study, while right-leaning Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post argued its substance amounted to antisemitic blood libel, saying it had been granted a false aura of reliability by The Lancets platform. But the president of NGO Doctors of the World told France24 the estimate could be credible due to underestimates so far. Whats clear is that the continuing campaign of direct and indirect violence will have a toll far beyond the immediate catastrophe, The Guardians data editor wrote.

The war is having a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities

Sources: United Nations, The Guardian

In May, the UN warned that the conflict had disproportionate impacts on people with disabilities  women and children with disabilities are among 70% of civilians killed and 75% of those reportedly injured. Disabled Palestinians are struggling to flee the fighting, and those that do are packed into cars, carts, and minibuses and forced to leave vital medical equipment behind, the executive director of the National Rehabilitation Society in the Gaza Strip wrote in The Guardian. This equipment is unlikely to be replaced because Israel has restricted spare parts and batteries for assisted devices like wheelchairs on the basis they could be used for military purposes, leaving disabled people isolated, with no independence or sense of autonomy or dignity, he added.
A Washington County couple is facing charges after the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office shut down a DMT and THC manufacturing plant.

The Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation executed a search warrant Monday at Drew and Lauren Divelblisss home in Eighty Four, and found approximately $200,000 in illegal narcotics and $300,000 cash in vacuum-sealed bags, along with a series of rooms that housed the manufacturing operation, the attorney generals office said.

Among the narcotics found in the plant were 1,500 grams of DMT  a strong psychedelic with similar structure to Psilocybin mushrooms  valued at $150,000; 300 grams of THC shatter (valued at $45,000); Psilocybin mushrooms; hundreds of packages of THC edibles; and 10 pounds of marijuana.

The charges for the production of these illegal drugs, a serious offense, were made even more egregious by the presence of children in the home, said Captain James Curto, Director of the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division. The cooperation shown here between agencies underscores the commitment to protecting our communities and making the Commonwealth safer.

Two children were also inside the home, which contained dangerous chemicals.

This was a large-scale, highly-profitable manufacturing operation happening with two children at the home, which was essentially converted into a lab to produce illegal substances, Attorney General Henry said. A thorough investigation and great collaboration with law enforcement partners resulted in the shutdown of this production operation and intervention to protect the children.

Drew Divelbliss, 36, and Lauren Divelbliss, 40, are each charged with felony counts of possession with intent to deliver and two felony counts each of endangering the welfare of children. Bail was set at $250,000 apiece.

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3 teenagers stabbed in Beaver County overnight At least 10 vehicles stolen from throughout Pittsburgh overnight, police say Pittsburgh Police officer fired upon immediately while responding to 911 call, suspect shot VIDEO: Independence Township Volunteer Fire Department warns of man claiming to be sheik, asking for money DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
It seems life is giving one athleisure brand lemons when it comes to retail theft.

Over the past week, Washington, D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department arrested two separate people accused of stealing from Lululemon stores throughout the district.

More from Sourcing Journal

On July 20, members of the departments Robbery Suppression Unit arrested Charles Mitchell-Baynes, 30, of Northwest. Police said they stopped him after an alleged traffic violation, at which point they determined that Mitchell-Baynes allegedly had over $3,800 worth of Lululemon merchandise in his car, along with illegal substances.

According to the MPD, Mitchell-Baynes has been charged with a felony count of receiving stolen property.

Police said they found about $3,800 of Lululemon merchandise in Mitchell-Baynes car. Photo courtesy of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

On July 19, one day before Mitchell-Baynes arrest, MPD arrested Avante Demarco Greene, 23, of Northwest, for his alleged involvement in numerous retail theft cases against Lululemon. Police said they conducted a traffic stop on Demarco Greene, which resulted in his arrest.

Early Friday morning, Third District nightlife officers were on patrol and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle wanted in numerous retail theft cases. During the traffic stop, the officers determined that the driver matched a picture of a suspect connected to the thefts at Lululemon, the department said in a release.

Police charged Demarco Greene with three counts of first-degree theft, alleging that, on three different occasionsJuly 10, July 12 and July 16he stole more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from Lululemons stores.

Police reports shared with Sourcing Journal by MPD show that Lululemon reported the retail theft incidents that occurred on each of those days.

The report for the July 10 incident shows Lululemon reported miscellaneous mens shorts and T-shirts in multiple colors stolen, declaring a value of $5,350. The report for the July 12 incident shows that the company reported 227 units of multi-colored pants, leggings and T-shirts as stolen, with a declared value of $20,000. And the report for the July 16 incident shows Lululemon reported 268 units of assorted merchandise items as stolen, with a declared value of $11,204. In the reports for the July 12 and July 16 incidents, officers stated that Lululemon said there were multiple suspects.

Last week, Lululemon announced it would close its store on 14th Street in D.C. on July 21. The company did not return Sourcing Journals request for comment on whether retail theft had anything to do with the closure of the store.

Neither of the two stores listed in polices account of Demarco Greenes alleged thefts is the one that Lululemon closed on July 21; his alleged involvement took place at Lululemons stores on F Street, Northwest and M Street, Northwest.

However, Lululemon has been the victim of a number of retail crime incidents over the past several months in Washington, D.C.

In December, the company closed its Navy Yard store abruptly about two weeks after an armed robbery at the store. Neither MPD nor the company stated at the time whether the closure was linked to retail crime.

The nations capital isnt the only place Lululemon has been having issues with retail theft.

According to the police department in Lake Forest, Ill., a Lululemon store in the town has seen six retail theft incidents over the past three months. On July 12, the date of one of those six incidents, police arrested two suspects they allegedly found with about $3,000 of stolen merchandise and charged both the women with Class 3 felonies.

This year, police have also arrested suspects accused of participating in organized retail crimes that included Lululemon in both Philadelphia and Bellevue, Wa.

Lululemon did not return Sourcing Journals request for comment on how retail crime affects its operations and customers.
OLYMPIA  The Washington state Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) has invested in a large-scale campaign to highlight the safety and security of the states vote-by-mail process ahead of Washingtons August primary and November general election. Created with agency partner Happylucky, the campaign uses stylized, rooted-in-place imagery and animation to promote the integrity of a process that has enabled accessible and secure voting throughout Washington for more than a decade. This campaigns positive messaging helps all Washington voters understand how vote-by-mail works, celebrate their democratic rights, and encourage participation.

Washingtonians should know our elections are conducted securely and transparently by trained and dedicated election officials, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. These elections administrators, in every county, are our neighbors and deserve our trust. By partnering with Happylucky, we can inform voters statewide of the safe, secure, and transparent processes we use to conduct every election.

Although a survey conducted in 2022 found a majority of Washington voters trust the states vote-by-mail system, falsehoods about its security persist, particularly in state and national elections. The public awareness campaign by OSOS and Happylucky provides an uplifting, straightforward approach to reach audiences where their confidence is fostered: within their local communities.

The campaign utilizes traditional and digital channels plus community-based partnerships with an additional focus on rural, historically marginalized, and entry-level voters. Copy and imagery directly connect to slices of home, leaning into whimsy and humor, with versions provided in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. A newly created animated character, Mark the Ballot, leads the campaign, spreading information and enthusiasm to voters by showing the journey of a ballot, providing education on how voter rolls are updated, and sharing Washingtons history as the second state to adopt vote-by-mail.

Our goal was to imagine a vibrant world where the ballot springs to life, infused with a generous dose of eccentricity for an edutainment approach, said Guy Cappiccie, associate creative director at Happylucky. Its about making civic engagement feel less like a duty and more like a collective journey.

OSOS invested $1.8 million in the campaign, as part of its critical role to deliver accurate elections information statewide. The campaign is live across media platforms today after its social media-only launch in March. Further elections information for voters can be found on the OSOS website at sos.wa.gov/elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, in his first speech to members since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza.

Netanyahus address comes at a critical moment in the war as the Biden administration has exerted pressure on negotiators to reach a cease-fire deal. The death toll in Gaza has reached over 30,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, and around 100 Israelis are still being held captive.

The speech also comes at a chaotic time in U.S. domestic politics, with President Joe Biden withdrawing his candidacy for the 2024 election, and passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Protestors from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups have already gathered in droves in Washington D.C. ahead of Netanyahus arrival and address.

What time is the address?

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the joint session of Congress on Wednesday at 2 pm ET.

Is it streaming?

Yes you can watch the address in the YouTube video above. It will also be carried on major cable news networks.

What to expect

Prior to his departure for the U.S. visit, Netanyahu said he planned to emphasize the importance of bipartisan support for Israel, in his address. I will address our friends on both sides of the map and tell them that regardless of who will be chosen to lead the American people after the presidential elections, Israel is the most important ally of the United States in the Middle East, an irreplaceable ally, the Israeli Prime Minister said.

I think that in this time of war and uncertainty, it is of utmost importance that our enemies know that the US and Israel stand together  today, tomorrow and forever, he added.

Who wont be in attendance?

As Vice President, Harris customarily would preside over a joint session of Congress, however, she will not attend Wednesdays address, instead embarking on the campaign trail. Harris is expected to meet separately with Netanyahu during his visit to Washington this week. JD Vance, Donald Trumps newly minted running-mate is also not expected to attend the address.

More than two dozen Democratic members of Congress have opted not to attend Netanyahus speech, exemplifying the deep party divisions on Israels conduct of the ongoing war in Gaza. Among those who will be absent include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, James Clyburn, Elizabeth Warren, Dick Durbin, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other members of the squad.

The post How to Watch Benjamin Netanyahus Address to Congress appeared first on TheWrap.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Pro-Palestine protesters have been demonstrating for the past 48 hours in the District, flooding the streets Wednesday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress.

The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) began pepper-spraying and arresting some demonstrators in the early afternoon, officials said in a post.

The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line, USCP wrote in a post on X shortly before 2 p.m.

They arrested six protesters who had entered the House Gallery and disrupted the address.

Protests continue in DC, causing additional road closures day of Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress

Shortly after 3 p.m., a bulk of the protesters made their way to Union Stations Columbus Circle and removed the American flag, replacing it with the Palestinian flag.

(Leonard N. Fleming/DC News Now)

The U.S. Park Police said in a post on X at 3:17 p.m. A crowd in Columbus Circle is engaged in criminal activity and confronting law enforcement on scene. USPP is attempting to deescalate and contact the event organizer for help.

They advised members of the public to avoid the area.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said officers arrested a 15-year-old boy at around 3:20 p.m. for Assault on a Police Officer.

After protesters burned a flag at Union Station, the U.S. Park Police announced it was revoking the permit for Columbus Circle.

The Associated Press reported that at least four protesters were handcuffed and taken away by police. One person grabbed at a police officers riot shield. An officer was seen grabbing a Palestinian flag from a woman and tossing it aside.

Thousands fill Washingtons streets to protest Israels war in Gaza during Netanyahu visit

Union Station closed down several entrances and limited access to the station to only ticketed Amtrak or VRE passengers. Metrorail operations continued as usual.

Dozens of police officers were stationed around the perimeter of the station for several hours Wednesday afternoon, some wearing riot gear, carrying batons and wearing face shields.

Its kind of weird to see all of the officers sitting out here. You can hardly even tell its a train station right now, said one person traveling from D.C. to Pennsylvania.

At 4 p.m., MPD said it arrested three men for Assaulting a Police Officer and Crossing a Police Line. They were 32, 24 and 23 years old.

The crowd dispersed by 6:45 p.m., according to the U.S. Park Police.

For a list of rolling road closures and safety updates, click here.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, as a number of Democrats criticize his trip to Washington and call for an end to the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu will speak just days after President Biden, who has had a fraught relationship with the Israeli leader, announced he will not seek reelection. The two leaders plan to meet Thursday.

The speech before Congress is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. EDT.

Watch the video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- ServiceNow Inc. said President CJ Desai is leaving the company after an investigation uncovered policy violations related to a government contract and the hiring of a former US Army official.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Desai, one of the software makers most prominent executives who also serves as chief operating officer, resigned from all positions within the company effective immediately, ServiceNow said Wednesday in a statement. Raj Iyer, a former Army chief information officer who has been ServiceNows head of public sector since early 2023, also departed the company.

The investigation began after a complaint raised potential compliance issues during the procurement process related to one of its government contracts, the software company disclosed in a May regulatory filing.

As a result of the investigation, the companys board of directors determined company policy was violated regarding the hiring of the former Chief Information Officer of the US Army, ServiceNow said in Wednesdays statement.

In December 2022, while Iyer was the Armys chief information officer, the military branch awarded a contract to ServiceNow at a value as much as $432 million. The deal, which included consolidation of existing spending and new purchases, authorized 1.2 million licenses to ServiceNows applications for technology, operations and customer service management.

In the public sector, Raj Iyer led the biggest digital transformation effort in the history of the United States Army, Chief Executive Officer Bill McDermott said during an investor event in May 2023. He did his service to the country  he served the time in his agreement with the Army and he chose to come here because the transformation was on the ServiceNow platform.

That hiring decision was ill-timed, McDermott said Thursday in an interview on Bloomberg Television. Hiring processes will be tightened, and the company will make sure we have express written consent from various organizations that may have people available to be hired by ServiceNow in the future, he said.

Iyer, in a message, said his leadership in the digital transformation of the Army was driven by a genuine dedication to service, with no intent of personal gain, adding that his work at the military branch drove down costs and improved performance. I am confident that my conduct has been beyond reproach. My resignation from ServiceNow was voluntary and aligns with my personal values, and I do not wish to have my integrity questioned as a result of a potentially compromised hiring process.

Story continues

Desai didnt respond to a request for comment. He joined ServiceNow in December 2016 as chief product and engineering officer and was promoted to COO in January 2022. He was named president in January 2023. He has fully cooperated with the investigation and maintains that he didnt intentionally violate company policy, ServiceNow said in a separate regulatory filing on Wednesday.

McDermott said in an interview Wednesday that Desais resignation wont have any impact on ServiceNows execution, results or government contracts. Let me be crystal clear  this is an isolated incident.

Chris Bedi, an executive who has been with the company for almost a decade, will serve as interim chief product officer. While CJ has been a critical thought-leader driving the product innovation in the past years, we believe the company has a deep bench of talent, Kirk Materne, an analyst at Evercore ISI, said after the announcement.

ServiceNow said it had informed the US Justice Department, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and the Army Suspension and Debarment Office of the companys investigation. The company said its continuing to cooperate with the Justice Department, which is also investigating the incident.

--With assistance from Caroline Hyde and Paayal Zaveri.

(Updates with comments from Iyer in the eighth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Former President Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who Trump tapped as his running mate earlier this month, will make a campaign stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wednesday, as the campaign looks to pivot its strategy after President Biden announced he would not be seeking reelection.

The event comes as Vice President Harris has risen as the former presidents likely challenger in November. Harris, who received Bidens endorsement after he announced his departure from the race, has boasted record fundraising numbers since stepping into the spotlight.

The event marks only the second rally where Trump and Vance have appeared as a team, just a week after the failed assassination attempt against the former president. The Ohio Republican, a Trump critic turned loyalist, joined the former president in Michigan over the weekend, where he spent a good portion levying attacks on Harris.

Trump was leading Biden in the Tar Heel State with 48.2 percent support to the presidents 43.2 percent, per The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling index. In 2020, the former president ultimately won the state by less than 1 percentage point.

The event in North Carolina, a key swing state in 2024, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  An armed robbery suspect was arrested in Florida on Monday, but not before he tried jumping from balcony to balcony to avoid being captured by deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office.

Jorge Garcia-Palacio was believed to have been involved in multiple armed robberies across the Tampa Bay area over the last few weeks, deputies said.

Must-see video: Breaching whale lands on boat, capsizes vessel

Garcia-Palacio was seen at the Godfrey Hotel on Rocky Point. When detectives knocked on his door, he opened it, then locked it immediately after seeing the deputies, according to the sheriffs office.

He began jumping from balcony to balcony, from the sixth floor down to the second, to avoid being arrested, deputies said.

Garcia-Palacio was eventually taken into custody and is facing multiple charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
LEE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) celebrated improved stream access to the Powell River in Jonesville, Virginia Wednesday.

A ribbon-cutting event was held Wednesday morning to mark the completion of three stream access projects.

Man lands record cutthroat trout near Boone Dam

The TVA stated in a news release that the three areas along the Powell River had been inaccessible by public land areas. After completing the projects, kayakers and anglers can easily get to the water.

Photo courtesy of Tom Satkowiak/TVA

Photo courtesy of Tom Satkowiak/TVA

Photo courtesy of Tom Satkowiak/TVA

Photo courtesy of Tom Satkowiak/TVA

These sites were thoughtfully designed to be environmentally friendly, ensuring minimal impact on the rivers ecosystem while enhancing public enjoyment, TVA Natural Resources Director Rebecca Hayden said in a news release. We couldnt have asked for a better partner on these projects than the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. By working together, we accomplished far more than either agency could have on its own.

Wednesdays ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at one of the project sites off Flanary Bridge Road. Leading down to the water are wide wooden steps with a raised track that will help kayakers and canoers get their vessels to and from the river.

Additionally, a gravel parking area was laid near the access site with educational signs.

The TVA stated similar sites were finished at Poteet Ferry Bridge and Beech Grove Road.

These projects strengthen the bond between our communities and our natural environment, fostering a culture of conservation and an appreciation for nature, DWR Executive Director Ryan Brown stated. Another benefit of enhancing recreational opportunities is that we can attract more visitors, support local businesses and even create new jobs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A well-known violinist in the music scene, who used to play in the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, is facing serious charges in Dauphin County that include rape of a child, court documents state.

Odin Rathnam, 58, of Ohio, is locked up with his bail denied in Dauphin County Prison after charges were filed Wednesday in Magisterial District Judge Wendy Grellas office, according to online court docs.

Rathnam was once a violinist with of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Police said in the charges that he is a public figure, specifically a well-known musician, and that he would travel abroad. He also worked for a university in Cleveland.

Rathnams mug, via Dauphin County Prison

Rathnam is accused of allegedly raping a young girl multiple times at different places for more than ten years, from 2008 to 2019, from when she was around six to nine-years-old, Lower Paxton Township Police said in a criminal complaint.

The woman reported the alleged rapes to police in May, saying that she suffered injuries from the sexual assaults that are still not fully healed. She reported that due to the injuries, she has ongoing medical issues, police said.

Rathnam allegedly would touch the minor sexually, as well as make her perform sexual acts on him at different places. There were times when she would wake up to Rathnam sexually assaulting her, according to the criminal complaint.

Some sexual assaults also happened after concerts at a park on a bench, police said.

According to the charges, police were also able to listen to recorded phone calls between the girl and Rathnam.

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Rathnam faces a list of felony charges that include rape of a child, rape of a child  serious bodily injury, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor  sexual offenses, statutory sexual assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 16 years of age.

He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure, indecent assault  without the consent of another, indecent assault  of a person less than 16 years of age.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 29.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting more cases of West Nile Virus in Clark County. The latest report, which is dated July 22, shows a total of 14 cases.

The virus was also detected in two horses in Clark and Nye counties. Both horses were euthanized after their conditions didnt improve, the Nevada Department of Agriculture said in a news release Wednesday.

These sad incidents emphasize the importance of vaccinating horses against the disease, said NDA state veterinarian Peter Mundschenk.

According to the CDC, the health district reports 14 human cases, four of which are non-neuroinvasive and can result in fevers, headaches, and vomiting. Nine of the cases are identified as neuroinvasive, which can cause a person to experience symptoms in addition to being more susceptible to developing meningitis or encephalitis. However, only one in five people will experience symptoms.

The virus is carried by mosquitos who feed on infected birds. SNHD said the best way to prevent getting West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water.

SNHD Environmental Health has set more than 1,700 traps around Clark County and tested more than 30,000 mosquitoes, and 366 tested positive for West Nile Virus. Infected mosquitoes have been found in most of the zip codes in the Las Vegas valley. Only two cases of West Nile Virus were reported in 2023.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A whale flipped a fishing boat with people on board. Experts think they know why.

Boaters off the New Hampshire coast have a whale of a tail to tell after a humpback whale slammed into a fishing boat and a pair of teen brothers caught the whole thing on video, then rescued the two fishermen who were tossed into the sea.

In a highly unusual event, the humpback lunged out of the water Tuesday morning, then landed on the back of a boat, flipping the vessel onto its side. Video shows the fishers on-board, Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney, fell into the water. They were soon rescued by Wyatt and Colin Yager of Eliot, Maine.

The incident with the 21-foot vessel happened near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, located on the border between Maine and New Hampshire, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The boaters were uninjured, but it isnt known whether the whale suffered injuries, NOAA said.

Seeing the whale close to shore shouldn't have been a huge shock to boaters. The same whale or a different humpback has been spotted a few times times in or near the river in highly publicized sightings since July 2, said Jen Kennedy, executive director of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, a nonprofit based based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

In three decades Kennedy had never heard of a humpback in the Piscataqua River, until just three weeks ago. And shed never heard of a humpback lunging on to the top of a boat in the region, she said. Ive never heard of that ever and Ive been whale watching here since the mid-1990s."

Why did the whale lunge out of the water?

In the Tuesday morning incident in the ocean off Rye, the whale appeared to be lunging in a classic humpback fishing tactic, said Linnea Mayfield, a natural manager at Boston City Cruises, affiliated with the New England Aquarium, after viewing the video.

The whales blow large frothy bubbles in the water to help corral fish, then they lunge up through the bubbles to scoop up the fish, Mayfield said. The incident was almost certainly accidental, she said. Humpbacks have a blind spot, and its very possible the vessel was in the animals blind spot as it came up to lunge and feed.

Both Kennedy and Mayfield said they occasionally hear reports of whales bumping into vessels in the region. While rare, such incidents happen from time to time, NOAA said. Almost exactly two years ago, a humpback leaped out of the water in the middle of a cluster of boats and landed on the back of a fishing vessel off Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Two fishermen get thrown overboard after a lunging humpback whale crashed into their boat.

How unusual is a nearshore humpback sighting?

A humpback thought to be a juvenile has been seen several times over the past three weeks, including between July 2 and 4 in or near Pepperell Cove along the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine. At the time, the Society and the Kittery harbormaster had warned the whale was feeding so close it could be a threat to boaters, the Portsmouth Herald, a USA TODAY Network property, reported. The whale had attracted large crowds of curious boaters.

On Sunday, the same juvenile humpback was seen further upriver near the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kennedy said. The juvenile whale seen in the river was thought to be chasing menhaden, a prey fish, NOAA said.

It isnt unusual for a humpback to linger in an area if it presents easy access to food, Mayfield said. If their prey items are sticking around in one spot, theyre not going off in search of food somewhere else. Theyre going to stay where that food is readily available.

Boaters are seen photographing a humpback whale as seen from the shore in New Castle at the Piscataqua Cafe on Cape Road Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Officials hope to identify the whale

NOAA Fisheries is looking into whether the whale that hit the boat was the same whale previously seen in the river, said Andrea Gomez, a NOAA spokeswoman.

A humpback whale surfaces in the area of Pepperrell Cove in Kittery, Maine, Thursday, July 4, 2024.

The Blue Ocean Society is pleading with the public to share any photos taken of the whale off Rye, New Hampshire on Tuesday, Kennedy said. With better photos, biologists might be able to identify the whale, comparing it to a photo catalog of known humpback whales in the region.

To make the identification, biologists need clear photos of the whales dorsal fin and the underside of its tail fluke, said Mayfield.

Whale advocates and NOAA offer the following tips for boaters:

Watch for bubbles  which turn patches of water a frothy, seafoam green  and avoid them.

Maintain a healthy distance from whales, at least 100 to 600 feet from humpbacks and 500 yards from North Atlantic right whales, NOAA advises.

In an area where whales are present, move at only 10 knots so whales and vessels have the ability to safely navigate out of the area.

If a fisher has lines in the water and a whale is seen, the lines should be retracted as soon as possible.

Immediately report all stranded or entangled marine mammals to NOAAs marine mammal and sea turtle stranding hotline at (866) 755-6622.

Are whales fishing close to shore this summer?

It's possible more than one whale was on the hunt for menhaden, said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation North America.

"NOAA has been getting multiple reports of humpback whales close to shore between Maine and Massachusetts as schools of bait fish are abundant close to shore," Asmutis-Silvia said. "We just reported three whales in Plymouth's outer harbor to NOAA earlier this week."

The whales are primarily young and focused on relatively fast-moving bait and the typical lunges happen pretty quickly, she said. "These whales have the single-minded focus of that driver who eyes that one last open parking space after circling the parking lot for a while, they are not paying attention to anything but the food so it really is on the boaters to stay on alert."

Contributing: Glenn Sabalewski and Ian Lenahan, Portsmouth Herald

Dinah Voyles Pulver covers climate change, whales and other wildlife for USA TODAY. Reach her at dpulver@gannett.com or @dinahvp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did a whale off New Hampshire's coast flip a fishing boat?
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.)  The city of Manitou Springs announced on Tuesday, July 23, that a local beloved symbol of history has been restored to its original state.

The Wheeler Town Clock  originally donated by Jerome Wheeler in 1889  was updated thanks to the dedication of the Public Works Department of Manitou Springs.







The clock combines timekeeping with artistic elegance, crowned by a statue of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and vitality, which represents the healing properties of Manitous mineral water. The clock has been updated with an atomic clock for reliable and precise timekeeping. Additionally, the water features of the clock have been restored.

The renovation preserves the landmarks heritage while incorporating modern technology, reflecting Manitou Springs commitment to honoring its past while embracing the present.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Where and when to vote early in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  With less than two weeks until the August primary, Grand Rapids voters will soon be able to cast their ballots at one of three early voting sites.

Early voting in Grand Rapids kicks off Saturday, July 27, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 4. All sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

What if I want to vote but Im not registered?

If youre registered to vote in Grand Rapids, you can vote early at any of the following locations:

If youve filled out an absentee ballot, you can also bring that ballot to an early voting site and run it through the tabulator yourself.

Why you must stay in your lane in the August primary

The primary is set for Aug. 6. To check if youre registered, see a sample ballot and more, visit michigan.gov/vote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Fast-fashion giant Shein, known for its $5 tops and $10 dresses, will open a pop-up store in Johannesburg, South Africa in August as the online retailer aims to expand its brand recognition in the country.

Shein, founded in China, and its rival Temu have aggressively expanded worldwide as online shopping has surged after the COVID pandemic. They have been accused of exploiting tax loopholes by exporting China-made products in small quantities to avoid higher duties.

"Bringing the Shein experience directly to the end consumer is a key part of Shein's strategy," the company said on Wednesday in an emailed response.

"Given that Shein is a digital-first company, Shein's hugely successful pop-ups are an opportunity for our consumers to touch and feel our products, as well as to interact and engage directly with Shein's local brand ambassadors."

Shein will open its pop-up store from Aug. 2-11 as an "exhibition space" for customers to try on trendy fashion and lifestyle products and order them online at a discount, the company said in its South African Instagram post.

Local influencers were tapped for a pre-opening marketing campaign.

Brick-and-mortar and online fashion retailers have urged South African regulators to impose a 45% import duty on all clothing item imports, no matter the price, to level the playing field. Shein, which is planning to go public in Britain, taps a network of largely China-based suppliers which take small initial orders and scale up based on demand.

A Shein spokesperson told Reuters the retailer is engaging with South African regulators to ensure its continued compliance with local laws.

"That said, such tax measures are not critical to the success of our business or the competitive prices we offer our consumers. We keep our prices affordable through our technology-based on-demand business model and flexible supply chain," the spokesperson added.

(Reporting by Nqobile Dludla; Editing by Richard Chang and David Evans)
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WKRN)  A Middle Tennessee man was arrested for multiple offenses  including vehicular homicide  after a woman was killed in a Wednesday morning crash in Southern Kentucky.

According to the Bowling Green Police Department, officers were called to a collision in the 300 block of Lovers Lane shortly before 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

1 injured in Portland shooting; Suspect found dead in KY

When authorities arrived at the scene, they said they found 40-year-old Ashley C. Porter of Bowling Green, dead as a result of the crash.

Meanwhile, the driver of the second vehicle was brought to the Medical Center at Bowling Green, where officers reportedly took him into custody.

Police said they determined 30-year-old Ryan T. Bagwell of White House, was heading north on Lovers Lane when he drove into Porters lane as she was traveling south.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to officials, Bagwell is being held on the following charges:

Vehicular homicide when under the influence of drugs

First-degree criminal mischief

First-degree possession of a controlled substance

First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance

Second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence (third offense)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possession of marijuana

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs Senate Bill 4, which expands the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for the LGBTQ+ community, on March 16, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fielded questions about speculation that shell be joining Kamala Harris as her vice presidential pick on the 2024 ballot, she signed Michigans $23.4B education budget into law Tuesday, as well as 39 other bills.

Today, I was proud to sign 39 bills that will make a real difference in peoples lives and deliver on a range of bipartisan priorities, Whitmer said in a news release From raising wages for clean energy workers to bolstering Michigans infrastructure; improving the criminal justice system to investing in our schools, todays legislation will build on our strong economic momentum and move Michigan forward.

Among the bills signed was HB 4718, which bans the gay panic or trans panic legal defense. The defense allows defendants to argue that discovering a victims sexual orientation or gender identity justifies assault and even killing the victim.

Bill sponsor state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) has told Michigan Advance how personal the bill is to her as when she was a young child, violent attacks on members of the LGBTQ+ community, such as the 1998 killing of Matthew Shepard, impacted her decision on when to come out herself.

I have been incredibly passionate about this bill for several years, and I am elated to see it signed into law. Protecting the future of LGBTQ+ people across Michigan is something I have been working hard to do, Pohutsky said in a statement Tuesday. This bill, alongside many other monumental pieces of legislation brought forth by Michigan Democrats, is a huge step toward securing a safe and inclusive state for all Michiganders.

Another bill, SB 599, expands parole eligibility for medically frail inmates who have a life expectancy of 18 months or less to be allowed to be placed in medical facilities.

The expansion allows the parole board to approve a location for a person to spend their last days in to be places other than a medical facility. Bill sponsor Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), told lawmakers in committee back in June that the expansion will allow eligible individuals with eligible offenses to spend their remaining days in dignity and with their loved ones.

Lawmakers in 2019 understood that medically frail inmates that met certain requirements did not pose a threat to the public if they were paroled at the end of their lives, Geiss told lawmakers back in June. Laws were passed to allow individuals to be eligible for such paroles but since their effective date only one medically frail person has been granted a parole.

Unforeseen issues prevented that vision from initially being realized, but theres a reason this bill received the bipartisan support it needed to pass: Its common sense, Geiss said in a statement Tuesday. SB 599 provides important fixes to make sure this program operates as intended. Its passage is a rare criminal justice win for the Legislature, a win for the Dept. of Corrections, and, most importantly, a win for the people of Michigan, and particularly for the loved ones of medically frail incarcerated people.

SBs 706 and 799 eliminate the $125 reinstatement fee Michigan drivers have to pay if they want to undo the suspicion on their license for not paying outstanding driver responsibility fees (DRFs), which used to be attached to some traffic tickets.

Former Gov. Rick Snyder signed the elimination of DRFs, which ranged from $100 to $1000, in 2018, but bill sponsor Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), said in a statement Tuesday that the reinstatement fee is unfinished business by the 2018 Legislature and it needed to go, too.

The bill will allow the secretary of state to reinstate drivers licenses to reinstate drivers licenses in a move supporters say will boost economic achievements for affected individuals and improve their quality of life.

For more than a decade, thousands of Michiganders have dealt with onerous driver responsibility fees, placing an unfair burden on them that made it harder for many to find work, keep their job, and support their family, Klinefelt said in a statement Tuesday. With the governors signature on these bills, were finally putting these punitive fees behind us and dismantling the remaining barriers facing residents who are seeking to restore their license.
Why there was an air of hope in Atchison that Amelia Earharts plane has been found

It wasnt fame, notoriety, or the promise of recognition that led Tony Romeo, the chief executive officer at Deep Sea Vision, to begin his search for the plane of long-lost pilot Amelia Earhart.

It was magnet fishing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Romeo took his young son magnet fishing, which is the process of fishing with strong magnets to pull pieces of metal from bodies of water, according to Magnet Fishing Planet. The father and son wondered if they could find boats and other large structures during the trip  including Earharts missing plane.

Tony Romeo went home and began to research Earhart, and wondered why the plane hadnt yet been found.

She didnt fly off the edge of the earth, she wasnt abducted by UFOs, we can rule those two out, Tony Romeo said.

Shes not marooned on an island anywhere, thats certain. And we have all this information and we still havent found her, he said. And the more I started reading and the more I started researching it, this one is not a question of where its at, its a question of logistics.

The search for Amelia Earharts plane

Tony Romeo, along with his brother, Lloyd Romeo, put together a team to go search for Earharts plane in the Pacific Ocean. Towards the end of their expedition in late January, the team was able to generate a sonar image of a plane that looks similar to Earharts missing Lockheed Electra 10-E.

The Romeos, among other members of their team and Amelia Earhart researchers, gathered Friday at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum to commemorate the find and celebrate Amelia Earharts birthday at the annual Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison.

Panelists, along with employees of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, pose for a picture in front of Muriel, the museums Lockheed Electra 10-E. The panelists gathered for a tour of the museum Friday morning.

The Romeos come from an aviation background and grew up listening to the story of Amelia Earhart, Tony Romeo said.

It wasnt anything I was ever actually gonna go out and solve myself, Tony Romeo said. But it got to a point in my life where I had the resources and the time and the willingness to do it. We started looking at the technology available and said, This one is not going to remain unsolved for too much longer.

The teams discovery in late January made national headlines in publications like The Wall Street Journal, after an extensive expedition by the Deep Sea Vision to find Earharts plane which stretched on for at least three or four years, Tony Romeo said.

The Romeos next big project?

Verifying the plane is actually Earharts.

The image itself doesnt prove the plane is Earharts. According to the Smithsonians National Air & Space Museum Aeronautics Division Curator Dorothy Cochrane, there are specific characteristics of Earharts plane that could identify its ownership. The best things searchers could find, Cochrane said, is the planes registration number, a Lockheed star. Other identifiers could be a fuselage or the planes fuel tanks.

If he goes back and verifies that this is indeed her aircraft, and we can talk about how you do that, thats just huge, Cochrane said. We are very excited. Weve been delighted.

Cochrane said she appreciates Deep Sea Vision, and another company that has been exploring the area, Nauticos, for using factual evidence and information to find the plane.

Tony Romeo said he hopes to one day see the plane in the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum.

Thats where it belongs, its an American treasure, Tony Romeo said. She wants to come home. Shes Americas favorite missing person, as I like to call her. She needs to come home.

A Kansas aviation legend

Amelia Earhart grew up in both Atchison and Des Moines, Iowa. She was the daughter of an alcoholic, and quit college to help provide for her family, according to previous reporting from The Star. In 1923, she became the 16th woman in the U.S. to earn her pilots license.

Earhart was a staunch advocate for womens rights, and gained notoriety for attempting to become the first woman to fly a plane around the world. It was during this attempt in 1937 that Earhart, 39, disappeared over the Pacific Ocean with her navigator, Fred Noonan.

Atchison is host to a number of exhibits and artworks dedicated to Earhart, including the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum and the Trinity Episcopal Church, where Earhart was baptized, according to a city guide.

Theories and conspiracies have swirled around the pairs disappearance for 87 years.

On Friday, the Romeos, along with other Earhart experts Rod Blacksome, Gary LaPook and Liz Smith gathered at Atchisons Fox Theatre for Adventure Amelia, a panel moderated by Cochrane. Over an hour and a half, the panel spoke about their efforts and experiences in attempting to find Earharts plane and the disappearance of the woman herself.

The panelists spoke in front of a full crowd at the Fox Theatre. From the disappearance itself to the possible finding of Earharts plane, the panelists discussed all aspects of the pilots disappearance.

The full theater, including two individuals dressed as Earhart herself, sat at rapt attention as each panelist talked about their journey with Earhart.

You have to be careful when you start an Amelia person on the topic, pilot and documentary filmmaker Liz Smith said. It can go on forever.

Also in attendance for the Amelia Earhart Festival was Amelia Rose Earhart, the first person to recreate her namesakes flight around the world, according to a news release. Earhart, who is not related to the famed pilot who went missing 87 years ago, was named after her because her mother wanted to give her daughter a strong female role model to look up to, she said.

She said, selfishly, when you go to a party, no ones ever going to forget that they met Amelia Earhart, Earhart said.

Earhart has been attending the festival since 2013, when she won the Pioneering Achievement Award, she said. This year, Earhart served as an interviewer for a Saturday panel featuring the Romeo brothers. Earhart also ran the Fly With Amelia Foundation for ten years. The foundation, based in Colorado, put young women through flight school, she said.

The celebration, which is in the books already for 2024, occurs in Atchison each July. The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.  5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Stars Daniel Desrochers contributed to reporting.
Whyd you shoot? Body camera video shows moment Douglas Co. deputy shoots man in upside down car

Newly released body camera video shows the moment a man was shot by a Douglas County sheriffs deputy in November 2023.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 36-year-old Cameron Hunt led deputies on a chase down I-20 after they tried pulling him over for speeding.

Hunt lost control of his SUV as he exited off the interstate, flipping the SUV on its roof.

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Body camera video from two deputies, which was shared with Channel 2 Action News by Hunts attorneys, shows them approach the car and command Hunt to show them his hands.

He sticks his hands out of the door, but one of the deputies fires a single shot.

Whyd you shoot? the other deputy can be heard asking.

He went like this, the deputy who fired a shot says while making a motion with his hands.

Hunt is pulled out of the car and tells the deputies that hes been hit.

He survived his injuries, but his attorney, Graham Schofield, told Channel 2s Tom Jones he was unarmed and following deputies commands.

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When someone raises their hands like that, theyre showing you, I submit. Im not a violent threat. Dont shoot me, Schofield said.

Deputies say Hunt was going 113 miles per hour on I-20 at Lee Road. After the crash, Hunts airbags went off and he was trapped.

Deputy Lawrence, a rookie, can be heard on the video explaining why he fired.

He hands his hands up, right, and immediately he went back down like this and went like this and I shot, he explained.

Schofield says the other deputy in the video is Lawrences superior and never fired a shot.

Because the supervising officer knew deadly force was not warranted, he said.

The Douglas County District Attorney presented the case to a grand jury, who chose not to indict Lawrence.

But Hunts mother says he should be facing charges.

My heart breaks every time I see the video, Brenda Dubone said. Thats unfair. Its not right.

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Hunt remains in jail on charges connected to this incident. His mother says he says still has the bullet in his shoulder.

The sheriffs office says it has no comment, and it appears that Deputy Lawrence is still on the force.
Why man says he ripped off seagulls head: Report

Why man says he ripped off seagulls head: Report

NORTH WILDWOOD, New Jersey (WJW)  A man in New Jersey is accused of decapitating a seagull for stealing his daughters French fries.

Police in North Wildwood announced the arrest this week.

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According to police, the incident took place on July 6 at Moreys Piers and Beachfront Water Parks.

Witnesses told police they saw a man decapitate a seagull.

Franklin Zeigler, 29, admitted to killing the seagull after it attempted to take french fries from his daughter, according to WPVI-TV.

WPVI reported that Zeigler asked staff for a trash bag while holding the dead bird.

The North Wildwood Police Department stated that while investigating the incident, Zeigler was irate and uncooperative, leading to his arrest for Disorderly Conduct & Resisting Arrest, both Disorderly Persons offenses.

WWE pro wrestler heartbroken after familys Cleveland restaurant destroyed by fire

He was also charged with third-degree Animal Cruelty after a follow-up investigation, which included the departments Humane Law Enforcement Office and a review of statements made by Zeigler on the scene as well as available photographs and witness statements.

Zeigler was placed on a summons and later released as he awaits his court date, 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Airline meltdowns are seemingly becoming an annual tradition.

Something weird happens, the entire industry melts down, most carriers recover quickly, but for some reason one major airline goes through days of pain and chaos as they struggle to get their operations back in order.

We saw it with Southwest Airlines in December 2022. Then it was United Airlines in June 2023 and now its Delta Air Lines turn.

Delta is the current poster child for travel headaches as it continues to flounder following Fridays CrowdStrike outage.

But why does this keep happening? Airlines seem to be uniquely vulnerable to long-tailed disruptions when things go wrong, and technology often lies at the heart of their inability to recover quickly.

Delta Air Lines jets in Atlanta on Oct. 27, 2023.

Southwest, United, Delta: Anatomy of a breakdown

In every case, it starts with something seemingly annoying but not unheard of: winter weather passing over Denver in December 2022, a series of summer storms in the Northeast in June 2023, an IT glitch that affected the backend systems of many airlines earlier this month.

What all three seem to have in common was the struggles airlines eventually had getting crews back into place after the initial disruption happened.

Certainly, with the Southwest meltdown, crew scheduling software was identified as a particular pain point in getting the airline back to normal. Uniteds scheduling capabilities were also implicated in its headaches last summer, though its issues were compounded by air traffic control staffing shortages in the Northeast  which have also yet to be totally resolved.

For Delta, crew scheduling seems to be the crux of the current disruptions.

Why IT failures are so often behind airline meltdowns.

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, a statement the airline released on Monday 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.

Experts say thats not entirely surprising. Airline crews are regulated by strict rules about work hours to protect their health and everyones safety, but it takes an enormous amount of computing power to coordinate the unique schedules of tens of thousands of employees and keep airplanes staffed legally, even when everything is normal. It only becomes more complicated when things go wrong.

They need to run the optimization to figure out whats the best way to get the passengers and crews to the right place. Thats a process that can take hours. This is not a solution, a math problem, that airlines solve every day, Cole Wrightson, chief product officer at FLYR, which specializes in airline backend technology, told me. It can take a day or two days to go through that.

Especially if a system like crew scheduling software is slow to come back online after an outage, or gets overloaded with an unusually high volume of changes, as Deltas statements have suggested is happening to their system, the computers can get overwhelmed.

Its like when your phone overheats if you try to use too many apps at once.

How did the airlines get here?

Following Southwests 2022 meltdown, the company promised change, and to its credit, or possibly due to the dumb luck of not running the same systems as other major airlines, it performed admirably last week.

United, similarly, said it would work on improving its response to irregular operations (and chartering fewer private jets) in their wake. United was probably the second-most affected airline by Fridays outage, but it still recovered much more quickly than Delta.

Delta, doubtlessly, will also commit to improving its IT infrastructure and rehabilitating its premium image. But will it be too little too late?

You more or less had the most reliable airline in the country  For them to just go to hell basically, the schedule, thats not what people have been expecting with Delta in recent years, William J. McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, told me. It just reinforces the point that weve been making: the systems are not resilient, and they dont plan for contingencies.

Last week's Cruising Altitude: Why you feel so tired on travel days.

Its a bigger structural problem, according to McGee and Wrightson.

In some ways, the current problems at Delta are caused by the airline industrys drive toward ruthless efficiency.

They have cost-cut and cost-cut and cost-cut in recent decades, and this is what we get. We have a system that is designed, basically, that every hour is rush hour now, from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. on the good days, and the system is designed to operate as if nothing is ever going to go wrong, McGee said. How many days of the week are there where theres not going to be an IT glitch, serious weather, aircraft maintenance issues, sick crewmembers, problems with air traffic control? Theres just countless things that can go wrong, and for airline executives to, day in and day out, put out a schedule that is based on the most rosy, optimistic outlook you can have, after a while it gets old.

Additionally, Wrightson said, airlines often rely on extremely outdated technology at the core of all their systems.

Theyre changing the skin of their website, the function of the skin you might have, something to upgrade it to be much healthier, much more resilient, a higher customer experience, but youre not changing the internals of the health, and your skin as an organ is going to be dependent on the health of the rest of your organs, he said. You might be able to use duct tape and cardboard to stick something on and have a new flexibility and capability, but youre always going to have to map that back to the limitations built into the system in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

(Yes, airlines still use computer systems that date back to a time before the internet in some cases. Thats why you can still find dot matrix printers in airports.)

How does this get resolved?

Its going to take money to solve these problems, and in a tight-margin business thats also an on-again, off-again Wall Street darling, these kinds of long-term investments in unglamorous backend technology and fallback plans can be a hard proposition for executives to make.

But McGee and Wrightson both said it has to happen if airlines want to avoid these kinds of meltdowns in the future, rather than factoring them in as just the cost of doing business.

Its bigger than crew scheduling, its bigger than IT itself, McGee said. The system just cant snap back like it used to.

He previously worked in airline operations and noted that for some high-intensity routes, airlines would keep extra crews and aircraft on standby to help smooth things over when something went awry.

He said hes sure todays airline executives would roll their eyes at that suggestion. Still, the American Economic Liberties Project, where he now works, has some more incremental suggestions on what airlines can do to make themselves more resilient, even if its not the first choice of their shareholders. Mainly, he said, airlines should set up resilience plans and set aside funding to address unexpected disruptions.

They all have crisis management plans, they will tell you, no doubt, McGee said. Have they worked? Are they realistic? Are they reasonable?

Wrightson also said that airlines, despite their complexity, could follow the example of some tech companies and work to improve their systems more incrementally. That might also save money over the long term, even if it potentially leads to more minor bugs and disruptions in the short term.

If Im CTO, CIO of an airline, we would probably want to put some upper bounds on the age of our software, he said. The amount of money that airlines are going to have to spend to get off of these aging systems is much greater than if they had addressed it earlier.

He acknowledged it may take years to fully move away from the multi-layered computer systems airlines currently rely on, but he said taking intentional small steps in that direction will help the industry become more resilient overall.

The tech industry has shown that faster, smaller steps is a better way to innovate, he said. When youre talking about a United or a Delta or any of the other global top 30 airlines, they need to maintain all of their customers and all of those billions of dollars, and they need to replace all of those car parts while the car continues to move.

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: What Delta's chaotic week says about airline tech | Cruising Altitude
Conceptual rendering of a courtyard connecting William & Mary's envisioned infrastructure to a renovated Visitor Center. (Rendering courtesy of 3North)

One of Virginias top universities will dedicate a $100 million donation to revamping its marine science school and attracting researchers to help students understand the evolving impacts of climate change.

The College of William & Mary announced Wednesday it received the gift from philanthropist Jane Batten to rename its School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences to the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and bolster its resources to study a range of topics including sea level rise, increased storm intensity, loss of agricultural land and impaired water quality, issues that especially impact Virginia.

This gift propels us forward toward great promise and progress, Batten said in a statement. I am confident that this will spark significant change, building resilience in coastal communities in the Commonwealth and across the globe for generations to come.

Award will fund climate change, coastal resilience education

Virginias tidewater region, consisting of wetlands, marshes and seawater environments has continuously experienced some of the highest rates of sea level rise along the East Coast, at about .2 inches per year.

The overhauled school would join a collection of several other programs around the county offering marine science disciplines, but would provide a unique focus on the impact of climate change impacting coastal communities with its location on the York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia, the university says.

Currently, the school offers a minor, masters degree and two research degrees in the discipline that studies marine ecosystems and what shapes them. In May, William & Marys Board of Visitors approved creating an undergraduate marine science degree that is awaiting approval from the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia and would be offered at the Batten school.

Dean of the Batten School and Director of VIMS Derek Aday said in a statement the school has a geographical advantage, expertise advantage and historical presence in this area.

We also have the breadth and depth in coastal and marine systems to allow us to take on very significant challenges that other places arent equipped for, said Aday. With this unprecedented gift, we will not only advance critical research and inform policy but also train the next generation of scientists, thought leaders and engaged citizens, preparing them to navigate the complexities of global change in this century.

The funding will enable infrastructure improvements at the VIMS campus by constructing an outreach and education center alongside previously laid plans to build a new Chesapeake Bay Hall and a sea water lab. The monies would also go toward attracting scientists, researchers and students, and creating both new positions and public and private partners.

The improvements made to the school, it says, will build on the universitys Vision 2026 water initiative, which included unveiling the policy-focused Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative, formerly known as the Virginia Coastal Policy Center before its director resigned, last year.

There is no specific link between the gift and the Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative, Aday said, but the gift does strengthen our focus on coastal science, and ensures that we will be at the forefront of educating leaders equipped to take on future challenges related to coastal resilience in the face of global change.

Help with research

VIMS, which the Batten school will remain under, is required to provide studies on fishing industries, advise the Marine Resources Commission and engage in research in marine sciences under state law.

VIMS previous research on living shorelines  a coastal feature that can more naturally absorb wave impacts to reduce shoreline erosion in the Middle Peninsula  can provide $6.4 million in economic benefits to the state. VIMS also created the framework for how to conduct a $2.7 million Chesapeake Bay stock assessment of menhaden, the tiny nutrient-fish at the center of continual sustainability debates between recreational striped bass fishers and Omega Protein, the only menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay.

This gift does not change VIMSs advisory role to the state, nor does it change the interdisciplinary work carried out by our students, staff, and faculty, Aday said.

About the donor

Batten is a Virginia Beach-based philanthropist who has previously donated $10 million to the university and helped establish a couple of endowments to the Raymond A. Mason School of Business. She was married to the late Frank Batten, an entrepreneur who founded Landmark Communications and co-founded The Weather Channel, and served on William & Marys Board of Visitors in the 1990s.

The gift is the largest William & Mary has received in its 331-year history, according to the school. In addition to propping up the marine science program, university leaders hope the funding will attract further investments from state, federal and private sources toward a goal of raising at least another $100 million.

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Sean Williams long-delayed first federal criminal trial got off to a slow but often contentious start Tuesday that included verbal sparring between Williams, who is representing himself, and U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer.

Trial Tuesday: Defense lawyer on what Sean Williams can expect representing self

Once opening statements began around 3:30 p.m., the six-woman, six-man jury heard the governments claim that Williams not only escaped from a prison transport van last Oct. 18, but later bragged to a U.S. Marshal about how he managed it.

In a move that may have surprised jurors, Williams admitted to escaping from the van that was bringing him to a court hearing in Greeneville.

Sean Williams is on trial for escape and attempted escape at U.S. Federal District Court in Greeneville. (Photo: WJHL)

Im not contesting that, Williams said after prosecutor Greg Bowman had described the U.S. governments version of that day in detail during his opening statement.

I did do that, Williams said. Im contesting my lawful custody during that time.

Williams faces two escape-related counts in this trial, including a second for an alleged attempted escape from the Washington County Detention Center July 23, 2023. He could face up to five years in prison on each count if found guilty.

All thats left behind is the other inmate and some shackles. Prosecutor Greg Bowman on Sean Williams alleged escape from a prison van

Williams has been in federal custody, other than the five weeks he was at large in October and November 2023, since early May 2023.

He was transferred to federal custody after being arrested in Cullowhee, N.C. April 30, 2023 on drug charges because he had an outstanding federal warrant from 2021, when he was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. He spent almost two years at large after Johnson City police tried to arrest him May 5, 2021.

OUR FULL COVERAGE OF THE SEAN WILLIAMS CASES

Williams is also at the center of multiple sexual assault allegations and already faces child rape and federal child pornography production charges, with more charges possible.

Those allegations in turn form the basis for three federal civil lawsuits against Johnson City that either claim or suggest that Johnson City police corruptly looked the other way as Williams allegedly drugged and raped women over a period of years. One document claims that more than 50 of the alleged assaults were filmed, and that Williams possessed digital files of those assaults when he was arrested in North Carolina.

Johnson City has denied all the claims in the civil suits, the first of which is currently scheduled for trial in October.

Tone set before jurors even arrive

Williams began his own defense just 12 days after Greer allowed Ilya Berenshteyn  Williams fourth appointed attorney  to withdraw. Greer had warned Williams repeatedly that he would wind up representing himself if he continued to run into issues with his defense attorneys.

Early on, prosecutors revealed that they had offered Williams a plea deal: they would drop the attempted escape count on condition that all investigative materials about either escape case remain inaccessible to Williams. He had turned that down.

The trial included bouts of tense exchanges as Williams repeatedly tried to introduce two themes Greer had said werent admissible or relevant: that he hadnt had adequate time to prepare, and that alleged corruption by Johnson City Police was relevant to his escape cases. At one point before jury selection Williams mentioned having lots of evidence that all that is connected. I have seven boxes.

DA Finney responds to criticism in Sean Williams case

Each time, Greer shut Williams down, often as prosecuting attorneys were also objecting to Williams statements. He reminded him that both arguments had been ruled irrelevant to his escape cases.

Before the jury was even seated, Williams responded to one of Greers reminders by saying Are you involved in this corruption? I dont get the motives here. What are we hiding here?

Soon after, Greer told Williams he was not going to engage in a running argument with you.

Jurors hear allegations

After the jury was finalized, Greer told jurors that Williams was innocent until proven guilty and that federal prosecutors Bowman and Meghan Gomez had to prove several things beyond a reasonable doubt, including:

That Williams was legitimately in federal custody

That hed been arrested on a felony charge leading to that custody when each incident occurred

That in the case of the actual escape, he knowingly and voluntarily left custody without permission.

That in the attempt case, he committed an overt act that was a substantial step toward leaving custody without permission and that he knew his actions could result in his leaving without permission.

In his fairly brief opening statement, Bowman told jurors Williams actions undermined the foundations of the U.S. justice system. He said theyd hear witnesses describe the meticulous planning he went through to evade justice.

Bowman described how on July 23 a Washington County Sheriffs officer, acting on a tip from other inmates that Williams was removing materials along his cell wall, found a section of wall about four feet long and 4 inches high that Williams had allegedly removed before hiding his work using toothpaste to reattach the material.

He also said authorities discovered journals detailing Williams plans for escaping and for how he intended to survive.

Then, Bowman got to the Oct. 18 escape, which drew national attention when an intense multi-day manhunt grew cold. Williams wasnt captured until Nov. 21, and by then he was in Florida.

Bowman said Williams was shackled and belly chained, and riding with another detainee who also had a federal court appearance, when he left Laurel County in the back of a van with two officers up front.

As the van readied to pull in at the Greeneville federal courthouse, the other inmate starts yelling, Bowman said.

The officers stopped the van and noticed the back side window was broken out. All thats left is the other inmate and some shackles, he said.

Williams trail had grown cold until authorities got a tip Nov. 17 that he was in Sylva, N.C. They nearly found him there in a truck that had been reported stolen out of Greeneville not long before, then used license plate tracking technology to trace the truck to Pinellas County, Florida.

A sheriffs officer there saw the truck Nov. 20, followed it, and allegedly saw Williams get out at a residence, but he wasnt caught until the following day after a tip that hed been at a convenience store.

Spilling the beans?

Bowman said Williams had also kept a journal after his Greeneville escape with details of the escape and even pictures of an abandoned house in Greeneville where he holed up for about three weeks with plenty to survive on.

That sharing on paper became verbal when two U.S. Marshals picked Williams up in Lewisburg, W.V. after his return from Florida and drove him to Blount County (Tenn.) jail, where he has been staying since December.

He began to tell them about his escape, Bowman said. He said Williams described how he managed to remove a loose metal clip in the rear of the van and use it to get his handcuffs open before using his shackles to pry open the window and leap out as the van approached Greeneville.

Tough procedural sledding for Williams

Dressed in a slightly-too-large black sport jacket and open-necked white dress shirt and out of handcuffs during his defense, Williams ran into numerous objections from Bowman and Gomez as he made his own opening statement. Williams thick wavy hair was much longer than most of his booking photos, he wore glasses and he had a longish goatee.

Greer often upheld those objections and also again warned Williams after he tried to bring up his lack of prep time and potential police corruption.

You cannot talk over me, a seemingly exasperated Greer said at one point. You cannot argue with me. If you want to make an opening statement, make it.

In the end, Williams largely meandering statement did hone in on at least one potential argument about the July incident  that he may not have been able to escape since the cell wall simply adjoined another cell. He also noted that authorities didnt move him to a maximum security cell after the incident.

A photo showing the pod in which Williams was held in cell 5 at the time of his alleged attempted escape from the Washington County, Tenn. jail July 23, 2023.

The day ended with the prosecution completing its time with one witness and getting halfway through its second.

U.S. Marshal Keeton Bostic said he was one of the two marshals transporting Williams back to Blount County in December.

During cross examination, Williams asked him whether, as he described his escape, did it seem like I was bragging to you?

Yes, Bostic answered.

Was I crying? Williams continued. Yes, Bostic said.

Jailer: Sean Williams may have used paper clip to escape

So I was bragging and crying at the same time? Williams asked.

Bostic said Williams was crying later, and when Williams later asked what he had told Bostic about his attempted escape, Bostic, with the help of his report, said you didnt talk about the attempted escape.

Williams then made one more attempt to bring up alleged police corruption, mumbling about having brought it up in the van with the marshals. Gomez quickly objected and Greer cut him off.

The evidence suggested in your question is irrelevant, he said. Its inadmissible.

The day ended with Williams gaining perhaps his first achievement, as with the help of Berenshteyns advice, he managed to get introduced into evidence a photo of his cell in Washington County and the adjoining cell separated by the wall in question. That was during cross examination of Washington County Sheriffs Deputy Toby Briggs, who was the corrections officer that searched Williams cell July 23 and discovered the disturbed wall material.

Greer ended the trial for the day shortly after 5 p.m. with Williams due to continue his cross examination of Briggs when the trial resumes at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  An out-of-state group is getting involved in a Middle Tennessee City Council election.

Over the weekend, Murfreesboro residents received a mailer from a group called Mom Vote PAC, which is based in Wisconsin.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

The mailers call out two Murfreesboro Councilmembers for voting against the citys so-called decency ordinance: Jami Averwater and Bill Shacklett.







Its really sad that a national organization would spend that and make me out to be someone who supports quote, unquote, pornography in our public libraries, Averwater said. When in reality, I was just looking out for the taxpayer money.

Passed in June 2023, the ordinance banned indecent behavior in public considered to be harmful to minors, which included acts of homosexuality under the city code at the time.

The City of Murfreesboro spent half a million dollars to settle a lawsuit with the ACLU over the ordinance and it ended up being repealed.

I knew that the way the ordinance was written would open us up to extreme civil liability. And that is why I did not support the ordinance, Averwater said.

Vice Mayor Shacklett told News 2 he had seen the mailer and he stands by his record.

Im disappointed in the present state of politics in our country and specifically, my community. that a group from outside our community can spread limited information and confuse voters to advance their agenda without knowing the candidates or their positions, Shacklett said. My hope is that the people that know me will tell the whole story of who I am and what my continued public service can mean for Murfreesboro.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

While Shacklett is up for re-election for city council on August 1, Averwater is not. However, she is running in the GOP primary for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

News 2 reached out to the Mom Vote PAC for comment. As of publication, there has not been any response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  A 28-year-old Wisconsin man and a 30-year-old Georgia woman were both sentenced to prison on Tuesday for trafficking fentanyl hidden inside stuffed animals.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, Jontell C. Shepherd from Madison was sentenced to just over three-and-a-half years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution.

Man in Wisconsin on the run after allegedly shooting at deputies and running into the woods following police chase

The sentencing on Tuesday, July 23, was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson. Shepherds prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. He pled guilty to the charge on January 31, 2024.

Additionally, Judge Peterson also sentenced Keyshawna D. Draper of Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday to two-and-a-half years in federal prison for attempting to distribute fentanyl. Like Shepherds, Drapers prison term will be followed by supervised release, although hers will be for four years. Draper pled guilty to the charge on April 19, 2024.

Court records show that on January 26, 2023, law enforcement intercepted two suspicious packages being shipped to the Madison area from Arizona.

Wrightstown fire determined to be an act of arson, police searching for suspect

After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the packages, and inside, they found a stuffed animal containing around 4.85 pounds of counterfeit prescription pills.

In total, the release says that more than 40,000 pills were seized. Testing found that the pills contained fentanyl. Officers arranged for a controlled delivery of one package, and Shepherd and co-defendant Alexis K. Davis were arrested after arriving at the delivery location to pick up the package.

The governments investigation revealed that co-defendant Brianna M. Reno arranged for Draper to ship the fentanyl pills to Madison from Arizona. On January 25, 2023, Draper traveled from Atlanta to Phoenix, where she packaged the pills and mailed them to Reno and Davis in Madison.

Search of Wisconsin home during wanted person check leads to seizure of meth & heroin, 5 arrested

In both sentences, Judge Peterson reflected on the serious harm that fentanyl causes to the community. He noted that the large amount of fentanyl involved in this case was especially concerning.

All four defendants charged with this trafficking scheme have pled guilty. On July 10, 2024, Reno was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Davis will be sentenced on July 25.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Fatima Latifova

Azerbaijan has always been ready for negotiations with Armenia in Russia and other platforms, Azernews reports, citing Ayxan Hajizada, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (MFA), as he said this to TASS in response to the statements made by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian MFA, regarding Moscow's readiness to organize a meeting between the parties.

"The Azerbaijani side has always been ready for negotiations with the Armenian side in Russia and other platforms," he stated.

Earlier, during a briefing, Maria Zakharova stated that Russia is ready to provide a platform for negotiations in the bilateral format preferred by the parties between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Amid a backdrop of fluctuating global markets and heightened trade tensions, China's equity landscape presents unique opportunities. The resilience of the Chinese market, particularly in sectors less impacted by international discord, highlights the potential value of growth companies with substantial insider ownership. These firms often demonstrate robust alignment between managements interests and those of shareholders, which can be especially appealing in uncertain times.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In China

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Anhui Huaheng Biotechnology (SHSE:688639) 31.5% 26.5% Ningbo Sunrise Elc TechnologyLtd (SZSE:002937) 24.3% 27.7% ShenZhen Woer Heat-Shrinkable MaterialLtd (SZSE:002130) 19% 27.9% Zhejiang Jolly PharmaceuticalLTD (SZSE:300181) 24% 22.3% Cubic Sensor and InstrumentLtd (SHSE:688665) 10.1% 34.3% KEBODA TECHNOLOGY (SHSE:603786) 12.8% 25.1% Arctech Solar Holding (SHSE:688408) 38.7% 25.4% Suzhou Sunmun Technology (SZSE:300522) 36.5% 63.4% Sineng ElectricLtd (SZSE:300827) 36.5% 39.8% UTour Group (SZSE:002707) 23% 33.1%

Click here to see the full list of 362 stocks from our Fast Growing Chinese Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Sieyuan Electric Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, development, production, sale, and service of power transmission and distribution equipment both in China and globally, with a market capitalization of approximately CN47.49 billion.

Operations: The company generates CN13.32 billion in revenue from its transmission and distribution equipment segment.

Insider Ownership: 34.6%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 22.5% p.a.

Sieyuan Electric, despite a forecasted low Return on Equity of 19.1% in three years, shows promising growth prospects with earnings expected to rise by 22.5% annually, outpacing the broader Chinese market's 22.1%. The companys recent performance underscores this potential; half-year sales reached CNY 6.17 billion, up from CNY 5.30 billion year-over-year, and net income increased to CNY 887.14 million from CNY 700.54 million. Additionally, Sieyuan has maintained competitive pricing with a Price-to-Earnings ratio slightly below the market average at 27.2x.

SZSE:002028 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Jilin University Zhengyuan Information Technologies Co., Ltd. operates in the information technology sector with a market capitalization of approximately CN3.31 billion.

Operations: The business overview does not provide specific revenue segment details for Jilin University Zhengyuan Information Technologies.

Insider Ownership: 12.4%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 78.9% p.a.

Jilin University Zhengyuan Information Technologies, while experiencing a highly volatile share price and recent exclusion from the S&P Global BMI Index, is projected to see substantial revenue growth at 42.3% annually. Despite a net loss in Q1 2024 and shareholder dilution over the past year, it is expected to turn profitable within three years. The company's forecasted Return on Equity remains modest at 18.7%, reflecting both challenges and growth potential in its operational strategy.

SZSE:003029 Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Shanghai Taisheng Wind Power Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in the manufacture of wind power equipment and components, with a market capitalization of approximately CN6.06 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from the manufacture of wind power equipment and components.

Insider Ownership: 11.3%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 39.5% p.a.

Shanghai Taisheng Wind Power Equipment, despite a recent dip in quarterly revenue and net income, is poised for significant growth with earnings forecasted to increase by 39.52% annually. The company's revenue growth is also expected to outpace the Chinese market average, expanding at 25.3% per year. However, its profit margins have decreased from last year, and its modest dividend yield of 0.77% is poorly covered by free cash flows, reflecting some financial vulnerabilities amidst its growth trajectory.

SZSE:300129 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Taking Advantage

Reveal the 362 hidden gems among our Fast Growing Chinese Companies With High Insider Ownership screener with a single click here.

Have a stake in these businesses? Integrate your holdings into Simply Wall St's portfolio for notifications and detailed stock reports.

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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 SZSE:002028 SZSE:003029 and SZSE:300129.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Cheektowaga woman has pleaded guilty for killing another driver while drunk driving on Transit Road in February, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Wednesday.

Alondra Ramirez-Santiago, 24, was driving under the influence of alcohol when she caused a crash with another vehicle on Transit between Cloverleaf Drive and Rehm Road in Cheektowaga on the evening of Feb. 26. She was driving at a high rate of speed without headlights on.

The driver, 51-year-old Jennifer Hylkema of Lockport, died at the hospital. Hylkemas son was treated and released from ECMC. Ramirez-Santiago was also taken to ECMC to be treated for injuries.

She pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter.

She faces up to 25 years in prison when she is sentenced on Sep. 23. Prosecutors requested that she be held pending sentencing, but she was released on bail.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
A Philadelphia woman allegedly shot a 7-month-old baby in his stroller last week over a debt owed by one of his parents, according to a short surveillance video clip released by local police on Thursday.

The clip allegedly shows Dominique Billips, 28, walk up to a pair of people pushing a stroller. Billips fires in their direction and towards the stroller as one person, allegedly the boys father runs away.

The childs mother, who Rosenbaum said was a juvenile, can be heard screaming, My baby! The shooter replies, Fuck your baby, bitch.

Surveillance footage taken of a shooting on 4000 block of Meridian Street via Philadelphia Police Department Philadelphia Police Department

Billips was arrested on Friday and charged with several offenses, including aggravated assault, Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Dennis Rosenbaum said at a press conference on Saturday.

You knew they had a stroller, what makes you walk up to someone with a stroller and shoot them? Rosenbaum said.

Police said in a news release that the child was shot once in the leg. The babys condition is now stable, according to Rosenbaum. No one else was hurt.

When officers arrived at the scene, the parents were gone and the baby had been taken to the hospital by a neighbor. Officers later found them a few blocks away. Rosenbaum said the parents may have fled the scene out of fear of being arrested on outstanding warrants they had, which he said were for nonviolent crimes.

A man who said he witnessed the shooting and took the 7-month-old to hospital told NBC Philadelphia that he felt like he had to protect the child.

It was overwhelming. It was scary. This person came up and didnt care with no remorse and just fired and walked away like nothing happened, he told the outlet.

The parents told detectives during questioning that there was an argument before the shooting stemming from a $100 drug debt the father owes Billips, according to Rosenbaum. Police believe the babys father was the target of the shooting.

Its unclear if Billips has an attorney representing her. The Philadelphia County district attorneys office could not immediately give comment to HuffPost.

Authorities said they identified the shooter after receiving information from the public and enhancing surveillance footage. Rosenbaum told reporters that an officer also recognized Billips as a victim involved in another shooting in 2022.

Billips was located by highway patrol officers and taken into custody without incident, according to Rosenbaum.

Related...
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A woman was arrested for arson in connection with a fire at a central Austin hospital that happened over the weekend, the Austin Fire Department said in a news release.

Around 5:44 a.m., AFD said it received a call for a midrise fire at Ascension Seton Shoal Creek Medical Center, 3501 Mills Avenue. When fire crews arrived at the hospital, they found the remnants of an extinguished fire inside one of the patient rooms, the release said. One employee at the hospital suffered smoke inhalation.

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The woman, who was identified as 44-year-old Carmel Esther Norris, set a bed and pillow on fire with a lighter she smuggled into the hospital, according to AFD. Norris later confessed to setting the fire after she was interviewed by AFD arson investigators, the release said.

Carmel Esther Norris, 44 | Courtesy Austin Fire Department

According to AFD, the fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damages to the hospital, as well $1,000 in damages to the room where the fire started.

Norris was booked into the Travis County Jail, according to online Travis County court records. An attorney was not listed for Norris at the time this article was published.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A young woman died after emergency workers pulled her from the Chicago River in the citys Riverwalk park Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Police said a 22-year-old woman sitting by the river lowered herself into the water around 2:30 p.m. before Chicago Fire Department medics pulled her out and took her to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

About 100 people watched the paramedics perform chest compressions on the riverwalk near Dearborn Street and West Wacker Drive.

The woman, who hadnt yet been identified Tuesday evening, was pronounced dead just before 3:30 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiners office. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Police were investigating the womans death.

Tribunes Nell Salzman contributed.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A woman faces felony charges after her two dogs mauled a 6-year-old boy to death in Northeast Portland last December, Portland police announced.

A grand jury indicted the owner, Koko M. Miller, on charges of criminally negligent homicide and maintaining a dangerous dog on Wednesday. She also faces two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment.

Teen arrested for driving 137 mph on I-5 in Portland

Authorities reported Millers two Great Dane-Mastiff mixes had attacked the child at her house in the Parkrose Heights neighborhood on Dec. 5. The boy, Loyalty Scott, had been dropped off by his grandmother for Miller to take him to school, which family members told police was a typical occurrence.

Miller allegedly entered the garage to take care of her two dogs when Scott opened the door behind her. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Durkee Fire could see extreme behavior, growth in next 24 hours, officials say

Investigators said the boy had been told to stay away from the dogs before because they were dangerous, though there were no previous reports that the animals had ever been a problem.

The two dogs were euthanized the next day, according to Portland police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Woman at heart of Geneva Co. love triangle shooting arrested in Florida

HOLMES COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)  A woman at the center of a deadly love triangle in Geneva County has been arrested on drug charges in the Florida panhandle just months after her husband was found guilty.

According to the Holmes County Sheriffs Office, Penny Carnley was arrested on Saturday, July 20, during a traffic stop and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A release from the HCSO claims Carnley was driving a GMC pickup when she was pulled over for a traffic violation, and Carnley admitted to the deputy she had a bag of meth on her before taking it out.

A K9 was released, and during the search of the truck, deputies found a loaded syringe lying on the floorboard that tested positive for methamphetamine, according to deputies.

Carnley was arrested alongside her passenger in the truck, Keith Miller. Miller faces the same charges.

Keith Miller (Courtesy of the Holmes County Sheriffs Office)

In early 2023, Carnley was involved in what investigators called a love triangle murder, where her now husband, Jason Kersey, was found guilty of killing Carnleys estranged boyfriend, Tony Dean.

READ MORE: Man found guilty of manslaughter in Geneva County love triangle murder trial

According to the Geneva County Sheriffs Office, Kersey shot Dean to death in the front yard of Kerseys Samson home during a raging storm in January 2023.

Kersey and Carnley were married not long before Kersey was found guilty of manslaughter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Woman who jumped into river to elude police is arrested in Hopewell

HOPEWELL  The woman who jumped into the Appomattox River last week to avoid arrest was found alive and well  and arrested  Tuesday afternoon.

Cassie Renee Boss, 37, of Hopewell was picked up shortly after noon following a brief on-foot pursuit in the 300 block of Woodbine Street, police Lt. Jacquita Allen said. Boss had been sought since reportedly jumping into the river early July 16 at the Hopewell City Marina.

Officers responding to a report of suspicious activity at the marina approached Boss after discovering she was wanted on numerous charges in surrounding jurisdictions. The Virginia State Police and water-rescue crews from Chesterfield County were called in to assist with the search that ultimately turned up empty.

It was not immediately clear how long Boss was in the water or where she came ashore.

Boss has been charged with the following: Felony Distribution of Scheduled I/II, Misdemeanor False Identification to Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor Obstruction of Justice, Misdemeanor Capias for Failure to Appear, and a Felony Capias for Failure to Appear. Allen said all those charges are from the outstanding warrants.

Boss is being held at Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George County without bond.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Woman arrested days after jumping into river to elude police
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  A woman was sentenced to state prison for the 2021 murder of her mother in Travis County, according to court documents.

Wylumva Ngongoseke, 29, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison on July 17, according to Travis County court documents. She has 891 days of jail time credit.

Travis County deputies found Catherine Ngongoseke, 60, dead with stab wounds inside a Travis County home after a neighbor reported concerns about her well-being, according to the sheriffs office.

A few days later, Wylumva Ngongoseke was named as the suspect in her mothers death, the Travis County Sheriffs Office said in 2021. Foreign authorities arrested her in Tanzania in February 2022.

Wylumva Ngongoseke remains in Travis County jail as of Wednesday, per jail records.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man is behind bars for allegedly stabbing a woman he tried to holler at, Memphis Police say.

I had to do it: Main Event security guard shot co-worker twice in head, witnesses say

Delvontay Malone, 29, is charged with Aggravated Assault.

His bond has been set at $35,000.

A little before 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a stabbing at South Bellevue Boulevard and Harbert Avenue.

The victim told police she was approached by Malone because he wanted to holler at her. When she refused his advances, Malone allegedly attacked her, stabbing her in the leg multiple times.

Officers eventually found Malone at Lamar Avenue and Haywood Avenue. He was in possession of the knife used during the attack, police say.

The victim was taken to Regional One in non-critical condition.

Body found inside burned vehicle at MPD impound lot

Delvontay Malone is set to appear in court on Thursday morning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A woman sued Meridian to live in her tiny home on wheels. A judge just decided the case

Updated at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, to add mayors comment.

A woman sued the city of Meridian over its ban on tiny homes on wheels after she was evicted from her tiny home two years ago. On Tuesday, a judge in Boise ruled against her, according to the law firm that represented her.

Chasidy Decker had bought the home on wheels and parked it next to a single-family home owned by Robert Calacal, who agreed to rent part of his property to Decker. Shortly after, Meridian Code Enforcement Officer Anthony Negrete informed Decker that living in homes on wheels is against city law, the Statesman previously reported.

The Institute for Justice learned about Deckers impending eviction through the Idaho Statesmans story and took on Deckers case.The nonprofit law firm in Washington, D.C., says its goal is to end abuses of government power and secure peoples constitutional rights.

In a press release, the Institute for Justice said:

State District Judge Jason Scott in Boise ruled against Decker, saying that she and Calacal did not meet Meridians unified ownership requirement, which would require the owner of the house to also own the secondary unit on the property.

Im devastated that, after waiting two years, I wont be able to move back into my tiny home on Roberts property anytime soon, Decker said in the release. This is terrible news for tiny-home owners and others like me who need more affordable housing alternatives in Idaho.

The court also rejected Decker and Calacals claims of unequal enforcement and free-speech retaliation, which argued that Negrete had retaliated against them after reading the Statesmans story.

Decker and Calacals attorney, Bob Belden, said the citys unified ownership requirement is irrational. Belden, Decker and Calacal plan to seek further review of todays court ruling to help protect the property rights of Chasidy and Robert and other Idahoans who wish to make productive use of their residential property to provide more housing.

Belden told the Statesman by phone that they have yet to decide how to proceed and will consider all options, but an appeal is definitely on the table.

Mayor comments

Meridian Mayor Robert Simison said Wednesday by email: We are pleased with the courts decision upholding Meridians administration of its land use codes. This reaffirms that cities have the right to adopt and enforce reasonable zoning and land-use policies to serve as a framework within their communities.

Nampa food trucks say regulations are threatening their businesses. What just happened

Meridian said she couldnt stay in her tiny home. She sued. What a judge just decided

Idaho is going to force me out: What just happened in court for Meridian tiny-home owner

New mobile homes in Idaho are more costly than anywhere else in the nation. Heres why
Woman tells Grovetown Police she was branded after being forced into prostitution

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WJBF)  On Tuesday July 23rd, around 3:00pm, a 31-year-old woman, frantically entered the lobby of the Grovetown Police Department and told law enforcement that she was a victim of Human Trafficking and that she had been held against her will for several months.

The victim tells police that she was taken to various cities around Georgia where she was forced into prostitution. She went on the say that she has been held against her will for the past two weeks at 4446 Grove Landing Way in Grovetown.

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Police say they woman explained that she was brought to Grovetown by the suspect, 36-year-old Joe Lewis Hills, Jr.

Hills allegedly had picked her up in Macon, before taking her to Savannah, and then finally to Grovetown. The victim stated that since she has been in Grovetown, Hills has repeatedly abused her physically, including choking her to the point of unconsciousness, while also threatening her with bodily harm if she did not continue to work as a prostitute, both in the home, and away from it.

The victim also revealed that she had been branded on her body.

Police say the woman told them on Tuesday that she advised Hills that she had a john to go to meet and then summoned a ride sharing service.

Once the ride picked her up, she directed them to bring her to the Grovetown Police Department.

ALSO ON WJBF: Fetus found dead in trash can at Walmart parking lot in Grovetown

Utilizing license tag reader technology, Investigators were able to verify the victims timeline and travels with the suspect from Macon, to Savannah, to Grovetown as she had relayed them.

Investigators then contacted the local FBI field office who dispatched an Agent assigned to Human Trafficking to assist.

With the details that were provided by the victim, the Agent was able to substantiate her claims while indicating that this is part of a larger human trafficking organization with ties around the State.

During the time the victim was speaking with Investigators, Hills repeatedly called and messaged her phone.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for examination.

During the time that she was being interviewed, Investigators established surveillance of the residence on Grove Landing.

Grovetown man sentenced in cryptocurrency computer scheme

At approximately 5:54 Tuesday evening, Hills was observed leaving the residence, at which time a traffic stop was conducted and he was taken into custody without incident.

A search was conducted on the home and multiple narcotics including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana were discovered; along with 2 guns. A record check of the suspect revealed that he is currently on Federal Probation for two previous bank robberies.

He was arrested and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center on charges of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude

Possession of Cocaine

Possession of Methamphetamine

Possession of Marijuana

2cts. of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

This is an ongoing investigation, and further charges and arrests are anticipated as others involved are identified.

The Grovetown Police Department appreciates the assistance of the Columbia County Sheriffs Office who were on standby to assist with entry into the home if needed. If anyone has any information related to this case, or any cases involving Human Trafficking, please contact the Grovetown Police Department at 706-863-1212.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
By Gloria Dickie

LONDON (Reuters) -The world again registered its hottest day on record on Monday, inching past the previous high recorded just 24 hours earlier on Sunday, according to preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency.

As heatwaves sizzled around the world and wildfires engulfed parts of the Mediterranean, Russia and Canada, the global average surface air temperature rose to 17.15 degrees Celsius (62.87 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, July 22. That was 0.06 C (0.11 F) higher than Sunday's record according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, which has tracked such data since 1940.

This includes temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere, which is currently in winter, bringing down the worldwide average.

Scientists said it was possible that Tuesday or Wednesday of this week could again surpass Monday's record, as temperature peaks generally happen in clusters.

The last record hot day was in July 2023, when the record was repeatedly broken across four consecutive days from July 3 through 6. Before that, it was set in August 2016.

What makes this year's record unusual is that - unlike in 2023 and 2016 - the world in April moved out of the El Nino climate pattern, which generally amplifies global temperatures owing to warmer-than-usual waters in the Eastern Pacific.

Karsten Haustein, a climate scientist at Leipzig University in Germany, said it was "remarkable" that the record had been breached again now with the world well into the neutral phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation.

This points to the greater-than-ever influence of climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, in boosting global temperatures, scientists say.

"It's really alarming that there's not an El Nino year and we're seeing this," said Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist with Imperial College London and the Kenya Meteorological Department. "We've seen the signal come back to neutral, and almost La Nina, actually."

A La Nina would lead to substantial global cooling, masking some of the warming from climate change.

"Then we would really expect the temperatures to come down," she said. "If that is not happening, then it means there's really something wrong happening in our planet."

ASIA BOILS

China has issued a series of heat alerts this week, with dozens of weather stations in parts of central and northwestern China recording temperatures in excess of 40 C (104 F).

The central Chinese city of Wuhan, which hosted an international climate change meeting this week, issued a heat red alert early on Wednesday after temperatures hit 42.2 C (108 F) a day earlier.

Taiwan was also bracing for the impact of Typhoon Gaemi on Wednesday, with factories and financial markets shut down amid forecasts of torrential rain. Wind speeds at its centre were approaching their second highest ever recorded for the Western Pacific Ocean on Wednesday afternoon. China's state weather bureau also issued a typhoon red alert.

Scientists say climate change is making typhoons - tropical cyclones which gain energy by feeding on ocean heat  more intense, capable of reaching greater wind speeds and dumping more rain.

Japan too has experienced record-breaking heat throughout July. Heat stroke alerts were issued in 39 of the country's 47 prefectures on Monday, with temperatures exceeding 37C (99 F).

BURNING DOWN

More than 40 million Americans on Tuesday were facing dangerous temperatures, largely in the U.S. West where wind gusts and dry conditions stoked dozens of wildfires.

Excessive heat will continue to blanket an area stretching north from the U.S. Southwest through Nevada and into Idaho and Montana over the next two days before milder temperatures arrive on Friday, the U.S. National Weather Service said.

The province of Alberta in western Canada is also grappling with dozens of wildfires that have caused evacuations of thousands of people, including from Jasper National Park on Monday night.

Even the far north is enduring a heatwave.

Fairbanks, Alaska was set to hit 31 C (88 F) on Wednesday, approaching past records, while temperatures in parts of the Canadian, Russian and Norwegian Arctic were reaching temperatures more than 9 C (16.2 F) above the 1979 to 2000 baseline average for this time of year.

Russia's state forest agency has been battling dozens of blazes in Siberia in recent days as the unusually hot summer fuels fires.

COOLING OFF?

In Europe, Spain endured blistering temperatures in its second heatwave of the summer, which arrived on Tuesday, just four days after the first one ended. The heat was expected to peak on Wednesday, with at least one wildfire burning out of control in the northeast of the country. Weather service AEMET put about half of Spain's territory on orange alert for heat and part of the eastern region of Extremadura on red alert, forecasting maximum temperatures of 44 C.

Meanwhile, Greece's longest-ever heatwave ended officially on Wednesday after 16 days, beating the record set just last year.

"It is noteworthy that the record was broken so quickly, in just the following year," said Kostas Lagouvardos, research director of the National Observatory of Athens.While temperatures during the latest heatwave - Greece's second this summer - were not extreme, nighttime temperatures did not fall below 30 C in certain regions, compounding the impact of heat stress on humans, Lagouvardos said.

(Reporting by Gloria Dickie in London; additional reporting by David Stanway in Singapore, Karolina Tagaris in Athens and Andrey Khalip in Lisbon; editing by Alex Richardson and Mark Heinrich)
The Tacoma City Council recently approved a settlement agreement for $2 million in a wrongful-death case. The decedents estate argued that her death could be traced to a 2015 police officer-involved car crash.

Two years before Shamarra Scott died in February 2020, she filed a lawsuit that named the city of Tacoma as a defendant, as well as officer Wade White. Court documents show that on Oct. 14, 2015, Scott was driving on North 21st Street toward Pearl Street when White exited a strip-mall parking lot to turn left, T-boning her car.

Scotts legal team claimed that the officer caused the collision by failing to yield to the right-of-way when entering traffic.

Scott drove herself to the hospital after the wreck instead of being transported via ambulance, according to court documents. She alleged that the crash caused her injuries and physical pain.

Lawyers for Scotts estate later asserted that the wreck was responsible for a cascade of medical issues that would eventually lead to her paralysis and death. Defense attorneys cast doubt on those claims, suggesting her injuries were solely and proximately caused by the negligence and/or contributory fault of Plaintiff and/or certain of her medical providers.

The News Tribune reached out to the defense team, plaintiff/petitioner attorneys and White for comment but did not receive replies. White has since retired, a spokesperson for the Tacoma Police Department told The News Tribune.

City spokesperson Maria Lee told The News Tribune that on July 9 the City Council voted on a motion to move ahead with the $2 million settlement.

With the City Councils approval of the motion, it allowed the City Attorneys Office to execute a settlement agreement with the Plaintiff and resolve the pending claims, Lee wrote. We would not comment on the specific facts of the case and generally cannot discuss the reasons for settlement of that lawsuit.

One court document from 2020 put Scotts medical costs at more than $4.6 million, noting that the total had yet to be updated.

Scotts death certificate cited the cause of death as Guillain-Barre Syndrome and detailed other contributing factors, including chronic kidney disease, large left ischium wound, quadriparesis, long term tracheostomy, sarcoidosis, [and] seizure disorder, per court documents.

Her estate sued the city with claims that the wreck prompted a flare in her sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease, documents show. That required steroid treatment, and experts hired by the plaintiff believed that it led to weakened bones and later spinal surgery.

Scott underwent surgery in December 2018 but developed an infection that attacked her muscles and neurological system, according to court documents. She had to be fitted with a tracheostomy tube to breathe, and she became unable to speak. She also was then paralyzed from the neck down and could only move her eyes.

She was 40 when she died.
Yellowstone National Park superintendent Cameron Sholly submitted a letter to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on June 26 as part of the public comment period for proposed changes to Montanas wolf hunting and trapping regulations. In the letter, which was acquired by WyoFile, Sholly asked commissioners to consider changes to the states wolf hunting regulations in the management unit that borders the national park. Referring to high wolf mortality in a very small percentage of [Wolf Management Unit] 313, Sholly said hunters, poachers, and trappers in the area were taking too big a toll on Yellowstones wolves.

Shollys main request is for commissioners to break WMU 313 into two separate units, with the current quota of six wolves split between the two units. WyoFile reports that one of the states wildlife commissioners, Susan Kirby Brooke, has formally introduced a similar proposal to split WMU 313 and divide the six-wolf quota.

Sholly pointed out in his letter that 13 gray wolves known to live in the park were killed by humans during the 2023-24 wolf hunting season. Six were legally harvested by hunters in WMU 313; two were harvested outside WMU 313 but near the park boundary; one radio-collared wolf was poached inside WMU 313 in February; and two collared wolves reportedly died (one inside the park boundary and one adjacent to it) from gunshot wounds that were likely sustained inside WMU 313. The other two wolves were harvested legally by hunters in Idaho and Wyoming.

These losses represented approximately 10 percent of the winter 2023/2024 Yellowstone wolf population, Sholly wrote. He said this led to the dissolution of three of the parks known wolf packs.

Recently published research has documented significant impacts of human-caused mortality on natural social dynamics, Sholly wrote. Harvest of Yellowstone wolves has been shown to negatively impact pack persistence and pup production.

Sholly said that ironically, hunter harvest can sometimes lead to more wolves on the landscape. He pointed to a long-term alpha female wolf that was legally trapped in WMU 313 during the 2021-22 season. He said that in her absence, three other females gave birth to 18 pups in 2023.

In other words, Sholly wrote, the States approach is causing increasing reproduction of wolves.

An overview of Montanas wolf units.

The area that Montana wildlife managers define as WMU 313 borders the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park, and its been an ongoing source of controversy since the 2021-22 hunting season, when Montana hunters killed 15 wolves that roamed across the parks northern boundary. In the wake of that controversial season, MFWP established a quota of six wolves for WMU 313. This makes it unique from the rest of the state, which is subject to regional wolf hunting and trapping quotas.

Since the 2022 change, the harvest has been mostly concentrated near the Yellowstone Park Boundary by Gardiner and has resulted in the harvest of multiple wolves from one or two packs that primarily reside in Yellowstone Park, Brooke writes in the proposal. She also notes that there have been no livestock depredations in or around WMU 313 for years, and that harvest in Region 3 is meeting its legislative obligation to reduce wolf populations.

Wildlife commissioners have not formally responded to Shollys letter, according to WyoFile. However, it could guide the commissions discussions as they finalize regulations for the 2024-25 hunting season. MFWP is accepting public comments for those proposed regulations and Brookes amendment through July 25.

In a broader sense, these kinds of recommendations and tweaks come around every time wolf management is up in the air, MFWP Communication and Education Division administrator Greg Lemon tells Outdoor Life.

This concern is something that the Commission has heard every single time that theyve taken up wolf regulations, Lemon says. Wolves are typically controversial, and the Commission has historically done a lot of balancing to tweak the regulations and define the path forward. The charge that we have and that the Commission has is to manage wildlife within state boundaries. Thats the science we focus on.
Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak held talks with Phil Gordon, the national security advisor to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Presidential Office said on July 23.

Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president days after incumbent President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed his vice president for the nomination.

Biden left the race amid increased pressure from high-ranking Democrats for him to drop out, citing concerns regarding Biden's fitness for office and mental acuity that intensified following the president's poor debate performance in June. While Harris secured enough delegates on July 23 for the nomination, she may still face challengers within her own party on the path toward the official vote.

Yermak and Gordon spoke about "the situation on the frontline and the increasing number of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities, especially on energy infrastructure," the Presidential Office said in a statement.

Yermak also "emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's air defense with modern Western systems" and "discussed the further support for Ukraine from the U.S., the results of the first peace summit, and the implementation of the peace formula points."

Earlier in July, before Biden dropped out of the race, Yermak met with Gordon in Washington ahead of the NATO summit.

Gordon has extensive experience in government and previously served presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Read also: Russia accuses Kamala Harris of unfriendly rhetoric  heres what she actually said

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On the eve of his address to Congress Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got a rude experience during his stay at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.



Protesters left mealworms and maggots on banquet tables in the hotel, perhaps to bring awareness to maggot infestations afflicting wounded Palestinians in Israels brutal war in Gaza. They also set off fire alarms on multiple floors. Activists with the Palestinian Youth Movement and its Washington, D.C.-area chapter took credit for the disruption in a video posted to X and Instagram.



BON APPETIT!! MAGGOTS RELEASED ON THE CRIMINAL ZIONIST'S WAR TABLE!

Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people. pic.twitter.com/hEc2HzL8Jb  Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) July 24, 2024

In a statement to The New Republic Wednesday afternoon, the hotel confirmed that an incident took place but refused to comment further because law enforcement is looking into the matter:

We are aware of the social media video circulating on multiple platforms involving The Watergate Hotel and the unfortunate incident that occurred at the property yesterday. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and staff. We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal. We are cooperating fully with authorities, who are handling the situation. As this is an open case, we are unable to provide any further details at this time.

The effort was part of larger planned protests across the city against Netanyahus visit to Washington and address to Congress. On Tuesday, massive protests organized by Jewish Voice for Peace filled the Cannon House Office Buildings rotunda near the Capitol.



Netanyahu isnt being given the red carpet treatment that hes been used to on previous D.C. visits. President Joe Biden has pushed his meeting with the Israeli prime minister to Thursday after it was initially up in the air, and Vice President Kamala Harris skipped his congressional address, instead planning to meet with the Israeli prime minister privately. Netanayahu will be meeting with Trump on Friday at the convicted felons Mar-a-Lago estate, perhaps trading notes on their legal issues and attempts to control their countries judiciaries.



Israels brutal war has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including over 15,000 children. Netanyahu has ignored calls for a cease-fire, which contributed to Bidens drop in popularity among young people and communities of color. On Tuesday, seven major labor unions joined forces to demand an end to weapons aid to Israel.

None of this affected Netanyahus address to Congress, or Americas policies toward his country and the atrocities it continues to wage as its leader is accused of war crimes. What ought to happen is not a protest of insects and maggots but lawmakers standing up to Israel and ending weapons shipments to the country.


Liz Coulbourn

This story was written by Teen Vogue's 2024 Student Correspondents, a team of college students covering the election cycle from key battleground states.

Its Joever, but what comes next is less clear. While the Democratic Party seems to be rapidly consolidating around Kamala Harris as the 2024 presidential nominee, voters are still reckoning with the fact that President Joe Biden will no longer be at the top of the ticket. In conversations with Teen Vogue, students and youth organizers in key states expressed a heady mix of emotions: relief, uncertainty, frustration, and excitement. Over DMs, emails, phone calls, and texts, some said they feel relieved that the 81-year-old president is stepping down in favor of a younger, more vibrant candidate, while others expressed reservations about Harriss record as a prosecutor and second in command to Biden. Several said the move felt like too little, too late for the Democratic Partys 2024 chances.

Teen Vogues 2024 Student Correspondents spoke to 29 young people from Georgia, Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Michigan about Bidens decision to step down and how theyre feeling about what comes next.

Their responses have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

President Biden Delivers Remarks On His Administration's Efforts To Safeguard The Development Of Artificial Intelligence Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Georgia

Sparkle Rainey, 20, senior at Georgia State University and former digital messaging strategist for the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition

Biden dropping out is ultimately necessary and what was best for the party. Most of the younger generation, including myself, has not been happy with his decisions as president over the last year, specifically regarding foreign policy and just question his age and ability to properly carry out his job.

District Attorney Kamala Harris at a press conference at the Hall of Justice concerning peace officers and the "Brady Policy" in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. With chief George Gascon at right, they explain the "Brady Policy" as protect San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images

Still, Rainey expressed concerns about Harriss past as a district attorney in San Francisco, where her office prosecuted low-level marijuana charges.

Hunter Buchheit, 19, freshman at Emory University and a member of the Vox ATL board of directors

It definitely gives a renewed sense of possibility for what can be because now [Harris] is likely going to be heading the Democratic ticket. I think theres a lot of possibility for her to be able to prove herself. I think she would be much stronger in a debate and be able to articulate why America should elect her as president.

Shivi Mehta, 17, senior at Alliance Academy and organizer who led the effort to reverse book bans in Forsyth County

Kamala Harris she has a not-so-great history, in my personal opinion, Mehta says, referencing the marijuana convictions and overturning so many people's lives for nonviolent drug offenses.

Still, she adds, In the interest of our country as someone with progressive ideals and progressive valueswe need to back one single candidate. Mehta notes that young Republicans have coalesced behind former president Donald Trump and she urges Democrats to do the same.

Aryan Batada, 18, college freshman and national summit coordinator for the High School Democrats of America

Itd be really important to have someone as a VP, that would add onto Kamalas base that already has name brand recognition, says Batada, floating Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and California governor Gavin Newsom as potential picks.

Arizona

Aliyah Griddine, 20, junior at Arizona State University

Initially, I had no feelings. Ive been more than disappointed and have mentally disassociated with the American government for years, especially as a young Black woman. After I sat with it, I was partially relieved that [Biden] stepped down due to his war crimes and support in the genocide taking place in Palestine.

Nidhi Achanta, 17, high school senior from Chandler, Arizona, Young Feminist Party lead, and New Voters fellow

My thoughts can be summed up in the word grateful. Grateful to have patriots like President Joe Biden willing to step aside and allow the United States an opportunity to potentially see our first female president. As a daughter of two Indian immigrants, its incredible to see the representation that could be fostered in light of this decision.

Im interested in finding out who the VP pick will be with hopes that they can match up to JD Vance and combat the dangerous political narrative in the US.

Ashton Dolce, 16, high school senior and Phoenix Sunrise Movement coordinator

While it was very true that Biden would not win in a general election face-off with Trump, just based on appearance and persona. I also don't know if Harris is the one to beat Trump. At least in my experience a lot of young people, including myself, find Harris's flip-flops on positions and progressive policies to be kind of disheartening. She's kind of a cringy candidate. I'm not sure how much she'll appeal to young people, but I do think that maybe her more progressive policy stances could help her really get a rebound from the Democratic base.

Sunrise Movement protests near Vice President Kamala Harris's homel Robert Gauthier/Getty Images

Sunrise as a group has protested outside of Harris's home. We'll see in the next few weeks where Harris stakes out her policy stances. But ultimately, I think it's young people, groups that propelled Biden to win in 2020, they should be the ones at the center of what we should be focusing on right now, not kind of this high-level, birds-eye view that we're getting from just like 10 party elites, the Clintons, and Obama.

Jacob George, 20, junior at Arizona State University and candidate for the Balsz Elementary school board

[President] Joe Biden has served our country for over 50 years, which is beyond commendable. I believe he made the right decision to pass the torch to Kamala Harris. This is the energy that the Democratic Party has been lacking.

We [now] have a younger candidate thats been strong on protecting a woman's right to choose, the LGBTQ+ community, and voting equality.

Florida

Trenece Robertson, 24, reproductive justice organizer in Tallahassee

"I felt relieved as if I could finally breathe. I did not have much faith in Biden winning against Trump. People are hesitant to vote, which is bad when people are unaware that election ballots are not [just] about one thing  [theyre also about] local elections and amendments.

US-POLITICS-ABORTION CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images

I am holding onto hope. I have not seen so many people invested in this election until today. I have seen mutuals call people to action. People who weren't planning on voting at all are okay with Kamala. I am excited to see what the HBCU and D9 crowds will do because if nominated and elected, she would be the first president to have graduated from an HBCU and be a member of the D9 sorority. The feminist groups are ready to mobilize around her because, unlike Biden, she will actually say [the word] abortion and has been the most vocal of the two on the issue. The voter turnout and mobilization will be amazing.

Joselyn Pena, 20, president of the Young Democratic Socialists of America at Florida International University in Miami

"It feels like too little, too late of an effort by the Democratic Party. Hundreds of thousands voted Uncommitted in the primaries [over Bidens Gaza policy]. It was clear months ago that Biden was not a suitable candidate. Now, instead of taking the hint back then, the Democratic Party offers the predictable pick: Kamala Harris. Harris is younger, a woman, a BIPOC, and overall more energetic as a politician which will likely earn her the liberal and Democratic votes.

[But] we won't stop fighting until we get a candidate who actually represents and is willing to fight for the working class of America.

Alex Lazula, 22, recent political science, international relations, and journalism graduate at Florida International University

"I was at IKEA when the news broke, so to have world-changing news happen while youre looking at pillowcases always throws you for a loop. But in all sincerity, President Biden has served this country for decades and I respect the fact that he has the dignity to listen to his constituents and bow out while he still has time.

"I definitely think Kamala is a stronger candidate. She has just as proven a track record, shes younger, shes smarter, shes a faster candidate. She is going to laugh Trump off a debate stage if it comes to it, but Im just guessing.

It feels like theres just been a sudden invigoration coming out of the campaign now.

Nashaly Melendez, 25, Miami-based PhD candidate in English literature

Honestly, I have no questions but just feel kind of defeated. I already felt that way with the election coming up, but this all just feels odd. I wonder why Biden waited until now to drop out. I feel like Kamala shouldve been on the ticket prior to this tbh.

Alex Valero, 24, Miami-based registered Independent

I dont think [Harris will] win. If Biden said he wouldnt run again nine months ago, then she might have had a shot, but at this point she has no chance. Which is saying a lot because Trump isnt a traditionally likable guy nor is he most people's first choice for president.

Pennsylvania

Vivi Melkonian, 22, spring 24 grad, Villanova University

Bidens decision is the right thing for the success of the party and the preservation of his legacy. Hes had a hard-fought and dedicated political career, and I hope he can be remembered for that. It will be interesting to see how Democrats rally in the coming months to get voters out. I dont feel that same momentum that we had to get out and vote in 2020, but I hope this changes that.

Blaise Puscavage, 22, senior at East Stroudsburg University

Its necessary. Despite what the general population felt, young voters were starting to turn on [Biden] months ago for his foreign policy and funding decisions. Kamala [Harris], however, faces the challenge of rewriting her campaign to encompass younger voters again, while also facing some strong political theater after the former president [Trumps] assassination attempt. In the end, Kamala stands way more of a chance, in my opinion, than Biden ever did."

Bria D., 21, senior at Villanova University

He put the countrys needs before his wants. Thank you, Mr. President.

Jess Fellerman, 21, Pennsylvania resident and registered voter

The divide between Democrats and Republicans is far more extreme than it has ever been. I struggle to even call it the Republican Party because it feels like something much more sinister. MAGA believers and Trumpism have forever altered the anatomy of the Republican Party, making it completely impossible to coexist or create any type of unity. Biden stepping out is, I believe, a decent example of unity. At least hes listening to his party and not trying to streamline propaganda into everyones minds to fake that hes still fit for [the] presidency. But more than ever, I am scared for what the future holds.

Shelby Cathey, 21, senior at Villanova University

Hopefully someone whos not 95 steps up and can actually empathize with the future [generations.]

Marissa Jason, 22, student at Penn State Law

Biden dropping out of the race is sure to shake up Trumps campaign given that Trump was only expecting and wanting to run against Biden.

Wisconsin

Ciboney Reglos, 22, University of Wisconsin-Madison spring 24 grad, senior class diversity, equity, & inclusion director

If I could describe it in one word, it would probably be unsettled. If I could use a second word: frustrated. My frustration really stems from the fact that Biden's age wasn't a question that just [suddenly] came up [during the debate]. Clearly there were [also] a lot of disagreements with his policies. I know that there was a really large uncommitted vote campaign that a lot of young people have advocated for and participated in because of his policies in Gaza and his role in aiding Israel. There's just a lot of frustration on my end because there could have been a lot of different steps to mitigate this kind of panic and lack of time to prepare for a presidential election as big as this one.

Quinn Henneger, 19, University of Wisconsin-Madison 23 grad, education director for the Madison Journal of Literary Criticism

I honestly wasn't too fazed by [Biden stepping down] because electoral politics in general don't interest me a whole lot as someone who doesn't plan on voting in November. It doesnt really change much, whoever he endorses. It heightens the fact of why I wont vote. In the past, Kamala Harris has been proven to support Israel and continue the surveillance of the carceral state.

[I see voting as a distraction from] building with community, building community and power, centering poor folks and other marginalized groups in that organizing. It creates this loop of deception and continued oppression that is no good.

Kareem Mayouf, 24, University of Wisconsin-Madison Students for Justice in Palestine organizer

"I'm really not optimistic at all because the sources of funding haven't changed. The identity of the Democratic Party hasn't really changed either. They're still trying to gaslight people into believing that they're the progressive party, and Democrats like to position themselves in opposition to the fascism of the Republicans. But in terms of foreign policy, they're very similar.

Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President Of The United States At U.S. Capitol Inauguration Ceremony Drew Angerer

I think that [Harris] pretty much represents exactly what Biden represents. There isnt really much discrepancy there... They were a part of the same administration, she pretty much supported everything he was doing, and now he's endorsing her. I feel like this is really just a facelift for the Democratic Party; it's basically a PR stunt. That's what I feel and I think many other Palestinians are feeling this as well.

Maia Brunel, 23, University of Wisconsin 24 grad

As much as I want to say Im glad Biden has dropped out, it doesnt make me feel any better about our future. Im afraid Harris will be able to get away with the same oppressive actions as those before her behind the guise of her identity Obama was celebrated for his identity but didnt follow through with the promises he ran on Harris already has a legacy of violence but will be able to run as the progressive feminist candidate who promises to change the world. Our neo-liberal parents will love her. They will wear Harris 24 T-shirts and proudly display her name on rainbow signs in their front yards. Meanwhile, the same Black men will be incarcerated and used for prison labor, the same students will be arrested for protesting, and the same poor people still wont be able to afford health care. US imperialism will be just as destructive, but now we just might get to see it in pink!

Nevada

Karen Dominguez, 21, senior at the University of Nevada, Reno

Right now, I think it's more important that we show as a Democratic Party, we have our sh*t together. If she's our best chance, I think Id rather take Kamala than Biden. But again, I don't like that every four years it feels like we're choosing the better of two evils. I wish I had a candidate that I can truly endorse and get my vote.

Evan Robinson, 20, community organizer

"I am not supporting Kamala Harris because it is important to remember that she was still complicit in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Lets be very clear in understanding that just because we recast the oppressor doesnt mean theyre gone now.

I dont believe Kamala will be able to unite the Democrats around her and her running mate now. We are too close to the election. I think everyone should begin to organize, be in community, and get to know their neighbors. We must prepare for a Trump presidency. The fact that he is even this close to winning should motivate people to get organized!

Abby Castro, 21, incoming senior at UNR

"I think this is definitely the best decision Biden could have made for the people. Ive been talking to a few friends about this and it seems like not a lot of people are in favor of [Harris] being the next nominee. At the same time, Id love to see a woman of color candidate, and that itself might work well in her favor.

This definitely disadvantages the Republican Party a bit. I mean, most of the rights campaign has just been Biden is bad. Theres a pretty good chance for a Trump loss here if it works out in the Democrats' favor.

Jace Ouchida, 21, student

I am relieved that the Democratic Party will get a younger nominee. If a minimum age limit exists, then a max age limit should exist too. Kamala was the appropriate choice as the new nominee and I am excited to see someone younger who would set many milestones if she is elected. I would like to have seen more options for the Democratic Party in general.

Michigan

Atiya, 22, digital manager at a nonprofit, who preferred to remain anonymous to speak candidly about her political views

It was definitely overdue and would have been better for his narrative to have left before the debate because now its even more embarrassing. But he never stood for my community as a young person and as someone who stands with the people of Palestine, so good riddance. I dont think well find liberation in Kamala and Im interested to see what tactics they use to try to sway younger people to like her because currently I dont find her particularly inspiring or admirable, which is disappointing as a woman of color.

Robert, 22, student at University of Michigan

Biden was a uniquely flawed candidate, due to his personal relationship to Israel as well as his [discomfort with advocating] for abortion [as a Catholic]. The first debate showed these weaknesses well, beyond just his complete lack of mental faculties. On a question about abortion, he brought up [undocumented] immigrants [allegedly] murdering a woman. This was an unforced error that any other Democratic nominee would have avoided.

"I think its likely Kamala is the nominee and that is an improvement over Biden. I would put money on her beating Trump, as long as the party is able to run a competent campaign and not a redux of 2016.

I also think Kamala will be a marginal or substantial improvement over Biden on the issues that matter to me, like Gaza, abortion, and health care.

Correction: This article originally said Ashton Dolce was 17 and from Scottsdale. He is 16 and from Phoenix.

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New Zealand enquiry finds 200,000 children and vulnerable adults abused in care, leader says we should have done better

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed regret on Wednesday after a public enquiry found some 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the last 70 years.

Nearly one in three children and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced some form of abuse, the report found, a finding that could leave the government facing billions of dollars in fresh compensation claims.

This is a dark and sorrowful day in New Zealands history as a society and as a state, we should have done better, and I am determined that we will do so, Luxon told a news conference.

An official apology will follow on November 12, he added.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks during the release of The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care report on July 24, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. - Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

The report by Royal Commission of Inquiry spoke to over 2,300 survivors of abuse in New Zealand, which has a population of 5.3 million. The inquiry detailed a litany of abuses in state and faith-based care, including rape, sterilisation and electric shocks, which peaked in the 1970s.

Those from the Indigenous Maori community were especially vulnerable to abuse, the report found, as well as those with mental or physical disabilities.

Civil and faith leaders fought to cover up abuse by moving abusers to other locations and denying culpability, with many victims dying before seeing justice, the report added.

It is a national disgrace that hundreds of thousands of children, young people and adults were abused and neglected in the care of the State and faith-based institutions, the report said.

It made 138 recommendations, including calling for public apologies from New Zealands government, as well as the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury, heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches respectively, who have previously condemned child abuse.

People arrive at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. - Charlotte Graham-McLay/AP

It also called for the government to set up a Care Safe Agency responsible for overseeing the industry, as well new legislation including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, including admissions made during religious confession.

The report estimated the average lifetime cost to an abuse survivor, that is what New Zealanders would consider normal, day-to-day activities, was estimated in 2020 to be approximately NZ$857,000 ($511,200.50) per person, though the report did not make clear the amount of compensation available for survivors.

Luxon said he believed the total compensation due to survivors could run into billions of dollars.

Were opening up the redress conversations and were going through that work with survivor groups, he said.

The inquiry also recommended payments to families who have been cared for by survivors of abuse due to the intergenerational trauma they suffered, as well as review of compensation paid in previous child abuse cases including at the state-run Lake Alice adolescent unit.

The most important element is to recognise and acknowledge the survivors for the reality and the truth of their lives, said Tracey McIntosh, a sociologist at the University of Auckland.

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-mandated monitoring time for CAR-T therapy patients could be halved, according to a new study.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy involves modifying a patients T cells to recognise and attack cancer cells. There are three approved therapies to treat diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL), notably Gileads Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) and Novartiss Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), which were approved by the FDA in 2017; and Bristol Myers Squibbs Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel), which won approval in 2021.

Safety concerns surrounding CAR-T cell therapies related to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), led to strict FDA-mandated monitoring requirements when the therapies were first approved in 2017.

To allow for the safe use of these therapies, the FDA established a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) programme, which covered these monitoring requirements. Under the REMS programme, patients need to stay near the treatment centre for four weeks and bar them from driving for eight weeks. This has created barriers for patients belonging to a lower socioeconomic status to access these therapies, according to the lead author of the study, Dr Nausheen Ahmed, associate professor of hematologic malignancies and cellular therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center.

The research study, published today in Blood Advances journal, found that the risk of CRS and ICANS peak by two weeks for lymphoma patients receiving certain CAR-T therapies. This suggests that the monitoring period could be made more flexible depending on individual patient needs, and possibly reduced from the current four-week period.

The study evaluated 475 patients with DLBCL. Of these patients, 216 received Yescarta, 158 Kymriah, and 100 Breyanzi. Overall, 60% experienced CRS and 32.4% experienced ICANS. In the first seven days, new-onset CRS occurred in 57.5% of patients and ICANS in 25.4% of patients. Between days eight and 12, new cases of CRS and ICANS were noted in 5.4% and 9.3% of patients, respectively. After 12 days, no new CRS cases and only one new ICANS case in a Kymriah recipient were reported.

Ahmed explained that making the monitoring period more flexible could improve accessibility for disadvantaged patients, save resources for treatment centres, and allow patients to resume their normal lives and responsibilities sooner.

In terms of resources, it would allow the treatment centres to have less of a burden. It will benefit the treatment centres in the fact that they can have early discharge, with patients going back home where they can see their referring doctor, explained Ahmed.

Story continues

Ahmed also led another study which demonstrated similar findings of 129 relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma patients on Bristol Myers Squibb's Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel), and Johnson & Johnsons Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel).

Ahmed also emphasised the importance of empowering and educating community doctors to take a larger role in monitoring and treating long-term side effects of CAR-T therapies.

The major cause of death in the first three months is actually infection. The focus has to be on really empowering and teaching and collaborating with our community doctors because patients can still die of complications, but the complication is more than likely going to be infection, concluded Ahmed.

In addition to infection, the FDA launched an investigation in November 2023, following reports of secondary cancers in some patients that have received CAR-T therapy. As well as the investigation, the FDA added boxed warnings for secondary T-cell malignancies to all approved CAR-T therapies.

"New study suggests CAR-T therapy monitoring time could be slashed" 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.
People arrive at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, for the tabling of a wide-ranging independent inquiry into the abuse of children and vulnerable adults in care over the span of five decades wrote in a blistering final report. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  New Zealand is the latest country to wrestle with its history of the cruel, systemic and commonplace abuse of children and vulnerable adults in the care of state and faith-based institutions.

Its six-year independent inquiry, presented to Parliament on Wednesday, also considered mistreatment of children in foster care and vulnerable adults. The authors said it is the widest-ranging exploration of abuse and neglect of people in care ever conducted worldwide. They decried the widespread abuse and neglect of hundreds of thousands of people in care between 1950 and 1999 as a national disgrace and made 138 recommendations.

Previous New Zealand governments had resisted holding such an inquiry.

Other countries have conducted similar investigations over the past two decades. Among them:

 Australia held two recent inquiries into the abuse of children and disabled people. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse ran from 2012-2017 and scrutinized public, church and private institutions  including child care, cultural, educational, religious, sporting and other organizations. Then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison made an emotional public apology in 2018 for the systemic sexual abuse of children in Australia. A second Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability operated from 2019-2023, examining mistreatment of disabled people in all areas of society.

 Two decades earlier, Australia investigated its systematic removal of Indigenous children from their families in the report Bringing Them Home, which followed a national inquiry from 1995-1997 into the so-called Stolen Generations of young Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders taken by the state between 1910 and 1970  thought to be between 10% and 30% of all such children. Then-Prime Minister John Howard rejected the report's call for a national apology, but a later Australian leader, Kevin Rudd, gave one in 2008.

 Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission extended from 2007-2015 and examined individual and collective harms perpetrated against Aboriginal people between 1883 and 1996 in government-funded, church-run residential schools, where 150,000 children were placed. Sexual abuse and religious indoctrination were rife. Pope Francis in 2022 apologized for the Catholic Churchs involvement with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools, one of several he has made for the church's transgressions against children in care settings around the world.

 In 2022, the United States Interior Department released a first-of-its-kind federal study of Native American boarding schools that for over a century sought to assimilate Indigenous children into white society and undercut their cultural and tribal ties. It identified more than 500 student deaths at more than 400 schools that were established or supported by the U.S. government. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary, acknowledged the boarding school era perpetuated poverty, mental health disorders, substance abuse and premature deaths in Indigenous communities.

 In England and Wales, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse ranged from 2015-2022, examining abuse and exploitation in state institutions  including police, government departments, schools, health services and custodial institutions  and non-state institutions, including religious organizations and private schools. It covered abuse that happened in living memory.

 The Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry covered the physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect of children between 1922 and 1995. It ran 2013-2017 and examined abuse in state and non-state residential institutions, including religious institutions and excluding schools.

 Ireland's Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse ranged from 2000 until 2009, and initially scrutinized physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect of children that happened between 1940 and 1999  before it was extended to reach back as far as 1914. It covered a comprehensive list of state and religious-run institutions, although it excluded the notorious Magdalene Laundries, where 10,000 so-called fallen women were consigned and forced to undertake menial labor. A government apology to the women was made in 2013. Pope Francis apologized to the tens of thousands of women and children abused in the Catholic Church's care in 2018.

 The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry began in 2015 and is ongoing. It covers abuse in living memory that happened in a wide-ranging list of state or non-state institutions, including faith-based groups.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has stated that he received a clear signal from China of its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address

Quote: "The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, who is visiting China these days, held talks with his counterpart and gave me a report on the results of the meeting. This is the first visit of a Ukrainian official at this level in many years. And this is good. There is a clear signal that China supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

Details: Zelenskyy stated that during Kulebas visit it was confirmed that China would not supply Russia with weapons.

Zelenskyy expects Kulebas detailed report upon his arrival in Ukraine.

Background: In China, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, where Kuleba told him that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia, but there is no such readiness on the Russian side.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has stated that on Wednesday, 24 July, he had heard a report on the training of Ukrainian forces and the deployment of the Patriot air defence systems in Ukraine.

Source: Zelenskyys address

Details: Zelenskyy reported that his team was already creating a work schedule for August.

Quote: "We already have a clear work schedule and pre-arranged meetings, including those with leaders, for the new political season in the world. Ukraine will get everything it needs to withstand and achieve its goals. Today, there were several reports that contributed to a clearer understanding of both tasks and needs. There was a report by the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko, on what to expect in the near future and what opportunities Ukraine should definitely seize.

We also talked in detail with the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Rustem Umierov, about ensuring our military tasks for this month. We are preparing some news. I also spoke today with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, and there was a report on the frontline situation and our defensive actions."

Details: Zelenskyy called the visit of Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, to China "a clear signal that China supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty" and noted that during this trip it was confirmed that China would not supply Russia with weapons.

Zelenskyy added that he had talked to the participants of the 2024 Olympics.

Quote: "This is already an achievement for Ukrainians  that in the midst of such a war and full-scale Russian terror, we have prepared, and we are still participating in the Olympics. Our flag and the Ukrainian anthem will be in France on par with all nations that respect life and the principles of Olympism. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine preserve as many elements of normal life as possible, no matter what. I thank everyone who protected the principles of Olympism from distortion and prevented flags and the participation of a terrorist state in the Olympics."

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Zelenskyy speaks with Estonias new prime minister soon after he takes office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Kristen Michal, who was voted to become Estonias new prime minister on Monday, 22 July, on Michals first day in office.

Source: President Zelenskyy on Telegram

Details: Zelenskyy thanked Michal for Estonias military support for Ukraine, which, he said, "is long-term and strategic and sets a great example for our partners".

Zelenskyy said that Michal assured him that his government would continue supporting Ukraine on its path to the European Union and NATO.

Zelenskyy and Michal also "discussed continuing [Ukraine and Estonias] cooperation, in particular between our defence firms, and agreed to meet at the earliest opportunity," according to Zelenskyy.

Background:

The new Estonian government, headed by Prime Minister Kristen Michal, took the oath of office on the morning of Tuesday, 23 July.

Eight ministers from the previous government (which was headed by Kaja Kallas), including Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur and Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhkna, whose roles are particularly crucial for Ukraine, retained their positions.

Estonias new Prime Minister Kristen Michal has said that his government woudl continue supporting Ukraine until it defeats Russia.

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5 fascinating robots that could change our lives for the better

Though we are still a ways away from the futuristic robots of sci-fi movies, the autonomous robot industry has made some amazing advances in recent years. From helping with our daily lives to working toward a cleaner earth, robots could make a big impact on the world.

01.

Clearbot

"We want to be the leader that brings in the electric revolution, like Tesla has done for cars."

Aquatic trash is a global environmental problem, but one startup has come up with a robotic helper. Clearbot is an autonomous, solar-powered boat that picks up trash as it floats along the water. In its pilot program conducted in a lake in northeast India, Clearbot was able to collect between 1,320 and 1,540 pounds of trash over three days.

With several fleets up and running in India and Hong Kong along with plans to expand, Clearbot offers a green method to reduce pollution in waterways.

Read more 

02.

Serve

Serve, Autonomous Robots to deliver food

"Why deliver 2-pound burritos in 2-ton cars?" That is exactly the question Serve is tackling as it aims to make the food delivery industry more affordable, sustainable, and convenient using robots. These all-electric robots take delivery cars off the road, reducing both traffic and pollution.

Unlike their competitors like Kiwibot and Coco, Serve was the first delivery robot to have fully autonomous capabilities. Serve has already rolled out its robots in the Los Angeles area and, thanks to a commercial deal with Uber, plans to deploy up to 2,000 more sidewalk delivery robots in new locations available on Uber Eats.

Read more 

03.

Terafab

In recorded history, humans have basically always been looking for ways to make labor easier and more effective.

Terabase Energy's new Terafab construction automation robot simplifies the solar panel installation process. Improving labor productivity by 25%, Terafab eliminates the need for heavy lifting, and it betters working conditions by keeping employees out of the blazing sun.

The Solar Energy Industries Association predicts there will be a need for 800,000 new workers by 2030 at the current rate of solar growth. Terafab's ability to improve working conditions and remove risk from the installation process supports the growing solar workforce instead of feeding the common fear that automation eliminates jobs.

Read more 

04.

ICARO X4

"A definitively sustainable superior solution."

The ICARO X4, developed by Free Green Nature engineers, is a hybrid autonomous farm robot that uses Ultraviolet C (UV-C) rays on vineyards to remove mildew and fungi without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. The robot runs mainly on an electric battery but can be fitted with a backup diesel generator to run for up to 72 hours.

Using this new UV-C technology, the ICARO X4 can reduce a vineyard's use of fungicide by up to 70%. Five ICARO X4s are currently in operation at vineyards in France and Italy, where warmer summers threaten the wine industry with higher levels of mildew.

Read more 

05.

Pipebots

Pipebot fixing leaky pipe

Leaking pipes worldwide lose about 91 billion gallons of clean water daily. The UK's Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR) has come up with a solution to prevent the loss of freshwater: tiny "pipebots" that fix leaks from the inside.

The current model looks like a toy car with legs, each equipped with a camera and microphone to navigate and analyze surroundings and locate leaks, as well as an AI system to assess damages. When the robot finds a leak, it can apply the necessary repairs or call for more robots to help, making fixing leaks faster, easier, less labor-intensive, and less expensive.

Read more 

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Credit: Tencent

As shipments of high-performance processors based on x86 and Arm architectures to China face challenges, the country is gradually adopting locally designed data center platforms. As a result, Chinese companies also must adopt locally developed operating systems. Tencent Cloud recently unveiled TencentOS Server V3, which supports Huawei's Kunpeng, Sugon's Hygon, and Phytium's FeiTeng CPUs, reports DigiTimes.

The TencentOS Server V3 is designed primarily for large-scale server clusters powered by China's three main server CPU lines: Arm-based Huawei's Kunpeng, x86-based Sugon's Hygon, and Arm-based Phytium's FeiTeng CPUs. The operating system optimizes CPU usage, power consumption, and memory usage. To better optimize its operating system and data centers for domestic processors, Tencent partnered with Huawei and Sugon to develop high-performance platforms for domestic databases.

Also, the TencentOS Server V3 can run GPU clusters, which will be helpful for Tencent's AI efforts. The latest version of the OS fully supports Nvidia GPU virtualization to increase the utilization of processors when they are used for simple yet resource-consuming services, such as optical character recognition (OCR). According to DigiTimes, this innovation has reduced Nvidia cluster card procurement costs by nearly 60%.

DigiTimes reports that with nearly 10 million machines in operation, TencentOS Server is one of China's most widely deployed Linux OS. However, this is not the only server-oriented Linux distribution developed in Tianxia. For example, Huawei has developed its operating system, OpenEuler. Last year, OpenEuler held a 36.8% share of the Chinese server OS market, leading over CentOS/Red Hat (20.7%), Windows (19.3%), and Ubuntu/Debian (10.1%).

Huawei began its development of EulerOS in response to U.S. sanctions, and the first open-source version was released in December 2019, followed by a commercial release in September 2021. The report says that openEuler-powered servers will gain substantial market share in various sectors, including over 50% in finance, more than 70% in public services, and over 40% in energy and power industries by 2023.

The adoption of domestic server operating systems signifies China's dedication to technological independence and improved cybersecurity. Tencent's efforts in server OS development, alongside Huawei's advancements, indicate a strong trend towards self-reliance in technology within China. This move addresses security and supply concerns and ensures greater control over critical digital infrastructure.
Kawasaki has taken a big step towards making its motorcycles greener.

This past December, the Japanese motorcycle maker unveiled a hydrogen-powered prototype called the Ninja H2 Hyse, according to New Atlas. Now, a little more than a half-year later, the company has finally shown off what the two-wheeler can do in public.

More from Robb Report

Electric motorcycles have become more commonplace in recent years, but theyre further from replacing their gas-powered counterparts than their four-wheel cousins are. A battery-powered bike may not produce any emissionssomething we can all agree is a good thingbut they struggle to recreate the visceral thrill of riding an ICE two-wheeler, offer less riding range, and take longer to fill (or charge) up. With the Ninja H2 Hyse, Kawasaki is trying to engineer something that bridges the gap between gas and electric, that will do less harm to the environment without changing the motorcycle riding experience too much.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 Hyse and Suzuka Circuit

The company has been working on the Ninja H2 Hyse since last spring. It utilizes a modified version of the supercharged 998cc inline-four used by the standard Ninja H2 fed by a specially designed fuel system that includes two giant hydrogen canisters (project leader Satoaki Ichi, has likened the vehicle to a humidifier on wheels). In December, the company finally shared the first images of the prototype online. They werent anything to write home aboutthe hydrogen tanks add an awful lot of bulk to the bikes silhouettebut they were accompanied by the announcement that testing would begin earlier this year.

Now, seven months later, Kawasaki is ready for the people to see the bike in action. The Ninja H2 Hyse made its first public appearance at the Suzuka Circuit in Japans Mie prefecture this past weekend. The run offered proof that a motorcycle running on hydrogen can work, producing the roar that people expect from a motorcycle without all the emissions.

The Ninja H2 Hyse is significantly cleaner than an ICE bike, but its not as clean as an EV just yet. Kawasaki claims the bikes only emission is water, but a small amount of oil is burned producing what is said to be a negligible amount of carbon dioxide, according to Top Speed. There is time to work those issues out, though. Kawasaki has yet to announce when and if its latest motorcycle will make it to market, though it has said it wants to produce a hydrogen-powered bike eventually.

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JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng; BI

Hi! Forget flying cars, we've got laser beams! The UK has tested a laser weapon that eliminates targets for $0.12 a shot .

In today's big story, we're looking at another Tesla earnings report that was light on details about big future plans .

What's on deck:

But first, we're talking big picture.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Tesla's unspecific future

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Like a magic trick seen too many times, Tesla's strategy of touting future plans in the face of difficult fundamentals is losing its luster with investors.

The EV maker's earnings per share missed estimates for the fourth straight quarter on Tuesday. But Elon Musk can often help the market overlook bad numbers by shifting focus to what's next.

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The approach worked well last quarter when Tesla's earnings report was even worse than expected . Talk of the Robotaxi, full self-driving technology, and a cheaper Tesla vehicle helped the EV maker enjoy a nice market rally the past few months after a difficult start to the year.

However, big-picture plans without concrete details fell flat for investors this time around. Tesla's shares dropped more than 8% at one point in after-hours trading Tuesday. As Business Insider's Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert and Hannah Getahun write, that's probably got Musk feeling a little nervous .

Even one of the big takeaways from last quarter  a Robotaxi event in August  was confirmed by Musk to be delayed to October 10.

Meanwhile, Musk was light on specifics about when Robotaxi trips will be possible (he'll be "shocked" if the first ride doesn't happen next year) or what a more affordable Tesla model would look like.

Story continues

Musk somewhat acknowledged his tendency to make big promises for plans without backing them up.

"My predictions on this have been overly optimistic in the past," he said in response to a question about the first Robotaxi ride.

Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

It wasn't all bad news for Tesla.

The EV maker beat revenue estimates, posting $25.5 billion for the quarter. But that was buoyed by doubling its regulatory credit revenues from the first quarter to $890 million, writes BI's Nora Naughton.

It's Tesla's silver lining amid the EV market slowdown. With fewer EV sales, car makers rely on buying Tesla's excess credits or facing hefty penalties.

But as beneficial as competitors were to Tesla this quarter, others seem to be gearing up for battle. Alphabet announced a " multi-year investment of $5 billion " in Waymo, its self-driving car service, writes BI's Jordan Hart.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said Waymo has provided over 50,000 paid autonomous rides each week in San Francisco and Phoenix.

Waymo has had its own issues, including issuing a recall earlier this year . But the tech giant's intention to focus on the space could pose more problems for Tesla.

3 things in markets

Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

Supply and demand, under the Zynfluence. Wall Street's favorite nicotine pouch hit a supply-chain snag earlier this year. To cope with the shortage, some bankers tested out alternatives , while others quit the drug completely A playbook for navigating market chaos. Truist's investment chief and chief market strategist sees US stocks getting choppier in the months ahead as the tech sector cools. But Keith Lerner says there are opportunities in communication services and utilities , among other areas. More data to give the economy a boost. The release of second-quarter GDP data on Thursday and the June PCE index on Friday could keep the market rally going , according to market vet Ed Yardeni. More strong earnings reports will also help quiet bearish investors.

3 things in tech

AndreyKrav/iStock, Michael M. Santiago/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

These 13 people transformed Nvidia into the powerhouse chipmaker it is today. Nvidia grew from a video game graphics company to an AI giant dominating the semiconductor market. BI profiled Jensen Huang and 12 other people instrumental in its rise . Big Tech execs discuss the use of AI in Hollywood. Executives from Nvidia, AWS, Microsoft, and Paramount convened at the Digital Hollywood summit to talk about how to use AI  and the use cases go beyond reverse-aging famous actors . BI rounded up seven of the startups AI and entertainment leaders have their eyes on . Google really wants its workers to find AI's "golden prompts." The company held a competition for employees to pitch prompts for its new Workspace product. The prize? Gold bomber jackets and spot bonuses for workers with the best ideas.

3 things in business

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

A small change in building codes could revolutionize US housing. Most US apartment buildings require two sets of stairs for buildings more than three stories tall. But do we really need two stairwells? Some industry experts argue a one-stairwell requirement would suffice, and lead to more units, lower prices, and better design . The superrich are renters just like the rest of us. It just costs them a lot more. Two residential buildings in New York charge more than $100,000 a month for some apartments, a sign of the shifting preferences among the ultra-wealthy . These buildings offer hotel-like amenities, designer furnishings, and a perfect match for the billionaire commitment-phobe. Google won't kill off cookies, but the ad industry shouldn't celebrate just yet. This week, Google abandoned its plan to eliminate third-party cookies. While the announcement initially sparked relief, some in the ad industry wonder if Google still intends to effectively deprecate cookies .

In other news

What's happening today

President Biden gives his first speech since dropping out of the presidential race at 8 p.m. EDT.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses US Congress.

Some Olympic sporting events begin, two days before the Paris opening ceremony.

IBM, AT&T, Ford Motors, and other companies are reporting.

New Samsung devices , including foldable smartphones and the Galaxy Ring fitness tracker , are available for purchase in the US.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Annie Smith, associate producer, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Company Logo

Dublin, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Switzerland Existing & Upcoming Data Center Portfolio" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This database product covers the Switzerland data center market portfolio analysis, which will provide the following information on the colocation data centers:

Detailed Analysis of 57 existing data centers

Detailed Analysis of 4 upcoming data centers

Locations covered: Le Noirmont, Basel, Bern, Biel, Crissier, Gais, Geneva, Lausanne,Lucerne, Lupfig, Manno, Melano, Montreux, Morbio Inferiore, Satigny, Winterthur, Zug, Zurich

Existing white-floor space (square feet)

Upcoming white-floor space (square feet)

Current IT load capacity (2023)

Future capacity additions (2024-2028)

Retail Colocation Pricing: Quarter Rack (1/4) Half Rack Cabinets (1/2) Full Rack Cabinet (42U/45U/47U/etc.)

Wholesale colocation (per kW) pricing

Key Market Highlights:

Existing data center capacity in Switzerland is over 260 MW on full build, almost 3x the current upcoming capacity in the country

Zurich, Geneva, and Lupfig dominate existing data center capacity in Switzerland

The entire upcoming data center capacity is concentrated in Zurich

Emerging data center locations are Zurich, Geneva, and Lupfig

The data points covered in the database across each facility are mentioned below:

Existing Data Centers (57 Facilities):

Market Snapshot

Location (Region/Country/City)

Facility Address

Operator/Owner Name

Data Center Name, i.e., (ZUR1 or ZH5)

Core & Shell Area (White-Floor Area)

Core & Shell Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity)

Rack Capacity

Year of Operations

Design Standards (Tier I - IV)

Power/Cooling Redundancy

Upcoming Data Centers (4 Facilities):

Investment Snapshot

Location (Region/Country/City)

Investor Name

Area (White-Floor Area)

Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity)

Investment ($ Million)

Electrical Infrastructure Investment ($ Million)

Mechanical Infrastructure Investment ($ Million)

General Construction Services Investment ($ Million)

Announcement Year

Project Status (Opened/Under Construction/Announced & Planned)

Active or Expected Year of Opening

Target Audience:

Data center Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT)

Data center Construction Contractors

Data center Infrastructure Providers

New Entrants

Consultants/Consultancies/Advisory Firms

Corporate and government agencies

Key Topics Covered:

About the Database

Scope & Assumptions

Definitions

Snapshot: Existing & Upcoming Data Center Facility

Existing Data Center Database

Upcoming Data Center Facility

Existing Vs Upcoming Capacity (Infographics)

Colocation Pricing

Story continues

Companies Featured:

Alpine DC

AtlasEdge

Bancadati SA

BrainServe

CDROM

CKW

ColoBale

Data11

DataCenter Winterthur

DATAWIRE

Digital Realty

Equinix

GIB-Solutions

Green Datacenter

GTT

Helveticdata (BRIOD SA Group)

HiHo

hosttech

INFOMANIAK

IWB

Lumen Technologies

Moresi

NorthC

NTS Workspace

NTT Global Data Centers

Rechenzentrum Ostschweiz AG

STACK Infrastructure (Safe Host)

SWISSCOLOCATION

Swisscom

Vantage Data Centers





For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jzfxn8

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




By Deborah Mary Sophia and Noel Randewich

(Reuters) -Tesla shares tumbled 12% on Wednesday, evaporating almost $100 billion in stock market value after CEO Elon Musk's talk of humanoid robots and driverless taxis failed to comfort investors worried about the electric car maker's shrinking profit margins.

Tesla posted its lowest quarterly profit margin in five years late on Tuesday, with earnings per share missing estimates for the fourth consecutive quarter.

It was the biggest one-day percentage drop in Tesla's stock since 2020, and it left Tesla's market capitalization at just under $700 billion, down from over $1 trillion in 2021.

Still the world's most valuable car maker, Tesla's valuation relies on investor expectations of big future profits driven by yet-to-launch products such as its promised robotaxis and robots.

"All of Musk's enthusiasm on the call, outside of (energy) storage, were for products that don't exist," said TD Cowen's Jeff Osborne.

Tesla's weak results, along with a report from Alphabet in which it flagged higher capital expenses, amounted to a poor start to second-quarter reports for Wall Street's most valuable companies.

Google parent Alphabet's stock fell almost 5%, and the losses in its shares and Tesla's sent Wall Street into a deep sell-off as investors worried about pricey valuations.

Tesla's EV deliveries have fallen for two straight quarters, and it has not introduced a lower-cost model that many expected, causing buyers to turn to rival EV makers. China's BYD, for instance, widened its sales lead over Tesla in Singapore in the first half of 2024.

Tesla has been forced to cut prices and boost incentives to drum up sales of its aging vehicle line-up. Musk said rivals "have discounted their EVs very substantially, which has made it a bit more difficult for Tesla".

The company said the cheaper models it expects to bring out in the first half of 2025 would result in less cost reduction than previously expected, while delaying a widely awaited event for its robotaxi to October.

"Tesla is not being priced on auto, but autonomy and AI ... We believe any payoff from (Tesla's AI) initiatives (is) further out," wrote UBS analyst Joseph Spak, reiterating a "sell" rating on the stock.

AI INVESTMENT

Tesla's stock has recently traded at 85 times its 12-month forward earnings estimates, compared to 7 for legacy automaker Ford Motor.

Musk said on Tuesday Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot had begun performing tasks autonomously in one of its facilities and that he would be shocked if there were no self-driving Tesla vehicles without human supervision next year.

Story continues

In 2019, Musk told investors that Tesla would be operating a network of robotaxis by 2020.

He also launched a poll asking users on X if Tesla should invest $5 billion in his AI startup xAI - a quarter of which he planned to keep for investors in X. The value of X, formerly Twitter, has plunged since his $44 billion purchase of the platform.

Nearly 1 million people had participated with 68% voting in favour of the investment.

Wall Street analysts questioned whether Tesla will be able to overcome technical and regulatory hurdles to deploy robotaxis within the next few years. Musk said on Tuesday that Tesla pushed back the unveiling of Tesla's robotaxi to Oct. 10 from Aug. 8.

It may take Tesla until the end of the decade, if then, to reach a point where its cars can drive themselves without any human intervention, said TD's Osborne.

The company's price cuts and incentives pushed automotive gross margins, excluding regulatory credits, down to 14.6% in the second quarter.

One of the 50 analysts covering the stock cut their rating, while there were three price target increases and two decreases, according to LSEG data.

Analysts, on average, rate the stock a "hold," with a median price target of $212.50, the data shows.

(Reporting by Reshma Rockie George and Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Alun John in London and Noel Randewich in Oakland, California and Hyunjoo Jin in San Francisco Editing by David Gaffen, Arun Koyyur, Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis)
Turmalina Metals Corp.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Turmalina Metals Corp. (Turmalina, or the Company; TBX-TSXV, TBXXF-OTCQX, 3RI-FSE) is pleased to provide an update on the Companys recently announced (press release of July 3, 2024) Option to acquire 100% of the Colquemayo Project in Peru (the Option).



Highlights of the Colquemayo Project:

Epithermal and porphyry copper-silver-gold exploration project in Moquegua Province, Southern Peru.

Historic drill results include an intersection that returned : 237.3 m at 2.4% Cu, 0.08 g/t Au & 10 g/t Ag , including 161.2 m at 3.4% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au & 14 g/t Ag and 31.3 m at 14.8% Cu, 0.2 g/t Au & 47 g/t Ag .

6,600 hectare property.

Option to acquire 100%.

Multiple epithermal and porphyry targets with significant drill intercepts as well as several undrilled targets.

James Rogers, Turmalina CEO comments, The combination of advanced alteration and significant mineralization on surface and in previous drilling at the Colquemayo project represents an excellent opportunity for Turmalina to create shareholder value by advancing the exploration of this exciting new asset.

Miguel Inchaustegui, Turmalina Director and previous Minister of Energy and Mines, Peru comments on the progress to date, Continuing with our policy of proactive relations with authorities and community leaders, we have held informative meetings with said stakeholders to inform them we wish to maintain a positive relationship with them to build trust and permanent communication as we advance the project.

Amat to Cairani long section showing highlight drill intercept results. High-sulphidation epithermal copper-silver mineralization is related to hydrothermal and phreatomagmatic breccias and zones of advanced argilic alteration and vuggy silica.





Figure 1 - Amat to Cairani long section showing highlight drill intercept results. High-sulphidation epithermal copper-silver mineralization is related to hydrothermal and phreatomagmatic breccias and zones of advanced argilic alteration and vuggy silica.

Activities are underway in Peru, including initial permitting steps, meetings with the local communities and local authorities as well as the commencement of a data and core review. During this period a detailed core review will be undertaken to build geological models for the breccia bodies with significant historic drill intercepts, including:

Validation of the logged geology using the geochemical database.

Determining the geometry of the breccia bodies based on surface mapping and drill core information.

Review, modelling and interpretation of the geophysical data.

Mapping of alteration zones to define potential source areas  including porphyry intrusions with Cu-Mo mineralization.

Francisco Azevedo, Director and VP Business Development adds, The Companys exploration team has previous experience in successfully exploring for similar deposits. In the last few weeks significant advances have been completed in the validation and assessment of the available data base. Next month we will start the systematic core review and field work to validate drill targets to be tested.

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Exploration will also focus on areas in the property outside the three centres of hydrothermal alteration identified and drill tested to date. In some of these areas argillic and advanced argillic alteration have been recognized locally, with limited exposure because of overlying lower temperature alteration assemblage (chlorite, epidote and carbonate). These areas may represent less eroded parts of epithermal systems, with potential for definition of new hydrothermal centres for initial drilling. Additional geophysics to cover the remaining part of the property will also be considered.

Colquemayo alteration mapping: Three lithocaps (Amata-Cairani, Coripuquio and Yanarico) were explored between 2009 and 2014 by Rio Tinto and Buenaventura.





Figure 2 - Colquemayo alteration mapping: Three lithocaps (Amata-Cairani, Coripuquio and Yanarico) were explored between 2009 and 2014 by Rio Tinto and Buenaventura.

View of the Colquemayo project, showing topography, drill roads and alteration.





Figure 3 View of the Colquemayo project, showing topography, drill roads and alteration.

About the Colquemayo Project

The road accessible Colquemayo Cu-Ag-(Au) Project lies between 4,300 and 4,800 masl and is located in General Sanchez Cerro province in Moquegua department, near the border with the Arequipa department, in southern Peru. The project is situated in the late Miocene to Pliocene epithermal belt to the east of the productive Cu-Mo Paleocene to Eocene porphyry belt hosting the copper mines of Cerro Verde, Cuajone, Quellaveco and Toquepala, and to the west of the Au-Ag Late Miocene to Pliocene epithermal belt with important projects and mines such as San Gabriel, currently under construction, and the Aruntani mining district (>2 Moz Au produced).

Previous work by Rio Tinto and Buenaventura between 2003 and 2014 includes ~27,000 m of diamond drilling across 80 holes, detailed geological mapping and intensive surface geochemistry with ~9,800 rock chip and ~1,500 channel samples. Detailed topography (1 m resolution) and geophysical surveys (magnetometry, chargeability and resistivity) have been completed at two of the hydrothermal centres identified to date.

Alteration mapping shows the zonation typical of a high-sulphidation epithermal system including argillic alteration with kaolinite and dickite, advanced argillic alteration with quartz and alunite, and some deeper pyrophyllite zones, along with zones of massive and vuggy silica. Several phreato-magmatic and hydrothermal breccias with significant gold values have been identified. Several kilometer scale hydrothermal targets have been identified to date namely the Amata, Cairani, Coripuquio, and Yanarico which represent exceptional exploration targets for Turmalina.

Highlights of previous drilling include:

Amata:

70 m @ 1.3% Cu, 0.24 g/t Au & 252 g/t Ag (COQ-10-36, from 192 m), including: 7.8 m @ 0.79% Cu, 0.14 g/t Au & 1,866 g/t Ag (from 192 m).

237.3 m @ 2.4% Cu, 0.08 g/t Au & 10 g/t Ag (COQ-10-36, from 306.2 m) including: 161.2 m @ 3.4% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au & 14 g/t A g (from 306.2 m), including: 31.3 m @ 14.8% Cu, 0.2 g/t Au & 47 g/t Ag ( from 392.5 m.).

67.8 m @ 0.9% Cu, 0.07 g/t Au & 9 g/t Ag (COQ-11-37, from 295.2 m), including: 31.5 m @ 1.2% Cu, 0.10 Au and 12 g/t Ag (from 310.4 m).

55.5 m @ 1.25% Cu (COQ-11-44, from 264.5 m).

68.9 m @ 0.30% Cu, 0.38 g/t Au & 7 g/t Ag (COQ-11-40, from 367.1 m).

104.2 m @ 72 g/t Ag (COQ-10-31, from 0 m), including: 28.3 m @ 193 g/t Ag (from 66.5 m) and 3 m @ 161 g/ t Ag (from 131.6 m).

111.0 m @ 47 g/ t Ag & 0.06 g/t Au (COQ-10-32, from 1.6 m) and 183 m @ 0.21% Cu, 0.12 g/t Au & 10 g/t Ag (from 217.1 m), including: 22.5 m @ 1.21% Cu, 0.48 g/t Au & 29 g/t Ag (from 330.9 m).

58.1 m @ 1.64% Cu, 0.23 g/t Au & 30 g/t Ag (AM-02, from 208 m).



Cairani:

99 m @ 0.17% Cu & 0.16 g/t Au (AME-14-03, from 65.5 m), including: 24.5 m @ 0.46% Cu & 0.18 g/t Au (from 133.4 m) and 24.3 m @ 1.22% Cu, 0.05 g/t Au & 15 g/t Ag (from 216.3 m).



Coripuquio:

98.9 m @ 0.35 g/t Au (COQ-10-27, from 75.3 m).

54.7 m @ 0.35 g/t Au & 0.14% Cu (COQ-10-12, from 117 m).

133.3 m @ 0.47 g/t Au (COQ-10-06, from 21.3 m).

47.5 m @ 0.56% Cu & 0.12 g/t Au (COQ-10-16, from 226.2 m).

103 m @ 0.3 g/t Au (COA-10-21, from 153 m) and 37 m @ 1.34% Cu & 0.17 g/t Au (from 290.1 m), including: 12.6 m @ 3.7% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au & 8 g/t Ag (from 314.5 m).



On Behalf of the Company,

James Rogers, Chief Executive Officer and Director.

Website: turmalinametals.com

Address: #1507 - 1030 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3M5.

For Investor Relations enquiries, please contact +1 833 923 3334 (toll free) or via info@turmalinametals.com .

Statements

About Turmalina Metals and our projects: Turmalina Metals is a TSXV-listed exploration company focused on developing our portfolio of high-grade gold-copper-silver projects in South America. Turmalina Metals is led by a team responsible for multiple gold-copper-silver discoveries. Our projects are characterised by open high-grade mineralization on established mining licenses that present compelling drill targets. The principal project held by Turmalina is the San Francisco project in San Juan, Argentina. For further information on the San Francisco Project, refer to the technical report entitled NI43-101 Technical Report San Francisco Copper Gold Project, San Juan Province, Argentina dated November 17, 2019 under the Corporations profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward Looking Statement: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. 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. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements related to TSXV approval of the Companys acquisition of the Option and the Option Agreement. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, as well as legal, social, and economic conditions in Argentina and Peru, where the Companys mineral exploration properties are located. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Qualified Person: All scientific and technical information in this news release has been approved by Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Technical Advisor, MAIG, who serves as the Qualified Person (QP) under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. Dr Wolfe has conducted a review of historic data at the project, reviewed the Companys due diligence study of the Project and has conducted an independent QA/QC review of historic drilling assays, and consents to the inclusion of this information in the form and context in which it appears.

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 or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76cf356c-a9e9-43b1-9aa9-f2be2529cd6c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9d113cd-157f-4752-b149-0f0bf7ae3237

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/69165eca-2177-4650-b836-4f490ff9d613




German luxury carmaker BMW on Wednesday said incentives are necessary to support the growth of the electric vehicle segment. The company, which on Wednesday introduced the all-electric MINI Countryman and electric scooter CE04 in the country, said the market here is still evolving and efforts should continue to smoothen and accelerate this transition.

In a press conference, BMW Group Senior Vice President, Region Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Jean-Philippe Parain stated that the "strongest incentives from the state should be for EVs". Incentives allow to bring an electric model to a price point where transition can happen towards an electric vehicle, he noted.

Parain noted that in some countries, where customers drive longer distances, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can be a bridge. "But if I were to speak for India, I would focus on the full transition to fully electric vehicles", he added.

In India, the total tax incidence on hybrid vehicles in the country is 43%, which is inclusive of GST, while battery electric vehicles attract a tax of about 5%. Parain stated that there is potential for EVs in India and the company is looking to drive more products into the country.

He noted that besides battery electric vehicles, the automaker is also investing in internal combustion engine models, plug-in hybrids and also thinking about hydrogen vehicles. The company plans to remain flexible when it comes to technologies, Parain stated.

Globally, he said that BMW is among the top sellers of EVs along with Tesla and BYD. He noted that the company's sales were impacted in China. "India is an exception and there is a need to sustain this growth going forward," Parain stated.

BMW Group India President and Chief Executive Officer Vikram Pawah stated that EVs were suitable for India. Penetration of electric vehicles in India is encouraging and once products are available across all price points, the segment will grow very fast, he noted.

Pahwa also noted that the automaker, besides introducing new models, is also investing in establishing charging infrastructure to aid the growth of the segment.

BMW on Wednesday introduced the all-new 5 Series Long Wheelbase in the country with price starting at Rs 72.9 lakh. The company also introduced the new Mini Cooper S and the new all-electric MINI Countryman priced at Rs 44.9 lakh and Rs 54.9 lakh respectively. BMW Motorrad introduced premium electric scooter CE 04 at Rs 14.9 lakh.
Nepal Plane Crash: A plane crashed in Nepal during take-off from the Kathmandu airport earlier today. Visuals show plane engulfed in fire on the side of the airport runway. According to reports, 19 people were onboard including the pilot of the aircraft when the accident happened during take-off at Kathmandu airport. Of the 19 people, 18 bodies were recovered while the pilot survived.

According to local media, the Saurya Airlines aircraft, carrying 19 passengers, was en route to Pokhara when it crashed during takeoff.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu



Details awaited pic.twitter.com/DNXHSvZxCz  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

Latest visuals from the spot show firefighters have doused the blaze while rescue team were looking for survivors.

Only technical staff of the airline was on board during the take-off, The Himalayan Times reported, quoting Gyanendra Bhul, Information officer at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Reports say that there were 19 people on board the plane. Further information on the crash is awaited.

Tribhuvan International Airport is a tabletop airport situated atop a plateau, encircled by deep gorges and valleys on all sides. Earlier in January 2023, a Yeti Airlines plane with 68 passengers and crew on board crashed in Pokhara Nepal. All 68 passengers were killed in the accident.
New Delhi: Working for Google is a dream come true for many. However a cybersecurity startup, Wiz has declined a $23 billion acquisition offer from Alphabet, the parent company of Google. This surprising decision has sparked much speculation in the tech world about what lies ahead for this ambitious startup.

Wiz, a cybersecurity company started in 2020 by four former Israeli military officers has quickly become a major player in the industry. Alphabet offered almost twice its last private valuation of 12 billion dollars. Yet, Wizs leaders supported by investors decided to remain independent. (Also Read: Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget Speech Durations Across Years)

CEO, Assaf Rappaport sent an email to Wizs 1,200 employees and wrote, "Saying no to such humbling offers is tough," he wrote, "but with our exceptional team, I feel confident in making that choice." (Also Read: Budget 2024: Flood Assistance Announced For Bihar, Himachal, Assam, Uttarakhand, Sikkim)

The co-founders of Rappaport along with his co-founders, Yinon Costica, Roy Reznik, and Ami Luttwak, each own 9% of Wiz. They have co-founded Adallom, a cloud cybersecurity company that Microsoft bought for 320 million dollars and have a track record of success. Their shared experience and vision have been key to Wiz's rapid growth.

Rappaport outlined Wizs future plans in his email which focused on two major goals i.e reaching 1 billion in annual recurring avenue (ARR) and preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). He also emphasises the team's strong commitment and the markets response.

Wiz has about 900 employees working in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Israel. Some of its major clients include Morgan Stanley and DocuSign, and it partners with big names like Microsoft and Amazon.
Every year on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas, also known as Kargil Victory Day, is celebrated in honour of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 battle. The occasion celebrates the valour and sacrifices that Indian soldiers made throughout the bloody and protracted conflict.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Significance

Every year on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas is held to honour the ultimate sacrifice made by Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War. In this battle, which took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil area, 527 Indian soldiers lost their lives. When Pakistani forces broke into Indian territory covertly and took control of vital mountain outposts, the conflict broke out. The Indian Army battled valiantly to retake these stations despite difficult hilly terrain and inclement weather. India was declared the winner when the Pakistani army was compelled to withdraw. Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the bravery and selflessness of the warriors who put their life in danger to protect the sovereignty of India. As a tribute to their bravery and fortitude in defending the nation's boundaries, it is celebrated annually with a great deal of devotion and enthusiasm.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History

Tensions between the two neighbouring nations have persisted in the years since they were embroiled in a major struggle in 1971 that led to the creation of Bangladesh. They have been fighting for control of the Siachen Glacier by erecting military outposts on the surrounding mountain ranges, despite the fact that direct combat clashes have been few. When both countries tested their nuclear weapons in 1998, the situation worsened even more. In an effort to defuse the tension, they signed the Lahore Declaration in February 1999, which called for a bilateral, peaceful settlement to the Kashmir dispute.

In the Drass and Batalik Sectors of the Kargil, Ladakh region, the Pakistani armed forces secretly trained and sent men across the Line of Control (LOC) to take up fortified positions that overlooked NH 1A during the winter of 19981999. Gaining influence over local military and civilian movements was their goal. Initially, the Indian military thought the infiltrators were radicalised terrorists, or "jihadis." But as things went on, it became clear that the attack was a component of a bigger, more planned scheme. The Indian side was forced to reply by sending nearly 200,000 men into the area in a huge force.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Ways To Celebrate
AFCAT 2 Admit Card 2024: The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 2 Admit Card today, July 24, 2024. Candidates appearing for the exam can download their admit cards from the official website, afcat.cdac.in, by entering their email ID and password. The AFCAT 2 exam will be held from August 9, 2024, to August 11, 2024.

Candidates should download the admit card as soon as possible and bring it along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam center. The hall ticket will contain essential details such as name, roll number, registration number, exam date and time, subject, exam duration, and instructions. It is important not to bring electronic communication devices, personal items (such as scarves, handbags, and jackets), or edible items to the exam center.

AFCAT 2 Admit Card 2024: Steps to download here

Visit the official website afcat.cdac.in.

On the homepage, find and click on the link labeled "Admit Card for AFCAT 02/2024 available for download through Candidate Login from July 24, 2024 (11:00 AM)."

Enter your email ID and password to access the link.

Your admit card will appear on the screen.

Download and print it for future reference.

According to the schedule, the Air Force plans to fill 317 vacancies across both flying and ground duties (technical and non-technical) through this recruitment drive. The online exam will be held in two daily shifts: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
New Delhi: Produced and conceptualized by Aarushi Nishank, this series promises to be a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and breathtaking scenery from the heartland of Uttarakhand. "Life Hill Gayi" unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Uttarakhand, weaving a tale of sibling rivalry and personal growth.

The series features a stellar cast including Divyenndu Sharma, Kusha Kapila, Mukti Mohan, Vinay Pathak, and Kabir Bedi, each bringing their unique flair to the narrative.

Divyenndu Sharma and Kusha Kapila take center stage as siblings fighting for their grandfather's (Kabir Bedi) inheritance. "Praise for our cast is an understatement," gushed Aarushi Nishank, producer and founder of Himshrri Films. "Divyenndu brings such depth to his role, Mukti's performance is mesmerizing, and Kusha Kapila  what a revelation! Kusha's hard work and dedication to her character are evident in every scene. Watching her on screen being her hilarious, authentic self is pure joy. The entire cast has poured their hearts into this project, and it shows."

The trailer kicks off with a peek at the long-abandoned hotel, Good Morning Woods Villa, as the siblings embark on the challenging task of renovating the hotel, they encounter a whirlwind of comedic mishaps and heartwarming moments. Vinay Pathak adds depth to the story as their father, while romance blooms between Divyenndu and Mukti Mohan's characters amidst the chaos.

Aarushi Nishank, the producer and founder of Himshrri Films, expressed her excitement, stating, "We are beyond excited to bring 'Life Hill Gayi' to audiences everywhere. This series is a visual feast with the stunning landscapes of Uttarakhand, but more importantly, it's a heartfelt story that captures the true essence of family and personal growth."

Mark your calendars for August 9th, 2024, as Disney+ Hotstar launches "Life Hill Gayi," inviting viewers to embark on an unforgettable adventure of laughter, transformation, and the enduring power of family bonds.
Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW) has been struggling because of tenant issues, which has made it more difficult for the real estate investment trust (REIT) to manage its large debt load. The hospital owner's largest tenant, Steward Health Care, filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. The REIT hopes this process will eventually enable it to completely exit its relationship with that troubled tenant.

Unfortunately, it recently encountered another setback as Steward struggles to sell assets. This latest setback could impact the healthcare REIT. It needs to reduce its exposure to Steward, or else it risks potentially needing to cut its dividend again. Its payout currently yields more than 12%, mainly because of the risks it continues to face.

Two steps forward, several more in reverse

Steward has been looking for buyers for the 31 hospitals it currently operates and its physicians' group, Stewardship Health. The company had reached a deal to sell Stewardship earlier this year to UnitedHealth affiliate Optum, but that company recently backed out of the acquisition, partly over regulatory concerns. That sale would have been enough to cover its debts to several of its creditors.

The hospital operator has also held auctions for its hospitals in several states. On a positive note, it found buyers for two of those facilities. AHS South offered to buy Glenwood Regional Medical Center in Louisiana for $500,000, while Pafford Health Systems bid $200,000 for Wadley Regional Medical Center in Arkansas.

Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends. Those sale prices, which need to be approved by the bankruptcy court, will hardly move the needle for Steward. Furthermore, they won't benefit Medical Properties Trust, since the new operators want the REIT to release them from the associated rental agreements. On top of all that, Steward didn't find any buyers for a trio of hospitals in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As a result, the company will need to reconsider its options for those facilities, which could include their closure.

Cause for concern?

The failed auctions for several Steward facilities represent another setback for that company and its landlord, Medical Properties Trust. However, while the company's first round of auctions wasn't a success, that doesn't necessarily mean the sales process will fail.

On its first-quarter call, Medical Properties Trust CEO Ed Aldag was generally positive about finding new tenants for hospitals leased to Steward. He said, "We continue to be pleased with the progress we are making with parties interested in the Steward Hospitals." That progress he's referring to is likely on other properties not involved in the recent auction. It appeared that Steward tried to auction off its less desirable properties while simultaneously running a sales process on more valuable facilities.

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In the past, the companies have successfully found new homes for Steward-operated hospitals. Last year, Steward sold its Utah operations to CommonSpirit Health, which agreed to lease the $1.2 billion portfolio from Medical Properties Trust. The REIT subsequently sold a 75% stake in those properties at a $1.2 billion valuation, receiving $1.1 billion in the deal. It used that cash to retire maturing debt and pay down its credit facility.

The companies hope to follow a similar blueprint for most of Steward's remaining hospitals. Selling the operations will give Steward cash to repay its creditors, including money owed to Medical Properties Trust. Meanwhile, the new operators would pay rent or repurchase those facilities from the REIT. Either alternative would support Medical Properties' dividend. Rental income would provide recurring cash flow to help cover the payout. Meanwhile, sales would give it cash to repay debt or recycle into acquiring new income-generating properties leased to financially stronger tenants.

Still playing the waiting game

Steward's first round of auctions generated little interest or cash for the embattled hospital operator. While that's a disappointing outcome, those properties likely weren't its most valuable ones. Finding buyers for those remaining facilities could provide enough money to repay creditors like Medical Properties Trust. Those transactions would also boost the REIT's rental income or cash balance, enhancing its ability to maintain its big-time dividend in the future.

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The Bangladesh government has lodged a formal complaint with the Indian High Commission regarding remarks made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about the situation in Bangladesh, reported ANI citing sources. This comes after Banerjee expressed her willingness to welcome Bangladesh refugees into the state.

If helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter, Banerjee said during TMC's 'Martyrs Day' rally in Kolkata. Also read: Amid Bangladesh Unrest, Mamata Banerjee Opens West Bengals Door For Refugees

She further added, I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since that is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the issue is a subject matter of the Centre. However, she justified her stance by the United Nations Resolution for refugees accommodation in neighbouring state.

According to ANI, the Bangladesh government informed the Indian High Commission that the situation described in Mamata Banerjee's post on X, referring to a United Nations resolution, does not exist in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Government has raised strong objections to the comments of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on situation in Bangladesh with the High Commission of India. Bangladesh govt has said that the tweet of Mamata Banerjee was provocative and had false elements concerning the July 24, 2024

The Bangladesh authorities informed that they are trying to bring back the state of normalcy and in such critical times such comments, particularly the assurance of providing refuge to people, could provoke many, especially terrorists and miscreants, to exploit this announcement. Also read: Explained: How Did The Bangladesh Job Quota System Lead To Deadly Protests?

The country is gripped in violent protests that claimed at least 139 lives in a week. Following which the Bangladesh Supreme Court abolished the contentious job quota system on Sunday. The demonstrations began a month ago when the High Court reinstated the quota system for government jobs, overturning a 2018 decision by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to eliminate it. This system, which allocated 30% of jobs to families of those who participated in the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan, had been previously removed after similar student protests.
A Delhi court has summoned popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by Mumbai BJP leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua. This case has sparked significant controversy and public interest, particularly given the high-profile nature of both individuals involved. Rathee, known for his critical analysis of political and social issues, is accused of defaming Nakhua in a recent video, leading to widespread condemnation and debate. Here are ten key points to understand the charges against Dhruv Rathee:

Defamation Case Filed: BJP leader Suresh Karamshi Nakhua filed a defamation suit against Dhruv Rathee, alleging that Rathee called him a violent and abusive troll in one of his YouTube videos.

Controversial Video: On July 7, 2024, Rathee uploaded a video titled My Reply to Godi YouTubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee on his YouTube channel. In this video, Rathee allegedly referred to Nakhua as a violent and abusive troll.

Summons Issued: District Judge Gunjan Gupta of the Saket Court issued a summons to Rathee on July 19, 2024. The court also issued a notice to Rathee regarding Nakhuas plea for interim relief. The next hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2024.

Allegations by Nakhua: Nakhua, a BJP spokesperson in Mumbai, claims that Rathee's allegations were made without any rhyme or reason. He asserts that these claims have led to widespread condemnation and ridicule against him.

Social Media Guidelines Violated: The suit argues that Rathees video, described as highly provocative and incendiary, spread rapidly across digital platforms, making bold and unsubstantiated claims against Nakhua. The video allegedly insinuates that Nakhua is linked to violent and abusive troll activities.

Impact on Reputation: Nakhua contends that Rathees allegations have tarnished his reputation and standing in society. He claims that the video has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust, with far-reaching consequences on both his personal and professional life.

Court Order Details: The court ordered the issuance of summons and notice of the application under Order 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, to be served through various modes including PF & RC/Speed Post/Approved Courier, and electronic means by August 6, 2024. The process was also granted for immediate delivery, as requested.

Legal Representation: Advocates Raghav Awasthi and Mukesh Sharma are representing Suresh Nakhua in this defamation suit.

Demand for Damages: In his plea, Nakhua is seeking Rs 20 lakh in damages from Rathee for the alleged defamation caused to him in cyberspace.

Claims Against Other Individuals: In his petition, Nakhua alleges that Rathees video falsely claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hosted violent and abusive trolls like Ankit Jain, Suresh Nakhua, and Tajinder Bagga at his official residence, further intensifying the defamation claims.
DNA Exclusive: Out of 19 individuals on board, only one survived the plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The plane, belonging to Nepal's Saurya Airlines, crashed shortly after takeoff en route to Pokhara.

The crash involved a 21-year-old plane that had been grounded for a month due to engine faults. The aircraft was being flown to Pokhara for an engine inspection, with engineers and technicians on board. Despite the known issues with the planes engine, it was flown, leading to the tragic accident. The crash was visible from several kilometers away.

In todays episode of DNA Anant Tyagi analysed, the dire consequences of such negligence and emphasised the severe safety concerns regarding air travel in Nepal.

Watch Todays Episode Here

Nepal has a troubling history with aviation safety. Over the past 30 years, the country has experienced 30 plane crashes, with 12 occurring since 2010. The most recent major crash before this incident happened in January 2023, involving a Yeti Airlines flight that resulted in 72 fatalities.

The European Union has banned Nepalese airlines for the past 11 years due to safety concerns.
To give a new direction to the development of Eastern India, the Modi government has unveiled an ambitious plan called Purvodaya. This plan aims to boost the comprehensive development of states like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this plan, highlighting that these states are rich in natural resources and have a strong cultural heritage. Despite this, the development in these states has been relatively slow. The objective of the Purvodaya plan is to integrate these states into the mainstream of development and make them a part of Viksit Bharat or Developed India.

Purpose and Key Elements of the Purvodaya Plan

The main goal of the Purvodaya plan is to accelerate the economic and social development of Eastern India. The plan encompasses human resource development, infrastructure building, and the creation of economic opportunities. The government believes that investment and development in these regions will contribute significantly to the progress of the entire nation.

Infrastructure Development

Under the Purvodaya plan, special attention will be given to the development of critical infrastructure such as highways, water projects, and power projects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that this plan will infuse new energy and momentum into the development of the eastern region. These projects are expected to not only create local employment opportunities but also improve the economic status of the entire region.

Human Resource Development

Human resource development is another crucial aspect of the Purvodaya plan. It focuses on improving education, healthcare, and skill development. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned in her budget speech that this plan will provide better education and healthcare services to the people of these regions. Additionally, skill development programs will be launched to make the youth employable.

Creation of Economic Opportunities

The Purvodaya plan also emphasizes the creation of economic opportunities. This includes the establishment of industries, agricultural development, and the promotion of tourism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that this scheme will energize the infrastructure, human resources, and employment opportunities in these regions, playing a crucial role in building a developed and self-reliant India.

Challenges and Possibilities

However, it is still unclear what metrics were used to select these five states. The government will face several challenges in making this plan successful. Adequate financial resources will be required for infrastructure development. Moreover, coordination with state governments will be crucial for the effective implementation of the plan.

The Purvodaya plan has received mixed reactions from the public and experts. Some see it as a significant step towards the development of Eastern India, while others view it as an electoral strategy.
The Budget 2024, the first full budget of Modi 3.0, saw many BJP and its ally-ruled states getting sops. While Bihar got Rs 41,000 crore, Andhra Pradesh got Rs 15,000 crore. The Union Government also announced floor relief measures for states like Himachal Pradesh and Assam. However, nothing much was announced for poll-bound states like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir except for the routine funds. This may surprise many as poll-bound states often get many sops in the budget as the ruling party tries to cash on the sentiments. This has already given the opposition parties a chance to claim discrimination among the ruling and opposition states.

Congress general secretaries KC Venugopal said, "The concept of a budget has already been destroyed by this year's Union Budget. They have completely discriminated against most of the states. So the general sentiment of the INDIA bloc meeting was we have to protest against this."

However, the NDA government's move behind not assigning more focus to Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra may have two key reasons. The first reason is likely to keep the allies happy and the government running. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were demanding special status but they have been given special packages. This ensures that the two key allies are happy and will keep supporting the BJP at the centre. This is why the budget lacked on reform initiative for which the Narendra Modi government is known.

The second reason is the initiatives taken by the concerned states. Ahead of the polls, the BJP government in Haryana and the NDA government in Maharashtra have taken steps to woo the voters while Jharkhand is ruled by the opposition INDIA bloc - Congress-JMM-RJD.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced two key schemes - Ladki Behan Yojana and Ladla Bhai Yojana which are aimed at giving financial aid to women and youth of the state. In this way, the ruling NDA will be able to woo more than 50% of the state's population including first-time voters and unemployed youth.

In Haryana, the BJP government recently announced an increase in the creamy layer income ceiling for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh annually. Additionally, they introduced a 5% quota for the OBC-B category in Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipalities. The government has also issued a notification regarding the raised creamy layer ceiling for OBCs. OBCs, comprising 78 castes, make up about 40% of Haryanas population. Targeting this significant voter base ahead of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, the BJP replaced Manohar Lal, a Punjabi, with Nayab Saini, an OBC leader, as the Chief Minister in March this year.

Jharkhand is ruled by the opposition alliance. The BJP-led NDA won nine of the 14 Lok Sabha seats, thus outsmarting the ruling alliance. The BJP is hopeful that the anti-incumbency and corruption allegation against the Hemant Soren-led JMM-RJD-Congress government will benefit the BJP. Thus, of the three key poll-bound states, the BJP took a risk in just one which is Jharkhand where it feels that a change is inevitable.
Kawar Yatra 2024: Schools in Haridwar will remain closed from July 27 to August 2 due to the influx of devotees, known as 'kanwariyas,' during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra which started on Monday. District Magistrate Dhiraj Singh Garbiyal announced the closure of government and non-government schools, as well as Anganwadi centers from classes 1 to 12, citing the anticipated increase in crowds over the coming days.

Each year, during the month of Sawan, Shiva devotees from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana travel to Haridwar and Rishikesh to collect Ganga water. Garbiyal noted that an estimated 15-20 lakh kanwariyas are expected to reach Delhi, with some continuing on to Haryana and Rajasthan via Delhi borders.

Traffic diversions due to kanwar yatra

Due to this large movement, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway is closed, and commuters have been advised to take alternate routes. The traffic police have implemented extensive arrangements to separate the movement of kanwariyas and other travelers to minimize inconvenience. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys.

The advisory mentioned that during the Kanwar Yatra, traffic violations will be monitored and addressed through on-the-spot prosecution and photography or videography of the violations.

The devotees carrying Kanwars will travel through various routes, including Apsara Border, Shahdara Flyover, Seelampur T Point, ISBT Flyover Boulevard Road, Rani Jhansi Road, Faiz Road, Upper Ridge Road, Dhaula Kuan, NH-8. They will exit from Rajokri Border for Haryana, according to the advisory.

Supreme court orders about eatery shops owners

On Monday, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on the enforcement of the UP government's directive, which was also adopted by the Uttarakhand government, requiring eatery owners to disclose the names of owners and their staff.
Srinagar: In a decisive move against anti-national elements, the Jammu and Kashmir Government today dismissed four employees from various departments under Article 311 of the Constitution of India due to their involvement in activities prejudicial to the interests of the State, including terror-related activities.

The dismissed employees include two constables from the Police Department, one junior assistant from the School Education Department, and one village level worker from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. Their activities had come under the scrutiny of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, revealing their deep involvement in terror-related activities.

Involvement in Terror Activities

Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, Constable in the Police Department and son of Mohammad Akram Lone from Gamraj, Tral, District Pulwama, was found to be involved in supplying, transporting, and facilitating the delivery of arms and ammunition to promote and execute terror acts.

Bazil Ahmad Mir, Junior Assistant in the School Education Department and son of Manzoor Ahmad Mir from Khurhama Lalpora, District Kupwara, was involved in nurturing a drug syndicate in and around the Lolab area. Mir has reportedly become a full-fledged trafficker of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, with direct ties to the terrorist and secessionist ecosystem.

Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, Selection Grade Constable in J&K Police and son of Abdul Ahad Pir from Kalmoona, Vilgam Handwara, District Kupwara, was running a drug cartel in the North Kashmir belt. Being a resident of a border area in Kupwara, he had established contacts with narcotic drug smugglers across the border in Pakistan and was closely associated with the kingpins of the narco-terror syndicate operating from there.

Mohd. Zaid Shah, Village Level Worker in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and son of Hassam Ul Din Geelani from Basgran, Uri, District Baramulla, was identified as a hardcore drug peddler. Shah had received substantial consignments of heroin from drug smugglers across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He played a pivotal role in generating funds from the narco trade, which were then channeled to sustain the terrorist-secessionist ecosystem in J&K. Shah was also in constant touch with individuals of J&K origin who had exfiltrated into Pakistan in 1990 for terrorist training and are currently settled in PoJK.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards anti-national elements, particularly those taking advantage of their positions in government service. This stern action underscores the administration's commitment to rooting out individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety.

As the Centre continues to tighten its grip on elements engaging in activities detrimental to the state, this move sends a strong message that involvement in terrorism and related activities will not be tolerated and will be met with the harshest consequences.
In a bizarre turn of events, trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, infamously known as Audi Wali Madam, has gone missing for the past five days. Her absence has not only missed the deadline to join the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) but has also sparked a slew of investigations and controversies. Heres a detailed look into the unfolding drama surrounding Pooja Khedkars disappearance and the allegations against her.

The Disappearance

Pooja Khedkar was due to report back to LBSNAA by July 23, 2024, as part of her IAS training. However, she has neither returned to the academy nor communicated any reasons for her absence. The academy, responsible for training civil service officers in India, had specifically asked her to return, but the deadline has passed without any response from Khedkar. This absence has led the Pune police to attempt contact, but so far, no information regarding her whereabouts has surfaced.

The Allegations

Khedkar, a trainee from the Maharashtra cadre, is under investigation for several serious allegations:

Abuse of Position: She has been accused of misusing her position.

Fake Disability Certificate: There are claims that she secured her position in the UPSC through a fraudulent disability certificate

False OBC (NCL) Certificate: Khedkar is also alleged to have used a fake OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate to avail reservations.

Investigation into Family Background

The Pune police are delving into the claims about Khedkars family background. She had mentioned in multiple mock interviews that her parents were divorced, which helped her obtain the OBC (NCL) certificate. However, her father, Dilip Khedkar, a former Lok Sabha election candidate, did not disclose this divorce in his election affidavit. This discrepancy has raised further suspicions, leading the Maharashtra government to demand more information about her parents.

Financial Discrepancies

Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma revealed to India Today that the Maharashtra government is investigating Dilip Khedkars financial disclosures. During the elections, Dilip Khedkar declared assets worth approximately Rs 40 crore, yet the claims of divorce and financial status are now under scrutiny, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

UPSC's Response

Following these allegations, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken stringent actions:

Complaint Filed: UPSC has lodged a complaint against Khedkar and issued a show-cause notice.

Training Cancellation: Her training at LBSNAA has been cancelled.

Potential Disqualification: The show-cause notice questions why her candidacy from the 2022 UPSC exams should not be cancelled and why she should not be barred from future civil services exams.

Legal Actions

An FIR has been filed against Khedkar under multiple sections, including:

Forgery and Fraud: For allegedly using fake certificates.

IT Act: In relation to the misuse of information technology.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: For fraudulent claims of disability.

Public and Media Reaction

The public and media have been abuzz with the news of Khedkars disappearance and the allegations against her. Dubbed as Audi Wali Madam due to her alleged luxurious lifestyle, her case has attracted significant attention. Social media is rife with speculation, with many questioning the integrity of the selection process for IAS officers and the potential misuse of reservations and other benefits.

The Road Ahead

The upcoming days are crucial as authorities continue their search for Pooja Khedkar. Her absence, coupled with the serious allegations, has put her in a precarious position. If found guilty, the repercussions could be severe, including disqualification from the civil services and potential imprisonment for fraud and forgery.
The Supreme Court's verdict about the NEET-UG paper leak has put an end to the controversy officially but the opposition in not ready to accept the verdict in its current form. The opposition said that the National Testing Agency needs to be revamped as it is not capable of conducting national-level exams in the current format. The Supreme Court, in its verdict yesterday, concluded that the paper leak took place at local level in Bihar while maintaining absence of any systemic breach. The apext court rejected the demand for holding a re-examination for over 24 lakhs students who took the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

What Opposition Said

Former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) needs to be completely revamped, adding that the government cannot hold an All-India exam of this magnitude under the present system. "The Supreme Court has asked the IIT Delhi to look into the matter as to how to deal with these issues (paper leaks)....Why in every examination during this government there are leaks in every exam? The question is who is involved and for whose benefit are the leaks happening? Who are the people without merit who got jobs? The National Testing Agency(NTA) needs to be completely revamped. You cannot hold an all-India exam of this magnitude under a present NTA system," Sibal said.

He said, "The government is for everyone and it should think for every section of our youth who is sitting for this exam."

Shiv Sena-UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said, "Supreme Court should know what is going on in the country. Supreme Court was one last ray of hope. If that ray too is not showing us any direction, then where will we go? Is there any pressure on the government?"

VCK MP Thol. Thirumavalavan termed the verdict shocking. "Supreme Court direction is not in favour of the students who are affected by this NEET scam...The victims have to go for appeal. That is the only solution," he said.

What Government Said

BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the government is committed towards a 'zero-error' exam. Dharmendra Pradhan said, "For us, zero tolerance of any kind of breach is our priority when it comes to exams for students, be it for higher education or jobs. So, the Modi government has brought into effect a strict law like the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act....Presenting our side before the Supreme Court, we have promised that our government is committed to having a transparent, tamper-free and zero-error examination system."

Dharmendra Pradhan also announced a high-level committee for a total overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA). "Taking this commitment forward, we announced a high-level committee for a complete revamp of the NTA. That committee is working with dedication...The committee has collected expert opinions and studied various models...They will submit a report soon," he said.
Political tensions are running high in Uttar Pradesh (UP) as Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Mauryas recent meetings with key allies, combined with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's significant bureaucratic reshuffle, have stirred the political landscape. Amidst the backdrop of these developments, a crucial meeting is scheduled in Delhi on July 27th. This meeting aims to address the ongoing unrest within the state's political and administrative framework. Here are ten key points outlining the current situation in UP:

1. Mauryas Strategic Meetings

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has intensified political speculations by meeting with significant allies, including Om Prakash Rajbhar, the President of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, and Sanjay Nishad, the President of the Nishad Party. These meetings are seen as strategic moves, potentially indicating shifts in political alliances.

2. Absence in Yogis Meeting

On July 22, 2024, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting in Azamgarh, notably missing was Om Prakash Rajbhar. Instead, Rajbhar met with Maurya in Lucknow, further fueling political speculation. Their meeting, which lasted for hours, went viral on social media, showing the deepening political discussions between them.

3. Meeting with Sanjay Nishad

Mauryas recent interaction with Sanjay Nishad has added to the political intrigue. The meeting lasted for about half an hour, sparking various interpretations regarding its significance. Additionally, Maurya has also met with Dara Singh Chauhan, further hinting at possible political re-alignments.

4. Emerging Fissures Post-Lok Sabha Results

Internal rifts within the UP BJP have become apparent since the Lok Sabha election results. Mauryas absence from cabinet meetings since June 4 and his frequent visits to Delhi to meet top leaders suggest underlying tensions with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

5. Transfers Amid Turmoil

The Yogi government has executed significant transfers of bureaucrats amid the political turbulence. On Wednesday, a dozen PCS officers were transferred, indicating an administrative shake-up aimed at consolidating control and ensuring effective governance.

6. Key Bureaucratic Reassignments

Notable reassignments include Siddharth being appointed as the new ADM FR of Kanpur, Manglesh Dubey as ADM Administration of Noida, and Vimal Kishore Gupta as ADM Judicial of Meerut. Such reassignments are seen as efforts to streamline administrative functions amidst political uncertainties.

7. IAS Officers Transferred

Alongside PCS officers, three IAS officers were also transferred. Prerna Singh was appointed as ACEO of Greater Noida, Sudhir Kumar as Municipal Commissioner of Kanpur, and Deeksha Jain as CDO of Kanpur Nagar. These changes reflect the government's attempt to stabilize the administrative framework.

8. Previous Transfers

Just two days prior, on Monday, three other IAS officers were transferred. Manoj Kumar was appointed as Additional Commissioner of Bareilly Division, Shailesh Kumar was given additional charge as RFC, and Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Mishra was made Joint Election Commissioner in Lucknow. These continuous transfers highlight ongoing administrative adjustments.

9. Upcoming Meeting on 27th July

The internal conflicts within UP BJP have prompted a high-level meeting in Delhi on July 27th, following the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. This meeting, expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders, aims to address the political unrest in UP.

10. Potential Organizational Changes

Speculations are rife about possible organizational changes within the UP BJP. The partys top leadership, including BJP President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah, is likely to meet with UP's top leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, to discuss strategies to resolve internal conflicts and enhance party cohesion.

Context of the Meeting

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's meeting in Delhi is significant, occurring just days before the monsoon session of the state legislature begins on July 29. Discussions are expected to focus on addressing the dissatisfaction within the government and among party workers, aiming to ensure unity and effective governance.
Amid a backdrop of significant volatility in major U.S. indexes, with technology stocks facing steep declines, investors may find solace in growth companies that boast high insider ownership and solid revenue growth. Such companies can offer a sense of stability and confidence, as high insider ownership often aligns managements interests with those of shareholders, particularly appealing during uncertain market conditions.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In The United States

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Atour Lifestyle Holdings (NasdaqGS:ATAT) 26% 22.1% GigaCloud Technology (NasdaqGM:GCT) 25.9% 25.2% PDD Holdings (NasdaqGS:PDD) 32.1% 21.5% Victory Capital Holdings (NasdaqGS:VCTR) 12% 34% Duolingo (NasdaqGS:DUOL) 15% 47.9% Super Micro Computer (NasdaqGS:SMCI) 14.3% 39.1% Credo Technology Group Holding (NasdaqGS:CRDO) 14.5% 60.9% Carlyle Group (NasdaqGS:CG) 29.2% 23.6% EHang Holdings (NasdaqGM:EH) 32.8% 74.3% BBB Foods (NYSE:TBBB) 22.9% 94.7%

Click here to see the full list of 186 stocks from our Fast Growing US Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Endava plc is a provider of technology services focusing on sectors such as consumer products, healthcare, mobility, and retail across North America, Europe, the UK, and internationally, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.82 billion.

Operations: Endava's revenue from computer services amounts to 736.13 million.

Insider Ownership: 23%

Revenue Growth Forecast: 11.8% p.a.

Endava, a growth company with substantial insider ownership, is navigating a complex period. While its revenue growth at 11.8% per year is robust, surpassing the US market average of 8.6%, its profit margins have declined from 12.5% to 5.7%. Despite recent setbacks including a net loss in Q3 and lowered revenue expectations for FY2024, Endava's earnings are projected to grow significantly at 35.9% annually. The company trades at 37.2% below estimated fair value, highlighting potential undervaluation amidst challenges.

NYSE:DAVA Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Paymentus Holdings, Inc. operates globally, offering cloud-based bill payment technologies and solutions, with a market capitalization of approximately $2.52 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through services to financial companies, totaling $651.04 million.

Story continues

Insider Ownership: 17.6%

Revenue Growth Forecast: 15.9% p.a.

Paymentus Holdings, a growth-oriented company with significant insider ownership, has demonstrated robust financial performance and promising growth prospects. Recently reporting a substantial year-over-year increase in Q1 sales to US$184.88 million and net income to US$7.23 million, the company also provided an optimistic revenue forecast ranging from US$737 million to US$755 million for the full year. Despite limited recent insider transactions, Paymentus's earnings are expected to grow by 21.6% annually over the next three years, outpacing the broader U.S. market projection of 14.8%.

NYSE:PAY Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: SmartFinancial, Inc., operating as the bank holding company for SmartBank, offers a range of financial services in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida with a market capitalization of approximately $458.35 million.

Operations: The company generates revenue through financial services provided in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.

Insider Ownership: 16.9%

Revenue Growth Forecast: 13.4% p.a.

SmartFinancial, a company with substantial insider ownership, recently reported a slight decline in quarterly and half-year earnings compared to the previous year. Despite this, the firm has been active in shareholder returns, completing significant share buybacks totaling US$8.45 million and maintaining consistent dividend payments. While insider transactions have been minimal recently, SmartFinancial is trading below its estimated fair value and forecasts suggest robust annual earnings growth of 24.3%, outpacing broader market expectations.

NYSE:SMBK Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Summing It All Up

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Contemplating Other Strategies?

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 NYSE:DAVA NYSE:PAY and NYSE:SMBK.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, facing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in her civil service selection, was supposed to report to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie yesterday, but she did not show up.

A criminal case has been registered against her in Delhi last week for "misrepresenting and falsifying facts" in her civil service application. The 34-year-old is accused of manipulating her identity to take the UPSC exam multiple times.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a show-cause notice to cancel her selection and potentially bar her from future exams. The Delhi Police have filed a criminal case against Khedkar, and an investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie suspended Puja Khedkar's training following serious allegations against her. She was instructed to return to the academy by July 23, but reportedly did not do so, citing personal reasons.

Puja Khedkar, a probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2023 batch, is accused of abusing her authority by demanding perks and facilities she was not entitled to during her training at the Pune district collectorate.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court, noting a trust deficit between farmers and the government, suggested the formation of an independent committee to address the protesters' demands. A three-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant was hearing the pleas related to farmers' protest and the blockade at the Shambhu border.

During the court order, the judge observed that there is a need for a neutral umpire to foster confidence between both parties.

"You have to take some steps to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi? You are sending Ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is trust deficit," the bench, which also included Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan, stated, reported PTI.

The bench advised that appropriate instructions should be gathered within a week and that, in the meantime, both parties should maintain the current situation at the Shambhu border to prevent any escalation.

The Supreme Court was considering a plea from the Haryana government challenging a high court order that directed the removal of barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala within a week, where farmers have been protesting since February 13.
A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Union Budget 2024, Congress MP P Chidambaram put forth five demands during his address in Rajya Sabha. Chidambaram had served as Finance Minister under the Congress-led UPA II government.

Chidambaram called on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to implement a daily minimum wage of Rs 400 and legally guarantee the Minimum Support Price (MSP), a key demand of farmers who have been protesting since 2000.

Additionally, he urged the Centre to write off the interest on the unpaid balance of education loans issued up to March 2024. He also demanded the complete abolition of the Agniveer scheme and called for the scrapping of NEET, with an exemption for states that choose not to implement it.

I have five demands!



Five demands that I would urge the Finance Minister to copy from our manifesto.



I demand this, and I would like answers. If you don't, it's not like these demands will die down. They will echo everywhere in India, where the INDIA bloc has a right to speak. pic.twitter.com/8bC1Rf6NQa  Congress (@INCIndia) July 24, 2024

Meanwhile, Chidambaram mockingly asked Sitharaman to copy some more from their election manifesto. He said, I would urge the honourable finance minister to copy these from our manifesto.

The remark referred to accusations that the 2024 Union Budget incorporates schemes originally proposed by the opposition party in its manifesto for the upcoming general election without giving them credit.

Chidambaram claimed that he wants these questions to be addressed as soon as possible. He added that if these queries are ignored, these demands will echo not only in this chamber but throughout the country until you concede these demands.
Rajasthan, July 24, 2024  The notorious Anandpal Singh encounter case has taken a dramatic turn. The ACJM CBI court has initiated proceedings against the police involved in the Anandpal Singh encounter, with fresh allegations emerging about the legitimacy of the operation.

Court Orders Investigation

The court has rejected the CBI's closure report, which previously claimed that the encounter was legitimate. It has now ordered the prosecution of five police officers under Section 302 of the IPC for their involvement in the encounter. These officers include former Churu SP Rahul Barhat, former Additional SP Vidya Prakash Chaudhary, DSP Suryaveer Singh Rathore, and RAC Head Constable Kailash. The next hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2024.

Background of Anandpal Singh

Anandpal Singh, originally from a small village in Ladnu Tehsil, Nagaur district of Rajasthan, had amassed a criminal record with approximately 24 cases ranging from murder and robbery to extortion and gang wars. Singh's criminal career began in 2006 with the murder of Jeevanram Godara in Didwana, and he was later linked to the Gopal Fogawat murder case in Sikar.

Criminal Empire and Notoriety

Singh's criminal activities extended beyond traditional crimes. In 2014, he killed his associate Balbir Banuda in Barmer jail and continued to eliminate rival gang members within the prison. His escape from police custody in 2015 further cemented his status as a notorious criminal.

Public and Community Reaction

Anandpal Singh's death sparked widespread protests by the Rajput community, who alleged that his encounter was staged. The protests resulted in roadblocks, damage to public property, and clashes with police. The demonstrations, fueled by claims of a fake encounter, led to one death and injuries to 32 individuals, including more than 20 police officers.

Political and Social Implications

Singh's support from the Rajput community can be traced back to historical conflicts with the Jat community. Despite his humble beginnings, Singh's rise in the criminal world was marked by ambition, revenge, and political protection. His attempts to gain political influence and his violent actions made him a controversial figure.
New Delhi: This years budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has become the topic of discussion as many are expressing their displeasure over the same. There are many new projects that the Finance Minister has promised and also gave a tax waiver to the working professionals.

However, the budget hasn't been up to mark and the layman is not very happy. And now Bollywood's veteran actress turned politician Jaya Bachchan too has slammed the budget.

Have A Look At The Video:

#WATCH | Delhi | On INDIA bloc protest against Union Budget, Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan says, "This budget doesn't deserve a reaction. This is just a drama. Promises which will be kept in papers will not be implemented." pic.twitter.com/FHyKIbeO9r  ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

When asked about her point of view on the budget, she took a dig and said to ANI" I have no reaction. Yeh koi budget hai reaction karne waala. Kuch nahi. This is just a drama. Promises which will be kept in the paper will not be implemented. That's it".

Jaya Bachchan is one of the fierce women in the industry and over the years she has been the strong opposition to the ruling party and never fails to express her views if she finds something misfit and inappropriate.

Other celebrities turned politicians from the ruling party hailed the Budget including Kangana Ranaut, Shatrughan Sinha, and Chirag Paswan. Shark Tank ex-judge and businessman Ashneer Grover called the budget a waste of time and mentioned rather he would watch another Ambani wedding.
Mumbai: Newlyweds Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary in the Philippines. On Tuesday, the 'Double XL' actor dropped adorable pictures from their honeymoon to the Philippines on Instagram.

Along with the post, Sonakshi penned a long note where she expressed gratitude for learning about wellness for themselves and experiencing how life changes after following routine life.

She wrote, "We celebrated one month of our wedding by doing what we needed to do the most - RECOVER!!! This is not an ad, and no one asked us to post but i cant help but share the awesomeness of @thefarmatsanbenito in the Phillippines. In one week we were taught what wellness actually means, listen to our bodies and take care of our minds. Waking up in the midst of nature, eating right, sleeping on time, detox treatments and massages galore - feeling brand new."

"Thanks to our amazing friends @nirvanachaudhary, @_rahulchaudhary_ and @varun.chaudhary for making sure we have this life-changing experience and thanks to all the amazing people who made our stay so comfortable - Preet, Raoul, Dr. Jocelyn, Steffi, Cleo, the detox man Jun and our main two - EJ and Nikka. We cant wait to see you all again," she concluded.

Fans showered love and blessings to the couple in the comment section. A user wrote "God bless!" while another one commented, "mashallah".

Sonakshi and Zaheer got married on June 23 in the presence of their loved ones at their residence in Mumbai. It was an intimate wedding.

The civil wedding was followed by a wedding bash at Bastian which saw numerous Bollywood celebrities in attendance. The reception was attended by a constellation of Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Vidya Balan with Siddharth Roy Kapur, and veteran actress Saira Banu, among others, who came to congratulate the couple and celebrate their union.

Sonakshi and Zaheer dated for seven years before solemnising their relationship.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonakshi will be seen in 'Kakuda', which is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and will be out on ZEE5 on July 12. The film also stars Riteish Deshmukh and Saqib Saleem.
New Delhi: Apple is continuously working to add crucial features and improve the upcoming iOS 18 ahead of the launch. Currently, the Cupertino-based tech giant has released its Beta 4 phase to developer testers to check how the newly added features will perform in the real world.

It is important to note that Apple AI is still missing from the update. This release brings a new iPhone Mirroring alert on the Lock Screen, an iCloud options shortcut on the Settings apps main page, and a tweaked Stocks app icon.

iOS 18 Developer Beta Four: What's New

-iOS 18 beta 4 lacks Apple Intelligence.

-The rumours are true: iOS 18 introduces a new flashlight UI, now available on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

-In this beta phase, users can mix dark and light modes, allowing light mode usage with dark mode widgets.

-A new "Controls Menu" option in the Camera settings lets users preserve the previously used camera tool when expanding the controls menu.

-Apple has introduced a new animation for the iCloud subscriber edition icon.

-RCS support has been enabled for new carriers, including Fido Canada, Orange Spain, Orange UK, Rogers Canada, T-Mobile UK, Vodafone Spain, and Yoigo Spain.

-The latest iOS 18 beta 4 update brings eight new wallpapers for CarPlay, featuring both light and dark mode designs.

How To Download iOS 18 Beta 4

Step 1: First, enroll in Apples developer program by visiting the Apple Developer website and signing up.

Step 2: Next, on your compatible iPhone, open the Settings app and navigate to General, then tap on Software Update and select Beta Updates.

Step 3: In the Beta Updates section, choose the iOS 18 Developer Beta option.

Step 4: Go back to the previous page and wait a few seconds for it to refresh.

Step 5: Once the update appears, tap the Download and Install button.

Step 6: Finally, connect your device to a charger and keep it plugged in until iOS 18 beta 4 is fully installed.
New Delhi: Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) is alerting customers about a new scam involving gas connections. Fraudsters are sending fake disconnection notices and pressuring people to pay false bills.

Understanding the Scam:

Scammers are calling or texting customers and threatening to disconnect their gas supply if they dont pay an overdue bill. Moreover to create panic, these messages often include a fake deadline and phony customer service number. When victims call on the number they are pressured to make immediate online payments.

IGL's Advisory and Recommendations:

IGL has issued an advisory about the scam and urged customers to be cautious. They recommend that people only pay their bills through the official IGL website to avoid falling victim to these fraudsters.

"Attention IGL PNG Customers! Be alert for fraudulent calls and messages claiming to be from Indraprastha Gas Limited. These scams often request you to download an app or click on links for bill payments, sometimes threatening service disconnection.#Fraudalert," IGL posted on X.

Attention IGL PNG Customers!

Be alert for fraudulent calls and messages claiming to be from Indraprastha Gas Limited. These scams often request you to download an app or click on links for bill payments, sometimes threatening service disconnection. #Fraudalert pic.twitter.com/OAvEP27eKE July 16, 2024

How To Protect Yourself From the IGL Scam

- Be Cautious with Unknown Messages: Be wary of messages from unknown numbers.

- Don't Panic: If you've already paid your bills, there's no need to worry.

- Check for Errors: Look for grammatical mistakes and incorrect punctuation in the message. Official messages wont have these errors.

- Avoid Calling Numbers in Messages: Dont call the number provided in the message. Instead, go directly to the IGL website if you need to make a payment.

- Watch for Fraud Alerts: When you visit the official IGL website, look for the pop-up notification "FRAUD ALERT Notice to IGL PNG customers."
WWE has seen multiple superstars who have graced the ring over decades. In wrestling terms, there are two types of superstars- babyfaces and heels. The babyfaces are the heroes of the story, while the heels are seen as villains. There have been several instances when people have fallen in love with the villain rather than the hero. Let us take a look at the greatest heels to have step foot inside the WWE Ring.

Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho was a massive heel back in his WCW days. He played a loud mouthed wrestler who would go off against the good guy. Jericho came into his evil era when he entered into his Y2J phase. He played a psychological maniac and this made him get a lot of hate from the crowds. He had several memorable rivalries with big names such as Shawn Michaels. Jericho played the heel so well that he gave massive pushes to make babyfaces look incredible in the ring.

Triple H

Although Triple H has now retired and taken a corporate role in WWE as the Chief Operating Officer, this was not always the case. Triple H was one of the greatest heels ever in the history of WWE and one of the most hated characters in WWE. He had several rivalries with superstars such as John Cena and Mick Foley to name a few and ended up winning a most of the time. Triple H also married Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of ex-WWE CEO Vince McMahon. This led many to speculate that there was backstage politics involved thus making the character much more hated. All of this just added to Triple H's aura and made him one of the most iconic WWE villains of all time.

Ric Flair

The Nature Boy Ric Flair was a massively hated person in both WWE and WCW. At a time when the American Dream Dusty Rhodes was the one getting all the love thanks to his simple background and humble attitude, Flair was the opposite. He flexed his wealth and riches with an extremely arrogant attitude and proved to be one of the most hated heels in WWE.

Vince McMahon

The former CEO of WWE, Vince McMahon was one of the most hated people everytime he was seen on-screen or held a mic. He played the evil boss character on TV and regularly misused his power against those he did not like. Whenever involved in a feud, McMahon posed as a cheater and misused his power to make the match unfair in every way possible thus making him a very hated on-screen personality. One of the most memorable feuds is against babyface Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Randy Orton

Multiple-time world champion and nicknamed as The Viper, Randy Orton tops the list as the greatest heel in WWE. The 14-time world champion has had several heel personas including, 'The Legend Killer'. Orton played a diabolical maniac who would inflict extreme pain and violence on his opponents also while taking them down psychologically. Using sadistic tactics Orton would do whatever it took to beat his opponent and win. He had long-term feuds with superstars like John Cena and Triple H.
(Bloomberg) -- The US is warning homegrown tech startups and venture capital firms that some foreign investments may be fronts for hostile nations seeking data and technology for their governments or to undermine American businesses.

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Several US intelligence agencies are spotlighting the concern in a joint bulletin Wednesday to small businesses, trade associations and others associated with the venture capital community, according to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.

Unfortunately our adversaries continue to exploit early-stage investments in US startups to take their sensitive data, said Michael Casey, director of the NCSC. These actions threaten US economic and national security and can directly lead to the failure of these companies.

Washington has ramped up scrutiny of investments related to countries it considers adversaries, most notably China, as advanced technologies with breakthrough commercial potential, such as artificial intelligence, can also be used to enhance military or espionage capabilities.

President Joe Bidens administration has sought to clamp down on Chinas ability to develop advanced semiconductors and AI, as well as access to large amounts of Americans personal data. It also aims to restrict outbound US investment in sensitive industries in China.

The NCSC collaborated on the bulletin with the Director of National Intelligences economic security and emerging technology unit and the Air Force and Navy criminal investigative units.

Small tech companies and venture capitalists are not in a position to assess the national security implications of their investments, said Mark Montgomery, former executive director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, which was assigned to develop a US cybersecurity strategy. There are way too many examples where what appears to be, at best, potentially only dual-use or non-military-use technology is quickly twisted and used as a national security tool.

Suspicious firms may structure their investments to avoid scrutiny during reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, the interagency body that probes deals for national security risks.

CFIUS, which is led by the Treasury Department, said Tuesday in its latest annual report that it continues to confront a complex national security landscape and significant caseload, referring to transactions where the country of origin is known.

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The bulletin Wednesday, however, is focused on deals where the buyers ultimate origin is unclear. It warned of funding sources with complex ownership often incorporated in offshore locations lacking transparency and effective regulatory oversight or foreign investors that route investment through funds, partners or intermediaries.

This tactic can help foreign threat actors avoid or complicate outside scrutiny through degrees of separation, it said.

One investor recently accused by the US of being a national security threat is IDG Capital, a prolific private equity and venture capital firm that the Pentagon said early this year is linked to the Chinese military, an accusation it has denied.

Earlier: US Accuses Chinese Memory Chipmaker, AI Firms of Aiding PLA

The bulletin also warned startups that they could be denied US government contracts or funding if foreign threat actors gain a foothold in their firms. They could also be influenced to make decisions that benefit foreign threat actors at the expense of the US

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A group of 20 students from SOCAR's Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) recently participated in a summer school program hosted by China Oil University, Azernews reports, citing BHOS.

All expenses for the students were covered by China Oil University.

As part of the program, the students had the opportunity to visit several historical sites in China, including the Great Wall of China, Prince Gong's Mansion, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

This exchange program is reciprocal, as last year 20 students from China had the opportunity to participate in BHOS's summer school program.
HANOI, Vietnam (AP)  Vietnam will let electricity-guzzling factories buy electricity from wind and solar power producers, helping big companies like Samsung Electronics meet their climate targets and relieving pressure on the country's overstrained grid.

The government decree allowing Direct Power Purchase Agreements, or DPPAs, was approved earlier this month. It lifts a regulation requiring all consumers of power to rely only on the state-run utility Vietnam Electricity, or EVN, and its subsidiaries, which distribute electricity at rates fixed by the government.

Foreign investors that are vital to Vietnam's ascent as a major exporter had been clamoring for such a change.

The DPPA will dramatically alter this status quo, said Giles Cooper, a partner at the international law firm Allens based in Hanoi who specializes in energy policy.

Without such a change, it was difficult, if not impossible for companies to meet their commitments to phase out reliance on fossil fuels. With more and more countries taxing carbon pollution, companies that can show that their factories use clean energy can enjoy a considerable competitive advantage in some markets, said Cooper, who contributed to the drafting of the law.

This loosening of the Communist Party-ruled states grip on the sale of electricity has been in the making since 2019. In most of Southeast Asia, electricity markets tend to be centralized. But DPPAs to allow companies to buy energy from power producers directly are increasing, said Kyeongho Lee, head of Asia Pacific Power Research at Wood Mackenzie.

Lee said the amount of power generation under such agreements increased from 15 gigawatts in 2021 to 26 gigawatts in 2023, growth concentrated in India, Australia and Taiwan, which account for more than 80% of the total capacity that is under contract.

Vietnam's move addresses investors' concerns about access to stable and clean energy. That's a priority for a country seen as a promising alternative for businesses looking to diversify supply chains outside China.

Liberalizing the market also is expected to spur more construction of new solar and wind farms by guaranteeing a market for clean electricity, analysts say.

About 20 large companies are interested in buying clean energy directly from producers, according to a survey conducted by Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade, with total demand estimated at nearly 1 gigawatt of energy.

Vietnams largest foreign investor, Samsung, was among the earliest to start working with the government on introducing this mechanism. The company aims to transition all its business sites to renewable energy by 2027, and Vietnam is its largest mobile phone manufacturing base, accounting for more than half of all production.

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The South Korean multinational told The Associated Press in an email that it welcomed the approval of the landmark decree.

Its factories transitioned to renewable energy in 2022 by buying renewable energy credits. Now, with the DPPA mechanism, we have more options to procure renewable energy and look forward to working with the Vietnam government to further develop and implement PPAs, it said.

Apple Inc., which has moved some manufacturing to Vietnam from China after enduring disruptions in its production during the COVID-19 pandemic, also welcomed the reform as an important step towards a cleaner grid.

Bessma Aljarbou, head of Apples Supplier Carbon Solutions said in a statement that the plan provides suppliers with a meaningful opportunity to support Vietnams goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 while meeting its own goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The success of DPPAs will depend on how quickly Vietnam can upgrade its rickety electrical grid, which as is in the case in many places in the world, has failed to keep up with rapid growth of clean power generation. Vietnam says it needs $15 billion to strengthen it.

This could be an obstacle for factories where it is impossible to build a solar or wind farm close by, meaning that companies can only buy clean power virtually, buying the energy from the state utility, EVN, which would purchase the power from the solar or wind farm, with the buyer making up any difference in costs between the government rate and the one agreed on in the purchasing agreement.

In this model, there is no direct link between the consumer and generator. In fact, they can be hundreds of kilometers apart, explained Cooper, adding that even though the company still buys electricity from the state-run utility it now has contractual evidence of its use of renewable energy.

The new directive has two mechanisms for factories to directly buy renewable energy. The first is the so-called direct wire model where some large consumers of electricity can be connected to a nearby renewable power plant through a direct transmission line. They can then buy the electricity at an agreed-upon rate. This ensures the power will be entirely clean energy with no involvement of EVN.

Vietnam increased its use of solar and wind power by tenfold between 2015-23 and power from such clean sources now accounts for about 13% of total electricity generation. But the clean energy boom has faltered in recent months due to policy hurdles like the removal of attractive long-term contracts for clean energy producers or lack of protections for losses incurred when energy from the sun or the wind aren't utilized to balance the grid. These were further aggravated by political uncertainty due to an anti-corruption campaign.

Meanwhile use of polluting fossil fuels, which had been on the decline, increased to 53.6% of total power generation in 2023 from 49.7% the year before, according to data from U.K. based energy thinktank Ember.

The new directive could help reverse this trend by making it easier for energy producers since it guarantees that there will be purchasers for specific wind and solar projects, said Dinita Setyawati Senior Electricity Policy Analyst for Southeast Asia at Ember. So there are more certainties from a business point of view, she said.

She added that in Vietnam the law could unlock a lot of interest to build solar or wind farms.

We can expect more renewable energy capacities installed if this scheme is successful, she said.
Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

So should New Pacific Metals (TSE:NUAG) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves.

See our latest analysis for New Pacific Metals

When Might New Pacific Metals Run Out Of Money?

A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. As at March 2024, New Pacific Metals had cash of US$24m and no debt. Importantly, its cash burn was US$12m over the trailing twelve months. So it had a cash runway of about 2.0 years from March 2024. Arguably, that's a prudent and sensible length of runway to have. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

How Is New Pacific Metals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Because New Pacific Metals isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. While it hardly paints a picture of imminent growth, the fact that it has reduced its cash burn by 52% over the last year suggests some degree of prudence. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. So you might want to take a peek at how much the company is expected to grow in the next few years.

How Hard Would It Be For New Pacific Metals To Raise More Cash For Growth?

There's no doubt New Pacific Metals' rapidly reducing cash burn brings comfort, but even if it's only hypothetical, it's always worth asking how easily it could raise more money to fund further growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

New Pacific Metals' cash burn of US$12m is about 4.5% of its US$264m market capitalisation. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money.

How Risky Is New Pacific Metals' Cash Burn Situation?

As you can probably tell by now, we're not too worried about New Pacific Metals' cash burn. In particular, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap stands out as evidence that the company is well on top of its spending. But it's fair to say that its cash runway was also very reassuring. After taking into account the various metrics mentioned in this report, we're pretty comfortable with how the company is spending its cash, as it seems on track to meet its needs over the medium term. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 4 warning signs for New Pacific Metals (of which 2 don't sit too well with us!) you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

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
Alexis Cofield of Stafford County recently was crowned Ms. Full-Figured Virginia 2024 with a platform centered on Behold Your Beauty: Building Confidence and Self-Love through Personal Branding and Styling.

Cofield won several accolades during the competition, including the Ms. Full Figured VA Fashionista award, the Community Service Award, the Rising Star Award, the Social Media Award and the Most Ads Sold Award.

The fifth annual pageant, which has a theme of Size has no barrier on beauty, recently was held in Richmond. Cofield will represent Virginia at the Ms. Full Figured USA National Pageant Nov. 7-9 in Atlanta.

Beyond her pageant achievements, Cofield is involved in her community as an active member and youth leader in her church. As part of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Prince William County chapter, she contributes to the mentoring group and assists in organizing the Sisterhood Brunch and annual gala. Cofield also serves as corresponding secretary for the Metro DC Alumni chapter of her alma mater, North Carolina Central University, where she earned a bachelors in business administration. She is also a member of Bev Johnson: My Praise My Worship Music and Arts Ministry Inc.

Cofield also founded the mentoring group L.I.F.E Blossoms, which stands for Learning Inner Confidence, Faith and Etiquette. It includes four workshops aimed at helping young ladies develop their personal brand and confidence.
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper said Wednesday that he believes it could be "in the best interests of the country" if President Joe Biden ends his bid for reelection, though the Colorado Democrat didn't call on Biden to exit the race, instead suggesting that the president could be nearing that decision.
A ballot initiative to reduce property tax assessment rates has received enough signatures to qualify for the November 2024 ballot, its sponsors announced Tuesday.
An El Paso County District Court judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit that sought to rescind the Colorado Springs City Councils ruling that a new water tank in the Mountain Shadows community could stand as it was built.

Longtime Colorado Springs tourist attraction the Flying W Ranch and Mountain Shadows resident Larry Starr in mid-February consolidated two separate lawsuits they filed alleging the City Council, because it also acts as the Colorado Springs Utilities Board of Directors, had a nonwaivable and blatant conflict of interest when it allowed the concrete Wilson water tank Utilities built in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood to remain as is. The tank was built nearly 20 feet taller than originally approved. The councils determination denied residents due process, they argued.

Additionally, plaintiffs said the councils actions violated the citys ethics code, which states that the city should strive to avoid any conduct creating the appearance of impropriety.

In an 11-page order filed Tuesday, El Paso County District Court Judge Amanda Philipps disagreed.

Colorado Springs city charter, ordinances and code of ethics mandate council members to act in the best interest of the city and their constituents while also acting as fiduciaries and members of the board for (Colorado Springs Utilities), Philipps wrote, but that does not affirmatively prove a conflict of interest, much less a conflict of interest so severe that it deprived plaintiffs of due process.

Plaintiffs did not allege that any council members had a personal or financial interest in the matter, she said.

Ultimately, the city charter and city code clearly assign City Council members the duties of Utilities Board of Directors and of an appeals board for quasi-judicial items. While the Code of Ethics prohibits engaging in activities that conflict with official duties, it would be illogical to read official duties to conflict with each other.

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Additionally, and importantly, plaintiffs were able to cite no case to this court where a conflict of interest raising to the level of a due process violation resulted from an official duty, rather than a personal or pecuniary interest or bias, Philipps wrote.

Murray I. Weiner, an attorney for the Flying W Ranch, said via email Wednesday his office is reviewing the order and discussing next steps, if any, with his client. Plaintiffs can appeal the judges order to the Colorado Court of Appeals, he said.

An attorney for Starr did not immediately return The Gazettes request for comment.

The 5-million gallon Wilson water tank has been in service since July 1, Utilities spokeswoman Jennifer Jordan said.

She declined to comment on Phillips order because the suit remains in the legal process. For the same reason, she said, Utilities has not scheduled removal of the old steel tank on site, which the Wilson water tank will replace.

Plaintiffs asked the court to prevent Colorado Springs from removing, destroying or dismantling the aging steel tank until the matter is resolved. Doing this ensures the older water tank will remain available to provide water to the Mountain Shadows neighborhood and the Flying W Ranch if the court rules in plaintiffs favor, according to court documents.

Colorado Springs spokeswoman Vanessa Zink said in a brief emailed statement Wednesday the city is pleased with the judges decision to dismiss the case.
The man accused of killing three in Custer County last year over a land dispute had murder charges bound over for trial at a hearing on Wednesday.

Hanme Clark, 45, is accused of shooting and killing three Custer County residents  Rob Geers, his wife, Beth Wade Geers, and James Daulton  in November over what the arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette described as a possible land dispute outside the town of Westcliffe.

Daultons wife, Patty Daulton, was also allegedly shot by Clark, but survived the shooting and suffered serious injuries.

Clark appeared in court Wednesday for his preliminary hearing, where prosecutors realleged that Clark was the aggravator in the triple homicide and shot at the victims unprovoked.

The first of four witnesses who testified Wednesday was William Bechaver, a land surveyor who was contracted by the victims. Bechaver testified that he was on-site during the incident and witnessed Clark shooting and killing Geers.

Bechaver testified that while doing the surveying a man whom he identified to be Clark appeared from the woods and got into a verbal altercation with the Geers. Bechaver said that the two argued until Geers accused Clark of trespassing and hunting on his land, and that after the accusation was made Clark called Geers a b---- and shot Geers one time in the chest.

Custer County Sherriff Lloyd Smith testified that the gunshot suffered by Geers killed him instantly.

After the initial gunshot, Bechaver said he ran to take cover behind a truck where he heard more than 15 additional gunshots fired.

On cross-examination of Bechaver and Smith Clarks attorney, Janene McCabe, noted that many of the victims were carrying firearms at the time of the shooting, and that rounds of several types of guns were recovered on scene. McCabe additionally stated on cross-examination that it was yet to be determined by CBI which guns caused the death of Wade Geers and Daulton.

On redirect, prosecutor Linda Stanley had Bechaver confirm that when Clark discharged his firearm Geers was holding his phone, not his firearm.

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McCabe also made note during the cross-examination of Smith that Clark and his girlfriend felt threatened by the victims in the case and had reported it to the police prior to the shooting. However, the line of questioning was objected to by the prosecution and sustained by Judge Lynette Wenner.

After more than two hours of testimony Judge Wenner had all six charges bound over for trial, including the three charges of first-degree murder.

At the conclusion of the hearing Judge Wenner denied a motion from the defense to have Clarks bond lowered to $50,000. Clark remains in custody at the Pueblo County jail on a $2 million bond.

Clark was arrested in New Mexico along with his girlfriend Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis, 50, who was extradited on Jan. 15 and placed in the El Paso County jail.

The two were arrested by U.S. marshals and New Mexico state police during a high-risk, felony stop just outside Albuquerque on Nov. 21.

Medina-Kochis  who faces five counts of accessory to a crime for her alleged involvement in the shooting  is out of custody after posting a $100,000 cash bond in January, according to court records.

Clark will have his first opportunity to enter a plea on all charges at his next court date, an arraignment hearing scheduled for Sept. 10.

Medina-Kochis is also scheduled to make her next court appearance on Sept. 10. She has yet to enter a plea on all charges.

Editors Note: This story has been corrected to properly identify the prosecutor referenced in this story.
Colorado Springs police have arrested a man in a sexual assault that happened more than 20 years ago.

Kenneth Hettle, 41, is being charged with sexual assault with a weapon, according to his arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette.

The crime occurred about 3:45 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2001, when officers responded to a call from the victim, a woman who is now 43.

The woman told police that she awoke to a man pushing her face into her pillow. The man told her not to move or scream because he had a knife.

He then reportedly sexually assaulted her twice, pinning her so that she could not move.

The victim told police the suspect was wearing a stocking cap over his head and that he had told her she would know who he was when it was over.

After the assault, the suspect got up and looked out her window and asked whos that? before running out of the apartment minutes later.

It is believed the suspect got into the apartment through her sliding-glass door, which was found open after the assault.

Based on witness testimony, officers identified Hettle as a suspect at the time. They attempted to make contact with him for questioning, but Hettle avoided it.

Records say that investigators found Hettles apartment, which was in the same complex where the assault happened, but he had unexpectedly moved out.

DNA evidence was collected from the scene of the rape.

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Over two decades later, lab reports showed Hettle was the source of the DNA profile, prompting police to order a warrant to collect a sample of Hettles saliva.

On March 21, police interviewed Hettle and collected a DNA sample, which has been sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations Forensic Lab.

A Police Department spokesperson said the tests will be part of the evidence that is introduced at court but would not say whether the sample matched DNA collected at the time of the incident.

Hettle is scheduled for an arraignment hearing at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 8.

Aside from sexual assault, he is facing charges of first-degree burglary and false imprisonment with the threat of force for his alleged involvement in the crime.

Hettle is allegedly involved in another crime where he violated a restraining order against a woman in January, according to another arrest affidavit.

The victims in that case, a 48-year-old female and a juvenile, told police that Hettle started breaking things with a bat inside their home after the woman discovered he was using drugs again and told him to leave. She told police Hettle had threatened to beat her.

The woman had let Hettle live in a motor home behind the residence despite his restraining order for two weeks until their fight on the night of Jan. 27.

The juvenile told police that he stayed in his room for most of the fight.

Records state the woman had called police 10 times that night over the course of an hour.

The restraining order was issued on December, and it prohibits Hettle from assaulting, threatening, harassing and communicating with the protected party.

On top of charges for violating a protection order, Hettle is being charged with child abuse, second-degree burglary and criminal mischief for his alleged involvement.
A man from Colorado Springs was found guilty of three counts of sexually assaulting a minor at Fort Carson in 2020, a press release from the United States Attorneys Offices for the District of Colorado announced on Wednesday.

Mitchel Crow, 32, was found guilty of three counts of sexual abuse of a minor for acts that occurred between May and December of 2020, the press release states.

These cases are devastating for the victim and difficult for the supportive friends and family as well as the investigators, Mark Michalek, the FBI Denver Special Agent in charge, said via the press release. A violent crime like this against a juvenile is heart-breaking, and the FBI will continue to support survivors and bring perpetrators to justice."

Court records show that Crow was charged with seven counts of sexual abuse of a minor, and that the jury found him guilty of three of the charges and not guilty of the other four. Court records additionally show that sentencing is currently scheduled for Sept. 25.

Emily Peacock, a spokesperson for Fort Carson, confirmed that Crow was not a solider stationed at Fort Carson.
The Colorado Springs Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order for an area in southeast Colorado Springs Wednesday morning, which has since been lifted.

According to CSPD spokesperson Caitlin Ford, police received reports of a domestic disturbance along the 300 block of South Murray Blvd.

Ford said as officers traveled down the back alley toward the rear of the dispatched address, they located an occupied vehicle.

According to police, as they approached the car a male suspect fled from the driver's seat brandishing a rifle in his hands.

Ford said it was discovered the man with the rifle carries an active warrant for his arrest. A shelter in place order was issued for neighboring residents early Wednesday morning and was lifted at 6:30 a.m. after it was determined the suspect had fled the area.

The Gazette is working to learn more.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The 20-year-old gunman who tried to kill Donald Trump did an online search of the John F. Kennedy assassination around the time he began to focus attention on the Republican presidential candidate, FBI Director Christopher Wray said on Wednesday.

Wray told the U.S. House Judiciary Committee that suspect Thomas Crooks visited the Trump rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, twice before he clambered onto the roof of a nearby building on July 13 and fired off at least eight rounds, wounding Trump in the ear, killing one rally-goer and injuring two others.

"Analysis of a laptop that the investigation ties to the shooter reveals that on July 6, he did a Google search for -quote - 'how far away was Oswald from Kennedy,'" Wray said.

He was referring to Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated former President Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 22, 1963.

"That's a search that's obviously significant in terms of his state of mind," Wray said.

"That is the same day that it appears that he registered for the Butler rally," he added, saying Crooks became "very focused on President Trump and his rally" at that point after showing interest in public figures more generally.

About two hours before the shooting, Crooks flew a drone over the area about 200 yards (180 meters) from the stage where Trump spoke to the crowd, and live-streamed footage for about 11 minutes.

Law enforcement officers did not spot Crooks on the roof with his AR-15-style rifle until "seconds" before he opened fire, said Wray, noting that the timeline could change as the investigators' understanding of facts evolves.

"It's all happening in seconds," Wray said. He added that the rifle had a collapsible stock, "which could explain why it might have been less easy for people to observe."

Crude explosive devices later recovered from Crooks' car and home were designed to be detonated remotely. Crooks had a transmitter with him, Wray added. But he said the FBI believes the suspect would not have been successful had he tried to detonate the devices.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Wray said many people have described Crooks as a loner and the list of contacts in his phone was short.

The hearing also focused on the increasingly tense political atmosphere surrounding the presidential campaign.

"I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated-threat environment. And tragically, the ... assassination attempt is another example, particularly heinous," Wray testified.

A day before Wray's testimony, Kimberly Cheatle resigned as director of the U.S. Secret Service after bipartisan demands to quit over the failure to prevent the attempted assassination.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan welcomed Wray's willingness to share details about the FBI investigation into the assassination attempt.

But he also cited skepticism toward the FBI that exists among some Republicans, who are angry about the arrest of Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress certified President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.

"I'm sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBI's ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation," Jordan said.

Representative Jerrold Nadler, the panel's top Democrat, condemned the Trump shooting "unequivocally and unabashedly" but pointed to years of political threats and violence, and violent rhetoric from Republicans including Trump himself.

"If you think that this one assassin's bullet was a bolt out of the blue, and not part of a wave of violence that has threatened this nation for years, then you have missed the point," Nadler said.

(Reporting by David Morgan and Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone, Alistair Bell, Nick Zieminski and Rod Nickel)
Sean Duffy, a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bill Owens, is a communications and media relations strategist and ghostwriter based in the Denver area.
Palestinian factions sign Beijing Declaration on ending division, strengthening Palestinian national unity

Xinhua) 08:04, July 24, 2024

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and foreign minister, on Tuesday attended in Beijing the closing ceremony of the reconciliation talks of Palestinian factions and witnessed the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by 14 Palestinian factions.

HISTORICAL MOMENT IN PALESTINIAN LIBERATION CAUSE

In his remarks, Wang noted that since entering the new era, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward proposals and propositions on addressing the Palestinian question, contributing Chinese wisdom and solution for addressing the question. Now, 14 Palestinian factions are gathering in Beijing with the greater good of their nation in mind.

"This is an important historical moment in the Palestinian liberation cause. China commends the reconciliation efforts made by all the factions, and congratulates them on the success of the Beijing dialogue and the signing of the Beijing Declaration," Wang said.

At a daily news briefing on Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the declaration commends China's sincere effort to support the rights of the Palestinians, end division and bring about a unified position among the Palestinian factions. The declaration stresses the need to hold, under the auspices of the UN, an international conference with a full mandate and broad-based participation from the region and beyond.

According to the declaration, parties believe that the Beijing talks demonstrated a positive and constructive spirit, and agree to realize national unity among all factions under the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, Mao said.

The declaration reaffirms commitment to establishing an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital city based on relevant UN resolutions and ensuring the integrity of Palestinian territory including the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza. Parties are ready to, in line with the consensus of Palestinian factions and the existing basic law of Palestine, establish an interim national reconciliation government, carry out reconstruction in Gaza and prepare and hold a general election as soon as possible in accordance with the adopted election laws, according to Mao.

Parties stressed the need to take practical steps to form a new Palestinian national council in line with the adopted election laws. Parties unanimously agreed to activate the provisional Unified Leadership framework which will function institutionally, and jointly carry out political decision-making. Parties agreed to set up a collective mechanism to fully implement the provisions of the declaration and create a timetable for the implementation process, Mao added.

PLO THE SOLE LEGITIMATE REPRESENTATIVE OF PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

The core outcome of the reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions held in Beijing is to specify that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people, Wang said.

Wang noted that the most important consensus reached at this dialogue is to achieve grand reconciliation and unity among the 14 factions, and the core outcome is to make clear that the PLO is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people.

The most significant highlight is the agreement to form an interim national reconciliation government focused on the post-war governance of Gaza, and the strongest call is for the creation of a truly independent Palestinian state in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, Wang said.

"The key to the Palestinian reconciliation process is to bolster confidence, keep to the right direction, and make incremental progress," Wang added.

Reconciliation is the internal affair of Palestinian factions, and cannot happen without international support. On the path toward reconciliation, China shares the same direction and destination with Arab and Islamic countries, Wang said.

Tang Zhichao, a scholar at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China has always tried to promote peace and stability in bilateral ties. Last year, China brokered a historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. After the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted last October, China has been calling for a ceasefire, speeding up humanitarian aid, and a lasting, just solution to the Palestinian question.

"China's stabilizing efforts have not only helped ease tensions within the region, but also catalyzed a wave of reconciliations among Arab states and within the broader region," Tang added.

Zhu Weilie, a Middle East expert with the Shanghai International Studies University, said this is the first time that all 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing and held talks for reconciliation. The signing of the Beijing Declaration is a vivid manifestation of China's concrete actions to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

THREE-STEP INITIATIVE TO SOLVING PALESTINIAN QUESTION

Wang said that the conflict in Gaza continues to drag on, and its spillover impact is spreading. "To help get out of the current conflict and predicament, China proposes a three-step initiative."

The first step is to promote a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible and ensure humanitarian assistance and relief access. The international community should further unite on the issue of ceasefire.

The second step is to uphold the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" and work together to promote post-war governance in Gaza. Gaza is an inseparable and integral part of Palestine, and restarting post-conflict reconstruction as soon as possible is an urgent priority.

The third step is to promote Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and begin to implement the two-State solution. It is important to support the convening of a broad-based, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and road map for the two-State solution.

Wang said ceasefire and humanitarian rescue are pressing priorities, "Palestinians governing Palestine" is the basic principle of post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, and the two-State solution is the fundamental way out for the future. "The international community should support the parties in taking the three steps in real earnest."

Head of the Fatah delegation Mahmoud al-Aloul and head of the Hamas delegation Musa Abu Marzouk delivered remarks on behalf of the Palestinian factions. They noted that China holds an important place in the heart of Palestinian people, and expressed sincere appreciation for President Xi and China's unchanging, firm support and selfless assistance to Palestine over a long period of time.

They spoke highly of China's acting as a responsible major country and upholding justice for Palestine in international fora. They expressed deep appreciation for China's strong support for intra-Palestinian dialogue and reconciliation. They stated their readiness to implement the consensus, strengthen unity among factions, advance the reconciliation process, and work for an early solution to the question of Palestine.

Diplomatic envoys to China or their representatives from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia and Turkiye as well as representatives from 14 main Palestinian factions attended the closing ceremony.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The unique approach, emphasizing excellence, inclusivity, & community engagement, sets Dr. Charles apart, making him a beacon of hope & healing in pediatric surgical care

Dr. Charles feels his life is spent fruitfully in repaying this gift of life to his surgeon, nurses, family and society by being a pediatric surgeon himself. Dr. Charles finds solace in the enduring impact of pediatric surgery, knowing that the lives he touches will flourish far beyond his own life span. He adds, Contrary to apprehensions, children exhibit remarkable resilience, often surpassing adults in post-surgical recovery. Successful interventions typically yield a normal lifespan, with minimal long-term impact on lifestyle, barring specific conditions. Witnessing children's resilience firsthand, as pediatric surgeons we are inspired to deliver excellence.Dr. Charles stresses that collaboration with pediatricians underscores a team approach to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring optimal outcomes, with surgical intervention deployed judiciously leading to a safe patient-centred practice. Speaking of advancements he reflects on the trans-formative advancements in pediatric surgery, safer anaesthesia, critical care, minimally invasive techniques and fetal surgery. With laparoscopic instruments shrinking to a mere three milli metres, surgeries once deemed invasive, are now minimally intrusive. He underscores the ethical imperative of treating each child as one's own, recognizing the holistic impact of medical decisions on families, especially economically and emotionally. Anchored in empathy, he upholds the sanctity of humanity amid surgical interventions, mindful of the privilege and responsibility bestowed upon healthcare professionals.Collaborating with a dedicated team of 6 other pediatric surgeons (Kinder surge) across various city sectors, the group ensures accessibility to surgery irrespective of financial constraints. Dr. Charles takes pride in fostering a supportive community of parents whose shared experiences alleviate anxieties and provide invaluable support. This unique approach, emphasizing excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement, sets Dr. Charles apart, making him a beacon of hope and healing in pediatric surgical care.Looking ahead, Dr. Charles envisions a multifaceted future, embracing roles beyond surgery. He heeds lessons from a study on surgeons' retirement preparing to transition at least a decade prior and ensuring continuity through team delegation. His NGO, Child First Foundation, embodies his commitment to child welfare, a cause he plans to champion post-retirement. Embracing diverse interests like school education, model shipbuilding, embroidery, motivational talks and group sharing, he nurtures mental well-being. He owes his sanity and success to his close-knit family comprising his wife Maryann Washington, daughter Abigail and son Jonathan and credits the role of his close friends in maintaining a life balance.
RAPELJE  As Montana citizens and groups pressure the states largest public utility, NorthWestern Energy, to add more renewable energy to its portfolio while the company continues pushing a series of natural-gas power plants, a Washington-based utility is building an expansive wind farm that will send power to the Seattle area. Puget Sound Energy is also contracting with an energy developer for another project, and has a third project on the drawing board as a possibility.

In addition to building its own facility, Puget Sound Energy on Tuesday announced that it had signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Clearway Energy Group for a 315-megawatt wind farm under development in Wheatland and Meagher counties in Montana.

That additional power buy by Puget Sound Energy will satisfy about 15% of what the utility company needs to meet Washingtons 2030 clean energy targets, the company said. Clearway is one of the largest clean energy developers in the world with more than 11.5 gigawatts of solar, storage and wind. Construction on the wind farm is expected to start in June 2026, and the project is slated to go online in 2028.

Meanwhile, Puget Sound Energy is building a wind farm near Rapelje, about an hour west of Billings, that will be capable of generating 248 megawatts, enough to power more than 83,000 houses. The Beaver Creek wind project will help the company meet Washingtons aggressive clean-energy laws.

The inside of the tower of a wind turbine, showing the cables that connect the powerhouse with the power grid (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

Even as Montanans urge the state and the Montana Public Service Commission to add more renewables to the portfolio, other states energy companies see Montanas wind and renewable market attractive enough to invest, sending power two states away.

The initial part of the Rapelje project, named the Beaver Creek project, is still being constructed, with some of it going online. PSE reports that a second phase of the project could add wind turbines in neighboring Sweet Grass County, complete with a a lithium-ion battery energy storage facility, which would be tied in with the wind farms to manage customer power needs.

Montana wind has a high production rate that is especially valuable during extremely cold weather in the Pacific Northwest, when high pressure systems mean that Washington wind farms produce less energy, company officials said when announcing the project.

The wind farm will be fully operational by 2025, company officials say. The construction work will take as many as 200 skilled workers, and 10 to 15 permanent workers at the site itself. The company will erect as many as 88 turbines. The project will contribute more than $150 million to the tax base through impact fees for the estimated 25-year life of the project, according to PSE.

For PSE, the Beaver Creek project will be the fourth wind farm facility, with the other three being located in central and eastern Washington, according to Jim Hogan, the director of major projects at PSE.

There are great attributes here, including high winds, in particular during the winter time, Hogan said.

He said Montanas regulatory environment is also favorable. Hogan described the warm welcome he received from the Stillwater County Commission and the permitting process, which has made it easier for the large energy company to operate. PSE already has power line transmission rights for nearly the entirety of the project, so transporting the power back to the Seattle area just made sense.

The project was already being developed and planned, but was sold to Puget Sound as a near shovel-ready project, with the turbines already on order.

Its pretty nice because everyone wants you, and theyre excited to have you here, Hogan said. The local government approach is refreshing.

The massive wind farm is tucked behind some of the hills of the northern part of the county, hidden from Interstate 90 and even out of view from the closest town, Rapelje, population 91.

Jim Hogan of Puget Sound Energy stands next to one part of a wind turbine shaft before construction on the Beaver Creek Wind Farm in Stillwater County, Montana (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

In the run-up to getting the project online, mainly during this summer, as many as two wind turbines per day are going online.

David Sanders, the executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission, told the Daily Montanan that while the states PSC doesnt have a hand in the Puget Sound projects, he said its good to see other energy companies developing Montanas natural resources.

I dont think theres any frustration, Sanders said, Were pretty ecumenical when it comes to developing resources. Diversity is good for power generation.

For PSE, the Beaver Creek wind farm, and a likely sister facility in the next Montana county over, isnt just a luxury, its a mandate as the public utility rushes to comply with Washington states strict clean-energy laws.

Washington has mandated that it will not rely on any energy derived from fossil fuels by 2050, but in order to do that, it will require a rapid build-out of renewable projects, like the Beaver Creek facility and others.

Even in PSEs home state of Washington, regulators, environmental groups and Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee have fought about the scale and siting of projects.

For example, one project was recently scaled back beyond what the development company said was viable out of concerns about the nesting areas of ferruginous hawks, an endangered species.

We must come to grips with the fact that we we will need to adapt and accept relatively moderate changes to our physical landscape in order to ensure continued, reliable electricity, Inslee wrote in a letter and reported by the Washington State Standard.

The Beaver Creek wind farm project isnt PSEs only Montana energy footprint; it purchases power with Energy Keepers, Inc., the tribally owned corporation of the Confederate Salish-Kootenai tribes for hydroelectric, and an agreement with NextEra for power from Montanas largest wind farm, Clearwater Wind, based in Rosebud, Custer and Garfield counties.

Earlier in 2024, PSE announced that it was expanding its largest wind farm, near Pomeroy, Washington.

Since 2019, PSE has added more than 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to its holdings.
CHICAGO  Attorneys and former detainees are calling for the closure of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, alleging in newly-filed class action lawsuits systematic sexual abuse and atrocious conditions in the facility where minors are held while awaiting trial.

The complaints, filed Monday on behalf of 193 former residents of the Near West Side detention center, formerly called the Arthur J. Audy Home, accuse county officials of allowing widespread sexual abuse and implementing strip searches that were unconstitutional and against regulation.

During a press conference on Tuesday, plaintiffs spoke out about abuse they say they suffered while ordered to stay at the facility, calling for reform and even closure of the detention center. The plaintiffs join hundreds of others who have alleged in multiple lawsuits systemic sexual abuse in youth detention centers across Illinois.

I was abused nearly two decades ago, but it still affects me to this day, said a woman, who did not give her full name. I stand here for my kids and for all the girls who went through what I did.

A spokeswoman for Chief Judge Tim Evans office said the office does not comment on pending litigation.

The complaint, which spans from the 1990s to present day, alleges that Cook County, as well as the state by way of the chief judges office, failed to protect the youth in its care as well as enact policies that would prevent abuse. It further alleges that unlawful strip searches allowed at the facility resulted in abuse of detainees.

As a result of chronic mismanagement, patronage, overcrowding, and inadequate supervision, JTDC has been an environment of violence, fear, and sexual abuse for decades, the complaint says.

The facility has a troubled history that includes a 1999 federal class action lawsuit that alleged a raft of problems, including abuse, overcrowding, lack of medical care and poor conditions.

As part of a settlement, the county was ordered to improve conditions, but a federal court later appointed an administrator to oversee compliance after finding the county was not meeting the requirements, according to the suit. State law later transferred oversight of the facility from the Cook County Board to the Office of the Chief Judge.

The lawsuit alleges that the chief judges office was slow to act to bring in staff needed to make improvements.

Recent reports indicate conditions have not wholly improved, according to the lawsuit, which cited a 2022 report from a committee convened by the chief judges office that found that most youth spent at least 13 hours a day locked away in small cells.

No parent would be allowed to do this to their child, the committee found.

Last year, an Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Inspection Report highlighted illegal strip search practices, the suit said.

An agency that oversees detention centers, though, found in January that the JTDC has met or exceeded all state requirements for juvenile safety and well-being.

Im calling upon the Cook County board president and the office of chief judge of the circuit court to shut this facility down, said Jerome Block, one of the attorneys bringing the case.

Throughout the complaint, the plaintiffs allege specific acts of sexual abuse by adults who were working in the facility.

During the press conference, a former detainee said he looked up to the wrong people and wound up in the detention center. He said he was sexually abused during his stay.

I am here because I want to feel confident in myself again, he said.

Cook County in recent years has moved to find alternatives to the detention center, earlier this year winning a $450,000 federal grant to help build assessment centers and Community Centers of Care.

The assessment centers would investigate underlying causes for youth misbehavior, and the care centers are meant to be an alternative to incarceration, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

The plans reflect recommendations made by the blue ribbon committee convened by Evans.
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.
Macquarie Data Centres, part of Macquarie Technology Group, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony, signaling the start of construction at its newest data centre, IC3 Super West, in Sydneys north zone, which is purpose-built for high-density AI and cloud workloads.

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare ONeil graced the ceremony.

Addressing the audience of senior technology executives and data centre experts at the companys Ground Breaking Ceremony, the Minister emphasised the role of secure, sovereign data centres in the nations digital future.

Our country has really woken up to and started to fully understand not just the opportunities of a digital future, but also the need to be thinking about cyber and data security at the same time. We have some really significant cyber issues and geopolitical tensions to manage as a country, and theres every reason to believe the challenges we see are going to grow and exacerbate in the years ahead, says the Minister.

The Governments 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy aims to protect the nations critical infrastructure and strengthening its sovereign capabilities.

The campus will include a sovereign Cyber Security Centre of Excellence which integrates the latest in physical and virtual infrastructure security, supported by Australian Government-cleared engineers.

NSW Government invested in the centre to expand the workforce of cybersecurity experts in the future, boosting the nations sovereign capability in the cyber domain.

This is a big opportunity for Australia, and one we are uniquely placed to benefit from. We have extraordinary companies which are doing world-leading things, and Macquarie is among them. One of the great things about Macquarie is that its based in Australia and owned by Australians. This is sovereign capability and will create jobs in technology and construction, says the Minister.

IC3 Super West will be the third and largest addition to Macquarie Data Centres flagship Macquarie Park Data Centre Campus. The facility will bring the total campus IT load up to 63 megawatts (MW), with all the end state power already secured.

So profound is the impact of AI and cloud, that its being hailed as the fourth industrial revolution, powered by a different kind of factory, AI factories. Scalable and flexible data centres purpose-built for high-density compute, says Macquarie Data Centres group executive David Hirst.

IC3 Super West is our answer to the nations need for sovereign AI and cloud data centre capacity. As we continue to expand, we will be acquiring new campuses here in Sydneys north zone. Were committed to supporting the growth of Australias digital economy and retain our intellectual property within Australia.

Construction on the facility started in June after Macquarie Data Centres appointed leading Australian construction provider, FDC Construction, as the main build contractor.

According to Macquarie Data Centres, the construction will cost $350 million from FY25 to practical completion of Phase 1, which will deliver the powered core and shell, as well as 6MW of IT load fitted out.

It is expected to bring 1,200 jobs to the region.
RACINE  A former Racine Unified School District employee who pleaded guilty to having sex with a 16-year-old girl was sentenced Monday.

Justin Lizama, who is now 35 and worked at Case High School as an event staff employee, was charged with one count of child enticement with sexual contact; one count of sex assault of a student by school staff; and two counts of sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older.

The first two counts are felonies, and the last two are misdemeanors.

Lizama pleaded guilty April 9 to all but the child enticement charge, which was dismissed but read in, according to online court records.

Judge Toni Young sentenced Lizama to two years in prison and two years of extended supervision for the charge of sex assault of a student by school staff.

For the two charges of sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older, Lizama will serve a concurrent nine-month sentence and a consecutive nine-month sentence.

According to his attorney, Christopher Hartley, Lizama has spent about 330 days in the Racine County Jail so far.

What I have done was terribly wrong to my victim and to the community and to my family, said Lizama in a statement to the court. I come to you, your honor, humbly as a man who was not the same as when I first got incarcerated. I beg you, your honor, to have mercy on my sentence and please dont keep me apart from my friends and family.

According to the criminal complaint, Lizama approached the girl while she was sitting outside a hotel in Mount Pleasant on May 16, 2023.

The girl, who told police she was a runaway, reportedly said that she went with Lizama to his house and that he gave her a marijuana blunt before they had sex.


In the aftermath of the attempt on former President Donald Trump's life,

anti-gunners are once again calling for a ban on semi-auto rifles.

The lead paragraph in a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump confirms what many in the firearms community had been expecting: somehow the blame will be shifted toward the gun.

"Amid days of intense focus on the security failures that allowed a gunman to nearly assassinate Donald Trump, Pennsylvania's top law enforcement official turned her focus to another key component in the deadly attack: the gun," the story by reporter Mike Wereschagin began.

Still, the Wall Street Journal noted in the first paragraph of its recent report on the Trump shooting, "Assassination attempts against U.S. presidents have led to major gun laws, but the July 13 shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump appears unlikely to be a pivotal moment in the divisive U.S. gun debate."

Then comes the first line in a report posted by The Guardian, "More than a week after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump with an assault weapon, his political supporters and fellow members of the Republican party have remained silent on the issue of tightening America's notoriously lax 'gun control' laws."

There was little doubt among gun owners and Second Amendment activists in the wake of the Butler, Pennsylvania shooting that sooner than later, anti-gunners would seize on the attempted murder to re-vitalize their crusade to ban modern semiautomatic rifles. .....
The United States Supreme Court has ordered President Nixon to surrender tape recordings of White House conversations about the Watergate affair.

Giving the judgement to a packed and hushed courtroom, Chief Justice Warren E. Burger said the court rejected Mr Nixons claims of executive privilege.

Instead, he said they must yield to the demonstrated, specific need for evidence in a pending criminal trial.

The president said he was disappointed by the decision, but would comply with the ruling.

Scandal

The White House has already released edited transcripts of the tapes, which cover 64 conversations made between June 1972 and April of this year.

But President Nixon has until now refused to comply with a court order awarded to Leon Jaworski, the special prosecutor in the Watergate investigation, requiring him to produce the tapes themselves.

Mr Jaworski alleges the tapes implicate the president himself in covering up a break-in at the Watergate hotel headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during the election campaign in 1972.

The burglars were caught rifling through confidential papers and bugging the office of President Nixons political opponents.

The tapes will now be available for use as evidence in the trial of some of the presidents closest aides, due to take place in September. []

If the committee decides to recommend impeaching the president, the matter goes to the full House for debate.

If the House agrees, President Nixon could face an impeachment trial before the Senate  the first such trial in over a century.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

When the tapes were finally released, more than 18 minutes of a crucial meeting were found to be missing.

The official explanation was that the presidents secretary had accidentally erased it by pressing the wrong foot-pedal while answering the phone.

On 27 July, the House Judiciary Committee voted to recommend that the president be impeached and removed from office.

But before the House debate on his impeachment could begin, President Nixon resigned.

Richard Nixons successor, Gerald Ford, formally pardoned him just two months after coming into power, saving him from possible prosecution.

But the five Watergate burglars and two co-plotters, former White House staff member G. Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt, were jailed.

In total 40 government officials were either indicted or jailed.

Nixon eventually re-established himself as a respected statesman. He died in 1994.

In June 2005, former FBI deputy head Mark Felt was revealed to be the anonymous source Deep Throat, who helped Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the Watergate affair.
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 yesterday [Macau time] 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. MDT/AP
Chinas Baosteel said yesterday that it will acquire Nippon Steels 50% stake in their auto steel joint venture for about $242 million.

The contract for the joint venture, Baosteel Nippon Steel Automotive Steel Sheets, was due to expire on July 30.

The venture between Baosteel and Nippon Steel combined Japans advanced technology with the promise of the huge and fast-growing Chinese market. But demand for steel has weakened in China as the auto industry transitions to electric vehicles and as property construction has languished during an industry downturn. Japanese automakers are the ventures main customers, and they are contending with fierce competion in the Chinese market.

The Japanese newspaper Nikkei said Nippon Steel intends to focus elsewhere, such as on its contested $14.1 bid for U.S. Steel.

Earlier, Tokyo-based Nippon Steel said it was suing Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., or Baosteel, for an alleged patent violation.

Nippon Steel  the worlds fourth-largest steelmaker in 2023, according to association figures  and U.S. Steel are in the midst of a broad public relations effort to promote the acquisition. President Joe Bidens administration has balked at the plan on economic and national security grounds. So has former President Donald Trump.

In May, Nippon Steel postponed the expected closing of the takeover of U.S. Steel after the U.S. Department of Justice requested more documentation related to the deal.

Originally, Baosteel held 50% of the venture with Nippon Steel and the Japanese partner held 38%, with Westerm European maker Arcelor, now part of ArcelorMittal, holding 12%. Nippon Steel later acquired that to hold a 50% share in the 20-year-old joint venture.

Baosteels share price fell 2.5% on Tuesday. Nippon Steels shares were up 0.3%. MDT/AP
Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a declaration in Beijing on ending a yearslong rift, Chinese state media said yesterday, taking a step toward potentially resolving the deep divide between the sides as the war in Gaza rages on.

The declaration by the two heavyweights of Palestinian politics  and other smaller Palestinian groups  to form a unity government for the Palestinian territories is the result of the latest in a series of talks meant to unite the sides.

But previous declarations have failed, including a similar deal in 2011, casting doubt over whether the China-sponsored negotiations might actually lead to a resolution. It also comes as Israel and Hamas are weighing an internationally backed cease-fire proposal that would wind down the nine-month war and free dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Still, the future of Gaza is undecided, with Israel vehemently opposed to any role by Hamas in governing Gaza. It has also rejected calls from the United States for the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority to run Gaza after the war ends. The lack of a postwar vision for running the Gaza Strip has complicated negotiations over a cease-fire.

The two groups signed the Beijing Declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Israels Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, swiftly rejected the agreement yesterday, stating that no joint governance between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza will take place because Hamass rule will be crushed.

The two rival Palestinian groups, along with 12 other political factions, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, concluding talks that started Sunday, according to a post on social media platform Weibo from Chinese TV network CGTN.

The agreement also underscores Chinas growing role in Middle East diplomacy, with success in the restoration of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

But to be sure, China is still the process of trying to earn credibility as a global mediator, said James Char, a research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

A joint statement issued after the most recent talks 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. According to the joint statement, the two groups are committed to the creation of a Palestinian state on lands Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war.

The deal does not appear to bridge the two groups diverging position on Israel. Hamas previously said it would accept a state based on 1967 borders, while also refusing to officially recognize Israel. The Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, abides by interim peace agreements with Israel signed in the early 1990s.

The agreement signed by the Palestinian factions promised to follow up on previous reconciliation agreements signed in both 2011 and 2022.

The understanding in China is based on widening the scope of the membership on the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) to include other factions who have not joined it including Hamas, said Jamal Nazzal, a Fatah spokesperson.

Its a long way ahead, and most of it will be implemented after a possible cease-fire, he added.

Fatah and Hamas have been rivals since Hamas violently routed forces loyal to Palestinian. Hamas members have never been part of PLO, the Palestinian government body responsible for international affairs. In a statement, Husam Badran, a Hamas political official based in Qatar, praised the agreement, describing it as a further positive step towards achieving Palestinian national unity.

But yesterdays deal doesnt have a hard timeline.

There is an opportunity  but it is not big, because it lacks a specific timetable for implementation, said Hani Al-Masry, an expert on Palestinian reconciliation affairs.

Repeated attempts at mending the rift have failed, wrecked by the factions own bitter rivalry over power and the Wests refusal to accept any government that includes Hamas unless it expressly recognizes Israel.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a smaller militant group allied with Hamas, issued a statement yesterday after the talks saying that it still rejects any formula that includes recognition of Israel explicitly or implicitly and that it had demanded the withdrawal of the Palestine Liberation Organizations recognition of Israel. MDT/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 years 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 administrations bloodless war on dangerous drugs never aimed at extermination, Marcos said in an obvious criticism of his predecessors 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 Manilas 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.

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. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP
The Philippines and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral defense cooperation during the 6th Vice-Ministers Defense Strategic Dialogue (VMDSD) on Monday.

Department of National Defense (DND) Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the dialogue was co-chaired by DND Senior Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien.

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The officials commended the results of the 7th Meeting of the Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG), and underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral defense cooperation under the 2015 Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.

They valued the defense cooperation achievements since the 5th VMDSD in 2023, which included exchanges at multiple levels, maintaining consultation and dialogue, information exchange, and cooperation in services, training, and education, Andolong said.

The delegations shared views on global and regional situations of mutual concern, affirming that peace, stability, and common development are global interests.

They also emphasized joint efforts to strengthen ASEANs solidarity and centrality in the regional security structure, he added.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien commended the effective cooperation between the two countries maritime law enforcement forces in maintaining security in bordering maritime areas.

Senior Undersecretary Espino, on the other hand, lauded the cooperation in logistics, defense industry, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), military medicine, cybersecurity, and United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.

Additionally, both sides agreed to closely coordinate and support the other at multilateral forums and pledged support for events hosted by each country, including the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) Exhibition in the Philippines in September 2024, and the 2nd Viet Nam International Defence Exhibition in December 2024.

In light of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Philippines-Vietnam strategic partnership in 2025, both delegations are looking forward to the visit of General Phan Van Giang, Viet Nams Minister of Defence to the Philippines in August 2024, following the invitation from DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
TV8 Media Production goes big time with its nominations in this years ContentAsia Awards.

This is the first time the blocktime producer has been cited by an international award giving body for its produced contents. Two of its programs  Dear SV and Business Matters  are both nominated in the Best Current Affairs Programme Made in Asia for a Single Market in Asia category.

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Judged by industry peers with hands-on knowledge and experience of the creative and production process, the ContentAsia Awards bring ContentAsias experience, depth of knowledge and integrity into Asias Awards space.

We are winners already with these nominations, boasts TV8 Media Production Business Unit Head Vanessa Verzosa. Imagine, two of our produced programs are both nominated and we are the only Philippine media company that has been cited in that category.

Established in 2016, TV8 Media Production is an independent producer of TV programs with Business Matters as its first blocktime produced program aired on Bloomberg Philippines in June 2016. Hosted by Shawn Yao, the said program transferred to CNN Philippines after two seasons with Pinky Webb as its new host. Its success has enabled the production outfit to produce two more programs namely I Heart Ph and Dear SV.

WINNING FORMULA. Business Matters claims to be the Philippines first television program that tackles the diverse practice of Corporate Citizenship, from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as philanthropic practice to the adoption of a sustainable Inclusive Business (IB) model.

The episode that featured Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and Meralco Electric Company (MEC) got the nod of this years jury for the programs nomination in the said category. Both companies advocate youth empowerment through their respective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. EDC ignites the future of children with its scholarship program called SIKAT; while a public elementary school in Tboli, South Cotabato has benefited from the school electrification program of MECs One Meralco Foundation.

Our blood and sweat has paid off with this nomination for our program, shares Business Matters director Jallawee Beritan. We really move mountains just to produce the program, literally and figuratively. Thats why we are so elated by this nomination, giving two-thumbs up for the hard work and commitment of the whole production team.

Apparently, Business Matters stopped airing when CNN Philippines ceased its operations last January 31. However, the business magazine show will soon air on its new network, GMA News TV and Heart of Asia .

HEART-WRENCHING STORY. The family living under a bridge featured in one of the episodes of Dear SV seemingly has touched the hearts of the Jury of ContentAsia Awards, making it in this years list of nominees for the Best Current Affairs Programme Made in Asia for a Single Market in Asia category.

Hosted by Tutok to Win Party List Representative Sam Verzosa, Jr., Dear SV serves as the guiding light and hope for the individuals and communities across the country through sustainable livelihood, scholarships, employment and financial assistance. The public service program, which is aired every Saturday at 11:30 PM on GMA 7, features inspiring stories of ordinary Filipinos who never lose hope and remain resilient despite the struggles and challenges they face everyday.

Our production company is akin to David against the Goliaths in the industry, quips Verzosa. The nominations weve got from the ContentAsia Awards boost our commitment to produce more relevant and inspiring stories for the Filipinos here and abroad. This is our biggest leap to date.

Last years staging of the ContentAsia Awards was held in Bangkok, Thailand, attended by more than 200 people and covered by 22 media outlets across Asia. This year, the awarding ceremony will be held in Taipei, Taiwan on September 5.

TV8 Media Production stands tall as one of the content providers competing in the ContentAsia Awards 2024.
Africas largest refinery, the Dangote facility in Nigeria, is actively seeking crude oil supplies from Libya and Angola. This move comes as the refinery faces difficulties obtaining adequate domestic crude due to theft, pipeline vandalism, and low investment in Nigerias oil sector.

The $20 billion refinery, which began operations in January, was designed to end Nigerias reliance on imported fuels. However, it has been forced to import crude from as far as Brazil and the United States to maintain operations. The refinerys senior executive confirmed ongoing talks with Libya and plans to approach Angola and other African countries for crude supplies.

Major international traders and oil companies, including Trafigura, Vitol, BP, and TotalEnergies, are among the largest buyers of Dangotes gasoil, much of which is being exported. The refinery has been increasing its gasoil exports to West Africa, competing with European refiners.

Dangote has established its own oil trading arm with staff in London and Lagos to manage supplies and product sales. However, the refinery has faced criticism from Nigerias upstream regulator regarding the sulphur content in its gasoil. Aliko Dangote, the refinerys owner, has denied these allegations, stating that the sulphur levels have decreased significantly and will continue to improve as production increases.
In a surprising turn of events, Zambian President Hakinde Hichilema has dismissed the entire board of the countrys Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) following accusations of corruption against the body itself. This decision comes shortly after the resignation of ACC head Thom Shamakamba, who, along with the countrys solicitor-general Marshal Muchende, faced allegations of accepting bribes. Both men strongly deny these claims.

The accusations suggest that ACC officials have been taking payments from politicians under investigation in exchange for amnesty. These allegations were brought to light by former ACC board member OBrien Kaaba, who criticized the commission for making legally senseless settlements that shield corrupt individuals from justice.

Kaaba argues that the issues within the ACC extend beyond the dismissed board members and calls for a comprehensive reform of the institution. In response to these claims, Muchende has sued Kaaba for defamation.

The Zambian presidency stated that dissolving the board was necessary to renew the ACCs sacred mandate. This development is particularly significant given that President Hichilemas administration has been investigating officials from the previous government for alleged corruption since coming to power three years ago.

The manner in which Shamakambas resignation was announced has led to speculation about whether he was actually fired, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
A series of catastrophic mudslides in southern Ethiopias Kencho Shacha Gozdi district has resulted in at least 229 fatalities, including many who were attempting to rescue survivors. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, has affected a wide range of victims, from young children to pregnant women.

As search and rescue operations continue, the death toll has risen sharply from initial reports. Local authorities are grappling with the scale of the tragedy, with an unknown number of people still missing. The federal disaster prevention task force has been deployed to assist in the ongoing efforts.

The mudslides have left a trail of devastation, with heart-wrenching scenes of children clinging to deceased family members. Rescue workers face challenging conditions as they navigate the steep terrain, searching for survivors and recovering bodies.

This disaster highlights the vulnerability of the region to such natural hazards, particularly during the rainy season which typically lasts from July to mid-September. The incident has drawn national attention, with the Prime Minister expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.

As the community reels from the impact, questions arise about disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in vulnerable areas. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of extreme weather events in regions prone to landslides and flooding.
Tensions flared in Kampala as police detained dozens of anti-corruption protesters, defying a ban on demonstrations. The capital saw a heavy deployment of police and military forces, creating an atmosphere likened to a war zone by local workers.

Protesters, many of them young Ugandans, voiced their frustration with widespread corruption, calling for the resignation of Parliament Speaker Anita Among, who faces graft allegations. The demonstrations, organized through social media under the hashtag #StopCorruption, reflect growing discontent among the countrys youth.

Despite the crackdown, some protesters remained defiant, emphasizing their constitutional right to demonstrate. However, authorities maintained a firm stance, with a police spokesman citing concerns over peace and security.

The protests come in the wake of President Yoweri Musevenis warning that demonstrators were playing with fire. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, faces accusations of failing to prosecute corrupt officials within his inner circle.

Human rights groups have condemned the arrests, viewing them as indicative of the current state of civil liberties in Uganda. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between a populace demanding accountability and a government resistant to public dissent.

As the day unfolded, the capital remained under tight security, with roadblocks and anti-riot police visible throughout the city center. The events underscore the deep-rooted challenges facing Uganda in addressing corruption and maintaining political stability.
Palestinian factions sign declaration in Beijing on bolstering unity

08:07, July 24, 2024 By Zhou Jin ( China Daily

Foreign Minister Wang Yi (center) poses for a group photo on Tuesday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing with members of Palestinian factions, who signed a declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity. (ZHAI JIANLAN/XINHUA)

Representatives of Palestinian factions signed on Tuesday in Beijing a declaration pledging to end division and strengthen unity, which officials and observers said marks a key step in promoting reconciliation within Palestine and creating conditions for ending the Gaza conflict.

The declaration was signed after three days of reconciliation talks among 14 factions, including the two largest Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah.

It is the first gathering of the 14 Palestinian groups in Beijing, which China said provides hope for the Palestinian people in the abyss of misery. Representatives of Fatah and Hamas held a dialogue in April in Beijing on promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation.

The talks, which were organized and coordinated by China, also highlighted the country's role as a trustworthy peace broker, analysts said.

The declaration proposes hosting an international conference with broad participation and full authority. It also calls for achieving comprehensive national unity, which would include all Palestinian factions within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday at the talks' closing ceremony that the most important consensus reached in the talks was for the reconciliation and unity of the 14 factions, with the core outcome being that the Palestine Liberation Organization is the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people.

Wang said that a highlight of the talks was an agreement on post-Gaza conflict governance and the establishment of a provisional national reconciliation government. He added that the talks voiced a strong call for realizing the independent statehood of Palestine in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

Calls for internal reconciliation have been growing since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October, a prolonged conflict that has brought chaos and disaster to the Middle East.

Calling the Palestinian issue the core issue of the Middle East, Wang said that China has no selfish interests in the issue and remains a staunch advocate of justice and fairness.

Wang called for a comprehensive, lasting, and sustainable cease-fire to ensure access to and implementation of humanitarian assistance, and emphasized upholding the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine "in Gaza's postwar reconstruction.

He also stressed the importance of full membership for Palestine at the UN and the implementation of the two-state solution.

Mahmoud al-Aloul, deputy chief of Fatah, and Mousa Abu Marzouk, who represented the Hamas delegation, both expressed appreciation to China for supporting and helping Palestine, as well as for the country's efforts to uphold justice for Palestine in the international community.

Liu Zhongmin, a professor of Middle East studies at Shanghai International Studies University, said that the talks and the ensuing declaration play a crucial role in forming a unified voice and stance within Palestine, which is an essential step toward the settlement of the Palestinian issue and the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East.

The complexity of the Palestinian issue has long been reflected not only in the conflict with Israel but also in internal divisions, particularly the long-standing conflict between Hamas and Fatah, Liu said.

The internal division has hindered the implementation of the two-state solution and the progress of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, he said, adding that the latest reconciliation talks are conducive to creating conditions for the resumption of Palestine-Israel negotiations.

More talks and specific arrangements are required to consolidate consensus and resolve internal differences in Palestine, Liu said.

The fair and just stance of China in its Middle East policy, along with its traditional friendships with various parties, enabled Beijing to act as a mediator, he added.

Yu Guoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of West-Asian and African Studies, said that promoting reconciliation among Palestinian factions is another significant endeavor by China to advance peace and stability in the Middle East, following Beijing's successful diplomatic mediation for the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, China managed to gather representatives from 14 Palestinian factions from different countries and regions to Beijing for talks, which shows the country's responsibility as a major country, he said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A Sierra Leone court has found 11 individuals guilty of treason and other offenses related to an alleged coup attempt last November. The incident involved an attack on the countrys armory and a prison break that freed over 2,000 inmates, resulting in the deaths of 18 security personnel.

The alleged ringleader, Amadu Koita Makalo, a former bodyguard of ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, received a staggering 182-year prison sentence. The other defendants faced sentences ranging from 30 to 112 years for similar charges including treason and murder.

This verdict comes amidst ongoing political tensions in Sierra Leone following President Julius Maada Bios contested re-election last year. The opposition has claimed the vote was rigged, and subsequent arrests of senior military officers have heightened concerns about potential unrest.

The case has drawn attention to the fragile state of Sierra Leones democracy, still recovering from an 11-year civil war that ended over two decades ago. The country, among the worlds poorest, faces significant challenges in maintaining political stability and fostering economic development.

The convictions and harsh sentences underscore the governments firm stance against perceived threats to national security. However, they also raise questions about the fairness of the judicial process and the potential for political motivations behind the prosecutions.

As Sierra Leone navigates these turbulent waters, the international community watches closely, mindful of the potential regional implications in an area already grappling with political instability.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Comparison of ALC kinetics according to clinical outcomes. ALC by depth of response status (A) and progression status (B) from days 5 through +15. Shaded area represents 95% CI. Credit: Blood Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012470

A simple blood test that measures the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in the body, may predict whether people who have relapsed multiple myeloma are going to respond well to CAR-T immunotherapy, according to new research from Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia University and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The paper, published in Blood Advances, found that patients who had an increase in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) during the first 15 days after receiving a CAR-T infusion had a higher chance of a complete response and better progression-free survival than patients with a lower ALC at day 15. Knowing that the treatment may not work allows doctors to try other options more quickly.

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that originates in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Nearly all patients who have multiple myeloma relapse at some point, meaning after an initial positive treatment outcome, the cancer returns and requires further therapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy used to treat relapsed multiple myeloma after other drugs have failed involves collecting a patient's own immune cells and genetically modifying them to find and kill cancer cells. The souped-up immune cells, called CAR-T cells, are infused back into the patient where they home in on BCMA, a protein found in high amounts on the surface of multiple myeloma cells.

"This highly active FDA-approved treatment is widely used, but until now there's really been nothing to tell us whether BCMA CAR-T is going to work or not after the patient has received this personalized therapy," said lead author Dr. Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

"Using ALC as a marker for how well a patient will respond could better guide treatment."

Dr. Ruben Niesvizky, professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and an oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center is co-senior author with Dr. Mark Bustoros, an assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and corresponding author. Both researchers are also members of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. They worked with their colleagues at Columbia Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Predicting who will benefit from treatment

Based on previous observations, the researchers analyzed data at three medical institutions from 156 patients who had received BCMA-CAR-T therapy between 2017 and 2023 for relapsed multiple myeloma. Patient ALCs were taken five days before treatment started and for the first 15 days of BCMA CAR-T therapy.

Patients with higher ALC at day 15 had significantly better response to treatment with their cancer under control for an average of 30 months whereas those who had lower ALC only had six months of progression-free survival on average.

"This was a multicenter collaborative study between three big institutions in New York that ensures the diversity of the patient population and decreases the chance of bias," Dr. Bustoros said. "We were able to confirm that high ALC is an independent predictive marker of disease progression after accounting for various factors like age, previous treatments and high-risk disease features."

Laboratory studies showed that higher ALC was associated with the BCMA CAR-T cells thriving in the bodygrowing and multiplying, which may be a reason the cancer was kept in check.

"If doctors can identify patients who are more likely to have a poor response to BCMA CAR-T, other treatments can be explored or given earlier," said Dr. Mejia Saldarriaga. Researchers also want to determine how they can create strategies to enhance BCMA CAR-T activity in patients who have lower ALC. "The treatment has been a great tool, but there is still room for improvement," he added.

More information: Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga et al, Absolute Lymphocyte Count after BCMA CAR-T Therapy is a Predictor of Response and Outcomes in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma, Blood Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012470 Journal information: Blood Advances
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024 after heavy thunderstorms. Credit: AP Photo/Christopher Pike, File

Since the United Arab Emirates witnessed its heaviest recorded rainfall ever three months ago, the desert nation has issued a multitude of warnings about dengue which, activists say, has surged and struck hardest among the vast populations of laborers.

The tropical disease, spread by mosquitos, has witnessed a worldwide spike. The World Health Organization declared it an emergency in December as cases have globally increased tenfold over the last generation.

Many people infected by the virus are asymptomatic, but some experience headaches, fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can lead to serious bleeding, shock and death.

In the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, the disease has usually spread due to travel on long-haul carriers into the country. However, on April 25, the Department of Health alerted that locally transmitted cases without travel history have been documented since 2023 "as a result of climate change and an environment conducive to mosquito breeding."

Changes in weather patterns turn countries previously inhospitable to Dengue-carrying mosquitos into possible habitats.

The April deluges, which flooded portions of major highways and Dubai's international airport, only amplified the risk in the Gulf country. While major thoroughfares quickly saw vacuum pumps arrive, others remained saddled for weeks with stagnant pools of water, where virus-carrying mosquitos lay their eggs and spread the disease.

A group of people work to recover an abandoned vehicle taken by floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 18, 2024. Since historic floods washed across the United Arab Emirates in April, this Mideast nation has been trying to contain an outbreak of dengue fever that activists say has struck the country's vast population of laborers the hardest. Credit: AP Photo/Christopher Pike, File

No official figures have been shared in the Emirates where broad laws severely restrict freedom of speech and almost all major local media are either state-owned or state-affiliated outlets. Queries sent to various governmental organizations about the exact number of confirmed dengue cases went unanswered.

The WHO also declined to discuss the situation in the UAE when reached by The Associated Press. However, the U.N. health agency noted in its May 30 report that there have been continued dengue outbreaks in Mideast "countries with stronger health-care systems that have been affected by unusual rains due to climate change." It also said, "Timely data sharing also remains a challenge for other countries in the region for reasons such as the potential impact in the tourism, economy and other sectors."

Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns across the sheikdom on the importance of cleaning stagnant water and warnings about dengue, also known as breakbone fever, have been widely aired on state media.

Still, activists stressed that communities of laborers are bearing the brunt of the disease.

The slow cleanup of flooded areas in industrial sites has worsened the spread of the disease among laborers, some of whom have left their home countries already affected by climate change for a chance to earn money in the UAE, according to a report issued by FairSquare, a London-based group focused on labor rights in the Gulf Arab states.

The July 4 report detailed a surge in dengue cases among migrant worker communities across the Emirates, citing three healthcare workers, a government official, and migrant workers. The group attributed the rise in cases to a lagging government response to the spread of the viral infection in areas where migrant laborers live and work.

A man walks through in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024 after heavy thunderstorms. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Gambrell, File

James Lynch, a FairSquare co-director once banned from entering the UAE while at Amnesty International, told the AP that "the important thing here is the disproportionate impact" of how the virus seems to mainly spread among laborers. "What you would want to see is an even-handed approach to dealing with clean up and it doesn't seem to be the case here."

No specific figures were shared in the report which quoted a nurse, who works at a private clinic in the city of Sharjah, as saying they receive over 30 cases every four or five days, describing the rise in cases as "alarming."

The UAE's overall population of more than 9.2 million is only 10% Emirati, with millions of low-paid workers from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

"I call it a double whammy of climate change on this very vulnerable population," said Barrak Alahmad, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "I see that these migrant workers are on the front line facing the effects of climate change and health."

The effect of the virus also resonated in Iran.

The Islamic Republic relies on Dubai as a major transit point to the rest of the world due to the international sanctions it faces over its nuclear program and tensions with the West.

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 after heavy thunderstorms. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Gambrell, File

On July 9, Shahnam Arshi, an Iranian health ministry official said of 149 people infected with dengue, 130 had been infected in the UAE while Hossein Farshidi, deputy health minister, said the first known infected person entered Iran on May 15, after the flooding in the Emirates.

Farshidi, in his latest remarks on July 23, said the number of infected people in the country, rose to 152, without giving further details.

This year, Iran also reported its first locally transmitted cases of dengue, saying the number rose to 12 in July, all of them located in the Bandar Lengeh port, south of Iran.

Earlier this year, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro declared a public health emergenc y because of mosquito-borne dengue fever, while in July, U.S. officials warned doctors to stay on alert as the tropical disease broke international records.

"Each year, we are going to see new places and different local governments struggling with either dengue or other issues from climate change," said Alahmad, the research fellow. "It is an ever-expanding issue. I don't know if we have an easy fix to this."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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This device will eliminate the guesswork in interpreting clinical findings, leading to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes, says Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith, the director of dentistry at UC Irvines Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic and a professor of medicine. Credit: Steve Zylius / UC Irvine

At the forefront of a movement to rewrite oral and oropharyngeal cancer outcomes, Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith has spent the last two decades working on devices for early detection.

Now, in collaboration with Rongguang Liang at the University of Arizona's Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the director of dentistry at UC Irvine's Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic and a professor of medicine has developed a commercial intraoral camera with the ability to screen for cancer.

The current method for oral cancer detection involves a professional looking into the mouth and feeling for lumps. Oral cancer lesions are largely heterogeneous, so they present in many different, easy-to-miss forms. Since treatment is planned around an oral biopsy, it's best to be able to identify and take a sample from the most dangerous part of the lesion.

"There's everything from little dots with severe cancer to little dots that are healthy and to little areas that are in between," Wilder-Smith says. "Just by looking at it, I don't know where to biopsy, because I can't tell where the most severe disease is."

Testing has shown that her and Liang's intraoral camera will boost the accuracy of oral cancer detection from 40 to 60 percent to 87 to 93 percent. This will change dentistry for end-users, says hygienist Cherie Wink, a researcher at the Beckman Laser Institute and an instructor in San Joaquin Valley College's dental hygiene program.

"As a clinician," she says, "this device will eliminate the guesswork in interpreting clinical findings, leading to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes."

A patent was recently secured with help from UCI Beall Applied Innovation, which oversees all the campus's patents and licensing efforts. Alvin Viray, its associate director of licensing, is proud to be part of the project.

"Dr. Wilder-Smith has been nothing short of exceptional," he says. "Her development of an imaging device for oral cancer detection is both innovative and commercially valuable, while promising to make a profound impact on public health."

UC Irvine and the University of Arizona own the camera's patent. While the device has not been licensed yet, Wilder-Smith will soon be seeking a second stage of investors, and Viray is in licensing discussions.

The camera has already seen 10 prototypes. One was smartphone-based and took the form of a phone case that, when connected to an intraoral camera, could image oral lesions. There is currently a final prototype being used for testing and algorithm fine-tuning. The next step is to evaluate it for manufacturing.

In her career at the Beckman Laser Institute, Wilder-Smith has also worked on other devices. She was part of a team that redesigned tools generating aerosol emissions so they would stop spreading aerosol-transmissible illnesses, such as colds and the flu.

Wilder-Smith has also been involved in studies linking topical oral treatments to changes in the microbiome and the gastrointestinal tract, which can have far-reaching consequences for whole-body health. But her main focus now remains on the intraoral camera.

"Quite simply, my goal is to improve oral cancer outcomes," she says, "because it's the only major cancer whose outcomes are still getting worse."
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Some private UK biobanks may be misleading expectant parents about the value of storing umbilical cord blood to treat life-threatening diseases that may arise in their child in the future, reveals an investigation by The BMJ.

Over the past decade, growing numbers of parents have chosen to store blood from the umbilical cord, which contains stem cells, in case their infant develops a condition that could be treated with stem cell therapy.

Parents must use a private biobank, which charges between 550 and 3,000 for freezing a baby's umbilical cord blood. On top of this, parents must pay an annual storage fee of over 100 to keep samples frozen.

Private biobanks market their umbilical cord blood banking services to expectant parents as an investment in protecting their child's future health alongside claims that stem-cell based therapies have been used successfully to treat a wide range of potentially life-threatening diseases, from cerebral palsy to leukemia.

But experts in regenerative medicine say many of these companies' marketing claims are misleading.

For example, Cells4Life, which describes itself as the UK's largest provider of cord blood banking services, claims that "umbilical cord blood is routinely used in treatments for over 80 different conditions and diseases," including cancers, blood disorders, immune disorders, and autism. It adds that umbilical cord blood stem cells are "pure and plastic," meaning that "they can become almost any tissue type in the body and may even be used to regrow entire organs."

The investigation also found that Cells4Life markets its services on questionable evidence published in the Journal of Stem Cells Research, Development & Therapy. Although the journal claims to operate a peer-review process, the research article referenced by Cells4Life was published in the journal just 17 days after receipta timescale far shorter than the 12-14 weeks typical for peer-reviewed journals. The BMJ contacted two editors listed on the journal's editorial board who said that they did not in fact hold these roles.

SmartCells, another private cord blood bank service, claims on their website that the possibilities for using stem cells are endless, as these cells "have the ability to repair, replace, and regenerate cells of almost any kind." The website of another service, Future Health, lists more than 75 genetic, immune and blood disorders that can be treated.

Charles Murry, director of the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle, and Pietro Merli, a pediatrician at the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital in Italy, said the list of applications is unrealistic.

Murry says the list is based on claims by people in the late 1990s that these cells have the plasticity to become almost any type of cell in the bodyclaims that have been "very rigorously disproven."

He said that umbilical cord blood contains adult stem cells, which limits the types of cells they can becomehematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can become blood cells, and mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) can build connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bone marrow.

Cells4Life said, "Any cursory search of published literature on future applications of perinatal stem cells demonstrates the huge potential that cord blood holds for use in regenerative medicine in the future."

It pointed to research suggesting that MSCs can be transformed into inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can mimic embryonic stem cells and are therefore capable of forming any tissue except germ cells (precursors of egg and sperm cells).

Murry highlighted that transforming stem cells into iPSCs requires highly trained stem cell scientists and that iPSCs can also be created from adult blood or skin cells, meaning that cord blood banking is unnecessary.

Merli, who uses stem cell therapy to treat his patients, says many of the conditions he treats do not require autologous stem cells (harvested from the patient) and that allogeneic stem cells (from matched donors) can be used instead.

He said that leukemia was one of the few conditions where doctors might use stem cells harvested from the patient, but that these could be taken from the patient's bone marrow, so there was no benefit to harvesting and storing stem cells from cord blood.

He added that in Italy it is illegal for stem cell therapy companies to make such claims in their advertising.

Neither SmartCells nor Future Health responded to The BMJ's request for comment.

Both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives do not recommend commercially harvesting umbilical cord blood, unless there's a specific medical reason to do so.

More information: Cord blood banking: Experts raise concern over claims made for stem cell applications, The BMJ (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q1581 Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ)
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A pharmacist holds a vial of lenacapavir, the new HIV prevention injectable drug, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, which was one of the sites for Gilead's lenacapavir drug trial. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

Twice-yearly shots used to treat AIDS were 100% effective in preventing new infections in women, according to study results published Wednesday.

There were no infections in the young women and girls that got the shots in a study of about 5,000 in South Africa and Uganda, researchers reported. In a group given daily prevention pills, roughly 2% ended up catching HIV from infected sex partners.

"To see this level of protection is stunning," said Salim Abdool Karim of the injections. He is director of an AIDS research center in Durban, South Africa, who was not part of the research.

The shots made by U.S. drugmaker Gilead and sold as Sunlenca are approved in the U.S., Canada, Europe and elsewhere, but only as a treatment for HIV. The company said it is waiting for results of testing in men before seeking permission to use it to protect against infection.

The results in women were published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and discussed at an AIDS conference in Munich. Gilead paid for the study and some of the researchers are company employees. Because of the surprisingly encouraging results, the study was stopped early and all participants were offered the shots, also known as lenacapavir.

A pharmacist holds a vial of lenacapavir, the new HIV prevention injectable drug, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

While there are other ways to prevent HIV infection, like condoms or daily pills, consistent use has been a problem in Africa. In the new study, only about 30% of participants given Gilead's Truvada or Descovy prevention pills actually took themand that figure dropped over time.

The prospect of a twice-a-year shot is "quite revolutionary news" for our patients, said Thandeka Nkosi, who helped run the Gilead research at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Masiphumelele, South Africa. "It gives participants a choice and it just eliminates the whole stigma around taking pills" to prevent HIV.

Experts working to stop the spread of AIDS are excited about the Sunlenca shots but are concerned Gilead hasn't yet agreed on an affordable price for those who need them the most. The company said it would pursue a "voluntary licensing program," suggesting that only a select number of generic producers would be allowed to make them.

Clinical trials co-ordinator Thandeka Nkosi, stands in front of Lab technician, Xolile Mhlanga, who works with vials of lenacapavir, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The prospect of a twice-a-year shot is quite revolutionary news for our patients, said Nkosi, who helped run the Gilead research at the Foundation in Masiphumelele. It gives participants a choice and it just eliminates the whole stigma around taking pills to prevent HIV. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

"Gilead has a tool that could change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the Geneva-based U.N. AIDS agency.

She said her organization urged Gilead to share Sunlenca's patent with a U.N.-backed program that negotiates broad contracts allowing generic drugmakers to make cheap versions of drugs for poorer countries worldwide. As an HIV treatment, the drug costs more than $40,000 a year in the U.S., although what individuals pay varies.

Dr. Helen Bygrave of Doctors Without Borders said in a statement that the injections could "reverse the epidemic if it is made available in the countries with the highest rate of new infections." She urged Gilead to publish a price for Sunlenca that would be affordable for all countries.

In a statement last month, Gilead said it was too early to say how much Sunlenca would cost for prevention in poorer countries. Dr. Jared Baeten, Gilead's senior vice president of clinical development, said the company was already talking to generics manufacturers and understood how "deeply important it is that we move at speed."

A pharmacist holds vials of lenacapavir, the new HIV prevention injectable drug, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, which was one of the sites for Gilead's lenacapavir drug trial. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

Another HIV prevention shot, Apretude, which is given every two months, is approved in some countries, including in Africa. It sells for about $180 per patient per year, which is still too pricey for most developing countries.

Byanyima said the people who need long-lasting protection the most include women and girls who are victims of domestic violence and gay men in countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized. According to UNAIDS, 46% of new HIV infections globally in 2022 were in women and girls, who were three times more likely to get HIV than males in Africa.

Byanyima compared the news about Sunlenca to the discovery decades ago of AIDS drugs that could turn HIV infection from a death sentence into a chronic illness. Back then, South African President Nelson Mandela suspended patents to allow wider access to the drugs; the price later dropped from about $10,000 per patient per year to about $50.

Lab technician, Xolile Mhlanga, works with vials of lenacapavir, the new HIV prevention injectable drug, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

A pharmacist holds a vial of lenacapavir, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

Lab technician, Xolile Mhlanga, works with vials of lenacapavir at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Twice-yearly shots used to treat AIDS were 100% effective in preventing new infections in women, according to study results published Wednesday. Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht

Olwethu Kemele, a health worker at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, predicted the shots could boost the number of people coming in for HIV prevention and slow the virus' spread. She said young women often hide the pills to avoid questions from boyfriends and family members. "It makes it hard for the girls to continue," she said.

In a report on the state of the global epidemic released this week, UNAIDS said that fewer people were infected with HIV in 2023 than at any point since the late 1980s. Globally, HIV infects about 1.3 million people every year and kills more than 600,000, mainly in Africa. While significant progress has been made in Africa, HIV infections are rising in Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

In other research presented at the AIDS conference, Andrew Hill of the University of Liverpool and colleagues estimated that once production of Sunlenca is expanded to treat 10 million people, the price should fall to about $40 per treatment. He said it was critical that health authorities get access to Sunlenca as soon as possible.

"This is about as close as you can get to an HIV vaccine," he said.

More information: Linda-Gail Bekker et al, Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir or Daily F/TAF for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Women, New England Journal of Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2407001 Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Female surgeons spend more time documenting patient encounters and write longer notes in electronic health record (EHR) systems than male surgeons, according to a study published online July 23 in JAMA Network Open.

Karen Malacon, from the Stanford University Medical Center in California, and colleagues investigated gender differences in EHR usage patterns among 224 attending surgeons with 222,529 patient encounters in the outpatient setting during 2022.

The researchers found that male surgeons had more median appointments per month (78.3 versus 57.8) and completed more medical records per month versus female surgeons (43.0 versus 29.1). ]

Overall, there was no difference seen in median time spent in the EHR system per month (664.1 versus 635.0 minutes). Male surgeons had a higher number of median days logged in per month (17.7 versus 15.7 days), but female surgeons spent more time logged into the system both outside of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (36.4 versus 14.1 minutes/month) and outside of scheduled clinic hours (134.8 versus 105.2 minutes/month).

Female surgeons also spent more median time per note than male surgeons (4.8 versus 2.5 minutes). Female surgeons wrote longer median inpatient progress notes (6,025.1 versus 4,307.7 characters/note) and also longer outpatient notes (6,321.1 versus 4,445.3 characters/note). In adjusted models, male gender was associated with shorter character length for both documentations and progress notes.

"These findings have important implications for understanding the differential burdens faced by female surgeons, including potential contributions to burnout and payment disparities," the authors write.

More information: Karen Malacon et al, Gender Differences in Electronic Health Record Usage Among Surgeons, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21717 Angelena Crown et al, Electronic Health Record Usage Among SurgeonsThe Gender Gap, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21637 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common blood and bone marrow cancer in adults. Caused by an increase in immature cells that rapidly destroy and replace healthy blood cells (red and white blood cells and platelets), AML is lethal in half of those affected under the age of 60, and in 85% of those over that age.

This unfavorable prognosis may be due to the presence of so-called dormant or quiescent leukemic stem cells (LSCs), which evade chemotherapy. Often invisible, these cells can wake up and reactivate the disease after an apparently successful course of treatment. Developing therapies that target these cells is therefore a major research challenge. However, the mechanisms controlling them are poorly understood.

By identifying genetic and metabolic characteristics specific to LSCs, a team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), and Inserm is providing new insights, as well as ways of combating the disease. These results, published in Science Translational Medicine, pave the way for a new therapeutic target and its clinical application.

"Using advanced bioinformatics techniques and in collaboration with the team of Dr. Petros Tsantoulis from the Department of Oncology and Precision Oncology at the HUG, we first established that these quiescent cells contain a unique genetic signature consisting of 35 genes. When we used this signature in large clinical databases of patients with AML, we were able to show that this signature was strongly linked to the prognosis of the disease," explains Jerome Tamburini, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and the Centre for Translational Research in Onco-hematology (CRTOH) in the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine and at the Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), staff physician in the Division of Oncology at HUG, who led this research.

Blocking a specific nutrient

The study also highlights a metabolic difference between dormant and active leukemic stem cells. In general, to survive, cells trigger chemical reactions that enable them to break down nutrients and thus produce energy.

This also involves autophagy, a process that allows cells to recycle cellular components to generate new ones and to provide energy in case of a lack of external nutrients. Scientists have discovered that dormant leukemic stem cells depend on ferritinophagy, a specific form of autophagy targeting ferritin, the main iron storage molecule.

"This process is mediated by a protein called NCOA4. It controls the availability of iron in cells. By inhibiting it, either genetically or chemically, we observed that leukemia cells, especially dormant stem cells, are more likely to die, whereas healthy blood stem cells remain intact," says Inserm researcher Clement Larrue, a former post-doctoral researcher in Jerome Tamburini's group, currently a post-doctoral researcher at the Toulouse Cancer Research Center, and first author of the study.

Towards clinical trials

Experiments conducted with mouse models have confirmed that blocking the NCOA4 protein reduces tumor growth, viability and self-renewal of leukemic stem cells. Targeting ferritinophagy through this inhibition pathway could therefore be a promising therapeutic strategy. The compound used to block NCOA4 is in the early stages of development for future clinical trials, under the direction of one of the study's co-authors, Jun Xu, a professor at Sun Yat-Sen University in China.

The next step for the UNIGE team will be to explore further the mechanisms of ferritinophagy and its association with mitophagy, another key mechanism in the regulation of LSCs. This new stage of research is supported by the Swiss Cancer League.

More information: clement larrue et al, Targeting ferritinophagy impairs quiescent cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia in vitro and in vivo models, Science Translational Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adk1731. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adk1731 Journal information: Science Translational Medicine
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According to Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, MD, MPH, atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder encountered in clinical practice, and the leading cause of stroke in older individuals. Sandhu, a cardiac electrophysiologist and the Director of the Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, says despite the availability of blood thinners that are highly effective and safe to reduce the risk of stroke, major gaps in the delivery of appropriate blood thinners persist, leaving a large proportion of individuals at risk for stroke and other complications.

Sandhu has led a study investigating whether involving community pharmacists in the prescription of appropriate blood thinners for individuals with undiagnosed or undertreated Afib could improve stroke prevention. The findings are published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

"People visit their pharmacists up to eight times more often than their physicians. Pharmacists have long-term trusted relationships with the people who come to them for medication and advice on the medications they take," says Sandhu, first author and principal investigator. "Also, access to a pharmacist may be easier for many people than access to a family physician, especially for people in remote communities."

The research team worked with pharmacists in 27 communities across Alberta who are specially trained in Afib and prescribing blood thinners. The pharmacists recruited 80 patients over the age of 65 with one additional stroke risk factor such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart failure, and known, untreated Afib (no blood thinner or suboptimal dose of blood thinner), or performed screening to detect previously undiagnosed Afib.

"We set up heart health stations in participating pharmacies where people could check their blood pressure and heart rhythm using a mobile electrocardiogram (ECG), a digital tool that provides a read out of your heart rhythm. The heart rhythm readings were sent to two cardiologists for analysis," says Miriam Fradette, co-investigator and pharmacist. "When the cardiologists confirmed an irregular rhythm, the person was booked for another ECG through the health-care system and their doctor was notified."

Study participants were randomized into two groups; one group was identified as the early intervention group and continued consulting with the pharmacist, the other group was advised to speak with their family doctor. After three months, if the second group had not seen their physician, the pharmacist worked with them directly, and kept the physician looped in. Both groups were followed for a year.

"The findings show allowing trained community-based pharmacists to prescribe to this group increased the number of at-risk individuals taking optimal stroke-preventing blood thinners by 34 percent," says Sandhu. "I knew there would be a difference between the groups, but I didn't realize how large it would be. This collaborative care model which leverages the expertise of pharmacists could have far-reaching impact in addressing the large number of people who remain untreated or undertreated for Afib and who are at risk of stroke, particularly since several countries have moved toward pharmacist prescribing independently or through collaborative practice agreements."

Sandhu adds that it is important that an infrastructure exists where pharmacists can perform patient assessments; order and interpret labs; initiate, adjust, and monitor drug therapy; access electronic health records; and work in a collaborative care model with physicians.

"The results of this study offer an innovative solution to increase the uptake of evidence-based anticoagulant therapy to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation," says Dr. Jeff Healey, cardiologist and co-investigator. "This study is the culmination of a multi-year, cross-Canada collaboration initiated by the Canadian Stroke Prevention Intervention Network (CSPIN)."

More information: Roopinder K. Sandhu et al, Stroke Risk Reduction in Atrial Fibrillation Through Pharmacist Prescribing, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21993 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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Identification of misexpression events and characterization of misexpressed genes. Credit: The American Journal of Human Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.06.017

Scientists have uncovered that "gene misbehavior"where genes are active when they were expected to be switched offis a surprisingly common phenomenon in the healthy human population.

The team also identified several mechanisms behind these gene activity errors. This may help inform precision medicine approaches and enable the development of targeted therapies to correct expression.

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca studied the activity of inactive genes in a large, healthy population for the first time. While rare at the individual gene level, they revealed misexpression is widespread across samples and involved more than half of the genes that should be inactive.

The findings, published July 24 in the American Journal of Human Genetics, shed new light on how our genetic code operates. The approach could be used in future research to investigate various complex diseases.

The human genome contains about 19,900 genes. These genes form part of the instruction manual for our bodies, encoding proteins needed to carry out cell functions. Proper gene regulation involves turning these gene instructions on and off as needed, depending on a cell's specific role or environmental factors. When this regulation fails and a typically inactive gene is activated, or "expressed," it can disrupt normal cell function.

While gene misexpression has previously been linked to several rare diseases, such as congenital limb syndromes, it is not known how often or why this may happen in the general population.

In this new study, researchers analyzed blood samples from 4,568 healthy individuals from the INTERVAL study. They used advanced RNA sequencing techniques to measure gene activity and whole genome sequencing to identify genetic changes behind irregular gene activity.

The team found that while misexpression events were rare at the individual gene level occurring in only 0.07% of genesnearly all samples96%had some misexpression, with over half of the normally inactive genes showing misexpression. They also found these events can be caused by rare structural changes in the DNA.

While these findings show that gene misbehavior is common, it may not always lead to health issues. This new understanding of the prevalence and mechanisms of gene misexpression provides a valuable tool for further investigation into the complexities of human genetics and disease. This could help in diagnosing and developing treatments for conditions caused by misexpression.

Thomas Vanderstichele, first author of the study at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said, "Until now, we have been looking at disease risk through the lens of highly active genes. Our study reveals 'unusual' gene activity is far more usual than previously thought and we need to consider the full picture, including genes that shouldn't be active but sometimes are. This is a big step towards more personalized health care, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of all the ways our genes impact our health."

Dr. Katie Burnham, author of the study at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said, "Interestingly, while over half of genes occasionally misexpress, we find certain critical genes, particularly those governing development, rarely make such mistakes. This suggests that when these essential genes do misexpress, the consequences for health and disease are likely to be more severe."

Dr. Emma Davenport, senior author of the study at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said, "The work of this pioneering large-scale study is testament to the incredible 'genomics ecosystem' in Cambridge that brought together experts from the Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca. The findings open avenues for research into gene misexpression across different tissues, to understand its role in various diseases and potential treatments."

More information: Thomas Vanderstichele et al, Misexpression of inactive genes in whole blood is associated with nearby rare structural variants, The American Journal of Human Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.06.017 Journal information: American Journal of Human Genetics
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Example of art created for AVID project to reflect human diversity and support medical education. Credit: Rebecca Fung, artist, AVID project

University of Calgary librarian Kathryn Ruddock had read about the lack of diversity in anatomy illustrations. As a visible minority librarian with a medical sciences background, the revelation struck a chord.

"I couldn't overlook it," says Ruddock, director of Digital Services with Libraries and Cultural Resources at UCalgary. So when Dr. Heather Jamniczky, Ph.D., the associate dean of Graduate Science Education at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), approached her to ask if the library had a repository for preserving and sharing the diverse anatomical resources her team was creating, Ruddock was thrilled.

The new Anatomy Video and Imagery Diversity (AVID) project, a joint initiative between UCalgary and the University of Windsor, is an answer to the lack of diversity represented in anatomy teaching materials. An idea first imagined by Jamniczky and University of Windsor Kinesiology professor Dr. David Andrews, Ph.D., and co-led by Drs. Sarah Anderson, Ph.D., and Lian Willetts, Ph.D., both assistant professors (teaching) with the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the CSM, it is now a live repository housed within UCalgary library's Digital Collections.

Holding 64 original illustrations and 23 videos created by student artists from UCalgary and across Canadasome of them trained medical illustrators and digital content creatorsthe collection represents the spectrum of human diversity. Meticulously crafted, the art shows complex networks of arteries in the face and body, and detailed drawings of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems with variations in age and skin tone, ethnicity and body size.

Creators worked carefully with project leads to refine the resources, to ensure their accuracy and usefulness as teaching tools. Users can download the visuals at no cost using an attribution provided by the repository, ask questions about the artwork, and search for other images in similar tones.

The purpose of AVID is for students and the public to see themselves in the images used to teach about their bodies, say Drs. Anderson and Willetts.

Historically, anatomy textbooks typically showed images that depict males who are young, fit and white. The AVID project set out to meaningfully contribute to inclusivity and decolonialization, a movement that has been brewing at the grassroots level in the anatomy world, by producing an Open Educational Resource repository of original human anatomical images and videos to support education across many disciplines.

A key component of the project was inviting students who were historically underrepresented in health sciences education to be involved as paid co-creators, and to improve the visibility and representation of these students in the anatomical sciences.

"Much of the current instructional resources typically lack diversity in visual representation on elements such as race, gender, age, skin tone, ability and body composition," Anderson says. "This perpetuates a harmful hidden curriculum of bias against individuals who do not align with the dominant white male representation as the 'universal model' of the human form. It has negative implications for learner sense of belonging and care of our community members."

Mehr Malhotra, a UCalgary Master of Medical Science student specializing in Molecular and Medical Genetics is a video actor with the AVID project. She says the experience allows her to feel seen and represented in educational materials. "Being a woman of color, I've never seen anyone who looked like me in an anatomy textbook, which I thought was normal. I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in AVID, to add to the diversity of anatomy resources and normalize the presence of underrepresented populations in medical education."

Malhotra values how the initiative promotes diversity and inclusivity in education. "Featuring real people, rather than prototypical anatomical models, allows students to better visualize and understand varying physical features, body compositions, and movements that better represent the Canadian population."

UCalgary medical student and trained medical illustrator Angelica Ortiz appreciates that the illustrations will be available to everyone and values that the project incorporates ethnic and cultural diversity. As a former graduate student of biomedical communications, she excels at illustrating anatomy and enjoys the work as a complement to her medical studies.

University of Windsor Kinesiology student collaborators Rahul Seehra and Peyton Bost helped create the skeletal system videos for the project. Seehra values the open-access nature of the educational resources, stating, "Regardless of where someone is from or what their level of knowledge is, they can use the images and videos to learn. I think this project has the potential to impact many future students and others who are interested in anatomy."

Bost is excited to help contribute to the progress of anatomy education and hopes the team's collective efforts will have positive impacts for both teaching and learning. "I hope to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity for students while improving their understanding of anatomy."

One of the great highlights for Ruddock has been the ability to support all of these students as creators. "Facilitating the sharing of their work through our library platforms not only ensures their efforts are recognized and stable but also widely disseminated," she says.

As more diverse content is developed and housed within the library, the Libraries and Cultural Resources team is committed to ensuring the repository is as accessible as other similar open anatomy materials, she adds.

"I believe that introducing more diversity into the world through this work not only fosters a sense of inclusion but subtly influences societal perceptions," says Ruddock. "Many will feel the impact."
One person died recently from a suspected E. coli outbreak in Flathead County, local health officials announced on Wednesday, and several others are sick.

At least 13 people are associated with the outbreak, which reportedly is coming from contaminated ground beef sold to local restaurants, a news release from the Flathead County Health Department stated.

"Many of the cases experienced moderate to severe symptoms, and one death has occurred," the news release stated.

Officials were notified of the death on Monday, Jennifer Rankosky, Health Officer of the Flathead City-County Health Department said in a phone call with the Missoulian. She said the first E. coli report officials received was on July 8, and more reports trickled in in the following week and a half.

The suspect beef was sold via a distributor to several restaurants and wasn't available for purchase by customers at grocery stores. Rankosky said restaurants were notified and all of them immediately pulled the product. She said restaurants impacted by the outbreak were all over the county, not just in one town.

The last known date someone consumed the meat was July 14. Health officials are continuing to test clinical and food samples for laboratory confirmation. Rankosky said officials are still waiting on lab results before confirming where the beef came from.

Following the first reports, communicable disease staff started case investigations and contacting people who had been diagnosed to track food history, she said.

The county health department is working alongside the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and other area health departments are investigating the outbreak.

We send our condolences to all family and friends that have been affected by this death," Rankosky said in the release. Our staff continue to work diligently through this investigation and were able to identify a suspect source early to mitigate risks and prevent others from getting sick."

E. coli O157 infections can happen when someone eats food with the bacteria.

"Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and chills," the release stated. "In severe cases, the infection can also damage organs. Symptoms of E. coli infection occur between one and ten days after exposure, with an average of three to four days after exposure."

People with symptoms are encouraged to contact a doctor. Rankosky emphasized people should be vigilant about cooking their meat thoroughly and practicing general food safety.
An estimated 40,000 fish are dead on a 20-mile stretch of Crane Creek in Northeast Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is trying to figure out what killed them.

Its a complex area in terms of what drains into that watershed, said Brett Meyer, an environmental specialist with the Iowa DNRs Manchester field office. Were trying to go through the process of elimination.

The department was notified Friday about dead fish in the creek about 2 miles southwest of Readlyn, according to a news release Monday. Officials think the kill originated around 250th Street and Piedmont Avenue in Bremer County, but the damage can be seen as far south as Dunkerton.

A preliminary estimate showed 40,000 fish, including blue gill, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike, are dead, as well as snails and crawfish, Meyer said Tuesday. Private ponds connected to the creek also have dead fish, he said.

Its a pretty extensive area, and thats a lot of fish, he said.

Although the area has a lot of animal feeding operations, Meyer said, early water tests do not point to manure runoff. Iowa DNR officials are looking at multiple drainage tile lines from farms and Readlyn and talking with landowners along the creek.

This stretch of Crane Creek, a tributary of the Wapsipinicon River, had another fish kill June 7, 2023. In that case between 1,000 and 5,000 fish were estimated to have been killed by an unknown cause, according to the Iowa DNRs fish kill database.

I dont think we determined a cause in that one, Meyer said. Thats one of the reasons were trying to get some more information (about the recent fish kill).

The state has investigated more than 80 fish kills since the start of 2019. Of those, nine have estimated losses of 25,000 or more fish. The largest was the March 11 spill of 265,000 gallons of ammonia fertilizer that killed an estimated 750,000 fish on the East Nishnabotna River in southwest Iowa.

Meyer is asking anyone with information about what might have caused the Crane Creek fish kill to contact him at Brett.Meyers@dnr.iowa.gov or call the Iowa DNRs 24-hour spill line at (515) 725-8694.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into a fraudulent letter circulated as official EACC communication.

The letter falsely summons blogger Hanifa Farsafi and claims to be issued by an EACC Investigator (Commission Secretary/CEO).

The EACC has confirmed the letter is a forgery. They assert that those responsible for creating and disseminating this fraudulent letter have violated several laws, including the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003.

Impersonating an EACC official is a criminal offence under this Act, and the Commission is committed to taking appropriate action against the perpetrators.

The viral letter, dated July 23, claimed to summon Hanifa Farsafi to the EACC Headquarters at Integrity Centre at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.

The letter cited Section 23 of the Act, which allows the Commission to request anyone to appear for questioning.

EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi also warned that such letters could be part of a growing number of criminal activities where individuals are defrauding Kenyans by posing as EACC officers.
Children from a troupe of Uzbekistan visit a painting exhibition held during the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival in Tianjin, north China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)



Themed "Peace, Friendship, Future," the 2024 Tianjin International Children's Art Festival commenced on Monday evening in north China's Tianjin Municipality, drawing over 1,000 young artists from more than 50 art groups across 40 countries and regions.

The five-day festival is scheduled to host a variety of activities, including artistic performances, a grand gala featuring children from home and abroad, an ascent of the Tianjin section of the Great Wall and tours around the city.

Liu Xinyi, an 8-year-old member of the Tianjin Cathay Future Children's Choir, performed the song "Ode to Joy" at the event's opening ceremony. "This event brings children from around the world together as one family, united, amicable and joyful," she said.

Ehab Gouda, president of the Arabs Friendship Association Limited, led an Egyptian children's art troupe to participate in this art festival.

The dance cultures of China and Egypt are distinct, yet the fusion of these two presents a spectacular sight, according to Gouda.

"I enjoy experiencing Chinese culture and feeling the fusion of different cultures at this art festival. It is a very special experience for young people," he added.

Farida Afify, a 15-year-old member of the Egypt Children of Pharaoh troupe, is visiting Tianjin for the first time. "I really like the Chinese culture. I think it's very impressive, and I want to learn more about it. It will inspire me to do many things," she said.

Li Ye, dean of the Oregon International Ballet Academy from the United States, led 12 American children to participate in the festival for the first time.

"Art has no borders. I hope children will see more, experience more, and feel the delicate emotions in Chinese culture, integrating themselves into the portrayal of ballet characters and becoming pioneers of cultural exchanges between the East and the West in the future," Li said.

This year's festival is jointly hosted by the Tianjin municipal government and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and co-organized by the city's foreign affairs office and the Cathay Future Culture & Art Foundation.

Zhang Ling, deputy mayor of Tianjin, said that as a renowned international children's art exchange platform, the festival has a significant influence both domestically and internationally, constructing a bridge symbolizing "peace, friendship, and the future."

"This year's festival will showcase the unique charm of Chinese culture and Tianjin to the world. It aims to foster art exchanges among Chinese and foreign youth, allowing them to fully display their talents, share artistic sentiments and exchange achievements," Zhang noted during her speech delivered at the opening ceremony.

The Tianjin International Children's Art Festival has been held for 10 editions, with the participation of nearly 10,000 children from some 100 countries and regions over the years, according to the organizers.
The government has submitted its economic resuscitation plan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approval, following the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.

President William Rutos administration has sought new funding of Kes.477 billion ($3.6 billion) from the Bretton Woods Institution to cover the deficit created by withdrawing the controversial legislation.

During a presentation to parliamentarians on Monday, National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo revealed that Kenya had already begun discussions with the IMF about the potential disbursement of these funds. He also disclosed that the government is in contact with the World Bank to secure additional financing.

We are starting discussions on a new program, possibly with the IMF and other partners, PS Kiptoo told lawmakers.

He added, The state is already negotiating with the World Bank for new development policy financing.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also addressed legislators, affirmed the governments commitment to acquiring more funding from external lenders.

Despite recent developments in Kenya, Mudavadi noted that the national treasury has engaged in robust discussions with the IMF. He stated that these discussions would continue in August, with the disbursement of the multi-billion loan expected by April next year.

To resolve our debt challenge, we need a program with the IMF. It cannot be otherwise, Mudavadi told MPs.

Addressing concerns about Kenyas relationship with the IMF, Mudavadi dismissed allegations of a potential disassociation from multilateral lenders.

If anyone misleads people by suggesting that you can walk away from the IMF and have your way, it is not true, Mudavadi clarified. He added, You need the IMF and the World Bank on your side to get a hearing from your creditors.
The High Court has extended orders barring the task force appointed by President William Ruto to audit public debt.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi has also allowed the petitioners to serve the respondents, including the four task force members, through a national newspaper.

Surgeons Benjamin Magare Gikenyi and Eliud Matindi challenged the task forces appointment, arguing that President Ruto exceeded his constitutional powers.

On July 5, 2024, Ruto established the independent task force to conduct a comprehensive audit of the countrys public debt, requiring it to deliver a detailed report within the next three months.

Ruto emphasized that the audit would provide transparent information to the public and assess how public resources have been spent over time.

This audit will offer clarity on the nature of our debt, detail how public resources have been spent, and propose strategies for managing our resources sustainably, without burdening future generations, he stated.

On July 9, 2024, the High Court blocked the task force from commencing its work following the petition by the surgeons.

Benjamin Magare Gikenyi and Eliud Matindi argued that the president lacked the authority to establish the task force and that this action exceeded his constitutional powers. They also claimed that the task forces responsibilities, as outlined in the gazette notice, encroached on the roles of the Auditor General.

The court will revisit the matter on September 18, 2024.
The Ministry of Health has asked Parliament to allocate Kes.100 million for a new round of public participation concerning the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) and other Universal Health Care (UHC) laws.

This request follows a High Court ruling that declared these laws unconstitutional.

The SHIA, along with the Digital Health Act and the Primary Health Care Act, aims to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

However, the court invalidated these acts due to insufficient public participation and other legal issues. A three-judge bench, comprising Justices Alfred Mabeya, Robert Limo, and Fredrick Mugambi, has given Parliament 120 days to amend the legislation. During this period, the acts will remain suspended.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Harry Kimtai has urged Members of Parliament to allocate Kes.100 million for public participation and sensitization.

We are requesting Ksh100 million to carry out sensitization on the UHC laws in line with the courts judgment, he stated.

Dr. Kimtai also revealed that the ministry plans to appeal the courts decision, believing they have valid grounds for a petition.

Weve agreed to form a joint team from the Ministry, the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), and the Attorney General to strategize on how to appeal, Dr. Kimtai said. This strategy will include lodging an appeal and conducting additional public participation.

The High Court ruled that sections 26(5) and 27(4) of the SHIA violate the right to access emergency services. Although these sections are intended to uphold this right, the court found them problematic.

Section 26(5) mandates registration and contributions as prerequisites for accessing public services from national and county governments or their entities.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed reports claiming that the government intends to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to foreign investors. These reports have recently dominated Kenyan media platforms, leading to planned protests at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) on Tuesday.

Mudavadi informed the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee that selling such a high-value asset requires public memoranda and parliamentary approval.

The airport is not on sale. This is a public asset, a strategic asset. If it was going to be sold, you can only do it after a full public process that parliament endorses, Mudavadi said on Monday.

The Prime CS stated that, instead of a sale, there are plans to modernize the airport and build a new terminal.

The Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) must carefully review its investment program and ensure complete transparency. During the expansion process of the second terminal, it should adhere to legal procedures so that everyone is informed about the developments, he added.

Mudavadi urged KAA to ensure that the PPP arrangement is conducted properly and thoroughly through the legal process, so that every Kenyan is informed about the proceedings.

But I want to assure Kenyans that the JKIA is not for sale, he emphasized.

This comes after Kisii Senator Onyoka demanded answers from Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to clarify its involvement in a reported controversial agreement with Adani Airport Holdings Limited, an Indian firm, to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Petitioning the Senate Committee on Roads and Transport, Onyonka sought a statement regarding the purported deal with Adani, which would see JKIA operated under a build, operate, and transfer model.

We are signing off our airport to be run by a private company for 30 years, and after the contract expires, they will retain 18 percent equity in our airport. Why would anyone sign such an agreement? the senator questioned, citing an unnamed French whistleblower.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has denied reports that it is negotiating with President William Ruto to form a government of National Unity.

On Tuesday, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna emphasized that the party has no political arrangements with the Kenya Kwanza regime.

Sifuna stated that any ODM member who joins President Rutos cabinet will do so without the partys approval.

As a party, we unequivocally clarify that we are not in negotiations with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement, he declared.

Any ODM member who decides to join the Kenya Kwanza cabinet or any other position does so without the blessing or support of the party.

The Nairobi Senator affirmed that the party remains committed to its principles and the ongoing struggle for a better Kenya. We will continue to stand with the people and fight for the justice and reforms our nation desperately needs.

Sifuna also addressed a narrative suggesting that ODM is desperate to join the government. He noted that some party members have fallen for this campaign of lies, misinterpreting the partys stance as a license to engage with the Kenya Kwanza leadership and seek ministerial or other positions in the current government.

All along we have been clear that what we seek is a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of our conditions, Sifuna emphasized.
The SU7, produced by Chinese tech company Xiaomi Corp, is displayed at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xiaomi Corp plans to deliver at least 100,000 units of its SU7 electric vehicles this year, with a goal to sell 120,000 units in total, according to its chairman Lei Jun.

Analysts said this shows the company's confidence in its burgeoning car business, though they said it is still early days before Xiaomi achieves long-term success amid intense competition.

Lei said the fresh goal represents a significant increase from its initially set first-year sales target of 76,000 vehicles while determining its production capacity.

Xiaomi delivered over 25,000 EVs by the end of June and expects to reach the 100,000-unit target by November, according to Lei, who recalled that a decision by the US government to sanction Xiaomi in early 2021 was the catalyst for the company's decision to build its first electric car.

Since then, the company has devoted a large amount of resources to developing the SU7, which has received a warm welcome from Chinese consumers.

Roy Lu, a Shanghai-based automotive analyst, said Xiaomi's early success is expected to intensify competition in China's new energy vehicle market where established automakers, startups and tech companies are all vying to expand their presence.

A price war is already on in the country's EV market, the world's largest.

Competition in the EV industry will heat up this year, with a more differentiated market landscape, said Zhang Yongwei, vice-president and secretary-general of China EV 100, a major auto industry think tank.

The next one or two years will be crucial, Zhang said, as companies that may not have the necessary competence will likely exit after a shakeout.

"The production volume and sales of NEVs in China are expected to reach 13 million units in 2024, with a year-on-year growth rate of about 40 percent," Zhang said.

In the first six months of 2024, the production and sales volume of NEVs reached 4.93 million and 4.94 million units, respectively, marking an increase of 30.1 percent and 32 percent year-on-year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Amid the heightened competition, Xiaomi is also upping the ante with a new "Ultra" Prototype version of the SU7 unveiled last week. The hyper-sports version of its four-door EV features strong motors, and Lei said the company hopes to develop the fastest four-door car in the world, gas or electric, in 10 years.

The move is part of Xiaomi's broader ambition to compete with Porsche and Tesla to become a major auto manufacturer globally in the future.

In the realm of smart driving, Xiaomi's team has exceeded 1,000 members by April, with plans to expand to 1,500 by the end of 2024 and further to 2,000 by 2025. Xiaomi's smart assisted driving was launched in 10 Chinese cities by the end of May and will be available nationwide by August, the company said.

The company also expressed optimism about support from core suppliers in scaling up production, ensuring that actual delivery times are ahead of the scheduled dates on its app.

Xiaomi plans to establish a robust sales and service network by the end of 2024, with 219 sales outlets across 46 cities and 143 service centers covering 86 cities.

Experts said it remains to be seen whether Xiaomi can really afford the capital and time needed for the cash-intensive smart car business, given that several Chinese companies that had entered the segment faced severe financial difficulties. Some of them have even gone bankrupt.

Xiaomi has pledged to invest $10 billion in autos over a decade to crack the highly competitive NEV market in China. It has already invested significant resources in the development of several key technologies, such as autonomous driving and electrical machinery, over the past three years.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Wednesday, saying that both sides should strengthen practical cooperation in various fields.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has started a new round of deepening reform comprehensively. China's comprehensive promotion of Chinese modernization will bring new opportunities to people of all countries, Wang added.

Noting that Ukraine was one of the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said China has been Ukraine's largest trading partner and the biggest export destination for Ukrainian agricultural products in recent years. In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade volume recorded a momentum of rapid growth, showing the space and potential of bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should capitalize on the role of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, he said, adding that China will continue to expand grain imports from Ukraine and jointly maintain smooth logistics channels and international food security.

Wang thanked the Ukrainian side for its assistance in the evacuation of Chinese citizens, especially international students, in the early stage of the conflict in Ukraine, and expressed the hope that Ukraine will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Ukraine.
16:54





During his tour of the district, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said as a precautionary measure, Army teams have been deployed at Ekta Nagar in Sinhagad Road, while NDRF personnel are also in the area.





He also said rescue operations are underway at the site of a landslide in Lavasa in which some bungalows have been affected and three persons are feared trapped.





The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red alert' for Pune district and asked people to take precautions. Schools and colleges in most parts of the district have declared a holiday in view of the heavy rainfall warning, officials said.





Pune city and other parts of the district, including Velha, Mulshi, Bhor talukas and the catchments areas of several dams, including Khadakwasla, have been witnessing incessant rains since Wednesday night.





In the city, housing societies in the low-lying areas, such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner and Deccan Gymkhana, witnessed flooding and inundation and efforts have been launched by the fire brigade and disaster management cell of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to evacuate the stranded people, the officials said.





"Currently there is no flooding in Sinhagad Road and all those who needed to be shifted to safety have been moved. Arrangements have been made for meals, clothes and other relief materials for those who have been evacuated," Pawar said.





Queried about residents of Sinhagad Road complaining about not being informed about water being released from Khadakwasla Dam, he said the process started early Thursday morning.





The water release and heavy rains aggravated the situation but deployment of relief mechanisms was done in advance and people were taken to safety, Pawar asserted.





Pune district collector Suhas Diwase said that in the wake of heavy rains in the Khadakwasla dam's catchment area, water has been released from the reservoir.





"As the catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam has been witnessing incessant rains, water is being released at over 35,000 cusec and it will further increase to 45,000 cusec. Due to the water discharge, several low lying areas along the Mutha river witnessed inundation and flooding," he said. Later in the afternoon, Pawar said water from Khadakwasla reservoir was being released at 35000 cusecs but now it has been reduced to 15000 cusecs.





"I have told officials from the irrigation department that if they want to release the water from Khadakwasla, they can do it before it gets dark. If the water release is increased after it gets dark, those living in the low lying areas along the Mutha river may have to suffer hardships.," he said.





"If we can empty the reservoir to some extent and if there are rains during the night, the reservoir will have capacity to store the water. The capacity of the Khadakwasla reservoir is around 3 TMC. Instructions have also been given to release water through the canals at different dams in Pune district," said Pawar.





Mulshi Dam is almost filling up and officials have been asked to use the water for power generation, the Deputy CM said. Coordination is underway with the district administration of Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara to monitor the rain situation, while NDRF and SDRF teams are at critical spots as a precautionary measure, Pawar asserted.

Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Maharashtra's Pune, where at least four persons died in rain-related incidents on Thursday, while several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas in the city were inundated, following which people are being evacuated, officials said.
The changes in the capital gain taxes have been announced to make the rates simple to understand people so that they can understand their tax rates well, said Revenue Secretary, Sanjay Malhotra. "Our intention is to make it simple, and reasonable," Malhotra told ANI, reacting to the announcements. As part of the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that short-term gains on certain financial assets attract a tax rate of 20 per cent, while that on all other financial assets and all non-financial assets shall continue to attract the applicable tax rate. The Finance Minister proposed that the long-term gains on all financial and non-financial assets will attract a tax rate of 12.5 per cent. For the benefit of the lower and middle-income classes, she proposed to increase the limit on the exemption of capital gains on certain financial assets from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh per year. According to the announcements, listed financial assets held for more than a year will be classified as long-term, while unlisted financial assets and all non-financial assets will have to be held for at least two years to be classified as long-term. While unlisted bonds and debentures, debt mutual funds, and market-linked debentures, irrespective of the holding period, will attract tax on capital gains at applicable rates. The Revenue Secretary said that the rates earlier were very complicated to understand for the people. "Somewhere it was 20 per cent with indexation, somewhere it was 10 per cent, somewhere the holding period is 1 year, somewhere it is 2 years, somewhere it is 3 years. So, these permutation combinations are very simple. For one long-term gain, 12.5 per cent was done. In the holding period also, simplification was done for 1 year and 2 years," he added. "We have estimated that if the return is around 10 per cent, then in today's day and age, The rate of tax will be the same," the Revenue Secretary said. Revenue Secretary also hailed the announcements made for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) sector. "Through the boost given to employment, I think this is the cornerstone of the budget along with micro small medium enterprises energy security and I think employment and skilling are the very big cornerstones of the budget," he added. Commenting on the employment and job creation as announced in the Union Budget, he highlighted that the announcements show the strong intention of the government to reap the benefit of the demographic dividend. "It is a very strong statement from the government that it understands the importance of reaping the demographic dividend and some of the conditions attached to the first-time job seekers to benefit from the subsidy that the government will be giving are also very important."This year, Rs 1.48 lakh crore is earmarked for education, employment, and skill development. In addition, the government will introduce three 'Employment Linked Incentive' schemes under the Prime Minister's package, targeting EPFO enrolment, first-time employee recognition, and support for both employees and employers. (ANI)
India's card payments market is poised for substantial growth in 2024, with a forecasted increase of 11.3 per cent to reach Rs 28.4 trillion (USD 344 billion), according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company. This growth is attributed to a rising consumer preference for non-cash payments and supportive government initiatives aimed at boosting financial inclusion and electronic payment adoption. GlobalData's Payment Cards Analytics reveals an upward trend in card payments in India. The market saw a remarkable 27.1 per cent increase in card payment value in 2022, fueled by a surge in consumer spending. This upward continued into 2023, with a 13.1 per cent growth, bringing the total card payment value to Rs 25.5 trillion (USD 309.2 billion). Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, emphasized the role of declining cash usage and rising consumer confidence in electronic payments. Sharma said, "India's card payments market continues to grow as cash usage declines. The government's initiatives, along with the increasing consumer confidence in electronic payments, have paved the way for the growth of card payments in the country." "Backed by the government push to promote financial inclusion and electronic payments - which includes the launch of low-cost bank accounts and debit cards under the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) program and reduction in merchant service fees - consumers are gradually shifting from cash to card-based payments," he noted. The Indian government's push for financial inclusion, notably through the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) program, has significantly contributed to this growth. The program aims to provide low-cost bank accounts and debit cards, particularly targeting the rural population. Alongside, reductions in merchant service fees have further encouraged the shift from cash to card-based transactions. Debit cards remain the most prevalent type of card in India, driven by the expanding banked population. However, credit and charge cards accounted for a substantial 75.7 per cent of the total card payment value in 2023. The popularity of these cards is largely due to benefits such as reward points, discounts, and installment payment options. The rise in e-commerce has also played a crucial role in the growth of card payments. Payment cards, including debit, credit, and charge cards, collectively represented 24.6 per cent of the total e-commerce transaction value in 2023, according to GlobalData's 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey. This growing preference for card payments is reflective of broader consumer trends in online shopping. To support the expansion of electronic payments, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) in January 2021. The fund aims to deploy one million Point of Sale (POS) devices and enhance QR code payment acceptance across merchants. By November 2023, the initiative had successfully deployed 827,901 POS terminals and 27.2 million QR code acceptance points. The program, initially set to end in 2023, has been extended to December 2025. Looking ahead, the outlook for India's card payments market remains highly optimistic. The market is projected to register a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1 per cent from 2024 to 2028. Key drivers of this growth include ongoing government efforts to promote financial inclusion and electronic payments, improvements in payment infrastructure, and the expanding e-commerce sector. Sharma concluded, "Looking ahead, the forecast for the total card payments market in India is promising. The market is expected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, driven by factors such as the government's push for financial inclusion and electronic payments, improvement in payment infrastructure, and the growth of e-commerce." He added, "Overall, the card payments value is expected to register a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1 per cent between 2024 and 2028." (ANI)
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 24: STL (NSE: STLTECH), a leading optical and digital solutions company today, announced that it has extended its partnership with Netomnia, one of the fastest-growing network operators in the UK. STL has been a trusted partner for Netomnia for the past five years. STL has deployed ~12000 ckm of optical fibre cable, spanning ~850,000 premises till now, helping Netomnia enable reliable connectivity for hard-to-reach, underserved communities in the region. Netomnia, with the sixth largest network and the third fastest build rate, is building ultra-fast broadband networks in all four UK countries at a rate of 500,000 homes and businesses per year, with ambitions of reaching 2 million premises by 2025. With nearly two decades of experience in the region, two plants in Italy and a strong ethos of co-creation with its customers, STL is catering to Netomnia's need for fast rollouts and high-performance networks. STL's G.657 A2 Multitube Micro Optical Fibre cables are designed for blowing into micro ducts previously installed into large ducts, thereby reducing installation costs. Built on an optimised design, its ultra-lightweight aerial cables are tailor-made for duct/overhead applications for efficient and reliable fibre deployments. All these products are supplemented with STL's unique approach of smart, tech-led fibre deployment, which is again designed to get more speed and efficiency into each home passed. To deliver Netomnia's requirements, STL is leveraging its Glass to Gigabit Connectivity capability, which starts from glass preform, fibre, and cable and extends to optical connectivity and smart fibre deployment solutions. "We want to lend speed, efficiency and innovation to the UK's network buildouts and seize the opportunity to become the second-largest altnet in the UK in 2024," said Jeremy Chelot, CEO at Netomnia and YouFibre. "We are energised by the vision of a connected UK and look forward to partnerships founded on this common ethos. STL's purpose of transforming billions of lives aligns very well with ours, and their integrated and innovative portfolio on the optical side fits the bill for us." Commenting on this partnership, Rahul Puri, Sales Head - Europe, APAC, MEA and India, STL said: "For us, our customers are at the centre. Their ambition is our ambition. Their problems are our problems. This is what our capability, team and products are built around. Our partnership with Netomnia has been a special one, and we are confident that we will continue to co-create and co-innovate with Netomnia in the years to come." About STL - Sterlite Technologies Ltd: STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks. Read more, Contact us, stl.tech |Twitter | LinkedIn| YouTube For more information, contact: Media Relations Soumi Dassoumi.das1@stl.tech Investor RelationsChetan Wanichetan.wani@stl.tech Agency ContactIshita Kaushikishita.kaushik@2020msl.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/876464/4544790/Sterlite_Technologies_STL_New_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)
The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, shared his experience on Wednesday of his visit to the Adani Group's mega renewable energy project site at Khavda and Mundra Port in Gujarat. Terming Adani Group chairman, Gautam Adani as his friend, the Bhutanese Prime Minister stated that during his visit he had witnessed firsthand the vision of the business magnate and noted that there are many opportunities for further strengthening their partnership in green energy. "With what I've seen in what Gautam Adani is doing with renewable energy and the special economic zone and what I have seen at the Gift City today, I can see a lot of opportunities for further strengthening our partnership, cooperation, and friendship through these projects," the Bhutan Prime Minister said. The Bhutanese PM also thanked the chief minister of Gujarat and the Gujarat government for the arrangements and warm hospitality extended to the Bhutanese King and his entire delegation during their three visit to the State. The visit, he said will further strengthen the strong ties of friendship "between Bhutan and Bharat." "Today we visited the GIFT city and are very inspired at what has been achieved in such a short time in this smart city. And so all in all, I see that this royal visit here will further strengthen the strong ties of friendship between Bhutan and Bharat," Tobgay said. Tobgay said that the visit to the Statue of Unity was like a "pilgrimage" for them. "We visited the Statue of Unity at Kevadia on the day we arrived, and I can tell you that I felt like I was on a pilgrimage to see this gigantic statue and to experience Prime Minister Modiji's vision for India," said the Bhutan PM. Earlier, Gautam Adani said that he was "immensely grateful" for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutan Prime Minister's visit to the Adani's 30 GW Renewable Energy site at Khavda and Mundra Port. "Deeply inspired by Bhutan's vibrant spirit and steadfast commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. We are excited about doing our part to foster collaboration with the Land of the Thunder Dragon for a sustainable and greener future," Gautam Adani said in a post on X. Recently, many international dignitaries have visited Adani's renewable energy site and hailed his work in the renewable sector. Last week, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti visited the mega renewable energy project site at Khavda and Mundra Port. Earlier on May 29, the Ambassador of Japan, Hiroshi Suzuki, visited the Mundra Port. The Ambassador indicated that Japan is looking forward to working with the Adani Group. Gautam Adani expressed gratitude for Ambassador Suzuki's visit and emphasized the importance of the India-Japan partnership in driving forward innovative and sustainable initiatives. On May 2, Adani interacted with the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, discussing a wide range of topics, from her tenure across the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan, to cybersecurity and the future of nuclear energy. (ANI)
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, has approved the sale of excess Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco produced by registered growers in Andhra Pradesh for the 2023-24 crop season, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a release on Wednesday. Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "Our Government has always prioritised the lives and livelihoods of our farmers. Andhra Pradesh farmers will greatly benefit from the decision to allow the sale of excess Flue Cured Virginia tobacco produced by registered growers on auction platforms." https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1816078940349325620 "This highlights the sensitivity of the Modi Govt. to the needs of the farming community and will help them overcome the financial losses incurred due to the natural calamity last year and also continue their livelihood," the union minister added in his post. According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the sale will take place on the auction platforms managed by the Tobacco Board, with only the normal service charges applicable and a complete waiver of additional service charges, considering the crop damage in an area of 15028.09 ha across all soil regions in Andhra Pradesh. The decision has been taken due to "Michaung" cyclonic rains during the period of December 3 to 5, 2023, that resulted in additional expenditure incurred by farmers towards replantation/gap filling in the main field, the ministry said in its release. In the 2023-24 crop season, 43,125 farmers in Andhra Pradesh cultivated FCV tobacco across an expanse of 97,127.07 hectares, yielding a production of 205.5 million kilogrammes. In Andhra Pradesh, during this crop season, 43125 farmers cultivated FCV tobacco in an area of 97127.07 ha and produced 205.5 million kg of crop. The decision will greatly benefit the farmers of Andhra Pradesh to recover the loss due to cyclonic rains in view of Zero Penalty on the sale of the excess Flue Cured Virginia tobacco produced by registered growers on the auction platforms in Andhra Pradesh for the 2023-24 crop season. This consideration will handhold the FCV tobacco farmers to overcome their financial plight inflicted due to natural calamity and would greatly help the growers to continue their livelihood, the ministry added. (ANI)
Government sources have said that the top 500 companies will not be forced for the internship programme announced in the Union Budget. As outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024, the government will provide a stipend for the internships. "No company will be forced into the internship programme as announced in the budget. The government will provide money for internships, while companies will bear the cost of training the interns through corporate social responsibility (CSR)," government sources told ANI on Wednesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Tuesday that the government will launch a scheme to offer internship opportunities to youth in the top 500 companies in India as part of the Union Budget 2024-25. The scheme, which will be implemented over the next five years, is expected to benefit 100 million youth. Interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000. Companies will cover training costs and 10 per cent of the internship costs from CSR funds. The announcement was part of a broader package aimed at boosting employment and enhancing India's skilling capacity. In her budget speech, Sitharaman proposed creating job opportunities for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years. To support this, the government has allocated Rs 2 lakh crore for employment initiatives and Rs 1.48 crore for skilling programmes, aiming to skill 20 lakh youth over the same period. Additionally, 1,000 industrial training institutes will be upgraded, and a one-time wage incentive will be provided to all first-time employees across sectors through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Sitharaman emphasised that employment, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class are key focus areas of this budget. (ANI)
Sharing a poignant moment from the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial, Vicky expressed his gratitude on Instagram.

The actor posted a snapshot of himself from the movie and captioned it, "9 years. Thank you @neeraj.ghaywan."

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9y-XvJorvW/

Vicky Kaushal made his debut with 'Masaan,' a film that continues to resonate deeply with audiences even after almost a decade.

Fans of the 'URI' actor flooded the comments section with heart and fire emojis, celebrating the milestone.

Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar also joined in, commenting, "What a film," along with a heart emoticon.

Followers expressed their admiration, with one user writing, "Congratulations! Many more to come. Thanks for all the gems," while another praised Vicky as the "Best Actor," and a fan declared it their "All-time fav."

'Masaan' premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2015, where it received standing ovations and clinched two esteemed awards.

The film unfolds in the sacred city of Varanasi, weaving together two parallel narratives.

One storyline follows Devi, portrayed by Richa Chadda, navigating societal stigma and personal tragedy as a young woman from a lower-caste background.

The other centers on Deepak, played by Vicky Kaushal, a man from the same milieu who labors at the cremation ghats while harboring aspirations for a better life.

Through its compelling narratives, 'Masaan' delves into themes of love, loss, social discrimination, and the intricate complexities of human relationships.

Meanwhile, Vicky is currently basking in the praises for his recently released comedy film 'Bad Newz' which also stars Ammy Virk and Tripti Dimri in the lead roles. Neha Dhupa is also a part of the film.

The film released on July 19, seems to be a successor to the 2019 hit 'Good Newwz,' which starred Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kiara Advani and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles.

This film takes a hilarious detour from the usual rom-com tropes, diving into the chaotic world of heteropaternal superfecundation- a fancy way of saying two dads, one mom, and one bun in the oven! 'Bad Newz' is co-produced by Tiwari, along with Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Amritpal Singh Bindra.

Directed by Anand Tiwari, 'Bad Newz' also has special cameos by actresses Ananya Panday and Neha Sharma. (ANI)
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday accused the Centre of neglecting Kerala and said that the budget presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman displayed a discriminatory attitude towards the states. Vijayan added that while putting forth the preface of 8 goals of national importance, the finance minister has failed to honour the concerns of most states, including Kerala. He stated that though it is not intended here to oppose any packages announced for any state in the budget, it is pertinent to mention that the complete neglect of any state is also unacceptable. "Such an attitude by the centre is detrimental to the progress of states like Kerala. Refusal to consider the longstanding demands raised by Kerala echoes total disrespect to the people of the state," said the Kerala CM. Hence, a concerted effort will be made to reiterate Kerala's demands before the centre, once the budget proposals are studied in detail, he added. The Kerala CM also said that it is deplorable to note that only those proclamations, that sound indispensable for the political survival of the central government have found their place in the budget. "So far as Kerala is concerned, the long-term demand for AIIMS has not been mentioned. The state's concerns about disaster relief and prospects in the tourism sector have been discarded. Such neglect is disheartening and objectionable," he added. Vijayan said that due to the centre's indifference on matters including borrowing limit restrictions, the states are struggling to ensure allocations for development activities in crucial sectors. "Some of the budget pronouncements related to agriculture infringe on the prerogatives of the states. What was imperative here was to ensure the fiscal empowerment of the states. How can agricultural development be achieved without that empowerment?" he added. The Kerala CM said that the centre is encroaching on the state's tax powers while announcing projects in sectors such as urban development. "It is a matter of fact that the states have to bear partial costs when centrally funded schemes are announced in the budget. It is seen in the budget that the centre is encroaching on the state's tax powers while announcing projects in sectors such as urban development. The dictum to states to reduce stamp duty is given in the budget speech this time! After the introduction of GST, the states have very limited exclusive tax resources. Now, the centre is biding further invasion into the states' tax resources by imposing conditions through centrally sponsored projects. This is in contrast to the federal principles enshrined in our Constitution," he said. "Significant cuts in important central projects have been announced in the budget. In the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Rs 272,802 crore was allocated in 2022-23, but this time, it came only to Rs 2,05,220 crore. In 2002-23, Rs 12,681 crore was allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Abhiyan. It has now been reduced to Rs 12,467 crore. In 2022-23, Rs 90,806 crore was allocated for the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme, but only Rs 86,000 crore has been allocated this time. These figures indicate an apathetic approach to projects affecting the common people," he added. Vijayan further added that the budget ignored the needs of the majority of the states by announcing projects that help ensure the political survival of the central government. "By announcing only those projects that help ensure the political survival of the central government, the budget ignores the needs of the majority of the states. Such an approach is strongly condemned. Therefore, it is appealing to all that a consensus, regardless of party politics, to stand up against this neglect should be evolved, within Kerala," the Kerala CM said. Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday during the Budget Session of Parliament. She makes history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964. FM Sitharaman, in her seventh consecutive Union Budget for 2024-25, outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities. The priorities include productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment, and skilling and services. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the Union Budget for the financial year 2024-25 is an inclusive budget aimed at the comprehensive upliftment of the poor, youth, farmers, and Nari Shakti. "The budget for the financial year 2024-25 presented on Tuesday is truly a people-oriented budget. This budget is for the overall development of the poor, youth, women, and farmers. I want to thank Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inclusive budget," said CM Saha. He mentioned that this budget has been made with a focus on infrastructure development and skill development. "The budget has also given special emphasis on employment. The overall budget is reflected in this year's budget," said CM Saha. He also stated that no one has ever heard of or seen such a budget before. He said that this budget is a visionary and inclusive budget for the overall development of the poor, youth, farmers, and women. "The Union Budget 2024-25 will be the guiding force for strengthening the foundation of a 5-trillion economy. This budget will act as an effective catalyst in realising the dream of a developed India and will be a significant step towards achieving the vision of inclusive growth," he added. Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday during the Budget Session of Parliament. She makes history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964. In this budget, Rs 3 lakh crore has been allocated for schemes that will benefit women and girls and also announced water supply, sewerage and solid waste management projects and services for 100 major cities. Rs. 2.66 lakh crore was also announced for rural development, encompassing rural infrastructure, establishment of more than 100 branches of Indian Post Payment Banks in the Northeast region. (ANI)
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said that the accident involving the INS Brahmaputra warship that is resting on one side in the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, in which one sailor is missing is sad and they are trying to locate him wherever he is. The warship is resting on one side in the Naval Dockyard after a fire incident on board on Sunday night. "It is a sad incident but the navy will inquire into what happened and whatever corrective measures need to be taken will certainly be taken. The ship had a fire, like all of you know and in fighting the fire, a lot of water was used. Perhaps because of that, some of the stability of the ship may have gotten upset so the ship just tilted to one side and is resting on the jetty," he said on Tuesday. Swaminathan said that the missing sailor was seen coming out of the ship trying to swim ashore but later they don't know what happened to him. "The ship can very well be made upright. Water can be pumped out, we can do a damage assessment and we can reset the ship as soon as we can. We don't know where the sailor is. He was seen coming out of the ship and he was seen in the water trying to swim ashore. We don't know what happened to him. Certainly, there is a search for him and we will try to locate him wherever he is," he said. Earlier, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi reviewed the damage caused to the INS Brahmaputra warship after it was involved in an incident, defence sources told ANI. Tripathi has asked the sailors to work towards reviving the boat, defence sources told ANI. The sources said that the warship would be first uprighted in the dockyard and then taken to a dry dock for assessment, after which efforts would be made to revive it. Taking a strong view into the accident involving INS Brahmaputra warship, the Naval headquarters has ordered a detailed probe led by a Rear Admiral to determine the exact causes and establish accountability based on the inquiry report. During the visit, Admiral Tripathi gave strict instructions to the officials concerned to be very careful in handling vital national assets during his visit to Mumbai to review the cause of the accident. The Navy chief was briefed about the incident by Western Command officials about the accident and the steps being taken by the force, they said. The Rear Admiral (equivalent to a Major General in the Army) heading the Board of Inquiry has been asked to work in a time-bound manner to find out the exact reasons for the accident, they said. A fire had broken out onboard INS Brahmaputra while she was undergoing refit. The ship experienced severe listing to one side but 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. The missing sailor has also not yet been found but the search operations for him are continuing there, Navy officials said. (ANI)
Malik, who had been evading arrest by frequently changing his location within the Delhi-NCR region, was arrested near a traffic signal in Jagatpuri, New Delhi, based on a tipoff.

The murder, which took place on June 5, 2024, involved the cold-blooded shooting of a young man, Laakhan Singh, in broad daylight in Murad Nagar, Ghaziabad. The incident was registered under FIR No. 364/24 at PS Kankarkheda, Meerut, with charges under sections 302 (murder) and 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) of the IPC.

Since the crime, a dedicated team from the AEKC, Crime Branch, Delhi, had been relentlessly tracking Malik. Utilising a combination of valuable intelligence, technical surveillance, and inputs from secret informers, the team managed to trace Malik's movements.

His presence in Jagatpuri was confirmed, leading to a carefully coordinated operation that resulted in his capture.

During interrogation, Malik, a 42-year-old resident of Raj Nagar Extension, Ghaziabad, confessed to the murder.

He revealed that the victim, Laakhan Singh, had been harassing his niece for an extended period, prompting him and his relatives to take drastic action. (ANI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha and demanded a discussion over the "negligence" of Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday during the Budget Session of Parliament. "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, namely, that Tamil Nadu has been completely neglected in Budget 2024," Tagore stated. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva stated that Tamil Nadu has been completely neglected in the Union Budget 2024. He further said, "India has 20 crore population who are below the poverty line as per NITI Aayog. 80 crore people are dependent on ration shops. They assured 2 crore jobs per year but nothing materialised. Tamil Nadu has been totally neglected." On Tuesday, Nirmala Sitharaman made history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964. FM Sitharaman, in her seventh consecutive Union Budget for 2024-25, outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities. The priorities include Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment skills, and services. She listed productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and next-generation reforms as nine priority areas for the government. In her budget speech, Sitharaman introduced an increased standard deduction and revised tax rates for salaried individuals under the new tax regime. Sitharaman announced a significant set of income-tax reforms for the fiscal year 2024-25, aimed at simplifying tax laws, promoting compliance, and fostering economic growth. Sitharaman, in her budget speech, proposed the creation of employment for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years. Towards this, the finance minister has made an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Similarly, for skilling the citizens so as to generate job opportunities, she proposed Rs 1.48 crore. 20 lakh youth will be skilled over a five-year period. A total of 1,000 industrial training institutes will be upgraded. (ANI)
Emphasizing the necessity for a budget that addresses the needs of the middle class and the underprivileged, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised the 1991 budget presented by former Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, noting that it spurred India's growth trajectory. "July 1991 marked a watershed moment in India's history, as the Liberalisation Budget, spearheaded by then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, ushered in a new era of economic reforms. This visionary move revolutionised the country, empowering the middle class and uplifting millions from poverty and marginalisation. The Congress party takes immense pride in this groundbreaking achievement, which catalysed India's growth trajectory and continues to inspire progress and prosperity," Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge wrote in a post on X. Kharge further stressed the importance of these reforms in today's context, stating, "Today, once again, there is a pressing need for meaningful, robust second-generation reforms, which help both the middle class and the deprived". Kherge's statement comes after several opposition parties claimed that the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was a "discriminatory budget".INDIA bloc's Floor Leaders (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) held a meeting at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Tuesday. The INDIA bloc MPs will hold a protest in the Parliament on Wednesday, against the Union Budget, presented on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the Union Budget 2024-25, accusing the Finance Minister of making hollow promises.Taking to social media platform 'X,' he tweeted, "Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets."Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the Modi government has failed to conduct the Census and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech did not mention funds for the decadal Population Census which was supposed to take place in 2021."It is highly disappointing that the Finance Minister's announcement on Data and Statistics makes no mention of releasing funds for the decadal Population Census that was supposed to have taken place in 2021, but has still not been conducted," Jairam Ramesh said."This is the first time since Independence that the Government has failed to conduct a Census on time. The consequences on the State's administrative capabilities are serious - one example being the 10-12 crore individuals who have been excluded from the ambit of the National Food Security Act. It also means that the Government will likely continue to avoid a Socio-Economic Caste Census, despite calls from its own NDA partners for the same," he added. "It also means that the Government will likely continue to avoid a Socio-Economic Caste Census, despite calls from its own NDA partners for the same," Jairam Ramesh said.Notably, The Congress party has been allocated approximately 4 hours to speak on the budget in the Lok Sabha. The discussion will be initiated by Kumari Selja and Shashi Tharoor, with Praniti Shinde also participating in the debate. In a meeting with Congress MPs yesterday, Rahul Gandhi said that all MPs should get an opportunity to speak. Since he has already given a speech once, he feels there is no need for him to speak again. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi wants all party MPs to express their views on every issue, and not just one or two leaders to speak on every matter. (ANI)
On Tuesday the Karnataka Assembly unanimously passed the Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Bill of 2024, which aims to impose a cess of 2 per cent on movie tickets and Over-the-Top (OTT) subscriptions. Karnataka Labor Minister Santosh S Lad in a post on X on Tuesday said that the Karnataka Cinema and Cultural Workers Welfare Bill was unanimously passed in the assembly. "The Karnataka Cinema and Cultural Workers Welfare Bill - 2024 was introduced in the Assembly on Tuesday. At this time, many members of the House expressed their appreciation by giving suggestions and instructions about the bill. The bill was unanimously passed in the assembly," Santosh S Lad posted on X. He further thanked the Chief Minister, the president of the assembly and all the members who gave their consent to provide such a unique service. "I am thankful to the honourable chief minister, deputy chief minister, honourable president of the assembly, cabinet colleagues and all the members who gave their consent to provide such a unique service to the servants of Kannada Goddess," he added. This bill would allow an increase in movie tickets and also add an extra charge for OTT platform subscriptions. Earlier on July 20, the Karnataka government proposed a new cess ranging from one to two per cent, on cinema tickets and Over-the-Top (OTT) subscription fees to support film and cultural workers. This fee will fund social security benefits such as ESI and PF for cine artists and cultural performers under the Labour Ministry's Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Bill of 2024. The Karnataka Cine and Cultural Workers (Welfare) Bill, 2024, was tabled in the Assembly on July 19. The Cess ranges from 1 per cent to 2 per cent, the exact rate of which will be decided by the government later. The bill outlines the creation of a seven-member welfare board for cine workers and cultural activists, tasked with managing funds from the cess to support social security schemes. The Karnataka Film Workers Artists and Technicians Union estimates that around 2,355 workers, including artists and technicians, are working in the industry. However, many small-time artists and technicians are not registered with any organisation in the state. The Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Bill of 2024 proposes a phased implementation to minimise the impact on the state budget, stressing the importance of preventing financial strain. (ANI)
Congress leader Hanumanth Rao on Wednesday slammed the Union Budget 2024-25 and said that the INDIA bloc will hold a protest against the 'discriminatory' budget, adding that the budget of the Union government is to save their 'kursi' (chair). The INDIA bloc MPs will hold a protest in Parliament on Wednesday against the Union Budget, presented on July 23 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The opposition parties have alleged Union Budget 2024 to be a "discriminatory budget". "It was said that the Budget for 2024-2025 was 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas', but it was not 'Sabka Vikas'. INDIA bloc will hold a protest against the Union Budget. This Budget is for saving their Kursi (chair), as because of the support of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, they have formed a government. This is the budget of 'Kursi'," Rao told ANI. He further alleged that the government has done an "injustice" by not allocating any special package to Telangana. "Telangana CM Revanth Reddy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many leaders, but still they have not taken the name of Telangana in the Budget. The INDIA bloc to protest against the 'discriminatory' Budget at Parliament today. I request that Rahul Gandhi, as an opposition leader raise the issue. Where is 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'? You (BJP) are doing injustice and they are doing their 'Vikas and Kursi ka Vikas'," he added. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her record seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024-25 today (on July 23) during the Budget Session of Parliament and made major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, including a boost in infrastructure and special financial support. Sitharaman made history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964. FM Sitharaman, in her seventh consecutive Union Budget for 2024-25, outlined key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities. The priorities include Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling and services. She listed productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and next-generation reforms as nine priority areas for the government. In her budget speech, Sitharaman introduced an increased standard deduction and revised tax rates for salaried individuals under the new tax regime. Sitharaman announced a significant set of income-tax reforms for the fiscal year 2024-25, aimed at simplifying tax laws, promoting compliance, and fostering economic growth. Sitharaman, in her budget speech, proposed the creation of employment for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years. Towards this, the finance minister has made an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. (ANI)
The opposition INDIA bloc MPs held a protest in the Parliament complex on Wednesday, against the Union Budget, presented on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad" slogans were raised by the INDIA bloc leaders as they protested holding placards in the Parliament building claiming that the Budget is "discriminatory" in nature. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary KC Venugopal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC MP Dola Sen were seen participating in the protest. "This is a deceitful Budget and it is injustice...," Congress chief Kharge said speaking to reporters during the protest. On whether he will be participating the General Discussion of the Budget, Kharge said, "We will protest and then we will see." Earlier on Tuesday, the INDIA bloc's Floor Leaders (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) held a meeting at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "The concept of the budget has already been destroyed by this year's Union Budget. They have completely discriminated against most of the states. So the INDIA alliance meeting was held on how to oppose it." After the meeting, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said they will hold the protest as the government has presented the "BJP's budget". "We discussed the budget. Wherever there is a non-BJP government, the budget has been blacked out. In the name of development, there is nothing. we will hold a protest tomorrow in the Parliament regarding this. We will raise our voice inside the Parliament also. This is not the budget of the BJP, it is the budget of the whole country, but they have presented it as if it is BJP's budget," he said. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the Union Budget 2024-25, accusing the Finance Minister of making hollow promises. Taking to social media platform 'X,' he tweeted, "Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets." Mallikarjun Kharge also took to 'X,' tweeting, "Modi Government's 'copycat budget' could not even copy Congress' justice agenda properly! The Modi Government's budget is distributing half-hearted 'rewadis' to dupe its coalition partners so that the NDA survives. This is not a budget for the 'progress of the country,' it is a 'save Modi government' budget!" Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said that the Narendra Modi government has failed to conduct Census and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech on Tuesday did not mention funds for decadal Population Census which was supposed to take place in 2021. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also slammed the Union Budget 2024-25 calling it politically motivated, directionless, anti-people, and lacking vision. (ANI)
After the presentation of the Union Budget on Tuesday the joint opposition led a protest outside parliament alleging that the budget was discriminatory and lacked vision. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has failed to solve basic issues and its "compulsion" is visible in the budget. "The entire country is upset with the budget. People from all the states are upset because the BJP has failed to solve their basic issues. The compulsion of the government is visible in this budget. INDIA bloc is protesting against the injustice done in the budget...," Gogoi said speaking to ANI on Wednesday as INDIA bloc leaders protested at the Parliament against the "discriminatory" nature of the Budget. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said that it was expected that the Finance Minister would give relief to those who took student loans. "... We were expecting the FM to give relief to those who have taken student loans. While she has said she is going to give new student loans, what about those who already took loans and are unable to pay back?" Chidambaram said speaking to ANI. "The allocation of MNREGA funds has gone down...," he added. On the removal of indexation on the sale of property proposed by the Finance Minister in the Budget, Chidambaram said, "Removal of indexation will create a lot of disappointment for the people who are holding property, particularly those who inherit property from their previous generation. This is practically an inheritance tax..." Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said that the ruling party has left all states in the Budget and gave importance to only two states ruled by their alliance partners. "They have left out all the states in the budget and focussed on only two states to save their alliance," Shukla said. "Schemes and reforms which give long-term benefit to the economy were missing from the budget," he added. Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that Punjab has not been given adequate importance in the Budget as the BJP has failed to win any seat in the state in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. "We are protesting for justice to Punjab today. Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have been allocated everything...Flood assistance was also not given to Punjab. Punjab did not give even one seat to BJP and this is the reason the state has been ignored," Warring said speaking to ANI. Senior Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor said that though it was expected that Kerala would receive some allocations under the Union Budget in its health sector, it was not done and similarly other states have their issues. "There is very little for most states. There were a few expectations for Kerala, especially in the health sector, but all of them have not been fulfilled. Each state has its issue to point to...," Tharoor said while participating in the INDIA bloc protest outside the Parliament. Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said, "This budget is just to satisfy their allies... They have given nothing to anyone." The opposition INDIA bloc MPs held a protest in the Parliament complex on Wednesday, against the Union Budget, presented on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "Opposition virodhi kursi bachao Budget murda baad" slogans were raised by the INDIA bloc leaders as they protested holding placards in the Parliament building claiming that the Budget is "discriminatory" in nature. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary KC Venugopal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC MP Dola Sen were seen participating in the protest. (ANI)
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The screenshot taken from the streaming of CNN shows U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle (R) being grilled at a congressional hearing by lawmakers on July 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday after widespread outrage over the agency's failure to prevent the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

Cheatle's resignation came one day after she was grilled at a congressional hearing by lawmakers, who said she failed to answer basic questions and demanded that she step down immediately.

At the hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Cheatle acknowledged that it was "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades."

The committee issued a statement following the hearing. "Republican and Democrat members pressed U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for answers on the egregious security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of (former) President Trump, the murder of an innocent victim, and harm to others in the crowd at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania," it said.

"Director Cheatle could not or refused to answer basic questions from Committee members, leading Republican and Democrat members to call for Director Cheatle's immediate resignation," the committee said.

At the hearing, Cheatle frequently stated that it's only 9 days after the shooting, and she was still waiting for reports of the ongoing investigations, emphasizing her effort to ensure the information she provided was accurate.

When asked why the Secret Service failed to secure a rooftop in proximity to the rally site and with a clear view of Trump's podium, Cheatle suggested that the Secret Service had intentionally left the rooftop unattended, as the agency preferred "sterile" rooftops, meaning empty ones.

She explained that the warehouse rooftop was meant to have "overwatch," with law enforcement officers monitoring it from a higher vantage point. "There was a plan in place to provide overwatch and we are still looking into responsibilities and who was going to provide overwatch."

When asked whether the Trump detail requested additional resources before the event, Cheatle said that "for the event on July 13th, the assets that were requested for that day, were given."

A recorded footage clearly showed the gunman, who was getting into position to assassinate Trump, caught the attention of some people around. When asked why the rally wasn't paused at that point when people alarmed officers, Cheatle said "we are currently still combing through communications and when communications were passed."

The U.S. Secret Service has been facing scrutiny after a 20-year-old man, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, was able to get close enough to shoot and injure the former president.

The attack marked the first shooting of a U.S. former president or major party presidential candidate since the 1981 attempted assassination of Republican President Ronald Reagan.

Soon after the incident, U.S. President Joe Biden said he has directed an independent review of the national security at the Trump rally to assess exactly what happened.

Earlier on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries officially announced the formation of a bipartisan House task force to investigate the attempted assassination.

"The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions. We all know what happened that day can never happen again, " Biden said in a statement following Cheatle's resignation.

"As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon," said the president.
After the walkout by Opposition MPs from the Upper House in protest against the Union Budget, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar said that democracy will be "seriously threatened" if such disruption of parliamentary proceedings is weaponized as "political strategy." "Hon'ble Members, I strongly plead with you. Democracy will be seriously threatened if disruption and disturbance are weaponized as a political strategy as has been done now," Dhankar said while addressing members of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Rajya Sabha Chairman said that though he allowed Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak in the House, he has found that it was used as a "ploy" and "startegy" by Opposition MPs. "Hon'ble Members, discussion on the Budget was listed today and I gave the floor to the Leader of the Opposition in expectation that rules will be followed. I find it has been used as a ploy and a strategy," Dhankar said. Following the walkout, the chairman said that he would take a serious exception to the "unwholesome practice" adopted by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. "Parliament is a citadel of Constitutional and democratic values and liberties. I am aghast as a matter of fact when during the day and days following, we will have ample opportunity to reflect on the budget presented by the Hon'ble Finance Minister, there was absolutely no occasion or justification, even remotely, to avail the facility accorded by me for this purpose," Kharge said. "I cannot persuade myself but to take serious exception to this unwholesome practice adopted by a senior Member, Leader of the Opposition. I will call upon leaders of the parties to soul-search...," he added. Speaking on the Suspension of Business Notices in Rajya Sabha given under Rule 267 by MPs, Dhankhar said, "I reiterate, leaders of political parties need to take a call on the issue, as it is becoming a routine daily affair in every sitting of the House. I had already indicated that in the last 36 years, this mechanism has been allowed only on six occasions." The Rajya Sabha Chairman said that Suspension of Business under Rule 267 has been allowed in "exceptional circumstances," and hence he has decided not to admit the notices. "It is only in exceptional circumstances that the same may be allowed. I need not emphasise that seeking suspension of proceedings in the House for taking business as indicated is indeed a very serious matter. The notices filed today do not conform to the directives imparted by the Chair in this behalf and the same are not admitted," Dhankar said. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Atishi visited the Kanwar Yatra camps in Delhi to inspect the preparedness on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI about preparedness, Atishi said that the biggest camps have been organised at Kashmiri gate in Delhi and the camps can accommodate at least 2000 Kavarias. She further said that since there is a high possibility of rain, waterproof tents have been arranged along with beds and tables. "The biggest Kanwar camp has been organised at the Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. The 185 camps can easily accommodate at least 10 thousand people. There is a good possibility because of rain in Sawan, hence, we have arranged waterproof tents in the camp. Arrangements for beds, tables, and food have also been made. Besides, a doctor has also been deployed here. The medical team will be at your rescue in case any injuries occur due to the rain." "The medical teams will be present in the camp 24 hours and will be working in three different shifts. An ambulance has also been deployed outside the Kavad camp. In case of any serious health injuries, the individual will be taken to the nearest LNGP hospital," she added. Atishi also said that the preparations to welcome the Kavarias are in full swing. "The preparations are in full swing and we are ready to welcome the Kanwar," she said. Further, she spoke on the decision on the nameplates and said that India is a diverse country and there are people from all religions and castes. Further, she said that the BJP government only wants to create disputes between religions and castes and that the BJP is an anti-Dalit party; hence, they want to make sure nameplates are there outside every shop. "In India, people of every religion and caste have been living in harmony. It does not matter if they speak a different language or belong to different castes or religions. When it comes to devotion or festivals, people of all religions, castes, and languages stand together in devotion. The BJP government just wants to create a dispute between religions and castes. They are anti-Dalit; hence, they want to have nameplates," she said. "The people of the country will never forgive the BJP," she added. (ANI)
According to an official release, "The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended the Regional Inspector (Technical) and has recommended disciplinary action against the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) for the delay in issuing a fitness certificate to a school bus in Chitrakoot district."

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Yogi has warned all the officers against any kind of laxity in government work.

He has also issued clear instructions to enforce strict measures under a zero-tolerance policy, particularly targeting officers and personnel involved in corruption and negligence.

On Tuesday, July 23, two buses transporting young children from Shriji Inter College in Khoh, Chitrakoot district, were seized by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) team due to expired fitness certificates.

The buses, along with the children, were taken to the Fire Service Complex Police Line, located 10 km away.

The vehicles were seized at 11.15 AM and remained at the police line until 1:05 PM, causing the buses to be parked for approximately two hours.

According to reports, Regional Inspector (Technical) Gulab Chandra of Chitrakoot district was directed to inspect the fitness of school buses at their respective schools.

However, he did not follow these instructions, resulting in the fitness certificates for both vehicles not being issued. As a consequence, the buses had to be seized, causing inconvenience and distress to the children.

After the issue was brought to light on Wednesday, the Yogi government adopted a firm stance and took strict action against the responsible officers.

Regional Inspector (Technical) Gulab Chandra has been suspended with immediate effect, as he was found prima facie responsible for the lapse.

Additionally, a recommendation has been made to take disciplinary action against Assistant Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) Vivek Kumar Shukla in the case.

All personnel in the Transportation Department have been issued strict instructions to avoid such negligence in the future. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh police registered a case against 22 named persons and some unknown persons for allegedly pelting stones on police and district administration team in Guna district, an official said on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Vishnupura locality under the jurisdiction of Fatehgarh police station in Guna district on Tuesday. The accused were booked under the relevant sections of riots, obstruction in government work and vandalising vehicles, the police said. Inspector General of Police (IG, Gwalior Zone) Arvind Saxena told ANI, "A dispute between two groups occurred in Guna district on July 22 following which one party lodged a complaint against the other party. On the basis of the complaint, a case was registered against the second party, they were arrested and sent to jail." On Tuesday (July 23), some people gathered in support of the first party and demanded that there were encroachments made by the second accused party who were in jail and it should be removed, IG Saxena said. "Since the demand was rational, therefore in view of it, when the measurement was done, two shops were found which were built in the encroached area. After that, the team of revenue and district administration with the help of the police personnel, freed the encroachment area. Later, some people from the village and some anti-social elements gathered and said that the house of the accused party which was legal should also be dismantled," the officer said. The concerned officers of the district administration, who had the complete documents, had clearly denied citing that it was a legal house, Saxena said. "After that, the anti-social elements present on the spot started pelting stones at the police and the district administration team. A vehicle of the Nagar Palika (Municipality) was also damaged. Apart from this, some police personnel have also been injured in the incident. The police have identified 22 persons in the incident and registered a case against all of them and some unknown persons under relevant sections of riot, obstruction in government work and vandalising vehicles," the officer said. "No one will be spared in the matter. Strict action will be taken against all the anti-social elements who tried to take advantage of the situation without any reason. Efforts are on to nab the accused," he added. (ANI)
The stage has been set ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ladakh's Drass to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26. The Prime Minister will address the nation and Army soldiers on a historic day at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. Prime Minister Modi will address the nation, inaugurate several projects and pay tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during the Kargil War. The solemn atmosphere is filled with a sense of pride and honour as the Prime Minister prepares to speak in front of the war memorial, a place that stands as a reminder of the courage and bravery of our armed forces. The stage at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass becomes a symbol of remembrance and respect for the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. The stage is not just a physical structure but a platform for the Prime Minister to convey a message of gratitude, respect, and remembrance. The stage is set for the nation to come together and pay tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War, ensuring that their legacy will never be forgotten. Speaking to ANI, Siddharth Dave, husband of a retired army officer, said, "Me and my wife, Captain Meera Siddharth Dave, have travelled all the way, covering 2,500 kilometres from Gujarat and reached Drass seeking inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who celebrates his birthday, and all festivals with the Jawans." "We are from the Sena family; my wife is an army officer, and my father was from the Indian Air Force. It is a very important day for us; it has been 25 years since the Kargil War. We have travelled all the way in our car covering 2,500 kms and come to pay tributes to the bravehearts and mark the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas," he said. "We have called this Kargil Vijay Gyan Yatra. A stage has been set for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for him to celebrate the historic day with us," added Siddharth Dave. Retired Captain Meera Siddharth Dave also spoke to ANI and said that the couple travelled all the way from Gujarat's Surat in their car to pay tribute to the brave soldiers on the historic day of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "Taking inspiration from PM Modi, we call our travel to Drass the 'Kargil Vijay Gyan Yatra to pay tribute to the brave hearts on this important milestone," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ladakh's Drass on July 26 to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Earlier last week, Lt Governor of Ladakh Brig (Retd) B D Mishra held a meeting at the secretariat 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," the 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. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court refused to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam, Congress leader Manickam Tagore reacted on Wednesday to a social media post by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on X, calling him "shameless." Tagore further criticised the Education Minister for blaming them instead of resigning out of moral responsibility. "Shameless minister @dpradhanbjp celebrates while SC highlights ongoing CBI investigation, sparing 2 million students from pain and uncertainty. SC acknowledged the paper leak in two places. Instead of resigning out of moral responsibility, he blames us. Laughable guy," said Manickam Tagore. Tagore's tweet was a response to an earlier tweet by the Union Education Minister, who on Tuesday posted on 'X ' stating that Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi must apologise for playing with the sentiments of lakhs of students and their parents over the latest NEET-UG controversy. Pradhan wrote on X, "Satyamev Jayate! Today's verdict on NEET-UG will put speculations to rest and provide relief to lakhs of hardworking and honest students. I am grateful to Hon'ble Supreme Court for the landmark verdict that upholds the interest of students. The judgement will open the eyes of those who rubbished the Indian examination system and grabbed this opportunity for vested interests, scoring political brownies and stoking 'civil unrest and anarchy.' Shri Rahul Gandhi should apologise for playing with the sentiments of lakhs of students and their parents, as well as for trying to gain political mileage out of it." Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also criticised Rahul Gandhi for calling the examination system "fraud" and questioned if Gandhi would apologise following the Supreme Court verdict. The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to cancel the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Under Graduate (NEET-UG) 2024 examination held on May 5, stating that there was no systemic breach in the exam. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre and state government to come out with a rehabilitation scheme for people asked to vacate railway land in Uttarakhand's Haldwani area. A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan directed railway authorities and governments to identify the land required for the expansion of railway tracks and the families likely to be affected. It further asked authorities to complete the exercise within four weeks and scheduled the next hearing for September 11. "As the first initiative, let the land which is required immediately be identified with full description. Similarly, the families who are likely to be affected in the event of taking possession of that land should also be immediately identified," said the bench. The top court was hearing an application from the railways to vacate a stay on the eviction of encroachments from railway land to safeguard the railway tracks and the Haldwani railway station. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati requested the bench vacate the stay, saying that several expansion plans of the railways have been thwarted due to the unavailability of the land. The ASG said that Haldwani is the gateway to the hills and the last station before the Kumaon region. The bench noted that approximately 30.04 hectares of land owned by the railways are claimed to have been encroached upon, with 4,365 houses and over 50,000 people living on the site. The railways said that there was an urgent need for a part of the land where the defunct railway line is required to be shifted, besides other necessary infrastructure. As the ASG was requesting to vacate the stay, Bench also observed, "Assuming they are encroachers, the ultimate question is whether they are all human beings. They have lived there for decades. These are all pucca houses. Courts can't be ruthless, but at the same time, courts cannot encourage people to encroach. As the state, when everything has been happening before your eyes, you also have to do something. The fact remains that people have been living there for 3-5 decades, perhaps even before independence. What have you been doing all these years?" In 2023, the residents had approached the apex court against the Uttarakhand High Court's order to remove unauthorised occupants near the Haldwani railway station. On December 20, the Uttarakhand High Court ordered the removal of encroachments from railway land in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani after giving notice to the occupants one week in advance. A total of 4,365 encroachments were to be removed from the area. Those facing eviction have been living on the land for many decades. Residents protested against the removal of encroachments from railway land in compliance with the High Court order. The petition highlighted that the petitioners are poor people who have been lawful residents of Mohalla Nai Basti, Haldwani district, for more than 70 years. The petition stated that the names of local residents are entered in the municipal records of the house tax register and that they have been paying house tax regularly for years. There are five government schools, one hospital, and two overhead water tanks in the area, it said. The plea further stated that "the long-established physical possession of the petitioners and their ancestors, some even prior to the date of Indian independence, has been recognised by the state and its agencies, and they have been given gas and water connections and even Aadhaar card numbers accepting their residential addresses." (ANI)
The 'All Women Motorbike Rally,' planned from Leh to Kargil, traversed the challenging terrain of Ladakh, including Khardung La and Umling La, the world's two highest motorable passes.

This rally was a fitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldier and a salute to Nari Shakti, breaking stereotypes of male dominance in adventure activities and showcasing the unparalleled determination, fearlessness, valour, commitment, and devotion of women in the Indian Armed Forces.

The rally team comprised 25 experienced women riders from across India, mainly military spouses, serving women officers, and other ranks. The rally spanned 16 days, commencing at the Leh War Memorial and culminating at the Kargil War Memorial.

En route, the riders paid homage to martyrs at five major memorials in Ladakh: Hall of Fame (Leh), Siachen War Memorial, Rezang La War Memorial (Chushul), Trishul War Memorial (Karu), and Kargil War Memorial. Additionally, the women riders had the opportunity to cross Khardung La (18,380 feet) and Umling La (19,300 feet), the world's highest motorable passes. Various civil agencies collaborated with the Indian Army in organising the bike rally, showcasing their reverence for the brave hearts of the Kargil War.

The 1999 Kargil War was one of the most valiant wars fought by the Indian Armed Forces in the extremely inhospitable, high-altitude terrain of Jammu & Kashmir. The bravery of our Armed Forces against extreme odds and their sacrifices continue to inspire the nation today.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay against Pakistan.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, with a host of events planned leading up to the main event of Rajat Mahotsav of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2024. (ANI)
GVL Narasimha Rao, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and former member of the Rajya Sabha, criticised Congress and the INDIA bloc for opposing the special focus on states in the Union Budget based on their needs, calling it a sign of political frustration and a negative attitude. During a press conference held by the BJP at party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday, Rao said, "All sections of the country welcomed PM Narendra Modi's budget yesterday. The whole country is viewing this budget, presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, as supportive of the poor, farmers, and middle class. A special focus has been placed on education and employment, and the entire country sees this budget as the fulfilment of PM Modi's guarantee of 'Viksit Bharat'." Rao further stated that balanced development has been the main focus of PM Modi's government over the past 10 years. "Balanced development has been mentioned in every budget over the last 10 years. Special focus is given to backward states, particularly the Eastern region, to ensure they achieve balanced development. This budget continues that effort by PM Modi," he said. Rao asserted that the budget, with more than Rs 48 lakh crore in expenditure, addresses every section of society and every state in the country. He said, "Special allocations have been made to certain states, considering their developmental needs, their long neglect, and their inability to catch up with other parts of the country." He added, "In this context, the Congress and INDIA alliance's opposition to the budget reveals their political frustration and shows their negative attitude towards backward states that need special focus." During the press conference, Rao also showed the Congress manifesto and intensified his attacks on the party for betraying the people of Andhra Pradesh. He said, "This section on federalism and Centre-State relations talks about the Congress party's commitment to Andhra Pradesh. It promises special category status to Andhra Pradesh, as pledged in 2014. No other states are mentioned in the manifesto except Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh certainly needs special assistance due to the ravages of division and bifurcation and the Congress party's neglect despite being in power from 2004 to 2014. I think the Congress party betrayed the people of Andhra Pradesh." Rao further said that PM Modi and the Finance Minister have provided special assistance through multilateral agencies to Andhra Pradesh to help a state left without a capital because of the Congress party's hurried actions in 2014 to gain political benefit from state bifurcation. "They never gained that benefit and never will, as it was purely a political game they employed," he added. Speaking more about the budget, Rao said that other states are also going to benefit. "It's not only about Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. This budget mentions how states will benefit from the Purvodaya plan, including all states in the eastern corridor: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The Purvodaya plan will help the government invest in infrastructure, education, and create better employment opportunities." Notably, the Purvodaya plan advocates for the all-around development of the eastern region of the country, covering Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her speech, had said, "This will cover human resource development, infrastructure, and the generation of economic opportunities to make the region an engine to attain Viksit Bharat." Stepping up his attacks on Congress and the INDIA bloc, Rao said, "A little help was given to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar in this budget, so why are Congress and the INDIA alliance pained by this? Why does Congress want to prove to be anti-Bihar, anti-Andhra Pradesh, and anti-development? Is the Congress party unable to accept that regions that have not been developed need assistance? Why does it pain the Congress party and INDIA alliance? Is it because your entire politics depend on hardcore politics and not on any vision for development?" Demanding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, Rao added, "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party must apologise. They must apologise to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar for making a mockery of the special budget announcement for these states." (ANI)
According to an official statement, the chief minister lauded Shingari's work and extended his best wishes for the success of the new publication. He expressed confidence that the book would serve as an inspiration for the younger generation, it added.

This autobiography marks Shingari's fifth book, following his previous four publications.

Meanwhile, Captain Prithvi Chand, President Nadaun Congress Block, and Prem Chand, President Galore Congress Block, called on the chief minister at Shimla today.

https://x.com/SukhuSukhvinder/status/1816095209945493687

In a post on X, CM Sukhu said, "During this, there was a detailed discussion on the public welfare schemes run by the government. Our government is continuously taking important decisions, keeping in mind the interests of the people of the state."

CM Sukhu, performed the 'Purnahuti' in the havan of the annual Bhandara, which was organised by the Himachal Pradesh secretariat employees and the Religious Sabha.

Prayers were made for the peace and prosperity of the state.

The CM commended the efforts of the Religious Sabha and said that such religious functions would go a long way in promoting collective harmony and well-being within the Secretariat community.

"All the officers and employees of the Secretariat are members of my family, and being the head of the family, I have come to participate in this function," said CM Sukhu.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, MLA Neeraj Nayyar, Congress leader Surinder Mankotia, OSD to Chief Minister Ritesh Kapret, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, President of Secretariat Employees Association Sanjeev Sharma, office bearers of Sabha and other dignitaries were also present amongst others at the havan. (ANI)
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Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum on Tuesday.

Xi said this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties. With the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has been moving forward full of vigor, and bilateral energy cooperation has become increasingly mature, stable and resilient, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he said.

At the new historical starting point, China stands ready to work with Russia to continuously push forward the mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, safeguard the steadiness and resilience of the energy industrial chain and supply chain, so as to contribute to a more robust, green and healthy development of global energy industry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to the forum on Tuesday.
The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, received a distress call on July 23 from bulk carrier ZHONG SHAN MEN 200 Nm (approximately 370 km) from Mumbai, reporting heavy blood loss due to a critical injury to a 51-year-old Chinese mariner and requesting immediate evacuation.

Responding to the medical emergency, a Seeking helicopter was launched from Indian Naval Air Station INS Shikra at 0550 hrs. Despite the challenging conditions, with winds over 45 knots & the ship experiencing heavy roll, compounded by the non-availability of a clear area on the continuous deck, the patient was successfully airlifted from the bridge wing of the vessel.

The patient was transported back to the air station by an Indian Navy helicopter and was subsequently shifted to a hospital for further medical management.

ICGS Samrat in the area was also diverted to render assistance. This joint operation coordinated by the MRCC (MBI) with the Indian Navy led to the safe and timely evacuation of the patient. (ANI)
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi mentioned on Wednesday that the legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the right of farmers and that the INDIA alliance will ensure that farmers receive their rights. Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "The legal guarantee of MSP is the right of farmers. INDIA will ensure that they get this right." Speaking to reporters, a farmer delegation said, "Rahul Gandhi understood us. The law that we want to get made has been discussed at length. The Congress party and the other leaders of the INDIA bloc have assured us that they will try to represent our demands in Parliament." "Rahul Gandhi has also promised that there will be an investigation into how the Haryana government physically assaulted our farmers," the delegation added. Rahul Gandhi expressed that the demands of the farmers will be discussed with other leaders of the INDIA bloc and they will try their best to pressurize the government over the same. "We have done a full assessment of MSP with legal guarantee. This can be formulated. In the meeting, we decided that we will discuss the strategy with other leaders of the INDIA bloc and we will try to create pressure on the government," said Rahul Gandhi. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi met with a 12-member delegation of farmer leaders from different states, who apprised him of various issues they have been facing. After the meeting held at his office in the Parliament House Complex, Gandhi emphasized the Congress party's commitment to providing a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in their manifesto. He stated that an assessment has shown that the legal guarantee of MSP can be implemented. Gandhi further said that the Congress will rally support from other leaders within the INDIA alliance to press the government for this crucial measure to benefit farmers across the country. "In our manifesto, we have mentioned MSP with a legal guarantee. We have done the assessment and it can be implemented," Rahul Gandhi said while speaking to reporters after his meeting. "We had a meeting right now where we decided that we will talk to the other leaders of the INDIA alliance to put pressure on the government to ensure that a legal guarantee for MSP is given to the farmers of the country," Rahul Gandhi said. KC Venugopal, Raja Brar, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Dharamvir Gandhi, Dr. Amar Singh, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jai Prakash were also present at the meeting. Earlier, the Congress MP alleged that farmer leaders who were invited by him to meet were not allowed inside the Parliament Complex. Later, the farmer leaders were allowed to come to Parliament only after LoP Rahul Gandhi decided to go outside to meet them. Rahul Gandhi alleged that because they are farmers, they were being prevented from entering the Parliament premises. "We had invited them (farmer leaders) here to meet us. But they are not allowing them here (in Parliament). Because they are farmers, maybe this is the reason they are not allowing them in," he said. (ANI)
The Anti-Narcotics Squad of the South-East District arrested a drug peddler following a raid conducted at Hari Nagar Ashram, Sunlight Colony, last week, Delhi Police said on Wednesday. With his arrest, cocaine worth Rs. 13 crores, seven mobile phones, one scooter, Rs. 11,900 in cash, packing materials, and a digital weighing machine were recovered from his possession. The arrested individual has been identified as Gnahore Serge Pacome, a 35-year-old resident of the Ivory Coast. Delhi Police stated, "On June 15, a raid was conducted at Hari Nagar Ashram, in the Sunlight Colony police station area, resulting in the apprehension of two drug peddlers from Nigeria, Anene Chukwa and Livinus Uche. On that day, 386 grams of cocaine were collectively recovered from their possession. Subsequently, a case was registered under FIR No. 205/24 under Section 21 of the NDPS Act at PS Sunlight Colony. During the investigation, both accused persons did not disclose the source of the drugs." Delhi Police added that through thorough technical analysis and consistent team effort, the suspected 'kingpin' of the entire operation was identified. Following this lead, a dedicated team comprising Sub Inspector Nagendra, SI Satyanarayan, ASI Sudhir, Head Constable Karamveer, HC Mohit, HC Dharmender, HC Baldev, HC Hidayat, and Constable Balwant, led by Inspector Vishnu Dutt, was formed to apprehend the accused. "The team mounted technical surveillance and developed its sources. Ultimately, the team's efforts bore fruit. The hideout of the drug kingpin was successfully identified, and a raid was conducted at Hari Nagar Ashram, Sunlight Colony, where the team apprehended an African national. Initially, he tried to flee, but the team took him into custody. He was identified as Gnahore Serge Pacome, a resident of the Ivory Coast," Delhi Police said. Delhi Police further stated that upon searching his flat, 1.321 kg of pure cocaine worth Rs. 13 crores in the international market were recovered. Additionally, seven mobile phones used by the accused to contact his counterparts were seized. Accordingly, a case has been registered under section 21 of the NDPS Act and section 14 of the Foreigners Act at Sunlight Colony police station. Further investigation of the case is ongoing. (ANI)
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday called on Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the ongoing Monsoon Session in Parliament and highlighted the deteriorating condition of National Highway 37 in Assam. Taking to X, Gogoi said, "I highlighted the deteriorating condition of NH 37 in Assam to him. I also informed him that the tender process for the Jorhat to Jhanji portion onward to Dibrugarh has been initiated and cancelled three times till date. I am sceptical whether the ongoing fourth round of the process will yield a positive outcome." In a letter dated July 24, Gogoi wrote the current condition of NH 37, a lifeline for the people of Assam, has reached a critical point, causing significant inconvenience to residents and commuters alike. "The rise in traffic volume, attributed to commercial activities, tourism, and regular transportation, has far outpaced the capacity of the road infrastructure, resulting in extensive wear and tear" he said. The Congress MP wrote, "I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the pressing matter regarding the deteriorating condition of National Highway 37 (NH-37) in Assam. Despite having raised this issue previously through a letter in July 2023, highlighting it during the last winter session of the 17th Lok Sabha under "Matter Under Rule 377," and another letter on 12th January 2024, there have been no significant improvements." The letter stated below are the factual positions of different sections of NH 37 that require necessary attention. Nagaon to Jakhalabandha Section: Most parts of this road have undergone repairs multiple times due to defective construction. Cracks and uneven surfaces were visible within a year of construction. Despite bringing this to the notice of the Chief Minister and a subsequent meeting called by the Speaker with NHAI officials and respected MLAs, no significant results have been achieved. The letter said that similar issues are present between the Numaligarh to Jorhat sections, where the riding quality is not up to standard due to a lack of proper supervision during construction. It further said that the stretch between Jorhat to Jhanji Portion Onward to Dibrugarh remains incomplete, causing numerous fatal injuries and loss of life due to road accidents. The letter stated that additionally, it is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Teok (Jorhat) a few months back and may have also witnessed the poor road conditions in Teok. Despite that high-profile visit, the condition of NH 37 remains unchanged, underscoring the urgent need for immediate remedial action. "I must say that the above portions were awarded to various contractors who lacked financial soundness and capability, resulting in prolonged delays spanning over a decade. Considering that Assam and the NE region experience heavy rainfall, it is suggested that concrete roads be constructed instead of bituminous roads to ensure durability and longevity. Therefore, I humbly request your prompt intervention to address these critical issues. Please oversee the urgent repair of the highway and ensure the timely completion of the four-lane highway for the greater public interest," Gogoi stated in the letter. (ANI)
Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, on Wednesday, slammed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. Ashoka said that by boycotting the meeting to pursue the Congress party's "petty politics," Siddaramaiah has insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas. "It is a disgrace that CM @siddaramaiah has chosen to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27. Governance and development should remain above expedient party politics. By boycotting the meeting of the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, CM Siddaramaiah has insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas and the mandate given to @INCKarnataka," Ashoka said in a post on X. "CM @siddaramaiah, people of Karnataka expected you to show a little spine and statesmanship and put the interest of the state above your @INCIndia high command's petty politics. It is unfortunate that a senior leader like CM Siddaramaiah is forced to dance to the tunes of Balak Buddhi @RahulGandhi to continue in his chair, instead of allowing him to discharge his duties as the Chief Minister," he added. Terming the Union Budget 2024 discriminatory, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal announced on Tuesday that his party's Chief Ministers would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, a key ally of the Congress, has also said that he would not attend the NITI Aayog meeting, calling the budget 'discriminatory.' Taking to X, KC Venugopal said, "The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow. In protest, INC CMs will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27." After Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first Budget in Narendra Modi 3.0, the Opposition parties slammed the Centre, terming the budget as a "Kursi Bachao Budget," while the ruling party and its allies said that it was the roadmap for a "Viksit Bharat." The Opposition leaders' criticism came after Nirmala Sitharaman announced special schemes in her budget speech for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The governments in these two states are led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United), two key allies of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), whose support is critical for the NDA government at the Centre to stay in power. A special financial support of Rs 15,000 crore was announced for Andhra Pradesh for developing its capital, Amaravati. For Bihar, development projects worth Rs 58,900 crore were announced in the Union Budget. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday, accusing the Finance Minister of making hollow promises. Taking to social media platform 'X,' he tweeted, "Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets." (ANI)
Delhi police filed a charge sheet against two doctors, including the owner, in the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital fire case. The charge sheet has been filed in Karkardooma Court. This incident took place on the night of May 25 in Vivek Vihar. Eight newborn babies died in the incident. The charge sheet has been filed against the hospital owners, Dr. Naveen Khichi and Dr. Akash. The Delhi police have invoked sections 304, 308, 34 of the IPC, and 75 of the JJ Act. Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Vidhi Gupta Anand of Karkardooma Court has listed the matter for further hearing on August 2. A copy of the charge sheet has been given to the counsel of the accused, Dr. Naveen Khichi and Dr. Akash. The accused were produced after the expiration of their judicial custody. Advocate Naveen Kumar Singh and Advocate Satyam Singh represent the accused. According to the police, Khichi was arrested on May 26 and Akash on May 27, 2024. After an investigation, the Delhi police filed a charge sheet containing 1,000 pages. They have annexed a list of 80 prosecution witnesses and evidence collected during the investigation. An FIR was registered at Vivek Vihar police station on May 26, 2024, regarding this incident. The accused were sent to judicial custody after police custody. Dr. Akash had moved a bail plea, which was dismissed by the court on June 3. Earlier, the police were granted three days of police custody to seize the DVR of CCTV footage and check Akash's medical degree. According to the Delhi police, on May 25, 2024, at 11:29 pm, information regarding a fire in a hospital and persons in danger was received. Police and fire brigade staff reached the spot at Baby Care New Born Hospital, Vivek Vihar, where they saw fire in a two-story building. With the help of fire brigade staff, 12 infants were rescued from the nursing station. After extinguishing the fire, the hospital was inspected, and burst oxygen cylinders were found, the police said. Rescued infants were shifted to another hospital, East Delhi Advance NICU, Vivek Vihar, Delhi. Later, the deceased infants were sent to the GTB Hospital mortuary for autopsy, they added. On inspection of the hospital and examination of nursing staff, it was found that there were no fire extinguishers, improper entry and exit points, absence of an emergency exit, and the deployment of a BAMS doctor, etc. Penal sections 304/308 IPC were invoked. It was found that the licence issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital by DGHS, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, had already expired on March 31, 2024. Even as per the expired licence (issued to the said hospital), it was allowed only five beds. However, at the time of the incident, 12 newborn children were admitted to the hospital, the police said. The doctors are not qualified or competent to treat newborn children in need of neonatal intensive care, as they only hold BAMS degrees, they added. There were no fire extinguishers installed in the hospital for emergency situations in case of a fire, they further said. There was no emergency exit in the hospital in case of any untoward incident, they added. During the investigation, it was discovered that Baby Care New Born Child Hospital has branches in Vivek Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, Faridabad, and Gurgaon. The owner, Dr. Naveen Khichi, an MD in paediatric medicine, resides in Bhera Enclave, Paschim Vihar, Delhi. He and his wife, Dr. Jagriti, a dentist, run the hospital. The fire tender, Crime team, and FSL team reached the spot. The probable cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit. An Electric Inspection Report from the Labour Department's Electric Inspector, Govt of NCT of Delhi, D-Block, Shamnath Marg, is being obtained, along with a report from the Delhi Fire Services, police said.(ANI)
Thane Police on Wednesday filed a case against a 23-year-old woman who allegedly used fake documents to obtain a passport to travel to Pakistan. The woman has been identified as Sanam Khan, alias Nagma Noor Maqsood. "I got my name changed in 2015. During the COVID time, in 2021, I got in contact with Bashir Ahmed, who is now my husband, through social media. We then decided to get married and our families got in touch with each other through video and voice calls. I got my passports made in 2023. After applying for a visa and clearing all legal documents, I got the visa. I've said that if an inquiry has to be done, it is fine. But I can't go to the police station every time I come to India. I had made it clear that I had gone through the legal method," said Sanam Khan. Deputy Commissioner Zone 05, Amar Singh Jadhav, stated that the police are carrying out a probe into the matter. "A case has been registered at Vartak Nagar Police Station. An investigation is underway on all the important aspects," said Amar Singh Jadhav. More details on the matter are awaited. (ANI)
"It is regrettable that despite the Kanwariyas arriving in large numbers from tomorrow, Delhi is still not ready to welcome them," said Sachdeva.

Sachdeva criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for turning the Kanwar arrangements into a political battleground.

"This Shravan brings the last Kanwar service festival before the Delhi Assembly elections, but AAP ministers and legislators have turned the Kanwar arrangements into a political arena instead of a service opportunity," he remarked.

He highlighted the delay in setting up the Kanwar camps, stating that preparations should have started a month ago.

"Due to the AAP's arbitrary actions, most Kanwar camps are still not ready, with many lacking tents and electricity connections. Government assistance has reached barely 100 camp organizers," Sachdeva pointed out.

Sachdeva further criticised the Delhi government's lack of seriousness regarding the Kanwar arrangements, noting that Revenue Minister Atishi began inspecting camps only after the first batch of long-distance Kanwariyas arrived.

"The negligence and corruption of the Kejriwal government have left even large camps like the ISBT Kashmiri Gate unprepared, let alone smaller colony-level camps," he added.

He challenged Minister Atishi's claims about the preparedness of 185 camps.

"We challenge her to visit these camps with us and the media; over 150 of the claimed 185 camps are still not ready," Sachdeva stated.

Sachdeva concluded by accusing AAP legislators of misappropriating government assistance meant for the Kanwar camps.

"There is significant mismanagement in the government assistance for the Kanwar camps, with AAP legislators involved in its misuse. Religious organisations are being pressured to politically support AAP in exchange for assistance, which is why only a quarter of the camps, both government and private, are ready by this evening," he said. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Madras High Court judgement directing a law portal to remove a judgement pertaining to the "right to be forgotten" of an accused, who has sought removal of the judgement. The apex court said that it will examine the issue. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud issued notice to the respondent concerned on the petition and clubbed the matter with another similar petition. The court observed that once a judgement is delivered, it becomes part of the public record, and any direction to remove it will have serious ramifications. The court also remarked how the High Court could issue directions to the law portal to remove the judgement. The top court was hearing a petition by Ikanoon Software Development Pvt Ltd challenging the Madras High Court order. Ikanoon was represented by advocates Apar Gupta and Abiha Zaidi. The top court stayed the Madras High Court order that had asked Ikanoon Software Development Pvt Ltd to remove from its website a judgement acquitting a man in a rape case. Madras High Court, on April 30, 2014, directed to remove judgement from its legal database under the 'right to be forgotten,'" as the said judgement concerned the acquittal of the man in a rape case. The Impugned Judgement was passed in an appeal from the judgement dated August 3, 2021, of the Single Judge of the Madras High Court that denied relief to the man. The man has moved the High Court, seeking removal of the judgement dated April 30, 2014. Ikanoon, in its plea before the Supreme Court, challenged the verdict of the Division Bench of the Madras High Court and said that HC has overlooked well-settled law regarding the "right to be forgotten" and erroneously overruled the Single Judge's decision. The Ikanoon informed the top court that it was unable to appear in the proceedings leading to the impugned judgement, as it was listed as a pro forma respondent in many similar petitions across various forums; one such case is Alka Malhotra vs. Union of India, pending before the top court. The Petitioner, being a small company with limited resources, struggled with the logistical and financial challenges of appearing in multiple proceedings. The multiplicity of similar cases highlights the need for a clear judicial approach, especially regarding public records and privacy rights, the petitioner said. "A substantial question of law is further created due to conflicting decisions of different High Courts on the same point of law, such as the Kerala High Court in Vysakh KG, addressing related writ petitions involving a similar issue, where the petitioner also served as an answering respondent. Recognising the protection available to publishers like the petitioner under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the Kerala High Court denied prayers seeking the removal of court records online. The Kerala High Court emphasised the principles underlying a system of open courts, forming part of the public sphere where individual claims of privacy do not subsist," the petition said. The law portal further added that the impugned judgement also makes reference to the Digital Data Protection Act, 2023, to hold that court records can constitute "personal data" of the respective individual litigants, thus inviting the application of such litigants' right to privacy. However, such reasoning is erroneous, as the applicability of the Data Protection Act does not extend to instances when personal data is made available by a 'person' "who is under an obligation under any other law for the time being in force in India to make such personal data publicly available, the petitioner said. (ANI)
On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin announced that he would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting over the Union Budget 2024. In response, Union Minister of State (MoS) L. Murugan said that Stalin is undermining democracy and his actions are condemnable. While talking to ANI, the Union Minister stated, "I strongly condemn this. This is the habit of the INDI Alliance; they are not participating in such a significant forum. If Stalin does not attend, how will he provide justice to the Tamil people?" "Stalin always talks about federalism and democracy, but it is only talk. Today, he announced that he would not attend the NITI Aayog meeting. He is causing harm to the Tamil people and Tamil Nadu," said Murugan. He further added, "Stalin must come forward, attend this meeting, and address issues for the development of Tamil Nadu." "Stalin is undermining democracy. People have voted for him for the development of Tamil Nadu. His decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting is condemnable," the Union Minister further criticised. Earlier, hitting out at the BJP over the Union Budget, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that he would be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting. M.K. Stalin stated, "Despite winning for the third term, BJP has done nothing for the people. Despite Tamil Nadu facing historic devastation, no funds were allotted to the state. No schemes for Tamil Nadu. I am going to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting." Earlier on Wednesday, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal termed the Union Budget 2024 as discriminatory and announced that the Indian National Congress (INC) Chief Ministers would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. Taking to X, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said, "The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow. In protest, INC CMs will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27." (ANI)
 Flash

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and foreign minister, attends the closing ceremony of the reconciliation talks of Palestinian factions and witnessed the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by 14 Palestinian factions in Beijing on July 23, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and foreign minister, on Tuesday attended in Beijing the closing ceremony of the reconciliation talks of Palestinian factions and witnessed the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by 14 Palestinian factions.

Historical moment in Palestinian liberation cause

In his remarks, Wang noted that since entering the new era, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward proposals and propositions on addressing the Palestinian question, contributing Chinese wisdom and solution for addressing the question. Now, 14 Palestinian factions are gathering in Beijing with the greater good of their nation in mind.

"This is an important historical moment in the Palestinian liberation cause. China commends the reconciliation efforts made by all the factions, and congratulates them on the success of the Beijing dialogue and the signing of the Beijing Declaration," Wang said.

At a daily news briefing on Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the declaration commends China's sincere effort to support the rights of the Palestinians, end division and bring about a unified position among the Palestinian factions. The declaration stresses the need to hold, under the auspices of the UN, an international conference with a full mandate and broad-based participation from the region and beyond.

According to the declaration, parties believe that the Beijing talks demonstrated a positive and constructive spirit, and agree to realize national unity among all factions under the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, Mao said.

The declaration reaffirms commitment to establishing an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital city based on relevant UN resolutions and ensuring the integrity of Palestinian territory including the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza. Parties are ready to, in line with the consensus of Palestinian factions and the existing basic law of Palestine, establish an interim national reconciliation government, carry out reconstruction in Gaza and prepare and hold a general election as soon as possible in accordance with the adopted election laws, according to Mao.

Parties stressed the need to take practical steps to form a new Palestinian national council in line with the adopted election laws. Parties unanimously agreed to activate the provisional Unified Leadership framework which will function institutionally, and jointly carry out political decision-making. Parties agreed to set up a collective mechanism to fully implement the provisions of the declaration and create a timetable for the implementation process, Mao added.

PLO the sole legitimate representative of Palestinian people

The core outcome of the reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions held in Beijing is to specify that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people, Wang said.

Wang noted that the most important consensus reached at this dialogue is to achieve grand reconciliation and unity among the 14 factions, and the core outcome is to make clear that the PLO is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people.

The most significant highlight is the agreement to form an interim national reconciliation government focused on the post-war governance of Gaza, and the strongest call is for the creation of a truly independent Palestinian state in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, Wang said.

"The key to the Palestinian reconciliation process is to bolster confidence, keep to the right direction, and make incremental progress," Wang added.

Reconciliation is the internal affair of Palestinian factions, and cannot happen without international support. On the path toward reconciliation, China shares the same direction and destination with Arab and Islamic countries, Wang said.

Tang Zhichao, a scholar at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China has always tried to promote peace and stability in bilateral ties. Last year, China brokered a historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. After the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted last October, China has been calling for a ceasefire, speeding up humanitarian aid, and a lasting, just solution to the Palestinian question.

"China's stabilizing efforts have not only helped ease tensions within the region, but also catalyzed a wave of reconciliations among Arab states and within the broader region," Tang added.

Zhu Weilie, a Middle East expert with the Shanghai International Studies University, said this is the first time that all 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing and held talks for reconciliation. The signing of the Beijing Declaration is a vivid manifestation of China's concrete actions to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

At China's invitation, senior representatives of 14 Palestinian factions holds reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Three-step initiative to solving Palestinian question

Wang said that the conflict in Gaza continues to drag on, and its spillover impact is spreading. "To help get out of the current conflict and predicament, China proposes a three-step initiative."

The first step is to promote a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible and ensure humanitarian assistance and relief access. The international community should further unite on the issue of ceasefire.

The second step is to uphold the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" and work together to promote post-war governance in Gaza. Gaza is an inseparable and integral part of Palestine, and restarting post-conflict reconstruction as soon as possible is an urgent priority.

The third step is to promote Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and begin to implement the two-State solution. It is important to support the convening of a broad-based, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and road map for the two-State solution.

Wang said ceasefire and humanitarian rescue are pressing priorities, "Palestinians governing Palestine" is the basic principle of post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, and the two-State solution is the fundamental way out for the future. "The international community should support the parties in taking the three steps in real earnest."

Head of the Fatah delegation Mahmoud al-Aloul and head of the Hamas delegation Musa Abu Marzouk delivered remarks on behalf of the Palestinian factions. They noted that China holds an important place in the heart of Palestinian people, and expressed sincere appreciation for President Xi and China's unchanging, firm support and selfless assistance to Palestine over a long period of time.

They spoke highly of China's acting as a responsible major country and upholding justice for Palestine in international fora. They expressed deep appreciation for China's strong support for intra-Palestinian dialogue and reconciliation. They stated their readiness to implement the consensus, strengthen unity among factions, advance the reconciliation process, and work for an early solution to the question of Palestine.

Diplomatic envoys to China or their representatives from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia and Turkiye as well as representatives from 14 main Palestinian factions attended the closing ceremony.
Chhattisgarh Congress state in-charge Sachin Pilot launched an attack against the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-led state government, stating that Naxal attacks have increased significantly in the seven months since the government was formed. "It has been only seven months since the formation of the Chhattisgarh state government. The numbers show that the law and order situation in the state has collapsed: Naxal attacks have increased, murders are happening, firings are happening, and rapes and kidnappings are all happening. The government has not taken any effective steps to address this. When people do not feel safe, it is our duty to express their troubles," said Sachin Pilot. He further stated that while crime occurs everywhere, the government, police, and administration must ensure stringent action against anti-social elements." "Since we are in opposition, it is our duty to ask questions of the Home Minister and the Chief Minister. What have you done till now? Crime can happen anywhere, but it is the duty of the government, police, and administration to build trust among the people and take action against the culprits," said Pilot. Pilot also slammed the center led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Union budget 2024-25, saying that the word "farmer" was missing in the budget presented on Tuesday. He added, "The government's ignorance towards farmers has now become public. Despite forming the government, they have only made false promises to keep their allies happy. I am happy that our party talked about making MSP law in its manifesto, and we will raise this issue inside the House and also on the streets under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi." Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai appreciated the budget and called it "historic." "India is an agricultural country, so this budget gives special attention to agriculture and employment. It is important for Chhattisgarh that this budget allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore to agriculture and allied sectors. It will transform the agricultural sector. There have been provisions to provide Rs 5,000 during the apprenticeship to the youth. This budget aims to project India as a developed nation by 2047," said the Chief Minister. (ANI)
The incident occurred at Sanjay Enclave, within the Bindapur police station jurisdiction, at around 5:34 PM.

Upon receiving the information, police swiftly reached the scene and transported the victim to BM Gupta Hospital, later transferring him to DDU Hospital.

The victim, identified as Pawan Garg, 37, sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his neck. He is reported to be in stable condition, according to the police.

In his statement, Pawan Garg mentioned that he operates an e-rickshaw garage near his home. He recounted that while sitting in his office near the garage, an unknown individual entered and fired a shot at him.

Police are conducting further investigations and efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticised the opposition for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27, stating that personal enmity towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the reason behind their actions. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Goyal said, "I believe their (the opposition's) personal animosity towards PM Modi prevents them from considering the needs of their own people. Eight states, including Telangana, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, boycotted last year's NITI Aayog meeting, which focused on Viksit Bharat." "They only talk about democracy while holding the Constitution, but their actions show they don't believe in it. They are arrogant about their family names. Misguided by the Congress party, the parties in the INDI alliance are attempting to undermine the democratic system," added Goyal. Another Union Minister, Bhupender Yadav, reacted to the opposition's call, saying, "It's unfortunate that Congress and other parties in the INDI alliance are prioritising personal interests over public interest. NITI Aayog is an institution based on the idea of federalism, where developmental works are discussed." "This boycott politics is unfortunate, especially concerning a forum like NITI Aayog, which is non-political and promotes cooperative federalism. It shows that these people are sidelining the public and their issues," he added. Earlier, Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting. Ashoka stated that by boycotting the meeting to pursue the Congress party's "petty politics," Siddaramaiah has insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas. Notably, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal announced on Tuesday that his party's Chief Ministers would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, terming the Union Budget 2024 discriminatory. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, a key Congress ally, has also stated he would not attend the NITI Aayog meeting, calling the budget 'discriminatory.' (ANI)
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said on Wednesday that his government will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27. The decision was taken in protest against the central government's alleged injustice to the state in allocation of funds in the 2024 Union Budget. "As a mark of protest against the Central Government, we, the Telangana Government, are boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting to be held on July 27th. The Centre has violated the rights of Telangana. There is injustice to the state in the allocation of funds," Reddy said in the Telangana Assembly. On Tuesday, Reddy said that the Centre government's slogan of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas was a "bogus". Addressing reporters at his residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, the Andhra CM said, "The Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas slogan is bogus. This budget looks like Kursi Bachao Budget. Apart from Bihar and Andhra Pradesh no state has been given anything, it looks like the PM is trying to save his chair. Telangana has given 35 per cent votes to the BJP and eight Parliament seats." Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said today that Congress Chief Ministers have decided to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting because there is no justice for opposition-ruled states from the Centre. "There is no 'Niti' (policy); it has gone. There is no justice here. So, our leaders have decided in the interest of the protest over no proper representation in the budget," Shivakumar told reporters here. Terming the Union Budget 2024 discriminatory, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal announced on Tuesday that his party's Chief Ministers would boycott the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin, a key ally of the Congress, has also said that he would not attend the NITI Aayog meeting, calling the budget 'discriminatory'. Taking to X, Venugopal said, "The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow. In protest, INC CMs will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for 27th July." After the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first Budget in Narendra Modi 3.0, the Opposition parties slammed the Centre, terming the budget as "Kursi Bachao Budget", while the ruling party and its allies said that it was the roadmap for a "Viksit Bharat".The Opposition leaders' criticism came after Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her budget special schemes for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The governments in the two states are led by the TDP and JDU, two key allies of the BJP, whose support is critical for the NDA government at the Centre staying in power. A special financial support of Rs 15,000 crore was announced for Andhra Pradesh for developing its capital, Amaravati. For Bihar, development projects worth Rs58,900 crore were announced in the Union Budget. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday, accusing the Finance Minister of making hollow promises. Taking to social media platform 'X,' he tweeted, "Kursi Bachao Budget. Appease Allies: Hollow promises to them at the cost of other states. Appease Cronies: Benefits to AA with no relief for the common Indian. Copy and Paste: Congress manifesto and previous budgets." (ANI)
A Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), New Delhi has granted Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for five days to Cryptocurrency handler Lakshay Vij on July 23 who was arrested on July 22 in a money laundering case, the ED said on Wednesday. Taking to X ED posted, "ED, Delhi has arrested Lakshay Vij, Cryptocurrency handler on July 22, 2024 under PMLA, 2002. He was produced before the Hon'ble Special Court (PMLA), New Delhi on July 23, 2024, and the Hon'ble Court has granted ED custody for 05 days." Earlier, Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday remanded Lakshay Vij to five days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in a money laundering case. This case is linked to cheating with a US citizen woman worth USD 4 lakh and laundering of the money through various bank accounts of bogus entities. Special judge Gaurav Rao remanded Lakshay Vij to five days ED custody till July 28. ED had sought seven days of custody for Vij, who was arrested on Monday. 'Considering the nature of allegations and detailed submissions made in the application as well as other material shown at the time of submission seeking remand which includes the statement of Praful Gupta according to which the money was laundered as per instruction of Lakshay Vij as well as extract of WhatsApp/messages and to unearth the money trail, ascertain the role of others involved accused Lakshay Vij is remanded to the ED custody till July 28," the court said in the order. Advocate Nitesh Rana appeared for the accused. He opposed the custody demand and submitted that no ground of arrest was made out and that the same was illegal/unlawful. On the other hand, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Simon Benjamin sought seven days custody of Vij. ED submitted that its case is based on a case by the CBI registered against Prafull Gupta and others for allegedly committing criminal conspiracy and cheating with a US citizen. It is alleged that her laptop was hacked and a number flashed on the screen. When she contacted the number, a person impersonating as a Microsoft employee responded and suggested that her USD 4 lakh investment in a company was not safe. He misguided her into transferring her money to a more secure account. He also gave the victim a different number to contact the company. When she contacted the given number, the caller gained remote access to her computer and opened a cryptocurrency account in her name using her email and mobile number. He also advised her to transfer USD 4 lakh to that account. The victim transferred the amount to her bank account and thereafter, she transferred USD 4 lakh to a cryptocurrency account. When she logged into her account after a few weeks, she found the account empty. The defrauded amount was converted into cryptocurrency and further transferred to other accused persons in their Binance and FTX wallet addresses. The victim, Lisa Roth, filed a complaint and the information was given to Indian authorities. The CBI registered an FIR against Prafful Gupta, Sarita Gupta and other accused persons for allegedly committing the offence of cheating. (ANI)
AGP president and Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora expressed his discontentment on Wednesday over the allocation of Rs 11,500 crores for flood relief in Bihar. He asserted that he would raise his voice and demand similar flood assistance for Assam. Assam Minister Atul Bora said, "Today, we had long discussions with colleagues. By-elections in five constituencies and Panchayat elections are close, and we have decided to reform our grassroots units before August 31. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji has allotted Rs 11,500 crores for Bihar for floods. The people of Assam are upset, and our party officials have said that we should also raise our voice and put forth this demand before the central government to provide us with an amount like Bihar because flood erosion is a big issue here as well." He mentioned that the state government, under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, is doing whatever needs to be done. "We have expectations from the central government and hence at the party meeting, we have decided to raise our voice," he added. Ahead of the by-elections for five assembly constituencies and Panchayat polls in the state, a crucial executive meeting of NDA's partner party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) was held at the party headquarters in Guwahati on Wednesday. Several key decisions were taken during the meeting, including strengthening the party organization and holding a 3-day-long workshop. Atul Bora told ANI that the extended executive meeting of the party was held today in the presence of senior party leaders and district presidents. The AGP president also said that in the upcoming Panchayat polls in the state, there will be no political party candidates. "We have decided to find at least two suitable candidates in each Panchayat ward. This time, political parties can't field their own candidates with their party symbols in the upcoming Panchayat polls in the state. We also don't know about the women's reservation. So, we have decided to find at least two suitable candidates in each Panchayat ward," Atul Bora said. He further announced that a 3-day-long workshop will be held in Guwahati in August. On the other hand, AGP will demand the Union government provide assistance to Assam to tackle the flood and erosion problems of the state. "We will demand the Centre to provide assistance to Assam to tackle flood and erosion problems," Atul Bora said. Earlier, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech in Lok Sabha said, "Bihar has frequently suffered from floods, many of them originating outside the country. Plans to build flood control structures in Nepal are yet to progress. Our government, through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program and other sources, will provide financial support for projects with an estimated cost of Rs 11,500 crores such as the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes including barrages, river pollution abatement, and irrigation projects." (ANI)
A severe blast occurred a few days ago on the first floor of a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) building located on Akhawara Road, near the Police Headquarters in Agartala, Tripura. The relatively new building serves as the residence of a local doctor, an official said. According to District Magistrate Tripura, Vishal Kumar, the doctor had stored oxygen cylinders inside a room since the COVID-19 pandemic to address the medical needs of his spouse, who is a kidney patient. Additionally, the septic tank of the building had not been checked or cleaned for an extended period, leading to the accumulation of contamination and adverse gases. Both factors are believed to have contributed to the blast, which rocked the building, shattered its walls, and threw the couple from the first floor to the ground. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, but the incident has caused significant damage to the building. This incident has raised serious safety concerns among the residents, serving as a stark reminder that similar blasts can happen at any time if proper precautions are not taken. Authorities are urging homeowners to regularly maintain and inspect their septic tanks and to handle oxygen cylinders with the utmost care to prevent such disasters in the future. DM Kumar said, "An unfortunate incident happened last Thursday night in which Dr Biswajit Sutradhar and his wife Rupa Sutradhar got injured. The preliminary investigations reveal that oxygen cylinders were there in their home, and there were chemical reactions that caused the blast." The effect of the blast was so severe that it broke the wall and destroyed all the furniture, which caused a physical injury to them. Dr Biswajit has recovered, but his wife is under treatment outside the state, he added. He said that the preliminary investigations revealed that the oxygen cylinders have been kept inside the house since the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an important message from the administration that such oxygen cylinders or LPG cylinders should not be kept in the room like this. "These cylinders, which are not in use, should be stored outside the room, like in an open space like the balcony. There was also some gas reaction in the septic tank of that house. So for common people, I want to say that they must do regular inspection of their septic tank and keep it clean regularly," CM Kumar said. "The third reason is the structural disability in the building wall. So I want to request that all citizens follow the municipality-approved plans and be in touch with the engineers while constructing houses follow the proper guidelines and do regular inspections. All these will ensure the stability of the house," he added. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court issued notice to the Delhi Police on an appeal moved by Mohd Salim, who has been convicted in the Ankit Saksena murder case. He, along with his sister and brother-in-law, were awarded a life sentence by the court for murdering Ankit Saksena, who had an affair with his sister's daughter. The division bench of justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma issued notice to the Delhi Police on Wednesday and sought a response. His nominal role has also been called upon by jail authorities. The matter has been listed on September 12 for further hearing. Mohd Salim has challenged the trial court judgement that convicted and sentenced him. Advocate Ajay Verma appeared for the appellant, Mohd Salim. The girl's parents, Akbar Ali and Shehnaj Begam, have already challenged the trial court judgement. Ankit Saksena was murdered in 2018 over an interfaith love affair. On March 7, 2024 Tis Hazari Court sentenced Mohd Salim, his sister Shehnaj Begam and husband Akbar to life imprisonment. The court had also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each convict. The fine amount will be given to the mother of Ankit Saksena as compensation. Additionally, the court sentenced Shehnaj Begam to three months imprisonment for assaulting the mother of Ankit Saksena and fined Rs one thousand. The court said that in view of the facts and evidence of the case, this doesn't fall under the category of rarest of rare case. So death sentence can't be awarded. In this case, parents and maternal uncle of a girl who had an affair with Ankit have been convicted of his murder in 2018. On December 23, 2023, the court convicted the parents and maternal uncle of the girl for murdering her lover, Ankit Saksena. An FIR was registered in Khyala Police Station in this case against the convicts. Ankit Saksena was in love with a girl of a different religion. This relationship was not acceptable to the family of the girl. Ankit Saksena, a photographer by profession, was killed by her father and maternal uncle by slitting his throat on a road in West Delhi's Khyala. ASJ Sharma, after considering the evidence and testimonies of witnesses, held Mohd Salim, Akbar Ali, and his wife Shahnaz Begam guilty of the offence of murder. ASJ Sharma said, "It can be safely concluded that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against all the accused persons, namely Mohd Salim, Akbar Ali and Shahnaj Begum that all the aforesaid accused persons in furtherance of their common intention, murdered deceased Ankit Saxena. "Therefore, all the accused persons stand convicted for the charge of the offence punishable under Section 302/34 IPC, "the court ordered on January 6, 2024. Additionally, the court has also accused Shahnaj Begum of assaulting the mother of Ankit Saksena, when she was trying to protect her son from the assailants. The court said that the prosecution has also proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the accused, Shahnaj Begum, that she assaulted Kamlesh Saxena when she was trying to protect her son from the accused persons. "Therefore, the accused, Shahnaj Begum, also stands convicted for the charge of the offence punishable under Section 323 IPC, "the court said. While convicting the accused persons, the court said, "Truth should be the guiding star in the entire judicial process. Truth is the foundation of justice. The dispensation of justice based on truth is an essential feature of the justice delivery system. "People would have faith in the courts when truth alone triumphs. Justice based on truth would establish peace in society, "the court added. The court further said, "Every criminal trial is primarily a voyage of discovery in which the truth is the quest. Truth and justice are the two most reverent values apotheosized by mankind since time immemorial. "However, in a criminal trial, there are situations when truth seems to be obscure and justice appears to be obfuscated under the mist of chicanery and mendacity," the court added. The Apex Court in Zahira Habib Ullah Sheikh v. State of Gujarat also reminded the courts and judges of their sacrosanct duty to uphold these sublime values and vindicate the triumvirate of truth, law and justice, ASJ Sharma said. As per the prosecution, the deceased Ankit Saksena was murdered on the night of February 1, 2018, near Blind University in Raghuveer Nagar, by the three convicts and a minor brother of the girl. It was alleged that Mohd. Salim caught hold of the right hand, the juvenile brother caught hold of the left hand, and Akbar Ali caught hold of the hair and slit the throat of Ankit Saksena. Thereafter, Ankit fell down on the footpath. His parent were also present and trying to protect their son. They were shocked to see their son in a pool of blood. He was taken to hospital but was declared dead. On the Complaint of Yashpal Saksena, an FIR was lodged at Police Station Khyala. After the investigation, Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Mohd. Salim, Akbar Ali and Shahnaj Begum under sections 302, 323 and 34 of the IPC. Delhi police listed 28 witnesses to prove its case. Yashpal Saksena was the complainant and eyewitness to the incident. Ankit's mother was also cited as a witness. His friend, Anmol Singh, was also cited as an eyewitness. (ANI)
After accepting an unconditional apology, the Delhi High Court has recently discharged a man convicted of defaming judges on social media platforms. The High Court has also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on contemnor Uday Pal Singh. The division bench of justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain accepted the unconditional apology tendered by the defendant and discharged him from the contempt proceedings. "The contemnor has tendered an unconditional apology before this court, stating that he was unable to estimate the outcome of the video, which was uploaded by him on August 24, 2022," the bench said in the order passed on July 19. The contemnor submitted that he is ready and willing to deposit an amount of Rs one lakh for welfare purposes so to compensate for the public time wasted in the present proceedings. The bench has directed that the contemnor shall, within two weeks, deposit an amount of Rs one lakh, with the Registry of this Court. The amount shall be disbursed in the manner of Rs 25,000 each in favour of the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee, Delhi Indigent & Disabled Lawyers Fund, Nirmal Chhaya for Welfare of Children and Destitute Women and the account of the Bharat Ke Veer Fund. On May 3, 2024, the High Court convicted Uday Pal Singh of committing contempt of court. Pursuant to the said order, the contemnor has filed an affidavit whereby stated that at the time of uploading the video on his social media handles, i.e. Facebook and Twitter on August 24, 2022, his intention was neither to defame this Court nor the Judges of the Court nor to scandalize them to lower the majesty of the Court at any point of time. The video was uploaded by the contemnor just to express his opinion regarding the way the case was going on, he added. A contempt petition was moved by Sudha Prasad through advocate Gagan Gandhi. (ANI)
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed their heartfelt condolences to the grieving family members of Naik (Gunner) Dilawar Khan, a brave Indian Army soldier who died during an encounter with terrorists near Srinagar. Khan was from Una district's Bangana sub-division and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation during an encounter with terrorists near Srinagar on Wednesday morning. The Chief Minister described this as a moment of profound sorrow for the people of the state, having lost a brave soldier in the fight against terrorism. He assured that Dilawar Khan's supreme sacrifice would not go in vain. Deputy CM Agnihotri, in his condolence message, stated that Dilawar Khan's martyrdom has sent shockwaves throughout the district. He valiantly fought against terrorists to ensure the safety of his countrymen. Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have prayed for the peace of the departed soul and for the family to find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. The body of 28-year-old Dilawar Khan, a resident of Gharwasda in Bangana, will be brought to his native village on Thursday, July 25, at around 2 pm. According to Deputy Director Sainik Welfare S. Kalia, Dilawar Khan's funeral will be held with full state honours in his native village, Gharwasda, on Thursday. Dilawar Khan was born in March 1996 and enlisted in the army on December 20, 2014. The state cabinet, including Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma, has also expressed deep condolences over the martyrdom of this brave soldier. (ANI)
Behind Biden's bowing out: party pressure, unhappy donors, and slipping swing states

Xinhua) 08:15, July 24, 2024

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- In a sudden turn of events, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race. This decision marked the end of Biden's 24-day insistence on running after a disappointing debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump, which led to intensified inner-party concerns about his viability as a candidate.

Despite vowing on social media the night before that "I will win it," Biden's abrupt exit underscores the significant pressure he was facing from party leaders and major donors who doubted his chances of securing victory against Trump.

GROWING CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL

In a short letter to the nation on Sunday, Biden acknowledged that he had expected to be the nominee but changed his mind.

"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 said.

Before his bowing-out, Biden had repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to continuing his campaign. However, over 40 prominent Democrats publicly called on Biden to step aside following his lackluster debate performance against Trump on June 27, according to a rolling list from The New York Times.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, U.S. media reported that prominent Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, had privately expressed concerns about Biden's electoral prospects and urged him to quit.

"I think it is a legitimate question to say is this an episode or is this a condition?" Pelosi said in an MSNBC interview on July 2 regarding Biden's decision to stay in the race.

Among the doubters is California's Congressman Adam Schiff. "A second Trump presidency would undermine the very foundations of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about the president's ability to defeat Donald Trump in November," he told the Los Angeles Times on July 17, saying it was time for Biden to "pass the torch."

U.S. President Joe Biden is pictured at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

REVOLTING DONORS

Donor pressure continued to mount in the month leading to Biden's dropout. Major Democratic donors were skeptical of Biden's viability, dissatisfied with the lack of transparency over his health condition.

Donors told House and Senate Democratic campaign committees they would freeze contributions unless Biden quit the election, as many were concerned that with Biden at the top of the ticket, Democrats would not only lose the presidency but also both houses, said a CNN report.

According to a CNBC report on Thursday, in early July 75 wealthy Democratic political donors gathered on a Zoom call, in which they overwhelmingly agreed to leverage pressure on legislators to pressure Biden to quit his campaign.

Among those donors are Hollywood executive Ari Emanuel, his brother Zeke Emanuel and Alan Jones, a senior managing director at Intermediate Capital Group, according to the report.

Abigail Disney, an heiress to the Disney family fortune, also said she planned to withhold money unless Biden dropped out.

"Sadly, President Biden has a choice -- vanity or virtue," Michael Mortiz, a major Democratic donor and billionaire Silicon Valley venture capitalist, was quoted as saying Friday by The New York Times.

Mortiz was among an expanded list of Democrats' mega-donors to publicly demand that Biden pass the torch, including Netflix's co-founder and executive chairman Reed Hastings, former CEO of PayPal Bill Harris, investor Whitney Tilson, and real estate developer and billionaire Rick Caruso, The Hills reported on Friday.

Actor George Clooney, a longtime Democrat and prominent fundraiser for the party, also joined the chorus of calls for Biden to withdraw from the race. Just weeks earlier, Clooney co-hosted a fundraising event for Biden's campaign, raising 28 million U.S. dollars, the most ever collected for the Democratic Party from a single event.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (C) attends an event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

SWING STATES LOST

Donors' pessimism over Biden's campaign is supported by polls showing Trump's growing edge nationwide, particularly in key battleground states.

An Emerson College poll, commissioned by Democrats for the Next Generation, showed Thursday that nationally 46 percent of registered voters supported Trump, compared to Biden's 42 percent, which slipped 2 percent from earlier the month.

According to the survey, Trump was ahead of Biden by 5 percentage points in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, and by six points in Georgia. He also led by seven points in both North Carolina and Arizona.

Another survey by CBS News/YouGov revealed on Thursday shows Trump leading Biden 52-47 percent among likely voters, a growth of advantage from two points in the first week of July.

According to polling data compiled by the U.S. election information website Real Clear Politics, as of Thursday, 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.

In a bid to avoid a potentially chaotic open nomination process at his party's nominating convention in four weeks, Biden on Sunday endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the party's nominee.

Harris said late Monday that she had secured enough support from Democratic delegates to become the party's nominee for the presidential election in November. Harris' presidential campaign, which she took over Sunday after Biden dropped out of the race, also announced Monday that it brought in 81 million dollars in the first 24 hours.

Meanwhile, to balance the ticket, Democrats are urging Harris to pick a governor from a swing state as her running mate. According to The Hill, possible candidates include Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Roy Cooper of North Carolina.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch lamented the worsening situation in Balochistan and accused the DySP of the Kalakot police station of forcibly disappearing three people when they were engaged in wall chalking and distributing pamphlets in Lyari, Karachi, ahead of the upcoming national gathering. Mahrang Baloch said that the state machinery is scared of the upcoming Baloch national gathering and is trying to spread fear among people. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1815844417187766371 "The state machinery is so scared of our upcoming national gathering that it is using all its power to spread fear and intimidation among the general public, transporters, and BYC activists. Several of our friends and their family members were illegally arrested yesterday and last night in Quetta," she said in a post on X. "Tonight, our friends who were engaged in wall chalking and distributing pamphlets in Lyari, Karachi, were forcibly disappeared by the DySP of the Kalakot police station. He now claims that intelligence agencies took three young men from us. We won't succumb to such pressure," she added. Further, Mahrang emphasised that the Baloch people will continue their peaceful resistance against the exploitation of their natural resources and the Baloch genocide. "Such pressure tactics will no longer deter our struggle," she added. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee also took to X and named those three people who were forcibly disappeared by the DySP. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1815872876882665749 "Today, three activists of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, Shahdad Baloch, Saddam Baloch and Basit Baloch, were illegally arrested by DSP Kalakot while wall chalking and distributing pamphlets regarding Baloch Raji Machi in Nawaleen Karachi," they stated. Further, they said that those three youth were later handed over to the intelligence agencies. "After taking the three Baloch youths to the police station, they have been handed over to the intelligence agencies, and they are not present in the police station at the moment," they said. Later, one more worker of the BYC Karachi zone, was also picked up from his house. "A few hours ago, one more worker of BYC Karachi Zone, Abdul Rahman Shahmir Baloch, was also picked up by the forces from his house," the BYC posted on X. We want to tell the state in clear and unambiguous words that it is impossible to end this mass movement of the Baloch Solidarity Committee by force, the committee noted. "By using force, the state is inciting the Baloch people, after which the entire responsibility of the public response will fall on the state," it added. Earlier on Monday, in an appeal to the Baloch nation, Baloch rights activist Maharang Baloch called on the Baloch community to unite and demonstrate their solidarity at the upcoming Baloch Raji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) scheduled for July 28 in Gwadar. Taking to social media platform X, Mahrang Baloch highlighted the severe hardships faced by thousands of Baloch youth and elders, who have endured years of mental and physical torture in Pakistani military detention. Emphasising the significance of the Baloch National Gathering, Maharang Baloch remarked that the event is more than a political process; it is an agonising expression of Balochism and human suffering. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], July 24 (ANI/WAM): Dubai Humanitarian welcomed Dr Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, during her recent visit to the world's largest humanitarian hub. Dr Balkhy's visit underscored the ongoing collaboration between Dubai Humanitarian and WHO in addressing global emergencies, particularly the ongoing crises in Gaza and Sudan. Dr Balkhy met with the Dubai humanitarian team and WHO staff, acknowledging their relentless efforts in supporting WHO's mission to provide critical health services during emergencies. She toured the warehousing facilities, including the showroom, the cold chain, the kitting centre, and the Knowledge and Development Centre, witnessing firsthand the support and resources offered by Dubai Humanitarian, which have been crucial in facilitating swift and effective responses to urgent health needs. "We are proud to support WHO in its vital mission to deliver health services during emergencies," said Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian. "Our partnership has enabled the rapid deployment of aid and resources to areas in desperate need. Our collaboration with the WHO is longstanding, as seen through the Humanitarian Logistics Databank, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria, and the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Sudan, demonstrating the power and importance of working together to make humanitarian efforts more efficient and sustainable." "WHO's partnership with Dubai Humanitarian exemplifies the strength of collective action in addressing regional and global health emergencies," said Dr. Balkhy. "The resources and support provided here have been instrumental in delivering timely aid to those in need. This collaboration is a model of how strategic partnerships can drive impactful health interventions, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes in the most challenging circumstances." The visit underscored the Dubai hub's pivotal role in recent emergency responses. Dubai Humanitarian organised 17 air shipments for Gaza through Al Arish in Egypt, transporting over 1,400 metric tons of aid from the stocks of UN organizations hosted at the hub. Most of these rotations carried aid for WHO. Discussions during the visit also focused on strengthening future collaborations, utilizing best practices and innovations, and fostering networking and knowledge-sharing through the Knowledge and Development Center, all aimed at enhancing humanitarian action. (ANI/WAM)
David Lammy the newly appointed foreign secretary in the Keir Stammer government in the UK arrived in New Delhi on an official visit. He was received at the Delhi Airport by a delegation of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Foreign Minister's first visit is expected to highlight the importance of a new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security. In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit since the assumption of office. The visit will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will make the 'living bridge' between India & UK stronger." https://x.com/meaindia/status/1815944692682612760?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw Lammy will also hold talks with his counterpart External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar where he will reiterate the contribution of British Indians in enriching the UK's social and economic landscape and how they are the epitome of modern Britain. On July 6, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after taking charge of the foreign ministry in the Modi 3.0 government had spoken to David Lammy. The two ministers reaffirmed the commitment to enhance India and the UK's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. After his talk with the External Affairs Minister, David Lammy said "The UK and India share a unique friendship with deep connections between our people, business, and culture. Great to speak to my friend Dr S Jaishankar about unlocking the potential of our relationship and developing a stronger and deeper comprehensive strategic partnership." Earlier speaking at the India Global Forum in the UK on June 30, Lammy had said that Labour looked forward to a new India-UK strategic partnership. "India is a superpower, 1.4 billion people strong, the largest country in the world, an economic superpower set to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030. Our aspiration for a free trade deal between our two nations is a flaw, not a ceiling on our ambitions. And why our leader has set his sights on, yes, a new UK-India strategic partnership that focuses on economic security, domestic security and global security. And announcing his intentions on this very same stage last year and a relaunch of our relationship because I'm afraid it's our view that the Conservatives have time and time again over-promised and under-delivered when it comes," he said. The UK Foreign Secretary will travel on from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Laos where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health. (ANI)
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in the national capital on Wednesday morning (July 24) in the first high-level visit by the newly-elected Labour government in the UK. Lammy is on a two-day tour to highlight the importance of a new partnership between the UK and India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security. In his first visit to India, Lammy will hold meetings with external affairs minister Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal. He will also meet climate and business leaders to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership. Lammy will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership, including by reinforcing the UK's commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for greater growth in both countries. Earlier, during his campaign, Lammy had said, "India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham." He said that the UK and India have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security. "I am traveling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home," he said. David Lammy will galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis with India as an indispensable partner - driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses. He will discuss partnering on Indian-led global initiatives to build clean power access, climate resilience in the global south and small island states. Lammy will underscore the importance of the Living Bridge between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage who have made their home in the UK and made an exceptional contribution to British life. In a visit to India's third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries. The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with members of the Indian government, including the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. On this visit, Lammy will also highlight the extraordinary contribution of British Indians to enriching the UK's social and economic landscape. According to a statement from the British High Commission, Lammy will highlight the importance of unlocking the potential of the new UK-India partnership, so both partners can deliver prosperity not just for the people of India and the UK but for the rest of the world. The Foreign Secretary will travel on from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Laos, where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has reported a surge in activity by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait, with 22 Chinese aircraft, nine People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and one official ship detected as of 6 am local time on Wednesday. According to the Ministry, 12 of the PLA aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to the incursion. In a post on X, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said, "22 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 12 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/1815914803246031144?t=hjok9Njs4gMhg3muJ4gKkw&s=08 The Ministry did not specify the types of aircraft or vessels involved in the incident but assured that the situation was under close surveillance. Incursions by PLA military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan's ADIZ are not uncommon but have escalated tensions in the region, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province and asserting sovereignty over the island. The latest incident comes amid heightened regional security concerns and underscores Taiwan's ongoing vigilance in defending its airspace and territorial integrity against Chinese military activities. As tensions persist, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence remains on high alert, prepared to respond to any further escalations in the region. Amid the growing threat, Taiwan, starting Monday, began military exercises to test its war-fighting capabilities. Amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, 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. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden will on Wednesday deliver a speech from the White House, the first since he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominee as the country's president. "I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people, Biden said in his post on X. He said he would make the address at 8 pm ET on July 24 ( Indian Standard Time will be early Thursday morning). Biden, who had been recuperating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home after being diagnosed last week with COVID-19, arrived back at the White House on Tuesday. The US Presidential election will take place on November 5 and Biden was seeking re-election to the post as the the Democratic Party nominee. After his June 27 debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump, Democrats put pressure on him to withdraw from the race. Following this on July 21, Biden formally announced that he is abandoning plans for a second term in office and endorsed his running mate Vice President Kamala Harris for the election. Meanwhile, Harris has quickly consolidated support among Democrats and has already securing the backing of enough delegates to be the likely Democratic nominee. Harris will have to secure the support of the majority of delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago in August. She has the backing of Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, and the House minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries- two most powerful Democrats in Congress. Axios media outlet has pegged Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as the most likely to be tapped by Harris to be her running mate for the elections. Meanwhile the Republican campaign has ramped up attacks on Harris. On Tuesday Republican Senator from Tennessee Andy Ogles filed articles of impeachment against Harris. The filing expands on previously introduced articles that target Harris's record on immigration, the Hill repoted. He claims Harris covered up President Biden's mental well-being, constituting a "breach of public trust." "Kamala Devi Harris has knowingly misled the people of the United States and the Congress of the United States, principally to obfuscate the physical and cognitive well-being of the President of the United States, Joe Biden," the filing reads as reported by The Hill. (ANI)
Taiwan's annual military exercise, Han Kuang, entered its third day on Wednesday, the country's Ministry of National Defence said. Taiwan's armed forces conducted a joint landing exercise and it is their first public exercise that also features a live broadcast, the statement said. In a post on X, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said, "#HanKuang40 Day 3 #ROCArmedForces conducted joint anti-landing exercise this morning. This is also our first public exercise in a live broadcast for the public to watch. #HanKuang #NoLimit" https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1815923441599746479?t=8sQimrvobj4tl922h4Ib9Q&s=08 Despite the looming threat of Typhoon Gaemi making landfall on Wednesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has assured that the armed forces are fully prepared to face the storm while moving ahead with their scheduled annual war games Han Kuang exercises. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (ROC) took to its official X handle and said, "Typhoon Kaemi approaches. ROC Armed Forces are ready to respond the potential disasters and continue our drills. It added, "If Penghu's weather is safe for drills, we will have a live broadcast at tomorrow morning at 05:30. Welcome, join us." The Ministry of National Defence had said, "ROC Armed Forces have set up contingency runway, conducted tactical manoeuvre for force protection. As a typhoon approaches, we will continue our drills while ensuring our safety." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1815608158938882183 The Han Kuang exercises are pivotal for Taiwan's defence strategy, encompassing both live-fire drills and computerised simulations designed to enhance combat readiness amidst regional tensions. On Tuesday, thousands of reservists across Taiwan reported for duty as the nation commenced the live-fire phase of its largest annual military exercises, Han Kuang, Focus Taiwan reported. The drills, coordinated by the Ministry of National Defence's Joint Operations Command Centre, kicked off at 6 am on Monday, marking the 40th edition of the event. 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. Exercise Han Kuang is a way for Taiwan's government to test local authorities' emergency response capabilities and will run till July 26. The emphasis is 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). The drills are aimed at testing military-civilian cooperation to carry out wartime supply-delivery missions and 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. (ANI)
Pakistan's Information Minister Attatullah Tarar doubled down on his stance to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf while speaking on Pakistan-based Geo News' program "Capital Talk" on Tuesday, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. The Information Minister said that the ruling government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will go ahead with the "principled" decision to ban Imran Khan's party and it will be varied after relevant legal consultations, Geo News reported. "[We] have consulted with the Pakistan Peoples Party with regards to the PTI ban and are currently in talks with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan [...] people are strongly supporting [the idea of banning [PTI]", Geo News stated, quoting Tarar. The announcement came in the wake of Imran Khan's acknowledgement to journalists at Adiala Jail that he had called for a protest outside the general headquarters if he was arrested, the Pakistan-based daily, Dawn reported. Tarar's statement follows his remarks from last week about banning PTI. He had said that "PTI and Pakistan could not co-exist", Geo News reported. He said the decision was taken because of Imran Khan's involvement in the May 9 riots and other PTI leaders' attempts to sabotage an IMF deal. "We have principally decided to ban PTI, but waiting for a broader consensus (among ruling allies) to impose the ban," Dawn quoted Tarar as saying during an appearance on Geo News. Earlier on Sunday, Imran Khan criticized the government's decision saying that banning any political party amounts to "murder of democracy." "Our party was already banned, it was not allowed to contest the elections, and the chairman, vice chairman and president of the party were already in jail, they still say that the party is banned. It will be done," Khan said. Even the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not get on board with the government decision while the other ally PML-Q also questioned the decision. Civil society immediately raised objections, with the Human Rights Council of Pakistan expressing concern over the decision and calling it to be in violation of fundamental rights. (ANI)
In a staunch response to separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's video demanding him and his Hindu-Canadian friends return to India, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya said that Canada is their land and that they have enriched the multicultural fabric of the country. He emphasised that Hindus have come to Canada from all parts of the world and have significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of the nation. Sharing a post on X, the Canadian MP wrote, "In response to my condemnation of the vandalism of the Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton and other acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters in Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice has released a video demanding me and my Hindu-Canadian friends to go back to India." https://x.com/AryaCanada/status/1816045238965645689 Arya further noted that Hindu-Canadians, with their long history of Hindu culture and heritage, have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada. He did not shy away from holding the Khalistani extremists accountable for "polluting" Canada. "We Hindus have come to our wonderful country, Canada, from all parts of the world. From every country in South Asia, many countries in Africa and Caribbean, and many other parts of the world, we have come here and Canada, is our land," the Canadian MP wrote. "We have made and continue to make an immense positive and productive contribution to the socio-economic development of Canada. With our long history of Hindu culture and heritage, we have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada. Our land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists abusing our freedoms guaranteed by our Canadian Charter of Rights," he further added. In a troubling recurrence of targeted attacks on Hindu places of worship, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton fell victim to vandalism again this week. Member of Parliament for Nepean, Chandra Arya, voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fueled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities. "The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti," Arya said in a post on X on Tuesday, sharing the picture. The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. Last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor suffered defacement with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier incidents in Mississauga and Brampton saw temples similarly targeted, drawing strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada. Arya, a Liberal member of Parliament known for his advocacy on multicultural issues, pointed to the impunity enjoyed by Khalistani extremists in Canada, citing instances where their rhetoric has openly incited hatred and violence. Canadian law enforcement agencies have been urged to take proactive measures to address these threats and ensure the safety and security of all religious communities in Canada. The incidents have prompted renewed discussions on bolstering security measures around Hindu temples and enhancing efforts to combat extremist propaganda. (ANI)
The Baloch Yakhjeeti Committee (BYC) has called on human rights organisations to address the increasing human rights abuses committed by Pakistani law enforcement agencies in Balochistan. In a letter posted on social media platform X, BYC's Central Organiser and prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch highlighted the urgent need for intervention to protect the lives and freedoms of Baloch activists and citizens. The BYC, a Baloch rights organisation advocating against fundamental human rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, is organising a mass gathering in Gwadar on July 28. The event aims to peacefully protest against the ongoing abuses, including enforced disappearances, harassment of political and human rights activists, and the socio-economic exploitation of indigenous people. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1816071104580002207 Mahrang Baloch detailed a series of recent incidents where BYC members faced unlawful detentions, harassment, and intimidation. These incidents include the unlawful arrest and threat to female members in Khuzdar by the paramilitary Frontier Corps, the abduction of a member's brother in Gwadar, harassment and bogus charges against workers in Hub Chowki, threats and phone confiscations in Turbat, threatening phone calls and military summons in Kohlu, the abduction and illegal detention of a colleague in Quetta, the arrest of four members in Karachi on July 23 despite police denials, and threats to workers in Kalat to stop them from mobilising and raising awareness. Additionally, state authorities have been manipulating laws to sabotage the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar. Transport owners, sound management companies, and catering services have been threatened not to provide BYC with essential services for the event. Mahrang Baloch emphasised that the BYC has been protesting against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings while demanding the basic right to life. However, the Pakistani state is not allowing even the right to peaceful assembly. The acts of intimidation and repression are seen as clear attempts to stifle voices and hinder lawful and peaceful activities, representing a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and freedoms. The letter urgently calls on human rights organisations to pressurise the Pakistani government to cease unlawful practices immediately, hold authorities accountable for any harm to BYC members or gathering participants, and advocate for the protection of human rights activists, ensuring their safety and freedom to campaign without fear of retaliation. Mahrang Baloch concluded by underscoring the critical need for the attention and intervention of human rights organisations to safeguard the rights of the Baloch people and ensure justice. With global support, BYC hopes to bring attention to these violations, she said, urging the Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and freedom of speech. (ANI)
SOFIA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) should create an infrastructure for the diversification of crude oil supplies, Bulgarian caretaker Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov said on Wednesday.

Malinov made the statement at a meeting with Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) ministerial meeting in Bucharest, Romania.

Malinov expressed sympathy for Hungary's difficulties in obtaining crude oil supplies, the ministry said in a press release.

"Minister Malinov shared that the European Commission should unite its efforts to create the necessary infrastructure, including for the transmission of crude oil from alternative sources, to guarantee energy supplies," the Ministry said.

To this end, Malinov made a commitment that Bulgaria would assist Hungary in the process of identifying potential infrastructure for the diversification of crude oil supplies, it said.

Hungary and Slovakia have asked the EU to mediate a consultation procedure with Ukraine over its decision to halt Russian oil transit to the two countries. 
Three activists of the Baloch Solidarity Committee (BSC) have been "illegally arrested" while engaging in wall chalking and distributing pamphlets regarding the upcoming Baloch National Gathering in Karachi, the Baloch Yakhjeeti Committee (BYC) has alleged. The activists, identified as Shahdad Baloch, Saddam Baloch, and Basit Baloch, were taken to the police station and subsequently handed over to intelligence agencies alleged the BYC. In its July 24 post on social media platform X, the BYC stated, "Today, three activists of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, Shahdad Baloch, Saddam Baloch, and Basit Baloch, were illegally arrested by DSP Kalakot while wall chalking and distributing pamphlets regarding Baloch Raji Machi in Nawaleen Karachi. After taking the three Baloch youths to the police station, they have been handed over to the intelligence agencies, and they are not present in the police station at the moment." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1815872876882665749?t=5TSqXtrZxXaHLr_8WiQUfg&s=08 The committee also reported that Abdul Rahman Shahmir Baloch, another member of the BYC Karachi Zone, was picked up from his house by forces a few hours later. In a strong statement, the BYC emphasised that it is impossible to put an end to the mass movement of the Baloch Solidarity Committee through force. They argued that the state's use of force is inciting the Baloch people, and therefore, the state must bear the entire responsibility for any public response. Prominent rights activist Mahrang Baloch also criticised Pakistan's administration in a post on X. "The state machinery is so scared of our upcoming national gathering that it is using all its power to spread fear and intimidation among the general public, transporters, and BYC activists. Several of our friends and their family members were illegally arrested yesterday and last night in Quetta. Tonight, our friends who were engaged in wall chalking and distributing pamphlets in Lyari, Karachi, were forcibly disappeared by the DSP of the Kalakot police station. He now claims that intelligence agencies took three young men from us. We won't succumb to such pressure" Mahrang Baloch's X post read. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1815844417187766371?t=HfNOUAiqeMeByQBOFBiKkA&s=08 Mahrang Baloch emphasised that the Baloch people will not succumb to such pressure and will continue their peaceful resistance against the exploitation of their natural resources and the Baloch genocide. (ANI)
In a video message released on Wednesday, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain exposed the tactics used by Pakistan's defence forces to tarnish the image of communities that use peaceful protests as their mode of expressing their dissent. In a post on 'X' Hussain said, "DG ISPR lied about the Bannu incident, the army itself announced operation commitment stability, now they are running away from this announcement. There is still time, call back the army from the tribal areas and Balochistan, stop the atrocities, and negotiate. Give everyone their right, otherwise, there will be no negotiations after surrender." https://x.com/AltafHussain_90/status/1815496036820885745?t=_8JQd1xb-V4HmZOOavK2ww&s=08 In his statement, Hussain referred to a recently organised press conference by the Directorate of Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR) in which they claimed that the recently held Bannu open fire incident was triggered by initial firing from the protestors. While condemning these actions of Pakistan's defence forces, Hussain mentioned, "The army general in that press conference repeated the same lies that they have been trying to sell for years now. In the press conference, they defamed the peaceful protestors of Bannu, who had organised a peaceful rally. They were not doing anything wrong; they were holding white flags to showcase their peaceful dissent and your army men opened fire on them." The statement added, "You used lies to prove your point, by showing a photo of someone holding a pistol in the bannu rally. And even if there was a pistol holder in the rally, what is the evidence to prove that an ISI agent was not holding it? And your security personnel at that time had huge guns, so why were you afraid and why did you open fire on peacefully marching people? No doubt you showed the one-sided story of the pistol but you did not show the photos and videos that went viral showing unarmed people running here and there to save their lives when your men opened fire on them and they were injured." Hussain, while cornering the defence forces for organising terror attacks on India, said, " The truth still stands that your army, your army generals, and the ISI have been sending terrorists to India, for propagating terrorism. It is clear that you have been trying to turn the Bannu incident the other way and are trying to blame it on those peaceful protestors." Hussain also said that this is not the first time that the Army has attacked peaceful protestors. "Anyone who points a finger at you or reveals the truth about you, you call them terrorists, but you are the real terrorists. Otherwise, who had sent terrorists from Pakistan to orchestrate bomb blasts In India? But the people are now aware and all this must stop immediately. There is still time, but it will be too late if you don't stop now," he added. (ANI)
"Welcome @DavidLammy on his first visit to India as UK Foreign Secretary. Looking forward to our conversation," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X, sharing a picture of them together.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1816109063853465759

Lammy arrived in Delhi earlier this morning in the first high-level visit by the newly-elected Labour government in the United Kingdom. He is on a two-day tour to highlight the importance of a new partnership between the UK and India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security.

During his visit, Lammy will hold meetings with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and also meet with climate and business leaders to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership according to a statement from the British High Commission.

Lammy will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership, including by reinforcing the UK's commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for greater growth in both countries, the High Commission statement read.

Lammy will underscore the importance of the 'Living Bridge' between the UK and India, the High Commission said. It represents 1.7 million people with Indian heritage who have made their home in the UK and made an exceptional contribution to British life, the statement read.

On this visit, Lammy will also highlight the extraordinary contribution of British Indians to enriching the UK's social and economic landscape, it added.

The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to travel from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Laos, where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health. (ANI)
The physiotherapists of the Tibetan spiritual leader noted that he is making good progress every day.

"MEDICAL BULLETIN: His Holiness the Dalai Lama is now in the fourth week post-surgery. The surgical incision has completely healed without any complications," his office said in a post on X on Wednesday.

"The physiotherapists have said His Holiness is making good progress every day and are very satisfied with the speed of His Holiness's improvement. His Holiness's overall health status is stable and very satisfactory. Dr. Tsetan D Sadutshang and Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, Physicians to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, July 24, 2024," the post further read.

Dalai Lama travelled from Dharamshala to Delhi on June 28 before heading to the US for his knee surgery.

During a stop in Switzerland, he received a traditional Tibetan welcome upon his arrival at a hotel in Zurich. Well-wishers and guests watched as the Dalai Lama walked through the hotel lobby and greeted an old friend.

Hundreds of Tibetans and devotees also gathered in the streets to pay their respects to the spiritual leader. (ANI)
The activist, Amjad Ayub Mirza has claimed that Pakistan is orchestrating terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and utilising organisations like the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) to tarnish India's global image.

In his statement, Mirza criticised a meeting of the APHC held in Lahore on July 18-19. He said the conference was a tactic to legitimise attacks in Jammu that are allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based proxy terrorists.

Mirza said, "The recent All Parties Hurriyat Conference meeting held in Lahore on July 18 and 19 was essentially a way to legitimise the attacks occurring in Jammu. These attacks are attributed to the infiltration of Pakistan-based proxy terrorists."

Mirza argued that the APHC's call for international scrutiny of alleged atrocities in Jammu & Kashmir is an attempt to divert global attention from the dire conditions in PoJK.

Mirza highlighted ongoing civil disobedience in PoJK and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), where thousands are protesting against unjust taxes on electricity bills.

The activist further mentioned that PoJK is deprived of basic amenities and is struggling to stay afloat.

According to Mirza, "Pakistan has imposed illegal and unjust taxes on the people of PoJK. There is a shortage of electricity and flour, and a crisis in wheat supply due to revoked subsidies. The growing population and inadequate revision of wheat and flour allocation have exacerbated the situation. Thus, there is a crisis of democracy, economic rights, and resource ownership in PoJK."

Despite using hydropower for electricity production, residents are burdened with fuel adjustment charges.

He further noted severe shortages of basic necessities, including electricity, flour, and wheat, exacerbated by revoked subsidies and misallocation of resources.

Mirza also criticised the Hurriyat Conference, asserting that it was established by the ISI in 1993 following the genocide of Hindu Kashmiri Pandits.

According to him, the conference has since been promoting Pakistan's agenda in Jammu and Kashmir and fostering communal politics. (ANI)
The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Tulia Ackson, called on President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. During their meeting, President Murmu expressed confidence that Ackson would use IPU as a platform to discuss issues of relevance to the Global South. "Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and President of Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr Tulia Ackson called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan wrote on X. "The President expressed confidence that, as IPU President, Dr Ackson will further strengthen understanding and dialogue among member countries, and use IPU as a platform to discuss issues of relevance to the Global South," it added. https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1816093201629138948 Earlier today, Ackson also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and held discussions on the traditionally close and friendly ties between India and Tanzania. "Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, called on Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, at Parliament House today," the official account of Vice President of India wrote in a post on X. "Discussions were held on the traditionally close and friendly ties between India and Tanzania, highlighting the significance of Parliamentary exchanges in deepening the relationship between both nations," the post added. She also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar yesterday. The two leaders discussed relations as well as parliamentary exchanges during the talks. "Glad to meet President, Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania @TuliaAckson this afternoon," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X. "Discussed relations as well as Parliamentary exchanges. Exchanged views on development challenges of the Global South as well as reformed multilateralism," it added. Ackson had also called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House Complex. Birla expressed hope that Dr Ackson's visit would further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. Birla emphasised that India and Tanzania share a long-standing and friendly relationship, and he hoped that Dr Ackson's visit would serve to strengthen these relations further. With an outlook to enhance parliamentary cooperation between India and Tanzania, Birla felt that regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations and ongoing discussions on common interests were vital. (ANI)
Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to the US Congress on Wednesday, access to the Capitol Hill in Washington DC was tightly restricted for unauthorized individuals. Law enforcement agents implemented stringent security measures, blocking traffic two blocks away from the Capitol. Pedestrians and vehicles were turned away, with officials informing them that they could not go through, Al Jazeera reported. A very small group of protesters chanted outside the Washington Hebrew Congregation Wednesday morning as Netanyahu prepared to attend a memorial service for former United States Sen. Joe Lieberman, a staunch ally of Israel, who died in March at the age of 82. The protesters wore T-shirts that said, "Jews say stop arming Israel," CNN reported. Earlier this week, additional security measures, such as barricades, have been deployed around the Capitol building and the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu will be staying, CNN reported. With today's address, Netanyahu will overtake Winston Churchill, the United Kingdom Prime Minister who has delivered the most speeches to a joint session of the US Congress. Previously, Netanyahu spoke in Congress in 1996, 2011 and 2015. At least nine senators, along with dozens of House members have said they will boycott Netanyahu's address to Congress, citing Israeli actions in Gaza as their reason for abstaining. Others decried the Israeli Prime Minister's embattled leadership in the country and highlighted what they described as the "partisan" nature of his visit to Washington, DC, according to Al Jazeera Among the lawmakers who will be absent are New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Michigan's Rashida Tlaib, Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray. The Israeli Prime Minister arrived in Washington on Monday after US President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign. Biden's announcement was made abruptly on social media on Sunday, and he is expected to address the nation on Wednesday night, just hours after Netanyahu's speech, the Times of Israel reported. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday morning. The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Israel, since then, has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas' infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties. (ANI)
Ahead of an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the US Congress, a pro-Palestinian group on Wednesday claimed to have let loose maggots and other insects at the hotel in Washington, DC, where some of the Israeli delegation are staying, the New York Post reported. The pro-Palestinian group has reportedly made the claim in a purported video that captures the creatures scrambling all over a table which had the flags of Israel and the US. "Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people," the Palestinian Youth Movement posted on X. https://x.com/palyouthmvmt/status/1816127273067512175 Multiple journalists and social media users tweeted and shared the videos on their accounts. Ahead of Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, there was protests in Washington, DC, according to the New York Post. Notably, the joint address of the US Congress refers to a gathering that is attended by members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Israeli Prime Minister arrived in Washington on Monday after US President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign. The last time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress was in 2015 and with Wednesday's address, Netanyahu will overtake Winston Churchill, the United Kingdom Prime Minister who has delivered the most speeches to a joint session of the US Congress. Previously, Netanyahu spoke in Congress in 1996 and 2011. Former President Donald Trump will be meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday morning. The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Israel, since then, has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas' infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties. (ANI)
During the FOC, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

"Expressing satisfaction with the traditionally strong bilateral ties, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including political ties, regular high-level exchanges, trade and investment, education, technology, health, culture and people to people contacts," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official release.

JS called on Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

At the meeting, he discussed avenues and new initiatives to deepen the India-Kuwait partnership.

Earlier on Tuesday, July 23, he met Ziyad Al-Najem, Undersecretary, Ministry of Commerce and discussed avenues to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation including further boosting bilateral trade, diversifying the trade basket, deepening energy cooperation and new initiatives in technology and fintech.

"In his meeting with Tahani Rashid Al-Naseer, Assistant Foreign Minister (Legal), MOFA, discussions pertained to the early finalisation of ongoing negotiations of various agreements and MoUs," the MEA said.

The timely convening of the FOC in continuation of the previous FOC in May, 2023 is expected to impart further momentum in bilateral relations.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the consultations. It was agreed to hold the next FoC in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time. (ANI)
An international human rights watchdog called upon the Chinese authorities on Tuesday for the illegal imprisonment and further torture of Ilham Tohti, a renowned Uyghur activist and intellectual, Amnesty International said in a statement. Tohti had advocated for understanding and dialogue between Uyghurs and Han people in China. The same statement by Amnesty International mentioned that all attempts to resolve the issue between China and Uyghurs are faced with life sentences on baseless charges of "separatism." According to the Amnesty International statement, "Ilham Tohti, a renowned Uyghur intellectual, has spent the last ten years unjustly imprisoned for his peaceful advocacy. His relentless calls for understanding and dialogue between Uyghurs and Han Chinese have been met with a life sentence on baseless charges of "separatism." The statement further mentioned that "the charges against Ilham Tohti stem from his writings and teachings, which explained the systemic discrimination faced by Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Tohti's life sentence, handed down on September 23, 2014, after a trial lacking fairness and transparency, is a blatant violation of his rights. During his imprisonment, Tohti has reportedly been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including wrist and ankle shackling, prolonged solitary confinement and denial of adequate medical care and food, as well as political indoctrination." The statement called Ilham Tohti's imprisonment, egregious and a signal towards the suppression of most non-violent forms of advocacy for human rights. The statement also mentioned that Tohti's case exemplifies the Chinese government's broader crackdown on Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other ethnic groups, including mass arbitrary detention, forced assimilation policies, and crimes against humanity. While appreciating the efforts of Ilham Tohti, the Amnesty International statement mentioned that his approach offered a path towards understanding and cooperation and promoted peaceful coexistence. His freedom would be a crucial step for advancing human rights and justice in China, while his ongoing imprisonment is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis faced by Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other Turkic Muslim groups living in China. (ANI)
BUCHAREST, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday signed into law a controversial legislative project that raises the annual hunting quota for brown bears from 220 to nearly 500.

The new law, effective for 2024 and 2025, permits the culling of 426 bears as a preventive measure and an additional 55 bears for intervention purposes.

The legislation follows a recent fatal bear attack on a hiker in the Carpathians, which spurred lawmakers to pass the bill last week.

The law also increases the CIC points threshold for hunting trophies from 350 to 400, prohibiting the harvesting of bears with fur exceeding this score or females with cubs under two years old.

Any specimens harvested with fur over 400 CIC points must be handed over to the National Forestry Guard and remain state property.

The Senate first adopted the law on Nov. 6, 2023, with the Chamber of Deputies approving it on July 15, 2024.

Official figures have showed that 26 people have been killed and 274 others severely injured by bears over the past 20 years in Romania.

According to the Minister of the Environment, Romania's bear population is about 8,000, though the natural habitat can optimally support 4,000 bears while minimizing socio-economic impacts.

In the last 14 years, almost 2,000 bears have been killed, based on the exemptions.

Conservationists argue that the law violates EU legislation, as it is not based on scientific data and the exact number of bears in Romania is unknown.

Hunters can earn up to 18,000 euros for bear pelts and heads, according to an analysis by investigative publication Snoop.

The environmental NGOs express concerns that the increased quota could lead to unsustainable population declines and encourage trophy hunting practices. 
The joint military exercise will be held from July 27 to August 9.

Khaan Quest 2024 will be aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the participating nations during peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment.

"Exercise # KhaanQuest 2024 #IndianArmy contingent will participate in 21st edition of Multinational Joint Military Exercise #KhaanQuest 2024, conducted in #Mongolia from 27 July to 09 August 2024. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability of the participating nations during peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment," the Indian Army stated in a post on X.

https://x.com/adgpi/status/1816001955879141389

Earlier this month, the 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise, Nomadic Elephant 2024, concluded on Tuesday, and the two sides engaged in a meaningful dialogue about future joint operations, symbolising the deepened ties and mutual respect cultivated throughout the exercise.

The exercise, which started on July 3, concluded after an intense 14 days of training and collaboration.

The closing ceremony took place at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, graced by Major Gen Ganbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, and Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla, AVSM, YSM, GOC of the Trishakti Corps.

This exchange further highlighted their unwavering commitment to fostering partnership in the realm of regional security.

Following the ceremony, the Indian contingent showcased their advanced capabilities through a spectacular display of cutting-edge weapons and equipment. (ANI)
US Vice President Kamala Harris, who is trying to win delegates' support to be the Democratic nominee for the next President of the US, is considered by many analysts to be somewhat of a novice in foreign policy, however, experts speculate that she will likely uphold the Biden administration's foreign policy, particularly in managing relationships with China, VOA reported. She has garnered endorsements not only from US President Joe Biden but also from several senior Democrats following his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential race. Over the past 3.5 years as vice president, she has visited more than 19 countries and met with more than 150 foreign leaders, according to the White House website. She has visited over 19 countries and met with more than 150 foreign leaders, according to information available on the White House website. Let's look at some of Harris's remarks on China policy during her tenure as vice president and earlier as a US senator. In September 2023, Harris travelled to attend the ASEAN summit in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. After the meeting, she spoke about US-China relations and Indo-Pacific policy on CBS and said, "We, as the United States, in our policy, it is not about decoupling, it is about de-risking. It is about understanding. It's not about pulling out, but it is about ensuring that we are protecting American interests and that we are a leader in terms of the rules of the road, as opposed to following others' rules," Harris had said, according to VOA. Notably, Harris' first meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping was at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok in 2022, where she emphasised the importance of maintaining "open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries." The US Vice President also expressed the country's support for Taiwan. In a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in September 2022, she reaffirmed that the US would continue to support Taiwan and oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change its status quo. The White House emphasised that Harris underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an important element in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province and asserting sovereignty over the island. During her tenure as a US senator representing California, Kamala Harris has been a vocal advocate for legislation aimed at upholding human rights in Hong Kong and Uyghur. In 2019, she co-sponsored the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act introduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, which aims to promote human rights in Hong Kong and sanction officials involved in "undermining Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms and autonomy." The bill was later signed into law by then-President Donald Trump, according to VOA. She also facilitated the passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019, which became law in 2020. The bill authorised the US to impose sanctions on individuals or entities involved in human rights violations in Xinjiang, which is China's westernmost province where reports of mass internment camps, forced labour, and coercive assimilation have drawn global condemnation. The province is home to the ethnic Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim minority. (ANI)
White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean Pierre emphasised that no one is more qualified to step in as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee than US Vice President Kamala Harris. Jean-Pierre on Wednesday (local time) noted that Kamala Harris has been vice president for more than four years now. "The vice president (Kamala Harris) has been vice president for more than four years. I do not see anyone more qualified to step in at this moment. She was a senator. She was an attorney general...," she said while addressing the White House briefing. Jean-Pierre noted that Kamala Harris was a partner in that to the president, adding that President Joe Biden is proud to make this decision. "I've listed out what we've been able to accomplish in the last three and a half, almost four years, an unprecedented record. She was a partner in that with the president. This is a decision that this president made, and I think he (US President Joe Biden) is proud to have made that decision...," she added. Harris, over the past 3.5 years as vice president, has visited more than 19 countries and met with more than 150 foreign leaders, according to the White House website. She has visited over 19 countries and met with more than 150 foreign leaders, according to information available on the White House website. US President Joe Biden will be delivering a speech from the White House, the first since he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee as the country's president. "I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead and how I will finish the job for the American people, Biden said in his post on X. He said he would make the address at 8 pm ET on July 24 (Indian Standard Time will be early Thursday morning). The US presidential election will take place on November 5, and Biden was seeking re-election to the post as the Democratic Party nominee. After his June 27 debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump, Democrats put pressure on him to withdraw from the race. Following this, on July 21, Biden formally announced that he was abandoning plans for a second term in office and endorsed his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris for the election. Meanwhile, Harris has quickly consolidated support among Democrats and has already secured the backing of enough delegates to be the likely Democratic nominee. Democrats adopted the rules the party will use to choose their presidential nominee, with voting to officially nominate Harris likely to begin on August 1. Harris will have to secure the support of the majority of delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago in August. Under the rules approved by the Democratic National Convention's rules panel Wednesday, presidential hopefuls have until Saturday evening to formally declare their candidatures and until Tuesday, July 30, to submit signatures from at least 300 delegates, with not more than 50 from a single state counting towards the threshold, reported CNN. Voting will be conducted by electronic ballots sent to convention delegates. If only one candidate meets the petition requirements, which is likely considering how quickly the party has coalesced around Harris, voting is expected to begin on August 1, although it will be up to party leaders to set the times for voting to begin and end. If more than one candidate were to meet the requirements, party leaders can set a period of no more than five days for candidates to make their case to delegates, reported CNN. The party has said its goal is to nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates by August 7 to avoid the possibility of litigation over ballot access in Ohio. While the state has pushed its deadline for political parties to submit their official nominees to September 1, the new law won't take effect until the end of August. (ANI)
Fisherman caught with oversized stripers in NH; planned to sell them in Mass.

Tips from anglers fishing along New Castle and Rye Tuesday afternoon led to authorities busting a fisherman's alleged scheme to illegally keep 14 oversized striped bass and sell the fish in Massachusetts.

New Hampshire Fish and Games Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief announced Wednesday the Massachusetts man admitted to his plan after being caught by Portsmouth police Tuesday.

Several reports were made to state conservation officers and New Hampshire's Operation Game Thief tip hotline that a Massachusetts-registered boat was catching and keeping oversized striped bass caught off New Castle and Rye.

New Hampshire Fish and Games Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief announced that an angler from Massachusetts has been fined for allegedly attempting to keep 14 oversized striped bass caught off the coasts of New Castle and Rye so he could sell them in Massachusetts.

The boat fled after several anglers yelled to the operator in question they were alerting Fish and Game, according to the state agency. Fish and Game officers searched the water and alerted other law enforcement, including local police, Maine Marine Patrol and the Massachusetts Environmental Police by issuing a be-on-the-lookout alert for the vessel.

The Portsmouth Police Department found the operator attempting to dispose of the stripers after loading his boat onto a trailer, according to Fish and Game. The agency reported the bass ranged in size from 37 to 47 inches, all far above the legal maximum striper size requirement in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire only issues a recreational license for saltwater fishing, which allows for one striped bass per angler per day that must be 28 inches to less than 31 inches, Fish and Game stated.

Fish and Game did not specify where Portsmouth police located the fisherman on Tuesday.

What happens next with fisherman's case (and the fish)

Officers with Fish and Game interviewed the perpetrator, who admitted to his intention to sell the fish under his striped bass permit in Massachusetts, according to the agency. The suspect has been charged with licensing violations and for taking and illegally possessing each striper.

Fish and Game Col. Kevin Jordan said if the Massachusetts man pleads guilty, he will lose his New Hampshire fishing license and be fined for each of the 14 stripers. If the fisherman pleads not guilty, he could go to trial in Portsmouth District Court, facing Fish and Game prosecutors.

The fish are being held in freezers, should the case go to trial and the court requires the stripers as evidence, according to Jordan.

Theyll freeze them in the meantime and they could be provided to a food bank or a donation center so they dont go to waste, he said.

The state Fish and Game department praised nearby anglers for reporting the illegal activity and fellow law enforcements prompt response to stop the suspect.

More local news: Whale slams boat, topples 2 fishermen off Rye coast

This case exemplified the importance of reporting natural resource violations quickly and with as much detail as possible, Fish and Game reported.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Fisherman caught with oversized stripers in NH; planned sale in Mass.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 24, 2023. Netanyahu's visit to Washington this week is looming as a particularly fraught one between two allies. The Israeli leader is coming to address Congress Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at a moment of extreme political flux in the United States. | Ohad Zwigenberg

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday. The goal of his visit is to shore up support for Israel amid its war with Hamas.

But his visit comes at a tumultuous time in U.S. politics. Congressional Democrats are fighting among themselves over whether to continue to support Israel as the death toll mounts in Gaza. The Capitol is still experiencing shockwaves from last weekends news that President Joe Biden was withdrawing his bid for reelection while passing the torch to his vice president, Kamala Harris.

Meanwhile, security concerns also remain at the forefront after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Blake Moore criticizes Harris for going AWOL during Netanyahus visit

Netanyahu is expected to address Congress on Wednesday and meet with Biden on Thursday. His bilateral talks with Biden were rescheduled after the president became sick with COVID-19.

The Israeli prime minister is then scheduled to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, vice chair of the Republican Conference, in a statement to the Deseret News Tuesday said, Netanyahus visit is a testament to the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and an opportunity to speak about how to dismantle Hamas and support the Abraham Accords as the foundation for stability in the region.

The Abraham Accords are the bilateral agreements between Israel, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, signed during the Trump administration in 2020, recognizing Israels sovereignty.

Netanyahus visit also comes just days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Iran only needs probably one or two weeks to produce enough weapons grade material to produce a nuclear weapon.

As Iran sprints closer to the nuclear finish line and unleashes its proxy cells to target and kill American service members, we need these bilateral discussions, Moore, who represents Utahs 1st District, added.

The GOP congressman also remarked on Harris decision to skip presiding over or attending the joint address to Congress, saying she was happy to preside over recent Congressional addresses from the Prime Minister of Japan and President of France. But, Moore said, Harris is pointedly snubbing our strongest ally in the Middle East.

Going AWOL at a time like this due to fear of protests from her progressive base demonstrates that she is not fit to be the leader of the free world, he added.

As Politico reported, Harris will hold a one-on-one meeting with Netanyahu, where she reportedly intends to push for an end to the war and a negotiated cease-fire.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., president pro tempore of the Senate, who is next in line to preside over the address, also declined.

Securing a lasting, mutual cease-fire is of the utmost importance right now, and I will continue to push for one to be reached as soon as possible. I hope Prime Minister Netanyahu will use the opportunity to address how he plans to secure a cease-fire  and lasting peace in the region, Murray told NBC News Monday.

Instead, representing Democrats on the rostrum will be Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

This is Netanyahus first visit to the Capitol in nearly four years, and his first international trip since the Hamas Oct. 7 attacks.

I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel, Netanyahu said before departing Israel on Monday, per The New York Times. In this time of war and uncertainty, its important that Israels enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow and always.

Reps. Owens and Maloy say U.S. will stand by Israel

Rep. Celeste Maloy in a statement to the Deseret News Tuesday had a reassuring message for the American ally.

Make no mistake, the U.S. stands with Israel as they continue to combat terror in the wake of October 7th, Maloy, who represents Utahs 2nd District, said.

I look forward to hearing wartime leader Prime Minister Netanyahu lay out his vision for the future in a joint meeting of Congress tomorrow, and I hope my colleagues and I will be inspired by his message.

Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, in a statement to the Deseret News also said Israel and the U.S. share a special friendship that is unbreakable, joined together by a common love for God, country, and life.

While Im looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, D.C., not all of my colleagues are willing to extend a warm welcome to one of Americas greatest allies, even as Israel fights against the same forces of hate and extremism we faced after 9/11, Owens, who represents Utahs 4th District, said.

Despite the callous words and untimely absence of many Democrats, including Kamala Harris, the United States will continue to assist however we can as Israel fights against evil terrorists and defends its people.

Around 58 Democratic lawmakers skipped Netanyahus remarks to Congress in 2015. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told Axios that a lot of people who are extremely upset he is coming here will skip this time, too. She said she expected a large boycott.

Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, will also not be attending the address, and will defer to Trump for communication with the Israeli prime minister, according to The Hill.

Trump will sit down with Netanyahu on Friday, the former president said on Truth Social.

Looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump wrote. During my first term, we had Peace and Stability in the Region, even signing the historic Abraham Accords  And we will have it again.
Vermont's 16 pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, according to a statement released by the Vermont Democratic Party.

The delegation's announcement on Monday came just a day after President Joe Biden, who had been the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, dropped out of the race and backed Harris as his replacement. Since then, Harris has secured enough delegates  including Vermont's own  to clinch the Democratic nomination.

The official nomination is scheduled to take place at the Democratic National Convention starting Aug. 19 in Chicago.

"Our phones have been ringing off the hook with a record number of people signing up to volunteer to elect Democrats up and down the ticket in November," said Vermont Democrat Party Chair David Glidden in the party's press release. "I'm proud to be part of such a historic moment."

U.S. Sen. Peter Welch poses for a portrait with his family and Vice President Kamala Harris after Welchs swearing in ceremony for the 118th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

Vermont's pledged delegates  who were picked in May and June by prominent state Democrats  made their endorsement decision during an unofficial online meeting. Despite throwing their support behind Harris, the delegates are not bound to a specific candidate now that Biden, who won the March primary, is out of the race.

Ten other delegates from Vermont will also attend the August convention, including eight automatic delegates  also known as superdelegates or unpledged delegates  and two alternate delegates. Automatic delegates, which consist of influential Democrats like members of Congress or party leaders, serve as tiebreakers should voting continue past the first round.

Welch, Pieciak, Balint endorse Harris, while Sanders holds off

In addition to the DNC's 16 pledged delegates this year, several other big names in Vermont politics have also endorsed Harris for president since Biden dropped out on Sunday, July 21.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt.  one of the few major politicians in the Green Mountain State to call for Biden to step down  is among the most recent Vermonters to lend support to Harris. Welch initially neglected to endorse Harris, instead advocating for the party to consider all potential options for a new nominee, but changed his position on Tuesday morning after Harris earned the favor of most of the country's Democratic delegates.

"There is no candidate better equipped to take on Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans and protect our democracy, to advance the Biden agenda, and help strengthen our communities in Vermont  and across America," Welch said in his endorsement statement, lauding Harris's background as a prosecutor and her support for reproductive freedom and "hardworking families."

"She has reinvigorated this campaign," Welch added.

Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, D-Vt., endorsed Harris late Monday afternoon, describing her in a statement as having been "an invaluable partner to the President."

"Her leadership has helped create millions of good-paying jobs, lowered healthcare costs for seniors, and delivered the most robust climate agenda in U.S history," Pieciak said. "I trust Kamala Harris to finish the job."

Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., was the first major Vermont politician to throw her support behind the U.S vice president. Following Biden's announcement on Sunday, Balint wrote on X that "its time for all of us to get to work and secure @KamalaHarris in the White House."

Of Vermont's three members of Congress, only Sen. Bernie Sanders has yet to officially endorse Harris for president, though he told CNN on Monday evening that "I will do everything I can to make sure that Trump is defeated and that she is elected." Sanders, an independent, has twice sought the Democratic presidential nomination.

Although Sanders told CNN he expects to lend his official support to Harris eventually, he said he is holding off his endorsement until he knows for certain that Harris "will stand up strongly with an agenda that speaks to the long neglected needs of working families."

Balint, Welch and Sanders are all automatic delegates.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Kamala Harris gets support of Vermont Democratic delegates, Welch
Joe Biden's exit could be a tricky subject for authoritarian leaders in Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia, analysts say

Joe Biden's exit could be a tricky subject for authoritarian leaders in Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia, analysts say

Joe Biden exited the presidential race, endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor.

Analysts say leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping could interpret it as a sign of US decline.

Authoritarians are not used to giving up power like Biden did, albeit under pressure.

In a dramatic but increasingly expected turn of events, Joe Biden exited the presidential race on Sunday via a letter posted on social media.

Biden stepped aside less than a month before the Democratic National Convention after mounting pressure in his party to give way.

He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has no serious rivals to succeed him as the nominee.

Analysts have told BI that this peaceful  albeit reluctant  changing of the guard could be awkward for autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, and Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

"For all three, public order is the supreme goal," said Mathew Burrows, a leading analyst at the Stimson Center think tank.

Biden's sudden and unexpected departure  delivered by tweet  looks like a "palace coup in which the liberal media played a large part," Burrows told BI.

Increasingly blunt coverage of the challenge presented by Biden's old age helped shift the narrative against him.

The starkest moment was the June 27 debate, hosted by CNN, was a turning point from which Biden's candidacy never recovered.

Autocrats tend to tightly control their domestic media, leaving little opportunity of unsanctioned narratives like that of Biden's old age to take root.

Per Burrows, witnessing Biden's exit would likely further convince autocrats that they can't tolerate a free press in their societies.

"Putin and Xi will see all of it as a further indication of US decline and the whole Western system," Burrows argued.

The expert Fawaz Gerges agreed with Burrows, saying that a Middle Eastern ruler like that Middle Eastern rulers like Crown Prince Mohammed would be unlikely to yield power while still alive.

"Their motto is till death do us part," said Gerges, a Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics.

Ann Marie Dailey, a political researcher at the RAND Corporation, shared similar sentiments about Putin's Russia.

"A leader stepping down and saying that it's better for democracy is clearly not a message that the Kremlin wants to be circulated widely in Russia," she told BI.

"That would lead people to ask why their own leaders aren't stepping down willingly when they are aging."

Putin, 71, has ruled Russia more or less continuously since 2000.

Dailey said that Russia may present to its own people a narrative that Biden's exit underscores that "democracy is messy and unstable."

Back in the US, Biden's Democratic colleagues mostly praised him for leaving in the way he did.

Former President Barack Obama  reported to be one of those lobbying him to step down  issued a public statement praising a "historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own".

Read the original article on Business Insider
PROVIDENCE  The Rhode Island Judiciary expressed condolences Wednesday over the passing of state Traffic Tribunal Judge Edward Clark Parker, who served the court for three decades before his retirement last year.

Known as Eddie, Parker, of Pawtucket, died Saturday, July 20 at age 85, according to his obituary.

Parker joined the Traffic Tribunal in 1993, serving as its interim chief in 2007.

"Judge Parker was the cornerstone of the foundation upon which the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal rested during his time here," Traffic Tribunal Chief Magistrate Domenic DiSandro said in a statement. "Throughout his long and very distinguished career, his colleagues and friends knew him as a presence larger than life. Judge Parker could illuminate the darkest room and spread levity with his keen intellect and quick witted-humor. He was never at a loss for words. His Traffic Tribunal family feels a tremendous sense of loss with his passing and extends our sincerest condolences to his entire family."

More: Who's who in Rhode Island Superior Court: Get to know the judges

Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell also extended sympathy.

"The judiciary is deeply saddened by Judge Parker's passing," Suttell said. "He served the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal and the people of Rhode Island with good humor and fairness. We are grateful for his years of service and send our condolences to his family."

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Manning-Heffern-ONeill Funeral home at 220 Cottage St. in Pawtucket. His funeral will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Theresas Church, 354 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Traffic Tribunal Judge Edward Parker dies
Ethics Commission Chairperson Marisa Quinn is stepping down after nearly 10 years on the all-volunteer panel. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

After nearly a decade as a states ethics watchdog, Rhode Island Ethics Commission Chairperson Marisa Quinn is stepping down from her post.

Quinn announced her decision at the start of the panels monthly meeting Tuesday morning. Her last day is Wednesday. Quinn told Rhode Island Current afterward that her decision to leave was in order to focus more on her work at Conanicut Strategies  her Jamestown-based consulting firm that offers services to appointed leaders in higher education.

It just became self-evident, she said. It had been on my mind anyway  its time for other people to have the opportunity to serve on the commission and time for others to lead.

Former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo appointed Quinn in April 2015.

After Quinn announced her resignation, the five other commissioners in attendance passed a resolution thanking her for her service on the all-volunteer panel. Quinn recused herself from the vote.

Chairperson Quinn was known for her commitment to openness and transparency, for encouraging and engaging in thoughtful debate during hearings and for treating every person appearing before the Ethics Commission with dignity, fairness, and due process of law, the resolution states.

She was also praised for her leadership during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time where the commission was among the first state boards to conduct fully remote hearings.

And they were the exemplar, Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion said in an interview after the meeting. There was arguably no better public body in the state in flipping that switch.

Marion, a longtime observer of the commission, said other notable events during Quinns tenure included a completely virtual administrative trial. Quinn also oversaw the controversial decision to allow Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Erin Lynch Prata to pursue filling the vacancy on the judicial bench  at the time she was a state senator representing parts of Warwick and Cranston. Quinn was one of the two votes against the measure that Marion argued was in violation of the states revolving door provision.

It was not an easy time to be chair, he said. Its tough to lose her.

Nine years ago when Quinn joined the ethics panel, she was the director of communications and outreach for the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University. Quinn served as vice chairwoman from 2016 to 2020, and commission members elected her as chairwoman in January 2020.

Gov. Dan McKee, the subject of a now-dismissed ethics probe earlier this year, praised Quinn for her dedication to upholding the states code.

I thank Marisa Quinn for her service over the past decade to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission working to uphold and ensure the highest standards of integrity in our state, he said in a statement.

At the end of Tuesdays meeting, Ethics Commission Executive Director Jason Gramitt announced Vice Chair Lauren Jones would serve as the interim leader of the panel until its next election of officers  initially slated to happen in September, but Gramitt proposed holding it at the Aug. 20 meeting.

Quinns departure now leaves two vacancies on the eight-member panel  both of which are choices for the governor. The seat formerly held by Sister M. Therese Antone, Salve Regina Universitys chancellor, has been empty since 2021. McKees office did not immediately respond to questions on when the state will look to fill the seat.

Advice and consent is not required for the position, as no such wording was included in the 1986 constitutional amendment that created the commission. Terms on the commission are five years.

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Fulani attackers killed 18 Christians in a late-night assault on Friday (July 19) in central Nigeria, area residents said.



The assailants invaded Mbacher village, a predominantly Christian community in Benue states Katsina-Ala County, at about 11 p.m., said Joseph Achiv.

A group of Fulani Muslims carrying deadly weapons attacked Mbacher village, Achiv told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Eighteen Christians were killed during the attack as the villagers were sleeping.



Justine Shaku, chairman of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Council, said members that night received distressed calls and text messages from villagers that a group of Fulani terrorists were invading their village.



We made efforts to ensure soldiers were drafted to the area to repel the bandits, but the soldiers got there when the terrorists had left after killing 18 persons, Shaku said.

Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, said security agents had been deployed to the area.

We have received reports from Katsina Ala Division of the police about the attacks in that area and the killing of 18 persons, Anene said. A joint security effort is on as security agents have been deployed there, and investigation into the occurrence of the incident has commenced.

Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300.

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Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.

In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year.

Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.

They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.

Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
Squatter, 37, sentenced to 40 years in prison for illegally taking ownership of PCB condo

PANAMA CITY BEACH  A squatter who illegally took over a local condo received a four-decade prison sentence.

According to a press release from the State Attorney's Office of the 14th Judicial Circuit, 37-year-old Olandis Hobbs was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 40 years in prison. He was found guilty earlier this month of using false documents to take ownership of an approximately $700,000 condo in the Panama City Beach area.

Olandis Hobbs, 37, was sentenced on Tuesday to 40 years in prison for using false documents to take ownership of an approximately $700,000 condo in the Panama City Beach area.

"I hope this sends a strong message," State Attorney Larry Basford said in the release. "Do not come to Northwest Florida and try to steal people's identifications and/or property by squatting because we will not tolerate this."

Hobbs' 40-year sentence includes 25 years for fraudulent use of personal identification information and 15 years for grand theft over $100,000. He also faces 30 years of probation.

During his trial, evidence showed that Hobbs filed fraudulent paperwork in late 2022 with the Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court to transfer ownership of a PCB area condo to himself. The property is legally owned by an 85-year-old woman and her children.

Hobbs has committed similar acts in other places, like New York, and he was sued but never arrested.

"This might be your first significant conviction, but it is a doozy," a statement from Judge Dustin Stephenson to Hobbs listed in the release said. "You stole rest from the sunset of someone's life and should be punished for it."

Past reports note that after fraudulently assuming the condo, Hobbs changed its locks and notified condo management officials that there had been a change in ownership. The legal owners, who live out of state, were notified of the changes by a maid.

Earlier coverage of this case: Squatter, 37, found guilty of illegally taking ownership of $700,000 PCB condo

The Panama City Beach Police Department served a search warrant and arrested Hobbs on Jan. 13, 2023.

"The minimum sentence required by law was 10 years," the state attorney's news release reads. "Stephenson said there are matters of forgiveness and matters of justice, and forgiveness is not (his to give, but) justice is."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Squatter sentenced to prison for illegally taking over PCB area condo
A man on a motorcycle who state police say showed a gun was shot and killed by a state trooper last week was identified Tuesday.

Nicholas Owen Reed, 44, of Montvale, was the driver of the motorcycle and the suspect that was shot during the encounter, according to a state police news release.

Shortly after 4 p.m. July 18, a trooper attempted to stop a motorcycle on U.S. 460 in Botetourt County for reckless driving, according to an earlier state police news release.

After the trooper activated his emergency equipment, the motorcyclist refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The motorcycle exited U.S. 460 onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and continued north for another 6 miles to the 97.7 mile marker, according to that release.

The motorcycle attempted to exit the parkway, crashing into a closed gate on the Bedford County side of Black Horse Gap. The driver of the motorcycle produced a firearm, and the trooper discharged his duty weapon striking the suspect, according to that release.

A passenger on the motorcycle was injured in the crash and was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The trooper, who has not been identified, was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the state police will turn the findings over to the Bedford County Commonwealth Attorneys Office, according to the earlier release.
OSAKA, Jul 24 (News On Japan) - As the summer season heats up, the chants of the traditional 'Gyaru Mikoshi' parade ahead of the Tenjin Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, echoed through the shopping streets of Osaka on Tuesday.

The Gyaru Mikoshi is a staple of Osakas Tenjin Festival, one of Japans three major festivals.

This year, 80 women aged 15 to 30, selected for their physical stamina, carried two mikoshi, each weighing about 200 kilograms, through the Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street.

The Tenjin Festival will celebrate its 'Yoimiya' on the 24th and its 'Honmiya' on the 25th, with fireworks lighting up Osakas summer night sky.

Source: YOMIURI
OSAKA, Jul 24 (News On Japan) - Osaka private school organizations have requested the Osaka Prefectural Government to publicize the existing system that allows students to receive special education programs for an additional fee, despite the ongoing initiative to make high school tuition free.

Starting this fiscal year, Osaka Prefecture has been gradually implementing a policy to make high school tuition free. Under this policy, the government will cover annual tuition fees up to 630,000 yen for both public and private schools, regardless of the parents' income. Any amount exceeding this limit will be borne by the schools, resulting in zero tuition burden for parents.

The association of private high schools in Osaka has urged the prefecture to inform parents about the system where additional fees can provide education beyond the free tuition scope.

Yoko Kusajima, Chair of the Osaka Private Junior and Senior High School Association, stated, "Data shows that almost 85% of parents are willing to pay extra for value-added education, indicating a significant demand for enhanced education in private schools."

In response, Governor Yoshimura stated that the prefecture would engage in further discussions with private school organizations to consider their requests.

Source: MBS
Jul 24 (News On Japan) - Russia's Foreign Ministry has announced a ban on entry for 13 top executives from Japanese companies in response to Japan's sanctions over the Ukraine invasion.

On the 23rd of July, the Russian Foreign Ministry released a list of Japanese individuals who are indefinitely prohibited from entering Russia. This list includes prominent figures such as Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, and Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman and President of Rakuten Group, among others.

The ministry stated that the ban is a part of their countermeasures against Japan's ongoing sanctions related to Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. However, the specific reasons for selecting these individuals were not disclosed.

In 2022, Russia also announced an indefinite entry ban on Prime Minister Kishida and other government officials.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Jul 24 (News On Japan) - The number of raccoons captured in Tokyo is on the rise. These animals, increasingly making homes in residential areas, have even been found raising their young in attics.

Charming Appearance but Potential Disease Risks

With their pointed noses and black markings around their eyes like sunglasses, raccoons might look cute, but they can carry parasites and rabies. This makes it extremely dangerous to be bitten or licked by them.

A man living in Adachi Ward, who installed cameras to monitor the raccoons, reported seeing them dozens of times since his first sighting in January.

Resident: Since it warmed up, I've seen them almost daily. Yesterday, I spotted twoonce in the afternoon and again around 9 PM climbing to the second floor.

Sightings are becoming more frequent.

Resident: I see them walking along the side of the house. They even stop sometimes. They don't seem scared at all.

Despite their endearing looks, raccoons are dangerous as they can carry parasites and rabies. This makes it highly risky to be bitten or licked by them.

Resident: A raccoon rummaged through and ate some snack crumbs that were left out.

Numerous sightings have been reported online. In Setagaya Ward, raccoons were seen cautiously walking through residential streets, while in Kita Ward, four raccoons were observed skillfully climbing a fence.

Designated as an Invasive Alien Species, Requests to Pest Control Have Tripled

A decade ago, raccoons were mostly captured in western Tokyo. Recently, their habitat has expanded, and more than 1,000 raccoons were captured in the 23 wards in 2021.

Raccoons, designated as an invasive alien species, cause damage to crops and spread diseases.

House Protect manager, Kosuke Kido, noted: Raccoons and masked palm civets nest even in residential areas. They are known to build nests in such places.

Requests for pest control services have tripled compared to last year. On this day, a 50-year-old house in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, which had been infested by raccoons, was inspected.

Resident: There are stains here and heretwo places.

The stains were from raccoon droppings.

Resident: It walks all over the area near the entrance. There's only one, but...

Recently, there was a new development.

If You Spot a Raccoon, Report to Local Authorities Immediately

Resident: When I walked past here, I suddenly heard squeaking. I realized it had given birth. I could hear the cute voices of the babies.

Opening a hole in the ceiling and peeking into the attic, there were a mother raccoon and her four babies.

When the mother raccoon was driven out, she left the four babies behind and fled.

House Protect staff, Naoki Takaishi, stated: We are now using a capsaicin-based repellent to drive them out. It's important to ensure raccoons don't return to their nests due to their strong homing instinct.

Resident: I feel relieved but also a bit sad.

The capture process took about five hours.

Raccoon sightings have become more common in Tokyo. Experts advise against capturing raccoons barehanded or taking any measures on your own, as it is extremely dangerous.

Associate Professor Takuya Kato from Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University emphasized: It's necessary to capture raccoons and eliminate environments that attract them. However, it is very dangerous to try and deal with them on your own.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government urges residents to report any raccoon sightings to local authorities immediately.

Source: ANN
The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, received an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from The University of the West Indies (UWI) in Kingston, Jamaica on July 20 in recognition for his role in speaking out publicly for the Anglican church to face up to its past role in the transatlantic slave trade.

The doctorate ceremony took place at the E. Nigel Harris Council Room at the UWI Regional Headquarters in Kingston during the archbishops visit to the island from July 18 to July 21, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands.

A press statement by UWI said the Anglican church had been first established and controlled by a local governing class of planters and owners of enslaved people.

He has spoken and written about the church facing up to its past, read the UWI statement. He has called for affirmative action that seeks to address slavery as a crime against humanity. Importantly, he is an advocate of the need for promoting healing, empowerment, and reconciliation.

Welby took part in a panel discussion at the university about the legacy of enslavement and reparatory justice during his visit.

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Fellow panelists included Professor Verene Shepherd, vice chair of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, former International Court of Justice, Judge Patrick Robinson and the historian, Prof. Patrick Bryan.

Church Commissioners for England created a Healing, Justice and Repair Fund in 2023 after publishing a report on the churchs links to African chattel enslavement and the Archbishop discussed future plans for the fund in a question and answers session.



Welby later spoke about the evils of slavery in his sermon in Kingstons National Arena, for the final commemorative service for the 200th anniversary on July 21. Gospel readings happened in both Jamaican Patois and English.



Welby acknowledged the act of grace and forgiveness in being invited to the island despite the knowledge that the Church of England, and even former Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Secker [died 1768], owned slaves.



The shepherds, as Ezekiel says, consumed the flock. It is no wonder that the Church of England has suffered judgment for that, said Welby in his sermon.



For what worse thing could be done. And even for those in the church who did not actively participate in transatlantic chattel enslavement, the silence of the Church of England was a collusion, an agreement with slavery. The votes of the bishops in parliament were a support for slavery and their receiving of compensation for freeing the slaves was a profit from slavery.



Welby called the past wrongs a vile and disgusting sin but called out resistance by some people to the Church of England setting aside some money for reparations.



Yet even today, when the Church of England puts aside a little of its gains, so that the future may be helped to be better than the past, we were in England as a church, and as church leaders, resisted, both publicly and privately. There remains in many hearts resistance to the concept of enslavement as our sin, and to the celebration of ending the idea that a human being can ever be a possession. The church sinned and consumed the sheep.



I cannot speak for the government of the United Kingdom, but I can speak from my own heart and represent what we say in England now. We are deeply, deeply, deeply sorry. We sinned against your ancestors. I would give anything that it could be reversed, but it cannot.
EHIME, Jul 24 (News On Japan) - The Dogo Onsen main building, which has been undergoing restoration and repair work, has fully reopened for the first time in five and a half years.

The moment the hot spring reopened was filled with smiles, and the area around the main building is enveloped in a celebratory mood.

Despite the continuous rain, preparations for a kitchen car event planned to coincide with the full reopening were underway at Gochan Square, located near the main building, just past 10 a.m.

'I'm thrilled to be here today. As someone who loves Dogo Onsen, I found it quite sad to see it covered up. Now that it's finally open, Im very happy to be able to celebrate,' said one excited visitor.

Bonnie Bakery, known for its unique face-shaped bread, was one of the vendors at the event. They offered eleven varieties of bread, including their most popular Dogo-themed bread, which sold out quickly.

Kozono, which operates Gochan Square, is capitalizing on the onsen's reopening by hosting the kitchen car event and renovating the interior of their specialty chocolate store to attract more tourists.

'Weve been eagerly waiting for this moment,' said a local shop owner who recently renovated his store to make it more customer-friendly in anticipation of increased tourist traffic. 'We hope more people come and enjoy the newly reopened onsen.'

Dogo Onsen's reopening attracted a large crowd of tourists in the morning.

'Having the onsen fully open again changes everything,' said a local resident. 'We've been waiting for this day, and our expectations are high.'

The number of tourists, including international visitors, who visited Dogo last year exceeded pre-COVID levels from 2019, reaching 77,600. This achievement has filled local businesses and residents with great joy and optimism.

To address the ongoing labor shortage, the shopping district plans to use AI cameras to collect data on visitor traffic patterns. Starting this autumn, they aim to analyze this data to ensure adequate staffing during peak times. Additionally, plans are underway to revamp the joint website for local ryokan and the shopping district to enhance visitor convenience and satisfaction.

'We have the infrastructure ready to welcome guests, but we need to improve the services to ensure sustainability,' said a local business owner. 'By promoting IT and DX (digital transformation), we hope to revitalize the entire Dogo area.'

Ishida, who manages a souvenir shop in the Dogo shopping district, noted a change in visitor behavior. 'Previously, tourists would complete their visit within Dogo, but now they are exploring further, staying at city hotels and enjoying the wider area. We aim to support this shift by providing relevant information and encouraging broader exploration.'

To further this goal, Ishida has been collaborating with local business leaders over the past two years, sharing information and strategies to attract more visitors to the area. 'It's not just a Dogo issue; it's a challenge for all of Matsuyama and Ehime. We are committed to working together as one community to enhance the overall visitor experience.'

Source: NEWS
Jul 25 (Netflix Anime) - The intense battle action manga "KENGAN ASHURA" (written by Yabako Sandrovich and illustrated by Daromeon) is a massive hit and remains steadfast as the most popular comic among readers of the comics website Ura Sunday and the comics app MangaONE.

In the 12th and final episode of Season 2 Part.1, with an unconscious Ohma still in his hospital room, Hayami of Toyo Electric Power Co. and his men attempt a coup  but another organization secretly moves in the shadows...

Season 2 Part.2 of the Netflix Series "KENGAN ASHURA" starts streaming worldwide August 15, only on Netflix!
TOKYO, Jul 25 (News On Japan) - The national average minimum wage for this fiscal year has been set at 1,054 yen per hour, with the increase of 50 yen marking the largest ever.

The subcommittee of the Central Minimum Wage Council, comprising representatives from both labor and business sectors, has determined this year's minimum wage hike at a record 50 yen.

Currently, the national average minimum wage stands at 1,004 yen per hour. If all prefectures follow the guideline, it will rise to 1,054 yen.

This year's discussions focused on whether the increase would surpass last year's 43 yen hike, which brought the national average above 1,000 yen for the first time.

The final deliberations, which began at 2 p.m. on July 23, were temporarily suspended due to significant differences between labor and business representatives, and resumed at 10 a.m. on July 24.

The minimum wage, the lowest hourly rate companies are required to pay workers, varies by region, with Tokyo having the highest at 1,113 yen and Iwate the lowest at 893 yen, a gap of 220 yen.

The proposed guideline aims to reduce regional disparities by uniformly increasing the minimum wage by 50 yen across all prefectures.

Each prefecture will now refer to this guideline to decide their revised minimum wage, which is expected to take effect in October.

Previously: Japan's Minimum Wage Talks Delayed After Deadlock

Source: ANN
By Seun Opejobi

A General in the United States Army, Kenneth Ekman, on Wednesday, said American troops will be completely pulled out from Niger in August.

Ekman, who heads the US Africa Command Africom, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abidjan.

According to the US general: The withdrawal is going well.

It is ahead of schedule and this is because of the excellent coordination that we have had with our Nigerien military counterparts.

I expect that we will be complete with the withdrawal by early August, well ahead of the 15 September mutually agreed deadline.

The consequences for regional security are very concerning.

Ive been here speaking to your military and government leaders  we share the same concerns about the violent extremist threat that is growing and increasingly threatening the countries around the Sahel, he said.

The US started pulling out its troops from Niger in July but another 200 US soldiers remain at the Agadez drone base in the north of the country.

US troops were part of an international effort to suppress jihadist forces that regularly strike across the region.

But the Niger military leaders who seized power in a coup a year ago in March told US and French forces to quit the country.
PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP)  LeBron James grew up without a father, and the top scorer in NBA history has often said he savors every moment and milestone he can experience with his own three children.
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The Group of Friends on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, co-chaired by Morocco and the United States, organized, in New York, a high-level event on the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) to support sustainable development in Africa.

The event, titled AI: An exponential opportunity for sustainable development in Africa, was held Monday at the UN headquarters, in New York.

The meeting was meant to highlight the importance of strategic partnerships and enhanced cooperation in order to improve Africas capabilities in AI and to give the continent a say in the global and multi-stakeholder debate on this new technology, its governance, and its benefits.

Professor Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Executive President of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence of Morocco known as Ai Movement, within the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), made an exhaustive presentation on the key role of AI in transforming the future of Africa and the potential of this technology to contribute up to 1,500 billion dollars to the African economy, or 6% of the continents GDP. Whether improving healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, fostering educational inclusion or driving economic growth, AI has already proven itself as a powerful enabler of sustainable development, she argued.

Among the important questions that she stressed in her presentation is that of the articulation between technological and regulatory requirements for ethical and responsible innovation, thus pleading for trustworthy AI.

She noted that in order to exploit the potential of AI, Africa must accelerate the development of AI and devise its concrete roadmap including investments in infrastructure, improvement of data quality, education, capacity building, research and innovation, and governance.

The speaker recalled that Morocco organized last June in Rabat the 1st High Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence in Africa bringing together more than 20 countries. This event was marked by the adoption of the Rabat African Consensus on Artificial Intelligence.

She also briefed the meeting on the AI Movement Center which is a research and development center created in 2020 by UM6P and which positions itself as a regional hub and leader in the field of AI and endeavors to develop a trustworthy AI in Africa.

AI Movement also aims to promote co-development through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, she indicated, citing in this regard a study carried out and published by Nature in 2020 which highlights that 79% of the SDGs can be achieved or improved thanks to AI.

The Ai Movement was designated a UNESCO category II center in November 2023, a center of excellence in the field of AI and data sciences in Africa, recalled the world expert in AI, adding that the meeting at the United Nations aims to give more visibility to the Rabat African Consensus on AI and to contribute to better representation of the continent in global discussions around the governance of the new technology.

The Executive President of the AI Movement Center further highlighted the importance of developing trustworthy AI technologies that take into account ethical considerations, fairness, transparency, and accountability.

By focusing on the responsible development of AI, we can maximize the benefits of these technologies while minimizing the potential risks, she insisted.

Rachel Adams, CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance, based in South Africa and which hosts the African Observatory on Responsible AI, surveyed in her address the missions of the African Observatory, indicating that this structure has acquired proven expertise in this area through the collection of data and the proposal of visions and strategies to improve AI governance.

Speaking of the continental strategy of the African Union (AU) on AI, she stressed that the objective of this approach is to harness AI to accelerate socio-economic transformation, in accordance with the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.

In their part, Majda Moutchou and Chris Lu, respectively deputy representatives of the Permanent Missions of Morocco and the United States to the UN, pointed out that the Group of Friends on AI makes it possible to initiate inclusive discussions to make advancing AI in the service of sustainable development and reducing the digital divide.

In this regard, they hailed the momentum that AI is already creating in Africa and the prospects for its development on the continent with the support of all international partners.

The meeting of the group of friends on AI saw a strong participation of member states from all regional groups, who welcomed the adoption of the Rabat African Consensus on AI, while commending Morocco for its vision, its commitment and leadership in this process.

The Rabat Consensus on AI, which was unanimously adopted, had launched a call for action to put in place the milestones of an African strategy on AI governance. It defines three founding principles meant to mobilize institutions across the continent, namely, to work towards the development of a common framework for global and inclusive governance of AI, harness the AI in the public sector and in the service of the African common good, and guarantee the development and ethical use of AI, based on human rights in the service of all.
Christian leaders and advocates are strongly criticizing the current two-child limit on benefits in the U.K., denouncing its severe impact on families facing "acute hardship."

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the Church of England are urging the new Labour government to swiftly abolish this controversial policy. Implemented for children born after 6 April 2017, the policy restricts benefit payments to two children per family. Charities argue this rule has plunged many families into financial crisis, with each additional child born after the cutoff costing thousands of pounds annually in lost benefits.

Recent figures released by HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions underscore the widespread impact of the policy. In the year leading up to April 2024, it affected a record 1.6 million children, up from 1.5 million in the previous year.

A survey conducted by CPAG among 560 affected families revealed alarming statistics: nearly half (45%) were struggling to meet rent or mortgage payments due to the policy, and a similar proportion (46%) found it challenging to cover childcare costs.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 93% of families reported difficulties in affording food, while 82% struggled with gas or electricity bills. Some parents reported extreme measures such as keeping children out of school due to financial constraints, and some mothers had to curtail their maternity leave prematurely to return to work.

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The personal stories of affected families underscore the human toll of the policy. One single parent, balancing full-time work, lamented that their child could no longer participate in GCSE Physical Education due to associated costs. Another working mother expressed profound anguish over her children queuing with her at a foodbank, as she is unable to provide adequately for them.

Alison Garnham, Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, emphasized the urgency of ending the two-child limit, stating, "Children are losing their life chances to the two-child limit now  they can't wait for the new government to align every star before the policy is scrapped."

She added, "The PM came to office pledging a bold, ambitious child poverty-reduction plan, and there's no way to deliver on that promise without scrapping the two-child limit, and fast. This is not the time for procrastination or prevarication - the futures of 1.6 million children are on the line."

Echoing Garnham's call, the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, stressed the critical need to abolish the policy, saying, "The testimonies in this report remind us that the two-child limit continues to affect the wellbeing and life chances of too many children and families in this country."

"Abolishing this unfair policy is essential if we are to turn the tide on poverty and ensure that every child is supported to flourish in all areas of life."
Nigerian authorities fined Meta, the mother company of Facebook, whatsApp and Instagram, 220 million dollars for breaching consumer and data protection laws as well as abusing its position as market leader.

The fine was announced following a 34-month investigation by Nigerias Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Meta is also accused of sharing Nigerians personal data without authorization and denying Nigerians the right to determine how their data is used

FCCPC chief executive officer Adamu Abdullahi said investigations carried out by the commission showed that Meta had engaged in invasive practices against data subjects in Nigeria.

Abdullahi said the tech giant must comply with the prevailing law and cease the exploitation of Nigerian consumers and their market abuse.

The commission ordered the firm to desist from future similar or other conduct/practices that do not meet nationally applicable standards.
Gen. Michael Langley, Chief of U.S. Africa Command, travelled on Tuesday to Algeria and met with army chief Said Chengriha and President Abdelmajid Tebboune amidst intelligence reports warning against Iranian weapons delivered recently to Algeria-backed Polisario militias.

According to experts, these weapons pose a direct threat to American interests in the region and to Morocco, U.S. major ally, and host country of the annual African Lion military exercise, the largest in the continent.

The visit of the U.S. four-star General comes few days after the U.S. ambassador to Algeria Elizabeth Aubin confirmed the American recognition of Moroccos full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.

She also reaffirmed Washingtons support for the realistic and credible autonomy plan proposed by Morocco under its sovereignty, without saying a word on the self-determination referendum abandoned by the United Nations.

The ambassadors remarks have irked the Algerian regime and the Polisario leaders, sparking tension between them, after realizing the deadlock of their predicament and their humiliating loss.

The diplomatic setbacks suffered by the ruling Algerian junta and Polisario were exacerbated by the exclusion of the separatist group by the African Union from upcoming international events gathering African countries with China, Russia, the United States, South Korea, Japan, India

Sensing the collapse of the Polisario amid a growing popular uproar, frustration, and resentment in Tindouf camps, several militiamen have left the group, rising serious concerns as the Iranian proxies are recruiting these vulnerable and disillusioned fighters to serve the hegemony agenda of the Ayatollahs.

Prior to the upcoming UN Security Council meeting on the Sahara, it is very likely that the Polisario may launch some hostile actions against Morocco with the Iranian weapons from neighboring Algeria.

Last October, the Polisario launched deadly rocket attack on the Moroccan Saharan city of Es Smara. Another attack would lead to the designation of the Polisario militia a terrorist organization and Algeria as a state sponsor of terrorism, have affirmed the experts, noting that the United States is the penholder of UN Security Council resolutions on the Sahara.

To avoid such a scenario and maintain stability in the region, the Pentagon has sent Gen. Michael Langley to Algeria and a military delegation to MINURSOs HQ in Laayoune to assess the challenges facing the UN mission. But will U.S. engagement of Algeria pay-off?
Cote dIvoire has reiterated its steadfast position in favor of the Moroccan Sahara, and its unwavering support to Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory and hailed the Kings strong commitment to peace and development in Africa.

The stance was renewed by Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Houadja Leon Adom during a news conference held following talks with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita in Rabat Wednesday.

The head of Ivorian diplomacy reaffirmed his countrys full support for the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan, which constitutes, he said, the only credible and realistic solution for resolving this regional dispute.

He also praised the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive framework for achieving a realistic, practical, and sustainable solution to the dispute over the Sahara.

As a token of its recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, Cote dIvoire opened a General Consulate in Laayoune in February 2020.

During the news conference, the Ivorian official also hailed the leadership of King Mohammed VI and his African vision in favor of the continents peace, stability, and socio-economic development, as outlined in the Sovereigns speech in Abidjan in March 2014.

In this connection, he commended the Kings initiative to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative within the framework of Moroccos active solidarity with African countries.

The two officials welcomed the momentum generated within the framework of the Atlantic African States Process to make the Atlantic African space a geostrategic framework that holds significant opportunities for synergy and cooperation among the countries it encompasses in strategic areas such as the environment, food security, health, energy, logistical interconnection, resource sharing, and exchange of experiences. This framework could, in this regard, become a zone of co-emergence and stability.

They also expressed their satisfaction with the progress in the implementation of the mega-project of the West African gas pipeline between Morocco and Nigeria, as well as the methodology followed to bring into being this project, a symbol of South-South cooperation which, once completed, will contribute to improving the living conditions of the population and strengthening regional economic integration.
Morocco and Burkina Faso have signed a military cooperation agreement, covering training and drills, technical support and exchange of expertise, military health, and other areas of common interest.

The agreement was initialed in Rabat this Wednesday by Minister in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, and Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs of Burkina Faso, General Kassoum Coulibaly, who is paying a working visit to the Kingdom at the head of a large delegation.

During the meeting that was attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of FAR and Commander of the South Zone, Loudyi highlighted the Royal Initiative aimed at transforming Africas Atlantic shore into a hub of economic integration, an area of shared peace, stability and prosperity for all the countries bordering on the Atlantic. He also emphasized the importance of the initiative facilitating access to the Atlantic Ocean for the landlocked countries of the Sahel.

General Kassoum Coulibaly underlined the high priority his country grants to partnership with Morocco, and expressed his admiration for the various South-South and Africa-oriented regional cooperation initiatives, launched under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. These initiatives propel Morocco as a dynamic player in stability, progress and peace in its neighborhood, particularly in Africa.

The two officials expressed their shared ambition and desire to consolidate their relations, through the implementation of the provisions of the just-concluded military cooperation agreement.
Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

As Republicans attempt to course-correct following the sudden shift in Democratic candidates, some have almost immediately leaned into racist critiques of Vice-President Kamala Harris.

On Monday, Glenn Grothman, a Wisconsin congressman, told a local affiliate that many Democrats feel they need to stick with Harris as a nominee due to her ethnic background.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, tells our Milwaukee affiliate, @CBS58, that many Democrats feel they must stick with VP Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination "because of her ethnic background."



Grothman also said it "is going to be more pic.twitter.com/BKiuBNGGAY  CBS News (@CBSNews) July 22, 2024

In an interview with CNNs Manu Raju that same day, Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee was blunt with his assessment that Harris was an unqualified pick. Biden said, first off, he said hes going to hire a Black female for vice-president. What about white females? What about any other group? he said. When you go down that route, you take mediocrity, and thats what they have right now with the vice-president.

Raju then asked Burchett if he was suggesting that Harris was a DEI hire, a pejorative referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that many in the Republican Party have railed against. 100 percent. She was a DEI hire, he said. Her record is abysmal at best.

Rep. Tim Burchett, a conservative Republican from Tennessee, attacks VP Kamala Harris as a "DEI hire." pic.twitter.com/5bZGml31Kx  Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 22, 2024

In 2020, then-candidate Joe Biden vetted candidates like Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer and Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar as part of his search for a running mate. During a March debate that year, Biden committed to selecting a woman vice-president, but did not explicitly indicate race like he did when he promised to nominate a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Burchett did not apologize for his comments on Wednesday to HuffPost, saying he only regretted voicing his thoughts. Do I wished Id said it? No, but it was the truth, he said. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert backed Burchett up on X , claiming that President Bidens public comments about wanting a more diverse administration validated the congressmans opinion. (Earlier this month, Boebert labeled White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre a DEI hire.)

Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming echoed Burchetts words during a Tuesday TV interview in which she called Harris really kind of the bottom of the barrel intellectually. I think she was a DEI hire. And I think that thats what were seeing, and I just dont think that they have anybody else, she said.

When asked about @KamalaHarris candidacy, @HagemanforWY calls @VP a "DEI hire."



"Intellectually, just really kind of the bottom of the barrel...I think she was a DEI hire. And I think that that's what we're seeing, and I just don't think that they have anybody else." pic.twitter.com/Dj9y4pKHrj  Josh Rultenberg (@JoshRultNews) July 23, 2024

Some congressional Republicans have criticized the rhetoric coming from colleagues. Florida representative Byron Donalds, who is Black, told CNN, I dont think we even need to say stuff like that. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told HuffPost, Of course its not appropriate, for heavens sakes. What, are they just going to say if youre not a white male, its a DEI candidate? And Wyoming senator Cynthia Lummis told Semafor that I think we need to take her seriously, referring to Harris. And I think part of taking her seriously is disregarding issues of race and sex and just going at policy.

The Associated Press reports that Republican leaders warned their caucus in a closed-door meeting to ease off comments about Harriss race and gender and to focus on policy. This should not be about personalities. It should be about policy. And we have a record to compare, House Speaker Mike Johnson said following the meeting, per Politico.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Johnson said, This isnt personal with regard to Kamala Harris. Her ethnicity, her gender, has nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Clearly, not everyone in his party is listening.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

Even after Kamala Harriss high-profile primary run and almost a full term as vice-president, many Americans are only just getting to know her. But Harris has been a fixture in California politics for decades, and Dan Morain, a veteran Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee reporter, had a front-row seat to her ascent. In his unauthorized 2021 biography Kamalas Way, he explored her path from promising young lawyer to the White House, including stops at several powerful perches along the way. With Harris already having all but clinched the Democratic nomination, I spoke with Morain about what defines her as a politician, why she stumbled in 2020, and her opacity as a person.

As somebody whos been following Kamala Harris for about 30 years, is there a particular through-line youve detected with her  a guiding philosophy or anything like that? Or is it more just that she is an adept politician who is good at reading particular moments?

Shes certainly a skilled politician, and shes ambitious. But then, what politician isnt ambitious? To me, one thing that is true about Kamala Harris is that shes underestimated. She came out of pretty much nowhere to become district attorney. She had built a bit of a profile in San Francisco, but when she ran for D.A., she had very little name ID. And she was running against an incumbent who had quite a name in San Francisco. The Hallinan family was and is quite famous there. Nobody knew who Kamala Harris was.

And when she ran for attorney general in 2010, she was certainly the underdog against Republican Steve Cooley, who had been the district attorney in Los Angeles for three terms  and L.A. of course is the main population center of California. He was the front-runner and should have won.

2010 is the year of the tea party, a year when Republicans all around the country won legislative seats. There was this committee called the Republican State Leadership Committee. The organization raised $30 million that year, I think, and spent a million of it trying to block Harris from winning. And the reason was that they could tell that if she won in 2010, shed be a significant player for years to come. In fact, in Kamalas Way, I quote Cooleys campaign manager Kevin Spillane telling his boss that this race is really not about attorney general; its about the vice-presidency. Kevin could see in 2010 that Kamala Harris might be a logical vice presidential pick.

Prescient!

One of the things that is interesting about her, and I think its relevant today, is that shes really adept at clearing the field. When she ran for AG in 2010, she was one of half a dozen Democrats seeking the nomination. Jackie Speier, a member of Congress at the time, was contemplating entering the race, and Harris announced that she had $2.2 million in the bank. That dissuaded Jackie from getting in, or at least helped dissuade her.

When Harris runs for reelection as district attorney, she runs unopposed. And this is San Francisco. San Francisco politics is a real bloodsport. That she had cleared the field was pretty extraordinary, I think. Especially since she had had a bit of a rocky go there as DA over the death penalty. And she runs for attorney general the second time unopposed, practically. And then when she announces for U.S. Senate, there were serious candidates out there, like Antonio Villaraigosa, who had been L.A. mayor and Speaker of the State Assembly. He thought better of it. Xavier Becerra was a prominent member of the House then, and he thought better of it. There was a member of Congress, Loretta Sanchez, who did run, but Loretta was not going to beat Kamala Harris.

Well, weve certainly seen her clear the field writ large in the last couple days.

Yeah, thats right.

One time she wasnt able to do that was the 2020 primary campaign  she was seen as a really promising candidate, and was maybe even the front-runner for a few weeks. Then her campaign devolved into chaos. A big reason for that was campaign organization. There were all these postmortems about how Maya Harris, her sister, had run things poorly, but of course some of the blame went to the candidate herself. Did any of this sound familiar to you? It seems like youre saying her previous campaigns were quite a bit smoother.

They were. I wrote about the debacle that was her campaign in 2019, but I didnt cover it in the way I had paid attention to her run for attorney general and her run for Senate. But what struck me about it was that she was not being true to who she was, which was understandable at the time. This is a career prosecutor who sort of ran away from being a career prosecutor.

Because the party had moved left, but she misread where things were going a bit.

Yeah, absolutely. She was being attacked from the left, so she inched her way to the left, which I dont think is  shes certainly liberal, but 

Not San Francisco liberal. More like San Francisco moderate.

When the Chronicle endorsed her run for district attorney in 2003, the headline was Harris, for Law and Order. She promised to prosecute corner drug dealers. So  left? Absolutely. As far left as many in California? No.

Going back to her problems in the 2020 primary: Has Harris had so much sway in her other campaigns, or was that a more recent phenomenon?

I have never met Maya Harris, or at least I dont think Ive met her. She was very influential in California politics, though. She was with the ACLU and helped lead the effort against Proposition Eight in 2008 to ban same-sex marriage. From everything I have been told, Maya and Kamala Harris are very, very close. So Im sure that Maya had a significant influence on her runs for Senate and attorney general. I know that Maya helped a lot in her first run for district attorney. But I dont have firsthand knowledge about it. All I know is what Ive been told.

Harris was always against the death penalty, as you said. Would you say criminal-justice issues are the ones she cares most about?

Yeah, writ large, sure. But human trafficking is a huge issue, and the sex trade, particularly crimes against children. One thing that she talks about as being quite formative is that her mom moved her and Maya up to Montreal and took a job at McGill University. So Kamala is there as a high-school kid, and shes doing what high-school kids do. Shes having fun; shes in a dance troupe. One of her friends, a classmate named Wanda Kagan, confides that shes been abused by her stepfather. And so the Harris clan brings Wanda into their home. Harriss mom insists that she get counseling  they really bring her into the family. When Harris is district attorney in San Francisco, Harris is interviewed by Oprah, and Wanda Kagan reaches out to her to reconnect and they rekindle their friendship.

Fast-forward to 2020, and the New York Times writes a piece about this episode. And then Kamala Harris does an ad. You can find it on YouTube  its really a striking ad. And shes talking about this episode in her childhood where she meets this kid whos been abused, and how that is so formative, and thats the reason she cites for becoming a prosecutor.

I should say, as an aside, that Elaina Plott Calabro wrote a terrific piece on Vice-President Harris in October 2023. And she writes in that piece that three years into the administration, the White House is still discovering things about her. And they bring to her this episode about this kid, the explanation for the motivation for Harris becoming a prosecutor. Isnt that interesting that the White House wouldnt know about something that had appeared in the New York Times, she had done an ad about, and was in the one biography thats been written about her? They didnt understand the asset they had.

Im not too surprised somehow after reading about this dynamic over the years.

I thought that that was extraordinary. Its the reason why this daughter of two lefties, immigrant Berkeley intellectuals, becomes a prosecutor. I think it surprised her family that she became a prosecutor. But this helps explain something about her.

So when you say criminal justice, yeah  but its really crimes against women, crimes against children. She did a lot of that when she was with the Alameda County District Attorneys Office. And then she went to work for the San Francisco City Attorney before she ran for district attorney. And she oversaw a family-law section of the office where she interacted a lot with abused children.

I didnt realize that.

Yeah. She did interesting things as attorney general. I think the most interesting one, though, was overseeing the prosecution of Backpage.com.

And if you remember that case  Backpage, as she described it, was an online bordello, but it was worse than that. There were minors who were being trafficked, at least according to the charges. She oversaw the prosecution of Backpage, and the deputy attorney general, Maggy Krell, was given free rein to go after that case. And that, again, was over human trafficking.

So theres that through-line.

Yeah. Theres another interesting case that I think a lot of the national presses may not be aware of. Harris endorsed legislation directing crisis pregnancy centers that are run by anti-abortion people had to put a statement in their waiting rooms that order to get reproductive health care, you could go elsewhere. So it was forcing these centers to post something they fundamentally oppose. This goes up to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court concludes that its a violation of the First Amendment. You cant force somebody to say something.

And the anti-abortion activists who brought that case do what happens in civil-rights cases: they collect a lot of attorneys fees from the state of California. And then the money from that case is used to attack reproductive health. So I suppose theres some irony there. Had she thought it through, she might not have sponsored that law, or had it written somewhat differently. It kind of backfired on her.

I was watching another interview you did since Biden dropped out, and you said, of Harris, that There are fundamental things we dont know about her as a human being. And that piqued my interest.

Its true.

Do you attribute that close-to-the-vestness just to her personality? How much of it has to do with being a Black woman in politics and being a little guarded for that reason?

I dont know the answer to Why is she so guarded? But she is so guarded. In fact, I ran my notion about how weird it was that the Biden White House didnt know about Wanda Kagan by somebody who knows Harris really well. And I asked him for a reality check, what to make of this. And he told me, Well, you would be working with Kamala Harris and going over a speech, rewriting a speech, and then maybe in the tenth draft, she would reveal something about herself. So even people who work really closely with her discover new things about her. She doesnt hold forth.

Im trying to figure out if thats a good thing or a bad thing for a presidential candidate. I guess it could go both ways.

Well, its going to be challenging. Look at the photos from Inauguration Day. Her sister is there, Maya. Her sisters daughter, Meena, is there, and her sisters daughters husband, Nick Ajagu, is on the stage with the Bidens. Nick and Meenas children are there. Wheres her dad? Her dad is still alive, as far as I know, and maybe he was at the inauguration. I wasnt. So I dont know. But where are the photos? Where is he?

They had a strange relationship, as I recall, although I cant remember the details.

Yeah. Thats because nobody knows the details. When I was writing the book, there were basic things I wanted to ask her. She was a young prosecutor in Alameda County in 1991. That was the year Anita Hill testified against Clarence Thomas before the Judiciary Committee chaired by Joe Biden. What did she think of that? I have no idea. She had to have thought something about it  I cant imagine a young woman attorney didnt have opinion.

There are a bunch of questions like that, fundamental questions that if I could sit down with her for ten minutes  the first three questions would be about her father, but then theyd veer off into other things. I mean, maybe well find out in the presidential campaign, but shes not an open book.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photo: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election and endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris as his successor occurred just as Democrats were beginning to finalize arrangements for their convention in Chicago. Heres a guide to how these new developments will affect Democrats plans as they gear up to take on Donald Trump in November.

When is the Democratic National Convention?

The DNC runs from Monday, August 19, to Thursday, August 22.

Are delegates won by Biden in the primaries bound to him?

No. Unlike Republicans, Democrats do not legally bind delegates; they merely have a moral obligation to honor pledges as long as their candidate is in the field. Fourteen states have laws requiring that delegates honor pledges, but they all have provisions for releasing delegates when a candidate withdraws, as Biden has done. And in any event, there is Supreme Court precedent for national party rules superseding state laws with respect to convention delegates.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has made noises about launching lawsuits to prevent Democrats from switching out a nominee after primaries have ended, but no credible legal expert thinks the idea has merit. Biden was never any more than the presumptive nominee for 2024, and any ballot access for the general election depends purely on formal nomination by Democratic delegates.

What is a virtual roll call, and why are Democrats planning one?

Normally, major parties make presidential and vice-presidential nominations via a roll call of the states held at a regular session of their conventions (though uncontested nominations can happen quickly and without much fanfare, as occurred on the first day of the 2024 Republican convention when Donald Trump and J.D. Vance were rubber-stamped before most media coverage began). In 2020, however, Democrats chose to deploy a virtual roll call  really just a series of video presentations of each states vote  after abandoning most live-convention activities because of COVID-19 precautions. In May of this year, the Democratic National Committee chose to move forward with another virtual roll call to make the presidential and vice-presidential nominations prior to the Chicago convention, for reasons ranging from concerns about protests in Chicago to a ballot-access law in Ohio that required nominees be certified by August 7.

On July 19, before President Bidens decision to withdraw from the race, the Democratic National Conventions Rules Committee met and confirmed that it would proceed with a virtual roll call at some point between August 1 and August 7 (despite a new law enacted by Ohios Republican legislature that would retroactively move the deadline to September). A subsequent meeting of that committee, which finalized convention rules, clarified that the virtual roll call will be held on August 1 if only one candidate is running and on August 3 if multiple candidates are running.

Technically, the virtual roll call could be revisited at the convention to change the nominee, but thats not going to happen barring some development even stranger than those weve already witnessed this year.

Who can run for the presidential nomination?

The conventions rules as finalized on July 24 provide that any person willing to announce a candidacy and show evidence of support from 300 delegates (no more than 50 from one state) can have her or his name placed into nomination and secure votes; certification of candidacy must happen by July 27. At this point, Kamala Harris has already qualified (shes already been endorsed by all 50 state-party chairs). Its much less likely that the other announced candidate, Marianne Williamson, can reach the delegates thresholds, and other candidacies (including the rumored possible run by Joe Manchin) remain possible but not at all certain. So technically this will be an open convention, but it probably wont be at all competitive.

How many delegates will make the decision?

3,949 delegates were chosen in the Democratic presidential primaries and subsequent deliberations. An additional 749 automatic delegates  better known as super-delegates  will attend in recognition of the offices they hold (or held). They include members of the DNC, members of Congress, governors, and former presidents and vice-presidents. Technically, the super-delegates are barred from voting on the first ballot, but a loophole will allow them to do so if as appears certain Harris has already won a majority before the virtual roll call is held.

How will the vice-presidential nomination be conducted?

As was the case in 2020, the Rules Committee has determined that the presidential nominee will choose a running-mate without further ratification, other than a ceremonial vote at the convention. There will be no separate virtual roll call on the vice presidential nomination.

Are there additional complications in switching out nominees?

Though Republicans may try any number of public-relations and legal initiatives to draw attention to what they are calling the coup to replace Biden at the top of the ticket, the only one likely to have much traction is a challenge to the ability of Harris to utilize funds raised when Biden was the presumptive nominee. Democrats argue the money was raised on behalf of a Biden-Harris renomination campaign, of which she was obviously an integral part, but the controversy could go before a deeply divided Federal Election Commission and then into the courts.
Photo: Kevin Mohatt/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Vice-President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign on Tuesday, holding her first official rally in front of an enthusiastic crowd in the key battleground state of Wisconsin.

The path to the White House runs through Wisconsin, Harris told the more-than-3,000 attendees at Milwaukees West Allis Central High School.

The event had been scheduled prior to President Joe Bidens bombshell announcement that he would be dropping his reelection bid and backing Harris as his replacement, prompting a last-minute change to a larger venue as RSVPs poured in from people eager to see Harris, per campaign officials.

When you read Donald Trumps 2025 agenda, you will see he intends to cut Social Security and Medicare, give tax breaks to billionaires, end the Affordable Care Act, and more.



We are not going back.pic.twitter.com/tRPmq7kYcR  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 23, 2024

Harriss stump speech echoed the remarks she gave to her campaign staff on Monday, highlighting the strong contrast between her and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. She began by noting her past work as Californias attorney general and as a prosecutor, positions that she said have prepared her for a matchup with the former president.

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 Trumps type, she said to loud applause and chants of KA-MA-LA.

She continued, And in this campaign, I promise you, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week.

Harris positioned the November election as a choice between the past and the future, vowing progress on several Democratic goals that have long been stalled in the U.S. Congress, including an assault-weapons ban and universal background checks. She also mentioned abortion, a key issue this cycle, promising to sign a bill enshrining reproductive protections into law if elected.

The vice-president also name-checked the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 proposal, which Trump has sought to distance himself from, and urged listeners to read it for themselves, at one point quipping, Can you believe that they put that thing in writing? The push to tie Trump to the policy, an effort which began when Biden was leading the ticket, has reportedly been effective with polls showing that more American voters are aware of Project 2025 and hold negative opinions about it. America has tried these failed economic policies before, but we are not going back, she said.

Harriss remarks come as Biden is set to give a prime-time address on Wednesday evening, during which he is expected to explain his decision to leave the ticket and pass the torch to the vice-president. Harris ended her speech with a refrain that felt reminiscent of Biden, who often framed the race between their campaign and Trumps as the battle for the soul of America.

Ultimately in this election, we face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and the rule of law or a country of chaos, fear, and hate? she asked. Here is the beauty of this moment: We each have the power to answer that question. The power is with the people.
THIS is what a coup looks like. Photo: Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Republicans often claim that voters dont care about threats to democracy or their presidential nominees history of lawlessness, given more pressing concerns like food and gasoline prices or crime or immigration. On the other hand, they have put a lot of effort into counteracting pro-democracy Democratic messages. They claim its actually the Biden administration that has endangered democracy by prosecuting Donald Trump and frantically registering illegal aliens to vote.

This week, most pro-Trump outlets are hammering away at the claim that Bidens withdrawal from the general-election contest and the impending substitution of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee is a coup and a deadly insult to democracy that has rejected the judgment of primary voters. Voxs Andrew Prokop collected some of the wilder assertions along these lines:

Biden has now been deposed in a coup, Trump-backing venture capitalist David Sacks wrote. Undermining Democracy should never be condoned, Trump ally Richard Grenell posted. The coup is complete, wrote Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ).

What you just witnessed is proof positive that when the most powerful Democrat institutions and oligarchs unite to topple an American regime, they expect to succeed, conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrote.

MAGA conspiracy theorists got more lurid about it. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene had this to say:

Theres a soft civil war happening in the deep state and the elites in power. The Democrats, the IC [intelligence community], and their activists in the media have been lying to us saying theres nothing wrong with Biden for years. Next, they start a coup against him demanding he drop out of the race when they couldnt hide it anymore.

Then came the assassination attempt on Trump for the crime of winning.

Senator Tom Cotton was more specific:

Joe Biden succumbed to a coup by Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and Hollywood donors, ignoring millions of Democratic primary votes.



Donald Trump took a bullet for democracy.  Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) July 21, 2024

The most hilarious coup accusation of all came from ex-con former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (whose corruption sentence was commuted by Trump in 2020) in a Wall Street Journal op-ed:

In the old-school way of Chicago backroom politics, Mr. Obama was the conductor of the band that successfully orchestrated the removal of the presidential candidate chosen by more than 14 million Democratic primary votersto be replaced by someone he and the party bosses choose instead. Its classic ward-boss tactics.

This line of argument is as feeble as it is loud and insistent. If Biden could be brushed aside against his will, why did it take so long, and why did the alleged orchestrators of the coup insist that Biden himself make the decision? Why did the ward-bosses let Biden endorse a successor? Why is he avidly campaigning for Harris already?

As for the allegedly offended primary voters, why do polls show that rank-and-file Democrats overwhelmingly approve of Bidens decision and are overwhelmingly happy with Harris as the nominee?

Even more obviously, the imputation of lawlessness to Democrats is simply ignorant. Bidens delegates were never legally bound to him, and a presumptive nominee has no right to a place on a general-election ballot until a formal nomination has occurred.

The coup argument is probably little more than an expression of pique by politicians and ideologues who had the opponent they wanted and are infuriated that they may have to rethink their strategy and message. They may even be regretting Trumps choice of a running mate. But unfortunately, the one thing we know for sure is how deeply invested MAGA-land is in justifying Trumps past and (likely) future refusal to accept any defeat as legitimate. So in this as in so many other cases, they are projecting interest in an election coup onto the opposition. If you want to see an attempted coup, you need look no further than January 6.
21 Christian humanitarian organizations listed 10 crisis-hit countries that have been neglected by the international community, further risking the lives of over 300 million people facing hunger, displacement and armed conflict. The Christian aid organisations, through the Integral Alliance, have also identified five factors driving neglected crises in these countries, 6 of which are in Africa.

Integral Alliance members reported that affected citizens in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, South Sudan and Sudan are not getting the attention or the response they need from government and non-government agencies. Other countries included in the Integral report outside of Africa were Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar and Yemen.

Fiona Boshoff, the CEO of the Integral Alliance, said the report aimed to identify and address the factors that led to diminishing media and public attention to humanitarian crises across the 10 countries covered.

This report calls for collective action to address and amplify the needs of neglected crises. By uniting efforts, the Integral Alliance seeks to transform the landscape of humanitarian aid, ensuring that no crisis remains hidden and every response is imbued with hope and resilience, said Boshoff.

Geopolitical and economic alignments often determine the response by donor countries, noted Myal Greene, CEO and President of World Relief. Greene said that interests rather than need of the affected people has led to an outsized influence on the distribution of aid.

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As a result, some countries in crisis become isolated from donor countries, aid agencies, and potential support. This isolation leads to neglect which can worsen and leave countries without an ongoing basis of partnership, said Greenem in his contribution to the Integral report.

Isabelle Duval, Development Program Director, SEL France, referenced an empirical study that showed both the UK and France were more likely to provide aid to countries that were part of their colonies than to other countries. The distribution of aid for political reasons extends beyond the legacy of colonialism. The United States, the largest donor in gross foreign assistance dollars, has used its aid as an extension of foreign policy for decades, said Duval.

Another factor driving neglect in affected countries is lack of media coverage especially in Western countries. KlaasJan Baas, Media Relations Manager at ZOA Netherlands, said that the media has not done enough to highlight the plight of humanitarian crises, which has led to a growing funding gap. He cited Yemen, South Sudan, the DRC, Afghanistan and Myanmar as examples of countries that have faced a media black out often due to prolonged conflict.

This lack of attention in the media has major consequences with donors and politicians and increases the risk of losing the attention of churches and ordinary people in their praying and giving, said Baas.

Baas and Martha Zonnerveld, head of humanitarian response at Tearfund Netherlands, identified limited access for journalists to the affected areas, information overload and commercial pressures as factors that have led to a waning coverage of humanitarian disasters and crises.

The media acts as a catalyst in generating attention. Without this attention, fundraising becomes harder, there is a lack of political will to address hard situations and churches and the general public do not focus their praying and giving to alleviate the suffering of those affected. Since we are all created in His image, we know that no one should be considered neglected in the eyes of God, said Zonnerveld.

The Integral Alliance report also identified donor fatigue as a result of an increasing number of humanitarian crises, some that have gone on for years. One of the impacts of donor fatigue, like in the case of South Sudan, is the complexity of interventions relating to stagnant outcomes. Donor fatigue, noted the report, can cause inertia or desensitization which can reduce funding for recovery.

Hannah Moeda, the National Engagement Manager at Transform Aid International, explained that donors feel discouraged in their support if there are little or no improvements. For those donors committed to seeing a difference in neglected crises, it is important to understand response plans take time and therefore so too should the financial support to match, said Moeda.

The impact of climate change on vulnerable populations has not been effectively addressed by the international community partly due to our inability to connect the dots, argued Allan Bussard the CEO of Integra.

There are those who argue that countries can live isolated lives, not influencing nor being influenced by what is happening elsewhere. But the climate is not listening to their arguments, said Bussard.

In the six months to June 2024, East Africa was among the four regions severely impacted by climate disasters that led to loss of lives, livestock and destruction of property after torrential rains in Kenya, Somali, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi. The World Bank estimates that climate change may push 130 million into poverty by 2030, half of which could be from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

While geopolitics, lack of media coverage, donor fatigue and climate change have contributed to neglected crises, the report identifies untapped potential in supporting locally-led action. A case provided in Sudan by LM International Country Director, Denis Semakula, exemplifies the efficacy of community led initiatives and the need to support. Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), operated by volunteer medical and technical professionals, have proved essential in providing information and aid services especially in urban areas. However, locally-led initiatives face financial, legitimacy and process challenges that international organizations can help overcome.

Integral members include CEDAR Fund, Food for the Hungry, Integra, International Health Partners, LM International, Medair and Medical Teams International. Others are Mission East, SEL France, Transform Aid International, World Concern, World Relief, World Renew, ZOA and Tearfund UK, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands and New Zealand.
Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg/Getty Images

On Wednesday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a defiant address to a joint session of Congress, defending his countrys actions in Gaza and urging lawmakers to continue the United Statess longstanding support of Israel.

If you remember one thing from this speech, remember this: Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory! Netanyahu said to applause.

But though the prime minister spoke of unity between the two nations, his presence in Washington, D.C., was notably divisive, prompting thousands of protesters to march through the streets of the capital, as well as boycotts of Netanyahus speech, mostly by Democratic lawmakers.

Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member in the House, attended the speech after criticizing congressional leaderships decision to invite him to speak. Tlaib remained seated through the entirety of Netanyahus address as her colleagues frequently stood and applauded his words. At times, she was seen holding up a small black sign with white lettering that read GUILTY OF GENOCIDE on one side and WAR CRIMINAL on the other.

Rashida Tlaib holds 'War Criminal' sign as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress. pic.twitter.com/q2GZTd4Ucf  CSPAN (@cspan) July 24, 2024

Tlaibs action prompted reactions from her colleagues and a talk from a House floor manager, according to Punchbowl News:

GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna just walked across the chamber to sit next to Tlaib and appears to be confronting her.



Dem Rep Jake Auchincloss, who was sitting next to Tlaib, just walked up and moved to a different area  Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) July 24, 2024

House Speaker Mike Johnson had warned members ahead of Netanyahus planned appearance that any potential disruption during his speech could result in arrest by the sergeant of arms. In the end, the only protests were silent. Three people in the House gallery wearing shirts that read Seal The Deal Now  referring to a possible deal to release the hostages currently being held by Hamas  were removed from the chamber by U.S. Capitol Police. According to reports, they are family members of some of the hostages.

Axios reports that nearly half of congressional Democrats declined to attend the speech, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Some who did attend made sure to make their opposition to Netanyahu known. New York representative Jerry Nadler called the speech a cynical stunt in a statement. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has called for Netanyahu to be replaced, did not applaud when the prime minister entered the House chamber, and the two men did not shake hands when they crossed paths.
A total of 17 men were arrested from Thursday to Saturday in an undercover sting operation that targeted child sex predators, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Undercover investigators posing as a 15-year-old girl chatted with 249 individuals online over the course of the operation. Authorities said 17 men between the ages of 25 and 45 traveled to meet the "15-year-old" at a motel in Lee County.

"It's very important to protect our children in this area," said Capt. Jimmy Taylor, the chief investigator with the LCSO.

The agencies involved in the operation were the Lee County Sheriffs Office, Opelika Police Department, Lee County District Attorneys Office and Covenant Rescue Group.

Each of the suspects were charged with one count each of child solicitation by computer, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. All 17 suspects were also charged with prostitution with a minor aside from 31-year-old Luis Alonso Antonio Contreras, according to documents from the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Willie James Harris, 31, was additionally charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs. Carter faces an additional charge of second-degree possession of marijuana.

Each defendant received a bond no less than $110,000.

Taylor told the Opelika-Auburn News that law enforcement agencies began planning the operation in February. It unfolded over the course of two days, he said.

"I'll be honest with you. It was amazing to me to see just in the short amount of time how many people that are trying to prey on underage kids," Taylor said.

The nonprofit organization Covenant Rescue Group was founded in June 2019 by former US Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and his wife. According to the organization's website, they "saw a lack of skills and funding to properly rescue victims and arrest criminals involved in human trafficking."

The organization provides funding for operations that lead to rescues, arrests, and prosecution. For more information on CRG, visit their website www.covenantrescue.org.

These suspects were arrested and charged in the sting operation:

Wesley Lamar Thomas, 33,

Quinton Devaughn Henderson, 23,

Jacinto Garcia Perez, 45,

Stephen Michael Jones, 39,

Deangelo Bernard Farrow, 27,

Willie James Harris, 31,

James Christopher Barrett, 44

Deontavian Zavarious Woody, 32,

Sung Hoon Lee, 29,

Ronnie L. Johnson, 51,

Michael Dylan Johnson, 23,

Luis Alonso Antonio Contreras, 31

Jordan Isaiah Paradise, 25,

Daniel Christopher Kendrick, 41,

Alfonzo Gomez Guzman, 27,

Mario Kantrell Carter, 32

Carl Bellamy, 26
The energy sector is very used to a not in my back yard (nimby) backlash from communities opposing new projects, following decades of protests worldwide against fossil fuel and renewable energy developments. Now, the nimby response in the U.K. is threatening the countrys green transition, as residents countrywide strongly oppose new wind and solar energy projects due to the proximity to their houses. The new Labour government will have to battle with communities across the U.K. if they hope to get new green energy projects off the ground and stick to their climate pledges.

A recent report from the British think tank Resolution Foundation suggests that the new Labour government will likely face difficulties in pursuing new renewable energy projects across the U.K. as it tackles resistance from local groups. Some of the projects in question include new solar farms, battery storage, and onshore wind turbines, which many worry will ruin the landscape or cause noise pollution.

A large proportion of green energy projects are earmarked for wealthier areas of the U.K., with two-thirds of proposed solar projects planned for the richest 40 percent of neighbourhoods. Jonny Marshall, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, explained, Doing this effectively will require overcoming opposition to development from net-zero nimbys, who often live in wealthier parts of the country. Marshall added, 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.

To avoid years of delay during a pivotal period in the U.K.s green transition, which could make or break its climate goals, the government will likely have to change its approach to new green energy projects by making decisions at the state rather than local level. The government may also introduce financial incentives to local communities opposing new energy projects to encourage support.

In his first month as Prime Minister, Kier Starmer lifted a de facto ban on new onshore wind farms, which is expected to encourage greater private investment in wind energy in the coming years. However, the government is already seeing early opposition to new green energy projects. A Conservative politician spoke out against plans for Sunnica's $774.5 million solar farm in the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk region, following approval by Labour's Energy Minister Ed Miliband. This suggests that Labour will likely experience further opposition as it approves green energy projects, despite many Brits supposedly supporting net-zero aims.

Plans for the projects had been repeatedly delayed under the Conservative government, in the lead-up to the recent general election. Miliband responded to the opposition by stating, We will make tough decisions with ambition and urgency - all part of our plan to make the U.K. a clean energy superpower. The solar farm is expected to power 172,000 homes and create 1,500 jobs during construction and 27 full-time positions once up and running.

So far, the government has dismissed advice from its own planning inspectorate, as well as opposition from local groups, in favour of new solar farms. Miliband has already approved two of the U.K.s biggest solar farms to date explaining, Some of these cases had been held up for months before I arrived in the department. They were put on my desk on Monday, and Ive made a decision in three days. The new projects are expected to, together, provide power for 400,000 homes.

Some of the most unlikely resistance in recent weeks came from the co-leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay, who voiced his opposition to the construction of new power lines to transport 50 GW of electricity from offshore windfarms. The projects operator National Grid said that the new infrastructure was vital for supporting the governments net-zero aims. During his first day at the House of Commons, Ramsay said that a proper options assessment should be carried out before the project goes ahead. National Grid responded by saying that it had already assessed several alternative options and its policy is based around public consultations. The company added, Delaying this vital infrastructure project would not only result in missing this target but also delay homes and businesses in East Anglia and beyond having access to cleaner and more affordable electricity in the long term.

The recent opposition has not stopped Labour from rapidly pursuing an ambitious green energy campaign. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero emphasised that the government was wasting no time making green energy decisions. They explained, 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. The spokesperson added, It is also important we listen to peoples concerns, and where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should benefit directly from it.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
In line with global green transition aims, pressure is increasing to support developing countries around the globe to tackle climate change and develop their renewable energy capacity. The COP29 host country Azerbaijan is now in charge of setting up a new climate fund, aimed at encouraging fossil fuel producers to support low-income countries battling with the effects of climate change.

Fossil-fuel-producing countries and companies will be encouraged to invest in the new Climate Finance Action Fund, which will provide finance for low-income countries to develop renewable energy projects and build resilience to the impacts of extreme weather. The chief negotiator for the COP29 presidency, Yalchin Rafiyev, stated, Traditional funding methods have proven to be inadequate to the challenges of the climate crisis, so we have decided on a different approach. The fund will be capitalised with contributions from fossil-fuel countries and companies and will catalyse the private sector. Any developing country will be eligible [to receive money from] the fund.

While the fund is expected to support some of the countries most affected by climate change to tackle to effects, as well as develop their green energy capacity, contributions will be voluntary. There is no mechanism planned to force fossil fuel producers to contribute; a scheme that many environmental campaigners have been pushing for. Li Shuo, an expert on climate negotiations at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said that the proposal was an empty shell until there is money in the fund and Azerbaijan has also set itself a daunting task of soliciting the support of some of the least progressive countries in global climate action. However, this is still a major move by the COP29 organisers to encourage fossil fuel producers to take responsibility for their role in the climate crisis and mitigate the global impact of their greenhouse gas emissions.

Related: Oil Moves Higher on Crude, Fuel Inventory Draw

The government of Azerbaijan aims to collect at least $1 billion from 10 countries and big companies to establish the initial fund. The fund headquarters will be in the capital city of Baku, with a board established from representatives from the contributors, making it independent of development banks. The fund will not provide financing for any fossil fuel projects, including gas  which is often seen as a transition fuel. Profits from fund-financed projects will go back into the fund to support other climate efforts.

If established, contributors will provide annual transfers to the fund and 20 percent of the revenues generated from investments would go to a Rapid Response Funding Facility to help some of the worlds most vulnerable countries respond to climate disasters. It is thought that the fund would be more flexible than funds from multilateral development banks, allowing stakeholders to decide on which projects to invest in.

The government of Azerbaijan is expected to establish a working group of economists and sectoral experts to develop a formula for potential donors to agree on how much they will contribute and a process for how developing countries can access the fund. The UN's climate chief Simon Stiell, stated, Progress in Baku isn't just about green new numbers. It's about improving climate finance delivery so that it meets developing countries needs now and in the future. Azerbaijan, a major gas producer, is expected to contribute to the fund, although the government has not yet disclosed how much it will invest.

While many environmentalists see the fund as a first step, they warn that the fund must not distract from the need for fossil fuel producers to decarbonise and curb oil, gas and coal production in favour of greener alternatives in the coming years. Climate groups, such as Oil Change International, emphasise that contributions from oil companies must not provide Big Oil with more decision-making powers. Oil Change International stated, "A $1 billion voluntary climate fund that gives polluters decision-making powers is greenwashing.

Several countries around the globe have called for greater funding from rich countries and fossil fuel producers to support a green transition and mitigate the effects of climate change. A handful of the richest countries in the world are responsible for the largest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. Many low-income countries believe that calls from Western governments and organisations to undergo a global green transition are unrealistic for poorer countries, which need high levels of foreign investment to establish a green energy sector and avoid committing some of the major mistakes of the past as they undergo industrialisation. Developing countries often have limited access to energy, and, according to the OECD, many are being asked to prioritise a low-carbon transition over economic growth as they choose between economic development and a green transition.

The introduction of a Climate Finance Action Fund could be the first step towards helping low-income countries develop their renewable energy capacity in support of a global green transition and tackle the effects of climate change. However, as it relies on voluntary contributions, it is still unclear how effective the fund will be. Contributors to the fund will lead the way in accepting responsibility for the worlds greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate the impact on several countries around the globe.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Kamala Harris looks like the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for the November vote. Based on her track record as California attorney general and as vice president, this is going to be bad news for the oil industry.

Overviews of her career that have flooded the media space note her lawsuits against oil companies including Chevron, which she prosecuted for hazardous materials mishandling. Plains All-American Pipeline also became a target for California's AG back in 2015 for an oil spill off the state's coast.

Interestingly, Harris' claim that she also sued Exxon, which she made during the run-up to the 2020 elections appears to be inaccurate, according to Inside Climate News. What is accurate, however, is that she does appear to be an even more dedicated transition champion than Joe Biden.

Back in the early 2000s, when she was a district attorney for San Francisco, Harris set up what she dubbed the first environmental justice unit in her department to handle crimes such as hazardous waste and other environmental crimes, as Euronews calls them.

"Crimes against the environment are crimes against communities, people who are often poor and disenfranchised," Harris said in 2005, as quoted by the publication. "The people who live in those communities often have no other choice but to live there."

Related: Oil Sinks as Signs of Tepid Crude Demand in Asia Multiply

The former California attorney general, who then became state senator, was also a strong supporter of the Green New Deal that has made the state a poster child for the transition despite its steep cost. Harris has also publicly stated she was in favor of a ban on fracking, which has made her popular among climate activists.

"She is the kind of leader who will hold the fossil fuel industry accountable, and that's what we need right now," Jared Huffman, a Democrat Representative from California, told Bloomberg in an interview. "She would absolutely carry on and build on the success of the Biden administration on climate and clean energy."

However, there is a problem with that when it comes to the November elections. To win the presidency, Harrisprovided she gets the Democratic nominationwould need to win voters from energy-focused states. And this means oil and gas states, such as Pennsylvania.

Back in 2019, during the primaries, Harris spoke in favor of not only a fracking ban but also of a carbon taxa transition tool that is not exactly popular among voters. She called it a "climate pollution fee", to slap on the oil and gas industry "as far upstream as possible" and then use the money to advance the transition.

"Her record is something that climate and environmental justice advocates would get excited about, and I think she could really lean into her record as a prosecutor by going after big oil and gas," Danielle Deiseroth, head of left-wing think tank Data for Progress, told Axios.

Yet, "If the Dems don't win PA they are COOKED. And her views aren't compatible with winning there," Scott Jennings, a strategist for the Republicans, told the publication.

What this suggests is that Harris could either focus on her core voter base and risk losing swing states such as Pennsylvania, or she could do what she did when she teamed up with Biden in 2020soften the rhetoric to win the oil and gas country voters. Even if she does that, however, in case of a Democratic presidency with Harris in the White House, the federal government will be going after Big Oil.

"While we have yet to see the first case where a fossil fuel company is held liable for damages from climate change, the prospect of a DOJ-led lawsuit would increase the chances of finding liability, with an increase in the potential for damages, litigation costs and reputational risk," consultancy Rapidan Energy Group told clients in a note this week, as quoted by Bloomberg.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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In the heart of Eurasia, a new trade route made up of thousands of kilometers of roads, railroads, and ports is emerging to better connect China to Europe and redraw the lines of global trade.

Take a deeper look through this new interactive map done by myself and my colleagues Wojtek Grojec and Ivan Gutterman.

Finding Perspective: The so-called Middle Corridor is a 6,500-kilometer trade route connecting China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus. Since 2022, it's been growing steadily, with trade volumes skyrocketing and new investments into things like ports and highways from investors in Europe, China, and the Middle East.

According to a World Bank study released in late 2023, trade volumes along the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, reaching 11 million tons.

That's a big turnaround for a route that has existed in some form for years but was largely avoided by shipping companies due to rising costs, unpredictable border crossings, and a lack of high-quality infrastructure.

Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the majority of overland trade between China and the EU traveled north through Russia and used its well-developed rail network to carry goods between the two massive markets.

But the outbreak of war changed all of that. With new sanctions in place on Russia's economy, Western governments and major shipping companies were left searching for alternatives as they looked to bypass Russia and plan for the reality of a long war in Ukraine.

What Comes Next? While its use is growing, the uptake in traffic along the Middle Corridor has laid many of these limitations bare and raised questions about whether it can live up to its potential.

Despite being a shorter distance, there are huge issues with wait times and customs procedures that currently make the Middle Corridor a longer journey than going north through Russia.

On top of that, the economic opportunity opened up along the route has also exposed new geopolitical battlegrounds that could determine if the Middle Corridor gets bogged down or not.

Central to this is China. Without its demand and interest for using the route, the Middle Corridor doesn't make much sense.

But while Beijing has generally been hesitant about the route, it appears to be warming up to it.

In May, a Chinese consortium was awarded a contract to build and manage a deep-sea port in Anaklia on Georgia's Black Sea coast.

Georgian officials -- who have increasingly turned to China for large infrastructure projects in recent years -- have also begun to call for Beijing to join the official Middle Corridor body, which could open up new cooperation and investment opportunities.

Why It Matters: While the Middle Corridor is often sold as a route connecting Europe and China, its biggest value could be in creating internal trade between Central Asia and the Caucasus around the Caspian Sea.

World Bank projections say that trade between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan could increase 37 percent by 2030 and 28 percent between those countries and the European Union.

While that may not be much on a global scale, it's a big deal for one of the world's least-connected regions that has long struggled with being plugged into the flows of international trade.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

New Investigation Into China's Gold Mining In Tajikistan

My colleagues at RFE/RL's Tajik Service spent the last year investigating a collection of Chinese-run mining projects in Tajikistan, where the government is turning a blind eye to environmental degradation in order to not jeopardize a vital stream of foreign investment.

The Details: One high-level official from the Environmental Protection Committee, Tajikistan's main environmental agency, told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that the state body had been ordered to turn a blind eye to any environmental or health issues stemming from a Chinese-run gold mine in Zarafshon.

"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 somonis ($201 million) worth of [gold] in six months of 2023."

Further reporting from my Tajik colleagues shows how this pattern is replicating itself at other Chinese-owned mining sites across the country, with air pollution, health problems, and a mass die-off of fish plaguing nearby communities.

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.

But autocratic President Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled Tajikistan with an iron fist since 1994, has moved the country closer to Beijing and is an enthusiastic member of the 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.

This translates into growing political influence from Beijing and an economic dependence on China that has Tajik officials looking the other way to poor mining practices that are harming local communities.

Read the full investigation by RFE/RL's Tajik Service here.

Where Does Harris Stand On China?

Last week, I looked at past and current statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, to read the tea leaves on what their China policy could be.

Following President Joe Biden's decision to not seek reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement to run, let's look at her record.

What You Need To Know: Most analysts say it's safe to assume Harris would have a similar line as Biden on major issues like the war in Ukraine, China's geopolitical rise, and tensions in the Middle East.

As vice president, she worked as a surrogate for Biden at world gatherings such as the 2023 ASEAN summit, the Munich Security Conference in 2022, and in Switzerland this June at Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's peace summit.

While serving in the Senate, Harris was outspoken on China issues and worked on bipartisan legislation promoting human rights in Hong Kong. She also co-sponsored the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act in 2020, which allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions against "foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses" in Xinjiang.

If elected, she'd also likely continue unofficial backing for Taiwan. In September 2022, she said, "We will continue to support Taiwan's self-defense, consistent with our long-standing policy."

In May, Philip Gordon, her national security adviser, spoke with the Council on Foreign Relations in a wide-ranging conversation and had some interesting comments on the China-Russia relationship and what he sees as the U.S. advantage in maintaining stronger alliances.

"We're in a favorable position to win this geopolitical competition, to the degree it's Russia and China and other autocracies aligning against us. We feel pretty good about that. It's a core part of our strategy. It's why the president and the vice president have invested so much time in those alliances."

Ukraine's Top Diplomat Goes To China

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is currently in Beijing as part of his first visit to China since Russia's full-scale invasion.

What It Means: The three-day visit began on July 23, with Ukraine's top diplomat traveling at the invitation of Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart.

After landing, Kuleba said in an Instagram post that he would use his trip to develop contacts between Chinese and Ukrainian leaders and that he would be having "extensive, detailed, [and] substantive negotiations" with Wang over how to reach a peace settlement for the grinding war that is now in its third year.

"We must avoid competing peace plans. It is very important that Kyiv and Beijing conduct a direct dialogue and exchange positions," Kuleba said.

The trip comes as various peace initiatives have emerged in recent months against the backdrop of prolonged fighting and uncertainty ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November that could see the return of former President Trump, who has threatened to limit aid flows to Ukraine and push for talks between Kyiv and Moscow that could quickly end the war.

Across The Supercontinent

China's Palestine Diplomacy: Palestinian factions including rivals Hamas and Fatah have signed an agreement on "ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity" in Beijing.

Supply Chains: Amid competition between China and the West for rare-earth minerals and the supply chains of the future, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will head to Belgrade to discuss a new partnership with Serbia on lithium mining, RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports.

The Economic Engine: As Western companies quake at the latest onslaught of cheap Chinese goods, a similar drama is playing out in China, where manufacturers are struggling as Beijing boosts industrial capacity without stimulating new demand, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Up North: A Newsweek investigation looks at China's growing ambitions in the Arctic and finds that scientific research teams are blurring the lines between Beijing's security and economic goals for the region.

One Thing To Watch

Normally, I write something here about China, but this week it's about my colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, a veteran journalist who holds dual U.S.-Russian citizenship, sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison by a Russian court on baseless charges.

While news broke on July 22 about her sentencing, her verdict was delivered in secret on July 19, the same day Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was found guilty of espionage charges -- which he, his employer, and the U.S. government have rejected as politically motivated -- by a court in the city of Yekaterinberg.

Alsu is a 47-year-old mother of two and was arrested in Kazan in October 2023 and first charged with failing to register as a "foreign agent" under a punitive Russian law that targets journalists, civil society activists, and others. She was later charged with spreading falsehoods about the Russian military.

By RFE/RL

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China and Russia have been discussing a high-level energy partnership that would benefit both countries, Chinas Xinhua agency reported, citing a statement by Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang following a meeting with Russian Deputy PM Alexander Novak.

The two co-chaired the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee, the report noted.

Among the other comments made by Ding was a proposal to deepen bilateral ties across the energy industrys segments and optimize the policies relevant to energy cooperation to facilitate new energy projects.

China has become Russias biggest energy client following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country took in 15.2 billion cubic meters of Russian gas via the Power of Siberia pipeline in the first half of the year, according to Bloomberg. Europe, by the way, was the second-biggest buyer of Russian gas, taking in 14.6 billion cubic meters in the first six months of the year.

Russia also became Chinas largest oil supplier after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, with the total last year rising 24% to reach 107.02 million tons. This represented 19% of Chinas total oil imports, with Saudi Arabia slipping to second place, accounting for 15% of the total import volume.

In addition to pledges to boost cooperation in the oil and gas space, Russia and China have also recently discussed boosting Russian electricity exports to its southern neighbor. Earlier this decade, Russia raised its electricity exports to China to help it get over a power crunch. In October 2021, for example, Russia doubled its electricity exports to China as Asias largest economy was grappling with power shortages that led to power rationing.

However, in August last year, Russia reduced electricity exports to China along the Amur-Heihe power line to 100-200 MW from 600 MW due to a shortage in the energy system of Russias Far East. Per reports on the latest discussions, any increase in electricity exports would take into account Far East demand trends.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Despite the return of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, Indias biggest private refiner, Reliance Industries, has obtained a U.S. license to buy crude from the South American country, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Bloomberg.

Reliance Industries, as well as ONGC Videsh, the overseas unit of Indian state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), have applied for special licenses to continue importing Venezuelan crude after the Biden Administration ended a six-month sanctions relief on Venezuelas oil exports.

Reliance Industries was a major buyer of Venezuelan crude during the period of sanctions relief between October 18 and April 18. In fact, the conglomerates purchases accounted for 90% of all Indian crude oil imports from Venezuela, per data from intelligence firm Kpler cited by Bloomberg.

At the end of last year, Reliance, which was a regular buyer of Venezuelan crude before the U.S. slapped the sanctions on Nicolas Maduros regime in 2019, was one of the first movers to book tankers to load oil from Venezuela and ship it to India.

In October 2023, the U.S. introduced a temporary sanctions relief until April 2024 that allowed the production, lifting, sale, and exportation of oil or gas from Venezuela, and the provision of related goods and services, as well as payment of invoices for goods or services related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela.

The six-month sanctions relief followed commitments by Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro to ensure fair elections this year.

However, given the lack of progress in Maduros promises for fair elections, the U.S. snapped back the sanctions on Venezuelas oil.

The United States issued a 45-day wind-down license and Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also will consider requests for specific licenses to continue activities beyond the end of the wind-down period on a case-by-case basis, the State Department said in April.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Iran has managed to neutralize the effect of the U.S.-led Western sanctions on its gas condensate exports, Iranian Petroleum Minister Javad Owji said on Wednesday.

I can dare say that sanctions on gas condensates export have been neutralized, Iranian news website Iran Front Page (IFP) quoted Owji as saying during the last government meeting of the outgoing administration.

Iran has turned gas condensate  very light oil  into added value by exporting more of it, according to the Iranian minister.

The outgoing administration has also managed to boost Iranian oil production by 60%, from 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) when it came into office in 2021, to 3.6 million bpd now, Owji went on to say.

Iran has also boosted its oil revenues to $28.4 billion annually, from $9 billion in 2020, according to the oil minister.

Earlier this week, Irans central bank governor Mohammad-Reza Farzin said that the Iranian oil industry grew by 14.7% in the latest Iranian year ended on March 19, 2024.

Iran has boosted its oil exports in recent months, to six-year highs, various ship-tracking data have shown.

In the latest Iranian calendar year to March 19, 2024, the Islamic Republic boosted its oil and gas production by 20% compared to the previous Iranian year, oil minister Owji said in May.

Iran plans to increase its crude oil output to 4 million bpd, the countrys Tasnim news agency reported in May, as cited by Reuters.

No specific sources for the plan were provided but the original report in Tasnim said that An economic council headed by Iran's interim president Mohammad Mokhber has approved a plan to raise the country's oil output from 3.6 million barrels per day to 4 million barrels per day.

Iran has been eager to increase its oil production despite U.S. sanctions that have significantly reduced the market for Iranian oil. Even so, Iran reported an increase in exports of crude recently. Last year, the country exported 1.29 million bpd on average, which was 50% more than a year earlier.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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A new report released by Alpha Canada together with the Flourishing Congregations Institute reveals significant shifts towards evangelism among Canadian churches.

The Reigniting Hope: Sharing the Good News in Canada in 2024 Report acknowledged that large parts of Canadian society no longer have any religious affiliation, moving Canada towards a post-Christian society. But it also highlights signs of new openness towards faith among non-believers.

An initial report was produced in 2021, exploring how Canadian church leaders engaged in evangelism. This year's updated survey looked at the latest attitudes, behaviors and experiences in sharing the message of Jesus across Canada.

Prayer affects aspects of all ministries, emphasized Shaila Visser, national director for Alpha Canada, writing in a foreword to the report that it fostered a deep reliance on God.

The power of invitation reminds us all that a personal invitation to explore faith can be life-changing, breaking down barriers and opening hearts to Jesus, said Visser. And celebrating the transformative work of Jesus as we witness lives and communities being renewed gives our mission its purpose.

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Were excited to journey together, reigniting hope for what it could look like to share the love of Jesus in Canada.

The report has been produced after survey invites were sent to thousands of church leaders in Canada, via email and social media channels. The survey was supported by a wide range of Christian groups, including the Canadian Church Leaders Network, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, as well as some from non-evangelical traditions. Altogether 823 surveys were completed.

The report noted that 35 percent of church leaders identified a perceived antagonism towards Christian values as a key barrier to sharing the gospel with a third of the Canadian population (12.6 million) having no affiliation with religion but indifferent to secularism beliefs too, such as agnosticism or atheism. This portion has more than doubled in the past 20 years, reflecting a shift towards a post-Christian society, the report stated.

However, despite this negative aspect, the survey noted two unexpectedly hope-filled majority themes for church leaders.

Firstly, church leaders in Canada are perceiving an inexplicable spiritual openness and curiosity in their communities. Secondly, church leaders across Canada are prioritizing sharing the gospel, with an increased clarity and commitment to the mission.

These themes represent a pivotal moment for the wider church to act now and bring the hope of Jesus to communities struggling to make sense of a shifting cultural landscape.

This spiritual openness included a remarkable 70 percent of respondents who have found lapsed Christians, or those with no faith, becoming more spiritually curious in the past three years. Nearly 60 percent hailed more openness to the message that Jesus saves and more than half (56 percent) saw a higher likelihood of those people actually entering church buildings.

These perceived trends reflect a broader social context where spiritual exploration is becoming more prevalent, creating fertile ground for sharing the love of Jesus.

Evangelism has also encouragingly become more of a priority in Canadian churches, according to the report. The survey proved that 58 percent of church leaders mark a rise in evangelistic efforts and a heartening 92 percent of leaders themselves agree that evangelism is important in their ministry  a rise of 30 percent compared to 2021.

The report interpreted this as a renewed commitment to evangelism and adapting to cultural changes.

Some 62 percent of leaders concurred their church fellowship equips members for evangelism through weekly teachings and encouragement in evangelistic events, an upsurge from the 44 percent giving the same response in 2021.

Another encouraging change has also seen a drop from 31 percent to five percent of church leaders who felt uncomfortable sharing their beliefs with those of different or no religious backgrounds.

Three most popular methods of evangelism noted in the report are inviting people to church events (56 percent), showing ones faith through actions (55 %) and inviting someone to, or hosting, an introductory course to the Christian faith, such as Alpha or Christianity Explored.

Leaders were also asked to select the three most common ministry areas where people have the opportunity to explicitly hear the gospel shared within their church ministry: 71 percent said via worship or a main service, 41 percent through an Alpha course and 22 percent as a result of an invite during a sermon or homily.

The data also indicated a sharper focus on the reasons for evangelism in the first place. Some two-thirds of the respondents (65%) said the main aim of evangelism is helping people to know and follow Jesus - a far larger result than the 28 percent who said the same in 2021.

This consensus underscores a unified and focused vision across diverse theological traditions, pointing to a shared understanding of the ultimate purpose of these effortsto make the work of Jesus known, noted the report.

The data suggests a shift towards more active forms of sharing faith, such as inviting people to church events and verbally sharing the gospel, compared to the 2021 survey which took a more moderate approach.

Prayer is seen as a key tenet to unlocking hearts for evangelism and 84 percent of leaders agree it is a centrally important part of their churchs approach to evangelism  up from 55 percent in 2021.

Similarly 64 percent saw prayer is central to their evangelism approach within 61 percent of leaders who have run Alpha in the past three years.

The report added that the 42 percent of leaders who marked strongly agree within the 84 percent figure above, also see a strong relationship in the priority and practice of evangelism, including missional clarity, how members are equipped and how it is linked to discipleship.

We also see a relationship with positive engagement indicators such as perceived openness in lapsed/non-Christians and church attendance growth.

Notably, nearly half of leaders who strongly agree that prayer is central to their evangelism approach also strongly agree that evangelism is tied to discipleship, representing a 21% increase on the overall sample, according to the report.

The centrality of prayer also has strong relationships with perceived spiritual openness and church growth, illustrating a dynamic interplay between spiritual disciplines and outreach efforts.

Meanwhile the Alpha course has been run by 61 percent of leaders in churches within the past three years indicating a structured and intentional method of introducing individuals to the Christian faith.

Such programs not only facilitate clear messaging but also provide consistent frameworks for exploring faith, thereby aligning congregations with their evangelistic motives, said the report. This clarity in mission is fostering a more vibrant and proactive faith-sharing culture within Canadian churches, contributing to a broader more unified movement of sharing the Christian faith.

A greater need to celebrate new believers, or lapsed believers returning to the faith has also been highlighted in the report. Some 52 percent said congregations do record and celebrate new believers but 48 percent dont do so and 39 percent are not publicly acknowledging or celebrating new or returning people to the Christian faith.

Celebration can remind members in the congregation of the importance of evangelism, recalling ones own experience, involvement in sharing their faith with others and possibly spurring people to consider the impact of sharing their faith with others moving forward, noted the report.

We see this as a unique opportunity to put more focus and attention on recognizing the impact of Jesus transformation within lives and communities and to take the time and create space to celebrate.
A coordinated Oil Kills action of climate activists blocked on Wednesday airports across Europe, grounding flights and creating chaos amid the summer holidays, as campaigners demanded an end to oil, gas and coal by 2030.

One of Germanys busiest airports, the Cologne-Bonn Airport, stopped flights briefly in the morning local time as activists from the Last Generation movement glued themselves to the tarmac. Inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports and while flights have resumed, the airport expects delays and cancellations to some flights today.

In Switzerland, 11 people blocked two roads heading to the Zurich and Geneva airports. Police have arrested five people.

In Norway, police have detained three people at Oslo Airport who demanded action from the Norwegian government. Campaigners from the movement Folk mot fossilmakta (People against Fossil Power) disrupted air traffic at the Oslo Airport, demanding a Fossil Fuel Treaty to phase out fossil energy by 2030.

XR Finland blocked security gates at the Helsinki Vantaa Airport, while activists attempted to disrupt traffic at Barcelonas El Prat airport in Spain, unsuccessfully.

Five people in Spain have been intercepted by police while taking action at Barcelona El Prat Airport. One person has been arrested and the others have been fined, the Oil Kills campaign said.

In the UK, Just Stop Oil activists were arrested on the perimeter road outside Heathrow Airport at 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Just Stop Oil proudly announced in a pinned social media post.

Last week, a UK judge jailed five Just Stop Oil activists for four or five years each over the disruption to traffic on M25, the major road encircling most of Greater London, for days in 2022. The protests brought traffic to a standstill for four days in 2022 and resulted in nearly 51,000 hours of driver delays.

These were the longest jail sentences since the previous UK government introduced a law to tackle public disorder and nuisance during protests.

According to Judge Christopher Hehir, the Just Stop Oil protesters had crossed the line from concerned campaigner to fanatic.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Russia is considering banning the export of diesel if prices rise further, Russian daily Kommersant reported on Wednesday, citing several sources.

The Russian government could ban diesel exports if prices spike in the near term, but no decision has been made yet, according to Kommersants sources.

There are no conditions for a complete ban on diesel shipments abroad yet, a source at a local oil company told the Russian daily.

The government is restoring a ban on gasoline exports from August 1.

In the autumn of 2023, Russia banned exports of diesel and gasoline in an effort to stabilize domestic fuel prices in the face of soaring prices and shortages as crude oil rallied and the Russian ruble weakened. Prior to implementing the ban, Russia had raised mandatory supply volumes for motor gasoline and diesel fuel to deal with a supply crunch.

These bans lasted only a few weeks.

This year, Russia reinstated a ban on gasoline shipments from March 1 but lifted the restriction on May 20 as more refineries completed planned seasonal maintenance or emergency repairs after Ukrainian drone hits in the winter and early spring.

At the end of March, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the government doesnt plan to ban diesel exports again.

At the time the supply and prices of diesel were stable.

However, diesel demand and prices have increased in recent weeks, and, according to Kommersants sources, the government could reinstate a ban on exports if prices continue to rise.

In terms of gasoline exports, a ban will be renewed on August 1, Novak said earlier this week.

We have the embargo approved until September 1. An exception has been currently made for the month of July. The exception ends from August 1. The tacit ban on exports of petroleum products and gasoline will be restored. In other words, the ban will be reenacted from August 1, Russian news agency TASS quoted Novak as saying.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russia, Iraq, and Kazakhstan have submitted their compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat for overproduced crude volumes for the first six months of 2024. According to OPEC, the entire over-produced volumes will be fully compensated for over the next 15 months through September 2025, with Russia paying back a cumulative 480 kb/d, Iraq 1,184 kb/d, and Kazakhstan 620 kb/d.

Last month, OPEC+ announced that it would extend a cut of 1.65 million barrels per day, announced in April 2023, until the end of 2025. The cut was due to expire at the end of the current year. The group will also extend a cut of 2.2 million barrels per day, announced in November 2023, until the end of September this year, after which it will be gradually phased out on a monthly basis by the end of September 2025. In effect, OPEC+ will continue to restrict oil supply for at least the next 18 months but gradually start adding some extra barrels back into the market later this year.

The production cuts will, however, be partly offset by growth in non-OPEC production. Back in April, OPEC predicted that non-OPEC supply will grow by 1 million b/d in 2024, 100,000 b/d lower than its previous forecast. The group also trimmed its non-OPEC supply growth in 2025 by 100,000 b/d to 1.3 million b/d. According to OPEC, the bulk of this growth will come from the US, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan and Norway. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. crude oil production will rise to 13.19 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, and by another 460,000 bpd to hit 13.65 bpd in 2025, an all-time high.

OPEC has predicted that global oil demand will grow by 2.2 million b/d in 2024, and by 1.8 million b/d in 2025.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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RWE and TotalEnergies have joined forces to deliver the OranjeWind offshore wind project in the Netherlands. The project features an installed capacity of 795 MW, and marks the first system integration project in the Dutch market. Each partner holds a 50% stake in the venture, with RWE leading the development, construction, and operation of the wind farm.

OranjeWind aims to perfectly match intermittent wind power generation with flexible energy demand, contributing to grid stability. The highly intermittent nature of wind power is often an obstacle to its development, but RWE and TotalEnergies plan to mitigate this with various flexible demand solutions, including electrolysers, battery storage, e-boilers, and smart charging solutions. The offshore wind farm will be located in the North Sea, approximately 53 kilometers from IJmuiden on the Dutch coast, with construction set to start in 2026 and full commissioning expected by early 2028.

Image source: RWE.com

Sven Utermohlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, The Netherlands is one of our strategic core markets to grow our green portfolio. In TotalEnergies I am delighted to have a strong partner at our side with whom we can realise our first offshore wind project in the Netherlands and at the same time unlock the full system integration of OranjeWind.

TotalEnergies will contribute its expertise in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. Stephane Michel, President of Gas, Renewables & Power at TotalEnergies, highlighted the project's innovative approach: We are looking forward to working with RWE, a major player in renewable, on a project that will enable us to develop production of green hydrogen, which we need to decarbonise our refineries in northern Europe. This integrated, innovative project perfectly illustrates our pioneering role in the energy transition in Europe. TotalEnergies is no stranger to large wind energy projects and currently has 11 Gigawatts (GW) of projects under construction, of which its 3GW New York Bight project is its largest project.

The OranjeWind wind farm is expected to generate around 3 terawatt-hours annually, supplying green electricity to over one million Dutch households. The project also includes the integration of new offshore technologies and innovative solutions. For instance, RWE, in collaboration with SolarDuck, is developing an offshore floating solar farm. Other innovations include scanning LiDAR technology to measure wind at long ranges and a seabed battery system developed with Verlume.

According to RWE, Vestas will provide 53 of its 15-MW turbines, SiF will supply the monopiles, and TKF will deliver the inter-array cables. Belgian transportation firm Jan De Nul will transport and install the foundations and wind turbines, while Dutch transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT will handle the offshore grid connection.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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Provincial government agency Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) has given its contingent approval on a loan guarantee to an indigenous consortium to buy a stake in TC Energys NGTL natural gas network system in Canada, with a deal expected to be announced next week, Bloomberg News reports, citing a TC Energy letter it has seen.

The agency has approved a loan guarantee of US$725 million (C$1 billion) to the consortium representing indigenous groups in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

The NGTL System, spanning 24,386 kilometers (15,153 miles) in length, is TC Energys natural gas gathering and transportation system for the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB), connecting most of the natural gas production in western Canada to domestic and export markets.

In January this year, TC Energy signaled it would begin talks to sell a stake in the natural gas pipeline network to indigenous groups.

Potential ownership in our projects and assets means that Indigenous communities can share in Canadas resource economy, TC told Bloomberg in an emailed statement at the time.

Last year, TC Energy agreed to sell 40% of the Columbia Gas and Columbia Gulf pipelines in the U.S. for US$3.9 billion (C$5.2 billion) in cash.

The company has been seeking to monetize assets via divestitures to reduce debt and pay for the cost overruns at other pipeline projects, including in British Columbia in Canada, where higher costs plagued the Coastal GasLink pipeline project, which would supply Canadas first major LNG export plant.

To date, we have advanced our deleveraging goals by delivering on our $5+ billion asset divestiture program ahead of our year-end target, while maximizing the value of our assets and safely executing major projects, such as Coastal GasLink and Southeast Gateway, TC Energys president and CEO Francois Poirier said in July 2023.

Canadas Indigenous community has recently hailed a major milestone in the natural gas industry as the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corporation decided last month to move ahead with the Cedar LNG project, a floating LNG export facility on Canadas West Coast, and the worlds first indigenous majority-owned LNG project.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The UKs natural gas network will be capable of accommodating hydrogen to supply it as fuel to households and industries, according to a report based on a trial by National Gas cited by Reuters.

Natural gas is currently the single largest energy source in the UK, accounting for around a third of power generation and a lot more in home heating and boilers.

National Gas has a special Hydrogen Focus Area that considers the market change activities needed to integrate hydrogen into the UKs energy mix.

Hydrogen is expected to contribute to the UKs efforts to reach net zero and to achieve a cleaner power grid.

The previous Conservative UK government had a strategic policy decision to support the blending of up to 20% hydrogen by volume into Britains gas distribution networks.

The trial by National Gas showed that there were no issues during the test phase in blending hydrogen, from a 2% blend of hydrogen with natural gas to up to 100%. The trial hasnt revealed any major obstacles to repurposing the natural gas network to hydrogen, according to a report based on the findings.

The trial is moving to a second test phase to look into issues associated with hydrogen compression, including the potential to repurpose gas turbines for hydrogen use at compressor stations.

Todays report presents a promising picture on hydrogen blending, which can help the government meet its ambition of making the country a clean energy superpower as we progress to 100% green hydrogen, and all while using our existing infrastructure, National Gas chief executive Jon Butterwork told Reuters.

While initial testing of blending hydrogen is encouraging, the hydrogen industry, especially green hydrogen, needs to overcome several key hurdles to becoming a mainstream fuel. Cost is the biggest hurdle.

While heavy industry and governments pin their hopes on hydrogen for faster decarbonization, and power-generating companies and oil and gas majors look to diversify into low-carbon hydrogen production, costs are still high for green hydrogen production and hold back massive deployment of projects, analysts say.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

It was by accident that I went to Ukabijima in Okinawa. On a day in late June, I hit the road and drove down south. My destination of the day was Komakajima, an island only a 15-minute boat ride away from Chinen Peninsula on the eastern coast of Nanjo City. When I tried to buy a ticket at Chinen Marine Leisure Center, however, I was told that there would be no boat heading to the island.

A boat bound for Ukabijima, another small island, however, was departing in a few minutes, so I made a snap decision to change my plans. With a 1,400-yen ticket - half the price of regular admission for a solo passenger since I was joining other passengers on the boat - I was on my way.

As I boarded, our destination was already in sight. Ukabijima has an 800-meter circumference and is only about 800 meters away from the shore. It looked more like a small stretch of shore with no trees or buildings than it did an island. But, as the boat approached, the island grew larger than my initial impression.

As soon as the boat came to a stop, we got off and set foot on the sandy beach. While the western side of the island was covered with sand, the eastern side seemed to consist of pebbles and coral remains. I put my bags on the sandy shore then prepared to do some snorkeling. A member of the crew told me I couldnt go beyond the buoys in the water.

When I dipped into the water, I noticed the current was fast. I had to constantly move my legs to avoid drifting away from the designated area. Luckily, the waters were shallow, so I didnt need to worry too much. It was not until I put my face under the water that I noticed how many fish were surrounding me below the surface. Brightly colored fish of all shapes and sizes were constantly following me as if they were expecting to be fed.

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

At one point while swimming over the rocky rugged bottom, I spotted a school of blue damselfish. As I was trying to get as close to it as possible, something different came into my view. It appeared to be something black and long, possibly a cucumber or a moray eel, sticking its head from a chasm. It crossed my mind to get closer and take a photo and also identify what it was. But I decided not to and kept my distance from the creature. On that day, I was happy enough just swimming with the fish.

I was in the water for about 40 minutes. When I got back on the shore a boat was just arriving, bringing more people to the island. Once all the passengers got off, I boarded and made my way back to the main island.

Under the cloudy sky, the sunlight was not as strong as I expected it to be. But my face and neck were already feeling the burn and it finally felt like summer had arrived.

Chinen Marine Leisure Center

GPS Coordinates: 26.174462, 127.829622

Hours: 9 a.m.  5:30 p.m. (Apr  Sept); 9 a.m.  5 p.m. (Oct  Mar)

*A boat ride to Ukabi Island costs 2,500 (approx. $15.8, adult) and 1,300 yen (between 4 years old and elementary school age) for a round trip. Free for kids under 4 years old. If you have two or more kids under 4 years old, only one of them will get a free ride. The others will be subject to fees.

*A boat ride to Komaka Island coats 4,000 yen (adult) and 2,000 yen (elementary school children), accordingly.

*Above fees are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please check with the center.

Website

Lovely cafe and museum

HAN-YAMA-CAFE (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) HAN-YAMA-CAFE (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) HAN-YAMA-CAFE (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) HAN-YAMA-CAFE (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) Nanjo Museum (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) Nanjo Museum (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) Nanjo Museum (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

Once back on the main island, my parents joined me for a lunch. Chinen Peninsula is known for its many restaurants and tourist spots. With so many options, I always have trouble picking where to go. This day, however, I was prepared and knew wed be going to HAN-YAMA-CAFE, a glass-walled cafe serving authentic French cuisine.

To get there, I had to drive on a narrow street that runs by a local school. Once I arrived, the elegant building which looked more like an art gallery or boutique, made me hesitant to enter in my casual beach attire. But Cafes manager, Wonkuen Kim, welcomed me, beach sandals and all, with a smile.

Seats were available on the first and second floor. Since the cafe commands a superb view of the peninsula, we decided to go upstairs. As we were waiting for the food, we enjoyed the views and the modern art on the walls.

HAN-YAMA-CAFE offers course menus and pasta for lunch. Curious about the food and to celebrate my 49th birthday, we decided to go big by ordering one set on the course menu and two pastas to share. For the course menu, we had Bouillabaisse (1,400 yen, approx. $9), wagyu carpaccio (1,250 yen), and sea bream meuniere (1,980 yen). The pastas we ordered were Orecchiette al pomodoro fresco (earlobe-shaped pasta, 1,350 yen) and Spaghetti aglio e olio pepperoncino (1,260 yen).

The lunch turned out to be one of the most gorgeous and best I had in a while. I especially enjoyed the Bouillabaisse and pasta. The soup had a rich taste of tomato and mussels, while the pasta had a very interesting texture and chew. The pepperoncino pasta was tangy and garlicky. The presentation of the wagyu carpaccio and sea bream meuniere were artsy and matched the surroundings.

When we looked at the plates filling up our table, we were not sure if we could finish all of them. About 40 minutes later, however, our plates were empty.

Once our lunch was over, Kim the manager showed us around Nanjo Art Museum located right next to the cafe. Although titled museum, it was more like an art residence where works of modern art, painting, and photography were exhibited on the walls. To my surprise, authentic works of maestros such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali were presented very casually. Theres also a studio adjacent to the exhibition room where artists were actively working. According to Kim, artists come to this museum to spend some time working on their crafts. Works of such artists were exhibited as well.

Both the cafe and the museum were a big surprise to me, and I was glad that I chose this for my celebratory lunch. Since there are more menu items to try and more works of art to see there, Im sure I will visit this place again soon.

HAN-YAMA-CAFE

GPS Coordinates: 26.17427 127.82014

Hours: 11 a.m.  4 p.m. (Lunch, L.O. 3:30 p.m.), 3  5 p.m. (dessert and drink, L.O. at 4 :30 p.m.)

*Closed on Tuesday.

*The cafe and the art museum are located next to each other and run by the same folks.

*Admission to Nanjo Museum can be subject to fees depending upon each exhibition.

*Prices are subject to change.

Instagram

Yahara Dukasa

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka) (Photo by Shoji Kudaka) (Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

On our way back home, we stopped by a couple of locations on Chinen Peninsula. One of them was Yahara Dukasa. This is a piece of rock standing in the sea, about 20 to 30 meters away from the sandy shore. Legend has it that Amamikiyo, the goddess who created Okinawa, set her foot on the rock when she landed on Okinawa for the first time. According to Nanjo City, the goddess temporarily stayed at Hamagaa Utaki, a rocky sacred site nearby, after her landing. Although these two landmarks are small in scale if they are compared to Sefa Utaki, they have nonetheless a strong sacred atmosphere, just like the most famous sacred site in Okinawa. The serene and mysterious mood helped me cool down and relax after having a lot of fun on Ukabi Island and the stimulating dining experience at the cafe.

Yahara Dukasa

GPS Coordinates: 26.139480, 127.796772

Hamagaa Utaki

GPS Coordinates: 26.140293, 127.796388

Dried squid on Ojima

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

I also stopped by Ojima Island. I had been there just a week ago to see a dragon boat race. This time, though, I wanted to see squid drying on wire. It is a seasonal tradition that starts in late June and continues until October. I was impressed by the sight of the squid drying in the sun as it also made me feel that summer had arrived. I could have bought some on the spot and washed them down with a can of beer, but I decided not to because I had to drive. With plan on coming back with a designated driver next time, I hit the road and made my way home.

Ojimas squids dried by the sun
Update: Fort Liberty Excludes Operation Rescue in Statement Disavowing 'Terrorist Groups' Training Slide

Shocking Admission by U.S. Army Secretary: Slide Used 'at Least' Seven Years







NEWS PROVIDED BY

Operation Rescue

July 24, 2024



WICHITA, Kan., July 24, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue recently reported that Fort Liberty, a U.S. Army installation in North Carolina, was caught training soldiers using a slide falsely identifying Operation Rescue and others as "terrorist groups." After a whistleblower posted an image of the slide on X, a Fort Liberty representative told a local news agency this type of training, which contained the slide, was typically conducted every two to three weeks.



Since then, in a letter dated July 16 to U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth admitted the slide had been used for "at least" seven years.



The letter included the following statement:

"I want to state unequivocally that non-profit groups such as National Right to Life and PETA, are not terrorist groups and should not be described as such in Army documents or training materials."

Click HERE to see the entire letter.



"Her statement is bizarre since PETA, an animal rights group, was not on the referenced slide at all," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "However, Operation Rescue, which was featured most prominently on the slide, was overtly absent from her statement."



Operation Rescue has never been associated with any form of violence but uses legal investigative techniques to expose the violence of the Abortion Cartel. As the largest civil disobedience movement in American history, over 75,000 arrests were made for peaceful non-violent intervention on behalf of preborn children in the late 80s and 90s.



"This slide decrying Operation Rescue was not used once or twice, but approximately 150 times over a seven-year period," said Newman. "Yet officials are claiming it was not vetted by the proper authorities. This is unbelievably irresponsible.



"Operation Rescue has yet to receive an apology or acknowledgement of this profoundly offensive inaccuracy. I hope legal action isn't required to bring resolution in this matter."



Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the U.S. Our goal is to expose abortion abuses, demand enforcement, save innocent lives, and build an Abortion-Free America.



Click here to support Operation Rescue.



SOURCE Operation Rescue



CONTACT:

Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext. 111

Anne Reed, Senior Policy Advisor, 316-683-6790


How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.

100 years ago

July 24, 1924: Inquiries from all over the United States are pouring into the Bloomington Association of Commerce in relation to the operations of the credit rating bureau. The weekly newsletter of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States recently contained a complimentary allusion to the Bloomington bureau and this has had the effect of creating wide interest in the modus operandi of the local organization.

75 years ago

July 24, 1949: During the past two years, doctors at downstate Illinois' first cancer diagnostic clinic here in Bloomington have examined 110 people who feared they had the disease. Roughly 83% of them did not, and some of those remaining had caught the disease early enough for treatment to be effective, officials said.

50 years ago

July 24, 1974: The metric system is the big thing in education this season at the 41st annual educational exhibit at Illinois State University, according to vendor Herb Wahl and many other exhibitors. Roughly a hundred publishers, manufacturers and distributors gathered at the ISU union for the event, which showcased the latest in teaching aides and materials.

25 years ago

July 24, 1999: Shortly after the Nike outlet store opens at the Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores, another shop will make its debut. VF Factory Outlet, which opens early in October, will feature brand-name clothing for the entire family. The 27,000-square-foot store will move into the unfinished third phase of the Factory Stores on Bloomington's west side.

From stilettos to sneakers, Pantagraph shoe ads through the years  Moore & Lain's - Sept. 8, 1891 Boston Shoe Store - July 3, 1896 McLean Moore - April 2, 1909 W.H. Roland - April 5, 1909 Gerhart Shoe Co. - April 13, 1909 William Fahey - Aug. 31, 1923 Gerhart's - Oct. 6, 1926 Carl's - March 4, 1938 Hanger Boot Shop - April 26, 1938 Bunnell Bros. - May 6, 1938 Penney's - May 31, 1946 Town & Country Shoes - Dec. 17, 1948 War Surplus Store - March 29, 1949 Schiff's Shoe Store - April 4, 1949 Schiff's Shoes - April 26, 1949 Kinney's - June 2, 1949 Schiff's Shoe Store - June 2, 1949 Schiff's Shoe Store - June 3, 1949 The Bootery - June 5, 1949 Livingston's - June 5, 1949 Carl's - June 5, 1949 Gerhart's - June 5, 1949 Gerhart's - Sept. 19, 1954 Schiff's Shoe Store - Sept. 19, 1954 Livingston's - Jan. 2, 1956 Roland's - Feb. 22, 1957 Schiff's Shoe Store - Sept. 5, 1958 Branom's Junior Boot Shop - Sept. 7, 1958 The Bootery - Sept. 7, 1958 Livingston's - Aug. 7, 1959 Carl's - Sept. 3, 1959 Barkers - Dec. 1, 1960 Roland's - June 6, 1963 Livingston's - June 6, 1963 Marben's - May 5, 1967 Murray's - Sept. 3, 1973 Roland's - Sept. 3, 1973 Mary Jane Shoes - Sept. 6, 1973 Bergner's - March 30, 1980 Read's of Normal - Aug. 21, 1981 Brown's Sporting Goods - June 3, 1982 Hush Puppies - Feb. 2, 1984 Brown's Sporting Goods - Aug. 9, 1984 Bergener's - Nov. 10, 1985 JC Penney - April 10, 1992 Bergner's - May 26, 1999 Murray's Shoes - June 2, 1999 Bergner's - June 3, 1999
The Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) has launched a scholarship scheme aimed at educating 1000- women from mining communities in the country. The scholarship which will be hosted by the George Grant University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa (UMAT), is exclusively for women from mining communities studying inmining engineering and STEM related mining courses. Dubbed the MIIF- WomCom scholarship, the scheme will run for ten years with a projected 100 award beneficiaries every year.



The goal of the MIIF- WomCom scholarship programme is to increase female participation in the management of the mining sub-sector which is below 8%. This initiative is in linewith the Funds ESG policy.



CRITICAL INTERVENTION



MIIF CEO, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng says his outfit took the decision to make the critical intervention to support the development of human capital in the mining sector as it considers that to be the most important investment across the mining value delivery chain. He emphasised that, for Ghana to benefit and leverage on its mineral resources, good policies will not be enough until there is deliberate development of the human resource to support the sector. We believe that just investing in equity, investing in the value chain etc. without investing in human development will really just take us nowhere; you know, we will hit a wall at a point in time, Mr. Koranteng stated.



While human resource development is the key goal driving the establishment of the scholarship scheme, the specific concentration on women from needy families in the mining communities is of prime focus to MIIF. Apart from the fact that this initiative bridges the gap in this male dominated industry, it provides an opportunity to create female rolemodels from these communities and erodes perceptual biases borne out of certain traditions and prejudices against women.



RESEARCH AND ESG



The environment, social and governance framework that underpins every decision of MIIF is also fed by extensive research in the mining sub-sector that identified more valuewith women participation in the mining.



The Head Corporate Affairs and External Relations,





Mr Kojo Frempong said, The research is pretty conclusive, the more you invest in women in the sector, the more value is created for the sector as there is greater retention in the communities. For us at MIIF, this WomCom scholarship scheme is a strategic investment that will inure to the benefit of the country as a whole and create more advocates for environmental, social and governance issues said the Head of ESG at MIIF, Ms Sharon Addo.



Ghana is blessed with natural resources, but we have seen the dangers in other jurisdictions when there is policy failure and a lack of investment in the mining value deliveryprocess. Mr Koranteng stressed that, resources are not infinite making it crucial to leverage the resources cleverly in a sustainable manner, this gives meaning to the fact that, resources do not develop a nation, brains do.



SCHOLARSHIP EXPANSION



Though UMaT is the first university to administer the scholarship, MIIF plans to extend the opportunity to students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science andTechnology and the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani in an expandable drive for the scholarship.



We are modeling the WomCom scholarship scheme with UMaT. 100 female students will be selected every year. Some of the beneficiaries will be undergraduate while others will be involved in the postgraduate category. We have great expectations of the various cohorts for the next ten years. Once we see the success of the program we will replicate it in the other universities, I am deeply inspired by the saying of the great Ghanaian educationist, Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey who said; if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.Imagine the impact hundreds of qualified women engineers will have on the mining sub-sector only a few years after this program takes off.



FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH UMaT



The Women in Mining Communities Scholarship scheme (WomCom Scholarship) is part of a five-part collaboration framework between MIIF and UMaT. The other four areas of collaboration are; an annual thought leadership event dubbed the MIIF Speaker Series which is in its third year, The MIIF Technical Training and Jewellery Training Making Centre which will be completed in December 2024, a continuous training and technical assistance from UMaT to MIIF





under which the University provides consultancy to MIIF and the proposed Ghana Mining Museum and Mining Research Center which is also supported by the Chamber of Mines and will be partly funded by MIIF.



The Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams has described the collaborative agreement between MIIF and UMaT as the foundational stone which clearly makes the partnership between academia and practicing institutions possible. The structural relationship is firmly anchored on collaboration. MIIF is guided by the research from UmaT while the University also gets support from the Fund. An important area that bears out this collaboration is in the Small-Scale Mining Incubation Program (SSMIP) where MIIFintends to help formalize some small-scale mining firms by investing capital, installing a rigorous financial reporting and environmental compliance regime as well as an off-taker agreement for gold produced under the program.



SUPPORT OF THE CHAMBER OF MINES



The Chamber of Mines has expressed its support for MIIFs initiatives. Dr Sulemanu Koney, the CEO of the Chamber indicated that the MIIF / UMAT Collaboration and thescholarship scheme exemplifies what is possible for the sector if things are done well. A number of mining companies such as Atlantic Lithium which has discovered lithium in Ewoyaa and set to start production in 2025 have indicated their readiness to support the scholarship scheme when it takes off in October 2024.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has disclosed that a total of over GH9.9 billion has been spent on the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.



According to him, the impact of the programme is evident, with the initiative having benefitted a cumulative total of 5.7 million young people, many of whom may not have had this opportunity.



Presenting the 2024 mid-year fiscal policy review of the government in Parliament yesterday, the Finance Minister said President Nana Akufo-Addo had stayed on course for almost the past eight years since announcing the policy of Free Senior High School in 2008.



On March 2, 2017, the Government allocated GH400 million to implement Free SHS. We also indicated that our oil resources will fund the programme, as the President believes that every Ghanaian child must benefit from the oil resources, he said.



Mr. Speaker, to complement this effort, we have provided facilities under TVET to empower our young people with employable skills; with 168,000 students enrolled in the 2023-2024 year, he said.



Additionally, Dr. Amin Adam stated that the government was constructing 10 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) schools and 10 STEM centres across the country, and pointed out, And we have distributed 900,000 tablets for secondary school students.



The minister noted that quality education had been given considerable focus, pointing out that the performance of the students at WASSCE in 2023 is also the best since 2015.





He said the government had over the last eight years prioritised education, and this is to ensure that over time, skills will be improved to impact productivity, grow the economy and improve living standards.



Capitation Grant



The Finance Minister noted that to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians of public basic school pupils, the government disbursed about GH38 million as Capitation Grant for the first half of 2024 to ensure schools have adequate resources to provide quality education.



Additionally, funds have been released for the payment of feeding grants to all public Special Schools (Institutions for the Handicapped) for the 2024 academic year, thereby supporting vulnerable students, he asserted.



He noted strongly that the capitation grant has increased from GH5.00 in 2016 to GH15.00 in 2024.



School Feeding Programme



He said the Ghana School Feeding Programme commenced in 2006/2007 with 1,950 beneficiaries, but over the years, there has been considerable growth of the programme from 1.6 million beneficiaries in 2016 to over 3.8 million beneficiaries in 2023, and is currently in the region of 4 million beneficiaries as of June 2024.



In one year, we have added over 200,000 children. Mr. Speaker, an amount of over GH662 million was paid to caterers as at June 2024.



The Programme continues to provide employment for over 34,000 caterers and cooks, especially women to generate income to enable them to take care of their families. The Programme has also created a ready market for local farmers thereby boosting the local economy.



LEAP



Dr. Adam said to protect the real value of the benefits for the most vulnerable households, the government has in the last two years increased the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grant by 200% from GH64.00 in 2022 to GH256.00 in 2024.



He explained that this means that the government has doubled the grant every year for the last two years.



This measure ensures that the programmes outcomes are effectively achieved. Under the enhanced LEAP, the number of beneficiary households has increased from 212,917 in 2016 to 324,073 in 2024, he stated.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Ho West District Assembly has taken a firm stance to prosecute noise makers swiftly to enforce sanity in the communities and promote its tourism development agenda.



The District Chief Executive, Ernest Victor Apau, said at a community engagement at Kpoeta-Ashanti last Friday that the assembly could not look on unconcerned when some unruly individuals and groups deprived other people of their peace with impunity.



The noise from drinking spots, some places of worship, and funeral venues in recent times is unbearable, he said.



Mr Apau said the assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had worked out the framework to facilitate a fast-track prosecution of the offenders, adding the presence of a magistrate court in the district capital; Dzolo-Kpuita, would greatly enhance that agenda.



Final warning

He said the assembly would this week serve the final warning notice against noise making to various groups in the communities after which a task force would go after the perpetrators without compromise.



Mr Apau explained that noise-making was an environmental offence which could thwart various forms of productivity, apart from depriving people of their sleep and peace.



Noise can scare away animals in the forests and deter tourists from visiting the district, he told the people.



The DCE announced that the area was set for a serious tourism development and nature conservation project and that required environmental tranquillity. For that matter, he maintained, unrestrained noise would no longer be tolerated by the assembly.



Some drinking spots operate with deafening noise until 3 a.m. to the nuisance of the others, the DCE added.



Mr Apau said the assembly was collaborating with the EPA to make the permissible noise levels at residential, commercial and industrial domains readily available to the communities.



He said the multi-million mega project to conserve the environment in some communities in the district would take off in a fortnight and could only progress smoothly in an ambience of serenity, without destructive noise, Mr Apau explained.



The DCE also held a similar community engagement in neighbouring Kpoeta-Achem.



Later, the Volta Regional Director of the EPA, Hope Smith Lomotey, gave an assurance that the agency would collaborate with the Ho West District Assembly, round the clock to ensure the Ambient Noise Control (standard for environmental and health protection) was strictly adhered to.



The Ho West District, which boasts of captivating waterfalls and dense forests is also home to some endangered plants and animal species and has attracted the attention of nature conservation groups.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Customers of British Airways who flew from London to Accra were left infuriated after they arrived without their luggage.



The passengers discovered after landing that their luggage had not made the trip with them.



That sparked a commotion at the airport with the passengers confronting the staff of the airline.



Ghanaians on the flight were particularly unhappy and attacked British airways.



One person wrote: British_airways Has Never Treated Ghanaian Passengers From The UK Right, From Giving Us The Worst Terminals To Travel From Which Requires Passengers To Walk Over 20 Minute To Their Boarding Flight. Awful Food Served On Flight & To Make Matters Worse Misplace Luggages Of Passengers Who Go Through All This After Paying Good Money For Their Flights & Services,



Watch the video below

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yes Ghana Online (@yesghanaonline)









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The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has advocated the enactment of a law to freeze salaries of parents who neglect their wards or children.



Such a law, he stated, must also cover parents who shun their children or wards in all aspects of life. The Okyenhene made the call when he addressed chiefs and people of Akyem Abuakwa to mark this year's Ohum Kan Festival at Kyebi in the Eastern Region last Saturday.



This year's Ohumkan festival coincided with Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin's 25th Anniversary on his ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool. He said it was worrying that parents should shirk their responsibilities towards their children and all others in their care.



Frozen salaries

The Akyem Abuakwa Overlord suggested that the frozen salaries should be used by the state to take care of such unfortunate children and wards upkeep, particularly their education.



According to the Okyenhene, the state in using such frozen salaries to cater for their dependents would compel such parents to live up to expectations by taking good care of their children and others entrusted in their care.



He indicated that if that was not done such unfortunate children and wards would grow to become vagabonds, to the detriment of society. You give birth in your community and abscond to a different town to work without providing the needs of your children.



"This is irresponsible. The state should freeze your salaries, whatever you earn, and use it to take care of the children.



Abandoned children

"You will work but your salary should be used to take care of the children you have abandoned," Okyenhene stated. The Okyenhene therefore called on parents to be responsible and ensure the welfare and safety of their children in order to create a safer and peaceful community.



He added that the young children who had been left to their fate on the street may return one day to torment the elite if care was not taken. The Okyenhene explained that the neglected children would grow and one day attack their parents.



With regard to unpatriotic conduct of some teaching and non-teaching staff in the various senior high schools, he called on such staff to mend their ways or face the full rigours of the law.



That, he said, was because such malpractices had been sabotaging the free SHS policy.



Stolen food items

Okyenhene recalled a situation in Kyebi where a staff stole food items meant for schoolchildren and mentioned that such people must be named and shamed.



"Some teaching and non-teaching staff have the penchant for stealing food items meant for the feeding of students and they must change their ways or be punished by the law", the Okyenhene told the gathering.



Drug abuse

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who called on Ghanaians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and love for the country, advised the youth to desist from drug abuse such as the consumption of tramadol and other harmful substances and adopt a decent lifestyle.



He urged the police to arrest drug peddlers and pushers to be prosecuted since their activities had severe consequences on the development of the youth.

Source: graphiconline.com









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The Minority in Parliament has criticised the Majority caucus for urging the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, to debate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) flagbearer, ahead of the December elections.



On Wednesday, July 24, the Majority caucus reiterated their call for Mr. Mahama to accept a debate invitation from Dr. Bawumia.



They argue that such a debate would give Ghanaians a chance to compare the two parties and decide who is better suited to manage the economy.



However, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, dismissed the idea, stating that a "drivers mate" (referring to Bawumia) did not qualify to debate an experienced driver (Mahama).



He suggested that the Vice President should first debate the caucus spokespersons on the economy and budget before considering a debate with the former president.



Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that Dr. Bawumia lacks the experience to match Mr Mahama, making a debate unnecessary at this time.



He highlighted the significant disparity in experience between the two politicians, which he believes does not justify a direct debate.



Mr Speaker, monkeys they say play by sizes. Mr Speaker, how can a drivers mate debate an experienced driver? Mr Speaker in this house the spokesperson for the minority on the issues of finance is Honourable Adongo.



The spokesperson for the minority for the issues of the economy is honourable Kwaku Ricketts Hagan and the spokesperson for the budget for the minority is honourable Ampem Darko.



Mr Speaker we all know that the Chairman of the Economic Management team is the Vice President so the Vice President can only debate honourable Adongo. He should debate honourable Adongo or debate honourable Ricketts Hagan.



A drivers mate cannot debate an experienced driver. Mr Speaker that is the fact. So, we throw the challenge, he should debate honourable Adongo first, honourable Ampem second, honourable Ricketts Hagan third before he considers debating former president John Mahama, he stated.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/peacefmonline.com









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Credit: Cell Reports Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100131

New research from the University of South Australia shows that the Australian seafood industry has become more resilient to food shocksa good sign, with Australians eating more seafood now than ever before.

Shocks are a sudden and dramatic loss in food production and can impact food security, as well as local industries and livelihoods.

Maintaining shock-resilient food systems is a priority for many nations and responding to and learning from shock events may be the key to building this resilience, according to UniSA marine ecologist Dr. Zoe Doubleday, lead author of a new paper.

The paper, published in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability, found that Australia's growing aquaculture sector was relatively robust to shocks, while wild caught fisheries had become more resilient to shocks in recent years.

The decline in shocks aligns with a period of major reform in fisheries during the mid-2000s, when three major policy initiatives were implemented, including a marine-protected area network and harvest strategy policy.

Nearly half of the shocks identified were linked to historic overfishing, with a third implicated with management change, which was often introduced in response to stock decline and resulted in more sustainable practices.

The fishery policies that addressed overfishing could be behind the absence of shocks in recent years, the paper states.

Dr. Doubleday, an Australian Research Center Future Fellow, says the findings suggest that investment in fisheries management has bolstered system resilience in recent years.

"The Australian government has been responsive to declines in production, contributing to fewer shocks and building a more resilient, sustainable food system," she says.

Other shock drivers included disease, economic reasons, declines in biomass or recruitment, habitat degradation, and extreme weather events, several of which may be caused by the impact of climate change.

Dr. Doubleday says it's important to prioritize responsive fisheries management as the threat of climate change worsens.

"Given we know that global climate volatility will likely increase, it will be important to understand the vulnerabilities in the system and act on this information with policy and management changes to help stabilize food production locally," she says.

"Seafood is a critical source of healthy protein and micronutrients, and ensuring the stability and sustainability of its production will ensure the growing demand for seafood is always met."

More information: Zoe A. Doubleday et al, Improved fisheries management and aquaculture growth align with fewer shocks to Australian seafood production, Cell Reports Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100131
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Cross section of paint sample SK-C-5_017 as seen through a light microscope. It shows various crystals of yellow, orange and red pigments of which the precise composition was established using a combination of electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. Credit: Rijksmuseum.

Chemists at the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have for the first time established how Rembrandt applied special arsenic sulfide pigments to create a "golden" paint.

Using sophisticated spectroscopic techniques, they were able to map the presence of pararealgar (yellow) and semi-amorphous pararealgar (orange/red) pigments in a striking detail of his famous work "The Night Watch." Corroborated by study of related historical sources, they conclude that Rembrandt intentionally combined these particular arsenic sulfide pigments with other pigments to create the golden luster.

The discovery was published in the journal Heritage Science by Frederique Broers and Nouchka de Keyser, Ph.D. candidates at the UvA's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences and researchers at the Rijksmuseum.

They conclude that Rembrandt used the rather unusual combination of pigments to depict the golden threading in the doublet sleeves and embroidered buff coat worn by Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch. He is on the right of the two central figures at the front of the shooting company tableau, accompanying Captain Frans Banninck Cocq.

Rembrandts Night Watch (left), the clothing of Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch (right) and the location where paint sample SK-C-5_017 was taken. Credit: Rijksmuseum

Unusual pigments

The discovery of the arsenic sulfide pigments took place in the large-scale research project Operation Night Watch which started in 2019 and continues to deliver striking results. A full X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scan of the painting had already revealed the presence of arsenic and sulfur in parts of Van Ruytenburch's clothing. It led the researchers to assume the presence of the well-known arsenic sulfide pigments orpiment (yellow) and realgar (red).

A detailed study of two tiny paint samples taken from the painting showed otherwise. High-tech analysis combining light microscopy with micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction revealed the presence of the more unusual arsenic sulfide components pararealgar (yellow) and semi-amorphous pararealgar (orange-red).

Rembrandts Night Watch. Credit: Rijksmuseum

Deliberate use

The presence of pararealgar in historical paintings is often explained by the aging of realgar. However, because pararealgar is homogeneously distributed with the semi-amorphous pararealgar, and the paint looks unaltered, the researchers arrive at a different explanation.

They argue that Rembrandt deliberately chose to use these pigments in his effort to imitate the golden details of Van Ruytenburch's clothing. Heating yellow pararealgar pigment results in formation of the reddish semi-amorphous pararealgar. This was then combined with leadtin yellow and vermilion (red mercury sulfide) pigments to create the golden luster.

This chemical explanation was supported by a comprehensive review of historical sources reporting on the use of arsenic sulfide pigments. It seems that in 17th-century Amsterdam a broader range of arsenic pigments were available than previously thought.

These probably arrived through known trade routes from Germany/Austria and Venice to Amsterdam. This is further supported by the reported use of a very similar mixture of pigments by Willem Kalf (16191693), a contemporary of Rembrandt in Amsterdam.

The researchers therefore conclude that Rembrandt intentionally used pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar, together with leadtin yellow and vermilion, to create the special orange-"golden" paint.

More information: Nouchka De Keyser et al, Discovery of pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar in Rembrandt's The Night Watch: analytical study and historical contextualization, Heritage Science (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s40494-024-01350-x
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Malacosteus niger is one of two species of male dragonfish to reveal they grow larger eyes in order to seek out females in the deep ocean, a sexual dimorphism that makes the dragonfish an anomaly in vertebrate evolution, Boston College researchers report in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters. Credit: Christopher Kenaley

A small but ferocious predator, the male dragonfish will apparently do anything for love. Or at least to find a mate. A study by researchers at Boston College found that the eyes of the male dragonfish grow larger for mate-seeking purposes, making the dragonfish an anomaly in vertebrate evolution. The team report their findings in the journal Biology Letters.

Like many creatures that inhabit the dark depths of the sea, dragonfish survive thanks to numerous adaptations, including glowing bioluminescence. But females are not quite as bright as males, according to Boston College biologist Christopher P. Kenaley, lead author of the report "Sexually Dimorphic Eye-size in Dragonfishes, a Response to a Bioluminescent Signaling Gap."

"We've found that these male dragonfish have evolved larger eyes to find females who produce less light," said Kenaley. "It's rather stunning and a really important insight into how these poorly known species exist and thrive in the deep sea."

Sexual dimorphism in the visual systems of vertebrates is extremely rare, Kenaley added. "This is perhaps the second known case in fishes, the largest group of vertebrates."

The largest biome on Earth, the deep-sea, is a dark, barren place and the distance between individuals that live there can be vast, Kenaley said. Most animals in this realm produce their own light, bioluminescence, using it to lure prey and often to find mates. Many deep-sea fishes are sexually dimorphic in this regardmales have larger photophores, the organs that produce light, than females.

That can present a problem when it comes to finding a mate, Kenaley said.

"This creates a paradox: if bioluminescence is important in sexual signaling and finding each other, this dimorphism results in a scenario in which females can detect males at shorter distances than the reverse," he said. "In short, there's a bioluminescent detection gap. We hypothesized that, to close this gap, males might have evolved larger eyes to capture more light."

Kenaley and his team of Boston College undergraduates, working with Stockholm University biologist Valentina Di Santo, studied two speciesMalacosteus niger and Photostomias guerneiof deep-sea dragonfish that are sexually dimorphic in the size of their photophores.

The team modeled the distance at which males and females of each species could see members of the opposite sex. This was based on eye size and how much light a member of the opposite sex could produce.

The researchers found there is a substantial detection gap in both species ranging from just a few meters to more than 100 meters. They also found that males of both species have larger eyes and that this dimorphism closes the gap by about 5 meters or so. It's a modest improvement, they noted, but significant to the difficult task of finding a rare mate in such an open system.

In previous work, a few deep-sea biologists have asserted that a bioluminescent detection gap exists. The Boston College-led team is the first to assess the extent of this gap and, more importantly, whether these species might have evolved large male eye size.

Kenaley said future work may focus on why the bioluminescence of males is brighter than female dragonfish.

"We don't yet know exactly why luminescent dimorphism exists in these and other deep-sea species," said Kenaley. "Perhaps it's a way of signaling to one another that a member of the opposite sex is nearby. Answering this question will require more studies like ours that establish a pattern of how detection distances vary with levels of dimorphism."
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Scientist Jacklyn Gates at the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator used to separate atoms of element 116, livermorium. Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab

Scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) are credited in the discovery of 16 of the 118 known elements. Now they've completed the crucial first step to potentially create yet another: element 120.

Today, an international team of researchers led by Berkeley Lab's Heavy Element Group announced that they have made known superheavy element 116 using a titanium beam, a breakthrough that is a key stepping stone towards making element 120. The result was presented today at the Nuclear Structure 2024 conference; the science paper is posted on the online repository arXiv and has been submitted to the journal Physical Review Letters.

"This reaction had never been demonstrated before, and it was essential to prove it was possible before embarking on our attempt to make 120," said Jacklyn Gates, a nuclear scientist at Berkeley Lab leading the effort. "Creation of a new element is an extremely rare feat. It's exciting to be a part of the process and to have a promising path forward."

The team made two atoms of element 116, livermorium, during 22 days of operations at the lab's heavy-ion accelerator, the 88-Inch Cyclotron. Making an atom of element 120 would be even rarer, but judging by the rate at which they produced 116, it is a reaction scientists can reasonably search for over the course of several years.

"We needed for nature to be kind, and nature was kind," said Reiner Kruecken, director of Berkeley Lab's Nuclear Science Division. "We think it will take about 10 times longer to make 120 than 116. It's not easy, but it seems feasible now."

If discovered, element 120 would be the heaviest atom created and would sit on the eighth row of the periodic table. It falls on the shores of the "island of stability," a theorized group of superheavy elements with unique properties.

While the superheavy elements discovered so far break apart almost instantaneously, the right combination of protons and neutrons could create a more stable nucleus that survives for longergiving researchers a better chance to study it. Exploring elements at the extremes can provide insights into how atoms behave, test models of nuclear physics, and map out the limits of atomic nuclei.

An expanded periodic table shows where researchers expect elements 119 and 120 to be categorized if they are discovered. Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab

Making superheavy elements

The recipe for making superheavy elements is simple in theory. You smash together two lighter elements that, combined, have the number of protons you want in your final atom. It's basic math: 1+2=3.

In practice, of course, it's incredibly difficult. It can take trillions of interactions before two atoms fuse successfully, and there are limitations on what elements can reasonably be turned into a particle beam or target.

Researchers select specific isotopes, variants of elements that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, for their beam and target. The heaviest practical target is an isotope called californium-249, which has 98 protons. (A heavier target, such as one made of fermium with 100 protons, would decay too quickly). That means to attempt to make element 120, researchers cannot use their go-to beam of calcium-48 with its 20 protons. Instead, they need a beam of atoms with 22 protons: titanium, something that has not been commonly used in making superheavy elements.

Experts at the 88-Inch Cyclotron set out to verify that they could make a sufficiently intense beam of the isotope titanium-50 over a period of weeks and use it to make element 116, the heaviest element ever made at Berkeley Lab.

Until now, elements 114 to 118 had only ever been made with a calcium-48 beam, which has a special or "magic" configuration of neutrons and protons that helps it fuse with the target nuclei to produce superheavy elements. It had been an open question in the field whether it would even be possible to create superheavy elements near the island-of-stability using a "non-magic" beam such as titanium-50.

"It was an important first step to try to make something a little bit easier than a new element to see how going from a calcium beam to a titanium beam changes the rate at which we produce these elements," said Jennifer Pore, a scientist in Berkeley Lab's Heavy Element Group.

"When we're trying to make these incredibly rare elements, we are standing at the absolute edge of human knowledge and understanding, and there is no guarantee that physics will work the way we expect. Creating element 116 with titanium validates that this method of production works and we can now plan our hunt for element 120."

The plan to make superheavy elements using Berkeley Lab's unique facilities is included in the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee's 2023 Long-Range Plan for Nuclear Science.

To make element 116, researchers fused isotopes of titanium and plutonium. Credit: Jenny Nuss/Berkeley Lab

Feats of engineering

Creating a sufficiently intense beam of titanium isotopes is no easy task. The process starts with a special hunk of titanium-50, a rare isotope of titanium that makes up about 5% of all the titanium in the ground. That piece of metal goes into an oven roughly the size of the final segment of your pinky finger. The oven heats the metal until it starts to vaporize, like the gas coming off of dry ice, at close to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.

All this takes place in an ion source called VENUS, a complex superconducting magnet that acts like a bottle confining a plasma. Free electrons spiral through the plasma, gaining energy as they are bombarded by microwaves and knocking off 12 of titanium's 22 electrons. Once charged, the titanium can be maneuvered by magnets and accelerated in the 88-Inch Cyclotron.

"We knew these high-current titanium beams would be tricky because titanium is reactive with many gases, and that affects ion source and beam stability," said Damon Todd, an accelerator physicist at Berkeley Lab and part of the ion source team. "Our new inductive oven can hold a fixed temperature for days, keeping titanium output constant and aiming it right at VENUS' plasma to avoid stability issues. We are extremely pleased with our beam production."

Every second, about 6 trillion titanium ions hit the target (plutonium to make 116, californium to make 120), which is thinner than a piece of paper and rotates to disperse the heat. Accelerator operators tune the beam to have just the right amount of energy. Too little, and the isotopes won't fuse into a heavy element. Too much, and the titanium will blast the nuclei in the target apart.

When the rare superheavy element does form, it is separated from the rest of the particle debris by magnets in the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator (BGS). The BGS passes it to a sensitive silicon detector known as SHREC: the Super Heavy RECoil detector. SHREC can capture energy, location, and time, information that allows researchers to identify the heavy element as it decays into lighter particles.

"We're very confident that we're seeing element 116 and its daughter particles," Gates said. "There's about a 1 in 1 trillion chance that it's a statistical fluke."

To make element 120, researchers want to fuse isotopes of titanium and californium. Credit: Jenny Nuss/Berkeley Lab

Plans for 120

There's still work to be done before researchers attempt to make element 120. Experts at the 88-Inch Cyclotron continue work to prepare the machine for a target made of californium-249, and partners at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will need to craft about 45 milligrams of californium into the target.

"We've shown that we have a facility capable of doing this project, and that the physics seems to make it feasible," Kruecken said. "Once we get our target, shielding, and engineering controls in place, we will be ready to take on this challenging experiment."

The timing is yet to be determined, but researchers could potentially begin the attempt in 2025. Once started, it could take several years to see just a few atoms of element 120, if it appears at all.

"We want to figure out the limits of the atom, and the limits of the periodic table," Gates said. "The superheavy elements we know so far don't live long enough to be useful for practical purposes, but we don't know what the future holds. Maybe it's a better understanding of how the nucleus works, or maybe it's something more."

The collaboration for this work includes researchers from Berkeley Lab, Lund University, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, San Jose State University, University of Strasbourg, University of Liverpool, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, UC Berkeley, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Manchester, ETH Zurich, and the Paul Scherrer Institute.

More information: J. M. Gates et al, Towards the Discovery of New Elements: Production of Livermorium (Z=116) with 50Ti, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2407.16079 , doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2407.16079 Journal information: Physical Review Letters , arXiv
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

There is a new king of the Columbia. Each spring, a chrome tide of fish native to the East Coast floods the Northwest's mightiest river by the millions. Shad, not salmon, are thriving in the warm, still water created by hydroelectric dams throughout the Columbia River Basin.

Some years, they make up more than 90% of fish migrating upstream. The 10-year average return of adult Chinook to the Columbia through 2023 was 690,906 fish. Shad?

It's the dammed and slowed waters of the basin, combined with climate warming, that make the conditions of the modern Columbia far more favorable for shad and other non-native species than for salmon and steelhead.

Summer temperatures in portions of the Columbia and Snake rivers are up 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) since 1960 because of the combined effects of climate change and dams, according to federal data. Temperatures are so high, sometimes exceeding 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), that they kill migrating salmon.

Meanwhile, warm-water fishcarp, bass, crappie and catfishare doing great.

In a surprising discovery, scientists who looked into whether the shad boom itself was hurting native salmonids found no evidence to support the hypothesis.

"I would like to think we are not chumps here, but at some point you have to lead where the evidence takes you," said University of Washington salmon expert Tom Quinn, who with his co-authors published the findings in an April paper. "It seems a little, 'Huh, it just doesn't seem quite right,' and it is not inconceivable that we are wrong, but ... let's not just rush to judgment. The problem with evidence is it doesn't always lead where you want it to."

Scientists still have more questions than answers, Quinn stressed, about the ecological effects of this invasion, but one thing's for sure: Shad complicate things for dam operators.

Today, shad are so thick in the Columbia during their spring migration that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the dams in "shad mode," with an extra slug of water sent down the fish ladders to help the weak-swimming shad make it upstream. It's kind of like keeping a clog out of the plumbing.

"We have a huge biomass. If we didn't pass them, they would block the way for salmon, they couldn't get through," said Robert Wertheimer, fisheries field unit chief for the Corps of Engineers at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Dead shad also have to be scraped off equipment that keeps trash and other debris out of the dams' turbines.

Shad, native to the East Coast, are thriving in the modern, engineered Columbia River. Scientists say the dams and reservoirs have created near perfect conditions for shad, and they have a greater tolerance than native salmon for the water temperatures boosted by climate change and slack water.

Shad certainly make things more excitingand difficultfor the fish counters stationed at windows into the fish ladders.

"It's a pain in the butt," said Daniel Keith Hess, a counter on the Oregon side of the Columbia. At every mainstem dam on both sides of the river, counters tabulate the migration of fish. The counts are important to set fishing seasons and monitor the state and health of fish in the river: Chinook, sockeye, coho, chum, pink, lamprey steelheadand yes, even shadare counted. Fish managers read the data posted online like box scores.

On a recent spring day, shad were rippling up the river at the rate of 8,000 an hour. With numbers like that, his only hope, Hess said, eyes still glued to the counting window, is to estimate in groups of 10. The shad also are easily shoved around by the current, so they course back and forth in front of the windows, making an accurate count even harder.

Some days there are so many shad it can be hard to see the Chinook in beast mode, muscling up the ladder, slab-sided and hulking compared to all that shad glitter. "They will completely cover the window," Hess said, and it wasn't even an especially shaddy day.

Invaders

Shad have a storied history. Gen. George Washington kept his starving troops going at Valley Forge with smoked shad from the Delaware River, John McPhee recounts in his book of shad history and lore, "The Founding Fish." Shad were first brought out and planted in the Sacramento River in 1871 by Seth Green, the father of fish culture in North America.

This all started with a plan to provide cheap food to the hordes of settlers heading west, and at times even involved hauling shad in milk cans in a train's "aquarium car" in 1873foiled when it wrecked in Nebraska, William Dill and Almo Cordone recount in their history of non-native fish in California. Undaunted, pioneer fish culturist Livingston Stone tried again with a shipment of 35,000 shad from the Hudson River, planted later that year in the Sacramento, followed by plantings by federal and state fish commissions through 1881. Eventually, more than half a million shad fry were stocked.

They thrived and soon traveled north, colonizing the Columbia, where they were also planted, beginning in 1885, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

By now, shad are everywhere. They are periodically caught in Grays Harbor and the Chehalis River, and this year, WDFW received lots of reports of anglers catching shad in the Cedar River near Renton. Shad have also been caught in the lower Sammamish River near Kenmore, and by WDFW crews netting Lake Washington to suppress other non-native fish, such as pike and walleye. WDFW has taken more than 1,500 shad out of Lake Washington so far this year.

It's rare to hear the department egg on the public to catch and kill as much of anything as possible, but that's the deal with shad. While not categorized as an aquatic invasive species, WDFW urges anglers to mop up all the shad they can in the Lake Washington watershed.

Shad have long been present in the Columbia, but it was the drowning of Celilo Fallsonce the world's signature salmon fisherywith the construction of The Dalles Dam in 1957 that really put out the welcome mat for shad. Flooding the falls obliterated the last natural barrier to a shad invasion of the entire Columbia Basin, according to a 2021 report by the Independent Scientific Advisory Board of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Population growth is estimated at about 5% per year, the ISAB found, and there is no indication so far we've reached peak shad.

Shad are sea-run fish like salmon, but some will actually spawn again and again. A big fat female can reach 2 feet in length and carry a whopping 600,000 eggs. They love to spawn in the Columbia's reservoirs and unlike salmon, don't need gravel to make a nest. And really, they are doing what animals do best: homing in on places optimal for survival. For shad, that's a reservoir.

The dams that slow and moderate the river's flow, with their ladders to carry shad from one big ponded reservoir to the next, are near-ideal conditions for shad passage, spawning and rearing.

"The chain of hydropower dams and reservoirs is largely responsible for the abundance of shad, an unexpected result of the development," the ISAB found.

The future is theirs. Shad can tolerate a wide range of temperaturetheir native waters stretch from Newfoundland to Floridaso the steadily warming Columbia, which today does not meet Clean Water Act temperature standards in the summer months, is no problem for them.

"Warming conditions in ocean, estuary, and river habitats predicted by climate change models for the Pacific Coast will probably favor shad because of their tolerances for warmer water than salmonids," the ISAB found. "As warming continues, so too will shad's upward trend likely continue."

It's an upside-down world from salmon and steelhead that crave flow, and are repelled by warm water, holding off in their migration and even dying if temperatures climb. A record run of sockeye headed up the Columbia to their home waters in Canada is imperiled by hot water this summer. This is the third time in nine years sockeye have been foiled by hot water: More than a quarter million sockeye were killed in the Columbia in 2015. Shad did just fine that year, though, and even went on to notch some of their biggest years ever, including 2019 with 7.4 million adult shad counted.

"Those warm waters, they don't appear to have caused any problem for shad at all, and may have stimulated some additional production," said Stuart Ellis, harvest management biologist for the Columbia River Inter-tribal Fish Commission, which represents the four treaty tribes with rights to fish the Columbia. And it's salmon they want to catchnot shad, said Randy Settler, 69, a Yakama tribal elder who said he has to clean shad out of his nets when he uses mesh sized for sockeye.

He'll eat a shad, but there's no market for them, so they are a nuisance as much as anything to Native people, Settler said.

"You got to get them out of the nets, that takes time, and you can catch up to a couple thousand pounds a day. That takes space if you are going to do something with them," Settler said. "Most of the shad are thrown right back into the Columbia River and they are dead. There isn't a market for them. ... We are primarily a salmon fishery."

More than just a gate-crasher?

The effect of shad on native fish in the river is poorly understood, the ISAB found. Do they provide a distraction for predators that would otherwise eat salmonor increase predators because of the biomass buffet they offer? Do they affect salmon and steelhead adversely through competition, predation or other interactions? Risks to salmon and steelhead remain uncertain but are potentially important, the board found.

"We started out thinking, 'Well duh, of course there are going to be obvious effects,'" said Quinn, the UW scientist. "But the more we dug, it was not so clear, not so obvious. We were not out to sell shad as okay; that was not our shtick. I am as into salmon as the next guy, but there wasn't anything here like a smoking gun."

Others see a problem.

Ecotrust, based in Portland, has sounded an alarm about shad, out of concern they could be competing with native juvenile salmon for food, crowding fish laddersand tribal fishermen's nets. The nonprofit is providing a forum for brainstorming solutions, including developing commercial markets for shad.

Steve Parker, a member of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, sees a situation that could potentially be a problem for salmon recovery, but also a possible opportunity if a market for shad could be developed.

"I characterize it as a problem just waiting to be solved, and to me the solutions are pretty obvious, and could be beneficial," Parker said. But so far, putting together the elements of a commercial-level fishery and market for shad has been difficult.

What to do?

This is hard to figure, given that back East shad are prized in fisheries, by tribes and commercial and sport fishersand even depleted in their home waters. The roe of adults migrating upriver to spawn is a springtime delicacy, often paired with the tender crosiers of fiddlehead ferns.

But out here, there's no real appetite for the fish. With more than 600 bones each, despite their name, Alosa sapidissima, meaning "very delicious," neither shad nor their roe have ever really caught on. Native fishers typically disdain shad. But sport fishingthat's another story. One person's trash truly is another's treasure.

On a recent afternoon, more than 60 anglers were lined up shoulder-to-shoulder along the shore of the Columbia, at the base of the Bonneville Dam, trying their luck for shad. While some were catching them just for crab bait, others were looking forward to cooking them in soup, putting the fish in spring rolls, or making them into meatballs. Cooked long enough, especially in a pressure cooker, the bones just melt into mush, was the word amid the combat fishers.

Nicknamed silver bullets by anglers for their lively quicksilver ways, shad are a favorite catch especially for kids and first-timers. Anglers of all ages were pulling shad after shad from the river and hoisting them up the banks to waiting cars for the ride home with shad by the trash-bagful.

Shad offer one of the few fisheries without limits, other than hours in the day. Some anglers arrived at daybreak, and were planning to come back the next morning. They came from Canada, Seattle and all over the region. The rocks were covered with scales, the air whipping with fishing lines. A sturgeon cruised the water's edge, hunting shad scraps.

For anglers, these days seemingly always fishing amid a climate of scarcity, the sheer all-you-can-eator at least catchabundance of shad, was part of the fun.

"There's no limit," said Paul Ouch, of Maple Valley. "That's what I love."

2024 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A male firefly of the Photuris genus pauses on a leaf late Friday, June 21, 2024, near Cincinnati. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

On a muggy July evening, Delaware state biologist Jason Davis is doing what kids have done for ages: Trying to catch a firefly. It's nowhere near as easy as the summer evenings of his own childhood, with only a few in this large wetland between a bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Davis sees the double flash of a male and chases after it. It zags west. Davis follows. It zigs back east. Davis says the bug seems to be toying with him: "I think they're having fun." Finally, he flicks a long net to snare what some people call a lightning bug.

"That was four years of high school lacrosse," he says.

The firefly that Davis chased, the Bethany Beach firefly, is so rare that it's likely to become the first of America's fireflies to be put on the Endangered Species List later this year, experts said. It's in trouble due to rising seas from climate change, and rising housing developments. Davis and others estimate no more than 1,000 are left.

For many Americans, the flash of the firefly calls up memories of summer childhood evenings gone byand now, the worry that the bugs are disappearing.

Fireflies once seemed plentiful and cool, easy to catch and watch, serving as an introduction to the world of nature around us. In the past few years, entomologists kept hearing anecdotal reports of fewer fireflies, leading to fears that the summer flash was fading with habitat loss, pesticides, light pollution and climate change.

A long, slow-moving trail of light created by a Blue Ghost firefly is visible late Saturday, June 22, 2024, near Cincinnati. Fireflies produce a chemical reaction inside their bodies, allowing them to light up. This type of light production is called bioluminescence. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

But they had no data. And the most common firefly, nicknamed the Big Dipper because of its swooping flight path, is thriving. The fireflies of many eastern and midwestern U.S. childhoods "have survived everything we can throw at them," said Tufts University biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis.

But other species are troubled, and the Bethany Beach type isn't the only one at risk of blinking out for good.

"They're too important for us to lose, but they're too small for us to notice," said Sergio Henriques, invertebrate conservation coordinator at the Indianapolis Zoo. He's been on his own hunt for a particular species of ghost firefly that hasn't been seen for 35 years.

Every U.S. state but Hawaii has fireflies. Different species come out at different times of night and summer. They flash or glow in their own ways. Urban areas with bright lights and not enough proper habitat can make them hard to find, but scientists have created a map of where to look, said Candace Fallon, a conservation biologist at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

The topside of a female Photuris versicolor firefly is observed in a specimen bag at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Urbana, Ohio. This firefly was released back into its habitat. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A couple years ago scientists finally took stock of America's 170 documented species of fireflies. Or tried to. They concentrated on trying to determine the the health of 130 species and of those "we discovered that about 50% of them, we don't know enough about them to even make a guess. They could be doing really well. They could be extinct, for all we know," Lewis said.

"It's kind of like we've taken fireflies for granted for many decades," said Delaware State University environmental sciences professor Christopher Heckscher, who rediscovered the Bethany Beach firefly in 1998 after it had been lost for 30 years. "Everybody just assumes that we know all about them and that we know all the species and that everybody loves them. You know, they're bioluminescent, so that's really cool. Kids love them. But it's amazing how little we know about them."

About one-third of the 130 species surveyed in the U.S. and Canada are doing fine, but about 18 are in trouble, Fallon said.

Sergio Henriques, Invertebrates Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, walks on an elevated path through a wetland habitat to look for fireflies at the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve in Ellettsville, Ind., Friday, June 28, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Fireflies flash or glow to warn other creatures that they are too toxic to eat, and they also light up seeking sex, scientists said. The males flash their pick-up lines and the females answer back, with each species having a special flash and color pattern and time they fly that helps to identify them.

The common Big Dipper are rather large for fireflies and give off a yellowish light.

"They fly along and they dip down as they start to flash and then rise up, kind of like skywriting the letter J," Lewis said. They come out before it gets dark and seem impervious to light pollution, making them the darlings of children.

But the light pollution does disrupt courtship, she said, by quashing the males' likelihood of flashing. And that can lower reproduction.

In Indiana, Henriques keeps an eye out for ghost fireflies, which do their signature thing differently than Big Dippers. There are different species of ghost fireflies, including the blue ghost, which despite its name glows green.

A Photinus pyralis, also known as the "Big Dipper," flies just after sunset at Tremper Mound in Rosemount, Ohio, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Ghost fireflies move like an apparition. "You're out in the darkness. There's nothing around you and all of a sudden you see this long, very slow moving trail of light that is green and along the floor," Henriques said. "It is so eerie that horses have been scared by it. People have stopped and looked and felt they were aliens or UFOs."

The Smoky Mountains have Photinus carolinus fireflies that have become a tourist attraction with their tendency to flash in unison.

Some firefliesnicknamed femme fatalemimic another species' light pattern to attract males, kill and eat them, Lewis said.

Climate change is another worry for fireflies, Lewis said. In Europe and elsewhere, fireflies that often need wetlands are being harmed by long droughts, she said.

Davis thinks climate change's rising seas will eventually wipe out the Bethany Beach firefly's habitat. But he and others think the firefly will be pushed out even sooner by people building homes in the few places the bugs can live.

A red mite attached to the underside of a male Photuris versicolor firefly is observed in a specimen bag at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Urbana, Ohio. This firefly was released back into its habitat. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Sergio Henriques, Invertebrates Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, uses a net to look for fireflies on a swampy trail at the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve in Ellettsville, Ind., Friday, June 28, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A firefly pupae is visible on top of moist soil on Friday, June 21, 2024, near Cincinnati. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A firefly is visible on a leaf at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve just before sunset, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Urbana, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Firefly researcher and guide Matthew Speights looks through the book "Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs" by Lynn Frierson Faust as he looks for fireflies at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Urbana, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Firefly researcher and guide Matthew Speights looks through a magnifier at a firefly in a specimen bag on Friday, June 21, 2024, near Cincinnati. The firefly was released back into its habitat. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Sergio Henriques, Invertebrates Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, examines a female firefly of the Photinus genus with a red light at the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve in Ellettsville, Ind., Friday, June 28, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Various species of fireflies flash high in a tree on a starry night at Tremper Mound in Rosemount, Ohio, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A long, slow-moving trail of light created by a Blue Ghost firefly is visible late Saturday, June 22, 2024, near Cincinnati. Fireflies produce a chemical reaction inside their bodies, allowing them to light up. This type of light production is called bioluminescence. Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Fireflies are special, Lewis said.

"Everybody loves them. Even people who hate insects. They don't even realize that fireflies are insects. I think they're like little fairies," Lewis said. "They are the absolute best ambassadors for natural magic."

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In at least one way, asset classes in capital markets are not unlike consumer products. As they compete for investor cash, trend cycles often come into play. The movement of demand toward the "hot" investment vehicle of the moment also affects supply, according to the inexorable logic of markets. Similar to fashion brands fast-tracking production of sought-after items, the cyclic proliferation of certain asset classes raises quality concerns.

Lin Sun, assistant professor of finance at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University, recently published a paper in Review of Finance that compares hedge funds formed in high-demand, or "hot," markets to those produced in a "cold" market climate.

Sun explains, "Hedge funds often use more complex strategies to achieve higher returns. However, when overall stock market returns are already robustfor example, in years like 2017, when the S&P 500 saw an annual return exceeding 20%there's less incentive to invest in hedge funds, because outperforming such high returns becomes more challenging. Plus, hedge fund investors face higher management and performance fees."

Sun and her co-authors Zheng Sun and Lu Zheng (of University of California, Irvine) first sought to establish the supply-demand connection for hedge funds. Using data for more than 8,000 hedge funds from the Thomas Reuters Lipper Hedge Fund Database, from January 1994-December 2021, the researchers found that, indeed, "hot" markets spawned more new hedge funds than "cold" ones.

To be more precise, about 30 more funds were started in an average "hot" month, compared to an equivalent "cold" month. This result held true regardless of the investment strategylong/short equity hedge, fund of funds, etc.used by the funds in question.

The researchers found that the temperature of the market that gave rise to a hedge fund was generally linked to its future performance. Funds that came into being during "hot" markets underperformed their cold-market peers by 2.282.76% per annum, after adjusting for risk factors, averaged through the funds' lifetime. The professors concluded that, all told, investors were losing out on $6-$7.5 million by buying into hot-market hedge funds (assuming a typical fund with $50 million assets under management).

Moreover, hot-market funds were much more likely to fold within their first few years. Their incidence of forced closure (i.e. investors demanding their money back) was particularly highup to 35.7% above cold-market peer funds.

Next, the researchers investigated possible explanations for these disparate results. Because hot-market funds did not perform better when cold-market conditions set in (that is, if they managed to survive that long), the story appeared to have little to do with the fund manager's efforts.

That is because in cold markets, fund managers are especially incentivized to chase higher returns, since investors who defect during these periods are harder to replace. If the problem boiled down to lazy managers, it should have been at least somewhat responsive to this change in market temperature.

At the same time, Sun and her co-authors found evidence of a "dumb-money effect" for hot-market funds whereby past flows failed to predict future returns. Also, the returns that were achieved by hot-market funds were derived more from conventional risk exposures than the exotic risks (e.g. derivatives) that are the unique specialty of this asset class. Both of the above factors suggest that investors who are drawn to hot-market funds are less sophisticated, which helps explain the initial success of flawed new funds in high-demand conditions.

"Another factor is manager quality," Sun summarizes. "In cold markets, there's less capital flowing into the hedge fund sector but increased competition. Only the most experienced and skilled managers with proven track records are able to attract sufficient investor capital to launch a new fund."

Sun says her findings demonstrate the need for more nuanced thinking about this rapidly growing asset class. For example, hedge fund investors are automatically associated with "smart money," an assumption recently invoked by industry representatives successfully lobbying the courts to strike down an SEC disclosure rule.

"Hedge fund investors are typically more sophisticated than ordinary investors," Sun says. "But there are cross-sessional variations. In hot markets, new investors entering the sector are often less experienced, or 'green' investors."

Industry incentive structures are supposed to ensure managers do right by both the "smart" and "dumb money." But Sun points out that the motivations of fund managers are not always straightforward.

"You may assume that a hedge fund manager would want to control the fund's size so as to maximize returns and, consequently, performance fees. However, research indicates that managers sometimes focus more on the fund's size than performance. If you increase the total assets under management, you boost the company's fee income. In a hot market, companies have this incentive to launch more funds and attract as much capital as possible," Sun concludes.

More information: Lin Sun et al, The start matters: time-varying investor demand, hedge fund inceptions, and performance, Review of Finance (2023). DOI: 10.1093/rof/rfad031
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Credit: Journal of Quaternary Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jqs.3643

Nestled high in the Eastern Lesotho Highlands, scientists have uncovered fascinating evidence of an ancient mountain lake that flourished thousands of years ago. This discovery, made by Professor Jennifer Fitchett from the University of the Witwatersrand and Prof Anson Mackay from University College London, sheds light on a hidden chapter of Lesotho's natural history, revealing how climate and geography have shaped the region over millennia.

Importantly, it provides critical insights into past climate dynamics and helps predict future environmental changes in this sensitive high-altitude region. It was published in the Journal of Quaternary Science.

Imagine standing at the dizzying altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level, where the air is thin, and the landscape is a mosaic of wetlands and rocky outcrops. Here, near Mafadi Summitthe highest point in South AfricaFitchett decided to extract an extra core on the last day of her Ph.D. fieldwork, from what appeared to be a diatomite outcrop on the side of the mountain.

Diatomite, a type of sedimentary rock rich in fossilized remains of diatoms (tiny aquatic plants), is a rich source of historical climate data. Fitchett and Macau had previously published what they thought was the main storyand recordfrom the bottom of the bowl-shaped depression, back in 2016.

The researchers' analysis of the diatomite revealed that this high-altitude region once hosted a small but persistent shallow lake, thriving with life between 4,600 and 100 years ago.

This lake, now vanished, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the hydroclimatic past of Lesothohow the interplay between climate and water shaped the region over thousands of years.

Fitchett pointed out the broader significance of their findings, "The Lesotho Highlands are considered the water tower of Southern Africa, and through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, approximately 800 million cubic meters of water is transferred to South Africa, providing water security to Gauteng Province and surrounding regions.

"Despite the hydrological importance, there is a lot that we don't know about the hydroclimate of the Lesotho Highlands. One big puzzle is why there are so few natural lakes in the region, despite the large total annual rainfall."

To decode the history of this ancient lake, the team extracted sediment cores from the diatomite outcrop. Radiocarbon dating and microscopic examination of diatoms told a story of a lake teeming with life. Dominated by species such as Staurosirella construens and Aulacoseira ambigua, the diatom community suggested the lake had a continuous , relatively deep water presence for thousands of years.

Rainfall analysis using modern climate data revealed that the area around Mafadi Summit receives significantly more rainfall than the region surrounding Lesotho's only known natural lake, Letseng-la Letsie.

This, combined with topographic studies showing a bowl-shaped depression ideal for water accumulation, confirmed that the high rainfall and suitable terrain made the lake's existence feasible. Topographic studies involve detailed mapping of the land's surface features, helping to understand how the physical landscape influenced the formation and sustainability of the lake.

But why did the lake disappear? The researchers hypothesize that post-industrial warming and the introduction of livestock to the highlands played crucial roles. As global temperatures rose, the delicate balance maintaining the lake was disrupted. Livestock likely intensified soil erosion and vegetation changes, transforming the once-shimmering lake into the wetland we see today.

The journey to this discovery wasn't without its challenges and memorable moments. Fitchett says, "While taking these cores, I fell backwards into a large puddle of waterin mid-April, at 3,400 meters above sea level, while we were staying in tents, and had no ablutions. To say I was rather cold and miserable would be an understatement."

Despite this, the breathtaking helicopter ride to the site and the stunning views from Mafadi Summit made it all worthwhile. One particularly thrilling moment was when she prepared the diatom samples. "There were so many diatoms that we needed to dilute the sample by a further 100 times before being able to see any individual valves. This hadn't happened for any of my other cores."

The biggest challenge was accessing the remote site. Fitchett explained, "I flew in with my two local supervisors, Professors Marion Bamford and Stefan Grab, by helicopter in 2014 when we collected the samples. The alternative would be a hike of more than three days up through the Drakensberg, which would be challenging as an adventure activity, and near impossible with all the equipment we needed."

Their research faced further hurdles with the COVID-19 pandemic and health concerns.

"When Anson and I discovered how concentrated the diatoms were from the 'backup core,' we knew we needed to explore this further. We originally applied for funding to take a helicopter back to Mafadi, but just as we got the funding, the world went into COVID-19 lockdown, and Anson was diagnosed with cancer," Fitchett recounted.

"I also had health concerns at the time, and risking altitude sickness was not a good plan. So we restrategized and took an approach to include remote sensing, gridded data, and further geochemical analysis on our samples."

Their dedication paid off, culminating in the paper's publication a decade after the initial core extraction.

Understanding how past climates and ecosystems interacted helps scientists predict future changes in these sensitive high-altitude environments. With climate change accelerating, insights from studies like this are vital for managing water resources and preserving the unique ecology of the Lesotho Highlands.

As Fitchett points out, "This underscores the importance of monitoring the contemporary hydroclimate of the region, under conditions of accelerating climate change and heightened anthropogenic pressures and given the significance of water in the region."

More information: Jennifer M. Fitchett et al, Diatomite evidence for a small palaeo mountain lake at 3400 m asl, Lesotho, southern Africa, Journal of Quaternary Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jqs.3643 Journal information: Journal of Quaternary Science